Shannon Sharpe Muscle Pics

(Note: I'm adding this note on January 27th. The mock below which was my second effort had several changes from my first one. However, I've been picking up alot of new information, and this mock will be changed so much, that it is no longer relevant. The update reflecting the new information will be coming after the Super Bowl.)There's several changes in the following update to my mock. I still like the first one more than I should. I'm sure there will be many more changes as we progress towards draft day. It's always interesting to consider the different possibilities.With great reports coming from the East West Shrine Game; more information coming from the Hula Bowl; and Senior Bowl week right around the corner; we'll soon have a better picture of where things stand before the Combine. After the Combine opinions should start firming up.I've spent a bit of time reading articles from various NFL city newspapers looking for information from those closest to the teams. Hopefully, I am getting a better feel for which direction some teams are leaning. I think it's been a useful process, so on with the update. 1.01 Houston TexansReggie Bush, 6'0", 205Running Back, USCNo change at the top. I doubt there will be at any point before draft day. I suppose Vince Young could move into this slot. If so, the Texans will have a hard time hiding their intentions, and we'll all be anticipating the correct choice. The notion to trade down is still strong among several pundits, and I thought this was one of the better conversations I've read on the topic. I'm not just projecting Houston to take Reggie Bush. I think he is the correct option for them. I know that's controversial, and I'll wait for this 7 round mock draft to kick off before explaining in better detail. Much of my thoughts on the matter can be read in the above linked conversation. Bloom chimes in there too.1.02 New Orleans SaintsMatt Leinart, 6'5", 225Quarterback, USCNo change here either. The Saints new HC, Sean Payton, leaves Dallas where he had the title Assistant Head Coach. He also called the plays, because as Bill Parcells explained, "He does it better than me." Payton refused to discuss Aaron Brooks' future, but he did mention the interview process involved discussions of his noted ability to develop a QB. I think the QB being discussed is pictured to the left.1.03 Tennessee TitansVince Young, 6'5", 233Quarterback, TexasNo surprise with this projection, and it's also unlikely to change. There is a possibility that the ether from the Rose Bowl could wear off, and Young's odd delivery could hurt him in workouts, but it's highly doubtful. There's too much potential here not to take the risk.1.04 New York JetsDeAngelo Williams, 5'9", 212Running Back, MemphisThe more I look into this projection, the more I like it, and the more reason I find to change it. The Jets are a great candidate to move down in this draft. The cap is an issue, and they have several needs which could be more affordably addressed by not using the 4th overall pick. I'm also projecting DeAngelo to measure a little shorter and lighter than reported elsewhere. Call it a hunch that doesn't change my high opinion of Williams.1.05 Green Bay PackersAJ Hawk, 6'1", 240Linebacker, Ohio StateA couple Packer fans nearly talked me out of this pick. It's not that they dislike Hawk. What's not to like? It's the perception that LBs don't generally go this early. I ended up convincing them that Hawk is a can't miss. He has decided not to attend the Senior Bowl. I wish he was going. If he avoids the Combine, I'll lower him.1.06 (subject to coin toss) Oakland RaidersHaloti Ngata, 6'5", 338Defensive Tackle, OregonRaider draftniks are convinced this pick will be used for Mario Williams or AJ Hawk. I don't think Hawk will be available. I also have a pretty good source for Raider insights. After picking his brain, Ngata seemed like the right call. He still needs to impress in his workouts. If he is as fast and strong as anticipated, I'll probably stick with this pick through April. When I informed my source of the projection, he responded with, "Typical Al Davis pick." He didn't sound like he approved.1.07 (subject to coin toss) San Francisco 49ersMario Williams, 6'7", 290Defensive End, North Carolina StateAs mentioned in the first mock, the 49ers need to grab the best available player. They may have the lowest A to Z talent in the NFL. Mario Williams has the strength of a nose tackle and the speed of an outside linebacker. The combination should make him a very successful defensive end in any defensive scheme. I mention that because some see him as a bad fit in a 3-4. I disagee. He's a good fit anywhere.1.08 Buffalo BillsD'Brickashaw Ferguson, 6'5", 295Left Tackle, VirginiaDraftnik Bills' fans have high hopes for getting Ngata here. Like I said before, do not underestimate the value of a huge nose tackle. The same can be said for a franchise left tackle. Those same draftniks always suggest a 2nd round offensive lineman. One of the reasons they're excited about Ngata is they doubt D'Brick is available here. I think it's possible, and Buffalo fans will be more than happy about it.1.09 Detroit LionsJay Cutler, 6'4", 225Quarterback, VanderbiltIt took me nine picks to change the original mock. It wasn't an easy decision here either. Certainly the Lions could draft one of the excellent offensive tackles available. But, Cutler's stock is skyrocketing. The NFL Network's resident draft guru, Mike Maycock, was recently heard on the radio predicting Cutler would go top 5. I don't see it. I can't predict trades, and it seems it would require one for Cutler to go higher. Matt Millen likes the sexy pick, and this would qualify. I wonder if he's a little snake bitten from the failures though. Nevertheless, Joey Harrington hasn't proven to be the franchise QB they hoped for, so it's time to turn the page in Detroit.1.10 Arizona CardinalsLenDale White, 6'2", 235Running Back, USCThis projection stays the same even though I haven't been able to validate this story validating the pick. Early in the season, when the memory of 3 RBs in 5 picks was still fresh in everyone's minds, White was being discussed as a possibility to go sooner than this. Then he slid for no apparent reason before climbing after his Rose Bowl performance. Timed speed may be the biggest question he has to answer. He is the most impressive power back in the draft and Arizona needs to run the ball.1.11 Saint Louis RamsChad Greenway, 6'4", 245Outside Linebacker, IowaNew HC and offensive specialist, Scott Linehan, inherits a loaded offense with a questionable offensive line. I won't be surprised to see one of the top OLs go here, but it's going to be hard to justify not taking the best defensive player available. Greenway's impressive combination of size, speed, and athleticism improves the Rams defense in almost every category. He can rush the passer, stuff the run, and cover. I don't think a better player or fit will be available.1.12 Cleveland BrownsTamba Hali, 6'3", 270Defensive End, Penn StateI originally suggested the Browns would address their offensive line with this selection. Romeo Crennel and Phil Savage know better and see things differently. The Browns will draft defense with a priority on rushing the passer and stuffing the run. The article linked above makes the curious suggestion of Gabe Watson, primarily because DT is top priority. If the Browns do take a DT it probably won't be until the second round (based on talent and availability). Hali should surpass Kiwanuka as a DE prospect. We'll see, but I'm presently convinced. I haven't seen him projected this high before, but it fits with what the Browns need. Hali is a powerful, explosive and productive player whose stock can certainly rise this high.1.13 Baltimore RavensWinston Justice, 6'7", 312Offensive Tackle, USCExceptionally athletic for his size, Winston Justice could end up being the best OL in this draft. Brian Billick's history of drafting the best available player, and his struggles to establish a running game this year make Justice an ideal fit for the Ravens. Jonathan Ogden enters his 11th year as the team's franchise left tackle, and Winston has played the right side in college. He can step into the right side immediately and be properly groomed to take over for Ogden, who is winding down a Hall of Fame career.1.14 Philadelphia EaglesSantonio Holmes, 5'11", 185Wide Receiver, Ohio StateThere's several reasons why this almost standard pick in the draftnik community makes sense and is probably wrong. It makes sense given neither Reggie Brown or Greg Lewis appear to be impressive #1 WRs. The Eagles need better weapons on offense. Holmes has the speed and polish to be outstanding. He doesn't get the high praise of the usual first WR chosen-- think Braylon Edwards and Larry Fitzgerald. It's probable this relatively deep, but uninspiring, crop of receivers will be bypassed longer than the Eagles first pick. They do need help on the defensive front 7. I had difficulty picking a DL or a LB considering the need in Philly is pass rushers. The next DL or LB expected to be drafted both seem a little weak in the pass rush department. Maybe not, in which case, this could be Mathias Kiwanuka. I'm really wavering on this one.1.15 Atlanta FalconsMichael Huff, 6'1", 205Defensive Back, TexasWhile this pick remains the same, Huff is now the #1 DB on the board. Jimmy Williams has dropped below Huff for my purposes, and the changes above have left Atlanta with the choice of whoever they think is the top DB in the draft. For the most part Atlanta fans are already happy with this pick should it happen.1.16 Miami DolphinsEric Winston, 6'7", 312Offensive Tackle, MiamiBecause I moved Jay Cutler up to Detroit, the Dolphins now address their second highest priority-- the offensive line. I doubt any of the teams between Detroit and Miami take Cutler. So should Detroit pass on Cutler, Miami won't. Andy Cohen, the editor of Dolphins Digest, spells it out clearly with input from Nick Saban.Miami Priorities: 1) Find a young QB to develop; 2) Upgrade the offensive line. Granted, either can be accomplished in free agency or through trades, but with the draft as my focus, I'm taking Miami collegian, Eric Winston, to become a Miami Dolphin. He has franchise LT potential, and will certainly be the upgrade they desire.1.17 Minnesota VikingsMathias Kiwanuka, 6'7", 265Defensive End, Boston CollegeI understand Minnesota has drafted three DLs with first round picks in the last three years. Our first troll, really dislikes this pick. So, I'm keeping it for now, and offerring this from Childress:"I understand that nothing in football happens without tough, physical, athletic lineman. I'm sure Carl (Eller) and Jim (Marshall) would attest. You have to run it, and you can't throw it with the quarterback laying on his back. Great defense starts on the front with the defensive line. They apply the pressure and choking off the run. For those reasons we will move quickly to solidify both of those fronts."Lance Johnstone led this team in sacks with 7. Erasmus James was coming along as the season progressed, and Kenechi Udeze will be back. There's no guarantee either will be what Childress is looking for. Considering Kiwi's potential (often compared to Jevon Kearse who Childress knows a little something about), and everything that has gone into that defense, it's not far fetched to expect Childress to toughen up his defensive line in the first round. He won't find a defensive end like Kiwi later. Many think this pick will be used for a running back. I am expecting them to be disappointed.1.18 Dallas CowboysMarcus McNeill, 6'9", 330Offensive Tackle, AuburnA trusted fellow Cowboy fan tells me that Bill Parcells recently explained in a press conference his reasons for not wanting to pick offensive lineman early in the draft. I have searched high and low for that press conference, or a transcript, or just the quote. No luck. They did pick Alan Johnson, a center, in the second round three years ago. Johnson has worked hard, but he's undersized and overmatched. That was also a pick made before Parcells was as involved in the draft as he now is. Maybe Johnson's struggles have something to do with the coach's reported opinion. Any Cowboy fan can tell you they have no greater issue to address than their aging and struggling offensive line. Any Auburn fan can tell you that McNeill is an amazing talent for his size. I hope McNeill lasts this long, and I hope Dallas grabs him. It seems like a no brainer to me.1.19 San Diego ChargersJimmy Williams, 6'3", 216Defensive Back, Virginia TechThe Chargers finished the season ranked 5th in the league in scoring. They also ranked first in run defense. The glaring weakness in San Diego is pass defense. If Jimmy Williams falls this far, San Diego will be his new home. If Williams tests well psychologically he's probably not going to last this long. He was considered a top ten pick for most of the year. Then he had some mediocre performances before being ejected from his last game.1.20 Kansas City ChiefsBrodrick Bunkley, 6'3", 285Defensive Tackle, Florida StateNew HC Herm Edwards believes defense needs to be played with passion. You won't find a more passionate player than Bunkley. As the picture attests, Bunkley leaves everything on the field. He had a tremendous senior season, and at times seemed impossible to block. He doesn't have the mass to be a nose tackle in KC's 3-4, but scouts are confident that he is more than strong enough to play end in KC's 3-4. There's no doubt Brodrick will add some pounds in the next couple years.1.21 New England PatriotsDeMeco Ryans, 6'2", 232Linebacker, AlabamaDeMeco Ryans is probably the hardest first rounder for me to project. He is a very good, very smart, very instinctive and incredibly productive linebacker. He also lacks the measureables that become so important at this elite level. He's not very big, He's not very strong. He's not very fast. Likewise, the Patriots are typically unpredictable on draft day. This seems like a perfect match for now. They get a high quality talent, and I kill two hard to project birds with one pick.1.22 Denver Broncos (from Washington)Vernon Davis, 6'3", 260Tight End, MarylandSome people will complain that this is a bad fit. If the argument is that Davis will be long gone by the 22nd pick, fine. That may be right. If the argument is that Denver will draft a safety or a defensive lineman, then I beg to differ. This has to be seen as an equation of value and need, not just need-- especially where Mike Shanahan is concerned. I know they have Putzier signed long term and Wesley Duke is a project, but let's be honest. Duke is a major work in progress, and Putzier has the look of a long term journeyman-- not the look of a Bronco tight end. Which should make all of us think of Shannon Sharpe, who was often described as a wide receiver in a tight end's body. That's exactly how Vernon Davis is described. He is probably the most impressive physical speciman in this draft. Shanahan uses two TE sets all the time. I think Davis is a great fit. Denver would be very lucky to get him here and won't pass on the opportunity should it come.1.23 Tampa Bay BuccaneersJonathan Scott, 6'7", 310Offensive Tackle, TexasMy opinion of this pick hasn't changed since the first mock. It's a perfect example of a meeting between need and value. Scott struggled at times this year, but he was dominant down the stretch. Trying to evaluate him in comparison to his peers above is very difficult if you watch the film. The OTs going before him in this mock are all very very good. So is Scott, and in my opinion, there's not much difference in any of their potential.1.24 Cincinnati BengalsMarcedes Lewis, 6'6", 255Tight End, UCLAThe Bengals have several weaknesses on defense, but no weakness at any position is more glaring than tight end. Marcedes Lewis has watched his stock drop while fellow tight ends, Vernon Davis and Leonard Pope, have been on the rise. Most mocks have Pope ahead of Lewis. Most also discuss Pope as a beast and Lewis as too slender. Well, I've gone to the tape and have to disagree. I'll dedicate a feature article to these tight ends before the draft to better explain, but for now, Marcedes is well ahead of Pope. He's not just the better playmaker. He's a far better blocker than most think.1.25 New York GiantsAntonio Cromartie, 6'3", 205Cornerback, Florida StateAnother pick that remains the same. I'm a Cowboy fan. I hope the Giants pass on Cromartie, or he's already gone. Many mocks are anticipating Youboty or Hill to be the next defensive back chosen. From a pure skillset, Cromartie is on the same level as Huff and Williams. I believe the stories of his successful rehab are true, and I expect him to be one of the most impressive athletes in testing.1.26 Chicago BearsLeonard Pope, 6'7", 250Tight End, GeorgiaThe Bears have a great defense. They are solid and deep at running back. They have a talented veteran receiver and a couple potentially good ones developing. They seem to have found their quarterback late in the season. The offensive line may be addressed in the first round, but like the Bengals, it will be hard for them to pass up on one of this draft's excellent tight ends. There's a significant drop in value from Pope to the next tight end. In fantasy terms this would be the end of tier one, and I suspect the Bears get in on it.1.27 Carolina PanthersLaurence Maroney, 5'11", 205Running Back, MinnesotaSteven Davis and DeShaun Foster have not been able to stay healthy. Eric Shelton was not impressive before suffering a season ending injury. Nick Goings, Rod Smart, and Jamal Robertson don't appear to have feature back potential. Davis and Foster will be healthy next year. Even if Davis comes back, I wouldn't expect more than him being a short yardage specialist. Foster is a free agent and may not be back. Laurence Maroney, if available here, would be hard for Carolina to pass up.1.28 Jacksonville Jaguars Tye Hill, 5-11. 185Cornerback, ClemsonIn the first mock I went OL here. That same lineman is still available, but I've had a change of heart about Jacksonville. I praised their secondary's improvement and criticised their run blocking. Two rookie cornerbacks made last season's roster and developed nicely. Rashean Mathis is entrenched on one corner and playing at a high level. Tye Hill is my pick to run the fastest 40 at this year's combine. He adds excellent coverage instincts and solid run support to his blazing speed. This is a tough choice. Jacksonville needs a productive tight end (the first tier is gone though). I'm not sure they're satisfied at wide receiver or running back (but they can wait in this draft). An explosive pass rushing defensive end is needed (and may be the best option here). Safety may be a bigger concern than corner and a better option here. And they could address that unimpressive (but deep) offensive line. Tye Hill may not be chosen before a couple other corners in this draft. For now I am expecting him to separate from his competition at corner and provide more value for the Jags than the many other possible players. More information is certainly needed from Jacksonville's lazy beat writers.1.29 Denver Broncos Darnell Bing, 6'2", 220Safety, USCI thought Bing made a mistake by declaring for the draft. At the time I was expecting LaRon Landry to enter the draft and grade higher than Bing. I also believed the many fans of Ko Simpson who grade him higher than Bing. Landry stayed in school, and I took a long hard look at Simpson. Bing looks like a much better option to me. Adding Vernon Davis to the Broncos made this a more difficult decision. Denver needs a safety as bad as they need to upgrade the defensive line. Watching Pittsburgh receivers get wide open all day during conference championship game sealed this pick. Bing is big, fast, has a tremendous verticle, and a nose for the big play. He can be a devastating hitter which is something Shanahan expects from his safeties.1.30 Indianapolis Colts Ryan O'Callaghan, 6'7", 340Offensive Line, CalfiforniaThe results of free agency will dictate the Colts' direction as much as anything else. Edgerrin James, Reggie Wayne, and David Thornton may all pack their bags. I'm not convinced O'Callaghan will grade higher than two or three other offensive lineman (they are very hard to rank), but notice I weigh him in 20 pounds lighter than most. I know he no longer looks like the beast pictured to the right. He last weighed in at 347, and he's being weighed again at the Senior Bowl today (I'll report back on the results). This man is about as determined to prove himself as they come, and he has been spectacular pass and run blocking for a couple years. The Colts are a team who has everything, yet there's an air of collapse to them after a one and out playoff performance-- which was directly credited to poor pass blocking. Another break down in pass protection against the Chargers (after RT Ryan Diem was injured) ended a possible undefeated season. Heavy pressure on Manning also led to many low scoring affairs early in the season. Bill Polian has a history of finding quality offensive lineman late in the draft. This year I think he addresses the line a couple times (they need the depth), and depending on free agency, he could start better protecting Manning in the first round. A smaller more athletic lineman might be the better fit, but O'Callaghan brings the added dimension of being able to dominate in the interior. As a guard, I grade him tops in this class ahead of Max Jean-Gilles.1.31 Seattle SeahawksChad Jackson, 6'1", 205Wide Receiver, FloridaCongratulations to the Seahawks for making it to the Super Bowl. How far have these guys been under the radar? It's time to confess the weak division wasn't the reason they had a great year. Seattle has the league MVP, the top scoring offense, and they rank 2nd in yards per game. They also led the league in sacks and finished 5th against the run . The only apparent weakness has been the secondary, which is loaded with talent and youth. An upgrade at the #2 WR position is a priority. It's going to be hard for them to franchise all-pro guard, Steve Hutchinson. He would get top left tackle money. They'll try to resign him without the tag. If not, they become a candidate to nab an offensive lineman. Chad Jackson may be the most complete receiver in the draft. He has deep speed, mastery of the possession routes, and he's sensational going after the ball making tough catches. He reminds me of a faster Darrell Jackson.1.32 Pittsburgh SteelersBobby Carpenter, 6'3", 255Outside Linebacker, Ohio StateMy apologies to all Steeler fans for jinxing Pittsburgh with this prediction (the draft order prediction, not the player). And congratulations to the Steelers, too. What an awesome playoff run-- through Cincinnati, through Indianapolis, and through Denver, not a single close game. That's about as impressive as it gets.So, what to do with the last pick of round 1? The departure of Plaxico Burress has left a need at WR. Randle El could be on his way out, and a young QB like Big Ben could sure use more weapons. Everyone knows they covet a power back to compliment Fast Willie Parker. They've addressed the secondary with plenty of young talent, but a terrific athlete at free safety to compliment Polamalu could be useful. The defensive line could use a more explosive pass rusher on the outside or another plug for the middle to help out Casey Hampton. Man, they need help everywhere! I chose Bobby Carpenter, because Bill Cowher loves linebackers and the Steelers clearly can take the best available player. They can add a power back later. The deep crop of WRs will leave them with solid options. Same with the deep OL class. Carpenter is my choice for best available, and it could easily be Thomas Howard (another OLB). Carpenter is an excellent prospect for the OLB slot in Pittsburgh's 3-4, and they should be pleased to make it to the Super Bowl in a year with such a talented and deep draft.____________________________________________Well, that's it for round 1. Good luck to the Steelers and Seahawks.This is also Senior Bowl week. I'll be monitoring the activities carefully. Oh how I wanted to be there, but my plans were dashed by obligations to the Girl Scouts. Shameful, I know. What's a dad to do?In addition to Bloom's in-person coverage of the Shrine Game, the curious way I posted this mock while it was still developing garnered us a few extra readers. You just had to keep coming back to see my next crazy pick, didn't ya? Well, feel free to chime in and criticize (read the posting guidelines before being a troll though).I have a tentative proposal.I plan on posting a few first day mocks because there is so much talent to discuss in this very deep draft. I would rather such an effort be collaborative (including readers if you have a strong opinion). So I will post it as it develops and be open to suggestions along the way. I'll also seek input and assistance from Waldman and Bloom. Three brains are better than mine. I'll post it a pick at a time (starting with 1.04 after the Super Bowl). If you want to participate, all you have to do is click on comments and suggest away. I'm not going to delay things too much waiting for opinions, but if you stop by while the mock is developing, and your favorite team is up or almost up, feel free to use the comments feature to explain your thinking on that pick. It doesn't need to be your favorite team. If you have a strong opinion about any pick along the way, let's hear it. So, check back after the Super Bowl for the kickoff of our first first day mock.