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2005
NFL Mock Draft ROUND 1
1 San Francisco - Aaron Rodgers.
The Niners have narrowed it down to five choices. Antrel
Rolle, Braylon Edwards, Alex Smith, Aaron Rodgers, and
"Pretty please, pretty please make a trade with
us so we don't have to pay one of these guys like they
are Eli Manning." Hopefully the other teams in
the NFL have enough humor to let them sit and suffer
through every second of that 15 minutes. I imagine they
will. As for the pick, here's the truth. Antrel Rolle's
out. First of all many think Pacman is better, and some
are seeing Carlos Rodgers flutter past Rolle on their
draft boards. How can you make that guy number one?
But, he'll be good. Braylon Edwards would be the safest
and smartest pick, strong, tall, fast, with great athletic
talent. Nolan might do so. But I think he'll look at
the film and see that last year Cody Pickett and Ken
Dorsey were starting games for his new team, and he'll
pick the QB who's impressed him the most, Aaron Rodgers.
2
Miami - Ronnie Brown. Miami's favorite option at
2 is very similar to the 49ers, and their outcome will
be similar. That's the funny thing about being 1 and
2. If you want to trade down because there's not the
"for sure" superstar, nobody wants to trade
up because, well, there's not a "for sure"
superstar! Fortunately for Miami, there are too many
pretty good players to blow this pick. They won't get
much if they trade, so sticking here and selecting a
strong, fast, athletic running back who was mature enough
to be a number 2 back his entire college career would
be the best move. Nick Saban seems like a best move
guy. The Phin's pick Ronnie Brown and reap the benefits
of once again having an offensive cornerstone.
3
Cleveland - Derrick Johnson. Picking up Reuben Droughns
does one of two things. One, no way William Green sticks
around in Cleveland, and no way I pick either Lee Suggs
or Droughns earlier than round 8 in my fall fantasy
draft. Savage must have liked the Pittsburgh rushing
attack as well as Dunn and Duckett in Atlanta. What
the Browns did by picking Dilfer was eliminate the need
for a reliable QB option this year, waiting for a stronger
class, or waiting till Brady-time to pick up a flier.
A big athletic receiver will be tough to pass up here,
as two surefire starters will be on the board, but Cronell
has a good record with superstar line backers, and defenses
in general. He'll be allowed to stick to his guns, as
the Browns will help build what they started improving
this off-season, their defense. He'll either pick Derrick
Johnson, Rolle, or find a bidder for the 3 spot, possibly
the Chargers or Redskins. Derrick Johnson fits too perfectly
to pass him up if the Browns stay here.
4
Chicago - Pacman Jones. I think it'd be ludicrous
for the Bears, who need so many things, to pick a running
back like Carnell Williams or Cedric Benson. Does that
mean they won't? Yes! Lovie Smith is no dummy. If he
ignored his one bright spot in Thomas Jones than I don't
expect him to last more than a couple years at the helm.
I think Jones, with a healthy NFL quarterback, could
post 1600-yard seasons. He showed his potential early
last year. So the Bears won't go RB. They could go receiver,
even with the big signing of Mushin Muhammad. Unfortunately
the two top receivers are younger versions of Mushin.
Still a big athletic ball hawking pair of WR's might
be too much to pass up. But a WR in round 2 or 3 looks
more likely. The Bears are the most likely of the top
4 to be able to move down, which could really help their
team. They are in dire need of nothing, besides a win
or two in the regular season. If they stay here, they
take Pacman Jones in a surprise move, and trade one
of their corners for a pick or two later.
5
Tampa Bay - Carnell Williams. The bucs could take
Mike Williams or Braylon Edwards, but a running back
is more important for the Bucs to get moving in the
right direction. A Cadillac would be my top pick, because
they have everything my rump needs, comfort, power,
wood finish, big back seats. The Bucs might go with
Mr. Williams for the same reason, except their "everything"
is something like, speed, strength, leverage, and character.
Michael Pittman isn't the long-term answer in Tampa
Bay, and Gruden knows that. Though you never know what
Chucky could be up to with that evil grin, I'd like
to think he's sincere about taking Carnell early. Williams
is tough, fast, strong, and athletic. He ran in the
4.4's and carries himself well on and off the gridiron.
And remember, he was the starter at Auburn.
6
Tennessee - Braylon Edwards. Besides McNair, the
entire Titan team will be playing football somewhere
else next season, or so it seems. Letting Derrick Mason
go had to almost break Steve McNair's heart. But, this
week, when the team told Steve their plans, he promptly
let the world know that he'd be back in Titan blue and
white in '05. Their plans went like this; Pick Braylon
Edwards at pick 6. Braylon is fast and big with great
athletic ability and huge hands. That will give Steve
the big targets of Drew Bennett (6'4") and Edwards
(6'4") on both sides of the field. That way, if
he feels pressure, he does what I do, just let it go.
Like me, he saves his body for another year, gives two
tall guys with good hands a chance to make a play, and
the Titans get that much closer to making themselves
play-off worthy in 2006. They also said they'd do what
they can about the country music they play at home games.
7
Minnesota (from Oakland) - Mike Williams. Minnesota
realizes here that if they don't pick Mike Williams
the people of Minnesota will never come to another game
again. They need a big, tall, athletic, strong, and
confident guy to move in to an empty locker. Mike isn't
Randy, but then again, the Vikings traded Randy for
a decent line backer and this pick. Obviously, Randy
wasn't what they wanted. The Vikings could add Derrick
Johnson if he happens to slip this far, but so could
the last few teams. When all is said and done Minnesota
will pick either Williams or Edwards if they're available
here. Mike Williams is really good, better than people
are crediting him, and many people thought he'd be the
top receiver taken if he were available last year. He
wasn't. He is this year. The year off didn't seem to
bother his value.
8
Arizona - Cedric Benson. Dennis Green, like many
coaches who tried to stick with Kurt in the last few
years, is hoping Kurt Warner is half of what he was
with the Rams in his first two seasons. Like many coaches,
he'll be disappointed. What he won't do is waste a pick
on a quarterback here. That leaves him two choices in
my eyes. If Benson is on the board here, or any of the
top three running backs, Tags heads up to the podium
and announces one of their names. The only one left
on my mock board is Benson, so that's whom I'd pick.
If all three are gone, then it has to be a corner. Rolle
or Jones goes here. Jones is gone in a stunner at pick
4, so Rolle heads to Arizona. My board says Benson moves
from Texas to 'Zona, teams up with three good receivers
and a pretty good line.
9
Washington - Antrel Rolle. If Alex Smith is still
available, and I predict he will be, the Redskins might
do more of what they've been doing, and show the world
they had no idea what Steve Spurrier was up to and take
Smith here. Smith could go 1 to the 49ers, and could
be snagged up by an interested party a couple picks
earlier, but Patrick Ramsey hasn't shown he can do much,
so the 'Skins might be tempted. I think they look at
their team, think they can win now with what they've
got, and help their defense out by picking one of, if
not the biggest defensive playmaker in the draft, Antrel
Rolle. Rolle might not have Pacman's speed, but he's
got the mentality and the aggressiveness to make him
succeed in the league. Rolle has shown enough speed
to stay at CB. Washington picks him at pick 9.
10
Detroit - Alex Smith. Maybe the Lions would like
to give Joey Harrington another year to see what he's
really made of, and he'll still get that chance with
Smith getting picked here. Smith is not ready to start
in this league, but his potential might be too much
to pass up this late in a draft that lacks elite QBs.
Especially with the blown chances that Joey has had
the last couple of years. Maybe with Smith getting picked
here, the Lions will be lucky enough to be in the same
position the Chargers are in this year. The Lions would
like to add a starter at Tackle, which could be had
with picking Alex Barron, but the chance to possibly
pick up the best QB available in the draft will be too
much for the Lions to ignore.
11
Dallas - Shawne Merriman. I'd hate to see Shawne
go to Dallas, because I like Shawne. But it looks like
Bill Parcels wants to change his team's defensive look
to a 3-4 and Merriman seems to have what it takes to
make the move work. Shawne is a pass-rushing dynamo,
and with Parcels luck, Merriman might have a little
bit of LT in his game. Merriman already played both
positions in college, thriving with the Maryland Terrapins.
His 4.6 speed and big play ability makes him a perfect
fit with the destroyer, Roy Williams. Another defensive
addition, possibly a D-Tackle at pick 20 might give
the Cowboys a jump into the 3-4 that Bill covets.
12
San Diego (from New York Giants) - Erasmus James.
Let's reflect. The Giants get Manning, the Chargers
are the most improved team with Drew Brees. They now
have Brees and Rivers and this pick. The Giants have
Manning, and a pick in round 2. Better deal? Whomever
the Bolts get here, the deal has worked for them. If
Mike Williams or Braylon Edwards happens to fall this
far, expect a quick pick from Charger headquarters.
Either one has the size that short quarterback Drew
Brees prefers. (See the year Antonio Gates had last
year) On my board both future stars are already gone,
so I won't talk any longer about them. With hopes Mark
Clayton or even Troy Williamson falls to the 20 spot,
they'll look to get the best true defensive end in the
draft. In my opinion, that's Erasmus James. The big
guy reminds me of the good old days. He's a game changer.
He doesn't have the best of anything, speed, size, or
strength, but he has it all, and he's a darn good player.
Marcus Spears is another option, he's real big, and
might be a perfect fit in the tackle/end tweener position
in the 3-4.
13
Houston - Alex Barron. Houston would love it if
they could better protect David Carr with the best O-Tackle
in the draft, Barron. Top needs seem to be D-Line, preferably
a pass rusher who can take some heat off Jason Babbin.
But if I know the Texans, and I do, I know how much
they love to try and protect David Carr. Carr has gotten
better each year, and would really improve with a gigantic
young Tackle bookending one side of the line. If they
can get the best O-Lineman the draft has to offer, they'll
address their other needs later.
14
Carolina - Troy Williamson. The Panthers would jump
around in circles and possibly even dance the jig if
Alex Barron would slip down to 14. Nothing could be
better. I see the Texans one-upping Carolina, so they'll
have to save that gig for a different celebration. Other
than that, I don't see any glaring needs for the Panthers,
who were one of the hottest teams, if not the hottest
team the second half of the season. Many say running
back is a need, but I disagree. Strongly. Nick Goings
proved there are 3 guys in Carolina who can get the
job done. Carolina would love Foster to stay healthy
for a full year, just to see what he could do. A healthy
Stephen Davis would be nice as well. Either way, it's
not a need. WR? Steve Smith was one of the best in the
league two years ago, and Keary Colbert filled in admirably
in his rookie campaign. A Jerry Rice type wouldn't hurt,
as always. With Barron gone, the Panthers will have
the luxury of taking the best player on the board. On
my board, that pick is Troy Williamson, who is another
Steve Smith. I'd take two of him.
15
Kansas City - Carlos Rogers. The chiefs will almost
certainly pick up Patrick Certain or Ty Law, but that
doesn't mean Carlos Rogers, who is steadily catching
up to Antrel Rolle and Pacman Jones, won't get plucked
by the Chiefs. Kansas City has had a terrible secondary
ever since Priest Holmes decided he was the best back
in the league. That was at least three years ago. Taking
Rogers, who has great upside, wonderful numbers, and
good size would make for a good trio at cornerback.
Defensive End Marcus Spears is also a good option here.
Spear is real big, and plays as aggressive as any D-lineman
in the draft. The addition of Carlos Hall from Tennessee
makes me think the Chiefs are looking somewhere else
with this pick.
16
New Orleans - Darryl Blackstock. The Saints aren't
as young and immature as they use to be, don't be confused
by their inconsistency and inability to play up to their
talent expectations. The Saints could see their opportunities
to win with what they've got slipping away. They might
reach for their biggest need and pick Darryl Blackstock.
He might not fit the Saints system ideally, but his
size and speed, plus his ability to line up on the line
could give New Orleans the jump-start their defense
needs. They have three decent linebackers who can play
anywhere, making Blackstock a playmaker that can run
around and cause offenses big problems.
17
Cincinnati - Travis Johnson. The Bengals need help
inside against the run. Travis Johnson is the best defensive
tackle in the draft. At 6'4" Johnson has speed
and adequate strength to get the job done. If the Bengals
don't trade their pick, and Johnson remains on the board
this long, he's gone here.
18
Minnesota - The Vikings already picked up a big
receiver in round one, which leaves them looking for
a good defensive end, or 3-4 line backer/ end type.
Enter David Pollack. Pollack doesn't have the height
(6'2"0 the weight (270) or the superior strength
to get on any combine-warrior lists. Luckily for him,
that stuff means just about as much as hitting homeruns
off a tee. David Pollack is a top 10 talent. He's in
every play. He disrupts offenses in the passing game,
running game, and everything else. He's got a motor
like a Mack truck, and really knows how to play this
game. The Vikings will be lucky to get someone as good
as Pollack who fits well into their scheme. Like Williams
at pick 7, this pick fills a huge need as well.
19
St. Louis - Jamal Brown. Jamal Brown would be a
big improvement from last year. The Rams need a tackle
so Bulger isn't just heaving the ball down field hoping
not to get killed, though it seems Mike Martz likes
it that way. Jamal Brown is mediocre at run blocking
which might be bad for St. Louis, because one of their
biggest weapons might be second year man Stephen Jackson.
But, then again, Martz never really liked to take advantage
of his loaded backfield, so maybe Brown is perfect for
Martz's system after all.
20
Dallas (from Buffalo) - Shaun Cody. Here's to the
Bills for having a great second half and moving this
pick all the way to 20 for the 'Boy's. Cheers! Here's
another toast to the Bills for trading this pick for
JP Losman, who would almost certainly be the best quarterback
on the board this year. Cheers! And here's another congratulations
for pawning off the speed-demon Drew Bledsoe on the
same team they traded this pick to. Nice work! Oh, the
Cowboys end up taking Shaun Cody. He's real big, and
although the Cowboys picked up a couple D-Lineman in
free agency, another big body would really help their
hole in the interior of their line, which happens to
be more of a sieve than a line at all.
21
Jacksonville - Justin Miller. The Jacksonville secondary
isn't what it used to be. Jacksonville's top need is
corner, and it wouldn't be a reach to select Justin
Miller with the 21st pick. Miller has similar numbers
across the board with Pacman Jones. He's not big, but
has one of the largest vertical leaps in the draft.
His ball skills might be his strongest asset, which
is something the Jaguars need on the corner. Terry Cousin
could help the Jags but Miller could be an instant playmaker
in many situations. They also might go for Marcus Spears
if he happens to fall this far. I like Miller here.
22
Baltimore - Marcus Spears. This guy probably won't
last this long, which means my mind played a trick on
me somewhere. Like that's something new. Baltimore could
really use the monstrous Spears to plug a hole left
by Marques Douglas who bolted to San Francisco. Spears
can play. While the team would be really interested
in adding a receiver with the hands and complete game
of Mark Clayton, they'd be hard pressed not to allow
this gift to slip through their fingers. If the rest
of the NFL forgets about Spears like I did, the 304lb,
6'4", run stuffing end could clog up some offensive
line schemes, allowing Ray Lewis and company to make
more plays. It'd be a good fit.
23
Seattle - Mark Clayton. I don't know if this pick
is a good move. First of all I don't think it will happen
because Mark Clayton's hands are too good to be part
of the Seahawk receiving corps. Secondly, if he does
go to Seattle, he will almost certainly lose one of
his greatest assets, his ability to catch the ball anywhere
on the field. Those two things being said, Clayton would
be a perfect fit in Seattle. If a D-end slips, the Hawks
could go that direction, which might be the right thing
to do, for Clayton's benefit. I may be far from a Sunday
warrior, but I know Seattle's not a good place for catching
footballs. Hasselbeck might find an angel in Clayton.
24
Green Bay - Thomas Davis. Davis is my kind of safety.
My kind of safety would rather dislocate the ball from
the receiver than try to make an ill-advised play on
the ball that allows big plays. He takes great angles
and has above average speed, clocked in the low 4.4's.
He's strong and has a knack for clobbering ball carriers.
He's great in run support and plays well against the
pass. Considering Brett Favre would probably be the
best safety on the team if the Pack stood pat, Thomas
Davis would be a great need pick here. Brodney Pool
is also a viable option, but I think Davis has more
upside.
25
Denver - Fabian Washington. Fabian Washington has
amazing numbers all across his combine sheet. He ran
a 4.29, had a 3.9 shuttle, and a 41.5" vertical
leap. His slight frame isn't ideal for today's standards,
but he looks like a darn good corner at the 25th pick.
The Broncos have Champ Bailey holding down one spot.
A quick, athletic, extremely fast corner in the nickel,
and soon to be starter would be a great help for Bailey
and the Bronco D. Kennoy Kennedy left in free-agency
so Brodney Pool or Thomas Davis are also good options
with this pick. Secondary help should be on its way.
26
N.Y. Jets - Heath Miller. If the Jets end up trading
John Abraham during the draft, or plan on doing so soon
after, this pick might be completely different. Like
Demarcus Ware or Matt Roth for example. But then again,
if I sat here and planned for all that jazz I'd be all
over the place. Then again, it's almost useless to assume
no trades will happen. You know what, forget this! I'm
going home. Okay, okay, lets assume Abraham comes back
to New York. Fabian Washington, if he were still around
he would be nice here. He's gone on my board. With the
only stud tight end in the draft still on the board,
the Jets might take a chance. All trades aside, I think
they pick Health Miller with this pick. The Jets would
like an elite TE. I'm not sure Miller is that, but he's
the closest thing this draft has.
27
Atlanta - Brodney Pool. The Falcons could use some
help in the defensive secondary. Last year they took
a step in the right direction with DeAngelo Hall. Hall
played well at the end of the year, but the Falcons
D still gave up too many big plays. Brodney Pool is
thought by many to be the best safety in the draft.
He's a big hitter and playmaker. He's not the best coverage
safety in the world, but he's adequate if not above
average. He's strong and fast. His big plays could get
Mike Vick back on the field in a hurry, which is exactly
what the Falcons need.
28
San Diego - Matt Jones. If Brodney Pool or Thomas
Davis is on the board, San Diego could snatch either
of them up. They need big plays from the safety position
as much as anyone. As for now, they're both gone. Too
bad. Any receiver here would be a reach. Matt Jones,
who has been shooting up boards everywhere might be
too much like Antonio Gates to take with this pick.
But wait... is that a bad thing? Could you see double
tight end sets with Gates and Jones? That would be a
nightmare for opposing defenses. Yes, I can see it in
my clouded old mind. The Chargers couldn't find the
luck to get Williams or Edwards so they take Jones here
figuring they can't get enough of a good thing. Jones
makes huge strides, and becomes a great receiver tight
end combo. The Chargers win the Super Bowl, and they
really do go to Disney Land afterwards because they
live but a couple hours away. "Drew Brees, you
just won the Super Bowl, what are you gonna do?"
~ "I'm gonna get traded so Phillip Rivers can play!"
29
Indianapolis - Luis Castillo. Fortunately the Colts
can take the best defensive player available here, because
they have so many holes on the side of the ball not
controlled by Peyton Manning. Unfortunately for the
Colts they have lots of holes. What they need is anybody
to help their terrible defense. Luis Castillo isn't
a projected first rounder, but deserves to be and should
go there. There is nothing wrong with this kid. He's
a big run stuffer and has good combine numbers. Oh yeah,
and he produced in college when he was healthy and injured.
Castillo might be the best tackle in the draft, and
getting him here would be a steal for a Colts team that
could use an all around good player at the position.
30
Pittsburgh - Demarcus Ware. It would be too perfect
if the Steelers picked up this years position switch
phenom Matt Jones, but don't count it out. The Steelers
could always use some good D-lineman, thought their
defense was stout last year. Demarcus Ware might be
the best player on the board here, which is the way
Lock Jaw likes to run his drafts. Cory Webster could
go here, so could TE Alex Smith, or any number of quality
guys left on the board. They'll probably be good if
the Steelers take them. Ware is a pass rushing enthusiast,
who works hard and gets from here to there in a hurry,
4.5 40 yard dash. He reminds me a little of Dwight Freeney
and maybe Leonard Little. He's undersized, but strong
enough to get the job done. He'd be a great help for
a good Pittsburgh team.
31
Philadelphia - Matt Roth. With Derrick Burgess jumping
on the Randy Moss bandwagon, the Eagles are left without
a complement to Javon Kearse. Matt Roth would give the
Eagles an old school defensive end who does everything
well. He grades out pretty even across the board. He's
never going to need a kick in the ass, he's got a V-8.
Defensive end is as important as anything to the Philly
D, and a run stopper could really improve them. Matt
Roth is a good player who's only down side is too much
hustle. Bummer.
32
New England - Cory Webster. And the Patriots have
the last pick again. Can't ever be sad about that. The
Patriots need a good corner with Ty Law likely on his
way out. They did pretty well with what they had, in
fact, they did real well. They've obviously shown they
can get good rookies late in the draft that can start
in the Super Bowl. This year, I don't think they'll
wait past this pick. Cory Webster isn't the fastest
corner in the draft, but he's got good size (6'1")
and good ball skills. He's strong against the run, and
just a flat out good corner. The Pats could use what
he's got to give. With the last pick of round 1, the
Pats get a possible starter in Cory Webster.
If you want to send Lucky Lester an email or you would
like to add his articles to your web site, you can reach
him at LuckyLester@hotmail.com.
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