Pats Fan Mock Draft 2003
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Pats Fan Mock Draft 2003 |
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This years draft is a very interesting one for fans of the New England Patriots. It is the deepest draft I have ever seen, and especially deep at the Defensive Line positions. They have obvious needs along the Defensive Line, and this years draft is the best for Defensive linemen I've ever seen. There could be as many as 13 Defensive linemen taken in the first round, including as many as Seven Defensive Tackles in the first 20 picks. I believe the Pats should take two defensive linemen with their first two picks. They will probably be choosing from these Eight Defensive Linemen:
| *Jonathan Sullivan Defensive Tackle 6-3.5 298 Georgia | Michael Haynes Defensive End 6-4 274 Penn State |
| *Dewayne Robertson Defensive Tackle 6-3 310 Kentucky | Kevin Williams Defensive Tackle 6-4 295 Oklahoma State |
| *Rien Long Defensive Tackle 6-5 290 Washington State (Injury concern) | William Joseph Defensive Tackle 6-4 290 Miami (Fla.) |
| Kenny Peterson Defensive End 6-3 280 Ohio State | *Chris Kelsey Defensive End 6-4 270 Nebraska |
| # | Team | Top Needs | My Picks | Reasons for my Picks. |
| 1. | Cincinnati | QB,OG/C,FB,
DL,DB,DB
Key Loses: Takeo Spikes LB |
Carson
Palmer QB
Alt: Carson Palmer QB John Thornton DT Kevin Hardy LB |
Welcome
to the NFL. Bengal's sign Palmer to offer sheet, and officially
join the league. Cincinnati
has landed 4 starters in free-agency, and now it is time to look
to their Offense. I they don't come away from this draft with
Palmer or Leftwich, then I am declaring this draft a failure.
Lewis head coaching career is here for the taking, but he has to
get a franchise QB to attach his name to. This is his chance, and
he will not get an opportunity like this again.
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| 2. | Detroit | WR,RB,CB, OL,DL | Charles
Rogers WR Alt: Kennedy Dre Bly CB |
Detroit breathes huge sigh of relief, as the ink dries on Palmer offer contract outline. Rogers is the top wide reciever in the draft, and maybe the top player in the draft. Young QB gets great young hometown WR. Mariucci gets his Owens without the attitude, and yes he is that good. He'll speed up the development Harrington tremendously. He caught a TD in an amazing 13 straight games to set an NCAA record. He has it all size, speed, Quickness, intelligence, route-running, hands, etc. Just a great player. |
| 3. | Houston | WR,OL,S, LB,TE,RB | Andre
Johnson WR
Alt: Robertson Alt: Newman Alt: Palmer Alt: Leftwich Zach Wiegert OL Stacey Mack RB |
Houston may be
looking to trade up for Rogers. Their number one priority is
getting some help for Carr, be that WR or LT. Word is they are set
on Johnson, and unless they get a significant offer he goes here. Andre
Johnson
just blew everybody away at the combine and at Miami’s pro-day. He was running
sub-4.4’s at 230 pounds, that’s just not right;-) He did drop
some passes during position drills, so questions about his hands
and concentration will cause concern.
My trade, is the Vikings moving up to grab Dewayne
Robertson. It appears he has moved past Kennedy on most boards,
and Minnesota has him as their
number one player, or the player they covet the most. So while
I think the Vikes will trade up here, and the Texans will take Gross at 7. Gross is a big, strong, and most importantly mean LT prospect, and solidified his rank as the top Left Tackle in the draft with great workouts during position drills at the combine. He amazed scouts with his quickness setting up in pass protection. He also showed great foot quickness and footwork. He improved his stock and was already considered a top 7 pick. |
| 4. | Chicago | QB,DL,DB, LB,CB,S |
Alt: Terrell Suggs DE Desmond Clark TE |
Apparently Angelo promised Stuart he would not draft a young QB in the first round, and will pass on Leftwich. Thomas had only one run of over 20 yards last season, and slumped horribly, they maybe looking to upgrade later in the draft. I looks like Traylor or Washington may not be back, so look for Bears to draft Kennedy or Robertson here. They really need a Pass-rusher, but Suggs appears to dropping, and Azumah and McQuarters are undersized so Newman is a slight possibility. Bears would like to draft Robertson for the same reason I'd like to see him in a Pats uniform, He has the ability to play Nose-Tackle. Robertson is huge and strong and at 6-2 squats low to the ground which is a huge asset for a NT. Pats have offered Bears the 14th and 19th pick for this pick, but want Chicago's 2nd, which they won't give. Finding a NT is the most difficult aspect of playing a 3-4. Most college lineman are DT's or DE's, and can't play the nose. Robertson is a huge and quick prospect who has also produced over the past two seasons. When coaches saw him in person at the combine, and then review the tapes of him in games controlling the middle of the line, they have been moving him up the boards. He ran a 4.8 at 321 pounds and has benching over 30 reps. |
| 5. | Dallas | QB,LB,CB,DT,
RB,LB
Key Loses: Raghib Ismail WR |
Byron
Leftwich QB
Alt: Terence Newman Dan Campbell TE |
I still think QB is their number one need, and that Parcell's is praying for Leftwich to drop to him. If Leftwich is gone I think Suggs will be to much of a temptation to pass up. I don't see CB as big a need as everybody else, although I think they are in the same situation as the Pats, 3 great DBs and one big hole! So how much can you spend on that hole. Parcell's has been talking about Newman which makes me thinking he's looking at Offensive Players. The year the Pats drafted Ty Law they only talked about Offensive players. The TE that went to the Browns, O-linemen, and a couple of RB's. I never heard them mention Law's name once. He was always talking about adding to the offense. If he's talking about Newman I would think he was looking at Suggs or Kennedy. If he is talking about improving the Defense I would think he was planning on improving the Offense. I just don't believe he thinks he has a Super Bowl caliber QB on his roster. Parcell's KNOWS that he cannot win with out a QB, RB and strong defense. Look at his track record, he always gets a good QB and RB in his first two season in charge and rides them to the Super Bowl. |
| 6. | Arizona | WR,LB,DE,WR CB,QB,DT,LB | Terrell
Suggs DE Alt: Terence Newman CB James Darling LB James Hodgins FB Russell Davis DT
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I still think relying on Blake and McCown could come back to hurt them!. The Cards always need a pass-rusher and Suggs will still be available here. And of course WR was a big need before Boston left, and now it's a huge void. If Johnson is still on the board, and they don't take a QB, they will take him. This scenario leaves the Cards staring at Suggs and Newman, who both dropped because of the QBs. Suggs also drops because of his forty time, and Newman because of his Age and shoulder problem. The Cards are desperate for anyone who can rush the passer. They lost Boston could stay here and take Johnson. However, I don't think they can pass on Suggs, who is a hometown boy. He would certainly draw a few fans into the stadium, and Arizona definitely needs to sell a few more tickets. And in the end pass rushers as always at a premium. |
| 7. | Minnesota | DB,DL,LB, DEFENSE! | Jimmy
Kennedy DT
Alt: Newman CB Denard Walker CB Moe Williams RB |
I think CB is their biggest need, and they would have a huge problem passing on Newman. Kennedy slipped this low because of his tendency to not play every down. His play by play tenacity worries some teams. But Kennedy is a monster. He is just so big and strong at the most difficult position to get quality players. He actually lost weight to improve his stock by showing up at the combine at a muscular 322 pounds. He really has the talent to be a dominate DT for a long time, and we all know how valuable an all-pro D-Tackle is in the NFL. His falling will enable the Ravens to trade down Pick up an extra pick or two and grab Grossman Later. This puts him in the reach of the Pats. Minnesota MUST look to its defense. In this scenario Minny trades up to 3 for Robertson, and the Texans take Gross here. They have to get at least one starting corner in this draft. Signing Walker and Irvin was good start in the rebuilding of the Vikings terrible secondary. But Vikes |
| 8. | Jacksonville | WR,CB,OL, DB,DE,OG/C | Terence
Newman CB
Alt: Terence Newman CB Kevin Lockett WR |
The Jags have to be craving Newman, and think he won't be available. But here he is in this scenario he makes it to them. Newman blew scouts away at the combine and most have him as a lock for the top five, and he probably won't make it past Dallas. He may actually be a shut down corner, which is the most over used term currently going around. A shut down corner is an extremely rare commodity, and how many teams really have one 4 or 5? His age and nerve condition in his shoulder, may cause him to drop so he will be available here. |
| 9. | Carolina | QB,OL,DB, TE,LB, | Jordan
Gross OT
Alt: Kyle Boller QB Doug Brzezinski OG |
If Gross falls this
far he maybe to good to pass up here. But the Panthers also need
to upgrade both CB's, and Boller would be a great addition to this
team. The
signing of Jake Delhomme,
apparently has quenched Carolina’s thirst for a QB. I still
desperately want to give them Boller, but I think they are happy
with Delhomme? Their secondary really
needs an upgrade and Trufant just keeps impressing everybody
everywhere he goes. It really is unlikely he drops this far. The loss of Chris Terry will make Carolina
crave Gross, but Panther's have good young defense that will lead them no where until they get
a decent QB!
This maybe an interesting chance for the Pats to trade up. Would Panthers trade down if you give them a 3rd and 4th. Then they can take Sullivan, who won't make it past the Jets. |
| 10. | Baltimore | QB,WR,DL,OL, LB,RB,DB |
Kyle
Boller QB
Alt: Rex Grossman QB Riddick Parker DL Corey Fuller CB |
The
Ravens have the worst QB's in the league. They MUST get one of the
top three QBs this year. They are in a good position to trade up a
few spots if Boller or Leftwich drops. Boller has been the best QB in the
off-season. He has been causing scouts and GM's to gasp and
cheer at his work outs, and has moved himself into the top ten. He is 6-3 234
pounds and ran a 4.58, and reportedly kneeled down on the fifty yard-line and
threw the ball 60 yards through the goal posts! Having Boller
apprentice behind Redman will allow him to work on his game, and
force fans to appreciate this pick;-) And don't forget the arrogance of coaches,
coaches know that you can't teach speed, quickness and athletic
ability, but most coaches believe they can teach a player the
mental part and how to play the game. I believe this is where most
of the mistakes are made in the draft, and why the 40 times are
the most important statistic as we get closer to the draft. Coach
believe they can coach out mental mistakes, and that if the player
has the physical abilities, and Boller is the most physically
gifted QB in this draft, then they can coach out the other deficiencies.
This is why you see the pure athletes moving up boards as the
draft approaches. The Ravens QB’s
stink! The desperately need to trade up and grab one of the top three
QB's. This draft will be complete disaster for this team if they
don't grab a QB in the first round, and their Wide receiver
situation is just as bad.
If Panthers take Boller, Ravens should be looking to trade down. 14 and a 3rd for ten to take Sullivan. |
| 11. | Seattle |
Alt: Marcus Trufant CB Damien Robinson S
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'Hawks will be
looking heavily towards their defense, and probably won't draft a
single Offensive player until the second day of the Draft. They
will take one of The Big Five here.
Williams would
be the perfect guy, because he can play D-End and still back up
Eaton and Randle- who is near the end. I think this pick will start the run on DT. A lot of people
seem to have Sullivan going here, but that would break my heart. They
will be tempted by Trufant and Steinback, but The D-Tackles are to
good to pass up. The question is which one? Of the big five 3
remain according to Pro-football weekly Williams is the top rated
guy left. He has added 15 pounds of muscle since last season, he
showed up at the combine at 304 pounds. He was also the best
D-Linemen at the senior bowl. He is more of a one-gap penetrator,
but has no problem holding up against the run. The Chargers said
to really want him.
The Pats maybe able to trade into this spot for a 3rd, and grab Sullivan here. |
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| 12. | St. Louis | CB,CB,TE,LB,
WR,RB,DL
Key Loses: Dexter McCleon CD Dre Bly CB |
Marcus
Trufant CB
Alt: Jerome McDougle DE Dave Wohlabaugh C |
The Rams need a corner early in this Draft and may have to trade up for Trufant. If he's gone they should be very happy with Boss Bailey. Free agency and one trade has changed this pick completely. Cards lost two Corners Dexter McCleon and Dre Bly, and Aeneas Williams is near the end. If Trufant is here they will take him. They have 7 free agency on the offensive line, but Wohlabaugh is underrated, and Turley will step right in at Right Tackle and be god send. Trufant has enough size and speed to be a very good corner, and he has exceptional Man-on-man cover skills. I have been comparing him to Ty Law, and I mean that as the ultimate complement. |
| 13. | Jets | CB,LB,DT,DB,
WR,OG,DB
Laveranues Coles WR Randy Thomas |
Jonathan Sullivan DT
Alt: Eric Steinback OG Tom Nutten OG |
Jets stick it to Pats and take their guy. Steinbach would step right in for Randy Thomas, and can back up the LT. The Jets have to be looking at Trufant and must know they he won't get past Rams. They have been rumored to be trying to trade into the top 5 to grab Newman, who would start easily in this pathetic Secondary. It will cost them at least their two number one picks, but it may be worth it. They made need to draft 3 D-Backs in this draft. Jets may have to go a D-Tackle here, or they may have to reach for Woolfolk or Dennis Weathersby here. |
| 14. | New England | DT,OT,CB, DE,ILB,WR, RB, | William
Joseph DT
Alt: Marcus Trufant CB Alt: Kwame Harris OT Alt: William Joseph DT Alt: Eric Steinbach OL Key Additions: Rodney Harrison!!! SS Tyrone Poole CB Chris Akins S/ST |
There's
a lot of talk of the Pats moving up to number 4. Giving up both
first round pick so they can take Robertson. I think that maybe
giving up a lot, and the Bears said no. With
Jonathan Sullivan moving up the board quick,
he will not be here when the Pats pick. They will have to trade up
to take him. Sullivan is 6-3 313
pounds young fast strong and a great athlete. They may have to get
ahead of Seattle at 11. It will cost thema minimum of a 3rd round
pick to move up to Ten. I think he would be the best D-Tackle to
take for the Pats, but in Belichicks press conference he mentioned
each of the Big Five except Joseph, "Robertson plays over the
center almost every play, he may be offset a little bit but he's
over there a lot. Sullivan plays in there in some situations. Was
there somebody else mentioned? Kevin Williams is almost never in
there. He's played wider in his college career. Kennedy plays
where Williams played. He's usually placed in the three technique
out in the guard/tackle area." So what does that mean? Well
it could mean he wants Joseph anyway. So he may be the lineman
they actually want. As I wrote in my
newest article, The
Big Five, I think they must get one of the big five DT at 14, and
then grab the best player available at a need position at 19.
Here is the Depth chart for the Pats D-Line as
shown in Ourlads: LDE-
55 McGinest, Willie 94/1 LDT- 93 Seymour, Richard 01/1; 94 Kocher, Ken F02 RDE-
98
Pleasant, Anthony U/SF; 97
Jarvis, Green 02/4 If you look at the RDT position they have two D-ends listed. Hamilton and Lyle are both DE’s who had to move to DT because the only DT they have on the roster is Seymour, unless you know who Kocher is, because I never heard of him? I do believe they will be switching to a 3-4, but DT is their number one priority by far. If they want to play a 4-3, I would say they had to take two DT’s in the first round. However I do believe they have a 3-4 in mind which will allow them to draft a Corner or O-Tackle at 19. These two picks (14 and 19) will go long way to showing what the Patriots defense will look like next season. |
| 15. | San Diego |
Key Loses: Curtis Conway WR
|
Boss
Bailey LB
Alt: Eric Steinbach OL Lorenzo Neal FB |
Defense and O-Line will be addressed early and often in this draft. If not for word that Schottenhiemer wants a DT here, I would think Harris would be a lock here. With Bailey still on the board, and Seau in Miami, they have to grab him. He ran a 4.35 at 233 pounds, he would not be a reach here. The scary part he could actually start at Safety for this team easily. Schottenheimer saw what Derrick Brooks did in Tampa, and Bailey has a chance to be just as great a player. I'm a big Bailey fan. I think he is just a superior athlete.Word is Schottenheimer will take any of the big five DTs that fall to him, and that he really wants Kevin Williams. He may have to trade up to get him. Their O- tackles really need upgrade. Steinbeck has improved his stock as much as Boller, and he would be the starting LT for the Bolts next season. He is 6-6 with great feet and quickness and has perfect technique. Signing Boston is huge. He is a great player on the field, but lots of trouble off the field. Getting Steinbeck will help Bree’s on the field as much as Boston. If they strengthen the O-Line this could be one of the best offenses in the league! However, losing Seau and the loss of Harrison will really hurt this defense. So they may have to take a D-line or linebacker here. |
| 16. | Kansas City | CB,LB,S,LB | Jerome McDougle DE
Alt: Jerome McDougle DE Dexter McCleon CB Shawn Barber LB |
They will need to get a back running back in this draft, but will probably wait until the second day, depending on the hip of Holmes. Holliday will help, but a Pass-rusher could be easily taken here, and Vermiel is said to love Tyler Brayton, this is way to early for him, but he probably won't make it to them in the second round, after great workout. However, a CB is such a huge need. I believe Vermiel was ready to take Weathersby here, but he was shot this week, and has fallen out of the first round. The question is do they take Woolfolk here, or grab a pass-rusher. I think they will take McDougle here, because I think Weathersby will slip to them in the second round. McDougle looks to be a monster on the outside, if he has learned that he has to give consistent effort. |
| 17. | New Orleans | CB,TE,OL LB,DB,DL | Ty Warren DT
Alt: E.J. Henderson Wayne Gandy OT Orlando Ruff |
The D-Line gave almost no pass-rush last season, and a D-End would not be a shocker here. If one of The Big Five drop he will probably go to Saints. N.O. also needs an upgrade at LB, and really need a CB, and are looking to trade into the top five for Newman. Warren has been moving up the charts. He is just what the Saints need. A big run stuffer in the middle to take the pressure off the pass-rushers on the outside. He was a monster in the beginning of last season, and really slowed down in the second half. It was revealed later that he had suffered a severe ankle injury, that destroyed his power and mobility. Scouts have been paying more attention to the first half of last season and he is soaring up the charts because of it. |
| 18. | New Orleans | CB,TE,OL LB,DB,DL | Andre Woolfolk CB
Alt: E.J. Henderson Ashley Ambrose CB Orlando Ruff LB |
Saints really need a CB who can step in, and are trying to trade up and get Trufant or Newman. In this scenario they maybe able to trade up and grab Newman without giving up both 17 and 18. They have an extra second round pick that they could combine with 17 and get up to (8, 10, or 11, which would give them Newman, at 8, or Trufant at 10 or 11. if Woolfolk can learn the nuances of coverage he could be the best corner to come out of this draft 3 or 4 years down the road. Woolfolk is rated much higher by most other draftics. He has amazing athletic ability, and can get anywhere he wants to on the field, but doesn’t appear to know what to do when he gets there, but you can’t coach speed and quickness. |
| 19. | New England | DT,OT,CB, DE,ILB,WR, RB, |
Alt: Willis McGahee RB Alt: E.J. Henderson Alt: Michael Haynes DE Fred McCary |
Word is the Pats are very high on Steinbach and they will have a hard time passing on him here. Belichick wants to upgrade the Interior line, and Steinbach could also play Left Tackle. he is also a Belichick type of player. He is a hard worker who and gives full effort on every down. He is very versatile, and has experience at both Guard and Tackle, and some people believe he has the skill and technique to play Center. He was named Big Ten Offensive Lineman Of The Year. When you combine his Physical growth with his mental approach to the game he could a great player for a long time, and I believe he will eventually play Left Tackle for a long time in the NFL. I think Haynes or Peterson would be a nice pick up, but Steinbach is the type of player that can improve a whole offense by protecting your QB on the left side, and open holes up the middle. I think the biggest problem with the Pats O-line is that they have 5 guards playing the 5 positions, at least you could make an argument that all five lineman's best position would be at guard. The signing of Colvin has convinced me completely they have switched to the 3-4. With Joseph in the fold the need for an inside linebacker becomes paramount, unless you believe Ted Johnson can hold up for a whole season, it was great to see him healthy and playing well for the first time in years, but he is a part-time player, and I believe Belichick sees Bradie James as an inside linebacker he can pick up in thesecond or third round, and maybe Vrabel can play inside now that Colvin has taken his position on the outside. And if the Pats take an O-linemen at 14 Peterson will be drafted here. |
| 20. | Denver | OT,DL,CB,S | Kwame Harris
OT
Alt Wayne Hunter LT Daryl Gardner DT |
The Broncos will
looking for an O-Tackle either here or the second or third round.
The Broncos have had to blitz the LBers to much last season to
help D-Line, which can't get to the QB, and Shanahan wants
McDougle, but he will have to trade up for him, as NO and KC will be
looking hard at Pass-Rushers. Harris
is too good to pass up here, he is only 20 years old and in three years
could be the best O-linemen taken from this draft. Harris will step right in at RT and stay there for the next
15 years. He has the pass protection skills of a LT, and is the
best athlete of the big three O-linemen. I really like Kwame Harris.
Harris could step right in at
right tackle until he matures a little then switch to the Left
Side, he's only 20 years old! I
believe in 3 or 4 years he will be the best O-Linemen from this
draft.
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| 21. | Cleveland | LB,LB,OT, OL,TE,LB |
Alt: Terry Pierce Barry Gardner LB |
Cleveland will be looking for more then one O-Linemen in this draft, and if Henderson or Bailey isn't here they would jump on an O-Tackle here. A lot of draftnics have an O-Lineman going here, but Henderson was a man amongst boys last season. His bad back has kept him out of the top ten, and he will be a dominate player for as long as his back holds up. I was overwhelmed by his talent and smarts in Marylands bowl game this year. Henderson maybe the 5th or 6th best defensive player in this draft, on the field, but his bad back and lack of track speed will hold him back. He should step in and start as a rookie on this team. if Bailey or Henderson drop to 21 they have to take them. Bailey would be perfect for the Browns defense. |
| 22. | New York Jets | CB,LB,DT,DB, WR,OG,DB |
Alt: Kenney Peterson DE/DT |
Jets will be looking to increase speed in the secondary and at Linebacker. Grabbing Sullivan at 13 was lucky, but they ran out of luck here as most of the top defenders are off the board. They could reach for a corner here, but this is way to early for Davis. Jacobs may be the most polished and ready for the NFL in this class. He could be a steal here. He has decent size and great speed, and he knows how to play WR, and he has been a productive receiver in a pro-style offense for a number of years, and a lot of people like him. He ran a 4.34 of his pro day, so he has the speed to justify a first round selection. |
| 23. | Buffalo | S,TE,DE,
WR,RB
Key Loses: Peerless Price WR |
Michael Haynes
DE
Alt: Troy Polamula S Jeff Posey LB Marcus Jones DE Keith McKenzie DE Takeo Spikes LB |
Another team with multiple needs on the Defense. Word is Donahue let Price go so he could grab one of the pass-rushing D-Ends. If Peterson is here he would fit in nicely. However, He looks more like a DT now then a DE, and the Bills signing of Sam Adams makes DE more of a need. And if your looking for a pass rusher, Haynes is just to good to pass up. Taylor Jacobs or Kelley Washington could be interesting additions for Bledsoe, but Haynes is the steal of the draft here. He is a pass-rusher form the strong side. He has the size 274 lbs, and ran a 4.7 at Penn's pro day. DE is not their biggest need, but they claim that's what they will take here. And getting a pass-rusher from the Left D-End spot is a always a huge advantage. |
| 24. | Indianapolis | CB,S,OG,
DT,LB,DB
Key Loses: Mike Peterson LB |
Rashean
Mathis CB/S Alt: Jerome McDougle DE Brandon Stokley WR |
Mathis is dominating the postseason ran a 4.43 at 202 pounds and bench 225 an amazing 22 times. Has the speed to play corner and the size and strength to play Safety. The saints secondary in shambles after loss of Knight, and they may have to draft both a safety and a corner. However Ambrose solves a lot lot of problems and he will allow Mathis to play safety where he had most of his 25 interception. From the immortal Buchsbum, "Bethune-Cookman’s Rashean Mathis was the best cornerback in the MEAC, but when he played corner, teams just would throw away from him. For the second time in three years he was moved inside to free safety and he has picked off eight passes in six games. In 2000, when he played inside, Mathis had 11 interceptions and has 25 for his career. At almost 6-1, 195, Mathis is big enough to play inside, yet also has the speed and quickness to play out on the corner on the next level. If he goes to the Senior Bowl and does well, he could wind up right up there with the big-name defensive backs in the draft." good enough for me. |
| 25. | New York Giants | OL,WR,DL, LB,OG | Kenney
Peterson DE/DT
Alt: Chris Kelsey DE |
If Peterson is here he would fit in nicely. He has experience at DT and DE, which may make him a versatile D-Linemen that all teams want. He was great in the Championship game for Ohio State, and added 20 pounds of muscle since that game! He looks more like a DT now then a DE. However, with Strahan on the other side he could be a monster. |
| 26. | San Francisco | OT,TE,WR,
OL,LB,S,DT
Key Loses: Dana Stubblefield DT J.J.Stokes WR |
Alt: Jon Stinchcomb OT |
O-Line was exposed in the play-offs last season. They will address the DT position early in the draft, and if they lose Stokes and Streets WR will be top priority after O-Tackle, they may have to go with Washington here, but the 49ers needed a linemen even before they decided to release Derrick Deese. Wayne Hunter Offensive Tackle from Hawaii. Ran 5.07 in the 40... at 6-foot-6, 303 pounds... did 37 reps of 225 pounds... very enjoyable kid to interview... has a great deal of athleticism and upside... he could be the next guy to come off the board after the first few big names. Len Pasquarelli, "Observations from one AFC general manager: "Everybody likes the guard from Hawaii (Vince Manuwai) and, heck, so do I, OK? But the tackle from over there, (Wayne) Hunter, is a really good player, too. He's a big, rangy guy, a blocker with natural pass protections skills. Pretty good feet for a guy with his dimensions. I mean they throw the ball over there so much in the run-and-shoot (offense), you'd better be able to pass-block, right? But June (Jones, the Hawaii head coach) seems to do a good job getting his kids ready for the combine. In Hunter's case, you'll have to project a little bit about how he'll be as a run blocker and how he will handle playing in a more conventional offense. But he's got a really nice upside to him. Well coached and a solid prospect." He can do the splits as well! |
| 27. | Pittsburgh | CB,S,RB, QB,CB |
Alt: Rex Grossman QB |
The Steelers will have to draft multiple DBs, and on Day one not day two. However, I think Safety has become their top need, and Polamula ran a 4.37 at 220 pounds. Plus, be has all the intangibles you look for in a football player, and a person for that matter. He had a great workout at USC pro day, according to Gil Bryant, "Depending on which watch you were holding, Polamalu's 40s ranged from 4.33 to 4.38. His vertical jump was 43½ inches, and his long jump was 10 feet, 7 inches." Plus word is he is work out warrior who is a great leader and very popular with his teammates. Of course if you look at all their free agent signings, it might make you think they are thinking offense with this pick. Steeler may go for a QB here and surprise everybody. Maddox is no spring chicken and he has to prove he’s not a one year wonder. Grossman has a great arm and appears to have a good handle on the passing game, so don't be surprised if he goes here. I still like Larry Johnson going here. But the secondary really needs to be addressed. Sammy Davis appears to have worked himself into the first round, and the Steelers like big Corners. He maybe to good to pass up. |
| 28. | Tennessee | WR,LB,OL, DL
Key Loses: John Thornton DT |
Kelley
Washington WR
Alt: Jason Witten TE |
Titians are thinking about taking Tyrone Calico here! Way to early for him, they could trade down into the second round get a third and pay less money to Calico, if that's who they really want. they are actually pretty solid on Defense, and giving McNair some more weapons are easily their biggest needs. They may have to take local product Washington, but being local they maybe more privy to his indiscretions and refuse to take him. Washington has proven his physical health, but not his mental. I would not want him on my team. I’m terrified the Pats may take him. |
| 29. | Green Bay | DT,DB?, CB,S,DE,OL
|
Rex Grossman
QB
Alt: Troy Polamalu S Cletidus Hunt DT Nicolas Luchey FB |
The Pack will need to strengthen the middle of their Defense. A strong DT would be nice here, but not probable. Their are several ILBers who will be available in the third round. I think they stick to their guns and take Grossman. Word is Favre is done, and they have no replacement. They have been saying for months they want Grossman, well watch what you ask for because you might just get it. He will also have a year or two behind Favre to develop, and watching Favre for a year or two would not hurt any QB. This is one of those picks that just seems to perfect to work. |
| 30. | Philadelphia | TE,DE,OL, LBWR,
Blaine Bishop S |
Jason
Witten TE
Alt: Chris Kelsey DE Jon Ritchie FB |
Another team looking to help their QB. May also be looking to replace Douglas, and there are certainly some Pass-rushers left on the board, and ILB is a big need. Eagles hoping one of the WR or TE's fall to them, and Whitten does. He has the size and the hands to be a good one. EAGLES.COM has them taking Kelsey so I’m reluctant to argue with them. I just think there top priority is getting help for McNab. |
| 31. | Oakland | OC,DL
Youth RB,LB
Key Loses: Sam Adams DT |
Willis
McGahee RB
Alt: Larry Johnson RB |
A Pass-Rusher and a
big WR appear to be their top two needs. Word is they would like
to trade up for Kelley Washington, and hope McGahee slips to them
here.The Raiders maybe in the same position as the
Pats, just take two D-Linemen and sort the rest out later. The
salary
cap purge really hurt this team, but they could replace Upshaw and
Adams right here. But the raider MUST come away from this draft with
an O-Center, but Al Johnson and Bruce Nelson have proven to be
solid second or third round choices, and either one of them look
like they could step right in and start for the Raiders. Larry
Johnson Ran a 4.45 at Penn's pro day, and that has made his
slipping out of the first round very unlikely. I would think the
Steelers, Titians, and Raiders would be very
interested. However the wild card of this draft is Willis McGahee
and his bad knee. He was amazing for Miami this past season and I
hope he fully recovers, even if it means helping the Raiders.
If the Pats trade down to this spot they will probably be looking at Eugene Wilson or Sammy Davis, both Corner Backs. Wilson is the more polished of the two, but Davis is bigger and faster and may have a bigger upside. So if you think that a CB is s priority for the Pats this could be an interesting trade(19 for 31 and 32). |
| 32. | Oakland | OC,DL Youth RB,LB | Chris
Kelsey DE
Alt" Larry Johnson RB Alt: Terry Pierce LB |
If Haynes is still here the Raiders may have to take him. They have a lot of age on the Defensive Line and almost no pass-rush, so I will have to go with Kelsey. If the Pats are drafting here and McGahee is on the board they will take him. If not, they could pick up Haynes. He would add a pass rush from thee Weak-side and probably split time with Hamilton. He had 74 tackles and 15 sacks last season and I think he is the most underrated player in this draft. |