Evilgrin 72
Distributor of Pain
OK, a couple of notes before we begin :
1) I am not predicting trades. It’s too easy to predict a trade simply because a player you feel has value at a certain spot doesn’t fit a need for the team drafting there. Sure, there will be a couple of trades, but mis-predicting one throws your whole mock out of whack when comparing it to the actual draft, so I will simply note where a trade may take place rather than projecting them.
2) I am not going strictly with “the chalk” here, so I expect some question marks on certain picks. It should engender a lively discussion, which is my aim here.
Away we go…
#1 – Houston Texans – Reggie Bush, RB, USC.
This pick has been discussed ad nauseum, and I STILL hold the belief that Houston would do well to trade down, but Bush is too much to pass up here. He’s showing the strength that could make him effective between the tackles, and he obviously has the speed to be a home-run threat. As close to a can’t miss prospect as there is, he goes here.
#2 – New Orleans Saints – D’Brickashaw Ferguson, OT, Virginia.
I know the pundits are projecting Mario Williams here, but I can’t see it. As Aaron correctly pointed out in a thread yesterday, the Saints simply don’t need a DE like they do an OT. Both Williams and Ferguson are the bluest of blue chip prospects and I can’t believe they like Williams so much more that they’re willing to ignore a need at OT. A smoke screen for the Jets’ benefit? Possibly.
#3 – Tennessee Titans – Matt Leinart, QB, USC.
Before the Brees signing, I think Young was a lock here, but now I think Leinart is. The connection for Leinart to Chow is more important than that of Young to McNair for the long-term success of this team. Plus, Titans GM Floyd Reese was on Sirius the other day discussing the QBs and seemed pretty clear that Leinart was their #1 and Young #2. Young may have the upside, but Leinart is clearly the safer choice for a team that needs a turn-around.
#4 – New York Jets – Mario Williams, DE, N.C. State.
I know Williams would like fare better statistically in a 4-3 defense, but the guy is just too damned good to pass up here. As a Steelers fan, I have seen Aaron Smith put up some nice sack numbers in a 3-4 and Williams is an exponentially better talent. I can’t imagine the Jets won’t play some 4-3 also if Williams is the pick, in an attempt to free him up a bit to rush the passer. Bottom line is that Williams is a special talent who won’t make it past #4.
#5 – Green Bay Packers – Haloti Ngata, DT, Oregon.
Every mock I’ve seen has Williams or Hawk here, but I like Ngata. I know the Pack needs linebackers badly, but this draft is very deep at linebacker, and a guy like Ngata, with 340-lb size and excellent quickness are very rare. With Kampman and Gbaja-Biamila entrenched at the end spots, this would give them a formidable line, and would benefit them the most right away. A very good LB is likely to be available early in round 2 – a guy like Ngata absolutely will not.
#6 – San Francisco 49ers – Michael Huff, CB/S, Texas
I know Frisco needs to get weapons for Alex Smith, but they also need him to not have to put up 40 points a game to win one. Bottom line, this team needs playmakers on both sides of the ball, and at virtually every position, and Huff fits the bill. His combination of size, speed, and instincts is unmatched in this draft, and he is (along with Hawk) the best football player on the board at this point. ***NOTE*** - Do not be surprised to see Detroit trade up to #6 or #7 to get a shot at Huff or Hawk if Ngata goes #5.
#7 – Oakland Raiders – A.J. Hawk, LB, Ohio St.
I think Oakland was probably looking QB here, but the signing of Aaron Brooks, along with the availability of an impact defensive player make Hawk too much to pass up here. The guy has all the tools and has the attitude to fit right in with the Black & Silver mentality. This guy will be a hit with Raider Nation from Day 1.
#8 – Buffalo Bills – Winston Justice, OT, USC.
I have said all along that Justice has as much upside as Ferguson, and his Pro Day numbers did nothing to soften that stance. I think the guy is a possible franchise tackle, and despite the presence of the two QBs and Vernon Davis here, I can’t imagine the Bills passing on a guy who fits possibly their biggest need.
#9 – Detroit Lions – Ernie Sims, LB, Florida State.
I don’t think the Lions will end up drafting here. I think either they trade up a couple of spots, or trade down with a team like Minnesota, who may want a shot at Young or Cutler. If they pick here, though, they may not mind reaching on a guy like Sims, who was a marginal first-rounder just a month ago. The guy is a bit undersized, but WAY too much is made of that. If you can play, you can play – this guy hits like a sledgehammer, has a high football IQ, and has terrific speed. Again, this may be a bit high for him, so don’t be shocked if Detroit trades #9 to Minnesota for #17, a 2nd, and a 3rd or 4th and drafts Sims there.
#10 – Arizona Cardinals – Vince Young, QB, Texas.
Arizona must be salivating at the prospect of nabbing Vernon Davis here to go with Boldin, Fitzgerald, and Edgerrin James, but I have to think they’ll realize that a 35-year-old, brittle Kurt Warner running the show isn’t a long term answer. How can Green pass up a clone of his boy Culpepper at pick #10? The answer – he can’t. Young has too much upside to go any further than this, IMO.
#11 – St. Louis Rams – Vernon Davis, TE, Maryland.
All along, I’ve projected a DB here, and God knows, that’s their biggest need, but they can’t pass up a freak like Davis here with Huff off the board and no other sure thing in the DB available. Brandon Manumaleuna isn’t scaring anyone with the ball, and Davis is too tantalizing a combination of size and speed to overlook. There are quite a few DBs that will be available near the top of round 2.
#12 – Cleveland Browns – Broderick Bunkley, DT, Florida St.
This is a slam dunk, IMO. The Browns desperately need a space-eater that can get to the QB, and Bunkley has as good a set of measurables as you’re going to find. He may go even higher than this after his workouts showed remarkable athleticism for his size. Bottom line : Phil Savage and Cleveland are building a team to beat Pittsburgh, and without a solid D-line to try to get some control of the line of scrimmage, they will be perennial whipping boys. My condolences, Broderick, in advance, on your season-ending knee injury in week 2.
#13 – Baltimore Ravens – Jimmy Williams, CB/S, Virginia Tech
Baltimore has a glaring need at OT, but the value isn’t really here at this pick, and several very solid tackles are going to be around in rounds 2 and 3. The Ravens, with Sanders retired, and Carter a contemporary of Fred Flintstone, desperately need a S to play with Reed and depth at CB. Williams is the rare player who provides both in one pick. Add to this, the fact that his brash persona and never ending yapping fit perfectly with the Ravens annoying “thug” persona on defense, and this pick becomes a cinch. Enjoy getting squashed like a grape by Hines Ward, Jimmy. That’s particularly apropos, considering the fruity uniform colors in Baltimore.
#14 – Philadelphia Eagles – Chad Greenway, LB, Iowa.
I think the Eagles are dead set on Bunkley here, only to have their hearts broken by Cleveland. The only question here is, do they think Denver traded up because they covet Chad Jackson? If so, a swap of picks might make sense. In the end, though, I think they go LB – Dhani Jones didn’t exactly set the world on fire last year, and Shawn Barber and Keith Adams are not playmakers. Greenway’s stock was said to be falling, but the guy gets it done on the field, and that’s what counts in the end. The guy has good size, good speed, and excellent intangibles – he makes plays, and that’s what Philly needs.
#15 – Denver Broncos – Jay Cutler, QB, Vanderbilt.
Let the expletives fly, Shark Pool. OK, here’s the logic here. The Broncos moved up in this draft, one must think they’re targeting a certain player or position. Is it Chad Jackson? Very possible. However, look at whom they moved ahead of. Miami definitely needs a receiver, but they also were looking for a QB at the time the Broncos draft trade was made. Minnesota desperately needs a developmental QB. Philadelphia, at #14, needs a WR, but no QB. Was Denver simply trying to get up high enough to make sure they got either Jackson or Holmes? Maybe. However, Jake Plummer, for all the success he had last year, is making a ton of money, is going to be 32 this season, and absolutely fell apart against Pittsburgh in the playoffs. Is it possible that Shanahan loves Cutler and wants to groom him as the QB of the future? I don’t know that it’s any less likely than trading up for a shot at two guys who most scouts are unconvinced can ever be legit #1s in the NFL in Jackson and Holmes.
#16 – Miami Dolphins – Donte Whitner, S, Ohio St.
Another off-beat pick, as many expect the Fins to go wideout here. However, they are a team on the cusp of contending NOW, and the key is upgrading the secondary. They could use a CB and a S, but after signing Will Allen, S is the position most in need of an upgrade. Whitner has 4.4 speed and the versatility to play CB or S. In addition, he’s a VERY sure tackler, which Miami needs badly in their back 4. He just makes a ton of sense to me here.
#17 – Minnesota Vikings– Manny Lawson, LB, N.C. State
This is a pick I haven’t seen projected, as Lawson appears to be a prototypical 3-4 rush OLB. However, what is needed to play in the Cover 2 scheme Childress brings with him is speed. Lawson is the fastest of this crop, running a 4.43, and with his size (6’ 5”) – he could be a terrific Derrick-Brooks like playmaker in this defense. I still believe Minnesota may very well trade up to #9 for Young or Cutler, but if they stay here, I think they need the best playmaker they can find at OLB, and that’s Lawson here.
#18 – Dallas Cowboys– Bobby Carpenter, LB, Ohio St.
I think Dallas may have been drooling over the prospect of Lawson and Ware on the edges rushing the QB, but Carpenter is not a bad consolation prize. He’s custom made to rush the QB in a 3-4, and fits Dallas’ scheme to perfection. Plus, he’s a Parcells kind of guy – high motor, heady, aggressive. In other words, a very nice fit here.
#19 – San Diego Chargers– Chad Jackson, WR, Florida
I can’t see Jackson falling any farther after running a 4.32 at the combine, in fact, it’s very easy to see him going anywhere from #14 to here. Every one of the teams picking in this range needs a WR, but despite Jackson’s ideal measurables, he doesn’t have the productivity to convince anyone he’s a sure-fire #1, which is what you look for if drafting a WR this early. The Chargers have needs at tackle, and in the secondary, but their entire receiving corps is either aging or unproven, and getting a guy like Chad to go along with Vincent from last year’s draft provides a nice group for Rivers to throw to. A lot of different ways they could go with this pick, but Jackson’s talent will likely prevail.
#20 – Kansas City Chiefs – Tye Hill, CB, Clemson
Kansas City needs help up front and in the secondary, and Hill provides the most tantalizing upside here. His 4.29 40 at the combine bolstered his stock, and despite the lack of ideal size, he is being looked at as a high-potential talent. A 2-sport star in college, this will be the first time he has concentrated on football year-round. He could go as high as #11 to St. Louis, so I think Kansas City will grab him here before New England can.
#21 – New England Patriots – Ashton Youboty, CB, Ohio St.
New England has some needs – OLB, RB, WR, but their biggest immediate problem is the secondary. Chad Scott and Hank Poteat are Steeler cast-offs, Law doesn’t appear to be returning, and Samuel may have maxed out his potential. They need a rock back there at CB, and Youboty seems to be a Belichick kind of guy. He has great potential, and you simply cannot ignore the pedigree – Ohio State corners have a recent track record of success – and is a guy who has pure #1 CB upside with the right coaching. Well, who better to provide it?
#22 – Denver Broncos – Tamba Hali, DE, Penn State
I know, Santonio Holmes would have made a lot of sense here, but I think the need for a WR is a little overblown here. Rod Smith seems ageless, they still have the underachieving but dangerous Lelie, and Darius Watts has shown some potential. However, their D-line is simply not very good. Courtney Brown is a bust, they lost Trevor Pryce, and they need a guy who can pressure the QB. Hali is a guy who was a possible top 10-15 pick until workouts caused his stock to slip a bit, but he’s proven he can get to the QB, and would represent good value here. He has the frame to bulk up from his playing weight of 270 and could be a solid bookend DE in Denver.
#23 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Santonio Holmes, WR, Ohio St.
You Tampa homers have basically forced me into this pick with the constant Sinorice Moss talk. I think Tampa’s biggest need is at OT, but they have not shown a propensity to go this direction, and despite Galloway’s recent resurgence, Clayton regressed horribly last year, and Holmes is the type of guy who can get separation at the NFL level. The youth movement continues at the offensive skill positions (Galloway notwithstanding)
#24 – Cincinnati Bengals – Jason Allen, S, Tennessee
Allen is a late-rising prospect who would fit beautifully alongside rising star Madieu Williams. Allen has good speed, very fluid hips, and great instincts and would be a huge upgrade from Kaevisharn (or however you spell that putz's name) I hope the guy chokes on a veal parmigiana hero if he’s drafted here.
#25 – New York Giants – DeMeco Ryans, LB, Alabama
This one is a clear need pick. The Giants LBs are the weakness of that team, and Ryans is a guy who would fit beautifully in their 4-3 scheme. His lack of size would seem to preclude him from being a 3-4 OLB, but his speed, playmaking ability, and brains would make him an excellent fit in New York, who are inching closer and closer to the NFC penthouse.
#26 – Chicago Bears – Leonard Pope, TE, Georgia
The Bears could clearly use secondary help as well, but let’s face it, their defense is great, their offense is putrid. They need more weapons in the passing game, and Pope, at 6’ 7” 260 with 4.6 speed, qualifies. He’s the type of safety-valve option that a guy like Rex Grossman could desperately use when his receivers are covered, and would make an immediate impact for Chicago.
#27 – Carolina Panthers– LenDale White, RB, USC
I bet you were wondering when another RB was going to come off the board. Well, here, the run begins. White’s stock has slipped, but he still has a chance to repair the damage prior to the draft. The bottom line is that he’s a perfect fit in Carolina’s one-cut running scheme. The Steelers would probably love to get a crack at him, but Carolina snaps him up here, as their RB situation has been plagued by injuries and retirement.
#28 – Jacksonville Jaguars – DeAngelo Williams, RB, Memphis
The Jaguars would have to be having a circle jerk in their war room if Williams fell this far. He has star potential at the RB slot, but the reality is that not many teams have the need and desire to spend a top pick on an RB up to this point. Williams instantly becomes the heir apparent to Fred Taylor, which means there’s a 84% chance he’s the lead back by week 4.
#29 – New York Jets – Marcus McNeill, OT, Auburn
The Jets get the possible franchise OT they thought they’d be drafting at #4 to go along with Mario Williams in a dream first-round. McNeill is the road-grader type that will thrive in Mangini’s man-blocking scheme and with his rare size and agility, would be a top-20 pick in most drafts not as deep at the OT position. Can the Jet fans possibly boo this first round? Well……
#30 – Indianapolis Colts – Lawrence Maroney, RB, Minnesota
Makes WAY too much sense not to project. With James gone, the Colts have to have a contingency plan in place – this is a team built to win it all right now. I can’t imagine the backs they have on the roster are seen as replacements for James, but Maroney could be. He has great speed and the ability to run between the tackles, and could be an impact guy in year 1 in Indy.
#31 – Seattle Seahawks – Mathias Kiwanuka, DE/LB, Boston College
Seattle could very easily go guard here, as none are off the board and the Hutchinson defection has left a need, but Kiwanuka would seem to be a great fit in Seattle and provides amazing value at this spot. The guy has top-10 ability, and I think he finds a home at OLB in the Seattle scheme. The Hawks have been good at converting defensive players to new positions, and Kiwanuka will be no exception. He will give them a whole new dimension in the pass rush.
#32 – Pittsburgh Steelers – Rodrique Wright, DE, Texas
Another team that could definitely go guard, I think the Steelers will recognize the relative depth at that position compared to guys who can effectively play end in a 3-4. They currently have Smith-Hampton-Keisel up front with Chris Hoke backing up the nose and unproven Travis Kirschke and Shaun Nua backing up the ends. The key to an effective 3-4 defense is the line, and Wright is one of the few guys in this draft who, at 6’ 5” and 305 lbs, fits the prototype 3-4 DE profile. The knock on Wright is that he isn’t a hard worker, which will change in a hurry in Pittsburgh. He has fantastic potential and could be too tantalizing to pass up here. I wouldn’t be remotely surprised if Max-Jean Gilles or Charles Spencer goes here though, the Steelers LOVE the grab offensive linemen early, and those two road-graders would fit perfectly in their scheme.
Well, there you go. Have at it........
1) I am not predicting trades. It’s too easy to predict a trade simply because a player you feel has value at a certain spot doesn’t fit a need for the team drafting there. Sure, there will be a couple of trades, but mis-predicting one throws your whole mock out of whack when comparing it to the actual draft, so I will simply note where a trade may take place rather than projecting them.
2) I am not going strictly with “the chalk” here, so I expect some question marks on certain picks. It should engender a lively discussion, which is my aim here.
Away we go…
#1 – Houston Texans – Reggie Bush, RB, USC.
This pick has been discussed ad nauseum, and I STILL hold the belief that Houston would do well to trade down, but Bush is too much to pass up here. He’s showing the strength that could make him effective between the tackles, and he obviously has the speed to be a home-run threat. As close to a can’t miss prospect as there is, he goes here.
#2 – New Orleans Saints – D’Brickashaw Ferguson, OT, Virginia.
I know the pundits are projecting Mario Williams here, but I can’t see it. As Aaron correctly pointed out in a thread yesterday, the Saints simply don’t need a DE like they do an OT. Both Williams and Ferguson are the bluest of blue chip prospects and I can’t believe they like Williams so much more that they’re willing to ignore a need at OT. A smoke screen for the Jets’ benefit? Possibly.
#3 – Tennessee Titans – Matt Leinart, QB, USC.
Before the Brees signing, I think Young was a lock here, but now I think Leinart is. The connection for Leinart to Chow is more important than that of Young to McNair for the long-term success of this team. Plus, Titans GM Floyd Reese was on Sirius the other day discussing the QBs and seemed pretty clear that Leinart was their #1 and Young #2. Young may have the upside, but Leinart is clearly the safer choice for a team that needs a turn-around.
#4 – New York Jets – Mario Williams, DE, N.C. State.
I know Williams would like fare better statistically in a 4-3 defense, but the guy is just too damned good to pass up here. As a Steelers fan, I have seen Aaron Smith put up some nice sack numbers in a 3-4 and Williams is an exponentially better talent. I can’t imagine the Jets won’t play some 4-3 also if Williams is the pick, in an attempt to free him up a bit to rush the passer. Bottom line is that Williams is a special talent who won’t make it past #4.
#5 – Green Bay Packers – Haloti Ngata, DT, Oregon.
Every mock I’ve seen has Williams or Hawk here, but I like Ngata. I know the Pack needs linebackers badly, but this draft is very deep at linebacker, and a guy like Ngata, with 340-lb size and excellent quickness are very rare. With Kampman and Gbaja-Biamila entrenched at the end spots, this would give them a formidable line, and would benefit them the most right away. A very good LB is likely to be available early in round 2 – a guy like Ngata absolutely will not.
#6 – San Francisco 49ers – Michael Huff, CB/S, Texas
I know Frisco needs to get weapons for Alex Smith, but they also need him to not have to put up 40 points a game to win one. Bottom line, this team needs playmakers on both sides of the ball, and at virtually every position, and Huff fits the bill. His combination of size, speed, and instincts is unmatched in this draft, and he is (along with Hawk) the best football player on the board at this point. ***NOTE*** - Do not be surprised to see Detroit trade up to #6 or #7 to get a shot at Huff or Hawk if Ngata goes #5.
#7 – Oakland Raiders – A.J. Hawk, LB, Ohio St.
I think Oakland was probably looking QB here, but the signing of Aaron Brooks, along with the availability of an impact defensive player make Hawk too much to pass up here. The guy has all the tools and has the attitude to fit right in with the Black & Silver mentality. This guy will be a hit with Raider Nation from Day 1.
#8 – Buffalo Bills – Winston Justice, OT, USC.
I have said all along that Justice has as much upside as Ferguson, and his Pro Day numbers did nothing to soften that stance. I think the guy is a possible franchise tackle, and despite the presence of the two QBs and Vernon Davis here, I can’t imagine the Bills passing on a guy who fits possibly their biggest need.
#9 – Detroit Lions – Ernie Sims, LB, Florida State.
I don’t think the Lions will end up drafting here. I think either they trade up a couple of spots, or trade down with a team like Minnesota, who may want a shot at Young or Cutler. If they pick here, though, they may not mind reaching on a guy like Sims, who was a marginal first-rounder just a month ago. The guy is a bit undersized, but WAY too much is made of that. If you can play, you can play – this guy hits like a sledgehammer, has a high football IQ, and has terrific speed. Again, this may be a bit high for him, so don’t be shocked if Detroit trades #9 to Minnesota for #17, a 2nd, and a 3rd or 4th and drafts Sims there.
#10 – Arizona Cardinals – Vince Young, QB, Texas.
Arizona must be salivating at the prospect of nabbing Vernon Davis here to go with Boldin, Fitzgerald, and Edgerrin James, but I have to think they’ll realize that a 35-year-old, brittle Kurt Warner running the show isn’t a long term answer. How can Green pass up a clone of his boy Culpepper at pick #10? The answer – he can’t. Young has too much upside to go any further than this, IMO.
#11 – St. Louis Rams – Vernon Davis, TE, Maryland.
All along, I’ve projected a DB here, and God knows, that’s their biggest need, but they can’t pass up a freak like Davis here with Huff off the board and no other sure thing in the DB available. Brandon Manumaleuna isn’t scaring anyone with the ball, and Davis is too tantalizing a combination of size and speed to overlook. There are quite a few DBs that will be available near the top of round 2.
#12 – Cleveland Browns – Broderick Bunkley, DT, Florida St.
This is a slam dunk, IMO. The Browns desperately need a space-eater that can get to the QB, and Bunkley has as good a set of measurables as you’re going to find. He may go even higher than this after his workouts showed remarkable athleticism for his size. Bottom line : Phil Savage and Cleveland are building a team to beat Pittsburgh, and without a solid D-line to try to get some control of the line of scrimmage, they will be perennial whipping boys. My condolences, Broderick, in advance, on your season-ending knee injury in week 2.
#13 – Baltimore Ravens – Jimmy Williams, CB/S, Virginia Tech
Baltimore has a glaring need at OT, but the value isn’t really here at this pick, and several very solid tackles are going to be around in rounds 2 and 3. The Ravens, with Sanders retired, and Carter a contemporary of Fred Flintstone, desperately need a S to play with Reed and depth at CB. Williams is the rare player who provides both in one pick. Add to this, the fact that his brash persona and never ending yapping fit perfectly with the Ravens annoying “thug” persona on defense, and this pick becomes a cinch. Enjoy getting squashed like a grape by Hines Ward, Jimmy. That’s particularly apropos, considering the fruity uniform colors in Baltimore.
#14 – Philadelphia Eagles – Chad Greenway, LB, Iowa.
I think the Eagles are dead set on Bunkley here, only to have their hearts broken by Cleveland. The only question here is, do they think Denver traded up because they covet Chad Jackson? If so, a swap of picks might make sense. In the end, though, I think they go LB – Dhani Jones didn’t exactly set the world on fire last year, and Shawn Barber and Keith Adams are not playmakers. Greenway’s stock was said to be falling, but the guy gets it done on the field, and that’s what counts in the end. The guy has good size, good speed, and excellent intangibles – he makes plays, and that’s what Philly needs.
#15 – Denver Broncos – Jay Cutler, QB, Vanderbilt.
Let the expletives fly, Shark Pool. OK, here’s the logic here. The Broncos moved up in this draft, one must think they’re targeting a certain player or position. Is it Chad Jackson? Very possible. However, look at whom they moved ahead of. Miami definitely needs a receiver, but they also were looking for a QB at the time the Broncos draft trade was made. Minnesota desperately needs a developmental QB. Philadelphia, at #14, needs a WR, but no QB. Was Denver simply trying to get up high enough to make sure they got either Jackson or Holmes? Maybe. However, Jake Plummer, for all the success he had last year, is making a ton of money, is going to be 32 this season, and absolutely fell apart against Pittsburgh in the playoffs. Is it possible that Shanahan loves Cutler and wants to groom him as the QB of the future? I don’t know that it’s any less likely than trading up for a shot at two guys who most scouts are unconvinced can ever be legit #1s in the NFL in Jackson and Holmes.
#16 – Miami Dolphins – Donte Whitner, S, Ohio St.
Another off-beat pick, as many expect the Fins to go wideout here. However, they are a team on the cusp of contending NOW, and the key is upgrading the secondary. They could use a CB and a S, but after signing Will Allen, S is the position most in need of an upgrade. Whitner has 4.4 speed and the versatility to play CB or S. In addition, he’s a VERY sure tackler, which Miami needs badly in their back 4. He just makes a ton of sense to me here.
#17 – Minnesota Vikings– Manny Lawson, LB, N.C. State
This is a pick I haven’t seen projected, as Lawson appears to be a prototypical 3-4 rush OLB. However, what is needed to play in the Cover 2 scheme Childress brings with him is speed. Lawson is the fastest of this crop, running a 4.43, and with his size (6’ 5”) – he could be a terrific Derrick-Brooks like playmaker in this defense. I still believe Minnesota may very well trade up to #9 for Young or Cutler, but if they stay here, I think they need the best playmaker they can find at OLB, and that’s Lawson here.
#18 – Dallas Cowboys– Bobby Carpenter, LB, Ohio St.
I think Dallas may have been drooling over the prospect of Lawson and Ware on the edges rushing the QB, but Carpenter is not a bad consolation prize. He’s custom made to rush the QB in a 3-4, and fits Dallas’ scheme to perfection. Plus, he’s a Parcells kind of guy – high motor, heady, aggressive. In other words, a very nice fit here.
#19 – San Diego Chargers– Chad Jackson, WR, Florida
I can’t see Jackson falling any farther after running a 4.32 at the combine, in fact, it’s very easy to see him going anywhere from #14 to here. Every one of the teams picking in this range needs a WR, but despite Jackson’s ideal measurables, he doesn’t have the productivity to convince anyone he’s a sure-fire #1, which is what you look for if drafting a WR this early. The Chargers have needs at tackle, and in the secondary, but their entire receiving corps is either aging or unproven, and getting a guy like Chad to go along with Vincent from last year’s draft provides a nice group for Rivers to throw to. A lot of different ways they could go with this pick, but Jackson’s talent will likely prevail.
#20 – Kansas City Chiefs – Tye Hill, CB, Clemson
Kansas City needs help up front and in the secondary, and Hill provides the most tantalizing upside here. His 4.29 40 at the combine bolstered his stock, and despite the lack of ideal size, he is being looked at as a high-potential talent. A 2-sport star in college, this will be the first time he has concentrated on football year-round. He could go as high as #11 to St. Louis, so I think Kansas City will grab him here before New England can.
#21 – New England Patriots – Ashton Youboty, CB, Ohio St.
New England has some needs – OLB, RB, WR, but their biggest immediate problem is the secondary. Chad Scott and Hank Poteat are Steeler cast-offs, Law doesn’t appear to be returning, and Samuel may have maxed out his potential. They need a rock back there at CB, and Youboty seems to be a Belichick kind of guy. He has great potential, and you simply cannot ignore the pedigree – Ohio State corners have a recent track record of success – and is a guy who has pure #1 CB upside with the right coaching. Well, who better to provide it?
#22 – Denver Broncos – Tamba Hali, DE, Penn State
I know, Santonio Holmes would have made a lot of sense here, but I think the need for a WR is a little overblown here. Rod Smith seems ageless, they still have the underachieving but dangerous Lelie, and Darius Watts has shown some potential. However, their D-line is simply not very good. Courtney Brown is a bust, they lost Trevor Pryce, and they need a guy who can pressure the QB. Hali is a guy who was a possible top 10-15 pick until workouts caused his stock to slip a bit, but he’s proven he can get to the QB, and would represent good value here. He has the frame to bulk up from his playing weight of 270 and could be a solid bookend DE in Denver.
#23 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Santonio Holmes, WR, Ohio St.
You Tampa homers have basically forced me into this pick with the constant Sinorice Moss talk. I think Tampa’s biggest need is at OT, but they have not shown a propensity to go this direction, and despite Galloway’s recent resurgence, Clayton regressed horribly last year, and Holmes is the type of guy who can get separation at the NFL level. The youth movement continues at the offensive skill positions (Galloway notwithstanding)
#24 – Cincinnati Bengals – Jason Allen, S, Tennessee
Allen is a late-rising prospect who would fit beautifully alongside rising star Madieu Williams. Allen has good speed, very fluid hips, and great instincts and would be a huge upgrade from Kaevisharn (or however you spell that putz's name) I hope the guy chokes on a veal parmigiana hero if he’s drafted here.
#25 – New York Giants – DeMeco Ryans, LB, Alabama
This one is a clear need pick. The Giants LBs are the weakness of that team, and Ryans is a guy who would fit beautifully in their 4-3 scheme. His lack of size would seem to preclude him from being a 3-4 OLB, but his speed, playmaking ability, and brains would make him an excellent fit in New York, who are inching closer and closer to the NFC penthouse.
#26 – Chicago Bears – Leonard Pope, TE, Georgia
The Bears could clearly use secondary help as well, but let’s face it, their defense is great, their offense is putrid. They need more weapons in the passing game, and Pope, at 6’ 7” 260 with 4.6 speed, qualifies. He’s the type of safety-valve option that a guy like Rex Grossman could desperately use when his receivers are covered, and would make an immediate impact for Chicago.
#27 – Carolina Panthers– LenDale White, RB, USC
I bet you were wondering when another RB was going to come off the board. Well, here, the run begins. White’s stock has slipped, but he still has a chance to repair the damage prior to the draft. The bottom line is that he’s a perfect fit in Carolina’s one-cut running scheme. The Steelers would probably love to get a crack at him, but Carolina snaps him up here, as their RB situation has been plagued by injuries and retirement.
#28 – Jacksonville Jaguars – DeAngelo Williams, RB, Memphis
The Jaguars would have to be having a circle jerk in their war room if Williams fell this far. He has star potential at the RB slot, but the reality is that not many teams have the need and desire to spend a top pick on an RB up to this point. Williams instantly becomes the heir apparent to Fred Taylor, which means there’s a 84% chance he’s the lead back by week 4.
#29 – New York Jets – Marcus McNeill, OT, Auburn
The Jets get the possible franchise OT they thought they’d be drafting at #4 to go along with Mario Williams in a dream first-round. McNeill is the road-grader type that will thrive in Mangini’s man-blocking scheme and with his rare size and agility, would be a top-20 pick in most drafts not as deep at the OT position. Can the Jet fans possibly boo this first round? Well……
#30 – Indianapolis Colts – Lawrence Maroney, RB, Minnesota
Makes WAY too much sense not to project. With James gone, the Colts have to have a contingency plan in place – this is a team built to win it all right now. I can’t imagine the backs they have on the roster are seen as replacements for James, but Maroney could be. He has great speed and the ability to run between the tackles, and could be an impact guy in year 1 in Indy.
#31 – Seattle Seahawks – Mathias Kiwanuka, DE/LB, Boston College
Seattle could very easily go guard here, as none are off the board and the Hutchinson defection has left a need, but Kiwanuka would seem to be a great fit in Seattle and provides amazing value at this spot. The guy has top-10 ability, and I think he finds a home at OLB in the Seattle scheme. The Hawks have been good at converting defensive players to new positions, and Kiwanuka will be no exception. He will give them a whole new dimension in the pass rush.
#32 – Pittsburgh Steelers – Rodrique Wright, DE, Texas
Another team that could definitely go guard, I think the Steelers will recognize the relative depth at that position compared to guys who can effectively play end in a 3-4. They currently have Smith-Hampton-Keisel up front with Chris Hoke backing up the nose and unproven Travis Kirschke and Shaun Nua backing up the ends. The key to an effective 3-4 defense is the line, and Wright is one of the few guys in this draft who, at 6’ 5” and 305 lbs, fits the prototype 3-4 DE profile. The knock on Wright is that he isn’t a hard worker, which will change in a hurry in Pittsburgh. He has fantastic potential and could be too tantalizing to pass up here. I wouldn’t be remotely surprised if Max-Jean Gilles or Charles Spencer goes here though, the Steelers LOVE the grab offensive linemen early, and those two road-graders would fit perfectly in their scheme.
Well, there you go. Have at it........
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And you wonder why Steeler fans get a bad rap. 
- I always throw a jab in at all the division rivals in these mocks, it's a trademark.
