Latest NFL Draft Board- Jan 18

[XERXES]

1. San Francisco 49ers: Alex Smith (jr.), QB, Utah
A smart player who will pick up an NFL system quickly, Smith has good size, is mobile enough to hurt teams with his running ability and is also an efficient passer who can make all the necessary throws.

2. Miami Dolphins: Cedric Benson, RB, Texas
A strong, tough runner with good speed for his size, Benson would help fill the void left by the retirement of Ricky Williams. But there is speculation the Dolphins will attempt to fill their running back need through trade, perhaps for Buffalo's Travis Henry, so stay tuned.

3. Cleveland Browns: Aaron Rodgers (jr.), QB, California
Rodgers is a smart, accurate passer with a quick release. His arm strength is adequate and he is a better prospect at this point in his career than former Cal QB Kyle Boller, now the starter for the Baltimore Ravens.

4. Chicago Bears: Ronnie Brown, RB, Auburn
Perhaps the most complete back in the draft, Brown can carry or catch the ball with equal skill. He has size, instincts and quickness that allowed him to put up excellent numbers at the college level.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Carnell Wiliams, RB, Auburn
A creative, deceptive runner with tremendous natural skills. Williams can get tough yards inside despite lacking ideal size, a point illustrated by his 29 rushing TDs over the last two years.

6. Tennessee Titans: Adam Jones, CB, West Virginia
A good cover man who will also contribute as a kick returner, Jones has very good closing speed and is a willing tackler in run support. That may be his most important quality with the NFL hurting pass defenses by focusing on downfield infractions by defensive backs.

7. Oakland Raiders: Dan Cody, DE, Oklahoma
A fiery, intense player who always goes all-out, Cody is similar to former NFL standout Kevin Greene in his ability to play on his feet as an outside linebacker, or in a three-point stance as a defensive end.

8. Arizona Cardinals: Travis Johnson, DT, Florida State
Johnson improved his stock immensely this year. He ties up offensive linemen and is able to gain penetration against the run as well as collapse the pocket in passing situations.

9. Washington Redskins: Braylon Edwards, WR, Michigan
Edwards has the size, speed and athleticism to take over games, and he did that several times in 2004. He also significantly cut down on dropped passes and concentration lapses this past season, pushing his stock even higher.

10. Detroit Lions: Heath Miller (jr.), TE, Virginia
A tremendous pass receiver and a willing blocker along the line, Miller would give quarterback Joey Harrington another weapon to complement his wide receivers. He'll also be a help to running back Kevin Jones in the rushing attack.

Braylon Edwards
Braylon Edwards would bolster the Redskins' attack.
11. Dallas Cowboys: Shawne Merriman (jr.), DE/OLB, Maryland
A workout warrior with incredible physical skills, Merriman would be an ideal end/linebacker combo in a 3-4 scheme.

12. San Diego Chargers (from NYG): Derrick Johnson, OLB, Texas
Has the speed and strength to chase ballcarriers from sideline to sideline and make things happen when he gets to the ball.

13. Houston Texans: Mike Williams (jr.), WR, USC
Williams did not play in 2004 but dominated the college game for two seasons while at USC. His 6-foot-5, 230-pound frame gives him a big advantage over defensive backs, and he would make a perfect complement to young standout receiver Andre Johnson.

14. Carolina Panthers: Jammal Brown, OT, Oklahoma
Brown's long arms, good feet and balance allow him to engage defenders easily and move them off the ball or away from the quarterback.

15. Kansas City Chiefs: Antrel Rolle, CB, Miami
The Chiefs likely will dedicate most of their draft to defense, and Rolle is a good start. He has the cover skills to shut down wide receivers and also gives up his body against the run.

16. New Orleans Saints: Thomas Davis (jr.), OLB, Georgia
A punishing tackler who played safety in college, Davis has the size and speed to move into the front seven and make an impact at the pro level.

17. Cincinnati Bengals: Erasmus James, DE, Wisconsin
A force along the line of scrimmage, James can play the run, rush the passer and command double-team blocks. There are some durability questions, though, after he missed parts of the last two seasons with injury.

18. Minnesota Vikings: Shaun Cody, DL, USC
A versatile lineman who can play end or tackle, Cody would be a great fit for a Vikings team that has struggled at times along the defensive front.

19. St. Louis Rams: David Pollack, DE, Georgia
Pollack plays with tremendous intensity and his motor does not stop. He makes up for a lack of size with good initial quickness and great closing speed.

20. Dallas Cowboys (from BUF): Troy Williamson (jr.), WR, South Carolina
The fastest wideout in the draft, Williamson would be a great help to a team that lacked a consistent vertical threat.

21. Jacksonville Jaguars: Alex Barron, OT, Florida State
Barron is equally adept in the passing and running games and has light feet for a player his size.

22. Baltimore Ravens: Roddy White, WR, UAB
White's 4.42 speed in the 40 gives him a size/speed combination in the elite category. He is a big-play wideout who averaged 20.0 yards per catch in 2004.

23. Seattle Seahawks: Darryl Blackstock (jr.), OLB, Virginia
Blackstock is a solid all-around talent who shows flashes of greatness and has tremendous natural physical skills.

24. Green Bay Packers: Channing Crowder (so.), MLB, Florida
A tremendously productive player who adapted quickly to the collegiate game, Crowder has the ideal physical skills for a man in the middle.

David Pollack
David Pollack should impress NFL scouts in workouts.
25. Denver Broncos: Matt Roth, DE, Iowa
Roth is similar to David Pollack: undersized with a great motor and intensity. Roth was productive during his senior year and has good physical ability.

26. New York Jets: Carlos Rogers, CB, Auburn
A consistent, durable corner who can cover and support the run, Rogers has played against some of the best talent in the nation during his career.

27. Atlanta Falcons: Brandon Browner (so.), CB, Oregon State
A consistent cover man with good size, Browner would make a nice complement to Atlanta's top pick last year, CB DeAngelo Hall.

28. San Diego Chargers: Roscoe Parrish (jr.), WR, Miami
Parrish has speed and would be a good option to round out a receiving corps bolstered by the addition of WR Keenan McCardell and the emergence of TE Antonio Gates.

29. Indianapolis Colts: Bryant McFadden, CB, Florida State
Did not intercept many passes, but that's because teams respected his ability and avoided his side of the field. McFadden has the size to match up with big receivers.

30. New England Patriots: Justin Miller (jr.), CB, Clemson
A good fit for a team thin in the secondary this season.

31. Philadelphia Eagles: Justin Tuck (jr.), DE, Notre Dame
Good size and strength. Would be an asset for a team that thrives on pressuring the quarterback.

32. Pittsburgh Steelers: Alex Smith, TE, Stanford
An athletic pass receiver with great body control, Smith can stretch the deep middle and is a good hook-zone threat.

[sike]

not too hot for either of the projected Cowboys picks..a smallish LB/DE combo type and a speedy WR type? ugh

[dirno2000]

Where did this come from?

EditNevermind, I see it in the Insider.

[GP]

Good thing that the actual NFL draft board never goes by the mock script from sportswriters. I can't see any linebacker being taken ahead of Derrick Johnson.

[sike]

Originally posted by: GP
Good thing that the actual NFL draft board never goes by the mock script from sportswriters. I can't see any linebacker being taken ahead of Derrick Johnson.

agreed

[sike]

Can't see Rolle slipping so far either...

[dirno2000]

Depends on if the NFL sees him as a LB or a DE. The quick undersized End has been a value pick the past couple of years (ie) Dwight Freeney ,Terrell Suggs and a few years back Javon Kearse. This guy was fairly productive in college with 8.5 sacks and 3 forced fumbles last season and 22 sacks overall.

[sike]

13. Houston Texans: Mike Williams (jr.), WR, USC

future stud.

[dirno2000]

I'm not sure why, but every time a new list or mock is released, Rolle slips. I felt like he was a little overrated when he was projected as high as #2 in the draft, but I can't imagine a corner with that kind of size sliding out of the top ten....of course it all comes back to the 40 time. Kind of hard to slot the non-line positions until they run for pro scouts.

[withoutmalice]

Williams and Andre Johnson would be quite the duo for HOU, although they need help on the OL more than anything.

I think SF will try and trade down from the #1 as they have a lot of holes and Matt Leinart is gone.

IF WAS goes for Braylon Edwards/other WR with the first pick, that'll mean they'll let Rod Gardner go. He's a former 1st-round draft pick and a decent possession receiver with good size. Maybe we could snap him up on the cheap?

[endtroducing]

well, Rolle's stock dropped after various ACC teams showed his inability to cover basically anyone in the red zone, where he can't get away with just being fast. he's also overly physical in coverage, something he wasn't called for in college much (home cooking) but will be flagged for in the NFL. I wouldn't even be surprised if Rogers is taken before him because of his all around ability.

Troy Williamson is the best WR in the draft, even better than Edwards. his speed and hands are just lethal...and I don't think Miami takes Benson at 2. Saban has total control over the draft, and I don't really think Miami would be high on drafting another Longhorn RB all about personal accomplishments and not the team.

[XERXES]

I think Miami taking Benson is a very realistic possibility - although running backs do tend to slip (especially lately).

I think the Cowboys need to address Dline, WR, and CB with their first three picks - taking the best athlete available at any of those positions left on the board.

[FilthyFinMavs]

I'd be very dissapointed if the Cowboys passed up both Rolle and Johnson if they're there when they pick.

[ocelot_ark]

My prediction...Channing Crowder will end up being the best linebacker out of this draft. Dude is a stud.

[capitalcity]

Originally posted by: FilthyFinMavs
I'd be very dissapointed if the Cowboys passed up both Rolle and Johnson if they're there when they pick.

Ditto.

[sike]

Originally posted by: capitalcity

Ditto.

Ditto his Ditto

[sike]

say it with me, "playmakers".......maybe if we say it enough...

[#1MavsFan]

Will mike williams realistically drop that low? He was expected as a upcomming top 3 pick until he missed the season. And will derrick johnson drop out of the top 10 too?

[sike]

this mock is goofy...

[dirno2000]

Originally posted by: #1MavsFan
Will mike williams realistically drop that low? He was expected as a upcomming top 3 pick until he missed the season. And will derrick johnson drop out of the top 10 too?

That's about where he was projected last year. There are serious questions about his speed.

[sike]

is anyone else as sick as I am of speed being considered so highly? It seems to me that it is proven less important every year as the rookies prove their worth during the season with actual production...

[Jamisonite]

Originally posted by: #1MavsFan
Will mike williams realistically drop that low? He was expected as a upcomming top 3 pick until he missed the season. And will derrick johnson drop out of the top 10 too?

Linebackers usually arent taken high in the draft so dj dropping wont be suprising. and if you look at most of the teams in the top 10, they dont need wrs. so expect mike williams to drop

[dirno2000]

QB Rodgers projects as No. 1 pick

Scouts Inc.

Our scouts have been tracking the top NFL prospects since last summer, evaluating their in-season performances both on film and in person, comparing notes with NFL personnel experts and scouting the Shrine and Las Vegas all-star games. Individual scouting reports from that legwork can be found in DraftTracker.

Now that the draft pool has stabilized and the draft order has been established, here's our first crack at mapping out the first round. We'll be scouting the Senior Bowl, the Indianapolis combine and various individual workouts, as well as zeroing in on NFL teams' ever-changing needs to make sure our projections remain accurate and realistic.

* = underclassman

2005 NFL draft, projected first round

1. San Francisco 49ers (2-14)
Aaron Rodgers* | QB | California
Neither Rodgers nor Alex Smith is a good value at the No. 1 overall spot. With so many needs, the 49ers would be best served to trade down in return for some extra Day One picks. If, however, they get stuck picking at No. 1 and if the new coaching staff decides that Tim Rattay is not the future, the organization will have another tough decision to make between Rodgers and Smith. As it stands right now, Rodgers grades out slightly ahead of Smith. Rodgers lacks ideal height, but he has terrific arm strength, good accuracy and above-average athleticism.


2. Miami Dolphins (4-12)
Alex Smith* | QB | Utah
The Dolphins have several needs, including running back, defensive end and offensive line. Coach Nick Saban must first decide if A.J. Feeley is his quarterback of the future. If not, drafting Smith (or Rodgers depending on which QB the 49ers pass on) would be the most likely move. If, however, Saban can live with Feeley as his franchise quarterback for the future, drafting one of three top running backs in this class – Cedric Benson, Ronnie Brown and Carnell Williams – becomes the next best move.

3. Cleveland Browns (4-12)
Adam Jones* | DC | West Virginia
The Browns ideally would like one of the top quarterbacks to fall to them here. If not, they could entertain the idea of trading down in order to package extra picks and get a better value on one of only two legitimate offensive tackle prospects in this draft class – Alex Barron and Jammal Brown. If all else fails, upgrading their secondary becomes a priority and Jones would be the best fit. Not only does Jones have the cover skills, speed and toughness to develop into a "shutdown" cornerback, he also has loads of upside as an NFL return specialist. The Browns could really use a playmaker like Jones on defense and special teams.

4. Chicago Bears (5-11)
Braylon Edwards | WR | Michigan
The Bears desperately need a wide receiver who can stretch the field vertically, and Edwards is the best this class has to offer. Some think the Bears will shy away from using another top pick on a Michigan wide receiver, but that theory is ridiculous. For starters, the current regime wasn't in place when the Bears drafted David Terrell. Secondly, Edwards is bigger and faster than Terrell and made far more big plays at the collegiate level than Terrell did. In our opinion, Edwards is the best receiver in this year's draft and has elite NFL potential.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-11)
Ronnie Brown | RB | Auburn
The Buccaneers could go in several different directions with this pick, including running back, offensive tackle, defensive tackle, defensive end and defensive back. With so much talent at the running back position, the Bucs will get their best value with the fifth overall pick. While Benson is a better fit for an offense looking for a load-carrying power runner, Brown is a better fit for Jon Gruden's version of the West Coast offense. Brown is big, strong and fast enough to carry a heavy load in the NFL, and he's also one of the best receivers and blockers at the running back position in this year's class. In short, Brown's versatility makes him a perfect fit for Gruden and the Bucs.

6. Tennessee Titans (5-11)
Alex Barron | OT | Florida State
The Titans could go after a cornerback here if Andre Dyson departs via free agency. For now, however, the team's biggest need remains offensive tackle with so many questions about the future of aging OTs Fred Miller and Brad Hopkins. There isn't a "can't-miss" tackle in this year's class, but Barron is the closest thing to it. Barron has the size, strength and feet to develop into a starting left tackle in the NFL, but he needs to become more physical.

7. Oakland Raiders (5-11)
Cedric Benson | RB | Texas
The Raiders would be elated if Benson fell to them at No. 7. Coach Norv Turner's offensive philosophy is to pound it out on the ground with a big, bruising back who can wear the opponent down and eventually open up some vertical opportunities with a play-action pass. The Raiders have a strong enough arm at quarterback with Kerry Collins, the speed at wide receiver and the bruising offensive line to execute that scheme, but what's missing is the "bell-cow" at running back. Benson doesn't have great speed or elusiveness, but he's a north-south runner with great vision, size and power – making him a perfect fit for Turner and the Raiders.


8. Arizona Cardinals (6-10)
Carnell Williams | RB | Auburn
The Cardinals still have several needs to address in the upcoming draft. After passing on Eli Manning and Ben Roethlisberger in last year's draft and coming to the realization that Josh McCown is not the future of the franchise's quarterback position, the Cardinals would love to see either Rodgers or Smith fall to them here. Assuming both are gone by the time the team selects at No. 8, the Cardinals then will shift their focus to running back, defensive line and cornerback. Of those positions, the best value is Williams, who immediately could provide the Cardinals with an upgrade over Emmitt Smith. Williams doesn't have the size of Benson or the versatility of Brown, but he might be the toughest pound-for-pound back in this draft. He also has enough receiving and blocking skills to develop into an every-down back in the NFL.

9. Washington Redskins (6-10)
Erasmus James | DE | Wisconsin
The Redskins could use an upgrade at center, some added speed at wide receiver and more of an impact player at H-back, but their biggest need is a pass-rushing defensive end. The team was forced to blitz entirely too much in order to generate a rush, which often left them vulnerable in coverage. By adding an impact edge rusher with this pick, the Redskins could significantly upgrade what already is a solid defensive unit. James is a risk-reward type prospect because of his injury history. But he's the best pure pass rusher in this class and worth the risk.

10. Detroit Lions (6-10)
Heath Miller* | TE | Virginia
The Lions could use playmakers at defensive end and in the secondary, but upgrading the tight end position ranks higher on the wish list. Miller is the only sure-fire first-round prospect this class has to offer. He lacks Todd Heap and Tony Gonzalez-type speed, but he's just a notch below the elite in terms of playmaking ability. Miller has very good size, is a smooth athlete, has a terrific feel for the passing game and might have the best hands of any skill-position player in this draft.

11. Dallas Cowboys (6-10)
Antrel Rolle | DC | Miami-FL
The Cowboys badly underestimated their need at cornerback last season, and it resulted in a major trickle-down effect for the entire defensive unit. In a scheme that relies so heavily on its cornerbacks to hold up in man-to-man coverage in order to get more aggressive with safeties and linebackers, it would be shocking if the Cowboys allowed this need to go unaddressed again this offseason. With so many solid first-round cornerback prospects to choose from, the team will likely have options. Rolle needs to run well in his postseason workouts to prove that he's capable of holding up on an island at the next level. Assuming he does, Rolle has the size, instincts, toughness and athletic ability to quickly become a solid starter.

12. San Diego Chargers (12-4)
Mike Williams | WR | USC
Despite their impressive turnaround in 2004, the Chargers still have several positions of need to address. With two picks in the first round (12 and 28) , the team can either elect to package the two to move up or stay put and add two quality first-round youngsters. If it's the latter, drafting a dynamic wide receiver like Williams here would be awfully tempting. Williams doesn't have great speed and has been out of football for a year, but he is big enough and athletic enough to develop into a vertical threat. Adding a playmaker like Williams to go along with TE Antonio Gates and RB LaDainian Tomlinson would make the Chargers' offense frightening to match up against no matter the signal-caller.

13. Houston Texans (7-9)
Derrick Johnson | OLB | Texas
The Texans need to get younger along the defensive line and also could use another receiver to help complement Andre Johnson, but passing up on Johnson here would be a mistake. Johnson could slip because of the position he plays, but in our opinion he's the best defensive player in this class. The Texans used a top pick on a pass-rushing OLB in Justin Babin last season but could use a more traditional linebacker to help improve their run defense and pass coverage. Johnson, who has experience inside and outside, is versatile enough to play different roles in the team's 3-4 scheme, and he's athletic and instinctive enough to upgrade the unit in both of the aforementioned areas.

14. Carolina Panthers (7-9)
Troy Williamson* | WR | South Carolina
If the Panthers get Steve Smith back healthy and are able to re-sign Muhsin Muhammad before he becomes a free agent, wide receiver will no longer be a pressing need. However, if the team loses Muhammad, which is a likely scenario, drafting a big-play, vertical threat like Williamson would be a great value. Williamson is an underrated prospect right now because people haven't evaluated the underclassmen as much to this point. Once the 6-2, 205-pound playmaker runs a 4.4 during postseason workouts, his draft stock will skyrocket.

15. Kansas City Chiefs (7-9)
Dan Cody | DE | Oklahoma
The Chiefs could use a vertical threat like Williamson if he drops. Otherwise, it's defense, defense, defense. They could use a pass-rushing defensive end, a corner who can hold up in man-to-man coverage and an athletic linebacker. In this scenario, the Chiefs would have a tough choice to make between Cody, DC Brandon Browner and DT Travis Johnson, but Cody is the best value at the position they need most.

16. New Orleans Saints (8-8)
Brandon Browner* | DC | Oregon State
The Saints could use an athletic upgrade at linebacker, but there isn't one worth drafting at this point. The next biggest need is at cornerback, where the team is aging and desperately needs an influx of youth and speed. Browner will be considered somewhat of an enigma until he works out for scouts and gets an official 40-time in the books. However, if the 6-3, 202-pound cornerback runs in the 4.4's as expected, he could easily move into the top-half of the first round. Browner is a physical corner with great experience in bump-and-run coverage, something the Saints are missing.

17. Cincinnati Bengals (8-8)
Travis Johnson | DT | Florida State
The Bengals need to use this draft to upgrade the middle of their defense. If Johnson falls to them at No. 17, the Bengals would be elated. After struggling through some off-the-field issues that affected his play early in his career at FSU, Johnson had a breakout season as a full-time starter in 2004. In our opinion, he's the best defensive tackle in this year's draft class and has a chance to make a huge impact early in his NFL career as a one-gap, penetrating DT.

18. Minnesota Vikings (8-8)
Thomas Davis | DS | Georgia
The Vikings might be looking for a wide receiver if they do indeed part ways with Randy Moss. If not, upgrading their defensive tackle position and secondary become the primary goals in the '05 draft. If Johnson is off the board, there isn't a great value available to replace Chris Hovan at DT, but Davis would be a good fit and value if he slips to No. 18. Davis still has room to improve in terms of his range in coverage, but he hits like a truck and is a playmaker in all facets of the game, which is exactly what the Vikings' secondary could use.

19. St. Louis Rams (8-8)
David Pollack | DE | Georgia
The Rams could use upgrades at offensive guard, inside linebacker and free safety, but none of those needs are as pressing as defensive end, particularly if Leonard Little isn't able to return. The Rams missed Grant Wistrom's motor last year, and the only player from this draft who can provide a similar presence is Pollack. He might lack ideal size and top-end speed, but Pollack has the quickness, power and playmaking instincts to immediately contribute in the NFL. One thing is certain: Nobody in this class works harder.

20. Dallas Cowboys (6-10)
Shawne Merriman* | OLB/DE | Maryland
After addressing their need at cornerback with the 11th overall pick, the Cowboys could easily turn their attention to finding a pass rusher. Merriman is a "tweener" DE/OLB who might need time before settling in as a full-time starter at one position in the NFL, but he has the speed, athleticism and pass-rushing skills to immediately upgrade the Cowboys' defense in that department.

21. Jacksonville Jaguars (9-7)
Jammal Brown | OT | Oklahoma
The Jaguars could go after a perimeter pass rusher or cornerback with this pick, but solidifying the left tackle position (Byron Leftwich's blindside) is the No. 1 priority. Brown needs to become more physical, but he has the size and feet to develop into a solid starter.

22. Baltimore Ravens (9-7)
Mark Clayton | WR | Oklahoma
The Ravens are desperate for a wide receiver who can separate and stretch a defense vertically. They would like for one of the top-three receivers (Edwards, Williams and Williamson) to fall, but that's unlikely. Roddy White is a possibility if he works out well at the Senior Bowl and runs well at the combine. However, as it stands right now, Clayton is the next best talent at wide receiver. His lack of size is a concern, but he has very good speed and is a threat after the catch.

23. Seattle Seahawks (9-7)
Matt Roth | DE | Iowa
Grant Wistrom was an upgrade when healthy, but he's aging and can't be counted on anymore as an every-down player. The Seahawks could use a young pass-rushing presence at the defensive end position, and Roth provides some versatility in that he can play defensive end and even move back to a rush-linebacker role when the team is in its nickel and dime package.

24. Green Bay Packers (10-6)
Channing Crowder* | ILB | Florida
The Packers need to find another pass-rushing presence opposite Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, and they also need an upgrade at linebacker. If they draft an inside linebacker, Nick Barnett can move outside. If they draft an outside linebacker, Barnett can stay home at his MLB position. Crowder, who is a "tweener" OLB/ILB prospect, would be a good fit because the team could try him at both positions and see which one fits best. Crowder is still raw, but he's a good athlete with a mean streak, two qualities the Packers' linebacker corps currently lacks.

25. Denver Broncos (10-6)
Shaun Cody | DE | USC
This would be a good fit, as Cody is a "tweener" DE/DT who could play both roles for the Broncos. On first and second downs, Cody could spend time as a power-end in order to better rest pass-rushing specialist Reggie Howard. On obvious passing downs, Cody could move inside to upgrade the Broncos' interior pass rush.

26. New York Jets (10-6)
Carlos Rogers | DC | Auburn
The Jets' most glaring weakness on either side of the ball is at cornerback. Luckily for them, this year's draft class is loaded with top candidates at that position. Rogers is a good-size, physical man-to-man cover corner with the speed to turn and run with NFL receivers. He would be a great fit and value for the Jets at No. 26.

27. Atlanta Falcons (11-5)
Justin Miller* | DC | Clemson
If an offensive lineman emerges as a legitimate late first-round candidate between now and April's draft, that's probably the direction the team would go. If not, taking advantage of the strong cornerback class would be awfully tempting. Adding a speedster like Miller would give the Falcons potentially one of the best young cornerback tandems (DeAngelo Hall) in the league. Miller also could provide an immediate upgrade in the kickoff return game.

28. San Diego Chargers (12-4)
Daryl Blackstock* | OLB | Virginia
Blackstock was a dominant pass-rushing OLB in Virginia's 3-4 defense and could serve a similar purpose within the Chargers' identical scheme.

29. Indianapolis Colts (12-4)
Corey Webster | DC | LSU
The Colts have a lot of young talent in their secondary, but they are still without a playmaker at the cornerback position. Webster struggled through an injury-plagued senior season, but he had 14 interceptions between his sophomore and junior seasons (2002-03).

30. Pittsburgh Steelers (15-1)
Marlin Jackson | DC | Michigan
The Steelers could use this selection on an additional pass rusher at the rush-linebacker position, but cornerback is their biggest need. Jackson's draft stock has plummeted due to some off-the-field issues, injuries and a lack of big plays, but he's still supremely talented and might be worth taking a chance on late in the first round.

31. Philadelphia Eagles (13-3)
Marcus Spears | DE | LSU
The Eagles have a lot of bodies along the defensive line but have been hindered by injuries and a lack of production from recent draft picks, such as Jerome McDougle and Jamaal Green. Bringing in a versatile 295-pound defensive lineman like Spears would improve the depth and help protect the future of an aging unit.

32. New England Patriots (14-2)
Odell Thurman | LB |Georgia
This might be a bit of a reach, but the Patriots need to get younger at linebacker, especially inside. Thurman missed time early as a senior and was just hitting his stride as the season ended. He is a good athlete with the size, toughness and instincts to eventually develop into a starter opposite Tedy Bruschi.

[chumdawg]

With so many solid first-round cornerback prospects to choose from, the team will likely have options.

Then if they want a first-round corner, surely they will trade down. I don't think they are going corner with their first choice, though. Not with the great Pete Hunter coming back next year!

[dirno2000]

I've wavered on this, but after seein the Pats throw out Earthwind Moreland, Randall Gay, Troy Brown and Hank Poteet, i'm more convinced than ever that the corner position isn't nearly as big of a problem as most people in Dallas seem to think. We need catalytic players around the line of scrimmage.

Lito Sheppard and Sheldon Brown, are nice players, but does anybody thing that Philly sends 3/4's of thier secondary to Hawaii if they don't sign Kearse, Trotter and Douglas?

No way I'd take a corner in the 1st.

[chumdawg]

Excellent points, Dirno. Not to mention that the new rules make it awfully hard on corners anyway.

What do you think about Derrick Johnson here?

[dirno2000]

I'd love to see Johnson here. From the time he stepped on the field at UT, he made plays. Plus I think he has untapped potential as a pass rusher becaue he was so valuable just flowing to the ball from sideline to sideline.

Even if we don't pick up Johnson, this draft seems to be deeper than recent drafts when it comes to pure pass rushers so if Braylong Edwards slips (though that's looking less likely), I'd take him at 11 and pick up Spears, Cody, or Roth at 20.

OTOH, there seems to be a dearth of 1st round tackles so if that's the way Bill wants to go, we better get one early.

[capitalcity]

Originally posted by: dirno2000
I've wavered on this, but...i'm more convinced than ever that the corner position isn't nearly as big of a problem...no way I'd take a corner in the 1st.

If we land DJ Im fine with passing on Rolle, or another DB with the first rounders.

Eventhough I've been on Rolle's jock since september I'm willing to jump off the wagon. But I think both first rounders should be Defensive starters - no more of this Braylen Edwards talk.

[madape]

Wow, Alex Smith sure has moved up the board. I remember only two or three weeks ago he was projected as a second rounder.

[dirno2000]

no more of this Braylen Edwards talk.

I can't [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img] I love the guy for the same reason I love Derrick Johnson...he makes plays...a lot of them...and he's done it for a long time against a high level of competition. I just think he's going to be one of those guys where if he's one on one, you just put it up there and he'll make a play on the ball...a threat on any play. Plus he's big and athletic enough to be threat in the red zone....I can't say that about any of our current crop of receivers. If we're going to start Henson next year, we need to give him all the weapons we can.

Plus, while we had on of the worst scoring defenses in the league (27th), or offense wasn't much better (25th).

Of course, this is all just a pipe dream on my part, since I can't see him being available at 11 with all the anemic offensive teams picking in front of us.

[sike]

Pick #11: defensive playmaker

Pick #20: best playmaker left either offense or defense

[XERXES]

Originally posted by: sike
Pick #11: defensive playmaker

Pick #20: best playmaker left either offense or defense

Sike, don't ever let anyone tell you that you tend to overstate the obvious!

You have a gift, my friend...a gift I say!!!

[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

[sike]

At last, a disciple...

[Phil Helmuth]

there will not be 3 running backs in the top 15 let alone 10.