Draftniks, help me out here:

[RuntheDamnBall]

Who's #1 in this upcoming draft? I haven't been watching enough college to see all these guys.

[Ramius]

i'd say, and i think one of the top guys is aaron rodgers out fo cal...but his stock will fall after his performance in the "whatever is the popular sponsor at the time" Bowl

[PastaJoe]

You can see Mel Kiper's top 25 seniors here. You have to pay to see where the underclassmen rate.

 

http://proxy.espn.go.com/melkiper/index.html

[Ramius]

I can hear tags in april...

 

"With the 3rd overall pick in the 2005 NFL draft, the miami dolphins select, RB Maurice Clarett..."

 

[The Jokeman]

Kiper's list is a good starting point. The 49ers have quite a few needs and it's tough to say where they'd go. If they lose Julian Peterson in free agency Derrick Johnson from Texas might be the pick but I don't see him worthy of the top pick, he's more of a top 10 prospect. They also need a WR and Mike Williams or Braylon Edwards would definately are considered top 10 and maybe even top 5 material. Their O-line is also a mess OTs Alex Barron and Jamaal Brown are the top two OTs in the draft but again there's questions if either be worth the top pick. CB ANtrelle Rolle fits a need but again is a CB worth taking 1st overall? With all that said I think, if he declares, underclassman DE Mathias Kiwanuka might be the best fit for the top pick. He's got size, speed and the skills to be another Jevon Kearse.

 

RBs Cedric Benson and/or Carnell Williams definately deserve top pick consideration as well but the 49ers don't need a RB.

[stuckincincy]

Kiper's list is a good starting point. The 49ers have quite a few needs and it's tough to say where they'd go.  If they lose Julian Peterson in free agency Derrick Johnson from Texas might be the pick but I don't see him worthy of the top pick, he's more of a top 10 prospect. They also need a WR and Mike Williams or Braylon Edwards would definately are considered top 10 and maybe even top 5 material. Their O-line is also a mess OTs Alex Barron and Jamaal Brown are the top two OTs in the draft but again there's questions if either be worth the top pick. CB ANtrelle Rolle fits a need but again is a CB worth taking 1st overall? With all that said I think, if he declares, underclassman DE Mathias Kiwanuka might be the best fit for the top pick. He's got size, speed and the skills to be another Jevon Kearse.

 

RBs Cedric Benson and/or Carnell Williams definately deserve top pick consideration as well but the 49ers don't need a RB.

194448[/snapback]

 

Thanks - good early rundown about the top pick team.

[Bill from NYC]

Kiper's list is a good starting point. The 49ers have quite a few needs and it's tough to say where they'd go.  If they lose Julian Peterson in free agency Derrick Johnson from Texas might be the pick but I don't see him worthy of the top pick, he's more of a top 10 prospect. They also need a WR and Mike Williams or Braylon Edwards would definately are considered top 10 and maybe even top 5 material. Their O-line is also a mess OTs Alex Barron and Jamaal Brown are the top two OTs in the draft but again there's questions if either be worth the top pick. CB ANtrelle Rolle fits a need but again is a CB worth taking 1st overall? With all that said I think, if he declares, underclassman DE Mathias Kiwanuka might be the best fit for the top pick. He's got size, speed and the skills to be another Jevon Kearse.

 

RBs Cedric Benson and/or Carnell Williams definately deserve top pick consideration as well but the 49ers don't need a RB.

194448[/snapback]

 

Jokeman, how high do you expect Barron to go?

Also, have you considered working with R.Rich on the TBD draft boards? I would love to see you and Badolbilz over there to offer insights and give him some help over there.

The three of you could turn it into something big imo.

[Ramius]

Barron's from down here at FSU, and all season, especially toward the end, they are predicting him as a top 10 pick, and as the #1 OL on the board...they were calling for him to be selected somewhere in the 6-10 range if i remember correctly...

[FTW_BillsFan]

If Leinert is not coming out, it is probably best for San Fran to trade down and try to gather more picks. They need alot of help almost everywhere.

 

Also, didn't they already sign Peterson to an extension?

[The Jokeman]

Jokeman, how high do you expect Barron to go?

Also, have you considered working with R.Rich on the TBD draft boards? I would love to see you and Badolbilz over there to offer insights and give him some help over there.

The three of you could turn it into something big imo. 

194466[/snapback]

I could Barron going as high as #3 if the Browns actually try to fix their O-line. I wouldn't mind contributing to the Draft Forum but I do contribute to another site (which will remain nameless) on a semi regular basis.

[JCBoston]

I thought I remembered reading that Kiper was fired by ESPN. Or was that just the medication I was taking to deal with 0-4?

[PastaJoe]

Kiper's contract was up, and there was some disagreement about some details of a new contract, but they worked things out. In my opinion he's the star of the ESPN draft coverage.

[/dev/null]

the 49ers have so many needs other than QB

 

they need to hope someone player's stock rises and they get to trade down and get some extra picks, at least once if not 2 or 3 times

[HtownBillsFan]

Here's Kiper's List

1. Cedric Benson, RB, Texas (5-10½, 222) | previous rank: same

Last game: 33 carries, 165 yds., 1 TD in a 26-13 win over Texas A&M

Benson is a strong, tough runner who has been incredibly productive in his four years in Austin. He has rushed for 1,000 yards in each of his four seasons, and his ability to block and catch the ball make him a complete back. Benson has tremendous vision and quick feet, and thanks to his powerful lower body the first tackler rarely brings him down. He isn't flashy but puts up big numbers against top competition.

 

2. Ronnie Brown, RB, Auburn (6-0, 230) | previous rank: same

Last game: 16 car., 50 yds.; 6 receptions, 55 yds. in a 38-28 win over Tennessee

Brown showed against Tennessee earlier this year that he is one of the most complete backs in the nation, running and catching the ball with equal skill. He is averaging more than seven yards per carry this season and has 18 catches. Brown has the size, instincts, power and quickness to put up unbelievable numbers and would be a Heisman candidate if he were the clear No. 1 on the depth chart. An explosive powerhouse who is a complete back.

 

3. Carnell Williams, RB, Auburn (5-10½, 207) | previous rank: same

Last game: 19 car., 100 yds., 1 TD in a 38-28 win over Tennessee

A very creative and deceptively strong runner who has few peers in terms of pure running skills. Williams does not have imposing size but can still get tough inside yards, a skill which contributed to his 1,307 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns last season. He needs to work on catching the ball out of the backfield, but that's about it. Williams has carried 167 times for 862 yards and nine TDs in 2004 while also catching 11 passes for 114 yards and a score.

 

4. Mike Williams (jr.), WR, USC (6-foot-5, 230 pounds) | previous rank: same

Last game: Williams will not play in 2004.

Williams is only a junior but dominated the collegiate game for two full years before his bid to join the NFL draft as a sophomore was ended by the courts and he was declared ineligible by the NCAA. Williams will enter the 2005 draft, and the only reason he has fallen from the top spot on the Big Board is because he has not played at all this year. But if he can stay in shape and keep his weight at or below 230, Williams should ultimately be a top-15 pick.

 

Williams likely would have been a top-10 pick last season because his size, strength and toughness make him a tremendous package who can use his body control and hands to go after the ball over smaller defenders. His two-year totals at USC: 176 receptions, 2,579 yards and 30 touchdowns.

 

5. Dan Cody, DE, Oklahoma (6-4, 265) | previous rank: same

Last game: No tackles in a 42-3 win over Colorado

Cody continues moving up the board because of his impressive overall body of work this season. He has been utilized as both a stand-up outside linebacker and a defensive end with his hand on the ground, in much the same way as former NFL standout Kevin Greene. Cody increased his tackle total from 16 in 2002 to 43 last year, his TFL from five to 17 and his sacks from three to 10.

 

6. Erasmus James, DE, Wisconsin (6-4, 260) | previous rank: same

Last game: 4 tackles (3 solo, 1 ast.) in a 30-7 loss at Iowa

James missed most of last season with a hip injury but had a great showing in fall camp and carried that momentum over to the regular season. He is currently nursing an ankle injury but still commands double-team blocks. An outstanding pass rusher who is also strong against the run, James is just now getting back into form after an ankle injury earlier in the season.

 

7. Derrick Johnson, OLB, Texas (6-3, 233) | previous rank: same

Last game: 8 tackles (4 solo, 4 ast.), 1.5 TFL (1 sack), 1 PBU, 1 QBH in a 26-13 win over Texas A&M

Led the Longhorns with 125 tackles last season, including 20 stops behind the line of scrimmage. Johnson will finish his career with more than 400 total tackles and has also intercepted eight passes over the last two seasons. A great athlete who has a nose for the ball and is all over the field.

 

8. Travis Johnson, DT, Florida State (6-4, 292) | previous rank: same

Last game: 2 assisted tackles, ½ TFL in a 20-13 loss to Florida

Has improved significantly from where he was last year. Johnson has been dominating offensive linemen all year and has spent a lot of time in opposing backfields.

 

9. Braylon Edwards, WR, Michigan (6-2½, 210) | previous rank: same

Last game: 11 receptions, 172 yds., 1 TD in a 37-21 loss at Ohio State

Edwards was rising after single-handedly taking over the game against Michigan State, catching all three of his touchdown passes in the fourth quarter and overtime. He has the size, athleticism and overall pass-catching skills to dominate games and is doing just that at times this year. Edwards is also no longer riling the coaching staff with dropped balls and lapses in concentration.

 

10. Matt Roth, DE, Iowa (6-3½, 266) | previous rank: same

Last game: 6 tackles (4 solo, 2 ast.), 3 TFL (1 sack), 1 QBH in a 30-7 win over Wisconsin

A fiery and intense player who is a tremendous natural pass rusher, Roth is a nice complement to standout tackle Jonathan Babineaux. Roth led the Hawkeyes with eight quarterback hurries and three forced fumbles during the regular season and tied for the team lead with eight sacks. His 14 tackles for loss were second on the team. That overall consistent body of work is what has elevated Roth in recent weeks.

 

11. Alex Barron, OT, Florida State (6-7, 325) | previous rank: 12

Last game: Made his 29th career start in a 20-13 loss to Florida

Athletically gifted with great footwork as a pass blocker, Barron has a chance to be a top-10 overall pick. He helped Leon Washington average 15.3 yards on 10 carries last week.

 

12. Shaun Cody, DT, USC (6-4, 288) | previous rank: 15

Last game: 3 tackles (2 solo, 1 ast.), 1 sack, 1 PBU in a 29-24 win at UCLA

A versatile performer who can play either end or tackle, Cody is a key component in the No. 2 rushing defense in the country (75.3 ypg).

 

13. Jammal Brown, OT, Oklahoma (6-5, 313) | previous rank: 16

Last game: Helped OU rush for 236 yards in a 42-3 win over Colorado

Equally adept at run and pass blocking, Brown has long arms that allow him to get his hand on defenders and move them off the ball using his good feet and balance.

 

14. Marcus Spears, DE, LSU (6-4, 295) | previous rank: same

Last game: 9 tackles (8 solo, 1 ast.), 2 sacks, 1 PBU, in a 43-14 win over Arkansas

Will not turn into a 10-12 sack performer at the next level because he lacks great closing speed, but Spears looks like a five-sack guy who will be an outstanding run stopper and disruptive to the passing game because of his size and long arms. Spears began his career as a tight end and early in his career was utilized on both sides of the ball, showing his athletic prowess. He will be able to play in any defensive structure and should be a solid pro. If Spears can keep his motor running for 60 minutes each week he will continue to ascend up the draft board.

 

15. David Pollack, DE, Georgia (6-2½, 265) | previous rank: 13

Last game: 5 solo tackles, 1 TFL, 2 QBH in a 24-6 loss at Auburn

Not physically imposing, Pollack plays with incredible intensity and passion. He is quick off the ball, has great closing speed and wreaks havoc as a pass rusher, as evidenced by his 28 quarterback pressures last season.

 

16. Antrel Rolle, CB, Miami (6-0½, 200) | previous rank: 11

Last game: 5 tackles (3 solo, 2 ast.) in a 16-10 loss to Virginia Tech

Rolle has consistently proven his mettle against the top wideouts in the country. A perfect example of that came last year when he shut down former Pittsburgh wideout and eventual No. 3 overall draft pick Larry Fitzgerald. Teams are not throwing his way this season, yet he has still been a force for the Hurricanes with solid run support and tackles in the backfield.

 

17. Charlie Frye, QB, Akron (6-3½, 229) | previous rank: same

Last game: 26-for-43, 436 yds., 3 TDs in a 37-27 loss to Miami (Ohio)

If things play out right for Frye the rest of the year, he could become this year's version of Ben Roethlisberger, the former Miami (Ohio) quarterback who was the 11th overall pick last season. This season has been a struggle thanks to no help from the offensive line, no running game and no big-time receivers to work with. He has played this year with a dislocated finger and shown good toughness, and his willingness to shoulder the load every week has helped tremendously.

 

18. Bryant McFadden, CB, Florida State (5-11½, 185) | previous rank: 19

Last game: 2 tackles (1 solo, 1 ast.), ½ TFL, 1 INT, 2 PBU in a 20-13 loss to Florida

He has not intercepted any passes this year but that's because opposing teams respect him and are not attacking his side of the field. McFadden has very good athletic ability and good but not great recovery speed at 4.49. A few more interceptions and big plays would have him in the top 15, but he is a very consistent cover man who will also come up in run support.

 

19. Adam Terry, OT, Syracuse (6-7½, 310) | previous rank: 20

Last game: Syracuse rushed for 309 yards in a 43-17 win at Boston College

One of the most outstanding athletes at the tackle position in college football. Terry runs a 5.15 in the 40 and is a smart fifth-year senior with 33 career starts under his belt. He is a bit of a finesse player but will continue to develop and become a solid all-around tackle, and his experience will get him some first-round looks.

 

20. Mark Clayton, WR, Oklahoma (5-10, 188) | previous rank: 18

Last game: 8 rec., 106 yds., 2 TD in a 42-3 win over Colorado

Clayton set new standards for OU wide receivers last year with his 83 receptions for a 17.2-yard average and 15 touchdowns. The best wideout after the catch we've seen in quite some time, Clayton leads the Sooners with 51 catches this season, 16 more than the next player on the list.

 

21. Carlos Rogers, CB, Auburn (6-0, 194)) | previous rank: same

Last game: 1 solo tackle, 2 PBU in a 38-28 win over Tennessee

Has 4.4 speed in the 40 and is a physical player who can tackle in the open field and is an asset in run support. Rogers is a respected cover man with good ball skills who has been Auburn's best defensive player this year, and with good showings in postseason workouts and all-star games he could ultimately move into the first round. Consistency, durability and experience against top-level competition in the SEC should all boost his stock.

 

22. Alex Smith, TE, Stanford (6-4¼, 257) | previous rank: same

Last game: 1 rec., 30 yds. in a 41-6 loss at California

An incredibly gifted tight end with tremendous body control to adjust to the poorly thrown ball. Smith is a great hook-zone threat and can stretch the deep middle with his speed. Smith should hold on to his spot as the top TE on the board now that he's become a complete tight end this year.

 

23. Mark Bradley, WR, Oklahoma (6-1, 191) | previous rank: unranked

Last game: 4 rec., 46 yds. in a 42-3 win over Colorado

His teammate and fellow receiver, Mark Clayton, gets most of the attention, but the speedy Bradley (4.35 in the 40) has developed into a very good receiver in addition to his special-teams skills as a kick returner and cover man. He is good running after the catch and his versatility is a big plus.

 

24. Marcus Johnson, OG, Mississippi (6-5½, 321) | previous rank: unranked

Last game: Helped Ole Miss rush for 156 yards in a 27-24 loss at LSU

Johnson has started 45 consecutive games for the Rebels, including three starts at tackle this year that showcase his versatility and smarts.

 

25. Corey Webster, CB, LSU (6-0, 205) | previous rank: 23

Last game: 3 tackles (2 solo, 1 ast.), 2 PBU in a 43-14 win over Arkansas

Webster has played through injury this season and has not been up to the level of his blue-chip performance as a junior, but you have to give him the benefit of the doubt. He has not been the dominating, shutdown corner he was a year ago but has plenty of time to get healthy and return to form. Webster recorded seven interceptions and five pass breakups last season.

 

Mel's Top 25 Juniors

1. Matt Leinart, QB, USC

2. D'Brickashaw Ferguson, OT, Virginia

3. DeAngelo Williams, RB, Memphis

4. Ahmad Brooks, LB, Virginia

5. Adam "Pac-Man" Jones, CB, West Virginia

6. Thomas Davis, S, Georgia

7. Aaron Rodgers, QB, California

8. Ciatrick Fason, RB, Florida

9. Heath Miller, TE, Virginia

10. Channing Crowder, LB, Florida

11. Brodney Pool, S, Oklahoma

12. Darryl Blackstock, LB, Virginia

13. Justin Miller, CB, Clemson

14. Rodrique Wright, DT, Texas

15. Marcus McNeill, OT, Auburn

16. Shawne Merriman, OLB/DE, Maryland

17. Vernand Morency, RB, Oklahoma State

18. Justin Tuck, DE, Notre Dame

19. Davin Joseph, OG, Oklahoma

20. Derek Hagan, WR, Arizona State

21. Chad Greenway, LB, Iowa

22. Omar Gaither, LB, Tennessee

23. Eric Shelton, RB, Louisville

24. Mathias Kiwanuka, DE, Boston College

25. Jeremy Trueblood, OT, Boston College

[JohninMinn.]

22. Alex Smith, TE, Stanford (6-4¼, 257) | previous rank: same

Last game: 1 rec., 30 yds. in a 41-6 loss at California

An incredibly gifted tight end with tremendous body control to adjust to the poorly thrown ball. Smith is a great hook-zone threat and can stretch the deep middle with his speed. Smith should hold on to his spot as the top TE on the board now that he's become a complete tight end this year.

 

Me and Drew vote for this guy!

[Mark Vader]

The 49'ers have so many needs that I would not be surprised if they traded down and stockpiled draft picks for the future.

FTW_BillsFan Posted Today, 03:06 PM

  If Leinert is not coming out, it is probably best for San Fran to trade down and try to gather more picks. They need alot of help almost everywhere.

 

Also, didn't they already sign Peterson to an extension?

They franchised Peterson and signed him for one year and that was it. They may just let him go, because of his injury, and that he wants Ray Lewis type money.