Sporting news mock draft

[Atlas]

KEY » *
MOCK DRAFT: ROUND 1
PICK TEAM PLAYER POS SCHOOL
1 (1) 49ers Alex Smith* QB Utah
Niners' officials have arrived at two conclusions: 1) They won't be able to trade down and 2) The team cannot win in the short term. So, the 49ers should take the QB with the most upside and develop him slowly. Smith could sit behind Tim Rattay in 2005 and learn without undo pressure and not take a beating behind a rebuilding offensive line. Smith has a strong arm, outstanding athleticism and winning intangibles.

2 (2) Dolphins Ronnie Brown RB Auburn
Nick Saban is a defensive-minded coach, but he has final say on all personnel matters. He needs a workhorse back to make his conservative, ball-control offense work. Brown, with his great combination of power and speed, is tough to tackle and also excels as a receiver.

3 (3) Browns Derrick Johnson OLB Texas
Romeo Crennel wants to build the New England way -- defense first. Johnson is the consensus best defensive prospect in this draft. Outside linebacker is key to the success of Crennel's 3-4. Johnson, a great athlete, also shows terrific natural football instincts.

4 (4) Bears Braylon Edwards WR Michigan
Chicago will take the biggest playmaker on the board. Some say Mike Williams would be the top receiver choice, but Edwards is faster and has a better character grade. Edwards, in addition to his solid frame, has great hands and the potential to become an All-Pro wideout. He immediately would become the Bears' best offensive player.

5 (5) Buccaneers Carnell Williams RB Auburn
Coach Jon Gruden says he never can have enough offensive cogs. The public favorite is Tampa native Mike Williams, but the Bucs are in more need of a workhorse back. This Williams has the body to take the pounding and the speed to be a home-run threat.

6 (6) Titans Aaron Rodgers* QB Cal.
Despite what Titans officials say, the team is rebuilding. Although Jeff Fisher is a defensive-minded coach, GM Floyd Reese will make this call. Rodgers would sit behind Steve McNair, learn without undue pressure and keep from taking a beating behind a shoddy offensive line.

7 (7) Vikings Mike Williams* WR USC
(from Oakland) The Vikings rebuilt their defense through the free-agent market and trades and would look to replace some of Randy Moss' production here. Williams is big (6-4 5/8, 229), physical and fast enough to create mismatches all over the field.

8 (8) Cardinals Cedric Benson RB Texas
The Cardinals have outstanding young receivers, upgraded their offensive line with free agents and have put a Band-Aid on QB. Coach Dennis Green covets a power running back, and Benson has both the size (222 pounds) and will to run hard between the tackles and both the great vision and speed to get outside. Benson would balance the offense and take pressure off Kurt Warner.

9 (9) Redskins Adam Jones* CB W.Va.
After trading Champ Bailey last year and losing free-agent Fred Smoot this year, the Redskins now have a glaring need at cornerback. Jones lacks great size (5-9 5/8) but is a big-time playmaker with a confident, winning attitude. He tends to gamble, but his risky decisions usually pay off. Jones would need to become a better assignment corner in Gregg Williams' disciplined defense.

10 (10) Lions Antrel Rolle CB Miami (FL)
Facing the Vikings and Packers twice a year in the pass-happy NFC North, Detroit is forced to use nickel personnel about two-thirds of the time on defense. Rolle (6-0 5/8, 197, 4.49) raises his good size and decent speed with impressive intelligence and instincts.

11 (11) Cowboys Troy Williamson* WR S. Carolina
With the first of two first-round picks, the Cowboys can get the missing piece in their attempt to re-create the QB-RB-WR Triplets magic of the '90s -- shifty Julius Jones and strong-armed Drew Bledsoe are the other two ingredients. Williamson would become Bledsoe's top deep threat and open things up for Jones, Jason Witten and Keyshawn Johnson underneath.

12 (12) Chargers Mark Clayton WR Oklahoma
(from NY Giants) San Diego would be thrilled if Clayton still were on the board here. Clayton, drawing comparisons to Marvin Harrison, is a playmaker who can score from anywhere on the field. He is a bit undersized (5-10 3/8, 193) but shows elite speed, hands and agility.

13 (13) Texans Alex Barron T Florida St.
The Texans would be happy beneficiaries if Barron slides this far down. Huge (6-7 1/2, 320) with outstanding athleticism, he excels in pass protection. Barron might struggle, however, if he must play right tackle because he isn't a great run blocker. He still should start as a rookie.

14 (14) Panthers Travis Johnson DT Florida St.
Brentson Buckner is nearing retirement age, and Johnson would be an ideal heir. He is a big (6-3 7/8, 296) physical presence and would team with Kris Jenkins to form a dominant interior line.

15 (15) Chiefs Erasmus James DE Wis.
The Chiefs' line is the weakest of several weak links on defense. James is an active, two-way end who plays with great intensity and terrific leverage.

16 (16) Saints Carlos Rogers CB Auburn
Rogers' stock is rising and would give the Saints an immediate upgrade. In addition to his great speed (4.44) and quickness, he is physical and fearless and can provide good run support. He needs to improve his ball skills, however.

17 (17) Bengals Shawne Merriman* DE Maryland
The Bengals had trouble stopping the run last season. Merriman, an outstanding athlete who can play either end our outside linebacker, could be the key ingredient to improving the team's athleticism. The Bengals would use Merriman as a pass-rush specialist at first but develop him into a two-way end opposite Justin Smith.

18 (18) Vikings Jammal Brown T Oklahoma
The Vikings have addressed most of their defensive needs with veterans, so they should consider another offensive addition here. Brown would be an immediate upgrade at right tackle with his long strong arms, working best in pass protection. He has the tools for run blocking but must get stronger and bulkier to excel.

19 (19) Rams Brodney Pool* S Oklahoma
The Rams have a glaring need at strong safety as they plan to move Adam Archuleta to free safety. Pool, an outstanding athlete, is strong in run support and solid in coverage. He is the kind of physical safety that defensive coaches covet. With his nose for the ball, he would keep the Rams from converting linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa.

20 (20) Cowboys Marcus Spears DE LSU
(from Buffalo) Bill Parcells is a 3-4 defensive coach at heart and is looking to acquire the personnel to make the transition. Spears has the size (6-4, 307) and athleticism to play end in a two-gap scheme.

21 (21) Jaguars David Pollack DE Georgia
The Jaguars have two of the game's best young defensive tackles in John Henderson and Marcus Stroud, and now need another end to complement former Bronco Reggie Hayward. Pollack (6-2 3/8, 270) is undersized but compensates with great speed, quickness, instincts and hustle. Best suited as a pass rusher, he also can stuff the run and play in open field.

22 (22) Ravens Darryl Blackstock* OLB Va.
The Ravens are set to revert to a 4-3 defense and must restock their personnel. Blackstock, paired with All-Pro middle linebacker Ray Lewis, would be the weaksider set free to use his speed and athleticism to chase the ball.

23 (23) Seahawks Justin Miller* CB Clemson
The Seahawks lost free-agent cornerback Ken Lucas and must fill his void in this draft. Miller possesses great change-of-direction and ball skills and is both tough and physical. He also is a productive kick returner.

24 (24) Packers Demarcus Ware DE Troy State
Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila is the Packers' only viable pass rusher. Ware played outside linebacker in college but would move to end as a pro. He shows both the speed and burst to be a dynamic pass rusher and has both the athleticism and instincts to play the run.

25 (25) Broncos Fabian Washington* CB Nebraska
The Broncos lost free-agent Kelly Herndon and Lenny Walls, their starter opposite Bailey, is coming off an injury-riddled season. They must upgrade at corner, considering they must now face the Raiders' dynamic duo of Moss and Jerry Porter twice each season. Washington, who had an Olympian Combine workout (4.29 40, 3.91 short shuttle, 41 1/2-inch vertical leap), compensates for his undersized frame (5-10 1/2, 188) with his athleticism and strong coverage skills.

26 (26) Jets Khalif Barnes T Wash.
The Jets lost right tackle Kareem McKenzie as a free agent and don't have his replacement on the roster. Barnes is the fastest-rising prospect in the draft. He is experienced, having started 42 consecutive games at Washington. He also has a big frame (6-5 3/4, 305) to go with his terrific athleticism and speed. He needs to add some bulk to be really effective in run blocking.

27 (27) Falcons Shaun Cody DT USC
Cody, a versatile defender, can play anywhere on the line. He eventually will settle in at tackle as a pro but has both the quickness and intensity to fit the Falcons' attacking persona.

28 (28) Chargers Matt Roth DE Iowa
Roth plays with nonstop hustle and sometimes gets a little out of control. He would need to adapt to the Chargers' two-gap scheme and must improve his pass-rush discipline but shows tremendous pro potential.

29 (29) Colts Channing Crowder* OLB Florida
The Colts must upgrade their defensive talent, starting at linebacker. If not for some character concerns, Crowder wouldn't stay on the board this long. Aggressive with nonstop hustle, he can play undisciplined, but he still is young, having played only two years at Florida.

30 (30) Steelers Marlin Jackson CB Michigan
Jackson is a big (6-0 5/8, 198), physical defender but lacks elite speed. He compensates with great quickness. He played both cornerback and safety in college and would be a factor in the Steelers' nickel packages until possibly eventually taking over for veteran corner Willie Williams.

31 (31) Eagles Kevin Burnett OLB Tennessee
Linebacker is the only weak link on an elite Eagles defense. Jim Johnson likes to blitz from everywhere and needs athletic linebackers to be most effective. A high-character player, Burnett can both run and hit with a nose for the ball.

32 (32) Patriots Barrett Ruud OLB Nebraska
The Patriots' defense is driven by their aging linebackers, but Tedy Bruschi's heart complications may cause him to miss the season, and Ted Johnson and Willie McGinest are 32 and 33, respectively. Ruud is the versatile defender coach Bill Belichick covets. Ruud isn't the most gifted athlete, but he plays smart and has great character.

[Atlas]

I would like to see Denver get a CB in the first. I have some reservations about Fabian Washington. I would rather have Marlin Jackson than Washington. Hopefully Justin Miller will fall to them.

[Play2win]

OMG- loosing Herdon, a nice role-player (NOT a starter), does not equate to wasting a first round pick on a CB. And, you know if Shanahan picks a CB in the first round he WILL be a BUST.

Shanny, stick with your drafting STRENGTHS!!!!

[atwater58]

I would bet that if A Rodgers isn't drafted by the Browns or Bears that either the Pack or Cardinals would trade up to #5 and take him.

[Hercules Rockefeller]

CB ranks up there with LB and RB as positions I don't want to see drafted in the 1st.

[Atlas]

Originally Posted by Play2Win

OMG- loosing Herdon, a nice role-player (NOT a starter), does not equate to wasting a first round pick on a CB. And, you know if Shanahan picks a CB in the first round he WILL be a BUST.

Shanny, stick with your drafting STRENGTHS!!!!

Your saying no matter who Shanny drafts as a CB he will be a bust?? That is ludicrous. And Herndan WAS the starter last year. In today's NFL you can never have too many CBs. And if Denver can get a top notch CB I say grab him.

OH yeah Shanny's record of drafting Dlineman is just as bad as drafting CBs.

[Play2win]

Originally Posted by Hercules Rockefeller

CB ranks up there with LB and RB as positions I don't want to see drafted in the 1st.

Position I don't want to see Drafted in the 1st-

#1- CB
#2- LB
#3- RB

In fact I don't want to see a CB drafted in the fist 3 rounds. Now, a Cover-Safety thats a whole different matter. I wouldn't mind drafting a Cover-Safety in the 3rd round, and M-A-Y-B-E in the 2nd.

[atwater58]

Originally Posted by Play2Win

OMG- loosing Herdon, a nice role-player (NOT a starter), does not equate to wasting a first round pick on a CB. And, you know if Shanahan picks a CB in the first round he WILL be a BUST.

Shanny, stick with your drafting STRENGTHS!!!!

He has to eventually hit on one corner in the draft someday. I think picking up a corner should be our #1 priority. Basically for obvious reasons- Walls is coming off an injury and there is a pretty good chance that KC and OAKland are going to be doing some chucking next season with 3 WR's.

How offbeat is it to say that we will be playing at Indy in the wildcard game again next year- 1st or 2nd round CB is a must unless they plan on bring in Dyson.

[Atlas]

Originally Posted by atwater58

He has to eventually hit on one corner in the draft someday. I think picking up a corner should be our #1 priority. Basically for obvious reasons- Walls is coming off an injury and there is a pretty good chance that KC and OAKland are going to be doing some chucking next season with 3 WR's.

How offbeat is it to say that we will be playing at Indy in the wildcard game again next year- 1st or 2nd round CB is a must unless they plan on bring in Dyson.

Both Walls and Middlebrooks are coming off an injury AND Walls is in the final year of his contract and will be loooking for big bucks next year.

[Play2win]

Originally Posted by Atlas

Your saying no matter who Shanny drafts as a CB he will be a bust?? That is ludicrous. And Herndan WAS the starter last year. In today's NFL you can never have too many CBs. And if Denver can get a top notch CB I say grab him.

OH yeah Shanny's record of drafting Dlineman is just as bad as drafting CBs.

Slow down buddy, I am saying Shanahan has drafted certain positions very well. CB is not one of them. We don't have a glaring need for CB. Herndon was a starter out of desperation. The only way Herndon starts in the NFL is because he is on a very weak team or because of injuries. Injuries was the case here. He is a fine Nickel back, but he is just not a starter-quality CB. We have alot of young DBs that, I think, are going to step up. I think Middlebrooks is going to have a very good year next year.

Because of the State of the game, and how they are calling the game, it lessens the value of the CB and increases the value of the D-Line. We have atleast a very adequate defensive backfield. I'll even go as far as to say, we have a very good one. And it would be an excellent one as soon as we get a high-caliber Cover-Safety. Alot of this has to do with the cover ability of the LB core.

So, I think we should look in different areas to strengthen our team, like the D-LINE, the O-LINE and a physical big target, big play WR or TE.

These are just my opinions...

So have a coke and a smile and a nice day.

Or if your like me, You'll have a PEPSI!!

[Hercules Rockefeller]

Originally Posted by Atlas

OH yeah Shanny's record of drafting Dlineman is just as bad as drafting CBs.

We're talking about the 1st round.

Pryce v. O'Neal and Middlebrooks

Which position wins?

[atwater58]

We have alot of young DBs that, I think, are going to step up. I think Middlebrooks is going to have a very good year next year.






I have to disagree with both of you comments here bro-
1. with alot of young DB's do you mean ROC who was our 3rd DB and got thrashed in INDY
2.Middlebrooks has sucked for the last 5 years- what info do you have that says this year will be different

[Atlas]

Originally Posted by Play2Win

.

These are just my opinions...

So have a coke and a smile and a nice day.

Or if your like me, You'll have a PEPSI!!

Diet Pepsi for me thanks. I need one!!

[Play2win]

Originally Posted by atwater58

I have to disagree with both of you comments here bro-
1. with alot of young DB's do you mean ROC who was our 3rd DB and got thrashed in INDY
2.Middlebrooks has sucked for the last 5 years- what info do you have that says this year will be different

Here is our Defensive backfield. Notice How young everyone is. Even Champ is only in his 6th year. Only time will tell how these guys will do, I remember a few years ago when a couple of undrafted free agents came to town, by the names of Kelly Herndon and Lenny Walls. Also notice the pretty decent size across the board for our DBs. I am happy with where were at in our Defensive backfield, what we really need is a PASS RUSH!!!

Walls, Lenny  6' 4" 192  3rd 
 
LeSueur, Jeremy 6' 0" 197  R 

Bailey, Champ 6' 0" 192 6th

Alexander, Roc 5' 10" 186 R 

Shoate, Jeff 5' 10" 189  R 

Middlebrooks, Willie 6' 1" 200  4th 
 
Brandon, Sam  6' 2" 200  3rd 

Young, Chris 6' 0" 210  2nd 

Ferguson, Nick 5' 11" 201  5th 

[Play2win]

Originally Posted by Atlas

Diet Pepsi for me thanks. I need one!!

Right on!