[CBFF] ESPNi - Scouts Inc Mock Draft

[Phil DeNomme]

I would love to get Bowe

-----Original Message-----
From: cbff-bounces at chicagobearsfanforum.com
[mailto:cbff-bounces at chicagobearsfanforum.com] On Behalf Of Jerry Madsen
Sent: Tuesday, April 10, 2007 7:11 AM
To: CBFF
Subject: [CBFF] ESPNi - Scouts Inc Mock Draft

Updated: March 27, 2007
OT Thomas moves up to No. 2
Insider
McShay
By Todd McShay
Scouts Inc.


With the Falcons and Texans swapping first-round picks as a result of
the trade that sent QB Matt Schaub to Houston, it's time to update my
mock draft.

+ -- Underclassman

1. Oakland Raiders (2-14)

Projected pick: +JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU
Needs: QB, OT, WR, DT, G
Georgia Tech WR Calvin Johnson 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)

Projected pick: Joe Thomas, 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, 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, S LaRon Landry and CB Leon
Hall. 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)

Projected pick: Brady Quinn, 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), 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)

Projected pick: +Calvin Johnson, 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)

Projected pick: +Adrian Peterson, 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). Value should always win out.

6. Washington (5-11)

Projected pick: Gaines Adams, 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)

Projected pick: +LaRon Landry, 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. or DE Jamaal Anderson. 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)

(from Houston)
Projected pick: Amobi Okoye, 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. 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)

Projected pick: Levi Brown, 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 (NT).

10. Houston (6-10)

(from Atlanta)
Projected pick: Leon Hall, 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)

Projected pick: +Alan Branch, 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)

Projected pick: Patrick Willis, 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 here
but they'd be wise to go with Willis instead, and then draft a running
back such as Ohio State's Antonio Pittman in Round 2.

13. St. Louis (8-8)

Projected pick: +Jamaal Anderson, DE, Arkansas
Needs: DT, DE, C, LB, CB, RB
The Rams will focus on defense early in the draft. With Okoye and
Branch off the board, there isn't an ideal fit at defensive tackle.
Taking Anderson would make a great deal of sense, as he has the size
and agility to emerge as an impact full-time starter in the future. As
a rookie, Anderson could rotate with newly acquired James Hall at the
end spot opposite Leonard Little.

14. Carolina (8-8)

Projected pick: Paul Posluszny, LB, Penn State
Needs: S, ILB, TE, OT, DE
Posluszny has experience playing inside and outside linebacker, which
makes him a good fit for a Panthers defense that needs depth and
future starters at both spots. Posluszny's stock is back on the rise
after his outstanding showing at Penn State's recent pro day.

15. Pittsburgh (8-8)

Projected pick: +Jarvis Moss, DE/OLB, Florida
Needs: OLB, CB, RB, DE, C
Moss is a bit raw but a great athlete. Moss is fluid enough to fit as
a 3-4 outside linebacker and his frame is big enough to add bulk for
when the Steelers eventually move to a 4-3 defensive scheme under new
head coach Mike Tomlin.

16. Green Bay (8-8)

Projected pick: +Marshawn Lynch, RB, Cal
Needs: RB, WR, TE, S, DT, OLB, CB, G
The Packers are in desperate need of offensive playmakers. QB Brett
Favre could help maximize Lynch's explosiveness and versatility if
they're working in the same backfield in 2007.

17. Jacksonville (8-8)

Projected pick: Adam Carriker, DE, Nebraska
Needs: S, DE, QB, WR, DT
The Jaguars could use this pick on a better pure pass-rusher or on a
safety like Nelson, but Carriker is the better value in this scenario.
At 296 pounds, Carriker has the size, strength, quickness and
technique to develop into a quality every-down starter at the next
level.

18. Cincinnati (8-8)

Projected pick: +Lawrence Timmons, OLB, Florida State
Needs: CB, DT, OLB, DE, TE
Timmons didn't help his draft stock at the combine, where he was 2
inches shorter and two-tenths of a second slower in the 40 than
expected. Still, Timmons is an outstanding athlete who flashed
playmaking ability in his one season as a full-time starter at FSU. He
also doesn't have any character issues, which is critical for the
Bengals.

19. Tennessee (8-8)

Projected pick: +Ted Ginn Jr., WR, Ohio State
Needs: WR, DT, RB, CB, DE, G
The Titans would be elated if Ginn Jr. slipped to them at No. 19. Ginn
Jr. has the speed to stretch the field vertically for QB Vince Young,
who needs more weapons to work with on the perimeter. The Titans would
benefit from Ginn Jr.'s world-class speed in the return game, as well.

20. N.Y. Giants (8-8)

Projected pick: Aaron Ross, CB/RS, Texas
Needs: OLB, CB, OT, WR, DT
Outside linebacker is a bigger need, but the Giants would be reaching
a bit with Posluszny and Timmons off the board. The smart play would
be to draft a top cornerback like Ross here, and then target a
linebacker such as Oklahoma's Rufus Alexander later on Day 1.

21. Denver (9-7)

Projected pick: Anthony Spencer, DE, Purdue
Needs: DE, WR, S, DT, OT, CB
If the Broncos aren't able to trade up for one of the elite defensive
ends, wide receivers or offensive tackles in this year's class, I
think the wise move is to trade out of this pick. Spencer is a good
player and proved he could disrupt as a senior (26.5 tackles for
loss). However, the Broncos could trade back in the first round and
still get Spencer -- or a player of his quality such as OT Joe Staley
or WR Robert Meachem. Then they could use all the additional Day 1
picks to get in position for quality players such as DE Charles
Johnson, WR Steve Smith, S Brandon Meriweather and OT Tony Ugoh.

22. Dallas (9-7)

Projected pick: +Darrelle Revis, CB, Pittsburgh
Needs: OT, CB, WR, DE, C
Instead of reaching for OT Staley here, the Cowboys could get a much
better value at cornerback or wide receiver. Revis' outstanding
workout at Pitt's recent pro day solidified his spot in Round 1.

23. Kansas City (9-7)

Projected pick: +Dwayne Jarrett, WR, USC
Needs: WR, OT, DT, CB, DE
Jarrett's draft stock could significantly fluctuate depending on his
speed at USC's pro day later this month. As it stands right now,
Jarrett is one of the top four receivers in this class and he's enough
of a playmaker to warrant the Chiefs' consideration at pick No. 23. If
Kansas City doesn't go with a wide receiver, it could find a similar
value at cornerback or it could reach a bit for OT Staley or DT Justin
Harrell.

24. New England (12-4) (from Seattle)

Projected pick: +Jon Beason, LB, Miami
Needs: ILB, S, CB, OLB, RB, OT
Beason hasn't had a great postseason since tweaking his knee at the
combine. Still, he's an underrated talent with the size, speed and
instincts that the Patriots will be looking for in Tedy Bruschi's
eventual replacement.

25. N.Y. Jets (10-6)

Projected pick: +Greg Olsen, TE, Miami
Needs: CB, TE, ROT, NT, OLB
Instead of using this pick on more pressing positions of need, the
Jets could snatch the only elite talent in this year's weak crop of
tight ends. Olsen would be a valuable weapon for Chad Pennington now
and Kellen Clemens in the future.

26. Philadelphia (10-6)

Projected pick: Michael Griffin, S, Texas
Needs: ILB, S, CB, DE, RB, WR, QB
The Eagles have a more pressing need at inside linebacker but there's
simply not a player of value available here. Griffin brings experience
and versatility to the table after notching 250 tackles during his
last two seasons at Texas.

27. New Orleans (10-6)

Projected pick: +Chris Houston, CB, Arkansas
Needs: CB, LB, DT, DE, TE, WR, G, QB
The Saints desperately need a youth influx at cornerback. Houston
needs to become more aggressive in run support and his technique needs
some polishing. However, he has the speed, agility and strength to
hold up on an island versus some top NFL receivers.

28. New England (12-4)

Projected pick: Reggie Nelson, S, Florida
Griffin would be a better fit if he falls because he's more versatile
than Nelson. Eric Weddle would also be a consideration, but I think
Weddle's value is in the second- to third-round range. Nelson has very
good range and playmaking potential as a center fielder-type free
safety. Also remember that head coach Bill Belichick loves players
from Florida because he has tremendous respect for coach Urban Meyer.

29. Baltimore (13-3)

Projected pick: Joe Staley, OT, Central Michigan
Needs: CB, OLB, OT, ILB, FB
The Ravens will look to target the best available player at
cornerback, linebacker and offensive tackle. In this scenario, Staley
is the pick. He's a fringe first-round talent with excellent feet and
the frame to get bigger/stronger. With Jonathan Ogden threatening to
retire, Staley immediately becomes the future at left tackle for the
Ravens.

30. San Diego (14-2)

Projected pick: +Robert Meachem, WR, Tennessee
Needs: S, WR, ILB, NT, CB
The Chargers would be thrilled if the speedy Meachem fell to them at
No. 30 overall. If Meachem is off the board, LSU's Dwayne Bowe would
be another strong possibility. The team also could take the best
available safety or linebacker.

31. Chicago (13-3)

Projected pick: Dwayne Bowe, WR, LSU
Needs: DT, OLB, RB, TE, OT, G, S, WR
The Bears have several other positions of need they could use this
pick to address, including defensive tackle and outside linebacker.
However, they also have the luxury of capitalizing on a player who
drops to them late in the first round. In this scenario, Bowe would be
a steal. His stock has dropped a bit due to below-average 40 times run
during the postseason. However, Bowe is a big, strong and athletic
receiver who could emerge as a very good starter in the NFL.

32. Indianapolis (12-4)

Projected pick: Justin Harrell, DT, Tennessee
Needs: OLB, DT, G, CB, RB
The Colts' biggest need is at outside linebacker after losing
unrestricted free agent Cato June (Buccaneers). Beason is a
possibility if he's available. Otherwise, the Colts would go with the
better value here in Harrell and then address OLB later in the first
day. Harrell is the type of quick and aggressive interior player who
the Colts look for to fit their scheme.

Scouts Inc. watches games, breaks down film and studies football from
all angles for ESPN Insider.

-- 
http://bloggeddrain.typepad.com/thedrain

_______________________________________________
Check out the CBFF Blog:
blog.chicagobearsfanforum.com
CBFF Homepage:
www.chicagobearsfanforum.com