hogheaven
03-09-2004, 11:38 AM
1. San Diego Chargers
Eli Manning | QB | Ole Miss
Manning
Manning likely will go No. 1 overall, but it might not be to the Chargers. They have many holes to fill and could trade this pick to the highest bidder. If they can't trade out of this spot, the Chargers will have a difficult decision between Manning, Pittsburgh WR Larry Fitzgerald and Iowa OT Robert Gallery. In our opinion, Miami-Ohio's Ben Roethlisberger is the better overall quarterback prospect, but after the Ryan Leaf disaster, the Chargers likely would take Manning, who is widely considered the safer pick of the two.
2. Oakland Raiders
Mike Williams* | WR | USC
The Raiders also are prime candidates to trade down, because they have several needs and likely won't take a QB here. If they stay at No. 2, it would be a tough decision between Williams and Fitzgerald. Al Davis loves USC players, but he loves speed even more. This pick could come down to the receiver who runs the faster 40-time at their respective individual workouts.
3. Arizona Cardinals
Larry Fitzgerald* | WR | Pittsburgh
Fitzgerald
Coach Dennis Green thinks enough of quarterback Josh McCown's physical tools that he won't hesitate to trade down if given the right offer. While Roethlisberger would be an upgrade over McCown and is worth drafting this high, Green has his heart set on Fitzgerald, his former ball boy with the Vikings. Despite a lack of ideal speed, Fitzgerald is still the complete package physically. He also has great character, which is becoming more valuable in the NFL these days after the problems receivers like Keyshawn Johnson, Terrell Owens and Randy Moss have caused their teams. Paired with Anquan Boldin, Fitzgerald would give McCown two awesome targets.
4. New York Giants
Ben Roethlisberger* | QB | Miami-Ohio
If Roethlisberger is still on the board here, the Giants will have an extremely difficult decision between him and Iowa OT Robert Gallery. While Gallery is the best player at what has to be the Giants biggest position of need, Roethlisberger is the higher rated player overall, and we're hearing that Ernie Accorsi is extremely high on him. With Kerry Collins recently turning 31 and only under contract for next season, the Giants could easily make this decision. Roethlisberger is bigger, has a stronger arm and is more athletic than Manning. From what we were told, he also was the more impressive interview at the Combine.
5. Washington Redskins
Kellen Winslow Jr.* | TE | Miami (Fla.)
Winslow
If Gallery falls to the Redskins at No. 5, look for them to trade down a few spots to a team such as the Browns or Falcons, who both are desperate for offensive tackle help. In doing so, the Redskins likely still could get at No. 7 or 8 one of the two players they like -- Miami TE Kellen Winslow Jr. or S Sean Taylor. While the Redskins could go in either direction, it would not surprise us in the least if they took a chance on Winslow, especially considering how much Joe Gibbs covets tight ends in his offense. Winslow's immaturity on and off the field has turned off some NFL officials and could cause him to slip a little bit on draft day, but with so many veterans in place in Washington, Gibbs might feel comfortable taking the risk. Winslow's athleticism and pass-catching skills would create a lot of matchup problems for an offense that now includes QB Mark Brunell, RB Clinton Portis and WRs Lavernues Coles and Rod Gardner.
6. Detroit Lions
Sean Taylor* | S | Miami (Fla.)
The Lions would be content with either Taylor or Winslow and, in our opinion, they'd get a steal if Taylor fell to them at the sixth overall pick. Taylor has the size of an outside linebacker and the coverage skills of a cornerback. He is exactly what an NFL team is looking for in terms of versatility, and he could have the biggest impact of any rookie in the 2004 NFL season. With the additions of DCs Dre Bly and Fernando Bryant the last two offseasons, the Lions would have one of the best secondaries in the NFL if they were to draft Taylor with this pick.
7. Cleveland Browns
Robert Gallery | OT | Iowa
The Browns' biggest need lies on the offensive line, and if Gallery falls to the Redskins at No. 5, don't be surprised if Cleveland makes a move to get him. At 6-foot-7, 323 pounds, Gallery ran in the 4.9's at the combine. He lacks ideal strength and arm reach, but he more than makes up for it with his agility, athleticism, technique and toughness. He has the look of a 10-year starter at left tackle in the NFL and has a good chance to become a perennial Pro Bowl player.
8. Atlanta Falcons
Tommie Harris* | DT | Oklahoma
The Falcons must upgrade their receiving corps and also have a huge need at offensive tackle, but with their return to a 4-3 defense, they couldn't pass up Harris if he fell to them here. Harris' effort and production were hit-and-miss for much of his sophomore and junior seasons, but he has Warren Sapp-like quickness and playmaking potential.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars
Roy Williams | WR | Texas
The Longhorns ran the ball almost twice as much as they threw it in 2003, so Williams didn't have record-setting numbers. He did, however, work hard in the weight room before his senior season -- for the first time in his college career -- and it paid off, as he stayed completely healthy for the first time in four seasons at Texas. Williams is just a notch below Mike Williams and Fitzgerald in terms of overall potential, and he is clearly the fastest of the three prospects, which is why he'd be a great value here for the Jaguars.
10. Houston Texans
Vince Wilfork* | DT | Miami (Fla.)
The Texans addressed their need at defensive end by re-signing Gary Walker and adding Robaire Smith via free agency. However, Seth Payne has undergone three surgeries to repair the torn ACL that caused him to miss most of '03. Wilfork is a player on the rise right now after he showing terrific dedication in taking off and keeping off unnecessary weight in the past year. He would fit well with the Texans as a massive, two-gap nose tackle who not only excels at taking up space against the run but also shows enough quickness and athleticism to collapse the pocket from time to time as a pass rusher.
11. Pittsburgh Steelers
DeAngelo Hall* | CB | Virginia Tech
Cornerback, offensive tackle and running back are the Steelers' three top positions of need, and they'll likely have a choice between quality players at each of the three, including RB Steven Jackson, OT Shawn Andrews and DCs Hall and Chris Gamble. While many teams believe Gamble is the better cornerback prospect, we could easily see the Steelers taking Hall with this pick, because he's faster and more proven. Hall has the man-to-man cover skills to step in as a starter in the Steelers' scheme right away.
12. New York Jets
Chris Gamble* | CB | Ohio State
Gamble
The Jets are in great position to draft a top player at their biggest positions of need, including Gamble at cornerback, Jonathan Vilma at linebacker and Reggie Williams at wide receiver. Of those three players, Gamble is the highest rated prospect and, after Antoine Winfield turned them down in free agency, the Jets seem to be most inclined to draft a cornerback here. Gamble's recognition skills and overall technique need improving, but he has terrific potential and he would instantly upgrade the speed and athleticism of the Jets secondary, which is in dire need of better man-to-man cover corners.
13. Buffalo Bills
Philip Rivers | QB | North Carolina State
Rivers
DE Kenechi Udeze and DC Dunta Robinson would be difficult to pass up here, but the Bills seem determined to bring in Drew Bledsoe's replacement quickly, and Rivers certainly warrants this pick. With a strong showing at the Senior Bowl to cap a brilliant four-year college career, Rivers has overcome concerns about his funky throwing motion.
14. Chicago Bears
Randy Starks* | DT | Maryland
After addressing needs at running back (Thomas Jones) and offensive tackle (John Tait, assuming the Chiefs don't match his offer sheet) via free agency, the Bears are most likely to go with a defensive tackle with this pick, and there are rumors about their interest in moving up a few spots to secure Wilfork. However, if they get stuck with their original selection (No. 14), and if Harris and Wilfork are both gone, Starks would be a solid value. Starks' play was inconsistent this past season, which is why his stock has slipped a bit, but he has very good athleticism for a 300-pound defensive tackle, and his value is sure to increase the closer we get to draft day.
Eli Manning | QB | Ole Miss
Manning
Manning likely will go No. 1 overall, but it might not be to the Chargers. They have many holes to fill and could trade this pick to the highest bidder. If they can't trade out of this spot, the Chargers will have a difficult decision between Manning, Pittsburgh WR Larry Fitzgerald and Iowa OT Robert Gallery. In our opinion, Miami-Ohio's Ben Roethlisberger is the better overall quarterback prospect, but after the Ryan Leaf disaster, the Chargers likely would take Manning, who is widely considered the safer pick of the two.
2. Oakland Raiders
Mike Williams* | WR | USC
The Raiders also are prime candidates to trade down, because they have several needs and likely won't take a QB here. If they stay at No. 2, it would be a tough decision between Williams and Fitzgerald. Al Davis loves USC players, but he loves speed even more. This pick could come down to the receiver who runs the faster 40-time at their respective individual workouts.
3. Arizona Cardinals
Larry Fitzgerald* | WR | Pittsburgh
Fitzgerald
Coach Dennis Green thinks enough of quarterback Josh McCown's physical tools that he won't hesitate to trade down if given the right offer. While Roethlisberger would be an upgrade over McCown and is worth drafting this high, Green has his heart set on Fitzgerald, his former ball boy with the Vikings. Despite a lack of ideal speed, Fitzgerald is still the complete package physically. He also has great character, which is becoming more valuable in the NFL these days after the problems receivers like Keyshawn Johnson, Terrell Owens and Randy Moss have caused their teams. Paired with Anquan Boldin, Fitzgerald would give McCown two awesome targets.
4. New York Giants
Ben Roethlisberger* | QB | Miami-Ohio
If Roethlisberger is still on the board here, the Giants will have an extremely difficult decision between him and Iowa OT Robert Gallery. While Gallery is the best player at what has to be the Giants biggest position of need, Roethlisberger is the higher rated player overall, and we're hearing that Ernie Accorsi is extremely high on him. With Kerry Collins recently turning 31 and only under contract for next season, the Giants could easily make this decision. Roethlisberger is bigger, has a stronger arm and is more athletic than Manning. From what we were told, he also was the more impressive interview at the Combine.
5. Washington Redskins
Kellen Winslow Jr.* | TE | Miami (Fla.)
Winslow
If Gallery falls to the Redskins at No. 5, look for them to trade down a few spots to a team such as the Browns or Falcons, who both are desperate for offensive tackle help. In doing so, the Redskins likely still could get at No. 7 or 8 one of the two players they like -- Miami TE Kellen Winslow Jr. or S Sean Taylor. While the Redskins could go in either direction, it would not surprise us in the least if they took a chance on Winslow, especially considering how much Joe Gibbs covets tight ends in his offense. Winslow's immaturity on and off the field has turned off some NFL officials and could cause him to slip a little bit on draft day, but with so many veterans in place in Washington, Gibbs might feel comfortable taking the risk. Winslow's athleticism and pass-catching skills would create a lot of matchup problems for an offense that now includes QB Mark Brunell, RB Clinton Portis and WRs Lavernues Coles and Rod Gardner.
6. Detroit Lions
Sean Taylor* | S | Miami (Fla.)
The Lions would be content with either Taylor or Winslow and, in our opinion, they'd get a steal if Taylor fell to them at the sixth overall pick. Taylor has the size of an outside linebacker and the coverage skills of a cornerback. He is exactly what an NFL team is looking for in terms of versatility, and he could have the biggest impact of any rookie in the 2004 NFL season. With the additions of DCs Dre Bly and Fernando Bryant the last two offseasons, the Lions would have one of the best secondaries in the NFL if they were to draft Taylor with this pick.
7. Cleveland Browns
Robert Gallery | OT | Iowa
The Browns' biggest need lies on the offensive line, and if Gallery falls to the Redskins at No. 5, don't be surprised if Cleveland makes a move to get him. At 6-foot-7, 323 pounds, Gallery ran in the 4.9's at the combine. He lacks ideal strength and arm reach, but he more than makes up for it with his agility, athleticism, technique and toughness. He has the look of a 10-year starter at left tackle in the NFL and has a good chance to become a perennial Pro Bowl player.
8. Atlanta Falcons
Tommie Harris* | DT | Oklahoma
The Falcons must upgrade their receiving corps and also have a huge need at offensive tackle, but with their return to a 4-3 defense, they couldn't pass up Harris if he fell to them here. Harris' effort and production were hit-and-miss for much of his sophomore and junior seasons, but he has Warren Sapp-like quickness and playmaking potential.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars
Roy Williams | WR | Texas
The Longhorns ran the ball almost twice as much as they threw it in 2003, so Williams didn't have record-setting numbers. He did, however, work hard in the weight room before his senior season -- for the first time in his college career -- and it paid off, as he stayed completely healthy for the first time in four seasons at Texas. Williams is just a notch below Mike Williams and Fitzgerald in terms of overall potential, and he is clearly the fastest of the three prospects, which is why he'd be a great value here for the Jaguars.
10. Houston Texans
Vince Wilfork* | DT | Miami (Fla.)
The Texans addressed their need at defensive end by re-signing Gary Walker and adding Robaire Smith via free agency. However, Seth Payne has undergone three surgeries to repair the torn ACL that caused him to miss most of '03. Wilfork is a player on the rise right now after he showing terrific dedication in taking off and keeping off unnecessary weight in the past year. He would fit well with the Texans as a massive, two-gap nose tackle who not only excels at taking up space against the run but also shows enough quickness and athleticism to collapse the pocket from time to time as a pass rusher.
11. Pittsburgh Steelers
DeAngelo Hall* | CB | Virginia Tech
Cornerback, offensive tackle and running back are the Steelers' three top positions of need, and they'll likely have a choice between quality players at each of the three, including RB Steven Jackson, OT Shawn Andrews and DCs Hall and Chris Gamble. While many teams believe Gamble is the better cornerback prospect, we could easily see the Steelers taking Hall with this pick, because he's faster and more proven. Hall has the man-to-man cover skills to step in as a starter in the Steelers' scheme right away.
12. New York Jets
Chris Gamble* | CB | Ohio State
Gamble
The Jets are in great position to draft a top player at their biggest positions of need, including Gamble at cornerback, Jonathan Vilma at linebacker and Reggie Williams at wide receiver. Of those three players, Gamble is the highest rated prospect and, after Antoine Winfield turned them down in free agency, the Jets seem to be most inclined to draft a cornerback here. Gamble's recognition skills and overall technique need improving, but he has terrific potential and he would instantly upgrade the speed and athleticism of the Jets secondary, which is in dire need of better man-to-man cover corners.
13. Buffalo Bills
Philip Rivers | QB | North Carolina State
Rivers
DE Kenechi Udeze and DC Dunta Robinson would be difficult to pass up here, but the Bills seem determined to bring in Drew Bledsoe's replacement quickly, and Rivers certainly warrants this pick. With a strong showing at the Senior Bowl to cap a brilliant four-year college career, Rivers has overcome concerns about his funky throwing motion.
14. Chicago Bears
Randy Starks* | DT | Maryland
After addressing needs at running back (Thomas Jones) and offensive tackle (John Tait, assuming the Chiefs don't match his offer sheet) via free agency, the Bears are most likely to go with a defensive tackle with this pick, and there are rumors about their interest in moving up a few spots to secure Wilfork. However, if they get stuck with their original selection (No. 14), and if Harris and Wilfork are both gone, Starks would be a solid value. Starks' play was inconsistent this past season, which is why his stock has slipped a bit, but he has very good athleticism for a 300-pound defensive tackle, and his value is sure to increase the closer we get to draft day.