The Spaz
03-05-2004, 09:12 PM
PICK TEAM PLAYER POS SCHOOL
1 (1) Chargers Larry Fitzgerald* WR Pitt
If the Chargers can't trade down, they will go with a safest pick. QBs never are a safe pick. Fitzgerald has the complete package of skills. He is a downfield threat with great acceleration, size, reach, hand-eye coordination and body control. He also has great character, a more valuable trait after the Keyshawn Johnson, Terrell Owens and Randy Moss problems.
2 (2) Raiders Robert Gallery T Iowa
Unless a team jumps in here to take QB Eli Manning, the Raiders will not be able to trade down. The Raiders' offensive line needs an overhaul, and Gallery is a dominant LT. He is not as big or strong as Arkansas' Shawn Andrews but is a better athlete.
3 (3) Cardinals Eli Manning QB Ole Miss
Dennis Green will not pass on Manning despite his public support of Josh McCown. Arizona needs a marquee player to take them into their new stadium. Green has a track record of getting young QBs to perform well early (see Daunte Culpepper). Manning and young WRs Anquan Boldin and Bryant Johnson are the perfect personnel to implement the West Coast offense.
4 (4) Giants Vince Wilfork* DT Miami (FL)
New coach Tom Coughlin wants to put his signature on the team, and Vince Wilfork would provide a needed two-gap player for the switch to the 3-4 scheme. Quick, active and strong at the point of attack, he excels at controlling the line and has enough athleticism to shine as an interior pass rusher. With Keith Hamilton's retirement and Cornelius Griffin free-agent departure, Wilfork could become Coughlin's foundation.
5 (5) Redskins Mike Williams* WR USC
The team addressed its most pressing needs by signing free-agent DT Cornelius Griffin and free-agent DE Phillip Daniels. The Redskins would be thrilled if Williams falls into their lap, and he would top off the offensive overhaul. The team already has added RB Clinton Portis and QB Mark Brunell to incumbent WR Laveranues Coles. If the offensive linemen play to their potential, the offense could be dominant.
6 (6) Lions Kellen Winslow Jr.* TE Miami (FL)
There is no way the Lions pass on Winslow, the perfect addition to coach Steve Mariucci's West Coast offense. Winslow would stretch the center of the field for QB Joey Harrington and take some pressure off WR Charles Rogers. Winslow continues to get bigger and stronger. He is a fierce blocker and clearly is the best pass-catching TE.
7 (7) Browns Sean Taylor* S Miami (FL)
With Gallery and Winslow off the board, the Browns would select Taylor. This assumes he improves on his poor Feb. 28 workout; he ran a disappointing 4.53 40-yard dash and appeared out of shape. Interested teams certainly would return to Miami for another workout in late March or early April.
8 (8) Falcons Tommie Harris* DT Oklahoma
With the team's return to a 4-3 scheme, the Falcons need someone like Harris. He didn't have a monster junior season because of constant double- and triple-team attention. Harris has awesome NFL potential and should contribute right away. He has the explosion, quickness and speed to penetrate and make big plays.
9 (9) Jaguars Roy Williams WR Texas
He will drop, but not far, with Fitzgerald and Mike Williams in the draft. After working hard in the weight room for the first time in his career, Roy stayed healthy as a senior, avoided the hamstring injuries that bothered him in the past and looked sharper than ever. He has excellent size, speed, hands and run-after-catch skills.
10 (10) Texans Randy Starks* DT Maryland
Starks dominated in the Terps' 3-4 scheme and is a terrific athlete with ideal initial quickness, size and power to play in Houston's two-gap scheme. He also can provide some pressure. Even with the signing of free-agent DE Robaire Smith, the team still could go with Starks. NT Seth Payne, who is recovering from a torn ACL, could be the odd man out. Smith, DE Gary Walker and Starks would form a significantly upgraded front.
11 (11) Steelers DeAngelo Hall* CB Va. Tech
Pittsburgh is desperate for help at CB and OT. They could take Hall here to replace Dewayne Washington and address OT later in the draft or in free agency. Hall ran a blazing 4.35-second 40-yard dash at the Combine. He is a shutdown corner in man-to-man, is confident and tested and should be ready to start as a rookie.
12 (12) Jets Chris Gamble* CB Ohio St.
The Jets have several needs, including LB and WR. The team could move DE John Abraham to OLB and draft a WR later because of its deep '04 talent pool. Gamble, the draft's most athletic CB, must improve his route-recognition skills before becoming a starter. Still, he would be a great fit for the Jets, who must improve their depth and use more man-to-man coverage. Passing on LB Jonathan Vilma would be difficult, but Gamble is worth it.
<b>13 (13) Bills Ben Roethlisberger* QB Miami (O.)
Roethlisberger could go in the top five -- if a QB-needy team trades up -- or fall to the middle of the round because most teams in the top 12 already have young QBs. The Bills would be lucky to get Roethlisberger as the heir apparent to short-timer Drew Bledsoe.</b>
14 (14) Bears Shawn Andrews* T Arkansas
With the addition of free-agent RB Thomas Jones, the team can address is hobbled and disjointed offensive line. OT Mark Colombo is recovering from a knee injury, and the coaches would prefer to move LT Mike Gandy back to his natural OG position. Andrews is more dominant than Gallery, but character, weight and durability issues will cause him to drop. Massive with great strength, Andrews thrives as a run blocker and shows the footwork to excel in pass protection.
15 (15) Buccaneers Kenechi Udeze* DE USC
The Bucs would be tempted to take WR Reggie Williams here, but the team already has a stable full of WRs and should go in a different direction and select Udeze. Udeze would be an upgrade over Greg Spires and complement Simeon Rice. Some scouts say Udeze will be a top-10 pick, but we are not convinced.
16 (16) 49ers Reggie Williams* WR Wash.
The team traded Owens and might lose free agent Tai Streets, so Williams would be a lock pick. There is some question about Williams' speed, but he looks fast enough on film. Otherwise, he is the complete package -- size, hands and playmaking flair -- to quickly develop into a No. 1 receiver.
17 (17) Bengals Will Smith DE Ohio St.
Smith has terrific size, quickness, power and speed. He is the best all-around DE and is experienced and mature enough to start as a rookie. Smith is perfect for Marvin Lewis' attacking, upfield scheme. He would be a fine complement for DE Justin Smith (no relation).
18 (18) Saints Dunta Robinson CB S. Carolina
Fred Thomas, Dale Carter and Ashley Ambrose all are on the downsides of their careers. Robinson has good size, strength and tackling skills. He moved from FS to CB in '03 and continues to improve in coverage. Tough, aggressive and physical, he can jam receivers and hold up well in run support. He ran a 4.34-second 40-yard dash at the Combine and might be the fastest man in the draft.
19 (19) Vikings D.J. Williams OLB Miami (FL)
The Vikings must upgrade at OLB to complement second-year MLB E.J. Henderson. Williams is an explosive playmaker and could start as a rookie. With him on the weak side, the team could move Chris Claiborne to the strong side. Williams, a former running back, continues to get bigger and stronger. He flies to the QB on the blitz, is athletic in coverage and few can match his range against the run.
20 (20) Dolphins Vernon Carey G Miami (FL)
With QB A.J. Feeley in the fold, the Dolphins now can address glaring needs at WR and OL. Carey has great experience, size, strength and versatility. While scouts say he can move to OT, but he fits best at guard and could start there as a rookie.
21 (21) Patriots Steven Jackson* RB Oregon St.
(from Baltimore) The Patriots will look at offensive linemen, RBs and LBs with their two first-round picks. If Jackson falls this far, it becomes a no-brainer pick. He would provide the explosiveness and versatility missing in the offense. Jackson isn't as fast as Virginia Tech's Kevin Jones but is bigger, stronger and has proven hands. If Jackson runs in the low 4.5s in personal workouts, he likely will get drafted higher.
22 (22) Cowboys Kevin Jones* RB Va. Tech
The Cowboys might consider a DE here but would be ecstatic to get Jones. Chris Perry is closer to coach Bill Parcells' RB prototype -- tough inside runner with proven hands -- but Jones is the better all-around back and is more explosive. He also is big and strong enough to carry a heavy load.
23 (23) Seahawks Jonathan Vilma ILB Miami (FL)
The Seahawks would prefer a DT, but the legitimate first-rounders (Harris, Wilfork and Starks) should be off the board. If Seattle doesn't trade up to get a DT, the likely pick will be a LB. Vilma lacks great size but is a top-15 prospect who could develop into a dominant NFL defender. He is athletic, instinctive and could replace free agent Randall Godfrey, 31.
24 (24) Broncos Michael Clayton* WR LSU
With the retirement of WR Ed McCaffrey and possible retirement of TE Shannon Sharpe, the Broncos will not pass on Clayton. He is intelligent and tough and is a complete WR who could start as a rookie or at least be the long-term replacement for Rod Smith, 33.
25 (25) Packers Lee Evans WR Wis.
QB Philip Rivers would be the popular pick to succeed Brett Favre, but the Packers should focus on immediate needs. Our sources say the team will address DL, CB and S in free agency, leaving WR as the biggest need on draft day. Evans ran a 4.37-second 40-yard dash at the Combine and appears 100 percent after college knee injuries.
26 (26) Rams Ben Troupe TE Florida
The Rams' high-scoring offense never has had an elite receiving TE. Troupe isn't far behind Winslow as a receiver, but Winslow is the better blocker.
27 (27) Titans Karlos Dansby OLB Auburn
The Titans are getting by with two below-average LBs (Peter Sirmon, Rocky Calmus). Dansby is active against the run, has ideal pass-rush speed and shows athleticism in coverage. He is versatile enough to move inside and replace Calmus, but Dansby fits better outside and would be a significant upgrade over Sirmon.
28 (28) Eagles Will Poole CB USC
Both starting CBs are free agents and might not return. Poole is a premier CB with good size, great speed and exceptional ball skills. He also is physical and will mix it up against the run.
29 (29) Colts Derrick Strait CB Oklahoma
CB is the Colts' biggest need, and Strait would be a great value here. He must improve in man-to-man but has the size, speed, strength, toughness and quickness to become a terrific starter.
30 (30) Chiefs Philip Rivers QB NC State
Rivers, with strong Senior Bowl workouts, has disproved scouts' concerns about his funky throwing motion. He could go higher, depending on trades. He certainly is the third-best QB in the draft. The Chiefs could develop Rivers to replace Trent Green in a couple years.
31 (31) Panthers Michael Jenkins WR Ohio St.
The Panthers need help at CB, OLB, OG and WR, and there will be legitimate options at each position. Jenkins is coach John Fox's model WR -- big (6-4, 218), physical and productive.
32 (32) Patriots Nat Dorsey* T Georgia Tech
If the Patriots draft Jackson at No. 21, they certainly would take an offensive lineman here. Only Gallery and Andrews are better prospects than Dorsey.
In round 2 they have us taking Rashaun Woods.:up::beer:
1 (1) Chargers Larry Fitzgerald* WR Pitt
If the Chargers can't trade down, they will go with a safest pick. QBs never are a safe pick. Fitzgerald has the complete package of skills. He is a downfield threat with great acceleration, size, reach, hand-eye coordination and body control. He also has great character, a more valuable trait after the Keyshawn Johnson, Terrell Owens and Randy Moss problems.
2 (2) Raiders Robert Gallery T Iowa
Unless a team jumps in here to take QB Eli Manning, the Raiders will not be able to trade down. The Raiders' offensive line needs an overhaul, and Gallery is a dominant LT. He is not as big or strong as Arkansas' Shawn Andrews but is a better athlete.
3 (3) Cardinals Eli Manning QB Ole Miss
Dennis Green will not pass on Manning despite his public support of Josh McCown. Arizona needs a marquee player to take them into their new stadium. Green has a track record of getting young QBs to perform well early (see Daunte Culpepper). Manning and young WRs Anquan Boldin and Bryant Johnson are the perfect personnel to implement the West Coast offense.
4 (4) Giants Vince Wilfork* DT Miami (FL)
New coach Tom Coughlin wants to put his signature on the team, and Vince Wilfork would provide a needed two-gap player for the switch to the 3-4 scheme. Quick, active and strong at the point of attack, he excels at controlling the line and has enough athleticism to shine as an interior pass rusher. With Keith Hamilton's retirement and Cornelius Griffin free-agent departure, Wilfork could become Coughlin's foundation.
5 (5) Redskins Mike Williams* WR USC
The team addressed its most pressing needs by signing free-agent DT Cornelius Griffin and free-agent DE Phillip Daniels. The Redskins would be thrilled if Williams falls into their lap, and he would top off the offensive overhaul. The team already has added RB Clinton Portis and QB Mark Brunell to incumbent WR Laveranues Coles. If the offensive linemen play to their potential, the offense could be dominant.
6 (6) Lions Kellen Winslow Jr.* TE Miami (FL)
There is no way the Lions pass on Winslow, the perfect addition to coach Steve Mariucci's West Coast offense. Winslow would stretch the center of the field for QB Joey Harrington and take some pressure off WR Charles Rogers. Winslow continues to get bigger and stronger. He is a fierce blocker and clearly is the best pass-catching TE.
7 (7) Browns Sean Taylor* S Miami (FL)
With Gallery and Winslow off the board, the Browns would select Taylor. This assumes he improves on his poor Feb. 28 workout; he ran a disappointing 4.53 40-yard dash and appeared out of shape. Interested teams certainly would return to Miami for another workout in late March or early April.
8 (8) Falcons Tommie Harris* DT Oklahoma
With the team's return to a 4-3 scheme, the Falcons need someone like Harris. He didn't have a monster junior season because of constant double- and triple-team attention. Harris has awesome NFL potential and should contribute right away. He has the explosion, quickness and speed to penetrate and make big plays.
9 (9) Jaguars Roy Williams WR Texas
He will drop, but not far, with Fitzgerald and Mike Williams in the draft. After working hard in the weight room for the first time in his career, Roy stayed healthy as a senior, avoided the hamstring injuries that bothered him in the past and looked sharper than ever. He has excellent size, speed, hands and run-after-catch skills.
10 (10) Texans Randy Starks* DT Maryland
Starks dominated in the Terps' 3-4 scheme and is a terrific athlete with ideal initial quickness, size and power to play in Houston's two-gap scheme. He also can provide some pressure. Even with the signing of free-agent DE Robaire Smith, the team still could go with Starks. NT Seth Payne, who is recovering from a torn ACL, could be the odd man out. Smith, DE Gary Walker and Starks would form a significantly upgraded front.
11 (11) Steelers DeAngelo Hall* CB Va. Tech
Pittsburgh is desperate for help at CB and OT. They could take Hall here to replace Dewayne Washington and address OT later in the draft or in free agency. Hall ran a blazing 4.35-second 40-yard dash at the Combine. He is a shutdown corner in man-to-man, is confident and tested and should be ready to start as a rookie.
12 (12) Jets Chris Gamble* CB Ohio St.
The Jets have several needs, including LB and WR. The team could move DE John Abraham to OLB and draft a WR later because of its deep '04 talent pool. Gamble, the draft's most athletic CB, must improve his route-recognition skills before becoming a starter. Still, he would be a great fit for the Jets, who must improve their depth and use more man-to-man coverage. Passing on LB Jonathan Vilma would be difficult, but Gamble is worth it.
<b>13 (13) Bills Ben Roethlisberger* QB Miami (O.)
Roethlisberger could go in the top five -- if a QB-needy team trades up -- or fall to the middle of the round because most teams in the top 12 already have young QBs. The Bills would be lucky to get Roethlisberger as the heir apparent to short-timer Drew Bledsoe.</b>
14 (14) Bears Shawn Andrews* T Arkansas
With the addition of free-agent RB Thomas Jones, the team can address is hobbled and disjointed offensive line. OT Mark Colombo is recovering from a knee injury, and the coaches would prefer to move LT Mike Gandy back to his natural OG position. Andrews is more dominant than Gallery, but character, weight and durability issues will cause him to drop. Massive with great strength, Andrews thrives as a run blocker and shows the footwork to excel in pass protection.
15 (15) Buccaneers Kenechi Udeze* DE USC
The Bucs would be tempted to take WR Reggie Williams here, but the team already has a stable full of WRs and should go in a different direction and select Udeze. Udeze would be an upgrade over Greg Spires and complement Simeon Rice. Some scouts say Udeze will be a top-10 pick, but we are not convinced.
16 (16) 49ers Reggie Williams* WR Wash.
The team traded Owens and might lose free agent Tai Streets, so Williams would be a lock pick. There is some question about Williams' speed, but he looks fast enough on film. Otherwise, he is the complete package -- size, hands and playmaking flair -- to quickly develop into a No. 1 receiver.
17 (17) Bengals Will Smith DE Ohio St.
Smith has terrific size, quickness, power and speed. He is the best all-around DE and is experienced and mature enough to start as a rookie. Smith is perfect for Marvin Lewis' attacking, upfield scheme. He would be a fine complement for DE Justin Smith (no relation).
18 (18) Saints Dunta Robinson CB S. Carolina
Fred Thomas, Dale Carter and Ashley Ambrose all are on the downsides of their careers. Robinson has good size, strength and tackling skills. He moved from FS to CB in '03 and continues to improve in coverage. Tough, aggressive and physical, he can jam receivers and hold up well in run support. He ran a 4.34-second 40-yard dash at the Combine and might be the fastest man in the draft.
19 (19) Vikings D.J. Williams OLB Miami (FL)
The Vikings must upgrade at OLB to complement second-year MLB E.J. Henderson. Williams is an explosive playmaker and could start as a rookie. With him on the weak side, the team could move Chris Claiborne to the strong side. Williams, a former running back, continues to get bigger and stronger. He flies to the QB on the blitz, is athletic in coverage and few can match his range against the run.
20 (20) Dolphins Vernon Carey G Miami (FL)
With QB A.J. Feeley in the fold, the Dolphins now can address glaring needs at WR and OL. Carey has great experience, size, strength and versatility. While scouts say he can move to OT, but he fits best at guard and could start there as a rookie.
21 (21) Patriots Steven Jackson* RB Oregon St.
(from Baltimore) The Patriots will look at offensive linemen, RBs and LBs with their two first-round picks. If Jackson falls this far, it becomes a no-brainer pick. He would provide the explosiveness and versatility missing in the offense. Jackson isn't as fast as Virginia Tech's Kevin Jones but is bigger, stronger and has proven hands. If Jackson runs in the low 4.5s in personal workouts, he likely will get drafted higher.
22 (22) Cowboys Kevin Jones* RB Va. Tech
The Cowboys might consider a DE here but would be ecstatic to get Jones. Chris Perry is closer to coach Bill Parcells' RB prototype -- tough inside runner with proven hands -- but Jones is the better all-around back and is more explosive. He also is big and strong enough to carry a heavy load.
23 (23) Seahawks Jonathan Vilma ILB Miami (FL)
The Seahawks would prefer a DT, but the legitimate first-rounders (Harris, Wilfork and Starks) should be off the board. If Seattle doesn't trade up to get a DT, the likely pick will be a LB. Vilma lacks great size but is a top-15 prospect who could develop into a dominant NFL defender. He is athletic, instinctive and could replace free agent Randall Godfrey, 31.
24 (24) Broncos Michael Clayton* WR LSU
With the retirement of WR Ed McCaffrey and possible retirement of TE Shannon Sharpe, the Broncos will not pass on Clayton. He is intelligent and tough and is a complete WR who could start as a rookie or at least be the long-term replacement for Rod Smith, 33.
25 (25) Packers Lee Evans WR Wis.
QB Philip Rivers would be the popular pick to succeed Brett Favre, but the Packers should focus on immediate needs. Our sources say the team will address DL, CB and S in free agency, leaving WR as the biggest need on draft day. Evans ran a 4.37-second 40-yard dash at the Combine and appears 100 percent after college knee injuries.
26 (26) Rams Ben Troupe TE Florida
The Rams' high-scoring offense never has had an elite receiving TE. Troupe isn't far behind Winslow as a receiver, but Winslow is the better blocker.
27 (27) Titans Karlos Dansby OLB Auburn
The Titans are getting by with two below-average LBs (Peter Sirmon, Rocky Calmus). Dansby is active against the run, has ideal pass-rush speed and shows athleticism in coverage. He is versatile enough to move inside and replace Calmus, but Dansby fits better outside and would be a significant upgrade over Sirmon.
28 (28) Eagles Will Poole CB USC
Both starting CBs are free agents and might not return. Poole is a premier CB with good size, great speed and exceptional ball skills. He also is physical and will mix it up against the run.
29 (29) Colts Derrick Strait CB Oklahoma
CB is the Colts' biggest need, and Strait would be a great value here. He must improve in man-to-man but has the size, speed, strength, toughness and quickness to become a terrific starter.
30 (30) Chiefs Philip Rivers QB NC State
Rivers, with strong Senior Bowl workouts, has disproved scouts' concerns about his funky throwing motion. He could go higher, depending on trades. He certainly is the third-best QB in the draft. The Chiefs could develop Rivers to replace Trent Green in a couple years.
31 (31) Panthers Michael Jenkins WR Ohio St.
The Panthers need help at CB, OLB, OG and WR, and there will be legitimate options at each position. Jenkins is coach John Fox's model WR -- big (6-4, 218), physical and productive.
32 (32) Patriots Nat Dorsey* T Georgia Tech
If the Patriots draft Jackson at No. 21, they certainly would take an offensive lineman here. Only Gallery and Andrews are better prospects than Dorsey.
In round 2 they have us taking Rashaun Woods.:up::beer: