My C.J. Spiller Blog

1. St. Loius Rams: Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma

No change here. With Marc Bulger just released and the Rams in desperate need of a franchise quarterback, Bradford looks like a lock to go #1.

2. Detroit Lions: Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska

The latest reports claim that Detroit will not be taking an offensive tackle with their first round selection. If that is true, the pick has to be either Suh or McCoy.

3. Tampa Bay Bucs: Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma

The Bucs reportedly just visited with Texas Tech guard Brandon Carter to ask him who was tougher to play against: Suh or McCoy. Obviously they have interest in both players, but only one will be left.

4. Washington Redskins: Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma

This is a change from our last mock draft. Mike Shanahan's scheme emphasizes quick, athletic linemen who can easily get to the next level of the defense. Williams is that guy.

5. Kansas City Chiefs: Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State

Widely believed to love Iowa tackle Bryan Bulaga, the Chiefs will have a tough decision to make if Okung falls into their laps. They may still like Bulaga more, but Okung is higher on most boards.

The Seahawks are in a position to take whichever top-tier tackle falls to them.

6. Seattle Seahawks: Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa

The more we think about how the draft will unfold, the more we see a string of offensive and defensive tackles being selected in the top 10 picks. The Seahawks are in position to simply sit back and grab whoever falls to them.

7. Cleveland Browns: Eric Berry, S, Tennessee

We recently heard both the Chiefs and Seahawks will pass on Berry, meaning Cleveland is free to get their guy. However, there are shocking rumors that the Browns are looking at Penn State DT/DE Jared Odrick here.

8. Oakland Raiders: Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers

We love the chances of Oakland drafting Trent Williams if he falls to the 8th pick, but we just don't see it happening. Davis, a player with work ethic concerns, might be yet another Raiders flop. We do actually think they'll pass on Maryland offensive tackle and workout-warrior Bruce Campbell.

9. Buffalo Bills: Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame

Clausen is lucky. With Jacksonville, Denver, San Francisco and Seattle drafting shortly after Buffalo, we don't see a Brady Quinn-esque draft day drop in store for him.

10. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, USF

Jacksonville signed Aaron Kampman, but there are rumors that those within the organization still see upgrading the pass rush as the team's #1 draft day priority. Pierre-Paul has enormous athleticism and upside.

11. Denver Broncos: Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama

Tennessee DT Dan Williams is also an option here, but Denver may be unable to pass on McClain's three-down ability.

12. Miami Dolphins: Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee

The Dolphins have a gaping hole at nose tackle, and Williams was born to play inside in a 3-4 defense. Unlike a lot of these 300 or so pound defensive tackles, Williams isn't a hair under 330. He may be the least talked-about potential top 10 selection.

13. San Francisco 49ers: Earl Thomas, S, Texas

We know Cowboys fans still think Thomas is a legitimate option, but there's really very little chance of it happening. The 49ers could also select an offensive tackle here if one of the aforementioned ones drops.

We don't know about you, but Spiller sure scares us more than Brandon Jacobs.

14. Seattle Seahawks: Joe Haden, CB, Florida

Marcus Trufant is one of the most overrated cornerbacks in the league, routinely among the worst in the NFL in yards-per-attempt yielded. Haden's forty times could put him in a competition with Kyle Wilson to be the first CB drafted.

15. New York Giants: CJ Spiller, RB, Clemson

The Giants have been rumored to be seeking a trade into the top 10 to grab Spiller. While we think that is a bit unrealistic, the club could use his services with the oft-injured Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw in the backfield right now.

16. Tennessee Titans: Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State

We have Wilson as the top-rated cornerback in this class. Pairing him with Cortland Finnegan would give Tennessee one of the better cornerback tandems in the NFL.

Part II of our mock draft, visit http://DallasCowboysTimes.com.

http://DallasCowboysTimes.com

1st Round (#9) RB C.J. Spiller, Clemson

Key Player(s) Passed On: OT Anthony Davis, OT Bryan Bulaga, QB Jimmy Clausen

Analysis: Spiller clearly was the 2010 NFL Draft's most explosive and versatile running back. His ability to catch passes and return kicks provides Buffalo with a player who can score from anywhere on the field. Chan Gailey's creative offensive mind should be able to get Spiller the ball in the open field. Spiller was higher rated on our draft board than Anthony Davis, Bryan Bulaga and Jimmy Clausen. The Bills certainly could use help at left tackle, but stuck to their board and chose the highest rated player. Davis has maturity and dedication issues. Bulaga may be better at right tackle and has to gain strength. The Bills cannot be sold on any of their current quarterbacks. However, the play of the offensive line and the turmoil with the offensive coordinator position did not help matters. You knew the Bills' offense was in big trouble last year when they fired their offensive coordinator a week before the season. Chan Gailey will bring much needed stability to Buffalo's offense and wants to evaluate the quarterbacks in his offense. Buffalo did not want to spend the 9th pick overall on a young quarterback that they were not enamored with. C.J. Spiller was a wise and disciplined selection by Buffalo.

2nd Round (#41) DT Torell Troup, Central Florida

Key Player(s) Passed On: DT Terrance Cody

Analysis: Buffalo's run defense surrendered 4.7 yards per carry last season. This weakness combined with the decision to switch to a 3-4 defense made finding a nose tackle a high priority. The Bills chose Troup over Terrance Cody. Troup has the build and power to man the nose. However, many evaluated Cody to be the premier run-stuffer in this year's draft. Troup can anchor versus the double-team and fills a major need. He does not have the conditioning issue that Cody has, but we thought "Mount Cody" solves a team's nose tackle problem better than any player in the draft. Troup fills a need, but may not have been the best choice.

3rd Round (#72) DE Alex Carrington, Arkansas State

Key Player(s) Passed On: OT/OG John Jerry

Analysis: Carrington has the build and length to be a 3-4 defensive end. He has to learn to anticipate better and get off of blocks faster. Carrington dominated only in flashes against mediocre competition in college. Jerry is a good run blocker. He could play right tackle in the NFL if he took his conditioning to the next level. Buffalo likely viewed him as a guard in the pros and they are pleased with Andy Levitre and Eric Wood. Carrington fills a need and has a chance to be decent 3-4 defensive end.

4th Round (#107) WR Marcus Easley, Connecticut

Key Player(s) Passed On: OT Jason Fox

Analysis: Easley was a starter for only one season (2009). He was fairly productive (48 receptions for 893 yards (18.6 per) and 8 touchdowns). Easley has above average size and speed, but is very raw on the intricacies of playing wide receiver. It will take him time to develop and he may never learn to recognize coverages and run routes properly. Buffalo needs a lot of help at offensive tackle and decided to pass on Jason Fox. The former Miami standout has to gain some size and strength, but you cannot develop his toughness or football IQ. The Bills could have used Fox.

5th Round (#140) OT Ed Wang, Virginia Tech

Key Player(s) Passed On: OT Chris Scott, TE Andrew Quarless

Analysis: The Bills finally address their offensive tackle position, but Ed Wang was a shaky selection. Wang was beaten consistently at the Senior Bowl and struggles with speed and power. These are unfortunately, two qualities that a lot of defensive ends possess in the NFL. Wang looks like a backup in the pros. Chris Scott has conditioning issues, but he has a powerful base and could be a right tackle project. Andrew Quarless has a lot of talent and could have complemented Shawn Nelson. The bottom line is we question how much Buffalo improved their offensive tackle position with the Wang pick.

6th Round (#178) DE Arthur Moats, James Madison

Key Player(s) Passed On: DE Adrian Tracy, WR Dezmon Briscoe

Analysis: The Bills need linebackers for their new 3-4 defense and plan on converting Moats into an inside linebacker. Moats is an undersized defensive end (6' and 245 pounds) who won the Buck Buchanan Award as the top division I-AA defensive player. Moats faces a big transition to not only the NFL, but also an entirely new position. Adrian Tracy also was a productive small-school defensive end who will be converted to linebacker. Tracy has the length to play outside linebacker, which Moats does not. The Bills need help at wide receiver and Briscoe represents value in the 6th round. Briscoe has maturity issues, but he was very productive and does a nice job of running after the catch.

6th Round (#192) DE Danny Batten, South Dakota State

Key Player (s) Passed On: WR Antonio Brown

Analysis: Batten will be converted to linebacker. He was a productive four-year starter at defensive end, but played against weak competition. Batten is a long shot to develop into a quality starter. He did not dominate in college and lacks a special physical trait. The Bills need help at wide receiver and scoring points. Antonio Brown is a quick slot receiver with a lot of production against better competition than what Batten faced.

7th Round (#209) QB Levi Brown, Troy

Key Player(s) Passed On: DE George Selvie

Analysis: Brown has average physical skills, but displays pocket presence. He could develop into a decent backup. Brown will compete with Brian Brohm to be the 3rd quarterback. Selvie's draft stock slipped dramatically as he did not look comfortable in linebacker drills and is undersized for a 4-3 defensive end. Selvie had a fine career at South Florida and may have been worth a look in camp to see how he fares at linebacker with more reps.

7th Round (#216) OT Kyle Calloway, Iowa

Key Player(s) Passed On: DE C.J. Wilson

Analysis: Calloway was a good pick and we were surprised he lasted this long. He does not have quick feet, but he is tough and plays with solid technique. He may be able to help Buffalo at right tackle. The former Hawkeye should at least be a solid backup at right tackle and guard.

Bottom Line: Buffalo had a lot of needs even prior to switching defensive schemes. Spiller will help, but the offensive tackle situation was not adequately addressed in the draft. The Bills drafted too many projects (Marcus Easley, Ed Wang, Arthur Moats and Danny Batten). The offensive tackle and wide receiver position do not look much stronger after this draft.

Grade: C+
More NFL draft analysis and NFL draft articles can be found at:
www.profootballdraftnetwork.com by Denis Krusos

NFL Draft Analysis.

ProFootballDraftNetwork.com's goal is to cut through the clutter and identify in detail the NFL draft's impact players, top values (where a team really succeeds on draft day) and biggest risks. Our full-time, year-round analysis of game footage, discussions with coaches and trainers and live practice observations are the basis for our ratings and draft board. Talent evaluators must be thorough, but should always remember that this is more art than science. Good player forecasting involves doing your homework and trusting your gut instincts.

We will not be presenting to you 400 or 500 scouting reports. Instead, prospects are filtered out that are evaluated to be unlikely to make an NFL team or who will essentially have a cup of coffee in the league as a mediocre reserve. Our draft board will be whittled down as the season progresses and fans can view our final draft board and detailed scouting reports on approximately 90 prospects. The final draft board reveals the prospects rated to be future productive starters, strong contributors on special teams and those who should provide quality depth.

Something else you will not find on our site is a mock draft. This site is all about talent evaluation for draftniks and football fans that enjoy the scouting process. We are interested in figuring out who can play in the NFL and not which player a team will select. Mock drafts are really guesses based upon perceived needs on whom a team will take and are notoriously inaccurate once you get past the top 10 in round 1. Talent evaluation is our passion and where we devote our efforts.

More NFL draft analysis and NFL draft articles can be found at: http://www.profootballdraftnetwork.com by Denis Krusos

#19 - Atlanta Falcons - C.J. Spiller - Clemson

Taking a RB in the first round seems a little risky, when this team could probably use more help at defense to go against the New Orleans Saints. CJ Spiller could provide the speed to complement the power of Michael Turner. Jerious Norwood hasn't played as well as the team expected in 2009 when his average dipped below 5 yards/carry for the first time. The team needs a two headed monster at RB to try to keep up with the Saints offense. Matt Ryan and his receivers should be able to put up some offense, but the RBs need to help as well.

The team could also use a pass rusher because Jamaal Anderson turned out to be a huge bust. They will definitely have to address that in the second round. The Falcons need to be able to get to the QB better if they want to overtake the Saints and win the NFC South next year. Peria Jerry was hurt for most of last year, and if he can make an impact, it will be a huge help for this team that needs better DT play. The team was ranked 10th rushing defense last year, giving up 106.9 yards per game. The team needs to be dominant up front to stop the Saints Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush and the Panthers DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart.

Atlanta had a horrible pass defense last year, but they have been addressing it during free agency. Tye Hill and Chris Houston are gone, and in comes the top free agent CB, Dunta Robinson. The team was 28th in passing defense last year, giving up 242 yards/game. A rookie CB next year will not make the difference, so the team decided it needed to go get a #1 CB in Robinson to try to stop the Saints in 2010. The team should draft a CB in an early round to start developing more talent and depth at the position because two or three quality CBs are now needed in the pass-heavy NFL.

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CJ Spiller set the NCAA record for most kick returns for touchdowns while playing his college career at Clemson University in South Carolina. He has 4.2 speed and can break away from any defenders that are chasing him. As a running back he is very allusive and can take it to the end zone any time he touches the football. I think he could be a star on kick returns and be a starting running back in the NFL.

While there is many other talented players in the draft, I think Spiller is the best running back. Best and Gerhart from the PAC 10 could go ahead of him, but I would not count on it. Spiller has more potential as a kick returner which makes him more valuable. You can see how valuable Josh Cribbs is to the Browns, so a good return guy is essential to special teams.

Normally backs are not taken with the first few picks as teams like to focus on quarterbacks and linemen with those picks. Spiller could slip into the top 10 if he has a good combine and can really impress the scouts. I think he will go around 15th or so and could be a big impact player in his rookie year. Many backs take a year or so to get really good, but others like Adrian Peterson or Chris Johnson are great from day 1.

It will be interesting to see how the first round of the draft plays out but it sure should be exciting.

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The 49ers have no need for a running back. They have a Pro-Bowl running back in Frank Gore, and they drafted Glen Coffee in the third round of the 2009 NFL Draft. Nevertheless, C.J. Spiller would be a great addition to the San Francisco 49ers.

C.J. Spiller brings his ability not only to the run game, but to the passing game and the return game. After making the switch to Alex Smith in the 2009 season, the 49ers began to run a more "spread like" offense. C.J. Spiller is a speed back that would excel in an open offense like that. He is an exceptional receiver coming out of the backfield. In addition, the 49ers really lack a true home-run threat. Vernon Davis, Michael Crabtree, and Frank Gore are all threats but do not possess the elite speed that a C.J. Spiller does. C.J. would provide the Niners with another weapon on a young, up and coming offense. He has 50+ touchdowns in his career at Clemson, and over 20 of those were plays of 50 or more yards. Remind you of Chris Johnson?

Not only can he impact the 49ers offense, but C.J. Spiller would also fill arguably the 49ers weakest position, kick returner. Turn on the game film and it is clear what kind of talent he brings to the return game. He had seven returns for touchdowns in his career at Clemson, and four in his senior season alone.

Spiller can impact the 49ers in many ways but based on their recent draft history and quotes by their front office, it is unclear whether they will draft C.J. Spiller because of his lack of size. There may be concerns that he is not a three-down running back in the NFL, however, he will undoubtedly make an impact at the next level. The San Francisco 49ers should not reach on C.J. Spiller. They should put a higher value on players such as: Joe Haden, Trent Williams, and Bryan Bulaga. However, at the 17th overall selection, after already taking one of those players and filling a bigger need... the 49ers should draft C.J. Spiller. It would clearly be a luxury pick for the 49ers and they may not end up drafting C.J. but if he is on the board and they are selecting 17th overall, they should pull the trigger on C.J. Spiller in the 2010 NFL Draft.

Here Is A Full 2010 Draft Projection:
NFL Mock Draft

Yeah, Yeah... C.J. Spiller. But who is else will be drafted?
NFL Draft Prospects

This article was written by Daniel McGunnigle. Draft Guru and co-creator of the KDraft sites published on Squidoo.