joseephuss
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burmafrd;1316521 said:
Weird. I wonder why it gives you one thing and me another. Cookies?
101 days, 23 hours, 46 minutes, and 31 seconds left until the 2007 NFL Draft
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Updated January 16, 2007 Round 1 | Round 2 | Round 3
1. OAKLAND RAIDERS
JAMARCUS RUSSELL
QB | L.S.U. | Scouting Report
After one of the ugliest seasons in recent memory, at least offensively, I guess you could say the Raiders "earned" the #1 overall pick. There are needs abound on the offensive side of the football but in the end they still need a top young quarterback to build around because Aaron Brooks most certainly isn't the answer and it doesn't look like Andrew Walter is either. Most teams still have Brady Quinn as the top rated quarterback in the draft but one of the few who might not is Oakland, in large part because JaMarcus Russell is exactly the type of physical freak that Al Davis is known to love. At 6-6 and 260 pounds Russell has rare size for the position and has been compared to Daunte Culpepper but what really stands out about him is his arm, which might be strongest at any level of the game. Russell is more of a project than Quinn but he has a higher upside and would help bring the vertical passing game back the Bay. If both Randy Moss and Jerry Porter are sent packing then Calvin Johnson just might come into play here as well but they really need a long-term signal caller to build their team around and after passing on Matt Leinart and Jay Cutler a year ago they simply cannot afford to pass on two more studs this time around.
2. DETROIT LIONS
JOE THOMAS
OT | Wisconsin | Scouting Report
There will likely be a lot of debate between now and April 28th about whether or not the Lions should take a quarterback here but at this point that doesn't appear likely. I personally have major questions about that decision because even though Jon Kitna had a nice season he turned the ball over a lot and will turn 35-years-old next season so he isn't exactly the long-term answer. If they do opt not to take a signal caller then Joe Thomas would certainly be an excellent choice for them and really upgrade an underachieving offensive line. A true left tackle who is a terrific athlete with outstanding feet, Thomas might ultimately end up being a better all-around prospect than D'Brickashaw Ferguson was last year when you factor in both his run and pass blocking acumen. Another option would be a top defensive end and if Matt Millen is really feeling crazy he could nab yet another wide receiver in Calvin Johnson but this choice will more than likely come down to either Thomas or a quarterback and it is looking like o-line right now.
3. CLEVELAND BROWNS
BRADY QUINN
QB | Notre Dame | Scouting Report
You can definitely make the case that this team has plenty more pressing needs than quarterback and guys like Alan Branch and Adrian Peterson would both provide major upgrades at their respective positions but the bottom line is that Charlie Frye just hasn't shown enough to justify passing on an elite talent like Brady Quinn if he fell into their laps. Not only does Quinn have everything that you look for physically in terms of size and arm strength but he is also the total package when it comes to intangibles as he's smart, a great leader, extremely tough and is used to the media demands that come with being the public face of a high-profile team. You also can't underestimate the value having been coached by noted quarterback guru Charlie Weis and that pedigree will really work in his favor as Draft Day draws near. The Browns are going to have to get their offensive line straightened out but Quinn has plenty of experience playing behind a sub par blocking unit and he would also provide a major boost at the ticket office since he is a local Ohio kid and was obviously the subject of more than his fair share of headlines while in college.
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4. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
CALVIN JOHNSON
WR | Georgia Tech | Scouting Report
The Bucs suffered through a very disappointing season in 2006 and the loss of their quarterback Chris Simms played a big role but a lack of playmakers on offense was also to blame. At wide receiver Joey Galloway and Ike Hilliard are no spring chickens while Michael Clayton has battled injuries and really regressed since his fantastic rookie campaign so it's not hard to imagine them jumping all over Calvin Johnson if he somehow fell this far. Johnson is truly a special player and one of the best wideout prospects to come along in the last decade or so. Combining a rare blend of size, long arms, speed and athleticism to go along with outstanding hands, ball skills, body control and leaping ability, Johnson is a force to be reckoned with and destined to be one of the best players at his position in the entire league. And then to top it all off he is also smart and has tremendous intangibles, displaying none of the diva-like behavior that we've come to expect from guys such as Terrell Owens. Johnson absolutely defines the term "Elite Prospect".
5. ARIZONA CARDINALS
ALAN BRANCH
DT | Michigan | Scouting Report
The biggest slam-dunk of the entire draft would be Joe Thomas to the Cards if he were still available but at this point that looks highly unlikely at best. If Thomas is indeed off the board when they're on the clock then Arizona will be in a very tough position because there just isn't any other offensive lineman worthy of this pick so they could opt to trade down. If they do stand pat then Alan Branch would seem to make the most sense as he'd finally give them the elite presence in the middle that they've been lacking. A terrific talent with outstanding size (6-6, 331), Branch is far and away the top defensive tackle available this year and is similar in many ways to John Henderson. The secondary is also a concern for Arizona so Leon Hall would make sense as well although that might be a reach at this point, especially considering the level of talent still on the board. With Thomas gone Branch is basically the best player available and even though this selection may not address their most glaring weakness he's still one heck of a consolation prize.
6. WASHINGTON Commanders
GAINES ADAMS
DE | Clemson | Scouting Report
The Skins had better make this selection count because they don't pick again until round five! Last year Washington took a major step backwards on defense and one of the main culprits was the line, where Andre Carter was a huge free agent bust and they didn't have anyone inside to team with Cornelius Griffin. With that being the case both Alan Branch and Jamaal Anderson would be options here as well but ultimately they go with Gaines Adams to give them that premier pass rushing force off the edge. Heading into the '06 season most assumed that Adams and Quentin Moses would be in a dogfight to see who would be the first senior end chosen but Moses struggled all year long while Adams flourished and it ended up not being much of a battle at all. Even though he isn't as stout versus the run as you'd prefer there isn't a better pure pass rusher in this draft than Adams and that's exactly what the doctor ordered for this franchise. If Shawn Springs is sent packing then a corner like Leon Hall could be a consideration here as well.
7. MINNESOTA VIKINGS
JAMAAL ANDERSON
DE | Arkansas | Scouting Report
There is no denying that wide receiver is by far this teams biggest need but Ted Ginn, Jr. might be a little too similar to Troy "The Bust" Williamson for their tastes while Dwayne Jarrett would be quite a reach here and word is that Brad Childress doesn't believe in taking wideouts in round one anyway. Offensive tackle is also a concern but with Joe Thomas long gone there certainly isn't anyone at that position worthy of this lofty pick so instead they opt for Door #3, a defensive end. Despite having arguably the best set of defensive tackles in the league the Vikes failed to consistently get a pass rush last year and while Erasmus James coming back from injury will help they could still use an upgrade over Kenechi Udeze, who somehow managed not to notch a single sack in 2006 despite starting 15 games. Jamaal Anderson hasn't gotten a lot of national attention yet but he is a premier prospect who is coming off a junior season in which he tallied 19.5 tackles for a loss and 13.5 sacks. A Richard Seymour clone, Anderson should come off the board somewhere in the top ten overall picks and he would be an excellent fit in Minnesota.
8. HOUSTON TEXANS
ADRIAN PETERSON
RB | Oklahoma | Scouting Report
Some may be surprised to see Peterson fall this far but not only is it possible but at this point it's almost likely. While nobody doubts his phenomenal talent there are some major durability concerns with Peterson, who was never even able to make it through a full college season without getting hurt and missing time. There are few things that will frustrate a team more than an injury-prone running back which is why he's still on the board here. The Texans actually already have a solid running back with durability problems in Domanick Williams (formerly Davis) but he's coming off a major injury and can't be counted on at this point and they certainly can't go into another season expecting the likes of Ron Dayne, Wali Lundy and Samkon Gado to carry the load. Some may counter that Gary Kubiak comes from the Denver system and doesn't believe in using first round picks on runners but they failed to turn the also-rans they had into studs like the Broncos consistently do and Peterson is a rare prospect. Bringing in a local hometown hero like Peterson might also alleviate some of the pain the Houston fan base feels and help eliminate some of the ill will that has been aimed at the franchise since they took a pass on Vince Young.
9. MIAMI DOLPHINS
AMOBI OKOYE
DT | Louisville | Scouting Report
This just might be the toughest pick to project in round one but in the end it came down to Amobi Okoye and Leon Hall, and the defensive tackle got the final nod. The Phins have plenty of needs but with Vonnie Holliday, Keith Traylor and Jeff Zgonina all slated to become unrestricted free agents there is a good chance Miami will be losing their top three interior linemen this offseason, which would make the position priority #1. The NFL Draft has rarely, if ever, seen a prospect like Okoye, who played in college as a 16-year-old true freshman and will still only be a 20-year-old rookie next fall despite having four years of Division I playing experience. Okoye is coming off a fantastic senior campaign and his upside is through the roof which is why he is one of the hottest names in the draft and soaring up the boards of most teams. Hall would be a possibility as well and the Dolphins need secondary help but Okoye and his potential are just too enticing.
10. ATLANTA FALCONS
LEON HALL
CB | Michigan | Scouting Report
It's relatively clear that the Falcons most pressing needs are in the secondary, where Chris Crocker is only average, Lawyer Milloy is nearing the end of his career and there is little depth at either safety or cornerback. There is not an elite cover guy available this year and nobody will confuse Leon Hall for Champ Bailey but he is a very solid player who does everything well and because he's widely regarded to be the top rated defensive back available he will more than likely get pushed up the board a bit simply because of the emphasis teams put on the position. This choice allows Atlanta to move second-year man Jimmy Williams to safety, which they were reportedly interested in doing, while at the same time giving them a physical cornerback to start opposite of and compliment DeAngelo Hall. LaRon Landry would also be a viable option here as well but with Hall they'll essentially be killing two birds (cornerback and safety) with one stone.
11. SAN FRANCISCO 49'ERS
TED GINN, JR.
WR | Ohio St. | Scouting Report
You have to give Mike Nolan and this franchise a ton of credit because in just a couple of years they've improved the Niners overall talent level by leaps and bounds and really seem to be on the right path. With that said there is still plenty of work to be done and one area that needs to be addressed is wide receiver, where they still lack a legit #1 target. Antonio Bryant was solid in his first year with the team but he is now on thin ice following a suspension so it might be time to add a playmaker at wideout. Ted Ginn, Jr. is a big play waiting to happen and although he is still raw his rare, world class speed will more than likely land him in the Top 10-15 overall. This guy is a threat to score every time he touches the ball whether it be as a receiver, on trick plays or as a return man and he would really add an entirely new dimension to San Francisco's offense while giving young quarterback Alex Smith a fantastic weapon to utilize. Cornerback might also a consideration because even though Walt Harris was great last year you can't depend on him to keep up that pace and at the absolute least they are going to need to add some quality depth.
12. BUFFALO BILLS
LEVI BROWN
OT | Penn St. | Scouting Report
Is this a reach? Probably. However with both Jake Long and Sam Baker heading back to school for their senior seasons there is a dearth of top offensive tackles available and I firmly believe someone is going to get pushed up the board and chosen earlier than they normally would. The best candidate at this point would appear to be Brown, who has a ton of experience in the Big Ten and was a very consistent force up front. During the '06 season the Bills moved Mike Gandy inside to left guard and Jason Peters to left tackle and both moves were considered to be successes, however that also forced rookie 7th round pick Terrance Pennington into the starting lineup at right tackle and that's a spot that can certainly be upgraded. If Leon Hall fell this far he'd be the natural pick since it looks unlikely that Nate Clements will be brought back and they could even reach for another corner like Darrelle Revis or Marcus McCauley. The Bills are also looking to improve their run defense but this is way too early for Patrick Willis and it is still probably too soon to give up on all of the defensive tackles they brought in just last offseason.
13. ST. LOUIS RAMS
LAWRENCE TIMMONS
OLB | Florida St. | Scouting Report
Once again the Rams defense was abysmal in 2006, especially against the run, so the odds are they will be looking for some help in the front seven. Last year Saint Louis was considering linebackers like Ernie Sims and Chad Greenway in round one so they are definitely in the market for an upgrade over Brandon Chillar. Lawrence Timmons has been overshadowed by guys like Sims, A.J. Nicholson and Buster Davis throughout his career but when he finally got a chance to start as a junior he made the most of the opportunity, notching 18.0 tackles for a loss and 5.0 sacks. He is still very raw but all he really lacks is experience and eventually he could end up being an even better player than Sims. Workouts are going to be crucial for Timmons but if he tests as well as most think he will there is a strong chance that he could be a factor in the middle of round one. A top defensive end to compliment Leonard Little is a possibility as well but at the end of the day Timmons gives them a potential impact linebacker while also addressing a glaring need.
14. CAROLINA PANTHERS
LARON LANDRY
S | L.S.U. | Scouting Report
This is somewhat of a tough spot for the Panthers because the value on the board really doesn't match up with their needs. Their main weakness is probably at middle linebacker, where Dan Morgan's future is up in the air, but Patrick Willis would be a major reach here so that is really not a viable option. However safety is a concern for Carolina as well, with Shaun Williams only a short-term solution at best, so they take this opportunity to add the top rated player at that position in LaRon Landry. A true playmaker in the deep patrol, Landry is equally effective against the run and pass and just has a knack for being around the ball and making something happen for his team. There is talk that both Keyshawn Johnson and Keary Colbert could be sent packing this offseason and if that is the case then a wide receiver to compliment Steve Smith could come into play as well but John Fox is still a defensive minded guy at heart so with all things being equal he would defer to that side of the ball and Landry would be an outstanding addition here.
15. PITTSBURGH STEELERS
ADAM CARRIKER
DE | Nebraska | Scouting Report
It is not real easy to locate a glaring need on the Steelers depth chart and despite their rather pedestrian record in '06 they are basically set at almost every position. Last offseason Kimo von Oelhoffen was lost as a free agent and even though Brett Keisel was a solid replacement they could still use an upgrade and Adam Carriker would be a logical choice. A massive defensive end at almost 6-6 and nearly 300 lbs., Carriker would be an ideal fit for Pittsburgh's 3-4 scheme and further solidify what is annually one of the best defenses in the league. Another interesting option here could be Dwayne Jarrett because even though they chose Santonio Holmes in the first round a year ago they still lack that big, physical, jump ball presence that made Plaxico Burress one of Ben Roethlisberger's favorite targets. Needless to say it wouldn't be a shock to see the team do whatever it can to get Big Ben back on track and adding a guy like Jarrett might be just what the doctor ordered. The secondary and linebacker are possibilities as well and to be honest I really would not be surprised to see them address any position outside of quarterback.
16. GREEN BAY PACKERS
MARSHAWN LYNCH
RB | California | Scouting Report
A common phenomenon I have noticed in the NFL is teams with lackluster talent somehow finding a way to win a few more games than they probably should, thus taking them out of contention to land the type of elite player in the draft that they still need. Unfortunately for the Cheeseheads I'm afraid that might be the case with Green Bay this year because even though they finished with a .500 record at 8-8 they are still probably among the bottom 5-7 teams in the league when it comes to overall talent. That doesn't mean they can't land an impact player here though and Marshawn Lynch, who some feel might be equal or even superior to Adrian Peterson as a prospect, would be a great addition. With solid size and big play potential Lynch would give the Packers the workhorse they have been looking for in the backfield and eliminate the need for a Ahman Green / Vernon Morency / Noah Herron rotation. Wide receiver is also a problem area so Ted Ginn, Jr. or Dwayne Jarrett would be possibilities as well and you certainly cannot rule out a cornerback, a safety or a defensive end either. Green Bay obviously has a plethora of needs and could go in a number of directions with this choice but Lynch is the best value and thus the pick.
17. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
COLT BRENNAN
QB | Hawaii | Scouting Report
It would appear to be a mortal lock that Byron Leftwich will be sent packing this offseason, which I don't agree with because in my mind you don't get rid of a 27-year-old quarterback who was the #7 overall pick in the draft not that long ago when you don't have a clear-cut replacement on the roster. But I digress... As of now it looks like David Garrard and Quinn Gray are set to duke it out for the starting job but neither has even come close to establishing themselves as the long-term solution so the Jags might very well be in the market for a top young signal caller. This may be a slight reach but probably not nearly as much as some might think and Jacksonville has been known to be a little unconventional when it comes to the draft. There are certainly questions about Colt Brennan ranging from his past off-the-field transgressions to his throwing motion to the system he played in with the Rainbow Warriors but there is also a lot to like as well. There is a pretty big drop-off in talent after Russell and Quinn but someone will likely emerge as that #3 quarterback and right now Brennan looks like he may end up being the guy.
18. CINCINNATI BENGALS
DEMARCUS TYLER
DT | North Carolina St. | Scouting Report
There is no doubt where Cincy's biggest needs lie and although the secondary is certainly a concern they will more than likely be looking to address defensive tackle or defensive end first. More often than not you have some major questions about a prospect when he really doesn't emerge until his senior year but "Tank" actually has a legitimate excuse. You see prior to 2006 he played alongside not one, not two but three guys who were first round picks in the 2006 NFL Draft (Mario Williams, Manny Lawson, John McCargo) and it really speaks volumes that he had his best season without the benefit of being surrounded by all of that pro talent. Perhaps no player boosted his draft stock as much as Tyler did last year and he'd be an excellent fit for the Bengals while offering them a youthful alternative and major upgrade over John Thornton on the interior.
19. TENNESSEE TITANS
DWAYNE JARRETT
WR | USC | Scouting Report
This will more than likely be a two-horse raise for the Titans with cornerback and wide receiver being the most likely possibilities in Round 1 and even though corner is probably a more pressing concern Dwayne Jarrett's ties to offensive coordinator Norm Chow and the franchise's desire to give Vince Young more weapons are the deciding factors. When it comes to size, hands, ball skills and production Jarrett has few peers in this draft but he will likely be pushed down draft boards due to his lack of top end timed speed and the inevitable comparisons to Mike Williams. Regardless Jarrett is simply a football player who gets the job done between the white lines and if he falls much further than this then someone is going to get themselves a major steal. If they did want to go corner at this point Darrelle Revis and Marcus McCauley may be two options.
20. NEW YORK GIANTS
DARRELLE REVIS
CB | Pittsburgh | Scouting Report
Last offseason the Giants underwent a massive overhaul in the secondary but in doing so they brought in aging veterans and journeymen and the results were not what was expected, with the G-Men finished 28th in the league in pass defense. It's high time for an infusion of young talent and with that in mind they use this pick to bring Darrelle Revis into the fold, a talented and somewhat underrated coverman. Even though he doesn't get a lot of notice at the national level Revis is physical, a great athlete and has very good speed which should all add up to him being among the first handful of defensive backs chosen on April 28. They could use an upgrade at left tackle as well and don't totally rule out a defensive tackle either but when all is said and done New York simply has to add an impact player at cornerback and this is their chance to do it.
21. DENVER BRONCOS
QUENTIN MOSES
DE | Georgia | Scouting Report
Coming off a great junior season Quentin Moses was widely regarded to be one of the premier senior prospects prior to the 2006 season and some even felt he might be the best player regardless of position. My how things can change in less than six months. After a terrible senior year in which he was outperformed by his teammate Charles Johnson and may have had a case of senioritis it appears that Moses' draft stock is plummeting and unless he can really impress scouts between now and April there's a chance he could fall a lot further than this. There is no denying his natural athleticism (he's a former basketball player for the Dawgs) and ability though and if he can find a way to revert to the form he showed in 2005 some team could wind up with a steal on their hands. The Broncos have a bunch of solid guys at defensive end but still lack an impact player outside so at this point in Round 1 a talent like Moses just may be worth a roll of the dice.
22. DALLAS COWBOYS
REGGIE NELSON
S | Florida | Scouting Report
The Cowboys have two clearly defined needs at offensive line and free safety but with there not being an o-lineman worthy of this pick on the board their decision becomes easy, although I'm not so sure they would take a Levi Brown over Reggie Nelson anyway. For years now the safety spot opposite Roy Williams has been a problem area for this team and in all honestly they haven't made much of an effort to address it via free agency or the draft. After yet another long season of seeing Williams get burnt in coverage something tells me that is going to change sooner rather than later though. It's really not Williams' fault as he's more suited to be an in-the-box type and by expecting him to cover wideouts deep you are simply asking for trouble. Nelson only has a couple of years of Division I experience but he has made the most of them and was one of the true impact defensive backs in the college game this past season. A ballhawk and playmaker in the secondary, some feel Nelson could even project to cornerback at the next level but in Dallas he'd be a perfect fit at safety and his coverage skills would finally provide an ideal compliment to Williams and help eliminate some of the big breakdowns that have haunted them.
23. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
QUINN PITCOCK
DT | Ohio St. | Scouting Report
In the past two to three years the Chiefs have done a very nice job of improving not only the quality but also the depth on their defense but one area that has been ignored to a certain extent is the interior of the defensive line. It's high time to write off Ryan Sims as a bust and the team basically does not have anything close to an impact player in the middle so if given the opportunity that might very well be the direction they go with this pick. Quinn Pitcock isn't quite the elite prospect he was made out to be early in the year but he has a great motor and should test well in workouts which may land him a spot in the latter portion of round one. Even though he probably won't ever be an All-Pro Pitcock should be a very solid player and start for a long time. Offensive line is also a strong possibility here and don't rule out a wide receiver either but Herm Edwards is a defensive guy and he'll recognize the need for some help at defensive tackle.
24. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (f/SEA)
MARCUS MCCAULEY
CB | Fresno St. | Scouting Report
It seems like every year the majority of the mock drafts out there have the Patriots taking a cornerback in round one but they never address the position early in the draft. That has to change eventually, doesn't it? The next star the Pats might see bolt as a free agent is Asante Samuel, who is coming off a career year and will likely receive a lot of interest on the open market. If he does leave cornerback becomes just that much more of a concern but even if they do find a way to retain him some quality depth is still needed. Fresno St. coach Pat Hill has ties to Bill Belichick and New England has shown a propensity towards bringing his protégés into the fold in the past so the stars seem to align here. Marcus McCauley really is the total package physically and an even better prospect than his former teammate Richard Marshall (who was a 2nd round pick and is coming off a terrific rookie season with the Panthers) was a year ago. Even though he struggled at times as a senior McCauley has all the tools so he won't fall much further than this.
25. NEW YORK JETS
DAYMEION HUGHES
CB | California | Scouting Report
In my opinion Daymeion Hughes is one of the most overrated prospects in this draft and I feel that people's lofty opinion of him are based largely on the abnormal number of interceptions he racked up as a senior. By the time Draft Day rolls around I fully expect Hughes to slip into the 2nd or 3rd round because he doesn't figure to run all that well in workouts but for at least the time being I will give him the benefit of the doubt by respecting his current draft stock level and placing him in round one. To say that the Jets made major strides in '06 would be a vast understatement but the rebuilding job is not finished by any means and one area that still needs a lot of attention is cornerback, where Andre Dyson is solid but Justin Miller is on the outs and there is little or no depth to speak of. Hughes is a physical ballhawk who would be a perfect fit for Eric Mangini's scheme and help upgrade what was a middle of pack pass defense this past season.
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26. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
MICHAEL GRIFFIN
S | Texas | Scouting Report
You have to give the Eagle franchise a lot of credit because even though they have been picking late in round one for a while now due to their regular season and playoff success they've still managed to draft well and build not only an excellent core of starters but also tremendous depth as well. Even though they don't have many glaring needs one position that does stand out is safety, where Michael Lewis suffered a drastic decline in play and as a result probably won't be brought back when he becomes a free agent this offseason. Sean Considine has done a solid job since taking over his starting spot but he would be better suited for a backup role which means Eagles may be looking to bring in a top safety early in the draft. Michael Griffin is a terrific all-around defensive back who excels against both the run and pass while also providing tremendous value on special teams as well. Outside linebacker and maybe even wide receiver are possibilities as well but safety is of greater concern and Griffin is a good value at this point.
27. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
PAUL POSLUSZNY
OLB | Penn St. | Scouting Report
Linebacker has long been a problem area for the Saints and it's a little known fact that they were actually ready to take A.J. Hawk with the #2 overall pick last year before Reggie Bush unexpectedly fell into their laps. I think that speaks volumes about just how badly they feel the position needs to be addressed and while some may consider "Puz" a reach here I think this makes perfect sense. Paul Posluszny did not have the type of senior campaign that most were expecting but you have to remember that he was coming off a pretty major knee injury and also adjusting to a new position that he really wasn't suited for. Perhaps a very poor man's A.J. Hawk, Posluszny was real productive, has great instincts and his intangibles are off the charts which is why I feel he'd be an ideal fit for New Orleans late in round one. Posluszny is exactly the type of high-quality player and leader that you can build a team around and he could be to the Saints defense what Drew Brees was to the offense which is why this is a match made in draft heaven.
28. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
DWAYNE BOWE
WR | L.S.U. | Scouting Report
The turnover that New England has experienced at wide receiver in the last year truly is remarkable and while they have gotten solid performances out of the likes of Jabar Gaffney and Reche Caldwell it might be time to use some of their resources to bring in a top pass catcher for Tom Brady. The Pats essentially have an extra first round pick thanks to the Deion Branch trade so why not use one of those picks to bring in his replacement? Dwayne Bowe will likely fly under the radar to a degree because of all the high-profile underclassmen wideouts that entered the draft but don't be surprised if he goes ahead of a number of them. A big, physical receiver like Bowe would provide an excellent compliment to the type of guys that they currently have on the roster and I am sure Mr. Brady would be very pleased if the team gave him another weapon to throw to. Linebacker is also a strong possibility here and depending on what they do with their first pick they could opt for a defensive back but a wide receiver should be added at some point.
29. BALTIMORE RAVENS
JARVIS MOSS
DE | Florida | Scouting Report
Top to bottom there might not be a deeper, more talented team in the league than the Ravens but if they lose the underrated Adalius Thomas as a free agent in the offseason, which is a very distinct possibility, outside linebacker would then become a concern. After battling injuries early in his career Jarvis Moss emerged as one of the most disruptive pass rushing forces in the country in 2005 and as a junior in 2006 he helped lead the Gators to a National Championship when he made some very good Ohio St. offensive linemen look downright silly. Despite playing defensive end in college he is undersized for the position at the next level but thanks to his top-notch athleticism his best fit in the pros might be at outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme like the Ravens run. An offensive lineman like Justin Blalock could draw some consideration here as well and Baltimore may be one of the few teams that can realistically justify going the best player available route but Moss would seem to be a nice fit should Thomas be lost on the open market.
30. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
SIDNEY RICE
WR | South Carolina | Scouting Report
In a 2006 season that featured a number of bright spots for the Chargers one that stood out was the emergence of Vincent Jackson as a nice young receiving threat for them. Even though he played very well in his second year it's important to keep everything in perspective and remember that in the end Jackson did only start eight games and finished the season with just 27 catches for less than 500 yards. Even if you do accept the premise that Jackson is a future #1 target for them there is still the need to add some additional help at wideout because Eric Parker is average and Keenan McCardell finally started to show some signs of his age by notching his worst season since 1994. Even though he is still raw and inexperienced Sidney Rice is loaded with potential and this would be a perfect situation for him as he'd be allowed to develop slowly for a year or two before eventually taking on a more significant role once McCardell decides to hang them up. Rice isn't a sure thing but at this point the potential rewards outweigh the risks.
2007 NFL Mock Draft Links - Other mock drafts from around the web. Always updated.
31. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
PATRICK WILLIS
ILB | Ole Miss | Scouting Report
It's hard to imagine such a good team having such a terrible run defense but so it goes for the Colts, who finished dead last in the entire league against the run and allowed opponents a mind-numbing average of 173 yards per game on the ground. The team is basically set along the defensive line for next season assuming Corey Simon returns but they can certainly help improve that run defense by upgrading at outside linebacker. Gilbert Gardner was a major disappointment as David Thornton's replacement and even though Rob Morris was a little better he isn't the long-term answer. To make matters even worse Cato June is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason and based on their history (they let Thornton, Marcus Washington and Mike Peterson all leave when they hit the open market) it's far from a sure thing that he will be back in 2007. Patrick Willis is an excellent athlete and one of the most productive linebackers you will ever find and he is versatile enough to project either inside or outside as a pro. Jon Beason would also seem to be a good fit but one way or another they'll need to upgrade that defense.
32. CHICAGO BEARS
JUSTIN BLALOCK
OG | Texas | Scouting Report
In a surprise move the Bears devoted almost all of their draft picks last year to the defensive side of the ball despite obvious deficiencies on offense. All in all it's hard to argue with the results but don't expect to see them use that same strategy this time around as they will more than likely use the majority of their '07 selections on offense. Even though their offensive line was solid again in 2006 they have some guys like Reuben Brown and Fred Miller who are getting up their in years and it may be time to bring in their eventual replacements. Justin Blalock played right tackle for the most part in college but will probably move inside to guard at the next level and he could be a force there. The addition of Blalock would not only strengthen their depth but also give them a potential replacement for either Brown (right guard) or Miller (right tackle). Chicago could also opt for a tight end and both Zach Miller and Greg Olsen would make a lot of sense and provide the team with an upgrade over Desmond Clark, who's solid but certainly nothing special.
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