patmoran2006
01-30-2006, 01:53 PM
Wrote a peice.... Thought you guys might be interested.
If you don't feel like reading the entire article, the four Bills I projected to go on day one are as follows:
Round 1- Winston Justice, OT (USC)
Round 2- Gabe Watson, DT (Michigan)
Round 3- Alex Zemaitis, CB (Penn State)
Round 3- Hank Baskett, WR (New Mexico)
Here is the link:
(Real Deal) The NFL 3-Round Mock Draft • FOX Sports Blog (http://blogs.foxsports.com/patmoran2006/2006/01/30/Real_Deal_The_NFL_3Round_Mock_Draft)
For cities like Houston, New Orleans, Green Bay and Buffalo (etc.) the NFL draft can’t approach rapidly enough. Unfortunately, April 29-30 is still many moons away- at least in football junkie’s minds.
But since 20 of the league’s 32 franchises have had draft day on their minds since the final gun sounded concluding the regular season, why wait to speculate on what will happen in April?
Of course, things are bound to change before Paul Tagliabue comes to the podium to announce the name of Reggie Bush.
Clubs that have certain needs now may fill them come March 3 when free agency starts. Then again, clubs that don’t’ have holes now at positions will need to fill them when they lose their own free agents to other lurking clubs.
Naturally, there’s always possible draft-day trades where some teams move and up and down the draft board.
Going on the presumption the draft board holds as-is, this is my three round 2006 NFL Mock Draft. Comments are welcome, unless you disagree with anything.
http://media.scout.com/Media/College_Football/44_Reggie-Bush-Action.JPG (http://media.scout.com/Media/College_Football/44_Reggie-Bush-Action.JPG)
1. Houston- Reggie Bush, RB
I know the Texans have a lot of needs. Trading down a few spots and still getting an impact player makes sense. But you just can't pass up a guy like Reggie Bush. He's like the Barry Bonds of football; a PURE home run threat every time he touches the ball.
(Case in point- the Rose Bowl. Bush is held in check for almost the entire game. Then on a simple outside run in the fourth quarter he catches the corner. Before the word "wowwww" can withdrawal from your voice box, Bush is leaping into the end zone on a 26-yard TD run. These are the types of players that come around once, maybe twice in a generation.)
2- New Orleans- Matt Leinhart, QB
Reminds me of a bigger Boomer Esiason and a smaller Drew Bledsoe. Years from now, I think the Saints will have made a mistake by passing up on Vince Young.
3- Tennessee- Vince Young, QB
Ciao, Steve McNair.
4- New York Jets- Mario Williams, DE
This is where it starts to get precarious. Jets are enamored with Memphis RB D’Angelo Williams, but fourth is too high for him on the board. Consensus is they can trade down and still get him. Here is the problem; none of the five or six team directly below them in the draft have any one player they're willing to move up for and give up a second rounder. So if the Jets are stuck with this pick, they'll take MarioWilliams, considered to be the second coming of Julius Peppers. He could replace oft-injured free agent DE John Abraham.
5- Green Bay- AJ Hawk, LB
Similar position as the Jets. They want a running back and are in love with Lendale White. Conventional wisdom says trade down some and get him. If they can't, they'll attempt to copy the Bears and take the best playmaking linebacker in the draft.
6- Oakland- D'Brickshaw Ferguson, OT
Yes, they already have a franchise tackle in Robert Gallery. But after Ferguson slips down this far the Raiders will find a way to make it work financially. Lamont Jordan will wet his pants in excitement of this pick. Yes, the Raiders desperately need a safety, but Brick is too good to not take.
7- San Francisco- D'Angelo Wiliams, RB
Frank Gore? Kevin Barlow? Someone needs to ground the wolves from getting after Alex Smith.
http://media.collegepublisher.com/media/paper679/stills/sld17hk6.jpg (http://media.collegepublisher.com/media/paper679/stills/sld17hk6.jpg)
8- Buffalo- Winston Justice, OT
Buffalo's offensive line is woeful. Justice makes it a little less woeful.
(I'm an admitted Bills mark so I must insert comment here. Yes, the Bills need miles of help on both sides of the line. But I hope they pull of a surprise and draft Texas safety Michael Huff. Huff has "special" written all over him. He's a big-game guy. Buffalo took a lineman (Mike Williams) early in the 2002 draft over Roy Williams. They won't make the same mistake twice. Lawyer Milloy and Troy Vincent are getting old fast.)
9- Detroit- Tamba Hali, DE
Penn State end could be a reach at eight, but keep in mind two things: Cory Redding and James Hall occupy the starting defensive end spots now, and we're talking about the Detroit Lions here. Then again, who is the top receiever on the board?
10- Arizona- Michael Huff, S
Have you seen what Polamula has done for the Steelers defense? Enough said.
11- Rams- Vernon Davis, TE
More athletic than Antonio Gates.
12- Cleveland- Haloti Ngata, DT
Run stuffer could be just what the doctor ordered for defense-first head coach Romeo Crennel.
13- Baltimore- Jimmy Williams, CB
Continuing the tradition of great defensive backs (and no offense)
14- Philadlephia- Lendale White, RB
How long will Westbrook last? Philly needs receievers but nobody worthy this high. This would make four USC guys in the top half of the first round. I'm sure Andy Reid would covet a back who can move the chains.
15- Atlanta- DeMarco Ryans, LB
Underated LB from Alabama great fit.
16- Miami- Jay Cutler, QB
Has all the tools and will learn behind a veteran the Dolphins will acquire via trade or free agency.
(Dallas will also have Cutler in their radar)
17- Minnesota- Chad Greenway, OLB
Disgusted they didn’t get White.
18- Dallas, Eric Winston, OT
Real reach here, but if healthy is a major upgrade at the tackle spot.
19- San Diego- Santanio Holmes, WR
Welcome to the NFL.. Roscoe Parrish, part duex.
20- Kansas City- Mathiaus Kiwanuku, DE
Athletic revamp of the defense continues.
21- New England - Ko Simpson, S
Anyone New England drafts is going to be good. Simpson will help solidify a deplorable secondary.
22- Denver- Leonard Pope, TE
Rod Smith is getting old at receiever but Pope provides mismatches in middle of field.
23- Tampa Bay- Johnathon Scott, OT
Could unseat Kenyatta Walker.
24- Cincinnati- Darnell Bing, S
Did you watch Kelly Holcomb torch the Bengals in week 16? How about Larry Johnson in week 17 or Ben Rothleisburger in the playoffs?
25- New York Giants- Bobby Carpenter, LB
Giants front four is solid. Linebacking corps? Not so good.
26- Chicago- Derek Hagan, WR
Muhammad can't do it on his own. If this team gets any kind of offense this off-season... look out.
27- Carolina- Maurice Stoval, WR
Notre Dame receiver is big and has rising stock. Could aleviate pressure from Steve Smith, especially with Ricky Proehl retiring.
28- Jacksonville- Ashton Youboty, CB
Will instantly become a Chris Berman favorite.
29- Denver- Marcus McNeil, OT
Best need player available.
30- Indianpolis- Laurence Maroney, RB
How much longer will Edge be a Colt?
31- Seattle- Claude Wroten, DT
Depth at line can never be underestimated.
32- Pittsburgh- Ernie Sims, LB
(There goes my Super Bowl column. Since this is being published the week before the Super Bowl, and Pittsburgh is drafting last.. you can do the math from there.)
ROUND TWO
33- Houston- Broderick Bentley, DT (run plugger)
34- New Orleans- Thomas Howard, LB (one of many needs)
35- Tennessee- Antonio Cromarite, CB (see above)
36- New York Jets- Chad Jackson, WR (again)
37- Green Bay- Manny Lawson, DE (and again)
http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/bgu/sports/m-footbl/auto_headshot/202515.jpeg
38- Oakland- Omar Jacobs, QB
(If this guy pans out, he can be the steal of the entire draft. He’ll come considerably less than Cutler and has every bit the upside. He could be a perfect fit in this organization)
39- San Francisco- D'Qwell Jackson, LB (Will lose two LB’s via free agency)
40- Buffalo- Gabe Watson, DT (upgrade over Ron Edwards)
41- Detroit- Ryan O'Callaghan, OT (about time to address the line)
42- Arizona- Richard Marshall, CB (could work well next to Roelle)
43- Rams- Tye Hill, CB (big upside)
44- Cleveland- Max Jean-Giles, G (need to protect Frye)
45- Baltimore- Maurice Drew, RB (can you say reach?)
46- Philadelphia- Sinorice Moss, WR (need playmakers)
47- Atlanta- Greg Blue, S (solid depth)
48- Miami- Daryn Colledge, OT (could start in first year)
49- Minnesota- Joseph Addai, RB (Vikes want Ricky Williams)
50- Dallas- Davin Joseph, G (O’line biggest weakness)
52- San Diego- Richard Marshall, CB (pure depth pick)
53- New England- Martin Nance, WR (Givens may be gone)
54- Washington- Kai Parham, LB (Arrington will be gone)
55- Tampa Bay- Tony Fassano, TE (Another goodie for Simms)
56- Cincinnati- Kelly Jennings, CB (Will help sorry pass defense)
57- New York Giants- Brad Butler, OT (depth)
58- Chicago- Abdul Hodge, LB (see above)
59- Carolina- Mercedes Lewis, TE (no good TE’s since Walls)
60- Jacksonville- Brian Calhoun, RB (Taylor oft-injured)
61- Denver- Daniel Bullocks, S (How much does Lynch have left?)
62- Indianpolis- Charles Spencer, G (Someone for Peyton to criticize)
63- Seattle- Mike Haas, WR (role player)
64- Pittsburgh- Lawrence Vickers, FB (why not?)
ROUND THREE
65- Houston- Taitusi Laitui, G (O-line revamp continues)
66- Houston- Jeremey Trueblood, OT (and continues)
67- Buffalo- Alex Zemaitis, CB (Penn State guy right for Bills secondary)
68- New York Jets- Kai Parham, LB (potential starter)
69- Green Bay- Dontrelle Moore, RB (Lendale White fallback plan)
70- Oakland- Elvis Dumervil, DE (explosive)
71- San Francisco- Cory Rodgers, WR (needs weapons)
72- Buffalo- Hank Baskett, WR (could take Josh Reed’s spot)
73 Detroit Lions- Pat Watkins, S (a lot of untapped potential)
74 Arizona Cardinals- Cedric Griffin, CB (going Philly route-depth at CB)
75 St. Louis Rams- Ray Edwards, DE (worth a shot)
76 Cleveland Browns- Steve Fifita DT (see above)
77 New England Patriots -Rashad Butler OT (Ashworth broke down last year)
78 Philadelphia Eagles- Rocky McIntosh, LB (Jones could be on the move)
79 Atlanta Falcons - A.J. Nicholson, LB (needs to get better defensively)
80 Miami Dolphins - Jason Avant, WR (might be weapon with Chambers)
81 Minnesota Vikings- Greg Eslinger, C (depth)
82 Dallas Cowboys - Ryan Cook, C (more depth)
83 San Diego Chargers- Justin London, LB (will learn from Perriman)
84 Kansas City Chiefs- Charles Gordon CB (playmaker)
85 New England Patriots- Kevin Simon, LB (lineback corps getting old)
86 Washington Redskins- Brodie Croyle, QB (ciao, Patrick Ramsey)
87 Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Chijioke Onyenegecha (that’s right.. who?
88 Cincinatti Bengals- Orien Harris, DT (potential steal if still around)
89 New York Giants- Darriel Hunter, CB (DB’s got burned by Carolina)
90 Chicago Bears- Nick Mangold, C (Grossman needs time to throw)
91 Carolina Panthers- Roman Harper S (would be good addition)
92 Jacksonville Jaguars- Mark Anderson, DE (ditto)
93 Denver Broncos- Frostee Rucker DE (cool name, should fit in here)
94 Indianapolis Colts- Travis Wilson, WR (will Wayne be back?)
95 Seattle Seahawks- Mike Bell, RB (good luck with Shawn Alexander there)
96 Pittsburgh Steelers Gerald Riggs Jr. RB (will replace the bus)
If you don't feel like reading the entire article, the four Bills I projected to go on day one are as follows:
Round 1- Winston Justice, OT (USC)
Round 2- Gabe Watson, DT (Michigan)
Round 3- Alex Zemaitis, CB (Penn State)
Round 3- Hank Baskett, WR (New Mexico)
Here is the link:
(Real Deal) The NFL 3-Round Mock Draft • FOX Sports Blog (http://blogs.foxsports.com/patmoran2006/2006/01/30/Real_Deal_The_NFL_3Round_Mock_Draft)
For cities like Houston, New Orleans, Green Bay and Buffalo (etc.) the NFL draft can’t approach rapidly enough. Unfortunately, April 29-30 is still many moons away- at least in football junkie’s minds.
But since 20 of the league’s 32 franchises have had draft day on their minds since the final gun sounded concluding the regular season, why wait to speculate on what will happen in April?
Of course, things are bound to change before Paul Tagliabue comes to the podium to announce the name of Reggie Bush.
Clubs that have certain needs now may fill them come March 3 when free agency starts. Then again, clubs that don’t’ have holes now at positions will need to fill them when they lose their own free agents to other lurking clubs.
Naturally, there’s always possible draft-day trades where some teams move and up and down the draft board.
Going on the presumption the draft board holds as-is, this is my three round 2006 NFL Mock Draft. Comments are welcome, unless you disagree with anything.
http://media.scout.com/Media/College_Football/44_Reggie-Bush-Action.JPG (http://media.scout.com/Media/College_Football/44_Reggie-Bush-Action.JPG)
1. Houston- Reggie Bush, RB
I know the Texans have a lot of needs. Trading down a few spots and still getting an impact player makes sense. But you just can't pass up a guy like Reggie Bush. He's like the Barry Bonds of football; a PURE home run threat every time he touches the ball.
(Case in point- the Rose Bowl. Bush is held in check for almost the entire game. Then on a simple outside run in the fourth quarter he catches the corner. Before the word "wowwww" can withdrawal from your voice box, Bush is leaping into the end zone on a 26-yard TD run. These are the types of players that come around once, maybe twice in a generation.)
2- New Orleans- Matt Leinhart, QB
Reminds me of a bigger Boomer Esiason and a smaller Drew Bledsoe. Years from now, I think the Saints will have made a mistake by passing up on Vince Young.
3- Tennessee- Vince Young, QB
Ciao, Steve McNair.
4- New York Jets- Mario Williams, DE
This is where it starts to get precarious. Jets are enamored with Memphis RB D’Angelo Williams, but fourth is too high for him on the board. Consensus is they can trade down and still get him. Here is the problem; none of the five or six team directly below them in the draft have any one player they're willing to move up for and give up a second rounder. So if the Jets are stuck with this pick, they'll take MarioWilliams, considered to be the second coming of Julius Peppers. He could replace oft-injured free agent DE John Abraham.
5- Green Bay- AJ Hawk, LB
Similar position as the Jets. They want a running back and are in love with Lendale White. Conventional wisdom says trade down some and get him. If they can't, they'll attempt to copy the Bears and take the best playmaking linebacker in the draft.
6- Oakland- D'Brickshaw Ferguson, OT
Yes, they already have a franchise tackle in Robert Gallery. But after Ferguson slips down this far the Raiders will find a way to make it work financially. Lamont Jordan will wet his pants in excitement of this pick. Yes, the Raiders desperately need a safety, but Brick is too good to not take.
7- San Francisco- D'Angelo Wiliams, RB
Frank Gore? Kevin Barlow? Someone needs to ground the wolves from getting after Alex Smith.
http://media.collegepublisher.com/media/paper679/stills/sld17hk6.jpg (http://media.collegepublisher.com/media/paper679/stills/sld17hk6.jpg)
8- Buffalo- Winston Justice, OT
Buffalo's offensive line is woeful. Justice makes it a little less woeful.
(I'm an admitted Bills mark so I must insert comment here. Yes, the Bills need miles of help on both sides of the line. But I hope they pull of a surprise and draft Texas safety Michael Huff. Huff has "special" written all over him. He's a big-game guy. Buffalo took a lineman (Mike Williams) early in the 2002 draft over Roy Williams. They won't make the same mistake twice. Lawyer Milloy and Troy Vincent are getting old fast.)
9- Detroit- Tamba Hali, DE
Penn State end could be a reach at eight, but keep in mind two things: Cory Redding and James Hall occupy the starting defensive end spots now, and we're talking about the Detroit Lions here. Then again, who is the top receiever on the board?
10- Arizona- Michael Huff, S
Have you seen what Polamula has done for the Steelers defense? Enough said.
11- Rams- Vernon Davis, TE
More athletic than Antonio Gates.
12- Cleveland- Haloti Ngata, DT
Run stuffer could be just what the doctor ordered for defense-first head coach Romeo Crennel.
13- Baltimore- Jimmy Williams, CB
Continuing the tradition of great defensive backs (and no offense)
14- Philadlephia- Lendale White, RB
How long will Westbrook last? Philly needs receievers but nobody worthy this high. This would make four USC guys in the top half of the first round. I'm sure Andy Reid would covet a back who can move the chains.
15- Atlanta- DeMarco Ryans, LB
Underated LB from Alabama great fit.
16- Miami- Jay Cutler, QB
Has all the tools and will learn behind a veteran the Dolphins will acquire via trade or free agency.
(Dallas will also have Cutler in their radar)
17- Minnesota- Chad Greenway, OLB
Disgusted they didn’t get White.
18- Dallas, Eric Winston, OT
Real reach here, but if healthy is a major upgrade at the tackle spot.
19- San Diego- Santanio Holmes, WR
Welcome to the NFL.. Roscoe Parrish, part duex.
20- Kansas City- Mathiaus Kiwanuku, DE
Athletic revamp of the defense continues.
21- New England - Ko Simpson, S
Anyone New England drafts is going to be good. Simpson will help solidify a deplorable secondary.
22- Denver- Leonard Pope, TE
Rod Smith is getting old at receiever but Pope provides mismatches in middle of field.
23- Tampa Bay- Johnathon Scott, OT
Could unseat Kenyatta Walker.
24- Cincinnati- Darnell Bing, S
Did you watch Kelly Holcomb torch the Bengals in week 16? How about Larry Johnson in week 17 or Ben Rothleisburger in the playoffs?
25- New York Giants- Bobby Carpenter, LB
Giants front four is solid. Linebacking corps? Not so good.
26- Chicago- Derek Hagan, WR
Muhammad can't do it on his own. If this team gets any kind of offense this off-season... look out.
27- Carolina- Maurice Stoval, WR
Notre Dame receiver is big and has rising stock. Could aleviate pressure from Steve Smith, especially with Ricky Proehl retiring.
28- Jacksonville- Ashton Youboty, CB
Will instantly become a Chris Berman favorite.
29- Denver- Marcus McNeil, OT
Best need player available.
30- Indianpolis- Laurence Maroney, RB
How much longer will Edge be a Colt?
31- Seattle- Claude Wroten, DT
Depth at line can never be underestimated.
32- Pittsburgh- Ernie Sims, LB
(There goes my Super Bowl column. Since this is being published the week before the Super Bowl, and Pittsburgh is drafting last.. you can do the math from there.)
ROUND TWO
33- Houston- Broderick Bentley, DT (run plugger)
34- New Orleans- Thomas Howard, LB (one of many needs)
35- Tennessee- Antonio Cromarite, CB (see above)
36- New York Jets- Chad Jackson, WR (again)
37- Green Bay- Manny Lawson, DE (and again)
http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/bgu/sports/m-footbl/auto_headshot/202515.jpeg
38- Oakland- Omar Jacobs, QB
(If this guy pans out, he can be the steal of the entire draft. He’ll come considerably less than Cutler and has every bit the upside. He could be a perfect fit in this organization)
39- San Francisco- D'Qwell Jackson, LB (Will lose two LB’s via free agency)
40- Buffalo- Gabe Watson, DT (upgrade over Ron Edwards)
41- Detroit- Ryan O'Callaghan, OT (about time to address the line)
42- Arizona- Richard Marshall, CB (could work well next to Roelle)
43- Rams- Tye Hill, CB (big upside)
44- Cleveland- Max Jean-Giles, G (need to protect Frye)
45- Baltimore- Maurice Drew, RB (can you say reach?)
46- Philadelphia- Sinorice Moss, WR (need playmakers)
47- Atlanta- Greg Blue, S (solid depth)
48- Miami- Daryn Colledge, OT (could start in first year)
49- Minnesota- Joseph Addai, RB (Vikes want Ricky Williams)
50- Dallas- Davin Joseph, G (O’line biggest weakness)
52- San Diego- Richard Marshall, CB (pure depth pick)
53- New England- Martin Nance, WR (Givens may be gone)
54- Washington- Kai Parham, LB (Arrington will be gone)
55- Tampa Bay- Tony Fassano, TE (Another goodie for Simms)
56- Cincinnati- Kelly Jennings, CB (Will help sorry pass defense)
57- New York Giants- Brad Butler, OT (depth)
58- Chicago- Abdul Hodge, LB (see above)
59- Carolina- Mercedes Lewis, TE (no good TE’s since Walls)
60- Jacksonville- Brian Calhoun, RB (Taylor oft-injured)
61- Denver- Daniel Bullocks, S (How much does Lynch have left?)
62- Indianpolis- Charles Spencer, G (Someone for Peyton to criticize)
63- Seattle- Mike Haas, WR (role player)
64- Pittsburgh- Lawrence Vickers, FB (why not?)
ROUND THREE
65- Houston- Taitusi Laitui, G (O-line revamp continues)
66- Houston- Jeremey Trueblood, OT (and continues)
67- Buffalo- Alex Zemaitis, CB (Penn State guy right for Bills secondary)
68- New York Jets- Kai Parham, LB (potential starter)
69- Green Bay- Dontrelle Moore, RB (Lendale White fallback plan)
70- Oakland- Elvis Dumervil, DE (explosive)
71- San Francisco- Cory Rodgers, WR (needs weapons)
72- Buffalo- Hank Baskett, WR (could take Josh Reed’s spot)
73 Detroit Lions- Pat Watkins, S (a lot of untapped potential)
74 Arizona Cardinals- Cedric Griffin, CB (going Philly route-depth at CB)
75 St. Louis Rams- Ray Edwards, DE (worth a shot)
76 Cleveland Browns- Steve Fifita DT (see above)
77 New England Patriots -Rashad Butler OT (Ashworth broke down last year)
78 Philadelphia Eagles- Rocky McIntosh, LB (Jones could be on the move)
79 Atlanta Falcons - A.J. Nicholson, LB (needs to get better defensively)
80 Miami Dolphins - Jason Avant, WR (might be weapon with Chambers)
81 Minnesota Vikings- Greg Eslinger, C (depth)
82 Dallas Cowboys - Ryan Cook, C (more depth)
83 San Diego Chargers- Justin London, LB (will learn from Perriman)
84 Kansas City Chiefs- Charles Gordon CB (playmaker)
85 New England Patriots- Kevin Simon, LB (lineback corps getting old)
86 Washington Redskins- Brodie Croyle, QB (ciao, Patrick Ramsey)
87 Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Chijioke Onyenegecha (that’s right.. who?
88 Cincinatti Bengals- Orien Harris, DT (potential steal if still around)
89 New York Giants- Darriel Hunter, CB (DB’s got burned by Carolina)
90 Chicago Bears- Nick Mangold, C (Grossman needs time to throw)
91 Carolina Panthers- Roman Harper S (would be good addition)
92 Jacksonville Jaguars- Mark Anderson, DE (ditto)
93 Denver Broncos- Frostee Rucker DE (cool name, should fit in here)
94 Indianapolis Colts- Travis Wilson, WR (will Wayne be back?)
95 Seattle Seahawks- Mike Bell, RB (good luck with Shawn Alexander there)
96 Pittsburgh Steelers Gerald Riggs Jr. RB (will replace the bus)