Tough calls up top
Raiders, Lions face difficult decisions at top of draft
Posted: Tuesday April 10, 2007 11:34AM; Updated: Tuesday April 10, 2007 11:34AM
In our fifth attempt at mocking out the 2007 NFL Draft, we hold these truths to be self-evident (for now):
• The Raiders are in love with the idea of drafting Georgia Tech receiver Calvin Johnson, but they haven't solved the dilemma of how he would throw himself the ball.
• Burned too often in the recent past, the Lions seem determined to stay away from the game's skill positions. Either they stick at No. 2 and take an offensive tackle, or trade down a few notches for a defensive end.
• Cleveland and Brady Quinn are a match that was meant to be.
• Amobi Okoye won't come even halfway close to lasting until the draft slot that corresponds with his age (19).
• All the veteran running back re-locations this offseason might cost Adrian Peterson a home in the draft's top 10.
In another 18 days we'll know for sure.
|
Pick | Team | Pos. | Player | College | Class | Ht. | Wt. |
11 | DE | Adam Carriker | Nebraska | Sr. | 6-6 | 295 | |
The 49ers are looking for talent to help them fully transition to the 3-4 defense that Mike Nolan wanted to install -- but couldn't -- upon arriving in 2005. Carriker is versatile along the defensive line, so whether it's the 4-3 or the 3-4 formation that San Francisco has on the field, he'll fit in regardless. | |||||||
12 | CB | Patrick Willis | Mississippi | Sr. | 6-2 | 240 | |
The Bills can't acquire their much needed starting running back in the first round unless they consider a trade up to Houston's No. 10 slot for Peterson. But they'll still have their choice between taking the highly regarded Willis as a replacement for London Fletcher, or Michigan cornerback Leon Hall as the successor to Nate Clements. |
~The Answer
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