Evilgrin 72
Distributor of Pain
OK, I've been alternately praising and ripping the mocks of others, so I figured it's time I put my money where my mouth is and posted one of my own. Obviously, much will change post-combine, but if the draft were tomorrow, here's what I think would go down. Now, raise your goblet of mock........ it's a toast to those who mock.
Trades projected :
NYJ send pick 1.4, a 2007 draft pick, and John Abraham to HOU for 1.1. That's all I'm going to project for now - it just makes too much sense to me not to happen. if it doesn't, I think the Jets look to trade down, but for now, I'm going to run the mock with the teams in their current slots, save for 1.1 and 1.4.
1. NYJ (f/HOU) - Reggie Bush, RB, USC
Is he or isn't he an every down back in the NFL? If you're going to select him here, you'd better think so, because the $50 million he'll command in this spot cannot be spent on a part-time player. For one, I think he absolutely IS an every down back - yes, he's slight, but he's quick enough to avoid absorbing too many huge hits. If he comes in at 200+ at the combine, he's a mortal lock for this spot.
2. NO - Matt Leinart, QB, USC
This is a virtual no-brainer. New Orleans has been victimized of late by untimely errors at QB - Leinart is the panacea. The guy is heady and accurate, if not gifted with great athleticism. He's just what the doctor ordered for New Orleans.
3. TEN - Vince Young, QB, Texas
Too easy. McNair will lobby for this kid, whose performance in the Rose Bowl secured this spot. He won't throw at the combine, so GMs and scouts won't be able to pick apart his throwing motion. His lasting impression will be looking like a man among boys in the national title game, and his upside will not let him fall past here.
4. HOU (f/Jets) - D'Brickashaw Ferguson, OT, Virginia
Houston needs offensive line help in the worst way. I know some Houston fans have referenced improved play along the line, but any team that gets their franchise QB sacked 34 times a game is not putting that big-ticket player in a position to succeed. The Texans have offensive talent in Carr, Davis, and Johnson, but they need to realize the game is won/lost on the lines.
5. GB - AJ Hawk, OLB Ohio St.
LenDale White? Come on. The Packers have much bigger needs than RB - White going here would be a reach and could only be justified if it was a need pick. The Packers are looking for two new starters at the OLB position - what better place to start than with Hawk, who could be an Urlacher-type instant impact player? If Favre returns, the Pack are going to have to show him that they are looking to win now, which means a guy like Hawk makes sense here.
6. SF- Haloti Ngata, DT, Oregon
Ngata is a guy whose stock I believe will rise significantly post-combine. I think his size/strength/speed numbers , along with his versatility - he could play nose, DT in a 4-3, or even play some end (frightening at his size) will make him a better fit than Williams for the 49ers. They need a nose tackle badly - this pick just makes sense.
7. OAK - Mario Williams, DE, N.C. St.
Defense, defense, defense. The offense, behind Moss and Lamont, will be better, but they need to be able to stop people, especially in the AFC West. This guy has too much upside as a double-digit sack machine to slide any further than here. He's got the Raider attitude. He's got freakish athletic ability. He'll go to the Raiders, whether here or at #6, if Oakland wins the coin toss determing whether they pick 6th or 7th.
8. BUF - Winston Justice, OT, USC
Buffalo's biggest need in my opinion is at the LT spot, and Justice is the guy that could potentially be the cornerstone LT. He probably has as much or more more upside than Ferguson. I think OTs are being undervalued by some because of the amount of possible studs in this draft class, but NFL scouts and GMs won't do the same. A franchise LT is hard to find, and getting a guy with that upside at #8 is a coup.
9. DET - Tamba Hali, DE, Penn St.
Is the Harrington era over? I have to wonder if they're ready to give up on the guy without seeing what he can do in a new offense. I think Detroit was probably hoping either Justice or Ngata would fall to this spot, but alas, it didn't happen. Definite possibility of a trade down from this spot, but they do need help on defense, and I think that they'll look long and hard at Greenway before realizing that Redding is not a starting-caliber DE, and that Hali would be a huge upgrade to their pass rush.
10. ARI - Vernon Davis, TE, Maryland
Like Hali, this is higher than many are projecting for Davis, but I believe Davis is a guy who will soar after the combine. I've heard rumbling that he will clock a sub-4.5 40 time, which would instantly vault him into the realm of elite prospect. I don't buy the talk of Arizona going RB here - I just don't think they'll toss Arrington onto the scrap heap so quickly, plus, there's talk of Edgerrin James in the desert. Their defense is unproven, but talented, and I believe Green will see Davis and envision Kurt Warner in St. Louis all over again, putting up Nintendo numbers with Davis, Fitzgerald, and Boldin to throw to.
11. STL - Michael Huff, S, Texas
The Rams are perilously thin in the defensive backfield - really, the only choice here is Huff or Jimmy Williams. I think when all is said and done, that Huff will grade out higher - he's smaller than Williams, but seems faster, and is the true ballhawk St. Louis desperately needs.
12. CLE - Chad Greenway, LB, Iowa
Cleveland's biggest needs are at the interior DL postion and at outside linebacker. Bunkley or Kiwanuka will be considered here, but in the end, I believe Savage/Crennel will recognize that not only does Greenway fit a need, he's also the best player available. Biggest adjustment for Greenway will be going from cool black-and-gold uniforms in college to hideous brown and orange ones in the NFL.
13. BAL - Jimmy Williams, CB, Virginia Tech.
Tough choice here - Baltimore, besides their fruity uniforms, has some serious holes to fill. They could use help on both lines, at RB (but I think Chester Taylor will be given every chance to make a go of it), and at QB (but I think Boller gets one more chance.) They are thin in the secondary, as Deion hung 'em up again, Dale Carter is old and slow, and Ed Reed is coming off an injury. Williams is a guy with the size and speed to play either secondary spot and would go a long way towards shoring up the defensive backfield.
14. PHI - Santonio Holmes, WR, Ohio St.
Very tough call here, as the D-line needs some added bodies, but there's really not anyone at this spot that represents value, unless they fall in love with Kiwanuka - but I hear his stock is slipping. For a team that likes to throw as much as Philly does, they simply cannot have Reggie Brown and Greg Lewis as their two starting wideouts. Neither of these guys is going to draw significant double-teams, and the Philly offense will bog down. Wideout is their biggest need and they have their pick of the litter at this spot. Holmes may not be the most talented WR in this class, and may not put up absurd #s at the combine, but he is the most polished of this group, and the most ready to contribute this year.
15. ATL - Mathias Kiwanuka, DE Boston College
I can't imagine Kiwanuka will fall much further. Yes, he has a "bust factor" to him, but his upside is monstrous. He can easily carry another 15-20 pounds without sacrificing speed or quickness, and is a better natural athlete than anyone in this draft at his position except Mario Williams. Atlanta, I believe, will take a long, hard look at DeAngelo Williams, who wasn't supposed to be here, but in the end will go where the need dictates.
16. MIA - Jay Cutler, QB, Vanderbilt
This one just makes too much sense not to project. Miami needs a QB, badly. They have so much talent on both sides of the ball that a top-flight QB might be all that separates them from contending in 2 years. Cutler is clearly the best QB left, and has upside - he has good size, a snap delivery, and good accuracy. Miami has to take a shot at him here.
17. MIN - DeAngelo Williams, RB, Memphis
Minnesota had to be thinking White or Maroney would be the best back available here, but DeAngelo falls to them. He is the second-most talented back in this class, and despite not having White's size, his upside is higher. White is more of a north-south guy, while Williams has that home-run ability you look for. I believe that the Vikes were looking LB first here, but Williams simply presents better value. The guy has the one thing that makes a great NFL back - vision. You can have all the measurables in the world, but if you aren't patient and don't have good vision, you'll never be a star. Williams is gifted in this respect, and has more potential than any RB but Bush to be a perennial All-Pro.
18. DAL - Darnell Bing, S, USC.
I have seen most mocks with the Cowboys going WR here, but in my opinion, FS and RT are the Cowboys' biggest needs. They'll look long and hard at Marcus McNeill, due to his sheer size, but I don't know that he's got the attitude Parcells wants. In the end, I think they'll be seduced by Bing's playmaking ability. They need a centerfielder out there to pair with Williams, and I believe Bing will pass Ko Simpson on most teams lists after the combine, as he has superior size and comparable speed.
19. SD - Marcus McNeill, OT, Auburn
I think San Diego would really have liked to get Bing with this pick, but will settle for a monster at a need position. McNeill, at 6' 9", 340 lbs, and with sub 5.0 speed, is going to present too tantalizing a package of measurables to drop any lower than OT3. Olivea has been a pleasant surprise, but Roman Oben is older than Yoda, and they need a franchise LT to protect Rivers/Brees and open holes for Tomlinson.
20. KC - Ashton Youboty, CB, Ohio St.
CB is a need spot for KC, and many years, you won't be looking at only 1 true corner off the board at #20. Antonio Cromartie will provide the most intriguing combination of size and speed, but the Chiefs don't need a project, they need a guy who can compete for a starting role as soon as possible. The problem is, everyone available at this spot is raw. Youboty is probably the safest pick among CBs, as he was matched against Ted Ginn every day in practice, and Ohio St. has a history of producing top CBs.
21. NE - Tye Hill, CB, Clemson
The Patriots are in a similar situation to Kansas City, and will likely be looking hard at Youboty, Cromartie, and Hill. Hill probably has the best upside (as far as being a shut-down corner) of the three, and Belichick likely figures he can get the most out of whomever he drafts, so why not grab the guy most likely to become Ty Law at this level? Hill may not be very tall, but is as fast as anyone in this draft, and could be a star once he focuses 100% on football after being a two-sport athlete in college.
22. DEN (f/WAS) - Broderick Bunkley, DT, FSU
Their line has been exposed from time to time, and could use an addition to the ex-Browns there now. Claude Wroten would have been an option before his weed bust, and Bunkley is head-and-shoulders above the rest at this position. He doesn't have ideal size, but is very strong and has an excellent motor.
23. TB - Jonathan Scott, OT, Texas
The Buccaneers are in a good spot here. They were surprisingly good last year, and end up sitting in the 20s in a draft lousy with high-upside OTs, when they have a glaring need there (Davis and Walker aren't scaring anyone.) Scott isn't huge or overpowering, but he's quick, he's smart, and he has upside. Potentially, he could be more ready to step in and play at the NFL level than any OT in this class save for Ferguson. This would be a great pick for Tampa.
24. CIN - Ko Simpson, S, South Carolina
Probably would have taken Bunkley here after passing on Travis Johnson last year, but Denver wisely saw this possibility and snapped him up, leaving Cincinnati to address their other need spot. Madieu Williams is a rising star, but Kaeshivarn sucks antelope nuts and they have no depth at safety. Simpson is a boom/bust type of player with little experience, but great upside, and will carry a first-round grade if he runs a 4.5 at the combine.
25. NYG - DeMeco Ryans, LB, Alabama
Originally, I had the Giants looking CB here, but latest rumor is that they're engaged in talks to bring Will Allen back, making LB their biggest need. Turns out they luck into a great value pick as well - Ryans carries a mid-first round grade, and the Giants watch him fall into their laps. Ryans has a football IQ that is through the roof, wraps up well, and is versatile enough to play any LB spot. In short, he's exactly what the Giants need.
26. CHI - Max Jean-Gilles, G, Georgia
Gilles is a road-grader type who would be a great fit in Chicago. There are some concerns about his conditioning, so he could drop like a stone after the combine, but from what I've seen, he has domination potential. He could eventually become the best run-blocking G in the league, and it will be tough for Chicago to pass that up if they feel he's NFL-ready.
27. CAR - LenDale White, RB, USC
I know, no way does LenDale make it to #27, right? Well, that may be, but as I said, I am not projecting trades here. Frankly, there just aren't a ton of teams with burning needs at RB this year, and the free agent market is going to cure a lot of what ills there are without teams having to burn top draft picks on running backs. Carolina, however, DOES have a huge need at RB with Davis finished and Foster a giant question mark, and White would be an ideal fit for a team that likes to run the ball down the opponent's throat. Panthers get a gift here.
28. JAX - Antonio Cromartie, CB, Florida State
Easy choice here. Cromartie provides the best upside of any CB available, and the Jags grab the local guy with visions of he and Mathis shutting down opposing wide receivers for years to come.
29. DEN - Chad Jackson, WR Florida
Here's a guy whose stock could soar if he runs a 4.4 at the combine. While somewhat raw and unproven, he has terrific size and great hands. The question now is whether he's a true #1 at the NFL level - the combine will go a long way towards determining if he can get the separation needed to excel against NFL corners. With Rod Smith aging and Lelie looking like he's never going to be a legit #1 guy, this pick just makes a ton of sense.
30. IND - Lawrence Maroney, RB, Minnesota
Another very easy pick. It appears more by the day that Edgerrin James is a goner - here is a guy available at #30 who is capable of starting from day 1. Given the success of Marion Barber III in Dallas, and the fact that Maroney was considered the more talented back when the two played together for the Gophers, it bodes well for Maroney's success. He has good speed and good vision, and can definitely step in right away. Would be a great fantasy pick too, if this happens.
31. SEA - Ernie Sims, OLB, Florida State
They'll take a good look at Thomas Howard as well, who may be the better physical specimen, but in the end, I think Holmgren will opt for the playmaker. Sims is simply a football player - hits like a sledgehammer, despite his size, has a nose for the ball, and just flat-out makes plays. Having Sims outside Tatupu would be a great foundation for a 4-3 linebacking corps. Bobby Carpenter is a possibility, but he seems a better fit in a 3-4, and if Jurevicius walks, they'll look at Sinorice Moss here.
32. PIT - Nick Mangold, C, Ohio St..
OK, if Randle-El walks, then Sinorice Moss becomes a real possibility here. I also think they'd love to grab a power back for the future, but there's just no value once Maroney and White went. The Steelers have the luxury of drafting BPA, which is why I think Mangold goes here. Hartings is getting long in the tooth, and unless he is willing to take a big pay cut, backup Chukky Okobi is likely history as a salary-cap casualty. The Steelers need depth and a C for the future, and Mangold fits the bill. He has room to get bigger, but has the speed to get outside and pull. He needs to add muscle to avoid getting run over by the larger NTs in the NFL, but he'll have at least a year to get stronger before he's forced into action. He's a heady player and plays with a mean streak - in short, exactly the kind of guy the Steelers love.
OK, there you go. Have at it.
Trades projected :
NYJ send pick 1.4, a 2007 draft pick, and John Abraham to HOU for 1.1. That's all I'm going to project for now - it just makes too much sense to me not to happen. if it doesn't, I think the Jets look to trade down, but for now, I'm going to run the mock with the teams in their current slots, save for 1.1 and 1.4.
1. NYJ (f/HOU) - Reggie Bush, RB, USC
Is he or isn't he an every down back in the NFL? If you're going to select him here, you'd better think so, because the $50 million he'll command in this spot cannot be spent on a part-time player. For one, I think he absolutely IS an every down back - yes, he's slight, but he's quick enough to avoid absorbing too many huge hits. If he comes in at 200+ at the combine, he's a mortal lock for this spot.
2. NO - Matt Leinart, QB, USC
This is a virtual no-brainer. New Orleans has been victimized of late by untimely errors at QB - Leinart is the panacea. The guy is heady and accurate, if not gifted with great athleticism. He's just what the doctor ordered for New Orleans.
3. TEN - Vince Young, QB, Texas
Too easy. McNair will lobby for this kid, whose performance in the Rose Bowl secured this spot. He won't throw at the combine, so GMs and scouts won't be able to pick apart his throwing motion. His lasting impression will be looking like a man among boys in the national title game, and his upside will not let him fall past here.
4. HOU (f/Jets) - D'Brickashaw Ferguson, OT, Virginia
Houston needs offensive line help in the worst way. I know some Houston fans have referenced improved play along the line, but any team that gets their franchise QB sacked 34 times a game is not putting that big-ticket player in a position to succeed. The Texans have offensive talent in Carr, Davis, and Johnson, but they need to realize the game is won/lost on the lines.
5. GB - AJ Hawk, OLB Ohio St.
LenDale White? Come on. The Packers have much bigger needs than RB - White going here would be a reach and could only be justified if it was a need pick. The Packers are looking for two new starters at the OLB position - what better place to start than with Hawk, who could be an Urlacher-type instant impact player? If Favre returns, the Pack are going to have to show him that they are looking to win now, which means a guy like Hawk makes sense here.
6. SF- Haloti Ngata, DT, Oregon
Ngata is a guy whose stock I believe will rise significantly post-combine. I think his size/strength/speed numbers , along with his versatility - he could play nose, DT in a 4-3, or even play some end (frightening at his size) will make him a better fit than Williams for the 49ers. They need a nose tackle badly - this pick just makes sense.
7. OAK - Mario Williams, DE, N.C. St.
Defense, defense, defense. The offense, behind Moss and Lamont, will be better, but they need to be able to stop people, especially in the AFC West. This guy has too much upside as a double-digit sack machine to slide any further than here. He's got the Raider attitude. He's got freakish athletic ability. He'll go to the Raiders, whether here or at #6, if Oakland wins the coin toss determing whether they pick 6th or 7th.
8. BUF - Winston Justice, OT, USC
Buffalo's biggest need in my opinion is at the LT spot, and Justice is the guy that could potentially be the cornerstone LT. He probably has as much or more more upside than Ferguson. I think OTs are being undervalued by some because of the amount of possible studs in this draft class, but NFL scouts and GMs won't do the same. A franchise LT is hard to find, and getting a guy with that upside at #8 is a coup.
9. DET - Tamba Hali, DE, Penn St.
Is the Harrington era over? I have to wonder if they're ready to give up on the guy without seeing what he can do in a new offense. I think Detroit was probably hoping either Justice or Ngata would fall to this spot, but alas, it didn't happen. Definite possibility of a trade down from this spot, but they do need help on defense, and I think that they'll look long and hard at Greenway before realizing that Redding is not a starting-caliber DE, and that Hali would be a huge upgrade to their pass rush.
10. ARI - Vernon Davis, TE, Maryland
Like Hali, this is higher than many are projecting for Davis, but I believe Davis is a guy who will soar after the combine. I've heard rumbling that he will clock a sub-4.5 40 time, which would instantly vault him into the realm of elite prospect. I don't buy the talk of Arizona going RB here - I just don't think they'll toss Arrington onto the scrap heap so quickly, plus, there's talk of Edgerrin James in the desert. Their defense is unproven, but talented, and I believe Green will see Davis and envision Kurt Warner in St. Louis all over again, putting up Nintendo numbers with Davis, Fitzgerald, and Boldin to throw to.
11. STL - Michael Huff, S, Texas
The Rams are perilously thin in the defensive backfield - really, the only choice here is Huff or Jimmy Williams. I think when all is said and done, that Huff will grade out higher - he's smaller than Williams, but seems faster, and is the true ballhawk St. Louis desperately needs.
12. CLE - Chad Greenway, LB, Iowa
Cleveland's biggest needs are at the interior DL postion and at outside linebacker. Bunkley or Kiwanuka will be considered here, but in the end, I believe Savage/Crennel will recognize that not only does Greenway fit a need, he's also the best player available. Biggest adjustment for Greenway will be going from cool black-and-gold uniforms in college to hideous brown and orange ones in the NFL.
13. BAL - Jimmy Williams, CB, Virginia Tech.
Tough choice here - Baltimore, besides their fruity uniforms, has some serious holes to fill. They could use help on both lines, at RB (but I think Chester Taylor will be given every chance to make a go of it), and at QB (but I think Boller gets one more chance.) They are thin in the secondary, as Deion hung 'em up again, Dale Carter is old and slow, and Ed Reed is coming off an injury. Williams is a guy with the size and speed to play either secondary spot and would go a long way towards shoring up the defensive backfield.
14. PHI - Santonio Holmes, WR, Ohio St.
Very tough call here, as the D-line needs some added bodies, but there's really not anyone at this spot that represents value, unless they fall in love with Kiwanuka - but I hear his stock is slipping. For a team that likes to throw as much as Philly does, they simply cannot have Reggie Brown and Greg Lewis as their two starting wideouts. Neither of these guys is going to draw significant double-teams, and the Philly offense will bog down. Wideout is their biggest need and they have their pick of the litter at this spot. Holmes may not be the most talented WR in this class, and may not put up absurd #s at the combine, but he is the most polished of this group, and the most ready to contribute this year.
15. ATL - Mathias Kiwanuka, DE Boston College
I can't imagine Kiwanuka will fall much further. Yes, he has a "bust factor" to him, but his upside is monstrous. He can easily carry another 15-20 pounds without sacrificing speed or quickness, and is a better natural athlete than anyone in this draft at his position except Mario Williams. Atlanta, I believe, will take a long, hard look at DeAngelo Williams, who wasn't supposed to be here, but in the end will go where the need dictates.
16. MIA - Jay Cutler, QB, Vanderbilt
This one just makes too much sense not to project. Miami needs a QB, badly. They have so much talent on both sides of the ball that a top-flight QB might be all that separates them from contending in 2 years. Cutler is clearly the best QB left, and has upside - he has good size, a snap delivery, and good accuracy. Miami has to take a shot at him here.
17. MIN - DeAngelo Williams, RB, Memphis
Minnesota had to be thinking White or Maroney would be the best back available here, but DeAngelo falls to them. He is the second-most talented back in this class, and despite not having White's size, his upside is higher. White is more of a north-south guy, while Williams has that home-run ability you look for. I believe that the Vikes were looking LB first here, but Williams simply presents better value. The guy has the one thing that makes a great NFL back - vision. You can have all the measurables in the world, but if you aren't patient and don't have good vision, you'll never be a star. Williams is gifted in this respect, and has more potential than any RB but Bush to be a perennial All-Pro.
18. DAL - Darnell Bing, S, USC.
I have seen most mocks with the Cowboys going WR here, but in my opinion, FS and RT are the Cowboys' biggest needs. They'll look long and hard at Marcus McNeill, due to his sheer size, but I don't know that he's got the attitude Parcells wants. In the end, I think they'll be seduced by Bing's playmaking ability. They need a centerfielder out there to pair with Williams, and I believe Bing will pass Ko Simpson on most teams lists after the combine, as he has superior size and comparable speed.
19. SD - Marcus McNeill, OT, Auburn
I think San Diego would really have liked to get Bing with this pick, but will settle for a monster at a need position. McNeill, at 6' 9", 340 lbs, and with sub 5.0 speed, is going to present too tantalizing a package of measurables to drop any lower than OT3. Olivea has been a pleasant surprise, but Roman Oben is older than Yoda, and they need a franchise LT to protect Rivers/Brees and open holes for Tomlinson.
20. KC - Ashton Youboty, CB, Ohio St.
CB is a need spot for KC, and many years, you won't be looking at only 1 true corner off the board at #20. Antonio Cromartie will provide the most intriguing combination of size and speed, but the Chiefs don't need a project, they need a guy who can compete for a starting role as soon as possible. The problem is, everyone available at this spot is raw. Youboty is probably the safest pick among CBs, as he was matched against Ted Ginn every day in practice, and Ohio St. has a history of producing top CBs.
21. NE - Tye Hill, CB, Clemson
The Patriots are in a similar situation to Kansas City, and will likely be looking hard at Youboty, Cromartie, and Hill. Hill probably has the best upside (as far as being a shut-down corner) of the three, and Belichick likely figures he can get the most out of whomever he drafts, so why not grab the guy most likely to become Ty Law at this level? Hill may not be very tall, but is as fast as anyone in this draft, and could be a star once he focuses 100% on football after being a two-sport athlete in college.
22. DEN (f/WAS) - Broderick Bunkley, DT, FSU
Their line has been exposed from time to time, and could use an addition to the ex-Browns there now. Claude Wroten would have been an option before his weed bust, and Bunkley is head-and-shoulders above the rest at this position. He doesn't have ideal size, but is very strong and has an excellent motor.
23. TB - Jonathan Scott, OT, Texas
The Buccaneers are in a good spot here. They were surprisingly good last year, and end up sitting in the 20s in a draft lousy with high-upside OTs, when they have a glaring need there (Davis and Walker aren't scaring anyone.) Scott isn't huge or overpowering, but he's quick, he's smart, and he has upside. Potentially, he could be more ready to step in and play at the NFL level than any OT in this class save for Ferguson. This would be a great pick for Tampa.
24. CIN - Ko Simpson, S, South Carolina
Probably would have taken Bunkley here after passing on Travis Johnson last year, but Denver wisely saw this possibility and snapped him up, leaving Cincinnati to address their other need spot. Madieu Williams is a rising star, but Kaeshivarn sucks antelope nuts and they have no depth at safety. Simpson is a boom/bust type of player with little experience, but great upside, and will carry a first-round grade if he runs a 4.5 at the combine.
25. NYG - DeMeco Ryans, LB, Alabama
Originally, I had the Giants looking CB here, but latest rumor is that they're engaged in talks to bring Will Allen back, making LB their biggest need. Turns out they luck into a great value pick as well - Ryans carries a mid-first round grade, and the Giants watch him fall into their laps. Ryans has a football IQ that is through the roof, wraps up well, and is versatile enough to play any LB spot. In short, he's exactly what the Giants need.
26. CHI - Max Jean-Gilles, G, Georgia
Gilles is a road-grader type who would be a great fit in Chicago. There are some concerns about his conditioning, so he could drop like a stone after the combine, but from what I've seen, he has domination potential. He could eventually become the best run-blocking G in the league, and it will be tough for Chicago to pass that up if they feel he's NFL-ready.
27. CAR - LenDale White, RB, USC
I know, no way does LenDale make it to #27, right? Well, that may be, but as I said, I am not projecting trades here. Frankly, there just aren't a ton of teams with burning needs at RB this year, and the free agent market is going to cure a lot of what ills there are without teams having to burn top draft picks on running backs. Carolina, however, DOES have a huge need at RB with Davis finished and Foster a giant question mark, and White would be an ideal fit for a team that likes to run the ball down the opponent's throat. Panthers get a gift here.
28. JAX - Antonio Cromartie, CB, Florida State
Easy choice here. Cromartie provides the best upside of any CB available, and the Jags grab the local guy with visions of he and Mathis shutting down opposing wide receivers for years to come.
29. DEN - Chad Jackson, WR Florida
Here's a guy whose stock could soar if he runs a 4.4 at the combine. While somewhat raw and unproven, he has terrific size and great hands. The question now is whether he's a true #1 at the NFL level - the combine will go a long way towards determining if he can get the separation needed to excel against NFL corners. With Rod Smith aging and Lelie looking like he's never going to be a legit #1 guy, this pick just makes a ton of sense.
30. IND - Lawrence Maroney, RB, Minnesota
Another very easy pick. It appears more by the day that Edgerrin James is a goner - here is a guy available at #30 who is capable of starting from day 1. Given the success of Marion Barber III in Dallas, and the fact that Maroney was considered the more talented back when the two played together for the Gophers, it bodes well for Maroney's success. He has good speed and good vision, and can definitely step in right away. Would be a great fantasy pick too, if this happens.
31. SEA - Ernie Sims, OLB, Florida State
They'll take a good look at Thomas Howard as well, who may be the better physical specimen, but in the end, I think Holmgren will opt for the playmaker. Sims is simply a football player - hits like a sledgehammer, despite his size, has a nose for the ball, and just flat-out makes plays. Having Sims outside Tatupu would be a great foundation for a 4-3 linebacking corps. Bobby Carpenter is a possibility, but he seems a better fit in a 3-4, and if Jurevicius walks, they'll look at Sinorice Moss here.
32. PIT - Nick Mangold, C, Ohio St..
OK, if Randle-El walks, then Sinorice Moss becomes a real possibility here. I also think they'd love to grab a power back for the future, but there's just no value once Maroney and White went. The Steelers have the luxury of drafting BPA, which is why I think Mangold goes here. Hartings is getting long in the tooth, and unless he is willing to take a big pay cut, backup Chukky Okobi is likely history as a salary-cap casualty. The Steelers need depth and a C for the future, and Mangold fits the bill. He has room to get bigger, but has the speed to get outside and pull. He needs to add muscle to avoid getting run over by the larger NTs in the NFL, but he'll have at least a year to get stronger before he's forced into action. He's a heady player and plays with a mean streak - in short, exactly the kind of guy the Steelers love.
OK, there you go. Have at it.
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As a Cowboy fan: 
Either way, I like Williams to OAK and Ngata to SF, whether at 6/7 or 7/6....
. I know it's crazy to think that, but I think that with the issues with Pennington, they go for the franchise QB??? What would be interesting then is what the Saints do at #2? They wouldn't take Bush, because of McAllister, so I can see them grabbing Young, leaving Bush to fall into Tennessee's lap.
Bing????....WTF.
