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2001 MOCK DRAFT DRAFT
Things are really starting to stir up. The draft is less than two weeks away, although there will be a lot of last minute looks before teams begin to finalize their boards. About the only known is that Michael Vick will be the first player taken. After Vick, flip a coin. Let's go over what we've learned and how we feel at this juncture.
POTENTIAL FIRST ROUND PICKS (April 8)
QUARTERBACKS
Michael Vick, Virginia Tech
Drew Brees, Purdue
It looks like Vick is now a lock for the Chargers top pick. It would take a blockbuster offer to get them to trade out of the slot.
As far as Brees, we now believe he will slip to the second round. There is an outside chance he will go late in the first, but anything higher than late first round would surprise us.
RUNNING BACKS
Deuce McAllister, Mississippi
LaDainian Tomlinson, Texas Christian
Michael Bennett, Wisconsin
According to virtually everyone, McAllister and Tomlinson will be the first two taken, and we still feel it can be in any order.
Bennett is no slouch, and we've been mildly surprised he doesn't make it into the McAllister/Tomlinson conversations, despite his recent off-field trouble. By the way, don't believe he is anything less than a good kid. He will still go in the top ten to fifteen picks.
WIDE RECEIVERS
David Terrell, Michigan
Koren Robinson, NC State
Chad Johnson, Oregon State
Santana Moss, Miami (Fla.)
Ken-Yon Rambo, Ohio State
Rod Gardner, Clemson
Freddie Mitchell, UCLA
Chris Chambers, Wisconsin
Quincy Morgan, Kansas State
Reggie Wayne, Miami (Fla.)
This is still mind-boggling. Terrell and Robinson should be the first two off the board.
Any of the other players could go about anywhere after them. We still feel several will slip due to supply. There are several receivers outside of this bunch who could surprise in the NFL, so we really believe that no more than three to five will go in the first round.
TIGHT ENDS
Todd Heap, Arizona State
Alge Crumpler, North Carolina
Heap should still go in the latter half of the first round. No one is really sold on anyone else after Heap. Like we stated here before, another tight end could slip in later in the round due to demand, and Crumpler is probably that candidate.
We should also mention that Heap has slipped in many mock drafts, but we see almost no way he could drop out of the first.
CENTERS
Dominic Raiola, Nebraska
No reason to believe he will not go in the first. Not a real early pick, but anywhere from midway on.
GUARDS
Steve Hutchinson, Michigan
Still first round worthy, but could slip, although we doubt it.
OFFENSIVE TACKLES
Leonard Davis, Texas
Kenyatta Walker, Florida
Kareem McKenzie, Penn State
Jeff Backus, Michigan
Davis and Walker have been neck and neck, depending on who you talk to. We say it's Davis, then Walker. McKenzie and Backus could go in the first, or slip to the second.
DEFENSIVE TACKLES
Gerard Warren, Florida
Marcus Stroud, Georgia
Richard Seymour, Georgia
Shaun Rogers, Texas
Casey Hampton, Texas
Damione Lewis, Miami (Fla.)
Willie Howard, Stanford
Kenny Smith, Alabama
It looks like Warren is the first one off the board, and that should be in the top five. After Warren, it's a guess. A few to several of these guys can go in the first. Which ones will stay and which will slip depends on who you talk to. We still wouldn't be surprised if virtually all of them go. Defensive tackle is a tough commodity to find talent at, so you won't see a lot of teams missing their opportunity.
DEFENSIVE ENDS
Justin Smith, Missouri
Andre Carter, California
Jamal Reynolds, Florida State
The way things are stacking up now, Smith could go as high as number two. Carter has slipped recently, and could fall out of the first, mostly due to size. Reynolds should go in the first, but where is really not clear.
LINEBACKERS
Dan Morgan, Miami (Fla.)
Kendrell Bell, Georgia
Tommy Polley, Florida State
Torrance Marshall, Oklahoma
Sedrick Hodge, North Carolina
Morgan is still high on several boards, and is the top linebacker. He should be gone anywhere from ten to fifteen. Most of the rest are slipping right now. Any that go will likely be in the latter ten, or even five, picks.
Of the linebackers that could go later in the first round are Bell, Polley and Marshall. There is little chance that all three would go. Most likely, one will go, but which one is a guess.
CORNERBACKS
Fred Smoot, Mississippi State
Jamar Fletcher, Wisconsin
Nate Clements, Ohio State
Will Allen, Syracuse
Willie Middlebrooks, Minnesota
In the first version of this page, we said opinions varied on this group, and it still does. We would be surprised if one of this group were off the boards by the fifteenth pick. There should be a mini-run on a few by the second half of round one.
SAFETIES
Derrick Gibson, Florida State
Adam Archuleta, Arizona State
Gary Baxter, Baylor
Hakim Akbar, Washington
We have said safeties, like guards, don't translate into the first round often, but you have some pretty talented guys in this bunch. I would suspect Gibson and Archuleta can go in the second half of round one. Any more than two would be a stretch. Baxter and Akbar will likely be second rounders.
TEAM SCENARIOS AND POSSIBILITIES (THE MOCK - April 8)
Here is our latest mock draft. It should be interesting this year, as many teams would like to move up or down, but the value is not high to do so. We will indicate what can happen with any trading by listing it. KEY: PT - Possibly will trade out of the slot.
1. San Diego Chargers - QB Michael Vick, Virginia Tech
It appears it is all but wrapped up. Vick will be the first one off the board, and it should be the Chargers making the pick.
2.(PT) Arizona Cardinals - DE Justin Smith, Missouri
Smith's stock has skyrocketed. The Cardinals are talking about trading out of the slot, and Green Bay appears to be the top suitor for the pick. If the Cards stick here, it should be Smith. They haven't had a lot of luck with defensive ends, but Smith could change that. The only other option for the Cards appears to be DT Gerard Warren. If the Packers get the pick, it is also looking like they will take Smith.
3. Cleveland Browns - DT Gerard Warren, Florida
A lot of people are saying a receiver or running back here, but the team would be hard pressed to pass up Warren. He would team up well with last year's number one DE Courtney Brown, and give the Browns a stronger front in front of their new staple of linebackers. Remember, the Browns have a bunch of young receivers, and can get a back with their early second round pick.
4. Cincinnati Bengals - OT Leonard Davis, Texas
The Bengals couldn't get offensive line help in free agency, so they will get their future in order here. Davis will anchor the line for a long time to come, and will help solidify an offense that has talent at the skill positions.
5.(PT) Atlanta Falcons - DE Jamal Reynolds, Florida State
It will be difficult for the team to pass on WR David Terrell, but they really need a player that can put pressure on the quarterback, and Reynolds can help immediately. They really would have liked to get Justin Smith or Leonard Davis, but won't. Terrell is the only other option we see here, unless they trade down, which is highly likely.
6.(PT) New England Patriots - WR David Terrell, Michigan
The Patriots need a lot of things, but I don't feel they have discounted J.R. Redmond or Robert Edwards at the running back position. They do need help on both lines, especially offensive, but no one shows the value with this pick. That leaves a trade down possibility, but it would be awful hard for the team to pass up Terrell, who could quickly contribute.
7. Seattle Seahawks (from Dallas) - DT/DE Richard Seymour, Georgia
We simply do not feel Mike Holmgren will feel it necessary to draft from a deep receiver pool this early. They have spent a lot on the defense in free agency, and Seymour should be the final piece before going after secondary help later on. Seymour can play end, or the team can use John Randle at end, so the options are there with Seymour at this pick.
8.(PT) Chicago Bears - RB LaDainian Tomlinson, Texas Christian
There is a good chance they will take Seymour if he makes it to them, but we don't have that happening. Tomlinson is not the top of their list at this spot, and they have been active traders the past few years, but Tomlinson is the best value, and should help the offense tremendously. They like James Allen, but this would be an improvement. There is an outside shot at DE Andre Carter here, as they want a pass rusher, but we feel they wouldn't perceive that value here.
9.(PT) San Francisco 49ers - LB Dan Morgan, Miami (Fla.)
The 49ers would love to trade down, but only a few slots. They may not get the opportunity. RBs Deuce McAllister or Michael Bennett are possibilities, since they need to grab a back, but they are looking defense more than anything. They go against the grain with backs, and likely could have found someone to grab in the second. Pass rush is a need, but the best value at this slot is Morgan, who will help immediately.
10.(PT) Green Bay Packers (from Seahawks) - OT Kenyatta Walker, Florida
This is one team that may be looking to trading up. We all know they need a receiver, however, Ron Wolf has knack of finding good receivers in drafts that are not deep at the position like this one, and he doesn't use a first rounder to do so. They want help on the defensive line, but we don't see them valuing anyone enough here. Wolf has never hesitated going after offensive linemen, and the team just lost Ross Verba.
11. Carolina Panthers - RB Deuce McAllister, Mississippi
The Panthers need a lot, but they really need a back. They have addressed the offensive line in free agency, so adding a back for an inexperienced quarterback makes all the sense in the world.
12.(PT) Kansas City Chiefs - RB Michael Bennett
If the Cheifs don't trade for QB Trent Green, they may try to trade down. They want someone close to Marshall Faulk for a similar offensive system, so Bennett makes a lot of sense. They need help on the defensive line, too, and like RB Priest Holmes. If they don't grab Bennett, DT Marcus Stroud or DE Andre Carter are possibilities.
13. Jacksonville Jaguars - DE Andre Carter, California
The Jaguars have a lot of needs because of their cap shape. They really want LB Dan Morgan, but are not about to move up to get him. They would move down if given the opportunity. They want more pass rush, so Carter makes sense. They also want offensive line, so OG Steve Hutchinson would not be a surprise.
14. Buffalo Bills - DT Marcus Stroud, Georgia
The Bills lost a lot on the defensive line in free agency, and need to replenish it as they move to a 4-3 scheme. Stroud makes for a good start. A look to the secondary may come about, but we think they will go there later.
15.(PT) Washington Redskins - WR Koren Robinson, North Carolina State
The Redskins only have four picks this year, which could create a trade down scenario, but they will thank their lucky stars that Robinson will drop to here, and it will be hard to contain their excitement. This is the biggest area of need, and this is the best scenario. OG Steve Hutchinson will get interest, especially if Robinson is gone.
16. Pittsburgh Steelers - CB Nate Clements, Ohio State
They really would like a defensive tackle or middle linebacker, but none show the value for them here. Clements would help immediately, and would be ready to take a starting role the following year as the Steelers are likely to get hit there. Clements wins the derby based on his size.
17. Seattle Seahawks (from Packers) - WR Chad Johnson, Oregon State
Johnson is the best West Coast receiver in the draft, plus he gets to stay in the Pacific Northwest. This should really be a good value pick, and Johnson will get immediate playing time.
18. Detroit Lions - OG Steve Hutchinson, Michigan
The team is high on Hutchinson, and there is little secret the team needs help on the offensive line. Hutchinson fits in well, as the best way to disrupt the West Coast offense is getting pressure up the middle. The other options are either CBs Fred Smoot or Jamar Fletcher.
19. New York Jets - DT Damione Lewis, Miami (Fla.)
The Jets may have a tough time passing on Santana Moss, who could help in a variety of ways, but the defensive line needs some speed and quickness, which is what Lewis provides. They could also jump on Smoot or Fletcher here.
20. St. Louis Rams - DT Shaun Rogers, Texas
Defense is the day's order, and here's where it starts. They wanted Damione Lewis, but he's gone. Rogers could have slipped a few more slots because of a late ankle injury, but his upside is huge. They will be happy, and know they are getting better on defense.
21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - OT Jeff Backus, Michigan
The only area the Bucs are really vulnerable is left tackle. Backus is an immediate upgrade here. The team also loves Steve Hutchinson, and could move up to get him, but we don't see that when Backus fills the bill.
22. Indianapolis Colts - CB Fred Smoot, Mississippi State
The Colts need a cornerback, and that's what they will get. At this pick, Smoot provides a great value, and can become an immediate starter in a secondary lacking solid cover corners.
23.(PT) New Orleans Saints - CB Jamar Fletcher, Wisconsin
Another possiblity here could be Santana Moss, who is a big play threat like the team likes, but Fletcher definitely helps. Since the Saints plays the Rams twice per season, they like the idea of keeping up with them on offense, or slowing them down. Either Fletcher or Moss would work for that.
24. Denver Broncos - TE Todd Heap, Arizona State
This is the hardest team to venture a guess on. They stay extremely secretive, and will surprise you. Heap is the top tight end in the draft, especially regarding pass catching, so he would be an excellent fit. The team also needs a defensive lineman, and a safety, so don't discount Derrick Gibson.
25. Philadelphia Eagles - WR Santana Moss, Miami (Fla.)
The Eagles need a receiver, and Moss really can provide punch, both as a receiver and returner. This adds an explosive element to Donovan McNabb. There are other areas, but this is really a nice fit in our view.
26. Miami Dolphins - WR Rod Gardner, Clemson
The team wants a receiver, and will be mildly disappointed to miss out on Moss, but Gardner is a good alternative. The team also needs a defensive end, after getting hurt there in free agency, but pulling the trigger on one here could be risky. The same goes for offensive tackle, which the team is looking for.
27. Minnesota Vikings - CB Will Allen, Syracuse
Allen seems to be the guy the Vikings are eyeing, and it also is their most glaring need, amongst a team with several glaring needs. They will be happy to get him, and he should be able to contribute to a poor defense immediately.
28. Oakland Raiders - S Derrick Gibson, Florida State
Safety, receiver and tight end are the team's top needs. We think the team would pull the trigger on Santana Moss or Todd Heap, but won't get the chance. They will get the draft's top safety in Gibson, and it will fill a hole..
29. St. Louis Rams (from Titans) - DT Willie Howard, Stanford
The Rams like Howard, and he can also play end, so it would fill two needs that also brings the speed they like. The team will also be looking for linebackers, but with two second round picks, they can jump on that there. Two that they like are Tommy Polley and Kindrell Bell, but our guess is they will wait.
30. New York Giants - CB Willie Middlebrooks, Minnesota
The team will look at two areas, cornerback and tight end. TE Alge Crumpler is another possiblity, but Middlebrooks should fit into the team's defensive system, and provides an immediate upgrade over Dave Thomas.
31. Baltimore Ravens - C Dominic Raiola, Nebraska
The Ravens have gotten past the worst of free agency relatively unscathed. Their biggest lost was safety Kim Herring. That means the team could go after S Adam Archuleta, but really, the team needs to address the offensive line. The best player on the line is Raiola, who provides great value here. Raiola not only is good value, but fits into the most needy area.
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