HardHittingRoy31
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Before diving into Mock Draft Part Deux, I want to address some recent trendy draft rumblings.
California RB Marshawn Lynch is a cinch for the first round.
Think Pacman Jones' year-long suspension won't impact where teams have Lynch on their draft boards? Jones was involved in one off-field incident before the Titans selected him with the No. 6 pick in 2005. The organization researched it, and concluded that Pacman was not at fault. The same argument has been made for Lynch's involvement in a drive-by shooting at Cal and a sexual assault charge that was dropped just after the Bears' season ended. But throw in an embarrassing 4.58 short shuttle, two forties in the 4.5s, a reported bad back, and we have a mid to late second-round prospect.
Florida DE Jarvis Moss is a first-round pick.
If we're judging players on what they did in their Bowl games, for sure. Moss has good potential as a pass rusher off the edge and sacked Troy Smith twice in the Gators' BCS Championship win. But he lacks ideal speed (4.7 forty), has far less than ideal strength (16 reps of 225), and brings a rap sheet's worth of health issues. For an enigmatic early entrant like Moss, postseason workouts are crucial. He failed to impress.
The Cardinals will select Adrian "All Day" Peterson if he's available at No. 5 because two-back systems are the future in the NFL.
Having two backs is great, yes. But in almost every case of a team having success with a dual-back system, at least one or both are cheap. The only club paying two runners substantial money is New Orleans, and considering Reggie Bush is also used as a returner and wide receiver, and Deuce McAllister was coming off ACL surgery at the time Bush was selected, it's a completely different situation. I expect the Cardinals to draft a tailback on April 28, but not at No. 5, which would give them two backs making in the $6-7 million-per-year range. Peterson will likely be the best player on the board if he falls to Arizona, but financially the choice make no sense unless James is given the Corey Dillon treatment in 2008.
Now to the mock.
1. Oakland – Georgia Tech WR Calvin Johnson
I'm still not convinced a team that's so bad offensively can afford to pass on almost inarguably the most surefire offensive phenom in years. Oakland has options at QB like Kyle Boller and Josh McCown, and Lane Kiffin knows heady pupil John David Booty is coming through the pipeline in 2008. Make no mistake: with its defense, Oakland can contend in '07 behind a stopgap quarterback. And Johnson falling to No. 4 would be ridiculous.
2. Detroit – Wisconsin LT Joe Thomas
If the Raiders lay an egg and take JaMarcus Russell, the odds of this pick being traded will skyrocket. But Kiffin is too smart to let that happen. Detroit was believed to be targeting Thomas long before the pre-draft rumors began and the pick still makes too much sense.
3. Cleveland – Notre Dame QB Brady Quinn
If I'm a Browns fan and don't hear [URL="http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=4169"]Adrian Peterson[/URL]'s name called with my team's pick, I'm fuming. But coach Romeo Crennel and GM Phil Savage can buy themselves another year with a QB. While this offense isn't the best fit for Quinn, Cleveland has to be eying a 2008 with LeCharles Bentley back at center and many of its gaping holes filled. And isn't Savage playing this Mobile, Alabama connection with Russell perfectly?
4. Tampa Bay – Clemson DE Gaines Adams
I had Adams falling to 14 in my last mock. That was a mistake. Simeon Rice is entering a contract year and could easily be shipped on draft day. Greg Spires has become "just a guy." Adams is a serious beast and Tampa's roster is in no position for another QB to be added, no matter what Jon Gruden says.
5. Arizona – Ole Miss LB Patrick Willis
With Terrence Holt signed in a move the Cards hope (but probably won't) upgrade their pass defense and likely rules out a LaRon Landry pick, Willis is the best choice here. Arizona is installing a 3-4 defense and needs an inside linebacker to play alongside Gerald Hayes (I'd expect the Cards to eventually conclude on leaving Karlos Dansby outside to take advantage of his pass-rush ability). The Cardinals also will consider Alan Branch, but already have Gabe Watson on the roster and all the reason in the world to add the draft's top all-around linebacker.
6. Washington – Arkansas DE Jamaal Anderson
The 'Skins might have a hard time passing on Amobi Okoye, but Anderson is the quintessential bookend for Andre Carter and Phillip Daniels is way past his prime. It's possible Daniels could help as a situational interior pass rusher with both end spots upgraded.
7. Minnesota – LSU QB JaMarcus Russell
Brad Childress made a mistake by relying in Brad Johnson last season. So confident was Childress, he traded up and reached for a highly-athletic, super-raw QB in the 2006 second round. By guaranteeing Visanthe Shiancoe (four years, 35 catches) $8 million this offseason, his mindset obviously hasn't changed. Russell showed the accuracy to be a good QB in his junior year, however, and could be a fit for Childress' system if he improves his footwork.
8. Atlanta – Oklahoma RB [URL="http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=4169"]Adrian Peterson[/URL]
Even if Peterson doesn't fall this far (and his talent says he shouldn't), neither Warrick Dunn nor Jerious Norwood is likely to be the Falcons' starter in 2007, as new coach Bobby Petrino is installing a power run game. Petrino would probably prefer to wait until the second or third for old friend Michael Bush and take Landry here, but Peterson cannot be passed over.
9. Miami – Michigan NT Alan Branch
Keith Traylor is nearing 40 and Dan Wilkinson will be released, so Dom Capers needs a new anchor for his 3-4. Capers is high on Fred Evans, but at 6-5/285 the '06 seventh-rounder lacks close to the right body type to be an every-down nose. Branch's upside is too great for him to fall out of the top 11.
10. Houston – LSU FS LaRon Landry
This is a gift for a Texans secondary that's been starting players out of position for the past two seasons. 5-9/181-pound Von Hutchins likely isn't the answer at free safety, where Landry can step in and start from OTA #1. C.C. Brown can slide over to the strong spot as Houston addresses the gaping hole opposite Andre Johnson with the No. 73 pick thanks to an ultra-deep receiving class.
11. San Francisco – Nebraska DE Adam Carriker
Bryant Young and Marques Douglas are both on the wrong side of 30 and entering the contract years. The Niners' staff got an up-close look at Carriker during the Senior Bowl, where by all accounts he was the most dominant down lineman. Carriker and Ronald Fields would be San Francisco's bookends of the future with Melvin Oliver rotating in.
12. Buffalo – Pittsburgh CB Darrelle Revis
The Bills are possibly the NFL's most needy team; good thing they have a pocket full of picks. Revis may not be the draft's top corner but he's the best fit for Perry Fewell's Tampa 2 and Buffalo can get a tailback later on or put a package together to move up for Peterson. The idea that the Bills would take Marshawn Lynch completely contradicts what they've done by signing Derrick Dockery (6-6/340) and Langston Walker (6-8/350). They're going with a power running game.
13. St. Louis – Ohio State KR Ted Ginn Jr.
The consensus is that St. Louis will choose a 4-3 nose in Round One, but if Ginn is still around, it'd be a mistake for the Rams to pass. He'll be the best player available and could eventually replace Isaac Bruce. At least early in his career, Okoye will be an "under tackle," which isn't a need spot for St. Louis. A Kris Jenkins trade would make it an easy decision. And the Rams are set at linebacker after the Chris Draft signing.
14. Carolina – Penn State LT Levi Brown
Panthers fans want a safety here, but because there are about ten worthy of first-day selections, the team can afford to exercise patience. Carolina is installing a zone-blocking scheme that would put Brown's agility to use perfectly. Travelle Wharton can become a guard and focus on a smaller area as he recovers from a torn ACL.
15. Pittsburgh – Michigan LB David Harris
I'm blown away that other "draftniks" don't consider Harris a first-round prospect; Mike Mayock was calling him one last September. Harris led Michigan in tackles as a senior with 98. The next closest Wolverine had 51. He runs a 4.5 and was as active as any linebacker in college football last season. At 6-3/243, Harris is big enough to play outside initially and quick enough to be a Cover-2 MIKE when Dick LeBeau retires.
16. Green Bay – South Carolina WR Sidney Rice
Unless Green Bay pulls off a trade for Randy Moss, Rice makes perfect sense here. He'd allow Donald Driver and Greg Jennings to rotate out of the slot and upgrade a weak red-zone offense. The Packers are trying to give the impression that they're not receiver-needy by praising Carlyle Holiday and Shaun Bodiford, but anyone who follows football knows better. If Moss is acquired, a safety makes sense.
17. Jacksonville – Texas FS Michael Griffin
Looking to fill the void left by Deon Grant's departure, the Jags would do well to snag the best safety available. Griffin has better size and speed than Reggie Nelson, and did "it" for considerably longer. A true leader in center field, Griffin is as steady a player and draft pick as can be found at this point in the first.
18. Cincinnati – Louisville DT Amobi Okoye
Okoye has done nothing to hurt his stock, but the 19-year-old just doesn't have a position. Sam Adams is close to retirement and the Bengals have his successor in Domata Peko. Thus, generating an interior pass rush becomes key. Okoye would be able to slim down and play his natural under tackle spot in Cincinnati.
19. Tennessee – USC WR Dwayne Jarrett
With Pacman Jones suspended, the Titans will be torn between Jarrett and Arkansas' Chris Houston, but know starting-caliber corners can be had all over Round Two. Jarrett has history with OC Norm Chow from their days at SC and would add a Plaxico Burress-like element to a receiving corps that is strikingly lackluster on paper.
20. NY Giants – Arkansas CB Chris Houston
The Jints' pass defense was a joke late last year. There's no better way to upgrade than by drafting the best player available and the draft's fastest, strongest, and best coverage corner. Houston would immediately move into the left cornerback slot, leaving Sam Madison and Corey Webster to battle on the right.
21. Denver – Purdue DE Anthony Spencer
After Adams and Anderson, Spencer is the most complete end in this draft, a devastating hitter, and potential every-down player from Week 1 until the end of his career. The Broncos will be able to stop rotating their ex-Browns defensive ends once they get him.
22. Dallas – Tennessee WR Robert Meachem
The Cowboys apparently believe Ken Hamlin will solve the coverage problems in their secondary. Owner Jerry Jones can add another downfield weapon to Tony Romo's arsenal with Meachem and a promising potential No. 1 receiver down the road with Patrick Crayton's contract set to expire in '08 and Terrell Owens' deal year-to-year.
23. Kansas City – LSU WR Dwayne Bowe
There's not a better fit for Bowe than Kansas City. I explained in Mock Draft version 1.0.
24. New England – Fresno State CB Marcus McCauley
Also explained in Mock One.
25. NY Jets – Michigan CB Leon Hall
I'm not sure why Hall has been labeled a zone corner – because he can tackle? Whatever the reasons, New York needs a coverman opposite Andre Dyson. Hank Poteat isn't cutting it and David Barrett is probably getting cut. Hall reminds me of Samari Rolle in that he can occasionally be burnt but should be a steady, mostly reliable, and smart NFL starter.
26. Philadelphia – Miami (FL) TE Greg Olsen
I don't think Olsen is worth a first-round selection because his immediate impact will most likely be minimal, but with L.J. Smith in a contract year and few needs to fill, Philly can afford the risk. If someone can teach him to at least pretend how to block while he studies as a rookie, Olsen should be a keeper.
27. New Orleans – Texas CB Aaron Ross
Explained in Vol. 1.
28. New England – Penn State LB Paul Posluszny
Hopefully this won't preclude the Pats from taking Zak DeOssie later on Day One, but Posz fits the profile of a "typical Patriot" and if New England has one obvious need, it's an eventual replacement for Tedy Bruschi. Posluszny can use his redshirt rookie year to bulk up and start in 2008.
29. Baltimore – Arkansas OT Tony Ugoh
It's currently unclear which tackle spot Ugoh will wind up at in the pros, but if he lands in Baltimore the odds are in favor of him playing on the right with Adam Terry taking over for Jonathan Ogden when he decides to hang 'em up. Baltimore is clearly looking to get more athletic along the offensive front with Chris Chester and Jason Brown entering the starting lineup. Ugoh is the best athlete among all of the above.
30. San Diego – Florida FS Reggie Nelson
I like Brandon Meriweather better than Nelson and the Chargers may as well, but Nelson doesn't bring the character flag that NFL teams will certainly be looking to avoid on draft day. Marlon McCree moves to strong safety and Nelson holds down the deep middle.
31. Chicago – Hampton LB Justin Durant
The Bears will consider Marshawn Lynch here, but when it comes down to it, he's much too great a risk. Durant is a special athlete, a Lance Briggs clone, and a three-time MEAC Defensive Player of the Year. Whether or not Chicago coaxes Briggs into signing his one-year franchise tender (the odds are stacked against it), Durant will find a place to play.
32. Indianapolis – Washington State WR Jason Hill
In Hill, the Colts can get Marvin Harrison's successor and possibly the draft's most underrated player. Indianapolis is desperate for a third receiver following Brandon Stokley's exodus. The Colts can address their need to complement Joseph Addai with a Darius Walker type later on Day One.
Falling Out: Louisville RB Michael Bush (surgery for broken leg), California RB Marshawn Lynch (list of character issues, suspect speed), Florida State LB Buster Davis (admittedly a reach in Mock Draft I), Miami (FL) FS Brandon Meriweather (off-field issues, but not like Lynch – he'll still go early in Round Two)
Evan Silva is a contributing football writer for RotoWorld.com and Fantasy Sports Monthly.
This guy is smoking something if he thinks we pass on Ross and Nelson. There is no way the fall that far.
California RB Marshawn Lynch is a cinch for the first round.
Think Pacman Jones' year-long suspension won't impact where teams have Lynch on their draft boards? Jones was involved in one off-field incident before the Titans selected him with the No. 6 pick in 2005. The organization researched it, and concluded that Pacman was not at fault. The same argument has been made for Lynch's involvement in a drive-by shooting at Cal and a sexual assault charge that was dropped just after the Bears' season ended. But throw in an embarrassing 4.58 short shuttle, two forties in the 4.5s, a reported bad back, and we have a mid to late second-round prospect.
Florida DE Jarvis Moss is a first-round pick.
If we're judging players on what they did in their Bowl games, for sure. Moss has good potential as a pass rusher off the edge and sacked Troy Smith twice in the Gators' BCS Championship win. But he lacks ideal speed (4.7 forty), has far less than ideal strength (16 reps of 225), and brings a rap sheet's worth of health issues. For an enigmatic early entrant like Moss, postseason workouts are crucial. He failed to impress.
The Cardinals will select Adrian "All Day" Peterson if he's available at No. 5 because two-back systems are the future in the NFL.
Having two backs is great, yes. But in almost every case of a team having success with a dual-back system, at least one or both are cheap. The only club paying two runners substantial money is New Orleans, and considering Reggie Bush is also used as a returner and wide receiver, and Deuce McAllister was coming off ACL surgery at the time Bush was selected, it's a completely different situation. I expect the Cardinals to draft a tailback on April 28, but not at No. 5, which would give them two backs making in the $6-7 million-per-year range. Peterson will likely be the best player on the board if he falls to Arizona, but financially the choice make no sense unless James is given the Corey Dillon treatment in 2008.
Now to the mock.
1. Oakland – Georgia Tech WR Calvin Johnson
I'm still not convinced a team that's so bad offensively can afford to pass on almost inarguably the most surefire offensive phenom in years. Oakland has options at QB like Kyle Boller and Josh McCown, and Lane Kiffin knows heady pupil John David Booty is coming through the pipeline in 2008. Make no mistake: with its defense, Oakland can contend in '07 behind a stopgap quarterback. And Johnson falling to No. 4 would be ridiculous.
2. Detroit – Wisconsin LT Joe Thomas
If the Raiders lay an egg and take JaMarcus Russell, the odds of this pick being traded will skyrocket. But Kiffin is too smart to let that happen. Detroit was believed to be targeting Thomas long before the pre-draft rumors began and the pick still makes too much sense.
3. Cleveland – Notre Dame QB Brady Quinn
If I'm a Browns fan and don't hear [URL="http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=4169"]Adrian Peterson[/URL]'s name called with my team's pick, I'm fuming. But coach Romeo Crennel and GM Phil Savage can buy themselves another year with a QB. While this offense isn't the best fit for Quinn, Cleveland has to be eying a 2008 with LeCharles Bentley back at center and many of its gaping holes filled. And isn't Savage playing this Mobile, Alabama connection with Russell perfectly?
4. Tampa Bay – Clemson DE Gaines Adams
I had Adams falling to 14 in my last mock. That was a mistake. Simeon Rice is entering a contract year and could easily be shipped on draft day. Greg Spires has become "just a guy." Adams is a serious beast and Tampa's roster is in no position for another QB to be added, no matter what Jon Gruden says.
5. Arizona – Ole Miss LB Patrick Willis
With Terrence Holt signed in a move the Cards hope (but probably won't) upgrade their pass defense and likely rules out a LaRon Landry pick, Willis is the best choice here. Arizona is installing a 3-4 defense and needs an inside linebacker to play alongside Gerald Hayes (I'd expect the Cards to eventually conclude on leaving Karlos Dansby outside to take advantage of his pass-rush ability). The Cardinals also will consider Alan Branch, but already have Gabe Watson on the roster and all the reason in the world to add the draft's top all-around linebacker.
6. Washington – Arkansas DE Jamaal Anderson
The 'Skins might have a hard time passing on Amobi Okoye, but Anderson is the quintessential bookend for Andre Carter and Phillip Daniels is way past his prime. It's possible Daniels could help as a situational interior pass rusher with both end spots upgraded.
7. Minnesota – LSU QB JaMarcus Russell
Brad Childress made a mistake by relying in Brad Johnson last season. So confident was Childress, he traded up and reached for a highly-athletic, super-raw QB in the 2006 second round. By guaranteeing Visanthe Shiancoe (four years, 35 catches) $8 million this offseason, his mindset obviously hasn't changed. Russell showed the accuracy to be a good QB in his junior year, however, and could be a fit for Childress' system if he improves his footwork.
8. Atlanta – Oklahoma RB [URL="http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=4169"]Adrian Peterson[/URL]
Even if Peterson doesn't fall this far (and his talent says he shouldn't), neither Warrick Dunn nor Jerious Norwood is likely to be the Falcons' starter in 2007, as new coach Bobby Petrino is installing a power run game. Petrino would probably prefer to wait until the second or third for old friend Michael Bush and take Landry here, but Peterson cannot be passed over.
9. Miami – Michigan NT Alan Branch
Keith Traylor is nearing 40 and Dan Wilkinson will be released, so Dom Capers needs a new anchor for his 3-4. Capers is high on Fred Evans, but at 6-5/285 the '06 seventh-rounder lacks close to the right body type to be an every-down nose. Branch's upside is too great for him to fall out of the top 11.
10. Houston – LSU FS LaRon Landry
This is a gift for a Texans secondary that's been starting players out of position for the past two seasons. 5-9/181-pound Von Hutchins likely isn't the answer at free safety, where Landry can step in and start from OTA #1. C.C. Brown can slide over to the strong spot as Houston addresses the gaping hole opposite Andre Johnson with the No. 73 pick thanks to an ultra-deep receiving class.
11. San Francisco – Nebraska DE Adam Carriker
Bryant Young and Marques Douglas are both on the wrong side of 30 and entering the contract years. The Niners' staff got an up-close look at Carriker during the Senior Bowl, where by all accounts he was the most dominant down lineman. Carriker and Ronald Fields would be San Francisco's bookends of the future with Melvin Oliver rotating in.
12. Buffalo – Pittsburgh CB Darrelle Revis
The Bills are possibly the NFL's most needy team; good thing they have a pocket full of picks. Revis may not be the draft's top corner but he's the best fit for Perry Fewell's Tampa 2 and Buffalo can get a tailback later on or put a package together to move up for Peterson. The idea that the Bills would take Marshawn Lynch completely contradicts what they've done by signing Derrick Dockery (6-6/340) and Langston Walker (6-8/350). They're going with a power running game.
13. St. Louis – Ohio State KR Ted Ginn Jr.
The consensus is that St. Louis will choose a 4-3 nose in Round One, but if Ginn is still around, it'd be a mistake for the Rams to pass. He'll be the best player available and could eventually replace Isaac Bruce. At least early in his career, Okoye will be an "under tackle," which isn't a need spot for St. Louis. A Kris Jenkins trade would make it an easy decision. And the Rams are set at linebacker after the Chris Draft signing.
14. Carolina – Penn State LT Levi Brown
Panthers fans want a safety here, but because there are about ten worthy of first-day selections, the team can afford to exercise patience. Carolina is installing a zone-blocking scheme that would put Brown's agility to use perfectly. Travelle Wharton can become a guard and focus on a smaller area as he recovers from a torn ACL.
15. Pittsburgh – Michigan LB David Harris
I'm blown away that other "draftniks" don't consider Harris a first-round prospect; Mike Mayock was calling him one last September. Harris led Michigan in tackles as a senior with 98. The next closest Wolverine had 51. He runs a 4.5 and was as active as any linebacker in college football last season. At 6-3/243, Harris is big enough to play outside initially and quick enough to be a Cover-2 MIKE when Dick LeBeau retires.
16. Green Bay – South Carolina WR Sidney Rice
Unless Green Bay pulls off a trade for Randy Moss, Rice makes perfect sense here. He'd allow Donald Driver and Greg Jennings to rotate out of the slot and upgrade a weak red-zone offense. The Packers are trying to give the impression that they're not receiver-needy by praising Carlyle Holiday and Shaun Bodiford, but anyone who follows football knows better. If Moss is acquired, a safety makes sense.
17. Jacksonville – Texas FS Michael Griffin
Looking to fill the void left by Deon Grant's departure, the Jags would do well to snag the best safety available. Griffin has better size and speed than Reggie Nelson, and did "it" for considerably longer. A true leader in center field, Griffin is as steady a player and draft pick as can be found at this point in the first.
18. Cincinnati – Louisville DT Amobi Okoye
Okoye has done nothing to hurt his stock, but the 19-year-old just doesn't have a position. Sam Adams is close to retirement and the Bengals have his successor in Domata Peko. Thus, generating an interior pass rush becomes key. Okoye would be able to slim down and play his natural under tackle spot in Cincinnati.
19. Tennessee – USC WR Dwayne Jarrett
With Pacman Jones suspended, the Titans will be torn between Jarrett and Arkansas' Chris Houston, but know starting-caliber corners can be had all over Round Two. Jarrett has history with OC Norm Chow from their days at SC and would add a Plaxico Burress-like element to a receiving corps that is strikingly lackluster on paper.
20. NY Giants – Arkansas CB Chris Houston
The Jints' pass defense was a joke late last year. There's no better way to upgrade than by drafting the best player available and the draft's fastest, strongest, and best coverage corner. Houston would immediately move into the left cornerback slot, leaving Sam Madison and Corey Webster to battle on the right.
21. Denver – Purdue DE Anthony Spencer
After Adams and Anderson, Spencer is the most complete end in this draft, a devastating hitter, and potential every-down player from Week 1 until the end of his career. The Broncos will be able to stop rotating their ex-Browns defensive ends once they get him.
22. Dallas – Tennessee WR Robert Meachem
The Cowboys apparently believe Ken Hamlin will solve the coverage problems in their secondary. Owner Jerry Jones can add another downfield weapon to Tony Romo's arsenal with Meachem and a promising potential No. 1 receiver down the road with Patrick Crayton's contract set to expire in '08 and Terrell Owens' deal year-to-year.
23. Kansas City – LSU WR Dwayne Bowe
There's not a better fit for Bowe than Kansas City. I explained in Mock Draft version 1.0.
24. New England – Fresno State CB Marcus McCauley
Also explained in Mock One.
25. NY Jets – Michigan CB Leon Hall
I'm not sure why Hall has been labeled a zone corner – because he can tackle? Whatever the reasons, New York needs a coverman opposite Andre Dyson. Hank Poteat isn't cutting it and David Barrett is probably getting cut. Hall reminds me of Samari Rolle in that he can occasionally be burnt but should be a steady, mostly reliable, and smart NFL starter.
26. Philadelphia – Miami (FL) TE Greg Olsen
I don't think Olsen is worth a first-round selection because his immediate impact will most likely be minimal, but with L.J. Smith in a contract year and few needs to fill, Philly can afford the risk. If someone can teach him to at least pretend how to block while he studies as a rookie, Olsen should be a keeper.
27. New Orleans – Texas CB Aaron Ross
Explained in Vol. 1.
28. New England – Penn State LB Paul Posluszny
Hopefully this won't preclude the Pats from taking Zak DeOssie later on Day One, but Posz fits the profile of a "typical Patriot" and if New England has one obvious need, it's an eventual replacement for Tedy Bruschi. Posluszny can use his redshirt rookie year to bulk up and start in 2008.
29. Baltimore – Arkansas OT Tony Ugoh
It's currently unclear which tackle spot Ugoh will wind up at in the pros, but if he lands in Baltimore the odds are in favor of him playing on the right with Adam Terry taking over for Jonathan Ogden when he decides to hang 'em up. Baltimore is clearly looking to get more athletic along the offensive front with Chris Chester and Jason Brown entering the starting lineup. Ugoh is the best athlete among all of the above.
30. San Diego – Florida FS Reggie Nelson
I like Brandon Meriweather better than Nelson and the Chargers may as well, but Nelson doesn't bring the character flag that NFL teams will certainly be looking to avoid on draft day. Marlon McCree moves to strong safety and Nelson holds down the deep middle.
31. Chicago – Hampton LB Justin Durant
The Bears will consider Marshawn Lynch here, but when it comes down to it, he's much too great a risk. Durant is a special athlete, a Lance Briggs clone, and a three-time MEAC Defensive Player of the Year. Whether or not Chicago coaxes Briggs into signing his one-year franchise tender (the odds are stacked against it), Durant will find a place to play.
32. Indianapolis – Washington State WR Jason Hill
In Hill, the Colts can get Marvin Harrison's successor and possibly the draft's most underrated player. Indianapolis is desperate for a third receiver following Brandon Stokley's exodus. The Colts can address their need to complement Joseph Addai with a Darius Walker type later on Day One.
Falling Out: Louisville RB Michael Bush (surgery for broken leg), California RB Marshawn Lynch (list of character issues, suspect speed), Florida State LB Buster Davis (admittedly a reach in Mock Draft I), Miami (FL) FS Brandon Meriweather (off-field issues, but not like Lynch – he'll still go early in Round Two)
Evan Silva is a contributing football writer for RotoWorld.com and Fantasy Sports Monthly.
This guy is smoking something if he thinks we pass on Ross and Nelson. There is no way the fall that far.
