1. Oakland Raiders
-Quarter Back
-LSU
-Al Davis is running out of time to “just win baby”, and as a matter of a fact, they could only claim that twice in 2006. The Raiders offense was downright pathetic last year, and Russell is already a huge upgrade from Aaron Brooks or Andrew Walter. Russell reminds experts as a young Daunte Culpepper. He processes an amazing combination of strength and accuracy, which Al Davis should be drooling over. The only way the Raiders are going to be good is if they improve the quarterback position. Drafting Russell is the first step in doing so.
2. Detroit Lions
Calvin Johnson
-Wide Receiver
-Georgia Tech
3. Cleveland Browns
Brady Quinn
-Quarterback
- Notre Dame
- The Browns have waited for a franchise quarterback for many years, and if they open their eyes, they’ll see that one has fallen to them at the #3 spot. It will be interesting to see if Cleveland goes Peterson or Quinn here, but the smart thing would be drafting the more important position; quarterback. Signing Jamal Lewis to 1 year was smart meaning they’d have some sort of running game to help Quinn. As long as Charlie Frye is starting for this team, they will not be making the playoffs anytime soon. Nobody has worked harder to improve their game than Quinn this off-season, and he would give it all he has if Cleveland drafts him.
Gaines Adams
-Defensive End
-Clemson
-Incase they haven’t noticed, the Buccaneers defense is really starting to age. Unless they move up to take Johnson, it comes to either Joe Thomas or Gaines Adams at the #4 spot. The Bucs lost Dewayne White to Detroit in free agency, and are almost to the end with the aging Simeon Rice. The right choice here would be Adams, but don’t be surprised if they go Thomas. Its no wonder why Chris Simms almost got killed last year, he had no help from his offensive line.
5. Arizona Cardinals
Joe Thomas
-Offensive Tackle
-Wisconsin
- Whenever fans predict the Cardinals to be the “sleeper” team in the upcoming season, they seem to forget one thing, and that one thing is that Arizona’s offensive line sucks. The smart thing to do would be to draft the top linemen in the draft, Joe Thomas. The beast out of Wisconsin just mulls opponents and would be an instant upgrade over anyone on the Cardinal offensive line. This move makes even more sense after offensive tackle Leonard Davis left for Dallas during the off-season.
6. Washington Redskins
Amobi Okoye
-Defensive Tackle
-Louisville
-Turn to the Week 17 game where the Redskins couldn’t stop Tiki Barber if they’re life depended on it. This is exactly why the Redskins will choose Okoye with the #6 pick. After showing up with an impressive pro-day, and the stock of other defensive tackle Alan Branch falling as we speak, the most logical selection should be Okoye. You also have to take in account this is the last area Washington has to address on defense after signing line-backer London Fletcher and cornerback Fred Smoot.
7. Minnesota Vikings
Jamaal Anderson
-Defensive End
-Arkansas
- The Vikings have a tough decision at the #7 pick. Do they take a wide receiver at this spot (they only have 4 on the roster)? Or do they take a dominant pass-rusher that they sorely need to team with their amazing run defense. Since it looks too early to take the top receiver in Ted Ginn Jr., the smart move would be to take the top 5 talent in Jamaal Anderson. Minnesota has searched for years for a player like Anderson, and they should be thankful that he has fallen to them.
8. Atlanta Falcons
LaRon Landry
-Safety
-LSU
-The Falcons tried to upgrade their safety position last off-season with the additions of Chris Crocker and Lawyer Milloy. Milloy may be a short-term answer, but they need to bring some youth to the position. Landry will be a major upgrade and will provide some instant talent to a defense who has struggled with injuries in years past. Another good option here is linebacker Patrick Willis, who had an amazing pro-day with a 4.37 40 time.
9. Miami Dolphins
Levi Brown
-Offensive Tackle
-Penn State
10. Houston Texans
Adrian Peterson
-Running Back
-Oklahoma
- This year, the Texans hopefully wont pass up on a possible franchise running back. Unless Peterson, Landry, or either offensive tackle falls here, expect the Texans to trade down. Since the Browns passed on Peterson, look for Houston to jump all over the chance to fill the void they could have last year with Reggie Bush at the running back position. Don’t be surprised if Gary Kubiak selects Joseph Staley at this spot. He clearly stated during the off-season the importance of the left tackle spot.
11. San Francisco 49ers
Patrick Willis
-Middle Linebacker
-Ole Miss
12. Buffalo Bills
Leon Hall
-Corner Back
-Michigan
13. St. Louis Rams
Adam Carriker
-Defensive End
-Nebraska
-After going strictly offense during the free agency period, the Rams need help at almost every defensive position, which may leave them taking the best player left on the Board. That’s where Adam Carriker comes in. This kid is an absolute monster, and could have been a top 10 pick last year as well. He has the size, speed, and versatility to make an immediate impact on the Rams defense. He will line up along with Leonard Little and give opposing offensive lines something to fear.
14. Carolina Panthers
Reggie Nelson
-Safety
-Florida
-Just about everything the Panthers did was a complete disaster by seasons end. The Panthers are known for having a solid defense in years past, but they still have a big hole at the linebacker and safety position. Since they can grab a linebacker in the later rounds (If they trade Kris Jenkins this is the very probable situation), they’ll grab Reggie Nelson to play across from Mike Minter, who turns 33 this season. Depth is very much needed, so they must address it now before it gets worse. Other possible options here are tight end Greg Olsen and line backer Lawrence Timmons.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers
Jarvis Moss
-Defensive End/ Outside Linebacker
-Nebraska
-When you hear Pittsburgh Steelers, you think tough gritty defensive players that want to smack you in the mouth. Unfortunately, that was absent during the 2006 season. They had absolutely no pass rush as they did during their Super Bowl run in 2005. This is obviously what led to the downfall of the team. Moss would be a great pick at #15 due to his ability to generate a pass rush, and also his ability to play linebacker, which would make up for the loss of Joey Porter. This is Mike Tomlin’s first year coaching, and he’ll want to go defense due to his back round as a defensive coordinator.
16. Green Bay Packers
Marshawn Lynch
-Running Back
-California
-Green Bay has no talent at the running back position at the moment, and it would be wise to select Lynch at this spot. The Packers organization is trying to give Brett Favre one last chance to bring this team to the playoffs. Giving him a young talented offense including Lynch, Greg Jennings, and possibly a veteran like Randy Moss is the right choice. This would be a home-run draft pick and would satisfy Packer nation, including Brett “this is my last chance” Favre.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars
Lawrence Timmons
-Outside Linebacker
-Florida State
18. Cincinnati Bengals
Alan Branch
-Cornerback
-Pittsburgh
-The Bengals have holes all over the defensive side of the ball, and will most likely take the best player available at this slot. The past 17 teams must have been too scared to draft Branch because of his horrid pro-day. Maybe this will light a spark for Branch to play better. Cincinnati has been awful against the run in years past, and will be glad to take a player who was being taken in the top 5 of mock drafts just one short month ago.
19. Tennessee Titans
Ted Ginn Jr.
-Wide Receiver
-USC
-Imagine how good Vince Young would be with a top-notch wide receiver. There is not too much to be excited about when your top wide outs are David Givens and Tyrone Calico. This is where Ginn comes in. After being hurt on the last game of his college career, Ted Ginn Jr. will be looking to bounce back, and he’ll be able to do it with a young offense in Tennessee. With Young’s ability to scramble and make plays, and Ted Ginn’s break out speed, this Titans offense will be even more scarier than last year when they had no wide out to speak of. The Titans selecting a corner back here is also very probable due to the recent one-year suspension to Adam “Pacman” Jones.
20. New York Giants
Paul Poluszny
-Outside Linebacker
-Penn State
-The Giants have question marks at almost every position on the field. This organization at the moment is one big mess. We may be seeing a team nearing the rebuilding stage. With both of there starting linebackers exiting at the end of the 2006 season, Poluszny would make for a great choice at this stage of the draft. Hes the hard-worker and leader that this defense desperately needs. Don’t be surprised to see defensive back, defensive or offensive linemen here. They have no offensive tackle to brag about, so Joseph Staley is a possible option. The Giants still have some work to do this off-season to fill the other voids they obviously have on both sides of the ball.
21. Denver Broncos
Anthony Spencer
-Defensive End
-Purdue
22. Dallas Cowboys
Darrelle Revis
-Cornerback
-Pittsburgh
-After the signing of Leonard Davis, and the retaining of Marc Colombo, it is looking as if the Cowboys are done looking at the offensive line, and will focus more towards defense. Revis is the best player remaining on the board, and would do a fine job behind corners Terence Newman and Anthony Henry. It also makes sense due to the age of Henry, who turns 31 this season, so some youth is needed at the position.
23. Kansas City Chiefs
Joseph Staley
-Offensive Tackle
-Central Michigan
-Well let’s see. Prior to the 2006 season, both of the Chiefs offensive tackles retired. Kansas City is desperate to get some youth at the offensive line. Look how good Larry Johnson did last season. Now imagine how well he can produce with a better offensive line. Don’t be surprised if they address the wide receiver position at this spot. You can only live with Eddie Kennison and Sammie Parker for so long. Robert Meachem or Dwayne Bowe would be a good pick here.
Michael Griffin
-Safety
-Texas
-With two first round selections, the New England Patriots have the freedom to add two late round selections to an already stacked roster ready to make another run at the Super Bowl. Cornerback may be a concern now due to the recent events of Asante Samuel wanting to be traded, but there are so many talented corners in the draft, giving them a chance to snag one with their 2nd 1st rounder. If the Pats do indeed do that, they will take the best player remaining, which will happen to be the young hard hitter from Texas Michael Griffin. With the inevitable retirement or Rodney Harrison, safety will soon become a glaring need. Selecting a player being compared to players such as Ed Reed and Brian Dawkins is a very good idea.
25. New York Jets
Greg Olsen
-Tight End
-Miami
-Despite having a more successful season then originally planned, the Jets still have some glaring needs at many positions. With a flow of cornerbacks going late in the draft, New York can possibly select one, but every one of them has flaws. Another option here would be a top-notch defensive end, but none that are left seem to be 1st round material. Coming from New England, head coach Eric Mangini knows the importance of the tight end, as he used multiple two tight end sets, which made Tom Brady very productive. Greg Olsen is the top tight end of the draft, and is one of the top players left on the board. He ran a 4.45 at his pro-day, and would bring some much needed speed to help spread the field for Chad Pennington.
26. Philadelphia Eagles
Brandon Meriweather
-Safety
-Miami
-Even though they traded away for linebacker Takeo Spikes, they still have a glaring need at the position. They will look to see if Timmons or Poluszny falls to them, if not, they will look elsewhere. Wide receiver is an option, but they helped the cause after signing Kevin Curtis. Then comes safety. Michael Lewis was a huge disappointment last season, and has decided to have a new start in San Francisco. Brian Dawkins is aging as well, so the position must be addressed. Whoever falls to them between Griffin and Meriweather they will take. This young man makes big plays and will learn well from playing next to an all-pro in Brian Dawkins.
27. New Orleans Saints
Chris Houston
-Cornerback
-Arkansas
28. New England Patriots
Aaron Ross
-Cornerback
-Texas
-As stated earlier, Asante Samuel is unhappy about his contract and is being asked to be traded. The Patriots didn’t have much talent behind him in the first place, so a cornerback being taken at this spot is very possible. Aaron Ross is a tremendous athlete who can also help in the return game, which probably wont be necessary due to the signing of Wes Welker. Don’t be shocked if Belichick grabs a tight end here. He likes to do a lot of two tight end sets, and with Daniel Graham leaving for Denver; Zach Miller would look good here.
29. Baltimore Ravens
Ben Grubbs
-Offensive Guard
-Auburn
-There is a reason that Jamal Lewis was no longer successful in Baltimore, and that is because of the lack of talent at offensive line. This is something that needs to be addressed, though they have seemed to ignore it in years past. Since they traded for running back Willis McGahee, Grubbs seems to be the best talent left to start the rebuilding on the offensive line. Jonathan Ogden is soon to be retired, so they need a stand out guy to give the offense some time to execute, which obviously has been a problem in years past (ask Kyle Boller and Steve McNair). Justin Blalock would also be a great option to replace Ogden.
30. San Diego Chargers
Robert Meachem
-Wide Receiver
-Tennessee
-Anyone who watched the Patriots Chargers playoff game in January will see that the Chargers are in desperate need of a wide receiver. Keenan McCardell was released, and Eric Parker just isn’t good enough to be a #1 on this talented of a team. Robert Meachem will be able to stretch the field and finally give Phillip Rivers a reliable target to throw to besides tight end Antonio Gates. Not to mention this will give more space for LaDainian Tomlinson to run. The Chargers will need to take a defensive back or wide receiver with this pick, and Meachems talent seems just too good to pass up.
31. Chicago Bears
Justin Blalock
-Offensive Tackle/ Offensive Guard
-Texas
-Tackles Fred Miller and John Tait are both in their 30’s, as well as fellow guard Reuben Brown is nearing retirement. Justin Blalock can play both guard and tackle positions, so he can play whatever the Bears chose him at. Linebacker would also be a wise choice here due to the recent events of the Lance Briggs fiasco. Refusing to play another down for Chicago is not a good sign of a return. Wide Receiver is also an option, but there are many quality wide outs left, and the Bears have an early 2nd round pick to choose one.
32. Indianapolis Colts
Jon Beason
-Outside Linebacker
-Miami
-Though they won the Super Bowl last season, there are still some holes to be filled on the defensive side of the ball. They had some major problems stopping the run during the regular season, and some of that blame can be on the lack of talent on the outside linebacker position. Cato June left for Tampa Bay, and no one has been able to replace David Thornton. Beason is a perfect fit for the Colts Cover 2 defense based all on speed and getting to the ball.
2nd ROUND
33. Oakland Raiders – Ryan Kalil C USC
The Raiders need help at the offensive line. Kalil is the best center in the draft.
34. Detroit Lions – John Beck QB BYU
Jon Kitna is not the future of this franchise. Scouts have fallen in love with Beck.
35. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Dwayne Bowe WR LSU
The Buccaneers are in desperate need of a playmaker on offense.
36. Cleveland Browns - Aaron Sears OT/OG Tennessee
The Browns still need help on the offensive line.
37. Chicago Bears – Sidney Rice WR South Carolina
Not a huge need, but Grossman needs more weapons to be successful.
38. Arizona Cardinals – Justin Harrell DT Tennessee
Arizona needs a big run stuffer, and Harrell fills that need.
39. Atlanta Falcons – Charles Johnson DE Georgia
Patrick Kerney is gone, leaving a big hole at defensive end.
40. Miami Dolphins – Marcus McCauley CB Fresno State
Will Allen and Andre Goodman are a poor one-two punch at cornerback.
41. Minnesota Vikings - Dwayne Jarrett WR USC
The Vikings only have 4 receivers on the roster. More talent is needed.
42. San Francisco 49ers – Anthony Gonzalez WR Ohio State
The run of receivers continues as the 49ers hope for someone better than Ashley Lelie.
43. Buffalo Bills – Antonio Pittman RB Ohio State
After Willis McGahee was traded, a huge need was left at running back.
44. Atlanta Falcons – Josh Beekman OG Boston College
O-Line must be addressed in the draft by Atlanta.
45. Carolina Panthers – Zach Miller TE Arizona State
The Panthers have no playmakers at the tight end position. This must changed.
46. Pittsburgh Steelers – Eric Wright CB UNLV
The Steelers lack talent at the cornerback position.
47. Green Bay Packers – Brian Leonard FB Rutgers
Great replacement for William Henderson.
48. Jacksonville Jaguars – Quentin Moses DE Georgia
Reggie Hayward’s injury is a concern; so defensive end becomes a need.
49. Cincinnati Bengals – Daymeion Hughes CB California
Tory James and Deltha O’Neal were huge disappointments last season.
50. Tennessee Titans – Brandon Siler MLB Florida
Peter Sirmon is a quality back up, but not starter material.
51. New York Giants – Tony Ugoh OT Arkansas
Ugoh is the only possible rookie starter left to replace Luke Petitgout.
52. St. Louis Rams - DeMarcus Tyler DT N.C State
The Rams are in desperate need of a big run stuffer.
53. Dallas Cowboys – Steve Smith WR USC
Terrell Owens and Terry Glenn are aging, so a replacement is needed.
54. Kansas City Chiefs – Jason Hill WR Washington State
You can only live with Eddie Kennison and Samie Parker for so long.
55. Seattle Seahawks – Quinn Pitcock DT Ohio State
The Seahawks need a replacement for Marcus Tubbs who has a history of getting injured.
56. Denver Broncos – James Marten OT Boston College
With the departure of George Foster, Mike Shanahan will be looking for his replacement.
57. Philadelphia Eagles Buster Davis MLB Florida State
Philadelphia lacks talent at linebacker, and will get worse when Jeremiah Trotter leaves.
58. New Orleans Saints Craig Davis WR LSU
Starting the season with Devery Henderson and Marques Colston is a bad idea.
59. New York Jets LaMarr Woodley DE/OLB Michigan
Woodleys ability to rush the passer and drop into coverage makes him a great selection.
60. Miami Dolphins Eric Weddle S Utah
Another selection to bring some youth to an aging defense.
61. Baltimore Ravens Ryan Harris OT Notre Dame
Baltimore has a lot of work to do on the offensive line.
62. San Diego Chargers David Harris ILB Michigan
An obvious need with Steve Foley, Randall Godfrey, and Donnie Edwards all gone.
63. New York Jets Tanard Jackson CB Syracuse
Much depth is needed at the corner back position in New York.
64. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Samson Satele C Hawaii
Tampa Bay needs to address the offensive line if they want to have any success in 2007.
ROUND 3
65. Oakland Raiders Aundrae Allison WR East Carolina
Randy Moss’s future in Oakland is very uncertain.
66. Detroit Lions Tim Crowder DE Texas
The Lions need to start going defense in the draft.
67. Cleveland Browns Brian Robison DE/OLB Texas
Good fit for Cleveland’s 3-4 Defensive scheme.
68. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Josh Wilson CB Maryland
Brian Kelly may be traded come draft time.
69. Arizona Cardinals Justin Durant OLB Hampton
Durant’s athleticism shows in his ability to play in both the 4-3 and 3-4.
70. Denver Broncos Turk McBride DT Tennessee
The Broncos talent on the defensive line is very slim.
71. Miami Dolphins Trent Edwards QB Stanford
Daunte Culpepper and/or Trent Green are not the answer.
72. Minnesota Vikings Victor Abiamiri DE Notre Dame
The more defensive end selections the Vikings make, the better the pass rush.
73. Houston Texans Ikaika Alama-Francis DE Hawaii
The Texans clearly have stated they need a better pass-rush to keep up with the Colts.
74. Buffalo Bills H.B Blades MLB Pittsburgh
A replacement is needed for London Fletcher.
75. Atlanta Falcons Gabe Hall OT Texas Tech
Once again, the Falcons must address O-Line.
76. San Francisco 49ers Andy Alleman OG Pittsburgh
Rumor is Justin Smiley is on the trading block, leaving a whole at Guard.
77. Pittsburgh Steelers Doug Free OT Northern Illinois
Turn to last years Baltimore game and you’ll know why they need help at O-Line.
78. Green Bay Packers Ben Patrick TE Delaware
Bubba Franks days are numbered.
79. Jacksonville Jaguars Kevin Kolb QB Houston
Leftwich and Garrard just cant seem to get it done.
80. Cincinnati Bengals
This pick was used to select Ahman Brooks in the Supplemental Draft.
81. Tennessee Titans Ray McDonald DT Florida
The Titans need much help on the defensive line.
82. New York Giants Marcus Thomas DT Florida
1st round talent, but with character issues.
83. Kansas City Chiefs Manuel Ramirez OG Texas Tech
Attempt at a replacement for Will Shields.
84. Carolina Panthers Quincy Black OLB New Mexico
Now is when the Panthers should start bringing in depth at linebacker.
85. St. Louis Rams Stewart Bradley OLB Nebraska
The Rams can use all the talent they can get on defense.
85. Seattle Seahawks Baraka Atkins DE Miami
Seattle doesn’t have much depth at defensive end.
86. Denver Broncos Sabby Piscitelli S Oregon State
John Lynch can’t play forever
87. Dallas Cowboys Mason Crosby K Colorado
Crosby’s range is downright scary. Will be an instant upgrade over Gramatica.
88. New Orleans Saints Rufus Alexander OLB Oklahoma
Chicago showed the Saints last season that their linebackers just wont do.
89. New York Jets Johnnie Lee Higgins WR UTEP
New York can afford to select a WR with four first day picks.
90. Philadelphia Eagles Michael Coe CB Alabama State
Depth is needed at cornerback in Philadelphia.
91. New England Patriots Zak DeOssie MLB Brown
The Patriots once again add depth to an already solid defense.
92. Buffalo Bills Tim Shaw OLB Penn State
You knew this would happen after the Bills lost both Fletcher and Spikes.
93. San Diego Chargers Aaron Rouse S Virginia Tech
One of the Chargers few needs they have to address this off-season.
94. Chicago Bears Tony Hunt RB Penn State
A reliable back up is needed behind Cedric Benson.
95. Indianapolis Colts Jonathan Wade CB Tennessee
Some depth is needed after the loss of Jason Davis.
96. San Diego Chargers Paul Soliai DT Oklahoma State
A little depth in the interior line never hurt anyone.
97. San Francisco 49ers Fred Bennett CB South Carolina
Nate Clements will help, but will that be enough?
98. Indianapolis Colts Mike Walker WR Central Florida
There is not much behind Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne.
99. Oakland Raiders Marshal Yanda OG Iowa
Vast improvements will need to be made on Oakland’s offensive line.