Wednesday, March 30, 2005

 

Mock Draft 2.0

Here is an updated mock with comments (in-depth for the first 10) and a rating of the players potential as a NFL player (1-10). I am assuming there is no trades in this draft and I will continue to until there is a trade...makes things to confusing. I will go ahead and leave the last mock on the page so you can compare.
10- Immediate Superstar
09- Potential Superstar
08- Potential All-Pro
07- Potential Starter
06- Borderline Starter
05- Backup
04- Special teams
03- Bench (round out rosters)
02- Borderline Roster Spot
01- Not NFL material

Round 1
  1. 49ers-QB Aaron Rogers, Cal- Everybody knows what position this pick is going to go towards, so now its just a matter of who the 49ers think is a better fit for their system and who is going to become the better QB. Rogers may be the most complete QB in the draft, as he has a great arm and is accurate with it, but he lacks the intangibles and leadership of Alex Smith. Smith will probably be the better QB of the two for the next two years, but Rogers projects as the better long-term prospect. 8.6/10
  2. Dolphins-RB Ronnie Brown, Auburn- The Dolphins are certainly looking at all their options, in case you haven't noticed they have persoanlly worked out half of the first round. Everybody knows where this pick is going to go however and that is towards a RB. The consesus pick here is Ronnie Brown, his combo of size and speed make him impossbile for the Dolphins pass up here, although they will be tempted. Ronnie can run inside or out equally effective and can pickup the blitz and block better than most veterans.. 8.5/10
  3. Browns-QB Alex Smith, Utah- The Browns have a few needs and could go in a number of ways here, so dont rule out a trade. Since Romeo is at the helm it is becoming a popular opinion that the Browns will go defense, namely Derrick Johnson. With that out of the way, there just isnt any way that the Browns can justify passing up a potential fanchise QB like Alex Smith. Alex lacks the arm strength and accuracy of Rogers, but he has that certain something that has brought on comparisons to Brett Farve and while that might be a bit much he will certainly be a very very good QB. 8.4/10
  4. Bears-WR Braylon Edwards, Michigan- The Bears also have a few ways they can go with this pick, but the want some playmakers on offense. Braylon has everything that you look for in a WR and will be a very good pro. He runs very good clean routes, although he needs to learn how to read the D a little better (no different than any young player though) and he has good hands. In college he at times lacked the effort and skill to be an effective blocker, this is nothing that cant be fixed and will not detur the Bears from selecting him. Braylon is going to be a perrennial 1000 yard receiver in his career. 8.9/10
  5. Bucs-RB Cedric Benson, Texas- WR or RB will be the choice here and iIt looks as though the Bucs are going to upgrade their running game with this pick and they have two very good players to choose from. Cedric Williams makes the most sense for this team and he will provide a solid RB for many years. Cedric is mainly a between the tackles power running back, but he can turn the corner and is very hard to bring down. He has nice hands and will be an effetive receiver out of the backfield, his main downside is that he lacks elite speed and has carried an awful big load already in his career. 8.2/10
  6. Titans-CB Adam PacMan Jones, West Virgina- The Titans by most accounts will go with either a CB or WR and from what I have been hearing they are leaning towards WR, however there are some very intriguing WR that will fall to them in the second. Adam Jones is the best looking prospect at CB and the Titans badly need him. Adam has great speed and cover skills and can close on a receiver quickly. He does have a tendency to gamble a bit to much and will get beat from time to time, but that is where his speed is a great asset. With the new rule changes I dont know if there is such a thing as a shutdown corner anymore, but he is the closest in the draft. 8.3
  7. Vikings-WR Mike Williams, USC- It's quite obvious what the Vikings biggest need is, and that of course is WR. Mike Tice has loved Mike Williams since the moment he first layed eyes upon him and he is elated to get him here at 7 (rumors are that the vikings are looking to move up to secure Mike Williams). Lets get the negatives out of the way, first off he doesnt have the greatest speed and secondly he isnt the best at blocking (that may be more effort and experience than anything else). He excels at every other aspect of the game, he will catch just about every pass that you throw at him, he is nearly impossible to jam at the line (his size and strength is unreal), and he can manhandle CB's down the field. His size and strength may make him one of the best WR's in the red-zone. 9.6/10
  8. Cardinals-RB Cadillac Williams, Auburn- The Cards need a RB and Denny is going to have a very tough time passing up a Cadillac. Everybody knows that Denny values nothing more than difference makers on offense and this guy will be a very good one. Cadillac doesnt have the size or strength of the other RB's, but he works very well with what he has. He can run inside as well as outside and will be a nice receiving option, all in all he will be a well rounded back with very good potential...that is if he can stay healthy. 7.8/10
  9. Redskins-WR Troy Williamson, South Carolina- The Redskins have a few needs and the biggest may be at CB, but Snyder may have trouble passing up one of the fasting rising players in this draft. Williamson has very nice hands and can catch just about anything thrown to him, but isnt really that good of a route runner (not to say he is bad, but worse than the top 4 receivers). He isnt overly explosive after the catch, but this guy is a burner and can run by just about any CB after the reception. He is a big-play receiver with a load of talent and some are even saying he may be a better prospect than Mike Williams (not a chance). 8.3/10
  10. Lions-OT Alex Barron, FSU- The Lions have turned some heads this off-season with a couple of really good moves, but they still have a few needs and OT may be the biggest. Alex has an incredible combonation of size, strength, and athleticism that will make him one of the top left tackles in the game. The real big knock on him is that he needs to get stronger, especially in his upper body, which shouldnt be that big of a problem. He also will get caught out of position at times and he wont get away with that in the pros. Barron will give the Lions a very good LT for the next decade. 8.6/10
  11. Cowboys-LB Derrick Johnson, Texas- The Boys have a need at LB and Derrick is falling down in the draft. Sounds like a match made in heaven and Jerry Jones wont pass up an opportunity to get the best defender in the draft. Derrick needs to get a little stronger, but he is an incredible athlete. 9.1/10
  12. Chargers-DE Erasmus James, Wisconsin- The Chargers biggest need is at DE and James is the best looking prospect. He has decent speed, but lacks size and strength and must get bigger. That is his only real draw back and he will get after the QB just as good if not better than anybody in the draft. 7.9/10
  13. Texans-DE/LB Shawne Merriman, Maryland- The Texans need a LB and Merriman is a great looking prospect who needs some time, but he could be a great. He needs to become better with his pass-run recognition, but he is great in pursuit and is a very good tackler. He has the upside to be one of the best players in this draft. 7.8/10
  14. Panthers-DT Travis Johnson, FSU- The Panthers would love for either Barron or Cadillac to fall to this point, but it looks as though both will be gone at 14. The next choice will be a DT and Travis Johnson is the best available. Johnson will be great against the run, but needs to be better in recognition. 7.6/10
  15. Chiefs-CB Antrel Rolle, Miami- Everybody knows they have the offense, now they need to address the D very very badly. Antrel is a steal at this point and while he doesnt have great speed, he is very physical and a great coverage CB. 7.9/10
  16. Saints-S/LB Thomas Davis, Georiga- The Saints need a saftey and linebacker and they get a heck of a player here at 16. Davis lacks the great coverage skills and may be converted over to LB, but wherever he ends up he will be a very good player. 7.5/10
  17. Bengals-DE Marcus Spears, LSU- This team needs better production from its D-Line and they are getting perhaps the best pass rusher in the draft. He is going to be a solid all-around player who will be good against the run and pass. He is versitile and can play anywhere on the D-Line. 7.6/10
  18. Vikings-DE David Pollock, Georgia- The Vikings will use one of their first round picks on defense, unless someone falls, and if Williams or Edwards is there at #7 then this pick is going towards the D. He doesnt have ideal size or great speed, but this kid is a football player and will get the job done period. 7.7/10
  19. Rams-OT Jamal Brown, Oklahoma- The Rams need a OT and Jamal Brown is the next best player behind Alex Barron. Jamal lacks ideal strength and run blocking ability, but he has a ton of talent. He is a good athlete and has good footwork. 7.5/10
  20. Cowboys-CB Carlos Rogers, Auburn- The Cowboys will be tempted to look for a WR here, but they need to upgrade their D. Carlos will upgrade the secondary and provide them with a good right CB. He is good in coverage and is very physical, a real good bargain here. 7.6/10
  21. Jaguars-WR Mark Clayton, Oklahoma- The Jags could use another good receiver to put around Byron Leftwhich and Mark would give them just that. He could realitically come in and start and you would think he was a veteran. He lacks the great potential and size of the other first round receivers...but he will be good. 7.9/10
  22. Ravens-WR Roddy White, UAB- The Ravens need to upgrade their WR's and Roddy has a great deal of potential. He lacks the ideal size and is not near as refined as the other receivers but he has big play potential. 7.5/10
  23. Seahawks-DE Dan Cody, Oklahoma- Seahawks need a DE or LB and they get a very solid player here. Cody has a great deal of potential and can really get after the QB, he needs to bulk up though. 7.1/10
  24. Packers-S Brodney Pool, Oklahoma- The Packers need a QB to develop under Farve while they still can, but there isnt a player worthy of being picked here. Saftey is a big need since Sharper shipped off to Minnesota and Brodney gives them that. 7.7/10
  25. Broncos-DE Matt Roth, Iowa- The Broncos need a good DE and Matt Roth gives them a solid all-around DE. He can get after the QB and will run all over the field to tackle the QB or RB. 7.1/10
  26. Jets-CB Fabian Washington, Nebraska- The Jets need some help at CB and Fabian Washington will provide that. He has incredible speed, but will struggle against the run and big receivers. 7.4/10
  27. Falcons-LB/DE Demarcus Ware, Troy State- The Falcons have fallen in love with this guy and he is the perfect fit for this team. He will be very effective at getting to the QB and causing havoc in the backfield. 7.0/10
  28. Chargers-OT Khalif Barnes, Washington-- The Chargers would have loved to get Alex Barron with their first pick, but Khalif would be a very solid selection at this point. He is raw and still needs to do a lot to in terms of footwork, but he has a ton of potential. 7.5/10
  29. Colts-DT/DE Shaun Cody, USC- The Colts need help on the defensive side of the ball bad, and Shaun Cody will provide a lot of help right away. Shaun can play either position and will be a big time playmaker, a great value here. 7.3/10
  30. Steelers-TE Heath Miller, Virgina- The Steelers cant go wrong with this pick, Big Ben gets a very good target in Heath Miller. Heath has good speed and athletic ability, he needs to become a better blocker, but he will be very good. 7.7/10
  31. Eagles-LB Channing Crowder, Florida- Channing Crowder has all the ability in the world, he is one of the most gifted LB's athletically. He lacks size and strength as well pass-run recognition. 7.3/10
  32. Patriots-CB Justin Miller, Clemson- The Pats could use help at LB and CB and Miller gives them a potentially very good CB. He lacks size and can be to aggressive at times, but he has great upside. 7.3/10

# posted by Vikings Central @ 10:00 AM 7 comments

Friday, March 25, 2005

 

First Round Mock Draft

Here is an updated mock with comments (in-depth for the first 10) and a rating of the players potential as a NFL player (1-10). I am assuming there is no trades in this draft and I will continue to until there is a trade...makes things to confusing. I have some of the latest draft rumblings down below as well.
10- Immediate superstar
09- Potential superstar
08- Potential All-Pro
07- Potential Starter
06- Borderline Starter
05- Backup
04- Special teams
03- Bench (round out rosters)
02- Borderline Roster Spot
01- Not NFL material

Round One
  1. 49ers-QB Aaron Rogers, Cal- It's quite obvious at this time that the 49ers are going QB with the first pick, now it just comes down to who they feel is going to be better and who will fit their system. Rogers gets the nod here because he is a local guy that has been very succesful and he has just about everything you look for in a pocket QB (Manning is proving that being a pocket QB is still very effective). He is a leader and has a great arm (strength is very good as is accuracy). 8.2/10
  2. Dolphins-RB Ronnie Brown, Auburn- The Dolphins need a RB in the worst way, although whatever QB falls past number one will be tempting, however just look at what they did with Ricky and without. Ronnie has the combine to thank for getting drafted this high, but he is going to be a great RB in the NFL. His combo of size, strength and speed does not come along very often and it will make him a All-Pro/borderline superstar (thats right he will be that good). He is the best of the three big RB's, and thats saying something cause the others are pretty special too. Watch for Miami to trade down though. 8.7/10
  3. Browns-QB Alex Smith, Utah- The Browns have a few needs and could go in a number of ways here, so dont rule out a trade. That said it is going to be extremely hard for the Browns to pass on Alex Smith who is a value pick at #3, he is the best QB in this draft and should go with the first pick. He is a very smart QB who has a nice accurate arm (although he lacks the strength of Rogers), but he is much more athletic than Rogers. He can sit for a year and learn the game (plus bulk up a little, both QB's need more strength) under Trent Dilfer. Cleveland is shaky about starting a rookie QB, so this is a perfect time to draft and let him learn. 8.9/10
  4. Bears-WR Braylon Edwards, Michigan- The Bears also have a few ways they can go with this pick, but the want some playmakers on offense. They aren't sold on the other RB's in this draft being great and they already have a couple decent RB's (and its easier to find good RB's later in the draft). Muhammad isnt getting any younger and they would love to add a difference maker at WR, which is where Edwards comes in. This guy has everything that they could want in a #1 wideout, he is just unfortunately from Michigan and WR's from that school have a stigma about them...the Bears wont be scared though. 8.7/10
  5. Bucs-RB Cedric Benson, Texas- WR or RB will be the choice here and iIt looks as though the Bucs are going to upgrade their running game with this pick and they have two very good players to choose from. Benson makes the most sense and is probably the safer bet of the two. He has good, but not great, size, speed and vision. He isnt going to wow you in an individual workout, but he will wow you on the field (which is where the game is played) and will be a very good pro. 8.0/10
  6. Titans-WR Mike Williams, USC- The Titans by most accounts will go with either a CB or WR and from what I have been hearing they are leaning towards WR. There are really only two WR's that should be considered this early in the draft and one of them is off the board, so that obviously leaves Williams (which is a good value pick here talent wise). Williams doesnt run as fast as Edwards, but that might be the only thing that Braylon has over him. This guy is an absolute monster and can manhandle CB's, yet he has incredible hands. This guy doesn't just show up for games he dominates them and you are looking at the next great WR in the NFL. 9.5/10
  7. Vikings-LB Derrick Johnson, Texas- If you listen closely you can hear Mike Tice's heart break as the two players he wanted are off the boards now...so watch out for a trade to move up and secure Edwards or Williams. Now they have to look at defense (although OT Barron is still possible), right now they are good enough everywhere so they wont have to pick for need, so they go for the best player still on the board and that is....Derrick Johnson. Derrick is an absolute freak who is the best LB to come out in a few years and one word can be used to describe him "playmaker", because that is exactly what he is. He has great instincts and will hit you hard from sideline to sideline. He still needs to get a little bigger and learn to shed blockers, but watch out! 9.2/10
  8. Cardinals-CB PacMan Jones, West Virgina- The cards obviously need quite a few things and its to early for them to go for a QB (look for this to be addressed in the third round with Mchperson from FSU) so I have a feeling they go for the old BPA. Finally we see a CB go off the board and it Arizona gets a very good one in Jones. This kid is some kind of athlete and has great speed, but what seperates him is his ability to defend the run. Now to the negatives, he is only 5 foot 9 inches...I guess there is only one, he is that good. 8.1/10
  9. Redskins-CB Antrel Rolle, Miami- You would think the obvious need is at CB here for the skins, but never put anything past Snyder, but even he cant deny this. With the loss of Smoot this team needs another corner or they are going to get burned defensively this year. Rolle is solid with his speed, but not great. He is big and physicall, but with the new rules the emphasis is on SPEED SPEED SPEED and this guy just isnt great there. He will be a very good corner and could possibly switch to safety. He is the best CB left. 7.6/10
  10. Lions-OT Alex Barron, FSU- The Lions have turned some heads this off-season with a couple of really good moves, but they still have a few needs and OT may be the biggest. Barron is a good selection here and will be a solid anchor for this line for many years to come. With his strength and athleticism he will dominate people in the run and pass game, although he is better in pass right now. He is still a little raw and needs to learn how to finish blocks off, but these are things he will pickup quickly. He has great upside and may end up one of the best players in this draft. 8.4/10
  11. Cowboys-DE/LB Shawne Merriman, Maryland- The Boys are going to go DE with this pick and luckily for them the best one is still available. Merriman can get after the QB and is an incredible athlete (41 inch vertical and great speed). Slightly undersized but will be very effective as a pro. 7.7/10
  12. Chargers-DE Marcus Spears, LSU- Chargers could use an OT but Barron is the only one you can justify this early, so they will go with a very good DE. Spears is an all-around good DE that can play anywhere on the D-Line good, he wont be spectacular but he will be very good. 7.5/10
  13. Texans-S/LB Thomas Davis, Georiga- The Texans would love to pickup Barron but he is gone so they go with Davis who could fill a need at safety or linebacker. Davis is big and can hit with the best of them, questions surround his true position, but will be good whever he plays. 7.4/10
  14. Panthers-RB Cadillac Williams, Auburn- Since the Cards passed on a RB this is the next logical spot for Williams to be taken as the Panthers RB situation is crystal clear (Davis injured) and he is an incredible value pick. 7.7/10
  15. Chiefs-CB Carlos Rogers, Auburn- Everybody knows they have the offense, now they need to address the D very very badly. Carlos is the logical pick, he is neck and neck with Rolle and will walk right into a starting roll. 7.5/10
  16. Saints-DT Travis Johnson, FSU- The Saints need defense and a good DT will solidfy a good D-Line. Johnson has some real ability and can cause havoc upfield, he has good size and will be effective against the run. 7.8/10
  17. Bengals-DE Erasmus James, Wisconsin- This team needs better production from its D-Line and they are getting perhaps the best pass rusher in the draft. He is a bit on the small size and is still pretty raw, but he could be a very good player. 7.8/10
  18. Vikings-WR Troy Williamson, South Carolina- The Vikings have their prayers answered as Williamson falls into their lap at 18. If Williamson was gone they almost have to take Mark Clayton as WR is a big need. Derrick Johnson solidified the defense at #7 and Williamson will help to solidify the offense, he is lighting quick and has good size. 8.0/10
  19. Rams-OT Jamal Brown, Oklahoma- The Rams need a OT to put opposite the freshly resigned Orlando Pace. Brown is solid in all aspects of his game, but isnt great. He needs to work on his game and his body to be great on the next level. 7.4/10
  20. Cowboys-WR Roddy White, UAB- The cowboys can go a few ways with their second pick in the first round and they will go with a big-play receiver who is a great talent. Roddy will give them a dimension they lack so a very solid pick. 7.6/10
  21. Jaguars-DE David Pollock, Georgia- This pick would give the Jags a very very good D-Line, Pollock is a hard working blue-collar type player and flat out gets the job done. He doesnt have great physicall abilities but he makes things happen. 7.3/10
  22. Ravens-DT/DE Shaun Cody, USC- Cody is an athlete who can get at the QB about as good as anybody in the draft. He is a solid if not safe pick, watch out for Clayton or Fabian Washington though. 7.4/10
  23. Seahawks-LB Channing Crowder, Florida- Seahawks need a DE or LB and they get a very solid player here, Crowder will never be great but he will be a very good player for many years. 7.4/10
  24. Packers-S Brodney Pool, Oklahoma- With Sharper heading over to Minnesota, the state of saftey is not looking good at all for the Pack, so Pool would be a very smart choice. Pool is a solid playmaker who has good athletic ability and should be a good player. 7.7/10
  25. Broncos-DE Dan Cody, Oklahoma- The broncos need a good DE badly and Dan Cody gives them a very nice player who is solid against the run. Cody needs to work on his body and get bigger or he might be seen as to small, might have to move to LB. 7.1/10
  26. Jets-CB Fabian Washington, Nebraska- Like I said earlier speed is what people are looking for at CB and this guy has that and then some, he ran a 4.25 40 at the combine...we are talking Randy Moss teritorry. Washington may move up in this draft as teams continue to salavate over his speed. 7.7/10
  27. Falcons-OT Khalif Barnes, Washington- The Falcons will look at WR and D-Line, but this guy has to much potential to pass up at this point. He could slide right in at tackle and be very good from day one. 7.8/10
  28. Chargers-WR Mark Clayton, Oklahoma- The Chargers could use a WR and they get a very polished one with this pick. Clayton doesnt have ideal size, but he is really solid if not spectacular at everything else, this could be a real steal. 7.8/10
  29. Colts-CB Justin Miller, Clemson- The Colts need help on the defensive side of the ball bad, and Miller gives this team a solid CB who will step in and help right away. This team still needs a lot of help defensively and Miller is a good start. 7.3/10
  30. Steelers-TE Heath Miller, Virgina- Wow this is a very nice pick, Miller gives Big Ben a big target who has a great deal of talent. I wouldnt be shocked if Miller went earlier then this, but this would be a very nice addition and will make Big Ben look even better. 7.7/10
  31. Eagles-LB Darryl Blackstock, Virgina- Eagles get a very athletic player who is still very raw, but boy can he get after the QB. He might be best in a 3-4, but the Eagles can afford to take on a project and this guy has some big upside. 6.8/10
  32. Patriots-LB/DE Demarcus Ware, Troy State- The Pats could use help at LB and CB and Ware gives them an incredible pass rusher who is still raw and needs to get stronger, but a solid pick at 32. 6.9/10
Rumblings
3/26-The Browns, Bucs, Dolphins and Titans are going to be working out QB Jason Cambell. Now looking at this I think it may be a strong indication that Romeo will have the Browns looking to trade down or take Derrick Johnson at #3 and getting his QB of the future in the second. Cambell is a nice QB who would rate a potential starter.
3/26 The Dolphins worked out QB Charlie Frye this week, they are showing a very strong interest in QB with their second round pick.
3/26-Jeff Fisher, the Titans coach, is very interested in Mike Williams and with the Norm Chow-USC connection I just dont seeing Williams falling past this pick.
3/26-I have been hearing that if the Bears go WR they may be looking very hard at Mike Williams, but it might be tough for them to pass up on Braylon Edwards downfield ability.
3/26-Watch out for the Falcons taking Shaun Cody or Demarcus Ware at 27 if they are still around, otherwise they are going offense (line or WR).
3/26-If Alex Barron falls to 14 the Panthers will select him.



# posted by Vikings Central @ 9:15 PM 1 comments
 

Vikings Central

I will have a mock draft coming soon.
# posted by Vikings Central @ 4:52 PM 4 comments

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