Mock Draft, 20 April 2001
There are few elite prospects this spring, maybe none.� Past Michael Vick, who gets a positional premium, this draft should begin at about #11 overall.� Most years, players like Warren, Smith and LT would be taken in that range. Though there is no elite talent, there are a number of prospects that project as very solid contributors.� In short, since there is little effective difference in the top 35 or so, the bottom of the 1st and top of the 2nd is where location meets value.
I�ve proposed a few trades but, facing reality, none involve the Stillers. As previous, those I�ve imagined are marked (TSP).� I�ve got the Packers moving up to get Warren at #2 overall. I�ve dumped the Chiefs/Rams deal for Trent Green (and then replaced it) and added deals between the Skins and Bucs, the Jags and Bears and the 49ers and Jets. Otherwise, every �via� actually happened.� The only reason I�ve bothered with any of this is to see which players will be available to the home team.� It will be obvious then that this mock does not represent what I think should happen.��
|
# |
Team |
Position/Player |
Remarks |
|
� 1 |
Falcons
via SD |
QB Michael Vick |
Vick would have had a hard time cracking the top 5 last year but he is the best on the board in �00.� Chargers made the right move in dealing down. |
|
� 2 |
Packers (TSP) via Arizona |
DT Gerard Warren |
The Pack did re-sign Gilbert Brown but both Santana Dotson and Steve Warren have health issues.� May look for ROLB or WR in the 2nd. Arizona gets out of the 2nd spot, gets 10th overall and (1) in the 3rd.��Brown�s pretended interest in making this trade may have reduced the Cards� haul. |
|
� 3 |
Browns |
WR David Terrell |
Terrell is the best WR in this year�s draft but would have been no better than 3rd in both �99 and �00.� However, he projects better as a #1 than does KJ. |
|
� 4 |
Bengals |
OT Leonard Davis |
Bengals need help at DB but no prospect measures up at #4 overall.� Are rumored to be going to a 3 WR base set but later value at WR is better than at OT.� Will look at Justin Smith but should try and protect their QB first. |
|
� 5 |
Chargers
via Atlanta |
RB LaDainian Tomlinson |
Unlike Vick, is ready to contribute now. |
|
� 6 |
Patriots |
DE Justin Smith |
Patriots need help on both lines but, unless the Bengals grab him, will take this year�s top pass rusher over OT Walker.� If Smith is gone, will take OT Davis or Walker.�� |
|
� 7 |
Seahawks �via Dallas |
WR Rod Gardner |
Great receiving ability, great size, adequate speed.� Lacks the game breaking ability of Koren Robinson but comes with a much better attitude.� The S�Hawks rent-a-D doesn�t have long; the time is now in Seattle. |
|
� 8 |
Jaguars (TSP) via Chicago |
OT Kenyatta Walker |
Will replace Leon Searcy; Jags move ahead of SF who may also covet this player.� Bears get Kevin Hardy and give a second. |
|
� 9 |
Jets (TSP) via SF |
WR Koren Robinson |
Great value here, the Jets get a big WR with great speed.� Robinson brings has the best big play ability in this draft but does have some growing up to do. |
|
10 |
Cardinals (TSP) via G. Bay |
DT Richard Seymour |
Arizona continues to rebuild their D-line |
|
11 |
Panthers |
LB Dan Morgan |
Panthers have rebuilt their O-Line through FA this off-season after attempting to do the same on the D-side last year.�� Dan Morgan will pair with Lester Townes to lead the Panther defense. |
|
12 |
Rams
Via Kansas City |
DE Jamal Reynolds |
Rams continue to rebuild their defense; they�ve got the speed now and will get a run-stuffer at #29 or #42.�� Rams are rumored to be interested in Richard Seymour but I don�t see him getting past #10, whether Arizona or Green Bay.� I wonder what the Chiefs would give for Richard Huntley?
|
|
13 |
Bears (TSP) via Jaxville |
DE Andre Carter |
Had a superb campus workout, is a great leader and a solid pass rush threat.� Bryan Robinson moves to DT to help protect Urlacher.� Bears get Kevin Hardy too. |
|
14 |
Bills |
DT Marcus Stroud |
The Bills top DT are Williams and Larsen; both are power players.� I�ve projected Damione Lewis here previously but rumor has it that Tom Donahoe covets Stroud. |
|
15 |
Bucs (TSP) via Washington |
OT Jeff Backus |
A solid pick where need meets opportunity.� The clock is ticking on the Buc defense; with Keyshawn and Johnson in the fold, the time is now in Tampa Bay.� The Skins need help at WR, LB and OG; in my world they can get that with 1 in the 1st and 2 in the 2nd. |
|
16 |
Stillers |
CB Will Allen |
The Stillers have had Stroud, Jenkins, Morgan, Reynolds, Bell, Marshall, Clements and Fletcher in for visits.� Though Steve Hutchinson and Santana Moss are the best players still on the board, the differential is slight.� Coach Cowher fell in love with Allen at the Senior Bowl; the woody factor rules here. |
|
17 |
Seahawks via GBay |
CB Nate Clements |
Superb prospect at the spot who could form an outstanding tandem with former OSU star Shawn Springs |
|
18 |
Lions |
QB Drew Brees |
Reportedly, the Lions don�t believe Batch can run the new system. |
|
19 |
49ers (TSP) via NY Jets |
RB Deuce McAllister |
Need a LOT to replace Deese and a strong LDE.� However, they have need at RB too and Deuce, if healthy, is the best player on the board.� Will look for help with their 2nd and, in my world, the Jets. |
|
20 |
Rams |
CB Willie Middlebrooks |
Top size/speed prospect and the Rams love speed. |
|
21 |
Skins (TSP) via Tampa Bay |
OG Steve Hutchinson |
It comes down to Hutchinson or Moss; the quality will be better at WR than OG in the 2nd round. |
|
22 |
Colts |
CB Jamar Fletcher |
Arguably the best cover corner on the board.� Colts need help at both CB and on the DL but this spot is too high for any of the DL still on the board. Could surprise and select a WR to pair with Harrison |
|
23 |
Saints |
WR Santana Moss |
Too good to pass on; KR ability will give the Saints field position. |
|
24 |
Broncos |
TE Todd Heap |
Another weapon for the Equines high-powered offense. |
|
25 |
Eagles |
WR Freddie Mitchell |
Good value at the spot; will provide speed to a WR core lacking that attribute. |
|
26 |
Dolphins |
WR Chris Chambers |
Reggie Wayne is a possibility but Chambers has the speed to stretch the field. |
|
27 |
Vikings |
RB Michael Bennett |
With the loss of Tony Williams and John Randle, the Vikings need help on the DL.� However, they did draft (3) players at that position last year.�� CB has been a persistent problem with the Vikes but no corner, excluding Smoot, warrants this pick.� If not Smoot, then Bennett. |
|
28 |
Raiders |
LB Torrance Marshall |
A proven winner who had extremely good workouts on campus.� Last season, we saw that the Raiders need help at LB. |
|
29 |
Rams �thru Tennessee |
DT Damoine Lewis |
Quick off the ball; the Rams will rebuild their defense around speed. |
|
30 |
Giants |
OT Maurice Williams |
Giants need help at CB and Lucas is a possibility here.� However, Williams has a great upside and Lomas Brown has played since dinosaurs ruled the earth. |
|
31 |
Ravens |
S Alan Archuleta |
Replaces Herring. |
�
2nd round:� thru Stillers pick only.
|
# |
Team |
Position/Player |
Remarks |
|
32 |
Chargers |
WR Chad Johnson |
A big young WR for their elderly small QB. |
|
33 |
Browns |
RB Kevin Barlow |
Big power back. |
|
34 |
Cardinals |
CB Fred Smoot�� |
Bad boy heads to a bad team |
|
35 |
Falcons |
WR Reggie Wayne |
Best on the board to a team that needs help everywhere. |
|
36 |
Bengals |
DE DeLawrence Grant |
Great workouts; might produce. |
|
37 |
Cowboys |
DT Shaun Rogers |
Has 1st round ability and the �Boys aren�t going anywhere this year anyway. |
|
38 |
Jags (TSP) via Chicago |
OLB Tommy Polley |
Jaxville replaces Hardy with a top speed OLB. |
|
39 |
Patriots |
DT Kris Jenkins |
Patriots re-build their D-line with Smith and Jenkins. |
|
40 |
Seahawks |
OG Chad Ward |
Powerful OG, who meets a need. |
|
41 |
49ers |
DE Willie Howard |
LDE opposite Engleberger |
|
42 |
Rams via KC |
DT Casey Hampton |
One of the slowest players in the draft but will hold the POA and let the fly-boys do their thing. |
|
43 |
Jags |
WR Robert Ferguson |
Smith has injury issues and Soward was a major bust |
|
44 |
Panthers |
DE Cedric Scott |
Their FA DL were old when they arrived. |
|
45 |
Redskins |
LB Kendrell Bell |
Skins get their man; Dan Snyder deserves worse. |
|
46 |
Bills |
CB Ken Lucas |
Bills need a big corner to pair with Winfield |
|
47 |
Packers |
WR Quincy Morgan |
Late 1st round value falls through.� Pack has little depth at this position. |
|
48 |
Lions |
OC Dominic Raiola |
Need pick but a good player |
|
49 |
49ers (TSP) via Jets |
OT Kareem McKenzie |
Best prospect left at LOT; fairly good value.� |
|
50 |
Stillers |
LB Sedrick Hodge |
Great ability, highly aggressive, inexperienced.� Has speed freak measurables. |
Summary:� The Stillers get two very fast players; they may add bulk Sunday but the quality at DL, if any, will be coming thru in June.