Mr. Laz
02-19-2005, 12:24 PM
SPORTING NEWS MOCK DRAFT:
Round 1
Pick Team Player Pos. School Previous Rising/Falling High/Low
1. 49ers Aaron Rodgers* QB California 1st SAME 1st / 1st
The 49ers are desperate to trade down to address their many needs, but no other team wants this pick. Rodgers is a nice prospect but not a no-brainer No. 1 overall pick. He has terrific arm strength and good accuracy, and he would be an instant upgrade over Tim Rattay or Ken Dorsey.
2. Dolphins Cedric Benson RB Texas 2nd SAME 2nd / 2nd
The Dolphins also could go after a free agent to fill their glaring backfield need and might trade down from this spot. If they stay here, Benson would help them replace Ricky Williams, another former Longhorn, with a powerful and explosive talent.
3. Browns Derrick Johnson OLB Texas 3rd SAME 3rd / 3rd
Linebackers were key to the success of Browns coach Romeo Crennel's defense in New England, and Johnson's versatility makes him a solid cornerstone around whom to build. A sideline-to-sideline speedster, Johnson excels as a solid tackler, blitzer and cover man.
4. Bears Braylon Edwards WR Michigan 4th SAME 4th / 4th
Most teams won't show much interest in trading for one of the top three picks, but this is the spot where a trade could be possible. Picks 4-8 are hot commodities. If they stay here, the Bears would go for the top playmaker.
5. Buccaneers Carnell Williams RB Auburn 25th (+20) 5th / 25th
Some prefer Auburn teammate Ronnie Brown, but the Bucs' coaches fell in love with Williams while coaching him at the Senior Bowl. If the Bucs sign a free-agent running back, they would look at a wide receiver or trade down to grab an offensive lineman.
6. Titans Antrel Rolle CB Miami (Fla.) 11th (+5) 6th / 11th
Rolle is the right choice for the team's secondary — to either replace Samari Rolle or Andre Dyson. Antrel (6-0, 205) is a big, physical corner with the man-to-man coverage skills to succeed in Jeff Fisher's defense.
7. Raiders Ronnie Brown RB Auburn 7th SAME 7th / 25th
Perhaps the best all-around back in this class, Brown would resuscitate the Raiders' running game. His combination of speed, power and versatility give him big-play ability as a rusher and a receiver.
8. Cardinals Adam Jones* CB West Virginia 12th (+4) 8th / 32nd
If Utah QB Alex Smith is still on the board, it will test coach Dennis Green's love for Josh McCown. Jones is fast and tough, and he could team with Duane Starks to form a nice cornerback combo and allow David Macklin to be the nickel back.
9. Redskins Mike Williams* WR USC 21st (+12) 9th / 21st
Despite a year off, Williams remains an explosive and dynamic receiver with elite size, strength, hand-eye coordination and body control. He could complement Laveranues Coles and be the big-play threat missing in the Redskins' passing game.
10. Lions Erasmus James DE Wisconsin 6th (-4) 6th / 10th
James is a risk-reward prospect because of his history of injuries, but he's the best pure pass rusher in the draft. Another option might be Virginia tight end Heath Miller, who could free-fall in the first round if Detroit or Minnesota doesn't bite.
11. Cowboys Travis Johnson DT Florida State 16th (+5) 11th / 16th
With the Cowboys contemplating a switch to a 3-4 scheme, Johnson would give them greater flexibility. He could play end on first and second down, and move inside on passing situations. Maryland OLB Shawne Merriman is another option.
12. Chargers
(from Giants) Dan Cody DE Oklahoma 13th (+1) 12th / 13th
The Chargers need another productive edge pass rusher for their 3-4 defense. Cody would provide that kind of presence and more. His upfield-charging style fits coordinator Wade Phillips' aggressive scheme, and he can hold up well vs. the run.
13. Texans David Pollack DE Georgia 9th (-4) 6th / 13th
Outside linebacker is the Texans' top need, but Pollack (6-2 ¼, 260) is the type of athletic, undersized end they can convert for their version of the 3-4. Although there are concerns about Pollack's speed, he compensates with great instincts and relentlessness.
14. Panthers Alex Barron T Florida State 5th (-9) 5th / 14th
The Panthers need a major upgrade at right tackle and get the pick of the litter. Barron must become more physical, but he has the size, strength and footwork to play on either side. Wide receiver would be another option if the team doesn't re-sign Muhsin Muhammad.
15. Chiefs Brandon Browner* CB Oregon State 19th (+4) 19th / 2nd round
The Chiefs have needs all across their defense but are weakest at cornerback, where there is no reliable option after Eric Warfield. Browner (6-3 3/8, 202), who has 4.44 speed, is the second-best prospect at the position and the team could make him an immediate starter.
16. Saints Alex Smith* QB Utah 8th (-8) 8th / 24th
QB Aaron Brooks has needed a kick in the backside for years, and the selection of Smith would push Brooks to become the elite quarterback he is capable of being — or accelerate his departure. Smith would be a great value pick here.
17. Bengals Thomas Davis* S Georgia 17th SAME 17th / 2nd round
Considering the drop-off at defensive tackle after Johnson and the draft's good middle-round depth at defensive end and wide receiver, this would be a good value pick. Coach Marvin Lewis needs a sound-tackling, hard-hitting strong safety, and Davis excels in run support.
18. Vikings Shawne Merriman* DE Maryland 23rd (+5) 18th / 23rd
If the Vikings trade Randy Moss, South Carolina WR Troy Williamson would be the obvious pick. We don't think Moss will be traded, and Merriman would be a great value here. He could be a drive stopper and add a big-play dimension to their defense.
19. Rams Shaun Cody DT USC 29th (+10) 19th / 29th
The Rams missed Grant Wistrom last season more than they'd admit. Cody played tackle at USC but projects as an end in the NFL. He could be a nice complement to Leonard Little.
20. Cowboys
(from Bills) Carlos Rogers CB Auburn 15th (-5) 15th / 2nd round
Terence Newman, a first-round pick in '03, is solid on the left side, but there has been a revolving door at right cornerback. Camouflaging problems at cornerback distorted the defense in '04. Rogers is a physical corner with the confidence to play in Dallas' man-to-man scheme.
21. Jaguars Troy Williamson* WR South Carolina 2nd round SAME 21st / 2nd round
The Jaguars have perimeter needs on both lines, but Williamson is the better value to fill another hole. At 6-1 3/8, he isn't as big as Mike Williams, but he's faster (4.41) with more explosive potential as a downfield target for Byron Leftwich.
22. Ravens Mark Clayton WR Oklahoma 22nd SAME 22nd / 22nd
The Ravens are expected to go after a top free-agent receiver, but they also could use a promising youngster to bring along with third-year QB Kyle Boller. Although Clayton (5-10, 185) lacks ideal size, his quickness and intangibles make him a good open-field playmaker.
23. Seahawks Matt Roth DE Iowa 24th (+1) 23rd / 2nd round
Grant Wistrom is recovering from a knee injury and free agent Chike Okeafor probably won't be back. Roth is a nasty, tough, throwback-type player who could spark the entire defense.
24. Packers Channing Crowder* ILB Florida 18th (-6) 18th / 2nd round
The Packers hope safety Thomas Davis falls this far, but that's wishful thinking. One thing is certain: The team must upgrade its defense with aggressive and versatile players. Crowder could team with Nick Barnett to give the team two young, fast impact linebackers.
25. Broncos Marcus Spears DE LSU 2nd round 25th / 2nd round
Reggie Hayward is a free agent and Trevor Pryce might be traded, which underscores the Broncos' need for a big-time, pass-rushing end to take pressure off their secondary. Spears lacks big-time speed but uses his size (6-4, 295) and power to burst into the backfield.
26. Jets Heath Miller* TE Virginia 2nd round 26th / 2nd round
While Anthony Becht (a free agent) and Chris Baker have done the job as blockers and short-yardage receivers, Miller is a special athlete who can provide a deeper threat down the seams. A cornerback who could fill the team's top need also is a possibility.
27. Falcons Brodney Pool* S Oklahoma 26th (-1) 26th / 2nd round
The Falcons must upgrade their offensive line, especially at right tackle, but line coach Alex Gibbs prefers to work with low-ego, low-round picks. Pool might be a reach, but the Falcons need a better center fielder than Cory Hall.
28. Chargers Jammal Brown T Oklahoma 20th (-8) 20th / 28th
Having filled their defensive end need with Cody, the Chargers address their uncertainty at left tackle behind Roman Oben, 31. Brown is an agile pass protector whose run blocking will improve with experience.
29. Colts Corey Webster CB LSU 30th (+1) 15th / 30th
Although a hamstring injury hindered him in his senior season, Webster has the complete package for the position. A strong, tough, instinctive corner, he is a good value pick for the Colts, who need to think defense first in this draft.
30. Steelers Justin Miller* CB Clemson 2nd round 30th / 2nd round
The Steelers no longer can rely on Willie Williams, Chad Scott and DeShea Townsend, who was shaky in the playoffs. Miller and Ricardo Colclough (second round, 2003) would give them two promising youngsters. And with Colclough and WR Antwaan Randle El set to take on more regular roles, Miller can spark the return game.
31. Eagles Anttaj Hawthorne DT Wisconsin 31st SAME 31st / 31st
With five Day 1 picks and an extra fifth-rounder, the Eagles might trade up for a shot at USC's Mike Williams or Oklahoma's Mark Clayton. But White would be a good consolation prize. He has the speed and playmaking ability to be an impact downfield receiver. He will be more productive — and much quieter — than Freddie Mitchell.
32. Patriots Marlin Jackson CB Michigan 32nd SAME 12th / 32nd
Their secondary was depleted by injuries last season, so the Patriots will look to add another versatile defensive back. With his size (6-0¼, 200), physical style and experience at safety, Jackson fits the Bill Belichick mold.
Fallen from the first round:
Kevin Burnett — Tennessee OLB (No. 10, Lions)
Elton Brown — Virginia G (No. 14, Panthers)
Vince Carter — Oklahoma C (No. 27, Falcons)
Adam Terry — Syracuse T (No. 28, Chargers)
Round 1
Pick Team Player Pos. School Previous Rising/Falling High/Low
1. 49ers Aaron Rodgers* QB California 1st SAME 1st / 1st
The 49ers are desperate to trade down to address their many needs, but no other team wants this pick. Rodgers is a nice prospect but not a no-brainer No. 1 overall pick. He has terrific arm strength and good accuracy, and he would be an instant upgrade over Tim Rattay or Ken Dorsey.
2. Dolphins Cedric Benson RB Texas 2nd SAME 2nd / 2nd
The Dolphins also could go after a free agent to fill their glaring backfield need and might trade down from this spot. If they stay here, Benson would help them replace Ricky Williams, another former Longhorn, with a powerful and explosive talent.
3. Browns Derrick Johnson OLB Texas 3rd SAME 3rd / 3rd
Linebackers were key to the success of Browns coach Romeo Crennel's defense in New England, and Johnson's versatility makes him a solid cornerstone around whom to build. A sideline-to-sideline speedster, Johnson excels as a solid tackler, blitzer and cover man.
4. Bears Braylon Edwards WR Michigan 4th SAME 4th / 4th
Most teams won't show much interest in trading for one of the top three picks, but this is the spot where a trade could be possible. Picks 4-8 are hot commodities. If they stay here, the Bears would go for the top playmaker.
5. Buccaneers Carnell Williams RB Auburn 25th (+20) 5th / 25th
Some prefer Auburn teammate Ronnie Brown, but the Bucs' coaches fell in love with Williams while coaching him at the Senior Bowl. If the Bucs sign a free-agent running back, they would look at a wide receiver or trade down to grab an offensive lineman.
6. Titans Antrel Rolle CB Miami (Fla.) 11th (+5) 6th / 11th
Rolle is the right choice for the team's secondary — to either replace Samari Rolle or Andre Dyson. Antrel (6-0, 205) is a big, physical corner with the man-to-man coverage skills to succeed in Jeff Fisher's defense.
7. Raiders Ronnie Brown RB Auburn 7th SAME 7th / 25th
Perhaps the best all-around back in this class, Brown would resuscitate the Raiders' running game. His combination of speed, power and versatility give him big-play ability as a rusher and a receiver.
8. Cardinals Adam Jones* CB West Virginia 12th (+4) 8th / 32nd
If Utah QB Alex Smith is still on the board, it will test coach Dennis Green's love for Josh McCown. Jones is fast and tough, and he could team with Duane Starks to form a nice cornerback combo and allow David Macklin to be the nickel back.
9. Redskins Mike Williams* WR USC 21st (+12) 9th / 21st
Despite a year off, Williams remains an explosive and dynamic receiver with elite size, strength, hand-eye coordination and body control. He could complement Laveranues Coles and be the big-play threat missing in the Redskins' passing game.
10. Lions Erasmus James DE Wisconsin 6th (-4) 6th / 10th
James is a risk-reward prospect because of his history of injuries, but he's the best pure pass rusher in the draft. Another option might be Virginia tight end Heath Miller, who could free-fall in the first round if Detroit or Minnesota doesn't bite.
11. Cowboys Travis Johnson DT Florida State 16th (+5) 11th / 16th
With the Cowboys contemplating a switch to a 3-4 scheme, Johnson would give them greater flexibility. He could play end on first and second down, and move inside on passing situations. Maryland OLB Shawne Merriman is another option.
12. Chargers
(from Giants) Dan Cody DE Oklahoma 13th (+1) 12th / 13th
The Chargers need another productive edge pass rusher for their 3-4 defense. Cody would provide that kind of presence and more. His upfield-charging style fits coordinator Wade Phillips' aggressive scheme, and he can hold up well vs. the run.
13. Texans David Pollack DE Georgia 9th (-4) 6th / 13th
Outside linebacker is the Texans' top need, but Pollack (6-2 ¼, 260) is the type of athletic, undersized end they can convert for their version of the 3-4. Although there are concerns about Pollack's speed, he compensates with great instincts and relentlessness.
14. Panthers Alex Barron T Florida State 5th (-9) 5th / 14th
The Panthers need a major upgrade at right tackle and get the pick of the litter. Barron must become more physical, but he has the size, strength and footwork to play on either side. Wide receiver would be another option if the team doesn't re-sign Muhsin Muhammad.
15. Chiefs Brandon Browner* CB Oregon State 19th (+4) 19th / 2nd round
The Chiefs have needs all across their defense but are weakest at cornerback, where there is no reliable option after Eric Warfield. Browner (6-3 3/8, 202), who has 4.44 speed, is the second-best prospect at the position and the team could make him an immediate starter.
16. Saints Alex Smith* QB Utah 8th (-8) 8th / 24th
QB Aaron Brooks has needed a kick in the backside for years, and the selection of Smith would push Brooks to become the elite quarterback he is capable of being — or accelerate his departure. Smith would be a great value pick here.
17. Bengals Thomas Davis* S Georgia 17th SAME 17th / 2nd round
Considering the drop-off at defensive tackle after Johnson and the draft's good middle-round depth at defensive end and wide receiver, this would be a good value pick. Coach Marvin Lewis needs a sound-tackling, hard-hitting strong safety, and Davis excels in run support.
18. Vikings Shawne Merriman* DE Maryland 23rd (+5) 18th / 23rd
If the Vikings trade Randy Moss, South Carolina WR Troy Williamson would be the obvious pick. We don't think Moss will be traded, and Merriman would be a great value here. He could be a drive stopper and add a big-play dimension to their defense.
19. Rams Shaun Cody DT USC 29th (+10) 19th / 29th
The Rams missed Grant Wistrom last season more than they'd admit. Cody played tackle at USC but projects as an end in the NFL. He could be a nice complement to Leonard Little.
20. Cowboys
(from Bills) Carlos Rogers CB Auburn 15th (-5) 15th / 2nd round
Terence Newman, a first-round pick in '03, is solid on the left side, but there has been a revolving door at right cornerback. Camouflaging problems at cornerback distorted the defense in '04. Rogers is a physical corner with the confidence to play in Dallas' man-to-man scheme.
21. Jaguars Troy Williamson* WR South Carolina 2nd round SAME 21st / 2nd round
The Jaguars have perimeter needs on both lines, but Williamson is the better value to fill another hole. At 6-1 3/8, he isn't as big as Mike Williams, but he's faster (4.41) with more explosive potential as a downfield target for Byron Leftwich.
22. Ravens Mark Clayton WR Oklahoma 22nd SAME 22nd / 22nd
The Ravens are expected to go after a top free-agent receiver, but they also could use a promising youngster to bring along with third-year QB Kyle Boller. Although Clayton (5-10, 185) lacks ideal size, his quickness and intangibles make him a good open-field playmaker.
23. Seahawks Matt Roth DE Iowa 24th (+1) 23rd / 2nd round
Grant Wistrom is recovering from a knee injury and free agent Chike Okeafor probably won't be back. Roth is a nasty, tough, throwback-type player who could spark the entire defense.
24. Packers Channing Crowder* ILB Florida 18th (-6) 18th / 2nd round
The Packers hope safety Thomas Davis falls this far, but that's wishful thinking. One thing is certain: The team must upgrade its defense with aggressive and versatile players. Crowder could team with Nick Barnett to give the team two young, fast impact linebackers.
25. Broncos Marcus Spears DE LSU 2nd round 25th / 2nd round
Reggie Hayward is a free agent and Trevor Pryce might be traded, which underscores the Broncos' need for a big-time, pass-rushing end to take pressure off their secondary. Spears lacks big-time speed but uses his size (6-4, 295) and power to burst into the backfield.
26. Jets Heath Miller* TE Virginia 2nd round 26th / 2nd round
While Anthony Becht (a free agent) and Chris Baker have done the job as blockers and short-yardage receivers, Miller is a special athlete who can provide a deeper threat down the seams. A cornerback who could fill the team's top need also is a possibility.
27. Falcons Brodney Pool* S Oklahoma 26th (-1) 26th / 2nd round
The Falcons must upgrade their offensive line, especially at right tackle, but line coach Alex Gibbs prefers to work with low-ego, low-round picks. Pool might be a reach, but the Falcons need a better center fielder than Cory Hall.
28. Chargers Jammal Brown T Oklahoma 20th (-8) 20th / 28th
Having filled their defensive end need with Cody, the Chargers address their uncertainty at left tackle behind Roman Oben, 31. Brown is an agile pass protector whose run blocking will improve with experience.
29. Colts Corey Webster CB LSU 30th (+1) 15th / 30th
Although a hamstring injury hindered him in his senior season, Webster has the complete package for the position. A strong, tough, instinctive corner, he is a good value pick for the Colts, who need to think defense first in this draft.
30. Steelers Justin Miller* CB Clemson 2nd round 30th / 2nd round
The Steelers no longer can rely on Willie Williams, Chad Scott and DeShea Townsend, who was shaky in the playoffs. Miller and Ricardo Colclough (second round, 2003) would give them two promising youngsters. And with Colclough and WR Antwaan Randle El set to take on more regular roles, Miller can spark the return game.
31. Eagles Anttaj Hawthorne DT Wisconsin 31st SAME 31st / 31st
With five Day 1 picks and an extra fifth-rounder, the Eagles might trade up for a shot at USC's Mike Williams or Oklahoma's Mark Clayton. But White would be a good consolation prize. He has the speed and playmaking ability to be an impact downfield receiver. He will be more productive — and much quieter — than Freddie Mitchell.
32. Patriots Marlin Jackson CB Michigan 32nd SAME 12th / 32nd
Their secondary was depleted by injuries last season, so the Patriots will look to add another versatile defensive back. With his size (6-0¼, 200), physical style and experience at safety, Jackson fits the Bill Belichick mold.
Fallen from the first round:
Kevin Burnett — Tennessee OLB (No. 10, Lions)
Elton Brown — Virginia G (No. 14, Panthers)
Vince Carter — Oklahoma C (No. 27, Falcons)
Adam Terry — Syracuse T (No. 28, Chargers)