[CBFF] Mock Draft: The Sports Xchange

[Steve Behrens]

Mud and grime of Soldier Field??

Grime?

-Behr


On 4/10/07, Jerry Madsen <jerrywm at gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Mock Draft: The Sports Xchange
>
>
> By Rob Rang
> Special to CBS SportsLine.com
>
>
> Rob Rang from The Sports Xchange, provides his first round picks for
> the 2007 NFL Draft.
>
> (Updated on April 9, 2007)
>
> Draft for need or take the best available player? That classic debate
> will play a significant role in shaping the top 10 come April 28.
>
> Though Calvin Johnson is nearly universally considered the top
> prospect in the draft, the Raiders are expected to instead fill their
> greater need with quarterback JaMarcus Russell.
>
> Detroit's options cover an even wider spectrum. Theoretically, adding
> the top-ranked prospect with the second pick is an attractive option,
> though most expect GM Matt Millen to avoid spending another top 10
> pick on a receiver -- even one as good as Johnson. Left tackle Joe
> Thomas, considered by some to be the safest pick of the draft, is also
> enticing, but the Lions have a lot of money tied up in solid Jeff
> Backus. With Jon Kitna turning 35 next year, the Lions could instead
> nab Brady Quinn.
>
> In reality, need tends to overcome talent on draft day for most teams.
> Like the Raiders addressing their deficiency at quarterback with the
> top pick, expect the Lions to ultimately take the player who best
> fills their needs -- defensive end Gaines Adams.
>
> Whichever direction the Lions go, their decision will start a domino
> effect. With Adams off the board, teams such as Arizona, Washington
> and Minnesota, each hoping the talented pass rusher might drop to
> them, now have to look elsewhere. The end result could be an early run
> on defensive linemen, with three going in the top 10.
>
> 2007 NFL Mock Draft
> 1. Oakland Raiders
> NFL TEAM HELMETS
>        JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU -- Despite reports to the contrary,
> Oakland
> would not have to trade Randy Moss in order to consider Georgia Tech
> WR Calvin Johnson here. As it stands now, however, quarterback remains
> the Raiders' greatest weakness and Russell is simply too rare of a
> talent to pass up.
> 2. Detroit Lions
> NFL TEAM HELMETS
>        Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson -- Brady Quinn, Calvin Johnson and Joe
> Thomas all deserve consideration, but the Lions would prefer a
> defensive standout. The team will look to trade down from this spot,
> with its target likely being Adams. If they are unable to find a deal
> to their liking, GM Matt Millen will once again throw caution to the
> wind to take the player he wants, regardless of conventional thinking.
> 3. Cleveland Browns
> NFL TEAM HELMETS
>        Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame -- GGM Phil Savage and coach Romeo
> Crennel are thought to favor a more immediate impact player such as
> offensive tackle Joe Thomas or running back Adrian Peterson. Owner
> Randy Lerner has made it clear that quarterback is an area of need.
> When you pay the bills, you ultimately make the decisions.
> 4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
> NFL TEAM HELMETS
>        Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech -- This is the Bucs' dream
> scenario.
> Both Johnson and Joe Thomas would fill clear needs and deserve to have
> been selected already. A potential Pro Bowl left tackle would help the
> Bucs, but Johnson is viewed by some as a once-in-a-generation talent.
> 5. Arizona Cardinals
> NFL TEAM HELMETS
>        Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin -- New coach Ken Whisenhunt will bring
> more
> of a smash mouth philosophy to the desert. The Cardinals elected to
> let starting left tackle Leonard Davis leave as a free agent and
> haven't addressed the position since. The Cardinals would be
> incredibly fortunate to have Thomas fall into their lap.
> 6. Washington Redskins
> NFL TEAM HELMETS
>        Amobi Okoye, DT, Louisville -- With this being the Redskins' only
> pick until the fifth round, they must address their weak defensive
> line. The club would prefer Adams, but may have to choose between DTs
> Okoye and Alan Branch. In reality, the Redskins are already preparing
> to trade this pick. They've set up private workouts with many of the
> top prospects (including JaMarcus Russell, Brady Quinn, Gaines Adams,
> Adrian Peterson and Ted Ginn, Jr.). Why? Realistically, Washington
> isn't drafting a quarterback, running back or even a receiver with
> this pick. The club is simply hoping to drum up interest from teams
> looking to trade up.
> 7. Minnesota Vikings
> NFL TEAM HELMETS
>        LaRon Landry, FS, LSU -- The free agent signing of veteran Mike
> Doss
> would seem to eliminate any chance that Minnesota would pick Landry
> here. After all, the Vikings now have veterans Doss, Darren Sharper,
> Dwight Smith, Tank Williams and second-year player Greg Blue. However,
> with essentially nothing to show for any of their four first-round
> picks over the past three years (Kenechi Udeze, Troy Williamson,
> Erasmus James, Chad Greenway), the Vikings should forget about
> plugging holes and simply take the best available player, which Landry
> certainly is here. With primary needs at receiver and defensive ends
> and the elite talent gone, the Vikings are shopping this pick.
> 8. Atlanta Falcons
> NFL TEAM HELMETS
>        Alan Branch, DT/NG, Michigan -- Defensive line is already a need
> for
> the Falcons, and it could become even more vital with veteran
> defensive tackle Grady Jackson filing a lawsuit against the team.
> Questions about Branch's conditioning remain a valid concern, but he
> remains the draft's top run-stuffing presence.
> 9. Miami Dolphins
> NFL TEAM HELMETS
>        Levi Brown, OT, Penn State -- Not since the days of Richmond Webb
> have the Dolphins fielded a top-flight left tackle. Brown is not only
> a standout run blocker, he has proven to be among the country's
> steadiest pass blockers over his 44 career starts at the position.
> 10. Houston Texans
> NFL TEAM HELMETS
>        Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma -- Even with the addition of Ahman
> Green, the Texans will have to consider a talent like Peterson should
> he fall into their lap. Houston made the mistake of not supplying
> David Carr with enough weapons to be successful. They won't make the
> same mistake with Matt Schaub.
> 11. San Francisco 49ers
> NFL TEAM HELMETS
>        Adam Carriker, DL, Nebraska -- With all of the 49ers' moves in free
> agency, the lack of prototype personnel along the defensive line has
> to be a concern. Carriker may be a bit of a reach here, but he fills a
> clear position of need.
> 12. Buffalo Bills
> NFL TEAM HELMETS
>        Patrick Willis, ILB, Mississippi -- With the Bills sending London
> Fletcher-Baker and Takeo Spikes away this offseason, the team is in
> desperate need for linebackers. How better to fill the need than with
> the best one in the draft?
> 13. St. Louis Rams
> NFL TEAM HELMETS
>        Leon Hall, CB, Michigan -- The Rams may have found a young star in
> Tye Hill, the first cornerback selected in 2006. If Hall is available
> here, St. Louis might once again be able to pounce on the draft's top
> cornerback. Such a scenario might be too much for the Rams to pass on
> even if the club has more pressing needs to address.
> 14. Carolina Panthers
> NFL TEAM HELMETS
>        Reggie Nelson, S, Florida -- Veteran starter Mike Minter recently
> agreed to take a pay cut to stay with the team, but Carolina's other
> starters last season -- Shaun Williams and Colin Branch -- are free
> agents not expected to return. The Panthers are among several teams in
> the mid teens and early 20s hoping to see the playmaking Nelson on the
> board when they pick.
> 15. Pittsburgh Steelers
> NFL TEAM HELMETS
>        Darrelle Revis, CB, Pittsburgh -- Outside linebacker appears to be
> a
> bigger need for the Steelers, but with the club expected to remain
> with the 3-4 alignment for at least the 2007 season, Pittsburgh can
> stick with its tried and true tradition of finding late-round
> 'tweeners. Local product Revis fills a need for a more dependable
> cornerback and offers great value here.
> 16. Green Bay Packers
> NFL TEAM HELMETS
>        Robert Meachem, WR, Tennessee -- The free agent loss of running
> back
> Ahman Green has led to virtually everyone plugging in California
> running back Marshawn Lynch here. While Lynch would seem to be a good
> fit, GM Ted Thompson won't reach to fill a need. If the ultra-talented
> Meachem were to remain on the board here, the Packers would likely go
> for the player with the higher upside.
> 17. Jacksonville Jaguars
> NFL TEAM HELMETS
>        Jamaal Anderson, DE, Arkansas -- The more teams watch Anderson on
> film, the more they see that many of his sacks were the result of
> stunts called by the aggressive Arkansas coaching staff. Anderson
> remains a top 20 prospect, but isn't the top 10 pick some are
> projecting him as. That said, if playing alongside a tackle tandem
> like John Henderson and Marcus Stroud, he could make an immediate
> impact.
> 18. Cincinnati Bengals
> NFL TEAM HELMETS
>        Jon Beason, OLB, Miami -- The Bengals are looking to add the
> defensive playmakers to match the talent on their offense. Brian
> Simmons was released and David Pollack's future remains in doubt.
> Beason's speed and versatility (started at all three positions) would
> be welcome additions.
> 19. Tennessee Titans
> NFL TEAM HELMETS
>        Marshawn Lynch, RB, California -- The Titans had hoped that LenDale
> White would assume the starting position with Travis Henry and
> potentially Chris Brown moving on. The team is considering trading for
> San Diego backup Michael Turner, but might not have to give up the
> pick if it feels Lynch would be available here.
> 20. New York Giants
> NFL TEAM HELMETS
>        Paul Posluszny, OLB, Penn State -- The aborted trade for Denver's
> Al
> Wilson speaks to the Giants' concern at linebacker. The team would
> have to consider a prospect of Posluszny's ability should he remain on
> the board at this point. The Giants are certainly considering him --
> coach Tom Coughlin scouted Posluszny personally at Penn State's Pro
> Day.
> 21. Denver Broncos
> NFL TEAM HELMETS
>        Joe Staley, OT, Central Michigan -- The Broncos have a tendency to
> fall in love with athletic prospects, and they don't come much more
> athletic than Staley. The former Chippewa has incredible foot work and
> could develop into a true star in Denver's scheme.
> 22. Dallas Cowboys
> NFL TEAM HELMETS
>        Brandon Meriweather, FS, Miami -- The one-year contract signed by
> veteran Ken Hamlin lessens the need for a coverage safety, but doesn't
> eliminate it. Meriweather's significant off-field concerns could knock
> him out of the first round. Athletically speaking, however, he is
> among the most underrated players in the draft -- and let's face it,
> it just isn't the NFL Draft without a little controversy from the
> Cowboys.
> 23. Kansas City Chiefs
> NFL TEAM HELMETS
>        Dwayne Bowe, WR, LSU -- The Chiefs' once-potent offense has
> steadily
> declined in production each of the past two years. The Chiefs could
> look at a variety of prospects here, including help for their aging
> offensive line, but Bowe possesses the size coach Herm Edwards prefers
> at the position. With a strong performance at the Senior Bowl, Bowe is
> considered a surer thing than some of the more hyped junior receivers
> still on the board.
> 24. New England Patriots (from Seattle)
> NFL TEAM HELMETS
>        Aaron Ross, CB, Texas -- By franchising Asante Samuel, the Patriots
> assured themselves that he isn't going anywhere in 2007 unless they
> swing a trade. Depth behind Samuel and Ellis Hobbs remains a concern,
> however. Should the Thorpe Award winning Ross fall here, New England
> would have to consider him.
> 25. N.Y. Jets
> NFL TEAM HELMETS
>        Greg Olsen, TE, Miami (Fla.) -- With two second-round picks, the
> Jets
> can ignore their need at cornerback for now and instead capitalize on
> Olsen falling into their lap. In coach Eric Mangini's years of
> coaching with the Jets and Patriots, his team has never used a
> first-round pick on a cornerback.
> 26. Philadelphia Eagles
> NFL TEAM HELMETS
>        Lawrence Timmons, OLB, Florida State -- The trade for Takeo Spikes
> speaks to how much the Eagles were -- and continue to be -- concerned
> with the decline in play from their entire linebacking corps. The club
> may be targeting another position with this pick, but should a
> versatile talent like Timmons fall into their lap, his athleticism and
> ability as a pass rusher might be too much for the Eagles to let slide
> by.
> 27. New Orleans Saints
> NFL TEAM HELMETS
>        Chris Houston, CB, Arkansas -- The Saints' clear priority this
> off-season is to improve their defensive back seven. Mike McKenzie is
> a solid veteran, but Fred Thomas was consistently beaten down the
> stretch last season. Houston's spectacular showing at the Combine
> likely cemented him in the draft's first round.
> 28. New England Patriots
> NFL TEAM HELMETS
>        Anthony Spencer, DE/OLB, Purdue -- A few weeks ago, I released an
> article stating Spencer would fall out of the first round. Since then,
> I've received steady feedback that there are several teams in the late
> first round who are becoming increasingly fond of Spencer's
> no-nonsense style of play. Considered by some to be versatile enough
> to play defensive end and outside linebacker, Spencer could be a nice
> fit for the Patriots here.
> 29. Baltimore Ravens
> NFL TEAM HELMETS
>        Ben Grubbs, OG, Auburn -- With starters Tony Pashos and Edwin
> Mulitalo moving on and future Hall of Famer Jonathan Ogden
> contemplating retirement, the Ravens will be looking to address the
> offensive line throughout the draft. In a draft lauded for the talent
> and depth throughout the offensive line interior, Grubbs is the year's
> best.
> 30. San Diego Chargers
> NFL TEAM HELMETS
>        Ted Ginn, Jr, WR, Ohio State -- The Chargers aren't as needy at the
> receiver position as some might think, as the team is quietly very
> high on Vincent Jackson's potential to develop into a true No. 1
> receiver. To help him, the Chargers would like to add a true speed
> threat. Ginn isn't the receiver prospect some have made him out to be,
> but his playmaking ability as a deep threat and special teams
> performer could provide the Chargers with the over-the-top performance
> similar to what Devin Hester provided Chicago last year.
> 31. Chicago Bears
> NFL TEAM HELMETS
>        Dwayne Jarrett, WR, USC -- Muhsin Muhammad is on the downside of a
> strong career, and while Bernard Berrian flashed, he also has a
> tendency to disappear. Jarrett has the size, strength and secure hands
> to be a successful possession receiver in the mud and grime of Soldier
> Field.
> 32. Indianapolis Colts
> NFL TEAM HELMETS
>        Justin Harrell, DT, Tennessee -- With Montae Reagor gone to the
> Eagles and Corey Simon's future with the team in doubt, the champs
> will be looking to the draft for reinforcements at defensive tackle.
> Harrell missed most of his senior season with a torn biceps, but is a
> first-round talent.
>
> --
> http://bloggeddrain.typepad.com/thedrain
>
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