Mike Williams or Robert Gallery
NFL Draft Mailbag
February 25, 2004
Lou Pickney, DraftKing.com
Reader feedback is always welcomed here at DraftKing.com. Send your thoughts to me at LouPickney@hotmail.com.
From: Mike Doria
Sent: Monday, February 23, 2004 11:47 PM
To: Lou Pickney
Subject: Pats choice
You have the Pats passing on Kevin Jones at 21...there's no way they'd do that -- in fact, don't be surprised if they move up to take Steven Jackson...another scenario would have them take Chris Perry at #32, but they will NOT leave the first round without a RB...
Lou: I'm basing the draft on the belief that the Patriots will pick up a free agent running back, in particular Charlie Garner. Now if by draft day New England doesn't have a RB secured (besides Kevin Faulk), then I agree there's no way they leave Round 1 without landing a running back. With the Patriots having so few needs and so many picks, I'd be inclined to get a young RB like Kevin Jones who has speed, strong instincts and excellent pass catching skills. But what I would do and what I project New England will do are two separate things.
From: Derek Brown
Sent: Wednesday, February 25, 2004 1:11 AM
To: Lou Pickney
Subject: Sean Taylor
Wouldnt it be tough for a rebuilding team to take a guy who plays safety over a more 'critical' position?
I just couldnt see a team like NYG, Det or Atl taking a Safety when they need help in many other areas, even if the player is supposed to be very talented.
Do you believe if Gallery is gone before pick 4 that the giants would draft a QB?
I think i have a pretty good idea of what i think most the teams near the top of the draft will try to do with the exception of 2: Oakland and the NYG.
Lou: Gallery to the Giants makes a great deal of sense... but Mike Williams is a truly special talent. I see many parallels with how Houston passed on OT Jordan Gross last year in favor of WR Andre Johnson. As for taking a QB, I think the Giants would take Eli Manning or Ben Roethlisberger, though I doubt either one would be there for them.
It's funny to hear an argument for Detroit not taking Sean Taylor after I received so many e-mails critical of me not projecting Taylor going to the Lions at #6 (if not higher). Safety might not be considered a "critical" position, but a superstar safety can lift an entire secondary's play (look at Rodney Harrison, Roy Williams, etc.)
With Oakland, they could go with either a QB or a WR and fill a need. Imagine if Al Davis took Mike Williams at #2, keeping true to his renegade style... I'm not saying it would happen (passing on Larry Fitzgerald would be mighty tough), but if any team would do it, I think it'd be the Raiders.
From: Cmeador007@***.com
Sent: Wednesday, February 25, 2004 2:03 AM
To: Lou Pickney
Subject: 2004 NFL Draft
Hey I have a couple comments on you mock draft. WIth his Senior Bowl performance, Greg Jones really impressed the New England scouts and looks to be their surprise pick at number 32. (I have an outside connection with the NE organization.) Also, why would the Giants pass on Gallery at the 4 spot. Do you believe that Mike Williams is just too good to pass up? The NY Gaints could really use a dominant offensive lineman. Furthermore, I understand Sharpe is old but why would Denver pull the plug this early on Troupe? I feel that R.Woods has really helped himself with his 40 time (4.38) and would be a great addition to A.Leslie. I think the Broncos could look CB if the Portis_baily trade falls through. Anyway, give me some feedback and I will keep you updated.
Lou: As referenced above, what New England does in Round 1 with a running back will be predicated on its free agent moves prior to the draft. If the Pats can't sign a Charlie Garner type running back, it wouldn't surprise me to see them snatch up Greg Jones at #32 (especially if they can get Vernon Carey at #21).
With Gallery, I think he's by far the best offensive tackle in the draft, and he's certainly a player the Giants could use. But Mike Williams is something special. If Williams didn't think he would be a Top 5 pick, he wouldn't have declared for the draft. Plus, you have to think that Collins having Barber out of the backfield (as a good receiving threat), Amani Toomer, Mike Williams and Jeremy Shockey... the Giants would have some nice offensive options.
Now, granted, Collins needs more than 1.3 seconds to throw the ball. But there are answers beyond Robert Gallery for filling the offensive line need (i.e. free agency).
With Troupe, if you saw the Florida Gators play last year, you know that Troupe is more than just your run-of-the-mill tight end. He's a special talent -- not a legacy, once-in-a-decade type like Kellen Winslow Jr. -- but nonetheless a great blocker who is a very capable receiver. Perhaps I'm higher on Troupe than other draft analysts, but I think he will have a great NFL career and be a wonderful pickup for Denver at the #24 spot.
