February 25, 2002
Mock of Ages
HoustonProFootball.com
Let’s face it, we’ve all read mock drafts where the author obviously doesn’t have their finger on the pulse on some of the teams, which leads to a wildly inaccurate result that can strain the credibility of the entire process. And while no one would ever confuse a mock draft for some scientific experiment, if sensible picks aren’t being made, then it’s a useless endeavor.
With that in mind, HoustonProFootball.com decided to hold a mock draft where each team was properly represented by someone who knew it well enough to make accurate assessments of their potential draft needs.
As far back as November, we began inviting webmasters from various NFL fan sites to help us make this a reality; the USA for Africa of web projects — 32 pages coming together for a common goal…. We received big help from people like Miguel from Miguel’s Draft Links and Larry Garot of PackerChatter.com along the way, plus Chas Profitt, who was scheduled to draft for Tampa Bay, then lost his first round pick, yet still set up the chat room for us. And big thanks also go out to scout Rob Rang, who stepped in and pinch hit for those teams without a representative.
Unfortunately, we were not 100% successful in getting 32 reps to partake; we, in fact, lined up 28 and 21 showed yesterday. Still, we carried on. What follows is the result of the draft. We want to thank everyone who took time to participate, and we hope to have 32 sites lined up when we try this again next month.
HPF.com’s 2002 Fan Site Mock Draft
1. Texans: David Carr, QB, Fresno State
Keith Weiland of Houston Pro Football says: The Texans have made no secret of their admiration for Carr, the top quarterback available in the draft.
2. Panthers: Julius Peppers, DE, North Carolina
Keiko Santee of Panther Talk says: Local hero injects some much needed energy and pass rush into the Panthers’ defensive line.
3. Lions: Quentin Jammer, CB, Texas
Bob Henry of Red Eye Sports says: While the popular pick seems to be Harrington, the Lions will likely trade down and grab another player.
4. Bills: Mike Williams OT, Texas
Steve Saslow of Bills Daily says: The popular pick is McKinnie, but the club doesn’t like his work ethic. They will probably try to trade this pick.
5. Chargers: Bryant McKinnie, OT Miami
Brian Roberson of Red Eye Sports says: The Chargers need a serious upgrade up front and McKinnie is the player most ready to become a shut down tackle in the NFL. Very pleased to get him.
6. Cowboys: John Henderson, DT, Tennessee
Rob Rang of Boomer’s Draft says: The Cowboys, needing both DL and CB help, go with the top available player in Henderson.
7. Vikings: Albert Haynesworth, DT, Tennessee
Scott Wright of NFL Draft Countdown says: With the top two offensive tackles off the board, the Vikings take the best defensive lineman available.
8. Chiefs: Ashley Lelie, WR, Hawaii
Rob Rang of Boomer’s Draft says: No player is moving up the charts faster than Lelie, and the Chiefs’ need for receivers is no secret.
9. Jaguars: Jabar Gaffney, WR, Florida
Kevin Basarab of JagZone says: With the chance of McCardell being cut or traded and no strong third receiver, Jacksonville needs a big play man like Gaffney.
10. Bengals: Phillip Buchanon, CB, Miami
Matt Gambill of All-Pro Scouting Services, says: It’s obvious the Bengals need CB help and they get the best CB prospect available in the draft. Buchanon has the instincts, fundamentals, and recover speed that every top CB needs. Will start from day one.
11. Colts: Wendell Bryant, DT, Wisconsin
Rob Rang of Boomer’s Draft says: In a tough decision, the Colts go with Bryant instead of SS Roy Williams. Bryant simply fills a bigger team need.
12. Cardinals: Ryan Sims, DT, North Carolina
Rob Rang of Boomer’s Draft says: The Cardinals are desperate for solid interior defensive line play and Sims’ consistency and blue collar work ethic is the perfect fit.
13. Saints: Mike Pearson, OT, Florida
Eric Berger says: Assuming Willie Roaf follows through with his threat to retire, the Saints need a starting tackle now. Pearson has been dropping and may have already reached his potential, but he’s ready to start and the Saints don’t want to wait for a higher potential player like Levi Jones to develop.
14. Giants: Levi Jones, OT, Arizona
Rob Rang of Boomer’s Draft says: The Giants desperately need to address the youth and athleticism of the left
side of the line. Jones showed flashes of being a great player in Mobile…
15. Titans: Roy Williams, S, Oklahoma
Jonathan Small of GoTitans says: The Titans need secondary help and defensive line depth. Williams can be the long term replacement for Blaine Bishop, who may or may not return in 2002.
16. Browns: Toniu Fonoti, OG, Nebraska
BuzzardBlaster of Bernie’s Insiders says: In desperate need of offensive line help, the Browns go with the best offensive lineman left on the board.
17. Falcons: Antonio Bryant, WR, Pittsburgh
Rob Rang of Boomer’s Draft says: With Tony Martin already gone, and potentially Mathis and Jefferson on the way out as well, the Falcons need a vertical threat. Bryant has legitimate top 10 talent and the Falcons are lucky to get him.
18. Redskins: Joey Harrington. QB, Oregon
Andrew Nielsen of 2002 Skins Draft Center says: There is no chance in the world Joey will be available here at #18 on draft day but will take him anyway. Should start in 2004.
19. Broncos: Donte Stallworth, WR, Tennessee
Rob Rang of Boomer’s Draft says: The Broncos clearly need receiver depth, and Stallworth provides the club with the size and speed to step in should Smith or McCafferey go down again.
20. Seahawks: Jeremy Shockey TE Miami
Brian Byrne of Fin Heaven says: Their biggest need, and are shocked he is still on the board.
21. Raiders: Napoleon Harris, OLB, Northwestern
Matt Gambill of All-Pro Scouting Services, says: The Raiders are desperate for LB help and Harris will surely fill a huge void at SLB. He can also play DE at a high level. Also needs WR and defensive line help, but Harris has good value here.
22. Jets: Dennis Johnson, DE, Kentucky
Tony Pauline of TFY Draft Preview says: Ultimately, the Jets will move up for Buchanon or down for Triplett. With the players left on the board, though, they Johnson, who could be an impact player if he continues to progress and along with John Abraham will offer an awesome set of bookend- ends.
23. Raiders: Kalimba Edwards, DE, S. Carolina
Matt Gambill of All-Pro Scouting Services, says: Are you
serious? The best player on the board and although WR and DT are the biggest needs, Kalimba will provide instant pass rush and will allow the CB’s to make more plays. UNREAL VALUE.
24. Ravens: Mike Rumph, CB, Miami
Rob Rang of Boomer’s Draft says: With Starks gone, the Ravens will be looking for quality defensive backs dropping. Rumph fits the bill nicely.
25. Dolphins: Andre Gurode, G, Colorado
Brian Byrne of Fin Heaven says: Big need filled, but doubt Miami still has this pick since a trade for Ricky Williams should happen. RB’s Duckett and Green were interesting, but since I doubt they would be left, I went for Gurode
26. Eagles: William Green, RB, Boston College
Chuck Koons of NFL Draft Blitz says: There are more pressing needs, but the Eagles do need a running back, and Green is too good to pass up at this point.
27. 49ers: Anthony Weaver, DE, Notre Dame
Pete of NinersFanatic says: 49ers get competition
for the starting LDE spot from a versatile lineman who can
play inside or out.
28. Packers: Josh Reed, WR, LSU
Patty4GB of Packer Chatters says: Solid hands and a tremendous intermediate receiver. Very good at finding soft spots in coverage – tremendous quickness; will help Brett Favre.
29. Bears: Rohan Davey, QB – LSU
Ken of Monsters of the Webway says: It’s no secret that the Bears need a quarterback, and with the possibility of only a CFL QB under contract going into camp, and looking to the future, Bears select a mobile QB for the future.
30. Steelers: Ed Reed, S, Miami
John of SteelerWatch says: Roy Williams may be getting all the attention, but this natural leader in Miami’ s secondary has made just as many big plays (17 INTs in 2 years) and is faster. Reed is an unselfish playmaker that will take over for SS Lee Flowers in 2003. Reed should add much needed speed at the SS spot.
31. Rams: Reche Caldwell, WR, Florida
DJ of ClanRam says: With the possible losses of Az Hakim to free agency and Ricky Proehl to retirement, the Rams will be looking for a #3 receiver and they like Caldwell’s speed and catching abilities
32. Patriots: Eddie Freeman, DT, UAB
Rob Rang of Boomer’s Draft says: The Pats are in the enviable spot of taking the best available player. If this mock were true, the team would surely consider Duckett, but the more likely scenario has them taking another physical big body up front.
David Carr 
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