Mock Draft

[BangTheBook]

Provided by BetCom
NFL DRAFT ARTICLE:

This year’s draft is truly a crapshoot and one of the least predictable in recent memory and for that very reason I decided to try my own hand at a mock draft. I am a self admitted draft geek and this time of year has me as excited as a little girl on Christmas! I follow the mock drafts and rumors religiously. Here’s the way I see things shaking out..........

1) 49ers: Alex Smith, QB-Utah

Forget all the posturing about Aaron Rodgers or trading out of this spot as no one is going to give fair value for this pick. Alex Smith is as good as it gets in a draft that is weak in the top end.

2) Dolphins: Ronnie Brown, RB-Auburn

I for one am not ‘second pick in the draft’ high on Ronnie Brown. Forget all the nonsense about ‘mileage’ on other running backs, Ronnie Brown was not even a starter until his senior season. The Dolphins are high on him though and he can step in immediately and carry the ball 25-30 times a game.

3) Browns: Braylon Edwards, WR-Michigan

The Browns will probably try to trade down to get LB Derrick Johnson who would fit perfectly in Lorenzo Crennel’s new 3-4 defense. Unfortunately for the Browns no one is buying and so they take the most electrifying player in the draft. Edwards will be a star!

4) Bears: Cedric Bensen, RB-Texas

The people who say that Bensen has too many miles on him are insane! I can’t figure out how playing so much is a negative. Think about it….It means he never got hurt in four years of Big-12 competition. It also means he was a starter as freshman at Texas, which in itself is a feat!

5) Buccaneers: Carnell ‘Cadillac’ Williams, RB-Auburn

The most complete back in the draft. Big enough to take a licking, speedy enough to break off the long runs and can make people miss. Jon Gruden absolutely fell in with him at the Senior Bowl and Tampa Bay needs a running back bad!

6) Titans: Antrel Rolle, CB-Miami

The first defensive player taken is no big surprise as Tenny must find a way to replace both corner spots and Rolle is the cream of the crop in 2005.

7) Vikings (Via Raiders): Mike Williams, WR-USC

The ‘Vikes’ have addressed their defensive needs via free agency for the most part and have another pick at #18, so this pick is used on….You guessed it a wide receiver. Mike Williams is no Randy Moss, but he could very well be another Cris Carter!

8) Cardinals: Aaron Rodgers, QB-Cal

With the big three running backs already scooped up, the ‘Cards’ were planning to select Pac-Man Jones with this pick, but the opportunity to get a franchise QB with the #8 pick is too tempting for Denny Green.

9) Redskins: Troy Williamson, WR-S. Carolina

The ‘Skinz’ traded with the Broncos to get two first round draft picks this year. Those who say the Gibbs wants QB Jason Campbell with one of them should be given a breathalyzer test! Gibbs is looking for a CB and WR, and with the draft loaded with quality CB’s they grab Williamson as 4.38 speed does not grow on trees.

10) Lions: Derrick Johnson. LB-Texas

The Lions have a horseshoe up their you-know-whats, as they seem to have great players fall to them every year. This year they are thrilled to find the best defensive player in the draft still available at #10. Johnson becomes an immediate starter and his speed will really come in handy in the Sliverdome.

11) Cowboys: Shawne Merriman, DE/LB-Maryland

Parcells has had this guy in his crosshairs for months. The ‘Boys’ must have a versatile pass rushing DE/LB to make the 3-4 defense work and here he is! Demarcus Ware is a possibility too.

12) Chargers (Via Giants): Adam ‘Pac-Man’ Jones, CB-WVU

The Chargers weren’t looking for a corner but Jones falling this far is too good to be true and the gobble up Pac-Man.

13) Texans: Alex Barron, OT-FSU

Another not-so-secret pick here as David Carr needs some help badly and Barron should be a quality starter for years on the ‘Texicans’ offensive line.

14) Panthers: Mark Clayton, WR-Oklahoma

The Panthers need a receiver to replace Mushin Muhammad and Mark Clayton is vastly underrated. Clayton is arguably the most NFL ready player in the draft.

15) Chiefs: Marcus Spears, DE-LSU

The Chargers will consider Demarcus Ware and cornerback Carlos Rogers before going with Spears who is considered by many to be the most complete DE in the draft.

16) Saints: Carlos Rogers, CB-Auburn

After targeting safety Thomas Davis from Georgia, the Saints will be pleasantly surprised to find they have their choice of Carlos Rogers, Demarcus Ware and Thomas Davis. They never expected Carlos Rodgers to be available and go with corner over safety here.

17) Bengals: Travis Johnson, DT-FSU

Another predictable pick here as the Bengals must fill the middle of their defensive line and they cross their fingers hoping Johnson can play up to his physical ability. He has been compared to a young Warren Sapp.

18) Vikings: Thomas Davis, S-Georgia

As much as the Vikings are tempted by defensive ends Demarcus Ware, David Pollack and Erasmus James they can’t pass on Davis who will help redefine the Vikings as a physical, not a finesse team which is what Mike Tice is striving for.

19) Rams: Jammal Brown, OT-Oklahoma

Strictly a need pick here as Brown is the best tackle available and the Rams need to fill departed Kyle Turley’s shoes.

20) Cowboys: Demarcus Ware, DE/LB- Troy St.

The Cowboys had seriously considered Ware at #11 and can’t believe their luck as he is still available at #20. Merriman and Ware are both versatile enough to play multiple positions in the 3-4 so they take both. Mark Clayton is a no brainer if he somehow falls to #20.

21) Jaguars: Erasmus James, DE-Wisconsin

Defensive end is not the ‘Jags’ top priority as they have signed some free agents, but when he was healthy his Junior year he was the most dominating end in the NCAA and the Jags have to roll the dice.

22) Ravens: Roddy White, WR-UAB

White is a climber with speed and athleticism. The Ravens need a playmaker badly and are willing to see what White can do on the next level.

23) Seahawks: David Pollack, DE-Georgia

A great pick-up for the Seahawks as Pollack is both the best available player at #23 and he fills a need as a pass rushing defensive end.

24) Packers: Justin Tuck, DE-Notre Dame

The Packers need help on the defensive line, and as much as they are interested in Iowa’s Matt Roth they have to go with the best pass rusher available. Tuck is a jus that, and a good pick for them. He will help contribute immediately.

25) Redskins (Via Broncos): Marlin Jackson, CB-Michigan

After getting the wide receiver they coveted with the #9 pick they address their other gaping whole which is at cornerback. Jackson is the most physical of the group after the top three and will be thrown into the fire for better or worse.

26) Raiders (Via Jets): Heath Miller, TE-Virginia

The Raiders dealt their tight end to the Jets, got the Jets pick and will upgrade the position by getting Miller who could have been a top-10 pick if not for a severe abdominal injury.

27) Falcons: Brodney Pool, S-Oklahoma

Coach Jim Mora installed a new aggressive defensive scheme last year and started adding athletes right away (i.e. DeAngelo Hall). Now he gets an aggressive all-around safety to help make it all work.

28) Chargers: Khalif Barnes, OT-Washington

The ‘Bolts’ could use some help on the offensive line and Khalif Barnes is a good one. He should help create holes for LaDanian Thomlinson and protect Drew Brees immediately.

29) Colts: Dan Cody, DT-Oklahoma

An overachiever with a big heart and non-stop motor that Tony Dungy can mold. The Colts have so many holes on the defensive side of the ball that this pick is a crapshoot. Shaun Cody and Matt Roth look good here as well.

30) Steelers: Justin Miller, CB-Clemson

Many people like the Steelers to take Matt Jones at #30, but they have a glaring need at cornerback and Miller is big enough, fast enough and smart enough to step right in and start.

31) Eagles: Matt Jones, WR-Arkansas

The Eagles had Jones in this week for private workouts and not coincidently Terrell Owens is causing them headaches. The Eagles are fortunate enough to be able to select Jones and let him learn the position where as other teams aren’t.

32) Patriots: Fabian Washington. CB-Nebraska

Washington is smallish, but then so is the guy in front of him in New England Tyrone Poole. The ‘Pats’ tart Poole out of necessity and he is one of their only weak links.