FreeBaGeL
Footballguy
First things first. I make my own decisions based on what I see and hear, not from other mock drafts so this mock may end up looking a bit different than most you usually see (I tried to make mention of why I disagree with the "experts" when I made a pick a bit against the grain)....but hey, the NFL draft usually looks pretty different than most expert mocks anyway so who knows. San Fran's recent trade threw me a little last second loop so I had to redo the last third of the draft, but here you go fellas...Constructive criticism is welcome, "this sucks" is not 
1.01 Houston Texans - Reggie Bush - RB, USC
People love to go on and on about how D'Brick is the "right football move" here but Bush will get picked despite this. They cite the reasons as ticket sales, hype, etc. They were right about one thing....Bush will be the #1 pick in the draft. But he will be the #1 pick because it is THE RIGHT FOOTBALL MOVE. These are NFL GM's we're talking about here, they don't make picks based on hype and they don't make picks to sell tickets (especially the Texans who sell out every game anyway). D'Brick is not the prospect some believe and comes with many questionmarks as his own. He is a bit undersized and struggled in the second half of this past year. He's a great prospect, but despite DD in town (an average RB in a good running system - Houston's o-line struggles to pass block but they're actually a quite good run blocking unit) Reggie Bush will help this team more than D'Brick will, and more than Mario Williams will. As far as I'm aware the Texans haven't shown any real interest in D'Brick. People also bring up questions about Bush's durability but they are unfounded. Yes, he was in a RBBC in college but USC used their RBs enough to give both Bush and White an NFL sized workload and Bush averaged as many touches this past year as most NFL RBs, and he did it without even a hint of injury. So he's not going to run the ball 30 times a game, big deal...he doesn't need to. Marshall Faulk's glory season of '01 (2000+ yards, 26 TDs, NFL MVP, super bowl victory) he averaged 18 carries per game. If there were any real questions about Bush's durability from the people in the know he wouldn't be the consensus #1 overall pick and wouldn't be one of the highest graded prospects of the last decade. If the people cutting him a check for $50 mil aren't concerned about his durability, why should I be?
1.02 New Orleans Saints - Mario Williams - DE, NCST
Before all the 15 year olds scream that the Saints already have two solid DE's like they're telling us all something we didn't already know...yes, the Saints take Mario despite the two DE's they've already got. Despite the notion that the DE spot is already a strongsuit of the Saints, the team finished 31st in sacks last year. Charles Grant will move inside to DT, and is a free agent at the end of the year even if he doesn't. This wouldn't be the first time the Saints took a DE despite having a couple good ones as they did the same thing a few years back with Will Smith so it's certainly not something outside what they're willing to do, and Smith wasn't half the prospect Mario was and at the time neither of their current DE's had contracts running out at the end of the year like Grant's does currently, so really they have even more reason to do it now than they did then. D'Brickashaw isn't the pick because Brown was drafted in the first round with the notion that he would start at RT and move over when an old Gandy was sent packing, and the defense needs a playmaker in a bad way. #2 overall is too high for a LB, and Mario will help the defense more anyway. A true playmaking pass rusher can do wonders for a weak secondary. The Saints seek to trade down a few spots, but with the next four guys all being good value they don't get any buyers.
1.03 Tennessee Titans - D'Brickashaw Ferguson - LT, UVA
Everyone has the Titans pencilled in for a QB, but I don't see it that way. Mcnair has another year left assuming he eventually gets his contract works out, and in the meantime they've got another QB that's looked pretty good in Volek. Yes, Norm Chow coached Leinart in college, but offensive coordinators don't make the draft picks. This franchise is used to having a good left tackle, and with Brad Hopkins leaving down D'Brickashaw will step right in and continue the tradition of the front office guys not having to worry about the position for the next decade.
1.04 New York Jets - Matt Leinart - QB, USC
The Jets likely figured they'd end up with D'Brick, but are ecstatic that Leinart fell instead and they snatch him up right away without having to give anything up to move up for him.
1.05 Green Bay Packers - A.J. Hawk - LB, OSU
Given the way the top 4 went down, Hawk is the easy pick here. The Packers sorely need defensive help and a playmaker like Hawk is just their guy.
1.06 San Francisco 49ers - Michael Huff - DB, Texas
Vernon Davis is tempting here, but the Niners already porous defense just lost Andre Carter and Julian Peterson and they badly need a playmaker on that side of the ball. With as weak and injury depleted as their secondary always ends up, they need a legit starter there and Huff is the choice for it.
1.07 Oakland Raiders - Haloti Ngata - DT, Oregon
Vince Young is the sexy pick here, but likely won't be the actual pick. Things can change, but Al Davis is pretty set in his ways and a first round QB isn't on his list of priorities with Brooks coming to down and a first day QB picked last year coupling with the fact that he has never drafted a 1st round QB. Young also doesn't fit the mold of what he's typically looked for at QB in the past. The middle of the line is getting pretty elderly in Oaktown, and Ngata is the guy to step in for the future at that spot. Plus, if I put Young in here every Raider fan that opens this thread would threaten to kill me.
1.08 Buffalo Bills - Winston Justice - OT, USC
They could badly use a DT to replace Adams but they're reportedly not sold on Ngata fitting what they need even if he was on the board. With an already weak O-line losing another starter and Justice's soaring stock the Bills grab him here.
1.09 Detroit Lions - Vince Young - QB, Texas
The Lions just signed two free agent QBs, but both are plug-ins and neither is the longterm answer, but each will give the Lions time to let Young sit and learn for a bit before taking over. Maybe a bit of a longshot but the Lions seem to like grabbing playmakers and Young is that type of player.
1.10 Arizona Cardinals - Vernon Davis - TE, Ari
The Cards really need defense, but there's no one here that fits a major need on that side that is worth the spot. I went back and forth on Davis vs. Cutler, but I think Zona feels that they have a team capable of winning now (even if many of us disagree) and adding a 28 year old Edgerrin James only backs that, so they go with the guy that can step in and contribute right away.
1.11 St Louis Rams - Broderick Bunkley - DT, FSU
The Rams are dissappointed that they missed out on Davis by one pick, but they need more help on defense anyway. Their biggest needs are DB and DT, and with all the question marks that have come up about Jimmy Williams, Bunkley probably represents the best value at either of those spots here.
1.12 Cleveland Browns - Kamerion Wimbley - DE/OLB, FSU
Back to back 'Noles go off the board. With both the top DTs off the board the Browns look towards their other big need, a pass rushing LB.
1.13 Baltimore Ravens - Jimmy Williams - DB, VT
The Ravens also would've probably liked a DT here, but with both off the board they could also use help at FS and depth at CB.....so why not grab a guy who can give them both?
1.14 Philadelphia Eagles - Chad Greenway - OLB, Iowa
I really think Chad jackson would make a great fit in Philly, but I don't think I see them going that direction in the draft. Greenway not only fills a need, but he's the type of team first leader the Eagles seem to like.
1.15 Denver Broncos - Chad Jackson - WR, Florida
The Broncos have added a few WRs the last couple years and none have really panned out with Lelie relegated to a deep threat role and the rest not being consistent enough to get much playing time. Jackson has spent time in the role of a deep threat (2004) and in the role of a possession receiver (2005) and as such brings the versatillity that the Broncos will miss when Rod Smith finally keels over (or just retires, whichever comes first) and that guys like Lelie lack, and he won't even have to change his jersey colors.
1.16 Miami Dolphins - Manny Lawson - DE/OLB, NC State
Another team misses out on a guy they wanted by one pick (could mean some trades come draft day) as Saban was said to really like Jackson. With Jackson and Jimmy Williams both off the board and Cutler still there this would've been an easy pick prior to the Culpepper trade. The Fins could use some help in the secondary but miniature Tye Hill is not the type of corner Saban likes. Holmes is another option at WR, but I think for the Fins it's Jackson or bust in terms of wideouts. So, they go with Manny Lawson because quite frankly, Sedrick Hodge stinks. Jason Allen is another longshot here that I would love to see them take and even though I haven't really seen any mention of him to the Fins in other mock drafts I could see it happening.
1.17 Minnesota Vikings - Jay Cutler - QB, Vanderbilt
The Vikings would be ecstatic to land Cutler here, and while I don't think if they saw him falling they would wait to 17 (I think they trade up if they see him still around in the teens) this mock doesn't have trades so in this instance they get lucky. OLB is the pick if the top 3 QBs are gone.
1.18 Dallas Cowboys - Jason Allen - FS, Tenn
A risky pick, but if Allen ends up healthy and pans out he and Roy Williams could make the scariest safety combo out there. The Cowboys may have preferred a guy like Wimbley or Lawson if they were available, but they're not so another major need is filled.
1.19 San Diego Chargers - Santonio Holmes - WR, Ohio State
Not the hugest area of need as Eric Parker seems a bit underrated and Mccardell is still around, but the Chargers decide that if they're going to put their hopes on a guy with 0 NFL starts, they may as well make sure he's got some true WRs.
1.20 Kansas City Chiefs - Antonio Cromartie - CB, FSU
Another risky pick that could pay off huge. If Cromartie can shake off the injury he has the ability to develope into a shut-down corner, something very rare and something never available at the 20th pick in the draft. Even after improving this past season the KC defense is still their weakness, but a Surtain/Cromartie tandem could be a great one for years to come.
1.21 New England Patriots - DeAngelo Williams - RB, Memphis
The 2nd RB finally goes off the board, and the Pats are happy to have a great pure RB ready to step in whenever they need him as Dillon is on his last legs. I hope this doesn't happen because I hate it when the Patriots make good draft picks. I could see them going Carpenter here as well.
1.22 San Francisco 49ers (from Denver through Washington) - Bobby Carpenter - OLB, Ohio State
Peterson out, Carpenter in. Damn you 49ers for trading and making me re-do the last 3rd of my mock right before I posted it.
1.23 Tampa Bay Bucs - Marcus McNeil - OT, Auburn
John Gruden love Caddy. John Gruden want Caddy to have good O-line to run behind for long distances. John Gruden hate Kenyatta Walker. John Gruden draft Marcus McNeil.
1.24 Cincinnati Bengals - Donte Whitner - S, Ohio State
Something even crazier than winning has happened in Cincy the last few years. Cincy has actually been making good draft picks. TE is a popular pick here, but the defense is what needs help so Whitner gets the call here.
1.25 New York Giants - DeMeco Ryans - OLB, Bama
Assuming they don't end up with Arrington OLB is a huge need for the Giants, and while Ryans stock has fallen a bit the past few months he still makes a solid pick at #25.
1.26 Chicago Bears - Leonard Pope - TE, UGA
Sinorice Moss has gotten a fair amount of attention here, but I the Bears have needed WRs more badly in the past and passed them up in the 1st round, and Moss is a reach anywhere in round 1 besides that. Even as a first rounder I think Pope is a bit underrated and is a bigtime difference maker at TE. I haven't seen much mention of the Bears grabbing an OLB but I think they could go that route as well.
1.27 Carolina Panthers - Ernie Sims - OLB, FSU
He doesn't exactly fit their system but at 27th overall you can't be too picky, he fills a need, and is just too much natural talent to pass up.
1.28 Jacksonville Jaguars - Thomas Howard - OLB, UTEP
The Jags are just the kind of team I could see making this pick. OLB is a big need and Howard is just the type of fast guy the Jags are looking for here.
1.29 New York Jets (from Denver through Atlanta) - Nick Mangold - C, Ohio State
Kevin Mawae leaves big shoes to fill, so the Jets look to add another franchise center.
1.30 Indianapolis Colts - Laurence Maroney - RB, Minn
The Colts need an OLB, and in all honesty if one of the guys at that spot taken ahead of the Colts in this mock were available they would be the pick here even with Maroney on the board. But they're gone, so Maroney is the pick and obviously fills a major need.
1.31 Seattle Seahawks - Tye Hill - CB, Clemson
CB is a major need for the reigning NFC champs, and Seattle is happy that Hill slips to them.
1.32 Pittsburgh Steelers - LenDa.....Siniorice Moss - WR, Miami
That's right, the obvious pick LenDale White is on the board and Pitt passes on him. They instead add a bruiser like Humes later in the draft and Sinorice steps into the deepthreat/KR role.
1.01 Houston Texans - Reggie Bush - RB, USC
People love to go on and on about how D'Brick is the "right football move" here but Bush will get picked despite this. They cite the reasons as ticket sales, hype, etc. They were right about one thing....Bush will be the #1 pick in the draft. But he will be the #1 pick because it is THE RIGHT FOOTBALL MOVE. These are NFL GM's we're talking about here, they don't make picks based on hype and they don't make picks to sell tickets (especially the Texans who sell out every game anyway). D'Brick is not the prospect some believe and comes with many questionmarks as his own. He is a bit undersized and struggled in the second half of this past year. He's a great prospect, but despite DD in town (an average RB in a good running system - Houston's o-line struggles to pass block but they're actually a quite good run blocking unit) Reggie Bush will help this team more than D'Brick will, and more than Mario Williams will. As far as I'm aware the Texans haven't shown any real interest in D'Brick. People also bring up questions about Bush's durability but they are unfounded. Yes, he was in a RBBC in college but USC used their RBs enough to give both Bush and White an NFL sized workload and Bush averaged as many touches this past year as most NFL RBs, and he did it without even a hint of injury. So he's not going to run the ball 30 times a game, big deal...he doesn't need to. Marshall Faulk's glory season of '01 (2000+ yards, 26 TDs, NFL MVP, super bowl victory) he averaged 18 carries per game. If there were any real questions about Bush's durability from the people in the know he wouldn't be the consensus #1 overall pick and wouldn't be one of the highest graded prospects of the last decade. If the people cutting him a check for $50 mil aren't concerned about his durability, why should I be?
1.02 New Orleans Saints - Mario Williams - DE, NCST
Before all the 15 year olds scream that the Saints already have two solid DE's like they're telling us all something we didn't already know...yes, the Saints take Mario despite the two DE's they've already got. Despite the notion that the DE spot is already a strongsuit of the Saints, the team finished 31st in sacks last year. Charles Grant will move inside to DT, and is a free agent at the end of the year even if he doesn't. This wouldn't be the first time the Saints took a DE despite having a couple good ones as they did the same thing a few years back with Will Smith so it's certainly not something outside what they're willing to do, and Smith wasn't half the prospect Mario was and at the time neither of their current DE's had contracts running out at the end of the year like Grant's does currently, so really they have even more reason to do it now than they did then. D'Brickashaw isn't the pick because Brown was drafted in the first round with the notion that he would start at RT and move over when an old Gandy was sent packing, and the defense needs a playmaker in a bad way. #2 overall is too high for a LB, and Mario will help the defense more anyway. A true playmaking pass rusher can do wonders for a weak secondary. The Saints seek to trade down a few spots, but with the next four guys all being good value they don't get any buyers.
1.03 Tennessee Titans - D'Brickashaw Ferguson - LT, UVA
Everyone has the Titans pencilled in for a QB, but I don't see it that way. Mcnair has another year left assuming he eventually gets his contract works out, and in the meantime they've got another QB that's looked pretty good in Volek. Yes, Norm Chow coached Leinart in college, but offensive coordinators don't make the draft picks. This franchise is used to having a good left tackle, and with Brad Hopkins leaving down D'Brickashaw will step right in and continue the tradition of the front office guys not having to worry about the position for the next decade.
1.04 New York Jets - Matt Leinart - QB, USC
The Jets likely figured they'd end up with D'Brick, but are ecstatic that Leinart fell instead and they snatch him up right away without having to give anything up to move up for him.
1.05 Green Bay Packers - A.J. Hawk - LB, OSU
Given the way the top 4 went down, Hawk is the easy pick here. The Packers sorely need defensive help and a playmaker like Hawk is just their guy.
1.06 San Francisco 49ers - Michael Huff - DB, Texas
Vernon Davis is tempting here, but the Niners already porous defense just lost Andre Carter and Julian Peterson and they badly need a playmaker on that side of the ball. With as weak and injury depleted as their secondary always ends up, they need a legit starter there and Huff is the choice for it.
1.07 Oakland Raiders - Haloti Ngata - DT, Oregon
Vince Young is the sexy pick here, but likely won't be the actual pick. Things can change, but Al Davis is pretty set in his ways and a first round QB isn't on his list of priorities with Brooks coming to down and a first day QB picked last year coupling with the fact that he has never drafted a 1st round QB. Young also doesn't fit the mold of what he's typically looked for at QB in the past. The middle of the line is getting pretty elderly in Oaktown, and Ngata is the guy to step in for the future at that spot. Plus, if I put Young in here every Raider fan that opens this thread would threaten to kill me.
1.08 Buffalo Bills - Winston Justice - OT, USC
They could badly use a DT to replace Adams but they're reportedly not sold on Ngata fitting what they need even if he was on the board. With an already weak O-line losing another starter and Justice's soaring stock the Bills grab him here.
1.09 Detroit Lions - Vince Young - QB, Texas
The Lions just signed two free agent QBs, but both are plug-ins and neither is the longterm answer, but each will give the Lions time to let Young sit and learn for a bit before taking over. Maybe a bit of a longshot but the Lions seem to like grabbing playmakers and Young is that type of player.
1.10 Arizona Cardinals - Vernon Davis - TE, Ari
The Cards really need defense, but there's no one here that fits a major need on that side that is worth the spot. I went back and forth on Davis vs. Cutler, but I think Zona feels that they have a team capable of winning now (even if many of us disagree) and adding a 28 year old Edgerrin James only backs that, so they go with the guy that can step in and contribute right away.
1.11 St Louis Rams - Broderick Bunkley - DT, FSU
The Rams are dissappointed that they missed out on Davis by one pick, but they need more help on defense anyway. Their biggest needs are DB and DT, and with all the question marks that have come up about Jimmy Williams, Bunkley probably represents the best value at either of those spots here.
1.12 Cleveland Browns - Kamerion Wimbley - DE/OLB, FSU
Back to back 'Noles go off the board. With both the top DTs off the board the Browns look towards their other big need, a pass rushing LB.
1.13 Baltimore Ravens - Jimmy Williams - DB, VT
The Ravens also would've probably liked a DT here, but with both off the board they could also use help at FS and depth at CB.....so why not grab a guy who can give them both?
1.14 Philadelphia Eagles - Chad Greenway - OLB, Iowa
I really think Chad jackson would make a great fit in Philly, but I don't think I see them going that direction in the draft. Greenway not only fills a need, but he's the type of team first leader the Eagles seem to like.
1.15 Denver Broncos - Chad Jackson - WR, Florida
The Broncos have added a few WRs the last couple years and none have really panned out with Lelie relegated to a deep threat role and the rest not being consistent enough to get much playing time. Jackson has spent time in the role of a deep threat (2004) and in the role of a possession receiver (2005) and as such brings the versatillity that the Broncos will miss when Rod Smith finally keels over (or just retires, whichever comes first) and that guys like Lelie lack, and he won't even have to change his jersey colors.
1.16 Miami Dolphins - Manny Lawson - DE/OLB, NC State
Another team misses out on a guy they wanted by one pick (could mean some trades come draft day) as Saban was said to really like Jackson. With Jackson and Jimmy Williams both off the board and Cutler still there this would've been an easy pick prior to the Culpepper trade. The Fins could use some help in the secondary but miniature Tye Hill is not the type of corner Saban likes. Holmes is another option at WR, but I think for the Fins it's Jackson or bust in terms of wideouts. So, they go with Manny Lawson because quite frankly, Sedrick Hodge stinks. Jason Allen is another longshot here that I would love to see them take and even though I haven't really seen any mention of him to the Fins in other mock drafts I could see it happening.
1.17 Minnesota Vikings - Jay Cutler - QB, Vanderbilt
The Vikings would be ecstatic to land Cutler here, and while I don't think if they saw him falling they would wait to 17 (I think they trade up if they see him still around in the teens) this mock doesn't have trades so in this instance they get lucky. OLB is the pick if the top 3 QBs are gone.
1.18 Dallas Cowboys - Jason Allen - FS, Tenn
A risky pick, but if Allen ends up healthy and pans out he and Roy Williams could make the scariest safety combo out there. The Cowboys may have preferred a guy like Wimbley or Lawson if they were available, but they're not so another major need is filled.
1.19 San Diego Chargers - Santonio Holmes - WR, Ohio State
Not the hugest area of need as Eric Parker seems a bit underrated and Mccardell is still around, but the Chargers decide that if they're going to put their hopes on a guy with 0 NFL starts, they may as well make sure he's got some true WRs.
1.20 Kansas City Chiefs - Antonio Cromartie - CB, FSU
Another risky pick that could pay off huge. If Cromartie can shake off the injury he has the ability to develope into a shut-down corner, something very rare and something never available at the 20th pick in the draft. Even after improving this past season the KC defense is still their weakness, but a Surtain/Cromartie tandem could be a great one for years to come.
1.21 New England Patriots - DeAngelo Williams - RB, Memphis
The 2nd RB finally goes off the board, and the Pats are happy to have a great pure RB ready to step in whenever they need him as Dillon is on his last legs. I hope this doesn't happen because I hate it when the Patriots make good draft picks. I could see them going Carpenter here as well.
1.22 San Francisco 49ers (from Denver through Washington) - Bobby Carpenter - OLB, Ohio State
Peterson out, Carpenter in. Damn you 49ers for trading and making me re-do the last 3rd of my mock right before I posted it.
1.23 Tampa Bay Bucs - Marcus McNeil - OT, Auburn
John Gruden love Caddy. John Gruden want Caddy to have good O-line to run behind for long distances. John Gruden hate Kenyatta Walker. John Gruden draft Marcus McNeil.
1.24 Cincinnati Bengals - Donte Whitner - S, Ohio State
Something even crazier than winning has happened in Cincy the last few years. Cincy has actually been making good draft picks. TE is a popular pick here, but the defense is what needs help so Whitner gets the call here.
1.25 New York Giants - DeMeco Ryans - OLB, Bama
Assuming they don't end up with Arrington OLB is a huge need for the Giants, and while Ryans stock has fallen a bit the past few months he still makes a solid pick at #25.
1.26 Chicago Bears - Leonard Pope - TE, UGA
Sinorice Moss has gotten a fair amount of attention here, but I the Bears have needed WRs more badly in the past and passed them up in the 1st round, and Moss is a reach anywhere in round 1 besides that. Even as a first rounder I think Pope is a bit underrated and is a bigtime difference maker at TE. I haven't seen much mention of the Bears grabbing an OLB but I think they could go that route as well.
1.27 Carolina Panthers - Ernie Sims - OLB, FSU
He doesn't exactly fit their system but at 27th overall you can't be too picky, he fills a need, and is just too much natural talent to pass up.
1.28 Jacksonville Jaguars - Thomas Howard - OLB, UTEP
The Jags are just the kind of team I could see making this pick. OLB is a big need and Howard is just the type of fast guy the Jags are looking for here.
1.29 New York Jets (from Denver through Atlanta) - Nick Mangold - C, Ohio State
Kevin Mawae leaves big shoes to fill, so the Jets look to add another franchise center.
1.30 Indianapolis Colts - Laurence Maroney - RB, Minn
The Colts need an OLB, and in all honesty if one of the guys at that spot taken ahead of the Colts in this mock were available they would be the pick here even with Maroney on the board. But they're gone, so Maroney is the pick and obviously fills a major need.
1.31 Seattle Seahawks - Tye Hill - CB, Clemson
CB is a major need for the reigning NFC champs, and Seattle is happy that Hill slips to them.
1.32 Pittsburgh Steelers - LenDa.....Siniorice Moss - WR, Miami
That's right, the obvious pick LenDale White is on the board and Pitt passes on him. They instead add a bruiser like Humes later in the draft and Sinorice steps into the deepthreat/KR role.
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