The combine and the start of free agency are bound to change the wish lists and draft boards of nearly every team, but it's beneficial to take a first look at how things might play out if the NFL draft were to take place today. With that in mind, we present our first in a series of NFL mock drafts… as a fantasy football fan, you'll be very interested in where a handful of skill-position players end up later in the first round.

 

1.       ST. LOUIS RAMS: DT Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska
At this point in the 2010 draft process, there appears to be no other likely pick at No. 1 overall, than that of Ndamukong Suh. An elite prospect at the defensive tackle position, and one of the top overall defensive players to enter the draft in the last 10-20 years, Suh has the potential to develop in a dominant player in the NFL while also being capable of having an instant impact next season. While the Rams could use a quarterback, it's clear that there isn't one worth taking first overall, and Suh is too good of a prospect to pass up.

2.       DETROIT LIONS: DT Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma
The Detroit Lions have two glaring holes, on their offensive and defensive lines, as well as in the secondary. This year's draft has two can't-miss defensive tackle prospects; considering they own one of the worst run defenses in the NFL, and have also struggled to rush the passer, drafting one of the top two prospects in the draft is pretty easy to project. Going anywhere but taking Suh or McCoy would be a mistake by Detroit, unless they wanted to pair Eric Berry with their current starting safety Louis Delmas. Russell Okung is one other option at left tackle, as they could use a significant upgrade on the offensive line.

3.       TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS: S Eric Berry, Tennessee
Similar to the Detroit Lions, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers also own one of the worst run defenses in the NFL. They also struggled at the safety position this year; Sabby Piscitelli has been a bust thus far in his career. With their quarterback of the future already in tow, it's a pretty simple selection for Tampa Bay. I personally feel that they are in the best position of anyone in the draft, in terms of draft position. They are guaranteed to come away with one of the three can't-miss prospects: Suh, McCoy, or Eric Berry. Berry is an extremely talented playmaker who has all of the tools needed to develop into the next Ed Reed or Troy Polamalu in the NFL. Landing Berry would give the Bucs two of the top young safeties in the NFL alongside Tanard Jackson.

4.       WASHINGTON REDSKINS: QB Sam Bradford, Oklahoma
The Redskins pick this year is a tossup. They need a quarterback of the future, if new head coach Mike Shanahan doesn't see Jason Campbell as being the player to build around, while they also need a lot of help in the offensive line. I personally think that they should go with an offensive tackle in the mold of Russell Okung or Anthony Davis, however, knowing Mike Shanahan, who hasn't been afraid of taking a quarterback high (Jay Cutler), I could see Shanahan drafting a player like Sam Bradford and developing him into an NFL quarterback capable of playing in his offense. Letting Campbell play one year while Bradford develops is a likely option if the former Sooner is the pick.

5.       KANSAS CITY CHIEFS: OT Russell Okung, Oklahoma State
Two years ago when Kansas City selected Virginia guard Branden Albert in the NFL, they hoped that he would fill their need at left tackle. As of now, that need has not been filled. The Chiefs could use Eric Berry as bad as anyone in the NFL, however the chances of him falling to them does not appear to be likely. With that said, Kansas City's best bet in 2010 would be to take a left tackle like Okung and move Albert back to his more natural position of guard, which would give the Chiefs a very talented and young left side of the offensive line to build around. With the success of Jamaal Charles in 2009, it'd make sense for the team to add some beef up front to block for him. With two second-round picks, they can fill their need at safety there.

6.       SEATTLE SEAHAWKS: OT Bryan Bulaga, Iowa
As of now, it appears that Walter Jones is still trying to battle back from injuries to play one more year in Seattle. Whether or not it happens remains to be seen, however the team needs to find his eventual replacement now so that they can develop him and have him ready to go once Jones actually does retire. Bryan Bulaga is a hog up front who mauls defensive lineman and is a very underrated pass blocker. He's quietly rising up team's draft boards and has a chance to go in the top 10. He'd be an excellent fit for the team and has the makings of a 5-10 year player who goes to several Pro Bowls over the course of his career. With two first round picks, the Seahawks can be flexible with who they pick and when.

7.       CLEVELAND BROWNS: CB Joe Haden, Florida
The Cleveland Browns secondary has been a major weakness for the team for the past few years. Eric Wright is a nice young, talented player for the team to build around; however Brandon McDonald leaves a lot to be desired on the other side. Adding an elite-level cornerback in the mold of Joe Haden would turn a weakness into a strength for the Browns. Cleveland could also stand to add a pass rusher or another option in the passing game, but Haden appears to be their best option at No. 7 overall.

8.       OAKLAND RAIDERS: DE Jason Pierre-Paul, South Florida
It's the 2010 derby for the Oakland Raiders in terms of which overrated prospect they will draft too high. The Raiders love to draft players with elite measurables (size, speed, etc.), which is one reason why Jason Pierre-Paul (JPP)is a great fit for them. I'm in no way as high on JPP as other's are, however he is a talented and extremely athletic player who should receive a lot of interest at the next level. Adding an elite pass rusher to pair with Richard Seymour would help to give Oakland a far greater pass rusher than they already have. They have larger holes (offensive line, secondary, quarterback); however it's clear that Al Davis is willing to go with other positions if he likes a player. At this point, predicting the Raiders' pick is a crapshoot; we still have a long way to go.

9.       BUFFALO BILLS: QB Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame
With their new head coach, who specializes in developing quarterbacks, it's clear that the Bills could be one of the frontrunners for one of the top quarterbacks in the 2010 draft. After going through the Trent Edwards/Ryan Fitzpatrick experiment, the Bills are no looking for a true quarterback of the future to build around. For Clausen, landing with a quarterback guru like Chan Gailey would do wonders for his development in the NFL. The Bills also have holes on the offensive and defensive lines and could go a number of ways with this pick, however I think that quarterback might be the strongest possibility.

10.   DENVER BRONCOS (from Bears): WR Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State
As of now, all signs point to Brandon Marshall heading out of town to another team. His off-field problems have grown over the past year and the Broncos now appear to be sick and tired of it. With that said, if the Broncos do indeed trade Marshall, they are going to need to find his replacement. There would be no better option for them this year than landing Oklahoma State's Dez Bryant. An elite option in the passing game who has the talent to develop into a true No. 1 wide receiver in the NFL, Bryant has all of the makings of a star receiver at the next level. Adding him to an offense that could use a consistent spark would do a lot for Denver.

11.   JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: S Earl Thomas, Texas
Since he was drafted in 2007, Reggie Nelson's career has quietly gone downhill fast. He has struggled making tackles in the open field and he didn't intercept a pass in 2009 after intercepting seven between his first two years. As he heads into his fourth year, the Jaguars could find an upgrade for him, and with a safety class that is loaded this year, 2010 would be the time to do it. Earl Thomas is a very smart, instinctive player who is always around the football and has the talent to develop into a very good player at the next level. The talk of drafting Tim Tebow 10th or 11th overall is ridiculous and it's clear that he isn't worth taking in the first round anymore.

12.   MIAMI DOLPHINS: LB Rolando McClain, Alabama
The Miami Dolphins linebacker core is one that is going to be under the spotlight this season. When you consider that the futures of Jason Taylor and Joey Porter are up in the air, as well as a need at inside linebacker, it's pretty clear that the Dolphins will address the linebacker position at some point in 2010. Rolando McClain has all the makings of being the next Patrick Willis-type of player in the NFL. He's a very smart player with outstanding instincts and would be a tremendous fit with the smart and knowledgeable coaching staff in Miami. If he's available when they pick, I think that McClain would be a terrific fit with them. Wide receiver and nose tackle are two other options for the Dolphins.

13.   SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS: OG Mike Iupati, Idaho
The San Francisco 49ers offensive line is a work in progress and could use an elite interior offensive lineman. For a team that wants to specialize in having a power-running type of offense, there would be no better fit in the draft than adding Idaho offensive guard Mike Iupati. A mauler on the offensive line who absolutely dominates in the run game, Iupati has the potential to develop into one of the top offensive linemen in football. With two first round picks, the 49ers should have their chance to draft him with one of the two picks.

14.   SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (from Broncos): S Taylor Mays, USC
The addition of Pete Carroll as head coach of the Seattle Seahawks figures to have an impact on the 2010 draft. With a number of USC players entering the 2010 draft, including several at positions of need for Seattle, I wouldn't be surprised to see a few Trojans make the jump with Carroll to the Seahawks. Taylor Mays is a player who would be a great fit with the defensive-minded Carroll, a coach who knows exactly how to take advantage of Mays' special talent. Adding a top safety like Mays would really fill a hole for Seattle.

15.   NEW YORK GIANTS: LB Sergio Kindle, Texas
The New York Giants defense had a bit of a re-building year in 2009. Without defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and defensive end Michael Strahan, their defense was one of their greatest weaknesses, rather than one of their strengths. At the heart of their problems was in their linebacker core where Antonio Pierce missed time with injury and they struggled with a lack of elite production that they had during their Super Bowl run. Adding an elite outside linebacker prospect in the mold of Texas' Sergio Kindle, who could also play defensive end at times for them, would be an excellent fit to help propel their defense into the 2010 season.

16.   TENNESSEE TITANS: DE Carlos Dunlap, Florida
Ever since Jevon Kearse was at the peak of his career, the Titans have lacked an elite pass rusher on defense. Their leading sacker in 2009 was Jacob Ford with 5.5. While as a team they put decent numbers as a whole, they could stand to upgrade their defensive line and add that pure pass rusher. When the Titans were on top of the game in 2008, their defense was among the best in football. Returning to that would help them tremendously. Carlos Dunlap is an extremely talented player who has suffered from off-field issues. He's a risky pick in 2010, and may be a boom or bust type of player; however, the boom could bring Tennessee a Kearse-type of impact player.

17. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (from Panthers): DE Derrick Morgan, Georgia Tech
Like the Titans, the 49ers have put up good sack numbers, however they also lack an elite pass rusher. Manny Lawson was drafted in the first round in 2006 to add that elite rusher; however, 2009 was the best season of his career, where he came away with just 6.5 sacks. To turn this defense into one of the league's elite, they could use a type of game-changing outside linebacker that brings a top pass rush. Derrick Morgan is one of the draft's top pass rushers, and despite ranking as my top defensive end, may go behind Jason Pierre-Paul due to triangle numbers. Adding Morgan to their defense which already includes Patrick Willis and Aubrayo Franklin would really help to turn this defense into one of the better units in the league.

18. PITTSBURGH STEELERS: OT Anthony Davis, Rutgers
The Pittsburgh Steelers have had troubles on their offensive line for the majority of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's career. They have given up enough sacks to end a quarterback's career, however, Roethlisberger has held tough and won the team two Super Bowls. It's time for the team to address the line, specifically at tackle where they could stand to add an elite player. The opinions on Rutgers Anthony Davis are fuzzy. Some have him as a Top-10, if not Top-5 pick, while others see him as a mid-to-late first rounder. Wherever he goes, he's going to bring good value and is going to be a very talented, young player for his team to build around on offense.

19.   ATLANTA FALCONS: CB Kyle Wilson, Boise State
In 2009, Atlanta ranked fifth-worst against the pass, due in large part to in unproductive play at the cornerback position. Whether it's Brent Grimes or Christopher Owens, the cornerbacks for the Falcons are young, inexperienced, and could stand to be upgraded. Kyle Wilson is one of the hottest prospects in the 2010 and his play at the Senior Bowl has elevated him to being a first-round pick. Adding a versatile player like Wilson to a secondary that could use a playmaker desperately would help the Falcons defense tremendously heading into 2010.

20.   HOUSTON TEXANS: RB C.J. Spiller, Clemson
The Texans were the third-worst rushing team in football in 2009. Their running back core was abysmal, with players such as Chris Brown and Ryan Moats carrying the load at times during the year. Steve Slaton had a very poor sophomore season and showed that he can't be counted on as the full-time starter in 2010. C.J. Spiller is as explosive and quick as any player in the draft and would add the final piece to puzzle in Houston; he would give them their last added dimension on offense that they have lacked for quite awhile. Spiller's outstanding cutback ability would be a perfect fit in Houston's zone-blocking scheme on offense.

21.   CINCINNATI BENGALS: TE Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma
The Bengals made great strides in 2010, however on offense it was clear that they lacked another threat to draw away coverage from Chad Ochocinco. Gresham is an outstanding talent at the tight end position and will provide a team in the NFL with a terrific combination of size, speed, and athleticism. For quite a few years now, the Bengals have lacked an elite tight end to help power their offense; adding one this year with a very talented class would be a smart decision. Landing Gresham at this pick after his season-ending injury would also be great value.

22.   NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS: DE Everson Griffen, USC
The Patriots pass rush suffered significantly this season after they traded Richard Seymour. Outside of Tully Banta-Cain's 9.5 sacks on the outside, the Pats lacked the consistent pass rush that they were able to get during their Super Bowl run, and because of that, lost in the first round of the playoffs. Everson Griffen is a very talented player who is young, but offers high upside. He has the pass rushing ability to play outside linebacker in the team's 3-4 scheme, however he has the size and strength to play defensive end in their defense. One way or another, New England needs to upgrade their pass rush in 2010, and adding Griffen would help their defense out significantly.

23.   GREEN BAY PACKERS: OT Trent Williams, Oklahoma
In 2009, there was no team that allowed more sacks of the quarterback than the Packers did. Their offensive line was a rotating door at several positions; at tackle they have two aging players who are on the back end of their careers and on the interior they have yet to find a consistent trio of starters. Trent Williams offers a tremendous amount of versatility, with experience at both tackle positions as well as at center. Williams would be a great fit to step in and take over for Mark Tauscher at right tackle. The Packers top priority this offseason needs to be on the offensive line. Running back and safety could also be address with this pick.

24.   PHILADELPHIA EAGLES: LB Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri
The Eagles' linebacker core dealt with several injuries during the 2009 season. Starting middle linebacker was lost to a knee injury before the season started. At outside linebacker, they brought in Will Witherspoon to play one outside spot, which helped a lot this past season. Adding another young, talented player to play opposite him would help their defense significantly. Weatherspoon is a very smart, emotional player who plays the game with a passion. He's a very athletic player who has sideline-to-sideline range and would turn the Eagles' linebacker core into one of the best in the league with his addition. Offensive line is another area that the Eagles could address with this pick.

25.   BALTIMORE RAVENS: WR Arrelious Benn, Illinois
The Ravens are aware that the career of Derrick Mason is about as close to ending as any other player in the National Football League. With potentially one year left for Mason, the Ravens need to find his eventual replacement. With a stacked group at the receiver position in 2010, this would be a smart year to make that move. Arrelious Benn is a very talented player who has the potential to develop into a No. 1 receiver for a team at the next level. Drafting him and developing him behind Mason would give the Ravens a young receiver to build the future of their receiving core around. With two young, outstanding players to build around in Joe Flacco and Ray Rice, the Ravens offense just needs to add more targets in their passing game. Cornerback could also be considered here.

26.   ARIZONA CARDINALS: LB Brandon Spikes, Florida
The Cardinals are in a tough position this offseason. Starting middle linebacker Karlos Dansby's career with the team could be coming to an end, with him being a free agent this offseason. If Dansby leaves, then they are going to be in the market to find his replacement. Spikes was the leader of the Florida Gators' defense that helped them win two National Championships in three years. Spikes' experience and leadership is what will give him the best chance to develop into a stud linebacker in the NFL. The Cardinals could also address cornerback or the offensive line with this pick.

27.   DALLAS COWBOYS: WR Golden Tate, Notre Dame
It was clear in the playoffs that the Dallas Cowboys receiving core needs to add one more threat to make their offense complete. Miles Austin has developed into one of the top young talents in the league, however outside of him they don't have any other receivers to throw to. Roy Williams was a bust after being traded from Detroit and Patrick Crayton can't be relied on as a starter. At tight end Jason Witten had a down year and Martellus Bennett has yet to have his breakout moment. Golden Tate is a talented, versatile player who could potentially develop into a very good slot or No. 2 receiver in the NFL. Between their two legitimate tight ends as well as Austin, adding Tate would add that final piece to the team's offense. Offensive line or safety could also be considered with this pick.

28.   SAN DIEGO CHARGERS: RB Jahvid Best, California
The Chargers running game ranked among the worst in football this past season. LaDanian Tomlinson's career appears to be over with the team and it's clear that Darren Sproles is nothing more than an excellent change-of-pace back. San Diego needs to find a replacement for Tomlinson, and they need to do it fast. Similar to how the Cardinals drafted Chris Wells last year and he developed into a nice starter for them down the stretch, I think that the Chargers should follow that blueprint and add their starter of the future in the first round of the upcoming draft. Jahvid Best is a very talented back who was extremely productive in college and has the potential to be a star in the NFL. Upgrading their front seven on defense could also be considered with this pick.

29.   NEW YORK JETS: CB Donovan Warren, Michigan
The Jets made a terrific run in the 2009 playoffs and were the Cinderella team that everyone was rooting for. Their secondary appears to be in a re-building mode this offseason with as many as two of the four starters not returning as starts next season. The Jets need to find another excellent corner to pair with Darrelle Revis, the best in the league. Bringing in another corner with top-notch potential would make this defense and this team as a whole even more dangerous. Donovan Warren is a talented player whose career didn't receive as much exposure due to Michigan's lack of success the past few years, however he has all of the talent and tools needed to develop into a starter in the NFL. New York could also look at wide receiver with this pick.

30.   MINNESOTA VIKINGS: OT Bruce Campbell, Maryland
The Minnesota Vikings offensive line started to struggle down the stretch in 2009, which resulted in quarterback Brett Favre being thrown around like a rag doll in the NFC Championship Game. There is talk that Minnesota could trade Bryant McKinnie in the offseason, who has had noted trouble off the field. One way or another, the team is going to be looking to address the offensive line this offseason. Bruce Campbell is a freak athletically and has been said to be the “Vernon Davis of the offensive line.” Expect to see Campbell's stock rise quickly this offseason. The Vikings could also address the safety position with this pick.

31.   INDIANAPOLIS COLTS: DT Dan Williams, Tennessee
The Colts run defense hasn't been their strongest point the past few years. They had the ninth-worst run defense in the league in 2009. Since Ed Johnson was cut and Quinn Pitcock retired, they have lacked a true presence on the interior of the defensive line. Dan Williams is a very stout player with excellent strength who had a great senior year as the anchor of the Volunteers' defensive line. Bringing him in to add a strong presence to the interior of their defensive line would help the Colts' defense as a whole in a lot of ways. The Colts could also address their offensive line with this pick.

 

32.   NEW ORLEANS SAINTS: DT Brian Price, Tennessee
The Saints have made such a great run this season that it's sad that the season had to end. With few glaring holes, New Orleans has the opportunity to take the best available player. On the defensive line, Sedrick Ellis has done a great job of being an anchor as the one-technique in their 4-3 defense. Adding another stud on the defensive line who could play the three-technique next to Ellis would make this team's defense even better. Brian Price is a player who reminds me a bit of Warren Sapp; he has excellent quickness of the snap, and while his motor runs hot and cold, his potential at the next level is tremendous. Pairing him with Ellis would turn this team's defensive line into a very dangerous one to go up against.