The Answer
04-17-2007, 12:01 PM
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Despite growing speculation that Georgia Tech WR Calvin Johnson has moved to the top of the Raiders' draft board, JaMarcus Russell remains the No. 1 pick on my mock draft. The only change in the first round involves a pair of wide receivers. USC's Dwayne Jarrett falls from No. 23 to No. 30, trading places with Tennessee's Robert Meachem.
Here is my complete seven-round mock draft.
+ -- Underclassman
1. Oakland Raiders (2-14)
Projected pick: +JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU
Needs: QB, DT, OT/G, TE, WR, LB, CB, RB
It seems owner Al Davis' captivation with WR Calvin Johnson grows with each passing day. If the Raiders can talk the Lions into a deal for veteran QB Josh McCown, it will free Davis to pull the trigger on Johnson with the No. 1 overall pick. Until then, Russell makes the most sense for a team loaded with talented wide receivers (Randy Moss, Jerry Porter and Ronald Curry) but nobody to get them the ball.
2. Detroit (3-13)
Projected pick: Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson
Needs: QB, ILB, CB, TE, S, WR, C, DT, DE
The Lions hold the keys to the entire top of the draft. The aforementioned McCown trade could throw the entire top of the board into flux. Ironically, such a trade could rob the Lions of their trade value at No. 2. The Buccaneers are rumored to be interested, but only if Johnson is still on the board. Assuming, for these purposes, Russell goes No. 1 to the Raiders, the Lions should strike a deal to move down at least two spots and get a better value for Adams, who is the top pass-rushing talent in the 2007 class.
3. Cleveland (4-12)
Projected pick: +Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma
Needs: CB, QB, RB, LOT, DL, S, OLB, WR
The Browns would love to land Russell with this pick. If he's gone, GM Phil Savage will have a tough decision between Peterson and QB Brady Quinn. Although Savage and his staff are still debating the subject, there are rumblings that they are leaning toward Peterson. Recently signed free-agent RB Jamal Lewis has loads of mileage on his legs and the team signed him only to a one-year deal. The veteran back could split carries with Peterson, which would give the rookie a year to get acclimated before turning him loose as the full-time starter in 2008.
4. Tampa Bay (4-12)
Projected pick: +Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech
Needs: WR, DT, S, DE, CB, OT, RB, TE
The Bucs are reportedly already in discussions with the Lions to trade up if Johnson is on the board at No. 2 overall. Coach Jon Gruden must be salivating at the possibility of working with a dynamic playmaker like Johnson. As a side note; if the Buccaneers can't land Johnson they'll look to bail out of this pick.
5. Arizona (5-11)
Projected pick: Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin
Needs: OT, WLB, CB, DT, DE, TE, S, P
This is best-case scenario for a Cardinals team in desperate need of an upgrade at offensive tackle. Thomas is the premier offensive line talent in the 2007 class and he's ready to start immediately.
6. Washington (5-11)
Projected pick: Amobi Okoye, DT, Louisville
Needs: DT, DE, G, S, CB, WR, OLB, QB, TE
After setting a franchise record with only 19 sacks in 2006, the Redskins must upgrade their pass rush. Because Adams is no longer on the board, Okoye becomes the next-best option. 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.
7. Minnesota (6-10)
Projected pick: Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame
Needs: WR, DE, CB, TE, C/G, QB, DT, RB
There are conflicting reports coming out of Minnesota regarding the Vikings' interest in Quinn. Although they still like the potential of QB Tarvaris Jackson (last year's second-round pick), it would be awfully difficult to pass on Quinn if he slips to No. 7. Also, don't be surprised if the Vikings use Quinn as bait to trade out of this pick, especially with the Dolphins sitting just a couple spots below them.
8. Atlanta (7-9)
(from Houston)
Projected pick: LaRon Landry, S, LSU
Needs: S, DE, OT, CB, G, DT, RB, PK, MLB, QB
OT Levi Brown is a possibility, especially with new head coach Bobby Petrino looking to get bigger and more physical along the offensive line. However, Landry is the more highly rated prospect at a position of equal need. A four-year starter in the SEC, Landry should be ready to start immediately in the NFL.
9. Miami (6-10)
Projected pick: Levi Brown, OT, Penn State
Needs: OT/G, QB, DL, CB, TE, WR, S, RB, LB, C
The Dolphins may consider moving up if Quinn begins to fall. Otherwise, expect them to take the best available offensive or defensive lineman at No. 9. Brown, who is this draft's second-rated offensive tackle behind Thomas, has the size and mobility to solidify the Dolphins' left tackle position for years to come.
10. Houston (6-10)
(from Atlanta)
Projected pick: Leon Hall, CB, Michigan
Needs: CB, WR, S, DT, OLB, DE, OT, RB
The Texans need to find a quality starter opposite Dunta Robinson and Hall is the top-rated cornerback in this year's class. Also to consider; if the Browns don't take Peterson at No. 3 overall, he could slip to the Texans at No. 10. Houston has more pressing needs after signing veteran RB Ahman Green, but it would be awfully tough to pass on Peterson -- one year after passing on Reggie Bush (Saints).
11. San Francisco (7-9)
Projected pick: +Alan Branch, DT, Michigan
Needs: DT/DE, OLB, S, OT, WR, RB, ILB, TE, FB, C/G
Instead of reaching for WR Ted Ginn Jr., the 49ers should use this pick to bolster their defensive front. Branch is slipping on many teams' boards due to fear regarding his inconsistent motor and potential for weight issues. But if the 323-pounder is still on the board at No. 11, it could prove to be a worthwhile risk for the ascending 49ers.
12. Buffalo (7-9)
Projected pick: Patrick Willis, ILB, Mississippi
Needs: RB, CB, OLB, TE, DT, FB, WR, ILB, FS
It's too high to take a chance on RB Marshawn Lynch and Hall is already off the board. That's why, in this scenario, the Bills should address a lesser need by taking Willis, who ranks as the premier linebacker prospect in the 2007 class. Willis has the workout numbers to match his production as a three-year starter in the SEC.
Round 2
43. Buffalo -- +Antonio Pittman, RB, Ohio State
Round 3
74. Buffalo -- Tim Shaw, LB, Penn State
92. Buffalo (from Baltimore) --Tarell Brown, CB, Texas
Round 4
111. Buffalo -- Kareem Brown, DE, Miami
Round 5
NO PICK
Round 6
184. Buffalo -- Le'Ron McClain, FB, Alabama
Round 7
222. Buffalo -- David Ball, WR, New Hampshire
239. Buffalo (from Baltimore) -- Anthony Pudewell, TE, Nevada
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Despite growing speculation that Georgia Tech WR Calvin Johnson has moved to the top of the Raiders' draft board, JaMarcus Russell remains the No. 1 pick on my mock draft. The only change in the first round involves a pair of wide receivers. USC's Dwayne Jarrett falls from No. 23 to No. 30, trading places with Tennessee's Robert Meachem.
Here is my complete seven-round mock draft.
+ -- Underclassman
1. Oakland Raiders (2-14)
Projected pick: +JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU
Needs: QB, DT, OT/G, TE, WR, LB, CB, RB
It seems owner Al Davis' captivation with WR Calvin Johnson grows with each passing day. If the Raiders can talk the Lions into a deal for veteran QB Josh McCown, it will free Davis to pull the trigger on Johnson with the No. 1 overall pick. Until then, Russell makes the most sense for a team loaded with talented wide receivers (Randy Moss, Jerry Porter and Ronald Curry) but nobody to get them the ball.
2. Detroit (3-13)
Projected pick: Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson
Needs: QB, ILB, CB, TE, S, WR, C, DT, DE
The Lions hold the keys to the entire top of the draft. The aforementioned McCown trade could throw the entire top of the board into flux. Ironically, such a trade could rob the Lions of their trade value at No. 2. The Buccaneers are rumored to be interested, but only if Johnson is still on the board. Assuming, for these purposes, Russell goes No. 1 to the Raiders, the Lions should strike a deal to move down at least two spots and get a better value for Adams, who is the top pass-rushing talent in the 2007 class.
3. Cleveland (4-12)
Projected pick: +Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma
Needs: CB, QB, RB, LOT, DL, S, OLB, WR
The Browns would love to land Russell with this pick. If he's gone, GM Phil Savage will have a tough decision between Peterson and QB Brady Quinn. Although Savage and his staff are still debating the subject, there are rumblings that they are leaning toward Peterson. Recently signed free-agent RB Jamal Lewis has loads of mileage on his legs and the team signed him only to a one-year deal. The veteran back could split carries with Peterson, which would give the rookie a year to get acclimated before turning him loose as the full-time starter in 2008.
4. Tampa Bay (4-12)
Projected pick: +Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech
Needs: WR, DT, S, DE, CB, OT, RB, TE
The Bucs are reportedly already in discussions with the Lions to trade up if Johnson is on the board at No. 2 overall. Coach Jon Gruden must be salivating at the possibility of working with a dynamic playmaker like Johnson. As a side note; if the Buccaneers can't land Johnson they'll look to bail out of this pick.
5. Arizona (5-11)
Projected pick: Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin
Needs: OT, WLB, CB, DT, DE, TE, S, P
This is best-case scenario for a Cardinals team in desperate need of an upgrade at offensive tackle. Thomas is the premier offensive line talent in the 2007 class and he's ready to start immediately.
6. Washington (5-11)
Projected pick: Amobi Okoye, DT, Louisville
Needs: DT, DE, G, S, CB, WR, OLB, QB, TE
After setting a franchise record with only 19 sacks in 2006, the Redskins must upgrade their pass rush. Because Adams is no longer on the board, Okoye becomes the next-best option. 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.
7. Minnesota (6-10)
Projected pick: Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame
Needs: WR, DE, CB, TE, C/G, QB, DT, RB
There are conflicting reports coming out of Minnesota regarding the Vikings' interest in Quinn. Although they still like the potential of QB Tarvaris Jackson (last year's second-round pick), it would be awfully difficult to pass on Quinn if he slips to No. 7. Also, don't be surprised if the Vikings use Quinn as bait to trade out of this pick, especially with the Dolphins sitting just a couple spots below them.
8. Atlanta (7-9)
(from Houston)
Projected pick: LaRon Landry, S, LSU
Needs: S, DE, OT, CB, G, DT, RB, PK, MLB, QB
OT Levi Brown is a possibility, especially with new head coach Bobby Petrino looking to get bigger and more physical along the offensive line. However, Landry is the more highly rated prospect at a position of equal need. A four-year starter in the SEC, Landry should be ready to start immediately in the NFL.
9. Miami (6-10)
Projected pick: Levi Brown, OT, Penn State
Needs: OT/G, QB, DL, CB, TE, WR, S, RB, LB, C
The Dolphins may consider moving up if Quinn begins to fall. Otherwise, expect them to take the best available offensive or defensive lineman at No. 9. Brown, who is this draft's second-rated offensive tackle behind Thomas, has the size and mobility to solidify the Dolphins' left tackle position for years to come.
10. Houston (6-10)
(from Atlanta)
Projected pick: Leon Hall, CB, Michigan
Needs: CB, WR, S, DT, OLB, DE, OT, RB
The Texans need to find a quality starter opposite Dunta Robinson and Hall is the top-rated cornerback in this year's class. Also to consider; if the Browns don't take Peterson at No. 3 overall, he could slip to the Texans at No. 10. Houston has more pressing needs after signing veteran RB Ahman Green, but it would be awfully tough to pass on Peterson -- one year after passing on Reggie Bush (Saints).
11. San Francisco (7-9)
Projected pick: +Alan Branch, DT, Michigan
Needs: DT/DE, OLB, S, OT, WR, RB, ILB, TE, FB, C/G
Instead of reaching for WR Ted Ginn Jr., the 49ers should use this pick to bolster their defensive front. Branch is slipping on many teams' boards due to fear regarding his inconsistent motor and potential for weight issues. But if the 323-pounder is still on the board at No. 11, it could prove to be a worthwhile risk for the ascending 49ers.
12. Buffalo (7-9)
Projected pick: Patrick Willis, ILB, Mississippi
Needs: RB, CB, OLB, TE, DT, FB, WR, ILB, FS
It's too high to take a chance on RB Marshawn Lynch and Hall is already off the board. That's why, in this scenario, the Bills should address a lesser need by taking Willis, who ranks as the premier linebacker prospect in the 2007 class. Willis has the workout numbers to match his production as a three-year starter in the SEC.
Round 2
43. Buffalo -- +Antonio Pittman, RB, Ohio State
Round 3
74. Buffalo -- Tim Shaw, LB, Penn State
92. Buffalo (from Baltimore) --Tarell Brown, CB, Texas
Round 4
111. Buffalo -- Kareem Brown, DE, Miami
Round 5
NO PICK
Round 6
184. Buffalo -- Le'Ron McClain, FB, Alabama
Round 7
222. Buffalo -- David Ball, WR, New Hampshire
239. Buffalo (from Baltimore) -- Anthony Pudewell, TE, Nevada