2000 National Football League Mock Draft

Recent Trades between the Jets, Ravens, Broncos, and Bucs have been accounted in this, the final version of our NFL mock draft. We now turn toward the draft itself, so we can see how well we did in predicting the draft. Oh, how things tend to crumble once teams start making selections. Nevertheless, it's been fun spending countless hours researching numerous college players, and how they merge into the entertaining event we all look forward to and enjoy-- The National Football Leage Draft! I truly hope you enjoy your stay and say here at the Dallas Cowboys Internet Special Report!!

Heading into March, this choice looked to be between Arrington and Peter Warrick. Looking closely at wide receiver, he's short, fast, and elusive. He runs great after the catch, is a dangerous return man, and can score from any point on the football field. Much was expected of this senior and he was expected to be a leader in the 1999 college season. Some question his attitude, character, and decision making, but his play on the field is without question exceptional. Nevertheless, the person we speak of, USC wideout R Jay Soward, does not deserve to be the first selection in the 2000 NFL draft-- and neither does Peter Warrick!

Yes, while Warrick is a fine wide receiver, the draft is deep in receivers. And with his recent s-l-o-w workout for scouts, Warrick ran his way out of the top spot. Now, he is in a free-fall with no real home on the horizon. Likely, he will be the player involved in a trade-up in the four or five spot, which should make the draft even more interesting.

LaVar Arrington looks to be one of those dominant linebackers that come along every decade or do. With speed and power, he looks to be a stronger version of Jevon Kearse. When he hits a player, they seem to just crumble to the ground, and he always fill the holes that the running backs are running through. The only reason Courtney Brown might be selected over Arrington is the fact that Arrington has an agent known for tough negotiations. Nevertheless, when a guy comes along that even starts to bring up comparisons to LT, you have no choice but to draft him.

Even with the signing of Bruce Smith, the defensive line is in desperate need of a pass rush, and the selection of Brown will allow the Redskins to spot Bruce Smith for twenty plays during the game. That will keep Smith fresh, and allow Brown the time to develop. Brown is quite a luxury to the Redskins who obtained the rights to this selection when they traded with the Saints last season. Last year, not only did the Redskins get the player they wanted in cornerback Champ Bailey, but they get a gift this year in Courtney Brown-- the best defensive end in the 2000 draft. Who needs Santa Claus when Mike Ditka is available!

It was big news when the Redskins traded-up to the third spot. Washington wanted both Arrington and Brown, but their spin on the deal was that the trade with the 49ers would ensure themselves of drafting either Arrington, Brown, or Warrick. But, with Warrick's poor workout, you have to now question the trade. Of course, the media won't because it's not nice to question the Washington Redskins and the wonderful things they have done this off-season. Nevertheless, we don't have to ride the bandwagon-- and won't be blinded the the media's desire for a 'Skins Lovefest! Really, this #3 draft position cost them the 12th and 24th picks in this year's NFL Draft. Many criticized the Dallas Cowboys for giving up two first round selection for Joey Galloway, but at least the Cowboys know what they get in Galloway. There is no question that Galloway is a burner. Now, Warrick's speed looks quite ordinary causing the Redskins to go to Plan C.

Plan C? The name Chris Samuals is entering the mix-- and he looks to be the guy. I suppose I have allowed myself to see Samuals being picked at #3, but I still get the feeling that Warrick is not out of the picture at all. I'll say it loudly-- if the Redskins pass on Warrick then they wasted a first round pick because, again, is Samuals worth two first-round draft picks? Obviously not! The only reason Samuals has risen to the #3 position in the draft is the fact that the Redskins so obviously need an offensive tackle. Furthermore, drafting offensive linemen so high in the draft is not a sure sign that they will be successful. From Tony Mandrich to the many busts that the Philadelphia Eagles have selected, the drafting of offensive linemen in the first round is a huge risk. And when you make a selection that cost two first-round selections, you better get a player who will dominate. Perhaps Samuals can be that type of player, but the Redskins true wish always has been the Penn St. duo of Arrington and Brown-- and that's not going to happen. By making the trade so early, they have backed themselves in a corner. With the #3, #12, and #24 selections, Washington could have drafted Brown or Arrington, as well as a quality receiver and tackle. Oh well, let the 'Skins LoveFest begin.

(4)  Cincinnati Bengals    Peter Warrick   WR   Florida St.

Corey Dillon doesn't wants to play for the Bengals anymore. Now, he says he'll only play six games next year. If I were the Bengals, I'd trade his butt and say good riddance! But, in the days of the coddled athlete, he'll probably be pampered, and given a huge contract. Can you say Carl Pickens? It appears now that the Bengals will have their pick between Warrick and Plaxico Burress. What a great dilemma to be in-- and look for the Bengals to go with Warrick. The media will love the pick, and they can get a good running back in the second round. Still, Plaxico Burress is a mix between Randy Moss and Herman Moore in the "throw it high and let me shine" category, and we like Burress over Warrick just as we publicly preferred Edgerrin James over Rickey Williams last season. Just as the trend toward the big cornerbacks, it has become popular to have "triplets". It started with Dallas in Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, and Michael Irvin. It continued with the to Colts in Peyton Manning, Edgerrin James, and Marvin Harrison. The Bengals are the latest to join this group with Warrick, they hope, being the final piece in the puzzle along with Akili Smith and Corey Dillon.

As always, the weeks leading up to the draft always expose draftee warts that suddenly are thrown aside when the player is drafted. Burress has been questioned recently for suspect hands, poor route running, and his choice of Snickers over an Almond Joy! It's totally crazy, but just look at him play-- he's special. He falls into the Ravens lap. If the Ravens stay at #10, they will be able to draft a gifted running back. At #10, Burress will be gone-- so they grab him here. Two months ago, the Ravens would have counted their blessings to have a shot at Burress, and despite recent negative reports, the Ravens will not pass on him unless they believe he can last until the #10 selection. That would be a huge gamble and certain miscalculation because the Steelers eye him at #8. Burress has great upside, and his 6' 6" freakish size will be too much of a draw.

The inability to stop the run in the NFC East will doom a team, and that's exactly what happened to the Eagles. Simon has the ability to stuff the run and help as a pass rusher. Sometimes the hype of a player who starts for a college power like FSU can be overstated because there are so many other good players on the team that can make them look better than they really are. However, in this case, it's Simon who makes the other players look better.

Thomas Jones is too talented of a running back to get bit by the Jamal Lewis meteoric rise. Jones is the total package, and it would be a huge mistake for the Cardinals to pass on Jones to draft Brian Urlacher. Don't do it Cards!! Thomas Jones is durable, productive, and versatile. He has to be the first running back selected!

This has been a pick that has puzzled me since January, and I still may not have it figured out. What do the Steelers need? Quarterback? Wide Receiver? Offensive line? Let's go out on a limb here and go with Jamal Lewis. Yeah, we know they recently signed Huntley. We know Jerome Bettis is in the mix, but you can never have too many quality running backs. This gives the Steelers something teams always enjoy-- options. Lewis will push Bettis, rest Bettis, and allow them to trade Bettis if he gets an attitude or eats too much ice cream. In a rich draft for wide receivers, the Steelers can get a quality one in the second round.

The enigma of the draft. Plays several positions well, and you just get the feeling that once he settles on smashing offensive players that he'll be special. Everyone wants him and the Bears get him.

There are many who believe Alexander will be a better NFL back than Thomas Jones, Jamal Lewis, or Ron Dayne. I agree except for perhaps Jones. Alexander dominated in the SEC, and that is a conference where you take notice of such a feat. If the Ravens leave the #10 selection with Burress and Alexander, the complete the draft of the year since I rate both at the top of their position in this year's draft.

If there was ever a pick that made sense, it's Ron Dayne to the Giants. They love big backs who can grind out yards in any type of weather. A power back, he is the lock of the draft. If the Giants pass on Dayne, it is a clear sign that they have abandoned their fans, roots, and philosophy.

With four first round selections, the Jets can load up on quality players who can move the team closer to the Super Bowl. Packaging three of the picks just doesn't make sense. Franks would give the Jets even more options, and would be a quality selection here. Combine him with a quality rookie receiver such as Travis Taylor, and you get enough firepower to offset the loss of Keyshawn Johnson-- less griping and distractions too.

(13)  New York Jets  Travis Taylor  WR  Florida 

Keyshawn is gone!. Taylor would ease the pain of losing Johnson and give the Jets a player flying up draft boards. A smooth receiver, he adjusts to the ball well, and is a good target for a young quarterback because he can make the catch on a ball thrown off-target.

The "Tub Of Lard" Gilbert Brown is a disgrace. I never thought I'd see someone who could look worse in a uniform than Nate Newton or William "The 'Fridge" Perry, but Brown does. Vonnie Holiday needs some help, and Hovan could provide some help without taking every other play off because he's suckin' wind. If the Packers sign either Sam Adams or Russell Maryland, look for the Packers to turn their attention to either Tennessee DE Shaun Ellis or Syracuse OLB Keith Bulluck. Both players would help the Packer defense.

The Broncos traded down, and that means one of two things. Either they feel they can save a buck or two by selecting Pennington or they have decided on beef along the offensive line, and #10 is too high for any lineman they like. Our money is on the beef. With the best running back on the planet returning from knee surgery, an offensive lineman is just the ticket!

With such a premium on defensive ends, it's quite a bit of good luck for the 49ers to have Ellis fall into their lap. The 49ers had zero pass rush, so this should be the selection unless they trade the pick.

Always looking for a quarterback, the Raiders draft their future. Rich Gannon was pretty good last season, but injuries hurt the team. This gives the Raiders an option should Gannon be injured.

It's not often when you can get so many quality players in a single draft, but the Jets really strike it rich. Howard is a typical K-State player who doesn't get the respect he deserves. For whatever reason the BCS and the NFL have not given Kansas St. and their players their due. Keep an eye on Howard, he is our draft surprise and he could really stand out as a rookie. In the Jets 3-4 defense, he has the weight to hold the line.

Offense-- in particular the big play wide receiver is totally a memory with Joey Galloway flying to Dallas. Morris is shooting up the draft board like a rocket. At the Senior Bowl, he proved he could play with "big school" players, and he looked smooth going over the middle showing separation on the long routes. What is special about Morris is his size and his speed combination, although his speed is not as fast as first advertised. Nevertheless, he has shown enough talent to move ahead of many other prospects despite his career at a small college.

Tough pick here. You would think linebacker here.. Peterson is great value here! Really stood-out in the Senior Bowl. Will be disruptive if used as a pass rushing outside linebacker. The type of player who will make a difference right away, and should start game one!

Well, they missed out on one of the top backs, so they do the next best thing-- load up on quality blockers. McIntosh has cleared the path for Ron Dayne and will do the same for whatever spare carries the ball for the Chiefs next year.

Jon Kitna slumped the last half of the season, so it's likely Mike Holmgren will want a young quarterback to both develop and push Kitna. With the luxury of extra first and third round draft picks, Seattle has the ammunition to either move up for a player they really like or use the extra draft picks on players who are raw but have a huge upside. Multiple picks allows a team to take chances that can pay off big.

Update: Redman ran a 4.9 forty for the 49ers. That sneaks him into the first round.

Bulluck has size, speed, and the potential to dominate. Has moved up recently, and would be a solid late first-round draft selection. The Panthers need defense in a number of areas, and Bulluck gives them help at linebacker where Kevin Greene and Michael Barrow were roster casualties. Revamping the defense with free agents, defensive ends Jay Williams and Chuck Smith, cornerback Jimmy Hitchcock

Expect this pick to be traded because the signing bonus for a first round selection is much higher than that of a second round pick. To be honest, I wouldn't be surprised to see the 49ers to deal the #12 pick either because with Bill Walsh's eye for talent multiple second, third, and fourth round selection are as good as first rounders. Oops, they did since I first typed this mock! Still, now if they do stay here at #24, a talented offensive lineman who can move the pile will probably be the choice. They need big guys on the line to protect Drew Brees-- a player Bill Walsh really likes. I also would not be surprised to see Walsh deal this pick to a bad team for a #1 next year as that would give him more picks to make a run at Brees.

The Vikings need secondary help bad! O'Neal recently ran a 4.3 forty-yard dash. He has a very good upside and has the tools to be a factor early in his career. He's also covered some quality cornerbacks in the PAC 10 and is an excellent return man, too. A fast rising player after running such a fast time, he could even go higher.

They lost Bruce Smith and his griping about his contract. It seems he was never happy after signing a deal because soon after another player would sign for more. Hey Bruce-- sign a one year deal and shut up! In Engelberger, they get a young hungry player who doesn't have a pair of bad knees. Good move.

What a draft for the Jets! Claridge played guard in addition to tackle for the Trojans, and this selection gives them versatility along the line. When a quality offensive lineman from USC comes along-- you take notice. They lost a second-round selection in the trade with the 49ers to move up to #12, so I would not be surprised to see them move this pick to get another second round pick and more.

Nothing gets pasts this guy. A 25-year old man, he will help the Colts right away, and be there the next eight years making tackle after tackle. Very mature person with solid character.

Plummer is an enigma. Everyone wanted to jump on his bandwagon this year, and an even above-average season would have made him a top-five selection. But, he really struggled, and gave up big-play after big-play. He might even slip out of the first round which would be the biggest one year drop since George Bush's fall from the glory of the Gulf War to the election defeat at the hands of Slick Willy!

Needing a wide receiver, the Titans get a guy without the name, but nevertheless a player who can help their passing game. Porter flat-out tore the Big-East up, and he has the size speed combination that NFL teams look for. He also is good against press coverage. Wide receiver is a need since Yancey Thigpen has been injured often and Jackie Harris signed with Dallas in free agency. Porter could turn into a really good pro!

Like Plummer, Goodrich was highly touted heading into 1999, but he didn't live up to his potential. He's lucky the cornerback class is weak or he'd be a third or fourth round selection.

Heat on the quarterback, and at this point in the draft he's the best available sack-man. To me honest, he may put more pressure on the quarterback than anyone in the draft outside of the duo from Penn St.

Not know whether Jamal Anderson will be the same players after his knee injury, the Falcons get some gifted insurance. Redmond really impressed scouts in the Senior Bowl with his strong running, but then stole the show with his receiving ability. Moving up-- fast!

Getting a quality tackle at #43 is a pretty fortunate event for a team that never seems to have a first round selection. The Charger waste their fine defense, but this pick sends the statement that they will finally address the offense for a change.

Does anyone really believe Raymont Harris is their guy? If so, pencil them in with a top-five draft position next year. You can't feel sorry for the Pats because the Cowboys wanted two first round draft picks in the 1998 draft, and the Pats had two. Who was the player New England was looking at? None other than Fred Taylor! Instead, they selected Edwards-- who probably will never play again. Now, they will most likely use another high pick on a running back.

Speed! Every play just send Soward, Ismail, and Galloway deep. One will always be open!

(53)  Miami Dolphins   Ron Dugans   WR   Florida St.

Dugans stays in Florida. Another guy who has really been increasing his value with some quality post-season work. He showed excellent ability in the Senior Bowl, and was dominating. Great speed, hands, and ability. Could end up being the steal of the receivers!

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