1. Houston Texans – RB Reggie Bush USC Reggie Bush is the best player in this draft. Reggie is probably the most exciting and explosive player I have ever seen. Domanick Davis is a good running back, but he’s not so good that Bush isn’t drafted. A downside is a possibility, but I don’t see that happening. Whatever happens, Bush will be the first election.
2. New Orleans Saints – FROM Mario Williams NC St. I disagree with this selection, but I think it will happen. The Saints already have two good defensive ends, but they are so intrigued by Williams that they take them anyway. OT Ferguson is another possibility, although they passed last year’s first-round pick at OT Jamaal Brown.
3. Tennessee Titans – QB Matt Leinart USC Matt Leinart is the best quarterback in this draft. He played with Titans offensive coordinator Norm Chow at USC. Steve McNair is in the twilight of his career, and the Titans are clearly not convinced of Billy Volek’s endorsement. Jay Cutler or Vince Young are possibilities here. I definitely see the Titans taking a quarterback in this spot.
4. New York Jets – QB Vince Young Texas Vince is a perfect fit in New York. They have Patrick Ramsey and Chad Pennington, so there is little pressure for Young to start immediately. You can sit for a year or two and then take the reins. Ferguson and a trade for Leinart are also possibilities.
5. Green Bay Packers – OLB AJ Hawk Ohio State AJ is the safest in this draft. Anyway, I don’t see that he can be anything other than a great player in the NFL. Mario Williams is also a possibility if available. Linebacker has been a great need for GB for years. Finally they can ensure that the unit is lifted with the safest possible pick.
6. San Francisco 49ers – TE Vernon Davis Maryland Davis is probably the best tight end prospect of all time, and worthy of this top pick. He’s 6’4,263 and runs 4.38 40. He had nearly 900 receiving yards last year, so don’t think that’s measurable. He could instantly boost a corps of receivers that is one of the worst leagues.
7. Oakland Raiders – QB Jay Cutler Vanderbilt Cutler is a great quarterback prospect who has almost unlimited potential. Some believe he is actually the best quarterback in this draft. If Oakland is lucky enough to fall into their lap, they will not hesitate to take it. His quarterback situation looks medium with Aaron Brooks starting. Andrew Walter was picked in the third round last year, but that won’t stop Cutler from being taken.
8. Buffalo Bills – LT D’Brickshaw Ferguson Virginia The Bills’ primary need is offensive tackle. They are lucky and they get a great player who could easily be the second overall pick. Ferguson falls so far just because OT is such a deep position, so teams like New Orleans don’t feel compelled to meet his needs in the first round.
9. Detroit Lions – FS / CB Michael Huff Texas Huff is a great athlete who could excel in free safety in college. What makes it so intriguing is that it also has all the necessary tools for corner play. This versatility makes him a valuable asset on draft day. RT Winston Justice is also a possibility because his offensive line leaves a lot to be desired.
10. Arizona Cardinals – OT Winston Justice The Cardinals’ offensive line was horrible last year. Justice can come in and immediately improve this unit in run and pass games. Justice stocks are on the rise and it would be a great pick if it were still available. If any of the three quarterbacks fall that far, they will surely take him here.
11. St. Louis Rams – CB Tye Hill The Rams need an upgrade at CB. Tye Hill is top of the class this year. It combines world-class speed with unsurpassed endurance that more than makes up for its small stature. This may seem tall, but the corners are usually very high. Pac-Man Jones made the top 10 last year and was no better prospect than Hill. Other options include Michael Huff if he falls, Jimmy Williams and DT Brod Bunkley.
12. Cleveland Browns – NT Haloti Ngata Oregon The Browns benefit from Ferguson’s downfall and Justice’s rising action. Because of this, Ngata slides through Buffalo and is still available at # 12. Ngata is a prototypical NT 3-4 that can anchor Crennel’s defense for many years. They are in dire need of a DE, so he could play there for a year or two until Ted Washington retires.
13. Baltimore Ravens – DT Broderick Bunkley Florida St. With the loss of Kemoeatu to the Panthers, the Ravens could use another DT. Bunkley is the complete tackle package. He has good size, outstanding strength, and great athletic ability. Don’t be surprised if Winston Justice is taken away if he’s still on the board. Trading for a quarterback if any of the big 3 starts to fall is also a possibility.
14. Philadelphia Eagles – WR Santonio Holmes Ohio St. The Eagles’ greatest need is the departure of Terrell Owens. Holmes would provide a young and solid tandem with Reggie Brown. I think they should take LenDale White at this point, but Andy Reid doesn’t seem to care if he has a good running back, although that sentiment could change if he doesn’t have the receivers to support his happy passing offense.
15. Denver Broncos – RB LenDale White USC With the loss of Mike Anderson, the Broncos need to add an RB sometime on draft day. While not necessarily his greatest need, picking white makes sense because he is the best player on the board. He could be Tatum Bell’s lightning thunderbolt. Other options are Bunkley, Holmes and WR Chad Jackson.
16. Miami Dolphins – OLB / DE Manny Lawson NC St. Rumor has it that the Dolphins will change the defense 3-4. That means they need a quick linebacker to pair up with Jason Taylor. Lawson is a great athlete, a pass rusher. There’s a chance they’ll sign Lavar Arrington. If that happens, look for them to take Chad Jackson, an offensive tackle, or just the best player available.
This is only the first half of Round 1. See the rest on my site.
