can we get this whole article?

http://insider.espn.go.com/ncf/insider/columns/story?columnist=kiper_jr_mel&id=2282715&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fncf%2finsider%2fcolumns%2fstory%3fcolumnist%3dkiper_jr_mel%26id%3d2282715

1/11/2006 7:45:14 PM

and this too plz?

http://insider.espn.go.com/ncf/insider/columns/story?columnist=kiper_jr_mel&id=2282772&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fncf%2finsider%2fcolumns%2fstory%3fcolumnist%3dkiper_jr_mel%26id%3d2282772

1/11/2006 7:51:22 PM

Jan. 6, 2006 | Now that underclassmen are declaring for the NFL draft, the Top 5 list will take on a different look in the coming weeks. Instead of Top 5 Seniors by Position, it is now Top 5 Players by Position, based on seniors and underclassmen who are involved in the draft process. Expect many more changes in the next few weeks, since underclassmen have until Jan. 15 to declare for April's draft.


Quarterbacks
1. Matt Leinart, USC
2. Jay Cutler, Vanderbilt
3. Brodie Croyle, Alabama
4. Darrell Hackney, UAB
5. Charlie Whitehurst, Clemson
5a. Barrick Nealy, Texas State
5b. Kellen Clemens, Oregon
5c. Bruce Eugene, Grambling


Running Backs
1. DeAngelo Williams, Memphis
2. Laurence Maroney, Minnesota (Junior)
3. Joseph Addai, LSU
4. Jerome Harrison, Washington State
5. Leon Washington, Florida State
5a. Andre Hall, South Florida
5b. P.J. Daniels, Georgia Tech


Fullbacks
1. Lawrence Vickers, Colorado
2. J.D. Runnels, Oklahoma
3. Matt Bernstein, Wisconsin
4. Daccus Turman, South Carolina
5. David Kirtman, USC


Wide Receivers
1. Santonio Holmes, Ohio State (Junior)
2. Derek Hagan, Arizona State
3. Sinorice Moss, Miami
4. Chad Jackson, Florida (Junior)
5. Hank Baskett, New Mexico
5a. Maurice Stovall, Notre Dame
5b. Brandon Williams, Wisconsin
5c. Greg Lee, Pittsburgh (Junior)
5d. Travis Wilson, Oklahoma
5e. Jonathan Orr, Wisconsin


Tight Ends
1. Vernon Davis, Maryland (Junior)
2. Leonard Pope, Georgia (Junior)
3. Owen Daniels, Wisconsin
4. Dominique Byrd, USC
5. David Thomas, Texas
5a. Marcedes Lewis, UCLA
5b. Joe Klopfenstein, Colorado
5c. Tim Day, Oregon


Tackles
1. D'Brickashaw Ferguson, Virginia
2. Ryan O'Callaghan, California
3. Jeremy Trueblood, Boston College
4. Marcus McNeill, Auburn
5. Andrew Whitworth, LSU
5a. Eric Winston, Miami


Guards
1. Jason Spitz, Louisville
2. Taitusi Lutui, USC
3. Max Jean-Gilles, Georgia
4. Kevin Boothe, Cornell
5. Rob Sims, Ohio State
5a. Davin Joseph, Oklahoma
5b. E.J. Whitley, Texas Tech


Centers
1. Nick Mangold, Ohio State
2. Greg Eslinger, Minnesota
3. Ryan Cook, New Mexico
4. Mike Degory, Florida
5. Marvin Philip, California


Place-Kickers
1. Stephen Gostkowski, Memphis
2. Josh Huston, Ohio State
3. Connor Hughes, Virginia
4. Deric Yaussi, Wyoming
5. Kurt Smith, Virginia


Defensive Ends
1. Mario Williams, NC State (Junior)
2. Tamba Hali, Penn State
3. Mathias Kiwanuka, Boston College
4. Kamerion Wimbley, Florida State
5. Manny Lawson, NC State
5a. Elvis Dumervil, Louisville
5b. Ray Edwards, Purdue (Junior)
5c. Jason Hatcher, Grambling
5d. Charlton Keith, Kansas


Defensive Tackles
1. Orien Harris, Miami
2. Claude Wroten, LSU
3. Brodrick Bunkley, Florida State
4. Kyle Williams, LSU
5. Titus Adams, Nebraska


Inside Linebackers
1. D'Qwell Jackson, Maryland
2. Abdul Hodge, Iowa
3. Gerris Wilkinson, Georgia Tech
4. Oliver Hoyte, NC State
5. Leon Williams, Miami


Outside Linebackers
1. A.J. Hawk, Ohio State
2. DeMeco Ryans, Alabama
3. Chad Greenway, Iowa
4. Thomas Howard, UTEP
5. Bobby Carpenter, Ohio State
5a. Cameron Vaughn, LSU
5b. Rocky McIntosh, Miami


Cornerbacks
1. Jimmy Williams, Virginia Tech
2. Antonio Cromartie, Florida State (Junior)
3. Kelly Jennings, Miami
4. DeMario Minter, Georgia
5. Anwar Phillips, Penn State
5a. Marcus Hudson, NC State
5b. Jason Allen, Tennessee
5c. Tye Hill, Clemson
5d. Marcus Maxey, Miami
5e. Alan Zemaitis, Penn State
5f. Cedric Griffin, Texas


Safeties
1. Michael Huff, Texas
2. Anthony Smith, Syracuse
3. Bernard Pollard, Purdue (Junior)
4. Dwayne Slay, Texas Tech
5. Daniel Bullocks, Nebraska


Punters
1. John Torp, Colorado
2. Steve Weatherford, Illinois
3. Tom Malone, USC
4. Jeff Williams, Adams State (Colo.)
5. Sam Paulescu, Oregon State


Click here to send a question for Mel Kiper for possible use on ESPNEWS.

1/11/2006 7:51:43 PM

There have been some major changes and additions to the Big Board now that underclassmen are declaring for the 2006 NFL draft. Until a junior officially declares for April's draft, that player will not appear on the Big Board but will remain with the junior rankings.


Of the underclassmen who have declared, NC State defensive end Mario Williams has the highest grade according to my ratings, followed by Maryland tight end Vernon Davis, Ohio State wide receiver Santonio Holmes, Georgia tight end Leonard Pope, Minnesota RB Laurence Maroney and Florida wide receiver Chad Jackson.


Williams has a chance to be the first defensive player selected, and Davis figures to wow the NFL brass during the combine and individual workouts. Holmes easily could be the first receiver selected, and Pope is right behind Davis at the tight end position.


Maroney has the potential to become a middle to late first-round pick. Jackson, Florida's leading receiver, also could figure into the first-round mix.


The status of all the underclassmen won't really be defined clearly until their measurables are verified at the combine workout and individual testing.


As for the seniors, LSU defensive tackle Claude Wroten remains in the top 25, although an off-the-field issue will have to be monitored.


We are all anxiously awaiting the decisions of Texas quarterback Vince Young and USC running back Reggie Bush. Both would catapult to the top of the draft board, right up there with USC QB Matt Leinart.


After Young's incredible performance in the Rose Bowl, he certainly has to be in the thought process of teams selecting in the top three spots. Put it this way, if Young and Bush are part of the 2006 NFL draft, it would be a three-horse race between those two and Leinart to see who will be the No. 1 overall pick on April 29.



My entire Big Board:






Stephen Dunn/Getty Images
Matt Leinart remains at the top of the Big Board, at least for the time being.1. Matt Leinart, QB, USC (6-4, 225 pounds) | previous rank: same
His arm strength has improved since last season, and he is throwing the ball even better. Leinart might not have repeated as the Heisman Trophy winner, but he makes plays when he has to. He should remain at the top of the draft board.


2. Mario Williams, DE, NC State (6-7, 285) | previous rank: unranked (Junior)
A dominant physical presence and had some great individual performances at the end of year. Williams is a big, strong pro-type defensive end and has all skills NFL coaches are looking for.


3. D'Brickashaw Ferguson, OT, Virginia (6-5½, 295) | previous rank: 5
Came back from a knee injury and still remains the top offensive lineman on the board. Ideal left tackle in the NFL.


4. A.J. Hawk, LB, Ohio State (6-1½, 242) | previous rank: 2
The top defensive player in the senior class. An instinctive player and a sure tackler, he knows which angles to take to the ball and finds his way through traffic very well.


5. DeMeco Ryans, OLB, Alabama (6-1½, 235) | previous rank: 4
Leader of the Crimson Tide defense. Has impressed in the Tide's biggest games this season. Alabama's defense did all it could to try to keep undefeated season alive.


6. Tamba Hali, DE, Penn State (6-3, 267) | previous rank: 3
Has been at the top of his game all year. Hali is the best player on one of the best defenses in the country. A natural pass-rusher who has been fun to watch all season.




Kevin C. Cox/WireImage.com
Maryland tight end Vernon Davis may very well be a top-10 pick in the 2006 draft.7. Vernon Davis, TE, Maryland (6-3, 250) | previous rank: unranked (Junior)
Physically gifted athlete who plays the tight end like a wide receiver. Davis is a phenomenal pass catcher and is a better prospect than when Kellen Winslow came out of Miami.


8. DeAngelo Williams, RB, Memphis (5-9, 215) | previous rank: 6
Third in the nation in rushing yards per game, despite not playing behind one of the best offensive lines. Could very well be a top-10 pick.


9. Michael Huff, DB, Texas (6-1, 205) | previous rank: 8
Athletic and instinctive, he has shown the versatility to play cornerback or safety at the next level.


10. Jay Cutler, QB, Vanderbilt (6-3¼, 227) | previous rank: 9
Second-best senior QB on the board behind Matt Leinart. Has the potential to be a first-round pick, depending on how he performs in the Senior Bowl and individual workouts.


11. Santonio Holmes, WR, Ohio State (5-10, 185) | previous rank: unranked (Junior)
He is very tough and is willing to make catches in traffic. Holmes is a very good route runner and has a good burst out of his break. Holmes doesn't have the greatest size, but is very tough.


12. Leonard Pope, TE, Georgia (6-7, 250) | previous rank: unranked (Junior)
He's an absolutely huge target and is a mismatch every time he's on the field. Georgia relied heavily on Pope in the passing game because he is a rare talent for a player of his size.




AP Photo
Laurence Maroney rushed for 3,933 in three years at Minnesota.13. Laurence Maroney, RB, Minnesota (5-11, 205) | previous rank: unranked (Junior)
A very good natural runner who is very smooth and patient. At Minnesota, Maroney allowed his blocks to get set up and develop. He has good vision and the ability to shift gears quickly.


14. Jimmy Williams, CB, Virginia Tech (6-2½, 207) | previous rank: 7
Gives the Hokies a shutdown cornerback who can lock up the opposing team's top receiver. He eliminates one side of the field. A former safety who moved to corner before the 2004 season.


15. Chad Greenway, LB, Iowa (6-2½, 244) | previous rank: 11
Has become one of the nation's topflight linebackers the past two years. A smart player with great physical skills, Greenway knows how to find the ball and can go all over the field to get to it.


16. Mathias Kiwanuka, DE, Boston College (6-5½, 260) | previous rank: 13
Came back from an injury against Virginia during season. A tremendous talent who needs to polish his pass-rushing skills.


17. Derek Hagan, WR, Arizona State (6-1½, 203) | previous rank: 12
A precise route runner who will come into the NFL in 2006 with a great understanding of what is expected to be an immediate contributor.


18. Orien Harris, DT, Miami (6-3, 307) | previous rank: 10
Blessed with a ton of talent, Harris has bounced back from a subpar junior campaign. He has maximized his ability on a consistent basis in 2005.


19. Thomas Howard, LB, UTEP (6-2½, 233) | previous rank: 15
Has come a long way since his days as a walk-on defensive back. UTEP's best defensive player, Howard is a gifted athlete with 4.4 speed who covers the field from sideline to sideline.


20. Sinorice Moss, WR, Miami (5-8½ 183) | previous rank: 16
Can turn a short completion into a coast-to-coast TD. Not great size, but Moss has great speed and should excel at the next level.


21. Chad Jackson, WR, Florida (6-1, 205) | previous rank: unranked (Junior)
Has the ability to make a play after the catch. Jackson averaged 22.3 yards per catch as a sophomore and had 81 receptions in 2005. Worked the underneath routes for Chris Leak very well and kept chains moving in 2005.


22. Ryan O'Callaghan, OT, California (6-6½, 340) | previous rank: 21
Depending on who comes out early, O'Callaghan could end up being the highest-rated right tackle prospect in the draft. Prototype right tackle at the next level. Very tough; he played through a broken wrist for most of 2004 and battled through a concussion in '05.


23. Claude Wroten, DT, LSU (6-2, 293) | previous rank: 14
Solid and reliable, Wroten has given LSU consistent play throughout the season.


24. Brodrick Bunkley, DT, Florida State (6-2½ 305) | previous rank: 17
Combines strength with quickness and a relentless approach. A very effective pass-rusher for an interior lineman.


25. Kyle Williams, DT, LSU (6-1½, 294) | previous rank: same
Consistent and productive, he gets overshadowed at times by teammate Claude Wroten, who lines up next to him on the defensive line. Williams never disappears from the action.


DROPPED


Jason Spitz, G/C, Louisville (6-3½ 307) | previous rank: 18
Versatile player who will have a long career at the next level. Strongest player on Louisville's roster.


Anthony Smith, DB, Syracuse (6-1, 194) | previous rank: 19
Real playmaker on a team that struggled in 2005. Combines excellent cover skills with a rugged, hard-nosed approach. Smith is not only a quality free safety but also has made a dramatic impact on special teams throughout his impressive stay in the Big East.


Dwayne Slay, FS, Texas Tech (6-3½, 210) | previous rank: 20
A very physical and hard-hitting safety, Slay led the Red Raiders in tackles and set a Big 12 record with eight forced fumbles.


Elvis Dumervil, DE, Louisville (6-0, 256) | previous rank: 22
Feared and disruptive sack artist. Has at least two sacks in five games this season and leads the nation with 20 sacks. Reminds me of Colts DEs Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis.


Max Jean-Gilles, G, Georgia (6-4, 350) | previous rank: 23
One of the best guards in the country, Jean-Gilles had a solid outing against a great LSU defensive line in the SEC title game.


Marcedes Lewis, TE, UCLA (6-6, 258) | previous rank: 24
Has legit 4.5 speed and a perfect frame for the position. Leads the Bruins in receptions, yards and touchdowns.

1/11/2006 7:54:32 PM

mad props to you my man

ps


DWAYNE SLAY

1/11/2006 8:24:13 PM

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft06/insider/columns/story?id=2279106&action=upsell&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fnfl%2fdraft06%2finsider%2fcolumns%2fstory%3fid%3d2279106

Any chance you can post that so we can see the first mock draft?

1/11/2006 8:49:55 PM

Quote :

"The end of the NFL regular season means the selection order for the top half of the first round is finally set, save for the Raiders and 49ers, who will execute a coin flip to break a tie for picks Nos. 6 and 7. While the official list of declared underclassmen will not be made available by the league until a few days after the Jan. 15 deadline, several players have made their intentions known, and others, including USC RB Reggie Bush, have been the subject of fairly well-informed speculation, meaning some things are beginning to take shape. Much will change in the coming months, as players take part in postseason all-star games and individual workouts, as well as the scouting combine, but here is our initial first-round mock for the 2006 NFL draft: 1. Houston Texans (2-14): +Reggie Bush, RB, USC 2. New Orleans Saints (3-13): Matt Leinart, QB, USC 3. Tennessee Titans (4-12): D'Brickashaw Ferguson, OT, Virginia 4. New York Jets (4-12): +Vince Young, QB, Texas 5. Green Bay Packers (4-12): A.J. Hawk, OLB, Ohio State 6. x-Oakland Raiders (4-12): Demeco Ryans, OLB, Alabama 7. x-San Francisco 49ers (4-12): Jimmy Williams, DC, Virginia Tech 8. Buffalo Bills (5-11): +Haloti Ngata, NT, Oregon 9. Detroit Lions (5-11): Jay Cutler, QB, Vanderbilt 10. Arizona Cardinals (5-11): +Mario Williams, DE, N.C. State 11. St. Louis Rams (6-10): +Vernon Davis, TE, Maryland 12. Cleveland Browns (6-10): Mathias Kiwanuka, DE, Boston College 13. Baltimore Ravens (6-10): DeAngelo Williams, RB, Memphis 14. Philadelphia Eagles (6-10): +Santonio Holmes, WR, Ohio State 15. Atlanta Falcons (8-8): Chad Greenway, OLB, Iowa 16. Miami Dolphins (9-7): Michael Huff, DB, Texas 17. Minnesota Vikings (9-7): +Laurence Maroney, RB, Minnesota 18. Dallas Cowboys (9-7): Derek Hagan, WR, Arizona State 19. San Diego Chargers (9-7): Marcus McNeill, OT, Auburn 20. Kansas City Chiefs (10-6): Orien Harris, DT, Miami-Fla. 21. *-New England Patriots (10-6): Paul Posluszny, OLB, Penn State 22. *-Denver Broncos (10-6): Tamba Hali, DE, Penn State Pick acquired from Washington Redskins 23. *-Carolina Panthers (11-5): Claude Wroten, DT, LSU 24. *-Tampa Bay Buccaneers (11-5): +Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson 25. *-Chicago Bears (11-5): Marcedes Lewis, TE, UCLA 26. *-Cincinnati Bengals (11-5): Brodrick Bunkley, DT, Florida State 27. *-New York Giants (11-5): Sinorice Moss, WR, Miami-Fla. 28. *-Pittsburgh Steelers (11-5): +LenDale White, RB, USC 29. *-Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4): Elvis Dumervil, DE, Louisville 30. *-Seattle Seahawks (13-3): Thomas Howard, OLB, UTEP 31. *-Denver Broncos (13-3): +Leonard Pope, TE, Georgia 32. *-Indianapolis Colts (14-2): Eric Winston, OT, Miami-Fla. * - Still to be determined by playoffs "

1/11/2006 8:56:45 PM

ooooh sinorice moss

1/11/2006 9:18:59 PM

Quote :

"21. *-New England Patriots (10-6): Paul Posluszny, OLB, Penn State"

How bad was he hurt against FSU? He may drop if it was serious.

1/11/2006 9:21:43 PM

^he's staying for his senior year

1/11/2006 9:40:49 PM

Irrelevant, he said he was coming back for his senior season.

bah I'm slow

[Edited on January 11, 2006 at 9:42 PM. Reason : .]

1/11/2006 9:42:02 PM

^^^^^ God I hope Mario doesn't get drafted by Arizona. Granted Adrian Wilson has done well there, but I hope he is on a winning team and we can actually get to see some of his games on national TV.

1/12/2006 11:57:38 AM

Anyone but Arizona

1/12/2006 12:30:05 PM

do people really think that lendale white will fall to the steelers? i would think he'd be gone by then, but it'd be awesome if we could land him

1/12/2006 12:36:14 PM

that mock draft up there is garbage

vince young wont drop down to 4th, hell, I'm not even going to start listing all the dumb picks that draft has made

1/12/2006 12:36:34 PM

ehe, didn't notice some of those picks....



Is Jay Cutler really thought of that highly? wtf


Gaines Adams over Elvis and Manny?

[Edited on January 12, 2006 at 12:42 PM. Reason : ]

1/12/2006 12:41:20 PM

^^I agree, no way in hell the Titans would pass up on Young.

1/12/2006 12:45:56 PM

well Manny is more than likely going to play Linebacker in the NFL, so you cant really compare him to other DE's coming out this year

1/12/2006 12:53:18 PM

I dunno


He looked a little lost at OLB while at State. IMO, he could become a Jevon Kearse style DE...athletic, rangy, fast DE

1/12/2006 12:55:19 PM

Didnt cutler get SEC player of the year? I know he was pre-season poy, but I thought I heard he was the final poy also.

1/12/2006 12:55:44 PM

yea scouts have been all over his jock all season. His biggest upside is leading Vanderbilt to 5 wins. His stats were pretty good also with 3000+ yards. I wonder how good he could be on a team worth a shit

1/12/2006 2:57:08 PM

^That's what people wondered about Tim Couch too though. And where is he now?

1/12/2006 3:09:28 PM

um, the whole point of "wondering" about something is because you don't know. it's a given that the outcome is unknown.

1/12/2006 3:28:12 PM

we need more draft-related shit

1/12/2006 4:04:21 PM

Lawson didnt fair as well as i thought he would at linebacker while he was here.

1/12/2006 4:20:00 PM

isn't he like 6'6"? how many 6'6" linebackers are there?

1/12/2006 4:33:26 PM

yeah

shut up with your linebacker talk kids

i would never make somebody like him a LB

he would be hitting the weights like a madman trying his best to become Osi Umenyiora

1/12/2006 4:36:45 PM

I think he'll play DE still. Hell, if they can put 10-15 lbs on him he would be 6'6" 260 or so...that doesnt sound bad to me...if they keep him at DE, he can gain a few lbs and not have to worry about losing speed...he's got enough where he can slow down some and not worry.

Arent most DE's around 6'2 or 3 and 250? Mario and Peppers are freaks of nature...dont include them.

1/12/2006 7:03:54 PM

I think most effective NFL DE's (Without looking them up) are around 6'4" - 6' 5".


Manny is 6'6"
Mario is 6'7"

1/12/2006 7:07:13 PM

Most 4-3 scheme DE's are in the 6'2"-6'5" 270-285 range. DE's in the 3-4 are obviously more towards 300lbs. If Manny can get up to 270, I think he can be very effective in a 4-3.

Here are the Panther DE's for example.

Quote :

"92 Jovan Haye DE 23 6-2 290 R Vanderbilt 90 Julius Peppers DE 26 6-7 283 4 North Carolina 97 Kemp Rasmussen DE 26 6-3 265 4 Indiana 93 Mike Rucker DE 30 6-5 275 7 Nebraska 96 Al Wallace DE 31 6-5 275 6 Maryland "

[Edited on January 12, 2006 at 7:16 PM. Reason : v No, they have Physical Educators ]

1/12/2006 7:08:49 PM

The Panther's have Professional Engineers (PE's) ?


Sign me up

[Edited on January 12, 2006 at 7:14 PM. Reason : Although I'm only an EI ]

1/12/2006 7:13:44 PM

The Titans will take Leinart w/ the second pick if they have him b/c they have norm chow as oc..he already coached leinart and those two together again would be great for the team and the pr surrounding the team the rest of the offseason (i.e. sell more tickets)

1/12/2006 7:18:43 PM

Manny will play LB in the pros. Mark it down.

He will be a pass-rushing OLB in a 3-4 scheme.

1/12/2006 8:33:25 PM

Quote :

"4. New York Jets (4-12): +Vince Young, QB, Texas"

LOL! Rrrright. We can't even decide what to do with the 3 QBs we have!

However I can see this happening, b/c well i've been thinking he'd do great in the AFC East, seeing no defense is keyed up to a running QB. But if he were a Jet, he would then not live up to his hype and suck major major ass.

1/13/2006 11:55:14 AM

^^maybe the steelers could pick him up in the 2nd round after getting LenDale White in the 1st

1/13/2006 1:15:23 PM

^that wont happen, LenDale will be gone before the Steelers pick

a lot of those picks are messed up, I dont think it was made taking what a team needs into much consideration.

I hope Manny does play DE in the pros, but I am willing to bet that he will end up playing LB

1/13/2006 2:12:11 PM

arizona? oh god

1/13/2006 3:12:35 PM

Arizona has potential...

their defense has improved over the years and Fitzgerald is quickly becoming an elite receiver.


They need to get a running game going though...


I like Denny Green as a regular season coach, just not so much as a playoff one...

1/13/2006 3:30:12 PM

Quote :

"They need to get a running game going though..."

didnt it take them until like week 12 to score a rushing TD

1/13/2006 3:56:07 PM

haha

1/14/2006 3:43:56 PM

can we get this:

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft06/insider/columns/story?id=2313428&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fnfl%2fdraft06%2finsider%2fcolumns%2fstory%3fid%3d2313428

and this:

http://insider.espn.go.com/ncf/insider/columns/story?columnist=kiper_jr_mel&id=2299418&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fncf%2finsider%2fcolumns%2fstory%3fcolumnist%3dkiper_jr_mel%26id%3d2299418

thanks kids

1/31/2006 2:54:39 PM

Quote :

"Six Trojans projected to go in first roundBy Mel Kiper Jr. Special to ESPN Insider Following the week of Senior Bowl practices, there have been some changes to my first-round projection for the 2006 NFL draft. There are 14 underclassmen in this week's projected first round, three fewer than last week. The top-six picks remain the same, but the one newcomer to the top 10 is Texas defensive back Michael Huff. Right now I have him projected to land in San Francisco, which has the seventh overall pick. What I like about Huff is his versatility because he can player either cornerback or safety. This projected pick reminds me of what the 49ers did in 1981 in a similar situation. In the '81 draft, the 49ers had the eighth overall pick and selected another versatile defensive back, USC's Ronnie Lott. I will submit another first-round projection following the NFL Combine, which is Feb. 22-28 in Indianapolis. First-Round Projections 1. Houston Reggie Bush, RB* USC 2. New Orleans Matt Leinart, QB USC 3. Tennessee Vince Young, QB* Texas 4. NY Jets D'Brickashaw Ferguson, T Virginia 5. Green Bay Mario Williams, DE* NC State 6. Oakland A.J. Hawk, LB Ohio St. 7. San Francisco Michael Huff, DB Texas 8. Buffalo Haloti Ngata, DT* Oregon 9. Detroit Jay Cutler, QB Vanderbilt 10. Arizona DeAngelo Williams, RB Memphis 11. St. Louis Vernon Davis, TE* Maryland 12. Cleveland Chad Greenway, LB Iowa 13. Baltimore Tamba Hali, DE Penn St. 14. Philadelphia Winston Justice, T* USC 15. Atlanta Jimmy Williams, DB Virginia Tech 16. Miami Ashton Youboty, CB* Ohio St. 17. Minnesota LenDale White, RB* USC 18. Dallas Marcus McNeill, T Auburn 19. San Diego Santonio Holmes, WR* Ohio St. 20. Kansas City Tye Hill, CB Clemson 21. New England Laurence Maroney, RB* Minnesota 22. Denver (from WSH) Mathias Kiwanuka, DE Boston College 23. Tampa Bay DeMeco Ryans, LB Alabama 24. Cincinnati Ko Simpson, DB* South Carolina 25. NY Giants Johnathan Joseph, CB* South Carolina 26. Chicago Leonard Pope, TE* Georgia 27. Carolina Dominique Byrd, TE USC 28. Jacksonville Ernie Sims, OLB* Florida St. 29. Denver Sinorice Moss, WR Miami 30. Indianapolis Taitusi "Deuce" Lutui, G USC 31. Pittsburgh Bobby Carpenter, LB Ohio St. 32. Seattle Maurice Stovall, WR Notre Dame * denotes underclassman Positional Breakdown Quarterbacks 3 Running backs 4 Wide receivers 3 Tight ends 3 Offensive linemen 4 Defensive linemen 4 Linebackers 5 Defensive backs 6 Most Players Selected by School USC 6 Bush, Leinart, Justice, White, Byrd, Lutui Ohio St. 4 Hawk, Youboty, Holmes, Carpenter Texas 2 Young, Huff South Carolina 2 Simpson, Joseph "

1/31/2006 3:02:53 PM

Quote :

"Small changes to big boardBy Mel Kiper Jr. Special to ESPN Insider Archive Just a few minor changes to the Big Board this week, but you can rest assured that won't be the case after the Senior Bowl practices in Mobile, Ala., as well as the Senior Bowl game Jan. 28. That's when players will begin to start moving up and down, with grades fluctuating from where they are right now. For that reason, I will be providing a new First-Round Projection for the 2006 NFL draft, with the second version coming out Feb. 1. My entire Big Board: 1. Reggie Bush, USC (6-0, 200 pounds) | previous rank: same (Junior) He will give the team that drafts him a multifaceted offensive attack as he will be dangerous from the backfield, as a slot receiver and as a returner. Stephen Dunn/Getty Images Matt Leinart moved down to second after Reggie Bush decided to enter the draft.2. Matt Leinart, QB, USC (6-4, 225) | previous rank: same His arm strength has improved since last season, and he is throwing the ball even better. Leinart might not have repeated as the Heisman Trophy winner, but he makes plays when he has to. He should remain near the very top of the draft board. 3. Vince Young, QB, Texas (6-5, 233) | previous rank: unranked (Junior) Young's stock has risen considerably since an amazing performance in the Rose Bowl. He's big, strong and exceptionally fast. The New Orleans Saints will have to at least consider taking him as the No. 2 pick in the draft. 4. Mario Williams, DE, NC State (6-7, 285) | previous rank: same (Junior) A dominant physical presence who had some great individual performances at the end of year. Williams is a big, strong pro-type defensive end and has all the skills NFL coaches are looking for. 5. D'Brickashaw Ferguson, OT, Virginia (6-5½, 295) | previous rank: same Came back from a knee injury and still remains the top offensive lineman on the board. Ideal left tackle in the NFL. 6. A.J. Hawk, LB, Ohio State (6-1½, 242) | previous rank: same The top defensive player in the senior class. An instinctive player and a sure tackler, he knows which angles to take to the ball and finds his way through traffic very well. 7. DeMeco Ryans, OLB, Alabama (6-1½, 235) | previous rank: same Leader of the Crimson Tide defense. Has impressed in the Tide's biggest games this season. Alabama's defense did all it could to try to keep undefeated season alive. 8. Tamba Hali, DE, Penn State (6-3, 267) | previous rank: same Has been at the top of his game all year. Hali is the best player on one of the best defenses in the country. A natural pass-rusher who has been fun to watch all season. Kevin C. Cox/WireImage.com Maryland tight end Vernon Davis may very well be a top-10 pick in the 2006 draft.9. Vernon Davis, TE, Maryland (6-3, 250) | previous rank: same (Junior) Physically gifted athlete who plays the tight end like a wide receiver. Davis is a phenomenal pass catcher and is a better prospect than when Kellen Winslow came out of Miami. 10. Michael Huff, DB, Texas (6-1, 205) | previous rank: 13 Athletic and instinctive, he has shown the versatility to play cornerback or safety at the next level. 11. Haloti Ngata, DT, Oregon (6-5, 338) | previous rank: 10 He finished the season with three sacks and nine tackles for losses this season, while ranking sixth on the Ducks in total tackles with 61, including 32 unassisted. 12. DeAngelo Williams, RB, Memphis (5-9, 215) | previous rank: 11 (Junior) Third in the nation in rushing yards per game, despite not playing behind one of the best offensive lines. Could very well be a top-10 pick. 13. LenDale White, RB, USC (6-2, 235) | previous rank: 12 (Junior) He's big, strong and deceptively fast with a nose for the end zone. 14. Jay Cutler, QB, Vanderbilt (6-3¼, 227) | previous rank: same Second-best senior QB on the board behind Matt Leinart. Has the potential to be a first-round pick, depending how he performs in the Senior Bowl and in individual workouts. AP Photo Laurence Maroney rushed for 3,933 yards in three years at Minnesota.15 Laurence Maroney, RB, Minnesota (5-11, 205) | previous rank: same (Junior) A very good natural runner who is very smooth and patient. At Minnesota, Maroney allowed his blocks to get set up and develop. He has good vision and the ability to shift gears quickly. 16. Santonio Holmes, WR, Ohio State (5-10, 185) | previous rank: same (Junior) He is very tough and is willing to make catches in traffic. Holmes is a very good route runner and has a good burst out of his break. He doesn't have the greatest size, but toughness counts. 17. Leonard Pope, TE, Georgia (6-7, 250) | previous rank: same (Junior) He's an absolutely huge target and is a mismatch every time he's on the field. Georgia relied heavily on Pope in the passing game because he is a rare talent for a player of his size. 18. Winston Justice OT, USC (6-6, 311) | previous rank: same (Junior) A great athlete and very gifted, Justice is as good as any right tackle in the country at getting downfield beyond the defensive line. 19. Chad Greenway, LB, Iowa (6-2½, 244) | previous rank: same Has become one of the nation's topflight linebackers the past two years. A smart player with great physical skills, Greenway knows how to find the ball and can go all over the field to get to it. 20. Ernie Sims, LB, Florida State (6-0, 200) | previous rank: same (Junior) Sims finished fourth on FSU with 70 stops this season. He's an extremely fast 'backer who's used to being the focus of opposing offenses' game plans. 21. Jimmy Williams, CB, Virginia Tech (6-2½, 207) | previous rank: same Gave the Hokies a shutdown cornerback who could lock up the opposing team's top receiver. He eliminates one side of the field. A former safety who moved to corner before the 2004 season. 22. Ashton Youboty, CB, Ohio State (6-1, 188) | previous rank: same (Junior) The first-team All-Big Ten selection has very good cover skills and excellent on-field intelligence . 23. Ko Simpson, DB, South Carolina (6-1, 201) | previous rank: 24 (third-year sophomore) The former freshman All-American completed his sophomore season with 103 tackles and one interception. 24. Mathias Kiwanuka, DE, Boston College (6-5½, 260) | previous rank: 23 Came back from an injury against Virginia during season. A tremendous talent who needs to polish his pass-rushing skills. 25. Bobby Carpenter, LB, Ohio State (6-3, 255) | previous rank: unranked Carpenter has caught my eye with his game-to-game consistency. DROPPED Orien Harris, DT, Miami (6-3, 307) | previous rank: 25 Blessed with a ton of talent, Harris has bounced back from a subpar junior campaign. He has maximized his ability on a consistent basis in 2005. Mel's Top 5 Juniors Quarterbacks 1. Brady Quinn, Notre Dame 2. Drew Stanton, Michigan State 3. Troy Smith, Ohio State 4. Jordan Palmer, UTEP 5. John Beck, BYU Running Backs 1. Michael Bush, Louisville 2. Kenny Irons, Auburn 3. Tony Hunt, Penn State 4. Brian Leonard, Rutgers 5. Courtney Lewis, Texas A&M 5a. Kenneth Darby, Alabama Wide Receivers 1. Jeff Samardzija, Notre Dame 2. Jason Hill, Washington State 3. Jarrett Hicks, Texas Tech 4. Steve Smith, USC 5. Joel Filani, Texas Tech 5a. Courtney Taylor, Auburn Tight Ends 1. Clark Harris, Rutgers 2. Martrez Milner, Georgia 3. Matt Spaeth, Minnesota 4. Ben Patrick, Duke 5. Joe Newton, Oregon State Offensive Linemen 1. Joe Thomas, Wisconsin 2. Levi Brown, Penn State 3. Justin Blalock, Texas 4. Kyle Young, Fresno State 5. Doug Free, No. Illinois Place-Kickers 1. Mason Crosby, Colorado 2. Justin Medlock, UCLA 3. Mike Barrow, Idaho 4. Brandon Pace, Virginia Tech 5. Andrew Wellock, Eastern Michigan 5a. Kyle Schlicher, Iowa 5b. John Deraney, NC State Defensive Linemen 1. Gaines Adams, Clemson 2. Adam Carriker, Nebraska 3. Kareem Brown, Miami (Fla.) 4. Quentin Moses, Georgia 5. LaMarr Woodley, Michigan 5a. Victor Abiamiri, Notre Dame 5b. Mkristo Bruce, Washington State Linebackers 1. Paul Posluszny, Penn State 2. Patrick Willis, Mississippi 3. Ahmad Brooks, Virginia 4. Oscar Lua, USC 5. Rufus Alexander, Oklahoma 5a. Prescott Burgess, Michigan 5b. H.B. Blades, Pittsburgh 5c. Anthony Waters, Clemson Defensive Backs 1. LaRon Landry, LSU 2. Brandon Meriweather, Miami (Fla.) 3. Michael Griffin, Texas 4. Eric Weddle, Utah 5. John Talley, Duke Punters 1. Daniel Sepulveda, Baylor 2. Adam Graessle, Pittsburgh 3. Brandon Fields, Michigan State 4. Adam Podlesh, Maryland 5. Michael Gibson, Memphis "

1/31/2006 3:04:10 PM

Kipper's picks make more sense. but i think Kiwanuka will go higher.


and I still think/hope Rivers will end up with the Jets




[Edited on January 31, 2006 at 3:45 PM. Reason : sdfgdsfgsdf]

1/31/2006 3:41:07 PM

No love for Manny?

1/31/2006 3:46:40 PM

someone with ESPN INSIDERS needs to post Peter Gammons weekly articles.

1/31/2006 4:58:48 PM

The deal entailed more than 110 phone calls between assistant GMs Chris Antonetti of the Indians and Jed Hoyer of the Red Sox alone, separate from conversations between Mark Shapiro, Theo Epstein, Pat Gillick and Reds GMs Dan O'Brien and Brad Kullman, who had been a part of all this for weeks. Then there were the complex physicals for Guillermo Mota and Arthur Rhodes, and, finally, getting the Commissioner's Office to sign off on the cash Boston is -- and, perhaps, will -- pay Cleveland.
Finally, on Saturday morning, Shapiro called Antonetti.

"Now," said Shapiro, "we begin our 13-day offseason."

It was a hectic week for the Indians, who traded one of their most popular and ascending players to get what they and many others consider a special, future, corner star (third baseman Andy Marte) and enough of an upgrade in Mota and catcher Kelly Shoppach to continue building for the long run and not compromise their 2006 season. But for the Red Sox, this was the end to a week that might spawn another dozen books.

oh wait, im not gonna post the whole thing, cause i dont fucking need to post shit, you bitch

[Edited on January 31, 2006 at 5:42 PM. Reason : anyone else want anything, lemme know]

1/31/2006 5:42:03 PM

im having a hard time figuring out why the packers need mario williams

1/31/2006 6:36:44 PM

dude ^^^, I understand you don't have insiders and want people to post certain articles and I'm sure they don't have a problem with doing it every now and then.. but is it really that much money to spend if you want to read weekly articles on top of all these other insider articles asked for?

1/31/2006 9:43:29 PM

thanks guys i love you

1/31/2006 10:32:42 PM