Duane
04-22-2005, 09:54 AM
www.draftinsiders.com
Final Mock Draft 05 - First Round
Ahead of the Curve
1. San Francisco - Aaron Rodgers - QB - Cal
The 49ers have to get it right here after several disastrous recent draft classes that have left them at the bottom of the NFL. They need to start with a young franchise caliber QB and have attempted to move out of this spot the past few months with no success. They have entertained several offers and would like to add Philip Rivers with no deal agreed upon. They are debating between Rodgers and Smith at this point and are leaning towards Rodgers as the first overall pick.
Alternate Pick: Alex Smith - QB - Utah
2. Miami - Alex Smith - QB - Utah
The Dolphins have also attempted to move out of this spot and are still pursuing several possibilities at this point. They have major needs at running back and on defense, but the fact that the QB position is so unsettled they may select one of the top two passers available. They would ideally like to stay in the top 10 picks and add a #2 pick they surrendered for young passer A.J. Feeley last year.
Alternate Pick: Antrel Rolle - CB - Miami
3. Cleveland - Braylon Edwards - WR - Michigan
New head coach Romeo Crennel will develop a new defense here using the 3-4 defensive scheme. They are praying that QB Alex Smith is available at this selection, but they may be one pick late for either young passer. Wideout Braylon Edwards will be the best value on the board but certainly not the highest need in Cleveland. New GM Phil Savage will look to move back here and hopes to stay in the top ten picks and add extra first day selections.
Alternate Pick: Alex Smith - QB - Utah
4. Chicago - Ronnie Brown - RB - Auburn
The Bears have clear needs at the offensive skill positions and look to address them early. They love wideout Braylon Edwards but are also prepared to select either of the Auburn runners Ronnie Brown or Carnell Williams. They like Brown slightly better than Williams and want to add a workhorse runner and be able to play a run controlled game late in the season.
Alternate Pick: Braylon Edwards - WR - Michigan
5. Tampa - RB - Carnell Williams - Auburn
The Bucs have major needs at running back and wide receiver and look to add a blue chip prospect at this selection. HC Jon Gruden worked with Carnell Williams at the Senior Bowl and sees him as an ideal fit for his offense. At this position, they like both Auburn runners and wideout Mike Williams. They hope to address the wideout spot later and preferably a prospect with speed.
Alternate Pick: Ronnie Brown - RB - Auburn
6. Tennessee - Antrel Rolle - CB - Miami
The Titans front office has done an excellent job annually in selecting talent. They will need a strong class this April to avoid a further fall from contention. They have many major needs entering this draft with the offense in general and the secondary the primary areas. They may have their choice at any cornerback at this spot and rank Rolle the highest in a deep class. They have talked with several clubs about swapping #1 picks for additional first day picks that may be the best scenario for a club with so many needs.
Alternate Pick: Derrick Johnson - LB - Texas
7. Minnesota (Oakland) - Mike Williams - WR - USC-
The Vikes have two #1 picks and are interested in moving up to select wideout Braylon Edwards. They also like Mike Williams very much and he is high on their list at this selection. They could surprise though and address their front four where they would most likely have their choice of any prospect on the board.
Alternate Pick: Erasmus James - DE - Wisconsin
8. Arizona - Adam Pac Man Jones - CB - West Virginia
The Cards hope to duplicate last years great draft class and have clear needs with both cornerback and running back the major areas. With the Travis Henry deal still a real possibility, they would draft into the deep corner class and the addition of a prospect like Pac Man Jones would improve both the coverage unit and return game.
Alternate Pick: Ronnie Brown - RB - Auburn
9. Washington Derrick Johnson - LB - Texas
The Redskins hold two #1 picks after the deal with the Broncos and look to address both sides of the ball. They have clear needs at wide receiver especially if they trade wideout Rod Gardner. The highest rated player on the board may be Derrick Johnson or Erasmus James. Johnson would be a fine addition to their tough young defense, though not their highest need position.
Alternate Pick: Adam Pac Man Jones - CB - West Virginia
10. Detroit - Erasmus James - DE - Wisconsin
The Lions have had a few excellent draft classes in recent years and another strong group could put them in playoff contention. They will look to move back for an extra first day selection but want to stay within the middle of the first round. They want a strong pass rusher or receiving threat in the middle and Miller would give them a terrific group of young receivers. They also like OT Alex Barron.
Alternate Pick: Heath Miller - TE - Virginia
11. Dallas - Shawne Merriman - LB - Maryland
The Boys have to apply more pass pressure to return tot the playoffs. They will move to a 3-4 defensive scheme and could address the two outside backer spots on the first day and possibly with both #1 selections. Bill Parcells loves Merriman here for their changing unit and see him as a difference maker.
Alternate Pick: Alex Barron - OT - Florida St.
12. San Diego (New York Giants) - Alex Barron - OT - Florida St.
The Chargers have very similar needs to both the Cowboys and Texans drafting just in front and behind them. They have major needs at linebacker, secondary and offensive tackle. They hope to land Merriman at this point, but also like Alex Barron and Carlos Rogers very much at this selection.
Alternate Pick: Shawne Merriman - LB - Maryland
13. Houston - 6-10 - Shaun Cody - DE - USC
The Texans are at the crossroads in this draft and look to address their biggest needs attack linebacker and offensive tackle. Their targeted players could be gone at this selection and they may address a talented versatile defender like Shaun Cody who is an ideal fit for end in their 3-4 scheme.
Alternate Pick: Alex Barron - OT - Florida St.
14. Carolina - 7-9 - Cedric Benson - RB - Texas
The Panthers hope to add some punch for their vanilla offense. They need playmakers at both running back and wide receiver and could have a good chance at Benson, They also like receivers Troy Williamson and Mark Clayton and TE Heath Miller and they could be their main options here.
Alternate Pick: Heath Miller - TE - Virginia
15. Kansas City - Carlos Rogers - CB - Auburn
The Chiefs defense is the joke of the league after another horrible performance last fall. They are debating between several highly regarded corners and defensive linemen. Rogers is a well developed cover man who can help immediately and will get strong consideration here. They also like DT Travis Johnson and defensive ends David Pollack, Dan Cody and Matt Roth.
Alternate Pick: Travis Johnson - DT - Florida St.
16. New Orleans Heath Miller TE Virginia
The Saints will look to trade DE Darren Howard by draft weekend and will look inside to defensive tackle in the early rounds. They may be shocked to find TE Miller available and he is a prospect who could be a great addition and difference maker here. They like DT Johnson very much and consider him a defender who can improve their porous run defense immediately. They also like safety Thomas Davis.
Alternate Pick: Travis Johnson - DT - Florida St.
17. Cincinnati - Thomas Davis - S - Georgia
The Bengals may look to address their secondary again this week and Davis would be a welcome addition to their run defense. They have some needs at running back and on defense in general with little depth along the line.
Alternate Pick: David Pollack - DE - Georgia
18. Minnesota - David Pollack - DE - Georgia
The Vikings hope to continue a fine postseason with several first day selections. This selection will be decided by what they do in the top ten picks which most likely addresses the wideout spot. They like several prospects here, DE Pollack, SS Davis and wideouts Williamson and Clayton.
Alternate Pick: Troy Williamson - WR - South Carolina
19. St Louis - Dan Cody - DE - Oklahoma
The Rams could go in a number of directions. They have needs at defensive end, cornerback and OT. They would love to select Carlos Rogers but he is most likely gone a few picks earlier. They will give defensive ends Dan Cody and David Pollack strong consideration here. They also like fast corner Fabian Washington and Justin Miller here.
Alternate Pick: Fabian Washington - CB - Nebraska
20. Dallas (Buffalo) - Darryl Blackstock - LB - Virginia
The Boys hope to address whatever prime need that remains after their earlier selection. They could shock fans and select Blackstock even if they land Merriman with the 11th overall selection. Blackstock could be an immediate impact pass rusher in the Dallas new 3-4 set and Parcells has done his homework on this player while playing under his former assistant coach Al Groh.
Alternate Pick: Mark Clayton - WR - Oklahoma
21. Jacksonville - Troy Williamson - WR - South Carolina
The Jaguars have a few clear needs at wide receiver, cornerback, offensive tackle and defensive end that they hope to address here. Williamson has a huge upside, maybe as much as any player in this draft class. They also like wideout Clayton and LB Burnett here. They could surprise and pick OT Khalif Barnes here for the unsettled leftside tackle spot.
Alternate Pick: Kevin Burnett - LB - Tennessee
22. Baltimore Travis Johnson DT Florida St.
Ravens may be tempted to go in this direction if he falls to this spot. They would love to land another playmaker for young QB Kyle Boller. Clayton is a well developed prospect who should contribute immediately. They love Mike Williams and are interested in moving into the top 10, though the price will be high.
Alternate Pick: Mark Clayton - WR - Oklahoma
23. Seattle - Mark Clayton - WR - Oklahoma
The Seahawks have major needs at linebacker and wide receiver currently. They could address the running back spot early also if they trade starter Shaun Alexander. Clayton would be a fine addition at a troubled spot that needs a sure handed playmaker. The LBing unit has age and little depth and they could add two prospects during this draft. Crowder is a blue chip prospect with baggage but has the talent to become a major playmaker in the NFL.
Alternate Pick: Kevin Burnett - LB - Tennessee
24. Green Bay Matt Roth - DE - Iowa
The Packers face their most critical draft of the decade. They have many needs especially on defense. They have prime needs on their front seven and safety and will give those areas their main focus. They like DE Roth and linebackers Crowder and Burnett.
Alternate Pick: Channing Crowder - LB - Florida
25. Washington (Denver Broncos) - Marcus Spears - DE - LSU
The Skins pulled off a major trade with the purpose rumored to be to select QB Jason Campbell. That would be a super major reach especially considering the ridiculous high price they paid to move up 50 spots, next years #1 and #4 picks. Spears could fall to late in the round and would be a fine addition.
Alternate Pick: Fabian Washington - CB - Nebraska
26. Oakland (N.Y. Jets) - Fabian Washington - CB - Nebraska
The Raiders moved up to this spot and may not be done with trades. They have clear needs at cornerback and linebacker. They probably have a chance at cover men like Washington, Jackson and Miller and linebackers Burnett, Thurman and Ruud.
Alternate Pick: Marlin Jackson - CB - Michigan
27. Atlanta - Khalif Barnes - OT - Washington
The Falcons will look to address both lines early in this draft. They like Barnes very much and have him on their short list. They also like DT Luis Castillo and he is a viable option at this selection.
Alternate Pick: Luis Castillo - DT - Northwestern
28. San Diego - Demarcus Ware - LB - Troy St.
The Chargers will look to address a pass rushing tweener here if they fail to land Merriman with their earlier selection. Ware and Blackstock would be excellent additions and both could be available. If they land the pass rusher earlier, a receiver or cover man would be a high priority with CB like Jackson and Miller and wideouts like White, Brown and Murphy high on their short list.
Alternate Pick: Darryl Blackstock - LB - Virginia
29. Indianapolis - Luis Castillo - DT - Northwestern
The Colts want to improve their run defense and an anchor in the middle is essential. Castillo would be a great fit here. His recent steroid admission probably does not affect his draft status and he most likely goes in the late first round. They could also address the cornerback and with several defenders like Miller, Jackson and Webster most likely on the board.
Alternate Pick: Justin Miller - CB - Clemson
30. Pittsburgh Channing Crowder LB Florida
The Steelers have some clear needs at wide receiver, tight end, OT, cornerback and linebacker. They love TE Heath Miller and are attempting to move up to select him. They like corners Marlin Jackson and Justin Miller and backers Crowder and Burnett. They also like OT Jammal Brown for the rightside.
Alternate Pick: Justin Miller - CB - Clemson
31. Philadelphia - Kevin Burnett - LB - Tennessee
The Eagles would like to add several backers in this draft and could select two on the first day. They like Burnett, Thurman and Ruud with at least two of them most likely available. They also will look to address the wide receiver spot early and have Roddy White and Reggie Brown on their short list.
Alternate Pick: Odell Thurman - LB - Georgia
32. New England - Roddy White WR - UAB
The Pats have major needs at linebacker with seven players on that unit over 30 years of age currently. They also have needs at receiver and like Roddy White here and hope to address the backer spot a few times with other early selections. If LBers Ware or Blackstock are available here, they probably address that position here.
Alternate Pick: Demarcus Ware - LB - Troy St.
Final Mock Draft 05 - First Round
Ahead of the Curve
1. San Francisco - Aaron Rodgers - QB - Cal
The 49ers have to get it right here after several disastrous recent draft classes that have left them at the bottom of the NFL. They need to start with a young franchise caliber QB and have attempted to move out of this spot the past few months with no success. They have entertained several offers and would like to add Philip Rivers with no deal agreed upon. They are debating between Rodgers and Smith at this point and are leaning towards Rodgers as the first overall pick.
Alternate Pick: Alex Smith - QB - Utah
2. Miami - Alex Smith - QB - Utah
The Dolphins have also attempted to move out of this spot and are still pursuing several possibilities at this point. They have major needs at running back and on defense, but the fact that the QB position is so unsettled they may select one of the top two passers available. They would ideally like to stay in the top 10 picks and add a #2 pick they surrendered for young passer A.J. Feeley last year.
Alternate Pick: Antrel Rolle - CB - Miami
3. Cleveland - Braylon Edwards - WR - Michigan
New head coach Romeo Crennel will develop a new defense here using the 3-4 defensive scheme. They are praying that QB Alex Smith is available at this selection, but they may be one pick late for either young passer. Wideout Braylon Edwards will be the best value on the board but certainly not the highest need in Cleveland. New GM Phil Savage will look to move back here and hopes to stay in the top ten picks and add extra first day selections.
Alternate Pick: Alex Smith - QB - Utah
4. Chicago - Ronnie Brown - RB - Auburn
The Bears have clear needs at the offensive skill positions and look to address them early. They love wideout Braylon Edwards but are also prepared to select either of the Auburn runners Ronnie Brown or Carnell Williams. They like Brown slightly better than Williams and want to add a workhorse runner and be able to play a run controlled game late in the season.
Alternate Pick: Braylon Edwards - WR - Michigan
5. Tampa - RB - Carnell Williams - Auburn
The Bucs have major needs at running back and wide receiver and look to add a blue chip prospect at this selection. HC Jon Gruden worked with Carnell Williams at the Senior Bowl and sees him as an ideal fit for his offense. At this position, they like both Auburn runners and wideout Mike Williams. They hope to address the wideout spot later and preferably a prospect with speed.
Alternate Pick: Ronnie Brown - RB - Auburn
6. Tennessee - Antrel Rolle - CB - Miami
The Titans front office has done an excellent job annually in selecting talent. They will need a strong class this April to avoid a further fall from contention. They have many major needs entering this draft with the offense in general and the secondary the primary areas. They may have their choice at any cornerback at this spot and rank Rolle the highest in a deep class. They have talked with several clubs about swapping #1 picks for additional first day picks that may be the best scenario for a club with so many needs.
Alternate Pick: Derrick Johnson - LB - Texas
7. Minnesota (Oakland) - Mike Williams - WR - USC-
The Vikes have two #1 picks and are interested in moving up to select wideout Braylon Edwards. They also like Mike Williams very much and he is high on their list at this selection. They could surprise though and address their front four where they would most likely have their choice of any prospect on the board.
Alternate Pick: Erasmus James - DE - Wisconsin
8. Arizona - Adam Pac Man Jones - CB - West Virginia
The Cards hope to duplicate last years great draft class and have clear needs with both cornerback and running back the major areas. With the Travis Henry deal still a real possibility, they would draft into the deep corner class and the addition of a prospect like Pac Man Jones would improve both the coverage unit and return game.
Alternate Pick: Ronnie Brown - RB - Auburn
9. Washington Derrick Johnson - LB - Texas
The Redskins hold two #1 picks after the deal with the Broncos and look to address both sides of the ball. They have clear needs at wide receiver especially if they trade wideout Rod Gardner. The highest rated player on the board may be Derrick Johnson or Erasmus James. Johnson would be a fine addition to their tough young defense, though not their highest need position.
Alternate Pick: Adam Pac Man Jones - CB - West Virginia
10. Detroit - Erasmus James - DE - Wisconsin
The Lions have had a few excellent draft classes in recent years and another strong group could put them in playoff contention. They will look to move back for an extra first day selection but want to stay within the middle of the first round. They want a strong pass rusher or receiving threat in the middle and Miller would give them a terrific group of young receivers. They also like OT Alex Barron.
Alternate Pick: Heath Miller - TE - Virginia
11. Dallas - Shawne Merriman - LB - Maryland
The Boys have to apply more pass pressure to return tot the playoffs. They will move to a 3-4 defensive scheme and could address the two outside backer spots on the first day and possibly with both #1 selections. Bill Parcells loves Merriman here for their changing unit and see him as a difference maker.
Alternate Pick: Alex Barron - OT - Florida St.
12. San Diego (New York Giants) - Alex Barron - OT - Florida St.
The Chargers have very similar needs to both the Cowboys and Texans drafting just in front and behind them. They have major needs at linebacker, secondary and offensive tackle. They hope to land Merriman at this point, but also like Alex Barron and Carlos Rogers very much at this selection.
Alternate Pick: Shawne Merriman - LB - Maryland
13. Houston - 6-10 - Shaun Cody - DE - USC
The Texans are at the crossroads in this draft and look to address their biggest needs attack linebacker and offensive tackle. Their targeted players could be gone at this selection and they may address a talented versatile defender like Shaun Cody who is an ideal fit for end in their 3-4 scheme.
Alternate Pick: Alex Barron - OT - Florida St.
14. Carolina - 7-9 - Cedric Benson - RB - Texas
The Panthers hope to add some punch for their vanilla offense. They need playmakers at both running back and wide receiver and could have a good chance at Benson, They also like receivers Troy Williamson and Mark Clayton and TE Heath Miller and they could be their main options here.
Alternate Pick: Heath Miller - TE - Virginia
15. Kansas City - Carlos Rogers - CB - Auburn
The Chiefs defense is the joke of the league after another horrible performance last fall. They are debating between several highly regarded corners and defensive linemen. Rogers is a well developed cover man who can help immediately and will get strong consideration here. They also like DT Travis Johnson and defensive ends David Pollack, Dan Cody and Matt Roth.
Alternate Pick: Travis Johnson - DT - Florida St.
16. New Orleans Heath Miller TE Virginia
The Saints will look to trade DE Darren Howard by draft weekend and will look inside to defensive tackle in the early rounds. They may be shocked to find TE Miller available and he is a prospect who could be a great addition and difference maker here. They like DT Johnson very much and consider him a defender who can improve their porous run defense immediately. They also like safety Thomas Davis.
Alternate Pick: Travis Johnson - DT - Florida St.
17. Cincinnati - Thomas Davis - S - Georgia
The Bengals may look to address their secondary again this week and Davis would be a welcome addition to their run defense. They have some needs at running back and on defense in general with little depth along the line.
Alternate Pick: David Pollack - DE - Georgia
18. Minnesota - David Pollack - DE - Georgia
The Vikings hope to continue a fine postseason with several first day selections. This selection will be decided by what they do in the top ten picks which most likely addresses the wideout spot. They like several prospects here, DE Pollack, SS Davis and wideouts Williamson and Clayton.
Alternate Pick: Troy Williamson - WR - South Carolina
19. St Louis - Dan Cody - DE - Oklahoma
The Rams could go in a number of directions. They have needs at defensive end, cornerback and OT. They would love to select Carlos Rogers but he is most likely gone a few picks earlier. They will give defensive ends Dan Cody and David Pollack strong consideration here. They also like fast corner Fabian Washington and Justin Miller here.
Alternate Pick: Fabian Washington - CB - Nebraska
20. Dallas (Buffalo) - Darryl Blackstock - LB - Virginia
The Boys hope to address whatever prime need that remains after their earlier selection. They could shock fans and select Blackstock even if they land Merriman with the 11th overall selection. Blackstock could be an immediate impact pass rusher in the Dallas new 3-4 set and Parcells has done his homework on this player while playing under his former assistant coach Al Groh.
Alternate Pick: Mark Clayton - WR - Oklahoma
21. Jacksonville - Troy Williamson - WR - South Carolina
The Jaguars have a few clear needs at wide receiver, cornerback, offensive tackle and defensive end that they hope to address here. Williamson has a huge upside, maybe as much as any player in this draft class. They also like wideout Clayton and LB Burnett here. They could surprise and pick OT Khalif Barnes here for the unsettled leftside tackle spot.
Alternate Pick: Kevin Burnett - LB - Tennessee
22. Baltimore Travis Johnson DT Florida St.
Ravens may be tempted to go in this direction if he falls to this spot. They would love to land another playmaker for young QB Kyle Boller. Clayton is a well developed prospect who should contribute immediately. They love Mike Williams and are interested in moving into the top 10, though the price will be high.
Alternate Pick: Mark Clayton - WR - Oklahoma
23. Seattle - Mark Clayton - WR - Oklahoma
The Seahawks have major needs at linebacker and wide receiver currently. They could address the running back spot early also if they trade starter Shaun Alexander. Clayton would be a fine addition at a troubled spot that needs a sure handed playmaker. The LBing unit has age and little depth and they could add two prospects during this draft. Crowder is a blue chip prospect with baggage but has the talent to become a major playmaker in the NFL.
Alternate Pick: Kevin Burnett - LB - Tennessee
24. Green Bay Matt Roth - DE - Iowa
The Packers face their most critical draft of the decade. They have many needs especially on defense. They have prime needs on their front seven and safety and will give those areas their main focus. They like DE Roth and linebackers Crowder and Burnett.
Alternate Pick: Channing Crowder - LB - Florida
25. Washington (Denver Broncos) - Marcus Spears - DE - LSU
The Skins pulled off a major trade with the purpose rumored to be to select QB Jason Campbell. That would be a super major reach especially considering the ridiculous high price they paid to move up 50 spots, next years #1 and #4 picks. Spears could fall to late in the round and would be a fine addition.
Alternate Pick: Fabian Washington - CB - Nebraska
26. Oakland (N.Y. Jets) - Fabian Washington - CB - Nebraska
The Raiders moved up to this spot and may not be done with trades. They have clear needs at cornerback and linebacker. They probably have a chance at cover men like Washington, Jackson and Miller and linebackers Burnett, Thurman and Ruud.
Alternate Pick: Marlin Jackson - CB - Michigan
27. Atlanta - Khalif Barnes - OT - Washington
The Falcons will look to address both lines early in this draft. They like Barnes very much and have him on their short list. They also like DT Luis Castillo and he is a viable option at this selection.
Alternate Pick: Luis Castillo - DT - Northwestern
28. San Diego - Demarcus Ware - LB - Troy St.
The Chargers will look to address a pass rushing tweener here if they fail to land Merriman with their earlier selection. Ware and Blackstock would be excellent additions and both could be available. If they land the pass rusher earlier, a receiver or cover man would be a high priority with CB like Jackson and Miller and wideouts like White, Brown and Murphy high on their short list.
Alternate Pick: Darryl Blackstock - LB - Virginia
29. Indianapolis - Luis Castillo - DT - Northwestern
The Colts want to improve their run defense and an anchor in the middle is essential. Castillo would be a great fit here. His recent steroid admission probably does not affect his draft status and he most likely goes in the late first round. They could also address the cornerback and with several defenders like Miller, Jackson and Webster most likely on the board.
Alternate Pick: Justin Miller - CB - Clemson
30. Pittsburgh Channing Crowder LB Florida
The Steelers have some clear needs at wide receiver, tight end, OT, cornerback and linebacker. They love TE Heath Miller and are attempting to move up to select him. They like corners Marlin Jackson and Justin Miller and backers Crowder and Burnett. They also like OT Jammal Brown for the rightside.
Alternate Pick: Justin Miller - CB - Clemson
31. Philadelphia - Kevin Burnett - LB - Tennessee
The Eagles would like to add several backers in this draft and could select two on the first day. They like Burnett, Thurman and Ruud with at least two of them most likely available. They also will look to address the wide receiver spot early and have Roddy White and Reggie Brown on their short list.
Alternate Pick: Odell Thurman - LB - Georgia
32. New England - Roddy White WR - UAB
The Pats have major needs at linebacker with seven players on that unit over 30 years of age currently. They also have needs at receiver and like Roddy White here and hope to address the backer spot a few times with other early selections. If LBers Ware or Blackstock are available here, they probably address that position here.
Alternate Pick: Demarcus Ware - LB - Troy St.