AOL Sports Mock Draft

[CardShark]

Round 1

1. Houston Texans
Reggie Bush, RB, USC
Our Last Mock: Bush
What's Changed: The Texans have worked out Mario Williams and Vince Young; can you say, "smoke screen?" Expect Houston's front office to open negotiations with Bush soon, if they haven't done so already.
Also Considered: Mario Williams, Vince Young
Trade Possibilities: Unless Mike Ditka takes over a team and makes another Ricky Williams type of offer, Houston is holding onto this pick.


2. New Orleans Saints
D'Brickshaw Ferguson, T, Virginia
Our Last Mock: Mario Williams
What's Changed: The Saints traded starting offensive tackle Wayne Gandy to the Falcons last week, which seems to open the door for Ferguson. Keep in mind the Saints lost starting center LeCharles Bentley and cut a starting guard during the offseason. In other words, they have major offensive line needs.
Also Considered: Williams
Trade Possibilities: Trading down to a team that covets Matt Leinart is always a possibility. Swapping with the Jets would make the most sense, as they could still get Ferguson with the fourth pick.


3. Tennessee Titans
Matt Leinart, QB, USC
Our Last Mock: Vince Young
What's Changed: The Titans are split between Leinart and Young; OC Norm Chow prefers the former Trojan, while Bud Adams would love to relocate yet another football icon from Houston. If both are on the board, it comes down to whether or not Adams can be overruled by his football people. Right now we're projecting GM Floyd Reese and head coach Jeff Fisher cast their votes for Leinart - and that Adams doesn't wield veto power.
Also Considered: Young
Trade Possibilities: The Titans could conceivably move down a spot or two, especially if both quarterbacks they like are still on the board or if they're comfortable with Jay Cutler.

4. New York Jets
Mario Williams, DE, North Carolina State
Our Last Mock: Matt Leinart
What's Changed: If the Jets can't swing a deal with the Titans to move up and grab Leinart, they'll settle for the most impressive defensive prospect in the draft. The Julius Peppers clone will provide them with the pass-rushing force they lost when John Abraham left town.
Also Considered: A.J. Hawk, Vince Young
Trade Possibilities: The Jets may ship this pick and another to the Titans in order to move up to the second slot and get Leinart.

5. Green Bay Packers
A.J. Hawk, LB, Ohio State
Our Last Mock: Hawk
What's Changed: Hawk has remained a fixture at this spot because he fills a great need for the Packers and is clearly the best defensive player remaining. He and Nick Barnett could quickly turn into one of the best young linebacking tandems in the league.
Also Considered: Michael Huff, Brodrick Bunkley
Trade Possibilities: The Packers are always open to the possibility of moving around and acquiring additional picks.

6. San Francisco 49ers
Vernon Davis, TE, Maryland
Our Last Mock: Davis
What's Changed: Not much, although there are rumors that the Broncos are interested in trading up to acquire Davis. A team such as the Vikings might also be interested in trading up to acquire one of the big three quarterbacks.
Also Considered: Michael Huff, Jimmy Williams
Trade Possibilities: See above.

7. Oakland Raiders
Brodrick Bunkley, DT, Florida State
Our Last Mock: Bunkley
What's Changed: Nothing. Vince Young is a candidate with this pick, but team officials are said to be high on second-year signal caller Andrew Walter.
Also Considered: Haloti Ngata, Michael Huff, Vince Young
Trade Possibilities: None

8. Buffalo Bills
Haloti Ngata, DT, Oregon
Our Last Mock: Ferguson
What's Changed: Ferguson failed to fall far in this mock, leaving the Bills with Ngata. That's not a bad thing, however, because the big fella is the best fit at nose tackle for Buffalo's 3-4 defensive scheme.
Also Considered: Michael Huff
Trade Possibilities: None

9. Detroit Lions
Michael Huff, S, Texas
Our Last Mock: Huff
What's Changed: Nothing at all. Huff is the premier defensive back on the board and would immediately upgrade the Lions defense.
Also Considered: Vince Young, Jimmy Williams
Trade Possibilities: None

10. Arizona Cardinals
Vince Young, QB, Texas
Our Last Mock: Winston Justice
What's Changed: Young dropped, causing the Cards to ignore their offensive line needs. Vince's rushing ability has drawn comparisons to Daunte Culpepper, whom head coach Denny Green is quite familiar with.
Also Considered: Justice, Ernie Sims, Jay Cutler
Trade Possibilities: There is speculation that Green doesn't plan on coaching long enough to develop a young quarterback, so he might trade this pick to a team that covets Young.

11. St. Louis Rams
Jimmy Williams, CB, Virginia Tech
Our Last Mock: Jay Cutler
What's Changed: Only two teams surrendered more passing scores than the Rams last year. Cutler might be tempting, but it will be hard for new head coach Scott Linehan to justify such a pick if he has any faith in Marc Bulger.
Also Considered: Ashton Youboty, Jimmy Williams
Trade Possibilities: Williams might be available later, so the Rams could trade this pick to a team that wants Cutler.

12. Cleveland Browns
Kamerion Wimbley, DE, Florida State
Our Last Mock: Wimbley
What's Changed: Not much. The Browns will go defense, and if one of the big tackles (Bunkley or Ngata) slide this far they'll certainly give them consideration. However, Wimbley is a perfect fit for their 3-4, and his Cleveland visit went well.
Also Considered: Ernie Sims, Donte Whitner
Trade Possibilities: None

13. Baltimore Ravens
Winston Justice, T, USC
Our Last Mock: Ngata
What's Changed: Ngata moved up and Bunkley didn't fall, leaving the Ravens to address needs on their offensive rather than defensive line. Justice has climbed in the rankings thanks to his stellar Pro Day workout, and he can play the right side until Jonathan Ogden calls it quits.
Also Considered: Whitner, Jay Cutler
Trade Possibilities: The Ravens could still be in the market for a quarterback and could trade up or down depending on where Cutler falls.


14. Philadelphia Eagles
Chad Jackson, WR, Florida
Our Last Mock: Ernie Sims
What's Changed: Trying to get inside Andy Reid's head is tougher than reading the expression on Paul Walker's face, but he does lean towards the offensive side of the football. The Eagles need receiving help, and with Jackson still sitting here it may be tough for Philly to go defense.
Also Considered: Sims, LenDale White
Trade Possibilities: If the Broncos get aggressive about grabbing Jackson and the Eagles feel they can wait on a receiver, there may be some play at this spot. They could also trade down and capitalize on White's sliding stock.

15. Denver Broncos (from Atlanta Falcons)
Donte Whitner, S, Ohio State
Our Last Mock: Jackson
What's Changed: Jackson got nabbed by Eagles one pick before the Broncos could get him, so they went with Whitner, who has seen his stock rise in recent weeks. He's now considered one of the best defensive backs in this year's draft class and will play safety for the Broncos.
Also Considered: Jay Cutler, Santonio Holmes, Jason Allen
Trade Possibilities: The Broncos have a pair of first-rounders and are rumored to be considering a trade with the 49ers so they can be in position to acquire Vernon Davis.

16. Miami Dolphins
Ernie Sims, LB, Florida State
Our Last Mock: Donte Whitner
What's Changed: Whitner didn't make it to No. 16 in this mock, forcing the Dolphins to address a different defensive need. The Fins could use some talented youth at outside linebacker and Sims will be able to effectively rush the quarterback if called upon to do so. Also Considered: Chad Greenway
Trade Possibilities: None

17. Minnesota Vikings
Jay Cutler, QB, Vanderbilt
Our Last Mock: Chad Greenway
What's Changed: Brad Johnson is a year older than Brett Favre. Granted, B.J. has indicated that he wants to play at least three more seasons whereas old age has apparently destroyed Brett's decision making ability, but there's no telling how effective Johnson will be at his age.
Also Considered: Greenway, Tye Hill
Trade Possibilities: The Vikings have talked with the Falcons about a trade for backup quarterback Matt Schaub. The Falcons are seeking a first-round pick in return, but the Purple apparently feel that the No. 17 pick is too much to part with.

18. Dallas Cowboys
Chad Greenway, LB, Iowa
Our Last Mock: Bobby Carpenter
What's Changed: Same position, same conference, but rather than reach a bit for Carpenter the Cowboys capitalize on Greenway's fluctuating stock.
Also Considered: Carpenter, Jason Allen
Trade Possibilities: None

19. San Diego Chargers
Santonio Holmes, WR, Ohio State
Our Last Mock: Jimmy Williams
What's Changed: Keenan McCardell isn't getting any younger and Reche Caldwell left town, so Holmes would fill a glaring need.
Also Considered: Jason Allen
Trade Possibilities: None

20. Kansas City Chiefs
Jason Allen, CB, Tennessee
Our Last Mock: Ashton Youboty
What's Changed: The Chiefs are still in the market for a cornerback. Allen's stock appears to be on the rise. If nothing else, he's passed Youboty.
Trade Possibilities: None

21. New England Patriots
Tye Hill, CB, Clemson
Our Last Mock: DeAngelo Williams
What's Changed: Both running backs and cornerbacks will be available in bulk during the first round this year, so the Patriots will have their choice at either position. Hill is a speedster who can also return kicks, so he is a better fit right for the Pats right now than Williams.
Also Considered: DeAngelo Williams, Antonio Cromartie
Trade Possibilities: The Patriots aren't afraid to travel around the draft board if someone they like is available, so there may be some movement with this pick.

22. Denver Broncos (from Washington Redskins)
Laurence Maroney, RB, Minnesota
Our Last Mock: Tamba Hali
What's Changed: The Broncos went defense with the first pick this round, so it is time to get some offensive help. The Broncos don't think Tatum Bell can handle a full load in the backfield and Ron Dayne has proven he can't, making Maroney, who thrived in a zone-blocking system during college, a good fit.
Also Considered: Hali, D'Angelo Williams
Trade Possibilities: This pick may be involved in a deal to move up to the top of the round and select Vernon Davis.

23. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Marcus McNeill, T, Auburn
Our Last Mock: McNeill
What's Changed: Nothing. The Bucs still have major offensive line issues and will likely take the best lineman available. They also had offensive tackle Winston Justice at team headquarters earlier this week, so they might be interested in trading up.
Also Considered: Nick Mangold
Trade Possibilities: The Bucs could also trade down if they buy into the rumors that McNeill's stock is falling.

24. Cincinnati Bengals
Marcedes Lewis, TE, UCLA
Our Last Mock: Leonard Pope
What's Changed: The Bengals could still very well go with defensive help here, especially if they're comfortable with one of the tight ends that might still be on the board in the second round. Lewis and Pope both offer upside, but Marcedes seems to be a better fit with the Bengals' offense.
Also Considered: Pope, Antonio Cromartie
Trade Possibilities: None

25. New York Giants
Antonio Cromartie, CB, Florida State
Our Last Mock: Holmes
What's Changed: Holmes isn't available, and the next best receiver on the board doesn't warrant a pick here. The Giants need secondary help as well, and after Cromartie proved he's healthy and still really fast the G-Men will be lucky if he slips this far. Also Considered: Ashton Youboty, Bobby Carpenter Trade Possibilities: None

26. Chicago Bears
Ashton Youboty, CB, Ohio State
Our Last Mock: Cromartie
What's Changed: The name is different because the Giants grabbed Cromartie with the previous pick, but the Bears are still looking to add some depth at cornerback. They'll address their issue at tight end later in the draft.
Also Considered: Leonard Pope
Trade Possibilities: None

27. Carolina Panthers
LenDale White, USC, RB
Our Last Mock: DeMeco Ryans
What's Changed: White's stock has dropped due to his lousy attitude at USC's pro day. However, the Panthers were among the teams that managed to sneak in a visit in between LenDale's multiple visits to Old Country Buffet. Remember, Stephen Davis won't be back in Carolina, and the team needs a durable short-yardage option.
Also Considered: Nick Mangold
Trade Possibilities: None.

28. Jacksonville Jaguars
Bobby Carpenter, LB, Ohio State
Our Last Mock: Thomas Howard
What's Changed: Carpenter has a clean bill of health, but he could still be hanging around at the end of the first round when the Jags go on the clock. And we hear Jack Del Rio likes linebackers. There's also a chance the Jags try to get younger at the skill positions by tabbing D'Angelo Williams to replace Fred Taylor, who isn't making friends by opting to skip voluntary offseason workouts.
Also Considered: Williams
Trade Possibilities: None

29. New York Jets (from Denver Broncos via Atlanta Falcons)
D'Angelo Williams, RB, Memphis
Our Last Mock: Nick Mangold
What's Changed: The Jets selected Williams to be the heir apparent to the aging Curtis Martin because neither Cedric Houston nor Derrick Blaylock has his tantalizing upside. They'll look to upgrade their offensive line in later rounds.
Also Considered: Joseph Addai, Nick Mangold
Trade Possibilities: The Jets may move either (or both) of their first-round picks to the Titans so they can grab Matt Leinart.

30. Indianapolis Colts
Joseph Addai, RB, LSU
Our Last Mock: Maroney
What's Changed: This mock saw the top backs go off the board prior to Indy's pick, leaving them to go to Plan B - the underappreciated Addai.
Also Considered: Richard Marshall
Trade Possibilities: If Indy thinks they can get their back lower, they aren't averse to trading down and out of the first round.

31. Seattle Seahawks
Richard Marshall, CB, Fresno State
Our Last Mock: Tye Hill
What's Changed: Not much. The Seahawks still need a quality No. 2 cornerback or a nickelback to push Kelly Herndon. Hill went earlier, so the Seahawks settle for Marshall, whose stock is on the rise.
Trade Possibilities: None.

32. Pittsburgh Steelers
Nick Mangold, C, Ohio State
Our Last Mock: Sinorice Moss
What's Changed: Mangold's on the board this time, and he's a Bill Cowher kind of guy. The Steelers have few, if any, immediate needs so they can invest in a pick that will solidify their line for a decade down the road.
Also Considered: Moss
Trade Possibilities: None

 

[CardShark]

Round 2

1 (33). Houston Texans
Eric Winston, T, Miami
Comments: Drafting Reggie Bush and trading for Eric Moulds is fine and good, but all that skill position talent means nothing without an offensive line. Winston gives the Texans their best tackle ever, which isn't exactly saying much. The Texans would be wise to continue stockpiling linemen with their two picks at the top of round three as well.

2 (34). New Orleans Saints
Jonathan Joseph, CB, South Carolina
Comments: The loss of Fakhir Brown to free agency leaves the Saints with depth issues at cornerback. They'll be thrilled if they land a solid corner like Joseph with this pick.

3 (35). New York Jets
Davin Joseph, G, Oklahoma
Comments: The Jets didn't address their offensive line woes in the first round, but they made sure to get to it at the start of the second. Joseph is one of the top guards in the draft and should challenge for a starting gig during training camp.

4 (36). Green Bay Packers
Kelly Jennings, CB, Miami
Comments: The Packers looked to have swung and missed with first-round pick Ahmad Carroll two years ago, so cornerback is still a need. Lucky for them this year's class is full of talented ones.

5 (37). San Francisco 49ers
Tamba Hali, DE, Penn State
Comments: Hali was projected as a mid-round first pick just a month ago. His stock is dropping, but defensive-minded head coach Mike Nolan is looking for a defensive end to serve as the heir apparent for Bryant Young.

6 (38). Oakland Raiders
Thomas Howard, LB, UTEP
Comments: It's simple. The Raiders need linebackers and Howard was the best on the board—or at least the fastest, and we all know how much Al Davis likes speed. Of course, the Raiders have plenty of needs, so they might not take a linebacker with this pick.

7 (39). Tennessee Titans
D'Qwell Jackson, LB, Maryland
Comments: The Titans were intent on replacing Brad Kassell even before he signed with the Jets, and Jackson is the best pure inside linebacker still on the board. With David Thornton and Keith Bulluck outside, Tennessee can afford youth in the middle and Jackson gets the nod over Abdul Hodge. The Titans also need line help, which brings the likes of Chris Chester and Daryn Colledge into play here.

8 (40). Detroit Lions
Mathias Kiwanuka, DE, Boston College
Comments: The Lions need to add another pass rusher and they're getting excellent value here with Kiwanuka. His stock has fallen since the end of the college season, but he still posses the raw ability to become a starter.

9 (41). Arizona Cardinals
Leonard Pope, TE, Georgia
Comments: Ever heard of Eric Edwards or Adam Bergen? They sit one and two on the Cardinals' tight end depth chart. Enough said.

10 (42). Buffalo Bills
Manny Lawson, DE/LB, North Carolina State
Comments: The Bills could use another player who can get to the quarterback and some depth at outside linebacker. They get both here by selecting the speedy Lawson.

11 (43). Cleveland Browns
Gabe Watson, DT, Michigan
Comments: After missing on Broderick Bunkley and Haloti Ngata in round one, the Browns address their need up front in round two. Romeo Crennel will need to find a way to motivate Watson, but if anybody can squeeze production out of the bulky Watson it's probably Crennel.

12 (44). Baltimore Ravens
Darnell Bing, S, USC
Comments: Will Demps is gone and Chad Williams is knocking on other doors, leaving a void opposite Ed Reed in the Ravens secondary. Bing fits that need, and his aggressive style of play makes him an ideal candidate for Baltimore's defense.

13 (45). Philadelphia Eagles
DeMeco Ryans, LB, Alabama
Comments: After addressing a need at wide receiver in round one, the Eagles could use some linebacking help here. Ryans has first-round talent but could be the odd man out in an extremely deep position. That plays to Philly's benefit if they can grab him here. Alternatives include safety help and an offensive tackle to groom, but those could be addressed later.

14 (46). St. Louis Rams
Ko Simpson, S, South Carolina
Comments: The Rams had high hopes for converted wide receiver Mike Furrey, who led the team with four picks as a safety last year. Unfortunately, he didn't feel the same and signed with the Lions, who will use him as a wideout. Thus, the Rams need a safety.

15 (47). Atlanta Falcons
Chris Chester, G-C, Oklahoma
Comments: The free agent losses of guard Roberto Garza and tackle Kevin Shaffer over the last two years have depleted the Falcons offensive line. Head coach Jim Mora will draft a lineman or two to keep assistant coach/offensive line guru Alex Gibbs happy.

16 (48). Minnesota Vikings
Abdul Hodge, ILB, Iowa
Comments: New team management has been quiet, but everyone knows the Vikings will be looking for linebackers on the first day of the draft. Hodge is the top inside backer on the board, so he gets the call here.

17 (49). Dallas Cowboys
Taitusi Lutui, G, USC
Comments: The Cowboys could go with a guard or a tackle; we think that after considering Boise State's Daryn Colledge they go with a more known quantity in USC's Latui. Nebraska safety Daniel Bullocks is also a possibility.

18 (50). San Diego Chargers
Daniel Bullocks, S, Nebraska
Comments: The Chargers added Marlon McCree via free agency one year after they made fellow d-back Bhawoh Jue their only free agent addition. Jue didn't workout and Terrence Kiel has been shaky, so Bullocks fills a need. Offensive needs include wide receiver and offensive line.

19 (51). Minnesota Vikings (from Miami Dolphins)
Rocky McIntosh, LB, Miami
Comments: The Vikings have zero depth at linebacker heading into the draft, so don't be surprised if they take a pair of linebackers within the first 51 picks of the draft. Other needs include the right side of their offensive line and perhaps a safety.

20 (52). New England Patriots
Sinorice Moss, WR, Miami
Comments: The Patriots aren't shy about grabbing undersized receivers, and Moss is one with plenty of speed and upside. He will also be used as a return specialist.

21 (53). Washington Redskins
Darryl Tapp, DE, Virginia Tech
Comments: Andre Carter is a start, but the Redskins still need some help getting after the passer. That's where Tapp comes in; he's a high-motor guy that Gregg Williams will love coaching. The Redskins could also look for interior help on either line, with DT John McCargo and OG Max Jean-Gilles possibilities.

22 (54). Kansas City Chiefs
Demetrius Williams, WR, Oregon
Comments: Eddie Kennison has been a pleasant surprise as the No. 1 receiver, but the Chiefs haven't had a quality No. 2 wideout in ages. If nothing else, they need to add talent to their pool of no-name wide receivers.

23 (55). Cincinnati Bengals
John McCargo, DT, North Carolina State
Comments: Depending on what's still on the board in round one, the Bengals may wait until this point in the draft to scratch their tight end itch. But, since we have them taking Marcedes Lewis in round one, they'll look elsewhere here. McCargo seems to be the best value on the board, and since the Bengals need all the help they can get on the defensive line, he's the pick.

24 (56). New York Giants
Maurice Stovall, WR, Notre Dame
Comments: We're anticipating the G-Men will be the team to cough up the cash it takes to land LaVar Arrington, which eliminates their need for a linebacker. With that out of the way, Tom Coughlin can go after some help for Eli Manning. Amani Toomer isn't getting any younger, and Stovall is a solid pick at this point in the proceedings.

25 (57). Chicago Bears
Anthony Fasano, TE, Notre Dame
Comments: The Bears waited to pick a tight end and it paid off because they got a very talented one here. Fasano will challenge Desmond Clark for playing time right away and could be a fantasy factor as soon as his rookie year.

26 (58). Carolina Panthers
Max Jean-Gilles, G, Georgia
Comments: John Fox knows it all starts up front. Mike Wahle and Jordan Gross are great, and Justin Hartwig was a nice addition, but they need some help to open holes for DeShaun Foster.

27 (59). Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Charles Spencer, G, Pittsburgh
Comments: Don't buy into the talk that the Bucs went out of their way to keep their offensive line together. They were snubbed by several free agent linemen and had no choice but to put the band back together.

28 (60). Jacksonville Jaguars
Dominique Byrd, TE, USC
Comments: The Jags don't have plans to make Matt Jones learn yet another position, and while Kyle Brady returns he's hardly a downfield threat. This draft is so deep at tight end the Jags' patience could be rewarded with Byrd late in round two.

29 (61). Denver Broncos
Joe Klopfenstein, TE, Colorado
Comments: The Broncos haven't filled the void left by Jeb Putzier's defection to Houston. They could go a long ways towards doing so, however, by selecting local boy Klopfenstein, who has the speed to exploit matchups with slower linebackers.

30 (62). Indianapolis Colts
Daryn Colledge, T, Boise State
Comments: Indy would prefer a guard here, so if Jean-Gilles or Spencer slip they're the likely pick. However, they have enough versatility on the line that simply selecting the best blocker available should fill their need.

31 (63). Seattle Seahawks
Danieal Manning, S, Abilene Christian
Comments: Starting safety Ken Hamlin missed 10 games with a head injury he suffered during a bar fight. His backup, Marquand Manuel, departed via free agency, so the defending NFC Champs will be in the market for safety insurance.

32 (64). Pittsburgh Steelers
Derek Hagan, WR, Arizona State
Comments: The Steelers have lost Plaxico Burress and Antwaan Randle El the past two seasons, so there's a need to replenish at this position. Hagan is a good value at this point in the draft and could come into camp battling to be the third receiver, depending on how quickly Quincy Morgan's broken leg heals.

 

[Totally_Red]

bogus

Arguably the three biggest areas of need are O-line, DT and free safety and none are addressed in the first two rounds.

 

[joko4]

No way, we would never pass on Gilles.

 

[SuperSpck]

As far as research goes, the person responsible for the mock has done an alright job of matching positions of need for most teams and drafting the BP of that position accordingly.
That said, some teams don't do that, so time will tell on the accuracy.

 

[slanidrac16]

Ain't going to be even close.

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

though i don't disagree with anything that any of you have said in response to this draft, i'd be ecstatic with young and pope.

 

[Doc Cardinal]

though i don't disagree with anything that any of you have said in response to this draft, i'd be ecstatic with young and pope.

I'd say that's a big hell yeah Ouchie!!!

 

[Bada0Bing]

Trade Possibilities: There is speculation that Green doesn't plan on coaching long enough to develop a young quarterback, so he might trade this pick to a team that covets Young.

For some reason this statement bothers me. Why should someone who doesn't plan to be here in a few years be in charge of drafts, which is where you find the building blocks of an organization?

 

[lobo]

Arguably the three biggest areas of need are O-line, DT and free safety and none are addressed in the first two rounds.

Not arguably!!! Them's are it....period....and a waste of time to look at anything else on saturday.