This mock should make some happy campers

[Mr. Laz]

FIRST ROUND DRAFT PROJECTION

Posted March 12, 2005

1.San Francisco 49'ers
AARON ROGERS QB 6'2" 225 #4.8 California

COMMENTS: The 49'ers have their choice of the two franchise quarterbacks in this draft and will likely select the local favorite. Rogers is a much better prospect than Kyle Boller and may be expected to start as a rookie.

2.Miami Dolphins
CEDRIC BENSON
HB 5'10"220# 4.5 Texas

COMMENTS: Benson is a proven back that has shown the ability to carry an offense. Everyone has fallen in love with Ronnie Brown and his 4.4 at the combine, but he is still the third back on our draft board behind Benson and Williams.

3.Cleveland Browns
ALEX SMITH QB 6'4" 215# 4.7 Utah

COMMENTS: Smith will have a chance to learn behind Trent Dilfer as a rookie and take over as the team's starting quarterback in 2006. Texas OLB Derrick Johnson is a player to keep an eye on in the Top-5.

4.Chicago Bears
DERRICK JOHNSON OLB 6'3" 240# 4.6 Texas

COMMENTS: Although Braylon Edwards will be tempting, the linebacker trio of Brian Urlacher, Lance Briggs, and Johnson would be as good as any in the league. Keep in mind, the recent history of Wolverine receivers has not been very successful.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
CARNELL WILLIAMS HB 5'11" 215# 4.5 Auburn

COMMENTS: After getting the chance to see Williams at the Senior, Jon Gruden will add the feature back to build the offense around. Alex Barron would also make a lot of sense in Tampa Bay, but play makers are desperately needed.

6.Tennessee Titans
ADAM JONES CB 5'9" 185# 4.4 West Virginia

COMMENTS: After losing Samari Rolle and Andre Dyson in free agency, the Titans must address the need at cornerback early in this draft. 'Pac Man' has been extremely productive in both coverage and run support, but what brings him to the top of the class are his skills in the return game.


7. Minnesota Vikings
MIKE WILLIAMS WR 6'4" 230# 4.6 Southern California

COMMENTS: This draft choice was acquired from the Oakland Raiders in the WR Randy Moss trade. It appears this selection will come down to Mike Williams, Braylon Edwards, and Derrick Johnson. The former Trojan is a tremendous talent that would bring the most difficult match ups to opposing defenses.

8.Arizona Cardinals
ANTREL ROLLE CB6'1"200#4.5Miami

COMMENTS: After sending Duane Starks to New England for a third round selection, it became obvious the Cardinals would add one of the top corners with the eighth overall selection. Although he brings some baggage, Rolle is a quality corner that will usually shut down his side of the field.

9.Washington Redskins
BRAYLON EDWARDSWR6'3"210#4.5Michigan

COMMENTS: After sending Lavaranues Coles back to the Jets for Santana Moss and making it clear Rod Gardner will not be back, Washington will be hoping one of the top two receivers drops to them. If not, they may be looking at one of the corners to replace Fred Smoot, a free agent lost to the Vikings.

10.Detroit Lions
ERASMUS JAMESDE6'4"265#4.7Wisconsin

COMMENTS: The primary needs in Detroit are at offensive guard and safety, but Thomas Davis is a reach at the #10 spot. James came on strong as a senior and could be an every down starter opposite James Hall.

11.Dallas Cowboys
MARCUS SPEARSDE6'4"305#5.0Louisiana State

COMMENTS: With the Cowboys expected to make the switch to the 3-4 defense, Spears would be a solid addition. A wide receiver is also at the top of the wish list in Dallas, but the team should be able to fill that need with their second of two first round selections.

12.San Diego Chargers
ALEX BARRONOT6'7"320#5.3Florida State

COMMENTS: This draft choice was acquired from the New York Giants in the 2004 QB Eli Manning/Philip Rivers trade. This selection will come down to the best lineman available, offensive or defensive. Roman Oben played well after coming over from Tampa Bay last season, but he will be 33 this year.

13.Houston Texans
RONNIE BROWNHB6'0"230#4.4Auburn

COMMENTS: 5'9" Domanick Davis is best suited as a third down back and return man. Tony Hollings has failed to live up to expectations after being selected in the second round of the 2003 supplemental draft. Brown should be the big back the team is looking for to take some of the load off Davis.

14.Carolina Panthers
JAMMAL BROWNOT6'6"315#5.0Oklahoma

COMMENTS: Right tackle was a problem position all last season following the unexpected retirement of Adam Meadows. Brown should be able to start as a rookie and allow Jordan Gross to remain at left tackle. Recently acquired Mike Wahle is expected to start at left guard.

15.Kansas City Chiefs
MARLIN JACKSON CB 6'1" 200 #4.4 Michigan

COMMENTS: Eric Warfield is capable on one side, but the combination of Dexter McCleon, William Bartee, and Julian Battle is simply not getting the job done. Jackson impressed with an outstanding workout at the combine and could see his stock rise even further.

16.New Orleans Saints
JUSTIN MILLERCB5'10"200#4.4Clemson

COMMENTS: Miller could be the most under-rated of the deep group of cornerbacks this year and will also contribute immediately on kick returns. This would allow recently acquired Dwight Smith (Buccaneers) to remain at free safety next season.

17.Cincinnati Bengals
SHAWNE MERRIMANDE6'4"270#4.7Maryland

COMMENTS: The Bengals could go with an inside run stopper like Travis Johnson or Shaun Cody -or- go with an outside pass rusher like Merriman ... pass rushers are much more difficult to acquire and should take some pressure off Justin Smith.

18.Minnesota Vikings
THOMAS DAVISS6'1"230#4.5Georgia

COMMENTS: Despite signing Darren Sharper from Green Bay today, Corey Chavous is not exactly coming off a stellar season. Davis is a rare athlete that would bring a run stopping force to the secondary. Should the Vikings go with Derrick Johnson at #7, a receiver like Mark Clayton, Troy Williamson, or Roddy White would make sense with their second of two first round selections.

19.Saint Louis Rams
KHALIF BARNESOT6'5"305#4.9Washington

COMMENTS: One of the most difficult teams to predict in recent drafts has been the Rams. The offensive line struggled last season after Kyle Turley went down with a back injury. Barnes is a top athlete that could signal the end for Orlando Pace in Saint Louis. If not an offensive tackle, a defensive end like David Pollack or Shawne Merriman would be a solid fit. Safety is another position that lacks talent/players.

20.Dallas CowboysMARK CLAYTONWR5'10"195#4.4Oklahoma

COMMENTS: This draft choice was acquired from the Buffalo Bills in the 2004 P. J. Losman trade. Keyshawn Johnson will be 33 this year and is not getting any faster. Terry Glenn has speed, but struggles staying healthy. Clayton was a consistent play maker for the Sooners that would eventually start in Dallas.

21.Jacksonville Jaguars
DAVID POLLACKDE6'2"265#4.7Georgia

COMMENTS: The Jaguars passed on Will Smith and Kenechi Udeze last year despite their urgent need at defensive end. While the signing of Reggie Hayward from Denver helps, there remains a need on the other side. Despite his slide due to athletic concerns, the team that ultimately selects the former Bulldog will be very happy next fall and for years to come.

22. Baltimore Ravens
FABIAN WASHINGTONCB5'10"190#4.3Nebraska

COMMENTS: Samari Rolle is an upgrade on Gary Baxter, but there is little depth at the position. Washington impressed at the combine and will likely wind up in the bottom half of round one. The signing of Derrick Mason from Tennessee helps the situation at wide receiver.

23.Seattle Seahawks
TROY WILLIAMSONWR6'1"205#4.3South Carolina

COMMENTS: If the team is able to keep Shaun Alexander, the primary need on offense is a play maker at wide receiver. If Alexander is dealt, the Seahawks will need to add a back early on draft day.

24.Green Bay Packers
MATT ROTHDE6'4"280#4.8Iowa

COMMENTS: The Packers' defense has concerns at nearly every position. Roth is one of the more under-rated defensive linemen and would be a reliable even down starter opposite Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila. Brodney Pool is another player to keep an eye on after Green Bay was forced to let go of Darren Sharper due to the salary cap.
25.Denver Broncos
TRAVIS JOHNSONDT6'4"305#5.1Florida State
COMMENTS: With the team looking to switch to the 3-4 defense, Denver should have their choice of the top three defensive tackles this year. Southern Cal's Shaun Cody or Anttaj Hawthorne of Wisconsin are two other linemen to consider. A sleeper might be David Baas of Michigan or Elton Brown of Virginia to replace Dan Neil at right guard.
26.New York Jets
HEATH MILLERTE6'5"255#4.8Virginia
COMMENTS: After failing to acquire Jeb Putzier from Denver as a free agent, the Jets could have the opportunity to select Miller, the top tight end in this draft. The right side of the offensive line will also need some attention early on draft day.
27.Atlanta Falcons
BRODNEY POOLS6'1"200#4.5Oklahoma
COMMENTS: Cory Hall has been released and Keion Carpenter is an unrestricted free agent. Pool would be an immediate starter at free safety for the Falcons.
28.San Diego Chargers
SHAUN CODYDE6'4"295#4.9Southern California
COMMENTS: The combination of Jamal Williams and Igor Olshansky is solid, but an upgrade could be found for Jacques Cesaire. Cody is an effort player with the ability to play defensive tackle or end. The two inside linebackers, Donnie Edwards and Randall Godfrey, will be 32 year old this year and a young 'backer like Channing Crowder would not surprise here near the end of round one.
29.Indianapolis Colts
CARLOS ROGERSCB6'0"195#4.4Auburn
COMMENTS: The Colts could go a number of different directions, but all may depend on if the team trades Edgerrin James. If James stays, players other than Rogers that may be of interest include OG David Baas of Michigan, ILB Channing Crowder of Florida, OLB Darryl Blackstock of Virginia, and OLB Kevin Burnett of Tennessee.
30.Pittsburgh Steelers
RODDY WHITEWR6'1"205#4.4Alabama Birmingham
COMMENTS: Plaxico Burress is not expected back while the contracts of Hines Ward and Antwaan Randle El expire following the 2005 season. The best receiver available makes sense for the Steelers. A cornerback would be second on the draft board.
31.Philadelphia Eagles

DARRYL BLACKSTOCKOLB6'3"245#4.7Virginia
COMMENTS: Nate Wayne was a cap casualty, Ike Reese was signed by Atlanta, and Keith Adams is an unrestricted free agent. Blackstock is the #2 linebacker in this draft and excels at getting after the quarterback.
32.New England Patriots

COREY WEBSTERCB6'0"200#4.6Louisiana State
COMMENTS: Cornerback was one of the few areas of concern last season. Ty Law was released following the season while Duane Starks was acquired from the Cardinals. An offensive guard like David Baas or Elton Brown would also make sense for the Patriots at the end of round one.
Copyright © Stevenson's Scouting Service

[Bob Dole]

So Boller is a "franchise" QB, but doesn't go in their first round.

That's all Bob Dole needs to see...

[Mr. Laz]

Originally Posted by badbobby

So Boller is a "franchise" QB, but doesn't go in their first round.

That's all Bob Dole needs to see...

can i get a decorder ring version here please?



anyone.... anyone??

[htismaqe]

I think we could trade down and still get Jackson...

What is the unanimous opinion on Marlin Jackson's speed and cover ability ?

I hope the Chief personel have learned from previous mistakes and see something in this guy instead of being just tall.

[CanadaKC]

Carlos Rogers dropping to 29? ...not going to happen. There have been rumblings on ESPN radio that Rogers is quietly making a statement as the best CB in the draft. Pac-Man Jones is still barely rated number one...but his size is inevitably an issue with some...and Rolle and Rogers are rated dead even at 2nd overall at the CB postion according to the latest scout polls. But many NFL scouts like Rogers the best because he's the most physical and he has speed with his strength and size. Rogers could be the best CB in the draft, IMO.
He was easily the best CB a at the senior bowl...even though he was injured.

[CanadaKC]

Kiper's newest big board has Rogers ranked 12th overall...and Jackson must have had a stellar performance in the cone drills cause he bolted up to 21st overall.

[Mr. Laz]

part of me thinks that Rogers will be the best pro cornerback in this draft ... even better than Rolle.



i think jacksons stock shot up because he ran a faster 40 time than expected. When he was move to safety he got the dreaded tweener label and his stock dropped. When he ran fast people started considering him a real cornerback and his stock went back up.

[the Talking Can]

the million dollar question is: will either Rodgers or Jackson be available if we traded down 5 spots??

Ideally, we'd get a pick and our guy...but we all know god hates the Chiefs

(i'd be okay with Pollack, too, if we signed Surtain...)

[ct]

Did you really post in a mock draft from a month ago?

[keg in kc]

People who talk about Jackson as an NFL free safety or as a "tweener" probably didn't see him play a whole lot (I'm referring to a lot of the draft websites and mocks I've seen, not anyone here). Michigan played him at free safety his junior season out of necessity, not because he struggled at corner (he was all american in '02); they had a hole to fill and they thought he'd be the best fit. As it turns out he didn't play the position very well. He went back to corner last season and was again an all american. I've seen him play quite a bit and think it's safe to say that corner is clearly his natural position. He just looked out of place at safety.

As for the question about his speed and cover ability, I never saw anything in any game that would make me question either one. He's best in press/man but can handle zone, he's good running with receivers, good against the run (for a corner) and, so far as I can tell watching on TV, he's intelligent in terms of running the secondary and reading offenses.

I wouldn't be upset at all if we took him at 15. I think he could probably contribute immediately as a nickel back, but with so many corners in the draft with more raw athletic ability (i.e. 40 times, etc.), I'm expecting him to drop towards the end of the round. Personally, I think he'll be a very good corner for a very long time, I think he'll play as well as or better than anyone else in the '05 class, but I'm admittedly biased as a UM fan.

[Brock]

Originally Posted by coryt

Did you really post in a mock draft from a month ago?

Is that a problem?

[KCWolfman]

Not a draft afficianado, I do have some questions.

Do CBs often have immediate impact?

If we draft a CB and don't look for one in the off-season are we stating our secondary doesn't need help, or are we just riding the storm out until 2006?

[Mr. Laz]

Originally Posted by KCWolfman

Not a draft afficianado, I do have some questions.

Do CBs often have immediate impact?

If we draft a CB and don't look for one in the off-season are we stating our secondary doesn't need help, or are we just riding the storm out until 2006?

impact? that's up for serious debate ... some think they don't at all. But the good ones usually contribute immediately IMO.

Although it's usually at nickle their first year.

as for the rest ... who knows ... finances influence everyone. i wouldn't think anyone would says that the chiefs don't need secondary help right now.

personally i would like both, a FA corner and a drafted one

[KCWolfman]

Originally Posted by Laz

impact? that's up for serious debate ... some think they don't at all. But the good ones usually contribute immediately IMO.

Although it's usually at nickle their first year.

as for the rest ... who knows ... finances influence everyone. i wouldn't think anyone would says that the chiefs don't need secondary help right now.

personally i would like both, a FA corner and a drafted one

Thanks, Laz. I understand the first rounders contribute, but do they have impact?

Buchanan certainly didn't. But he is the only one that comes to my mind at the moment.