Scouts, Inc. Updated Draft

[Fatman]

Postseason all-star games and the annual scouting combine are long gone, and more than a month full of pro day workouts have come to a close. Furthermore, what was a whirlwind of a free-agency period has tapered off considerably in recent weeks.

 

What does it all mean? The 2006 NFL draft is rapidly approaching. With less than a month remaining before draft weekend kicks off on April 29, here's an updated look at how the first two rounds are shaping up:

 

+ = Underclassman x = Still to be determined by coin flip

 

1. Houston Texans (2-14)

 

Top five needs: WR, OT, OG, CB, MLB

The pick: +Reggie Bush, RB, USC

It would take a blockbuster trade offer to entice the Texans to pass on Bush, who cemented his status as the clear-cut No. 1 prospect in the 2006 draft class by running a 4.33 40-yard dash at USC's recent pro day. Running back is not one of the Texans' top positional needs, but Bush is far more than just a running back. He's the most explosive runner, receiver and return man that this year's class has to offer. No other rookie will make a bigger impact than Bush will for the Texans next season.

 

2. New Orleans Saints (3-13)

 

Top five needs: DT, OC, CB, OLB, DE

The pick: Matt Leinart, QB, USC

The Saints have put this pick up for public auction and are likely to deal to the highest bidder. If that's the case, the team moving into this pick (Jets?) will do so for Leinart's services. Plan B is a bit trickier. The popular belief is that the Saints would make a tough decision between OT D'Brickashaw Ferguson (Virginia) and DE Mario Williams (N.C. State). But don't count Leinart out yet. The Saints are concerned about QB Drew Brees' long-term durability (shoulder) and structured his contract in a manner that would let them off the hook a year from now should they choose. With that in mind, there's still a realistic possibility that the Saints stay put and take Leinart with this pick.

 

3. Tennessee Titans (4-12)

 

Top five needs: OT, MLB, QB, RB, OC

The pick: +Vince Young, QB, Texas

Leinart seems like a natural fit if he's on the board because of his relationship with Titans offensive coordinator Norm Chow. However, if Bush and Leinart are off the board, the team will have a tough decision to make between Ferguson and Young. The Titans have a more immediate need at offensive tackle, which would make Ferguson awfully tough to pass on. From the sounds of it though, owner Floyd Reese, head coach Jeff Fisher and Chow are extremely high on Young. Young spent last offseason working out with Steve McNair, so he could be a natural pick.

 

4. New York Jets (4-12)

 

Top five needs: RB, OT, OLB, QB, OG

The pick: D'Brickashaw Ferguson, OT, Virginia

If the team can't get a deal done to move up for Leinart, it will be waiting with bated breath to see whether Ferguson falls to pick No. 4. If Ferguson is still on the board, the Jets will waste little time sending their representative to the podium. Just as a side note; unlike the Titans, the Jets are rumored to value QB Jay Cutler (Vanderbilt) over Young. They don't want to take Cutler this high, but they would consider it strongly if Bush, Leinart and Ferguson are gone by the fourth pick.

 

5. Green Bay Packers (4-12)

 

Top five needs: OG, OLB, DE, OC, WR

The pick: +Mario Williams, DE, NC State

The Packers have done a decent job of addressing their needs at wide receiver (Rod Gardner), defensive tackle (Ryan Pickett) and safety (Marquand Manuel) this offseason. Still missing, though, is an impact playmaker on defense. Ohio State OLB A.J. Hawk would be tough to pass up, but Williams' ceiling is higher because of his freakish combination of size, speed and athletic ability.

 

6. San Francisco 49ers (4-12)

 

Top five needs: OLB, CB, FS, DE, MLB

The pick: +Vernon Davis, TE, Maryland

Outside linebacker is the team's top need and Hawk is still on the board -- no brainer, right? Not necessarily. Hawk is best suited to play weakside LB in a 4-3 and would be a bit of a misfit if asked to play outside in a 3-4. Rather than attempting to fit a square peg into a round hole, the 49ers would be wise to draft the most explosive pass-catching weapon in this year's class. At 6-foot-3, 258 pounds with 4.38 speed in the 40-yard dash, Davis has game-breaker written all over him. By using this pick on Davis, the 49ers could exponentially speed QB Alex Smith's developmental process..

 

 

Assuming Vince Young is gone, A.J. Hawk would be a smart pick for the Raiders at No. 7.

 

7. Oakland Raiders (4-12)

 

Top five needs: OG, DT, OLB, SS, RB

The pick: A.J. Hawk, OLB, Ohio State

There's a lot of buzz swirling around NFL circles regarding owner Al Davis' infatuation with QB Vince Young. In this scenario, however, Young will be long gone. Drafting the next best quarterback prospect, Cutler, makes no sense because the team already has a similar type in Andrew Walter on its roster. Instead, the Raiders would be wise to use this pick as a means to upgrading their defense and Hawk would be the perfect guy for the job. Coordinator Rob Ryan prefers using the 4-3 alignment and the addition of Hawk would allow him to head in that direction.

 

8. Buffalo Bills (5-11)

 

Top five needs: OT, DT, CB, RB, MLB

The pick: +Brodrick Bunkley, DT, Florida State

Offensive tackle is a primary need area for the Bills. USC OT Winston Justice is skyrocketing up draft boards following his outstanding pro day workout, but it would be a reach to take Justice this high. The Bills were able to upgrade their defensive line with the free-agency addition of DT Larry Tripplett, but they are still in search of a young impact player to groom alongside him. Haloti Ngata would have fit the old scheme, but with the Bills' transitioning to more of a one-gap penetrating philosophy, the fast-rising Bunkley makes more sense. Defensive tackles tend to take longer to develop than most other positions, but the presence of Tripplett and Tim Anderson would allow him to ease into a starting role.

 

9. Detroit Lions (5-11)

 

Top five needs: CB, OLB, ILB, OT, RB

The pick: Michael Huff, DB, Texas

New head coach Rod Marinelli comes from a hard-nosed, defensive-minded background and he'll want to set the tone by selecting an impact playmaker on that side of the ball with this pick. Some think Huff can play cornerback in the NFL, while others think he'll be limited to safety. I think he can play some of both, especially with the Lions' moving to more of a Cover 2 look under Marinelli. Regardless, Huff is the best defensive back in this year's class and immediately would give the Lions much-needed versatility in their secondary.

 

10. Arizona Cardinals (5-11)

 

Top five needs: FS, TE, QB, OT, CB

The pick: Jimmy Williams, CB, Virginia Tech

The Cardinals are mightily impressed with Justice, but they know he's a bit of a reach at No. 10. It also has become a popular theory that the Cardinals will draft a quarterback with this pick. However, Dennis Green does not plan on being around long enough to groom a rookie at that position. The team extended QB Kurt Warner's contract and made a huge splash with the signing of RB Edgerrin James. To balance things out, look for the team to draft the best available defensive player with this pick. Williams' stock has slipped because of his inconsistent play as a senior and his abrasive attitude at the combine, but his stellar showing at Virginia Tech's on-campus scouting day served as a reminder to scouts in attendance that Williams is still an exceptional talent. A combo of Williams and Antrel Rolle would give the Cardinals one of the best young cornerback tandems in the NFL.

 

11. St. Louis Rams (6-10)

 

Top five needs: WLB, DT, CB, OG, OT

The pick: Jay Cutler, QB, Vanderbilt

The team has other more pressing needs, but drafting a quarterback of the future will be too big a temptation to bypass. New head coach Scott Linehan is an offensive guru and it is rumored that he likes Cutler as a fit for his system. Furthermore, Marc Bulger is brittle, Gus Frerotte is an aging stopgap and the team needs a better contingency plan than QB Ryan Fitzpatrick.

 

12. Cleveland Browns (6-10)

 

Top five needs: DE, OLB, WR, CB, NT

The pick: +Haloti Ngata, DT, Oregon

The Browns have been one of the most active teams in free agency this year, but they still have a number of holes to fill. After spending two of their three Day 1 picks on the offensive side of the ball last year, GM Phil Savage knows he needs to give more attention to Romeo Crennell's defense. The Browns signed a couple of good fits for the 3-4 scheme, but OLB Willie McGinest and NT Ted Washington are aging players who won't be around for long. Therefore, look for the Browns to use this selection on the best available defender who fits their philosophy. FSU's Ernie Sims would be a consideration, but the team couldn't pass up on a massive two-gap nose tackle in Ngata.

 

13. Baltimore Ravens (6-10)

 

Top five needs: S, QB, ROT, OG, WR

The pick: +Winston Justice, OT, USC

The Ravens would consider Cutler if he slipped to them here, but the team is more likely to draft a quarterback in the second or third round. Baltimore wants to get more athletic up front offensively and Justice could help attain that goal. Justice has the potential to slide over to left tackle when Jonathan Ogden's time with the Ravens ends. Until then, Justice could provide an immediate upgrade at right tackle, which is the position he played when protecting southpaw Leinart's blind side at USC.

 

14. Philadelphia Eagles (6-10)

 

Top five needs: OLB, WR, OT, RB, FS

The pick: +Ernie Sims, OLB, Florida State

Drafting a bigger back to take some of the load off Brian Westbrook's shoulders is a possibility, but the Eagles will likely address that need later. The team also needs help at wide receiver and offensive tackle, but no value exists to match this pick. Sims is too small to play the strongside LB position, but he has the speed and explosiveness to quickly replace oft-injured free-agent acquisition Shawn Barber on the weak side. In the meantime, Sims' exceptional athletic ability will be put to use in sub-packages defensively (nickel linebacker), as well as covering kicks on special teams.

 

15. Denver Broncos (13-3)

 

Pick acquired from the Falcons

Top five needs: WR, TE, RB, OG/OC, DT

The pick: +Chad Jackson, WR, Florida

By dealing up to the 15th pick, the Broncos have put themselves in position to draft a difference-maker on offense. The team wants to address the tight end position early, but not this early. A running back (DeAngelo Williams or Laurence Maroney) is an option here, but the Broncos do not feel they need to use this high a pick on one, especially with this class's depth at that position. With all that in mind, using this pick to select the best wide receiver prospect makes the most sense. Jackson needs some polish, but his size, explosive speed and playmaking ability would be a welcomed addition to a wide receiver corps that currently is in flux. Rod Smith is running out of time and Ashley Lelie has proved to be too unreliable as a full-time starter. Jackson could contribute as a No. 3 immediately while being groomed as the primary target for the future.

 

16. Miami Dolphins (9-7)

 

Top five needs: WR, DC, OT, OG, FS

The pick: +Kamerion Wimbley, DE/OLB, Florida State

The Dolphins have addressed almost all of their needs via free agency, which gives them the flexibility that coach Nick Saban is looking for on draft weekend. Ohio State WR Santonio Holmes would be tough to pass, but Wimbley is a fast-rising prospect who fits perfectly as a 3-4 outside linebacker. Wimbley has the speed and athletic ability to make a huge impact rushing the passer opposite DE/OLB Jason Taylor.

 

17. Minnesota Vikings (9-7)

 

Top five needs: MLB, OLB, DC, QB, WR

The pick: Chad Greenway, OLB, Iowa

If Cutler or Young were to free-fall this far, the Vikings likely would pull the trigger. Trading up for a quarterback is a possibility, but only if one of those two happens to fall to the Browns at pick No. 12 (one ahead of the Ravens). Otherwise, the team is expected to continue to draft defense with the 17th overall pick. With the Vikings moving to a Cover 2 scheme, they will be looking to improve the athleticism of their linebacking corps. Greenway will slip a bit due to his subpar combine workout, but he has the fluidity, athleticism and instincts to immediately take over as a starter in the NFL.

 

18. Dallas Cowboys (9-7)

 

Top five needs: FS, OT, CB, NT, OG

The pick: +Donte Whitner, S, Ohio State

The Cowboys would love to trade down to get a better value for an offensive tackle such as Auburn's Marcus McNeill. Drafting Holmes is also a possibility if he's available here, but coach Bill Parcells doesn't like to draft wide receivers in the first round and the team already has a load of money locked up in that position with the recent acquisition of Terrell Owens. So, if the Cowboys are stuck with this pick, Whitner makes the most sense. The team needs an intelligent, speedy free safety to complement SS Roy Williams and Whitner is the ideal match. He emerged as a true playmaker during his junior season at Ohio State and his 40-yard dash time of 4.38 seconds helped catapult him into first-round consideration.

 

19. San Diego Chargers (9-7)

 

Top five needs: WR, OT, S, OG, CB

The pick: +Santonio Holmes, WR, Ohio State

The Chargers would be elated if Holmes (or Jackson) fell to them at pick No. 19. Keenan McCardell has been very reliable as the team's primary target and TE Antonio Gates helps to take a lot of pressure off its receiving corps. Missing, however, is a legitimate No. 2 starter. Holmes could contribute as a secondary target early in his career before eventually replacing the aging McCardell as new starting QB Philip Rivers' go-to-receiver. However, if Holmes and Jackson are gone, expect the Chargers to select the best available defensive back -- either cornerback or safety -- on their draft board.

 

20. Kansas City Chiefs (10-6)

 

Top five needs: WR, CB, OG, DE, QB

The pick: Tye Hill, CB, Clemson

Much like the Chargers, the Chiefs want a wide receiver with this pick, but the supply does not match the demand. Instead, expect the Chiefs to take advantage of a deep crop of young cornerbacks by taking the best available at pick No. 20. Hill is one of the fastest corners in his class and can change directions quickly. While he's undersized, he has excellent leaping ability and is a fundamentally sound tackler. Considering all the questions Kansas City has at corner, Hill could push for immediate playing time opposite Patrick Surtain.

 

21. New England Patriots (10-6)

 

Top five needs: ILB/OLB, WR, CB, RB, OT

The pick: +Jonathan Joseph, CB, South Carolina

The Patriots have several needs on defense and look for them to fill the one at corner first. Joseph is raw and will get caught out of position at times, which comes as little surprise considering he played just one season of Division I football. However, New England's coaching staff has done a good job of developing secondary players quickly (see Eugene Wilson and Asante Samuel) and there's no questioning Joseph's upside. He is a playmaker who possesses a rare blend of size, speed and toughness.

 

22. Denver Broncos (10-6)

 

Pick acquired from Redskins

Top five needs: WR, TE, RB, OG/OC, DT

The pick: DeAngelo Williams, RB, Memphis

Tatum Bell replaces Mike Anderson, who is now a Raven, as the primary back but he has had some problems staying healthy despite splitting carries with Anderson. The Broncos need a No. 2 back who can spell Bell and step in should he miss time with an injury, which is why Williams makes sense here. Williams has excellent initial quickness and shows a second gear in the open field. His vision and patience also make him a great fit for Denver's zone blocking schemes.

 

23. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (11-5)

 

Top five needs: OT, OC, WR, DE, WLB

The pick: Marcus McNeill, OT, Auburn

This might be a bit of a reach for McNeill. However, the Buccaneers are in trouble at offensive tackle and the lack of offensive line depth in this year's class could force the team's hand. McNeill does not possess elite physical tools, but he is a massive right tackle prospect who always seems to execute his blocking assignment.

 

24. Cincinnati Bengals (11-5)

 

Top five needs: TE, DE, CB, MLB, RB/RS

The pick: +Leonard Pope, TE, Georgia

The Bengals have several needs on defense, but they also need a playmaker at tight end and Pope will be tough to take a pass on. Pope has the quickness to get a clean release at the line of scrimmage and excellent speed for his size. Although he is raw and not fundamentally sound, his drive blocking has and should continue to improve.

 

25. New York Giants (11-5)

 

Top five needs: OLB, WR, DT, OT, RB

The pick: Demeco Ryans, OLB, Alabama

Even if the Giants land free-agent OLB LaVar Arrington, they still will be in the market for one in the first few rounds. Ryans lacks ideal range and doesn't have great size, but he makes the most of his natural ability. He is an explosive open field tackler who reads his keys quickly and takes the shortest path to the ball. Although he isn't fast enough to consistently match up in man coverage, he reads quarterbacks' eyes and doesn't drop many passes he should intercept.

 

26. Chicago Bears (11-5)

 

Top five needs: CB, TE, SLB, OT, DT

The pick: +Ashton Youboty, CB, Ohio State

Charles Tillman is coming off a shoulder injury, unrestricted free agent Jerry Azumah isn't expected back and free-agent signee Dante Wesley isn't an every-down corner. Keeping that in mind, the Bears need a corner who can push for playing time opposite Nathan Vasher. Youboty is inconsistent and will give up some big plays when left on an island. However, he has good top-end speed, has the frame to get bigger and has good short-area man-to-man cover skills.

 

27. Carolina Panthers (11-5)

 

Top five needs: SLB, TE, RB, OT, MLB

The pick: +LenDale White, RB, USC

Although the Panthers have greater needs, White would give them great insurance should the oft-injured DeShaun Foster miss substantial time and will be the best available player if he slips to this pick. A poor showing at the combine has caused White's stock to drop. However, he was extremely productive at the college level and is a powerful runner who shows good speed in the open field.

 

28. Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)

 

Top five needs: OLB, TE, DE, OG, CB

The pick: Bobby Carpenter, OLB, Ohio State

The Jaguars have shown they will draft the best available player and outside linebacker is a need, so look for them to select Carpenter. Carpenter doesn't have ideal lower-body strength and can struggle when teams run right at him, but he has very good speed for his size and is relentless in pursuit. He also has great instincts, so he is capable of making an immediate impact.

 

29. New York Jets (4-12)

 

Pick acquired from Broncos

Top five needs: RB, OT, QB, OG, CB

The pick: +Laurence Maroney, RB, Minnesota

The Jets want to substantially reduce 32-year-old Curtis Martin's workload, but there isn't an heir apparent on the roster. Selecting Maroney here would change that. Though Maroney doesn't have great size or strength, he has the burst to get around the corner quickly and shows a second gear in the open field. He also read his blocks well and has the lateral mobility to exploit cutback lanes.

 

30. Indianapolis Colts (14-2)

 

Top five needs: RB, OLB, OG, MLB, CB

The pick: Joseph Addai, RB, LSU

It's going to be difficult for any back to fill Edgerrin James' shoes in Indianapolis, especially if the top four backs are taken by the time the Colts select at pick No. 30. Addai is a bit of a reach here, but the Colts might be willing to take the risk considering their dire situation. At the very least, Addai is a good fit for the Colts' scheme. He isn't elusive and needs to continue to add bulk to his frame, but he is quick, has explosive top-end speed and runs hard. In addition, he catches the ball well and is versatile enough to line up in the slot, making him a good fit for the Colts' no-huddle offense.

 

31. Seattle Seahawks (13-3)

 

Top five needs: CB, FS, WR, TE, OG

The pick: +Antonio Cromartie, CB, Florida State

There's no questioning that selecting Cromartie is a risk. After all, he missed the entire 2005 season with a knee injury and is raw. However, Andre Dyson signed with the Jets and Cromartie has the natural ability to replace him as the starter opposite Marcus Trufant if he can stay healthy. Cromartie has excellent size, shows a second gear when tracking the ball downfield and defends the run well. He's also a playmaker who has some experience lining up at receiver.

 

32. Pittsburgh Steelers (11-5)

 

Top five needs: WR, DE, S, OC/OG, ILB

The pick: Sinorice Moss, WR, Miami

The Super Bowl champs are obviously void of many pressing positional needs. However, receiver is certainly one of them. With Antwaan Randle El's signing with Washington, Pittsburgh needs a receiver who can compete with Cedrick Wilson for the No. 2 job. Moss might be undersized, but he explodes off the line and doesn't have to slow down to change directions.

 

ROUND 2

 

33. Houston Texans

 

Eric Winston | OT | Miami

 

34. New Orleans Saints

 

Nick Mangold | OC | Ohio State

 

35. N.Y. Jets

 

Jason Allen | DB | Tennessee

 

36. Green Bay Packers

 

Thomas Howard | OLB | UTEP

 

37. San Francisco 49ers

 

Mathias Kiwanuka | DE | Boston College

 

38. Oakland Raiders

 

Claude Wroten | DT | LSU

 

39. Tennessee Titans

 

D'Qwell Jackson | ILB | Maryland

 

40. Detroit Lions

 

Manny Lawson | DE/OLB | NC State

 

41. Arizona Cardinals

 

Marcedes Lewis | TE | UCLA

 

42. Buffalo Bills

 

Richard Marshall | CB | Fresno State

 

43. Cleveland Browns

 

Tamba Hali | DE | Penn State

 

44. Baltimore Ravens

 

Ko Simpson | S | South Carolina

 

45. Philadelphia Eagles

 

Maurice Stovall | WR | Notre Dame

 

46. St. Louis Rams

 

Kelly Jennings | CB | Miami

 

47. Atlanta Falcons

 

Gabe Watson | DT | Michigan

 

48. Minnesota Vikings

 

Brodie Croyle | QB | Alabama

 

49. Dallas Cowboys

 

Daryn Colledge | OT | Boise State

 

50. San Diego Chargers

 

Max Jean-Gilles | OG | Georgia

 

51. Miami Dolphins

 

Alan Zemaitis, CB, Penn State

 

52. New England Patriots

 

Abdul Hodge | ILB | Iowa

 

53. Washington Redskins

 

Roger McIntosh | OLB | Miami

 

54. Kansas City Chiefs

 

Demetrius Williams | WR | Oregon

 

55. Cincinnati Bengals

 

Darryl Tapp | DE | Virginia Tech

 

56. N.Y. Giants

 

John McCargo | DT | NC State

 

57. Chicago Bears

 

Anthony Fasano | TE | Notre Dame

 

58. Carolina Panthers

 

Joe Klopfenstein | TE | Colorado

 

59. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

 

Derek Hagan | WR | Arizona State

 

60. Jacksonville Jaguars

 

Davin Joseph | OG | Oklahoma

 

61. Denver Broncos

 

Dominique Byrd | TE | USC

 

62. Indianapolis Colts

 

Taitusi Lutui | OG | USC

 

63. Seattle Seahawks

 

Daniel Bullocks | S | Nebraska

 

64. Pittsburgh Steelers

 

Rodrique Wright | DT | Texas

 

Scouts Inc. watches games, breaks down film and studies football from all angles for ESPN Insider.

[Swiss Cheezhead]

That is actually a decent projection of the first round. I'm stunned McShay came up with that. There's no way Kiwanuka falls to round 2 -- and the rest of round 2 is asinine -- but round 1 is very solid.

 

It's also one of the few mocks I've seen (other than my own ) that has the Colts taking Addai. So, .

[spain]

If somehow DeAngelo Williams falls to Denver at 1.22, it would take Shannahan less than a nano second to get the card to the podium. I just dont see Williams sliding that far down...

[spain]

That is actually a decent projection of the first round. I'm stunned McShay came up with that. There's no way Kiwanuka falls to round 2 -- and the rest of round 2 is asinine -- but round 1 is very solid.

 

It's also one of the few mocks I've seen (other than my own ) that has the Colts taking Addai. So, .

 

1407645[/snapback]

 

 

 

Hey Swiss: Do you notice who he has the Titans taking at 1.3...

[devilwoman]

I think I would like to see Seattle go for Gilles at OG, or Jennings @ CB or Klopfenstein TE or take Sinorice Moss rather than a guy who has not played in over a year. But that's just me.

[Chargerz]

Santonio Holmes is a popular pick for the Chargers in the first round. Jean-Giles in the second round has been chosen for the Bolts in other mock drafts I've seen, but OT is a more likely selection for A.J. Smith.

[Donutrun Jellies]

Sinorice Moss is a popular projection for the Steeeeeelers. Thoughts?

[Menudo]

Sinorice Moss is a popular projection for the Steeeeeelers.  Thoughts?

 

1407738[/snapback]

 

 

 

 

I've got no problem with it. He does lack size, and the Steelers WR corps would be small, but, I would rather take a known playmaker than reach for a guy because he is taller. He can take over the Punt Return & Kick Return duties, and provide a legitimate deep threat. I'd be thrilled to see him end up on the Steelers. I believe his agent is Drew Rosenhaus, I hope that doesn't cause a snag.

[Vote Quimby2]

I think I would like to see Seattle go for Gilles at OG, or Jennings @ CB or Klopfenstein TE or take Sinorice Moss rather than a guy who has not played in over a year.  But that's just me.

 

1407712[/snapback]

 

 

 

Antonio Cromartie is stud. I'd be very happy if Seattle got him. At FSU there probably hasn't been as much buzz about a corner here since Prime Time played, and we've had some good ones since Deion.