Let's pretend: if the first round of the real draft goes anything like our simulation, prominent players will fall, several wide receivers will wait and a lot of guys named Williams will be called

Sporting News, The, April 26, 2004 by Matt Crossman

There is more buzz about Gallery than there has been about an offensive lineman since Orlando Pace went first overall in 1997. The Giants want him and might trade up to get him, assuming the Browns don't beat them to it. The Giants have one of the worst offensive lines in the league, and quarterback Kerry Collins is immobile--a problem exacerbated by all the pressure he faces.

5 Redskins Kellen Winslow, TE, Miami

Coach Joe Gibbs was an assistant for the Chargers when Kellen Winslow Sr. was their tight end. Makes you think Gibbs might have an idea or two about how to use the younger Winslow. Also, it's hard to imagine the immature Winslow not growing up--and quickly--under Gibbs' wither-inducing stare.

6 Lions Sean Taylor, S, Miami

One of the best safety prospects ever, Taylor would help the Lions' secondary continue its emergence from awful to respectable. In another year or two, Detroit's defense will be tough to throw against.

7 Browns Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Miami (Ohio)

The Browns want to trade up for Gallery in the worst way, but if they can't and Roethlisberger is available, they won't pass him up. The Browns would groom Roethlisberger to replace Jeff Garcia, whom they expect to be a two-year fix.

8 Falcons DeAngelo Hall, CB, Virginia Tech

There is speculation the Falcons will take a defensive lineman, but they need a cover cornerback after recently losing Juran Bolden. Hall is incredibly fast, clocking 40-yard times so low that their accuracy was questioned. There's also the Michael Vick factor; Hall is good friends with the Falcons' quarterback.

9 Jaguars Kenechi Udeze, DE, Southern California

Udeze would fill an immediate need for a pass rusher. He's the best one available. Only three teams had fewer sacks than the Jaguars last season.

10 Texans Dunta Robinson, CB, South Carolina

The Texans used their first two drafts to focus on offense. This year, they will focus on defense. Robinson is a physical defender who can play press coverage and run with receivers.

11 Steelers Philip Rivers, QB, N.C. State

The Steelers finally realize they need a marquee quarterback to win a championship. Rivers might not start or play right away, but the team believes it might not get another chance to draft a quarterback this good. If Rivers isn't available, the Steelers will trade down and take a tackle. This is too high a spot to select Shawn Andrews.

12 Jets Jonathan Vilma, ILB, Miami

The Jets want defenders, but the two they rate highest, Hall and Robinson, are gone. The Jets don't really need a wide receiver--they acquired Justin McCareins in an offseason trade with the Titans--but passing on Texas' Roy Williams would be tough to do. Indeed, they might back out of this pick, figuring Vilma will be available later. Forced to choose, they take Vilma, the top-rated inside linebacker.

13 Bills Will Smith, DE, Ohio State

Given the draft's depth at wide receiver and lack of depth at defensive end, the Bills leave Roy Williams on the board and take Smith, a strong and effective pass rusher. The Bills need to surround standout linebacker Takeo Spikes with better talent.