KFFL.com NFL Mock Draft

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NFL Draft Grapevine
by Cory J. Bonini, Edited by Jeffrey Anderson
While free agency while sculpt the landscape for team needs when it comes to the 2006 National Football League Draft, it still will not stop us from taking a look at the first two rounds of the upcoming April draft. Without any further delay, let's take look at what is being projected at this time.

**Editor's note: Free agency will significantly change each team's needs, thus requiring updated mock drafts - stay tuned!

First Round

1 Houston Texans - Reggie Bush RB Southern Cal
2 New Orleans Saints Matt Leinart QB Southern Cal
3 Tennessee Titans D'Brickashaw Ferguson OT Virginia
4 Miami Dolphins* Jay Cutler QB Vanderbilt
5 Green Bay Packers A.J. Hawk LB Ohio State
6 San Francisco 49ers Mario Williams DE N.C. State
7 Oakland Raiders Vince Young QB Texas
8 Buffalo Bills Haloti Ngata DT Oregon
9 Detroit Lions Winston Justice OT Southern Cal
10 Arizona Cardinals LenDale White RB Southern Cal
11 St. Louis Rams Michael Huff S/CB Texas
12 Cleveland Browns Tamba Hali DE Penn State
13 Baltimore Ravens Laurence Maroney RB Minnesota
14 Philadelphia Eagles Chad Greenway LB Iowa
15 Atlanta Falcons Jimmy F. Williams CB Virginia Tech
16 New York Jets* DeAngelo Williams RB Memphis
17 Minnesota Vikings D'Qwell Jackson LB Maryland
18 Dallas Cowboys Bobby Carpenter LB Ohio State
19 San Diego Chargers Taitusi Lutui OG Southern Cal
20 Kansas City Chiefs Santonio Holmes WR Ohio State
21 New England Patriots Tye Hill CB Clemson
22 Denver Broncos Vernon Davis TE Maryland
23 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Mathias Kiwanuka DE Boston College
24 Cincinnati Bengals Brodrick Bunkley DT Florida State
25 New York Giants Gabe Watson DT Michigan
26 Chicago Bears Marcedes Lewis TE UCLA
27 Carolina Panthers Chad Jackson WR Florida
28 Jacksonville Jaguars Jason Allen CB Tennessee
29 New York Jets** Marcus McNeill OT Auburn
30 Indianapolis Colts Brian Calhoun RB Wisconsin
31 Seattle Seahawks Darnell Bing SS Southern Cal
32 Pittsburgh Steelers Ko Simpson S South Carolina

*Projected trade between Miami Dolphins and New York Jets to include later draft picks

**Projected trade between New York Jets and Denver Broncos to acquire DE John Abraham for Denver's No. 29 overall pick

A Closer Look

1) Houston Texans - Southern California running back Reggie Bush is their guy barring an unforeseen trade down. Being the most spectacular home run prospect at his position in years, Bush looks to light up the NFL just the way he did in the collegiate ranks.

2) New Orleans Saints - Southern California quarterback Matt Leinart should be their guy; although, recent reports point to the team being the likely winner of the Drew Brees sweepstakes. Should the team land Brees, clearly the need for a quarterback becomes non-existent.

3) Tennessee Titans - The team doesn't have the cap space to sign a No. 3 overall player at the quarterback position, despite being in dire need of someone at the helm beyond 2006. Here, after the release of OT Brad Hopkins, the team will look to improve their pass protection with the standout offensive tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson.

4) Miami Dolphins (Acquired from New York Jets) - Here we project - and we want to make sure it is known to be a projection - the two teams consummate a trade that gives the Dolphins first dibs on their coveted signal-caller in Vanderbilt quarterback Jay Cutler. We would expect mid-to-late round picks included from Miami to New York to sweeten the deal.

5) Green Bay Packers - The re-signing of a soon-to-be-healthy running back Ahman Green, coupled with the return of running back Samkon Gado, should give the Pack the rushing attack they sorely missed last year. Barring some unforeseen fall of a top-three prospect, look for the Cheesehead faithful to embrace the addition of All-American linebacker A.J. Hawk and his 4.42 40 speed for a linebacker. With the team being in unbelievable salary cap shape (over $30 million to spend), re-signing defensive end Aaron Kampman shouldn't be a problem and would negate the need for a defensive end in the draft.

6) San Francisco 49ers - The Bay Area will rejoice the team drafting North Carolina State defensive end Mario Williams. A freakishly talented athlete, Williams has the ability to become one of the most dominant defensive ends in the league and is far too impressive to pass on at this point. Talk about a San Francisco treat!

7) Oakland Raiders - The Raiders, assuming they do not land Minnesota Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper via trade, would openly welcome Texas' standout quarterback Vince Young with open arms. Regardless of his reportedly abysmal score on the Wonderlic test, the thought of Young to wide receiver Randy Moss has to excite fans.

8) Buffalo Bills - The team sweats bullets while the Raiders are on the clock, hoping the entire time Al Davis' crew doesn't steal Oregon defensive tackle Haloti Ngata out from under them. After releasing veteran defensive tackle Sam Adams recently, Buffalo surely needs to shore up their run defense.

9) Detroit Lions - The Motor City has had high hopes each of the past two seasons for their Lions, instead this club dropped their transmission and have been stuck in reverse for some time. The pass protection and run blocking must improve for success to be attained in Detroit. Look for the squad to pick Southern California offensive tackle Winston Justice to become a bookend tackle for many years to come.

10) Arizona Cardinals - Despite drafting California running back J.J. Arrington last year in the early stages of the second round, head coach Dennis Green appears to be interested in drafting Southern California running back LenDale White. One question remains to be seen - will Green actually hand the ball to the tailback more than seven times per game?

11) St. Louis Rams - With both their starting safeties free agents, and one being a converted wide receiver in Mike Furrey, head coach Scott Linehan's new club will likely look to shore up the position to some degree. Texas safety Michael Huff is head and shoulders above his counterparts; he should nicely fill the voice at safety for the Rams.

12) Cleveland Browns - Head coach Romeo Crennel's squad is delighted to land a pass-rushing defensive end in Penn State's Tamba Hali. Crennel's 3-4 scheme needs a tough frontline that can reach the quarterback with the best of them. This former Nittany Lion figures to be that man!

13) Baltimore Ravens - The team appears ready to allow - or at least lose out in a bidding war - running back Jamal Lewis to walk via free agency. The Denver Broncos are reportedly the No. 1 suitor, leaving a hole in the offense to be filled. Minnesota running back Laurence Maroney is just the guy to fill that need! A slashing, bruising, cutting, punishing and graceful runner, Maroney could be a franchise back to hang their hat on.

14) Philadelphia Eagles - Don't be sold on the one-year contract linebacker Shawn Barber signed to return as a starter on the weakside. The Eagles have a prime chance to draft an All-American linebacker in Iowa's Chad Greenway. While he disappointed at the combine with low numbers, Greenway is much more talented than what his numbers indicated.

15) Atlanta Falcons - With Pro Bowl cornerback DeAngelo Hall manning one side of the field, the Falcons will look to secure the other side with versatile Virginia Tech cornerback Jimmy F. Williams. At 6-foot-2, 213 pounds, he surely is big enough in stature to make the switch to safety.

16) New York Jets (Acquired from the Miami Dolphins) - In this projected trade scenario, the Jets, in their turn to draft, select Memphis running back DeAngelo Williams. He comes in the middle of the round to them at a much more affordable price than trading up to draft Southern California running back Reggie Bush will command.

17) Minnesota Vikings - We are going on the educated guess that the Vikings, the team with the most amount of money to spend in free agency this year, will land unrestricted free agent running back Edgerrin James (Colts). If this scenario does come to fruition, clearly the need for a running back in the draft is not there for the first round. Instead, the team will upgrade their ailing linebacker corps with the selection of one of the most underrated players in the nation, Maryland linebacker D'Qwell Jackson.

18) Dallas Cowboys - The need for offensive line help along the right side is there, but the need for a hole-plugging inside linebacker is clear. Insert Ohio State linebacker Bobby Carpenter. At 6-foot-2, 245 pounds, the former Buckeye fits that role nicely for head coach Bill Parcells' squad.

19) San Diego Chargers - The Bolts are in desperate need of a powerful interior offensive lineman, and Southern California offensive guard Taitsui Lutui. "Deuce" is not regarded as highly as his USC teammates may be, but do not be fooled by his potential and ability for immediate impact.

20) Kansas City Chiefs - This selection, of course, will change greatly if the team lands wide receiver Terrell Owens (Eagles). If that does not go through in the way many believe it will, look for the team to select Ohio State wide receiver Santonio Holmes to give their already potent offense yet another dangerous weapon.

21) New England Patriots - The Pats need to address many holes this offseason, primarily on defense, and the first piece to the puzzle via the draft is Clemson cornerback Tye Hill. With a blazing 4.30 40 time, look for his contributions to be immediately felt in the talent-depleted New England secondary.

22) Denver Broncos - This pick will probably be laughed at by many, but here is the reasoning. The player in question is Maryland tight end Vernon Davis. After posting the all-time record speed in a 40-yard dash at his position, the former Terrapin soared up most all draft boards. While we are not overlooking his talent, one thing to consider is the need for the position. The only team we feel who could potentially draft Davis before Denver is the St. Louis Rams.

23) Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Even though defensive end Simeon Rice is still a force, we expect the team to address the position, and you can look for Boston College defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka's name to be called when Mr. Tagliabue is at the podium. Young, athletic and versatile, this former B.C. Eagle should be able to contribute toward pasting quarterbacks into the turn from the get-go.

24) Cincinnati Bengals - A glaring need for the much-improved defense of the 2005 season was a cog in the middle of the run defense. After a phenomenal combine workout, Florida State defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley figures to be their man. Chiseled out of what appears to be a granite-like substance, he should be able to secure more than one blocker at a time to allow the team's blossoming corps of linebackers make plays against the run.

25) New York Giants - The Giants helped shore up one of their sore spots with the signing of cornerback Sam Madison (Dolphins), so the position doesn't figure to be addressed in the first round. As an alternative, the "G-Men" are likely to upgrade their interior defensive line with the selection of Michigan defensive tackle Gabe Watson. The former Wolverine has been often criticized for not showing up on every play, but if anyone can work him into shape, it will be head coach Tom Coughlin and defensive end Michael Strahan.

26) Chicago Bears - Any young, learning quarterback will tell you the need for a receiving threat at the tight end position is a must. With a suspect wide receiving corps, the Bears should turn to University of California-Los Angeles tight end Marcedes Lewis, who KFFL feels is the No. 2 player at his position behind Maryland's Vernon Davis. Lewis shows to be something special in the pro ranks, and he may just help quarterback Rex Grossman develop some along the way.

27) Carolina Panthers - The Panthers have wide receiver Steve Smith. Enough said, right? Well, it's not quite that easy. Even though the ageless, clutch wide receiver Ricky Proehl is expected to return again, No. 2 wideout Keary Colbert did not step up in his second season last year. Look for the team to not be able to pass on Florida wide receiver Chad Jackson after the possession receiver ran a 4.32-second 40 at the NFL Combine.

28) Jacksonville Jaguars - Many casual fans are starting to learn the name of cornerback Rashean Mathis, but they will become equally familiar with the multi-talented, and blazingly fast, cornerback Jason Allen, of Tennessee, who put many doubters to rest with a remarkable combine showing.

29) New York Jets (Acquired from Denver Broncos) - This, again, is a projected trade that would involve the Jets sending defensive end John Abraham to the Broncos in exchange for their No. 29 overall selection. With this pick, look for the Jets to help protect their quarterbacks better by drafting Auburn offensive tackle Marcus McNeill.

30) Indianapolis Colts - With Pro Bowl running back Edgerrin James ready to hit the open market - even though there remains a slight chance the team could re-sign him - Indy will need a running back. While Minnesota running back Laurence Maroney would be the better fit in the offense, we don't feel he will be available for the Colts to draft. Therefore, after a drastic improvement at his Pro Day from his combine numbers, the 4.39-second 40 Wisconsin running back Brian Calhoun posted should help solidify this selection.

31) Seattle Seahawks - The Super Bowl runner-ups will look to improve their secondary, especially with S Marquand Manuel expected to hit the open market at defect. The best available safety prospect at this stage of the first round is likely to be Southern California safety Darnell Bing. Making the selection even more apparent is the loss of safety Ken Hamlin (head) after suffering head trauma due to a fight this season past.

32) Pittsburgh Steelers - The defending champs will look to replace free safety Chris Hope should he leave via free agency. The wide receiver position is considered a must-need by most pundits; however, many forget Pittsburgh is a run-first team and wide receiver Hines Ward has proven to be able to hold his own in years past. So, we expect the team to select the best ball-hawking free safety in the draft in South Carolina's Ko Simpson.

Second Round

Here is a mock of the second round with notes included in the table.

33 Houston Texans Jonathan Scott OT Texas - Poor combine but an upgrade
34 New Orleans Saints Nick Mangold C Ohio State Fills loss of LeCharles Bentley nicely
35 New York Jets Darryl Tapp DE Virginia Tech Good motor; versatile
36 Green Bay Packers Max Jean-Gilles OG Georgia Great value; fills immediate need
37 San Francisco 49ers Ernie Sims LB Florida State A value pick to also fill a need
38 Oakland Raiders Jesse Mahelona DT Tennessee Replaces Ted Washington
39 Tennessee Titans Abdul Hodge LB Iowa Rock-solid addition of a weak corps
40 Detroit Lions Antonio Cromartie CB Florida State Premier talent; should have returned for senior year
41 Arizona Cardinals Rodrique Wright DT Texas Undervalued, solid addition
42 Buffalo Bills Eric Winston OT Miami (Fla.) Long-term, and possibly short-term, help
43 Cleveland Browns Ashton Youboty CB Ohio State Lost in the mix of a deep CB class
44 Baltimore Ravens Davin Joseph OG Oklahoma Tremendous value in Round 2
45 Philadelphia Eagles Orien Harris DT Miami (Fla.) Has question marks but fits nicely into the rotation
46 St. Louis Rams DeMeco Ryans LB Alabama A steal of a pick in Round 2
47 Atlanta Falcons Kamerion Wimbley DE Florida State Has decent upside and fills a need
48 Minnesota Vikings A.J. Nicholson LB Florida State Off-field troubles but has a nose for the ball
49 Dallas Cowboys Derek Hagan WR Arizona State Very underrated and may not make this far
50 San Diego Chargers Alan Zemaitis CB Penn State Inconsistent but very promising
51 Miami Dolphins Sinorice Moss WR Miami (Fla.) Not much of a receiving threat just yet; great return option
52 New England Patriots Maurice Stovall WR Notre Dame Charlie Weis connection; replaces David Givens
53 Washington Redskins Daryn Colledge OT Boise State Stock slipped some but could be a good long-term pick
54 Kansas City Chiefs Brodie Croyle QB Alabama Increased stock tremendously at combine; Trent Green will be 36 in '06
55 Cincinnati Bengals Greg Blue FS Georgia Stock slipped from poor combine; Cincy has had an eye on him
56 New York Giants Spencer Havner LB UCLA Has some learning to do; great depth for first year
57 Chicago Bears Johnathan Joseph CB South Carolina Amazing speed and a nice fit in the defense
58 Carolina Panthers Leonard Pope TE Georgia Runs awkwardly but is a huge mismatch for most any defender
59 Tampa Bay Buccaneers John McCargo DT N.C. State Great instincts; rising up many boards
60 Jacksonville Jaguars Andre Hall RB South Florida Fred Taylor isn't getting any younger; Hall is very versatile and talented
61 Denver Broncos Jeremy Trueblood OT Boston College Poor combine numbers hut fills long-term needs through grooming
62 Indianapolis Colts Greg Jennings WR W. Michigan WR doesn't seem like a need, but Harrison is aging
63 Seattle Seahawks Manny Lawson DE N.C. State Unbelievable speed but undersized; likely a situational rusher like Robert Mathis
64 Pittsburgh Steelers Thomas Howard LB UTEP One of the biggest steals should he slide this far; James Farrior is aging.