2010 NFL Mock Draft – TSJ’s Top 10 Picks

On the eve of the 2010 NFL Draft, it’s Ben Roethlisberger who’s stealing the headlines once again, after being handed down a 6-game suspension by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to begin next season.

Will Ben Be Moved On Draft Day?

The timing of this announcement is hardly coincidental. In light of the suspension, the big talk now heading in to Thursday’s draft has the no-nonsense Steelers seriously contemplating a trade involving their fallen star, in exchange for a high first-round pick and the potential to move in a new direction with a new, highly touted QB. You have to give the Steelers organization credit. After being let down big time by Big Ben these past few months, a gutsy – and risky – trade of their franchise quarterback would cement the fact that the Rooney family don’t just talk the talk when it comes to putting team principles first, but they also walk the walk.

How will Ben being on the trading block affect the Top Ten picks in the first-round of the NFL Draft? The Sports Junkie examines.

TSJ’s TOP TEN OVERALL DRAFT PICKS (WITH TRADE SCENARIOS)

1. ST. LOUIS RAMS – QB SAM BRADFORD (OKLAHOMA)
The Rams – with a putrid record of 6-42 over the past three seasons – are in desperate need of a franchise quarterback to provide hope to their fan base and for the future. Bradford is their guy. Nuff said.

2. DETROIT LIONS – DT NDAMUKONG SUH (NEBRASKA)
The Lions have a big need for a left tackle, but defensive-minded Head Coach Jim Schwartz won’t hesitate to take the dominant Suh at #2. While Suh claims he has ‘no idea’ if the Lions will draft him, not even Detroit – famous for blowing it with first-round draft picks – will screw up this selection.

3. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS – DT GERALD McCOY (OKLAHOMA)
McCoy is a beast and is already drawing comparisons to legendary defensive lineman Warren Sapp. The Bucs can certainly use McCoy, who should add an immediate impact to a defense that could only muster 28 sacks all of last season, tied for 26th in the league.

4. WASHINGTON REDSKINS – OT RUSSELL OKUNG (OKLAHOMA STATE)
Redskins’ Head Coach Mike Shanahan has always made a habit of employing a solid offensive line, dating back to the dominant days in the late 90’s with Denver. Washington’s O-Line is in need of an overhaul, so don’t be even a little surprised when Shanahan drafts Okung at #4 to provide blindside protection for his newest asset, Donovan McNabb.

5. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS – TRADE SELECTION TO PITTSBURGH STEELERS – QB JIMMY CLAUSEN
The Steelers are making no secret of their desire to trade Roethlisberger for the opportunity to draft Clausen. But pulling it off is another story. Pittsbugh should be able to take advantage of Al Davis and trade Roethlisberger, along with the 18th overall pick to the Raiders – who officially concede that the JaMarcus Russell era in Oakland is over – in return for the 8th overall pick. The Steelers, in turn, trade up with KC for their 5th overall pick – leapfrogging both Seattle and Cleveland for Clausen’s services – and ultimately giving the Chiefs what they want in return – more picks – including the #8 pick (from Oakland), along with Pittsburgh’s second and fifth rounders.

6. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS – OT TRENT WILLIAMS (OKLAHOMA)
With two selections in the first round (#6 and #14), New Head Coach Pete Carroll will need to make smart selections to help a Seahawks squad that has gone 9-23 over the past two seasons. Drafting a blue-chip prospect in Williams, to replace the soon-to-be departed Walter Jones at left tackle, will be a major step in the right direction.

7. CLEVELAND – S ERIC BERRY (TENNESSEE)
After striking out on both Bradford and Clausen, the Browns need to focus on their defense. Conventional wisdom would suggest that you don’t draft a safety this high in the draft, but Berry is truly a special talent whose leadership skills overall ability can immediately help a defense that ranked 31st in the NFL last season. Look for Cleveland to select Texas QB Colt McCoy with their 2nd Round selection.

8. KANSAS CITY (FROM PITTSBURGH, VIA OAKLAND) – OT BRYAN BULAGA (IOWA)
The Chiefs have needs everywhere – but providing protection for franchise QB Matt Cassel is a top priority for them. After Okung and Williams, Bulaga is the best left tackle on the board.

9. BUFFALO BILLS – OT BRUCE CAMPBELL (MARYLAND)
This selection basically becomes a no-brainer. With Bradford and Clausen off the board, the Bills need to fill their biggest void – on the offensive line. And with Bulaga snatched up by the Chiefs, Campbell becomes the best available lineman and logical choice for Buffalo.

10. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS – TRADE SELECTION TO DALLAS COWBOYS – WR DEZ BRYANT (OKLAHOMA STATE)
Once a Cowboy always a Cowboy? Could be. If the embattled Oklahoma State Cowboys Wide Receiver begins to slide in the draft, expect the Dallas Cowboys to try to move up and get him at #10 – one pick ahead of the Broncos, who also heavily covet Bryant. The trade makes perfect sense for the Jags too, as trading down would allow them to add more depth through acquiring extra picks, and put them in perfect position to select QB Tim Tebow with Dallas’ 27th overall pick.

And that’s just for starters. Add your comments below who you think will make up the top ten in Thursday night’s draft.