NFL Draft, Top Recruits, other college news.......

[Damaramu 0]

I've seen a lot of stories on the draft lately and I was wondering if anyone had that Top 50 list that was released and the Top 10 ESPN came up with?

I think the Top 50 was flawed as it didn't even have Tommie Harris from OU in the Top 50 which is complete BS...maybe it was made before he came out. Oh and the ESPN one I remember had him at #7. Does anyone have there own Top 10 for the Draft? Or have you not seen enough to judge?

 

Other News:

 

Larry Fitzgerald has been cleared for the draft and will enter....many believe he'll go at #2.

 

Here's a Top 100 List of Recruits:

 

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/recruiting/...tory?id=1597879

 

Hmm...I wouldn't bank my future on being a QB at Oklahoma.....with White coming back and Paul Thomspon ready to fill his shoes the next year...well I guess if you're patient enough to wait 2 years or hope 1 of them gets hurt.

 

Also little something I found out about Jason White's injuries that he sustained in the Kansas State game and at the Sugar Bowl. Let me remind you that I do not see this as an excuse b/c well...even if he was perfectly healthy none of his recievers were open during that National Title game. So here's the story.

Also Oklahoma picked up another huge recruit. Here's the story:

 

http://www.soonersports.com/ViewArticle.db...00&ATCLID=31611

 

 

Anyways if you have any other news or draft picks....please share.

[Guest FrigidSoul]

for those with ESPN Insider feel free to copy and paste Mel Kiper's first round mock draft

[razazteca 0]

The Tight End from Miami Hurricanes is suppose to go to the Redskins and the Arizona Cardinals is suppose to draft Eli Manning.

[Guest MikeSC]

Larry Fitzgerald has been cleared for the draft and will enter....many believe he'll go at #2.

There is no way on God's Earth I'd EVER draft a WR 2nd overall. Heck, I'd be REALLY hesitant to draft one in the first round period. Always go defense early. Offensive players tend to take a long time to develop. He didn't do that much against really good teams, if memory serves.

-=Mike

[Guest Choken One]

Nope he didn't but he has that big name sizzle and that'll get him there...

 

I'd like to think San Diego would go with B-Ro but that won't happen...

[LaParkaMarka 0]

Meh, Andre Johnson was pretty darn good for the Texans this year, and Boldin did pretty well in Arizona. Look at the Jets, they went defense and took Dewayne Robertson, who is pretty much a bust.

 

Picking defense is sound, but some teams need some help at WR/QB/RB. I don't know if Larry Fitzgerald will do well, but he seems to be worth taking a chance on. Number two? Probably not. Top ten? Probably.

[Dr. Tyler; Captain America 0]

Stolen from a website. This is Kiper's.

 

1. San Diego Chargers: Eli Manning, QB, Ole Miss

Drew Brees has not proven himself as a player who will ultimately be a starter in the NFL, and while the Chargers also have needs at OT, WR, DT and LB, passing up a blue-chip quarterback like Manning is tough to do, especially considering they passed on Michael Vick a couple years ago.

 

2. Oakland Raiders: *Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Pittsburgh

The Raiders certainly could use a quarterback, with Rich Gannon getting up there in age, but Fitzgerald would be a good complement to the big, athletic Jerry Porter at wideout. There is also need at DL and S, but Fitzgerald has all the skills you look for in a receiver.

 

3. Arizona Cardinals: *Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Miami-Ohio

Josh McCown is an adequate QB, but Roethlisberger will give new coach Dennis Green a potential star. DL is also a need area, but no linemen are worthy of the No. 3 pick, so the Cardinals would do well to upgrade the most important position on the field.

 

4. New York Giants: Robert Gallery, OT, Iowa

Getting a player like Gallery -- the prototype left tackle -- would be a huge help to QB Kerry Collins, who was beaten up big-time this season. The Giants also need help along the DL and at S, but Gallery will step in immediately and fill a big hole.

 

5. Washington Redskins: *Kellen Winslow, TE, Miami-Fla.

The TE position is always important in a Joe Gibbs offense, and Winslow will give the Redskins a multi-dimensional talent at that position, one that could be utilized creatively by Gibbs and his staff. DL and RB are also need positions in Washington, but it will be hard to pass up an athlete like Winslow at this spot.

 

6. Detroit Lions: *Sean Taylor, S, Miami-Fla.

The Lions need to get the best impact player still on the board at either WR, RB, DE, CB or S, and Taylor looks to be that guy. Taylor is to the safety position at Miami what Ray Lewis was to the MLB spot and has tremendous toughness.

 

7. Atlanta Falcons: *Tommie Harris, DT, Oklahoma

DT, OT, CB and WR are the need areas for the Falcons, and Harris wreaks havoc behind the line of scrimmage. He can cause problems for opposing QBs and was constantly triple-teamed in college.

 

8. Cleveland Browns: *Chris Gamble, CB, Ohio State

Gamble might be a slight reach here, but his upside is tremendous, and he capped his college career with a terrific game in Ohio State's Fiesta Bowl win over Kansas State. A roll of the dice, but if he can be coached up and improve his cover skills Gamble could be an impact player down the road.

 

9. Jacksonville Jaguars: Roy Williams, WR, Texas

The Jags need a complement to Jimmy Smith at wideout, and a reliable No. 2 option would certainly help the development of QB Byron Leftwich. Jacksonville also has needs at CB and DE.

 

10. Houston Texans: *Kenechi Udeze, DE, USC

A pass-rusher is the No. 1 need in Houston, and Udeze fits the mold. Originally a DT, Udeze has developed into a terrific strong-side DE and is ideally suited to the 3-4 scheme with his rush skills and ability to hold up against the run.

 

11. Pittsburgh Steelers: Dunta Robinson, CB, South Carolina

The Steelers' secondary has been torched in recent years and Robinson is definitely worthy of a high pick. He is fundamentally sound and prepared to step in and become an immediate starter.

 

12. New York Jets: Jonathan Vilma, LB, Miami-Fla.

New York definitely needs help at WR and CB, but Vilma would give the Jets speed, athleticism and instincts to boost their LB corps.

 

13. Buffalo Bills: Will Smith, DE, Ohio State

A perfect fit. Smith would be the best player available at this point in the first round and fill a big-time need for the Bills, who could also use help at CB or WR.

 

14. Chicago Bears: *Kevin Jones, RB, Virginia Tech

Jones has size, breakaway speed and the ability to catch and block. He would be a good complement to Anthony Thomas, who is not quite the home run hitter Jones could be. The Bears might also look to upgrade at WR, DT or DB.

 

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: *Shawn Andrews, OT, Arkansas

Andrews is a devastating run blocker who is also light on his feet and would upgrade the RT position dramatically for the Bucs. WR and TE are also areas of need in Tampa.

 

16. San Francisco 49ers: *Vince Wilfork, DT, Miami-Fla.

With his ability to stuff the run and also explode upfield, Wilfork is in the mold of current NFL DT Keith Traylor. Wilfork would solidify a unit that had problems all season long.

 

17. Cincinnati Bengals: *Randy Starks, DT, Maryland

Coach Marvin Lewis needs a big presence in the middle of the defensive front, and Starks is a guy who can make plays. He had 14½ tackles for loss last season and is very strong with great athletic ability. Starks is definitely a good fit and has tremendous potential.

 

18. New Orleans Saints: Will Poole, CB, USC

The Saints passed on Marcus Trufant last year and still need help in the secondary. Poole turned into a shutdown corner when he became a starter three games into the season and could turn into a special player.

 

19. Minnesota Vikings: D.J. Williams, OLB, Miami-Fla.

Minnesota needs some athletic ability on the outside of its defense, and former FB Williams has that. He is not as instinctive as teammate Jonathan Vilma, but with his speed and overall physical ability, Williams would give the Vikings a solid presence at OLB.

 

20. Miami Dolphins: J.P. Losman, QB, Tulane

With Jay Fiedler and Brian Griese not looking like the long-term answer at QB, the Dolphins could upgrade here with Losman. He has a quick release, mobility and a strong arm. Losman got beat up at Tulane thanks to a terrible supporting cast but is ideally suited to an NFL offense.

 

21. New England Patriots (from Baltimore): *Steven Jackson, RB, Oregon State

The Pats did not run the ball consistently this season and need a quality RB to take some pressure off Tom Brady and the short passing game. Jackson has size and can bounce it to the outside as well as being an excellent receiver out of the backfield.

 

22. Dallas Cowboys: Chris Perry, RB, Michigan

Troy Hambrick does not look like the answer at RB, and Perry is the kind of all-around back Cowboys coach Bill Parcells likes. Perry is multi-talented, a good short-yardage runner, has hands out of the backfield and is a very good blocker. A complete back who can be on the field every down.

 

23. Seattle Seahawks: Dwan Edwards, DT, Oregon State

Seattle had problems stopping the run and getting pressure on the QB, so Edwards would be a big help. He played in the shadow of some more-heralded teammates but had a heck of a career and would be a significant upgrade.

 

24. Denver Broncos: Ben Troupe, TE, Florida

Shannon Sharpe is near the end of the road and Troupe is a TE in the Sharpe mold. Troupe can run, catch and block and his combination of size and speed is impressive. The Broncos might also look for a WR or CB here.

 

25. Green Bay: *Antwan Odom, DE, Alabama

Alabama lost three starters on the DL before last season, yet Odom still managed to get eight sacks despite being the focus of opposing offenses up front. He has tremendous size and potential and would give the Packers a three-down DE who can play the run and the pass. Green Bay could also look for a QB or OLB.

 

26. St. Louis Rams: *DeAngelo Hall, CB, Virginia Tech

A multi-talented player, Hall has great recovery speed as a CB and could significantly upgrade the punt return game. OG and TE are also need positions for the Rams.

 

27. Tennessee Titans: Vernon Carey, OL, Miami-Fla.

The Titans need a versatile lineman, and Carey played both guard and both tackle positions while at Miami. He would give the Titans some much-needed flexibility along the offensive front.

 

28. Kansas City Chiefs: Keith Smith, CB, McNeese State

The Chiefs had all kinds of match-up problems in their playoff loss to the Colts. Smith had a great career at the Division I-AA level and looks ready to step up to the NFL level. Reminiscent of former McNeese and NFL CB Leonard Smith (no relation).

 

29. Philadelphia Eagles: *Reggie Williams, WR, Washington

The Eagles showed how badly they need a WR in their loss to the Panthers in the NFC championship game, and Williams is a big, fast target who would be an upgrade over any wideout currently on the roster.

 

30. Indianapolis Colts: Karlos Dansby, OLB, Auburn

The Colts need a complete OLB, and Dansby is just that. Speed and athleticism make blitzing off the edge his forte, and Dansby would give Indianapolis a good outside pass rusher and upgrade that area of the defense.

 

31. Carolina Panthers: *Michael Clayton, WR, LSU

Clayton has size and can make the difficult catch look easy. He showed his toughness by playing special teams and some at safety in college and would be a great bargain at this point in the first round. The Panthers also need LB help.

 

32. New England Patriots: Michael Jenkins, WR, Ohio State

The Patriots have some undersized receivers in Deion Branch, Troy Brown and David Givens, and Jenkins would give them the big target they lack. He is a complete player who will block downfield and make unselfish plays.

Edited January 23, 2004 by Tyler McClelland

[Guest Choken One]

Starks sounds good to me...

 

If I were Oakland, I'd just shoot for Ben-Ro and get another WR like Clayton or Williams(reggie)

[Guest ToddRoyal]

Hmmm...I'd almost rather the Pats take Perry over Jackson with the 21st pick, butthat's probably just because I saw more of Perry this year. Jackson's supposed to be be pretty great too. As long as they get a quality RB with one of their 1st rd. picks I'm happy. That's really the only thing New England doesn't have.

 

Also, I like how the Pats are projected 32. Nice.

[Vern Gagne 0]

Watch Starks be this years Dwayne Robertson. Skyrocket out know where after workouts into the Top 5 of the draft.

 

Sean Taylor should go higher than 6th.

[Guest Choken One]

Hmmm...I'd almost rather the Pats take Perry over Jackson with the 21st pick, but as long as they get a quality RB with one of their 1st rd. picks I'm happy. That's really the only thing New England doesn't have.

 

Also, I like how the Pats are projected 31. Nice.

That's only because they have a better record...It's not Kiper saying he's thinking Pats will win.

[Guest MikeSC]

Dunta Robinson at 11? I love the guy as much as anybody could --- but NO member of this year's USC defense --- especially after their total meltdown --- should be that high. He's decent, but he got beaten WAY too often.

-=Mike

[Guest Salacious Crumb]

2. Oakland Raiders: *Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Pittsburgh

The Raiders certainly could use a quarterback, with Rich Gannon getting up there in age, but Fitzgerald would be a good complement to the big, athletic Jerry Porter at wideout. There is also need at DL and S, but Fitzgerald has all the skills you look for in a receiver.

 

This baffles me. What good is a receiver if you don't have a QB that can get them the ball?

 

8. Cleveland Browns: *Chris Gamble, CB, Ohio State

Gamble might be a slight reach here, but his upside is tremendous, and he capped his college career with a terrific game in Ohio State's Fiesta Bowl win over Kansas State. A roll of the dice, but if he can be coached up and improve his cover skills Gamble could be an impact player down the road.

 

Horrible. Gamble still makes poor choices in coverage and the Browns aren't in terrible need of a CB. They need offensive linemen and a run blocker more than a CB that had a below average season in college ball.

 

9. Jacksonville Jaguars: Roy Williams, WR, Texas

The Jags need a complement to Jimmy Smith at wideout, and a reliable No. 2 option would certainly help the development of QB Byron Leftwich. Jacksonville also has needs at CB and DE.

 

Umm.......... what the hell is Kevin Johnson?!?!

 

14. Chicago Bears: *Kevin Jones, RB, Virginia Tech

Jones has size, breakaway speed and the ability to catch and block. He would be a good complement to Anthony Thomas, who is not quite the home run hitter Jones could be. The Bears might also look to upgrade at WR, DT or DB.

 

I don't like this either. They need and O-line.

 

21. New England Patriots (from Baltimore): *Steven Jackson, RB, Oregon State

The Pats did not run the ball consistently this season and need a quality RB to take some pressure off Tom Brady and the short passing game. Jackson has size and can bounce it to the outside as well as being an excellent receiver out of the backfield.

 

I don't like this pick either. Perry would fit in with Brady a lot better for their dump pass offense.

[Dr. Tyler; Captain America 0]

Dunta Robinson at 11? I love the guy as much as anybody could --- but NO member of this year's USC defense --- especially after their total meltdown --- should be that high. He's decent, but he got beaten WAY too often.

-=Mike

He was probably assuming Pittsburgh would reach for a need (defensive back).

 

However, rumors circulating out of San Diego are that Pittsburgh is offering Gildon, their 1st rounder, and their 3rd for the 1st overall pick and their 4th rounder (I believe; not sure on what else the Chargers would be giving up).

 

If true, I applaud Pittsburgh for at least making a play at Manning. I think they want San Diego to ask for Burress (and they probably will), and I acknowledge that this is the only way they'd get that pick.

[Dr. Tyler; Captain America 0]

Horrible. Gamble still makes poor choices in coverage and the Browns aren't in terrible need of a CB. They need offensive linemen and a run blocker more than a CB that had a below average season in college ball.

Are you shitting me? Cleveland is terrible in the defensive backfield.

[Guest Salacious Crumb]

Cleveland had the 7th best pass defense in the league. They only allowed 177 yds. and shut down every big time receiver they faced for the most part. I'd say they're pretty solid on that part.

[LaParkaMarka 0]

I'm glad San Diego is thinking of trading down...I don't want them ruining another QB. It's obvious they can't develop QBs at all. Burress could help out San Diego a lot. Burress + Boston could be a heck of a combination, too bad they don't have anyone good throwing to them.

[Dr. Tyler; Captain America 0]

Stats don't mean everything.

 

Case in point: Pittsburgh was 10th in the league in pass defense.

[Guest Salacious Crumb]

Stats don't mean everything.

 

Case in point: Pittsburgh was 10th in the league in pass defense.

The Browns have good enough personel at the moment. Considering the glaring holes at linebacker, offensive line and QB, I find it hard to accept drafting a CB in the 1st. He's more than welcome but the team has other issues that need addressed first.

[Vern Gagne 0]

Umm.......... what the hell is Kevin Johnson?!?!

 

Maybe a 2 receiver. Roy Williams will be a star in the NFL.

[Guest Salacious Crumb]

Umm.......... what the hell is Kevin Johnson?!?!

 

Maybe a 2 receiver. Roy Williams will be a star in the NFL.

Again.....

 

I think the team has more glaring holes than receiver. If I were going to draft Williams it would be to replace Smith in a season or two. Not to complement him.

 

EDIT: And I'm not a fan of drafting receivers high.

[Guest FrigidSoul]

Interesting view by Mel Kiper. I'm going to list what I project to be the first round. Only trade I see happening in the first round is the Chargers trading down because they've said they'll give Brees one more year. Not writing detailed reasons why I think these picks will occur so feel free to ask on certain ones if ya want.

 

1.) Arizona - Eli Manning QB

2.) Oakland - Ben Roethlisberger QB

3.) San Diego - Larry Fitzgerald WR

4.) NY Giants - Robert Gallery OT

5.) Washington - Kellen Winslow Jr TE

6.) Detroit - Roy Williams WR

7.) Atlanta - Tommie Harris DT

8.) Cleveland - Sean Taylor S

9.) Jacksonville - Dunta Robinson CB

10.) Houston - Kenechi Udeze DE

11.) Pitts - Stephen Jackson RB

12.) NY Jets - Chris Gamble CB

13.) Buffalo - Will Smith DE

14.) Chicago - Reggie Williams WR

15.) Tampa Bay - Vince Wilfork DT

16.) San Fran - Michael Clayton WR

17.) Cinci - Randy Starks DT

18.) New Orleans - Will Poole CB

19.) Minnesota - Johnathon Vilma OLB

20.) Miami - JP Losman QB

21.) New England - Karlos Dansby OLB

22.) Dallas - Kevin Jones RB

23.) Seattle - Dwan Edwards DT

24.) Denver - Ben Troupe TE

25.) Green Bay - Antwan Odem DE

26.) St. Louis - Vernon Carey OL

27.) Tennessee - Nat Dorsey OT

28.) KC - DeAngelo Hall CB

29.) Philli - Michael Jenkins WR

30.) Indi - DJ Williams OLB

31.) Carolina - Michael Boulware OLB

32.) New England - Chris Perry RB

[Guest Deebo]

Cleveland had the 7th best pass defense in the league. They only allowed 177 yds. and shut down every big time receiver they faced for the most part. I'd say they're pretty solid on that part.

That is more because of every team exploiting their horrible run defense than them actually having a good pass D.

 

BTW, If the 'Boys draft Chris Perry, I'm going to be so pissed, that guy is going to blow in the NFL.

[Cartman 0]

Perry is nothing better than a 2nd round pick at best. Jackson would be Amazing with the Pats next year.

[MarvinisaLunatic 0]

Well, the Ravens dont have a first round pick so I dont really care about the first round. The Ravens are going to do the most this offeseason in Free Agency.

[USC Wuz Robbed! 0]

I really see Chicago drafting a receiver or a running back because the new coach apparently wants to go with a St. Louis Rams-style offense.

[2GOLD 0]

I still don't see the Pats using a first round pick on a running back again, their luck with first round backs hasn't been good. Best bet would be them grabbing LB/CB/OL with the first two picks.

 

And I still disagree on Eli Manning and the fact the Chargers have given Brees about 20 minutes to develop is just plain insulting. The Chargers should see if they can trade down since they need alot more pieces.

 

Some of these teams will trade down, the Raiders REALLY should trade down considering all the needs they are faced with. The team is OLD and they might want to move out of the top three and just start rebuilding as much as they can this year. I don't think they will though, but this is a team with so many holes.

 

The Cardinals can't afford to trade down since they need a QB and they drafted two WRs last season. Shipp is a decent back and could develop into something special so RB is good enough for now. McNown showed some signs but I doubt Green wants to put his money on him.

 

If I were the Cards, I would move down a good distance and select Tommy Harris from Oklahoma before moving on one of the late round QBs. Nothing against Manning, but Arizona has done an excellent job with late round grabs and defense wins titles now and not big play QBs. Move down, build defense and grab the mobile Josh Harris of Bowling Green.

[Guest Agent of Oblivion]

I really see Chicago drafting a receiver or a running back because the new coach apparently wants to go with a St. Louis Rams-style offense.

Ohhhhh no...

 

This could be bad. If I know my choke-artist mistake-making Bears, and I think I do, this could be one INT-laden season. They should build their O line, get a good ground game, a QB who doesn't make mistakes, and focus their defense. It's the formula that works.

[Damaramu 0]

I don't think I'm seeing Reshaud Woods on any of these lists. That WR from Oklahoma State. I remember him being projected as #16 on that Top 50 list...then again that was the nutcase that didn't have Tommie Harris on there.

But I think Woods is a great WR. Everytime they went to him during the Cotton Bowl he scored. Which was insane b/c they didn't go to him much and he only had 1 man on him the whole time. And everytime the ball sails in his direction it magically finds it's way into his hands.

[Gert T 0]

Sean Taylor should go higher than 6th.

Amen, and damnit, now that Mel said it no one's gonna believe me, but Sean Taylor will be the name people talk about when they talk about safety's.

 

I guess 6 is pretty high for a safety, has any gone higher?

 

As to the Gamble comment, yeah I think that would be a reach for the Browns at the 8 pick even though I won't mind! The problem with Cleveland needing a OL, is that Gallery will be gone and Sean Andrews may be 400 pounds by the draft. He and Wilfork will be great players, but controlling their weights will be the biggest problem.