March 02, 2006

« Previous Story |  HOME  | Next Story »

Posted at 05:25 AM

My second thought was if you can't beat em, join em. So I've decided to give it the old college try and go with my post-combine/pre-free agency 2006 NFL draft.

For my draft I have a few regulations. First, if I'm playing prognosticator, I'm really going all out. My draft comes finalized with a pair of first round blockbuster trades. Also, I'm going three full rounds. If you're enticed enough to continue reading from this point then you’ll want to see how the entire day one will play out. Lastly, I have footnotes next to the “trade picks” if the deals don’t go down. This way, I get to save grace with my extrasensory perception ability to make the befitting choices.

These are two trades that I see happening on or before the draft.

* Houston and the New York Jets: The Jets send John Abraham and their first round pick (4th) to Houston for the first pick in the draft. The Jets also work out numbers with picks later in the draft, which doesn't affect day one.

* Buffalo and Arizona: Arizona gives up the tenth pick and their second rounder to move up two spots with Buffalo. Buffalo also gives up their fourth round pick in exchange for Arizona's fifth.

So without further ado...

1. NY Jets (from Houston) - Reggie Bush, RB (USC)
Let’s make one thing utterly clear; the Jets stink. They are going to stink this year whether they have the first pick, the fourth or the first four comibined. They have holes almost everywhere and to make matters worse they're in salary cap jail. No matter who they draft this year you can count on them being one of the disaster teams in the league. That being said, Bush is made for New York. The trade makes sense for both teams. New York has a franchise end in John Abraham with no interest in returning, plus the Jets can't afford his $8+ million salary. Houston likes Dominick Davis more than they let in. With Abraham they get an end who can dominate offenses. For the Jets, what better building block is there than potentially the next Barry Sanders? I don't see him doing much as a rookie on a horrible team. But in a few years this could be a steal for New York. Everybody's happy. (Note- If this trade doesn't happen.. and odds are it won't, then Houston keeps the pick and takes Bush.)

2. New Orleans- Matt Leinart, QB (USC)
The Saints are rebuilding and Leinart is the most unwavering quarterback in the draft. He doesn't have the physical tools of Vince Young and Jay Cutler but he's a natural leader and in him Sean Payton has the centerpiece of the puzzle for years to come.

3 Tennessee- . D'Brickshaw Ferguson, OT (Virginia)
The cliché pick is Young but Brick could be the next Orlando Pace. Steve McNair will quarterback one more year before handing the reigns over to Billy Volek, who signed a contract extension. The release of 13-year veteran Brad Hopkins makes the Brick selection more self-evident.

4. Houston (from Jets)- Mario Williams, DE (NC State)
The comparisons with Julius Peppers are valid as Williams has emerged as the top defensive player in the draft. Throw Abraham on the other end and instantly Houston has a sick combo that coordinators start having nightmares. Mark my words; nobody will want to play Houston this year. The biggest advantage is Houston’s in good enough cap shape to address the offensive line in free agency prior to the draft. (Note- Williams is going in this spot regardless. No trade means Williams is a Jet and Abraham still gets traded somewhere else.)

5. Green Bay- AJ Hawk, OLB (Ohio State)
One of those uncommon players that simply always seems to be around the football. Hawk can make plays from all over the field and Green Bay has the cap room to address other needs.

6. San Francisco- Vernon Davis, TE (Maryland)
Why would a team that needs a linebacker and running back take a tight end sixth overall? Davis ran a 4.38/40, has the body of a lineman, legs of a corner and hands of a wide receiver. Plus Alex Smith needs a big time weapon. That's why.

7. Oakland - Vince Young, QB (Texas)
Al Davis will love him. Rumored test scores aside, Young has work to do before he will be successful at this level. However, his upside is unmatched as is his poise in big games and Oakland takes a shot at the franchise quarterback.

8. Arizona (trade with Buffalo)- Jay Cutler, QB, (Vandy)
Cards' know Detroit picking next would pick off Cutler and Dennis Greene wants a stud to throw the ball to Fitzgerald and Boldin. Cutler will study for a year behind Kurt Warner before taking over. Then again, with Warner starting he'll be hurt by week four. In the end, many think Cutler will be the best QB of this class. (Note, if there’s no trade, Buffalo keeps the pick and takes the guy they’re taking tenth here anyway.)

9. Detroit- Michael Huff, S (Texas)
Stung from having Cutler pulled out from underneath, the Lions regroup quickly and take the best defensive back on the board. Huff has all the ability to be the next Troy Polamalu. (Note, no trade means Cutler lands here, and Huff goes to Arizona at ten.)

10. Buffalo (from Arizona)- Broderick Bunkley, DT (FSU)
Assuredly people in Buffalo are scratching their heads right now. Buffalo taking a defensive tackle in the first round is no surprise. The shock is currently almost everyone thinks it will be Haloti Ngata. Bunkley is a much better athlete than Ngata and with Perry Fewell's defense he wants lineman who will fly to the ball. Bunkley, all 286 pounds is not only incredibly strong, he's also mobile. If he keeps his head on straight he has the physical ability to be a younger Warren Sapp.

11. St. Louis Rams- Jimmy Williams, S (V Tech)
With Adam Archuleta all but gone the selection of Williams seems natural. Williams is one of the best athletes in the draft and new coordinator Jim Haslett will find every imaginable way to use him.

12. Cleveland- Haloti Ngata, DT (Oregon)
Cleveland coach Romeo Crennel will have this card filled out before Tagliabue finishes saying the Browns are on the clock. He's an absolutely perfect fit for the 3-4 defense; a younger Sam Adams.

13. Baltimore- LenDale White, RB (USC)
Jamal who? Some think White may be a better running back in the NFL than Bush. I wouldn't go that far but this pick makes perfect sense for Baltimore, who may lose both Lewis and Chester Taylor. If Cutler somehow slips down this far don't be surprised to see the Ravens take him.

14. Philadelphia- Winston Justice, T (USC)
Fourth Trojan taken in first half of round one. The Eagles will lose Jon Runyan to free agency and Justice is the best tackle on the board to take his spot. Wide receiver is an issue but they'll pick up either Eric Moulds or another quality guy prior to the draft.

15. Atlanta- Tye Hill, CB (Clemson)
Falcons have little money to get anyone in free agency and a corner next to DeAngelo Hall is a big priority. Hill is one of the fastest players if not the fastest in the draft and unlike Huff or Williams will continue to play corner in the NFL.

16. Miami- Chad Greenway, OLB (Iowa)
Junior Seau will either be gone or on his last leg by the time the draft rolls around. His size (6-4,235) and college production is very attractive to Nick Saban.

17. Minnesota- Kamerion Wimbley, DE/LB (FSU)
Running back would be the pick but the prediction is they'll end up with Jamal Lewis or Edgerrin James. They certainly have the cap room to make it happen. Kimbley is an athletic stud compared lately to DeMarcus Ware.

18. Dallas- Santonio Holmes, WR (Ohio State)
When is the last time you remember the top receiver being on the board at number 18? Johnson and Glenn are old and the recent success of smaller receivers, led by Steve Smith make GM's a little less hesitant to take smaller player makers like Holmes (5-11, 190). By the way, he won’t have to the number one receiever, because Dallas is getting T.O.

19. San Diego- Kelly Jennings, CB (Miami)
The Chargers have one of the best front seven's in the league and one of the least effective secondaries. Jennings is a blanket cover guy who will make plays for a team very close to putting it all together.

20, Kansas City- Ashton Youboty, CB (Ohio State)
Chiefs cut Warfield and need younger corners that can make plays on the ball. Youboty fits that bill perfectly, plus he'll instantly become a Chris Berman favorite.

21. New England, DeAngelo Williams, RB (Memphis)
A surprising mid round run on corners makes Williams slip this far. Corey Dillon is old and banged up and Williams would be a great all-purpose compliment. Tom Brady can't continue throwing 40 times every meaningful game. Or can he?

22. Denver- Laurence Maroney, RB (Minnesota)
Broncos had to unload both Trevor Pryce and Gerard Warren, hurting the defensive line. They also cut Mike Anderson and it's doubtful they're banking on Tatum Bell for an entire season. In other years Maroney would have been a top 15 pick. The latest in a long line of Denver 1,000 yard rushers.

23. Tampa Bay- Tamba Hali, DE (Penn State)
If he's nearly as good as Joe Paterno swears he is, he's the steal of the first round. He doesn't excel at any one particular aspect but he's good at them all and doesn't take any plays off. This could seal the exit of Simeon Rice if he's not gone already.

24. Cincinnati- Jonathan Joseph, CB (South Carolina)
He's steadily rising up the draft board and the Bengals need all the help (and then some) they can get on defense. I'd be surprised if the Bengals picked a single offensive player on day one. (see round two.)

25. New York Giants- Eric Winston, T (Miami)
A strong combine showed knee injury is well behind him. The Giants line broke down during the playoffs last season and will be top priority along with defensive back and linebacker.

26. Chicago- Chad Jackson, WR (Florida)
Nobody helped himself more at the combine than Jackson, going from a third rounder into the first. His 4.32/40 was sick and he demonstrated good hands and route running ability. Rex Grossman needs another weapon and Jackson can be exactly that.

27. Carolina- Mercedes Lewis, TE (UCLA)
As much as he'd like to, Jake Delhome can't throw to Steve Smith on every play. Lewis has great hands and the ability to stretch the middle of the field. He'll have to become a better blocker at the next level but has the ability to be the total package.

28, Jacksonville- Ernie Sims, OLB (FSU)
Isn't necessarily the Jags biggest need, but Sims at this stage is too athletically skilled to pass on. Sims has top 15 talent.

29. Denver- Claude Wroten, DT (LSU)
Denver has no money to sign free agents on the line so taking Wroten, the third best tackle is a no-brainer.

30. Indianapolis- Joseph Addai, RB (LSU)
The Colts are losing Edge and Addai is a good all purpose back. Given the circumstances, he should fit in real nice to head coach Peyton Manning’s (oops, I mean Tony Dungy's) offense.

31. Seattle- Demarco Ryans, OLB (Alabama)
Jamie Sharper is gone and you're looking at his replacement. Ryans plays with as much heart as anyone in the draft. Seattle also needs secondary help but will address that later on.

32. Pittsburgh- Darnell Bing, S (USC)
Chris Hope wants to be paid among the highest safeties in the league and Pittsburgh isn't going to do it. Bing would join former teammate Polamalu in the secondary. Receiver is another need but will be taken care of in the coming rounds.

ROUND TWO

33. Houston- Donte Whitner, S (OSU)- Major upgrade over C.C. Brown. Suddenly this defense is good. Real good.
34. New Orleans- Nick Mangold, C (OSU)- LeCharles Bentley's replacement. Not a major upgrade.
35. New York Jets- Antonio Cromartie, CB (FSU)- Ty Law's replacement. See Mangold.
36. Green Bay- Sinorice Moss, WR (Miami)- Team badly needs more play makers.
37. Oakland- Manny Lawson, DE/LB (NC St)- Can dominate at either DE or LB.
38. San Francisco- Max Jean Giles, G (Ga)- Massive run blocker too good too pass up.
39.Tennessee- D'Qwell Jackson, LB (Maryland)- Very speedy inside backer will take Kassell's spot.
40. Detroit- Mathias Kiwanuka , DE (B.C.)- Redding and Edwards don't get the job done as starters.
41. Buffalo (from Arizona)- Charles Spencer, G (Pitt)- Good enough to start on left side from day one.
42. Buffalo- Daniel Bullocks,S (Nebraska)- Ball snatching safety fits Bills new cover two defense supremely.
43. Cleveland- Marcus McNeil, T (Auburn)- Say goodbye to LJ Shelton.
44. Baltimore- Johnathan Scott, T (Texas)- Ditto for Orlando Brown.
45. Philadelphia- Maurice Stovall, WR (N.D.)- Lesser T.O. will much less attitude.
46. St. Louis- Demetrius Wiliams, WR (Oregon)- Issac Bruce is likely at end of Rams line.
47. Atlanta- Jason Avant, WR (Michigan)- end of run on WR's. Provides a stable target for Vick.
48. Minnesota- Davin Joseph, G (Oklahoma)- Can and will play both guard and tackle.
49. Dallas- Darryl Tapp, DE (V Tech)- Another athlete on a defense filled with them.
50. San Diego- Jeremy Trueblood, T (B.C.)- Oben's career is winding down and this is his replacement.
51. Miami- Cedric Griffin, CB (Texas)- Dolphins need all kinds of secondary help. This is a very good start.
52. New England- Ko Simpson, S (S.C)- How much does Harrison have left, if he's not already cut?
53. Washington- Derek Hagan, WR (Arz)- Someone, anyone make a play besides Santana Moss.
54. Kansas City- Jason Spitz, G (Louisville)- Will Shields is gone. Those are big shoes to fill.

55. Cincinnati- Leonard Pope, TE (Ga)- Would be surprised to see him fall this far. Carson Palmer would be happy. So much for all defense on day one.
56. New York Giants- Bobby Carpenter, LB (OSU)- Giants linebackers stink. Is that motivation enough?
57. Chicago- Alan Zemaitas, CB (Penn St)- Azumah's departure makes this a need for depth.

58. Carolina- Gabe Watson, DT (Michigan)- Brenston Buckner was cut. Watson has motor skills (and mouth.)
59. Tampa Bay- Thomas Howard, LB (UTEP)- Have to get ready for future life without Brooks.

60. Jacksonville- Maurice Drew, RB (UCLA)- Strong combine puts him in second round. Fred Taylor is wearing down.
61. Denver- Jesse Mahelona, DT (Tenn)- The DL needs all the help it can get. Didn’t we say that already.
62. Indianapolis- Montavious Stanley, DT (LSU)- Likely to lose Tripplett.
63. Seattle- Pat Watkins, S (FSU)- Secondary was exposed in Super Bowl.
64. Pittsburgh- Hank Baskett, WR (N.M)- Another big target for Big Ben.

ROUND THREE

65. Houston- Andrew Whitworth, T (LSU)- Time to build on the OL.
66. Houston- Anthony Fasano, TE (N.D.) Much needed weapon for Carr.
67. Green Bay- Kai Parham, LB (Va)- Packers still need help at LB.
68. San Francisco- DeMario Winter, CB (Ga)- 49ers secondary is a mess. He'll help.
69. Oakland- Richard Marshall, CB (Fres St) - So is Oakland's. And so will he.

70. Buffalo- Omar Jacobs, QB (Bowling Green)- Levy said he wants a third QB for an open competition. Here's your guy.
(Note- Every draft you forecast someone as the "steal of the draft." To me, this is the kid. He's very raw, but has the capacity to do everything today's leading quarterbacks can do. He can run like the wind, he has good size (6-4, 210) and he has a very live arm. This is a perfect fit for Jacobs. He can come into camp without pressure and if Losman doesn't start living up to his hype could be your next quarterback in 2007.)

71. NY Jets- Brodie Croyle, QB (Alabama)- Rated highest of the second tier QBs.
72. Arizona- Johnathan Lewis, DT (V.T.)- Cards need someone who can get after QB.
73. Buffalo- Roger McIntosh, LB (Miami)- Need insurance for Spikes. He is it.
74. Detroit- Nate Salley, S (OSU)- Forget offense. Detroit has to learn to make a play on other side of ball. Combined with Huff and Dre Bly, Lions could be fun.
75. New England- Elvis Dumervil, LB (Louisville)- Poor man's Willie McGinest. Real poor.
76. Philadelphia- Gerald Riggs Jr, RB (Tenn)- Nice change of pace back for Michael Westbrook.
77. St. Louis- Rod Wright, DT (Texas)- Helps offset the loss of Cory Pickett.
78. Cleveland- Martin Nance, WR (Mia-Oh)- Big target for Chad Frye. Antonio Bryant is gone via FA.
79. Atlanta- Ryan O' Callaghan, T (Cal)- Gives the OL a nice boost.
80. Dallas- Daryn Colledge, T (Boise St)- Ditto.
81. San Diego- Danieal Manning, CB (Abilene Christian)- More help to secondary needing it.
82. Miami- Troy Reddick, T (Auburn)- Lot of holes to fill. This is one of them.
83. Minnesota- Abdul Hodge, LB (Iowa)- Very productive linebacker in college.
84. Washington- Dusty Dvoraceck, DT (Oklahoma)- Plays like an animal every down.
85. Kansas City- Greg Blue, S (Georgia)- Secondary is currently awful.
86. New England- William Blackmon, CB- (B.C.)- Corner in college worked out as WR in combine. Pats could use both.
87. NY Giants- Charles Gordon, CB (Kansas)- Underated and could make team not miss Will Allen one bit.
88. Chicago- Greg Eslinger, C (Minn)- Flanagan is going on 100 years old.
89. Carolina- Ryan Cook, C (N.M.)- So is Mitchell.
90. Tampa Bay- Kevin Boothe, G (Cornell)- Excellent value in the third round.
91. Cincinnati- Orien Harris, DT (Miami)- Great potential on the field. Bad potential off it.
92. Jacksonville- Rob Sims, G (OSU)- Vince Manuwai and Chris Naeole don't get the job done.
93. Denver- Victor Adeyanju, DE (Indiana)- Very underated end and yes that’s three rookie lineman.
94. Indianapolis- Clint Ingram, LB (Oklahoma)- Can always use capable bodies on defense.
95. Seattle- Mike Haas, WR (Oregon St)- Excellent hands is great replacement for Joe Jurevicious
96. Pittsburgh- Brian Calhoun,RB (Wisconsin)- need another RB with retirment of Betis.