|
| 2004 NFL Mock Draft |
| April 23, 2004 |
|
Paul Baitinger
Senior Editor
|
The draft is just one day away and the rumor mill is going full
steam. There also seems to be a lot of teams willing to work
out trades and I expect many more trades that I've proposed.
This year has proven to be the craziest pre-draft activities that
I've ever seen with the Manning saga, the Clarett saga, the heavy
activity in free agency, and trades.
I've been spending countless hours scouting the players,
looking at the stats, and the needs of each team. So, if
you're interested to know what your teams needs are and who they
may draft, check out my updated 2 round 2004 NFL Mock Draft below.
Also, don't forget to check out our Computer
Generated Mock Draft and enter our Draft
Contest as well:
Round
One |
|
| |
| 1 | Giants (4-12), Player: QB Eli Manning (Mississippi) | Needs: OL, DL, LB, WR, QB - Projected trade from SD
The Chargers missed out on a Manning and settled for Leaf a few years back, now they had a chance to draft a Manning, but it appears that he's heading for the Big Apple since Archie says that they'd prefer New York. The Chargers will likely trade down as Eli doesn't want to play in beautiful San Diego. Marty seems to prefer Phil Rivers anyway. Gaining the 34th pick and very likely Ike Hilliard would be a nice coup for the Chargers. |
| | | | 2 | Browns (5-11), Player: OT Robert Gallery (Iowa) | Needs: OL, TE, WR, DB, RB - Projected Trade from OAK
The Raiders are reportedly very interested in OT Robert Gallery, WR Roy Williams, or trading down. Since the Browns appear to be desperate to move up and land a franchise LT I'm pegging a trade between Oakland and Cleveland. Oakland would hope that Roy Williams would be available at #7 or possibly trade up a spot to grab him. I am projecting that Dennis Northcutt winds up in Oakland along with the Browns' 2nd round pick. |
| | | | 3 | Cardinals (4-12), Player: WR Larry Fitzgerald* (Pittsburgh) | Needs: DT, DE, QB, RB, WR
Now that Jeff Blake has been released, Big Ben would meet a need. With that said, Dennis Green doesn't seem too interested in calling the name of a QB in round 1 and this is about the only pick in the 1st round that is pretty much certain. If Fitzgerald is on the board, the Cards could be very interested in him as he was a ball boy in Minnesota for the Dennis Green coached Vikings. |
| | | | 4 | Chargers (4-12), Player: QB Phil Rivers (North Carolina State) | Needs: WR, OL, DL, QB, LB - Projected trade from NYG
The G-men might be interested in trading up for a QB and it looks like they'll make the move to snag Eli Manning. Meanwhile, the Chargers would be happy to move down again to land Rivers, but they might be stuck at the #4 spot. Being that Marty appears to have Rivers as his #1, it wouldn't surprise me to hear his name called here. |
| | | | 5 | Redskins (5-11), Player: TE Kellen Winslow Jr.* (Miami) | Needs: DE, DT, TE, S, LB
The Redskins have been very busy with Free Agency and trades. They might be interested in moving around on draft day as well. Still they need help along the DL and that should be their top focus, however, they're very interested in two Hurricanes (Taylor and Winslow). Gibbs has mentioned that the two are equal on their draft board (it's pretty much 50/50) and they'll look at character. They might be more inclined to pass on Winslow considering that they've met with other TEs and may be scared off a bit by Winslow's agent. They might very well take the best defensive player on the board, Sean Taylor since he can fill a need in their deep secondary. I'll project Winslow Jr. to them as Joe Gibbs did coach Sr. and the Skins can build an offense (Coles, Gardner, Winslow Jr, Portis) to make the '83 Redskins team proud. |
| | | | 6 | Lions (5-11), Player: WR Roy Williams (Texas) | Needs: RB, OG, LB, TE, WR
The Lions can do just about anything with this pick. They could stand pat and select Williams, they'd be happy with Taylor or Winslow Jr, and they could trade down to acquire a RB or LB. The Jags appear to be ready and willing to move up and grab Roy Williams to surround Leftwich with talent. Another team may want to move up for Taylor as well. The way I see it the Lions could be sitting pretty and choose between two players they have rated very highly (Williams and Taylor). One would build an incredible receiving corps, the other an incredible secondary. In the end I believe that the Lions have Williams rated higher and they won't select a RB this early. |
| | | | 7 | Raiders (4-12), Player: S Sean Taylor* (Miami) | Needs: OL, QB, RB, WR, S - Projected trade from CLE
I am doubting that Taylor could fall this far, but if he does and Roy Williams is gone the Raiders could move down again. Of course, a player with Taylor's skills might give the Raiders one heck of a secondary and they can look to draft offense in later rounds. |
| | | | 8 | Falcons (5-11), Player: CB DeAngelo Hall* (Virginia Tech) | Needs: DE, CB, WR, OL, DT
The Falcons really didn't put pressure on opposing QBs last season and could use help along the DL. Harris is a talent that could help apply pressure from the DT position and can help stuff the run and Will Smith could provide a very nice upgrade at DE, but a corner with Hall's speed is a premium. While Hall is raw, he could grow into a very solid cover corner and has the abilities to return kicks to boot. |
| | | | 9 | Jaguars (5-11), Player: DE Kenechi Udeze* (USC) | Needs: WR, DE, CB, LB, OL
The Jags could use help at WR and could be looking to move up, but the DE position is not nearly as deep as the WR position is. Udeze would give the Jags a very talented DE that can get after the passer and anchor well against the run, but it appears that the Jags might also like to move up to grab Williams more. |
| | | | 10 | Texans (5-11), Player: DT Vince Wilfork* (Miami) | Needs: DT, S, CB, OL, LB
The Texans could use a big body like Shawn Andrews to protect Carr and open holes for Davis, but they're also in the market for a space eating nose tackle. Vince Wilfork can fit that bill and help the Texans plug the middle as he's a massive DT in the Ted Washington mode. Tommie Harris or help at corner might also draw a look here. |
| | | | 11 | Steelers (6-10), Player: QB Ben Roethlisberger* (Miami, OH) | Needs: CB, OT, QB, DL, DB
Even though the Steelers need a corner and really seem to like Rivers they would be more than ecstatic to see Big Ben slide this far. He could conceivably fall this far and provide the Steelers with the potential of being a franchise QB. |
| | | | 12 | Jets (6-10), Player: CB Dunta Robinson (South Carolina) | Needs: LB, CB, DT, OT, WR
Even though the Jets pass defense was pretty solid and their run defense was pretty weak, the Jets have been shopping for a corner this off-season. Hall's workout numbers might have done enough to propel him to the top of the CB class so he may not be available here. That would leave Robinson as the next best bet at CB. Of course, DJ Williams or Vilma, a DT, or a big talented WR might also get the call here too. |
| | | | 13 | Bills (6-10), Player: WR Lee Evans (Wisconsin) | Needs: WR, DB, QB, OL, TE
It's no secret that Drew Bledsoe has seen his best days and his production last year was extremely disappointing. The Bills appear to be very interested in a QB, but it appears that the top 3 will likely be gone by pick #13. The Bills would certainly be interested in taking Will Smith to form a very good front 4, but I was recently forwarded a tip by a cab driver that the Bills are enamored with Lee Evans. The speedy Evans would be an excellent replacement for Peerless Price and even reminds me of a tougher Price with better hands. |
| | | | 14 | Bears (7-9), Player: DT Tommie Harris* (Oklahoma) | Needs: DT, LB, DE, DB, QB
Da Bears need help along the DL, especially in stopping the run. Harris is quick, he kind of reminds me of a young John Randle, and he can certainly help stuff the run and apply pressure up the middle which is something that will help when you face the Packers and Vikes four times a year. Chicago would love to call his name this late and he'd fit in well with Lovie Smith's defense |
| | | | 15 | Buccaneers (7-9), Player: DE Will Smith (Ohio State) | Needs: DT, SS, LB, CB, WR
After watching Warren Sapp leave Tampa for the Raiders, the Bucs will need to find some help along the DL. Randy Starks can help stuff the run and collapse the pocket from the DT position so he could hear his name called by Tampa Bay. Of course, someone like Will Smith could be a shocker too. Greg Spires has not been that productive and the Bucs may not be patient enough to wait on Dewayne White. |
| | | | 16 | 49ers (7-9), Player: WR Reggie Williams* (Washington) | Needs: WR, QB, TE, DL, CB
After watching T.O. and Tai hit the streets the 49ers could really use help at WR. Brandon Lloyd showed some skills late last year, but a WR will surely be on the 49ers wish list for round one. Reggie Williams certainly has the size and big play capability to at least help make up for the loss of T.O. and Tai. Udeze could also get a look here. |
| | | | 17 | Broncos (10-6), Player: RB Steven Jackson* (Oregon State) | From Cincinnati - Needs: WR, DL, LB, TE, RB, DB
The Broncos really didn't get great value in return for dealing Deltha O'Neal, but everyone knew that Denver was trying to move him. The Broncos could really use some help on offense at WR with Ed McCaffrey retiring, of course, they could also use help in many areas including CB. The Broncos likely moved up to grab a talented playmaker and might go against their usual philosophy and grab the best RB on the board. Jackson may be able to help replace Portis and his ability to block and catch passes will help in this offense. |
| | | | 18 | Saints (8-8), Player: LB DJ Williams (Miami) | Needs: LB, CB, DT, OL, DE
DJ Williams is a very athletic LB and could get the call to help the Saints struggling unit. Chris Gamble would also be worth a look here as he offers good size and athleticism for a CB. However, the Saints did just trade for Craft which makes me think they'll address corner later. |
| | | | 19 | Vikings (9-7), Player: LB Jonathon Vilma (Miami) | Needs: DE, DT, LB, CB, S
By adding Winfield to their secondary, the Vikings likely won't look to draft a corner early on. A Defensive End could be very tempting here, but Vilma could be the best player on the board and Mike Tice likely won't be too worried about Vilma's injuries. Moreover, it would be very fitting that the two stud LBs who played next to each other, get drafted next to each other. |
| | | | 20 | Dolphins (10-6), Player: OT Shawn Andrews* (Arkansas) | Needs: OT, OG, S, LB, DT
After adding Boston and a potentially new starting QB (Feeley), the Dolphins really need to find some protection. Andrews is a big road grader type OT that should help Ricky Williams run and keep the Miami QB(s) upright. |
| | | | 21 | Patriots (14-2), Player: CB Chris Gamble* (Ohio State) | From Baltimore - Needs: WR, OL, DB, LB, DL
The Patriots finished 14-2 without really establishing the run this year so they traded for Dillon. The Patriots could be interested in adding some youth in their LB corps, but with Law's recent off field troubles (contract and legal) the Patriots might be inclined to draft help for the secondary. Being that Gamble is athletic and has potential, he could be worth the risk. |
| | | | 22 | Cowboys (10-6), Player: RB Kevin Jones* (Virginia Tech) | Needs: CB, RB, DT, OL, LB
The Cowboys don't appear to be settled on Troy Hambrick so they'll keep their eyes on the top RBs. If Jones is available here, he'll draw some interest and could team with Hambrick to solve the RB equation. Some consider Chris Perry the second most complete RB in the draft so he could be worth a look here. Additionally, with Mario Edwards leaving via free agency, the Cowboys really need help opposite Newman at CB. If the right CB is available, then the 'Boys would be interested in going that route as well. |
| | | | 23 | Seahawks (10-6), Player: DT Marcus Tubbs (Texas) | Needs: DT, MLB, OLB, WR, DE
The Seahawks filled a major hole by signing Bobby Taylor at CB. They also have major holes to fill at DT. It's my bet that they'll be really focused in on finding a DT to help them stop the run. Tubbs can anchor well against the run and collapse the pocket inside. DTs like Randy Starks or Darnell Dockett might also be on the Seahawks radar screen. |
| | | | 24 | Bengals (8-8), Player: CB Will Poole (USC) | From Denver - Needs: DE, DT, DB, RB, OL
The Bengals did well to land O'Neal to help their secondary. While, he's prone to being beaten, he's also a playmaker. Marvin Lewis will make use of his skills. Now to this pick, the Bengals rid themselves of Dillon and aren't sure that they want to count on Rudi Johnson to carry the full load himself so they could be looking for a RB. They could be looking for a RB here if they don't see value along the DL (they appear to be interested in signing Daryl Gardener to help here) or in the secondary. Poole is a bigger corner with potential despite not having terrific 40 times. If need be, he may also be able to move to FS. |
| | | | 25 | Packers (10-6), Player: DT Randy Starks* (Maryland) | Needs: DE, QB, LB, DT, CB
The Packers could surely use some help on defense and might be looking for help along the DL. If Vilma is around they could be interested in drafting him, but they would do well to land another big body to their DL rotation. Starks can step in and replace Gilbert Brown in the middle and rotate with Hunt and Jackson. |
| | | | 26 | Rams (12-4), Player: DE Jason Babin (Western Michigan) | Needs: DE, CB, OL, WR, TE
After Grant Wistrom left, the Rams will be focused on finding some help at DE. Some possible names that could be called include Antwan Odom and Marquise Hill. Babin was a demon pass rusher for Western Michigan and could develop into another Wistrom like clone. |
| | | | 27 | Titans (12-4), Player: TE Ben Troupe (Florida) | Needs: DE, DT, OL, LB, TE
The Titans really need help along the DL and Tubbs, Dockett, or Washington could help at DT or they could be looking for a DE. With Wycheck and McCareins no longer around, the Titans might be looking for another weapon to help move the sticks. While I think that Erron Kinney is solid enough, Troupe could be a difference maker on offense. |
| | | | 28 | Eagles (12-4), Player: OL Vernon Carey (Miami) | Needs: CB, DT, OL, LB, RB
After letting Bobby Taylor and Troy Vincent fly off to other teams via free agency, the Eagles really need more help at CB. Vernon Carey might be worth a look to help the OL as he's versatile enough to play OG or OT. Will Poole, Derrick Strait, Ahmad Carroll, or a LB could fit right into the Eagles' defensive scheme and help provide depth at corner. |
| | | | 29 | Colts (12-4), Player: CB Derrick Strait (Oklahoma) | Needs: CB, DT, LB, DE, OL
The Colts surely need help on defense. Pretty much anywhere on defense. Their biggest goals should be to get an additional run stuffer for their DT rotation, a cornerback, and to find help at LB. Even though some teams may be scared off a bit by his 40 time, Strait could fit in nicely with Tony Dungy's cover 2 defense. If Vilma or Williams were available, they'd surely be on the Colts' short list too! |
| | | | 30 | Chiefs (13-3), Player: DT Darnell Dockett (Florida State) | Needs: CB, DL, OT, LB, WR
The Chiefs need help everywhere on defense and could really use a playmaking WR or an OT too. Dockett improved his stock tremendously down at the Senior Bowl and could help this defense avoid being lit up like the Griswold family house on Christmas Vacation. |
| | | | 31 | Panthers (11-5), Player: CB Ahmad Carroll* (Arkansas) | Needs: CB, OL, S, TE, WR
The Panthers secondary was devastated by free agency, but a talented TE (Troupe if he's available) or help along the OL (Carey if he's available) could be too tempting to pass on. If the Panthers are looking strictly at the secondary here, Ahmad Carroll might get the call. While Carroll doesn't offer ideal size, he has good speed and playmaking abilities. |
| | | | 32 | Patriots (14-2), Player: WR Rashaun Woods (Oklahoma State) | Needs: RB, WR, OL, LB, DB
The Patriots could use to break the mold of their prototype smaller receiver and try to land a big playmaking WR to help them in the red zone. Furthermore, Troy Brown won't be around forever and Deion Branch, Bethel Johnson, and David Givens aren't very large targets. Even if Woods doesn't post blistering 40 times, he is very talented, runs good routes, and finds a way to get the ball. New England should be able to make good use of his talents. |
| | |
|
* Denotes Underclassmen
Go To: Rounds 2 and 3
|
| Sound Off! |
| Click here to discuss this article on our message boards! |
| |
|
|
