SportingNews.com: NFL Mock Draft 4/13/05

Any reason why Mike Williams would fall all the way to #12??

http://warroom.sportingnews.com/nfl/draft/sample/2005/mockdraft/1.html

1 (1) 49ers Alex Smith* QB Utah

Niners officials have arrived at two conclusions: 1) They won't be able to trade down and 2) The team cannot win in the short term. So, the team should take the QB with the most upside and develop him slowly. Smith could sit behind Tim Rattay in 2005, learn and avoid taking a beating behind a rebuilding offensive line. Smith has a strong arm, outstanding athleticism and winning intangibles.

2 (2) Dolphins Ronnie Brown RB Auburn

Nick Saban is a defensive-minded coach, but he has final say on all Dolphins personnel matters. He needs a workhorse back to make his conservative, ball-control offense work. Brown, with his great combination of power and speed, is tough to tackle and also excels as a receiver.

3 (3) Browns Derrick Johnson OLB Texas

Romeo Crennel wants to build the New England way -- defense first. Johnson is the consensus best defensive prospect in this draft. Outside linebacker also is key to the success of Crennel's 3-4. Johnson, a great athlete, also shows terrific natural football instincts.

4 (4) Bears Cedric Benson RB Texas

The Bears, in a stunner, may opt to go with a running back, and their preference is Benson. They believe they can get their wide receiver at the top of Round 2. Benson would be the prototypical Chicago back, especially in cold weather. He has nice bulk (222 pounds), runs hard between the tackles, and has both the vision and the speed to get outside.

5 (5) Buccaneers Carnell Williams RB Auburn

Coach Jon Gruden says he never can have enough offensive cogs. The public favorite is Tampa native Mike Williams, but the Bucs are in more need of a workhorse back. This Williams has the body to take the pounding and the speed to be a home-run threat.

6 (6) Titans Aaron Rodgers* QB Cal.

Despite what Titans officials say, the team is rebuilding. Although Jeff Fisher is a defensive-minded coach, GM Floyd Reese will make this call. Rodgers would sit behind Steve McNair, learn without undue pressure and keep from taking a beating behind a shoddy offensive line.

7 (7) Vikings Braylon Edwards WR Michigan

(from Oakland) The Vikings rebuilt their defense through the free-agent market and trades and would look to replace some of Randy Moss' production here. Edwards, a playmaker with a solid frame and great hands, has All-Pro potential. He immediately would become Daunte Culpepper's go-to receiver.

8 (8) Cardinals Adam Jones* CB W.Va.

The Cardinals might be reeling here as they plan to take one of the top three backs. Their next greatest need is cornerback. Jones lacks great size (5-9 5/8) but is a big-time playmaker with a confident, winning attitude. He tends to gamble, but his risky decisions usually pay off. Jones would need to show more discipline to function in the aggressive defense of Clancy Pendergast.

9 (9) Redskins Antrel Rolle CB Miami (FL)

After trading Champ Bailey last year and losing free agent Fred Smoot this year, the Redskins now have a glaring need at cornerback. Rolle (6-0 5/8, 197, 4.49) has good size and decent speed but his impressive intelligence and instincts would be a perfect fit as an assignment corner in Gregg Williams' disciplined defense.

10 (10) Lions Alex Barron T Florida St.

The Lions need to fill the void left by the free-agent departure of Stockar McDougle. Barron, huge (6-7 1/2, 320) with outstanding athleticism, excels in pass protection. He must adjust if called upon to play right tackle because he isn't a great run blocker. He still should start as a rookie.

11 (11) Cowboys Shawne Merriman* DE Maryland

Bill Parcells is a 3-4 defensive coach at heart and is looking to acquire the personnel to make the transition. His goal is to select two key defenders in the first round in order to commit to the 3-4. Merriman would be a great start. A terrific athlete, he played both end and 3-4 outside linebacker in college.

12 (12) Chargers Mike Williams* WR USC

(from NY Giants) The Chargers need a young playmaking receiver to continue to balance their offense. Williams is big (6-4 5/8, 229), physical and fast enough to create mismatches all over the field. The team would be thrilled if Williams remains available here.

13 (13) Texans Marcus Spears DE LSU

The Texans must upgrade their aging, injury-prone defensive line that is key to their success in the 3-4. Spears, a run-stuffing wide body (6-4, 304), has the athleticism to play two-gap end. He also has enough upfield push to squeeze the pocket and provide pass-rush support for 2004 first-rounder Jason Babin.

14 (14) Panthers Troy Williamson* WR S. Carolina

With the loss of Muhsin Muhammed, the Panthers need a playmaking receiver. Williamson has good size (6-1 3/8, 203) and blazing speed (4.32 40-yard dash at the Combine). Paired with Steve Smith, the Panthers will have two vertical threats to take pressure off their power rushing attack.

15 (15) Chiefs Erasmus James DE Wis.

The Chiefs' line is the weakest of several weak links on defense. The acquisition of former Titan Carlos Hall for a fifth-round pick adds a wave rusher for the nickel package. James is an every-down, two-way end who plays with great intensity and terrific leverage.

16 (16) Saints Carlos Rogers CB Auburn

Rogers, whose stock is rising, would give the Saints an immediate upgrade. In addition to his great speed (4.44) and quickness, he is physical and fearless and provides good run support. He needs to improve his ball skills, however.

17 (17) Bengals Travis Johnson DT Florida St.

The Bengals had trouble stopping the run last season. Johnson, a big (6-3 7/8, 296), physical presence, is a strong run defender who also could get some upfield pass-rush push in their attacking one-gap scheme.

18 (18) Vikings David Pollack DE Georgia

Ted Cottrell's defense already has enjoyed an infusion of talent, and it continues here. Cottrell prefers the 3-4 and Pollack could be the missing piece to make the conversion from a 4-3. Pollack (6-2 3/8, 270) is very athletic and versatile with great speed, quickness, instincts and hustle. Best suited as a pass rusher, he also can stuff the run and play the open field. Pollack can either line up as a pass-rushing end or a 3-4 outside linebacker.

19 (19) Rams Jammal Brown T Oklahoma

The Rams must do a better job of protecting Marc Bulger. Brown would be an immediate upgrade at right tackle with his long, strong arms, working best in pass protection. He has the tools for run blocking but must get stronger and bulkier to excel there.

20 (20) Cowboys Darryl Blackstock* OLB Va.

(from Buffalo) The addition of Blackstock would secure Parcells' conversion to the 3-4. Blackstock has good size (6-2 1/2, 238) and is an outstanding athlete (4.60 40, 39-inch vertical jump). At Virginia, he played outside linebacker in a 3-4 under Al Groh, a Parcells protégé -- which only shortens the learning curve. While there are some character issues, Parcells would get Blackstock to toe the line.

21 (21) Jaguars Justin Miller* CB Clemson

The Jaguars have upgraded their defensive line with free agents and now must upgrade at cornerback to compete in the pass-happy AFC South. Miller possesses great change-of-direction and ball skills and is both tough and physical. He also is a productive kick returner.

22 (22) Ravens Mark Clayton WR Oklahoma

The Ravens named Jim Fassel offensive coordinator and brought in Rick Neuheisel to mentor QB Kyle Boller with a commitment to opening up the passing game. The team would be thrilled if Clayton still were on the board here. Clayton, drawing comparisons to Marvin Harrison, is a playmaker who can score from anywhere on the field. He is a bit undersized (5-10 3/8, 193) but shows elite speed, hands and agility.

23 (23) Seahawks Fabian Washington* CB Nebraska

Playing in the NFC West, with the Rams' passing attack and the Cardinals' talented young receiving corps, the Seahawks need to add more high-quality corners. Washington, who had an Olympian Combine workout (4.29 40, 3.91 short shuttle, 41 1/2-inch vertical leap), compensates for his undersized frame (5-10 1/2, 188) with his athleticism and strong coverage skills. He would contribute in the nickel package at first but should develop into a solid starter.

24 (24) Packers Demarcus Ware DE Troy State

Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila is the Packers' only viable pass rusher. Ware played outside linebacker in college but would move to end as a pro. He shows both the speed and burst to be a dynamic pass rusher and has both the athleticism and instincts to play the run.

25 (25) Broncos Brodney Pool* S Oklahoma

With the free-agent loss of Kenoy Kennedy, the Broncos need an athletic safety to line up next to hard-hitting John Lynch. Pool, an outstanding athlete, is strong in run support and solid in coverage. He is the kind of physical safety that defensive coaches covet.

26 (26) Jets Heath Miller* TE Va.

Miller may be the biggest mystery in this year's draft. If healthy he may warrant a top-10 pick. A serious abdominal injury has kept him from working out for any teams and he may not be healthy by draft day. The Jets, who need a top tight end, have a history with this type of selection. Last year's first-rounder, linebacker Jonathan Vilma, was failed on most teams' physicals because of concern over a knee injury. The Jets' doctors cleared Vilma and he became an all-rookie performer.

27 (27) Falcons Shaun Cody DT USC

Cody, a versatile defender, can play anywhere on the line. He eventually will settle in at tackle as a pro but has both the quickness and intensity to fit the Falcons' attacking persona.

28 (28) Chargers Matt Roth DE Iowa

Roth plays with nonstop hustle and sometimes gets a little out of control. He would need to adapt to the Chargers' two-gap scheme and must improve his pass-rush discipline but shows tremendous pro potential.

29 (29) Colts Corey Webster CB LSU

The Colts need defensive help, especially athletic corners. Opponents often are caught in catch-up mode against the Colts' high-flying offense, forcing the team into its nickel and dime packages two thirds of the time. Webster, with good size (6-0 1/8, 199) and long arms, plays physical at the line and is willing in run support. He uses his frame and ball skills to his advantage downfield, making up for a slight speed deficiency.

30 (30) Steelers Matt Jones WR Arkansas

The Steelers already have three former college QBs in their huddle. With the success of Hines Ward and Antwaan Randle El, they won't be afraid to select the former Arkansas QB and make him their next conversion project. Jones will step into the role vacated by Plaxico Burress, especially on red zone fade routes.

31 (31) Eagles Barrett Ruud OLB Nebraska

Linebacker is the only weak link on an elite Eagles defense. Jim Johnson likes to blitz from everywhere and needs smart, playmaking linebackers to be most effective. Ruud, a versatile defender, isn't the most gifted athlete, but he plays smart and has great character, both important traits to the team.

32 (32) Patriots Channing Crowder* OLB Florida

The Patriots' defense is driven by aging linebackers, but Tedy Bruschi's health complications may cause him to miss the season, and Ted Johnson and Willie McGinest are 32 and 33, respectively. The Patriots would need to accept some character concerns regarding Crowder, who without those issues, wouldn't stay on the board this long. Aggressive with nonstop hustle, he can play undisciplined, but he still is young, having played only two years at Florida.

hahahahaa, Mike Williams falling out of the top 10?

I don't see any way Mike Williams slips out of the top 7, much less the top 10.

Wow, Redskins , Detroit , and the Cowboys passing up on him !!

Mike Williams > Atrelle Rolle

If we pass on him if he's there at #9, we have a brain dead FO.

:doh:

WTF....I'm almost 100% certain that we would take Mike Williams at #9 if he is there.....

There are always surprises come draft day. Players that were thought to be mid first round slip well into the second round. Slipping from 7 to 12 is not impossible. Last year Roesthlisburger slipped way down from the mocks.

Why don't we sign Andre Dyson and pick a DE or WR?

Sporting News Draft Coverage = :pooh:

If you ever want a good laugh, pick up their draft preview and thumb through it on draft day. Even better, hold on to it for a few years and then take another look at what they predicted. :laugh:

Originally posted by PlayAction

There are always surprises come draft day. Players that were thought to be mid first round slip well into the second round. Slipping from 7 to 12 is not impossible. Last year Roesthlisburger slipped way down from the mocks.

There is just no way this happens. Not with a top 5 talent like Williams.

Maybe because he wasn't invited to the draft in NY?

Originally posted by Danny Montana

Sporting News Draft Coverage = :pooh:

And that's all we need to know. Thanks DM

I can see his first 5 happening, but then it goes all to hell.