PICK TEAM PLAYER POS SCHOOL
1 (1) 49ers Alex Smith* QB Utah
Niners' officials have arrived at two conclusions: 1) they won't be able to trade down; 2) the team cannot win in the short term. So, the 49ers will take the QB with the most upside and develop him slowly. Smith could sit behind Tim Rattay in '05 and learn without undo pressure and not take a beating behind a rebuilding offensive line. Smith has a strong arm, outstanding athleticism and the intangibles of a winner.
2 (2) Dolphins Ronnie Brown RB Auburn
New coach Nick Saban is a defense-first coach and has final say on all personnel matters. He needs a workhorse back to make his conservative, ball-control offense work. Brown is big with great speed, is tough to tackle and catches the ball well.
3 (3) Browns Aaron Rodgers* QB Cal.
GM Phil Savage picked up veteran Trent Dilfer to guide the team while a young QB is developed. Savage drafted a Jeff Tedford quarterback (Kyle Boller) at Baltimore and won't shy away from Rodgers. Rodgers is a bit undersized but has a strong arm and outstanding fundamentals.
4 (4) Bears Braylon Edwards WR Michigan
The Bears will take the biggest playmaker on the board. Some say WR Mike Williams would be the choice, but Edwards is faster and has a better character grade. Edwards is big and fast, has great hands and has the potential to become an All-Pro receiver. He immediately would become the Bears' best offensive player.
5 (5) Buccaneers Carnell Williams RB Auburn
Coach Jon Gruden says he never can have enough weapons. The public favorite is hometown boy Mike Williams, but the Bucs are in more need of a workhorse back. Carnell Williams has the size to take the pounding and the speed to score on any carry.
6 (6) Titans Derrick Johnson OLB Texas
Despite what Titans officials say, the team is in rebuilding mode. Coach Jeff Fisher is a defense-first guy. Pairing Johnson with Keith Bulluck would turn the linebacker corps from mediocre to good. Johnson is a great athlete with natural football instincts.
7 (7) Vikings Mike Williams* WR USC
(from Oakland) The Vikings rebuilt the defense through free agency and trades and will look to replace some of Randy Moss' production here. Williams is big, physical and fast enough to create mismatches all over the field.
8 (8) Cardinals Cedric Benson RB Texas
The Cardinals have outstanding young receivers, upgraded the offensive line through free agency and put a Band-Aid on the QB position. Coach Dennis Green covets a power running back, and Benson has the size and will to run hard between the tackles and the great vision and speed to get outside. Benson would balance the offense and take pressure off the QB.
9 (9) Redskins Adam Jones* CB W.Va.
Washington traded away Champ Bailey last year, just lost Fred Smoot in free agency and now have a glaring need at cornerback. Jones lacks great size but is a big-time playmaker with a confident, winning attitude. He gambles at times, but his risky decisions usually pay off. Jones would have to become a better assignment corner in coordinator's Gregg Williams' disciplined defense.
10 (10) Lions Antrel Rolle CB Miami (FL)
Facing the Vikings and Packers twice a year in the pass-happy NFC North, Detroit is forced to use nickel personnel about two-thirds of the time. Rolle has good size and decent speed but shows impressive football knowledge and instincts.
11 (11) Cowboys Troy Williamson* WR S. Carolina
With the first of two first-round picks, the Cowboys hope to get the missing piece in their attempt to re-create the triplet magic of the '90s at QB, RB and WR. Last year, the team drafted RB Julius Jones. This offseason, strong-armed QB Drew Bledsoe was signed. Williamson immediately would become Bledsoe's deep threat and open things up for Keyshawn Johnson underneath.
12 (12) Chargers Mark Clayton WR Oklahoma
(from NY Giants) San Diego would be thrilled if Clayton were on the board here. Clayton -- who has been compared to Marvin Harrison -- is a playmaker who can score from anywhere. Clayton is a little undersized but shows elite speed, hands and agility.
13 (13) Texans Alex Barron T Florida St.
The Texans would be thrilled if Barron -- the No. 1-rated player in our Super 99 -- slides this far. Barron is huge and has outstanding athleticism. Most important, he is a great pass blocker. Barron might struggle if asked to play right tackle because he is not an exceptional run blocker. He would start from Day 1.
14 (14) Panthers Travis Johnson DT Florida St.
DT Brentson Buckner is of retirement age, and Johnson would be an ideal heir. Johnson is a big, physical presence and would team with Kris Jenkins to form a dominant interior line.
15 (15) Chiefs Erasmus James DE Wis.
The Chiefs' line is the weakest of several weak links on defense. James is an active, two-way end who plays with great intensity and with great leverage.
16 (16) Saints Carlos Rogers CB Auburn
Rogers' stock is rising and would be an immediate upgrade for New Orleans. Rogers, whose stock is rising, has great speed and quickness. He is physical and fearless and would help against the run, too. He needs to improve his ball skills, however.
17 (17) Bengals Shawne Merriman* DE Maryland
The Bengals had trouble stopping the run in '04. Merriman is an outstanding athlete who can play DE or OLB and could be the key ingredient to improving the team's athleticism. The Bengals would use Merriman as a pass-rush specialist at first but develop him into a two-way end opposite Justin Smith.
18 (18) Vikings David Pollack DE Georgia
Pollack would give Minnesota an athletic, standup edge rusher needed to use Ted Cottrell's preferred 3-4 scheme. Pollack is short but compensates with great speed, quickness, instincts and hustle. Best suited as a pass rusher, Pollack also can stuff the run and play in open field.
19 (19) Rams Jammal Brown T Oklahoma
The Rams locked up franchise LT Orlando Pace but still must replace RT Kyle Turley from a thin '05 class. Brown has long, strong arms and works best in pass protection. He has the tools for run blocking but must get stronger and bulkier to excel.
20 (20) Cowboys Marcus Spears DE LSU
(from Buffalo) Bill Parcells is a 3-4 defensive coach at heart and is looking to acquire the personnel to make the transition. Spears has the size and athleticism to play end in a two-gap scheme.
21 (21) Jaguars Matt Roth DE Iowa
The Jaguars have two of the best young DTs in the game in John Henderson and Marcus Stroud, and they added DE Reggie Hayward. Roth plays with nonstop hustle and sometimes gets a little out of control. He must improve his pass-rush discipline but shows tremendous potential.
22 (22) Ravens Shaun Cody DT USC
The Ravens are converting to a 4-3 and must restock personnel. Cody is a versatile and can play anywhere on the line. He eventually will settle in at DT but has the quickness and intensity to fit the Ravens' attacking persona.
23 (23) Seahawks Justin Miller* CB Clemson
Seattle lost CB Ken Lucas in free agency and must fill his spot early. Miller possesses great change-of-direction and ball skills and is tough and physical. He also is a productive kick returner.
24 (24) Packers Demarcus Ware DE Troy State
Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila is Green Bay's only viable pass rusher. Ware played outside linebacker in college but would move to end in Green Bay. He shows the speed and burst to be a dynamic pass rusher and has the athleticism and instincts to defend the run.
25 (25) Broncos Justin Tuck* DE Notre Dame
The Broncos are looking to trade Trevor Pryce and have little talent or depth at end after losing Hayward. Tuck is a relentless pass rusher who would step in and help Denver pressure the quarterback.
26 (26) Jets Corey Webster CB LSU
Defensive coordinator Donnie Henderson likes to attack, often leaving cornerbacks man-to-man outside. Webster has good size and long arms, is physical at the line and is willing to support the run. He uses his frame and ball skills to his advantage downfield, making up for his slight speed deficiency.
27 (27) Falcons Darryl Blackstock* OLB Va.
Defensive coordinator Ed Donatell calls for an upfield attacking scheme. Paired with Pro Bowler Keith Brooking, Blackstock would be set free to use his speed and athleticism to chase the ball.
28 (28) Chargers Brodney Pool* S Oklahoma
Pool is an outstanding athlete who is strong in run support and above average in coverage. He is the kind of physical, athletic safety coordinators covet. Pool has a nose for the ball and would upgrade the Chargers' mediocre run defense, for sure.
29 (29) Colts Fabian Washington* CB Nebraska
Washington had an Olympian Combine workout, posting a 4.29-second 40-yard dash, a 3.91 short shuttle and a 41 1/2-inch vertical leap. A bit undersized at 5-10 1/2, 188, he compensates with his athleticism and strong coverage skills.
30 (30) Steelers Marlin Jackson CB Michigan
Jackson is a big, physical corner but lacks elite speed. He compensates with great quickness. He played cornerback and safety in college and would be a factor in the Steelers' nickel packages until eventually taking over for veteran CB Willie Williams.
31 (31) Eagles Channing Crowder* OLB Florida
Linebacker is the only weak link in an elite defense. Jim Johnson likes to blitz from everywhere and needs athletic linebackers to be most effective. If not for some character concerns, no way Crowder would last this long. He is aggressive and plays with nonstop hustle. He can be undisciplined but still is young, having played only two years at Florida.
32 (32) Patriots Barrett Ruud OLB Nebraska
The Patriots' defense is driven by aging linebackers. Tedy Bruschi might not return from a minor stroke, and Ted Johnson and Willie McGinest are two of league's oldest linebackers. Ruud is the versatile player Bill Belichick looks for. Ruud isn't the most athletic defender, but he plays smart and has great character.
1 (1) 49ers Alex Smith* QB Utah
Niners' officials have arrived at two conclusions: 1) they won't be able to trade down; 2) the team cannot win in the short term. So, the 49ers will take the QB with the most upside and develop him slowly. Smith could sit behind Tim Rattay in '05 and learn without undo pressure and not take a beating behind a rebuilding offensive line. Smith has a strong arm, outstanding athleticism and the intangibles of a winner.
2 (2) Dolphins Ronnie Brown RB Auburn
New coach Nick Saban is a defense-first coach and has final say on all personnel matters. He needs a workhorse back to make his conservative, ball-control offense work. Brown is big with great speed, is tough to tackle and catches the ball well.
3 (3) Browns Aaron Rodgers* QB Cal.
GM Phil Savage picked up veteran Trent Dilfer to guide the team while a young QB is developed. Savage drafted a Jeff Tedford quarterback (Kyle Boller) at Baltimore and won't shy away from Rodgers. Rodgers is a bit undersized but has a strong arm and outstanding fundamentals.
4 (4) Bears Braylon Edwards WR Michigan
The Bears will take the biggest playmaker on the board. Some say WR Mike Williams would be the choice, but Edwards is faster and has a better character grade. Edwards is big and fast, has great hands and has the potential to become an All-Pro receiver. He immediately would become the Bears' best offensive player.
5 (5) Buccaneers Carnell Williams RB Auburn
Coach Jon Gruden says he never can have enough weapons. The public favorite is hometown boy Mike Williams, but the Bucs are in more need of a workhorse back. Carnell Williams has the size to take the pounding and the speed to score on any carry.
6 (6) Titans Derrick Johnson OLB Texas
Despite what Titans officials say, the team is in rebuilding mode. Coach Jeff Fisher is a defense-first guy. Pairing Johnson with Keith Bulluck would turn the linebacker corps from mediocre to good. Johnson is a great athlete with natural football instincts.
7 (7) Vikings Mike Williams* WR USC
(from Oakland) The Vikings rebuilt the defense through free agency and trades and will look to replace some of Randy Moss' production here. Williams is big, physical and fast enough to create mismatches all over the field.
8 (8) Cardinals Cedric Benson RB Texas
The Cardinals have outstanding young receivers, upgraded the offensive line through free agency and put a Band-Aid on the QB position. Coach Dennis Green covets a power running back, and Benson has the size and will to run hard between the tackles and the great vision and speed to get outside. Benson would balance the offense and take pressure off the QB.
9 (9) Redskins Adam Jones* CB W.Va.
Washington traded away Champ Bailey last year, just lost Fred Smoot in free agency and now have a glaring need at cornerback. Jones lacks great size but is a big-time playmaker with a confident, winning attitude. He gambles at times, but his risky decisions usually pay off. Jones would have to become a better assignment corner in coordinator's Gregg Williams' disciplined defense.
10 (10) Lions Antrel Rolle CB Miami (FL)
Facing the Vikings and Packers twice a year in the pass-happy NFC North, Detroit is forced to use nickel personnel about two-thirds of the time. Rolle has good size and decent speed but shows impressive football knowledge and instincts.
11 (11) Cowboys Troy Williamson* WR S. Carolina
With the first of two first-round picks, the Cowboys hope to get the missing piece in their attempt to re-create the triplet magic of the '90s at QB, RB and WR. Last year, the team drafted RB Julius Jones. This offseason, strong-armed QB Drew Bledsoe was signed. Williamson immediately would become Bledsoe's deep threat and open things up for Keyshawn Johnson underneath.
12 (12) Chargers Mark Clayton WR Oklahoma
(from NY Giants) San Diego would be thrilled if Clayton were on the board here. Clayton -- who has been compared to Marvin Harrison -- is a playmaker who can score from anywhere. Clayton is a little undersized but shows elite speed, hands and agility.
13 (13) Texans Alex Barron T Florida St.
The Texans would be thrilled if Barron -- the No. 1-rated player in our Super 99 -- slides this far. Barron is huge and has outstanding athleticism. Most important, he is a great pass blocker. Barron might struggle if asked to play right tackle because he is not an exceptional run blocker. He would start from Day 1.
14 (14) Panthers Travis Johnson DT Florida St.
DT Brentson Buckner is of retirement age, and Johnson would be an ideal heir. Johnson is a big, physical presence and would team with Kris Jenkins to form a dominant interior line.
15 (15) Chiefs Erasmus James DE Wis.
The Chiefs' line is the weakest of several weak links on defense. James is an active, two-way end who plays with great intensity and with great leverage.
16 (16) Saints Carlos Rogers CB Auburn
Rogers' stock is rising and would be an immediate upgrade for New Orleans. Rogers, whose stock is rising, has great speed and quickness. He is physical and fearless and would help against the run, too. He needs to improve his ball skills, however.
17 (17) Bengals Shawne Merriman* DE Maryland
The Bengals had trouble stopping the run in '04. Merriman is an outstanding athlete who can play DE or OLB and could be the key ingredient to improving the team's athleticism. The Bengals would use Merriman as a pass-rush specialist at first but develop him into a two-way end opposite Justin Smith.
18 (18) Vikings David Pollack DE Georgia
Pollack would give Minnesota an athletic, standup edge rusher needed to use Ted Cottrell's preferred 3-4 scheme. Pollack is short but compensates with great speed, quickness, instincts and hustle. Best suited as a pass rusher, Pollack also can stuff the run and play in open field.
19 (19) Rams Jammal Brown T Oklahoma
The Rams locked up franchise LT Orlando Pace but still must replace RT Kyle Turley from a thin '05 class. Brown has long, strong arms and works best in pass protection. He has the tools for run blocking but must get stronger and bulkier to excel.
20 (20) Cowboys Marcus Spears DE LSU
(from Buffalo) Bill Parcells is a 3-4 defensive coach at heart and is looking to acquire the personnel to make the transition. Spears has the size and athleticism to play end in a two-gap scheme.
21 (21) Jaguars Matt Roth DE Iowa
The Jaguars have two of the best young DTs in the game in John Henderson and Marcus Stroud, and they added DE Reggie Hayward. Roth plays with nonstop hustle and sometimes gets a little out of control. He must improve his pass-rush discipline but shows tremendous potential.
22 (22) Ravens Shaun Cody DT USC
The Ravens are converting to a 4-3 and must restock personnel. Cody is a versatile and can play anywhere on the line. He eventually will settle in at DT but has the quickness and intensity to fit the Ravens' attacking persona.
23 (23) Seahawks Justin Miller* CB Clemson
Seattle lost CB Ken Lucas in free agency and must fill his spot early. Miller possesses great change-of-direction and ball skills and is tough and physical. He also is a productive kick returner.
24 (24) Packers Demarcus Ware DE Troy State
Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila is Green Bay's only viable pass rusher. Ware played outside linebacker in college but would move to end in Green Bay. He shows the speed and burst to be a dynamic pass rusher and has the athleticism and instincts to defend the run.
25 (25) Broncos Justin Tuck* DE Notre Dame
The Broncos are looking to trade Trevor Pryce and have little talent or depth at end after losing Hayward. Tuck is a relentless pass rusher who would step in and help Denver pressure the quarterback.
26 (26) Jets Corey Webster CB LSU
Defensive coordinator Donnie Henderson likes to attack, often leaving cornerbacks man-to-man outside. Webster has good size and long arms, is physical at the line and is willing to support the run. He uses his frame and ball skills to his advantage downfield, making up for his slight speed deficiency.
27 (27) Falcons Darryl Blackstock* OLB Va.
Defensive coordinator Ed Donatell calls for an upfield attacking scheme. Paired with Pro Bowler Keith Brooking, Blackstock would be set free to use his speed and athleticism to chase the ball.
28 (28) Chargers Brodney Pool* S Oklahoma
Pool is an outstanding athlete who is strong in run support and above average in coverage. He is the kind of physical, athletic safety coordinators covet. Pool has a nose for the ball and would upgrade the Chargers' mediocre run defense, for sure.
29 (29) Colts Fabian Washington* CB Nebraska
Washington had an Olympian Combine workout, posting a 4.29-second 40-yard dash, a 3.91 short shuttle and a 41 1/2-inch vertical leap. A bit undersized at 5-10 1/2, 188, he compensates with his athleticism and strong coverage skills.
30 (30) Steelers Marlin Jackson CB Michigan
Jackson is a big, physical corner but lacks elite speed. He compensates with great quickness. He played cornerback and safety in college and would be a factor in the Steelers' nickel packages until eventually taking over for veteran CB Willie Williams.
31 (31) Eagles Channing Crowder* OLB Florida
Linebacker is the only weak link in an elite defense. Jim Johnson likes to blitz from everywhere and needs athletic linebackers to be most effective. If not for some character concerns, no way Crowder would last this long. He is aggressive and plays with nonstop hustle. He can be undisciplined but still is young, having played only two years at Florida.
32 (32) Patriots Barrett Ruud OLB Nebraska
The Patriots' defense is driven by aging linebackers. Tedy Bruschi might not return from a minor stroke, and Ted Johnson and Willie McGinest are two of league's oldest linebackers. Ruud is the versatile player Bill Belichick looks for. Ruud isn't the most athletic defender, but he plays smart and has great character.
