Version 3.8
1. New York Giants - QB Eli Manning, Mississippi, 6-4 221
This takes into consideration th recent developments that Eli Manning and family does
not want to be drafted by San Diego. The Giants want Eli and have discussed trade
possibilities with the Chargers. They should just make it happen.
Options: Without a move, N.Y. could still get Manning at the four spot.
If he's not available, the G-Men do like OT Robert Gallery.
2. Oakland Raiders - WR Roy Williams, Texas, 6-3 208
The combined age of starting receivers Jerry Rice and Tim Brown is 79. Jerry Porter is
almost ready to take one of the starting spots. Williams would be the other.
Options: RT Lincoln Kennedy is retiring from a line that allowed 43
sacks. OT Robert Gallery wouldn't be out of the question.
3. Arizona Cardinals - WR Larry Fitzgerald, Pittsburgh, 6-3 218
New Cardinals head coach Danny Green doesn't believe in selecting by need in the first
round but by best talent available. He was successful doing so during his time with
Minnesota. Following this mantra, Green takes Fitzgerald, passing on a quarterback the
Cards look in much need of.
Options: If Green doesn't have the last say, QB Roethlisberger could be
selected or the abysmal defense will get much needed help by adding S Sean Taylor to the
roster.
4. San Diego Chargers - QB Phillip Rivers, North Carolina State, 6-5 229
If general manager A.J. Smith isn't stubborn, he makes the trade he can get a great
consolation prize in Rivers.
Options: Rumor has it Smith wants to see who blinks first and told the
Giants he will keep the pick and select Manning. It's Smith's first draft and wants to
make a statement.
5. Washington Redskins - OT Robert Gallery, Iowa, 6-7 320
They would be floored if Gallery fell to this pick. He would bookend the O-line with
Chris Samuels at the other tackle position.
Options: S Sean Taylor has the potential to be an impact player and he'd
fill a need for the Redskins.
6. Detroit Lions - S Sean Taylor, University of Miami (FL), 6-3 220
Quality running backs can be found in later rounds. A player or Taylor's abilities are
rare. The Lions' defense is in need of help anywhere so they start in the secondary.
Options: Or they could go by need and take RB Stephen Jackson. Or go for
a different Hurricane in TE Kellen Winslow Jr.
7. Cleveland Browns - TE Kellen Winslow Jr., University of Miami (FL), 6-4 251
There never was a shortage of quality wide outs in Cleveland. By adding Winslow, it
will be a move away from the H-back formations employed by head coach Butch Davis and a
traditional TE. When bringing in a tight end of Winslow's ability, why wouldn't you want
to utilize him more in the passing game?
Options: It's hard ignoring a sorry defense. Elite pass rushers are hard
to find, making this a tough decision if DE Kenechi Udeze is available. Would the
organization consider QB Ben Roethlisberger as a student for Jeff Garcia?
8. Atlanta Falcons - DT Tommie Harris, Oklahoma, 6-3 288
This defense is converting from the 3-4 to a 4-3 and needs linemen to fill out the
roster. DT Rod Coleman was added during free agency but he won't be enough for depth along
the line.
Options: DT Rod Coleman was signed as a free agent, reducing the need of
DT Harris. The pass rush could use a boost and DE Udeze could produce that.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars - DE Kenechi Udeze, Southern California, 6-3 277
The 'Ville is building a dominant defensive line starting with defensive tackles Marcus
Stroud and John Henderson holding down the middle. Hugh Douglas was a major disappointment
and time is not on his side. Udeze is the next brick in building the D-line.
Options: Another aging player is WR Jimmy Smith. Fortunately they added
Kevin Johnson but a more explosive wide out is needed. That could be WR Mike Williams.
10. Houston Texans - CB DeAngelo Hall, Virginia Tech 5-11 200
Head coach Dom Capers, a former defensive coordinator, hasn't focused on the defense as
Houston's offense came first. Now it's the defense's turn. They were shredded by opposing
quarterbacks and must shore up a hole-y secondary.
Options: It would be tough to pass up DT Vince Wilfork because he fits
into a 3-4 defense as a NT. Not many college DTs do. But the signing of free agent DT
Robaire Smith influnces this decision.
11. Pittsburgh Steelers - QB Ben Roethlisberger, Miami (OH), 6-5 241
Quarterback Tommy Maddox is not getting younger. There's a lot of mileage on that arm,
literally. He's been through NFL Europe and even the XFL before having a great year for
the Steelers. But last year he came back to earth. Even with another solid season, the man
is ancient and his replacement needs to be found.
Options: Also aging in the backfield is RB Jerome Bettis. They signed RB
Duce Staley as his back-up but he's 30. RB Kevin Jones isn't a Steelers-kind-of-back but
his talent would be hard to pass up. CB Chris Gamble is also a possibility.
12. New York Jets - CB Dunta Robinson, South Carolina, 5-10 186
The Jets signed proven LB Eric Barton away from Oakland. He joins Victor Hobson,
elevated from back-up, to form the new LB trio. They added a CB but who is David Barrett?
He'll compete with Robinson for the right to start opposite Donnie Abraham.
Options: One of the two Miami Hurricane LBs, either Jonathan Vilma or
D.J. Williams, would be tempting for depth. N.Y. wants to switch between 4-3 to 3-4
depending upon situations and could use another LB to pull it off.
13. Buffalo Bills - TE Kellen Winslow Jr., University of Miami (FL), 6-4 251
QB Drew Bledsoe was at his best when he had TE Ben Coates to throw to. The Buffalo
coaches try to give Bledsoe the security blanket he lacked for the last few years.
Options: Yeah the offense is getting away from stretching the field to a
rhythmn passing game, they still need a quality WR opposite Eric Moulds WR Reggie Williams
could still be available. They could be interested in DE Will Smith as well.
14. Chicago Bears - DT Vince Wilfork, University of Miami (FL), 6-2 344
Three years ago, the DT positions were manned by Ted Washington and Keith Traylor as
the Bears reached the playoffs. Washington was traded to New England last year and Traylor
followed those footsteps as a free agent this year. Wilfork would have big shoes to fill
but should do so.
Options: Now DE Phillip Daniels is no longer a Bear, DE Will Smith
wouldn't be a bad choice. LBs Vilma or Williams get consideration with the departure of LB
Warrick Holdman.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - WR Reggie Williams, University of Washington, 6-4 220
Considering the Bucs signed half the league in free ageny, it's hard to imagine any
holes. Williams is a big receiver that head coach Jon Gruden likes. It's a logical choice
if WR Joey Galloway doesn't work out as hoped.
Options: Threre's a little uncertainty when dealing with DT Darrell
Russell. DT Randy Starks would be insurance if Russell doesn't work out.
16. San Francisco 49ers - WR Michael Clayton, Louisiana State, 6-3 185
Clayton is falling in the eyes of some scouts and coaches. It would be a similar
situation to when the Niners drafted WR Jerry Rice. San Fran hopes lighting strikes twice.
Options: TE Troupe is athletic enough to be like a WR-type threat when
single-covered. His ability might be more valuable than any remaining wide out. DT Starks
would get consideration since DT Travis Kirschke is gone and DT Bryant Young is a
graybeard.
17. Denver Broncos - RB Stephen Jackson, Oregon State, 6-1 227
Considering the success of the various RBs that were productive in the Denver offense,
it wasn't that tough to jettison Clinton Portis. One of the top RBs would had satisfied
head coach Mike Shanahan. But getting the top one would be out of this world.
Options: An OLB is still a possibility. Either Vilma or Williams would
work.
18. New Orleans Saints - LB D.J. Williams, University of Miami (FL), 6-1 245
With the exception of LB Cie Grant, the LB corps in N'Orleans is, ahem,
"mature." An injection of youth and speed would be a big help on defense
Options: The secondary could use some help. Either CB Chris Gamble could
be around but he might need a little development time. CB Will Poole could be a big
contributor quicker than Gamble, but Gamble has more ability and upside.
19. Minnesota Vikings - DE Will Smith, Ohio State, 6-3 265
Smith would be the second year in a row that the Vikes selected a defensive lineman
with their first round pick. Kevin Williams would move to tackle full-time with the
addition of Smith. If this young D-line can be kept together, it could be the return of
the Purple People Eaters.
Options: The Vikes could take either CB, Gamble or Poole and pair one of
them with Antoine Winfield for a fierce secondary. LB Vilma gets consideration because he
could be better than OLB Nick Rogers.
20. Miami Dolphins - LB Jonathan Vilma, University of Miami (FL), 6-0 228
This pick works possibly in two ways. Vilma could supplant Morlon Greenwood in training
camp or back-up either Zach Thomas or Junior Seau and become an eventual starter. Either
way, the 'Fins wouldn't lose.
Options: If the other Hurricane is available, LB Williams, he could go
here. Or the Dolphins could draft for depth and take DT Randy Starks.
21. New England Patriots - LB Karlos Dansby, Auburn, 6-3 231
With the running back situation settled, head coach Bill Belichick can turn his
attention to adding youth to his LBs. Roman Phifer is contemplating retirement. Belichick
likes big LBs and Dansby is what Belichick invisions.
Options: The O-line took a hit in free agency. C is in good hands with
Dan Koppen but a G is needed. That could be Vernon Carey.
22. Dallas Cowboys - RB Kevin Jones, Virginia Tech, 6-0 211
RB Troy Hambrick didn't get the job done to head coach Bill Parcells' liking. Though
not a grinder or a between the tackles runner, Parcells will learn how to best use Jones.
Options: It could be the end of G Larry Allen with the Cowboys. OT Shawn
Andrews could be taken and asked to make the move inside. There could be interested in a
hole-plugging DT as well. They could take a flier on DT Starks.
23. Seattle Seahawks - DT Randy Starks, Maryland, 6-4 299
There's a soft spot in the middle of the defense that Starks would be perfect for. The
D-line is aging and is need of a injection of youth.
Options: They could afford to groom CB Gamble now that they signed CB
Bobby Taylor. Word is contract talks with LT Walter Jones aren't going well. They coul
draft OT Shawn Andrews and move RT Chris Terry to the left.
24. Cincinnati Bengals - CB Chris Gamble, Ohio State, 6-2 180
Call it a work study if Gamble goes to Cincy. He'll primarily see time as the third
corner but with a long term projection to start wheb Tory James moves on.
Options: If they want to reach for a need, Cincy could take DE Antwan
Odom or DT Donnell Washington.
25. Green Bay Packers - DE Antwan Odom, Alabama, 6-4 278
The idea is for Odom to join KGB to capture unsuspecting quarterbacks. Kabeer
Gbaja-Biamila can't rush the passer alone and would welcome someone to take some attention
away.
Options: The run defense could use some upgrading. DT Marcus Tubbs is an
intriguing risk as is DT Washington.
26. St. Louis Rams - CB Will Poole, Southern California, 5-11 191
Simple explanation: Remember how reserve safety Jason Seahorn was unable to make the
game-saving tackle against Carolina in the NFC Divisional playoffs? Head coach Mike Martz
does. Poole improves the secondary depth, if not winning a starting spot.
Options: Focusing on need, they could reach for DE Marquise Hill or
stress on stopping the run with DT Tubbs or Washington. But Martz loves offense and would
be tempted by TE Ben Troupe and WR Lee Evans.
27. Tennessee Titans - OT Shawn Andrews, Arkansas, 6-4 366
This is insurance if either RT Fred Miller or LT Brad Hopkins can't be retained for
salary cap reasons. Andrews is perfect fit for Tennessee as they try to improve the
efficiency of the ground game.
Options: Deciding not to re-sign DE Jevon Kearse means Carlos Hall
becomes the starter with questionable depth behind him. DE Hill wouldn't be out of the
question. Nor would DT Washington or Tubbs after losing DT Robaire Smith
28. Philadelphia Eagles - WR Lee Evans, Wisconsin, 5-10 196
Trading WR James Thrash opened the position for Terrell Owens but Thrash wasn't the
only disappointment. Evans adds a vertical threat and hopefully more consistent hands to
the offensive arsenal.
Options: It could be as close to a 50/50 chance the Eagles go for CB
Derrick Strait over Evans because depth is hurting at the CB position. Both starters from
last year (Bobby Taylor and Troy Vincent) were allowed to leave.
29. Indianapolis Colts - LB Daryl Smith, Georgia Tech, 6-2 234
Head coach Tony Dungy likes productive college players regardless what scouts say.
Smith fits that mold. He would allow current MLB Rob Morris to move outside.
Options: The defense lacks a run-stuffing DT. Washington or Tubbs has the
bulk the Indy D-line lacks.
30. Kansas City Chiefs - CB Derrick Strait, Oklahoma, 5-10 190
Don't be fooled by the 25 interceptions. This secondary gave up 5,707 yards and it's
more than a function of opponents playing catch-up. Strait is much-needed help.
Options: The best defender available, preferably a D-lineman like DT
Washington, DT Tubbs, or DE Hill.
31. Carolina Panthers - TE Ben Troupe, Florida, 6-5 253
Forget needs. They got to the Super Bowl with minimal contribution from the TE
position. Adding a threat like Troupe only makes the team more offensively potent.
Options: The Panthers are down two CBs, Terry Cousin and Reggie Howard,
and two Gs, Jeno James and Kevin Donnaley. G Vernon Carey or CB Ricardo Colclough will get
looks.
32. New England Patriots - G Vernon Carey, University of Miami (FL), 6-3 345
G Mike Compton signed on with another team. And while you gotta love the grit of G Joe
Andruzzi, he's seemingly always playing hurt. The departure of C/G Damien Woody plays a
factor in this selection as well.
Options: Sure they found a replacement for DT Ted Washington in Keith
Traylor, but like Washington, Traylor is nearing the end of his career. DT Washington or
Tubbs could get consideration.
51. Baltimore Ravens
Since Owens screwed them over, a WR is on their shopping list, especially since Marcus Robinson left as a free agent.
QB Phillip Rivers, N.C. State - He produced big numbers and came big in big moments. What stands out about him is his ability to create when the play breaks down. Remenicent of Brett Favre, no joke.
RB Greg Jones, Florida State - A nimble bull in pads. Played on a knee recovering from an torn ACL and a player usually needs a full year to recover from it. By mid-season, he could be a beast.
RB Julius Jones, Notre Dame - Could be better than his pro brother, Chicago RB Thomas Jones. Great speed and balance. He's strong for a player his size and can break tackles.
WR Darius Watts, Marshall - Playmaker with soft hands, height and speed. Is on the light side, but a year in the right training program, he'll add size without sacrificing speed and become a starter.