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| 2006 NFL Mock Draft |
| April 29, 2006 |
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Paul Baitinger
Senior Editor
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The 2006 NFL Draft is here. Now that the first pick of the draft is known and Bush is on the board for the Saints, things should get interesting. With some team needs changing and and draft rumors heating up, it's time
for my updated first round mock draft. Before it's all said
and done I expect to see some wheeling and dealing as some teams
could be trying to move up towards
the very top of the draft. As for the quality of this draft class... The
OL, RB, and LB positions are all very strong positions. There are a few top flight QBs as well,
however, the WR position isn't nearly as strong as the last few
years.
If
you're interested to know what your teams needs are and who they
may draft, check out my 2006 NFL Mock Draft below.
Also, don't forget to check out our 7 round Computer
Generated Mock Draft as well.
Round
One |
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| 1 | Texans (2-14), Player: DE Mario Williams (NC State) | Team Needs: OT, LB, CB, S, OG
The Texans have some talented RBs on their roster already (Morency and Davis). Domanick Davis is a good RB, but he hasn't been able to stay all that healthy for an entire season so far in his career, thus many think that the Texans should have added the dynamic Bush to the mix at RB. Instead, they drafted the best defensive player in the draft, DE Mario Williams to bolster their defense. |
| | | | 2 | Jets (4-12), Player: RB *Reggie Bush (USC) | Projected Trade -- Needs: OL, WR, LB, S, RB
After signing Brees, and with Bush now available at the #2 spot, the Saints will very likely move down. The Jets are the best bet to try to move up to the #2 spot to win the Reggie Bush sweepstakes. Bush would be an excellent heir apparent for Martin and his marketing appeal will fit in well in the Big Apple. |
| | | | 3 | Titans (4-12), Player: QB Matt Leinart (USC) | Needs: QB, OT, DB, WR, OG
Norm Chow was Leinart's Offensive Coordinator at USC before joining the Titans. With the McNair situation getting ugly, it really appears that the Titans will be drafting a QB. Despite the comments that Floyd Reese loves Young, I still think that the Titans will end up calling Leinart's name here. If the Titans go with Young they are coveting the reward and potential of Young rather than the experience of Leinart. |
| | | | 4 | Saints (3-13), Player: OT D'Brickashaw Ferguson (Virginia) | Projected Trade -- Needs: LB, DT, OL, DB, WR
The Jets would be very interested in landing an OT like Brick or possibly moving up to take Bush. My bet is that they will be all too willing to offer their two-1st round picks to move up to snag Bush. In this case, the Saints make out pretty well for themselves, still landing Brick and gaining another late first rounder. |
| | | | 5 | Packers (4-12), Player: TE *Vernon Davis (Maryland) | Needs: OL, LB, S, DL, WR
AJ Hawk would get some serious consideration here as the Packers could surely use some playmakers on defense, but Davis would give them a weapon in the passing game. Davis' has the potential to be a game-breaking TE and would likely make Favre happy that he decided to return. |
| | | | 6 | 49ers (4-12), Player: LB AJ Hawk (Ohio State) | Needs: WR, LB, DB, DL, TE
The 49ers would surely be tempted by a cover-corner or Davis if he's on the board. They have plenty of needs, but under this scenario Hawk would be the best available player and he just happens to fit a major need. |
| | | | 7 | Raiders (4-12), Player: QB *Vince Young (Texas) | Needs: DL, LB, DB, OL, QB
The Raiders could really use help anywhere on defense. Charles Woodson likely won't be re-signed, but the Raiders used some draft picks on CBs last year. A stud LB like AJ Hawk would be a nice addition to the defense if he were still available as well. Davis could be interested in drafting Young to be the QB of the future for his offense. The signing of Aaron Brooks doesn't necessarily mean that the Raiders will go a different direction than QB. |
| | | | 8 | Bills (5-11), Player: DT Brodrick Bunkley (Florida State) | Needs: DT, OL, DB, TE, WR
The Bills couldn't stop the run when they most needed to last year. They could be interested in a big DT like Ngata to take up blockers, however, they have mentioned that they prefer the quicker, attacking style of Bunkley. Mind you that Jauron has had the luxury of coaching some big, beefy, run-stuffing DTs through the years (Keith Traylor, Big Ted Washington, Big Baby Rogers, Big Daddy Wilkinson). Either Bunkley or Ngata would sure up the Bills interior run defense. |
| | | | 9 | Lions (5-11), Player: DB Michael Huff (Texas) | Needs: OT, DB, DL, LB, OG
The Lions could be tempted to snag a top-flight defensive player like Huff, who has the size, speed, strength, and athleticism to help any defense at CB or S. He would be an excellent value here and the Lions would likely be ecstatic to see him available at this spot. On the other hand, if Wilkinson does retire, they might be looking to draft a DT as well. |
| | | | 10 | Cardinals (5-11), Player: QB Jay Cutler (Vanderbilt) | Needs: QB, OL, DT, DB, TE
Even though the Cardinals re-signed Warner, they will likely be looking to bring in a QB of the future. We know that the Cards could be interested in help just about everywhere, but Cutler's physical skills will likely be too much for Dennis Green to pass on. |
| | | | 11 | Rams (6-10), Player: CB Jimmy Williams (Virginia Tech) | Needs: DE, DB, LB, OL, TE
The Rams need help along the DL and as many other mock drafters have pointed out they could also use help at TE. They could also use some help at CB. If Jimmy Williams were left on the board, the Rams would do well to land someone with his skills to try to slow down opposing WRs. |
| | | | 12 | Browns (6-10), Player: DT Haloti Ngata (Oregon) | Needs: DL, QB, CB, LB, OL
The Browns could really use help in many positions this year. The Browns did bring in Ted Washington to play NT, but at this point in his career, he's merely a stop-gap player. Ngata could be the NT of the future in Cleveland and could see significant playing time this year in a rotation with Washington. His large build means that he should be able to occupy blockers and free up LBs to make some plays. |
| | | | 13 | Ravens (6-10), Player: OT *Winston Justice (USC) | Needs: OT, DB, DL, LB, WR
The Ravens would do well to fill the RT position opposite Ogden. Landing a talented RT like Justice would help the Ravens offense regain a nasty ground game that was sorely missed last year. |
| | | | 14 | Eagles (6-10), Player: WR *Chad Jackson (Florida) | Needs: WR, OL, RB, DT, DB
Adding a talented pass catcher would be very helpful as the Eagles WRs couldn't get the job done without TO last year. Chad Jackson or Santonio Holmes might be worth a look here, but don't be surprised if the Eagles might also be looking for a RB here too. This might be a bit high for a RB, but Westbrook doesn't appear as if he'll stay completely healthy for an entire season so finding more help at RB would be nice. At any rate, Jackson's size, speed, and presence might remind some of dare I say it, TO? |
| | | | 15 | Broncos (13-3), Player: WR *Santanio Holmes (Ohio State) | From Atlanta - Needs: WR, RB, TE, DL, DB
Either Jackson's or Holmes' skills could help carry the torch for the aging Rod Smith. Holmes is adept at gaining separation from defenders so these skills should help the Broncos to keep the chains moving. |
| | | | 16 | Dolphins (9-7), Player: CB Tye Hill (Clemson) | Needs: WR, OL, S, CB, LB
After adding Culpepper, the Dolphins could really use to surround him with some protection and possibly another weapon at WR. Holmes or Jackson would make a nice addition and round out the Dolphins talent at the skill positions nicely. However, the Dolphins could also stand to find some help at CB. Hill is a real speedster and could help Miami's defensive backfield and return game. |
| | | | 17 | Vikings (9-7), Player: LB *Ernie Sims (Florida State) | Needs: LB, QB, S, CB, OL
The Vikings aren't hard-pressed to find help at any one position. Although, they could use a QB of the future, but finding one at this spot of the draft won't be easy. They could be happy adding depth to the secondary at corner if there is someone on the board that they really like, however, they could use some help at LB and Sims appears to be a play-making LB that could turn into a difference maker. |
| | | | 18 | Cowboys (9-7), Player: DB Jason Allen (Tennessee) | Needs: LB, S, CB, QB, WR
The Cowboys could surely use some playmakers at LB. Demeco Ryans would be a nice option as he played all three LB positions in Alabama's 4-3 defense so his versatility could be used by the Cowboys. Chad Greenway might also be a nice fit here for Dallas. However, I have the Cowboys trying to land talented DB. Allen has the skills to play CB or FS and would in well in big D. |
| | | | 19 | Chargers (9-7), Player: CB *Johnathan Joseph (South Carolina) | Needs: WR, DB, DE, OL, LB
The Chargers could really use some help and youth at WR as Keenan McCardell can't play forever. However, it is likely that both of the top WRs will be off the board by this point, which means that the Chargers will need to focus on finding help at DB. Joseph's skills could come in handy, especially after trading away Sammy Davis for Rashaun Woods. |
| | | | 20 | Chiefs (10-6), Player: CB *Antonio Cromartie (Florida State) | Needs: WR, CB, DE, DT, OL
The Chiefs need help just about everywhere on defense and even could be interested if Holmes or Jackson slide. Cromartie's stock has recently shot up the draft board after impressive workouts, but we haven't seen much of him on the field due to injuries. He's a real risk/reward pick. |
| | | | 21 | Patriots (10-6), Player: OLB Kamerion Wimbley (Florida State) | Needs: WR, OL, DB, RB, QB
The Pats will be getting Harrison back next year, but they could be looking for help in the secondary considering the problems that they've had with health the last few years. Wimbley would be a nice selection as he would fit in the mold of that DE / OLB tweener like McGinest. Being that the Patriots no longer have McGinest around, they could use someone to carry that torch. |
| | | | 22 | 49ers (4-12), Player: TE Marcedes Lewis (UCLA) | From WAS via DEN Needs: WR, LB, DB, DL, TE
The 49ers need some play-makers anywhere. Lewis isn't the best blocking TE as he is built like an over-sized WR, but his ability to stretch the field would come in handy for a team that desperately needs talent. |
| | | | 23 | Buccaneers (11-5), Player: S *Donte Whitner (Ohio State) | Needs: DB, WR, DL, QB, OL
The Bucs aren' really in dire need at any position although they could stand to upgrade their depth in the secondary. Whitner's draft stock has been rising after some impressive workouts. Whitner could be a nice addition to the Bucs deep secondary. |
| | | | 24 | Bengals (11-5), Player: CB *Ashton Youboty (Ohio State) | Needs: DT, TE, DE, QB, LB
The Bengals could really use some help on defense and a field-stretching TE like Lewis would really make that Bengals offense lethal, however, under this scenario I have the 49ers selecting Lewis. That means Marvin Lewis could then be looking at defensive backs. Youboty would give him a corner to groom opposite O'Neal. |
| | | | 25 | Giants (11-5), Player: WR *Sinorice Moss (Miami) | Needs: LB, S, WR, OL, DL
The Giants had a rash of injuries attack their LB corps this year so they could be looking for help at that position even after adding LaVar. However, I feel that they could be interested in grabbing Moss to add another weapon to the offense as Toomer is slowing down. |
| | | | 26 | Bears (11-5), Player: TE *Leonard Pope (Georgia) | Needs: WR, CB, TE, OG, LB
The Bears could be looking for a corner here, but landing a big TE like Pope could really help improve upon the Bears' greatest weakness, their offense. Or lack of it. Pope's size should give the Bears a nice red zone threat and his body could help pave the way for a talented group of RBs as well. |
| | | | 27 | Panthers (11-5), Player: RB *LenDale White (USC) | Needs: LB, TE, OL, RB, QB
After re-signing Foster and with the expected return of Eric Shelton and Nick Goings, the Panthers don't have a major need at RB. However, White might be a nice addition as he definitely has a nose for the goal line. |
| | | | 28 | Jaguars (12-4), Player: LB Chad Greenway (Iowa) | Needs: CB, LB, DL, OL, RB
The Jaguars are reportedly looking for help at RB as they aren't sold that Taylor is really going to continue to stay healthy and this would be a nice draft to find a RB in. However, the RB position is fairly deep, so the Jags could be compelled to wait. Greenway would be a nice addition at OLB as he is a sideline-to-sideline defender. |
| | | | 29 | Saints (3-13), Player: LB DeMeco Ryans (Alabama) | From DEN via NYJ - Needs: OL, WR, LB, DB, RB
In my projected trade scenario, the Jets would give up their #4 pick and their #29 pick to move up to #2 to select Bush. The Saints would then be able to land a LB to help their defense. Ryans would be a nice addition at a major position of need for the Saints as he is a versatile LB. |
| | | | 30 | Colts (14-2), Player: RB *Laurence Maroney (Minnesota) | Needs: RB, LB, OG, DB, DL
The Edge has ridden off to the sunset away from Indy. Thus, the Colts might be looking to add a new RB to the mix. They could also be looking for help on defense here. Maroney would be a nice replacement for the Edge as he can tote the rock quite well. |
| | | | 31 | Seahawks (13-3), Player: OG Max Jean-Gilles (Georgia) | Needs: OL, WR, S, DL, RB
The Seahawks have some of their major players Hutchinson and Jurevicius that they need to replace. Jean-Gilles is a mauling OG that could help offset the loss of Hutchinson, one of the best OGs in the game. |
| | | | 32 | Steelers (11-5), Player: C Nick Mangold (Ohio State) | Needs: DE, WR, OL, RB, DB
Pittsburgh has been hurt by free agency again. They could use some help at DB after losing Hope and at DE after losing von Oelhoffen. But Mangold is a man amongst men at Center. With Hartings nearing retirement Mangold would be a really nice addition to the Steelers' OL. Sinorice Moss could also warrant a long look here. |
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* Denotes Underclassmen
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