Version 3.2 Updated 4/20/06
1. Houston Texans - RB Reggie Bush, USC, 6-0 200 4.4
Running back is not an area of immediate need, but Bush can help in more than one way. He
will be very valuable as a receiver and could contribute on special teams as a returner.
Houston shouldn't pass on this talent.
Options: Having Bush as a dump-off option will save sacks, but not as
many as a cornerstone left tackle. OT D'Brickashaw Ferguson would help reduce the 68 sacks
the O-line gave up last year.
2. New Orleans Saints - DE Mario Williams, N.C. State, 6-7 285 4.93
It's hard to pass up a player compared to Carolina's Julius Peppers, arguably the best
defensive end in the game. The Saints already have two quality DEs in Will Smith and
Charles Grant, but could nab Williams to keep a rotation at the position.
Options: After signing QB Drew Brees, the Saints need to protect their
new investment. OT Ferguson could be his security.
3. Tennessee Titans - QB Matt Leinart, USC, 6-4 224 4.9
There's no telling how much longer QB Steve McNair will play. Taking Leinart now gives the
coaching staff the time to bring him along slowly, just like head coach Jeff Fisher wants.
Options: It could be a difference of styles. Do they want a more mobile
passer (Jay Cutler) or someone who's a threat with his feet as well as his arm (Vince
Young)? Or they could take DT Haloti Ngata to secure their defensive middle.
4. New York Jets - OT D'Brickashaw Ferguson, Virginia, 6-5 297
5.3
Whoever is under center he needs job security. The Jets allowed 53 sacks last year and
won't have any success unless they protect the quarterback. The loss of OT Jason Fabini
makes the need even more urgent.
Options: The defense is switching to a 3-4 and need the right players: A
NT (Ngata), or another LB (A.J. Hawk). Even with the trade for QB Patrick Ramsey, N.Y.
might still want either Young or Cutler.
5. Green Bay Packers - LB A.J. Hawk, Ohio State, 6-1 243
4.53
Possibly the best all-around defender in this year's draft and the Pack can use him
defending the run and pass. Hawk will make plays sideline to sideline and everywhere in
between.
Options: The secondary is in need of a playmaker and there is none better
than S Michael Huff. He can also play CB in situations. Even though the Pack added DT Ryan
Pickett, they will consider DT Ngata to shore up a porous run defense.
6. San Francisco 49ers - TE Vernon Davis, Maryland, 6-3 252
4.5
Adding the 22nd selection might change San Fran's strategy, but it doesn't chage the
pick. San Fran needs to surround QB Alex Smith with playmakers. and Davis is the best
remaining game-changer at a skill position.
Options: Opponents had field days through the air. S Huff or CB Jimmy
Williams could be playmakers in the secondary. Losing DE Andre Carter and LB Julian
Peterson could push the Niners to reach for DE Kamerion Wimbley.
7. Oakland Raiders - QB Vince Young, Texas, 6-5 230 4.5
QYears ago the Raiders had a journeyman passer by the name of Vince Evans. He was good,
but was past his prime. They try their luck with a younger Vince in hopes they get the
best years from Young.
Options: The defense was horrible in all aspects. They could go after a
shut-down CB like Tye Hill or slow down opposing running games with DT Ngata.
8. Buffalo Bills - DT Brodrick Bunkley, Florida State, 6-2 300
5.05
The last time the Bills drafted a defensive lineman who shot up draft boards after
workouts, it was Erik Flowers, who was a total bust. If Buffalo take Bunkley, though he
comes from a proven program at Florida State, I'd be concerned.
Options: The Bills cut S Lawyer Milloy and signed Matt Bowen. Word to the
wise: Bowen is no Milloy. Huff would be a great addition to Buffalo's secondary.
9. Detroit Lions - S Michael Huff, Texas, 6-0 198 4.55
The secondary has taken a hit, losing two CBs during free agency. The Lions added S Idrees
Bashir but can further enhance the secondary with Huff because he can play corner in
nickel and dime backages as well as S full time.
Options: Team president Matt Millen could try for a new franchise QB by
drafting Jay Cutler since Joey Harrington won't be with the team next year. Or go for S
Huff for another form of secondary help.
10. Arizona Cardinals - QB Jay Cutler, Vanderbilt, 6-3 223
4.80
Currently the QB situation in 'Zona lacks a future. Kurt Warner was re-signed for now, but
he back-up, Josh McCown left as a free agent. Only John Navarre is left, and he hasn't
impressed. Cutler will be groomed as the passer of the future.
Options: How about fortifying the middle of the defense? They added DT
Kendrick Clancy, but he's smaller and a penetrator. DT Ngata can hold fort when called
upon.
11. St. Louis Rams - DT Haloti Ngata, Oregon, 6-4 336 5.05
The D-line needs a bouncer to keep running backs from passing through the line of
scrimmage at a 4.7 yards per carry pace. DTs Damione Lewis and Ryan Pickett failed and
will play elsewhere next year. Ngata will have his chance.
Options: Defense, defense, defense. St. Louis had only 13 picks, so CB
Tye Hill would be a good fit. Or LB Chad Greenway would make a nice addition on the
outside.
12. Cleveland Browns - DE Kamerion Wimbley, Florida State, 6-3
245 4.7
LB Willie McGinest would have an understudy if the Browns take Wimbley. Wily Willie is
just a short-term solution, as evidenced by his three year deal.
Options: DT Rodrique Wright has been compared to New England's Richard
Seymour, a player head coach Romeo Crennell coached. Or they could add CB Hill to a
secondary that had just 15 picks. Still a possibility is LB Chad Greenway as a 'backer
that can cover RBs and TEs are needed on any defense.
13. Baltimore Ravens - OT Winston Justice, USC, 6-6 300 5.16
They provided QB Kyle Boller with a running game, better receivers, and a quarterbacks
coach in hopes of reaching his potential. The last straw will be better protection.
Justice and Jonathan Ogden bookend the O-line for years to come.
Options: A nickel corner could be handy. CB Hill might be the right fit
for covering slot receivers.
14. Philadelphia Eagles - LB Ernie Simms, Florida State, 6-0
220 4.49
Sure Simms is considered undersized for the position in today's NFL. But at least he's not
5-9 Keith Adams. Philly did add Shawn Barber, but past injuries could be a concern. Simms
has the speed the coaching staff desires.
Options: Don't think the Eagles are all set at DT after signing Ed
Jasper. He's a graybeard. Wright or Brodrick Bunkley could be the pick.
15. Denver Broncos - DE Manny Lawson, N.C. State, 6-5 240 4.7
Hard to imagine he was part of the same D-line that will produce Mario Williams. Maybe
Lawson was somewhat overshadowed during the season but his stock has risen after workouts.
Options: Year after year, WR Rod Smith keeps on producing, but for how
much longer? It might be time to think down the road and take WR Chad Jackson.
16. Miami Dolphins - CB Tye Hill, Clemson, 5-9 183 4.39
Miami lost four defensive backs, and signed four in return. The numbers might be equal,
but the Dolphins are behind in quality, especially after losing CB Sam Madison. Hill lacks
size but has great speed and quickness.
Options: The D-line is solid, but quite mature. An infusion of youth
would keep the defense good in the long run. DT Wright has the tools to play in a 3-4.
17. Minnesota Vikings - LB Chad Greenway, Iowa, 6-2 242 4.56
Any of the three starting LBs for the Vikes would be at risk for being relegated to the
bench if Minnesota drafts Greenway. He's projected as an OLB but may be versatile enough
to play the middle where the Vikings really need help defending the run.
Options: A O-line that gave up 54 sacks will get worse with the
departures of C Melvin Fowler and G Toniu Fonoti. It's too early to take a player at
either of those positions but Marcus McNeil may become a good fit at right OT.
18. Dallas Cowboys - OT Eric Winston, Miami, 6-6 302 5.1
QB Drew Bledsoe says he became a better quarterback after the acquisition of WR Terrell
Owens. What will make Bledsoe even better will be time in the pocket. The 'Boys allowed 50
sacks last season and need protection to make the offense productive.
Options: There's a lot of talk that Dallas needs a good FS to play next
to SS Roy Williams. That player could be Donte Whitner or Jason Allen.
19. San Diego Chargers - CB Jimmy Williams, Virginia Tech, 6-2
205 4.37
The biggest weakness for the Bolts was the secondary that gave up almost 3,600 yards
passing with only 10 interceptions. At either S or CB, the Chargers need help. Williams
played both positions in college and help S.D. and either spot.
Options: This will be QB Phillip Rivers' first season starting and it
would be best to give him another target to put him in a successful position. WR Chad
Jackson will be available.
20. Kansas City Chiefs - DE Tamba Hali, Penn State, 6-2 267
4.75
K.C. had problems getting to the quarterback, evidenced by their 29 sacks. Hali's stock
has dropped some but there's no denying he knew how to pass rush in college. The Chiefs
could take it slow with Hali, using him as a situational pass rusher.
Options: CB Eric Warfield won't be lining up opposite Patrick Surtain
anymore. Finding a corner good enough to do so will be on the Chiefs' mind. Antonio
Cromartie may get some consideration.
21. New England Patriots - LB Bobby Carpenter, Ohio State, 6-3
254 4.52
There's a huge unknown about who will replace LB Willie McGinest, who left as a free
agent. Carpenter's experience as an end makes him a good fit in a 3-4 defense.
Options: OT Tom Ashworth is gone, making Eric Winston a possibility. N.E.
only has three WRs under contract, one they want to trade. Santonio Holmes may be given
some thought.
22. San Francisco 49ers - LB Thomas Howard, UTEP, 6-3 234 4.49
Losing DE Andre Carter and LB Julian Peterson creates two big voids to fill. But the
Niners can only fill one at a time. They take a chance on Howard despite playing against
lesser competition at a small college. His athleticism is worth the gamble.
Options: If the 49ers don't address the LB here, quite likely they'll
stick with defense, but instead taking a DE like Kiwanuka or Darryll Tapp.
23. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - DE Mathias Kiwanuka, Boston
College, 6-5 262 4.7
Another player who's stock took a tumble, questions rose whether Kiwanuka is truly an
elite pass rusher. With DE Simeon Rice on the blind side, Kiwanuka doesn't have to be, at
least not immediately. Put him on the left side and let him go.
Options: If T.B. was concerned about the age of LB Derrick Brooks, now
would be a good year to find his heir. DeMeco Ryans would be a good selection. Or they
could they could consider one of two tackles: DT Orien Harris or OT Winston.
24. Cincinnati Bengals - LB DeMeco Ryans, Alabama, 6-1
239 4.7
Cincy last year drafted DE David Pollack with the intention to convert him to LB. One
weakness of the defense was rushing the passer. It might be in their best interest to take
a LB to allow Pollack more opportunties to do what he did best in college which was rush
the passer.
Options: It's all about the D-line. DE Darryl Tapp for a more productive
pass rush or DT Watson to slow down opponents' ground game.
25. New York Giants - DT Gabe Watson, Michigan, 6-3 341 5.1
New York's recent history selecting busts along the line won't stop the Giants from going
after Watson. They addressed the secondary through free agency, signing three corners and
two safetys.
Options: Taking an athletic LB like Thomas Howard wouldn't be a bad idea.
Maybe they'll add to the offense with WR Santonio Holmes since Amani Toomer isn't getting
younger.
26. Chicago Bears - WR Chad Jackson, Florida, 6-0 201 4.45
The problem with the Bears offense isn't WR, but if the top wide out falls here, why not?
Muhsin Muhammad is approaching the downside of his career and there's the question of
whether Mark Bradley makes a full recovery. Take the best player.
Options: Logically, their attention would be in the secondary. CB
Johnathan Joseph would be available and it fills a need with the retirement of Jerry
Azumah. Also possible is S Whitner.
27. Carolina Panthers - OT Marcus McNeill, Auburn, 6-7 332
4.96
One way to improve the running game is to improve the blockers. McNeill is rated the best
run blocker and would be benefit at either OT or OG if he can slide inside.
Options: The Panthers just might risk taking RB Lendale White. Last
year's rookie RB, Eric Shelton, had a poor showing in camp before an injury finished him
for the season.
28. Jacksonville Jaguars - LB D'Qwell Jackson, Maryland, 6-0
228 4.7
The Jags are down one LB after the departure of Akin Ayodele. Jackson is projected to play
in the middle but there's a chance he could be moved outside.
Options: RB Fred Taylor is at the age where questions about his
durability exist. Jacksonville has a good stable, but none have the game-breaking ability
of RB Maroney. He could receive consideration.
29. N.Y. Jets - RB Lawrence Maroney, Minnesota, 5-11 205 4.5
Future Hall of Famer Curtis Martin finally showed his age as he finished the season on the
sideline. Cedric Houston didn't impress anyone during his relief stint. Maroney is the
homie for the Jets.
Options: To make a 3-4 defense successful, you need a space-eating DT.
That guy could be Wright.
30. Indianapolis Colts - RB DeAngelo Williams, Memphis, 5-9
208 4.5
The size of the player doesn't matter as much as the size of the heart and Indy head coach
Tony Dungy believes Williams has heart in abundance. Dungy measures players by whether
they were big performers in college. That describes Williams.
Options: Allowing 4.4 yards per carry can't be fixed with quick DTs. They
need to add size up the middle. Pairing someine like DT Wright with Corey Simon could be
suffocating.
31. Seattle Seahawks - CB Johnathan Joseph, South
Carolina 5-11 187 4.34
With WR Nate Burleson in the fold, the Seahawks can tend to the need in the secondary. CB
Andre Dyson took the free agency route out of town, weakening an already porous secondary.
Options: You don't just replace an All-Pro G. Seattle will miss Steve
Hutchinson. But the first step in compensating for his loss could begin with selecting
Davin Joseph.
32. Pittsburgh Steelers - RB Lendale White, USC, 6-1 235 4.5
An out of shape running back? Heck, the Steelers cornered the market. They need someone to
pair with Willie Parker. At first it will be Duce Staley. When they nurse White back to
health, he will share the load.
Options: You can never have enough quality D-linemen in a 3-4. DT Wright
could be the pick. They are in need of a WR/PR thanks to the departure of Antwaan Randle
El. Sinorce Moss could be the solution.
Atlanta - They changed the safetys and added DE John Abraham. But for all the elusiveness QB Michael Vick has, he absorbed 33 of the 39 sacks.
Washington - Busy during free agency again, they fortified their pass rush, signed a safety, and added two receivers. What's left is adding depth.
New Orleans is listening to all offers. They probably don't want to trade down too far, unless a bushel of picks come in return....With the number of holes on the team, San Francisco might be best served holding on to both first round picks. But the extra barganing chip (22nd overall) might be enough to change minds...The New York Jets might be better off keeping both picks as well, but if they truly desire one of the top QBs, they have what it takes to move up a few spots...Denver has already been involved in two trades already but might not be done dealing...New England has a handful of late round picks that could add up to a significant move up if they are pacaged together.