The Tech 2004 NFL Mock draft
I spent much time and effect on this mock draft and team needs were heavily analyzed and dissected. This draft order is correct and each pick was well thought out and discussed with others. Keep an open mind and debate is very much welcomed.
Full list is at the bottom.
1.01 Chargers
With the Chargers 1.01 pick, the selection will be Robert Gallery OT
A mock without Big Ben or Eli going to the Chargers!?!? Blasphemy! However, considering the history of the Chargers, and the history of Marty, this pick becomes even more obvious. The Chargers had the busts to end all busts, Ryan Leaf with the #1 overall selection. That Chargers won’t put themselves in that situation again. Also, Marty is not in the situation to be grooming QBs. He will lobby heavily for a lineman to be drafted for a quick fix, and a there are no player that deserves a number 1 overall selection more then Robert Gallery. Robert possesses the hustle, heart, intensity, and talent to recharge the Charger offense.
Raiders
With the Raiders 1.02 pick, the selection will be Eli Manning QB
Ben Roethlisberger is the better QB. However, Al won’t be shedding a tear because he will get his dream. A Manning in a Raider uniform. Manning is extremely smart, a good leader, confident, and if he turns into anything in the ballpark of his brother, then the Raiders have a bright future. But the real reason is, Eli is one of the lowest risk QBs in the last couple of drafts. With Manning, you know you are getting yourself a Phil Simms type QB who can manage a game if need be or open it up and make some plays. Eli also comes from a very good family and has a good head on his shoulders and has very good upside.
Cardinals
With the Cardinals 1.03 pick, the selection will be Ben Roethlisberger QB
Ben is the loaded talent of the QBs. And he should thank Chad Pennington and Byron Leftwich for giving legitimacy to small conferences. Ben can scramble, throw, run, is big, strong, smart, and has the numbers. Ben led one of the highest scoring teams in college and had amazing stats for his final year of college. And, unlike in past years, this rookie should be looking forward to a trip to Zona. He will have a young and very talented core of WRs to throw to, with ROY Boldin being one of them, a solid running game with Shipp making the tough runs, and a good offensive line to keep the heat off. With the correct coaching, Ben could lead Zona out of the doldrums that have haunted them since the beginning of time.
Giants
With the Giants 1.04 pick, the selection will be Sean Taylor FS
Clap clap! The first defensive player of the draft. No defensive player set himself apart from the pack like Sean Taylor. His brilliance on the field will make Giants players and fans alike weak in the knees with joy. That pass rush from Strahan will now pay off as the secondary now has someone who can make an errant QB pay. I thought about OT here but from the looks of it, the Giants will and should pursue veteran help this year instead of another year of recycling rookies on the OL. Sean’s presence will be a huge boon to whoever takes over this underachieving yet talented unit.
Redskins
With the Redskins 1.05 pick, the selection will be Kenechi Udeze DE
The Redskins, with a little bit of coaching, will jump right into the fray. But, no amount of coaching can help a guy with little or not talent. So that is why Kenechi Udeze is being taken. With Bruce Smith gone (finally) and Spurrier out, the Skins can concentrate on filling holes in one of the more talented defenses in the league. I don’t know how much more I can say then that the Skins are getting a heck of a player who was a key point in USC’s 8 sack Rose bowl and who can take over a game. The Skins have the ability in many categories, it will be just putting it together to take it to the next level.
Lions
With the Lions 1.06 pick, the selection will be Stephen Jackson RB
Don’t let anyone fool you, Jackson CAN be the next Ricky Williams. Mooch has been living in hell this past year as the closest thing he has had to a running game was Artose Pinner. When Mooch was in San Fran, he has some of the top rushing offenses in the league and with Stephen Jackson, he will be able to regain that spot. And yes, I know Millen is the GM, but I am sure Matt knows he is on thin ice with the Fords and will let Mooch get his wish. This pick is not DB because Detroit feels that the injuries to the secondary were the major problem and not the talent, and they still have the option of waiting till the 2nd round.
Falcons
With the Falcons 1.07 pick, the selection will be Shawn Andrews OT
This pick can be found in other mocks and the pick fits the Falcons needs to a tee. If Vick becomes hurt again, then the entire franchise will suffer, and the mission of Rich McKay is to make sure that does not happen. Also, Shawn will help the entire line by enabling the Falcons to move players around to more natural positions. This trickle down effect will cause a revival in the running game and a much more solid offense. Defense would be better suited here however, but until the combine, there are no other defensive players that stand above the pack enough to be drafted this high.
Browns
With the Browns 1.08 pick, the selection will be Nat Dorsey OT
Believe me, I researched this pick for a while and could not decide what the Browns should take. Of all the teams, the Browns are due to trade down. However, this is a no trade mock so the Browns selected 6-6 335 OT Nat Dorsey who coming into the season was the 2nd ranked OT in the country. However, Dorsey’s rank suffered because of inconsistency, but that inconsistency was found out to be a painful shoulder injury that Nat played through the entire year without complaining about. Sounds like a tough character guy the Browns need. I do have to mention that the Browns are taking OL two years in a row, but they need OL help more then ever on this underachieving offense. This pick could go anywhere, but the direction is offense as that is the point of the team that needs the most help.
Jaguars
With the Jaguars 1.09 pick, the selection will be Larry Fitzgerald WR
This pick is obvious on a number of levels. When Del Rio was brought aboard, Weaver, owner of the Jags, made an ultimatum that the Jags would be using more of a big play WCO with lots of down the field passes. Jimmy Smith is getting up there in age, the Jags have a young QB who needs a weapon, and this Jax team needs stars to bring the fans back, and try game planning for an offense with the trio of Jimmy, Larry, and Kevin Johnson. This pick makes too much sense and the Jaguars will be dancing with glee when they get Larry at the 9 hole.
Texans
With the Texans 1.10 pick, the selection will be Vince Wilfork NT
No! Please no! Vince Wilfork had such a down year compared to last year that he does not deserve a selection this high. However, if you look closer, you will notice that he was the focal point of most offenses as they had to game plan around him. I will admit, I watched 5 Miami games this year and Vince really didn’t throw up in the stats, but All-Pro Richard Seymour only had “one” sack in his junior year before entering the draft so stats don’t tell all. However, the combine will tell us all the Texans fans need to know. Wilfork is the God NT. 6-2, 350 lbs, and an amazing first step. He is just what the Texans need to bring the team to the next level. A CB in the 2nd round, Coleman moved to safety, and Walker, Payne, and Glenn coming back from injury and this D will be pretty good.
Steelers
With the Steelers 1.11 pick, the selection will be Marlin Jackson CB
I scoffed at the so called experts who vaulted DeAngelo Hall in front of the Marlin Jackson “because he is faster”. Pittsburg doesn’t need another speedy special-teamer, then need a man who can cover and Marlin Jackson has been proving that for longer then burn marks DeHall has. The Steelers have obvious needs on the OL and at running back. There is no question there. However, the running back position is plentiful in this draft and the OL can be fixed up with a mere 2nd rounder. The Steelers pride themselves in defense and Marlin can play some D.
Jets
With the Jets 1.12 pick, the selection will be Derrick Johnson LB
If the Houston Texans didn’t take him, the Jets sure would. In one year, the Jets linebackers went from a unit of respect, to a unit that belonged on the Golden Girls. Derrick Johnson will team with Victor Hobson, a 2nd round pick from last year, to revitalize the Jets defense. Johnson can play all three downs, is an excellent tackler, and will a favorite of the Jets. Roy Williams and Reggie Williams were not selected, because frankly, WR is not enough of a need to trump the Jets weankess at linebacker and the fact that Derrick is THE BEST LB in the draft in my humble opinion.
Bills
With the Bills 1.13 pick, the selection will be Kellen Winslow Jr. TE
There is only one man brave enough, stupid enough, and crazy enough to take Kellen and that man is Donahue. Known as “Hollywood” Donahue in some circles, this man will believe that Winslow can be a Bill, and has too much talent to pass up not to make him one. Some Bills fans will laugh and say the team need is on defense and OL. Well Buffalo faithful, if a team before the Bills doesn’t take him, Donahue sure will. The Bills need targets and playmakers on offense and that is what Winslow is. WR is a large consideration but with the likes of Reed and Shaw waiting in the wings, Kellen makes all the more sense as he provides a reliable target and an extra blocker. He will instantly fix the TE void and help open up the field for Josh Reed and Eric Moulds to thrive. Who else will the Bills take, another running back?
Bears
With the Bears 1.14 pick, the selection will be Tommy Harris DT/DE
Angelo of the Bears traded away Ted Washington because he wanted a DL filled with 3 technique DTs. Harris is that kind of DT. Harris has the burst to clog holes, and the size to be an excellent player. Another team that seems to be on the cusp of taking it to the next level. Reggie Williams is here, but the Bears have taken enough WRs high in the draft and will concentrate on solidifying the defense. Expect a guy like Rashaun Woods to fall the 2nd rounds and for him to be scooped up by the Bears.
Buccaneers
With the Buccaneers 1.15 pick, the selection will be Reggie Williams WR
When your starting WRs are Joe Jervicious and Keenan McCardell, you know it is time for an upgrade. And that upgrade is Reggie Williams. Reggie is everything you would want in a WR and more. Big, strong, fast. He is better Key in almost every way talent wise, and personality wise. The Bucs will be doing some serious high fiving here because they snagged one heck of a player and lower then where he was projected. They need OL help and will grab that later in the draft and the Bucs look like they are willing to give Thomas Jones another shot.
49ers
With the 49ers 1.16 pick, the selection will be Roy Williams WR
The truth, the wonder, “The Legend”. What the 49ers are getting is a Plaxico Burress but without the frequent disappearing acts. This is a huge need for the 49ers here. However, I do wonder about his ability to adjust to his lofty expectations. I have felt for a while that Roy will struggle to cut it in the NFL. Just by the way he runs and talks. However, he will have Jeff Garcia at QB, a very underrated Brandon Lloyd opposite him, and a running game to keep the heat of. Roy will step in and continue the great legacy of 49er wide receivers. Don't be surprised to see the Bucs or 49ers trade up to keep other teams from trying to jump in and steal either Reggie or Roy.
Bengals
With the Bengals 1.17 pick, the selection will be Derrick Strait CB
What makes this pick interesting is that the last 5 mocks I looked at, 4 of them had Derrick going to Cincy. 4/5 is a pretty amazing when you consider the varying views of most people and the rapid movement up and down the boards of many players. I am not hopping on the wagon here (that is what I keep telling myself), because I have been watching the Sooners with my own eyes and know that this All-American will be with Marvin Lewis. CASE AND POINT: The Sooners were down 21-7 in the 4th against LSU with no hope in sight when out of the blue, a still hustling, still fighting, still running Strait intercepts a pass and takes it down to the 20 to throw the momentum back in OU’s favor. Derrick is a winner, fighter, and will be the top CB on Marvin’s draft board and in his heart.
Saints
With the Saints 1.18 pick, the selection will be Chris Gamble CB
I will be honest. I have a soft sport for Chris. After his complete shut down of Andre Johnson (A future Pro-Bowl WR) in the Fiesta Bowl, I have felt that he would be the NFL equivalent of Chris McAlister. Both are big, strong, and gambling CBs with mountains of athletic ability. Gamble is the most athletic CB in the draft, has instincts, and speed. The Saints have started Ashley Ambrose. Sounds like a fit. Saints fans should be prepared because it may take a year or two for him to adjust, but Chris will be worth the wait.
Vikings
With the Vikings 1.19 pick, the selection will be Will Smith DE
This pick will heavily depend on who the Vikings take in free agency. There are many Cornerbacks on the open market, and if the Vikings can get one of them, then they will be all over Will. With Will Smith, they are getting a player who was a key anchor for the dominating Buckeye defense. I once saw a game were the QB threw the ball over Will’s head to a WR. The WR was 20 yards down the field at this point when Will turned around and actually chased the WR down. Tenacity, excellent ability, and the chance to be the next Javon Kearse. The Vikings missed out on Kearse once, don’t miss out on him again.
Dolphins
With the Dolphins 1.20 pick, the selection will be Phillip Rivers QB
As Pete Carroll once said “I’m feeling dangerous”. Just when you think KC is taking defense, they instead trade down and take, of all players, RB Larry Johnson from bust city, Penn State. And just when you think Miami is taking offensive line, the new GM of the Dolphins turns his head and makes of the of the biggest surprises of the draft. He takes Phillip Rivers. The heavily debated, Phillip Rivers. See, it’s perfect. Miami doesn’t have a 2nd rounder in this years draft, and Miami BADLY needs a QB for the future. So, the draft rolls around, they trade down, draft Rivers in the 1st, then they use the 2nd rounder they picked up from the trade for offensive line. They then sign a free agent to be QB for a year and in one fell swoop, Miami solved two of its biggest problems for the long term.
Patriots(Ravens selection)
With the Patriots 1.21 pick, the selection will be Kevin Jones RB
The Beantowners are dancing in the streets with this one. Everyone is proclaiming another championship once Jones dons the red, white, and blue Patriots uniform. While Kevin probably won’t fall this far, it is VERY likely he faces the Deuce McAllister effect and falls because most other teams have a running back, or they have more pressing needs. Kevin will probably fall to around the 15-18 selection as the Patriots, Cowboys, and Titans all play a game of chicken to see how long they can last before they trade up.
Seahawks
With the Seahawks 1.22 pick, the selection will be Marcus Tubbs DT
What a great name for a DT. The guys sounds like he weights 370 lbs and just sits in the middle of the line, daring people to block him. In reality, Marcus is actually quicker then most people give credit. Tubbs is from Texas and was a reason why they have had some top defenses these past couple of years. This selection was not as much of a need pick, and more of set up for the next couple of picks. In the 2nd, the Hawks will most likely take a DB so Springs can finally be let go, and a pure pass rush only DE in the 3rd. While Shick! is home trying to erase the memories of the OT loss, the Hawks are reloading to take it to the next level and become a serious contender next year.
Cowboys
With the Cowboys 1.23 pick, the selection will be Chris Perry RB
This guy was neck and neck with Cedric Benson for the right to be the Cowboys running back of the future. I do have to say that Bill Parcells would be the guy behind this pick. What Perry brings to the table is simple. He gets yards. He just gets yards. He can catch because he has great hands, and he can take the load as exemplified by a 51 carry game he had in college. Perry will make you Cowboy fans forget all about down with an arm tackle Troy Hambrick.
Broncos
With the Broncos 1.24 pick, the selection will be Carlos Dansby OLB
What is funny, after watching that Denver game, you don’t know where to start to fix this Denver defense. What killed Denver was the fact that the coaching staff did not prepare the players well enough for this game. Denver couldn’t get any pressure, and they couldn’t make a play. Carlos Dansby can rush the passer, tackle, and can cover the likes of Pollard and Clark. A big reason was Denver was missing Mobley and Gold but Gold has been hurt every year so it is impossible to count on them. DeAngelo Hall is also a likely selection here and this pick will heavily depend on who Denver brings in through free agency.
From this point on, I am going to use regular season rankings since the playoffs aren’t finished.
Packers
With the Packers 1.25 pick, the selection will be Donnell Washington DT
Face it, the Packers are getting old on the D-Line and you don’t want to put your fortunes in the hands of underperformer Grady Jackson. Donnell Washington was a huge part of the Clemson defense and has “loads” of talent. Green Bay is progressing very nicely. However, QB will be taken in the 2nd round this year and the grooming process will begin for Farve’s replacement. However, knowing the rookie QBs luck, Farve will play for another 4 years.
Panthers
With the Panthers 1.26 pick, the selection will be DeAngelo Hall CB
Someone who plummeted down my mock, but his combine numbers should blind NFL scouts enough so they miss the fact that he was dead meat on the field more often then not. Angelo has the speed, and in his credit, VT is not filled with the brightest bulbs on the planet. John Fox is the right coach to get him to realize his talent and become an excellent cover corner. The Panthers are very solid at many points and they look like a team that will be competing for a long time.
Titans
With the Titans 1.27 pick, the selection will be Will Poole CB
Fucla and Sandbagger will be happy as that means two USC alum have made it into the 1st round of the draft. Will Poole was a key point in those excellent USC defenses and will leave very good impact in the NFL. The Titans drafted CB in the 1st round last year, but with a 30th ranked pass defense, they needs guys who can cash the check for their top notch DE duo of Carter and Kearse. The Titans need running back, but after watching Eddie and Chris Brown, it seems the Titans will go more towards the route of CB and the OL in the 2nd. However, if the contract situation with Kearse doesn’t work out, don’t be surprised to see a DE drafted here. Lots of directions for the Titans here.
Colts
With the Colts 1.28 pick, the selection will be Teddy Lehman LB
The Colts have never had trouble stopping the pass, it was stopping the run they had trouble with and Teddy solves that. Ted gets good penetration and is a good tackler and would do a good job patrolling the middle. DT could be in order here but that would most likely necessitate a trade down scenario as the DT position had been beaten to the ground in the 1st round. The Colts offense is just fine, its that defense of theirs that needs help. Don’t be surprised if all day one picks are used on defense.
Rams
With the Rams 1.29 pick, the selection will be Ben Troupe TE
Surprised!? Don’t be, Ben Troupe would be a mid 1st rounder if not for Kellen Winslow raising the bar so high. The Rams biggest need on offense is protection and another guy that can catch that ball and Ben is that guy. Huge(6-7), soft hands, and good at getting open. The Rams biggest problems were protections and a TE can solve all you protection problems by simply blocking or burning a team on a blitz with a reception. I know, I know. Mike Marts taking a TE is as far fetched at it can be, but the Rams will most likely trade up in the 2nd round for their CB.
Chiefs
With the Chiefs 1.30 pick, the selection will be Mike Boulware LB
The Chiefs need defense, here they get defense. Of all the teams, the Chiefs are the most likely to be involved with Miami in a trade situation. Miami lost Maslowski this year to injury and the defense fell apart. Vermiel won’t let that happen again and drafting a guy who can cover, run, and tackle will be a huge step to solving that problem.
Eagles
With the Eagles 1.31 pick, the selection will be Darnell Docket DT
If you ever see a mock with the Eagles not taking a linebacker or a DT in round one, immediately step back, turn around, and go take a long cold shower as someone his just violated you with misinformation. The Eagles can’t stop they run. They are bad, bad, bad, bad vs. the run. The Eagles couldn’t stop a guy in a wheelchair it has become so bad. And the Eagles are a team predicated on defense, and if they can’t play defense to the best of their abilities, then they will struggle to win. This is a bit of a reach, but the Eagles need to fix their run defense in the worst way.
Patriots
With the Patriots 1.32 pick, the selection will be Rod Davis
Just a couple of days ago, Rod Davis had one of the biggest games of his life. He was flying all over the field, making plays, pumping up his team, and just making stops. This did not go unnoticed by the Patriots. You see guys like DJ Williams, Mike Clayton, and Rashaun Woods still on the board and you think I am crazy. In reality, the Patriots are 5 deep in WR, and frankly just don’t need another OLB. Also, Bill Belichick couldn’t let both of his 1st round picks go to offense could he?
Thanks for spending all this time and reading my mock. I spent a very long time making this mock and analyzing each teams needs and options before I made each pick. I hope you enjoy this and learn a little bit about what the general feel for what this coming draft in 2004 is going to be like. I will say this, there is no way the draft will come out looking like this and if it does, I am sure Patriots fans, Buc fans, Raider fans, and the three Cardinal fans will be cheering IMO. Have fun and again, thanks for reading.
1.01 Chargers Robert Gallery OT
1.02 Raiders Eli Manning QB
1.03 Cardinals Ben Roethlisberger QB
1.04 Giants Sean Taylor FS
1.05 Redskins Kenechi Udeze DE
1.06 Lions Stephen Jackson RB
1.07 Falcons Shaun Andrews OT
1.08 Browns Nat Dorsey OT
1.09 Jaguars Larry Fitzgerald WR
1.10 Texans Vince Wilfork NT
1.11 Steelers Marlin Jackson CB
1.12 Jets Derrick Johnson LB
1.13 Bills Kellen Winslow Jr.
1.14 Bears Tommy Harris DE/DT
1.15 Bucs Reggie Williams WR
1.16 49ers Roy Williams WR
1.17 Bengals Derrick Strait CB
1.18 Saints Chris Gamble CB/WR
1.19 Vikings Will Smith DE
1.20 Dolphins Phillip Rivers QB
1.21 Patriots Kevin Jones RB
1.22 Seahawks Marcus Tubbs DT
1.23 Cowboys Chris Perry RB
1.24 Broncos Carlos Dansby OLB
1.25 Packers Donnell Washington DT
1.26 Panthers DeAngelo Hall CB
1.27 Titans Will Poole CB
1.28 Colts Teddy Lehman LB
1.29 Rams Ben Troupe TE
1.30 Chiefs Mike Boulware LB
1.31 Eagles Darnell Dockett DT
1.32 Patriots Rod Davis LB
Edited for spelling and grammer considerations.
I spent much time and effect on this mock draft and team needs were heavily analyzed and dissected. This draft order is correct and each pick was well thought out and discussed with others. Keep an open mind and debate is very much welcomed.
Full list is at the bottom.
1.01 Chargers
With the Chargers 1.01 pick, the selection will be Robert Gallery OT
A mock without Big Ben or Eli going to the Chargers!?!? Blasphemy! However, considering the history of the Chargers, and the history of Marty, this pick becomes even more obvious. The Chargers had the busts to end all busts, Ryan Leaf with the #1 overall selection. That Chargers won’t put themselves in that situation again. Also, Marty is not in the situation to be grooming QBs. He will lobby heavily for a lineman to be drafted for a quick fix, and a there are no player that deserves a number 1 overall selection more then Robert Gallery. Robert possesses the hustle, heart, intensity, and talent to recharge the Charger offense.
Raiders
With the Raiders 1.02 pick, the selection will be Eli Manning QB
Ben Roethlisberger is the better QB. However, Al won’t be shedding a tear because he will get his dream. A Manning in a Raider uniform. Manning is extremely smart, a good leader, confident, and if he turns into anything in the ballpark of his brother, then the Raiders have a bright future. But the real reason is, Eli is one of the lowest risk QBs in the last couple of drafts. With Manning, you know you are getting yourself a Phil Simms type QB who can manage a game if need be or open it up and make some plays. Eli also comes from a very good family and has a good head on his shoulders and has very good upside.
Cardinals
With the Cardinals 1.03 pick, the selection will be Ben Roethlisberger QB
Ben is the loaded talent of the QBs. And he should thank Chad Pennington and Byron Leftwich for giving legitimacy to small conferences. Ben can scramble, throw, run, is big, strong, smart, and has the numbers. Ben led one of the highest scoring teams in college and had amazing stats for his final year of college. And, unlike in past years, this rookie should be looking forward to a trip to Zona. He will have a young and very talented core of WRs to throw to, with ROY Boldin being one of them, a solid running game with Shipp making the tough runs, and a good offensive line to keep the heat off. With the correct coaching, Ben could lead Zona out of the doldrums that have haunted them since the beginning of time.
Giants
With the Giants 1.04 pick, the selection will be Sean Taylor FS
Clap clap! The first defensive player of the draft. No defensive player set himself apart from the pack like Sean Taylor. His brilliance on the field will make Giants players and fans alike weak in the knees with joy. That pass rush from Strahan will now pay off as the secondary now has someone who can make an errant QB pay. I thought about OT here but from the looks of it, the Giants will and should pursue veteran help this year instead of another year of recycling rookies on the OL. Sean’s presence will be a huge boon to whoever takes over this underachieving yet talented unit.
Redskins
With the Redskins 1.05 pick, the selection will be Kenechi Udeze DE
The Redskins, with a little bit of coaching, will jump right into the fray. But, no amount of coaching can help a guy with little or not talent. So that is why Kenechi Udeze is being taken. With Bruce Smith gone (finally) and Spurrier out, the Skins can concentrate on filling holes in one of the more talented defenses in the league. I don’t know how much more I can say then that the Skins are getting a heck of a player who was a key point in USC’s 8 sack Rose bowl and who can take over a game. The Skins have the ability in many categories, it will be just putting it together to take it to the next level.
Lions
With the Lions 1.06 pick, the selection will be Stephen Jackson RB
Don’t let anyone fool you, Jackson CAN be the next Ricky Williams. Mooch has been living in hell this past year as the closest thing he has had to a running game was Artose Pinner. When Mooch was in San Fran, he has some of the top rushing offenses in the league and with Stephen Jackson, he will be able to regain that spot. And yes, I know Millen is the GM, but I am sure Matt knows he is on thin ice with the Fords and will let Mooch get his wish. This pick is not DB because Detroit feels that the injuries to the secondary were the major problem and not the talent, and they still have the option of waiting till the 2nd round.
Falcons
With the Falcons 1.07 pick, the selection will be Shawn Andrews OT
This pick can be found in other mocks and the pick fits the Falcons needs to a tee. If Vick becomes hurt again, then the entire franchise will suffer, and the mission of Rich McKay is to make sure that does not happen. Also, Shawn will help the entire line by enabling the Falcons to move players around to more natural positions. This trickle down effect will cause a revival in the running game and a much more solid offense. Defense would be better suited here however, but until the combine, there are no other defensive players that stand above the pack enough to be drafted this high.
Browns
With the Browns 1.08 pick, the selection will be Nat Dorsey OT
Believe me, I researched this pick for a while and could not decide what the Browns should take. Of all the teams, the Browns are due to trade down. However, this is a no trade mock so the Browns selected 6-6 335 OT Nat Dorsey who coming into the season was the 2nd ranked OT in the country. However, Dorsey’s rank suffered because of inconsistency, but that inconsistency was found out to be a painful shoulder injury that Nat played through the entire year without complaining about. Sounds like a tough character guy the Browns need. I do have to mention that the Browns are taking OL two years in a row, but they need OL help more then ever on this underachieving offense. This pick could go anywhere, but the direction is offense as that is the point of the team that needs the most help.
Jaguars
With the Jaguars 1.09 pick, the selection will be Larry Fitzgerald WR
This pick is obvious on a number of levels. When Del Rio was brought aboard, Weaver, owner of the Jags, made an ultimatum that the Jags would be using more of a big play WCO with lots of down the field passes. Jimmy Smith is getting up there in age, the Jags have a young QB who needs a weapon, and this Jax team needs stars to bring the fans back, and try game planning for an offense with the trio of Jimmy, Larry, and Kevin Johnson. This pick makes too much sense and the Jaguars will be dancing with glee when they get Larry at the 9 hole.
Texans
With the Texans 1.10 pick, the selection will be Vince Wilfork NT
No! Please no! Vince Wilfork had such a down year compared to last year that he does not deserve a selection this high. However, if you look closer, you will notice that he was the focal point of most offenses as they had to game plan around him. I will admit, I watched 5 Miami games this year and Vince really didn’t throw up in the stats, but All-Pro Richard Seymour only had “one” sack in his junior year before entering the draft so stats don’t tell all. However, the combine will tell us all the Texans fans need to know. Wilfork is the God NT. 6-2, 350 lbs, and an amazing first step. He is just what the Texans need to bring the team to the next level. A CB in the 2nd round, Coleman moved to safety, and Walker, Payne, and Glenn coming back from injury and this D will be pretty good.
Steelers
With the Steelers 1.11 pick, the selection will be Marlin Jackson CB
I scoffed at the so called experts who vaulted DeAngelo Hall in front of the Marlin Jackson “because he is faster”. Pittsburg doesn’t need another speedy special-teamer, then need a man who can cover and Marlin Jackson has been proving that for longer then burn marks DeHall has. The Steelers have obvious needs on the OL and at running back. There is no question there. However, the running back position is plentiful in this draft and the OL can be fixed up with a mere 2nd rounder. The Steelers pride themselves in defense and Marlin can play some D.
Jets
With the Jets 1.12 pick, the selection will be Derrick Johnson LB
If the Houston Texans didn’t take him, the Jets sure would. In one year, the Jets linebackers went from a unit of respect, to a unit that belonged on the Golden Girls. Derrick Johnson will team with Victor Hobson, a 2nd round pick from last year, to revitalize the Jets defense. Johnson can play all three downs, is an excellent tackler, and will a favorite of the Jets. Roy Williams and Reggie Williams were not selected, because frankly, WR is not enough of a need to trump the Jets weankess at linebacker and the fact that Derrick is THE BEST LB in the draft in my humble opinion.
Bills
With the Bills 1.13 pick, the selection will be Kellen Winslow Jr. TE
There is only one man brave enough, stupid enough, and crazy enough to take Kellen and that man is Donahue. Known as “Hollywood” Donahue in some circles, this man will believe that Winslow can be a Bill, and has too much talent to pass up not to make him one. Some Bills fans will laugh and say the team need is on defense and OL. Well Buffalo faithful, if a team before the Bills doesn’t take him, Donahue sure will. The Bills need targets and playmakers on offense and that is what Winslow is. WR is a large consideration but with the likes of Reed and Shaw waiting in the wings, Kellen makes all the more sense as he provides a reliable target and an extra blocker. He will instantly fix the TE void and help open up the field for Josh Reed and Eric Moulds to thrive. Who else will the Bills take, another running back?
Bears
With the Bears 1.14 pick, the selection will be Tommy Harris DT/DE
Angelo of the Bears traded away Ted Washington because he wanted a DL filled with 3 technique DTs. Harris is that kind of DT. Harris has the burst to clog holes, and the size to be an excellent player. Another team that seems to be on the cusp of taking it to the next level. Reggie Williams is here, but the Bears have taken enough WRs high in the draft and will concentrate on solidifying the defense. Expect a guy like Rashaun Woods to fall the 2nd rounds and for him to be scooped up by the Bears.
Buccaneers
With the Buccaneers 1.15 pick, the selection will be Reggie Williams WR
When your starting WRs are Joe Jervicious and Keenan McCardell, you know it is time for an upgrade. And that upgrade is Reggie Williams. Reggie is everything you would want in a WR and more. Big, strong, fast. He is better Key in almost every way talent wise, and personality wise. The Bucs will be doing some serious high fiving here because they snagged one heck of a player and lower then where he was projected. They need OL help and will grab that later in the draft and the Bucs look like they are willing to give Thomas Jones another shot.
49ers
With the 49ers 1.16 pick, the selection will be Roy Williams WR
The truth, the wonder, “The Legend”. What the 49ers are getting is a Plaxico Burress but without the frequent disappearing acts. This is a huge need for the 49ers here. However, I do wonder about his ability to adjust to his lofty expectations. I have felt for a while that Roy will struggle to cut it in the NFL. Just by the way he runs and talks. However, he will have Jeff Garcia at QB, a very underrated Brandon Lloyd opposite him, and a running game to keep the heat of. Roy will step in and continue the great legacy of 49er wide receivers. Don't be surprised to see the Bucs or 49ers trade up to keep other teams from trying to jump in and steal either Reggie or Roy.
Bengals
With the Bengals 1.17 pick, the selection will be Derrick Strait CB
What makes this pick interesting is that the last 5 mocks I looked at, 4 of them had Derrick going to Cincy. 4/5 is a pretty amazing when you consider the varying views of most people and the rapid movement up and down the boards of many players. I am not hopping on the wagon here (that is what I keep telling myself), because I have been watching the Sooners with my own eyes and know that this All-American will be with Marvin Lewis. CASE AND POINT: The Sooners were down 21-7 in the 4th against LSU with no hope in sight when out of the blue, a still hustling, still fighting, still running Strait intercepts a pass and takes it down to the 20 to throw the momentum back in OU’s favor. Derrick is a winner, fighter, and will be the top CB on Marvin’s draft board and in his heart.
Saints
With the Saints 1.18 pick, the selection will be Chris Gamble CB
I will be honest. I have a soft sport for Chris. After his complete shut down of Andre Johnson (A future Pro-Bowl WR) in the Fiesta Bowl, I have felt that he would be the NFL equivalent of Chris McAlister. Both are big, strong, and gambling CBs with mountains of athletic ability. Gamble is the most athletic CB in the draft, has instincts, and speed. The Saints have started Ashley Ambrose. Sounds like a fit. Saints fans should be prepared because it may take a year or two for him to adjust, but Chris will be worth the wait.
Vikings
With the Vikings 1.19 pick, the selection will be Will Smith DE
This pick will heavily depend on who the Vikings take in free agency. There are many Cornerbacks on the open market, and if the Vikings can get one of them, then they will be all over Will. With Will Smith, they are getting a player who was a key anchor for the dominating Buckeye defense. I once saw a game were the QB threw the ball over Will’s head to a WR. The WR was 20 yards down the field at this point when Will turned around and actually chased the WR down. Tenacity, excellent ability, and the chance to be the next Javon Kearse. The Vikings missed out on Kearse once, don’t miss out on him again.
Dolphins
With the Dolphins 1.20 pick, the selection will be Phillip Rivers QB
As Pete Carroll once said “I’m feeling dangerous”. Just when you think KC is taking defense, they instead trade down and take, of all players, RB Larry Johnson from bust city, Penn State. And just when you think Miami is taking offensive line, the new GM of the Dolphins turns his head and makes of the of the biggest surprises of the draft. He takes Phillip Rivers. The heavily debated, Phillip Rivers. See, it’s perfect. Miami doesn’t have a 2nd rounder in this years draft, and Miami BADLY needs a QB for the future. So, the draft rolls around, they trade down, draft Rivers in the 1st, then they use the 2nd rounder they picked up from the trade for offensive line. They then sign a free agent to be QB for a year and in one fell swoop, Miami solved two of its biggest problems for the long term.
Patriots(Ravens selection)
With the Patriots 1.21 pick, the selection will be Kevin Jones RB
The Beantowners are dancing in the streets with this one. Everyone is proclaiming another championship once Jones dons the red, white, and blue Patriots uniform. While Kevin probably won’t fall this far, it is VERY likely he faces the Deuce McAllister effect and falls because most other teams have a running back, or they have more pressing needs. Kevin will probably fall to around the 15-18 selection as the Patriots, Cowboys, and Titans all play a game of chicken to see how long they can last before they trade up.
Seahawks
With the Seahawks 1.22 pick, the selection will be Marcus Tubbs DT
What a great name for a DT. The guys sounds like he weights 370 lbs and just sits in the middle of the line, daring people to block him. In reality, Marcus is actually quicker then most people give credit. Tubbs is from Texas and was a reason why they have had some top defenses these past couple of years. This selection was not as much of a need pick, and more of set up for the next couple of picks. In the 2nd, the Hawks will most likely take a DB so Springs can finally be let go, and a pure pass rush only DE in the 3rd. While Shick! is home trying to erase the memories of the OT loss, the Hawks are reloading to take it to the next level and become a serious contender next year.
Cowboys
With the Cowboys 1.23 pick, the selection will be Chris Perry RB
This guy was neck and neck with Cedric Benson for the right to be the Cowboys running back of the future. I do have to say that Bill Parcells would be the guy behind this pick. What Perry brings to the table is simple. He gets yards. He just gets yards. He can catch because he has great hands, and he can take the load as exemplified by a 51 carry game he had in college. Perry will make you Cowboy fans forget all about down with an arm tackle Troy Hambrick.
Broncos
With the Broncos 1.24 pick, the selection will be Carlos Dansby OLB
What is funny, after watching that Denver game, you don’t know where to start to fix this Denver defense. What killed Denver was the fact that the coaching staff did not prepare the players well enough for this game. Denver couldn’t get any pressure, and they couldn’t make a play. Carlos Dansby can rush the passer, tackle, and can cover the likes of Pollard and Clark. A big reason was Denver was missing Mobley and Gold but Gold has been hurt every year so it is impossible to count on them. DeAngelo Hall is also a likely selection here and this pick will heavily depend on who Denver brings in through free agency.
From this point on, I am going to use regular season rankings since the playoffs aren’t finished.
Packers
With the Packers 1.25 pick, the selection will be Donnell Washington DT
Face it, the Packers are getting old on the D-Line and you don’t want to put your fortunes in the hands of underperformer Grady Jackson. Donnell Washington was a huge part of the Clemson defense and has “loads” of talent. Green Bay is progressing very nicely. However, QB will be taken in the 2nd round this year and the grooming process will begin for Farve’s replacement. However, knowing the rookie QBs luck, Farve will play for another 4 years.
Panthers
With the Panthers 1.26 pick, the selection will be DeAngelo Hall CB
Someone who plummeted down my mock, but his combine numbers should blind NFL scouts enough so they miss the fact that he was dead meat on the field more often then not. Angelo has the speed, and in his credit, VT is not filled with the brightest bulbs on the planet. John Fox is the right coach to get him to realize his talent and become an excellent cover corner. The Panthers are very solid at many points and they look like a team that will be competing for a long time.
Titans
With the Titans 1.27 pick, the selection will be Will Poole CB
Fucla and Sandbagger will be happy as that means two USC alum have made it into the 1st round of the draft. Will Poole was a key point in those excellent USC defenses and will leave very good impact in the NFL. The Titans drafted CB in the 1st round last year, but with a 30th ranked pass defense, they needs guys who can cash the check for their top notch DE duo of Carter and Kearse. The Titans need running back, but after watching Eddie and Chris Brown, it seems the Titans will go more towards the route of CB and the OL in the 2nd. However, if the contract situation with Kearse doesn’t work out, don’t be surprised to see a DE drafted here. Lots of directions for the Titans here.
Colts
With the Colts 1.28 pick, the selection will be Teddy Lehman LB
The Colts have never had trouble stopping the pass, it was stopping the run they had trouble with and Teddy solves that. Ted gets good penetration and is a good tackler and would do a good job patrolling the middle. DT could be in order here but that would most likely necessitate a trade down scenario as the DT position had been beaten to the ground in the 1st round. The Colts offense is just fine, its that defense of theirs that needs help. Don’t be surprised if all day one picks are used on defense.
Rams
With the Rams 1.29 pick, the selection will be Ben Troupe TE
Surprised!? Don’t be, Ben Troupe would be a mid 1st rounder if not for Kellen Winslow raising the bar so high. The Rams biggest need on offense is protection and another guy that can catch that ball and Ben is that guy. Huge(6-7), soft hands, and good at getting open. The Rams biggest problems were protections and a TE can solve all you protection problems by simply blocking or burning a team on a blitz with a reception. I know, I know. Mike Marts taking a TE is as far fetched at it can be, but the Rams will most likely trade up in the 2nd round for their CB.
Chiefs
With the Chiefs 1.30 pick, the selection will be Mike Boulware LB
The Chiefs need defense, here they get defense. Of all the teams, the Chiefs are the most likely to be involved with Miami in a trade situation. Miami lost Maslowski this year to injury and the defense fell apart. Vermiel won’t let that happen again and drafting a guy who can cover, run, and tackle will be a huge step to solving that problem.
Eagles
With the Eagles 1.31 pick, the selection will be Darnell Docket DT
If you ever see a mock with the Eagles not taking a linebacker or a DT in round one, immediately step back, turn around, and go take a long cold shower as someone his just violated you with misinformation. The Eagles can’t stop they run. They are bad, bad, bad, bad vs. the run. The Eagles couldn’t stop a guy in a wheelchair it has become so bad. And the Eagles are a team predicated on defense, and if they can’t play defense to the best of their abilities, then they will struggle to win. This is a bit of a reach, but the Eagles need to fix their run defense in the worst way.
Patriots
With the Patriots 1.32 pick, the selection will be Rod Davis
Just a couple of days ago, Rod Davis had one of the biggest games of his life. He was flying all over the field, making plays, pumping up his team, and just making stops. This did not go unnoticed by the Patriots. You see guys like DJ Williams, Mike Clayton, and Rashaun Woods still on the board and you think I am crazy. In reality, the Patriots are 5 deep in WR, and frankly just don’t need another OLB. Also, Bill Belichick couldn’t let both of his 1st round picks go to offense could he?
Thanks for spending all this time and reading my mock. I spent a very long time making this mock and analyzing each teams needs and options before I made each pick. I hope you enjoy this and learn a little bit about what the general feel for what this coming draft in 2004 is going to be like. I will say this, there is no way the draft will come out looking like this and if it does, I am sure Patriots fans, Buc fans, Raider fans, and the three Cardinal fans will be cheering IMO. Have fun and again, thanks for reading.
1.01 Chargers Robert Gallery OT
1.02 Raiders Eli Manning QB
1.03 Cardinals Ben Roethlisberger QB
1.04 Giants Sean Taylor FS
1.05 Redskins Kenechi Udeze DE
1.06 Lions Stephen Jackson RB
1.07 Falcons Shaun Andrews OT
1.08 Browns Nat Dorsey OT
1.09 Jaguars Larry Fitzgerald WR
1.10 Texans Vince Wilfork NT
1.11 Steelers Marlin Jackson CB
1.12 Jets Derrick Johnson LB
1.13 Bills Kellen Winslow Jr.
1.14 Bears Tommy Harris DE/DT
1.15 Bucs Reggie Williams WR
1.16 49ers Roy Williams WR
1.17 Bengals Derrick Strait CB
1.18 Saints Chris Gamble CB/WR
1.19 Vikings Will Smith DE
1.20 Dolphins Phillip Rivers QB
1.21 Patriots Kevin Jones RB
1.22 Seahawks Marcus Tubbs DT
1.23 Cowboys Chris Perry RB
1.24 Broncos Carlos Dansby OLB
1.25 Packers Donnell Washington DT
1.26 Panthers DeAngelo Hall CB
1.27 Titans Will Poole CB
1.28 Colts Teddy Lehman LB
1.29 Rams Ben Troupe TE
1.30 Chiefs Mike Boulware LB
1.31 Eagles Darnell Dockett DT
1.32 Patriots Rod Davis LB
Edited for spelling and grammer considerations.
Last edited by a moderator:
Great job Mr Happy! I would be Mr Happy too if the G-Men take Taylor @ 4!
BTW, there's no way that the Patriots beat the Eagles in the Super Bowl 
