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2007 NFL Mock Draft
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While I've read a couple absolutely ridiculous Mock Drafts,
right now anyone's set of picks is worth a shot, I guess.
However, I'd like to think I have a little more rationale
when it comes to this type of thing, so pay attention
to something my peers seem to lack, a bit of reason to
go with every selection. For now, without any research
on who anyone is talking to, interviews, or any other
garbage, these picks make sense to me, based on needs,
off-season trends, and team draft trends. Here ya go…
Enjoy.
***Please note - this mock draft was written and uploaded
(Feb 15th) prior to the final order being set.
***UPDATED 2007 NFL
Mock Draft
- Oakland
Raiders: JaMarcus Russell
Listen closely, this pick isn't because Russell is
a giant super athlete at the quarterback position,
and Al Davis loves looking at amazing stat lines when
he makes selections, this pick is because Russell
not only has the most upside of any quarterback in
the draft, but right now, he is the best one out there.
He can throw the ball a mile, make any throw I the
book, elude pressure, put his head down and get a
first down, lead his team, stand tall and use his
vision, and throw accurately. Russell won't run like
Vick, or Young for that matter, but he can throw farther
than either of them, and unlike Mike, Russell will
succeed at throwing the ball at the next level.
- Detroit
Lions: Brady Quinn
Everyone and their mother has the Lions passing on
Brady and picking an offensive lineman with this pick.
I don't care how good the young kid is from Wisconsin,
(and Joe Thomas is the real deal) the Lions don't
pick offensive lineman high, and they shouldn't. Strong
lineman can be had from Rounds 2-5, and many will
be their for the taking. Brady Quinn's are only around
once in a while, and they should feel damn lucky to
get a kid with his skill-set with the 2nd pick. If
the Lions do one thing, it's pick high profile guys
with loads of talent. This one won't backfire, as
Brady has the mental strength to go with his physical
tools. I hear rumors that Quinn wants to be a Brown.
I hear other rumors that teams pick players, not the
other way around.
- Cleveland
Browns: Adrian Peterson
Reuben Droughns was a nice thought, and he had his
solid games in 2005, but in '06 RD wasn't much to
look at. He was hurt often, and when he did play,
his carries were minimal and rarely productive. Peterson
is a sure thing. Sure, he's had injuries, but he's
a big bad mofo with speed, power, man strength and
stunningly quick feet for a man of his size. Peterson
will take pressure off the Browns offensive line,
quarterbacks, and wide receivers. Peterson could slip,
and the Browns could take the big lineman, but as
far as I can see, Peterson has the biggest chance
to single handily improve the Browns, which is exactly
what Romeo Crenell is looking for.
- Tampa
Bay Buccaneers: Calvin Johnson
If the Bucs don't trade down, this pick makes too
much sense to go any other way. First of all, Calvin
has more game breaking ability than any other player
in this draft, and that includes JaMarcus and Adrian
Peterson. Johnson has the cool, calm demeanor of a
Marvin Harrison or Jerry Rice, he has the height of
Randy Moss, he's smart, he's confident, and his speed
will straight out stun you. Plus, he'll go up and
get the ball, something that has been ignored in recent
drafts. Gruden's a smart cat, as he won't let this
absolute gem get away.
- Arizona
Cardinals: Joe Thomas
Though I'm not a fan of taking an offensive lineman
this high (and that's saying a lot, because not only
do I think O-Linemen win football games, but I used
to be one) but with the two can't miss skill guys
off the board, the Cardinals are lucky to have no
choice but grabbing the one guy that could get them
over the hump. Defensively, the Cardinals aren't stout,
so a player like DT Alan Branch, DE Gaines Adams,
or even safety Reggie Nelson could go to 'Zona, but
I have a feeling Ken Weisenhunt will get a little
bit more out of his defense than Dennis Green did,
making Joe Thomas an obvious selection here. I know
the Cards played better up front as the year went
on, but Thomas would be a huge upgrade in a need spot.
Plus, he's a flat out stud.
- Washington
Redskins: Gaines Adams
It would surprise me if the Redskins pulled off another
trade here, as this is a high enough spot for them
to improve immediately and get younger, something
that is usually very difficult for them. In fact,
I like them to take a young defensive lineman. While
19 year old, Amobi Okoye could be the best project
on the line in this draft, and Alan Branch is a beast
against the run, I think pass rushing elitist Gaines
Adams will find himself in a Redskin uniform. He'll
be an instant playmaker at the position, and that
will help the Skins secondary, as nothing helps a
secondary more than limiting a quarterback's time
in to pick you apart. Jamal Anderson is also an option
here, but I like Gaines a little better. Plus, as
Joe Gibbs said about Rocky McIntosh last year, "What
a name!"
- Minnesota
Vikings: Reggie Nelson
Of course, the Vikings are praying right now that
Calvin Johnson slips to them, but I have a sneaky
feeling he won't get passed pick 4, so that, at least
without a trade, leaves the Vikings without a chance
at CJ. However, it might be best this way, because
a fine receiver like Johnson shouldn't be wasted on
a team with a play caller like Brad Childress and
a quarterback situation that boasts a second year
project as its top option. For now, I'm going to say
the Vikings get smart, and refrain from reaching on
a receiver like Dwayne Jarrett or Ted Ginn Jr., and
continue to try Chester Taylor as their main back,
and pick a defensive game changer. I like two options
here. One would be Jamaal Anderson, who would add
a lot to a defensive end group that hasn't show much
lately. But I think Erasmus James will get healthy
and be a stud eventually, so help in the secondary
is the next option. Fred Smoot wasn't a stud purple,
and he might be on his way out of Minnesota, so Leon
Hall (the consensus best corner in the draft) could
be an option here. But I like Reggie Nelson. He's
a ball hawk, a hard hitter, and just as good in coverage
as he is against the run. Makes sense to me.
- Houston
Texans: Leon Hall
First and foremost, I wouldn't be surprised at all
if the Texans might find themselves happy to see the
best corner in the draft fall to them here, but then
again, another defensive lineman here might be their
move. Alan Branch could help clog the middle in Houston,
while Amobi Okoye might have too much potential to
pass up for this young team. But, the Texans just
went with a young pass rusher, and their defense is
still pretty brutal, so secondary help looks like
a strong option. Hall is a stud, as even the speedy
Trojans tried to steer clear of Hall in the Rose Bowl.
Somebody like Ted Ginn Jr is another talented speedster
at this position, and its not like Houston is built
at the #2 receiver spot, with the aging Eric Moulds
standing pat. But I think Gary Kubiak lives by the
Mike Shanahan philosophy of building via defense,
and plugging less popular players into schemes on
offense, so picking up instant help on defense looks
like the best option here. Plus, offensively, the
Texans should be in a better position with Domanick
Williams coming back after a year off with a knee
injury. And if Levi Brown impresses at the combine,
he could go here as well. For now, look for the Texans
to take the top defensive player available, whom I
happen to believe is Leon Hall.
- Miami
Dolphins: Alan Branch
Contrary to everyone's beliefs, the Dolphins don't
need a quarterback, receivers, or running backs. Their
tight end is a stud, too. Culpepper needs to be healthy,
and given a chance before the Dolphins write him off,
like some of the other idiots who do mock drafts are
claiming they should do. Even if Brady Quinn happens
to slip this far, the Dolphins need to get younger
on defense before they straddle up and hook Brady.
Offensive line help wouldn't hurt either, so if Joe
Thomas falls this far, the Dolphins won't hesitate.
That being said, I don't know if there is an offensive
lineman left on the board that is worth reaching for
here, so defense it is. Depending on Cam Cameron's
ideas for defense, it will be interesting to see where
the Dolphins go here. Help in the secondary, either
Darrelle Revis, Leon Hall, LaRon Landry, or Reggie
Nelson are all ideas, as its still unsure whether
last years' first round pick, Jason Allen, can play
safety or cornerback. The Dolphins have great defensive
players, but age is becoming an issue, which is why
I think Miami will trade down here instead of reaching
for raw young linebacker to eventually replace Zach
Thomas. If they don't trade this pick, and Levi Brown
doesn't move up a little more after the combine, Alan
Branch is as solid a defensive tackle as this draft
holds, and a damn good pick for the Fins.
- Atlanta
Falcons: LaRon Landry
The Falcons should be stoked to see one of the best
defensive players in the draft here. But they won't
be. Though I am suggesting they take LaRon here, to
vastly improve their depth in the secondary, hell,
I even think the kid would start next to Lawyer Milloy,
I think the Falcons will trade down here. If Free
Agency rips Patrick Kerney and or Rod Coleman from
their little Falcon claws, expect this pick to be
someone in the area of Okoye, Jamaal Anderson (might
pick him anyway), or even Quintin Moses. But lets
say they don't trade down (to possibly pick up Patrino's
"Big Back" he's been wanting - Michael Bush),
and they get Patrick Kerney and Coleman to resign,
I still think the Falcons will have trouble doing
the right thing here and taking Landry, because a
pass catcher with elite speed and game breaking ability
is still on the board. Ted Ginn Jr. I don't know.
I think this pick is as big a question mark as any,
because the Falcons are much better than getting the
10th pick, because they have a new staff, and because
they are the Falcons. If you really want to figure
out the Falcons draft, or you're a fan, pay attention
to pre-draft-day dealing, because I have an inkling
that the Falcons might dip into another teams roster
to pull an elite receiver not named Terrell.
- San
Francisco 49ers: Amobi Okoye
The 49ers could use a plethora of things, but first
they need a super star in the waiting to sure up their
defensive line. When you think about Okoye being a
10 year veteren in this league, and still showing
up in the program at 29 years of age, you get trembles
down your spine. Now imagine what a young, improving
team with defensive line needs feels about adding
someone like Amobi, a flat out stud at the age of
Jitters,
surely some of those. Receiver is a problem for San
Francisco, but this is a receiver heavy draft, and
the second round will offer plenty of options for
the young Niners to step up and improve that situation.
Plus, unlike many, I kind of like the Niners two starters.
Bryant isn't the best top receiver, and he has some
'tude problems, but he's steady at one spot, while
Arnaz Battle has improved every year and will probably
make a claim for the #2 spot. Ted Ginn Jr. might be
a popular choice here, but I think the 49ers need
cornerstones on defense to become a solid team, as
that was obviously their sour spot last season. Look
for them to jump at the prospect of adding this super
talented youngster.
- Buffalo
Bills: Dwayne Jarrett
I couldn't think of a better fit in this draft for
Lee Evans. A big, fast, physical presence like Jarrett
would give Evans the partner in crime Buffalo has
been trying to plug in since Moulds jaunted out the
door. Jarrett has fantastic hands, runs precise routs,
and would give the much improved JP Losman a larger
target. Something any young signal caller would approve
of. The Bills could go defense, with a possible hole
at corner opening up, and a defensive line that could
always use depth, Jamal Anderson might be too much
to pass up if he's still on the board. If the threats
of Buffalo axing Willis McGahee actually ring true,
Marshawn Lynch might find himself in cozy Buffalo.
But right now, I think Willis (as much of a dunder
head as he is) will work things out with Buffalo,
and the Bills will get smart and resign Nate Clements
(because he's the best option out there), so that
leaves a nice little opening for a newfound dynamic
duo in Evans and Jarrett.
- St.
Louis Rams: Jamal Anderson
It would stun me if Anderson fell this far, but crazier
things have happened, no doubt about that. Anderson
is young, athletic, and enormous. He devours quarterbacks
and puts the squeeze on opposing offensive linemen.
A player of his caliber here would not only be one
hell of a deal, but a perfect fit for a Ram team that
struggled defensively for most of the season. Another
danger to opposing quarterbacks would give the pass
rush master on the other side of the line, Leonard
Little, more freedom, and less double teams sliding
his way. The Rams could use help a plethora of places,
and they might take a shot at a possible game breaker
like Ted Ginn Jr., Darrelle Revis, or Lawrence Timmons,
but Anderson is the best player and best fit left
on the board.
- Carolina
Panthers: Levi Brown
This is almost the perfect pick for the Panthers.
It'd be nice if Joe Thomas fell here, but that's not
only unlikely, but down right impossible. Taking Brown
here will only be a minor reach, and after watching
the Panthers running attack flounder all season long,
with two pretty solid running backs, you'd think the
Panthers would jump at the opportunity to get a bookend
to hold down the fort on the other side of Jordan
Gross, especially one with top flight talent like
Levi Brown. The upside for this kids frame and athleticism
makes him a great pick here. If Keyshawn leaves, and
Jarrett is still on the board, I think he'd be a perfect
partner for Steve Smith, but the smart money lies
on Levi at #14.
- Pittsburgh
Steelers: Darrelle Revis
The Steelers are definitely in the "best player
available" scenario, and I think Revis can definitely
fit in that category. Speed, hips, and a knack for
getting his hands on the ball make him everything
you want in a corner. The Steelers didn't dominate
defensively last season, and while much of the blame
was placed on Big Ben, defensively the Steel Curtain
was more of a cuddly little blanky for a good majority
of the season, especially on the corner. Revis could
come in and sure up the secondary in a hurry. Some
other names that come to mind here are Ted Ginn Jr.,
(just because he's explosive) Adam Carricker, Michael
Griffin, and Lawrence Timmons, but I have a feeling
Revis (if he doesn't shoot up draft boards everywhere)
will be the best for the Steelers.
- Green
Bay Packers: Marshawn Lynch
I hate to have the same damn pick as pretty much every
mock draft I've seen, but this is a great place to
get a future featured back for an offense that could
be without their top runner, as Ahman Green will almost
surely go elsewhere. Lynch has all the skills to be
the best back in this class, if he can just put it
together for a full season, and full career. Lynch
is tough, has tons of speed, and very quick feet,
as his body is close to that of Mr. MVP, LT2. But
then again, it all depends what happens before the
draft. If Green resigns, then don't expect the Pack
to snag Lynch here. If GB does actually pursue a top
receiver, via trade or free agency, then I don't even
expect them to go offense here. In fact, I wouldn't
be surprised if Green Bay went best player on the
board for this selection, considering the vast areas
of football they could improve in. With the assumption
that Green is gone, I think Lynch gets the nod here,
and splits time with Vernand Morency.
- Jacksonville
Jaguars: Tedd Ginn Jr.
Okay, this one is easy. With their top 4 pass catchers
being as tall and ball possession-y as all getty-up,
how can the Jaguars pass on someone like Ted Ginn
Jr.? They can't, and probably won't. Ginn will give
the Jags a stretch the defense type player that they
just don't have, and haven't had since Jimmy Smith's
wonder years. Who knows what the Jaguars will do at
the quarterback position, but whomever gets the nod,
Byron, David, Quinn, or even someone like Jake Plummer;
a receiver like Teddy will be just what the Jaguar
ordered. I think Ginn would make all the receivers
on the field better. He's to big of a threat to go
the distance, so single coverage on the other guys
would give them more chances, and the tandem of Drew
and Fred Taylor would also benefit from some attention
paid to the team's pass attack. Of course, this might
not happen, and if it doesn't, expect the Jags to
select a young pass rushing type, or any defensive
front 7 for that matter, because they've learned all
about the need for depth. But honestly, depth there
can be had with the rest of their picks, the fastest
and most explosive offensive player in the draft can
be had here and only here.
- Cincinnati
Bengals: Paul Posluszny
Please, please, please! I plead to those who watch
over Cincinnati and the dire need of adding good people
to the Bengals, young men who won't sell coke, slap
police officers, shoot guns, feed booze to young underaged
women, drink and drive, and live in the substance
abuse policy in the NFL. Can you please force the
Bengals to pick Posluszny? I know he doesn't fit the
form, but is that such a bad thing? This kid does
all the right things, on and off the field, and after
a season as pathetic as the Bengals just had, Paul's
getting drafter here would at least show a shuffle
in the right direction. He might not be as athletic
as Odell Thurman, or as talented as Chris Henry, but
he's got plenty of ability to play this game at this
level, and you know he'll get the job done off the
field to boot. Oh, and the Bengals suck defensively,
did I mention that. This kid helps the squad as well.
- Tennessee
Titans: Jarvis Moss
The last time the Titans picked a receiver in the
first round was 1998 (Kevin Dyson). In the last 8
drafts, the Titans have had six 1st round picks. Five
of those picks have been that of the defensive nature.
I'm putting the numbers together as I write. Seems
like most of the time Mr. Fischer and the Titans have
gone with a defensive selection. I'm going to go out
on a limb and say they do it again in '07. Many think
the Titans are dying to add some more game breakers
at the receiver spot, but honestly, I think they're
happy enough to go somewhere else with this pick,
especially with all the defensive stars sitting on
the board. In this receiver heavy draft, the 2nd or
3rd round will have a couple possibilities for big
production, so right here, I think the Titans will
strengthen their D core with the addition of a defensive
lineman. I'm going with Jarvis Moss. He's not neccecarily
a freak like Javon Kearse freak, but the kid plays
all out with some fantastic speed, which is just what
the Titans need to improve all aspects of their defense.
In fact, a big addition here would make them a pretty
intriguing defense going into next season.
- New
York Giants: Lawrence Timmons
The Giants have shown interest in free agent running
backs, or possibly trading for a solid back up the
league has to offer, but even if they don't get something
done by draft day, I don't expect them to reach for
a runner here. Reaching is not something the Giants
often do. After taking a receiver last season fairly
early (Top of Round 2), I don't expect them to go
WR again, but Sydney Rice and Dwayne Bowe are two
solid targets with all the ability to improve a passing
game that wasn't very consistent last season. But
the Giants don't need WR, especially a young unproven
one (as the learned with Moss last season) and in
a receiver heavy draft, it wouldn't be right to go
receiver. I think the Giants add a possible Pro Bowl
linebacker in Lawrence Timmons. LT or so he may be
referred to as some day in his career, maybe LT3,
would be a great depth creator on a team that can't
seem to keep linebackers healthy if it saved their
lives. I'm going with Timmons here, as he's bound
to impress at the combine, dude is athletically gifted,
that's for sure. A young rangy tackling machine can't
hurt this struggling defense.
- Denver
Broncos: Aaron Ross
First of all, there is no way Marshawn Lynch gets
passed the Broncos, but in this situation, Lynch no
longer is draftable, so I'd imagine Mike the Mou(se)
is headed in another direction, as he's shown he will
never reach for a runner. (Free agency could sure
up that position anyway) For now, I think the Broncos
will trade down, but since that is impossible to predict
and imagine who they would trade this pick to, I'll
just imagine that they don't trade this pick at all,
instead picking up an All American type athlete at
corner, Mr. Aaron Ross. Ross has a chance to finish
a top this class of corner backs, as his skill set
is phenomenal. That's exactly the tool box he'll need
lining up next to Champ Bailey, because God knows
whomever gets that task will have plenty of opportunities
to prove his worth. Without a trade, I can't see Shanny
leaving Ross's talent on the board.
- Dallas
Cowboys: Michael Griffin
First things first: Tony Romo will be fine. Please,
everyone take a break on predicting the young singal
caller's demise at the hands of psychiatric problems,
bad dreams, and in the end, a pill or two from TO.
If anyone can get over doing something like Romo did,
it's Tony. Its not like the game was over then and
there anyway, though I'm sure Tony thinks he lost
the game for his guys. Hence him saying, "I lost
the game." But the Hawks still had over a minute
left to drive down, and let Josh Brown kick a field
goal to win the game. He's usually pretty good at
that. But sorry, back to the mock draft. The Cowboys
should put in some work with free agency, and that
will obviously change things in Big D's draft process.
I have a feeling Dallas will take the best player
on their board with this selection. If Levi Brown
falls this far, his fall will stop. But Jerry Jones
is a chance taker, so I can imagine him trying to
make a splash with this selection. I don't see much
of a cannon ball here, so I'm going way out on a limb
and predicting Jones plucks Texas kid Michael Griffin
from the draft pool. This UT player can shut down
the run, but he has a knack for breaking up passes,
as his athleticism seems to get him in the right spot.
- Kansas
City Chiefs: Dwayne Bowe
I like Bowe. In fact, I think the kid is a flat out
steal here. He's going to be a top receiver in this
league. He's not afraid to do anything. He's big,
fast, strong, and he'll go get the ball from a defender
if you just give him a chance. The Chiefs haven't
had a big solid #1 receiver since, since, damn how
long has it been? I don't even know, and that's saying
something. And NO, Easy Eddie Kennison doesn't count.
Bowe will instantly give the Chiefs offense another
much needed target, and one that can get first downs
as soon as he puts on a jersey. This is a Herm Edwards
type guy, I can feel it. The Chiefs have many a need,
on both sides of the ball, but Bowe here is the right
decision.
- New
England Patriots (via Sea): Patrick Willis
How soon people can forget the plays you made yesterday,
just ask Reche Caldwell. After making a few huge catches
against the Chargers, to get the Patriots in the AFC
Championship, he drops a couple balls and now everyone
and their mother wants to replace this guy immediately.
Sure, he's not a stud, and neither is Gaffney, but
don't expect the Patriots to go all out to get a receiver
just because they are limited there. With that being
said Sidney Rice would be a solid pick here. But the
Patriots liked Chad Jackson enough to trade up to
get him, and that says a lot, so don't be surprised
if the Patriots exit the 1st round of the draft without
a new receiver for Tom Brady. Defense is a much bigger
need with plenty of aging key players that might very
well need to be replaced. Patrick Willis is an excellent
athlete, a kid who would flourish under the guidance
of a couple crafty veterans. Even if their grandfathers
come back to play another year at linebacker, a young
super star in the making, (Willis) would be a great
pick here. Yes, I'm sorry to crush everyone's hopes
that the Pats will pick a receiver to replace Branch
with the pick they got for Branch. Just too much coincidence
there, makes me sick.
- New
York Jets: DeMarcus Tyler
This "Tank" is just what the Jets need.
Well, I'd say they need about 3 Tanks, but one to
start with will be a good move for one of the worst
run defenses pro football has to offer. Tyler played
ball with 3 former 1st round picks while at North
Carolina State, but had his best season this year,
his final year, without one of those '06 first rounders
to help him out. Tyler would be a huge boost at nose
tackle to a team that desperately needs defensive
line help. Last year the Jets showed they were willing
to pass up talented skill players and build from within,
something they'll do again this year, just defensively
this time.
- Philadelphia
Eagles: Adam Carriker
The Eagles always use their first round picks on defensive
linemen. With Javon Kearse getting hurt again, I won't
be surprised one bit if the Eagles select the versatile
Adam Carriker. Adam is huge 6'6" 300+lbs and
has the strength and speed to play either end or defensive
tackle. So, even if Kearse does come back and stay
healthy, Carricker will still have plenty of room
to make his presence felt in Philly. This kid is a
consistent player that could be labeled an overachiever,
but don't question his ability. Not only does Adam
fit the Eagles draft mold, he seems like a steal at
the 26th spot, which is something the Eagles always
seem to do, steal great players later than they should
have been selected.
- New
Orleans Saints: Greg Olsen
The Saints need defensive help, as the Eagles and
Bears both proved in the Saints two playoff games.
Linebackers, secondary, interior defensive linemen,
you name it, needs are there. But with so man defensive
players finding new teams early in Round 1, the Saints
will have to turn another direction, and hope for
a steal in the latter rounds to improve their defense.
That leaves room for New Orleans to add something
both Drew Brees and Sean Payton both love to utilize,
a pass catching tight end. And there's only one that
is worthy taking this early, Miami product, Greg Olsen.
Many think Greg would have had similar numbers to
Jeremy Shockey and Kellen Winslow had he had the former
Hurricane's offensive attack. I'm not so sure about
that, but Olsen looks like a very good tight end option
to me, and he's a solid blocker as well.
- New
England Patriots: Marcus McCauley
Believe that, the Patriots had two first round picks
and didn't pluck a receiver. "Gasp!" McCauley
is a very talented cornerback prospect whose draft
stock suffered because of the lack of help around
him. McCauley, with a chance to become part of the
Patriot system, has the tools to take over for Asante
Samuel (because he'll almost surely be gone). Physically,
this kid is quite the prospect, so look for the brilliant
Patriot brass to gobble this kid up late in the 1st
round.
- Baltimore
Ravens: Michael Bush
I don't really understand it much. Bush gets hurt,
and suddenly, he drops down the draft board, as if
he'll never be healthy again. It's not like Bush tore
every ligament in his knee, ala Willis McGahee. Bush
was a touchdown machine in college, a hard nosed runner
with plenty of size, and some pretty nice speed for
his body type. How lucky are the Ravens that this
kid got hurt early, they'll have a chance to scoop
up a replacement for the departed (or soon to be departed)
Jamal Lewis. Mike Anderson will give Bush time to
adapt to the pro game, and taking a year off of football,
but soon he'll turn into the 25 carry back that Jamal
Lewis used to be. If the Ravens don't grab a runner
here, look for them to help provide for whomever does
take that spot. In other words, an offensive lineman,
maybe Ben Grubbs, Josh Beekman, or Justin Blalock
could fill that need.
- San
Diego Chargers: Sidney Rice
As if having LT wasn't enough, getting someone at
a need position with the talent of Sidney Rice might
turn out to be too fairy-tale for the San Diego Chargers.
But in this Mock, team after team went defense instead
of plucking Sidney, and the Chargers are there to
improve their receiving corps. Rice might not have
elite speed, but I'm willing to bet my lefty that
he could beat Keenan McCardell in a race. Plus Keenan
is upwards of 50, and on his last legs I'm sure. (Kudos
to you Keenan, you've had one hell of a career by
the way) Rice can go get the ball, has great hands,
and is raw for the molding. Rivers needs more options,
and so the youngster receives a receiver.
- Chicago
Bears: Justin Blalock
If this young and versatile lineman is still on the
board when Chicago drafts, he'll be a Bear. He's very
talented and plays both positions, and although the
Bears have a solid offensive line, I believe 4 of
the starters are or will be on the wrong side of 30
when next season slums around. Chicago has some free
agents looking for a big pay day, like Lance Briggs,
so you never can tell what they'll be dealing with
when draft day actually rolls around. Secondary help
can always improve the Bears defense, as they've had
their own problems throughout the year in that area.
More depth at defensive tackle, if that area happens
to be a steal at this point in the draft, could be
addressed.
- Indianapolis
Colts: Chris Houston
The Colts need nothing, as they are the Super Bowl
Champions. Right. While the running game finally started
to run like a well oiled machine at the end of the
season and in to the playoffs, the Colts look to be
set at that position for years to come. If Rhodes
was a more popular player, he would have been MVP
(and will likely be resigned, because there aren't
a ton of teams that will break the bank to get Rhodes),
and if Addai had one more catch in the last 20 minutes
of the game, he would have tied the all time record
for receptions in a Super Bowl. They're both solid.
Offense is good, unless you look at the offensive
line, where Tarik Glenn is ancient, and both Jake
Scott and Ryan Lilja are set to test the free agent
market. Oh, and the entire defense seems to be becoming
free agents this off-season. 4 of the best linebackers,
their best defensive player (Dwight Freeney) and both
their starting corners could become free agents, and
the Colts only have 5 million bucks to resign players
with. Should be interesting. Houston is my pick because
even if the Colts find room to resign their corners,
its not like they are awesome. And the secondary in
Indy isn't deep. With all first round linebackers
off the board, I think the Colts take Houston. He's
flying under the radar right now, but who knows, maybe
I get lucky here.
Mock
Draft Database
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