ESPN Mock Draft!

[TXFinFan]

Moderator: The Dolphins are up and we have a question from Alex in Miami, Fla. ... Gentlemen, When Nick Saban arrived in Miami he emphasized the importance of building through the draft and the value of young players. However, while he added a second-rounder last year for Pat Surtain he also has given up a 2nd and 6th this year for players. Do you think he will make a move down in the first round to try and add some picks?

Len Pasquarelli, ESPN.com senior NFL writer: Always a possibility, Alex, since Nick really is a firm believer in the draft. But I think he's identified 2-3 candidates he believes will be available at his spot in the first round, and will likley stay put and take one of them. Nick knows, by the way, he's got to start bringing in some fresh blood on defense. It's still a good unit, but most of the star-caliber players are getting older.


16. Dolphins

Manny Lawson, DE/LB, NC State
Len Pasquarelli, ESPN.com senior NFL writer: Might go for one of the wide receivers, Holmes or Jackson, if one or either is still on the board. But Nick Saban knows he needs to get younger on defense and Lawson gives him a guy who can rush opposite Jason Taylor and, in time, replace him.

 

[TXFinFan]

They also have Santonio Holmes going right before us, and Jay Cutler going right after us.

 

[TXFinFan]

1. Texans

Reggie Bush, RB, USC
Len Pasquarelli, ESPN.com senior NFL writer: When you have the chance to get a once-in-a-generation player, and add him to one of the league's worst offenses, money shouldn't be the overriding factor. The Texans will take Bush.
2. Saints

Mario Williams, DE, NC State
Len Pasquarelli, ESPN.com senior NFL writer: Saints would prefer to move down and take someone like Ohio State linebacker A.J. Hawk, but aren't getting many offers. Even with two former first-round ends on the roster, Williams is too good to pass up.

3. Titans

Vince Young, QB, Texas
Len Pasquarelli, ESPN.com senior NFL writer: Lots of intrigue in the Titans war room, with battle lines drawn between the Young and Matt Leinart supporters. The last time we looked, Bud Adams was still signing the paychecks, and the Titans' owner is believed to favor Young.

4. Jets

D'Brickashaw Ferguson, OT, Virginia
Len Pasquarelli, ESPN.com senior NFL writer: The fans might want Leinart, but it doesn't matter who the quarterback is if you can't protect him. Ferguson is one of the safest picks in the draft and he'll help solidify a shaky line.

5. Packers

A.J. Hawk, LB, Ohio State
John Clayton, ESPN.com senior NFL writer: Hawk has been the main Packers target the entire offseason. He'll add skill and leadership to their defense. While Hawk is the likely pick, dut don't be surprised if general manager switches off to give Brett Favre tight end Vernon Davis.

 

[TXFinFan]

6. 49ers

Vernon Davis, TE, Maryland
John Clayton, ESPN.com senior NFL writer: The 49ers are fine whether they get Davis or Hawk. Figuring they would probably end up with Davis, the 49ers traded up with Denver to get the 22nd pick in the first round and be in position to get a defensive back or a linebacker. The 49ers just need starters.
7. Raiders

Matt Leinart, QB, USC
John Clayton, ESPN.com senior NFL writer: Aaron Brooks was signed as a one-year fix at quarterback, so the Raiders can't turn down a franchise quarterback, whether it's Leinart or Young. Al Davis isn't the biggest fan of left-handed quarterbacks, despite the success of Ken Stabler, but Leinart is too talented to pass up.

8. Bills

Brodrick Bunkley, DT, Florida State
Len Pasquarelli, ESPN.com senior NFL writer: There are rumors they could be tempted by QB Jay Cutler and are also considering DT Haloti Ngata, but seem to be higher on Bunkley, more a one-gap tackle who better fits their defensive design. The Bills have lost starting tackles each of the last two offseasons.

9. Lions

Michael Huff, S, Texas
Len Pasquarelli, ESPN.com senior NFL writer:There's a chance the Lions will trade down or, if they are convinced DT Dan Wilkinson is serious about retiring, take the best tackle available. But new coach Rod Marinelli wants a big hitter in the secondary and Huff delivers. One sure thing: The Lions won't take a wide receiver for the fourth year in a row.

10. Cardinals

Winston Justice, OT, USC
Len Pasquarelli, ESPN.com senior NFL writer: Another team that will be tempted if Cutler is available, and LB Ernie Sims is also a big-time possibility here. But the Cardinals have to address the offensive line and Justice provides them a stud to line up next to LG Leonard Davis.

 

[PhinFan0202]

I'm cool with Manny as long as does what he's doing in my avatar to Tom Brady.

 

[TXFinFan]

11. St. Louis Rams

Tye Hill, CB, Clemson
John Clayton, ESPN.com senior NFL writer: At the recent mini-camp the Rams' DBs didn't have a lot of success covering their talented receiving corps. Although the Rams would like to get a little big bigger at the cornerback position, Hill offers more coverage skills than Jimmy Williams.
12. Browns

Kamerion Wimbley, DE/LB, Florida State
John Clayton, ESPN.com senior NFL writer: GM Phil Savage has done his best this offseason to upgrade the defensive front seven. Although they will be tempted by defensive tackle Haloti Ngata, Wimbley gives Savage the Peter Boulware-type of rush-linebacker he's seeking.

13. Ravens

Haloti Ngata, DT, Oregon
John Clayton, ESPN.com senior NFL writer: Ray Lewis wanted a big body in front of him to free him up and Ngata is that perfect player. Lewis misses Sam Adams and Tony Siragusa. With the Ravens back in the 4-3 defense, Ngata is the perfect fit.

14. Eagles

Ernie Sims, LB, Florida State
Len Pasquarelli, ESPN.com senior NFL writer: History shows that coach Andy Reid usually prefers big guys, offensive and defensive linemen, early in the draft. But there aren't any value picks here on either side of the line, unless the Eagles make a bit of a reach for Ohio State center Nick Mangold. Eagles need to upgrade at linebacker and Sims lends plenty of speed to defense.

15. Broncos (from Falcons)

Santonio Holmes, WR, Ohio State
Len Pasquarelli, ESPN.com senior NFL writer: Broncos will also consider WR Chad Jackson of Florida. Veteran wideout Rod Smith will be 36 next month and is entering his 12th season, and Denver brass is about ready to give up on former first-rounder Ashley Lelie, who is being shopped in trade talks. The offense needs an outside playmaker.

 

[TXFinFan]

16. Dolphins

Manny Lawson, DE/LB, NC State
Len Pasquarelli, ESPN.com senior NFL writer: Might go for one of the wide receivers, Holmes or Jackson, if one or either is still on the board. But Nick Saban knows he needs to get younger on defense and Lawson gives him a guy who can rush opposite Jason Taylor and, in time, replace him.
17. Vikings

Jay Cutler, QB, Vanderbilt
John Clayton, ESPN.com senior NFL writer: This might be the best pick in the first round. Adding Cutler's arm to Brad Childress' offense could make this a great pick. Childress won't have to rush Cutler into service because Brad Johnson can get him through this season.

18. Cowboys

Bobby Carpenter, LB, Ohio State
John Clayton, ESPN.com senior NFL writer: Bill Parcells and Jerry Jones won't be able to pass up another chance to complete the rebuilding of their 3-4 defense. Carpenter's father played for Parcells. Bobby understands what the coach wants.

19. Chargers

Jason Allen, CB/S, Tennessee
John Clayton, ESPN.com senior NFL writer: The prime need for the Chargers is a left tackle but it might be a little too early to take Marcus McNeill. Allen is a big corner with speed. Though the Chargers could trade down, Allen would give the defense versatility because he could also help out at safety.

20. Chiefs

Jimmy Williams, CB, Virginia Tech
Len Pasquarelli, ESPN.com senior NFL writer: Chiefs allowed CB Eric Warfield to depart and need some help. Free agent Lenny Walls is often injured and promising young veteran Julian Battle may not be ready for prime time yet. Could also be tempted by some of the other corners still on the board or by a wide receiver like Chad Jackson.

 

[TXFinFan]

21. Patriots

DeAngelo Williams, RB, Memphis
Len Pasquarelli, ESPN.com senior NFL writer: The Patriots need to identify the eventual successor to tailback Corey Dillon and Williams is a steal at this juncture. Another team that will be tempted if WR Chad Jackson is still around.
22. 49ers (from Broncos)

Johnathan Joseph, CB, South Carolina
Len Pasquarelli, ESPN.com senior NFL writer: Have you seen the 49ers' cornerback depth chart? 'Nuff said.

 

[TXFinFan]

23. Buccaneers

Marcus McNeill, OT, Auburn
Len Pasquarelli, ESPN.com senior NFL writer: If the Bucs determine that past back injuries are no issue, and it appears that McNeill has been cleared by their doctors, they'll jump at the opportunity to grab a quality young left tackle.
24. Bengals

Antonio Cromartie, CB, Florida St.
John Clayton, ESPN.com senior NFL writer: Though most people believe the Bengals will take a tight end, the only first-round tight end on their board is Vernon Davis, who is long gone. The Bengals have a little age at the cornerback position, so Cromatrie is the type of speed corner who can be groomed for a future starting job.

25. Giants

Chad Jackson, WR, Florida
John Clayton, ESPN.com senior NFL writer: The Giants don't need a linebacker after signing LaVar Arrington, so they could just take the best athlete available. They will be tempted by the speed at the cornerback position, but Jackson will give them speed at wide receiver, which is needed.

 

[TXFinFan]

26. Bears

DeMeco Ryans, LB, Alabama
John Clayton, ESPN.com senior NFL writer: Expect the Bears to trade out of the first round, but if they stay, Ryans would give them an insurance policy in case they eventually can't re-sign Lance Briggs or Hunter Hillenmeyer.

 

[TXFinFan]

27. Panthers

Donte Whitner, S, Ohio State
Len Pasquarelli, ESPN.com senior NFL writer: Could go a lot of ways, and would consider Iowa linebacker Chad Greenway or a running back under this scenario. But Whitner brings the kind of physical presence to the secondary that coach John Fox covets, and the Panthers lost starting SS Marlon McCree in free agency.
28. Jaguars

Chad Greenway, LB, Iowa
Len Pasquarelli, ESPN.com senior NFL writer: Might look to the offensive line for help and, even though it might be a bit of a reach, TE Marcedes Lewis of UCLA is also a possibility. Greenway doesn't test fast, but he plays fast, and he'd be a nice fit with the Jaguars linebacker corps.

29. Jets (from Broncos)

Davin Joseph, OG, Oklahoma
Len Pasquarelli, ESPN.com senior NFL writer: Jets will strongly consider a running back here and there's a good chance, too, they'll move out of the slot. Joseph isn't a sexy pick, and the New York draftniks will go nuts if the Jets use both first-rounders on offensive linemen, but this is a solid pick.

 

[TXFinFan]

30. Colts

Laurence Maroney, RB, Minnesota
John Clayton, ESPN.com senior NFL writer: Though general manager Bill Polian would prefer to take a defensive player in the first round, the run on linebackers and cornerbacks leaves them in the position to get better running backs than expected. Now, they won't have to sweat into the second round to replace Edgerrin James. Getting Maroney at No. 30 is a bargain.
31. Seahawks

Kelly Jennings, CB, Miami
John Clayton, ESPN.com senior NFL writer: GM Tim Ruskell needed a safety and a cornerback and they got the safety in Mike Green of the Chicago Bears, whom they acquired for a sixth-round pick. They have continued to talk with Ty Law, but Jennings gives them a corner to replace Andre Dyson.

32. Steelers

LenDale White, RB, USC
John Clayton, ESPN.com senior NFL writer: The Steelers really don't think White's going to drop to them. They think he could go to the Panthers or the Jaguars, but he's the big back who can replace Jerome Bettis. White repaired his image during his visit to the Steelers. If he's there, he's a Steeler.

 

[@@@]

Kudos to ESPN thats certainly one of the better mocks i've seen

 

[UCFinfan86]

yuh i like it, cept would the jets really take Joseph over Mangold?

 

[TXFinFan]

yuh i like it, cept would the jets really take Joseph over Mangold?

That's what I was thinking too. They should be able to pick up Joseph in the 2nd.