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2010 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 3/9): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2 /Round 3/Round 4
Other 2010 Mock Drafts: Matt McGuire (3/7 - 2 Rounds) /Reader (3/12)/ Consensus (2/25)
2011 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 3/14): Round 1 /Picks 17-32
2010 NFL Draft Prospects | 2010 NFL Free Agents
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Matt McGuire's 2010 NFL Mock Draft

Last update: Sunday, March 7, 2010. Next Update: Round 3 Coming Soon.

WALT'S 2010 NFL MOCK DRAFT | MATT'S 2010 NFL MOCK DRAFT - ROUND 2
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Matt McGuire's 2010 NFL Mock Draft: Round 1, Picks 1-16

San Francisco 49ers: C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson

At first I wasn't a big fan of Spiller-to-San Francisco in the first round, but once you really start to dig and analyze the depth chart, this makes a ton of sense just based off of the process of elimination. I don't think they would take Rolando McClain here because they already have an elite talent in Patrick Willis and Takeo Spikes is adequate. Corner is a need, but they are keeping Nate Clements on the books. I understand if 49ers hate this pick because I am passing up on Joe Haden, but Spiller brings this team a different dimension offensively and on special teams - which can't be overlooked in a draft class that is very shallow in return men.

Pick Change; previously Trent Williams, T

Pittsburgh Steelers: Rolando McClain, ILB, Alabama

McClain falls to the Steelers because 3-4 inside linebacker doesn't have a ton of value and it isn't much of a need. The Steelers would love to get McClain at this pick so they acquire another leader on defense and someone who is already familiar with the 3-4 to the point he can play right away.

Pick Change; previously Mike Iupati, G

Atlanta Falcons: Sean Weatherspoon, OLB, Missouri

This pick came down to Weatherspoon and Florida corner Joe Haden even after they signed Dunta Robinson. Yes, they spent a lot of money on him in free agency, but corner has a lot more value than linebacker so I think Kyle Wilson and Haden are still in the mix here. But when push comes to shove, this front office realizes not only do they lack any talent at outside linebacker, but they also lack a real, vocal leader on the defense. I think Weatherspoon has that Ray Lewis type of personality and drives that is heavily contagious. This is the type of player Mike Smith will fall in love with, so while Weatherspoon doesn't have as much value as a corner at this pick just based off of X's and O's, he brings the intangibles this team lacks on that side of the football.

Pick Change; previously C.J. Spiller

Houston Texans: Joe Haden, CB, Florida

I don't think Joe Haden's 40 time crippled his stock at the Combine, but it certainly didn't help him. We know he can run with receivers and close because he can do it on tape, but I think his time will be in the back of the minds of general managers making their decisions. With Dunta Robinson leaving Houston for Atlanta in free agency, this pick is a very easy one for Houston as they get a top-10 talent at No. 20.

Pick Change; previously Earl Thomas, FS

Cincinnati Bengals: Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida

Dunlap is the type of player whom Mike Brown just can't wait to get his hands on so he can prove everyone wrong that, "He is a good kid, really. He hasn't gotten arrested in the last 2 months. Progress!"

After Chris Henry's horrific death and Chad Ochocinco failing to show up when it mattered most against the Jets, this team could really use an Arrelious Benn or Damian Williams. All this said, a defensive end would be a good value here especially one whom everyone believes has a high upside in Dunlap.

New England Patriots: Jared Odrick, DT, Penn State

This is one of those picks that a lot of fans probably hate seeing in my mock draft in terms of a prospect, but one that often happens on Draft Day. Teams reach and this is a logical reach for the Pats. They are desperate to find a defensive end for their line after trading away Richard Seymour to the Raiders.

Odrick has prototypical tools to play the 5-technique position with great size, strength, quickness, active hands and a great motor. He has a bit of upside and might crack the top 20-25 of big boards for 3-4 defensive teams. Odrick makes a lot of sense here for the Pats especially since I am not so high on the outside linebackers worthy of this selection.

Green Bay Packers: Charles Brown, T, USC

I went back with Charles Brown and Kyle Wilson here after the Chad Clifton re-signing, but ultimately I don't think the Packers want to be in a hole with Aaron Rodgers where Clifton gets injured again and they have nobody to replace him. In the zone blocking scheme, I think Brown can play all four positions especially if he stays at 300-plus pounds. He makes a lot of sense for Green Bay here after he had a good weigh-in at the Combine.

Pick Change; previously Taylor Mays, S

Philadelphia Eagles: Earl Thomas, FS, Texas

This is the Eagles' dream pick as they get a ballhawking safety in the mold of previous star Brian Dawkins. Thomas has phenomenal range and instincts, but he is on the smaller side and there are concerns if he will be durable at the next level. I like him as a prospect and he makes a lot of sense for a team that puts a large value on speed and range on defense.

Pick Change; previously Everson Griffen, DE

Baltimore Ravens: Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma

It has been reported that this could be the last year for Todd Heap with the Ravens, and if that is so, Baltimore might like to upgrade this position in the 2010 NFL Draft. I really believe once teams go back and look at Gresham's tape he will skyrocket up boards. He will be No. 11 overall on my latest big board update this week. He has tremendous upside and possesses extremely good receiving tight end skills (click on the blue hyperlink above to view his full scouting report.)

Arizona Cardinals: Jerry Hughes, DE/OLB, Texas Christian

When you put the tape on of Jerry Hughes, he's a first-round talent. I had no idea why the NFL never really considered him a first-round prospect until the Combine. Sure he isn't the biggest pass-rusher, but he is exceptionally athletic and quick with a terrific motor. He was better in coverage drills at the Combine than I anticipated, and now a team such as Arizona, New York Jets, Indianapolis, or New Orleans could consider him in the first round. With Karlos Dansby gone, this team needs more pass rush and playmaking on defense, which is why I had them pass up on Kyle Wilson here.

Pick Change; previously Kyle Wilson, CB

Dallas Cowboys: Mike Iupati, G, Idaho

If Iupati is here for the Cowboys, then I think he is a lock. Dallas absolutely loves massive offensive linemen, and I think Jerry Jones salivates at the thought of putting Iupati opposite Leonard Davis at guard. The Cowboys are all about stars and intimidation, and Iupati would open up even wider running lanes for this offense, which is enough to scare the living crap out of the rest of the NFC East.

Pick Change; previously Sean Weatherspoon, LB

San Diego Chargers: Ryan Mathews, RB, Fresno State

Ryan Mathews' Combine makes him the clear-cut favorite to be selected here by San Diego. They are desperate for running back help, and in a very overrated and shallow running back class, they simply can't afford to pass up on one here. Mathews can play all three downs, but he has somewhat inconsistent hands. He has some upside, but I'm not sold that his measurables transfer to the field - he doesn't look nearly as fast in pads and I think he lacks some agility. He's definitely overrated, but San Diego is out of options.

New York Jets: Arrelious Benn, WR, Illinois

Mark Sanchez needs a big target at receiver and Benn certainly fits the bill at 6-3, 220. He has a very strong frame and runs polished routes. He had a dip in production this season, but I believe Benn will go in the first round and will be one of the top three receivers off the board, and is the favorite to be the second one gone. I personally think Damian Williams is the top receiver in the 2010 NFL Draft, but he is certainly fighting to get into the first round.

Minnesota Vikings: Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State

Minnesota gets a steal here in Kyle Wilson and they simply can't pass up on a potential premier corner at No. 30. He had a dominant Senior Bowl and is plenty athletic to run with any receiver. Leslie Frazier would have to coach him up in zone defense, but I think he can do it and more importantly believes in himself to coach up a talent like Wilson.

Pick Change; previously Maurkice Pouncey, OL

Indianapolis Colts: Brian Price, DT, UCLA

Another steal here is Brian Price to the Colts. Price is a penetrating, athletic, active 3-technique who succeeds when given room to work inside. Defensive tackle seems to be an annual need on this team and Bill Polian is probably tired of addressing it every single year.

Pick Change; previously Charles Brown, T

New Orleans Saints: Brandon Graham, DE, Michigan

Brandon Graham gives this team more talent on the defensive line. Will Smith had a great season, but they are certainly going to be looking to make more upgrades on their defense. Graham is a big-time leader and will give this team an even better pass rush. The darkhorse here is Penn State outside linebacker Navorro Bowman who has first-round talent, but undraftable intangibles. If the Saints are willing to overlook the character concerns he could be the pick here. Safety is also an option so Texas' Earl Thomas, South Florida's Nate Allen, and LSU's Chad Jones are all possibilities if this team doesn't plan on ever moving Malcolm Jenkins to free safety.

Matt McGuire's 2010 NFL Mock Draft - Round 2

Back to Matt McGuire's 2010 NFL Mock Draft: Picks 1-16

2010 NFL Mock Draft - Walt's

2010 NFL Free Agents - March 15

2010 NCAA Tournament - March 15 (Picks)

2010 NFL Offseason Needs - March 15

2011 NFL Mock Draft - March 14

2010 NFL Mock Draft - March 9

Matt McGuire's 2010 NFL Mock Draft - March 7

2010 NBA Mock Draft - Feb. 25

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