Official NFL Draft Thread

[OG Brand C]

But how many years have you ever gotten the chance to say that Mel Kiper was wrong?

Oh, 500 posts. FINALLY.

[JacktheRipper]

I actually want to take some time and back up Sep here and say Brick seems like a great guy. I mean, I only got to talk with him for a second or two at the Senior Bowl but he seemed like he was a down to earth guy. You know, the kind of guy you want to see do special things down the road.

[detroitbasketball]

[Just Blaze]

I told you all earlier. I had a GUT INSTINCT that the Texans were going to pick Williams but I decided to go along and pick Bush for the sake of my chances of winning the mock draft contest. Point for me!

[vy10]

games.espn.go.com/draftforecast/frontpage

For those of you who think you know something about the NFL Draft

[McGahee]

I hope Mario Williams gets a career ending injury in the pre-season, and Reggie Bush becomes the all-time leader in rushing. Damn Texans...

[detroitbasketball]

Final:

Comparisons from nfldraftcountdown.com. Same with some of the explanations.



1. Houston Texans - Mario Williams, DE, NC State
NFL Comparison: Julius Peppers

Stupid Texans.

2. New Orleans Saints - Reggie Bush, HB, USC
NFL Comparison: Marshall Faulk

Lucky Saints. Very well could trade down. If not, Deuce McAllister becomes expendable.

3. Tennessee Titans - Vince Young, QB, Texas
NFL Comparison: Randall Cunningham

Their recent spat with Steve McNair only helps solidify the fact that the Titans will take a QB. Jeff Fisher and Norm Chow like Leinart. The front office likes Young. The front office has the final say on the pick. Put two and two together.

4. New York Jets - D’Brickishaw Ferguson, OT, Virginia
NFL Comparison: Walter Jones

The loss of Kareem McKenzie has been bigger than expected. The Jets could really use some help here as they've done a poor job protecting the QB and opening holes for the RB.

5. Green Bay Packers - A.J. Hawk, OLB, Ohio State
NFL Comparison: Dan Morgan

The Packers had a need for linebackers all season long. Nick Barnett proved solid in the middle posting 138 tackles with three fumble recoveries and a sack this season. The outside backers left a little to be desired though. The trade for former Rams starter Robert Thomas didn’t spark much confidence that he is much more than a part time player and Na’il Diggs played in nine games posting 35 tackles and has been let go. Main backup Paris Lenon is a free agent.

6. San Francisco 49ers - Vernon Davis, TE, Maryland
NFL Comparison: Ben Watson

Saw his stock absolutely skyrocket after the NFL Combine, and now he’s taken by San Fran to provide much-needed help for the sputtering offense and sophomore QB Alex Smith.

7. Oakland Raiders - Matt Leinart, QB, USC
NFL Comparison: Tom Brady

Aaron Brooks probably isn’t the answer, as he is an interception machine. Leinart is a long-term solution and stays in California.

8. Buffalo Bills - Brodrick Bunkley, DT, Florida State
NFL Comparison: Darnell Dockett

Even though Larry Tripplett was brought in as a free agent he alone won't offset the losses of Sam Adams, Justin Bannan and Ron Edwards on the interior of their defensive line. Bunkley is the best interior lineman in the draft according to the Bills, and without a good option at offensive tackle available here, he is Marv Levy’s pick.

9. Detroit Lions - Michael Huff, DB, Texas
NFL Comparison: Aeneas Williams

There is little doubt that Terrence Holt can be upgraded at free safety, and with both Andre Goodman and R.W. McQuarters gone some help will be needed at cornerback as well. Huff can play both positions and is the kind of ball hawk that’s all the rage in today’s NFL.

10. Arizona Cardinals - Jay Cutler, QB, Vanderbilt
NFL Comparison: J.P. Losman

Josh McCown is now gone and while Kurt Warner resuscitated his career to a degree last year but it is high time to begin grooming a youngster and John Navarre isn't going to cut it. Cutler may not be ready to step in right away, but could become a good quarterback. Might have to go a different direction if Minnesota can move up to 9, where they would pick Cutler.

11. St. Louis Rams - Antonio Cromartie, CB, Florida State
NFL Comparison: Champ Bailey

As the saying goes if you have a lot you probably don't have anything and that is the case here where the Rams have several solid cover guys but still lack that elite #1 at the position. Williams has the potential to turn into that type of player.

12. Cleveland Browns - Haloti Ngata, DT, Oregon
NFL Comparison: Shaun Rogers

One thing every great 3-4 defense has is a stud nose tackle to occupy blockers and control gaps in the middle and while Ted Washington's solid he's far from a long-term solution. Cleveland sees the dream scenario occur as Ngata drops to 12.

13. Baltimore Ravens - Winston Justice, OT, USC
NFL Comparison: Willie Anderson

Surprise pick, possibly. The offensive line was a major disappointment for the team in 2005 and with Orlando Brown now gone Tony Pashos is penciled in as the starter at right tackle and they can do better. Doesn’t work out much better, as Justice was a right tackle in college.

14. Philadelphia Eagles - Chad Greenway, OLB, Iowa
NFL Comparison: Keith Bulluck

Keith Adams has left as a free agent and Dhani Jones did not play up to the team’s expectations last season (and has gotten into a tad of legal trouble in the offseason) so they are on the lookout for someone to make plays in coverage.

15. Denver Broncos (from Atlanta - John Abraham trade) - Santonio Holmes, WR, Ohio State
NFL Comparison: Steve Smith

Despite evidence to the contrary Rod Smith can't play forever and while Ashley Lelie has shown flashes he won't ever be a true #1 so the time is now to bring in a youngster to groom.

16. Miami Dolphins - Chad Jackson, WR, Florida
NFL Comparison: Javon Walker

There is basically nothing here beyond Chris Chambers and Marty Booker so the team has made little secret of their desire to add another playmaker at wideout early in the draft. They decide to go with the home state connection and take Jackson, who is arguably the top receiver in the draft.

17. Minnesota Vikings - Ernie Sims, OLB, Florida State
NFL Comparison: Derrick Brooks

With Mike Tomlin coming over from Tampa Bay to be the new defensive coordinator they will be installing a Cover 2 scheme so a fast and athletic playmaker is needed at linebacker.

18. Dallas Cowboys - Donte Whitner, S, Ohio State
NFL Comparison: N/A

A year ago they landed a keeper in round one with Demarcus Ware but Al Singleton is not a good fit for the scheme and they could still use an additional athletic pass rusher. Nobody fit’s the bill better than Lawson, who was stuck in Mario Williams’ shadow at NC State.

19. San Diego Chargers - Eric Winston, OT, Miami (FL)
NFL Comparison: Robert Gallery

Left tackle Roman Oben is not getting any younger and battled some injuries last season so the team is intent on bringing in a youngster to groom as his backup and replacement. Marcus McNeil and Santonio Holmes might get looks here as well.

20. Kansas City Chiefs - Jimmy Williams, DB, Virginia Tech
NFL Comparison: Quentin Jammer

Adding Patrick Surtain last offseason was a great move but there is little beyond him at cornerback so the team needs to add another impact player who can start early on.

21. New England Patriots - Tye Hill, CB, Clemson
NFL Comparison: Tyrone Poole

Corner was a problem last year and they tried bringing in Duane Starks as a replacement for Ty Law, who was a major flop, so it's time that they brought in someone to solidify the position.

22. San Francisco 49ers (from Washington via Denver) - Manny Lawson, DE/LB, NC State
NFL Comparison: Jason Taylor

This offseason the team lost Julian Peterson and Andre Carter so they desperately need a classic 3-4 pass rusher. Wimbley may sit a little low here, but he’s a good fit and depending on what happens, could go in the top fifteen.

23. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Jonathan Joseph, CB, South Carolina
NFL Comparison: N/A

Ronde Barber and Brian Kelly have long been one of the top starting combos in the league but they are not getting any younger and saying there's no depth is a vast understatement. Joseph is the type of player that can provide depth now until Barber and Kelly step aside, when he will be able to start.

24. Cincinnati Bengals - Marcedes Lewis, TE, UCLA
NFL Comparison: Todd Heap

This has long been a problem area for the team and with Matt Schobel now bolting as a free agent the need for a top pass catching tight end is all that much more of a pressing concern.

25. New York Giants - Sinorice Moss, WR, Miami (FL)
NFL Comparison: Santana Moss

Their starting duo of Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer are more than adequate but Tim Carter has never been able to stay healthy and there is basically no depth to speak of.

26. Chicago Bears - Leonard Pope, TE, Georgia
NFL Comparison: Jerramy Stevens

Desmond Clark certainly isn't the type of impact pass catching threat that teams are looking for these days and for a team that lacks offensive weapons a premier tight end would help. Maybe a little high, but not much else that interests Chicago in this spot, and they might trade down and could probably get Pope if they did so. With Williams, Maroney, and White still available, this pick could be very valuable to someone and the Bears could get a good payoff for it from a back-hungry team.

27. Carolina Panthers - DeAngelo Williams, HB, Memphis
NFL Comparison: Curtis Martin

Stephen Davis is now gone and while DeShaun Foster has been resigned he has never been able to stay healthy and they could use a big, powerful runner to serve as insurance. Dropped a lot further than I really wanted him to, but Carolina is thrilled to snap him up.

28. Jacksonville Jaguars - Laurence Maroney, HB, Minnesota
NFL Comparison: Clinton Portis

It appears that Fred Taylor's days as a Jag might be numbered and with that being the case it just might be time for them to bring in someone to groom as his long-term replacement.

29. New York Jets (from Denver via Atlanta) - Bobby Carpenter, OLB, Ohio State
NFL Comparison: Mike Vrabel

With Eric Mangini coming over from the New England Patriots the team will probably shift towards a 3-4 and they need a pass rusher, especially since John Abraham was dealt. Perfect fit for the 3-4 here.

30. Indianapolis Colts - LenDale White, HB, USC
NFL Comparison: Jerome Bettis

This pick has just become a gamble, but if White can recover from his recent ACL injury, this could be a steal. Not only has Edgerrin James been one of the most productive runners in the league but he was also a perfect fit for and key component of their offense so his loss will really hurt.

31. Seattle Seahawks - Ashton Youboty, CB, Ohio State
NFL Comparison: Nate Clements

Andre Dyson was allowed to leave as a free agent after just on season and Kelly Herndon, who starts opposite of Marcus Trufant, is probably better suited for a backup or nickle role.

32. Pittsburgh Steelers - Jason Allen, S, Tennessee
NFL Comparison: Bobby Taylor

Even though Troy Polamalu emerged as one of the best in the business the team lost their other starter, Chris Hope, in free agency and while Ryan Clark was signed he is just a backup. Just missed out on the rush on backs, but might entertain thoughts of moving up into Chicago’s spot at 26. Whitner falls a lot further than I would have liked.


1st Round Bubble Burst: OT Marcus McNeill, DE Kamerion Wimbley, DT Gabe Watson, OLB DeMeco Ryans, CB Richard Marshall, S Daniel Bullocks

[detroitbasketball]

And here it is folks: the official JERSEY POST!
The players can be seen in next-gen form here: www.easports.com/madden07/index.jsp
Anyway: the uniforms.

[JacktheRipper]

It's pretty funny reading through the Saints boards right now. We're all kind of wondering how the Saints will mess this up. Any other team, you're overjoyed. A Saints fan on the other hand, knows the history, and knows if it can hit the fan, it will.

On that note, go get Reggie!

[detroitbasketball]

Saints and Jets having serious talks about a trade, but apparently the Saints want BOTH NYJ 1sts, a 3rd, and a 2007 1st.

[JacktheRipper]

detroitbasketball said:

Saints and Jets having serious talks about a trade, but apparently the Saints want BOTH NYJ 1sts, a 3rd, and a 2007 1st.

It's not a bad thing for NO really. At worst, the Saints just draft Reggie Bush.

[Jami]

detroitbasketball said:

Saints and Jets having serious talks about a trade, but apparently the Saints want BOTH NYJ 1sts, a 3rd, and a 2007 1st.

Not surprising, since the second pick is worth a lot of "points" in the system NFL GM's use...that package is probably the equivilent to the second pick. The good news for the Jets? That's probably less than what they'd have to give up to the Texans for the first pick.

Interesting to see what the Saints will do now.

[Jami]

The Saints make Bush the pick. Funny how things worked out -- the Saints' first home game of 2006 will be in the Superdome against Michael Vick and the Falcons on Monday Night Football. Think that'll be something to see?

[Jami]

Tennessee gets their pick in quickly...Vince Young is the pick.

The Matt Leinart Freefall Watch is now in effect.

[bearcat]

Tennessee picking Young makes no sense to me...but if they think he'll pan out better than Leinart, so be it.

I don't think Leinart falls far. He'll go fourth here to the Jets.

[detroitbasketball]

I'm 3/3 so far, woot.

[Jami]

tbbearcat5 said:

Tennessee picking Young makes no sense to me...but if they think he'll pan out better than Leinart, so be it.

I don't think Leinart falls far. He'll go fourth here to the Jets.

I know Leinart in NY is like the press's dream, but I can't see it making much sense. They already traded for Patrick Ramsey as an insurance policy for Pennington -- the only way they take Leinart is if they don't intend to play him at all in his first year. Also, why take a QB with questionable arm strength when you already have a starting QB with questionable arm strength?

[OG Brand C]

It makes sense on the course of Steve McNair thing. McNair used to mentor Young in high school so you know he's got some word in how Vince gets better over the years. But I'm telling you right now, Houston Sports Radio is running with torches right now trying to go and burn down Reliant Stadium.

At least the former Houston team knows how to draft.

[Jami]

Brick returns to NYC...Jets take Ferguson. Actually not a bad reaction from the Jets fans.

[OG Brand C]

And the Jets go safe with Brick. Good job.