NFL Rookie Draft Predictions (Feb.)

Please realize that this is a VERY early look at the 2004 NFL draft, and that the combine and workouts will change the standing of many players. Look for a couple of these picks to be moved, including the #1 overall with many teams interested in Eli Manning and Ben Roethlisberger. Thanks to Ben Kearon, known in the forums as Canadian_Cheesehead, for compiling this mock draft!
 

1. San Diego: Eli Manning (QB) – The first rule of drafting is never to pass on a franchise quarterback. This kid is a more prototypical QB than his brother but obviously doesn’t have Peyton’s work ethic in the film room (no one does). This pick will probably be traded though.

2. Oakland: Larry Fitzgerald (WR) – Fitzgerald is an elite wideout and arguably the best prospect at the position in years. The Raiders might be tempted by Benny Roethlisberger but they wont give up on Rich Gannon just yet. Fitzgerald is surrounded by controversy because he is a sophmore, but expect him to be in the draft and be gone before the fifth pick at the absolute latest.

3. Arizona: Benny Roethlisberger (QB) – See the first rule of drafting. Roethlisberger is rated on par with Manning by most, has ideal size, accuracy, and power, and is pretty elusive for a QB of his size.

4. New York Giants: Shawn Andrews (OT) – A mammoth tackle to pair with Luke Petitgout. Robert Gallery is rated #1 at OT, but he is a left tackle as is Petitgout. Andrews is a right tackle and an excellent one at that. It is possible the Giants might shift around the line in order to take Gallery, however.

5. Washington: Kellen Winslow Jr. (TE) – The best TE prospect ever, Winslow is not an ideal fit for Joe Gibbs’ offense, but with a player of his talent Gibbs can make an exception.

6. Detroit: Sean Taylor (S) – Probably the best player in the draft and a major steal at #6. The Lions have many weak areas, but Taylor would upgrade their secondary immensely.

7. Atlanta: Tommie Harris (DT) – The Falcons’ run D was brutal this year, and Harris is a great addition to any line. He is thought to be a bit undersized, but he causes so much disruption that he is easily the best tackle in this draft.

8. Cleveland: Robert Gallery (OT) – Gallery is right on par with Andrews as best offensive lineman in the draft, and probably even better. The Browns’ O-line is their primary concern this offseason, and Gallery has the potential to be a great left tackle for many years.

9. Jacksonville: Roy Williams (WR) – Comparable to Andre Johnson and Charles Rogers last year, he would make a great target for Byron Leftwich and would be the likely eventual successor to Jimmy Smith.

10. Houston: Kenechi Udeze (DE) – Udeze really helped his cause as the draft’s best DE with a three-sack effort against. Michigan in the Rose Bowl.

11. Pittsburgh: Kevin Jones (RB) – Jones has been one of the best since his high-school days, neck and neck with Jackson as top RB in the draft. Jones will probably be selected first because he is quicker, however.

12. New York Jets: Will Smith (DE) – With the shift of John Abraham to linebacker, the Jets will need a replacement, and the senior from Ohio State is an ideal fit.

13. Buffalo: Reggie Williams (WR) – A top ten pick were it not for Roy Williams and Fitzgerald, Reggie Williams would be a good addition to Mike Mularkey’s offense which was responsible for the development of Ward and Burress in Pittsburgh.

14. Chicago: Vince Wilfork (DT) – A HUGE tackle to clog up lanes and leave Brian Urlacher to roam free and make plays. Wilfork is mainly a run-stopper but is quick for his size and has the ability to put pressure on the passer.

15. Tampa Bay: Vernon Carey (OG-OT) – An absolute beast as a junior, Carey tailed off playing out of position as a senior. He has the potential to be a great offensive lineman, and with the versatility to play guard and tackle is a valuable asset to any line.

16. San Francisco: Michael Clayton (WR) – With TO gone and Tai Streets a free agent, this big, fast receiver is the ideal fit for the 49ers. He was a gamebreaker at LSU and has the potential to be a very good #1 WR.

17. Cincinnati: Chris Gamble (CB) – A fantastic corner with potential to be one of the best, he shut down opponents while at Ohio State Also a very versatile player who played three ways in college, Gamble could possibly be used as a kick-returner were Peter Warrick not already there.

18. New Orleans: Dunta Robinson (CB) – The Saints’ pass defense was weak and Robinson has the skills to be great. He is still a bit raw, but with the Saints’ old corners he would be a definite upgrade.

19. Minnesota: DeAngelo Hall (CB) – One of the fastest players anywhere (4.15 40 time), Hall is a little undersized but very effective. He would also be a premier kick returner in the NFL.

20. Miami: Philip Rivers (QB) – A great college player, Dan Marino was supposedly enamored with him. Jay Fiedler is obviously not the answer, and Brian Griese will probably be gone.

21. New England (via Ravens): Steven Jackson (RB) – A steal this low and a dream come true for the Pats. Jackson is a great RB and would be very effective in the New England system.

22. Dallas: Dwan Edwards (DT) – I’ve heard good things about him and with the top running backs off the board, Parcells may opt for a tackle here.

23. Seattle: Randy Starks (DT) – A great value pick here, and a very good fit for the Seahawks.

24. Denver: Will Poole (CB) – Lenny Walls and Kelly Herndon are unspectacular, and Poole had a great senior campaign, solidifying himself as a first round pick.

25. Green Bay: Antwan Odom (DE) – Odom is a very good end to make up for bust Joe Johnson, but the Packers may also consider QB JP Losman here. I don’t think Losman is good enough to groom as a replacement to Favre and Odom was one of the most dominant DE’s in college football, registering 8 sacks despite offences focussing mainly on him.

26. St. Louis: Ben Troupe (TE) – Underappreciated because of Winslow, Troupe looks like a definite upgrade over Cam Cleeland and Brandon Manumaleuna. Troupe actually had better stats than Winslow this year, and if you watched any Gator games, you know he’s the real deal.

27. Tennessee: DJ Williams (LB) – Williams adds depth to an already solid Titans front seven. A very fast LB who would be a fine addition to any team.

28. Philadelphia: Michael Jenkins (WR) – Jenkins is a big, strong WR who fills the Eagles most glaring void and wouldn’t get manhandled off of the line. (See Todd Pinkston and James Thrash.)

29. Indianapolis: Johnathan Vilma (LB) – A playmaker, Vilma is an improvement over Rob Morris. Very athletic, he would be a very high pick if he were bigger.

30. Kansas City: Derrick Strait (CB) – Strait is underrated and a steal at the point. The Chiefs have trouble stopping the run, and he is a run-stopping corner ࠬa Antoine Winfield.

31. Carolina: Ahmad Carroll (CB) – This is probably a bit high for Carroll, but this cocky corner has the skills to make it in the NFL. This is the biggest need on the Panthers team, and although Carroll is probably not first round calibre, he’s the best corner out there.

32. New England: Karlos Dansby (LB) – Many early predictions have him going here and mine is no different. Dansby is a very good LB who can rush the passer or play defense on a TE. He deserves to be a first round pick.