Mediator12
02-13-2007, 05:20 PM
OAKLAND
1 *JaMarcus Russell QB LSU The Raiders passed on Matt Leinart and Jay Cutler last season because they believed they had their quarterback of the future in Andrew Walter. After Walter threw for three touchdowns against 13 interceptions in 2006, the expectation is the Raiders will add a quarterback here. Russell is more of a project than Brady Quinn, but his size and amazingly strong arm make him a better fit for the deep passing attack preferred by the Raiders.
DETROIT
2 Gaines Adams DE Clemson The Lions are closer to fielding a competitive team than their record indicates, and an increased pass rush would lift the entire defense. However, word out of Detroit is the Lions are looking to move down.
CLEVELAND
3 Joe Thomas OT Wisconsin An impact skill position player makes a lot of sense for the Browns with the team needing to improve quickly to save coach Romeo Crennel's job. But the Browns first need to control the trenches, and Thomas would provide the bona fide left tackle they have been missing.
TAMPA BAY
4 *Calvin Johnson WR Georgia Tech Michael Clayton looked like a future star as a rookie when he caught 80 passes for 1,193 yards and seven touchdowns. Unfortunately, he hasn't come close to matching that production over the past two seasons, catching a combined 65 passes for 728 yards and one score. The Bucs have talent at receiver. Joey Galloway continues to rank among the game's premier deep threats despite being 36 years old. The team added Maurice Stovall last year and liked his development. But when a prospect as talented as Johnson falls in your lap, he has to be a strong consideration.
ARIZONA
5 Levi Brown OT Penn St Despite being the second overall selection of the 2001 draft, Leonard Davis has never developed into a standout left tackle and may leave as an unrestricted free agent. New coach Ken Whisenhunt is looking to feature the running game, and Brown's strong performance at the Senior Bowl solidified his status as a top 10 prospect.
WASHINGTON
6 *Alan Branch DT Michigan Coach Joe Gibbs' championship teams of the past were able to run the football and stop the run defensively. Washington finished 27th in the NFL last season, allowing an average of 137.3 rushing yards per game. Branch isn't going to pressure the quarterback, but he'll swallow up blockers at the point of attack and allow the linebackers to make more plays at the line of scrimmage instead of five yards down the field.
MINNESOTA
7 *Dwayne Jarrett WR USC The Vikings' receiver corps is a mess. Journeyman Travis Taylor was the team's leading receiver with 57 receptions and is a free agent. Troy Williamson, selected two years ago with the same No. 7 overall choice Minnesota finds itself with this year, is teetering on the edge of becoming a bust. Jarrett's size and strong hands will make him a perfect possession receiver. His consistency in the short to medium range could open up the deeper zone for Williamson to continue his development.
HOUSTON
8 *Adrian Peterson RB Okla The Texans made the unpopular choice of passing on Reggie Bush last year because they believed injured Domanick Davis (now Domanick Williams) would anchor the running game. Williams instead missed the season, and the team struggled with a running-back-by-committee approach. Peterson, a difference-maker since he first stepped onto the field for the Sooners, could provide the same impact for the Texans in 2007.
MIAMI
9 Brady Quinn QB Notre Dame New head coach Cam Cameron was hired to improve Miami's horrific offense, and doesn't have the burden of loyalty to Daunte Culpepper or Joey Harrington. Should Quinn fall into his lap, it might be too difficult for Cameron to resist.
ATLANTA
10 LaRon Landry FS LSU The Falcons' safety tandem of Chris Crocker and Lawyer Milloy was one of the league's worst in 2006, especially against the pass. Landry's older brother, Dawan, was a fourth-round pick for the Ravens last year and made an immediate impact on the league's No. 1-ranked defense. Laron is better, and the Falcons need the help considerably more.
SAN FRANCISCO
11 Adam Carriker DE Nebraska Whether the 49ers continue to transition to a 3-4 alignment or elect to stick with the 4-3, Carriker makes a lot of sense. He played defensive end throughout his time at Nebraska in the 4-3, but is considered a better fit at this position in the 3-4. Carriker has such rare size and strength, however, that some scouts are also looking at him as a 4-3 defensive tackle. Carriker was the most physically dominant lineman at the Senior Bowl and the 49ers couldn't have missed him since they coached the North team he pushed around on game day.
BUFFALO
12 Patrick Willis ILB Ole Miss Not since Dan Morgan was selected by the Carolina Panthers with the 11th pick of the 2001 draft has an inside linebacker been taken in the top 12 picks. Last year, the Bills showed a willingness to "reach" for players who fit their system. More than any linebacker in this draft, Willis' blend of speed and instincts makes him a nice fit in defensive coordinator Perry Fewell's scheme.
ST. LOUIS
13 *Jamaal Anderson DE Ark While second-year pro Victor Adeyanju flashed potential last season opposite Leonard Little, he looked better suited as a rotational run defender than a full-time end. Anderson is considered by some as a potential top-five pick, but is raw enough to slide here.
CAROLINA
14 Dwayne Bowe WR LSU With Keyshawn Johnson averaging just 11.6 yards per reception last season and contemplating retirement, the Panthers are still searching for the right complement to Steve Smith. Bowe isn't a burner, but his size and hands make him the best senior wide receiver available.
PITTSBURGH
15 *Darrelle Revis CB Pitt The Steelers thought they had the cornerback position locked down for years, but Ike Taylor was a disappointment last season after signing a big multi-year contract. Revis lacks prototype downfield speed, but is a playmaker who comes up strong against the run and is the best all-around corner available.
GREEN BAY
16 *Zach Miller TE Arizona St Bubba Franks struggled through the worst season of his career in 2006, while David Martin can't stay off the injury report. Miller would be considered a bit of a reach here, but he and Miami's Greg Olsen are considered the only two tight ends likely to create an instant impact. Miller, the better blocker of the two, is also a productive target over the middle and could ease the pressure on a mediocre Green Bay receiving corps.
JACKSONVILLE
17 *Reggie Nelson FS Florida It is entirely possible the Jaguars will again look to roll the dice with another receiver here. Perhaps the smarter move would be to continue to fortify their strong defense with another playmaker in the secondary. Starting FS Deon Grant is a free agent and will test the waters, while SS Donovin Darius finished each of the past two seasons on injured reserve.
CINCINNATI
18 Amobi Okoye DT Louisville The Bengals' defense continues to be more dangerous off the field than on it. The team needs to add playmakers and leadership on this side of the ball. Despite entering the league at only 19 years old, is a natural leader and an emerging force in the middle. He was graded by most scouts as a second-round prospect throughout the season, but watch his stock rise as the draft approaches. Not only is he one of the few headliners in a terrible class at defensive tackle, his upside is undeniable.
TENNESSEE
19 Daymeion Hughes CB Cal The Titans have a talented young star in Pac Man Jones operating on one side, but Reynaldo Hill is a poor fit opposite Jones due to his lack of man-to-man skills. Hughes was arguably the most impressive defender at the Senior Bowl, rarely giving up receptions of any length. The concern with Hughes is his speed. A slow time in workouts will drop him, but he remains one of the draft's top playmakers at the position.
NEW YORK GIANTS
20 *Marshawn Lynch RB Cal Lynch is considered by some to be a little undersized, but he has great quickness and vision, underrated overall speed and might be the most versatile back in the draft. Sounds like the perfect replacement for Tiki Barber.
DENVER
21 Leon Hall CB Michigan The loss of Darrent Williams was a tragedy. The Broncos not only have to deal with the emotions of the loss, but also the reality that they need another mentally tough cornerback to play opposite Champ Bailey. Hall lacks elite speed and was beaten in key matchups against Ted Ginn, Jr. and Dwayne Jarret to end his collegiate career, but may be the most technically sound and mentally tough cornerback in this draft.
DALLAS
22 Brandon Meriweather FS Miami Off-field red flags will be enough to scare off some teams, but the Cowboys have always shown a willingness to gamble on greatness. Due to the press given to LaRon Landry and Reggie Nelson, Meriweather doesn't always get his due, but the former Hurricane is among this draft's top defenders and would fill a huge need as a coverage safety to pair with Roy Williams.
KANSAS CITY
23 *Robert Meachem WR Tennessee The Chiefs' once potent offense has steadily declined in production each of the past two years. If the team is going to avoid wasting RB Larry Johnson's best seasons, it will need to find a deep passing attack to keep defenses honest. Meachem is a talent who only falls this far because of the depth of this year's receiver crop.
NEW ENGLAND
24 Anthony Spencer DE Purdue Anthony Spencer, DE/OLB, Purdue -- Linebacker is a major area of concern for the Patriots with Tedy Bruschi and Mike Vrabel aging, Rosevelt Colvin carrying a large cap number, Junior Seau a candidate for retirement and Tully Banta-Cain a free agent. Spencer was quietly among the Senior Bowl's most impressive defenders and appears athletic enough to transition to OLB.
NEW YORK JETS
25 Aaron Ross CB Texas Andre Dyson was slowed by injury last season and Hank Poteat and Justin Miller aren't long-term starting options on the other side. The Jets are also in the market for a defensive tackle, but a play-making corner like Houston makes a great deal of sense.
PHILADELPHIA
26 Paul Posluszny OLB Penn St The Eagles' run defense dropped to 26th in the league last year, giving up an average of 136.4 yards per game. Despite media speculation that he is dropping down the board, scouts insist the former Penn State star remains a viable first-round prospect. Posluszny's instincts and versatility make him one of the better linebackers available.
NEW ORLEANS
27 *Charles Johnson DE Georgia The Saints have greater needs, but the potential loss of free agent Charles Grant will force the team to consider help via the draft. Should a defensive end of Johnson's caliber remain on the board, the Saints may forgo their other concerns and take the best available prospect.
NEW ENGLAND
28 *Sidney Rice WR S Carolina With two first-round picks due to the Deion Branch trade, the Patriots have plenty of options. Reche Caldwell and Jabar Gaffney were decent pickups, but not the reliable threat QB Tom Brady deserves to have in his arsenal. Rice lacks downfield speed and thus will slip in this draft, but he runs good routes, has excellent body control and may have the surest hands of any receiver available. Like most Patriot picks, Rice isn't flashy, but he should perform well in this system.
BALTIMORE
29 Ben Grubbs OG Auburn The Ravens' once-proud rushing attack fell to a disappointing 25th last season, and contributed only 11 rushing touchdowns despite proven short-yardage runners in Jamal Lewis, Mike Anderson and even quarterback Steve McNair. Grubbs solidified his spot as the draft's top guard with a strong performance at the Senior Bowl, and should be selected anywhere between the 20th to 40th picks.
SAN DIEGO
30 *Ted Ginn Jr. WR Ohio St Ginn's spectacular speed will keep him from slipping out of the first round, but his lack of consistency as a route-runner, slight frame and frequent drops stand out in a draft loaded with talented receivers. The Chargers aren't nearly as desperate for receiver help as some characterize them, but they are one of the few teams good enough to afford a luxury difference-maker like Ginn. Ginn could provide a Devin Hester-like impact if allowed to concentrate initially as a punt returner.
CHICAGO
31 *Greg Olsen TE Miami Desmond Clark has arguably been Chicago's most dependable receiver this season. Not only did he finish the regular season tied for the team lead in touchdown catches (six), he contributed 45 receptions and 626 yards. However, the depth behind the eight-year veteran is thin. Olsen would provide the team a pair of secure hands in the middle, and has the athleticism to challenge defenses down the seam.
INDIANAPOLIS
32 *Jarvis Moss DE Florida The Colts have vowed to due what it takes to keep free agent Dwight Freeney in the fold, but adding depth as an insurance policy is a move the Colts can afford. Moss lacks size and strength at the point of attack, and has an injury-marred past that teams will have to look into. If medically cleared at the Combine, however, Moss won't make it this far down the board.
1 *JaMarcus Russell QB LSU The Raiders passed on Matt Leinart and Jay Cutler last season because they believed they had their quarterback of the future in Andrew Walter. After Walter threw for three touchdowns against 13 interceptions in 2006, the expectation is the Raiders will add a quarterback here. Russell is more of a project than Brady Quinn, but his size and amazingly strong arm make him a better fit for the deep passing attack preferred by the Raiders.
DETROIT
2 Gaines Adams DE Clemson The Lions are closer to fielding a competitive team than their record indicates, and an increased pass rush would lift the entire defense. However, word out of Detroit is the Lions are looking to move down.
CLEVELAND
3 Joe Thomas OT Wisconsin An impact skill position player makes a lot of sense for the Browns with the team needing to improve quickly to save coach Romeo Crennel's job. But the Browns first need to control the trenches, and Thomas would provide the bona fide left tackle they have been missing.
TAMPA BAY
4 *Calvin Johnson WR Georgia Tech Michael Clayton looked like a future star as a rookie when he caught 80 passes for 1,193 yards and seven touchdowns. Unfortunately, he hasn't come close to matching that production over the past two seasons, catching a combined 65 passes for 728 yards and one score. The Bucs have talent at receiver. Joey Galloway continues to rank among the game's premier deep threats despite being 36 years old. The team added Maurice Stovall last year and liked his development. But when a prospect as talented as Johnson falls in your lap, he has to be a strong consideration.
ARIZONA
5 Levi Brown OT Penn St Despite being the second overall selection of the 2001 draft, Leonard Davis has never developed into a standout left tackle and may leave as an unrestricted free agent. New coach Ken Whisenhunt is looking to feature the running game, and Brown's strong performance at the Senior Bowl solidified his status as a top 10 prospect.
WASHINGTON
6 *Alan Branch DT Michigan Coach Joe Gibbs' championship teams of the past were able to run the football and stop the run defensively. Washington finished 27th in the NFL last season, allowing an average of 137.3 rushing yards per game. Branch isn't going to pressure the quarterback, but he'll swallow up blockers at the point of attack and allow the linebackers to make more plays at the line of scrimmage instead of five yards down the field.
MINNESOTA
7 *Dwayne Jarrett WR USC The Vikings' receiver corps is a mess. Journeyman Travis Taylor was the team's leading receiver with 57 receptions and is a free agent. Troy Williamson, selected two years ago with the same No. 7 overall choice Minnesota finds itself with this year, is teetering on the edge of becoming a bust. Jarrett's size and strong hands will make him a perfect possession receiver. His consistency in the short to medium range could open up the deeper zone for Williamson to continue his development.
HOUSTON
8 *Adrian Peterson RB Okla The Texans made the unpopular choice of passing on Reggie Bush last year because they believed injured Domanick Davis (now Domanick Williams) would anchor the running game. Williams instead missed the season, and the team struggled with a running-back-by-committee approach. Peterson, a difference-maker since he first stepped onto the field for the Sooners, could provide the same impact for the Texans in 2007.
MIAMI
9 Brady Quinn QB Notre Dame New head coach Cam Cameron was hired to improve Miami's horrific offense, and doesn't have the burden of loyalty to Daunte Culpepper or Joey Harrington. Should Quinn fall into his lap, it might be too difficult for Cameron to resist.
ATLANTA
10 LaRon Landry FS LSU The Falcons' safety tandem of Chris Crocker and Lawyer Milloy was one of the league's worst in 2006, especially against the pass. Landry's older brother, Dawan, was a fourth-round pick for the Ravens last year and made an immediate impact on the league's No. 1-ranked defense. Laron is better, and the Falcons need the help considerably more.
SAN FRANCISCO
11 Adam Carriker DE Nebraska Whether the 49ers continue to transition to a 3-4 alignment or elect to stick with the 4-3, Carriker makes a lot of sense. He played defensive end throughout his time at Nebraska in the 4-3, but is considered a better fit at this position in the 3-4. Carriker has such rare size and strength, however, that some scouts are also looking at him as a 4-3 defensive tackle. Carriker was the most physically dominant lineman at the Senior Bowl and the 49ers couldn't have missed him since they coached the North team he pushed around on game day.
BUFFALO
12 Patrick Willis ILB Ole Miss Not since Dan Morgan was selected by the Carolina Panthers with the 11th pick of the 2001 draft has an inside linebacker been taken in the top 12 picks. Last year, the Bills showed a willingness to "reach" for players who fit their system. More than any linebacker in this draft, Willis' blend of speed and instincts makes him a nice fit in defensive coordinator Perry Fewell's scheme.
ST. LOUIS
13 *Jamaal Anderson DE Ark While second-year pro Victor Adeyanju flashed potential last season opposite Leonard Little, he looked better suited as a rotational run defender than a full-time end. Anderson is considered by some as a potential top-five pick, but is raw enough to slide here.
CAROLINA
14 Dwayne Bowe WR LSU With Keyshawn Johnson averaging just 11.6 yards per reception last season and contemplating retirement, the Panthers are still searching for the right complement to Steve Smith. Bowe isn't a burner, but his size and hands make him the best senior wide receiver available.
PITTSBURGH
15 *Darrelle Revis CB Pitt The Steelers thought they had the cornerback position locked down for years, but Ike Taylor was a disappointment last season after signing a big multi-year contract. Revis lacks prototype downfield speed, but is a playmaker who comes up strong against the run and is the best all-around corner available.
GREEN BAY
16 *Zach Miller TE Arizona St Bubba Franks struggled through the worst season of his career in 2006, while David Martin can't stay off the injury report. Miller would be considered a bit of a reach here, but he and Miami's Greg Olsen are considered the only two tight ends likely to create an instant impact. Miller, the better blocker of the two, is also a productive target over the middle and could ease the pressure on a mediocre Green Bay receiving corps.
JACKSONVILLE
17 *Reggie Nelson FS Florida It is entirely possible the Jaguars will again look to roll the dice with another receiver here. Perhaps the smarter move would be to continue to fortify their strong defense with another playmaker in the secondary. Starting FS Deon Grant is a free agent and will test the waters, while SS Donovin Darius finished each of the past two seasons on injured reserve.
CINCINNATI
18 Amobi Okoye DT Louisville The Bengals' defense continues to be more dangerous off the field than on it. The team needs to add playmakers and leadership on this side of the ball. Despite entering the league at only 19 years old, is a natural leader and an emerging force in the middle. He was graded by most scouts as a second-round prospect throughout the season, but watch his stock rise as the draft approaches. Not only is he one of the few headliners in a terrible class at defensive tackle, his upside is undeniable.
TENNESSEE
19 Daymeion Hughes CB Cal The Titans have a talented young star in Pac Man Jones operating on one side, but Reynaldo Hill is a poor fit opposite Jones due to his lack of man-to-man skills. Hughes was arguably the most impressive defender at the Senior Bowl, rarely giving up receptions of any length. The concern with Hughes is his speed. A slow time in workouts will drop him, but he remains one of the draft's top playmakers at the position.
NEW YORK GIANTS
20 *Marshawn Lynch RB Cal Lynch is considered by some to be a little undersized, but he has great quickness and vision, underrated overall speed and might be the most versatile back in the draft. Sounds like the perfect replacement for Tiki Barber.
DENVER
21 Leon Hall CB Michigan The loss of Darrent Williams was a tragedy. The Broncos not only have to deal with the emotions of the loss, but also the reality that they need another mentally tough cornerback to play opposite Champ Bailey. Hall lacks elite speed and was beaten in key matchups against Ted Ginn, Jr. and Dwayne Jarret to end his collegiate career, but may be the most technically sound and mentally tough cornerback in this draft.
DALLAS
22 Brandon Meriweather FS Miami Off-field red flags will be enough to scare off some teams, but the Cowboys have always shown a willingness to gamble on greatness. Due to the press given to LaRon Landry and Reggie Nelson, Meriweather doesn't always get his due, but the former Hurricane is among this draft's top defenders and would fill a huge need as a coverage safety to pair with Roy Williams.
KANSAS CITY
23 *Robert Meachem WR Tennessee The Chiefs' once potent offense has steadily declined in production each of the past two years. If the team is going to avoid wasting RB Larry Johnson's best seasons, it will need to find a deep passing attack to keep defenses honest. Meachem is a talent who only falls this far because of the depth of this year's receiver crop.
NEW ENGLAND
24 Anthony Spencer DE Purdue Anthony Spencer, DE/OLB, Purdue -- Linebacker is a major area of concern for the Patriots with Tedy Bruschi and Mike Vrabel aging, Rosevelt Colvin carrying a large cap number, Junior Seau a candidate for retirement and Tully Banta-Cain a free agent. Spencer was quietly among the Senior Bowl's most impressive defenders and appears athletic enough to transition to OLB.
NEW YORK JETS
25 Aaron Ross CB Texas Andre Dyson was slowed by injury last season and Hank Poteat and Justin Miller aren't long-term starting options on the other side. The Jets are also in the market for a defensive tackle, but a play-making corner like Houston makes a great deal of sense.
PHILADELPHIA
26 Paul Posluszny OLB Penn St The Eagles' run defense dropped to 26th in the league last year, giving up an average of 136.4 yards per game. Despite media speculation that he is dropping down the board, scouts insist the former Penn State star remains a viable first-round prospect. Posluszny's instincts and versatility make him one of the better linebackers available.
NEW ORLEANS
27 *Charles Johnson DE Georgia The Saints have greater needs, but the potential loss of free agent Charles Grant will force the team to consider help via the draft. Should a defensive end of Johnson's caliber remain on the board, the Saints may forgo their other concerns and take the best available prospect.
NEW ENGLAND
28 *Sidney Rice WR S Carolina With two first-round picks due to the Deion Branch trade, the Patriots have plenty of options. Reche Caldwell and Jabar Gaffney were decent pickups, but not the reliable threat QB Tom Brady deserves to have in his arsenal. Rice lacks downfield speed and thus will slip in this draft, but he runs good routes, has excellent body control and may have the surest hands of any receiver available. Like most Patriot picks, Rice isn't flashy, but he should perform well in this system.
BALTIMORE
29 Ben Grubbs OG Auburn The Ravens' once-proud rushing attack fell to a disappointing 25th last season, and contributed only 11 rushing touchdowns despite proven short-yardage runners in Jamal Lewis, Mike Anderson and even quarterback Steve McNair. Grubbs solidified his spot as the draft's top guard with a strong performance at the Senior Bowl, and should be selected anywhere between the 20th to 40th picks.
SAN DIEGO
30 *Ted Ginn Jr. WR Ohio St Ginn's spectacular speed will keep him from slipping out of the first round, but his lack of consistency as a route-runner, slight frame and frequent drops stand out in a draft loaded with talented receivers. The Chargers aren't nearly as desperate for receiver help as some characterize them, but they are one of the few teams good enough to afford a luxury difference-maker like Ginn. Ginn could provide a Devin Hester-like impact if allowed to concentrate initially as a punt returner.
CHICAGO
31 *Greg Olsen TE Miami Desmond Clark has arguably been Chicago's most dependable receiver this season. Not only did he finish the regular season tied for the team lead in touchdown catches (six), he contributed 45 receptions and 626 yards. However, the depth behind the eight-year veteran is thin. Olsen would provide the team a pair of secure hands in the middle, and has the athleticism to challenge defenses down the seam.
INDIANAPOLIS
32 *Jarvis Moss DE Florida The Colts have vowed to due what it takes to keep free agent Dwight Freeney in the fold, but adding depth as an insurance policy is a move the Colts can afford. Moss lacks size and strength at the point of attack, and has an injury-marred past that teams will have to look into. If medically cleared at the Combine, however, Moss won't make it this far down the board.