Move over Mel...Here's My Mock Draft

For the first time, the NFL Draft is going to be broadcast in primetime, beginning Thursday night on ESPN. For one, I think this is a great idea. Not only are there more days of a great NFL event, but it gives teams almost a whole extra day to wheel and deal, which is what I'm most excited to see. Players like Marshawn Lynch and LenDale White are two of the many players rumored to be moving, and with extra time this year, don't be surprised to find antsy GM pulling the trigger on a number of moves before the start of round 2.

As it is way too tough to predict trades that might happen, here's a mock draft with the teams sitting in their current picks. While the Browns may "mortgage the ranch" to move up to the number one overall pick, I don't think that Mike Holmgren and Co. see Sam Bradford as enough above Jimmy Clausen to make that move, when they can likely still get Clausen, if desired, at number seven. Here's my top 12 picks, with a little rationale on each.

1) St. Louis - Sam Bradford, QB - Oklahoma

-This seems to be a no-doubter here. Ever since St. Louis released Marc Bulger, it's been a foregone conclusion that Bradford will be the number one pick this year. The only reason I think he won't sign before the draft is if someone decides to blow them out of the water with an offer for the pick, in which case St. Louis could trade down and gather more picks and/or veterans, and still be comfortable taking Clausen or Colt McCoy here.

2) Detroit - Ndamukong Suh, D - Nebraska

-All-world talent, raved about in college, and fits a definite need for Detroit. Combining Suh with the additions of Kyle Vanden Bosch and Corey Williams will give the Lions a formidable line that will become the strength of their team.

3) Tampa Bay - Gerald McCoy, DL - Oklahoma

-McCoy could go number two, as many teams see McCoy and Suh as so close in talent that they are virtually interchangeable. Whichever DL falls to the Buccaneers here, fans in Tampa will see shades of Warren Sapp anchoring their line for years.

4) Washington - Russell Okung, OL - Oklahoma State

-Continuing the trend of Big XII conference draft picks, Washington will draft a youthful tackle to protect recently acquired Donovan McNabb. A very logical, easy pick.

5) Kansas City - Eric Berry, S - Tennessee

-Berry would bring a playmaker to a rebuilding Kansas City team. The Chiefs have a very mediocre defense and they would be getting a top-tier talent with this pick.

6) Seattle - Bryan Bulaga, OT - Iowa

-Facing the end of the Matt Hasselbeck era, the Seahawks should opt to bring in some protection for whoever his successor may be. Plus, longtime tackle Walter Jones could retire, making a offensive line choice a more pressing need.

7) Cleveland - Dez Bryant, WR - Oklahoma State

-Fitting the T.O./Randy Moss/Brandon Marshall mold in more ways that just on the field ability, Bryant brings explosiveness to Cleveland. I don't see Cleveland committing to another Notre Dame quarterback after Brady Quinn's departure, so the Browns should bring in some help for newly signed Jake Delhomme.

8) Oakland - Trent Williams, OT - Oklahoma

- Rumors are swirling about the Raiders and their quarterback situation, which makes it seem that their 2010 QB could range anywhere from JaMarcus Russell to Ben Roethlisberger. Either way, their offensive line could use shoring up to protect whoever is back there.

9) Buffalo - Anthony Davis, OT - Rutgers

- Continuing the (boring) trend of picking offensive lineman, the Bills should pick an OT here with a ton of upside. I see the Bills looking hard at Colt McCoy and Tim Tebow at round two if available, and I see them passing on Jimmy Clausen here.

10)Jacksonville - CJ Spiller, RB - Clemson

-With no complement to Maurice Jones-Drew, the Jaguars can add a homerun threat to their offense with Spiller.

11) Denver - Rolando McClain, LB - Alabama

- Playing a familiar inside linebacker position in Denver's 3-4 scheme, McClain makes sense here. Accomplished and experienced coming from the Crimson Tide, Denver will have a solid player here ready to go from day one.

12) Miami - Dan Williams, DT - Tennessee

- Having upgraded the offense with the Brandon Marshall acquisition, the Dolphins will find a nose tackle for their 3-4 defense in Williams here.

You may notice that I, probably the biggest Notre Dame fan on campus, don't have Clausen getting drafted within the top twelve. He could go to Buffalo, which makes some sense, or Oakland, which I pray doesn't happen, but I don't see either of those happening. Clausen will probably go somewhere in the teens, but only after a team trades to get into that position. If that doesn't happen, there is an outside shot he goes to Seattle at #14.

Near the top of the second round, you can take it to the bank that Colt McCoy and Tim Tebow will come off of the board before pick 41. Cleveland and Buffalo both have high picks in this round, and McCoy and Tebow are not only talented but intriguing enough to come off the board here.

I hope the Packers get one of two players with pick 23, those being Idaho G Mike Iupati or USC safety Taylor Mays. Both fill definite needs, and I hope one is available that late in the first round.

The Vikings could draft Mays as well, as secondary is the area Minnesota will most likely address.