Round 1
- San Francisco 49ers
QB Alex Smith - Utah
Smith is not signed, but the 49ers pulled the trigger anyway. They really had no choice. Now the real work begins.... Developing him into an NFL QB.
- My Prediction: QB Alex Smith
- Needs: QB, FS, OG, DL, RB, WR
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- Miami Dolphins
RB Ronnie Brown - Auburn
All the talk about Edwards ended up being a smokescreen. The Dolphins were undoubtedly trying to trade down with a team that wanted the consensus top receiver. When all was said and done they stayed put and filled their most pressing need.
- My Prediction: RB Ronnie Brown - Auburn
- Needs: RB, OLB, LT, QB, WR
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- Cleveland Browns
WR Braylon Edwards - Michigan
The top of this draft was supposed to be in flux. So far everything has held to form. Phil Savage repeatedly said Edwards was on the top of his draft board. Edwards was available. Savage selected Edwards. What is annoying is that after the first three picks it is already five minutes to one o'clock. The first day may last til midnight.
- My Prediction: WR Braylon Edwards - Michigan
- Needs: DL, LB, QB, OT, WR
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- Chicago Bears
RB Cedrick Benson - Texas
The Bears go for the safest offensive skill position player. A between the tackles pounder with incredible durability. Benson will allow the Bears to take the ball out of Rex Grossman's hands and keep a very good defense rested by controlling the clock.
- My Prediction: RB Cedrick Benson - Texas
- Needs: WR, RB, TE, OLB, OG
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- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
RB Carnell Williams - Auburn
Three backs go in the first five picks. I had Williams pencilled into this pick the entire post season until my most recent mock draft when I bought the hype on Aaron Rodgers. Oh well. This is a good pick for the Buccaneers. An instinctive runner that impressed Jon Gruden at the Senior Bowl.
- My Prediction: QB Aaron Rodgers - California
- Needs: RB, WR, OG, S, LB
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- Tennessee Titans
CB Adam Jones - West Virginia
Based on need a corner almost had to be the pick. The question was which corner. The Titans decided to go for speed and upside over long term production. The fact that Jones is also an accomplished return man probably didn't hurt.
- My Prediction: CB Artrel Rolle - Miami, Fla
- Needs: CB, WR, OT, LB, OG
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- Minnesota Vikings
WR Troy Williamson - South Carolina
OK, now here was a team that wasn't blowing smoke. Reports were that they preferred Williamson to Williams because of his speed. They did.... This was an amazing rise up the draft board. Williamson almost came out of nowhere. He was underutilized in Lou Holtz's offense and his decision to come out early was not really expected. The decision was obviously the right one.
- My Prediction: WR Troy Williamson - South Carolina
- Needs: WR, DE, OG, SS, OLB
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- Arizona Cardinals
CB Antrel Rolle - Miami, Fla
Denny Green gets lucky. Rolle is an immediate starter. He is experienced, fills a desperate need and fits the system perfectly. The Aaron Rodgers free fall is officially on.
- My Prediction: RB Carnell Williams - Auburn
- Needs: CB, RB, DT, TE, QB
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- Washington Redskins
CB Carlos Rogers - Auburn
A need pick. Maybe a slight reach with the top two corners off the board. Rogers is probably a safer pick at CB than Jones. He might never develop into a star. The chance of him going bust appears minimal.
- My Prediction: CB Adam Jones - West Virginia
- Needs: CB, DE, WR, MLB, OG
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- Detroit Lions
WR Mike Williams - USC
Wow. The Lions take a WR with the top pick for a third straight year. I am not sure if the Lions think Williams will eventually move to H-back. Maybe they just figure Charles Rogers will never get over his injury problems. By the way, kudos to Steel Phantom for prediciting this pick in his mock draft.
- My Prediction: LB Derrick Johnson - Texas
- Needs: DE, LB, OT, FS, WR
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- Dallas Cowboys
LB/DE Demarcus Ware - Troy St
The decision seemed to be between Ware and Merriman. The Cowboys go for the leaner yet more explosive Ware. He has the frame to add some bulk to play down in four man fronts and the athleticism to stand up. This is a gutsy pick on a player that did not play on the major college level and just a few weeks ago seemed like a possibility for the Steelers at 30.
- My Prediction: LB/DE Shawne Merriman - Maryland
- Needs: S, DE, LB, WR, CB
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- San Diego Chargers (from NY Giants)
LB/DE Shawne Merriman - Maryland
Couldn't really go wrong with whichever one of Merriman or Ware was not picked by the Cowboys. The Chargers needed help getting pressure on the QB. They got that help.
- My Prediction: LB/DE Demarcus Ware - Troy St
- Needs: DE, OLB, LT, WR, FS
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- New Orleans Saints (from Carolina)
OT Jammal Brown - Oklahoma
One of the most surprising thngs in this draft is that the first trade didn't go down until the thirteenth pick. The Saints get ahead of the Panthers to fill a need at right tackle. When this deal was first made I thought the Saints were trying to get ahead of the Chiefs to take their choice of Derrick Johnson or Thomas Davis. Their defense, especially the linebackers, needs a lot of help. This move also makes sense. With the top three receivers off the board the Panthers were expected to look at OT. RT Brown goes ahead of LT Barron because of his tenaciousness and attitude. Brown is an immediate starter and free agent signee Jermaine Mayberry can move inside.
- My Prediction: CB Carlos Rogers - Auburn (at 16)
- Needs: LB, DT, S, OT, CB
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- Carolina Panthers
S/LB Thomas Davis - Georgia
Davis is a playmaker. Paul Tagliabue announced Davis as a LB when this pick was made. Whether that means anything or not is anybodies guess. Davis should make an impact no matter where he plays on what is developing into a very scary defense. Since the eleventh pick this draft has gotten interesting. Teams have been taking players that the team right after them has supposedly coveted. All the while Aaron Rogers and Derrick Johnson have been dropping.
- My Prediction: WR Mike Williams - USC
- Needs: WR, S, G/RT, RB, OLB
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- Kansas City Chiefs
LB Derrick Johnson - Texas
The Chiefs get a bargain. Johnson was an ultra-productive multi-year starter. Many thought he would come out last season and be the first linebacker selected in a much deeper draft. Sometimes it seems like NFL teams start to nitpick about players like Johnson that have been top prospects for a long time. Concerns about his intensity and ability to fight through blocks that surfaced in the weeks leading up to the draft have been overblown.
- My Prediction: S/LB Thomas Davis - Georgia
- Needs: OLB, DE, CB, WR, QB
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- Houston Texans
DT Travis Johnson - Florida St
The Texans really needed to upgrade the defensive line and the trade down to sixteen for an extra pick in 2006 was a smart move. That said, I am honestly surprised they took Johnson over Marcus Spears. They could have probably traded down again into the early twenties and still gotten Johnson.
- My Prediction: OT Alex Barron (at 13)
- Needs: OT, DE, SS, WR, LB
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- Cincinnati Bengals
DE David Pollack - Georgia
Pollack is a high motor player that will make Marvin Lewis happy with his all out effort. The question is his size. If he lines up opposite Justin Smith at end the Bengals will be very light on the edges. That may end up being a problem in a division that has teams that have offenses built around the power running game.
- My Prediction: DE Marcus Spears - LSU
- Needs: C/G, S, DE, TE, DT
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- Minnesota Vikings
DE Erasmus James - Wisconsin
Hey, I finally got another one right. Ths should be the perfect situation for James. He gets to start immediately on the weak side with three other linemen that have to be accounted for on every play. He just needs to stay healthy.
- My Prediction: DE Erasmus James - Wisconsin
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- St. Louis Rams
OT Alex Barron - Florida St
Barron will have to play right tackle with Pace signed long term. On any other team that might be a problem. It should be OK for the pass happy Rams.
- My Prediction: OT Jammal Brown - Oklahoma
- Needs: RT, CB, S, DE, TE
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- Dallas Cowboys (from Buffalo)
DE Marcus Spears - LSU
Jerry Jones and Bill Parcells get lucky. Really lucky. They wanted to use both of their first rounders to improve the defensive front seven. They were even said to be willing to trade up from twenty for Spears. Having him fall to this pick is an unexpected bonus.
- My Prediction: WR Mark Clayton - Oklahoma
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- Jacksonville Jaguars
WR/TE Matt Jones - Arkansas
Rich Gosselin had this one pegged. The Jaguars take a chance on the biggest riser in the draft. Whether he ends up playing receiver or H-back is really immaterial. The only question now is can turn his obvious physical skills into on the field production.
- My Prediction: CB Fabian Washington - Nebraska
- Needs: OT, CB, RB, DE, WR
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- Baltimore Ravens
WR Mark Clayton - Oklahoma
Clayton fell into their laps and the Ravens pulled the trigger. By adding him in the draft and signing Derrick Mason as a free agent a major weakness has been turned into a strength. Now Kyle Boller needs to produce.
- My Prediction: WR Roddy White - Alabama, Birmingham
- Needs: DT, WR, C, RT, CB
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- Oakland Raiders (from Seattle)
CB Fabian Washington - Nebraska
The Raiders move up again to make sure they get their man. Washington's game revolves around speed. That is what Al Davis wanted out of this draft.
- My Prediction: CB Justin Miller - Clemson (at 26)
- Needs: LB, CB, S, G/C, DT
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- Green Bay Packers
QB Aaron Rodgers - California
The slide is finally over. Green Bay has a bunch of defensive needs, they just can't pass on Rodgers at this point in the draft. Rodgers will get some time behind Brett Favre to refine his mechanics and develop his skills. Not having to count on Craig Nall or JT O'Sullivan as the quarterback of the future should help new GM Ted Thompson sleep a little better at night. Mike Sherman in the last year of his contract as coach may not be quite as happy.
- My Prediction: DT Travis Johnson - Florida St
- Needs: LB, S, DE, CB, OG
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- Washington Redskins (from Denver)
QB Jason Campbell - Auburn
The worst kept secret of the draft was that the Redskins traded into this pick for Campbell. Luckily he was still available. Campbell blossomed as a senior under his fourth different offensive coordinator. Gibbs wanted to hand pick his quarterback of the future. He gets his wish.
- My Prediction: QB Jason Campbell - Auburn
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- Seattle Seahawks (from NY Jets thru Oakland)
C/G Chris Spencer - Mississippi
The Seahawks were reportedly interested in Spencer. Starting center Robbie Tobek is 35 and RG Chris Gray is a journeyman. The Seahawks have basically nothing behind either one of them. To trade down for a fourth rounder and still get their man was a good move.
- My Prediction: DE David Pollack - Georgia (at 23)
- Needs: C/G, OLB, DE, WR, RB
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- Atlanta Falcons
WR Roddy White - Alabama, Birmingham
A big play receiver for Michael Vick. This is kind of an interesting selection. Vick has been more of a runner than a passer. Maybe adding more talent at receiver will help him in the passing game. I sort of thought the Falcons might look to improve the offensive or defensve line while hoping that last year's first rounder Michael Jenkins would develop.
- My Prediction: OT Khalif Barnes - Washington
- Needs: OT, DL, WR, OG, CB
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- San Diego Chargers
DT Luis Castillo - Northwestern
The Chargers can't be particularly happy that the Falcons picked White. They certainly took every second of their fifteen minutes. Marty Shottenheimer is a defensive coach so he probably isn't all that disturbed. Castillo was not affected by his positive test for ando at the combine. He adds more athleticism to the defensive front seven along with Shayne Merriman.
- My Prediction: WR/TE Matt Jones - Arkansas
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- Indianapolis Colts
CB Marlin Jackson - Michigan
The Colts had to take defense. Maybe more so than the Chiefs because they did very little in free agency. They could have gone in any number of directions. Jackson was as good a pick as any.
- My Prediction: DT/DE Shaun Cody - USC
- Needs: CB, LB, DT, OG, DE
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- Pittsburgh Steelers
TE Heath Miller - Virginia
The Steelers didn't hesitate. I thought they might take some time to explore the possibility of a trade down. They did not. Miller was obviously their man all along. He should start immediately if healthy. Will the Steelers actually use him in the passing game? I hope so.
- My Prediction: TE Heath Miller - Virginia
- Needs: CB, TE, RT/G, WR, LB
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- Philadelphia Eagles
DT Mike Patterson - USC
Patterson goes before Shaun Cody. That honestly surprises me. Small tackles can succeed in this league. This just seems like a better pick at about fifty than at thirty-one.
- My Prediction: C/G Chris Spencer - Mississippi
- Needs: G/C, RB, DL, WR, OLB
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- New England Patriots
T/G Logan Mankins - Fresno St
My projected pick to the Patriots in the second round. A reach, but who is going to question Belicheck. Mankins is a high motor player that should fit in well. He fills a major need created by the free agent losses of Joe Andruzzi and Adrian Klemm.
- My Prediction: CB/S Marlin Jackson - Michigan
- Needs: ILB, CB, OG, OT, S
Round 2
- San Francisco 49ers - G/C David Baas - Michigan
Should be an immediate starter at RG over Eric Heitmann.
- Cleveland Browns - S Brodney Pool - Oklahoma
Combined with the return of Sean Jones provides a major upgrade at S.
- Philadelphia Eagles (from Mia) - WR Reggie Brown - Georgia
Probably means the end of Freddie Mitchell in Philadelphia.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers - LB Barrett Ruud - Nebraska
Competition for Shelton Quarles in the middle and possibly Ryan Nece on the strong side.
- Detroit Lions (from Ten) - DT/DE Shaun Cody - USC
Good value to target in a trade up for a very thin defensive line.
- Oakland Raiders - CB Stanford Routt - Houston
Al Davis reaches for speed. Not really a surprise.
- Chicago Bears - WR Mark Bradley - Oklahoma
Explosive, but not nearly the best receiver available.
- New Orleans Saints (from Was) - S Josh Bullocks - Nebraska
An immediate starter at FS next to newly signed Dwight Smith.
- Tennessee Titans (from Det) - OT Michael Roos - Eastern Washington
A projection. Top physical skills with limited experience.
- Dallas Cowboys - LB Kevin Burnett - Tennessee
Can play outside in a 4-3 and inside in a 3-4. So far the Cowboys have had the best draft.
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- New York Giants
CB Corey Webster - LSU
The Giants have very little after Will Allen and William Peterson at corner. There were actually rumblings the Steelers might consider Webster in the first round.
- Needs: OLB, DT, G/C, FS, CB, RB
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- Arizona Cardinals - RB JJ Arrington - California
The runner Green wanted all along if he didn't draft a back in the first round.
- Seattle Seahawks (from Car) - LB Lofa Tatupu - USC
They traded up for this? The first player picked that I didn't expect to go on the first day.
- Miami Dolphins (from KC) - DE Matt Roth - Iowa
Nice insurance for the injury prone and aging Vonnie Holliday.
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- New York Jets (from Hou thru Oak)
K Mike Nugent - Ohio St
The Jets might have beaten the Steelers in last year's playoffs if Mike Nugent was their kicker. They obviously must have thought the Vikings were going to take him in two picks.
- Needs: CB, OT, DT, SS, WR
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- Cincinnati Bengals - LB Odell Thurman - Georgia
A step toward improving against the run.
- Minnesota Vikings - G/T Marcus Johnson - Mississippi
A mauler that looks like an immediate upgrade over Chris Liwienski at RG.
- St. Louis Rams - CB/S Ronald Bartell - Howard
Slight reach for a physically gifted small school prospect.
- Green Bay Packers (from NO) - CB/S Nick Collins - Bethune Cookman
I actually had him rated slightly ahead of Bartell, although in the mid-third round.
- Jacksonville Jaguars - OT Khalif Barnes - Washington
Senior Bowl star slips a bit. Has the physical skills to dominate with better focus.
- Baltimore Ravens - DE/LB Dan Cody - Oklahoma
Good value. Will be interesting to see how he is used with the switch back to a 4-3.
- Carolina Panthers (from Sea) - RB Eric Shelton - Louisville
A big back to replace Stephen Davis. Either now or in the future.
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- Buffalo Bills
WR Roscoe Parrish - Miami, Fla
A surprise for a team that needs help on both lines. Seems very similar to Lee Evans. Not bad value though.... Will help immediately as a return man.
- Needs: LT, DT, CB, G/C, RB
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- Denver Broncos
CB Darrent Williams - Oklahoma
Fast and tough. Kind of a surprise this early because his small stature could limit him to nickel back. A solid return man.
- Needs: S, C/G, CB, WR, OT
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- New York Jets - CB Justin Miller - Clemson
Traded out of the first round, took a kicker and still got first round value at CB.
- Green Bay Packers - WR Terrence Murphy - Texas A&M
Should have gone sooner. Two offensive players in their first three picks is a surprise.
- Atlanta Falcons - DT/DE Jonathan Babineaux - Iowa
Nice combination of value and filling a need.
- Indianapolis Colts - CB Kelvin Hayden - Illinois
Loading up on corners. This is a major reach on a project.
- San Diego Chargers - WR Vincent Jackson - Northern Colorado
A big receiver to add another dimension to the offense
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- Pittsburgh Steelers
CB Bryant McFadden - Florida St
The Steelers targeted cornerback in the second round and they didn't deviate from the plan. McFadden is a solid value that gets picked after several projects at corner were already taken by other teams. He is stout in run support and did not allow a touchdown through the air in the last two seasons.
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- Philadelphia Eagles - OLB Matt McCoy - San Diego St
Fast riser that should help on the weak side.
- Baltimore Ravens (from NE) - OT Adam Terry - Syracuse
A trade up to fill a need.
Round 3
- San Francisco 49ers - RB Frank Gore - Miami, Fla
A steal if his knees hold up. That is a big if....
- St. Louis Rams (from Mia) - S Oshiomogho Atogwe - Stanford
Badly needed a free safety with ball skills.
- Cleveland Browns - QB Charlie Frye - Akron
Get their QB of the future a round later than expected.
- Tennessee Titans - WR Courtney Roby - Indiana
Has to be able to play in a hurry with Mason in Baltimore.
- Oakland Raiders - QB Andew Walters - Arizona St
Would have been rated higher if not for a shoulder injury that ended his senior season.
- Miami Dolphins (from Chi) - LB Channing Crowder - Florida
An explosive playmaker that drops because of character and injury concerns.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers - TE Alex Smith - Stanford
A pass receiving TE to pair with blocking TE Anthony Becht.
- Detroit Lions - CB Stanley Wilson - Stanford
Good measurables. Needs to contibute immediately as a nickel corner.
- Houston Texans (from Dal) - RB Vernand Morency - Oklahoma St
An instinctive runner to compliment Domanick Davis.
- New York Giants - DE Justin Tuck - Notre Dame
An edge rusher that fell much farther than expected.
- Arizona Cardinals - CB Eric Green - Virginia Tech
Excellent value. Could start next to Rolle in an all rookie corner duo.
- Denver Broncos (from Was) - CB Karl Paymah - Washington St
Drafted more on measurables than performance.
- Philadelphia Eagles (from KC) - RB Ryan Moats - Louisiana Tech
Depth to help keep Brian Westbrook fresh.
- Oakland Raiders (from Hou) - ILB Kirk Morrison - San Diego St
Another much needed piece to the defensive puzzle.
- Carolina Panthers - G/T Evan Mathis - Alabama
Will compete with Tutan Reyes for immediate playing time.
- Minnesota Vikings - CB/S Dustin Fox - Ohio St
Could get immediate playing time at FS.
- St. Louis Rams - C Richie Incognito - Nebraska
Has the skills. Of the field issues are a major concern.
- New Orleans Saints - LB Alfred Fincher - Connecticut
A two down run stuffer that could develop into something more.
- Cincinnati Bengals - WR Chris Henry - West Virginia
Another big receiver to go along with Johnson, Houshmandzadeh and Washington.
- New England Patriots (from Bal) - CB Ellis Hobbs - Iowa St
Skilled overachiever that lacks ideal height.
- Seattle Seahawks - QB David Greene - Georgia
Good fit in the WCO for a team that is very thin behind Matt Hasselbeck.
- Buffalo Bills - TE Kevin Everett - Miami, Fla
Pass catching weapon at TE to help JP Losman.
- Jacksonville Jaguars - CB Scott Starks - Wisconsin
Slightly built corner with excellent speed that will be a solid nickel back at worst.
- New York Jets - DT Sione Pouha - Utah
Big run stuffer to replace Jason Ferguson.
- Carolina Panthers (from GB) - DT Attiyah Ellison - Missouri
Paid a stiff price (two fourth rounders) to move up for a good value.
- Atlanta Falcons - LB Jordan Beck - Cal Poly SLO
A small college burner that got himself into the first day at the combine.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from SD) - OT Chris Colmer - North Carolina St
A very nice pick assuming he can stay healthy.
- Indianapolis Colts - DE Vincent Burns - Kentucky
The Colts never cease to amaze me. A seventh round value at best.
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- Pittsburgh Steelers
T/G Trai Essex - Northwestern
A reach. Plain and simple. Essex visited Pittsburgh and the front office obviously fell in love with his athleticism. At least he has some upside if he works harder and gets stronger. Passing on a player like Darryl Blackstock shows the front office's inability to change plans when a better opportunity presents itself.
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- San Fransisco 49ers (from Phi) - T/G Adam Snyder - Oregon
Trade up to take more help on the offensive line for Alex Smith.
- Arizona Cardinals (from NE) - LB Darryl Blackstock - Virginia
Cardinals complete a very impressive first day.
- Tennessee Titans (Comp) - WR Brandon Jones - Oklahoma
Possession receiver to compliment Bennett, Calico and Roby.
- Denver Broncos (Comp) - CB Dominique Foxworth - Maryland
Cover corner that needs to improve in run support.
- Seattle Seahawks (Comp) - OLB Leroy Hill - Clemson
An undersized pursuit linebacker.
- Kansas City Chiefs (Comp) - P Dustin Colquitt - Tennessee
A bit early although a replacement for Nick Murphy is definitely needed.
- New England Patriots (Comp) - T/G Nick Kazcur - Toledo
A second versatile offensive lineman with a mean streak.
- Denver Broncos (Comp) - RB Maurice Clarett - Ohio St
The shocker of the first day. Clarett could not find himself in a better situation.
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