Walters Football Site: 2006 Mock Draft

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2006 Mock Draft: Round One
Last update: April 28, 2006.
Next Update: April 29, 2006 (depending on a signing or trade).

Houston Texans: Mario Williams, DE, N.C. State

Looks like every mock draft on the internet -- whether it was on this site, ESPN or CBS -- was incorrect. Reggie Bush learned Friday night that he will not be the No. 1 pick in the draft. Mario Williams will be that player, as the N.C. State defensive end signed a 6-year, $54 million deal with Houston.

In my opinion, this is a good move. The Texans did not need Bush; they already had Domanick Davis in the backfield. If Williams pans out, Houston will finally have a player that can disrupt Peyton Manning and Indianapolis' offense. If I were Charley Casserly, however, I would have tried to trade down in an effort to secure D'Brickashaw Ferguson. I'm sure David Carr would have liked that as well.

New Orleans Saints: Reggie Bush, RB, USC

With Mario Williams off the board, the Saints have indicated that they will take Reggie Bush. With the electrifying USC running back available at No. 2, a swap with the Tennessee Titans is highly unlikely. There is a chance, however, that the Jets, Raiders or Packers will attempt to move up to this slot.

The Saints have Deuce McAllister, but the Pro Bowl-caliber tailback spends too much time on the injured list. Bush would be a welcome addition to New Orleans' offense.

Tennessee Titans: Matt Leinart, QB, USC

Let's establish one thing first: The Titans really want Matt Leinart because offensive coordinator Norm Chow coached him during the latter stages of his tenure at USC. General manager Floyd Reese has expressed interest in Vince Young, but there is growing speculation that he has been bluffing in an attempt to secure the Trojan signal caller.

The Titans cannot afford to pass up on Leinart; Steve McNair will probably be joining the Ravens because of his inflated salary, while Billy Volek has been inconsistent when he has relieved the team's fragile signal caller.

New York Jets: D'Brickashaw Ferguson, OT, Virginia

After months of claiming that the Jets would take one of the top three quarterbacks with the No. 4 overall selection, I'm now convinced that they will choose perhaps the safest player in the draft, D'Brickashaw Ferguson. The Jets' brass recently suggested that picking a signal caller in the first round is simply too much of a risk. Ferguson, on the other hand, is almost a lock to be a success in the NFL; he has both the talent and the drive to become one of the premiere tackles in the league.

That said, New York still needs a quarterback. Chad Pennington's shoulder has been injured too many times and his arm is dead. While he looked like a bright, young signal caller in the latter stages of the 2002 season, he is no longer a reliable starting quarterback in this league. As for Patrick Ramsey, can you honestly tell me that New York has confidence in the former Redskins project? Ramsey lost his job to Mark Brunell. The Jets will probably take Kellen Clemens in the second or third round.

Green Bay Packers: A.J. Hawk, OLB, Ohio State

Now that the Packers have re-signed defensive end Aaron Kampman, it becomes clear that they are targeting A.J. Hawk, the elite linebacker in the 2006 draft class. It's an understatement to say that Green Bay's stop unit needs a playmaker like Hawk; the defense surrendered 21.9 points per contest, no thanks to its terrible linebacking corps. Hawk would offer an instant upgrade over Na'il Diggs or Robert Thomas.

San Francisco 49ers: Vernon Davis, TE, Maryland

Where do you start? The 49ers need help at running back, wide receiver, offensive line and almost everywhere on defense. If San Francisco doesn't trade down, it will probably take the best player available. Right now, that's Vernon Davis, a 6-foot-3, 253-pound tight end who ran a 4.32 at the combine. Mike Nolan needs to provide Alex Smith with a dependable target at tight end.

Oakland Raiders: Vince Young, QB, Texas

If Vince Young is available, is there any doubt that Al Davis will take him? Davis loves speed and quarterbacks who can throw the deep ball. Vince Young has both attributes. Even though Davis signed Aaron Brooks to a 2-year deal, do you really think the fans of the Black Hole will put up with Brooks' inconsistency? Besides, the deal Brooks signed was essentially a 1-year contract. He will start for the Raiders until their rookie signal caller is ready to play.

Vince Young has fallen in this and other mock drafts because of his unorthodox release point. Some people, including ESPN analyst/goofball Merrill Hodge opine that Young does not deserve to be a first-round selection. Anyone who says that obviously missed the Rose Bowl. I think Young will be a successful NFL signal caller, despite his throwing motion and low Wonderlic score. Remember, Rich Gannon, a side-armed passer, won the MVP in 2002.

Buffalo Bills: Haloti Ngata, DT, Oregon

After dumping Sam Adams into the free-agent pool, the Bills look primed to take Haloti Ngata, a run-stuffing defensive tackle who can also apply pressure on signal callers. The Bills really need someone like Ngata; they were among the league's best against the run two years ago, but in 2005, they were ranked dead last at wrapping up opposing rushers. Buffalo misses run-stuffer Pat Williams, who defected for Minnesota after the 2004 campaign. The Bills can acquire his replacement in this draft.

Don't count out Winston Justice; the USC offensive tackle impressed all observers at the university's Pro Day. Don't be shocked if the Bills choose Justice over Ngata. If that happens, Ngata will probably be snatched by the Browns at No. 12.

Detroit Lions: Michael Huff, S, Texas

There might be 100 anti-Matt Millen rallies if the Detroit general manager selects another wide receiver with the team's No. 1 pick. Don't worry Lions fans -- there isn't a wide out in this draft that deserves to be taken within the first 12 slots. Detroit has a huge hole at the free safety position, while Michael Huff is the best player available at this juncture. It's a perfect match.

Arizona Cardinals: Jay Cutler, QB, Vanderbilt

Looking at Arizona's offense, it has two outstanding receivers, a stalwart running back, a fossilized quarterback, absolutely no tight end and a woeful offensive line. The Cardinals obviously have tons of needs, but I think they will select Jay Cutler if he is available. Remember, Dennis Green chose Daunte Culpepper with the 11th pick in 1999 when he already had Randall Cunningham and Jeff George on the roster. I believe he will take Cutler, whom he will groom into one of the elite quarterbacks in the NFL.

St. Louis Rams: Tye Hill, CB, Clemson

Mike Martz is finally out of the picture in St. Louis, which is the best thing that has happened to the organization since it won the Super Bowl in 2000. Maybe new head coach Scott Linehan will actually pay attention to the defensive side of the ball. If he does, he will notice that there are huge voids everywhere. The Rams have a bunch of mediocre cornerbacks, but they really could use a true No. 1. Tye Hill wouldn't be a bad option; he was one of the winners at the combine because he ran a blazing 4.3 in the 40.

Cleveland Browns: Kamerion Wimbley, DE/OLB, FSU

You can almost count the number of sacks Cleveland tallied on your fingers. The Browns registered 23 sacks in 2005, which is a disgrace. Romeo Crennel needs to add a few players that can apply consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Cleveland has already acquired outside linebacker Willie McGinest. But at 34, McGinest is only a temporary solution. Kamerion Wimbley recently ran a 4.61, which may have solidified his standings as the No. 2 defensive end-linebacker hybrid in April's draft. The Browns utilize the 3-4, so Wimbley would be perfect in their system.

Baltimore Ravens: Winston Justice, OT, USC

Baltimore's offensive line, once known for being one of the elite units in the NFL, disappointed last year as it surrendered 42 sacks. Kyle Boller's lack of talent aside, how can he possibly have a fair chance to prove himself with a terrible offensive front? Brian Billick already jettisoned right tackle Orlando Brown. It's safe to say that he will be looking for someone to replace the troublesome lineman.

Philadelphia Eagles: Brodrick Bunkley, DT, Florida State

It's no secret that the Eagles will be looking to improve their putrid front seven this offseason. Philadelphia will not draft an outside linebacker in the first round; Andy Reid simply does not value them enough to pay them the money No. 1 picks usually secure. The Eagles will consequently have to choose between an offensive tackle like Marcus McNeill and Brodrick Bunkley. Defensive coordinator Jimmy Johnson prefers smaller, quicker players. Bunkley is 6-foot-3, 284 pounds and runs a 4.94, making him the second-quickest defensive tackle available (Kedric Golston).

Denver Broncos: Chad Jackson, WR, Florida

Denver acquired this pick in a three-way deal with Atlanta and the Jets. I wouldn't be surprised if the Broncos package their two first-round selections in an attempt to acquire tight end Vernon Davis. However, if they are unable to do so, they will probably draft Chad Jackson instead. Jackson, the talk of the combine, ran a blazing 4.32 in the 40. He'll make a great replacement for Rod Smith when the veteran receiver retires.

Miami Dolphins: Ernie Sims, OLB, Florida State

Miami has tons of needs, including quarterback, offensive line, linebacker and secondary. It looked like Nick Saban would be addressing the latter after cutting cornerbacks Sam Madison and Reggie Howard prior to the start of free agency. However, the Dolphins manage to obtain Will Allen, Andre Goodman and Renaldo Hill via the free-agent market. They will still need a corner, but that can come later in this draft.

Instead, Saban will turn to the linebacker position, currently occupied by Channing Crowder and Donnie Spragan. The latter is a decent backup, but nothing more. Ernie Sims would be a fine upgrade for potential upstart Miami.

Minnesota Vikings: Laurence Maroney, RB, Minnesota

The Vikings added Chester Taylor to the roster, which was a solid move. However, Taylor does not have the talent to be a starting running back in this league; he is merely a very reliable No. 2 runner. Plus, Minnesota has learned that the NFL will not reinstate Onterrio Smith. The team will consequently take local product Laurence Maroney with this draft choice.

I have received tons of e-mails, exclaiming that the Vikings will not choose a running back because they have Taylor, Mewelde Moore and Ciatrick Fason in the backfield. Are any of those players true No. 1 backs? Are any of them remotely as talented as Maroney? The answer to both questions is an astounding no. Minnesota still desperately needs a true ball carrier.

Dallas Cowboys: Jason Allen, S, Tennessee

The Cowboys need a safety right next to Roy Williams. Keith Davis just isn't getting the job done. Bill Parcells has done a great job rebuilding Dallas' defense, but he still needs someone who can play free safety. That man is Jason Allen, who was one of the winners of Tennessee's Pro Day.

San Diego Chargers: Santonio Holmes, WR, Ohio State

Prior to this edition of the mock draft, I had the Chargers taking safety Ko Simpson. But in the wake of the Marlon McCree signing, I believe that San Diego will select Santonio Holmes. Philip Rivers, who has only thrown one touchdown during his 2-year NFL career, needs all the weapons he can get. His current targets at wide out are 36-year-old Keenan McCardell and Eric Parker, who accumulated just 725 yards last season.

Kansas City Chiefs: Jonathan Joseph, CB, South Carolina

Does it get any more pathetic than Kansas City's defense? The team needed to either beat the Giants or the Cowboys in late December in order to get into the playoffs. The Chiefs lost to both squads because they surrendered 29 points per game during that two-game stretch. They just couldn't tackle anyone. Kansas City needs defensive help almost everywhere. Jonathan Joseph could offer an instant upgrade over current starter Julian Battle.

New England Patriots: Manny Lawson, DE/OLB, N.C. State

A defensive end-outside linebacker hybrid was not needed during the 2005 campaign, but that's not the case anymore, as Willie McGinest signed with Cleveland. Wimbley, who ran a 4.6 despite being 6-foot-3 and 248 pounds, is a perfect replacement for McGinest. Running back DeAngelo Williams is also an option at this juncture, but I believe Bill Belichick will want to improve his linebacking corps after watching last year's debacle.

San Francisco 49ers: Jimmy Williams, CB, Virginia Tech

The 49ers acquired this pick for their second- and third-round selections. It appears as though they are targeting one of the top three cornerbacks in the draft: Tye Hill, Jonathan Joseph and Jimmy Williams. Can you blame them for doing so? With Ahmed Plummer hitting the free-agent market, San Francisco has Mike Rumph and Shawntae Spencer starting in its secondary.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Marcus McNeill, OT, Auburn

One of the reasons why Cadillac Williams, Ronnie Brown and Kenny Irons all succeeded at Auburn was because of Marcus McNeill. Reuniting Cadillac with McNeill would be a great move on Jon Gruden's part.

Cincinnati Bengals: Tamba Hali, DE, Penn State

It's pretty evident that a team cannot put pressure on the quarterback if it fails to acquire at least 30 sacks in a single season. The Bengals were short of that mark. They can improve their non-existent pass rush by taking Tamba Hali, who should become a fixture in Marvin Lewis' defense for many years to come.

New York Giants: Antonio Cromartie, CB, Florida State

In the wake of the LaVar Arrington and Brandon Short signings, the Giants will probably take a cornerback instead of an outside linebacker. New York's current cornerbacking corps is comprised of 32-year-old Sam Madison, second-year player Corey Webster and the underachieving William Peterson.

Chicago Bears: Leonard Pope, TE, Georgia

The Bears have finally found a respectable quarterback, but they still have one glaring hole on offense -- the tight end position. Leonard Pope would be a tremendous improvement over Desmond Clark.

Carolina Panthers: Chad Greenway, OLB, Iowa

After losing Will Witherspoon to the Rams, it has become clear that the Panthers will target the outside linebacker position with one of their first few picks in the draft. Let me put it this way: One of Carolina's current starters is Chris Draft. Chad Greenway might be inserted into the lineup by July.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Bobby Carpenter, OLB, Ohio State

One of the few holes in Jacksonville's dynamic front seven is at the outside linebacker position, where Akin Ayodele resided last year. If the Jaguars grab Bobby Carpenter and legitimate No. 2 cornerback, they will have one of the top defenses in the league next season.

New York Jets: DeAngelo Williams, RB, Memphis

Because of their extraordinary amount of needs, the Jets could go a variety of directions with this selection. By the start of the 2006 season, Curtis Martin will be 33 years old. Martin won the rushing title in 2004, but last year was a struggle, as the veteran running back gained just 3.3 yards per carry. Cedric Houston will be a reserve in the NFL for a long time, but he is not a capable starter.

Indianapolis Colts: LenDale White, RB, USC

Colts fans should not blame Edgerrin James for leaving the team. They should put the onus on Peyton Manning, Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne, whose gargantuan contracts prevented Indianapolis from re-signing the powerful running back. With James gone and serious cap restrictions in place, the Colts will not hesitate to grab the best ball carrier available.

LenDale White will probably land in this spot; after an overweight showing at Pro Day, one scout didn't hesitate to suggest that the USC alumnus needs a bra. Even though most sports analysts joked about the scout's comment, I find it quite serious. How can any NFL team depend on White to be in shape, especially after he signs a contract? He can't even stay fit with tons of money on the line.

Seattle Seahawks: Donte Whitner, S, Ohio State

Seattle has shored up its defense for the most part, but the team suffered a huge blow when safety Ken Hamlin sustained head injuries outside of a bar. Hamlin may never be 100 percent again, which could prompt the Seahawks to draft a safety.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Sinorice Moss, WR, Miami

Now that Ben Roethlisberger has evolved to perhaps the second-best quarterback in the NFL, it's time for Bill Cowher to surround him with better receivers, especially in the wake of Antwaan Randle El's move to Washington. Cedrick Wilson and Quincy Morgan just don't do it for me.

2006 Mock Draft: Round Two

Houston Texans: Eric Winston, OT, Miami

David Carr was sacked 72 times in 2002 and 68 times last season. It's a joke that general manager Charley Casserly still has his job. The Texans will take the best offensive lineman available at this juncture.

New Orleans Saints: Thomas Howard, OLB, UTEP

Even though the Saints signed Anthony Simmons and Scott Fujita this offseason, it's safe to say that they need help at outside linebacker. Thomas Howard could be a cornerstone of New Orleans' defense for a very long time.

New York Jets: Nick Mangold, C, Ohio State

Kevin Mawae was a fixture at center for the Jets since 1998. However, he will now be playing for the Tennessee Titans, meaning New York will have to find a suitable replacement for the former Pro Bowler. Nick Mangold isn't a bad option.

Green Bay Packers: Taitusi Lutui, G, USC

Besides the massive amount of injuries the Packers suffered, a major reason why their offense struggled last season was the inconsistent play at both guard positions.

Oakland Raiders: Gabe Watson, DT, Michigan

The only thing good about having Warren Sapp at defensive tackle is that bettors can gamble against the Raiders at the end of the season. Any team that has Sapp and Randy Moss as leaders will give up if things aren't going their way. I'm not a big fan of Gabe Watson, but Oakland needs help at his position.

Denver Broncos: Anthony Fasano, TE, Notre Dame

Another target for Jake Plummer? Mike Shanahan knows his quarterback needs all of the help he can get. Anthony Fasano will be a tremendous upgrade over Jeb Putzier, who was released in early March.

Tennessee Titans: Richard Marshall, CB, Fresno State

I don't even think Titans fans can name any cornerbacks on their team, with the exception of the troublesome Pac Man Jones. And it's not like Pac Man is any good. Richard Marshall is one of the hottest players on most draft boards; he could be a first-round selection come April 29.

Detroit Lions: DeMeco Ryans, OLB, Alabama

Think the Lions need help at outside linebacker? Their current starters are malcontent Boss Bailey and mediocre Alex Lewis. DeMeco Ryans would be an enormous upgrade for Detroit.

Arizona Cardinals: Davin Joseph, G, Oklahoma

Arizona almost has less talent on its offensive line than Houston does. Now that's an insult. The Cardinals need to focus on upgrading their offensive front this offseason.

Buffalo Bills: Jonathan Scott, OT, Texas

The Bills need improvement at the offensive tackle position after suffering through a couple of disappointing seasons from Mike Williams.

Cleveland Browns: D'Qwell Jackson, ILB, Maryland

Romeo Crennel will continue to bolster his defense. Adding a talented linebacker like D'Qwell Jackson will pay off for years to come.

Baltimore Ravens: Abdul Hodge, MLB, Iowa

The Ravens defense is overrated and is no longer the feared unit it once was. Brian Billick's main concern this offseason will be to upgrade his mediocre stop unit. Ray Lewis has been rumored to want out of Baltimore, so the team may be forced to select a middle linebacker early in the draft.

Philadelphia Eagles: Greg Eslinger, C, Minnesota

The Eagles were poised to sign center LeCharles Bentley, when Cleveland made an 11th-hour offer to the Pro Bowler and stole him away from Philadelphia. Andy Reid will respond by selecting the second-best center in the draft.

St. Louis Rams: Daniel Bullocks, S, Nebraska

More upgrades for one of the most pitiful defenses in the NFL. Adam Archuleta's departure for Washington created a huge hole at free safety. It needs to be filled.

Atlanta Falcons: Joseph Addai, RB, LSU

Warrick Dunn, who quietly rushed for 1,416 yards last season, just turned 31. Like Curtis Martin, who had his final year of positive productivity at 31, this could be Dunn's last season as a valid starting running back in this league. Second on the depth chart is the sluggish T.J. Duckett, who managed a pitiful 3.1 yards per carry last year.

Minnesota Vikings: Ryan O'Callaghan, OT, California

If the Vikings want to finally stop disappointing their fans every year, they need to keep Brad Johnson, acquire a talented running back and improve their offensive line. If my prediction is correct and Minnesota picks Laurence Maroney in the first round, the team will need to secure better blockers for the promising rookie.

Dallas Cowboys: Max-Jean Gilles, G, Georgia

I'm sure Bill Parcells is quite aware that Drew Bledsoe needs all of the protection he can get. The tandem of Kyle Kosier and Marco Rivera isn't the greatest the NFL has to offer.

San Diego Chargers: Ko Simpson, S, South Carolina

San Diego signed Marlon McCree to fix its problem at the safety position. However, I believe McCree is simply a temporary solution; Ko Simpson will be a fixture in the Chargers' secondary for a very long time.

Minnesota Vikings: Alan Zemaitis, CB, Penn State

Minnesota acquired this pick in the Daunte Culpepper trade. The Vikings need help at cornerback after being subjected to a very disappointing season from Fred Smoot. Alan Zemaitis is the most underrated player in the draft. Whoever selects him will be pleasantly surprised by how talented he is.

New England Patriots: Maurice Stovall, WR, Notre Dame

David Givens decided that money is more important than winning, which means the Patriots will be looking for a receiver in the early stages of the draft. Charlie Weis will probably recommend Maurice Stovall to Bill Belichick.

Washington Redskins: Kelly Jennings, CB, Miami

Washington has two outstanding starting cornerbacks in Shawn Springs and Carlos Rogers. However, in the wake of Walt Harris' departure, the Redskins have very little depth at the position.

Kansas City Chiefs: Darryl Tapp, DE, Virginia Tech

Other than Jared Allen, the most sacks produced by any Kansas City defensive player was four. The Chiefs need to take a defensive end during the early stages of April's draft.

Cincinnati Bengals: Orien Harris, DT, Miami

Cincinnati has trouble stopping the run; the team needs a powerful defensive tackle to protect the dynamic Odell Thurman. The Bengals already added Sam Adams to the roster, but they need a long-term solution to their problem.

New York Giants: Greg Jennings, WR, Western Michigan

Eli Manning has Plaxico Burress and Jeremy Shockey at his disposal, but who does he have after that? Amani Toomer will be 32 in September. Tim Carter, David Tyree, Willie Ponder and Jamaar Taylor are all sub par.

Chicago Bears: Darnell Bing, S, USC

The Bears have a prolific defense, but they have a hole at free safety, where Chris Harris was abused by Steve Smith in the playoffs.

Carolina Panthers: Andrew Whitworth, OT, LSU

Jake Delhomme didn't even have a chance in the NFC Championship. Seahawks defenders were in his face the entire evening.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Roger McIntosh, OLB, Miami

This could be Derrick Brooks' final season in Tampa Bay. Brooks turns 33 in April, so Jon Gruden could be looking for someone to replace the perennial Pro Bowler.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Charles Spencer, G, Pittsburgh

Jacksonville needs help at the guard position; Vince Manuwai has fallen out of favor with Jack Del Rio.

Denver Broncos: Mathias Kiwanuka, DE, B.C.

It's hard to believe but no Denver player registered more than four sacks in 2005. The team's inability to pressure Ben Roethlisberger was one of the reasons it lost to Pittsburgh in the AFC Championship. The Broncos replaced Kenard Lang with Trevor Pryce, but the fact remains that Courtney Brown should not be a starter.

Indianapolis Colts: Ashton Youboty, CB, Ohio State

One of the reasons why Indianapolis once again choked in the playoffs was because it could not stop Pittsburgh's aerial attack. Nick Harper and Jason David are terrible.

Seattle Seahawks: Cedric Griffin, CB, Texas

The Seahawks need some depth behind Marcus Trufant and Kelly Herndon in the wake of Andre Dyson's departure.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Mark Anderson, DE/OLB, Alabama

The Steelers always seem to select a linebacker during the early stages of the draft.

2006 Mock Draft: Round Three

Houston Texans: Calvin Lowry, S, Penn State

I'm going to go out on a limb and suggest that the Texans need upgrades over C.C. Brown and Glenn Earl.

Houston Texans: John McCargo, DT, N.C. State

Now that the Texans are switching to a 4-3 defensive scheme, they will need the appropriate type of defensive tackles.

Green Bay Packers: Demetrius Williams, WR, Oregon

Javon Walker wants out of Green Bay. I can't really blame him after the team's lack of participation in free agency. If Walker leaves, the Packers will be hunting for a new wide out.

Denver Broncos: Roman Harper, S, Alabama

At 34, John Lynch is clearly past his prime. The Broncos need a younger player who can eventually replace the veteran free safety.

Oakland Raiders: Gerris Wilkinson, MLB, Georgia Tech

It seems like the Raiders need help everywhere on defense.

Buffalo Bills: Bernard Pollard, S, Purdue

With Lawyer Milloy being a cap casualty and Troy Vincent in the twilight of his career, the Bills need to get younger and quicker at safety.

New York Jets: Kellen Clemens, QB, Oregon

Like I said earlier, Chad Pennington has a dead arm, while Patrick Ramsey has yet to prove himself as a capable starter in this league. The Jets like Kellen Clemens, so they will find a way to secure the Oregon signal caller.

Arizona Cardinals: Terna Nande, OLB, Miami of Ohio

Arizona needs upgrades all over its defense. Outside linebacker wouldn't be a bad place to start.

Buffalo Bills: Brodie Croyle, QB, Alabama

I've made it clear that I'm not a big believer in J.P. Losman. Since Buffalo has two third-round selections, it wouldn't hurt for them to take Brodie Croyle with one of them.

Detroit Lions: Ray Edwards, DE, Purdue

No one on the Lions registered more than seven sacks in 2005. That has to change.

New England Patriots: Greg Blue, S, Georgia

I don't know if Bernard Pollard can be a valid replacement for Rodney Harrison, but he should at least should be a decent backup for the substitute New England finds.

Philadelphia Eagles: Derek Hagan, WR, Arizona State

The Eagles still need help at wide receiver. Maybe they should have just paid Terrell Owens the money and avoided the whole soap opera they went through in 2005.

St. Louis Rams: Marcedes Lewis, TE, UCLA

The Rams need tons of upgrades on the defensive side of the ball, but Scott Linehan should spend at least one first-day pick on an offensive weapon. If you're wondering why Marcedes Lewis has slipped, just blame the scouts who criticize him for running a slow 40.

Cleveland Browns: Jonathan Lewis, DT, Virginia Tech

Much like Cincinnati, the Browns acquired an ancient defensive tackle this offseason and need a long-term solution at the position.

Atlanta Falcons: Daryn Colledge, OT, Boise State

Kevin Shaffer signed a contract with the Browns, but Atlanta needed an upgrade over him regardless.

Dallas Cowboys: Tim McGarigle, ILB, Northwestern

Bill Parcells spent so much time upgrading his outside linebackers last year, that it seemed like he forgot to address the inside.

San Diego Chargers: Rashad Butler, OT, Miami

Last year, I suggested that the Chargers should upgrade their offensive tackles. They didn't listen and they suffered because of it.

Miami Dolphins: Maurice Drew, RB, UCLA

What a surprise, Ricky Williams failed a drug test. No one saw that coming. Nick Saban will be forced to burn an early draft pick on a solid backup for Ronnie Brown.

Minnesota Vikings: Omar Jacobs, QB, Bowling Green

It wouldn't be a bad idea for the Vikings to invest a third-round selection on a young signal caller; Omar Jacobs could one day replace Brad Johnson.

San Francisco 49ers: Jeremy Trueblood, OT, Boston College

San Francisco's offensive line surrendered 48 sacks in 2005. That's David Carr territory. Mike Nolan should use this selection to ensure Smith's safety.

Kansas City Chiefs: Babatunde Oshinowo, DT, Stanford

Kansas City needs an upgrade at nearly every defensive position.

New England Patriots: Kai Parham, ILB, Virginia

New England has very little at inside linebacker behind Tedy Bruschi and Mike Vrabel.

New York Giants: Montavious Stanley, DT, Louisville

With Kendrick Clancy gone, the Giants need depth at defensive tackle.

Chicago Bears: Martin Nance, WR, Miami of Ohio

The Bears should continue to help Rex Grossman by giving him reliable targets to throw to.

Carolina Panthers: Brian Calhoun, RB, Wisconsin

With Stephen Davis hitting free agency, John Fox could be looking at a running back. He will not be able to rely on the injury-plagued DeShaun Foster and Nick Goings as his only two runners, especially after watching most of his backs suffer injuries the past two seasons.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Joe Klopfenstein, TE, Colorado

Maybe if Chris Simms had a better tight end than Anthony Becht, he wouldn't have thrown those interceptions against Washington in the playoffs.

Cincinnati Bengals: Dominique Byrd, TE, USC

Joe Klopfenstein could probably become Cincinnati's starting tight end by May. That's how bad the Bengals' situation is at that position. Dominique Byrd's questionable attitude has cost him about a round.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Tony Scheffler, TE, Western Michigan

Yet another tight end off the board. Jacksonville needs an upgrade over the disappointing George Wrighster.

Atlanta Falcons: David Pittman, CB, Northwestern State

If Atlanta wants to contend for the NFC South crown, it will need a better No. 3 corner than Allen Rossum.

Indianapolis Colts: Kevin Boothe, G, Cornell

If Peyton Manning wants better offensive linemen, Colts management better give him better offensive linemen.

Minnesota Vikings: Jon Alston, OLB, Stanford

Minnesota's defense was improved last year, but it still needs an outside linebacker so it can move E.J. Henderson to the inside.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Jerome Harrison, RB, Washington State

Jerome Bettis has retired, which means that the Steelers will be searching for a running back who can carry the load between the tackles. Duce Staley is still on the roster, but he gets injured far too often.

New York Jets: Dusty Dvoracek, DT, Oklahoma

One of the many reasons the Jets suffered last year was the departure of defensive tackle Jason Ferguson.

2006 Mock Draft: Round Four

Houston Texans: David Thomas, TE, Texas

New Orleans Saints: Chris Chester, C/G, Oklahoma

San Francisco 49ers: Parys Haralson, DE/OLB, Tennessee

Oakland Raiders: Tim Day, TE, Oregon

Tennessee Titans: Paul McQuistan, OT, Weber State

New York Jets: Anthony Smith, S, Syracuse

Green Bay Packers: Fred Matua, G, USC

Buffalo Bills: Hank Baskett, WR, New Mexico

New England Patriots: Anwar Phillips, CB, Penn State

Arizona Cardinals: Garret Mills, TE, Tulsa

Philadelphia Eagles: A.J. Nicholson, OLB, Florida State

St. Louis Rams: Chris Gocong, DE/OLB, Cal Poly-SLO

Cleveland Browns: Brandon Williams, WR, Wisconsin

Baltimore Ravens: Charlie Whitehurst, QB, Clemson

Cleveland Browns: Danieal Manning, CB, Abilene Christian

San Diego Chargers: DeMario Minter, CB, Georgia

Miami Dolphins: Pat Watkins, S, Florida State

Minnesota Vikings: Freddy Keiaho, MLB, San Diego State

Philadelphia Eagles: Lawrence Vickers, FB, Colorado

New York Jets: Devin Aromashodu, WR, Auburn

New England Patriots: Leon Washington, RB, Florida State

Denver Broncos: DonTrell Moore, RB, New Mexico

Chicago Bears: Tim Dobbins, MLB, Iowa State

Carolina Panthers: Kyle Williams, DT, LSU

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jason Spitz, C, Louisville

Cincinnati Bengals: Jason Avant, WR, Michigan

New York Giants: Brandon Johnson, OLB, Louisville

Jacksonville Jaguars: Devin Hester, WR/CB, Miami

Denver Broncos: Tarvaris Jackson, QB, Alabama State

Philadelphia Eagles: Guy Whimper, OT, East Carolina

Seattle Seahawks: Owen Daniels, TE, Wisconsin

Pittsburgh Steelers: Isaac Sowells, OT, Indiana

Denver Broncos: LeKevin Smith, DT, Nebraska

Pittsburgh Steelers: Michael Robinson, QB/WR/S, Penn State

Baltimore Ravens: Dee Webb, CB, Florida

Pittsburgh Steelers: Oliver Hoyte, ILB, N.C. State

NFL Draft Links:

2003 Mock Draft / 2003 NFL Draft Grades (Re-graded 6/8/08)
2004 Mock Draft/ 2004 NFL Draft Prospects/ 2004 NFL Draft Grades (Re-graded 6/6/08)
2005 Mock Draft
2005 NFL Draft Prospects
2005 NFL Draft Grades (Re-graded 6/4/08)
2006 Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/28)
2006 NFL Draft Prospects (UPDATED 4/28)
2006 NFL Draft Grades (Re-graded on 7/3)
My 2007 Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/28): Round 1 / Round 2/ Round 3/ Round 4/ Round 5/ Round 6/ Round 7
Other 2007 Mock Drafts: Super Mock/ Fred Cimino (4/27)/John Walters (4/11)/April Fools
2007 NFL Draft Prospects (UPDATED 4/24)/Kenny Ortiz's Top 40 Prospects
2007 NFL Combine and Pro Day Results
2007 NFL Draft Grades
2008 Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/26): Round 1 / Round 2/ Round 3/Round 4/Round 5/Round 6/Round 7
Alternative 2008 Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/7): Round 1 /Round 2
2008 NFL Re-Draft - Round 3 (UPDATED 4/27)
2008 NFL Draft Prospects (UPDATED 8/5)
Other 2008 Mock Drafts: Matt McGuire (4/25)/ Craig Smith (4/22)/ Emmitt Smith (4/21)/ Matt McGuire Shocker (4/21)/ Matt McGuire Backwards (4/19)/ Forum Mock (4/15)/ April Fools (4/1)
2009 Mock Draft (UPDATED 12/31): Round 1 /Round 2 /Round 3
Other 2009 Mock Drafts: Matt McGuire (12/27)/ Greg Haefner (7/19)
2010 Mock Draft (UPDATED 8/6)