2003 MOCK DRAFT

Version #4 -- April 9, 2003

by Profootballtalk editor Mike Florio

Given Dante's scathing comments (he has a poster of Simon Cowell in his bedroom) regarding the commentary in prior versions of this here mock, we're keeping the talk to a minimum, and we'll focus primarily on the projected picks.

Also, we've stripped out the possible trades, for now.

For the prior version of the mock (with commentary), click here.

Questions?  Comments?  Let us know.

PICK 1, BENGALS:  QB Carson Palmer, USC.

We've backed off on the notion of a Bengals-to-'Boys trade, for now.  Why?  The performance of Byron Leftwich at his individual workout on April 7 might prompt the 'Boys to sit tight, in the hopes that Leftwich will still be on the board.

Or, if the Bengals take Leftwich (and they might), then perhaps Parcells and company will be able to snag Palmer at the five hole.

PICK 2, LIONS:  WR Charles Rogers, Michigan State.

Even the Lions aren't dumb enough to blow this pick.

PICK 3, TEXANS:  WR Andre Johnson, Miami.

We wouldn't be shocked if the Texans trade down, with an eye toward drafting Miami RB Willis McGahee in the middle of the first round.  They could do it in two steps, swapping with the Ravens first at the ten spot (who'd take either Leftwich or Palmer), and then making another move (maybe with the Chiefs?).  As long as the Texans stay in front of the Pats, they'll still have a shot at McGahee.

PICK 4, BEARS:  DE Terrell Suggs, Arizona State.

Crappy workout notwithstanding, word is that the Bears still want Suggs at the four spot.  As we've reported, Chitown brass were pleased with Suggs' subpar showing, since it likely has scared off the Texans at the three hole and/or a team such as the Vikes, who might've been inclined to swing a trade to get in line in front of the Bears.

PICK 5, COWBOYS:  QB Byron Leftwich, Marshall.

The Cowboys are very quiet regarding their plans for round one, which makes us believe that they're thinking big.  They've got a real shot at snagging Leftwich or Palmer if they sit tight at five.  Look for them to trade down if both quarterbacks are gone by the time they pick.  Most likely trade partner would be a team that covets either DeWayne Robertson or Terence Newman.

PICK 6, CARDINALS:  CB Terence "Hello" Newman, Kansas State.

Sure, we previously said they'd draft Kyle Boller.  But as Leftwich rises, someone must fall -- and the Cards would be foolish to pass on Newman.

PICK 7, VIKINGS:  DT Dewayne Robertson, Kentucky.

PICK 8, JAGUARS:  OT Jordan Gross, Utah.

PICK 9, PANTHERS:  OT Kwame Harris, Stanford.

PICK 10, RAVENS:  QB Kyle Boller, Cal.

PICK 11, SEAHAWKS:  DT Jimmy Kennedy, Penn State.

PICK 12, RAMS:  CB Marcus Trufant, Washington State.

PICK 13, JETS:  OL Eric Steinbach, Iowa.

PICK 14, PATRIOTS:  DT Kevin Williams, Oklahoma State.

PICK 15, CHARGERS:  DT William Joseph,  Miami.

PICK 16, CHIEFS:  WR Taylor Jacobs, Florida.

PICK 17, SAINTS:  DE Chris Kelsay, Nebraska.

PICK 18, SAINTS:  LB E.J. Henderson, Maryland.

PICK 19, PATRIOTS:  RB Willis McGahee, Miami.

PICK 20, BRONCOS:  DE Jerome McDougle, Miami.

PICK 21, BROWNS:  CB Dennis Weathersby, Oregon State.

PICK 22, JETS:  LB Boss Bailey, Georgia.

PICK 23, BILLS:  S Troy Polamalu, USC.

PICK 24, COLTS:  CB Drayton Florence,  Tuskegee.

PICK 25, GIANTS:  DE Michael Haynes, Penn State.

PICK 26, 49ers:  DT Ty Warren, Texas A&M.

PICK 27, STEELERS:  QB Rex Grossman, Florida.

PICK 28, TITANS:  WR Kelley Washington,  Tennessee.

PICK 29, PACKERS:  WR Bryant Johnson, Penn State.

PICK 30, EAGLES:  DE Dewayne White,  Louisville.

PICK 31, RAIDERS:  C Jeff Faine, Notre Dame.

PICK 32, RAIDERS:  RB Lee Suggs, Virginia Tech.