Quick stab at a first round with the REAL draft order and some projected trades - I have GB winning the 3/4 tiebreaker because its convenient for me. Feel free to fire away:1 Green Bay (from Houston) - Reggie Bush, RB, USC - The marquee player Titletown needs to get excited again.2 New York Jets - Matt Leinart, QB, USC - no brainer - but they could also trade down to stack up some more picks.3 Houston (from Green Bay) - D'Brickashaw Ferguson, OT, UVA - the Texans get the guy theyd take #1 anyway. Im really on the fence about whether they would take Bush or trade down.4 Detroit (from San Francisco) - Marcus McNeill, OT, Auburn - Detroit moves up to address their most pressing need.5 Tennessee - Mario Williams, DE, NCSt - VandenBosch has been a nice surprise, and Laboy has had flashes, but a guy like Williams could be a huge upgrade and help give the young secondary more margin of error.6 New Orleans - A.J. Hawk, LB, tOSU - perfect marriage of attitude and ability at the LB position with a team sorely in need of it.7 Buffalo - Eric Winston, OT, Miami - The Bills need Oline help in the worst way, even with Peters looking decent.8 Cleveland - Haloti Ngata, DT, Oregon - the immoveable object that will make the 3-4 work in Cleveland.9 Arizona - Omar Jacobs, QB, Bowling Green - minnesota wouldnt trade Culpepper, so Green goes for the next best thing.10 Baltimore - Jay Cutler, QB, Vanderbilt - Baltimore gets their franchise QB - consolation for missing out on Jacobs by one pick.11 San Francisco (from Detroit) - Jimmy Williams, CB, Va Tech - SF gets the best DB in the draft AND acquires more picks. 12 Oakland - Rod Wright, DT, Texas - Warren Sapp and Ted Washington are getting long in the tooth - Wright gives the disruption to allow the edge rushers in Oakland to do their damage.13 Miami - Mathias Kiwanuka, DE, Boston College - He and Jason Taylor will make a sick set on pinchers on the edge in Miami.14 St. Louis - Chad Greenway, LB, Iowa - Coakley may be done, and Tinoisamoa is not the playmaker they had hoped for. 15 Philadelphia - Santonio Holmes, WR, tOSU - With TO gone, its time to get Donovan another top notch target.16 Denver (f/WAS) - Michael Huff, DB, Texas - John Lynch is in the twilight of his career.17 Minnesota - Laurence Maroney, RB, Minnesota - I'm sticking with this perfect combo for need and local interest.18 Atlanta - Tamba Hali, DE, PSU - Perfect compliment to Kerney with Brady Smith being broken and getting up there in age.19 Pittsburgh - LenDale White, RB, USC - And the Steelers running game is reborn.20 New England - DeAngelo Williams, RB, Memphis - A steal this late, but i just dont know if any of the above teams would spend a first on an RB. Rich get Richer.21 Dallas - Jonathan Scott, OT, Texas - Petitti is just not the answer at OT. This offense need solid tackle play to work.22 Tampa Bay - Ernie Sims, LB, FL St - Derrick Brooks, meet your understudy.23 New York Giants - Demeco Ryans, LB, Alabama - Carlos Emmons is old and hurting - time for some new blood at OLB.24 Kansas City - Claude Wroten, DT, LSU - Help in the weakest part of their defense.25 San Diego - Tye Hill, CB, Clemson - The Chargers need to add a difference maker at CB - High picks like Quentin Jammer and Sammy Davis are not getting it done.26 Chicago - Marcedes Lewis, TE, UCLA - A huge target to focus on in the short/intermediate passing game and act as a security blanket for whichever young QB pilots this team. 27 Carolina - Jesse Maholena, DT, Tennessee - Time to upgrade the interior Dline with Jenkins injury woes, and Buckner getting up there in years.28 Jacksonville - Ashton Youbuty, CB, tOSU - CB opposite Rashean Mathis is a sore spot for the Jags. 29 Cincinnati - Elvis Dumervil, DE, Louisville - Sick pass rush specialist is exactly what the bengals D needs.30 Denver - Max Jean Gilles - OG, Georgia - a dominant run blocker, Denver run game gets even scarier. 31 Seattle - Alan Zemaitis, CB, PSU - Will push the disppointing Kelly Herndon out of the picture.32 Indianapolis - Winston Justice, OT, USC - What do you get for the team that has everything?
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Mock 2006 First Round (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Bloom
- Start date
Andy Dufresne
Footballguy
I think you nailed it. I too believe the Packers trade up to get Bush. As do the Lions to get whichever OT they feel is best after D'Brick.If Jacobs doesn't come out, Cardinals take DeAngelo Williams.Tennessee may take Jimmy W instead of Mario W.Vikings may take Ryans instead of Maroney. I'd personally prefer it.Is Ahmad Brooks not considered a 1st rounder anymore?
I meant to address Brooks. I think his injury filled season, combined with the strong LB class at the top, may force him to come back to UVA to rehabilitate his draft stock - thats what im projecting in this mock - otherwise, i see him in the 15-25 range. DeAngelo to the cards would hinge on their feelings on Arrington. they did invest a somewhat valuable pick in him, and its early to call him a complete bust. Jimmy W, im starting to wonder about as a top 10 pick - he is the best DB in this draft, but i dont think he grades out higher than the big 3 CBs from last year.
msommer
Footballguy
Jets can't afford Leinart - they get a FA caretaker until Chad is back. McCown? Collins? I think they trade down for someone to take Ferguson or Leinart. They could also take Ferguson themselves - or a center later to replace Mawae.With Hopkins close to retirement I think Titans go OT - hopefully they trade UP for Ferguson but McNeill or Winston also makes sense (unless he is RT) - if they do not I'd think they trade down for Jimmy Williams, Omar Jacobs or Chad Greenway - Omar Jacobs if they think they'll get one or two years more out of McNair. Volek also has another three years left on his contract so they can afford to let Jacobs develop for awhile. If the Titans take Jacobs Volek will want to be traded. The Titans could also trade down for a RB to replace/supplement Brown.I think Philly will address WR in FA - maybe go for Wayne if he is not locked up before March 1st. I agree they will draft a WR but probably outside of the first round. They could be a candidate for Greenway as well - Trotter is getting up there.with that the result is so muddles that I can't predict any further although I like the CHI pick
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Chaos Commish
Footballguy
This is turning into a great draft forum... 
Must. Hang. Christmas. Lights.
Must. Hang. Christmas. Lights.
Andy Dufresne
Footballguy
Will the Browns stick with Droughns next year? That's another spot where DeAngelo would make sense if not.Man I feel for that franchise. Their stud TE is hurt because he's stupid and their emerging stud WR is out with injuries. If, if, if for the Browns. If Winslow can ever be good again, and if Edwards can rehab to form, and if Frye continues to develop like he appears he can, and if Droughns is the answer at RB, the offense is starting to look pretty good.
SproutDaddy
Footballguy
I am almost certain Deangelo goes before White and Maroney.
-OZ-
Footballguy
Not a bad start. Can't say you're wrong on any, although some questions come to mind.
First, the picks I like a lot (not to say I hate any, but these stand out):
OL is a must for this offense, of otherwise talented players.
Kiwanuka - I doubt he falls this far, but if so,
I haven't seen Wroten, but I understand he's a beast. Definitely a need, perhaps the most pressing need on the Chiefs, maybe OL depending on Roaf/Shields.
Lewis would be a huge asset to Orton's progress.
The picks I question the most:
First, I assume you'd projecting Young to return, if not, he's a top 10 pick.
Santonio Holmes - while I like him alright, and Philly needs another WR opposite Brown, this just seems high IMO. I like Hagan a bit more, but would prefer to see Philly go with a veteran FA.
Huff - you may be right, but he's overrated IMO.
Maroney/White/Williams - at least they're not in your top 10, and are going to teams with needs, but Minnesota needs to address the line and can give Fason a chance, RBBC with Moore would suffice this year. I like White in Pittsburgh, but would prefer Williams if they go RB. I can see these guys slipping to the early 2nd or late 1st.
Overall, excellent stuff.
First, the picks I like a lot (not to say I hate any, but these stand out):
I like the trade down for Houston, but what did they get?Lions
OL is a must for this offense, of otherwise talented players.Kiwanuka - I doubt he falls this far, but if so,
I haven't seen Wroten, but I understand he's a beast. Definitely a need, perhaps the most pressing need on the Chiefs, maybe OL depending on Roaf/Shields.
Lewis would be a huge asset to Orton's progress.
The picks I question the most:
First, I assume you'd projecting Young to return, if not, he's a top 10 pick.
I like Hawk a lot, but Fincher isn't a bad prospect, New Orleans has a lot of needs, and I personally would prefer to see them trade down, draft Jacobs or Cutler, and address defense later. Unless they somehow get Favre to save his home town team.Cutler - I must underestimate this kid. I haven't seen enough of him.
Santonio Holmes - while I like him alright, and Philly needs another WR opposite Brown, this just seems high IMO. I like Hagan a bit more, but would prefer to see Philly go with a veteran FA.
Huff - you may be right, but he's overrated IMO.
Maroney/White/Williams - at least they're not in your top 10, and are going to teams with needs, but Minnesota needs to address the line and can give Fason a chance, RBBC with Moore would suffice this year. I like White in Pittsburgh, but would prefer Williams if they go RB. I can see these guys slipping to the early 2nd or late 1st.
Overall, excellent stuff.
Andy Dufresne
Footballguy
The two top centers, Eslinger and Mangold should be late 1st/early 2nd rounders. I would be impressed with the Texans if they had the guts to take Ferguson with their first and one of these two with their second.Not flashy picks, but absolutely what's needed.
-OZ-
Footballguy
Before the season, I did. Now, I'm not so sure, but it depends on the other QBs. It's quite foreseeable that Jacobs will be considered the #4 QB in this draft, and will fall to the end of the 1st, maybe early 2nd round.
If he fell, I could see any of:
Cowboys - Bledsoe is aging, is Henson ever going to get in gear?
Chiefs (not the greatest need, but if he fell, Trent Green won't be around forever.)
Bears - Orton can manage, Grossman can watch from the infirmary, but Jacobs would rock.
Colts - why not get a backup QB to develop behind Peyton?
Or in the 2nd:
The Jets (if they don't get Leinart)
Lions
Cardinals
Ravens
(He won't get past here in the 2nd)
Andy Dufresne
Footballguy
If he projects there, he'll stay in school.
Reaper
Footballguy
I don't think it's about Affording Leinhart as much as it is this Front office and Head coach being able to afford to wait for him to develop while they use up their last Injury Free pass.Talk is they move down - Hopefully it's a top 2 pick and some team pays a ransom for it - Heck, the Jets trade two top 1st rounder to get Dewayne Robertson - If the Jets can get two later pick and stil have an early second maybe they can walk away with an OT, a RB and a later QB pick, or another OL...
They also need a wide body DT - But, have FIVE 1st round picks invested on the DL already - That's right FIVE Robertson (2), Ellis, Abraham and Thomas.
Back to Lenhart - It sounds to me like people are pointing towards Vince Young as the better prospect anyway.
Jiggyonthehut
Footballguy
Someone correct me if I am wrong but I dont believe that Jax has a first rounder this year. They can adress their CB2 in free agency but really what they needed was a marquee player (like Matt Jones) that would boost their attendance. Devin Hester was the likely candidate, as a Corner, lightning fast, exciting and a florida boy- but the injury derailed his shot as a first rounder. But hes going back to the U next year so perhaps somewhere down the road. A TE selection with their first pick would not surprise me one bit- especially the pass catching/blocking hybrid types to help out Kalif Barnes. Hoping for Pope to fall or trading up/ or going after Tim Day later wouldnt surprise me.
saintfool
Dead sexy
i have to think that the saints consider drafting a QB. this is largely contingent upon the development of adrian mcpherson. if they feel he can step into the #2 qb spot, thus forcing a real competition with brooks for the starting job, then they will turn to a defensive player, like hawk. however, if mcpherson isn't progressing, i have to think they look to someone to become the heir apparent to brooks, sooner rather than later too.
ILoveMyLions
Footballguy
I like the move for the Lions to move up and get the guy they want, I just don't know if McNeil is it. Is he that dominant of a tackle to go fourth overall? Isn't he a RT too which is less important than the LT? This just seems to be a reach in my opinion. Any other thoughts on McNeil to justify such a high selection? Could he fall to them around the 11 range or wherever they end up? I would almost rather have them trade down, draft the tackle from Texas or Wisconsin and pick up extra picks. Thanks, great work...
Chaos Commish
Footballguy
Kyle Young is practically guaranteed to come out, and he will rank significantly higher than Eslinger and Mangold-- which is why he'll come out early. He's a beast who blew USC's defensive front five yards down the field over and over again. Bloom is correct in placing Winston Justice in the draft. He is coming out. Your needs at OL just keep getting sweeter and sweeter. I still think Bush is too good pass up, however. Still don't have the time to defend that opinion in detail, but the deeper the talent at OL, the more I believe it.
Andy Dufresne
Footballguy
What makes you say that? Everything I read and see still has Eslinger at #1.
Shooter McGavin
Down the middle
Regarding the Lions, in this draft, I see no need for them to trade up if they're going to take a tackle. Where they'll be picking, there should be a highly rated tackle available. The other possibility with their pick is a QB, since Joey and Garcia are both likely to be run out of town in the offseason. Though they could address that in FA, given their recent history of drafting QBs.
Will Chad ever really be back? Its not like he was tearing it up before rotator cuff injury #2. The Jets will not be drafting this high again any time soon - the chances to take a QB that is as safe as Leinart are few and far between. OT does completely make sense for tennessee too. To be honest im having trouble with mario williams - think he should be a top 7 pick, but tennessee is really the only team in that group that has a need there - maybe i forced that.FA WR makes sense for philly too - obviously i would change that if they got someone like wayne.
Im starting to think they will stick with droughns - he's really done everything they could ask of him this year. Im predicting that Ngata goes early to a 3-4 team because he will make that whole defense work by constantly disrupting the middle. I like him just as much as DTs that went higher in recent drafts. I dont think you could genetically engineer a better 3-4 NT.
Ridgelake
Footballguy
Cowboys "homer" here.
Dallas definitely needs help along the O-line. So I can't really argue against them drafting at that spot. But if they go O-line, then don't be surprised if its center, not OT. And actually, don't be surprised of they go OLB to get a complement to Ware. Let me explain:
Petitti has performed like, well, a 6th round pick for much of the year. But a couple of things that Parcells has said about him makes me think that he may stick around for awhile. First, as near as I can remember, the exact quote was, "Petitti will get a lot stronger next year, A LOT stronger." If you recall, Petitti played at about 360 lbs at Pitt. Parcells tested his commitment and self-discipline by having him lose about 40 lbs by training camp. He passed the test. But by playing at 360, he clearly was not working out all that much. A full year in a pro offseason conditioning program will do exactly what Parcells said. Make him A LOT stronger.
Second, another thing that Parcells has said about him is that he is making few mental mistakes. When he gets beat, its physically. That will happen less often with him significantly stronger.
Third, Parcells has praised his study habits and work effort. You give yourself a much better chance of sticking around in his programs when you do those things.
Lastly, players generally make their biggest improvements between their rookie and second years. He has gotten a lot of experience this year against some excellent DEs. Don't be surprised if he comes out of next year's camp as a fairly decent starting NFL tackle.
I'm not saying that a top notch OT would not be an upgrade over Petitti. It clearly would. But I am saying that Parcells may see Petitti as a viable long-term option if he develops like I sense Bill expects him to.
At the other tackle spot, Flozell Adams, the two-time pro bowler, returns from an ACL injury. Flo historically has had trouble with speed rushers. I can't see how an ACL injury would help him with that. But at the same time, I don't see a rookie coming in and taking over his spot. Even a guy as highly acclaimed as Robert Gallery was entering the draft. Flozell is hardly the best OT around, but he is better than most.
At guard, Larry Allen and Marco Rivera have been inconsistent. Both guys have significant contracts with Rivera getting a $10 mil signing bonus before this season. To their credit, Parcells has said that both have been very active and beneficial in working with their respective inexperienced tackles.
Rivera has frequently been physically overmatched. But if you recall, he injured his back right after signing. He missed a good bit of camp because of the injury. I would not be at all surprised if it comes out in the offseason that he has had continuing back trouble that has limited his ability to lift weights. Assuming this trouble gets resolved in the offseason (significant assumption), he likely would return to his Green Bay form where he was a top notch performer.
I actually see guard is a not unlikely early draft spot for Dallas. Allen is not going to get any better at this point. Rivera may have lingering back problems. Neither is young. On the bench, only 2nd year guy Stephen Peterman is available. He was on IR last year with a knee and has only been active in a handful of games this year. Maybe he is developing. Maybe he is not. But I don't get the sense that Parcells thinks he is ready. If a top notch guard were available, I could see Dallas drafting him and cutting Allen. This probably won't happen, but its a possibility.
Center is where I have the most concerns. Al Johnson is the starter. If you recall, he had microfacture knee surgury ending his rookie year two years ago. Last year he was starter and was adequate. This year, he has been physically overmatched on occasions. Last week, he had another knee surgury. I am wondering if his knee problems are keeping him from doing the necessary weight work to have adequate strength. Two surguries in three years for an undersized guy is not a good combination.
Behind him is Andre Gurode. Andre has the physical skills but has regularly frustrated Parcells with mental errors. A perfect example. Against the Giants this past weekend, first play of second half, Gurode fails to change the blocking scheme allowing the DT to run right past him to hit Bledsoe as he is handing off to JJ and causing a fumble that was returned for a TD. Giants go up 17-0. As this is Gurode's 4th year in the NFL, its not likely that the proverbial elevator is going to go a much higher floor. Forget about going all the way to the top.
So with Johnson possibly having chronic knee problems and Gurode having, uh, elevator problems, center is a definite spot of need for Dallas. Parcells has a history of spending big money on a center by signing Mawae to the Jets. Parcells clearly understands the value of this spot. So I'd rate this as a high probability of upgrade before next season.
Lastly, I mentioned OLB. Why? Because its the one position on defense that could make this unit sick and its the one position on defense that has been a significant problem the last half of the year.
The starter at LOLB early in the year was Al Singleton. He is a savvy vet who knows how to play but is better suited for a 4-3. He held his own but doesnt have the physical size to be a top notch 3-4 OLB. But when he went on IR, teams attacked his replacements, Scott Fujita and rookie Kevin Burnett. Both have struggled. Fujita is a good special teams player and so-so OLB. I don't see a lot of upside with him.
Burnett is a rookie second rounder. He was hurt in training camp and that has likely slowed his development. Parcells has said that his long-term spot is probably at inside linebacker. With the retirement of Dat Nguyen, I expect Burnett to move inside this offseason, opening the OLB spot for a newcomer.
And getting a talented newcomer is something that I see as a high probability. Remember, opposite of LT was Harry Carson. Parcells already has his new LT in Ware. Its likely that he will go after his new Carson if he's available. Parcells has been building Dallas into the 1990 NY Giants. This spot would be another major piece.
So all things being equal, I see the order of probability for drafting as 1) OLB, 2) Center, 3) Guard, 4) Tackle. Now all things are not equal. I don't know the draft pool to speak of. Superior talent will be taken over lesser talent.
Ack, just looked at my watch. Just wasted an hour of company time writing up this stuff. Oh well.....
Dallas definitely needs help along the O-line. So I can't really argue against them drafting at that spot. But if they go O-line, then don't be surprised if its center, not OT. And actually, don't be surprised of they go OLB to get a complement to Ware. Let me explain:
Petitti has performed like, well, a 6th round pick for much of the year. But a couple of things that Parcells has said about him makes me think that he may stick around for awhile. First, as near as I can remember, the exact quote was, "Petitti will get a lot stronger next year, A LOT stronger." If you recall, Petitti played at about 360 lbs at Pitt. Parcells tested his commitment and self-discipline by having him lose about 40 lbs by training camp. He passed the test. But by playing at 360, he clearly was not working out all that much. A full year in a pro offseason conditioning program will do exactly what Parcells said. Make him A LOT stronger.
Second, another thing that Parcells has said about him is that he is making few mental mistakes. When he gets beat, its physically. That will happen less often with him significantly stronger.
Third, Parcells has praised his study habits and work effort. You give yourself a much better chance of sticking around in his programs when you do those things.
Lastly, players generally make their biggest improvements between their rookie and second years. He has gotten a lot of experience this year against some excellent DEs. Don't be surprised if he comes out of next year's camp as a fairly decent starting NFL tackle.
I'm not saying that a top notch OT would not be an upgrade over Petitti. It clearly would. But I am saying that Parcells may see Petitti as a viable long-term option if he develops like I sense Bill expects him to.
At the other tackle spot, Flozell Adams, the two-time pro bowler, returns from an ACL injury. Flo historically has had trouble with speed rushers. I can't see how an ACL injury would help him with that. But at the same time, I don't see a rookie coming in and taking over his spot. Even a guy as highly acclaimed as Robert Gallery was entering the draft. Flozell is hardly the best OT around, but he is better than most.
At guard, Larry Allen and Marco Rivera have been inconsistent. Both guys have significant contracts with Rivera getting a $10 mil signing bonus before this season. To their credit, Parcells has said that both have been very active and beneficial in working with their respective inexperienced tackles.
Rivera has frequently been physically overmatched. But if you recall, he injured his back right after signing. He missed a good bit of camp because of the injury. I would not be at all surprised if it comes out in the offseason that he has had continuing back trouble that has limited his ability to lift weights. Assuming this trouble gets resolved in the offseason (significant assumption), he likely would return to his Green Bay form where he was a top notch performer.
I actually see guard is a not unlikely early draft spot for Dallas. Allen is not going to get any better at this point. Rivera may have lingering back problems. Neither is young. On the bench, only 2nd year guy Stephen Peterman is available. He was on IR last year with a knee and has only been active in a handful of games this year. Maybe he is developing. Maybe he is not. But I don't get the sense that Parcells thinks he is ready. If a top notch guard were available, I could see Dallas drafting him and cutting Allen. This probably won't happen, but its a possibility.
Center is where I have the most concerns. Al Johnson is the starter. If you recall, he had microfacture knee surgury ending his rookie year two years ago. Last year he was starter and was adequate. This year, he has been physically overmatched on occasions. Last week, he had another knee surgury. I am wondering if his knee problems are keeping him from doing the necessary weight work to have adequate strength. Two surguries in three years for an undersized guy is not a good combination.
Behind him is Andre Gurode. Andre has the physical skills but has regularly frustrated Parcells with mental errors. A perfect example. Against the Giants this past weekend, first play of second half, Gurode fails to change the blocking scheme allowing the DT to run right past him to hit Bledsoe as he is handing off to JJ and causing a fumble that was returned for a TD. Giants go up 17-0. As this is Gurode's 4th year in the NFL, its not likely that the proverbial elevator is going to go a much higher floor. Forget about going all the way to the top.
So with Johnson possibly having chronic knee problems and Gurode having, uh, elevator problems, center is a definite spot of need for Dallas. Parcells has a history of spending big money on a center by signing Mawae to the Jets. Parcells clearly understands the value of this spot. So I'd rate this as a high probability of upgrade before next season.
Lastly, I mentioned OLB. Why? Because its the one position on defense that could make this unit sick and its the one position on defense that has been a significant problem the last half of the year.
The starter at LOLB early in the year was Al Singleton. He is a savvy vet who knows how to play but is better suited for a 4-3. He held his own but doesnt have the physical size to be a top notch 3-4 OLB. But when he went on IR, teams attacked his replacements, Scott Fujita and rookie Kevin Burnett. Both have struggled. Fujita is a good special teams player and so-so OLB. I don't see a lot of upside with him.
Burnett is a rookie second rounder. He was hurt in training camp and that has likely slowed his development. Parcells has said that his long-term spot is probably at inside linebacker. With the retirement of Dat Nguyen, I expect Burnett to move inside this offseason, opening the OLB spot for a newcomer.
And getting a talented newcomer is something that I see as a high probability. Remember, opposite of LT was Harry Carson. Parcells already has his new LT in Ware. Its likely that he will go after his new Carson if he's available. Parcells has been building Dallas into the 1990 NY Giants. This spot would be another major piece.
So all things being equal, I see the order of probability for drafting as 1) OLB, 2) Center, 3) Guard, 4) Tackle. Now all things are not equal. I don't know the draft pool to speak of. Superior talent will be taken over lesser talent.
Ack, just looked at my watch. Just wasted an hour of company time writing up this stuff. Oh well.....
yes- projecting young to return.I liked Fincher coming out, but he's done nothing to distinguish himself this year. either way, i think hawk works at OLB for the saints if fincher wins the MLB spot. Im not sure that MLB is a good home for Hawk even if thats a hole for the Saints. All 3 LB positions are holes for them, so help is needed everywhere.
Cutler is like a more polished version of Losman/Boller by my estimation, so im slotting him accordingly.
Holmes - I think NFL GMs are going to like him more with the emergence of the steve smith/santana moss types - Holmes fits in that mold. I have him as the clear #1 WR if he comes out.
Huff - even if he's overrated, his versatility is really nice for any defense ailing the secondary, and i think itll get him in the top 25 picks at worst.
Maroney to the Vikes is one of my pet combos - i totally agree that other needs (LB/OL) might be more pressing.
White to the Steelers is based on the idea that he is the best back in this draft for a power running game. I agree that all the RBs after Bush could slip farther than most expect, a la steven jackson and co in 04.
thanks for the kind words and feedback.
Whats the long term prognosis on mcdougle? Trent Cole has stepped up, but Kalu has fallen off. How much longer will they have Kearse - all these things would factor into whether DE would be a top need for them. WR will need to be addressed one way or another, as someone else said, FA is also a possibility.
He's got a sick toolbox for a NFL QB prospect, really the only questions are durability and funky mechanics - but man he looks the part, and it seems like MAC QBs can't miss lately. If guys like Losman, Boller, Ramsey are late firsts, then Jacobs is an early-mid first.
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msommer
Footballguy
You are right to point out Chad's future is in jeopardy - but the cap implications of having him and another high priced QB on the team are daunting - add that to the need to deal with Abraham, replace Curtis (if Cedrick/Blaylock is not the answer) and it does not look like it will fit the cap. Is 2007 a cap free year still? could that then not be the year that Chad is dumped unceremoniously to retirement?Overall I do not believe the Jets are as atrocious as their record indicates - remember responsible for most of the losses have been Vinny (has been) and Brooks (never was). Someone like Josh McCown might be a cheap enough band aid for a few years to make the cap work even if an agreement is reached on CBA. Upgrade the OL and get a live body at QB and you might have a shot at not being bottom feeder in AFC East and at least land in the middle of the pack - on the other hand if the Jets draft Leinart and throw him to the wolves with the current line they might well have a top three pick again next year.
Front office changes (or not) could have a huge impact on this as well.
I'll grant you that it is very possible that the Jets could draft Leinart if they can get the financials to work. It is a sexy pick.
I think a lot of teams are going to be considering OT in this year's draft and will be plotting to outmanuever each other to get the top 3 or 4. Tennessee, Buffalo, New Orleans, Houston, Jets, Cleveland, Arizona - any of these teams could go OT. If the Lions have their heart set on of the blue chippers, i think theyll have to trade into the top 10 to get one. Now if Joe Thomas (wisc) comes out, or jonathan scott (texas) grades out closer to the top 3, then detroit MIGHT be safe sitting on the pick they have - but im not sure that happens.
I need to do a little more research on Marquis Cooper's development, because I know he would be a good candidate to take over Brooks role in the D - but he has been banged up this year, and Sims just seems to have the right set of skills and playing style to fit that role to a T.
Chaos Commish
Footballguy
Once Young officially declares, I would expect that to change. Certainly after the combine. Young has 25-30 pounds on the othes. And he plays more physical with a legit nasty streak-- far better run blocker, as good if not better pass blocker. He should beat them in both speed and power measurements. He's also been in an NFL style offense for three years and been dominant for two of them. He calls all the protection schemes (in a very complex system) and has great intangibles for a rookie center. Eslinger and Mangold have more press because they are seniors in highly publicized situations, but they come from more vanilla offenses and with upper body strength concerns. Young is a junior under the radar. I suspect the performance against USC pretty much sealed his decision, and we should be hearing more about him soon.What makes you say that? Everything I read and see still has Eslinger at #1.
Ryan Cook is another bigger more powerful center who could move up after the combine. There's 8 very good center prospects in this draft. Ross and Philip who probably rank 7th and 8th (depending on Raiola), would be top 4 or better most years. I'm telling you this sucker is deep on the OL. There's going to be hits and misses, but the talent pool is unusually rich.
saintfool
Dead sexy
Why would the Saints go OT? They drafted Brown this year. They have vet Gandy and a yongster who was pushing him to start in Stinchcomb before her went down with season ending injury in the preseason. Their line, right now, has held up pretty well and allowed them to be reasonably effective down the stretch with the run. QB and LB seem like the positions of need for the Saints.
Spike
Footballguy
My first thought was that I really liked it because, from all I've been hearing, it's an exceptional class for stud offensive linemen. It's great to see someone putting multiple ones at the very top of the draft.
My second thought was that I LOVED it because having the Pats get DeAngelo Williams would cause a reaction in Pats fans of:
:slamsmoneyontable:
"I'm out!"
My second thought was that I LOVED it because having the Pats get DeAngelo Williams would cause a reaction in Pats fans of:
:slamsmoneyontable:
"I'm out!"
yellowdog
Footballguy
Point taken. I see them maybe going after Pickett or Grady Jackson via free agency to hold down the D-Line. Maybe both? If they could get a couple tubs of goo in the middle, that would go a long way in creating that Marvin Lewis defense more like the Ravens (Siragusa/Adams).
I know this is a deep draft for OL, but 3 in the top 10? I am not buying it.
