2006 NFL Mock Draft

First off, we wake up Saturday morning to hear about a complex 4 team trade involving 5 first round picks and an early 2nd rounder.

Houston gives up their number one pick to San Francisco for Jets #4 and #35 picks.
New Orleans gives up #2 pick to New York Jets for San Frans #6 and #22 picks.
San Fran gives up #6 and #22 picks for Texas #1 pick.
Jets give up #4 and #35 for New Orlean's #2 pick.

1 - San Fran takes RB Reggie Bush
Sure it cost them two 1st round picks, but there other options were weak. A RB like Bush will have far more impact than a TE like Davis. SF now has their Aikman and Emmet...

2 - NY Jets take QB Matt Leinart
Jets have a late 1st round pick, so giving up their early second to grab Leinart doesn't sting as much - and they get a bona fide QB of the future. Patrick Ramsey is worthless and Pennington was always suspect - and is now injury plagued. This is a huge move for the new coaching staff and a great way to start the honeymoon with fickle NY fans. They also get the only sure thing QB in the draft.

3 - Tennessee takes QB Vince Young
Goodbye Steve McNair and Management sits idly by while the other teams make their moves. Fischer and Chow are hating life as their boy Leinart goes to NY and their job security is smoked. Management gets their man and will soon get a new coach. BTW, Young will be a bust as a QB, but make a decent WR for another team.

4 - Houston takes OT D'Brickashaw Ferguson
With QB Carr and RB Dominack Davis, having the number 1 spot did Houston no good. But getting another early second rounder and the fourth pick will allow Houston to address their real weakness - Offensive line. Ferguson is the first block to build around. By the time day one of the draft is over, new coach Gary Kubiak may have the best O-line in the AFC.

5 - Green Bay takes TE Vernon Davis
Passing on DE Super Mario was tough, but Favre needs a real weapon, and a 6-5 TE who runs a 4.38 - 40 is that. Buh-bye Bubba, there is a new sheriff in town.

6 - New Orleans takes LB AJ Hawk
Similiar situation to Houston. They have their QB in Brees and RB in Deuce. They also are happy with their in house options at OT, so Ferguson wasn't needed and even though they love Mario the Saints are stacked at DE. They needed a LB and #2 was just too early for Hawk. Now with the #22 pick as well, the Saints are set.

7 - Oakland takes DE Mario Williams
What a gift! This is the best defensive player on the board. They really wanted Young, but are pleased to have Mario. They even luck out since Young will be a bust.

8 - Buffalo takes OT Winston Justice
Buffalo's offensive line was little more than journeymen last year. They get an awesome talent who will anchor them for years at LT.

9 - Detroit Takes QB Cutler
They have to. Their other QB's are unrecognizable. Cutler will bring the leadership and gunslinging arm all those #1 WR's need.

10 - Arizona takes S Micheal Huff
Denny gets the best Safety on the board. He loves Sims, but Huff is just too darn good to pass up.

11 - St. Louis takes LB Chad Greenway
The Rams have always liked Greenway and the pick makes a lot of sense for them. They need a play making LB and Greenway fits the bill. The vikes groan in agony as they pray LB Sims drops down to them...

12 - Cleveland takes DT Broderick Bunkley
Perfect fit for Romeo's 3-4. This is an easy pick for the Browns.

13 - Baltimore takes DT Haloti Ngata
Brian Billick couldn't be happier. Since the Goose retired O-lines have been able to avoid double teaming the Ravens DT's and put a body on Ray Lewis. This has hurt Lewis' health and prevented him from running free towards the backs. Ngata will return Lewis to his former glory.

14 - Philadelphia takes WR Chad Jackson
Philly takes a hard look at LB Ernie Sims, but in the end this team needs weapons for McNabb. Westbrook and the scrubs at WR just aren't cutting it. Jackson gives McNabb a sure handed receiver and a real offensive option.

15 - Denver takes WR Santonio Holmes
Shanahan has a decent D but his WR are getting old. He will also address RB early in the second round. Broncos really wanted Jackson, but Holmes is a good fall back.

16 - Miami takes CB Jimmy Williams
Jimmy is a trouble maker... in Blacksburg, VA. There is NOTHING in Blacksburg, VA and it takes hours to get anywhere. How he will fare on Miami Beach - I'm guessing he'll be playing in Canada with Ricky Williams at some point in his career. That said, he is the most talented CB on the board.

17 - Minnesota takes LB Ernie Sims
Somehow, someway, the Dolphins and Eagles passed on the Vikes favored choice for LB. Sims is perfect for the cover 2 and puts Napoleon on the bench. His 5 concussions are a concern - as much for him as the backs he destroys with his collisions.

18 - Dallas takes S Donte Whitner
Now the Boys have two stud safeties in Roy Williams and Whitner.

19 - San Diego takes CB Tye Hill
The Charges hope that Hill, who has the least question marks but not the highest ceiling of the DB's - will be the safe pick who helps stabilize the shaky secondary.

20 - Kansas City takes CB Antonio Cromartie
Cromartie has the highest ceiling but is raw. The Chiefs get a great athlete and fill an immediate need on D.

21 - New England takes DE Kamerion Wimbley
The Pats take this tweener who will probably play LB in the NFL. Wimbley could be the Shawme Merriam of this year's draft and is a value pick at 21.

22 - New Orleans (from San Fran) takes CB Jonathan Joseph
The Saints addition of Joseph and Hawk makes for a fierce defense combined with their deep D-line. They have turned their #2 pick into two impact starting players.

23 - Tampa Bay takes OT Eric Winston
Gruden could have gone a few different ways, but is pretty set everywhere. He goes with need and takes Hurricane Winston to join Kenyatta Walker as a tackle and protect Sims and open holes for Cadillac.

24 - Cincinatti takes DE Manny Lawson
Marvin gets a great pass rusher to add to his D. Probably greater need in the secondary, but Lawson is simply too good to pass up.

25 - New York Giants take OLB Bobby Carpenter
With Carpenter and the addition of Arrington in Free Agency, the G-men will finally have a decent LB corps to back up a dangerous D-Line.

26 - Chicago Bears take CB Ashton Youboty
The Bears need another CB and Ashton is the best on the board and still 1st round talent. He should help a dominate Bears defense get even better. As for the anemic offense, there simply aren't any decent options to improve.

27 - Carolina takes FS James Allen
The Panthers are pleased to put Allen next to Donavin Darius and shore up the secondary. The talk of another RB is silly - DeShaun will carry the load.

28 - Jacksonville takes RB Deangelo Willams
The Jags days of relying on unreliable Freddie Taylor are over. Taylor can take on a role as a 3rd down, late game back while Williams provides a versatile tool for the Leftwhich lead offense.

29 - NY Jets take OT Marcus McNeil
With Leinart in tow, the Jets now need to protect him for future years. They probably won't win right away, but at least they reduce the bruising and swelling of their Namath of the future. McNeil will do the trick.

30 - Indy takes RB Laurence Maroney
The colts are happy Maroney is right where they need him. Maroney will do fine in Indy, but mainly because the defense will key on Manning.

31 - Seattle takes CB Kelly Jennings
The seahags would like to get a G here to replace Hutchinson, but will take their chances in the second round. CB is just more urgent.

32 - Pittsburgh takes WR Sinorice Moss
Rothlisumthin and Hines Ward need another option. The Steelers are deep at RB with Parker and Duce Staley despite Betis' retirement. Moss helps balance the offense for the world champs.

SECOND ROUND

1 - Houston takes C Nick Mangold
The reconstruction of the O-line continues. So far they have the best Tackle and now the best center in the draft.

2 - New Orleans takes OT Andrew Whitworth
The Saints got to upgrade the D with their first two picks, now they solidify their line and placate the Tiger faithful by taking LSU big body Whitworth.

3 - Houston (from Jets) takes G Max Jean-Gilles
The Texans transformation is complete. With 355 G Jean-Gilles, Houston now owns the best G, C and T in the draft. The O-line is a joke no more and David Carr will finally get to spend a season upright. Let's hope he's not too shell shocked.

4 - Green Bay takes LB Dameco Ryans
Ryans is the best LB left and the Pack needs D. Ryans didn't do well in the combine but was a stud at Alabama. He'll be good.

5 - Denver takes RB LenDale White
With White and WR Holmes in the fold, the Bronco's offense should flourish. White will recover and be a dominant back.

6 - Oakland takes DT Gabe Watson
Oakland gets a big guy to line up next to Super Mario. I pity the AFC O-lines that face this twice a year.

7 - Tennessee takes ILB D'Qwell Jackson
The Titans have had their eye on Jackson all along and get their man.

8 - Detroit takes S Darnell Bing
Fills one of a thousand needs in Detroit and is best player available.

9 - ARizona takes TE Leonard Pope
Denny gets a great bargain and fills a need. Now Warner has many weapons to choose from.

10 - Buffalo takes DT John McCargo
Bill need Offensive and Defensive Tackles. They are sore that the missed out on Watson, but McCargo fits the bills.

11 - Cleveland takes DE Mathias Kiwanuka
The Browns significantly upgrade their D-line with their first two picks.

12 - Baltimore takes WR Demetrius Williams
Billick needs weapons for his stinky offense. He got his big DT in the first, that should be enough to recharge his D.

13 - Philadelphia takes RB Joseph Addai
The Eagles get two legitimate offensive tools to help McNabb.

14 - St. Louis takes S Danial Bullucks
The Rams now have two quality starters on D - things are looking up.

15 - Atlanta takes ILB Abdul Hodge
The Falcons screw the Vikes again by getting the last quality ILB.

16 - Minnesota takes G Davin Joseph
This guy from Oklahoma has the footwork to play RT or be a great pulling guard. The O-line will thrive for years - especially if Marcus Johnson can emerge in either RG or RT position.

17 - Dallas takes G Tatsui Lutsui
They have to replace Larry Allen somehow.

18 - San Diego takes WR Maurice Stovall
Philip Rivers needs as much help as possible...

19 - Minnesota takes CB Cedric Griffin
Griffin gives the Vikes the nickel back they need. Not a bad first three picks - the OLine is solidified, they get a real player at LB, and they replace Brian Williams.

20 - New England takes S Ko Simpson
Defense continues to improve.

21 - Washington takes CB Richard Marshall
Redskins need a nickel back

22 - Kansas City takes DE Mark Anderson
The Chiefs get great value here.

23 - Cincinatti takes TE Mercedes Lewis
Lewis gambles and waits and still fills his only offensive need.

24 - New York Giants take DE Tamba Hall
Giants pleased to add depth with this value pick.

25 - Chicago takes TE Anthony Fasano
They really wanted Lewis or Pope, but will make the Irish faithful happy and upgrade at TE by taking Fasano. This is the only reasonable way for the Bears to improve their offense.

26 - Carolina takes OLB Rocky McIntosh
They fill yet another need on D.

27 - Tampa Bay takes WR Derek Hagan
More weapans for Simms and Gruden.

28 - Jacksonville takes S Greg Blue

29 - Denver takes TE Joe Klopfenstein
A new TE, WR and RB. Wow.

30 - Indy takes DE Daryl Tapp

31 - Seattle takes G Charles Spencer
Seahags get a great value replacement for Hutchinson

32 - Pittsburgh takes ILB Gerris Wilkinson
This is a value pick that bolsters the D.

Vikings and Draft Day

I love the draft! I love it so much I'm willing to give the vikings free advice on how they should improve their team through it. The vikes have 5 first day picks, one in the first round and two in the second and third. First a look at their needs.

QB - Brad Johnson is the best and only available option. The only QB in the draft even remotely ready to start in Leinart and there is no chance the Vikes can get him. No matter who they draft or what happens with future cuts - Johnson is the starter for this year. Here's the problem, if Johnson goes down - there is nothing behind him and no solution for next year. Need level - high but not urgent

RB - They all suck. Except for Tony Richardson who is one of the league's premiere FBs. Here's the thing, a good offensive line would make any one of the Vikes RB a 1000 yarder. So even though the RB's suck, they are a low priority. Need level - moderate,

WR - They all suck slightly less than the RB's. Last year's pick of Troy Williamson with the 7th overall pick was possibly the 7th dumbest move of all time. Marucs Robinson and Travis Taylor provide adequacity while Koren Robinson is a real stud. The Vikes could use another impact reciever - either through the draft or the emergence of Williamson. Vikes are good at TE with Wiggins and Kleinsasser. Need level - low

Offensive Line - Gotta love the left side with Mckinney, Hutch and Birk! The right side though - yuck. OT Rosenthal, OG Liwienski and last year's 2nd round OG bust Marcus Johnson who also played RT. Reminds me of a joke - a jew, a pollack and a... never mind. The right side is awful, but there is some hope Johnson will emerge to hold down one of those two right spots. Need Level - high

DL - This is the best part of the team with the pro-bowler ability Williamseses at DT and a healthy Udeze and emerging Erasmus James at DE. They even have decent depth. Unless a real gem falls on the first day to #17, I would shocked if a DE or DT was picked with the first 5 picks.

LB - These guys, outside of free agent Ben Leber, are terrible. EJ Hederson and Napoleon Harris are barely practice squad reserves - yet are scheduled to start. Need Level is high, urgent, and numerous.

DB - A very solid core with Winfield and Smoot at CB and Sharper and recent addition Tank Williams at Safety. Depth is a real concern as is a future replacement for Sharper. Need level is moderate

K/P - Fine here with Green Bay's old kicker and the rookie stud punter from last year. Need level - non-existent

Bill's Board for the Vikings 1st round pick at #17
1 - QB Jay Cutler
2 - OT Winston Justice
3 - OLB Chad Greenway
4 - OLB Ernie Sims
5 - Trade Down
6 - OLB Bobby Carpent or DE Kimerian Wimbley

If somehow Cutler falls to 17 - take him! But please, do not trade more than a 3rd round pick or less to move up. Here's why - Cutler won't be ready to play this year, so even if you get him he's not an adequate backup. There will be plenty of free agent QB's next year - including Matt Schaub who will be available for a song and a 3rd round pick. The vikes - if 38 year old QB Brad Johnson goes down combined with a team adjusting to a new head coach, an offensive and defensive scheme, has much potential for a REALLY good draft pick next year. My guess is Cutler will be long gone and these point are (s)moot.

Winston Justice is a stud tackle from USC. He too will likely be gone in the top 10, and if not then, Baltimore at 14 is a near lock to take him. But if he does fall, the Vikes O-line could be the best in the league allowing the team to put all the fragile 40 year old QB's and weak sister RB's they want in the back field and still be sucesful.

I'll address both LB's - Both are great. Pundits say Sims will be the better fit for the new cover 2 D since he is faster. Greenway is bigger and was a stud down in Iowa. I take Greenway over Sims since Sims has had 5 concussions - which tells you something about his motor and hitting ability. Sims is probably the better fit, but the concussions scare me. If I have my choice, I take Greenway, but no way I pass on Sims if Greenway's not there. Both guys could be gone. Arizona, Mianmi, Philly, and St. Louis have shown interest in these guys. If one doesn't fall to 17, the Vikes will be very disappointed, and thus I suggest...

They move down. The Jets at 29 and #3 in the 2nd would be a nice trading partner - although picking up an early 2nd and a 3rd round pick is more likely. Who they could take will be addressed next.

Taking Bobby Carpenter at 17 is just too soon - and he's a significant step down from Sims and Greenway - and also played with AJ Hawk who's going top 5. I put in DE Kamerion Wimbley because he is a tweener who would likely play LB. I really don't like this scenario which probably has a 25% chance of happening.

Bill's Second Round Board - The Vikes pick at 16 and 19 in the 2nd round

* - OT Eric Winston/OT Marcus McNeil
1 - G Max Jean - Gilles/G Davin Joseph
2 - ILB Abdul Hodge/D'Qwell Jackson
3 - RB Joseph Addai
4 - FS Danial Bullucks/Ko Simpson
5 - WR Maurice Stovall

The * pick is if the Vikings trade down and get an early second rounder. If Eric Winston from Miami is still there they should grab him and have all Hurricane bookends with Mckinney. At RT, Winston should be just fine and has the ability to move to LT if McKinney walks or goes down. McNeil is a huge dude at 332 and his stock is rising. Either guy would be great - and heavens be praised if either of these potential first rounders drops to the Vikes real picks - but not bloody well likely.

Most likely the Vikes won't get an OT in this draft. When their picks at 16 and 19 in the second show up I would love to see them get one of the premiere guards. Jean-Gilles has a great name and is huge at 355! He is also quick off the snap and punishes defenders. It would be awesome to have him at RG destroying the DT while Birk and Hutch pivot around him on trap and sweep plays. At 355 he could easily seal the back side and take on the Gilbert Brown/Pat Williams type big bodies. But there is a good chance Jean-Gilles will be taken late first round or early 2nd by the Packers whose interior linemen suck.

Davin Joseph out of Oklahoma is smaller at 310 and more nimble. He has the footwork to play RT if need be but would also be a good pulling guard. This would allow the vikings to pivot left or right with Joseph and Hutch at guard - which is an advantage over jean-gilles. If either of these guys is available for the Vikes in the second - booya! The vikes will have 4 awesome linemen AND decent depth. With any luck Marcus Johnson will find him self and be a decent RT or RG and Joseph can move to RT (another example of the flexibility advantage of Joseph over Jean-Gilles). At this point, having one mediocre lineman won't matter so much.

If fate smiles on the vikes, they will have a new starting guard with their 16th pick and will have either Hodge or Jackson to choose from at 19 to be their new ILB. This teamed with free agent Leber and hopefully the 1st round pick of Sims or Greenway means EJ Henderson and Napolean become the special team, mop up, bench riding hacks they are. All of a sudden, the Vikes have a great starting D (with depth a concern).

RB - Joseph Addai is not likely to fall to the Vikes second round picks. But if all the guys I mentioned are gone, then it is possible he did. This guy might go as high as 27th in the first round and his stock is rising. I don't like Maroney (he's soft and cherry picked against bad teams with an awesome line), Williams (too small)or LenDale White (too weird). That being said, if one is available way down here, he becomes a good value pick. But given my drothers, I think Addai is the way to go and will flourish with the Vikes as a power runner. The rest of the RB field stinks as well. I'll be pissed if the Vikes pick up an RB on the first day unless a guy really falls. The quality just isn't there.

FS Bullocks from Nebraska and Gamecock Simpson would challenge Williams and Sharper for a starting job and would give the Vikings much needed DB depth. Now if one of the top 5 Corners is still floating out there, take him - but those guys should be long gone. I'll take Bullucks first (he's bigger) but either guy is fine. Hopefully the Vikes don't have to resort to a FS here, because there is also decent talent in the 3rd round.

WR - I nearly put Maurice ahead of the safeties, but that would be my Notre Dame homerism talking. Maurice is a big dude at 6-5 and has slimmed DOWN to 220. He's not exactly a west coast type of reciever, although he was awesome in Charlie Weiss' offense last year (Brady Quinn and hopefully future Vikes QB was also part of that). I don't like any of the WR's out there. Outside of Maurice or the top two guys Jackson and Holmes falling out of the 1st round - I'll be sore if the vikes go with a WR before their last pick of the 3rd round.

Bill's 3rd round Board - Vikes pick 19th and 31st in 3rd round

If anyone I've mentioned is still around in the 3rd - take him (unless the Vikes already got one at the position (don't need G jean-Gilles AND G Joseph)

Otherwise here is my board:

G - Deuce Lutui
OT - Ryan O'Callaghan
CB Kelly Jennings/Cedric Griffin
S - Greg Blue
OLB - Rocky McIntosh
QB Whitehurst/Jacobs/Croyle/Clemons


They should only draft Deuce if they don't get Joseph or Jean-Gilles.

Ryan O'Callaghan would be a very interesting pick. He has a lot of question marks, but the dude is 6-7 363! If he got his technique down, good night. Probably won't be available though.

If either top 10 CB Jennings from Miami or Griffin from Texas is available with the first pick in the 3rd (and a G was taken earlier) get the guy to be your nickel and give the DB's much needed depth. Both guys took on the best recievers in very good conferences and are ready to play in the NFL.

Assuming the Vikes got their 2 LB's earlier, take Blue. He is a second round talent who is going to get squeezed to the 3rd round. Would be a great addition to the DB's.

If the Vikes don't get their LB's earlier, jump McIntosh ahead of Blue. If Blue isn't there go ahead and take McIntosh with that first third round pick. The vikes only have their starters - they still need depth at LB.

With the 3rd to last pick in the 3rd round courtesy of the Seahawks stealing away Burleson - the Vikes should take a flyer on a QB (assuming Cutler not picked earlier - or that this pick was traded to move up to get Cutler). One of these guys will still be around here - I don't know who. Even if everyone is there I don't know who to take. My guess is one will become an NFL starting QB while the others bust or become career backups. If I had the choice I'd take Whitehurst.

This is my ideal Vike draft outcome:
1st round - LB Chad Greenway (we'll address QB next year)
2nd Round - G Max Jean-Gilles
2nd Round - ILB Abdul Hodge (two Iowa guys at LB...)
3rd Round - CB Cedric Griffin
3rd Round - QB Charlie Whitehurst (or whoever)

On the second day I would like to see the Vikes grab another LB, a DB and WR. BUT...
The word is that only the Broncos have any interest in Gopher center Greg Eslinger. Eslinger is small at 292, but he is fast and smart and won all sorts of awards for good reason. If the Bronco's don't take Eslinger in the 3rd, I'd like to see the Vikes make a move to jump Denver in the 4th and steal him. Eslinger won't start for the Vikes - Birk is bigger, mobile - and I will swallow my pride and admit that Harvard grad Birk is probably smarter than UMN grad Eslinger. However, we saw what life was like without a smart and mobile Center last year. Eslinger will be an awesome insurance policy and center for the future.