2 New Orleans - Quarterbacking issue solved, at least for the short term, I look for them to draft Mario Williams DL North Carolina St
--- But they already have two good DEs (Charles Grant and Will Smith)
7 Oakland - It's been so long since Art Shell coached, I forget what his offense looks like. Vernon Davis would certainly be tempting here, especially since there QB is going to be someone like Aaron Brooks. Or possibly Vince Young, whom if he doesn't go here can tumble a long way. I think defense will ultimately win out. Haloti Ngata DT Oregon
---- With the signing of Aaron Brooks, I don't think they will pick a QB. DT seems indeed a greater need.
10 Arizona - Needs all over the defensive side. The guy who can help them the most is probably Tamba Hali DE Penn St
--- Hali at 10 is a reach methinks.
11 St. Louis - You just know that new HC Scott Linehan is going for a new offensive toy. Ike Bruce is aging, and I'm not sure Kevin Curtis can be a number 2 guy. But a WR would be a reach here. It's hard to believe that in this day and age Brandon Manamaleuna passes as a starting tight end. Leonard Pope TE Georgia
---- Ditto
15 San Francisco (from Atlanta via Denver) - Wherever he ends up playing, I'll bet the 49ers have a hole there. Jimmy Williams RB Virginia Tech
--- I've heard that Williams stock is declining and that Tye Hill would be the first CB taken.
16 Miami - Offensive line looks to be the primary need, but I don't see the value here. Bunkley is a possibility. Or a BPA approach. Or depth in the secondary. Broderick Bunkley DL Florida St.
--- Dolphins fans (from what I read on NFL draft countdown forum) prefer a DE/OLB like Manny Lawson.
19 San Diego - Aside from Wide Receiver, Corner seems to be their greatest need. Ashton Youboty CB Ohio St
--- Tye Hill should be here instead of Youboty.
24 New England (from Cincinnati) -They could probably trade down again, but I think the Pats make this pick. And to me, it comes down to who's going to help the most in 2006. Probably an OLB, or CB. I think the best choice here is Manny Lawson DE North Carolina St Caveat: If the Pats sign Arrington, which with my luck they'll do as soon as I post this, this pick would be Williams (back at 21) or Cromartie.
--- Lawson would be a great pick indeed.
28 Jacksonville - Two things to keep in mind here: CB Brian Williams is the underrated FA signing of the offseason, and RB Fred Taylor can't be counted on. The pick is Lawrence Maroney RB Minnesota
--- Don't they have Greg Jones too?
32 Pittsburgh - Thus far the Champs have lost Randle-El, Kimo, and Hope to free agency, but also Bettis to retirement and Staley to one or more of age/ineffectiveness/indifference. LenDale White RB USC makes too much sense
--- If he falls there, the Steelers will be very happy