HarveyWallbangers
04-19-2006, 01:39 PM
If we somehow could land Greg Eslinger instead of Jason Spitz, I'd be ecstatic with this draft--Hawk, Hali, McCargo (intriguing prospect), and Eslinger would be a nice haul.
Texans fielding more trade calls than Saints
By Todd McShay
The 2006 NFL draft is rapidly approaching. With less than two weeks remaining before draft weekend kicks off on April 29, it's time to take a look at how the seven-round process could shake out:
+ = Underclassman
1. Houston Texans (2-14)
Top-five needs: OT, OG, DC, WR, RB
The pick: +Reggie Bush, RB, USC
The Texans are surprisingly fielding far more trade offers for their pick than the Saints are at No. 2. If the deal is sweet enough, there's still a chance that the Texans could trade down a few spots (Jets?) and still get an elite player at a position of greater need, such as NC State DE Mario Williams or Virginia OT D'Brickashaw Ferguson. When all the dust settles, however, the Texans are still expected to take Bush with the first overall selection. Running back is not one of the Texans' top positional needs, but Bush is far more than just a running back. He's the most explosive runner, receiver and return man that this year's class has to offer. No other rookie will make a bigger impact than Bush will for the Texans next season.
2. New Orleans Saints (3-13)
Top-five needs: OT, DT, OC, DC, OLB
The pick: +Mario Williams, DE, N.C. State
Priority No. 1 for the Saints is still to trade out of this pick. They would love to move down a bit, acquire an extra pick or two and still get one of the top three prospects on their wish list: Williams, Ferguson or Ohio State OLB A.J. Hawk. The team will send out smoke signals following USC QB Matt Leinart's private visit on Wednesday, but don't buy into the hype. If the Saints get stuck picking at No. 2, the decision will be between Williams and Ferguson. While Ferguson fills a great area of need, rumor has it the Saints have Williams rated ahead of him on their board.
3. Tennessee Titans (4-12) Top-five needs: OT, MLB, QB, RB, OC
The pick: Matt Leinart, QB, USC
The Titans have leaked information regarding an internal tug-of-war between the personnel department and coaching staff over the top-rated quarterback in this year's draft, but we are hearing otherwise. Vince Young would be a possibility if Leinart is off the board, but expect the Titans to go with the Southern Cal southpaw if he's available when they go on the clock. The Titans are not expected to come to a resolution with longtime franchise quarterback Steve McNair, so Leinart would have a chance to start immediately. Making this an even more natural fit is Leinart's relationship with offensive coordinator Norm Chow, who spent four years in a similar post at USC.
4. New York Jets (4-12)
Top-five needs: RB, OT, OLB, QB, OG
The pick: D'Brickashaw Ferguson, OT, Virginia
The Jets are rumored to be one of the teams pursuing a possible deal with the Texans for the No. 1 pick. If that's the case, they would obviously be going after Bush. The second plausible scenario is to trade up a couple spots to secure Leinart, but as of today there are no reports of the Jets contacting the Saints for such a deal. In my opinion, the Jets' best move is to stay put. They have seven picks in the first four rounds, which is more than any other team. Instead of packaging some of those picks to move up, the Jets would be wise to address as many needs as possible in what is an extremely deep talent base in the 2006 draft. In this scenario, Ferguson would be a great value with the fourth overall pick and he would help address a priority need.
5. Green Bay Packers (4-12)
Top-five needs: OG, OLB, OC, DE, WR
The pick: A.J. Hawk, OLB, Ohio State
The Packers have done a decent job of addressing their needs at wide receiver (Rod Gardner), defensive tackle (Ryan Pickett) and safety (Marquand Manuel) this offseason. Still missing, though, is an impact playmaker on defense. There are some reports regarding the Packers' growing interest in massive two-gap DT Haloti Ngata (Oregon). However, Hawk is a more complete player, and he could make a more immediate impact for a defense that is in desperate need of a playmaker and leader of his capacity.
6. San Francisco 49ers (4-12)
Top-five needs: OLB, FS, DC, DE, MLB
The pick: +Vernon Davis, TE, Maryland
The 49ers will entertain trade offers once they are on the clock. Unless they receive an undeniable offer, the wise move is to draft the most explosive pass-catching weapon in this year's class. At 6-foot-3 and 258 pounds, with 4.38-speed in the 40-yard dash, Davis has game-breaker written all over him. By using this pick on Davis, the 49ers could exponentially speed up QB Alex Smith's developmental process.
7. Oakland Raiders (4-12)
Top-five needs: OG, DT, OLB, SS, RB
The pick: +Vince Young, QB, Texas
The Raiders have bigger needs, but Young is too special of an athlete to pass on with this pick. Aaron Brooks can serve as a bridge-the-gap starter while Young takes a year or two developing. Andrew Walter, last year's third-round pick, can become a good insurance policy for the future and potentially could become good trade bait.
8. Buffalo Bills (5-11)
Top-five needs: OT, DT, DC, RB, WR
The pick: +Haloti Ngata, DT, Oregon
Offensive tackle is a primary need area for the Bills. USC OT Winston Justice is skyrocketing up draft boards following his outstanding pro-day workout, but it would be a slight reach to take Justice this high, especially considering some of his character issues. The Bills were able to upgrade their defensive line with the free-agency addition of DT Larry Tripplett, but they are still in search of a young impact player to groom alongside of him. While it seems that Florida State's Brodrick Bunkley is a better fit in the team's new defensive scheme, we're hearing that the Bills favor Ngata over Bunkley if they elect to draft this position. Defensive tackles tend to take longer to develop than most other positions, but the presence of Tripplett and Tim Anderson would allow Ngata to ease into a starting role.
9. Detroit Lions (5-11)
Top-five needs: DC, OLB, ILB, OT, RB
The pick: Michael Huff, DB, Texas
New head coach Rod Marinelli comes from a hard-nosed, defense-minded background, and he'll want to set the tone by selecting an impact playmaker on that side of the ball. Some think Huff can play cornerback in the NFL, while others think he'll be limited to safety. I think he can play some of both, especially with the Lions moving to more of a Cover 2 look under Marinelli. Regardless, Huff is the best defensive back in this year's class, and he would immediately give the Lions much-needed versatility in their secondary.
10. Arizona Cardinals (5-11)
Top-five needs: DB, TE, QB, OT, OLB
The pick: +Ernie Sims, OLB, Florida State
The Cardinals are mightily impressed with Justice but they know he's a bit of a reach at No. 10. They would love for Huff to fall to them here, but that's not the case in this scenario. Furthermore, while Jimmy Williams is high on everyone's board in terms of overall talent, there are too many concerns regarding his personality for the Cardinals to risk this high a pick on him. With all that said, the Cards will have a tough decision to make between Vanderbilt QB Jay Cutler, who provides promise for the future, and Sims, who could make an immediate impact playing opposite another young athletic outside linebacker, Karlos Dansby. Head coach Dennis Green and his staff are poised to make a playoff run soon, and Sims will help the team achieve that goal a lot quicker than Cutler.
11. St. Louis Rams (6-10)
Top-five needs: DT, DC, WLB, OG, OT
The pick: Chad Greenway, OLB, Iowa
This seems a bit high for Greenway to come off the board, but he is a safe pick at a position of need. If Sims slips past the Cardinals at pick No. 10, the Rams would likely take him ahead of Greenway. Another option is to draft Vanderbilt QB Jay Cutler, but new head coach Scott Linehan is an offensive guru who should be able to develop the team's quarterback of the future from a later round.
12. Cleveland Browns (6-10)
Top-five needs: DE, OLB, WR, NT, DC
The pick: Kamerion Wimbley, DE/OLB, Florida State
The Browns have been one of the most active teams in free agency this year, but they still have a number of holes to fill. After spending two of their three Day 1 picks last year on the offensive side of the ball, general manager Phil Savage knows he needs to give more attention to coach Romeo Crennel's defense. The Browns signed a couple of good fits for the 3-4 scheme, but OLB Willie McGinest and NT Ted Washington are aging and won't be around for long. If Ngata is still on the board, he would be an even better value as Washington's future replacement. In this case, though, Wimbley is the right selection. A former defensive end at Florida State, Wimbley is an ideal fit as a rush-linebacker in the Browns' 3-4 alignment. He could immediately upgrade the team's pass rush as a situational player early in his career before eventually taking over for McGinest as the full-time starter.
13. Baltimore Ravens (6-10)
Top-five needs: DS, QB, ROT, DT, OG
The pick: Brodrick Bunkley, DT, Florida State
Justice would be a consideration in this scenario, but Bunkley is a better value and a better fit. Bunkley has some character and durability issues that could cause him to slip, but we feel that he is a better overall prospect than Ngata. Bunkley has exceptional overall physical tools, as we saw from his jaw-dropping combine performance, and his production as a senior last season (25 tackles for loss, nine sacks) speaks for itself.
14. Philadelphia Eagles (6-10)
Top-five needs: OLB, WR, OT, RB, FS
The pick: +Winston Justice, OT, USC
Drafting a bigger back to take some of the load off Brian Westbrook's shoulders is a possibility, but the Eagles likely will address that need later. The team also needs help at wide receiver and outside linebacker, but no value exists to match this pick. With that in mind, Justice is the best fit. The Eagles are ancient at offensive tackle with Tra Thomas and Jon Runyan, so this would be a wise decision. Justice comes with some baggage and he needs some polishing, but his combination of size and athleticism are undeniable.
15. Denver Broncos (10-6)
Pick acquired from Falcons
Top-five needs: WR, TE, RB, OG/OC, DT
The pick: +Chad Jackson, WR, Florida
The Broncos are hoping to continue to make moves on draft day. Their primary goal is to package picks and move up for TE Davis. If they can't get that deal done, they'll look to acquire more picks by trading down. But if they get stuck at No. 15, look for the Broncos to select the best wide receiver on their board. Jackson needs some polish, but his size, explosive speed and playmaking ability would be a welcomed addition to a wide receiver corps that currently is in flux. Rod Smith is running out of time, and Ashley Lelie has proven to be too unreliable as a full-time starter. Jackson could contribute as a No. 3 immediately while being groomed as the primary target for the future.
16. Miami Dolphins (9-7)
Top-five needs: DC, WR, DS, OG, LB
The pick: +Santonio Holmes, WR, Ohio State
The Dolphins have addressed almost all of their needs via free agency, which gives them the flexibility that coach Nick Saban is looking for on draft weekend. Wimbley would be an option if he were still available. The team would also consider defensive backs such as Jimmy Williams or Donte Whitner (Ohio State). However, Holmes is one of only two elite wide receiver prospects in this year's draft, and he would make a bigger impact than the aforementioned prospects as a sub-package contributor behind starting WRs Chris Chambers and Marty Booker in 2006.
17. Minnesota Vikings (9-7)
Top-five needs: MLB, OLB, DC, QB, WR
The pick: Jay Cutler, QB, Vanderbilt
Linebacker and cornerback are two positions the Vikings are targeting with this pick, but new head coach Brad Childress could not pass on a quarterback of Cutler's ability if he slips this far. Cutler is a big, athletic quarterback with a rifle for an arm. He needs some technique work, but Childress would have the time he needs to develop Cutler as Brad Johnson's eventual successor.
18. Dallas Cowboys (9-7)
Top-five needs: FS, OT, OG, DC, NT
The pick: +Donte Whitner, DS, Ohio State
The Cowboys would love to trade down in order to get a better value for an offensive tackle such as Auburn's Marcus McNeill. Drafting Holmes is also a possibility if he's available here, but coach Bill Parcells doesn't like to draft wide receivers in the first round, and the team already has a load of money locked up in that position with the recent acquisition of Terrell Owens. So if the Cowboys are stuck with this pick, Whitner makes the most sense. The team needs an intelligent, speedy free safety to complement SS Roy Williams, and Whitner is the ideal match. He emerged as a true playmaker during his junior season at Ohio State, and his 40-yard dash time of 4.38 seconds helped catapult him into first-round consideration.
19. San Diego Chargers (9-7)
Top-five needs: OT, WR, DS, OG, DC
The pick: +Johnathan Joseph, DC, South Carolina
The Chargers would consider a wide receiver if Jackson or Holmes slips to them. However, after recently making the Sammy Davis (DC)-for-Rashaun Woods (WR) trade, the Chargers are in even greater need of an upgrade in the defensive secondary. Joseph would be a good fit with the 19th pick because he's an athletic playmaker who could contribute immediately as a nickel-slot cover corner.
20. Kansas City Chiefs (10-6)
Top-five needs: DC, WR, OG, DE, QB
Top pick: Tye Hill, DC, Clemson
The Chiefs are in desperate need of a starter opposite LDC Patrick Surtain, so look for them to use this pick on the best cover corner available. Hill is one of the fastest corners in his class and he can change directions quickly. While he's undersized, he has excellent leaping ability and is a fundamentally sound tackler.
21. New England Patriots (10-6)
Top-five needs: ILB/OLB, WR, DC, RB, DT
The pick: +Antonio Cromartie, DC, Florida State
The Patriots have several needs on defense, and they could use this pick on a wide receiver if Jackson or Holmes slides. While linebacker is a bigger need, ultimately, expect the Pats to go with a corner here. Cromartie is a bit raw and rusty after starting just one game at Florida State and missing the entire 2005 season with a knee injury. However, he is healthy now, and he possesses an outstanding combination of size, speed and athleticism. New England's coaching staff has done a good job of developing secondary players quickly (see Eugene Wilson, Asante Samuel and Ellis Hobbs) and there's no questioning Cromartie's upside.
22. Denver Broncos (10-6)
Pick acquired from Redskins
Top-five needs: WR, TE, RB, OG/OC, DT
The pick: DeAngelo Williams, RB, Memphis
Tatum Bell replaces Mike Anderson, who is now a Raven, as the primary back in Denver. However, Bell has had some problems staying healthy despite splitting carries with Anderson. Ron Dayne is a decent short-yardage ball carrier, but he is limited due to poor speed and lack of elusiveness. The Broncos need a No. 2 back who can spell Bell and step in if Bell misses time with an injury, which is why Williams makes sense here. Williams has excellent initial quickness and he shows a second gear in the open field. His vision and patience also make him a great fit for Denver's zone-blocking schemes.
23. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (11-5)
Top-five needs: OT, OC, WR, WLB, DE
The pick: Jimmy Williams, DC, Virginia Tech
The Buccaneers will try to make a move up the board for OT Justice, but they are unlikely to reach for an offensive tackle such as Marcus McNeill (Auburn) or Eric Winston (Miami) with this pick. If stuck at pick No. 23, look for the Bucs to take advantage of a slipping talent such as Williams. The Bucs need depth at cornerback, and Williams is a perfect fit because of his size, playmaking skills and ability to defend the run. He also has experience at free safety, which gives him added value in a secondary that needs more versatility.
24. Cincinnati Bengals (11-5)
Top-five needs: TE, DE, DC, MLB, RS
The pick: Manny Lawson, DE, N.C. State
The Bengals have several needs on the defensive side of the ball, and they also need a playmaker at tight end. While it's possible that the team might select a tight end such as Georgia's Leonard Pope or UCLA's Marcedes Lewis, expect coach Marvin Lewis to go with an impact defender with this pick and then take advantage of this tight-end class in the next couple of rounds. Lawson is undersized and would be a better fit as a rush linebacker in a 3-4 scheme, but Lewis could afford to use Lawson as a situational pass-rusher early in his career while developing him for a role as a future starter.
25. New York Giants (11-5)
Top-five needs: OLB, WR, DT, OT, RB
The pick: Bobby Carpenter, OLB, Ohio State
Even if the Giants land free agent OLB LaVar Arrington, they still will be in the market for one in the first few rounds of the draft. Others such as DeMeco Ryans (Alabama) and Thomas Howard (UTEP) are possibilities, but Carpenter is the most versatile of the three available outside linebackers, and he also has a history with the organization, as his father, Rob, played for the Giants.
26. Chicago Bears (11-5)
Top-five needs: DC, TE, SLB, OT, DT
The pick: +Ashton Youboty, DC, Ohio State
Charles Tillman is coming offseason shoulder injury, unrestricted free agent Jerry Azumah isn't expected back and free-agent signee Dante Wesley isn't an every-down corner. Keeping that in mind, the Bears need a corner who will push for playing time opposite Nathan Vasher. Youboty is inconsistent and will give up some big plays when left on an island. However, he has good top-end speed, the frame to get bigger and good short-area man-to-man cover skills.
27. Carolina Panthers (11-5)
Top-five needs: SLB, TE, RB, OT, MLB
The pick: +LenDale White, RB, USC
White's postseason has been a disaster. On top of his hamstring injury, he has turned teams off by failing to get into shape and handle the process seriously. Regardless, White was extremely productive at the college level and is a powerful runner with good speed in the open field. While the Panthers have greater needs, White would give them great insurance should the oft-injured DeShaun Foster miss substantial time, and White will be the best available player if he slips to this pick.
28. Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
Top-five needs: OLB, TE, DE, OG, DC
The pick: Mathias Kiwanuka, DE, Boston College
The Jaguars could go in several different directions with this pick, including outside linebacker and tight end. Kiwanuka 's draft stock has dipped considerably due to subpar showings at the Senior Bowl and combine. However, he is a proven playmaker who recorded 35½ sacks during his four seasons at Boston College. Kiwanuka could be brought along slowly as a situational pass-rusher behind RDE Paul Spicer, who is better defending the run than rushing the quarterback.
29. New York Jets (4-12):
Pick acquired from Broncos
Top-five needs: RB, OT, OLB, QB, OG
The pick: +Laurence Maroney, RB, Minnesota
The Jets want to substantially reduce 32-year-old Curtis Martin's workload, but there isn't an heir apparent on the roster. Selecting Maroney here would change that. Though Maroney doesn't have great size or strength, he has the burst to get around the corner quickly and he shows a second gear in the open field. He also reads his blocks well and has the lateral mobility to exploit cut-back lanes, so he should push for significant playing time early on.
30. Indianapolis Colts (14-2)
Top-five needs: RB, OLB, OG, MLB, DC
The pick: Joseph Addai, RB, LSU
It will be difficult for any back to fill Edgerrin James' shoes in Indianapolis, especially if the top four backs are taken by the time the Colts select at pick No. 30. Addai is a bit of a reach here, but the Colts might be willing to take the risk considering their dire situation. At the very least, Addai is a good fit for the Colts' scheme. He isn't elusive and he needs to continue to add bulk to his frame -- but he is quick, he has explosive top-end speed and he runs hard. In addition, he catches the ball well and he's versatile enough to line up in the slot, making him a good fit for the Colts' no-huddle offense.
31. Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
Top-five needs: DC, FS, WR, OG, TE
The pick: Richard Marshall, DC, Fresno State
Marshall is quietly climbing up many teams' draft boards right now. He has adequate size to go along with his excellent combination of speed and ball skills. Marshall recorded nine interceptions in just three seasons at Fresno State, and he held up well when matched up one-on-one against USC's top receivers. Former Seattle DC Andre Dyson signed with the Jets, and Marshall has the natural ability to replace him as the starter opposite Marcus Trufant, if he can stay healthy.
32. Pittsburgh Steelers (11-5)
Top-five needs: WR, DE, DS, OC/OG, ILB
The pick: Jason Allen, DB, Tennessee
The Super Bowl champs are obviously void of many pressing positional needs. However, receiver, defensive line and safety are three they will target with this pick. The Steelers are looking for a bigger target opposite Hines Ward, and they know they can get a better value with a prospect such as Notre Dame's Maurice Stovall in the second round. There are some concerns regarding Allen's long-term durability after he suffered a season-ending hip injury as a senior. However, there seem to be mixed reports regarding his medical results. If the Steelers' training staff gives its personnel department the green light, Allen would be a perfect fit as a future starter at free safety opposite SS Troy Polamalu. Don't forget; the Steelers cashed in on a similar injury situation last year with TE Heath Miller.
ROUND 2
33. Houston Texans
Eric Winston | OT | Miami
34. New Orleans Saints
Nick Mangold | OC | Ohio State
35. N.Y. Jets
Thomas Howard | OLB | UTEP
36. Green Bay Packers
Tamba Hali | DE | Penn State
37. San Francisco 49ers
Kelly Jennings | DC | Miami
38. Oakland Raiders
Gabe Watson | DT | Michigan
39. Tennessee Titans
D'Qwell Jackson | ILB | Maryland
40. Detroit Lions
Demeco Ryans | OLB | Alabama
41. Arizona Cardinals
Marcedes Lewis | TE | UCLA
42. Buffalo Bills
Marcus McNeill | OT | Auburn
43. Cleveland Browns
Sinorice Moss | WR | Miami
44. Baltimore Ravens
Ko Simpson | DS | South Carolina
45. Philadelphia Eagles
Roger McIntosh | OLB | Miami
46. St. Louis Rams
Claude Wroten | DT | LSU
47. Atlanta Falcons
Rodrique Wright | DT | Texas
48. Minnesota Vikings
Abdul Hodge | ILB | Iowa
49. Dallas Cowboys
Davin Joseph | OG | Oklahoma
50. San Diego Chargers
Andrew Whitworth | OT | LSU
51. Miami Dolphins
Brodie Croyle | QB | Alabama
52. New England Patriots
Brian Calhoun | RB | Wisconsin
53. Washington Redskins
Darryl Tapp | DE | Virginia Tech
54. Kansas City Chiefs
Demetrius Williams | WR | Oregon
55. Cincinnati Bengals
Leonard Pope | TE | Georgia
56. N.Y. Giants
Orien Harris | DT | Miami
57. Chicago Bears
Anthony Fasano | TE | Notre Dame
58. Carolina Panthers
Joe Klopfenstein | TE | Colorado
59. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Chris Chester | OC | Oklahoma
60. Jacksonville Jaguars
Dominique Byrd | TE | USC
61. Denver Broncos
Mark Anderson | DE | Alabama
62. Indianapolis Colts
Jon Alston | OLB | Stanford
63. Seattle Seahawks
Taitusi Lutui | OG | USC
64. Pittsburgh Steelers
Maurice Stovall | WR | Notre Dame
ROUND 3
65. Houston Texans
Max Jean-Gilles | OG | Georgia
66. Houston Texans (from New Orleans)
Cedric Griffin | DC | Texas
67. Green Bay Packers
John McCargo | DT | N.C. State
68. San Francisco 49ers
Daniel Bullocks | DS | Nebraska
69. Oakland Raiders
Darnell Bing | DS | UCLA
70. Buffalo Bills (from Tennessee)
Greg Jennings | WR | Western Michigan
71. N.Y. Jets
Kellen Clemens | QB | Oregon
72. Arizona Cardinals
Alan Zemaitis | DC | Penn State
73. Buffalo Bills
Danieal Manning | DB | Abilene Christian
74. Detroit Lions
Daryn Colledge | OT | Boise State
75. New England Patriots (from Baltimore)
Gerris Wilkinson | ILB | Georgia Tech
76. Philadelphia Eagles
Travis Wilson | WR | Oklahoma
77. St. Louis Rams
David Thomas | TE | Texas
78. Cleveland Browns
Montavious Stanley | DT | Louisville
79. Atlanta Falcons
Dee Webb | DC | Florida
80. Dallas Cowboys
Jonathan Scott | OT | Texas
81. San Diego Chargers
Derek Hagan | WR | Arizona State
82. Miami Dolphins
Pat Watkins | DS | Florida State
83. Minnesota Vikings
David Pittman | DC | Northwestern State
84. San Francisco 49ers (from Washington)
Parys Haralson | DE/OLB | Tennessee
85. Kansas City Chiefs
Charlie Whitehurst | QB | Clemson
86. New England Patriots
Brandon Williams | WR | Wisconsin
87. N.Y. Giants
Jason Avant | WR | Michigan
88. Chicago Bears
Devin Hester | WR/RS | Miami-Fla.
89. Carolina Panthers
Bernard Pollard | DS | Purdue
90. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jeremy Trueblood | OT | Boston College
91. Cincinnati Bengals
DeMario Minter | DC | Georgia
92. Jacksonville Jaguars
Maurice Drew | RB/RS | UCLA
93. Denver Broncos
Tony Scheffler | TE | Western Michigan
94. Indianapolis Colts
Greg Eslinger | OC | Minnesota
95. Seattle Seahawks
Anthony Smith | DS | Syracuse
96. Pittsburgh Steelers
Charles Spencer | OG | Notre Dame
97. N.Y. Jets (Compensatory Selection)
Kyle Williams | DT | LSU
ROUND 4
98. Houston Texans
Will Blackmon | WR/RS | Boston College
99. New Orleans Saints
Babatunde Oshinowo | DT | Stanford
100. San Francisco 49ers
Victor Adeyanju | DE | Indiana
101. Oakland Raiders
Jerome Harrison | RB | Washington State
102. Tennessee Titans
Guy Whimper | OT | East Carolina
103. N.Y. Jets
Roman Harper | DS | Alabama
104. Green Bay Packers
Jason Spitz | OG/OC | Louisville
105. Buffalo Bills
Leon Washington | RB | Florida State
106. New England Patriots (from Detroit)
Stanley McClover | DE/OLB | Auburn
107. Arizona Cardinals
Omar Jacobs | QB | Bowling Green
108. Philadelphia Eagles
Dusty Dvoracek | DT | Oklahoma
109. St. Louis Rams
Tim Jennings | DC | Georgia
110. Cleveland Browns
Ryan O'Callaghan | OT | Cal
111. Baltimore Ravens
Zach Strief | OT | Northwestern
112. Atlanta Falcons
Rob Sims | OG | Ohio State
113. San Diego Chargers
Freddie Keiaho | ILB | San Diego State
114. Miami Dolphins
Elvis Dumervil | DE/OLB | Louisville
115. Minnesota Vikings
James Anderson | OLB | Virginia Tech
116. Philadelphia Eagles (from Dallas)
Calvin Lowry | DS | Penn State
117. N.Y. Jets (from Kansas City)
Fred Matua | OG | USC
118. New England Patriots
Charles Gordon | DC/WR/RS | Kansas
119. Denver Broncos (from Washington)
LeKevin Smith | DT | Nebraska
120. Chicago Bears
Jesse Mahelona | DT | Tennessee
121. Carolina Panthers
Brandon Johnson | OLB | Louisville
122. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Willie Reid | WR/RS | Florida State
123. Cincinnati Bengals
Jerious Norwood | RB/KR | Mississippi State
124. N.Y. Giants
Andre Hall | RB | South Florida
125. Jacksonville Jaguars
Brian Iwuh | OLB/DS | Colorado
126. Denver Broncos
Michael Robinson | WR | Penn State
127. Philadelphia Eagles (from Indianapolis)
Ray Edwards | DE | Purdue
128. Seattle Seahawks
Brandon Marshall | WR | Central Florida
129. Pittsburgh Steelers
Tim Dobbins | ILB | Iowa State
130. Denver Broncos (Compensatory Selection)
Rashad Butler | OT | Miami-Fla.
131. Pittsburgh Steelers (Compensatory Selection)
Chris Gocong | DE | Cal-Poly
132. Baltimore Ravens (Compensatory Selection)
Tarvaris Jackson | QB | Alabama State
133. Pittsburgh Steelers (Compensatory Selection)
Leon Williams | ILB | Miami-Fla.
ROUND 5
134. Houston Texans
A.J. Nicholson | OLB | Florida State
135. New Orleans Saints
Owen Daniels | TE | Wisconsin
136. New England Patriots (from Oakland)
Kai Parham | ILB | Virginia
137. Tennessee Titans
Derrick Martin | DC | Wyoming
138. N.Y. Jets
Eric Henderson | DE | Georgia Tech
139. Green Bay Packers
Devin Aromashodu | WR | Auburn
140. San Francisco 49ers
Julian Jenkins | DE | Stanford
141. Detroit Lions
Marcus Maxey | DB | Miami-Fla.
142. Arizona Cardinals
Jonathan Lewis | DT | Virginia Tech
143. Buffalo Bills
Garrett Mills | TE/FB | Tulsa
144. St. Louis Rams
Bruce Gradkowski | QB | Toledo
145. Cleveland Browns
Barry Cofield | DT | Northwestern
146. Baltimore Ravens
Jonathan Orr | WR | Wisconsin
147. Philadelphia Eagles
Gerald Riggs Jr | RB | Tennessee
148. Atlanta Falcons
P.J. Daniels | RB | Georgia Tech
149. Minnesota Vikings
Tim Day | TE | Oregon
150. Dallas Cowboys
Brent Hawkins | DE/OLB | Illinois State
151. San Diego Chargers
Kevin Boothe | OG | Cornell
152. Cleveland Browns (from New England)
Reggie McNeal | QB | Texas A&M
153. Washington Redskins
Clint Ingram | OLB | Oklahoma
154. Kansas City Chiefs
Jahri Evans | OG | Bloomsburg
155. Carolina Panthers
Paul McQuistan | OT | Weber State
156. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jeremy Mincey | DE | Florida
157. Cincinnati Bengals
Greg Blue | DS/OLB | Georgia
158. N.Y. Giants
Lawrence Vickers | RB/FB | Colorado
159. Chicago Bears
Joe Toledo | OT | Washington
160. Jacksonville Jaguars
Anwar Phillips | DC | Penn State
161. Denver Broncos
D.J. Shockley | QB | Georgia
162. Indianapolis Colts
Gerrick McPhearson | DC | Maryland
163. Seattle Seahawks
T.J. Williams | TE | N.C. State
164. Pittsburgh Steelers
Jeremy Bloom | RS | Colorado
165. Green Bay Packers (Compensatory Selection)
Wendell Mathis | RB | Florida State
166. Baltimore Ravens (Compensatory Selection)
Marcus Hudson | DB | N.C. State
167. Pittsburgh Steelers (Compensatory Selection)
DonTrell Moore | RB | New Mexico
168. Philadelphia Eagles (Compensatory Selection)
Skyler Green | RS/WR | LSU
169. Tennessee Titans (Compensatory Selection)
Mike Hass | WR | Oregon
ROUND 6
170. Houston Texans
Dale Robinson | ILB | Arizona State
171. New Orleans Saints
Jeromey Clary | OT | Kansas State
172. Tennessee Titans
Ryan Cook | OC | New Mexico
173. N.Y. Jets
Todd Watkins | WR | BYU
174. New Orleans Saints (from Green Bay)
Darrell Hunter | DC | Miami-Ohio
175. San Francisco 49ers
Greg Lee | WR | Pittsburgh
176. Oakland Raiders
Omar Gaither | OLB | Tennessee
177. Arizona Cardinals
Antoine Bethea | DS | Howard.
178. Buffalo Bills
Tim McGarigle | ILB | Northwestern
179. Detroit Lions
Oliver Hoyte | ILB | N.C. State
180. Cleveland Browns
Dion Byrum | DC | Ohio
181. Baltimore Ravens
Chris Kuper | OG | North Dakota
182. Dallas Cowboys (from Philadelphia)
Josh Lay | DC | Pittsburgh
183. St. Louis Rams
E.J. Whitley | OT | Texas Tech
184. Atlanta Falcons
Cory Rodgers | WR/RS | TCU
185. Minnesota Vikings
Martin Nance | WR | Miami-Ohio
186. Kansas City Chiefs (from Dallas)
Brandon Guillory | DE | Louisiana-Monroe
187. San Diego Chargers
Adam Stenavich | OG | Michigan
188. San Diego Chargers (from Miami)
Jahmile Addae | DS | West Virginia
189. Washington Redskins
Johnny Jolly | DT | Texas A&M
190. Kansas City Chiefs
Taurean Henderson | RB | Texas Tech
191. New England Patriots
Josh Huston | PK | Ohio State
192. San Francisco 49ers (from Tampa Bay)
Hank Baskett | WR | New Mexico
193. Cincinnati Bengals
Darrell Hackney | QB | UAB
194. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from New York)
Travis Williams | OLB | Auburn
195. Chicago Bears
John Walker | DB | USC
196. Washington Redskins (from Carolina)
Terrance Pennington | OT | New Mexico
197. Jacksonville Jaguars
Mark Setterstrom | OG | Minnesota
198. Denver Broncos
Dwayne Slay | DS | Texas Tech
199. Indianapolis Colts
Stephen Tulloch | LB | N.C. State
200. Seattle Seahawks
Matt Bernstein | FB | Wisconsin
201. Pittsburgh Steelers
James Wyche | DE | Syracuse
202. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Compensatory Selection)
Marques Colston | WR | Hofstra
203. Baltimore Ravens (Compensatory Selection)
John Torp | PT | Colorado
204. Philadelphia Eagles (Compensatory Selection)
Derek Morris | OT | N.C. State
205. New England Patriots (Compensatory Selection)
Kedrick Golston | DT | Georgia
206. New England Patriots (Compensatory Selection)
Dan Stevenson | OG | Notre Dame
207. Indianapolis Colts (Compensatory Selection)
Drew Olson | QB | UCLA
208. Baltimore Ravens (Compensatory Selection)
Keith Ellison | OLB | Oregon State
ROUND 7
209. Cincinnati Bengals
Rob Ninkovich | DE | Purdue
210. New Orleans Saints
Marcus Vick | QB | Virginia Tech
211. N.Y. Jets
Mike Kudla | DE | Ohio State
212. Miami Dolphins (from Green Bay)
Anthony Schlegel | ILB | Ohio State
213. San Francisco 49ers
Terna Nande | OLB | Miami-Ohio
214. Oakland Raiders
Marvin Philip | OC | Cal
215. Tennessee Titans
Wali Lundy | RB | Virginia
216. Buffalo Bills
Jarrad Page | DS | UCLA.
217. Detroit Lions
Frostee Rucker | DE | USC
218. Arizona Cardinals
Dennis Roland | OT | Georgia
219. Baltimore Ravens
Charles Davis | TE | Purdue
220. Philadelphia Eagles
Jeff Webb | WR | San Diego State
221. St. Louis Rams
Ryan LaCasse | DE | Syracuse
222. Cleveland Browns
DeArrius Howard | RB | Arkansas
223. Atlanta Falcons
Scott Ware | DS | USC
224. Dallas Cowboys
Jeff King | TE | Virginia Tech
225. San Diego Chargers
Ben Obomanu | WR | Auburn
226. Miami Dolphins
Rob Meadow | OG | Washington
227. San Diego Chargers (from Minnesota)
Gilbert Harris | FB | Arizona
228. Kansas City Chiefs
Tony McDaniel | DT | Tennessee
229. New England Patriots
Marcus Green | DT | Ohio State
230. Washington Redskins
Troy Reddick | OT/OG | Auburn
231. Cincinnati Bengals
Freddie Roach | ILB | Alabama
232. N.Y. Giants
Miles Austin | WR | Monmouth
233. Miami Dolphins (from Chicago)
Jovon Bouknight | WR/RS | Wyoming
234. Carolina Panthers
Spencer Havner | OLB | UCLA
235. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tommy Jackson | DT | Auburn
236. San Francisco 49ers (from Jacksonville)
Domata Peko | DT | Michigan State
237. Carolina Panthers (from Denver)
Jason Hatcher | DE | Grambling
238. Tennessee Titans (from Indianapolis)
Cory Ross | RB | Nebraska
239. Seattle Seahawks
Brad Smith | WR/RS | Missouri
240. Pittsburgh Steelers
Anthony Mix | H-Back | Auburn
241. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Compensatory Selection)
Patrick Ross | OC | Boston College
242. St. Louis Rams (Compensatory Selection)
Troy Bienemann | TE | Washington State
243. St. Louis Rams (Compensatory Selection)
Charles Bennett | DE | Clemson
244. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Compensatory Selection)
Adam Jennings | WR | Fresno State
245. Tennessee Titans (Compensatory Selection)
Quinn Sypniewski | TE | Colorado
246. Tennessee Titans (Compensatory Selection)
Anthony Trucks | OLB | Oregon
247. Detroit Lions (Compensatory Selection)
Jimmy Martin | OT | Virginia Tech
248. Buffalo Bills (Compensatory Selection)
Domenik Hixon | RS/WR| Akron
249. Seattle Seahawks (Compensatory Selection)
Reuben Houston | DC | Georgia Tech
250. Washington Redskins (Compensatory Selection)
Ryan Plackemeier | PT | Wake Forest
251. Houston Texans (Compensatory Selection)
Charlton Keith | DE | Kansas
252. New Orleans Saints (Compensatory Selection)
Kevin Simon | OLB | Tennessee
253. Green Bay Packers (Compensatory Selection)
Dawan Landry | DS | Georgia Tech
254. San Francisco 49ers (Compensatory Selection)
Will Derting | OLB | Washington State
255. Oakland Raiders (Compensatory Selection)
Delanie Walker | WR | Missouri State
Todd McShay is director of college scouting for Scouts Inc. Numerous NFL teams have relied on his independent draft prospect evaluations since 1998.
Texans fielding more trade calls than Saints
By Todd McShay
The 2006 NFL draft is rapidly approaching. With less than two weeks remaining before draft weekend kicks off on April 29, it's time to take a look at how the seven-round process could shake out:
+ = Underclassman
1. Houston Texans (2-14)
Top-five needs: OT, OG, DC, WR, RB
The pick: +Reggie Bush, RB, USC
The Texans are surprisingly fielding far more trade offers for their pick than the Saints are at No. 2. If the deal is sweet enough, there's still a chance that the Texans could trade down a few spots (Jets?) and still get an elite player at a position of greater need, such as NC State DE Mario Williams or Virginia OT D'Brickashaw Ferguson. When all the dust settles, however, the Texans are still expected to take Bush with the first overall selection. Running back is not one of the Texans' top positional needs, but Bush is far more than just a running back. He's the most explosive runner, receiver and return man that this year's class has to offer. No other rookie will make a bigger impact than Bush will for the Texans next season.
2. New Orleans Saints (3-13)
Top-five needs: OT, DT, OC, DC, OLB
The pick: +Mario Williams, DE, N.C. State
Priority No. 1 for the Saints is still to trade out of this pick. They would love to move down a bit, acquire an extra pick or two and still get one of the top three prospects on their wish list: Williams, Ferguson or Ohio State OLB A.J. Hawk. The team will send out smoke signals following USC QB Matt Leinart's private visit on Wednesday, but don't buy into the hype. If the Saints get stuck picking at No. 2, the decision will be between Williams and Ferguson. While Ferguson fills a great area of need, rumor has it the Saints have Williams rated ahead of him on their board.
3. Tennessee Titans (4-12) Top-five needs: OT, MLB, QB, RB, OC
The pick: Matt Leinart, QB, USC
The Titans have leaked information regarding an internal tug-of-war between the personnel department and coaching staff over the top-rated quarterback in this year's draft, but we are hearing otherwise. Vince Young would be a possibility if Leinart is off the board, but expect the Titans to go with the Southern Cal southpaw if he's available when they go on the clock. The Titans are not expected to come to a resolution with longtime franchise quarterback Steve McNair, so Leinart would have a chance to start immediately. Making this an even more natural fit is Leinart's relationship with offensive coordinator Norm Chow, who spent four years in a similar post at USC.
4. New York Jets (4-12)
Top-five needs: RB, OT, OLB, QB, OG
The pick: D'Brickashaw Ferguson, OT, Virginia
The Jets are rumored to be one of the teams pursuing a possible deal with the Texans for the No. 1 pick. If that's the case, they would obviously be going after Bush. The second plausible scenario is to trade up a couple spots to secure Leinart, but as of today there are no reports of the Jets contacting the Saints for such a deal. In my opinion, the Jets' best move is to stay put. They have seven picks in the first four rounds, which is more than any other team. Instead of packaging some of those picks to move up, the Jets would be wise to address as many needs as possible in what is an extremely deep talent base in the 2006 draft. In this scenario, Ferguson would be a great value with the fourth overall pick and he would help address a priority need.
5. Green Bay Packers (4-12)
Top-five needs: OG, OLB, OC, DE, WR
The pick: A.J. Hawk, OLB, Ohio State
The Packers have done a decent job of addressing their needs at wide receiver (Rod Gardner), defensive tackle (Ryan Pickett) and safety (Marquand Manuel) this offseason. Still missing, though, is an impact playmaker on defense. There are some reports regarding the Packers' growing interest in massive two-gap DT Haloti Ngata (Oregon). However, Hawk is a more complete player, and he could make a more immediate impact for a defense that is in desperate need of a playmaker and leader of his capacity.
6. San Francisco 49ers (4-12)
Top-five needs: OLB, FS, DC, DE, MLB
The pick: +Vernon Davis, TE, Maryland
The 49ers will entertain trade offers once they are on the clock. Unless they receive an undeniable offer, the wise move is to draft the most explosive pass-catching weapon in this year's class. At 6-foot-3 and 258 pounds, with 4.38-speed in the 40-yard dash, Davis has game-breaker written all over him. By using this pick on Davis, the 49ers could exponentially speed up QB Alex Smith's developmental process.
7. Oakland Raiders (4-12)
Top-five needs: OG, DT, OLB, SS, RB
The pick: +Vince Young, QB, Texas
The Raiders have bigger needs, but Young is too special of an athlete to pass on with this pick. Aaron Brooks can serve as a bridge-the-gap starter while Young takes a year or two developing. Andrew Walter, last year's third-round pick, can become a good insurance policy for the future and potentially could become good trade bait.
8. Buffalo Bills (5-11)
Top-five needs: OT, DT, DC, RB, WR
The pick: +Haloti Ngata, DT, Oregon
Offensive tackle is a primary need area for the Bills. USC OT Winston Justice is skyrocketing up draft boards following his outstanding pro-day workout, but it would be a slight reach to take Justice this high, especially considering some of his character issues. The Bills were able to upgrade their defensive line with the free-agency addition of DT Larry Tripplett, but they are still in search of a young impact player to groom alongside of him. While it seems that Florida State's Brodrick Bunkley is a better fit in the team's new defensive scheme, we're hearing that the Bills favor Ngata over Bunkley if they elect to draft this position. Defensive tackles tend to take longer to develop than most other positions, but the presence of Tripplett and Tim Anderson would allow Ngata to ease into a starting role.
9. Detroit Lions (5-11)
Top-five needs: DC, OLB, ILB, OT, RB
The pick: Michael Huff, DB, Texas
New head coach Rod Marinelli comes from a hard-nosed, defense-minded background, and he'll want to set the tone by selecting an impact playmaker on that side of the ball. Some think Huff can play cornerback in the NFL, while others think he'll be limited to safety. I think he can play some of both, especially with the Lions moving to more of a Cover 2 look under Marinelli. Regardless, Huff is the best defensive back in this year's class, and he would immediately give the Lions much-needed versatility in their secondary.
10. Arizona Cardinals (5-11)
Top-five needs: DB, TE, QB, OT, OLB
The pick: +Ernie Sims, OLB, Florida State
The Cardinals are mightily impressed with Justice but they know he's a bit of a reach at No. 10. They would love for Huff to fall to them here, but that's not the case in this scenario. Furthermore, while Jimmy Williams is high on everyone's board in terms of overall talent, there are too many concerns regarding his personality for the Cardinals to risk this high a pick on him. With all that said, the Cards will have a tough decision to make between Vanderbilt QB Jay Cutler, who provides promise for the future, and Sims, who could make an immediate impact playing opposite another young athletic outside linebacker, Karlos Dansby. Head coach Dennis Green and his staff are poised to make a playoff run soon, and Sims will help the team achieve that goal a lot quicker than Cutler.
11. St. Louis Rams (6-10)
Top-five needs: DT, DC, WLB, OG, OT
The pick: Chad Greenway, OLB, Iowa
This seems a bit high for Greenway to come off the board, but he is a safe pick at a position of need. If Sims slips past the Cardinals at pick No. 10, the Rams would likely take him ahead of Greenway. Another option is to draft Vanderbilt QB Jay Cutler, but new head coach Scott Linehan is an offensive guru who should be able to develop the team's quarterback of the future from a later round.
12. Cleveland Browns (6-10)
Top-five needs: DE, OLB, WR, NT, DC
The pick: Kamerion Wimbley, DE/OLB, Florida State
The Browns have been one of the most active teams in free agency this year, but they still have a number of holes to fill. After spending two of their three Day 1 picks last year on the offensive side of the ball, general manager Phil Savage knows he needs to give more attention to coach Romeo Crennel's defense. The Browns signed a couple of good fits for the 3-4 scheme, but OLB Willie McGinest and NT Ted Washington are aging and won't be around for long. If Ngata is still on the board, he would be an even better value as Washington's future replacement. In this case, though, Wimbley is the right selection. A former defensive end at Florida State, Wimbley is an ideal fit as a rush-linebacker in the Browns' 3-4 alignment. He could immediately upgrade the team's pass rush as a situational player early in his career before eventually taking over for McGinest as the full-time starter.
13. Baltimore Ravens (6-10)
Top-five needs: DS, QB, ROT, DT, OG
The pick: Brodrick Bunkley, DT, Florida State
Justice would be a consideration in this scenario, but Bunkley is a better value and a better fit. Bunkley has some character and durability issues that could cause him to slip, but we feel that he is a better overall prospect than Ngata. Bunkley has exceptional overall physical tools, as we saw from his jaw-dropping combine performance, and his production as a senior last season (25 tackles for loss, nine sacks) speaks for itself.
14. Philadelphia Eagles (6-10)
Top-five needs: OLB, WR, OT, RB, FS
The pick: +Winston Justice, OT, USC
Drafting a bigger back to take some of the load off Brian Westbrook's shoulders is a possibility, but the Eagles likely will address that need later. The team also needs help at wide receiver and outside linebacker, but no value exists to match this pick. With that in mind, Justice is the best fit. The Eagles are ancient at offensive tackle with Tra Thomas and Jon Runyan, so this would be a wise decision. Justice comes with some baggage and he needs some polishing, but his combination of size and athleticism are undeniable.
15. Denver Broncos (10-6)
Pick acquired from Falcons
Top-five needs: WR, TE, RB, OG/OC, DT
The pick: +Chad Jackson, WR, Florida
The Broncos are hoping to continue to make moves on draft day. Their primary goal is to package picks and move up for TE Davis. If they can't get that deal done, they'll look to acquire more picks by trading down. But if they get stuck at No. 15, look for the Broncos to select the best wide receiver on their board. Jackson needs some polish, but his size, explosive speed and playmaking ability would be a welcomed addition to a wide receiver corps that currently is in flux. Rod Smith is running out of time, and Ashley Lelie has proven to be too unreliable as a full-time starter. Jackson could contribute as a No. 3 immediately while being groomed as the primary target for the future.
16. Miami Dolphins (9-7)
Top-five needs: DC, WR, DS, OG, LB
The pick: +Santonio Holmes, WR, Ohio State
The Dolphins have addressed almost all of their needs via free agency, which gives them the flexibility that coach Nick Saban is looking for on draft weekend. Wimbley would be an option if he were still available. The team would also consider defensive backs such as Jimmy Williams or Donte Whitner (Ohio State). However, Holmes is one of only two elite wide receiver prospects in this year's draft, and he would make a bigger impact than the aforementioned prospects as a sub-package contributor behind starting WRs Chris Chambers and Marty Booker in 2006.
17. Minnesota Vikings (9-7)
Top-five needs: MLB, OLB, DC, QB, WR
The pick: Jay Cutler, QB, Vanderbilt
Linebacker and cornerback are two positions the Vikings are targeting with this pick, but new head coach Brad Childress could not pass on a quarterback of Cutler's ability if he slips this far. Cutler is a big, athletic quarterback with a rifle for an arm. He needs some technique work, but Childress would have the time he needs to develop Cutler as Brad Johnson's eventual successor.
18. Dallas Cowboys (9-7)
Top-five needs: FS, OT, OG, DC, NT
The pick: +Donte Whitner, DS, Ohio State
The Cowboys would love to trade down in order to get a better value for an offensive tackle such as Auburn's Marcus McNeill. Drafting Holmes is also a possibility if he's available here, but coach Bill Parcells doesn't like to draft wide receivers in the first round, and the team already has a load of money locked up in that position with the recent acquisition of Terrell Owens. So if the Cowboys are stuck with this pick, Whitner makes the most sense. The team needs an intelligent, speedy free safety to complement SS Roy Williams, and Whitner is the ideal match. He emerged as a true playmaker during his junior season at Ohio State, and his 40-yard dash time of 4.38 seconds helped catapult him into first-round consideration.
19. San Diego Chargers (9-7)
Top-five needs: OT, WR, DS, OG, DC
The pick: +Johnathan Joseph, DC, South Carolina
The Chargers would consider a wide receiver if Jackson or Holmes slips to them. However, after recently making the Sammy Davis (DC)-for-Rashaun Woods (WR) trade, the Chargers are in even greater need of an upgrade in the defensive secondary. Joseph would be a good fit with the 19th pick because he's an athletic playmaker who could contribute immediately as a nickel-slot cover corner.
20. Kansas City Chiefs (10-6)
Top-five needs: DC, WR, OG, DE, QB
Top pick: Tye Hill, DC, Clemson
The Chiefs are in desperate need of a starter opposite LDC Patrick Surtain, so look for them to use this pick on the best cover corner available. Hill is one of the fastest corners in his class and he can change directions quickly. While he's undersized, he has excellent leaping ability and is a fundamentally sound tackler.
21. New England Patriots (10-6)
Top-five needs: ILB/OLB, WR, DC, RB, DT
The pick: +Antonio Cromartie, DC, Florida State
The Patriots have several needs on defense, and they could use this pick on a wide receiver if Jackson or Holmes slides. While linebacker is a bigger need, ultimately, expect the Pats to go with a corner here. Cromartie is a bit raw and rusty after starting just one game at Florida State and missing the entire 2005 season with a knee injury. However, he is healthy now, and he possesses an outstanding combination of size, speed and athleticism. New England's coaching staff has done a good job of developing secondary players quickly (see Eugene Wilson, Asante Samuel and Ellis Hobbs) and there's no questioning Cromartie's upside.
22. Denver Broncos (10-6)
Pick acquired from Redskins
Top-five needs: WR, TE, RB, OG/OC, DT
The pick: DeAngelo Williams, RB, Memphis
Tatum Bell replaces Mike Anderson, who is now a Raven, as the primary back in Denver. However, Bell has had some problems staying healthy despite splitting carries with Anderson. Ron Dayne is a decent short-yardage ball carrier, but he is limited due to poor speed and lack of elusiveness. The Broncos need a No. 2 back who can spell Bell and step in if Bell misses time with an injury, which is why Williams makes sense here. Williams has excellent initial quickness and he shows a second gear in the open field. His vision and patience also make him a great fit for Denver's zone-blocking schemes.
23. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (11-5)
Top-five needs: OT, OC, WR, WLB, DE
The pick: Jimmy Williams, DC, Virginia Tech
The Buccaneers will try to make a move up the board for OT Justice, but they are unlikely to reach for an offensive tackle such as Marcus McNeill (Auburn) or Eric Winston (Miami) with this pick. If stuck at pick No. 23, look for the Bucs to take advantage of a slipping talent such as Williams. The Bucs need depth at cornerback, and Williams is a perfect fit because of his size, playmaking skills and ability to defend the run. He also has experience at free safety, which gives him added value in a secondary that needs more versatility.
24. Cincinnati Bengals (11-5)
Top-five needs: TE, DE, DC, MLB, RS
The pick: Manny Lawson, DE, N.C. State
The Bengals have several needs on the defensive side of the ball, and they also need a playmaker at tight end. While it's possible that the team might select a tight end such as Georgia's Leonard Pope or UCLA's Marcedes Lewis, expect coach Marvin Lewis to go with an impact defender with this pick and then take advantage of this tight-end class in the next couple of rounds. Lawson is undersized and would be a better fit as a rush linebacker in a 3-4 scheme, but Lewis could afford to use Lawson as a situational pass-rusher early in his career while developing him for a role as a future starter.
25. New York Giants (11-5)
Top-five needs: OLB, WR, DT, OT, RB
The pick: Bobby Carpenter, OLB, Ohio State
Even if the Giants land free agent OLB LaVar Arrington, they still will be in the market for one in the first few rounds of the draft. Others such as DeMeco Ryans (Alabama) and Thomas Howard (UTEP) are possibilities, but Carpenter is the most versatile of the three available outside linebackers, and he also has a history with the organization, as his father, Rob, played for the Giants.
26. Chicago Bears (11-5)
Top-five needs: DC, TE, SLB, OT, DT
The pick: +Ashton Youboty, DC, Ohio State
Charles Tillman is coming offseason shoulder injury, unrestricted free agent Jerry Azumah isn't expected back and free-agent signee Dante Wesley isn't an every-down corner. Keeping that in mind, the Bears need a corner who will push for playing time opposite Nathan Vasher. Youboty is inconsistent and will give up some big plays when left on an island. However, he has good top-end speed, the frame to get bigger and good short-area man-to-man cover skills.
27. Carolina Panthers (11-5)
Top-five needs: SLB, TE, RB, OT, MLB
The pick: +LenDale White, RB, USC
White's postseason has been a disaster. On top of his hamstring injury, he has turned teams off by failing to get into shape and handle the process seriously. Regardless, White was extremely productive at the college level and is a powerful runner with good speed in the open field. While the Panthers have greater needs, White would give them great insurance should the oft-injured DeShaun Foster miss substantial time, and White will be the best available player if he slips to this pick.
28. Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
Top-five needs: OLB, TE, DE, OG, DC
The pick: Mathias Kiwanuka, DE, Boston College
The Jaguars could go in several different directions with this pick, including outside linebacker and tight end. Kiwanuka 's draft stock has dipped considerably due to subpar showings at the Senior Bowl and combine. However, he is a proven playmaker who recorded 35½ sacks during his four seasons at Boston College. Kiwanuka could be brought along slowly as a situational pass-rusher behind RDE Paul Spicer, who is better defending the run than rushing the quarterback.
29. New York Jets (4-12):
Pick acquired from Broncos
Top-five needs: RB, OT, OLB, QB, OG
The pick: +Laurence Maroney, RB, Minnesota
The Jets want to substantially reduce 32-year-old Curtis Martin's workload, but there isn't an heir apparent on the roster. Selecting Maroney here would change that. Though Maroney doesn't have great size or strength, he has the burst to get around the corner quickly and he shows a second gear in the open field. He also reads his blocks well and has the lateral mobility to exploit cut-back lanes, so he should push for significant playing time early on.
30. Indianapolis Colts (14-2)
Top-five needs: RB, OLB, OG, MLB, DC
The pick: Joseph Addai, RB, LSU
It will be difficult for any back to fill Edgerrin James' shoes in Indianapolis, especially if the top four backs are taken by the time the Colts select at pick No. 30. Addai is a bit of a reach here, but the Colts might be willing to take the risk considering their dire situation. At the very least, Addai is a good fit for the Colts' scheme. He isn't elusive and he needs to continue to add bulk to his frame -- but he is quick, he has explosive top-end speed and he runs hard. In addition, he catches the ball well and he's versatile enough to line up in the slot, making him a good fit for the Colts' no-huddle offense.
31. Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
Top-five needs: DC, FS, WR, OG, TE
The pick: Richard Marshall, DC, Fresno State
Marshall is quietly climbing up many teams' draft boards right now. He has adequate size to go along with his excellent combination of speed and ball skills. Marshall recorded nine interceptions in just three seasons at Fresno State, and he held up well when matched up one-on-one against USC's top receivers. Former Seattle DC Andre Dyson signed with the Jets, and Marshall has the natural ability to replace him as the starter opposite Marcus Trufant, if he can stay healthy.
32. Pittsburgh Steelers (11-5)
Top-five needs: WR, DE, DS, OC/OG, ILB
The pick: Jason Allen, DB, Tennessee
The Super Bowl champs are obviously void of many pressing positional needs. However, receiver, defensive line and safety are three they will target with this pick. The Steelers are looking for a bigger target opposite Hines Ward, and they know they can get a better value with a prospect such as Notre Dame's Maurice Stovall in the second round. There are some concerns regarding Allen's long-term durability after he suffered a season-ending hip injury as a senior. However, there seem to be mixed reports regarding his medical results. If the Steelers' training staff gives its personnel department the green light, Allen would be a perfect fit as a future starter at free safety opposite SS Troy Polamalu. Don't forget; the Steelers cashed in on a similar injury situation last year with TE Heath Miller.
ROUND 2
33. Houston Texans
Eric Winston | OT | Miami
34. New Orleans Saints
Nick Mangold | OC | Ohio State
35. N.Y. Jets
Thomas Howard | OLB | UTEP
36. Green Bay Packers
Tamba Hali | DE | Penn State
37. San Francisco 49ers
Kelly Jennings | DC | Miami
38. Oakland Raiders
Gabe Watson | DT | Michigan
39. Tennessee Titans
D'Qwell Jackson | ILB | Maryland
40. Detroit Lions
Demeco Ryans | OLB | Alabama
41. Arizona Cardinals
Marcedes Lewis | TE | UCLA
42. Buffalo Bills
Marcus McNeill | OT | Auburn
43. Cleveland Browns
Sinorice Moss | WR | Miami
44. Baltimore Ravens
Ko Simpson | DS | South Carolina
45. Philadelphia Eagles
Roger McIntosh | OLB | Miami
46. St. Louis Rams
Claude Wroten | DT | LSU
47. Atlanta Falcons
Rodrique Wright | DT | Texas
48. Minnesota Vikings
Abdul Hodge | ILB | Iowa
49. Dallas Cowboys
Davin Joseph | OG | Oklahoma
50. San Diego Chargers
Andrew Whitworth | OT | LSU
51. Miami Dolphins
Brodie Croyle | QB | Alabama
52. New England Patriots
Brian Calhoun | RB | Wisconsin
53. Washington Redskins
Darryl Tapp | DE | Virginia Tech
54. Kansas City Chiefs
Demetrius Williams | WR | Oregon
55. Cincinnati Bengals
Leonard Pope | TE | Georgia
56. N.Y. Giants
Orien Harris | DT | Miami
57. Chicago Bears
Anthony Fasano | TE | Notre Dame
58. Carolina Panthers
Joe Klopfenstein | TE | Colorado
59. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Chris Chester | OC | Oklahoma
60. Jacksonville Jaguars
Dominique Byrd | TE | USC
61. Denver Broncos
Mark Anderson | DE | Alabama
62. Indianapolis Colts
Jon Alston | OLB | Stanford
63. Seattle Seahawks
Taitusi Lutui | OG | USC
64. Pittsburgh Steelers
Maurice Stovall | WR | Notre Dame
ROUND 3
65. Houston Texans
Max Jean-Gilles | OG | Georgia
66. Houston Texans (from New Orleans)
Cedric Griffin | DC | Texas
67. Green Bay Packers
John McCargo | DT | N.C. State
68. San Francisco 49ers
Daniel Bullocks | DS | Nebraska
69. Oakland Raiders
Darnell Bing | DS | UCLA
70. Buffalo Bills (from Tennessee)
Greg Jennings | WR | Western Michigan
71. N.Y. Jets
Kellen Clemens | QB | Oregon
72. Arizona Cardinals
Alan Zemaitis | DC | Penn State
73. Buffalo Bills
Danieal Manning | DB | Abilene Christian
74. Detroit Lions
Daryn Colledge | OT | Boise State
75. New England Patriots (from Baltimore)
Gerris Wilkinson | ILB | Georgia Tech
76. Philadelphia Eagles
Travis Wilson | WR | Oklahoma
77. St. Louis Rams
David Thomas | TE | Texas
78. Cleveland Browns
Montavious Stanley | DT | Louisville
79. Atlanta Falcons
Dee Webb | DC | Florida
80. Dallas Cowboys
Jonathan Scott | OT | Texas
81. San Diego Chargers
Derek Hagan | WR | Arizona State
82. Miami Dolphins
Pat Watkins | DS | Florida State
83. Minnesota Vikings
David Pittman | DC | Northwestern State
84. San Francisco 49ers (from Washington)
Parys Haralson | DE/OLB | Tennessee
85. Kansas City Chiefs
Charlie Whitehurst | QB | Clemson
86. New England Patriots
Brandon Williams | WR | Wisconsin
87. N.Y. Giants
Jason Avant | WR | Michigan
88. Chicago Bears
Devin Hester | WR/RS | Miami-Fla.
89. Carolina Panthers
Bernard Pollard | DS | Purdue
90. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jeremy Trueblood | OT | Boston College
91. Cincinnati Bengals
DeMario Minter | DC | Georgia
92. Jacksonville Jaguars
Maurice Drew | RB/RS | UCLA
93. Denver Broncos
Tony Scheffler | TE | Western Michigan
94. Indianapolis Colts
Greg Eslinger | OC | Minnesota
95. Seattle Seahawks
Anthony Smith | DS | Syracuse
96. Pittsburgh Steelers
Charles Spencer | OG | Notre Dame
97. N.Y. Jets (Compensatory Selection)
Kyle Williams | DT | LSU
ROUND 4
98. Houston Texans
Will Blackmon | WR/RS | Boston College
99. New Orleans Saints
Babatunde Oshinowo | DT | Stanford
100. San Francisco 49ers
Victor Adeyanju | DE | Indiana
101. Oakland Raiders
Jerome Harrison | RB | Washington State
102. Tennessee Titans
Guy Whimper | OT | East Carolina
103. N.Y. Jets
Roman Harper | DS | Alabama
104. Green Bay Packers
Jason Spitz | OG/OC | Louisville
105. Buffalo Bills
Leon Washington | RB | Florida State
106. New England Patriots (from Detroit)
Stanley McClover | DE/OLB | Auburn
107. Arizona Cardinals
Omar Jacobs | QB | Bowling Green
108. Philadelphia Eagles
Dusty Dvoracek | DT | Oklahoma
109. St. Louis Rams
Tim Jennings | DC | Georgia
110. Cleveland Browns
Ryan O'Callaghan | OT | Cal
111. Baltimore Ravens
Zach Strief | OT | Northwestern
112. Atlanta Falcons
Rob Sims | OG | Ohio State
113. San Diego Chargers
Freddie Keiaho | ILB | San Diego State
114. Miami Dolphins
Elvis Dumervil | DE/OLB | Louisville
115. Minnesota Vikings
James Anderson | OLB | Virginia Tech
116. Philadelphia Eagles (from Dallas)
Calvin Lowry | DS | Penn State
117. N.Y. Jets (from Kansas City)
Fred Matua | OG | USC
118. New England Patriots
Charles Gordon | DC/WR/RS | Kansas
119. Denver Broncos (from Washington)
LeKevin Smith | DT | Nebraska
120. Chicago Bears
Jesse Mahelona | DT | Tennessee
121. Carolina Panthers
Brandon Johnson | OLB | Louisville
122. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Willie Reid | WR/RS | Florida State
123. Cincinnati Bengals
Jerious Norwood | RB/KR | Mississippi State
124. N.Y. Giants
Andre Hall | RB | South Florida
125. Jacksonville Jaguars
Brian Iwuh | OLB/DS | Colorado
126. Denver Broncos
Michael Robinson | WR | Penn State
127. Philadelphia Eagles (from Indianapolis)
Ray Edwards | DE | Purdue
128. Seattle Seahawks
Brandon Marshall | WR | Central Florida
129. Pittsburgh Steelers
Tim Dobbins | ILB | Iowa State
130. Denver Broncos (Compensatory Selection)
Rashad Butler | OT | Miami-Fla.
131. Pittsburgh Steelers (Compensatory Selection)
Chris Gocong | DE | Cal-Poly
132. Baltimore Ravens (Compensatory Selection)
Tarvaris Jackson | QB | Alabama State
133. Pittsburgh Steelers (Compensatory Selection)
Leon Williams | ILB | Miami-Fla.
ROUND 5
134. Houston Texans
A.J. Nicholson | OLB | Florida State
135. New Orleans Saints
Owen Daniels | TE | Wisconsin
136. New England Patriots (from Oakland)
Kai Parham | ILB | Virginia
137. Tennessee Titans
Derrick Martin | DC | Wyoming
138. N.Y. Jets
Eric Henderson | DE | Georgia Tech
139. Green Bay Packers
Devin Aromashodu | WR | Auburn
140. San Francisco 49ers
Julian Jenkins | DE | Stanford
141. Detroit Lions
Marcus Maxey | DB | Miami-Fla.
142. Arizona Cardinals
Jonathan Lewis | DT | Virginia Tech
143. Buffalo Bills
Garrett Mills | TE/FB | Tulsa
144. St. Louis Rams
Bruce Gradkowski | QB | Toledo
145. Cleveland Browns
Barry Cofield | DT | Northwestern
146. Baltimore Ravens
Jonathan Orr | WR | Wisconsin
147. Philadelphia Eagles
Gerald Riggs Jr | RB | Tennessee
148. Atlanta Falcons
P.J. Daniels | RB | Georgia Tech
149. Minnesota Vikings
Tim Day | TE | Oregon
150. Dallas Cowboys
Brent Hawkins | DE/OLB | Illinois State
151. San Diego Chargers
Kevin Boothe | OG | Cornell
152. Cleveland Browns (from New England)
Reggie McNeal | QB | Texas A&M
153. Washington Redskins
Clint Ingram | OLB | Oklahoma
154. Kansas City Chiefs
Jahri Evans | OG | Bloomsburg
155. Carolina Panthers
Paul McQuistan | OT | Weber State
156. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jeremy Mincey | DE | Florida
157. Cincinnati Bengals
Greg Blue | DS/OLB | Georgia
158. N.Y. Giants
Lawrence Vickers | RB/FB | Colorado
159. Chicago Bears
Joe Toledo | OT | Washington
160. Jacksonville Jaguars
Anwar Phillips | DC | Penn State
161. Denver Broncos
D.J. Shockley | QB | Georgia
162. Indianapolis Colts
Gerrick McPhearson | DC | Maryland
163. Seattle Seahawks
T.J. Williams | TE | N.C. State
164. Pittsburgh Steelers
Jeremy Bloom | RS | Colorado
165. Green Bay Packers (Compensatory Selection)
Wendell Mathis | RB | Florida State
166. Baltimore Ravens (Compensatory Selection)
Marcus Hudson | DB | N.C. State
167. Pittsburgh Steelers (Compensatory Selection)
DonTrell Moore | RB | New Mexico
168. Philadelphia Eagles (Compensatory Selection)
Skyler Green | RS/WR | LSU
169. Tennessee Titans (Compensatory Selection)
Mike Hass | WR | Oregon
ROUND 6
170. Houston Texans
Dale Robinson | ILB | Arizona State
171. New Orleans Saints
Jeromey Clary | OT | Kansas State
172. Tennessee Titans
Ryan Cook | OC | New Mexico
173. N.Y. Jets
Todd Watkins | WR | BYU
174. New Orleans Saints (from Green Bay)
Darrell Hunter | DC | Miami-Ohio
175. San Francisco 49ers
Greg Lee | WR | Pittsburgh
176. Oakland Raiders
Omar Gaither | OLB | Tennessee
177. Arizona Cardinals
Antoine Bethea | DS | Howard.
178. Buffalo Bills
Tim McGarigle | ILB | Northwestern
179. Detroit Lions
Oliver Hoyte | ILB | N.C. State
180. Cleveland Browns
Dion Byrum | DC | Ohio
181. Baltimore Ravens
Chris Kuper | OG | North Dakota
182. Dallas Cowboys (from Philadelphia)
Josh Lay | DC | Pittsburgh
183. St. Louis Rams
E.J. Whitley | OT | Texas Tech
184. Atlanta Falcons
Cory Rodgers | WR/RS | TCU
185. Minnesota Vikings
Martin Nance | WR | Miami-Ohio
186. Kansas City Chiefs (from Dallas)
Brandon Guillory | DE | Louisiana-Monroe
187. San Diego Chargers
Adam Stenavich | OG | Michigan
188. San Diego Chargers (from Miami)
Jahmile Addae | DS | West Virginia
189. Washington Redskins
Johnny Jolly | DT | Texas A&M
190. Kansas City Chiefs
Taurean Henderson | RB | Texas Tech
191. New England Patriots
Josh Huston | PK | Ohio State
192. San Francisco 49ers (from Tampa Bay)
Hank Baskett | WR | New Mexico
193. Cincinnati Bengals
Darrell Hackney | QB | UAB
194. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from New York)
Travis Williams | OLB | Auburn
195. Chicago Bears
John Walker | DB | USC
196. Washington Redskins (from Carolina)
Terrance Pennington | OT | New Mexico
197. Jacksonville Jaguars
Mark Setterstrom | OG | Minnesota
198. Denver Broncos
Dwayne Slay | DS | Texas Tech
199. Indianapolis Colts
Stephen Tulloch | LB | N.C. State
200. Seattle Seahawks
Matt Bernstein | FB | Wisconsin
201. Pittsburgh Steelers
James Wyche | DE | Syracuse
202. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Compensatory Selection)
Marques Colston | WR | Hofstra
203. Baltimore Ravens (Compensatory Selection)
John Torp | PT | Colorado
204. Philadelphia Eagles (Compensatory Selection)
Derek Morris | OT | N.C. State
205. New England Patriots (Compensatory Selection)
Kedrick Golston | DT | Georgia
206. New England Patriots (Compensatory Selection)
Dan Stevenson | OG | Notre Dame
207. Indianapolis Colts (Compensatory Selection)
Drew Olson | QB | UCLA
208. Baltimore Ravens (Compensatory Selection)
Keith Ellison | OLB | Oregon State
ROUND 7
209. Cincinnati Bengals
Rob Ninkovich | DE | Purdue
210. New Orleans Saints
Marcus Vick | QB | Virginia Tech
211. N.Y. Jets
Mike Kudla | DE | Ohio State
212. Miami Dolphins (from Green Bay)
Anthony Schlegel | ILB | Ohio State
213. San Francisco 49ers
Terna Nande | OLB | Miami-Ohio
214. Oakland Raiders
Marvin Philip | OC | Cal
215. Tennessee Titans
Wali Lundy | RB | Virginia
216. Buffalo Bills
Jarrad Page | DS | UCLA.
217. Detroit Lions
Frostee Rucker | DE | USC
218. Arizona Cardinals
Dennis Roland | OT | Georgia
219. Baltimore Ravens
Charles Davis | TE | Purdue
220. Philadelphia Eagles
Jeff Webb | WR | San Diego State
221. St. Louis Rams
Ryan LaCasse | DE | Syracuse
222. Cleveland Browns
DeArrius Howard | RB | Arkansas
223. Atlanta Falcons
Scott Ware | DS | USC
224. Dallas Cowboys
Jeff King | TE | Virginia Tech
225. San Diego Chargers
Ben Obomanu | WR | Auburn
226. Miami Dolphins
Rob Meadow | OG | Washington
227. San Diego Chargers (from Minnesota)
Gilbert Harris | FB | Arizona
228. Kansas City Chiefs
Tony McDaniel | DT | Tennessee
229. New England Patriots
Marcus Green | DT | Ohio State
230. Washington Redskins
Troy Reddick | OT/OG | Auburn
231. Cincinnati Bengals
Freddie Roach | ILB | Alabama
232. N.Y. Giants
Miles Austin | WR | Monmouth
233. Miami Dolphins (from Chicago)
Jovon Bouknight | WR/RS | Wyoming
234. Carolina Panthers
Spencer Havner | OLB | UCLA
235. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tommy Jackson | DT | Auburn
236. San Francisco 49ers (from Jacksonville)
Domata Peko | DT | Michigan State
237. Carolina Panthers (from Denver)
Jason Hatcher | DE | Grambling
238. Tennessee Titans (from Indianapolis)
Cory Ross | RB | Nebraska
239. Seattle Seahawks
Brad Smith | WR/RS | Missouri
240. Pittsburgh Steelers
Anthony Mix | H-Back | Auburn
241. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Compensatory Selection)
Patrick Ross | OC | Boston College
242. St. Louis Rams (Compensatory Selection)
Troy Bienemann | TE | Washington State
243. St. Louis Rams (Compensatory Selection)
Charles Bennett | DE | Clemson
244. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Compensatory Selection)
Adam Jennings | WR | Fresno State
245. Tennessee Titans (Compensatory Selection)
Quinn Sypniewski | TE | Colorado
246. Tennessee Titans (Compensatory Selection)
Anthony Trucks | OLB | Oregon
247. Detroit Lions (Compensatory Selection)
Jimmy Martin | OT | Virginia Tech
248. Buffalo Bills (Compensatory Selection)
Domenik Hixon | RS/WR| Akron
249. Seattle Seahawks (Compensatory Selection)
Reuben Houston | DC | Georgia Tech
250. Washington Redskins (Compensatory Selection)
Ryan Plackemeier | PT | Wake Forest
251. Houston Texans (Compensatory Selection)
Charlton Keith | DE | Kansas
252. New Orleans Saints (Compensatory Selection)
Kevin Simon | OLB | Tennessee
253. Green Bay Packers (Compensatory Selection)
Dawan Landry | DS | Georgia Tech
254. San Francisco 49ers (Compensatory Selection)
Will Derting | OLB | Washington State
255. Oakland Raiders (Compensatory Selection)
Delanie Walker | WR | Missouri State
Todd McShay is director of college scouting for Scouts Inc. Numerous NFL teams have relied on his independent draft prospect evaluations since 1998.