2006 NFL Draft Thread (April 29-30) [Archive]

mpt0069

01-09-2006, 04:55 PM

Insider's Experts Takes on the consensus top 4 players.

* Player biographies are provided by Scouts Inc.

Reggie Bush
RB | (6'0", 200) | USC

Scouts Grade: 98

Strengths: The most dynamic and explosive playmaker in college football. Is a versatile weapon. A huge threat every time he touches the ball as a runner, receiver and return specialist. Has exceptional quickness, body control and speed. Shows a rare second-gear in space and will run away from defenders once he reaches the second level. His vision is outstanding. He sees things quickly and has the stop-and-start ability to exploit small creases when they become available. His balance is exceptional. He is a slippery runner who will spin through would-be tacklers and crawl for extra yards at the end of runs. His ability to pivot and hit cutback lanes is outstanding. Lacks bulk but he has impressive natural strength. Has the frame to improve his bulk. He shows a tremendous feel for the passing game. He is a smooth, crafty route runner. Plucks well on the run and will adjust to the poorly thrown ball. Is a deep threat as a receiver; shows the ability to consistently separate. Also is a huge weapon after the catch. Tremendous elusiveness in space.

Weaknesses: Lacks ideal size. Has adequate height but lacks bulk and will need to fill out his frame. Has never carried a full load as a starting running back at the collegiate level. Can he handle the pounding as a 25-carry per game back in the NFL. He is a better outside runner than inside runner. Does not show the ability to push the pile between the tackles. Will be overmatched at the POA vs. some bigger blitzing linebackers in pass pro at the NFL level.

Overall: Bush played in all 13 games as a freshman in 2003, when he rushed for 521 yards and three touchdowns on 90 carries, while chipping in with 314 yards and four TD's on 15 catches. He also averaged 27.3 yards with a touchdown on 18 KOR's. As a sophomore in 2004, Bush rushed for 908 yards and six TD's on 143 carries and had 509 yards and seven Td's on 43 receptions. He also averaged 25.6 yards per KOR and 15.7 yards per PR with two TD's. Bush finished that season fifth in the Heisman voting and also was named Co-Offensive Player of the Year and first-team All-Pac-10. He had arthroscopic surgery on his left shoulder in the offseason and was limited in spring practice, but has shown no signs of its affects as a junior in 2005. Should he elect to leave school after this season, Bush will become the highest rated running back in the 2006 class. In fact, depending on the team drafting No. 1, Bush could emerge as the top overall pick. Bush will need to add some bulk to his frame and there are some concerns regarding his potential to carry a full load at the NFL level. However, Bush is the most dynamic athlete in college football today and his versatility is what puts him in a class of his own in terms of his NFL potential. Even if Bush needs to be eased into a fulltime ball carrier's role as a rookie, he can still remain on the field as a receiver out of the backfield, in the slot, or split out wide on third down situations and provide a huge boost in the return game for the team that drafts him. Athletes like Bush do not come along very often, which is why we would have no hesitation selecting him with the first overall pick in 2006.

Matt Leinart
QB | (6'4", 224, 4.9) | USC

Scouts Grade: 98

Strengths: Is a proven winner and one of the most effective quarterbacks to ever play the collegiate game. A pressure performer. Has a terrific command of his offense. A natural born leader with terrific all-around intangibles. Is calm and poised. Steps up in key situations and isn't afraid to have the ball in his hands when it counts the most. He has very good size. Is tall with decent build, long arms and big hands. He has an excellent feel for reading defenses. Shows rare touch and accuracy as a passer. Can fit the ball in between coverage and knows how to lead his receivers. He throws a tight spiral. Has excellent feel for timing routes and anticipates his receivers' breaks well. Has enough quickness and fluidity to buy extra time from within the pocket. He sets up quicker than his speed would indicate. He also does a very good job of reading defenses in his drop. He has good body control, balance and COD skills. He has a high release point, has no trouble seeing over his offensive line and rarely has a pass batted down. Has a very good work ethic.

Weaknesses: Durability is becoming an increasing concern. Had a rotator cuff injury that forced him to miss his sophomore season in high school, tendonitis that bothered him in 2004 and required off-season surgery that shelved him in the spring of 2005. Lacks great mobility and speed. Not a threat to take off and run. Has good pocket awareness but lacks the quick feet and agility to consistently buy second chances as a passer. He winds up a little bit too much as a passer. Doe not have ideal quickness in terms of his release. He has adequate-to-good arm strength, but lacks elite NFL arm.

Overall: Leinart, who replaced Heisman Trophy winner Carson Palmer as the Trojans' starting quarterback in 2003, has been a fulltime starter since his sophomore season, when he finished 255 of 404 (63.4-percent) with 3,556 yards, 38 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Leinart started for his second season at quarterback as a junior in 2004, when he completed 269-of-412 passes (65.3%) for 3,322 yards and 33 TDs with just 6 interceptions, plus he rushed for 3 TDs. He won the Heisman Trophy in 2004. In two seasons as a fulltime starter prior to his senior season in 2005, Leinart is 25-1 in games that he has started and he led his team to back-to-back national championships. Leinart is a southpaw quarterback with great size, leadership skills and intangibles. Even prior to his senior season in 2005, Leinart was already as one of the most decorated quarterbacks in the history of college football. As a potential top-five draft pick, Leinart's lack of speed is a bit concerning, as are his minor durability issues and lack of elite arm strength. He also has been surrounded by the best supporting cast in college football during his three seasons as a starter. However, Leinart still has enough physical tools and all the intangibles an NFL team could want in its starting quarterback. He is quick enough in the pocket to buy second-chance passing opportunities, he has played through pain and he has better arm strength than several above average starters in the NFL right now. Very much like the Patriots' Tom Brady, Leinart simply knows how to win. He possesses rare intangibles and leadership skills, as well as accuracy as a passer. That is why, despite his lack of elite all-around physical tools, Leinart is the clear-cut top-rated quarterback in the 2006 class.

Vincent Young
QB | (6'4", 228) | TEXAS

Scouts Grade: 93

Strengths: Possesses ideal size. Is tall, well-built and strong. A terrific athlete. Has reportedly been timed in the 4.4's in the 40-yard dash. Displays outstanding mobility and is a huge threat as a runner. Shows very good initial quickness and the ability to consistently avoid the rush. He has elusiveness and an impressive second-gear in the open field. A true dual-threat QB. Has improved his accuracy when throwing on the run. Extremely dangerous when he breaks contain. Makes a lot of things happen after the initial play breaks down. Is improving as a passer. Possesses adequate arm strength and can make most of the throws necessary in the NFL. His touch and timing continue to improve as a passer.

Weaknesses: Shows decent but not good arm strength. His mechanics need a lot of improving. Shows a low release point and, for the most part, shot-puts the ball as a passer. A better runner than passer at this point. Does not show a good comprehension of reading defenses and making progression reads. Is extremely raw as pocket passer and will need a lot of developmental tutelage in that area in the NFL. Still lacks ideal decision-making skills. Tries to force things when they are not available. Must learn to better protect the football. Takes too many chances when protection is breaking down and throws too many passes up for grabs. Is impatient in the pocket. Frequently takes off too early and does not allow his receivers enough time to separate.

Overall: Young redshirted in 2002 and started seven of the 12 games he played in 2003. As a sophomore in 2004, Young completed 59.2-percent of his attempts (250) for 1,849 yards with 12 TD's and 11 INT's. He also rushed for 1079 yards and 14 TD's on 167 carries. Young is a junior in 2005 and has not indicated what his intentions are regarding his NFL future. Prior to the significant improvements he made as a passer between his sophomore and junior seasons; it was nearly a foregone conclusion that Young would need to make a position change in order to make a living in the NFL. Young still has lots of room to improve in terms of his mechanics, release point, accuracy and ability to read coverages. However, he has made huge strides in terms of his arm strength, accuracy and vertical passing abilities. Because he is such an elite athlete, we feel safe at this early point grading him out as a potential first round prospect. If he doesn't work out as a quarterback, Young can still make a significant contribution in a versatile wide receiver/return specialist-type role in the NFL.

D'Brickashaw Ferguson
OT | (6'5", 294, 5.1) | VIRGINIA

Scouts Grade: 98

Strengths: Possesses good height, continues to fill out his frame and has room to add more bulk. Possesses a very good wingspan. Is a rare athlete for the position. Does a terrific job of utilizing his long arms and strong hands. Is as technically sound as it gets for a collegiate OT. Does an exceptional job with his first step and takes great angles as a run blocker. He shows terrific feet and body control. Is outstanding when it comes to finding his assignments and executing on the second level. Plays with very good leverage; is a natural knee bender. Is outstanding in pass protection. Gets set as quickly as any OT in this class and possesses elite mirror-and-slide ability. Possesses long arms and big hands. Will ride perimeter pass rushers up the field. Shows the balance and lateral mobility to redirect inside. Rarely loses a battle to quickness. Shows very good awareness in pass pro and almost never allows his guy to get to the QB. He's also a durable player, hard worker and high-character guy. Well grounded and has his priorities in tact. A young prospect who did not turn 22 years old until the end of the 2005 CFB season. He also is very mature for his age.

Weaknesses: Lacks ideal bulk. He has continued to add weight but still needs to get bigger. Also must prove that he can handle 15-to20 more pounds without losing too much mobility. He lacks a powerful initial punch and does not show the ability to jar defenders upon initial contact. He is not an overpowering run blocker. Seems to lack a mean streak. Will have some trouble anchoring versus more powerful bull rushers in the NFL. Needs to be in good position to complete his assignment because he lacks the massive bulk and base to simply engulf defenders at the POA. Suffered a minor knee injury as a senior in 2005, but otherwise has been extremely durable.

Overall: Ferguson earned the starting job at left tackle as a true freshman in 2002 and started all 39 games prior to his senior season in 2005. He earned first team All-ACC honors as a junior in 2004. Ferguson missed two games because of a knee injury as a senior, but he started the other nine regular season games at the left tackle position. Ferguson still needs to add bulk to his frame and he has room to improve in terms of his power as a run blocker. Otherwise, Ferguson is the complete package. He is the most athletic offensive tackle in this year's draft class, as well as the most efficient in pass protection. Thanks to his good height and long limbs, Ferguson has the frame to continue to get bigger. What separates him from most is his exceptional quickness, agility and body control for the position. As it stands right now, we grade Ferguson out as the top offensive lineman and one of the top-five prospects overall in the 2006 class. He has all the physical and mental components necessary to develop into an upper-echelon starting left tackle in the NFL.

Oliver Klosov

01-09-2006, 05:20 PM

just a really really minor thing, but Paul Posluzny is missing the + in front of his name. He still has a year of eligiblity left - in case anyone was curious.

mpt0069

01-09-2006, 05:23 PM

just a really really minor thing, but Paul Posluzny is missing the + in front of his name. He still has a year of eligiblity left - in case anyone was curious.

Scouts, Inc. should hire you as their editor. I fixed it in any case. On a side note, I don't think he comes out this year even though he won't need surgery for his knee.

Oliver Klosov

01-09-2006, 05:25 PM

Scouts, Inc. should hire you as their editor. I fixed it in any case. On a side note, I don't think he comes out this year even though he won't need surgery for his knee.

They had said he was going back and forth on the issue many times, but I always got the feeling he would be back for his senior year.

He's the first Junior captain Penn State has had in something like 30 years. Beign a 2-time captain seems like the type of honor this kid would stay for.

mpt0069

01-09-2006, 05:30 PM

They had said he was going back and forth on the issue many times, but I always got the feeling he would be back for his senior year.

He's the first Junior captain Penn State has had in something like 30 years. Beign a 2-time captain seems like the type of honor this kid would stay for.

I bet that just makes you pleased as punch to see him make tackles all over the field in Big Ten (and especially U fof M) games, doesn't it?

my sex is artsy

01-09-2006, 05:43 PM

Bitch motherfucker, I was going to make this thread soon.

Anyway, I will be doing a draft PBP this year, live with Stephen A. Smith and Skip Bayless. BELIEVE THAT.

mpt0069

01-09-2006, 05:47 PM

Bitch motherfucker, I was going to make this thread soon.

Anyway, I will be doing a draft PBP this year, live with Stephen A. Smith and Skip Bayless. BELIEVE THAT.

If this year's draft is anything like last year's marathon, that may end up being the longest thread in history. A debate between Smith and Bayless over VY would make for quality television.

my sex is artsy

01-09-2006, 05:51 PM

10. Arizona Cardinals (5-11): +Mario Williams, DE, N.C. State

No way he lasts till 10.

18. Dallas Cowboys (9-7): Derek Hagan, WR, Arizona State

No.

19. San Diego Chargers (9-7): Marcus McNeill, OT, Auburn

Maybe, but I'm stil saying no.

24. *-Tampa Bay Buccaneers (11-5): +Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson

Are you shitting me? You have to be crazy to think that the Bucs aren't getting an offensive tackle.

27. *-New York Giants (11-5): Sinorice Moss, WR, Miami-Fla.

Christ almighty. Coughlin and Co. spend the entire year masking their deficiencies, and so rather than try to solidify other positions, they take a player at one of the positions they don't suck at?

I think this mock draft sucks dick, personally.

mpt0069

01-09-2006, 06:01 PM

Today's newest declarations as seen on ESPNews:

DB Ashton Youboty (Ohio State)
TE Anthony Fasano (Notre Dame)
S Ko Simpson (South Carolina)
DB Jonathan Joseph (South Carolina)
LB Ernie Sims (Florida State)

Youboty is probably the only guy on the list that ends up a first rounder but only because DB is not a deep positon this year. This is a great year for TEs. Vernon Davis, Marceded Lewis, and Leonard Pope can all be first rounders. Fasano and Dominque Byrd could go in the second and should be solid pors.

my sex is artsy

01-09-2006, 06:08 PM

Youboty is probably the only guy on the list that ends up a first rounder but only because DB is not a deep positon this year.

Which sucks for your Bolts. If the Bolts can move up to get Huff, they pwn.

my sex is artsy

01-09-2006, 06:10 PM

On a different note, it simply awes me how retarded some people on NFL Network are. They had some guy talking about the upcoming draft, saying Chad Greenway was the most NFL-ready linebacker coming out this year. Um...yeah. Greenway can't get off a block to save his life. AJ Hawk >>> Chad Greenway, in the NFL.

Thought this was a good time to quote myself a couple of months ago in another thread.

Sir Gibbs

01-09-2006, 06:11 PM

Are you shitting me? You have to be crazy to think that the Bucs aren't getting an offensive tackle.

Exactly, i guess they're trying to justify it by saying that rice is likely to leave this off season as him and brookes together are too big of a cap hit, which means by default rice is going to have to either renegotiate or leave. Option 2 seems the most likely.

Anyhow this is just dumb, the bucs drafted Dewayne White a few years ago to somewhat replace Rice and with our O Line being constantly our worst area with Anthony Davis and that fucking bust Keyetta Walker still starting we need new guys. Also the recent drafting of Colmer and Buenning shows that Gruden wants to sort this O Line out. This is also clearly the draft to go after tackles as there are a few of them about and some serious value can be had.

I'm thinking the bucs might go for Eric Winston, or Marcus McNeill should he fall to us.

mpt0069

01-09-2006, 06:12 PM

Which sucks for your Bolts. If the Bolts can move up to get Huff, they pwn.

I really think they focus on the O-Line. It was pretty terrible at the end of the year and they need to get someone behind Roman Oben. If they can move to pick up Huff and can do it on the cheap while they're at it, I wouldn't be surprised to see them do that. But he's the only guy I really see them moving up for since they have no shot at Williams.

Sir Gibbs

01-09-2006, 06:13 PM

mpt0069

01-09-2006, 06:17 PM

Also the texans should just draft D'Brick, he's not a sexy pick. But he's exactly what their team needs. Problem is i could see them getting involved with someone trying to trade up to get bush or leinart and missing out on him.

That's exactly what I said in another thread. Dom Davis is a solid RB and if they are going to bite the bullet and pay Carr his $8 Million they may as well get him some blockers.

my sex is artsy

01-09-2006, 06:21 PM

I really think they focus on the O-Line. It was pretty terrible at the end of the year and they need to get someone behind Roman Oben. If they can move to pick up Huff and can do it on the cheap while they're at it, I wouldn't be surprised to see them do that. But he's the only guy I really see them moving up for since they have no shot at Williams.

If teams start poaching O-linemen off the board early, they're fucking retarded. There are SO many linemen in this draft who could be Pro Bowlers, and at least solid pros. Good tackles you got.. D'Brickashaw, McNeill, Justice, Scott, Winston, and Colledge. Plus Whitworth and Trueblood will be solid right tackles with long NFL careers, judging from a) their style of play and b) their pedigree as BC/LSU linemen. Plus, you've got Jean-Gilles and Joseph at OG, too.

The Chargers can wait to get quality depth on the O-line. If they pass up making a move for a DB, they suck. However AJ delivers goods, so I have a feeling he will.

Sir Gibbs

01-09-2006, 06:21 PM

That's exactly what I said in another thread. Dom Davis is a solid RB and if they are going to bite the bullet and pay Carr his $8 Million they may as well get him some blockers.

Ideal situation is if they somehow trade down 1 or 2 places grab some extra picks and still get the brick, with other teams scrapping to get bush, leinart and now possibly Young. This seems to be a strech though and they might not want to risk missing out on him

cottonzway

01-09-2006, 06:23 PM

I think the Eagles should do what it takes to get Mario Williams. They won't though. Also they won't draft a WR that high nor should they. They need to sign the best FA they can for that position. They don't need a guy who will take 2-3 years to learn the position at the NFL level.

my sex is artsy

01-09-2006, 06:24 PM

Also the texans should just draft D'Brick, he's not a sexy pick. But he's exactly what their team needs. Problem is i could see them getting involved with someone trying to trade up to get bush or leinart and missing out on him.

Charley Casserly has no idea what the fuck he is doing; Ferguson may not be a sexy pick, but he's as sexy of a pick as you get as an O-lineman. If the Texans remain adamant about drafting Bush...they fail. You can't just keep trying to stock pile offensive weapons behind the worst offensive line in the league, especially when you already have a perennial 1000 yard rusher. Houston suck fucking ass, and I won't be shocked when they take Bush, even though they should really just try to trade down. Like I said above...OTs are NOT a premium position here. There are tons of them. If they were willing to sacrifice not taking the TOP guy in Ferguson, they could probably drop down, get more picks, and look to secure a ton of line prospects. But once again, Charley Casserly is a moran.

my sex is artsy

01-09-2006, 06:26 PM

I think the Eagles should do what it takes to get Mario Williams. They won't though.

And what is worse, is that taking Kiwanuka isn't suitable for the Eagles, either, since Kiwi can't play the run half as well as Williams, and the Iggles get pwnt in the run game.

mpt0069

01-09-2006, 06:27 PM

If teams start poaching O-linemen off the board early, they're fucking retarded. There are SO many linemen in this draft who could be Pro Bowlers, and at least solid pros. Good tackles you got.. D'Brickashaw, McNeill, Justice, Scott, Winston, and Colledge. Plus Whitworth and Trueblood will be solid right tackles with long NFL careers, judging from a) their style of play and b) their pedigree as BC/LSU linemen. Plus, you've got Jean-Gilles and Joseph at OG, too.

The Chargers can wait to get quality depth on the O-line. If they pass up making a move for a DB, they suck. However AJ delivers goods, so I have a feeling he will.

Only AJ knows what AJ is going to do, but like you I have complete faith in his abilities. For all I know, he'll grab another LB or D-Lineman if that is the top player on his big board. I guess it'll depend on what falls to him, but I really get the feeling he'll be gunning for O-Lineman early.

Oliver Klosov

01-09-2006, 06:28 PM

I bet that just makes you pleased as punch to see him make tackles all over the field in Big Ten (and especially U fof M) games, doesn't it?

Um, Penn State is probably my second favorite team in the Big10(11) so for all but one game, I'm happy to see him back. I might be dinging a different tune if Michigan hadn't won 7 straight from Penn State or if The nittany Lions weren't losing a bunch of their starters.

Oliver Klosov

01-09-2006, 06:30 PM

Today's newest declarations as seen on ESPNews:

DB Ashton Youboty (Ohio State)
TE Anthony Fasano (Nort Carolina)
S Ko Simpson (South Carolina)
DB Jonathan Joseph (South Carolina)
LB Ernie Sims (Florida State)

Youboty is probably the only guy on the list that ends up a first rounder but only because DB is not a deep positon this year. This is a great year for TEs. Vernon Davis, Marceded Lewis, and Leonard Pope can all be first rounders. Fasano and Dominque Byrd could go in the second and should be solid pors.

Isn't Fasano Notre Dame?

mpt0069

01-09-2006, 06:31 PM

Isn't Fasano Notre Dame?

Goddamit I had Carolina on the brain since that's where Joseph and Simpson were from. Fuck. *EDITS*

cottonzway

01-09-2006, 06:32 PM

And what is worse, is that taking Kiwanuka isn't suitable for the Eagles, either, since Kiwi can't play the run half as well as Williams, and the Iggles get pwnt in the run game.

The Eagles need some serious work to the front 7 in general. They badly need a DT, DE, and two outside LBs. The secondary had a bad year, but much of that is due to no passrush. Kearse is way overpaid, but isn't the issue. The only other guys that are above back ups are Trotter and Patterson in that front 7. If they couldn't get Williams I would want them to take an OLB more then anything. They (Andy Reid) don't value the position highly though. I guess a 6-10 year though might make them rethink that as Dhani Jones and Keith Adams ain't getting the job done.

Oliver Klosov

01-09-2006, 06:33 PM

Goddamit I had Carolina on the brain since that's where Joseph and Simpson were from. Fuck. *EDITS*

shoulda blamed it on scout.com again.

Sir Gibbs

01-09-2006, 06:36 PM

So Ollie who do you see your Lions drafting. Maybe another reciever?

Oliver Klosov

01-09-2006, 06:39 PM

So Ollie who do you see your Lions drafting. Maybe another reciever?

that's the joke.

I would really like to see the O-line get shored up. And maybe a middle Linebacker.

but this is the Lions, who will have a new coach who will want "his QB" so probably a Quarterback.

my sex is artsy

01-09-2006, 06:40 PM

So Ollie who do you see your Lions drafting. Maybe another reciever?

Gibbs has some of the most underrated pwnage at BK.

cottonzway

01-09-2006, 06:42 PM

What's the deal on Ernie Sims? Is he projected as a 1st round pick?

Sir Gibbs

01-09-2006, 06:45 PM

Gibbs has some of the most underrated pwnage at BK.

Thanks Jordie

the chairman211

01-09-2006, 07:01 PM

Which sucks for your Bolts. If the Bolts can move up to get Huff, they pwn.
wonder if jammer turned them off of texas DBs :D . funny how qj was not only the worst, but the most hyped of our recent chain.

mpt0069

01-09-2006, 07:06 PM

What's the deal on Ernie Sims? Is he projected as a 1st round pick?

He's actually a guy who MAY see a position change a la Boulware in the pros as he's a bit undersized for LB (6'0" 220). But he's very fast and a pretty physical dude. He'd be a perfect fit for the Colts though. One red flag would be charcter since he was arrested for domestic battery last year I think it was. He'll probably go anywhere from second to the third round.

my sex is artsy

01-09-2006, 07:07 PM

wonder if jammer turned them off of texas DBs :D . funny how qj was not only the worst, but the most hyped of our recent chain.

It isn't that Jammer is a bad player, it is that he struggled at first, and when he finally got his feet under him, they instated the illegal contact rule, which is basically the equivalent of being Pequeno Nogueira if Shooto decided to ban the guillotine choke.

mpt0069

01-09-2006, 07:10 PM

wonder if jammer turned them off of texas DBs :D . funny how qj was not only the worst, but the most hyped of our recent chain.

Bah, unfortunately for QJ they outlawed his style of physical play and he just has not been able to adjust to it. Schottenheimer has him wear boxing gloves during practice so he can't do the grabby grab and that shit han't worked either. And after four years or so, he still hasn't learned to turn his head around when the damn ball is in the air. Those lack of instincts kind of tell me a switch to safety wouldn't be pretty either which is too bad because he's a good hitter and a sure tackler.

cottonzway

01-09-2006, 07:11 PM

He's actually a guy who MAY see a position change a la Boulware in the pros as he's a bit undersized for LB (6'0" 220). But he's very fast and a pretty physical dude. He'd be a perfect fit for the Colts though. One red flag would be charcter since he was arrested for domestic battery last year I think it was. He'll probably go anywhere from second to the third round.

Oh ok. I must be mixing him up with someone else. I also thought he was bigger then that. Who is there at OLB that could make sense at the #14 pick? I could have swarn it was Sims but I recall an underclassman who fit that bill there.

the chairman211

01-09-2006, 07:14 PM

a packers source tells the NY Post that they're ready to dry-hump lendale white in the 5 spot.

given that the NY Post makes the National Enquirer look like Pulitzer material, the pack has Gado even if ahman green is done, and that's about 10 spots higher than the highest previous projections for lendale, this smells funny. white would be a great NFC north back however

mpt0069

01-09-2006, 07:20 PM

Oh ok. I must be mixing him up with someone else. I also thought he was bigger then that. Who is there at OLB that could make sense at the #14 pick? I could have swarn it was Sims but I recall an underclassman who fit that bill there.

These are the top OLBs according to ESPN.com. Not sure when they did their rankings but Ryans and Hawk are by far the class of this group. MSIA's boy Greenway will be there at 14 but I doubt he goes that high. Nicholson is in some legal trouble and I took Posluszny's name off of the list. But a team looking for an OLB could score some possible gold in the mid rounds though.

Outside Linebacker
NAME POS HT WT SCHOOL GRADE
AJ Hawk OLB 6'1" 243 OHIO STATE 98
Demeco Ryans OLB 6'1" 236 ALABAMA 96
Chad Greenway OLB 6'2" 243 IOWA 95
AJ Nicholson OLB 6'0" 241 FLORIDA STATE 94
Bobby Carpenter OLB 6'2" 254 OHIO STATE 90
Thomas Howard OLB 6'2" 231 UTEP 89
Roger McIntosh OLB 6'3" 231 SAMFORD 86
Spencer Havner OLB 6'4" 236 UCLA 78
Jon Alston OLB 6'1" 220 STANFORD 73
Travis Williams OLB 5'11" 214 AUBURN 70
Will Derting OLB 5'11" 230 WASHINGTON STATE 69
Brian Iwuh OLB 5'11" 226 COLORADO 67
Omar Gaither OLB 6'1" 225 TENNESSEE 64
Tarna Nande OLB 5'11" 227 MIAMI (OHIO) 55

TrickyNicky

01-09-2006, 09:13 PM

So, I'm not a huge NCAA Football fan. Anyone have a short list of the top DT's coming out this year?

my sex is artsy

01-09-2006, 09:17 PM

So, I'm not a huge NCAA Football fan. Anyone have a short list of the top DT's coming out this year?

Haloti Ngata, Claude Wroten, Brodrick Bunkley, Rodrique Wright, Gabe Watson and Jesse Mahelona.

mpt0069

01-09-2006, 10:03 PM

Defensive Tackle
NAME POS HT WT SCHOOL GRADE
Haloti Ngata DT 6'4" 339 OREGON 95
Gabriel Watson DT 6'3" 333 MICHIGAN 92
Claude Wroten DT 6'1" 295 LSU 91
Rodrique Wright DT 6'4" 306 TEXAS 90
Dusty Dvoracek DT 6'2" 303 OKLAHOMA 89
Jesse Mahelona DT 6'1" 297 TENNESSEE 86
Orien Harris DT 6'2" 299 MIAMI (FLA.) 82
Brodrick Bunkley DT 6'2" 286 FLORIDA STATE 79
Jonathan Lewis DT 6'0" 308 VIRGINIA TECH 75
Babatunde Oshinowo DT 6'2" 320 STANFORD 73
Gerald Anderson DT 6'2" 318 GEORGIA 71
McKinley Boykin DT 6'0" 292 MISSISSIPPI 68
Kedrick Golston DT 6'3" 297 GEORGIA 65
Kyle Williams DT 6'1" 295 LSU 62

Oliver Klosov

01-10-2006, 02:12 PM

Rumors going around that Michigan DE/Rush Linebacker Lamarr Woodley will declare for the NFL draft.

my sex is artsy

01-10-2006, 02:15 PM

mpt0069

01-10-2006, 02:33 PM

That drunk ass punk bitch Dvoracek, gets a better rating than Mahelona? WTF?

I'm really not sure when the last time they updated those rankings were. I thought that was a surprise also since Dvoracek is less than a mature kid at this stage.

mpt0069

01-10-2006, 02:33 PM

the chairman211

01-10-2006, 03:37 PM

That drunk ass punk bitch Dvoracek, gets a better rating than Mahelona? WTF?
yeah i was gonna ask how the hell he's rated damn near even with rod wright.

my sex is artsy

01-10-2006, 03:54 PM

yeah i was gonna ask how the hell he's rated damn near even with rod wright.

I think those ratings must be older ish, since Bunkley, given how strong of a year he had, should be considerably higher.

the chairman211

01-10-2006, 04:35 PM

LB Kai Parham (Virginia) declared for the draft yesterday.

Will probably announce this week:

Gone:
OT Winston Justice (USC)
RB LenDale White (USC)

Most likely staying in school:
S Darnell Bing (USC)
G/C Fred Matua (USC)
WR Steve Smith (USC)
i had heard Bing had one foot out the door, he's a sure first rounder. justice i think is the highest rated OLer. anyone care to speculate on lendale's destination?

my sex is artsy

01-10-2006, 04:48 PM

i had heard Bing had one foot out the door, he's a sure first rounder. justice i think is the highest rated OLer. anyone care to speculate on lendale's destination?

Bing is definitely first round material with the lack of DBs in this draft. Also, D'Brickashaw is the highest rated OL'er, then followed by Justice, then probably Marcus McNeil.

As for LenDale...he is a good fit for the Eagles, but the Iggles simply have bigger worries than offense. Westbrook is a third down back, but the Eagles can work with Moats for now. The Cardinals need a running back BADLY. I think they choose Williams or LenDale. If LenDale slips, I think Minnesota (go Vikes), or Carolina should nab him.

However, my Vikings will end up drafting the sure-bust Laurence Maroney because they hate me.

the chairman211

01-10-2006, 04:55 PM

Bing is definitely first round material with the lack of DBs in this draft. Also, D'Brickashaw is the highest rated OL'er, then followed by Justice, then probably Marcus McNeil.

As for LenDale...he is a good fit for the Eagles, but the Iggles simply have bigger worries than offense. Westbrook is a third down back, but the Eagles can work with Moats for now. The Cardinals need a running back BADLY. I think they choose Williams or LenDale. If LenDale slips, I think Minnesota (go Vikes), or Carolina should nab him.

However, my Vikings will end up drafting the sure-bust Laurence Maroney because they hate me.
yeah if a mug like yobouty is coming out due to the lack of DBs, then bing should be rather high. there was some talk that if he stuck around he might get some playing time at RB. i imagine he'll come out though.

rumors swirling that the jets will trade down. i'm sure you're pleased

mpt0069

01-10-2006, 05:17 PM

mpt0069

01-10-2006, 05:25 PM

Confirmed:

LB Paul Posluszny will be returning to school. He only needs to 6-8 weeks of rehab for his knee and should be back for spring practice. That's good news for Joe Pa.

Malibu

01-10-2006, 05:33 PM

Bing was told by NFL reps he is a second or third round guy. Yeah, I know you guys probably have a surprised as fuck look on your face but that's what I read in the columns discussing what these Trojan underclassmen are going to do.

Hearing that made him reconsider staying even though that kind of prediction has one wondering if Carroll is lining the reps' pockets. 6'2" 220-230 pound safeties with legit 4.4-4.5 speed that can hit like a truck and bring extra value as a kickoff returner usually don't last too long.

LenDale is the third best RB in the draft IMO. If Maroney goes off of the board with White still there, that GM needs to be fired.

If LenDale were to come out, would he go any higher than 17? I could see the Vikes taking him, but I can't picture him going higher than that. I think he could be a really good back.

Also, I had a buddy tell me he thought LenDale would be a Jerome Bettis-type back in the pro's. I slapped him.

Malibu

01-10-2006, 05:34 PM

Confirmed:

LB Paul Posluszny will be returning to school. He only needs to 6-8 weeks of rehab for his knee and should be back for spring practice. That's good news for Joe Pa.

What was the nature of that injury? I was sad for him after seeing him get carted off in the Orange Bowl.
I'm glad he's coming back, that kid is the heart of that Penn State D, moreso than Tamba Hali.

the chairman211

01-10-2006, 05:44 PM

mpt0069

01-10-2006, 05:46 PM

If LenDale were to come out, would he go any higher than 17? I could see the Vikes taking him, but I can't picture him going higher than that. I think he could be a really good back.

Also, I had a buddy tell me he thought LenDale would be a Jerome Bettis-type back in the pro's. I slapped him.

I think he could go high as 10 to Arizona. I know they used a second rounder on Arrington but White is the kind of guy that can make his O-Line look better as the game goes on since he is such a punishing runner. He is an absolute load. That said, I don't think he goes there but we'll have to see if he declares and how his workouts go.

mpt0069

01-10-2006, 05:47 PM

What was the nature of that injury? I was sad for him after seeing him get carted off in the Orange Bowl.
I'm glad he's coming back, that kid is the heart of that Penn State D, moreso than Tamba Hali.

He had two partially torn ligaments but they weren't bad enough that they needed surgery. I wholeheartedly agree he was the heart of that D and they are losing a lot of people next year so his leadership will be even more important.

my sex is artsy

01-10-2006, 05:49 PM

Bing was told by NFL reps he is a second or third round guy. Yeah, I know you guys probably have a surprised as fuck look on your face but that's what I read in the columns discussing what these Trojan underclassmen are going to do.

Hearing that made him reconsider staying even though that kind of prediction has one wondering if Carroll is lining the reps' pockets. 6'2" 220-230 pound safeties with legit 4.4-4.5 speed that can hit like a truck and bring extra value as a kickoff returner usually don't last too long..

This is total bullshit...there has to be some ulterior motive in them saying that. There is NO WAY a kid with Bing's playing experience, varied skill set, and incredible athleticism, is "second or third round guy". Not in this draft. Teams need safeties. And who is there? Huff, and Laron fucking Landry. And Bing is easily a cut above Landry. I don't buy that shit for a second.

mpt0069

01-10-2006, 05:50 PM

what sites do you guys check for draft profiles

I copied the lists and draft profiles I listed from ESPN.com. And then I get the Sporting News draft guide every year but it doesn't get printed until after the Combine.

Malibu

01-10-2006, 05:51 PM

I think he could go high as 10 to Arizona. I know they used a second rounder on Arrington but White is the kind of guy that can make his O-Line look better as the game goes on since he is such a punishing runner. He is an absolute load. That said, I don't think he goes there but we'll have to see if he declares and how his workouts go.

I agree about Arizona. That's the only team with a higher pick than the Vikes that would make sense, especially since the Cards probably did not have to spend much for Arrington. And LenDale gives you so much more. He would take a lot of the burden off the passing game, and help create some balance on what could be a dangerous offense.
But what about the Card's o-line? Would it make sense to pursue a guard or tackle?

mpt0069

01-10-2006, 05:52 PM

This is total bullshit...there has to be some ulterior motive in them saying that. There is NO WAY a kid with Bing's playing experience, varied skill set, and incredible athleticism, is "second or third round guy". Not in this draft. Teams need safeties. And who is there? Huff, and Laron fucking Landry. And Bing is easily a cut above Landry. I don't buy that shit for a second.

Yeah I was pretty shocked when I read about their projection as well, but apparently all the projections they give to players are "very conservative". I'll C+P that article when I find it.

Malibu

01-10-2006, 05:55 PM

This is total bullshit...there has to be some ulterior motive in them saying that. There is NO WAY a kid with Bing's playing experience, varied skill set, and incredible athleticism, is "second or third round guy". Not in this draft. Teams need safeties. And who is there? Huff, and Laron fucking Landry. And Bing is easily a cut above Landry. I don't buy that shit for a second.

Agreed. Bing was hands-down the best player on USC's defense this year. And don't be fooled by the Rose Bowl...their defense was not as bad as many believed. He reminds me a little bit of Sean Taylor as far as the size and speed combination.

mpt0069

01-10-2006, 05:57 PM

http://www.dailynews.com/sports/ci_3381664

Article Launched: 01/08/2006 12:00:00 AM

Washington expected to return next season
By Scott Wolf, Staff Writer

USC tailback Chauncey Washington said Saturday he intends to return to school next season instead of applying for the NFL Draft.
Washington was ineligible the past two seasons and considered going pro because he wasn't sure he could handle the academics at USC for another year.

"School starts on Monday and I'll be there," Washington said. "I'm going to be back next year."

Washington got above a 2.0 grade-point average in the fall semester at USC but will sit out spring practice because he was told to focus on academics by USC coach Pete Carroll. He tried to practice last spring, but did not get good enough grades to be eligible.

Big day: USC received four verbal commitments on Saturday from players all considered among the top 100 players in the nation. Tailback Emmanuel Moody (5-foot-10, 190 pounds) of Coppell, Texas, selected USC over the Longhorns.

Linebacker Allen Bradford (5-11, 222) of Colton, rated the No. 1 player in the nation at his position, chose USC over UCLA. Offensive lineman Butch Lewis (6-5, 280) of Aurora, Colo., the state's top prospect, selected USC over Georgia and Notre Dame.

Wide receiver David Ausberry (6-4, 215) of Lemoore, chose USC over Georgia and Ohio State.

Bing grade: The NFL evaluated USC safety Darnell Bing and listed him as a second- or third-round draft pick. Bing, who is a junior, requested the evaluation before deciding whether to turn pro. The NFL usually is conservative on its projections.

Bing previously said he would turn pro if he were a first-round pick.

Laying low: USC tailback Reggie Bush is keeping a low profile since the Rose Bowl while he decides who to hire as his agent. Meanwhile, tight end Dominique Byrd will be represented by Eugene Parker, who represents Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald.

mpt0069

01-10-2006, 06:01 PM

I agree about Arizona. That's the only team with a higher pick than the Vikes that would make sense, especially since the Cards probably did not have to spend much for Arrington. And LenDale gives you so much more. He would take a lot of the burden off the passing game, and help create some balance on what could be a dangerous offense.
But what about the Card's o-line? Would it make sense to pursue a guard or tackle?

Zona's line is plain horrible across the board. I've read that Dennis Green's blocking schemes are outdated and part of the problem but if they're going to commit to Kurt Warner next year, they need to do something about it.

the chairman211

01-10-2006, 06:03 PM

Big day: USC received four verbal commitments on Saturday from players all considered among the top 100 players in the nation. Tailback Emmanuel Moody (5-foot-10, 190 pounds) of Coppell, Texas, selected USC over the Longhorns.
we werent even in the hunt for moody. it was usc vs. miami

the chairman211

01-10-2006, 06:05 PM

vick's rap sheet. http://houserockbuilt.blogspot.com/2006/01/law-order-ron-new-mexico-edition.html

Following a loss in the ACC championship game, Vick consumes a gallon of scotch, gathers up two dozen prostitutes in his vehicle and burns Alltel Stadium to the ground, all the while blasting an illegally-downloaded version of Eazy-E's "College Girls Are Easy". During the arson, his vehicle receives three parking tickets.

Malibu

01-10-2006, 06:08 PM

Zona's line is plain horrible across the board. I've read that Dennis Green's blocking schemes are outdated and part of the problem but if they're going to commit to Kurt Warner next year, they need to do something about it.

My thoughts exactly. I see them pursuing a dominant tackle or guard and addressing that need first.
But there is always free agency, I just have no idea what o-linemen will be available.

Oliver Klosov

01-10-2006, 06:16 PM

Link to free agents to be.

http://www.theredzone.org/2006/freeagents/

Malibu

01-10-2006, 06:33 PM

Link to free agents to be.

http://www.theredzone.org/2006/freeagents/

Thanks. That's very helpful.

mpt0069

01-10-2006, 06:34 PM

we werent even in the hunt for moody. it was usc vs. miami

Doesn't it sound better when they write it like that though? It almost gives you the impression that USC stole him from UT or something. That said, USC is recruiting some pretty flaky cats this at RB this year. Moody decommits from UT and was supposedly set to commit to Miami but it got pushed back sine they couldn't get it on television.

Michael Goodson decommits from Okla. St., changes his mind weekly, and then when it looks like he'll commit to USC he holds off because Moody beat him to it. Damn.

Oliver Klosov

01-10-2006, 06:34 PM

no problem.

the chairman211

01-10-2006, 06:37 PM

Link to free agents to be.

http://www.theredzone.org/2006/freeagents/
damn, dave ragone's a free agent. guess the texans are fucked next year

Oliver Klosov

01-10-2006, 06:38 PM

damn, dave ragone's a free agent. guess the texans are fucked next year

Charlie Batch will return to Detroit and be the Lions' savior.

mpt0069

01-10-2006, 07:59 PM

I just saw on ESPNews that RB Brian Calhoun (Wisconsin) is declaring for the draft. I'm kinda surprised about that one but he's probably another guy that is going while his name is pretty hot.

elgigante

01-10-2006, 08:44 PM

I want Elvis Dumervil on the Rams. Pass rush is a big priority. No more fucking DT's need to be drafted early as the last 3 have been busts in the first round. I might just go off the deep end if we draft offense in the first round

the chairman211

01-11-2006, 04:57 AM

cottonzway

01-12-2006, 04:21 PM

Link to free agents to be.

http://www.theredzone.org/2006/freeagents/

My Eagles FA wish list:

Reggie Wayne
Steve Hutchinson
John Abraham
Julian Peterson

That should set them straight and they have the money to sign all 4 of these guys.

Oliver Klosov

01-12-2006, 04:24 PM

Reggie Bush press conference at 12:30 eastern. to announce his decision. i.e. that he is going pro.

mpt0069

01-12-2006, 05:53 PM

Shocking. Reggie Bush is going pro so now USC is out one entire backfield. Michael Coleman (6'2" 230) can take the place of Lendale White's Thunder but it'll be interesting to see who gets to be the Lightning.

On another side note, monstrous RB Michael Bush (Lousiville) is staying for his senior season.

mpt0069

01-12-2006, 06:01 PM

Mel Kiper weighs in on some underclassmen.

Updated: Jan. 11, 2006, 8:08 AM ET

Young's stock is rising while Vick's is falling

By Mel Kiper Jr.
Special to ESPN Insider

For the second straight year, Vince Young made the Rose Bowl his own personal playground. Not only did Young lead Texas to its first national title since 1970, he also propelled himself near the top of the 2006 NFL draft, and made himself a lot of money in the process.

The Houston Texans already have said they will take USC running back Reggie Bush (if he declares) with the No. 1 overall pick. The New Orleans Saints pick next, followed by the Tennessee Titans, both of which will be in the market for a quarterback of the future.

Young isn't the only underclassman quarterback to declare for April's draft, but he is the only one who will go in the first round.

Quarterback

Vince Young, Texas
2005: 65.2 completion percentage, 3,036 passing yards, 26 touchdowns; 1,050 rushing yards, 12 TDs

Vince Young will be no worse than the third pick in the 2006 draft.He moved from being the ninth or 10th pick in the draft up to -- at worst -- third overall based on his Rose Bowl performance. He possibly could go second to the Saints, but I'm projecting Matt Leinart there right now. Young would then go third overall to the Titans. he showed such poise against the Trojans, and that performance made him a lot of money.

Omar Jacobs, Bowling Green
2005: 60.7 completion pct., 2,591 yards, 26 TDs
His numbers as a junior weren't as good as those in his sophomore season, but you can live with what he did. At Bowling Green, Jacobs played in a great system for a quarterback. He does have an unorthodox release, and that concerns me as to how effective he will be in the NFL. Vince Young has an unorthodox release, as well, but Young is a far superior athlete. Right now, Jacobs projects as a fifth-round pick.

Marcus Vick, Virginia Tech
2005: 61.2 completion pct., 2,393 yards, 17 TDs
He should have gone to a Division I-AA school next year and dominated. Then Vick could have played in all-star games and taken some momentum into the draft.

Right now, Vick is as cold as Young is hot. Vick didn't play well late in the season and didn't look good against Miami. He has off-field issues and can't play in all-star games. Vick needed another year, so right now I'd project him to go late in the draft or even go undrafted because of his latest problem. Now is the time of year to be acting like a model citizen, and Vick is doing anything but.

Running Back

Brian Calhoun, Wisconsin
2005: 1,636 rushing yards, 22 TD; 53 receptions, 571 yards
He transferred to Wisconsin from Colorado, and set the tone in the first game of the season that he was going to be a great player (263 yards, 5 TD vs. Bowling Green). He was a vital performer in the passing game as well. He's comfortable running through tacklers because he plays bigger than his size (5-10, 196). Toward the end of season all the pounding took its toll on Calhoun (rushing for less than 65 yards in three of his last four Big Ten games). Ultimately, Calhoun will be a second-round pick.

Maurice Drew, UCLA
2005: 914 yards, 13 TDs; 31 receptions, 453 yards; 28.5 yards per punt return
He's compact (5-7, 199) and has pretty good speed. Drew will be an all-purpose player in the NFL, not a primary ball carrier. He has powerful legs and a low center of gravity. If a team already has a featured back, Drew could be a very good complementary performer, and he could be a second- or third-round pick.

Tight End

Anthony Fasano, Notre Dame
2005: 47 receptions, 576 yards, 2 TDs
He was incorporated into the passing attack more in 2005. Fasano had more catches as a junior than in his first two years combined (45). He's not a threat to stretch the defense, but is good in short and intermediate areas. He's a reliable but not great blocker. Fasano should be an early second-round pick with a chance to move up to the first round depending on his workouts.

Offensive Line

Willie Hall, Middle Tennessee State (tackle)
He has good physical potential because he moves very well for his size (6-6, 310), but Hall could have used another year in college to put it all together. He showed flashes at times but is a work in progress from a technical standpoint. Hall should be an intriguing second-day possibility.

Derek Morris, North Carolina State (tackle)
I'm a little surprised he came out. Down the road, Morris could be a very good player because he has good size (6-5, 338). He was a bit up and down, and quicker pass-rushers got the best of him in 2005. He has a lot of skills, but I thought he needed another year to build on his consistency. Based on his physical skills, Morris is a late first-day or early second-day pick.

Defensive Line

John McCargo, NC State (defensive tackle)
2005: 24 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 6 QB hurries
He's a very solid and reliable performer. A blue-collar player who is good at the point of attack. He was freed up a lot because he had Manny Lawson and Mario Williams on the outside and won't be afforded that luxury in the NFL. McCargo could go late in the third round or early in the fourth.

Stanley McClover, Auburn (Defensive End)
2005: 31 tackles, 13? tackles for loss, 8 sacks
McClover could have been better and more consistent. There were several games this year where he was not a factor and didn't have any impact. His damage was done late in the year, and it was good to see him finish strong. McClover has good pass-rushing size (6-2, 250), and I could see him being an early second-day pick.

Haloti Ngata, Oregon (Defensive Tackle)
2005: 61 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 3 sacks
He came to Oregon as the top defensive line prospect in the country and has recovered fully from a serious knee injury in 2003. Ngata was the Pac-10 Defensive Player of Year and was a huge presence. Not only is he difficult to move (6-4?, 338) but he gets a lot of penetration into the backfield. Ngata will go in the first round, but right now I'm not sure how high.

Linebacker

Kai Parham, Virginia
2005: 103 tackles, 14? tackles for loss, 8? sacks
He started all three years at Virginia. He has very good size (6-2?, 247) and is physical enough to take on interior linemen. Parham was used as a defensive end in some passing situations and led the team in sacks. He'll go late in the first day of the draft or early in the second.

Ernie Sims, Florida State
2005: 66 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions
He has been one of the top linebackers in the country the last couple of years. He has exceptional closing speed and runs sideline to sideline very well. Sims is an electric hitter, but he needs to play under control and is undisciplined at times. If he plays within the structure of a scheme, Sims has a chance to be a really good player. Right now, he projects to go in the late stages of the first round.

Stephen Tulloch, NC State
2005: 134 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, 6 sacks
He really had a great year and is one of the more underrated players in ACC. Tulloch made the most of playing behind two very good defensive linemen, Manny Lawson and Mario Williams, and led the Wolfpack in tackles. Tulloch should be a late first-day pick.

Cornerbacks

Charles Gordon, Kansas
2005: 21? tackles, 2 INT, 3 pass breakups; 34 receptions, 313 yards, 2 TD at wide receiver
He has to define his true position in the NFL. Gordon did have some outstanding individual performances during the season but wasn't as dynamic throughout, and I thought he needed another year. As a result, he could be an early second-day pick.

Johnathan Joseph, South Carolina
2005: 55 tackles, 4 INT
An intriguing prospect because he has great speed. He missed most of the 2004 season with a foot injury but came back with a solid year in '05, leading the team in interceptions. Joseph is a decent tackler with good cover skills. Another year in school and he could have been a first-round pick, but now he's looking at the second round, no worse than the third.

Richard Marshall, Fresno State
2005: 78 tackles, 3 INT, 11 pass breakups
He didn't have a huge junior season. Marshall plays with a lot of confidence and relishes the challenge of defending top wide receivers; however, he needed another year at Fresno State. He could go in the fourth or fifth round, but could have gone higher had he returned to school.

Dee Webb, Florida
2005: 46 tackles, 1 INT, 13 pass breakups
He would have benefited from another season in college. He's a really good athlete but was up and down during the season. Webb has skills, but I'm sketchy on him right now, so we will have to see what he does in workouts. If he has good workouts, Webb is likely to go early in the second day of the draft.

Ashton Youboty, Ohio State
2005: 56 tackles, 1 INT, 9 pass breakups
As a sophomore, he was one of the better cornerbacks in the country. Youboty had a good but not great junior season. He was beaten in man coverage and struggled with ball recognition. He does have an impressive combination of size (6-0, 189) and recovery speed, and did play well late in the year. Because he has a ton of talent and likely will be a good workout player, Youboty will be a late first-rounder.

Safety

Ko Simpson, South Carolina
2005: 103 tackles, 9 pass breakups
Simpson is a third-year sophomore. He was an immediate difference maker as a freshman with six interceptions in 2004. Simpson led the Gamecocks in tackles in 2005. He's instinctive and has top-notch physical skills. Depending on workouts, Simpson is looking at being a first- or second-round pick.

the chairman211

01-13-2006, 06:05 AM

winston justice is expected to go pro. i hear alot of comments how USC will just go out and steamroll people without incident next year. yeash

CTY

01-13-2006, 10:39 AM

winston justice is expected to go pro. i hear alot of comments how USC will just go out and steamroll people without incident next year. yeash

Hahahahah without their two starting HB's, QB, and a bunch of lineman...they aint gonna be shit for atleast a few years.

the chairman211

01-13-2006, 05:07 PM

there's rumors everywhere about vince young. 1) hes making a hardcore bush push to get the texans to draft him, including radio appearances and presumably talking to team officials. the fans in houston favor this in a landslide. we would trade david carr (the dolphins are frequently mentioned).

2) he has not hired an agent.

this leads to my theory of the past few days that if he cant get assurances of going to houston, he will return for his senior year.

Sir Gibbs

01-13-2006, 06:05 PM

mpt0069

01-13-2006, 06:11 PM

Hahahahah without their two starting HB's, QB, and a bunch of lineman...they aint gonna be shit for atleast a few years.

USC will be a top ten team next year. There, I said it and I believe it.

cottonzway

01-13-2006, 06:12 PM

Sir Gibbs

01-13-2006, 06:15 PM

Why any QB would want to play for a team that has the worst O-Line in the NFL is beyond me. David Carr is 25 going on 35 from all the hits he takes.

Young would probably be sat on a bench for a year, maybe two to learn the game and rework his dodgey mechanics.

Maybe he thinks that in that time houston will get a half decent line? They could pick up a good tackle this year in the second round easily.

Even so i have to agree with you, i don't think it makes sense. It's probably just over imaginative rumours

the chairman211

01-13-2006, 06:35 PM

USC will be a top ten team next year. There, I said it and I believe it.
that's hardly a stretch. fuck me if theyre top 5 though

TILSON

01-14-2006, 04:50 PM

My favorite part of the NFL draft is when dumbasses that declared early when they had no business doing so drop to the 5th round. This draft is pretty deep this year. It is a good year to have a shitty team. My Titans at 3 are assured of a big time impact player. I personally hope they get Young or Leinart.

mpt0069

01-14-2006, 05:43 PM

Tommorrow is the last day for draft eligibles to declare.

Newest declaration:

S Donte Whitner (THE Ohio State)

On a side note, this guy kind of blew it when he accepted money from an autograph dealer for signing memorabilia.

Expected to declare today:

T Winston Justice (USC)
G Fred Matua (USC)

Expected to announce tommorrow (and leave school):

S Darnell Bing (USC)

I thought Ohio State could be a preseason top 5 team next year but they lose their entire starting LB corps, two of their top DBs, and their top WR. Ouch.

mpt0069

01-14-2006, 05:49 PM

Top 5 players by position

By Mel Kiper Jr.
Special to ESPN Insider
Archive

Jan. 12, 2006 | Now that underclassmen are declaring for the NFL draft, the Top 5 list will take on a different look in the coming weeks. Instead of Top 5 Seniors by Position, it is now Top 5 Players by Position, based on seniors and underclassmen who are involved in the draft process. Expect many more changes in the next few weeks, since underclassmen have until Jan. 15 to declare for April's draft.

Quarterbacks
1. Matt Leinart, USC
2. Vince Young, Texas (Junior)
3. Jay Cutler, Vanderbilt
4. Brodie Croyle, Alabama
5. Charlie Whitehurst, Clemson
5a. Omar Jacobs, Bowling Green (Junior)

Running Backs
1. Reggie Bush, USC
2. DeAngelo Williams, Memphis
3. LenDale White, USC
4. Laurence Maroney, Minnesota
5. Maurice Drew, UCLA
5a. Joseph Addai, LSU
5b. Brian Calhoun, Wisconsin

Fullbacks
1. Lawrence Vickers, Colorado
2. J.D. Runnels, Oklahoma
3. Matt Bernstein, Wisconsin
4. Daccus Turman, South Carolina
5. David Kirtman, USC

Wide Receivers
1. Santonio Holmes, Ohio State (Junior)
2. Derek Hagan, Arizona State
3. Sinorice Moss, Miami
4. Chad Jackson, Florida (Junior)
5. Maurice Stovall, Notre Dame
5a. Hank Baskett, New Mexico

Tight Ends
1. Vernon Davis, Maryland (Junior)
2. Leonard Pope, Georgia (Junior)
3. Anthony Fasano, Notre Dame (Junior)
4. Dominique Byrd, USC
5. Marcedes Lewis, UCLA
5a. Owen Daniels, Wisconsin
5b. David Thomas, Texas

Tackles
1. D'Brickashaw Ferguson, Virginia
2. Winston Justice, USC (Junior)
3. Ryan O'Callaghan, California
4. Jeremy Trueblood, Boston College
5. Marcus McNeill, Auburn
5a. Andrew Whitworth, LSU
5b. Eric Winston, Miami

Guards
1. Jason Spitz, Louisville
2. Taitusi Lutui, USC
3. Max Jean-Gilles, Georgia
4. Kevin Boothe, Cornell
5. Rob Sims, Ohio State
5a. Davin Joseph, Oklahoma

Centers
1. Ryan Cook, New Mexico
2. Nick Mangold, Ohio State
3. Greg Eslinger, Minnesota
4. Mike Degory, Florida
5. Todd Londot, Miami (Ohio)

Place Kickers
1. Stephen Gostkowski, Memphis
2. Josh Huston, Ohio State
3. Connor Hughes, Virginia
4. Deric Yaussi, Wyoming
5. Kurt Smith, Virginia

Defensive Ends
1. Mario Williams, NC State (Junior)
2. Tamba Hali, Penn State
3. Mathias Kiwanuka, Boston College
4. Kamerion Wimbley, Florida State
5. Manny Lawson, NC State
5a. Elvis Dumervil, Louisville
5b. Ray Edwards, Purdue (Junior)
5c. Jason Hatcher, Grambling

Defensive Tackles
1. Haloti Ngata, Oregon
2. Orien Harris, Miami
3. Claude Wroten, LSU
4. Brodrick Bunkley, Florida State
5. Kyle Williams, LSU
5a. Titus Adams, Nebraska

Inside Linebackers
1. D'Qwell Jackson, Maryland
2. Abdul Hodge, Iowa
3. Kai Parham, Virginia (Junior)
4. Gerris Wilkinson, Georgia Tech
5. Oliver Hoyte, NC State

Outside Linebackers
1. A.J. Hawk, Ohio State
2. DeMeco Ryans, Alabama
3. Chad Greenway, Iowa
4. Ernie Sims, Florida St. (Junior)
5. Bobby Carpenter, Ohio State
5a. Thomas Howard, UTEP
5b. Stephen Tulloch, N.C. State (Junior)
5c. Cameron Vaughn, LSU

Cornerbacks
1. Jimmy Williams, Virginia Tech
2. Ashton Youboty, Ohio St. (Junior)
3. Antonio Cromartie, Florida State (Junior)
4. Anwar Phillips, Penn State
5. Johnathan Joseph, South Carolina (Junior)
5a. Kelly Jennings, Miami
5b. Marcus Hudson, NC State
5c. Jason Allen, Tennessee
5d. DeMario Minter, Georgia
5e. Alan Zemaitis, Penn State

Safeties
1. Michael Huff, Texas
2. Ko Simpson, South Carolina (Junior)
3. Donte Whitner, Ohio St. (Junior)
4. Anthony Smith, Syracuse
5. Danieal Manning, Abilene Christian (Junior)
5a. Bernard Pollard, Purdue (Junior)
5b. Dwayne Slay, Texas Tech
5c. Daniel Bullocks, Nebraska

Punters
1. John Torp, Colorado
2. Steve Weatherford, Illinois
3. Jeff Williams, Adams State (Colo.)
4. Tom Malone, USC
5. Sam Paulescu, Oregon State

Oliver Klosov

01-14-2006, 05:50 PM

Oliver Klosov

01-14-2006, 05:52 PM

Omar Jacobs is way too high.

mpt0069

01-14-2006, 05:53 PM

Bing is still waffling, but after reading the papers this morning he is leaning towards leaving. I guess we'll see tommorrow.

mpt0069

01-14-2006, 05:54 PM

Omar Jacobs is way too high.

Mel still projects him to be a fifth round pick or so. It's not really a deep draft for QBs.

the chairman211

01-14-2006, 07:03 PM

OSU is the early pick at #1 for most folks, including vegas. they can still be that but only if the fiesta bowl was ginn and smith's true maturation rather than a cocktease.

anyone else surprised to see matua come out? justice was a foregone conclusion but far as i know there was little talk about the rest of the line.

mpt0069

01-14-2006, 07:24 PM

Matua was a surprise as he didn't even ask for an NFL evaluation as to where he would go in the draft. USC O-Line coach Pat Ruel was supremely pissed off as he believes agents have been whispering in Matua's ears that he would be a first day pick.

elgigante

01-14-2006, 07:36 PM

dumervil from louisville being rated only 5th best suprises DE me. i thought he was 2nd or 3rd at worst

my sex is artsy

01-14-2006, 07:47 PM

dumervil from louisville being rated only 5th best suprises DE me. i thought he was 2nd or 3rd at worst

He's Dwight Freeney without speed or athleticism. Which basically means....no.

my sex is artsy

01-14-2006, 08:00 PM

Tackles
1. D'Brickashaw Ferguson, Virginia
2. Winston Justice, USC (Junior)
3. Ryan O'Callaghan, California
4. Jeremy Trueblood, Boston College
5. Marcus McNeill, Auburn
5a. Andrew Whitworth, LSU
5b. Eric Winston, Miami

Guards
1. Jason Spitz, Louisville
2. Taitusi Lutui, USC
3. Max Jean-Gilles, Georgia
4. Kevin Boothe, Cornell
5. Rob Sims, Ohio State
5a. Davin Joseph, Oklahoma

WTF? Does Kiper even watch these guys play?

O'Callaghan is WAY WAY WAY too big and slow to ever be a left tackle in the pros. AND he has major injury problems. However...if you're overlooking injury problems, why isn't Eric Winston, who was projected as a Top 5 pick last year before an injury, more highly ranked? Also, Whitworth? Fucking Christ. Whitworth couldn't play left tackle in the pros if you gave him Barry Sanders' feet.

And Guards? How the fuck is Jean-Gilles third and Joseph fifth? Lutui is a fucking fat ass blob, and not even the good kind like David Dixon. He has no fucking technique at all. And Spitz to me is just a quality starter at best. Jean Gilles and Joseph are both far more talented.

mpt0069

01-14-2006, 08:00 PM

Updated: Jan. 13, 2006, 3:21 PM ET

Justice makes the big board

By Mel Kiper Jr.
Special to ESPN Insider
Archive

Oh, how the Big Board is a changing! Right now, 15 underclassmen are carrying first round grades according to my rankings, with 10 others projected as second rounders.

We are still waiting on several potential early rounders to make their decisions known. Remember, junior's and third year sophomores (as was the case with South Carolina DB Ko Simpson) have until January 15th to decide whether to move into the 2006 NFL Draft process or return to college for another season.

As of now 13 underclassmen are in my current Top 25, with five others ever so close to making a move onto the Big Board. Obviously, film evaluation is taking place every day, so you can expect to see a few minor changes over the next month or so with the underclassmen. The all-star games are now upon us and that's when you will see some shifting of personnel from the senior class on the Big Board. Then comes the Combine Workout February, followed by individual testing.

That's why just about every week leading up to Draft Day on April 29th, you will see changes on the Big Board as well as with any first round projections. By the way, I will have my initial First Round projection coming up on Tuesday, January 17th.

My entire Big Board:

1. Reggie Bush, USC (6-0, 200 pounds) | previous rank: unranked(Junior)
He will give the team who drafts him a multi-faceted offensive attack as he will be dangerous from backfield, as a slot receiver and as a returner.

2. Matt Leinart, QB, USC (6-4, 225 pounds) | previous rank: 1
His arm strength has improved since last season, and he is throwing the ball even better. Leinart might not have repeated as the Heisman Trophy winner, but he makes plays when he has to. He should remain at the top of the draft board.

3. Vince Young, QB, Texas (6-5, 233) | previous rank: unranked (Junior)
Young's stock has risen considerably after an amazing performance in the Rose Bowl. He's big, strong and exceptionally fast. The New Orleans Saints will have to at least consider taking him as the No. 2 pick in the draft.

4. Mario Williams, DE, NC State (6-7, 285) | previous rank: 3 (Junior)
A dominant physical presence and had some great individual performances at the end of year. Williams is a big, strong pro-type defensive end and has all skills NFL coaches are looking for.

5. D'Brickashaw Ferguson, OT, Virginia (6-5?, 295) | previous rank: 3
Came back from a knee injury and still remains the top offensive lineman on the board. Ideal left tackle in the NFL.

6. A.J. Hawk, LB, Ohio State (6-1?, 242) | previous rank: 4
The top defensive player in the senior class. An instinctive player and a sure tackler, he knows which angles to take to the ball and finds his way through traffic very well.

7. DeMeco Ryans, OLB, Alabama (6-1?, 235) | previous rank: 5
Leader of the Crimson Tide defense. Has impressed in the Tide's biggest games this season. Alabama's defense did all it could to try to keep undefeated season alive.

8. Tamba Hali, DE, Penn State (6-3, 267) | previous rank: 6
Has been at the top of his game all year. Hali is the best player on one of the best defenses in the country. A natural pass-rusher who has been fun to watch all season.

9. Vernon Davis, TE, Maryland (6-3, 250) | previous rank: 7 (Junior)
Physically gifted athlete who plays the tight end like a wide receiver. Davis is a phenomenal pass catcher and is a better prospect than when Kellen Winslow came out of Miami.

10. Haloti Ngata, DT, Oregon (6-5, 338) | previous rank: unranked
He finished the season with three sacks and nine tackles for losses this season, while ranking sixth on the Ducks in total tackles with 61, including 32 unassisted.

11. DeAngelo Williams, RB, Memphis (5-9, 215) | previous rank: 8 (Junior)
Third in the nation in rushing yards per game, despite not playing behind one of the best offensive lines. Could very well be a top-10 pick.

12. LenDale White RB, USC (6-2, 235) | previous rank: unranked (Junior)
He's big, strong and deceptively fast with a nose for the endzone.

13. Michael Huff, DB, Texas (6-1, 205) | previous rank: 9
Athletic and instinctive, he has shown the versatility to play cornerback or safety at the next level.

14. Jay Cutler, QB, Vanderbilt (6-3?, 227) | previous rank: 10
Second-best senior QB on the board behind Matt Leinart. Has the potential to be a first-round pick, depending on how he performs in the Senior Bowl and individual workouts.

15 Laurence Maroney, RB, Minnesota (5-11, 205) | previous rank: 13 (Junior)
A very good natural runner who is very smooth and patient. At Minnesota, Maroney allowed his blocks to get set up and develop. He has good vision and the ability to shift gears quickly.

16. Santonio Holmes, WR, Ohio State (5-10, 185) | previous rank: 11 (Junior)
He is very tough and is willing to make catches in traffic. Holmes is a very good route runner and has a good burst out of his break. Holmes doesn't have the greatest size, but is very tough.

17. Leonard Pope, TE, Georgia (6-7, 250) | previous rank: 12 (Junior)
He's an absolutely huge target and is a mismatch every time he's on the field. Georgia relied heavily on Pope in the passing game because he is a rare talent for a player of his size.

18. Winston Justice OT, USC (6-6, 311) | previous rank: unranked (Junior)
A great athlete and very gifted, Justice is as good as any right tackle in the country at getting downfield beyond the defensive line.

19. Chad Greenway, LB, Iowa (6-2?, 244) | previous rank: 15
Has become one of the nation's topflight linebackers the past two years. A smart player with great physical skills, Greenway knows how to find the ball and can go all over the field to get to it.

20. Ernie Sims, LB, Florida State (6-0, 200) | previous rank: unranked (Junior)
Sims finished fourth on FSU with 70 stops this season. He's an extremely fast and 'backer who's used to being the focus of opposing offenses game plans.

21. Jimmy Williams, CB, Virginia Tech (6-2?, 207) | previous rank: 14
Gives the Hokies a shutdown cornerback who can lock up the opposing team's top receiver. He eliminates one side of the field. A former safety who moved to corner before the 2004 season.

22. Ashton Youboty, CB, Ohio St. (6-1, 188) | previous rank: unranked (Junior)
The first team All-Big Ten selection has very good cover skills and has excellent on field intelligence .

23. Mathias Kiwanuka, DE, Boston College (6-5?, 260) | previous rank: 16
Came back from an injury against Virginia during season. A tremendous talent who needs to polish his pass-rushing skills.

24. Ko Simpson, DB, South Carolina (6-1, 201) | previous rank: unranked (third year sophomore)
The former freshman All-America completed his sophomore season with 103 tackles and one interception.

25. Orien Harris, DT, Miami (6-3, 307) | previous rank: 19
Blessed with a ton of talent, Harris has bounced back from a subpar junior campaign. He has maximized his ability on a consistent basis in 2005.

DROPPED

Derek Hagan, WR, Arizona State (6-1?, 203) | previous rank: 17
A precise route runner who will come into the NFL in 2006 with a great understanding of what is expected to be an immediate contributor.

Thomas Howard, LB, UTEP (6-2?, 233) | previous rank: 19
Has come a long way since his days as a walk-on defensive back. UTEP's best defensive player, Howard is a gifted athlete with 4.4 speed who covers the field from sideline to sideline.

Sinorice Moss, WR, Miami (5-8? 183) | previous rank: 20
Can turn a short completion into a coast-to-coast TD. Not great size, but Moss has great speed and should excel at the next level.

Chad Jackson, WR, Florida (6-1, 205) | previous rank: 21 (Junior)
Has the ability to make a play after the catch. Jackson averaged 22.3 yards per catch as a sophomore and had 81 receptions in 2005. Worked the underneath routes for Chris Leak very well and kept chains moving in 2005.

Ryan O'Callaghan, OT, California (6-6?, 340) | previous rank: 22
Depending on who comes out early, O'Callaghan could end up being the highest-rated right tackle prospect in the draft. Prototype right tackle at the next level. Very tough; he played through a broken wrist for most of 2004 and battled through a concussion in '05.

Claude Wroten, DT, LSU (6-2, 293) | previous rank: 23
Solid and reliable, Wroten has given LSU consistent play throughout the season.

Brodrick Bunkley, DT, Florida State (6-2? 305) | previous rank: 24
Combines strength with quickness and a relentless approach. A very effective pass-rusher for an interior lineman.

Kyle Williams, DT, LSU (6-1?, 294) | previous rank: 25
Consistent and productive, he gets overshadowed at times by teammate Claude Wroten, who lines up next to him on the defensive line. Williams never disappears from the action.

Mel's Top 5 Juniors
Quarterbacks
1. Brady Quinn, Notre Dame
2. Drew Stanton, Michigan St.
3. Troy Smith, Ohio St.
4. Jordan Palmer, UTEP
5. John Beck, BYU

Running Backs
1. Michael Bush, Louisville
2. Kenny Irons, Auburn
3. Tony Hunt, Penn St.
4. Brian Leonard, Rutgers
5. Courtney Lewis, Texas A&M
5a. Kenneth Darby, Alabama

Wide Receivers
1. Jeff Samardzija, Notre Dame
2. Cory Rodgers, TCU
3. Jason Hill, Washington St.
4. Jarrett Hicks, Texas Tech
5. Steve Smith, USC
5a. Joel Filani, Texas Tech
5b. Courtney Taylor, Auburn

Tight Ends
1. Clark Harris, Rutgers
2. Martrez Milner, Georgia
3. Matt Spaeth, Minnesota
4. Ben Patrick, Duke
5. Joe Newton, Oregon St.

Offensive linemen
1. Joe Thomas, Wisconsin
2. Levi Brown, Penn St.
3. Justin Blalock, Texas
4. Kyle Young, Fresno St.
5. Doug Free, No. Illinois

Place-Kickers
1. Mason Crosby, Colorado
2. Justin Medlock, UCLA
3. Mike Barrow, Idaho
4. Brandon Pace, Virginia Tech
5. Andrew Wellock, Eastern Michigan
5a. Kyle Schlicher, Iowa
5b. John Deraney, NC St.

Defensive linemen
1. Gaines Adams, Clemson
2. Adam Carriker, Nebraska
3. Kareem Brown, Miami (Fla)
4. Quentin Moses, Georgia
5. LaMarr Woodley, Michigan
5a. Victor Abiamiri, Notre Dame
5b. Mkristo Bruce, Washington St.

Linebackers
1. Paul Posluszny, Penn St.
2. Patrick Willis, Mississippi
3. Ahmad Brooks, Virginia
4. Oscar Lua, USC
5. Rufus Alexander, Oklahoma
5a. Prescott Burgess, Michigan
5b. H.B. Blades, Pittsburgh
5c. Anthony Waters, Clemson

Defensive backs
1. LaRon Landry, LSU
2. Brandon Meriweather, Miami (Fla)
3. Michael Griffin, Texas
4. Darnell Bing, USC
5. Eric Weddle, Utah

Punters
1. Daniel Sepulveda, Baylor
2. Adam Graessle, Pittsburgh
3. Brandon Fields, Michigan St.
4. Adam Podlesh, Maryland
5. Michael Gibson, Memphis

my sex is artsy

01-14-2006, 08:15 PM

I wonder if Laurence Maroney intentionally has double spaces above and below him to single him out as the biggest bust of Round 1.

the chairman211

01-16-2006, 08:49 AM

end the suspense, bing declared along with justice. five juniors bolt USC. "re-loading" my ass

TILSON

01-16-2006, 04:47 PM

end the suspense, bing declared along with justice. five juniors bolt USC. "re-loading" my ass

Yea they are going to have like 12 guys picked and they could not win the big game. Pwnt.

Oliver Klosov

01-17-2006, 09:30 PM

Mel Kiper will unveil his mock first-round on Sportscenter tonite. In like half an hour.

mpt0069

01-17-2006, 09:35 PM

Or you can just get it right here:

Updated: Jan. 17, 2006, 11:41 AM ET

Bush, Leinart projected in top two

By Mel Kiper Jr.
Special to ESPN Insider

Here's my first-round projection for the 2006 NFL draft. I put this list together by taking a look at the general area where each player should go, then placing the player on a team where he filled one of that particular team's top three needs.

In this projection, there are 17 underclassmen in the first round, with Reggie Bush and Vince Young leading the way as the first and third picks of the draft. This is my first projection, but it won't be my last of this season. I will submit another first-round projection after the Senior Bowl, followed by one after the NFL Combine.

2006 Draft Projection
* denotes underclassman
1. Houston -- *Reggie Bush, RB, USC
2. New Orleans -- Matt Leinart, QB, USC
3. Tennessee -- *Vince Young, QB, Texas
4. New York Jets -- D'Brickashaw Ferguson, OT, Virginia
5. Green Bay -- *Mario Williams, DE, NC State
6. Oakland -- A.J. Hawk, LB, Ohio State
7. San Francisco -- DeMeco Ryans, LB, Alabama
8. Buffalo -- *Haloti Ngata, DT, Oregon
9. Detroit -- Jay Cutler, QB, Vanderbilt
10. Arizona -- DeAngelo Williams, RB, Memphis
11. St. Louis -- *Vernon Davis, TE, Maryland
12. Cleveland -- Chad Greenway, LB, Iowa
13. Baltimore -- Tamba Hali, DE, Penn State
14. Philadelphia -- *Santonio Holmes, WR, Ohio State
15. Atlanta -- Michael Huff, DB, Texas
16. Miami -- *Winston Justice, OT, USC
17. Minnesota -- *LenDale White, RB, USC
18. Dallas -- Jimmy Williams, DB, Virginia Tech
19. San Diego -- *Ko Simpson, DB, South Carolina
20. Kansas City -- *Ashton Youboty, CB, Ohio State
21. New England -- Bobby Carpenter, LB, Ohio State
22. Denver (from Wash.) -- Mathias Kiwanuka, DE, Boston College
23. Tampa Bay -- Derek Hagan, WR, Arizona State
24. Cincinnati -- Claude Wroten, DT, LSU
25. New York Giants -- *Ernie Sims, LB, Florida State
26. Chicago -- *Leonard Pope, TE, Georgia
27. Carolina -- *Anthony Fasano, TE, Notre Dame
28. Pittsburgh -- *Antonio Cromartie, CB, Florida State
29. Jacksonville -- Thomas Howard, LB, UTEP
30. Indianapolis -- *Laurence Maroney, RB, Minnesota
31. Denver -- *Darnell Bing, DB, USC
32. Seattle -- *Chad Jackson, WR, Florida

Breakdown by positions in first round

Quarterbacks -- 3
Running backs -- 4
Wide receivers -- 3
Tight ends -- 3
Offensive linemen -- 2
Defensive linemen -- 5
Linebackers -- 6
Defensive backs -- 6

Most by school in first-round projection

USC (5) -- Bush, Leinart, Justice, White, Bing
Ohio State (4) -- Hawk, Holmes, Youboty, Carpenter
Texas (2) -- Young, Huff
Florida State (2) -- Sims, Cromartie

my sex is artsy

01-17-2006, 09:43 PM

Not a bad mock draft, but I don't think Seattle takes a fucking wide out, and honestly...I have no sympathy for any team who drafts that shitpiece Hagan.

Oliver Klosov

01-17-2006, 09:59 PM

Maroney to Indy? hmmmm.. sounds like they aren't planning on Edge being around. Edge will make large cheddar somewhere.

mpt0069

01-17-2006, 10:07 PM

Well Mel may be looking at the Indy salary cap situation and the decisions they are going to have to make. DT Larry Triplett, James, and one or two of their starters are free agents in some way. And don't forget that Freeney is up for free agency next year. Here is the salary cap deal for each team as projected by askthecommish.com. Gotta love where my Bolts are.

http://www.askthecommish.com/salarycap/numbers.asp

Sir Gibbs

01-17-2006, 10:11 PM

Not a bad mock draft, but I don't think Seattle takes a fucking wide out, and honestly...I have no sympathy for any team who drafts that shitpiece Hagan.

Why the fuck would tampa draft a reciever.

we drafted clayton recently, galloway was awesome last year plus we drafted alex smith and signed becht at TE last year.

Sure tampa could do with another reciever but with o line replacements needed and an aging defense we have plent more needs then a reciever.

my sex is artsy

01-17-2006, 10:18 PM

Why the fuck would tampa draft a reciever.

we drafted clayton recently, galloway was awesome last year plus we drafted alex smith and signed becht at TE last year.

Sure tampa could do with another reciever but with o line replacements needed and an aging defense we have plent more needs then a reciever.

Fear not, you're not going to draft a receiver.

You're drafting an offensive tackle, probably Marcus MacNeill or Eric Winston. BELIEVE THAT.

the chairman211

01-17-2006, 11:27 PM

my sex is artsy

01-18-2006, 12:06 AM

second mock i've seen that sends carpenter to the pats. once a bandwagon starts up on these projections, they have a funny way of coming true.

texans owner bob mcnair contends that houston did indeed promise to select reggie bush #1, but that was prior to vince young declaring. possible that mcnair's just trying to maximize his position, but he is said to be listening closely to fan overtures after this shitty season.

I personally think it would be hilarious if the Texans passed on Vince, only to have Young go to the Titans, the former Houston Oilers, and become a fucking mega superstar pwnz0r.

the chairman211

01-18-2006, 12:32 AM

I personally think it would be hilarious if the Texans passed on Vince, only to have Young go to the Titans, the former Houston Oilers, and become a fucking mega superstar pwnz0r.
dont think i havent considered it. i decided i would end my 10 year long oiler boycott to root for The Man.

my sex is artsy

01-25-2006, 01:35 PM

the chairman211

01-25-2006, 05:32 PM

So, who does everyone have for first round busts? I called Ced Benson with ease last year.
Some guys in this years draft have the makings of huge scale busts, mostly Vince Young, but I would never actually assert that strongly. I will offer that any team who picks Derek Hagan and Laurence Maroney in the first round is wasting their pick and deserve to be slapped.
anyone who ever watched benson play a college game had that one called. he should dream of being good as thomas jones.

agreed that maroney seems a good bet this year, kudos to him for going pro while he still had any stock left. i dont think leinart will bust, but i dont see him making a single pro-bowl. sadly, some people will call bush a bust if he averages less than 32 yards per carry while playing OL and flying the goodyear blimp.

its always a crapshoot, but i'd guess greenway, deangelo, holmes, and youboty all have bust potential. but this year the chairman's Mortal Lock Bust award goes to....chad jackson, florida gators! congratulations young man!

mpt0069

01-27-2006, 04:23 PM

My apologies for slipping in posting Insider Draft articles but I was in Vegas playing Poker (and winning). Remember that the Senior Bowl is tomorrow and there is a lot of talent there this year.

Updated: Jan. 27, 2006, 10:24 AM ET
Ferguson, Williams shine during practices

By Mel Kiper Jr.
Special to ESPN Insider

MOBILE, Ala. -- This year's crop of talent at the Senior Bowl compares favorably with the last few years. A couple of the quarterbacks and defensive backs elevated their groups this year, but the wide-receiver corps was disappointing. This year's group of offensive linemen in Mobile has some talent. The defensive ends and linebackers will have a better chance to showcase their skills in Saturday's game (ESPN, 4 p.m. ET). Overall, there seems to be more balance to this year's roster.

Virginia OL D'Brickashaw Ferguson and Memphis RB DeAngelo Williams were unquestionably the best players this week during the Senior Bowl practices. They were spectacular.

Ferguson displayed great hands, long arms and good feet. He was the best player on the field. Williams showed a burst to daylight that is second to none. He displayed great vision, cutting ability and great feet. As a pure natural runner, he has very few peers.

QBs Jay Cutler (Vanderbilt) and Brodie Croyle (Alabama) are among the players who raised their stock this week.

Croyle moved from the third or fourth round into the second. He was electric during Wednesday's practice. His arm is outstanding -- as good as any QB I've seen down here in the last few years. He was accurate in the pocket or on the move.

Cutler still needs to work on his accuracy, but he displayed a terrific arm and good mobility. Cutler solidified himself as an early to mid first-rounder.

USC TE Dominique Byrd and Clemson CB Tye Hill moved into the first round with great weeks at Mobile.

Byrd caught everything, showed great hand-eye coordination and outstanding natural pass-catching skills. He did a great job of sensing where the defender was. Byrd has a good feel for when the defender moves in and avoids him. His great awareness leads to yards after the catch. Byrd is not a great blocker, but that will improve with time in the weight room.

Hill just covered everyone. He displayed great coverage instincts and awareness. Hill is tough, alert, spunky, confident and loves to play the game. He responds to challenges. Hill totally blanketed Notre Dame WR Maurice Stovall in practice on Thursday. Stovall had been outstanding but was not a factor when matched up against Hill.

Nebraska safety Daniel Bullocks showed he can cover. He also displayed toughness and a feel for coverage. He is projected as a second-round pick and solidified that status.

Pitt OL Charles Spencer has been drawing raves from position coach Mike Munchak. The 330-pounder showed good feet and quickness this week.

USC OL Deuce Lutui was physical, strong, tough and finished his blocks. Ohio State center Nick Mangold proved something this week. He showed that he is a stronger anchor than most scouts thought. Mangold proved to be more than smart and athletic.

On the other hand

Boston College DE Mathias Kiwanuka and Arizona State WR Derek Hagan struggled this week. Kiwanuka had a tough time against D'Brickashaw Ferguson and needs some technique work. He plays a little high.

Hagan is a solid receiver and caught a lot of balls at ASU, but in each practice this week he dropped a ball or two. In Thursday's practice, Hagan made a good inside move on CB Will Blackmon but then dropped a sure TD pass. Hagan is a frustrating prospect to watch because you see glimpses of a very good player followed by a dropped ball. He has dropped out of the first round. Look for him to go in the second or third round.

Penn State's Michael Robinson is not a quarterback. He's not a natural receiver, either. However, he's tough and competitive. The 218-pounder should be tried at safety. At best, he is a late-round pick.

Safety Anwar Phillips (Penn State) dropped from a second-round pick into Day 2 with his Senior Bowl performance. Phillips struggled in coverage all week.

Michigan WR Jason Avant did not show speed, separation or great hands. If a WR is not fast, he needs to have great hands.

RB Jerome Harrison from Washington State is a good natural runner but did not catch the ball well downfield.

Prospects who impressed during practice
RB Joseph Addai, LSU
Safety Daniel Bullocks, Nebraska
DL Brodrick Bunkley, Florida State
TE Dominique Byrd, USC
QB Brodie Croyle
QB Jay Cutler, Vanderbilt
OL D'Brickashaw Ferguson, Virginia
LB Chad Greenway, Iowa
RB Andre Hall, South Florida
DL Orien Harris, Miami
CB Tye Hill, Clemson
LB D'Qwell Jackson, Maryland
OL Max Jean-Gilles, Georgia
CB Kelly Jennings, Miami
DE Manny Lawson, NC State
OL Deuce Lutui, USC
Center Nick Mangold, Ohio State
FB Garrett Mills, Tulsa
WR Sinorice Moss, Miami
OL Ryan O'Callaghan, California
Safety Anthony Smith, Syracuse
OL Charles Spencer, Pittsburgh
WR Maurice Stovall, Notre Dame
DE Darryl Tapp, Virginia Tech
RB DeAngelo Williams, Memphis
WR Travis Wilson, Oklahoma
DE Kamerion Wimbley, Florida State

Prospects who need a big game to impress the scouts
WR Jason Avant, Michigan
CB Will Blackmon, Boston College
OL Daryn Colledge, Boise State
OL Ryan Cook, New Mexico
OL Mike Degory, Florida
DE Elvis Dumervil, Louisville
QB Darrell Hackney, UAB
WR Derek Hagan, Arizona State
Safety Roman Harper, Alabama
CB Darnell Hunter, Miami (Ohio)
DE Mathias Kiwanuka, Boston College
OL Marvin Philip, California
CB Anwar Phillips, Penn State
DB David Pittman, Northwestern State
QB Michael Robinson, Penn State
OL Albert Toeaina, Tennessee
TE T.J. Williams, NC State

my sex is artsy

01-27-2006, 04:29 PM

Prospects who need a big game to impress the scouts
OL Daryn Colledge, Boise State
DE Elvis Dumervil, Louisville
WR Derek Hagan, Arizona State

Can I get a "Yeah, no fucking shit" one time?

my sex is artsy

01-28-2006, 01:33 AM

From what I have seen so far of these Senior Bowl work outs, Tye Hill has looked fucking superb. Also, Ferguson really, really took Kiwanuka to school in one on ones.

my sex is artsy

01-28-2006, 08:29 PM

Senior Bowl has started, bitches!

Also, Jay Cutler has fucking TERRIBLE accuracy.

my sex is artsy

01-28-2006, 08:45 PM

Joel Klopfenstein is a madd sleeper at TE. Whitehurst is looking better than Croyle to me, too. He should be moving into the fourth slot for eligible QB's in the senior class. He showed the goods in college, but just had an off season late. I definitely think he could be cash in the bigs. Great mop top, too.

my sex is artsy

01-28-2006, 08:52 PM

My man Max Jean-Gilles has some nimble feet in short bursts. He is back side pulling really effectively. I think it should help him, since as a bigger guard, one of the knocks on him has been his straight-away speed.

Also, Eric Winston is having more trouble than I expected he would in solo situations. DJ Shockley is terrible

my sex is artsy

01-28-2006, 09:00 PM

THIS JUST IN!

DEREK HAGAN STILL SUCKS!

TrickyNicky

01-28-2006, 09:05 PM

I want the Chiefs to draft Jean-Gilles to replace Will Shields once he retires. What round do you think he will go to?

my sex is artsy

01-28-2006, 09:13 PM

I want the Chiefs to draft Jean-Gilles to replace Will Shields once he retires. What round do you think he will go to?

Early to Mid Round 2. The weird thing is...I don't think there are any "stereotype" Chief linemen on the interior here. Like, Spitz and Joseph are FASTER than Gilles, but they don't have the technique, or footwork to block on the move like the Chiefs do. Weirdly enough, the fat Jean-Gilles is the most Chief-like linemen.

Also, Thomas Howard has dropped two INTs now. That hurts his stock as a guy trying to make his "super athlete from small school" type bid.

Also, Deangelo Williams is a natural runner, and he bursts and runs HARD. He doesn't slow down and try to juke dudes. Just puts his head down and tries to burn past them. That is cash. Also, he's extremely congenial and makes for a good interview. I can respect that. What a shame he'll probably end up in Arizona.

Oliver Klosov

01-28-2006, 09:33 PM

THIS JUST IN!

DEREK HAGAN STILL SUCKS!

stop acting like he's dropped everything they've thrown to him today.

oh ... wait.

mpt0069

01-28-2006, 09:35 PM

I've been impressed with:

TE Joel Klopfenstein
TE Dom Byrd
OG T. Lutui
OT Brick Ferguson
OG Jean-Gilles
QB C. Whitehurst
CB Ced Griffin
S J. Addae
WR S. Moss
DE D. Tapp
DE T. Hali
RB DeAngelo Williams
RB C. Humes (granted he is getting nice running lanes)

Not impressed with any of the punters, place kickers, most of the O-Lineman, none of the WRs with the exception of Moss.

I'd like to see more of Gabe Watson. He 's been getting held repeatedly and made one nice play on Shockley when he wasn't.

Oliver Klosov

01-28-2006, 09:43 PM

I'd like to see more of Gabe Watson. He 's been getting held repeatedly and made one nice play on Shockley when he wasn't.

Gabe caused many O-lineman to hold him this season. In the Northwestern game the player trying to block him got called for 3 holding calls in one drive. He has the skill and size, but doesn't always come to play.

Oliver Klosov

01-28-2006, 09:44 PM

and as far as receivers go, Avant has crazy hands. He won't blow by anyone, but he's a good possession guy maybe a 3rd or 4th rounder.

my sex is artsy

01-28-2006, 09:57 PM

Oliver Klosov

01-28-2006, 09:59 PM

I like Nick Mangold's style. He is a nasty dude, and he will punch a bitch in mouth to get to the second level, too. And great technique and fundamentals. If he gets bigger, he could be a special dude.

Mangold's a good player.

also, an Ohio State defender that got over-looked due to their LBs is Kudla.

mpt0069

01-28-2006, 10:01 PM

Gabe caused many O-lineman to hold him this season. In the Northwestern game the player trying to block him got called for 3 holding calls in one drive. He has the skill and size, but doesn't always come to play.

My brother is hoping the Bolts draft him to back up big Jamal Williams. Nice drive for the North BTW. Michael Robinson looks great with the football in his hands. If he could get a bit of accuracy though....

Pretty shitty that that those two cats got ejected though. That was nothing.

my sex is artsy

01-28-2006, 10:09 PM

My brother is hoping the Bolts draft him to back up big Jamal Williams. Nice drive for the North BTW. Michael Robinson looks great with the football in his hands. If he could get a bit of accuracy though....

Pretty shitty that that those two cats got ejected though. That was nothing.

Nice to see Fisher and Nolan negotiated them back into the game

Also, Jean-Gilles eating Watson and putting him on his back was teh pwn.

And the Bolts need a fucking safety. Drafting a nose tackle when you have the best one in the game, whether you need depth or not, is silly when you need players in the secondary that bad.

Oliver Klosov

01-28-2006, 10:13 PM

Nice to see Fisher and Nolan negotiated them back into the game

Also, Jean-Gilles eating Watson and putting him on his back was teh pwn.

And the Bolts need a fucking safety. Drafting a nose tackle when you have the best one in the game, whether you need depth or not, is silly when you need players in the secondary that bad.

whatever, Jammer is all that secondary needs.

my sex is artsy

01-28-2006, 10:24 PM

Hali's motor is fucking great. That is two sacks now he made on total extra effort. Also, I'm curious to how well Manny Lawson would translate to a 3-4 OLB. Thoughts?

my sex is artsy

01-28-2006, 10:52 PM

Da Brick managed to be twice as charming as DeAngelo Williams. What a winning smile. Incredible

mpt0069

01-28-2006, 10:58 PM

Add RB Jerome Harrison, DE/LB Manny Lawson, and DB Daniel Bullocks to my list.

I think Lawson will make an excellent 3-4 backer. Great speed, motor, and length. I'd like to see how he sheds blocks but if he is used as a pure pass rusher, he could create some problems in the backfield.

mpt0069

02-01-2006, 01:55 AM

Updated: Jan. 31, 2006

Six Trojans projected to go in first round

By Mel Kiper Jr.

Special to ESPN Insider

Following the week of Senior Bowl practices, there have been some changes to my first-round projection for the 2006 NFL draft. There are 14 underclassmen in this week's projected first round, three fewer than last week.

The top six picks remain the same, but the one newcomer to the top 10 is Texas defensive back Michael Huff. Right now I have him projected to land in San Francisco, which has the seventh overall pick. What I like about Huff is his versatility because he can play either cornerback or safety.

This projected pick reminds me of what the 49ers did in 1981 in a similar situation. In the '81 draft, the 49ers had the eighth overall pick and selected another versatile defensive back: USC's Ronnie Lott.

I will submit another first-round projection following the NFL combine, which is Feb. 22-28 in Indianapolis.

First-Round Projections
1. Houston Reggie Bush, RB* USC
2. New Orleans Matt Leinart, QB USC
3. Tennessee Vince Young, QB* Texas
4. N.Y. Jets D'Brickashaw Ferguson, T Virginia
5. Green Bay Mario Williams, DE* NC State
6. Oakland A.J. Hawk, LB Ohio St.
7. San Francisco Michael Huff, DB Texas
8. Buffalo Haloti Ngata, DT* Oregon
9. Detroit Jay Cutler, QB Vanderbilt
10. Arizona DeAngelo Williams, RB Memphis
11. St. Louis Vernon Davis, TE* Maryland
12. Cleveland Chad Greenway, LB Iowa
13. Baltimore Tamba Hali, DE Penn St.
14. Philadelphia Winston Justice, T* USC
15. Atlanta Jimmy Williams, DB Virginia Tech
16. Miami Ashton Youboty, CB* Ohio St.
17. Minnesota LenDale White, RB* USC
18. Dallas Marcus McNeill, T Auburn
19. San Diego Santonio Holmes, WR* Ohio St.
20. Kansas City Tye Hill, CB Clemson
21. New England Laurence Maroney, RB* Minnesota
22. Denver (from WSH) Mathias Kiwanuka, DE Boston College
23. Tampa Bay DeMeco Ryans, LB Alabama
24. Cincinnati Ko Simpson, DB* South Carolina
25. N.Y. Giants Johnathan Joseph, CB* South Carolina
26. Chicago Leonard Pope, TE* Georgia
27. Carolina Dominique Byrd, TE USC
28. Jacksonville Ernie Sims, OLB* Florida St.
29. Denver Sinorice Moss, WR Miami
30. Indianapolis Taitusi "Deuce" Lutui, G USC
31. Pittsburgh Bobby Carpenter, LB Ohio St.
32. Seattle Maurice Stovall, WR Notre Dame

* denotes underclassman

my sex is artsy

02-01-2006, 02:05 AM

For as smart as Kiper is...man he think some dumb ass shit...

13. Baltimore Tamba Hali, DE Penn St.
14. Philadelphia Winston Justice, T* USC
21. New England Laurence Maroney, RB* Minnesota
23. Tampa Bay DeMeco Ryans, LB Alabama
32. Seattle Maurice Stovall, WR Notre Dame

No.

mpt0069

02-01-2006, 02:13 AM

I'm not really feeling McNeill at #18 either. But I guess we'll see how everything shakes out at the Combine and Pro Days.

the chairman211

02-02-2006, 04:48 PM

I like Nick Mangold's style. He is a nasty dude, and he will punch a bitch in mouth to get to the second level, too. And great technique and fundamentals. If he gets bigger, he could be a special dude.
THE777!!!111 ohio state university is going to miss him quite a bit i think. underrated hit on their #1 hopes

Sir Gibbs

02-02-2006, 04:59 PM

I've seen a few sites put Ryans with the bucs now, this is starting to worry me. Not as much as drafting that shit Hagan, but a worry none the less.

Bucs need a tackle and need one bad. Interesting to see that Winston has fallen out of the first round completely on that draft, did he really have that terrible of a senior bowl?

Also interesting to see that he thinks the colts will go with a guard, i would have thought Dungy would go defense first. I guess he's buying into Manning bitching about his O-Line in their final game.

mpt0069

02-10-2006, 03:50 PM

Updated: Feb. 9, 2006

Young headed to Tennessee

By Todd McShay
Scouts Inc.

The end of the NFL season means the selection order for the first round is finally set, save for the Raiders and 49ers, who will execute a coin flip to break a tie for picks Nos. 6 and 7.

Much will change in the next couple of months, as players take part in the scouting combine and individual workouts. But with underclassmen officially declared as of Jan. 15, and with all the postseason all-star games wrapped up, now is an appropriate time to update the first-round mock for the 2006 NFL draft. Also included this time around are the team's top five draft needs prior to free agency.

1. Houston Texans (2-14): +Reggie Bush, RB, USC
Top five needs: DE, OG, MLB, OT, WR

2. New Orleans Saints (3-13): Matt Leinart, QB, USC
Top five needs: OLB, QB, DT, TE, RB

3. Tennessee Titans (4-12): +Vince Young, QB, Texas
Top five needs: MLB, OC, DS, OT, QB

4. New York Jets (4-12): D'Brickashaw Ferguson, OT, Virginia
Top five needs: RB, QB, OT, DC, OG/OC

5. Green Bay Packers (4-12): +Mario Williams, DE, N.C. State
Top five needs: OG, OLB, DS, DE, OC

6. x-Oakland Raiders (4-12): A.J. Hawk, OLB, Ohio State
Top five needs: OG, OLB, DT, DC, RB

7. x-San Francisco 49ers (4-12): Jimmy Williams, DC, Virginia Tech
Top five needs: OLB, DC, WR, FS, MLB

8. Buffalo Bills (5-11): +Haloti Ngata, DT, Oregon
Top five needs: DT, DC, OC, DS, OT

9. Detroit Lions (5-11): Michael Huff, DB, Texas
Top five needs:QB, ILB, OT, DC, DE

10. Arizona Cardinals (5-11): Jay Cutler, QB, Vanderbilt
Top five needs: SS, RB, QB, WLB, OT

11. St. Louis Rams (6-10): +Vernon Davis, TE, Maryland
Top five needs: DT, DC, WLB, OG/OC, MLB

12. Cleveland Browns (6-10): Chad Greenway, OLB, Iowa
Top five needs: OLB, NT, DE, OT, OG

13. Baltimore Ravens (6-10): DeAngelo Williams, RB, Memphis
Top five needs: DS, ROT, ILB, DT, RB

14. Philadelphia Eagles (6-10): +Santonio Holmes, WR, Ohio State
Top five needs: OT, OLB, WR, DT, TE

15. Atlanta Falcons (8-8): Tamba Hali, DE, Penn State
Top five needs: DS, OT, OG, DC, DE

16. Miami Dolphins (9-7): +Winston Justice, OT, USC
Top five needs: QB, LOT, DC, OLB, WR

17. Minnesota Vikings (9-7): +LenDale White, RB, USC
Top five needs: RB, OLB, ILB, SS, OG

18. Dallas Cowboys (9-7): Marcus McNeill, OT, Auburn
Top five needs: OT, FS, OG, WR, QB

19. San Diego Chargers (9-7): +Chad Jackson, WR, Florida
Top five needs: WR, OT, OG, DS, DC

20. Kansas City Chiefs (10-6): +Ashton Youboty, DC, Ohio State
Top five needs: WR, DC, DT, DE, QB

21. New England Patriots (10-6): Tye Hill, DC, Clemson
Top five needs: DC, LB, SS, RB, QB

22. Denver Broncos (10-6): Tamba Hali, DE, Penn State
Pick acquired from Washington Redskins
Top five needs: WR, OG/OC, TE, DT, DS

23. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (11-5): Mathias Kiwanuka, DE, Boston College
Top five needs: WR, OT, DE, DC, DT

24. Cincinnati Bengals (11-5): Claude Wroten, DT, LSU
Top five needs: DT, DS, TE, DE, DC

25. New York Giants (11-5): Demeco Ryans, OLB, Alabama
Top five needs: DC, WR, OT, OLB, FS

26. Chicago Bears (11-5): +Leonard Pope, TE, Georgia
Top five needs: DC, TE, FS, OT, SLB

27. Carolina Panthers (11-5): +Laurence Maroney, RB, Minnesota
Top five needs: WR, RB, TE, QB, DT

28. Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4): +Ernie Sims, OLB, Florida State
Top five needs: OLB, TE, DC, DE, OT

29. Denver Broncos (13-3): Gabe Watson, DT, Michigan
Top five needs: WR, OG/OC, TE, DT, DS

30. Indianapolis Colts (14-2): +Brian Calhoun, RB, Wisconsin
Top five needs: WR, RB, OLB, OG, MLB

31. Seattle Seahawks (13-3): +Darnell Bing, DS, USC
Top five needs: FS, WR, OG, DE, RB

32. Pittsburgh Steelers (11-5): Bobby Carpenter, OLB, Ohio State
Top five needs: WR, FS, DE, OG/OC, RB

x - Still to be determined by coin flip
+ - Underclassman

I'll say this upfront that Chad Jackson to the Bolts gets the nodog.jpg from me.

Malibu

02-10-2006, 04:21 PM

15. Atlanta Falcons (8-8): Tamba Hali, DE, Penn State
Top five needs: DS, OT, OG, DC, DE

22. Denver Broncos (10-6): Tamba Hali, DE, Penn State
Pick acquired from Washington Redskins
Top five needs: WR, OG/OC, TE, DT, DS

WTF?

mpt0069

02-10-2006, 04:25 PM

WTF?

Ahahaha. You should be an editor for Scouts, Inc./ESPN. That's a horrible mistake to make.

Malibu

02-10-2006, 04:29 PM

Ahahaha. You should be an editor for Scouts, Inc./ESPN. That's a horrible mistake to make.

It's got me pretty confused now.

I'd like to know which team is more likely to select Hali, and who the other one would draft.

Any guesses?

mpt0069

02-10-2006, 04:32 PM

It's got me pretty confused now.

I'd like to know which team is more likely to select Hali, and who the other one would draft.

Any guesses?

Being that DE isn't in Denver's top 5 "needs", I'd say the fuckup was him going to Denver.

Malibu

02-10-2006, 04:38 PM

Being that DE isn't in Denver's top 5 "needs", I'd say the fuckup was him going to Denver.

Agreed. What position would the Broncs look to draft? I'm thinking an interior O-Lineman or possibly a safety.

mpt0069

02-10-2006, 04:41 PM

Agreed. What position would the Broncs look to draft? I'm thinking an interior O-Lineman or possibly a safety.

Definitely a safety IMO. I wouldn't be surprised to see them take Darnell Bing. Methinks he'll move up the draft board after his pro day.

Malibu

02-10-2006, 04:42 PM

Definitely a safety IMO. I wouldn't be surprised to see them take Darnell Bing. Methinks he'll move up the draft board after his pro day.

He has the size, speed and body for it. The guy will be a stud in the league.

mpt0069

02-10-2006, 04:54 PM

He has the size, speed and body for it. The guy will be a stud in the league.

Agreed, even though he occaasionally disappears from games. There were a few games this season where I did not hear his name called once. Not sure if that's from the scheme or misdiagnosis of the plays. I think he'll make a fine strong safety at first because of his measurables and will make the move to free later if he shows improvement in coverage and play recognition. As I've said before, the fact he can immediately contribute to specials teams and do it very well is a plus.

mpt0069

02-13-2006, 04:19 PM

Updated: Feb. 9, 2006

Dvoracek may emerge as sleeper

By Todd McShay
Scouts Inc.
Archive

NFL draft prospects are commonly discussed in the same manner as financial portfolios, with their stock rising or falling. Sticking with that theme, each draft class has a handful of prospects who represent penny stocks. These are the risky investments that can be bought cheap and have tremendous growth potential.

The following is a breakdown of five prospects who will slip on draft weekend due to concerns regarding their character, durability, mental capacity or underachieving performance in college. But for teams willing to take a chance, these prospects could yield high returns.

Jason Allen, DS, Tennessee
Allen possesses an impressive combination of size, speed and athletic ability. He also has a solid work ethic and good character. He's a versatile defensive back (DC/FS) who was considered a first-round talent prior to suffering a season-ending hip injury five games into his senior year. The injury is likely to cause a significant dip in Allen's draft value, but if doctors project little long-term repercussions, I would take a flier on him as early as the second round.

Jeremy Bloom, RS/WR, Colorado
As a result of the money he made as a professional skier, the NCAA stripped Bloom of his eligibility prior to the Buffs' 2005 season. As a result, Bloom played only two seasons of college football and has not played in a game in nearly two years. In addition, Bloom is a vastly undersized prospect with limited potential at wide receiver (he's listed on Colorado's Web site as 5-foot-9, 175 pounds on the 2003 roster). Nevertheless, Bloom's explosive speed and short highlight reel of punt returns should convince a team to take a chance on him in the middle rounds.

Antonio Cromartie, DC, Florida State
Instead of returning for his senior season, Cromartie elected to leave school early for the 2006 NFL draft. He has not played in a game since the end of the 2004 season and has spent a good portion of this past year rehabilitating from a knee injury suffered in July 2005. In addition to the concerns regarding his health, Cromartie's technique needs lots of polishing. What makes Cromartie so tempting, though, is his excellent combination of size, speed and athletic ability. If he can knock off the rust and regain his form, Cromartie has the potential to develop into a shutdown cover corner in the NFL. Not surprisingly, Cromartie is regarded as one of the biggest enigmas in this class. In my opinion, he's worth the risk in the top half of the second round.

Dusty Dvoracek, DT, Oklahoma
Dvoracek is a one-gap defensive tackle with the combination of size, speed, quickness, toughness, instincts and football intelligence to warrant first-round consideration. However, his off-the-field baggage (dismissed from the program in 2004 because of an off-the-field incident) and durability problems (torn labrum in 2002 and torn biceps in 2005) have many teams shying away. However, Dvoracek is a great value in round three.

Marcus Vick, QB, Virginia Tech
Vick's behavior over the course of the last three years has been disgusting. He has been grossly immature and has demonstrated anger-management issues. Vick has exasperated law authorities, school officials, college coaches and even his big brother, Michael. But a shot to the ego, like the one he is set to receive on draft weekend, could finally be the wake-up call he so desperately needs. Vick is too unproven and comes with entirely too much baggage to risk selecting in the first four rounds. However, the team that takes a chance on Vick with a late-round selection could reap the reward of a Day One talent with a chip on his shoulder.

cottonzway

02-13-2006, 04:42 PM

14. Philadelphia Eagles (6-10): +Santonio Holmes, WR, Ohio State
Top five needs: OT, OLB, WR, DT, TE

I know they never say don't say never, but.....

They don't even list the Eagles top need in their "Top 5 Needs" as they need a DE more then anything. I don't know who listed those needs in that order but I can say for sure they don't watch the Eagles. They needs D-Line helps more then anything. They also can't wait for a rookie WR to develop. They won't be taking Holmes.

my sex is artsy

02-13-2006, 05:04 PM

Dvoracek may emerge as sleeper

Dvoracek is shit out of a dog's ass, and interior linemen in the NFL aren't scared of players like him. Dvoracek is shittier Chris Hovan, with a douchebag personality.

the chairman211

02-13-2006, 06:02 PM

chad jackson is going to suck balls. a florida WR, AND he came out early? hope you have a 5 year plan young man.

pope would be a great fit for the bears. a good TE to check to will move grossman/orton along nicely.

the chairman211

02-13-2006, 06:03 PM

Dvoracek is shit out of a dog's ass, and interior linemen in the NFL aren't scared of players like him. Dvoracek is shittier Chris Hovan, with a douchebag personality.
this is an extremely reppable post

Marshal G.K. Zhukov

02-14-2006, 05:40 AM

The NFL draft does nothing for me, though I hope the Steelers draft a running back, maybe a WR if Randel El leaves.

mpt0069

02-14-2006, 03:25 PM

Mock Draft: Bush goes No. 1

Pete Fiutak / CollegeFootballNews.com
Posted: 15 hours ago

It might be silly to speculate so early, but it's still fun. Here's an early Fearless Prediction of the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft.

1. Houston Texans - Reggie Bush, RB USC
New head coach Gary Kubiak was interested in Vince Young, but the management still believes in David Carr. The two sides have agreed to a contract extension making Bush to the Texans almost a foregone conclusion. The USC speed-burner gives the Texans the best chance to improve right now.

2. New Orleans Saints - Matt Leinart, QB USC
This is a franchise in need of stability and a sure-thing. Leinart provides both.

3. Tennessee Titans - Vince Young, QB Texas
The situation is almost too perfect. His mentor Steve McNair comes back for one more year giving offensive coordinator Norm Chow a season to work on Young's mechanics. New Orleans is going to think long and hard about the possibilities of taking the Longhorn star.

4. New York Jets - D'Brickashaw Ferguson, OT Virginia
They desperately want a young, non-Chad Pennington quarterback to build around, but the big two won't slide. Expect this to be the hot spot for trade talks.

5. Green Bay Packers - LenDale White, RB USC
Do you honestly believe the Packers are going to pin the hopes of their running game on Sam Gado? DeAngelo Williams will be tempting, but White provides more power.

6. Oakland Raiders - Mario Williams, DE NC State
Al David would love to take A.J. Hawk here, but Williams will be far too good to pass up.

7. San Francisco 49ers - Michael Huff, DB Texas
Huff solves a lot of problems for the porous Niner secondary. He'll start out at cornerback out of need, but he'll eventually be a star at safety.

8. Buffalo Bills - A.J. Hawk, LB Ohio State
His combine numbers will be off the charts and might even end up in the top five. Buffalo won't stay here. It needs offensive line help and will move down to get it.

9. Detroit Lions - Jay Cutler, QB Vanderbilt
Joey Harrington might become a Jet. Detroit needs someone to get the ball to all the great receiving talent, and while Cutler might not be anything special, he's an upgrade over the current situation.

10. Arizona Cardinals - Laurence Maroney, RB Minnesota
Like Buffalo, don't be shocked if Arizona trades down to load up on offensive linemen, or tries to move up to get Ferguson. J.J. Arrington and Marcel Shipp aren't the answer for the running game so Maroney, Williams, or if available, White, is the need pick. If Cutler falls, he's going here.

11. St. Louis Rams - Chad Greenway, LB Iowa
Greenway will be way too strong a prospect after the combines to fall any further.

12. Cleveland Browns - Haloti Ngata, DT Oregon
While not a need pick, head coach Romeo Crenel and his staff would love to have the best tackle in the draft fall this far. Wait and see how Kellen Winslow is progressing; Maryland's Vernon Davis might be a need pick.

13. Baltimore Ravens - DeAngelo Williams, RB Memphis
Will combine with Mark Clayton and Todd Heap to give Kyle Boller a fearsome array of weapons. Maroney and White could go here.

14. Philadelphia Eagles - Jimmy Williams, CB/S Virginia Tech
The Eagles will like Williams' versatility in the secondary, but will eventually groom him for safety.

15. Atlanta Falcons - Winston Justice, OT USC
Not a need, but the athletic tackle will have a hard time falling out of the top 15.

16. Miami Dolphins - Mathias Kiwanuka, DE Boston College
The possibilities of a pass-rushing tandem of Jason Taylor and Kiwanuka, even though he needs work, will be too fantastic to pass up.

17. Minnesota Vikings - Vernon Davis, TE Maryland
The Vikings need more offensive weapons to help start putting points back on the board.

18. Dallas Cowboys - Santonio Holmes, WR Ohio State
In a horrible draft for receivers, Holmes will stand out. Keyshawn Johnson and Terry Glenn are getting old.

19. San Diego Chargers - Brodrick Bunkley, DT Florida State
Paired with Shawne Merriman, San Diego will have the makings of a scary good young line.

20. Kansas City Chiefs - Kamerion Wimbley, DE Florida State
The Chiefs need a receiver, but there won't be a worthy one available. More defensive playmakers are always needed around KC.

21. New England Patriots - Tamba Hali, DE Penn State
His stock shot up even more after Senior Bowl week. The Patriots could stand to get a little younger up front.

22. Denver Broncos (from Washington) - Chad Jackson, WR Florida
Rod Smith doesn't have too much longer to go and Ashley Lelie can't seem to become a true No. 1.

23. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Eric Winston, OT Miami (FL)
While he's not a sure-thing, he's a need pick for the Bucs.

24. Cincinnati Bengals - Marcedes Lewis, TE UCLA
USC's Dominique Byrd could go here to give fellow Trojan Carson Palmer another great weapon. Cincinnati badly needs a tight end.

25. New York Giants - DeMeco Ryans, LB Alabama
He fits. He's a rock solid prospect with great leadership skills.

26. Chicago Bears - Tye Hill, CB Clemson
The Bears would love to move Charles Tillman to safety. Steve Smith and Carolina showed how much the Bears need a shut-down corner.

27. Carolina Panthers - Dominique Byrd, TE USC
After impressing the scouts, Byrd is sure to go somewhere late in round one. Carolina could use another weapon to take the heat off Steve Smith.

28. Jacksonville Jaguars - John McCargo, DT NC State
Jacksonville needs more strength up front and could go McCargo, LSU Claude Wroten, or Miami's Orien Harris.

29. Denver Broncos - Leonard Pope, TE Georgia
After going after a wide receiver with its first pick, Denver will get a big, young tight end who doesn't necessarily fit its style, but will be too intriguing to pass up.

30. Indianapolis Colts - Derek Hagan, WR Arizona State
The Colts will re-sign Reggie Wayne, and although Hagan was mediocre in Senior Bowl practices, he provides a good young prospect for Peyton Manning to work with.

31. Seattle Seahawks - Thomas Howard, LB UTEP
A physical freak of nature, Howard allows the Seattle coaching staff a lot of flexibility providing more size to the linebacking corps.

32. Pittsburgh Steelers - Ernie Sims, LB Florida State
A corner like Ashton Youboty or Kelly Jennings would be nice, but you can never have too many speedy linebackers in the 3-4. Sims will run too well to fall out of the first round.

I almost didn't post this since it's so ri-goddamn-diculous. But for you draftniks that need a good laugh or something to tear apart, this is the hot money. I'm shocked that people can get paid for pulling names out of hat and turning it in to their editor.

Malibu

02-14-2006, 03:43 PM

I almost didn't post this since it's so ri-goddamn-diculous. But for you draftniks that need a good laugh or something to tear apart, this is the hot money. I'm shocked that people can get paid for pulling names out of hat and turning it in to their editor.

I was glad to come to your disclaimer at the end of that mock draft, because it was definitely fucking ridiculous.

How many of those picks would you see and just be like "are you fucking serious? They don't need that guy!", or "since when is he a first-rounder?"

my sex is artsy

02-14-2006, 03:52 PM

10. Arizona Cardinals - Laurence Maroney, RB Minnesota
Like Buffalo, don't be shocked if Arizona trades down to load up on offensive linemen, or tries to move up to get Ferguson. J.J. Arrington and Marcel Shipp aren't the answer for the running game so Maroney, Williams, or if available, White, is the need pick. If Cutler falls, he's going here.

Do they not realize that DeAngelo Williams is 830 times the player Maroney is? I could've ran behind Setterstrom and Eslinger.

Maroney should be used as a prop; if any team drafts him in the first round, Tagliabue and the NFL should seize control of the team ASAP for the good of mankind.

17. Minnesota Vikings - Vernon Davis, TE Maryland
The Vikings need more offensive weapons to help start putting points back on the board.

Super reliable, Pro Bowl calibre tight end + No running back = Draft a Tight End.

Just to make sure you were on the same page.

18. Dallas Cowboys - Santonio Holmes, WR Ohio State
In a horrible draft for receivers, Holmes will stand out. Keyshawn Johnson and Terry Glenn are getting old.

In a horrible draft for receivers...you draft a fucking offensive tackle because Flozell Adams is old, fat and injured, and who the fuck is Rob Petitti anyway? There is like a dozen first round quality offensive tackles.

19. San Diego Chargers - Brodrick Bunkley, DT Florida State
Paired with Shawne Merriman, San Diego will have the makings of a scary good young line.

Are they even aware that the Chargers play a 3-4?

20. Kansas City Chiefs - Kamerion Wimbley, DE Florida State
The Chiefs need a receiver, but there won't be a worthy one available. More defensive playmakers are always needed around KC.

Saying "We need a play maker, so we'll take Kamerion Wimbley" is like saying "We need a guy to give money to the arts in the city, so we'll take Alexei Yashin".

21. New England Patriots - Tamba Hali, DE Penn State
His stock shot up even more after Senior Bowl week. The Patriots could stand to get a little younger up front.

This isn't even that terrible of an idea, but the Patriots are taking Demeco Ryans. Mark it.

22. Denver Broncos (from Washington) - Chad Jackson, WR Florida
Rod Smith doesn't have too much longer to go and Ashley Lelie can't seem to become a true No. 1.

"Hmmmm...the Broncos really need a number 1 wide out, and Lelie can't become one. Who should they draft? I got it! A guy who will be a career third wide out slotback at best!"

28. Jacksonville Jaguars - John McCargo, DT NC State
Jacksonville needs more strength up front and could go McCargo, LSU Claude Wroten, or Miami's Orien Harris.

Did I miss it on Sportscenter when the Jaguars auctioned off Henderson and Stroud, the best tackle tandem in the entire league?

30. Indianapolis Colts - Derek Hagan, WR Arizona State
The Colts will re-sign Reggie Wayne, and although Hagan was mediocre in Senior Bowl practices, he provides a good young prospect for Peyton Manning to work with.

The offensive juggernaut with three 1000-yard-capable wide outs drafts a wide receiver who is going to bust in the NFL. kool.

31. Seattle Seahawks - Thomas Howard, LB UTEP
A physical freak of nature, Howard allows the Seattle coaching staff a lot of flexibility providing more size to the linebacking corps.

Seattle has two sophomore LBs, one of whom made the fucking Pro Bowl. So they're going to draft another rookie LB?

However, Seattle needs to get back to what they're good at: dropping passes. And Howard dropped about 27 interceptions in the Senior Bowl, so he can bring that kind of consistancy to both sides of the ball.

32. Pittsburgh Steelers - Ernie Sims, LB Florida State
A corner like Ashton Youboty or Kelly Jennings would be nice, but you can never have too many speedy linebackers in the 3-4. Sims will.

When you have a 3-4 with 4 quality linebackers, you don't try to draft another. Especially an undersized one with a history of injuries.

Fuck I hate people.

Malibu

02-14-2006, 04:01 PM

Do they not realize that DeAngelo Williams is 830 times the player Maroney is? I could've ran behind Setterstrom and Eslinger.

Maroney should be used as a prop; if any team drafts him in the first round, Tagliabue and the NFL should seize control of the team ASAP for the good of mankind.

Super reliable, Pro Bowl calibre tight end + No running back = Draft a Tight End.

Just to make sure you were on the same page.

In a horrible draft for receivers...you draft a fucking offensive tackle because Flozell Adams is old, fat and injured, and who the fuck is Rob Petitti anyway? There is like a dozen first round quality offensive tackles.

Are they even aware that the Chargers play a 3-4?

Saying "We need a play maker, so we'll take Kamerion Wimbley" is like saying "We need a guy to give money to the arts in the city, so we'll take Alexei Yashin".

This isn't even that terrible of an idea, but the Patriots are taking Demeco Ryans. Mark it.

"Hmmmm...the Broncos really need a number 1 wide out, and Lelie can't become one. Who should they draft? I got it! A guy who will be a career third wide out slotback at best!"

Did I miss it on Sportscenter when the Jaguars auctioned off Henderson and Stroud, the best tackle tandem in the entire league?

The offensive juggernaut with three 1000-yard-capable wide outs drafts a wide receiver who is going to bust in the NFL. kool.

Seattle has two sophomore LBs, one of whom made the fucking Pro Bowl. So they're going to draft another rookie LB?

However, Seattle needs to get back to what they're good at: dropping passes. And Howard dropped about 27 interceptions in the Senior Bowl, so he can bring that kind of consistancy to both sides of the ball.

When you have a 3-4 with 4 quality linebackers, you don't try to draft another. Especially an undersized one with a history of injuries.

Fuck I hate people.

Reps for taking the time to pick this shit mock draft apart, rather than opt for the general "fuck this" that I went for.

mpt0069

02-14-2006, 04:07 PM

You missed Eric Winston at #23. A guy who regressed during the season after a major knee injury and didn't do himself any favors during the Senior Bowl week. Too high IMO.

I'd also be semi-shocked if DeAngelo Williams, Ngata, Jimmy Williams fall where he has them.

I kind of like their pick of White at #5 but I think GB goes defense. White's stock will go up when he rips off a 4.5 at Pro Day but I think if GB wants him that badly they can move down a couple slots and pick up another draft pick in the process.

my sex is artsy

02-14-2006, 04:13 PM

I kind of like their pick of White at #5 but I think GB goes defense. White's stock will go up when he rips off a 4.5 at Pro Day but I think if GB wants him that badly they can move down a couple slots and pick up another draft pick in the process.

Who the fuck cares? Green Bay is in fucking hell. Favre is gone, and even if he isn't, he sucks now. Ahman Green is fragile. Their offensive linemen all ran away. Their defense is terrible except for Nick Barnett and KGB, who is shaky as hell at times. Also...they start Batman Carroll in the secondary. Nuff said.

Malibu

02-14-2006, 04:13 PM

I could easily see White going before DeAngelo Williams, but Maroney? Give me a fucking break. Maroney was a collegiate Shaun Alexander this year, benefiting from running behind two All American-caliber lineman. He flourished in the system. Sure, he's good. But he's absolutely not Top 10 pick good.

If LenDale actually falls to a team with an immediate need like the Vikings, he should be ready to start fairly quickly, but I see him being gone before they have a shot at him.

mpt0069

02-14-2006, 04:15 PM

Who the fuck cares? Green Bay is in fucking hell. Favre is gone, and even if he isn't, he sucks now. Ahman Green is fragile. Their offensive linemen all ran away. Their defense is terrible except for Nick Barnett and KGB, who is shaky as hell at times. Also...they start Batman Carroll in the secondary. Nuff said.

As a USC fan, I care. White will turn out to be the best four down RB in the class. He'll churn out 1000-1600 yards on the ground a year.

mpt0069

02-14-2006, 04:16 PM

my sex is artsy

02-14-2006, 04:16 PM

Maroney was a collegiate Shaun Alexander this year, benefiting from running behind two All American-caliber lineman.

Oh shit. Brother went there.

If LenDale actually falls to a team with an immediate need like the Vikings, he should be ready to start fairly quickly, but I see him being gone before they have a shot at him.

I am praying for a runningback. And I am praying for it to be White after he runs a 4.62 at the combine. But you know what? I'll be happy taking any player other than Derek Hagan or Laurence Maroney.

Also, I would like to make an add-on to my Pats' choice...they will take Demeco Ryans, or Bobby Carpenter.

Sir Gibbs

02-14-2006, 04:28 PM

I like how the Bucs get Winston, who from what i understand looked horrible at the senior bowl and is on a slide at the minute. Then he says, 'While he's not a sure-thing, he's a need pick for the Bucs.'

Of course because there aren't any other options at tackle in this draft are there, douche. How the fuck McNeil falls out of the first round i don't know

my sex is artsy

02-14-2006, 04:29 PM

Of course because there aren't any other options at tackle in this draft are there, douche. How the fuck McNeil falls out of the first round i don't know

I just realized like 30 seconds ago they didn't have McNeill in the first round. Fucking terrible. He's the kind of massive body they need to keep dudes off of Cadillac.

Sir Gibbs

02-14-2006, 04:36 PM

I just realized like 30 seconds ago they didn't have McNeill in the first round. Fucking terrible. He's the kind of massive body they need to keep dudes off of Cadillac.

Plus he blocked for Caddy at Auburn, so one would assume they might have some pre-existing chemistry. I don't think he'll get past Dallas though

Malibu

02-14-2006, 04:38 PM

I don't think I've seen Wimbley projected in the first round on ANY other draft board, by the way.

I'm getting more and more irritated reading that, I have to stop now.

mpt0069

02-14-2006, 04:40 PM

I don't think I've seen Wimbley projected in the first round on ANY other draft board, by the way.

I'm getting more and more irritated reading that, I have to stop now.

I'm glad this shitty mock draft is having the effect I hoped it would.

Malibu

02-14-2006, 04:42 PM

I'm glad this shitty mock draft is having the effect I hoped it would.

And I'm glad your plan is unfolding so perfectly.

*puts head through wall*

my sex is artsy

02-14-2006, 04:45 PM

Does anyone have any picks as an early candidate for the Mike Mamula Award?

Malibu

02-14-2006, 04:49 PM

Does anyone have any picks as an early candidate for the Mike Mamula Award?

How high would they need to be drafted to qualify? Top 10?

my sex is artsy

02-14-2006, 05:02 PM

How high would they need to be drafted to qualify? Top 10?

The Mamula Award is relative to the guys actual talent level. If the guy is fairly talented, but has an insane workout, and goes from Top 20-30, to low Top 10, that isn't as bad as if a third rounder has an insane workout, and goes from 75th overall to 25th overall.

cottonzway

02-14-2006, 05:40 PM

Does anyone have any picks as an early candidate for the Mike Mamula Award?

Thanks for brining back bad memories. :(

That guy was awful. They use to call him "Route 59" because if a running back needed to get somewhere they would run on "Route 59" and get where they needed to go.

tak

02-14-2006, 08:07 PM

i wish maurice drew had decided to stay one more year. he could have been a potential heisman candidate (i don't think he'd win it though) but now he's just going to be a kick returner.

my sex is artsy

02-14-2006, 09:34 PM

i wish maurice drew had decided to stay one more year. he could have been a potential heisman candidate (i don't think he'd win it though) but now he's just going to be a kick returner.

You should be more pissed every good junior tight end declared, pwning Marcedes Lewis.

tak

02-14-2006, 11:57 PM

You should be more pissed every good junior tight end declared, pwning Marcedes Lewis.

meh. marcedes is no longer on "my team" so i don't really care too much if he gets pwned.

the chairman211

02-15-2006, 06:17 AM

I kind of like their pick of White at #5 but I think GB goes defense. White's stock will go up when he rips off a 4.5 at Pro Day but I think if GB wants him that badly they can move down a couple slots and pick up another draft pick in the process.
i posted somewhere (i think it was this thread, but not sure) an SI rumor that green bay was seriously heating on lendale in the 5 spot. i think he's too damn big to run a 4.5, at least a 4.5 flat. frankly i think its clear he's fast enough regardless of track times so i dont give a shit. but a 4.5 might well clinch him as the #2 back. with two backs in tow, perhaps the packers swap picks with arizona

mpt0069

02-22-2006, 09:48 PM

Updated: Feb. 22, 2006

Combine to feature plenty of big names

By Todd McShay
Scouts Inc.
Archive

While the 2006 NFL scouting combine officially begins on Wednesday, the workouts do not begin until Saturday. The following are the dates for each unit's workout at this year's combine:

Saturday February 25: Running Backs I and Offensive Linemen
Sunday February 26: Running Backs II, Quarterbacks and Wide Receivers
Monday February 27: Tight Ends and Defensive Linemen
Tuesday February 28: Linebackers and Defensive Backs

Prospects are broken up by position into 12 groups and go through the four-day process with their respective group. Here's a look at what each prospect experiences on a daily basis:

Day 1: Arrival, X-rays, Cybex testing, orientation and individual team interviews.
Day 2: Urinalysis, height/weight/Arm length/hand span, Wonderlic test, bench press (max reps at 225 pounds), physical examination, taped video interviews and individual team interviews.
Day 3: NFLPA meeting, psychological testing and individual team interviews.
Day 4: Still photograph, 40-yard dash, agility drills, individual position drills and departure.

Below is a breakdown of the 330 invitees to the 2006 NFL Scouting Combine. Upon the completion of the combine next Wednesday, I will re-rank and grade each of these positions in order to provide an example of its effect on the draft's outcome.

Quarterbacks
Prospect School Grade
Matt Leinart Southern Cal 8.8
Vince Young Texas 8.7
Jay Cutler Vanderbilt 8.6
Omar Jacobs Bowling Green 7.3
Brodie Croyle Alabama 6.9
Charlie Whitehurst Clemson 6.6
Darrell Hackney UAB 6.3
Kellen Clemens Oregon 6.0
Reggie McNeal Texas A&M 5.9
Paul Pinegar Fresno State 5.1
Brad Smith Missouri 5.1
Bruce Gradkowski Toledo 4.7
Michael Robinson Penn State 4.6
D.J. Shockley Georgia 4.4
Drew Olson UCLA 4.2
Travis Lulay Montana State 3.9
Marcus Vick Virginia Tech 3.7
Brett Basanez Northwestern 3.4
Tarvaris Jackson Alabama State 3.0
Barrick Nealy Texas State 2.9
Erik Meyer East Washington 2.6
Kent Smith Central Michigan 2.1
Bruce Eugene Grambling State 2.0
Ingle Martin Furman 2.0
Quinton Porter Boston College 2.0

Running Backs
Prospect School Grade
Reggie Bush Southern Cal 8.9
Deangelo Williams Memphis 8.6
Lendale White Southern Cal 8.5
Laurence Maroney Minnesota 8.4
Brian Calhoun Wisconsin 7.7
Maurice Drew UCLA 7.6
Joseph Addai Louisiana State 7.4
Leon Washington Florida State 7.1
Jerome Harrison Washington State 6.7
Jerious Norwood Mississippi State 6.4
Andre Hall South Florida 6.2
P.J. Daniels Georgia Tech 5.9
Gerald Riggs Tennessee 5.7
Cedric Humes Virginia Tech 5.6
Dontrell Moore New Mexico 5.3
Cory Ross Nebraska 5.0
Matt Bernstein Wisconsin 4.9
Wali Lundy Virginia 4.9
Lawrence Vickers Colorado 4.6
Mike Bell Arizona 4.3
Terrence Whitehead Oregon 4.0
Taurean Henderson Texas Tech 3.7
Wendell Mathis Fresno State 3.5
Derrick Ross Tarleton State 3.2
Ryan Gilbert Houston 2.3
Quinton Ganther Utah 2.1
Gilbert Harris Arizona 2.1
David Kirtman Southern Cal 2.0
Naufahu Tahi Brigham Young 2.0

Wide Receivers
Prospect School Grade
Santonio Holmes Ohio State 8.5
Chad Jackson Florida 8.3
Sinorice Moss Miami-Fla. 8.1
Maurice Stovall Notre Dame 7.8
Derek Hagan Arizona State 7.4
Jason Avant Michigan 7.3
Greg Lee Pittsburgh 6.9
Travis Wilson Oklahoma 6.8
Brandon Williams Wisconsin 6.7
Demetrius Williams Oregon 6.5
Hank Baskett New Mexico 6.3
Martin Nance Miami-Ohio 6.2
Mike Hass Oregon State 6.0
Skyler Green Louisiana State 5.8
Will Blackmon Boston College 5.7
Greg Jennings Western Michigan 5.4
Cory Rodgers Texas Christian 5.2
Jonathon Orr Wisconsin 5.0
Jovon Bouknight Wyoming 4.7
Willie Reid Florida State 4.7
Todd Watkins Brigham Young 4.6
Jeff Webb San Diego State 4.3
Ben Obomano Auburn 4.1
David Anderson Colorado State 3.8
Jeremy Bloom Colorado 3.5
Devin Aromashodu Auburn 3.4
Clinton Solomon Iowa 3.3
Delanie Walker Central Missouri State 3.0
Anthony Mix Auburn 2.9
Damarius Bilbo Georgia Tech 2.6
Miles Austin Monmouth-NJ 2.0
Jason Carter Texas A&M 2.0
Marques Colston Hofstra 2.0
Chris Denney Nebraska-Omaha 2.0
Marques Hagans Virginia 2.0
Chris Hannon Tennessee 2.0
Ed Hinkel Iowa 2.0
Adam Jennings Fresno State 2.0
Brandon Marshall Central Florida 2.0
Richie Ross Nebraksa-Kearney 2.0

Tight Ends
Prospect School Grade
Vernon Davis Maryland 8.6
Leonard Pope Georgia 8.3
Dominique Byrd Southern Cal 7.8
Marcedes Lewis UCLA 7.8
Anthony Fasano Notre Dame 7.5
Joe Klopfenstein Colorado 6.3
TJ Williams North Carolina State 5.8
David Thomas Texas 5.4
Garrett Mills Tulsa 5.1
Owen Daniels Wisconsin 4.9
Charles Davis Purdue 4.3
Tim Day Oregon 4.1
Troy Bienemann Washington State 3.7
Quinn Sypniewski Colorado 3.4
Cooper Wallace Auburn 2.9
Tony Scheffler Western Michigan 2.7
Jeff King Virginia Tech 2.4
Daniel Fells California-Davis 2.0
Matt Henshaw Florida State 2.0
Tim Massaquoi Michigan 2.0
Jason Pociask Wisconsin 2.0

Offensive Lineman
Prospect School Grade
D'Brickashaw Ferguson Virginia 8.8
Winston Justice Southern Cal 8.5
Marcus McNeill Auburn 8.1
Nick Mangold Ohio State 8.0
Max Jean-Gilles Georgia 7.8
Eric Winston Miami-Fla. 7.8
Deuce Lutui Southern Cal 7.7
Greg Eslinger Minnesota 7.5
Jeremy Trueblood Boston College 7.2
Davin Joseph Oklahoma 6.9
Ryan O'Callaghan California 6.9
Jonathan Scott Texas 6.7
Fred Matua Southern Cal 6.6
Andrew Whitworth Louisiana State 6.6
Kevin Boothe Cornell 6.3
Daryn Colledge Boise State 6.3
Jason Spitz Louisville 6.3
Rob Sims Ohio State 5.8
Mike Degory Florida 5.7
Joe Toledo Washington 5.7
Charles Spencer Pittsburgh 5.6
Dennis Roland Georgia 5.5
Ryan Cook New Mexico 5.4
Adam Stenavich Michigan 5.3
E.J. Whitley Texas Tech 5.2
Troy Reddick Auburn 5.0
Mark Setterstrom Minnesota 4.9
Zach Strief Northwestern 4.9
Donovan Raiola Wisconsin 4.8
Jahri Evans Bloomsburg 4.7
Jimmy Martin Virginia Tech 4.6
Pat Ross Boston College 4.5
Rashad Butler Miami-Fla. 4.4
Tony Tella Miami-Fla. 4.4
Jeromy Clary Kansas State 4.1
Quinn Ojinnaka Syracuse 4.1
Paul McQuistan Weber State 3.9
Chris Kuper North Dakota 3.8
Will Montgomery Virginia Tech 3.7
Robin Meadow Washington 3.5
Marvin Philip California 3.4
Brad Butler Virginia 3.0
Michael Toudouze Texas Christian 2.5
Chris Chester Oklahoma 2.0
Donald Penn Utah State 2.0
Terrence Pennington New Mexico 2.0
Isaac Sowells Indiana 2.0
Dan Stevenson Notre Dame 2.0
Stefon Wheeler Michigan State 2.0
Guy Whimper East Carolina 2.0

Defensive linemen
Prospect School Grade
Mario Williams North Carolina State 8.7
Haloti Ngata Oregon 8.5
Tamba Hali Penn State 8.4
Mathias Kiwanuka Boston College 8.2
Gabe Watson Michigan 8.2
Brodrick Bunkley Florida State 8.0
Darryl Tapp Virginia Tech 7.9
Claude Wroten Louisiana State 7.9
Rodrique Wright Texas 7.8
Orien Harris Miami-Fla. 7.5
Manny Lawson North Carolina State 7.5
Johnathan Lewis Virginia Tech 7.4
Kamerion Wimbley Florida State 7.2
Babatunde Oshinowo Stanford 7.1
Ray Edwards Purdue 7.0
Stanley McClover Auburn 6.9
Kyle Williams Louisiana State 6.8
Elvis Dumervil Louisville 6.6
Jesse Mahelona Tennessee 6.5
Victor Adeyanju Indiana 6.4
Charlton Keith Kansas 6.3
Dusty Dvoracek Oklahoma 6.2
Eric Henderson Georgia Tech 6.1
John McCargo North Carolina State 6.0
Titus Adams Nebraska 5.9
Julian Jenkins Stanford 5.9
Montavious Stanley Louisville 5.7
Mark Anderson Alabama 5.6
Domata Peko Michigan State 5.4
Jeremy Mincey Florida 5.3
Johnny Jolly Texas A&M 5.0
Barry Cofield Northwestern 4.8
Parys Haralson Tennessee 4.7
Kedric Golston Georgia 4.6
Mike Kudla Ohio State 4.4
McKinley Boykin Mississippi 4.1
Javon Nanton Miami-Fla. 4.1
Sir Henry Anderson Oregon State 3.7
James Wyche Syracuse 3.7
Charles Bennett Clemson 3.4
Manaia Brown Brigham Young 3.4
Tommy Jackson Auburn 3.2
Chris Gocong California Poly State 3.1
Darrell Adams Villanova 3.0
Kevin Le Smith Nebraska 2.9
Frostee Rucker Southern Cal 2.8
Marcus Green Ohio State 2.6
Ryan LaCasse Syracuse 2.5
Melvin Oliver Louisiana State 2.2
Kader Drame Syracuse 2.1
Copeland Bryan Arizona 2.0
Jason Hatcher Grambling State 2.0
Rob Ninkovich Purdue 2.0
Matt Rice Penn State 2.0

Linebackers
Prospect School Grade
A.J. Hawk Ohio State 8.7
Chad Greenway Iowa 8.5
Demeco Ryans Alabama 8.4
Ernie Sims Florida State 8.3
Bobby Carpenter Ohio State 8.0
Roger Mcintosh Miami-Fla. 7.8
Thomas Howard UTEP 7.7
D'Qwell Jackson Maryland 7.7
Abdul Hodge Iowa 7.5
A.J. Nicholson Florida State 7.5
Kai Parham Virginia 6.9
James Anderson Virginia Tech 6.5
Gerris Wilkinson Georgia Tech 6.4
Travis Williams Auburn 6.2
Stephen Tulloch North Carolina State 6.0
Freddie Roach Alabama 5.9
Kevin Simon Tennessee 5.8
Jon Alston Stanford 5.7
Leon Williams Miami-Fla. 5.6
Oliver Hoyte North Carolina State 5.1
Jamar Williams Arizona State 5.1
Omar Gaither Tennessee 4.8
Dale Robinson Arizona State 4.8
Trent Bray Oregon State 4.6
Keith Ellison Oregon State 4.5
Freddie Keiaho San Diego State 4.3
Spencer Havner UCLA 4.2
Clint Ingram Oklahoma 4.0
Brandon Johnson Louisville 3.9
Tim McGarigle Northwestern 3.9
Will Derting Washington State 3.7
Brian Iwuh Colorado 3.3
Tarna Nande Miami-Ohio 3.3
Anthony Schlegel Ohio State 3.2
William Kershaw Maryland 2.9
Tim Dobbins Iowa State 2.7
Cameron Vaughn Louisiana State 2.1
Anthony Trucks Oregon 2.0

Defensive Backs
Prospect School Grade
Michael Huff Texas 8.6
Jimmy Williams Virginia Tech 8.6
Tye Hill Clemson 8.3
Ashton Youboty Ohio State 8.2
Antonio Cromartie Florida State 7.9
Darnell Bing Southern Cal 7.8
Kelly Jennings Miami-Fla. 7.7
Ko Simpson South Carolina 7.7
Johnathan Joseph South Carolina 7.6
Dee Webb Florida 7.5
Donte' Whitner Ohio State 7.5
Anwar Phillips Penn State 7.4
Richard Marshall Fresno State 7.1
Alan Zeimaitis Penn State 6.9
Jason Allen Tennessee 6.8
Demario Minter Georgia 6.7
Bernard Pollard Purdue 6.7
Charles Gordon Kansas 6.6
Devin Hester Miami-Fla. 6.6
Pat Watkins Florida State 6.5
Greg Blue Georgia 6.4
Cedric Griffin Texas 6.2
Daniel Bullocks Nebraska 6.1
Tim Jennings Georgia 6.0
Anthony Smith Syracuse 6.0
Marcus Hudson North Carolina State 5.9
Marcus Maxey Miami-Fla. 5.7
Roman Harper Alabama 5.4
Derrick Martin Wyoming 5.4
Gerrick McPhearson Maryland 4.9
Dwayne Slay Texas Tech 4.7
Reuben Houston Georgia Tech 4.6
Calving Lowry Penn State 4.4
Darrell Hunter Miami-Ohio 4.3
Danieal Manning Abilene Christian 4.3
Eric Smith Michigan State 4.1
Darrell Brooks Arizona 4.0
Josh Lay Pittsburgh 4.0
Chris Harrell Penn State 3.8
Chijioke Onyenegecha Oklahoma 3.8
Justin Wyatt Southern Cal 3.6
Antonio Malone Toledo 3.5
John Walker Southern Cal 3.2
Marcus Demps San Diego State 2.9
Charlie Peprah Alabama 2.9
Dawan Landry Georgia Tech 2.6
David Pittman Northwestern State 2.6
Khalid Naziruddin Texas Tech 2.3
Nate Salley Ohio State 2.3
Alton Mccann West Virginia 2.1
Jarrad Page UCLA 2.1
Antoine Bethea Howard 2.0
Reed Doughty North Colorado 2.0
Chris Hawkins Marshall 2.0
Jarvis Herring Florida 2.0
Vincent Meeks Texas Tech 2.0
Scott Mare Southern Cal 2.0
Jahmile Addae West Virginia 1.0
Willie Andrews Baylor 1.0

Kickers/Punters
Prospect School Grade
Jonathan Scifres Missouri State 3.7
Josh Huston Ohio State 3.4
John Torp Colorado 3.4
Tom Malone Southern Cal 2.6
Steve Weatherford Illinois 2.2
Ryan Plackemeier Wake Forest 2.1
Danny Baugher Arizona 2.0
David Lonie California 2.0
Thomas Olmsted Troy 2.0
Sam Paulescu Oregon State 2.0
Joel Stelly Louisiana-Monroe 2.0

Long Snappers
Prospect School Grade
Jeff Mullins Marshall 3.2
Gavin Tarquinio Georgia Tech 2.1
Boone Stutz Texas A&M 2.0

Sir Gibbs

02-26-2006, 02:18 PM

mpt0069

02-26-2006, 04:06 PM

Yeah, that VY score is all over the intarweb. Take a sample test of it for yourself to see what kind of questions they ask. I don't know if they left out the tough questions but theese weren't very hard IMO.

http://espn.go.com/page2/s/closer/020228test.html

Sir Gibbs

02-26-2006, 04:13 PM

This is a fucking primary school paper. Are you kidding me, VY could only get 6 of them right?

Fucking hell, the guy must be retarded. How's he supposed to learn an entire NFL offense.

Sir Gibbs

02-26-2006, 11:06 PM

Talk of Texans trading #1 pick.

http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/HOU/9269639

This probably means nothing and is just their way of trying to cause a bit of a storm and get the most worth possible our of their position, but i thought it was worth noting.

Trading down a couple of places and grabbing some more picks clearly is what they should be doing in my eyes. Way to many holes to fill not to and with a solid QB and RB there is no need to go after any of 'the big three'.

my sex is artsy

02-26-2006, 11:13 PM

Vince scored a 6... are people amazed? His attributes were "being a leader" and "Running really fast". The offense he ran wasn't exactly The Colts'.

my sex is artsy

02-26-2006, 11:14 PM

Side note... does anyone know the all time low Wonderlic score? I know Pig Prathers, a safety from Arkansas, got a 3 a few years back. Frank Gore for a 3 last year, too.

the chairman211

02-27-2006, 03:25 AM

Apparently Vince Young has scored a 6 on the wonderlic test. The talk is that his stock is falling with speed.

I just got this from the tampa message board, there wasn't a source so it could be complete shite, take it for what it's worth.

If it is true i could see Jay Cutler overtaking him as the second drafted QB
cutler is going to suck. everyone's riding his nuts for a 'good showing at the senior bowl', did they not see him go 6 for fuckin 19. another workout wonder who will shit the bed when it counts

my sex is artsy

02-27-2006, 03:38 AM

cutler is going to suck. everyone's riding his nuts for a 'good showing at the senior bowl', did they not see him go 6 for fuckin 19. another workout wonder who will shit the bed when it counts

I don't think anyone thinks Cutler won't suck. He has suck written all over him.

mpt0069

02-27-2006, 04:29 AM

C'mon you guys just hate Cutler for his Beatles-esque haircut. 23 REPS AT THE COMBINE AND A 4.8 40 YARD DASH!!!!!!!11 EAT YOUR FUCKING HEARTS OUT NAYSAYERS!!!!!!!!!!

I, for one, am indifferent. I think he'll have just as good a chance to succeed as the other two and I give him a lot of credit for making such a push to get into the top 5. Now, I just have to say my nightly prayer for Michael Huff to somehow slip to #19 so that I might sleep soundly the night of April 29.

the chairman211

02-27-2006, 05:53 AM

I don't think anyone thinks Cutler won't suck. He has suck written all over him.
that autistic kid will make the NBA before Cutler makes the Pro Bowl

the chairman211

02-27-2006, 06:01 AM

This is a fucking primary school paper. Are you kidding me, VY could only get 6 of them right?

Fucking hell, the guy must be retarded. How's he supposed to learn an entire NFL offense.
vince did not score a 6, he got a 16. this is almost enough to make you think screamin and and scoop are right. a honkey QB wouldnt get this

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/3687374.html

Bird

02-27-2006, 07:30 AM

i was in the west end zone when um played washington way back, frank gore is one of the fastest college players ive ever seen. the only reason mcgahhe played that year is because gore got hurt. made portis go to the nfl, he admitted that he would be benched behind gore if he cane back. the talent um had at running back at one time is amazing.

eric winston had a real good showing. um is known for big o line guys skills. it was a shame to see art kehoe fired.

my sex is artsy

02-27-2006, 11:19 AM

screamin and and scoop are right.

Neg reps.

cottonzway

02-27-2006, 04:25 PM

Side note... does anyone know the all time low Wonderlic score? I know Pig Prathers, a safety from Arkansas, got a 3 a few years back. Frank Gore for a 3 last year, too.

Andy Katzenmoyer scored a 2 on it.

the chairman211

02-27-2006, 05:17 PM

i seriously doubt that deion, michael irvin, kyle turley, and others aced it

cottonzway

02-27-2006, 05:29 PM

i seriously doubt that deion, michael irvin, kyle turley, and others aced it

I think there a positions that it is very important to be a smart guy and others where it it less important. The main thing is your QB and MLB usually IMO.

my sex is artsy

02-27-2006, 05:37 PM

I think there a positions that it is very important to be a smart guy and others where it it less important. The main thing is your QB and MLB usually IMO.

Actually, generally it is more important for Offensive Linemen to have high scores than middle linebackers. The O-line requires tons of last minute, snap second rearrangements that call for complex schemes. Playing the Mike obviously takes some smarts, but if a dude has elite instincts, and a hohum wonderlic won't sink him too bad.

Also...what did Mike Mamula score?

the chairman211

02-27-2006, 05:53 PM

rumors going that the jets will trade up to pick leinart or cutler. they would send abraham and the #4 pick to houston who would likely take D'Brickashaw

cottonzway

02-27-2006, 05:54 PM

Actually, generally it is more important for Offensive Linemen to have high scores than middle linebackers. The O-line requires tons of last minute, snap second rearrangements that call for complex schemes. Playing the Mike obviously takes some smarts, but if a dude has elite instincts, and a hohum wonderlic won't sink him too bad.

Also...what did Mike Mamula score?

I don't know but please don't say that name again. Nightmares! :eek:

Yeah tackles in particular need to be and usually are very bright guys. I think a MLB usually runs the D on the field so they usually have to be bright guys. Of course there are examples of that not being the case. Sometimes it is a SS/FS but the guy who leads your D needs to be a smart guy.

mpt0069

02-27-2006, 05:58 PM

rumors going that the jets will trade up to pick leinart or cutler. they would send abraham and the #4 pick to houston who would likely take D'Brickashaw

That would be a superb trade for the Texans.

cottonzway

02-27-2006, 06:03 PM

I'm still trying to figure out what the Eagles are going to do with their pick. Besides fuck it up.

mpt0069

02-27-2006, 06:04 PM

Updated: Feb. 26, 2006

Teams won't get test results until after combine
By Todd McShay
Scouts Inc.
Archive

The biggest buzz coming out of Indianapolis the last few days is the rumor that Texas QB Vince Young bombed his Wonderlic test. Rumor had Young scoring a 6 on the test. While the results of his first test haven't been confirmed, John Clayton reported that Young scored a 16 on his second try (according to his agent) and he's expected to take it a third time. The results of that test will not be released to NFL teams until next week, so it remains completely speculation at this point.

Just as a barometer, the highest score registered at last year's scouting combine was a 40 (QB Alex Smith) and the lowest score was a 6 (RB Frank Gore). I also have been told by an NFL scout that the other two top quarterbacks this year fared much better on this test, with USC's Matt Leinart scoring a 35 (at the combine) and Vanderbilt's Jay Cutler scoring a 29 (in a test given prior to the combine).

If the reports were true, Young's draft stock stands to be significantly affected, especially with Cutler continuing to skyrocket up most teams' draft boards. When I asked one scout from the AFC if he thought Young would still be a top-five draft pick if the rumor turns out to be true, he answered, "Sure ? as a wide receiver, though."

As expected, Cutler shined during his four days in Indianapolis. The only quarterback to voluntarily bench press at the combine in the last two years, Cutler put up the standard 225-pound bar 23 times. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.78 seconds and wowed the NFL brass in attendance with his strong arm and accuracy during the passing drills Sunday. Cutler's interviews have also impressed several interested teams, including the New Orleans Saints, who currently own the draft's second overall pick.

Despite all the quarterback hype in Indianapolis, the player who perhaps has improved his draft stock the most so far is Florida WR Chad Jackson. As an early entry into this year's draft class, Jackson was considered very much an enigma due to his somewhat inconsistent junior season and unknown measurables. However, Jackson put a lot of questions to rest this weekend when he notched the best 40-yard dash time (4.32 seconds) of any offensive prospect in attendance. In my opinion, Jackson ranks as the second-best receiver in this year's class, behind Ohio State's Santonio Holmes, and he is worth drafting around the middle of the first round.

With two of the four workout sessions completed, this has to be considered one of the best combines in recent years from a participation standpoint. Almost all of the defensive prospects are expected to work out during the final two sessions Monday and Tuesday, and a vast majority of the offensive prospects participated in all or some of the four-day process. The highest-rated prospects thus far to opt out of their workouts have been Young, Holmes, Leinart, OT D'Brickashaw Ferguson (Virginia), and RBs Reggie Bush (USC), LenDale White (USC) and DeAngelo Williams (Memphis). WR Jeremy Bloom understandably did not go through the position drills after recently returning from the Olympics in Torino, Italy, but he did run a somewhat disappointing 4.49 in the 40-yard dash.

One of the biggest stories of the weekend was Ohio State DT Mike Kudla, who tied the combine record with 45 reps on the 225-pound bench press. Right behind Kudla was Florida State DT Broderick Bunkley, who threw up 44 reps and looks chiseled at 6-foot-2? and 306 pounds. Bunkley is one of the fastest-rising defensive prospects right now and he could move into the middle first-round area with a strong showing during Monday's workout.

As a side note, agent Drew Rosenhaus continues to actively shop his most controversial client, WR Terrell Owens, during this week's event in Indianapolis. Most recently, Rosenhaus had the ear of Chiefs president/GM/CEO Carl Peterson for nearly an hour at Shula's Steakhouse Sunday afternoon.

The following is a more in-depth breakdown, by position, of this past weekend's combine results:

Quarterbacks
This year's quarterback crop looks more like wide receivers or running backs, as the six fastest quarterbacks all ran sub-4.6 40-yard dash times. Texas A&M's Reggie McNeal led the group with a time of 4.35 seconds and has many NFL scouts buzzing about his potential to play wide receiver and return kicks at the next level. The five other fastest include Virginia Tech's Marcus Vick (4.42), Missouri's Brad Smith (4.46), Georgia's D.J. Shockley (4.56), Texas State's Barrick Nealy (4.57) and Toledo's Bruce Gradkowski (4.59).

In a surprise move, Penn State's Michael Robinson elected not to work out at all. After struggling as a passer at the Senior Bowl and eventually running some routes as a receiver during the middle of the practice week, Robinson was expected to work out as a receiver at the combine. Instead of taking advantage of the opportunity to prove his versatility in front of all the NFL front office members and coaches inside the RCA Dome, Robinson has elected to roll the dice with just one viewing at Penn State's pro day in March.

There were reports that Clemson QB Charlie Whitehurst would not work out at this year's combine, but that was not the case. At 6-4? and 223 pounds, Whitehurst showed up in good shape and put on the most impressive passing display of any of the quarterbacks not named Cutler. Whitehurst's performance will help his cause as he competes with Alabama's Brodie Croyle and Bowling Green's Omar Jacobs in the competition for the fourth quarterback in this year's draft class.

Smith and Shockley both struggled with their accuracy during the passing drills. Shockley has a bit of a stronger arm but his erratic throws continued after a similarly uninspiring showing during Senior Bowl week. Both Smith and Shockley need to strongly consider working out at different skill positions during their respective pro days in March.

Oregon QB Kellen Clemens, who suffered a season-ending ankle injury as a senior, is still recovering and was medically excused from working out.

Vick had an above-average showing on the field this weekend but the same cannot be said for his interviews. With a multitude of off-the-field issues clouding his draft status, Vick has been put through the ringer by designated interviewers from several NFL teams. Not only has Vick failed to properly explain his past actions, the general consensus is that he has come off as "arrogant" and "smug" during the interviews. Furthermore, a number of scouts that I have spoken with this week said their respective teams have already taken Vick off their draft boards.

Furman QB Ingle Martin, who began his career at Florida as a punter and reserve quarterback, registered the strongest arm strength (61 peak mph) of the quarterback group, which is measured on a JUGS machine. Cutler recorded the second strongest, just 1 mph behind Martin.

Running backs
Of all the offensive positions to go through the four-day combine process, running back was the worst in terms of participation. Six of the running backs opted out of their workouts -- three by their own choice and three because of injuries.

First-round prospect Laurence Maroney, who measured in at 5-11 and 217 pounds, cited an aggravated hamstring as his reason for not working out. Bush, White and Williams are the other first-round running back prospects in this year's class and all three chose to wait for their respective pro days to work out. White, who played in the Rose Bowl at 252 pounds, has trimmed down to 238 pounds but wants to be closer to 230 by the time he runs at USC's pro day April 2.

UCLA's Maurice Drew (4.37) and LSU's Joseph Addai (4.40) ran the fastest 40-yard dash times of the running back crop. Drew's marginal size will hurt his draft stock but his explosive speed makes him even more intriguing as a versatile late day one prospect who can serve as a change-of-pace runner, receiver on third downs and return specialist in the NFL. Despite Addai's durability concerns, his impressive showing should help solidify him a spot in the draft's second round.

Fresno State RB Wendell Mathis just missed out on membership into the sub-4.4 club but he improved his draft stock this past weekend nonetheless. On top of running the 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds, Mathis ranked atop or near the top of the running backs class in the three-cone drill (6.93), short shuttle (4.22), long shuttle (11.27), broad jump (9-9) and vertical jump (33 inches). The two knocks on Mathis were his lack of explosiveness and versatility. However, Mathis certainly proved that he has the athleticism and speed to go along with his size, power and low center of gravity in order to contribute as a north-south ball carrier in the NFL.

Just behind Drew and Addai were Florida State's Leon Washington, Mississippi State's Jerious Norwood, South Florida's Andre Hall (4.42), Virginia's Wali Lundy (4.45) and Washington State's Jerome Harrison (4.47). Of those five, Lundy had the best all-around showing. At 5-11 and 214 pounds, Lundy shows a lot of initial burst and reliable hands as a receiver. Washington also impressed with his hands, body control and balance during agility drills and individual position workouts.

Wisconsin RB Brian Calhoun, on the other hand, may have taken himself out of the running for the competition as the fifth running back in this year's strong running back class by posting a disappointing 40 time of 4.65.

Utah RB Quinton Ganther is a big, strong runner who impressed with 29 reps on the bench press. His lack of ideal speed and agility, however, are the reasons he grades out as nothing higher than a sixth-round prospect.

Wisconsin's Matt Bernstein had the best showing of the fullbacks in this year's crop. At 260 pounds, Bernstein ran a 4.87 40-yard dash.

Wide receivers
Including Jackson, there were four receivers who ran sub-4.4 times in the 40-yard dash at this year's combine. Florida State's Willie Reid recorded the second-fastest time (4.34), followed by Auburn's Devin Aromashodu (4.35) and Miami's Sinorice Moss (4.38). While Jackson stole the show, Aromashodu's 40 time proved to be the most shocking of the group, as most evaluators -- including myself -- were expecting him to run in the 4.5s.

The other top 40 times in this group came from BYU's Todd Watkins (4.40), San Diego State's Jeff Webb (4.40), Wisconsin's Jonathan Orr (4.41), Western Michigan's Greg Jennings (4.42), Arizona State's Derek Hagan (4.42) and LSU's Skyler Green (4.44).

Jennings, who led the nation with an average of 8.91 receptions per game last season, was another one of the big winners over the weekend. Jennings has great hands and is a solid route runner, but there were questions regarding his ability to separate from coverage versus faster defensive backs in the NFL. Those questions should be put to rest after Jennings ran the 40 in the 4.4s and finished with the second-best time of all the wide receivers in the long shuttle (11.15). His performance this week could wind up earning Jennings a spot late on day one of the draft.

Monmouth's Miles Austin (4.47) helped his stock with a good 40 time, but he had some trouble in the pass-catching drills, particularly when trying to handle Cutler's fastball.

After working out exclusively as a cornerback at the Senior Bowl, Boston College's Will Blackmon is wisely giving scouts a different look at him, playing the wide receiver position at the combine. Blackmon has explosive speed (4.46 seconds in the 40) and very good overall athleticism, as seen in his position bests in the three-cone drill (6.67) and broad jump (11-1). However, he lacks instincts as a cornerback and is unpolished as a route runner. Blackmon will probably get drafted for his return ability, and then he will need to find a position niche at the next level.

Aromashodu's teammate, Ben Obomanu, also turned in an impressive combine performance by running a 4.45 40-yard dash, while tying for a group best with a 38-inch vertical jump.

The short shuttle is a good tool for measuring a receiver's ability to change directions quickly, and judging by the results, Jackson (3.97) and Oklahoma's Travis Wilson (3.99) are two of the quickest receivers in this year's class. Making it even more impressive is that both Jackson (6-0, 213) and Wilson (6-2, 214) possess above-average size.

Virginia's Marques Hagans played quarterback in college but worked out as a wide receiver Sunday and looked far more comfortable than expected. Hagans checked in at 5-9 and 202 pounds and ran his 40-yard dash attempts in the 4.4s.

Maurice Stovall did not rank among the elite in any of the agility drills, but at 6-4 and 217 pounds, nobody expected him to. Stovall has taken off a lot of weight, which shows in his increased quickness and speed. He ran a very respectable 4.58 in the 40-yard dash and he showed solid hands during position drills.

Offensive linemen
Of the 53 offensive linemen participating in this year's combine, all but nine ran and four of those were medically excused.

USC OT Winston Justice had a lot of pressure on him entering the four-day combine process but he handled it better than most could have expected. Early entries typically have more to prove at the combine because this is their first opportunity to verify their "measurables." In Justice's case, he was under intense scrutiny during interviews due to a past that includes several off-the-field issues. By all accounts, Justice has matured tremendously since his season-long suspension in 2004 and he was able to ease many fears with the way he handled himself during his four days in Indianapolis. Justice also confirmed his first-round physical skills inside the RCA Dome, where he posted impressive marks in the short shuttle (4.53), three-cone drill (7.31) and broad jump (9-2). Barring any unforeseen setbacks, Justice should be the second offensive lineman selected in the draft behind Ferguson -- likely in the top 20 picks.

Pittsburgh OG Charles Spencer led all offensive linemen with 30 reps of the standard 225-pound bench press. Right behind Spencer was USC OG Fred Matua and Georgia OG Max Jean-Gilles (27).

Oklahoma's Chris Chester, who led all offensive linemen with an impressive 4.88 seconds in his 40-yard dash, may have helped his draft status more than any other offensive lineman at this year's combine. Chester is a versatile midround prospect with experience at all three offensive line positions, as well as tight end.

Seven other offensive linemen ran 40 times of under 5.10, including Miami's Eric Winston (4.94), East Carolina's Guy Whimper (4.95), Boston College's Pat Ross (4.96), Boise State's Daryn Colledge (5.04), Ohio State's Nick Mangold (5.05), TCU's Paul McQuistan (5.07) and Auburn's Marcus McNeill (5.07).

Of that group, Winston and Colledge were the big winners overall. Winston checked out physically and appears fully recovered from a season-ending knee injury in 2004. Colledge, on the other hand, comes from the mid-major ranks but continued to prove this weekend that he can hang with the big boys. He lacks ideal size (299 pounds) and explosive strength (just 21 reps on bench), but Colledge has very good mobility and he continues to improve his technique with more experience. Winston may have used the combine to sneak back into the bottom of the first round. Colledge may have earned a spot late in the second round thanks to his impressive showing.

As a side note, Ross' impressive speed will help his draft stock as a midround prospect, but he suffered a hamstring injury while running his first and only 40-yard dash attempt.

USC OG Deuce Lutui failed to post an elite 40-yard dash time but he impressed in many other -- and more important -- areas. One of the fastest-rising interior offensive linemen in the draft process right now, Lutui stood out as one of the quickest and most technically sound players during position drills. It wouldn't be shocking for Lutui to slip into the bottom of the first round in April's draft, but he still grades out as a second-round prospect on my board.

On the flip side, Michigan State OT Stefon Wheeler and Syracuse OT Quinn Ojinnaka failed to impress. Wheeler looks top-heavy and really struggles when it comes to getting out of his stance quickly and changing directions in space. He earned the honor of the slowest offensive lineman at this year's combine with a time of 5.75 seconds in the 40-yard dash. Auburn OT Troy Reddick barely nipped Wheeler out with a 5.72 40 time. Ojinnaka runs a little bit better downfield but he is not a natural knee bender, which stands out when he's asked to "mirror-and-slide" in pass blocking drills.

Finally, Ohio State's Mangold picked up at the combine right where he left off at the Senior Bowl. On top of his impressive showing in the 40-yard dash, he ran the fastest short shuttle (4.36) of the offensive linemen in attendance and also put up a more than respectable 24 reps on the bench press. Mangold has locked down the spot as top center drafted in 2006 and he should get swept up early in Round 2.

my sex is artsy

02-27-2006, 06:14 PM

Um... Alex Smith got a 40 and that was the highest?

Great fucking reporting, considering Ryan Fitzpatrick became only the second player in history to get a perfect 50.

Fucking terrible

the chairman211

02-27-2006, 06:22 PM

mpt0069

02-27-2006, 06:22 PM

Um... Alex Smith got a 40 and that was the highest?

Great fucking reporting, considering Ryan Fitzpatrick became only the second player in history to get a perfect 50.

Fucking terrible

Did Fitzpatrick take his Wonderlic at the combine?

Ona side note, I wish this shit were next month. Two more fucking months of mock drafts that I'm going to hate because Huff isn't dropping to #19.

the chairman211

02-27-2006, 06:24 PM

it was pat mcinally, also from harvard. too slow MSIA

my sex is artsy

02-27-2006, 06:27 PM

Did Fitzpatrick take his Wonderlic at the combine?

Ona side note, I wish this shit were next month. Two more fucking months of mock drafts that I'm going to hate because Huff isn't dropping to #19.

Yes, Fitzpatrick took the Wonderlic at the combine.

who was the first? i will guess edgerrin james

Some punter drafted by the Bengals in the late 70's scored a 50. He too, like Fitzpatrick, was from Harvard.

the chairman211

02-27-2006, 06:30 PM

Some punter drafted by the Bengals in the late 70's scored a 50. He too, like Fitzpatrick, was from Harvard.
it was pat mcinally, also from harvard. too slow MSIA
servd

the chairman211

02-27-2006, 07:02 PM

marcus vick talking to scouts and reporters about his brother: "I feel like I'm a more mature passer. I tend to go to my third and fourth progression before taking off and running with it. He kind of plays a wild style of football, where he's going to get nagging injuries all through the year. You don't need that as a quarterback.''

we have to re-calibrate the Oh Snappimeter!

TrickyNicky

02-27-2006, 08:22 PM

Funny Wonderlic questions here -----> http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=gallo/060227

My fav.

"45. When Brett Favre throws an interception into quadruple coverage, it is generally thought to be excusable because ____.

Answer choices: (a) he is a "gunslinger"; (b) he isn't surrounded by top-notch talent, so therefore his only alternative is to play down to their level; (c) he is nice to the media; (d) he is Brett Favre; (e) all of the above; (f) I have no idea."

my sex is artsy

02-28-2006, 12:07 AM

cottonzway

02-28-2006, 05:29 AM

How about because he's the most overrated quarterback not named Joe Namath?

I have to totally disagree with you here. 396 TDs to 255 picks. 61.5 % completation. Ring. Not even close to Joe. Farve is a legit HOF QB.

my sex is artsy

02-28-2006, 05:58 AM

I have to totally disagree with you here. 396 TDs to 255 picks. 61.5 % completation. Ring. Not even close to Joe. Farve is a legit HOF QB.

Oh no, Favre is Hall of Fame material. Iam not disagreeing. But people treat him like a candidate for best QB ever... he isn't. If you remove gaudy numbers from about 4-5 seasons, he is pretty pedestrian. And he was usually a huge ass failure in the playoffs despite having well balanced offenses with great defenses and being a Super Bowl favorite every goddamn year. And I don't care how many times announcers call Favre "a gunslinger"... I watched the guy play. When his teammates were sucking ass, he never did anything to remedy the situation. Favre is the fucking king of forcing plays, and throwing 2 TDs and 4 INTs and blowing the game for his team. Sure, all QBs have games like that, but the volume of those games in Favre's career are much higher. Once again, it isn't that Favre wasn't good...but he is nowhere near the best QB ever. He isn't on the level of Marino, Elway, Montana, or even Young.

the chairman211

02-28-2006, 07:35 AM

one more thought on the vince situation. first, we've established that score was erroneous; second we're drafting football players so let's not pretend they're brain surgeons; third, look at the list of QB scores and tell me you think this actually predicts success; finally my new thought...i watched something like 11 our of our 13 games last season. numerous times people went out of their way to PRAISE the intelligence the spread option requires. the QB has to make split second reads and reactions and call many plays at the line. personally i dont believe vince is a tard (though i wouldnt let him pilot my airliner either) but its a bag of shit to hear FOOTBALL gm's pretend anything other than FOOTBALL intelligence matters

mpt0069

02-28-2006, 09:53 PM

Maryland's Davis a lock for top 15
By Todd McShay
Scouts Inc.
Archive

Maryland's Vernon Davis stole the show on Monday, when he turned in arguably the best workout for a tight end in the history of the scouting combine. At 6-3? and 254 pounds, Davis ran the 40-yard dash in an unprecedented 4.38 seconds. He finished atop the tight end group in both the broad jump (10-foot-8) and vertical jump (42 inches), while also impressing with his time in the three-cone drill (7.0 seconds) and the short shuttle (4.17 seconds).

Over the past decade, only five tight ends have been selected in the top 15 picks: Rickey Dudley, 1996; Tony Gonzalez, 1997; Bubba Franks, 2000; Jeremy Shockey, 2002; and Kellen Winslow Jr., 2004. Following his jaw-dropping performance on Monday, Davis is a lock to join that group.

Most of the talk prior to the second group of defensive linemen (Group 9) working out Monday afternoon centered on Mario Williams' decision to participate fully, despite his status as a potential top-five selection. The N.C. State product certainly lived up to the hype.

At 6-foot-7 and 295 pounds, Williams recorded an impressive time in the 40-yard dash (4.66), posted the second-best vertical jump (40?) among defensive linemen, and showed great body control and agility during individual position drills. Williams' strong showing solidified his standing as one the elite prospects in the 2006 class and also could lead to him being the first defensive player taken in April's draft -- possibly No. 5 overall to the Packers.

The following is a more in-depth breakdown, by position, of Monday's combine results:

Tight Ends
Teams in need of a tight end had a lot to smile about during Monday's workouts. Davis certainly set the tone for the group, but others such as Georgia's Leonard Pope, Colorado's Joe Klopfenstein, Wisconsin's Owen Daniels, Western Michigan's Tony Scheffler and Tulsa's Garrett Mills displayed the type of athleticism and pass-catching skills that make this year's tight end crop so special.

The first tight end selected in last year's draft was Heath Miller (Steelers) with the 30th overall pick, while the next tight end did not come off the board until Round 3. This year's draft could feature four tight ends taken in the first round -- with Davis possibly sneaking into the top 10 -- and no fewer than six taken by the end of the first two rounds.

There were questions regarding Pope's participation this week, but he silenced critics with an excellent overall workout on Monday. Pope, who measured out as the tallest tight end in Indianapolis (6-7?), has room to improve in terms of his strength and overall blocking skills, but he showcased his impressive speed in the 40-yard dash. Pope also displayed big, soft hands during individual drills.

Scheffler is one of the most underrated prospects in this class and proved his worth at the combine this week. He is the shortest tight end prospect at the combine and struggled early in his career due to some durability issues. He also suffered from spending the majority of his offseason playing baseball for Western Michigan. However, Scheffler was a highly productive receiver at the mid-major Division I-A collegiate level during his final two seasons.

Since focusing solely on football, Scheffler has made enormous strides. He ran the second-fastest 40-yard dash of the participating tight ends on Monday and also posted solid results in the broad jump (9-7), three-cone drill (6.81), short shuttle (4.01) and long shuttle (11.41). Scheffler's strong showing gives him a chance to sneak into the first day.

After Davis and Scheffler, here are the fastest 40-yard dash times of the tight end group: Klopfenstein (4.62), Pope (4.62), Mills (4.64), Daniels (4.65) and Texas' David Thomas (4.67).

For all the positives that came out of the tight end workouts, UCLA's Marcedes Lewis turned in an uninspiring performance. Lewis has a lot of potential because of his wingspan, big hands and smooth athleticism. He also is a proven receiver, with 120 catches during his final three collegiate seasons. However, his lack of explosive strength and ideal bulk remains a concern, particularly because of his below-average technique as a blocker.

While he fared well in the broad jump (10-8) and vertical jump (37), Lewis ran the 40-yard dash in the 4.8 range, leading to questions regarding his ability to stretch the seam against faster defenses in the NFL. Improving on that time will be important for Lewis during his pro day in March.

Notre Dame TE Anthony Fasano did not run the 40, but he had a solid workout during pass-catching drills and also displayed good body control and change-of-direction skills by running the third-best time in the three-cone drill (6.94).

Michigan TE Tim Massaquoi did not work out because he is still recovering from injury.

Defensive Line
The first group of defensive linemen worked out after the tight ends on Monday morning, and the second group wrapped things up in the afternoon. Of the 51 defensive linemen in attendance, 44 participated in the running drills. Three were excused due to medical reasons. Penn State DEs Tamba Hali and Matt Rice, Miami DT Orien Harris and LSU DT Claude Wroten all chose not to run, while 13 of the defensive linemen will also work out as linebackers on Tuesday.

Williams was the headliner of the unit, but his teammate, DE Manny Lawson, also impressed with his exceptional showing. Lawson finished with the best 40-yard dash time (4.43) of all the defensive linemen and also ranked near the top of the group in the vertical jump (39?), broad jump (10-4), three-cone drill (6.90), short shuttle (4.18) and long shuttle (11.08). An undersized DE/OLB tweener, Lawson projects as a situational pass-rusher early in his NFL career, until he can add bulk as a 4-3 DE or adjust to playing OLB in a 3-4 scheme. In the meantime, he also has value on special teams, especially blocking kicks.

Alabama DE Mark Anderson put up some shockingly good numbers during his workout session on Monday. Anderson was a productive starter during his final two collegiate seasons, using good technique and a high motor to overcome his seemingly below-average speed and athletic ability.

But Anderson excelled inside the RCA Dome, as he finished near the top among defensive linemen in the 40-yard dash (4.61), broad jump (10-7), vertical jump (42), three-cone drill (6.95), short shuttle (4.22) and long shuttle (11.75). This type of showing could land Anderson in the latter portion of Day 1, after previously being considered nothing more than a second-day prospect.

One of the great stories of this draft process has been that of Cal-Poly's Chris Gocong. A versatile defensive lineman who played end and tackle in college, Gocong led the Division I-AA ranks with 19 sacks as a senior in 2005. Gocong will obviously be forced to make a huge transition in the NFL. He does not have the size (6-2, 264 pounds) to play inside, but he did show the speed in the 40-yard dash (4.7) and overall athleticism in the vertical jump (38?), broad jump (10-2), three-cone drill (7.03), short shuttle (4.08) and long shuttle (11.35) to be a DE/OLB-type. If nothing else, Gocong should prove to be an effective situational edge rusher in either a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme, which is why I think he's moving up to the early-Day 2 range of this year's draft class.

The big knock on Purdue DE Ray Edwards is his inconsistent motor. He clearly had some issues with Joe Tiller and the Purdue coaching staff, which does raise a red flag for NFL teams interested in him. However, with a clean slate and good coaching -- both technique-wise and motivationally -- Edwards could turn out to be one of the steals of this year's draft as a late second- or third-round selection.

Edwards has impressive size and the frame to grow. He ran well in the 40-yard (4.7 range) and displayed outstanding leaping ability in the vertical jump (39) and broad jump (9-6). More importantly, Edwards showed very good athleticism and agility for such a tall player during his position drills.

Oklahoma DT Dusty Dvoracek impressed on the field with a high motor and great quickness in drills. Also, despite off-the-field baggage -- three alcohol-related incidents while at Oklahoma, including one that resulted in a yearlong suspension in 2004 -- Dvoracek has reportedly handled himself well by showing a lot of maturity during some tough interview sessions.

Michigan NT Gabe Watson has also impressed with his quickness and agility for such a big defensive lineman. However, the interview sessions have not been so kind to Watson, who has had many questions to answer regarding his inconsistent motor and production throughout his collegiate career. One defensive line coach from an AFC team reportedly called out Watson for taking plays off during the season and only playing hard when "money was on the line" at the Senior Bowl.

The weigh-in portion of the combine can be especially important for defensive linemen, as height and weight play a big part in determining the proper position for some DE/DT tweeners as well as DE/OLB tweeners. Surprisingly enough, Texas A&M's Johnny Jolley was the heaviest of the defensive linemen and looks every bit the part of a two-gap nose tackle who would fit well in a 3-4 scheme. Kansas' Charlton Keith weighs only 237 pounds and will need to make the position switch to outside linebacker in order to survive in the NFL.

Louisville DE Elvis Dumervil was the shortest defensive lineman in this year's combine group (5-11). Unfortunately for Dumervil, who led the nation in sacks (20) and forced fumbles (11) last season, he does not show the athleticism to make the move to outside linebacker at the next level. He did turn out one of the top 40-yard dash times (4.75) for the defensive linemen, but Dumervil still lacks the explosive initial burst that a player like Dwight Freeney uses to overcome his marginal size. Freeney timed out in the 4.5-range in his official 40-yard dash attempts prior to the 2002 draft. As a result, Dumervil's stock has continued to fall at the combine, after an equally unimpressive showing at the Senior Bowl last month.

Supreme among defensive-line bench pressers (225 pounds) were Ohio State DE Mike Kudla (record-tying 45 reps), Florida State DT Brodrick Bunkley (44), Northwestern DT Barry Cofield (35), Ohio State DT Marcus Green (33) and Georgia DT Kedric Golston (31).

Syracuse defensive linemen Ryan LaCasse (4.54) and James Wyche (4.63) recorded impressive times in the 40-yard dash.

Finally, here's a look at some of the other top performers from the different drills that took place during the defensive-line workouts:

40-yard dash:
Florida State DE Kamerion Wimbley -- 4.61
Clemson DE Charles Bennett -- 4.70
Tennessee DE Parys Haralson -- 4.76
Boston College DE Kiwanuka -- 4.78

Three-cone drill:
Purdue DE Rob Ninkovich -- 6.96
Florida State DE Kamerion Wimbley -- 6.97
Florida DE Jeremy Mincey -- 6.99
Kansas DE Charlton Keith -- 7.03
Arizona DE Copeland Bryan -- 7.11
Stanford DE Julian Jenkins -- 7.11

Short shuttle:
Boston College DE Kiwanuka -- 4.13
Purdue DE Rob Ninkovich -- 4.18
Stanford DE Julian Jenkins -- 4.23
Florida DE Jeremy Mincey -- 4.25
Tennessee DE Parys Haralson -- 4.26
Syracuse DE Ryan LaCasse -- 4.30
Arizona DE Copeland Bryan -- 4.30

Long shuttle:
Purdue DE Rob Ninkovich -- 11.33
Arizona DE Copeland Bryan -- 11.83
Kansas DE Charlton Keith -- 11.98
Clemson DE Charles Bennett -- 12.04

Vertical jump:
Auburn DE Stanley McClover -- 39
Florida State DE Kamerion Wimbley -- 38?
Ohio State DE Mike Kudla -- 37
Grambling DE Jason Hatcher -- 35?
BYU DE Manaia Brown -- 34?
Stanford DE Julian Jenkins -- 34?

Broad jump:
Arizona DE Copeland Bryan -- 9-9
Clemson DE Charles Bennett -- 9-7
Tennessee DE Parys Haralson -- 9-7
Florida State DE Kamerion Wimbley -- 10-9
Boston College DE Kiwanuka -- 10
Purdue DE Rob Ninkovich -- 9-8
Florida DE Jeremy Mincey -- 9-8

I've heard that Vernon Davis was an almost supernatural type athlete but that shit is fucking crazy.

my sex is artsy

02-28-2006, 10:02 PM

Can Vernon Davis be the next Mike Mamula!?

If he isn't, I'll take Kamerion Whimbly for the block.

elgigante

02-28-2006, 10:05 PM

Can Vernon Davis be the next Mike Mamula!?

If he isn't, I'll take Kamerion Whimbly for the block.

id go with whimbly. at least davis is a proven performer on the college level. not just some workout freak like mike

the chairman211

02-28-2006, 10:06 PM

Over the past decade, only five tight ends have been selected in the top 15 picks: Rickey Dudley, 1996; Tony Gonzalez, 1997; Bubba Franks, 2000; Jeremy Shockey, 2002; and Kellen Winslow Jr., 2004. Following his jaw-dropping performance on Monday, Davis is a lock to join that group.
and those picks were all lights out :rolleyes:

elgigante

02-28-2006, 10:07 PM

and those picks were all lights out :rolleyes:

3 out of the 5 are top level TE's . That isnt a bad percentage

my sex is artsy

02-28-2006, 10:13 PM

id go with whimbly. at least davis is a proven performer on the college level. not just some workout freak like mike

I am going with Whimbly. I'd seen Davis play and thought he was good. I'd never even HEARD of Whimbly until like, three weeks ago.

the chairman211

02-28-2006, 10:24 PM

3 out of the 5 are top level TE's . That isnt a bad percentage
what fucking 3 are you talking about. gonzalez, shockey and....?????????

mpt0069

02-28-2006, 10:52 PM

what fucking 3 are you talking about. gonzalez, shockey and....?????????

I think Kellen "I'M A FUCKING SOULJAH!!!" Winslow can get back in the equation maybe even next year. If he can keep his head out of his ass and stay out of the hospital, he can be one of the real elite TEs in the league. Too bad for the Browns he's not like his pops.

Sir Gibbs

02-28-2006, 11:14 PM

what fucking 3 are you talking about. gonzalez, shockey and....?????????

I'm guessing he's going with Franks.

As Dudley sucks shit and the only yards Winslow has gained have been sliding on his ass down a road.

Franks however i agree is hardly a 'top level TE'

Sir Gibbs

02-28-2006, 11:15 PM

I think Kellen "I'M A FUCKING SOULJAH!!!" Winslow can get back in the equation maybe even next year. If he can keep his head out of his ass and stay out of the hospital, he can be one of the real elite TEs in the league. Too bad for the Browns he's not like his pops.

Wasn't his injury Frank Mir esq? If so i imagine a full recovery is unlikely.

mpt0069

02-28-2006, 11:18 PM

Wasn't his injury Frank Mir esq? If so i imagine a full recovery is unlikely.

Winslow had an ACL tear which got topped off with a staph infection. They expect to have him at the beginning of training camp.

Sir Gibbs

02-28-2006, 11:19 PM

Winslow had an ACL tear which got topped off with a staph infection. They expect to have him at the beginning of training camp.

Really i thought he broke his leg. He was the guy who had the motorbike accident right?

mpt0069

02-28-2006, 11:23 PM

Really i thought he broke his leg. He was the guy who had the motorbike accident right?

Actually, you are correct on both accounts. But he broke his leg his rookie year.

mpt0069

03-01-2006, 04:17 PM

Personnel Points on NFL combine
By Mel Kiper Jr.
Special to ESPN Insider
Archive

Quarterback

Jay Cutler, Vanderbilt (6-4, 230)
He is fast becoming one of the most overhyped players in this draft. Cutler was OK, but not great, at the Senior Bowl, but he's drawing all these rave reviews at the NFL scouting combine. He hasn't done anything at the combine that has wowed me to move him up in the draft.

Cutler hasn't improved his draft position by what he did at the Senior Bowl or combine. He had a good senior season and finished strong. If you like Cutler based on how he finished the season, that's fine, but don't think that he's moved up dramatically based on the Senior Bowl and combine.

He's going to go in the top 15 of the first round and might even go in the top five. But what he's done since the season ended doesn't put him up with Matt Leinart or Vince Young.

I still have him in the top 10 of the draft, but you shouldn't think he'll be a top-three pick.

Wide Receivers

Miles Austin, Monmouth (6-2?, 225)
He was very productive at a lower level of competition. For his size, he had a very good 40-yard dash time (4.47), caught the ball well and showed natural pass-receiving skills. Austin looked like he belonged with other big-name receivers who were at the combine and will be of interest to teams in the third or fourth round.

Jeremy Bloom, Colorado (5-9, 170)
He ran a 4.5 40-yard dash, which isn't bad considering he isn't in football shape. Players have been working out for two months to get ready for the combine, and he's worked out for about a day. That has to help him because he came in without any preparation at all and ran a 4.5. I see him going in the fourth round and being able to help a team right away as a punt returner.

Marques Hagans, Virginia (5-10, 211)
Hagans played quarterback for the Cavaliers, but will be a wide receiver/returner in the NFL. At the combine he showed pretty good hands, but didn't run that well (4.62 in the 40) to be a third-round pick.

Chad Jackson, Florida (6-1, 213 -- Junior)
His times in the 40-yard dash were 4.32 and 4.37. Jackson caught the ball well and stood out among the receivers in Indianapolis. He's done everything the right way since the season ended and has moved himself into that first-round mix.

Tight ends
This is one of the best tight end groups in terms of its depth in quite some time. Most impressive was Maryland's Vernon Davis (6-3, 250). He had a great workout and ran a 4.38 in the 40-yard dash. He has great hands and solidified himself as a top-11 pick.

Tim Day, Oregon (6-4, 268)
He had some injury issues at Oregon, but looked very good at the combine. He showed very sure hands and is a smooth athlete in terms of his stride. Day will be a first-day pick, but it's hard to say exactly which round.

Owen Daniels, Wisconsin (6-3, 247)
He's the top H-Back candidate in the draft. Daniels did outstanding in the three-cone drill, putting up one of best times and catches the ball as well as anybody. In the third round, Daniels will be a great pick.

Joe Klopfenstein, Colorado (6-6, 245)
Catching the ball is second nature for Klopfenstein; he never fights the football, meaning he catches it smoothly and can even turn and move without always looking the ball into his hands. He ran a 4.62 in the 40 which is excellent and should have solidified himself as a second-round pick.

Marcedes Lewis, UCLA (6-6, 256)
He caught the ball well, showing he has natural receiving skills. He did very well in the broad jump and showed his athleticism. Lewis didn't run as well as some of the other tight ends (4.79 in the 40), but he has few peers when it comes to catching the ball. He will go early in the second round or maybe even be a late first-round pick if it's with the right team.

Garret Mills, Tulsa (6-2, 232)
He was a tight end in college, but will be a fullback or H-Back in the NFL. He has incredible hands, ran a 4.64 in the 40 and was phenomenal in the three-cone drill. Mills will be an immediate contributor to a team's pass offense. The difference between Mills and Daniels is that Daniels is bigger. He also is more of a tight end whereas Mills could be a fullback.

Other notables
Tony Scheffler (Western Michigan, 6-5, 254) is very interesting and will be pushing to be a late first-day pick & Leonard Pope (Georgia, 6-8, 250) ran a 4.62 in the 40 and had a really good broad jump. He will be in the mix late in the first round & Anthnoy Fasano (Notre Dame, 6-4, 257) had a decent time in the three-cone drill and caught all the balls that were thrown to him. He'll be in that second-round mix as well. What he has to do is improve his blocking, which is what you don't see at a workout.

Offensive Line

Chris Chester, Oklahoma, Guard/Center (6-3, 303)
He's a former tight end and doesn't have a lot of experience on the offensive line, but Chester really performed well at the combine and ran the 40-yard dash in 4.87. At the beginning of the college football season he projected as a late-round pick at best, but now he's moved up to the third-round area because of how athletic he is playing on the interior.

Guy Whimper, East Carolina, Tackle (6-5, 278)
He did everything that was expected of him during the drills and was the top athlete among offensive tackles. Whimper has a lot of versatility and could very well be a second- or third-round pick after opening the season no better than a late-round prospect.

Eric Winston, Miami, Tackle (6-7, 310)
He needed a big workout after struggling during his senior season, and he did just that. Winston is a former tight end and extremely athletic, which has to help him and I think it moves him back into first-round consideration. Before the season I had him in the first round and then he fell to the third or fourth round after an average season. The most impressive part about Winston at the combine was his 4.9 40-yard dash.

Notables
Charles Spencer (Pittsburgh, G, 6-4 ?, 328) has ideal size, bench pressed 225 pounds 30 times and ran a 5.28 in the 40-yard dash ... Andrew Whitworth (LSU, T, 6-, 322) has real good athletic ablility and very well could be a first-day pick ... Nick Mangold (Ohio State, C, 6-4, 290) showed, at least athletically, that he can get it done at the next level, and will be an early second-round pick ... Davin Joesph (Oklahoma, G, 6-4, 312) really helped himself with his workouts (5.09 40-yard dash, 32-inch vertical leap). He'll be a guard in the NFL, but had to play left tackle as a senior. Joseph has a chance to be a 2nd-round pick.

cottonzway

03-02-2006, 04:53 PM

Can Vernon Davis be the next Mike Mamula!?

If he isn't, I'll take Kamerion Whimbly for the block.

I wonder if this will be Chad Jackson? After running a 4.32 people are thinking this guy is great. How does a guy with that kind of speed have like 88 catches and average under 10 yards per catch?

tak

03-03-2006, 01:33 AM

Jay Cutler, Vanderbilt (6-4, 230)
He is fast becoming one of the most overhyped players in this draft. Cutler was OK, but not great, at the Senior Bowl, but he's drawing all these rave reviews at the NFL scouting combine. He hasn't done anything at the combine that has wowed me to move him up in the draft.

Cutler hasn't improved his draft position by what he did at the Senior Bowl or combine. He had a good senior season and finished strong. If you like Cutler based on how he finished the season, that's fine, but don't think that he's moved up dramatically based on the Senior Bowl and combine.

He's going to go in the top 15 of the first round and might even go in the top five. But what he's done since the season ended doesn't put him up with Matt Leinart or Vince Young.

I still have him in the top 10 of the draft, but you shouldn't think he'll be a top-three pick.

funny jay cutler article from thebrushback.com:

Jay Cutler Aces Wonderlic While Blindfolded

INDIANAPOLIS--The amazing Jay Cutler, one of the greatest quarterbacks in football history, wowed scouts over the weekend by getting a perfect score on the Wonderlic exam while wearing a blindfold. It was the first ever perfect score on the test, but for Cutler, it was all in a day?s work.

?Ah, it was nothing. I just decided to do it blindfolded to get the attention of the scouts,? said Cutler. ?I do amazing things like this every day. Once you?ll get to know me you?ll see that pretty much everything I do is perfect. Hell, I can play linebacker if they want. I can kick field goals. If someone gets injured, I can heal them - with my bare hands. Why do you think I rocketed up the draft board so fast??

After taking the Wonderlic, Cutler returned to the football field and amazed more scouts with his superhuman skills. The highlight of his workout was a 90-yard perfect touchdown pass thrown while he was falling backwards to the ground. Immediately after the play, Cutler dropped down and did 100 push-ups.

?Whenever I score a touchdown or make some spectacular play, I always drop and do 100 right after it,? said Cutler. ?I know it might seem kind of weird to certain Hollywood types and certain ?athletic? quarterbacks from Texas, but I guess I?m just cut from a different cloth. Oops. Look at the time. I?ve got to go to the gym and pump iron, then head over to the children?s hospital for my weekly visit. Then it?s off to my MENSA meeting.?

Cutler is a product of Vanderbilt University. Because of their small football program, he didn?t get the media attention that Matt Leinart and Vince Young did. Recently, however, his stock has soared and he's now projected as the second or third pick in the draft.

?Jay just came out of nowhere this year,? said one AFC scout. ?He didn?t have an impressive record in college, but he has all the tools ? strength, speed, intelligence, you name it. The fact that he aced that Wonderlic test without looking didn?t surprise me at all. I?m just surprised he even bothered taking it. Nobody here would dare question his intelligence, and if he got that impression, then we all owe him a big apology.?

The buzz around Jay Cutler is growing louder by the day, while the opposite is true for his two main rivals, Leinart and Young.

Even Leinart admitted, however, that Cutler was worthy of the hype.

?It?s hard to argue with all this hype,? Leinart told reporters at the combine. ?He is amazing. I?ve never seen anything quite like him in my life. The funny thing is that he?s actually a really nice guy. I walked up to him yesterday all nervous and stuff and shook his hand. He was totally cool, you know, just a regular guy. He even talked to me for a few minutes. Of course I was a blubbering idiot the whole time. Man, I?m such a dork.?

Believe it or not, there are still some people who are not sold on Cutler. One, to be exact: Vince Young of the Texas Longhorns.

?I?m sorry I just don?t see it,? Young said yesterday. ?OK so he?s got speed and agility and all that crap. Big deal. I?m a pretty good quarterback, too. Remember me? Rose Bowl? About a million total yards? Everybody saying I was the best quarterback they?d ever seen? Yea well I haven?t gone anywhere. I?m still here. Yes, I got a 6 on the Wonderlic on the first try, but then I took it again and got a 16. Of course, I wasn?t blindfolded at the time - but I did have my headphones on.?

Whichever team drafts Cutler will almost certainly be the favorite to win the Super Bowl next year and every year for the foreseeable future. That team could be the Tennessee Titans, which is just fine with Cutler.

?I?d love to play for the Titans,? he said. ?Winning a dozen or so Super Bowls here in Tennessee would be terrific. The only thing I worry about is whether it will get boring for the fans to watch someone so flawless in every way. That could be a serious problem. I hope it doesn?t discourage the Titans from selecting me.?

Most observers have the Titans selecting Cutler, especially since Nashville city officials are already planning the 2007 Super Bowl parade.

mpt0069

03-03-2006, 02:54 AM

WR Jackson biggest winner at combine
By John Clayton
ESPN.com
Archive

So much for complaints about that "slow" Indianapolis turf.

Coaches and general managers finally had an NFL scouting combine that can last them through the spring. They left the RCA Dome late Tuesday afternoon with a book filled with times and workouts like never before. The times were lightning fast, and more than 90 percent of the players worked out.

For players and coaches alike, it takes a lot of pressure off until the draft. Normally, scouts and general managers have to traverse the country chasing down 40 times for borderline first-day draft choices who skip running at the combine. It's a logistical nightmare, and often some players lose out because top evaluators can't get to their schools because of scheduling conflicts.

Televising these workouts helped. Families could watch players run as if it were a marathon track meet. Times were fast. On Monday, for example, nine defensive backs ran 40s in the 4.3s. Three linebackers had 4.4 times. Only four wide receivers ran in the 4.3 range, but this isn't a great group of receivers, so don't blame the turf.

Years ago, the turf was slow in Indy. Scouts used to tell players they'd adjust those times, making them equivalent to what they would have run on grass. However, agents talked their clients out of running for fear of lowering their draft ratings based on slower times. Now, things are different.

The combine has turned into a competition. Spending years getting the track right has made the combine a place where players can run and not fear losing too much. They still have their individual workouts to fall back on.

A majority of the top 15 players didn't run, but even that is changing. North Carolina State defensive end Mario Williams ran well. Maryland tight end Vernon Davis blistered the track. Ohio State linebacker A.J. Hawk was impressive.

Too bad the NFL could lose the draft in a couple of years if the collective bargaining agreement runs out. There might be a combine, but NFL teams will have to treat all college eligible players like free agents. That's a story for another time.

For now, here are my top 10 observations from this year's combine:

1. Florida wide receiver Chad Jackson was the biggest winner at the combine. He ran the best time, a 4.32. Jackson caught 88 passes last season for Florida, but his receiving yardage average was below 10, usually a sign of a possession receiver. That's clearly not the case with his blistering time at Indianapolis. He's fast. He's big. He's now going to challenge Santonio Holmes of Ohio State and Sinorice Moss for consideration in the later portion of the first round. Holmes didn't run and might jump well ahead of the pack at his Ohio State workout. But Jackson has the physical dimensions and the speed teams are seeking.

2. It's hard to get excited about this year's receiving class. Reggie McNeal and Marcus Vick were just as fast as the best receivers, and these guys are quarterbacks. Derek Hagan of Arizona State ran well, at 4.49, but he still struggled catching the ball. Moss is electric, but he's short, which works well in a Rams-type offense but maybe not for West Coast teams. You'd almost get more excited if quarterbacks such as Michael Robinson of Penn State or McNeal switched to receiver just to spice up this class. Years of top underclassmen turning pro early finally caught up at the receiver position. It was inevitable.

3. Jay Cutler is clearly the third-best quarterback in this draft and he won many fans by throwing at the combine. He throws stronger than Matt Leinart and purer than Vince Young. But he didn't have the wow factor to put him in the top five unless team needs dictate that jump. His mechanics weren't great on the long passes in the middle of the field. His accuracy wasn't great inside the numbers, either . All this says is that he needs work. Teams in need of a quarterback need to move into a position to take him toward the top of the first round, but his showing at the combine doesn't change that it's too early to label him a top-five pick.

4. The only thing you can say about the Vince Young Wonderlic controversy is how an underclassman can be blindsided without having experienced guidance. He's fortunate that Jeff Foster, who runs the combine, took care of him Sunday with a quick retest. Reports were inaccurate that he scored a 6, but he did score single digits or he wouldn't have needed to retest. His 16 score on the retest is good enough, and I'm sure he'll do better on a later test. Young isn't dumb. That's pretty clear. But top-three picks shouldn't be blindsided. They need to know the preparation for a combine if they are coming out as an underclassman; otherwise, they're better off staying in school for another year. Young has been busy with public appearances he earned from his fabulous season and Rose Bowl victory. But the combine is the time to start the job interview process, and he was clearly behind. That shouldn't affect his draft rating, but it might cause a team or two to think a little bit.

5.Vernon Davis is a freak. He's 254 pounds and he ran a 4.38 40 at the combine. Think about that for a second. Only three wide receivers did better than that. Davis ran as fast on the electronic time as Moss, who is 5-foot-8. The Maryland tight end is a rare physical talent who merits top-10 consideration based on his r?sum? in college and his athletic abilities. He blocked guys in drills 20 yards downfield. In other drills, he was a second or so faster than most participants in a great tight end class. Who wouldn't want a tight end who is faster than a wide receiver and can block?

6.Last year's running back group was great at the top. Cedric Benson, Ronnie Brown and Carnell "Cadillac" Williams went in the top five, but the drop-off after that was huge. This year's class might have only one top choice -- Reggie Bush -- but it's depth is stronger for longer. Bush, DeAngelo Williams of Memphis, LenDale White of USC and Laurence Maroney of Minnesota didn't run but seem like locks as first-round picks. The big winner at the combine was Joseph Addai of LSU. He ran a 4.4 and did well in just about everything else, too. Addai is a complete back who does all things well, along with being fast. Five potential first-round backs will impact free agency because teams will be looking for cheaper ways to fill positions if there is no CBA extension. Instead of teams paying $5 million to $7 million on an aging back, this class of five candidates will be studied closely and compared with the veterans.

7. Defensive end Mario Williams is a little lost in the spotlight of top prospects such as Leinart, Young and Bush, but he shouldn't be. As much as teams talk about trading up for quarterbacks, what about moving up for Williams? Super Mario made that more likely with his combine workouts. Even more impressive, it wasn't necessary for him to work out. Listed at 6-7 and 295 pounds, he ran a 4.66 40. That's Julius Peppers territory. Williams has the dominating body that can fit into a 3-4 or a 4-3. He would seem to be a perfect fit for the Green Bay Packers with the fifth pick, but other teams might try to move higher than that to get him.

8. The linebacker class of 2006 is the best of this millennium. Hawk solidified a top-six selection by running a 4.6 and doing the agility drills with ease. Ernie Sims of Florida State improved his first-round stock with a 4.5 40. Thomas Howard of UTEP, listed at 6-3 and 239 pounds, moved up boards with his 4.42 40. Chad Greenway of Iowa didn't wow anyone with his workouts, but he has the tape behind him to be a middle first-round pick.

9. Cornerbacks treated the 40 like a track meet. Those who posted impressive times: Tye Hill of Clemson (4.3), Johnathan Joseph of South Carolina (4.31), Tim Jennings of Georgia (4.32), Michael Huff of Texas (4.34), Willie Andrews of Baylor (4.38), and Jason Allen of Tennessee, Antoine Bethea of Howard and Kelly Jennings of Miami (4.39). Also, safety Daniel Bullocks of Nebraska ran a time of 4.38.

10. Perfect Competition, a training group out of Davie, Fla., moved its operation to Indianapolis for seven days and had a players suite that had a chef, a 40-inch flat-screen TV, PlayStation and computers with wi-fi. Many of its clients had great combines, including Moss, Chad Jackson of Florida, Maurice Drew of UCLA and Nick Mangold of Ohio State, just to name a few. They had a massage therapist and coaches to get them ready for the workouts. It worked.

Oliver Klosov

03-04-2006, 10:44 AM

Former Michigan WR JAson Avant did 4 more reps on the Bench Press than Former Iowa LB Chad Greenway.

(no doubt making MSIA a very happy individual)

mpt0069

03-04-2006, 02:02 PM

So Avant did 33 reps and Greenway did 29? :)

my sex is artsy

03-04-2006, 02:48 PM

I don't harbor ill will toward Chad Greenway. I just had no idea how guys could peg him as a super prospect. Any time Iowa played a good team, he got eaten up in the middle, was totally ineffective, and he can't battle a blocker to save his life. Meanwhile, AJ Hawk comes in like a scud missile, blowing up blockers and getting to the point of attack. They were never even in the same class, and I have no idea how such an immense amount of hype started.

Oliver Klosov

03-04-2006, 02:50 PM

So Avant did 33 reps and Greenway did 29? :)

It was actually 20 and 16, I think.

mpt0069

03-07-2006, 02:19 AM

Plenty of depth at tight end position
By Mel Kiper Jr.
Special to ESPN Insider

The most intriguing position, by far, in this year's NFL draft is tight end. There is big-time talent at the top with Maryland's Vernon Davis, who had great workouts at the combine and should be the first tight end taken off the board.

I project that three tight ends will go in the first round, but teams will be able to get a quality tight end well into the second day of the draft, with players like: Leonard Pope, Georgia; Joe Klopfenstein, Colorado; Anthony Fasano, Notre Dame; Tim Day, Oregon; Tony Scheffler, Western Michigan; and Wisconsin's Owen Daniels, who could be used as an H-back in the NFL, similar to Chris Cooley of the Washington Redskins.

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

*denotes underclassman

Top Offensive Players
QB: Young, Leinart, Cutler
RB: Bush, Williams, White, Maroney, Brian Calhoun, Joseph Addai, Maurice Drew
FB: Lawrence Vickers
WR: Holmes, Jackson, Moss, Maurice Stovall, Greg Jennings, Devin Aromashodu
TE: Davis, Pope, Byrd, Lewis, Klopfenstein, Fasano, Day, Scheffler, Daniels
OT: Ferguson, Justice, Marcus McNeill, Ryan O'Callaghan; Kevin Boothe, Jeremy Trueblood, Eric Winston
OG: Taitusi Lutui, Max Jean-Gilles, Davin Joseph, Fred Matua, Rob Sims, Jason Spitz
C: Nick Mangold, Chris Chester

Top Defensive Players
DL: Williams, Ngata, Bunkley, Kiwanuka, Claude Wroten, Mark Anderson, Wimbley, Gabe Watson, Manny Lawson
LB: Hawk, Sims, Greenway, Carpenter, Ryans, Thomas Howard, D'Qwell Jackson, Roger McIntosh, Jon Alston
DB: Huff, Hill, Williams, Youboty, Joseph, Jennings, Donte Whitner, Antonio Cromartie, Ko Simpson, Jason Allen

Sleepers
G/T Kevin Boothe, Cornell
DB Danieal Manning, Abilene Christian
WR Miles Austin, Monmouth
OT Paul McQuistan, Weber St.
DE Chris Gocong, Cal Poly, SLO
DE Jason Hatcher, Grambling
DE Brent Hawkins, Illinois St.

mpt0069

03-07-2006, 07:09 PM

Updated: March 6, 2006

Davis, Jackson rise; Young, Dumervil slip
By Todd McShay
Scouts Inc.
Archive

From negotiations regarding the collective bargaining agreement, to rumors of Vince Young's score on the Wonderlic, to record-setting 40-yard dash times, to a record-tying bench press performance, the 2006 NFL scouting combine was filled with drama. In the midst of all that hoopla, 330 individuals were being poked, prodded, tested, timed and grilled during the most important four-day day interview process of their lives.

The scouting combine serves as just one piece of the evaluation process. For some, however, it can be more critical than others. After breaking down the official results that were released only late last week, here's my opinion of the 10 biggest winners and losers from this year's combine:

10 Winners

? Vernon Davis, TE, Maryland

Running the 40-yard dash in 4.38 seconds is impressive for any athlete. At 6-foot-3? and 254 pounds, it's flat-out ridiculous -- and record-setting for the tight end position. Davis also finished with 33 reps of the standard 225-pound bench press and finished near the top of the pack in all the other agility drills. His supreme performance could land Davis in the top 10 of the upcoming draft.

? Chad Jackson, WR, Florida
Few prospects helped themselves in the 40-yard dash as much as Jackson did with his time of 4.34. He also showcased impressive leaping ability, foot quickness and hands throughout the workout process, making him a legitimate competitor to Santonio Holmes (Ohio State) for the honor of being the first wide receiver taken.

? Mario Williams, DE, N.C. State
Simply put, Williams is a monster. Running the 40 in the 4.6s is not normal for a 6-7, 295-pound defensive lineman. Impressive showings in position drills and on the bench (33 reps) helped solidify Williams' spot in the top five or six picks of this year's draft.

? Brodrick Bunkley, DT, Florida State
Bunkley is one of the most chiseled and athletic 306-pound defensive tackles to walk the planet. His 44 reps on the bench press were one short of the combine record (tied by Ohio State's Mike Kudla this year and Leif Larsen of Texas in 2000) and his 40-yard dash time of 4.97 seconds was among the elite of 300-plus pound athletes to ever work out for the NFL. Bunkley has become legitimate competition for Oregon's Haloti Ngata to be the first defensive tackle off the board in 2006.

? Tye Hill, DC, Clemson
Everyone knew Hill was fast, but his time of 4.30 seconds in the 40-yard dash gave him the "fastest man" honors at the 2006 combine.

? Mark Anderson, DE, Alabama
Anderson disproved a lot of critics who questioned his speed and athleticism when he turned in one of the most impressive all-around workouts of the defensive linemen at this year's combine, finishing near the top of his group in the 40-yard dash (4.61), broad jump (10-foot-7, vertical jump (42 inches), three-cone drill (6.95), short shuttle (4.22) and long shuttle (11.75). This type of showing could land Anderson in the latter portion of the draft's first day after previously being considered to be nothing more than a second-day prospect.

? Chris Chester, OL, Oklahoma
Chester is still raw, but the former tight end showcased his athletic ability with a unit-best 4.88 seconds in the 40-yard dash. He also finished near the top of all the offensive linemen in the vertical jump (31?), broad jump (8-10), short shuttle (4.50) and three-cone drill (7.31). Once considered a late-round project, Chester could sneak into the latter portion of Day 1.

? Joseph Addai, RB, LSU
Addai's inconsistent collegiate career and history of durability issues work against him, but his natural ability helps to overshadow those concerns. By running both 40-yard dash attempts in the low 4.4s at the combine, Addai may have cemented a spot as the fourth running back in this year's class.

? Jason Allen, DC, Tennessee
Allen put an end to all questions regarding his season-ending hip injury by running the 40-yard dash in 4.41 seconds. His explosiveness in the vertical jump (39?) and broad jump (10-11), combined with his outstanding short-area quickness in the short shuttle (3.81) and three-cone drill (6.75) could land Allen back in the second-round range of this year's draft class.

? Tony Scheffler, TE, Western Michigan
Scheffler ran the second-fastest 40-yard dash time of the participating tight ends, and he also finished atop or near the top of the group in the broad jump (9-7), three-cone drill (6.81), short shuttle (4.01) and long shuttle (11.41). Scheffler's strong showing, combined with his impressive production as a senior in 2005, makes him one of the fastest-rising tight ends in this year's class.

10 Losers

? Elvis Dumervil, DE, Louisville
Dumervil's draft stock has been volatile this year. It maxed out at the end of the 2005 season when he finished with nation highs in sacks (20) and forced fumbles (11). It has been all downhill since as Dumervil's poor Senior Bowl showing and unimpressive ratio of size (5-11 3/8, 257)-to-speed (4.78) have put him in danger of slipping out of the draft's first day.

? Kai Parham, ILB, Virginia
Parham was considered an intriguing Day 1 prospect because of his versatility and experience playing inside linebacker in coach Al Groh's 3-4 scheme. However, a miserable showing in the 40-yard dash (5.03 and 5.08) combined with underwhelming position-drill results has many NFL scouts scratching their heads right now.

? Darrell Hackney, QB, UAB
Hackney's Senior Bowl slide continued at the combine, where his size (5-11 5/8, 239) proved to be comparatively marginal and his erratic passing woes continued. As a result, look for Hackney to slip to the final few rounds of this year's draft.

? Greg Lee, WR, Pittsburgh
Lee wasn't expected to burn up the new surface inside the RCA Dome with his speed in the 40-yard dash, but he was expected to break the 4.6-second barrier. Despite shedding some weight from this past season, Lee (6-1 5/8, 201) could muster only a best of 4.64 seconds. His overall lack of explosiveness really stood out when competing against the other top receivers involved, which could lead to Lee's draft-day free fall out of Day 1.

? Dwayne Slay, DS, Texas Tech
The big-hitting strong safety was ultra-productive at the collegiate level, and he also put on an impressive performance at the East-West Shrine game. However, his draft momentum was halted by an embarrassing 40-yard dash time of 4.82 seconds. If Slay intends to play in the NFL, he will need to bulk up his 6-3?, 216-pound frame and move to weak-side linebacker.

? Jeremy Trueblood, OT, Boston College
Trueblood's lack of adequate athletic ability as a left-tackle prospect showed up during combine drills, including his 10-yard split of 1.91 seconds, his vertical jump of 27? and his three-cone time of 7.82 seconds. While he is big, on game film Trueblood also seems to lack the toughness and power of a right tackle. That's why his unimpressive 20 reps on the bench press hurt his stock more than some might think.

? Charles Gordon, DC/WR/RS, Kansas
Gordon lacks a true position fit right now, but his versatility is intriguing. He was a tremendous playmaker at the highest collegiate level, but there are now legitimate concerns regarding his ability to replicate that production at the NFL level after his disappointing results in the 40-yard dash (4.69) and short shuttle (4.27).

? Brian Calhoun, RB, Wisconsin
Calhoun still grades out as a late second-round prospect, but his 40-yard dash times of 4.58 and 4.62 did not help matters, especially since he's undersized (5-9?, 201) and competing in a loaded class of running backs.

? Vince Young, QB, Texas
Scoring a 16 on the Wonderlic test is certainly better than the previously rumored score of six, but it is well below the mid-20 average that quarterbacks typically achieve. There's a lot more to playing the quarterback position than simply scoring well on the Wonderlic test. The bottom line, however, is that Young's poor score has raised eyebrows among NFL brass and it could result in him slipping a spot or two in April's draft.

? Chad Greenway, OLB, Iowa
Greenway showed impressive agility and instincts during position drills, but only 16 reps on the bench and unmet expectations in the 40-yard dash (4.78 and 4.81) could knock him out of the top-20 picks.

my sex is artsy

03-07-2006, 10:12 PM

I don't see any of these as surprises.

mpt0069

03-11-2006, 08:44 PM

According to Len Pasquerelli's Tip Sheet, A.J. Hawk was clocked in the 4.4 range by some scouts. Santonio Holmes consistently ran in the low to 4.3 range and Ashton Youboty ran in the mid 4.4s. Scorching times.

Speaking of scorching, here's a piece Jason Whitlock wrote for Page 2 on ESPN.com about Vince Young. Ouch.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=whitlock/060309

Oliver Klosov

03-11-2006, 08:52 PM

Vernon Davis' stock going up after an event like the combine shouldn't surprise anyone. That guy is a freak. What is surprising is that he was that fast.

cottonzway

03-11-2006, 09:11 PM

I think Davis is one of those rare pure "H-Back" types in the Shannon Sharpe mold. I do think he is better suited like that then playing pure TE.

cottonzway

03-14-2006, 09:43 PM

My guess now is Mario Williams goes #2 to the Saints. They no longer need a QB and have to replace Darren Howard. Makes sense IMO.

mpt0069

03-17-2006, 10:54 PM

Ferguson is safer pick for Saints at No. 2
By Todd McShay
Scouts Inc.
Archive

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.

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.

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 prot?g? 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.