Mock 2006 First Round (1 Viewer)

[Weapon of Mass Instruction]

Good job, but the Titans won't be going DE.They'll take in order, in my opinion and depending on who falls:OTLBQBAlso, I can see them trading down and for more picks, along with trading players for picks: Volek, Kinney, for example.They'll also be looking for a Safety as I think they my let Tank Williams go. Others that are gone are Brad Hopkins and Benji Olsen (OT and OG) as well as Justin Hartwig, the Center. Probably, Travis Henry, too. Another cut that could catch folks off guard is Peter Sirmon, the linebacker.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

 

[Patoons]

2 New York Jets - Matt Leinart, QB, USC - no brainer - but they could also trade down to stack up some more picks.

FYI- Jets are said not to be happy with what they've seen in regards to Leinarts arm strength and will likely steer away from Leinart. There's also been some talk that they will pass on Bush if he is available. IMO, the Jets trade down. I'd love Brickshaw and I know they view OL as a glaring hole at this point. They also need to address QB and RB via free agency or the draft. Trading down is the best move for them. I think you are on target with that...

They do like D'Angelo Williams from what I've heard and would like to trade down and grab him as well as an OL in the 2nd and possibly a QB late first/2nd

 

[cstu]

Philly homer here. I don't see the Eagles taking a WR here at all. They will probably go DE or OL.

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.

I think they need to go RB instead, someone like LenDale White would fit the bill and the combo of Westbrook and White would be lethal to opposing teams. The biggest problem this year is that they didn't have a running game since Westbrook can't pound the ball up the middle. Giving Westbrook a role more like Dunn's would make him more effective and also help keep him from getting hurt.

 

[norseman9375]

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.

Can't beleive he was going in the first regardless of injury, he is not even a starter at CB. I know he initially said he would go into the NFL this year, but I think he expected to play better than he has at CB. Not to say he's a bad CB, but everything I've read says that he still relies too much on his athletic ability and needs to learn the position better. Even he can't get drafted in the 1st round based on his KR/PR skills, and I don't think I've ever seen a better KR/PR. Coaker has been working hard to convince him to stay, and it looks like he will get his wish.

 

[Bri]

IMO TE is not an important position in ChicagoPettit is doing pretty well for a rookie T. Larry Allen is 90 and Gurode just made one of the dopiest plays by a lineman. I wouldn't be surprised if Parcells drafts a lineman but he's not replacing Pettit. Shocked, Bloom is down on a rook. Don't see that everyday Kurt Warner's hot. I can't see Denny going away from him. (not usually in first round but...) He's definitely drafting a C. They've started 4(?) different Centers this year so...I'd say that's a lock. Whizzinator, Mewelde, Bennett....whomever, I'd bet Green lands one of them. I don't understand why Green Bay would trade up for a runningback? Najeh, Gado, and Green have all done well. If they want one, all they gotta do is sign Najeh or Green. Why bother trading up? I think that's an FF move not an NFL move. FWIW I liked the Bush learning from Curtis Martin notion in another thread. Seen alot of Reggie White stuff lately, now I'm wonderring if a college stud DE is "in line" for them?

 

[Ramblin Wreck]

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.

Brooks is gone. He wouldn't be eligible if he wanted to return.

 

[Wadsworth]

I guess I'm mising something because people keep predicting that the Jags go CB in the first because they need someone opposite Mathis. The Jags pass D has been at or near the top of the NFL much of the year. They've already played 5 of the top 7 scoring teams in the league and the secondary had held up nicely. Kenny Wright and Terry Cousins are free agents after this season so that might have something to do with it, but I don't see CB as a first round need for the Jags.

 

[-OZ-]

13 Miami - Mathias Kiwanuka, DE, Boston College - He and Jason Taylor will make a sick set on pinchers on the edge in Miami.

I'm not sure how I missed this on my first look, but what about Matt Roth?

 

[Bloom]

13 Miami - Mathias Kiwanuka, DE, Boston College - He and Jason Taylor will make a sick set on pinchers on the edge in Miami.

I'm not sure how I missed this on my first look, but what about Matt Roth?

This was another pick where it wasn't the perfect need/team combo, but i just couldnt justify letting kiwi fall any further. Secondary is the biggest need, so theyre another team i could see taking huff.

 

[Chaos Commish]

Kyle Young is practically guaranteed to come out, and he will rank significantly higher than Eslinger and Mangold--

What makes you say that? Everything I read and see still has Eslinger at #1.

Once Young officially declares, I would expect that to change. Certainly after the combine. Young has 25-30 pounds on the others.

I was wrong about this (sort of). I saw Eslinger win the Outland tonight, and I watched a bunch of video later. Um, he doesn't appear to have the thickness and broad shoulders necessary to pack on much more mass. He is 285. Young has him by 40 pounds (not 25-30). I'm certain at this point Young will be the highest rated center should he declare, and I'm fairly certain he will. Beyond that I would be very weary of Eslinger hype. Smart, poised, athletic? Yes. Ready for NFL DTs? Um, no moreso than Al Johnson, Dallas' 2nd round pick last year. He's really tough, and a warrior, but constantly mismatched and overpowered. In a couple years Young will be a 340 pound dominant franchise center. In a couple years Eslinger is going to be one of a dozen guys just like him and Al Johnson who do okay, but don't have the mass for the meat in the middle of NFL Ds.

 

[slimflop]

Bush/Leinart article Just wanted to throw this in somewhere and not start another thread

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/writ...nart/index.html

 

[cstu]

13 Miami - Mathias Kiwanuka, DE, Boston College - He and Jason Taylor will make a sick set on pinchers on the edge in Miami.

I'm not sure how I missed this on my first look, but what about Matt Roth?

And Kevin Carter for that matter. I didn't think the Dolphins were planning on cutting him.

 

[Chaos Commish]

Bush/Leinart article Just wanted to throw this in somewhere and not start another thread

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/writ...nart/index.html

Thanks for the read.

"I'd say it was 80-20 in favor of the Leinart camp at the end of last year,'' said the veteran NFL personnel man. "But then people started watching these players closely, and it probably closed to 50-50 at some point early this season. Now it's going the other way, toward Bush.

"With Leinart, a lot of it is reputation. He's a great story the past couple of years. He's strapping. He's handsome. He's a lot of fun. And he's won a lot of football games, and you can't take that away from him. But in terms of total skills, he's not Carson Palmer. People kind of bought into the hype on him. He's a touch passer, and that's what sometimes worries me about him. He throws off his back foot quite a bit. I can see this being Joey Harrington all over again.''

Interesting. I agree with it completely, too.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

I was wrong about this (sort of). I saw Eslinger win the Outland tonight, and I watched a bunch of video later. Um, he doesn't appear to have the thickness and broad shoulders necessary to pack on much more mass. He is 285. Young has him by 40 pounds (not 25-30). I'm certain at this point Young will be the highest rated center should he declare, and I'm fairly certain he will. Beyond that I would be very weary of Eslinger hype. Smart, poised, athletic? Yes. Ready for NFL DTs? Um, no moreso than Al Johnson, Dallas' 2nd round pick last year. He's really tough, and a warrior, but constantly mismatched and overpowered. In a couple years Young will be a 340 pound dominant franchise center. In a couple years Eslinger is going to be one of a dozen guys just like him and Al Johnson who do okay, but don't have the mass for the meat in the middle of NFL Ds.

Kevin Mawae is only 289 pounds.I'm just sayin'. You don't have to be massive if you are athletic enough to get the best leverage.

 

[Chaos Commish]

I was wrong about this (sort of). I saw Eslinger win the Outland tonight, and I watched a bunch of video later. Um, he doesn't appear to have the thickness and broad shoulders necessary to pack on much more mass. He is 285. Young has him by 40 pounds (not 25-30). I'm certain at this point Young will be the highest rated center should he declare, and I'm fairly certain he will. Beyond that I would be very weary of Eslinger hype. Smart, poised, athletic? Yes. Ready for NFL DTs? Um, no moreso than Al Johnson, Dallas' 2nd round pick last year. He's really tough, and a warrior, but constantly mismatched and overpowered. In a couple years Young will be a 340 pound dominant franchise center. In a couple years Eslinger is going to be one of a dozen guys just like him and Al Johnson who do okay, but don't have the mass for the meat in the middle of NFL Ds.

Kevin Mawae is only 289 pounds.I'm just sayin'. You don't have to be massive if you are athletic enough to get the best leverage.

True, and there's no questioning whether or not he's a great center. Across the league, as far as I know, there isn't a center built like Kyle Young-- who is potentially a Roaf-clone in the middle. Most centers are 290-310, and Eslinger fits in that category, but I think he's more of an Alan Johnson type of player, and I would hesitate to compare him to Mawae (which you didn't, I know). Ross has been invited to the Senior Bowl, and I won't be surprised to see him make a move on Eslinger and Mangold while there. There's some giant DTs making life miserable for centers right now, and Young should be seen as the best way to go. Nebraska had an Outland winner a few years back who wasn't drafted until round 5 or 6, so the award is no big deal to me. Speaking of the OL which you are interested in seeing Houston address, I have a hunch there's going to be more confusion at the top for LTs than all the early press clippings suggest. The media is more responsible for the anointing of D'Brick atop the heap than I thought. NFS (run by scouts) who runs the combine and pregrades the senior class, graded Ferguson as the 4th best OT in the country coming into the season. I was very surprised to read this (and I'm banging my head against the wall trying to find the story now), because in almost every discussion it is assumed D'Brick is the #1 guy.

As Wood has pointed out, several of the OTs have had mixed seasons, and there's been a small but perceptible drop off in value for Ferguson, Winston, and Scott. McNeill is the one OT who hasn't missed a beat (in a tough tough conference). He hasn't given up a sack in three stinkin' years. He has terrific technique (Winston has bad feet and leverage, Scott gets lazy, Ferguson gets overpowered and lacks a punch). McNeill is not as athletic as the converted TEs ranked with him, but he is a very natural left tackle with great intangibles. The guy is very smart and dedicated to his craft. He's also the guy who ranked #1 at LT this preseason, not according to the media, but according to NFS-- the combine guys (who are very very serious about getting things right).

I remember watching Pace and Ogden very clearly, and none of these guys leave that kind of impression. Frank Coyle, who I think has impeccable scouting credentials, ranked the top 50 prospects a month ago and dropped D'Brick from 3rd to 6th, Winston fell from 6th to 8th, McNeill rose from 19th to 11th. A little logjam at LT seemed to be emerging.

Link

Everything I've observed in the past month suggests that the movement made sense and has remained a pattern. There will be NFL teams who rank each one of guys at the top. Point is: D'Brick is not "absolutely" the best LT in this class. That's the media perception. He may well be the best, but he has real competition and a lot of it. Scott was being criticized 2/3rds of the way through the season. He has been incredible in his last three games-- more impressive to my amateur eye than any of them. I know it was Colorado, but still, he pretty much wiped their defense off the field for two quarters. He has as much talent as any of them, and the problems may be between his ears. That was the knock on Walter Jones once upon a time too.

Also Andy, in another thread, I said my case for Bush to Houston at #1 was involved, but I would try to explain it. Well, this is all part of it.

 

[slimflop]

Bush/D Davis article Davis is a class act

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/3513446.html

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Also Andy, in another thread, I said my case for Bush to Houston at #1 was involved, but I would try to explain it. Well, this is all part of it.

I see where you're coming from. Add in the injuries that Ferguson has had this year, I would agree that he's not the obvious choice for the Texans should they stay at #1.If the Texans remain at #1 overall (which I highly doubt), they could hardly be faulted for taking Bush.

I just think their best play is to trade out of #1, but not further down than top 10, even if it means they miss out on Ferguson. Get more draft picks and still end up with McNeill or Scott or the Wisconsin guy (what's his name).

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Bush/D Davis article Davis is a class act

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/3513446.html

Look at why it makes no sense for a team with so many holes to fill to draft Bush (with the intention of keeping him):

In August, Davis signed a $21.1 million contract extension through 2009. That was fresh off a 7-9 season in which he gave the Texans 1,188 yards rushing.

Despite missing two starts with a knee injury this year, Davis is well on his way to becoming only the 15th NFL running back since 1970 to post three 1,000-yard seasons to start his career.

Davis has been an all-purpose player for the Texans. Since joining the league as a fourth-round pick out of LSU in 2003, he ranks fourth among running backs with 147 receptions and seventh with 4,282 yards from scrimmage. He also returned punts last Sunday.

Reggie Bush will not be a Texan.

 

[noneother]

of all the teams with a shot at the number one overall pick, who doesn't pick Bush? or preferes to trade down? don't you think an established team (contradiction? established withe #1 overall? maybe) may go Leinart?Or is bush the NO QUESTION #1, and you take him, and try to trade him, if you can't use him? a "Best Overall Player" type situation?

 

[slimflop]

I agree the Teans would be better to trade out but how can they pass on Bush. It would be a P.R. nightmare and would put so much pressure on the Texans to have a perfect draft. The hype right now is incredible.

 

[Bloom]

of all the teams with a shot at the number one overall pick, who doesn't pick Bush? or preferes to trade down? don't you think an established team (contradiction? established withe #1 overall? maybe) may go Leinart?

Or is bush the NO QUESTION #1, and you take him, and try to trade him, if you can't use him? a "Best Overall Player" type situation?

I think Bush goes 1 and Leinart goes 2. the biggest question is whether the teams that earned those picks take them, or if they trade. Right now all signs point to the Texans and Jets being those teams, and it seems more likely than not that they will trade down. Ill probably include them both trading down in next week's mock.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

I agree the Teans would be better to trade out but how can they pass on Bush. It would be a P.R. nightmare and would put so much pressure on the Texans to have a perfect draft. The hype right now is incredible.

If they HAVE to take the #1 overall pick then, yes, they HAVE to take Bush.The idea that they won't get a mother lode of picks/players in exchange for the #1 pick, however, is not comprehensible to me.

 

[coolnerd]

Also Andy, in another thread, I said my case for Bush to Houston at #1 was involved, but I would try to explain it.  Well, this is all part of it.

I see where you're coming from. Add in the injuries that Ferguson has had this year, I would agree that he's not the obvious choice for the Texans should they stay at #1.If the Texans remain at #1 overall (which I highly doubt), they could hardly be faulted for taking Bush.

I just think their best play is to trade out of #1, but not further down than top 10, even if it means they miss out on Ferguson. Get more draft picks and still end up with McNeill or Scott or the Wisconsin guy (what's his name).

I am going to wait until the head loppings finish in Houston before going should they or shouldn't they Bush, but if you are the Houston Texans and have the first pick in the draft, the smart move is to sell the rest of the world that you taking Reggie bush unless somebody gives you a reason (blockbuster trade) not to. In terms of value, it is going to be nearly impossible for anyone not in the top 5 maybe 6 to give the Texans enough to justify trading past that point.

 

[cstu]

Point is: D'Brick is not "absolutely" the best LT in this class. That's the media perception. He may well be the best, but he has real competition and a lot of it. Scott was being criticized 2/3rds of the way through the season. He has been incredible in his last three games-- more impressive to my amateur eye than any of them. I know it was Colorado, but still, he pretty much wiped their defense off the field for two quarters. He has as much talent as any of them, and the problems may be between his ears. That was the knock on Walter Jones once upon a time too.

Also Andy, in another thread, I said my case for Bush to Houston at #1 was involved, but I would try to explain it. Well, this is all part of it.

No, that's the perception of people who know what it takes to be a great LT - balance, quickness, technique. He has all of that and is one of the smartest players in the draft and has the frame to get bigger and be even better. There are other good OL in the draft, but none them look to be elite LT's like Ferguson.

 

[Bloom]

so, who are the teams that would sell out move up to take Leinart or Bush? Anyone up for some groundless speculation?

 

[Andy Dufresne]

so, who are the teams that would sell out move up to take Leinart or Bush? Anyone up for some groundless speculation?

These are the only teams that make any sense at all, based on need.2 New York Jets

3 San Francisco

4 Green Bay

5 Tennessee

8 Cleveland

9 Arizona

10 Baltimore

17 Minnesota

19 Pittsburgh

20 New England

28 Jacksonville

I think the two most likely are Green Bay, SF, and Arizona, although Denny Green never gives up draft picks.

Green Bay, if Favre retires, will be looking for a new "face of the franchise" player.

 

[noneother]

so, who are the teams that would sell out move up to take Leinart or Bush? Anyone up for some groundless speculation?

These are the only teams that make any sense at all, based on need.2 New York Jets

3 San Francisco

4 Green Bay

5 Tennessee

8 Cleveland

9 Arizona

10 Baltimore

17 Minnesota

19 Pittsburgh

20 New England

28 Jacksonville

I think the two most likely are Green Bay, SF, and Arizona, although Denny Green never gives up draft picks.

Green Bay, if Favre retires, will be looking for a new "face of the franchise" player.

I want to be a Lions fan....do you think we could see, Charlie, Joey, and the DET first rounder... sent somewhere to get Lienart??

 

[Chaos Commish]

...the Wisconsin guy (what's his name).

Joe Thomas. He hasn't made a firm decision, but he did go through the evaluation process with the Draft Advisory Board (along w/teammate RB Calhoun), and it sounds like they'll both stay in school. Thomas would be throwing his name in a very deep draft this year while he has a good shot at being #1 next year. Makes sense to stay. The bonus for being #1 is a nicer house, a prettier wife and an extra Ferrari.

 

[coolnerd]

Point is:  D'Brick is not "absolutely" the best LT in this class.  That's the media perception.  He may well be the best, but he has real competition and a lot of it.  Scott was being criticized 2/3rds of the way through the season.  He has been incredible in his last three games-- more impressive to my amateur eye than any of them.  I know it was Colorado, but still, he pretty much wiped their defense off the field for two quarters.  He has as much talent as any of them, and the problems may be between his ears.  That was the knock on Walter Jones once upon a time too. 

Also Andy, in another thread, I said my case for Bush to Houston at #1 was involved, but I would try to explain it.  Well, this is all part of it.

No, that's the perception of people who know what it takes to be a great LT - balance, quickness, technique. He has all of that and is one of the smartest players in the draft and has the frame to get bigger and be even better. There are other good OL in the draft, but none them look to be elite LT's like Ferguson.

Actually there are questions about Ferguson's ability to carry and maintain weight. He started around 255/260 lbs @ UVA and SPECULATION on Houston radio was that he was nowhere near 295 at the end of the 2004 season and that he had consulted with personal trainers and 295 is the high end of the weight he can maintain effectively.

 

[houndirish]

Nice writeup Bloom. Lots of good guesses.insights.I still think Kiwanuka goes before Mario Williams. I'd love to see DeAngelo fall that far just from the standpoint that some of the rockheads in my dyansty league may devalue him. I'll b ethrilled if I can get him with the 5th pick!I like where you went with the Giants. I tend to agree they're a playmaker on defense from being a truly dominating unit. Outside linebacker really needs a boost. Despite it's performance, the corners should hold up next year, provided Will Pete return sfrom the back injury. Corey Webster will take over for Allen after he leaves. The only position I'd consider over LB would be OT if the right guy was there.

 

[Chaos Commish]

Point is: D'Brick is not "absolutely" the best LT in this class. That's the media perception.

No, that's the perception of people who know what it takes to be a great LT - balance, quickness, technique. He has all of that and is one of the smartest players in the draft and has the frame to get bigger and be even better. There are other good OL in the draft, but none them look to be elite LT's like Ferguson.

He is the most athletic. He is the best run blocker downfield on the 2nd level. No debate necessary. Of the top three he has the smallest frame. He is already very well developed at 295 (some say he's lighter, as low as 285, and struggling to keep the weight he's added). 305-310 would probably be his fully mature max. But that's not a problem. Walter Jones lost weight to get down in that range and became a better player. Again, the combine will put an end to talk about his frame and weight. His technique, however, like Winston's has been criticized. Nothing earthshattering, but McNeill seems to have an edge here.

Ferguson struggled with some injuries, but a comparison late in the season at full-strength has tempered some opinions. Winston dominated Darryl Tapp for 4 quarters. Two weeks later Tapp dominated Ferguson. It wasn't pretty and Ferguson confessed he needed improvement. He gave up two sacks and three hurries to the same guy Winston shut out.

The media that reports on these guys is slow to change opinions. It's admitting error. Something they loathe to do so they use time to make the corrections seem less apparent. Someone they hyped wasn't that great-- could be Ferguson. Someone they criticized was really good-- could be Scott. Slowly, D'Brick is coming back to his peers. Slowly McNeill is getting more positive reviews.

You may be absolutely right in regarding D'Brick as "absolutely" the best. I can't argue that, and I would never suggest he is going to bust. I do think these guys (and a few others) are a lot closer in ability than initial reports suggested. There's always players who disappoint. I think this OL class is very very good. I don't think Ferguson, Winston, McNeill, Scott, Justice, or Colledge will disappoint. I won't be surprised if a legit franchise tackle (left or right) is unearthed between Boothe, Levey, Leffew, Trueblood, Whitworth, O'Callaghan, and Stenovich. Some of them will make terrific guards. The class at guard has some great talent and again impressive depth. Then there's all these quality centers.

Back to Dufresne. This (with my other posts) is the first half of my case for Houston taking Bush and enjoying him for a decade. I'm fairly certain they can add two quality lineman and a needed defensive stud in rounds 2-4 this year. There's going to be busts, and there is risk by passing on the first rounders. But much less than any year in memory. And I cannot get 01 out my head, when four teams past on Tomlinson for: Vick, an unimpressive so far LT (with a franchise grade), and 2 DLs. And I cannot help but believe Bush will be as good as LT given good health.

 

[Chaos Commish]

Actually there are questions about Ferguson's ability to carry and maintain weight. He started around 255/260 lbs @ UVA and SPECULATION on Houston radio was that he was nowhere near 295 at the end of the 2004 season and that he had consulted with personal trainers and 295 is the high end of the weight he can maintain effectively.

Yeah, the speculation I read said, he worked out and ate his way to 295 in the off-season, but he's been losing weight by playing and is finishing the season around 285. It will all work itself out.

 

[nygiants56]

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.

I think Droughns is without question, their #1 RB next year..do they trade lee suggs or willie green plus their pick to someone who picks ahead of them, in order to move up to get AJ Hawk?? crennell is a parcells/bellichick clone, so he knows he'll need that great LB to make his 3-4 scheme work...

 

[Uncle Pete]

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.

I think Droughns is without question, their #1 RB next year..do they trade lee suggs or willie green plus their pick to someone who picks ahead of them, in order to move up to get AJ Hawk?? crennell is a parcells/bellichick clone, so he knows he'll need that great LB to make his 3-4 scheme work...

They should trade up to get Hawk... heck they could even take Carpenter in the 2nd round. Droughns should be the #1 next year but the O.C. likes Chester Taylor. IMHO Droughns earned his spot. He has quietly had a good/great season.

 

[cstu]

Actually there are questions about Ferguson's ability to carry and maintain weight. He started around 255/260 lbs @ UVA and SPECULATION on Houston radio was that he was nowhere near 295 at the end of the 2004 season and that he had consulted with personal trainers and 295 is the high end of the weight he can maintain effectively.

Yeah, the speculation I read said, he worked out and ate his way to 295 in the off-season, but he's been losing weight by playing and is finishing the season around 285. It will all work itself out.

I gotta think that he'll be able to keep the weight on once he's in the NFL and has the world's best nutritionists and trainers making sure he does. Walter Jones seems fine around 310-315 and I think that's a reasonable weight for him to maintain. Maybe he should do Walter Jones' workout:

Seattle Seahawks left tackle Walter Jones spent his offseason pushing his brother-in-law's Escalade twice a week, a drill that strengthened Jones's lower body.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

I want to be a Lions fan....

do you think we could see, Charlie, Joey, and the DET first rounder... sent somewhere to get Lienart??

No. I don't see anyone valuing a recently suspended/underperforming WR, a laughingstock QB, and their pick (somewhere around 10) for the #1/2 overall.

 

[noneother]

I want to be a Lions fan....

do you think we could see, Charlie, Joey, and the DET first rounder... sent somewhere to get Lienart??

No. I don't see anyone valuing a recently suspended/underperforming WR, a laughingstock QB, and their pick (somewhere around 10) for the #1/2 overall.

I was afraid someone would say that... reminds of the old "Trade Terry Mills and Lindsay Hunter for Shaquille O'Neil" schtick the WDFN, Det sprts radio, enjoys

 

[Andy Dufresne]

I want to be a Lions fan....

do you think we could see, Charlie, Joey, and the DET first rounder... sent somewhere to get Lienart??

No. I don't see anyone valuing a recently suspended/underperforming WR, a laughingstock QB, and their pick (somewhere around 10) for the #1/2 overall.

I was afraid someone would say that... reminds of the old "Trade Terry Mills and Lindsay Hunter for Shaquille O'Neil" schtick the WDFN, Det sprts radio, enjoys

Hope springs eternal in the human breast. - Alexander Pope

 

[saintfool]

so, who are the teams that would sell out move up to take Leinart or Bush? Anyone up for some groundless speculation?

well, i think you have to break it up into two camps: those who will move up for bush versus those that will move up to take leinert.leinert - arizona, miami, and baltimore are obvious candidates. i think oakland, new orleans, dallas and jets are conceivably interested. a dark horse for me is kansas city, i think, especially if vermeil retires.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

leinert - arizona, miami, and baltimore are obvious candidates. i think oakland, new orleans, dallas and jets are conceivably interested. a dark horse for me is kansas city, i think, especially if vermeil retires.

Packers too. I have to think they'd rather have Leinart than Rogers taking over for Favre.Brees/Rivers revisited.

 

[Bloom]

leinert - arizona, miami, and baltimore are obvious candidates. i think oakland, new orleans, dallas and jets are conceivably interested. a dark horse for me is kansas city, i think, especially if vermeil retires.

Packers too. I have to think they'd rather have Leinart than Rogers taking over for Favre.Brees/Rivers revisited.

This is big question for me - do the packers buck the NFL trend of letting first round QBs fail before making other plans, or do they take their franchise QB when they can? One big difference between Rodgers and Brees is that Brees had already had a very unimpressive year before the Chargers took Rivers. Rodgers is still a total unknown, except to the Packers staff busy developing him, and who knows if those guys will even be working for the team come draft day.

 

[cstu]

leinert - arizona, miami, and baltimore are obvious candidates. i think oakland, new orleans, dallas and jets are conceivably interested. a dark horse for me is kansas city, i think, especially if vermeil retires.

Packers too. I have to think they'd rather have Leinart than Rogers taking over for Favre.Brees/Rivers revisited.

This is big question for me - do the packers buck the NFL trend of letting first round QBs fail before making other plans, or do they take their franchise QB when they can? One big difference between Rodgers and Brees is that Brees had already had a very unimpressive year before the Chargers took Rivers. Rodgers is still a total unknown, except to the Packers staff busy developing him, and who knows if those guys will even be working for the team come draft day.

I was never sold on Aaron Rodgers as an NFL QB and think if the Packers get a chance to get Leinart they should do it. Rodgers contract is very reasonable cap-wise if he remains a backup.

According to a source, terms of Rodgers' contract were almost identical to the five-year, $7.7 million deal Buffalo's J.P. Losman signed last year. Rodgers will receive roughly $5.4 million in guaranteed money and, like Losman, the 22nd pick in the draft a year ago, has escalators written into the contract that would increase the total value of the deal to almost $30 million.

Rodgers and the Packers were hung up on the escalators that should be included in the contract, but apparently had a breakthrough this weekend. The two sides faced a difficult negotiation because it's unclear when Rodgers will have a shot at Brett Favre's starting quarterback job with the Packers.

If Favre were to retire after this season and Rodgers were to become the starter, the deal would have provisions that would allow him to be paid commensurate with other young starting quarterbacks. If he doesn't play in the next couple of years, the deal won't adversely affect the Packers' salary cap.

 

[jbz]

Vernon Davis needs to be added to this. He's a 1st round TE if I ever saw one. (though a little short maybe)

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Vernon Davis needs to be added to this. He's a 1st round TE if I ever saw one. (though a little short maybe)

Chicago.

 

[slimflop]

Even though the Packers cap wise could do it look at Washington similar situation(Brunell,Campbell,Ramsey) If they do not get Bush at #1. Why take Leinart at #2 when the jury is still somewhat out on him. If Favre retires they should trade down and fix the many holes that they have. Sign a veteran QB to start the year and ease Rodgers in to take off some pressure. Even if he does not retire they should trade down.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Even though the Packers cap wise could do it look at Washington similar situation(Brunell,Campbell,Ramsey) If they do not get Bush at #1. Why take Leinart at #2 when the jury is still somewhat out on him. If Favre retires they should trade down and fix the many holes that they have. Sign a veteran QB to start the year and ease Rodgers in to take off some pressure. Even if he does not retire they should trade down.

If Favre retires, they should certainly trade UP for Bush. He will take the pressure (both on and off the field) off Rogers or whomever succeeds Favre at QB.

 

[Bloom]

Vernon Davis needs to be added to this. He's a 1st round TE if I ever saw one. (though a little short maybe)

So is Leonard Pope and Marcedes Lewis. I see no way all 3 go in the first, and maybe only 1 will go. This draft is that deep in first round talent. Dominique Byrd also looks legit to me. Some teams looking to draft TE are going to great values in the 2nd. . A real nice RB could fall out of the first too. I think the teams picking 1-10 or so are going to get two first rounders when you look at the absolute grades of these guys independant of their draft class.

 

[Gargoylez]

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?

Cardinals do not go after a RB. Not in the first. Arrington is just starting to get his legs under him and you could put LT2 back there and he would struggle with this make shift line.Just My Opinion.

 

[slimflop]

Yes and no. How much better would they be trading down and improving several positions and re-sign A Green or other FA RB, Or upgrading at RB with Bush and little elsewhere because of the high cost to move up.