The Ultimate Source for your Ph.D. in Pigskin

Home Draft Rankings Picks Audio/Video Ask the Doc Archive

The 2006 NFL Draft: Surprises Galore?

Muhammad Ali’s famous quote about “shocking the world” was never more applicable than the bombshell dropped by the Houston Texans on Friday night when they revealed they had signed North Carolina State defensive end Mario Williams instead of Reggie Bush. According to both owner Bob McNair and general manager Charley Casserly, neither “signability” nor Bush’s recent troubles regarding his parents’ living arrangements were a factor in the decision. Either way, New Orleans Saints’ management must feel as though they’ve just won the lottery. After a year of tragedy and a nomadic lifestyle, drafting the most explosive player to ever enter the NFL will help lift the spirits of a community that sorely needs it. As for the rumors that the Jets are trying to trade up and get Bush, they simply aren’t true. Not only will the Saints refuse any offer, it doesn’t conform to the Bill Belichick style of drafting incorporated by disciple, Eric Mangini, which is based on obtaining more picks by trading down than trading up.

Here’s a look at how the draft should play out:

Team

Player

Pos.

School

Comments

Houston

Mario Williams

DE

N.C. State

Next Julius Peppers?

New Orleans

Reggie Bush

RB

USC

Best and most exciting player in the draft.

Tennessee

Vince Young

QB

Texas

Potential is unlimited, but will it be fulfilled?

New York Jets

D'Brickashaw Ferguson

OT

Virginia

Best OT in draft immediately upgrades O-line.

Green Bay

A.J. Hawk

LB

Ohio State

Playing style will thrill Packer faithful.

San Francisco

Vernon Davis

TE

Maryland

Most athletically gifted TE ever.

Oakland

Matt Leinhart

QB

USC

Left-hander reminds people of Ken Stabler.

Buffalo

Broderick Bunkley

DT

Florida State

Unbelievable combine boosted draft status.

Detroit

Michael Huff

S

Texas

Incredible versatility - can play S or CB.

Arizona

Jay Cutler

QB

Vanderbilt

Strong arm perfect for Arizona offense.

St. Louis

Ernie Sims

LB

Florida State

Physical specimen with concussion issues.

Cleveland

Kamerion Wimbley

DE

Florida State

Romeo Crennel loves undersized ends.

Baltimore

Haloti Ngata

DT

Oregon

Ray Lewis' prayers are answered.

Philadelphia

Winston Justice

OT

USC

OTs Runyan and Thomas retiring soon.

Denver

Santonio Holmes

WR

Ohio State

Bad year for WRs, but Broncos need one.

Miami

Chad Jackson

WR

Florida

Impressive blend of size and speed.

Minnesota

Chad Greenway

LB

Iowa

Intelligence makes up for lack of speed.

Dallas

Donte Whitner

S

Ohio State

Roy Williams simply lacks coverage skills.

San Diego

Tye Hill

CB

Clemson

CB will help 28th ranked pass defense.

Kansas City

Jimmy Williams

CB

Virginia Tech

Any defensive player will do.

New England

DeAngelo Williams

RB

Memphis

Need a RB with more tread on the tires.

San Francisco

Johnathan Joseph

CB

South Carolina

Need quality CBs in NFC West.

Tampa Bay

Eric Winston

OT

Miami

Former TE is very athletic.

Cincinnati

Antonio Cromartie

CB

Florida State

Knee injury has kept him out since 2004.

New York Giants

Bobby Carpenter

LB

Ohio State

Son of ex-Giants FB, Rob Carpenter.

Chicago

Ashton Youboty

CB

Ohio State

Steve Smith - enough said.

Carolina

Lawrence Maroney

RB

Minnesota

Great backup for oft-injured DeShaun Foster.

Jacksonville

Manny Lawson

DE

N.C. State

Jags need improved pass rush.

New York Jets

Nick Mangold

C

Ohio State

Compared to Hall-of-Famer Mike Webster.

Indianapolis

Joseph Addai

RB

LSU

Perfect replacement for Edgerrin James.

Seattle

Jason Allen

S

Tennessee

If not for hip injury, he'd be a top 15 pick.

Pittsburgh

Lendale White

RB

USC

This "Bus" is new and improved.

 

 

Make sure to catch Jimmy Neil every Friday from 12:30 to 2:00 PM, Saturday from 2:00 to 4:00 PM, and Sunday at 4:30, only on 1560 AM or www.1560thegame.com