Latest ESPN Insider Mock Draft

[35Pete]

Here it is. Updated 4/2/04


ESPN Insider Updated Mock Draft

1. San Diego: Eli Manning, QB
2. Oakland: Roy Williams, WR
3. Arizona: Larry Fitzgerald, WR
4. NY Giants: Robert Gallery, OT
5. Washington: Sean Taylor, S
6. Detroit: Kellen Winslow, TE
7. Cleveland: DeAngelo Hall, CB
8. Atlanta: Will Smith, DE
9. Jacksonville: Kenichi Udeze, DE
10. Houston: Dunta Robinson, CB
11. Pittsburgh: Ben Roethlisberger, QB
12. NY Jets: Mike Williams, WR
13. Buffalo: Philip Rivers, QB
14. Chicago: Vince Wilfork, DT
15. Tampa: Lee Evans, WR
16. San Fran: Reggie Williams, WR
17. Cincinnati: Tommie Harris, DT
18. New Orleans: Chris Gamble, CB
19. Minnesota: D.J. Williams. OLB
20. Miami Douchebags: Shawn Andrews, OT
21. New England (from Baltimore): Steve Jackson, RB
22. Dallas: Kevin Jones, RB
23. Seattle: Jonathon Vilma, LB
24. Denver: Ben Troupe, TE
25. Green Bay: Matt Ware, DB
26. St. Louis: Jason Babin, DE
27. Tennessee: Donnel Washington, DT
28. Philadelphia: Shante Spencer, CB
29. Indianapolis: Sean Jones, S
30. Kansas City: Michael Clayton, WR
31. Carolina: Michael Jenkins, WR
32. New England: Rashaun Woods, WR

[Hurls]

That's not Mel Kiper's though. His has us taking Will Smith

http://www.buffalorange.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=48037

[RixBills]

I don't like us taking Rivers. I'd prefer one of the following:

S. Taylor, K. Udeze, W. Smith, K. Winslow, B. Rothlisberger, Roy Williams.

If one of those names is said by the Commissioner in the same sentence as "...with the 13th pick in the 2004 NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills select..." I'll be an extremely happy camper.

[BillsCAfan]

Originally posted by RixBills
I don't like us taking Rivers. I'd prefer one of the following:

S. Taylor, K. Udeze, W. Smith, K. Winslow, B. Rothlisberger, Roy Williams.

If one of those names is said by the Commissioner in the same sentence as "...with the 13th pick in the 2004 NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills select..." I'll be an extremely happy camper.

Unless we trade up, R. Williams, Sean Taylor, Winslow nor Roethlisberger will be at #13. Udeze might be gone as well. Will Smith will be there though, but I'd rather get Rivers over Smith.

If it was up to me, I'd trade our 1st and next years 2nd or this years 1st and this years 3rd to get up into the 6-8th range and pick up Sean Taylor or one of the three WR's.

[Magus39]

Smith all the way, Udeze in close 2nd, and R.Williams in a not to distant 3rd.

I would love either of these 3 and dont like the Rivers pick, but in TD i trust

[Wojo1203]

I dont think there is anyway that the Bills can take Rivers with the 1st pick. Why not go for a more desireable position such as WR. We can always sign a QB thats available after July 1st cuts, or simply wait till next yr. WOuld u feel safe if Bledsoe went down in the middle of the season and you have a Phillip Rivers coming in after a measiyl 6 months of NFL experrience or some1 like Kordell, or Dilfer (if cut). Its just ridiculous. People say "draft Rivers" simply because people just want a well known Qb to replace a well known QB we already have, and ill support Bledsoe to my grave. Its called a chance...give Bledsoe one with a new staff and o line. Then if he shats the bed...then we r to worry. Until then i just pray somehow we can snag a Roy Williams or along those lines. Go Bills!

[BillsCAfan]

I don't think I would pick either Udeze or Smith over Williams.

I am just way to weary of DE in teh first round. For some reason, they seem to be more bust worthy than any other position.

If I could have anybody in the draft I'd get Sean Taylor. I think we can get up Washington or Detroits pick with our first and our thrid.

[BillsCAfan]

Originally posted by Wojo1203
I dont think there is anyway that the Bills can take Rivers with the 1st pick. Why not go for a more desireable position such as WR. We can always sign a QB thats available after July 1st cuts, or simply wait till next yr. WOuld u feel safe if Bledsoe went down in the middle of the season and you have a Phillip Rivers coming in after a measiyl 6 months of NFL experrience or some1 like Kordell, or Dilfer (if cut). Its just ridiculous. People say "draft Rivers" simply because people just want a well known Qb to replace a well known QB we already have, and ill support Bledsoe to my grave. Its called a chance...give Bledsoe one with a new staff and o line. Then if he shats the bed...then we r to worry. Until then i just pray somehow we can snag a Roy Williams or along those lines. Go Bills!

I don't think the hype behind Rivers is for him to come in and save us if Bledsoe blows up again. Its strictly a QB of the future deal, and I think he's gonna be one hell of a QB in the NFL. I see him as a Chad Pennington but with a better arm.

There are a lot of things I like about Rivers, but his release is incredibly quick. Which will bode well for any offense, and limit sacks.

[Magus39]

Moving up to #5 or #6 is going to take ALOT more than 13 and a 3rd. Teams with high draft picks usually are <img src='images/smilies/censored.gif'>s about it and want to get the most out of them i dont see the Lions or Skins budging without our 1st, 3rd, and 4th, possibly our 1st and 2nd.

[Wojo1203]

I understand Rivers is a hell of a QB but that was in college...I dont expect that out of him, to just come in and own the NFL...but every1 complains about Travis Brown (in most cases) so throw Rivers in, im not feeling to safe, but hell we rnt gonna take Rivers....in my opinion atleast. I think we will go WR in the 1st if those 3 top wr's, one falls to us...and i can see us (HOPE) we snag Josh Harris in the 3-4th round! Something about this guy i like

[BillsCAfan]

Well I am willing to give up our first this year, and 2nd next year. I know that we can definitely get up in the the 8th range with our 1st and 3rd. Might be able to push it up to 7. I think if TD wanted to move up, he can do it without giving away our 2nd this year.

[gr8slayer]

People finally agree with what I have been saying since the season ended. We need a Slot Reciever and a Defensive End opposite Schobel not another damn Quarterback. Drews still got it.

[SweetLee8 3PlayaWha?]

Originally posted by gr8slayer
People finally agree with what I have been saying since the season ended. We need a Slot Reciever and a Defensive End opposite Schobel not another damn Quarterback. Drews still got it.

No. We need all 3. The writing is on the wall with Bledsoe and finding a quarterback for 2005 has been on the agenda for the orginazation all offseason. I'd rather get a quarterback who doesn't need perfect conditions,(Rivers) and can make other players around him better than to keep trying to cater to Bledsoe and the ridiculous excuses that are made for him.

[BillsCAfan]

Originally posted by Travis20Willis21
better than to keep trying to cater to Bledsoe and the ridiculous excuses that are made for him.

ohhhh...so close. We almost had a thread without "ridiculous" comments bashing Bledsoe.

[SweetLee8 3PlayaWha?]

Originally posted by BillsCAfan
ohhhh...so close. We almost had a thread without "ridiculous" comments bashing Bledsoe.

What else would you call the excuses that have been made for this guy for 6 years? It's time to put up or shut up and do it on a consistent basis. If he cant lead a team with a solid defense and good running game to the playoffs and he's making 6 million a year, its time for him to go.

[BillsCAfan]

Originally posted by Travis20Willis21
What else would you call the excuses that have been made for this guy for 6 years? It's time to put up or shut up and do it on a consistent basis. If he cant lead a team with a solid defense and good running game to the playoffs and he's making 6 million a year, its time for him to go.

I'm not gonna get into this again. By now I think of all people, you'd understand the others viewpoint....unconditionally attacking Bledsoe at all costs. If you want to suck me into this debate where you will jibber jabber for the next 8 months...good luck. I disagree with you, and thats all you need to know.

[SweetLee8 3PlayaWha?]

Originally posted by BillsCAfan
I'm not gonna get into this again. By now I think of all people, you'd understand the others viewpoint....unconditionally attacking Bledsoe at all costs. If you want to suck me into this debate where you will jibber jabber for the next 8 months...good luck. I disagree with you, and thats all you need to know.


It just doesn't make sense to me that anybody could watch this guy over the past year and a half and not realize the absolute need to hedge any bet you want to place on him next season and beyond. TD was on the right track by going after Volek and making it clear he had a great chance to start in 05.

[Napalm]

Originally posted by BillsCAfan
ohhhh...so close. We almost had a thread without "ridiculous" comments bashing Bledsoe.


I was just thinking the same thing

[35Pete]

Originally posted by hurls
That's not Mel Kiper's though. His has us taking Will Smith

http://www.buffalorange.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=48037

I just double checked. It IS Mel Kiper's draft. Your link is to a Mock Draft that I posted several days ago. This one supercedes it.

[35Pete]

Originally posted by gr8slayer
People finally agree with what I have been saying since the season ended. We need a Slot Reciever and a Defensive End opposite Schobel not another damn Quarterback. Drews still got it.

Drew hasn't had it for over 5 years. He's washed up. The Rivers pick in an EXCELLENT pick.

Originally posted by BillsCAfan
I'm not gonna get into this again. By now I think of all people, you'd understand the others viewpoint....unconditionally attacking Bledsoe at all costs. If you want to suck me into this debate where you will jibber jabber for the next 8 months...good luck. I disagree with you, and thats all you need to know.

gr8slayer made a ridiculous comment about Drew and Travis20Willis21 just corrected him. If you don't sing the praises of Drew we won't answer back. It is just that simple . You do not have a monopoly of opinion of Drew. Don't sing how great Drew can be without expecting oppposing opinions, that's all. You can't sit here and say that Drew is great and not expect an opposing opinion. Then when you get that opinion you all whine that the thread is turning into a "Drew Bashing" thread. Everytime one of you exhaults Drew we are supposed to just shut up? Interesting.

[evilfinkiller]

you can quote me on this. We will not take a QB in the first round.

[McD]

DE or WR in round 1.:peace:

[buffmaniac]

I always have to chime in when Bledsoe is brought up. I love how everyone says we are making excuses for Bledsoe when the fact is every QB in the league needs good OL play and open WRs to be successful. Drew got neither one of those consistently last year. Give the guy some time and some open WRs and Drew will be just fine

Now back to the draft. I am not totally opposed to a QB in the first although I doubt it. I would love to see one of top 3 WRs but it may not happen. The first 4 picks will be key to determining who may be left at 13. I say Manning, Gallery, and Fitzgerald are all almost certainly in top 4. The other top pick in mind will be either Big Ben or Roy Williams. If Big Ben is in top 4, Rivers will be gone by our pick, but Roy or Mike Williams may fall to us. Oppositely if Roy is in top 4, then all 3 WRs will be gone, but Rivers may be there at 13. Of course trades by other teams would also affect this depending on who moves up and what they are looking for.

[Psychosis]

2003 draft:

Majority:
"We'll take a DE in the first round"

Result: Willis Mcgahee

Who'd ever thought.:dunno:

[finsrclowns]

Originally posted by MacLeod
2003 draft:

Majority:
"We'll take a DE in the first round"

Result: Willis Mcgahee

Who'd ever thought.:dunno:

Very true MacLeod. I don't know about you guys but I was shocked when Tagliabue said McGahee. So trying to read TD's mind is hopeless.

[Starter]

If Udeze or any one of the William's boys are at 13 take one, any one of these guys could be an impact player for years to come, Rivers remains too great a gamble for the 13th spot. Now if TD wants to trade down and take Roethlisberger and pin our hopes next year and for years to come on the second comming of Jim Kelly then fine, he better get 2500 yards out of his backs this year and prove he's a genius for drafting WM and letting people sit out their rookie seasons.

[RixBills]

I have a feeling that TD's going to be pulling another draft day rabbit out of his ass.

I'm even beginning to wonder if he's going to trade down for additional picks. The draft is deep at WR and there's a few quality QB's to be had later. getting a late 1st rounder and 2 second rounders would be ok with me. Providing he uses the picks wisely.

If he trades down, look for WR in the first and QB/TE in the second.

[35Pete]

Originally posted by RixBills
I have a feeling that TD's going to be pulling another draft day rabbit out of his ass.

I'm even beginning to wonder if he's going to trade down for additional picks. The draft is deep at WR and there's a few quality QB's to be had later. getting a late 1st rounder and 2 second rounders would be ok with me. Providing he uses the picks wisely.

If he trades down, look for WR in the first and QB/TE in the second.

I have the exact same feeling Rix. Doesn't that just seem so Donahoe-like?

[SweetLee8 3PlayaWha?]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by buffmaniac
[B]I always have to chime in when Bledsoe is brought up. I love how everyone says we are making excuses for Bledsoe when the fact is every QB in the league needs good OL play and open WRs to be successful. Drew got neither one of those consistently last year. Give the guy some time and some open WRs and Drew will be just fine

Take a time machine back to 2001 and you would have been making the same excuses for Bledsoe. Sure enough, Brady came in and wide receivers magically started getting open. The line magically started giving the QB more time. It seems like Bledsoe makes everyone look worse.

[Hurls]

Originally posted by Travis20Willis21
[QUOTE]Originally posted by buffmaniac
[B]I always have to chime in when Bledsoe is brought up. I love how everyone says we are making excuses for Bledsoe when the fact is every QB in the league needs good OL play and open WRs to be successful. Drew got neither one of those consistently last year. Give the guy some time and some open WRs and Drew will be just fine

Take a time machine back to 2001 and you would have been making the same excuses for Bledsoe. Sure enough, Brady came in and wide receivers magically started getting open. The line magically started giving the QB more time. It seems like Bledsoe makes everyone look worse.

Can you please take the Anti-Bledsoe comments to the HardCore Forum? Thanks. This is the one thing I can agree with BillsCAFan about. The WarRoom is a place for draft talk, not Bledsoe bashing.

[Lil Jim 1031]

If the draft goes somewhat according to Kiper's plan and Roethlisberger is available at #10, why not trade up 3 spots with Houston and grab him. To move up 3 spots would probably cost a 3rd, but i would be willing to part with that for one of the top players in the draft.

I know some of you would argue against giving up a third rounder in a deep draft....but does anyone even care about our third rounder last year, Angelo Crowell. I mean the third round, is a miss more than a hit. I would jump at the opportunity of getting Roethlisberger, who I feel is the best QB prospect in the draft, and one of the top 5 players as well.

[SweetLee8 3PlayaWha?]

Originally posted by hurls
Can you please take the Anti-Bledsoe comments to the HardCore Forum? Thanks. This is the one thing I can agree with BillsCAFan about. The WarRoom is a place for draft talk, not Bledsoe bashing.

Thats crap. I'm pointing out the obvious. We need to take a quarterback early in the draft.

[Hurls]

No, your last post was crap, and so was 35petes. BillsCAFan never made a pro-Bledsoe post. And 35Pete saying you were responding to a question is also ridiculous. EVERY post you made involved Bledsoe bashing, when we're talking about the first pick. You stated you think we need a QB, fine. Move on like BillsCAFan did, no need to keep re-iterating the fact Bledsoe sucks.

[SweetLee8 3PlayaWha?]

Originally posted by hurls
No, your last post was crap, and so was 35petes. BillsCAFan never made a pro-Bledsoe post. And 35Pete saying you were responding to a question is also ridiculous. EVERY post you made involved Bledsoe bashing, when we're talking about the first pick. You stated you think we need a QB, fine. Move on like BillsCAFan did, no need to keep re-iterating the fact Bledsoe sucks.


Something tells me you have a stance on this issue and it doesn't agree with mine. In my opinion, finding a competent quarterback is far and away the most pressing need of this organization. I could easily chime in on completely unrelated posts, but this thread happened to include posts suggesting that we dont need to take a quarterback early. As baffling as that notion is, some folks were actually making that claim.

[Hurls]

as baffling as it seems, you're dead wrong. Someone even titled a poll after me:

http://www.buffalorange.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=41436

I'm just trying to keep the arguments out of here. Let's just talk drafting, not why we need someone, because "so and so sucks"

Thanks.

[SweetLee8 3PlayaWha?]

Originally posted by hurls
as baffling as it seems, you're dead wrong. Someone even titled a poll after me:

http://www.buffalorange.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=41436

I'm just trying to keep the arguments out of here. Let's just talk drafting, not why we need someone, because "so and so sucks"

Thanks.


It's all inter-related. It's baffling that you cant see that. When you discuss what direction you want to take in the draft, your present situation is certainly relevant. Philip Rivers is the answer.

[Hurls]

Ok, Rivers is the answer, we get it. No need to dwell on Bledsoe's bad habits.

[Napalm]

Originally posted by Travis20Willis21
Philip Rivers is the answer.

The answer to what? Who will be the #2 or #3 QB if we draft him? Who will warm the bench this year?

Anyways, I have no problem with drafting Rivers. I would personally like to see a starter this year with the 1st round pick. Udezi? Cool!!! Roy Williams? Even Better!!!! Sean Taylor? I would jump out of my chair!!!!!

It all depends on who is available.

[Napalm]

Originally posted by hurls
No, your last post was crap, and so was 35petes. BillsCAFan never made a pro-Bledsoe post. And 35Pete saying you were responding to a question is also ridiculous. EVERY post you made involved Bledsoe bashing, when we're talking about the first pick. You stated you think we need a QB, fine. Move on like BillsCAFan did, no need to keep re-iterating the fact Bledsoe sucks.

In case you haven't noticed, 4 out of 5 posts from these guys say the same thing (Bills CA not included)

[SweetLee8 3PlayaWha?]

Originally posted by napalmdeath
The answer to what? Who will be the #2 or #3 QB if we draft him? Who will warm the bench this year?

Anyways, I have no problem with drafting Rivers. I would personally like to see a starter this year with the 1st round pick. Udezi? Cool!!! Roy Williams? Even Better!!!! Sean Taylor? I would jump out of my chair!!!!!

It all depends on who is available.

If Udeze were available, I would take him. I wouldn't be upset with Reggie Williams(dont like Roy). However, if Shawn King can lead the Bucs to the NFC title game in his rookie season, I see no reason Rivers couldn't get us to the playoffs. If the QB is playing as poorly as he did last season, wouldn't it be nice to have an alternative?

[Napalm]

Originally posted by Travis20Willis21
If Udeze were available, I would take him. I wouldn't be upset with Reggie Williams(dont like Roy). However, if Shawn King can lead the Bucs to the NFC title game in his rookie season, I see no reason Rivers couldn't get us to the playoffs. If the QB is playing as poorly as he did last season, wouldn't it be nice to have an alternative?

Ok Mr. Cleo. Bledsoe will have a bad season. So, we through a rookie in that we may not even have a shot at, what are the chances he may become the next Akili Smith or Cade McDown?

Damn I come to this forum to avoid this nonsense. DREW BLEDSOE IS THE STARTER. If he fails, then, hmm, it must be 100% his fault like it was last year right? Rivers has yet to see an NFL defensive line. This is the big leagues. To say we draft Rivers and sit Bledsoe is assinine.

Again, like I have previously posted, I would not mind drafting Rivers but I would prefer drafting a STARTER, which Rivers would not be.

[35Pete]

Let's not forget that we need OL help also. (2nd or 3rd round?)

[SweetLee8 3PlayaWha?]

Originally posted by napalmdeath
Ok Mr. Cleo. Bledsoe will have a bad season. So, we through a rookie in that we may not even have a shot at, what are the chances he may become the next Akili Smith or Cade McDown?

Damn I come to this forum to avoid this nonsense. DREW BLEDSOE IS THE STARTER. If he fails, then, hmm, it must be 100% his fault like it was last year right? Rivers has yet to see an NFL defensive line. This is the big leagues. To say we draft Rivers and sit Bledsoe is assinine.

Again, like I have previously posted, I would not mind drafting Rivers but I would prefer drafting a STARTER, which Rivers would not be.


Bledsoe has played poorly for the better part of 6 seasons. Why do you think TD was pursuing Volek so heavily? There is an absolute pressing need to hedge any bet on Bledsoe. TD gets paid big bucks to pick the right guy at QB, so he doesn't have the right to make excuses for the new guy either. Quarterback is clearly the most important position on the team. Again, wouldn't it be nice to have an alternative if Bledsoe sucks it up as he did last year? Sometimes a change at QB makes all the difference. We'll have a solid running game, a big improving line, and a pro bowler at receiver. The offense isn't that bad. It's time to find the right signal caller specifically for our offense. Rivers is that guy.

[Hurls]

I agree, but if Pitt takes him first, we gotta draft a project in the 2nd or third. Another helper for Moulds(and Bledsoe) would be great.

[espnnick20]

Have we for got about kelsay

we need offencive talent most notably at wide receiver. we shoul trade our first round pick this year and a 4th rounder next year to the redskins to get roy or mike williams

let me know how u feel about this

[buffmaniac]

Originally posted by Travis20Willis21
Bledsoe has played poorly for the better part of 6 seasons. Why do you think TD was pursuing Volek so heavily? There is an absolute pressing need to hedge any bet on Bledsoe. TD gets paid big bucks to pick the right guy at QB, so he doesn't have the right to make excuses for the new guy either. Quarterback is clearly the most important position on the team. Again, wouldn't it be nice to have an alternative if Bledsoe sucks it up as he did last year? Sometimes a change at QB makes all the difference. We'll have a solid running game, a big improving line, and a pro bowler at receiver. The offense isn't that bad. It's time to find the right signal caller specifically for our offense. Rivers is that guy.

I'm not going to sit and argue about Bledsoe here but what you said is basically my argument anyway. A solid running game, a big improving OL, and the return of Moulds all will help Drew bounce back from last year when he had no help.

Anyway back to Rivers. If you think a rookie QB is going to come in here and have success right away your being naive. I mean how many rookie QBs have actually been successful. Is shaun king the only one? And really he wasn't even that good. I want to win this year and a rookie is not going to help us. Certainly we need a QB for the future but not for this season. That is why I say wait till 2nd or 3rd round. Also Bledsoe at least has showed me in 2002 with some weapons around him that he can still be a very effective QB in this league.

[SweetLee8 3PlayaWha?]

Originally posted by espnnick20
Have we for got about kelsay

we need offencive talent most notably at wide receiver. we shoul trade our first round pick this year and a 4th rounder next year to the redskins to get roy or mike williams

let me know how u feel about this


Kelsay is easy to forget. I know of his existence but dont see it as a reason not to draft a defensive end.

[SweetLee8 3PlayaWha?]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by buffmaniac
[B]I'm not going to sit and argue about Bledsoe here but what you said is basically my argument anyway. A solid running game, a big improving OL, and the return of Moulds all will help Drew bounce back from last year when he had no help.


Ok. So the excuses ended last season, right? If after 3 seasons, one in which he had the best supporting cast in the league, he still cant get us into the playoffs, we can all agree that its time to find a quarterback who can thrive without perfect conditions, correct?

[buffmaniac]

That's fine. If Drew doesn't get done this year, we will definitely have a new Qb next year.

That said. I'm still against QB in the first. I really think a guy like Losman or Schaub could turn into quality starting QBs in this league especially with coaching from Wyche and Clements.

[evilfinkiller]

I am not sure who we take in the first round but i know one thing Bledsew is the starter this year till the last game (unless he gets hurt) We will Draft someone that will make an impact this year. TD will not use this draft like last year cause this year he esentially gets 2 number 1 picks. We will not take a QB in the 1st round maybe in the 2nd or 3rd but not 1st. Anyone he does take will be a project for bledsew to work with. this person will fight tooth and nail for 2nd string and get it.