This version of my 2003 PFL Mock Draft sets an astonishing new precedent: seven quarterbacks selected in the top 10.
While the talent pool is deep at multiple positions, teams know that this is a QB league and you won’t win if you don’t have an elite one. Here’s how I see the first 10 picks going:
1. Cincinnati Bengals – QB Carson Palmer (USC)
No surprises here. The Bengals took the consensus No. 1 overall pick, Carson Palmer, the Heisman Trophy winner and prototype passer with an NFL-ready arm and poise in the pocket.
2. Detroit Lions – QB Brooks Bollinger (Wisconsin)
The Detroit lions love the arm talent and decide that Bollinger is the guy who can lead them to the promised land. Bollinger will need to study tape to improve his awareness and get up to speed but once he does, watch out as he has a cannon and is super accurate.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers – QB Gibran Hamdan (Indiana)
The Steelers, long known for tough defense and disciplined drafting, opted for QB Gibran Hamdan, a tall, rocket-armed passer with one season of starting experience. Pittsburgh’s quarterback position should be locked down for the next decade.
4. Chicago Bears – QB Rex Grossman (Florida)
The Chicago Bears run to the podium to select Rex Grossman, the fiery Florida signal-caller who had risen up boards late in the process. Known for his aggressive style and quick release, Grossman was labeled by the ESPN countdown crew as “the toughest quarterback in this draft.
5. Dallas Cowgirls – QB Dave Ragone (Louisville)
New Cowgirls GM Apollo Shapiro surprised many by passing on more refined prospects in favor of Dave Ragone, a strong-armed lefty with swagger and grit. The Cowboys clearly see Ragone as a developmental project with potential to lead the franchise for the next 11-14 seasons.
6. Arizona Cardinals – WR Anquan Boldin (Florida State)
After five straight quarterbacks, the Cardinals take Anquan Boldin, a hard-nosed, ultra-competitive wideout who was viewed by many as the #1 WR in the draft.
7. Houston Texans – QB Tony Romo (Eastern Illinois)
The Texans, still defining their identity, take a massive swing on small-school phenom Tony Romo. Romo rose up many draft boards after a strong private workout that was held at Eastern Illinois university.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars – WR Andre Johnson (Miami)
The Jaguars, after watching a QB storm unfold, calmly took the best pure athlete in the draft: Andre Johnson, the dominant Miami receiver.
9. Carolina Panthers – QB Chris Simms (Texas)
Carolina rounded out the QB parade by selecting Chris Simms, a polarizing figure with NFL bloodlines and elite arm strength. Though consistency was a concern in college, the Panthers brass felt that Simms’ upside was too great to ignore.
10. Baltimore Ravens – LT Jordan Gross (Utah)
Finally, the Ravens brought discipline back to the top 10, drafting Jordan Gross, the best offensive lineman in the class. With All-Pro potential, Gross will be tasked with protecting whoever ends up behind center in Baltimore.
Once I see what teams ended up with post free agency, I will post an updated mock. Hope u enjoy and please don’t get offended if I selected someone that you view as a bum. This is for entertainment purposes only
