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NFL Draft Scout - Rob Rang's Mock Draft
1. JaMarcus Russell QB LSU - With a dominating Pro Day performance, Russell solidified his spot among the elite of the draft. The Raiders continue to scout the top prospects, and one has to wonder if the team would consider Georgia Tech WR Calvin Johnson here or a trade down if Oakland lands a veteran quarterback.
2. Brady Quinn QB Notre Dame - The two players deserving of this pick -- Johnson and Quinn -- don't fill key areas of need for the Lions. Detroit would rather move down a bit and pick up an impact defender. For now, Quinn makes the most sense as he fits in well in Mike Martz's offense and presents the club with a talent to develop behind the soon-to-be 35-year-old Jon Kitna. The odds appear at least 50-50, according to sources, that the Lions will trade this pick.
3. Joe Thomas OT Wisconsin - The Browns might have newly-signed RB Jamal Lewis under contract for just one year, but his addition clears the way for the team to add Thomas instead of looking hard at Oklahoma RB Adrian Peterson. With free-agent addition Eric Steinbach at guard, the Browns have an opportunity to create a formidable left side.
4. Calvin Johnson WR Georgia Tech - If Johnson, arguably the draft's top prospect, is available, offensive-minded Bucs coach Jon Gruden won't hesitate to make him the pick.
5. Levi Brown OT Penn St - New coach Ken Whisenhunt will bring more of a smash mouth philosophy to the desert. The Cardinals elected to let starting left tackle Leonard Davis leave as a free agent and haven't addressed the position since. Brown is one of the more vastly underrated players in this draft. He is ranked by some as an even better prospect than Thomas, and certainly is a more physical presence in the run game than the Wisconsin star.
6. Gaines Adams DE Clemson - The lack of a pass rush contributed heavily in the Commanders plummeting from ninth to 31st in overall defense last season, when they registered only 19 sacks compared to 35 in 2005. Only a late-season surge by Andre Carter gave the team a defender with more than three sacks for the year -- and Carter was hardly a stud. He only finished with six on the season. Adams would fill a clear hole, but with this pick being the Commanders' only one in the top four rounds, they will certainly be entertaining trade offers.
7. Robert Meachem WR Tennessee - With only four receivers currently on the roster -- and journeyman Bobby Wade the most successful of them -- Minnesota will address this position through the draft. The 6-2, 214-pound Meachem is one of the draft's fastest rising prospects after posting a sparkling 4.39-second 40-yard dash at the Combine and leading the SEC with 1,298 receiving yards in his first season as the full-time starter.
8. LaRon Landry FS LSU - In switching picks with the Texas in the Matt Schaub trade, the Falcons put themselves in position to nab Landry. Second-year cornerback Jimmy Williams might be able to make the transition to safety, but when arguably the safest defensive prospect in the entire draft is available -- and would fill a clear need -- he should be the pick.
9. Amobi Okoye DT Louisville - Cam Cameron was hired to improve the offense. With the top receivers and offensive linemen off the board, the Dolphins may instead be forced to restock their defensive line. Questions about Alan Branch's conditioning could allow Okoye, the 19-year-old wunderkind, to leapfrog to the top of the defensive tackle class.
10. Leon Hall CB Michigan - Fans will be clamoring for the falling Adrian Peterson, and with the 10th pick, this is about where the oft-injured superstar may go. The wiser move would be to add Hall, a steady presence to play opposite Dunta Robinson.
11. Patrick Willis ILB Ole Miss - Linebacker remains an area of need for the 49ers, and with Willis running a pair of eye-popping sub 4.40-second 40-yard dashes at 238 pounds, he is once again proving to be well worth a pick in the top half of the first round.
12. Adrian Peterson RB Okla - Do I think Peterson drops this far come April? No, but the running back roulette during free agency could cause Peterson to take a tumble down the board even though his stock remains strong. Teams simply have other needs to address. Should Peterson begin to fall, expect someone to trade up to get him, but slipping as far as No. 12 is a much likelier scenario than one might think. Steven Jackson, considered a top 10-15 pick by most, slipped all the way to 24th in 2004 in much the same way.
13. Alan Branch DT Michigan - With the prospect of facing Shaun Alexander, Frank Gore and Edgerrin James a combined six times per year, coach Scott Linehan cannot afford to have his defense allow 145.4 rushing yards per game against, second-worst in the league. Branch is slipping, but remains the draft's top run stuffing presence.
14. Reggie Nelson FS Florida - The Panthers didn't get much in return on their free agent investment in Shaun Williams, and 33-year-old Mike Minter also struggled to make plays last year. Nelson developed a penchant for the big play and was a finalist for the Nagurski Trophy (outstanding defensive player) and Thorpe Award (top defensive back) last year.
15. Lawrence Timmons OLB Florida St - Regardless of which scheme the Steelers use in 2007, outside linebacker is an area of key need. In ignoring the position through free agency, the team appears poised to address the need here. Timmons may lack Paul Posluszny's big name, but his size, explosiveness and ability as a pass rusher may make him a better fit for Pittsburgh.
16. Marshawn Lynch RB Cal - This is clearly a position of need for the Packers after losing Ahman Green to Houston in free agency. However, while Lynch's versatility as a runner and receiver makes him a perfect fit for the West Coast Offense, the Packers may be able to trade down to secure extra picks and still find Lynch available with so few teams in need of a running back.
17. Jamaal Anderson DE Ark - As stout as the Jaguars' defensive line is on the interior, they lack depth on the outside. While the Jaguars may not enter the draft planning to take an end with this pick, the team may be hard pressed to let a talent like Anderson slip further should he fall into their lap.
18. Adam Carriker DE Nebraska - The Bengals are hoping to land a defensive playmaker and team leader with this selection. The 6-6, 296-pound Carriker was arguably the most impressive defensive player at the Senior Bowl and is being considered by some teams as a defensive tackle, an area lacking in both talent and depth for Cincinnati.
19 Darrelle Revis CB Pitt - The Titans added Nick Harper in free agency, but the uncertain future of Pacman Jones means the team could still use some added depth. After answering questions about his downfield speed with a pair of sub 4.40 40s at his Pro Day, Revis may not make it to the Titans.
20. Paul Posluszny OLB Penn St - Even if the Giants are able to complete a deal for Broncos MLB Al Wilson, New York lacks talent and depth at linebacker and will have to consider a prospect of Posluszny's ability should he remain on the board. The Giants are certainly considering him -- coach Tom Coughlin scouted Posluszny personally at Penn State's Pro Day.
21. Justin Harrell DT Tennessee - Even with the recent addition of yet another ex-Brown, Alvin McKinley, depth at defensive tackle remains a concern for the Broncos. Harrell could push incumbent starter Gerard Warren, whose play slipped in 2006, and provide insurance in case free agent Michael Myers leaves and former Dolphin Dan Wilkinson elects to retire rather than relocate to Denver.
22. Ted Ginn Jr. WR Ohio St - Ginn is the type of luxury pick the talented Cowboys can afford. The team is high on third receiver Patrick Crayton, but with starters Terrell Owens and Terry Glenn in their mid-30s and injury prone, Ginn would provide another big-play threat in three- and four-receiver sets and bring an immediate impact as a return man.
23. Dwayne Bowe WR LSU - The Chiefs' once-potent offense has steadily declined in production each of the past two years. The Chiefs could look at a variety of prospects here, including help for their aging offensive line, but Bowe possesses the size coach Herm Edwards prefers at the position. With a strong performance at the Senior Bowl, Bowe is considered a surer thing than some of the more hyped junior receivers still on the board.
24. Joe Staley OT Cen Michigan - The only team with two first-round picks, the Patriots can afford to take a gamble on greatness. In Staley, it is a gamble that could pay off big. At 6-6, 306 pounds, he is a legitimate 4.7 runner and isn't just a workout warrior, holding his own at the Senior Bowl. Patriots LT Matt Light is solid, but remains susceptible against quicker pass rushers. Staley is a bit raw, but has the footwork to emerge as a standout left tackle.
25. Greg Olsen TE Miami - Despite cornerback appearing to be a clear need, it is noteworthy that while defensive backs under Eric Mangini have consistently produced, no Mangini-coached club has used a first-round pick on the position during his 12-year career with the Jets or Patriots. Perhaps a better fit might be Olsen, the speedy tight end with the soft hands to further open up the passing attack in 2007.
26. Aaron Ross CB Texas - The loss of nickelback Rod Hood is a considerable hole in the Philadelphia defense. Should Ross, the Thorpe Award winner, be available here, the Eagles would certainly consider him.
27. Jon Beason OLB Miami - Even with the addition of Brian Simmons, speed and playmaking ability remains a concern at linebacker for the Saints. Beason's best attributes might be these two characteristics. Whether as a starter or backup, Beason can provide an immediate impact for the New Orleans' defense.
28. Chris Houston CB Ark - In franchising Asante Samuel, the Patriots assured that the playmaking cornerback would return for the 2007 season, but acquiring depth for the future would still be wise. Houston has legitimate man-to-man skills and, with some more fine-tuning, could one day prove to be among the better defensive backs from this draft.
29. Ben Grubbs OG Auburn - With starters Tony Pashos and Edwin Mulitalo moving on and future Hall of Famer Jonathan Ogden contemplating retirement, the Ravens will be looking to address the offensive line throughout the draft. In a draft lauded for the talent and depth throughout the offensive line interior, Grubbs is the year's best.
30. Michael Griffin SS Texas - The legal questions surrounding former starting strong safety Terrence Kiel forces the Chargers to look to the draft for help. The club may have unearthed a rising star in cornerback Antonio Cromartie in last year's first round. Another athletic defensive back could be on the way in 2007.
31. Dwayne Jarrett WR USC - Muhsin Muhammed is on the downside of a strong career, and while Bernard Berrian flashed, he also has a tendency to disappear. Jarrett has the size, strength and secure hands to be a successful possession receiver in the mud and grime of Soldier Field.
32. Steve Smith WR USC - The Colts feature the game's top receiving duo in Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne, but the club is extremely thin at the position beyond those two. Smith isn't flashy, but catches the ball well and runs crisp routes, which would allow him to fit in perfectly here.
1. JaMarcus Russell QB LSU - With a dominating Pro Day performance, Russell solidified his spot among the elite of the draft. The Raiders continue to scout the top prospects, and one has to wonder if the team would consider Georgia Tech WR Calvin Johnson here or a trade down if Oakland lands a veteran quarterback.
2. Brady Quinn QB Notre Dame - The two players deserving of this pick -- Johnson and Quinn -- don't fill key areas of need for the Lions. Detroit would rather move down a bit and pick up an impact defender. For now, Quinn makes the most sense as he fits in well in Mike Martz's offense and presents the club with a talent to develop behind the soon-to-be 35-year-old Jon Kitna. The odds appear at least 50-50, according to sources, that the Lions will trade this pick.
3. Joe Thomas OT Wisconsin - The Browns might have newly-signed RB Jamal Lewis under contract for just one year, but his addition clears the way for the team to add Thomas instead of looking hard at Oklahoma RB Adrian Peterson. With free-agent addition Eric Steinbach at guard, the Browns have an opportunity to create a formidable left side.
4. Calvin Johnson WR Georgia Tech - If Johnson, arguably the draft's top prospect, is available, offensive-minded Bucs coach Jon Gruden won't hesitate to make him the pick.
5. Levi Brown OT Penn St - New coach Ken Whisenhunt will bring more of a smash mouth philosophy to the desert. The Cardinals elected to let starting left tackle Leonard Davis leave as a free agent and haven't addressed the position since. Brown is one of the more vastly underrated players in this draft. He is ranked by some as an even better prospect than Thomas, and certainly is a more physical presence in the run game than the Wisconsin star.
6. Gaines Adams DE Clemson - The lack of a pass rush contributed heavily in the Commanders plummeting from ninth to 31st in overall defense last season, when they registered only 19 sacks compared to 35 in 2005. Only a late-season surge by Andre Carter gave the team a defender with more than three sacks for the year -- and Carter was hardly a stud. He only finished with six on the season. Adams would fill a clear hole, but with this pick being the Commanders' only one in the top four rounds, they will certainly be entertaining trade offers.
7. Robert Meachem WR Tennessee - With only four receivers currently on the roster -- and journeyman Bobby Wade the most successful of them -- Minnesota will address this position through the draft. The 6-2, 214-pound Meachem is one of the draft's fastest rising prospects after posting a sparkling 4.39-second 40-yard dash at the Combine and leading the SEC with 1,298 receiving yards in his first season as the full-time starter.
8. LaRon Landry FS LSU - In switching picks with the Texas in the Matt Schaub trade, the Falcons put themselves in position to nab Landry. Second-year cornerback Jimmy Williams might be able to make the transition to safety, but when arguably the safest defensive prospect in the entire draft is available -- and would fill a clear need -- he should be the pick.
9. Amobi Okoye DT Louisville - Cam Cameron was hired to improve the offense. With the top receivers and offensive linemen off the board, the Dolphins may instead be forced to restock their defensive line. Questions about Alan Branch's conditioning could allow Okoye, the 19-year-old wunderkind, to leapfrog to the top of the defensive tackle class.
10. Leon Hall CB Michigan - Fans will be clamoring for the falling Adrian Peterson, and with the 10th pick, this is about where the oft-injured superstar may go. The wiser move would be to add Hall, a steady presence to play opposite Dunta Robinson.
11. Patrick Willis ILB Ole Miss - Linebacker remains an area of need for the 49ers, and with Willis running a pair of eye-popping sub 4.40-second 40-yard dashes at 238 pounds, he is once again proving to be well worth a pick in the top half of the first round.
12. Adrian Peterson RB Okla - Do I think Peterson drops this far come April? No, but the running back roulette during free agency could cause Peterson to take a tumble down the board even though his stock remains strong. Teams simply have other needs to address. Should Peterson begin to fall, expect someone to trade up to get him, but slipping as far as No. 12 is a much likelier scenario than one might think. Steven Jackson, considered a top 10-15 pick by most, slipped all the way to 24th in 2004 in much the same way.
13. Alan Branch DT Michigan - With the prospect of facing Shaun Alexander, Frank Gore and Edgerrin James a combined six times per year, coach Scott Linehan cannot afford to have his defense allow 145.4 rushing yards per game against, second-worst in the league. Branch is slipping, but remains the draft's top run stuffing presence.
14. Reggie Nelson FS Florida - The Panthers didn't get much in return on their free agent investment in Shaun Williams, and 33-year-old Mike Minter also struggled to make plays last year. Nelson developed a penchant for the big play and was a finalist for the Nagurski Trophy (outstanding defensive player) and Thorpe Award (top defensive back) last year.
15. Lawrence Timmons OLB Florida St - Regardless of which scheme the Steelers use in 2007, outside linebacker is an area of key need. In ignoring the position through free agency, the team appears poised to address the need here. Timmons may lack Paul Posluszny's big name, but his size, explosiveness and ability as a pass rusher may make him a better fit for Pittsburgh.
16. Marshawn Lynch RB Cal - This is clearly a position of need for the Packers after losing Ahman Green to Houston in free agency. However, while Lynch's versatility as a runner and receiver makes him a perfect fit for the West Coast Offense, the Packers may be able to trade down to secure extra picks and still find Lynch available with so few teams in need of a running back.
17. Jamaal Anderson DE Ark - As stout as the Jaguars' defensive line is on the interior, they lack depth on the outside. While the Jaguars may not enter the draft planning to take an end with this pick, the team may be hard pressed to let a talent like Anderson slip further should he fall into their lap.
18. Adam Carriker DE Nebraska - The Bengals are hoping to land a defensive playmaker and team leader with this selection. The 6-6, 296-pound Carriker was arguably the most impressive defensive player at the Senior Bowl and is being considered by some teams as a defensive tackle, an area lacking in both talent and depth for Cincinnati.
19 Darrelle Revis CB Pitt - The Titans added Nick Harper in free agency, but the uncertain future of Pacman Jones means the team could still use some added depth. After answering questions about his downfield speed with a pair of sub 4.40 40s at his Pro Day, Revis may not make it to the Titans.
20. Paul Posluszny OLB Penn St - Even if the Giants are able to complete a deal for Broncos MLB Al Wilson, New York lacks talent and depth at linebacker and will have to consider a prospect of Posluszny's ability should he remain on the board. The Giants are certainly considering him -- coach Tom Coughlin scouted Posluszny personally at Penn State's Pro Day.
21. Justin Harrell DT Tennessee - Even with the recent addition of yet another ex-Brown, Alvin McKinley, depth at defensive tackle remains a concern for the Broncos. Harrell could push incumbent starter Gerard Warren, whose play slipped in 2006, and provide insurance in case free agent Michael Myers leaves and former Dolphin Dan Wilkinson elects to retire rather than relocate to Denver.
22. Ted Ginn Jr. WR Ohio St - Ginn is the type of luxury pick the talented Cowboys can afford. The team is high on third receiver Patrick Crayton, but with starters Terrell Owens and Terry Glenn in their mid-30s and injury prone, Ginn would provide another big-play threat in three- and four-receiver sets and bring an immediate impact as a return man.
23. Dwayne Bowe WR LSU - The Chiefs' once-potent offense has steadily declined in production each of the past two years. The Chiefs could look at a variety of prospects here, including help for their aging offensive line, but Bowe possesses the size coach Herm Edwards prefers at the position. With a strong performance at the Senior Bowl, Bowe is considered a surer thing than some of the more hyped junior receivers still on the board.
24. Joe Staley OT Cen Michigan - The only team with two first-round picks, the Patriots can afford to take a gamble on greatness. In Staley, it is a gamble that could pay off big. At 6-6, 306 pounds, he is a legitimate 4.7 runner and isn't just a workout warrior, holding his own at the Senior Bowl. Patriots LT Matt Light is solid, but remains susceptible against quicker pass rushers. Staley is a bit raw, but has the footwork to emerge as a standout left tackle.
25. Greg Olsen TE Miami - Despite cornerback appearing to be a clear need, it is noteworthy that while defensive backs under Eric Mangini have consistently produced, no Mangini-coached club has used a first-round pick on the position during his 12-year career with the Jets or Patriots. Perhaps a better fit might be Olsen, the speedy tight end with the soft hands to further open up the passing attack in 2007.
26. Aaron Ross CB Texas - The loss of nickelback Rod Hood is a considerable hole in the Philadelphia defense. Should Ross, the Thorpe Award winner, be available here, the Eagles would certainly consider him.
27. Jon Beason OLB Miami - Even with the addition of Brian Simmons, speed and playmaking ability remains a concern at linebacker for the Saints. Beason's best attributes might be these two characteristics. Whether as a starter or backup, Beason can provide an immediate impact for the New Orleans' defense.
28. Chris Houston CB Ark - In franchising Asante Samuel, the Patriots assured that the playmaking cornerback would return for the 2007 season, but acquiring depth for the future would still be wise. Houston has legitimate man-to-man skills and, with some more fine-tuning, could one day prove to be among the better defensive backs from this draft.
29. Ben Grubbs OG Auburn - With starters Tony Pashos and Edwin Mulitalo moving on and future Hall of Famer Jonathan Ogden contemplating retirement, the Ravens will be looking to address the offensive line throughout the draft. In a draft lauded for the talent and depth throughout the offensive line interior, Grubbs is the year's best.
30. Michael Griffin SS Texas - The legal questions surrounding former starting strong safety Terrence Kiel forces the Chargers to look to the draft for help. The club may have unearthed a rising star in cornerback Antonio Cromartie in last year's first round. Another athletic defensive back could be on the way in 2007.
31. Dwayne Jarrett WR USC - Muhsin Muhammed is on the downside of a strong career, and while Bernard Berrian flashed, he also has a tendency to disappear. Jarrett has the size, strength and secure hands to be a successful possession receiver in the mud and grime of Soldier Field.
32. Steve Smith WR USC - The Colts feature the game's top receiving duo in Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne, but the club is extremely thin at the position beyond those two. Smith isn't flashy, but catches the ball well and runs crisp routes, which would allow him to fit in perfectly here.
