PhillySportsline Mock Draft

by John Stolnis

Story by John Stolnis http://Phillysportsline.com 23 April, 2006

With the NFL Draft just days away, executives and coaches from around the NFL are hunkered down in their respective bunkers making final preparations for what may be the most important weekend of the NFL season (outside of the Super Bowl, of course). Both a team's immediate and long-term future can hinge on what they do during the draft. A stinker of a draft can cost a general manager and coach their jobs, while a smart and productive draft can make a team an instant Super Bowl contender.

Therefore, with the draft almost here, it's time for your Phillysportsline.com NFL Mock Draft. Bear in mind that if any trades are made in the days leading up to the draft, changes will be made to reflect those moves. Now with that said, make sure you strap yourselves in and keep your hands and feet inside the car at all times.

1. Texans - Reggie Bush - RB - USC

Is Reggie Bush a Marshall Faulk/Gale Sayers clone, or is he too brittle for the NFL? While some scouts question his durability, most think Bush is a superstar waiting to happen. While the Texans will listen to offers to trade down, the smart money says they will hold fast and take the draft's most explosive player as the first overall pick.

2. Saints - Mario Williams - DE - NC St.

New Orleans desperately wants to trade out of this spot and acquire some extra picks, while also picking up one of the three players on their draft board that will still be available. One of those players is Williams, who many are saying is the next Reggie White. If the Saints decide to stay at #2, the other player they might go after is OL D'Brickashaw Ferguson out of Virginia. It's just a matter of deciding which side of the ball they want to solidify most. For my money, I'll take a game-changing DE over an OL almost every time.

3. Titans - Matt Leinart - QB - USC

No matter what happens with the Saints at #2, Tennessee will still be in a position to draft a QB here at #3. And while Vince Young outplayed Leinart in the National Championship game, I think Leinart is the safer bet here. Not only that, Leinart to the Titans will reunite the USC star with his offensive coach at Southern California, Norm Chow.

4. Jets - Vince Young - QB - Texas

New York CANNOT count on Chad Pennington to come back and perform at a high level. As such, this team needs to find a franchise quarterback to hitch their wagon to, and this is a great draft in which to do it. Young can run, throw and has leadership intangibles, which should play nicely in New York. The Jets should resist the urge to take Ferguson here and take Young at #4.

5. Packers - A.J. Hawk - OLB - Ohio St.

Defense, defense, defense. Perhaps as much as any team in the NFL, Green Bay needs an impact player on defense and Hawk certainly fits the bill. Don't be surprised if the Packers try to trade up into the #2 spot to select Williams, but I think they'll stay here and select the draft's best linebacker.

6. 49ers - Vernon Davis - TE - Maryland

The question is, with Ferguson still on the board, which would help QB Alex Smith's growth more, a stud offensive lineman or a stud tight end? I think a guy in the middle of the field who can vacuum in just about any ball thrown his way would be more beneficial to Smith than a lineman, which is why the Niners take Davis over Ferguson here.

7. Raiders - Haloti Ngata - DT - Oregon

Oakland will certainly try to trade up to the #2 spot and grab Young or Leinart, but if they can't, I doubt they'd take Vanderbilt QB Jay Cutler in this spot. More than any other team, the Raiders love playmakers, and despite Ferguson remaining on the board here, I say Oakland takes a playmaker on the defensive side of the ball.

8. Bills - D'Brickashaw Ferguson - OT - Virginia

Most think he will go a lot sooner than this, but I honestly can't see the Jets taking an offensive lineman when they're hurting so much at QB and have an opportunity to take a franchise-caliber quarterback early in the draft. A big area of need for Buffalo is at offensive tackle, and they should count their lucky stars that Ferguson fell to them in this spot.

9. Lions - Michael Ruff - DB - Texas

What, you were expecting a wide receiver? Detroit's gotten pretty good at throwing away first-round picks, but I think the Lions do the smart thing here and get a shut-down, play-making cornerback and kick-returner to anchor the secondary and special teams. Just please don't play him at wide receiver.

10. Cardinals - Winston Justice - OT - USC

Justice may be a bit of a reach here, but the Cardinals always need help on the offensive line, and Justice certainly impressed NFL scouts at the combines this winter. Arizona would very much like for Ruff to fall to them at #10, but Justice is a nice consolation prize.

11. Rams - Ernie Sims - OLB - Florida St.

St. Louis is always in need of defense, and Sims is the 2nd best linebacker on the board and a great pick at #11. Many mocks see Sims going to Arizona at #10, but he should still be here for the Rams to select, and will give St. Louis the play-making defensive player they so desperately need.

12. Browns - Kamerion Wimbley - DE - Florida St.

Well, they certainly don't need any help on the offensive line, and I think it's still too early to take one of the draft's few remaining available players at the offensive skill positions. So look for Cleveland to take a guy who can play both defensive end and linebacker, which would work extremely well in their 3-4 system.

13. Ravens - Jay Cutler - QB - Vanderbilt

The QB play of both Kyle Boller and Anthony Wright in 2005 was absolutely atrocious. The Ravens need to start all over at the quarterback position, and if Cutler is still available here at #13, the Ravens will pounce.

14. Eagles - Brodrick Bunkley - DT - Florida St.

Even though the Birds took a defensive tackle first in last year's draft, it's still a position of need, and we all know how Andy Reid likes to spend his early-round ammunition on solidifying the lines. Philadelphia would love for Justice or Ngata to somehow fall to them at #14, but more than likely they'll be gone. Iowa LB Chad Greenway is also a possibility and would probably fill a bigger need for them, but for whatever reason the Eagles simply do not spend first-round picks on linebackers. I don't expect them to start now.

15. Broncos - Santonio Holmes - WR - Ohio St.

After failing to sign Terrell Owens or make a trade for another receiver, Denver would be wise to invest a first-round pick in a wideout here. Different mocks have Florida WR Chad Jackson ahead of Holmes, but they're really pretty much the same player. Rod Smith is about 82 years old and Ashley Lelie just isn't that good. There's a possibility the Broncos could make a trade for Javon Walker, which would negate this pick, but if they're still working with just Smith and Lelie, Holmes would be a wise choice.

16. Dolphins - Chad Jackson - WR - Florida

Miami has done a good job of getting some stuff done in free agency, which makes Jackson a logical pick here. Jackson would give the Miami passing game a little more juice, and with the addition of Daunte Culpepper, should make it much easier for the Dolphins to score some points.

17. Vikings - Chad Greenway - LB - Iowa

Minnesota would like for Cutler to fall to them here, but if he's gone, the Vikes will invest in a linebacker for sure to go along with their Cover-2 scheme. Greenway has a lot of speed and in college was an extremely strong tackler.

18. Cowboys - Donte Whitner - S - Ohio St.

All indications are Dallas would like to trade down and draft an offensive lineman who makes a little more sense at #18. However, if they can't, look for the 'Pokes to grab Whitner to play free safety, a guy who can cover ground and compliment SS Roy Williams, who is now strictly a run-stopper.

19. Chargers - Johnathan Joseph - CB - South Carolina

And let the run on cornerbacks begin! San Diego has been trying to find a good cornerback in the draft for the last few years now, but has been unsuccessful. The offense is pretty much set, and the front seven is pretty solid as well, so look for the Chargers to try once again to get their secondary together.

20. Chiefs - Tye Hill - CB - Clemson

Some mocks have Joseph and Hill flip-flopped as well, so look for Kansas City to take whichever guy is left over to strengthen what has traditionally been a weak defense. Hill is a tad small, but is extremely fast and can make up for his lack of height with tremendous leaping ability.

21. Patriots - Manny Lawson - DE/OLB - NC St.

New England's off-season has been strikingly similar and as maddening to Pats fans as Philadelphia's has been to their fan base. The Patriots come into the season with big holes at WR, LB and RB, but with no players at WR and RB worth taking at #21, Lawson makes sense here as a hybrid DE/LB who will fit in nicely with New England's 3-4 defense.

22. 49ers - Bobby Carpenter - OLB - Ohio St.

San Francisco had to give up two picks on Day 1 (37, 68) in order to land #22, hoping to snag a play-making defensive player. The guy the Niners would like to pick is Lawson, but I think he'll go to the Pats one pick before San Fran selects, so look for Carpenter to join the 49ers 3-4 scheme.

23. Buccaneers - Antonio Cromartie - CB - Florida St.

Should one of the projected first round receivers still be available at #23, but Bucs will most likely go in that direction. However, they should be gone by now, as should offensive lineman Winston Justice. So, look for the Bucs to grab a solid guy for their secondary, with Cromartie being the best available guy on the board.

24. Bengals - Jimmy Williams - CB - Virginia Tech

Cincinnati really needs a TE, but Vernon Davis will be long gone and there's no one available worth taking here in the first round. As such, the Bengals will probably grab a cornerback here, and Williams is a complete player, able to cover the pass and stop the run. Williams also has the ability to play a little free safety, which adds to his value.

25. Giants - Bobby Carpenter - OLB - Ohio St.

Overshadowed by A.J. Hawk, Carpenter is a legitimate first-round pick and would be a very good fit in New York, despite the signing of LaVar Arrington. Carpenter's dad, Rob, is an employee with the Giants, so Bobby is a good bet to land with Big Blue.

26. Bears - Ashton Youboty - CB - Ohio St.

Ohio St. defense is well represented here in the 2006 draft, and now another one is off the board to Chicago. The Bears have big, big needs on offense, but the only skill player left that would sort of make sense here is Memphis running back DeAngelo Williams. However, Chicago is pretty set with both Cedric Benson and Thomas Jones. So, look for the Bears to go get a cornerback to solidify the pass defense.

27. Panthers - DeAngelo Williams - RB - Memphis

To be able to draft the best running back in the draft at #27, Carolina would be crazy to pass up on Williams here, especially with the likes of oft-injured DeShaun Foster and super-old Stephen Davis in the backfield.

28. Jaguars - Mathias Kiwanuka - DE - Boston College

Jack Del Rio likes defensive players, so expect him to go after Kiwanuka with pick #28 here.

29. Jets - Nick Mangold - C - Ohio St.

Another Ohio Stater? Seeing as how the Jets didn't go after D'Brickashaw Ferguson with the #4 pick, New York will most likely go offensive line here late in Round #1.

30. Colts - Laurence Maroney - RB - Minnesota

With Edge now in the desert, Indianapolis will select the talented Maroney to take his place and take some of the heat off Manning & Co.

31. Seahawks - Jason Allen - S - Tennessee

Seattle has needs in the secondary, and Allen would definitely help out in the event that Ken Hamlin doesn't return to full capacity next year.

32. Steelers - LenDale White - RB - USC

White was at one point seen as a top-15 pick, but he has had a horrendous off-season, suffering a hamstring injury and coming up very small at the bench-press portion of the combines. Even so, White's college career warrants him being a first-round pick, and with Jerome Bettis' retirement and Duce Staley's career just about over, adding White to the backfield with the super-speedy Willie Parker would give Pittsburgh their two-headed running attack.

Any questions or comments, you can email John at jstolnis@phillysportsline.com.

About the Author

John Stolnis PhillySportsline staff writer.

http://www.bestfootballsource.com

The NFL Draft-What Players will make a Difference?

by Paul Mrocza

April 29-30, 2006 live from New York City's Radio City Music Hall, it's one of the biggest events of the year! Is it the Rockettes? No. Maybe it's that dreamed of Beatles reunion? No. Then it must be the latest country music awards show! Not at all.

It's the one draft that won't give you a chill. If anything, this draft sparks the beginning of the 2006-07 NFL season, and yet, there's not one play run, one signal called, or one zebra in sight. It is the only non-sporting sports event of its kind-the NFL Draft.

It's a time when fans that can never get enough football are glued to their televisions and computers, when college football players from around the country say an extra prayer or two, and when professional football coaches and general managers make decisions that can make or break their upcoming season.

Everyone is looking for that "impact" player-a guy who can make a big difference on a team in their initial season. Of the 32 NFL clubs, 14 had losing records and ten were 5-11 or worse last season. These are the teams that need to desperately improve and due to their poor records, they get to pick first. That means organizations like Pittsburgh, Seattle, and Denver-those who had winning seasons and went deep into the playoffs-will be at the end of the line this year.

For a college player to be a top-ten pick, they need to have a few things going for them. First, they must be one of the best at their position. They also need to be a good fit with the team that's picking. Finally, there's that "impact" factor, which can trump whether the player is a good fit with a particular team. Running back Reggie Bush (USC), quarterback Matt Leinart (USC), and defensive end Mario Williams (North Carolina State) are all top players but only one can go first. On April 29th, it looks like Reggie Bush will be the player chosen number one in the draft.

The Houston Texans have the first pick and it's projected that they are going to choose a high profile money player. They can actually use a defensive force like Mario Williams, but chances are they will go with Bush. Why? Running backs like Bush are rare. Along with winning the 2005 Heisman Trophy, Bush shattered school records and was an All-American. He's a hard worker with great acceleration and the ability to elude defenders by quickly changing direction.

However, running backs probably get punished the most in an NFL season, which means they have a very limited shelf life. Great running backs tend to show signs of wear and tear by their tenth year, which often manifests itself in reduced output and reoccurring injuries. The one concern about Bush is his durability. He has had shoulder surgery, and he's small by NFL standards. By the way, although it's almost certain that Bush will go first, it is not a given that Houston will pick first.

The Texans may trade down with another team, like the New York Jets, giving them the first pick. The Jets certainly need offense. However, if New York does trade for the top spot, they may actually not choose Bush. The Jets' quarterback situation is tenuous and that makes USC's Matt Leinart an attractive pick.

Leinart stands 6' 5" and is a smart player with excellent decision-making abilities. These are great attributes for a NFL QB. In the pocket, he is accurate, consistent, and possesses fine field vision. The one knock is his mobility, which is not an uncommon problem for quarterbacks.

If the Texans trade with another team and move down that will also complicate the draft, especially for New Orleans. The Saints really need a quarterback and would definitely take Lineart-a player that most experts believe could start in his first pro season. The choices for the Saints would then become quarterback Vince Young (Texas) or a defensive player such as Williams, defense tackle Haloti Ngata (Oregon), safety Michael Huff (Texas) or safety Jimmy Williams (Virginia Tech).

Vince Young led his Texas Longhorns to the National Championship against USC this year. He's an amazing athlete with great arm strength, fine mobility, and great running ability. However he needs to mature more as a passer and would probably suffer as a first-year starter. Presently, there's concern about his accuracy, which can be improved over time. Perhaps the biggest downside on Young is one of his upsides-his running ability. In the NFL, unlike the college ranks, quarterbacks who run, like Atlanta's Michael Vic, can become injury ridden and mistake prone.

Mario Williams, who is projected to go third to the Tennessee Titans, is big, athletic, and quick. At 6' 7" and 290 pounds he's got NFL size, power, and speed. The Titans are in need of a speedy defensive player. Williams can be effective immediately.

Green Bay really needs to upgrade its defensive and offensive line, which means it's well positioned in the draft. It will have numerous choices, including offensive standouts D'Brickashaw Ferguson (Virginia) and A.J. Hawk (Ohio State) and, on defense, safeties Michael Huff (Texas) and Jimmy Williams (Virginia Tech) and defensive tackle Ngata.

Ferguson has been a constant standout at Virginia and should be the first offensive tackle taken in the draft. He's big, quick, and hard working and would be an immediate force for the Jets, Packers or 49ers. A.J. Hawk should be a solid professional offensive linebacker; although his college career was spent on "D," many believe he lacks the size to play that side of the ball in the pros. Hawk is explosive, tough, and hard working with excellent football instincts.

Safety Michael Huff could be a perfect match at corner back for the San Francisco 49'ers. He possesses fine instincts, coverage awareness, and closing speed. He reads quarterbacks well, which may be the tradeoff teams take in lieu of his small size. San Francisco needs someone like Huff, who can start immediately and will learn quickly.

University of Maryland tight end Vernon Davis has strength, quickness off the line, and great hands and concentration-all of which should serve him well in the pros. He's small for a NFL tight end and may be more adept at wide receiver. Any team would be better with the addition of Davis but the Arizona Cardinals could really use a player like this on offense.

College standout Jimmy Williams looks destined to be a solid NFL safety. He's aggressive, tough, and fast but must improve in terms of coverage awareness. Oakland, Buffalo, and San Francisco can all benefit from his skills and drive.

Haloti Ngata is a great defensive force with size, speed, and strength. He has the potential to be a premiere defensive lineman, constantly controlling the line of scrimmage. He's also shown a lot of potential towards improving his technique, which gives him a big upside. He may go to Detroit, but the Houston Texans team can really use this player, while the Lions are looking for a quarterback. If these two teams trade draft slots or draft picks, it could benefit both.

The top ten prospects-Reggie Bush (RB), Matt Leinart (QB), Mario Williams (DE), D'Brickashaw Ferguson (OT), A.J. Hawk (OLB), Michael Huff (S), Vernon Davis (TE), Jimmy Williams (S), Haloti Ngata (DT) and Vince Young (QB)-will be in the forefront of this year's draft. Chances are three or four of these players will go on to have long NFL careers. Right now, these ten men show all the promise in the world. Soon, they'll be asked to work harder, think more, and develop greater skill levels than they ever have before.

Those who survive and flourish will be the ones who can adapt the best and work the hardest, relying on more than just the talent that got them there. After all, New England's Tom Brady was sixth in the NFL draft. No, not the sixth pick-he went in the sixth round as the 199th draft pick. How do you spell "adaptability" and "hard work?"

About the Author

This article was written by Paul Mrocza for http://www.thegreek.com/. The Greek Sportsbook & Casino, winner of Gambling Online Magazine's Top Payouts Sportsbook two years in a row, is host to one of the top online sportsbooks. The Greek is a must have sports betting and entertainment portal with one of the largest wagering menus available online. Reproductions of this article are encouraged but must include a link pointing to http://www.thegreek.com/

ARIZONA CARDINALS - Draft Needs

ARIZONA CARDINALS

TEAM
NEEDS

DE
WR
DT
OLB
PR
KR
QB
C
CB
OT
TE
RB
G
MLB
S
FB
K
LS
P

DRAFT WHISPERS: The club always is interested in trading out of the top 10 because it usually has a difficult time quickly signing top picks and often has numerous holes to fill. The situation is the same this year, with the Cardinals sitting at No. 6. The team needs at least two wide receivers who can contribute immediately, and its search for a free-agent pass rusher has been futile. But if a pass rusher such as DE Terrell Suggs, or a receiver such as Andre Johnson of Miami (Fla.) were to drop to No. 6, the club would be foolish to trade down.

TARGETING: Despite concentrating on defense in recent drafts, the club still needs more help in that area. It had a league-low 40 sacks over the past two seasons and desperately needs speed off the edge. That's why no one in the organization was disappointed Suggs had a lackluster personal workout last month. That might cause him to be available when the team picks. If Suggs isn't there, the club will be tempted to take another defensive lineman, perhaps Penn State DT Jimmy Kennedy. The pass rusher doesn't have to be an end; a linebacker who can rush from the edge also would be a fit. One of the team's first two picks is sure to be a receiver. The club has lost WRs David Boston and MarTay Jenkins and is in danger of losing Frank Sanders. The Cardinals must come out of the draft with two impact receivers. If the team wasn't so needy on the defensive line and at receiver, it would be tempted to take a quarterback early. Starter Jeff Blake is 32, and it's unknown if Josh McCown, a third round pick last year, will pan out. The club must add an offensive tackle, a trouble spot last year. LT L.J. Shelton has a year left on his deal, and RT Anthony Clement missed most of 2002 with a torn triceps. If a capable center is available in the middle rounds, he'll be hard to pass up. Cornerback always is a need, and it would be a plus if the club could add one who can return punts.--Kent Somers

Nebraska's Heisman hero

by Ariel Abbott

Like many Heisman Trophy winners before him, Eric Crouch has found out stardom in the college ranks is not a guaranteed ticket to pro football fame and fortune.

Crouch, out of Nebraska, was voted the most outstanding college player in 2001. The Cornhuskers have produced many offensive "greats" but, by the time Crouch left the school, the quarterback had surpassed them all, leaving a trail of new records in the NU books. Among other highs, he is the NU career total offense leader (7,915 yards), holds the record for most career rushing yards by a quarterback, single game total offense record (360 yards), is the touchdown leader (88), and set an NCAA record for most career rushing TD's by a quarterback (59).

After trials with the Rams, Packers and Chiefs, Eric accepted the NFL consensus he lacked size at quarterback and was sent packing to NFL Europe for the 2005 season as a safety. He didn't agree. Stepping down from glory is jagged pill to swallow.

Eric Crouch wants to be a professional quarterback.

The Canadian Football League is giving him that chance. He impressed the Toronto Argonaunts enough during an off season trial, he'll come to camp with a full shot at backing up starter Damon Allen.

Nebraska's star isn't the first quarterback of note to get his career in gear playing in the CFL. Wally Moon comes to mind. The Argonauts themselves have had Joe Theisman and 1984 Heisman Trophy winning Doug Flutie at the helm in the past. Eric Crouch isn't even the first Nebraska Heisman winner to get his start up north. Johnny Rodgers was a first round draft pick in 1973 but he turned down San Diego in favor of Montreal.

Who knows? If things go well for Eric Crouch up there in Toronto, he might never want to come back.

About the Author

Sports Betting Help, Sports Books Reviews and Sports Picks can be found at Maddux Sports, visit us today!

Todd Lokken from Strategic Fantasy Football forecasts the 2006 NFL Draft

by Todd Lokken

Free agency has changed much of the NFL draft projections. Additionally, the scouting combine changed the fortunes of many prospects, dropping some and moving up others on draft boards.

Even though there will be many changes between now and April 29th, Todd Lokken, President of Strategic Fantasy Football has taken a look at the top ten picks in this year's draft. "Many players coming out of school still have a chance to improve their position through individual workouts, while others could bottom out with poor results at the same workouts", says Lokken. Therefore, with a month to go, here is a look at the top 10 picks:

1) Houston Texans: Reggie Bush, RB--USC. No way Houston trades this pick, and Bush has been the target since the middle of the 2005 college season.

2) New Orleans Saints: D'Brickashaw Ferguson, OT--Virginia. "The Saints need a tackle, and Ferguson is the best on the board right now", says Lokken. However, do not be surprised if the Saints trade this pick and try to get Ferguson later in the top 10.

3) Tennessee Titans: Matt Leinart, QB--USC. Lokken says, "If Leinart had come out last year, he would have been the top pick". However, number 3 isn't too bad, especially with Steve McNair on the downside of his career.

4) New York Jets: Vince Young, QB--Texas. "Ok, so the Jets traded for Patrick Ramsey. He is not a long term solution.", says Lokken. Look for the Jets to still take a QB this year, and imagine Vince Young in the big apple!

5) Green Bay Packers: AJ Hawk, LB--Ohio State. The Packers have had some shoddy defense for some time. Those in Packer country know that the Mike Sherman era allowed the Packers to get worse and worse on defense every year, so this pick is a great start to rebuilding the defense.

6) San Francisco 49ers: Vernon Davis, TE--Maryland. Since they traded top receiver Brandon Lloyd, the 49ers will be working to surround Alex Smith with quality receivers, and Davis fills that role. "Look for him to make an impact fantasy wise in his first year", says Lokken.

7) Oakland Raiders: Haloti Ngata, DT--Oregon. Oakland would clearly love a QB in this spot, but it is doubtful that Young or Leinart will still be available. While Jay Cutler may be a possibility, it is more likely that Oakland try to trade up (possibly with New Orleans) to grab a QB.

8) Buffalo Bills: Broderick Bunkley, DT--Florida State. While Buffalo would love to have Ngata, Oakland will grab him before Buffalo. "However, if Oakland does move up, then Buffalo may certainly wind up with Ngata", says Lokken.

9) Detroit Lions: Michael Huff, DB--Texas. The Lions need defensive help, and Huff brings instant credibility to the NFL. This should not be much of a surprise.

10) Arizona Cardinals: Jay Cutler, QB--Vanderbilt. While Dennis Green and the Cardinals in general have a history of surprise at the NFL draft, the current rumor suggests the Cardinals will go with a QB here. That rumor should ring true, as Cutler should be available.

"Free agency is still in full swing, and couple that with draft workouts, the first round, especially the top 5, is in tremendous flux", says Lokken. "Look for many things to change before April 29th, and expect many surprises even on draft day."

Strategic Fantasy Football provides fantasy football analysis and strategy for players of fantasy football. For more information, contact Todd Lokken at 847.985.8566.

About The Author

Todd Lokken publishes articles and reports and provides news, views and information about fantasy sports and at http://www.toddlokken.com.

This article may be reprinted in full so long as the resource box and the live links are included intact. All rights reserved. Copyright 2006 Strategic Fantasy Football.

About The Author

Todd Lokken publishes articles and reports and provides news, views and information about fantasy sports and at http://www.toddlokken.com.