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2010 NFL Mock Draft

2010 NFL Mock Draft

2010 NFL Mock Draft

21. Cincinnati Bengals (10-6)

WR Dez Bryant (Oklahoma State)

With an anemic passing attack last year, the Bengals have been searching via free agency for a proven playmaker at WR.  They haven't found that player yet, but in this upcoming NFL Draft, they will.  Dez Bryant showed flashes of brilliance while at Oklahoma State, and it is a miracle that he is still on the board at the 20th pick.  While offensive line is a huge concern, and a main reason that the Bengals have gotten away from airing it out, Bryant is too good of a player to pass up.  While he has had some off the field problems, there is no questioning his skill level and ability.  

Why he's good for the Bengals:

Besides the obvious, that Dez Bryant is the best WR in the draft, it fills an immediate need.  The Bengals shifted towards a run-first mentality due to the team's inability to block for QB Carson Palmer, but also because they really didn't have any weapons besides WR Chad Ochocinco.   Look for Bryant to be drafted, and then lineman picked up in the later rounds to keep Palmer healthy.  

Larry Johnson Reaches Agreement with Redskins

Adam Schefter of ESPN is reporting that the Washington Redskins have agreed on a contract with RB Larry Johnson today.  He will come into training camp as the no. 2 running back behind Clinton Portis.  Johnson, who fell out of favor with both the fans and team in Kansas City, was released and then picked up by the Cincinnati Bengals, where he averaged 4.4 yards on 46 carries.  The deal has incentive clauses that, if met, would push the contract up to $12 million over 3 years.  

Top NFL Draft Prospects

21. Golden Tate, WR

Cincinnati Bengals(10-6)

The Cincinnati Bengals put together a really nice season, where they ranked in the top 7 in all defensive categories.  The one thing that has kind of tailed off is the vaunted passing attack that they were once known for.  The Bengals only managed 181 yards through the air per game, and although they did get a great year from RB Cedric Benson, they have a few holes to fill.  Notre Dame's WR Golden Tate is probably the 2nd best WR in the draft as it stands now, depending on what happens at the combine.  Once his hands are on the ball, he displays the quickness and agility to outmaneuver defenders and make players miss.  While not the fastest player in the world, he does have 4.4 speed and great "football speed."  He's got great hands and the ability to make tough plays, but sometime his lack of concentration does get the better of him.  He is a bit raw, but has loads of potential, as he has only been a WR for three years. 

AP Photo/Michael Conroy 

Why he's good for the Bengals:

With Chad Ochocinco on the wrong side of 30, and Laveranues Coles not really living up to his talent level, it would be in the Bengals' best interest to develop some younger WR talent.  Not to mention that Ochocinco would be a very nice WR to gain some experience from.   
 

NFL: Saturday Wild Card Preview

Saturday 4:30PM: New York Jets(9-7) at Cincinnati Bengals(10-6)

In this rematch from week 17, the Bengals will attempt to put forth a better effort then their last meeting with the New York Jets. In their meeting last week, the Jets routed the Bengals 37-0. The Jets boast the number 1 defense in the league and will have to put forth another strong effort against a team that wants to prove that the beating they took was a fluke.  The key match-up will be the Jets CB Darrelle Revis, and WR Chad Ochocinco.  Last meeting, Ochocinco was held to no receptions and QB Carson Palmer went 1 of 11 passing for zero yards.  This duo will definitely need to find a way to contribute or the outcome will be the same.  The main question mark for the Jets is how will rookie QB Mark Sanchez handle the pressure of his first playoff game.  Sanchez has not played well during his rookie campaign and the Jets will most likely have to rely on their rushing attack to control this ball game. 

Saturday 8:00PM: Philadelphia Eagles(11-5) at Dallas Cowbows(11-5)

Last week, the Dallas Cowboys were crowned NFC East champions when they throttled the Philadelphia Eagles.  The crown will mean nothing if QB Tony Romo and company can not end their playoff woes in this rematch.  The Cowboys have looked like one of the hottest teams ending the year with wins over the New Orleans Saints, Washington Redskins, and the Eagles.  With a balanced attack featuring RBs Marion Barber, Tashard Choice, and Felix Jones, the Philadelphia Eagles' 9th ranked rushing attack will have their hands full.  The Cowboys, on the other hand, will have to deal with an air attack against their 20th ranked pass defense.  Rookie WR Jeremy Maclin and WR DeSean Jackson combine to be big play threats anytime they touch the ball. 

NFL: Games To Watch Today

1:00PM: Pittsburgh Steelers(8-7) vs. Miami Dolphins(7-8)

The Steelers will need a lot of help this weekend if they hope to defend their Super Bowl Championship this year.  With a win on the road against the Dolphins, the Steelers will also need losses by at least two of three teams: Baltimore Ravens, Houston Texans, and New York Jets. Miami QB ,Chad Henne, looks to play spoiler as Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger will need to have a good performance today if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive.

New England Patriots(10-5) vs. Houston Texans(8-7)

The Houston Texans come into this week with a chance to secure a winning record for the first time in the history of the franchise.  With a team led by QB Matt Schaub, who is having a career year, and WR Andre Johnson, the Texans also have a slim chance of making the playoffs.  The teams standing in it's way are the Baltimore Ravens, New York Jets, and the Denver Broncos, who all look to clinch playoff spots as well.  The New England Patriots, who clinched the AFC East Title last week, may look to get healthy and keep certain players off the field.  One of those players will most likely be QB Tom Brady, who has battled rib and hand injuries throughout the season.  

4:15PM Philadelphia Eagles(11-4) vs. Dallas Cowboys(10-5)

Last year when these two teams met in the last week of the season, the Eagles steamrolled the Cowboys and went on to the playoffs.  This year, both teams have punched their ticket to the playoffs, but the winner of this game will also be crowned NFC East champions.  Both teams are hot right now, with the Eagles coming into the game riding a 5 game win streak, while the Cowboys have gotten over their usual December jinx with wins over the once undefeated New Orleans Saints and Washington Redskins.

Green Bay Packers(10-5) vs. Arizona Cardinals(10-5)

With both teams already in the playoffs, the only thing that is on the line is the playoff seeding.  The Cardinals have an outside chance of clinching a first round bye with a win today combined with a New York Giants win against Minnesota Vikings and a Dallas victory over the Eagles.  Packers QB Aaron Rodgers looks to add to an already great season in which he has thrown for 29 touchdowns and 4,199 yards.  With a wild card berth already clinched, the Packers will look to keep the Cards from gaining a playoff bye and the no. 2 seed.

Other Games with Playoff Implications:

4:15PM Baltimore Ravens(8-7) vs. Oakland Raiders(5-10)

4:15PM Kansas City Chiefs(3-12) vs. Denver Broncos(8-7)

8:20PM Cincinnati Bengals(10-5) vs. New York Jets(8-7)

For the Bengals, this game does not have much meaning since they have already clinched the AFC North title, but for the Jets it is a win and you're in.  The Bengals will most likely look to rest players and the Jets will look to take advantage of it.  Jets QB Mark Sanchez will look to rebound from what has been an up and down rookie season.  Sanchez has thrown 20 interceptions compared to the 12 touchdowns he's thrown.