1. 49ers - Alex Smith, QB, Utah. Stock: Rising. NFL Comparison: Chad Pennington, Jets.
Smith has the most upside out of all the QB's. A tall frame, 6'4". Can add bulk. Very cognicsant and a great leader. Will take time to develop, but 49ers have time. May turn out to be franchise player this team needs.
2. Dolphins - Ronnie Brown, RB, Auburn. Stock: Leveling. NFL Comparison: Deuce McAllister, Saints
New offensive coordinator Scott Linehan loves an extremely fast, versitile back who can catch well and block well for his wide-open offensive system. BINGO. Not to mention he's 230 pounds of muscle to boot, so he can take the wear and tear of the NFL. Will take much of the pressure off of QB A.J. Feeley.
3. Browns - Braylon Edwards, WR, Michigan. Stock: Leveling. NFL Comparison: Terrell Owens, Eagles
Many consider Edwards the best overall talent in this draft. Has the physical tools to be absolutely dominating. Cleveland needs a quarterback, but with Smith gone, they go for best player available.
4. Bears - Cedric Benson, RB, Texas. Stock: Falling. NFL Comparison: Edgerrin James, Colts
Benson is the offensive gamebreaker the Bears want. Has great vision and is extremely powerful. Has adequate speed, but also some off-the-field issues, allbeit minor. Some consider him the best pure runner in the draft.
5. Buccaneers - Aaron Rodgers, QB, Cal. Stock: Falling. NFL Comparison: Patrick Ramsey, Redskins
Consensus is the Bucs love Mike Williams or Cadillac Williams, but recent rumors have it the Bucs want a QB very badly, even enough to trade up for one. This draft has Rodgers falling to them. Gruden isn't satisfied with Griese or Simms, two sons of former NFL greats.
6. Titans - Antrel Rolle, CB, Miami. Stock: Rising. NFL Comparison: Chris McAlister, Ravens
Tennessee got burnt worst than toast last year in the passing game. They need a corner badly, and Rolle just might be the best player available anyway when the Titans are on the clock. Rolle is definitely the best corner in the draft with size, speed and athleticism that makes scouts drool. Not to mention he comes from "Defensive Back University."
7. Vikings - Mike Williams, WR, USC. Stock: Rising. NFL Comparison: Plaxico Burress, Giants
The Vikings had the best off-season in the NFL, bar none. They traded Randy Moss for this pick, got defensive help big-time, and they knew all along that wide recievers are deep in this class. With Williams, they get a 6'5" 230 pound monster with great hands who may be just a notch below Randy Moss in terms of big-play ability, especially in the red-zone.
8. Cardinals - Carnell "Cadillac" Williams, RB, Auburn. Stock: Rising. NFL Comparison: Curtis Martin,Jets
Williams has by far the best vision out of all the running backs in this draft. Vision is very important for a back. The reason he doesn't go higher is because of his lack of bulk and durability concerns. However, he is a deceptively strong runner and would fit perfectly in Arizona's system.
9. Redskins - Derrick Johnson, LB, Texas. Stock: Leveling. NFL Comparison: LaVar Arrington,Redskins
The 'Skins defense was great last year, but they've lost a few linebackers in free agency and they aren't exactly pleased with LaVar Arrington's bickering lately. The Skins go for best player available while at the same time get Arrington's clone in case Arrington leaves in a year or two.
10. Lions - Erasmus James, DE, Wisconsin. Stock: Rising. NFL Comparison: John Abraham, Jets
Detroit needs a pass rusher very badly, and James is the best at that in this draft. Plain and simple. Some durability concerns, though.
11. Cowboys - Shawne Merriman,OLB,Maryland. Stock: Leveling. NFL Comparison
eter Boulware,BAL
Dallas will play a lot of 3-4 defense this year, and Merriman is the perfect outside 'backer/defensive end type. He is bulky and athletic, and can get after the quarterback. Cowboys have lacked an outside rusher for a while now, and Merriman fixes that problem.
12. Chargers - Troy Williamson,WR,S. Carolina. Stock: Rising. NFL Comparison: Chad Johnson,Bengals
Williamson is the fastest reciever in the draft. San Diego has lacked a consistent down-field threat forever. Williamson will give Drew Brees/Phillip Rivers a deep target right away.
13. Texans - Adam Jones, CB, W. Virginia. Stock: Falling. NFL Comparison: Philip Buchanon, Raiders
Jones is a compact, fast corner who can stay with fast recievers. Is a bit short, but possesses good leaping ability. Can serve as a kick-returner also. Texans picked a corner last year also, but Aaron Glenn is 33. Jones and Dunta Robinson will be a great duo for years to come.
14. Panthers - Alex Barron, OT, Florida State. Stock: Rising. NFL Comparison: Levi Jones, Bengals
Barron is a GREAT pass protector, and would be picked higher if he had a mean streak or was more physical. Carolina needs tackle help anyway, and Barron is the best available in the draft.
15. Chiefs - Carlos Rodgers, CB, Auburn. Stock: Leveling. NFL Comparison: Patrick Surtain, Dolphins
Kansas City can score 42 points a game. The problem is, there opponents could score 50. Rodgers gives them a pure, maybe the best in the draft, cover corner who can shut a reciever down. Doesn't have the greatest of speed, but is very physical at the line of scrimmage and excels in bump-and-run or a cover 2 scheme.
16. Saints - Thomas Davis, S, Georgia. Stock: Leveling. NFL Comparison: Darren Sharper, Vikings
The Saints have needed a special type of player in the second level of their defense forever. Davis is an athletic, ball-hawking safety who can also lay a serious hit on a reciever running an "in-route." He will pair with Dwight Smith and take away the center of the field for the opposing offense.
17. Bengals - Travis Johnson, DT, Florida St. Stock: Leveling. NFL Comparison: Corey Simon, Eagles
The Bengals lack serious athleticism in the interior of their defensive line. Johnson can get after the quarterback, and he is a decent run-stuffer as well. Very athletic player who will fit nicely in Marvin Lewis's scheme.
18. Vikings - Darryl Blackstock, LB, Virginia. Stock: Rising. NFL Comparison: Rosevelt Colvin, Patriots
Blackstock is an extremely athletic outside 'backer who excells at rushing the passer. He will be great in blitz situations, and will fit nicely in Minnesota.
19. Rams - Khalif Barnes, OT, Washington. Stock: Rising. NFL Comparison: Tarik Glenn, Colts
Barnes is a versitile offensive lineman who has a good frame. He can add bulk, which will go with his athleticism and possibly make him dominant in the future. Rams need O-line help, and Barnes is a great fit.
20. Cowboys - Roddy White, WR, UAB. Stock: Leveling. NFL Comparison: Laveranues Coles, Jets
Keyshawn Johnson and Joey Galloway are both over 30 years old. White has the tools to be a great down the field threat in the NFL, and will benefit nicely from Drew Bledsoe's accuracy on his deep ball.
21. Jaguars - Jammal Brown, OT, Oklahoma. Stock: Falling. NFL Comparison: Jordan Gros, Panthers
Brown is an athletic run blocker who will fit nicely with Jacksonville, who needs tackle help. May go higher than this, but stock has dropped because of lack of physicality and concentration.
22. Ravens - Mark Clayton, WR, Oklahoma. Stock: Rising. NFL Comparison: Derrick Mason, Ravens
Baltimore has been working to upgrade their recieving corps for a while, and Clayton is the most technically sound reciever in this draft. Maybe the most "NFL-ready" also.
23. Seahawks - Marcus Spears, DE, LSU. Stock: Falling. NFL Comparison: Kevin Carter, Dolphins
Seattle lost Chike Okeafor and needs a presence along their D-line. Spears is the best run-stuffer in this draft and his pass-rush ability is underrated.
24. Packers - Brodney Pool, S, Oklahoma. Stock: Leveling. NFL Comparison: Shaun Williams, Giants
Pool is a tall, instinctive safety. The Packers lost Darren Sharper to Minnesota, and they needed another safety even before he left. Pool is a nice fit here.
25. Broncos - DeMarcus Ware, OLB, Troy. Stock: Rising. NFL Comparison: Terrell Suggs, Ravens
The Broncos will switch to a lot of 3-4 defense this year, and after Shawne Merriman, Ware is the best outside rusher for that system in the draft. Denver has needed an outside rusher and Ware is just that.
26. Jets - Fabian Washington, CB, Nebraska. Stock: Leveling. NFL Comparison: Dunta Robinson,HOU
Washington is the fastest player in the draft. Period. He ran a 4.28 forty time. New York hasn't had a good corner since Aaron Glenn left, and Washington is extremely fast, and physical for his size.
27. Falcons - Shaun Cody, DE, USC. Stock: Falling. NFL Comparison: Shaun Ellis, Jets
Atlanta could use another wide reciever or maybe an outside linebacker too, but Cody provides the best value at this pick, and the Falcons need a solid right-side defensive end.
28. Chargers - Dan Cody, DE, Oklahoma. Stock: Falling. NFL Comparison: Bertrand Berry, Cardinals
Cody's stock has fallen very far, but he is a steal at this pick. He is very athletic and tough. San Diego needs an outside pass rush, and Cody makes perfect sense.
29. Colts - Justin Miller, CB, Clemson. Stock: Rising. NFL Comparison: Marcus Trufant, Seahawks
Everyone knows Indy needs defense. Especially in the passing game. I think Tom Brady just threw for another TD on them. Miller is a strong cover corner and very aware of his surroundings.
30. Steelers - Heath Miller, TE, Virginia. Stock: Falling. NFL Comparison: Jason Witten, Cowboys
Pittsburgh has lacked a target down the middle of the field for a long time. It was quite obvious during the playoffs last year that Ben Roethlisberger needed a safety net, and Miller provides that and more. He is a very athletic reciever and a willing blocker.
31. Eagles - David Pollack, DE, Georgia. Stock: Falling. NFL Comparison: David Bowens, Dolphins
Philly needs another reciever, but they will pick one with their early second round pick. They go for best player available here, and Andy Reid will love Pollack's intensity and dedication to get a sack, whatever it takes.
32. Patriots - Channing Crowder, LB, Florida. Stock: Leveling. NFL Comparison: Nick Barnett, Packers
Crowder is tremendously talented, but needs to mature. New England needs athleticism at the middle linebacker position after Teddy Bruschi suffered a mild stroke, and if Bellichick can harness Crowder's talent, this will be a steal.
Smith has the most upside out of all the QB's. A tall frame, 6'4". Can add bulk. Very cognicsant and a great leader. Will take time to develop, but 49ers have time. May turn out to be franchise player this team needs.
2. Dolphins - Ronnie Brown, RB, Auburn. Stock: Leveling. NFL Comparison: Deuce McAllister, Saints
New offensive coordinator Scott Linehan loves an extremely fast, versitile back who can catch well and block well for his wide-open offensive system. BINGO. Not to mention he's 230 pounds of muscle to boot, so he can take the wear and tear of the NFL. Will take much of the pressure off of QB A.J. Feeley.
3. Browns - Braylon Edwards, WR, Michigan. Stock: Leveling. NFL Comparison: Terrell Owens, Eagles
Many consider Edwards the best overall talent in this draft. Has the physical tools to be absolutely dominating. Cleveland needs a quarterback, but with Smith gone, they go for best player available.
4. Bears - Cedric Benson, RB, Texas. Stock: Falling. NFL Comparison: Edgerrin James, Colts
Benson is the offensive gamebreaker the Bears want. Has great vision and is extremely powerful. Has adequate speed, but also some off-the-field issues, allbeit minor. Some consider him the best pure runner in the draft.
5. Buccaneers - Aaron Rodgers, QB, Cal. Stock: Falling. NFL Comparison: Patrick Ramsey, Redskins
Consensus is the Bucs love Mike Williams or Cadillac Williams, but recent rumors have it the Bucs want a QB very badly, even enough to trade up for one. This draft has Rodgers falling to them. Gruden isn't satisfied with Griese or Simms, two sons of former NFL greats.
6. Titans - Antrel Rolle, CB, Miami. Stock: Rising. NFL Comparison: Chris McAlister, Ravens
Tennessee got burnt worst than toast last year in the passing game. They need a corner badly, and Rolle just might be the best player available anyway when the Titans are on the clock. Rolle is definitely the best corner in the draft with size, speed and athleticism that makes scouts drool. Not to mention he comes from "Defensive Back University."
7. Vikings - Mike Williams, WR, USC. Stock: Rising. NFL Comparison: Plaxico Burress, Giants
The Vikings had the best off-season in the NFL, bar none. They traded Randy Moss for this pick, got defensive help big-time, and they knew all along that wide recievers are deep in this class. With Williams, they get a 6'5" 230 pound monster with great hands who may be just a notch below Randy Moss in terms of big-play ability, especially in the red-zone.
8. Cardinals - Carnell "Cadillac" Williams, RB, Auburn. Stock: Rising. NFL Comparison: Curtis Martin,Jets
Williams has by far the best vision out of all the running backs in this draft. Vision is very important for a back. The reason he doesn't go higher is because of his lack of bulk and durability concerns. However, he is a deceptively strong runner and would fit perfectly in Arizona's system.
9. Redskins - Derrick Johnson, LB, Texas. Stock: Leveling. NFL Comparison: LaVar Arrington,Redskins
The 'Skins defense was great last year, but they've lost a few linebackers in free agency and they aren't exactly pleased with LaVar Arrington's bickering lately. The Skins go for best player available while at the same time get Arrington's clone in case Arrington leaves in a year or two.
10. Lions - Erasmus James, DE, Wisconsin. Stock: Rising. NFL Comparison: John Abraham, Jets
Detroit needs a pass rusher very badly, and James is the best at that in this draft. Plain and simple. Some durability concerns, though.
11. Cowboys - Shawne Merriman,OLB,Maryland. Stock: Leveling. NFL Comparison
eter Boulware,BALDallas will play a lot of 3-4 defense this year, and Merriman is the perfect outside 'backer/defensive end type. He is bulky and athletic, and can get after the quarterback. Cowboys have lacked an outside rusher for a while now, and Merriman fixes that problem.
12. Chargers - Troy Williamson,WR,S. Carolina. Stock: Rising. NFL Comparison: Chad Johnson,Bengals
Williamson is the fastest reciever in the draft. San Diego has lacked a consistent down-field threat forever. Williamson will give Drew Brees/Phillip Rivers a deep target right away.
13. Texans - Adam Jones, CB, W. Virginia. Stock: Falling. NFL Comparison: Philip Buchanon, Raiders
Jones is a compact, fast corner who can stay with fast recievers. Is a bit short, but possesses good leaping ability. Can serve as a kick-returner also. Texans picked a corner last year also, but Aaron Glenn is 33. Jones and Dunta Robinson will be a great duo for years to come.
14. Panthers - Alex Barron, OT, Florida State. Stock: Rising. NFL Comparison: Levi Jones, Bengals
Barron is a GREAT pass protector, and would be picked higher if he had a mean streak or was more physical. Carolina needs tackle help anyway, and Barron is the best available in the draft.
15. Chiefs - Carlos Rodgers, CB, Auburn. Stock: Leveling. NFL Comparison: Patrick Surtain, Dolphins
Kansas City can score 42 points a game. The problem is, there opponents could score 50. Rodgers gives them a pure, maybe the best in the draft, cover corner who can shut a reciever down. Doesn't have the greatest of speed, but is very physical at the line of scrimmage and excels in bump-and-run or a cover 2 scheme.
16. Saints - Thomas Davis, S, Georgia. Stock: Leveling. NFL Comparison: Darren Sharper, Vikings
The Saints have needed a special type of player in the second level of their defense forever. Davis is an athletic, ball-hawking safety who can also lay a serious hit on a reciever running an "in-route." He will pair with Dwight Smith and take away the center of the field for the opposing offense.
17. Bengals - Travis Johnson, DT, Florida St. Stock: Leveling. NFL Comparison: Corey Simon, Eagles
The Bengals lack serious athleticism in the interior of their defensive line. Johnson can get after the quarterback, and he is a decent run-stuffer as well. Very athletic player who will fit nicely in Marvin Lewis's scheme.
18. Vikings - Darryl Blackstock, LB, Virginia. Stock: Rising. NFL Comparison: Rosevelt Colvin, Patriots
Blackstock is an extremely athletic outside 'backer who excells at rushing the passer. He will be great in blitz situations, and will fit nicely in Minnesota.
19. Rams - Khalif Barnes, OT, Washington. Stock: Rising. NFL Comparison: Tarik Glenn, Colts
Barnes is a versitile offensive lineman who has a good frame. He can add bulk, which will go with his athleticism and possibly make him dominant in the future. Rams need O-line help, and Barnes is a great fit.
20. Cowboys - Roddy White, WR, UAB. Stock: Leveling. NFL Comparison: Laveranues Coles, Jets
Keyshawn Johnson and Joey Galloway are both over 30 years old. White has the tools to be a great down the field threat in the NFL, and will benefit nicely from Drew Bledsoe's accuracy on his deep ball.
21. Jaguars - Jammal Brown, OT, Oklahoma. Stock: Falling. NFL Comparison: Jordan Gros, Panthers
Brown is an athletic run blocker who will fit nicely with Jacksonville, who needs tackle help. May go higher than this, but stock has dropped because of lack of physicality and concentration.
22. Ravens - Mark Clayton, WR, Oklahoma. Stock: Rising. NFL Comparison: Derrick Mason, Ravens
Baltimore has been working to upgrade their recieving corps for a while, and Clayton is the most technically sound reciever in this draft. Maybe the most "NFL-ready" also.
23. Seahawks - Marcus Spears, DE, LSU. Stock: Falling. NFL Comparison: Kevin Carter, Dolphins
Seattle lost Chike Okeafor and needs a presence along their D-line. Spears is the best run-stuffer in this draft and his pass-rush ability is underrated.
24. Packers - Brodney Pool, S, Oklahoma. Stock: Leveling. NFL Comparison: Shaun Williams, Giants
Pool is a tall, instinctive safety. The Packers lost Darren Sharper to Minnesota, and they needed another safety even before he left. Pool is a nice fit here.
25. Broncos - DeMarcus Ware, OLB, Troy. Stock: Rising. NFL Comparison: Terrell Suggs, Ravens
The Broncos will switch to a lot of 3-4 defense this year, and after Shawne Merriman, Ware is the best outside rusher for that system in the draft. Denver has needed an outside rusher and Ware is just that.
26. Jets - Fabian Washington, CB, Nebraska. Stock: Leveling. NFL Comparison: Dunta Robinson,HOU
Washington is the fastest player in the draft. Period. He ran a 4.28 forty time. New York hasn't had a good corner since Aaron Glenn left, and Washington is extremely fast, and physical for his size.
27. Falcons - Shaun Cody, DE, USC. Stock: Falling. NFL Comparison: Shaun Ellis, Jets
Atlanta could use another wide reciever or maybe an outside linebacker too, but Cody provides the best value at this pick, and the Falcons need a solid right-side defensive end.
28. Chargers - Dan Cody, DE, Oklahoma. Stock: Falling. NFL Comparison: Bertrand Berry, Cardinals
Cody's stock has fallen very far, but he is a steal at this pick. He is very athletic and tough. San Diego needs an outside pass rush, and Cody makes perfect sense.
29. Colts - Justin Miller, CB, Clemson. Stock: Rising. NFL Comparison: Marcus Trufant, Seahawks
Everyone knows Indy needs defense. Especially in the passing game. I think Tom Brady just threw for another TD on them. Miller is a strong cover corner and very aware of his surroundings.
30. Steelers - Heath Miller, TE, Virginia. Stock: Falling. NFL Comparison: Jason Witten, Cowboys
Pittsburgh has lacked a target down the middle of the field for a long time. It was quite obvious during the playoffs last year that Ben Roethlisberger needed a safety net, and Miller provides that and more. He is a very athletic reciever and a willing blocker.
31. Eagles - David Pollack, DE, Georgia. Stock: Falling. NFL Comparison: David Bowens, Dolphins
Philly needs another reciever, but they will pick one with their early second round pick. They go for best player available here, and Andy Reid will love Pollack's intensity and dedication to get a sack, whatever it takes.
32. Patriots - Channing Crowder, LB, Florida. Stock: Leveling. NFL Comparison: Nick Barnett, Packers
Crowder is tremendously talented, but needs to mature. New England needs athleticism at the middle linebacker position after Teddy Bruschi suffered a mild stroke, and if Bellichick can harness Crowder's talent, this will be a steal.
