NFL Digest - Mock Draft
By Brian DeLucia
Feb.07, 2001

Here is a look at how the 2001 NFL Draft could play out if the draft was approaching. Keep in mind though that a significant amount of this will change, as team needs, players' stock, etc. change over the next few months. Here is what we are hearing around legitimate league circles. 

*Denotes Underclassmen
 

1. San Diego Chargers

*Michael Vick QB Virginia Tech

Most indications from team sources indicate that they are currently leaning towards Vick at this point. Trade talk will get interesting as we get closer to the draft.

2. Arizona Cardinals

*David Terrell WR Michigan

The Cardinals want to trade down because they do not feel any defensive lineman is worth the number two pick. They will likely just take Terrell if they can't trade down.

3. Cleveland Browns

*Koren Robinson WR North Carolina State

The Browns have a lot of areas to address, but will explore the most dynamic option if they keep this pick.

4. Cincinnati Bengals

Leonard Davis OT Texas

They are looking for a pass rusher, but will settle on solidifying the offensive line for the future.

5. Atlanta Falcons

*Kenyatta Walker OT Florida

Another team with a lot of needs. Solidifying their offensive line is near the top of the list. 

6. New England Patriots

*Gerard Warren DT Florida

The Patriots face the odds of losing Chad Eaton. Warren can clog up the run game, but he also can be disruptive in the backfield.

7. Seattle Seahawks

*Justin Smith DE Missouri

They are looking at Warren, but if he is off the board, they are looking at the pass rush potential that Smith can provide along with his size.

8. Chicago Bears

Andre Carter DE California

The Bears want to bolster their pass rush to take pressure off Phillip Daniels. Carter will provide that along with some leadership down the road.

9. San Francisco 49ers

Deuce McAllister RB Mississippi

With the possibility of losing Charlie Garner high and the uncertainty of Garrison Hearst, McAllister is the prototypical back for this offense. 

10. Seattle Seahawks

Drew Brees QB Purdue

If the Seahawks do not like what they see in the veteran crop, they will go with Brees. He fits well with Mike Holmgren's philosophy with his resourcefulness and leadership ability.

11. Carolina Panthers

Richard Seymour DT Georgia

Although the Panthers have some young defensive lineman they like, they need an anchor upfront. Seymour can help solidify their future here. They could trade up for Kenyatta Walker if they want to give up picks.

12. Kansas City Chiefs

*Michael Bennett RB Wisconsin

Bennett needs more experience to develop better run instincts and exposure in the passing game, but the Chiefs like his speed.

13. Jacksonville Jaguars

Dan Morgan LB Miami

The Jaguars will focus some of the priorities towards improving their production and depth in their front seven. Morgan would be a refreshing addition to their defense. 

14. Buffalo Bills 

*Nate Clements CB Ohio State

Clements needs to develop a lot more consistency, but he has the tools to take the secondary to new heights when he develops more experience.

15. Washington Redskins

Rod Gardner WR Clemson

There are some within the organization that love Moss' speed, but Marty Schottenheimer might prefer size and physical tools. 

16. Pittsburgh Steelers

Shaun Rogers DT Texas

The Steelers would like to find a physical presence to plug in their defensive line. Rogers brings that potential as he would likely play end in their 3-4 alignment. 

17. Green Bay Packers

Damione Lewis DT Miami

The Packers would love to get a top defensive lineman to help raise the level of play upfront. Lewis has the quickness to provide good penetration upfront.

18. Detroit Lions

Jamal Reynolds DE Florida State

The Lions would love to find a rush end with better pass rush skills at right end. Reynolds could provide solid perimeter pressure for their defense.

19. New York Jets

Chris Chambers WR Wisconsin

The Jets would like a receiver with a good blend of strength and speed. Chambers could be a solid addition here.

20. St. Louis Rams

Marcus Stroud DT Georgia

Getting younger throughout the defense, especially at the tackle spots is a must. Stroud is a good athlete with good size to develop into a difference maker as he matures.

21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

*Todd Heap TE Arizona State

The Buccaneers like to run a lot of tight ends within their offense. Heap would make a huge difference in their passing game in terms of the balance he would provide.

22. Indianapolis Colts

Fred Smoot CB Mississippi State

The Colts need a matchup corner with the ability to make plays. Smoot can definitely bring some swagger to the defense.

23. New Orleans Saints

Santana Moss WR Miami

Adding speed on both sides of the ball is most important for the Saints this spring. Moss would significantly upgrade the passing game with another speed guy in Joe Horn along with the return game.

24. Denver Broncos

Ken Lucas CB Mississippi

The Broncos could use a good athlete with some size in their secondary. Lucas would provide that athleticism along with a good attitude.

25. Philadelphia Eagles

Reggie Wayne WR Miami

Wayne would give the Eagles a smart and reliable receiver with excellent ball skills. He could be very productive in this offense.

26. Miami Dolphins

Chad Johnson WR Oregon State

The Dolphins need speed in their passing game. Johnson brings a different dimension to the Dolphins passing game.

27. Minnesota Vikings

Lamont Jordan RB Maryland

The Vikings need a runner if Robert Smith holds onto to his retirement thoughts. Jordan is the strong runner with good skills that the Vikings like.

28. Oakland Raiders

Tommy Polley LB Florida State

Polley brings much needed youth and speed to the Raiders linebacker unit. His aggressiveness would be well received on defense.

29. Tennessee Titans

*Jamar Fletcher CB Wisconsin

The Titans hope to add more depth at cornerback and Fletcher could fall into their laps despite their need for offense.

30. New York Giants

Steve Hutchinson OG Michigan

The Giants have a few immediate needs, but Hutchinson would be a future rock on the aging offensive line.

31. Baltimore Ravens

Jeff Backus OT Michigan

The Ravens will be looking for another receiver and possibly an outside linebacker, but they also need someone like Backus would can take over for Harry Swayne at right tackle. Kansas State's Quincy Morgan could figure here as a receiver if he is still on the board depending on his personal interviews with the Ravens. 

....