- Feb 17, 2004
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Mel Kiper's. Is this guy losing his mind? Alex Smith #1 pick???
And then FoxSports:
I really like Miami's position. Picking a solid RB there with Benson.
1. San Francisco 49ers: Alex Smith (jr.), QB, Utah
A smart player who will pick up an NFL system quickly, Smith has good size, is mobile enough to hurt teams with his running ability and is also an efficient passer who can make all the necessary throws.
2. Miami Dolphins: Cedric Benson, RB, Texas
A strong, tough runner with good speed for his size, Benson would help fill the void left by the retirement of Ricky Williams. But there is speculation the Dolphins will attempt to fill their running back need through trade, perhaps for Buffalo's Travis Henry, so stay tuned.
3. Cleveland Browns: Aaron Rodgers (jr.), QB, California
Rodgers is a smart, accurate passer with a quick release. His arm strength is adequate and he is a better prospect at this point in his career than former Cal QB Kyle Boller, now the starter for the Baltimore Ravens.
4. Chicago Bears: Ronnie Brown, RB, Auburn
Perhaps the most complete back in the draft, Brown can carry or catch the ball with equal skill. He has size, instincts and quickness that allowed him to put up excellent numbers at the college level.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Carnell Wiliams, RB, Auburn
A creative, deceptive runner with tremendous natural skills. Williams can get tough yards inside despite lacking ideal size, a point illustrated by his 29 rushing TDs over the last two years.
6. Tennessee Titans: Adam Jones, CB, West Virginia
A good cover man who will also contribute as a kick returner, Jones has very good closing speed and is a willing tackler in run support. That may be his most important quality with the NFL hurting pass defenses by focusing on downfield infractions by defensive backs.
7. Oakland Raiders: Dan Cody, DE, Oklahoma
A fiery, intense player who always goes all-out, Cody is similar to former NFL standout Kevin Greene in his ability to play on his feet as an outside linebacker, or in a three-point stance as a defensive end.
8. Arizona Cardinals: Travis Johnson, DT, Florida State
Johnson improved his stock immensely this year. He ties up offensive linemen and is able to gain penetration against the run as well as collapse the pocket in passing situations.
9. Washington Redskins: Braylon Edwards, WR, Michigan
Edwards has the size, speed and athleticism to take over games, and he did that several times in 2004. He also significantly cut down on dropped passes and concentration lapses this past season, pushing his stock even higher.
10. Detroit Lions: Heath Miller (jr.), TE, Virginia
A tremendous pass receiver and a willing blocker along the line, Miller would give quarterback Joey Harrington another weapon to complement his wide receivers. He'll also be a help to running back Kevin Jones in the rushing attack.
11. Dallas Cowboys: Shawne Merriman (jr.), DE/OLB, Maryland
A workout warrior with incredible physical skills, Merriman would be an ideal end/linebacker combo in a 3-4 scheme.
12. San Diego Chargers (from NYG): Derrick Johnson, OLB, Texas
Has the speed and strength to chase ballcarriers from sideline to sideline and make things happen when he gets to the ball.
13. Houston Texans: Mike Williams (jr.), WR, USC
Williams did not play in 2004 but dominated the college game for two seasons while at USC. His 6-foot-5, 230-pound frame gives him a big advantage over defensive backs, and he would make a perfect complement to young standout receiver Andre Johnson.
14. Carolina Panthers: Jammal Brown, OT, Oklahoma
Brown's long arms, good feet and balance allow him to engage defenders easily and move them off the ball or away from the quarterback.
15. Kansas City Chiefs: Antrel Rolle, CB, Miami
The Chiefs likely will dedicate most of their draft to defense, and Rolle is a good start. He has the cover skills to shut down wide receivers and also gives up his body against the run.
16. New Orleans Saints: Thomas Davis (jr.), OLB, Georgia
A punishing tackler who played safety in college, Davis has the size and speed to move into the front seven and make an impact at the pro level.
17. Cincinnati Bengals: Erasmus James, DE, Wisconsin
A force along the line of scrimmage, James can play the run, rush the passer and command double-team blocks. There are some durability questions, though, after he missed parts of the last two seasons with injury.
18. Minnesota Vikings: Shaun Cody, DL, USC
A versatile lineman who can play end or tackle, Cody would be a great fit for a Vikings team that has struggled at times along the defensive front.
19. St. Louis Rams: David Pollack, DE, Georgia
Pollack plays with tremendous intensity and his motor does not stop. He makes up for a lack of size with good initial quickness and great closing speed.
20. Dallas Cowboys (from BUF): Troy Williamson (jr.), WR, South Carolina
The fastest wideout in the draft, Williamson would be a great help to a team that lacked a consistent vertical threat.
21. Jacksonville Jaguars: Alex Barron, OT, Florida State
Barron is equally adept in the passing and running games and has light feet for a player his size.
22. Baltimore Ravens: Roddy White, WR, UAB
White's 4.42 speed in the 40 gives him a size/speed combination in the elite category. He is a big-play wideout who averaged 20.0 yards per catch in 2004.
23. Seattle Seahawks: Darryl Blackstock (jr.), OLB, Virginia
Blackstock is a solid all-around talent who shows flashes of greatness and has tremendous natural physical skills.
24. Green Bay Packers: Channing Crowder (so.), MLB, Florida
A tremendously productive player who adapted quickly to the collegiate game, Crowder has the ideal physical skills for a man in the middle.
25. Denver Broncos: Matt Roth, DE, Iowa
Roth is similar to David Pollack: undersized with a great motor and intensity. Roth was productive during his senior year and has good physical ability.
26. New York Jets: Carlos Rogers, CB, Auburn
A consistent, durable corner who can cover and support the run, Rogers has played against some of the best talent in the nation during his career.
27. Atlanta Falcons: Brandon Browner (so.), CB, Oregon State
A consistent cover man with good size, Browner would make a nice complement to Atlanta's top pick last year, CB DeAngelo Hall.
28. San Diego Chargers: Roscoe Parrish (jr.), WR, Miami
Parrish has speed and would be a good option to round out a receiving corps bolstered by the addition of WR Keenan McCardell and the emergence of TE Antonio Gates.
29. Indianapolis Colts: Bryant McFadden, CB, Florida State
Did not intercept many passes, but that's because teams respected his ability and avoided his side of the field. McFadden has the size to match up with big receivers.
30. New England Patriots: Justin Miller (jr.), CB, Clemson
A good fit for a team thin in the secondary this season.
31. Philadelphia Eagles: Justin Tuck (jr.), DE, Notre Dame
Good size and strength. Would be an asset for a team that thrives on pressuring the quarterback.
32. Pittsburgh Steelers: Alex Smith, TE, Stanford
An athletic pass receiver with great body control, Smith can stretch the deep middle and is a good hook-zone threat.
And then FoxSports:
1. 49ers Aaron Rodgers QB Cal
49ers officials will try to trade down. If stuck with the No. 1 pick, then Rodgers is the right quarterback in which to rebuild a franchise. He has improved remarkably the last two years and will be ready to play in '05.
2. Dolphins Cedric Benson RB Texas
The Dolphins need a productive running back. Benson is a big, physical back who runs with power and speed, and he never stops hustling.
3. Browns Derrick Johnson OLB Texas
The Browns could build a solid defense around this Ray Lewis type of linebacker.
4. Bears Braylon Edwards WR Michigan
The Bears are desperate for a go-to receiver. Edwards is a big playmaker with tremendous skills, size and speed.
5. Buccaneers Alex Barron T Florida State
Barron has the size, strength and athleticism to dominate the line of scrimmage.
6. Titans Erasmus James DE Wisconsin
James is powerful and athletic and never gives up on a play. He excels both as a pass rusher and run stuffer.
7. Raiders Ronnie Brown RB Auburn
The Raiders had the worst rushing offense in the NFL last season (80.9 yards per game) and need a big upgrade. Brown, a two-dimensional back, can run with power and speed and is a big-time threat as a receiver.
8. Cardinals Alex Smith QB Utah
Smith moves into the top 10 after Matt Leinart's decision to stay in school for his senior season. Smith is the right quarterback to guide this young and potentially dangerous offense.
9. Redskins David Pollack DE Georgia
The Redskins must improve their defensive line. Pollack is a big, physical and experienced end. He is a big-time playmaker because of his speed and energy.
10. Lions Kevin Burnett OLB Tennessee
Burnett has great speed and athletic ability. He never stops hustling, shows great tackling skills and has a knack for making big plays.
11. Cowboys Antrel Rolle CB Miami (Fla.)
Rolle is the shutdown cornerback Dallas desperately needs. He has the size, speed and skills to be a game-altering presence.
12. Chargers Adam "Pac Man" Jones CB West Virginia
(from N.Y. Giants) Jones, a junior, has the skills to be a big-time cornerback and would immediately upgrade the Chargers' secondary. He has outstanding speed, is tough and is an excellent tackler.
13. Texans Dan Cody DE Oklahoma
The Texans are primed to be a serious playoff contender in 2005. Cody is a tough, physical and speedy end who makes big plays. He also shows great leadership skills.
14. Panthers Elton Brown G Virginia
Brown is a dominant force who would open big holes for Stephen Davis and DeShaun Foster.
15. Chiefs Carlos Rogers CB Auburn
Rogers is a big, strong fearless defender with all the tools to be a top NFL cornerback.
16. Saints Travis Johnson DT Florida State
Johnson is a quick, strong, hard hitter who can stop the run. He especially excels at penetrating the line.
17. Bengals Thomas Davis S Georgia
Davis is an outstanding athlete who covers a lot of ground and would be the big, tough, physical presence the Bengals need.
18. Vikings Channing Crowder ILB Florida
The Vikings have multiple needs on defense. Crowder is a big, aggressive powerful hitter who has the speed and athleticism to cover the field.
19. Rams Brandon Browner CB Oregon State
Browner is just what the Rams need -- a big, fast and physical playmaker who can matchup man-to-man with big receivers.
20. Cowboys Jammal Brown T Oklahoma
(from Buffalo) Brown is giant and athletic with outstanding blocking skills. He would be the perfect addition to the Cowboys.
21. Jaguars Mike Williams WR USC
Williams would be a steal at this point in the draft. Williams has size and outstanding playmaking ability. With his incredible hands, he and QB Byron Leftwich could be a deadly combination for the next decade.
22. Ravens Mark Clayton WR Oklahoma
Clayton is an all-around receiver who does everything -- run, jump, catch, and even block -- extremely well. He would be a perfect target for QB Kyle Boller and the right complement for RB Jamal Lewis.
23. Seahawks Shawne Merriman DE Maryland
Merriman is big and strong with outstanding skills. He played mostly outside linebacker in college but could be a powerful and aggressive end rusher.
24. Packers Matt Roth DE Iowa
Roth would give the Packers a big-time pass rusher with size and speed. He is a playmaker who is relentless in pursuit.
25. Broncos Carnell Williams RB Auburn
If Williams lasts this far, he would be a nice pickup for Denver, which is looking to trade Reuben Droughns. Williams has great speed, size and lower-body strength. He fights for every yard.
26. Jets Brodney Pool S Oklahoma
The Jets have multiple needs on defense. Pool is a big, fast playmaker who can make a difference and be an immediate upgrade.
27. Falcons Vince Carter C Oklahoma
Carter is a big, powerful center who could protect QB Michael Vick and give him room to roam.
28. Chargers Adam Terry T Syracuse
The Chargers' line could use an infusion of youth. Terry has the wingspan to push pass rushers wide of the pocket and the blocking skills to open holes for RB LaDainian Tomlinson.
29. Colts Shaun Cody DT USC
Cody creates matchup problems with his quickness and size. He could be the big-time playmaker the Colts need.
30. Patriots Corey Webster CB LSU
The Patriots' secondary has been shorthanded all season. Webster is a very fast, hard-hitting cornerback with big-play skills and a tough attitude.
31. Eagles Anttaj Hawthorne DT Wisconsin
Hawthorne has the strength and size to be a run stopper and an unblockable force as a pass rusher.
32. Steelers Marlin Jackson CB Michigan
The Steelers likely will look to upgrade first on defense. Jackson is a tough, physical shutdown cornerback who could provide an immediate impact.
I really like Miami's position. Picking a solid RB there with Benson.
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