NFL Tickets - Late First-Round Projections
March 2, 2010 by BrentWarnken
Here are my projections for the final 10 picks of the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft as of Feb. 23.
Cincinnati Bengals - Jermaine Gresham, Tight End, Oklahoma: The Bengals ran the ball well last season, but struggled to net significant yards on passing downs. Part of this was due to the lack of vertical weapons for quarterback Carson Palmer. Any of the remaining receivers would probably be a bit of a stretch here, and that may not stop the Bengals from taking one, but Gresham would be a better value pick. He's a new-age tight end that does the bulk of his work in the receiving game and is essentially a first-round lock despite missing the entire 2009 collegiate season. That says a lot about his talent.
New England Patriots - Sergio Kindle, Linebacker, Texas: The Patriots need to keep getting younger on defense and Kindle would slide in nicely next to Jerod Mayo.
Green Bay Packers - Mike Iupati, Offensive Guard, Iowa: The Packers had a lot of trouble keeping Aaron Rodgers upright in the early part of 2009. Though they improved their protection as the season wore on, they could still use help in that area.
Philadelphia Eagles - Taylor Mays, Safety, USC: Mays could fall out of the first round, as his lack of cover skills was exposed this past season, but I think the Eagles will take a serious look. He'll remind a lot of fans of Brian Dawkins and could end up being a very effective player if used correctly. He can lay the big hits that sell NFL tickets.
Baltimore Ravens - Arrelious Benn, Wide Receiver, Illinois: The Ravens need to get Joe Flacco some more weapons. With Benn on board, the Ravens would have a nice, young offensive trio of Flacco, Benn and Ray Rice. Benn has a ton of potential and all the tools to be very good, but he's a risk as his production at Illinois was not impressive. If the Ravens are ready to chalk that up to a suspect supporting cast, then Benn is a good bet to be considered.
Arizona Cardinals - Brandon Graham, Defensive End/Linebacker, Michigan: The Cardinals could use a hybrid player in their scheme and Graham would fit the bill nicely.
Dallas Cowboys - Earl Thomas, Safety, Texas: The Cowboys are looking to get younger and more athletic at safety, and Thomas would provide very nice value at this pick.
San Diego Chargers - Ryan Matthews, Running Back, Fresno State: Matthews would be a perfect fit for the Chargers. He's a hard, downhill runner that could be the thunder to Darren Sproles' lightning.
New York Jets - Demaryius Thomas, Wide Receiver, Georgia Tech: Thomas is on the rise as of late and could be in for even more of an upswing after the combine. The Jets see their need for a deep threat in the passing game as a priority to address.
Minnesota Vikings - Devin McCourty, Cornerback, Rutgers: The Vikes could use McCourty, who I keep hearing good things about, in their secondary.
Indianapolis Colts - Jared Odrick, Defensive Tackle, Penn State: The Colts always seem to need help with their run defense, and Odrick would help plug things up in the middle.
New Orleans Saints - Sean Witherspoon, Linebacker, Missouri: Witherspoon would fit in nicely next to Jonathan Vilma for the Super Bowl Champs.
