The 2010 NFL Draft is now less than a week away. It looks more and more like Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford will be the top overall pick. I think Nebraska defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh is the best player, but quarterback is the most important position in football. The Rams have a major hole at that spot. They have passed on guys like Matt Ryan and Mark Sanchez in recent years. The Rams have to be almost scared to pass on Bradford.
The Rams have made personnel moves that indicate Bradford will be the pick. They signed quarterback A.J. Feeley. He's okay as a part-time starter, but is best as a backup. He can keep the seat warm while Bradford learns the playbook and gets ready to take over. Feeley comes over from Philadelphia, where he was one of three passers developed by Andy Reid. Feeley knows the Rams offensive system inside-out and would be like an extra coach for Bradford. The Rams already addressed defensive tackle by signing veteran Fred Robbins in free agency. They have built up a solid group of defensive tackles. Adam Carriker is the big name despite the fact he missed 2009 due to injury. Cliff Ryan has developed into a solid inside player. Dorell Scott was a rookie who impressed the team.
With defensive tackle now looking set, the Rams can focus on quarterback. Bradford is easily the top prospect among this year's passers. He did miss most of the 2009 season with a shoulder injury, but Bradford is a very talented player. He was thought to be a bit slight, but showed up for the Scouting Combine at 6'4, 236. That is impressive size for a quarterback. Bradford is a very accurate passer. He posted mind-blowing numbers in 2008 as he led the Sooners to the national title game. Bradford threw 50 touchdown passes, an amazing total. Bradford could be the franchise quarterback that St. Louis has lacked since Kurt Warner left.
My favorite player is Tennessee safety Eric Berry. I think he's second only to Suh in terms of overall ability. Berry will be a top 10 pick, but he won't go as high as he should. NFL teams don't focus on safety at the top of the draft. They focus on finding left tackles, defensive linemen, and quarterbacks. Berry could go at pick five to Kansas City, but more likely comes into play at Cleveland's seventh spot. It is possible Berry could slide all the way to 10, where Jacksonville is scheduled to select. The Jaguars are reportedly looking to trade and if Berry is on the board that could interest several teams. The Jaguars could land a good deal from someone who covets Berry as their free safety.
Berry is the rare prospect that doesn't have an obvious weakness. He has good size and athletic ability. He started for three years and has plenty of experience. He can cover, man or zone. Berry is a good tackler. He is an impact hitter. He's most famous for his shot on running back Knowshon Moreno. I think Moreno's head is still ringing from that hit. Berry also can be a ballhawk. He picked off 14 passes in his career and just missed setting the all-time record for interception return yards. Berry is special.
Berry, Suh, and Bradford are stars from big programs. There are some really good players from smaller schools that NFL teams are excited about. Defensive back Akwasi Owusu-Ansah isn't known to casual football fans. He went to Indiana University of Pennsylvania, better known as IUP. That isn't exactly a football factory, but Owusu-Ansah is a legit prospect. He has excellent size at 6'1, 207. He runs very well and is a good athlete. The only question is how he'll adjust to pro competition. Owusu-Ansah could go as high as the second round. Offensive tackle Jared Veldheer went to Hillsdale College in Michigan. He is 6'8, 312. Veldheer has really good feet and had a strong showing at the Scouting Combine. He is probably a third round pick, but could sneak into the late second round if some team really likes him as a left tackle.
The most underrated player who is likely to be a first round pick is running back Ryan Mathews of Fresno State. I'm not sure people realize how good he is. I think Mathews is a serious target for the Houston Texans at pick 20. Mathews has good size, good speed, and plenty of ability. He was very productive, leading the nation in rushing yards per game. Mathews stood out at the Combine. You could see how naturally things come to him. He is a very gifted runner that is flying under the radar now, but has a chance to be an NFL star.
There is a full mock draft posted at ScoutsNotebook.com.