UPDATE: Post-Combine – The combine is always interesting, mostly for the news and buzz around the players that do NOT work out. Like the two Quarterbacks, mostly the buzz growing around Sam Bradford. A few players have risen and fallen over the last few weeks. So here is an update of my mock:
So here is the updated mock draft:
1. St. Louis Rams – Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma* - He might have had the most significant weigh-in in combine history. His Pro-Day will now be the crucial step to Bradford being #1. I am a big Clausen fan and I think he will be the better pro, but this is a good example of the top team taking the sexier pick. Clausen is more ready, Bradford has the higher ceiling. The Rams have drafted defense-heavy in the first round for years, it is time they try to solidify the “Greatest Show on Turf.â€
2. Detroit Lions - Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska – For right now, this pick is still Suh. If the Lions bring in Vanden Bosch, attention turns to the tackle position. Schwartz had Haynesworth, and it will be tough to pass on a potential franchise player. Even with bad knees, Suh could be a game-changer the Lions cannot pass up.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma – Tampa might still be trying to move up to get Suh. It might make more sense for them to swap picks with Detroit to guarantee they get the guy they want. Remember Detroit swapping picks with Cleveland so they made sure they got Kellen Winslow? Still could happen, but Tampa cannot be upset with a guy like McCoy. Who fits their system just as well, and is a good pick for them.
4. Washington Redskins – Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame* - New management and coaching means new Quarterback. The Redskins will take whoever the Rams do not. Right now, if that consolation is guy who played three seasons in a pro-style offense, with great intangibles and a big arm – they cannot be upset. The Skins could look to the defense (Berry) or the O-Line (Okung/Davis), but it makes more sense for them to grab their QB now and not wait for the scrubs in the second round.
5. Kansas City Chiefs - Russell Okung, OT, Oklahom State – The Chiefs look more and more like they will take Okung, if he is available. For teams 3-6, it is tough to pass on Eric Berry, and he could easily be the pick if Pioli wants the top guy on his board. Although Okung fills a need and protects a big investment (Cassel).
6. Seattle Seahawks - Eric Berry, S, Tennessee – The Seahawks go defense again, and will probably look to the line for their second pick in the first round. With this pick, Seattle with hope for one of three players to fall (Berry, Bradford, or Clausen); Berry might just be the best player in the draft and you just can’t pass on Ed Reed. 2.0.
7. Cleveland Browns - Joe Haden, CB, Florida – The combine did not go well for Joe Haden, but he is still regarded as the top corner available. As soon as he lined up to run his 40, Deion Sanders just about died. So with poor form, he ran a poor time. His Florida Pro-Day will be crucial, as a second attempt to keep his stock high as a Top 15 pick. He is a great fit and makes sense as a Holmgren/Mangini pick.
8. Oakland Raiders – Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland* - Campbell set the world on fire with a blazing 40 time. Al Davis loves guys that workout well and Campbell did just that. More importantly, he really improved his stock, while interviewing well and looking like a Top ten pick. While Pierre-Paul is still an option, Al Davis is dumb, but not stupid. He just invested lots of money into the DE position, and he cannot afford another end to sit on the bench and ingest a big contract.
9. Buffalo Bills - Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers – I think this pick comes down to Davis, Bulaga or reaching on a defensive tackle. Right now, Davis is still the pick as he looks to be very read to start day one. He would be a great fit at Right Tackle for the Bills, and can protect whoever the Bills decide is best to take snaps.
10. Jacksonville Jaguars – Jason Pierre-Paul, De, South Florida* – So JPP is available here, but I think closer to draft day, his stock will cool. Teams will realize that haven’t seen much of him, and being big and fast isn’t always the key to being successful in the NFL. It helps and I think the Jags will still take a chance on him. JPP is probably the best selection, although they could look to help a poor secondary. But getting to the Quarterback will be top priority with this pick. Then Tebow 2.0 in Round Two.
Here is the rest of the First Round:
11. Denver Broncos - Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State
12. Miami Dolphins - Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama
13. San Francisco 49ers – Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech*
14. Seattle Seahawks - Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma
15. New York Giants – Brandon Graham, LB, Michigan*
16. Tennessee Titans – Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee*
17. San Francisco 49ers - C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson
18. Pittsburgh Steelers - Earl Thomas, S, Texas
19. Atlanta Falcons - Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Missouri
20. Houston Texans – Brian Price, DT, UCLA*
21. Cincinnati Bengals – Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame*
22. New England Patriots - Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State
23. Green Bay Packers – Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa*
24. Philadelphia Eagles – Taylor Mays, S, USC*
25. Baltimore Ravens - Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma*
26. Arizona Cardinals - Sergio Kindle, LB, Texas
27. Dallas Cowboys - Mike Iuapti, OG, Idaho
28. San Diego Chargers – Ryan Mathews, RB, Fresno State
29. New York Jets - Jared Odrick, DT, Penn State
30. Minnesota Vikings - Dominique Franks, CB, Oklahoma
31. Indianapolis Colts - Everson Griffin, DE, USC
32. New Orleans Saints – Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida*
* - Change Since Last Update
If he's "late 1st at best" then yes, he is at least being considered as a 2nd Rounder and no way in hell Benn goes before him. 