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2010 NFL Draft; Round One Wrap Up

2010 NFL Draft Round One Wrap Up

The biggest surprise of the 2010 NFL Draft did involve Tim Tebow after all. With the 25th pick in the draft the Broncos used their selection on University of Florida quarterback product.

Rumors began to circulate that the Buffalo Bills were trying to trade up in hopes of landing the all time touchdown leader in SEC history. The Broncos selected Tebow before the Bills had the opportunity to land the popular Gator.


Tebow is going to give the Denver organization a much needed spark when it comes to leadership and team energy. “They're going to get my heart and soul and everything that comes with me,” said Tebow. He will help impact the culture in Denver after the Brandon Marshall situation that gave the Broncos brass a black eye.

"I think I just showed them I was going to do whatever it takes," Tebow said. "Just my work ethic and them believing in me, I can accomplish what they want me to accomplish." Ideally he will come into training camp and be able to compete with Kyle Orton for the starting quarterback job.

Another team who made out well in the first round was the Detroit Lions. They selected Nebraska defensive tackle Nadamukong Suh with the second overall pick and then traded back into the first round and selected highly coveted Cal running back Jahvid Best with the 30th pick. This move solidifies the Lions on both sides of the ball.

Finally, the Dallas Cowboys showed their willingness to selected troubled Oklahoma State wide receiver Dez Bryant. He immediately adds a playmaker to the Dallas receiver corps. One of the main reasons Bryant had dropped to the bottom half of the draft was his attitude and his work ethic but Dallas must have seen something different to worthy his selection.

After passing on Randy Moss back in 1998, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones didn’t want to make the same mistake twice by not drafting the most talented receiver in the draft because of attitude problems.


Top players available in round two:

Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame

Sergio Kindle, DE/OLB, Texas

Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida

Rodger Saffold, LT, Indiana

Colt McCoy, QB, Texas

Taylor Mays, S, USC

Brian Price, DT, UCLA

NFL Draft Questions!

With the NFL Draft less than four hours away, what will happen? Will the predictions I did for the Shaft Sports mock draft really come true? Probably not.. but there are real questions that arise from the past few weeks.

Such as, does the Pittsburgh draft strategy change now that quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has been suspended for the first half of the season?


What will the Oakland Raiders decide to do with their draft class? We all know owner Al Davis will have the final say in who gets to wear silver and black.

Where will Tim Tebow end up and more importantly will he be able to grow and develop as a player?

What direction do the 49ers go in with two first round pick?

Will San Diego draft a running back in the first round?

Finally, will Brett Favre come back in Minnesota (I know it isn't a draft question, but I bet it will come up during the draft)

That is all for now, I’m off to work (a paid job) so I look forward to seeing many of these questions answered.

2010 NFL Mock Draft First Round (22-32)

This is the final installment for the 2010 NFL Mock Draft picks (22-32). You can win Shaft Sports merchandise if you send in your round one mock draft. The fan with the highest number of picks selected in the first round will in a Shaft Sports T-Shirt. Email your Draft picks to jtshafer@eagle.fgcu.edu



#22: New England Patriots: Sergio Kindle, DE – Texas

Kindle will play the hybrid role of defensive end/outside linebacker in New England. He has good athleticism and runs relatively well but not elite. He will be an immediate contributor on special teams and as a rotation player. Kindle will need to add some weight to his frame so he’ll be able to put up with the constant punishment he’ll receive at his position.





#23: Green Bay Packers: Mike Lupati, OG – Idaho



Green Bay was one of the many teams who had difficulty staying consistent with their offensive line play. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers was able to manage because of his ability to move around in the pocket and make plays with his legs. However if they want to be atop the NFL North they need quality offensive linemen. Lupati has excellent size and strength along with great power. He is one of the larger linemen in the draft (6’5, 331 lbs) allowing him to block almost anyone. This could help the Packers have better success against the Minnesota Vikings defensive tackles Pat and Kevin Williams.



#24: Philadelphia Eagles: Devin McCourty, CB – Rutgers

The Eagles are starting a new era in Philadelphia after trading starting QB Donavan McNabb. They have gotten rid of a few other players over 30, like CB Sheldon Brown. Philly seems to want to get young and drafting Scarlett Knight’s corner Devin McCourty would make sense. He has the ability to contribute immediately at nickel and special teams. He has great ball skills and is active in the secondary. Look for the Eagles to draft someone like McCourty who can contribute sooner rather than later.



#25: Baltimore Ravens: Brian Price, DT – UCLA

Price would be an ideal fit for the Ravens because of his ability to hold the point of attack. He maintains his gap responsibility and uses his hands well against defenders. He doesn’t have ideal size for the nose tackle position (6’1, 303 lbs) but makes up for it with his motor. He never stops playing and is a force to be reckoned with along the defensive line.



#26: Arizona Cardinals: Bruce Campbell, OT – Maryland

The Arizona Cardinals have a lot of question marks heading into this coming season. Kurt Warner has finally retired and Matt Leinart doesn’t seem to be the answer at quarterback. However the Cardinals will be unwilling to reach on a QB like Colt McCoy or Tim Tebow. They look to improve their offensive line with Bruce Campbell. He has improved his draft stock in recent weeks, therefore he might not be available at 26, but if he is the Cardinals will snatch him up.



#27: Dallas Cowboys: Arrelious Benn, WR – Illinois

Miles Austin emerged last season as the number one target for Cowboys QB Tony Romo. Roy Williams has been a disappointment for Dallas and with no other receiving options they look to the draft. Benn has great ball skills and leaping ability allowing him to catch the ball at the highest point. He needs to improve his route running but could compete for the other starting position aside Miles Austin.



#28: San Diego Chargers: Ryan Mathews, RB – Fresno State

After parting ways with longtime Charger LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego now only has Darren Sproles and needs someone to help shoulder the workload. Fresno State’s Ryan Mathews is a one cut runner with great speed (4.45 forty). He is elusive in space but has some injury concerns due to his inability to stay healthy for a full season during his college career. Sproles and Mathews would be a great one-two punch that would help Philip Rivers stay away from throwing the ball over 35 times a contest.



#29: New York Jets: Brandon Graham, DE – Michigan

Graham is just the type of player Jets head coach Rex Ryan likes. He is a disruptive defender that has a high motor. Graham has good initial quickness as an edge rusher, and could transition well into Ryan’s 3-4 schemes. The Jets allowed less then 100 yards rushing per game last season, but can’t pass up having another option like Graham because of the likelihood of injuries taking place.



#30: Minnesota Vikings: Patrick Robinson, CB – Florida State

The Minnesota Vikings have some positions they would like to improve, but the one which needs the most attention is cornerback. Starter Cedric Griffin was injured during the playoffs last season and won’t be ready till after the start of the 2010 season. To add insult to injury Antoine Winfield missed a portion of last season due to injury. Robinson is solid in the run game but isn’t always the most physical corner. He is aggressive in zone schemes and will contribute on special teams as well as nickel during his rookie season.




#31: Indianapolis Colts: Jared Odrick, DT – Penn State


The Colts have lacked a dominate force in the middle during the past few years since their Super Bowl run. Odrick is more of a run stopper who will clog the middle. He has the ability to feel pad pressure and constantly get pressure up on opposing offenses.





#32: New Orleans Saints: Kareem Jackson, CB – Alabama


Jackson has great speed (4.48 forty), and great foot quickness to be able to hang with the faster receivers. New Orleans only weakness last season was the play from the cornerbacks. This season teams will try exploiting that weakness. Jackson is inconsistent as a run support defender but should get quality playing time due to his ability to anticipate and jump routes.

2010 NFL Mock Draft First Round (11-21)

Here are the second installment for Shaft Sports 2010 NFL Mock Draft picks (11-21). Monday will be the final publication of picks (22-32). Let us know what you think!



#11: Denver Broncos (From Chicago): Rolando McClain, LB – Alabama

The Broncos look to strengthen their defensive unit after breakdowns in coverage’s and poor tackling cost them a few games last season. McClain would transition well into Denver’s 3-4 defense. His power and strength along with his ability to shed blockers would make him a good fit along side D.J. Williams. Other options could be Oklahoma State’s Dez Bryant to replace recently traded Brandon Marshall but Bryant is a lot like Marshall in the attitude department.



#12: Miami Dolphins: Dan Williams, DT – Tennessee

Dan Williams was an anchor for the Tennessee Volunteers over the past three seasons, and would be an ideal fit for the Miami Dolphins. He’s a great run defender and can consistently cog the middle and get penetration. He’s got a nasty attitude and has the power to bull-rush defenders with ease.



#13: San Francisco 49ers: Trent Williams, OT – Oklahoma

The 49ers made progress last season buying into head coach Mike Singletary’s philosophy. They have some weapons that could blossom into elite talent this season. San Francisco will need better protection if they have any chance at surpassing the Arizona Cardinals for tops in the NFC West. Trent Williams has good technique and translates well at right tackle with the ability he has to sustain blocks.




#14: Seattle Seahawks (From Denver): Jason Pierre-Paul, DE – South Florida

With Patrick Kerney getting long in the tooth, Seattle uses their second of two first round picks on the freakishly athletic defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul from USF. At 6’5, 270 lbs he has the ability to add more bulk as he matures. He has good range and natural quickness being able to run down defenders within the backfield.





#15: New York Giants: Kyle Wilson, CB – Boise State

The Giants are looking to get more out of their corners this season after a porous previous season. Kyle Wilson’s athletic ability in the return game is an added bonus. He’s lacks ideal speed but makes up for it with his quickness and his ability to close quickly on double-move routes.





#16: Tennessee Titans: Dez Bryant, WR – Oklahoma State

The Tennessee Titans will take risk with Oklahoma State wide receiver Dez Bryant because of his athletic ability. Paired with last years first round pick Kenny Britt, Bryant would give the Titans a legitimate target they haven’t had since Derrick Mason left years ago. The Titans have never had a problem selecting players with personal issues as they selected Adam “Pacman” Jones when he had issues brought up in his draft year.





#17: San Francisco 49ers (From Panthers): Derrick Morgan, DE – Georgia Tech

San Francisco will use their second first round selection to help improve their defense. Derrick Morgan is the best available player on the draft board and would step into and give the 49ers a good rotation player. He has the ability to play either defensive end or outside linebacker, making him more valuable because of his versatility.





#18: Pittsburgh Steelers: Maurkice Pouncey, C – Florida

Ben Roethlisberger was sacked a league high 50 times during last season. The Steelers need to improve their offensive line production and Maurkice Pouncey could be the answer. He can play either center or guard so his versatility is a bonus. Pouncey has been a four-year starter and has a good first step while being able to block larger defenders. He will see the field early and often.





#19: Atlanta Falcons: Taylor Mays, FS – Southern Cal

Atlanta finished 28th in pass defense for the 2009 season. They allowed an average of 241.9 yards against per game. Mays has size (6’3, 230 lbs), speed (4.43 forty), and athleticism which is a rare combination at the safety position. He’s an aggressive hitter and plays the run game exceptional. Mays would give the Falcons someone opponent’s receivers would fear across the middle.





#20: Houston Texans: Carlos Dunlop, DE – Florida

If Dunlop would have been a year old he would have easily been a top-ten draft pick during the 2009 draft. At an enormous 6’6, 277 lbs he is an exceptional run stopper. He also has shown flashes of being able to dominate the offensive line to get pressure on quarterbacks. Dunlop would be a great addition to a young and talented defense in Houston.




#21: Cincinnati Bengals: Earl Thomas, SS – Texas

In recent draft the Bengals have done a great job at improving their defense. They will continue this trend drafting Longhorns strong safety Earl Thomas. He is an excellent open-field tackler who has ball skills that give him big-play ability whenever he is on the field. The Bengals finished within the top ten in pass defense but can’t pass up a play maker like Thomas.

2010 NFL Mock Draft, Round 1 (1-10)

2010 NFL Mock Draft First Round (1-10)

Shaft Sports will have three different segments during the next three days devoted to the 2010 NFL Draft. Here are picks 1-10, stop by tomorrow for picks 11-21 and finally Monday for picks 22-32.



#1: St. Louis Rams: Sam Bradford, QB – Oklahoma

Regardless of whether or not St. Louis decides to keep the first overall pick, Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford seems like a lock atop the draft boards. The Cleveland Browns have discussed a possible trade with the Rams to move up from the seventh overall pick to select the former 2008 Heisman Trophy winner. The Rams have a great deal of holes to fill after finishing a league worst, 1-15 last season. A trade would make sense allowing the Rams to add a few more draft picks while being in position to select Notre Dame QB Jimmy Clausen at number seven.



#2: Detroit Lions: Ndamukong Suh, DT – Nebraska

The Lions have done an immense job at improving their defensive line during the offseason after signing former Tennessee Titans defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch and trading a fifth round pick in 2010 for DT Cory Williams. Detroit will continue this trend by selecting Ndamukong Suh with the second overall pick. The only way for the Lions to compete within the NFC North will be to have a stout defense and head coach Jim Schwartz knows this being a former defensive coordinator.




#3: Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Eric Berry, S – Tennessee

Tennessee safety Eric Berry (4.47 forty) is one of those players who don’t come along too often in the draft. Many are comparing him to Ravens safety Ed Reed because of his “ball hawking” skills and his ability to support the run. The Bucs have not had a game changer at the safety position since John Lynch. They have struggled over the course of the past few seasons in coverage and Berry could be the answer. Tampa could also go a different direction with the third overall pick by selecting Oklahoma DT Gerald McCoy. This would help improve a league worst rush defense that allowed over 150 yards on the ground per game.



#4: Washington Redskins: Gerald McCoy, DT – Oklahoma

Washington head coach Mike Shanahan and his new regime head into the draft to improve this lackluster team from a year ago. They have already improved the offensive side of the ball with the trade that brought former Eagles QB Donavan McNabb to nation’s capital. Now they search for help on the defensive side of the ball after switching to a 3-4 defense. Oklahoma’s Gerald McCoy would be the logical choice after recently rumors of Redskins DT Albert Haynesworth being available via trade. He could play multiple positions within Shanahan’s packages because of his initial quickness off the line and his natural strength to hold the point of attack.



#5: Kansas City Chiefs: Anthony Davis, OL – Rutgers

Those of you who had Matt Cassel or Jamal Charles last year on you’re fantasy football team are all too familiar with the Chiefs and their offensive line troubles. Cassel was sacked 42 times last season, good enough for the fourth highest total in the NFL. Davis would help open up more holes for the running game and would give Cassel more time in the pocket to find open targets.



#6: Seattle Seahawks: C.J. Spiller, RB – Clemson

Seattle’s rushing attack ranked 26th overall in the league last year, rushing for just 97.9 yards per game. Former USC head coach Pete Carroll takes over and will immediately look to improve his offense. C.J. Spiller is a game breaker and is a threat to take it the distance anytime he touches the ball. Spiller will be Seattle’s versions of Reggie Bush, and Carroll will use him in the same way Bush was used while at USC. The tandem of Justin Forsett and C.J. Spiller in the backfield would give NFC West opponents nightmares for years to come.



#7: Cleveland Browns: Jimmy Clausen, QB – Notre Dame

Where have we seen this before? Oh that’s right! In 2007 the Cleveland Browns selected highly touted Notre Dame Quarterback Brady Quinn with the #22 overall pick in that year. After being traded during this offseason to Denver, the Browns are back to square one. They are attempting to trade up to the #1 pick to selected Sam Bradford but if they fail to do so, Clausen is their man. He has the pedigree and knowledge of the pro style offense and has improved in virtually every aspect of his game during his three years at under Charlie Weis.



#8: Oakland Raiders: Russell Okung, OT, – Oklahoma State

You never know what Al Davis and the Oakland Raiders will do during the draft. However there is no denying that their offensive line could use some assistance. Russell Okung is an extremely athletic tackle who has rare size and long arms (36 in.) allowing him to push rushers away from the quarterback. JaMarcus Russell will need time in the pocket to show he was worthy of the first overall pick back in 2007. With this being a make or break year for Russell he better hope they select Okung.



#9: Buffalo Bills: Bryan Bulaga, OT, – Iowa
The Bills also have a significant amount of holes to fill after last season. Using the best player available strategy, the Bills will select offensive lineman Bryan Bulaga. He gives the Bills a player who understands angles and schemes already. He has the potential to be a good left tackle but will probably end up playing the right tackle position due to struggles with his footwork.



#10: Jacksonville Jaguars: Joe Haden, CB – Florida

The Jacksonville Jaguars have a history of selecting University of Florida players in the first round during the last few drafts. This one will be no different, however it won’t be the player everyone wants in Tim Tebow. It will be shut down cornerback Joe Haden. He’s an all around player who can support the run, play man-to-man coverage. The only knock on Haden is his lack of elite speed, and his inconsistency to be physical. He will flourish if placed in the right scheme.

Tebow Prepared for NFL Draft

Tim Tebow out to prove skeptics wrong

Everyone has gotten their opportunity to build up former Florida Gators Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow during the last four seasons… how fast the tides have turned on the well liked Tebow. Leading up to this Thursday’s NFL Draft, Tebow has been criticized by many writers and “draft experts” on why he will not succeed in the pros. They say Tebow can’t read coverage’s; his throw motion and mechanics are slow and will not translate into the NFL. These talking heads say Tebow won’t be able to run away from defenders like he did during his days at the University of Florida. Ok, I can buy into all of the criticism. However, he has the attitude and willingness to succeed at any cost. Tebow’s taken the negative comments and turned them into something that motivates him furthermore not to fail.


With all of the immeasurable qualities Tebow has, one has to wonder what it will take for him to be successful. We must first define what successful means in terms of arguably the greatest collegiate football player of all-time. Success in terms of Tim Tebow will simply mean, he must become one of the elite players in the league for the next eight to ten seasons or he’ll be called a bust regardless of what round he’s selected in. You know it, I know it, and most NFL executives know it. It would be ideal for Tebow to be drafted by a team who has a veteran locker room and an experienced starter one of whom would be willing to tutor Tebow.


A few teams come to mind that fit those particular qualities Tebow would need to succeed in the NFL. The Indianapolis Colts, Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots, and the Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints all could be serious contenders for Tebow. Each team has a solid veteran starter in place which would allow Tebow to sit and learn from a Super Bowl champ (each team listed above has a QB with at least one Super Bowl win under his belt).


If you would want to reference a player who was criticized for his side-arm motion and his inability to read coverage’s, look no further than Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young when a lot of the same was said for him during the 2006 draft. The main components which saved Young’s career was his ability to scramble and the reemergence of teammate Kerry Collins who led the Titans to a 13-3 record in 2008. You might be thinking Shaft! Why would the reemergence of Kerry Collins have anything to do with the development of Vince Young? Simply put, Young was allowed to do what was best for him, develop while holding a clipboard. Young didn’t work hard and publicly stated he felted as if he’s was entitled to a spot in Canton. He was the anti-Tebow. They both have similar athletic qualities but one thing Tebow has that Young doesn’t is the ability to humble himself. He can stay positive and learn from constructive criticism; where as other players’ ala Vince Young have struggled to do.