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Chat Reel: Don Banks
'Don't be shocked if Tomlinson is San Diego's selection'
Posted: Thursday April 19, 2001 1:44 PM
Updated: Thursday April 19, 2001 1:44 PM
CNNSI Host: Welcome to today's NFL Draft chat with Don Banks. Welcome Don glad you could join us.
Don Banks: Thank you!
From Brownsfan: This draft is said to be light at the top. Do you agree? How deep is it?
Don Banks: As far as sure-fire, clean draft picks it is something of a light top 10. Even projected No. 1 pick Michael Vick has his share of question marks. What makes this draft more intriguing is that no one has a complete handle on the order of even the top three. That makes it tough to predict, but interesting to watch unfold.
From Sean: Why do you think Mike Holmgren will take Nate Clements instead of Koren Robinson since Homlgren's background is with offense?
Don Banks: Holmgren is convinced the Seahawks won't make a move in the standings until they address a defense that ranked last overall in 2000. He'll be tempted to take Robinson, but I'm wagering that Seattle will spend both of their first round picks on defense. Cornerback Nate Clements of Ohio State and defensive end Jamal Reynolds of Florida State are both need picks for the Seahawks.
From Arty: The Dolphins signed Ray Lucas, kept Jay Fiedler, and re-signed Mike Quinn. Why do you think they will take Drew Brees?
Don Banks: With Brees falling down the first round board, the Dolphins will find him too tempting to pass on. Miami receiver Santana Moss is another possibility, but the Dolphins aren't completely sold on the idea that Jay Fiedler is their long-term answer at quarterback. Brees gives them an option that they didn't expect to have.
From James Helton in Henderson, Ky.: Are there any quarterbacks the Rams should look at in the later rounds that would fit their offensive scheme to back up Kurt Warner when Trent Green is gone?
Don Banks: First of all, I'm not convinced that Trent Green will be gone. I think the chances of him being traded this weekend are less than 50-50. But there are a couple quarterbacks who have greatly improved their draft standing this spring: Florida's Jesse Palmer and Rutgers' Mike McMahon. Both players are thought to be second to fourth round material, but have had solid experience in a pro passing-style offense.
From hello: Don you have Damione Lewis higher than any list I have seen. Why are you so high on this guy?
Don Banks: I have Lewis going to Buffalo at 14, namely because the Bills are picking just beyond where the first-tier defensive lineman should go. It may be a toss-up between Lewis and Georgia's Marcus Stroud, but Lewis is a solid run-stuffing presence who would seemingly step right in for the departed Ted Washington.
From Jbones: I have been hearing on various reports that the Chargers are considering picking Ladainian Tomlinson instead of Michael Vick. Do you think they are sincere or pressuring Vick into signing a more conservative contract?
Don Banks: Those reports have some substance, as I wrote yesterday in a NFL Insider. The Chargers are haunted by the ghost of Ryan Leaf. If late Friday rolls around and San Diego remains miles apart from a contract agreement with Vick, the Chargers will seriously consider taking Tomlinson at No. 1 or trading down a spot or two with the hopes of getting him a little lower. San Diego still wants to pick Vick, but the financial considerations are a serious problem and not a mere negotiating ploy. Don't be shocked if Tomlinson is San Diego's selection, either at one or another slot.
From Jerry: Don, do you see the Cowboys getting a quarterback in this draft? What about Mike McMahon in the second round, is this realistic?
Don Banks: Dallas will definitely have its eye on a quarterback with their second round pick, which is their first pick in the draft. McMahon is a strong possibility and some believe Heisman Trophy-winning QB from Florida State Chris Weinke is also in the Cowboys' sights. With Tony Banks signing just a one-year contract, Dallas has to come away from this draft with a young quarterback to develop.
From JT: If for some reason the Chargers don't pick Vick at No. 1 how far do you see him falling? Would the Falcons perhaps try to draft him?
Don Banks: The likely scenario is that San Diego would trade out of the No. 1 slot if Vick is not its pick. Atlanta at No. 5 is the most probable suitor. The No. 4 Bengals might be tempted to enter the bidding, but many believe that Cincinnati will view Vick as a still to be developed player, along the lines of Akili Smith. When the Chargers are on the clock, however, other interested parties will no doubt weigh-in and take their best shot at getting Vick.
From JJ: Don, you have Chad Johnson slipping out of the first round why is that?
Don Banks: Too many good receivers and not enough teams willing to spend their first rounder on that position. You'll also notice that I have no Santana Moss or Freddie Mitchell in the first round. This might be the deepest receiving class in recent NFL Draft history.
From Patrick: Why do you see the Ravens taking Dominic Raiola instead of Adam Archuleta?
Don Banks: Strictly because of the loss of free agent center Jeff Mitchell to Carolina. Archuleta would fill a need as well, given the loss of strong safety Kim Herring to the Rams, but the Ravens do have a capable replacement on hand in Corey Harris.
From Brownsfan: How far into the draft will pro-bowl quality wideouts last?
Don Banks: It's tough to project Pro Bowl quality in a draft where receivers like Santana Moss, Freddie Mitchell and Chad Johnson could fall into the top of the second round. But suffice to say, there are at least 10 players who normally would have been viewed as first round material any other year.
From Kevin: How in the world can you think that the 49ers will pass on Deuce McAllister if he is on the board?
Don Banks: Late word out of San Francisco is that the Niners have cooled somewhat on McAllister. Andre Carter is a California product. The son of a former NFL defensive lineman, and though undersized he is intriguing to San Francisco. McAllister could very well be the choice if the Niners are smoke-screening their intentions. He would replace Charlie Garner and step into a starting role. Just don't forget Carter's name as well.
From Don: Do you really think that Chris Chambers is worthy of being a first round pick? From what I've seen of him, he catches the ball with his body a lot and is built more like a halfback.
Don Banks: Remember I am not trying who's of first round status as I am trying to project who each team believes is worthy of their first round pick. Chambers is among that lengthy list of receivers who are jumbled just behind Michigan's David Terrell.
From If: Can you list five teams who draft well year after year finding talent throughout all seven rounds, and what makes their philosophy different than the rest?
Don Banks: I'll give you three: the Buffalo Bills, the Minnesota Vikings and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They have all shown the ability to glean solid starters and the occasional star from the draft on a consistent basis. Continuity in the personnel department seems to be a common thread for draft success. The Bills have obviously undergone a change this season with the arrival of new general manager Tom Donahoe, but his draft track record is strong as well. One caveat, the Vikings have been far superior drafting on offense than defense, Defensive line in particular have been a noted Minnesota failure.
CNNSI Host: That's all the time we have today with Don Banks. Don, thanks for joining us.
Don Banks: Thank you, glad to do it.
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