The Answer
03-28-2007, 11:05 AM
<HR style="COLOR: #d1d1e1" SIZE=1> <!-- / icon and title --><!-- message -->1. Oakland Raiders (2-14) (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=oak)
Projected pick: +JaMarcus Russell (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?id=11405&draftyear=2007), QB, LSU
Needs: QB, OT, WR, DT, G
Georgia Tech WR Calvin Johnson (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2007&id=11326) is the best overall player in this year's class. But unless the Raiders trade WR Randy Moss or this pick, it looks like Johnson won't be the No. 1 pick. The Raiders have a glaring hole at quarterback and Russell has the exceptional physical tools to warrant this selection.
2. Detroit (3-13) (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=det)
Projected pick: Joe Thomas (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2007&id=11207), OT, Wisconsin
Needs: ILB, QB, S, CB, TE, OT, DE
The Lions' chances of trading out of this spot diminished when the Texans, who were interested in QB Brady Quinn (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2007&id=10302), struck a deal with the Falcons for QB Matt Schaub. Drafting Quinn is still a possibility, but if stuck at No. 2, the team will likely choose to upgrade around the QB position. It's too high to take players at positions of more pressing need, such as ILB Patrick Willis (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2007&id=11281), S LaRon Landry (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?id=10878) and CB Leon Hall (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2007&id=10731). Instead, Thomas should be the pick. He's one of only a few good values at No. 2 overall and can be used to help solidify the offensive line.
3. Cleveland (4-12) (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=cle)
Projected pick: Brady Quinn (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2007&id=10302), QB, Notre Dame
Needs: RB, CB, OT, DE, QB
From the sounds of it, Cleveland's coaches would go with the player who can make a more immediate impact (RB Adrian Peterson (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2007&id=11323)), but the team's front office wants to use this on a future franchise quarterback (Quinn). We all know which side will win that battle.
4. Tampa Bay (4-12) (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=tam)
Projected pick: +Calvin Johnson (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2007&id=11326), WR, Georgia Tech
Needs: DT, DE, S, WR, OT
The Bucs have other more pressing needs but it won't be easy for general manager Bruce Allen and coach Jon Gruden to pass on the draft's most dynamic offensive weapon.
5. Arizona (5-11) (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=ari)
Projected pick: +Adrian Peterson (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2007&id=11323), RB, Oklahoma
Needs: OT, OLB, CB, DT, DE, TE, S, P
The Cardinals' first priority is OT Thomas. If he's off the board, they will likely look to trade down -- and they should have a dancing partner with Peterson still on the board. Finally, if stuck at No. 5, the team will have a tough internal battle between value (Peterson) and need (DE Gaines Adams (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2007&id=10433)). Value should always win out.
6. Washington (5-11) (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=was)
Projected pick: Gaines Adams (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2007&id=10433), DE, Clemson
Needs: DT, DE, G, S, WR
Adams is the perfect fit for a Redskins defense that set a team record for the fewest sacks in a season (19) in 2006. The 6-foot-5, 258-pound end ran the fastest 40 time of all the defensive linemen at the combine and also notched 29 career sacks at Clemson.
7. Minnesota (6-10) (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=min)
Projected pick: +LaRon Landry (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2007&id=10878), S, LSU
Needs: WR, DE, CB, TE, C/G, DT
CB Hall would be a strong consideration. The team could also reach for WR Ted Ginn Jr. (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?id=11327&draftyear=2007) or DE Jamaal Anderson (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2007&id=11361). With that in mind, the Vikings would be wise to entertain any trade-down offers that would keep them in the top 20 and give them an extra pick or two later on. If they can't move, the Vikings should take Landry, one of the elite prospects in this year's class.
8. Atlanta (7-9) (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=atl)
(from Houston)
Projected pick: Amobi Okoye (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2007&id=11003), DT, Louisville
Needs: S, DE, OT, DT, RB
The Falcons would love for Landry to fall to them at No. 8, where they now pick following the Schaub trade. They also should strongly consider OT Levi Brown (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2007&id=10547). However, don't be surprised if new head coach Bobby Petrino steers GM Rich McKay in the direction of Okoye, who played for Petrino at Louisville. The 19-year-old has bulked up to 300-plus pounds and recently ran the 40 in the 4.8-second range at an on-campus workout.
9. Miami (6-10) (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=mia)
Projected pick: Levi Brown (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2007&id=10547), OT, Penn State
Needs: OT, QB, DT, S
The Dolphins need help at offensive tackle and Brown is the only upper-echelon prospect at the position after Thomas. Other possibilities include Landry (S), Okoye (DT), Michigan's Hall (CB) and Alan Branch (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2007&id=11371) (NT).
10. Houston (6-10) (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=hou)
(from Atlanta)
Projected pick: Leon Hall (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?id=10731), CB, Michigan
Needs: CB, WR, OLB, S, DT
The Texans are no longer handcuffed by their need to find David Carr's replacement at quarterback. However, they still need to find playmakers at wide receiver, in the secondary and along the defensive line. Hall is the best value in this scenario and would be a significant upgrade at cornerback opposite Dunta Robinson.
11. San Francisco (7-9) (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=sfo)
Projected pick: +Alan Branch (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?id=11371&draftyear=2007), DT, Michigan
Needs: WR, OLB, DT/DE, S, OT, RB, ILB, C
Branch's stock is dropping due to concerns regarding his work ethic and conditioning. However, it will be awfully tough for the Niners to pass on a 323-pounder with his type of mobility.
12. Buffalo (7-9) (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=buf)
Projected pick: Patrick Willis (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2007&id=11281), ILB, Mississippi
Needs: RB, CB, ILB, DT, TE
Willis has the workout numbers to match his production as a three-year starter in the SEC. The Bills could reach for RB Marshawn Lynch (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2007&id=11409) here but they'd be wise to go with Willis instead, and then draft a running back such as Ohio State's Antonio Pittman (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2007&id=11410) in Round 2.
~The Answer
Projected pick: +JaMarcus Russell (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?id=11405&draftyear=2007), QB, LSU
Needs: QB, OT, WR, DT, G
Georgia Tech WR Calvin Johnson (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2007&id=11326) is the best overall player in this year's class. But unless the Raiders trade WR Randy Moss or this pick, it looks like Johnson won't be the No. 1 pick. The Raiders have a glaring hole at quarterback and Russell has the exceptional physical tools to warrant this selection.
2. Detroit (3-13) (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=det)
Projected pick: Joe Thomas (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2007&id=11207), OT, Wisconsin
Needs: ILB, QB, S, CB, TE, OT, DE
The Lions' chances of trading out of this spot diminished when the Texans, who were interested in QB Brady Quinn (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2007&id=10302), struck a deal with the Falcons for QB Matt Schaub. Drafting Quinn is still a possibility, but if stuck at No. 2, the team will likely choose to upgrade around the QB position. It's too high to take players at positions of more pressing need, such as ILB Patrick Willis (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2007&id=11281), S LaRon Landry (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?id=10878) and CB Leon Hall (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2007&id=10731). Instead, Thomas should be the pick. He's one of only a few good values at No. 2 overall and can be used to help solidify the offensive line.
3. Cleveland (4-12) (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=cle)
Projected pick: Brady Quinn (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2007&id=10302), QB, Notre Dame
Needs: RB, CB, OT, DE, QB
From the sounds of it, Cleveland's coaches would go with the player who can make a more immediate impact (RB Adrian Peterson (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2007&id=11323)), but the team's front office wants to use this on a future franchise quarterback (Quinn). We all know which side will win that battle.
4. Tampa Bay (4-12) (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=tam)
Projected pick: +Calvin Johnson (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2007&id=11326), WR, Georgia Tech
Needs: DT, DE, S, WR, OT
The Bucs have other more pressing needs but it won't be easy for general manager Bruce Allen and coach Jon Gruden to pass on the draft's most dynamic offensive weapon.
5. Arizona (5-11) (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=ari)
Projected pick: +Adrian Peterson (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2007&id=11323), RB, Oklahoma
Needs: OT, OLB, CB, DT, DE, TE, S, P
The Cardinals' first priority is OT Thomas. If he's off the board, they will likely look to trade down -- and they should have a dancing partner with Peterson still on the board. Finally, if stuck at No. 5, the team will have a tough internal battle between value (Peterson) and need (DE Gaines Adams (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2007&id=10433)). Value should always win out.
6. Washington (5-11) (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=was)
Projected pick: Gaines Adams (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2007&id=10433), DE, Clemson
Needs: DT, DE, G, S, WR
Adams is the perfect fit for a Redskins defense that set a team record for the fewest sacks in a season (19) in 2006. The 6-foot-5, 258-pound end ran the fastest 40 time of all the defensive linemen at the combine and also notched 29 career sacks at Clemson.
7. Minnesota (6-10) (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=min)
Projected pick: +LaRon Landry (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2007&id=10878), S, LSU
Needs: WR, DE, CB, TE, C/G, DT
CB Hall would be a strong consideration. The team could also reach for WR Ted Ginn Jr. (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?id=11327&draftyear=2007) or DE Jamaal Anderson (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2007&id=11361). With that in mind, the Vikings would be wise to entertain any trade-down offers that would keep them in the top 20 and give them an extra pick or two later on. If they can't move, the Vikings should take Landry, one of the elite prospects in this year's class.
8. Atlanta (7-9) (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=atl)
(from Houston)
Projected pick: Amobi Okoye (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2007&id=11003), DT, Louisville
Needs: S, DE, OT, DT, RB
The Falcons would love for Landry to fall to them at No. 8, where they now pick following the Schaub trade. They also should strongly consider OT Levi Brown (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2007&id=10547). However, don't be surprised if new head coach Bobby Petrino steers GM Rich McKay in the direction of Okoye, who played for Petrino at Louisville. The 19-year-old has bulked up to 300-plus pounds and recently ran the 40 in the 4.8-second range at an on-campus workout.
9. Miami (6-10) (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=mia)
Projected pick: Levi Brown (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2007&id=10547), OT, Penn State
Needs: OT, QB, DT, S
The Dolphins need help at offensive tackle and Brown is the only upper-echelon prospect at the position after Thomas. Other possibilities include Landry (S), Okoye (DT), Michigan's Hall (CB) and Alan Branch (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2007&id=11371) (NT).
10. Houston (6-10) (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=hou)
(from Atlanta)
Projected pick: Leon Hall (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?id=10731), CB, Michigan
Needs: CB, WR, OLB, S, DT
The Texans are no longer handcuffed by their need to find David Carr's replacement at quarterback. However, they still need to find playmakers at wide receiver, in the secondary and along the defensive line. Hall is the best value in this scenario and would be a significant upgrade at cornerback opposite Dunta Robinson.
11. San Francisco (7-9) (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=sfo)
Projected pick: +Alan Branch (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?id=11371&draftyear=2007), DT, Michigan
Needs: WR, OLB, DT/DE, S, OT, RB, ILB, C
Branch's stock is dropping due to concerns regarding his work ethic and conditioning. However, it will be awfully tough for the Niners to pass on a 323-pounder with his type of mobility.
12. Buffalo (7-9) (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=buf)
Projected pick: Patrick Willis (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2007&id=11281), ILB, Mississippi
Needs: RB, CB, ILB, DT, TE
Willis has the workout numbers to match his production as a three-year starter in the SEC. The Bills could reach for RB Marshawn Lynch (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2007&id=11409) here but they'd be wise to go with Willis instead, and then draft a running back such as Ohio State's Antonio Pittman (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2007&id=11410) in Round 2.
~The Answer