2006 NFL Draft

21.  New England Patriots: Laurence Maroney, RB, Minnesota

Our Take: Maroney has a very good combination of speed and power, running with good pad level, making his way through the line, then exploding down field with breakaway speed.

About:  Laurence Maroney, 6-0, 217, Minnesota  (Jr.): Laurence Maroney is an explosive runner with great vision and is a complete back who can do it all. A nice combo of size, speed, and power who has extremely quick feet and never stops moving his legs which allows him to break tackles and pick up extra yardage.  He also blocks very well for a college player and will be a superstar in the right system at the next level.

Official College Site: Laurence Maroney on Gophersports.com

What the big boys are saying:

ESPN/Scout: Maroney does not possess USC RB Reggie Bush's versatility, but Maroney is an explosive runner in his own right and he's a bit more proven as an every-down load-carrying type of back. Maroney lacks ideal size and he had some durability issues during his only season as the fulltime starter (2005). However, he has excellent balance and vision as a runner, he shows adequate power for his size, and he is explosively fast. He has great experience in a zone-blocking running scheme and seems like a natural fit for a team employing such a system in the NFL such as the Broncos or Ravens. In our opinion, Maroney grades out as a mid-to-late first round prospect in the 2006 class and he should be the third or fourth running back selected

FoxSports: Could be a star in the right system. Not dazzling as an elusive runner, but has exceptional one-cut-and-go ability. Maroney is best when he can reach the corners, where he can utilize his acceleration and burst with more effectiveness. Did not work out at combine, but ran March 23 with a 4.48 in the 40. Upright and sometimes overly patient running style that is reminiscent of Kansas City's Larry Johnson, who was drafted 27th in 2003 out of Penn State and finished with a flourish last season. Maroney hasn't been required to do much as a blocker or receiver, although he did catch 21 passes for 170 yards last season while rushing for 1,524 yards on 5.4 yards per carry

22.  San Francisco 49ers:  Manny Lawson, DE/LB, North Carolina State:

Our Take: Lawson looks like he could be polished into a big playmaker at outside linebacker.

About:  Manny Lawson, 6-5, 240, North Carolina State : We project Lawson to transition to a rush linebacker position.  He has the speed and ability to fulfill a rush end position although he wont be able to play every down at end in the NFL at end he could be used in the manner of a Derrick Thomas who was a linebacker but for all intensive purposes played at end most of the time.

Official College Site:  Player Bio- Manny Lawson -- N.C. State

What the big boys are saying:

ESPN/Scout: Lawson will likely need time to either transition to a rush-linebacker position or to bulk up as a "weakside" end before he can contribute as an every-down player in the NFL. Also promising is the fact that Lawson has bulked up to 241 pounds and still was able to run the 40-yard dash in the 4.4's. On top of his playmaking potential as a defensive prospect, Lawson is a weapon as a kick blocker and cover guy on special teams, which gives him extra value. We expect Lawson to come off the board at some point during the second round of the 2006 draft.

FoxSports: Although teammate (defensive end) Mario Williams is considered a top seven selection, it was Lawson who was selected the team's Most Valuable Defensive Lineman in 2005. Projected as an outside linebacker at the next level, Lawson registered 58 tackles (33 solos) with 10.5 sacks and 19.5 stops for losses in 2005

23.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers:  Davin Joseph, 6-3, 311, Oklahoma

Our Take: This is a really big reach there are a lot of better players on the board.  This is a classic case of drafting for need and reaching. He is the best Guard available, but not the best player available by far.

About:  Davin Joseph, 6-3, 311, Oklahoma: He is arguably the top guard in the draft, and should be one of the first three guards selected in April. Davin has consistently graded out very high for one of the better offensive lines in the nation. Since guards are not put at a premium, he probably won’t hear his name called too early, but the early second round is not out of the question.

Official College Site: DavinJoseph77.com

What the big boys are saying:

ESPN/Scout: Joseph has made a smooth transition to the left tackle position as a senior in 2005 but he will be a far better fit at guard in the NFL, mostly due to his lack of ideal height. Joseph can still improve his technique, but he is a hard-working and "coachable" player who should continue to improve if coached well at the next level. Otherwise, Joseph has very few flaws. He is a wide-bodied, long-armed, strong, athletic and nasty guard prospect. Joseph should quickly develop into a good starter in the NFL, which is why he is worth considering late in the second round of the 2006 NFL draft.

FoxSports: Has the quick feet, balance and long arms to possibly transition to left tackle, but lacks the height most teams want at the position. Started 39 games for the Sooners, mostly at right guard. Good quickness off the snap and plays with both strength and technique. Listed as the top ranked OG in the country by National Scouting Services, and the No. 3 guard by BLESTO (behind Jean-Gilles).

24.  Cincinnati Bengals:  Jonathon Joseph, CB, S. Carolina (Jr.): 

Our Take: Joseph has average size and tremendous speed and should be capable of being an instant starter.

About:  Jonathan Joseph, 5-11, 193, South Carolina (Jr.): Jonathon is one of the fastest players in the draft. He has good strength for a relatively skinny corner. Adjusts well to the ball and has good hands. Jonathon has been an underrated prospect who could climb up the draft board into the last first round. Although Joseph probably won't make an immediate impact, he has a huge long term upside.

Official College Site: Player Bio- Johnathan Joseph -- S. Carolina official site

What the big boys are saying:

ESPN/Scout: He has adequate size, excellent speed and natural playmaking instincts and ball skills. Joseph also supports the run hard and is a solid tackler, which should lend to him contributing on special teams right away in the NFL. However, the uncertainty generated by lack of experience and durability issues makes Joseph somewhat of a dangerous proposition. From what we've seen of him in comparatively limited viewing, Joseph possesses the potential to develop into a difference maker as a fulltime starting cornerback in the NFL. Overall, Joseph grades out as a second round prospect.

FoxSports: Junior college transfer emerged as an instant starter in 2004, but was lost for the season after only two games with a broken foot. Was back at 100 percent in 2005 and finished among team leaders in both tackles (55) and tackles for loss (3.5) while leading the team in interceptions (4) and finishing second in passes broken up (9). Elite speed was demonstrated at the Combine (4.31 seconds in 40 yards). All-conference honors as a defensive back at Coffeyville J.C. in 2003

25.  Pittsburgh Steelers:   Santonio Holmes, WR, Ohio State (JR)

Our Take: Possesses excellent deep speed with very good hands. He can also be a major player in the return game at the next level.   At 5'11 he is a little undersized, but unlike most rookies his crisp route running and cuts will allow him to succeed at the NFL level.

About:  Santonio Holmes, 5-11, 188, Ohio State  (Jr.): Santonio Holmes possesses excellent deep speed with very good hands. He doesn't drop a lot of balls, and is very durable. We think he will be an excellent slot man but doesn't really have the height to ever be a number one guy.

Official College Site: Player Bio- Santonio Holmes -- Football

What the big boys are saying:

ESPN/Scout: Holmes shares a lot of similarities with former Wisconsin standout Lee Evans (first round pick of the Bills in 2004), including just decent size, explosive speed and outstanding hand-eye coordination. Holmes did not get nearly the opportunities in Ohio State's conservative offense that some other elite receivers get in more pass-friendly systems, but his production is still impressive in terms of the ratios for yards-per-catch and touchdowns-per-catch. Holmes lacks ideal size but he is explosive and consistent enough to eventually develop into a No. 1 starting WR in the NFL. In the meantime, Holmes can compete for touches in the return game and should be able to contribute right away as a No. 2 or slot-No. 3 WR. Holmes should be the first wide receiver selected in the 2006 draft, likely in the middle portion of the first round.

FoxSports: Could be strictly a speed threat. Superb athleticism, but tends to freelance a bit as a route-runner and drops too many passes, most due to trying to make a move before he has the ball tucked away. Fluid runner with the burst to get to top speed instantly. Worked out well during his Pro Day (4.35 in 40 yards). Finished fifth in school history with 140 receptions for 2,295 yards and third with 25 touchdowns

26.  Buffalo Bills:  John McCargo, 6-2, 302, N.C. State (Jr.)

Our Take: A third rounder at best this pick makes no sense at all.

About:  Was overshadowed by all the talent he had around him along the defensive line but came through with three great seasons for the Wolfpack but this is definitely a horrendous pick at this position.

27.  Carolina Panthers:  DeAngelo Williams, RB, Memphis:

Our Take: An explosive runner with good size and the ability to make people miss. Williams is in the Ronnie Brown-Carnell Williams class. Williams led the nation in rushing yards in 2005 with 1959 yards. He also had 18 rushing TD's to go along with 22 rushing TD's in 2004.  DeAngelo had a great Senior Bowl week that solidified him as the second back off the board

About:  DeAngelo Williams, 5-9, 214, Memphis: DeAngelo Williams possesses incredible athleticism, shows great balance and burst, and He also has great straight-line speed and acceleration when getting through the holes in the line. Has the ability to run around or over tacklers so long as they don't wrap up in time the big question with Williams remains durability as he has been injured almost every year.

Official College Site:  Player Bio- DeAngelo Williams -- Football

What the big boys are saying:

ESPN/Scout: He does have a lot of mileage on his legs and has had some trouble staying healthy in the past. He also lacks ideal height and elite speed. However, he has enough size, strength, quickness, toughness, vision and versatility to emerge as a premier starting running back in the NFL. He's an absolute workhorse as a ball carrier and he has enough receiving and blocking skills to emerge as an every-down starter at the next level. Furthermore, Williams is a high-character person with a great work ethic. In our opinion, Williams ranks among the elite prospects in the 2006 class and should be considered as a top-15 draft pick.

FoxSports: Short but not small as he plays big, runs hard and is compact and efficient. Exceptional open field runner who has proven to be dangerous any time he breaks free around the perimeter. His career total of 6,026 yards rushing puts him in the D1-A's exclusive 6,000-yard club with only Tony Dorsett, Ricky Williams and Ron Dayne. His 7,573 all-purpose yards set a collegiate record and his 362 points scored rank ninth in Division 1A history. Would have left after his junior season, but broke his leg (right fibula fracture) in the GMAC Bowl. Also had a torn MCL in 2003 and sprained knee in 2002, so durability may be a concern. Flashed his spectacular open-field running ability at Senior Bowl. Did not run at the combine but did well at his Pro Day March 24 with a 4.40 timing in the 40 and he looked good catching the ball

28.  Jacksonville Jaguars:  Marcedes Lewis, TE, UCLA:

Our Take: Marcedes Lewis's size makes him a great downfield target, especially with his ability to go up and get a ball he has incredible athleticism for his size and excellent body control and has probably the best hands of any tight end in the nation, rarely dropping a ball that comes his way.

About:  Marcedes Lewis, 6-7, 261, UCLA: Marcedes Lewis's size makes him a great downfield target, especially with his ability to go up and get a ball he has incredible athleticism for his size and excellent body control and has probably the best hands of any tight end in the nation, rarely dropping a ball that comes his way.

Official College Site: Player Bio- Marcedes Lewis -- Football

What the big boys are saying:

ESPN/Scout: Lewis still has room to improve in terms of his blocking technique, lower-body strength and overall route running savvy. His lack of straight-line speed could also hurt him on draft day. However, we still view Lewis as a potential impact maker in the NFL. After adding bulk and strength last offseason, Lewis was an improved blocker in 2005. He also has the frame, hands and athletic ability to generate mismatches in the passing game. In our opinion, Lewis warrants consideration late in the first round and he would be a steal if he falls to the middle of Round 2.

FoxSports: Won the 2005 Mackey Award, given to the top tight end in the major college ranks. Former prep basketball star was offered a dozen scholarships in that sport. Emerged as a clutch pass catcher during his senior year, demonstrating the ability to turn a short catch into a big gainer. Collected 54 receptions for 741 yards (12.8 avg.) and 10 touchdowns last season. Solid, but not spectacular at the Senior Bowl. Long-legged player must learn how to use leverage. As a receiver, his basketball experience is obvious in the way he uses his body to shield defenders from the ball and catches well with his hands. At the Combine ran a mediocre 4.80, as expected, but showed explosiveness (37-inch vertical) and strength (23 reps).

29. New York Jets:  Nick Mangold, C, Ohio State

Our Take: Marcedes Lewis's size makes him a great downfield target, especially with his ability to go up and get a ball he has incredible athleticism for his size and excellent body control and has probably the best hands of any tight end in the nation, rarely dropping a ball that comes his way.

About:  Nick Mangold, 6-4, 300, Ohio State: Mangold can make all the blocks that count. A devastating run blocker that blows defenders backwards he is nowhere near as good a pass blocker, but most centers are not. Mangold has made 21 straight starts and is ready to step in immediately and start for the next decade. This center will make all the calls before the snap and allow the line to play as a cohesive unit. He has the desired size you look for in a lineman, and even better, he has that nasty streak you look for along with the smarts to become something special. On a par with LeCharles Bentley.

Official College Site: Player Bio- Nick Mangold -- Ohio State

What the big boys are saying:

ESPN/Scout: Mangold will need to continue to improve his lower body strength in order to match up better versus bigger, stronger NT's in the NFL. However, he possesses the frame to add bulk and has the work ethic to do so. Mangold also owns all the other physical and mental abilities that it takes in order to develop into a very good starting center in the NFL and very soon. Mangold is clearly the best center prospect in the 2006 class and we expect him to come off the 2006 draft board in the late in the first round or early in the second round.

FoxSports: Big, strong, smart, tough and experienced. Started every game since taking over for an injured Alex Stepanovich (now with the Arizona Cardinals) in 2003 and developed into the unquestioned leader of the Buckeyes' talented offensive line. Makes all the calls up front. Offensive line coach Jim Bollman rates him on a par with former Buckeye All-American and 2001 Rimington Award winner LeCharles Bentley, the two-time Pro Bowler who just signed a mega-deal with Cleveland

30.  Indianapolis Colts:

Joseph Addai, RB, LSU

Our Take: Addai is a serviceable back who has shown continuous improvement in college.  He's a legitimate Day One prospect after his showing at the combine. He busted out a sub 4.4 timing on his 40 and he is very versatile out of the backfield and will probably be a better pro than he was a college player.

About:  Joseph Addai, 5-11, 214, LSU:  Joseph is a well rounded running back with solid size, and is tough to bring down. He runs tough between the tackles, and continues to fight for extra yardage. He also has good enough speed to get to the outside and turn it up field. Addai’s best asset though may be his versatility, as he also displays excellent hands out of the backfield. He plays slower than his timing though and some question his size as well.

Official Site:   Joseph Addai - LSU on Rivals.com

What the big boys are saying:

ESPN/Scout: Addai is a decisive, slippery runner with excellent timed speed. He lacks ideal bulk and he does not show great elusiveness to make many defenders miss in space. However, Addai is powerful for his size, he has the frame to fill out, and he's a home-run threat in the open field because of his explosive second-gear. He also is an outstanding blocker and reliable receiver in the passing game. He will wow NFL personnel officials with his post-season individual workouts and, as a result, his stock should peak at the right time. In our opinion, Addai has proven he has starter's potential in the NFL and he will be worth a second-round pick to a team in need of a versatile home-run threat at the RB position in the 2006 draft