Kiper: Mock Round 2

[bloodsunday]

The second round is often the place to find great value in the NFL draft, and 2005 should be no different.

Defensive tackle Mike Patterson of USC is rated ahead of teammate Shaun Cody among defensive linemen, but because of team needs I project Cody as a first-rounder and Patterson as a second-rounder. That means the Raiders will get a great deal at No. 38 if my projection holds true.

The same can be said of teams drafting offensive linemen David Baas of Michigan and Chris Spencer of Mississippi, both of whom have the versatility to play more than one position along the line, and Tulane wide receiver Roydell Williams and San Diego State linebacker Matt McCoy, both of whom were not invited to the combine but should become second-round picks.

Other interesting names in my second-round projection include Ohio State kicker Mike Nugent, Charlie Frye of Akron, Mississippi offensive lineman Marcus Johnson and Connecticut linebacker Alfred Fincher.

Eric Green
Eric Green knows how to take a pass the other way.
33. San Francisco 49ers: Eric Green, CB, Virginia Tech
Green is an in-your-face corner who would fill a need area for the Niners. He is reminiscent of current NFL standout Al Harris.

34. Cleveland Browns: Darryl Blackstock (jr.), LB, Virginia
A pass-rushing outside linebacker who has tremendous athletic ability and played in an NFL-type system under Al Groh.

35. Philadelphia Eagles (from Miami): Odell Thurman (jr.), LB, Georgia
One of the most instinctive linebackers in the draft, Thurman was an inside linebacker in college but could move to the outside at the next level.

36. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Roscoe Parrish (jr.), WR, Miami
Would be a nice third option in the passing game with his ability to run after the catch, and would also be valuable as a return man.

37. Tennessee Titans: Jerome Mathis, WR, Hampton
The first non-Division I-A player in my projection, Mathis dominated the I-AA ranks with his size, speed and hands and has the tools to succeed under new offensive coordinator Norm Chow. The Titans might also be looking for the heir-apparent to quarterback Steve McNair, so consider Auburn quarterback Jason Campbell a possibility here, too.

38. Oakland Raiders: Mike Patterson, DT, USC
As I said earlier, getting his big presence to fill a need along the defensive front would be a steal for the Raiders with Patterson possessing first-round talent.

39. Chicago Bears: Ryan Moats (jr.), RB, Louisiana Tech
Moats is elusive and has tremendous ability to change direction, something that allowed him to put up excellent numbers in college.

40. New Orleans Saints (from Washington): Bryant McFadden, CB, Florida State
I have been screaming for years that the Saints need to draft a big-time corner and McFadden fits the bill. Perhaps the most aggressive corner in the draft, he also has good size.

41. Detroit Lions: Ray Willis, OT, Florida State
An absolute destroyer in the running game, Willis would really help emerging star Kevin Jones make a bigger mark.

42. Dallas Cowboys: Brodney Pool (jr.), S, Oklahoma
Was not as impressive as a junior as he was during his sophomore season, but Pool is instinctive and has good athletic ability. Along with former Oklahoma Sooner Roy Williams, Pool would make a nice OU tandem in Dallas' defensive backfield.

43. New York Giants: Anttaj Hawthorne, DT, Wisconsin
A 323-pound clogger in the middle who would boost a New York run defense that finished 14th in the NFL last season.

44. Arizona Cardinals: Stanley Wilson, CB, Stanford
Current Arizona coach Dennis Green was once the coach at Stanford and knows what kind of players come out of Palo Alto. Wilson was a four-year starter for the Cardinal.

45. Carolina Panthers: David Baas, OL, Michigan
Baas has a mean streak and banged heads with some of the best linemen in the nation during his four years at Michigan. He has a first-round grade because of his ability to play both center and guard.

46. Kansas City Chiefs: Mark Bradley, WR, Oklahoma
Was the best receiver in the country after the catch last season. A former defensive back, Bradley's best football is ahead of him as he learned the finer points of the position.

47. Houston Texans: Roydell Williams, WR, Tulane
Was not among the 40 receivers at the combine but has steadily moved up thanks to his stellar workouts and productive college career.

48. Cincinnati Bengals: Chris Spencer (jr.), OL, Mississippi
Another offensive lineman who trades on his versatility, Spencer can play any position along the line.

49. Minnesota Vikings: Mike Nugent, PK, Ohio State
The Vikings have two first-round picks and filled a lot of needs via free agency, so they can afford to go after a player who is unquestionably the best kicker in the draft.

50. St. Louis Rams: Justin Tuck (jr.), DE, Notre Dame
The Rams need a defensive end and Tuck is a good value pick at this point after slipping due to durability concerns.

Charlie Frye
Charlie Frye may have some big shoes to fill in Green Bay.
51. Green Bay Packers (from New Orleans): Charlie Frye, QB, Akron
A tough player with good mobility and accuracy, Frye would become the heir apparent to Brett Favre and have time to get ready to step in once the Green Bay fixture is ready to retire.

52. Jacksonville Jaguars: Trent Cole, DE, Cincinnati
An undersized end in the Hugh Douglas mold, Cole has a good first step and can get into the backfield.

53. Baltimore Ravens: Marcus Johnson, OL, Mississippi
Yet another versatile lineman, Johnson can play guard or tackle and has the overall consistency NFL scouts look for.

54. Seattle Seahawks: Matt McCoy, LB, San Diego State
An under-the-radar prospect who was not at the combine, McCoy has great instincts and aggressiveness despite his lack of ideal size.

55. Buffalo Bills: Luis Castillo, DT, Northwestern
A feisty player with terrific intensity and a great motor.

56. Denver Broncos: Evan Mathis, G, Alabama
Mathis is one of the fastest-rising offensive line prospects thanks to impressive workouts. He can play both center and guard.

57. New York Jets: Jonathan Babineaux, DT, Iowa
A very intense, productive college player who teamed with projected first-rounder Matt Roth to cause trouble for Big Ten offensive linemen.

58. Green Bay Packers: Gerald Sensabaugh, S, North Carolina
The 6-0½, 213-pounder has had some terrific workouts, running in the 4.45 range and showing a 46-inch vertical jump. He would he a big help for a Packers secondary that was weak at times last year. Interesting note: Sensabaugh played only one year at North Carolina after starting for three seasons at East Tennessee State before the school dropped its football program.

59. Atlanta Falcons: Josh Bullocks (jr.), Nebraska
Intercepted 10 passes as a sophomore but only two last season. Still, Bullocks has all the physical skills you could ask for and a good nose for the ball.

60. Indianapolis Colts: Barrett Ruud, LB, Nebraska
His speed and athletic ability made him Nebraska's all-time leading tackler. Ruud would help the Colts shore up a defense that has been their undoing in recent years.

61. San Diego Chargers: Reggie Brown, WR, Georgia
Had a great Senior Bowl week that prompted many to consider him a possible late-first or early-second-round pick, but this looks like a good fit with the Chargers trying to give quarterback Drew Brees more weapons.

62. Pittsburgh Steelers: Brandon Browner (3rd-so.), CB, Oregon State
Has terrific size at 6-3½, 221, but a lack of speed combined with a so-so season at Oregon State have him dropping down the board. Browner could eventually end up in the third or fourth round.

63. Philadelphia Eagles: J.J. Arrington, RB, California
A back in the mold of current Eagle Brian Westbrook. Arrington can catch the ball and is an underrated runner who led the nation in total rushing yards while showing breakaway speed.

64. New England Patriots: Alfred Fincher, LB, New England
One of the most productive linebackers in the nation, Fincher led the Big East with 140 total tackles last season and has good size and toughness. The Patriots need to get younger at linebacker and Fincher would be an ideal fit.

[bloodsunday]

There are some guys in here that Denver should consider at #25, like:
David Baas, Mike Patterson, Roscoe Parrish, and Brodney Pool.

Man I hope they can trade back and get a couple more 2nd round picks. There is some real talent that should be available here.

[ozomulsion]

Originally Posted by bloodsunday

There are some guys in here that Denver should consider at #25, like:
David Baas, Mike Patterson, Roscoe Parrish, and Brodney Pool.

Man I hope they can trade back and get a couple more 2nd round picks. There is some real talent that should be available here.

Roscoe at 25 or anywhere near 25 is silly. The U is my team but that's a stretch to say the least.

[bloodsunday]

Originally Posted by ozomulsion

Roscoe at 25 or anywhere near 25 is silly. The U is my team but that's a stretch to say the least.

Maybe. The point really is that drafting at #25 is borderline second round anyway with the talent available in this year's draft. However, not many of these type of players (all impact college players) will be left at the end of round 2. We gotta find a way to get out of #25 and stockpile at least one more round 2 pick and perhaps another round 3 or a round 4.

[MileHighMania]

Nice ... a R2 guard listed as a good prospect and workout warrior. Might as well take Jones.

[ozomulsion]

Originally Posted by bloodsunday

Maybe. The point really is that drafting at #25 is borderline second round anyway with the talent available in this year's draft. However, not many of these type of players (all impact college players) will be left at the end of round 2. We gotta find a way to get out of #25 and stockpile at least one more round 2 pick and perhaps another round 3 or a round 4.

agreed

[bloodsunday]

Originally Posted by MileHighMania

Nice ... a R2 guard listed as a good prospect and workout warrior. Might as well take Jones.

I agree with this sentiment. But, will Jones last until #56? Based on the buzz, I doubt it.

[MileHighMania]

Likely not, and I'm not a fan of taking 'prospects' or workout phenoms in the first couple of picks. I'd love them with comp picks in R3, but we need playmakers and great depth ... guys with the potential to step up and play.

[fontaine]

Originally Posted by bloodsunday

Maybe. The point really is that drafting at #25 is borderline second round anyway with the talent available in this year's draft. However, not many of these type of players (all impact college players) will be left at the end of round 2. We gotta find a way to get out of #25 and stockpile at least one more round 2 pick and perhaps another round 3 or a round 4.

I'm sure they are trying, but there are plenty of teams picking in the bottom of the first round thinking the same thing.

[bloodsunday]

Originally Posted by MileHighMania

Likely not, and I'm not a fan of taking 'prospects' or workout phenoms in the first couple of picks.

Yeah, I think the whole system has put a player's on field production second to his workouts, position, and wonderlic scores! I know I am in the minority, but I am in favor of Baas at #25 for that reason. He is a stud that is well tested and played at a high level in one of the biggest conferences in the nation. The Broncos don't appear to have many options in terms of moving down and moving up in the second round will be impossible because our only mid round picks (2 #3s) are comps and can't be traded. I know it would be considered a "reach", but the guy is proven and plays a position where we need help.

[bloodsunday]

Originally Posted by fontaine

I'm sure they are trying, but there are plenty of teams picking in the bottom of the first round thinking the same thing.

That's probably true, but excuses are for losers. The Broncos need to start making these moves (they've lost out twice in the past 2 years) happen if they are going to master this process. Hell, I'd be in favor of getting crazy and moving up to get a playmaker like BMW. But drafting at #25 seems like a no win situation to me. Of course that depends on how the draft shakes out. If a guy like Mark Clayton slips, then #25 is looking good.

[MileHighMania]

I would really like to see Clayton fall to #25. Then again, I was stoked to see Steven Jackson fall to us and floored by the DJ pick. I like DJ, but I was sure that they were grabbing Jackson.

That's the part I hate about the draft... having a number of needs, seeing a player fall to your pick that you would love to have and then they call another name.

[fontaine]

Originally Posted by bloodsunday

That's probably true, but excuses are for losers. The Broncos need to start making these moves (they've lost out twice in the past 2 years) happen if they are going to master this process. Hell, I'd be in favor of getting crazy and moving up to get a playmaker like BMW. But drafting at #25 seems like a no win situation to me. Of course that depends on how the draft shakes out. If a guy like Mark Clayton slips, then #25 is looking good.

I've already said I don't care what they do as long as we go RB in day one because we don't have a 4th/5h round pick. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

[bloodsunday]

Originally Posted by MileHighMania

That's the part I hate about the draft... having a number of needs, seeing a player fall to your pick that you would love to have and then they call another name.

Yeah and its made worse by all these stigmas that people put on the draft, calling certain players reaches and others value picks. In the end, its about winning and losing. If a player helps you win games, then that should be the criteria.

[bloodsunday]

Originally Posted by fontaine

I've already said I don't care what they do as long as we go RB in day one because we don't have a 4th/5h round pick. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

I think Tatum Bell is a promising prospect. The only other RB that I was this excited to see play was CP. I truly believe that if he takes his game to the next level, he alone makes our offense much more dangerous than last season.

I like the fact that they always select one, but with only 4 first day picks I'd be hard pressed to applaud a RB pick.

[ØrangeÇrush]

Clayton is this years Raushaun Woods, hell most people say the same things...nice polished receiver, great routes, very quick. Where was Raushaun Woods all last year?

[MileHighMania]

Originally Posted by ØrangeÇrush

Where was Raushaun Woods all last year?

Suffering a slow rookie death on an awful 49ers team...

[bloodsunday]

Originally Posted by ØrangeÇrush

Clayton is this years Raushaun Woods, hell most people say the same things...nice polished receiver, great routes, very quick. Where was Raushaun Woods all last year?

That's an interesting prediction and only time will tell. I happen to disagree. Just because people use the same terms to describe him, doesn't make him the same player or mean he will have the same fate.

[ØrangeÇrush]

I'm not saying either is or will be a bust...Raushaun Woods, the jury is still out, He was injured and played for a team that suffered from inconsistent OL, and inconsistent QB play from both Ken Dorsey and Tim Rattay. I think he'll be a good #1 or #2 in time. However, Clayton will never be a #1, and IMO will probably only be a #3. He really reminds me of Jake Reed from buffalo. He was the #3 on Buffalo when they had Moulds, and Price. Than Price left, and Reed couldn't step up and be the #2 receiver.

However, I'm just a schmo on a message board that only watched a few okie games this year, and only can go by what i've read about him. However, it does seem to me that the Hype machine is really going on him...not nearly as much as Matt Jones though.

[Mile High Shack]

Originally Posted by ØrangeÇrush

I'm not saying either is or will be a bust...Raushaun Woods, the jury is still out, He was injured and played for a team that suffered from inconsistent OL, and inconsistent QB play from both Ken Dorsey and Tim Rattay. I think he'll be a good #1 or #2 in time. However, Clayton will never be a #1, and IMO will probably only be a #3. He really reminds me of Jake Reed from buffalo. He was the #3 on Buffalo when they had Moulds, and Price. Than Price left, and Reed couldn't step up and be the #2 receiver.

However, I'm just a schmo on a message board that only watched a few okie games this year, and only can go by what i've read about him. However, it does seem to me that the Hype machine is really going on him...not nearly as much as Matt Jones though.

Well I may have to disagree with you on Mark Clayton…he isn’t anything like Jake Reed…..if anything he is more like Marvin Harrison.

He catches everything…fast as lightning…smallish but big enough for NFL…very quick precise routes.

I dunno…..I look at Mark Clayton and see another Marvin Harrison.

[ØrangeÇrush]

Thats what makes the draft a crap shoot MHS...Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Marvin Harrison is what he is, because he works his azz off to be that good. Because he has a QB that works his azz to be good as he is. If Mark Clayton goes to a team with a QB that works as hard as Pay me a ton, and he himself works like a demon possessed than yes. He very well could be another Marvin Harrison. Thats the problem with "potential", the individual has to want to be as good as he can be, before he can reach his potential. A lot of players just want to get paid, play well, and not get injured. Theres nothing wrong with that, but only the players that drive themselves will be great. Thats the million doller question here. Who has the potential and the drive....ask any of them, and they'll all say the same thing.."I do". That is why teams want to spend as much time with the players as they can...because they're investing a lot of money.

[bloodsunday]

Originally Posted by ØrangeÇrush

Thats what makes the draft a crap shoot MHS...Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Marvin Harrison is what he is, because he works his azz off to be that good. Because he has a QB that works his azz to be good as he is. If Mark Clayton goes to a team with a QB that works as hard as Pay me a ton, and he himself works like a demon possessed than yes. He very well could be another Marvin Harrison. Thats the problem with "potential", the individual has to want to be as good as he can be, before he can reach his potential. A lot of players just want to get paid, play well, and not get injured. Theres nothing wrong with that, but only the players that drive themselves will be great. Thats the million doller question here. Who has the potential and the drive....ask any of them, and they'll all say the same thing.."I do". That is why teams want to spend as much time with the players as they can...because they're investing a lot of money.

That's a great diatribe, but you just accussed a top prospect of being bust worthy. What are your grounds other than some descriptive comparisons to Woods? Part of what people like about Clayton is his work ethic. If you have seen him play, there is no doubt he has a chance to be special at the next level. If he was 6'2 and 200 lbs he would be a top 10 pick. The NFL is so hung up on numbers that his size works against him in the draft.

[ØrangeÇrush]

I'm not saying he's bust worthy, I just don't see immediate impact, and I sure don't see him being a #1 receiver.

[epicSocialism4tw]

Originally Posted by ØrangeÇrush

Clayton is this years Raushaun Woods, hell most people say the same things...nice polished receiver, great routes, very quick. Where was Raushaun Woods all last year?

That is a poor comparison. Clayton did not impress with his numbers, but with his athletic talent. Think Dante Hall/Marvin Harrison hybrid. Woods put up great numbers and did well in workouts, but there is a 'wow' factor with Clayton that makes up for his lack of size.

[Mile High Shack]

you sure about him not having good numbers?

2004
66 grabs for 873 yards…13.3 YPC
8 TDs
4 rushed for 11 yards

2003
83 grabs for 1425….17.2 YPC
15 TDs
9 rushes for 62 yards

2002 & 2001 were average at best due to a QB named Nate Hybil.

Sorry…in 2 years he had 149 catches 2,298 yards and 23 TDs

Color me stupid, but I think those are pretty good stats.