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NFL: Morrison’s Mock Draft – Round One

By Brent Morrison

Welcome to Sportsuperstarz.com mock draft. It’s draft day and this will be the final update to the draft. Rumors are flying rapidly and this weekend is setting up to be a very exciting one.

Round 1

1. San Diego Chargers – Michael Vick – QB – Virginia Tech Vick’s private workout for the Chargers pretty much solidified his status as going number one to San Diego. The Chargers loved his big arm and were also very impressed with his intelligence. There were rumors going around that the Chargers were concerned in rather or not Vick would be able to read NFL defenses but those have been put to rest if there was any truth to them to begin with. The Chargers will groom Vick behind Flutie for a year or two and then will hand the offense over to him for the next ten to fifteen years.

Other possibilities: LaDainian Tomlinson if a deal can’t be worked out with Vick. The Chargers and Vick are not close to a deal and the Chargers appear to be serious in that they will pass on Vick and take Tomlinson as there are rumors that suggest some in the Charger organization prefer Tomlinson anyway.

2. Arizona Cardinals – Gerard Warren – DT – Florida This pick will set the tone for the rest of the draft. The Cardinals are still trying to move this pick but have found very little interest. The Packers have some interest but they will not give up a lot to move up. If the Cardinals make this pick look for Warren to be their guy. They, among others around the league feel that he can be a Warren Sapp type of player down the road, which is a pretty big statement. Warren is the best DT available and will give the Cardinals the inside presence that they desperately need.

Other possibilities: Justin Smith is a very strong possibility, as the Cardinals need a DE as well. Keep an eye on Leonard Davis as some in the Cardinal organization feel he is the most worthy pick for them and also the safest.

3. Cleveland Browns – David Terrell – WR – Michigan The Browns have been pretty quiet as to which way they are leaning here. This pick is almost certain to be either a wide receiver or running back, which means that it will be either Terrell or Tomlinson. Terrell is the better pick in my opinion for a couple of reasons. First, he would give Tim Couch the go to guy that he desperately needs and secondly the Browns could have a trio of solid backs in Enis, Prentice and Rhett. None are as good as Tomlinson but they could be productive enough to keep the chains moving. Terrell is still the best player in this draft in my opinion and would instantly make the Browns offense much more explosive.

Other possibilities: The Browns have narrowed it down to Terrell and Tomlinson. They are believed to be settling in on Terrell. Trading down is still a strong possibility.

4. Cincinnati Bengals – Leonard Davis – OT – Texas The Bengals are determined to find an OT to pair with Willie Anderson and they are extremely high on Davis. The Bengals tried to address the OT need in free agency but they were shut out, particularly by Ross Verba, who went to Cleveland and Todd Steussie, who went to Carolina. The Bengals love the athleticism that Davis possesses and feel that he will be a pro bowl caliber OT for the next decade and they are probably right. Some feel that Davis will be better suited at RT at the next level but both he and the Bengals feel that he will be an excellent LT or RT for many years. Dillon should be happy with this pick.

Other possibilities: The Bengals could take Smith here, as a pass rushing DE is a huge need but the with the Bengals determination to land an OT along with their love for Davis, I cant see the Bengals going with anyone else.

5. Atlanta Falcons – Justin Smith – DE – Missouri The Falcons need a pass rushing DE badly and Smith is the best in the draft. Patrick Kerney has not panned out as hoped so the Falcons need to address the area. Smith would step in from day one and give the Falcons a presence on the outside they desperately lacked last year after Chuck Smith bolted for Carolina. Atlanta has several needs but Smith fills the biggest one and will instantly improve the Falcon front four.

Other possibilities: The Falcons will probably take Davis should the Bengals pass on him. Robinson is an option at WR. Kenyatta Walker is also possible at OT.

6. New England Patriots – Richard Seymour – DT – Georgia The Patriots need help on both lines and with Belichick at the helm, odds are that they will address the DL first. Seymour would step in immediately and plug the interior of the Patriot DL that was left vacated by Chad Eaton who left for Seattle. Seymour’s versatility should also be very attractive as he can step out and play end in certain situations if needed. The Patriots are still high on second year OT Adrian Klemm so taking an OT here seems unlikely with a DT of the caliber of Seymour sitting here

Other possibilities: The Pats could go RB here and take Tomlinson or McCallister but that is unlikely. They will take a long look at Kenyatta Walker or Leonard Davis should he slip. They will take Smith or Warren should either be available. Robinson is an option at WR.

7. Seattle Seahawks – Koren Robinson – WR – North Carolina State Seattle struck gold last year with Jackson in the third round but they still need to find at least one receiver and maybe two to put beside him. Despite two horrible workouts, the Seahawks are said to be still enamored with Robinson. Robinson is a playmaker that will add an explosive weapon to the Hawks offense. While at NC State, Robinson did nothing but make plays and he is only twenty years old and will only get better.

Other possibilities: They could go DE here and take Andre Carter to complete the rebuilding of their DL. They also may take Rod Gardner if they decide to go with a different receiver.

8. Chicago Bears – LaDainian Tomlinson – RB – TCU The Bears appear pleased enough with James Allen or at least that is what they are saying. However, with the signing of Ted Washington today, I believe that the Bears will grab a back here and add a third down pass rusher later. They can easily play Robinson and Daniels on the ends and Washington and Traylor inside. Tomlinson is just to good for the Bears to pass on. Tomlinson is drawing comparisons to Emmit Smith by several and they may be right. He has very good speed and possesses excellent hands. The Bears have been without a true featured runner for years and should not be able to pass up on Tomlinson who will give them what they have been missing.

Other possibilities: The Bears could take Carter and stick to what they have been saying in that they want a DE. Keep an eye on Koren Robinson and Rod Gardner as sleeper picks here at WR.

9. San Francisco 49ers – Kenyatta Walker – OT – Florida The Niners love this guy and are believed to be leaning his way. They are not completely sold on McCallister because of the durability questions and with Tomlinson off the board, the Niners will make the safe pick. Walker will step in and solidify the LT position for years in SF. Walker does not address the biggest need for the Niners but he is an excellent OT and probably the smartest pick for SF.

Other possibilities: Dan Morgan is certainly a possibility as the Niners released Norton and Tubbs earlier. Look for the Niners to try and move down to accumulate more picks. They are rumored to be looking to move down somewhere in the 20-26 range and then take Lamont Jordan who they like a lot. Tampa Bay is a possibility, as they love Walker. Andre Carter is also a possibility.

10. Green Bay Packers – Dan Morgan – LB – Miami (FL) This may surprise some but Green Bay has made it known that they would like to add speed and athleticism to their defense and Morgan would give them both. Morgan has been sensational in his workouts and has probably secured a spot in the top 12. Morgan would step in right away and give the Packer defense a huge lift and a major playmaker in their LB core.

Other possibilities: The Pack could go WR and take Johnson, Gardner or Moss but GM Wolfe historically avoids taking receivers in the first round. Seymour is a strong possibility should he fall here. The Pack could still move up to either Arizona or Cleveland’s spot and take either Smith or Warren as they high on both of them.

11. Carolina Panthers – Andre Carter – DE – California The Panthers have done an excellent job in rebuilding their OL by signing Steussie, Mitchell and Donnalley to go along with Terry. The OL was their biggest area of need coming into the offseason and since they have addressed the area through Free Agency, they can now focus on other areas of need and one of those is a pass-rushing end. White has retired and Chuck Smith is coming off of a major injury so there is reason for concern. Carter is drawing comparisons to Jevon Kearse when he came into the league, as he is explosive off the end but a little undersized. However, Carter has the athletic ability and strength to be an every down end at the next level.

Other possibilities: The Panthers love Tomlinson but he won’t be around at this point. There is talk that the Panthers may try and move up but if Tomlinson goes to Cleveland they may actually look to move down and take someone like Jordan late in the first. McCallister is a possibility but word has it that the Panthers are not totally sold on him. Morgan is an option should he be here.

12. Kansas City Chiefs – Deuce McCallister – RB – Mississippi The Chiefs need to add a featured back in the worst way and McCallister would give them that. McCallister has the physical tools that make NFL scouts drool but a history of injury problems is scaring many teams away. McCallister has been compared to Faulk and Vermeil knows what an asset it is to have a versatile back as he coached Faulk in St. Louis. If McCallister stays healthy, he will be ranked in the same class as Faulk and James among the NFL’s elite RB’s.

Other possibilities: The Chiefs are still talking to St. Louis about Green but that deal is losing steam quickly. If the Chiefs are here and do not take a RB, they may look at Marcus Stroud.

13. Jacksonville Jaguars – Steve Hutchinson – G – Michigan The Jags would love to see Walker here but that is unlikely to happen, so they will go with Hutchinson who I see as the third best OL in this draft. Hutchinson has the versatility to move out to RT if needed but the Jaguars are believe to be planning on moving Zack Weigert out to OT and playing Hutchinson at OG should they take him. The rebuilding of the OL begins here.

Other possibilities: Walker, should he fall. Morgan is also possible if he slides down to here.

14. Buffalo Bills – Marcus Stroud – DT – Georgia The Bills need to find help for the OL and DL and with the top three OL gone, they will switch to the DL and snag Stroud. Stroud is a massive but athletic run stuffing DT. He also is very good against the pass, having the capability to collapse the pocket. Stroud would step in right away and replace the departed Ted Washington.

Other possibilities: The Bills could look to replace Wiley with Carter should he be here. They could also go corner and take Clements or Smoot. Jeff Backus is a possibility to replace Marcus Spriggs who just signed with Miami.

15. Washington Redskins – Rod Gardner – WR – Clemson The Redskins need to add WR help badly as they have lost both Connell and Thrash to FA. They will get Westbrook back this year and have added Kevin Lockett, which will help, but they are still very slim at the spot. Gardner has been sensational in his workouts and is on the rise as he may go as high as number seven to Seattle. Gardner is drawing comparisons to Cris Carter as he has sensational hands and playmaking abilities. He would be a great addition to a thin Redskin receiving core. He also is a bigger receiver, which Schottenheimer likes.

Other possibilities: Santana Moss is a strong possibility as Daniel Snyder is making it known that is who he would like in D.C. They could also go with Morgan should he fall. DT is a possibility with Stroud or Lewis.

16. Pittsburgh Steelers – Damione Lewis – DT – Miami (FL) The Steelers just missed on landing Ted Washington in FA which should be an indication as to where they are looking at upgrading. Lewis is a bit undersized but is a tremendous athlete who should step in and control the middle of the Steelers DL. He is exceptional at splitting the gaps and getting heat on the QB, which is something, the Steelers lacked last year.

Other possibilities: Dan Morgan would make a lot of sense now that the Steelers have released Kirkland should he fall. A corner such as Clements, is a slim possibility.

17. Seattle Seahawks – Nate Clements – CB – Ohio State Seattle needs to find a corner they can play opposite of Shawn Springs and the fast rising Clements will fill the hole. Clements was superb in his individual workout as he clocked in at a sub 4.4 on some clocks. Clements has excellent potential and should bolster the Seattle secondary tremendously.

Other possibilities: The Hawks could take Heap here, remember when Holmgren was in GB, Chumura was a huge part of the passing game. Lewis is a possibility at DT. A long shot would be Seattle taking another receiver in either Moss or Johnson to go along side Robinson and Jackson.

18. Detroit Lions – Jeff Backus – OT – Michigan The Lions need help along the OL and Backus would be able to step in right a way. Backus is quickly on the rise and may not last this long. The Lions would be able to move Stocker McDougale inside to OG where he may be better suited anyway and play Backus at OT. Major upgrade to a battered Lions OL.

Other possibilities: The Lions could go away from their bigger needs and take a receiver such as Moss or Johnson. DT is also an outside possibility with Lewis, should he fall. CB is a very strong possibility with either Nate Clements or Willie Middlebrooks. Jamal Reynolds would make sense at DE.

19. New York Jets – Santana Moss – WR – Miami (FL) The Jets have added Mathew Hatchette to their receiving core but I am not sure that is the answer that they are looking for. The Jets need to add someone that can make plays besides Chrebet and Moss excels at making the big play. Moss is a bit undersized which is why he still around at this point but he certainly has top ten talent and could wind up being a steal this low in the first round.

Other possibilities: The Jets love Lewis but it is doubtful that he will be available. The Jets could also go Chad Johnson if they decide to go with a different receiver.

20. St Louis Rams – Jamal Reynolds – DE – Florida State The Rams defense was horrendous last season and the Rams will focus this draft in improving the unit. They are said to be looking at adding starters at DT, DE and OLB. They will get their DE here in Reynolds. Reynolds may be the best pure pass rusher in this draft but many question rather he will be able to hold up against the run at the next level. Reynolds has tremendous speed and that is exactly what the Rams are looking for as they rebuild their defense.

Other possibilities: The Rams are talking to Samari Rolle and may sign him to an offer sheet in which Tennessee probably won’t be able to match. The Rams would be forced to give up a first and third round pick should that happen.

21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Maurice Williams – OT – Michigan The Bucs signings of Brad Johnson and Simeon Rice may be the pieces of the puzzle that finally lands the Bucs in the Super Bowl. They need help at OT and Williams will provide it. Williams is not as polished as teammates Backus and Hutchinson but he has a huge upside. Williams should be able to step in early and contribute for the Bucs. He could also slide inside if needed.

Other possibilities: The Bucs may try and trade up if Walker is still available around the eleven to thirteen area. They are extremely high on him and may be in a situation that they can afford to give up a number of picks to move up and get him. Todd Heap will also get a lot of consideration here. Backus will be the guy should he be available.

22. Indianapolis Colts – Willie Middlebrooks – CB – Minnesota The Colts would love to see a DT fall here but that is very unlikely so they will address another area of need here in Middlebrooks. He has all the tools to be a great corner at the next level. Middlebrooks suffered an injury last year and missed a considerable amount of time but his performance before the injury should be enough to solidify his position in the first round.

Other possibilities: The Colts could reach and take Kris Jenkins at DT. The Colts could pull a surprise and take Moss should he fall here as they have been looking to add a complement for Harrison for the past couple of years.

23. New Orleans Saints – Todd Heap – TE – Arizona State The Saints have addressed a few of their needs at safety and receiver through FA and will now look very hard at the best TE in the draft. Heap has drawn comparisons to Tony Gonzalez and while that may be an overstatement, he certainly has the ability to have the same kind of impact on the Saints offense. Cleeland has been unable to stay healthy and Glover is gone, so Heap makes a lot of sense here.

Other possibilities: The Saints could go corner here and take Middlebroks, should he fall or go Safety and take either Archuletta or Gibson. Chad Johnson and Freddie Mitchell will get a long look at WR. Tommey Polley or Kendrell Bell are possibilities at LB.

24. Denver Broncos – Chad Johnson – WR – Oregon State Denver has had a very impressive offseason in picking up the likes of Chester McGlockton, Leon Lett, Denard Walker and Eddie Kennsion however with the exception of Walker, they appear to be quick fixes. The Broncos would love to add a young DE but with the top three gone and young promising receiver like Johnson sitting here, the Broncos probably won’t hesitate to take him. Johnson is a bit raw but he has huge potential to develop into a big time player at the next level. Johnson could be a pro bowl receiver a few years down the road.

Other possibilities: Denver could go corner here and take Smoot or Will Allen. They could also reach a little and take DeLawerence Grant at DE. Heap could be a dark horse should he be available.

25. Philadelphia Eagles – Chris Chambers – WR – Wisconsin The Eagles need to add WR help badly and have already started addressing the need by adding Thrash as a FA. They still need a lot of help and Chambers would give it to them. He may be the best athlete in this draft as he has incredible speed and great size. He does have a tendency to drop some balls thrown his way but he has the potential to be dominating at the next level.

Other possibilities: The Eagles would love to see Moss here as he would instantly give McNabb a game breaker. Freddie Mitchell is a possibility as well at WR as is Qunicy Morgan.

26. Miami Dolphins – Drew Brees – QB – Purdue The Dolphins signed Ray Lucas this offseason but he is nothing more than a career backup so the future at QB is still uncertain in Miami. Fiedler did an admirable job last year but I have a hard time seeing him as the future. Brees could groomed to be the guy. Brees will not have to step in right a way which is good. Brees fits in the Miami system perfectly and with a year of learning, should be able to step in for the Dolphins in 2002.

Other possibilities: Freddie Mitchell is a possibility at WR as is Quincy Morgan. Alge Crumpler is a possibility at TE. Polley or Caver would make sense at OLB.

27. Minnesota Vikings – Michael Bennett – RB – Wisconsin The Vikings could go a lot of ways but having Bennett fall in their laps will have the Vikings going away from their glaring defensive needs and take him off the board. Bennett is very raw but has big time potential. He is one of the fastest RB to enter the draft in years. Many are questioning his hands and ability to block but he is great value at this point for the Vikings. Dennis Green is known for not drafting needs and continues that trend here.

Other possibilities: The Vikings could go CB and take Smoot or Allen. DT is a possibility with Jenkins or Rogers. DE is also an option with Grant.

28. Oakland Raiders – Adam Archuletta – S – Arizona State The Raiders need help at Safety and Archuletta has now positioned himself to be the first off the board. Archuletta has been incredible during his workouts and has proven that he will be able to make the transition to S from LB in college. Archuletta is a relentless hitter and fits into the Raider mold perfectly.

Other possibilities: The Raiders could very easily go LB here and take either Polley, Caver or Bell. They will take Heap if he falls. Brees is an outside possibility, should he fall as they could groom him for a couple of years and then move him in when Gannon is finished.

29. St. Louis Rams – Fred Smoot – CB – Mississippi State Smoot is falling on my board after a recent drug charge. He was acquitted but still raises some questions about his character. Smoot may be the best cover corner in the draft but he is a bit undersized and lacks strength. I can see Smoot having problems when matched up against a bigger NFL receiver but he has the tools to become a very solid corner at the next level and should give the Rams their second defensive starter from the draft.

Other possibilities: The Rams could add another LB here in Polley or Bell although with the signing of Mark Fields, they can wait till later for LB help. A DT like Rogers or Jenkins is a possibility. Willie Howard is also an option.

30. New York Giants – Alge Crumpler – TE – North Carolina The Giants may have bigger needs such as CB or OT but they also need help at TE where Howard Cross is on the decline and Pete Mitchell is a free agent. Crumpler is not far behind Heap in value. Crumpler has great hands and speed for a big man and can also hold his own in run blocking. He should step in immediately for the Giants.

Other possibilities: The Giants could go after a few different corners here such as Fred Smoot, Ken Lucas, Will Allen, Jamar Fletcher or Middlebrooks should he fall. They could also go OT and take Williams, should he fall. OLB is an outside possibility with Polley.

31. Baltimore Ravens – Dominic Raiola – C – Nebraska The Ravens are currently planning on moving Mike Flynn into the Center spot to replace the departed Jeff Mitchell and that would work but it leaves a hole at OG. Raiola would enable the Ravens to keep Flynn at Guard and at the same time find their starting center. Raiola is the best center on the board and should have no problem stepping in right away.

Other possibilities: Safety is really the only other big need area so they could grab Gibson. Crumpler is a possibility.

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