Sabot55
February 6th, 2004, 11:25:59 AM
Took a whirl at it before work today.
1.) Arizona (from San Diego)- Eli Manning QB Mississippi
The Cardinals need Manning for two reasons: he’s a big name that will sell; and he’s the franchise player the team needs to build around. Arizona trades their third round pick to ensure they get Manning.
2.) Oakland- Larry Fitzgerald WR Pittsburgh
The NFL will approve Fitzgerald’s request to enter the draft in order to stay consistent with their own rules, and focus on appealing the Maurice Clarett ruling. Fitzgerald’s talent is too tempting for Al Davis to pass up, especially considering the age of Jerry Rice and Tim Brown.
3.) San Diego (from Arizona)- Tommie Harris DT Oklahoma
The Chargers take a pass on Ben Roethlisberger, and this is a couple picks too high for Robert Gallery. Harris is a disruptive tackle, despite being slightly undersized. Harris would have been rated higher that Fitzgerald, but his less-than-stellar performance against Nick Leckey in the Big 12 Championship game dropped him a pick or two. Regardless, Harris solidifies the interior of the Charger defense.
4.) NY Giants- Robert Gallery OT Iowa
The patchwork Giant offensive line needs an infusion of talent. He would likely spend time at RT of OG initially. Luke Petitgout may be a better answer at RT if Gallery can step in immediately at LT. Either way, the situation gets better.
5.) Pittsburgh (from Washington)- Ben Roethlisberger QB Miami (O.)
Steeler officials say they are going with Tommy Maddox next season. I don’t buy the corporate stance. Roethlisberger is too good to pass up on. Bill Cowher has a fine model of how to handle two QB’s from Marvin Lewis in Cincinnati. Joe Gibbs wanted Tommie Harris. With Harris gone, trading down makes sense. Pittsburgh trades their second round pick in the deal.
6.) Detroit- Kellen Winslow TE Miami, Fla.
The Lions have a very good team in the making, especially their passing game. The West Coast offense needs a good TE, and Winslow is more than that. This selection opens up Joey Harrington’s options, and forces defenses to blitz less.
7.) Atlanta- Vince Wilfork DT Miami, Fla.
Shawn Andrews and Sean Taylor are options here. But GM McKay goes with the DT to build the defense around. Wilfork is a load in the middle, despite being raw. Wilfork will help keep blockers off Keith Brooking.
8.) Cleveland- Shawn Andrews OT Arkansas
Sean Taylor is again passed on. Andrews is a lesser talent, but the Browns’ offensive line is a mess. Andrews begins the rebuilding. He can play LT or RT. Butch Davis needs to address Andrews’ character and off-field issues. However, if Andrews reaches his potential, he will be more dominant that Gallery.
9.) Jacksonville- Roy Williams WR Texas
Williams’ dropping this far is a sign of how deep this draft is. The Jaguars cash in. Williams continues the rebuilding process on the offense. Leftwich now has his future number one receiver.
10.) Houston- Sean Taylor S Miami, Fla.
Taylor finally gets selected. Randy Starks is an option for the Texans. But Taylor is too good to pass on. Taylor is comparable to Roy Williams of the Cowboys, with better ball skills.
11.) Washington (from Pittsburgh)- Kenechi Udeze DE USC
Starks is again considered, but Udeze is the better player. His stock will rise as he performs during offseason workouts and USC’s Pro Day. Udeze will end up rated higher than Will Smith because of his size and potential.
12.) Minnesota (from NY Jets)- Will Smith DE Ohio State
The Vikings need a CB, but will explore that option in free agency. Pass rushers are hard to find, and Minnesota needs one. They jump up and give up their second round pick, fearing that Smith could end up with Buffalo or Chicago.
13.) Cincinnati (from Buffalo)- Jonathan Vilma LB Miami, Fla.
Marvin Lewis needs DBs and a DT. But he won’t let Vilma get away. He trades the Bengals’ third round pick to move up. Vilma could be the playmaking MLB that he wants, ala Ray Lewis, just not as good.
14.) Chicago- Reggie Williams WR Washington
Dez White will leave as a UFA, David Terrell hasn’t panned out, and Marty Booker is best on short to intermediate routes. Williams is a game-breaker in the Terrell Owens mold.
15.) Tampa Bay- Kevin Jones RB Virginia Tech
Jon Gruden loses out on the player he really wanted, Reggie Williams. But Jones is a game-breaker as well. Jones should run near a 4.4 40-time during Virginia Tech’s Pro Day. Thomas Jones is a free agent, and the Bucs aren’t explosive. Kevin Jones is.\
16.) Miami (from San Francisco)- Philip Rivers QB North Carolina State
Dan Marino really wants Rivers. He won’t take a chance on waiting until the 20th pick. Miami’s QB situation has been marginal since Marino retired. Marino is going to have to overrule others in the organization, who believe the Dolphins need a WR.
17.) Buffalo (from Cincinnati)- DeAngelo Hall CB Virginia Tech
Tom Donahoe trades down after neither Udeze or Will Smith are available. Buffalo hopes that either Chris Gamble or DeAngelo Hall are still around to replace Antoine Winfield. Luckily, both are. Though Gamble may be the better corner now, Hall is more athletic and explosive. Hall played man coverage his entire time in Blacksburg, so he fits perfectly in Buffalo.
18.) New Orleans- Chris Gamble CB Ohio State
The Saints also benefit here, getting the corner that Buffalo doesn’t take. Gamble is big and physical, and is better that Fred Thomas, Dale Carter, or Ashley Ambrose. A starter from day one.
19.) NY Jets (from Minnesota)- DJ Williams LB Miami, Fla.
The Jet LB corps is aging. Mo Lewis will be replaced by Victor Hobson. Sam Cowart should replace Marvin Lewis in the middle. Williams starts at WLB, using his explosive speed to make plays.
20.) San Francisco (from Miami)- Michael Clayton WR LSU
San Francisco needs to replace Terrell Owens. Clayton is a tough receiver that will go over the middle, and has run after the catch skills. He’s a perfect fit for the 49er offensive.
21.) New England (from Baltimore)- Steven Jackson RB Oregon State
The Patriots want a RB, but don’t want to reach for him. Jackson is the perfect value here. Jackson is more explosive than Antwoine Smith. He’s also tough and has good hands.
22.) Dallas- Randy Starks DT Maryland
Strange shades of the Cowboys “dirty dozen” draft that started out with Randy White, DT, Maryland. The Cowboy defense is soft up the middle. Starks isn’t a Wilfork sized plugger, but he’s the best option here.
23.) Kansas City (from Seattle)- Dunta Robinson CB South Carolina
The Chiefs make a strong move to jump ahead of the Bronco’s, who could take a CB. Robinson is the best of the DB’s after Gamble and Hall. He played a SS type position at South Carolina, but has more raw ability than Derrick Strait or Will Poole.
24.) Denver- Marquise Hill DE LSU
Mike Shanahan really wanted Robinson, especially after Willie Middlebrooks’ flopped and Deltha O’Neal moved to WR. The Bronco’s won’t reach for Strait, and Poole reminds Denver thinkers too much of Middlebrooks. Hill replaces Bert Berry and gives the Bronco’s a bookend opposite Trevor Pryce.
25.) Green Bay- JP Losman QB Tulane
The Pack could go with Michael Jenkins. But Brett Favre isn’t getting younger. Losman is a young QB in the Favre-mold. Who better to teach him?
26.) St. Louis- Derrick Strait CB Oklahoma
The Rams have tried a slew of players at CB, and none have truly broken out as capable of handling the job. Strait is a perfect fit for the cover 2, has tremendous ball skills, and comes from a great program.
27.) Tennessee- Ben Troupe TE Florida
With Frank Wycheck retiring, Steve McNair needs an option in the middle of the field. Like Drew Bledsoe, McNair is most comfortable throwing to the TE. Troupe only started for one season, but has the ability to be a game-breaker for the Titans.
28.) Philadelphia- Michael Jenkins WR Ohio State
Donovan McNabb desperately needs a number one receiver. Jenkins would be an immediate impact player for the Eagles. The current crop of Eagle receivers isn’t tough over the middle. Jenkins adds that toughness.
29.) Indianapolis- Will Poole CB USC
Poole, like Strait, is best suited for the cover 2. He has great ball skills but struggles to stay with top receivers running deep. Poole left the Senior Bowl with an Achilles’ tendon issue, which needs to be checked out.
30.) Seattle (from Kansas City)- Marcus Tubbs DT Texas
Tubbs stock is going to rise the closer the draft gets. Tubbs is a big, disruptive DT that will plug the middle of the Seahawk defense. Seattle trades down knowing that Tubbs or Donnell Washington will still be available.
31.) Carolina- Vernon Carey OG Miami, Fla.
Lee Evans is the popular pick here. But the draft is deep at WR and Carolina thinks that they can get a WR in the second round. Carey is the best value pick here, and with Carolina’s offense centered around the power run game, Carey is a sensible pick.
32.) Houston (from New England)- Donnell Washington DT Clemson
Washington is the right value here for the Texans. Houston sees how good the Patriot defense is, which starts with their great and massive defensive line. Washington could play nose tackle, or move to either end position in the 3-4 defense.
1.) Arizona (from San Diego)- Eli Manning QB Mississippi
The Cardinals need Manning for two reasons: he’s a big name that will sell; and he’s the franchise player the team needs to build around. Arizona trades their third round pick to ensure they get Manning.
2.) Oakland- Larry Fitzgerald WR Pittsburgh
The NFL will approve Fitzgerald’s request to enter the draft in order to stay consistent with their own rules, and focus on appealing the Maurice Clarett ruling. Fitzgerald’s talent is too tempting for Al Davis to pass up, especially considering the age of Jerry Rice and Tim Brown.
3.) San Diego (from Arizona)- Tommie Harris DT Oklahoma
The Chargers take a pass on Ben Roethlisberger, and this is a couple picks too high for Robert Gallery. Harris is a disruptive tackle, despite being slightly undersized. Harris would have been rated higher that Fitzgerald, but his less-than-stellar performance against Nick Leckey in the Big 12 Championship game dropped him a pick or two. Regardless, Harris solidifies the interior of the Charger defense.
4.) NY Giants- Robert Gallery OT Iowa
The patchwork Giant offensive line needs an infusion of talent. He would likely spend time at RT of OG initially. Luke Petitgout may be a better answer at RT if Gallery can step in immediately at LT. Either way, the situation gets better.
5.) Pittsburgh (from Washington)- Ben Roethlisberger QB Miami (O.)
Steeler officials say they are going with Tommy Maddox next season. I don’t buy the corporate stance. Roethlisberger is too good to pass up on. Bill Cowher has a fine model of how to handle two QB’s from Marvin Lewis in Cincinnati. Joe Gibbs wanted Tommie Harris. With Harris gone, trading down makes sense. Pittsburgh trades their second round pick in the deal.
6.) Detroit- Kellen Winslow TE Miami, Fla.
The Lions have a very good team in the making, especially their passing game. The West Coast offense needs a good TE, and Winslow is more than that. This selection opens up Joey Harrington’s options, and forces defenses to blitz less.
7.) Atlanta- Vince Wilfork DT Miami, Fla.
Shawn Andrews and Sean Taylor are options here. But GM McKay goes with the DT to build the defense around. Wilfork is a load in the middle, despite being raw. Wilfork will help keep blockers off Keith Brooking.
8.) Cleveland- Shawn Andrews OT Arkansas
Sean Taylor is again passed on. Andrews is a lesser talent, but the Browns’ offensive line is a mess. Andrews begins the rebuilding. He can play LT or RT. Butch Davis needs to address Andrews’ character and off-field issues. However, if Andrews reaches his potential, he will be more dominant that Gallery.
9.) Jacksonville- Roy Williams WR Texas
Williams’ dropping this far is a sign of how deep this draft is. The Jaguars cash in. Williams continues the rebuilding process on the offense. Leftwich now has his future number one receiver.
10.) Houston- Sean Taylor S Miami, Fla.
Taylor finally gets selected. Randy Starks is an option for the Texans. But Taylor is too good to pass on. Taylor is comparable to Roy Williams of the Cowboys, with better ball skills.
11.) Washington (from Pittsburgh)- Kenechi Udeze DE USC
Starks is again considered, but Udeze is the better player. His stock will rise as he performs during offseason workouts and USC’s Pro Day. Udeze will end up rated higher than Will Smith because of his size and potential.
12.) Minnesota (from NY Jets)- Will Smith DE Ohio State
The Vikings need a CB, but will explore that option in free agency. Pass rushers are hard to find, and Minnesota needs one. They jump up and give up their second round pick, fearing that Smith could end up with Buffalo or Chicago.
13.) Cincinnati (from Buffalo)- Jonathan Vilma LB Miami, Fla.
Marvin Lewis needs DBs and a DT. But he won’t let Vilma get away. He trades the Bengals’ third round pick to move up. Vilma could be the playmaking MLB that he wants, ala Ray Lewis, just not as good.
14.) Chicago- Reggie Williams WR Washington
Dez White will leave as a UFA, David Terrell hasn’t panned out, and Marty Booker is best on short to intermediate routes. Williams is a game-breaker in the Terrell Owens mold.
15.) Tampa Bay- Kevin Jones RB Virginia Tech
Jon Gruden loses out on the player he really wanted, Reggie Williams. But Jones is a game-breaker as well. Jones should run near a 4.4 40-time during Virginia Tech’s Pro Day. Thomas Jones is a free agent, and the Bucs aren’t explosive. Kevin Jones is.\
16.) Miami (from San Francisco)- Philip Rivers QB North Carolina State
Dan Marino really wants Rivers. He won’t take a chance on waiting until the 20th pick. Miami’s QB situation has been marginal since Marino retired. Marino is going to have to overrule others in the organization, who believe the Dolphins need a WR.
17.) Buffalo (from Cincinnati)- DeAngelo Hall CB Virginia Tech
Tom Donahoe trades down after neither Udeze or Will Smith are available. Buffalo hopes that either Chris Gamble or DeAngelo Hall are still around to replace Antoine Winfield. Luckily, both are. Though Gamble may be the better corner now, Hall is more athletic and explosive. Hall played man coverage his entire time in Blacksburg, so he fits perfectly in Buffalo.
18.) New Orleans- Chris Gamble CB Ohio State
The Saints also benefit here, getting the corner that Buffalo doesn’t take. Gamble is big and physical, and is better that Fred Thomas, Dale Carter, or Ashley Ambrose. A starter from day one.
19.) NY Jets (from Minnesota)- DJ Williams LB Miami, Fla.
The Jet LB corps is aging. Mo Lewis will be replaced by Victor Hobson. Sam Cowart should replace Marvin Lewis in the middle. Williams starts at WLB, using his explosive speed to make plays.
20.) San Francisco (from Miami)- Michael Clayton WR LSU
San Francisco needs to replace Terrell Owens. Clayton is a tough receiver that will go over the middle, and has run after the catch skills. He’s a perfect fit for the 49er offensive.
21.) New England (from Baltimore)- Steven Jackson RB Oregon State
The Patriots want a RB, but don’t want to reach for him. Jackson is the perfect value here. Jackson is more explosive than Antwoine Smith. He’s also tough and has good hands.
22.) Dallas- Randy Starks DT Maryland
Strange shades of the Cowboys “dirty dozen” draft that started out with Randy White, DT, Maryland. The Cowboy defense is soft up the middle. Starks isn’t a Wilfork sized plugger, but he’s the best option here.
23.) Kansas City (from Seattle)- Dunta Robinson CB South Carolina
The Chiefs make a strong move to jump ahead of the Bronco’s, who could take a CB. Robinson is the best of the DB’s after Gamble and Hall. He played a SS type position at South Carolina, but has more raw ability than Derrick Strait or Will Poole.
24.) Denver- Marquise Hill DE LSU
Mike Shanahan really wanted Robinson, especially after Willie Middlebrooks’ flopped and Deltha O’Neal moved to WR. The Bronco’s won’t reach for Strait, and Poole reminds Denver thinkers too much of Middlebrooks. Hill replaces Bert Berry and gives the Bronco’s a bookend opposite Trevor Pryce.
25.) Green Bay- JP Losman QB Tulane
The Pack could go with Michael Jenkins. But Brett Favre isn’t getting younger. Losman is a young QB in the Favre-mold. Who better to teach him?
26.) St. Louis- Derrick Strait CB Oklahoma
The Rams have tried a slew of players at CB, and none have truly broken out as capable of handling the job. Strait is a perfect fit for the cover 2, has tremendous ball skills, and comes from a great program.
27.) Tennessee- Ben Troupe TE Florida
With Frank Wycheck retiring, Steve McNair needs an option in the middle of the field. Like Drew Bledsoe, McNair is most comfortable throwing to the TE. Troupe only started for one season, but has the ability to be a game-breaker for the Titans.
28.) Philadelphia- Michael Jenkins WR Ohio State
Donovan McNabb desperately needs a number one receiver. Jenkins would be an immediate impact player for the Eagles. The current crop of Eagle receivers isn’t tough over the middle. Jenkins adds that toughness.
29.) Indianapolis- Will Poole CB USC
Poole, like Strait, is best suited for the cover 2. He has great ball skills but struggles to stay with top receivers running deep. Poole left the Senior Bowl with an Achilles’ tendon issue, which needs to be checked out.
30.) Seattle (from Kansas City)- Marcus Tubbs DT Texas
Tubbs stock is going to rise the closer the draft gets. Tubbs is a big, disruptive DT that will plug the middle of the Seahawk defense. Seattle trades down knowing that Tubbs or Donnell Washington will still be available.
31.) Carolina- Vernon Carey OG Miami, Fla.
Lee Evans is the popular pick here. But the draft is deep at WR and Carolina thinks that they can get a WR in the second round. Carey is the best value pick here, and with Carolina’s offense centered around the power run game, Carey is a sensible pick.
32.) Houston (from New England)- Donnell Washington DT Clemson
Washington is the right value here for the Texans. Houston sees how good the Patriot defense is, which starts with their great and massive defensive line. Washington could play nose tackle, or move to either end position in the 3-4 defense.