Cincinnati Bengals: Carson Palmer, QB, USC
I thought Marvin Lewis would make the right choice by taking Terrence Newman, but the Bengals have stopped talking to both Newman and Leftwich, and have
now come to terms with Carson Palmer. I believe the Bengals should add to their defense, by taking CB Newman, or trading down, but that will not
happen. I think it would be a mistake for the Bengals to take a quarterback, when they have so many other needs. Plus, there will be an uproar from most
of the Bengals, who want Jon Kitna as their starter.
Detroit Lions: Charles Rogers, WR, Michigan State
Charles Rogers could fall from this slot, because he tested positive for a urine dilution test. However, no one knows whether its a
drug like marijuana, a supplement, or simply too much water. The Lions say they still believe in WR Charles Rogers, who visited the
team on Monday. If it becomes apparent that Rogers did take a supplement, the Lions may trade with Baltimore and take Rogers, but for
now, I'll have the Lions take him at #2. Stay tuned. The Lions need a playmaker on offense to go with Joey Harrington, and Charles
Rogers is the best offensive player in this draft.
Houston Texans: Andre Johnson, WR, Miami
A trade rumor has surfaced that the Raiders will trade both of their first round picks to Houston for this pick. The Raiders would then take the top
quarterback available. The Texans would pick up more draft picks and move into position to draft the top running back available (they're hoping for Willis
McGahee). Another rumor is that the Patriots are trying to get DT Dewayne Robertson. The Texans could draft RB Willis McGahee at #19, but this mock draft
assumes no trades. That being said, they will take the best player on the board, Andre Johnson. The Texans' franchise will have an elite receiver to throw
to.
New York Jets: Dewayne Robertson, DT, Kentucky
In a trade that occured Friday afternoon, the Jets acquired this pick from the Chicago Bears, in exchange for the #13 and #22 picks in this draft. What
the Jets need most is a monster in the middle of their defensive line. Dewayne Robertson will be available here, and the Jets will take him. Great trade
for the Jets.
Dallas Cowboys: Terrence Newman, CB, Kansas State
Now that Terrence Newman is still on the board, Bill Parcells will take him, because his defense is a corner and a pass rusher away from being great.
Tuna can also go with QB Byron Leftwich, but if Newman is still on the board, this pick is a sure bet.
A major rumor has opened up, one that has Cleveland sending QB Tim Couch, RB Jamel White and a third round pick for this pick, LB Dexter Coakley and a
fifth round pick. There is a huge possibility that this trade could happen, but once again, this mock draft assumes no trades.
Arizona Cardinals: Terrell Suggs, DE, Arizona State
A major trade rumor has the Cardinals trading this pick to the Saints for both of their picks in this round. The Saints would then take CB Marcus Trufant.
If a trade doesn't go down, and the Cardinals pick here,
I figure its between Suggs and Leftwich. The Cardinals have no pass rush at all, and might not be able to resist taking local product Suggs, despite his
awful 4.9 40 time and trouble with the Phoenix police. If they don't take Suggs, they'll select Byron Leftwich, because Jeff Blake is
not the long-term solution in Arizona. Arizona is also rumored to be talking with the Jets and Patriots about moving down.
Minnesota Vikings: Jimmy Kennedy, DT, Penn State
Minnesota has Chris Hovan, a young star at defensive tackle, but they need someone next to him to help stop the run. If Bill Parcells takes Byron Leftwich
and Terrence Newman falls to the Vikings, Mike Tice will take him.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Byron Leftwich, QB, Marshall
All indictations from Jacksonville say that Leftwich will be their man. What a great situation for Leftwich, who can learn for a few years under Mark
Brunell, and then step in when he's ready. I think they'll definitely go with Leftwich, but if he's not available, they'll take CB Marcus Trufant.
Carolina Panthers: Marcus Trufant, CB, Washington State
The weakest part of John Fox's defense is at the cornerback position. In a division where the Panthers will have to stop receivers like Peerless Price,
Keyshawn Johnson, Joe Horn and Donte' Stallworth, a great corner is a must. The Cats could also take OT Jordan Gross.
Baltimore Ravens: Kyle Boller, QB, California
The Ravens will probably trade up to take either Palmer or Leftwich, but with Boller left on the board, Brian Billick will not hesitate to take him,
as his stock has been soaring in pre-draft workouts.
Seattle Seahawks: Kevin Williams, DT, Oklahoma State
Seattle has one of the worst defensive lines in the league. Kevin Williams could make a huge impact for the Seahawks. Seattle also needs a lot of help
in their secondary, but with Newman and Trufant both gone, they should take Williams, the next best player available.
St. Louis Rams: Jordan Gross, OT, Utah
The Rams fixed one of their offensive tackle positions by trading for Kyle Turley, but Orlando Pace wants to be traded, and with him gone, the Rams will
have a huge hole on the left side. They could move Turley to left offensive tackle, and draft Gross to play right offensive tackle.
New York Jets: Jonathan Sullivan, DT, Georgia
General Manager Jerry Angelo and head coach Dick Jauron have been fighting for months, and it appears that the coach has won. Jauron planned to either
take Dewayne Robertson or trade down. I think he'll stick with selecting a defensive tackle, and take the best one available, Jonathan Sullivan. I
believed that the Bears should have taken Byron Leftwich with the fourth pick, but that won't happen now.
New England Patriots: Willis McGahee, RB, Miami
The Patriots will want to snag this "sleeper" off of the board, as the Texans will also be looking to select Willis. I originally had Willis McGahee going
at the end of the second round, but his stock is soaring. He appears to be confident that he'll be able to play by September, and after working out with
both the Patriots and Texans, their scouts seem to agree. If McGahee is gone, I think the Pats will go with Chris Kelsay.
San Diego Chargers: Eric Steinbach, G, Iowa
The Chargers' interior offensive line is a travesty, so
taking Steinbach will be a good move here. San Diego could use a linebacker to take Junior Seau's spot.
Kansas City Chiefs: Andre Woolfork, CB, Oklahoma
I originally had DE Chris Kelsay here, but with the signing of DE Vonnie Holliday, the Chiefs do not need a defensive end. Then, I had Dennis Weathersby
here, but he was shot, so the Chiefs will probably go with the next best corner, Andre Woolfork. Taking Andre Woolfork would give the Chiefs a tremendous
upgrade at corner.
New Orleans Saints: Boss Bailey, OLB, Georgia
New Orleans signed TE Ernie Conwell, so they no longer need Jason Witten. The Saints have no one at outside linebacker, so taking the best
linebacker in the draft, with 4.3 speed makes sense.
New Orleans Saints: Troy Polamalu, S, USC
With the three top corners gone, Jim Haslett will probably go with the best defensive back available. Polamalu will take Sammy Knight's role in one of the
worst secondaries in the league. I had Mike Doss here, but Polamalu's 4.3 40 time puts him ahead of Doss.
New England Patriots: William Joseph, DT, Miami
New England will take another Miami Hurricane. The Patriots could not stop the run last year, so drafting William Joseph should help from being exposed
by teams with great running attacks. Another possibility is taking a defensive end like Jerome McDougal or Chris Kelsay.
Denver Broncos: Chris Kelsay, DE, Nebraska
Mike Shanahan needs a cornerback and someone to go on the other side of Trevor Pryce, and since the top three corners have been taken, I believe he will go
for the best defensive end available.
Cleveland Browns: E.J. Henderson, MLB, Maryland
Cleveland released all of their linebackers, so a great middle linebacker is a nice selection for Butch Davis. Cleveland also needs help
in their secondary (Mike Doss).
New York Jets: Kwame Harris, OT, Stanford
James "Big Cat" Williams is not with the Bears anymore, so they could use an upgrade at one of their offensive tackle positions. Kwame Harris is great
value at #22, but they could also draft S Mike Doss or RBs Lee Suggs or Larry Johnson.
Buffalo Bills: Jerome McDougal, DE, Miami
Jerome McDougal could be added to a rapidly improving defense that needs a defensive end. The Bills could also look receiver here, but there are plenty of
receivers that will be available in round two.
Indianapolis Colts: Mike Doss, S, Ohio State
Woolfork has moved up in the mock draft, so the top defensive back available is Mike Doss. Tony Dungy had John Lynch during his tenure at Tampa Bay, so he
understands the importance of a good safety.
New York Giants: Michael Haynes, DE, Penn State
Think about how good this defensive line would be if Michael Strahan had someone on the opposite side. Haynes is the best DE available right here.
I think they definitely go defensive end with this pick.
San Francisco 49ers: Kelley Washington, WR, Tennessee
Say what you want to say about Bill Walsh and the way he handled the coaching situation in San Francisco, but the man recognizes talent. At 6'3'', Kelley
can fit in perfectly with the Niners. The 49ers could also take the next best defensive end available, which would be Dewayne White.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Larry Johnson, RB, Penn State
With the top tier of defensive backs gone, the Steelers could lean toward the replacement for Jerome Bettis. A league source reports that Jerome Bettis
might be released by the Steelers on June 1st. Larry Johnson would probably be the new starting running back if he's selected here. They could also go
with the "top quarterback" available, Rex Grossman, or reach for a defensive back like CB Eugene Wilson or S Julian Battle.
Tennessee Titans: Taylor Jacobs, WR, Florida
Kevin Dyson is gone, so the Titans will need a replacement for him. Although I think Jacobs will be a bust, a good receiver will give Steve McNair a
much needed third option (Derrick Mason, Frank Wycheck). The Titans can also go center here, and take Jeff Faine.
Green Bay Packers: Rex Grossman, QB, Florida
The Packers have announced that they will be looking for a young quarterback to step in when Brett Favre retires. The end looks near for Brett, as he
talks about retirement every time he's interviewed. The "top quarterback" available is Rex Grossman. It is also possible that the Packers will look at
linebacker Terry Pierce here, but I think they will take a young signal caller.
Philadelphia Eagles: Jason Witten, TE, Tennessee
Philadelphia is looking at their rival, the New York Giants, and they have to be jealous that they have Jeremy Shockey. Jason Witten is
a great tight end, and will eventually be a great weapon for Donovan McNabb. The Eagles can also take a defensive end like Dewayne White,
or a linebacker like Terry Pierce.
Oakland Raiders: Ty Warren, DT, Texas A&M
The biggest hit the Raiders took this offseason was defensive line. Someone will have to fill the huge hole that Sam Adams left behind. The best defensive
tackle left on the board is Ty Warren.
Oakland Raiders: Dewayne White, DE, Louisville
With the last pick in the first round, the Raiders will continue to upgrade the weakest part of their defense. Either DEs Corey Redding or DeWayne White
would be good fits here.