Pick

Team

Comments

Pos

Player

1

SF

It is good thing they aren’t at #1 very often because they are screwing it up royally. The Bucs could deal them the #5 and next year’s #1, then ship Simms to Cleveland. That’s complicated. Cleveland could mortgage this year’s picks but don’t seem interested enough. 49ers make a deal and find a way to sign him.

QB

Smith (Utah)

2

MIA

They haven’t figured out if Feeley can be their guy. Ronnie’s work in the combine gives him the edge over Cadillac. They still have Chambers and Booker at receiver so this gives them a chance to win sooner than grabbing Edwards.

RB

Brown (Auburn)

3

CLE

I stand firm that they are quietly pining for the franchise quarterback their division mates all have. Tipping their hand makes no sense and no way does this guy drop. This is who I had them taking before all the nonsense and he’ll battle the guy he succeeded (Boller) plus a third Pac-10 guy (Palmer) in the division.

QB

Rodgers (California)

4

CHI

They’ve got Muhammad, but he doesn’t have too long left. After dropping Terrell there is nothing on the other side. He is perceived as a steal at this point and Grossman finally has some threats.

WR

Edwards (Michigan)

5

TB

Gruden claims to be in love with the only back he coached at the Senior Bowl. He also says he will be a player in the quarterback derby. Who really knows what he’ll do when all is said and done.

RB

Williams (Auburn)

6

TEN

Norm Chow is well aware how good he is and will convince the personnel people to give him a familiar face to work with. They have let three receivers including Mason to walk and Bennett is not a front line player.

WR

Williams (USC)

7

MIN

(OAK)

When Williams goes off the board they are in a tough spot. With limited time to deal down and a history of letting time run out on them I think they make a forced pick.

WR

Williamson (South Carolina)

8

AZ

Green says that if the right player is on the board here he won’t deal for Henry. I’d say this is what he means.

RB

Benson (Texas)

9

WAS

Luckily for them, Jones drops because they need a star at corner. He’ll have to battle Santana Moss for punt return duties but that’s a nice problem to have.

CB

Jones (West Virginia)

10

DET

Their offense is looking great, and given how the picks ahead of them work out I find it hard to imagine them passing on this stud. He’ll make a big impact even if there are questions about his ability to fight off blocks.

LB

Johnson (Texas)

11

KC

(DAL)

They have exchanged Holliday for Hall, but would like someone who can actually rush the passer. Hall had 8 sacks as a rookie, but just 5.5 over the past two seasons. Trading up to get their pick of ends is well worth it.

DE

James (Wisconsin)

12

SD

(NYG)

It isn’t their biggest need, but they can’t let a player of this caliber drop past their grasp. The truth is that he probably won’t fall this far.

CB

Rolle (Miami, FL)

13

HOU

The loss of Sharper creates a need and he can get after the quarterback as a pass rushing linebacker with a lot of ability.

LB

Merriman (Maryland)

14

CAR

Their offense line was atrocious last year and if they can add a pick while still getting a good tackle that’s all the better.

OT

Barron (Florida State)

15

DAL

(KC)

Shuffling down allows them to be sure to grab him before the Saints and Bengals pick. Playing next to Roy Williams they form a scary duo of hitters.

S

Davis (Georgia)

16

NO

They have a penchant for drafting defensive line early and if they get a gem here I don’t think it will much matter what they have in the secondary or linebacker.

DT

Johnson (Florida State)

17

CIN

Some think his stock is dropping near the end of the first round, but with young studs at the rest of the “skill” positions he really completes their offense. It has been quite some time since they had a solid tight end.

TE

Miller (Virginia)

18

MIN

Two of their ends have crossed the 30 mark and he can form a deadly duo with Udeze going forward.

DE

Spears (LSU)

19

STL

They really need another corner and this is a player who is shooting up draft charts everywhere, even as high as the top 10.

CB

Rogers (Auburn)

20

DAL

(BUF)

This is another Bulldog they can’t pass on after Wiley busted. Their top three ends are at least 30 and combined with Ferguson and Glover inside their line is unbelievable. This hinges on if they do or don’t deal for Howard.

DE

Pollack (Georgia)

21

JAX

They released Washington (no relation) and replaced backup Bolden with Cousin so they are going to need another starter quality corner. Word is that they will look to get it out of the way early and this is their guy.

CB

Washington (Nebraska)

22

BAL

After picking up Mason and given that the top three receivers are gone, they grab a guy who can excel with the surrounding defenders. I am obviously right about their desire for a new defensive tackle after they failed to trade for Simon.

DT

Cody (USC)

23

SEA

With another former Ram on board to man the end position, improvement on the inside of the line makes sense. There are some character questions with his steroid debacle, but they need the talent.

DT

Castillo (Northwestern)

24

GB

Grady Jackson is old and beaten down. There are two players who were not even drafted behind him. Jenkins was retained, but they need help. A push up the middle helps KGB do his work outside.

DT

Patterson (USC)

25

WAS

(DEN)

Moss and Patten are both complementary receivers. In a deal where they got mugged they move into a spot where they can get a guy who at 6’1” will be their giant at receiver.

WR

White (UAB)

26

OAK

(NYJ)

They traded their best linebacker Harris so they will be looking for another good player to really bring out the best in the rest of their corps where Danny Clark is the only solid piece.

LB

Burnett (Tennessee)

27

ATL

Boy, when he lasts to this point their eyes get very big. After passing on Lelie recently to draft Duckett I don’t think they want this kind of talent getting away. White and Finneran are weak and Price would be cut if not for the cap hit.

WR

Clayton (Oklahoma)

28

SD

They grabbed Olshansky last year, but this is an immediate impact starter to rush the passer. His stock is rising so fast that some think he is a top 5 guy.

DE

Ware (Troy State)

29

IND

They might trade for Woodson or even sign Law, but otherwise and perhaps in addition to those potential moves they do this.

CB

Jackson (Michigan)

30

PIT

They’ve lost Burress and added Cedrick Wilson who is not really a future starter. Neither is Randle El so this is a guy who can give them a boost to their passing game.

WR

Henry (West Virginia)

31

PHI

Trotter is a short term solution, and their depth took a hit when Reese left. As their fans will tell you, Simoneau needs someone to force him out as a starter.

LB

Crowder (Florida)

32

NE

Their starters are all 30+, Phifer is gone and Bruschi probably is too. It is definitely time for a youth movement and three of their backups are also free agents. Mix in the uncertainty surrounding Bruschi and this is a lock.

LB

Thurman (Georgia)

33

SF

Their secondary is young and developing. A good safety could make their corners look better. Ronnie Heard bolted for Atlanta and this guy is good.

S

Pool (Oklahoma)

34

CLE

Tucker and Verba have crossed the 30 line and their offensive line is pretty poor overall. He’s really a mid-first round value but that’s not how it works out.

OT

Brown (Oklahoma)

35

PHI

(MIA)

Given their pursuit of Muhammad, they clearly want a running mate for Owens. This would allow them to rid themselves of Mitchell and put Pinkston at #3 until Greg Lewis is ready to step up full time.

WR

Brown (Georgia)

36

TB

Gruden was brought in to win the Super Bowl as he did, but also to revitalize a pathetic offense. The problem has been personnel. They grabbed Benson, now they get a guy who can line up at pass catching tight end or receiver.

WR

Jones (Arkansas)

37

TEN

They are looking for someone to fill the void left by Kearse’s departure last year for their once great defense and just traded away Hall.

DE

Cody (Oklahoma)

38

OAK

After bombing with Washington and Sapp, then cutting Parella they need someone to compete along the middle of the D-line which might (and should) go back to a 4-3. His stock dropped because of a slow 40 time so this is a steal.

DT

Hawthorne (Wisconsin)

39

CHI

The line is not in great shape and there are plenty of good guards and tackles available to choose from at this point. They paid Miller a lot of money at tackle so they go guard where kept Edwards, but could lose Metcalf.

OG

Brown (Virginia)

40

NO

(WAS)

This team has gone as far as they can go with Aaron Brooks. They are sick of his turnovers and he’s not the best leader if you haven’t noticed. Bouman is 33 by opening day and Kingsbury is not a future starter so it’s now or later.

CB

Webster (LSU)

41

DET

This is a player who can step into the departed McDougle’s shoes and hopefully give Harrington time to use his many weapons.

OT

Barnes (Washington)

42

DAL

Glenn and Johnson are both nearing the end, so they need to pick up someone who can be a future starter next to Morgan and possible #3 this year.

WR

Gibson (Georiga)

43

NYG

Signing Burress allows them flexibility with their first selection of the draft. With new additions at each line position Eli should excel in year two.

OG

Baas (Michigan)

44

AZ

I don’t believe he is worth a first round draft pick and instead he drops to the early second where the Cards have their future signal caller.

QB

Campbell (Auburn)

45

CAR

Apparently they didn’t want to get into the Travis Henry mix so they will look for the best young back they can grab to provide insurance against injury prone Foster and aging Davis.

RB

Fason (Florida)

46

MIA

(KC)

Zach Thomas is into his 30’s and there isn’t much talent around him. Greenwood started 15 games and left for Houston, and it remains to be seen how Jason Taylor’s switch to linebacker works out. They have also signed Spragan.

LB

Ruud (Nebraska)

47

NYJ

(OAK)

Their defense was a big surprise last year, but Abraham is old. Moving out of the first round where they couldn’t get Heath is smart because the second group of corners is very talented and they still get a good tight end in Jolley. His drunk driving incident costs him dearly.

CB

Miller (Clemson)

48

CIN

James and O’Neal are pretty good corners, but James is 32 so they grab a player who will at least compete for a nickel spot initially. The unfortunate release of Weathersby also creates a void.

CB

Browner (Oregon State)

49

MIN

Dixon and two other backup guards are free agents so adding one makes sense.

OG

Johnson (Mississippi)

50

STL

Fisher followed Wistrom to Seattle and Little has hit his 30’s. Six interceptions from their secondary? They need better pressure on the quarterback. They are close enough to winning it all to burn a pick so they can get a guy they want.

DE

Roth (Iowa)

51

GB

(NO)

Favre needs a replacement, so I don’t know if they can afford to go somewhere else here. This is what player personnel guys get paid for and Frye seems to be the guy they want.

QB

Frye (Akron)

52

JAX

Taylor is on his last legs and this would give them a solid young trio of “skill” players for years to come, assuming Reggie Williams wakes up. Greg Jones is not a future feature back.

RB

Barber (Minnesota)

53

BAL

They need a receiver who can get down the field. Johnson and Taylor, their 2004 starters, are both gone so along with Mason’s signing they are officially replaced and ten times better. We’ll see what Boller can really do now with a guy who lit up the playoffs.

WR

Mathis (Hampton)

54

SEA

Shaun Alexander is franchised, but rumors swirl that he will be traded so it makes sense for them to search for a guy who will compete with Morris when he finally hangs it up or should they decide to deal him.

RB

Morency (Oklahoma State)

55

BUF

When Arizona takes Benson, they get on the phone to Philadelphia and strike up a deal. Since they don’t get Shelton from the Cards, obviously they are looking for a front line tackle.

OT

Terry (Syracuse)

56

DEN

They raped the Redskins in a trade and will now look at the best of the second tier corners after everyone else overspent for players who could be overrated.

CB

McFadden (Florida State)

57

NYJ

Ferguson has left for Dallas and they will try to replace his talent here, even if I think it is a bit of a reach.

DT

Mosley (Missouri)

58

GB

After cutting Sharper and losing others they will be looking for another safety early on. His stock has dropped so it is tough to say if he will go 10 picks earlier or 20 picks later.

S

Shazor (Michigan)

59

ATL

I think they need to upgrade their protection for Vick and help his progression to a true passer instead of a scrambling madman. You can’t get a better bloodline.

OT

Munoz (Tennessee)

60

IND

I imagine they would consider drafting to their rare defensive strength since they have Freeney on the other side making this guy’s job much easier.

DE

Tuck (Notre Dame)

61

SD

They have to grab a tackle to prove to LT that he they are committed to helping him reach 2,200 yards rushing in a season. He’ll get it with a good line. I would have liked them doing it earlier but here it is.

OT

Britt (Alabama)

62

PIT

Perhaps no team has had a better history at the center position, but their starter Hartings will be 33 when this season starts and is ready for the door. They are the logical first team to dip in.

C

Spencer (Mississippi)

63

BUF

(PHI)

They’ve been without a good tight end for a while now and Losman needs all the help he can get. Truthfully he could go fifteen picks sooner.

TE

Smith (Stanford)

64

NE

They need a good line to remain successful and free agency has already hurt them with two losses although they did retain Ashworth.

OT

Mankins (Fresno State)

65

SF

They need a defensive player to complement what little talent they have on that side of the ball. Peterson is tagged, but three others are free agents.

LB

Blackstock (Virginia)

66

STL

(MIA)

I think it suits them to draft a new piece for an offensive line with only one other solid piece. They have injury and age issues here big time and he would have the luxury of being on the right side.

OT

Colmer (N.C. State)

67

CLE

Their receivers have performed below par and they need to grab a player who can really lead the group.

WR

Murphy (Texas A&M)

68

TEN

He won’t replace Rolle’s skill immediately, but with all of these picks facing the prospect of stepping in for cap casualties he will have to try.

CB

Green (Virginia Tech)

69

OAK

Fargas has disappointed and although they acquired Jordan they would like another young running back. Defense might win championships, but this is an offensive minded division and scoring puts butts in the seats.

RB

Arrington (California)

70

MIA

(CHI)

A center is a good idea and a good one can really improve their line.

C

Wilkerson (LSU)

71

TB

Deese and Steussie will be a combined 70 ½ years old by the time the season is over so they need some tackle help.

OT

Parquet (Southern Mississippi)

72

DET

After signing Kennedy to address their safety situation I think they will go with a corner for their poor secondary that will definitely have some turnover.

CB

Perkins (Oklahoma)

73

OAK

(HOU)

(DAL)

With rumors circulating that they want to deal for Howard perhaps they will be in the market for another pass rusher. Hamilton has maybe one good season left and they really have no true solid end.

DE

Canty (Virginia)

74

NYG

Their safeties are either old or not very talented.

S

Nicholson (Oklahoma)

75

AZ

The Starks trade to the Pats gives them nothing at corner.

CB

Bartell (Howard)

76

DEN

(WAS)

Lynch has been a great addition to their defense, but if you haven’t noticed he is no spring chicken so some depth and injury insurance would be nice, especially since his fellow starter Kennedy and two others are free agents.

S

Bullocks (Nebraska)

77

PHI

(KC)

Burgess left for Oakland, but I expect McDougle (a #15 overall pick in 2003) to split time with Douglas opposite of Kearse this season. That leaves this player to provide depth on the bench and insurance if McDougle struggles.

DE

Swancutt (Oregon State)

78

HOU

Andre Johnson has been doing it alone for too long. Bradford is back for depth, but Gaffney has underachieved so far. Here’s true relief from double teams although because of the Buchanon deal it is later than expected.

WR

Thorpe (Florida State)

79

CAR

Buckner is playing another season, but obviously they need someone who can help fill the void going forward. This player will provide depth behind Kris Jenkins who was hurt most of last year.

DT

Babineaux (Iowa)

80

MIN

It is hard to project where a kicker will be taken, but he is the cream of the crop by far and they need one.

K

Nugent (Ohio State)

81

STL

Their offensive line is a mess and four of their guards (Alford was retained) are free agents so at some point they need to get a guard too.

OG

Kemoeatu (Utah)

82

NO

McKenzie solved their problem on one corner, but they still have old man Ambrose on the other side, which makes this a logical choice for them. He can be an immediate starter on a secondary that will be much improved.

QB

Orton (Purdue)

83

CIN

Lewis probably wants to go defense with the first pick, but they can still get a quality run stuffer here.

DT

Ellison (Missouri)

84

BAL

Rolle replaces Baxter, but the fact that they took Sanders out of retirement and cut Fuller tells me they could use another young corner even if Deion returns.

CB

Williams (Oklahoma State)

85

SEA

Dealing Dilfer frees up a roster spot for them to draft a young quarterback to compete for the backup role. It’s also a sneaky spot to possibly take Hasselbeck’s replacement. People are really enamored with him so we’ll see what happens.

QB

McPherson (Arena Football)