Sporting Fools
Sporting Fools
Sporting Fools
Sporting Fools
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Mock Draft: Day FourSecond half of the first round and it's been a a round filled with a few surprises like Baltimore trading up to take Cutler at 8. Three quarterbacks went in the top 8, defensive tackles were taken back-to-back. Overall 8 offensive players and 7 defensive ones have gone.
16) Miami - Chad Jackson, WR, Florida
Strengths: Natural receiver size (6'1, 213 pounds) with 4.35 speed; Is a threat in the middle of the field as well as vertical; Stepped up to catch almost 90 passes as a junior.
Weaknesses: Pretty much a selfish prick who was gladly shown the down by Meyer; Not a real physical presence.
Why This Pick: Nick Saban made it no secret that he wanted a top-flight receiver and few are more top flight than Jackson.
17) Minnesota - Santonio Holmes, WR, Ohio State
Strengths: A natural receiver, great route runner, does the little things well; Physical and strong but big-time home run hitter; Part of the great history of athletes from Glades Central High School.
Weaknesses: Has two kids (!!); Cousin of Fred Taylor; Not the fastest timed speed out there; A little smaller than most first-round receivers.
Why This Pick: The Vikings have needs and cap room. They could got a number of ways, but they decide to take the best on their board and let the chips fall.
Trade.
Dallas trades their first round pick (18th overall) to the N.Y. Giants. Details of trade will follow.
18) N.Y. Giants - Ernie Sims III, LB, Florida State
Strengths: A tackling machine, a playmaker who will go sideline to sideline and has the recovery speed to cover the tight end; Non-stop motor will shed blockers on every down.
Weaknesses: Lacking in size; Tends to freelance from time to time.
Why This Pick: The Giants take a huge gamble by moving up to select Sims to be the centerpiece of a rebuilt linebacking corps.
Details of the trade are as follows: The Giants acquire Dallas' first-round selection (#18) and fifth-round pick (#150) for the 25th overall selection in the draft, the Giants' third-round choice (#87) and the Giants' fifth-round pick (#158)
19) San Diego - Jimmy Williams, CB, Virginia Tech
Strengths: Probably the best defensive back in the draft; Long arms, great size for the position; Can play safety if needed
Weaknesses: Still learning the nuiances of being a cornerback; Tends to freelance and will give up the big play at times.
Why This Pick: Williams is great value at this spot. Even if he doesn't work out at corner he's a great addition to this team's secondary.
20) Kansas City: Tye Hill, CB, Clemson
Strengths: NCAA track champion clocked at a 4.30 in the combines; Stocky kid who plays the ball extremely well; Experienced player has continued to improve each year.
Weaknesses: Likes to be physical but probably doesn't have the size (5'9, 185) to do so in the pros; Often out of position in zone coverage.
Why This Pick: These last two selections should begin a run on cornerbacks for the rest of the first round. At this point its who has who rated higher.