BACH
Superbowl, Homeboy!
I could live with Huff. Our secondary should improve to one of the best with him at FS. Probably the most realistic mock that I have seen yet
MOCK DRAFT: ROUND 1
PICK TEAM PLAYER POS SCHOOL
1 (1) Texans Reggie Bush* RB USC
With GM Charley Casserly surviving owner Bob McNair's house cleaning, expect the Texans to attempt to trade this pick to avoid the high cost and high risk associated with a No. 1 overall pick. Casserly, however, must pull the trigger on quarterback David Carr's roster bonus before finalizing a trade. If no NFL team meets the Texans' high price for this pick, Houston will take Bush and trade incumbent running back Domanick Davis.
2 (2) Saints Matt Leinart QB USC
Everything will be rebuilt in New Orleans, and a franchise quarterback should be the foundation. Leinart has the composure and confidence to lead the rebuilding effort, but it will be a challenge for a guy who doesn't know much about losing. Leinart -- a la John Elway in '83 and Eli Manning in '04 -- could attempt to force a trade away from this franchise in chaos; this will be a storyline to watch right up to April 29.
3 (3) Titans Vince Young* QB Texas
The Titans have an interesting dilemma. Young has been mentored by Titans quarterback Steve McNair, and he might retain the same agent. He will remind Titans officials enough of a young McNair that they will figure out a way to make it work. Perhaps McNair could become Young's paid mentor as Jon Kitna was for Carson Palmer in Cincinnati.
4 (4) Jets D'Brickashaw Ferguson T Va.
Ferguson has long arms, a large frame and great feet. He is a bit lean at 290 pounds but has plenty of room to fill out. The Jets must upgrade at left tackle. Ferguson, a Long Island native, would fit the bill.
5 (5) Packers A.J. Hawk OLB Ohio St.
Green Bay needs to begin rebuilding its defense with the No. 5 pick, and Hawk would bring the talent and leadership skills lacking on this unit.
6 (6) Raiders Mathias Kiwanuka DE Boston Coll.
The Raiders lack a defensive identity. Kiwanuka has the power and speed to be a dominant pass rusher and solid two-way end opposite pass-rush specialist Derrick Burgess.
7 (7) 49ers Jimmy Williams CB Va. Tech
Mike Nolan is a defensive-minded coach and will continue to run the 3-4 scheme. Linebacker might be a bigger need, but Williams would be too good a value to pass up at No. 7.
8 (8) Bills Mario Williams* DE NC State
The Bills' defense was an enigma in '05. The one thing missing, for sure, is a dominant end who can rush the passer. Williams, a junior, might be the most complete defensive end in the '06 class.
9 (9) Lions Chad Greenway OLB Iowa
The Lions have talent on defense but need a playmaking linebacker. Greenway would bring strength, speed, athleticism and attitude to an underachieving unit.
10 (10) Cardinals Michael Huff S Texas
The Cardinals must continue to upgrade their secondary. Cornerback might be a bigger need, but a Huff-Adrian Wilson duo at safety would make the entire defense better.
11 (11) Rams Vernon Davis* TE Maryland
Davis, a junior, will be the first tight end drafted because of his athleticism and playmaking ability, something the Rams have lacked at his position for years.
12 (12) Browns Thomas Howard OLB UTEP
The key position in coach Romeo Crennel's 3-4 defensive scheme is outside linebacker. Howard has the athleticism and speed to play in open field and have an impact as a pass rusher.
13 (13) Ravens LenDale White* RB USC
The Ravens' running game disappeared in '05, and it's something they need to be effective to compete in the AFC North. Even if free agent Jamal Lewis re-signs, it certainly will be short-term deal. White possesses the size and speed combination the Ravens need to re-establish their physical style of play.
14 (14) Eagles Haloti Ngata* DT Oregon
The Eagles' defense spiraled downward after losing defensive tackle Corey Simon to the Colts in the offseason. Ngata is the type of physical run stuffer Philadelphia needs to make its attacking scheme to work.
15 (15) Falcons Tye Hill CB Clemson
The Falcons like to attack the line of scrimmage with their front seven and need cornerbacks who can play man-to-man outside. Hill would play immediately as the nickel back and quickly could move in as the starter opposite DeAngelo Hall.
16 (16) Dolphins DeMeco Ryans OLB Alabama
Coach Nick Saban knows his team overachieved in '05 and doesn't want it to regress. Saban, a defensive-minded coach, will look to fill a need for more talent at linebacker to complete the transition to his preferred 3-4 scheme.
17 (17) Vikings Max Jean-Gilles G Georgia
Vikings coach Brad Childress' top priority: Upgrade his offensive line. If they don't sign a veteran free-agent guard, the massive Jean-Gilles would be a nice alternative.
18 (18) Cowboys Marcus McNeill T Auburn
The Cowboys' offensive struggles in '05 stemmed from the inability to protect quarterback Drew Bledsoe. McNeill would be an immediate upgrade at right tackle in both pass protection and run blocking.
19 (19) Chargers Santonio Holmes* WR Ohio St.
The Chargers need a playmaking wide receiver to stretch the field and give LaDainian Tomlinson running room and to draw some coverage away from tight end Antonio Gates. Holmes can fly and would give San Diego a viable option opposite veteran Keenan McCardell.
20 (20) Chiefs Laurence Maroney* RB Minnesota
With rumors swirling about Priest Holmes' possible retirement, Kansas City will look to the future as it did when it drafted Larry Johnson to be Holmes' backup in the first round of '03. Maroney would provide nice insurance for Johnson.
21 (21) Patriots DeAngelo Williams RB Memphis
The Patriots have other needs, but Williams would be a value pick here. Corey Dillon is aging and broke down last year. Though Kevin Faulk is a nice change-of-pace back, he lacks the tools to be an every-down guy.
22 (22) Broncos Elvis Dumervil DE Louisville
(from Washington) The Broncos have a deep group to rotate along the defensive line, but they lack a quality pass-rushing end. Dumervil is undersized but is rising on many teams' draft boards because of his pass-rush ability.
23 (23) Buccaneers Tamba Hali DE Penn State
Bucs defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin loves to bring along young defensive linemen as wave rushers. It would be a perfect role for Hali, who eventually could replace Simeon Rice.
24 (24) Bengals Nick Mangold C Ohio St.
Cincinnati center Rich Braham is about 110 in football years, and the Bengals need a good, young center to protect Palmer and his bum knee.
25 (25) Giants D'Qwell Jackson ILB Maryland
The Giants' linebacker corps, outside of Antonio Pierce, wasn't that good to start with and then was decimated by injuries this season. Jackson is a fast, smart tackling machine with the character that would fit a Tom Coughlin-coached team.
26 (26) Bears Marcedes Lewis TE UCLA
The Bears' offense will continue to center around the running and short-passing games, so they need another tight end who can block and catch passes in close quarters.
27 (27) Panthers Rodrique Wright DT Texas
With Brentson Buckner mulling retirement and Kris Jenkins' recent struggles to stay healthy, the Panthers should insure their stout front four. Wright is strong and plays with good leverage, a trait coach John Fox likes in his defensive tackles. (Pick subject to playoffs.)
28 (28) Steelers Chad Jackson* WR Florida
The Steelers need to give quarterback Ben Roethlisberger a target to complement Hines Ward on the outside. Jackson is a playmaker with speed and good size. (Pick subject to playoffs.)
29 (29) Jaguars Alan Zemaitis CB Penn State
Coach Jack Del Rio likes to play an aggressive style of defense and needs cornerbacks who can play in man-to-man coverage. Zemaitis has the physical tools and discipline Del Rio covets.
30 (30) Colts Abdul Hodge ILB Iowa
Hodge fits the height, weight and speed profile coach Tony Dungy prefers at outside linebacker.
31 (31) Seahawks Orien Harris DT Miami (FL)
The Seahawks need an infusion of talent at defensive tackle to complement the edge rush of ends Bryce Fisher and Grant Wistrom and promising rookie linebackers Lofa Tatupu and Leroy Hill. (Pick subject to playoffs.)
32 (32) Broncos Derek Hagan WR Arizona St.
Hagan is polished and productive. He lacks elite speed but is a good athlete, runs great routes and has good ball skills. (Pick subject to playoffs.)
MOCK DRAFT: ROUND 1
PICK TEAM PLAYER POS SCHOOL
1 (1) Texans Reggie Bush* RB USC
With GM Charley Casserly surviving owner Bob McNair's house cleaning, expect the Texans to attempt to trade this pick to avoid the high cost and high risk associated with a No. 1 overall pick. Casserly, however, must pull the trigger on quarterback David Carr's roster bonus before finalizing a trade. If no NFL team meets the Texans' high price for this pick, Houston will take Bush and trade incumbent running back Domanick Davis.
2 (2) Saints Matt Leinart QB USC
Everything will be rebuilt in New Orleans, and a franchise quarterback should be the foundation. Leinart has the composure and confidence to lead the rebuilding effort, but it will be a challenge for a guy who doesn't know much about losing. Leinart -- a la John Elway in '83 and Eli Manning in '04 -- could attempt to force a trade away from this franchise in chaos; this will be a storyline to watch right up to April 29.
3 (3) Titans Vince Young* QB Texas
The Titans have an interesting dilemma. Young has been mentored by Titans quarterback Steve McNair, and he might retain the same agent. He will remind Titans officials enough of a young McNair that they will figure out a way to make it work. Perhaps McNair could become Young's paid mentor as Jon Kitna was for Carson Palmer in Cincinnati.
4 (4) Jets D'Brickashaw Ferguson T Va.
Ferguson has long arms, a large frame and great feet. He is a bit lean at 290 pounds but has plenty of room to fill out. The Jets must upgrade at left tackle. Ferguson, a Long Island native, would fit the bill.
5 (5) Packers A.J. Hawk OLB Ohio St.
Green Bay needs to begin rebuilding its defense with the No. 5 pick, and Hawk would bring the talent and leadership skills lacking on this unit.
6 (6) Raiders Mathias Kiwanuka DE Boston Coll.
The Raiders lack a defensive identity. Kiwanuka has the power and speed to be a dominant pass rusher and solid two-way end opposite pass-rush specialist Derrick Burgess.
7 (7) 49ers Jimmy Williams CB Va. Tech
Mike Nolan is a defensive-minded coach and will continue to run the 3-4 scheme. Linebacker might be a bigger need, but Williams would be too good a value to pass up at No. 7.
8 (8) Bills Mario Williams* DE NC State
The Bills' defense was an enigma in '05. The one thing missing, for sure, is a dominant end who can rush the passer. Williams, a junior, might be the most complete defensive end in the '06 class.
9 (9) Lions Chad Greenway OLB Iowa
The Lions have talent on defense but need a playmaking linebacker. Greenway would bring strength, speed, athleticism and attitude to an underachieving unit.
10 (10) Cardinals Michael Huff S Texas
The Cardinals must continue to upgrade their secondary. Cornerback might be a bigger need, but a Huff-Adrian Wilson duo at safety would make the entire defense better.
11 (11) Rams Vernon Davis* TE Maryland
Davis, a junior, will be the first tight end drafted because of his athleticism and playmaking ability, something the Rams have lacked at his position for years.
12 (12) Browns Thomas Howard OLB UTEP
The key position in coach Romeo Crennel's 3-4 defensive scheme is outside linebacker. Howard has the athleticism and speed to play in open field and have an impact as a pass rusher.
13 (13) Ravens LenDale White* RB USC
The Ravens' running game disappeared in '05, and it's something they need to be effective to compete in the AFC North. Even if free agent Jamal Lewis re-signs, it certainly will be short-term deal. White possesses the size and speed combination the Ravens need to re-establish their physical style of play.
14 (14) Eagles Haloti Ngata* DT Oregon
The Eagles' defense spiraled downward after losing defensive tackle Corey Simon to the Colts in the offseason. Ngata is the type of physical run stuffer Philadelphia needs to make its attacking scheme to work.
15 (15) Falcons Tye Hill CB Clemson
The Falcons like to attack the line of scrimmage with their front seven and need cornerbacks who can play man-to-man outside. Hill would play immediately as the nickel back and quickly could move in as the starter opposite DeAngelo Hall.
16 (16) Dolphins DeMeco Ryans OLB Alabama
Coach Nick Saban knows his team overachieved in '05 and doesn't want it to regress. Saban, a defensive-minded coach, will look to fill a need for more talent at linebacker to complete the transition to his preferred 3-4 scheme.
17 (17) Vikings Max Jean-Gilles G Georgia
Vikings coach Brad Childress' top priority: Upgrade his offensive line. If they don't sign a veteran free-agent guard, the massive Jean-Gilles would be a nice alternative.
18 (18) Cowboys Marcus McNeill T Auburn
The Cowboys' offensive struggles in '05 stemmed from the inability to protect quarterback Drew Bledsoe. McNeill would be an immediate upgrade at right tackle in both pass protection and run blocking.
19 (19) Chargers Santonio Holmes* WR Ohio St.
The Chargers need a playmaking wide receiver to stretch the field and give LaDainian Tomlinson running room and to draw some coverage away from tight end Antonio Gates. Holmes can fly and would give San Diego a viable option opposite veteran Keenan McCardell.
20 (20) Chiefs Laurence Maroney* RB Minnesota
With rumors swirling about Priest Holmes' possible retirement, Kansas City will look to the future as it did when it drafted Larry Johnson to be Holmes' backup in the first round of '03. Maroney would provide nice insurance for Johnson.
21 (21) Patriots DeAngelo Williams RB Memphis
The Patriots have other needs, but Williams would be a value pick here. Corey Dillon is aging and broke down last year. Though Kevin Faulk is a nice change-of-pace back, he lacks the tools to be an every-down guy.
22 (22) Broncos Elvis Dumervil DE Louisville
(from Washington) The Broncos have a deep group to rotate along the defensive line, but they lack a quality pass-rushing end. Dumervil is undersized but is rising on many teams' draft boards because of his pass-rush ability.
23 (23) Buccaneers Tamba Hali DE Penn State
Bucs defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin loves to bring along young defensive linemen as wave rushers. It would be a perfect role for Hali, who eventually could replace Simeon Rice.
24 (24) Bengals Nick Mangold C Ohio St.
Cincinnati center Rich Braham is about 110 in football years, and the Bengals need a good, young center to protect Palmer and his bum knee.
25 (25) Giants D'Qwell Jackson ILB Maryland
The Giants' linebacker corps, outside of Antonio Pierce, wasn't that good to start with and then was decimated by injuries this season. Jackson is a fast, smart tackling machine with the character that would fit a Tom Coughlin-coached team.
26 (26) Bears Marcedes Lewis TE UCLA
The Bears' offense will continue to center around the running and short-passing games, so they need another tight end who can block and catch passes in close quarters.
27 (27) Panthers Rodrique Wright DT Texas
With Brentson Buckner mulling retirement and Kris Jenkins' recent struggles to stay healthy, the Panthers should insure their stout front four. Wright is strong and plays with good leverage, a trait coach John Fox likes in his defensive tackles. (Pick subject to playoffs.)
28 (28) Steelers Chad Jackson* WR Florida
The Steelers need to give quarterback Ben Roethlisberger a target to complement Hines Ward on the outside. Jackson is a playmaker with speed and good size. (Pick subject to playoffs.)
29 (29) Jaguars Alan Zemaitis CB Penn State
Coach Jack Del Rio likes to play an aggressive style of defense and needs cornerbacks who can play in man-to-man coverage. Zemaitis has the physical tools and discipline Del Rio covets.
30 (30) Colts Abdul Hodge ILB Iowa
Hodge fits the height, weight and speed profile coach Tony Dungy prefers at outside linebacker.
31 (31) Seahawks Orien Harris DT Miami (FL)
The Seahawks need an infusion of talent at defensive tackle to complement the edge rush of ends Bryce Fisher and Grant Wistrom and promising rookie linebackers Lofa Tatupu and Leroy Hill. (Pick subject to playoffs.)
32 (32) Broncos Derek Hagan WR Arizona St.
Hagan is polished and productive. He lacks elite speed but is a good athlete, runs great routes and has good ball skills. (Pick subject to playoffs.)
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