Safe and sound
Bengals best off going with a quarterback at No. 1
Posted: Thursday April 24, 2003 1:17 PM
Updated: Friday April 25, 2003 4:16 PM
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Terry Bradshaw (right) was the first quarterback drafted No. 1 to go on and win a Super Bowl. John Elway was the last QB to join that list in 1999. Al Bello/Getty Images |
By B. Duane Cross, SI.com
Forgive the Bengals for going with the percentages. After all, quarterback is the safest choice for the No. 1 overall pick since 1970.
Of the 33 top draft picks since the AFL-NFL merger, 12 have been QBs. A few of them have even been winners: Terry Bradshaw, Jim Plunkett, John Elway, Troy Aikman -- that's 11 Super Bowl rings. However, in full disclosure, Plunkett's came with the Raiders, not the Patriots, who drafted him in 1971; Elway's two titles were with the Broncos, not the Colts (1983).
Toss in Steve Bartkowski, Drew Bledsoe, Peyton Manning, Michael Vick, David Carr and what's not to like about taking a quarterback first? OK, so there are a few QBs -- Jeff George, Vinny Testaverde, Tim Couch -- who failed or are failing to live up to such lofty expectations, but when you consider the alternatives ...
Running backs? What does Ki-Jana Carter have in common with Ricky Bell, Earl Campbell, Billy Sims, George Rogers and Bo Jackson? Aside being No. 1 overall picks, none of them won a Super Bowl.
Wide receivers? Keyshawn Johnson vs. Irving Fryar. Call it a push.
Tackles? Orlando Pace is arguably one of the best, but he's also hobbling.
Linebackers? Tom Cousineau or Aundray Bruce -- you can have your pick.
Defensive tackles? Russell Maryland or Kenneth Sims -- still, a 50-50 proposition.
Defensive ends? For every Walt Patulski, there's a Bruce Smith. For every Dan Wilkinson, there's a "Too Tall" Jones. For every Steve Emtman, there's a Lee Roy Selmon. And then there are the likes of John Matuszak and Courtney Brown.
In the final analysis, why shouldn't Cincinnati take a quarterback? It's a safe pick. Fans like the big-name QB. The marketing department likes a good-looking golden arm. Memorabilia hawkers love the pretty boys.
Tucked under the heading "you can look it up," six of the 12 teams in the playoffs last season had a first-round QB. But three of the past four Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks (Kurt Warner, Trent Dilfer and Brad Johnson) were free agents and the other was a sixth-round pick (Tom Brady).
Will Palmer be the fifth No. 1 overall QB to slip on a Super Bowl ring? Time will tell.
| SI.com's 2003 Mock Draft |
|---|
| Pick |
Team |
Pos. |
Player |
College |
Ht. |
Wt. |
Class |
|
1
|
 |
QB
|
Carson Palmer
|
USC
|
6'5"
|
232
|
Sr.
|
|
He's signed, sealed and delivered -- for better or worse.
|
|
2
|
 |
WR
|
Charles Rogers
|
Michigan State
|
6'2"
|
202 | Jr.
|
|
New uniforms and a franchise receiver -- in the same week!
|
|
3
|
 |
WR
|
Andre Johnson
|
Miami (Fla.)
|
6'2"
|
230 | Jr.
|
|
Even if the Texans trade down, they'll still nab their man.
|
|
4
|
 |
DT
|
Dewayne Robertson
|
Kentucky
|
6'1"
|
317 | Jr.
|
|
Jets make the move to get draft's top defensive lineman.
|
|
5
|
 |
CB
|
Terence Newman
|
Kansas State
|
5'10"
|
189 | Sr.
|
|
Houston's trading partner? Cowboys also are eying Robertson.
|
|
6
|
 |
DE
|
Terrell Suggs
|
Arizona State
|
6'3"
|
262 | Jr.
|
|
Forget the unimpressive workouts; he's a player, Mr. Bidwill.
|
|
7
|
 |
DT
|
Jimmy Kennedy
|
Penn State
|
6'4"
|
322 | Sr.
|
|
D-backfield addressed in free agency; D-line is the priority.
|
|
8
|
 |
QB
|
Byron Leftwich
|
Marshall
|
6'5"
|
241 | Sr.
|
|
Offense is the Jaguars' focus for at least the first two rounds.
|
|
9
|
 |
T
|
Jordan Gross
|
Utah
|
6'4"
|
300 | Sr.
|
|
... And in the second round, the man this anchor will be protecting.
|
|
10
|
 |
QB
|
Kyle Boller
|
California
|
6'3"
|
234 | Sr.
|
|
Ravens say he's not a value at No. 10, but they won't pass on him.
|
|
11
|
 |
DT
|
William Joseph
|
Miami (Fla.)
|
6'5"
|
308 | Sr.
|
|
Seahawks "settle" for last of the elite DTs available.
|
|
12
|
 |
CB
|
Marcus Trufant
|
Washington State
|
5'11"
|
199 | Sr.
|
|
LBs are a priority, but Trufant too good to let slip past.
|
|
13
|
 |
DT
|
Johnathan Sullivan
|
Georgia
|
6'3"
|
313 | Jr.
|
|
Move down from No. 4 yields up-and-coming D-line stalwart.
|
|
14
|
 |
DT
|
Kevin Williams
|
DT
|
6'4"
|
304 | Sr.
|
|
Miss out on top DTs, but with first of 13 picks still get quality.
|
|
15
|
 |
LB
|
Boss Bailey
|
Georgia
|
6'3"
|
233 | Sr.
|
|
Gamer 'backer will fit in nicely to San Diego's scheme.
|
|
16
|
 |
DE
|
Michael Haynes
|
Penn State
|
6'3"
|
281 | Sr.
|
|
An immediate impact player to improve the 32nd-ranked defense.
|
|
17
|
 |
LB
|
E.J. Henderson
|
Maryland
|
6'0"
|
245 | Sr.
|
|
If the Saints don't trade up for Trufant ...
|
|
18
|
|
S
|
Rashean Mathis
|
Bethune-Cookman
|
6'0"
|
202 | Sr.
|
|
... they will upgrade two positions instead of only one.
|
|
19
|
|
RB
|
Willis McGahee
|
Miami (Fla.)
|
6'0"
|
223 | So.
|
|
This pick makes sense for the future of the franchise.
|
|
20
|
 |
DE
|
Jerome McDougle
|
Miami (Fla.)
|
6'2"
|
264 | Sr.
|
|
Some are clamoring for an O-lineman; wait until Round 2.
|
|
21
|
 |
T
|
Eric Steinbach
|
Iowa
|
6'6"
|
297 | Sr.
|
|
Browns love him -- and the move bumps Ross Verba to guard.
|
|
22
|
|
LB
|
Terry Pierce
|
Kansas State
|
6'1"
|
251 | Jr.
|
|
After getting D-lineman, Bears bolster fast-rising LB corps.
|
|
23
|
 |
DE
|
Chris Kelsay
|
Nebraska
|
6'4"
|
273 | Sr.
|
|
Bills will utilize his versatility -- and pass-rush skills.
|
|
24
|
 |
S
|
Troy Polamalu
|
USC
|
5'10"
|
206 | Sr.
|
|
Dungy gets a play-making block to help build defense's foundation.
|
|
25
|
 |
DT
|
Ty Warren
|
Texas A&M
|
6'4"
|
307 | Sr.
|
|
If not a DT, then end Kenny Peterson; definitely defense, though.
|
|
26
|
 |
WR
|
Kelley Washington
|
Tennessee
|
6'2"
|
223 | So.
|
|
Niners take best athlete, look D-line in second round.
|
|
27
|
 |
S
|
Mike Doss
|
Ohio State
|
5'10"
|
207 | Sr.
|
|
Running back is tempting, but D-backfield is in shambles.
|
|
28
|
 |
WR
|
Taylor Jacobs
|
Florida
|
6'0"
|
205 | Sr.
|
|
If Titans are to challenge for title, WR is a must-have in Round 1.
|
|
29
|
 |
TE
|
Jason Witten
|
Tennessee
|
6'5"
|
264 | Jr.
|
|
Sherman envisions two-TE set a la 1990s' Super Bowl years.
|
|
30
|
 |
DE
|
Kenny Peterson
|
Ohio State
|
6'3"
|
298 | Sr.
|
|
First of Eagles' three defensive picks in the top 62.
|
|
31
|
 |
WR
|
Tyrone Calico
|
Middle Tenn. State
|
6'3"
|
223 | Sr.
|
|
Just the kind of vertical player that Al Davis dreams about.
|
|
32
|
|
C
|
Jeff Faine
|
Notre Dame
|
6'2"
|
303 | Sr.
|
|
Raiders begin refurbishing line that was manhandled in Super Bowl.
|
|
33
|
|
CB
|
Andre Woolfolk
|
Oklahoma
|
6'1"
|
197
|
Sr.
|
|
Franchise QB in tow, Marvin Lewis turns attention to defense.
|
|
34
|
|
LB
|
Nick Barnett
|
Oregona State
|
6'1"
|
236 | Sr.
|
|
Revamping LBs is a must and Barnett's a very good place to start.
|
|
35
|
|
QB
|
Rex Grossman
|
Florida
|
6'1"
|
217 | Jr.
|
|
He'll fit right in with Bears' tradition of gritty gamers.
|
|
36
|
|
T
|
Kwame Harris
|
Stanford
|
6'7"
|
310 | Jr.
|
|
Texans land sought-after replacement for Tony Boselli.
|
|
37
|
|
WR
|
Bryant Johnson
|
Penn State
|
6'2"
|
214 | Sr.
|
|
Cardinals begin rebuilding free-agency depleated WR corp.
|
|
38
|
|
QB
|
Chris Simms
|
Texas
|
6'4"
|
220 | Sr.
|
|
If anyone can unlock Simms' potential, it's the Tuna.
|
|
39
|
|
T
|
George Foster
|
Georgia
|
6'5"
|
338 | Sr.
|
|
Word is Dolphins would like to trade up to nab Foster.
|
|
40
|
|
CB
|
Eugene Wilson
|
Illinois
|
5'10"
|
192 | Sr.
|
|
Vikings continue to rebuild future core of defense.
|
|
41
|
|
DT
|
Nick Eason
|
Clemson
|
6'3"
|
301 | Sr.
|
|
Rebuilding interior line is defense's most pressing need.
|
|
42
|
|
LB
|
Gerald Hayes
|
Pittsburgh
|
6'0"
|
228 | Sr.
|
|
Great pick to continue infusing defense with youth and athleticism.
|
|
43
|
|
TE
|
Dallas Clark
|
Iowa
|
6'3"
|
257 | Jr.
|
|
Ernie Conwell's exit makes this a logical choice.
|
|
44
|
 |
DT
|
Kenny King
|
Alabama
|
6'2"
|
281 | Sr.
|
|
Versatile lineman could be staple for next 10 years.
|
|
45
|
|
QB
|
Dave Ragone
|
Louisville
|
6'3"
|
249 | Sr.
|
|
Can be developed for a few years under Jake Delhomme.
|
|
46
|
|
G
|
Torrin Tucker
|
Southern Miss
|
6'5"
|
328 | Sr.
|
|
Top-ranked guard in draft and a definite need pick.
|
|
47
|
|
RB
|
Larry Johnson
|
Penn State
|
6'1"
|
228 | Sr.
|
|
A bargain here as Priest Holmes' backfield mate/eventual replacement.
|
|
48
|
|
S
|
Julian Battle
|
Tennnessee
|
6'2"
|
205 | Sr.
|
|
Can play corner or either safety and immediately upgrade Bills' D.
|
|
49
|
 |
G
|
Vince Manuwai
|
Hawaii
|
6'2"
|
304 | Sr.
|
|
Dolphins need to inject some youth, depth into O-line.
|
|
50
|
|
DE
|
Cory Redding
|
Texas
|
6'4"
|
279 | Sr.
|
|
Patriots opt for another D-lineman with third pick in top 50.
|
|
51
|
|
T
|
Jon Stinchcomb
|
Georgia
|
6'5"
|
302 | Sr.
|
|
A tremendous value to immediately improve Broncos' front line.
|
|
52
|
|
LB
|
Chaun Thompson
|
West Texas A&M
|
6'1"
|
240 | Sr.
|
|
He brings speed, athleticism ... and the Browns need LBs.
|
|
53
|
|
WR
|
Teyo Johnson
|
Stanford
|
6'5"
|
247 | So.
|
|
Too big for WR? As an H-back would be a huge play-maker.
|
|
54
|
|
LB
|
Antwan Peek
|
Cincinnati
|
6'2"
|
246 | Sr.
|
|
Can play OLB or DE; compiled 19 sacks the past two years.
|
|
55
|
 |
T
|
Wayne Hunter
|
Hawaii
|
6'5"
|
303 | So.
|
|
Birds looking at both lines, and take higest-rated offensive player.
|
|
56
|
|
DE
|
DeWayne White
|
Louisville
|
6'2"
|
273 | Jr.
|
|
A real go-getter who totaled 25 1/2 sacks in past two years.
|
|
57
|
|
DT
|
Rein Long
|
Wasington State
|
6'6"
|
302 | Jr.
|
|
Could be steal of second round for D-line-needy Niners.
|
|
58
|
|
CB
|
Sammy Davis
|
Texas A&M
|
5'11"
|
186 | Sr.
|
|
Linebacker still a concern, but D-backfield also needs work.
|
|
59
|
|
RB
|
Lee Suggs
|
Virginia Tech
|
5'11"
|
202 | Sr.
|
|
Here is where Steelers land their back for the future.
|
|
60
|
|
CB
|
Kevin Garrett
|
SMU
|
5'9"
|
194 | Sr.
|
|
D-back or RB is the pick with Onterrio Smith the other option.
|
|
61
|
|
LB
|
Pisa Tinoisamoa
|
Hawaii
|
6'0"
|
231 | Sr.
|
|
Two years later, Eagles end search for Jeremiah Trotter's replacement.
|
|
62
|
|
CB
|
Dennis Weathersby
|
Oregon State
|
6'0"
|
204 | Sr.
|
|
Philly can afford to take Weathersby and bring him along slowly.
|
|
63
|
|
DT
|
Jarrett Johnson
|
Alabama
|
6'2"
|
284 | Sr.
|
|
Much like 'Bama teammate King, JJ can move inside or outside.
|
|
64
|
 |
T
|
Brett Williams
|
Florida State
|
6'5"
|
321 | Sr.
|
|
A solid choice this late ... but just think about that shiny Super Bowl ring.
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