BACH
Superbowl, Homeboy!
1 (1) Texans Reggie Bush* RB USC
GM Charley Casserly is doing everything he can to create negotiating leverage with Bush's agents. First, he dangled OT D'Brickashaw Ferguson and QB Vince Young as options at No. 1; now, it's Mario Williams. It's all a charade. New coach Gary Kubiak needs an impact offensive player to make his system work and take pressure off QB David Carr. Unless his agents overplay their hand, Bush will be the No. 1 pick.
2 (2) Saints D'Brickashaw Ferguson T Va.
The Saints could go in any direction here, but the most likely scenario is for them to trade down. If the Saints stay put, GM Mickey Loomis won't take Williams. New Orleans has solid pass rushers in Will Smith and Charles Grant. The Saints could, however, solidify an offensive line that has lost center LeCharles Bentley and guard Kendyl Jacox. The story about moving Jamaal Brown to left tackle is a smokescreen. Look for the Saints to plug Ferguson in at left tackle, keep Brown at right tackle and let the two studs anchor their line for the next 10 years.
3 (3) Titans Mario Williams* DE NC State
We can hear the critics now, "Are you crazy? There's no way Matt Leinart slips past the Titans." We know Norm Chow's history with Leinart, but we are told he is losing the internal debate at Titans headquarters and that Tennessee will take Williams or Ferguson here. Williams has great size and speed and is the perfect complement to elite pass rusher Kyle Vanden Bosch.
4 (4) Jets Matt Leinart QB USC
Can you imagine the boos that will rain down at Radio City Music Hall if Leinart is on the board and the Jets don't take him? New coach Eric Mangini and GM Mike Tannenbaum probably don't care about the boo birds, and their top priority probably is to trade down and add picks. Leinart would be a smart pick because of Chad Pennington's questionable health and Patrick Ramsey's questionable skill. Leinart doesn't have the strongest arm, but neither does Tom Brady, and Leinart compares favorably to the three-time Super Bowl champ on several measures.
5 (5) Packers Vernon Davis* TE Maryland
Whether it is Brett Favre or Aaron Rodgers, the Packers’ quarterback needs another reliable target. Davis is the best pure receiver in this draft, regardless of position. Plus, Bubba Franks always is banged up.
6 (6) 49ers Haloti Ngata* DT Oregon
The Niners have Anthony Adams (5-11, 297) at nose tackle and obviously need more size there. Ngata (6-4, 338) has the size and quickness to make an immediate impact on the interior of the Niners’ 3-4 alignment.
7 (7) Raiders Vince Young* QB Texas
Here's the deal in Oakland. All but one member of the Raiders organization prefers Southern Cal OT Winston Justice. That one dissenting opinion, Al Davis, is the only one that matters. Davis wants Young and might trade up to No. 4 (Jets) to make sure he gets him. The Raiders signed Aaron Brooks to a two-year deal, so that would give Young time to develop and create an opening for him when he proves ready.
8 (8) Bills Brodrick Bunkley DT Florida St.
New defensive coordinator Perry Fewell was with Lovie Smith in St. Louis and Chicago. He is installing the Tampa-2 scheme and needs a Warren Sapp-type player for his 4-3 front. Bunkley is quick and athletic, and he can collapse the pocket from the interior.
9 (9) Lions A.J. Hawk OLB Ohio St.
The Lions need an upgrade on the weak side. Hawk has the speed and athletic ability to rush the passer, make tackles in pursuit against the run and drop into coverage. He is a complete player who can step in and contribute to a strong unit led by Teddy Lehman and Boss Bailey.
10 (10) Cardinals Winston Justice* T USC
For all the complaints about the lack of a running game and their quarterbacks’ shortcomings, the Cardinals’ big problem is their line. Justice could step in for Oliver Ross at right tackle, his natural position, and give Kurt Warner and Edgerrin James the protection they need.
11 (11) Rams Michael Huff S Texas
This is the dream scenario for St. Louis. The only way Detroit passes on Huff is if Hawk slides. The Rams must replace Adam Archuleta, and Huff would be a significant upgrade. Huff has excellent size and speed, is willing to support the run, has great man-to-man coverage skills and has outstanding instincts and range in zone coverage. He is the perfect free safety.
12 (12) Browns Manny Lawson OLB NC State
Every NFL team using a 3-4 defensive scheme projects Lawson as a standup outside linebacker, a la Lawrence Taylor. Lawson has outstanding size and speed and can rush the passer; he had 17 sacks the past two seasons. Although Lawson played end in college, he also can drop into coverage. A rare athlete, Lawson is flying up draft boards and could be a key to the Browns' defensive success.
13 (13) Ravens Jimmy Williams CB Va. Tech
Many scouts toy with the idea of moving Williams to safety. He has the size to make the move, and his speed will help him cover ground in the deep middle and use his playmaking skills.
14 (14) Eagles Santonio Holmes* WR Ohio St.
The Eagles have three tall receivers (Reggie Brown, Todd Pinkston, Jabar Gaffney) to complement Holmes (5-10, 179). Holmes has excellent speed and leaping ability and can return punts and kicks, another area of need in Philly.
15 (15) Broncos Chad Jackson* WR Florida
(from Atlanta) Scouts say Jackson looks like a young Rod Smith, so he might as well learn from the old man Smith, who turns 36 in May. Jackson is big, tall and fast. The Broncos also have needs at defensive end and safety, but there is a significant dropoff in the caliber of wide receivers after Holmes and Jackson.
16 (16) Dolphins Tye Hill CB Clemson
Coach Nick Saban has a strong pass rush but needs a man-to-man cornerback to maximize the defense's potential. Hill lacks ideal size but makes up for it with impressive speed and change-of-direction skills. He is the best bump-and-run cornerback in the draft.
17 (17) Vikings Jay Cutler QB Vandy
Incumbent Brad Johnson turns 38 in September, and backup Mike McMahon was a disaster as an emergency starter in Detroit and Philadelphia. Third-string J.T. O’Sullivan has little NFL playing experience. If Cutler is available, new coach Brad Childress will pluck his quarterback of the future now.
18 (18) Cowboys Kamerion Wimbley OLB Florida St.
When Bill Parcells coached the Giants, he drafted Carl Banks a year after taking Lawrence Taylor. Parcells could repeat the exercise by drafting Wimbley a year after Demarcus Ware. Wimbley is moving up many teams' draft boards, and his speed and versatility would create opportunities for Ware.
19 (19) Chargers Antonio Cromartie* CB Florida St.
The trade of Sammy Davis left the Chargers with only two cornerbacks, Quentin Jammer and Drayton Florence. At the least, Cromartie can be an immediate nickel back and develop into a starter.
20 (20) Chiefs Johnathan Joseph* CB S. Carolina
Joseph has good size and blazing speed. He will make plays on the ball, which Herman Edwards stresses in his defenses. He also returns punts and kicks.
21 (21) Patriots Chad Greenway OLB Iowa
The Patriots need an outside linebacker with speed to rush off the edge and the toughness to make plays against the run. Greenway didn't perform particularly well in pre-draft workouts, but he always is around the ball. He never stops hustling, a key trait for coach Bill Belichick.
22 (22) 49ers Bobby Carpenter OLB Ohio St.
(from Washington through Denver) With the departure of free-agent outside linebackers Andre Carter and Julian Peterson, the Niners have a dire need at the position. They need playmakers who can rush the passer, fill gaps against the run and drop into coverage. Carpenter is a complete player with good intelligence and instincts. He is fully recovered from breaking a leg in November. He is tough and loves football.
23 (23) Buccaneers Ernie Sims* OLB Florida St.
Bucs coaches love Sims' speed and playmaking ability and see him as the next Derrick Brooks. Defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin's scheme doesn't require much size at middle linebacker, so Sims could start there in '06 and slide to the weak side when Brooks, who is entering his 12th season, moves on.
24 (24) Bengals Nick Mangold C Ohio St.
Rich Braham, 35, is nearing the end of his career. Mangold could take over quickly as the line-caller to help protect QB Carson Palmer as he returns from a knee injury.
25 (25) Giants DeMeco Ryans OLB Alabama
The Giants were decimated by injuries at linebacker in ’05, exposing their lack of depth. They would love to get Carpenter here, but Ryans is smart, has a great work ethic and has experience at all three linebacker spots.
26 (26) Bears Davin Joseph G Oklahoma
Lovie Smith's Bears don't attempt to trick the defense. They come at you running the ball, and Joseph is the No. 1 run blocker in the draft.
27 (27) Panthers DeAngelo Williams RB Memphis
Yes, the Panthers have DeShaun Foster and like Eric Shelton. Foster has a long history of injuries, and Shelton missed his rookie season with a broken foot. The Panthers might go for an offensive tackle here, but not unless it’s a good value.
28 (28) Jaguars Jason Allen S Tennessee
Allen, who missed much of last season with a hip problem, is healthy, fast and makes plays on the ball. He can help an aging Jaguars secondary at safety or cornerback.
29 (29) Jets Eric Winston T Miami (FL)
(from Denver) It won't matter who plays quarterback if the Jets don't fix their dysfunctional offensive line. Adrian Jones and Marko Cavka are undersized and have 16 NFL starts between them. Winston is extremely athletic and has the strength to hold his ground against bigger defenders.
30 (30) Colts LenDale White* RB USC
White had a disastrous postseason and could fall deep into the second round if the Colts pass on him here. White is a big, physical runner who also is a viable receiver and would fill a need for Indianapolis. Coach Tony Dungy and GM Bill Polian have a history of getting good production from players with questionable character.
31 (31) Seahawks Ashton Youboty* CB Ohio St.
The Seahawks' one glaring weakness is the lack of a shutdown cornerback opposite Marcus Trufant. Youboty is fast, athletic and has good size. He makes plays on the ball and could develop into an elite player.
32 (32) Steelers Donte Whitner* S Ohio St.
The departure of Chris Hope makes free safety a pressing need, and Whitner can play cornerback or either safety spot. He shows great range in zone coverage and can play man-to-man in nickel and dime sets.
1 (33) Texans Mathias Kiwanuka DE Boston Coll.
Once thought to be a possible top-10 pick, Kiwanuka could slip further than this because scouts question his passion for the game. Still, he has great pass-rush skills and was outstanding in college. He could help the Texans immediately as a wave rusher.
2 (34) Saints Thomas Howard OLB UTEP
Howard is slipped down draft boards not because of anything he did or didn’t do but because NFL 3-4 schemes convert college ends into standup linebackers. Howard has the speed and playmaking ability to be a first-round pick.
3 (35) Jets Laurence Maroney* RB Minnesota
It's time to pick up Curtis Martin's replacement. Maroney has the speed to be an outside threat and the size and toughness to fight for yards inside. He would be a great value if he falls into the second round.
4 (36) Packers Max Jean-Gilles G Georgia
Jean-Gilles plays with a mean streak and is an aggressive run blocker. He would be a high value pick at No. 36.
5 (37) Broncos Ko Simpson* S S. Carolina
(from San Francisco) Free safety John Lynch turns 35 in September, and Nick Ferguson is not the long-term solution at strong safety. The Broncos' inability to defend the pass in the AFC Championship Game cost them a chance at the Super Bowl. If they don’t take a safety here, a defensive end is a viable option.
6 (38) Raiders Taitusi Lutui G USC
Lutui moved up draft boards after a fantastic showing at Southern Cal's on-campus workout. He has great size and athleticism and would allow Langston Walker to move back to his natural position, tackle.
7 (39) Titans Andrew Whitworth T LSU
If the Titans don't get D'Brickashaw Ferguson at the top of Round 1, they will take a tackle here. Whitworth is moving up draft boards because of his athletic prowess. He is 330 pounds with a 30-inch vertical jump and a 5.15-second 40-yard dash.
8 (40) Lions John McCargo* DT NC State
New coach Rod Marinelli is installing the Tampa-2 defense. The system requires a quick and strong defensive tackle who can make plays in the backfield. McCargo, who lacks ideal size, is charging up draft boards because of his quickness and explosiveness off the snap.
9 (41) Cardinals Brodie Croyle QB Alabama
If coach Dennis Green passes on a quarterback in Round 1, he certainly will take one here. Kurt Warner turns 35 in June and hasn't been healthy enough to play a full season since 2001. Croyle has a strong arm and outstanding leadership qualities, which will allow him to contribute sooner than later in the NFL.
10 (42) Bills Joe Klopfenstein TE Colorado
The Bills signed Robert Royal in free agency, but he is not much of a receiving threat. Klopfenstein is a blue-collar worker with great size, great hands and good blocking technique.
11 (43) Browns Gabe Watson DT Michigan
Watson would be the perfect two-gap defensive tackle for Cleveland's scheme. Watson (6-3, 336) isn't fast or quick, but he is big, strong and can fill gaps and occupy blockers. He lacks tenacity but could be great in the right system.
12 (44) Ravens Tamba Hali DE Penn State
Hali didn't perform well in pre-draft workouts, but he plays faster than he runs. He was one of the most productive pass rushers in college and could contribute immediately as a wave rusher.
13 (45) Eagles Dusty Dvoracek DT Oklahoma
The Eagles lack size and bulk in the middle of their defensive line, especially since dumping DT Corey Simon last year. Dvoracek is intense and uses quickness to pierce the line and disrupt plays in the backfield.
14 (46) Rams Marcedes Lewis TE UCLA
The Rams need a two-way tight end with the strength to block in the running game and the receiving skills to make plays in the middle of the field. Lewis has good hands and runs good routes, and he has the size to create mismatches.
15 (47) Falcons Kelly Jennings CB Miami (FL)
DeAngelo Hall is a great cornerback, but the depth chart otherwise is lacking at the position. Jennings must be more physical but is at his best in man-to-man coverage.
16 (48) Vikings Richard Marshall* CB Fresno St.
The Vikings need a nickel back now behind starters Antoine Winfield and Fred Smoot. Marshall has excellent speed and good man-to-man skills. He could be a starter down the road.
17 (49) Cowboys Darnell Bing* S USC
Bing has good speed, athleticism, range and ball skills. He would allow SS Roy Williams to play closer to the line.
18 (50) Chargers Rocky McIntosh OLB Miami (FL)
In their 3-4 defense, the Chargers need linebackers who can run to the ball and make plays. Steve Foley and Randall Godfrey have been around forever, and Donnie Edwards is on the trading block. McIntosh is an excellent player with good speed and tackling ability if he can stay focused on football.
19 (51) Vikings Tony Scheffler TE W. Michigan
(from Miami) New coach Brad Childress needs a tight end to run the seam, a la L.J. Smith when he was the offensive coordinator in Philadelphia. Scheffler is a productive receiver and would be a good fit.
20 (52) Patriots Derek Hagan WR Arizona St.
The knock on Hagan has been a lack of speed, but he squashed that issue in pre-draft workouts. Deion Branch has been limited by injuries, Troy Brown is almost 35 and newly signed Reche Caldwell is a career underachiever. Hagan is polished, has good hands and could contribute right away.
21 (53) Redskins DeMario Minter CB Georgia
Shawn Springs and Carlos Rogers are fine starters, but the team needs a third good cornerback to combat the Giants, Cowboys and Eagles twice a season. Minter is tall, has a lot of experience and doesn't make big mistakes.
22 (54) Chiefs Charlie Whitehurst QB Clemson
With the departure of Todd Collins, Damon Huard currently is the backup. Huard is a 10-year vet but has thrown only one pass the past five years. Whitehurst's draft status is hindered by a shoulder injury, but when healthy he shows a strong arm, good technique and excellent poise. He would be a great value at No. 54.
23 (55) Bengals Tim Jennings CB Georgia
Seems as if every NFL team needs a nickel back. Jennings lacks size but has outstanding speed and body control to make plays on the ball.
24 (56) Giants Orien Harris DT Miami (FL)
The Giants must replace NT Kendrick Clancy in the middle of the line. Harris has the strength to hold his ground inside as a run stuffer but also has the quickness to pressure the quarterback.
25 (57) Bears D'Qwell Jackson ILB Maryland
Jackson played inside in college but lacks the size to play there in the NFL, but he could be a good fit at outside linebacker in Chicago's Tampa-2 scheme. Jackson has outstanding athleticism and playmaking ability.
26 (58) Panthers Leonard Pope* TE Georgia
Pope is not the most athletic tight end in this draft, but he has tremendous size and sure hands, making him an excellent red zone and short-yardage target.
27 (59) Buccaneers Ryan O'Callaghan T Cal
Kenyatta Walker might be done in Tampa, and the Bucs certainly must keep Chris Simms upright because nobody wants to see backup quarterbacks Tim Rattay and/or Luke McCown play. O'Callahan is moving up draft boards because he is 340 pounds with outstanding athletic ability.
28 (60) Jaguars Joseph Addai RB LSU
Fred Taylor, at times, can be an elite back but always is nursing an injury. Greg Jones is more of a fullback, so the Jaguars could use Addai's speed and explosiveness.
29 (61) Broncos Darryl Tapp DE Va. Tech
Tapp didn't do well in pre-draft workouts, but he plays faster than he runs. A productive college player, Tapp shows good fundamentals and a great work ethic.
30 (62) Colts Charles Spencer G Pitt
The Colts must upgrade the interior of the line because Jake Scott, a natural tackle, is playing out of position and Ryan Lilja is limited. Spencer is quick and agile and has good power at the point of attack. He was great at the Senior Bowl, impressing coaches and scouts.
31 (63) Seahawks Sinorice Moss WR Miami (FL)
The Seahawks have plenty of receivers, but none can stretch the field like Moss. Though he is only 5-8, Moss is tenacious and strong. Plus, he is a dangerous return man.
32 (64) Steelers Maurice Stovall WR Notre Dame
The Steelers have lost Plaxico Burress and Antwaan Randle El in the past two offseasons, and Hines Ward is entering his ninth season. The Steelers must start re-stocking their receiving corps. Stovall is a blue-collar type who has experience in a pro-style offense thanks to playing under Charlie Weis
1 (65) Texans Marcus McNeill T Auburn
2 (66) Texans Daniel Bullocks S Nebraska
(from New Orleans)
3 (67) Packers Brian Calhoun* RB Wis.
4 (68) Broncos Rodrique Wright DT Texas
(from San Francisco
5 (69) Raiders Claude Wroten DT LSU
6 (70) Bills Daryn Colledge T Boise St.
(from Tennessee)
7 (71) Jets Greg Eslinger C Minnesota
8 (72) Cardinals Jon Alston OLB Stanford
9 (73) Bills Travis Wilson WR Oklahoma
10 (74) Lions Pat Watkins S Florida St.
11 (75) Patriots Devin Hester* CB Miami (FL)
(from Baltimore)
12 (76) Eagles Jonathan Scott T Texas
13 (77) Rams Mark Anderson DE Alabama
14 (78) Browns Barry Cofield DT N'western
15 (79) Falcons James Wyche DE Syracuse
(from Denver)
16 (80) Cowboys Alan Zemaitis CB Penn State
17 (81) Chargers Fred Matua* G USC
18 (82) Dolphins Gerris Wilkinson OLB Georgia Tech
19 (83) Vikings Jonathan Lewis DT Va. Tech
20 (84) 49ers David Thomas TE Texas
(from Washington)
21 (85) Chiefs Victor Adeyanju DE Indiana
22 (86) Patriots Jeremy Trueblood T Boston Coll.
23 (87) Giants Paul McQuistan T Weber State
24 (88) Panthers Cedric Griffin CB Texas
(from Chicago)
25 (89) Panthers Greg Blue S Georgia
26 (90) Buccaneers Bernard Pollard* S Purdue
27 (91) Bengals Jesse Mahelona DT Tennessee
28 (92) Jaguars Stanley McClover* DE Auburn
29 (93) Falcons Anthony Smith S Syracuse
(from Denver)
30 (94) Colts Anwar Phillips CB Penn State
31 (95) Vikings Maurice Drew* RB UCLA
(from Seattle)
32 (96) Steelers Michael Robinson WR Penn State
33 (97) Jets Brandon Johnson OLB Louisville
GM Charley Casserly is doing everything he can to create negotiating leverage with Bush's agents. First, he dangled OT D'Brickashaw Ferguson and QB Vince Young as options at No. 1; now, it's Mario Williams. It's all a charade. New coach Gary Kubiak needs an impact offensive player to make his system work and take pressure off QB David Carr. Unless his agents overplay their hand, Bush will be the No. 1 pick.
2 (2) Saints D'Brickashaw Ferguson T Va.
The Saints could go in any direction here, but the most likely scenario is for them to trade down. If the Saints stay put, GM Mickey Loomis won't take Williams. New Orleans has solid pass rushers in Will Smith and Charles Grant. The Saints could, however, solidify an offensive line that has lost center LeCharles Bentley and guard Kendyl Jacox. The story about moving Jamaal Brown to left tackle is a smokescreen. Look for the Saints to plug Ferguson in at left tackle, keep Brown at right tackle and let the two studs anchor their line for the next 10 years.
3 (3) Titans Mario Williams* DE NC State
We can hear the critics now, "Are you crazy? There's no way Matt Leinart slips past the Titans." We know Norm Chow's history with Leinart, but we are told he is losing the internal debate at Titans headquarters and that Tennessee will take Williams or Ferguson here. Williams has great size and speed and is the perfect complement to elite pass rusher Kyle Vanden Bosch.
4 (4) Jets Matt Leinart QB USC
Can you imagine the boos that will rain down at Radio City Music Hall if Leinart is on the board and the Jets don't take him? New coach Eric Mangini and GM Mike Tannenbaum probably don't care about the boo birds, and their top priority probably is to trade down and add picks. Leinart would be a smart pick because of Chad Pennington's questionable health and Patrick Ramsey's questionable skill. Leinart doesn't have the strongest arm, but neither does Tom Brady, and Leinart compares favorably to the three-time Super Bowl champ on several measures.
5 (5) Packers Vernon Davis* TE Maryland
Whether it is Brett Favre or Aaron Rodgers, the Packers’ quarterback needs another reliable target. Davis is the best pure receiver in this draft, regardless of position. Plus, Bubba Franks always is banged up.
6 (6) 49ers Haloti Ngata* DT Oregon
The Niners have Anthony Adams (5-11, 297) at nose tackle and obviously need more size there. Ngata (6-4, 338) has the size and quickness to make an immediate impact on the interior of the Niners’ 3-4 alignment.
7 (7) Raiders Vince Young* QB Texas
Here's the deal in Oakland. All but one member of the Raiders organization prefers Southern Cal OT Winston Justice. That one dissenting opinion, Al Davis, is the only one that matters. Davis wants Young and might trade up to No. 4 (Jets) to make sure he gets him. The Raiders signed Aaron Brooks to a two-year deal, so that would give Young time to develop and create an opening for him when he proves ready.
8 (8) Bills Brodrick Bunkley DT Florida St.
New defensive coordinator Perry Fewell was with Lovie Smith in St. Louis and Chicago. He is installing the Tampa-2 scheme and needs a Warren Sapp-type player for his 4-3 front. Bunkley is quick and athletic, and he can collapse the pocket from the interior.
9 (9) Lions A.J. Hawk OLB Ohio St.
The Lions need an upgrade on the weak side. Hawk has the speed and athletic ability to rush the passer, make tackles in pursuit against the run and drop into coverage. He is a complete player who can step in and contribute to a strong unit led by Teddy Lehman and Boss Bailey.
10 (10) Cardinals Winston Justice* T USC
For all the complaints about the lack of a running game and their quarterbacks’ shortcomings, the Cardinals’ big problem is their line. Justice could step in for Oliver Ross at right tackle, his natural position, and give Kurt Warner and Edgerrin James the protection they need.
11 (11) Rams Michael Huff S Texas
This is the dream scenario for St. Louis. The only way Detroit passes on Huff is if Hawk slides. The Rams must replace Adam Archuleta, and Huff would be a significant upgrade. Huff has excellent size and speed, is willing to support the run, has great man-to-man coverage skills and has outstanding instincts and range in zone coverage. He is the perfect free safety.
12 (12) Browns Manny Lawson OLB NC State
Every NFL team using a 3-4 defensive scheme projects Lawson as a standup outside linebacker, a la Lawrence Taylor. Lawson has outstanding size and speed and can rush the passer; he had 17 sacks the past two seasons. Although Lawson played end in college, he also can drop into coverage. A rare athlete, Lawson is flying up draft boards and could be a key to the Browns' defensive success.
13 (13) Ravens Jimmy Williams CB Va. Tech
Many scouts toy with the idea of moving Williams to safety. He has the size to make the move, and his speed will help him cover ground in the deep middle and use his playmaking skills.
14 (14) Eagles Santonio Holmes* WR Ohio St.
The Eagles have three tall receivers (Reggie Brown, Todd Pinkston, Jabar Gaffney) to complement Holmes (5-10, 179). Holmes has excellent speed and leaping ability and can return punts and kicks, another area of need in Philly.
15 (15) Broncos Chad Jackson* WR Florida
(from Atlanta) Scouts say Jackson looks like a young Rod Smith, so he might as well learn from the old man Smith, who turns 36 in May. Jackson is big, tall and fast. The Broncos also have needs at defensive end and safety, but there is a significant dropoff in the caliber of wide receivers after Holmes and Jackson.
16 (16) Dolphins Tye Hill CB Clemson
Coach Nick Saban has a strong pass rush but needs a man-to-man cornerback to maximize the defense's potential. Hill lacks ideal size but makes up for it with impressive speed and change-of-direction skills. He is the best bump-and-run cornerback in the draft.
17 (17) Vikings Jay Cutler QB Vandy
Incumbent Brad Johnson turns 38 in September, and backup Mike McMahon was a disaster as an emergency starter in Detroit and Philadelphia. Third-string J.T. O’Sullivan has little NFL playing experience. If Cutler is available, new coach Brad Childress will pluck his quarterback of the future now.
18 (18) Cowboys Kamerion Wimbley OLB Florida St.
When Bill Parcells coached the Giants, he drafted Carl Banks a year after taking Lawrence Taylor. Parcells could repeat the exercise by drafting Wimbley a year after Demarcus Ware. Wimbley is moving up many teams' draft boards, and his speed and versatility would create opportunities for Ware.
19 (19) Chargers Antonio Cromartie* CB Florida St.
The trade of Sammy Davis left the Chargers with only two cornerbacks, Quentin Jammer and Drayton Florence. At the least, Cromartie can be an immediate nickel back and develop into a starter.
20 (20) Chiefs Johnathan Joseph* CB S. Carolina
Joseph has good size and blazing speed. He will make plays on the ball, which Herman Edwards stresses in his defenses. He also returns punts and kicks.
21 (21) Patriots Chad Greenway OLB Iowa
The Patriots need an outside linebacker with speed to rush off the edge and the toughness to make plays against the run. Greenway didn't perform particularly well in pre-draft workouts, but he always is around the ball. He never stops hustling, a key trait for coach Bill Belichick.
22 (22) 49ers Bobby Carpenter OLB Ohio St.
(from Washington through Denver) With the departure of free-agent outside linebackers Andre Carter and Julian Peterson, the Niners have a dire need at the position. They need playmakers who can rush the passer, fill gaps against the run and drop into coverage. Carpenter is a complete player with good intelligence and instincts. He is fully recovered from breaking a leg in November. He is tough and loves football.
23 (23) Buccaneers Ernie Sims* OLB Florida St.
Bucs coaches love Sims' speed and playmaking ability and see him as the next Derrick Brooks. Defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin's scheme doesn't require much size at middle linebacker, so Sims could start there in '06 and slide to the weak side when Brooks, who is entering his 12th season, moves on.
24 (24) Bengals Nick Mangold C Ohio St.
Rich Braham, 35, is nearing the end of his career. Mangold could take over quickly as the line-caller to help protect QB Carson Palmer as he returns from a knee injury.
25 (25) Giants DeMeco Ryans OLB Alabama
The Giants were decimated by injuries at linebacker in ’05, exposing their lack of depth. They would love to get Carpenter here, but Ryans is smart, has a great work ethic and has experience at all three linebacker spots.
26 (26) Bears Davin Joseph G Oklahoma
Lovie Smith's Bears don't attempt to trick the defense. They come at you running the ball, and Joseph is the No. 1 run blocker in the draft.
27 (27) Panthers DeAngelo Williams RB Memphis
Yes, the Panthers have DeShaun Foster and like Eric Shelton. Foster has a long history of injuries, and Shelton missed his rookie season with a broken foot. The Panthers might go for an offensive tackle here, but not unless it’s a good value.
28 (28) Jaguars Jason Allen S Tennessee
Allen, who missed much of last season with a hip problem, is healthy, fast and makes plays on the ball. He can help an aging Jaguars secondary at safety or cornerback.
29 (29) Jets Eric Winston T Miami (FL)
(from Denver) It won't matter who plays quarterback if the Jets don't fix their dysfunctional offensive line. Adrian Jones and Marko Cavka are undersized and have 16 NFL starts between them. Winston is extremely athletic and has the strength to hold his ground against bigger defenders.
30 (30) Colts LenDale White* RB USC
White had a disastrous postseason and could fall deep into the second round if the Colts pass on him here. White is a big, physical runner who also is a viable receiver and would fill a need for Indianapolis. Coach Tony Dungy and GM Bill Polian have a history of getting good production from players with questionable character.
31 (31) Seahawks Ashton Youboty* CB Ohio St.
The Seahawks' one glaring weakness is the lack of a shutdown cornerback opposite Marcus Trufant. Youboty is fast, athletic and has good size. He makes plays on the ball and could develop into an elite player.
32 (32) Steelers Donte Whitner* S Ohio St.
The departure of Chris Hope makes free safety a pressing need, and Whitner can play cornerback or either safety spot. He shows great range in zone coverage and can play man-to-man in nickel and dime sets.
1 (33) Texans Mathias Kiwanuka DE Boston Coll.
Once thought to be a possible top-10 pick, Kiwanuka could slip further than this because scouts question his passion for the game. Still, he has great pass-rush skills and was outstanding in college. He could help the Texans immediately as a wave rusher.
2 (34) Saints Thomas Howard OLB UTEP
Howard is slipped down draft boards not because of anything he did or didn’t do but because NFL 3-4 schemes convert college ends into standup linebackers. Howard has the speed and playmaking ability to be a first-round pick.
3 (35) Jets Laurence Maroney* RB Minnesota
It's time to pick up Curtis Martin's replacement. Maroney has the speed to be an outside threat and the size and toughness to fight for yards inside. He would be a great value if he falls into the second round.
4 (36) Packers Max Jean-Gilles G Georgia
Jean-Gilles plays with a mean streak and is an aggressive run blocker. He would be a high value pick at No. 36.
5 (37) Broncos Ko Simpson* S S. Carolina
(from San Francisco) Free safety John Lynch turns 35 in September, and Nick Ferguson is not the long-term solution at strong safety. The Broncos' inability to defend the pass in the AFC Championship Game cost them a chance at the Super Bowl. If they don’t take a safety here, a defensive end is a viable option.
6 (38) Raiders Taitusi Lutui G USC
Lutui moved up draft boards after a fantastic showing at Southern Cal's on-campus workout. He has great size and athleticism and would allow Langston Walker to move back to his natural position, tackle.
7 (39) Titans Andrew Whitworth T LSU
If the Titans don't get D'Brickashaw Ferguson at the top of Round 1, they will take a tackle here. Whitworth is moving up draft boards because of his athletic prowess. He is 330 pounds with a 30-inch vertical jump and a 5.15-second 40-yard dash.
8 (40) Lions John McCargo* DT NC State
New coach Rod Marinelli is installing the Tampa-2 defense. The system requires a quick and strong defensive tackle who can make plays in the backfield. McCargo, who lacks ideal size, is charging up draft boards because of his quickness and explosiveness off the snap.
9 (41) Cardinals Brodie Croyle QB Alabama
If coach Dennis Green passes on a quarterback in Round 1, he certainly will take one here. Kurt Warner turns 35 in June and hasn't been healthy enough to play a full season since 2001. Croyle has a strong arm and outstanding leadership qualities, which will allow him to contribute sooner than later in the NFL.
10 (42) Bills Joe Klopfenstein TE Colorado
The Bills signed Robert Royal in free agency, but he is not much of a receiving threat. Klopfenstein is a blue-collar worker with great size, great hands and good blocking technique.
11 (43) Browns Gabe Watson DT Michigan
Watson would be the perfect two-gap defensive tackle for Cleveland's scheme. Watson (6-3, 336) isn't fast or quick, but he is big, strong and can fill gaps and occupy blockers. He lacks tenacity but could be great in the right system.
12 (44) Ravens Tamba Hali DE Penn State
Hali didn't perform well in pre-draft workouts, but he plays faster than he runs. He was one of the most productive pass rushers in college and could contribute immediately as a wave rusher.
13 (45) Eagles Dusty Dvoracek DT Oklahoma
The Eagles lack size and bulk in the middle of their defensive line, especially since dumping DT Corey Simon last year. Dvoracek is intense and uses quickness to pierce the line and disrupt plays in the backfield.
14 (46) Rams Marcedes Lewis TE UCLA
The Rams need a two-way tight end with the strength to block in the running game and the receiving skills to make plays in the middle of the field. Lewis has good hands and runs good routes, and he has the size to create mismatches.
15 (47) Falcons Kelly Jennings CB Miami (FL)
DeAngelo Hall is a great cornerback, but the depth chart otherwise is lacking at the position. Jennings must be more physical but is at his best in man-to-man coverage.
16 (48) Vikings Richard Marshall* CB Fresno St.
The Vikings need a nickel back now behind starters Antoine Winfield and Fred Smoot. Marshall has excellent speed and good man-to-man skills. He could be a starter down the road.
17 (49) Cowboys Darnell Bing* S USC
Bing has good speed, athleticism, range and ball skills. He would allow SS Roy Williams to play closer to the line.
18 (50) Chargers Rocky McIntosh OLB Miami (FL)
In their 3-4 defense, the Chargers need linebackers who can run to the ball and make plays. Steve Foley and Randall Godfrey have been around forever, and Donnie Edwards is on the trading block. McIntosh is an excellent player with good speed and tackling ability if he can stay focused on football.
19 (51) Vikings Tony Scheffler TE W. Michigan
(from Miami) New coach Brad Childress needs a tight end to run the seam, a la L.J. Smith when he was the offensive coordinator in Philadelphia. Scheffler is a productive receiver and would be a good fit.
20 (52) Patriots Derek Hagan WR Arizona St.
The knock on Hagan has been a lack of speed, but he squashed that issue in pre-draft workouts. Deion Branch has been limited by injuries, Troy Brown is almost 35 and newly signed Reche Caldwell is a career underachiever. Hagan is polished, has good hands and could contribute right away.
21 (53) Redskins DeMario Minter CB Georgia
Shawn Springs and Carlos Rogers are fine starters, but the team needs a third good cornerback to combat the Giants, Cowboys and Eagles twice a season. Minter is tall, has a lot of experience and doesn't make big mistakes.
22 (54) Chiefs Charlie Whitehurst QB Clemson
With the departure of Todd Collins, Damon Huard currently is the backup. Huard is a 10-year vet but has thrown only one pass the past five years. Whitehurst's draft status is hindered by a shoulder injury, but when healthy he shows a strong arm, good technique and excellent poise. He would be a great value at No. 54.
23 (55) Bengals Tim Jennings CB Georgia
Seems as if every NFL team needs a nickel back. Jennings lacks size but has outstanding speed and body control to make plays on the ball.
24 (56) Giants Orien Harris DT Miami (FL)
The Giants must replace NT Kendrick Clancy in the middle of the line. Harris has the strength to hold his ground inside as a run stuffer but also has the quickness to pressure the quarterback.
25 (57) Bears D'Qwell Jackson ILB Maryland
Jackson played inside in college but lacks the size to play there in the NFL, but he could be a good fit at outside linebacker in Chicago's Tampa-2 scheme. Jackson has outstanding athleticism and playmaking ability.
26 (58) Panthers Leonard Pope* TE Georgia
Pope is not the most athletic tight end in this draft, but he has tremendous size and sure hands, making him an excellent red zone and short-yardage target.
27 (59) Buccaneers Ryan O'Callaghan T Cal
Kenyatta Walker might be done in Tampa, and the Bucs certainly must keep Chris Simms upright because nobody wants to see backup quarterbacks Tim Rattay and/or Luke McCown play. O'Callahan is moving up draft boards because he is 340 pounds with outstanding athletic ability.
28 (60) Jaguars Joseph Addai RB LSU
Fred Taylor, at times, can be an elite back but always is nursing an injury. Greg Jones is more of a fullback, so the Jaguars could use Addai's speed and explosiveness.
29 (61) Broncos Darryl Tapp DE Va. Tech
Tapp didn't do well in pre-draft workouts, but he plays faster than he runs. A productive college player, Tapp shows good fundamentals and a great work ethic.
30 (62) Colts Charles Spencer G Pitt
The Colts must upgrade the interior of the line because Jake Scott, a natural tackle, is playing out of position and Ryan Lilja is limited. Spencer is quick and agile and has good power at the point of attack. He was great at the Senior Bowl, impressing coaches and scouts.
31 (63) Seahawks Sinorice Moss WR Miami (FL)
The Seahawks have plenty of receivers, but none can stretch the field like Moss. Though he is only 5-8, Moss is tenacious and strong. Plus, he is a dangerous return man.
32 (64) Steelers Maurice Stovall WR Notre Dame
The Steelers have lost Plaxico Burress and Antwaan Randle El in the past two offseasons, and Hines Ward is entering his ninth season. The Steelers must start re-stocking their receiving corps. Stovall is a blue-collar type who has experience in a pro-style offense thanks to playing under Charlie Weis
1 (65) Texans Marcus McNeill T Auburn
2 (66) Texans Daniel Bullocks S Nebraska
(from New Orleans)
3 (67) Packers Brian Calhoun* RB Wis.
4 (68) Broncos Rodrique Wright DT Texas
(from San Francisco
5 (69) Raiders Claude Wroten DT LSU
6 (70) Bills Daryn Colledge T Boise St.
(from Tennessee)
7 (71) Jets Greg Eslinger C Minnesota
8 (72) Cardinals Jon Alston OLB Stanford
9 (73) Bills Travis Wilson WR Oklahoma
10 (74) Lions Pat Watkins S Florida St.
11 (75) Patriots Devin Hester* CB Miami (FL)
(from Baltimore)
12 (76) Eagles Jonathan Scott T Texas
13 (77) Rams Mark Anderson DE Alabama
14 (78) Browns Barry Cofield DT N'western
15 (79) Falcons James Wyche DE Syracuse
(from Denver)
16 (80) Cowboys Alan Zemaitis CB Penn State
17 (81) Chargers Fred Matua* G USC
18 (82) Dolphins Gerris Wilkinson OLB Georgia Tech
19 (83) Vikings Jonathan Lewis DT Va. Tech
20 (84) 49ers David Thomas TE Texas
(from Washington)
21 (85) Chiefs Victor Adeyanju DE Indiana
22 (86) Patriots Jeremy Trueblood T Boston Coll.
23 (87) Giants Paul McQuistan T Weber State
24 (88) Panthers Cedric Griffin CB Texas
(from Chicago)
25 (89) Panthers Greg Blue S Georgia
26 (90) Buccaneers Bernard Pollard* S Purdue
27 (91) Bengals Jesse Mahelona DT Tennessee
28 (92) Jaguars Stanley McClover* DE Auburn
29 (93) Falcons Anthony Smith S Syracuse
(from Denver)
30 (94) Colts Anwar Phillips CB Penn State
31 (95) Vikings Maurice Drew* RB UCLA
(from Seattle)
32 (96) Steelers Michael Robinson WR Penn State
33 (97) Jets Brandon Johnson OLB Louisville
