Official 2006 NFL Draft Thread

[Dr. Jones]

30 minutes before and no thread? Here we go....

With the First pick... Houston Selects: Mario Williams.

Strengths: Possesses a rare combination of size, athletic ability and speed. Is tall and well-built. Massive wingspan with long arms and big hands. Prototypical looking DE but with exceptional natural athleticism. He flashes rare playmaking skills when he gives good effort and plays with solid technique. His upside is outstanding. He shows very good initial quickness for his size. Is able to beat most OT's with his first step. Has a powerful upper body and shows the potential to develop a wide array of effective pass rush moves. He possesses the top end speed and body control to consistently turn the corner as a perimeter pass rusher. He is a smooth, fluid athlete with outstanding COD skills for his size. Is extremely mobile and shows the ability to consistently stay off of blocks and make plays in pursuit vs. the run. He shows good speed when chasing and makes a lot of plays from behind. Is a decent open-field tackler. Shows a natural nose for the ball and generates a lot of big plays when he's in the vicinity. Effort, technique and bulk are areas of concern, but he has made progress in all three over the course of his three seasons at N.C. State. Is a young prospect that only turned 21 years old on Jan. 31st, 2006.

Weaknesses: Technique is still unpolished. He has a tendency to play too high at times. Runs around too many blocks and takes himself out of position at times, as a result. He needs to do a better job of using his long arms and hands to keep separation from blockers. He takes too long to disengage from blocks and will get frustrated by the double team too often. His motor runs hot-and-cold. He played with more intensity during the second-half of his junior season but still took far too many plays off throughout 2005.

Overall: Williams graduated high school a semester early in order to enroll at N.C. State for the 2003 spring semester. He wound up earning a fulltime starting job at DE as a freshman in 2003, starting all 13 games and finishing with 56 total tackles, including 13 tackles for loss and five sacks. Williams earned first-team All-ACC honors as a sophomore in 2004, when he notched 57 tackles, 15 TFL and six sacks. As a junior in 2005, Williams once again earned first-team All-ACC honors by finishing with 62 total tackles, 24 TFL, 14.5 sacks, two broken up passes, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery in 12 games played. Williams is a prototypical looking defensive end prospect with outstanding athletic ability and very good speed for his size. A playmaker versus the run and pass, Williams came on strong during the second half of his junior season and elected to forgo his final season of collegiate eligibility in order to enter the 2006 NFL draft, as a result. He is far from polished and will need to improve his consistency in terms of effort in order to maximize his outstanding physical skills in the NFL. But simply put; Williams possesses more upside than any defensive lineman in this class. Williams' strong showing at the combine (ran the 40-yard dash in 4.66 seconds, posted the second-best vertical jump (40 ½") of the defensive linemen and also showed great body control and agility during individual position drills) solidified his place among the elite prospects in the 2006 class. We expect Williams to come off the board between picks No. 5-10 in the upcoming draft.

* Player biographies are provided by Scouts Inc.

The Saints are now on the clock.

 

[bratwurst]

What the hell is this intro on espn? Its horrible.

 

[CardShark]

NFL Network just announced that Titans will select Young at #3

 

[devilfan02]

Here we go..... That intro was real bad

 

[Billy Flynt]

Has the draft actually started?

 

[red desert]

Go Cards!

 

[Billy Flynt]

Lots of talk but no announcements yet?!

 

[Jersey Girl]

Shouldn't be long now. This one is gonna be good!

 

[bratwurst]

I love the draft, but there's too much background crap going on. Just get to the picks already.

 

[bratwurst]

I can't decide... did I hate Irvin more when he was a cowboy? Or now that he's an announcer?

 

[The Commish]

I can't decide... did I hate Irvin more when he was a cowboy? Or now that he's an announcer?

Haha I'm with you there.

 

[devilfan02]

What does NO do?? I say they stay at #2 and pick Bush

 

[BleedRed]

Are you guys watching NFL network or ESPN's coverage. I'm goin' with ESPN because Bermin's the man. lol

 

[bratwurst]

I'm watching ESPN because I like some of the guys they have, like Kiper, and Clayton for example.

But I don't know if Irvin will make me switch to NFL.

I just kind of get the feeling that ESPN won't hold back like NFL might.

 

[devilfan02]

Espn

 

[MadCardDisease]

Greeting From Europe

On the final days of our Vacation in Europe. Have to follow the draft from the internet site where we are staying in Portugal. I can't find a station with the draft. All they have is stupid Futbol.

 

[Dr. Jones]

With the second pick, the New Orleans Saints select: Reggie Bush

Strengths: The most dynamic and explosive playmaker in college football during his last two seasons (2004-'05). Is a versatile weapon. A huge threat every time he touches the ball as a runner, receiver and return specialist. Has exceptional quickness, body control and speed. Shows a rare second-gear in space and will run away from defenders once he reaches the second level. His vision is outstanding. He sees things quickly and has the stop-and-start ability to exploit small creases when they become available. His balance is exceptional. He is a slippery runner who will spin through would-be tacklers and crawl for extra yards at the end of runs. His ability to pivot and hit cutback lanes is outstanding. Lacks bulk but he has impressive natural strength. Has the frame to improve his bulk. He shows a tremendous feel for the passing game. He is a smooth, crafty route runner. Plucks well on the run and will adjust to the poorly thrown ball. Is a deep threat as a receiver; shows the ability to consistently separate. Also is a huge weapon after the catch. Tremendous elusiveness in space. A proven winner that played in three national championship games and won two national championships during three seasons at USC.

Weaknesses: Lacks ideal size. Has adequate height but lacks bulk and will need to fill out his frame. Has never carried a full load as a starting running back at the collegiate level. Can he handle the pounding as a 25-carry per game back in the NFL. He is a better outside runner than inside runner. Does not show the ability to push the pile between the tackles. Will be overmatched at the POA vs. some bigger blitzing linebackers in pass pro at the NFL level.

Overall: Bush played in all 13 games as a freshman in 2003, when he rushed for 521 yards and three touchdowns on 90 carries, while chipping in with 314 yards and four TD's on 15 catches. He also averaged 27.3 yards with a touchdown on 18 KOR's. As a sophomore in 2004, Bush rushed for 908 yards and six TD's on 143 carries and had 509 yards and seven Td's on 43 receptions. He also averaged 25.6 yards per KOR and 15.7 yards per PR with two TD's. Bush finished that season fifth in the Heisman voting and also was named Co-Offensive Player of the Year and first-team All-Pac-10. He had arthroscopic surgery on his left shoulder in the offseason and was limited in spring practice but has showed no signs of its affects as a junior in 2005, when he won the Heisman Trophy and was a unanimous first-team All-American. During that season, Bush rushed for 1,740 yards on 200 carries, caught 37 passes for 478 yards, while also averaging 9.9 yards per punt return and 17.6 yards per kickoff return. In total, Bush finished with 2,890 yards and 19 touchdowns in 2005. Bush is the highest rated running back and overall prospect (regardless of position) in the 2006 draft. Bush will need to add some bulk to his frame and there are some concerns regarding his potential to carry a full load at the NFL level. However, Bush is the most dynamic athlete in this class and his versatility is what sets him apart from other top prospects. Even if Bush needs to be eased into a fulltime ball carrier's role as a rookie, he can still remain on the field as a receiver  out of the backfield, in the slot, or split out wide  on passing downs and he also can provide a huge boost in the return game for the team that drafts him. Athletes like Bush do not come along very often, which is why we would have no hesitation selecting him with the first overall pick in 2006.

* Player biographies are provided by Scouts Inc.

 

[bratwurst]

If I was Bush, I'd be praying that they trade me to the Jets.

 

[Dr. Jones]

With the Third pick, the Tenessee Titans select: Vince Young

Strengths: Possesses ideal size. Is tall, well-built and strong. A terrific athlete, especially for his size. Has reportedly been timed in the 4.4's in the 40-yard dash. Displays outstanding mobility and is an elite running threat at the quarterback position. Shows very good initial quickness and the ability to consistently avoid the rush. He has elusiveness and an impressive second-gear in the open field. A true dual-threat QB. Has improved his accuracy when throwing on the run. Extremely dangerous when he breaks contain and can force opponent to defend run-pass option. Makes a lot of things happen after the initial play breaks down. Has made enormous strides as a passer. Possesses adequate-to-good arm strength and can make most of the throws necessary in the NFL if his timing is right. His touch and timing continue to improve as a passer. He is a confident leader that teammates trust and follow. Comes with no off the field baggage.

Weaknesses: His mechanics need a lot of improving. Shows a low release point and, for the most part, shot-puts the ball as a passer. A better runner than passer at this point. Does not show a good comprehension of reading defenses and making progression reads. Is extremely raw as pocket passer and will need a lot of developmental tutelage in that area in the NFL. Most of his experience has been as a shotgun quarterback in a "read-option" system. Still lacks ideal decision-making skills. Shows adequate-to-good, but not great arm strength. Tries to force things when they are not available. Must learn to better protect the football. Takes too many chances when protection is breaking down and throws too many passes up for grabs. Is impatient in the pocket. Frequently takes off too early and does not allow his receivers enough time to separate. There is also concern regarding his mental capacity due to his marginal score on the Wonderlic Test.

Overall: Young redshirted in 2002 and started seven of the 12 games he played in 2003. As a sophomore in 2004, Young completed 59.2-percent of his attempts (250) for 1,849 yards with 12 TD's and 11 INT's. He also rushed for 1079 yards and 14 TD's on 167 carries. As a junior in 2005, Young completed 65.2-percent of his passes for 3,036 yards with 26 TD's and 10 INT's. He also rushed for 1,050 yards on 155 carries while leading the Longhorns to a BCS National Championship. Prior to the significant improvements that Young made as a passer between his sophomore and junior seasons; it was our opinion that Young would need to make a position change in order to make a living in the NFL. However, he has made significant strides in terms of his arm strength, accuracy and vertical passing abilities over the course of the last year. Young still has much room to improve in terms of his mechanics, release point, accuracy and ability to take snaps under center and read coverage while dropping. But while another year wouldn't have hurt him, Young would not have improved in those areas had he returned to school to spend another season working out of the shotgun in a "read-option" offensive system. The bottom line is that because he is such an elite athlete with rare upside at the quarterback position, Young grades out as a high first-round pick.

* Player biographies are provided by Scouts Inc.

Here come the JETS!!!! TAKE Da'Brick!!!

 

[devilfan02]

WOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW. Young to Titans

 

[Evil Ash]

Number 3: Vince Young, QB

So now where does Leinart go?

 

[HooverDam]

Number 3: Vince Young, QB

So now where does Leinart go?

Hopefully he somehow slides to 10!

 

[devilfan02]

With the Third pick, the Tenessee Titans select: Vince Young



Here come the JETS!!!! TAKE Da'Brick!!!

Lets pray to God they take D'brick. However, no way they pass on Leinart.

 

[devilfan02]

With 5 minutes left till NYJ's pick, Bricks lookin pretty happy and Leinart has his head down. Jets may be taking Brick

 

[devilfan02]

Brick to NYJ. Hopefully Leinart falls to us...