Todd McShay draft chat.

Chat with Todd McShay


Welcome to The Show! On Tuesday, Scouts Inc.'s Todd McShay will stop by to talk NFL Draft. He's got the skinny on all the top college prospects and what each NFL team is looking for.

Send in your NFL Draft questions and comments now and join Todd in The Show on Tuesday at 1 p.m. ET!

Check out Todd's recent columns!



SportsNation Todd McShay: Less than three weeks to go before the 2006 NFL draft. I can't remember a draft with so much uncertainty near the top of the board this late in the process. If nothing else, it makes for good debate. Let's roll...

Brian (Norman): What's the earliest Davin Joseph can go?

SportsNation Todd McShay: Joseph is one of three top OG prospects in this year's class -- USC's T. Lutui and Georgia's M Jean-Gilles. I think all three will come off the board in Round 2, and there's an outside chance that Joseph could sneak into the last few picks of the first round -- possibly to Indy or Seattle.

Anthony (Raleigh): Where's Manny Lawson and John McCargo get picked in the draft?

SportsNation Todd McShay: Both Lawson and McCargo are skyrocketting up the board following impressive post-season showings. I think Lawson will get drafted in the second-half of the first round after he bulkeed up to 241 pounds and still ran a 4.49 forty. McCargo is bunched in with a group of four or five second-round DT's.

Dustin (Albuquerque, NM): Do you agree with most experts and think the Chiefs will go with a cornerback with there first pick (if so, any names)? And how do they deal with their QB situation? Trent Green isn't getting any younger, and their backups (Damon Huard and James Kilian) aren't real solutions.

SportsNation Todd McShay: I see the Chiefs drafting the best available WR or CB with the 20th pick. OSU WR Santonio Holmes would be a great value, as would CB's such as Clemson's Tye Hill and South Carolina's Jonathan Joseph.

Zander (LA): In every mock I see the 49ers taking Davis or Huff? Any other real possibilities for Nolan's team?

SportsNation Todd McShay: I agree with Davis and Hawk as the best two fits. If you're looking for another possibility, Oregon NT Haloti Ngata would be a viable option. Don't be surprised if the 49ers take advantage of all the interest in Davis. If they trade down to a team like the Cardinals at No. 10, Ngata would be a good value and fit in the middle of the 3-4 defense.

Gregg, New York : With the addition of cornerbacks in the offseason, a clear need, where do you see the Giants going in the draft? I would think Linebacker continues to be the priority but a quality back-up to Tiki would not hurt either?

SportsNation Todd McShay: You're right on the mark, Gregg. I think the Giants will target the best available LB and some possibilities include Iowa's Chad Greenway, OSU's Bobby Carpenter and Alabama's DeMeco Ryans. However, if a top back such as Memphis' DeAngelo WIlliams or Minnesota's Laurence Maroney slips to them at 25, the Giants could take advantage.

Jake, Wilmington NC: Some projections show the Panthers going with a safety in the first round and moving Thomas Davis to OLB. Is that a viable scenario?

SportsNation Todd McShay: It certainly is. They could draft a safety such as Ohio State's Donte Whitner and move T. Davis to WLB. Another option is to draft a WLB such as DeMeco Ryans and then move T. Davis to SS. Finally, if LenDale White is on the board, I think the Panthers will run their representative to the podium without thinking twice about it. White's stock is dipping after he showed up out of shape w/ a hammy injury at USC's pro day, but White is still a great football player with the potential to become a bell-cow back in Carolina's power-run offense.

Chris (Lacey, WA): Todd - NO is really the key to the draft at the #2 spot...what are they going to do with it?

SportsNation Todd McShay: You're spot on, Chris. Once we figure the Saints out, the rest of the picture becomes clearer. They will attempt to shop the pick but I'm not sure they'll get the value they are looking for at No. 2. I've spoken to a friend within the organization today and he says they have yet to receive a legitimate call regarding a trade. If a team trades in, it likely will be for QB Matt Leinart. If the Saints stay, the smart money is on DE Mario Williams. He doesn't fit a big need but he's the best available prospect. I know teh Saints love A.J. Hawk and they'd be happy to flip-flop with the Jets to get him, but they're struggling with the concept of drafting Hawk over Williams at No. 2.

Travis (Treynor, IA): Do you think Greenway boosted his draft stock with his improved pro day performance. I believe he ran a 4.51.

SportsNation Todd McShay: Greenway ran a 4.58 and a 4.61 in his two 40 attempts at Iowa's Pro Day. He did improve his times from the combine, which helped to regain some momentum. However, I think Hawk and FSU's Ernie Sims are clearly rated higher than Greenway at this point. Sims could come off the board as early as No. 12 to the Browns. I think Greenway will come off the board somewhere between 17 (Vikes) and 25 (Giants).

Mike: Any chance the Titans are actually targeting Young over Leinart?

SportsNation Todd McShay: There's a very good chance. Leinart was in for a workout today... I'll be interested to get a report from that. As of yesterday, I was told there was a bit of a split, with the personnel dept. (F. Reese) preferring Young and the coaching staff (Fisher and Chow) preferring Leinart.

Eddie (Hoboken, NJ): Why is Penn State's Tamba Hali slipping?

SportsNation Todd McShay: He made a mistake by not working out at the combine because he hinged everything on his Pro Day, where he worked out poorly and ran two 40 times in the mid 4.8-second range. I think Hali will slip out of the first round now.

Luke (St.Louis): What in the world are the Raiders going to do?

SportsNation Todd McShay: Vince Young is a strong possibility if he slips to No. 7. In that scenario, Brooks would become the bridge-the-gap QB and M. Tuiasosopo would be out of a job.

SportsNation Todd McShay: If it's not Young, I hear the Raiders have serious interest in TE Vernon Davis and DB Michael Huff -- in that order.

 

Mitchell (Allen,TX): What are the odds of the Cowboys trading down?

SportsNation Todd McShay: I think the Cowboys would love to trade down. They have needs at safety and off. tackle, but the value won't match it. OSU DS Donte Whitner is a bit of a reach at 18 and Auburn ROT Marcus McNeill is an even bigger reach. Moving up for USC OT Winston Justice is a possibility. Drafting Va. Tech DB Jimmy Williams is another strong possibility if he falls. If not, the team would like to move down and draft a guy like Whitner or McNeill later in the round.

Todd (Orlando, FL): What are the Jags going to do at the bottom? THey have big needs at TE (with the aging Brady) and at LB (with Ayodele's departure and Arrington not wanting to sign)? What could happen with their pick at the bottom?

SportsNation Todd McShay: You hit on two of their biggest needs. They could go after a tight end such as Georgia's Leonard Pope with that pick, but I think they're smarter than that. Look for the Jags to draft an OLB like NC State's Manny Lawson or Bobby Carpenter, both of which can play SLB and upgrade the pass rush. Then the team can take advantage of a strong TE class by drafting a prospect such as Colorado's Joe Klopfenstein late in the second round.

Gary (Glens Falls,NY): When will the compensitory picks be handed out and what do the saints expect to receive?

SportsNation Todd McShay: They've already been handed out. The Saints got an extra pick in the sixth and seventh rounds.

Lorena (Phoenix, AZ): Any insight on the Cardinals?

SportsNation Todd McShay: The Cardinals would love Md. TE Vernon Davis to fall to them at 10, but it's highly unlikely. There's an outside chance that they trade up for him, but don't bank on it. They like OT Winston Justice a lot, but not enough to take him at 10. One thought is to trade down a few spots in order to acquire an extra pick and still get Justice, but that's a big gamble. At the end of the day, I think they'll wind up sticking with the 10th pick and using it to draft a DB. Huff will probably be gone, so Va. Tech's Jimmy Williams becomes a real possibility.

Mike (Albany,NY): Todd- Do you see Virginia OT D'Brickashaw Ferguson slipping to Buffalo? If so do they pick him or go Defense?

SportsNation Todd McShay: Nice thought but no chance. They'd love Ferguson to fall to them but it won't happen. I think FSU DT Brodrick Bunkley is high on their list because he fits Jauron's one-gap philosphy. Oregon NT/DT Haloti Ngata isn't out of the question, but he's a 330-pounder better suited to play nose in a 3-4. It's a bit too high for OT Winston Justice, but the Bills could also reach for him there.

Kurt (Minnesota): What do you see the Bengals doing on the draft day now that they addressed their glaring needs on defense in free agency (safety and D-tackle)?

SportsNation Todd McShay: Marvin Lewis has done a masterful job putting this roster together both via the draft and free agency. As such, the team doesn't have many glaring needs. It certainly could use the 24th pick to upgrade TE (M. Lewis or L. Pope), but I think it will wind up going in the direction of a DE such as Boston College's M. Kiwanuka or NC State's M. Lawson.

SportsNation Todd McShay: Also, look for the Bengals to draft a QB by the end of Day 1. Some possibilities include Alabama's Brodie Croyle, Oregon's Kellen Clemens, Bowling Green's Omar Jacobs and Clemson's Charlie Whitehurst.

Nick (Dover, Pa): Should the Eagles draft Chad Jackson if they are unable to land Javon Walker?

SportsNation Todd McShay: It's not a bad idea entirely, but two extremely young WR's (R. Brown from last year's 2nd round) could cause McNabb to pull his hair out. I think the Eagles are more likely to draft an OT like Winston or an OLB such as Ernie Sims with that pick.

John (Minneapolis): Is there a significant likelihood that the Vikings might draft a running back at #17?

SportsNation Todd McShay: There's a chance but they're targetting other positions before RB. If Vandy QB Jay Cutler falls to 17 the Vikes will take him and allow Childress to develop him behind B. Johnson. If not, upgrading the athleticism at LB is a big priority now that the team is moving to a cover-2 look. Ernie Sims would be ideal but he isn't likely to be available. Iowa's Chad Greenway is a more likely candidate.

Matt (Toronto): Who do you think would be the best fit for the Bears, Yobouty, Cromartie, or Joseph at CB? or are they better off taking a TE and leaving CB until the second round?

SportsNation Todd McShay: Youboty is the best fit in the hybrid cover-2 that the Bears run because he's the most physical. I think the Bears are smart enough to get their CB in the first round and then draft a TE such as Colorado's J. Klopfenstein or USC's D. Byrd in the second round.

Mac (Portland): What about the Bilentokoff award winner; Mike Hass, where do you see him going?

SportsNation Todd McShay: Hass should come off the board late on the first day. He doesn't impress you with his workout numbers but his instincts, route running skills and hands are impressive. I think he'll find a way to make an impact as a sub-package WR in the NFL. I know this; he's proven many wrong in the past!

SportsNation Todd McShay: That's all for today. I'll be back to "chat" same time next Tuesday. Hopefully Matt Leinart has representation by then...

 

Saints' Plan B might be Leinart
Insider
McShay
By Todd McShay
Scouts Inc.
Archive

Postseason all-star games and the annual scouting combine are long gone, and more than a month full of pro day workouts have come to a close. Furthermore, what was a whirlwind of a free-agency period has tapered off considerably in recent weeks.

What does it all mean? The 2006 NFL draft is rapidly approaching. With less than a month remaining before draft weekend kicks off on April 29, here's an updated look at how the first two rounds are shaping up:

+ = Underclassman x = Still to be determined by coin flip

1. Houston Texans (2-14)

Top five needs: WR, OT, OG, CB, MLB
The pick: +Reggie Bush, RB, USC
It would take a blockbuster trade offer to entice the Texans to pass on Bush, who cemented his status as the clear-cut No. 1 prospect in the 2006 draft class by running a 4.33 40-yard dash at USC's recent pro day. Running back is not one of the Texans' top positional needs, but Bush is far more than just a running back. He's the most explosive runner, receiver and return man that this year's class has to offer. No other rookie will make a bigger impact than Bush will for the Texans next season.

2. New Orleans Saints (3-13)

Top five needs: DT, OC, CB, OLB, DE
The pick: Matt Leinart, QB, USC
The Saints have put this pick up for public auction and are likely to deal to the highest bidder. If that's the case, the team moving into this pick (Jets?) will do so for Leinart's services. Plan B is a bit trickier. The popular belief is that the Saints would make a tough decision between OT D'Brickashaw Ferguson (Virginia) and DE Mario Williams (NC State). After the recent trade of last year's starting left tackle, Wayne Gandy (Falcons), drafting Ferguson with this pick makes even more sense. However, there's still an outside shot that the Saints snatch Leinart up here. They are concerned about QB Drew Brees' long-term durability (shoulder) and structured his contract in a manner that would let them off the hook a year from now should they choose. Either way you slice it, Leinart has a better than 50-50 chance of coming off the board at pick No. 2.

3. Tennessee Titans (4-12)

Top five needs: OT, MLB, QB, RB, OC
The pick: +Vince Young, QB, Texas
Leinart seems like a natural fit if he's on the board because of his relationship with Titans offensive coordinator Norm Chow. However, if Bush and Leinart are off the board, the team will have a tough decision to make between Ferguson and Young. The Titans have a more immediate need at offensive tackle, which would make Ferguson awfully tough to pass on. From the sounds of it though, owner Floyd Reese, head coach Jeff Fisher and Chow are extremely high on Young. Young spent last offseason working out with Steve McNair, so he could be a natural pick.

4. New York Jets (4-12)

Top five needs: RB, OT, OLB, QB, OG
The pick: D'Brickashaw Ferguson, OT, Virginia
If the team can't get a deal done to move up for Leinart, it will be waiting with bated breath to see whether Ferguson falls to pick No. 4. If Ferguson is still on the board, the Jets will waste little time sending their representative to the podium. Just as a side note; unlike the Titans, the Jets are rumored to value QB Jay Cutler (Vanderbilt) over Young. They don't want to take Cutler this high, but they would consider it strongly if Bush, Leinart and Ferguson are gone by the fourth pick.

5. Green Bay Packers (4-12)

Top five needs: OG, OLB, DE, OC, WR
The pick: +Mario Williams, DE, NC State
The Packers have done a decent job of addressing their needs at wide receiver (Rod Gardner), defensive tackle (Ryan Pickett) and safety (Marquand Manuel) this offseason. Still missing, though, is an impact playmaker on defense. Ohio State OLB A.J. Hawk would be tough to pass up, but Williams' ceiling is higher because of his freakish combination of size, speed and athletic ability.

6. San Francisco 49ers (4-12)

Top five needs: OLB, CB, FS, DE, MLB
The pick: +Vernon Davis, TE, Maryland
Outside linebacker is the team's top need and Hawk is still on the board -- no brainer, right? Not necessarily. Hawk is best suited to play weakside LB in a 4-3 and would be a bit of a misfit if asked to play outside in a 3-4. Rather than attempting to fit a square peg into a round hole, the 49ers would be wise to draft the most explosive pass-catching weapon in this year's class. At 6-foot-3, 258 pounds with 4.38 speed in the 40-yard dash, Davis has game-breaker written all over him. By using this pick on Davis, the 49ers could exponentially speed QB Alex Smith's developmental process..


Assuming Vince Young is gone, A.J. Hawk would be a smart pick for the Raiders at No. 7.

7. Oakland Raiders (4-12)

Top five needs: OG, DT, OLB, SS, RB
The pick: A.J. Hawk, OLB, Ohio State
There's a lot of buzz swirling around NFL circles regarding owner Al Davis' infatuation with QB Vince Young. In this scenario, however, Young will be long gone. Drafting the next best quarterback prospect, Cutler, makes no sense because the team already has a similar type in Andrew Walter on its roster. Instead, the Raiders would be wise to use this pick as a means to upgrading their defense and Hawk would be the perfect guy for the job. Coordinator Rob Ryan prefers using the 4-3 alignment and the addition of Hawk would allow him to head in that direction.

8. Buffalo Bills (5-11)

Top five needs: OT, DT, CB, RB, MLB
The pick: +Brodrick Bunkley, DT, Florida State
Offensive tackle is a primary need area for the Bills. USC OT Winston Justice is skyrocketing up draft boards following his outstanding pro day workout, but it would be a reach to take Justice this high. The Bills were able to upgrade their defensive line with the free-agency addition of DT Larry Tripplett, but they are still in search of a young impact player to groom alongside him. Haloti Ngata would have fit the old scheme, but with the Bills' transitioning to more of a one-gap penetrating philosophy, the fast-rising Bunkley makes more sense. Defensive tackles tend to take longer to develop than most other positions, but the presence of Tripplett and Tim Anderson would allow him to ease into a starting role.

9. Detroit Lions (5-11)

Top five needs: CB, OLB, ILB, OT, RB
The pick: Michael Huff, DB, Texas
New head coach Rod Marinelli comes from a hard-nosed, defensive-minded background and he'll want to set the tone by selecting an impact playmaker on that side of the ball with this pick. Some think Huff can play cornerback in the NFL, while others think he'll be limited to safety. I think he can play some of both, especially with the Lions' moving to more of a Cover 2 look under Marinelli. Regardless, Huff is the best defensive back in this year's class and immediately would give the Lions much-needed versatility in their secondary.

10. Arizona Cardinals (5-11)

Top five needs: FS, TE, QB, OT, CB
The pick: Jimmy Williams, CB, Virginia Tech
The Cardinals are mightily impressed with Justice, but they know he's a bit of a reach at No. 10. It also has become a popular theory that the Cardinals will draft a quarterback with this pick. However, Dennis Green does not plan on being around long enough to groom a rookie at that position. The team extended QB Kurt Warner's contract and made a huge splash with the signing of RB Edgerrin James. To balance things out, look for the team to draft the best available defensive player with this pick. Williams' stock has slipped because of his inconsistent play as a senior and his abrasive attitude at the combine, but his stellar showing at Virginia Tech's on-campus scouting day served as a reminder to scouts in attendance that Williams is still an exceptional talent. A combo of Williams and Antrel Rolle would give the Cardinals one of the best young cornerback tandems in the NFL.

 

11. St. Louis Rams (6-10)

Top five needs: WLB, DT, CB, OG, OT
The pick: Jay Cutler, QB, Vanderbilt
The team has other more pressing needs, but drafting a quarterback of the future will be too big a temptation to bypass. New head coach Scott Linehan is an offensive guru and it is rumored that he likes Cutler as a fit for his system. Furthermore, Marc Bulger is brittle, Gus Frerotte is an aging stopgap and the team needs a better contingency plan than QB Ryan Fitzpatrick.

12. Cleveland Browns (6-10)

Top five needs: DE, OLB, WR, CB, NT
The pick: +Haloti Ngata, DT, Oregon
The Browns have been one of the most active teams in free agency this year, but they still have a number of holes to fill. After spending two of their three Day 1 picks on the offensive side of the ball last year, GM Phil Savage knows he needs to give more attention to Romeo Crennell's defense. The Browns signed a couple of good fits for the 3-4 scheme, but OLB Willie McGinest and NT Ted Washington are aging players who won't be around for long. Therefore, look for the Browns to use this selection on the best available defender who fits their philosophy. FSU's Ernie Sims would be a consideration, but the team couldn't pass up on a massive two-gap nose tackle in Ngata.

13. Baltimore Ravens (6-10)

Top five needs: S, QB, ROT, OG, WR
The pick: +Winston Justice, OT, USC
The Ravens would consider Cutler if he slipped to them here, but the team is more likely to draft a quarterback in the second or third round. Baltimore wants to get more athletic up front offensively and Justice could help attain that goal. Justice has the potential to slide over to left tackle when Jonathan Ogden's time with the Ravens ends. Until then, Justice could provide an immediate upgrade at right tackle, which is the position he played when protecting southpaw Leinart's blind side at USC.

14. Philadelphia Eagles (6-10)

Top five needs: OLB, WR, OT, RB, FS
The pick: +Ernie Sims, OLB, Florida State
Drafting a bigger back to take some of the load off Brian Westbrook's shoulders is a possibility, but the Eagles will likely address that need later. The team also needs help at wide receiver and offensive tackle, but no value exists to match this pick. Sims is too small to play the strongside LB position, but he has the speed and explosiveness to quickly replace oft-injured free-agent acquisition Shawn Barber on the weak side. In the meantime, Sims' exceptional athletic ability will be put to use in sub-packages defensively (nickel linebacker), as well as covering kicks on special teams.

15. Denver Broncos (13-3)

Pick acquired from the Falcons
Top five needs: WR, TE, RB, OG/OC, DT
The pick: +Chad Jackson, WR, Florida
By dealing up to the 15th pick, the Broncos have put themselves in position to draft a difference-maker on offense. The team wants to address the tight end position early, but not this early. A running back (DeAngelo Williams or Laurence Maroney) is an option here, but the Broncos do not feel they need to use this high a pick on one, especially with this class's depth at that position. With all that in mind, using this pick to select the best wide receiver prospect makes the most sense. Jackson needs some polish, but his size, explosive speed and playmaking ability would be a welcomed addition to a wide receiver corps that currently is in flux. Rod Smith is running out of time and Ashley Lelie has proved to be too unreliable as a full-time starter. Jackson could contribute as a No. 3 immediately while being groomed as the primary target for the future.

16. Miami Dolphins (9-7)

Top five needs: WR, DC, OT, OG, FS
The pick: +Kamerion Wimbley, DE/OLB, Florida State
The Dolphins have addressed almost all of their needs via free agency, which gives them the flexibility that coach Nick Saban is looking for on draft weekend. Ohio State WR Santonio Holmes would be tough to pass, but Wimbley is a fast-rising prospect who fits perfectly as a 3-4 outside linebacker. Wimbley has the speed and athletic ability to make a huge impact rushing the passer opposite DE/OLB Jason Taylor.

17. Minnesota Vikings (9-7)

Top five needs: MLB, OLB, DC, QB, WR
The pick: Chad Greenway, OLB, Iowa
If Cutler or Young were to free-fall this far, the Vikings likely would pull the trigger. Trading up for a quarterback is a possibility, but only if one of those two happens to fall to the Browns at pick No. 12 (one ahead of the Ravens). Otherwise, the team is expected to continue to draft defense with the 17th overall pick. With the Vikings moving to a Cover 2 scheme, they will be looking to improve the athleticism of their linebacking corps. Greenway will slip a bit due to his subpar combine workout, but he has the fluidity, athleticism and instincts to immediately take over as a starter in the NFL.

18. Dallas Cowboys (9-7)

Top five needs: FS, OT, CB, NT, OG
The pick: +Donte Whitner, S, Ohio State
The Cowboys would love to trade down to get a better value for an offensive tackle such as Auburn's Marcus McNeill. Drafting Holmes is also a possibility if he's available here, but coach Bill Parcells doesn't like to draft wide receivers in the first round and the team already has a load of money locked up in that position with the recent acquisition of Terrell Owens. So, if the Cowboys are stuck with this pick, Whitner makes the most sense. The team needs an intelligent, speedy free safety to complement SS Roy Williams and Whitner is the ideal match. He emerged as a true playmaker during his junior season at Ohio State and his 40-yard dash time of 4.38 seconds helped catapult him into first-round consideration.

19. San Diego Chargers (9-7)

Top five needs: WR, OT, S, OG, CB
The pick: +Santonio Holmes, WR, Ohio State
The Chargers would be elated if Holmes (or Jackson) fell to them at pick No. 19. Keenan McCardell has been very reliable as the team's primary target and TE Antonio Gates helps to take a lot of pressure off its receiving corps. Missing, however, is a legitimate No. 2 starter. Holmes could contribute as a secondary target early in his career before eventually replacing the aging McCardell as new starting QB Philip Rivers' go-to-receiver. However, if Holmes and Jackson are gone, expect the Chargers to select the best available defensive back -- either cornerback or safety -- on their draft board.

20. Kansas City Chiefs (10-6)

Top five needs: WR, CB, OG, DE, QB
The pick: Tye Hill, CB, Clemson
Much like the Chargers, the Chiefs want a wide receiver with this pick, but the supply does not match the demand. Instead, expect the Chiefs to take advantage of a deep crop of young cornerbacks by taking the best available at pick No. 20. Hill is one of the fastest corners in his class and can change directions quickly. While he's undersized, he has excellent leaping ability and is a fundamentally sound tackler. Considering all the questions Kansas City has at corner, Hill could push for immediate playing time opposite Patrick Surtain.

21. New England Patriots (10-6)

Top five needs: ILB/OLB, WR, CB, RB, OT
The pick: +Jonathan Joseph, CB, South Carolina
The Patriots have several needs on defense and look for them to fill the one at corner first. Joseph is raw and will get caught out of position at times, which comes as little surprise considering he played just one season of Division I football. However, New England's coaching staff has done a good job of developing secondary players quickly (see Eugene Wilson and Asante Samuel) and there's no questioning Joseph's upside. He is a playmaker who possesses a rare blend of size, speed and toughness.

22. Denver Broncos (10-6)

Pick acquired from Redskins
Top five needs: WR, TE, RB, OG/OC, DT
The pick: DeAngelo Williams, RB, Memphis
Tatum Bell replaces Mike Anderson, who is now a Raven, as the primary back but he has had some problems staying healthy despite splitting carries with Anderson. The Broncos need a No. 2 back who can spell Bell and step in should he miss time with an injury, which is why Williams makes sense here. Williams has excellent initial quickness and shows a second gear in the open field. His vision and patience also make him a great fit for Denver's zone blocking schemes.

23. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (11-5)

Top five needs: OT, OC, WR, DE, WLB
The pick: Marcus McNeill, OT, Auburn
This might be a bit of a reach for McNeill. However, the Buccaneers are in trouble at offensive tackle and the lack of offensive line depth in this year's class could force the team's hand. McNeill does not possess elite physical tools, but he is a massive right tackle prospect who always seems to execute his blocking assignment.

24. Cincinnati Bengals (11-5)

Top five needs: TE, DE, CB, MLB, RB/RS
The pick: +Leonard Pope, TE, Georgia
The Bengals have several needs on defense, but they also need a playmaker at tight end and Pope will be tough to take a pass on. Pope has the quickness to get a clean release at the line of scrimmage and excellent speed for his size. Although he is raw and not fundamentally sound, his drive blocking has and should continue to improve.

25. New York Giants (11-5)

Top five needs: OLB, WR, DT, OT, RB
The pick: Demeco Ryans, OLB, Alabama
Even if the Giants land free-agent OLB LaVar Arrington, they still will be in the market for one in the first few rounds. Ryans lacks ideal range and doesn't have great size, but he makes the most of his natural ability. He is an explosive open field tackler who reads his keys quickly and takes the shortest path to the ball. Although he isn't fast enough to consistently match up in man coverage, he reads quarterbacks' eyes and doesn't drop many passes he should intercept.

 

26. Chicago Bears (11-5)

Top five needs: CB, TE, SLB, OT, DT
The pick: +Ashton Youboty, CB, Ohio State
Charles Tillman is coming off a shoulder injury, unrestricted free agent Jerry Azumah isn't expected back and free-agent signee Dante Wesley isn't an every-down corner. Keeping that in mind, the Bears need a corner who can push for playing time opposite Nathan Vasher. Youboty is inconsistent and will give up some big plays when left on an island. However, he has good top-end speed, has the frame to get bigger and has good short-area man-to-man cover skills.

27. Carolina Panthers (11-5)

Top five needs: SLB, TE, RB, OT, MLB
The pick: +LenDale White, RB, USC
Although the Panthers have greater needs, White would give them great insurance should the oft-injured DeShaun Foster miss substantial time and will be the best available player if he slips to this pick. A poor showing at the combine has caused White's stock to drop. However, he was extremely productive at the college level and is a powerful runner who shows good speed in the open field.

28. Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)

Top five needs: OLB, TE, DE, OG, CB
The pick: Bobby Carpenter, OLB, Ohio State
The Jaguars have shown they will draft the best available player and outside linebacker is a need, so look for them to select Carpenter. Carpenter doesn't have ideal lower-body strength and can struggle when teams run right at him, but he has very good speed for his size and is relentless in pursuit. He also has great instincts, so he is capable of making an immediate impact.

29. New York Jets (4-12)

Pick acquired from Broncos
Top five needs: RB, OT, QB, OG, CB
The pick: +Laurence Maroney, RB, Minnesota
The Jets want to substantially reduce 32-year-old Curtis Martin's workload, but there isn't an heir apparent on the roster. Selecting Maroney here would change that. Though Maroney doesn't have great size or strength, he has the burst to get around the corner quickly and shows a second gear in the open field. He also read his blocks well and has the lateral mobility to exploit cutback lanes.

30. Indianapolis Colts (14-2)

Top five needs: RB, OLB, OG, MLB, CB
The pick: Joseph Addai, RB, LSU
It's going to be difficult for any back to fill Edgerrin James' shoes in Indianapolis, especially if the top four backs are taken by the time the Colts select at pick No. 30. Addai is a bit of a reach here, but the Colts might be willing to take the risk considering their dire situation. At the very least, Addai is a good fit for the Colts' scheme. He isn't elusive and needs to continue to add bulk to his frame, but he is quick, has explosive top-end speed and runs hard. In addition, he catches the ball well and is versatile enough to line up in the slot, making him a good fit for the Colts' no-huddle offense.

31. Seattle Seahawks (13-3)

Top five needs: CB, FS, WR, TE, OG
The pick: +Antonio Cromartie, CB, Florida State
There's no questioning that selecting Cromartie is a risk. After all, he missed the entire 2005 season with a knee injury and is raw. However, Andre Dyson signed with the Jets and Cromartie has the natural ability to replace him as the starter opposite Marcus Trufant if he can stay healthy. Cromartie has excellent size, shows a second gear when tracking the ball downfield and defends the run well. He's also a playmaker who has some experience lining up at receiver.

32. Pittsburgh Steelers (11-5)

Top five needs: WR, DE, S, OC/OG, ILB
The pick: Sinorice Moss, WR, Miami
The Super Bowl champs are obviously void of many pressing positional needs. However, receiver is certainly one of them. With Antwaan Randle El's signing with Washington, Pittsburgh needs a receiver who can compete with Cedrick Wilson for the No. 2 job. Moss might be undersized, but he explodes off the line and doesn't have to slow down to change directions.

ROUND 2

33. Houston Texans

Eric Winston | OT | Miami

34. New Orleans Saints

Nick Mangold | OC | Ohio State

35. N.Y. Jets

Jason Allen | DB | Tennessee

36. Green Bay Packers

Thomas Howard | OLB | UTEP

37. San Francisco 49ers

Mathias Kiwanuka | DE | Boston College

38. Oakland Raiders

Claude Wroten | DT | LSU

39. Tennessee Titans

D'Qwell Jackson | ILB | Maryland

40. Detroit Lions

Manny Lawson | DE/OLB | NC State

41. Arizona Cardinals

Marcedes Lewis | TE | UCLA

42. Buffalo Bills

Richard Marshall | CB | Fresno State

43. Cleveland Browns

Tamba Hali | DE | Penn State

44. Baltimore Ravens

Ko Simpson | S | South Carolina

45. Philadelphia Eagles

Maurice Stovall | WR | Notre Dame

46. St. Louis Rams

Kelly Jennings | CB | Miami

47. Atlanta Falcons

Gabe Watson | DT | Michigan

48. Minnesota Vikings

Brodie Croyle | QB | Alabama

49. Dallas Cowboys

Daryn Colledge | OT | Boise State

50. San Diego Chargers

Max Jean-Gilles | OG | Georgia

51. Miami Dolphins

Alan Zemaitis, CB, Penn State

52. New England Patriots

Abdul Hodge | ILB | Iowa

53. Washington Redskins

Roger McIntosh | OLB | Miami

54. Kansas City Chiefs

Demetrius Williams | WR | Oregon

55. Cincinnati Bengals

Darryl Tapp | DE | Virginia Tech

56. N.Y. Giants

John McCargo | DT | NC State

57. Chicago Bears

Anthony Fasano | TE | Notre Dame

58. Carolina Panthers

Joe Klopfenstein | TE | Colorado

59. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Derek Hagan | WR | Arizona State

60. Jacksonville Jaguars

Davin Joseph | OG | Oklahoma

61. Denver Broncos

Dominique Byrd | TE | USC

62. Indianapolis Colts

Taitusi Lutui | OG | USC

63. Seattle Seahawks

Daniel Bullocks | S | Nebraska

64. Pittsburgh Steelers

Rodrique Wright | DT | Texas

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