2010 NFL Draft Live: Round-by-Round Picks and Analysis 

The 2010 NFL Draft is finally here, and NFL Soup has you covered with first-round live coverage. With each trade and pick we’ll have live, updated coverage on the NFL Draft, displaying each pick as it’s announced, and offering our expert analysis on all the picks.

 

Taylor Smith, Kevin Roberts, and Keet Bailey will be live on Thursday, starting at 7:30 ET, for all your NFL Draft info and needs.

To take part in a LIVE NFL Draft Chat with NFL Soup writers, go here.

Round One

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

The Cleveland Browns had us talking up until the final minutes leading up to the first pick of this draft, but we knew what was going to happen.

The Rams could certainly have used a stud defensive tackle, but getting a good, young passer to be the face of their franchise was priority number one.

2. Detroit Lions – Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska

There was talk for a while that Detroit could go after Albert Haynesworth, but once that rumor went down, everyone knew it was down to Suh and Gerald McCoy.

One could still make an argument for McCoy, but Suh fits Jim Schwart’z defense better, and is an absolute beast that needs to be accounted for on every play. The Lions made the right pick and are one more step toward turning a laughing-stock defense into a playoff contender.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma

McCoy is arguably even a better overall defensive tackle than Suh, and actually fits Tampa Bay’s scheme better than he would have fit Detroit’s.

The Buccaneers haven’t had consistency at an elite level in the middle of their defensive line since the days of Warren Sapp, which makes the pick of McCoy all that more important.

4. Washington Redskins – Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma

Arguably the second-best offensive tackle in the draft, Williams leap-frogged Russell Okung due to his athletcism and versatility.

Either way, there was no doubt about it;  Washington needed help on their offensive line. Experts can fight over which tackle should have been taken here, but the fact remains that the Redskins drafted at the right position.

5. Kansas City Chiefs – Eric Berry, S, Tennessee

Offensive tackle was a major need here, and the Chiefs could be kicking themselves later that they didn’t get an elite tackle to protect Matt Cassel.

However, they desperately need help in their secondary, as they have some under-achievers at safety. In the end, Berry was too talented to slip out of the top five, and no one can fault Kansas City for grabbing such a remarkable talent.

6. Seattle Seahawks – Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State

Okung was good enough to be a top-three pick, but was never very likely to fall past Seattle.  He’s a massive man with great strength and solid athleticism, and fills a major need for the Seahawks.

Whether it’s Matt Hasselbeck or Charlie Whitehurst behind center in 2010, the quarterback for Seattle will rest easy knowing their blindside is fully protected. First-year head coach Pete Carroll avoided the flashy pick and went after a serious weaness, earning NFL Soup’s full approval.

7. Cleveland Browns – Joe Haden, CB, Florida

Haden is regarded as the top corner prospect in the draft, and he fills a large hole for the Browns here.

There were talks of Cleveland potentially trading out of this spot, but Haden is the right choice. He has everything you’d want out of a no. 1 corner, and has incredible ball skills and great instincts.

Mike Holmgren has done well with his first pick.

8. Oakland Raiders – Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama

Didn’t exactly see this one coming, but it’s the Raiders, so expect the unexpected.

He’s the best linebacker in this draft, but may be a reach here. A tackling machine, he’ll be a very productive NFL player.

Kirk Morrison is the incumbent at this position, meaning his days as a Raider could be numbered.

9. Buffalo Bills – C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson

This isn’t as big a surprise as McClain, but still unexpected.

Spiller is the most electrifying player in the draft, and, based on how quickly the pick was in, the Bills weren’t doubting this one for a second.

Spiller likely isn’t an every-down back, but he’s a big-play threat every time he touches the ball.

10. Jacksonville Jaguars – Tyson Alualu, DT, California

Alualu was typically projected as a late-first, early-second round pick, but the Jags pull the shocker here at no. 10.

He’s a perfect 3-4 defensive end, and would fit better than someone like Derrick Morgan in the scheme. He was very productive as a defensive tackle at Cal, and he’s a great overall athlete.

Denver Broncos trade no. 11 pick to San Francisco 49ers for no. 13 pick and 113th pick (4th round).

11. San Francisco 49ers – Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers

Davis’ stock has been all over the place for months, but the Niners felt the need to trade up to get their future right tackle.

He’s a huge 6’5″, 325-pounder with all the necessary tools to succeed at either tackle spot.

He’s a big time talent, and will have to work hard to reach his fullest potential.

Miami Dolphins trade no. 12 pick to San Diego Chargers for no. 28 pick and no. 40 pick (2nd round).

12. San Diego Chargers – Ryan Mathews, RB, Fresno State

The Chargers desperately need a running back to complement the diminutive Darren Sproles, and they certainly got their guy.

Mathews is a big, punishing runner with surprisingly great speed, and can also block and catch the ball out of the backfield. San Diego felt they would have missed out on him had they stayed put at no. 28.

Denver Broncos trade no. 13 pick to Philadelphia Eagles for two third-round picks.

13. Philadelphia Eagles – Brandon Graham, DE, Michigan

Shocker here, as it was being widely reported that Earl Thomas was Philly’s target with this trade.

Graham’s size is a concern to some, but his talent is undeniable, and he’s an incredible pass rusher with decent run stopping ability as well.

He’ll be a menace of a player in the NFC East.

14. Seattle Seahawks – Earl Thomas, S, Texas

With Thomas and Okung, the Seahawks have gotten themselves two very strong choices.

He’s an incredibly talented ball-hawking centerfield type, and can play both safety positions as well as corner.

He’s very athletic, very instinctive, and thought to be one of the most NFL-ready players in the pool.

15. New York Giants – Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida

Pierre-Paul was a workout wonder, dazzling scouts at the combine with his impressive numbers.

He’s a physical freak and a great athlete, and hasn’t even played enough football yet to tap into his massive potential.

Once he gets on the field, he should be very proficient at wreaking havoc into offensive backfields. He may take some time to develop, but he’s got tons of upside.

16. Tennessee Titans – Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech

Morgan fell a bit in this draft, but the Titans will welcome him with open arms at no. 16.

He’s an extremely well-rounded defensive lineman, and will play immediately for a Tennessee defense that dropped off in a big way in 2009.

While he’s not a sack specialist by any means, he excels against the run, and can do it all on the field.

17. San Francisco 49ers – Mike Iupati, G, Idaho

The Niners are serious about Alex Smith playing quarterback in 2010, as their first two picks have been spent on the offensive line.

Iupati’s stock has been rising, and he had been rumored to be going anywhere in the first round.

His pass blocking could use some work, but he’s an incredibly powerful player for a guard, and could eventually become a tackle.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers – Maurkice Pouncey, C, Florida

Pouncey has been rumored to be the choice here all along, and can play both guard slots as well as center.

He’s very powerful up front, and can open up a hole with the best of them. He’ll likely begin his career as a guard for the Steelers, and could eventually take over at center.

19. Atlanta Falcons – Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Missouri

The Falcons are a team on the rise, and Weatherspoon is a versatile player that can play any linebacker spot.

He’s a rock-solid tackler, which goes well with his great strength and well above-average athleticism.

Can’t go wrong with this one.

20. Houston Texans – Kareem Jackson, CB, Alabama

Jackson is a physical corner and instantly fills one of the Texans’ two most dire needs.

He’s got great speed and ball skills, and has all the physical tools to succeed at the next level. The Texans have had good draft success in the last couple of seasons, and must believe Jackson fits well with what they’re trying to do.

21. Cincinnati Bengals -Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma

Gresham is the ideal pass catching tight end that fills a major need for the Cincinnati Bengals.

Gresham’s route running isn’t ideal, and he could be a better blocker, but his hands are as good as some of the better wide receivers in the NFL. Carson Palmer needs as many pass catchers as he can get in Cincinnati if they want to continue sweeping the AFC North.

22. Denver Broncos- Demaryius Thomas, WR, Georgia Tech

Thomas is a big target with reliable hands and great speed. His size and speed combination is one of the tops in the 2010 NFL Draft. This move is somewhat baffling considering Dez Bryant was still available, however.

With the loss of Brandon Marshall, Denver grabs a number one receiver for Kyle Orton/Brady Quinn to get the ball to down the field. Thomas gets great separation, and catches nearly everything. Had Thomas had a legit quarterback in college, he could have been a top 10 pick, easily.

23. Green Bay Packers- Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa

Bulaga is a very physical, tough tackle, who is still capable of protecting the quarterback despite having a less than average arm length.

This is an excellent pick for Green Bay considering Aaron Rodgers was sacked the second most in the NFL in 2009. This was really a no brainer for a guy who is very versatile. He can play both tackle positions and the left guard position.

New England Patriots trade no. 24 and no. 119 (fourth round) to Dallas Cowboys for no. 27 and no. 90 (third round).

24. Dallas Cowboys- Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State

Dez Bryant is a physical wide receiver with fantastic hands that can really stretch the field.

Despite the emergence of Miles Austin, the Cowboys really want to give Tony Romo a true number one wide receiver to throw to. Dez Bryant runs great routes, and is arguably the best wide receiver in the draft, and many thought would be a top 15 pick. Dallas gets a steal at 24 here after trading up in front of Baltimore.

Baltimore Ravens trade no. 25 pick to Denver Broncos for a second round, third round, and fourth round pick.

25. Denver Broncos- Tim Tebow, QB, Florida

Everybody can quiet down now because Tim Tebow has landed in Colorado with the Denver Broncos.

Tim Tebow is a questionable quarterback at the next level. He has struggled with his throwing motion, and his overall mechanics, but word has it that he looks good after revamping his entire technique. Denver will have a potential 3 way quarterback controversy come August.

26. Arizona Cardinals- Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee

The 3rd most talented defensive tackle in this draft, Dan Williams is a big guy who can play a 1 or 0 technique.

Arizona runs a 3-4 defense, making Williams an immediate upgrade playing the 0 technique over the center. Williams has a great rush, and demands a double team. He doesn’t have to be  a pass rusher, which was his biggest weakness, he just needs to hold the point of attack and free up the linebackers to make plays.

27. New England Patriots- Devin McCourty, CB, Rutgers

Devin McCourty is a speedy corner back who can cover some of the faster receivers in the NFL.

McCourty isn’t known as a ball hawk, but he’s a guy who can prevent wide receivers from stretching the field. McCourty isn’t anything spectacular against the run, but he’s not terrible. However, you cannot question the Patriots drafting skills as they seem to turn lower 1st round talent into stars.

28. Miami Dolphins- Jared Odrick, DT, Penn State

Odrick is the ideal 3-4 defensive end who can play the 5 technique effectively.

Miami’s biggest problem last year came on the defensive line as the linebackers were always getting blocked so that they couldn’t make plays. Odrick is great with his hands, and demands a double  team often. His motor is amazing and is the lunch pail guy that Parcells wants starting for his defense.

29. New York Jets- Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State

Wilson is a speedy cornerback who many thought would be drafted between 12 and 18.

Despite the acquisition of Antonio Cromartie, the Jets cornerback depth is pretty bad. Wilson could also potentially move to free safety temporarily as he’s very versatile. He’s a tremendous special teams player who can make a play as a punt returner or kick returner, on top of his coverage skills.

Minnesota Vikings trade no. 30 pick and no. 128 (fourth round) to Detroit Lions for no. 34 (second round), no. 100 (fourth round), and no. 214 (seventh round).

30. Detroit Lions- Jahvid Best, RB, California

Best brings a quick, pass catching running back skill set to Detroit that Stafford really will benefit from.

Jahvid Best is one of the more versatile running backs in this draft. His elusiveness is what is most intriguing because he just makes people miss. He can catch and he can run. The Lions can keep Kevin Smith and have a two headed monster, but had to select Best due to the injury issues that Kevin Smith has had.

31. Indianapolis Colts- Jerry Hughes, DE, TCU

Hughes may be one of the more underrated defensive ends in the draft in terms of pass rushing.

With the Colts losing a big time guy in Raheem Brock, Hughes can step right in and be a player that will get to the quarterback. He’s great in contain, and solid against the run, but the Colts fell in love with his ability to get to the quarterback. Excellent pick by the Colts here.

32. New Orleans Saints- Patrick Robinson, CB, Florida State

This was a surprising pick considering Robinson isn’t a great cornerback. Robinson was projected as a middle to late second round player.

Robinson is a quick corner who will cover the number two receivers in the NFL. He’s not physical at all, and will not help out in run support. The move was overall baffling after Tracy Porter had a solid season, and after drafting Malcolm Jenkins in the first round last season, who actually is a physical cornerback like the NFC South needs.