Round One (17-32)
2010 NFL Draft Coverage
Mock Drafts: Round One (1-16) | Round One (17-32) | Round Two
Draft Prospects: Big Board – Top 32 | Position Rankings
Here’s the second half of our mock for round one in 2010. Feel free to comment as you like and offer suggestions for picks!
The order for the 2010 NFL Draft is based on the final win/loss standings. All tiebreakers were determined by the strength of schedule, as posted here.
* Updated on 03/08/10
17. Earl Thomas (Safety – Texas)
* From CAR – The 49ers will likely look to upgrade either their defensive line or their secondary here, and with Thomas still on the board, I’d be surprised if they don’t go in his direction. Thomas covers extremely well and his capable of delivering the big hit when necessary.
Previous pick: Taylor Mays (S)
18. Mike Iupati (Offensive Guard – Idaho)
The Steelers could go in several different directions with this pick, but I think they’d be best suited to take Iupati here, in an effort to shore up their offensive line. Iupati has tremendous versatility, but is best suited at guard where he could be dominant at the next level.
Previous pick: Same
19. Jason Pierre-Paul (Defensive End – South Florida)
Upgrading their pass rush is likely to be priority number one for the Falcons in this draft, especially after Jonathan Babineaux’s arrest late last season. JPP has the skill to be a dominant player in that regard, and will be a fan favorite from day one.
Previous pick: Same
20. Taylor Mays (Safety – USC)
Getting a solid safety to shore up their secondary will be a major priority for the Texans this off-season, and there isn’t a better one available at this point than Mays, who can cover reasonably well and support against the run.
Previous pick: Earl Thomas (S)
21. Jermaine Gresham (Tight End – Oklahoma)
Gresham is by far the best tight end available in this class, as he has been dominant for the Sooners throughout his collegiate career. Adding him to an already potent Bengals offense almost isn’t fair, but you can never have enough talent in the NFL in my experience.
Previous pick: Same
22. Brandon Graham (3-4 Rush Linebacker – Michigan)
With Adalius Thomas on his way out, and no real option waiting in the wings to replace him, the Patriots are going to have to address their need at rush linebacker early on in this draft. Graham is currently the best player at that spot, and should solidify his status with a solid showing at the combine.
Previous pick: Same
23. Trent Williams (Offensive Tackle – Oklahoma)
Williams has enough talent to make it at the next level, but may have difficulty in playing on the left side. But the Packers may have enough time to let him develop as a right tackle next year before he makes the move over to the blind side to protect Aaron Rodgers, so this is a solid pick.
Previous pick: Same
24. Brandon Spikes (Linebacker – Florida)
The Eagles will need to address the right side of their offensive line at some point in this draft, but there is absolutely no chance that they would leave a player like Spikes sitting on the board here, given the problems they had in their linebacker corps last season.
Previous pick: Same
25. Golden Tate (Wide Receiver – Notre Dame)
There’s really not a position that the Ravens need more than receiver, as no one on their current crew is capable of providing Joe Flacco with a legit number one target to throw to. Tate could be that guy though, with solid speed and good hands to catch the ball in traffic.
Previous pick: Same
26. Sergio Kindle (3-4 Rush Linebacker – Texas )
The Cardinals have been encouraged by the play of their O-line down the stretch this season, making this pick a toss up as to where they’ll choose to go. Kindle will give them the best value I think, and provide a solid replacement if Karlos Dansby departs via free agency as expected.
Previous pick: Same
27. Damian Williams (Wide Receiver – USC)
The Cowboys are firing on all cylinders right now, but finding an upgrade at receiver over the pathetic Roy Williams has to be a priority this off-season. The junior Williams (no relation) is a polished pass catcher with good speed and great hands, which certainly won’t hurt his stock in Tony Romo’s eyes.
Previous pick: Same
28. Jahvid Best (Running Back – California)
Finding an adequate replacement for a future hall of famer isn’t an easy task by any means, but if the Chargers can snatch Best here, they’ll be well on their way to doing just that, as he has the size, speed, and skill to be a excellent runner at the next level.
Previous pick: Same
29. Brandon LaFell (Wide Receiver – LSU)
With or without Braylon Edwards, the Jets are going to need an upgrade at receiver, and given the talent that LaFell has, it’s doubtful that New York would let him slip by here.
Previous pick: Same
29. Brandon Ghee (Cornerback – Wake Forest)
The Vikings are another team with very few holes in their starting roster, but with Antoine Winfield getting up there in age, taking a premier CB like Ghee here would be a solid move to upgrade the position without spending a ton of cash in free agency.
Previous pick: Same
31. Brian Price (Defensive Tackle – UCLA)
Obtaining a solid defender to plug the gaps in the middle of their defensive line and provide interior pressure would likely render Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis unstoppable next season, which is all the more reason for the Colts to grab Price here.
Previous pick: Same
32. Everson Griffin (Defensive End – USC)
Griffin has all the right physical attributes and ability to be a premier pass rusher at the next level, and while it may take some time for him to adjust, once he does the team that drafts him will be in great shape.
Previous pick: Same
— Back to Round One (1-16) | Forward to Round Two












Another retardedpick from Jville a QB who at best is a 3rd rounder if a day 1 pick at all can’t pass from pocked too much of a me player unconventional throwing motion lacks pro set offense plays with thugs and felons. Has trouble with quality opponents but can sure run it up on weak teams…can’t read defenses either…..
I like your draft. Good job. My only criticism is that like everyone else, you are slow on the uptake on WR. Danario Alexander will be the first WR drafted. Check the film and the stats and the measurables. Look at the tape and judge for yourself. He’s bigger, faster, better hands, more explosive, the whole package.
Gino, thanks for your thoughts. I couldn’t agree more about Alexander. He’s going to be a stud at the next level for sure. The only reason why I haven’t put him on the mocks yet is because there’s still some uncertainty as to whether he’ll declare or not. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a bit more clarification on that soon though, and if it looks like he’ll decide to go, I’ll be sure to move him into the top 25.
No, he is not a 1st rounder. he plays in a stat inflating offense, has a huge history of injury and is not all that fast. there are 6 or 7 recievers that are better. Bryant, LaFell, Benn, Damian Williams, Gilyard, Tate and maybe Mike Williams
Re: Dallas' pick, I really doubt they would pass on a highly ranked OT for a FS. While they are both areas of need, the 1st priority is to continue improving the O-line, and if one of those top tier LT prospects is within striking distance, I believe they must pull the trigger. Flo is in decline/near the end, and protecting Romo's blindside is paramount for the team moving forward.
How have the chargers had a ton of trouble protecting P. Rivers, thats the dumbest thing I have ever read.
Not so dumb when you take a look at the stats JJ. River has been sacked 24 times this season in 14 games… by comparison he was sacked only 22 times in all of 2007, and 25 times in all of 2008. If the averages hold up for this season, he'll be sacked at least three to four more times in the next two games, bringing his sack total to a career high at 28. Not good protection any way you slice it.
Thanks for the comment…
I don't think the Packers pass on an Offensive Tackle in the 1st rd, especially if Davis or a top flight DB is still on the board. Green Bay doesn't need a pass rushing OLB, they drafted one last year in Clay Matthews, and Brad Jones has filled in nicely since Kampman got hurt.
Chargers have a far greater need at NT. There is little doubt that had Rivera had a "plug" in the middle of that
3-4 defense this year, they would have been FAR better off and most likely would have advanced to Indy. He did
a phenominal job so he'll be rewarded with an anchor. Chargers going any other direction with this pick doesn't make
any sense unless AJ has late round gem he thinks he can get later in the draft. I also think AJ will be very active this year postioning himself within all 7 rounds. With the lockout for 2011 on the horizon and Super Bowl pieces in place, he will want
to win next year without a doubt. Chargers will draft for the DL with thier first pick……..regardless of where that first pick is.
Wow…finally, somebody gets what Singletary needs! Bulaga's one of the most consistent all-around OT's I saw during last season. He'll fit right in as the new RT…especially now that OL Mike Solari's on board. He's known for his ability to coach-up rookies to be start and be productive their initial season. Warren's arguably the next CB behind Haden…and Singletary needs a fast cover CB in his secondary (who doesn't?). I also like Perrish Cox…who's also a very good KR, another high off-season Singletary priority. But, if the Niners come out of the 1st rd with a new RT and top CB, Singletary will be one happy camper.
Did we forget about Jimmy Clausen-QB. But i like the Miami pick, CJ Spiller . They need impact players if McClain and Bryant are off the board. Big Al
Actually I didn’t forget about him Big Al… just think teams may pass on him in the first round given some of the lingering injury issues. If Clausen works out well at his pro day, he could move back into contention, but for now I think he’s out of the picture. That said, whoever gets him will be in great shape in the future as Clausen has a tremendous arm and all the skills to be a successful QB at the next level.
I agree with what you said two weeks ago when you had any other DB but Mays as the #17 selection. The Niners do not need another safety that cannot cover anyone. Mays is overrated and too into himself to be coachable. Take Thomas of Texas or one of the top rated corners with the second 1st round pick. Another thought would be to go with Iupati. This pick would really improve the line allowing the Niners to have a ball control offense. This will make their defense that much better.
Everyone talks about McCoy's weak arm, but from my POV he puts more zip on the ball than Clausen does. Clausen has to get his body behind all but the shortest throws, & his deep passes are all rainbows. I wouldn't think about using a first round selection on him.This year's Brady Quinn.