Kiper 1/24 updates (request)

[Dyluke]

Can anyone post this new information? Also senior bowl information should be comming out as well...any updates would be welcomed

 

[CantonBound08]

Can anyone post this new information? Also senior bowl information should be comming out as well...any updates would be welcomed

I don't guess I saw what you were talking about. If you can point me to it I would be more than happy to get it for you. Here is a mock draft from the 18th. I haven't seen it posted yet.

MOCK DRAFT: Mel Kiper's Initial First-Round Projection | Jan. 18

This initial projection is based on what I've identified as key need areas for each team; the four teams still alive in the NFL playoffs are slotted in the last four positions based on record.

There are 14 underclassmen among my projections for the first 32 picks of the 2005 NFL draft, including two of the top three. Utah junior quarterback Alex Smith gets the nod as the first overall pick, and his namesake, Stanford senior tight end Alex Smith, rounds out my first-round projections as the No. 32 overall selection to Pittsburgh.

Underclassmen who have not yet hired an agent have until Jan. 19 to pull out of the draft. The NFL conference championship games and Super Bowl also could impact the order of this list, so be sure to check back for updates as the offseason continues.

1. San Francisco 49ers: Alex Smith (jr.), QB, Utah
A smart player who will pick up an NFL system quickly, Smith has good size, is mobile enough to hurt teams with his running ability and is also an efficient passer who can make all the necessary throws.

2. Miami Dolphins: Cedric Benson, RB, Texas
A strong, tough runner with good speed for his size, Benson would help fill the void left by the retirement of Ricky Williams. But there is speculation the Dolphins will attempt to fill their running back need through trade, perhaps for Buffalo's Travis Henry, so stay tuned.

3. Cleveland Browns: Aaron Rodgers (jr.), QB, California
Rodgers is a smart, accurate passer with a quick release. His arm strength is adequate and he is a better prospect at this point in his career than former Cal QB Kyle Boller, now the starter for the Baltimore Ravens.

4. Chicago Bears: Ronnie Brown, RB, Auburn
Perhaps the most complete back in the draft, Brown can carry or catch the ball with equal skill. He has size, instincts and quickness that allowed him to put up excellent numbers at the college level.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Carnell Wiliams, RB, Auburn
A creative, deceptive runner with tremendous natural skills. Williams can get tough yards inside despite lacking ideal size, a point illustrated by his 29 rushing TDs over the last two years.

6. Tennessee Titans: Adam Jones, CB, West Virginia
A good cover man who will also contribute as a kick returner, Jones has very good closing speed and is a willing tackler in run support. That may be his most important quality with the NFL hurting pass defenses by focusing on downfield infractions by defensive backs.

7. Oakland Raiders: Dan Cody, DE, Oklahoma
A fiery, intense player who always goes all-out, Cody is similar to former NFL standout Kevin Greene in his ability to play on his feet as an outside linebacker, or in a three-point stance as a defensive end.

8. Arizona Cardinals: Travis Johnson, DT, Florida State
Johnson improved his stock immensely this year. He ties up offensive linemen and is able to gain penetration against the run as well as collapse the pocket in passing situations.

9. Washington Commanders: Braylon Edwards, WR, Michigan
Edwards has the size, speed and athleticism to take over games, and he did that several times in 2004. He also significantly cut down on dropped passes and concentration lapses this past season, pushing his stock even higher.

10. Detroit Lions: Heath Miller (jr.), TE, Virginia
A tremendous pass receiver and a willing blocker along the line, Miller would give quarterback Joey Harrington another weapon to complement his wide receivers. He'll also be a help to running back Kevin Jones in the rushing attack.

11. Dallas Cowboys: Shawne Merriman (jr.), DE/OLB, Maryland
A workout warrior with incredible physical skills, Merriman would be an ideal end/linebacker combo in a 3-4 scheme.

12. San Diego Chargers (from NYG): Derrick Johnson, OLB, Texas
Has the speed and strength to chase ballcarriers from sideline to sideline and make things happen when he gets to the ball.

13. Houston Texans: Mike Williams (jr.), WR, USC
Williams did not play in 2004 but dominated the college game for two seasons while at USC. His 6-foot-5, 230-pound frame gives him a big advantage over defensive backs, and he would make a perfect complement to young standout receiver Andre Johnson.

14. Carolina Panthers: Jammal Brown, OT, Oklahoma
Brown's long arms, good feet and balance allow him to engage defenders easily and move them off the ball or away from the quarterback.

15. Kansas City Chiefs: Antrel Rolle, CB, Miami
The Chiefs likely will dedicate most of their draft to defense, and Rolle is a good start. He has the cover skills to shut down wide receivers and also gives up his body against the run.

16. New Orleans Saints: Thomas Davis (jr.), OLB, Georgia
A punishing tackler who played safety in college, Davis has the size and speed to move into the front seven and make an impact at the pro level.

17. Cincinnati Bengals: Erasmus James, DE, Wisconsin
A force along the line of scrimmage, James can play the run, rush the passer and command double-team blocks. There are some durability questions, though, after he missed parts of the last two seasons with injury.

18. Minnesota Vikings: Shaun Cody, DL, USC
A versatile lineman who can play end or tackle, Cody would be a great fit for a Vikings team that has struggled at times along the defensive front.

19. St. Louis Rams: David Pollack, DE, Georgia
Pollack plays with tremendous intensity and his motor does not stop. He makes up for a lack of size with good initial quickness and great closing speed.

20. Dallas Cowboys (from BUF): Troy Williamson (jr.), WR, South Carolina
The fastest wideout in the draft, Williamson would be a great help to a team that lacked a consistent vertical threat.

21. Jacksonville Jaguars: Alex Barron, OT, Florida State
Barron is equally adept in the passing and running games and has light feet for a player his size.

22. Baltimore Ravens: Roddy White, WR, UAB
White's 4.42 speed in the 40 gives him a size/speed combination in the elite category. He is a big-play wideout who averaged 20.0 yards per catch in 2004.

23. Seattle Seahawks: Darryl Blackstock (jr.), OLB, Virginia
Blackstock is a solid all-around talent who shows flashes of greatness and has tremendous natural physical skills.

24. Green Bay Packers: Channing Crowder (so.), MLB, Florida
A tremendously productive player who adapted quickly to the collegiate game, Crowder has the ideal physical skills for a man in the middle.

25. Denver Broncos: Matt Roth, DE, Iowa
Roth is similar to David Pollack: undersized with a great motor and intensity. Roth was productive during his senior year and has good physical ability.

26. New York Jets: Carlos Rogers, CB, Auburn
A consistent, durable corner who can cover and support the run, Rogers has played against some of the best talent in the nation during his career.

27. Atlanta Falcons: Brandon Browner (so.), CB, Oregon State
A consistent cover man with good size, Browner would make a nice complement to Atlanta's top pick last year, CB DeAngelo Hall.

28. San Diego Chargers: Roscoe Parrish (jr.), WR, Miami
Parrish has speed and would be a good option to round out a receiving corps bolstered by the addition of WR Keenan McCardell and the emergence of TE Antonio Gates.

29. Indianapolis Colts: Bryant McFadden, CB, Florida State
Did not intercept many passes, but that's because teams respected his ability and avoided his side of the field. McFadden has the size to match up with big receivers.

30. New England Patriots: Justin Miller (jr.), CB, Clemson
A good fit for a team thin in the secondary this season.

31. Philadelphia Eagles: Justin Tuck (jr.), DE, Notre Dame
Good size and strength. Would be an asset for a team that thrives on pressuring the quarterback.

32. Pittsburgh Steelers: Alex Smith, TE, Stanford
An athletic pass receiver with great body control, Smith can stretch the deep middle and is a good hook-zone threat.

 

[Fletch]

If we pass on another STUD WIDE RECEIVER like Mike Williams for another DE like Merriman. I will be pissed! Shawn's size is somewhat questionable in my opinion. But why pass on a sure-fire, dominant WR for a DE prospect that may or may not pan out?

 

[jimmy40]

If we pass on another STUD WIDERECEIVER like Mike Williams for another DE like Merriman. I will be pissed! Shawn's size is somewhat questionable in my opinion. But why pass on a sure-fire, dominant WR for a DE prospect that may or may not pan out?

Workout warrior=bust. When was the last time we picked the fastest receiver in the draft? Alexander Wright?

 

[The30YardSlant]

If we pass on another STUD WIDERECEIVER like Mike Williams for another DE like Merriman. I will be pissed! Shawn's size is somewhat questionable in my opinion. But why pass on a sure-fire, dominant WR for a DE prospect that may or may not pan out?

Screw Mike Williams, he has us passing on DJ

 

[jimmy40]

Screw Mike Williams, he has us passing on DJ

No kidding and Dan Cody at #7? Unbelievable.

 

[Fletch]

Workout warrior=bust. When was the last time we picked the fastest receiver in the draft? Alexander Wright?

So what are you saying?

 

[Fletch]

Screw Mike Williams, he has us passing on DJ

DJ would be huge for us. Would love to get him probably moreso than Mike. It's just that I don't see DJ lasting till the 11th pick.

 

[calico]

If we pass up on DJ I will throw the rest of the beers left from last year's trade out at the TV.

Granted, Jones probably was the best back in the draft and hindsight is 20/20.

 

[The30YardSlant]

If we pass up on DJ I will throw the rest of the beers left from last year's trade out at the TV.

Granted, Jones probably was the best back in the draft and hindsight is 20/20.

I would break something of sunstantial value if we pass on DJ....

 

[Hollywood Henderson]

Well, Parcells knows we need weapons on D too, but any pick would be wasted as long as we have a clown like zimmy as our DC...
A great pass rusher would be put back in a passive zone...

We do need more hunters that can go & "kill" the likes of McChunky, Manning, & the Culppers of the NFL these days...

Getting rid of zimmy would be like an instant #1 pick impact player(s) on D!

 

[jimmy40]

So what are you saying?

If the best thing you can say about him is he's the fastest receiver in the draft that ain't saying much. How many times does the fastest receiver in the draft turn out to be all that great?

 

[Cbz40]

Screw Mike Williams, he has us passing on DJ

I doubt either one of them make it to the 11th pick.

 

[Star-Fan]

Ok guys, Who's DJ? Derrick Johnson from Texas?

 

[CantonBound08]

We know the draft will look nothing like this, but here are some of the reports from Insider. Mods may want to move this thread to the draft section. You guys will no doubt make that call.

Shawne Merriman

OLB | (6'3", 249) | MARYLAND
Data from Scouts, Inc.

Grade: 8
Comments: Strengths: Possesses good lower body strength for size, plays with a mean streak and should be able to hold ground at the point of attack when lined up at linebacker. Shows great range, takes adequate pursuit angles and makes plays in pursuit. Is active, fights to get off blocks and has the athletic ability to make plays in space. Plays with a great motor and always seems to be around the ball at the end of the play. Breaks down, wraps up upon contact and is a reliable open field tackler. Explodes into hits and is capable of forcing the occasional fumble. Possesses an excellent first step, does an adequate job of anticipating the snap and flashes the ability to shoot the inside gap when rushing the passer from the defensive end position. Generally takes the shortest path to the quarterback and shows excellent closing speed. Has good leaping ability and is capable of tipping some passes at the line of scrimmage. While has been nicked up at times didn't miss any time at the collegiate level and is a tough player who will play with pain. Played defensive end as well as linebacker at the college level, is big enough to line up at end as a situational pass rusher and has good versatility.
Weaknesses: Is an upfield player who primarily rushed the passer while at Maryland and while has some experience dropping into coverage is still raw in that area. Takes some false steps, is overaggressive at times and is vulnerable to play action. Doesn't always use hands well, relies on quickness to slip blocks in the open field and has some problems making the play once an offensive lineman locks on. Lacks ideal size for an every-down defensive end, will need time to develop cover skills if moves to linebacker and probably won't make an immediate contribution on defense.
Bottom line: Merriman appeared in 14 games, starting one of them, in 2002. He appeared in 13 games, starting five of them, in 2003, and he became a fulltime starter for the first time in his collegiate career in 2004. Following a breakout 2004 season with 85 total tackles, 17 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks, Merriman decided to forgo his senior season to enter the 2005 draft. Considering his lack of a defined position and that he didn't redshirt while at Maryland, Merriman probably would have benefited from playing one more year of college football. He isn't fundamentally sound at this point, and he will most likely make his biggest contributions on special teams during his rookie season. However, Merriman clearly has the talent to eventually make an impact as a fulltime starter at the next level. He shows great range when defending the run, he is an explosive pass rusher and he plays with good intensity. Merriman would be an excellent fit at outside linebacker for a team that primarily runs 3-4 fronts. He's a bit of a risk-reward prospect in that he still has a lot of developing to do, but Merriman has the physical tools and upside of a mid-to-late first-round draft pick.

No bio for Troy "Speedy" Williamson.


Mike Williams:
WR | (6'4", 230, 4.6) | USC
Data from Scouts, Inc.

Grade: 9
Comments: Strengths: Is too big, fast and strong to press on a consistent basis. One of the aspects of his game that makes him so rare is his ability to get to top speed so quickly for a big receiver. Has exceptional size and adequate speed for his size. Is extremely smooth for his size. Gets in and out of his breaks without having to gear down too much. Shows smooth hips and tremendous body control for his size. Has long arms and big, strong hands. His overall ball skills are exceptional. He shows rare hand-eye coordination. Catches the ball away from his body and won't let it get into his pads. Is in the elite category when it comes to catching the ball over his shoulder in the vertical passing game. Can pluck and run with ease. Shows the consistent ability to adjust to the poorly thrown ball. Will make the tough catch in traffic. He's more explosive as a vertical route runner than he is as a runner after the catch, but he's still extremely difficult to defend. He plucks the ball very well on the run, which allows him to get upfield quickly after the catch. He shows a very strong and effective stiff arm. You must tackle him low in space in order to be successful.
Weaknesses: Is a bit immature still and was not a favorite teammate at USC. Bulk is a concern. He needs to keep his weight in check and show better self-discipline in terms of eating and working out during the season. He has a chance to get too big in the NFL (much like David Boston) and might have to move to an H-back type of role if he's not careful. He has adequate speed for his size, but his top-end speed is not good. Still can improve his awareness versus zone coverage. He has adequate but not great elusiveness. Is shifty and will make the first defender miss most of the time, but he's not overly elusive in the open field. Effort is somewhat inconsistent as a blocker. Does too much positioning and walling off. Doesn't always look to make the spring block downfield, but generally finishes his assignment.
Bottom line: Williams, 20, tried and failed to get into the 2004 NFL draft. In two college seasons, Williams had 176 catches for 2,570 yards and 30 touchdowns. The All-America sophomore left USC shortly after the spring semester began. He hired an agent and followed Ohio State running back Maurice Clarett in declaring his eligibility for the NFL draft after a federal judge ruled that younger players could turn pro. But that ruling was stayed and Williams eventually was given official word that his college eligibility is gone, which means Williams simply will have to sit and wait between now and the April 2005 NFL draft. Williams had 176 catches for 2,570 yards and 30 touchdowns in two seasons at USC. He quickly became the nation's most explosive and dynamic receiver, and there is very little question about his physical maturity. Williams has elite size, strength, hand-eye coordination and body control. While he doesn't have great speed, he is a vertical threat with adequate speed, good acceleration and terrific size and leaping ability. There are, however, some concerns about Williams' mental maturity and weight. He got down to 230 pounds for his Pro Timing Day in April, '04 but it took a lot of work to get him to that point and there were reports coming from his training group that he could easily eat his way to the tight end position if he didn't show more self-discipline. Furthermore, with Williams being unable to play the entire 2004 season, there has to be concern about him staying in shape, keeping weight off and becoming rusty. Regardless, Williams is clearly the best wide receiver prospect in the '05 draft class and, assuming he stays in shape and has strong pre-draft workouts, he should be a top-ten pick overall.

Derrick Johnson:

OLB | (6'2", 231, 4.55) | TEXAS
Data from Scouts, Inc.

Grade: 9
Comments: Strengths: Has been one of the most active and productive linebackers in college football the last three seasons. Is tough, plays with a terrific motor, and has outstanding athletic ability. Has exceptional top-end speed. He does a nice job of reading his keys, locating the ball carrier and taking the shortest path to the ball. Is on the taller side and he has a lean frame, but was able to add some bulk without losing mobility as a senior. Is a very reliable tackler. Tackles low, breaks down in space and also does a nice job of breaking down and wrapping up in the open field. Has outstanding potential in the passing game in the NFL. Has terrific speed and closing burst as an edge rusher. Is tall, has a wide wingspan and is extremely fluid in coverage. Has excellent range in zone coverage and can matchup one-on-one with most backs out of the backfield. Has terrific instincts in coverage. Also is a playmaker with excellent ball skills.
Weaknesses: Lacks ideal size. Much better fit at WLB than ILB. Has most trouble when teams run at him. He is cut a little bit high and tends to let blockers get into his body too much. Has improved technique but still can get better in terms of using his hands to get through traffic. Also needs to be more consistent with leverage at the POA. Will get engulfed too easily when bigger blockers reach him and must improve his ability to take on blocker in the phone booth. Not an explosive tackler. Got bigger as a senior but still lacks explosive upper body power.
Bottom line: Johnson played every game as a true freshman in 2001 and started two at outside linebacker. He has been a fulltime starting outside linebacker for the Longhorns since his sophomore season in 2002. As a junior in 2003, Johnson led the Longhorns with 129 total tackles, including 29 TFL, two sacks and four INTs. He finished his senior season in 2004 with 130 tackles, 19 TFL, two sacks and one INT. Johnson has experience playing inside and outside linebacker but is an outside linebacker prospect that will best fit on the "weakside" in the NFL. He is a tall, somewhat lean, active, tough, aggressive, athletic and fast linebacker with tremendous NFL potential. Johnson made an unexpected but wise decision to return for his senior season in 2004 and he became an even more complete player over the course of the last year, particularly in terms of his technique and consistency. In our opinion, Johnson is the best linebacker prospect in the 2005 draft class and he might be the best overall defensive player, which is why he projects as a sure-fire top-10 selection.

 

[tyke1doe]

But why pass on a sure-fire, dominant WR for a DE prospect that may or may not pan out?

Maybe because the WR may not be all that sure-fire or dominant.

 

[Star-Fan]

Cool sig. However, isn't Aikman in the 06 class?

 

[CantonBound08]

Cool sig. However, isn't Aikman in the 06 class?

Yeah, I believe so. The 08 represents his number, not the year. Is that what you were referring to? Thanks for the comments on the Sig. What can I say? Juke is the man when it comes to that stuff.

 

[Star-Fan]

Yeah I was referring to that. His number was 8, not 08. It's a great sig, just a little confusing saying he's Conton bound 08, like that's when he's bound to get there. Anyway, just my opinion FWIW.

 

[Star-Fan]

I'd love to stay and chat, but it's time to go. Thanks for the input on my posts today gang. I don't get to post often, but it's grat to hang out, like in the old TV show Cheers, great place to be!! :toast2: