OGGOA’s comprehensive 2010 NFL Draft preview

When I sat down and thought about the best way to preview the 2010 NFL Draft from a Florida Gators perspective for OGGOA‘s readers, I realized trite things like mock drafts, destination predictions and the like are really a bunch of hogwash. At the end of the day, few things are certain when it comes to the NFL Draft – trades can occur at any moment and each team views its most pressing needs and what each player brings to the table differently than analysts and commentators do.

So rather than try to predict the unknown variables and tell you what could happen, we will stick with what likely will happen. And you can check it out…after the break!

» Cornerback Joe Haden will be the first Florida player selected

Unless a team (Denver Broncos) desperately needs a center and are willing to trade up into the top half of the first round to get one, Haden will be the first Gator off the board. And rightly so. Dominating receivers in the college game is certainly different from doing so in the professional ranks, but Haden’s ability to shut down his man one-on-one is a value that cannot be overstated in the pass-first NFL.

» Center Maurkice Pouncey will be the second Gator taken

Talk about making a smart decision. Pouncey went from hoping to earn a first-round grade to being projected by most to go at No. 18 overall to the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he would join former Florida tackle Max Starks. He has the potential to have the longest and most successful career of any Gators player coming out this year.

» The questions will be plenty for quarterback Tim Tebow‘s new team

Once Tebow is selected, the questions about his throwing motion and mechanics will slightly subside, falling into the back end of what everyone wants to know. The new questions that will certainly arise are the main reasons that Tebow is the biggest story of the night at Radio City Music Hall. And they will all be asked to his new team’s head coach and general manager. Why did you find Tebow special enough to trade up for? Do you really think you can make him a starter in this league? Will he play Wildcat or H-back for you in the meantime? Are you concerned about his interests beyond football? Do you think his approach will work in a locker room full of grown men/millionaires?

» The criticisms for Tebow’s new team are to be expected

When his name is called, Tebow will be the subject of conversation on the ESPN and NFL Network draft day sets for as much as the next 10 minutes. Here is what will be said:

– “He’s a reach at [pick number], but [team] must believe they can make him into a starter. I don’t see it.”
– “I like his intangibles, but [pick number] is too high to take Tebow. I have him as a third-round talent and would have been OK if he was taken in the second.”
– “He’s a work in progress, not sure why [team] reached for him here. I would only take guys who can start for me in the first two rounds.”
– “Tebow needs at least two years behind an established veteran to even have a chance at making it in the NFL. He has a ways to go.”
– “NFL games are a different speed, and he has trouble reading the field. If you can’t do that, you won’t succeed in this league.”
– “I like the pick. The guy is the most decorated college quarterback of all time and is a proven leader. He will work his butt off and do whatever it takes to be successful.”

» Up to five more Florida players will be selected before Saturday morning

After Haden, Pouncey and Tebow, the Gators have a plethora of talent who grade out by many in the second and third rounds. Defensive end Carlos Dunlap (once considered a top-five pick), safety Major Wright (once considered a fourth-round pick), wide receiver Riley Cooper, defensive end Jermaine Cunningham and tight end Aaron Hernandez could all go somewhere between picks No. 33-98. Here are some notes:

– Dunlap is still capable of being selected in the first-round but his stock has taken a hit first due to his DUI arrest but more recently because of his inconsistent motor.
– There is a prevailing thought that Wright may not get out of the second round.
– Many are projecting a significant drop for Hernandez, who was once thought to be worthy of a second-round selection (character concerns).
– Opinions vary on Cooper; most think he is talented enough to go in the third round.

» Linebacker Brandon Spikes’ future remains a mystery

Coming off a National Championship after the 2008 season, Spikes could very well have been a first-round pick. Now in 2010, he may not be selected until the third day of the draft. That is how far Spikes has fallen due to concerns about his speed, health and technique. He was once thought to be the perfect middle linebacker; now teams are looking at him more as a compliment on the inside in a 3-4 scheme. Earlier this week I compared his NFL future to that of former Gator LB Brandon Siler – undervalued coming out but likely to have a solid impact in the league.

» …and then there’s the rest…

There are a handful of other Florida players who are draft-eligible, but those with the greatest chance of being selected at one point or another are linebacker Ryan Stamper, wide receiver David Nelson, kick returner Brandon James and cornerbacks Wondy Pierre-Louis and Markihe Anderson. In all likelihood, most of these guys will be undrafted free agents (which is actually better money- and contract-wise than being selected with a sixth- or seventh-round pick). OGGOA will also cover where they end up on Saturday night, Sunday and Monday after the draft has concluded.

For LIVE COVERAGE of the 2010 NFL Draft, be sure to join us back here at OGGOA tonight at 7:30 p.m. (EST).