Thoughts on the upcoming NFL Draft?

[Logan]

Rodgers.

[cthomer5000]

What are the 49ers really doing at #1? Every single publication I read seems to have them taking Aaron Rodgers, but they just had Alex Smith in for a second workout for them. Now, does that mean they're now leaning towards Smith? Does it mean they're pretty damn sure about Rodgers but wanted to be sure by seeing Smith again? Does it mean they want Rodgers' agent to think they want Smith and therefore some to a contract agreement quicker? Can they be serious about potentially taking Braylon Edwards?

My gut feeling is that the draft will be as wild as last year's, where there were probably the most surprises I've ever personally seen. It was some pretty compelling viewing last year, especially since even the #1 pick was in question up until the minute was made.

[General Mike]

I have no clue what the 49ers are thinking. Personally I don't think any of these QBs are worth taking in the top 5. 49ers have alot of holes and they should go best available player.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by General Mike

I have no clue what the 49ers are thinking. Personally I don't think any of these QBs are worth taking in the top 5. 49ers have alot of holes and they should go best available player.

Who do you think that is? Braylon Edwards?

[General Mike]

Originally Posted by Honolulu_Blue

Who do you think that is? Braylon Edwards?

Probably. A strong case could be made for Ronnie Brown tho, IMO.

The problem with this draft is there's no great QBs, no great OLs and no great DLs. I mean there have been years when there were no QBs, but at least there were linemen worth taking #1.

[ice4277]

I think they will end up taking Rodgers, but if I were in their shoes I would be doing everything in my power to try and trade out of the pick. But I just don't see why a team could possibly want to move up to that position this year.

[DeToxRox]

I'd say it too is Braylon. He does it all. He carries himself remarkably (Best Damn Sports Show anyone?) and his attitude cannot be in question.

He's deserving of the #1 in my opinion.

[mckerney]

Originally Posted by General Mike

Probably. A strong case could be made for Ronnie Brown tho, IMO.

The problem with this draft is there's no great QBs, no great OLs and no great DLs. I mean there have been years when there were no QBs, but at least there were linemen worth taking #1.

It's not exactly the ideal year to have the top pick, that's for sure. There's no clear cut #1, though there's 8-10 top players that seem like they could go in almost any order. Also without Leinhart, there's no elite quarterback but two very good qbs. Personally, I think with their situations the '9ers will end up going with Smith, though I like Braylon Edwards and Derrick Johnson more than anyone else in the draft.

[TazFTW]

Originally Posted by cthomer5000

What are the 49ers really doing at #1? Every single publication I read seems to have them taking Aaron Rodgers, but they just had Alex Smith in for a second workout for them. Now, does that mean they're now leaning towards Smith? Does it mean they're pretty damn sure about Rodgers but wanted to be sure by seeing Smith again? Does it mean they want Rodgers' agent to think they want Smith and therefore some to a contract agreement quicker? Can they be serious about potentially taking Braylon Edwards?

My gut feeling is that the draft will be as wild as last year's, where there were probably the most surprises I've ever personally seen. It was some pretty compelling viewing last year, especially since even the #1 pick was in question up until the minute was made.

It'll be whoever's agent asks for the least amount of cash. I don't see York becoming a spender.

[Schmidty]

Derrick Johnson at #10. I hope.

[DeToxRox]

Originally Posted by Schmidty

Derrick Johnson at #10. I hope.

i echo those same sentiments

[Draft Dodger]

Originally Posted by cthomer5000

My gut feeling is that the draft will be as wild as last year's, where there were probably the most surprises I've ever personally seen. It was some pretty compelling viewing last year, especially since even the #1 pick was in question up until the minute was made.

I feel exactly the same way.

[mckerney]

Originally Posted by Schmidty

Derrick Johnson at #10. I hope.

If Braylon is gone at 7 (which I expect him to be), I'm hoping for Johnson at 7. He'd be another step toward completing the defensive upgrades the Vikings have made.

[Noop]

The Dolphins need to trade down and get more picks. But knowing the Dolphins there will be a cluster fuck that has me confused by their choice.

[rjolley]

Originally Posted by Noop

The Dolphins need to trade down and get more picks. But knowing the Dolphins there will be a cluster fuck that has me confused by their choice.

They must be following the Bears' rules.

[Celeval]

I'll go on a mini-limb here.

Alex Smith to SF at #1
Aaron Rodgers to Miami at #2
Cleveland trades out so someone can take Ronnie Brown

[Swaggs]

Whoever gets Pacman Jones will become one of my new favorite teams.*


*Browns, Bengals, Ravens, Patriots, and Cowboys do not qualify for this offer.

[TazFTW]

Cross out the following from your draft lists,

Pro Football Weekly

is reporting that the NFL has informed all NFL teams that four players failed drug tests at the scouting combine in Indianapolis earlier this year. All four reportedly tested positive for marijuana. Among the quartet is Wisconsin DT Anttaj Hawthorne, a potential second round pick at the 2005 draft. Also testing positive were Hawthorne’s Wisconsin teammate, OG Jonathan Clinkscale, along with Clemson DT Eric Coleman and Bowie State DB Atcheson Conway.

ESPN is reporting that Northwestern DT Luis Castillo, one of the rising stars of the 2005 draft, tested positive for steroids at the scouting combine in Indianapolis in February. Castillo has reportedly owned up to the steroid use in a letter to all 32 NFL teams. Castillo claims that he used the steriods following the 2004 season to hasten the healing a nagging elbow injury.

[sovereignstar]

Now four guys could definitely get away with robbing a grave.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by Schmidty

Derrick Johnson at #10. I hope.

Agreed.

Despite the fact that he's considered pretty weak at the point of the attack, no other prospect at the 10 spot excites me more. I love linebackers and I love defensive speed. I'd be excited. I'd also be happy with Antrell Rolle if he dropped or maybe one of the DE's (Merriman?). The pick that excites me least is Alex Barron. I know the importance of a good O-line, but O-line picks are rarely exciting and I am not sold on Barron at all. He has bust written all over him.

[JeeberD]

Originally Posted by Schmidty

Derrick Johnson at #10. I hope.

Please let him drop to #11...

[TazFTW]

Originally Posted by JeeberD

Please let him drop to #11...

word.

[Ksyrup]

My thought is that I'll be driving back and forth between Tallahassee and Valdosta that day to a kid's birthday party rather than watching the draft. I think that sucks.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by Ksyrup

My thought is that I'll be driving back and forth between Tallahassee and Valdosta that day to a kid's birthday party rather than watching the draft. I think that sucks.

I hear that...

I have missed the draft for the last THREE years. First year in Belgium, no internet. Second year in Belgium, friend's parents come into town, big night out. Third year in Belgium, good friend's house warming party. (Note the six hour time difference kills me here). This year, finally back in the good ole US of A, the draft looking like a sure thing... All of a sudden a good friend's wife sends an email and says she wants to surprise my friend on his b-day by taking him to DC and having his brother and my brother and sister-in-law come to DC to surprise them. So the entire weekend is shot. It will be a great time, but no time for draft watching as only me and my brother are football fans...

[TLK]

Originally Posted by Schmidty

Derrick Johnson at #10. I hope.

I'm almost hoping that Johnson is gone when the Lions select at #10. Alex Barron would be a perfect fit on the Lions O-Line. Barron is ready to go, and that's more than I can say for anyone trying to fill McDougle's spot. Justin Tuck would be a nice value pick in the second round, depending what position he ends up playing...

[General Mike]

Please let Ernie Accorsi finally make a good pick.

[Darkiller]

No way a WR is worth the #1 overall pick.
There's a reason why QBs have gone #1 overall 7 times over the past 8 years : we are in the free-agency era and this is a Quarterback's league. Like it or not, it starts and ends with the quarterback position.

When you have two potential franchise caliber QB (that could be very good) like Rodgers and Smith, you gotta to take your chance on one of them at #1.
If not trade the pick away (if that's possible). But don't get a WR or a CB at #1, that's throwing money out of the windows.

Jon Gruden, who's said to be an offensive guru, thinks so high of both quarterbacks that he would like to trade up from the #5 pick so to grab either one that's left. He said Aaron Rodgers and Alex Smith are outstanding players and definite franchise quarterbacks...

[Darkiller]

dola.

As a 49er fan, I WANT the Niners to pick one of the QB #1.
I'd be really disapointed if it turns out to be Braylon Edwards or if SF trades the pick and gets, say, Antrel Rolle at #5 in a trade with Tampa.
HOWEVER, if the 49ers can trade down a few spots and STILL get either Rodgers or Smith, then i'll be delighted ! That's unlikely though.
so stay where you are, and use that #1 overall pick on the best QB. As a matter of fact, I like them both an aweful lot. For various reasons, but I like them both and would be thrilled with either of them.

Aaron Rodgers being a Cal QB and growing up a 49er fan in the Bay Area makes him a "natural" so I might be biased 51-49 for Rodgers over Smith

[ice4277]

Originally Posted by TheLionKing

Alex Barron would be a perfect fit on the Lions O-Line. Barron is ready to go, and that's more than I can say for anyone trying to fill McDougle's spot. Justin Tuck would be a nice value pick in the second round, depending what position he ends up playing...

I'm in agreement with you, I would like to see them take Barron. O-line is the one spot where I think we have a relatively decent-sized hole to fill. Barring that, and assuming they don't trade down, I think Johnson or Merriman would be a good pickup as well.

[Galaril]

I hope the Titans go after either Mike Williams WR or Rolle CB with the #6 pick. Though I think they will most likely try to ttrade down some to get a mid round 1st and a another 2nd rounder.

[albionmoonlight]

I have a sense that SF has their short list and now they are just keeping people in the dark in order to try to drive down a contract price. Playing Rodgers and Smith off each other while keeping Edwards in the mix is not a bad plan, if they manage to get the guy that they want and not piss him off by trying to lowball him too much.

[stevew]

Why is Ronnie Brown viewed as a better prospect than Cadillac Williams, even though he couldnt start over him at Auburn? I dont watch much college football at all, if any.....did they play together in a lot of sets?

[scooper]

Originally Posted by stevew

Why is Ronnie Brown viewed as a better prospect than Cadillac Williams, even though he couldnt start over him at Auburn? I dont watch much college football at all, if any.....did they play together in a lot of sets?

He's a bigger, stronger back, which NFL teams like, without giving up much speed. He's also a better receiver and blocker. Williams has more home run potential, but Brown is seen as the better overall back for NFL purposes. The difference in their rankings is so miniscule, however, that it comes down to preference of the first team to take one of them. Either way, the pick can't be criticized.

[albionmoonlight]

Now that Arizona, Cincinatti, and Indy all have real football guys in charge, who is going to make completely stupid picks on draft day?

Matt Millen has potential, but he lacks the style of those old draft bunglers. Besides, Mooch probably will have the Lions drafting just fine now that he is on board.

[Ragone]

Originally Posted by albionmoonlight

Now that Arizona, Cincinatti, and Indy all have real football guys in charge, who is going to make completely stupid picks on draft day?

Matt Millen has potential, but he lacks the style of those old draft bunglers. Besides, Mooch probably will have the Lions drafting just fine now that he is on board.

Minnesota always does a good job of screwing up draft day..

[Samdari]

Originally Posted by scooper

He's a bigger, stronger back, which NFL teams like, without giving up much speed. He's also a better receiver and blocker. Williams has more home run potential, but Brown is seen as the better overall back for NFL purposes. The difference in their rankings is so miniscule, however, that it comes down to preference of the first team to take one of them. Either way, the pick can't be criticized.

Actually, Brown is bigger AND faster than Cadilac, and considered a better pass catcher. Because of his 40 times, Brown was the star of the combine.

[scooper]

Originally Posted by albionmoonlight

Now that Arizona, Cincinatti, and Indy all have real football guys in charge, who is going to make completely stupid picks on draft day?

Matt Millen has potential, but he lacks the style of those old draft bunglers. Besides, Mooch probably will have the Lions drafting just fine now that he is on board.

The Lions have drafted well the last few years, though the jury is still out on Harrington.

The Browns have held the title of poor drafters since re-entering the league but I'd have to think Savage will improve that.

With two first round chances to miss picking in their alloted time, the Vikings certainly are a team to watch on day one.

[scooper]

Originally Posted by Samdari

Actually, Brown is bigger AND faster than Cadilac, and considered a better pass catcher. Because of his 40 times, Brown was the star of the combine.

True, Brown has better straight line speed. Cadillac seems to accelerate faster and is shiftier.

Choosing between the two of them is like accepting a lotter payout in increments of $100 or $50. You'll get there a different way, but you'll get there.

[mckerney]

Originally Posted by Darkiller

dola.

As a 49er fan, I WANT the Niners to pick one of the QB #1.
I'd be really disapointed if it turns out to be Braylon Edwards or if SF trades the pick and gets, say, Antrel Rolle at #5 in a trade with Tampa.
HOWEVER, if the 49ers can trade down a few spots and STILL get either Rodgers or Smith, then i'll be delighted ! That's unlikely though.
so stay where you are, and use that #1 overall pick on the best QB. As a matter of fact, I like them both an aweful lot. For various reasons, but I like them both and would be thrilled with either of them.

Aaron Rodgers being a Cal QB and growing up a 49er fan in the Bay Area makes him a "natural" so I might be biased 51-49 for Rodgers over Smith

Are either of these QBs really worth the top overall pick? I think it'd be better to take one of the best players available that potentially reach on a franchise QB. I think the '9ers could be better off by taking Edwards and then targeting Campbell of Frye in the second. Trading down a few spots may not work so well as there may not be much of a market, and with this draft class the top pick seems a little less valuable. With the exception of Derrick Johnson at LB each of the top 10 players has a counterpart at the same position that most teams would be just as happy with.

[wishbone]

I keep hoping the 49ers don't draft a QB early. I think they have other holes to fill. They can let Rattay or Dorsey sink or swim for another year while they bolster the rest of the team. If Leinart is available in a supplemental draft, take him. If Rattay/Dorsey fails, you have a shot at Leinart next year anyway

I don't care about value or think they have to draft a QB #1 because everyone else does. Rick Mirer, Ryan Leaf, Peyton Manning, Tim Couch, Akili Smith, Donovan McNabb and Drew Bledsoe all looked like #1s coming out and none of them have won a Super Bowl. The 49ers should find the best player for their team regardless of position.

[Fritz]

Originally Posted by scooper

He's a bigger, stronger back, which NFL teams like, without giving up much speed. He's also a better receiver and blocker. Williams has more home run potential, but Brown is seen as the better overall back for NFL purposes. The difference in their rankings is so miniscule, however, that it comes down to preference of the first team to take one of them. Either way, the pick can't be criticized.

I would take the one who sounds like his name will be used in HOF
type talk. "Ronnie Brown" is a HOF name. "Cadilac" is a "where are they now" kind of name.

[JasonC23]

I've thought long and hard about the upcoming NFL draft, and I can safely say that I am 100% for it.

[timmynausea]

A girl in my high school raised her hand one day and asked how can the NFL draft be legal. We had no idea what she meant until she said "I just don't see how they can pick people and force them to play football." We had to explain that it wasn't so much like a military draft. True story.
Also I will probably watch the draft this year just to see where Pacman and Chris Henry end up.

[General Mike]

Originally Posted by wishbone

I keep hoping the 49ers don't draft a QB early. I think they have other holes to fill. They can let Rattay or Dorsey sink or swim for another year while they bolster the rest of the team. If Leinart is available in a supplemental draft, take him. If Rattay/Dorsey fails, you have a shot at Leinart next year anyway

I don't care about value or think they have to draft a QB #1 because everyone else does. Rick Mirer, Ryan Leaf, Peyton Manning, Tim Couch, Akili Smith, Donovan McNabb and Drew Bledsoe all looked like #1s coming out and none of them have won a Super Bowl. The 49ers should find the best player for their team regardless of position.

Are you comparing Manning, Bledsoe and McNabb to those other clowns? Cause Dan Marino never won a Super Bowl and he's arguably the best ever. There's alot of great QBs who never won a super bowl, and a lot of average ones who did.

[henry296]

Originally Posted by timmynausea

A girl in my high school raised her hand one day and asked how can the NFL draft be legal. We had no idea what she meant until she said "I just don't see how they can pick people and force them to play football." We had to explain that it wasn't so much like a military draft. True story.
Also I will probably watch the draft this year just to see where Pacman and Chris Henry end up.

The amazing thing is she was very close to asking a very interesting question. If she had said, "I just don't see how they can pick people and force them to play for a certain team. Collective Bargaining is the only reason a draft is legal. Could you imagine if Accounting Firms had a draft of eligible accounting majors.

Todd

[Francis_Cole]

They are not forced to actually play for that team though are they.
You could question if its legal to stop someone playing for another team for 1 year though once they are drafted

[TazFTW]

Possible trade?

Saban ready to deal at No. 2

BY ARMANDO SALGUERO AND JASON COLE, [email protected]

The Dolphins are focused on drafting Utah quarterback Alex Smith with the second overall pick, but Miami also is in discussions with at least one team about trading that selection.


One source said Thursday that coach Nick Saban has decided Smith -- not any of the likely available running backs such as Auburn's Ronnie Brown -- would be the best pick for Miami at No. 2, assuming California quarterback Aaron Rodgers is drafted by San Francisco.

But two league sources also confirmed the Dolphins and Tampa Bay Buccaneers have discussed a possible trade involving both teams' first-round selections and other considerations.


The Bucs, who pick fifth overall, are apparently equally enamored with the idea of selecting Smith at No. 2. Tampa Bay's brain trust decided last weekend Smith is a better prospect than Rodgers.


The Bucs' interest became more serious Thursday after it seemed likely the 49ers will take Rodgers, leaving Smith available. The 49ers had contract discussions with Mike Sullivan, who represents Rodgers, on Wednesday, and the discussions reportedly laid a positive foundation for a deal.


Tom Condon, who represents Smith, was scheduled to fly to San Francisco on Thursday to try to lay a similar foundation for his client, but the league sources say that session doesn't offer the same prospect for success as the one with Rodgers' agent.


Assuming that scenario holds, the Bucs want to move up. But the price, as with all such trades, would be the subject of intense negotiations.


A FAIR EXCHANGE


The Dolphins, like all other NFL teams, have a trade-value chart that outlines the price for trading draft picks.


Saban said two weeks ago he would "absolutely" go by that chart in deciding the value of a trade.


And according to most such charts, Tampa Bay would have to give up its first, second and third-round picks this year to move up three slots to Miami's spot.


The teams also might discuss exchanging draft picks next year should the Bucs balk at making the three-for-one deal now.


The Dolphins also are going to try to involve other teams in the bidding process to drive up the price of a trade, although it is unclear whether any other team has stepped forward.


So what if that all fails?


Smith, who visited with Saban and other team staffers Wednesday and Thursday, according to Condon, is the apparent choice.


QB OR NOT QB?


Saban has said the quarterback is the most valued player on any team.


"That guy handles the ball every time, he makes a decision on every play," he said during the NFL owners' meetings last month. "So it's a critical position in terms of not just stability but knowledge, experience, judgment, making good decisions and that type of thing.


"We feel we have some talented people on our team right now, but everybody has to prove they can play with consistency."


That doesn't mean Smith is a can't-miss prospect. He played in a college offense that rarely used anything other than a shotgun spread formation. And Saban has bemoaned the odds of taking a quarterback with such an early pick.


"The history of drafting [successful] quarterbacks in the first round is a 30-percent hit," Saban said. "I don't know what the odds are on a craps table in Vegas, but I know about that one."

[judicial clerk]

That would be a great move for Miami. Move down and still get one of the running backs or a wideout if that is what they want and get some more help in later rounds. All the experts are saying this is a deep draft.

[albionmoonlight]

Originally Posted by article

Saban said two weeks ago he would "absolutely" go by that chart in deciding the value of a trade.

Unless everything that we have been hearing is wrong, Tampa Bay would be foolish to accept a "chart value" trade. All the talk has said that this is a buyer's market for teams who want to move up. Of course, if there is a late run of multiple teams interested in Smith, San Francisco should move to take advantage of that and not let Miami steal that thunder.

[WrongWay]

If you could throw Philip Rivers back into this draft where would you put him at? I am asking as I could easily see the 49ers trading their #1. This would be a win-win situation considering all the cap money the 49ers would save.

Also, where do you see Mike Williams going.