NFL Mock Draft

Freak

I usually sift through 2-3 mock drafts a day on KFFL.com, where I think some of the regular posters know 500 times more than official draft experts, especially Kiper. I thought I'd grab one and post it here for fun, so people could give feedback on who their team is taking (although we have, what, 4 fav. teams on all of JVN). This was a well-received mock by a poster named DraftNik03.

Round 1

1. San Francisco 49ers – Aaron Rodgers QB California* (6-2, 223): He answered all the questions about his height at the Combine when he checked in at 6’2”. Although there is still no legitimate number one pick in this year’s draft, it’s Aaron Rodgers to lose at this point. Tim Rattay and Ken Dorsey were only serviceable quarterbacks when there were healthy, but then again they sure were injured a lot last year so why take the chance on them again.

Other possibilities: Antrel Rolle CB Miami (Fla.), trade down.


2. Miami Dolphins – Cedric Benson RB Texas (5-11, 222): The only thing that can change this pick from not being a running back at this point, is if they can somehow make a trade with the Colts to get Edge James. But until that happens, if it even happens, the Dolphins will be looking running back here. Ronnie Brown had a huge Combine and probably improved his stock more than any other player, but he still has Cedric Benson to deal with. Benson is the prefect replacement for Ricky Williams, and will make them a Super Bowl contender once again.

Other possibilities: Ronnie Brown RB Auburn, trade down.


3. Cleveland Browns – Derrick Johnson LB Texas (6-3, 242): In case you haven’t figured it out already, the Browns will not be picking a quarterback here, but will look to the defensive side of the ball instead. Although they lost QB Kelly Holcomb is free agency to the Bills, they were still able to get a veteran quarterback from the Seahawks and a former Super Bowl MVP in Trent Dilfer. Derrick Johnson is by far the best defensive player in the draft, will have the biggest impact as a rookie, and is a lock for Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Other possibilities: Alex Smith QB Utah, Antrel Rolle CB Miami (Fla.).


4. Chicago Bears – Ronnie Brown RB Auburn (6-0, 233): This pick was all Braylon Edwards until the Bears make one of the biggest free agent signing so far in Mushin Muhammad. They will still be looking to add a playmaker on the offensive side of the ball, but it may come at the running back position. Thomas Jones was probably the best offensive skill player the team had then again he was a former first round bust and can without a doubt still be upgraded.

Other notable possibilities: Braylon Edwards WR Michigan, Derrick Johnson LB Texas.


5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Alex Barron OT Florida State (6-7, 320): Although running back is probably a bigger need, you can always get a good running back later in the draft. As they say, a cornerstone left tackle only comes along every so often, so when you have the chance to get one, you go get one. Derrick Deese and Todd Steussie were their starting tackles last year and will both be 35 when the season starts and Kenyatta Walker has been a huge bust and a major disappointment. Alex Barron will step right in from day one at the left tackle spot and more than likely play opposite of Steussie.

Other possibilities: Carnell Williams RB Auburn, Braylon Edwards WR Michigan.


6. Tennessee Titans – Adam Jones CB West Virginia* (5-10, 187): You have to question what the Titans did this off-season in releasing 6 players for salary cap reasons. They were able to kept Brad Hopkins, one of their starting tackles so now they will probably have Steve McNair back next year. Starting here they will look at add players to fill in the missing pieces that they lost with the selection of Adam Jones. You may think he is small at 5-10 but he plays a lot bigger and posses a lot of speed that helps make him a great playmaker and kick-returner.

Other possibilities: Braylon Edwards WR Michigan, Antrel Rolle CB Miami (Fla.).


7. Minnesota Vikings (From Oakland) – Braylon Edwards WR Michigan (6-3, 211): The Vikings and the Raiders make the biggest trade of the off-season when the Vikings sent Randy Moss to the Raiders in exchange for Napoleon Harris and the seventh overall pick. So here the Vikings sit looking to replace Moss and didn’t do a bad job at it, because Braylon Edwards just fell into their laps. They will look secondary with their second first round pick.

Other possibilities: Antrel Rolle CB Miami (Fla.), Mike Williams WR USC*.


8. Arizona Cardinals – Carnell Williams RB Auburn (5-11, 217): There was a deal in place that would have the Bills sending Travis Henry to the Cardinals for L.J. Shelton, but it fell through. So the Cardinals are still searching for a running back and they get a good one in Carnell Williams. He has been overshadowed by former teammate Ronnie Brown, who really has been lighting it up over the last few months. He did have great Senior Bowl and his only real downfall is that he didn’t workout at the Combine, but can he really fall far with that alone.

Other possibilities: Antrel Rolle CB Miami (Fla.), Erasmus James DE Wisconsin.


9. Washington Redskins – Antrel Rolle CB Miami (Fla.) (6-1, 197): They just finalized the deal with the Jets in which they send Laveranues Coles to the Jets in exchange for Santana Moss. That should pretty much end any idea of selecting Mike Williams here. So they turn to another need at corner, where they are in danger of losing another number one corner for two years in a row with Fred Smoot. Although he still has a shot at being the number one pick in this draft, he falls to number nine and the Redskins jump all over him and he will get to play with his former teammate Sean Taylor in the secondary.

Other possibilities: Mike Williams WR USC*, Erasmus James DE Wisconsin.


10. Detroit Lions – Erasmus James DE Wisconsin (6-4, 266): This is the year the Lions have to step up and make the run at the playoffs. At first I had Heath Miller here, but they just signed Marcus Pollard in free agency so now they can look defense here. The best available defensive player on the board is Erasmus James. He does have a history of injury problems, but that shouldn’t affect his stock that much on draft day.

Other possibilities: Marcus Spears DE LSU, Heath Miller TE Virginia*.


11. Dallas Cowboys – Marcus Spears DE LSU (6-4, 307): The Cowboys have filled most of their needs in the first week of free agency, with the signings of CB Anthony Henry, DT Jason Ferguson, and OG Marco Rivera. Those were three out of four of their biggest needs. The fourth is defensive end, which they will answer here with Marcus Spears. He will be a good fit even if they do end up changing to the 3-4 scheme that they have been widely talking about, but it’s hard to see them changing at this point.

Other possibilities: Shawne Merriman LB Maryland*, Mike Williams WR USC*.


12. San Diego Chargers – Shawne Merriman LB Maryland* (6-4, 272): This is the finally team that has two first round picks to make there first selection. As you already know, the Chargers will be entering their second season of using the 3-4 scheme, so they will look to add some more player that know the scheme. The best player in the draft that meets that is Shawne Merriman. He had a great Combine and could move up into the top 10 by draft day.

Other possibilities: Mike Williams WR USC*, Khalif Barnes OT Washington.


13. Houston Texans – Khalif Barnes OT Washington (6-6, 305): So now that they can finally the get one, they will go after him and that guy is Khalif Barnes. Well they still didn’t get their franchise left tackle for QB David Carr and it’s been four years since they entered the league. Barnes could find himself as the top offensive tackle to go off the boards by draft day.

Other possibilities: Mike Williams WR USC*, Marcus Spears DE LSU.


14. Carolina Panthers – Mike Williams WR USC* (6-5, 229): They should have know that if they cut Muhsin Muhammad that he wasn’t going to sign back with them. So here they are with only Steve Smith and Keary Colbert at wide receiver, so at some point they will have to add another wide out. Lucky for them Mike Williams fell to them and they can add a wide out now. It’s crazy what NFL teams weigh on the forty-time, but here we are watching another player fall because he only ran a 4.59 in the forty and not a 4.5 that would have put him in the top 10.

Other possibilities: Heath Miller TE Virginia*, Kevin Burnett LB Tennessee.


15. Kansas City Chiefs – Carlos Rogers CB Auburn (6-0, 196): We all know the story and we have all been saying that they will be drafting a defensive player in the first round and that this was the year. But when the draft rounded around, it wasn’t the year. Now here we set and wonder if this will finally the year. So corner is by far their biggest need on defense and Carlos Rogers is the best available player at the position and is a player that is really on the rise.

Other possibilities: Mike Williams WR USC*, Alex Smith QB Utah*.


16. New Orleans Saints – Alex Smith QB Utah* (6-4, 217): Well I can truly say that I thought that they would go after a quarterback in the first round as the replacement for QB Aaron Brooks. I was saying this in the preseason and took a lot of heat for it from Saints’ fans. Now there are finally rumors that started about a month or so ago when the Saints said that they really liked Alex Smith.

Other possibilities: Kevin Burnett LB Tennessee, Channing Crowder LB Florida*.


17. Cincinnati Bengals – Travis Johnson DT Florida State (6-4, 305): Where was a reason that they wanted to bring in Warren Sapp last year and it really showed, but they didn’t get him. Now they will probably lose Tony Williams via free agency and will need to make finding a young defensive tackle to fill the shoes next to John Thornton atop the to-do-list. Travis Johnson really stepped up his play this year after coming in to Florida State as a topnotch recruit and not really living up to it.

Other possibilities: Carlos Rogers CB Auburn, Channing Crowder LB Florida.


18. Minnesota Vikings – Thomas Davis S Georgia* (6-1, 230): This is the first team of the three that has two first round picks to make their second pick. They are improving their defense this year with the Moss trade in which they got LB Napoleon Harris and the free agent signing of DT Pat Williams. So here they look to add the best defensive back on the board and that is Thomas Davis.

Other possibilities: Carlos Rogers CB Auburn, Fabian Washington CB Nebraska*.


19. St. Louis Rams – Dan Cody DE Oklahoma (6-6, 254): The Rams solved all their problems at linebacker in the first week of free agency with the signing of Chris Claiborne and Dexter Coakley. So now they look to solve their problems on the defensive line. They couldn’t possibly think that Tony Hargrove is the real replacement for Grant Wistrom and will have to find a replacement. Dan Cody is the high-energy guy that they will need to involve on last year.

Other possibilities: Jammal Brown OT Oklahoma, Heath Miller TE Virginia*.


20. Dallas Cowboys (From Buffalo) – Troy Williamson WR South Carolina* (6-1, 203): Now the Cowboys will be able to look to find more weapons on offense for Drew Bledsoe to throw to. Troy Williamson is a speedy wide out that has that game changing ability that they lack last year from that position.

Other possibilities: Channing Crowder LB Florida*, package up both first rounders.


21. Jacksonville Jaguars – Justin Miller CB Clemson* (5-10, 201): The Jaguars were able to fix up their defensive line early in free agency with the signings of DT Martin Chase and DE Reggie Hayward. They can now look to add a young corner to pair with Rashean Mathias. Justin Miller is one of the very good cornerbacks in this draft and just has that knack for the ball.

Other possibilities: Dan Cody DE Oklahoma, Fabian Washington CB Nebraska*.


22. Baltimore Ravens – Channing Crowder LB Florida* (6-2, 252): The Ravens are another team that is using free agency to really improve their team. They were able to bring in two ex-Titans in WR Derrick Mason and CB Samari Rolle. Now they will have to look to replace underrated LB Ed Hartwell who will probably not be back next year. Channing Crowder is a prefect fit in the 3-4 scheme because of his athletic ability and that he is able to play any linebacking position.

Other possibilities: Jammal Brown OT Oklahoma, Thomas Davis S Georgia*.


23. Seattle Seahawks – Fabian Washington CB Nebraska* (5-11, 188): I really liked David Baas here to replace the aging Robbie Tobeck. But then a bigger need developed when they lost CB Ken Lucas via free agency. Fabian Washington really improved his stock when he clocked in at a fast 4.25 in the forty at the Combine.

Other possibilities: David Pollack DE Georgia, David Baas C Michigan.


24. Green Bay Packers – Matt Roth DE Iowa (6-4, 278): KGB is a stud on the defensive line, but they lack a playmaker opposite of him. Over the last few months including the Senior Bowl and the Combine, Matt Roth has worked his way up into the first round. He has everything you ask for in a defensive end, plus some.

Other possibilities: Charlie Frye QB Akron, David Pollack DE Georgia.


25. Denver Broncos – Heath Miller TE Virginia* (6-5, 256): The Broncos fixed up the defensive line a little bit in the trade for DT Gerard Warren with the Browns. The Broncos didn’t have to time last year to find the replacement for Shannon Sharpe, but they will look to find is replacement this off-season. With the teams in front of them not having a big need for a tight end, Heath Miller fell into their lap. He is a great all around tight end, whether it’s throwing a block or catching the tough balls over the middle.

Other possibilities: Anttaj Hawthorne DT Wisconsin, Brodney Pool S Oklahoma*.


26. New York Jets – Anttaj Hawthorne DT Wisconsin (6-3, 321): The Jets were afraid that they may lose DT Jason Ferguson and now they have. They will look to find a replacement early in the draft because they is a huge hole in the middle of the defensive line. Anttaj Hawthorne was once thought be the number one pick in the draft, but got overshadowed by teammate Erasmus James, but he was the one taking all the double teams when James was putting up his big numbers.

Other possibilities: Shaun Cody DT USC, Mark Clayton WR Oklahoma.


27. Atlanta Falcons – Kevin Burnett LB Tennessee (6-3, 239): The Falcons have been pretty quiet in free agency thus far and will probably look to the draft to fill their needs. Outside of Pro Bowl LB Keith Brooking, they don’t have much at linebacker and will have to take a hard look at Kevin Burnett. He is an extremely underrated linebacker with good sideline-to-sideline speed that will make him a great fit next to Brooking.

Other possibilities: Mark Clayton WR Oklahoma, Brodney Pool S Oklahoma*.


28. San Diego Chargers – Shaun Cody DT USC (6-4, 293): The Chargers have a number of different possibilities they could look at here. But putting the finishing touches on the front seven is a good idea if they get the chance. They do, because the very versatile Shaun Cody is still on the board and he will be able to team with Igor Olshansky and Jamal Williams on the defensive line from day one.

Other possibilities: Brodney Pool S Oklahoma*, Mark Clayton WR Oklahoma.


29. Indianapolis Colts – Brandon Browner CB Oregon State* (6-4, 221): They just missed out on getting Shaun Cody, so now they will have to look to their need at corner. Brandon Browner is a little raw and his stock really took a hit when he ran a 4.6 at the Combine. That may cause him to have to be a safety at the next level, but he could help anywhere in the secondary for them, that has no standouts at either position.

Other possibilities: Shaun Cody DT USC, Odell Thurman LB Georgia*.


30. Pittsburgh Steelers – Jammal Brown OT Oklahoma (6-6, 316): There were going to look to add depth at offensive tackle, but with the free agent lost of their starting right tackle Oliver Ross. They are just going to have to look there earlier in the draft. They will not find a bad replacement in Jammal Brown, who is the highest-rated right tackle in the draft.

Other possibilities: Brodney Pool S Oklahoma*, Roddy White WR UAB.


31. Philadelphia Eagles – Mark Clayton WR Oklahoma (5-10, 193): The Eagles lost out in signing both RB Shaun Alexander, who was tagged by the Seahawks, and Jerry Porter, who re-upped with the Raiders. They still need to find another solid weapon on offense and they get one here in Mark Clayton, whose only real knock is his lack of great size.

Other possibilities: Roddy White WR UAB, Darryl Blackstock LB Virginia*.


32. New England Patriots – David Baas C Michigan (6-5, 319): OG Joe Andruzzi was a huge free agency lose inside of already weak offensive line. The Patriots have a knack for having great players fall to them in the draft and this just in, they got another one here in David Baas. He is a versatile offensive lineman, who will play anywhere on the offensive line he is asked, which is something they like in their players.

Other possibilities: Marlin Jackson S Michigan, Roddy White WR UAB.

Blitzkrieg

Administrator

Well as far as the Niners go, I'd like to see them trade down, but if they had to take a guy at number 1 I'd go with Alex Smith like I said, but I wouldn't be bent out of shape if they went with Rodgers.

I really don't think they'll bother to pick a Artrell Rolle with the first pick in the draft, and besides when speaking on corners, I like Adam "Pac Man" Jones better.

BTW, besides you, me, D, and Simon, does anybody else like football in here?

Freak

West Virginia is my favourite college team (my grandpa is a prof there), so I've followed Pacman very closely the last few years. That said, I'm continually puzzled to see him keep rising up draft boards. I mean, he's a great cover corner with very good speed, but he's still undersized and is barely physical. I do think he should be a 1st-round pick, but a lot of people have him above Antrel Rolle and Carlos Rogers, who are both big, fast, and have proven they're elite corners amongst top competition.

With the 49ers, I don't see any way they can trade out of the #1 spot. There's no one in the draft who anyone will need to trade all the way up for, unless one team REALLY decides they like Rodgers or Smith... and I find that unlikely.

There seem to be other people who follow the NFL on here, but no one who really knows a lot about it. You're right, I basically posted this for the few of us who know what it all means. Everyone is welcome to give feedback though.

Blitzkrieg

Administrator

I just didn't like what I saw from Rolle in his days..maybe I'm wrong about him. I loved Pac Man though...and then I saw him run like a 4.2 40 and I was like wow!, but I gotta be careful with all the combine stuff. It suckers way too many people into making decisions they later regret.

But your right, I'd like to see them trade out of the first pick, but it probably won't happen. The thing that scares me is that neither one of the QB's are really locks. You knew Peyton Manning was a lock when he came out. Most figuered Vick would be good, but there are so many guys who sky rocket these draft boards and end up not playin' a lick, like Akili or Cade, etc.

Miakal

I guess I would be one of those brothas.

I used to follow football very closely but still never to the degree that you two guys do. I like The Bears and The Vikings. Dislike The Packers and The Patriots.

But I don't follow too closely like I says. More of a UFC, Pride, and boxing kind of fan.

This was a really good post though Freak. Interesting shit. And it's fun to read you guys go back and forth on it.

No doubt, no doubt.

I'm sure a lot of other people are in my boat. Casual fans are the majority.

Freak

4.2 is pretty exaggerated, but then that's what 40 times are all about. I still don't think a lot of NFL scouts put too much stock into 40 times, considering how rare a player has to sprint 40 yards in a straight line from a set position. Rolle ran something like a 4.58 at the Canes workout day, and all of a sudden folks are talking about putting him at safety. I really like Carlos Rogers myself, but I'd also take Rolle over Jones at this point. Maybe it's because my Packers were (so far) burned by a similar player in Ahmad Carroll in last year's 1st-round...

You're right that no QB this year is a lock, and I don't feel like either Smith or Rodgers would be a guarantee to even go top 10 in any other draft. Still, I wouldn't say any QB is ever a true lock coming out of college... you bring up Manning, but until just before Tagliabue announced Peyton to the Colts, there were people debating whether it would be Manning or RYAN LEAF to go #1 overall. If anybody, my favourite QB in this year's draft is Adrian McPherson -- obviously he could bust too, but his athletic upside is insane. At best, I see Rodgers and Smith turning out like a Tom Brady type of player, but more likely a Hasselbeck or Trent Green.

Miakal, both the Vikes and Bears are improving this offseason, although I think the Bears will still lick ballsack next year.

Blitzkrieg

Administrator

Ryan Leaf..lol Poor Chargers. Now they got Rivers making a ton of money and had to sign Brees for this year cuz of last year's performance. But at least they turned things around.

Anyway, wasn't McPhearson the one who got in trouble and had to go play in the Arena League?

Freak

Yeah that's him. He got kicked out of Florida State, went to some smaller Florida college, and ultimately ended up torching the Arena League. He's in the draft this year though, and a lot of scouts think he's turned his life around enough to take advantage of all his natural skills.

Blitzkrieg

Administrator

lol..I remember him from Florida St. but more so from the Arena League. He was a boy among men, but played like a man among boys. He is really athletic.

Freak

I expected he'd rise up draft boards all the way to the 1st round, but we're well into March now and it seems he'll go closer to the 3rd. I don't really want Green Bay looking for Favre's heir in this particular draft, but if they take a shot at McPherson in the 3rd, I will definitely be able to live with that. I'm sick of seeing Culpepper and McNabb and Vick run all over the Pack; it might be a nice change to have a guy like him in (and out of) the pocket. Plus it would help people refrain from comparing whoever GB plays at QB to Favre.