2006 NFL Mock Draft
1. Houston Texans – Reggie Bush, RB, USC.
NFL Comparison – Marshal Faulk
This pick is all but a lock. The Texans have exercised their option on David Carr, so that rules out drafting Vince Young or Matt Leinart. Bush is one of, if not the, most electrifying playmaker in the 2006 draft.
2. New Orleans Saints – Matt Leinart, QB, USC
NFL Comparison – Aaron Brooks…(Just kidding, Saints fans.) Tom Brady.
Matt Leinart is the most NFL-ready QB in this draft and could help the Saints immediately. Leinart is the most accurate and aware QB to come out since Troy Aikman. His arm strength is not great, but it is adequate. The Saints need a “face†for their team, and Leinart gives them a leader and a symbol of hope for not only the team but also for the city as it continues to recover from Hurricane Katrina.
3. Tennessee Titans – Vince Young, QB, Texas
NFL Comparison – Mike Vick…(Just kidding, Titans fans.) No, really. Mike Vick.
Young is a phenomenal physical talent, but can he be an efficient passer in the pros? Some scouts question his throwing motion, decision-making and attitude. However, the whole NFL Draft is a crapshoot, and Young may have the biggest upside in the whole draft. It’s going to be a feast or famine scenario for the Titans and Young.
4. New York Jets – Jay Cutler, QB, Vanderbilt
NFL Comparison – Jake Plummer
Cutler’s meteoric rise is very reminiscent of Philip River’s two years ago. Except, Cutler’s physical attributes absolutely crush those of Rivers. Jay Cutler has a cannon for an arm, he is mobile, and he has that certain “it†that coaches love. Cutler has a gun-slinger’s mentality, and that can be a double-edged sword at times. But Cutler has everything a QB needs to be a star in the NFL.
5. Green Bay Packers – D’Brickashaw Ferguson, OT, Virginia
NFL Comparison – Walter Jones
The absolute nanosecond that Ferguson gets drafted, he will automatically be a top-5 pass blocker in the NFL. “Brick†is a guy who at 300 lbs, has the feet of a wide receiver. He has what seem to be arms that stretch about nine feet long. At the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ferguson absolutely shut down Mathias Kiwanuka, a defensive end who projects to be taken in the first round. With Brett Favre’s return questionable at best, the Packers need a franchise left tackle to protect their 1st round pick last year, Aaron Rogers.
6. Oakland Raiders – Mario Williams, DE, North Carolina St.
NFL Comparison – Julius Peppers
Williams is a freak athlete. To be able to move like he does at 280 lbs is just unbelievable. Williams is the most athletic DE prospect to emerge since Julius Peppers, and the Raiders will absolutely salivate if he is available at the six spot. Williams will automatically give Oakland that fierce defensive player that opposing teams will fear, which is something they have lacked for…well, since Howie Long it seems like.
7. San Francisco 49ers – A.J. Hawk, LB, Ohio State
NFL Comparison – Takeo Spikes
Hawk was the most productive linebacker in college football by far in 2005. With excellent size and athleticism, Hawk will instantly provide the 49ers with a force on defense. San Francisco has many needs for their team, but they ultimately opt for the best player available in Hawk.
8. Buffalo Bills – Haloti Ngata, DT, Oregon
NFL Comparison – Shaun Rogers
Ngata has an almost un-human mixture of size, brute strength and athleticism. The Bills have struggled on the interior defensive line since Pat Williams left, and Ngata will provide an instant upgrade. Ngata can stop the run and rush the passer as a two-gap defensive tackle. He can get somewhat lazy at times, but Ngata’s talent and upside are undeniable.
9. Detroit Lions – Michael Huff, S, Texas
NFL Comparison – Ed Reed
Michael Huff can do it all. He’s got good size for a defensive back. He is a solid tackler and has a nose for the ball in the middle of the field. The Lions also need a QB and offensive line help, but Huff would be the best available player by far at this point in the first round. Detroit’s secondary would be all-of-a-sudden formidable with Huff in the fold.
10. Arizona Cardinals – DeAngelo Williams, RB, Memphis
NFL Comparison – Curtis Martin
Williams was the second most productive running back in college last year behind Reggie Bush. A natural, instinctive runner, Williams gives the Arizona offense the third aspect besides wide receivers and a decent QB they have been missing, a solid running back. Williams gives the Cardinals solidity in the backfield for the next six to seven years.
11. St. Louis Rams – Vernon Davis, TE, Maryland
NFL Comparison – Jeremy Shockey
The Rams could go for defensive help in this spot, but Vernon Davis is a mighty hard talent to pass up especially for former offensive coordinator and new head coach Scott Linehan. Davis is a fast, strong and sure-handed tight end who gives the Rams a prime target over the middle of the field that compliments their excellent receivers on the perimeter.
12. Cleveland Browns – Winston Justice, OT, USC
NFL Comparison – Robert Gallery
If Winston Justice, a junior, would have stayed at USC for one more year, he could have been a top 5 selection in the 2007 NFL Draft. Justice has great upside and is the best pass-protecting right tackle to emerge in a while. The Browns need offensive line help because L.J. Shelton is the only decent lineman they have, and he is injury prone. Possessing good size and great athleticism, Justice would start right away for the Browns.
13. Baltimore Ravens – Jimmy Williams, CB/S, Virginia Tech
NFL Comparison – Chris McAlister
Jimmy Williams has a special blend of size and athleticism for a defensive back. He is a bit of a ‘tweener. Williams can play corner or safety in the NFL, and the Ravens need both with Will Demps becoming an unrestricted free agent and Deion Sanders retiring. Also, you know the Ravens are never shy to draft a defensive player even though they have a few needs on offense.
14. Philadelphia Eagles – Santonio Holmes, WR, Ohio State
NFL Comparison – Steve Smith
Santonio Holmes is a home-run hitter at a perimeter position on the football field. Everyone and their grandma’s grandma knows the Eagles’ wide receiver situation with the Terrell Owens saga. The Eagles need a “go-to†wide out, and Holmes is that. He’s a good route runner and a good blocker, although being small in stature. But Steve Smith and Santana Moss have proven that size does not matter.
15. Atlanta Falcons – Tamba Hali, DE, Penn St.
NFL Comparison – Derrick Burgess
Hali possesses decent size, very good athleticism and a relentless motor. He is a dedicated, strong pass-rushing defensive end. The Falcons could use safety help also, but with Michael Huff and Jimmy Williams off the board, Hali is the best available player, and the Falcons need defensive end depth.
16. Miami Dolphins – Chad Greenway, LB, Iowa
NFL Comparison – Keith Bulluck
The rich get richer at the linebacker position. There is a good chance Greenway falls to Miami, and what a steal it would be. Greenway has great size, great athleticism and great instincts. He is a Nick Saban-type player who is a hard worker and an intense.
The Dolphins actually need another outside linebacker, and Greenway gives them an outstanding “now†LB corps with Zach Thomas and Channing Crowder, as well as teaming up with Crowder, a talented draft pick last year, to terrorize opposing offenses for years to come.
17. Minnesota Vikings – LenDale White, RB, USC
NFL Comparison – Corey Dillon
Mewelde Moore, Michael Bennett, Ciatric Fason. All decent “3rd down-type†running backs. Enter LenDale White, who at 6’2†235 lbs gives the Vikings a big, explosive, clock-controlling runner that the Vikings have been starved for. If LenDale White would not have lived under Reggie Bush’s shadow the whole year at USC, White would no doubt be a top 10 selection.
18. Dallas Cowboys – Marcus McNeill, OT, Auburn
NFL Comparison – Flozell Adams
Marcus McNeill is, uh, pretty big. He’s 6’9†335 lbs. The Cowboys need right tackle help and McNeill is the 3rd rated tackle in the draft behind Ferguson and Justice. McNeill can be a “leaner†at times, but he possesses the size and strength to absolutely maul people.
19. San Diego Chargers – Ko Simpson, S, South Carolina
NFL Comparison – Lance Schulters
Ko Simpson is your “typical†free safety. He’s got a good nose for the ball, good height and decent speed. He’s solid, but unspectacular. However, with San Diego’s secondary giving up several big plays last season, the Chargers need a playmaker at safety. Bhawoh Jue and Jerry Wilson just won’t cut it as your starting safeties.
20. Kansas City Chiefs – Mathias Kiwanuka, DE, Boston College
NFL Comparison – Trevor Pryce
Mathias Kiwanuka is a physical specimen. At 6’6†275 lbs, he possesses great strength and good pass rush ability. However, Kiwanuka’s stock has dropped a bit. He had a sub-par showing at the Senior bowl; he got dominated by D’Brickishaw Ferguson. For a man with his physical ability, he should be more dominant than what he is. Still though, Kiwanuka has great upside and deserves a spot in the 1st round.
21. New England Patriots – Manny Lawson, DE/OLB, North Carolina St.
NFL Comparison – Jason Taylor
Manny Lawson is a great pass rusher from the outside, and he fits in beautifully as an outside linebacker in the 3-4 defense. Lawson would give the Patriots a young, mean speed defender who possesses a 47, that’s right, 47-inch vertical jump. With Willie McGinest getting old and Rosevelt Colvin remaining not being what he used to be due to injuries, Lawson gives the Pats a young pass-rushing defender.
22. Denver Broncos – Chad Jackson, WR, Florida
NFL Comparison – Amani Toomer
Chad Jackson came into his own and realized his potential in 2005. He’s 6’1†200 lbs. He runs good routes and possesses good speed. He can be a deep threat at times. With Rod Smith becoming on the verge of ancient and Ashlie Lelie needing a threat opposite himself, Jackson would fit in nicely in Denver.
23. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Demeco Ryans, LB, Alabama
NFL Comparison – Cato June
Derrick Brooks is not going to be a Pro Bowler forever, contrary to Tampa fans’ wishes. Ryans is not the biggest outside linebacker, but he is a playmaker and swarms to the ball. He has a knack for turnovers and can give the Bucs more speed on D.
24. Cincinnati Bengals – Brodrick Bunkley, DT, Florida St.
NFL Comparison – La’Roi Glover
Bunkley is a better prospect than his former teammate and FSU defensive tackle Travis Johnson, who was a 1st round draft pick in the 2005 draft. Bunkley is a one-gap, pass-rushing DT. The Bengals need a difference-maker in the middle of their defensive line, and if Bunkley is available at this spot, the pick is a “no-brainer.â€Â
25. New York Giants – Ashton Youboty, CB, Ohio State
NFL Comparison – Rashean Mathis
Will Allen is an unrestricted free agent, and Youboty would provide the G-Men with a very good, young cornerback tandem with Corey Webster, the Giant’s 2nd round pick in 2005. Youboty has great size for a corner, along with good speed and athleticism.
26. Chicago Bears – Leonard Pope, TE, Georgia
NFL Comparison – Jerramy Stevens
The best friend of a young QB can be a big, over-the-middle TE like Leonard Pope. The Bears had absolutely no help whatsoever from the TE position last year, and Rex Grossman will benefit greatly from a prime target in the middle of the football field. Pope is a monster at 6’7†and 250 lbs. He has good athleticism for his size and is a no-brainer at this point for the Bears.
27. Carolina Panthers – Bobby Carpenter, LB, Ohio State
NFL Comparison – Channing Crowder
Carpenter is very big, fast and athletic. With Will Witherspoon as an unrestricted free agent, the Panthers could opt for a top-notch outside linebacker to take his place. Alongside Dan Morgan, Carpenter would give the Panthers a great dual threat at linebacker for a long time.
28. Jacksonville Jaguars – Tye Hill, CB, Clemson
NFL Comparison – Antoine Winfield
Hill doesn’t have ideal size, but he plays bigger than his frame indicates and he possesses outstanding speed. Hill is also a ball hawk and has good hands. The Jags already have Reshean Mathis, but don’t have a playmaker on the opposite side. Hill would give Jacksonville a very good corner duo for a long time.
29. Denver Broncos – Gabe Watson, DT, Michigan
NFL Comparison – Pat Williams
Watson provides the Horses with an inside force they have wanted since they switched Trevor Pryce to defensive end. Watson, who has phenomenal size (6’4†330 lbs.) and strength, can stuff the run as a two-gap tackle but can also show flashes of a pass-rusher at times. He is dubbed as lazy at times, but Watson has physicals you cannot deny.
30. Indianapolis Colts – Ernie Sims, LB, Florida St.
NFL Comparison – Lance Briggs
Sims fits the Colts€™ system of small, athletic and aware linebackers who can make plays in pass coverage. Sims is very athletic and could actually project as a strong safety for some teams, but the Colts would love him as a linebacker.
31. Seattle Seahawks – Thomas Howard, LB, UTEP
NFL Comparison – Derrick Brooks
It’s kind of a wonder why Howard isn’t considered as a higher potential pick in the draft. At 6’3†240 lbs, Howard has great size and great athleticism. He can take better angles and do a better job when taking on bigger blockers, but Howard is a good player with good physicals and instincts who will give the Seahawks another playmaker at the second level.
32. Pittsburgh Steelers – Sinorice Moss, WR, Miami
NFL Comparison – Santana Moss
The Steelers have a good, young tight end in Heath Miller and one of the best wide receivers in Hines Ward, who is the consummate “all-round†player.
Moss would give the Steelers a deep threat who models the recent fad of smallish, fast wide-outs who can do it all.
1. Houston Texans – Reggie Bush, RB, USC.
NFL Comparison – Marshal Faulk
This pick is all but a lock. The Texans have exercised their option on David Carr, so that rules out drafting Vince Young or Matt Leinart. Bush is one of, if not the, most electrifying playmaker in the 2006 draft.
2. New Orleans Saints – Matt Leinart, QB, USC
NFL Comparison – Aaron Brooks…(Just kidding, Saints fans.) Tom Brady.
Matt Leinart is the most NFL-ready QB in this draft and could help the Saints immediately. Leinart is the most accurate and aware QB to come out since Troy Aikman. His arm strength is not great, but it is adequate. The Saints need a “face†for their team, and Leinart gives them a leader and a symbol of hope for not only the team but also for the city as it continues to recover from Hurricane Katrina.
3. Tennessee Titans – Vince Young, QB, Texas
NFL Comparison – Mike Vick…(Just kidding, Titans fans.) No, really. Mike Vick.
Young is a phenomenal physical talent, but can he be an efficient passer in the pros? Some scouts question his throwing motion, decision-making and attitude. However, the whole NFL Draft is a crapshoot, and Young may have the biggest upside in the whole draft. It’s going to be a feast or famine scenario for the Titans and Young.
4. New York Jets – Jay Cutler, QB, Vanderbilt
NFL Comparison – Jake Plummer
Cutler’s meteoric rise is very reminiscent of Philip River’s two years ago. Except, Cutler’s physical attributes absolutely crush those of Rivers. Jay Cutler has a cannon for an arm, he is mobile, and he has that certain “it†that coaches love. Cutler has a gun-slinger’s mentality, and that can be a double-edged sword at times. But Cutler has everything a QB needs to be a star in the NFL.
5. Green Bay Packers – D’Brickashaw Ferguson, OT, Virginia
NFL Comparison – Walter Jones
The absolute nanosecond that Ferguson gets drafted, he will automatically be a top-5 pass blocker in the NFL. “Brick†is a guy who at 300 lbs, has the feet of a wide receiver. He has what seem to be arms that stretch about nine feet long. At the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ferguson absolutely shut down Mathias Kiwanuka, a defensive end who projects to be taken in the first round. With Brett Favre’s return questionable at best, the Packers need a franchise left tackle to protect their 1st round pick last year, Aaron Rogers.
6. Oakland Raiders – Mario Williams, DE, North Carolina St.
NFL Comparison – Julius Peppers
Williams is a freak athlete. To be able to move like he does at 280 lbs is just unbelievable. Williams is the most athletic DE prospect to emerge since Julius Peppers, and the Raiders will absolutely salivate if he is available at the six spot. Williams will automatically give Oakland that fierce defensive player that opposing teams will fear, which is something they have lacked for…well, since Howie Long it seems like.
7. San Francisco 49ers – A.J. Hawk, LB, Ohio State
NFL Comparison – Takeo Spikes
Hawk was the most productive linebacker in college football by far in 2005. With excellent size and athleticism, Hawk will instantly provide the 49ers with a force on defense. San Francisco has many needs for their team, but they ultimately opt for the best player available in Hawk.
8. Buffalo Bills – Haloti Ngata, DT, Oregon
NFL Comparison – Shaun Rogers
Ngata has an almost un-human mixture of size, brute strength and athleticism. The Bills have struggled on the interior defensive line since Pat Williams left, and Ngata will provide an instant upgrade. Ngata can stop the run and rush the passer as a two-gap defensive tackle. He can get somewhat lazy at times, but Ngata’s talent and upside are undeniable.
9. Detroit Lions – Michael Huff, S, Texas
NFL Comparison – Ed Reed
Michael Huff can do it all. He’s got good size for a defensive back. He is a solid tackler and has a nose for the ball in the middle of the field. The Lions also need a QB and offensive line help, but Huff would be the best available player by far at this point in the first round. Detroit’s secondary would be all-of-a-sudden formidable with Huff in the fold.
10. Arizona Cardinals – DeAngelo Williams, RB, Memphis
NFL Comparison – Curtis Martin
Williams was the second most productive running back in college last year behind Reggie Bush. A natural, instinctive runner, Williams gives the Arizona offense the third aspect besides wide receivers and a decent QB they have been missing, a solid running back. Williams gives the Cardinals solidity in the backfield for the next six to seven years.
11. St. Louis Rams – Vernon Davis, TE, Maryland
NFL Comparison – Jeremy Shockey
The Rams could go for defensive help in this spot, but Vernon Davis is a mighty hard talent to pass up especially for former offensive coordinator and new head coach Scott Linehan. Davis is a fast, strong and sure-handed tight end who gives the Rams a prime target over the middle of the field that compliments their excellent receivers on the perimeter.
12. Cleveland Browns – Winston Justice, OT, USC
NFL Comparison – Robert Gallery
If Winston Justice, a junior, would have stayed at USC for one more year, he could have been a top 5 selection in the 2007 NFL Draft. Justice has great upside and is the best pass-protecting right tackle to emerge in a while. The Browns need offensive line help because L.J. Shelton is the only decent lineman they have, and he is injury prone. Possessing good size and great athleticism, Justice would start right away for the Browns.
13. Baltimore Ravens – Jimmy Williams, CB/S, Virginia Tech
NFL Comparison – Chris McAlister
Jimmy Williams has a special blend of size and athleticism for a defensive back. He is a bit of a ‘tweener. Williams can play corner or safety in the NFL, and the Ravens need both with Will Demps becoming an unrestricted free agent and Deion Sanders retiring. Also, you know the Ravens are never shy to draft a defensive player even though they have a few needs on offense.
14. Philadelphia Eagles – Santonio Holmes, WR, Ohio State
NFL Comparison – Steve Smith
Santonio Holmes is a home-run hitter at a perimeter position on the football field. Everyone and their grandma’s grandma knows the Eagles’ wide receiver situation with the Terrell Owens saga. The Eagles need a “go-to†wide out, and Holmes is that. He’s a good route runner and a good blocker, although being small in stature. But Steve Smith and Santana Moss have proven that size does not matter.
15. Atlanta Falcons – Tamba Hali, DE, Penn St.
NFL Comparison – Derrick Burgess
Hali possesses decent size, very good athleticism and a relentless motor. He is a dedicated, strong pass-rushing defensive end. The Falcons could use safety help also, but with Michael Huff and Jimmy Williams off the board, Hali is the best available player, and the Falcons need defensive end depth.
16. Miami Dolphins – Chad Greenway, LB, Iowa
NFL Comparison – Keith Bulluck
The rich get richer at the linebacker position. There is a good chance Greenway falls to Miami, and what a steal it would be. Greenway has great size, great athleticism and great instincts. He is a Nick Saban-type player who is a hard worker and an intense.
The Dolphins actually need another outside linebacker, and Greenway gives them an outstanding “now†LB corps with Zach Thomas and Channing Crowder, as well as teaming up with Crowder, a talented draft pick last year, to terrorize opposing offenses for years to come.
17. Minnesota Vikings – LenDale White, RB, USC
NFL Comparison – Corey Dillon
Mewelde Moore, Michael Bennett, Ciatric Fason. All decent “3rd down-type†running backs. Enter LenDale White, who at 6’2†235 lbs gives the Vikings a big, explosive, clock-controlling runner that the Vikings have been starved for. If LenDale White would not have lived under Reggie Bush’s shadow the whole year at USC, White would no doubt be a top 10 selection.
18. Dallas Cowboys – Marcus McNeill, OT, Auburn
NFL Comparison – Flozell Adams
Marcus McNeill is, uh, pretty big. He’s 6’9†335 lbs. The Cowboys need right tackle help and McNeill is the 3rd rated tackle in the draft behind Ferguson and Justice. McNeill can be a “leaner†at times, but he possesses the size and strength to absolutely maul people.
19. San Diego Chargers – Ko Simpson, S, South Carolina
NFL Comparison – Lance Schulters
Ko Simpson is your “typical†free safety. He’s got a good nose for the ball, good height and decent speed. He’s solid, but unspectacular. However, with San Diego’s secondary giving up several big plays last season, the Chargers need a playmaker at safety. Bhawoh Jue and Jerry Wilson just won’t cut it as your starting safeties.
20. Kansas City Chiefs – Mathias Kiwanuka, DE, Boston College
NFL Comparison – Trevor Pryce
Mathias Kiwanuka is a physical specimen. At 6’6†275 lbs, he possesses great strength and good pass rush ability. However, Kiwanuka’s stock has dropped a bit. He had a sub-par showing at the Senior bowl; he got dominated by D’Brickishaw Ferguson. For a man with his physical ability, he should be more dominant than what he is. Still though, Kiwanuka has great upside and deserves a spot in the 1st round.
21. New England Patriots – Manny Lawson, DE/OLB, North Carolina St.
NFL Comparison – Jason Taylor
Manny Lawson is a great pass rusher from the outside, and he fits in beautifully as an outside linebacker in the 3-4 defense. Lawson would give the Patriots a young, mean speed defender who possesses a 47, that’s right, 47-inch vertical jump. With Willie McGinest getting old and Rosevelt Colvin remaining not being what he used to be due to injuries, Lawson gives the Pats a young pass-rushing defender.
22. Denver Broncos – Chad Jackson, WR, Florida
NFL Comparison – Amani Toomer
Chad Jackson came into his own and realized his potential in 2005. He’s 6’1†200 lbs. He runs good routes and possesses good speed. He can be a deep threat at times. With Rod Smith becoming on the verge of ancient and Ashlie Lelie needing a threat opposite himself, Jackson would fit in nicely in Denver.
23. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Demeco Ryans, LB, Alabama
NFL Comparison – Cato June
Derrick Brooks is not going to be a Pro Bowler forever, contrary to Tampa fans’ wishes. Ryans is not the biggest outside linebacker, but he is a playmaker and swarms to the ball. He has a knack for turnovers and can give the Bucs more speed on D.
24. Cincinnati Bengals – Brodrick Bunkley, DT, Florida St.
NFL Comparison – La’Roi Glover
Bunkley is a better prospect than his former teammate and FSU defensive tackle Travis Johnson, who was a 1st round draft pick in the 2005 draft. Bunkley is a one-gap, pass-rushing DT. The Bengals need a difference-maker in the middle of their defensive line, and if Bunkley is available at this spot, the pick is a “no-brainer.â€Â
25. New York Giants – Ashton Youboty, CB, Ohio State
NFL Comparison – Rashean Mathis
Will Allen is an unrestricted free agent, and Youboty would provide the G-Men with a very good, young cornerback tandem with Corey Webster, the Giant’s 2nd round pick in 2005. Youboty has great size for a corner, along with good speed and athleticism.
26. Chicago Bears – Leonard Pope, TE, Georgia
NFL Comparison – Jerramy Stevens
The best friend of a young QB can be a big, over-the-middle TE like Leonard Pope. The Bears had absolutely no help whatsoever from the TE position last year, and Rex Grossman will benefit greatly from a prime target in the middle of the football field. Pope is a monster at 6’7†and 250 lbs. He has good athleticism for his size and is a no-brainer at this point for the Bears.
27. Carolina Panthers – Bobby Carpenter, LB, Ohio State
NFL Comparison – Channing Crowder
Carpenter is very big, fast and athletic. With Will Witherspoon as an unrestricted free agent, the Panthers could opt for a top-notch outside linebacker to take his place. Alongside Dan Morgan, Carpenter would give the Panthers a great dual threat at linebacker for a long time.
28. Jacksonville Jaguars – Tye Hill, CB, Clemson
NFL Comparison – Antoine Winfield
Hill doesn’t have ideal size, but he plays bigger than his frame indicates and he possesses outstanding speed. Hill is also a ball hawk and has good hands. The Jags already have Reshean Mathis, but don’t have a playmaker on the opposite side. Hill would give Jacksonville a very good corner duo for a long time.
29. Denver Broncos – Gabe Watson, DT, Michigan
NFL Comparison – Pat Williams
Watson provides the Horses with an inside force they have wanted since they switched Trevor Pryce to defensive end. Watson, who has phenomenal size (6’4†330 lbs.) and strength, can stuff the run as a two-gap tackle but can also show flashes of a pass-rusher at times. He is dubbed as lazy at times, but Watson has physicals you cannot deny.
30. Indianapolis Colts – Ernie Sims, LB, Florida St.
NFL Comparison – Lance Briggs
Sims fits the Colts€™ system of small, athletic and aware linebackers who can make plays in pass coverage. Sims is very athletic and could actually project as a strong safety for some teams, but the Colts would love him as a linebacker.
31. Seattle Seahawks – Thomas Howard, LB, UTEP
NFL Comparison – Derrick Brooks
It’s kind of a wonder why Howard isn’t considered as a higher potential pick in the draft. At 6’3†240 lbs, Howard has great size and great athleticism. He can take better angles and do a better job when taking on bigger blockers, but Howard is a good player with good physicals and instincts who will give the Seahawks another playmaker at the second level.
32. Pittsburgh Steelers – Sinorice Moss, WR, Miami
NFL Comparison – Santana Moss
The Steelers have a good, young tight end in Heath Miller and one of the best wide receivers in Hines Ward, who is the consummate “all-round†player.
Moss would give the Steelers a deep threat who models the recent fad of smallish, fast wide-outs who can do it all.
