Mock, Mock, Who's There?

[Vegas Dave]

Blossoms and busts are 2 sentiments most people associate with this time of year. Spring-time fills the cities with nothing but blue sky's, bird's chirp freely, and flowers start to blossom. As the thermometer tops up with mercury, the females wear minimal clothing, and busts are forced upon our attention. In a week and a half, we focus on a different type of blossoms and busts...briefly.

Buffalo Bills:

Position: 13

Defense played really well + Offense really struggled = Offensive focus.
At 13 the Bills should be focused on protecting Drew Bledsoe, or finding him some more targets. Since this team drafted Willis McGahee last year is this another Ricky Williams-Deuce McAllister situation? The Bills openly ripped Drew Bledsoe and many people didn't even want him back at for the begginning of this year so could he be on the chopping block too? Nobody will want Bledsoe and his huge contract, but how about Travis Henry for a 1st round pick? Vernon Carey and Roy/Reggie/Mike Williams would be a very nice first round.

Good Idea: Reggie Williams

Bad Idea: DeAngelo Hall

Miami Dolphins:

Position: 20

Clearly this teams biggest loss in the off-season has been Obafemi Ayanbandejo. Although that loss will sting, losing 4 of their 5 starting offensive linemen may hurt a little bit more. Logically this team needs to draft at least a couple of fullbacks...errr...offensive linemen, but considering this team's scouts forsee A.J. Feeley as the quarterback of the future, clearly our evaluations stray a little. This team's primary need is offensive line, and looking for a true quarterback of the future in the later round is definitely a must.

Good Idea: Shawn Andrews

Bad Idea: Jonathan Vilma

New England Patriots:

Position: 21, 32

In all honesty it doesn't matter who or where this team picks. Their ability to stretch skill is why they have won 2 of the last 3 Super Bowls. This team doesn't draft talent, they make it.

New York Jets:

Position: 12

The Jets are drafting high because of health issues last season opposed to being an awful team in general so they have some flexibility with this pick. Although the mumbles out of New York have the Jets taking either Chris Gamble or DeAngelo Hall, this team would be better suited selecting a tall game-breaking wide receiver to compesate for where Wayne Chrebet and Santana Moss lack. The Bills who draft right behind this team will be looking for a receiver as well so don't be surprised for the Jets to try to bilk the Bills out of somebody like Roy Williams.

Good Idea: Roy Williams

Bad Idea: Kevin Jones

Baltimore Ravens:

Position: 51

This team will be busy playing Madden 2004 for Playstation 2 during the 1st round of the upcoming draft because they won't have worry about selections. With the defense being so Scrooge-like, there's no question that the Ravens will look for another target for Kyle Boller. This team has a lot of issues to deal with such as the departure of Art Modell, the Terrell Owens reality show, the addition of Jim Fassel, and most importantly the development of Kyle Boller. Oh yeah, and that whole Jamal Lewis cocaine thing...

Good Idea: Rashaun Woods/Lee Evans/Michael Clayton

Bad Idea: Marquise Hill

Cincinnati Bengals:

Position: 24

The Bengals are used to drafting in the 20's about as much as Kobe Bryant's accuser is used to attention. This will be a new feeling for this team and if they draft another bust, at least they'll have the positionning to blame. This is a team on the rise and can look a few directions for their 1st pick. The safest and smartest move for this team would be to add another body to block for Carson Palmer because if this guy doesn't get the proper time he needs this season will be a disaster.

Good Idea: Vernon Carey/Jacob Rogers

Bad Idea: Derrick Strait/Dunta Robinson

Cleveland Browns:

Position: 7

Cleveland is long past the experimental stages of expansion teams and have tailed into disappointment. This team does have the talent, and is not far away from limited success, but the lack of a running game has absolutely crippled this team. Is Lee Suggs the answer? Is William Green going to come back strong? Will Quincy Morgan and Andre Davis be enough for new Quarterback Jeff Garcia to work with? This team's issues appear to stem from a very poor offensive line. Unfortunately for them, at the 7 spot they are too low to get Robert Gallery, and too high to pull one of the later round offensive linemen. Trading down is a very good idea for this team if they are interested in an O-linemen, otherwise defense will be the focus. What if the Bills and Travis Henry knocked on their door...

Good Idea: Vince Wilfork/Kenechi Udeze

Bad Idea: Roy Williams

Pittsburgh Steelers

Position: 11

Steelers are another team that will likely be looking for O-Line help but given their positionning they'll likely try to add some other asset. DeAngelo Hall would be a great fit since the Steelers have become synonymous for allow big passing plays. Sean Taylor would also be a big boost for this team's depleted secondary. I'm sure this team would love to move up to pull Kellen Winslow Jr., and I'd love for that girl from My Big Fat Greek Wedding to go away, but hey, you can't always get what you want.

Good Idea: DeAngelo Hall

Bad Idea: Kevin Jones

 

[Vegas Dave]

Houston Texans

Position: 10

After drafting Drew Henson late in last year's draft and getting an earlier round pick for him in return from the Boys in Dallas, Charlie Casserly and company appear to continuely be making the right decisions. At the 10 spot this year, the Texans would love to get their hands on Sean Taylor, but he will likely be gone by then, so are they interested in trading up? The Texans will likely look at Miami's Vince Wilfork to shore up their shakey Nose Tackle position if they can't get their paws on Sean Taylor. Contrary to what is believed, the cornerbacks on this team are above average, but with no safety help, they get strung out to dry.

Good Idea: Sean Taylor

Bad Idea: Kellen Winslow Jr

Indianapolis Colts

Position: 29

Although it is obvious Dungy has improved the Colt defense, he can't make a Paris Hilton out of Roseanne. If this team drafts another offensive rookie like last year's non-factor Dallas Clark, then you can write this team's season off once more. At 29 Jonathan Vilma will be a possibility, and with the loss of Mike Peterson and Marcus Washington in the past 2 season, this team better get some linebacking help.

Good Idea: Jonathan Vilma

Bad Idea: Rashaun Woods

Jacksonville Jaguars:

A team that is not too far off from being comptetitive, the kitty-cats from J-ville need an impact player at a couple of positions. Kenechi Udezi (DE) is the name that is being coughed up by most mock drafters, but a guy like Kellen Winslow Jr. would really open up the offense for Byron Leftwich. The team is looking to move Donovan Darius for a draft pick, and if that's the case they will be shopping for a new safety as well.

Good Idea: Kellen Winslow Jr.

Bad Idea: Chris Gamble

Tennessee Titans

Position: 27

With the subtractions of Jevon Kearse and Robaire Smith (who I've never heard of until he left this team) the Titans are tagged as having defensive line issues. Let me remind you that they played without a healthy J-Kearse more often than with him. They will likely do some d-lines in the later rounds, especially if a guy like Rashaun Woods drops to them late in the first round. This team will also be looking for a future replacement to Eddie George and Greg Jones could fit that mold.

Good Idea: Greg Jones/Antwan Odom

Bad Idea: Will Poole/Jonathan Vilma

Denver Broncos

Position: 17

A team who's had one of the better off-season so far, the Denver Broncos have completely re-tooled a defensive that let them down like a politician all of last year. With Portis gone, this team might possibly hunt for a running back in the later rounds, but it is not a primary concern. At 17, this team would be foolish to draft a low-impact tight-end such as Ben Troupe considering they have so many pieces in place to make a run. Even with Champ Bailey on the team they could use another CB, but they will more likely take a line-backer in the first-round if they know what's good for them.

Good Idea: D.J. Williams

Bad Idea: Ben Troupe

Kansas City Chiefs:

Position: 30

I'd love to tell you that the Kansas City Chiefs will make the best decisions in the upcoming draft to help their humiliating defense out, but after drafting Larry Johnson in the 1st round last year, it's hard to make that case. Drafting at the 30 position means you are highly unlikely to get a game-breaking defender, but its worth a shot. Ty Law should be this team's focus once he gets his papers.

Good Idea: Ahmed Carroll

Bad Idea: Lee Evans

Oakland Raiders

Position: 2

Since the Oakland Raiders have given their offensive line a Suzanne Somers face lift, it allows them to possibly focus on other issues in the draft. Rich Gannon is the key to this team, so taking Robert Gallery at the 2 slot would not be stupid, but knowing the Raiders, they are likely to take a big hit of Larry Fitzgerald to help out the "veteran" receiving corps. Gallery will have the bigger impact right now, and if this team doesn't want another sub-par season, they'd be smart to surround Rich Gannon with a brick house. With Larry Fitz, this team would have a downright scary passing game except for the minor note that Charlie Garner has moved on. Can a guy like Tatum Bell fill the need? He'll be available for them in round 2.

Good Idea: Robert Gallery

Bad Idea: Ben Roethlisburger

San Diego Chargers:

Position: 1

Fewer teams have a worse track record for drafting than the San Diego Chargers. The teams biggest need is offensive line because until Drew Brees gets the time he needs to throw, this team will not know if he's capable of being the future. What sense does it make to bring in Eli Manning if he's going to get punished by opposing defensive linemen like a bad 3-year-old. It's simply a question of drafting the best talent available vs. the biggest need for this team. Trading down is the right thing to do because this team is not 1 or 2 players away. It would be smart if the team could trade down to the 4 spot and still get Robert Gallery or Sean Taylor + some later draft picks to help them rebuild. But with Marty running the show, throw all logic and success out the window...

Good Idea: Eli Manning

Bad Idea: Larry Fitzgerald

 

[ELVIS]

dave, we may draft your boy from texas. how do you feel about that ?

 

[Vegas Dave]

Dallas Cowboys

Position: 22

With the additions of Drew Henson, Keyshawn Johnson, and defensive end Marcellus Wiley, one would think that Dallas? next most urgent need is at running back. Stephen Jackson and Kevin Jones appear to be the top prospects, but they?re draft position could be anywhere from 8-25. The Cowboys will definitely be eating their Lucky Charms on draft day hoping for one of these guys to slide. Help at cornerback is an option.

Good Idea: Steven Jackson

Bad Idea: Ben Watson

New York Giants:

Position: 4

The fellas from New York are quickly becoming the hot topic of the draft as they?ve decided it may be a good idea to pursue Eli Manning. Although QB may not appear to be the greatest necessity for a team who was in the Super Bowl only a few years a go with Kerry Collins as their QB, drafting Eli Manning would be an eye-catching move. Robert Gallery would be the best selection to help revamp an offensive line that collapsed like the 1st little pig?s home. Manning would looking nice in a Giant uniform, but not so much if its covered with grass stains from being sacked a ton.

Good Idea: Robert Gallery

Bad Idea: Eli Manning

Philadelphia Eagles:

Position: 28

For the past few seasons the Eagles have had a strong defense, and a lacking offense yet they?ve always drafted on the defensive side first. 3 of the past 4 Philadelphia 1st round picks were spent on talent to develop the defense, and although this puzzled me since it was the offense that needed the help, the Eagles can finally be justified if they draft a defender. With the losses of Al Harris last year, and Troy Vincent and Bobby Taylor this year, this team needs a cornerback. Line-backing is a gaping hole on this team as well, and if DJ Williams or Jonathan Vilma somehow drop this low Philly, should snatch them up quickly. Otherwise Dunta Robinson or Ahmad Carroll will be a nice boost for the secondary.

Good Idea: Dunta Robinson

Bad Idea: Rashaun Woods

Washington Redskins

Position: 5

Easily the loudest team this off-season, the Redskins will only have a total of 3 picks in this whole draft. Fortunately for them, they hold a coveted high-end position at the 5 spot. The Redskins seem interested in Robert Gallery and have offered the Raiders (reportedly) Chris Samuels and the No. 5 pick for the 2 spot. That move doesn?t seem so beneficial considering Samuels is already a Pro Bowler. Tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. is the real trade bait at this position as several teams who do want Winslow will look to trade up to 5 to nab him ahead of the rest of the gang. Trading down to get defensive line help would be a good idea, otherwise Sean Taylor would fill a void for this team.

Good Idea: Sean Taylor

Bad Idea: Kellen Winslow Jr.

Chicago Bears

Position: 14

Da Bears surprised a few people finished the season 7-9 and draft in the mid-1st round they should be able to get themselves some help. This team will most likely draft on the defensive line, but cornerback has been a desperate need for this team for years. With the departure of Warrick Holdman, the linebacking corps is pretty bare as a Miami Beach (aside from Urlacher of course). A guy like Randy Starks is likely to be the pick here, but those Miami linebackers are sure tempting.

Good Idea: Randy Starks

Bad Idea: Reggie Williams

Detroit Lions

Position: 6

If this team could draft a solid conditioning coach, they should take it. For the past couple of season this team has been destroyed by injuries and that has really been their main downfall. With a healthy Az Hakim, Bill Schroeder, and Charles Rogers, the Lions might finally get that offense going. On defense, if this team could get their hands on Sean Taylor, that would be huge. Safety appears to be one position where this team lacks talent and if Taylor is as good as he?s touted to be, then he?s a perfect fit next to Brock Marion.

Good Idea: Sean Taylor

Bad Idea: Robert Gallery

Green Bay Packers

Position: 25

With Favre still around, forget about drafting offense. The Packers may have spent more time on the field, and less time packing their things up and leaving the locker room at the end of the season if they had some impact players on this defense. With the dread-locks combo of Al Harris and Mike Mckenzie servicing the CB department, the Packers should focus on the pass rush. Antwan Odom should be around at this point, or Darnell Dockett would also help the Packers 2005 crush opposing pockets. Please don?t draft offensive players.

Good Idea: Antwan Odom

Bad Idea: Lee Evans

Minnesota Vikings

Position: 19

The Vikings will play 5 games on national television this year, and they may want to focus on getting some defensive help so they don?t get pantsed on the scoreboard. For a defense that was ?opportunistic? last year, they should consider drafting a defensive end to help out their pass-rush which created the bulk of this teams opportunities. Chris Hovan is a stud, and Kevin Williams contributed significantly, so with the addition of a Will Smith, this teams defensive line would be upright scary.

Good Idea: Will Smith

Bad Idea: Shawn Andrews

 

[IX_Bender]

Just to touch up on my Lions.
We cut Schroeder and signed Tai Streets to replace.
I do think that unless a trade down for multiple picks with NE happens and Taylor is on the board, he will be a Lion.

IMO - No way Gallery drops from the Top 5 and there might be a team or two that trades up to get him.

Thanks for the time/effort it takes to put these previews together.

 

[Vegas Dave]

Didn't realize about Schroeder, Tai Streets should fill in just as well none the less.

Just confused about your 3rd sentence.

Are you saying that unless the Patriot trade happens then the Lions are likely to take Sean Taylor? If so that's a good move.

I thought last year the Lions would be a sleeper team, and they are really only 1 or 2 players from being competitive this year. Sean Taylor would be a huge asset, but I wouldn't be surprised to see them trade down and draft a running back just to make sure that offense is flowing.

 

[Vegas Dave]

ELVIS,

I think if the Raiders draft Roy Williams in the 2 spot it may be a little high. If that's who they want, they should be able to trade down at least to 5 or 6, get some more picks, and still take Roy Williams.

He's an excellent prospect though

 

[AR182]

i just heard on "mike & the mad dog" that somebody that mike knows who is well connected into the nfl, that there is a 90% chance that the giants move up to #1 to take manning. as a long time giant fan i'm not sure that i like this. i think they should take gallery or taylor.

chargers move down to #4 to take rivers & oakland is trying desperately to move from #2. they do not want to pay what a #2 will cost & think that they can grab roy williams later on.

 

[gardenweasel]

ravens

ravens

are salivating over the possibility of getting chris snee or justin smiley.....

 

[Vegas Dave]

Atlanta Falcons

Position: 8

Although the Falcons defense ranked dead last in the NFL last year, the loss of Michael Vick is the easiest explanation for this team?s lack of inspiration. For a group that should play better than they looked last year, that does give this team a bit of freedom to draft either a wide-receiver, or a defensive weapon. The two biggest buzz-words in Atlanta have been Roy Williams and DeAngelo Hall. Considering this team made the playoffs without any wide receivers of fame a couple of years ago, drafting a cornerback to play along side newly acquired Jason Webster would be a wise choice.

Good Idea: DeAngelo Hall

Bad Idea: Phillip Rivers

Carolina Panthers

Position: 31

Out: Jeno James, Todd Steussie, and Kevin Donnalley. In: Travis Claridge. I?m not a math major, but somehow the numbers don?t add up. With the Panthers seeming fairly content with most of the other positions on this team, the O-line may get the first look. The secondary looked great most of last season since the pressure on opposing quarterbacks was so high, but getting a real shutdown guy would be an asset.

Good Idea: Shawn Andrews

Bad Idea: Ben Troupe

New Orleans Saints

Position: 18

The New Orleans Saints have been offensively gifted the past few seasons but they have also fallen short of the playoffs in those years. For a team that appears to be sound with their scoring weapons, improved play from the offensive line will be needed. The fact that this team had trouble stopping anyone defensively grew to be an apparent issue as the season went on. A good cornerback would help pipe down that talk

Good Idea: Dunta Robinson

Bad Idea: Rashaun Woods

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Position: 15

As Tampa Bay prepares to begin their first season without two of their biggest staples, John Lynch and Warren Sapp, adding a defensive impact player would aid the Buc fan?s forgetfulness. By re-working their O-line, adding a running back, and Joey Galloway, it would be a surprise to see this team draft an offensive player in the first round. Although Child?s Play is back with yet another edition of their never-ending horror series, I would be more concerned with the real Chucky, Jon Gruden, and his quest for revenge for the his own group of haters.

Good Idea: D.J. Williams/Jonathan Vilma

Bad Idea: Steven Jackson

Arizona Cardinals

Position: 3

Surprisingly enough, the Cardinals have been one of the quietest teams in such a high position in a long time. They appear to be satisfied with grabbing whoever falls to them at #3. Believe it or not, if Josh McCown plays like he finished last season, if Bryant Johnson continues to improve, if the defense stays healthy and if they find Aladdin?s lamp, this team may win a handful of games this year. Biggest issue for the Cards heading into this draft is their defensive line. This team does not need a wide-receiver, quarterback, or tight-end, so trading down to about 7 or 8 would be a great idea. If not, taking a defensive lineman, even if he?s drafted higher than expected, would be the best alternative option.

Good Idea: Tommy Harris

Bad Idea: Larry Fitzgerald

St. Louis Rams

Position: 26

I will honestly vomit, or force myself to vomit if this team drafts an offensive player. For a team that sends shivers through every single defense in the league with their offensive prowess, maybe it?s time they get influential players on the D. Rashaun Woods will be around at this point, and we all know Mike Martz will push for him, but in a perfect world they would select the best cornerback or best defensive end available.

Good Idea: Ahmad Carroll

Bad Idea: Rashaun Woods/Lee Evans

San Francisco 49ers

Position: 16

Although the 49ers were stripped down worse than a drug smuggler caught at the American boarder, they still have enough to work with for next year. Tim Rattay for some reason is perceived to be a starting quarterback, but with Tim Couch, and Kurt Warner floating around on draft day, don?t expect this team to blow a first pick on a QB. The loss of Terrell Owens, Tai Streets and J.J. Stokes all in the past season means that all signs point to a WR being selected. Mike Williams? ineligibility limits this team?s options, but there should still be a solid receiver on the board at numero16

Good Idea: Reggie Williams

Bad Idea: Kevin Jones

Seattle Seahawks

Position: 23

Offense has strung together some nice music this past season and the only real vacancy on this team is the defensive line. With the loss of Jon Randle and Chad Eaton (who both had limited impacts last season) this team better draft a D-lineman if they plan on finally winning the division. And for crying out loud, sign Walter Jones to a freakin? contract already.

Good Idea: Darnell Dockett

Bad Idea: Michael Clayton

 

[Vegas Dave]

gardenweasel,

don't they want a WR? Considering their O-line dominated most team, they should get somebody to open up that passing game.