YoHoChecko
02-10-2007, 02:24 PM
by
Max Gross
While no future trades were included in this draft, look for possible trades by the Bucs (move back to acquire picks, draft Okoye), the Colts to move back for better DT or LB value and some teams in need of QB to jump up as Quinn and Russell remain available after the top 3 picks are made.
Round 1
1. Raiders - WR Calvin Johnson
Moss is clearly on the way out. Johnson will probably be a bigger impact at the position as a rookie than Moss has been in two years with the team.
2. Lions - OT Joe Thomas
The Lions can't improve until their offensive line improves. Bottom line.
3. Bucs - DE Gaines Adams
Adams can complement Rice for a year until he replaces him.
4. Browns - RB Adrian Peterson
It would be better if Thomas was available, and Branch will be tempting and highly considered, but I think this could be their guy.
5. Cardinals - DT Alan Branch
I think their linebackers are better than they've played. Some help up front from the D line will give them the chance to prove me right.
6. Redskins - DE Jamaal Anderson
The Redskins need help on the D line with the run and the pass rush. Anderson helps with both.
7. Vikings - CB Leon Hall
With Smoot on the way out, they bring in an aggressive, solid-tackling CB with great instincts who should be great in the cover-2
8. Texans - QB JaMarcus Russell
Neither QB can really be considered a can't miss prospect, and none has the immense physical ability to demand being taken right away, thus they fall a bit. With Carr in hot water, Russell becomes too good to pass up.
9. Dolphins - QB Brady Quinn
The Dolphins hope to have finally solved their complicated QB puzzle. The new head coach will have no loyalty to any previously acquired players.
10. Falcons - S Reggie Nelson
Their safeties are bad and/or old. Hall was overrated and needs some deep help. Nelson is a playmaker whose athletic prowess should move him ahead of Landry and into the top ten.
11. 49ers - CB Darrelle Revis
Jarrett becomes very very tempting at this point, but the defensive secondary is actually in worse shape than the passing game, and there's more depth at WR than CB in this draft.
12. Bills - WR Dwayne Jarrett
Jarrett and Lee will serve to create one of the league's best playmaking duos with contrasting, but complementary styles.
13. Rams - DT Amobi Okoye
I wouldn't be surprised if some WRs left in free agency and they considered Ted Ginn here, but as it is, they get some much needed help on the defensive front.
14. Panthers - LB Patrick Willis
Dan Morgan's career is in question, Chris Draft is average. The Panthers need LB help and Willis is the best and most natural one in this draft.
15. Steelers - LB/DE Quentin Moses
Levi Brown is a consideration here, and this pick depends on Tomlin's long-term plans for the defense. But as it stands, Moses can get the Steelers that elite pass rush presence that they've been lacking lately in the 3-4. He can also add bulk and fill a role in the 4-3 if a change is made down the road.
16. Packers - RB Marshawn Lynch
Lynch fits the zone scheme pretty well and the Packers need to upgrade at RB even if free agent Ahman Green sticks around.
17. Jaguars - S LaRon Landry
Another spot where Tedd Ginn is considered, but raw talent at WR isn't their problem, and with an elite prospect like Landry at another high-need position, they choose to pass.
18. Bengals - DE Charles Johnson
High effort, high character pass rushing end could really upgrade the Bengals' front, as the value at DT isn't great here. If Smith sticks around, they may go OLB, but Johnson might be as good of a value as any LB at this spot.
19. Titans - WR Ted Ginn, Jr.
In 2008, Young, Ginn, White could be magic on offense. It's like the X-games version of the Cowboys' triplets from the 90's.
20. Giants - CB Aaron Ross
The makeover in the secondary patched things up about as well as plastic surgery has patched up Joan Rivers.
21. Broncos - DE Adam Carriker
The Broncos' pass rush needs a shot in the arm, and between Carriker and Dumerville, they'll likely have the highest-effort group in the bunch. Fortunately, Carriker has NFL size, too.
22. Cowboys - WR Dwayne Bowe
The value at FS or DT isn't there. They could address the O-line, but they usually don't, so youth to develop behind T.O. and Glenn is the call. If Bowe keeps a clean, positive attitude, but picks up on T.O.'s work habits, he could turn out to be a very similar player.
23. Kansas City - OT Levi Brown
Tough not to address the defense or WR position, but they really struggled at OT last year, and Brown is definitely a first round talent.
24. Patriots - CB Daymeion Hughes
Athletic ballhawk out (Samuel), athletic ballhawk in. Life goes on as usual in New England.
25. Jets - RB Michael Bush
This would depend on a great string of workouts by the newly healed Bush, and may be a bit of a reach, but CB and DT don't have much value here, and Bush is a good complement to Washington and could help bring order to the committee of rushers in Jersey.
26. Eagles - LB Lawrence Timmons
OLB is their biggest need and Timmons seems to be the best. He's got more raw athleticism than Puz, who seems to be losing some momentum despite a solid career.
27. Saints - LB Paul Posluszny
The Saints wanted AJ Hawk last year before Bush showed up. Puz is in the same mold as Hawk, just with a bit more "stiffness" in his movements. His instincts and fire should be able to help him overcome any of those concerns. He seems to always be around the ball.
28. Patriots - LB David Harris
The guy who manned the middle of the nation's toughest collegiate run defense should help toughen up the middle of the Patriots' linebacking corps.
29. Ravens - OG Ben Grubbs
Offensive line is probably the Ravens' greatest need, so they go after a quality guard who might have some ability at OT, too. Blalock and Sears are other options here.
30. Chargers - S Michael Griffin
Meriweather might get some consideration here, as he is very talented and has shown himself to be a leader in many ways, but the character issues will not be tolerated by a GM who has had more than his share of problem children this year and has vowed to clean things up.
31. Bears - WR Robert Meachem
With Muhammed sticking around as the possession receiver and Berrian a perennial deep threat, Meachem has the chance to develop into an all-around WR creating a far more dynamic offense in Chicago
32. Colts - LB Buster Davis
Buster Davis has cried out "Colts" to me throughout most of the season. I'm not comfortable with any other DTs as first rounders, but they might feel differently. In fact, Davis' size might make him available at the end of the second round, if the Colts still had their pick there.
Round 2
33. Raiders - OT Joe Staley
The Raiders won't b able to make much use of Calvin Johnson if the QB doesn't have time to throw the ball.
34. Lions - DE Jarvis Moss
Adding a pass rusher to an underrated defense could improve it greatly. Especially if they lose inside rusher, free agent Cory Redding.
35. Browns - OG/OT Justin Blalock
Like the Raiders, the line has to be fixed to make use of their stud first round pick. Though with few remaining NTs available, they may regret passing on Branch in round one.
36. Bucs - WR Sidney Rice
Gruden won't be able to resist a potential offensive weapon like this, who should be ready to step into a starter's role by the time Joey Galloway calls it quits.
37. Jets - CB Chris Houston
Houston was an underrated prospect throughout the season who is getting noticed lately. He could immediately contend for a starting spot on the Jets.
38. Cardinals - OG/OT Arron Sears
The Cardinals need help along the offensive line, and Sears could be fit into a G or tackle spot, depending on which he performs better at in camp and where the need arises.
39. Texans - OT Tony Ugoh
The trend early in round two seems to be offensive line. Is it any coincidence that all of these teams with bad lines have early picks?
40. Dolphins - OLB Jon Beason
A WR would be ideal, and Gonzales could merit some thought here, but the defense still could be upgraded at the LB positions and that position may have better value at this point.
41. Vikings - TE Zach Miller
Again a WR could be ideal, but all the same, the Vikings at an offensive weapon at a need position. Wiggins is solid, but he's not the athletic TE that thrives in the West Coast Offense. Miller could add a nice dimension to their offense.
42. 49ers - OLB/DE Lamar Woodley
For the third selection in a row, Gonzales merits consideration, and if he were to go, this might be the spot. However, Woodley possesses an athleticism and play-making ability that their defense is currently lacking. Don't forget, Mike Nolan is a defensive coach.
43. Bills - CB Marcus McCauley
Likely to lose Nate Clements, the Bills could be in the market for a CB and McCauley, despite a sub-par senior season, has all the right tools. The Bills will gamble on whether or not he can put them together to become the player they expect him to be.
44. Falcons - DT Tank Tyler
A young, fat, lazy DT to rotate in behind an old, fat, lazy DT (Grady Jackson).
45. Panthers - S Brandon Meriweather
Adding Willis and Meriweather to a defense rich with talent should help return the unit to elite status.
46. Steelers - OG/OT Marshall Yanda
Back to the nitty-gritty, now, where their true need lies, the Steelers add a versatile member to help along the offensive line, coming out of the well-coached Iowa Hawkeyes program.
47. Packers - S Eric Weddle
Last season, the Packers' young safety regressed while their new, veteran safety struggled in communicating the secondary calls. Weddle is just the sort of bright, coachable player they need to keep Collins in the right place and add another play-making element to their secondary.
48. Jaguars - WR Anthony Gonzales
All of the Jaguars' WRs are big, physical players. Since that hasn't worked, they'll get a clutch, fast, but slight WR into the fold. He should finally provide a reliable target for whomeve ends up quarterbacking this team.
49. Bengals - DT Brandon Mebane
The Bengals continue to bolster the defensive line, because everything starts up front when improving a defense.
50. Titans - CB Tanard Jackson
Jackson is a lesser-known prospect who could challenge Reynaldo Hill for the spot opposite Jones, helping solidify a young secondary.
51. Giants - RB Kenny Irons
What better than a slight RB with explosive acceleration to complement Brandon Jacobs? Irons is a great value here and could start eventually, if the Brandon Jacobs experiment doesn't work out.
52. Rams - OLB Rufus Alexander
The Rams add another body to their defensive front seven, here. Let's hope they re-sign Kevin Curtis, for their sake.
53. Cowboys - OG Manuel Ramirez
The Cowboys desperately need help along the offensive line, and starting in the second round is a pretty good way to go about that venture.
54. Chiefs - DT Justin Harrell
Harrell would likely be ranked a bit higher if not for an injury as a senior. The Chiefs need help with their run defense and their front seven overall.
55. Seahawks - DE Victor Abiamiri
Despite having good overall sack numbers, the Seahawks could use a well-built DE to rotate in behind aging Wistrom and Fisher. Abiamiri gives them just that.
56. Broncos - RB Tony Hunt
Hunt helped himself as much as almost anyone during Senior Bowl week, and many feel he is a good fit in the one-cut, upfield running style of the zone blocking scheme.
57. Eagles - FB/RB Brian Leonard
Leonard is versatile, coachable and a perfect fi for the Eagles. He can contribute as a blocker, a power runner complimentary to Westbrook and as a very good receiving threat out of the backfield--one of the more important duties of a west coast offense FB.
58. Saints - CB Josh Wilson
Wilson will be a workout riser as he is likely one of the fastest players in this year's draft. The Saints need youth and depth and speed at CB. Seems like a happy marriage.
59. Jets - TE Greg Olsen
With no big, run stuffing DTs to take Robertson's place as a NT, the Jets look for other ways to improve their team, and a dynamic TE like Olsen makes the best fit, pulling some attention away from the underrated Coles and Cotchery.
60. Patriots - OLB/DE Anthony Spencer
Spencer could go higher than this, but if the Patriots are able to add a young CB, ILB and pass-rushing OLB on draft day, it would have to be viewed as a success. WR and S still loom as needs on the horizon, but revitalizing the defense with youth and talent will go a long way for this team.
61. Ravens - OLB Earl Everett
This is assuming that Adalius Thomas leaves in free agency, creating a void at a starting LB spot. Everett would make a good choice for that role. If Thomas sticks around, look for Troy Smith here.
62. Chargers - ILB Brandon Siler
Again, a free agency assumption, with Donnie Edwards possibly on the way out, but even so, he's aging and the Chargers need youth on the interior of their 3-4 alignment.
63. Bears - LB Stewart Bradley
It's funny how things seem to come in bunches in this draft. Another LB departure in free agency creates another need. Bradley is probably a slight reach, but with few other pressing needs, they fill the void.
64. Bucs - DT Ryan McBean
McBean is an undersized DT that's rising up some draft boards and could fill the 3-technique tackle spot continuing to infuse youth onto the Bucs' defensive line.
Max Gross
While no future trades were included in this draft, look for possible trades by the Bucs (move back to acquire picks, draft Okoye), the Colts to move back for better DT or LB value and some teams in need of QB to jump up as Quinn and Russell remain available after the top 3 picks are made.
Round 1
1. Raiders - WR Calvin Johnson
Moss is clearly on the way out. Johnson will probably be a bigger impact at the position as a rookie than Moss has been in two years with the team.
2. Lions - OT Joe Thomas
The Lions can't improve until their offensive line improves. Bottom line.
3. Bucs - DE Gaines Adams
Adams can complement Rice for a year until he replaces him.
4. Browns - RB Adrian Peterson
It would be better if Thomas was available, and Branch will be tempting and highly considered, but I think this could be their guy.
5. Cardinals - DT Alan Branch
I think their linebackers are better than they've played. Some help up front from the D line will give them the chance to prove me right.
6. Redskins - DE Jamaal Anderson
The Redskins need help on the D line with the run and the pass rush. Anderson helps with both.
7. Vikings - CB Leon Hall
With Smoot on the way out, they bring in an aggressive, solid-tackling CB with great instincts who should be great in the cover-2
8. Texans - QB JaMarcus Russell
Neither QB can really be considered a can't miss prospect, and none has the immense physical ability to demand being taken right away, thus they fall a bit. With Carr in hot water, Russell becomes too good to pass up.
9. Dolphins - QB Brady Quinn
The Dolphins hope to have finally solved their complicated QB puzzle. The new head coach will have no loyalty to any previously acquired players.
10. Falcons - S Reggie Nelson
Their safeties are bad and/or old. Hall was overrated and needs some deep help. Nelson is a playmaker whose athletic prowess should move him ahead of Landry and into the top ten.
11. 49ers - CB Darrelle Revis
Jarrett becomes very very tempting at this point, but the defensive secondary is actually in worse shape than the passing game, and there's more depth at WR than CB in this draft.
12. Bills - WR Dwayne Jarrett
Jarrett and Lee will serve to create one of the league's best playmaking duos with contrasting, but complementary styles.
13. Rams - DT Amobi Okoye
I wouldn't be surprised if some WRs left in free agency and they considered Ted Ginn here, but as it is, they get some much needed help on the defensive front.
14. Panthers - LB Patrick Willis
Dan Morgan's career is in question, Chris Draft is average. The Panthers need LB help and Willis is the best and most natural one in this draft.
15. Steelers - LB/DE Quentin Moses
Levi Brown is a consideration here, and this pick depends on Tomlin's long-term plans for the defense. But as it stands, Moses can get the Steelers that elite pass rush presence that they've been lacking lately in the 3-4. He can also add bulk and fill a role in the 4-3 if a change is made down the road.
16. Packers - RB Marshawn Lynch
Lynch fits the zone scheme pretty well and the Packers need to upgrade at RB even if free agent Ahman Green sticks around.
17. Jaguars - S LaRon Landry
Another spot where Tedd Ginn is considered, but raw talent at WR isn't their problem, and with an elite prospect like Landry at another high-need position, they choose to pass.
18. Bengals - DE Charles Johnson
High effort, high character pass rushing end could really upgrade the Bengals' front, as the value at DT isn't great here. If Smith sticks around, they may go OLB, but Johnson might be as good of a value as any LB at this spot.
19. Titans - WR Ted Ginn, Jr.
In 2008, Young, Ginn, White could be magic on offense. It's like the X-games version of the Cowboys' triplets from the 90's.
20. Giants - CB Aaron Ross
The makeover in the secondary patched things up about as well as plastic surgery has patched up Joan Rivers.
21. Broncos - DE Adam Carriker
The Broncos' pass rush needs a shot in the arm, and between Carriker and Dumerville, they'll likely have the highest-effort group in the bunch. Fortunately, Carriker has NFL size, too.
22. Cowboys - WR Dwayne Bowe
The value at FS or DT isn't there. They could address the O-line, but they usually don't, so youth to develop behind T.O. and Glenn is the call. If Bowe keeps a clean, positive attitude, but picks up on T.O.'s work habits, he could turn out to be a very similar player.
23. Kansas City - OT Levi Brown
Tough not to address the defense or WR position, but they really struggled at OT last year, and Brown is definitely a first round talent.
24. Patriots - CB Daymeion Hughes
Athletic ballhawk out (Samuel), athletic ballhawk in. Life goes on as usual in New England.
25. Jets - RB Michael Bush
This would depend on a great string of workouts by the newly healed Bush, and may be a bit of a reach, but CB and DT don't have much value here, and Bush is a good complement to Washington and could help bring order to the committee of rushers in Jersey.
26. Eagles - LB Lawrence Timmons
OLB is their biggest need and Timmons seems to be the best. He's got more raw athleticism than Puz, who seems to be losing some momentum despite a solid career.
27. Saints - LB Paul Posluszny
The Saints wanted AJ Hawk last year before Bush showed up. Puz is in the same mold as Hawk, just with a bit more "stiffness" in his movements. His instincts and fire should be able to help him overcome any of those concerns. He seems to always be around the ball.
28. Patriots - LB David Harris
The guy who manned the middle of the nation's toughest collegiate run defense should help toughen up the middle of the Patriots' linebacking corps.
29. Ravens - OG Ben Grubbs
Offensive line is probably the Ravens' greatest need, so they go after a quality guard who might have some ability at OT, too. Blalock and Sears are other options here.
30. Chargers - S Michael Griffin
Meriweather might get some consideration here, as he is very talented and has shown himself to be a leader in many ways, but the character issues will not be tolerated by a GM who has had more than his share of problem children this year and has vowed to clean things up.
31. Bears - WR Robert Meachem
With Muhammed sticking around as the possession receiver and Berrian a perennial deep threat, Meachem has the chance to develop into an all-around WR creating a far more dynamic offense in Chicago
32. Colts - LB Buster Davis
Buster Davis has cried out "Colts" to me throughout most of the season. I'm not comfortable with any other DTs as first rounders, but they might feel differently. In fact, Davis' size might make him available at the end of the second round, if the Colts still had their pick there.
Round 2
33. Raiders - OT Joe Staley
The Raiders won't b able to make much use of Calvin Johnson if the QB doesn't have time to throw the ball.
34. Lions - DE Jarvis Moss
Adding a pass rusher to an underrated defense could improve it greatly. Especially if they lose inside rusher, free agent Cory Redding.
35. Browns - OG/OT Justin Blalock
Like the Raiders, the line has to be fixed to make use of their stud first round pick. Though with few remaining NTs available, they may regret passing on Branch in round one.
36. Bucs - WR Sidney Rice
Gruden won't be able to resist a potential offensive weapon like this, who should be ready to step into a starter's role by the time Joey Galloway calls it quits.
37. Jets - CB Chris Houston
Houston was an underrated prospect throughout the season who is getting noticed lately. He could immediately contend for a starting spot on the Jets.
38. Cardinals - OG/OT Arron Sears
The Cardinals need help along the offensive line, and Sears could be fit into a G or tackle spot, depending on which he performs better at in camp and where the need arises.
39. Texans - OT Tony Ugoh
The trend early in round two seems to be offensive line. Is it any coincidence that all of these teams with bad lines have early picks?
40. Dolphins - OLB Jon Beason
A WR would be ideal, and Gonzales could merit some thought here, but the defense still could be upgraded at the LB positions and that position may have better value at this point.
41. Vikings - TE Zach Miller
Again a WR could be ideal, but all the same, the Vikings at an offensive weapon at a need position. Wiggins is solid, but he's not the athletic TE that thrives in the West Coast Offense. Miller could add a nice dimension to their offense.
42. 49ers - OLB/DE Lamar Woodley
For the third selection in a row, Gonzales merits consideration, and if he were to go, this might be the spot. However, Woodley possesses an athleticism and play-making ability that their defense is currently lacking. Don't forget, Mike Nolan is a defensive coach.
43. Bills - CB Marcus McCauley
Likely to lose Nate Clements, the Bills could be in the market for a CB and McCauley, despite a sub-par senior season, has all the right tools. The Bills will gamble on whether or not he can put them together to become the player they expect him to be.
44. Falcons - DT Tank Tyler
A young, fat, lazy DT to rotate in behind an old, fat, lazy DT (Grady Jackson).
45. Panthers - S Brandon Meriweather
Adding Willis and Meriweather to a defense rich with talent should help return the unit to elite status.
46. Steelers - OG/OT Marshall Yanda
Back to the nitty-gritty, now, where their true need lies, the Steelers add a versatile member to help along the offensive line, coming out of the well-coached Iowa Hawkeyes program.
47. Packers - S Eric Weddle
Last season, the Packers' young safety regressed while their new, veteran safety struggled in communicating the secondary calls. Weddle is just the sort of bright, coachable player they need to keep Collins in the right place and add another play-making element to their secondary.
48. Jaguars - WR Anthony Gonzales
All of the Jaguars' WRs are big, physical players. Since that hasn't worked, they'll get a clutch, fast, but slight WR into the fold. He should finally provide a reliable target for whomeve ends up quarterbacking this team.
49. Bengals - DT Brandon Mebane
The Bengals continue to bolster the defensive line, because everything starts up front when improving a defense.
50. Titans - CB Tanard Jackson
Jackson is a lesser-known prospect who could challenge Reynaldo Hill for the spot opposite Jones, helping solidify a young secondary.
51. Giants - RB Kenny Irons
What better than a slight RB with explosive acceleration to complement Brandon Jacobs? Irons is a great value here and could start eventually, if the Brandon Jacobs experiment doesn't work out.
52. Rams - OLB Rufus Alexander
The Rams add another body to their defensive front seven, here. Let's hope they re-sign Kevin Curtis, for their sake.
53. Cowboys - OG Manuel Ramirez
The Cowboys desperately need help along the offensive line, and starting in the second round is a pretty good way to go about that venture.
54. Chiefs - DT Justin Harrell
Harrell would likely be ranked a bit higher if not for an injury as a senior. The Chiefs need help with their run defense and their front seven overall.
55. Seahawks - DE Victor Abiamiri
Despite having good overall sack numbers, the Seahawks could use a well-built DE to rotate in behind aging Wistrom and Fisher. Abiamiri gives them just that.
56. Broncos - RB Tony Hunt
Hunt helped himself as much as almost anyone during Senior Bowl week, and many feel he is a good fit in the one-cut, upfield running style of the zone blocking scheme.
57. Eagles - FB/RB Brian Leonard
Leonard is versatile, coachable and a perfect fi for the Eagles. He can contribute as a blocker, a power runner complimentary to Westbrook and as a very good receiving threat out of the backfield--one of the more important duties of a west coast offense FB.
58. Saints - CB Josh Wilson
Wilson will be a workout riser as he is likely one of the fastest players in this year's draft. The Saints need youth and depth and speed at CB. Seems like a happy marriage.
59. Jets - TE Greg Olsen
With no big, run stuffing DTs to take Robertson's place as a NT, the Jets look for other ways to improve their team, and a dynamic TE like Olsen makes the best fit, pulling some attention away from the underrated Coles and Cotchery.
60. Patriots - OLB/DE Anthony Spencer
Spencer could go higher than this, but if the Patriots are able to add a young CB, ILB and pass-rushing OLB on draft day, it would have to be viewed as a success. WR and S still loom as needs on the horizon, but revitalizing the defense with youth and talent will go a long way for this team.
61. Ravens - OLB Earl Everett
This is assuming that Adalius Thomas leaves in free agency, creating a void at a starting LB spot. Everett would make a good choice for that role. If Thomas sticks around, look for Troy Smith here.
62. Chargers - ILB Brandon Siler
Again, a free agency assumption, with Donnie Edwards possibly on the way out, but even so, he's aging and the Chargers need youth on the interior of their 3-4 alignment.
63. Bears - LB Stewart Bradley
It's funny how things seem to come in bunches in this draft. Another LB departure in free agency creates another need. Bradley is probably a slight reach, but with few other pressing needs, they fill the void.
64. Bucs - DT Ryan McBean
McBean is an undersized DT that's rising up some draft boards and could fill the 3-technique tackle spot continuing to infuse youth onto the Bucs' defensive line.