I give NFL player comparisons and each player's latest stock reports.
Enjoy! And let me know what you think.
1. Houston Texans – Reggie Bush, RB, USC
NFL Comparison – Marshal Faulk
Recent Stock – Steady
There has been recent talk involving the possibility of Houston passing on Bush for Mario Williams or trading the pick. If that were to happen, I think Charlie Casserly and Gary Kubiak should be given the Wonderlic test to make sure they don’t score lower than Vince Young.
PROJECTED TRADE-New Orleans sends the 2nd pick to the New York Jets for the 4th and 29th picks.
2. New York Jets – Matt Leinart, QB, USC
NFL Comparison – Tom Brady
Recent Stock – Down
With the recent signing of Drew Brees, the New Orleans Saints no longer need to take a quarterback in the draft. The Jets, on the other hand, love Matt Leinart and if they want him they’ll have to jump the Titans who have the 3rd overall pick. The Titans like Leinart also. This trade makes too much sense to not happen. The Jets can make sure they get their QB and the Saints still get their man at the 4 spot.
3. Tennessee Titans – Vince Young, QB, Texas
NFL Comparison – Mike Vick
Recent Stock – Up
The Titans supposedly like Matt Leinart and Vince Young. So, with the Jets jumping up to take Leinart, the Titans settle for Young. However, didn’t they just draft a QB who couldn’t throw and was better suited to play wide receiver last year? In a few years, the Titans’ brain trust will kick themselves for not taking Jay Cutler, the best QB in the 2006 draft.
4. New Orleans Saints – Mario Williams, DE, North Carolina St.
NFL Comparison – Julius Peppers
Recent Stock – Steady
The Saints can’t go wrong with this pick. It’ll either be Williams or standout left tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson from Virginia. However, the Saints love Williams and it’s easy to see why. They face Julius Peppers twice a year and they’d love to have one of their own. Mario Williams, Will Smith and Charles Grant form the best young defensive end trio in the NFL, bar none.
5. Green Bay Packers – D’Brickashaw Ferguson, OT, Virginia
NFL Comparison – Walter Jones
Recent Stock – Steady
Hey, Brett Favre, remember all that “I won’t retire if we get some impact players,” talk? (ahem, ahem…in other words, get some lineman to protect me for the love of Pete.) Well, guess what. You haven’t had a better left tackle in your whole career than Ferguson. It’s just a shame he’s on his way in when you are on your way out.
6. San Francisco 49ers – Vernon Davis, TE, Maryland
NFL Comparison – Jeremy Shockey
Recent Stock – Up
To say the 49ers have as many holes as Swiss cheese is a slap in the face to Swiss cheese. They could use help across the board, especially on defense. A.J. Hawk or Michael Huff would fit in great at this pick. But the 49ers need offensive weapons also. Vernon Davis is a revelation at the tight end position. He’s 255 lbs. and he runs a 4.38 40 time. There are running backs in the NFL who wish they were that fast. Also, Davis might help Alex Smith, you know…throw a touchdown pass every once in a while.
7. Oakland Raiders – A. J. Hawk, LB, Ohio St.
NFL Comparison – Takeo Spikes
Recent Stock – Steady
The Raiders would have taken Vince Young at this point, but they may not have the chance with the Jets and Titans picking in front of them. Hawk is an Al Davis type player. Crazy. Relentless. Butt-ugly. He’ll give the Raiders D an instant attitude.
8. Buffalo Bills – Winston Justice, OT, USC
NFL Comparison – Robert Gallery
Recent Stock – Way Up
The Bills need help on the offensive and defensive lines. Most mock drafts have them taking Haloti Ngata, the huge and fast defensive tackle from Oregon. That remains a good possibility. However, Justice has massive potential and had a killer Pro Day at USC. Justice is not the technician that D’Brickashaw Ferguson is, but he’s every bit as athletic. Justice would immediately become the Bills’ best offensive lineman.
9. Detroit Lions – Michael Huff, S, Texas
NFL Comparison – Ed Reed
Recent Stock – Steady
Huff is by far the best defensive back available in the draft, and some scouts have him rated as the best defensive player overall. The Lions could go for Jay Cutler also, but their defensive secondary needs another playmaker to go along with Dre Bly. Huff is a ballhawk, a good tackler and a big hitter. He would make receivers fear going over the middle of the Lions’ defense since…well, uh…when did the Lions come into the NFL?
10. Arizona Cardinals – Jay Cutler, QB, Vanderbilt
NFL Comparison – Brett Favre
Recent Stock – Steady
The Cardinals need offensive line help badly. However, taking a lineman at this point other than Ferguson and Justice, who are taken already, is a huge reach. Kurt Warner is on social security already and the Cards’ excellent young receivers need a long-term quarterback to get them the ball. I think Cutler at this point is the steal of the draft. Kudos to Denny Green for staying patient and waiting for the best QB in the draft to fall to him.
11. St. Louis Rams – Haloti Ngata, DT, Oregon
NFL Comparison – Shaun Rogers
Recent Stock – Down
The Rams have invested 1st round picks on defensive tackles in recent history, but I think new coach Scott Linehan is an advocate of the “take the best available player” philosophy. Ngata represents good value at the 11 spot and gives new defensive coordinator Jim Haslett an anchor in the middle of his defensive line. Ngata is a strong, massive run-stopper who shows flashes of penetrating the backfield also.
12. Cleveland Browns – Chad Greenway, LB, Iowa
NFL Comparison – Keith Bulluck
Recent Stock – Down
The Browns continue to add young talent to their revamped defense. Greenway is a perfect fit for Romeo Crennel’s scheme which places a responsibility on outside linebackers to read and react, cover backs and tight ends and blitz. Greenway can do all of the above. He’s smart, big and athletic.
13. Baltimore Ravens – Brodrick Bunkley, DT, Florida St.
NFL Comparison – La’Roi Glover
Recent Stock – Way Up
The Ravens lost defensive tackle Ma’ake Kemoeatu in free agency and they need someone to replace him who can hold up an opponent at the point of attack while also showing ability to penetrate the backfield. Enter Brodrick Bunkley, one of the draft’s fastest risers. Many pundits don’t think Bunkley will fall to 13, and that may be the case. Bunkley bench pressed 225 lbs. 44 times at the NFL Combine and ran close to a 4.9 40 time. Ladies and gents, this is a 310 lb. Defensive tackle we are talking about.
14. Philadelphia Eagles – Ernie Sims, LB, Florida St.
NFL Comparison – Lance Briggs
Recent Stock – Up
Keith Adams is a free agent and may not return to Philadelphia. The Eagles need fast, athletic and aggressive outside linebackers for Jim Johnson’s attacking blitz scheme. Sims is about as athletic as they come for outside linebackers. The Eagles could also go for a wide receiver, but Sims presents the best value.
15. Denver Broncos – DeAngelo Williams, RB, Memphis
NFL Comparison – Curtis Martin
Recent Stock – Down
Mike Shanahan misses the days of Terrell Davis. He had a premier running back who he could focus the offense around. DeAngelo Williams is a one-cut and downhill runner with good vision and good feet who will complement the Broncos’ offense perfectly. Tatum Bell has good vision and feet also, but he’s fumble and injury prone.
16. Miami Dolphins – Santonio Holmes, WR, Ohio St.
NFL Comparison – Marvin Harrison
Recent Stock – Up
The Dolphins cornerback position is in better shape than you think. They signed Will Allen, who lacks hands but is a good cover corner, as a free agent. Travis Daniels played very well last year in his rookie season. The wildcard of the group is Will Poole, a corner with a first-round grade when he came out in 2004, who is coming back from missing 2005 with a torn ACL. He says he is close to 100%.
The safety spot could use an upgrade, but no safety outside of Donte Whitner presents as much value as Santonio Holmes does at this spot.
The Fins have Chris Chambers and Marty Booker, but Mike Mularkey’s offense uses a lot of three wide receiver sets and Holmes would play a lot from day one. He’s polished, fast and runs great routes. He and Chambers would cause nightmares for opposing secondaries.
17. Minnesota Vikings – Laurence Maroney, RB, Minnesota
NFL Comparison – Carnell Williams
Recent Stock - Steady
Michael Bennett left for New Orleans, Ciatric Fason is not a franchise back, Mewelde Moore is a kick return specialist and Onterio Smith uses rubber falic devices to pass drug tests. The Vikings need a premier running back for their offense. They could use a young quarterback, but no QB in this draft presents value at the 17th pick. Maroney is a quick runner who can make defenders miss, and he will excel on turf in the NFL just like he did in college.
18. Dallas Cowboys – Jimmy Williams, CB/S, Virginia Tech
NFL Comparison – Chris McAlister
Recent Stock – Down
Williams’ stock has dropped somewhat due to an average pro day and off field concerns, but one cannot deny his talent. Williams is big, fast, physical and has fluid hips. However, he may not play up to his measureables at times. But you know Jerry Jones. Who cares about attitude and other stuff? If he’s talented, we’ll take him. The Cowboys need a free safety to pair with Roy Williams and another cornerback to go alongside Terrance Newman. Williams can play both corner and safety, but many think he’d make a better free safety in the NFL.
19. San Diego Chargers – Chad Jackson, WR, Florida
NFL Comparison – Amani Toomer
Recent Stock – Up
The Chargers could go for secondary help also, but Keenan McCardell is a member of the AARP and the Bolts need another young wideout for Philip Rivers to throw to. Jackson has great potential and with some coaching, can become more seasoned. Jackson is 6’1” and over 200 lbs. He possesses great speed and hands. His route-running and form is not quite on par with Santonio Holmes, but Jackson may have better long-term potential.
20. Kansas City Chiefs – Antonio Cromartie, CB, Florida St.
NFL Comparison – Charles Woodson
Recent Stock – Way Up
The Chiefs haven’t had a prime wide receiver in about 100 years, but with Santonio Holmes and Chad Jackson gone at this point, no wide receiver presents as much value as Cromartie does at pick 20. Cromartie would have been a no-brainer top 5 pick if it weren’t for a torn ACL that caused him to miss the 2005 season. “Cro’” is healthy now, and he even says he would have been able to play in the Orange Bowl last year. Even with Patrick Surtain, the Chiefs still need secondary help and Cromartie has everything you look for in a franchise corner. He’s big, fast, has swift hips and good ball skills.
21. New England Patriots – Kamerion Wimbley, DE/OLB, Florida St.
NFL Comparison – DeMarcus Ware
Recent Stock – Way Up
The Patriots could use some cornerback help here, but there is talk about Ty Law possibly coming back and no defensive back would present value at 21 like Wimbley would. Manny Lawson, another OLB/DE prospect who is very athletic is also a possibility. Both would fit into Bill Belichick’s 3-4 blitz scheme. Wimbley has smooth hips, he’s athletic, strong and smart. A Belichick player.
22. Denver Broncos – Manny Lawson, DE/OLB, North Carolina St.
NFL Comparison – Jason Taylor
Recent Stock – Up
The Broncos addressed their running back needs earlier with DeAngelo Williams. They would also like to upgrade at defensive end / outside linebacker with a premier pass rusher. Manny Lawson is 6’6” 250 and runs a 4.4 40 time. Not to mention a 40-inch vertical. That’s incredible for a defensive end. Lawson can play end in a 4-3 defense or outside linebacker in a hybrid 3-4/4-3. Teams like the Dolphins, Patriots and Steelers also like Lawson. But the Broncos could use another outside rusher and Shanahan goes for this incredible athlete at pick 22.
23. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Demeco Ryans, LB, Alabama
NFL Comparison – Cato June
Recent Stock – Down
Ryans fits perfectly with the Bucs’ 4-3 cover-two press defense. He’s a fast, athletic and rangy linebacker who can cover backs and tight ends in the flat. Ryans is probably one of the smartest players in this draft also, and John Gruden loves him and his style of play. If Ryans falls to 23, there’s a great chance he’s a Buccaneer.
24. Cincinnati Bengals – Donte Whitner, S, Ohio St.
NFL Comparison – Mike Doss
Recent Stock – Way Up
Madieu Williams got hurt last year, and the Bengals need a free safety to go alongside Dexter Jackson. Whitner can actually play corner or safety. Many think he’s better fit to play safety, but he’s multi-talented. Whitner is very fast, smart, instinctive and a ballhawk. The Bengals will be drafting for defense for the next four years, and Whitner is a great safety who could fall right into their laps.
25. New York Giants – Bobby Carpenter, LB, Ohio St.
NFL Comparison – LaVar Arrington, Free Agent
Recent Stock – Up
Carpenter is big, fast and is a great blitzer. He’s very instinctive and can run sideline-to-sideline. The Giants need a linebacker in the worst way. And here is a rare situation where one of the best players available fits a need also. If Carpenter falls to pick 25, this might be a lock. However, some team above New York may like Carpenter also. He may be the biggest sleeper in the first round.
26. Chicago Bears – Tye Hill, CB, Clemson
NFL Comparison – Antoine Winfield
Recent Stock – Steady
Yes, the Bears need offense. However, Jerry Azumah retired and the Monsters of the Midway also need a nickel back. Hill presents great value at pick 26 and will team with Charles Tillman and Nathan Vasher to form a formidable secondary. There will be good offensive weapons available in the 2nd round. Lovie Smith is another believer in the “take the best available player” theory.
27. Carolina Panthers – Thomas Howard, LB, UTEP
NFL Comparison – Derrick Brooks
Recent Stock – Steady
The Panthers’ D-line is very good. Their secondary is good also. However, the linebackers have lost Will Weatherspoon to the Rams. Thomas Davis, last years’ first-round pick, will be moving to outside linebacker in an attempt to bolster the position alongside middle linebacker Dan Morgan. The Panthers’ system requires rangy, athletic and physical outside linebackers. Thomas Howard is just that. Howard also possesses great size and good blitzing ability.
28. Jacksonville Jaguars – Leonard Pope, TE, Georgia
NFL Comparison – Jerramy Stevens
Recent Stock – Steady
The Jags could use another athletic outside linebacker, but with Bobby Carpenter and Thomas Howard taken, they opt for a big, tall and athletic target over the middle for QB Byron Leftwich. Pope is almost 6’8” and would be a great security blanket for Leftwich in case Reggie Williams or Matt Jones aren’t open.
29. New Orleans Saints – Ashton Youboty, CB, Ohio St.
NFL Comparison – Rashean Mathis
Recent Stock – Down
Ashton Youboty is a fast, physical cover corner in the mold of a young Sam Madison. He has a good extension and can jam a wide receiver at the line of scrimmage. The Saints need secondary help, and with the projected trade with the Jets, Youboty would come into New Orleans and start from day one opposite Mike McKenzie.
Side Note: How friggin good was the Ohio St. Defense in 2005? Wow. A.J. Hawk. Bobby Carpenter. Donte Whitner. Ashton Youboty. Man, Oh man alive. This would make a great draft for the Saints.
30. Indianapolis Colts – Joseph Addai, RB, LSU
NFL Comparison – Ahman Green
Recent Stock – Up
The Colts’ offense will take a step back in 2006 without Edgerrin James. The Edge is not only a top 5 running back in the NFL, but a top 5 player overall. However, there is hope in Indy. 2006 offers a deep running back draft class, and Joseph Addai can do it all. He’s a slash-type runner, which fits the Colts zone-blocking scheme. Addai is a great blocking running back, maybe the best in the draft. He’s also a good receiver out of the backfield. Addai is no Edgerrin James, but he fits the Colts’ offense nicely and will thrive in Indy.
31. Seattle Seahawks – Jason Allen, S/CB, Tennessee
NFL Comparison – Troy Vincent
Recent Stock - Up
The ‘Hawks have a very good offense, even though they could use wide receiver help. However, their biggest need is in the secondary. Just like Antonio Cromartie, if it weren’t for injury, Jason Allen from Tennessee could have been a top 10 selection. Allen is fast enough and has the swift hips to play cornerback. However, he also has the instincts and reaction speed to play safety. Can Allen come back from a bad hip injury? He ran a good time at the NFL Combine and has been impressive since.
32. Pittsburgh Steelers – Sinorice Moss, WR, Miami
NFL Comparison – Santana Moss
Recent Stock – Steady
The Steelers could go for safety help and a big, bruising running back with this pick. However, no safety presents value at this pick. And, LenDale White, a first round talent, has been out of shape for the past month because of a torn hamstring which will most likely drop him into the second round. The Steelers need a deep threat at wide receiver with Antoine Randle El leaving for the Redskins. Also, Moss can take over kick return duties for the departed Randle El.
Enjoy! And let me know what you think.
1. Houston Texans – Reggie Bush, RB, USC
NFL Comparison – Marshal Faulk
Recent Stock – Steady
There has been recent talk involving the possibility of Houston passing on Bush for Mario Williams or trading the pick. If that were to happen, I think Charlie Casserly and Gary Kubiak should be given the Wonderlic test to make sure they don’t score lower than Vince Young.
PROJECTED TRADE-New Orleans sends the 2nd pick to the New York Jets for the 4th and 29th picks.
2. New York Jets – Matt Leinart, QB, USC
NFL Comparison – Tom Brady
Recent Stock – Down
With the recent signing of Drew Brees, the New Orleans Saints no longer need to take a quarterback in the draft. The Jets, on the other hand, love Matt Leinart and if they want him they’ll have to jump the Titans who have the 3rd overall pick. The Titans like Leinart also. This trade makes too much sense to not happen. The Jets can make sure they get their QB and the Saints still get their man at the 4 spot.
3. Tennessee Titans – Vince Young, QB, Texas
NFL Comparison – Mike Vick
Recent Stock – Up
The Titans supposedly like Matt Leinart and Vince Young. So, with the Jets jumping up to take Leinart, the Titans settle for Young. However, didn’t they just draft a QB who couldn’t throw and was better suited to play wide receiver last year? In a few years, the Titans’ brain trust will kick themselves for not taking Jay Cutler, the best QB in the 2006 draft.
4. New Orleans Saints – Mario Williams, DE, North Carolina St.
NFL Comparison – Julius Peppers
Recent Stock – Steady
The Saints can’t go wrong with this pick. It’ll either be Williams or standout left tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson from Virginia. However, the Saints love Williams and it’s easy to see why. They face Julius Peppers twice a year and they’d love to have one of their own. Mario Williams, Will Smith and Charles Grant form the best young defensive end trio in the NFL, bar none.
5. Green Bay Packers – D’Brickashaw Ferguson, OT, Virginia
NFL Comparison – Walter Jones
Recent Stock – Steady
Hey, Brett Favre, remember all that “I won’t retire if we get some impact players,” talk? (ahem, ahem…in other words, get some lineman to protect me for the love of Pete.) Well, guess what. You haven’t had a better left tackle in your whole career than Ferguson. It’s just a shame he’s on his way in when you are on your way out.
6. San Francisco 49ers – Vernon Davis, TE, Maryland
NFL Comparison – Jeremy Shockey
Recent Stock – Up
To say the 49ers have as many holes as Swiss cheese is a slap in the face to Swiss cheese. They could use help across the board, especially on defense. A.J. Hawk or Michael Huff would fit in great at this pick. But the 49ers need offensive weapons also. Vernon Davis is a revelation at the tight end position. He’s 255 lbs. and he runs a 4.38 40 time. There are running backs in the NFL who wish they were that fast. Also, Davis might help Alex Smith, you know…throw a touchdown pass every once in a while.
7. Oakland Raiders – A. J. Hawk, LB, Ohio St.
NFL Comparison – Takeo Spikes
Recent Stock – Steady
The Raiders would have taken Vince Young at this point, but they may not have the chance with the Jets and Titans picking in front of them. Hawk is an Al Davis type player. Crazy. Relentless. Butt-ugly. He’ll give the Raiders D an instant attitude.
8. Buffalo Bills – Winston Justice, OT, USC
NFL Comparison – Robert Gallery
Recent Stock – Way Up
The Bills need help on the offensive and defensive lines. Most mock drafts have them taking Haloti Ngata, the huge and fast defensive tackle from Oregon. That remains a good possibility. However, Justice has massive potential and had a killer Pro Day at USC. Justice is not the technician that D’Brickashaw Ferguson is, but he’s every bit as athletic. Justice would immediately become the Bills’ best offensive lineman.
9. Detroit Lions – Michael Huff, S, Texas
NFL Comparison – Ed Reed
Recent Stock – Steady
Huff is by far the best defensive back available in the draft, and some scouts have him rated as the best defensive player overall. The Lions could go for Jay Cutler also, but their defensive secondary needs another playmaker to go along with Dre Bly. Huff is a ballhawk, a good tackler and a big hitter. He would make receivers fear going over the middle of the Lions’ defense since…well, uh…when did the Lions come into the NFL?
10. Arizona Cardinals – Jay Cutler, QB, Vanderbilt
NFL Comparison – Brett Favre
Recent Stock – Steady
The Cardinals need offensive line help badly. However, taking a lineman at this point other than Ferguson and Justice, who are taken already, is a huge reach. Kurt Warner is on social security already and the Cards’ excellent young receivers need a long-term quarterback to get them the ball. I think Cutler at this point is the steal of the draft. Kudos to Denny Green for staying patient and waiting for the best QB in the draft to fall to him.
11. St. Louis Rams – Haloti Ngata, DT, Oregon
NFL Comparison – Shaun Rogers
Recent Stock – Down
The Rams have invested 1st round picks on defensive tackles in recent history, but I think new coach Scott Linehan is an advocate of the “take the best available player” philosophy. Ngata represents good value at the 11 spot and gives new defensive coordinator Jim Haslett an anchor in the middle of his defensive line. Ngata is a strong, massive run-stopper who shows flashes of penetrating the backfield also.
12. Cleveland Browns – Chad Greenway, LB, Iowa
NFL Comparison – Keith Bulluck
Recent Stock – Down
The Browns continue to add young talent to their revamped defense. Greenway is a perfect fit for Romeo Crennel’s scheme which places a responsibility on outside linebackers to read and react, cover backs and tight ends and blitz. Greenway can do all of the above. He’s smart, big and athletic.
13. Baltimore Ravens – Brodrick Bunkley, DT, Florida St.
NFL Comparison – La’Roi Glover
Recent Stock – Way Up
The Ravens lost defensive tackle Ma’ake Kemoeatu in free agency and they need someone to replace him who can hold up an opponent at the point of attack while also showing ability to penetrate the backfield. Enter Brodrick Bunkley, one of the draft’s fastest risers. Many pundits don’t think Bunkley will fall to 13, and that may be the case. Bunkley bench pressed 225 lbs. 44 times at the NFL Combine and ran close to a 4.9 40 time. Ladies and gents, this is a 310 lb. Defensive tackle we are talking about.
14. Philadelphia Eagles – Ernie Sims, LB, Florida St.
NFL Comparison – Lance Briggs
Recent Stock – Up
Keith Adams is a free agent and may not return to Philadelphia. The Eagles need fast, athletic and aggressive outside linebackers for Jim Johnson’s attacking blitz scheme. Sims is about as athletic as they come for outside linebackers. The Eagles could also go for a wide receiver, but Sims presents the best value.
15. Denver Broncos – DeAngelo Williams, RB, Memphis
NFL Comparison – Curtis Martin
Recent Stock – Down
Mike Shanahan misses the days of Terrell Davis. He had a premier running back who he could focus the offense around. DeAngelo Williams is a one-cut and downhill runner with good vision and good feet who will complement the Broncos’ offense perfectly. Tatum Bell has good vision and feet also, but he’s fumble and injury prone.
16. Miami Dolphins – Santonio Holmes, WR, Ohio St.
NFL Comparison – Marvin Harrison
Recent Stock – Up
The Dolphins cornerback position is in better shape than you think. They signed Will Allen, who lacks hands but is a good cover corner, as a free agent. Travis Daniels played very well last year in his rookie season. The wildcard of the group is Will Poole, a corner with a first-round grade when he came out in 2004, who is coming back from missing 2005 with a torn ACL. He says he is close to 100%.
The safety spot could use an upgrade, but no safety outside of Donte Whitner presents as much value as Santonio Holmes does at this spot.
The Fins have Chris Chambers and Marty Booker, but Mike Mularkey’s offense uses a lot of three wide receiver sets and Holmes would play a lot from day one. He’s polished, fast and runs great routes. He and Chambers would cause nightmares for opposing secondaries.
17. Minnesota Vikings – Laurence Maroney, RB, Minnesota
NFL Comparison – Carnell Williams
Recent Stock - Steady
Michael Bennett left for New Orleans, Ciatric Fason is not a franchise back, Mewelde Moore is a kick return specialist and Onterio Smith uses rubber falic devices to pass drug tests. The Vikings need a premier running back for their offense. They could use a young quarterback, but no QB in this draft presents value at the 17th pick. Maroney is a quick runner who can make defenders miss, and he will excel on turf in the NFL just like he did in college.
18. Dallas Cowboys – Jimmy Williams, CB/S, Virginia Tech
NFL Comparison – Chris McAlister
Recent Stock – Down
Williams’ stock has dropped somewhat due to an average pro day and off field concerns, but one cannot deny his talent. Williams is big, fast, physical and has fluid hips. However, he may not play up to his measureables at times. But you know Jerry Jones. Who cares about attitude and other stuff? If he’s talented, we’ll take him. The Cowboys need a free safety to pair with Roy Williams and another cornerback to go alongside Terrance Newman. Williams can play both corner and safety, but many think he’d make a better free safety in the NFL.
19. San Diego Chargers – Chad Jackson, WR, Florida
NFL Comparison – Amani Toomer
Recent Stock – Up
The Chargers could go for secondary help also, but Keenan McCardell is a member of the AARP and the Bolts need another young wideout for Philip Rivers to throw to. Jackson has great potential and with some coaching, can become more seasoned. Jackson is 6’1” and over 200 lbs. He possesses great speed and hands. His route-running and form is not quite on par with Santonio Holmes, but Jackson may have better long-term potential.
20. Kansas City Chiefs – Antonio Cromartie, CB, Florida St.
NFL Comparison – Charles Woodson
Recent Stock – Way Up
The Chiefs haven’t had a prime wide receiver in about 100 years, but with Santonio Holmes and Chad Jackson gone at this point, no wide receiver presents as much value as Cromartie does at pick 20. Cromartie would have been a no-brainer top 5 pick if it weren’t for a torn ACL that caused him to miss the 2005 season. “Cro’” is healthy now, and he even says he would have been able to play in the Orange Bowl last year. Even with Patrick Surtain, the Chiefs still need secondary help and Cromartie has everything you look for in a franchise corner. He’s big, fast, has swift hips and good ball skills.
21. New England Patriots – Kamerion Wimbley, DE/OLB, Florida St.
NFL Comparison – DeMarcus Ware
Recent Stock – Way Up
The Patriots could use some cornerback help here, but there is talk about Ty Law possibly coming back and no defensive back would present value at 21 like Wimbley would. Manny Lawson, another OLB/DE prospect who is very athletic is also a possibility. Both would fit into Bill Belichick’s 3-4 blitz scheme. Wimbley has smooth hips, he’s athletic, strong and smart. A Belichick player.
22. Denver Broncos – Manny Lawson, DE/OLB, North Carolina St.
NFL Comparison – Jason Taylor
Recent Stock – Up
The Broncos addressed their running back needs earlier with DeAngelo Williams. They would also like to upgrade at defensive end / outside linebacker with a premier pass rusher. Manny Lawson is 6’6” 250 and runs a 4.4 40 time. Not to mention a 40-inch vertical. That’s incredible for a defensive end. Lawson can play end in a 4-3 defense or outside linebacker in a hybrid 3-4/4-3. Teams like the Dolphins, Patriots and Steelers also like Lawson. But the Broncos could use another outside rusher and Shanahan goes for this incredible athlete at pick 22.
23. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Demeco Ryans, LB, Alabama
NFL Comparison – Cato June
Recent Stock – Down
Ryans fits perfectly with the Bucs’ 4-3 cover-two press defense. He’s a fast, athletic and rangy linebacker who can cover backs and tight ends in the flat. Ryans is probably one of the smartest players in this draft also, and John Gruden loves him and his style of play. If Ryans falls to 23, there’s a great chance he’s a Buccaneer.
24. Cincinnati Bengals – Donte Whitner, S, Ohio St.
NFL Comparison – Mike Doss
Recent Stock – Way Up
Madieu Williams got hurt last year, and the Bengals need a free safety to go alongside Dexter Jackson. Whitner can actually play corner or safety. Many think he’s better fit to play safety, but he’s multi-talented. Whitner is very fast, smart, instinctive and a ballhawk. The Bengals will be drafting for defense for the next four years, and Whitner is a great safety who could fall right into their laps.
25. New York Giants – Bobby Carpenter, LB, Ohio St.
NFL Comparison – LaVar Arrington, Free Agent
Recent Stock – Up
Carpenter is big, fast and is a great blitzer. He’s very instinctive and can run sideline-to-sideline. The Giants need a linebacker in the worst way. And here is a rare situation where one of the best players available fits a need also. If Carpenter falls to pick 25, this might be a lock. However, some team above New York may like Carpenter also. He may be the biggest sleeper in the first round.
26. Chicago Bears – Tye Hill, CB, Clemson
NFL Comparison – Antoine Winfield
Recent Stock – Steady
Yes, the Bears need offense. However, Jerry Azumah retired and the Monsters of the Midway also need a nickel back. Hill presents great value at pick 26 and will team with Charles Tillman and Nathan Vasher to form a formidable secondary. There will be good offensive weapons available in the 2nd round. Lovie Smith is another believer in the “take the best available player” theory.
27. Carolina Panthers – Thomas Howard, LB, UTEP
NFL Comparison – Derrick Brooks
Recent Stock – Steady
The Panthers’ D-line is very good. Their secondary is good also. However, the linebackers have lost Will Weatherspoon to the Rams. Thomas Davis, last years’ first-round pick, will be moving to outside linebacker in an attempt to bolster the position alongside middle linebacker Dan Morgan. The Panthers’ system requires rangy, athletic and physical outside linebackers. Thomas Howard is just that. Howard also possesses great size and good blitzing ability.
28. Jacksonville Jaguars – Leonard Pope, TE, Georgia
NFL Comparison – Jerramy Stevens
Recent Stock – Steady
The Jags could use another athletic outside linebacker, but with Bobby Carpenter and Thomas Howard taken, they opt for a big, tall and athletic target over the middle for QB Byron Leftwich. Pope is almost 6’8” and would be a great security blanket for Leftwich in case Reggie Williams or Matt Jones aren’t open.
29. New Orleans Saints – Ashton Youboty, CB, Ohio St.
NFL Comparison – Rashean Mathis
Recent Stock – Down
Ashton Youboty is a fast, physical cover corner in the mold of a young Sam Madison. He has a good extension and can jam a wide receiver at the line of scrimmage. The Saints need secondary help, and with the projected trade with the Jets, Youboty would come into New Orleans and start from day one opposite Mike McKenzie.
Side Note: How friggin good was the Ohio St. Defense in 2005? Wow. A.J. Hawk. Bobby Carpenter. Donte Whitner. Ashton Youboty. Man, Oh man alive. This would make a great draft for the Saints.
30. Indianapolis Colts – Joseph Addai, RB, LSU
NFL Comparison – Ahman Green
Recent Stock – Up
The Colts’ offense will take a step back in 2006 without Edgerrin James. The Edge is not only a top 5 running back in the NFL, but a top 5 player overall. However, there is hope in Indy. 2006 offers a deep running back draft class, and Joseph Addai can do it all. He’s a slash-type runner, which fits the Colts zone-blocking scheme. Addai is a great blocking running back, maybe the best in the draft. He’s also a good receiver out of the backfield. Addai is no Edgerrin James, but he fits the Colts’ offense nicely and will thrive in Indy.
31. Seattle Seahawks – Jason Allen, S/CB, Tennessee
NFL Comparison – Troy Vincent
Recent Stock - Up
The ‘Hawks have a very good offense, even though they could use wide receiver help. However, their biggest need is in the secondary. Just like Antonio Cromartie, if it weren’t for injury, Jason Allen from Tennessee could have been a top 10 selection. Allen is fast enough and has the swift hips to play cornerback. However, he also has the instincts and reaction speed to play safety. Can Allen come back from a bad hip injury? He ran a good time at the NFL Combine and has been impressive since.
32. Pittsburgh Steelers – Sinorice Moss, WR, Miami
NFL Comparison – Santana Moss
Recent Stock – Steady
The Steelers could go for safety help and a big, bruising running back with this pick. However, no safety presents value at this pick. And, LenDale White, a first round talent, has been out of shape for the past month because of a torn hamstring which will most likely drop him into the second round. The Steelers need a deep threat at wide receiver with Antoine Randle El leaving for the Redskins. Also, Moss can take over kick return duties for the departed Randle El.
