InmanRoshi
04-08-2005, 04:29 PM
Interesting comments on Ware.
1. San Francisco 49ers — QB Alex Smith, Utah
One thing is certain: If the 49ers cannot find a buyer to trade up, they will select a quarterback. If Smith happens to fall to No. 2 or No. 3, the Dolphins and Browns will not hesitate to take him. The coach who tried recruiting him to Louisville when his uncle, John L. Smith, headed the program was Dolphins offensive coordinator Scott Linehan. The Browns like Smith better than Rodgers. Smith’s upside and athletic ability are what separate him from Rodgers. Rodgers’ local roots should have absolutely nothing to do with the Niners’ decision. They must draft the player with the highest value, and the consensus from polling NFL decision-makers is that Smith is that guy, especially given the time Mike Nolan and Scot McCloughan have to build the team.
2. Miami Dolphins — RB Cedric Benson, Texas
If Saban follows in the footsteps of his former boss and good friend Bill Belichick, there is no reason to believe he will hesitate to draft Benson, the most naturally instinctive inside runner in this draft. Belichick has won three Super Bowls on the backs of players like Bryan Cox, Rodney Harrison and Corey Dillon. They all came with baggage, but good coaches know how to manage them. Based on game tape alone, many scouts agree that Benson is the draft’s most talented runner.
3. Cleveland Browns — WR Braylon Edwards, Michigan
The Browns may have more pressing needs to fill in the trenches, after shipping most of their defensive line to Denver and struggling on the offensive line for years, but there is not a lineman in this draft worthy of the No. 3 pick. Finding an interested buyer to trade down will be difficult and could force the Browns to draft the best player, who some teams believe is Edwards.
4. Chicago Bears — RB Carnell Williams, Auburn
At the Combine, Ronnie Brown gained momentum and moved ahead of Carnell Williams on some draft boards around the league. After teams reconvened to review game tape and re-stack their boards in recent weeks, it is clear why Williams has regained position. He started ahead of Brown and was the Tigers’ preferred back of choice in short-yardage situations. He plays bigger than his size and broke more tackles as senior than Thomas Jones likely did in his entire career at Virginia. Jones runs around tacklers. Williams sometimes runs around them too, but he takes more pride in running through them, much like Sweetness did.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — RB Ronnie Brown, Auburn
Some scouts say Brown may have the best hands of not only any back in the draft, but any player. He is a gifted athlete who would give Jon Gruden the flexibility he desires to be very creative drawing up plays and fills a pressing need. Aaron Rodgers could be very intriguing at this spot, provided a team doesn’t move up to get him at No. 4, a spot at which the Bears would love to trade down.
6. Tennessee Titans — WR Mike Williams, USC
GM Floyd Reese may be making the final decision, but heavy input will come from former USC Trojan and current head coach Jeff Fisher and Williams’ former offensive coordinator Norm Chow, whom Fisher hired to replace Mike Heimerdinger. Drew Bennett may not be even a No. 3 receiver for most teams, and Tyrone Calico is coming off knee surgery, has never been able to stay healthy and is still unproven. Finding a way to please Steve McNair after convincing him to return for another season will be important, and if the Titans can’t find a willing partner to trade down so they can add an offensive tackle, expect the Titans to fill their huge void at receiver with this pick and then nab a cornerback in the second round. Chow knows how to use the whole field and will find ways to exploit Williams’ size and hands, especially in the red zone.
7. Minnesota Vikings (from Oakland) — WR Troy Williamson, South Carolina
Williamson will not be available when the Vikings select again at No. 18. The reason the Vikings have so effectively run the ball in the past is because defenses could not stack eight men in the box with Randy Moss in the slot drawing double coverage. Williamson has the type of speed to scare defenses the same way.
8. Arizona Cardinals — QB Aaron Rodgers, California
Cornerback is a more pressing need, but if Denny Green improves this franchise the way he predicts, the Cardinals will not be drafting in such a high spot again soon, so he may want to land a top quarterback now. Josh McCown hits the open market next year and has yet to earn the confidence of Green, and Rodgers could be groomed behind Kurt Warner.
9. Washington Redskins — CB Carlos Rogers, Auburn
A trade is said to be in the works that could go down in the next few days and affect the Redskins’ draft needs. The Redskins prefer established veterans over rookies. Rogers’ size, speed and experience could make him the first defender drafted.
10. Detroit Lions — OLB Derrick Johnson, Texas
The Lions have a history of drafting Longhorns, with three starters — DE Cory Redding, DT Shaun Rogers and WR Roy Williams — hailing from Texas. Johnson would be an ideal fit in the Lions’ defense, where he would be protected by Shaun Rogers and Dan Wilkinson and would not be asked to take on a lot of blocks.
11. Dallas Cowboys — FS-CB Antrel Rolle, Miami (Fla.)
Losing Darren Woodson was a major blow to the Cowboys’ secondary, and with no true cover safeties in this draft, Rolle could move inside and combine with Roy Williams to form one of the most physical safety tandems in the league. His five career interceptions and lack of speed are what could keep him out of the top 10.
12. San Diego Chargers (from N.Y. Giants) — DE Shawne Merriman, Maryland
Merriman is a rare physical specimen who will be overdrafted for his athletic ability. Having added nearly 30 pounds following the season without losing a step and having played in one of only two college programs to have run the 3-4 as its base defense, Merriman would be a great fit in San Diego.
13. Houston Texans — OLT Alex Barron, Florida State
The Texans’ attempt to sign Orlando Pace showed how serious they were about improving the OLT position, where Seth Wand has been overmatched. Barron has rare talent and simply needs to be coached.
14. Carolina Panthers — OLB Demarcus Ware, Troy
Some teams consider Ware to be the top pass rusher in this draft, and his versatility will improve his draft value. Julian Peterson was drafted 16th in 2000 in a much stronger draft. Don’t be surprised if Ware, who is similar athletically, comes off sooner, especially to a team in position to draft the best available player.
15. Kansas City Chiefs — DE David Pollack, Georgia
With Patrick Surtain expected to join the team via trade and a veteran presence being most needed in the secondary, finding an upgrade for DE Eric Hicks could take precedence among the Chiefs’ top needs, and Pollack has the type of personality that Dick Vermeil will fall in love with. His relentless motor and great instincts impress team brass even more than his never-say-die attitude.
16. New Orleans Saints — OLT Khalif Barnes, Washington
Wayne Gandy is not getting any younger. Jermane Mayberry could move inside and allow Barnes to develop on the right side for a year before eventually shifting to left tackle.
17. Cincinnati Bengals — DE-DT Marcus Spears, LSU
Don’t be surprised if the Bengals seek to trade down as they did last year, but with the size to help at tackle or end, Spears will be very attractive to head coach Marvin Lewis.
18. Minnesota Vikings — DE Erasmus James, Wisconsin
As far as pure pass rushers in this draft, James is as good as any when he is healthy. Kenechi Udeze fell to the Vikings two spots lower a year ago, much further than his talent warranted, because of injuries. The Vikings could reap the rewards of James’ injury history this year, provided he can stay healthy.
19. St. Louis Rams — ORT Jammal Brown, Oklahoma
With Kyle Turley not returning, the Rams have a major need on their offensive line, and Brown’s stock is on the rise. After Barron, Barnes and Brown, the depth of the OT class drops off considerably, which will likely force all three to be drafted close to one another. As soon as one comes off the board, a run will start on the others.
20. Dallas Cowboys (from Buffalo) — WR Mark Clayton, Oklahoma
Bill Parcells liked Terry Glenn enough to draft him seventh overall in 1996 despite his lack of size. If he could land Clayton at No. 20, Parcells would have to be elated. Clayton is the most polished receiver in the draft and could turn out to be a tremendous value.
21. Jacksonville Jaguars — SS-OLB Thomas Davis, Georgia
If the Jaguars could find a way to move Donovin Darius on Draft Day, as they have been trying to do with the disgruntled veteran for several years, Davis could start right away in his place. He could also fill a role as an interchangeable linebacker.
22. Baltimore Ravens — CB-RS Adam "Pac-Man" Jones, West Virginia
The Ravens just signed Samari Rolle, but he has struggled to stay healthy. The Ravens do not have great depth at the position with Deion Sanders possibly retiring for good and Dale Carter missing last season because of an injury. Every year, a player tends to slip in the draft, and Jones’ lack of size, average pro-day workout and questionable character are all reasons he is sliding down draft boards. Leave it to the Ravens to recognize value, having less regard for character than many teams.
23. Seattle Seahawks — CB Fabian Washington, Nebraska
Free-agent acquisition Kelly Herndon was not paid No. 2 CB money and would be most ideal as a No. 3 cornerback. The Seahawks love speed, and Washington has plenty of it, registering sub-4.3 40-times at the Combine.
24. Green Bay Packers — FS-CB Marlin Jackson, Michigan
Losing Darren Sharper and Bhawoh Jue was a big blow to the Packers’ secondary. Jackson could help at safety or cornerback, another thin area where help is needed.
25. Denver Broncos — DT Travis Johnson, Florida State
Overlooking character concerns has become a more common occurrence in Denver, and Johnson gives the Broncos a penetrating, disruptive interior force.
26. New York Jets — TE Heath Miller, Virginia
After losing Anthony Becht to Tampa Bay in free agency, the Jets have a gaping hole at tight end, and Miller would be an ideal fit in the Jets’ West Coast offense.
27. Atlanta Falcons — FS Brodney Pool, Oklahoma
The Falcons could use a true center fielder, which neither recent signee Ronnie Heard nor Rich Coady is. Pool is the most athletic safety in the draft and should not make it out of the first round.
28. San Diego Chargers — WR Roddy White, UAB
Despite resigning Keenan McCardell, the Chargers let Tim Dwight leave, and Reche Caldwell is coming off a serious knee injury. A vertical threat who can stretch the field would open up the Chargers’ passing game.
29. Indianapolis Colts — NT-DT Luis Castillo, Northwestern
Castillo would be a classic Bill Polian pick — a smart, hardworking, relentless overachiever. And he would be ideal in the Colts’ one-gap defense.
30. Pittsburgh Steelers — TE-WR Matt Jones
The Steelers have had a lot of success converting players to the slot. See Hines Ward and Antwaan Randle-El. With tight ends being numbered in this draft, Jones could be the second one drafted and give defensive coordinators headaches trying to figure out how to stop him.
31. Philadelphia Eagles — DE Justin Tuck, Notre Dame
There is an excellent chance the Eagles will package some of their 13 picks in this draft to move up and select the defensive lineman of their choice in the mid-teens, the same way they have done the last two years. Youth is needed off the edge, and Tuck has some similarities to Jevon Kearse, provided the Eagles stay put in this spot.
32. New England Patriots — OLB Kevin Burnett, Tennessee
Athletic ability, intelligence and versatility are all marks of a Bill Belichick-Scott Pioli selection. Burnett possesses those traits and could provide much-needed depth at linebacker.
1. San Francisco 49ers — QB Alex Smith, Utah
One thing is certain: If the 49ers cannot find a buyer to trade up, they will select a quarterback. If Smith happens to fall to No. 2 or No. 3, the Dolphins and Browns will not hesitate to take him. The coach who tried recruiting him to Louisville when his uncle, John L. Smith, headed the program was Dolphins offensive coordinator Scott Linehan. The Browns like Smith better than Rodgers. Smith’s upside and athletic ability are what separate him from Rodgers. Rodgers’ local roots should have absolutely nothing to do with the Niners’ decision. They must draft the player with the highest value, and the consensus from polling NFL decision-makers is that Smith is that guy, especially given the time Mike Nolan and Scot McCloughan have to build the team.
2. Miami Dolphins — RB Cedric Benson, Texas
If Saban follows in the footsteps of his former boss and good friend Bill Belichick, there is no reason to believe he will hesitate to draft Benson, the most naturally instinctive inside runner in this draft. Belichick has won three Super Bowls on the backs of players like Bryan Cox, Rodney Harrison and Corey Dillon. They all came with baggage, but good coaches know how to manage them. Based on game tape alone, many scouts agree that Benson is the draft’s most talented runner.
3. Cleveland Browns — WR Braylon Edwards, Michigan
The Browns may have more pressing needs to fill in the trenches, after shipping most of their defensive line to Denver and struggling on the offensive line for years, but there is not a lineman in this draft worthy of the No. 3 pick. Finding an interested buyer to trade down will be difficult and could force the Browns to draft the best player, who some teams believe is Edwards.
4. Chicago Bears — RB Carnell Williams, Auburn
At the Combine, Ronnie Brown gained momentum and moved ahead of Carnell Williams on some draft boards around the league. After teams reconvened to review game tape and re-stack their boards in recent weeks, it is clear why Williams has regained position. He started ahead of Brown and was the Tigers’ preferred back of choice in short-yardage situations. He plays bigger than his size and broke more tackles as senior than Thomas Jones likely did in his entire career at Virginia. Jones runs around tacklers. Williams sometimes runs around them too, but he takes more pride in running through them, much like Sweetness did.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — RB Ronnie Brown, Auburn
Some scouts say Brown may have the best hands of not only any back in the draft, but any player. He is a gifted athlete who would give Jon Gruden the flexibility he desires to be very creative drawing up plays and fills a pressing need. Aaron Rodgers could be very intriguing at this spot, provided a team doesn’t move up to get him at No. 4, a spot at which the Bears would love to trade down.
6. Tennessee Titans — WR Mike Williams, USC
GM Floyd Reese may be making the final decision, but heavy input will come from former USC Trojan and current head coach Jeff Fisher and Williams’ former offensive coordinator Norm Chow, whom Fisher hired to replace Mike Heimerdinger. Drew Bennett may not be even a No. 3 receiver for most teams, and Tyrone Calico is coming off knee surgery, has never been able to stay healthy and is still unproven. Finding a way to please Steve McNair after convincing him to return for another season will be important, and if the Titans can’t find a willing partner to trade down so they can add an offensive tackle, expect the Titans to fill their huge void at receiver with this pick and then nab a cornerback in the second round. Chow knows how to use the whole field and will find ways to exploit Williams’ size and hands, especially in the red zone.
7. Minnesota Vikings (from Oakland) — WR Troy Williamson, South Carolina
Williamson will not be available when the Vikings select again at No. 18. The reason the Vikings have so effectively run the ball in the past is because defenses could not stack eight men in the box with Randy Moss in the slot drawing double coverage. Williamson has the type of speed to scare defenses the same way.
8. Arizona Cardinals — QB Aaron Rodgers, California
Cornerback is a more pressing need, but if Denny Green improves this franchise the way he predicts, the Cardinals will not be drafting in such a high spot again soon, so he may want to land a top quarterback now. Josh McCown hits the open market next year and has yet to earn the confidence of Green, and Rodgers could be groomed behind Kurt Warner.
9. Washington Redskins — CB Carlos Rogers, Auburn
A trade is said to be in the works that could go down in the next few days and affect the Redskins’ draft needs. The Redskins prefer established veterans over rookies. Rogers’ size, speed and experience could make him the first defender drafted.
10. Detroit Lions — OLB Derrick Johnson, Texas
The Lions have a history of drafting Longhorns, with three starters — DE Cory Redding, DT Shaun Rogers and WR Roy Williams — hailing from Texas. Johnson would be an ideal fit in the Lions’ defense, where he would be protected by Shaun Rogers and Dan Wilkinson and would not be asked to take on a lot of blocks.
11. Dallas Cowboys — FS-CB Antrel Rolle, Miami (Fla.)
Losing Darren Woodson was a major blow to the Cowboys’ secondary, and with no true cover safeties in this draft, Rolle could move inside and combine with Roy Williams to form one of the most physical safety tandems in the league. His five career interceptions and lack of speed are what could keep him out of the top 10.
12. San Diego Chargers (from N.Y. Giants) — DE Shawne Merriman, Maryland
Merriman is a rare physical specimen who will be overdrafted for his athletic ability. Having added nearly 30 pounds following the season without losing a step and having played in one of only two college programs to have run the 3-4 as its base defense, Merriman would be a great fit in San Diego.
13. Houston Texans — OLT Alex Barron, Florida State
The Texans’ attempt to sign Orlando Pace showed how serious they were about improving the OLT position, where Seth Wand has been overmatched. Barron has rare talent and simply needs to be coached.
14. Carolina Panthers — OLB Demarcus Ware, Troy
Some teams consider Ware to be the top pass rusher in this draft, and his versatility will improve his draft value. Julian Peterson was drafted 16th in 2000 in a much stronger draft. Don’t be surprised if Ware, who is similar athletically, comes off sooner, especially to a team in position to draft the best available player.
15. Kansas City Chiefs — DE David Pollack, Georgia
With Patrick Surtain expected to join the team via trade and a veteran presence being most needed in the secondary, finding an upgrade for DE Eric Hicks could take precedence among the Chiefs’ top needs, and Pollack has the type of personality that Dick Vermeil will fall in love with. His relentless motor and great instincts impress team brass even more than his never-say-die attitude.
16. New Orleans Saints — OLT Khalif Barnes, Washington
Wayne Gandy is not getting any younger. Jermane Mayberry could move inside and allow Barnes to develop on the right side for a year before eventually shifting to left tackle.
17. Cincinnati Bengals — DE-DT Marcus Spears, LSU
Don’t be surprised if the Bengals seek to trade down as they did last year, but with the size to help at tackle or end, Spears will be very attractive to head coach Marvin Lewis.
18. Minnesota Vikings — DE Erasmus James, Wisconsin
As far as pure pass rushers in this draft, James is as good as any when he is healthy. Kenechi Udeze fell to the Vikings two spots lower a year ago, much further than his talent warranted, because of injuries. The Vikings could reap the rewards of James’ injury history this year, provided he can stay healthy.
19. St. Louis Rams — ORT Jammal Brown, Oklahoma
With Kyle Turley not returning, the Rams have a major need on their offensive line, and Brown’s stock is on the rise. After Barron, Barnes and Brown, the depth of the OT class drops off considerably, which will likely force all three to be drafted close to one another. As soon as one comes off the board, a run will start on the others.
20. Dallas Cowboys (from Buffalo) — WR Mark Clayton, Oklahoma
Bill Parcells liked Terry Glenn enough to draft him seventh overall in 1996 despite his lack of size. If he could land Clayton at No. 20, Parcells would have to be elated. Clayton is the most polished receiver in the draft and could turn out to be a tremendous value.
21. Jacksonville Jaguars — SS-OLB Thomas Davis, Georgia
If the Jaguars could find a way to move Donovin Darius on Draft Day, as they have been trying to do with the disgruntled veteran for several years, Davis could start right away in his place. He could also fill a role as an interchangeable linebacker.
22. Baltimore Ravens — CB-RS Adam "Pac-Man" Jones, West Virginia
The Ravens just signed Samari Rolle, but he has struggled to stay healthy. The Ravens do not have great depth at the position with Deion Sanders possibly retiring for good and Dale Carter missing last season because of an injury. Every year, a player tends to slip in the draft, and Jones’ lack of size, average pro-day workout and questionable character are all reasons he is sliding down draft boards. Leave it to the Ravens to recognize value, having less regard for character than many teams.
23. Seattle Seahawks — CB Fabian Washington, Nebraska
Free-agent acquisition Kelly Herndon was not paid No. 2 CB money and would be most ideal as a No. 3 cornerback. The Seahawks love speed, and Washington has plenty of it, registering sub-4.3 40-times at the Combine.
24. Green Bay Packers — FS-CB Marlin Jackson, Michigan
Losing Darren Sharper and Bhawoh Jue was a big blow to the Packers’ secondary. Jackson could help at safety or cornerback, another thin area where help is needed.
25. Denver Broncos — DT Travis Johnson, Florida State
Overlooking character concerns has become a more common occurrence in Denver, and Johnson gives the Broncos a penetrating, disruptive interior force.
26. New York Jets — TE Heath Miller, Virginia
After losing Anthony Becht to Tampa Bay in free agency, the Jets have a gaping hole at tight end, and Miller would be an ideal fit in the Jets’ West Coast offense.
27. Atlanta Falcons — FS Brodney Pool, Oklahoma
The Falcons could use a true center fielder, which neither recent signee Ronnie Heard nor Rich Coady is. Pool is the most athletic safety in the draft and should not make it out of the first round.
28. San Diego Chargers — WR Roddy White, UAB
Despite resigning Keenan McCardell, the Chargers let Tim Dwight leave, and Reche Caldwell is coming off a serious knee injury. A vertical threat who can stretch the field would open up the Chargers’ passing game.
29. Indianapolis Colts — NT-DT Luis Castillo, Northwestern
Castillo would be a classic Bill Polian pick — a smart, hardworking, relentless overachiever. And he would be ideal in the Colts’ one-gap defense.
30. Pittsburgh Steelers — TE-WR Matt Jones
The Steelers have had a lot of success converting players to the slot. See Hines Ward and Antwaan Randle-El. With tight ends being numbered in this draft, Jones could be the second one drafted and give defensive coordinators headaches trying to figure out how to stop him.
31. Philadelphia Eagles — DE Justin Tuck, Notre Dame
There is an excellent chance the Eagles will package some of their 13 picks in this draft to move up and select the defensive lineman of their choice in the mid-teens, the same way they have done the last two years. Youth is needed off the edge, and Tuck has some similarities to Jevon Kearse, provided the Eagles stay put in this spot.
32. New England Patriots — OLB Kevin Burnett, Tennessee
Athletic ability, intelligence and versatility are all marks of a Bill Belichick-Scott Pioli selection. Burnett possesses those traits and could provide much-needed depth at linebacker.