NFL Draft 2006

[miami_fan]

All right I know the draft is tomorrow. I figured we could start with the various trade rumors and/or players dropping and rising that we hear throughout the day.

I keep hearing the Dolphins will go with Chad Jackson. I really hope they go with a defensive pick specifically a DE.

[IwasHere]

I keep hearing the Dolphins will go with Chad Jackson. I really hope they go with a defensive pick specifically a DE.
Are they going to move up? I don't think Jackson gets past the Eagles and Denver.

[miami_fan]

Are they going to move up? I don't think Jackson gets past the Eagles and Denver.

I get the impression that Saban would actually like to move back instead of moving up. So no I don't think he moves up to get Jackson who I see as a #2 WR at best.

[Eaglesfan27]

Yeah, I strongly doubt Jackson gets past both the Eagles and Denver. I'm hoping the Eagles take him.

However, I think Jackson has the size and speed to be a good #1 receiver.

[ice4277]

Lions will draft a WR in the first round.

*I just wanted to get that one out of the way early. Carry on.*

[GreenMonster]

I get the impression that Saban would actually like to move back instead of moving up. So no I don't think he moves up to get Jackson who I see as a #2 WR at best.

I hope Saban moves back and grabs Jason Allen or another CB/S.. I would like Manny Lawson too, imagine a LB core of Zack Thomas, Channing Crowder, Manny Lawson and then Jason Taylor as your hybrid up or down LB.. Sick..

[Sublime 2]

If for some reason he did slip all the way to 21 or the Pats moved up to grab him I'd be pretty happy. He'd be a nice addition after the loss of David Givens. I'm weary of Holmes and Moss though so if he wasn't there I say go LB or DB.

[General Mike]

Giants need a DT in the worst way, but I don't know who will be around when their pick comes up.

[JeeberD]

OLB Thomas Howard has a chance to become the first Miner selected in the first round since 1968... :)

[stevew]

Here's a good story about a possible late round prospect. I don't watch AFL, but hopefully someone who has seen him play could comment.

pssst, pumpy, i said AFL



Bagging the big prize
Former grocery clerk Bergeron on the verge of realizing NFL dreams

When deciding how to support his family, it’s rare for a football player to have to compare the money he would make playing football vs. the money he would make as a grocery clerk. It’s even more rare when the grocery store pays more.

Three years ago, Troy Bergeron left the college football team at Middle Tennessee State to support his pregnant girlfriend and his newborn son. The National Football League only fit into Bergeron’s dreams between midnight feedings.

Through sheer luck, football — in the form of the Arena Football League — found its way back into Bergeron’s life, and he is closing in on the improbable as a possible late-round selection in the upcoming 2006 NFL draft. For a guy who was not long ago making more money as a grocery store clerk than as a fledgling football player, Bergeron certainly appreciates the opportunity before him.
“I know what I’m playing for now; I’m playing for a job,” Bergeron said. “I’m playing for my family. So it’s not just coming out of college with a big head where you have been handed everything. I’ve had to work to get where I’m at.”

Spoken like a true working-class warrior.

While other college football players were rolling out of bed for 7 a.m. workouts, Bergeron would have already spent hours stocking shelves and bagging groceries. From 4 a.m. to 1 p.m., Bergeron would be making seven dollars an hour to put food on the table for his son, Cameron, and girlfriend, Sharee.

The 23-year-old would spend time at night with his son before having to wake up at three in the morning to start the cycle all over again.
“It was enough to pay the bills,” Bergeron said.

But why put yourself through that? Other football players have fathered kids in college and still stayed in school.

“I’m a family person,” Bergeron said. “I would try to come home as much as I could, but five hours was a pretty far drive (from Murfreesboro, Tenn., to Columbus, Ga.). I figured I could just go (to school) somewhere closer.”
But that turned out to be impossible. The Blue Raiders would not let Bergeron out of his football scholarship, preventing him from playing Division I ball. Bergeron was shocked. He had hoped to transfer to Division I Troy State to be closer to his family.

The 6-foot-1, 180-pounder was a highly recruited wide receiver out of high school who signed with Auburn in 2002. He left before even taking part in one practice because the Tigers saw him as a defensive back. He transferred to Middle Tennessee State to play receiver. In the midst of his redshirt freshman season, Bergeron found out he was going to be a dad and left school to head back to his hometown of Columbus, Ga.

Without any football options before him, Bergeron grew up fast as he entered the workforce in ’03 and began getting more reps at changing diapers than he would have had running post routes in college. Back then, he thought the closest he would ever come to competitive football was playing Sunday-morning pickup games with friends.
Through it all, Bergeron never complained about his life or what he might have been in college. The son of a military man just trudged ahead on the path before him.

Back home, he was content to spend 100 percent of his energy providing for his family — until he happened to see a TV commercial in ’04. The 30-second spot was for a tryout for the now-defunct Columbus Wardogs of arenafootball2. That got his competitive juices flowing, and Bergeron began working out for the first time since he left college.
Without having played in three years, he made the team — “I just got lucky,” Bergeron said — and received a $200 weekly paycheck. The money was not enough to support his family, so Bergeron continued to work at the grocery store.

After spending the first seven games on the practice squad, the then-20-year-old excelled once he got on the field (1,220 receiving yards and 26 touchdowns). His outstanding play earned him a tryout with the Arena Football League’s Georgia Force. Bergeron’s 40-yard-dash time of 4.3 seconds, combined with his burst and acceleration, caught Force head coach Doug Plank’s eye.
In his first season with the Force, Bergeron was named the 2005 AFL Rookie of the Year. He amassed 105 receptions, a rookie-record 1,372 yards, and 31 touchdowns.

The shy and quiet Bergeron never brought up his past and didn’t talk much about himself. In fact, he rarely talked about anything other than football.

“Without being able to locate (his family situation through a background check), we never would have found out about (bagging
groceries) by talking to Troy,” Plank said. “Around us, he focused 100 percent of his time on football.”
After taking the AFL by storm, Bergeron began to attract interest from NFL teams. So, he declared early for the NFL draft — he would have been a junior at Middle Tennessee State this past fall — and has spent the past few months training for the NFL.
PFW draft analyst Nolan Nawrocki projects Bergeron to be a sixth- or seventh-round pick. Nawrocki likes Bergeron’s speed, quickness and ability to make big plays but believes he has to improve his overall skill level and strength to succeed in the NFL.
Bergeron has constantly had to prove himself as he climbed higher up the professional football ladder. No matter how he fares in the NFL, Plank believes Bergeron’s experiences the past three years with his fiancée and 3-year-old son can only help him.
“From a coaching standpoint, he’s the perfect student,” Plank said. “He doesn’t create any controversy or distractions. He shows up at meetings, listens and does his job.

“(And) he has never been intimidated by his next challenge.”

[21C]

Nice page with player rankings and bios - as well as results in the 40, vertical leap and bench. Should be useful on the day of the draft.
hxxp://www.usatoday.com/sports/graphics/nfldraft06/flash.htm

[miami_fan]

Anyone believing the Leinart will drop out of the top 5 pick talk?

[stevew]

Anyone believing the Leinart will drop out of the top 5 pick talk?

It is certainly possible. Although if he gets to GreenBay at #5, I think they gotta get on the phone for a trade. It would be worth dropping to say #11 with Baltimore to pick up an extra #1 next year and maybe an extra 3rd this year.

[Solecismic]

I have Jackson going to Miami as well. Philadelphia doesn't seem enamored with any of the WRs and I think Denver will take Holmes instead.

I don't Leinart dropping. Tennessee pretty much has to take a QB, and he's a safer pick than Young.

[Ragone]

I still think Houston has to avoid the hype and pick Mario Williams.. Why pick bush.. to kickoff return? be a 1st/2nd down back only? no thanks.. let someone else take that risk..

[Solecismic]

I still think Houston has to avoid the hype and pick Mario Williams.. Why pick bush.. to kickoff return? be a 1st/2nd down back only? no thanks.. let someone else take that risk..

Just look at some of those clips of Bush's runs. Every time he touches the ball and runs wide, he's a threat to break one. There's a reason so many scouts are giving him the highest grade they've ever given a prospect.

It's a bluff. Bush is going first, and Houston is going to pay him or trade out.

[JAG]

No, he'll be the first QB taken.

[JAG]

Just look at some of those clips of Bush's runs. Every time he touches the ball and runs wide, he's a threat to break one. There's a reason so many scouts are giving him the highest grade they've ever given a prospect.

It's a bluff. Bush is going first, and Houston is going to pay him or trade out.

Trading out was an option I was thinking of today. It's not as though RB is a big need for Houston which could use help in any number of spots, but I haven't heard any serious talk about them trying to move out of the top spot, nor of anyone trying to move up. I find that pretty unusual, seeing as the past few years there's always at least some rumors of teams wanting to trade into the #1 pick (and other teams moving back).

[Solecismic]

I'm just listening to Adam Schefter on the NFL network. He's all excited, saying Williams will be picked first. I still think it's a bluff, but apparently the Texans are talking contract to Williams.

I'm going to be putting my mock draft of the first three rounds on my web site tonight, probably a little after midnight. Even if Williams goes first, I don't it does anything more than reverse the first two picks.

[astrosfan64]

Just look at some of those clips of Bush's runs. Every time he touches the ball and runs wide, he's a threat to break one. There's a reason so many scouts are giving him the highest grade they've ever given a prospect.

It's a bluff. Bush is going first, and Houston is going to pay him or trade out.

Disagree

[Ragone]

I'm just listening to Adam Schefter on the NFL network. He's all excited, saying Williams will be picked first. I still think it's a bluff, but apparently the Texans are talking contract to Williams.

I'm going to be putting my mock draft of the first three rounds on my web site tonight, probably a little after midnight. Even if Williams goes first, I don't it does anything more than reverse the first two picks.

i totally agree with bush at 2.. with the saints trading down to say the 49ers

I just don't get Houston picking bush when they already have a near star already at the posistion (dominick davis)

[miami_fan]

If the Texans take Williams first, I think the Saints will reap all the benefits of extra picks via a trade.

[duckman]

If the Texans take Williams first, I think the Saints will reap all the benefits of extra picks via a trade.

The rumors are that the Saints are claiming they will pick Reggie Bush if he falls to the #2 spot. I think they are just saying it to possibly get some suitors for their pick.

[wade moore]

The draft is a little less interesting to me this year... the Skins have hardly any picks, and there's no remote chance of a W&M player going in the 7th round.. there are two potential NFL guys (A CB named Stephen Cason who has been my g/f's favorite player for several years after she talked to him for about 30 minutes while he was working at the Nike Outlet in Williamsburg and a K named Greg Kuene), but they would be FA pickups. So, I'm more initerested in Mondays happenings to see where these guys go, especially the K who I would think has a somewhat more realistic chance to make a regular season roster this season.

[Solecismic]

I am so eating crow right now.

[stevew]

Wow.

[stevew]

Any word on the terms?

[TazFTW]

Some tidbits from PFW,

There are very few teams that still consider RB LenDale White of USC a first-round pick. One scout (http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/NFLDraft/Draft+Insider/2006/wwhi042806.htm#) said his team didn’t expect White to be on the board beyond the 28th pick, predicting another club would trade up for White if he’s still available at that point. But we’re told that is a minority opinion.

One position to watch is wide receiver. It’s very possible we’ll see only one wideout picked in the top 20. Scouts are split on whether Chad Jackson or Santonio Holmes will ever be a No. 1 receiver in the NFL.

[Young Drachma]

I want to see where our star wideout from Wyoming goes. A cornerback came out early too and all the mock drafts I've seen have him going between the 4th and 5th rounds...so..we'll see.

The Jets are gonna stink this year, so I'm not really too worried one way or another. I wonder who we'll pick up and while I'd love to see a young QB, with all these kids who come in on the 2nd day and burst onto the scene later, I'm a lot more skeptical of taking these huge "name" players early in the day.

I think Leinart is a better fit in NYC than Young, though.

[TazFTW]

Any word on the terms?

So far the only number I have seen is that he'll get close to $22 million guaranteed this year.

[Samdari]

OLB Thomas Howard has a chance to become the first Miner selected in the first round since 1968... :)

You keep saying that, yet everything I see has him solidly as a second rounder.

[Tigercat]

Tomorrow will be a fun draft day :) , worse case scenario, the Saints select Reggie Bush, best case scenario, we get great value for the #2 pick. Either way things are looking much better. Just keep Ditka out of our war room.

[Solecismic]

I think he'll squeak into the first round. Just mind-boggling combine numbers. But, then again, my track record this evening is already pretty bad.

[TazFTW]

Shefter is saying that the Broncos are close to a contract with Javon Walker. They'd still need to work out a trade with the Packers and last I heard the Packers were asking for a 1st rounder.

If the Packers aquire Denver's 1st round pick, I would guess they use it to draft a WR (Jackson/Holmes) to replace Walker.

[Franklinnoble]

OLB Thomas Howard has a chance to become the first Miner selected in the first round since 1968... :)

Wow... I don't think they've even been known as "UTEP" that long. ;)

[Samdari]

Shefter is saying that the Broncos are close to a contract with Javon Walker. They'd still need to work out a trade with the Packers and last I heard the Packers were asking for a 1st rounder.

If the Packers aquire Denver's 1st round pick, I would guess they use it to draft a WR (Jackson/Holmes) to replace Walker.

The scuttlebutt has always been that Dever traded back from 22 to early in the 2nd was to use that early #2 on Walker. The Pack can want a first rounder all they want, but if the best pick the get offered is 2.5, I can't see where they don't take it.

[JeeberD]

You keep saying that, yet everything I see has him solidly as a second rounder.

Yeah, the latest mocks are showing him in the second now. But up until recently a lot of them had him as a possible late first rounder...


Wow... I don't think they've even been known as "UTEP" that long. ;)

They became UTEP in 1967, smartass... :p

[duckman]

They became UTEP in 1967, smartass... :p

They still suck! :D

[JeeberD]

Bah, Mike Price is building a power in El Paso! :D

[scooper]

Marvin Lewis supposedly likes Thomas Howard. That doesn't mean he'll take him at 24, but one thing about Marvin. He takes players when and where he wants, without giving two craps what the draft "gurus" think.

[TazFTW]

Jim has his 3 rounder mock online. http://www.solecismic.com/draft2006p.cgi

I don't see the Cowboys selecting DeMeco Ryans while Justice is still available. The rumors I've heard is that the Cowboys really like two players, Winston Justice and Michael Huff but they aren't willing to give up a lot to get them. If Justice fell to the Cowboys, they'd take him. I also don't see the Cowboys drafting a DT in the 2nd, a backup for Ferguson would be nice but there are other needs. I do like the Ko Simpson pick.

[Mustang]

Interesting. Article in the Journal Sentinel says the player the Packers want is Ferguson or Davis. No mention of Hawk which seems to be the consensus pick.

If they trade Walker, they need weapons so, I might even think Davis would be the pick.

[Ragone]

I really think Elvis Dumervil will be a 2nd-3rd round pick.. Super active de.. will be a steal for someone :)

[stevew]

Jim has his 3 rounder mock online. http://www.solecismic.com/draft2006p.cgi

I don't see the Cowboys selecting DeMeco Ryans while Justice is still available. The rumors I've heard is that the Cowboys really like two players, Winston Justice and Michael Huff but they aren't willing to give up a lot to get them. If Justice fell to the Cowboys, they'd take him. I also don't see the Cowboys drafting a DT in the 2nd, a backup for Ferguson would be nice but there are other needs. I do like the Ko Simpson pick.

I would be very dissapointed if we came out of the draft with the 3 picks Jim has us taking. But i will admit that they are all within the realms of possibility and "steeler type guys."

[Ryche]

My mock draft just because I want to record it somewhere:

1. Houston - DE Mario Williams - Ultimately I think this will work out for the best for them although I don't know why Ferguson was not given more serious consideration.
2. New Orleans - RB Reggie Bush - Thank you for the present Houston, although trying to sign him could be a challenge.
3. Tennessee - QB Vince Young - Going for the higher upside. Will bring him along similar to how they handled McNair.
4. New York Jets - OT D'Brickshaw Ferguson - Safest pick in the draft.
5. Green Bay - TE Vernon Davis - Gives Favre and eventually Rodgers a target.
6. San Francisco - LB AJ Hawk - Very happy to take the best linebacker in the draft.
7. Oakland - DB Michael Huff - They like Andrew Walters as their QB of the future and have a huge need for defense.
8. Buffalo - OT Winston Justice - I could see them going Bunkley here too, but they need to help Losman and McGahee.
9. Detroit - QB Matt Leinart - You know Matt Millen wouldn't be able to resist.
10. Arizona - DT Broderick Bunkley - A lot of drafts have them taking Cutler, but if Green doesn't win this year, next year doesn't matter. Sims is possible too, but I have a feeling he's going to drop a ways.
11. Philadelphia - DT Haloti Ngata - They trade with St. Louis to get ahead of Cleveland and draft the huge run stopper.
12. Cleveland - DE Kamerion Wimbley - End rusher to help the defense.
13. Minnesota - QB Jay Cutler - Minnesota gets worried that St. Louis or Denver will snatch up Cutler and pulls the trigger with a familiar trading partner.
14. St. Louis - CB Tye Hill - I thought St. Louis would take Greenway before, but the secondary evidentally really sucked in their mini camp. Hill may be the next Darrell Green.
15. Denver - WR Santonio Holmes - Or Jackson, but I think they prefer Holmes.
16. Miami - DE/LB Manny Lawson - Edge rusher they need.
17. Baltimore - CB Jimmy Williams - Quite happy to trade down and still get a top defensive back.
18. Dallas - LB Chad Greenway - Big, strong, fast linebacker in the Parcells mold.
19. San Diego - CB Antonio Cromartie - They need help in pass coverage, take the player with the biggest upside.
20. Kansas City - CB Jonathon Joseph - KC needs defense and more defense.
21. New England - LB Bobby Carpenter - Mike Vrabel clone.
22. San Francisco - WR Chad Jackson - They went defense for the first pick, they have to help Alex Smith here.
23. Tampa - OT Marcus McNeil - Starts immediately for their offensive line blocking for Cadillac once again.
24. Cincinnati - DB Donte Whitner - Local commodity that can step in immediately.
25. Carolina - LB Ernie Sims - Sims is an ideal replacement for Witherspoon and Carolina trades up to make sure they can grab him before Chicago.
26. Chicago - LB DeMeco Ryans - Chicago won with defense this year and since the offensive value at this point doesn't match defense, they'll strengthen a spot that took a hit.
27. New York Giants - RB DeAngelo Williams - Tiki Barber clone and eventual replacement.
28. Jacksonville - DB Jason Allen - They can use some secondary depth, and Allen has great upside at this point.
29. New York Jets - WR Sinorice Moss - They let one Moss go last year, but bring in a newer version.
30. Indianapolis - RB Laurence Maroney - Should be able to step in immediately to fill Edgerrin's shoes.
31. Seattle - S Ko Simpson - Never enough depth in the secondary.
32. Pittsburgh - RB LenDale White - Minibus?

[IwasHere]

I think RB Lendale White is officially out of the first round and maybe the 2nd!

1) Shows up out of shape at the Combine.
2) Torn Hamstring being treated by a local Denver Chiropractor.
And Now
3) A positive Drug test at the Combine.

NFL | L. White had positive test?
Sat, 29 Apr 2006 00:23:38 -0700

Scott Wolf, of the Press Telegram, reports USC RB LenDale White reportedly tested positive for an undisclosed drug, according to multiple sources, which could affect his stock the NFL draft. White spoke briefly to a reporter Friday, April 28, but sounded unconcerned about the situation. '(The NFL) ain't worried about it,' he said. 'The issue's been addressed.' Several sources said the test took place at the NFL Combine in late February. 'If it's out, it's got to be a Combine test,' said a source with knowledge of NFL drug testing. 'Some teams also give their own tests but those are at individual workouts and no one releases those.'


Just how far down White slips now will be anyones guess.

[QuikSand]

Jim has his 3 rounder mock online. http://www.solecismic.com/draft2006p.cgi


I haven't seen anyone else picking DT John McCargo that highly (Jim has him going at #24 to Cinti).

Honestly, I seem to be forgetting NC State's glorious national championship run llast year, what with all these superstar players. THREE defensive linemen from the same school all going in the first round (or close to it) just seems crazy, unless that team was a total monster.

[TazFTW]

My Solecismic mock draft entry

http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/1818/mockdraft18ys.th.jpg (http://img218.imageshack.us/my.php?image=mockdraft18ys.jpg)http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/6169/mockdraft27sd.th.jpg (http://img138.imageshack.us/my.php?image=mockdraft27sd.jpg)

[QuikSand]

I like bold predictions, Jim. LB Bobby Carpenter has been on a lot of mocks as a late 1st rounder... you say middle of the 3rd round. You also have C Nick Mangold dropping down into the second round - another guy on lots of first round mocks.

Any chance that your maize and blue colored glasses are at work here, or do you have some insider skinny?

[Passacaglia]

Anyone know if there's a way I can hear draft coverage online?

[miami_fan]

Anyone know if there's a way I can hear draft coverage online?

I know that ESPN radio was going to cover the draft. Not sure if that extend to the online version though. I do remember listening to Sporting News radio for draft coverage when I was overseas

[Bearcat729]

I like bold predictions, Jim. LB Bobby Carpenter has been on a lot of mocks as a late 1st rounder... you say middle of the 3rd round. You also have C Nick Mangold dropping down into the second round - another guy on lots of first round mocks.

Any chance that your maize and blue colored glasses are at work here, or do you have some insider skinny?


I might hurt someone in Cleveland if we draft a TE in the second round. I might not like Winslow but TE isn't that big a need for us

[Solecismic]

I haven't seen anyone else picking DT John McCargo that highly (Jim has him going at #24 to Cinti).

Honestly, I seem to be forgetting NC State's glorious national championship run llast year, what with all these superstar players. THREE defensive linemen from the same school all going in the first round (or close to it) just seems crazy, unless that team was a total monster.

McCargo's a character guy who didn't have a great combine. NC St. had a top-ten defense, but they also had about the worst offense in the ACC, which kept them on the field a lot.

I'm boosting ACC guys a bit this year because my perception is that the newly merged league had more talent on both sides of the ball.

[DanGarion]

What happen to all the auto refreshing draft charts that used to be around, on Sporting News and Espn? I'm not able to find then this year...

[Solecismic]

I like bold predictions, Jim. LB Bobby Carpenter has been on a lot of mocks as a late 1st rounder... you say middle of the 3rd round. You also have C Nick Mangold dropping down into the second round - another guy on lots of first round mocks.

Any chance that your maize and blue colored glasses are at work here, or do you have some insider skinny?

Nothing wrong with Mangold. I wouldn't be surprised if he slipped into the 1st. It's just a feeling that the teams drafting late in the 1st are all teams that like spending 1st-round picks on defensive players. I also think Pittsburgh has a bigger need at WR then they want to admit, and isn't going to be intimidated by the CW that the WR class sucks.

You'll notice I have the other three OSU guys going as high as expected, or higher. Hawk is going to be a superstar, and Whitner drove that secondary.

Carpenter's is certainly athletic enough. But people say he benefits too much from Hawk's presence, and he has a big character-flaw checkmark next to his name. Linebackers can not be head cases. Just watch Ernie Sims going up and down people's charts. No one questions his ability or his results, it's all about the collective determination of whether he deserves that checkmark.

Teams will take a chance on a head-case at many positions. Not linebacker, not quarterback, not offensive line. No one will bite on those until their talent really starts to stand out among other possible picks. I'll bet there are several boards that don't even include Carpenter.

[General Mike]

I'm boosting ACC guys a bit this year because my perception is that the newly merged league had more talent on both sides of the ball.

No it didn't. That's just what ESPN wants you to think.

[Logan]

I like bold predictions, Jim. LB Bobby Carpenter has been on a lot of mocks as a late 1st rounder... you say middle of the 3rd round. You also have C Nick Mangold dropping down into the second round - another guy on lots of first round mocks.

Any chance that your maize and blue colored glasses are at work here, or do you have some insider skinny?

I saw that Carpenter pick and couldn't believe it either.

[Solecismic]

No it didn't. That's just what ESPN wants you to think.

They really whipped up on the SEC this year. That's very important, because the southeast, which has more than its share of athletes, is the only place where there are two major conferences competing.

[Thomkal]

Well this will be the year that my beloved Cards will take a QB in the first round...because this is the year they shouldn't be taking one. :) They committed themselves to Warner by signing him to a three-year deal. Doesn't make sense to take a QB in the first round who will llikely be on the bench for a good chunk of those three years.

Actually, I see them getting help on the offensive/defensive line or a linebacker.

[General Mike]

They really whipped up on the SEC this year. That's very important, because the southeast, which has more than its share of athletes, is the only place where there are two major conferences competing.

Huh?

Here are the results of SEC-ACC games from last year by team:

Boston College - ducked the SEC
Clemson - Beat South Carolina 13-9
Duke - scared of the SEC
Florida State - Lost 34-7 to Florida
Georgia Tech - beat Auburn 23-14, lost to Georgia 14-7
Maryland - no games vs SEC
Miami (FL) - steamrolled by LSU 40-3
North Carolina - No SEC opponents
NC State - No SEC opponents
Virginia - No SEC opponents
Virginia Tech - No SEC opponents
Wake Forest - Lost to Vanderbilt 24-20

So going 2-4 against another conference when your 2 "best" teams get their asses handed to them is whipping up on someone? WOW. And that Auburn win which was solid was week 1. If they played again at the end of the year, Georgia Tech would have gotten served.

[Solecismic]

Look at the next level or two, comparing results through teams.

[JeeberD]

You keep saying that, yet everything I see has him solidly as a second rounder.

Yeah, the latest mocks are showing him in the second now. But up until recently a lot of them had him as a possible late first rounder...

Uhhh...what I meant was that Jim has him going in the first round. ;) :D

[Lonnie]

Anyone know if there's a way I can hear draft coverage online?

http://www.theticket.com will have coverage.

[henry296]

ESPN Radio has internet coverage:

http://espnradio.espn.go.com/espnradio/radio?play=live

Try this link for their DraftCast with Chat.

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/round?round=1&draftyear=2006&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fnfldraft%2fdraft%2ftracker%2fround%3fround%3d1%26draftyear%3d2006#

[Lathum]

That was the gayest into to any sporting event ever.

[Thomkal]

I have to say that was an awful opening start to the draft

[Eaglesfan27]

Agreed. However, I still can't wait to see all of this really get going.

[cartman]

That was the gayest into to any sporting event ever.

I missed it. What happened? Did Subby somehow get an invite?

[kingfc22]

So how many picks will the Saints be able to steal from another team?

[Lathum]

I missed it. What happened? Did Subby somehow get an invite?
I think he was holding the camera

[kingfc22]

I hate when the NFL wastes 15 minutes on this crap. Just make the pick

[Eaglesfan27]

Agreed. You've made the contract deal. Announce the pick.

[st.cronin]

15 minutes is too long in any case. 5 minutes would make for a much better show.

[Eaglesfan27]

I'm really tired of hearing Mort repeat the 6 out of 6 GM comment over and over again in favor of Mario. Only once as he mentioned that another poll of 26 GM's said that 20 of the 26 would take Reggie Bush 1st.

[Masked]

I hate when the NFL wastes 15 minutes on this crap. Just make the pick

Okay, now taking 15 minutes makes sense.

[henry296]

Whose coverage are you watching: ESPN or NFL. I'm trying to flip between both of them.

[kingfc22]

Okay, now taking 15 minutes makes sense.

Totally. I just hate it when the #1 team takes 15 minutes to make a pick. You had 4 months to think about it already.

[mtaystl03]

What do you think? Jets move up here? I could see that happening.

[kingfc22]

Bush - Just say no to turf. Come to SF!

[Passacaglia]

Hey all, there's a draft chat going on. Check Solecismic's stickied thread for details.

[mtaystl03]

I change my mind, there is no way you give up another 1st rounder and a 3rd to move up two spots. Ferguson is good enough at #4 for all the holes they have in NY.

[Eaglesfan27]

Hey all, there's a draft chat going on. Check Solecismic's stickied thread for details.

I'm having trouble getting it to work for some reason.

[Eaglesfan27]

If they keep Bush, I just became much more likely to buy multiple Saints' tickets this year.

[kingfc22]

No excitement. No shakeup. Just a swap of picks between #1 and #2 teams choices. :(

[Eaglesfan27]

No excitement. No shakeup. Just a swap of picks between #1 and #2 teams choices. :(


They could still deal him to the Jets or another team..

[Young Drachma]

So...is big Vince going to NYC? Or are they going to play it safe?

[kingfc22]

So is Duece going to be willing to play 2nd fiddle to Bush?

[biological warrior]

Shoulda gone last year huh Leinart.

[Young Drachma]

Wow....

Owner wins in Tennessee.

Wonder if the Jets are going to be pressured to pick Leinart.

[biological warrior]

Bah, the talkin' heads are being too PC. Just tell me who you think will be the better qb.

[kingfc22]

Raiders must be drooling to possibly have the chance for Leinhart to fall to them at 7

[Lathum]

Jets fans are about to lose their minds

[Young Drachma]

Couldn't they pick Leinart and deal him later?

[Young Drachma]

Jets fans are about to lose their minds

No doubt. This new regime has no idea what they've gotten themselves into.

[Young Drachma]

Wow, they're actually happier about that than I thought overall.

[biological warrior]

I like this call. The Jets need to protect those immobile qb's. Though I dont think Ferguson is worth that high a pick.

[kingfc22]

Interesting. The next 2 teams both chose a QB last season, but both would undoubtedly have selected Leinhart over the guy they from last season's draft.

[Northwood_DK]

Leinhart now to Raiders or Cardinals?

[Honolulu_Blue]

Whose coverage are you watching: ESPN or NFL. I'm trying to flip between both of them.

Flipping between the two as well. I am trying to avoid Michael Irvin and interviews.

[cthomer5000]

I'm quite satisfied with that pick

[Lathum]

lol, this is so great...

did anyone see ESPN pan in on Leinarts face?

[biological warrior]

How much dough is Leinart losing right now?

[Honolulu_Blue]

Not a great draft for the Lions so far. The fewer QBs taken the more other positions are gobbled up.

[tucker rocky]

Leinhart now to Raiders or Cardinals?

Oakland is my guess.
GB and SF have QB's,
but this is the NFL draft, anything can happen.

[st.cronin]

How ballsy/stupid would it be for the Pack to pick Leinart?

[kingfc22]

How much dough is Leinart losing right now?

Alex Smith's '05 contract vs. whatever a #7 pick makes. I assume he will land in Oakland.

[Lathum]

How much dough is Leinart losing right now?
I was wondering the same thing but his parents are loaded so I don't think it matters to him.

[Easy Mac]

Not a great draft for the Lions so far. The fewer QBs taken the more other positions are gobbled up.

nah, there are plenty of wide receivers still on the board.

[M GO BLUE!!!]

I'm quite satisfied with that pick
As you should be. If the Jets had a line, then Leinart is a no-brainer. But with the line being rebuilt, if you take Leinart he would be under fire every snap. Not to mention you would have three QB's who would all feel they should be starting... that's never good.

[cthomer5000]

As you should be. If the Jets had a line, then Leinart is a no-brainer. But with the line being rebuilt, if you take Leinart he would be under fire every snap. Not to mention you would have three QB's who would all feel they should be starting... that's never good.

I can say with a straight face I'd be happy with O-lineman at the #29 and #35 (2.3) picks as well.

[kingfc22]

Niners better take Vernon Davis if the Pack don't take him

[biological warrior]

Damn , looks like Leinart may fall out of the top 10, but all roads stop at Detroit....

[tucker rocky]

The popular choice for GB.

[Buccaneer]

Remember Lienart has the insurance policy that guarantees #1 money.

[Easy Mac]

I wonder if Brady Quinn's sister likes cheese.

[Easy Mac]

Remember Lienart has the insurance policy that guarantees #1 money.

So you're saying he should get his leg broken by Mario Williams?

[Lathum]

this is gonna get more and more uncomfortable for Leinart.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Damn , looks like Leinart may fall out of the top 10, but all roads stop at Detroit....

I don't think the Lions will take Leinart. I think they'd take Cutler first, but I really hope they don't take either.

Too bad Green Bay got Hawk. I like the guy - despite the fact he played at OSU - and I do not like the Packers. Oh well...

[kingfc22]

Looks like the Niners are taking Davis. WOOT!!!

[tucker rocky]

When's the last time OAK drafted a player other than CB or K in the 1st round?

[Honolulu_Blue]

Looks like the Niners are taking Davis. WOOT!!!

Either that or his dog just died.

[tucker rocky]

Ok Raider fans, Leinart could be your savior.

[kingfc22]

Ok Raider fans, Leinart could be your savior.

I just don't see how the Raiders can pass on Leinhart.

[Easy Mac]

Plus he could keep hanging out with Nick Lachey

[Young Drachma]

Leinhart now to Raiders or Cardinals?

I hope the Cards take him. That'd be fantastic for the franchise.

[tucker rocky]

I just don't see how the Raiders can pass on Leinhart.

Raiders can be unpredictable when it comes to drafting in the first round.

[Greyroofoo]

Vernon Davis looks like a beast

[kingfc22]

Raiders can be unpredictable when it comes to drafting in the first round.

Yea, they should go Jeremy Bloom.

[Young Drachma]

As you should be. If the Jets had a line, then Leinart is a no-brainer. But with the line being rebuilt, if you take Leinart he would be under fire every snap. Not to mention you would have three QB's who would all feel they should be starting... that's never good.

And we'd would've had to Leinart New York money, 'cuz he'd want it.

[kingfc22]

And Leinhart's wallet just got a little thinner

[Logan]

Thanks Berman, for ruining the suspense...

[tucker rocky]

Unpredictablitity strikes again, Leinart and Cards make a good match.

[Honolulu_Blue]

There goes who was widely rumored to be the Lions' first choice. . .

[bronconick]

Crap.

[Greyroofoo]

The Colts pick can't get here soon enough :(

[Fighter of Foo]

Thanks Berman, for ruining the suspense...

(cough) NFL Network

[Easy Mac]

When's the last time OAK drafted a player other than CB or K in the 1st round?


They drafted a safety, which is almost as useless.

[Northwood_DK]

Lions still have the chance to make the first stupid pick in the first round.

[tucker rocky]

The Cards move in to new stadium this season, or next?

[DeToxRox]

Leinart will be a Lion barring any trade; be it Buffalo dealing their pick or the Lions dealing theirs. I can feel it.

[DeToxRox]

I hope for Sims or Bunkley at 9.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Leinart will be a Lion barring any trade; be it Buffalo dealing their pick or the Lions dealing theirs. I can feel it.

No me gusta.

[tucker rocky]

Lions still have the chance to make the first stupid pick in the first round.

Chad Jackson, WR, Florida. :D

[Honolulu_Blue]

I hope for Sims or Bunkley at 9.

Me gusta.

[Young Drachma]

The Cards move in to new stadium this season, or next?

This year

[bronconick]

No me gusta.

What he said.

I don't want anyone that doesn't tackle for a living. Marinelli should rip up the entire list of offensive players on their list.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Chad Jackson, WR, Florida. :D

We've got, at most, 22 minutes left of these. . . So get 'em in while you can, fellas.

[st.cronin]

Leinart will be a Lion barring any trade; be it Buffalo dealing their pick or the Lions dealing theirs. I can feel it.

dream on

[tucker rocky]

Leinart will be a Lion barring any trade; be it Buffalo dealing their pick or the Lions dealing theirs. I can feel it.

Leinart and Bills is possible. Losman is not the answer.

[DeToxRox]

dream on

I didn't say I wanted Leinart, I am just saying it wouldn't shock me.

[st.cronin]

I really don't get people who don't want Leinart on their team. I think he's far and away the most likely player in the draft to be a star.

[DeToxRox]

YES!

LIONS DONT FUCK UP

[Sublime 2]

Didn't think Witner would go this early.

[tucker rocky]

Lions may make a great pick now.

[DeToxRox]

Lions still can fuck up but baby its not the first one.

[Lathum]

who?

when was the last time 2 safties were taken in the top 10?

[General Mike]

buffalo with the shocker.

[Greyroofoo]

COME ON WIDE RECEIVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[cthomer5000]

Reaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaacccccccchhhhhhhh

[st.cronin]

Santonio Holmes

[DeToxRox]

I am torn. If we take Leinart and he sits for a year or so on the bench he could be Carson Palmer.

But then I think .. Harrington, Ware, etc..

And I am torn.

We need help now but man he could be good.

Damn to be a Lions fan.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Huh. Didn't see that one coming.

[tucker rocky]

YES!

LIONS DONT FUCK UP

Leinart will have plenty of receivers to throw to.
Now it's looking like a smart move to stock up on WR for the Lions.

[DeToxRox]

This is like 2 years ago. Lions deal down one spot and pick up a 2nd just because they showed they might take Winslow but didnt really want him.

That is the best case scenario.

[M GO BLUE!!!]

Thank you Buffalo.

Sincerely,

-The remaining teams in the first round.

[kingfc22]

Uh, did Buffalo turn in their 2nd Rd. pick card?

[miami_fan]

Will the Lions trade down?

[kingfc22]

Booo! No wide receiver. What's going on?

[DeToxRox]

Thank God.

Safe pick.

[tucker rocky]

The unwanted QB, somebody pick me.

[Sublime 2]

I like that pick!

[Young Drachma]

Leinart is going to Arizona. Nice way to open the new park.

[bronconick]

I wanted Bunkley, but this is better then a wide out or quarterback.

[kingfc22]

Leinhart is coming out of this pretty nice if he goes to Arizona.

Edge, Boldin, Fitzgerald

[miami_fan]

Okay this should not take too long. Leinart to the Cards.

[tucker rocky]

New stadium for the Cards, Leinart should fill the stadium every home game now.

[Young Drachma]

On the phone.

[tucker rocky]

Cards now have a QB, Warner can retire now.

[biological warrior]

Hmm, guess that rules out Canada.

[Young Drachma]

Warner has to mentor another young QB now. lol...

[tucker rocky]

New RB EJ, and new QB Leinart, could an offensive show be in the making?

[M GO BLUE!!!]

Detroit could have moved down and got more for the pick.

Sims could be a good player though, but still it's not a pick that gets me anywhere near excited...

[sterlingice]

That had to be the easiest pick made all day

SI

[st.cronin]

I bet Leinart starts week 1.

[Young Drachma]

Torry Holt has polished his game from last year during the draft coverage. lol..i guess he heard all the criticism.

[Sublime 2]

Torry Holt has polished his game from last year during the draft coverage. lol..i guess he heard all the criticism.

Haha I thought the same thing watching that little segment.

[tucker rocky]

That had to be the easiest pick made all day

SIOther than Houston wasting about 3 minutes to announce their pick.

[33sherman]

I wonder how the Cardinals are going to screw this one up.

[tucker rocky]

The draft should start to move along faster now, all hyped players are off the board.

[Honolulu_Blue]

The last few days most folks had the Lions taking Sims. Gosselin had them doing it. I like the pick. It's possible they could have traded down, but you never know. That might have been getting a bit too cute and they could have lost out on Sims.

The Lions need help at LB. Bailey is too injury prone. Lehman is still hurt. After that... Dirty Davis? Alex Lewis? Not good.

[RedKingGold]

There is a trade....Denver now has te pick

[Honolulu_Blue]

So endeth the Lions/WR jokes. . .

[RedKingGold]

I'm betting for Jay Cutler

[Young Drachma]

Wow..good for Cutler

[miami_fan]

Last year's #10 pick got 5 years for a total of 13.5 mil. How much more does Leinart get this year?

[Glengoyne]

I really don't get people who don't want Leinart on their team. I think he's far and away the most likely player in the draft to be a star.

I sort of agree with you, in that it there really isn't much evidence to suggest that he won't be good in the NFL. I don't think he's close to being the most likely to be a star. I'm not even sure he's second fiddle to Bush in that particular category.

[miami_fan]

Jake Plummer, you have two years tops!

[Galaxy]

Paging Marv Levy....Your were a hell of a coach in the old-free NFL, but doesn't make you a good GM in the cap-restricted NFL.

[miami_fan]

A third rounder for the Rams

[M GO BLUE!!!]

What did the Rams get from Denver?

[miami_fan]

What did the Rams get from Denver?

They switched 1st rounders and pick up Denver 3rd rounder, #68 overall

[Fighter of Foo]

Ngata should go here to Cleveland

[sterlingice]

Cutler just strikes me as an ass every time I see him

SI

[SegRat]

As a Packer fan I am thrilled with Hawk.

[st.cronin]

Cutler just strikes me as an ass every time I see him

SI

I'm always afraid he's going to beat me up and take my lunch money.

[Logan]

Cutler just strikes me as an ass every time I see him

SI

Yeah you gotta hate a guy who passes up ESPN's meatball attempt to get him to slam his college teammates.

[33sherman]

I haven't really heard Cutler talk. How does he compare on the Jeff George-O-Meter?

[Dutch]

As a Packer fan I am thrilled with Hawk.

Just looking at that guy's photo tells me it was destiny that he ends up being a Packer. I'm sure Lombardi is clapping in his grave, "We got Nitschke back!"

[Young Drachma]

Yeah you gotta hate a guy who passes up ESPN's meatball attempt to get him to slam his college teammates.

Yeah, what the hell was with that anyway? Stupid ESPN.


"Why Vanderbilt?"

WTF

[tucker rocky]

I'm surprised no player from Miami, Florida, FSU, or Georgia picked yet.

[DeToxRox]

I'm surprised no player from Miami, Florida, FSU, or Georgia picked yet.

Ernie Sims to the Lions - FSU

[Honolulu_Blue]

I'm surprised no player from Miami, Florida, FSU, or Georgia picked yet.

Ernie Sims?

[miami_fan]

Ravens give up the 6th rounder (181st pick) to switch first rounders with the Browns

[miami_fan]

I'm surprised no player from Miami, Florida, FSU, or Georgia picked yet.

Unfortunately as far as Miami goes, I am not:mad:

One more year Larry!

[M GO BLUE!!!]

time-stamp bug back?

Is it just me, or is the

[WSUCougar]

Ravens give up the 6th rounder (181st pick) to switch first rounders with the Browns
Poor value for the Browns - kinda weird.

[DeToxRox]

Good pick for a 3-4 D

[cthomer5000]

Poor value for the Browns - kinda weird.

But poor value is better than no value. They probably got their guy, saved a few bucks, and picked up a 6th rounder. Makes more sense than standing pat and taking the same guy 1 slot higher.

[Northwood_DK]

Poor value for the Browns - kinda weird.

I guess it’s a question of that they knew they would get the player they wanted with the next pick. They moved down and saved a few bucks and got a 6th round pick for nothing.

[jbmagic]

What you guys think of the Raiders picking SS Huff, Michael?

Good pick?

[molson]

Every time a guy is drafted a few spots early, everybody seems to think they could have gotten a windfall by trading down - it's really not that easy

[Logan]

Every time a guy is drafted a few spots early, everybody seems to think they could have gotten a windfall by trading down - it's really not that easy

Not to mention that it's better to get your guy and maybe lose some extra value, than to move down and find yourself watching your guy go right before you.



Except in Buffalo's case. That was way too high for Whitner.

[st.cronin]

What you guys think of the Raiders picking SS Huff, Michael?

Good pick?

I see him as more as a FS but I think it's a good pick.

[sterlingice]

Why in the world is the third story on the ESPN page that the Jets got Ferguson? Don't get me wrong- I would have liked the Texans to have grabbed him but why is the Jets picking an offensive lineman top news?

Wouldn't Young or Leinart be the next top story?

SI

[DeToxRox]

Good pick.

Eagles need WR but WR are a crap shoot.

[Eaglesfan27]

Bah. I wish they had taken Chad Jackson.

[DeToxRox]

Bah. I wish they had taken Chad Jackson.

I think its a good thing they didn't. I think Jackson is gonna bust. Another systems type guy, and even with "old" Floridas system, the Gator WR tradition isn't worth banking on with Bunkley there.

[miami_fan]

ESPN TV is holding up the damn draft. The Commish is constantly having to wait for the interviews etc before he announces the pick.

[Young Drachma]

Why in the world is the third story on the ESPN page that the Jets got Ferguson? Don't get me wrong- I would have liked the Texans to have grabbed him but why is the Jets picking an offensive lineman top news?

Wouldn't Young or Leinart be the next top story?

SI

New York Jets

[QuikSand]

We gotta sell some tires and beer up in this joint.

[miami_fan]

LB, DL, DB for the Dolphins would make me happy in that order

[st.cronin]

The Eagles are going to draft Hank Baskett from New Mexico sometime later in the draft. (At least, they intend to.) He's going to be a good pro, comparable to maybe Plaxico Burress.

[Logan]

I've never hated Under Armour more than today.

[cthomer5000]

I've never hated Under Armour more than today.

click. clack.

[Greyroofoo]

I've never hated Under Armour more than today.

ditto

[Eaglesfan27]

The Eagles are going to draft Hank Baskett from New Mexico sometime later in the draft. (At least, they intend to.) He's going to be a good pro, comparable to maybe Plaxico Burress.


If they get him, I'll be much happier with their 1st round pick.

[Dutch]

I've never hated Under Armour more than today.

Yeah, that commercial has the staying power of about 2 spots. I can't believe they are going to play the same damned commercial 47 times in one hour. I hate them.

[Logan]

click. clack.

You bastard. I now hope the Jets trade D'Brick and all of their remaining picks for Bush.

:)

[miami_fan]

WHAT?! WTF? WTF?

[Logan]

I think the Niners were expecting him to be there at 22.

But with just 5 picks before that now, I think there's still plenty of guys who could make an impact.

[GreenMonster]

I hope Saban moves back and grabs Jason Allen or another CB/S.. I would like Manny Lawson too, imagine a LB core of Zack Thomas, Channing Crowder, Manny Lawson and then Jason Taylor as your hybrid up or down LB.. Sick..

Right on Saban.. I knew just by looking at Allen, that he is Sabans type of player.. Great pick..

[Logan]

Would love to see Dallas take anyone but Lawson here.

[Terps]

So far it's looking like the G-Men could luck out and get one of Jackson/Holmes/Williams/Cromartie at #25.

[TazFTW]

*sigh*

[Cuckoo]

*sigh*

??

Why the sigh? I think Carpenter is a good pick for the 'Boys.

[Logan]

Two teams to go before the Niners pick...let's hope for at least one of the names called to not be Lawson and (Jimmy) Williams.

[TazFTW]

??

Why the sigh? I think Carpenter is a good pick for the 'Boys.

Everytime I see Carpenter, I think Andy Katzenmoyer Jr.

[Terps]

I forgot Tamba Hali was still on the board.

[Logan]

Everytime I see Carpenter, I think Andy Katzenmoyer Jr.

Did Carpenter fail Home Ec. too?

[Terps]

Pats take Maroney.