Eagle6Man
03-09-2006, 11:35 PM
MOCK DRAFT: Round 1
Pick Team Player Pos. School Previous Rising/Falling High/Low
1. Texans Reggie Bush RB Southern California 1st SAME 1st / 1st
Conspiracy theorists look elsewhere. Reggie Bush is the first pick of the draft. The only question is whether Houston takes him or trades down to acquire more picks.
2. Saints Matt Leinart QB Southern California 2nd SAME 2nd / 2nd
Leinart lacks the upside of Vince Young or Jay Cutler, but is the perfect fit for a team needing an infusion of leadership and consistency.
3. Titans Vince Young QB Texas 3rd SAME 3rd / 3rd
Steve McNair was impressed by Young, then a sophomore in high school, at his passing camp. He has been a fan ever since and would welcome the mentor role.
4. Jets Jay Cutler QB Vanderbilt 9th (+5) 4th / 9th
Cutler has the rare combination of arm strength, toughness and composure to survive playing quarterback for the Jets. While other selections certainly make sense, the tenuous health of Chad Pennington could force the Jets' hand.
5. Packers Mario Williams DE North Carolina State 5th SAME 5th / 5th
Williams entered the Combine as a virtual lock for the top seven, and his stock continues to rise after measuring in at 6-feet-7, 295 pounds and running in the low 4.7s there. The way teams are warming to him, the junior might not make it to Green Bay by the time April comes along.
6. 49ers D'Brickashaw Ferguson OT Virginia 4th (-2) 4th / 6th
The 49ers' future, for better or worse, is tied to young quarterback Alex Smith. The club will look to bolster both its offensive line and the skill positions in an effort to help him. The 49ers would likely jump at the chance to add a pass blocker of this caliber with the sixth pick.
7. Raiders A.J. Hawk OLB Ohio State 7th SAME 7th / 7th
If Art Shell wants to return this club to the Raiders of old, he'll have to acquire some impact defenders. Hawk, everybody's All-American, would be a great start.
8. Bills Brodrick Bunkley DT Florida State 10th (+2) 8th / 10th
Bunkley's record-breaking senior season and stellar postseason has some ranking him above Oregon's Haloti Ngata as the draft's top defensive tackle. With Sam Adams gone, the Bills could use Bunkley's burst off the snap in new defensive coordinator Perry Fewell's scheme.
9. Lions Michael Huff DB Texas 11th (+2) 9th / 11th
Three of the Lions' better players, Roy Williams, Shaun Rogers and Cory Redding, are ex-Longhorns. See a pattern developing? Huff's versatility will likely make him the first defensive back selected.
10. Cardinals Vernon Davis TE Maryland 6th (-4) 6th / 10th
There are positions of greater need, but can you imagine the explosiveness of Denny Green's offense with a tight end of Vernon Davis' athleticism (4.38 40)? So can Green.
11. Rams Jimmy Williams CB Virginia Tech 15th (+4) 11th / 15th
For the Rams to move back into serious contention in the NFC West, they must address their defensive backfield woes. Williams might wind up as a safety, but he is the most gifted defensive back in the draft and if he plays up to his potential, he would be a steal here.
12. Browns
Haloti Ngata DT Oregon 8th (-4) 8th / 12th
Though undoubtedly one of the draft's most dominant prospects, the perception is Ngata doesn't provide top effort on every snap, and thus he could easily slip. If so, the Browns would be wise to snatch Ngata, who could provide Romeo Crennel with the prototype nose guard his scheme requires.
13. Ravens LenDale White RB Southern California 13th SAME 13th / 13th
Ozzie Newsome's ability to consistently find stars in the first round could lead him to White. Had the former Southern Cal star been the focus of the Trojans' offense, he could have been considered a top five choice.
14. Eagles Santonio Holmes WR Ohio State 14th SAME 14th / 14th
The Eagles would like to address their wide receiver woes via free agency, but a weak veteran crop could force Andy Reid to search for a diamond in the draft. Holmes is expected to run well on his pro day and re-establish himself as the elite receiver prospect in this draft, but fellow junior Chad Jackson is closing in.
15. Falcons Tye Hill CB Clemson 19th (+4) 15th / 19th
With the pressure created by an athletic front seven, the Falcons' defensive back play should be better. Hill's 4.3 speed and man-to-man agility opposite an emerging superstar in DeAngelo Hall could provide a significant boost to the Falcons' defensive rating in 2006.
16. Dolphins Winston Justice OT Southern California 16th SAME 16th / 16th
The Dolphins haven't had a left tackle with Justice's athleticism since Richmond Webb. Justice's off-field concerns could scare off some teams, but Nick Saban has shown a willingness to take a chance on talented players.
17. Vikings Laurence Maroney RB Minnesota 17th SAME 17th / 17th
Maroney would help the team on the field, but perhaps just as important, the local star would help repair the public relations nightmares of the 2005 season.
18. Cowboys Kamerion Wimbley OLB Florida State 18th SAME 18th / 18th
The Cowboys' window of opportunity to win under Bill Parcells is closing quickly. While a wide receiver or offensive lineman would also make sense, Wimbley is the most likely player left on the board to make an immediate impact. The undersized defensive end might be the best pure pass rusher from Florida State since Peter Boulware.
19. Chargers Chad Jackson WR Florida 29th (+10) 19th / 29th
It remains to be seen how high Jackson can rise after his stunning Combine performance, but if the Chargers are planning to start Philip Rivers in 2006, as it now appears, he'll need some outside weapons to be successful.
20. Chiefs
(from Bills) Ashton Youboty CB Ohio State 20th SAME 20th / 20th
With Eric Warfield and Dexter McCleon released last week, the team's need for cornerbacks is potentially even higher than last year. Youboty has rare size (6-2) and speed (4.3), and could ultimately challenge to be the first at the position selected.
21. Patriots DeAngelo Williams RB Memphis 21st SAME 21st / 21st
The overriding theme of the Patriots' dynasty has been the versatility of their players. Williams is the NCAA's career leader in all-purpose yardage (7,553 yards), and would provide the team with a multiple threat to groom behind Corey Dillon.
22. Broncos
(from Redskins) Tamba Hali DE Penn State 22nd SAME 22nd / 22nd
The Broncos are expected to use at least one first-day pick on a defensive lineman. If Hali, the Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year, is available, Denver would consider him strongly.
23. Buccaneers Ernie Sims OLB Florida State 23rd SAME 23rd / 23rd
Often compared to former Seminole Derrick Brooks, Sims could be selected with the intent to ultimately replace him.
24. Bengals Donte Whitner SS Ohio State NR (NR) 24th / NR
Safety remains the biggest need for the Bengals and Whitner's stock has skyrocketed since he declared himself eligible for the draft. Often compared to Mike Doss, but more athletic, Whitner is one of the few pure safeties earning first-round grades from teams.
25. Giants Chad Greenway OLB Iowa 12th (-13) 12th / 25th
The athletic and instinctive Greenway could tumble a bit down the board as his 16 reps of 225 pounds at the combine didn't alleviate concerns about his playing strength. The Giants would love an outside linebacker of this caliber falling into their lap.
26. Bears Marcedes Lewis TE UCLA 26th SAME 26th / 26th
Lewis ultimately could be considered a bit of a reach here, but the Bears might envision him as having the same affect Heath Miller had on Pittsburgh's young quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger, and be the final piece to the Super Bowl puzzle.
27. Panthers DeMeco Ryans OLB Alabama 31st (+4) 27th / 31st
This becomes an area of need if emerging star Will Witherspoon departs in free agency. Ryans, also very athletic, could help fill the void if needed in 2006.
28. Jaguars Kelly Jennings CB Miami 24th (-4) 24th / 28th
Most teams are looking for bigger, stronger cornerbacks than this 5-11, 171-pounder, but the former Hurricane is drawing comparisons to Darrell Green and Aaron Glenn for his agility in man-to-man coverage.
29. Broncos Jason Allen FS Tennessee NR (NR) 29th / NR
With an extra first-round pick, the Broncos have the flexibility to gamble on greatness. Allen was graded as a possible top ten pick before dislocating his hip. With no games played since the injury, scouts were concerned about his health. That was, until he ran a 4.39 and had the best Combine workout no one seems to be talking about.
30. Colts Johnathan Joseph CB South Carolina 28th (-2) 28th / 30th
Clearly the possibility exists that the Colts will be selecting a running back here to replace free agent Edgerrin James, but if a cornerback with the athleticism and upside of Joseph were to be available, they might have to re-think their plans. Joseph would allow the Colts to move 2005 first rounder Marlin Jackson to free safety, his more natural position in the NFL.
31. Seahawks Mathias Kiwanuka DE Boston College NR (NR) 31st / NR
Kiwanuka is not the guaranteed first rounder that his hype indicates, but does have rare size and speed for the position. With two established starters in Grant Wistrom and Bryce Fisher at end already, the Seahawks could afford to use Kiwanuka strictly as a third down pass rush specialist.
32. Steelers Sinorice Moss WR Miami 32nd SAME 32nd / 32nd
If the Steelers are confident Moss could play with the same explosiveness in cold Pittsburgh that he showed at Miami, the diminutive speedster could give the Steelers flexibility with Antwaan Randle El an unrestricted free agent.
Pick Team Player Pos. School Previous Rising/Falling High/Low
1. Texans Reggie Bush RB Southern California 1st SAME 1st / 1st
Conspiracy theorists look elsewhere. Reggie Bush is the first pick of the draft. The only question is whether Houston takes him or trades down to acquire more picks.
2. Saints Matt Leinart QB Southern California 2nd SAME 2nd / 2nd
Leinart lacks the upside of Vince Young or Jay Cutler, but is the perfect fit for a team needing an infusion of leadership and consistency.
3. Titans Vince Young QB Texas 3rd SAME 3rd / 3rd
Steve McNair was impressed by Young, then a sophomore in high school, at his passing camp. He has been a fan ever since and would welcome the mentor role.
4. Jets Jay Cutler QB Vanderbilt 9th (+5) 4th / 9th
Cutler has the rare combination of arm strength, toughness and composure to survive playing quarterback for the Jets. While other selections certainly make sense, the tenuous health of Chad Pennington could force the Jets' hand.
5. Packers Mario Williams DE North Carolina State 5th SAME 5th / 5th
Williams entered the Combine as a virtual lock for the top seven, and his stock continues to rise after measuring in at 6-feet-7, 295 pounds and running in the low 4.7s there. The way teams are warming to him, the junior might not make it to Green Bay by the time April comes along.
6. 49ers D'Brickashaw Ferguson OT Virginia 4th (-2) 4th / 6th
The 49ers' future, for better or worse, is tied to young quarterback Alex Smith. The club will look to bolster both its offensive line and the skill positions in an effort to help him. The 49ers would likely jump at the chance to add a pass blocker of this caliber with the sixth pick.
7. Raiders A.J. Hawk OLB Ohio State 7th SAME 7th / 7th
If Art Shell wants to return this club to the Raiders of old, he'll have to acquire some impact defenders. Hawk, everybody's All-American, would be a great start.
8. Bills Brodrick Bunkley DT Florida State 10th (+2) 8th / 10th
Bunkley's record-breaking senior season and stellar postseason has some ranking him above Oregon's Haloti Ngata as the draft's top defensive tackle. With Sam Adams gone, the Bills could use Bunkley's burst off the snap in new defensive coordinator Perry Fewell's scheme.
9. Lions Michael Huff DB Texas 11th (+2) 9th / 11th
Three of the Lions' better players, Roy Williams, Shaun Rogers and Cory Redding, are ex-Longhorns. See a pattern developing? Huff's versatility will likely make him the first defensive back selected.
10. Cardinals Vernon Davis TE Maryland 6th (-4) 6th / 10th
There are positions of greater need, but can you imagine the explosiveness of Denny Green's offense with a tight end of Vernon Davis' athleticism (4.38 40)? So can Green.
11. Rams Jimmy Williams CB Virginia Tech 15th (+4) 11th / 15th
For the Rams to move back into serious contention in the NFC West, they must address their defensive backfield woes. Williams might wind up as a safety, but he is the most gifted defensive back in the draft and if he plays up to his potential, he would be a steal here.
12. Browns
Haloti Ngata DT Oregon 8th (-4) 8th / 12th
Though undoubtedly one of the draft's most dominant prospects, the perception is Ngata doesn't provide top effort on every snap, and thus he could easily slip. If so, the Browns would be wise to snatch Ngata, who could provide Romeo Crennel with the prototype nose guard his scheme requires.
13. Ravens LenDale White RB Southern California 13th SAME 13th / 13th
Ozzie Newsome's ability to consistently find stars in the first round could lead him to White. Had the former Southern Cal star been the focus of the Trojans' offense, he could have been considered a top five choice.
14. Eagles Santonio Holmes WR Ohio State 14th SAME 14th / 14th
The Eagles would like to address their wide receiver woes via free agency, but a weak veteran crop could force Andy Reid to search for a diamond in the draft. Holmes is expected to run well on his pro day and re-establish himself as the elite receiver prospect in this draft, but fellow junior Chad Jackson is closing in.
15. Falcons Tye Hill CB Clemson 19th (+4) 15th / 19th
With the pressure created by an athletic front seven, the Falcons' defensive back play should be better. Hill's 4.3 speed and man-to-man agility opposite an emerging superstar in DeAngelo Hall could provide a significant boost to the Falcons' defensive rating in 2006.
16. Dolphins Winston Justice OT Southern California 16th SAME 16th / 16th
The Dolphins haven't had a left tackle with Justice's athleticism since Richmond Webb. Justice's off-field concerns could scare off some teams, but Nick Saban has shown a willingness to take a chance on talented players.
17. Vikings Laurence Maroney RB Minnesota 17th SAME 17th / 17th
Maroney would help the team on the field, but perhaps just as important, the local star would help repair the public relations nightmares of the 2005 season.
18. Cowboys Kamerion Wimbley OLB Florida State 18th SAME 18th / 18th
The Cowboys' window of opportunity to win under Bill Parcells is closing quickly. While a wide receiver or offensive lineman would also make sense, Wimbley is the most likely player left on the board to make an immediate impact. The undersized defensive end might be the best pure pass rusher from Florida State since Peter Boulware.
19. Chargers Chad Jackson WR Florida 29th (+10) 19th / 29th
It remains to be seen how high Jackson can rise after his stunning Combine performance, but if the Chargers are planning to start Philip Rivers in 2006, as it now appears, he'll need some outside weapons to be successful.
20. Chiefs
(from Bills) Ashton Youboty CB Ohio State 20th SAME 20th / 20th
With Eric Warfield and Dexter McCleon released last week, the team's need for cornerbacks is potentially even higher than last year. Youboty has rare size (6-2) and speed (4.3), and could ultimately challenge to be the first at the position selected.
21. Patriots DeAngelo Williams RB Memphis 21st SAME 21st / 21st
The overriding theme of the Patriots' dynasty has been the versatility of their players. Williams is the NCAA's career leader in all-purpose yardage (7,553 yards), and would provide the team with a multiple threat to groom behind Corey Dillon.
22. Broncos
(from Redskins) Tamba Hali DE Penn State 22nd SAME 22nd / 22nd
The Broncos are expected to use at least one first-day pick on a defensive lineman. If Hali, the Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year, is available, Denver would consider him strongly.
23. Buccaneers Ernie Sims OLB Florida State 23rd SAME 23rd / 23rd
Often compared to former Seminole Derrick Brooks, Sims could be selected with the intent to ultimately replace him.
24. Bengals Donte Whitner SS Ohio State NR (NR) 24th / NR
Safety remains the biggest need for the Bengals and Whitner's stock has skyrocketed since he declared himself eligible for the draft. Often compared to Mike Doss, but more athletic, Whitner is one of the few pure safeties earning first-round grades from teams.
25. Giants Chad Greenway OLB Iowa 12th (-13) 12th / 25th
The athletic and instinctive Greenway could tumble a bit down the board as his 16 reps of 225 pounds at the combine didn't alleviate concerns about his playing strength. The Giants would love an outside linebacker of this caliber falling into their lap.
26. Bears Marcedes Lewis TE UCLA 26th SAME 26th / 26th
Lewis ultimately could be considered a bit of a reach here, but the Bears might envision him as having the same affect Heath Miller had on Pittsburgh's young quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger, and be the final piece to the Super Bowl puzzle.
27. Panthers DeMeco Ryans OLB Alabama 31st (+4) 27th / 31st
This becomes an area of need if emerging star Will Witherspoon departs in free agency. Ryans, also very athletic, could help fill the void if needed in 2006.
28. Jaguars Kelly Jennings CB Miami 24th (-4) 24th / 28th
Most teams are looking for bigger, stronger cornerbacks than this 5-11, 171-pounder, but the former Hurricane is drawing comparisons to Darrell Green and Aaron Glenn for his agility in man-to-man coverage.
29. Broncos Jason Allen FS Tennessee NR (NR) 29th / NR
With an extra first-round pick, the Broncos have the flexibility to gamble on greatness. Allen was graded as a possible top ten pick before dislocating his hip. With no games played since the injury, scouts were concerned about his health. That was, until he ran a 4.39 and had the best Combine workout no one seems to be talking about.
30. Colts Johnathan Joseph CB South Carolina 28th (-2) 28th / 30th
Clearly the possibility exists that the Colts will be selecting a running back here to replace free agent Edgerrin James, but if a cornerback with the athleticism and upside of Joseph were to be available, they might have to re-think their plans. Joseph would allow the Colts to move 2005 first rounder Marlin Jackson to free safety, his more natural position in the NFL.
31. Seahawks Mathias Kiwanuka DE Boston College NR (NR) 31st / NR
Kiwanuka is not the guaranteed first rounder that his hype indicates, but does have rare size and speed for the position. With two established starters in Grant Wistrom and Bryce Fisher at end already, the Seahawks could afford to use Kiwanuka strictly as a third down pass rush specialist.
32. Steelers Sinorice Moss WR Miami 32nd SAME 32nd / 32nd
If the Steelers are confident Moss could play with the same explosiveness in cold Pittsburgh that he showed at Miami, the diminutive speedster could give the Steelers flexibility with Antwaan Randle El an unrestricted free agent.