BACH
Superbowl, Homeboy!
1 (1) Texans Reggie Bush* RB USC
GM Charley Casserly says he is open for trade business, but it is unlikely that any team will offer the booty required to get this valuable pick. So, that will leave the Texans to select the most versatile offensive threat in the draft and team him with Dominick Davis.
2 (2) Saints D'Brickashaw Ferguson T Va.
The Saints have a plethora of options with this pick. The most likely scenario is a trade to a team, perhaps the Jets, looking to snare QB Matt Leinart. If the Saints stay at No. 2, don't look for them to take DE Mario Williams because the team already has solid pass rushers in Will Smith and Charles Grant. New Orleans could, however, solidify an offensive line that has lost center LeCharles Bentley and guard Kendyl Jacox, and pair Ferguson with last year's first-rounder, RT Jamaal Brown, to protect QB Drew Brees.
3 (3) Titans Matt Leinart QB USC
With the Saints getting Brees, offensive coordinator Norm Chow is doing the two-step in Nashville. His former prized pupil at USC just might land in the Titans' lap as Steve McNair's near-future replacement. The team might need to trade up to ensure it lands Leinart.
4 (4) Jets A.J. Hawk OLB Ohio St.
The Jets will be players in the Leinart trade sweepstakes. If they stay put, they will take Hawk as the much desired athletic outside linebacker for coach Eric Mangini's 3-4 scheme.
5 (5) Packers Haloti Ngata* DT Oregon
The team re-signed DE Aaron Kampman and added free-agent DT Ryan Pickett, so the defensive line might not be the top priority. Packers GM Ted Thompson will try to trade down (teams looking to draft DE Mario Williams are the logical candidates) and take a cornerback and safety. If Thompson stays at No. 5, he would go for the value pick and pair Ngata with Pickett to create an imposing front four that also features pass-rush specialist Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila. Coaches can camouflage a mediocre secondary with a dominant defensive line.
6 (6) 49ers Michael Huff S Texas
Huff automatically would become the 49ers' best defensive back as the big-time young safety they desperately need.
7 (7) Raiders Mario Williams* DE NC State
The Raiders will be tempted to trade this pick, but their patience would be rewarded big time if Williams falls this far. Williams is the dominant all-around end the team has needed since Howie Long retired more than a decade ago.
8 (8) Bills Vernon Davis* TE Maryland
Tight end is not the top team need, but Ngata likely will not be available here and the team has signed DT Larry Tripplett to shore up the line a bit. Plus, it would be tough to pass on such an elite talent as Davis at No. 8. Free-agent addition Robert Royal is solid but lacks Davis' physical tools.
9 (9) Lions Tye Hill CB Clemson
The Lions' cornerback depth behind veteran starters Dre' Bly and Fernando Bryant is awful. Hill is tough and might be the best in this draft at playing bump-and-run coverage. Hill wants NFL teams to know he is not just another speedster.
10 (10) Cardinals Vince Young* QB Texas
Coach Dennis Green needs players who can contribute immediately, but there is a new stadium opening and a hole behind starter Kurt Warner. Young is the exciting type of player who could attract much-needed fans. Green would need to find a way to make use of Young's athleticism and get him on the field right away in some capacity. Warner would be a good tutor and caretaker as Young develops his undeniable potential. Remember, Green once developed Daunte Culpepper, a similarly once-raw quarterback.
11 (11) Rams Jimmy Williams CB Va. Tech
Defensive coordinator Jim Haslett has had success with big cornerbacks such as Mike McKenzie and operates a modified cover-2 scheme that would play to Williams' strengths. If the Rams can manage Williams' ego and keep him focused, he could be a great NFL player.
12 (12) Browns DeMeco Ryans OLB Alabama
Outside linebacker is the key position in coach Romeo Crennel's defense. Ryans is instinctive, aggressive and fast. He is strong against the run, can play in coverage and rush the passer. He would be a good, young complement to veteran OLB Willie McGinest.
13 (13) Ravens Brodrick Bunkley DT Florida St.
Bunkley is a little undersized but is very quick and athletic and could be a disruptive force in the middle of the Ravens' attacking defense.
14 (14) Eagles Chad Jackson* WR Florida
WR Reggie Brown, a second-round pick last year, played well down the stretch in ‘05 but lacks Jackson's big-play ability.
15 (15) Broncos Mathias Kiwanuka DE Boston Coll.
(from Atlanta) The Broncos failings in the AFC Championships Game came from their inability to pressure the quarterback. Despite a collection of ex-Browns defensive linemen, the Broncos still lack a dominant pass rusher and were able to move 14 spots in the draft to address this pressing need. Kiwanuka will contribute right away as a wave rusher and eventually will displace Courtney Brown or Kenard Lang.
16 (16) Dolphins Chad Greenway OLB Iowa
Zach Thomas turns 33 in September, and Sedrick Hodge is a good stopgap but is no long-term solution. Greenway didn't run well in postseason workouts but has a nose for the ball and makes plays all over the field.
17 (17) Vikings Jay Cutler QB Vandy
Culpepper's trade to Miami might have secured Cutler's spot in Minnesota.
18 (18) Cowboys Santonio Holmes* WR Ohio St.
Holmes, a playmaking deep threat, also can return kicks. He would add another dimension to the offense and be a fine complement to Terrell Owens.
19 (19) Chargers Marcus McNeill T Auburn
The Chargers fired offensive line coach Carl Mauck, but it wasn't his fault. The unit is in dire need of a talent upgrade. McNeill, because of his experience at left tackle, would be the choice here ahead of USC's Winston Justice.
20 (20) Chiefs Antonio Cromartie* CB Florida St.
Cromartie, who had major knee surgery in July 2005, had a great workout last week and shows better hands than many wide receivers. He has proved to be completely healed, and his speed and ball skills would be fit perfectly in coach Herman Edwards' defense, which places an emphasis on forcing takeaways.
21 (21) Patriots Thomas Howard OLB UTEP
The Patriots once again need an infusion of youth, talent and speed at linebacker after releasing Willie McGinest and Chad Brown and not re-signing Matt Chatham. Howard (6-3, 234) runs the 40-yard dash in 4.42 seconds.
22 (22) Broncos Leonard Pope* TE Georgia
(from Washington) The Broncos lack a true red-zone threat. Pope (6-7, 258) has a 37-inch vertical jump and could become big-time go-to guy near the goal line.
23 (23) Buccaneers Winston Justice* T USC
The Bucs need a right tackle to protect Chris Simms' blind side, the same job that Justice held for southpaw Matt Leinart at USC.
24 (24) Bengals Nick Mangold C Ohio St.
Rich Braham is nearing the end of his career. Mangold could take over as a young leading line-caller to help protect franchise quarterback Carson Palmer as he returns from a knee injury.
25 (25) Giants Ernie Sims* OLB Florida St.
Speed kills. Sims is blazing fast and makes plays from sideline-to-sideline. The Giants' linebacker corps was decimated by injuries last year and won't get caught short again.
26 (26) Bears Johnathan Joseph* CB S. Carolina
With CB Charles Tillman expected to move to safety and CB Jerry Azumah on his way out, Joseph would fill a big need for the Bears.
27 (27) Panthers Laurence Maroney* RB Minnesota
DeShaun Foster re-signed but has a long history of breaking down, so Maroney would bring needed depth.
28 (28) Jaguars Manny Lawson DE NC State
Lawson (6-5, 241) runs the 40-yard dash in 4.4 seconds. He is the edge rusher that the Jags need to complement their stud defensive tackles John Henderson and Marcus Stroud.
29 (29) Jets Davin Joseph G Oklahoma
(from Denver through Atlanta) With the free-agent departure of Kevin Mawae, guard Pete Kendall will slide to center. Jonathan Goodwin is a free agent, and Jason Fabini already has signed with Dallas. That leaves Brandon Moore as the only starting-caliber guard. Scouts love Joseph, and many consider him the best run-blocker in the draft.
30 (30) Colts DeAngelo Williams RB Memphis
The Colts must replace Edgerrin James. Despite a lack of height, Williams has excellent speed and hits the hole hard, necessary tools for Indy to continue to run its trademark stretch plays.
31 (31) Seahawks Max Jean-Gilles G Georgia
Seattle must replace free-agent guard Steve Hutchinson (Vikings), and Jean-Gilles is a monstrous run blocker who will develop quickly playing next to future Hall of Fame left tackle Walter Jones.
32 (32) Steelers LenDale White* RB USC
Willie Parker is the feature back but needs a power back to complement him, a la the recently retired Jerome Bettis. White is big, strong and fast and could give the Steelers a nice 1-2 punch in the running game.
GM Charley Casserly says he is open for trade business, but it is unlikely that any team will offer the booty required to get this valuable pick. So, that will leave the Texans to select the most versatile offensive threat in the draft and team him with Dominick Davis.
2 (2) Saints D'Brickashaw Ferguson T Va.
The Saints have a plethora of options with this pick. The most likely scenario is a trade to a team, perhaps the Jets, looking to snare QB Matt Leinart. If the Saints stay at No. 2, don't look for them to take DE Mario Williams because the team already has solid pass rushers in Will Smith and Charles Grant. New Orleans could, however, solidify an offensive line that has lost center LeCharles Bentley and guard Kendyl Jacox, and pair Ferguson with last year's first-rounder, RT Jamaal Brown, to protect QB Drew Brees.
3 (3) Titans Matt Leinart QB USC
With the Saints getting Brees, offensive coordinator Norm Chow is doing the two-step in Nashville. His former prized pupil at USC just might land in the Titans' lap as Steve McNair's near-future replacement. The team might need to trade up to ensure it lands Leinart.
4 (4) Jets A.J. Hawk OLB Ohio St.
The Jets will be players in the Leinart trade sweepstakes. If they stay put, they will take Hawk as the much desired athletic outside linebacker for coach Eric Mangini's 3-4 scheme.
5 (5) Packers Haloti Ngata* DT Oregon
The team re-signed DE Aaron Kampman and added free-agent DT Ryan Pickett, so the defensive line might not be the top priority. Packers GM Ted Thompson will try to trade down (teams looking to draft DE Mario Williams are the logical candidates) and take a cornerback and safety. If Thompson stays at No. 5, he would go for the value pick and pair Ngata with Pickett to create an imposing front four that also features pass-rush specialist Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila. Coaches can camouflage a mediocre secondary with a dominant defensive line.
6 (6) 49ers Michael Huff S Texas
Huff automatically would become the 49ers' best defensive back as the big-time young safety they desperately need.
7 (7) Raiders Mario Williams* DE NC State
The Raiders will be tempted to trade this pick, but their patience would be rewarded big time if Williams falls this far. Williams is the dominant all-around end the team has needed since Howie Long retired more than a decade ago.
8 (8) Bills Vernon Davis* TE Maryland
Tight end is not the top team need, but Ngata likely will not be available here and the team has signed DT Larry Tripplett to shore up the line a bit. Plus, it would be tough to pass on such an elite talent as Davis at No. 8. Free-agent addition Robert Royal is solid but lacks Davis' physical tools.
9 (9) Lions Tye Hill CB Clemson
The Lions' cornerback depth behind veteran starters Dre' Bly and Fernando Bryant is awful. Hill is tough and might be the best in this draft at playing bump-and-run coverage. Hill wants NFL teams to know he is not just another speedster.
10 (10) Cardinals Vince Young* QB Texas
Coach Dennis Green needs players who can contribute immediately, but there is a new stadium opening and a hole behind starter Kurt Warner. Young is the exciting type of player who could attract much-needed fans. Green would need to find a way to make use of Young's athleticism and get him on the field right away in some capacity. Warner would be a good tutor and caretaker as Young develops his undeniable potential. Remember, Green once developed Daunte Culpepper, a similarly once-raw quarterback.
11 (11) Rams Jimmy Williams CB Va. Tech
Defensive coordinator Jim Haslett has had success with big cornerbacks such as Mike McKenzie and operates a modified cover-2 scheme that would play to Williams' strengths. If the Rams can manage Williams' ego and keep him focused, he could be a great NFL player.
12 (12) Browns DeMeco Ryans OLB Alabama
Outside linebacker is the key position in coach Romeo Crennel's defense. Ryans is instinctive, aggressive and fast. He is strong against the run, can play in coverage and rush the passer. He would be a good, young complement to veteran OLB Willie McGinest.
13 (13) Ravens Brodrick Bunkley DT Florida St.
Bunkley is a little undersized but is very quick and athletic and could be a disruptive force in the middle of the Ravens' attacking defense.
14 (14) Eagles Chad Jackson* WR Florida
WR Reggie Brown, a second-round pick last year, played well down the stretch in ‘05 but lacks Jackson's big-play ability.
15 (15) Broncos Mathias Kiwanuka DE Boston Coll.
(from Atlanta) The Broncos failings in the AFC Championships Game came from their inability to pressure the quarterback. Despite a collection of ex-Browns defensive linemen, the Broncos still lack a dominant pass rusher and were able to move 14 spots in the draft to address this pressing need. Kiwanuka will contribute right away as a wave rusher and eventually will displace Courtney Brown or Kenard Lang.
16 (16) Dolphins Chad Greenway OLB Iowa
Zach Thomas turns 33 in September, and Sedrick Hodge is a good stopgap but is no long-term solution. Greenway didn't run well in postseason workouts but has a nose for the ball and makes plays all over the field.
17 (17) Vikings Jay Cutler QB Vandy
Culpepper's trade to Miami might have secured Cutler's spot in Minnesota.
18 (18) Cowboys Santonio Holmes* WR Ohio St.
Holmes, a playmaking deep threat, also can return kicks. He would add another dimension to the offense and be a fine complement to Terrell Owens.
19 (19) Chargers Marcus McNeill T Auburn
The Chargers fired offensive line coach Carl Mauck, but it wasn't his fault. The unit is in dire need of a talent upgrade. McNeill, because of his experience at left tackle, would be the choice here ahead of USC's Winston Justice.
20 (20) Chiefs Antonio Cromartie* CB Florida St.
Cromartie, who had major knee surgery in July 2005, had a great workout last week and shows better hands than many wide receivers. He has proved to be completely healed, and his speed and ball skills would be fit perfectly in coach Herman Edwards' defense, which places an emphasis on forcing takeaways.
21 (21) Patriots Thomas Howard OLB UTEP
The Patriots once again need an infusion of youth, talent and speed at linebacker after releasing Willie McGinest and Chad Brown and not re-signing Matt Chatham. Howard (6-3, 234) runs the 40-yard dash in 4.42 seconds.
22 (22) Broncos Leonard Pope* TE Georgia
(from Washington) The Broncos lack a true red-zone threat. Pope (6-7, 258) has a 37-inch vertical jump and could become big-time go-to guy near the goal line.
23 (23) Buccaneers Winston Justice* T USC
The Bucs need a right tackle to protect Chris Simms' blind side, the same job that Justice held for southpaw Matt Leinart at USC.
24 (24) Bengals Nick Mangold C Ohio St.
Rich Braham is nearing the end of his career. Mangold could take over as a young leading line-caller to help protect franchise quarterback Carson Palmer as he returns from a knee injury.
25 (25) Giants Ernie Sims* OLB Florida St.
Speed kills. Sims is blazing fast and makes plays from sideline-to-sideline. The Giants' linebacker corps was decimated by injuries last year and won't get caught short again.
26 (26) Bears Johnathan Joseph* CB S. Carolina
With CB Charles Tillman expected to move to safety and CB Jerry Azumah on his way out, Joseph would fill a big need for the Bears.
27 (27) Panthers Laurence Maroney* RB Minnesota
DeShaun Foster re-signed but has a long history of breaking down, so Maroney would bring needed depth.
28 (28) Jaguars Manny Lawson DE NC State
Lawson (6-5, 241) runs the 40-yard dash in 4.4 seconds. He is the edge rusher that the Jags need to complement their stud defensive tackles John Henderson and Marcus Stroud.
29 (29) Jets Davin Joseph G Oklahoma
(from Denver through Atlanta) With the free-agent departure of Kevin Mawae, guard Pete Kendall will slide to center. Jonathan Goodwin is a free agent, and Jason Fabini already has signed with Dallas. That leaves Brandon Moore as the only starting-caliber guard. Scouts love Joseph, and many consider him the best run-blocker in the draft.
30 (30) Colts DeAngelo Williams RB Memphis
The Colts must replace Edgerrin James. Despite a lack of height, Williams has excellent speed and hits the hole hard, necessary tools for Indy to continue to run its trademark stretch plays.
31 (31) Seahawks Max Jean-Gilles G Georgia
Seattle must replace free-agent guard Steve Hutchinson (Vikings), and Jean-Gilles is a monstrous run blocker who will develop quickly playing next to future Hall of Fame left tackle Walter Jones.
32 (32) Steelers LenDale White* RB USC
Willie Parker is the feature back but needs a power back to complement him, a la the recently retired Jerome Bettis. White is big, strong and fast and could give the Steelers a nice 1-2 punch in the running game.
. If i had to pick the 2 guys with the biggest bust potential they would be Lewis and Young. It's hard to call a 2nd rounder a bust but we all remember Johnny Rutledge.
