By Ryan Houston
January 26, 2010 8:05am CST

1. St. Louis Rams - Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska - With Washington State QB Jake Locker deciding to stay in school for his senior season, the Rams are likely to take Suh - who has the size, ability and work ethic to be the most impactful player in this draft class. He should help St. Louis stop the run, and is a phenomenal bull-rusher who can make game-changing plays. Steve Spagnuolo will be very happy with this selection.

2. Detroit Lions - Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State - Many believe that Oklahoma DT Gerald McCoy is the pick here, as second year front man Jim Schwartz looks to improve his porous defensive line. However, an argument can be made that Detroit's O-line is just as horrible as its D-line. And protecting the investment that is Matthew Stafford could take precedence over defense in round one. With Stafford banged up towards the end of 2009, look for Detroit to take a long, hard look at this tough, athletic 6-foot-8 tackle.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Eric Berry, S, Tennessee - The Buccaneers could not find at answer at safety in 2009, and with front man Raheem Morris being a former defensive backs coach, he's likely to push for Berry - who some have called an Ed Reed-clone. Berry's strengths are his speed and ability to make plays in coverage. He's a good tackler, as well, and isn't afraid to get physical but he projects as a free safety at the pro level.

4. Washington Redskins - Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma - It's no secret that Jason Campbell's job is in jeopardy in Washington, and it's no secret that new Executive VP and head coach Mike Shanahan is way better at drafting offense than he is at drafting defense. A lot of evaluation still needs to occur before Shanny decides between Bradford and Notre Dame's Jimmy Clausen with this pick, but right now Bradford is the more accomplished and accurate of the two passers. I could also see Washington trading out of this pick if they decide Campbell's their guy.

5. Kansas City Chiefs - Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma - Like Detroit, the Chiefs need help at both offensive and defensive line, but after spending their last two first round picks on defensive linemen, it's time to start protecting their quarterback's blind side. The 6-foot-5 Williams is extremely tough and is a great run blocker. He has a great feel for the game and could help the Chiefs offense - who has talent at the skill positions - take it to the next level.

6. Seattle Seahawks - Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame - To be honest, I'm not that high on Jimmy Clausen. He projects to be an average NFL QB - average height, average accuracy and average mobility. However, he has the mental makeup to impress new head coach Pete Carroll in interviews, and let's face it, Matt Hasselbeck may be done for good and Seneca Wallace is not the heir apparent.

7. Cleveland Browns - Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma - I may be crazy for letting McCoy fall this far in my initial mock, but crazier things have happened in real life, and I want to see what this guy can do at the Combine. With his elite first step and pass rushing ability from the tackle position, and his knack for consistently disrupting the run, both St. Louis and Detroit could give him consideration at the top of the draft.

8. Oakland Raiders - Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech - At 6-foot-4 and 268 pounds, this speedy end dominated during his junior season at Georgia Tech, finishing with 55 tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks. However, he was consistently held in check by Iowa's offensive line in the Orange Bowl. Still, he projects as a top-15 pick, and would be a good fit in Oakland as Greg Ellis and Richard Seymour are approaching Grandpa status.

9. Buffalo Bills - Joe Haden, CB, Florida - Considered to have fluid hips and the ability to turn and run with receivers, Haden projects to be a potential rare shutdown corner at the pro level. He has great ball skills and phenomenal closing speed. I'm actually excited to see what this guy's forty-time is at the Combine. Oh, and the fact that he's nearly six-feet tall won't hurt his draft stock nor his ability to cover some of the NFL's elite receivers.

10. Jacksonville Jaguars - Earl Thomas, S, Texas - Thomas is a flat out playmaker. He picked off eight passes in 2009, two of which he returned for scores. He also forced four fumbles and intercepted two passes in 2008. His strength, however, is tackling, as he racked up five or more solos on five occasions this past season. After adding offensive linemen last year, and defensive linemen the year before, the Jags need to address their secondary. And for the people putting Tim Tebow's name in this slot - you're crazy!

11. Denver Broncos (from Chicago) - Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State - The Broncos shocked everyone last year and went offense with their first-overall pick, and they'll do the same again this season, especially if Brandon Marshall is traded. Bryant currently projects as the top wideout in this year's draft, and at 6-foot-2 and 217 pounds, has a prototype build for a "No.1 receiver" at the pro level. Bryant hauled in 87 balls for 1,480 yards at 19 touchdowns in 2008, and was on a similar pace in 2009 prior to being suspended by the NCAA just three games into the season.

12. Miami Dolphins - Rolando McClain, ILB, Alabama - The Dolphins didn't get a whole lot out of inside linebackers Channing Crowder, Akin Ayodele and Reggie Torbor in 2009, and OLBs Jason Taylor and Joey Porter's futures are up in the air, making linebacker a top position of need. McClain is a team leader with great instincts and an explosive, sound tackler. He would be a great fit in Miami.

13. San Francisco 49ers - Navorro Bowman, OLB, Penn State - Although a bit short at 6-foot-1, he's a well-built 232 pounds, and his speed will be what makes him a first-round pick. If the Niners can get past Bowman's off-the-field issues, Mike Singletary can turn him into an elite outside linebacker and phenomenal fit for the team's hybrid defense.
14. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver) - C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson - Due to the success of Titans' RB Chris Johnson - who many compare Spiller to - there's a chance that he could go higher than this. The blazing fast Spiller split carries with James Davis for most of his career, but still put up very solid digits. He reminds me a lot of Jamaal Charles due to his 5-foot-11, 195 pound frame, but could be the type of game-breaker that many teams are looking for, including Seattle who has not found their answer at running back yet.

15. New York Giants - Sergio Kindle, OLB, Texas - The G-Men need help on defense, especially at linebacker. Kindle is big (6-foot-4, 236 pounds) and versatile, as he can play defensive end as well. While he projects better in a 3-4 defense, you better believe that the Giants took note regarding what division rival Washington did with Brian Orakpo last year, moving him from college DE to pro 4-3 OLB.

16. San Francisco 49ers (from Carolina) - Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers - Davis may not be available at this point in the draft, as he's possibly the best true NFL left tackle prospect this year. His strength is pass protection, and he has no injury history despite being a three year starter. Despite having a strong O-line already, Davis would be a steal for San Francisco at this spot. USC safety Taylor Mays would also be a good fit here.

17. Tennessee Titans - Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida - With Jevon Kearse and Kyle Vanden Bosch no longer effective pass rushers, the Titans need to add a solid young defensive end with this pick, and there are plenty available. At 6-foot-6 and 293 pounds, Dunlap is huge with great upper body strength and athleticism. His long arms and repertoire of pass rushing moves will make him a little more attractive than the other DEs that have mid-to-late first-round grades. South Florida DE Jason Pierre-Paul could also be the pick here.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers - Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland - Over the last few years, offensive tackle has become the most sought-after positions in the first round of the NFL Draft. This year will be no exception, and I expect the Steelers to take one. Let's face it, more strength up front and this team could be scary. Yes, I know they need help at safety and Taylor Mays is still on the board, but at 6-foot-7 and 312 pounds, Campbell has a very high ceiling. He's a bit raw, however, he'd be in a perfect position to learn and grow in Pittsburgh.

19. Atlanta Falcons - Taylor Mays, S, USC - There's a chance that Seattle could jump on him at No. 14 due to the Pete Carroll connection, but he's a great fit at No. 19 to Atlanta. The Falcons really need someone in their secondary who can be an elite superstar, and Mays is that guy. He's definitely more of a Bob Sanders-type big hitter than an Ed Reed-type playmaker. At 6-foot-3 and 230 pounds with the ability to run a sub-4.3 40-yard dash, he truly is an amazing blend of size and speed.

20. Houston Texans - Brandon Spikes, ILB, Florida - The Texans went linebacker last year in the first round, and it really paid off. While it may not be seen as a position of need this year, Spikes is too good to pass up. MLB DeMeco Ryans' production has gone down a bit, and it may be worth looking at moving him to the weak side if Spikes is on the board. He reminds me a bit of Ray Lewis, due to his size, strength, toughness and leadership ability.

21. Cincinnati Bengals - Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida - Although he's played at smaller schools throughout his career, JPP has generated a lot of buzz recently due to his pass rush skills and stamina. He rarely takes plays off and at 6-foot-5 and 263 pounds, is a phenomenal athlete. He's seen throughout NFL circles as a project with a very high ceiling. He'd be a great fit in Cincy behind Antwan Odom and Robert Geathers.

22. New England Patriots - Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame - With Wes Welker's status up in the air for 2010, and a glaring need for a third wide receiver even before Welker went down with ACL and MCL injuries in Week 17, Tate is the perfect fit in New England. He has reliable hands, great run-after-the-catch ability, and is a polished route runner who also excels on special teams as a kick returner.

23. Green Bay Packers - Patrick Robinson, CB, Florida State - Out of all 32 NFL teams, the Packers may be the one with the least amount of need, which makes Robinson a perfect fit. He projects as a very solid NFL corner that can play his role in pass coverage and defend the run well. He gets over his mistakes quickly and would contribute immediately in Dom Capers' defense.

24. Philadelphia Eagles - Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa - The solid 6-foot-6, 311 pound tackle pretty much kept Georgia Tech's Derrick Morgan at bay in the Orange Bowl, which caught the eye of NFL scouts. Despite trading for Jason Peters last season, the Eagles still need help at O-line. And Bulaga is a great value at this spot.

25. Baltimore Ravens - Bruce Carter, OLB, North Carolina - Not only is Carter a tackle machine, but he can also step in and contribute from day one on special teams, after leading the nation with five blocked kicks as a sophomore in 2008. As Ray Lewis gets older, Carter is a guy with enough versatility to move from the outside to the inside and potentially take his spot.

26. Arizona Cardinals - Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma - A former standout wide receiver in high school, the 6-foot-6, 262-pound Gresham is a very productive receiver with the all too clichй perfect mix of size, speed and athleticism. He runs crisp routes and has long arms with great hands and rarely drops a pass. Wherever he lands, he'll be productive, but Arizona is intriguing due to the fact that they haven't had a productive tight end in such a highly potent offense.

27. Dallas Cowboys - Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee - The strong, stout Williams projects to a 3-4 nose tackle at the pro level, and even though the Cowboys already have on in Jay Ratliff, Williams may be too good to pass up. Plus, after one year in Monte Kiffin's defense, he's extremely ready to make an impact in the NFL.

28. San Diego Chargers - Brian Price, DT, UCLA - An early entry candidate after racking up 44.5 tackles for a loss and 12.5 sacks in three years with the Bruins, Price is not in many first round mocks. However, he's a penetrating defensive tackle who will get more and more attention this offseason, and could be a fit for the Chargers, who experienced some injuries at that spot in 2009.

29. New York Jets - Donovan Warren, CB, Michigan - After Lito Sheppard and Dwight Lowery got manhandled in the AFC title game, look for the Jets to get some help opposite Darrelle Revis. Warren has great size at 6-foot-0 and 187 pounds, earning first-team All-Big Ten honors after hauling in four interceptions. He played for a different defensive coordinator in all three of his years at U-M, but excelled anyway. Interesting tidbit that means nothing - his godfather is former NFL safety Mark Carrier.

30. Minnesota Vikings - Mike Iupati, G, Idaho - While linebacker or defensive back could be seen as an area of need for Minnesota, Iupati has the makings of a solid NFL contributor for years to come. Although listed as a guard, he's 6-foot-6 and 330 pounds, meaning he could be versatile enough to play tackle as well.

31. New Orleans Saints - Ricky Sapp, OLB/DE, Clemson - A season-ending injury to Charles Grant is likely to show GM Mickey Loomis that he really needs to add another solid pass rusher to the mix. While Sapp played DE in college, and could be a third down rusher with his hand on the ground at the pro level, he projects well standing up and could make more of an impact at outside linebacker.

32. Indianapolis Colts - Greg Hardy, DE, Mississippi - Both Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney haven't played full 16 game seasons since 2006, and Indy has to shift around their entire defensive line when one of them gets hurt. To me, this makes DE a glaring need. Mississippi's Hardy is a great pass rusher with solid instincts and has good size including the power to stop the run.