Draft King NFL Mock Draft exclusive insight decades of experience insider pro football college prospects

Lou Pickney's 2024 NFL Mock Draft


National Football League
Draft King Mailbag

February 10, 2005
Lou Pickney, DraftKing.com

Reader feedback is always welcomed here at DraftKing.com. Send your thoughts to me at LouPickney@gmail.com.


From: Gary Graham
Sent: Wednesday, February 9, 2005 4:24 PM
To: loupickney@hotmail.com
Subject: Latest Mock Draft

I just caught your latest mock draft. I am going to have to disagree with you on this one when it comes to the Raiders pick. If the Raiders sign a RB in free agency, and Jerry Porter walks, then I can see the Raiders drafting Braylon Edwards. However if we do not get a RB in free agency then I don't see how we can afford to pass up Cadilliac Williams or Ronnie Brown if they are still on the board. If Porter leaves, I think Braylon Edwards would be an excellent addition, but it is crucial that we get a RB.

Lou: Jerry Porter, according to the latest reports, is rebuffing the Raiders' five year, $20 million offer to test the free agent market. That is not an encouraging sign for Oakland.

The San Francisco Gate describes the Raiders' top needs as an every-down running back, a pass-rushing defensive end/tackle and a run-stopping linebacker. If Porter leaves, you can add "reliable receiver" to that list. Will this be trouble for Oakland? You bet.

The Raiders did draft two WRs last year: Carlos Francis (Texas Tech) and Johnnie Morant (Syracuse). Francis tore his ACL in week 7, while Morant had one catch all season, so they're not exactly ready for prime time themselves at this point.

But there are ways to fix the problems that are there. Free agent RB Shawn Alexander is a possibility, as are fellow unrestricted free agents Rudi Johnson and Lamont Jordan. Cincy would love to retain R. Johnson, but with the team having drafted Chris Perry the year before in the first round, the Bengals might have to let Johnson go.

It is possible that the Raiders will go with Dan Cody (DE/LB pass rusher), or maybe they will go with the RB position and try for Cadillac or Ronnie Brown. I wouldn't count out the Raiders making a blockbuster type trade with Minnesota to get Randy Moss. However, it's not like they can just ship Warren Sapp off to the Vikings as part of the deal, unless they want his $7 million signing bonus to hit them all at once on the 2005 salary cap.

If the decision was mine to make, I'd take D. Cody at #7. But what the Raiders will do might be something entirely different (and thus the projection of Braylon Edwards at the present time).


From: Ron Scott
Sent: Thursday, February 10, 2005 12:43 AM
To: LouPickney@hotmail.com
Subject: Concerning Cowboys

Hey do you think Derrik Johnson or Artrell Rolle will be there at #11 and if so will the boys grab then despite the fact that Parcells has said he would never draft another shutdown corner because of the rule changes? And If the Boys do end up getting a DE like Cody or James do you really think these guys can come in and really make a difference for our D. Where do you think the Boys will go as far as free agency? Any rumors!!

Lou: I'm convinced that the Cowboys will not take a CB at #11. As it is, I think Antrel Rolle will be long gone by then (if he makes it to #6, the Titans will almost for sure draft him), and Pac-Man Jones (another highly ranked corner) will also likely be gone at that spot.

Look for Dallas to go the free agent route to find a CB. Dan Cody, Shaun Cody, Erasmus James and Derrick Johnson could all possibly be on the board (well probably not ALL of them, but some combination therein) when Dallas drafts at #11. Will they make an immediate impact? I think it's possible. I'm a big believer in Derrick Johnson, and he's a Texas guy (not that geography matters in the draft). Dan Cody is intriguing since he could be used as a DE or a LB, depending on what the Cowboys want to do. But don't write off the chance of Dallas drafting a WR at #11. They should have many options to choose from there.


From: Justin Lambert
Sent: Thursday, February 10, 2005 9:12 AM
To: LouPickney@hotmail.com

Lou-> I understand how the Canter family feels. In football its a lot easier to find a RB than a QB just ask Gary Kubiak offensive coordinator at Denver. There were 18, 1,000+ yd rushers in the league this year. The 1,000 yard mark for the longest time has been the pinnacle for RB. But with that mark becoming more regular, it is still the bench mark for a balanced offense. Miami will get their 1,000 rusher don't you worry. As for Miami QBs, I think Miami should go once again to the pool. Or maybe even going after J. Kitna, who lost his job to Carson Palmer in pre-season. He would be a quick fix for this team. Brad Johnson also being a possibility. This Draft shines through with RB talent as apposed to last years with QBs and WRs galore. I think that the answer to my next question should be answered next season. Who will the Dolphins once again try to put in Dan Marino shadow? The 49ers should make the same move as the Dolphins, because I have yet to believe the hype of Kevan Barlow. I think with the right teacher Ken Dorsey could be a consistent starter for the 49ers. I see the 49ers trading down within the top 15 and picking LB Derek Johnson from Texas, with the possibility of getting WR Mike Williams from USC. Face it Kevan Barlow will not get it done. WR R. Woods will be the next Tai Streets for the 49ers and still no sign of a front office that is earning their pay!!!

Lou: Give Rashaun Woods some time. While at Oklahome State he was able to do things to the Oklahoma Sooners defense in the 2001-2003 era that no other receiver could do. He has skills. I think he'll fall into the "third year development" line that many receivers follow where he breaks through at that point.

1,000 yards rushing is an overrated barometer point. In the era of the 14 game schedule, okay that was something different. But now it just means a main RB staying healthy and averaging 62.5 yards per game over 16 games to achieve the mark.

Miami going after Jon Kitna is smart. Miami using the #2 pick on a rookie QB is a questionable use of limited draft resources. That is just my opinion, but I think even the Dolphins front office realizes this. Brad Johnson wouldn't be bad if they can get him on the cheap.

With Kevan Barlow, he didn't do very well in 2004 (834 yards, averaging 3.4 ypc). The yards per carry is what I look for much more than total yards, but remember that he was surrounded with a pitiful-at-best offensive support staff, allowing defenses to key in on the run. To be fair, Barlow averaged 4.1, 4.7 and 5.1 ypc in his previous three NFL seasons.

Another thing to remember is that San Francisco has a high second round pick, unlike Miami. If Ronnie Brown is falling late into the first round, it's possible that the 49ers might trade up to get him.

As for Derrick Johnson and the 49ers, why overload yourself with skill at the two OLB spots (with Julian Peterson already there) when the team has so many other needs? Also, to trade down from #1 means a team is willing to trade UP to #1 to get someone. If San Francisco wants to trade down and Miami wants to trade down... who wants to trade up?


Draft King NFL Mock Draft

NFL Draft Prospect Profiles

Draft King is owned and operated by Lou Pickney. © 2003-2024, all rights reserved.
Unless otherwise noted, the views expressed here are those of Lou Pickney alone and do not necessarily reflect those of any media company.