Interesting new GBN Mock

Click the link to see the whole thing plus their color key. Matt Jones at 14!

April 8, 2005
* indicates underclassman

First round
1 San Francisco *Aaron Rodgers QB California
49ers would dearly love to trade down, however, aren't likely to find any takers.. Rodgers isn't necessarily the top prosepct on the board, but gives SF the best chance of finding a starter from day one at the position

2 Miami Ronnie Brown RB Auburn
Like the 49ers, the Dolphins want to trade down, but also aren't likely to find a dance partner...Brown is the anti-Ricky; a tough runner who will show up; he's also a terrific receiver

3 Minnesota (from Cleveland)
Braylon Edwards WR Michigan
Vikes need to find a replacement for the departed Randy Moss, but could actually miss out on the big three WRs if they stay at #7... Browns will get shot at same players at #3 or 7

4 Tampa Bay (from Chicago) *Mike Williams WR Southern California
Bears and Bucs do the hokey pokey that ensures both teams get the guy they want...Bucs' Jon Gruden has made no secret about how much he likes SC's Williams a 'freakish playmaker'

5 Chicago (from Tampa Bay) Cedric Benson RB Texas
Benson isn't a burner and brings some character issues top the table; however, he's the type of back you can give the ball to 25-30 times a game and forget it

6 San Diego (from Tennessee) *Troy Williamson WR South Carolina
Chargers need a big-play WR to complete picture in team revival and won't get one of the top three down at #12...4.3 40 time at combine got the other SC's Williamson rocketing up value board's around the NFL

7 Cleveland (from Oakland thru Minnesota) *Shawn MerrimanLB Maryland
QB Alex Smith could also factor in for Browns at #3 or #7, but Merriman gives defensive guru Romeo Crennel disruptive edge rusher to rebuild defense around

8 Arizona *Alex Smith QB Utah
Kurt Warner is a decent stop-gap measure, but surely Dennis Green won't pass on his good fortune if a potential franchise type QB like Smith falls in lap; RB Carnell Williams or one of the CBs will be tempting tough

9 Washington *Adam Jones CB West Virginia
Jones will be perfect tonic for Redskins to repair secondary which has lost outstanding cover corners Champ Bailey and Fred Smoot this past couple of years

10 Detroit Derrick Johnson LB Texas
Lions are sitting pretty at #10 and should get a look at a number of quality prospects who can come in and help risimg franchise... OT Alex Barron, TE Heath Miller or one of the top remaining CBs would also be in the mix,... Johnson will combine with Boss Bailey and Teddy Lehman to give Lions one of most athletic LB trios in NFL

11 Kansas City (from Dallas) Antel Rolle CB Miami
Kansas City needs help big-time at corner and hope to acquire either Patrick Surtain in trade with Dolphins or by signing injured vet Ty Law; for now, though, a move up to get Rolle, a tough, physical cover corner might be good Plan B

12 Tennessee (from NY Giants thru San Diego) Alex Barron OT Florida State
Titans need replacement for venearble Brad Hopkins whose been around since high tops; move down makes sense because Barron would be a reach at #6; CB Rogers good fall back if Barron goes to Detroit or Dallas

13 Houston Carnell Williams RB Auburn
Texans looking at CB and pass rush help, but real feature back like Williams may be just too hard to pass up.

14 Carolina Matt Jones WR Arkansas
Somebody is going to jump on Jones early; why not the Panthers who lost Mushin Muhmmad to free agency

15 Dallas (from Kansas City) Demarcus Ware OLB Troy State
New Parcells' 3-4 defense needs explosive edge rusher in Lawrence Taylor mold to really work; Ware is raw but has super quick first step

16 New Orleans Carlos Rogers CB Auburn
Defense, defense, defense is key in Saints' draft plans; DT Travis Johnson would be fcator here too

17 Cincinnati Erasmus James DE Wisconsin
Improved pass rush is Bengals main goal at 2005 draft and Badgers' James is one of the best despite lack of pure footspeed

18 Minnesota David Pollack DE Georgia
Pollack isn't necessarily everyone's cup of tea, but he'll be a nice fit on a team where DT firm of Williams and Williams will occupy so much attention

19 Philadelphi (from St. Louis) Luis Castillo DT Northwestern
Eagles always move up so why not this year when they have a passel of extra picks; jump in ahead of divison rival Cowboys to take one of draft's rising stars

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http://www.gbnreport.com/2005projection.htm

Wow. And they have us going for Carnell Williams. I don't see him sliding down that far, but I would jump all over him if he did. The measurables on Jones are some of the best, if not THE best, I have ever seen. The question is - can he play? I think he will go on the first day for sure, but 14th? I don't know. The kid is raw as hell. Where do you play him, and what is his learning curve. I see him in the 2nd rd myself. I think you want more of a sure thing in the first.

I dont see us taking Carnell. Out of the 3 top backs I see us least likely to chose him, I think thats hes to much like DD. And we already have one of those.

I could see it. If he is there I think we don't hesitate to take him. That back combo would be hell to deal with in the playoffs. Chances are both of them wouldn't be nicked up since it would lower Dom's touches.

I think your right about Jones (second rounder) and sorry DD but if Carnell is there I would jump all over it.
What would yo rather hane a station wagon that always breaks down or a Cadillac?

This lovefest with DD has just got to stop. For once and for all - DD is NOT an elite back. Period. End of story. He is a decent back WHEN healthy, with little breakaway ability, and many durability questions. For a team like the Texans, it's vital that DD either find a way to stay on the field, or that we draft another quality back - assuming Hollings isn't the answer, and he has durablity issues himself. Like Canadian said, I would rather hane a Cadillac than a Station Wagon.

I think DD is a good RB. To me the only knock is the durabilty issue. We don't have a good OL, so his extra efforts are definately helping us whenever he is in there.

We just HAVE to start winning SOME of the wars on the line (for both offense and defense) for this team to go any further. I can't think of one game in our existence where one of our lines has dominated the other team's.

That's a very interesting mock...Troy Williamson at 6, Matt Jones at 14, and Castillo at 19 are eye openers...

As far as Cadillac, I definitely wouldn't mind having him...He and DD could arguably be the best RB tandem in the NFL...

I would never put it past Detroit to draft anybody from Texas.

Vinny said:

I could see it. If he is there I think we don't hesitate to take him. That back combo would be hell to deal with in the playoffs. Chances are both of them wouldn't be nicked up since it would lower Dom's touches.

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I dunno... can we really afford the luxury of using our top pick (13th overall in the whole Draft), to select a RB who is going to be used on a platoon basis with another back ? Seems like if we pick a RB that high we'd contemplate the starting job would be his to lose and not to share with another back.

nunusguy said:

I dunno... can we really afford the luxury of using our top pick (13th overall in the whole Draft), to select a RB who is going to be used on a platoon basis with another back ? Seems like if we pick a RB that high we'd contemplate the starting job would be his to lose and not to share with another back.

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I think Cadillac would start, but we know DD's strength is in the passing game, so I could see DD coming in on 3rd down, and of course, giving the occaisonal breather. It takes two solid RB's to win. I can't speak for Vinny, but my guess is that is what he is referring to.

nunusguy said:

I dunno... can we really afford the luxury of using our top pick (13th overall in the whole Draft), to select a RB who is going to be used on a platoon basis with another back ? Seems like if we pick a RB that high we'd contemplate the starting job would be his to lose and not to share with another back.

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The only player with the ball in his hand more than the QB is the RB. I'd jump on a franchise type back in this draft. I'd scale Dom's touches way back, use him as the third down back and have him return Kick-offs as well. We would be a running team with running threats on every down and this upgrades our kick return team since we would not have to worry so much about Dom and his little injury bug slowing the offense down.

Well at least this one makes sense to me. Barron, Merriman and Williamson are foolish picks IMHO. Barron because he can't run block. Merriman is out of the Peek mold, why double the misery ? and Williamson , there just aren't enough targets for thirteen money. But a front line back... interesting.

The Titan move is realistic since they are very high on Barron.
Also i believe miami is deperately trying to get someone to take the #2 overall pick. With talks to Ricky and saying they were Satisfied with Lamar Gordon. Minnesota and Carolina would be the only interested Parties since they both have immense depth at RB, and both need to replace valuable losses @ WR

Other than that here are the problems.

SD wouldnt have nor want to trade up to 6th to settle for Williamson.

No way Pac man gets chosen before Rolle

No way Cadillac will fall to us

I think the browns trade out to carolina after Carolina lost the bidding war for Miamis #2 to grab Mike Williams and give delhomme the bulk of the production from the 2003 trojan recieving core.

After all the clammering for the 2 big time WR,

here we go my mock

1 SF - Aaron Rodgers QB Cal - He's a hometown hero now and could be god but chances are hell be another Jake Plummer for many years.

2 Minnesota (from Miami) - Braylon Edwards WR Mich - trading both their number 1 pics was a real risk this year but the Vikings had this plan from the beginning and filled their roster with Free Agents, and gave miami an offer it couldnt refuse.

3 Carolina (from Cleveland) - Mike Williams WR USC - After losing the bidding war for #2 with Miami they immediately worked on Cleveland who need more picks so their 1st 2nd and 6th rounders Help Cleveland out.

4 Chicago - Ronnie Brown RB Aub. - Chicago couldnt be happier at this point as they wanted Brown.. badly but felt he would be gone. This could be Chicagos best draft.

5 TB - Carnell Williams RB Aub. - Gruden can't believe his division rival beat him to the punch and grabbed Williams. So they go to another Williams, Cadillac that is.

6 KC (From Tenn)- Antrell Rolle CB Miami - The Miami/surtain deal has just all but desintegrated, however they get the pick they wanted to in Rolle in a trade with Tenn for their 1st and 3rd.

7 Miami (from Minn) - Cedric Benson RB Tex - Sure they coulda had brown at #2 but they just saw Rolle the guy they wanted go to KC. They got another pick coming up in an hour so why not pick up Benson and solidify that backfield?

8 Arizona - Pacman Jones CB WV - What they passed on QB Alex Smith Denny will take his chances and try to develop McCown or a later round pickup, As Smith lacks the arm strength desired for his air it out passing game. Plus the Arizona Secondary needs a gifted corner

9 Washington - Marc Clayton WR Ok - Seeing the top 2 corners go before they could be snagged. They decide to shore up their recieving core and get the slot man of the future in clayton a guy that just seems to be a highlight reel.

10 Detroit Lions - Derrick Johnson LB TX - Detroit keeps the trend of doing well in the draft by grabbing the final piece of their LB puzzle a speedy defender that around the ball makes things happen.

11 Dallas Cowboys - Shawne Merriman DE Mary - Its a toss up between Merriman or Ware here, but Jones just liked Merriman more and felt he was a better fit plus hes the owner so Merriman it is.

12. SD - Marcus Spears DL LSU - was hoping he could slide down to miamis second pick this round and reunite with his head coach from college, but he is too good for marty to pass up.

13. Houston - Demarcus Ware DE Troy - Houston seems to be playing the draft like it did last year not trading into the top 5 but letting their guy fall to them. Demarcus like Dunta a year ago is a great NFL talent that other teams notice just a little to late maybe thats why houstons scouting Dept is so big

14. Cleveland (from Carolina) David Pollack DE Geo - Romeo loves this guy and picks him up here to be the future leader of this defense. With his energy and quickness, He will be the Big Dawg in the Dawg Pound.

15. Tennesee (from KC) Alex Barron OT FSU - The Titans GM has made it no secret he loves Barron and thinks he could be an elite LT for many years, and the first step to giving often injured QB Steve McNair more protection.

16. New Orleans Thomas Davis S Geo. - Saints could use secondary help and they get a big time Safety in Davis this allows them to move Bellamy to FS and provide them with a solid middle secondary.

17. San Diego (from Cinn) Troy Williamson WR SC - SD addressed D Line earlier now moves ahead of the falcons to snag Williamson whose speed and soft hands should have AFC west Secondaries heading to the sidelines for air.

18. Miami - Alex Smith QB Utah - Defensive needs abounding has pushed young Smith down further than people imagined. Nick Saban think Feeley is good but Smith could be great. This is Feeley's wake up call to shine next year or be a backup.

19. St Louis - Khalif Barnes OT -Wash - the need for a RT ends here as Barnes will move into that position where Kyle turley vacated to attempt DE whether that happens is a mystery. The Picking of Barnes is no mystery.

20. Dallas - Shaun Cody DE/DT USC - Defensive transitioning in dallas needs veratile players Cody is one of those plus he has the attitude parcells loves.

21. Jacksonville - Carlos Rodgers CB Aub - New Orleans passed on him for the playmaker safety Davis. The jags get an excellent corner to combat the pass happy division rival colts.

22. Baltimore - Erasmus James DE - Wis - Since LBs were purchased via FA the line line looks to improve its edge rushing capabilties with Erasmus. He should feed off Ray Lewis's intensity and be a force.

23. Seattle - Justin Miller CB Clem - Shaun Alexander isnt goin anywhere as he chose to seek trade in a draft full of young RB eager to prove themselves in the NFL, With Bobby Taylor Aging and a special team unit consisting of a 2nd string RB and Bobby Engram in steps miller to ignite the ST and challenge taylor for the starting job.

24. Green Bay - Channing Crowder LB Fla - Frye will be there in round 2, they can make a deal with Philly to get the third pick in rd. 2. They need LBs Channing is a stretch here but they like Crowders upside plus how much trouble can you get into in wisconsin?

25. Denver - Fabian Washington CB Neb - With so many D lineman in the front they need a CB playmaker playing behind them and Washington with his speed will need it against the high flying raider recievers speedy san diego draft picks and KC tight ends.

26. NY Jets - Heath Miller TE Vir - No TE activity in FA for the jets after the loss of Becht which says WE are looking to draft one and the get a good one in Miller.

27. Atlanta - Jamaal Brown OT Okl - Even wih Vicks amazing escapes he still got sacked 46 times. Bein a lefty QB means RT is the OL position that needs filling enter brown a RT with tons of potential and probably tons of future steak dinners courtesy of Mr Vick.

28. Cinci (from SD ) Justin Tuck DE ND - Cinci moves down gets SD's 2nd round pick and still gives their lifeless pass rush a much needed boost. Tuck is a pure pass rusher that reminds people of a Charles Haley. Lewis can't wait to groom this kid.

29. Indianapolis Brodney Pool S Okla - Indy needs Secondary assitance and they get it in safety form. Pool gives him a center fielder with great anticipation and awareness. He should be a mainstay with Defensive guru Dungy.

30. Pittsburgh - Matt Jones ? Ark - If anyone can shape players with no real position its Cowher. Kordell, Hines, Randle El, now Matt Jones looks to make a name for himself as a primary target for Big Ben.

31. Philadelphia - Roddy White WR UAB - Rats! philly shoulda known they needed to trade up to get Jones. Too little to late. So their next choice is Roddy White out of UAB explosive fast and someone to draw attention away from TO.

32. New England - Marlin Jackson CB/S Mich - The Patriots get the guy they wanted the whole time Jackson provides them with much needed secondary help escpecially with the eminent Departure of Ty Law.

Does anybody else think that if DJ is there at 10, we trade up for him? Sure Cadillac would be great but DJ would fill a bigger hole and it wouldnt cost us the farm just to get to 10.

If DJ is there at 10, Detroit won't trade out of that pick...After all, they are the University of Texas at Detroit, so they'd be falling all over themselves trying to get their card to Tagliabue as quick as possible...

Has a very lean lower body with sprinter's legs … Does not have the strength to push the pile … Might not be able to add more weight to absorb punishment at the next level, as his frame appears to have little room for additional growth. … Has ball security issues, especially on pitch-outs, as he has marginal hands … Has made improvement as a receiver, but is prone to letting the ball into his body and double catching it, rather than extend for the ball away from the body's frame … Gets stonewalled quite a bit trying to pick up the blitz due to his lack of size and lower-body strength.

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-NFL.com

why would a 5'11" , 217lb (with little room for additional growth) be our franchise back? not trying to take anything away from the 'caddy, but i just don't see us taking carnell if we are trying to mold ourselves into a 'pittsburg' like team. if DD isn't enough of a bruiser, where does cadillac fit in? he isn't refined catching out of the back field, has missed 8 games with broken bones (left clavical 2001, left fibula 2003) and 'has ball security issues'. wasn't 90% of this board ready too burn davis at the stake during the first four games of last season (not mention durability issues)? if carnell was an established reciever it would be one thing (marshall marshall marshall) but it seems like an impressive collegiate career is helping cadillac increase his percieved NFL potential by 'glazing over' what i see as glaring yellow flags. i think it's 60/40 he becomes a third down back within 3 years in the league that is a fan favorite wherever he ends up, and he's gonna cost someone a 2005 first rounder (hopefully not us)

jr0ck said:

-NFL.com

why would a 5'11" , 217lb (with little room for additional growth) be our franchise back? not trying to take anything away from the 'caddy, but i just don't see us taking carnell if we are trying to mold ourselves into a 'pittsburg' like team. if DD isn't enough of a bruiser, where does cadillac fit in? he isn't refined catching out of the back field, has missed 8 games with broken bones (left clavical 2001, left fibula 2003) and 'has ball security issues'. wasn't 90% of this board ready too burn davis at the stake during the first four games of last season (not mention durability issues)? if carnell was an established reciever it would be one thing (marshall marshall marshall) but it seems like an impressive collegiate career is helping cadillac increase his percieved NFL potential by 'glazing over' what i see as glaring yellow flags. i think it's 60/40 he becomes a third down back within 3 years in the league that is a fan favorite wherever he ends up, and he's gonna cost someone a 2005 first rounder (hopefully not us)

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I agree, the Caddy isn't the Car for us to drive. He is a DD copy without the NFL experience. R. Brown, yup, that would work. C. Benson....not for me, but others like him.

I agree, the Caddy isn't the Car for us to drive. He is a DD copy without the NFL experience. R. Brown, yup, that would work. C. Benson....not for me, but others like him.

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I have heard a few people here compare DD to Cadillac. The thing I do not understand is if Cadillac is a DD copy, why did DD go in the 4th round and Cadillac is considered one of the top 3 RB's of this year's draft? The reason I ask is I do not keep up with college ball at all, just wondering if there is something I am missing here...

There are alot of reasons why DD went in the 4th, and Cadilliac is one of the top backs in this draft. First and foremost is Williams' speed compared to DD's. Cadilliac is a "big play" threat. Another reason is that Cadilliac was the starter for his Auburn squad that also had a talented guy in Brown whereas DD was a 3rd down RB/KR on an LSU squad. When most people call a guy a clone to another NFL player it doesn't usually mean they share everything in common, but they have a similar playing style. One of DD's best attributes was his ability to pick up the playbook so quickly. I doubt any team really knew exactly how quickly DD was able to learn an NFL playbook, but they might have had an idea that he was a quick learner. I really don't know how quickly Cadilliac can learn so we will have to wait and see when he starts playing for whatever NFL team picks him up. FWIW Generally you can find pretty good RB talent deep into the draft. This draft should have excellent depth at RB, and we could possibly see some good RBs being grabbed in the 6th and 7th still.

One thing is Cadillac is faster. DD probably lasted to the 4th in part because of a disappointing 4.6 yd 40 at the combine. DD also didn't beat LaBrandon Toefield out for the starting job (which seems like a bizarre decision by Saban) and Toefield didn't grade as a 1st rounder so unlike Ronnie Brown not being held back by splitting time with Cadillac, DD probably got downgraded for that.

For those who don't know--DD put on a show in the Sugar Bowl

28 attempts, 122 yards, 4 TD's--heck of a day for a back-up in a big game.

How Ironic it is that toefield a starter @ LSU is now a backup in the NFL

And DD a backup at LSU is a starter in the NFL. If i was miami id mbe a little perplexed at that. considering their biggest hole is RB.

from the link 'cak provided...

At times he has played defense, and even started at defensive back against Kentucky this year.

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i guess we're not going for a corner in the draft since DD can move to nickel if we need him