[mmarra82]

Mock NFL Draft

1. Cincinnati Bengals: Jimmy Kennedy, DT, Penn State
Defensive-minded Bengals HC Marvin Lewis will attempt to build Cincinnati back to respectability with a stingy defense and the power running of RB Corey Dillon.
Needs: DT, CB, QB, OT, LB, WR
Options: The Bengals have been using USC QB Carson Palmer as trade bait, but they haven’t found the right deal yet. They cannot trade down too far or they’ll miss out on Kennedy or Kansas State CB Terence Newman, whom the team has already spoken to about contract expectations.

2. Detroit Lions: Charles Rogers, WR, Michigan State
The Lions have many needs, but Michigan State WR Charles Rogers, who has size and speed, is too good to pass on, and he fills a major need. Rogers has been described as the only "can’t miss" prospect in this year’s draft. The team needs Rogers to reinvigorate a passing offense whose leading receivers were RB James Stewart (45 receptions) and WR Bill Schroeder (595 yards).
Needs: WR, CB, S, LB, RB, OL
Options: The Lions have already rejected at least one trade offer to move down that would have netted them the Washington Redskins’ No. 13 overall pick and starting CB Fred Smoot. Still, you have to wonder if the Lions didn’t have to move that far down in the first round, they might be inclined to move down slightly and "settle" for Kansas State CB Terence Newman or Miami WR Andre Johnson.

3. Houston Texans: Jordan Gross, OT, Utah
The Texans gave up 76 sacks last year. Texans QB David Carr can’t go through another season like that. Meanwhile, Utah OT Jordan Gross had an excellent showing at the NFL Combine. Gross was one of the few top prospects that participated in every drill at the NFL Combine. That ingratiated him with teams. Gross graded out extremely high in every test and is firmly regarded as the top lineman available.
Needs: OT, FS, DT, OLB, RB, WR
Options: The Texans may be able to trade down to get Gross, but not as far as once thought. That makes a move down a very tricky proposition. The team could draft Michigan State WR Charles Rogers (if available) or WR Andre Johnson, but then it still must find a way to keep Carr upright in order to get them the ball.

4. Chicago Bears: Carson Palmer, QB, USC
What if USC QB Carson Palmer dropped into the Bears’ lap. That’s right! They’ll take him, despite what Bears GM Jerry Angelo has been saying. The Bears must start developing a top-flight signal caller now, and their chances of trading up from their second round pick to snag California QB Kyle Boller, Marshall QB Byron Leftwich, or Florida QB Rex Grossman appear slim.
Needs: QB, DT, OLB, TE, RB
Options: If Palmer starts dropping, a team may trade up ahead of the Bears to draft him. In that case, the Bears will probably select the best defender on the board, even if he doesn’t fill a pressing need. Kansas State CB Terence Newman, Arizona State DE Terrell Suggs, and DT Jimmy Kennedy (if he’s available) all fall into this category. Meanwhile, the Bears would have to settle for Louisville QB Dave Ragone or possibly Texas QB Chris Simms in the second round.

5. Dallas Cowboys: Terrence Newman, CB, Kansas State
The Cowboys released CB Dwayne Goodrich given all his legal troubles stemming from a hit-and-run incident back in January. Dallas needs a top cover corner to pair with CB Derek Ross. Newman, who has good size, skills and sub 4.4 speed, is the top cover guy in this class and could be gone by the time the Cowboys select.
Needs: Needs: CB, OT, DE, LB, RB
Options: The Cowboys could select Arizona State DE Terrell Suggs, but he may be a bit too small for HC Bill Parcells’ taste. Still, Suggs would be a fine option and could be moved to outside linebacker. The team also has to address its offensive tackle situation, which could be weakened by free agent defections. If Dallas hasn’t solved its offensive tackle problem by the time they draft, Utah OT Jordan Gross could become a Cowboy.

6. Arizona Cardinals: Terrell Suggs, DE, Arizona State
The Cardinals have so many major needs that it is hard to determine where they will go with this pick. However, Suggs is the top pass rusher in the draft. He would provide instant pressure on opposing quarterbacks and help get the ball back for Arizona’s offense.
Needs: DE, CB, QB, WR, DT, LB
Options: The Cardinals chose not to tag either WR David Boston (knee injury, off-the-field problems) or QB Jake Plummer. Boston wants to remain with the Cardinals, so their wide receiver needs may not be as acute as initially thought. Still, Boston is a free agent, so anything goes meaning Miami WR Andre Johnson could be the selection here. At quarterback, the team could consider using a high draft choice to get a top signal caller. But they already have a year invested in 2002 3rd round draft pick QB Josh McCown, so bringing in a stop-gap veteran may make more sense depending on McCown’s progress. The Cardinals could trade down and acquire up more draft picks, but there doesn’t seem to be great interest in trading up to the No. 6 overall pick. Any trade involving this pick probably won’t happen until draft day (if at all) when other teams have a clearer picture of who’s available at this spot. Kansas State CB Terence Newman, who could be paired with veteran CB Duane Starks, is another possibility. A defensive tackle like Dewayne Robertson (Kentucky) or Kevin Williams (Oklahoma State) is another possibility. It’s sort of like building an expansion team, isn’t it?

7. Minnesota Vikings: Marcus Trufant, CB, Washington State
Vikings need an infusion of talent to stop the defensive bleeding. Trufant has good cover skills and ran in the 4.4-range at the NFL Combine.
Needs: CB, DT, DE, OL, LB
Options: The Vikings are looking to trade down, which makes sense since they could select a top 3 defensive tackle or possibly even Trufant if they don’t slide down too far since New England and Kansas City are looking for cornerback help.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars: Andre Johnson, WR, Miami
New Jaguars HC Jack Del Rio must have the tools to live up to his promise of a "wide open offense." Jacksonville could take Johnson here and then concentrate on defense for the remainder of the draft.
Needs: WR, DE, LB, CB, SS, QB
Options: There’s been a lot of speculation that Andre Johnson may be selected before the No. 8 overall draft pick. If so, the Jaguars have major needs a most every defensive position (except at defensive tackle) and could be pleased to trade down, draft a defender, and pick up some extra picks along the way.

9. Carolina Panthers: Kyle Boller, QB, California
The Panthers desperately need a young quarterback, but Carolina OC Dan Henning indicated that he’s only excited about USC QB Carson Palmer. Is he bluffing?
Needs: QB, RB, WR, OT, TE
Options: The Panthers could trade down and hope California QB Kyle Boller, Marshall QB Byron Leftwich, and/or Florida QB Rex Grossman are still available. If these guys are available midway through the first round, look for teams to try and trade up to snag them. Although Leftwich checked out medically at the NFL Combine, he has become a real wildcard in the top half of the first round due to those leg injuries coupled with his lack of mobility. Stanford OT Kwame Harris or OG/OT Eric Steinbach could solve the team’s offensive tackle needs. If Utah OT Jordan Gross or Miami WR Andre Johnson is available, either could be the Panthers choice.

10. Baltimore Ravens: Byron Leftwich, QB, Marshall
The Ravens have a decision to make that was unexpected only a month ago. Do they draft an offensive tackle to shore up the right side of their line, or do they take one of the top quarterbacks in the draft?
Needs: ORT, DL, CB, QB, WR
Options: The Ravens need to come out of this draft with players who can at least challenge for starting positions at right offensive tackle, defensive tackle, defensive end, and cornerback. Leftwich is slipping as of late and could drop down team’s draft boards even more. Even though he checked out medically at the NFL Combine, his leg injuries coupled with his lack of mobility make him a risky selection.

11. Seattle Seahawks: Dewayne Robertson, DT, Kentucky
The Seahawks have needs across the defense, but drafting a replacement for aging DT John Randle would be a good place to start their overhaul.
Needs: DT, CB, DE, MLB
Options: With so many quality defensive tackles in this draft, the Seahawks may be tempted to select CB Marcus Trufant, if he is still available.

12. St. Louis Rams: Kwame Harris, OT, Stanford
The Rams must solve their right tackle problem after ORT John St. Clair rolled out the red carpet for opposing pass rushers last season.
Needs: ORT, CB, LB, WR
Options: The Rams absolutely have to draft an offensive right tackle, preferably with their first round pick. St. Louis quarterbacks were hammered last season, and the three top ones – Kurt Warner, Jamie Martin, and Marc Bulgar – all sustained injuries. Warner’s and Bulgar’s injuries ended their seasons. The Rams could easily select OG/OT Eric Steinbach, who could turn out to be a better football player. But Harris’ size and the fact that he was a tackle in college while Steinbach was a guard will likely sway the Rams in the end.

13. Washington Redskins: Talyor Jacobs, WR, Florida
The Redskins could really use some help at offensive guard, but HC Dan Sny… ahhh…I mean HC Steve Spurrier gets a speed receiver to start opposite WR Rod Gardner on his fantasy football team.
Needs: OG, WR, DT, DE, PK, P, QB
Options: The Redskins need the interior offensive line help that Iowa OG/OT Eric Steinbach, but they also need a speed receiver like Jacobs, who needs a strong individual workout to solidify his mid first round status. The Redskins have already tried to trade up, presumably to select Michigan State WR Charles Rogers or Miami WR Andre Johnson. Washington probably could trade down and get Jacobs, but they have to find a willing trade partner. Defensive tackle is also a possibility here with contract negotiations with DT Daryl Gardener and reserve DT Carl Powell stalled.

14. New England Patriots (from Buffalo): E.J. Henderson, MLB, Maryland
The Patriots are looking to get younger and faster on the defensive line, but they also need to improve their linebacking corps. Taking MLB E.J. Henderson here makes more sense than taking a defensive lineman, give the DL depth in this year’s draft. Henderson’s presence will allow current MLB Tedy Bruschi to move back to his more natural position of outside linebacker.
Needs: DE, DT, LB, CB, RB
Options: New England must get faster and younger on defense. Improving the defensive line is the team’s top priority, but the Patriots could stand to wait to take a defensive lineman with their No. 19 overall pick given the depth at this position in this year’s draft. If Iowa OG/OT Eric Steinbach is available, he may be too tempting to pass on. Same goes for Washington State CB Marcus Trufant if he’s still around. The Patriots need a running back, but with no sure fire first rounders available, they can afford to wait.

15. San Diego Chargers: Eric Steinbach, OG/OT, Iowa
The Chargers need an offensive tackle, and Steinbach, a guard at Iowa, proved that he could be an effective right tackle in the NFL.
Needs: OT, S, LB, DT, WR, CB
Options: The Chargers have many needs on defense, but their greatest need appears to be at offensive tackle. San Diego needs to upgrade from journeymen OLT Damion McIntosh and ORT Vaughn Parker. The team needs to get younger at safety and linebacker, but its too early to take a safety. MLB E.J. Henderson would make a good addition, but not as good as Iowa OG/OT Eric Steinbach.

16. Kansas City Chiefs: Jerome McDougle, DE, Miami
Without an available cornerback worthy of this pick, the Chiefs take the best defensive end available next to Arizona State DE Terrell Suggs.
Needs: DE, CB, QB, RB
Options: The Chiefs have indicated that they will fill their top two needs in different ways. Kansas City is looking at the free agent route to fill their need at defensive end and the draft to fill their need at cornerback. But you know what they say about "best laid plans." The Chiefs would love to take Washington State CB Marcus Trufant if he’s still on the board. But with Trufant’s excellent showing at the NFL Combine, he’s likely to be long gone. Oklahoma CB Andre Woolfolk’s poor showing during drills and lack of functional strength at the Combine makes him a risky pick here, but the Chiefs could take him and put him at the nickel position while they coach him up. Another option would be to select a quarterback, should one of the top two/three drop and the Chiefs think have nowhere else to go.

17. New Orleans Saints: William Joseph, DT, Miami
The Saints need to improve their secondary, but with Newman and Trufant off the board and Woolfolk a big risk, they opt to improve their defensive line. Joseph is versatile enough to be used at multiple spots along the line.
Needs: CB, MLB, S, DT, TE
Options: The Saints could take MLB E.J. Henderson or OLB Boss Bailey here, but the addition of a defensive tackle like Joseph can allow the team to have more athleticism at the position than they currently get from DT Norman Hand. The Saints could also try to trade up for CB Terence Newman or CB Marcus Trufant, or take a chance on Oklahoma CB Andre Woolfolk or FS/CB Rashean Mathis.

18. New Orleans Saints (from Miami): Rashean Mathis, FS/CB, Bethune-Cookman
The Saints have needs a young, strong, fast cornerback and safety. With Mathis, they have to flexibility to fill their greatest need in the secondary. Mathis has superior coverage skills for a free safety and could be used as a cornerback if the team so desires.
Needs: CB, MLB, S, DT, TE
Options: If the Saints want more speed at linebacker, OLB Boss Bailey could be the pick here. But speed in the secondary is also a big concern. Oklahoma CB Andre Woolfolk could be an option here, but his functional strength at the NFL Combine and his experience are in question.

19. New England Patriots: Kevin Williams, DT, Oklahoma State
The Patriots need another two-gap defensive tackle to pair with DT Richard Seymour. If New England decides to move to a 3-4, they’ll need a guy to eat up offensive linemen so the team has the flexibility to move Seymour to defensive end.
Needs: DE, DT, LB, CB, RB
Options: If the Patriots address their need on the defensive line with their No. 14 overall pick, then the Pats could look at Georgia OLB Boss Bailey or one of the cornerbacks here. A defensive end like Nebraska’s Chris Kelsey or Penn State’ Michael Haynes is a good possibility here as well. The Patriots could trade down and pick up Penn State RB Larry Johnson.

20. Denver Broncos: Chris Kelsay, DE, Nebraska
The Broncos need to improve their pass rush, and Kelsay’s college career coupled with his NFL Combine performance make him a good pick.
Needs: DE, QB, OT, DT
Options: The Broncos are reportedly looking to improve their quarterback situation in free agency and not with their first round pick. Still, one of the top quarterback prospects is an option here. The Broncos may secretly covet Cal QB Kyle Boller. Still, there is no questioning their need for a strong, fast pass rusher.

21. Cleveland Browns: George Foster, OT, Georgia
The Browns desperately need an offensive tackle, but there are some interesting possibilities available after the first round. Still, if Foster can come back 100 percent from his wrist injury, he presents the best upside and thus best option the Browns have a fixing their offensive line woes this season.
Needs: OT, OG, DE, CB, DT
Options: Improving the offensive line has to be the Browns’ top priority, but keep an eye on DE Courtney Brown’s recovery from microfracture surgery on this need. Brown wasn’t showing much aggressiveness before the injury, and he may be even less of a factor now. Thus, a defensive end like Penn State DE Michael Haynes, who pulled a quad at the NFL Combine and thus disappointed during workouts, could be selected here. The draft doesn’t appear likely to fall the way the Browns need it to, and thus they may have to trade up to get one of the top three offensive tackles (Steinbach can play tackle) or they may drop down in the first round (so long as they stand in front of the 49ers) and still select Foster or a cornerback.

22. New York Jets: Johnathan Sullivan, DT, Georgia
The Jets need to shore up their defensive line and selecting Sullivan would do just that.
Needs: DT, OL, LB, WR
Options: The Jets could easily draft Georgia OLB Boss Bailey here. New York might be forced to draft a linebacker high if they cannot get salary cap relief from their current set of veteran starters. In addition, LB Mo Lewis is 34 and the team, at the very least, needs to add some young, fast depth. The Jets need offensive line help, especially at guard, but they can help themselves there after the first round.

23. Atlanta Falcons: Kelley Washington, WR, Tennessee
There’s no doubt the Falcons needs a wide receiver. Washington possesses tremendous size and speed, but questions about his health could have the Falcons looking elsewhere.
Needs: WR, CB, FS, OG, DT
Options: If the Falcons cut a deal with the Bills for franchised WR Peerless Price, they probably will have to give Buffalo this pick as part of the compensation for Price. If the Falcons cannot obtain Price (or even free agent WR David Boston (Cardinals) for that matter) and are not interested in any of the wide receivers available at this spot, they could draft a cornerback, which is also a significant need. Raw Oklahoma CB Andre Woolfolk, Oregon State CB Dennis Weathersby, and Texas A&M CB Sammy Davis could all be interesting picks here.

24. Indianapolis Colts: Andre Woolfolk, CB, Oklahoma
The Colts need speedy, athletic performers on the defensive line and in the secondary.
Needs: DT, CB, S, OLB, OG, WR, TE
Options: Oklahoma CB Andre Woolfolk’s poor NFL Combine performance could force a few teams that really need a cornerback to pass on him. But Woolfolk has tremendous upside, so his fall may not be that great. The Colts really need defensive line help, but there is more depth in this draft at defensive line than at cornerback. Georgia OLB Boss Bailey, is, once again, another option.

25. New York Giants: Kenny Peterson, DT/DE, Ohio State
In Peterson, the Giants add a quality component to their defensive line who gives them some flexibility
Needs: DT, S, OT, LB, OG
Options: If the Giants are looking for a more traditional defensive end, they may opt to go with Penn State DE Michael Haynes. Bethune-Cookman FS/CB Rashean Mathis would be a nice addition if he’s still available. Ohio State S Mike Doss and USC S Troy Polamalu could also be considered, but one of them could probably obtained by trading down.

26. San Francisco 49ers: Rien Long, DT, Washington State
Defensive tackle is a sudden need with the release of DT Dana Stubblefield.
Needs: OT, DE, DT, CB, S, WR.
Options: The 49ers may select Georgia OT George Foster if he is available. Starting OT Derrick Deese was injured during part of 2002 while OT Scott Gragg is only a journeyman who played above himself last year. On defense, an end such as Penn State DE Michael Haynes is a real possibility here.

27. Pittsburgh Steelers: Sammy Davis, CB, Texas A&M
The Steelers need help in the secondary, both at cornerback and safety.
Needs: CB, S, QB, OT, TE, RB
Options: The Steelers could opt for Oregon State CB Dennis Weathersby, who possesses great size (6-0½, 210), speed (4.37/40 at the Combine) and experience. But Davis (5-11, 186, 4.41/40 at the Combine) is more consistent, has better instincts, and is much more aggressive than Weathersby. With Kordell Stewart recently released and Charlie Batch a free agent, the Steelers are one more Tommy Maddox concussion away from having nothing at quarterback. Thus, Florida QB Rex Grossman is a possibility here. Offensive line may be a concern considering OLT Wayne Gandy’s expected free agent departure. The Steelers also must monitor the recovery of starting TE Mark Bruener (knee), who is reportedly recovering nicely from microfracture knee surgery so far.

28. Tennessee Titans: Vince Manuwai, OG, Hawaii
The Titans have needs in several places, with wide receiver topping the list, but the offensive line also needs help, which in turn, will help RB Eddie George.
Needs: WR, OG, RB, CB, DT
Options: The Titans need a speed wide receiver to start opposite WR Derrick Mason. However, the remaining wide receivers on the board would be a reach here. Manuwai showed good strength and quickness at the NFL Combine. Tennessee also has to find a consistent, reliable cornerback, who isn’t injury prone, to start opposite CB Samari Rolle.

29. Green Bay Packers: Rex Grossman, QB, Florida
The Packers are still eyeing Grossman, even though they had a lot of injuries on defense and at offensive tackle last year. They could go with a defensive lineman here, but look for them to cast an eye toward the future.
Needs: LB, OT, QB, DT, CB, PR
Options: The Packers have many needs on defense, which did not play as well as expected last season. Aging MLB Hardy Nickerson must be replaced and speed must be improved across the board. Meanwhile, the Packers will have to bring in some young talent at offensive tackle where starting offensive tackles Mark Tauscher (knee) and Chad Clifton (hip, knee) are coming off injuries.

30. Philadelphia Eagles: Michael Haynes, DE, Penn State
The Eagles need a defensive end to pressure the opposing quarterback either by retaining DE Hugh Douglas or by selecting one in the draft.
Needs: DE, TE, MLB, OLB, WR
Options: With DE Hugh Douglas unlikely to return due to free agency, the Eagles must replace him. Penn State DE Michael Haynes, Colorado DE/DT Tyler Brayton, or Louisville DE Dewayne White could fill the bill here. Starting TE Chad Lewis has had two disappointing seasons in a row and its time for a major upgrade. Tennessee TE Jason Witten and Iowa TE Dallas Clark are possibilities here.

31. Oakland Raiders: Jeff Faine, C, Notre Dame
The Raiders need a strong, dependable center to solidify their offensive line.
Needs: DE, C, RB, WR, S, CB
Options: Starting C Barrett Robbins’ troubles will compel the Raiders to at least upgrade depth at the center position. Faine (6-2, 303) would be a strong addition here. The Raiders could still opt to take Penn State RB Larry Johnson here since they need a power running back. The Raiders could also opt to take one of the top safeties in this draft to bolster the secondary.

32. Oakland Raiders (from Tampa Bay): Tyler Brayton, DE/DT, Colorado
Oakland has to beef up their pass rush given the age and injury history of DE Trace Armstrong. Remember…the quarterback must go down, and go down hard!
Needs: DE, C, RB, WR, S, CB
Options: The Raiders were exposed as a slow, aging team in the Super Bowl, so adding youth and speed are musts. Oakland has a pressing need at defensive end where Trace Armstrong (Achilles) and Tony Bryant (bruised spinal column) are recovering from serious injuries. Brayton (6-6, 277, 4.67/40) would add a tough DE/DT tweener who displayed excellent speed and abilities at the NFL Combine.