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After a little more than a month, many of the mock drafts
out there have transformed and now look a little more
like mine. However some changes have made me rethink
a couple things, leaving me with the following, my 2nd
Mock Draft; ENJOY!
***March 23rd, 2007.
***February 15th,
2007
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Oakland Raiders: JaMarcus Russell
My original top pick overall stands pat. Russell,
unless the Raiders get a brain and pick Calvin Johnson,
will be the top pick overall. It makes sense. Russell
is the most talented player at the Raider's biggest
need, and he's an ideal Al Davis player. Bingo, bongo,
he should go number one.
- Detroit
Lions: Brady Quinn
Before just recently, everyone and their mother has
the Lions passing on Brady and picking an offensive
lineman with this pick. Like I said earlier, I just
don't see it. Calvin Johnson, maybe. Even a stud defensive
end, Gaines Adams, maybe. But Joe Thomas? Not the
Lions. I look for the Lions to find the taker who
gives them the most in return for Brady Quinn, or
just pick the young signal caller straight up. Bottom
line, I don't see Quinn falling past the 2nd pick.
- Cleveland
Browns: Calvin Johnson
I know the Browns have Kellen Winslow II, and Braylon
Edwards, but its not as if those two have teamed to
make a certified offensive attack. Calvin Johnson
makes it 3 super-talented receiving threats, giving
the Browns plenty of room to toss the ball around.
If Quinn and Russell are both gone, the logical choice
has to be CJ. Unless of course the Browns take Peterson,
but I am getting the feeling that Cleveland doesn't
have a ton of love for AP. Wait for the next few rounds
to add offensive line and running back help. Lots
of good backs that don't cost the 3rd pick in the
draft. Can't get a Calvin Johnson anywhere else.
- Tampa
Bay Buccaneers: Joe Thomas
The Bucs are dreaming Calvin will still be there with
their 4th selection, but they call them dreams for
a reason. It would be a shame that a coin flip made
the difference, but they again, I kind of like the
thought of that. Should have called tails. If the
Bucs proved anything last year, it was that they need
offensive line help in a big way. Thomas fits the
bill.
- Arizona
Cardinals: Gaines Adams
CJ's pick by the Browns has messed it all up, and
Joe Thomas is no longer there for the Cardinals to
pluck. So, I'd have to say the Cardinals pass on Adrian
Peterson here, they have plenty of action in their
backfield, and God knows they need much more than
another runner. Look for the Cardinals trying to find
a draft day trade here, but if they can't, I wouldn't
be surprised if they went with Gaines Adams. Adams
would fit real nice like on the opposite side of Chike
Okeafor.
- Washington
Redskins: Alan Branch
AB would help alleviate a horrid rush defense in Washington,
something the Redskins will definitely need to do
if they plan on competing in the NFC East. Giants
(Droughns and Jacobs) Eagles (Westbrook) and Dallas
(Jones and Barber). Do work young fella!
- Minnesota
Vikings: Jamal Anderson
Anderson could be just what the Vikings keep trying
to draft at the defensive end position. Not one player
on the Vikings roster had more than 5.5 sacks, which
isn't a good sign. Anderson has been shooting up my
draft board, and the rest of the NFL as well, I'd
imagine. WR's a huge need for this team, but there's
so many good ones, while taking one now would be a
reach. Rule #1; never reach with the 7th pick. Troy
Williamson is a perfect example of that.
- Atlanta
Falcons: LaRon Landry
I love Landry, and its becoming more and more accepted
to take a safety early. Defensive ball hawks and sure
tackling speed demons don't come around all that often,
and the Falcons could really use someone to make big
plays in their defensive secondary. Landry is that
guy. The Falcons brass talks about having a big back,
but is AP really a big back? I wouldn't put it past
the Falcons taking Peterson.
- Miami
Dolphins: Leon Hall
How bad do the Dolphins need solid play at corner?
Well, they will almost surely take the top defensive
back on their board with this pick. There's so many
good things in Miami's D, they can't waste another
year starting guys who give up big plays on the corner.
Hall is great in coverage, and against the run. Look
for him to go 9th.
- Houston
Texans: Levi Brown
After investing their world in Matt Schaub, the Texans
will surely need to add some clout to their offensive
line. Everyone knows they don't want Matt to get gun
shy right off the bat. Brown could be a bit of a reach
here, but I'd be stunned if he makes it past pick
18, so maybe its worth it for Houston. They need a
line, and Brown could be the best tackle in this draft.
A chance Houston needs to take. This would take some
balls in Houston, though, as AP would give the Texans
a nice 1-2 punch now, with Green, and a bright future
with Matt and Andre Johnson. Line is the smart pick.
Especially without a 2nd round selection. Smart doesn't
mean they'll do it though.
- 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 veteran in this league, and still showing
up in the program at 29 years of age, you get trembles
down your spine. Okoye is the smartest pick for this
young and coming squad.
- Buffalo
Bills: Adrian Peterson
I love Jarrett teaming with Lee Evans, but if AP drops
this far, I can't see the Bills leaving him on the
board. They gave away McGahee for a couple 3rd round
picks, and no way they thought Peterson would be here
to take his place. I still question the Texans passing
on him, but in this Mock, the Bills get their Oklahoma
wish.
- St.
Louis Rams: Ted Ginn Jr.
The Rams need help in their secondary, among many
other defensive needs. And while a corner like Revis
has all the intangibles, speed, hips, and a knack
for getting his hands on the ball make him everything
you want in a corner, I just think Ted Ginn Jr. getting
lessons from guys like Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt,
is a situation that would set up the Rams for the
future. Ginn has bee said to have route running and
ball catching deficiencies… With Holt and Bruce
as his teachers, that will change in a hurry. Speed
like this, with playmaking ability, that doesn't come
around often.
- Carolina
Panthers: Patrick Willis
Willis could give the Panthers the power they need
as a MLB. Carolina just lost Draft, their starter
from last season, and would be lucky if the Bills
get Adrian Peterson so they can get their hands on
Patrick. He's the perfect fit for a very good defense.
Another option, Dwayne Jarrett to team with Steve
Smith. But there are so many receivers, only a couple
great linebacking options.
- Pittsburgh
Steelers: Lawrence Timmons
It will be interesting to see what the Steelers do,
switch to new head coach Mike Tomlin's beloved 4-3
or stick with the 3-4. It might take a while to make
the change, but Tomlin will make sure it happens,
so don't expect a 3-4 pick to be made here. Don't
be stunned if the Steelers make Reggie Nelson their
pick. In a cover 2, teaming with Troy Polamalu, that
secondary would be top flight. However, I'm going
out on a limb to say the Steelers take a linebacker
that fits Tomlin's schemes better. Paul Posluszny
is good, but Lawrence Timmons is the most explosive
of the bunch, he's my favorite here.
- 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 is
now going into the season with Vernand Morency as
their starter. Honestly, to the rest of you haters
out there, I like Morency, however, Lynch could very
well be the best NFL runner in this draft, and this
is a great place to pick him.
- Jacksonville
Jaguars: Reggie Nelson
I really liked Ginn Jr. going here, a perfect addition
to the big WR's in Jacksonville. But with Reggie Nelson
still on the board, and the Jaguars in need of a starting
safety, receiver will have to wait. Nelson is right
up there with Landry as the best safety in the draft,
so if the Jaguars can get him here, they'll pass on
Ted.
- 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 program 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
the perfect fit. I'd hate to live in Cinci too, don't
get me wrong, but Paul is smart enough not to retaliate
by beating women, old people, dogs, and small children.
That alone should get him the nod.
- 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 necessarily
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. Another
option is Chris Houston. The corner is moving up the
boards, and Pacman Jones is moving closer to Bubba's
prison cellmate.
- New
York Giants: Darrell Revis
You can never get enough help at corner. Sam Madison
struggled on the corner in New York, and Corey Webster
wasn’t amazing either. Revis will at least give
the Giants a little youth at the spot, something they
need. He doesn’t fill their biggest need, but
he’s a damn good player on the corner. Many have
him going in the top 15, and at pick 20, I think this
young man is a steal.
- Denver
Broncos: Charles Johnson
If Dre Bly remains in Denver, and I haven't heard
anything to tell me he's out yet, I expect the Broncos
to wait on taking a defensive back until later rounds.
If Bly does get traded, the Broncos will take a corner
in the first round. However, lets assume Bly stays.
The Broncos now have many options, and not too many
needs. Young corners like Aaron Ross or Marcus McCauley
are still options, even with Bly remaining a Bronco.
I'm just vexed by this pick. If I were the Broncos,
I'd take Carriker, because I think the kid could be
a great run stuffer, and bull rushing pass rusher,
even in a 4-3. But they won't do that, he's not a
perfect fit. I'll go with Charles Johnson, the D-End
from Georgia. He's a bit of a reach here, but has
the makings of a very good player.
- Dallas
Cowboys: Adam Carriker
The Cowboys don't need Carriker, but they sure could
use him. And with their draft luck, he'll still be
there waiting to get a little star on his helmet.
He has all the ability to become a great player in
a 3-4, making him a perfect fit in Dallas and new
coach Wade Phillips. The Cowboys need help in the
secondary, but free agency will hug it out with a
safety. Right now they take the best available, and
Adam is too good and too perfect for Dallas to let
him walk.
- 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 will find
it tough to pass on Ted Ginn Jr., and if I were a
betting man, I'd keep my money out of this one, but
I think Bowe is the better fit for KC.
- New
England Patriots (via Sea): Anthony Spencer
Spencer has all kinds of ability. He's very similar
to Adalius Thomas, but not yet proven in the NFL.
The Patriots have made so many off season moves, they
can pick the best player on their board, and Spencer
fits so well with what they do, I can't imagine they
let him slip pass their selection.
- 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 in pro football. Tyler had quite a season
his senior year, and would be a perfect pick for a
team looking for bulk in the middle of their defensive
front.
- Philadelphia
Eagles: Marcus McCauley
This big, tall, physical corner with ball skills and
play making ability is something the Eagles could
surely use in their secondary. Right off the bat,
Marcus would give the Eagles someone to match up with
guys like Plaxico Burress and Terrell Owens, as certainly
the Eagles have struggled defending the big receivers
over the last few years. Look for the Eagles to make
a "smart pick", one that everyone will question
now, but applaud later. This is that guy.
- 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 II if he was privy
to a decent offensive attack in Miami. 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.
His top 40 yard dash time gets him a first round nod.
- New
England Patriots: Aaron Ross
Ross is a great athlete in the secondary, something
Bill Belichick really loves to have. Ross proved to
be a good team leader in college, and always seemed
willing to lay some hat when given the chance. Ross
just seems like a Patriot guy to me. But what do I
know?
- Baltimore
Ravens: Dwayne Jarrett
I know Derrick Mason is an old school favorite to
Steve McNair but you've got to imagine both McNair
and Mason have limited time left in their NFL careers.
With that being said, look for the Ravens to add a
big pass catcher with this pick. There's still a few
guys who look like steals late in round 1, because
their talent says "early first rounder".
I like Robert Meachem's skill-set, but think Dwayne
Jarrett is just better. So, the Ravens take him here.
- San
Diego Chargers: Steve Smith
I may be crazy here, but I think Steve Smith has a
nice future in the NFL ahead of him. He proved during
the combine that he has enough speed, and surely his
hands have been flawless over his career. He strikes
me as a Hines Ward type guy, maybe even a Darrell
Jackson type. He doesn't look fast, but always gets
there before the corner. His run after the catch was
the best in college football, a solid attribute for
the short passing game in San Diego. I know he hasn't
been going in the first round of many Mocks, and definitely
not in front of Robert Meachem. But sometimes it pays
to be different.
- Chicago
Bears: Michael Griffin
Contrary to popular belief, the Bears don't need help
at wide receiver. Mushin is still a good possession
guy, and a great blocker, while Berrian has proven
his worth as a big time play maker in Chicago. Also,
Mark Bradley has a nice future ahead of him, as he's
shown some flashes that will get him more looks in
'07. With Tank Johnson's arrest, and Lance Briggs'
claim never to play another down for the Bears, surely
the Super Bowl runner-ups have their problems. But
Tank will be back to start the season, and Briggs
will probably be back as well, though he does sound
pretty convincing. I think the Bears need some secondary
help, because honestly, their defense wasn't as great
as many people think. Michael Griffin is a very solid
player, as he could do a lot with his ability to dislodge
the ball and break up pass plays.
- Indianapolis
Colts: Jon Beason
The Colts, obviously, are built to win championships
right now. Adding Beason, or another linebacker in
the mold of recently departed, Cato June, seems like
the right move for Indy. Beason is a very good player,
but a corner might be the better value pick here.
I really like Marcus McCauley, but I'd be surprised
if the Colts passed on Beason, he fits their system
too darn well.
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