*Note: This mock was completed under the assumption that the Carolina Panthers would not match the offer sheet from Chicago for CB Ricky Manning Jr.
ROUND ONE
1. Houston Texans
Reggie Bush, RB, USC
5'10" - 201 lbs - Junior
Someone should call the fire department in Houston, because the Texans are sending up some serious smokescreens. Don't believe it though. If Houston stays here, then Reggie Bush is their man and will put butts in the Houston seats.
2. New Orleans Saints
Mario Williams, DE, NC State
6'7" - 295 lbs - Junior
D'Brickashaw Ferguson may make more sense, but the Saints sound determined to move Jammal Brown to left tackle, and if that move sticks, then it would be hard for New Orleans to pass up on a playmaker like Mario Williams.
3. Tennessee Titans
Matt Leinart, QB, USC
6'4" - 225 lbs - Senior
The front office likes Vince Young more, but the coaches prefer Leinart, and if the Steve McNair situation plays out the way everyone thinks it will, the Titans will need a passer who will be ready to throw sooner rather than later.
4. New York Jets
D'Brickashaw Ferguson, OT, Virginia
6'6" - 312 lbs - Senior
This is a fairly easy choice for Eric Mangini, who like his mentor Bill Belichick, likely wants to build his team from the inside out starting with the trenches. Ferguson is the best lineman in this draft and fills a big need for New York.
5. Green Bay Packers
A.J. Hawk, LB, Ohio State
6'1" - 248 lbs - Senior
It's rare that a linebacker goes top ten in the draft, let alone top five. But Hawk has that kind of playmaking ability. He could start at any linebacker position, and Green Bay really needs all the help they can get.
6. San Fransisco *****
Vernon Davis, TE, Maryland
6'3" - 263 lbs - Junior
There was speculation that the ***** were trying to decide between Davis and a defensive player like Huff. But after acquiring an additional first round pick, the choice for the ***** is easy - give Alex Smith a huge offensive weapon.
7. Oakland Raiders
Vince Young, QB, Texas
6'5" - 229 lbs - Junior
Word has it that Al Davis has a man crush on Vince Young, even though the team scouts would prefer Oakland go in a different direction. No one should consider Aaron Brooks the answer, so Davis will strike quickly on Vince.
8. Buffalo Bills
Michael Huff, DB, Texas
6'0" - 204 lbs - Senior
Defensive and offensive tackles are bigger needs, but Michael Huff is the kind of playmaker who could really excel in Buffalo's new Cover 2 defensive scheme, and talent for the lines can be found in later rounds.
9. Detroit Lions
Winston Justice, OT, USC
6'6" - 319 lbs - Junior
With Huff off the board, Rod Marinelli may be tempted to take a Derrick Brooks-type player in Ernie Sims. But I'm not convinced Sims is a top ten prospect, and I believe Justice's workouts make him of better value here.
10. Arizona Cardinals
Jay Cutler, QB, Vanderbilt
6'3" - 226 lbs - Senior
The Cardinals would have liked to see Winston Justice fall to them here. But Arizona will be more than content taking Jay Cutler, who should be the future face behind center for the team when they move into their new stadium.
11. St. Louis Rams
Brodrick Bunkley, DT, Florida State
6'2" - 306 lbs - Senior
Bunkley fits the role of the quick attacking defensive tackle that
Jim Haslett values in his defensive scheme. Furthermore, Bunkley provides the Rams with versatility, since he's capable of playing in the 3-4 alignment as well.
12. Cleveland Browns
Haloti Ngata, DT, Oregon
6'4" - 338 lbs - Junior
Dream come true scenario for the Browns. They signed Ted Washington as a short term solution for their defensive line, but Haloti Ngata is an ideal nose tackle that should take over the starting role on Romeo's defense very soon.
13. Baltimore Ravens
Ernie Sims, OLB, Florida State
5'11" - 231 lbs - Senior
Ray Lewis wants some big boys in front of him, but he's not going to get it here. With the top two defensive tackles off the board, the Ravens will be looking to add some more talent beside Lewis instead of in front of him.
14. Philadelphia Eagles
Chad Jackson, WR, Florida
6'0" - 213 lbs - Junior
Now that Terrell Owens is gone, the Eagles receivers leave something to be desired. They missed out on trading for Eric Moulds, and probably won't bring in Javon Walker, so adding a potential #1 guy should be a top priority.
15. Denver Broncos (f/ATL)
Santonio Holmes, WR, Ohio State
5'10" - 179 lbs - Junior
There's a lot of talk about the Broncos really liking Chad Jackson, but with the Florida standout off the board, Denver shouldn't have any complaints about taking Santonio Holmes, who some still think may be the top receiver in this draft anyway.
16. Miami Dolphins
Jimmy Williams, DB, Virginia Tech
6'2" - 213 lbs - Senior
Williams' stock has been falling after poor Combine interviews and a mediocre pro day, but Miami's defensive backfield would be much improved either with Williams at corner or if they could somehow convince him to shift back to safety.
17. Minnesota Vikings
Chad Greenway, OLB, Iowa
6'2" - 242 lbs - Senior
The Vikings need talented linebackers to play in their new defensive scheme, and Greenway is the best option on the board for them. He's an athletic coverage man who makes plays sideline to sideline and is a leader on the field.
18. Dallas Cowboys
Manny Lawson, OLB, NC State
6'5" - 241 lbs - Senior
Having spent a first round pick last year on Demarcus Ware, the Cowboys will continue to upgrade their linebackers by adding North Carolina State 'tweener Manny Lawson to man the other spot on the outside of their 3-4 defense.
19. San Diego Chargers
Tye Hill, CB, Clemson
5'9" - 185 lbs - Senior
The Chargers were in need of a cornerback even before they decided to trade away Sammy Davis. Now, the need is even more pressing, and they'll be able to get a great one here in
Tye Hill, who may be the best cover man in this class.
20. Kansas City Chiefs
Antonio Cromartie, CB, Florida State
6'2" - 208 lbs - Junior
Cromartie is a big risk but could be a big reward, and that's exactly what a team like Kansas City needs. With so much firepower on the offensive side of the ball, the Chiefs would love to take a defensive playmaker here to try and even things out.
21. New England Patriots
DeAngelo Williams, RB, Memphis
5'9" - 201 lbs - Senior
The last first-round linebacker the Patriots selected was Andy Katzenmoyer, so they may be a bit gunshy on taking another Ohio State prospect in Carpenter. Instead, the Patriots could secure the future of their backfield by adding Williams.
22. San Francisco ***** (f/DEN)
Kamerion Wimbley, OLB, Florida State
6'3" - 248 lbs - Senior
Losing Julian Peterson to free agency was a big blow to the ***** defense, and I believe that's one of the reasons they traded up to this pick - they can still take Davis at sixth overall, and upgrade their defense here by taking Wimbley.
23. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Marcus McNeill, OT, Auburn
6'7" - 336 lbs - Senior
I'm sure that offensive tackle Marcus McNeill would love to reunite with the guy he paved the way for at Auburn, running back Carnell Williams. It's an added benefit that the Bucs actually have a big need at offensive tackle.
24. Cincinnati Bengals
Donte Whitner, DB, Ohio State
5'10" - 204 lbs - Junior
The Bengals are hoping Dexter Jackson can find the magic he had in '02-'03 but somehow lost in '04-'05. If he doesn't, Cincinnati will have a great insurance policy here in Whitner, who may even be able to play some cornerback as well.
25. New York Giants
Jonathan Joseph, CB, South Carolina
5'11" - 193 lbs - Junior
Signing LaVar Arrington means the Giants no longer need a first round linebacker. Jonathan Joseph is great value here, and should compete immediate for time in nickel packages before eventually taking over for Sam Madison.
26. Chicago Bears
Sinorice Moss, WR, Miami
5'8" - 185 lbs - Senior
The Bears still want a speedy vertical receiver after missing out on Antwaan Randle El as a free agent. Knowing what Sinorice's brother Santana has been able to to do in the NFL, the younger Moss should be an easy choice for Chicago.
27. Carolina Panthers
LenDale White, RB, USC
6'0" - 238 lbs - Junior
Word came out a while ago that it was Carolina that advised USC running back LenDale White not to run at his pro day. Now there's word that White actually has a minor hamstring tear. It won't matter to the Panthers; they'll take him regardless.
28. Jacksonville Jaguars
Marcedes Lewis, TE, UCLA
6'6" - 261 lbs - Senior
Kyle Brady is playing on his last legs, and is more of a blocking tight end than a receiving threat. Marcedes Lewis still carries that late first round early second round grade, and would be a tremendous addition to the Jaguars offense.
29. New York Jets (f/ATL via DEN)
Bobby Carpenter, LB, Ohio State
6'2" - 256 lbs - Senior
While his mentor Bill Belichick decided to pass on Carpenter, Eric Mangini won't. Mangini wants to transition the Jets to the 3-4 defense, and needs to stock up on players that fit the scheme. Carpenter is certainly one of them.
30. Indianapolis Colts
Laurence Maroney, RB, Minnesota
5'11" - 217 lbs - Junior
Another dream scenario, this time for the Colts. The Colts seemed rather indifferent about losing Edgerrin James in free agency, and haven't made any significant attempts to replace him. That will change with this first round pick.
31. Seattle Seahawks
Kelly Jennings, CB, Miami
5'10" - 178 lbs - Senior
Unless the Seahawks decide to sign Ty Law before the draft, I think it's almost a lock that they upgrade their secondary with one of their first two picks. It would be hard for Seattle to pass on Kelly Jennings, whose stock has been rising.
32. Pittsburgh Steelers
Jason Allen, DB, Tennessee
6'0" - 209 lbs - Senior
Pittsburgh fans will be heartbroken to see LenDale White - considered their future Jerome Bettis - off the table. Ryan Clark was a nice signing, but is better as a back-up, which makes Jason Allen at the end of the first round a great choice.
ROUND TWO
33. Houston Texans
Eric Winston, OT, Miami
It's no secret the Texans need help at the offensive tackle position.
34. New Orleans Saints
Nick Mangold, C, Ohio State
The Saints find a great replacement for LeCharles Bentley in Nick Mangold.
35. New York Jets
Gabe Watson, DT, Michigan
Watson is a perfect 3-4 nose tackle for Mangini's new defense.
36. Green Bay Packers
Richard Marshall, CB, Fresno State
The Packers can't count on Ahmad Carroll to start, can they?
37. Denver Broncos (f/SF)
Leonard Pope, TE, Georgia
The Broncos get another monster offensive weapon here in Leonard Pope.
38. Oakland Raiders
Tamba Hali, DE, Penn State
Oakland's pass rush needs a major upgrade, even after signing Lance Johnstone.
39. Tennessee Titans
D'Qwell Jackson, LB, Maryland
No-brainer pick for the Titans here, who are in need of an athletic middle linebacker.
40. Detroit Lions
DeMeco Ryans, LB, Alabama
Ryans is a first round talent that the Lions would be happy to have here.
41. Arizona Cardinals
Ko Simpson, S, South Carolina
Arizona needs to find someone with talent to play next to Adrian Wilson.
42. Buffalo Bills
Mathias Kiwanuka, DE, Boston College
The slipping Kiwi would provide Buffalo's defense with great pass-rush potential.
43. Cleveland Browns
Abdul Hodge, LB, Iowa
Hodge is slightly undersized, but would make a nice combo with Andre Davis.
44. Baltimore Ravens
Davin Joseph, G, Oklahoma
The Ravens running game won't get back on track without O-line help.
45. Philadelphia Eagles
Thomas Howard, OLB, UTEP
Potential first rounder that the Eagles just cannot pass on here.
46. St. Louis Rams
Joe Klopfenstein, TE, Colorado
Good size and speed makes the rising Klopfenstein a clear choice for the Rams.
47. Atlanta Falcons
Ashton Youboty, CB, Ohio State
The Falcons need talent across from DeAngelo Hall, and Youboty is the best on the board.
48. Minnesota Vikings
Darnell Bing, S, USC
Tank Williams is not a sure thing for the Vikes, and Offord has legal problems.
49. Dallas Cowboys
Danieal Manning, DB, Abilene Christian
Manning is a CB/FS 'tweener who can play center field for the Cowboys.
50. San Diego Chargers
Daryn Colledge, OT, Boise State
Chargers need depth all along the offensive line, and they start with tackle here.
51. Minnesota Vikings (f/MIA)
Max Jean-Gilles, G, Georgia
Should compete immediately with Liwienski and Goldberg for that RG spot.
52. New England Patriots
Demetrius Williams, WR, Oregon
Patriots continue to address the offense by adding Williams at receiver.
53. Washington Redskins
Cedric Griffin, CB, Texas
Washington's only first day pick will be spent addressing defensive depth.
54. Kansas City Chiefs
Maurice Stovall, WR, Notre Dame
Stovall is a big target who can be groomed to start down the road.
55. Cincinnati Bengals
Mark Anderson, DE, Alabama
Bengals need an impact pass rusher, and Anderson is rising up the charts.
56. New York Giants
John McCargo, DT, NC State
Potential first round DT is a great value pick for the Giants.
57. Chicago Bears
Anthony Fasano, TE, Notre Dame
Fasano's ability as both a receiver and blocker makes him attractive here.
58. Carolina Panthers
Daniel Bullocks, S, Nebraska
With Thomas Davis moving to OLB, a true strong safety is needed.
59. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DeMario Minter, CB, Georgia
The Bucs need to find depth and a future starter in the secondary.
60. Jacksonville Jaguars
Joseph Addai, RB, LSU
The Jaguars will be thrilled to see Addai fall this far.
61. Denver Broncos
Claude Wroten, DT, LSU
Despite character concerns, Wroten should be the choice here for Denver.
62. Indianapolis Colts
Roger McIntosh, OLB, Miami
Would be taken much higher if not for some durability concerns.
63. Seattle Seahawks
Daryl Tapp, DE, Virginia Tech
With cornerback addressed, the 'Hawks look for help on the defensive line.
64. Pittsburgh Steelers
Derek Hagan, WR, Arizona State
Gimmick receivers can be had later; Hagan could compete for a starting job.
ROUND THREE
65. Houston Texans
Pat Watkins, S, Florida State
Houston has probably the least impressive safety combo in the league.
66. Houston Texans (f/NO)
Rodrique Wright, DT, Texas
A new defensive scheme means finding new players to fit into it.
67. Green Bay Packers
Brian Calhoun, RB, Wisconsin
Ahmad Green and Najeh Davenport only signed one-year contracts.
68. Denver Broncos (f/SF)
Ray Edwards, DE, Purdue
Broncos continue to address their D-line by taking Edwards here.
69. Oakland Raiders
Charles Spencer, OG, Pittsburgh
It would be hard for the Raiders to pass on talented interior line youth.
70. Buffalo Bills (f/TEN)
Ryan O'Callaghan, OT, California
The Bills have passed on tackles so far, but get their man in O'Callaghan.
71. New York Jets
Kellen Clemons, QB, Oregon
The Jets sound more than content to pass on the elite QBs early and take Clemons here.
72. Arizona Cardinals
Jon Scott, OT, Texas
Talent is needed if Warner/Cutler are going to stay upright.
73. Buffalo Bills
Jonathan Lewis, DT, Virginia Tech
Reliable one-gap defender who could start next to Larry Tripplett.
74. Detroit Lions
Roman Harper, FS, Alabama
Harper is the kind of ballhawking safety the Lions need.
75. New England Patriots (f/BAL)
Gerris Wilkinson, LB, Georgia Tech
A former college end and linebacker, Wilkinson is great value here.
76. Philadelphia Eagles
Babatunde Oshinowo, DT, Stanford
Good nose tackle who can occupy blockers and stuff the run.
77. St. Louis Rams
Chris Chester, OL, Oklahoma
Chester can be part of the youth movement the Rams have been having on the O-line.
78. Cleveland Browns
Stanley McClover, OLB, Auburn
Underrated 'tweener prospect that could be a beast for the Browns.
79. Atlanta Falcons
Maurice Drew, RB, UCLA
Falcons love Drew, and he can contribute to their backfield rotation.
80. Dallas Cowboys
Taitusi Lutui, G, USC
Should compete immediate with Kyle Kosier for Larry Allen's old job.
81. San Diego Chargers
Greg Jennings, WR, Western Michigan
Even after resigning Parker, the Chargers need talent at receiver.
82. Miami Dolphins
Jon Alston, OLB, Stanford
Could allow Crowder to move inside when Zach Thomas hangs 'em up.
83. Minnesota Vikings
Brodie Croyle, QB, Alabama
Vikings finally get their quarterback of the future in Croyle.
84. San Francisco ***** (f/WAS)
Anthony Smith, FS, Syracuse
Smith is a clear upgrade over Keith Lewis and Mike Adams.
85. Kansas City Chiefs
Charlie Whitehurst, QB, Clemson
Trent Green and Damon Huard will have a combined age of 69 when the season starts.
86. New England Patriots
Alan Zemaitis, CB, Penn State
Zemaitis is the kind of tough physical corner the Patriots like.
87. New York Giants
Martin Nance, WR, Miami (OH)
Can rotate with Carter and Tyree when a bigger target is needed.
88. Carolina Panthers (f/CHI)
Jeremy Trueblood, OT, Boston College
Panthers have been searching for a potential left tackle for a while now.
89. Carolina Panthers
David Thomas, TE, Texas
Thomas is a high character player with great smarts for the game.
90. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Orien Harris, DT, Miami
Bucs need more depth on the D-line, and Harris could follow in Sapp's shoes.
91. Cincinnati Bengals
Dominique Byrd, TE, USC
Caught one pass from Palmer at USC; should catch more in Cincy.
92. Jacksonville Jaguars
Keith Ellison, OLB, Oregon State
Can be very effective with Henderson and Stroud occpuying blockers in front of him.
93. Atlanta Falcons (f/DEN)
Andrew Whitworth, OT, LSU
Whitworth provides much needed depth at tackle for the Falcons.
94. Indianapolis Colts
Fred Matua, OL, USC
Versatile lineman who can open holes in the running game for Maroney.
95. Minnesota Vikings (f/SEA)
Dee Webb, CB, Florida
Minnesota needs some quality depth behind Winfield and Smoot.
96. Pittsburgh Steelers
Parys Haralson, DE/OLB, Tennessee
Intriguing prospect that could be an excellent edge rusher in the 3-4.
97. New York Jets (comp)
Victor Adeyanju, DE, Indiana
Very good size and could play end in Mangini's 3-4 scheme.
Seven-Round Rams Mock Coming Soon!