NFL Mock Draft 5- 11/18/2009

1. Buccanneers- Ndumukong Suh DT, Nebraska
The Bucs draft their new Warren Sapp to try to regain their old strength. Raheem Morris has quite a task ahead of him and work on both sides of the ball is really needed. Suh is the best player who could be taken this high. The Bucs have their QB, they just need to build around him. Suh is a playmaker and will immediately help the Bucs' pedestrian rush defense.

2. Rams- Jimmy Clausen QB, Notre Dame
The Rams need a franchise QB and they have passed on way too many in recent drafts (Ryan in 2008 and Sanchez in 2009). Bulger just isn't what he used to be. I think that Clausen has the best chance of becoming a good franchise QB out of this year's QB class. He seems to be the most NFL ready QB, coming from the pro-style offense of Notre Dame.

3. Lions- Eric Berry S, Tennessee
The Lions need to take the best available player because there simply is no other option since they are seriously lacking at so many positions. I think Berry is the best overall prospect in this class as of now, with Nebraska's Suh in second. They also need CB, LB, DL, OL, another wide receiver, so Detroit is a long way away from even being considered to be contenders.

4. Browns-Jake Locker QB, Washington
Cleveland is a mess. Jake Locker has been streaky this season, but he put himself in the spotlight after upsetting USC early in the year. If Locker can steady himself and finish out the season strong, we may see him declare early. Locker has nothing to work with in Washington, and I'm afraid if he ends up in Cleveland, he'll be exactly where he started (with the exception of Josh Cribbs, of course)

5. Raiders- Carlos Dunlap DE, Florida
High potential with this pick, plus he has a good 40 time, which means that Al Davis will want him more than anything else his cold, old heart could desire. There's a good chance that Richard Seymour will want to get out of Oakland desperately by the time the off season rolls around. Despite having some very talented players on that side of the ball, they're near the bottom of the league in defense.

On a side note, the Tom Cable self-defense class will start on Thursday evenings at the YMCA from 6-8. Mr. Cable will be signing autographs (with his fist on your face).

6. Chiefs- Russell Okung OT, Oklahoma State
Getting Okung at 6 would be a steal. Scott Pioli traded for Matt Cassel, who has a less than stellar QB rating so far this year. He could only produce touchdowns against one of the league's worst pass defenses after the Chiefs had already lost the game. The whole problem doesn't lie with him though, the real problem is the offensive line. They allowed 3 sacks to the Jaguars who had only 5 total on the year! Okung will be able to start from day one.

7. Redskins- Trent Williams OT, Oklahoma
I hate putting Williams up this high, but there's not really a need elsewhere that the 'Skins have that there is a player with the value at this pick. (Confused?). Samuels is at the end of his career and Mike Williams was out of the league for the previous 2 seasons before coming back. Trent Williams hasn't been a monster this year in college, but he'll still be a first rounder in the spring.

8. Titans- Gerald McCoy DT, Oklahoma
If you've got a running back like Chris Johnson, you can play Jeff George back there and you can still win. The Titans will look to upgrade their defensive line after finding out that the loss of Albert Haynesworth was a bit more than they expected. The Titans are making a nice little comeback here on the back of Chris Johnson. Their defense needs upgrading. Who knows as of right now if the Titans stick with VY at QB or not.

9. Seahawks- Taylor Mays S, USC
The fact that they signed Lawyer Milloy just goes to show that this secondary needs help. They have another desperate need at running back, but I don't see any running backs this year going in the top 10. In my opinion right now, taking a running back here would be a reach. Mays is the top senior defensive back and is an intimidating specimen. If he gets past Al Davis, I think the Seahawks will snatch him up quick.

10. Bills- Sam Bradford QB, Oklahoma
Dick Jauron has been fired, so it looks like there's going to be a lot of changes in Buffalo. I think one of the major changes will be at quarterback. Sam Bradford will have to prove that he's fully recovered from his injuries in post-season workouts and at the combine in order to fulfill his 1st round billing.

11. 49ers- Joe Haden CB, Florida
The 49ers could go defensive tackle or offensive tackle here, but Joe Haden is the best corner prospect and San Fran is hurting bad in the pass defense department. I made this pick assuming that the 49ers will have their quarterback chosen by the time the draft rolls around. After a few games, Alex Smith looks to be at least decent.

12. Jets- Damian Williams WR, USC
Williams and his former QB could be reunited in the Big Apple. Sanchez will be able to enjoy more sideline hot dogs if he gets a good second receiver. He could possibly end up the number one with the Braylon/Lebron friend situation. They could also go with linebacker as well. I think Dez Bryant being suspended the rest of the year may have an affect on his draft stock.

13. Dolphins- Jermaine Gresham TE, Oklahoma
Gresham, had he come out last year, would have been the best TE in the class, and the case is the same for him in 2010. He's out for the rest of his college career, so he'll have to prove he's 100% come time of the combine and medical exams. His talent is undoubtedly one of the best of 2010. I still like this pick, the Dolphins have a gimmick offense, and they won't win with it. They need more offensive weapons. Gresham will help Henne by being a big target down the middle of the field.

14. Broncos (from Bears)- Derrick Morgan DE, Georgia Tech
The Broncos are running the 3-4 defense and that requires a big investment into linebackers and specific defensive ends. Morgan will be able to provide a great pass rush as well as defend against the run.

15. 49ers (from Panthers)- Terrence Cody DT, Alabama
The 49ers need a better nose tackle to clog up the middle of their 3-4 defense. They're ranked great against the run, but they need more pressure on the quarterback. They're struggling in pass defense. Adding Haden and Cody here will do wonders. After that, the 49ers almost have a really solid team put together (if they can get their QB situation squared away).

16. Eagles- Brandon Spikes LB, Florida
Prepare to buy visors for everyone in the NFC East next season. Despite this incident, it will go unnoticed in April. Spikes is one of the top linebackers coming out this year and the Eagles have a few linebackers that may become free agents. Again, it's way too early to tell who and how many the Eagles will re-sign, but I know that Spikes would be near the top of the Eagles' draft board here at 16.

17. Giants- Arthur Jones DT, Syracuse
The Giants could use a little bit of help in their run defense. I see them drafting Jones here and solidifying an already great defensive line. Linebacker and safety could also be options.

18. Jaguars- Rolando McClain LB, Alabama
The Jaguars are making the transition to a 3-4 defense (or at least tried to), unfortunately, they barely have any of the personnel that they need in order to do it. They're back in the 4-3 as of now. They were going to play a hybrid 4-3/3-4 this year but losing Reggie Hayward didn't help. Rolando McClain will round out their already good linebacking corp. (Tebow is not a NOT a first round pick). The Jaguars were supposed to be rebuilding, but are in the playoff race getting deeper into November. Kudos to Gene Smith and the great job he's done with this roster.

19. Texans- CJ Spiller RB, Clemson
Man does the Texans' rush offense stink. Slaton had a good rookie year, but he can't be the number one back. The Texans will go to a two headed monster in their backfield and I think it would improve their offensive attack so much. Another need is at defensive back.

20. Packers- Charles Brown OT, USC
Luckily for Ted Thompson, the best available player fits with the biggest need that they have. Too many sacks have been given up this year by the Packers offensive line. Protecting Aaron Rodgers should be of utmost importance, even if you might have to go away from your best player available strategy. Cornerback is also a need as Charles Woodson and Al Harris are getting older and older.

21. Ravens- Brandon LaFell WR, LSU
Take away Derrick Mason and the Ravens' leading receiver is a running back. That's not good because Mason has said that he's retiring after this season. Ozzie Newsome always hits home runs with his first round picks (except for Kyle Boller and Mark Clayton). That's how you get a team to the playoffs consistently and build a winner. In the past two drafts, the Ravens have traded up to get their player (up for Oher and traded back, then up again in 08 for Flacco).

22. Falcons- Greg Hardy DE, Ole Miss
The Falcons just proved again that they need defense. They spent a lot of picks last spring on defense, but it still needs help. Jamaal Anderson is just about ready to be called a bust. Greg Hardy will team up with his former Ole Miss teammate Peria Jerry and try to help fix this defense. Matt Ryan needs the defense to help if he wants to win in the league.

23. Chargers- Bryan Bulaga OT, Iowa
The Chargers need help on their offensive line more than anything. That offensive rushing attack just shouldn't be dead last in the league after 8 weeks. LT and Sproles desperately need a better offensive line in front of them in order to be successful again. Will LT trade rumors pop up again after the season?

24. Steelers- Morgan Burnett S, Georgia Tech
The Steelers missed Troy Polamalu earlier in the year and it definitely showed, now he's injured again. They missed him so much because they only have one good safety, not two. Burnett would be an instant upgrade over Ryan Mundy.

25. Patriots- Sean Weatherspoon LB, Missouri
Getting a player like Weatherspoon here is great for New England. They continue to draft well and that's why they're always a contender. Getting a 2011 first rounder was a genius move by the Pats and they're going to continue to exploit other teams in order to get what they want. They look like they could use some fresh blood in their linebacking corp. As long as Junior Seau keeps showing up on their depth chart, they need linebackers.

26. Seahawks (from Broncos)- Jahvid Best RB, California
I think the Seahawks will ignore the offensive tackle position in the first round and go with a safety first, then take Best, the smallish RB from Cal. Best has shown this year that he can be a true weapon on offense, and that is what the Seahawks need, a spark on offense. Hopefully Best fully recovers from that horrific fall into the endzone he had recently.

27. Cowboys- Brandon Graham DE, Michigan
The Cowboys look like they need some help on defense. Pass defense gets an upgrade with Graham here. Offensive tackle and linebacker are also needs.

28. Cardinals- Adam Ulatoski OT, Texas
The Cardinals appear to have regressed in their running game after showing some life during their playoff run last January. 31st in rushing isn't going to cut it, I don't care if you have Warner, Fitzgerald, and Boldin. Beanie Wells and Tim Hightower need blockers, it's that simple I think. Wayne Gandy is done, so Ulatoski could be able to come in and start, maybe from day one.

29. Bengals- Myron Lewis S, Vanderbilt
The Bengals have been very impressive this year, thanks in part to a big draft class and Cedric Benson. Palmer has been staying healthy and that's Cincy's main concern. Their pass defense is leaky and needs an upgrade over the current starters, even though Hall and Joseph are ballhawks. What a great job by Marvin Lewis.

30. Vikings- Patrick Robinson CB, Florida State
The Vikes could use a little help with their cornerbacks. A defensive end opposite of Jared Allen could be a possibility here, too. Either way, the pass defense could be upgraded.

31. Colts- Jared Odrick DT, Penn St.
It's clear the Colts need help at the defensive tackle spot. It's been like that for a while now. With Bob Sanders out all the time, the Colts just need to get their run defense settled. They drafted Moala from USC last year, but he hasn't cracked the starting lineup yet. The competition ahead of him isn't that great either.

32. Saints- Trevard Lindley CB, Kentucky
The Saints don't really have a need anywhere else but defensive back. They are solid across the board and their record is showing it. I was really impressed by the way they beat the Giants a few weeks back, then had to come back against Miami, but had to come back against the Panthers (and eeked out a win against the Rams). This team is the team to beat this year.