Mr. Laz
03-15-2006, 08:15 PM
New Orleans threw a wrench into the top 10 when it locked up quarterback Drew Brees for the next six years. Now the Saints are sitting pretty with a host of athletes to pick from with the second overall selection, or they can sit back and field offers from teams desperate to land one of the draft's elite talents.
Virginia left tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson stands to gain the most from this shuffle, as he now has a legitimate chance to be the second player off the board.
Meanwhile, Southern California quarterback Matt Leinart suddenly looks like a good fit for Tennessee, while the Packers have to be ecstatic that N.C. State defensive end Mario Williams - the draft's top defensive player - could slide to them at No. 5.
But the player who could feel the most painful ripple effect is Texas quarterback Vince Young, who was already free-falling before another team in the top 10 solved its quarterback situation.
Previous mock drafts: 1.0 (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/5369094) | 2.0 (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/5387194)
MOCK DRAFT:
Rd 1Pick Tm Player Pos. School Previous Rising/Falling High/Low
1.
Texans (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67071)Reggie BushRBUSC1stSAME1st / 1stAs the draft approaches, the only question with the top overall selection will be if the Texans keep the pick.
2.
Saints (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67055)D'Brickashaw FergusonOTVirginia4th(+2)2nd / 6thWith Drew Brees on board, the Saints should have options with plenty of players worthy of teams attempting to trade up. Should the Saints keep the pick, Ferguson, a potential Pro Bowl left tackle, fills the biggest need.
3.
Titans (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67047)Matt LeinartQBUSC2nd(-1)2nd / 3rdThe Titans might have received a pleasant gift with Brees landing in New Orleans. Suddenly Leinart, who would reunite with former Southern Cal and current Titans offensive coordinator Norm Chow, could fall into their lap.
4.
Jets (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67057)Jay CutlerQBVanderbilt4thSAME4th / 9thNew coach Eric Mangini can put his stamp on the club immediately by selecting his own franchise quarterback as insurance against yet another Chad Pennington injury.
5.
Packers (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67046)Mario WilliamsDEN.C. State5thSAME5th / 5thWilliams may not make it this far, as many teams are grading him as the second-best prospect of the draft. But if the Saints keep the No. 2 pick, Williams could slide to the Packers.
6.
49ers (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67059)Vernon DavisTEMaryland10th(+4)6th / 10thThe 49ers have to surround Alex Smith with weapons if they expect him to be successful. They replaced wide receiver Brandon Lloyd with free agent Antonio Bryant, but this offense needs a receiving threat over the middle.
7.
Raiders (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67050)A.J. HawkOLBOhio State7thSAME7th / 7thFor Art Shell to return to the Raiders of old, he'll need more difference-makers on defense. There isn't a defender more likely to make an immediate impact than Hawk.
8.
Bills (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67039)Brodrick BunkleyDTFlorida State8thSAME8th / 10thBunkley fits the defensive alignment of new coordinator Perry Fewell nicely and is moving up the board after a spectacular season, Senior Bowl and Combine performance.
9.
Lions (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67045)Michael HuffDBTexas9thSAME9th / 11thWith question marks at both cornerback and safety, a versatile defender like Huff makes a great deal of sense here.
10.
Cardinals (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67066)Vince YoungQBTexas3rd(-7)3rd / 10thKurt Warner provided Eli Manning with a solid mentor his first season. He could provide Vince Young with a similar calming influence. Young could silence critics with an impressive Pro Day, but some scouts are already projecting an Aaron Rodgers-like drop.
11.
Rams (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67051)Jimmy WilliamsCBVirginia Tech11thSAME11th / 15thThere isn't a defensive back with more natural ability than Williams, and the Rams' shaky defensive secondary could use a versatile athlete immediately.
12.
Browns (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67042)
Kamerion WimbleyOLBFlorida State8th(+6)12th / 18thConsidered a bit of a reach at this point, it might not be by April. Wimbley is moving up the board and would provide the Browns with a legitimate pass rusher.
13.
Ravens (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67065)Haloti NgataDTOregon13th(-1)12th / 18thWith the free agent loss of rugged defensive tackle Maake Kemoeatu, the Ravens will be looking to the draft for help. Ngata, potentially a dominant presence, could slip amid concerns about his motor.
14.
Eagles (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67058)Ernie SimsOLBFlorida State23rd(+9)14th / 23rdThe Eagles' lack of speed and aggression at outside linebacker was one of the reasons for an uncharacteristically poor run defense in 2005. Sims could help remedy the situation.
15.
Falcons (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67038)Winston JusticeOTUSC16th(+1)15th / 16thThe recent free agent loss of tackle Kevin Shaffer could force the Falcons to consider Justice, the best offensive tackle in this draft not named D'Brickashaw Ferguson.
16.
Dolphins (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67052)Manny LawsonOLBN.C. State16th(NR)16th / NRTeams are all over the board on Lawson. Some think he is a top fifteen pick, others feel he'll slide into the early second round. Miami wants to add speed and playmaking ability at the outside linebacker position and might be willing to reach for a player some consider among the top pound-for-pound athletes in the draft.
17.
Vikings (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67053)Johnathan JosephCBSouth Carolina30th(+13)17th / 30thThe free-agent defection of cornerback Brian Williams makes the position one to watch for the Vikings. Joseph is a superb athlete and his man-to-man skills could get him drafted much higher than many are projecting.
18.
Cowboys (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67043)Chad JacksonWRFlorida19th(+1)18th / 29thIt remains to be seen just how far Jackson will rise up the board after his spectacular Combine workout. Coach Bill Parcells rarely selects a receiver this high, but Jackson is winning over a lot of scouts and could surpass Santonio Holmes as the first wideout selected.
19.
Chargers (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67068)Tye HillCBClemson15th(-4)15th / 19th The Chargers employ three former first-round cornerbacks in Quentin Jammer, Sammy Davis and Jamar Fletcher. Between the trio, the Chargers received a total of three interceptions in 2005. Hill isn't a ballhawk himself, but has the speed to develop into a playmaker.
20.
Chiefs (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67049)
(from Bills)Ashton YoubotyCBOhio State20thSAME20th / 20thForced to release both Eric Warfield and Dexter McCleon, the Chiefs will look to the draft to reload at cornerback. Youboty fits the bill.
21.Patriots (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67054)DeAngelo WilliamsRBMemphis21stSAME21st / 21stThe 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 (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67044)
(from Redskins)Jason AllenFSTennessee29th(+7)22nd / NR Allen was graded as a possible top 10 pick before dislocating his hip. With no games played since the injury, scouts were concerned about his health. That was, until a spectacular Combine performance that included a 4.39-second 40-yard dash. Come April, Allen might not make it this far down the board.
23.
Buccaneers (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67061)Eric WinstonOTMiamiNR(NR)23rd / NRThe Buccaneers would like to add an infusion of athleticism at both tackle positions and would be wise to consider Winston at this point.
24.
Bengals (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67041)Donte WhitnerSSOhio State24thSAME24th / NRSafety 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.
25.
Giants (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67056)Santonio HolmesWROhio State14th(-11)14th / 25thFor Eli Manning to continue his ascension as one of the game's top young signal-callers, the Giants need to continue to surround him with weapons.
26.Bears (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67040)Richard MarshallCBFresno StateNR(NR)26th / NRIn Nathan Vasher, the Bears have one of the top playmaking corners in the game, but Charles Tillman's struggles could cause the team to jump at a talent like Marshall, who is rising up the board as the draft approaches.
27.
Panthers (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67063)LenDale WhiteRBUSC13th(-14)13th / 27thIn keeping DeShaun Foster, Carolina has an explosive back, but one whose durability cannot allow the team to pass up White at this point.
28.
Jaguars (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67064)Tamba HaliDEPenn State22nd(-6)22nd / 28th Even with better play from their defensive ends in 2005, the Jaguars would strongly consider Hali, the Big Ten's Defensive Lineman of the Year, should he fall to them.
29.
Broncos (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67044)Laurence MaroneyRBMinnesota17th(-12)17th / 29thThe tandem of Tatum Bell and the recently re-signed Ron Dayne could get a surprise addition should Maroney slip through the cracks all the way to Denver. The only team with two first-round picks, the Broncos could take a flier on the former Golden Gopher and find their next star runner.
30.
Colts (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67048)Kelly JenningsCBMiami28th(-2)24th / 30thClearly the possibility exists that the Colts will be selecting a running back here to replace Edgerrin James, but Jennings might be the draft's best man-to-man corner and would allow the Colts to move 2005 first rounder Marlin Jackson to free safety.
31.
Seahawks (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67060)Chad GreenwayOLBIowa25th(-6)12th / 31stThe Seahawks are targeting outside linebacker as a position to address in the draft and would strongly consider the athletic and instinctive Greenway were he to still be on the board.
32.
Steelers (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67067)Nick MangoldCOhio StateNR(NR)27th / NRCenter isn't a huge need for the Steelers, but Mangold is exactly the type of throwback performer coach Bill Cowher likes.
Virginia left tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson stands to gain the most from this shuffle, as he now has a legitimate chance to be the second player off the board.
Meanwhile, Southern California quarterback Matt Leinart suddenly looks like a good fit for Tennessee, while the Packers have to be ecstatic that N.C. State defensive end Mario Williams - the draft's top defensive player - could slide to them at No. 5.
But the player who could feel the most painful ripple effect is Texas quarterback Vince Young, who was already free-falling before another team in the top 10 solved its quarterback situation.
Previous mock drafts: 1.0 (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/5369094) | 2.0 (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/5387194)
MOCK DRAFT:
Rd 1Pick Tm Player Pos. School Previous Rising/Falling High/Low
1.
Texans (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67071)Reggie BushRBUSC1stSAME1st / 1stAs the draft approaches, the only question with the top overall selection will be if the Texans keep the pick.
2.
Saints (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67055)D'Brickashaw FergusonOTVirginia4th(+2)2nd / 6thWith Drew Brees on board, the Saints should have options with plenty of players worthy of teams attempting to trade up. Should the Saints keep the pick, Ferguson, a potential Pro Bowl left tackle, fills the biggest need.
3.
Titans (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67047)Matt LeinartQBUSC2nd(-1)2nd / 3rdThe Titans might have received a pleasant gift with Brees landing in New Orleans. Suddenly Leinart, who would reunite with former Southern Cal and current Titans offensive coordinator Norm Chow, could fall into their lap.
4.
Jets (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67057)Jay CutlerQBVanderbilt4thSAME4th / 9thNew coach Eric Mangini can put his stamp on the club immediately by selecting his own franchise quarterback as insurance against yet another Chad Pennington injury.
5.
Packers (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67046)Mario WilliamsDEN.C. State5thSAME5th / 5thWilliams may not make it this far, as many teams are grading him as the second-best prospect of the draft. But if the Saints keep the No. 2 pick, Williams could slide to the Packers.
6.
49ers (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67059)Vernon DavisTEMaryland10th(+4)6th / 10thThe 49ers have to surround Alex Smith with weapons if they expect him to be successful. They replaced wide receiver Brandon Lloyd with free agent Antonio Bryant, but this offense needs a receiving threat over the middle.
7.
Raiders (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67050)A.J. HawkOLBOhio State7thSAME7th / 7thFor Art Shell to return to the Raiders of old, he'll need more difference-makers on defense. There isn't a defender more likely to make an immediate impact than Hawk.
8.
Bills (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67039)Brodrick BunkleyDTFlorida State8thSAME8th / 10thBunkley fits the defensive alignment of new coordinator Perry Fewell nicely and is moving up the board after a spectacular season, Senior Bowl and Combine performance.
9.
Lions (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67045)Michael HuffDBTexas9thSAME9th / 11thWith question marks at both cornerback and safety, a versatile defender like Huff makes a great deal of sense here.
10.
Cardinals (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67066)Vince YoungQBTexas3rd(-7)3rd / 10thKurt Warner provided Eli Manning with a solid mentor his first season. He could provide Vince Young with a similar calming influence. Young could silence critics with an impressive Pro Day, but some scouts are already projecting an Aaron Rodgers-like drop.
11.
Rams (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67051)Jimmy WilliamsCBVirginia Tech11thSAME11th / 15thThere isn't a defensive back with more natural ability than Williams, and the Rams' shaky defensive secondary could use a versatile athlete immediately.
12.
Browns (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67042)
Kamerion WimbleyOLBFlorida State8th(+6)12th / 18thConsidered a bit of a reach at this point, it might not be by April. Wimbley is moving up the board and would provide the Browns with a legitimate pass rusher.
13.
Ravens (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67065)Haloti NgataDTOregon13th(-1)12th / 18thWith the free agent loss of rugged defensive tackle Maake Kemoeatu, the Ravens will be looking to the draft for help. Ngata, potentially a dominant presence, could slip amid concerns about his motor.
14.
Eagles (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67058)Ernie SimsOLBFlorida State23rd(+9)14th / 23rdThe Eagles' lack of speed and aggression at outside linebacker was one of the reasons for an uncharacteristically poor run defense in 2005. Sims could help remedy the situation.
15.
Falcons (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67038)Winston JusticeOTUSC16th(+1)15th / 16thThe recent free agent loss of tackle Kevin Shaffer could force the Falcons to consider Justice, the best offensive tackle in this draft not named D'Brickashaw Ferguson.
16.
Dolphins (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67052)Manny LawsonOLBN.C. State16th(NR)16th / NRTeams are all over the board on Lawson. Some think he is a top fifteen pick, others feel he'll slide into the early second round. Miami wants to add speed and playmaking ability at the outside linebacker position and might be willing to reach for a player some consider among the top pound-for-pound athletes in the draft.
17.
Vikings (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67053)Johnathan JosephCBSouth Carolina30th(+13)17th / 30thThe free-agent defection of cornerback Brian Williams makes the position one to watch for the Vikings. Joseph is a superb athlete and his man-to-man skills could get him drafted much higher than many are projecting.
18.
Cowboys (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67043)Chad JacksonWRFlorida19th(+1)18th / 29thIt remains to be seen just how far Jackson will rise up the board after his spectacular Combine workout. Coach Bill Parcells rarely selects a receiver this high, but Jackson is winning over a lot of scouts and could surpass Santonio Holmes as the first wideout selected.
19.
Chargers (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67068)Tye HillCBClemson15th(-4)15th / 19th The Chargers employ three former first-round cornerbacks in Quentin Jammer, Sammy Davis and Jamar Fletcher. Between the trio, the Chargers received a total of three interceptions in 2005. Hill isn't a ballhawk himself, but has the speed to develop into a playmaker.
20.
Chiefs (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67049)
(from Bills)Ashton YoubotyCBOhio State20thSAME20th / 20thForced to release both Eric Warfield and Dexter McCleon, the Chiefs will look to the draft to reload at cornerback. Youboty fits the bill.
21.Patriots (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67054)DeAngelo WilliamsRBMemphis21stSAME21st / 21stThe 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 (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67044)
(from Redskins)Jason AllenFSTennessee29th(+7)22nd / NR Allen was graded as a possible top 10 pick before dislocating his hip. With no games played since the injury, scouts were concerned about his health. That was, until a spectacular Combine performance that included a 4.39-second 40-yard dash. Come April, Allen might not make it this far down the board.
23.
Buccaneers (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67061)Eric WinstonOTMiamiNR(NR)23rd / NRThe Buccaneers would like to add an infusion of athleticism at both tackle positions and would be wise to consider Winston at this point.
24.
Bengals (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67041)Donte WhitnerSSOhio State24thSAME24th / NRSafety 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.
25.
Giants (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67056)Santonio HolmesWROhio State14th(-11)14th / 25thFor Eli Manning to continue his ascension as one of the game's top young signal-callers, the Giants need to continue to surround him with weapons.
26.Bears (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67040)Richard MarshallCBFresno StateNR(NR)26th / NRIn Nathan Vasher, the Bears have one of the top playmaking corners in the game, but Charles Tillman's struggles could cause the team to jump at a talent like Marshall, who is rising up the board as the draft approaches.
27.
Panthers (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67063)LenDale WhiteRBUSC13th(-14)13th / 27thIn keeping DeShaun Foster, Carolina has an explosive back, but one whose durability cannot allow the team to pass up White at this point.
28.
Jaguars (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67064)Tamba HaliDEPenn State22nd(-6)22nd / 28th Even with better play from their defensive ends in 2005, the Jaguars would strongly consider Hali, the Big Ten's Defensive Lineman of the Year, should he fall to them.
29.
Broncos (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67044)Laurence MaroneyRBMinnesota17th(-12)17th / 29thThe tandem of Tatum Bell and the recently re-signed Ron Dayne could get a surprise addition should Maroney slip through the cracks all the way to Denver. The only team with two first-round picks, the Broncos could take a flier on the former Golden Gopher and find their next star runner.
30.
Colts (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67048)Kelly JenningsCBMiami28th(-2)24th / 30thClearly the possibility exists that the Colts will be selecting a running back here to replace Edgerrin James, but Jennings might be the draft's best man-to-man corner and would allow the Colts to move 2005 first rounder Marlin Jackson to free safety.
31.
Seahawks (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67060)Chad GreenwayOLBIowa25th(-6)12th / 31stThe Seahawks are targeting outside linebacker as a position to address in the draft and would strongly consider the athletic and instinctive Greenway were he to still be on the board.
32.
Steelers (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67067)Nick MangoldCOhio StateNR(NR)27th / NRCenter isn't a huge need for the Steelers, but Mangold is exactly the type of throwback performer coach Bill Cowher likes.