2005 NFL Mock Draft ver1.0

Apologies to add another draft thread, but just for my own amusement (I only did the top 40.....since I had a hard enough time getting past #20):

Trades:
---------
San Francisco trades the 1st overall pick to Tampa Bay for the 5th overall pick, a 3rd rounder, and a 2006 2nd rounder (virtual copy of the 2001 Vick trade)

Chicago trades the 4th overall pick to Dallas for the 11th overall and a 2nd rounder.

Kansas City trades the 15th overall pick to Philadelphia for the 31st and 34th overall picks.

Oakland trades a 3rd rounder to Buffalo for RB Travis Henry.

Kansas City trades its other 2nd rounder to the Seahawks for WR Koren Robinson.

Round 1:

1. Tampa Bay via San Francisco - RB Cedric Benson - The Bucs leapfrog the Dolphins and ensure they get their choice in franchise RBs.

2. Miami - QB Matt Leinart - Despite using a 2nd rounder on A.J. Feeley, Nick Saban feels the need to build around the franchise with a new QB.

3. Cleveland - OT D'Brickashaw Ferguson - Lots of needs, but they fill a much needed hole at tackle after trying to trade up for Robert Gallery last season.

4. Dallas via Chicago - CB Antrel Rolle - The Cowboys trade up and take the best corner in the draft. Will focus on acquiring a QB through free agency.

5. San Francisco via Tampa Bay - QB Aaron Rodgers - The Niners get the PR pick with the hometown kid. They'll probably let the kid sit a year and build up a better core.

6. Tennessee - OLB Derrick Johnson - Could use an offensive tackle, but Johnson is the best LB available and the Titans can probably find an acceptable OT in the 2nd round.

7. Oakland - WR Mike Williams - Having already acquired Travis Henry to be their RB, the Raiders quickly pounce on the lanky big play receiver.

8. Arizona - RB Cadillac Williams - No franchise QB available, so Dennis Green opts to add a dynamic RB to his stable of wide receivers.

9. Washington - LB Ahmad Brooks - Will probably have to choose between resigning LB Antonio Pierce or CB Fred Smoot. With Lavar Arrington healthy next year, they might opt to focus on the latter. Brooks is a very raw, but very athletic player.

10. Detroit - DE Erasmus James - The Lions have spent four first rounders in recent years on offense, so Matt Millen takes a top pass rushing prospect here.

11. Chicago via Dallas - WR Braylon Edwards - The Bears add some much needed big play ability at the wide receiver spot. Will focus on the offensive and defensive lines with their second round picks.

12. San Diego via NY Giants - FS Thomas Davis - The Chargers made the playoffs despite having one of the worst pass defenses in the entire NFL. San Diego hopes Davis fits into the mold of Roy Williams and Ed Reed.

13. Houston - DT Rodrique Wright - Like the Lions, the Texans used many top picks to supplement their offense. Now they take the best defensive tackle and in-state prospect in Wright.

14. Carolina - OT Alex Barron - With a healthy Stephen Davis and Steve Smith, the Panthers are poised to be contenders again in 2005. Their offensive line was in disarray after their Super Bowl run last year, so they take the best available OT.

15. Philadelphia via Kansas City - RB Ronnie Brown - The Eagles unexpectedly had two picks in the 30s, in part thanks to Ricky Williams. They trade up and take a top RB to add to their potent offense.

16. New Orleans - LB Channing Crowder - The Saints were ready to draft D.J. Williams last season before the Broncos traded up to take him away. So the Saints take the best LB prospect available.

17. Cincinnati - DT Travis Johnson - Carson Palmer and the offense was the scapegoat during the Bengals' rough start, but the defense was the real culprit. The Bengals take the best DT available.

18. Minnesota - DT Antajj Hawthorne - The Vikings are expected to release one time standout Chris Hovan, so they draft Hawthorne to help combine with Pro Bowler Kevin Williams.

19. St. Louis - DE Shaun Cody - The Rams take the steady and productive defensive lineman from USC.

20. Dallas via Buffalo - DE Matthias Kiwanuka - Another raw project, "Kiwi" could turn out to the be the most productive DE taken in this draft.

21. Jacksonville - DE Marcus Spears - The Jags hope a new offensive coordinator will jump start a stagnant offence without a big name addition, so they draft Spears to go along with their two top DTs.

22. Baltimore - WR Mark Clayton - I'm expecting the Ravens to make enticing offers to free agent wideouts Plaxico Burress and Jerry Porter. Clayton would be a welcome pick even if the Ravens are successful in luring a #1 receiver.

23. Seattle - OT Jammal Brown - Matt Hasselbeck, Shaun Alexander, and Walter Jones are all free agents. The Seahawks choose to let Jones walk, and draft his eventual replacement.

24. Green Bay - CB Marlin Jackson - After trading Mike McKenzie, the Packers draft a corner in the first round again.

25. Denver - DE Dan Cody - Due to injuries, the Broncos were unable to generate much of a pass rush in the 2nd half of the season. No franchise QB prospects available, so they take the energetic lineman from Oklahoma.

26. NY Jets - DE Matt Roth - Assuming they are unable to resign DE John Ferguson, the Jets take the best DE left.

27. Atlanta - OT Marcus McNeil - With the money they have invested in Michael Vick, the Falcons bulk up the offensive line.

28. San Diego - OT Adam Terry - Hidden behind the newly potent offense this year was that the Chargers had 5 new offensive linemen. Journeyman Roman Oben is getting up in years, so San Diego takes the athletic tackle from Syracuse.

29. Indianapolis - CB Adam Jones - Could use a playmaking LB here as well, but the Colts take "Pac-Man" to help shore up their secondary.

30. New England - CB Corey Webster - Troy Brown's future with the team is unknown past this season, and Ty Law may be cut as well. The Pats take a cornerback just in case.

31. Kansas City via Philadelphia - CB Carlos Rogers - The Chiefs trade down to try to upgrade two spots on defense. Rogers had a terrific year at Auburn.

32. Pittsburgh - WR Chris Henry - Henry could develop into a poor man's Plaxico Burress (assuming he signs as a free agent elsewhere).

Round 2:

33. San Francisco - WR Mark Bradley - Another weapon for Rodgers down the road.

34. Cleveland - QB Charlie Frye - The Browns draft the local product from Akron to be their QB of the future.

35. Kansas City via Philadelphia via Miami - LB Kevin Burnett - The Chiefs add a LB that might go in the first round.

36. Tampa Bay - OT Jonathan Scott - One of the oldest OL in the league.

37. Tennessee - OT Michael Munoz - The Tennessee Volunteer prospect does not have to move far to his new pro home.

38. Oakland - DE David Pollack - Warren Sapp did not perform as expected at DE, so the Raiders hope Pollack can add some pass rushing ability.

39. Chicago - G Elton Brown - Top guard prospect in the draft, will help out a beleaguered OL.

40. New Orleans via Washington - TE Heath Miller - Another potential late first rounder.

Other notes:

The Packers draft Kyle Orton in the 2nd round.
The Broncos draft Andrew Walter in the 2nd round.
The Seahawks draft Alex Smith in the 2nd round.
The Raiders draft Maurice Clarett in the 6th round.

I have seen many mock draft before and I still don't understand it. Dallas will NOT draft a CB. Bill Parcells said that there is no way they will draft a CB in the first round, because they would rather get a veteran through Free Agency. Dallas's second pick would be great.

I love the pick for the Jags. It's a no brainer they will go for a DE, and they will have a force on the D line if they can find another DE. They already have two very good DT's, just need to fill in the DE spots.

Why is the name of Zeus would the Steelers draft a receiver?

We're a running offense...who has Hines Ward, Plaxico Burress, and Antwaan Randle-El...

Henry would never make it with the Steelers with his attitude problems either. If he's on the board Heath Miller is our man.

We're a running offense...who has Hines Ward, Plaxico Burress, and Antwaan Randle-El...



Was running under the assumption that Burress fled for money elsewhere. Probably should have made that more clear.

I love it. One problem, though. I don't see Henry going in the first, I say he'll go in the third round.

And you missed doing my Giants by one pick! :rant: :mad: :madfire: :rant:

;)

It will be a DAMN shame if the Seahawks let Jones walk. IMO, they should finally ink him to a long deal, tag Alexander and go fishing for a "decent" QB. I also dont think Brown will last that long.

Oakland does mediocre by acquiring Henry and Williams. I dont like Pollack playing at DE though.

I'd say Dallas steals this draft easily overall.

12. San Diego via NY Giants - FS Thomas Davis - The Chargers made the playoffs despite having one of the worst pass defenses in the entire NFL. San Diego hopes Davis fits into the mold of Roy Williams and Ed Reed.

That would be spectacular for San Diego. I hope Davis ends up with either Detroit or SD. But more ideally, I'd like to see Braylon Edwards go to SD.

IMO, they should finally ink him to a long deal, tag Alexander

Ever hear of the salary cap?

Ever hear of the salary cap?

Which is why I made no mention of Hasselbeck?

I think that Clarrett will go before the 6th round. Other than that, and the fact that Pittsburgh will probably take Heath Miller, it looks pretty good. I especially like Indy's pick. Pac-Man looks like he should fall that far, and Indy probably wants him.

BTW, is Antrel Rolle related to Samari Rolle?

ive heard that hes his brother or his cousin so :dunno:

Was running under the assumption that Burress fled for money elsewhere. Probably should have made that more clear.

If you're going to make the assumption that a Steeler will be fleeding for more money it could at least be Kendrell Bell. Burress has proved to be too important for the Steelers to let him walk. Bell has played about 50 plays the past 2 seasons. Those are the only two notable free agents the Steelers have. There's a fairly good chance that Chad Scott will be cut and that frees up 5 million a year right there.

Even still, if the Steelers go for a receiver it won't be a cancerous Henry.

Why is the name of Zeus would the Steelers draft a receiver?

We're a running offense...who has Hines Ward, Plaxico Burress, and Antwaan Randle-El...

Henry would never make it with the Steelers with his attitude problems either. If he's on the board Heath Miller is our man.

i couldnt agree more, steelers will sign plaxico and add another weapon to big ben although, i wouldnt mind them nabbing another LB or OT (would love to get munoz) in the 2nd or 3rd round

Plax probably won't be back in Pittsburgh. He'd be an idiot not to test the market, and once he hits it, a team like Baltimore or KC will give him a fair chunk.

I think that Clarrett will go before the 6th round. Other than that, and the fact that Pittsburgh will probably take Heath Miller, it looks pretty good. I especially like Indy's pick. Pac-Man looks like he should fall that far, and Indy probably wants him.

BTW, is Antrel Rolle related to Samari Rolle?

No, he isn't.

I read an interview where Samari said that if he had a dollar for every time someone asked him how his "brother" Antrel was doing, he'd have Peyton Manning's signing bonus. He said that no relative of his would ever play at Miami.

IMO my Ram's don't need a pass rusher they have Little but his future might be in doubt. They need a playmaker on defence and a offensive left tackle.

Philly would be better to trade up and snag either Mike Williams or Braylon Edwards we don't need another back, but Todd Pinkstons ***** ass has showed a need for a 2nd wide reciver.

As a Bucs fan, I would be happy with either a wideout, or a running back.

Face it, all NFL fans wish their team could draft a player at a 'skill' position every year, just for the excitment factor.

As a Bucs fan, I would be happy with either a wideout, or a running back.

Not I said the cat. Give me a good safety or Dlineman, thanks.

I don't really have a thought about drafting a WR, because it's a possibility that the Steelers could, and it's a decent possibility Plex will not be resigned.

But it won't be Henry, and I don't think Henry is a first or even second rounder. He's talented, but there's no way Cowher and co draft him with his attitude. I don't think any team in the NFL would take him in the first, or probably the second either.

I think that there's a possibility that he goes undrafted and has to earn his way onto some team.

The Pats will probably either draft a CB or an OL in the first round, depending on what is available.

I think that Clarrett will go before the 6th round. Other than that, and the fact that Pittsburgh will probably take Heath Miller, it looks pretty good. I especially like Indy's pick. Pac-Man looks like he should fall that far, and Indy probably wants him.

BTW, is Antrel Rolle related to Samari Rolle?
cousin

cousin

Naw, unrelated.

It will be a DAMN shame if the Seahawks let Jones walk. IMO, they should finally ink him to a long deal, tag Alexander and go fishing for a "decent" QB.

Hasselbeck is one of the best in the league - his recievers just cant catch his passes.

And yes, as Obeysteve said, there is a salary cap.

Hasselbeck is one of the best in the league - his recievers just cant catch his passes.

And yes, as Obeysteve said, there is a salary cap.

If by one of the best you mean POSSIBLY top 10, then sure.

Alexander = Top 5 RB. Hell, maybe even top 3.

Jones = Top 3 Tackle.

And yes, as I said, I made no mention of Hasselbeck for a reason and I guess I will have to repeat myself...

'Which is why I made no mention of Hasselbeck?'

Personally, I think the Falcons will try and move up to get a big play reciever instead of an OT, but other than that pretty good job.

You hit the nail on the head with the Panthers pick. I got three guys on my list, whom the Panthers will hopefully draft and all of them are Offensive Line players. With our second rounder, Hurney may draft another OL dude to ensure that the team has no problems for a while at this position.

If an awesome MLB is still on the table in the 2nd round the Cats might opt to draft him, because of Morgan injury troubles over the past seasons. Another possibility would be drafting a WR in case they can't sign Muhammed.

BTW, the Panthers deepth on RB is sick: Davis, Forster and Goings.:eek:

The plan should be:

1st round: OL
2nd round: OL or LB or WR

I cant see the Lions takeing a defenseive lineman. That was one of the strong points of this season.
We have a good, young linebacking corps, with Bailey coming back from his injury.
What we need is to improve our safety position. Our CB's are fine, with Bryant, and Bly as the starters, with Chris Cash and Andre Goodman as back ups.

I would say that the Lions take Thomas Davis, out of Georgia. In the second round we should seriously look at upgrading our offensive line, especially in the tackle position. Although, i expect that they will do that in free agency. Maybe a tightend is something to look at. Right now we have Stephen Alexander and Casey Fitzsimmons. Not great if you ask me.

I cant see the Lions takeing a defenseive lineman. That was one of the strong points of this season.

I would say that the Lions take Thomas Davis, out of Georgia.

Maybe I wanted Davis to drop a few more spots :D

Maybe I wanted Davis to drop a few more spots :D
I've done that with my Giants in a few mock drafts. (Getting the player I want for the G-Men, not Davis) We can always be hopeful, right?

The Seahawks draft Alex Smith in the 2nd round.
no, the Cowboys draft Smith in the 2nd round. :D

I cant see the Lions takeing a defenseive lineman. That was one of the strong points of this season.
We have a good, young linebacking corps, with Bailey coming back from his injury.
What we need is to improve our safety position. Our CB's are fine, with Bryant, and Bly as the starters, with Chris Cash and Andre Goodman as back ups.

I would say that the Lions take Thomas Davis, out of Georgia. In the second round we should seriously look at upgrading our offensive line, especially in the tackle position. Although, i expect that they will do that in free agency. Maybe a tightend is something to look at. Right now we have Stephen Alexander and Casey Fitzsimmons. Not great if you ask me.

I totally agree with you. I don't know why so many people think the Lions need d-line help. Yes, Kalimba Edwards hasn't panned out, but Rogers and Hall are top notch players. Redding and DeVries are adequate as well. Maybe look for a situational pass rusher type later on in the draft, but the early picks should be on either the OL, S, or TE. Getting Davis would eliminate the last weakness for the Lions defence. And I also agree that free agency would be the best place to look to shore up the O-Line. I'm up for bringing Raiola back, but McDougle, I don't know if they should shell out big bucks for him or not.

I totally agree with you. I don't know why so many people think the Lions need d-line help. Yes, Kalimba Edwards hasn't panned out, but Rogers and Hall are top notch players. Redding and DeVries are adequate as well. Maybe look for a situational pass rusher type later on in the draft, but the early picks should be on either the OL, S, or TE. Getting Davis would eliminate the last weakness for the Lions defence. And I also agree that free agency would be the best place to look to shore up the O-Line. I'm up for bringing Raiola back, but McDougle, I don't know if they should shell out big bucks for him or not.

I wouldn't mind a DE, i still think the Lions can trade down and get a some like Spears late 1st and a David Bass in the early 2nd round. Use the later 2nd round pick to add a safety like Nichols.

I totally agree with you. I don't know why so many people think the Lions need d-line help. Yes, Kalimba Edwards hasn't panned out, but Rogers and Hall are top notch players. Redding and DeVries are adequate as well. Maybe look for a situational pass rusher type later on in the draft, but the early picks should be on either the OL, S, or TE. Getting Davis would eliminate the last weakness for the Lions defence. And I also agree that free agency would be the best place to look to shore up the O-Line. I'm up for bringing Raiola back, but McDougle, I don't know if they should shell out big bucks for him or not.
forget mcdougle. He sucks. Id rather try to get Orlando Pace.

As for the draft, im with J11. Drafting Davis at #10 is too high for my liking. Better off trading down and getting Marlin Jackson, who can play safety.

26. NY Jets - DE Matt Roth - Assuming they are unable to resign DE John Ferguson, the Jets take the best DE left.

If the Jets are picking 26th overall in the draft, and you called it, you are my new best friend.

However, even at that pick, if Carlos Rogers is still on the board, I do not see Terry Bradway walking away from picking him. DE is not a trouble spot on the Jets right now. CB is a trouble spot. David Barrett just isn't getting it done; this defense hasn't been able to effectively defend the pass any time in recent memory. They need a solid young CB, and I think Rogers would fit that role perfectly.

John Abraham will probably be franchised if he doesn't agree to a contract before then.

Ahmad Brooks apparently returning to school for his junior season.

Good early draft. Have the Vikes pick nailed. Vikes needs as I see it. They are a young team on the rise with a ton of cap room (>20 mil). They need to start taking their shots while they can. Load up. Will Red McCombs do it? Doubtful, but here is to wishful thinking.

1) DT. Far and away the most pressing need on the team. Hovan is gone and an UT only. Spencer Johnson, a 285 pound undrafted free agent, is starting at NT. Ug. A massive 2-gap monster to free up Williams would change the face of the defense. With Udeze and Mixon/Scott on either side and Johnstone coming in on passing downs, the DL would be set. As it stands, the need for a legit NT is glarring. Vikes have not had a decent one since 1998 when Jerry Ball still could play. I don't know if there is a top-end NT in the draft, but this is a position they should trade up to secure.

2) Safety. Preferably a strong safety. Russell is a liability. He has ball hawking skills, but is a poor tackler (although a big hitter, quite the contradiction) and might be the slowest DB in the NFL. Chavous had an off year, but QBs the secondary and adds a great deal that doesn't show up in the stats. He is just miscast as a SS. Slide him to FS and bring in a big-time thumper to play close to the line. A young Lynch type.

3) OLB. Claiborne will be let go, more than likely. Newman is an adequare reserve, but not a starter. Vikes need a reliable VETERAN starting LB. Last thing they should do is draft yet another kid. Henderson and Thomas are already learning on the job. I don't know what vet OLBs are on the market (FA or otherwise), but it would be worth trading for. Julian Peterson would be a dream, but only a dream.

4) Kicker. No rookie. Go after the RFAs or sign a vet. Heck, try to pry AV off the Pats if you can. Andersen can't hit anything outside of 45 and is to much a block threat now.

5) TE. Odd as it may sound, but true. Kleinsasser is locked in as the starter (once he is healthy), but Wiggins is a FA. While he had a break-out year, he is over 30 and could be a product of his situation (dare I say, likely one?). He isn't a gamebreaker by any means and not a stand-out in any aspect. A downfield after-the-catch playmaker in the Heap/Gates/Gonzalez genre opposite Kleinsasser would be tremendous. Even if Wiggins is kept, he doesn't have too many years left anyway. Vikes have some projects in the system, but most are blockers (Berton, Owens, Dugan).

6) QB. Yes, QB. Culpepper is phenominal, but there is nobody behind him. Frerotte is a FA. He wants a shot at starting. Even if he does come back, he has been around a long time. Using a 2nd day pick to groom in a back-up QB is well-served. Drafting QBs is the best investment any team can make IMO. As long as they show SOME degree of promise, no position holds higher trade value. It is about the only position teams are able to routinely get value on in trade. Grab a decent QB, groom him for 3 years, then deal him off ala AJ Feely.

7) CB. Vikes are set with Williams (RFA) and Winfield as starters, they just need a nickel back. If they can't draft one, they can always sign one.

8) Punter. Bennett is done. Still decent technician, but no leg. Vikes wasted one draft pick on a punter, don't waste another. Sign a vet or sign an UDFA. You just don't get value out of drafting a punter. Sorry Green Bay.

You just don't get value out of drafting a punter. Sorry Green Bay.BJ Sanders: 0 punts. Attaboy Mike Sherman.

I think you're forgetting the O-line JCD. Vikes need bodies there too.

I doubt the Bucs would trade up for Benson or trade up at all, if they did I would think they either pick Ronnie Brown because he fits their system or trade up within the top 3 and leapfrog Chicago for Mike Williams. They could also try to trade up for Lienart also but thats unlikely.

I love the Jon Scott pick though.

Who will be taken 1st overall will it be Leinart or Rodgers?

Who will be taken 1st overall will it be Leinart or Rodgers?
Leinhart hasn't declared.

Leinhart hasn't declared.

Once his agent lets him know the amount of money he will rake in as a potential top 5 pick, let alone off his performance in the bowl game hes gonna declare.

I'd heard he has guaranteed he wont declare.

Once his agent lets him know the amount of money he will rake in as a potential top 5 pick, let alone off his performance in the bowl game hes gonna declare.
Fact remains, he hasn't declared. Even if it's talk, he's said he will probably return. Oh, and you can't have an agent until you declare.

Fact remains, he hasn't declared. Even if it's talk, he's said he will probably return. Oh, and you can't have an agent until you declare.

LOL I forgot about that part.

Fact remains, he hasn't declared. Even if it's talk, he's said he will probably return. Oh, and you can't have an agent until you declare.

However, you can have "financial and future advisors".

It'll be interesting to see what the Chargers do. According to SportsCenter, there is a particular time period in which they can deal Rivers without absorbing the entire signing bonus. I'm not sure of the details, but the point is that, contrary to public perception, Rivers in indeed tradeable. I could see Dallas trading the #11 overall pick, since they already have Buffalo's #18 overall selection, for Rivers (plus a 2006 pick??). I'm not sure what would happen with Henson, but this seems like a possible scenario. The Chargers would then have 3 1st round picks in 2005.

Henson was a waste of time in the first place.

It'll be interesting to see what the Chargers do. According to SportsCenter, there is a particular time period in which they can deal Rivers without absorbing the entire signing bonus. I'm not sure of the details, but the point is that, contrary to public perception, Rivers in indeed tradeable. I could see Dallas trading the #11 overall pick, since they already have Buffalo's #18 overall selection, for Rivers (plus a 2006 pick??). I'm not sure what would happen with Henson, but this seems like a possible scenario. The Chargers would then have 3 1st round picks in 2005.

Man, that would be so rank. 3 First round picks, including two in the top 11.The Chargers would be unstoppable for years to come. I'm shakin at the thought!!!

Henson was a waste of time in the first place.

Yea, especially when you take into account the huge amount of snaps he has seen this year.

Man, that would be so rank. 3 First round picks, including two in the top 11.The Chargers would be unstoppable for years to come. I'm shakin at the thought!!!

I'd say NFL first round picks tend to bust at a 50% rate. Plus this draft isn't nearly as good as last year's. The Jets did rather well in 2000, when they got Shaun Ellis, John Abraham, Chad Pennington, and Anthony Becht in the first round.

Man, that would be so rank. 3 First round picks, including two in the top 11.The Chargers would be unstoppable for years to come. I'm shakin at the thought!!!
If they draft right. Nothing is guaranteed.

BJ Sanders: 0 punts. Attaboy Mike Sherman.

I think you're forgetting the O-line JCD. Vikes need bodies there too.


I'll get in on this too, when 31 teams have been selected, just give me the last one.
An OG to replace Dixon in time was a high priority early, but I think Goldberg and Dorsey have shown enough this year to warrent consideration. The only OL that is a FA is Dixon (perhaps Withrow as well). Dixon will take less to resign with the Vikes and is a team fav, so I would bet the farm he returns. Withrow might be a FA as well, but he won't get much attention on the market and is likely to return as Birk's understudy.

I would pass on the o-line this year. At least in the draft. Vikes have a lot of young linemen, they just got ravaged by injuries this year and didn't have much in the way of vet reserves. When a 'rookie' struggled, they only had another 'rookie' to replace him with. What they need is another Everett Lindsey type to sit as a vet back-up they can count on.

An OG to replace Dixon in time was a high priority early, but I think Goldberg and Dorsey have shown enough this year to warrent consideration. The only OL that is a FA is Dixon (perhaps Withrow as well). Dixon will take less to resign with the Vikes and is a team fav, so I would bet the farm he returns. Withrow might be a FA as well, but he won't get much attention on the market and is likely to return as Birk's understudy.

I would pass on the o-line this year. At least in the draft. Vikes have a lot of young linemen, they just got ravaged by injuries this year and didn't have much in the way of vet reserves. When a 'rookie' struggled, they only had another 'rookie' to replace him with. What they need is another Everett Lindsey type to sit as a vet back-up they can count on.
I think you can never have enough o-line prospects.

I think you can never have enough o-line prospects.

Very true. A late day one wouldn't be bad at all. Ideally though, a 1st day selection doesn't fit in. Where would they play? McKinnie, Birk and Rosenthal are locked up for 4+ years. Big Lew has at least 2 left. Dixon is the only position in flux and we have Dosery for 3 more years and Goldberg for at least 2. If you are going to draft a player on the first day, you should be looking to land an eventual starter.

However, if the Best Player Available is a linemen, take him. Worst case scenario, you trade somebody down the line.

BJ Sanders: 0 punts. Attaboy Mike Sherman.

The one facet of football where Mike Sherman isnt completely useless is personell decisions, or so I thought. He brought in some good talent in his time as the Packers coach, but this made no sense.

The pick could have meant another able body at any position, considering the Packers were so thin at LB, DB, and WR at the end of the season, it could have meant something, plus there are some stars picked in the 3rd round, who knows, not a punter though. Stupid pick.

As to the mock draft selection of Marlin Jackson:
Any defensive player would help this team, no doubt. However I think Al Harris, Ahmad Caroll and Joey Thomas will turn out to be a pretty good core in the secondary. The biggest problem is getting to the QB; Kampman specializes at run stopping and KGB is too weak to be a consistent threat; I'd like to see the packers go for Dan Cody or David Pollack with their first round pick. Two 2nd rounders make this look like a promising draft class for the Packers.

Yea, especially when you take into account the huge amount of snaps he has seen this year.
The Cowboys have been one of the more brutal franchises in the new millenium and their on-going quagmire at the QB spot isn't helping them. If they're counting on Henson, they're in trouble.

The Cowboys have been one of the more brutal franchises in the new millenium and their on-going quagmire at the QB spot isn't helping them. If they're counting on Henson, they're in trouble.


Your right, they should lock up Vinnie for 5 years.

Your right, they should lock up Vinnie for 5 years.
No, they should spend a high pick on a QB instead of scouring the minors for gems like Hutchinson, Carter, and now Henson. Gosh, they really do have a hard-on for baseball prospects now that I look at it.

I'd say NFL first round picks tend to bust at a 50% rate. Plus this draft isn't nearly as good as last year's. The Jets did rather well in 2000, when they got Shaun Ellis, John Abraham, Chad Pennington, and Anthony Becht in the first round.

I think 50% is very high for NFL 1st rounds.

Check out this site:

www.drafthistory.com

Just looking at 1998-2002, it is rather difficult to find more than 4 true 'busts' in the first per year. A big chunk of those are injury related to boot. There are several who don't quite meet expectations, but remain servicable players. Harrington for example. A disappointment as a high pick, but a legit NFL talent. I would estimate the 'bust' rate is more like 15-20%.

I think that has a lot to do with the age of players coming out. Players have played 3 years of college ball before coming out, so you get a better idea of just how much they have to offer.

I think the Raiders getting Travis Henry for a 3rd would be a pick well spent, and if Mike Williams comes with the 7th overall slot, all the better. I don't fancy their chances to re-sign Porter, and while Curry and Gabriel showed that they can play, I don't think anyone would confuse them with a #1 WR.

Is there anybody that hard up for a starting runner that they'd pay a 2nd for him?

Is there anybody that hard up for a starting runner that they'd pay a 2nd for him?

Not when Alexander, Rudi Johnson, James (though likely to be franchised) and to lesser extents Lamont Jordan and Anthony Thomas are free agents. Not when Bennett/Smith and Travis Henry can be had.

Just too many RBs on the market this year.

Not when Alexander, Rudi Johnson, James (though likely to be franchised) and to lesser extents Lamont Jordan and Anthony Thomas are free agents. Not when Bennett/Smith and Travis Henry can be had.

Just too many RBs on the market this year.

Well then.. an extra good year to be a buyer.

Leinhart is apparently going to declare on Thursday.

Temple QB Walter Washington declared. WHY. I don't think he'll even be drafted.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/writers/peter_king/01/03/mmqb.week17.part2/index.html

This is from Peter King's MMQB. It doesn't seem as if the 49ers are enamored with Leinart as the top pick. The quote below is from Terry Donahue though, so stuff could change with a different GM, but since the scouts are the same, it doesn't seem likely.

But what if Leinart takes his Heisman and enters the draft early? "Having not really done all our homework yet, obviously it would be a hard question to answer. But I don't think so. In terms of athleticism, he doesn't appear to be Carson Palmer. When Leinart gets flushed to the right, it's hard for him to make a play. I'm not sure he'd be a good fit for us.''

Round 1:

1. Tampa Bay via San Francisco - RB Cedric Benson - The Bucs leapfrog the Dolphins and ensure they get their choice in franchise RBs.
RBs are relatively easy to get in the draft. That Tampa has had ample opportunity to do draft one, and has not (aside from Travis Stephens), I can't imagine them trading up to #1 to do so this year. Maybe they'll take a RB, but trade up to do so? Wouldn't be consistent with anything they have done.

2. Miami - QB Matt Leinart - Despite using a 2nd rounder on A.J. Feeley, Nick Saban feels the need to build around the franchise with a new QB.
I think a lot of people are way too high on Leinart because of his Heisman and his team sucess.

4. Dallas via Chicago - CB Antrel Rolle - The Cowboys trade up and take the best corner in the draft. Will focus on acquiring a QB through free agency.
The Cowboys have trotted out so many rookie and second year CBs that I can't see them drafting one this year. I think they'll get a FA CB just to stop the bleeding.

5. San Francisco via Tampa Bay - QB Aaron Rodgers - The Niners get the PR pick with the hometown kid. They'll probably let the kid sit a year and build up a better core.
Niners can sit on QB this year and fill other holes. And with no coach or GM we don't have any idea where they'll really go.

10. Detroit - DE Erasmus James - The Lions have spent four first rounders in recent years on offense, so Matt Millen takes a top pass rushing prospect here.
They have more pressing needs than DL for the first round. But if he's there, they might take him. This is Matt Millen after all.

12. San Diego via NY Giants - FS Thomas Davis - The Chargers made the playoffs despite having one of the worst pass defenses in the entire NFL. San Diego hopes Davis fits into the mold of Roy Williams and Ed Reed.
They've got the worst pass defense because they're thrown on more than any other team in the league in part because their run defense is so good (and they don't get run on a lot).

13. Houston - DT Rodrique Wright - Like the Lions, the Texans used many top picks to supplement their offense. Now they take the best defensive tackle and in-state prospect in Wright.
Houston needs a #2 WR and S before they need a DT.

15. Philadelphia via Kansas City - RB Ronnie Brown - The Eagles unexpectedly had two picks in the 30s, in part thanks to Ricky Williams. They trade up and take a top RB to add to their potent offense.
Can't see it happening. Drafting a RB in the first doesn't fall in line with the way the Eagles run their organization. If they draft a RB, it'll be in the 3rd round at the earliest.

19. St. Louis - DE Shaun Cody - The Rams take the steady and productive defensive lineman from USC.
Rams need a LB and OL much more badly.

23. Seattle - OT Jammal Brown - Matt Hasselbeck, Shaun Alexander, and Walter Jones are all free agents. The Seahawks choose to let Jones walk, and draft his eventual replacement.
Or get someone to play some better defense.

30. New England - CB Corey Webster - Troy Brown's future with the team is unknown past this season, and Ty Law may be cut as well. The Pats take a cornerback just in case.
I really hope that Brown comment was a joke.

34. Cleveland - QB Charlie Frye - The Browns draft the local product from Akron to be their QB of the future.
Too high.

37. Tennessee - OT Michael Munoz - The Tennessee Volunteer prospect does not have to move far to his new pro home.
You've got a lot of guys getting drafted close to home.

38. Oakland - DE David Pollack - Warren Sapp did not perform as expected at DE, so the Raiders hope Pollack can add some pass rushing ability.
Too low.

The Packers draft Kyle Orton in the 2nd round.
The Broncos draft Andrew Walter in the 2nd round.
The Seahawks draft Alex Smith in the 2nd round.
At least two of these guys are too high. Maybe all three.

But you never know. Your projections are no more or less accurate than Mil Kiper's. No one knows until it happens.

I really hope that Brown comment was a joke.



I've read a few articles that have said that Brown may be let go after the season despite being a cornerstone of the franchise for the last 5 years. Brown apparently had some very reachable receiving incentives this season which he obviously didn't attain because he put the team first. So he's holding out hope that the team rewards him in the offseason.

First article/blip I could find:

"The Patriots are changing. Drastically. Offensive coordinator Charlie Weis is leaving at the end of the year. Defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel may go, as well. The best cornerback they ever had, Ty Law, may not be back next season, and Troy Brown -- the player who has embodied what this franchise has been about since Bill Belichick came to town -- is near the end, too. "
-- Providence Journal

I've read a few articles that have said that Brown may be let go after the season despite being a cornerstone of the franchise for the last 5 years.Yes, a cornerstone. At WIDE RECEIVER.

OT D'brickshaw Ferguson and DE Matthias Kiwanuka are opting out of this draft. Apparently Alex Smith is regarded higher than I had initially thought.

Some quotes from Scouts Inc.'s Todd McShay about the upcoming draft:

------------
Scott (Rochester, NY): Todd, Is it too much of a reach for the Bears to pick Braylon Edwards at #4?

Todd McShay: (3:09 PM ET ) Not at all. I'm not sure after spending first round money on David Terrell that the organization will be exciting about drafting another Mich. WR that high... However, I think he's the best WR in this class and there isn't a lot of value that high in the draft at other positions of need for the Bears -- such as OL and DB.

Todd McShay: (3:10 PM ET ) I think everyone just automatically assumes that Mike WIlliams is the best WR in this year's class but don't be surprised if Edwards comes off the board first. He's nearly as tall, doesn't have weight concerns, is coming off a monster senior season (compared to Williams, who sat out the year) and he is significantly faster.
----------------

nick (portland): Dallas has the 11th pick in the draft. Do you see them in any way getting Derrick Johnson that late? If not, who do you think might fall there? Thanks!

Todd McShay: (3:19 PM ET ) Also, I'd be surprised if the Cowboys didn't go after a cornerback with that pick (No. 11). This class is loaded with cornerback talent, including Rolle, Pac Man Jones, Brandon Browner, Carlos Rogers, Corey Webster, Justin Miller, Eric Green, Marlin Jackson and Bryant McFadden. In any given year you could make a case for all of those prospects as first round talents.
---------------------

brian (princeton): todd, your pick: leinart or rodgers? why?

Todd McShay: (3:52 PM ET ) Rodgers. I know Leinart is much taller and he has everything you look for in terms of intangibles, but this isn't a Manning-Leaf deal. Rodgers is only 6-1 but there have been plenty of successful QB's at that height in the NFL. He is a much better athlete than Leinart, which will show up much more on the NFL level. Rodgers has the stronger arm and will be able to make more throws in the league. And it's not like Rodgers is a bad guy or was a loser at the collegiate level. He did more with less at Cal than Leinart did at USC.
---------------------

Mike (Baltimore): Who do you think could fall to the Ravens at 22, who should they target?

Todd McShay: (3:54 PM ET ) They have got to find a playmaker at WR. They tried with T.O. and they had their hands cuffed without a first round pick last year. I think if Troy Williamson is around when it gets close to the Ravens pick, they should trade up in order to secure him. He has great size, was tremendously productive in a predominantly run-oriented offense at South Carolina, and he might be the fastest of the top WR's in this class. If Edwards, Williams and WIlliamson are gone, Oklahoma's Mark Clayton is probably going to be the next best option.

Ahmad Brooks made it official that he's going back to Virginia next season

Marcus McNeil is going back as well ... next year will be a hell of a draft

Houston needs a #2 WR and S before they need a DT.

I really hope we dont take a WR #1.I am NEVER a fan of WRs going early unless they are cant miss players like Moss, Roy Williams and AJ. I'm hoping Davis from Georgia drops. He's the only safety I'd take off the board in round 1. If Davis is gone, I'd be happy with Wright.

It'd be in my dreams if they would trade up to get Derrick Johnson to get rid of Kailee Wong...

A Cornerback will not be selected 1st overall. Matt Leinart will go 1st overall if he declares.

Chicago needs a WR, so does Tampa, so when it comes to Oakland picking there out of like as both Williams and Edwards will be gone. Rams should trade up and take Ferguson.

A Cornerback will not be selected 1st overall. Matt Leinart will go 1st overall if he declares.

Who said anything about a CB going #1?

A Cornerback will not be selected 1st overall. Matt Leinart will go 1st overall if he declares.

Says who? Leinart isn't even viewed by everyone as the best quarterback in the draft, and most of the teams that would most likely try to trade up for the #1 pick other than the Dolphins don't have QB as their big need right now.

A Cornerback will not be selected 1st overall. Matt Leinart will go 1st overall if he declares.

Chicago needs a WR, so does Tampa, so when it comes to Oakland picking there out of like as both Williams and Edwards will be gone. Rams should trade up and take Ferguson.

Pac Man Jones will go in 1st round

Tamps won't need a WR because Jerry Porter will sign there for sure

Todd McShay: (3:09 PM ET ) Not at all. I'm not sure after spending first round money on David Terrell that the organization will be exciting about drafting another Mich. WR that high... However, I think he's the best WR in this class and there isn't a lot of value that high in the draft at other positions of need for the Bears -- such as OL and DB.

Todd McShay: (3:10 PM ET ) I think everyone just automatically assumes that Mike WIlliams is the best WR in this year's class but don't be surprised if Edwards comes off the board first. He's nearly as tall, doesn't have weight concerns, is coming off a monster senior season (compared to Williams, who sat out the year) and he is significantly faster.

I wouldn't be surprised if someone tradesup to select Edwards in the top ten, and I'm also not surprised its taken this long for someone to question Mike Williams' skills after sitting out the year.

Rod Wright from Texas and DeAngelo Williams from Memphis announced they are going back to school ... still waiting for Leinhart, his decisions should come at 5:30 eastern time

little preview of Derrick Johnson

http://mackbrown-texasfootball.com/pages/videoclips/2004_05/111104_johnson.html

Rod Wright from Texas and DeAngelo Williams from Memphis announced they are going back to school ... still waiting for Leinhart, his decisions should come at 5:30 eastern time

This draft gets weaker and weaker by the day.

This draft gets weaker and weaker by the day.

as long as Johnson is there for the Bucs I'll be happy :D

But yeah passed the 10th pick it will be very weak. There are guys who are expected to go in the 3rd or 4th round who could go in the 1st like Shazor and some others.

little preview of Derrick Johnson

http://mackbrown-texasfootball.com/pages/videoclips/2004_05/111104_johnson.html

LOVES to go after the knees...

LOVES to go after the knees...

his ninja move to strip the ball is cool too :bow:

Leinart stays.........I actually like his decision. College life sure is fun.

I'd have a tough time passing up another year of USC groupies too.

No way Dan Cody lasts all the way to the Broncos. He will picked in the top-20. We will likely draft Hawthorne.

brian (princeton): todd, your pick: leinart or rodgers? why?

Todd McShay: (3:52 PM ET ) Rodgers. I know Leinart is much taller and he has everything you look for in terms of intangibles, but this isn't a Manning-Leaf deal. Rodgers is only 6-1 but there have been plenty of successful QB's at that height in the NFL. He is a much better athlete than Leinart, which will show up much more on the NFL level. Rodgers has the stronger arm and will be able to make more throws in the league. And it's not like Rodgers is a bad guy or was a loser at the collegiate level. He did more with less at Cal than Leinart did at USC.
---------------------

He clearly had less at Cal than Leinart had at USC, but how can you do "more" than winning the Heisman and a national championship?

He clearly had less at Cal than Leinart had at USC, but how can you do "more" than winning the Heisman and a national championship?

and by no means a stronger arm will garantee you to be better. If you like QBs like Boller, Carr and other guys who can throw the ball 60 yards away on their knees then Rodgers is your guy but I'm not his biggest fan. I'd rather draft Smith or Walter in this draft.

Anyway the Jets could get Justin Tuck in the 2nd or 3rd round. 13.5 sacks in his junior year is pretty scary. Is 6`5 255 and ran the 40 in 4.56 seconds......Peppers only ran that in 4.76.

I have been reading alot of mock drafts and here are the names I gathered. I was wondering who you feel has the most potential. I don't really cover NFL prospects all that well untill they are drafted.

Marlin Jackson - CB
Carlos Rogers - CB
Adam Jones - CB
Justin Miller - CB
Marcus Spears - DE
David Pollack - DE
Justin Tuck - DE
Heath Miller - TE (I like what I hear about him)
Donte Nicholson - S (would be nice with Coleman)

I have been reading alot of mock drafts and here are the names I gathered. I was wondering who you feel has the most potential. I don't really cover NFL prospects all that well untill they are drafted.

Marlin Jackson - CB
Carlos Rogers - CB
Adam Jones - CB
Justin Miller - CB
Marcus Spears - DE
David Pollack - DE
Justin Tuck - DE
Heath Miller - TE (I like what I hear about him)
Donte Nicholson - S (would be nice with Coleman)

Of that list, Jackson has the most potential. As long as he's playing CB, I feel he will be the best from the list. I still. really. dont. see Pollack staying at DE. OLB looks best. Heath Miller, to me isnt a first round tight end.Early to mid 2nd round seems good.

Does anyone else realize how inconsistent the draft is at http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/sub/mockdraft.html ?? Until TODAY they had Alex Smith going 42nd now all of a sudden he's 3rd. I know Leinart's withdrawl is big for Smith, but 39 spots big?

I wouldn't be surprised if Smith does a Philip Rivers type jump going from round 2 in January to atleast top 10 at the draft.

I wouldn't be surprised if Smith does a Philip Rivers type jump going from round 2 in January to atleast top 10 at the draft.

Alot of people are high on Smith.I'm not one of them.Perhaps Utah's unconventional offense turned me off, but I havent seen him make enough money throws to say I like him.

I am very high on Dan Orlovsky though. He probably wont be picked til maybe the 3rd or later, but I think hes got an arm.

Of that list, Jackson has the most potential. As long as he's playing CB, I feel he will be the best from the list. I still. really. dont. see Pollack staying at DE. OLB looks best. Heath Miller, to me isnt a first round tight end.Early to mid 2nd round seems good.
Very good.....If the Jets could get Miller in the second round that would solve one of the Jets offensive problems rigt away. The second would be to can our Offensive Coor.

If we could get a CB/S and a DE in the first round (if we get a 1st round pick for Abraham) I think we would be a pretty high end contender next year.

Very good.....If the Jets could get Miller in the second round that would solve one of the Jets offensive problems rigt away. The second would be to can our Offensive Coor.

If we could get a CB/S and a DE in the first round (if we get a 1st round pick for Abraham) I think we would be a pretty high end contender next year.

I'm just going on my personal opinion of Miller. TO ME, he isnt a first round pick, however to alot of experts he is.The only thing I like about him is his hands. His overall package isnt that great to me.

I'm just going on my personal opinion of Miller. TO ME, he isnt a first round pick, however to alot of experts he is.The only thing I like about him is his hands. His overall package isnt that great to me.
I agree...his speed and blocking are below average but he has size and can hold onto the ball. His presence on the offense should help Moss, McCareins, Chrebet (maybe) and Cotchery next season. I expect with a new offensive coordinater that we will see more agressive offensive skeme. He won't be able to block as well as Becht but I guess that is the risk we must take.

The Pats will probably either draft a CB or an OL in the first round, depending on what is available.

I would suggest probably a DB.

Looking at Belichick's history in NE he really hasn't drafted OL in the first round. Otehr than Matt Light (2nd round) the only other highly picked OL I can remember with Belichick was Adrian Klemm and that experiment didn't work out very well.

I would suggest probably a DB.

Looking at Belichick's history in NE he really hasn't drafted OL in the first round. Otehr than Matt Light (2nd round) the only other highly picked OL I can remember with Belichick was Adrian Klemm and that experiment didn't work out very well.
If I were the pats I would work on the offensive line....they must be getting old by now.

Very good.....If the Jets could get Miller in the second round that would solve one of the Jets offensive problems rigt away. The second would be to can our Offensive Coor.

If we could get a CB/S and a DE in the first round (if we get a 1st round pick for Abraham) I think we would be a pretty high end contender next year.


I dont think Miller would slip past the Lions in the 2nd round of he's there. Lions still have a huge need at TE. But like everything else everything depends on free agency.

If I were the pats I would work on the offensive line....they must be getting old by now.

Actually the line is younger than most people think.

Matt Light T - 4th year
Brandron Gorin T - 3rd year
Stephan Neal G - 3rd year
Joe Andruzzi - 8th year
Dan Koppen - 2nd year

Back-ups
Russ Hochstein - 4th year
Gene Mruczkowski - 2nd year

They certainly need to add depth at this position IMO, but as I said earlier it hasn't been Belichick's MO to draft OL in round 1. Since Belichick took over in 2000, they've only drafted two OL (Klemm in '00 and Light in '01) before round #4. Of couse, additions or subtractions via Free Agency could easily change all this.

Mel Kiper has Alex Smith going #1 to the Niners.........wowsa