Well, for all the talk of the Texans just using Williams for leverage against Reggie Bush, apparently everyone was wrong. This is the most controversial draft pick in quite some time, but only time will tell if the Texans have done the right thing. If Reggie Bush is a bust, the Texans' front office looks like geniuses. If he leads his next team to the playoffs as a rookie, they may be looking for new jobs.
Projected: Mario Williams

The Saints already have one of the best running backs in the game, but if you think Reggie Bush is a future Hall of Famer you can't pass up a player like that. D'Brickashaw Ferguson would have made more sense here, and would have been a safer pick, but you can't argue with them selecting a potential game changing offensive player like Bush.
Projected: D'Brickashaw Ferguson

As predicted, Titans GM Floyd Reese won the argument with Jeff Fisher and Norm Chow and chose Young over Matt Leinart. While they entertained the idea of trading up for Reggie Bush up until the last minute, they were confident in their selection of Young if the trade didn't work out. They know that Young is going to be a project, but the coaching staff has faith in Billy Volek to run their offense and keep the seat warm for Young if McNair does not return.
Projected: Vince Young

Despite plenty of pressure to take Matt Leinart the Jets ultimately decide to go with D'Brickashaw Ferguson, who is the 1st player from the University of Virginia selected this high in over 50 years. I love this pick, and I love the fact that they didn't give in to temptation, because Chad Pennington has the ability to lead this team far as long as he can stay healthy. Despite his injuries, it is simply too early to give up on Pennington.
Projected: Reggie Bush

After missing out on signing LaVarr Arrington, this pick basically became set in stone. The Packers defense showed signs of improving throughout the 2005 season, but they lacked they type of guy in their front seven that is dominant against the run and the pass. Hawk is an elite athlete that might be the surest thing in the entire draft.
Projected: A.J Hawk

Alex Smith struggled mightily in 2006, and it didn't help that the 49ers more reliable offensive weapon (TE Eric Johnson) can't stay healthy. Davis is an elite tight end in the mold of Antonio Gates and Alge Crumpler. He should immediately help Alex Smith and the 49ers offense, and is an early favorite for NFL Rookie of the Year in 2006.
Projected: Vernon Davis

Despite having the chance to take a franchise quarterback, Al Davis decided that he wants to win sooner rather than later and added an impact player for his defense. Huff will probably play cornerback initially, but may be their future at free safety.
Projected: Matt Leinart

This is a classic case of a team reaching for a need rather than taking best player available. Whitner is an unbelievable athlete with elite speed for a safety, but no one had him rated in their top ten besides the Bills. Clearly the Bills had hoped that Huff would fall to them, and when he didn't they took the next best player at their biggest position of need.
Projected: Brodrick Bunkley

While the Lions probably hoped that Huff would fall to them at #9, they were more than happy to take Ernie Sims. He is one of the best all around athletes in the draft and should immediately make his presence felt in Detroit.
Projected: Michael Huff

The Cardinals had to have everything go their way in order for Leinart to fall this far. I don't believe that they had planned on taking any other quarterback other than Leinart, but this is the best possibly scenario for both the Cardinals and Leinart. He can sit behind Kurt Warner and learn from one of the best quarterback of the past 10 years until he is ready to take over and lead one of the most explosive offenses in football.
Projected: Ernie Sims

11

Quarterback

Vanderbilt

While I had projected the Rams to take Cutler at this position it was tough for the Broncos to let a guy the think is a franchise quarterback get by them in the 1st round. If Cutler pans out it is an excellent trade, and you have to give credit to Shannahan for pulling the trigger.
Projected: Jay Cutler (Rams)

12

Defensive Tackle

Oregon

You have to wonder what this trade was all about, if the Browns wanted Ngata it should have taken more than a 6th round pick to pry him away. If they didn't want Ngata, then why did the Ravens trade up? Someone screwed up here.
Projected: Haloti Ngata (Browns)

13

Defensive End

Florida State

Assuming the Browns wanted Wimbley all along its a nice trade, although it seems as though they could have gotten more. Wimbley will likely play outside linebacker opposite Willie McGinest.
Projected: Jimmy Williams (Ravens)

14

Defensive Tackle

Florida State

The Eagles pick a defensive tackle for the 2nd year in a row in the 1st round. It is an interesting pick because they had already improved their defensive line with Darren Howard. I think they could have gotten better value with this pick from Winston Justice.
Projected: Winston Justice

15

Cornerback

Clemson

The Rams had been targeting Tye Hill all along until recently they began talking to Jay Cutler. Possibly that was just to generate trade interest for the 11th pick, and if so it worked and they still got their guy in Hill.
Projected: Chad Jackson (Broncos)

Cornerback/Safety

Tennessee

The Dolphins need plenty of help in their secondary and they got a player that can help at either cornerback or safety depending on what they determine they need some August.
Projected: Santonio Holmes

17

Outside Linebacker

Iowa

As expected, the Vikings targeted a linebacker with this pick. While they would have loved to grab a quarterback, when it came down to it they just weren't willing to part with enough draft picks to trade up for Cutler.
Projected: Chad Greenway

18

Outside Linebacker

Ohio State

I absolutely love this pick. Carpenter has been very underrated and will fit right into Bill Parcells' defensive scheme. He should experience immediate success playing opposite DeMarcus Ware and help the Cowboys back to the playoffs in 2006.
Projected: Donte Whitner

19

Cornerback

Florida State

This is an excellent pick for the Chargers. As long as Cromartie stays healthy he is a serious steal with the 19th pick. Had he been on the field at all in 2005 he likely would be a top 10 pick, and possibly the 1st defensive back off the board.
Projected pick: Antonio Cromartie

20

Defensive End

Penn State

This is one of the more surprising picks so far. I've felt all along that Hali is one of the more overrated players and benefited from Penn State's success as a team in 2005. There's no denying the Chiefs need for defensive help, but defensive end actually looks like one of their few strong positions on defense.
Projected: Tye Hill

21

Running Back

Minnesota

As expected the Patriots go with a running back here, the surprise was that they passed on DeAngelo Williams whom most team had as the 2nd running back on their board. Maroney is a big back that should have success right away backing up Corey Dillon.
Projected: DeAngelo Williams

22

Defensive End

NC State

This is a solid pick for the 49ers. They clearly wanted to add a starter on defensive with this pick and Lawson should be able to step right in, likely switching to outside linebacker
Projected: Kamerion Wimbley

23

Offensive Guard

Oklahoma

An interesting pick from the Bucs, especially since Winston Justice and Marcus McNeill are still on the board. They clearly felt that they needed offensive line help, and apparently felt that a guard would have a bigger impact than any of the tackles.
Projected: Marcus McNeill

24

Cornerback

S. Carolina

Unless the Bengals went for a tight end we knew this pick would be a cornerback. They had their choice of a number of different guys. Joseph has elite speed and while he needs some work on his technique he should be a solid cover guy for Marvin Lewis.
Projected: Marcedes Lewis

25

Wide Receiver

Ohio State

The Steelers knew they needed to replace Antwaan Randle El and when Holmes dropped this far they knew they had a chance to trade up and get a steal with the best receiver this late in the draft.
Projected: Bobby Carpenter (Giants)

26

Buffalo Bills

Defensive Tackle

NC State

Marv Levy should have stayed retired. Not only is he reaching for players at positions of need, he is costing his team money by having to pay a 2nd or 3rd round guy like McCargo 1st round money. Bills fans should be worried.
Projected: Jason Allen (Bears)

27

Running Back

Memphis

While Williams wasn't expected to be available here, the Panthers knew they were going to target a running back. Even with DeShaun Foster still around this is an excellent pick for Carolina.
Projected: LenDale White

28

Tight End

UCLA

The Jaguars could have gone a number of different way with this pick, but I like the selection of Lewis. He will bring a new dimension to their offense and provide Leftwich with another reliable target.
Projected: Jonathan Joseph

29

Center

Ohio State

The Jets obviously are intent on keeping Pennington on his feet and healthy in 2006. While I'm surprised Mangini didn't go defense with this pick, Mangold is an excellent selection here.
Projected: Manny Lawson

30

Running Back

LSU

Excellent pick for the Colts. I believe they would have rather landed Laurence Maroney, but Addai is another player that is similar to Edgerrin James and should do a fine job replacing him.
Projected: Laurence Maroney

31

Cornerback

Miami FL

This is a very solid pick for the Seahawks. They don't have a desperate need for a cornerback but Jennings should give them quality depth for their secondary in a division with some top receivers.
Projected: Kelly Jennings

32

Defensive End

Boston Col.

An interesting pick, but I like their thinking. They won their division last season and don't have any major needs. So they can take the best player available and Kiwanuka is certainly worthy of being a first round selection.
Projected: Sinorice Moss (Steelers)