The War Room | HoustonProFootball.com 
April 23, 2004
Chip Off the Old Mock
by Warren DeLuca
HoustonProFootball.com
I’ve researched the team needs, considered the rumors, and analyzed the players… and still have no clue. This year’s NFL draft is as unpredictable at this point as any in recent memory. Every team seems to be strongly considering a move up or down. Each selection could set off a chain reaction of subsequent moves as teams position themselves to either grab a player still available or stockpile extra picks while moving down.
Here’s how I see it playing out: The Chargers trade with the Giants, much to the relief of one Archibald Manning. Nobody gives Al Davis what he considers sufficient compensation to miss out on a franchise left tackle, so they stay put. The Bolts swing another deal to slide down and take their true love, Philip Rivers, and allow the Browns to add a potential impact player to their offense in the other second-generation star of the draft, Kellen Winslow II. Fearing that the third prime quarterback will be gone when they see Charley Casserly working the phones, the Bills cut a deal with the Jags to grab Ben Roethlisberger. Jacksonville is willing to move down in part because they’ve cooled on Kenechi Udeze due to medical concerns. The incredible depth of the receiver class allows several teams needing wideouts to address other positions first, because they know they will be able to find quality receivers later.
1. New York Giants (from the Chargers): QB Eli Manning, Mississippi. The Giants finally pull the trigger on the deal to get their Manning.
2. Oakland Raiders: OT Robert Gallery, Iowa. Probably the best overall prospect in the draft.
3. Arizona Cardinals: WR Larry Fitzgerald, Pittsburgh. Not exactly a secret.
4. Cleveland Browns (from the Giants through the Chargers): Kellen Winslow II, Miami. Won’t meet the steep asking price to move up for Gallery, but will leapfrog two teams eyeing Winslow.
5. Washington Redskins: S Sean Taylor, Miami. Not a great need, but too good to pass up.
6. Detroit Lions: WR Roy Williams, Texas. He and Charles Rogers could be a dangerous pair.
7. San Diego Chargers (from the Browns): QB Philip Rivers, North Carolina State. The guy they really wanted, with some extra picks for moving down.
8. Atlanta Falcons: DT Tommie Harris, Oklahoma. Switching to the 4-3.
9. Buffalo Bills (from the Jaguars): QB Ben Roethlisberger, Miami (Ohio). Trading up for Bledsoe’s successor.
10. Houston Texans: CB Dunta Robinson, South Carolina. Trade possibilities diminish with the quarterbacks gone, so the Texans go with the top corner on their board.
11. Pittsburgh Steelers: RB Steven Jackson, Oregon State. The Bus is on the way out, and Zereoue is not the answer.
12. New York Jets: CB DeAngelo Hall, Virginia Tech. Hall will love the New York spotlight.
13. Jacksonville Jaguars (from the Bills): DE Will Smith, Ohio State. Udeze is tempting, but the Jags tend to avoid USC linemen with questionable shoulders.
14. Chicago Bears: DE Kenechi Udeze, Southern Cal. Gambling that his shoulder will be okay.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: DT Vince Wilfork, Miami. Replacing a Cane with a Cane.
16. San Francisco 49ers: WR Reggie Williams, Washington. Big shoes to fill, but has the talent to do it.
17. Denver Broncos: TE Ben Troupe, Florida. Shannon Sharpe’s heir apparent.
18. New Orleans Saints: LB Jonathan Vilma, Miami. Early favorite for defensive rookie of the year.
19. Minnesota Vikings: LB D.J. Williams, Miami. Talented but needs development.
20. Miami Dolphins: OT Shawn Andrews, Arkansas. Will compete for Todd Wade’s old right tackle spot.
21. New England Patriots: CB Chris Gamble, Ohio State. Belichick will get the most out of him.
22. Dallas Cowboys: RB Kevin Jones, Virginia Tech. This just in – Troy Hambrick is no Emmitt Smith.
23. Seattle Seahawks: DT Darnell Dockett, Florida State. Similar in style to John Randle.
24. Cincinnati Bengals: DT Marcus Tubbs, Texas. A big’un reminiscent of the tackles Marvin Lewis had with the Ravens.
25. Green Bay Packers: QB J.P. Losman, Tulane. From the Green Wave to Green Bay.
26. St. Louis Rams: DE Antwan Odom, Alabama. Looking to add speed to their defense.
27. Tennessee Titans: DT Darrion Scott, Ohio State. Replacing some big losses up front.
28. Philadelphia Eagles: OT Vernon Carey, Miami. Could be a factor at guard or tackle.
29. Indianapolis Colts: CB Will Poole, Southern Cal. Filling a need at corner.
30. Kansas City Chiefs: DT Dwan Edwards, Oregon State. Some muscle in the middle.
31. Carolina Panthers: CB Derrick Strait, Oklahoma. Shoring up their weakest position.
32. New England Patriots: OG Justin Smiley, Alabama. Another pick for depth. 
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