NFL Draft Thread

[Durango53]

Here we go. Time to start to talk about the NFL draft. Post your mock draft's here draft news or thoughts. Who will your team take? Guys in the draft that we will be talking about in a few years?

[das&kml]

Since most mock drafts only detail the first round, you will not see a Redskins' selection. Snyder enjoys trading those valuable first round picks (luckily though, didn't lose em like the T'Wolves did).

However, I will post soon enough the mock draft of the first round. Interesting whether the Texans take Reggie Bush or Vince Young. That should be the hot debate heading in to draft day.

[Durango53]

Cant wait to see it Das

[Durango53]

A good read about Vince Young

Scouts are saying many of the same things about Young they were saying about Vick 5 years ago: off-the-charts athleticism; jaw-dropping running ability that helped him rack up 3,136 rushing yards at Texas, including 200 of his 467 yards in the Longhorns' 41-38 Rose Bowl win over USC. But the $10 million or $20 million question is can he cut it as an NFL passer?

Like Vick when he came out, Young, an early-entry junior, still is very raw. He averaged only seven more pass attempts per game (19.4) than rush attempts (12.4) during his career at Texas. Coach Mack Brown's option offense was a poor preparatory course for what is awaiting Young at the next level.

"There definitely is some worry because of [Vick's struggles],'' said an AFC player personnel man for a team with a top-10 pick in April's draft. "

"When I look at Vince, this guy is an absolutely phenomenal collegiate quarterback. Maybe as good as I've seen play the position at the collegiate level. But his style doesn't project for success in the NFL. To be successful and consistent over the long term in the NFL, you've got to be able to throw the football accurately and you've got to be mechanically and fundamentally sound. I don't see that in him right now.''

He's a little more accurate than Vick was coming out of college, but his arm isn't nearly as strong. He also has a funky sidearm delivery that negates his 6-5 height. While the team that drafts him can correct that, scouts weren't thrilled recently when Young was quoted as saying he doesn't plan to change his mechanics or his delivery when he gets to the NFL. His decision not to throw at the combine also has caused some consternation among teams.

http://www.philly.com/mld/dailynews/sports/13930534.htm

[Durango53]

Here is a Mock Draft I saw on CFN

1. Houston Texans - Reggie Bush, RB USC
The signing of David Carr to a long term deal cements Mr. Bush in the top spot.

2. New Orleans Saints - Matt Leinart, QB USC
Does New Orleans go with the potential superstar in Young or the rock-solid passer like Leinart. Leinart is the better choice to win now, which the franchise desperately needs to do.

3. Tennessee Titans - Vince Young, QB Texas
Michael Jordan also went with the third pick, but Leinart isn't Sam Bowie. Tennessee has bigger needs, but can't pass up Young.

4. New York Jets - D'Brickashaw Ferguson, OT Virginia
The Jets need tackle help. After his performances in Senior Bowl practices, Ferguson appears to be a natural fit.

5. Green Bay Packers - A.J. Hawk, LB Ohio State
It'll be between Hawk and NC State's Mario Williams up until the card goes up to the podium. The Packers need help at both linebacker and end in a big way.

6. Oakland Raiders - Haloti Ngata, DT Oregon
The Raiders could use Hawk and might not be able to pass up Williams, but Ngata fills an immediate hole.

7. San Francisco 49ers - Michael Huff, DB Texas
It'll be between Huff and Virginia Tech's Jimmy Williams. They can both play safety or corner and while Williams will have the better combine numbers, Huff is more polished.

8. Buffalo Bills - Jimmy Williams, DB Virginia Tech
The Bills will take whichever one is left between Huff and Williams.

9. Detroit Lions - Mario Williams, DE NC State
Vanderbilt's Jay Cutler appears to be the obvious choice, but the Lions already got burned by drafting a marginal quarterback prospect way too high when they took Joey Harrington. If Williams is still on the board, which he likely won't be, the Lions will be happy.

10. Arizona Cardinals - Jay Cutler, QB Vanderbilt
Don't let the new Kurt Warner contract fool you; the Cardinals desperately need a quarterback to build around. If Cutler is gone, they'll be all over one of the top running back prospects, most likely DeAngelo Williams of Memphis.

11. St. Louis Rams - Chad Greenway, LB Iowa
Maryland TE Vernon Davis will be appealing, but the speed and athleticism of Greenway fits the Rams perfectly.

12. Cleveland Browns - Tamba Hali, DE Penn State
This might be a bit of a reach taking Hali this high with so many other good prospects on the board, but the Browns need help on the defensive front.

13. Baltimore Ravens - DeAngelo Williams, RB Memphis
The Ravens will have their pick of several great backs. USC's LenDale White might be the best fit, Minnesota's Laurence Maroney adds more speed to the mix, and Williams adds a nice change of pace to Jamal Lewis.

14. Philadelphia Eagles - Vernon Davis, TE Maryland
Even though tight end isn't a pressing problem, the Eagles need as many good targets as they can get to help out Donovan McNabb.

15. Atlanta Falcons - Winston Justice, OT USC
There can't be enough help to protect Michael Vick.

16. Miami Dolphins - Santonio Holmes, WR Ohio State
The Dolphins won't get their franchise quarterback here, but they could use another target to help out whoever is under center next year.

17. Minnesota Vikings - LenDale White, RB USC
Taking Maroney might be an option knowing how good he is on the Dome turf, but White gives the Vikings the type of back they haven't had in a long time.

18. Dallas Cowboys - Marcus McNeill, OT Auburn
The Cowboys have to get much better up front. They'd like Justice to fall here, but will still be happy with the mammoth Auburn star.

19. San Diego Chargers - Sinorice Moss, WR Miami
The Chargers need a young playmaking receiver to help out Drew Brees and Antonio Gates. They'll get their pick of the lot.

20. Kansas City Chiefs - Tye Hill, CB Clemson
The Chiefs desperately need a receiver and will think hard about Florida's Chad Jackson and/or Moss if he falls, but they also need a solid corner. Hill's speed will be too much to overlook.

21. New England Patriots - Ashton Youboty, CB Ohio State
The Patriots rarely go by the book, but they should end up going with the best corner available.

22. Denver Broncos (from Washington) - Chad Jackson, WR Florida
It makes too much sense. The Broncos will be happy to take Jackson, Moss, and might even think about trading down for any one of a number of a good receivers out there.

23. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Mathias Kiwanuka, DE Boston College
The Bucs could get a steal here. Kiwanuka wasn't out of this world in Senior Bowl practices, but he's still a top prospect who just needs to get a bit stronger.

24. Cincinnati Bengals - Ko Simpson, S South Carolina
It'll either be Simpson or LSU DT Claude Wroten. Georgia TE Leonard Pope could also be an option as draft day draws near..

25. New York Giants - DeMeco Ryans, LB Alabama
Ryans has the talent and leadership skills to be a ten-year pro for the Giants.

26. Chicago Bears - Leonard Pope, TE Georgia
A shut-down corner is a glaring need, but so is a talented tight end. The pedestrian 40 time of UCLA's Marcedes Lewis makes the huge Pope a likely choice.

27. Carolina Panthers - Claude Wroten, DT LSU
The Panthers might think about Maroney and could use a top tight end to fall, but Wroten is too good not to add to the rotation.

28. Jacksonville Jaguars - Bobby Carpenter, LB Ohio State
Once 100% healthy, Carpenter's combine numbers will be strong enough to warrant a first round pick, while his size will make him the more likely pick over Florida State's Ernie Sims.

29. Denver Broncos - Darnell Bing, S USC
After going after a wide receiver with its first pick, Denver will have several good prospects available to fit needs.

30. Indianapolis Colts - Ernie Sims, LB Florida State
The Colts have thrived on getting slightly undersized defensive playmakers who do nothing but play really, really well. Sims' speed will make the improving D even stronger.

31. Seattle Seahawks - Kamerion Wimbley, DE Florida State
Running back could turn into a need in a real hurry if Shaun Alexander goes elsewhere. If he resigns, Seattle will look to boost the defensive line unless it chooses to help the secondary with Ohio State's Donte Whitner.

32. Pittsburgh Steelers - Laurence Maroney, RB Minnesota
He's not The Bus, but he's Willie Parker fast with even more talent. It'll be a ridiculous steal if he falls this far.

[Royce]

Why would the Dolphins take a WR? They have one great one, and one good one, but not defensive backs or linebackers.

[plafta]

vince young is attending any of the workouts though. prolly because he can only hurt his stock if he goes. he hit an all time high after the rose bowl, and doesnt want to mess up.

[plafta]

wow, i cant see mario williams falling that far down in the draft. he is gonna be the next julius peppers. thats also a long ways for Maroney to go.

[Eva]

Woah, just imagine if Cutler drafted by the Cardinals. The Cardinals have probably one of the best duo WR in the entire NFL with Boldin and Fitzgerald. Since McCown walking, I think. This should make Cutler the number 2 QB and since Warner gets injuried, since happen all the time, Cutler should be getting some starters and might even take the starting spot away from Warner.

Cutler in Arizona a perfect fit.

Steelers would be lucky to steal Maroney, if he's still around then.

[Durango53]

A person with knowledge of a potential draft-day deal said last night that the Texans might be interested in the Jets' No. 4 overall pick if the right package were presented. Such a trade almost certainly would include defensive end John Abraham. If it were made, the Jets would be interested in drafting quarterback Matt Leinart, the 2004 Heisman Trophy winner who led USC to back-to-back national titles. "The Giants traded up from No. 4 to No. 1 to get Eli Manning," the person said. "So why not the Jets? This could be their chance to make the same kind of splash as the Giants. Leinart has that star quality that would play well in New York."

[Durango53]

The Washington Redskins are trying to trade quarterback Patrick Ramsey. He might be worth a fourth-round pick if the Bills are interested and that's all it would take.

[Durango53]

Most interesting: Boise State OT Daryn Colledge hails from North Pole, Alaska (Pop: 1,600) — 14 miles southeast of Fairbanks and 1,750 miles from the actual North Pole. Only nine native Alaskans have played in the NFL since 1970, including safety Reggie Tongue (Raiders) and DE Travis Hall (49ers) in 2005.

I just liked this one because when I was in Alaska in the Military I was right there at the North Pole and Fairbanks. (The Santa Claus House is right there in the North Pole :D )

[Durango53]

Drew Rosenhaus represents three players in this year's draft and all three -- Michigan defensive lineman Gabe Watson and Miami Hurricanes offensive lineman Eric Winston and receiver Sinorice Moss. All three ran and worked out and really enhanced their position in the draft. Vikings owners, brothers Zygi and Mark Wilf, were also in attendance at the Combine this weekend.

[Durango53]

Tight ends as a group was probably the best group and the fastest that we've ever had. Vernon Davis of Maryland produced the fastest time ever by a tight end, clocking 4.37. Other tight ends who turned in fast times were Leonard Pope of Georgia (4.53), Tony Scheffler of Western Michigan (4.56) and Garrett Mills of Tulsa (4.57). Of the 21 tight ends who were on the list to work out, 17 ran and three were medically excused. Another, Southern Cal's Dominique Byrd, chose not to run.

[Atlanta Braves Freak]

How did he not choose to run?

[Durango53]

Dont know but that was all that was said.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/story/9271713

[rockin500]

i guess reggie and leinart impressed with both their relative intelligence and their interviews whereas Vince Young lost a bit with his Wonderlic and his relative interviewing skills.

[Durango53]

DRAFT THE NEXT THING TO GET SCREWED UP

While all of the focus of the potential CBA fallout has been on its effects as to free agency, the next nightmare looming on the horizon is the draft.

Even for teams with plenty of salary cap room, contracts for draft picks (specifically in the first round) will present a unique set of challenges. The devices that have been used of late to help funnel more money to high-end rookies without running afoul of the rookie pool and the salary cap won't necessarily work.

For example, we've heard that one team has determined that the first year of the rookie contract signed by receiver Braylon Edwards, the third pick in the 2005 draft, would consume more than $9 million in cap space if done in 2006.

As a result of the challenges relating to signing first-rounders in 2006, some league insiders believe that all players drafted in rounds two through six could receive the one-year minimum tender on a take-it-or-leave-it basis.

This would trigger unprecedented holdouts, and some players likely would opt to sit out 2006 and re-enter the draft in 2007, which either will have a new CBA in place or will be completely uncapped.

So for any player who passed on the draft in 2005 (we're thinking of you, Matt) or who decided not to wait until 2007 (we're thinking of you, Vince), that sinking feeling in your stomach right about now has nothing to do with that hunk of expired cheese you ate this afternoon.

I was wondering what could happen with the draft and such with CBA. Could be some wild things in the NFL happenen.

[Dward00]

I know nobody wants to hear this, but I don't think Leinart or Young are going anywhere in the NFL. I thought they were just products of good college football systems. Especially Leinart.

Reggie Bush, D'Brickashaw Ferguson, A.J. Hawk, 'Super' Mario Williams, and Jay Cutler are the players I'm picking to be major impact players in their rookie seasons.

My team, Cincinnati, needs a first round Linebacker more then anything I think. Maybe Chad Greenway, or DeMeco Ryans. I would say LB over the DT Brodrick Bunkley they'll probably get. It's a close call though. If they decided on a DB instead, that would be a fine idea also.

[Durango53]

NFL Network - which for the first time will provide counter-coverage to ESPN's Draft presentation on April 29 - is interested in having Ryan Leaf, the 1998 No. 2 pick, as part of its draft show, an NFL Network spokesman confirmed. Last month, Leaf accepted a job to be the quarterback coach for West Texas A&M University. Leaf would likely be part of a round-table of players on the show. "We think he would offer a unique perspective,'' an NFL Network spokesman said.

[Dward00]

I know the mock draft is going to change 50 times from here until it starts but let's keep this bumped and updated until then. If you post a top10 Mock plz cite your source.


This is from cnnsi.com:

1 RB Reggie Bush USC Jr. 6-0 200
The bottom 31 slots in this first round might wind up looking vastly different between now and the April 29 draft, but I'm convinced Bush and the Texans are a marriage that's going to last. At least until I start hearing that Houston is seriously entertaining offers to trade down.
2 (trade) QB Matt Leinart USC Sr. 6-5 225
Now that the Saints have signed Drew Brees and don't need the best quarterback available at this spot, look for the Jets to move up and get the former Heisman Trophy winner. Although they did work out a deal with Chad Pennington, this is too good an opportunity to turn down.
3 QB Jay Cutler Vanderbilt Sr. 6-4 228
Nobody had more buzz coming out of Indy than Cutler, and I'm sticking with the idea that the hometown Titans are intrigued with keeping the Vandy star in Nashville. But having Mario Williams sitting there for the taking is going to really test Tennessee's belief in Cutler.
4 (trade) DE Mario Williams N.C. State Jr. 6-7 285
Since the quarterback spot seems to be settled, the Saints need to replace free-agent defensive end Darren Howard, who signed a big deal with the Eagles. Williams is a rare physical specimen who could be a matchup problem for opposing defenses.
5 DT Haloti Ngata Oregon Jr. 6-5 345
With the Packers re-signing defensive end Aaron Kampman, they now turn their attention to the defensive interior, where the run-stuffing Ngata is the best the draft has to offer. Taking the draft's blue-chip offensive tackle, Virginia's D'Brickashaw Ferguson, would also be a sound top-five strategy.
6 OT D'Brickashaw Ferguson Virginia Sr. 6-5 295
We can't think of a better way to aid in the development of second-year franchise quarterback Alex Smith than a cornerstone left tackle to protect his backside for the foreseeable future.
7 QB Vince Young Texas Jr. 6-5 235
Given that the Raiders have failed at landing Daunte Culpepper, this move makes too much sense. As crazy as it would have sounded on the morning of Jan. 5 after his Rose Bowl showing, if Young slips past the Raiders, it's possible he could fall entirely out of the top 10.
8 LB A.J. Hawk Ohio State Sr. 6-1 240
In London Fletcher and Jeff Posey, the Bills have a couple of starting linebackers who are past their 30th birthdays. Hawk had great showings at both the combine and his pro day, and he's an impact addition for a defense that tumbled a long way in the league rankings in 2005.
9 DB Michael Huff Texas Sr. 6-1 205
We're going to go out on a limb and predict that the Lions won't be taking a first-round receiver for the fourth consecutive year. Huff is a versatile talent who had a solid top 10 ranking coming out of the combine. If the Lions get tempted by anyone on offense, it'll be Maryland tight end Vernon Davis.
10 TE Vernon Davis Maryland Jr. 6-3 250
The Cardinals didn't wait until the draft to land their No. 1 running back, splurging instead on Edgerrin James in free agency. So no DeAngelo Williams or LenDale White for them. Davis put on a virtuoso performance in Indy, and he'll give balance to an offense that already has a ridiculously potent passing game.

[Dward00]

Crap. I need a moderator to move this to the football forum asap plz. :evillol

[Durango53]

Dward I am going to move this thread in the draft thread.

What to give a shot at your own. :D

[Dward00]

ECHO..............echo..........ech...........ec.. ........e...............***

[Durango53]

Although the decision of USC running back LenDale White to not work out on Sunday is being attributed to a hamstring pull suffered at the scouting combine, we're hearing that White simply has not been diligent about working out -- and consequently was not in shape.

Even if White has a bad hammy, managing only 15 reps in the 225-pound bench press does little to cement the notion that LenDale is a power back, and it further suggests that he's allowed himself to get puffy at a time when his ultimate draft position (and the financial windfall that goes along with it) is riding on his ability to post competitive numbers.

As to White's claim that he pulled a hammy in Indy, we'd sure like to know when he did it. He didn't run the 40 there, so it must have come from one of the other drills. And we wonder whether the tape of his performance at the combine corroborates White's claim.

Amazingly, White's uncle told the Denver Post that LenDale re-injured the hamstring while performing the bench-press drill on Sunday.

At this point, it's still unclear whether White will run at all before the draft. His uncle says a private workout will be held the weekend before the draft. We've heard, however, that White was telling others on Sunday that he has no intention of running before the April 29 draft.

"If you're a team, how do you take a running back who doesn't run a 40-yard dash?" Texans G.M. Charley Casserly said, according to the Los Angeles Times. "At some point, you've got to find out how fast somebody is."

[Durango53]

Despite a report from Gil Brandt of NFL.com that Heisman winner Reggie Bush put up a 4.33 in the 40 on Sunday's pro day workout in L.A., a league source tells us that Bush was hand timed at 4.4 -- on a fast track.

That projects to anywhere from a 4.45 to a 4.5 on a grass surface, and it means that Bush doesn't have Michael Bennett-type sprinters' speed.

[Durango53]

For all the public talk of Southern California running back LenDale White sliding in the draft, there also is just as much behind-the-scenes talk of him getting drafted just where many predicted. One team in the 20s recently encouraged White not to run before the draft so it can pounce on him with its selection in the first round. Another team in the mid-teens already has told White it plans on drafting him.

[Durango53]

For the first time, there is legitimate reason to think that USC running back Reggie Bush is not going to be wind up in Houston, the city that currently holds the No. 1 overall pick. This does not come from one source or from one team. This comes from multiple sources, from across the league, without any agenda to push. The mounting evidence includes this: As of Monday, the Texans had not had any contract discussions with Bush and his representatives. None. Yet the Texans have approached North Carolina State defensive end Mario Williams, trying to see if he would be receptive to discussing a deal. But the evidence goes beyond contracts. When Bush was in Houston, a certain segment of the organization never introduced itself to the running back. As a person in the Bush camp said Monday, "Do I have a feeling that Reggie is going to Houston? No, I have a feeling that he's not."

[Durango53]

Texas quarterback Vince Young spent much of Monday at Winter Park, interviewing with Brad Childress and other key staff members and undergoing a physical. The Vikings and Young's agent, Major Adams, confirmed the visit, which started at 10 a.m. and ended around 5 p.m. Adams said he didn't expect Young to be available at the No. 17 pick. "But people trade up and do all kinds of stuff," he said. "And as far as furthering your career, you never know what's going to happen." Adams accompanied Young on the visit, and they are scheduled to visit with the Oakland Raiders on Wednesday and the New York Jets on Thursday. They will fly to Cleveland on Friday.

[Atlanta Braves Freak]

I'm hoping that my cousin can get drafted on Day 1, scouts have compared him to a Corey Simon type of defensive tackle. I'm sure his dad will be happy, one son in NFL Europe and one in the NFL!

[Durango53]

NFL draftee Vernon Davis, appearing as a guest on FSN's BEST DAMN SPORTS SHOW PERIOD, comparing himself to Chargers TE Antonio Gates: "I think I can be better than Antonio Gates. I watch him all the time and I see some things he's doing that I think I can do a little bit better, so I just compare and contrast."

[Durango53]

I'm hoping that my cousin can get drafted on Day 1, scouts have compared him to a Corey Simon type of defensive tackle. I'm sure his dad will be happy, one son in NFL Europe and one in the NFL!
That would be great!!!!!! :thumbsup:

Keep us posted.

[rockin500]

well, reggie bush wont be going number one. i think the texans made a mistake here.

[Special_K19]

Great day to be a Buckeye and Buckeye fan. Hawk at #5 to GB, the best possible scenario for him, he deserved to go to a town as crazy about football as Columbus is. GB is such a historic football town and AJ is a throwback player who will be loved there.

Whitner at 8 was a huge surprise, but he's worth it. Vastly underrated because of the LBs in Columbus, but Whitner was a very steady, solid, player the last couple years.

I love seeing where Buckeyes go in the draft, I was thrilled when they saw 14 get selected a few years ago to set a record, hopefully they'll tie one today with 6 in the first. Holmes is a lock to go, Carpenter and Youboty are highly likely, Mangold, a center, is the wildcard and might go early in the second.

[rockin500]

AJ was the right pick, whitner was picked too high. I thought of him as more a midfirst instead of top ten.

and leinart went right to the perfect spot for him to fall. Excellent receivers, Edge. what more do you need?

[Special_K19]

I thought Whitner was every bit as talented as Huff, not a big reach talent wise, but he prob could have been had later. But when you draft for a need and not bpa, you take your guy when you can.

How about Denver trading up for Cutler, I was hoping they'd do that with the Browns pick, but oh well.

[uj4l]

As a Houstonian, and a Texans fan, I dont think we made the right choice, Bush has so much potential, I dont see where you go wrong, I guess they just love Dominack :(

[Special_K19]

As expected, Bobby Carpenter to the Cowboys, 3 down 3 to go.

[Special_K19]

Santonio to the Steelers, I hate when good players go to bad teams. Now I can no longer root for Holmes and have to see him play twice a year.

[Special_K19]

Mangold to the Jets, only Youboty left.

How about the Bills' draft a reach with NC State's third lineman. Could have had him in the second.

[Yankeesfan27]

LenDale White to the Titans. Kellen Clemens to the Jets.

[Royce]

Wooo. Giants got Sinorice!!

[MarkPope]

Some good draft grades: http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/5559064

[PissedPrincess]

I love that Marcus Vick never got picked. :laff:

[Durango53]

Didnt someone here a long time ago say he was a number one type of guy? :D

[Thedatch]

Didnt someone here a long time ago say he was a number one type of guy? :D

hmm...what was that person's name again? Didn't it start with a B? ;)

[PissedPrincess]

hmm...what was that person's name again? Didn't it start with a B? ;)

:confused:

[Spitball67]

Didnt someone here a long time ago say he was a number one type of guy? :D

yeah and I'm sure if he was still here he would have posted something like "it's a racist conspiracy that Marcus wasn't drafted. Marcus Vick>>>>>>Young, Leinert, Cutler" :hmm:

Have fun in the Arena League Marcus. :laff:

[DaCubz]

Vick was invited to Dolphins Rookie Minicamp. If he does make the team, he'll end up 3rd/4th string. I believe Miami has Harrington as well as Culpepper?? Am I correct??

[PissedPrincess]

Miami does not have Harrington. Yet.........

[aarongman]

Here a pretty good article on Bush and Williams

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/30402/bush_or_williams_whos_number_one_in.html