krocket
04-23-2005, 01:46 AM
Rick Gosselin's final NFL mock draft (4/22)
1. SAN FRANCISCO
Needs: QB, OL, DL, WR
Alex Smith, QB, Utah
Comment: The same agent (Tom Condon) who represented Eli Manning represents Smith. So this could be another draft-and-trade situation, like Manning in 2004. Smith wants to play in Florida where there's no state income tax. That would be an extra $5 million on a $50 million contract. Both the Dolphins and Bucs have an interest in Smith.
2. MIAMI
Needs: QB, RB, OT, WR
Ronnie Brown, HB, Auburn
Comment: The Dolphins need offensive playmakers across the board. If they can't get Smith, the choice would be between the top runner (Brown) and top receiver (Braylon Edwards). The Dolphins have a better chance of getting a quality receiver in subsequent rounds than a quality runner.
3. CLEVELAND
Needs: QB, WR, OT, DL
Braylon Edwards, WR, Michigan
Comment: The Browns acquired a veteran quarterback (Trent Dilfer) and runner (Reuben Droughns) this off-season. Now they need a lead receiver for the NFL's 28th-ranked offense. Edwards might be the best player on the draft board.
4. CHICAGO
Needs: RB, speed WR, CB, OL depth
Carnell Williams, HB, Auburn
Comment: The Bears finished 25th in the NFL in rushing. If you can't run the ball in Chicago, you can't win. Cedric Benson and Carnell Williams are two attractive options. Williams has the added dimension of returning kicks.
5. TAMPA BAY
Needs: RB, WR, DT, K
Aaron Rodgers, QB, Cal
Comment: Jon Gruden without a quarterback is like Zorro without a mask. Without a triggerman, Gruden lacks a coaching identity � and he doesn't have a trigger in Tampa. The Bucs could wind up with Alex Smith by day's end.
6. TENNESSEE
Needs: CB, WR, RT, RB
Antrel Rolle, CB, Miami (Fla.)
Comment: When you play in the AFC South, you'd better be able to cover Peyton Manning's fleet of receivers. The Titans lost starting corners Samari Rolle and Andre Dyson in free agency. Rolle is a merger of need and value here.
7. MINNESOTA
Needs: WR, RB, DT, DE
Troy Williamson, WR, South Carolina
Comment: The Vikings will miss Randy Moss. Williamson is the closest receiver to Moss on this draft board at 6-1, 203 with 4.32 40 speed. He averaged 49 yards per his 13 career touchdown catches.
8. ARIZONA
Needs: CB, HB, TE, QB
Cedric Benson, HB, Texas
Comment: With the retirement of Emmitt Smith, there's a gaping hole in the Arizona backfield. The Cardinals might trade for Travis Henry today. If not, the Cardinals can pull another back out of the state of Texas.
9. WASHINGTON
Needs: CB, WR, TE, big RB
Adam Jones, CB, West Virginia
Comment: Joe Gibbs wants a wide receiver badly, but there's better value on the board at cornerback. With Fred Smoot's departure, the Redskins need a walk-in starter. Jones will remind Gibbs of Darrell Green.
10. DETROIT
Needs: CB, G, physical WR, S
Derrick Johnson, OLB, Texas
Comment: Bobby Layne, Doug English, Roy Williams � over the years the Lions have loved those Longhorns. Johnson is one of the most gifted defensive playmakers on the board with 11 forced fumbles and nine career interceptions.
11. DALLAS
Needs: Pass rush, size on defense, OT, WR
Shawne Merriman, DE, Maryland
Comment: Bill Parcells wants to get bigger on defense, and that's the determining factor in taking the 270-pound Merriman to line up at strongside linebacker. His arrival should toughen up the run defense.
12. SAN DIEGO
Needs: ILB, OL, DE, CB
Marcus Spears, DE, LSU
Comment: The Chargers managed only 29 sacks last season, the fewest of any playoff team. Spears had nine sacks in 2004 playing in the SEC and also makes the Chargers bigger (307 pounds) against the run.
13. HOUSTON
Needs: LB, OT, RB, Pass rusher
Demarcus Ware, OLB, Troy
Comment: Houston was a pass rusher away from contention. Now the NFL's worst pass rush gets the best pass rusher in the draft. Ware had 11 sacks in 12 games last season. The Texans themselves had only 24 sacks in 16 games.
14. CAROLINA
Needs: OT, WR, LB, QB
Mike Williams, WR, Southern Cal
Comment: The Panthers lost their possession receiver and goal-line force when Muhsin Muhammad left for the Bears in free agency. Williams is a TD maker with 30 in his two years in college. A lack of speed kept him out of the top 10.
15. KANSAS CITY
Needs: CB, S, speed WR, OT
Thomas Davis, S, Georgia
Comment: The Chiefs were one of the NFL's best teams in the 1990s because they played gritty, smash-mouth defense. But that defense has gotten soft this decade, and so have the Chiefs. Davis rattles teeth with his hitting ability.
16. NEW ORLEANS
Needs: DT, OT, LB, CB
Carlos Rogers, CB, Auburn
Comment: With the signing of a safety (Dwight Smith) and offensive tackle (Jermane Mayberry) in free agency, the Saints have no glaring holes. They can take the best athlete available. Rogers is a steal at this pick.
17. CINCINNATI
Needs: CB, DL, LB speed, OL
Erasmus James, DE, Wisconsin
Comment: The glut of 3-4 defenses (Dallas, San Diego and Houston) and end depth (Carolina and New Orleans) contributed to the slide of James. But he's the best 4-3 end in this draft and a bona fide pass rusher.
18. MINNESOTA
Needs: WR, RB, DT, DE
David Pollack, DE, Georgia
Comment: With Chris Hovan's departure, the Vikings need a high-energy player in their front seven. Pollack is high energy, and the artificial surface would provide ideal traction for his pass-rush skills.
19. ST. LOUIS
Needs: RT, Pass rusher, Size on def.
Jammal Brown, OT, Oklahoma
Comment: Marc Bulger was sacked 41 times for a league-high 302 yards in losses. Without pass protection, the Greatest Show on Turf is a carny act. Orlando Pace is a Pro Bowler on the left side. Brown is the draft's best right tackle.
20. DALLAS
Needs: Pass rush, size on defense, OT, WR
Luis Castillo, DT, Northwestern
Comment: Parcells wanted to get two defensive front-seven players, but that board emptied in the teens. The Cowboys will look to trade down. Failing there, the Cowboys will reach for the next best defensive lineman on his board.
21. JACKSONVILLE
Needs: CB, G, OT, Speed WR
Matt Jones, WR, Arkansas
Comment: The Jaguars have a talented but slow offense with Jimmy Smith and Fred Taylor getting up in the years. Jones is one of the most exciting and explosive athletes on the board with his 4.38 speed. The Jaguars dare to be bold.
22. BALTIMORE
Needs: DT, OT, WR, LB
Mark Clayton, WR, Oklahoma
Comment: What is it with the Ravens? No matter where they draft, a good player always slides to them. Ray Lewis and Ed Reed also were drafted in the 20s. Clayton will be a preseason NFL Rookie of the Year candidate.
23. SEATTLE
Needs: Defense, WR, RB, G
Alex Barron, OT, Florida State
Comment: The Seahawks have spent their money in the off-season rebuilding the NFL's 26th defense. The signing of Andre Dyson eases the need at corner. Look for the Seahawks to take the best player on the board at this point.
24. GREEN BAY
Needs: LB, S, OL, QB
Marlin Jackson, CB/S, Michigan
Comment: The Packers have long been of the belief that you draft big-school players who know how to play in the cold. An All-America cornerback from Michigan certainly qualifies. Jackson makes the secondary bigger and tougher.
25. WASHINGTON
Needs: CB, WR, TE, big RB
Jason Campbell, QB, Auburn
Comment: Joe Gibbs was embarrassed by the offensive play of the Redskins in 2004 (30th in the NFL) and wants to overhaul the passing game. He traded for Santana Moss for speed, now he drafts a quarterback who can get Moss the ball.
26. OAKLAND
Needs: CB, speed at LB, DE, OL
Fabian Washington, CB, Nebraska
Comment: Since Al Davis took over the Raiders in their AFL years back in the early 1960s, this franchise has been built on speed, speed and more speed. Washington is the fastest cornerback in the draft with a 4.29 40.
27. ATLANTA
Needs: DE, S, CB, WR
Shaun Cody, DT, Southern Cal
Comment: The good teams load up on defensive linemen, and the Falcons are now a good team. Cody is an inside pass rusher with 20 career sacks who can also swing outside and be a run-stopping end.
28. SAN DIEGO
Needs: ILB, OL, DE, CB
Roddy White, WR, UAB
Comment: San Diego's leading wide receiver last season caught only 47 passes. The Chargers need some help for tight end Antonio Gates and halfback LaDainian Tomlinson. White averaged 20 yards per catch last season.
29. INDIANAPOLIS
Needs: CB, S, MLB, DT
Brodney Pool, S, Oklahoma
Comment: The offense is Super Bowl ready. The defense isn't. The Colts need more size and more playmakers on that side of the ball and figure to draft three of them in the first day. Pool intercepted seven passes in 2003.
30. PITTSBURGH
Needs: RT, TE, WR, interior OL
Heath Miller, TE, Virginia
Comment: The top two tight ends on the Steelers combined for 16 catches in 2004. Pittsburgh needs to get Ben Roethlisberger a possession receiver. Miller set the ACC record with 144 catches by a tight end.
31. PHILADELPHIA
Needs: Depth at OT, LB, DT, RB
Chris Spencer, C, Mississippi
Comment: The Eagles have no holes on the roster, which gives them the luxury of drafting the best player on their board. Spencer can be an upgrade from Hank Fraley in 2006. This is the one team with the luxury of patience.
32. NEW ENGLAND
Needs: ILB, youth on defense, WR, DL
Marcus Johnson, G/T, Mississippi
Comment: Like the Eagles, the Patriots can draft for depth. Johnson can be an upgrade from Brandon Gorin at right tackle in 2006. He can also play guard. No team in the NFL covets versatility in its players like the Patriots.
TEAMS WITHOUT A FIRST-ROUND PICK
43. NY GIANTS
Needs: WR, LB, DE, CB
Justin Tuck, DE, Notre Dame
Comment: Michael Strahan is 34 this season and a new pass rusher must be developed. Tuck set a Notre Dame record with 131/2 sacks in 2003. He had 241/2 career sacks and is skipping his senior season to turn pro.
47. NY JETS
Needs: DT, RB, OL, CB
Stanford Routt, CB, Houston
Comment: Jets coach Herman Edwards was a big corner in the NFL himself, so he likes size in his secondary. Routt goes 6-1, 193 and is a former Conference USA sprint champion. He runs a 4.27 40. What's not to like?
55. BUFFALO
Needs: RB, blocking TE, S
Alex Smith, TE, Stanford
Comment: Smith has the hands to be a factor in the passing game, having caught 52 passes as a senior, and the body to be a factor in the running game at 6-4, 258 pounds. He caught 107 career passes at Stanford.
56. DENVER
Needs: CB, G, big WR, S
Vincent Jackson, WR, Northern Colorado
Comment: The Broncos won't even have to fly their top draft pick in. He can drive up from his home in Colorado Springs. Jackson is 6-4, 241 and runs a 4.46. He returns punts and kickoffs and averaged 20 yards per catch in his career.
1. SAN FRANCISCO
Needs: QB, OL, DL, WR
Alex Smith, QB, Utah
Comment: The same agent (Tom Condon) who represented Eli Manning represents Smith. So this could be another draft-and-trade situation, like Manning in 2004. Smith wants to play in Florida where there's no state income tax. That would be an extra $5 million on a $50 million contract. Both the Dolphins and Bucs have an interest in Smith.
2. MIAMI
Needs: QB, RB, OT, WR
Ronnie Brown, HB, Auburn
Comment: The Dolphins need offensive playmakers across the board. If they can't get Smith, the choice would be between the top runner (Brown) and top receiver (Braylon Edwards). The Dolphins have a better chance of getting a quality receiver in subsequent rounds than a quality runner.
3. CLEVELAND
Needs: QB, WR, OT, DL
Braylon Edwards, WR, Michigan
Comment: The Browns acquired a veteran quarterback (Trent Dilfer) and runner (Reuben Droughns) this off-season. Now they need a lead receiver for the NFL's 28th-ranked offense. Edwards might be the best player on the draft board.
4. CHICAGO
Needs: RB, speed WR, CB, OL depth
Carnell Williams, HB, Auburn
Comment: The Bears finished 25th in the NFL in rushing. If you can't run the ball in Chicago, you can't win. Cedric Benson and Carnell Williams are two attractive options. Williams has the added dimension of returning kicks.
5. TAMPA BAY
Needs: RB, WR, DT, K
Aaron Rodgers, QB, Cal
Comment: Jon Gruden without a quarterback is like Zorro without a mask. Without a triggerman, Gruden lacks a coaching identity � and he doesn't have a trigger in Tampa. The Bucs could wind up with Alex Smith by day's end.
6. TENNESSEE
Needs: CB, WR, RT, RB
Antrel Rolle, CB, Miami (Fla.)
Comment: When you play in the AFC South, you'd better be able to cover Peyton Manning's fleet of receivers. The Titans lost starting corners Samari Rolle and Andre Dyson in free agency. Rolle is a merger of need and value here.
7. MINNESOTA
Needs: WR, RB, DT, DE
Troy Williamson, WR, South Carolina
Comment: The Vikings will miss Randy Moss. Williamson is the closest receiver to Moss on this draft board at 6-1, 203 with 4.32 40 speed. He averaged 49 yards per his 13 career touchdown catches.
8. ARIZONA
Needs: CB, HB, TE, QB
Cedric Benson, HB, Texas
Comment: With the retirement of Emmitt Smith, there's a gaping hole in the Arizona backfield. The Cardinals might trade for Travis Henry today. If not, the Cardinals can pull another back out of the state of Texas.
9. WASHINGTON
Needs: CB, WR, TE, big RB
Adam Jones, CB, West Virginia
Comment: Joe Gibbs wants a wide receiver badly, but there's better value on the board at cornerback. With Fred Smoot's departure, the Redskins need a walk-in starter. Jones will remind Gibbs of Darrell Green.
10. DETROIT
Needs: CB, G, physical WR, S
Derrick Johnson, OLB, Texas
Comment: Bobby Layne, Doug English, Roy Williams � over the years the Lions have loved those Longhorns. Johnson is one of the most gifted defensive playmakers on the board with 11 forced fumbles and nine career interceptions.
11. DALLAS
Needs: Pass rush, size on defense, OT, WR
Shawne Merriman, DE, Maryland
Comment: Bill Parcells wants to get bigger on defense, and that's the determining factor in taking the 270-pound Merriman to line up at strongside linebacker. His arrival should toughen up the run defense.
12. SAN DIEGO
Needs: ILB, OL, DE, CB
Marcus Spears, DE, LSU
Comment: The Chargers managed only 29 sacks last season, the fewest of any playoff team. Spears had nine sacks in 2004 playing in the SEC and also makes the Chargers bigger (307 pounds) against the run.
13. HOUSTON
Needs: LB, OT, RB, Pass rusher
Demarcus Ware, OLB, Troy
Comment: Houston was a pass rusher away from contention. Now the NFL's worst pass rush gets the best pass rusher in the draft. Ware had 11 sacks in 12 games last season. The Texans themselves had only 24 sacks in 16 games.
14. CAROLINA
Needs: OT, WR, LB, QB
Mike Williams, WR, Southern Cal
Comment: The Panthers lost their possession receiver and goal-line force when Muhsin Muhammad left for the Bears in free agency. Williams is a TD maker with 30 in his two years in college. A lack of speed kept him out of the top 10.
15. KANSAS CITY
Needs: CB, S, speed WR, OT
Thomas Davis, S, Georgia
Comment: The Chiefs were one of the NFL's best teams in the 1990s because they played gritty, smash-mouth defense. But that defense has gotten soft this decade, and so have the Chiefs. Davis rattles teeth with his hitting ability.
16. NEW ORLEANS
Needs: DT, OT, LB, CB
Carlos Rogers, CB, Auburn
Comment: With the signing of a safety (Dwight Smith) and offensive tackle (Jermane Mayberry) in free agency, the Saints have no glaring holes. They can take the best athlete available. Rogers is a steal at this pick.
17. CINCINNATI
Needs: CB, DL, LB speed, OL
Erasmus James, DE, Wisconsin
Comment: The glut of 3-4 defenses (Dallas, San Diego and Houston) and end depth (Carolina and New Orleans) contributed to the slide of James. But he's the best 4-3 end in this draft and a bona fide pass rusher.
18. MINNESOTA
Needs: WR, RB, DT, DE
David Pollack, DE, Georgia
Comment: With Chris Hovan's departure, the Vikings need a high-energy player in their front seven. Pollack is high energy, and the artificial surface would provide ideal traction for his pass-rush skills.
19. ST. LOUIS
Needs: RT, Pass rusher, Size on def.
Jammal Brown, OT, Oklahoma
Comment: Marc Bulger was sacked 41 times for a league-high 302 yards in losses. Without pass protection, the Greatest Show on Turf is a carny act. Orlando Pace is a Pro Bowler on the left side. Brown is the draft's best right tackle.
20. DALLAS
Needs: Pass rush, size on defense, OT, WR
Luis Castillo, DT, Northwestern
Comment: Parcells wanted to get two defensive front-seven players, but that board emptied in the teens. The Cowboys will look to trade down. Failing there, the Cowboys will reach for the next best defensive lineman on his board.
21. JACKSONVILLE
Needs: CB, G, OT, Speed WR
Matt Jones, WR, Arkansas
Comment: The Jaguars have a talented but slow offense with Jimmy Smith and Fred Taylor getting up in the years. Jones is one of the most exciting and explosive athletes on the board with his 4.38 speed. The Jaguars dare to be bold.
22. BALTIMORE
Needs: DT, OT, WR, LB
Mark Clayton, WR, Oklahoma
Comment: What is it with the Ravens? No matter where they draft, a good player always slides to them. Ray Lewis and Ed Reed also were drafted in the 20s. Clayton will be a preseason NFL Rookie of the Year candidate.
23. SEATTLE
Needs: Defense, WR, RB, G
Alex Barron, OT, Florida State
Comment: The Seahawks have spent their money in the off-season rebuilding the NFL's 26th defense. The signing of Andre Dyson eases the need at corner. Look for the Seahawks to take the best player on the board at this point.
24. GREEN BAY
Needs: LB, S, OL, QB
Marlin Jackson, CB/S, Michigan
Comment: The Packers have long been of the belief that you draft big-school players who know how to play in the cold. An All-America cornerback from Michigan certainly qualifies. Jackson makes the secondary bigger and tougher.
25. WASHINGTON
Needs: CB, WR, TE, big RB
Jason Campbell, QB, Auburn
Comment: Joe Gibbs was embarrassed by the offensive play of the Redskins in 2004 (30th in the NFL) and wants to overhaul the passing game. He traded for Santana Moss for speed, now he drafts a quarterback who can get Moss the ball.
26. OAKLAND
Needs: CB, speed at LB, DE, OL
Fabian Washington, CB, Nebraska
Comment: Since Al Davis took over the Raiders in their AFL years back in the early 1960s, this franchise has been built on speed, speed and more speed. Washington is the fastest cornerback in the draft with a 4.29 40.
27. ATLANTA
Needs: DE, S, CB, WR
Shaun Cody, DT, Southern Cal
Comment: The good teams load up on defensive linemen, and the Falcons are now a good team. Cody is an inside pass rusher with 20 career sacks who can also swing outside and be a run-stopping end.
28. SAN DIEGO
Needs: ILB, OL, DE, CB
Roddy White, WR, UAB
Comment: San Diego's leading wide receiver last season caught only 47 passes. The Chargers need some help for tight end Antonio Gates and halfback LaDainian Tomlinson. White averaged 20 yards per catch last season.
29. INDIANAPOLIS
Needs: CB, S, MLB, DT
Brodney Pool, S, Oklahoma
Comment: The offense is Super Bowl ready. The defense isn't. The Colts need more size and more playmakers on that side of the ball and figure to draft three of them in the first day. Pool intercepted seven passes in 2003.
30. PITTSBURGH
Needs: RT, TE, WR, interior OL
Heath Miller, TE, Virginia
Comment: The top two tight ends on the Steelers combined for 16 catches in 2004. Pittsburgh needs to get Ben Roethlisberger a possession receiver. Miller set the ACC record with 144 catches by a tight end.
31. PHILADELPHIA
Needs: Depth at OT, LB, DT, RB
Chris Spencer, C, Mississippi
Comment: The Eagles have no holes on the roster, which gives them the luxury of drafting the best player on their board. Spencer can be an upgrade from Hank Fraley in 2006. This is the one team with the luxury of patience.
32. NEW ENGLAND
Needs: ILB, youth on defense, WR, DL
Marcus Johnson, G/T, Mississippi
Comment: Like the Eagles, the Patriots can draft for depth. Johnson can be an upgrade from Brandon Gorin at right tackle in 2006. He can also play guard. No team in the NFL covets versatility in its players like the Patriots.
TEAMS WITHOUT A FIRST-ROUND PICK
43. NY GIANTS
Needs: WR, LB, DE, CB
Justin Tuck, DE, Notre Dame
Comment: Michael Strahan is 34 this season and a new pass rusher must be developed. Tuck set a Notre Dame record with 131/2 sacks in 2003. He had 241/2 career sacks and is skipping his senior season to turn pro.
47. NY JETS
Needs: DT, RB, OL, CB
Stanford Routt, CB, Houston
Comment: Jets coach Herman Edwards was a big corner in the NFL himself, so he likes size in his secondary. Routt goes 6-1, 193 and is a former Conference USA sprint champion. He runs a 4.27 40. What's not to like?
55. BUFFALO
Needs: RB, blocking TE, S
Alex Smith, TE, Stanford
Comment: Smith has the hands to be a factor in the passing game, having caught 52 passes as a senior, and the body to be a factor in the running game at 6-4, 258 pounds. He caught 107 career passes at Stanford.
56. DENVER
Needs: CB, G, big WR, S
Vincent Jackson, WR, Northern Colorado
Comment: The Broncos won't even have to fly their top draft pick in. He can drive up from his home in Colorado Springs. Jackson is 6-4, 241 and runs a 4.46. He returns punts and kickoffs and averaged 20 yards per catch in his career.