Ickybaluky
04-26-2007, 03:24 PM
Nawrocki, of Pro Football Weekly, had the most accurate first-round mock draft last year (Most picks correct/slotted correct overall). He is probably the best connected NFL correspondent at PFW.
Here are his comments (http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/NFLDraft/Draft+Extras/2007/wwhi042607.htm) on pre-draft trade rumors:
If JaMarcus Russell is drafted first, two quarterbacks are expected to be drafted in the top five and the player that stands to slip out is Joe Thomas, which could create additional trade opportunities for the Redskins at No. 6. They remain very interested in moving down in the draft.
If Calvin Johnson is drafted first — and sources say the decision to take Russell has not been agreed upon by those that matter and that Johnson is gaining momentum — Russell would likely be the only quarterback drafted in the top five and, the way we hear it, Brady Quinn could slide similar to the way Matt Leinart did a year ago.
Following is a breakdown of trade interest and dynamics that could affect the first round:
The Raiders recognize that Calvin Johnson has the most value in the draft and are dangling the option of picking him because they know he gives them the most opportunity to trade down. However, if Randy Moss cannot be dealt prior to Draft Day, it will be difficult to carry two of the league’s highest paid receivers on the roster, especially when one is a malcontent who could negatively influence the other.
The Lions are desperately seeking to move down and are hoping that Calvin Johnson will slip to No. 2 so that they have more interest in their pick when they are on the clock. Even if Johnson is available, they are struggling to drum up enough interest to move the pick and are preparing to have to stand pat and make a call.
Cleveland, Tampa Bay, Arizona, Washington and Minnesota remain very open to trading down, especially if their desired targets do not fall to them.
The Falcons and Redskins have very similar needs on the defensive line and secondary and have discussed swapping picks.
It is growing more unlikely that Miami will trade up, with Dolphins’ brass becoming more confident that a good player will fall into their laps.
The Texans remain very open to trading.
San Francisco, with eight picks in the first four rounds, remains a strong candidate to move up if good players begin sliding.
Buffalo, Carolina, Pittsburgh and Green Bay are exploring options to move down, with the Bills and Packers considering options to bring in an established veteran runner to fill pressing backfield needs.
Prime suitors to move up from the back half of the first round are the Broncos, the Patriots, the Eagles and the Chargers, who have all discussed the possibilities.
Here are his comments (http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/NFLDraft/Draft+Extras/2007/wwhi042607.htm) on pre-draft trade rumors:
If JaMarcus Russell is drafted first, two quarterbacks are expected to be drafted in the top five and the player that stands to slip out is Joe Thomas, which could create additional trade opportunities for the Redskins at No. 6. They remain very interested in moving down in the draft.
If Calvin Johnson is drafted first — and sources say the decision to take Russell has not been agreed upon by those that matter and that Johnson is gaining momentum — Russell would likely be the only quarterback drafted in the top five and, the way we hear it, Brady Quinn could slide similar to the way Matt Leinart did a year ago.
Following is a breakdown of trade interest and dynamics that could affect the first round:
The Raiders recognize that Calvin Johnson has the most value in the draft and are dangling the option of picking him because they know he gives them the most opportunity to trade down. However, if Randy Moss cannot be dealt prior to Draft Day, it will be difficult to carry two of the league’s highest paid receivers on the roster, especially when one is a malcontent who could negatively influence the other.
The Lions are desperately seeking to move down and are hoping that Calvin Johnson will slip to No. 2 so that they have more interest in their pick when they are on the clock. Even if Johnson is available, they are struggling to drum up enough interest to move the pick and are preparing to have to stand pat and make a call.
Cleveland, Tampa Bay, Arizona, Washington and Minnesota remain very open to trading down, especially if their desired targets do not fall to them.
The Falcons and Redskins have very similar needs on the defensive line and secondary and have discussed swapping picks.
It is growing more unlikely that Miami will trade up, with Dolphins’ brass becoming more confident that a good player will fall into their laps.
The Texans remain very open to trading.
San Francisco, with eight picks in the first four rounds, remains a strong candidate to move up if good players begin sliding.
Buffalo, Carolina, Pittsburgh and Green Bay are exploring options to move down, with the Bills and Packers considering options to bring in an established veteran runner to fill pressing backfield needs.
Prime suitors to move up from the back half of the first round are the Broncos, the Patriots, the Eagles and the Chargers, who have all discussed the possibilities.