|
| 2005 NFL Mock Draft |
| April 23, 2005 |
|
Paul Baitinger
Senior Editor
|
The 2005 NFL Draft is now just hours away (April 23-24) so it's time
for my final mock draft. The rumor mills are as hot as ever and we've already seen a
number of pre-draft trades. Expect more wheeling and dealing
today, but remember very few teams are trying to move up towards
the very top of the draft, but there are many teams that are trying
to move down.
As for the quality of this draft class... The
strongest position in this draft class is CB, while the DE (in the
1st rounds, S depth, and the RB
positions are pretty solid as well. Still, the quality of the
top of the draft isn't
as good as in recent year's. That's why this draft is the most wide
open draft in terms of the top 10 picks that I can remember.
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 2005 NFL Mock Draft below.
Also, don't forget to check out our 7 round Computer
Generated Mock Draft as well.
Round
One |
|
| |
| 1 | 49ers (2-14), Player: QB *Alex Smith (Utah) | Team Needs: QB, DL, DB, LB, WR
The 49ers really need help everywhere. They know that they really need a franchise QB because they might not be able to make due with Tim Rattay and Ken Dorsey another year. As for comparing Smith and Rodgers, they both have the potential to be a franchise QB that just happens to fit the 49ers most pressing need. They're both extremely accurate, but Smith gets the edge in smarts and in mobility. In fact, one NFL GM indicated that Smith is the most intelligent NFL prospect he has ever been around. Such high praise has caused Smith's stock to soar in recent days leading up to the draft. Despite playing primarily behind a shotgun offense, Smith is graded higher by San Fran. When it's all said and done, the final decision may boil down to signability. With Smith's agent reportedly seeking a deal larger than Eli Manning's from last year, there are some concerns. The 49ers were anxious to have a contract in place before the draft and they still might. However, it doesn't appear that it will stop them from selecting Smith anyway. |
| | | | 2 | Vikings (8-8), Player: WR Braylon Edwards (Michigan) | Proj. Trade From MIA - Needs: WR, DE, PK, OL, LB
Nick Saban has dropped some strong hints that the Dolphins would strongly consider a trade. It's possible that he may be blowing smoke, but it seems that the Vikings and possibly the Redskins are really excited about moving up to snag Edwards. Under this scenario, Miami would move back 5 picks and still likely land a franchise caliber RB in addition to picking up Minnesota's 2nd round pick and a mid-round pick. As for Minnesota, after trading away Randy Moss, the Vikings will be looking to add a playmaker at WR and Edwards certainly fits that billing. |
| | | | 3 | Browns (4-12), Player: QB *Aaron Rodgers (California) | Needs: LB, DL, OT, QB, DB, WR
The Browns seem to need help everywhere. Braylon Edwards is reportedly the top rated player on their draft board. They could be looking for a QB for the future to groom behind Dilfer, or they could take the best available player. The Browns would be best suited to trade out of this spot if possible, but it will be quite hard, especially if Edwards is off the board. Aaron Rodger's accuracy would make him a potential franchise QB who could learn from Dilfer. Another very good possibility would be stud LB Derrick Johnson or CB Antrell Rolle, either could be utilized by Crennel in his defensive scheme. |
| | | | 4 | Bears (5-11), Player: RB Ronnie Brown (Auburn) | Needs: LB, QB, WR, RB, OG
The Bears could be interested in Braylon Edwards if he falls this far even after they've added Muhammad through Free Agency. They could also look to Derrick Johnson to play next to Urlacher. However, recent reports have Lovie Smith and company trying to build a better running game. Thomas Jones played quite well last year, but Brown might be too tough to pass on for a team that wants to control the ball more. The Bears have made it known that they love Cedric Benson so I wouldn't be surprised if they call his name here instead. And if you're keeping track, the last two times the Bears drafted a RB with the 4th pick, they selected Walter Payton and Gale Sayers. |
| | | | 5 | Buccaneers (5-11), Player: RB Carnell Williams (Auburn) | Needs: RB, WR, LB, S, OL
Here is one of the real wild cards of the entire draft. Considering that Griese and Simms are in Tampa, I doubt that Tampa Bay will move up for a QB. Meanwhile, the Bucs have made no secret that they are looking for an upgrade at RB, as the recent trade talks with the Bills for RB Travis Henry would suggest. Gruden loves Ronnie Brown, but his teammate, Carnell 'Cadillac' Williams, would also fit in nicely in Gruden's pass-happy attack. With Charlie Garner another year older and Michael Pittman having had his fair share of troubles off-the-field this would make sense. Keep in mind that Gruden was able to coach 'Cadillac' at the Senior Bowl, so there already is a relationship. WR Mike Williams also could get a look here too. |
| | | | 6 | Titans (5-11), Player: CB Antrel Rolle (Miami) | Needs: OL, WR, DE, CB, LB
The Titans really could use help anywhere and might be interested in trading down to fill multiple needs. After releasing Samari Rolle and watching Andre Dyson leave via free agency, they could use help at CB. Antrel Rolle, no relation to Samari, has elevated his stock back into the top 10 and could hear his name called by Tennessee, especially because the Titans appear desperate for CB help. Still, the Titans might be inclined to bring in a talented WR after watching Mason leave via free agency. Mike Williams could fit in now that McNair is definitely planning on returning. Big Mike Williams has a relationship with new OC Norm Chow so he should be able to pick up the offense quickly if picked. |
| | | | 7 | Dolphins (4-12), Player: RB Cedric Benson (Texas) | Proj. Trade From MIN - Needs: RB, QB, LB, DB, OL
If the Dolphins pull this trade off, they could potentially move down, get a RB of essentially the same value that they could have picked at #2. Furthermore, they will also save some money against the cap and land more draft picks as well. Benson could be that 25 carry a game RB that Miami desperately needs. |
| | | | 8 | Cardinals (6-10), Player: RB Carlos Rogers (Auburn) | Needs: RB, CB, OL, TE, QB
After adding Kurt Warner, Dennis Green could still be interested in drafting a QB to groom for the future if one falls to this spot. However, Arizona's most pressing need is at RB. We're expecting them to fill that need via a trade (Travis Henry) or later in the draft, therefore, they could be looking at drafting a CB in round one. They appear to be in debate over what order they have the top 3 CBs ranked in. Right now I believe they have Rogers rated as their #2 CB so his cover skills would fit in well on a team that is desperate for help at that position. |
| | | | 9 | Redskins (6-10), Player: WR *Mike Williams (USC) | Needs: DL, CB, LB, WR, OL
Despite the defensive unit being the strength of the team, the Redskins could really use to upgrade the talent on the defensive line. It looks like drafting in the 9 spot would be too early for DL help. Therefore, a play-maker like CB Adam Jones would be a nice fit for the Redskins. However, it appears that Washington wants to upgrade their WR corps after adding two smallish WRs in Santana Moss and David Patten as starters. They will also be likely dealing Rod Gardner away. Mike Williams' size would be a welcome addition to a WR corps that looks like the second coming of the Smurfs. |
| | | | 10 | Lions (6-10), Player: LB Derrick Johnson (Texas) | Needs: OT, FS, DL, LB, CB
Detroit addressed two major needs by signing a S and a TE. Alex Barron could be worth a look here if Detroit wants to invest another high pick on an OT (this would make 4 1st round OTs in 7 years). I highly doubt they look for an OT here as they seem to be willing to stick with the options they currently have at RT. Despite the DL being one of the strengths of this team, Detroit could use an upgrade at DE. They could also be very interested in a top flight CB here too. Detroit could also draft the best player available and under this scenario that would be LB Derrick Johnson. Sure, the Lions already have some talented and speedy young LBs, but adding Johnson would provide the Lions with another play-maker on what would be a speedy LB unit. Johnson would be counted on to step in at WLB ahead of James Davis, with Holmes and Lehman at MLB, and Bailey at SLB ahead of Donte Curry. Of course, Detroit is also very interested in drafting one of the top 3 CBs (Rolle, Jones, or Rogers) here as well so this could almost be a coin toss for Millen and Mooch. |
| | | | 11 | Cowboys (6-10), Player: DE/OLB *Shawne Merriman (Maryland) | Needs: DE, S, LB, WR, DT
Dallas needs help on defense and could be looking to fill some of those needs here, but they are also looking for youthful help at WR so Williamson could be tempting. Still, Merriman's skills as an edge rusher could be well utilized by Parcells as a rush LB in a 3-4 scheme or as a rush DE in a 4-3 scheme. He's a bit raw, but the Dallas defense needs some help in getting after the passer. |
| | | | 12 | Chargers (12-4), Player: WR *Troy Williamson (South Carolina) | (From New York Giants) Needs: WR, DE, OL, DB, LB
The Chargers could be looking for an upgrade at OT. Alex Barron is the consensus pick as the best OT coming out of college, so he could be a good protector for San Diego QB's and he should be able to open holes for LT. I've also heard rumblings that San Diego is determined to draft a DE early in this draft class and under this scenario, they could get their pick of the DE crop. Spears converted to DE from TE and offers good athletic ability and strength that would complement a 3-4 defense. However, speedy WR Troy Williamson could also be too tempting to pass on at a position of major need. |
| | | | 13 | Texans (7-9), Player: DE Marcus Spears (LSU) | Needs: LB, OL, DT, DE, S
The Texans would do very well to land a franchise caliber OT like Alex Barron to protect Carr and open running lanes for Davis. If drafted, Barron could be a fixture of the Texans' OL for years to come. Of course, finding a perfect fit as a DE for a 3-4 defense isn't easy either. Spears' rare combination of size and athleticism could be too much to pass on. |
| | | | 14 | Panthers (7-9), Player: OT Alex Barron (Florida State) | Needs: WR, OL, LB, S, DL
Adding a talented pass catcher would be very helpful after losing Muhammad. Now that the Panthers added TE Freddie Jones, I doubt that they'll look Heath Milller's way. However, Alex Barron would fill out the Panthers' OL very nicely after adding Mike Wahle. The Panthers should then have no trouble returning to their power running attack and protecting Delhomme with such a sturdy OL. |
| | | | 15 | Chiefs (7-9), Player: DE Erasmus James (Wisconsin) | Needs: DE, CB, WR, DT, QB
If healthy, Kendrell Bell could help the Chiefs' defense, but KC still needs a lot of help on defense. By adding Surtain, KC has taken care of their need for a top flight cover corner. Now they would also need an elite pass rusher. James, if healthy, is one of (if not the best) pass rushers entering the draft. He could really help KC's pass rush as an edge rusher. Adam Jones might still be tempting as could SS/LB Thomas Davis, a player that Vermeil appears to like a lot. |
| | | | 16 | Saints (8-8), Player: CB *Adam Jones (West Virginia) | Needs: LB, CB, OL, DT, WR
The Saints need help at LB and could look for SS/LB tweener Thomas Davis at this pick. However, the Saints could also use an upgrade at CB as well and likely have Jones rated much higher on their boards. Jones offers great speed and athleticism at corner. His return skills also could make the Saints' special teams that much more lethal. He and a healthy and adjusted to New Orleans Mike McKenzie should steady the Saints' shaky secondary. |
| | | | 17 | Bengals (8-8), Player: DT Travis Johnson (Florida State) | Needs: DT, DE, OL, LB, TE
The Bengals have made stopping the run their top priority in the off-season. Adding a talented DT like Johnson would be a step in the right direction. Johnson's stock appears to be all over the board, but he has enough potential to find himself drafted in the middle of the 1st round. A talented DE would also likely garner a long look here too. |
| | | | 18 | Vikings (8-8), Player: DE David Pollack (Georgia) | Needs: WR, DE, PK, OL, LB
If, as expected the Vikings draft a WR early in round 1, they'll likely want to continue to focus on shoring up their defense to prevent fading late in the year. Pollack could be a nice complement to the improving Minnesota DL that already boasts Pro-Bowl DT and 2003 1st round pick Kevin Williams, new Free Agent signee Pat Williams, and 2004 1st round pick DE Kenechi Udeze. |
| | | | 19 | Rams (8-8), Player: OT Jamaal Brown (Oklahoma) | Needs: S, OT, DE, CB, OG
The Rams missed Grant Wistrom last season. Adding another solid DE could be exactly what the doctor ordered to help revive the Rams' defense. But, it appears that the Rams will really need to fill the void at RT left by Turley's injury problem. Brown would fit in very well at RT and form a nice bookend duo with Pace. |
| | | | 20 | Cowboys (6-10), Player: WR Mark Clayton (Oklahoma) | (From Buffalo) Needs: DE, S, LB, WR, DT
Dallas still needs help on defense and could be looking to fill some of those needs here, but they are also looking for youthful help at WR. Dallas already found some veterans on defense so don't be surprised if Dallas looks to the draft to get younger at WR with Bledsoe in town. Clayton runs great routes and has fantastic hands so I give him an edge over the bigger, speedier play-maker, Roddy White. |
| | | | 21 | Jaguars (9-7), Player: TE *Heath Miller (Virginia) | Needs: OL, LB, DB, WR, DE
After adding a couple of veterans to compete at DE, Jacksonville's need there isn't that pressing. Jacksonville is interested in adding another young pass-catcher as Jimmy Smith is aging. Adding a TE with Heath Miller's hands might be too tough to pass on even if this doesn't fit a pressing need. Roddy White could draw a look here too, that is, if Jacksonville isn't intent on drafting an OT like Barnes here. |
| | | | 22 | Ravens (9-7), Player: WR Roddy White (UAB) | Needs: WR, OL, DL, LB, DB
After signing Mason, WR is less of a need, but Baltimore still could use someone to start opposite their new WR. White's skills as a vertical threat and ability to get downfield and make big plays should be able to help the Ravens' offense move the sticks. |
| | | | 23 | Seahawks (9-7), Player: DE Demarcus Ware (Troy) | Needs: DE, LB, DB, OL, QB
The Seahawks have long coveted better play at LB. They didn't re-sign Anthony Simmons and released Chad Brown after recently adding Jamie Sharper so they definitely need a LB, but it would likely be too early to snag a LB here. Dan Cody and Demarcus Ware would both fit an immediate need. Cody's high motor and intensity could help the Seattle defense even if he doesn't project as a premiere pass rusher in the NFL. However, I have the better pure edge rusher in Ware projected to the Seahawks here. |
| | | | 24 | Packers (10-6), Player: S/LB *Thomas Davis (Georgia) | Needs: OG, DB, LB, DL, QB
Aaron Rodgers could somehow fall into the Packers' lap, but someone will likely pull the trigger before Green Bay is on the clock. Thomas Davis' skills would be tough to overlook for a team that could be looking for a SS or a LB. Davis is essentially a SS/LB tweener and he can provide a big-time presence on Green Bay's defense. |
| | | | 25 | Redskins (6-10), Player: CB *Fabian Washington (Nebraska) | From Denver - Needs: DL, CB, LB, WR, OL
The Redskins' worked out a deal with Denver to reportedly move up for QB Jason Campbell. I'm not sure that I buy that as fact, it could be a mis-direction play and they could be up to something else. The Redskins also really need help at CB and DL, but with Fabian Washington and his Darrell Green like speed on the board here, the Redskins might see it as fate to have a player with the same name on the back of the jersey that is also the same as on the front. |
| | | | 26 | Raiders (5-11), Player: CB *Justin Miller (Clemson) | From NYJ - Needs: MLB, OLB, DB, DL, OL
The Raiders are jockeying to make some significant changes to their roster and could be dealing Charles Woodson away if they can find a taker. This is after they already dealt Buchanon away to Houston. This spells of taking a CB and Miller's good speed and return skills could fit in well in Raider Nation. |
| | | | 27 | Falcons (11-5), Player: OT Khalif Barnes (Washington) | Needs: OL, DB, WR, DL, LB
The Falcons would like for one of the top few OTs to fall into their lap at this spot so they can protect Vick with a franchise caliber OT. Barnes projects as a 1st round OT prospect that would help the running game continue to move as well as protect the franchise (Vick or shall we call him Ron Mexico). A solid DL might also be tempting here. |
| | | | 28 | Chargers (12-4), Player: DE Shaun Cody (USC) | Needs: WR, S, DE, OL, LB
The Chargers are widely expected to address their needs at WR and DE in the 1st round of this draft. Shaun Cody's motor, size, and pass rush skills would fit in well on a Marty and Wade coached defense. |
| | | | 29 | Colts (12-4), Player: DE Dan Cody (Oklahoma) | Needs: DB, LB, DL, OL, RB
The Colts surely will need to address defense through the draft. However, they do have some needs on offense as well. Don't rule out them taking a RB, OL, or TE in the draft, but addressing those needs on day one isn't very likely. Indy could be looking to fill their major need at ILB or CB with some talented players on the board, however Cody could be too tough to pass on even though the Colts are solid at DE. Cody is a talented DE that was very productive for the Sooners. |
| | | | 30 | Steelers (15-1), Player: DB Marlin Jackson (Michigan) | Needs: WR, TE, OL, DB, LB
Pittsburgh doesn't have that many urgent needs, so they're in the position to draft the best player available. In this scenario I have Marlin Jackson hearing his name called by the Steelers. Jackson could fit in nicely at either CB or S in Pittsburgh. |
| | | | 31 | Eagles (13-3), Player: WR Matt Jones (Arkansas) | Needs: WR, LB, RB, DL, OL
The Eagles would love to grab a WR here to replace Pinkston in the starting lineup, but they may have to wait to draft that position. It will take Jones some time to feel comfortable with a position switch, but at about 6-6, and with 4.37 40 speed, Matt Jones could help this offense. Sure, he played QB for Arkansas, but he showed that he's a phenomenal athlete that could play a WR/TE role at the next level. Oh yeah, he'd also be a good insurance policy as a 3rd QB down the road too. |
| | | | 32 | Patriots (14-2), Player: LB *Channing Crowder (Florida) | Needs: ILB, DB, OT, OG, OLB
Trading for Duane Starks was a nice move to fill a need in the secondary, but the Pats could still be looking for help there. After losing Phifer, with Johnson aging, and with Bruschi's status in doubt, the Pats' most pressing need is at LB and they could look that way if they see value. Crowder has some potential to be a dominant ILB if a team can tap into his potential. If any team can do this, it is New England. |
| | |
|
* Denotes Underclassmen
Go to: Round Two
|
| Sound Off! |
| Click here to discuss this article on our message boards! |
| |
|
|
