The NFL began its annual on-field hiatus Sunday night when the Saints won their first Super Bowl. We all know the league never sleeps, though — and thank God for that. Now that the ’09 season is doneskies, 31 franchises are drawing a blueprint to knock off New Orleans. And it all starts with the draft.

The 2010 NFL draft is still a couple of months away, but it’s never too early for a mock draft. Free agency, the scouting combine and individual workouts come first, of course, so expect this first one to get shaken up soon.

1. Rams: Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska. The Rams have needs at pretty much every position, including quarterback. But with no slam-dunk signal-caller in this year’s draft, St. Louis plays it smart and takes Suh, who many analysts say is the best defensive prospect in a decade.
2. Lions: Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma. The Lions have plenty of holes to fill, too, and could use a playmaking safety (Eric Berry) or a stud defensive end. But they can’t stop the run, and McCoy will help plug up the inside right away.
3. Bucs: Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, S. Florida. Berry is also an option here, but safety isn’t their biggest need. They need a pass rusher more, and this raw athlete could be the best of the bunch.
4. Redskins: Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma. The ’Skins could take an offensive tackle if they give Jason Campbell one last chance. But I’m assuming Mike Shanahan will want to handpick his franchise QB. It will be Bradford, who was the consensus top pick before he was injured.
5. Chiefs: Eric Berry, S, Tennessee. K.C. will be thrilled if Berry falls to them here. He has drawn a lot of comparisons to Ed Reed with his speed, versatility and big-play ability at free safety.
6. Seahawks: Russell Okung, OT, Okla. State. With the first of its two first-round picks, Seattle takes this 6-foot-8 beast to replace Walter Jones.
7. Browns: Joe Haden, CB, Florida. The draft’s most likely lockdown NFL corner, the speedy Haden blanketed wideouts while at Florida.
8. Raiders: Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers. They would be wise to take a top tackle to protect their crappy QBs. But c’mon, it’s the Raiders. They’ll probably just try to draft JaMarcus Russell again.
9. Bills: Dez Bryant, WR, Okla. State. Buffalo needs a QB and new bodies on the defensive line as it switches to the 3-4. But since there isn’t great value at either position here, the Bills could trade back or settle for the super-explosive Bryant.
10. Broncos: Rolando McClain, ILB, Alabama. Still working on their own 3-4 conversion, the Broncos take McClain, the intelligent leader of the Crimson Tide “D,” to fill a spot on the inside. (Note: draft position pending coin flip with Jaguars.)
11. Jaguars: Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida. There are character concerns surrounding Dunlap after his recent DUI arrest, but the Jags can’t pass on a fearsome sack specialist with local appeal.
12. Dolphins: C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson. Miami would love to get its hands on McClain or Bryant. But since they’re gone, the Dolphins add another dimension to their running game with Spiller, who has been compared to Reggie Bush.
13. 49ers: Earl Thomas, S, Texas. You know Mike Singletary loves defense. San Francisco’s young unit will get even better with this addition.
14. Seahawks: Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame. After taking a tackle earlier in the night, new coach Pete Carroll — in for the long haul in Seattle — gets his future franchise QB.
15. Giants: Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma. The Giants line is getting old. Williams is a safe pick who can join the starting lineup when ready.
16. Titans: Derrick Morgan, DE, Ga. Tech. Tennessee emphatically fills a big need with Morgan, who could end up being the draft’s best DE. (Note: draft position pending coin flip with 49ers.)
17. 49ers: Mike Iupati, G, Idaho. 49ers need a RT, too, but can’t pass on Iupati’s toughness.
18. Steelers: Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa. The Steelers select Bulaga to refortify their line.
19. Texans: Taylor Mays, S, USC. Mays’ draft stock has fallen, but the Texans will gladly plug the skilled safety into their secondary. (Note: draft position pending coin flip with Falcons.)
20. Falcons: Navorro Bowman, OLB, Penn St. Bowman’s not the draft’s biggest ’backer or the fastest, but he always finds a way to make plays.
21. Bengals: Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame. It’s foolish to pay Carson Palmer elite-QB money and not allow him to throw the ball. Look for Cincy to add a new target early to help him out.
22. Patriots: Brandon Graham, DE, Michigan. The Patriots struggled to get after the quarterback in 2009. Graham, who some project as a 3-4 edge rusher in the pros, should boost their pass rush.
23. Packers: Jahvid Best, RB, California. I’m a big Best backer. He’s the draft’s best back. He’d be a top-10 pick if not for that nasty concussion. Adding him to Green Bay offense would be scary.
24. Eagles: Sergio Kindle, OLB, Texas. Some see him as a 3-4 end, others an outside linebacker. Philly would gladly pluck him off the board.
25. Ravens: Arrelious Benn, WR, Illinois. Shifty, strong and pretty speedy, Benn could be Joe Flacco’s go-to guy for the future. Trading up for Dez Bryant would be better, though.
26. Cardinals: Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma. Arizona could go more conservative on offense with Matt Leinart at QB. Gresham, who is coming off a knee injury, is a total tight end.
27. Cowboys: Brandon Spikes, ILB, Florida. They either need an offensive tackle or an inside linebacker at this spot. I say they take Spikes, the feisty leader of the Gators defense.
28. Chargers: Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland. The former Terp will get selected late in the first by some team. Considering the weather around here, I’m sure he won’t mind if it’s San Diego.
29. Jets: Brian Price, DT, UCLA. New York needs a wideout, but Price has better value. Good receivers will be available in the second round.
30. Vikings: Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise St. The Vikings address one of their few weaknesses.
31. Colts: Everson Griffen, DE, USC. Indy nabs Griffen and will groom him for the future.
32. Saints: Jared Odrick, DT, Penn St. The champs can always get better. They struggled at times against the run, so Odrick is a good fit.

You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.