Rebunk's Reader-Driven NFL Draft Preview

by Cliopatria

OK NFL fans, by popular demand, here is your chance to let your inner Mel Kiper Jr. run free.

This weekend is a mystery to most prognosticators, much more than in most years. There is no consensus number one, and in my mind at least, the quarterbacks are particularly a crapshoot, no matter how much personnel guys and draft gurus are talking themselves into Alex Smith and Aaron Rodgers. Smith played his entire career playing in a shotgun, and some folks are pretending that going from that do being a dropback quarterback is a minor thing, as if entire careers have not risen and fallen based on a guy’s crappy footwork behind center. I am not saying that Smith won‘t be a serviceable, or even a good NFL quarterback. But I do not see him or Rodgers as a #1 overall pick. I would bet my lunch money that neither the 49ers nor the Dolphins are especially thrilled that the seeming lack of high-pick quality has led to diminished demand to trade up.

The running back crop on the front end looks pretty good, and whoever gets Brown, Williams, or Benson will be doing well for themselves. I would be seriously tempted by Mike Williams or Braylon Edwards. The overall depth of the draft will tend to be like it is every year. There will be busts in the first round and there will be stars who come from the second day. It’s time for your feedback. What do you see? Who should be #1? What does your team need? Why do we care, given that none of the implications of this draft will shake out for a year, probably longer? Is it our unquenchable hope for the future, our dreams of a better tomorrow? Or are you just tired of your team sucking?

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More Comments:

Steven Heise - 4/21/2005

According to Charles Robinson who does a fairly decent job of ranking draft picks, Edwards and Williams are 1 and 2 in the draft ranking. Ok. Of the teams who pick before the 7th pick, only Cleveland, Chicago, and Tennessee really need wideouts. Chicago will go for one of them and get one of them, garaunteed. Cleveland who picks before Chicago could end up taking the other, which would kill the Vikings chance at getting a #1 receiver out of the draft. I think realistically though Cleveland is going to go for a QB, and Tennessee will probably go for a corner, but they're really keeping everyone guessing as well. If the Vikes don't get a WR though, they could pick up Shawne Merriman who can play DE and probably LB as well.

Stevo

Derek Charles Catsam - 4/21/2005

Steve --
Do you really think either Williams or Edwards will be around when the Purple make their pick? I'd be stunned. But obviously you guys need a receiver.
dc

Steven Heise - 4/21/2005

This is not news.

As for Minnesota, I hope the Vikes go with whichever first round wideout is available, either Williams or Edwards, to make up for the departure of Moss. Then with our second pick in the first round we really ought to grab Antrel Rolle to boost our defensive backs if he's still available. Then all we need to do is sit back and await the continued crumbling of Green Bay.

Steve

Derek Charles Catsam - 4/21/2005

Oooohhh -- trash talk in the Black and Blue division!

Ed Schmitt - 4/21/2005

As a Packers fan, I particularly hope the Bears continue their hallowed tradition of selecting a running back in the first round. Curtis Enis and Rashaan Salaam need a successor! (The A-Train was a second round pick, and relatively more successful.)

Derek Charles Catsam - 4/21/2005

Chris --
i would think that which of those directions you go in -- receiver or back -- might indicate a sense of the offesnive philosophy. If they want to open up the O, they'll try for one of the receivers, but if they want to pound the ball in the Norris Division, I'd think that one of those backs will be awfully appealing. You may well see just what they think about your young quarterback with this pick.

dc

chris l pettit - 4/21/2005

A little Bears love...please...

As much as I like Rex (he is a UF guy) and think our defense is fantastic, I still think we will be a decent third behind Minny and Green Bay...no true impact players...a pretty tepid offense...Urlacher isnt getting any younger...Rex isnt proven yet (and might be a bust)...I am tired of going back to 1985...

If we can get Williams or Edwards...or decide to invest in one of the three stud backs I will be pretty happy...a shutdown corner will be nice as well...maybe we can become the Ravens of the Norris Division...

CP

CP