HERD's NFL Mock Draft - 2006 (1 Viewer)

[Colin Dowling]

TIme to get serious on the mock action. You guys know how this works...

I have some trades projected. I have made assumption regarding how the draft order will play out (I think Houston wins this weekend, handing New Orleans the #1 pick). I think that some players stock will rise like dough come draft time (ex: Jay Cutler, Ahmad Brooks) and some will drop like stones a la Antajj Hawthorne last year.

So, enjoy. Comment if you like, I'm looking forward to breaking this bad boy down again this year.

1. New Orleans Saints - Matt Leinart - QB - USC - Reggie Bush this, Reggie Bush that. Truth is, nothing puts fannies in the seats long term like a franchise QB. I don't know why everyone is suddenly finding flaws with Leinart - he's going to carry the highest QB ratings since Carson Palmer and Peyton Manning. He lacks the deep arm of those two, but in the zeal to find warts, people forget that Leinart is a REALLY FRIGGIN GOOD quarterback. He never seems to make bad decisions, he's more mobile than given credit for, and he makes the players around him better. PLus, as New Orleans works to rebuild their franchise (on many levels) they're going to be much better off with a QB like Leinart than a RB bottleneck.

2. Houston Texans - Reggie Bush - RB - USC - THey end up getting the guy they need anyway.

3. Tennessee Titans via NYJEts (Billy Volek and the 1.06 for the 1.03) - Vince Young - QB -Texas - McNair restructures and guides Young along for a year before stepping aside in 07, sort of like how he was brought in to the league. Does anyone out there actually think that after the Pac Man disaster, Fisher and Chow aren't chomping at the bit to get their hands on a true game breaker like YOung? (Admittedly, as a TItans fan, I'm hoping for this scenario. But it also seems reasonable, so I'm including it here)

4. Green Bay - Mario Williams - DE - NCSt. - They have plenty of holes, but Williams adds quality to an extremely thin DE group.

5. San Fransisco 49ers - D'Brickashaw Ferguson - OT - UVA - San Fran's line gets 100 times better just by getting the long, rangy tackle from JEfferson's home state.

6. New York Jets via Tennessee - DeAngelo Williams - RB - Memphis - Along with getting Billy Volek, they also get a between the tackles rumbler. Essentially, they've revamped their offense in a couple of April hours.

7. Oakland Raiders - AJ Hawk - LB - OSU - THe Raiders D needs help on about 11 different levels. Brady Quinn's future brother in law is a good start.

8. St. Louis - Mathias Kiwanuka - DE - BC- too talented to slip much further, Kiwi gets the call where his speed will be most functional on the St.Loo turf.

9. Buffalo - Rod Wright - DT - Texas - Much more athletic than given credit for, Wright can almost single-handedly plug the interior for the Bills.

10. Arizona - Ahmad Brooks - LB - UVA - Brooks has been on a Milk Carton all season, but he's got ridiculous metrics and I'm guessing his combine/workout performance will get him taken in the top-10 of this year's draft.

11. Detroit Lions - Jay Cutler - QB - GO DORES! - Cutler will be this year's high riser a la Alex Smith or Kyle Boller.

12. Cleveland Browns - Marcus McNeil - OT - Auburn - Add quality to the Oline to buy Frye some time to get the ball to Winslow, Edwards, and Droughns.

13. Baltimore Ravens - Jimmy Williams - CB - VTech - Deion moves on, Williams comes in.

14. Philadelphia Eagles - Haloti Ngata - DT - Oregon - Ngata replaces the departed Corey Simon as the Eagles get back to defense.

15. Miami Dolphins - Omar Jacobs - QB - BG - Jacobs had a mediocre season, but like Brooks, expect him to measure well and garner top-15 consideration.

16. Minnesota Vikings - Lendale White - RB - USC - THe NFL folks are going to tell White he's a top-20 pick. Pete Carroll is going to tell White that being a top-20 pick this year is better than trying to improve that position next year when Adrian Peterson and a few other gamers will be eligible.

17. Atlanta Falcons - CHad Greenway - LB - Iowa - They need help on the DL, but no one is worth the selection. So, they find a solid, sturdy LB to help improve a suddenly mediocre Defense.

18. Kansas City Chiefs - Michael Huff - DB - UTexas - the Offense needs little help. THe defense needs plenty. Huff is versatile and has the hard-hitter attitude desperately needed in KC.

19. Dallas Cowboys - Eric Winston - OT - Miami - The Cowboys are going to need to overhaul thier Oline this year and they benefit from a deep OT class as Winston slides.

20. Denver Broncos - Mercedes Lewis - TE - UCLA - W eall know Shanny loves TEs, and while Putzier has been good, Lewis could be great for the Broncos.

21. San Diego - Ernie Simms - LB - FSU - Stockpiling defensive playmakers has to be the name of the game for the Chargers.

22. Tampa Bay - Jon Scott- OT - Texas - Revamp the Oline....Revamp the Oline...Revamp the Oline...etc.

23. Carolina - Leonard Pope - TE - Georgia - This big TE can block and catch and should help re-establish in the trench power for the cats.

24. New York Giants - Jesse Maholena - DT - UTenn - another guy that will rise come workout time, Maholena can help clog traffic while the Giants two excpetional DEs wreak havoc.

25. Pittsburgh - Lawrence Maroney - RB - Minnesota - Bettis is likely gone, Duce is older. A Maroney / Parker combo should keep the Steelers running game among the league's best.

26. New England - Tye Hill - CB - Clemson - after a patchwork of DBs over the last couple year,s the Patriots finally get a reasonable option at Corner.

27. Chicago - Santonio Holmes - WR - OSU - Bradley looked good before injury, and Bettian and Mushin are solid, but the Bears need to continue adding young receivers to build momentum for their offense.

28. Jacksonville - Vernon Davis - TE - Maryland - Lots of upside, although he's a little undersized. Jacksonville is quietly putting together some tough, talented skill players on the O-side.

29. Cincinatti - Elvis Dumervil - DE - Louisville - Speed at the corner makes the rest of the D's jobs easier. It's tough to argue w/ production like Elvis's.

30. Denver - Demeco Ryans - LB - Alabama - The Broncos LBs are actually a good lot, but Ryans is quite a talent this low and can be used situationally in the short term.

31. Seattle - Tamba Hali - DE - Penn State - Picking this late in round 1, you pick the top-tier talent, regardless of need. Hali is a productive player who has leadership qualities necessary to a grounded defense.

32. Indianapolis - Abdul Hodge - LB - Iowa - Hodge is the kind of player who can be used frequently or situationally and make a difference for the D.

What say You?

HERD

 

[Keys Myaths]

6. New York Jets via Tennessee - DeAngelo Williams - RB - Memphis - Along with getting Billy Volek, they also get a between the tackles rumbler. Essentially, they've revamped their offense in a couple of April hours.

I think the Jets would make out like bandits here.

 

[Big Papi]

No to be rude here, but this couldn't have waited until say, Sunday night when we would know the order of the top 20 in the draft?Oh, and Hawk at #7 overall is a steal. He's gonna be a star in this league.

 

[Colin Dowling]

6. New York Jets  via Tennessee - DeAngelo Williams - RB - Memphis - Along with getting Billy Volek, they also get a between the tackles rumbler.  Essentially, they've revamped their offense in a couple of April hours.

I think the Jets would make out like bandits here.

I agree, and think the Titans would too. Keep in mind the Jets OC knows Volek well...Colin

 

[Koya]

You don't see the Giants taking the top Corner on the board, especially if it's top overall? With their Ends, and Tuck up and coming, plus the good play of the D line to date this year, the glaring need at CB seems to big to ignore. I wouldnt be surprised to see the Giants take two CBs in the first 4-5 picks.

 

[Colin Dowling]

No to be rude here, but this couldn't have waited until say, Sunday night when we would know the order of the top 20 in the draft?

Oh, and Hawk at #7 overall is a steal. He's gonna be a star in this league.

You seem to think I won't post 493934,49949 revisions b/w now and April. If you do a quick search, you'll find my first 2006 draft posted about 12 hours after the Pats beat the Eagles last year.

 

[Colin Dowling]

You don't see the Giants taking the top Corner on the board, especially if it's top overall?

With their Ends, and Tuck up and coming, plus the good play of the D line to date this year, the glaring need at CB seems to big to ignore. I wouldnt be surprised to see the Giants take two CBs in the first 4-5 picks.

Definitely a possibility. I think that their ends are way set, and I think they'll try and get a DT that can contribute quickly through FA or in the first 2 rounds. The best part about the NYG D is their DEs, and I think the best way to capitalize on that is to pump up the DTs the best way possible. But you are right, CB would be a prudent decision too, especially after last week.

 

[Koya]

You don't see the Giants taking the top Corner on the board, especially if it's top overall? 

With their Ends, and Tuck up and coming, plus the good play of the D line to date this year, the glaring need at CB seems to big to ignore.  I wouldnt be surprised to see the Giants take two CBs in the first 4-5 picks.

Definitely a possibility. I think that their ends are way set, and I think they'll try and get a DT that can contribute quickly through FA or in the first 2 rounds. The best part about the NYG D is their DEs, and I think the best way to capitalize on that is to pump up the DTs the best way possible. But you are right, CB would be a prudent decision too, especially after last week.

I see what you mean about helping build upon a strength, but their DB's are so atrocious, that the linebackers and D line have to play great to give them a chance.As a Giants fan, I would be surprised to see them go in a direction that is not CB, unless there is a blatant value to be had.

Good job putting together the prelim list.

 

[Patoons]

6. New York Jets via Tennessee - DeAngelo Williams - RB - Memphis - Along with getting Billy Volek, they also get a between the tackles rumbler. Essentially, they've revamped their offense in a couple of April hours.

I think the Jets would make out like bandits here.

I agree, and think the Titans would too. Keep in mind the Jets OC knows Volek well...Colin

This type of draft would be extraordinary for the Jets.

 

[LHUCKS]

Good preliminary list.I most strongly disagree with Young's draft postion.

 

[Colin Dowling]

6. New York Jets  via Tennessee - DeAngelo Williams - RB - Memphis - Along with getting Billy Volek, they also get a between the tackles rumbler.  Essentially, they've revamped their offense in a couple of April hours.

I think the Jets would make out like bandits here.

I agree, and think the Titans would too. Keep in mind the Jets OC knows Volek well...Colin

This type of draft would be extraordinary for the Jets.

Yes. Do you see how it would also be of benefit to Tennesse (assuming McNair restructures)?

 

[Colin Dowling]

Good preliminary list.

I most strongly disagree with Young's draft postion.

I can't put the USC guys any further ahead of him. They are already going 1 and 2.

 

[Koya]

6. New York Jets  via Tennessee - DeAngelo Williams - RB - Memphis - Along with getting Billy Volek, they also get a between the tackles rumbler.  Essentially, they've revamped their offense in a couple of April hours.

I think the Jets would make out like bandits here.

I agree, and think the Titans would too. Keep in mind the Jets OC knows Volek well...Colin

This type of draft would be extraordinary for the Jets.

In that case, it is completely innaccurate. We know Bradway will f' this thing up somehow.

 

[Tony Jabroni]

I think you nailed it on the GB pick. Word around town is we take this guy, resign Kampman, and KGB, moves to LB/pass rush specialist.AJ Hawk has also been mentioned frequently on local sports radio.

 

[Pat Patriot]

I'm pretty sure even if Texas beats USC that Vincent Young will not go #3 in the draft. Too chancey for NFL teams. He is not a prototypical QB.

 

[juveduke]

17. Atlanta Falcons - CHad Greenway - LB - Iowa - They need help on the DL, but no one is worth the selection. So, they find a solid, sturdy LB to help improve a suddenly mediocre Defense.

I can't see them taking a LB. LB is their biggest strength on defense and they just drafted a MLB in the 2nd last year (Beck suffered a season ending injury in the preseason). I think they will go for a DB (presumably a safety that can tackle people), OL, or DL (but like you mentioned, they will probably wait until the next round for this). The current offensive line is not very good at pass protection and with Vick passing more it becomes a bigger concern. This may or may not happen since Gibbs is a consultant and likes to take the smaller, quicker, late round guys.EDIT: I could see them grabbing Huff if he is available or getting Greg Blue (Safety, UGA) in the 2nd or 3rd. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Falcons draft a RB in the first round if they feel that there is good value (like when Detroit took Mike Williams last season) with the pick. Dunn is aging and has a pretty large contract on a team that is over the cap.

 

[Colin Dowling]

I'm pretty sure even if Texas beats USC that Vincent Young will not go #3 in the draft. Too chancey for NFL teams. He is not a prototypical QB.

He has great size, speed, and mobility. He's shown perhaps the greatest amount of improvement EVER in a college QB from one year to the next and he's an indisputable leader of men. Why is everyone so sure his draft spot too high?

 

[Pat Patriot]

I'm pretty sure even if Texas beats USC that Vincent Young will not go #3 in the draft.  Too chancey for NFL teams.  He is not a prototypical QB.

He has great size, speed, and mobility. He's shown perhaps the greatest amount of improvement EVER in a college QB from one year to the next and he's an indisputable leader of men. Why is everyone so sure his draft spot too high?

He cant throw? He's not used to running a sophisticated passing offense.

He hasnt had to do that much reading of defenses in the Texas offense.

Any of the above?

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

Good work!I do think Santonio Holmes and Tamba Hali are top 20 picks though. Both would appear to be tops at their position (assuming Holmes enters the draft).

 

[Colin Dowling]

I'm pretty sure even if Texas beats USC that Vincent Young will not go #3 in the draft.  Too chancey for NFL teams.  He is not a prototypical QB.

He has great size, speed, and mobility. He's shown perhaps the greatest amount of improvement EVER in a college QB from one year to the next and he's an indisputable leader of men. Why is everyone so sure his draft spot too high?

He cant throw? He's not used to running a sophisticated passing offense.

He hasnt had to do that much reading of defenses in the Texas offense.

Any of the above?

1. Incorrect.2. Incorrect.

3. Incorrect.

Anything else?

 

[Chaos Commish]

Nice job.

I've been predicting Leinart goes first despite the Reggie rage. If this shakes out with NO drafting first, it's almost guaranteed.

There's still plenty of intrigue surrounding how Houston would approach the rights to Reggie. I know Chow loves him, Green Bay should want him, and the whole city of San Francisco is abuzz about him. Houston will see some serious temptation if even two of these teams (with top 5 picks) try to trade up for Reggie. Obviously, they can offer Houston D'Brick, Mario, or AJ... maybe even Young... plus other consideration that might be very very tempting. It is Reggie Bush we're talking about afterall.

Moving down the list, I have a hunch D'Brick is going to slide just a little further, but I also am predicting the record of 6 OLs in round one is going to be tied or broken. You have four going. Would you have five in you knew Justice was declaring? Also, I think Kyle Young is a rare 1st round center should he declare (and I'm pretty sure he will).

Love the early Cutler move. I was surprised when I read it. But it works for me. Makes sense. I hadn't even considered it until I read this, but... nice call.

A curious note on Jimmy Williams. According to his combine invite, they want to work him out as a safety. That's all I know. It said, "Jimmy Williams-- Safety". Certainly that cannot include SS, so if this is real, then the Ravens are set at FS.

Again a mock takes a back for the Vikes. I do think they address that O-line, even though Fason looks pretty worthless. Onterrio and Mewelde? Dunno. RB is a safer guess.

The Chargers are another team I think picks from the wealth of OL talent. They missed Fonoti, and LT needs some help. LB, according to Marty, is the strength of that team. The secondary sucks, so here I'll respectfully disagree. OL or DB for SD.

That's what I say. Again, nice job. Look forward to future revisions.

eta: I think Kiwi falls out of the top 10. I'm pretty confident about this. He lacks explosiveness. He's fast, not quick. Colledge owned him a couple days ago.

 

[Dave Stauff]

Colin: Nice early bird work here. My two cents: I believe Reggie will be drafted at 1.01 - thus I believe that if NO ends up with the pick, the worst they'll do is gouge Houston out of some players/picks to swap places - they'd have too much leverage with other teams owning early picks (GB, SF, NYJ) not to get Houston to give away a litle too much . . . and they'd be reasonably confident Houston, SF and GB would not be looking at Leinart, so depending on the final draft order, they might be comfortable dropping down to 3 or 4.No chance the Saints ramp up the learning curve with McPherson???

 

[Chaos Commish]

Colin: Nice early bird work here. My two cents: I believe Reggie will be drafted at 1.01 - thus I believe that if NO ends up with the pick, the worst they'll do is gouge Houston out of some players/picks to swap places - they'd have too much leverage with other teams owning early picks (GB, SF, NYJ) not to get Houston to give away a litle too much . . . and they'd be reasonably confident Houston, SF and GB would not be looking at Leinart, so depending on the final draft order, they might be comfortable dropping down to 3 or 4.

No chance the Saints ramp up the learning curve with McPherson???

That's a solid take, Dave. It will be very interesting to see the jockeying for Bush-- knowing NO probably wants Leinart. Or, if Houston loses this weekend, then how will they play it with Dom, Wells, Morency-- all their other needs-- and the rights to Reggie, who will be seriously coveted. You seem convinced Houston wants Reggie. I think they should want him, but I suspect they're interested in shopping him some. Dom signed a big one for several years. Both Wells and Morency have impressed.

 

[Buckna]

I'm pretty sure even if Texas beats USC that Vincent Young will not go #3 in the draft.  Too chancey for NFL teams.  He is not a prototypical QB.

He has great size, speed, and mobility. He's shown perhaps the greatest amount of improvement EVER in a college QB from one year to the next and he's an indisputable leader of men. Why is everyone so sure his draft spot too high?

Because the rest of us aren't UT Homers Colin. More seriously, I like the mock, but is there any new word on if the Jets have given up on Pennington? They have a lot of cap money tied up in him so maybe you were thinking cheap, viable backup QB that could possibly step in. Other than NO, the Jets would be the only ones even remotely interested in a QB at the top of the draft (assuming the Texans pick up Carr's extension) so would Tennesee even need to trade up from 6 for Vince?

 

[Irish]

I'm pretty sure even if Texas beats USC that Vincent Young will not go #3 in the draft. Too chancey for NFL teams. He is not a prototypical QB.

He has great size, speed, and mobility. He's shown perhaps the greatest amount of improvement EVER in a college QB from one year to the next and he's an indisputable leader of men. Why is everyone so sure his draft spot too high?

I thought Young already said he was coming back for his senior year? I don't think Omar Jacobs will go that high, after his injury plagued mediocre season. Also I don't see the Steelers taking a rb in the 1st unless it's a big back ala Lendale White. I really enjoy your Mock drafts , keep the updates coming.

 

[matuski]

chomping at the bit to get their hands on a true game breaker like YOung?

Vince Young: a) prob wont come outb) will be a game braker.... but not in a good way

 

[In The Zone]

I have a question. Where would you put Safety Ko Simpson from South Carolina when he declares? This kid is only a Sophomore but is a STUD. No doubt about it. He is eligible for the draft though. He's got to be in the 1st round.

 

[FatDumbandHappy]

Nice mock. I see the Volek trade, but are you assuming there is no Rivers trade? Or do you think it's not for a 1st round pick?

 

[KTM]

I'm trying to take a breather from this season, but man reading this just gets me AMPED UP!! Nice work!

 

[Blackjacks]

TIme to get serious on the mock action. You guys know how this works...

I have some trades projected. I have made assumption regarding how the draft order will play out (I think Houston wins this weekend, handing New Orleans the #1 pick). I think that some players stock will rise like dough come draft time (ex: Jay Cutler, Ahmad Brooks) and some will drop like stones a la Antajj Hawthorne last year.

So, enjoy. Comment if you like, I'm looking forward to breaking this bad boy down again this year.

1. New Orleans Saints - Matt Leinart - QB - USC - Reggie Bush this, Reggie Bush that. Truth is, nothing puts fannies in the seats long term like a franchise QB. I don't know why everyone is suddenly finding flaws with Leinart - he's going to carry the highest QB ratings since Carson Palmer and Peyton Manning. He lacks the deep arm of those two, but in the zeal to find warts, people forget that Leinart is a REALLY FRIGGIN GOOD quarterback. He never seems to make bad decisions, he's more mobile than given credit for, and he makes the players around him better. PLus, as New Orleans works to rebuild their franchise (on many levels) they're going to be much better off with a QB like Leinart than a RB bottleneck.

2. Houston Texans - Reggie Bush - RB - USC - THey end up getting the guy they need anyway.

3. Tennessee Titans via NYJEts (Billy Volek and the 1.06 for the 1.03) - Vince Young - QB -Texas - McNair restructures and guides Young along for a year before stepping aside in 07, sort of like how he was brought in to the league. Does anyone out there actually think that after the Pac Man disaster, Fisher and Chow aren't chomping at the bit to get their hands on a true game breaker like YOung? (Admittedly, as a TItans fan, I'm hoping for this scenario. But it also seems reasonable, so I'm including it here)

4. Green Bay - Mario Williams - DE - NCSt. - They have plenty of holes, but Williams adds quality to an extremely thin DE group.

5. San Fransisco 49ers - D'Brickashaw Ferguson - OT - UVA - San Fran's line gets 100 times better just by getting the long, rangy tackle from JEfferson's home state.

6. New York Jets via Tennessee - DeAngelo Williams - RB - Memphis - Along with getting Billy Volek, they also get a between the tackles rumbler. Essentially, they've revamped their offense in a couple of April hours.

7. Oakland Raiders - AJ Hawk - LB - OSU - THe Raiders D needs help on about 11 different levels. Brady Quinn's future brother in law is a good start.

8. St. Louis - Mathias Kiwanuka - DE - BC- too talented to slip much further, Kiwi gets the call where his speed will be most functional on the St.Loo turf.

9. Buffalo - Rod Wright - DT - Texas - Much more athletic than given credit for, Wright can almost single-handedly plug the interior for the Bills.

10. Arizona - Ahmad Brooks - LB - UVA - Brooks has been on a Milk Carton all season, but he's got ridiculous metrics and I'm guessing his combine/workout performance will get him taken in the top-10 of this year's draft.

11. Detroit Lions - Jay Cutler - QB - GO DORES! - Cutler will be this year's high riser a la Alex Smith or Kyle Boller.

12. Cleveland Browns - Marcus McNeil - OT - Auburn - Add quality to the Oline to buy Frye some time to get the ball to Winslow, Edwards, and Droughns.

13. Baltimore Ravens - Jimmy Williams - CB - VTech - Deion moves on, Williams comes in.

14. Philadelphia Eagles - Haloti Ngata - DT - Oregon - Ngata replaces the departed Corey Simon as the Eagles get back to defense.

15. Miami Dolphins - Omar Jacobs - QB - BG - Jacobs had a mediocre season, but like Brooks, expect him to measure well and garner top-15 consideration.

16. Minnesota Vikings - Lendale White - RB - USC - THe NFL folks are going to tell White he's a top-20 pick. Pete Carroll is going to tell White that being a top-20 pick this year is better than trying to improve that position next year when Adrian Peterson and a few other gamers will be eligible.

17. Atlanta Falcons - CHad Greenway - LB - Iowa - They need help on the DL, but no one is worth the selection. So, they find a solid, sturdy LB to help improve a suddenly mediocre Defense.

18. Kansas City Chiefs - Michael Huff - DB - UTexas - the Offense needs little help. THe defense needs plenty. Huff is versatile and has the hard-hitter attitude desperately needed in KC.

19. Dallas Cowboys - Eric Winston - OT - Miami - The Cowboys are going to need to overhaul thier Oline this year and they benefit from a deep OT class as Winston slides.

20. Denver Broncos - Mercedes Lewis - TE - UCLA - W eall know Shanny loves TEs, and while Putzier has been good, Lewis could be great for the Broncos.

21. San Diego - Ernie Simms - LB - FSU - Stockpiling defensive playmakers has to be the name of the game for the Chargers.

22. Tampa Bay - Jon Scott- OT - Texas - Revamp the Oline....Revamp the Oline...Revamp the Oline...etc.

23. Carolina - Leonard Pope - TE - Georgia - This big TE can block and catch and should help re-establish in the trench power for the cats.

24. New York Giants - Jesse Maholena - DT - UTenn - another guy that will rise come workout time, Maholena can help clog traffic while the Giants two excpetional DEs wreak havoc.

25. Pittsburgh - Lawrence Maroney - RB - Minnesota - Bettis is likely gone, Duce is older. A Maroney / Parker combo should keep the Steelers running game among the league's best.

26. New England - Tye Hill - CB - Clemson - after a patchwork of DBs over the last couple year,s the Patriots finally get a reasonable option at Corner.

27. Chicago - Santonio Holmes - WR - OSU - Bradley looked good before injury, and Bettian and Mushin are solid, but the Bears need to continue adding young receivers to build momentum for their offense.

28. Jacksonville - Vernon Davis - TE - Maryland - Lots of upside, although he's a little undersized. Jacksonville is quietly putting together some tough, talented skill players on the O-side.

29. Cincinatti - Elvis Dumervil - DE - Louisville - Speed at the corner makes the rest of the D's jobs easier. It's tough to argue w/ production like Elvis's.

30. Denver - Demeco Ryans - LB - Alabama - The Broncos LBs are actually a good lot, but Ryans is quite a talent this low and can be used situationally in the short term.

31. Seattle - Tamba Hali - DE - Penn State - Picking this late in round 1, you pick the top-tier talent, regardless of need. Hali is a productive player who has leadership qualities necessary to a grounded defense.

32. Indianapolis - Abdul Hodge - LB - Iowa - Hodge is the kind of player who can be used frequently or situationally and make a difference for the D.

What say You?

HERD

As a Rams fan I would be shocked to see them take a DE if Jimmy Williams was still available. They need a shutdown corner in the worst way. Overall though I think it's a good mock. Also doesn't Williams return kicks? That could definetly help my beloved rams.

 

[Please See Mine]

Why would the Jets take Williams when they already have Houston and Blaylock in the backfield? Wouldn't it make more sense to take Kiwanuka to replace Abraham, who I assume they will let go?

 

[Please See Mine]

As an Eagles fan, I'd love it if they got Ngata. Most other mocks I've seen have him going earlier than the Eagles' pick. Although I've heard some rumors that they like a couple of linebackers (even though taking one in the 1st round would be a shock), if Ngata is still there when they draft, they will definitely take him.

 

[Colin Dowling]

Re: Young leaving early. I thnk that Young will come out if Texas wins the Rose Bowl. I happen to think they are going to. A month ago I said "no way he's leaving, Texas players stay." But the buzz around town is if they win the title, even Mack Brown will encourage him to go pro - leading the nation in passing efficiency and winning the National title means there is not much room to raise his stock. People are already drooling over Brady QUinn, so it's not even a lock that YOung would be QB1 next year.

Re: Young being "quiet, shy and immature." I don't think we're talking about the same guy here. Immature? Yes, at times. But he's very composed and an assertive leader. He is by all accounts very personable, always laughing, and then come game time, he digs in himself for an inner bloodthirst to abuse his opponents. He should have kept his mouth shut before the Kansas game this year, but that's the sort of thing that he does to get fired up. I suspect he's got the front page of the LA Times from the day after the Heisman ceremony hanging on his bathroom mirror. I actually think one of the reasons I like Young so much is that he plays with a sense of revenge, even against people who have never wronged him on the field. It's interesting to me, and I like that kind of fire. Mack Brown said last week he's never seen anyone who looks so comfortable before the game, listening to music, telling jokes, goofing around with his teammates and then come game time, he's the guy most ready to go. In Brown's words, "Vince just likes to play football. "

Nice mock. I see the Volek trade, but are you assuming there is no Rivers trade? Or do you think it's not for a 1st round pick?

I don't know. I'm not sure that the Phillip Rivers bonanza is going to be as big a deal as people expect. He could get traded but I think what the Chargers will want and what people will give are two very different things. Look at players like Corey Dillon, Travis Henry, Mike McKenzie, etc. who get traded. Those guys had shown solid on field ability and could fetch very little. Unless someone that needs a QB thinks that Rivers, who they haven't seen in action for 24 months, is a better choice than someone available for their pick, no way does a trade happen. We'll see.

Why would the Jets take Williams when they already have Houston and Blaylock in the backfield? Wouldn't it make more sense to take Kiwanuka to replace Abraham, who I assume they will let go?

WHy would the Texans take Bush when they have Davis and Wells? Why would the Rams take Jackson when they have Faulk, Harris, and Gordon? WHy would the Bears take Benson when they have Jones and Peterson? Why would the Bucs take Carnell when they have Pittman and Alstott? It happens all the time where teams take a top-tier RB talent despite having some decent options in house. THe Jets offense is a mess right now and seeing how Heimerdinger chose to help the TItans win, I suspect he'll be pushing big time for a workhorse style back that can carry it inside over and over and over again.

As an Eagles fan, I'd love it if they got Ngata. Most other mocks I've seen have him going earlier than the Eagles' pick. Although I've heard some rumors that they like a couple of linebackers (even though taking one in the 1st round would be a shock), if Ngata is still there when they draft, they will definitely take him.

I think Rod Wright is going to be the first DT taken. I know most people like Ngata, but Wright is a lot more athletic than people seem to realize. As such, I think that allows Ngata to slip a bit.

As a Rams fan I would be shocked to see them take a DE if Jimmy Williams was still available. They need a shutdown corner in the worst way. Overall though I think it's a good mock. Also doesn't Williams return kicks? That could definetly help my beloved rams.

Good post. A clear oversight by me. YOu are correct that passing on Williams would probably not happen.

 

[lostby1]

19. Dallas Cowboys - Eric Winston - OT - Miami - The Cowboys are going to need to overhaul thier Oline this year and they benefit from a deep OT class as Winston slides.I see Dallas moving down the board and picking B. Carpenter. He is a Freak, and his Dad played for Parcells and was one of his boys.

 

[Colin Dowling]

19. Dallas Cowboys - Eric Winston - OT - Miami - The Cowboys are going to need to overhaul thier Oline this year and they benefit from a deep OT class as Winston slides.

I see Dallas moving down the board and picking B. Carpenter. He is a Freak, and his Dad played for Parcells and was one of his boys.

Maybe, but they need youth and talent on the OLine in the worst way and Winston in the low teens would be a good find.

 

[lostby1]

19. Dallas Cowboys - Eric Winston - OT - Miami - The Cowboys are going to need to overhaul thier Oline this year and they benefit from a deep OT class as Winston slides.

I see Dallas moving down the board and picking B. Carpenter.  He is a Freak, and his Dad played for Parcells and was one of his boys.

Maybe, but they need youth and talent on the OLine in the worst way and Winston in the low teens would be a good find.

Wait to see which agent he signs, if it is Parcells agent I can see Dallas getting him either late first or eairly second.

 

[Ridgelake]

Dallas taking a top OT makes some sense. Clearly the OLine is their biggest weakness. Getting back Flozell will help a lot. I actually think that Petitti will develop into a serviceable player. But getting a top talent is obviously better than serviceable.Interior Oline is actually where I think Dallas needs an upgrade, particularly center. Al Johnson is an undersized guy who has had 2 knee surguries in 3 years. That limits his lower body strength work. He has trouble with big DTs and thats not likely to change. Gurode has the physical skills but makes way too many mental errors. Larry Allen is average at best at this point in his career and is not getting any better. Rivera has had trouble with being overpowered this year. That might be from back problems that surfaced over the summer. Or it could be age. Neither is good for a position that relies on strength.A guy like Giles from Georgia or some of these beasts in the unusually deep center class (probably in second round) would make a lot of sense. I can also see them going after a bookend OLB to Ware.I doubt they go WR. Parcells said yesterday in his presser that first round WRs are very high risk. Of course, he did draft both Keyshawn and Glenn in the top 10.....I also doubt that they go QB. Tuna isn't going to take the time to develop a guy.Speaking of developing a QB, that is precisely why I think Rivers offers better value than a rookie. He has had his seasoning mostly done and is much more likely to be effective early than a rookie.

 

[brednbuddah]

6. New York Jets  via Tennessee - DeAngelo Williams - RB - Memphis - Along with getting Billy Volek, they also get a between the tackles rumbler.  Essentially, they've revamped their offense in a couple of April hours.

I think the Jets would make out like bandits here.

I agree, and think the Titans would too. Keep in mind the Jets OC knows Volek well...Colin

dude, that's genius. considering heimerdinger's comments earlier in the week regarding his concern whether Pennington can come back and be effective - it makes even more sense. well thought out. I would love to see it happen.

 

[Texasmouth]

6. New York Jets  via Tennessee - DeAngelo Williams - RB - Memphis - Along with getting Billy Volek, they also get a between the tackles rumbler.  Essentially, they've revamped their offense in a couple of April hours.

I think the Jets would make out like bandits here.

I agree, and think the Titans would too. Keep in mind the Jets OC knows Volek well...Colin

I don't know about that move. Volek is a proven player. I think that is a high price to pay for Vince Young. I am a huge Vince Young homer, being a Longhorn fan, but I just don't see the value of this trade for the Titans. Young is a real unknown. Who knows if he will be the next Mike Vick or the next Eric Crouch? There is no gaurantee that Young is even coming out this year either.

I also am not sold on the Texans taking Bush. Bush is great, I won't argue that but they don't need Bush. Domanick Davis is a top ten back and he has great hands out of the back field. They also have solid back ups to him. I don't care how great everyone thinks Bush is, is he better than Barry Sanders? He may put up some numbers like Barry but just like the Lions, the Texans suck around him. That offensive line isn't even as good as Bush has had in college. They don't have a legitimate TE or a legitimate second WR. That doesn't even touch on the defense. They need help there too. I think the Texans need to trade this pick and get themselves some extra picks and draft some talent.

 

[brednbuddah]

I doubt they go WR. Parcells said yesterday in his presser that first round WRs are very high risk. Of course, he did draft both Keyshawn and Glenn in the top 10.....

It was actually Rich Kotex who drafted Meshawn and was adamantly against drafting Glenn, but I see your point.

 

[Bloom]

you know i love the mock season... some thoughts: - Im right there with you on Cutler and have been putting him in the top 20 for a few weeks now. - I actually think the niners have a decent line assuming jennings is back to 100% in 06 . They even have good depth at tackle with Harris and Snyder getting valuable experience this year. I also like Baas inside. I feel the best move for them is BPA on defense, especially if they dont resign julian peterson.- What about an OT for the jets? If fabini is a cap cut, then they are really screwed with the still developing adrian jones and basically nothing at OT - of course, in this deep class, a guy like colledge could fall to their 2nd.- regarding buffalo and DT - wouldnt ngata make more sense as the run stuffer/over tackle type? any particular reason you project wright ahead of ngata?- to echo earlier comments, i disagree on Atlanta taking an LB and feel safety is a huge need that can not be overlooked in this draft. beck and boley are good depth at this point, and a healthy hartwell, williams, and brooking is a terrific starting combo, so an LB seems unnecessary. There's some great free safety prospects out there including Landry, and Huff, and I think Bing has as much upside as any SS in the last few years. DE would also make sense depending on how much they like chauncey davis's performance this year.- I dont see Sims working at all in San Diego - he's very undersized for a 3-4 LB and SD just spent one of their firsts last year on that position, and they have steve foley locked thru 09 + shaun philips for good young depth. OLine and Secondary are much more pressing needs.- I dont think Holmes will come out if he's not top 20 - at least thats what he said.- love the call of elvis to the bengals - had that one a few mocks back. Geathers hasnt broken out like they had hoped and like you said, no defensive players create as many external benefits for a defense than speed rushers - seeing how the colts were able to use a one-dimensional undersized DE like robert mathis this year should turn on the light bulb for a lot of DCs. we are definitely in agreement that he's an end of the first guy.- I think Hali goes before 31. He's a blue chip two way 4-3 DE, which is pretty scarce these days.- I like the call of an LB to Indy, but im thinking OLB, specfically SLB because of Thornton's pending free agency. I dont think Gary Brackett is necessarily a long term answer at MLB,but he was surprisingly good this year. Im also not sure Hodge has the cover skills to work in Indy's scheme - its very important that their MLB is comfortable dropping into coverage.Overall, good stuff, i like that you got deangelo in the top 10, ive been wanting to, but keep loading the top 10 with OTs and the defensive stars of the draft. Vince coming out will be the single biggest underclassman decision to watch. Brooks's workouts will also be big, this is a very talented LB class and he'll have to prove that he's over the injuries to get ahead of hodge and d'qwell jackson. I also really like that you got all 3 elite TEs in and its good to see that im not that only one that doesnt see a top 20 WR in this class. I look forward to future mocks and your feedback on mine as the draft approaches.

 

[Texasmouth]

I'm pretty sure even if Texas beats USC that Vincent Young will not go #3 in the draft.  Too chancey for NFL teams.  He is not a prototypical QB.

He has great size, speed, and mobility. He's shown perhaps the greatest amount of improvement EVER in a college QB from one year to the next and he's an indisputable leader of men. Why is everyone so sure his draft spot too high?

He cant throw? He's not used to running a sophisticated passing offense.

He hasnt had to do that much reading of defenses in the Texas offense.

Any of the above?

OK, I have said over and over that Vince needs to come back for one more year of college but the things you are saying have no validity. First off, you obviously haven't watched mant Texas games this year, try watching a game before you make a bunch of comments based on a. what you have heard other people say or b. what you have read. Young can throw and he can throw well when he needs to. It just so happens that several of the games Texas won were becuase of Young's passing, not just his running.

He actually does run a sophisticated pass offense. Anyone who knows Texas football (Obviously not you) knows this. The Texas offense is really sohpisticated and calls for a lot of audibles and reads that a lot of other QB don't have to do.

Try to know a little about stuff before you make a bunch of comments like this.

 

[msommer]

Can the Titans even afford to sign a #3 pick?If they were really after Young I think they would wait to see if he fell past #4 and #5 - I doubt Mauck is ready to be McNairs primary backup...Would GB and the 49ers really pick a qb? I suppose they would protect themselves from someone else trading up...

 

[Sidewinder16]

A curious note on Jimmy Williams. According to his combine invite, they want to work him out as a safety. That's all I know. It said, "Jimmy Williams-- Safety". Certainly that cannot include SS, so if this is real, then the Ravens are set at FS.

Williams started his entire sophomore year at FS. He moved to CB prior to his junior season. Combine his previous experience with his tackling and coverage skills and he should transition quite nicely to FS in the NFL.

As a Rams fan I would be shocked to see them take a DE if Jimmy Williams was still available. They need a shutdown corner in the worst way. Overall though I think it's a good mock. Also doesn't Williams return kicks? That could definetly help my beloved rams.

Williams did not return kicks at VT.

 

[Zigg]

Out of curiousity, is it even possible for the draft to start NO/Hou without trades? Obviously Houston would have to win to give the Saints #1, but wouldn't the Texans then fall to #5 due to their(I believe) tougher SOS?

 

[saintfool]

OK, I have said over and over that Vince needs to come back for one more year of college but the things you are saying have no validity.

First off, you obviously haven't watched mant Texas games this year, try watching a game before you make a bunch of comments based on a. what you have heard other people say or b. what you have read. Young can throw and he can throw well when he needs to. It just so happens that several of the games Texas won were becuase of Young's passing, not just his running.

He actually does run a sophisticated pass offense. Anyone who knows Texas football (Obviously not you) knows this. The Texas offense is really sohpisticated and calls for a lot of audibles and reads that a lot of other QB don't have to do.

Try to know a little about stuff before you make a bunch of comments like this.

You're either his agent, his mother or Mack Brown's agent or mother because you're entirely too defensive about Texas football and Vince. Relax. It's a valid criticism of that kind of offense as well as the conference they played in. Let's be fair, the Longhorn's biggest win this year came on Sept 10 versus Ohio St. Everything else has been a warm-up for this week. I think VY is a great talent and physical specimen. He's got a great chance in the NFL.

 

[Texasmouth]

OK, I have said over and over that Vince needs to come back for one more year of college but the things you are saying have no validity.

First off, you obviously haven't watched mant Texas games this year, try watching a game before you make a bunch of comments based on a. what you have heard other people say or b. what you have read. Young can throw and he can throw well when he needs to. It just so happens that several of the games Texas won were becuase of Young's passing, not just his running.

He actually does run a sophisticated pass offense. Anyone who knows Texas football (Obviously not you) knows this. The Texas offense is really sohpisticated and calls for a lot of audibles and reads that a lot of other QB don't have to do.

Try to know a little about stuff before you make a bunch of comments like this.

You're either his agent, his mother or Mack Brown's agent or mother because you're entirely too defensive about Texas football and Vince. Relax. It's a valid criticism of that kind of offense as well as the conference they played in. Let's be fair, the Longhorn's biggest win this year came on Sept 10 versus Ohio St. Everything else has been a warm-up for this week. I think VY is a great talent and physical specimen. He's got a great chance in the NFL.

OK, this is an even bigger BS comment. The Big 12 sucks right? Let's see, Nebraska was barely a .500 team and who did they just beat? Michigan. Oklahoma is having a "down year" and who did they just beat? #6 Oregon. The Big 12 beat up on each other. The proof is there. Oregon was supposed to be so great and they got beat by a team that is rebuilding and on a down year. The Big 12 is a far better conference than people want to admit. Wait and see, the Big 12 will go undefeated in the Bowls this year, yes, including when they beat the trojans. And speaking of that....who have the trojans beaten this year? Notre Dame? Is that the claim to fame? Who else did they beat? Oregon....? Don't make me laugh.

 

[Colin Dowling]

OK, I have said over and over that Vince needs to come back for one more year of college but the things you are saying have no validity.

First off, you obviously haven't watched mant Texas games this year, try watching a game before you make a bunch of comments based on a. what you have heard other people say or b. what you have read. Young can throw and he can throw well when he needs to. It just so happens that several of the games Texas won were becuase of Young's passing, not just his running.

He actually does run a sophisticated pass offense. Anyone who knows Texas football (Obviously not you) knows this. The Texas offense is really sohpisticated and calls for a lot of audibles and reads that a lot of other QB don't have to do.

Try to know a little about stuff before you make a bunch of comments like this.

You're either his agent, his mother or Mack Brown's agent or mother because you're entirely too defensive about Texas football and Vince. Relax. It's a valid criticism of that kind of offense as well as the conference they played in. Let's be fair, the Longhorn's biggest win this year came on Sept 10 versus Ohio St. Everything else has been a warm-up for this week. I think VY is a great talent and physical specimen. He's got a great chance in the NFL.

OK, this is an even bigger BS comment. The Big 12 sucks right? Let's see, Nebraska was barely a .500 team and who did they just beat? Michigan. Oklahoma is having a "down year" and who did they just beat? #6 Oregon. The Big 12 beat up on each other. The proof is there. Oregon was supposed to be so great and they got beat by a team that is rebuilding and on a down year. The Big 12 is a far better conference than people want to admit. Wait and see, the Big 12 will go undefeated in the Bowls this year, yes, including when they beat the trojans. And speaking of that....who have the trojans beaten this year? Notre Dame? Is that the claim to fame? Who else did they beat? Oregon....? Don't make me laugh.

Not here. Seriously, not here.COlin

 

[saintfool]

Colin: Nice early bird work here. My two cents: I believe Reggie will be drafted at 1.01 - thus I believe that if NO ends up with the pick, the worst they'll do is gouge Houston out of some players/picks to swap places - they'd have too much leverage with other teams owning early picks (GB, SF, NYJ) not to get Houston to give away a litle too much . . . and they'd be reasonably confident Houston, SF and GB would not be looking at Leinart, so depending on the final draft order, they might be comfortable dropping down to 3 or 4.

No chance the Saints ramp up the learning curve with McPherson???

This is exactly what I'm thinking. As much as I like the Leinert selection for the Saints, they are sitting on the goose that laid the golden egg. Too many teams want and need the guy for them to pass. Their needs are elsewhere, like QB, and may drop down. Whether that dropping down is a little or a lot is a different matter all together.McPherson's development is the great unknown. If Haslett leaves, his scheduled development is likely going to change because Haslett's been protecting him big-time. I think he sees a future for him but it's years away. In my dream world, the Titans cut MacNair and the Saints sign him to a 2-3 year deal. He can then teach all the tricks of the trade to McPherson, which given their similarities of style would be awesome.

 

[texasyankee]

TIme to get serious on the mock action. You guys know how this works...

16. Minnesota Vikings - Lendale White - RB - USC - THe NFL folks are going to tell White he's a top-20 pick. Pete Carroll is going to tell White that being a top-20 pick this year is better than trying to improve that position next year when Adrian Peterson and a few other gamers will be eligible.

What say You?

HERD

As a Viking fan - :drool:He is exactly what they need and if makes it to the Vikings pick and they dont take him the outcry will be outrageous (unless Shaun Alexander is already in purple)

:horns: