ssmitty

2006 Mock Draft: Round One

Last update: March 29, 2006.
Next Update: April 7, 2006 (fourth round).


Houston Texans: Reggie Bush, RB, USC
Prior to the Rose Bowl, I suggested that the Texans should trade down and collect a few extra picks. After the Rose Bowl, I wrote that Houston would draft Vince Young because most of the fans want the University of Texas quarterback.

I think the Texans will give David Carr another year. They need to surround him with five new and improved offensive linemen, better Nos. 2 and 3 options at wide receiver and a quality tight end. Houston already has Domanick Davis at running back, but several teams have started to utilize a dual-running back offense. Just look at Denver, Atlanta, Carolina, Miami and Chicago. I don't think that Reggie Bush is the right pick for Houston, but selecting him is what general manager Charley Casserly is going to do.


Tennessee Titans (Swap 1 w/NO): Matt Leinart, QB, USC
Let's establish one thing first: The Titans really want Matt Leinart because offensive coordinator Norm Chow coached him during the latter stages of his tenure at USC. Tennessee would love to sit comfortably at No. 3 and wait for Leinart to fall in its lap, but the truth is that Leinart is the top-ranked quarterback in this draft, despite Vince Young's amazing performance in the Rose Bowl and Jay Cutler's outstanding workouts. There are plenty of teams -- Oakland, Arizona, Detroit, Baltimore and the Jets to name a few -- that will try to swap selections with the New Orleans Saints. The Titans cannot let that happen.

This is the first of two predicted trades I'm calling for in this draft. In order to move up to No. 2, Tennessee will have to send New Orleans a third- and a fourth-round pick. Since the Titans do not possess a third rounder this year, it will probably deal its 2007 selection. They cannot afford to pass up on Leinart; Steve McNair is close to retirement, while Billy Volek has been inconsistent when he has relieved the team's fragile signal caller.


Oakland Raiders (Swap 2 w/NO): Vince Young, QB, Texas
After swapping picks with Tennessee, I believe New Orleans will orchestrate yet another trade with Oakland. I do not believe that the Raiders will be able to trade up to No. 2 overall for two reasons: Moving up five slots will be too expensive; and the Titans will offer a better deal because they really want to secure Matt Leinart. Thus, the Raiders will be in position to deal a second- and a third-round pick to the Saints in order to move up to No. 3 overall.

If that happens, is there any question as to whom the Raiders will select? Al Davis loves speed and quarterbacks who can throw the deep ball. Vince Young has both attributes. Even though Davis signed Aaron Brooks to a 2-year deal, do you really think the fans of the Black Hole will put up with Brooks' inconsistency? Besides, the deal Brooks signed was essentially a 1-year contract. He will start for the Raiders until their rookie signal caller is ready to play. It's pretty obvious that neither Young nor Jay Cutler will be available after the fifth pick of this draft. Davis needs to make a move.


New York Jets: Jay Cutler, QB, Vanderbilt
The Jets have restructured Chad Pennington's contract and have traded for Patrick Ramsey, but that doesn't mean that they will pass on Jay Cutler at No. 4. Just think about it; Pennington's shoulder has been injured too many times and his arm is dead. While he looked like a bright, young signal caller in the latter stages of the 2002 season, Pennington is no longer a reliable starting quarterback in this league. As for Ramsey, can you honestly tell me that New York has lots of confidence in the former Redskins project? Ramsey lost his job to Mark Brunell. The Jets will reach a new low if they don't draft Cutler.

New York will take the third quarterback, whether that's Matt Leinart, Vince Young or Cutler. There is a chance that the team will choose offensive tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson or defensive end Mario Williams, but how can it pass up on a franchise quarterback with the potential to be the next Brett Favre?


Green Bay Packers: A.J. Hawk, OLB, Ohio State
Now that the Packers have re-signed defensive end Aaron Kampman, it becomes clear that they are targeting A.J. Hawk, the elite linebacker in the 2006 draft class. It's an understatement to say that Green Bay's stop unit needs a playmaker like Hawk; the defense surrendered 21.9 points per contest, no thanks to its terrible linebacking corps. Hawk would offer an instant upgrade over Na'il Diggs or Robert Thomas.


San Francisco 49ers: Mario Williams, DE/OLB, N.C. State
Where do you start? The 49ers need help at running back, wide receiver, offensive line and almost everywhere on defense. If San Francisco doesn't trade down, it will probably take the best player available. Right now, that's a toss-up between D'Brickashaw Ferguson, the best offensive tackle in the draft, Mario Williams, a relentless sack artist, and Vernon Davis, a 6-foot-3, 253-pound tight end who ran a 4.32 at the combine.

While a monstrous tight end with blazing speed sounds intriguing, I believe San Francisco will select Williams if he is available. Williams will replace Julian Peterson, who will be signing with another team sometime soon. The N.C. State alumnus will improve a woeful pass rush that accumulated just 28 sacks in 2005.


New Orleans Saints: D'Brickashaw Ferguson, OT, Virginia
Like him or not, Aaron Brooks did not get much help from his offensive line, a unit that surrendered 41 sacks in 2005. One of the problems up front is left tackle Wayne Gandy, who just turned 35. Gandy, who was once a reliable tackle, is not getting the job done anymore. New Orleans can fix this problem by selecting the top lineman in the draft, D'Brickashaw Ferguson. Or, the Saints can just watch Drew Brees get pinned to the ground over and over again. It's their call.


Buffalo Bills: Haloti Ngata, DT, Oregon
After dumping Sam Adams into the free-agent pool, the Bills look primed to take Haloti Ngata, a run-stuffing defensive tackle who can also apply pressure on signal callers. The Bills really need someone like Ngata; they were among the league's best against the run two years ago, but in 2005, they were ranked dead last at wrapping up opposing rushers. Buffalo misses run-stuffer Pat Williams, who defected for Minnesota after the 2004 campaign. The Bills can acquire his replacement in this draft.


Detroit Lions: Michael Huff, S, Texas
There might be 100 anti-Matt Millen rallies if the Detroit general manager selects another wide receiver with the team's No. 1 pick. Don't worry Lions fans -- there isn't a wide out in this draft that deserves to be taken within the first 12 slots. Detroit has a huge hole at the free safety position, while Michael Huff is the best player available at this juncture. It's a perfect match.


Arizona Cardinals: Vernon Davis, TE, Maryland
Arizona's addition of Edgerrin James shuts the door on LenDale White being taken at No. 10. Looking at the team's offense, it has two outstanding receivers, a stalwart running back, a fossilized quarterback and a woeful offensive line. I didn't mention tight end because the Cardinals don't have one -- unless you count Adam Bergen or Eric Edwards. Who? Exactly. Kurt Warner will not have a lot of time to throw, so he will need an intermediate safety valve. Vernon Davis is a 6-foot-3, 253-pound tight end who ran a 4.32 at the combine. He will sell a lot of jerseys in Arizona, which I'm sure owner Bill Bidwill recognizes.


St. Louis Rams: Jimmy Williams, CB, Virginia Tech
Mike Martz is finally out of the picture in St. Louis, which is the best thing that has happened to the organization since it won the Super Bowl in 2000. Maybe new head coach Scott Linehan will actually pay attention to the defensive side of the ball. If he does, he will notice that there are huge voids everywhere. Why not draft the best defensive player available?


Cleveland Browns: Kamerion Wimbley, DE/OLB, FSU
You can almost count the number of sacks Cleveland tallied on your fingers. The Browns registered 23 sacks in 2005, which is a disgrace. Romeo Crennel needs to add a few players that can apply consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Cleveland has already acquired outside linebacker Willie McGinest. But at 34, McGinest is only a temporary solution. Kamerion Wimbley recently ran a 4.61, which may have solidified his standings as the No. 2 defensive end-linebacker hybrid in April's draft. The Browns utilize the 3-4, so Wimbley would be perfect in their system.


Baltimore Ravens: Winston Justice, OT, USC
Baltimore's offensive line, once known for being one of the elite units in the NFL, disappointed last year as it surrendered 42 sacks. Kyle Boller's lack of talent aside, how can he possibly have a fair chance to prove himself with a terrible offensive front? Brian Billick already jettisoned right tackle Orlando Brown. It's safe to say that he will be looking for someone to replace the troublesome lineman.


Philadelphia Eagles: Brodrick Bunkley, DT, Florida State
It's no secret that the Eagles will be looking to improve their putrid front seven this offseason. Philadelphia will not draft an outside linebacker in the first round; Andy Reid simply does not value them enough to pay them the money No. 1 picks usually secure. The Eagles will consequently have to choose between an offensive tackle like Marcus McNeill and Brodrick Bunkley. Defensive coordinator Jimmy Johnson prefers smaller, quicker players. Bunkley is 6-foot-3, 284 pounds and runs a 4.94, making him the second-quickest defensive tackle available (Kedric Golston).


Denver Broncos: Chad Jackson, WR, Florida
Denver acquired this pick in a three-way deal with Atlanta and the Jets. I wouldn't be surprised if the Broncos package their two first-round selections in an attempt to acquire tight end Vernon Davis. However, if they are unable to do so, they will probably draft Chad Jackson instead. Jackson, the talk of the combine, ran a blazing 4.32 in the 40. He'll make a great replacement for Rod Smith when the veteran receiver retires.


Miami Dolphins: Ernie Sims, OLB, Florida State
Miami has tons of needs, including quarterback, offensive line, linebacker and secondary. It looked like Nick Saban would be addressing the latter after cutting cornerbacks Sam Madison and Reggie Howard prior to the start of free agency. However, the Dolphins manage to obtain Will Allen, Andre Goodman and Renaldo Hill via the free-agent market. They will still need a corner, but that can come later in this draft. Instead, Saban will turn to the linebacker position, currently occupied by Channing Crowder and Donnie Spragan. The latter is a decent backup, but nothing more. Ernie Sims would be a fine upgrade for potential upstart Miami.


Minnesota Vikings: Laurence Maroney, RB, Minnesota
The Vikings added Chester Taylor to the roster, which was a solid move. However, Taylor does not have the talent to be a starting running back in this league; he is merely a very reliable No. 2 runner. Thus, Minnesota will take local product Laurence Maroney with this draft choice.


Dallas Cowboys: Donte Whitner, S, Ohio State
The Cowboys need a safety right next to Roy Williams. Keith Davis just isn't getting the job done. Bill Parcells has done a great job rebuilding Dallas' defense, but he still needs someone who can play free safety. That man is Donte Whitner, one of the hottest prospects in this year's draft.


San Diego Chargers: Santonio Holmes, WR, Ohio State
Prior to this edition of the mock draft, I had the Chargers taking safety Ko Simpson. But in the wake of the Marlon McCree signing, I believe that San Diego will select Santonio Holmes. Philip Rivers, who has only thrown one touchdown during his 2-year NFL career, needs all the weapons he can get. His current targets at wide out are 36-year-old Keenan McCardell and Eric Parker, who accumulated just 725 yards last season.


Kansas City Chiefs: Tye Hill, CB, Clemson
Does it get any more pathetic than Kansas City's defense? The team needed to either beat the Giants or the Cowboys in late December in order to get into the playoffs. The Chiefs lost to both squads because they surrendered 29 points per game during that two-game stretch. They just couldn't tackle anyone. Kansas City needs defensive help almost everywhere. Tye Hill wouldn't be a bad option; he was one of the winners at the combine because he ran a blazing 4.3 in the 40.


New England Patriots: Manny Lawson, DE, N.C. State
A defensive end-outside linebacker hybrid was not needed during the 2005 campaign, but that's not the case anymore, as Willie McGinest signed with Cleveland. Wimbley, who ran a 4.6 despite being 6-foot-3 and 248 pounds, is a perfect replacement for McGinest. Running back DeAngelo Williams is also an option at this juncture, but I believe Bill Belichick will want to improve his linebacking corps after watching last year's debacle.


Denver Broncos: Leonard Pope, TE, Georgia
Another target for Jake Plummer? Mike Shanahan knows his quarterback needs all of the help he can get. The Broncos will use their second first-round selection -- they have two because of last year's trade with Washington -- on a premier tight end. Leonard Pope, a steal at this juncture, will be a tremendous upgrade over Jeb Putzier, who was released in early March.


Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Marcus McNeill, OT, Auburn
One of the reasons why Cadillac Williams, Ronnie Brown and Kenny Irons all succeeded at Auburn was because of Marcus McNeill. Reuniting Cadillac with McNeill would be a great move on Jon Gruden's part.


Cincinnati Bengals: Tamba Hali, DE, Penn State
It's pretty evident that a team cannot put pressure on the quarterback if it fails to acquire at least 30 sacks in a single season. The Bengals were short of that mark. They can improve their non-existent pass rush by taking Mathias Kiwanuka. Tamba Hali should become a fixture in Marvin Lewis' defense for many years to come.


New York Giants: Chad Greenway, OLB, Iowa
Carlos Emmons, Reggie Torbor and Barrett Green didn't exactly dazzle anyone with their electrifying play at outside linebacker. It got so bad that the Giants brought in Jesse Armstead to try out.


Chicago Bears: Marcedes Lewis, TE, UCLA
The Bears have finally found a respectable quarterback, but they still have one glaring hole on offense -- the tight end position. Marcedes Lewis would be a tremendous improvement over Desmond Clark.


Carolina Panthers: LenDale White, RB, USC
So much for Carolina taking a receiver with its first round pick; the team signed Keyshawn Johnson about a week ago. With Stephen Davis hitting free agency, John Fox could be looking at a running back. He will not be able to rely on the injury-plagued DeShaun Foster and Nick Goings as his only two runners, especially after watching most of his backs suffer injuries the past two seasons.


Jacksonville Jaguars: Bobby Carpenter, OLB, Ohio State
One of the few holes in Jacksonville's dynamic front seven is at the outside linebacker position, where Akin Ayodele resided last year. If the Jaguars grab Bobby Carpenter and legitimate No. 2 cornerback, they will have one of the top defenses in the league next season.


New York Jets: DeAngelo Williams, RB, Memphis
Because of their extraordinary amount of needs, the Jets could go a variety of directions with this selection. By the start of the 2006 season, Curtis Martin will be 33 years old. Martin won the rushing title in 2004, but last year was a struggle, as the veteran running back gained just 3.3 yards per carry. Cedric Houston will be a reserve in the NFL for a long time, but he is not a capable starter.


Indianapolis Colts: Joseph Addai, RB, LSU
Colts fans should not blame Edgerrin James for leaving the team. They should put the onus on Peyton Manning, Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne, whose gargantuan contracts prevented Indianapolis from re-signing the powerful running back. With James gone and serious cap restrictions in place, the Colts will not hesitate to grab the best ball carrier available. I wouldn't be surprised if they traded up a few slots in an effort to grab Laurence Maroney, LenDale White or DeAngelo Williams.


Seattle Seahawks: Daniel Bullocks, S, Nebraska
Seattle has shored up its defense for the most part, but the team suffered a huge blow when safety Ken Hamlin sustained head injuries outside of a bar. Hamlin may never be 100 percent again, which could prompt the Seahawks to draft a safety.


Pittsburgh Steelers: Sinorice Moss, WR, Miami
Now that Ben Roethlisberger has evolved to perhaps the second-best quarterback in the NFL, it's time for Bill Cowher to surround him with better receivers, especially in the wake of Antwaan Randle El's move to Washington. Cedrick Wilson and Quincy Morgan just don't do it for me.


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2006 Mock Draft: Round Two



Houston Texans: Eric Winston, OT, Miami
David Carr was sacked 72 times in 2002 and 68 times last season. It's a joke that general manager Charley Casserly still has his job. The Texans will take the best offensive lineman available at this juncture.


New Orleans Saints: Thomas Howard, OLB, UTEP
Even though the Saints signed Anthony Simmons and Scott Fujita this offseason, it's safe to say that they need help at outside linebacker. Thomas Howard could be a cornerstone of New Orleans' defense for a very long time.


New York Jets: Nick Mangold, C, Ohio State
Kevin Mawae was a fixture at center for the Jets since 1998. However, he will now be playing for the Tennessee Titans, meaning New York will have to find a suitable replacement for the former Pro Bowler. Nick Mangold isn't a bad option.


Green Bay Packers: Charles Spencer, G, Pittsburgh
Besides the massive amount of injuries the Packers suffered, a major reason why their offense struggled last season was the inconsistent play at both guard positions.


New Orleans (Swap 2 w/OAK): Mathias Kiwanuka, DE, B.C.
The last time the Saints made the playoffs was the last time they had a good defense. Coincidence? New Orleans registered just 25 sacks in 2005, which has to change if it wants to enter the postseason for the first time since 2000. Drafting Mathias Kiwanuka would be a solid start.


San Francisco 49ers: Jonathan Scott, OT, Texas
San Francisco's offensive line surrendered 48 sacks in 2005. That's David Carr territory. Mike Nolan should use this selection to ensure the safety of Alex Smith.


Tennessee Titans: Alan Zemaitis, CB, Penn State
I don't even think Titans fans can name any cornerbacks on their team, with the exception of Pac Man Jones. And it's not like Pac Man is any good. Alan Zemaitis is the most underrated player in the draft. Whoever selects him will be pleasantly surprised by how talented he is.


Detroit Lions: D'Qwell Jackson, MLB, Maryland
Current middle linebacker Earl Holmes is over the hill and way too fragile. It seems like he's on the injury report every week. Detroit needs an upgrade at that position.


Arizona Cardinals: Taitusi Lutui, G, USC
Arizona almost has less talent on its offensive line than Houston does. Now that's an insult. The Cardinals need to focus on upgrading their offensive front this offseason.


Buffalo Bills: Ryan O'Callaghan, OT, California
The Bills need improvement at the offensive tackle position after suffering through a couple of disappointing seasons from Mike Williams.


Cleveland Browns: Abdul Hodge, ILB, Iowa
Romeo Crennel will continue to bolster his defense. Adding a talented linebacker like Abdul Hodge will pay off for years to come.


Baltimore Ravens: Kai Parham, MLB, Virginia
The Ravens defense is overrated and is no longer the feared unit it once was. Brian Billick's main concern this offseason will be to upgrade his mediocre stop unit. Ray Lewis has been rumored to want out of Baltimore, so the team may be forced to select a middle linebacker early in the draft.


Philadelphia Eagles: Greg Eslinger, C, Minnesota
The Eagles were poised to sign center LeCharles Bentley, when Cleveland made an 11th-hour offer to the Pro Bowler and stole him away from Philadelphia. Andy Reid will respond by selecting the second-best center in the draft.


St. Louis Rams: Ko Simpson, S, South Carolina
More upgrades for one of the most pitiful defenses in the NFL. Adam Archuleta's departure for Washington created a huge hole at free safety. It needs to be filled.


Atlanta Falcons: Maurice Drew, RB, UCLA
Warrick Dunn, who quietly rushed for 1,416 yards last season, just turned 31. Like Curtis Martin, who had his final year of positive productivity at 31, this could be Dunn's last season as a valid starting running back in this league. Second on the depth chart is the sluggish T.J. Duckett, who managed a pitiful 3.1 yards per carry last year.


Minnesota Vikings: Daryn Colledge, OT, Boise State
If the Vikings want to finally stop disappointing their fans every year, they need to keep Brad Johnson, acquire a talented running back and improve their offensive line. If my prediction is correct and Minnesota picks Laurence Maroney in the first round, the team will need to secure better blockers for the promising rookie.


Dallas Cowboys: Ashton Youboty, CB, Ohio State
I'm sure Bill Parcells is quite aware that you can never have too much depth at cornerback. Picking Ashton Youboty at this juncture will beef up Dallas' secondary.


San Diego Chargers: Darnell Bing, S, USC
San Diego signed Marlon McCree to fix its problem at the safety position. However, I believe McCree is simply a temporary solution; Darnell Bing will be a fixture in the Chargers' secondary for a very long time.


Minnesota Vikings: Antonio Cromartie, CB, Florida State
Minnesota acquired this pick in the Daunte Culpepper trade. The Vikings need help at cornerback after being subjected to a very disappointing season from Fred Smoot.


New England Patriots: Maurice Stovall, WR, Notre Dame
David Givens decided that money is more important than winning, which means the Patriots will be looking for a receiver in the early stages of the draft. Charlie Weis will probably recommend Maurice Stovall to Bill Belichick.


Washington Redskins: Jonathan Joseph, CB, South Carolina
Washington has two outstanding starting cornerbacks in Shawn Springs and Carlos Rogers. However, in the wake of Walt Harris' departure, the Redskins have very little depth at the position.


Kansas City Chiefs: Ray Edwards, DE, Purdue
Other than Jared Allen, the most sacks produced by any Kansas City defensive player was four. The Chiefs need to take a defensive end during the early stages of April's draft.


Cincinnati Bengals: Gabe Watson, DT, Michigan
Cincinnati has trouble stopping the run; the team needs a powerful defensive tackle to protect the dynamic Odell Thurman.


New York Giants: DeMeco Ryans, OLB, Alabama
The Giants will need to keep improving the thinnest linebacking corps in the NFL.


Chicago Bears: Jason Allen, S, Tennessee
The Bears have a prolific defense, but they have a hole at free safety, where Chris Harris was abused by Steve Smith in the playoffs.


Carolina Panthers: Andrew Whitworth, OT, LSU
Jake Delhomme didn't even have a chance in the NFC Championship. Seahawks defenders were in his face the entire evening.


Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Roger McIntosh, OLB, Miami
This could be Derrick Brooks' final season in Tampa Bay. Brooks turns 33 in April, so Jon Gruden could be looking for someone to replace the perennial Pro Bowler.


Jacksonville Jaguars: Max-Jean Gilles, G, Georgia
Jacksonville needs help at the guard position; Vince Manuwai has fallen out of favor with Jack Del Rio.


Denver Broncos: Elvis Dumervil, DE, Louisville
It's hard to believe but no Denver player registered more than four sacks in 2005. The team's inability to pressure Ben Roethlisberger was one of the reasons it lost to Pittsburgh in the AFC Championship. The Broncos replaced Kenard Lang with Trevor Pryce, but the fact remains that Courtney Brown should not be a starter.


Indianapolis Colts: Kelly Jennings, CB, Miami
One of the reasons why Indianapolis once again choked in the playoffs was because it could not stop Pittsburgh's aerial attack. Nick Harper and Jason David are terrible.


Seattle Seahawks: Davin Joseph, G, Oklahoma
Steve Hutchinson signed an outrageous contract with the Vikings, meaning the Seahawks will have to compensate for their loss.


Pittsburgh Steelers: Mark Anderson, DE/OLB, Alabama
The Steelers always seem to select a linebacker during the early stages of the draft.


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2006 Mock Draft: Round Three



Houston Texans: Greg Blue, S, Georgia
I'm going to go out on a limb and suggest that the Texans need upgrades over C.C. Brown and Glenn Earl.


Houston Texans: Claude Wroten, DT, LSU
Now that the Texans are switching to a 4-3 defensive scheme, they will need the appropriate type of defensive tackles.


Green Bay Packers: Derek Hagan, WR, Arizona State
Javon Walker wants out of Green Bay. I can't really blame him after the team's lack of participation in free agency. If Walker leaves, the Packers will be hunting for a new wide out.


San Francisco 49ers: Dominique Byrd, TE, USC
Mike Nolan needs to provide Alex Smith with a dependable target at tight end.


New Orleans (Swap 2 w/OAK): Ryan Cook, C, New Mexico
The Saints already lost center LeCharles Bentley to free agency. If they cannot re-sign Kendyl Jacox, they will need to acquire multiple interior linemen in the draft.


Buffalo Bills: Brodie Croyle, QB, Alabama
I've made it clear that I'm not a big believer in J.P. Losman. Since Buffalo has two third-round selections, it wouldn't hurt for them to take a quarterback with one of them.


New York Jets: Rashad Butler, OT, Miami
One of the many things the Jets need to do this offseason is replace Jason Fabini, who signed with Dallas in March.


Arizona Cardinals: Terna Nande, OLB, Miami of Ohio
Arizona needs upgrades all over its defense. Outside linebacker wouldn't be a bad place to start.


Buffalo Bills: Bernard Pollard, S, Purdue
With Lawyer Milloy being a cap casualty and Troy Vincent in the twilight of his career, the Bills need to get younger and quicker at safety.


Detroit Lions: Richard Marshall, CB, Fresno State
The Lions currently have just four cornerbacks on their roster. Think they need some depth at that position?


New England Patriots: Pat Watkins, S, Florida State
I don't know if Pat Watkins can be a valid replacement for Rodney Harrison, but he should at least should be a decent backup for the substitute New England finds.


Philadelphia Eagles: Demetrius Williams, WR, Oregon
The Eagles still need help at wide receiver. Maybe they should have just paid Terrell Owens the money and avoided the whole soap opera they went through in 2005.


St. Louis Rams: Anthony Fasano, TE, Notre Dame
The Rams need tons of upgrades on the defensive side of the ball, but Scott Linehan should spend at least one first-day pick on an offensive weapon.


Cleveland Browns: Martin Nance, WR, Miami of Ohio
The Browns don't have much at receiver beyond Antonio Bryant, Dennis Northcutt and Joe Jurevicius. Cleveland needs a solid fourth option who can grow and eventually become the team's No. 2 target.


Atlanta Falcons: Jeremy Trueblood, OT, Boston College
Kevin Shaffer signed a contract with the Browns, but Atlanta needed an upgrade over him regardless.


Dallas Cowboys: Gerris Wilkinson, ILB, Georgia Tech
Bill Parcells spent so much time upgrading his outside linebackers last year, that it seemed like he forgot to address the inside.


San Diego Chargers: Zach Strief, OT, Northwestern
Last year, I suggested that the Chargers should upgrade their offensive tackles. They didn't listen and they suffered because of it.


Miami Dolphins: Brian Calhoun, RB, Wisconsin
What a surprise, Ricky Williams failed a drug test. No one saw that coming. Nick Saban will be forced to burn an early draft pick on a solid backup for Ronnie Brown.


Minnesota Vikings: Omar Jacobs, QB, Bowling Green
Omar Jacobs could one day replace Brad Johnson. That won't be in the near future, but it wouldn't be a bad idea for the Vikings to invest a third-round selection on a young signal caller.


San Francisco 49ers: DeMario Minter, CB, Georgia
At this point, all the 49ers can do is draft the best defensive player available.


Kansas City Chiefs: John McCargo, DT, N.C. State
Kansas City needs an upgrade at nearly every defensive position.


New England Patriots: Tim McGarigle, ILB, Northwestern
New England has very little at inside linebacker behind Tedy Bruschi and Mike Vrabel.


New York Giants: Jason Avant, WR, Michigan
Eli Manning has Plaxico Burress and Jeremy Shockey at his disposal, but who does he have after that? Amani Toomer will be 32 in September. Tim Carter, David Tyree, Willie Ponder and Jamaar Taylor are all sub par.


Chicago Bears: Hank Baskett, WR, New Mexico
The Bears should continue to help Rex Grossman by giving him reliable targets to throw to.


Carolina Panthers: Jon Alston, OLB, Stanford
Carolina lost Will Witherspoon to the free-agent market, meaning its starting outside linebackers are Brandon Short and Vinny Ciurciu.


Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Joe Klopfenstein, TE, Colorado
Maybe if Chris Simms had a better tight end than Anthony Becht, he wouldn't have thrown those interceptions against Washington in the playoffs.


Cincinnati Bengals: Tim Day, TE, Oregon
David Thomas could probably become Cincinnati's starting tight end by May. That's how bad the Bengals' situation is at that position.


Jacksonville Jaguars: David Thomas, TE, Texas
Yet another tight end off the board. Jacksonville needs an upgrade over the disappointing George Wrighster.


Atlanta Falcons: Cedric Griffin, CB, Texas
If Atlanta wants to contend for the NFC South crown, it will need a better No. 3 corner than Allen Rossum.


Indianapolis Colts: Chris Chester, G, Oklahoma
If Peyton Manning wants better offensive linemen, Colts management better give him better offensive linemen.


Minnesota Vikings: Darryl Tapp, DE, Virginia Tech
Minnesota's defense was improved last year, but it still needs one more quality defensive end.


Pittsburgh Steelers: Jerious Norwood, RB, Mississippi State
Jerome Bettis has retired, which means that the Steelers will be searching for a running back who can carry the load between the tackles. Duce Staley is still on the roster, but he gets injured far too often.


New York Jets: Jonathan Lewis, DT, Virginia Tech
One of the many reasons the Jets suffered last year was the departure of defensive tackle Jason Ferguson.






Draft Links:

pakowitz

thats a pretty interesting scenario... one i had not considered...but if tenn. wants leinert that bad i think we could hold out for more then just a 3rd m 4th... id have to ask for a 2nd n 4th maybe...

foreverfan

This would make me so happy I could.....

2nd Round - First Pick
Outside Linebacker Thomas Howard UTEP
Height: 6-3 Weight: 239 lbs. Forty Time: 4.42 - Combine
2002: 31 TK 0 SK 0 INT 0 FF
2003: 118 TK 2 SK 1 INT 0 FF
2004: 62 TK 8 SK 2 INT 2 FF
2005: 73 TK 3 SK 1 INT 0 FF
Combines the size and strength of a prototypical linebacker with the speed of a defensive back. He is a versatile player who has started at both weak and strong side linebacker, playing both positions at a high level. He has been a very durable player without a single injury. He is an extremely hard hitter and a fundamentally sound tackler. Howard is arguably the fastest linebacker in the nation with speed that allows him to make plays sideline to sideline as well as put pressure on the quarterback. He has proven to be an excellent leader both on and off the field.

2nd Round - Second Pick
Defensive End Mathias Kiwanuka Boston College
Height: 6-5 Weight: 256 lbs. Forty Time: 4.75 - Combine
2001: Redshirt
2002: 44 TA 5 SA 1 INT 2 PBA
2003: 83 TA 16.5 or 13 SA 5 PBA
2004: 67 TA 11.5 SA 2 INT 2 PBA
He has developed into one of the better pass rushers in college football and with his height (6'7") and long wingspan, he can be difficult to throw over. In addition to being a monster pass-rusher, Kiwanuka has also developed into an excellent run defender as well. He has the frame to add more strength and bulk and he may want to do so to handle larger offensive tackles at the professional level. He has a ton of upside and he should be among the top defensive players selected in the 2006 NFL draft.

3rd Round Only Pick and another in 2007
Center Ryan Cook New Mexico
Height: 6-6 Weight: 328 lbs. Forty Time: 5.50 - Combine
He has been very durable over the course of his career and is an extremely strong player. He plays hard every down and displays good overall technique. He has good footwork and mobility for a player his size. He possesses the “mean streak� you like to see in an offensive lineman. He is a very good run blocker who helped pave the way for four consecutive 1,000 yard rushing seasons.

www.otcdraft.com

While each of these draft prospect have played 3+ years, all of them come from small colleges which scares me. None have suffered major injuries which I really like.

2019 Death of a Parrot.

BiggPoppaFro4

That would be friggin' sweet!!!! Never really thought of that scenario, but if Loomis pulls something like that kinda coup off....holy crap

Brick, for #7 money, Kiwi and Howard? Nice

Euphoria

come on they have Oakland trading up for Young, unlikely after getting a QB FA style.

BiggPoppaFro4

That QB is Brooks....no way the Raiders stand pat if the opportunity to move up and get Randy's next coming of Daunte presents itself. Brooks would be one and done.

Still, this is a LOT of things that have to happen...a lot of shenanigans to get to that point

saintswhodi

You could have stopped reading this when it said D'Brick fell to the 7 spot, AND we take a DE in the second round, and not even a good one. Rubbish. I like the trades though.

GoldRush26

In addition to that, what does NO get from Tennessee for trading? I see no compensation from Tennessee. No way we take a '07 3rd rounder so they can pick up a franchise QB. They owe us a little more than that.

foreverfan

3rd and a 4th this year... please read the thread again.

papz

Gotta disagree on Mathias being a good DE. He was a sure fire top 10 pick last year but decided to come back and get a degree to make his mother happy. He just wasn't able to shake off that early season injury he had... he's going to be a steal for someone.