NFL draft: 2010 re-do
25. Denver Broncos
C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson
Actual pick: Tim Tebow, QB, Florida
So much for the actual pick. Spiller somehow slipped all the way to 25 in this re-mock, so I’m jumping the gun here with Denver. Take a guy like Spiller and put him alongside Peyton Manning in Denver with all of the weapons already on the team – that just adds to what’s already considered the greatest offense of all time.
26. Arizona Cardinals
Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma
Actual pick: Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee
Like Spiller, McCoy has slipped to the Cardinals. McCoy was inconsistent and injuries limited him in his first couple years in Tampa, but he’s turned into a Pro Bowl player now. He’s a major upgrade over Dan Williams (who actually hasn’t been a bad player).
27. New England Patriots
Devin McCourty, CB, Rutgers
Actual pick: same
McCourty has been the Patriots’ most consistent secondary player since he was drafted. That’s not really saying much, as New England had to play guys like Julian Edelman at corner, but McCourty has been solid.
28. Miami Dolphins
Dennis Pitta, TE, Brigham Young
Actual pick: Jared Odrick, DT, Penn State
Dustin Keller is a few months out of a bad injury and tight end is a big need for the Dolphins. Pitta is a good value pick here. While he’s no Gronkowski, he did help Joe Flacco prosper for a little bit – he was a key part of the Ravens’ 2012 Super Bowl run.
29. New York Jets
Lamarr Houston, DE, Texas
Actual pick: Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State
Houston seems like a Rex Ryan kind of player. He’s a good pass rusher who fell to the bottom of the first round, and I’ll take him here with the Jets to go alongside Quinton Coples and Sheldon Richardson on that defensive line.
30. Detroit Lions
Arthur Jones, DE, Syracuse
Actual pick: Jahvid Best, RB, California
Since Detroit took safety Earl Thomas with its first pick in this round, I’m taking a defensive lineman to fill the need that was practically filled by Suh, although he’s a tackle. Jones is one of those underrated players who just landed himself a nice contract, and he’s a good value pick at 30th overall. He’d be able to play anywhere on the defensive line, and could even play a 3-4 outside linebacker if needed.
31. Indianapolis Colts
Eric Decker, WR, Minnesota
Actual pick: Jerry Hughes, DE, Texas Christian
I think Decker is a little overrated, but the Colts – in 2010 – needed another receiver next to Reggie Wayne. While I don’t like Decker as a pure number one target, he would be a good compliment to Wayne and is definitely good enough to be a second receiver.
32. New Orleans Saints
Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida
Actual pick: Patrick Roberson, CB, Florida State
JPP is a freak athlete with a huge upside. When he’s healthy, he wreaks havoc for any quarterback. He’d be a nice addition to the Saints’ pass rush.