Following an exciting first round, we break down the favorite picks, most pleasant and biggest surprises, most under-appreciated pick, worst move and more.
Peyton Manning, Mario Williams, Mike Wallace and Carl Nicks headline an intriguing free agent class that can shift the balance of power this offseason.
The Eagles seemingly came out of nowhere to sign Nnamdi Asomugha as they eye a trip to the Super Bowl.
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With the Senior Bowl now complete, it's easier to sort out the potential draftees and anticipate where they might go in the upcoming NFL Draft. While I wouldn't necessarily make these picks myself, this is how I see the draft flowing. This will likely change more than a few times between now and April, as the Indy scouting combine, individual and team workouts are still on tap. Veteran cap casualties and continued spinning of the coaching carousel will alter team needs as well. Last year I correctly nailed 22 of the 32 picks and was no further than 3 slots away with 5 other picks, not too shabby when compared to the highly-paid, well-coiffed "experts.
Without further ado, my 1st Mock 2006 NFL Draft
1. Houston Texans--Reggie Bush, RB, USC. Not what they need most, but most feel he's too good to pass up.
2. New Orleans Saints--Vince Young, QB, Texas. Taken as much for his
marketability as his excellent skills.
3. Tennessee Titans--Matt Leinart, QB, USC. Reunited with Norm Chow, who got him a Heisman and a national title.
4. NY Jets--D'Brickashaw Ferguson, OT, Virginia. The best tackle in the draft since Orlando Pace went #1 overall.
5. Green Bay Packers--Mario Williams, DE, NC State. The every-down pass rusher they sorely need.
6. Oakland Raiders--Vernon Davis, TE, Maryland. Grades higher than Winslow Jr. and a great target to complement Moss.
7. San Francisco 49ers--DeAngelo Williams, RB, Memphis. Versatile back helps ease pressure from Alex Smith.
8. Buffalo Bills--Haloti Ngata, DT, Oregon. Agile run stuffer replaces Pat Williams, albeit a year too late.
9. Detroit Lions--A.J. Hawk, LB, Ohio State. Embattled Millen ecstatic a player much like himself falls into his lap.
10. Arizona Cardinals--Jay Cutler, QB, Vanderbilt. Stock rose with great Senior Bowl practices, not the game itself.
11. St. Louis Rams--Mike Huff, DB, Texas. Can play CB or SS, and the Rams need upgrades at both.
12. Cleveland Browns--Chad Greenway, LB, Iowa. Good fit for their 3-4 scheme with great closing speed.
13. Baltimore Ravens--LenDale White, RB, USC. Replaces Jamal Lewis and has better speed than Lewis too.
14. Philadelphia Eagles--Santonio Holmes, WR, Ohio State. Best WR to a team in desperate need for one.
15. Atlanta Falcons--Marcus McNeill, OT, Auburn. A huge guy with surprising nimble mobility.
