Mock Draft - Round 1

[crizpynutz]

MOCK DRAFT: ROUND 1

PICK TEAM PLAYER POS SCHOOL
1 (1) Bengals Carson Palmer QB USC
The Bengals have reservations about drafting a quarterback with this pick after the Akili Smith disaster. They also are not sold on Palmer over Marshall's Byron Leftwich, which makes some sense considering the fact that Leftwich is much more experienced and better equipped to handle the Cincinnati weather. However, after all is said and done, we're confident that Palmer, who improved his draft value more than any other senior in 2002, will become a Bengal.

2 (2) Lions Charles Rogers WR Michigan St.
The Lions desperately need to bolster their wide receiver corps and should be in position to get the best of a strong class. Rogers, a junior, is the complete package. He's the best all-around receiving prospect since Keyshawn Johnson.

3 (3) Texans Jimmy Kennedy DT Penn State
The Texans have the most needs to fill and the highest odds of trading their top pick of any team in the NFL. With teams looking to move into the No. 3 spot for either a quarterback (Leftwich), defensive end (Terrell Suggs) or cornerback (Terrence Newman), we expect the Texans to trade down. However, if they keep the pick, Kennedy is the best value. He has rare quickness for his size and would be an ideal fit as the nose tackle in Houston's 3-4 defense.

4 (4) Bears Byron Leftwich QB Marshall
GM Jerry Angelo is not sold on taking a quarterback, so the team could trade down. Or the Bears could bring in a free-agent quarterback, use this pick on DE Terrell Suggs and draft a young quarterback later. However, because the free-agent class of quarterbacks is so weak, the Bears likely will relent to the pressure and draft Leftwich, who has the arm and experience in cold weather to be a perfect fit for Chicago. He lacks mobility, but that's his only negative. Leftwich has terrific size, rare arm strength and the best passing skills of all quarterbacks in this class.

5 (5) Cowboys Terrell Suggs DE Arizona St.
Coach Bill Parcells is looking to find a pass rusher. Right now, Suggs seems to be the perfect fit. Suggs is undersized, but he is the best pass rusher in this class and immediately would impact a unit that finished 31st in the NFL in sacks last season.
6 (6) Cardinals Terence Newman CB Kansas St.
The Cardinals plan to draft for defense in the first round and have needs at tackle, end, outside linebacker and cornerback. Newman has the size, speed and playmaking skills to become a shutdown corner, and he and Duane Starks could make a formidable duo for years to come.

7 (7) Vikings Rien Long DT Wash. St.
Long will be one of as many as six defensive tackles to go in the first round. The Vikings are looking to draft the best available player at defensive tackle or cornerback, and Long is that player. He is not the two-gap defensive tackle we thought the Vikings would go after to provide Chris Hovan a complement, but the team simply might choose to play a one-gap, attacking scheme with two athletic defensive tackles.

8 (8) Jaguars Andre Johnson WR Miami (FL)
If CB Fernando Bryant and DE Tony Brackens don't return, the Jaguars will have huge holes to fill. But right now their No. 1 need is at receiver, where age is finally catching up to Jimmy Smith and the team has no legitimate No. 2. Outside of Rogers, Johnson is the only can't-miss receiver in this draft, and the Jaguars would have to think long and hard about passing him up.

9 (9) Panthers Jordan Gross T Utah
The Panthers would love a shot at Leftwich, but with so many needs, the team will not package picks to move up. Their plan is to draft the best available player with their first pick and then draft a quarterback in the second round. Gross is the draft's top tackle and would solidify an offensive line that likely will be replacing three starters.

10 (10) Ravens Eric Steinbach G Iowa
(Pick subject to coin flip with Seattle) Steinbach is the draft's best guard and proved at the Senior Bowl that he is versatile enough to play tackle. The Ravens biggest need on the offensive line is at right tackle, where they are searching for an upgrade over Ethan Brooks. Steinbach could fill that hole. Kwamie Harris might be the better position fit, but Steinbach clearly is the better overall lineman.

11 (11) Seahawks Dewayne Robertson DT Kentucky
(Pick subject to coin flip with Baltimore) Robertson, a junior, is one of the fastest rising players in the draft. He is a big, quick, explosive interior presence who can play in a one- or two-gap scheme. He immediately would upgrade the Seahawks' run defense and allow John Randle to play a more limited role as his career winds down.

12 (12) Rams Kwame Harris T Stanford
The Rams, who have three unrestricted free agents on their offensive line, have some decisions to make. With Orlando Pace returning and Adam Timmerman moving back to guard, the most sensible pick here is Harris, who would be an instant upgrade over last year's starter, John St. Clair. Harris is big and physical with the strength to dominate ends at the point of attack as a run blocker. He still has to improve his footwork and pass protection, but he should be ready to start immediately.

13 (13) Redskins William Joseph DT Miami (FL)
The Redskins are facing some major repairs on the defensive line, and Joseph would be the best available solution at tackle or end. Joseph's draft status has slipped because he had some trouble holding his ground against the run, but he is still worth a top-10 pick. He would add youth and be an upgrade because of his terrific combination of size, power and quickness. Joseph might have faltered as a senior, but he still could wind up becoming the best pro defensive tackle from this class.

14 (14) Patriots Kevin Williams DT Oklahoma St.
(from Buffalo) The Patriots are looking to add bulk at tackle and the 301-pound Williams would nicely complement Richard Seymour. Williams was the most impressive defensive tackle at the Senior Bowl. He is big, strong and active versus the run, and he also has the athleticism to provide penetration in the passing game.

15 (15) Chargers Johnathan Sullivan DT Georgia
The Chargers will look to address the offensive line, wide receiver and defensive tackle positions during the first day of the draft, and Sullivan is the best value available. He has good size, is a fine athlete and never stops hustling. He immediately could help to bolster the Chargers' interior pass rush and would give some needed rest to aging Jason Fisk and oft-injured Jamal Williams.

16 (16) Chiefs Marcus Trufant CB Wash. St.
Trufant was sensational at the Senior Bowl and earned his way into the middle of the first round. He has adequate size, good speed and great natural cover skills. Trufant immediately could push Eric Warfield for the starting job opposite William Bartee.

17 (17) Saints Andre Woolfolk CB Oklahoma
Saints officials likely will take the best cornerback on the board, and Woolfolk would be the best value. He has limited experience at the position and still needs more coaching, but his upside is tremendous because of his athleticism, size and ball skills.

18 (18) Saints Jason Witten TE Tennessee
(from Miami) The Saints easily could go with a middle linebacker here, but they are rumored to have interest in drafting a tight end with one of their two picks in the first round. While it might be early for Witten to come off the board, he is the best overall tight end in the class. He needs to improve his blocking skills, but he'd be a great weapon for QB Aaron Brooks.

19 (19) Patriots E.J. Henderson ILB Maryland
Drafting a middle linebacker would allow the Patriots to move Tedy Bruschi back to the outside, where he is a better fit. Henderson, who missed spring practice after having back surgery in April, struggled early in his senior season but played well in November and December. He is the draft's best middle linebacker and would provide the physical presence at the position that the Patriots lacked last season.

20 (20) Broncos Jerome McDougle DE Miami (FL)
McDougle finished the season strong after struggling through some early injuries, but he needs to add some bulk and play with better technique against the run. He also showed up nearly two inches smaller (6-1) than advertised at the Senior Bowl, so he might drop out of the first 15 picks. But you can't teach his type of speed and explosiveness as a pass rusher, and the Broncos could use those qualities opposite Trevor Pryce.

21 (21) Browns George Foster T Georgia
The Browns' running game has improved, but upgrading their offensive line remains the top priority. It's risky to draft Foster this high, as he missed more than half of his senior season because of a wrist injury he suffered in an August automobile accident. But Foster still has great upside and is one of the top prospects at his position.

22 (22) Jets Boss Bailey OLB Georgia
The Jets likely will upgrade the speed at outside linebacker. Bailey's stock has fluctuated, but he is a tremendous athlete with exceptional speed and coverage skills. If nothing else, Bailey would be a terrific upgrade in the nickel package and on special teams before challenging for a starting job in his second season.

23 (23) Falcons Taylor Jacobs WR Florida
Michael Vick needs more reliable receivers, and it's likely the team will address that need with its first pick. There is always concern about Gators receivers translating their production from the college to the NFL, but Jacobs might have silenced critics with a strong week of practice at the Senior Bowl.

24 (24) Colts Kenny Peterson DT Ohio St.
Peterson had a strong senior season and continued to impress scouts at the Senior Bowl. His ability to platoon at end and tackle will only help him on draft day, and it could make him the right fit for Tony Dungy's versatile one-gap defensive line.

25 (25) Giants Chris Kelsay DE Nebraska
We're not as high on Kelsay as some NFL teams. He is active, tough and relentless. He is not, however, a great athlete and lacks the speed to consistently turn the corner as a pass rusher in the NFL. With that said, Kelsay projects as a late first-round pick and would be a good fit for the Giants, who might be looking to replace Kenny Holmes. New York is said to be looking at a defensive lineman with this pick.

26 (26) 49ers Brandon Lloyd WR Illinois
It looks like the 49ers will re-sign Chike Okeafor and let him and Jon Engleberger compete for the left end spot. Defensive tackle is still a huge need with the aging duo of Bryant Young and Dana Stubblefield, but there isn't a tackle with value this late. The 49ers need to draft a No. 3 receiver, and while they might not want to use this pick on one, Lloyd is the right fit for their West Coast offense.

27 (27) Steelers Mike Doss S Ohio St.
The Steelers are looking to make many changes to their secondary. If a cornerback of value was left on the board, they likely would draft him, but Doss is the best available defensive back remaining. Doss is the best safety because of his versatility, playmaking skills and toughness in run support.

28 (28) Titans Larry Johnson RB Penn State
The Titans will look to add offensive skill players, specifically a No. 2 receiver and a running back to challenge Eddie George. Johnson and George are similar power backs. If the team drafts Johnson, it will be to eventually replace George, not to complement him.

29 (29) Packers Rex Grossman QB Florida
The Packers would like to address another need with their first pick, including a middle linebacker, but it might be time for the organization to start thinking about grooming Brett Favre's replacement. Grossman is the third-rated quarterback behind Palmer and Leftwich, and it might do him some good to study as Favre's backup for a season or two.

30 (30) Eagles Michael Haynes DE Penn State
The Eagles have the flexibility of drafting the best available athlete, but their two needs are defensive end and middle linebacker. Haynes might be overvalued, but because there is such a premium put on ends in the NFL, don't be surprised if the Eagles or another team takes a chance on him this high. Haynes won't be the pass rusher in the NFL that he was in college, but he has a chance to develop into a solid every-down starter opposite Hugh Douglas.

31 (31) Raiders Jeff Faine C Notre Dame
Because Barret Robbins' future is in question, center has become an area of need for the Raiders. Faine is the top center on our board, and he's the type of experienced, intelligent player who could start as a rookie.

32 (32) Raiders Anquan Boldin WR Florida St.
(from Tampa Bay) The Raiders can go in a lot of directions with this pick, including defensive end and running back, but Boldin is worth the risk. He is still raw, but he has great speed and is a special athlete who would have time to learn the ropes from future Hall of Famers Jerry Rice and Tim Brown.

[daraydaz]

That's why they call them mocks. I wouldn't be very happy with those two selections.

[crizpynutz]

They are both good picks, but neither will play much this year. Faine has a decent job at starting at either G or C depeding on what happens with Middleton, Collins, Robbins. I know a lot of people love Treu and all, but he's not in the same class as the elite C's in the NFL, including Robbins. Faine has that type of potential. You might not like the pick of C in the 1st round, but you can't deny the kid's potential. I could live with one or the other, but not both. We need one impact player right away at least.

[TIBERIUS]

My feeling is that if robbins does not come back, than I could not argue with picking Faine, but no way can we not look at defense in the first round. There will be quality in the 2 thru 4 rounds for some sleeper wide outs, Just not that pressing a need at the moment. That was a great post tho crizpy!

[Raidahs7]

***Hey Crispy, here is also the 2nd round mock by TSN***
Also, Anquan Boldin???? No way, he ran a 4.75, 40 yd dash. You know that doesn't go well with Big Al. He has good size though...

Mock Draft By the football scouts of The War Room

View round: 2


MOCK DRAFT: ROUND 2

PICK TEAM PLAYER POS SCHOOL
1 (33) Bengals Ty Warren DT Tex. A&M
The Bengals need to address their defensive line and Warren should be available early in the second round. He is inconsistent, but coach Marvin Lewis could bring out the best in him.

2 (34) Lions Lee Suggs RB Va. Tech
The Lions might hesitate to draft a receiver and a running back with their first two picks, but surrounding QB Joey Harrington with Rogers and Suggs would make for an exciting future.

3 (35) Bears Dallas Clark TE Iowa
The Bears have plenty of other needs, but Clark could be the missing ingredient for their offense. An athletic, pass-catching specialist could really help open up the Bears' anemic aerial attack.

4 (36) Texans Bryant Johnson WR Penn State
The Texans could go in any number of different directions with this pick, but Johnson is a big, steady receiver who would provide QB David Carr with a consistent target.

5 (37) Cardinals Kyle Boller QB Cal.
After drafting a cornerback in the first round, the Cardinals would like to address their need for a pass-rushing end, but Boller would be hard to pass up. He could be the answer to their problems at quarterback for years to come.

6 (38) Cowboys Eugene Wilson CB Illinois
The Cowboys want to be more aggressive on defense and will look to improve at cornerback. Wilson doesn't have great size or speed, but he is a playmaker and could quickly develop into a solid No. 2 opposite Derek Ross.

7 (39) Jaguars Terry Pierce ILB Kansas St.
Pierce is a great fit here. He's the second-best inside linebacker in this draft and will challenge starter Wali Rainer for the job as a rookie.

8 (40) Vikings Rashean Mathis CB Bethune-Cook.
The Vikings will most likely address the cornerback position with this pick, and while Mathis is still raw, he has terrific size and speed.

9 (41) Ravens Dennis Weathersby CB Oregon St.
The Ravens could also address their defensive line with this pick, but Weathersby would be a good fit -- especially if Gary Baxter is moved to safety. Weathersby can be inconsistent, but his size and playmaking skills make him worth the risk.

10 (42) Seahawks Dewayne White DE Louisville
The Seahawks will continue to concentrate on upgrading their defensive line in Round 2. White can be inconsistent, but he was extremely productive at the college level and immediately could contribute as an edge rusher.

11 (43) Rams Gerald Hayes ILB Pitt
The Rams have spent a lot of money on draft picks and free agents at linebacker, but still aren't satisfied. Hayes is one of the top three inside linebackers in this draft and could push for a starting job as a rookie.

12 (44) Redskins Kelley Washington WR Tennessee
We hear he is back to 100 percent and running a 4.4 in the 40-yard dash. If that's true, he won't be available for the Redskins this late in the second round.

13 (45) Panthers Chris Simms QB Texas
The Panthers might not find their quarterback in the first round, but they will have a good lot to choose from with their second pick. Simms is a risk, but he'll have at least a year to develop behind Rodney Peete.

14 (46) Chargers Vince Manuwai G Hawaii
The Chargers will continue to bolster their offensive line. Manuwai needs more experience as a run blocker, but he's a terrific athlete and a great value this late.

15 (47) Chiefs Cory Redding DE Texas
Redding could be a surprise in the NFL. He never elevated his game to the next level in college, but he has rare physical tools and could at least provide situational pass-rushing help for the Chiefs.

16 (48) Bills LaMarcus McDonald OLB TCU
Without a pick in the first round, the Bills would be hard-pressed to ignore their need for a defensive tackle, but McDonald clearly is the best available player and also fills a need at outside linebacker.

17 (49) Dolphins Jon Stinchcomb T Georgia
The Dolphins will be looking to draft a left tackle with their first pick. Stinchcomb still needs to bulk up and improve his strength, but he's a very good athlete and an exceptional value here.

18 (50) Patriots Onterrio Smith RB Oregon
Now that the Patriots have opened up their offense, they need a running back with more speed and better receiving skills than Antowain Smith. Onterrio is the perfect match.

19 (51) Broncos Dave Ragone QB Louisville
If the Broncos don't go after Grossman in the first round, Ragone would be good value here. He faltered behind a porous line and with little help at receiver as a senior, but he still has very good tools.

20 (52) Browns Tyler Brayton DE Colorado
The Browns are in search of quality depth along their defensive line and a 'tweener end/tackle like Brayton could provide exactly what they are looking for.

21 (53) Jets Nick Eason DT Clemson
Eason is a bit of a risk because of durability concerns, but he stayed healthy as a senior and showed an impressive combination of size, power and quickness.

22 (54) Saints Troy Polamalu S USC
The Saints will either look for an inside linebacker or safety with this pick and Polamalu would be a steal this late. He would provide playmaking skills and speed as Sammy Knight's immediate replacement.

23 (55) Falcons Al Johnson C Wis.
After addressing receiver in the first round, the Falcons will shift focus to their offensive and defensive lines. Robert Garza is scheduled to move back to center, but he's had trouble staying healthy. Johnson could push him for the starting job right away.

24 (56) Giants Brett Williams T Florida St.
The Giants need to improve their depth at offensive tackle even if they do re-sign both Mike Rosenthal and Luke Petitgout. Williams was overrated coming into the year, but he is still a quality right tackle prospect and a good value here.

25 (57) 49ers Kindal Moorehead DE Alabama
If the 49ers go with a receiver in the first round, they will have to circle back on defensive line in the second. Moorehead would be a great fit because he's versatile enough to play inside and outside.

26 (58) Colts Sammy Davis CB Tex. A&M
Davis is the right fit at the right position for the Colts. He lacks great speed, but is quick, tough and aggressive enough to excel in the Colts' cover 2.

27 (59) Steelers Bennie Joppru TE Michigan
Outside of secondary needs, the Steelers should draft a pass-catching tight end to develop behind Mark Bruener. Joppru is one of the fastest rising tight ends in this class.

28 (60) Titans Teyo Johnson WR Stanford
The Titans are in search for a playmaker with size at receiver, and Johnson fits that description. He has taken off weight and improved his speed in the offseason.

29 (61) Eagles Sam Aiken WR N. Carolina
Aiken will be intriguing to the Eagles because his size and hands. He could be the right fit as the team's No. 4 receiver and eventually could push for a starting job.

30 (62) Packers Eric Manning DT Oregon St.
There isn't a middle linebacker worth drafting, so the Packers could go with a defensive lineman like Manning, who has a terrific combination of quickness and size. He has improved every year.

31 (63) Raiders Alonzo Jackson DE Florida St.
The Raiders are looking to add a pass-rush specialist on the first day of the draft and Jackson, who had 13 sacks as a senior, would be a good value this late in the second.

32 (64) Buccaneers Willis McGahee RB Miami (FL)
McGahee's recovery is ahead of schedule and the defending Super Bowl champions can afford to take a chance on him with the last pick in the second round.

[AceRimRat]

I like the 2nd round pick, and that's at least the second mock I've seen that has Tampa taking McGahee in the 2nd.

Boldin flopped at the combine and probably cost himself millions. I can't see the Raiders taking a guy that slow.

[mojobeast4694]

Theres no way we pass on McGahee in the 2nd.

[Rhode Raider]

I say he goes early 2nd or even late 1st.....just a hunch