Mock draft: Despite suspension, Bryant goes No. 1

Here's a look at the first 16 picks in the NFL draft, as projected by Sporting News' War Room scouts. Draft order is as of the end of Week 8 (*—underclassman):

Dez Bryant's season-ending suspension shouldn't hurt his draft stock.

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Dez Bryant*, WR, Oklahoma State
The Bucs need playmakers on offense, so despite Bryant's suspension, they should jump at the chance to get the big, athletic receiver who can make big plays with the ball in his hands.

2. St. Louis Rams: Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska
The Rams' defensive line has struggled in recent seasons, and Suh would give them a powerful and athletic tackle who can change games.

3. Cleveland Browns: Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma
Even with Joe Thomas(notes), Cleveland needs a lot of help on its offensive line, and Williams would give the inevitable new head coach and GM a pair of elite tackles.

4. Kansas City Chiefs: Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State
To give Matt Cassel(notes) a chance at long-term success, the Chiefs have to protect him. Okung is an athletic and strong tackle who would start on the right side in 2010 and could take over the left spot eventually.

5. Tennessee Titans: Gerald McCoy*, DT, Oklahoma
The Titans' defense has not been the same since losing Albert Haynesworth(notes), so they should jump at the chance to get another impact tackle in McCoy.

6. Detroit Lions: Eric Berry*, S/CB, Tennessee
Berry plays safety at Tennessee, but he is best suited to cornerback in the NFL. His athleticism, instincts and playmaking ability would really upgrade the Lions' secondary.

7. Oakland Raiders: Taylor Mays, S, USC
The Raiders' strength is their defense, but adding the versatile Mays would make the unit even better.

8. Seattle Seahawks: Bryan Bulaga*, OT, Iowa
Walter Jones'(notes) career might be over, and Bulaga is a big-time athlete who might be able to replace him.

9. Washington Redskins: Sam Bradford*, QB, Oklahoma
Whoever takes over the Redskins will be looking to rebuild, and adding Bradford—who likely would have been the No. 1 overall pick if not for his shoulder injury—would make too much sense.

10. Buffalo Bills: Joe Haden*, CB, Florida
Rookie safety Jairus Byrd(notes) has improved the Bills' secondary, but now they need to upgrade at cornerback, and Haden would bring them a rare athlete with great instincts and playmaking skills.

11. Jacksonville Jaguars: Sergio Kindle, DE/OLB, Texas
The Jags need to greatly improve their pass rush, and Kindle would bring his rare explosiveness to the defensive end position.

12. San Francisco 49ers: Thaddeus Gibson*, OLB, Ohio State
For the 49ers' defense to become elite, they need to improve their pass rush, and Gibson would bring the explosiveness and skills necessary to do so.

13. Miami Dolphins: Brandon Spikes, ILB, Florida
Many believe Channing Crowder(notes) is not long for Miami, and Akin Ayodele(notes) is not a long-term answer at inside linebacker, so it would make sense to add the tremendously instinctive Spikes, who fits Miami's defense perfectly.

14. San Francisco 49ers (from Carolina): Jon Asamoah, OG, Illinois
The 49ers must improve their offensive line, and Asamoah would bring the athleticism, strength and competitiveness to start as a rookie.

15. New York Jets: Cameron Heyward*, DE, Ohio State
The Jets' defensive line lacks youth and depth, and Heyward would bring the size, strength and athleticism to fit perfectly as an end in New York's 3-4 scheme.

16. Arizona Cardinals: Rob Gronkowski*, TE, Arizona
The Cardinals have a lot of talent at receiver, but adding an impact tight end could turn the offense from very good to elite. Gronkowski could be a top receiver and very good blocker.

Want more? Sporting News' War Room has a full first-round mock and hundreds of player evaluations ready for viewing. You'll also find the Super 99, ranking the best players available, and Russ Lande's Draft Dish, with the latest on prospects for the 2010 NFL draft. Plus, you'll get weekly NFL matchups, simulations and more. Sign up today if you're not already in the War Room.

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