posted March 15, 2006 at 16:34 in NFL Betting Trends

Bush slated to be a Texan

01 HOU *Reggie Bush, RB, USC 6'0 200

Though there may be a question whether Reggie Bush lacks the ability to gain yards after contact from the running back position at the NFL level, there is little doubt this Heisman Trophy winner possesses the speed, explosiveness and elusive moves to make defenders weary. He is a multi-dimensional player that excels in both open areas and tight spaces. If he were given the opportunity to showcase his versatility on an open-minded offense, he would help elevate any offense to another level. Personally I feel the Texans should trade the pick to gain more valuable picks, but the consensus is Bush will go #1, so I will leave him there for accuracy reasons.

02 NO D'Brickashaw Ferguson, OT, Virginia 6'5 295

With the recent acquisition of QB Drew Brees, the departure of All-Pro center LeCharles Bentley through free agency, and with their starting LT up in age the selection of D’Brickashaw may not be the most glamorous pick, but very well could solidify the LT position for years to come for the Saints. Ferguson draws comparisons to current perennial NFL All-Pro’s such as Walter Jones and others. However, look for the Saints to trade out of this selection in need of more picks in this years draft.

03 TEN Matt Leinart, QB, USC 6'5 225

It could be a union with the Titans between former USC offensive coordinator and his star pupil Matt Leinart. Together at USC they terrorized collegiate defenses, the question would be could that dominance continue at the next level together? With the Titans starting QB Steve McNair aging and long in the tooth this would give the team a former Heisman Trophy winner behind center who would provide stability and a winning background.

04 NYJ Jay Cutler, QB, Vanderbilt 6'4 228

With the uncertainty of QB Chad Pennington's health, the Jets will eagerly grab Jay Cutler if the former Vanderbilt standout is still available. He is a player that would bring stability and a winning mentality to the teams uncertain quarterback position. Even with team needs at both RB and OL, to overlook Cutler, whom I consider the best overall player in the draft, could be damaging to the franchise's future. Once the combine and post game bowls are concluded there very well could be talk that this should be the first QB taken off the board! Jay Cutler may or may not be a household name to most of the public at this point before draft day. The drafting and emergence of Cutler will be just what the draft doctor ordered.

I feel Jay Cutler is the most underrated and undervalued player in this entire draft. To me he has a greater upside than any other quarterback in this draft and clearly warrants this draft position. He shows all the tools you want from a franchise quarterback. He has the arm strength and touch to place balls anywhere along the field, the mobility to extend passing plays for his receivers and the athletic ability to become a dangerous open field runner. He is equally effective throwing the ball inside or outside of the pocket and has the pocket presence and competitive nature only the exceptionally talented possess. That is Jay Cutler. If the Jets were to draft this player, it would be a major step toward the team's future success. I honestly feel he is the best QB in the draft, I know this selection will raise some eyebrows but only time will tell!

05 GB *Mario Williams, DE, NC St. 6'7 285

There are several options and needs for the Packers here but the best value here would be in the selection of Mario Williams. Williams has the unique combination of size-speed-and wing span that few posses. He draws comparisons to Julius Peppers in both stature and skill. Mario would provide immediate impact and needed big play ability to a defense that lacks in both areas. Williams selection would go a long way to quickly building the Pack’s defense to a playoff caliber.

06 SF Michael Huff, CB/S, Texas 6'0 204

Here is a player that comes to the 49ers who can come in and instantly make an impact to a defensive backfield in need of his skills. He is a player that likes to initiate contact with opponents, and has the closing speed and aggressive play that can make him an instant success. I feel his skills translate best to the safety position, and a reason I feel this selection may be a reach at this point of the draft. The consensus is that he merits a top 10 selection, so I matched him with a team in need of his skills. 07 OAK *Vince Young, QB, USC 6'5 225

With QB Kerry Collins now departed via the waiver wire, with Young still available at this point on the draft board, Raider owner and renegade Al Davis will eagerly grab the former Longhorn standout here. He is a player that would bring stability and a winning mentality to the teams uncertain quarterback position. Young would not only provide talent and leadership to the offense but give the franchise a future to look forward to. Young’s performance in the2006 Rose Bowl could be a preview of things to come. The hiring of long time Raider legend and now head coach Art Shell should help bring along Young in his maturation as a talented but inexperienced QB.

08 BUF *Haloti Ngata, DT/NG, Oregon 6'5 345

Hailed Ngata would immediately improve the Bills problematic run defense they displayed throughout last season. Ngata is virtually impossible to block one on one, who demands double team blocks, and is a disruptive, playmaking athlete in the middle, where nastiness and chaos rule! In addition to adding Ngata to the defense, key defensive players returning from injury could quickly elevate the Bills to the top notch defense as projected from most.

09 DET A.J. Hawk, LB, Ohio St. 6'1 240

A.J. Hawk has been the leader of one of the nation's best college defenses for some time now. He has kept the long tradition of excellent linebacker play going with the Buckeyes in the recent years. Hawk has the physical toughness, skill, and versatility to play the inside and outside linebacker positions. His pursuit and hustle to the ball are unmatched. A.J.'s intensity and determined play on the field would bring the Lions instant leadership and stability to the linebacker position.

10 ARI *Vernon Davis, TE, Maryland 6'3 250

With the recent acquisition of RB Edgerrin James through free agency the need to select someone at RB in the draft is over. Though there are other needs in areas on the team, the selection of Vernon Davis could turn out to be one of the steals of the draft here. Davis certainly will receive much attention at the NFL combine, since he is a workout warrior who is an absolute physical specimen on the field. His upside is limitless, with his rare size-speed-agility and movement on the field. Davis is also willing to go up in traffic and come down with the ball, with the legitimate speed to take it the distance. Vernon would add a dimension to the Cardinals offense and a matchup problem for defenses that will make whomever is behind center very happy. With James at RB, Boldin & Fitzgerald at wideouts, and Davis at TE, look for QB Kurt Warner and the Cardinals with the addition of Davis, to have one of the more explosive NFL offenses in years!

11 STL Jimmy Williams, CB/S, VA Tech 6'3 216

With the recent departure of safety Adam Archuleta through free agency, it may be time for the Rams to give the defense some attention, especially considering their pass defense woes that currently inhibit them. With a rare talent as Williams still on the board the Rams will quickly snatch him up! Williams would bring youth, enthusiasm, athletic ability, and size to a defensive backfield in need of all the packages of skills he provides. Williams also brings an aggressive attacking style of play to the defensive backfield, which should blend in well to an already attacking defense. Williams brings the versatility of playing both the corner and safety positions in collegiate, at a high level. The drafting of Williams should help the porous Rams pass defense.

12 CLE *LenDale White, RB, USC 6'2 235

The selection of RB LenDale White has come as somewhat of a surprise pick for the Browns since they still have leading rusher Reuben Droughns on the roster. If the Browns plan on contending in the tough and physical AFC North Division the selection of the dynamic White may go a long way toward achieving that goal. LenDale White was the best traditional feature back on the USC roster for the 2005 college season. He excels running between the tackles with his superior leg strength and power, who also posses the speed to hit the corners and break a long run to keep defenses honest. White brings a physical toughness and opposing size to the field at the running back position the Browns have lacked for years. He is the ultimate time of possession type of back that will wear down defenses. Ala Jerome Bettis of the Steelers. He can be the feature back the Browns need to relieve some of the pressure off inexperienced starting QB Charlie Frye, and keep their defense which is still in a state of transition off the field. However, the Browns might be in a position to trade down a few spots to acquire a pick or two and still select White later in the draft at better value.

13 BAL Broderick Bunkley, DT/ NG Fla St. 6'2 300

With the Ravens likely filling their needs at RB through free agency, their attention may go toward the DL where there has been departures through free agency as well. Bunkley would provide the Ravens with an athlete on the DL with rare agility and mobility for a player of his size. He posses good spin moves on the inside of the interior, who shows good anticipation off the snap of the ball. Bunkley has the skills to consistently makes plays behind opponents line of scrimmage. He also provides the versatility to play both the DT & NG spots in the 4-3 defense. Broderick could become an important addition to a Ravens defense looking to become dominant once again!

14 PHI *Santonio Holmes, WR, Ohio St. 5'11 190

The Eagles seem to have answered their DE search opposite of Jevon Kearse through free agency. The selection of WR Santonio Holmes will provide QB Donovan McNabb with a receiver who can consistently make big plays down field, and have on their roster who many consider the best WR coming out in this years deep wide receiver class. Holmes is a precision route runner with a soft pair of hands. He is a polished receiver who catches the ball away from his body, an important skill for any level. With a shiftiness in his game that keeps defenders off balance. Santonio can also drop back for you as a special teams return man, an area he excelled at with the Buckeyes. The multi-purpose versatility he provides any team gives even more reason for the Eagles to select him here.

15 ATL Tamba Hali, DE/LB, Penn St. 6'3 267

Though it would be nice to provide Michael Vick with a new target at wide receiver, the Falcons pass defense could use some help right about now. Along with the injury to long time DE Brady Smith help would be coming to the Falcons via Tamba. Hali is an absolute beast on the field. Hali is a player that rarely, if ever, gives up on a play. He has tremendous hustle and determination to make the play. Tamba possessesthe closing speed to run down plays from the backside and make plays all along the gridiron. He is an excellent athlete, who I feel has the athletic ability and lateral hip movement to play the linebacker position. The Falcons could utilize Hali as their hybrid linebacker/ defensive end whenever they see a need. Tamba's versatility is why he is an excellent value pick at this point in the draft.

16 MIA Mathias Kiwanuka, DE, B.C. 6'7 267

Since the Dolphins have taken care of their QB position acquiring Duante Culpepper. There attentions now should turn to the defensive side of the ball. With the Dolphins in need of youth to their front line and linebacker units, Kiwanuka could fill the bill at both needs. To add a disruptive playmaker like Mathias Kiwanuka to head coach Nick Saban’s Dolphins defense would instantly enhance the defense's production and provide more big play potential. Mathias is the type of athlete who brings a relentless pass rush off the edge, and the closing speed to consistently run down plays from the backside. Kiwanuka also provides the Dolphins with the versatility to play either the DE or OLB in their 4-3 defensive scheme. Bottom line, Kiwanuka adds another playmaker on the field for the Dolphins.

17 MIN Manny Lawson, DE/LB, NC St 6'5 245

The Vikings specifically need help with a strongside linebacker on defense. The addition of Lawson could not only help at strongside linebacker but help apply pressure to any opposing offenses passing attack. Lawson is your hybrid linebacker/ defensive end that provides flexibility to a defense, especially one like the Vikings that run a 4-3 defense. With his lethal quick first step on passing downs, opposing blockers have to be aware of where he lines up along the defensive line. With Lawson's ability to run down plays from the backside and drop back in pass coverages from his defensive end position, makes him a rare commodity on the football field. With his fluid hip movement and the athletic skills he possesses, the transition to the linebacker spot would be an easy one for him as well. No matter where the Vikings decide to play Lawson, he will bring intensity and a disruptive style to whatever position he plays!

18 DAL Winston Justice, OT, USC 6'6 300

With a talent as Winston Justice still available you could understand the reasoning for the selection by the Cowboys. He was a player returning from a year long suspension in the 2004 season. Justice shows the athletic versatility to play anywhere along the offensive line. The Cowboys would cover a need and be provided excellent value here with this pick. The Cowboys strike it well with excellent value, and a potential starting left tackle with their selection of Justice!

19 SD Marcus McNeill, OT, Auburn 6'9 338

McNeill is a massive sized player that has the potential to play the left tackle position. To acquire a player of McNeill's talent at this point of the draft is amazing. He has the tools and the upside to be a multiple All-Pro at the NFL level. With the team's future riding on running back LaDainian Tomlinson health and success, it would be wise for the Chargers to select the mammoth Marcus McNeill, and fill a need at the same time.

20 KC *Antonio Cromartie, CB, Florida St 6'3 200

New head coach Herman Edwards knows the Chiefs need help on the defensive side of the ball. The Chiefs specifically need help with their pass defense. The addition of Antonio Cromartie would not only fill a potential need with the likeliness of a Chiefs starting CB fleeing though free agency, but help an aging cornerback position as well. Possessing shut down cover corner skills, who is long and athletic, with the big play ability to take it the distance the other way on any given play of the ball. Head coach Edwards wants to make their defense a main stay, and adding a talent like Cromartie can make that a reality. Antonio also returned kicks in college and was one of the nations most dangerous in that capacity as well. Cromartie could very well be the wild card of the draft considering he sat out the entire 2005 collegiate season with a knee injury.

21 NE *Laurence Maroney, RB, Minnesota 5'10 220

With an aging Corey Dillon at RB the availability of a talent such as Maroney’s still available on the board for the Patriots has to be selected here providing the team great value. Maroney has the stamina, durability and physical skills to immediately come in and tote the rock as a feature back for the majority of teams in this league. His vision, quick feet in and out of the hole, and ability to be a threat in the passing game are qualities most running backs lack. His tough physical play in the Big Ten Conference would seem to translate well to the NFL game." He is a complete back that would instantaneously help the Patriots in both their running and passing attacks. Coach Belichick would be more than delighted and eager to utilize Maroney’s skills as an added weapon to the offense. Considering the Patriots were near the bottom in rushing offense, the addition of Maroney would not only fill a need but be a joyous addition as well.

22 DEN DeAngelo Williams, RB, Memphis 5'8 213

A talent of Williams caliber still availble for the Broncos here with the first of their two first round picks makes this selection even more remarkable. The addition of DeAngelo Williams to coach Shanahan and the Broncos offense would finally provide the versatility at RB Shanahan craves. Williams could be the best player in the country very few people may know about! Currently he is the #1 active 1-A career leader with over 5,100 rushing yards. He provides the versatility to be a threat at any level in both the run and passing game. Williams could instantly become a threat for rookie of the year honors in a run first offense like the Broncos.

23 TB Kamerion Wimbley, DE/LB, Fla St 6'4 255

With the aging process affecting this proud defense, the selection of Wimbley will offset any decline that may occur soon. Kamerion is an attacking style of player in the long line of Seminole players. Wimbley has excellent reaction time and fluid movement in pursuit of the ball anywhere along the field. His is a tireless performer, who constantly pursues and hustles to the ball. He has the athletic skill set to play either defensive end or linebacker. He is the ultimate in hybrid athletes coming out this year. Wimbley is dangerous coming off the edge on pass plays, crashing down to stuff rush lanes and running down runners trying to hit the corner on his side. Wimbley has the total package of athletic skills you look for. Defensive coordinator Monte Kiffen will utilize Kamerion's talents in his attacking style of defense.

24 CIN Jesse Mahelona, DT, Tennessee 6'2 300

Head coach Marvin Lewis knows his defense has to step it up in the rush defense category of their game. Adding a player of Mahelona's quality and ability to an already high potential defense is cause for concern to future opponents. Mahelona is an active, penetrating type of interior lineman, who can provide a steady pass rush up the middle and help shut down the run. Mahelona could be one of the final pieces to a championship type of defense for coach Lewis!

25 NYG Tye Hill, CB, Clemson 5'10 180

It may be time for the Giants to give the defense some attention, considering their pass defense woes that currently inhibit them. The drafting of Hill provides instant playmaking skills to the cornerback position. Though Hill may lack the prototype size you look for in the position, he plays bigger and more physical than his size would indicate. Hill's quickness, athletic skill, and support toward both the run and pass, makes for his skills translating well to the NFL.

26 CHI Alan Zemaitis CB, Penn St 6'2 201

Zemaitis would be a welcomed addition to an already tough and talented defensive unit. Zemaitis brings a game to the field with relatively no holes in it. He plays the run and pass equally as well, and brings a physical presence to any defense on the corner. Along with Alan's athletic and physical skills, he also offers the added versatility of a bump and run cover corner that many NFL teams covet. The selection of Zemaitis not only fills a need but was an excellent value pick for the Bears this late in the draft!

27 CAR Max Jean Gilles, OG, Georgia 6'4 340

The selection of Max Jean Gilles would help solidify the Panthers offensive line as one of the leagues best. Gilles is a real road grader on the inside for the running game, who once he locks onto a defender consistently isolates his opponent from the play. Gilles is a massive player who shows good feet for his size and his skills translate best to the guard position. With the teams running back position in question gives more reason it may be wise for the Panthers to select the mammoth Max Jean Gilles.

28 JAC Mercedes Lewis, TE, UCLA 6'6 255

The selection of Lewis would instantly provide quarterback Byron Leftwich another weapon to throw to. Lewis could be the tight end the Jags have been looking for, with the ability to attack the deep middle of a defense. Lewis possesses the size and athletic skills of a player much smaller than he. He has outstanding hands and the composure you look for going over the middle. He also possesses the speed to take it the distance if not defended properly. He would enable the Jags offense to become more diversified, open up, and make more plays.

Lewis is a playmaker from the tight end position who can consistently provide mismatches. Lewis was both a need and value pick here for the Jags and coach Jack Del Rio.

29 DEN Eric Winston, OT, Miami (FL) 6'7 310

With the second of the Broncos 1st round picks, the Broncos may go in the direction of OT with an aging LT. It might be in the Broncos best interest to take Winston a potential quality left tackle prospect still left on the board. He is a former tight end moved to the offensive line. So his athletic skills are not in question, nor are his quick feet which is why he is considered a top tier left tackle in this years upcoming NFL draft. If it were not for an unfortunate injury to his knee ligament from the 2004 collegiate year, there is a good chance he would have left school last year as a possible top 10 pick!

30 IND Chad Greenway OLB Iowa 6'4 244

He is a physical specimen with combine numbers that will be off the chart. To acquire this player at this point of the draft could be a steal. He is a player that covers a lot of ground in a hurry and gives strong pursuit to the ball. He has a nose for the ball who consistently finds himself around the ball. Greenway is another important piece to add to head coach Tony Dungy's ever evolving favorite side of the ball. Add in the fact that the Colts have just lost starting LB David Thorton to free agency gives even more reasoning into this selection.

31 SEA *Ko Simpson, S, S.C. 6'1 202

Simpson is a player at the safety position who will add another playmaker to an already opportunistic ball hawking Seahawks defensive squad. He is a safety that brings a physical presence to the field. Who initiates contact with opponents and looks to intimidate whenever possible. He is a former cornerback that brings those quick reactive skills to the safety position, along with the versatility to play both spots. He has the potential to become a perennial Pro-Bowl level player at the safety position.

32 PIT Brandon Guillory, DE/ LB, LA Monroe 6'4 255

The selection of little known Guillory will open some eyes and later have teams wondering why he was not their selection earlier in the draft. If you want me to describe this relative unknown talent to most, he is similar to current NFL OLB DeMarcus Ware, in both his stature and athletic skills. With him consistently clocked in the low 4.4's in the 40 yard dash for a player of his size will soon open eyes to his talents. He will be an added playmaker to an already dominant style of attacking defense for the defending Super Bowl Champions and coach Bill Cowher. Look for this player to rise up the charts before the draft!

Ken Becks is a talent evaluator and Senior Writer for www.FFtoolbox.com. He can be heard every Tuesday at 2:30pm EST on www.BetUSradio.com. You can contact Ken via email at fftoolbox@yahoo.com.