somebody post all this crap

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/draft06/index

4/6/2006 12:14:53 PM

It looks like the Houston Texans will take USC running back Reggie Bush with the No. 1 overall pick. The hottest spot in the draft to make a trade will be with the New Orleans Saints and the second pick. The only team the Saints could make a trade with -- and still get defensive end Mario Williams -- is the New York Jets. New York could trade up from the fourth overall pick and take USC QB Matt Leinart. Tennessee, which has the third pick, would then take Texas QB Vince Young. From what I have been told, the Titans have a very high opinion of Young.



Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images
Vince Young might be available when the Raiders pick seventh. But, will Oakland take a QB on the first day of the draft two years in a row?The next place you could see a trade is with the sixth overall pick, owned by the San Francisco 49ers. The sixth spot is where you will begin to hear Maryland tight end Vernon Davis' name come up. Teams like the Cardinals, Rams and Broncos could all have an interest in the tight end; then again, the 49ers could keep the pick and draft Davis.


Here's another scenario. Young is still on the board when the Raiders pick at No. 7. They already have two quarterbacks (Aaron Brooks and Andrew Walter), so they could make a deal with a team that has an interest in Young.


Another interesting spot to watch is with the Jets' second pick in the first round. They could go with Ohio State center Nick Mangold with the 29th pick, but don't be surprised if they take outside linebacker Bobby Carpenter, also from Ohio State. Carpenter is in the same mold of Mike Vrabel, another Ohio State alum. Vrabel's defensive coordinator with the Patriots last season was Eric Mangini, now the coach of the Jets. If the Jets don't take Carpenter, don't be surprised if the Steelers take him. Remember, before he signed with the Patriots, Vrabel originally was drafted by the Steelers.


As for the latest first-round projections, there are two noticeable changes. The first is that I have 10 defensive backs going in the first round. Florida State's Antonio Cromartie, who missed the entire 2005 season with a knee injury, had a tremendous individual workout (40-yard dash in the 4.3 range and a 44-inch vertical leap). In fact, he showed such great hands catching the ball that teams might be curious to see what type of wide receiver he could be. He's a cornerback in the NFL, but has the athleticism and hands to play on offense.


Cromartie isn't the only versatile defensive back in the first round. Michael Huff of Texas will initially be a cornerback in the NFL, but played safety in college; Ohio State's Donte Whitner played safety at Ohio State, but could be corner at the next level or a great cover safety; and Jason Allen was both a safety and corner at Tennessee. The true cover cornerbacks in the first round are Johnathan Joseph, Tye Hill, Ashton Youboty, Kelly Jennings and Richard Marshall.


The other noticeable change is how far the running backs (Laurence Maroney, LenDale White and DeAngelo Williams) have fallen, but it has nothing to do with their productivity. Arizona (10th pick) and Minnesota (17th pick) were looking at running backs in the first round before addressing those needs through free agency (the Cardinals signed Edgerrin James and the Vikings grabbed Chester Taylor).


One player from the Big Ten who has fallen is Penn State defensive end Tamba Hali. He didn't have great individual workouts; still, you cannot question his body of work on the field. Hali could still go late in the first round, but if he doesn't, a team will be getting a steal in the second round.


My Big Board will be updated the second week of April, while the next first-round projections will come out on April 17. The final projection will be April 28, the day before the draft.

First-Round Projections 
1. Houston  Reggie Bush, RB*  USC  
2. New Orleans  Mario Williams, DE*  NC State  
3. Tennessee  Matt Leinart, QB  USC  
4. N.Y. Jets  D'Brickashaw Ferguson, T  Virginia  
5. Green Bay  A.J. Hawk, LB  Ohio St.  
6. San Francisco  Vernon Davis, TE*  Maryland  
7. Oakland  Vince Young, QB*  Texas  
8. Buffalo  Brodrick Bunkley, DT  Florida St.  
9. Detroit  Michael Huff, DB  Texas  
10. Arizona  Jay Cutler, QB  Vanderbilt  
11. St. Louis  Chad Greenway, LB  Iowa  
12. Cleveland  Kamerion Wimbley, DE/OLB  Florida St.  
13. Baltimore  Haloti Ngata, DT*  Oregon  
14. Philadelphia  Winston Justice, T*  USC  
15. Denver (from ATL)  Chad Jackson, WR*  Florida  
16. Miami  Donte Whitner, S*  Ohio St.  
17. Minnesota  Ernie Sims, LB*  Florida St.  
18. Dallas  Jason Allen, S/CB  Tennessee  
19. San Diego  Johnathan Joseph, CB*  South Carolina  
20. Kansas City  Tye Hill, CB  Clemson  
21. New England  Santonio Holmes, WR*  Ohio St.  
22. Denver (from WSH)  DeAngelo Williams, RB  Memphis  
23. Tampa Bay  Antonio Cromartie, CB*  Florida St.  
24. Cincinnati  Jimmy Williams, CB  Virginia Tech  
25. N.Y. Giants  Kelly Jennings, CB  Miami  
26. Chicago  Richard Marshall CB*  Fresno St.  
27. Carolina  LenDale White, RB*  USC  
28. Jacksonville  Marcedes Lewis, TE  UCLA  
29. N.Y. Jets (from DEN)  Nick Mangold, C  Ohio St.  
30. Indianapolis  Laurence Maroney, RB*  Minnesota  
31. Seattle  Ashton Youboty, CB*  Ohio St.  
32. Pittsburgh  Sinorice Moss, WR  Miami  
 


* denotes underclassman 


Stock Rising
Late first round, early second round
Chris Chester, C -- Oklahoma
Orien Harris, DT -- Miami
D'Qwell Jackson, LB -- Maryland
Davin Joseph, G -- Oklahoma
Taitusi "Duece" Latui, G -- USC
Manny Lawson, DE -- NC State
Rocky McIntosh, OLB -- Miami
Leonard Pope, TE -- Georgia
Eric Winston, T -- Miami



Early to middle of second round
Joseph Addai, RB -- LSU
Brodie Croyle, QB -- Alabama
David Thomas, TE -- Texas
Zach Strief, T -- Northwestern 


3rd round
Will Blackmon, CB/WR -- Boston College
Chris Gocong, DE -- Cal Poly SLO
Devin Hester, CB/WR/returner -- Miami
Tarvaris Jackson, QB -- Alabama St.
Calvin Lowry, S -- Penn St.
Danieal Manning, CB -- Abilene Christian
David Pittman, CB -- Northwestern St.
Willie Reid, WR/Returner -- Florida St.
Joe Toledo, T -- Washington
Guy Whimper, T -- East Carolina
James Wyche, DE -- Syracuse 


Stock Dropped
Jason Avant, WR -- Michigan
Dominique Byrd, TE -- USC
Tamba Hali, DE -- Penn St.
Thomas Howard, LB -- UTEP
Mathias Kiwanuka, DE -- Boston College
Ko Simpson, DB -- South Carolina
Alan Zemaitis, CB -- Penn St. 

4/6/2006 12:41:25 PM

5 ACC players in the Top 12, not bad...

4/6/2006 12:42:29 PM

As expected, running back Reggie Bush, quarterback Matt Leinart and offensive tackle Winston Justice were brilliant at USC's pro day Sunday.

In front of coaches and scouts from all 32 teams, as well as nearly 3,000 fans and media members, Bush dazzled with a 4.33-second 40-yard dash at 202 pounds. The projected top overall pick in the 2006 draft also rattled off 24 reps of the standard 225-pound bench press and finished with excellent results in the broad jump (10-feet 8½ inches) and vertical jump (40½ inches). Scouts did not need to witness him in receiving drills but Bush participated nonetheless, showing exceptional hands and route running skills when split out as a wide receiver.

Leinart does not have great arm strength but he displayed a strong enough arm to make all the necessary throws in the passing session, which included 50 attempts. During that session, Leinart's touch, timing and presence were especially impressive. Leinart did not run a 40-yard dash, nor is he expected to between now and draft weekend. However, the 6-foot-4¾, 224-pound southpaw did rip off 26 reps on the bench press and impressed scouts with his leg explosion in the broad jump (9-5) and vertical jump (37 inches).


USC draft reports
Scouts Inc. has in-depth draft reports and grades () for all of the prospects from USC. Also, check out ESPN.com's complete draft coverage for reports on prospects from every other school.

RB Reggie Bush
QB Matt Leinart
RB LenDale White
OT Winston Justice
OG Deuce Lutui
TE Dominique Byrd
S Darnell Bing
OG Fred Matua
DE Frostee Rucker
CB John Walker
CB Justin Wyatt
PT Tom Malone
FB David Kirtman
S Scott Ware
OLB Dallas Sartz
DT LaJuan Ramsey  

4/6/2006 12:43:15 PM

Quote :

"27. Carolina LenDale White, RB* USC "

hmmmm

4/6/2006 12:44:14 PM

Matt Leinart did not participate in the workout portion of last month's combine and USC's pro day is not until Sunday. Still, I've seen enough over the course of the last three years to confidently say Leinart is the top quarterback prospect in the 2006 draft.

Far more difficult is deciding whether Texas' Vince Young or Vanderbilt's Jay Cutler should be the second quarterback to come off the board.

Young seemed to slip into hibernation following his extraordinary performance in the Longhorns' upset victory over the Trojans in the Rose Bowl on Jan. 4. His absence from the highlights created a vacuum and Cutler has benefited. During the 11-week stretch between the Rose Bowl and last week's pro day workout in Austin, Texas, it was easy to get caught up in the hype tornado surrounding Cutler. After all, the only new information regarding Young's draft stock was an embarrassing Wonderlic score (15 was his best of two attempts).

Meanwhile, Cutler clearly distinguished himself as the best quarterback prospect at the Senior Bowl. He had a solid all-around performance at the combine. He scored a 29 on the Wonderlic, ran the 40-yard dash in the high 4.7-second range, notched 23 reps on the 225-pound bench press and displayed the second-best arm strength of the participating quarterback prospects. The fact that he also wowed scouts with a strong passing performance in windy conditions at his Vanderbilt pro day on March 17 doesn't hurt, either.

With that being said, it's critical to remember that the draft process is a marathon, not a sprint. Over the course of the last week I have gone back and studied five game films on both Young and Cutler while also analyzing Cutler's combine workout compared to that of Young's pro day workout. Although the decision is admittedly still not an easy one, I can make a stronger case for drafting Young than I can for Cutler.



Although his mechanics have been questioned, Young has come a long way as a passer.
Unlike Leinart, both Young and Cutler project as developmental prospects in the NFL. Cutler has more traditional qualities in terms of his throwing motion and the scheme in which he played at Vanderbilt. He also possesses the stronger arm. However, Cutler's mechanics and overall decision-making skills must be improved upon before he's ready to compete for a starting job in the NFL.

Although Young has as much or more work that needs to be done to his game, it's obvious to me that Young's upside is far greater -- and that trait is what sets these two apart. If I'm going to spend the type of time and money it will require to develop each of these unpolished prospects, I'd rather invest it in the individual who has the higher ceiling.

Young's release point is lower than ideal and his throwing motion is unorthodox, but he gets rid of the ball quickly and at nearly 6-foot-5, he is tall enough to get away with the three-quarter release. Although he lacks elite arm strength like Cutler, Young can make all the necessary throws at the next level and has a stronger arm than several solid NFL starters.

Young's accuracy as a passer has improved significantly over the course of the last two seasons. On film it is easy to witness Young's maturation in that department, and the statistics serve as confirmation. After completing just 59.2 percent of his throws as a sophomore in 2004, he completed 65.2 percent as a junior last season. It's not necessarily fair to compare statistics between the two because there are so many outside influences that play roles in those numbers, but football isn't always fair. The bottom line is that Young's completion percentage was 6.1 points better than Cutler's (59.1) in 2005, and that counts for something.

There is no comparison when it comes to athleticism and playmaking skills. Cutler has good mobility and is a tough competitor, but Young, who has exceptional quickness and elusiveness for his size, is far superior in this facet of the game. Right or wrong, Young was not planning on running at his pro day workout and he still ran in the area of 4.5 seconds when talked into it by NFL brass at the last minute. Although he won't be able to run away from defenders as easily in the NFL, Young will still be a dangerous running threat who will keep defenses honest. Perhaps more importantly, he will develop into one of the league's best when it comes to generating second-chance passing opportunities with his feet.

There is understandably some concern regarding Young's ability to hold up physically as a mobile quarterback who will take a lot more hits during a 16-game NFL season. After all, most mobile quarterbacks in the league are finding it increasingly difficult to stay on the field (see: Michael Vick, Daunte Culpepper, Donovan McNabb, Steve McNair and Ben Roethlisberger). However, Young is a big, strong and flexible athlete with no history of durability issues.

Finally, Young might have bombed the Wonderlic, but most people who have met with both Young and Cutler would agree that Young is a greater leader and a more mature person. From what I can see, Young has more of the "it factor" that it takes to be a successful quarterback in the NFL.

There's no question that Cutler has the physical, mental and intangible characteristics to develop into a good starting quarterback at the next level. It's just that Young has the potential to be great in those areas. That's why if I were forced to lay my career on the line and recommend one or the other to a general manager when his team is on the clock on draft day, I wouldn't hesitate to select Young over Cutler.

4/6/2006 12:45:06 PM

5 buckeyes in the first round... shit yeah

4/6/2006 12:45:07 PM

continued...

Other tiebreaker recommendations
Running back: Laurence Maroney (Minnesota) vs. DeAngelo Williams (Memphis)
Maroney's biggest strengths: Frame, vision, initial burst, second-gear and change-of-direction skills.
Maroney's biggest weaknesses: Pad level, power, durability, passing game experience and overall blocking skills.

Williams' biggest strengths: Vision, running style, center of gravity, toughness and versatility.
Williams' biggest weaknesses: Durability, height and pass-pro technique.


Recommendation: Williams
Not only is USC's Reggie Bush the best running back prospect in this year's class, he's also the top prospect regardless of position. There is, however, a question as to how the other three first-round running back prospects (Maroney, Williams and USC's LenDale White) will come off the board. Because White is an early-entry prospect who also did not run or work out at the combine, I've chosen to leave him out of the debate for now -- we'll find out far more at USC's pro day. However, it's fairly clear after gathering all the information that Williams is a stronger candidate than Maroney.

Maroney is a slashing back with impressive vision, initial burst and top-end speed. He also has a great feel for the zone-blocking scheme, which makes him a good candidate for a team like the Broncos, who run a similar scheme and own a late first-round pick. But Maroney lacks ideal experience in the passing game, is not as thickly built and has not proved capable of handling the load as a premier back.

Williams comes with some durability issues of his own and he also has more mileage on his legs. However, breaking down the film and workout results of these two reveals Williams to be a far more versatile back who can fit well in most schemes at the next level. One of the biggest questions regarding Williams as an NFL prospect was his top-end speed. Those questions were answered when Williams (4.41 and 4.47) ran faster times than Maroney (4.48 and 4.49) at their respective pro day workouts.


Wide receiver: Santonio Holmes (Ohio State) vs. Chad Jackson (Florida)
Holmes' biggest strengths: Quickness, speed, run-after-catch explosiveness, body control, toughness and playmaking skills.
Holmes' biggest weaknesses: Size, concentration and overall inconsistency.


Jackson's biggest strengths: Size-speed combination, solid build, power, leaping ability, long arms, big hands, quickness and fluidity.
Jackson's biggest weaknesses: Erratic production, offensive system in college, concentration lapses and route-running polish.


Recommendation: Jackson
There's not a lot that separates the top two wide receiver prospects in this year's draft and ultimately it may be team preference that decides whether Holmes or Jackson is the first to come off the board. The film shows that Jackson will disappear from games more often, but Holmes isn't as consistent as scouts would like him to be, either. As such, neither is worth selecting in the top 15. It is my opinion, though, that Jackson is the better all-around prospect because he is bigger, stronger and faster. In a noticeably weak class of wide receivers, Jackson and Holmes should both be off the board by the time the Patriots select at pick No. 21.


Outside linebacker: Chad Greenway (Iowa) vs. Ernie Sims (Florida State)
Greenway's biggest strengths: Size, production, fluidity and coverage skills for his size, natural instincts and motor.
Greenway's biggest weaknesses: Ideal top-end speed, ability to take on blockers, explosive power and pursuit-angle consistency.


Sims' biggest strengths: Toughness, aggressiveness, explosiveness, power, quickness, speed, athleticism and motor.
Sims' biggest weaknesses: Discipline, technique, recognition skills, height and isolated off-the-field incident.


Recommendation: Sims
Ohio State's A.J. Hawk is the clear-cut best outside linebacker prospect in this year's draft class. After Hawk, however, the debate has seemingly been boiled down to Greenway and Sims for the second player taken at the position.

When it comes to postseason workouts, there's a fine line between getting caught up in all the numbers and ignoring the warning signs. As far as I'm concerned, this year's postseason workouts have been eye-opening in regard to the NFL potential of both Greenway and Sims.

Greenway was the more decorated collegiate player and he's more polished in terms of his recognition skills and overall technique at this point. However, Greenway's lack of ideal speed and strength have become quite concerning over the course of the last two months. Adding to those concerns are the inconsistencies I see on film from Greenway in regard to his ability to take on blockers and pursuit angles as a tackler.

Sims is far from a polished prospect. In fact, he plays out of control at times and has room for improvement when it comes to his recognition skills. Sims also lacks ideal size. However, he bulked up to 234 pounds at his recent pro day, when he ran the 40-yard dash in the 4.4-second area. Sims is also the tougher and more explosive linebacker, despite Greenway's 3-inch and 10-pound size advantage.

When it's all said and done, Greenway might be ready to contribute on defense sooner, but Sims should develop into the more versatile playmaker and should make a bigger impact over the long haul. That's why I think Sims is worth drafting somewhere between picks No. 11 and 15; Greenway is not worth a top-20 selection.


Inside linebacker: Abdul Hodge (Iowa) vs. D'Qwell Jackson (Maryland)
Hodge's biggest strengths: Toughness, short-area quickness, explosive power, tackling skills, pursuit angles, discipline and leadership skills.
Hodge's biggest weaknesses: Ideal size, phone booth, top-end speed and range/playmaking skills in coverage.


Jackson's biggest strengths: Instincts, versatility, aggressiveness, toughness, diagnostic skills, quickness, agility, motor and playmaking skills in coverage.
Jackson's biggest weaknesses: Size, lower-body strength, taking on blocks and durability.


Recommendation: Jackson
Neither Jackson nor Hodge grades out as a first-round prospect in the linebacker-heavy draft class, but both are likely to be off the board midway through Round 2. In all reality, there is very little that separates the two. Hodge is a bit bigger but Jackson is a bit more athletic.

The key difference, in my opinion, is that Jackson projects as an every-down linebacker who should be able to contribute both in coverage (eight career INTs) and as a pass rusher (10½ career sacks). Hodge, on the other hand, is effective on the blitz (seven career sacks) but he lacks ideal coverage skills (zero career INTs) and will be somewhat limited on obvious passing downs in the NFL.

4/6/2006 12:45:36 PM

Much in the NFL draft process has changed over the last month. Per usual, this year's scouting combine sent plenty of prospects shooting up and down team draft boards. Furthermore, the free-agency period finally started, and the volatile market has generated a daily fluctuation in team needs.

With that in mind, there also is much left to be determined between now and April 29. Most prospects still have an opportunity to improve their draft stock at pro days and during individual workouts. And with the free-agency period still in full swing, the top of the draft still is far from clear. Regardless, here's a look at how the 2006 NFL draft is shaping up with six weeks remaining:

+ = Underclassman


1. Houston Texans (2-14)
Top five needs: OG, OT, MLB, WR, RB
The pick: +Reggie Bush, RB, USC
The Texans would entertain legitimate trade-down offers to stockpile draft picks and address more pressing needs. However, since the Saints stole the leverage by signing QB Drew Brees in free agency, Houston is not likely to field many enticing proposals. Bush is a special talent who instantly will upgrade the Texans' rushing game, passing game and return game.


2. New Orleans Saints (3-13)
Top five needs: OLB, C, DT, OT, OG
The pick: D'Brickashaw Ferguson, OT, Virginia
By addressing the quarterback need before the draft, the Saints have made the second overall pick the target for teams interested in trading up for the chance to draft QB Matt Leinart. Between now and draft day, the Saints will put pick No. 2 up for public auction and wait for the highest bidder. If they don't get the right price, the Saints will have a difficult decision to make between Ferguson and DE Mario Williams. In my opinion, Ferguson would be the safer pick. He could solidify the Saints' offensive line at left tackle opposite last year's top pick, ROT Jammal Brown.

3. Tennessee Titans (4-12)
Top five needs: MLB, S, OT, QB, RB
The pick: Matt Leinart, QB, USC
The Titans have several more pressing needs, but reuniting Leinart with offensive coordinator Norm Chow would be too good to pass up. If another team leapfrogs the Titans to draft Leinart at No. 2, Tennessee gladly would solidify its offensive line by drafting Ferguson here.

4. New York Jets (4-12)
Top five needs: QB, OT, RB, OG/C, CB
The pick: +Mario Williams, DE, N.C. State
The Jets are actively seeking a veteran quarterback via free agency or trade, which is an indication they aren't overly enamored with Vince Young or Jay Cutler. If the team is able to land a quarterback between now and the draft, it will be free to address another need with this pick. Ferguson would be the top choice, if available. However, there's also a strong possibility that DE John Abraham will be traded soon. If that's the case, Williams would be a perfect fit. After running the 40-yard dash in the area of 4.6-second at 6-foot-7 and 295 pounds, Williams has become the most coveted defensive prospect in this class.

5. Green Bay Packers (4-12)
Top five needs: OG, OLB, C, CB, ILB
The pick: A.J. Hawk, OLB, Ohio State
The Packers have done a good job recently of addressing their needs at wide receiver (Rod Gardner), defensive tackle (Ryan Pickett) and safety (Marquand Manuel). Still missing, though, is an impact playmaker in the defensive back seven. Hawk not only fits the bill but also has the leadership qualities to turn around a Packers defense that has struggled the last few seasons.

6. San Francisco 49ers (4-12)
Top five needs: OLB, CB, TE, S, WR
The pick: +Vernon Davis, TE, Maryland
The 49ers are in a good position with the sixth overall pick. They would love to see Williams or Hawk fall to them, and they also will entertain the idea of selecting S Michael Huff from Texas. But the team needs to surround QB Alex Smith, last year's top overall pick, with more weapons, and Davis has all the makings of a game-breaking playmaker in the passing attack.

7. Oakland Raiders (4-12)
Top five needs: QB, OG, DT, CB, DS
The pick: +Vince Young, QB, Texas
After dumping Kerry Collins and watching Marques Tuiasosopo struggle to develop, the Raiders are back in the market for a quarterback. Many talent evaluators are down on Young because of his collegiate system, unorthodox throwing motion and embarrassing score (officially a 15, contrary to previous reports) on the Wonderlic test -- but not Raiders' owner Al Davis. In fact, Davis would have no hesitation drafting an explosive athlete such as Young with the seventh overall pick.

8. Buffalo Bills (5-11)
Top five needs: OT, DT, C, CB, S
The pick: +Haloti Ngata, DT, Oregon
This seems like the perfect marriage. The Bills upgraded their defensive line with the free-agency addition of DT Larry Tripplett, but they are still in search for a massive two-gap defender to play alongside him. Ngata has some weaknesses, including an inconsistent motor, but the presence of Tripplett and Tim Anderson would allow him to ease into a starting role.

9. Detroit Lions (5-11)
Top five needs: LB, S, DE, OG, CB
The pick: Michael Huff, DB, Texas
New head coach Rod Marinelli comes from a hard-nosed, defensive-minded background, and he'll want to set the tone by selecting an impact playmaker on that side of the ball with this pick. Some think Huff can play cornerback in the NFL, while others think he'll be limited to safety. I think he can play both, which would give the Lions much-needed versatility in their secondary.

10. Arizona Cardinals (5-11)
Top five needs: S, TE, WLB, OT, QB
The pick: Jimmy Williams, CB, Virginia Tech
It has become a popular theory that the Cardinals will draft a quarterback with this pick. However, Dennis Green does not plan on being around long enough to groom a rookie at that position. The team extended QB Kurt Warner's contract and made a huge splash with the free-agency signing of RB Edgerrin James. In order to balance things out, look for the team to draft the best available defensive player with this pick. Williams' stock has slipped due to his inconsistent play as a senior and his abrasive attitude at the combine, but he still is the most gifted cover corner in this class. A combination of Williams and Antrel Rolle would give the Cardinals one of the best young cornerback tandems in the NFL.

4/6/2006 12:46:37 PM

11. St. Louis Rams (6-10)
Top five needs: CB, OG, TE, LB, S
The pick: Jay Cutler, QB, Vanderbilt
The Rams are fully capable of making this surprise pick. The team has other more pressing needs, but drafting a quarterback of the future will be too big a temptation to pass up. New head coach Scott Linehan is an offensive guru, and it is rumored that he likes Cutler as a fit for his system. Furthermore, Marc Bulger is brittle, and the team needs a better contingency plan than QB Ryan Fitzpatrick.

12. Cleveland Browns (6-10)
Top five needs: DE, LB, OT, WR, CB
The pick: +Ernie Sims, OLB, Florida State
The Browns have been one of the most active teams in free agency, but they still have a number of holes to fill. After spending two of the team's three first-day picks on the offensive side of the ball last year, GM Phil Savage knows he needs to give more attention to Romeo Crennel's defense. Even though the team brought in Willie McGinest via free agency, he is 34 years old and will not be around for long. Sims is a terrific athlete who would provide a lot of versatility because of his ability to pursue the run, blitz the quarterback and drop into coverage.

13. Baltimore Ravens (6-10)
Top five needs: S, QB, ROT, ROG, OLB
The pick: Brodrick Bunkley, DT, Florida State
The Ravens would consider Cutler if he slipped to them here, but they are more likely to draft a quarterback in the second or third round. There is a more pressing need for offensive line help, but supply does not match their demand. Bunkley is one of the fastest-rising prospects in the 2006 class right now, and he could easily come off the board within the top 15 picks. His impressive combination of size, quickness and power would help the Ravens as they continue to transition to a 4-3 defensive scheme.

14. Philadelphia Eagles (6-10)
Top five needs: OT, WR, RB, OLB, DT
The pick: +LenDale White, RB, USC
Drafting a bigger back to take some of the load off Brian Westbrook's shoulders is critical. White is a bruising, 238-pound back who could complement Westbrook perfectly, much as he did Bush during their days at USC.

15. Atlanta Falcons (8-8)
Top five needs: S, OT, CB, OG, DE
The pick: +Winston Justice, OT, USC
After losing Kevin Shaffer in free agency, the Falcons have a hole at left tackle. Justice could slip on draft day due to character issues -- he sat out the 2004 season after being suspended twice by the USC student affairs department -- but he's an impressive talent with the size and athleticism to quickly develop into a solid starter in the NFL, assuming he continues to mature and keep his nose clean.

16. Miami Dolphins (9-7)
Top five needs: CB, S, OG/OC, WR, OLB
The pick: +Chad Jackson, WR, Florida
Jackson's exceptional combine workout could help him leapfrog Santonio Holmes as the top receiver taken in this year's draft. The Dolphins have other more pressing needs, but Jackson would give new QB Daunte Culpepper the type of explosive vertical weapon he needs opposite No. 1 WR Chris Chambers.

17. Minnesota Vikings (9-7)
Top five needs: QB, MLB, S, CB, DE
The pick: Tye Hill, CB, Clemson
If Cutler or Young were to free-fall this far, the Vikings likely would pull the trigger. Otherwise, the team is expected to draft for defense with this pick. Hill is the best value at this point, and he would help solidify a secondary that boasts talented starting cornerbacks in Antoine Winfield and Fred Smoot, but lacks depth after losing free agent Brian Williams (Jaguars).

18. Dallas Cowboys (9-7)
Top five needs: OT, WR, FS, ILB, OG
The pick: +Santonio Holmes, WR, Ohio State
Coach Bill Parcells doesn't like to draft wide receivers in the first round, but the last time one of his teams used a top pick on an Ohio State wide receiver (Terry Glenn, Patriots) it worked out well. If the team signs free agent Terrell Owens, this projection likely would change. However, if the Cowboys are unable to get a deal done with Owens, Holmes would be the best fit here.

19. San Diego Chargers (9-7)
Top five needs: WR, S, OT, OG, CB
The pick: +Jonathan Joseph, CB, South Carolina
The Chargers would like to draft a playmaking wide receiver with this pick, but they won't reach for Sinorice Moss if Jackson and Holmes are off the board. Despite spending three high draft picks in recent years on CBs Quentin Jammer, Sammy Davis and Drayton Florence, the team's pass defense remains a major issue. Joseph is an excellent athlete with the speed and natural man-to-man cover skills to help upgrade this unit.

20. Kansas City Chiefs (10-6)
Top five needs: WR, CB, DT, DE, QB
The pick: +Ashton Youboty, CB, Ohio State
Much like the Chargers, the Chiefs want a wide receiver with this pick, but the supply does not match the demand. Instead, expect the Chiefs to take advantage of a deep crop of young cornerbacks by taking the best available at pick No. 20. Youboty gambles too much and needs some polishing, but he has the natural physical tools of a top-10 pick. He could help right away as a sub-package cover corner and eventually could take over at the spot opposite Patrick Surtain.

4/6/2006 12:47:23 PM

21. New England Patriots (10-6)
Top five needs: OLB, WR, CB, RB, OT
The pick: DeAngelo Williams, RB, Memphis
The Patriots have several needs on defense, especially at outside linebacker and cornerback. To that end, OLB Chad Greenway would be a great fit, especially since he played under former Bill Belichick protégé Kirk Ferentz at Iowa. However, if Williams slips this far, the Patriots won't hesitate to draft him. Corey Dillon was unable to stay healthy last season and has a lot of mileage on his legs, which is why drafting a premier running back prospect is wise for both the future and the present.

22. Denver Broncos (10-6)
Pick acquired from Redskins
Top five needs: WR, DE, TE, RB, DT
The pick: +Laurence Maroney, RB, Minnesota
With the other three elite running back talents from this year's class already off the board, the Broncos would be hard-pressed to pass on Maroney with this pick. Making Maroney even more enticing is his experience playing in a similar zone-blocking scheme at Minnesota.

23. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (11-5)
Top five needs: OT, WR, DE, LB, CB
The pick: Marcus McNeill, OT, Auburn
This might be a bit of a reach for McNeill. However, the Buccaneers are in dire straits at the offensive tackle position, and the lack of offensive line depth in this year's class could force the team's hand. McNeill does not possess elite physical tools, but he is a massive right tackle prospect who always seems to execute his blocking assignment.

24. Cincinnati Bengals (11-5)
Top five needs: DT, TE, DE, CB, QB
The pick: Gabe Watson, DT, Michigan
The Bengals will continue to target defense early in this year's draft. There are concerns regarding Watson's inconsistent motor while at Michigan, but if anyone can get the most out of him, it is head coach Marvin Lewis. Watson has the size and strength to help beef up an undersized defensive front that got pushed around entirely too much last season.

25. New York Giants (11-5)
Top five needs: WR, OLB, DT, CB, OT
The pick: Chad Greenway, OLB, Iowa
Even if the Giants land free agent OLB LaVar Arrington, they still will be in the market for a linebacker in the first few rounds of the draft. Greenway could slip due to his less-than-impressive showing at the combine, but he is an instinctive football player who will make an impact immediately for the team that takes a chance on him in the second half of the first round.

26. Chicago Bears (11-5)
Top five needs: CB, TE, S, OLB, PK
The pick: +Leonard Pope, TE, Georgia
There were four tight ends in the NFL last season who caught 70 or more passes. In comparison, Bears TE Desmond Clark has just 48 catches in the last two seasons. Simply put, the Bears are in need of a difference-maker at tight end. In what is a strong group of prospects at this position, Pope is the second-best behind Davis.

27. Carolina Panthers (11-5)
Top five needs: SS/OLB, WR, TE, OG, RB
The pick: Kamerion Wimbley, DE/OLB, Florida State
Wimbley is building steam at just the right time. He built on a strong senior campaign by turning in an impressive combine workout. At just 248 pounds, Wimbley could emerge as a future starter at outside linebacker for the Panthers. In the meantime, he is ready to contribute immediately as a situational pass-rusher.

28. Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
Top five needs: OLB, TE, DE, OT, CB
The pick: Tamba Hali, DE, Penn State
The Jaguars have needs at outside linebacker and tight end, but they have shown they will draft the best available player, regardless of position. In this scenario, Hali would be a great value late in the first round, and he also could improve the depth of the Jaguars' defensive end position by playing in a rotation with Reggie Hayward, Paul Spicer and Marcellus Wiley.

29. Denver Broncos (13-3)
Top five needs: WR, DE, TE, RB, DT
The pick: Sinorice Moss, WR, Miami
After snagging Maroney with their initial pick in the first round, the Broncos will be in the market for the best available wide receiver, tight end or defensive end. In this case, Moss would have to be the choice. His lack of size will scare some teams, but his explosive speed and quickness will make him an immediate threat as a slot receiver in the NFL.

30. Indianapolis Colts (14-2)
Top five needs: RB, OLB, OG, ILB, PK
The pick: Demeco Ryans, OLB, Alabama
The Colts want desperately for one of the aforementioned top-four running backs to fall to them at pick No. 30. If that doesn't happen, though, do not expect GM Bill Polian to reach for a second-round prospect such as Joseph Addai or Brian Calhoun. One option would be to trade out of the first round to stockpile picks and get a better value at the running back position later on. A second option would be to package picks to move up for Williams or Maroney. A final option would be to sit tight and draft the best available linebacker or offensive lineman. In this case, Ryans would be a great value and potentially could take over right away for departed OLB David Thornton.

31. Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
Top five needs: OG, DS, WR, CB, OLB
The pick: Mathias Kiwanuka, DE, Boston College
The Seahawks will have bigger needs at offensive guard if they don't match the Vikings' offer sheet for transition free agent Steve Hutchinson, as well as at safety and wide receiver. However, the team also needs to improve its depth at defensive end, and Kiwanuka would be a steal this late in the first round. He is a developmental prospect who could serve as a situational pass-rusher while attempting to improve his bulk, strength and technique versus the run.

32. Pittsburgh Steelers (11-5)
Top five needs: WR, FS, DE, C/OG, OLB
The pick: Nick Mangold, C, Ohio State
The Super Bowl champs are obviously void of many pressing positional needs. That's why they have the luxury of drafting the best available prospect with the final pick of the first round. Mangold, the clear-cut No. 1 center prospect in this year's class, would make a lot of sense as the heir apparent to aging starter Jeff Hartings. Other options could include OLB Bobby Carpenter, DT Rodrique Wright, DS Ko Simpson, OLB Thomas Howard and CB Alan Zemaitis.

4/6/2006 12:47:54 PM