Editor’s note: The following article is not written by RotoScoop’s administrator, Dalton Del Don. It is written by Jeff Chudnofsky, who will be handling the NFL Draft coverage.
11. St. Louis Rams– The Rams are as likely as any team to trade down at this spot, as a QB starved team might take a stab landing Jay Cutler. The Rams have many holes on defense, so they would certainly entertain a trade if the price is right. Minnesota and the Jets (NYJ also holds the 29th pick) are possible suitors. If a trade does not ensue, St. Louis will address the D-line or secondary. Virginia Tech CB/S Jimmy Williams has been labeled as a “bad seed,” but rookie Head Coach Scott Linehan might look the other way. The back end is the Rams’ weak link, so look for them to snag Williams and sign him to a contract with plenty of behavior based clauses. Major needs- CB, DT, OL, TE
12. Cleveland Browns– If either Ngata or Bunkley fall, Cleveland is sure to grab a DT. Head Coach/Defensive Guru Romeo Crennel was instrumental in New England’s three championships, especially in regards to the development of linebackers such as Mike Vrabel and Teddy Bruschi. Crennel toys with mixtures of the 3-4 and 4-3, and if he cannot draft one of the “big boys” to plug the line, he will most likely grab an outside linebacker. Iowa OLB Chad Greenway has visited the Browns, but his stock hasn’t recovered since his poor showing at the combine. I believe Bunkley will be on the board and become a Cleveland Brown. Major needs- DT, OLB, DE, S
13. Baltimore Ravens– Ray Lewis would love for the Ravens to select a bodyguard/DT, but Ngata and Bunkley could be gone by this point. If Winston Justice falls, in lieu of Cutler, he is a lock for this pick. The Ravens might put a deal together to sneak into the top 10 for a DT. If Justice, Ngata and Bunkley are all gone by 13, a trade down is also a possibility. Head Coach Brian Billick has stated that he wants a veteran QB (*cough* Steve McNair) to compete with incumbent Kyle Boller, so Cutler is not a likely choice here unless Minnesota or another team trades up. The Ravens find themselves in a tough spot, but they opt for the best talent on the board by selecting Ernie Sims, WLB out of Florida State. Sims immediately challenges incumbent stiff Tommy Polley on the outside as the Ravens prepare for life without Ray Lewis. Major needs- DT, DE, OL, OLB
14. Philadelphia Eagles– The Philly Birds lost the LeCharles Bentley sweepstakes and are looking to find a center to call out protections for oft-bruised QB Donovan McNabb. Ohio State’s Nick Mangold has scouts, GMs and glow stick tweakers raving over his maturity and ability. The Eagles are rumored to be enamored with FSU linebacker Ernie Sims, who would be the inevitable replacement for WLB Keith Adams. In the end, look for Philadelphia to trade down with Minnesota (14th for Minny’s 17th and an extra pick) in a gamble that they can select Mangold at 17 while acquiring a 3rd or 4th round pick. The Minnesota Vikings (via Phi) select Vanderbilt QB Jay Cutler. *Cutler walks to the podium with his leg half asleep. Major needs- C, OLB, WR
15. Denver Broncos (via Atlanta)– Denver has grown frustrated with the inconsistency of WR Ashley Lelie and could very well ship him to Green Bay for disgruntled WR Javon Walker. Rod Smith is not getting any younger, so Denver is in line to select a receiver, albeit from a very thin pool. Coach Mike Shanahan is very unpredictable, but I believe he will opt for the services of WR Chad Jackson (6-1, 215, 4.40 in the 40 yard dash) from the Florida Gators. Major needs- WR, TE
16. Miami Dolphins– Head Coach Nick Saban is currently searching for a way to move this aging defense to the 3-4. Since the Fins’ best playmakers (MLB Zach Thomas, DE Jason Taylor) are suited for the 4-3, Saban will select an OLB who can fit in both systems. NC State OLB/DE Manny Lawson is a great fit at OLB, immediately replacing Junior Seau as the weak side linebacker. Second year pro Channing Crowder will move to the strong side. Some scouts wonder if Lawson’s collegiate success was due to him lining up next to Mario Williams. Saban will cast those concerns aside and draft Lawson, who makes an instant impact for the vastly improving Dolphins. Major needs- OLB, S, CB
17. Minnesota Vikings– No more meter maids, no more chartered cruises. New head coach Brad Childress, the former mentor/OC for Eagles HC Andy Reid, is looking to build the Vikings into an instant contender in the mediocre NFC North. QB Brad Johnson is not getting any younger, and as stated before, the Purple and Gold will move up to nab Cutler. Picking in place of Minnesota, the Eagles select Nick Mangold, C, THE Ohio State University. Major needs- LB, QB, OL
18. Dallas Cowboys– Parcells and the Boys did a fantastic job in last year’s draft with the selections of 3-4 hybrid DeMarcus Ware and DE Marcus Spears. Although they will be tempted to add a free safety to offset coverage mismatches with safety Roy Williams, look for Dallas to add more talent in the linebacker unit with the selection of FSU OLB/DE Kamerion Wimbley, who will line up as the right OLB in the 3-4. Major needs- FS, MLB, OLB
19. San Diego Chargers– Like Dallas, the Chargers pass rush last year was aided by a solid 2005 draft. Rookie Shawn Merriman morphed from a holdout in training camp to a Pro Bowler, notching 10 sacks in 15 games. Despite the improved pass rush and run defense, the San Diego secondary did not improve. In the run & gun AFC West, it is imperative that the Bolts upgrade at cornerback. San Diego drafts Florida State CB Antonio Cromartie, who has been labeled as the best Seminole CB since Deion Sanders. He is unlikely to fill Deion’s shoes on the NFL level but is sure to be an improvement in the San Diego secondary. Major needs- CB, S, WR
20. Kansas City Chiefs– In 2005, second year DE Jared Allen came out of nowhere to record 11 sacks for KC. On the left side of the defensive line, the Chiefs struggled to provide additional support. Kansas City made improvements in the secondary and linebacker units last year, so addressing the front four is a top priority. Look for the Chiefs to provide Allen with a tag team partner with the selection of Tamba Hali, defensive end from Penn State. Major needs- DT, DE, WR
Leave a Reply