1. Miami Dolphins
Chris Long, DE, Virginia
Playing for Al Groh at Virginia as well as he did, and being the son of a Hall-of-Famer, makes Chris Long a "Parcells guy" by association.
2. St. Louis Rams
Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
La'Roi Glover will turn 34 in July. And 2006 third-rounder Claude Wroten hasn't yet shown that he can step in and be the man. Dorsey should immediately improve the Rams front four and possibly allow 2007 first-rounder Adam Carriker to move to left defensive end.
3. Oakland Raiders
Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
Al Davis drafted Bo Jackson even though he had Marcus Allen. So why wouldn't Davis go after McFadden when all the Raiders have now is Lamont Jordan and Domenic Rhodes? And, oh yeah, Davis has never shied away from a player just because he got caught up in a bar fight.
4. Atlanta Falcons
Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
Ryan's not going to be confused with Peyton Manning or Carson Palmer, but with a little seasoning he could be a solid starter who makes a couple of Pro Bowls, not unlike BC alum Matt Hasselbeck.
5. Kansas City Chiefs
Jake Long, OT, Michigan
The Kansas City offensive line needs serious help. If this is the way the board falls, then this pick should be a no-brainer for KC.
6. New York Jets
Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida
The Jets re-signed pass rusher Bryan Thomas after a career-year in 2006; the result: a lackluster performance similar to his first four seasons.
7. New England Patriots (from San Francisco 49ers)
Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida
By the time next season gets rolling along, the Pats linebacking corps will be really old. OLBs Mike Vrabel and Rosevelt Colvin will be 33 and 31 respectively. ILBs Tedy Bruschi and Junior Seau will be 35 and 39! Even heralded free-agent signing Adalius Thomas will be 31. Since the Pats defense looked better with Thomas at ILB, acquiring an OLB should probably be the higher priority. But this isn't a good draft for dynamic pass rushers. I doubt Ohio State DE Vernon Gholston could smoothly transition to the Pats 3-4 and Auburn tweener Quentin Groves looked lost at times in his senior season.
8. Baltimore Ravens
Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi
Marty Schottenheimer would be perfect for this team (he would actually make use of the underrated Mike Anderson). With Otah and 2007 first-rounder Ben Grubbs the Ravens would be building the kind of offensive line that could dominate for the next ten years.
9. Cincinnati Bengals
Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
Though the Bengals have needs all over the defense, they've been weak in the middle of the d-line for years now; it's time for them to finally address the problem in the first round.
10. New Orleans Saints
Kenny Phillips, S, Miami
Another team that needs help at every level of their defense, the Saints will probably go with the best defensive player on the board.
11. Buffalo Bills
Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma
Last year, just about everybody had JaMarcus Russell and Brady Quinn as the top two QB prospects (not necessarily in that order). The big question was "Who's the best of the rest?" I'm happy to say my answer was Trent Edwards because in his first year he played like it. Combine Edwards with Marshawn Lynch who ran better in his first season than I thought he would, Jason Peters at left tackle, and Lee Evans split wide, and the Bills have the makings of an explosive offense. Now they need to keep adding weapons to help Edwards progress; without a top-10-tpye tight end prospect in this draft, the next best bet is to add the top-rated WR in the draft.
12. Denver Broncos
Keith Rivers, OLB, USC
A fast linebacker, perhaps a tad undersized, Rivers could excel in the Denver defense provided that the youngsters in the front four play better than last year.
13. Carolina Panthers
Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State
Panthers are in need of a left tackle to help protect Jake Delhomme, so Matt Moore can continue to develop on the sidelines for another season or two, the way Tony Romo did in Dallas.
14. Chicago Bears
Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois
It's time to admit that Cedric Benson was a bust and move on. As much as the Bears need improvement at QB, Mendenhall is the kind of elite runner who is actually worth a first-round pick: the kind of back whose presence can help the passing game by forcing the defense to play eight-in-the-box.
15. Detroit Lions
Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio St.
With the top-three offensive tackles off the board, the Lions select a WR. Just kidding! The Lions still don't get enough pressure on the QB and should be looking to add a pass-rusher. I'm not as high on Gholston as most of the draftniks are, but at this point it looks like he'll be a top-20 pick.
16. Arizona Cardinals
Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon
Stewart is another prospect I don't have rated as high as many others do. Still, I can't help imaging Head Coach Ken Whisenhunt imaging Stewart bringing a power running game to Arizona the way Jerome Bettis brought it in Pittsburgh.
17. Minnesota Vikings
Jason Jones, DE, Eastern Michigan
Are the Vikings ready to sink or swim with Tarvaris Jackson? That's the decision before them with Brian Brohm still on the board. Even though there would be some value to drafting Brohm and keeping him on the bench to see what happens with Jackson (Brohm could bring value in a trade if Jackson continues to improve as he did during the course of 2007), I see the Vikings showing him a vote of confidence and selecting another small school prospect: this time on the defensive side of the ball, where the Vikings ends don't generate enough pass rush.
18. Houston Texans
Reggie Smith, DB, Oklahoma
The Texans could be set at cornerback with Dunta Robinson and 2007 fourth-rounder Fred Bennett, who showed some promise. But they need help at safety and that could be where Reggie Smith steps in.
19. Philadelphia Eagles
Calais Campbell, DE, Miami
McNabb says the Eagles need more playmakers. And they do. But with Jevon Kearse and Darren Howard both 31 and Juqua Thomas about to turn 30, they could use a youthful upgrade at left defensive end to team with right-side DE Trent Cole.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DeSean Jackson, WR, California
Joey Galloway is 36. It's time to find a new WR who can stretch the field.
21. Washington Redskins
Adarius Bowman, WR, Oklahoma St.
22. Dallas Cowboys (from Cleveland Browns)
Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy
23. Pittsburgh Steelers
Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh
24. Tennessee Titans
Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
25. Seattle Seahawks
Fred Davis, TE, USC
26. New York Giants
Mario Manningham, WR, Michigan
27. San Diego Chargers
Earl Bennett, WR, Vanderbilt
28. Jacksonville Jaguars
Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona
29. Dallas Cowboys
Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas
30. San Francisco 49ers (from Indianapolis Colts)
Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College
31. Green Bay Packers
Tracy Porter, CB, Indiana
32. New England Patriots
pick forfeited
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Sunday, January 13, 2008
2008 NFL Mock Draft
1. Miami Dolphins
Chris Long, DE, Virginia
Playing for Al Groh at Virginia as well as he did, and being the son of a Hall-of-Famer, makes Chris Long a "Parcells guy" by association.
2. St. Louis Rams
Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
La'Roi Glover will turn 34 in July. And 2006 third-rounder Claude Wroten hasn't yet shown that he can step in and be the man. Dorsey should immediately improve the Rams front four and possibly allow 2007 first-rounder Adam Carriker to move to left defensive end.
3. Oakland Raiders
Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
Al Davis drafted Bo Jackson even though he had Marcus Allen. So why wouldn't Davis go after McFadden when all the Raiders have now is Lamont Jordan and Domenic Rhodes? And, oh yeah, Davis has never shied away from a player just because he got caught up in a bar fight.
4. Atlanta Falcons
Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
Ryan's not going to be confused with Peyton Manning or Carson Palmer, but with a little seasoning he could be a solid starter who makes a couple of Pro Bowls, not unlike BC alum Matt Hasselbeck.
5. Kansas City Chiefs
Jake Long, OT, Michigan
The Kansas City offensive line needs serious help. If this is the way the board falls, then this pick should be a no-brainer for KC.
6. New York Jets
Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida
The Jets re-signed pass rusher Bryan Thomas after a career-year in 2006; the result: a lackluster performance similar to his first four seasons.
7. New England Patriots (from San Francisco 49ers)
Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida
By the time next season gets rolling along, the Pats linebacking corps will be really old. OLBs Mike Vrabel and Rosevelt Colvin will be 33 and 31 respectively. ILBs Tedy Bruschi and Junior Seau will be 35 and 39! Even heralded free-agent signing Adalius Thomas will be 31. Since the Pats defense looked better with Thomas at ILB, acquiring an OLB should probably be the higher priority. But this isn't a good draft for dynamic pass rushers. I doubt Ohio State DE Vernon Gholston could smoothly transition to the Pats 3-4 and Auburn tweener Quentin Groves looked lost at times in his senior season.
8. Baltimore Ravens
Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh
Marty Schottenheimer would be perfect for this team (he would actually make use of the underrated Mike Anderson). With Otah and 2007 first-rounder Ben Grubbs the Ravens would be building the kind of offensive line that could dominate for the next ten years.
9. Cincinnati Bengals
Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
Though the Bengals have needs all over the defense, they've been weak in the middle of the d-line for years now; it's time for them to finally address the problem in the first round.
10. New Orleans Saints
Kenny Phillips, S, Miami
Another team that needs help at every level of their defense, the Saints will probably go with the best defensive player on the board.
11. Buffalo Bills
Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma
Last year, just about everybody had JaMarcus Russell and Brady Quinn as the top two QB prospects (not necessarily in that order). The big question was "Who's the best of the rest?" I'm happy to say my answer was Trent Edwards because in his first year he played like it. Combine Edwards with Marshawn Lynch who ran better in his first season than I thought he would, Jason Peters at left tackle, and Lee Evans split wide, and the Bills have the makings of an explosive offense. Now they need to keep adding weapons to help Edwards progress; without a top-10-tpye tight end prospect in this draft, the next best bet is to add the top-rated WR in the draft.
12. Denver Broncos
Keith Rivers, OLB, USC
A fast linebacker, perhaps a tad undersized, Rivers could excel in the Denver defense provided that the youngsters in the front four play better than last year.
13. Carolina Panthers
Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State
Panthers are in need of a left tackle to help protect Jake Delhomme, so Matt Moore can continue to develop on the sidelines for another season or two, the way Tony Romo did in Dallas.
14. Chicago Bears
Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois
It's time to admit that Cedric Benson was a bust and move on. As much as the Bears need improvement at QB, Mendenhall is the kind of elite runner who is actually worth a first-round pick: the kind of back whose presence can help the passing game by forcing the defense to play eight-in-the-box.
15. Detroit Lions
Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio St.
With the top-three offensive tackles off the board, the Lions select a WR. Just kidding! The Lions still don't get enough pressure on the QB and should be looking to add a pass-rusher. I'm not as high on Gholston as most of the draftniks are, but at this point it looks like he'll be a top-20 pick.
16. Arizona Cardinals
Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon
Stewart is another prospect I don't have rated as high as many others do. Still, I can't help imaging Head Coach Ken Whisenhunt imaging Stewart bringing a power running game to Arizona the way Jerome Bettis brought it in Pittsburgh.
17. Minnesota Vikings
Jason Jones, DE, Eastern Michigan
Are the Vikings ready to sink or swim with Tarvaris Jackson? That's the decision before them with Brian Brohm still on the board. Even though there would be some value to drafting Brohm and keeping him on the bench to see what happens with Jackson (Brohm could bring value in a trade if Jackson continues to improve as he did during the course of 2007), I see the Vikings showing him a vote of confidence and selecting another small school prospect: this time on the defensive side of the ball, where the Vikings ends don't generate enough pass rush.
18. Houston Texans
Reggie Smith, DB, Oklahoma
The Texans could be set at cornerback with Dunta Robinson and 2007 fourth-rounder Fred Bennett, who showed some promise. But they need help at safety and that could be where Reggie Smith steps in.
19. Philadelphia Eagles
Adarius Bowman, WR, Oklahoma St.
McNabb says the Eagles need more playmakers. And they do.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DeSean Jackson, WR, California
Joey Galloway is 36. It's time to find a new WR who can stretch the field.
21. Washington Redskins
Calais Campbell, DE, Miami
22. Dallas Cowboys (from Cleveland Browns)
Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy
23. Pittsburgh Steelers
Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College
24. Tennessee Titans
Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
25. Seattle Seahawks
Fred Davis, TE, USC
26. New York Giants
Mario Manningham, WR, Michigan
27. San Diego Chargers
Earl Bennett, WR, Vanderbilt
28. Jacksonville Jaguars
Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona
29. Green Bay Packers
Tracy Porter, CB, Indiana
30. San Francisco 49ers (from Indianapolis Colts)
Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State
31. Dallas Cowboys
James Hardy, WR, Indiana
32. New England Patriots
pick forfeited
Chris Long, DE, Virginia
Playing for Al Groh at Virginia as well as he did, and being the son of a Hall-of-Famer, makes Chris Long a "Parcells guy" by association.
2. St. Louis Rams
Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
La'Roi Glover will turn 34 in July. And 2006 third-rounder Claude Wroten hasn't yet shown that he can step in and be the man. Dorsey should immediately improve the Rams front four and possibly allow 2007 first-rounder Adam Carriker to move to left defensive end.
3. Oakland Raiders
Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
Al Davis drafted Bo Jackson even though he had Marcus Allen. So why wouldn't Davis go after McFadden when all the Raiders have now is Lamont Jordan and Domenic Rhodes? And, oh yeah, Davis has never shied away from a player just because he got caught up in a bar fight.
4. Atlanta Falcons
Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
Ryan's not going to be confused with Peyton Manning or Carson Palmer, but with a little seasoning he could be a solid starter who makes a couple of Pro Bowls, not unlike BC alum Matt Hasselbeck.
5. Kansas City Chiefs
Jake Long, OT, Michigan
The Kansas City offensive line needs serious help. If this is the way the board falls, then this pick should be a no-brainer for KC.
6. New York Jets
Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida
The Jets re-signed pass rusher Bryan Thomas after a career-year in 2006; the result: a lackluster performance similar to his first four seasons.
7. New England Patriots (from San Francisco 49ers)
Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida
By the time next season gets rolling along, the Pats linebacking corps will be really old. OLBs Mike Vrabel and Rosevelt Colvin will be 33 and 31 respectively. ILBs Tedy Bruschi and Junior Seau will be 35 and 39! Even heralded free-agent signing Adalius Thomas will be 31. Since the Pats defense looked better with Thomas at ILB, acquiring an OLB should probably be the higher priority. But this isn't a good draft for dynamic pass rushers. I doubt Ohio State DE Vernon Gholston could smoothly transition to the Pats 3-4 and Auburn tweener Quentin Groves looked lost at times in his senior season.
8. Baltimore Ravens
Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh
Marty Schottenheimer would be perfect for this team (he would actually make use of the underrated Mike Anderson). With Otah and 2007 first-rounder Ben Grubbs the Ravens would be building the kind of offensive line that could dominate for the next ten years.
9. Cincinnati Bengals
Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
Though the Bengals have needs all over the defense, they've been weak in the middle of the d-line for years now; it's time for them to finally address the problem in the first round.
10. New Orleans Saints
Kenny Phillips, S, Miami
Another team that needs help at every level of their defense, the Saints will probably go with the best defensive player on the board.
11. Buffalo Bills
Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma
Last year, just about everybody had JaMarcus Russell and Brady Quinn as the top two QB prospects (not necessarily in that order). The big question was "Who's the best of the rest?" I'm happy to say my answer was Trent Edwards because in his first year he played like it. Combine Edwards with Marshawn Lynch who ran better in his first season than I thought he would, Jason Peters at left tackle, and Lee Evans split wide, and the Bills have the makings of an explosive offense. Now they need to keep adding weapons to help Edwards progress; without a top-10-tpye tight end prospect in this draft, the next best bet is to add the top-rated WR in the draft.
12. Denver Broncos
Keith Rivers, OLB, USC
A fast linebacker, perhaps a tad undersized, Rivers could excel in the Denver defense provided that the youngsters in the front four play better than last year.
13. Carolina Panthers
Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State
Panthers are in need of a left tackle to help protect Jake Delhomme, so Matt Moore can continue to develop on the sidelines for another season or two, the way Tony Romo did in Dallas.
14. Chicago Bears
Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois
It's time to admit that Cedric Benson was a bust and move on. As much as the Bears need improvement at QB, Mendenhall is the kind of elite runner who is actually worth a first-round pick: the kind of back whose presence can help the passing game by forcing the defense to play eight-in-the-box.
15. Detroit Lions
Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio St.
With the top-three offensive tackles off the board, the Lions select a WR. Just kidding! The Lions still don't get enough pressure on the QB and should be looking to add a pass-rusher. I'm not as high on Gholston as most of the draftniks are, but at this point it looks like he'll be a top-20 pick.
16. Arizona Cardinals
Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon
Stewart is another prospect I don't have rated as high as many others do. Still, I can't help imaging Head Coach Ken Whisenhunt imaging Stewart bringing a power running game to Arizona the way Jerome Bettis brought it in Pittsburgh.
17. Minnesota Vikings
Jason Jones, DE, Eastern Michigan
Are the Vikings ready to sink or swim with Tarvaris Jackson? That's the decision before them with Brian Brohm still on the board. Even though there would be some value to drafting Brohm and keeping him on the bench to see what happens with Jackson (Brohm could bring value in a trade if Jackson continues to improve as he did during the course of 2007), I see the Vikings showing him a vote of confidence and selecting another small school prospect: this time on the defensive side of the ball, where the Vikings ends don't generate enough pass rush.
18. Houston Texans
Reggie Smith, DB, Oklahoma
The Texans could be set at cornerback with Dunta Robinson and 2007 fourth-rounder Fred Bennett, who showed some promise. But they need help at safety and that could be where Reggie Smith steps in.
19. Philadelphia Eagles
Adarius Bowman, WR, Oklahoma St.
McNabb says the Eagles need more playmakers. And they do.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DeSean Jackson, WR, California
Joey Galloway is 36. It's time to find a new WR who can stretch the field.
21. Washington Redskins
Calais Campbell, DE, Miami
22. Dallas Cowboys (from Cleveland Browns)
Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy
23. Pittsburgh Steelers
Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College
24. Tennessee Titans
Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
25. Seattle Seahawks
Fred Davis, TE, USC
26. New York Giants
Mario Manningham, WR, Michigan
27. San Diego Chargers
Earl Bennett, WR, Vanderbilt
28. Jacksonville Jaguars
Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona
29. Green Bay Packers
Tracy Porter, CB, Indiana
30. San Francisco 49ers (from Indianapolis Colts)
Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State
31. Dallas Cowboys
James Hardy, WR, Indiana
32. New England Patriots
pick forfeited
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
2008 NFL Mock Draft
1. Miami Dolphins
Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
2. St. Louis Rams
Jake Long, OT, Michigan
3. Oakland Raiders
Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
4. Atlanta Falcons
Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
5. Kansas City Chiefs
Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh
6. New York Jets
Chris Long, DE, Virginia
7. New England Patriots (from San Francisco 49ers)
Vernon Gholston, DE/OLB, Ohio State
8. Baltimore Ravens
Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State
9. Cincinnati Bengals
Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
10. New Orleans Saints
James Laurinaitis, LB, Ohio State
11. Buffalo Bills
Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida
12. Denver Broncos
Keith Rivers, OLB, USC
13. Carolina Panthers
Kenny Phillips, S, Miami
14. Chicago Bears
Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville
15. Detroit Lions
Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State
16. Arizona Cardinals
Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon
17. Minnesota Vikings
Jason Jones, DE, Eastern Michigan
18. Houston Texans
Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona
19. Philadelphia Eagles
Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma
21. Washington Redskins
Calais Campbell, DE, Miami
22. Dallas Cowboys (from Cleveland Browns)
Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy
23. Seattle Seahawks
Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois
24. Pittsburgh Steelers
Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College
25. Tennessee Titans
DeSean Jackson, WR, California
26. New York Giants
Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
27. San Diego Chargers
Adarius Bowman, WR, Oklahoma St.
28. Jacksonville Jaguars
Dan Connor, OLB, Penn State
29. Green Bay Packers
Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas
30. San Francisco 49ers (from Indianapolis Colts)
Mario Manningham, WR, Michigan
31. Dallas Cowboys
Ray Rice, RB, Rutgers
32. New England Patriots
pick forfeited
Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
2. St. Louis Rams
Jake Long, OT, Michigan
3. Oakland Raiders
Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
4. Atlanta Falcons
Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
5. Kansas City Chiefs
Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh
6. New York Jets
Chris Long, DE, Virginia
7. New England Patriots (from San Francisco 49ers)
Vernon Gholston, DE/OLB, Ohio State
8. Baltimore Ravens
Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State
9. Cincinnati Bengals
Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
10. New Orleans Saints
James Laurinaitis, LB, Ohio State
11. Buffalo Bills
Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida
12. Denver Broncos
Keith Rivers, OLB, USC
13. Carolina Panthers
Kenny Phillips, S, Miami
14. Chicago Bears
Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville
15. Detroit Lions
Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State
16. Arizona Cardinals
Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon
17. Minnesota Vikings
Jason Jones, DE, Eastern Michigan
18. Houston Texans
Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona
19. Philadelphia Eagles
Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma
21. Washington Redskins
Calais Campbell, DE, Miami
22. Dallas Cowboys (from Cleveland Browns)
Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy
23. Seattle Seahawks
Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois
24. Pittsburgh Steelers
Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College
25. Tennessee Titans
DeSean Jackson, WR, California
26. New York Giants
Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
27. San Diego Chargers
Adarius Bowman, WR, Oklahoma St.
28. Jacksonville Jaguars
Dan Connor, OLB, Penn State
29. Green Bay Packers
Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas
30. San Francisco 49ers (from Indianapolis Colts)
Mario Manningham, WR, Michigan
31. Dallas Cowboys
Ray Rice, RB, Rutgers
32. New England Patriots
pick forfeited
Saturday, May 05, 2007
2008 NFL Mock Draft - alpha version
1. Tennessee Titans
DeSean Jackson, WR, California
2. Minnesota Vikings
Calais Campbell, DE, Miami
3. Kansas City Chiefs
Jake Long, OT, Michigan
4. Carolina Panthers
Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville
5. Miami Dolphins
Quentin Groves, DE, Auburn
6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Mario Manningham, WR, Michigan
7. Dallas Cowboys (from Cleveland Browns)
Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
8. Oakland Raiders
Sam Baker, OT, USC
9. Washington Redskins
Lawrence Jackson, DE, USC
10. Buffalo Bills
Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona
11. Houston Texans
Ray Rice, RB, Rutgers
12. New York Giants
Kenny Phillips, S, Miami
13. Seattle Seahawks
Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
14. Detroit Lions
Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas
15. Atlanta Falcons
James Laurinaitis, LB, Ohio State
16. St. Louis Rams
Keith Rivers, OLB, USC
17. Cincinnati Bengals
Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
18. New England Patriots (from San Francisco 49ers)
Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State
19. Jacksonville Jaguars
Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU
20. Pittsburgh Steelers
Marcus Monk, WR, Arkansas
21. Arizona Cardinals
Mike Hart, RB, Michigan
22. Philadelphia Eagles
Frank Okam, DT, Texas
23. San Diego Chargers
Dwight Lowery, CB, San Jose State
24. Chicago Bears
Dan Connor, OLB, Penn State
25. Green Bay Packers
Chad Henne, QB, Michigan
26. Denver Broncos
Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
27. San Francisco 49ers (from Indianapolis Colts)
Jordan Grimes, G, Purdue
28. New York Jets
Jared Gaither, OT, Maryland
29. Baltimore Ravens
John David Booty, QB, USC
30. Dallas Cowboys
Chris Long, DE, Virginia
31. New Orleans Saints
Fred Davis TE, USC
32. New England Patriots
Jonathan Goff, LB, Vanderbilt
DeSean Jackson, WR, California
2. Minnesota Vikings
Calais Campbell, DE, Miami
3. Kansas City Chiefs
Jake Long, OT, Michigan
4. Carolina Panthers
Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville
5. Miami Dolphins
Quentin Groves, DE, Auburn
6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Mario Manningham, WR, Michigan
7. Dallas Cowboys (from Cleveland Browns)
Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
8. Oakland Raiders
Sam Baker, OT, USC
9. Washington Redskins
Lawrence Jackson, DE, USC
10. Buffalo Bills
Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona
11. Houston Texans
Ray Rice, RB, Rutgers
12. New York Giants
Kenny Phillips, S, Miami
13. Seattle Seahawks
Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
14. Detroit Lions
Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas
15. Atlanta Falcons
James Laurinaitis, LB, Ohio State
16. St. Louis Rams
Keith Rivers, OLB, USC
17. Cincinnati Bengals
Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
18. New England Patriots (from San Francisco 49ers)
Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State
19. Jacksonville Jaguars
Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU
20. Pittsburgh Steelers
Marcus Monk, WR, Arkansas
21. Arizona Cardinals
Mike Hart, RB, Michigan
22. Philadelphia Eagles
Frank Okam, DT, Texas
23. San Diego Chargers
Dwight Lowery, CB, San Jose State
24. Chicago Bears
Dan Connor, OLB, Penn State
25. Green Bay Packers
Chad Henne, QB, Michigan
26. Denver Broncos
Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
27. San Francisco 49ers (from Indianapolis Colts)
Jordan Grimes, G, Purdue
28. New York Jets
Jared Gaither, OT, Maryland
29. Baltimore Ravens
John David Booty, QB, USC
30. Dallas Cowboys
Chris Long, DE, Virginia
31. New Orleans Saints
Fred Davis TE, USC
32. New England Patriots
Jonathan Goff, LB, Vanderbilt
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Scoring My 2007 "First 100"
I picked 83 of the first 100 drafted, a score good enough for tenth place over at The Huddle Report, placing ahead of NFL Draft Scout (82), Scouts Inc. (81), Mel Kiper (81), Draft Daddy (80), Scout.com (79), and Ourlads (76), among others. Rick Gosselin, NFL Draft Countdown, and Scouts Notebook tied for first with 86.
Friday, April 27, 2007
2007 NFL Mock Draft
1. Oakland
JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU
Lane Kiffin wants a strong-armed quarterback to create a strike-first vertical passing game. That shouldn't be a hard sell to Mr. Davis, even though he hasn't ever selected a QB higher than the 15th pick.
2. Detroit
Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson
I expect the Lions to trade down once, maybe even twice. Adams will team with free agent Dewayne White to give the Lions the pass rush they sorely lacked last season.
3. Cleveland
Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma
There's the two-back trend, of course, but there's also the declining abilities of Jamal Lewis. Of the 53 backs who had at least 75 carries, Lewis was ranked 40th in DPAR and 39th in DVOA. And that was behind a decent Ravens offensive line. There are only a few elite backs in the NFL, and Peterson is the only back in this draft who has consistently shown that kind of potential.
4. Tampa Bay
Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech
The Bucs will probably have to move up one or two picks to secure Johnson. With Joey Galloway getting up there in age, and Michael Clayton looking like a one-year wonder, the Bucs will do what it takes to get their franchise receiver.
5. Arizona
Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin
The Arizona offense is ready to roll, but they need improvement along the line to keep Matt Leinart upright and blast some holes for Edgerrin James.
6. Washington
Jamaal Anderson, DE, Arkansas
Anderson should provide the strong-side pass rush the Skins just did not get enough of last season. His pro day was not as impressive as people hoped for, but look at him on film and he compares well enough to last year's number one overall pick by the Texans, Mario Williams.
7. Minnesota
Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame
Ideally a second-round draft pick deserves at least two seasons to show what he can do. But Tarvaris Jackson was a reach last year, and Brady Quinn is too well suited for Brad Childress's offense to pass up.
8. Atlanta (from Houston)
LaRon Landry, S, LSU
Landry is a smart player with good character, just the way GM Rich McKay likes them. Lawyer Milloy's skills made like Elvis and left the building last year. Ok, maybe he wasn't that bad, but he was far from being the impact player he once was. The starting free safety is Chris Crocker. Landry can play either safety position; unfortunately, he can't play both at the same time.
9. Miami
Levi Brown, OT, Penn St.
Arguably it's the Dolphins that could use Brady Quinn more than any other team. Almost as big a problem, though, is left tackle. L.J. Shelton was awful at that position, but late last season he showed he has a future at guard. There's always concerns about starting a rookie at LT, but new coach Cam Cameron watched up-close last year as Chargers second-round pick Marcus McNeil played like an All-Pro.
10. Houston (from Atlanta)
Amobi Okoye, DT, Louisville
11. San Francisco
Adam Carriker, DE, Nebraska
A lot of possibilities here to help the 49ers finally turn the corner with the 3-4 defense Mike Nolan has (tried to) install. But, in the end, Carriker's experience as a strong side DE in a two-gap scheme makes him their choice.
12. Buffalo
Patrick Willis, LB, Ole Miss
This has become a popular mock pick in recent weeks, so I'm going to shamelessly point out that I've had him rated this high and getting drafted in this spot all along, based on game review, and a good guess that the Bills were in fact going to part ways with their verteran LBs. Take that, Mel! (Note: unlike many online draftniks, I'm a Mel Kiper fan; I respect what he has been able to do both for himself and the NFL draft in general.)
13. St. Louis
Darrelle Revis, CB, Pittsburgh
14. Carolina
Ted Ginn, Jr., WR, Ohio St.
15. Pittsburgh
Jarvis Moss, DE/OLB, Florida
The Steelers will stick with the 3-4 defense, but they saw their adjusted sack rate drop from third in the league in 2005 to fifteenth last season. Moss should be able to contribute right away as an outside linebacker. And if the team changes to a 4-3 in a few years, he has the frame to add some bulk and be an effective three-down defensive end.
16. Green Bay
Leon Hall, CB, Michigan
17. Jacksonville
Reggie Nelson, S, Florida
The Jags could really use a premium pass rusher, but with Adams, Anderson, and Moss off the board, the team will have to fill a different need. With Deon Grant gone via free angency and the recently-arrested Gerald Sensabaugh better suited to play strong safety, Nelson will be given every opportunity to start right away.
18. Cincinnati
Lawrence Timmons, LB, Florida St.
19. Tennessee
Robert Meachem, WR, Tennessee
20. New York Giants
Joe Staley, OT, Central Michigan
21. Denver
Justin Harrell, DT, Tennessee
22. Dallas
Dwayne Jarrett, WR, USC
The Cowboys have all of their starting positions more-or-less locked up. If they can't trade down, their choice here will probably be between cornerback Darrelle Revis, guard Ben Grubbs, and Jarrett. Owner Jerry Jones has struck gold before with a top skill-position performer whose draft stock dropped after he posted subpar 40 times.
23. Kansas City
Ben Grubbs, OG, Auburn
24. New England (from Seattle)
David Harris, ILB, Michigan
Sorry, I don't point out my mistakes - just what I get right. Most draftniks finally caught up to where I had David Harris ranked back at college season's end. Harris is a player, and goddammit if the Patriot's don't collect players like a dark velvet jacket collects cat hair in springtime.
25. New York Jets
Aaron Ross, CB, Texas
Ross's skill set is well suited for Eric Mangini's defense, since he is at his best when facing the quaterback. Ross will also be an asset supporting against the run. That might not seem so important in a cornerback, but the Jets were last in the league in rush defense DVOA, so they need the help wherever they can get it.
26. Philadelphia
Jon Beason, LB, Miami
The Eagles are clearly not happy with what they have at linebacker. Trading for Takeo Spikes was a good move, but he's an injury risk, and not a long-term solution.
27. New Orleans
Dwayne Bowe, WR, LSU
28. New England
Michael Griffin, S, Texas
Griffin is a versatile safety who could replace Rodney Harrison down the road.
29. Baltimore
Arron Sears, OG, Tennessee
30. San Diego
Anthony Gonzalez, WR, Ohio St.
31. Chicago
Alan Branch, DT, Michigan
32. Indianapolis
Steve Smith, WR, USC
Yes, the Colts need to add a linebacker (or two), a defensive tackle, and some depth in the secondary. But has anyone noticed they have virtually nobody behind Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne? (UPDATE: People have started noticing since I first posted this.) Harrison turns 35 in August, and he certainly looked worn down by year's end (I think: it's hard to tell since he played pretty much the way he typically plays in the post-season.) Tony Dungy's Tampa-2 defense can be run effectively with small linebackers, "slow" cornerbacks, and undersized linemen: you know, the kind of guys that don't get drafted in the first round.
JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU
Lane Kiffin wants a strong-armed quarterback to create a strike-first vertical passing game. That shouldn't be a hard sell to Mr. Davis, even though he hasn't ever selected a QB higher than the 15th pick.
2. Detroit
Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson
I expect the Lions to trade down once, maybe even twice. Adams will team with free agent Dewayne White to give the Lions the pass rush they sorely lacked last season.
3. Cleveland
Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma
There's the two-back trend, of course, but there's also the declining abilities of Jamal Lewis. Of the 53 backs who had at least 75 carries, Lewis was ranked 40th in DPAR and 39th in DVOA. And that was behind a decent Ravens offensive line. There are only a few elite backs in the NFL, and Peterson is the only back in this draft who has consistently shown that kind of potential.
4. Tampa Bay
Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech
The Bucs will probably have to move up one or two picks to secure Johnson. With Joey Galloway getting up there in age, and Michael Clayton looking like a one-year wonder, the Bucs will do what it takes to get their franchise receiver.
5. Arizona
Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin
The Arizona offense is ready to roll, but they need improvement along the line to keep Matt Leinart upright and blast some holes for Edgerrin James.
6. Washington
Jamaal Anderson, DE, Arkansas
Anderson should provide the strong-side pass rush the Skins just did not get enough of last season. His pro day was not as impressive as people hoped for, but look at him on film and he compares well enough to last year's number one overall pick by the Texans, Mario Williams.
7. Minnesota
Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame
Ideally a second-round draft pick deserves at least two seasons to show what he can do. But Tarvaris Jackson was a reach last year, and Brady Quinn is too well suited for Brad Childress's offense to pass up.
8. Atlanta (from Houston)
LaRon Landry, S, LSU
Landry is a smart player with good character, just the way GM Rich McKay likes them. Lawyer Milloy's skills made like Elvis and left the building last year. Ok, maybe he wasn't that bad, but he was far from being the impact player he once was. The starting free safety is Chris Crocker. Landry can play either safety position; unfortunately, he can't play both at the same time.
9. Miami
Levi Brown, OT, Penn St.
Arguably it's the Dolphins that could use Brady Quinn more than any other team. Almost as big a problem, though, is left tackle. L.J. Shelton was awful at that position, but late last season he showed he has a future at guard. There's always concerns about starting a rookie at LT, but new coach Cam Cameron watched up-close last year as Chargers second-round pick Marcus McNeil played like an All-Pro.
10. Houston (from Atlanta)
Amobi Okoye, DT, Louisville
11. San Francisco
Adam Carriker, DE, Nebraska
A lot of possibilities here to help the 49ers finally turn the corner with the 3-4 defense Mike Nolan has (tried to) install. But, in the end, Carriker's experience as a strong side DE in a two-gap scheme makes him their choice.
12. Buffalo
Patrick Willis, LB, Ole Miss
This has become a popular mock pick in recent weeks, so I'm going to shamelessly point out that I've had him rated this high and getting drafted in this spot all along, based on game review, and a good guess that the Bills were in fact going to part ways with their verteran LBs. Take that, Mel! (Note: unlike many online draftniks, I'm a Mel Kiper fan; I respect what he has been able to do both for himself and the NFL draft in general.)
13. St. Louis
Darrelle Revis, CB, Pittsburgh
14. Carolina
Ted Ginn, Jr., WR, Ohio St.
15. Pittsburgh
Jarvis Moss, DE/OLB, Florida
The Steelers will stick with the 3-4 defense, but they saw their adjusted sack rate drop from third in the league in 2005 to fifteenth last season. Moss should be able to contribute right away as an outside linebacker. And if the team changes to a 4-3 in a few years, he has the frame to add some bulk and be an effective three-down defensive end.
16. Green Bay
Leon Hall, CB, Michigan
17. Jacksonville
Reggie Nelson, S, Florida
The Jags could really use a premium pass rusher, but with Adams, Anderson, and Moss off the board, the team will have to fill a different need. With Deon Grant gone via free angency and the recently-arrested Gerald Sensabaugh better suited to play strong safety, Nelson will be given every opportunity to start right away.
18. Cincinnati
Lawrence Timmons, LB, Florida St.
19. Tennessee
Robert Meachem, WR, Tennessee
20. New York Giants
Joe Staley, OT, Central Michigan
21. Denver
Justin Harrell, DT, Tennessee
22. Dallas
Dwayne Jarrett, WR, USC
The Cowboys have all of their starting positions more-or-less locked up. If they can't trade down, their choice here will probably be between cornerback Darrelle Revis, guard Ben Grubbs, and Jarrett. Owner Jerry Jones has struck gold before with a top skill-position performer whose draft stock dropped after he posted subpar 40 times.
23. Kansas City
Ben Grubbs, OG, Auburn
24. New England (from Seattle)
David Harris, ILB, Michigan
Sorry, I don't point out my mistakes - just what I get right. Most draftniks finally caught up to where I had David Harris ranked back at college season's end. Harris is a player, and goddammit if the Patriot's don't collect players like a dark velvet jacket collects cat hair in springtime.
25. New York Jets
Aaron Ross, CB, Texas
Ross's skill set is well suited for Eric Mangini's defense, since he is at his best when facing the quaterback. Ross will also be an asset supporting against the run. That might not seem so important in a cornerback, but the Jets were last in the league in rush defense DVOA, so they need the help wherever they can get it.
26. Philadelphia
Jon Beason, LB, Miami
The Eagles are clearly not happy with what they have at linebacker. Trading for Takeo Spikes was a good move, but he's an injury risk, and not a long-term solution.
27. New Orleans
Dwayne Bowe, WR, LSU
28. New England
Michael Griffin, S, Texas
Griffin is a versatile safety who could replace Rodney Harrison down the road.
29. Baltimore
Arron Sears, OG, Tennessee
30. San Diego
Anthony Gonzalez, WR, Ohio St.
31. Chicago
Alan Branch, DT, Michigan
32. Indianapolis
Steve Smith, WR, USC
Yes, the Colts need to add a linebacker (or two), a defensive tackle, and some depth in the secondary. But has anyone noticed they have virtually nobody behind Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne? (UPDATE: People have started noticing since I first posted this.) Harrison turns 35 in August, and he certainly looked worn down by year's end (I think: it's hard to tell since he played pretty much the way he typically plays in the post-season.) Tony Dungy's Tampa-2 defense can be run effectively with small linebackers, "slow" cornerbacks, and undersized linemen: you know, the kind of guys that don't get drafted in the first round.
2007 Positional Rankings
OFFENSE
Quarterback Round
1. Brady Quinn, Notre Dame 1
2. JaMarcus Russell, LSU 1
3. Trent Edwards, Stanford 2
4. Drew Stanton, Michigan St. 3
5. John Beck, BYU 4
6. Troy Smith, Ohio St. 5
7. Jared Zabransky, Boise St. 6
8. Josh Swogger, Montana 7
9. Kevin Kolb, Houston 7
10. Jordan Palmer, Texas-El Paso 7
Running Back Round
1. Adrian Peterson, Oklahoma 1
2. Brian Leonard, Rutgers 2
3. Darius Walker, Notre Dame 2
4. DeShawn Wynn, Florida 3
5. Marshawn Lynch, California 3
6. Kenny Irons, Auburn 4
7. Michael Bush, Louisville 4
8. Lorenzo Booker, Florida St. 5
9. Justise Hairston, Central Connecticut St. 6
10. Antonio Pittman, Ohio St. 6
Fullback Round
1. Le'Ron McClain, Alabama 4
2. Jesse Allen, Virginia Tech 5
3. Cory Anderson, Tennessee 6
4. Jason Snelling, Virginia 6
5. Deon Anderson, Connecticut 7
Wide Receiver Round
1. Calvin Johnson, Georgia Tech 1
2. Dwayne Jarrett, USC 1
3. Dwayne Bowe, LSU 1
4. Sidney Rice, South Carolina 1
5. Robert Meacham, Tennessee 2
6. Steve Smith, USC 2
7. Ted Ginn, Jr., Ohio St. 3
8. Aundrae Allison, East Carolina 3
9. Craig Davis, LSU 3
10. Dallas Baker, Florida 4
Tight End Round
1. Ben Patrick, Delaware 2
2. Greg Olsen, Miami 2
3. Zach Miller, Arizona St. 3
4. Scott Chandler, Iowa 3
5. Matt Spaeth, Minnesota 4
6. Martrez Milner, Georgia 5
7. Michael Allan, Whitworth 6
8. Joe Newton, Oregon State 7
9. Clark Harris, Rutgers 7
10. Tyler Ecker, Michigan U
Offensive Tackle Round
1. Joe Thomas, Wisconsin 1
2. Levi Brown, Penn St. 1
3. Joe Staley, Central Michigan 2
4. Tony Ugoh, Arkansas 2
5. James Marten, Boston College 3
6. Mike Otto, Purdue 4
7. Jermon Bushrod, Towson St. 4
8. Ryan Harris, Notre Dame 5
9. Doug Free, Northern Illinois 6
10. Eric Graham, East Carolina 7
Offensive Guard Round
1. Ben Grubbs, Auburn 1
2. Josh Beekman, Boston College 2
3. Justin Blalock, Texas 2
4. Arron Sears, Tennessee 2
5. Manuel Ramirez, Texas Tech 3
6. Andy Alleman, Akron 3
7. Allen Barbre, Missouri Southern 4
8. Marshal Yanda, Iowa 4
9. Mansfield Wrotto, Georgia Tech 6
10. Tim Duckworth, Auburn 7
Center Round
1. Ryan Kalil, USC 2
2. Samson Satele, Hawaii 2
3. Dan Mozes, West Virginia 4
4. Leroy Harris, North Carolina St. 5
5. Dustin Fry, Clemson 5
6. Scott Stephenson, Iowa St. 6
DEFENSE
Defensive End Round
1. Jamaal Anderson, Arkansas 1
2. Gaines Adams, Clemson 1
3. Adam Carriker, Nebraska 1
4. Jarvis Moss, Florida 1
5. Anthony Spencer, Purdue 2
6. Tim Crowder, Texas 2
7. Charles Johnson, Georgia 3
8. Ray McDonald, Florida 3
9. Dan Bazuin, Central Michigan 3
10. LaMarr Woodley, Michigan 4
Defensive Tackle Round
1. Amobi Okoye, Louisville 1
2. Alan Branch, Michigan 1
3. Turk McBride, Tennessee 2
4. Justin Harrell, Tennessee 2
5. Marcus Thomas, Florida 2
6. Brandon Mebane, California 4
7. Keith Jackson, Arkansas 5
8. Ryan McBean, Oklahoma St. 5
9. Antonio Johnson, Mississippi St. 6
10. Jeremy Clark, Alabama 7
Outside Linebacker Round
1. Lawrence Timmons, Florida St. 1
2. Paul Posluszny, Penn St. 2
3. Tim Shaw, Penn St. 3
4. Jon Beason, Miami 3
5. Quincy Black, New Mexico 4
6. Justin Durant, Hampton 4
7. Antwan Barnes, Florida International 5
8. Earl Everett, Florida 6
9. Rory Johnson, Mississippi 7
10. Juwan Simpson, Alabama 7
Inside Linebacker Round
1. Patrick Willis, Mississippi 1
2. David Harris, Michigan 1
3. Anthony Waters, Clemson 3
4. H.B. Blades, Pittsburgh 4
5. Brandon Siler, Florida 5
6. Stewart Bradley, Nebraska 6
7. Zak DeOssie, Brown 6
8. Buster Davis, Florida St. 7
9. Nate Harris, Louisville 7
10. Dedrick Harrington, Missouri 7
Cornerback Round
1. Darrelle Revis, Pittsburgh 1
2. Leon Hall, Michigan 1
3. Jonathan Wade, Tennessee 2
4. Eric Wright, UNLV 2
5. Chris Houston, Arkansas 2
6. Courtney Brown, Cal Poly 3
7. Aaron Ross, Texas 3
8. Marcus McCauley, Fresno St. 3
9. David Irons, Auburn 4
10. Fred Bennett, South Carolina 4
Safety Round
1. LaRon Landry, LSU 1
2. Brandon Meriweather, Miami 1
3. Michael Griffin, Texas 1
4. Reggie Nelson, Florida 2
5. Tanard Jackson, Syracuse 2
6. Eric Weddle, Utah 3
7. John Wendling, Wyoming 4
8. Sabby Piscitelli, Oregon St. 5
9. Aaron Rouse, Virginia Tech 6
10. Josh Gattis, Wake Forest 6
Thursday, April 26, 2007
The First 100
Taking a guess at who will be the first 100 prospects drafted on Saturday . . .
1. Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech
2. Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson
3. JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU
4. Amobi Okoye, DT, Louisville
5. Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin
6. Jamaal Anderson, DE, Arkansas
7. Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame
8. LaRon Landry, S, LSU
9. Levi Brown, Penn St.
10. Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma
11. Adam Carriker, DE, Nebraska
12. Patrick Willis, ILB, Mississippi
13. Alan Branch, DT, Michigan
14. Robert Meacham, WR, Tennessee
15. Jarvis Moss, DE, Florida
16. Greg Olsen, TE, Miami
17. Reggie Nelson, S, Florida
18. Leon Hall, CB, Michigan
19. Darrelle Revis, CB, Pittsburgh
20. Jon Beason, OLB, Miami
21. Anthony Spencer, DE, Purdue
22. Ben Grubbs, OG, Auburn
23. Justin Harrell, DT, Tennessee
24. Brandon Meriweather, S, Miami
25. Aaron Ross, CB, Texas
26. Michael Griffin, S, Texas
27. Chris Houston, CB, Arkansas
28. David Harris, ILB, Michigan
29. Ted Ginn, Jr., WR, Ohio St.
30. Dwayne Bowe, WR, LSU
31. Justin Blalock, OG, Texas
32. Steve Smith, WR, USC
33. Trent Edwards, QB, Stanford
34. Sidney Rice, WR, South Carolina
35. Joe Staley, OT, Central Michigan
36. Dwayne Jarrett, WR, USC
37. Eric Wright, CB, UNLV
38. Tony Ugoh, OT, Arkansas
39. Ray McDonald, DE, Florida
40. Lawrence Timmons, OLB, Florida St.
41. LaMarr Woodley, DE, Michigan
42. Tim Crowder, DE, Texas
43. Arron Sears, OG, Tennessee
44. Marshawn Lynch, RB, California
45. Ryan Kalil, C, USC
46. Paul Posluszny, OLB, Penn St.
47. Charles Johnson, DE, Georgia
48. Anthony Gonzalez, WR, Ohio St.
49. Drew Stanton, QB, Michigan St.
50. Kevin Kolb, QB, Houston
51. Jonathan Wade, CB, Tennessee
52. Tanard Jackson, DB, Syracuse
53. Ikaika Alama-Francis, DE, Hawaii
54. Craig Davis, WR, LSU
55. Brian Leonard, RB, Rutgers
56. Brandon Mebane, DT, California
57. Marcus McCauley, CB, Fresno St.
58. Eric Weddle, S, Utah
59. Justin Durant, LB, Hampton
60. Zach Miller, TE, Arizona St.
61. Antonio Pittman, RB, Ohio St.
62. Tank Tyler, DT, North Carolina St.
63. Fred Bennett, CB, South Carolina
64. Aundrae Allison, WR, East Carolina
65. Josh Beekman, C/G, Boston College
66. Buster Davis, ILB, Florida St.
67. Quentin Moses, DE, Georgia
68. Turk McBride, DT, Tennessee
69. Andy Alleman, OG, Akron
70. Jason Hill, Washington St.
71. Dan Bazuin, DE, Central Michigan
72. Marcus Thomas, DT, Florida
73. Stewart Bradley, LB, Nebraska
74. Quincy Black, LB, New Mexico
75. Brandon Siler, ILB, Florida
76. David Irons, CB, Auburn
77. Kenny Irons, RB, Auburn
78. Samson Satele, C/G, Hawaii
79. Ben Patrick, TE, Delaware
80. Chris Henry, RB, Arizona
81. Michael Bush, RB, Louisville
82. Tony Hunt, RB, Penn St.
83. Tim Shaw, LB, Penn St.
84. Victor Abiamiri, DE, Notre Dame
85. Quinn Pitcock, DT, Ohio St.
86. Allen Barbre, OG, Missouri Southern
87. Anthony Waters, ILB, Clemson
88. Zak DeOssie, LB, Brown
89. Josh Wilson, CB, Maryland
90. Brian Robison, DE, Texas
91. John Beck, QB, BYU
92. Brandon Jackson, RB, Nebraska
93. James Marten, OT, Boston College
94. Lorenzo Booker , RB, Florida St.
95. Usama Young, CB, Kent St.
96. Ryan McBean, DT, Oklahoma St.
97. Antwan Barnes, LB, Florida International
98. Courtney Brown, CB, Cal Poly
99. John Wendling, S, Wyoming
100. Jermon Bushrod, OT, Towson St.
1. Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech
2. Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson
3. JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU
4. Amobi Okoye, DT, Louisville
5. Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin
6. Jamaal Anderson, DE, Arkansas
7. Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame
8. LaRon Landry, S, LSU
9. Levi Brown, Penn St.
10. Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma
11. Adam Carriker, DE, Nebraska
12. Patrick Willis, ILB, Mississippi
13. Alan Branch, DT, Michigan
14. Robert Meacham, WR, Tennessee
15. Jarvis Moss, DE, Florida
16. Greg Olsen, TE, Miami
17. Reggie Nelson, S, Florida
18. Leon Hall, CB, Michigan
19. Darrelle Revis, CB, Pittsburgh
20. Jon Beason, OLB, Miami
21. Anthony Spencer, DE, Purdue
22. Ben Grubbs, OG, Auburn
23. Justin Harrell, DT, Tennessee
24. Brandon Meriweather, S, Miami
25. Aaron Ross, CB, Texas
26. Michael Griffin, S, Texas
27. Chris Houston, CB, Arkansas
28. David Harris, ILB, Michigan
29. Ted Ginn, Jr., WR, Ohio St.
30. Dwayne Bowe, WR, LSU
31. Justin Blalock, OG, Texas
32. Steve Smith, WR, USC
33. Trent Edwards, QB, Stanford
34. Sidney Rice, WR, South Carolina
35. Joe Staley, OT, Central Michigan
36. Dwayne Jarrett, WR, USC
37. Eric Wright, CB, UNLV
38. Tony Ugoh, OT, Arkansas
39. Ray McDonald, DE, Florida
40. Lawrence Timmons, OLB, Florida St.
41. LaMarr Woodley, DE, Michigan
42. Tim Crowder, DE, Texas
43. Arron Sears, OG, Tennessee
44. Marshawn Lynch, RB, California
45. Ryan Kalil, C, USC
46. Paul Posluszny, OLB, Penn St.
47. Charles Johnson, DE, Georgia
48. Anthony Gonzalez, WR, Ohio St.
49. Drew Stanton, QB, Michigan St.
50. Kevin Kolb, QB, Houston
51. Jonathan Wade, CB, Tennessee
52. Tanard Jackson, DB, Syracuse
53. Ikaika Alama-Francis, DE, Hawaii
54. Craig Davis, WR, LSU
55. Brian Leonard, RB, Rutgers
56. Brandon Mebane, DT, California
57. Marcus McCauley, CB, Fresno St.
58. Eric Weddle, S, Utah
59. Justin Durant, LB, Hampton
60. Zach Miller, TE, Arizona St.
61. Antonio Pittman, RB, Ohio St.
62. Tank Tyler, DT, North Carolina St.
63. Fred Bennett, CB, South Carolina
64. Aundrae Allison, WR, East Carolina
65. Josh Beekman, C/G, Boston College
66. Buster Davis, ILB, Florida St.
67. Quentin Moses, DE, Georgia
68. Turk McBride, DT, Tennessee
69. Andy Alleman, OG, Akron
70. Jason Hill, Washington St.
71. Dan Bazuin, DE, Central Michigan
72. Marcus Thomas, DT, Florida
73. Stewart Bradley, LB, Nebraska
74. Quincy Black, LB, New Mexico
75. Brandon Siler, ILB, Florida
76. David Irons, CB, Auburn
77. Kenny Irons, RB, Auburn
78. Samson Satele, C/G, Hawaii
79. Ben Patrick, TE, Delaware
80. Chris Henry, RB, Arizona
81. Michael Bush, RB, Louisville
82. Tony Hunt, RB, Penn St.
83. Tim Shaw, LB, Penn St.
84. Victor Abiamiri, DE, Notre Dame
85. Quinn Pitcock, DT, Ohio St.
86. Allen Barbre, OG, Missouri Southern
87. Anthony Waters, ILB, Clemson
88. Zak DeOssie, LB, Brown
89. Josh Wilson, CB, Maryland
90. Brian Robison, DE, Texas
91. John Beck, QB, BYU
92. Brandon Jackson, RB, Nebraska
93. James Marten, OT, Boston College
94. Lorenzo Booker , RB, Florida St.
95. Usama Young, CB, Kent St.
96. Ryan McBean, DT, Oklahoma St.
97. Antwan Barnes, LB, Florida International
98. Courtney Brown, CB, Cal Poly
99. John Wendling, S, Wyoming
100. Jermon Bushrod, OT, Towson St.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
2007 Positional Rankings
Here are the final position rankings. The round is not a projection of when I think the player will be taken, but rather an estimation of that player's value. It doesn't mean that if I were a GM I'd be selecting Darius Walker in the second round or DeShawn Wynn in the third because it's obvious the league doesn't have that high of an opinion of them and they'll still be on the board well into the second day. It does mean I think they'd be a steal in the sixth or seventh rounds.
OFFENSE
DEFENSE
OFFENSE
Quarterback Round
1. Brady Quinn, Notre Dame 1
2. JaMarcus Russell, LSU 1
3. Trent Edwards, Stanford 2
4. Drew Stanton, Michigan St. 3
5. John Beck, BYU 4
6. Troy Smith, Ohio St. 5
7. Jared Zabransky, Boise St. 6
8. Josh Swogger, Montana 7
9. Kevin Kolb, Houston 7
10. Jordan Palmer, Texas-El Paso 7
Running Back Round
1. Adrian Peterson, Oklahoma 1
2. Brian Leonard, Rutgers 2
3. Darius Walker, Notre Dame 2
4. DeShawn Wynn, Florida 3
5. Marshawn Lynch, California 3
6. Kenny Irons, Auburn 4
7. Michael Bush, Louisville 4
8. Lorenzo Booker, Florida St. 5
9. Justise Hairston, Central Connecticut St. 6
10. Antonio Pittman, Ohio St. 6
Fullback Round
1. Le'Ron McClain, Alabama 4
2. Jesse Allen, Virginia Tech 5
3. Cory Anderson, Tennessee 6
4. Jason Snelling, Virginia 6
5. Deon Anderson, Connecticut 7
Wide Receiver Round
1. Calvin Johnson, Georgia Tech 1
2. Dwayne Jarrett, USC 1
3. Dwayne Bowe, LSU 1
4. Sidney Rice, South Carolina 1
5. Robert Meacham, Tennessee 2
6. Steve Smith, USC 2
7. Ted Ginn, Jr., Ohio St. 3
8. Aundrae Allison, East Carolina 3
9. Craig Davis, LSU 3
10. Dallas Baker, Florida 4
Tight End Round
1. Ben Patrick, Delaware 2
2. Greg Olsen, Miami 2
3. Zach Miller, Arizona St. 3
4. Scott Chandler, Iowa 3
5. Matt Spaeth, Minnesota 4
6. Martrez Milner, Georgia 5
7. Michael Allan, Whitworth 6
8. Joe Newton, Oregon State 7
9. Clark Harris, Rutgers 7
10. Tyler Ecker, Michigan U
Offensive Tackle Round
1. Joe Thomas, Wisconsin 1
2. Levi Brown, Penn St. 1
3. Joe Staley, Central Michigan 2
4. Tony Ugoh, Arkansas 2
5. James Marten, Boston College 3
6. Mike Otto, Purdue 4
7. Jermon Bushrod, Towson St. 4
8. Ryan Harris, Notre Dame 5
9. Doug Free, Northern Illinois 6
10. Eric Graham, East Carolina 7
Offensive Guard Round
1. Ben Grubbs, Auburn 1
2. Josh Beekman, Boston College 2
3. Justin Blalock, Texas 2
4. Arron Sears, Tennessee 2
5. Manuel Ramirez, Texas Tech 3
6. Andy Alleman, Akron 3
7. Allen Barbre, Missouri Southern 4
8. Marshal Yanda, Iowa 4
9. Mansfield Wrotto, Georgia Tech 6
10. Tim Duckworth, Auburn 7
Center Round
1. Ryan Kalil, USC 2
2. Samson Satele, Hawaii 2
3. Dan Mozes, West Virginia 4
4. Leroy Harris, North Carolina St. 5
5. Dustin Fry, Clemson 5
6. Scott Stephenson, Iowa St. 6
DEFENSE
Defensive End Round
1. Jamaal Anderson, Arkansas 1
2. Gaines Adams, Clemson 1
3. Adam Carriker, Nebraska 1
4. Jarvis Moss, Florida 1
5. Anthony Spencer, Purdue 2
6. Tim Crowder, Texas 2
7. Charles Johnson, Georgia 3
8. Ray McDonald, Florida 3
9. Dan Bazuin, Central Michigan 3
10. LaMarr Woodley, Michigan 4
Defensive Tackle Round
1. Amobi Okoye, Louisville 1
2. Alan Branch, Michigan 1
3. Turk McBride, Tennessee 2
4. Justin Harrell, Tennessee 2
5. Marcus Thomas, Florida 2
6. Brandon Mebane, California 4
7. Keith Jackson, Arkansas 5
8. Ryan McBean, Oklahoma St. 5
9. Antonio Johnson, Mississippi St. 6
10. Jeremy Clark, Alabama 7
Outside Linebacker Round
1. Lawrence Timmons, Florida St. 1
2. Paul Posluszny, Penn St. 2
3. Tim Shaw, Penn St. 3
4. Jon Beason, Miami 3
5. Quincy Black, New Mexico 4
6. Justin Durant, Hampton 4
7. Antwan Barnes, Florida International 5
8. Earl Everett, Florida 6
9. Rory Johnson, Mississippi 7
10. Juwan Simpson, Alabama 7
Inside Linebacker Round
1. Patrick Willis, Mississippi 1
2. David Harris, Michigan 1
3. Anthony Waters, Clemson 3
4. H.B. Blades, Pittsburgh 4
5. Brandon Siler, Florida 5
6. Stewart Bradley, Nebraska 6
7. Zak DeOssie, Brown 6
8. Buster Davis, Florida St. 7
9. Nate Harris, Louisville 7
10. Dedrick Harrington, Missouri 7
Cornerback Round
1. Darrelle Revis, Pittsburgh 1
2. Leon Hall, Michigan 1
3. Jonathan Wade, Tennessee 2
4. Eric Wright, UNLV 2
5. Chris Houston, Arkansas 2
6. Courtney Brown, Cal Poly 3
7. Aaron Ross, Texas 3
8. Marcus McCauley, Fresno St. 3
9. David Irons, Auburn 4
10. Fred Bennett, South Carolina 4
Safety Round
1. LaRon Landry, LSU 1
2. Brandon Meriweather, Miami 1
3. Michael Griffin, Texas 1
4. Reggie Nelson, Florida 2
5. Tanard Jackson, Syracuse 2
6. Eric Weddle, Utah 3
7. John Wendling, Wyoming 4
8. Sabby Piscitelli, Oregon St. 5
9. Aaron Rouse, Virginia Tech 6
10. Josh Gattis, Wake Forest 6
Sunday, April 01, 2007
2007 NFL Mock Draft
1. Oakland
JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU
Lane Kiffin wants a strong-armed quarterback to create a strike-first vertical passing game. That shouldn't be a hard sell to Mr. Davis, even though he hasn't ever selected a QB higher than the 15th pick.
2. Detroit
Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson
I expect the Lions to trade down once, maybe even twice. Adams will team with free agent signee Dewayne White to give the Lions the pass rush their defense was unable to provide last season.
3. Cleveland
Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma
There's the two-back trend, of course, but there's also the declining abilities of Jamal Lewis. Of the 53 backs who had at least 75 carries, Lewis was ranked 40th in DPAR and 39th in DVOA. And that was behind a decent Ravens offensive line. There are only a few elite backs in the NFL, and Peterson is the only one in the draft who flashes that kind of potential.
4. Tampa Bay
Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech
The Bucs will probably have to move up one or two picks to secure Johnson. With Joey Galloway getting up there in age, and Michael Clayton looking like a one-year wonder, the Bucs will do what it takes to get their franchise receiver.
5. Arizona
Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin
The Arizona offense is ready to roll, but they need improvement along the line to keep Matt Leinart upright and blast some holes for Edgerrin James.
6. Washington
Jamaal Anderson, DE, Arkansas
Anderson should provide the strong-side pass rush the Skins just did not get enough of last season. His pro day was not as impressive as people hoped for, but look at him on film and he compares well enough to last year's number one overall pick by the Texans, Mario Williams.
7. Minnesota
Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame
Ideally a second-round draft pick deserves at least two seasons to show what he can do. But Tarvaris Jackson was a reach last year, and Brady Quinn is too well suited for Brad Childress's offense to pass up.
8. Atlanta (from Houston)
LaRon Landry, S, LSU
Landry is a smart player with good character, just the way GM Rich McKay likes them. Lawyer Milloy's skills made like Elvis and left the building last year. Ok, maybe he wasn't that bad, but he was far from being the impact player he once was. The starting free safety is Chris Crocker. Landry can play either safety position; unfortunately, he can't play both at the same time.
9. Miami
Levi Brown, OT, Penn St.
Arguably it's the Dolphins that could use Brady Quinn more than any other team. Almost as big a problem, though, is left tackle. L.J. Shelton was awful at that position, but late last season he showed he has a future at guard. There's always concerns about starting a rookie at LT, but new coach Cam Cameron watched up-close last year as Chargers second-round pick Marcus McNeil played like an All-Pro.
10. Houston (from Atlanta)
Ted Ginn, Jr., WR, Ohio St.
The Texans still need a lot of help on defense, and some more help on the offensive line, but they can fill those needs later in the draft. Andre Johnson is one of the best receivers in the game, and Owen Daniels looks to be a good, young tight end. Add Ginn and free agent running back Ahman Green to the mix, and new QB Matt Schaub could find himself manning the helm of an explosive offense.
11. San Francisco
Adam Carriker, DE, Nebraska
A lot of possibilities here to help the 49ers finally turn the corner with the 3-4 defense Mike Nolan has (tried to) install. But, in the end, Carriker's experience as a strong side DE in a two-gap scheme makes him their choice.
12. Buffalo
Patrick Willis, LB, Ole Miss
This has become a popular mock pick in recent weeks, so I'm going to shamelessly point out that I've had him rated this high and getting drafted in this spot all along, based on game review, and a good guess that the Bills were in fact going to part ways with their verteran LBs. Take that, Mel! (Note: unlike many online draftniks, I'm a Mel Kiper fan; I respect what he has been able to do both for himself and the NFL draft in general.)
13. St. Louis
Amobi Okoye, DT, Louisville
The Rams really only have three defensive tackles right now: Jimmy Kennedy, last year's third-rounder Claude Wroten, and La'Roi Glover, who turns 33 this summer. Okoye, meanwhile, will be turning 20. Obviously this guy has tremendous upside, and given a few years, I expect he will be a perennial All-Pro.
14. Carolina
Robert Meachem, WR, Tennessee
The Panthers have bigger needs at strong safety and tight end, but Keyshawn Johnson is going to be 35, and neither WR drafted in 2004, Kerry Colbert or Drew Carter, has been able to produce consistently. Give Meachem a year to adapt to the pro game and he could be part of the best receiving duo in the league.
15. Pittsburgh
Jarvis Moss, DE/OLB, Florida
The Steelers will stick with the 3-4 defense, but they saw their adjusted sack rate drop from third in the league in 2005 to fifteenth last season. Moss should be able to contribute right away as an outside linebacker. And if the team changes to a 4-3 in a few years, he has the frame to add some bulk and be an effective three-down defensive end.
16. Green Bay
Greg Olsen, TE, Miami
The Packers need to replace Ahman Green, but this year's running back prospect pool is shallow, and Marshawn Lynch seems to be at least a little overrated because of that. Bubba Franks doesn't get the job done anymore and it's time to give Farve a new weaopon on offense.
17. Jacksonville
Reggie Nelson, S, Florida
The Jags could really use a premium pass rusher, but with Adams, Anderson, and Moss off the board, the team will have to fill a different need. With Deon Grant gone via free angency and the recently-arrested Gerald Sensabaugh better suited to play strong safety, Nelson will be given every opportunity to start right away.
18. Cincinnati
Leon Hall, CB, Michigan
The Bengals need all kinds of help on their delinquent defense, so they go with the top-rated player available. Deltha O'Neal ain't what he used to be and could be traded on or before draft day. Last year's first round pick Johnathan Joseph played very well, but he has some character concerns going forward.
19. Tennessee
Marshawn Lynch, RB, California
Reuniting Dwayne Jarrett with offensive coordinator Norm Chow is going to be awfully tempting, but running back is an even bigger need than receiver. LenDale White can't stay in shape, and even if the team signs Corey Dillon, that is only a temporary solution.
20. New York Giants
Lawrence Timmons, LB, Florida St.
Free agent Kawika Mitchell was signed to a one-year deal, suggesting he might not be more than an insurance policy. Timmons has the talent to be a top-13 pick, but unimpressive workouts and questions about his conditioning drop him down the board.
21. Denver
Alan Branch, DT, Michigan
The Broncos are another team sorely looking to add a premium pass rusher. With none available they do perhaps the next best thing for themselves and beef up their interior line. Once considered a top-10 pick, I'm not sure Branch has done anything to deserve falling this far, but it's looking more and more likely.
22. Dallas
Dwayne Jarrett, WR, USC
The Cowboys have all of their starting positions more-or-less locked up. If they can't trade down, their choice here will probably be between cornerback Darrelle Revis, guard Ben Grubbs, and Jarrett. Owner Jerry Jones has struck gold before with a top skill-position performer whose draft stock dropped after he posted subpar 40 times.
23. Kansas City
Dwayne Bowe, WR, LSU
Chiefs can't keep passing over their WR need every year, can they? Eddie Kennison is 34 and 2004 fourth-rounder Samie Parker looks a whole lot better if he's your third WR and not your second. The backups are Dante Hall and Rod "Teams Keep Cutting Me" Gardner.
24. New England (from Seattle)
Darrelle Revis, CB, Pittsburgh
With Asante Samuel not likely to play in New England beyond next season, the Patriots draft his future replacement.
25. New York Jets
Aaron Ross, CB, Texas
Ross's skill set is well suited for Eric Mangini's defense, since he is at his best when facing the quaterback. Ross will also be an asset supporting against the run. That might not seem so important in a cornerback, but the Jets were last in the league in rush defense DVOA, so they need the help wherever they can get it.
26. Philadelphia
Jon Beason, LB, Miami
The Eagles are clearly not happy with what they have at linebacker. Trading for Takeo Spikes was a good move, but he's an injury risk, and not a long-term solution.
27. New Orleans
Chris Houston, CB, Arkansas
Sizzle, sizzle. Two months into the offseason and Fred Thomas is still getting burned.
28. New England
David Harris, ILB, Michigan
Sorry, I don't point out my mistakes - just what I get right. Most draftniks finally caught up to where I had David Harris ranked back at college season's end. Harris is a player, and goddammit if the Patriot's don't collect players like a dark velvet jacket collects cat hair in springtime.
29. Baltimore
Anthony Spencer, DE/OLB, Purdue
Spencer may be the closest thing in the draft to Adalius Thomas, although Thomas was a sixth-round pick, and Spencer will be expected to make an impact much sooner than Thomas did.
30. San Diego
Sidney Rice, WR, South Carolina
Receiver Eric Parker may be a tad underrated, but there's no doubt that the Chargers' starting duo of he and Vincent Jackson is a little less than dynamic. Rice has seen his stock drift downward since he declared, with many now placing him in the second round. He seems to be a true "boom or bust" prospect, and such receivers tend to rise on draft day.
31. Chicago
Joe Staley, OT, Central Michigan
The Bears offensive line is not at all young, and the biggest question for them come draft day is likely to be: "Guard or tackle?"
32. Indianapolis
Steve Smith, WR, USC
Yes, the Colts need to add a linebacker (or two), a defensive tackle, and some depth in the secondary. But has anyone noticed they have virtually nobody behind Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne? Harrison turns 35 in August, and he certainly looked worn down by year's end (I think: it's hard to tell since he played pretty much the way he typically plays in the post-season.) Tony Dungy's Tampa-2 defense can be run effectively with small linebackers, "slow" cornerbacks, and undersized linemen: you know, the kind of guys that don't get drafted in the first round.
JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU
Lane Kiffin wants a strong-armed quarterback to create a strike-first vertical passing game. That shouldn't be a hard sell to Mr. Davis, even though he hasn't ever selected a QB higher than the 15th pick.
2. Detroit
Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson
I expect the Lions to trade down once, maybe even twice. Adams will team with free agent signee Dewayne White to give the Lions the pass rush their defense was unable to provide last season.
3. Cleveland
Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma
There's the two-back trend, of course, but there's also the declining abilities of Jamal Lewis. Of the 53 backs who had at least 75 carries, Lewis was ranked 40th in DPAR and 39th in DVOA. And that was behind a decent Ravens offensive line. There are only a few elite backs in the NFL, and Peterson is the only one in the draft who flashes that kind of potential.
4. Tampa Bay
Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech
The Bucs will probably have to move up one or two picks to secure Johnson. With Joey Galloway getting up there in age, and Michael Clayton looking like a one-year wonder, the Bucs will do what it takes to get their franchise receiver.
5. Arizona
Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin
The Arizona offense is ready to roll, but they need improvement along the line to keep Matt Leinart upright and blast some holes for Edgerrin James.
6. Washington
Jamaal Anderson, DE, Arkansas
Anderson should provide the strong-side pass rush the Skins just did not get enough of last season. His pro day was not as impressive as people hoped for, but look at him on film and he compares well enough to last year's number one overall pick by the Texans, Mario Williams.
7. Minnesota
Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame
Ideally a second-round draft pick deserves at least two seasons to show what he can do. But Tarvaris Jackson was a reach last year, and Brady Quinn is too well suited for Brad Childress's offense to pass up.
8. Atlanta (from Houston)
LaRon Landry, S, LSU
Landry is a smart player with good character, just the way GM Rich McKay likes them. Lawyer Milloy's skills made like Elvis and left the building last year. Ok, maybe he wasn't that bad, but he was far from being the impact player he once was. The starting free safety is Chris Crocker. Landry can play either safety position; unfortunately, he can't play both at the same time.
9. Miami
Levi Brown, OT, Penn St.
Arguably it's the Dolphins that could use Brady Quinn more than any other team. Almost as big a problem, though, is left tackle. L.J. Shelton was awful at that position, but late last season he showed he has a future at guard. There's always concerns about starting a rookie at LT, but new coach Cam Cameron watched up-close last year as Chargers second-round pick Marcus McNeil played like an All-Pro.
10. Houston (from Atlanta)
Ted Ginn, Jr., WR, Ohio St.
The Texans still need a lot of help on defense, and some more help on the offensive line, but they can fill those needs later in the draft. Andre Johnson is one of the best receivers in the game, and Owen Daniels looks to be a good, young tight end. Add Ginn and free agent running back Ahman Green to the mix, and new QB Matt Schaub could find himself manning the helm of an explosive offense.
11. San Francisco
Adam Carriker, DE, Nebraska
A lot of possibilities here to help the 49ers finally turn the corner with the 3-4 defense Mike Nolan has (tried to) install. But, in the end, Carriker's experience as a strong side DE in a two-gap scheme makes him their choice.
12. Buffalo
Patrick Willis, LB, Ole Miss
This has become a popular mock pick in recent weeks, so I'm going to shamelessly point out that I've had him rated this high and getting drafted in this spot all along, based on game review, and a good guess that the Bills were in fact going to part ways with their verteran LBs. Take that, Mel! (Note: unlike many online draftniks, I'm a Mel Kiper fan; I respect what he has been able to do both for himself and the NFL draft in general.)
13. St. Louis
Amobi Okoye, DT, Louisville
The Rams really only have three defensive tackles right now: Jimmy Kennedy, last year's third-rounder Claude Wroten, and La'Roi Glover, who turns 33 this summer. Okoye, meanwhile, will be turning 20. Obviously this guy has tremendous upside, and given a few years, I expect he will be a perennial All-Pro.
14. Carolina
Robert Meachem, WR, Tennessee
The Panthers have bigger needs at strong safety and tight end, but Keyshawn Johnson is going to be 35, and neither WR drafted in 2004, Kerry Colbert or Drew Carter, has been able to produce consistently. Give Meachem a year to adapt to the pro game and he could be part of the best receiving duo in the league.
15. Pittsburgh
Jarvis Moss, DE/OLB, Florida
The Steelers will stick with the 3-4 defense, but they saw their adjusted sack rate drop from third in the league in 2005 to fifteenth last season. Moss should be able to contribute right away as an outside linebacker. And if the team changes to a 4-3 in a few years, he has the frame to add some bulk and be an effective three-down defensive end.
16. Green Bay
Greg Olsen, TE, Miami
The Packers need to replace Ahman Green, but this year's running back prospect pool is shallow, and Marshawn Lynch seems to be at least a little overrated because of that. Bubba Franks doesn't get the job done anymore and it's time to give Farve a new weaopon on offense.
17. Jacksonville
Reggie Nelson, S, Florida
The Jags could really use a premium pass rusher, but with Adams, Anderson, and Moss off the board, the team will have to fill a different need. With Deon Grant gone via free angency and the recently-arrested Gerald Sensabaugh better suited to play strong safety, Nelson will be given every opportunity to start right away.
18. Cincinnati
Leon Hall, CB, Michigan
The Bengals need all kinds of help on their delinquent defense, so they go with the top-rated player available. Deltha O'Neal ain't what he used to be and could be traded on or before draft day. Last year's first round pick Johnathan Joseph played very well, but he has some character concerns going forward.
19. Tennessee
Marshawn Lynch, RB, California
Reuniting Dwayne Jarrett with offensive coordinator Norm Chow is going to be awfully tempting, but running back is an even bigger need than receiver. LenDale White can't stay in shape, and even if the team signs Corey Dillon, that is only a temporary solution.
20. New York Giants
Lawrence Timmons, LB, Florida St.
Free agent Kawika Mitchell was signed to a one-year deal, suggesting he might not be more than an insurance policy. Timmons has the talent to be a top-13 pick, but unimpressive workouts and questions about his conditioning drop him down the board.
21. Denver
Alan Branch, DT, Michigan
The Broncos are another team sorely looking to add a premium pass rusher. With none available they do perhaps the next best thing for themselves and beef up their interior line. Once considered a top-10 pick, I'm not sure Branch has done anything to deserve falling this far, but it's looking more and more likely.
22. Dallas
Dwayne Jarrett, WR, USC
The Cowboys have all of their starting positions more-or-less locked up. If they can't trade down, their choice here will probably be between cornerback Darrelle Revis, guard Ben Grubbs, and Jarrett. Owner Jerry Jones has struck gold before with a top skill-position performer whose draft stock dropped after he posted subpar 40 times.
23. Kansas City
Dwayne Bowe, WR, LSU
Chiefs can't keep passing over their WR need every year, can they? Eddie Kennison is 34 and 2004 fourth-rounder Samie Parker looks a whole lot better if he's your third WR and not your second. The backups are Dante Hall and Rod "Teams Keep Cutting Me" Gardner.
24. New England (from Seattle)
Darrelle Revis, CB, Pittsburgh
With Asante Samuel not likely to play in New England beyond next season, the Patriots draft his future replacement.
25. New York Jets
Aaron Ross, CB, Texas
Ross's skill set is well suited for Eric Mangini's defense, since he is at his best when facing the quaterback. Ross will also be an asset supporting against the run. That might not seem so important in a cornerback, but the Jets were last in the league in rush defense DVOA, so they need the help wherever they can get it.
26. Philadelphia
Jon Beason, LB, Miami
The Eagles are clearly not happy with what they have at linebacker. Trading for Takeo Spikes was a good move, but he's an injury risk, and not a long-term solution.
27. New Orleans
Chris Houston, CB, Arkansas
Sizzle, sizzle. Two months into the offseason and Fred Thomas is still getting burned.
28. New England
David Harris, ILB, Michigan
Sorry, I don't point out my mistakes - just what I get right. Most draftniks finally caught up to where I had David Harris ranked back at college season's end. Harris is a player, and goddammit if the Patriot's don't collect players like a dark velvet jacket collects cat hair in springtime.
29. Baltimore
Anthony Spencer, DE/OLB, Purdue
Spencer may be the closest thing in the draft to Adalius Thomas, although Thomas was a sixth-round pick, and Spencer will be expected to make an impact much sooner than Thomas did.
30. San Diego
Sidney Rice, WR, South Carolina
Receiver Eric Parker may be a tad underrated, but there's no doubt that the Chargers' starting duo of he and Vincent Jackson is a little less than dynamic. Rice has seen his stock drift downward since he declared, with many now placing him in the second round. He seems to be a true "boom or bust" prospect, and such receivers tend to rise on draft day.
31. Chicago
Joe Staley, OT, Central Michigan
The Bears offensive line is not at all young, and the biggest question for them come draft day is likely to be: "Guard or tackle?"
32. Indianapolis
Steve Smith, WR, USC
Yes, the Colts need to add a linebacker (or two), a defensive tackle, and some depth in the secondary. But has anyone noticed they have virtually nobody behind Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne? Harrison turns 35 in August, and he certainly looked worn down by year's end (I think: it's hard to tell since he played pretty much the way he typically plays in the post-season.) Tony Dungy's Tampa-2 defense can be run effectively with small linebackers, "slow" cornerbacks, and undersized linemen: you know, the kind of guys that don't get drafted in the first round.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
2007 NFL Draft "Pet Cat" Team
An "all-draft" team comprised of underrated players, potential steals, and prospects I otherwise find myself rooting for. This year our offense is running a two tight-end set, while the defense sticks to a base 4-3.
OFFENSE
QB: Trent Edwards, Stanford
RB: DeShawn Wynn, Florida
FB: Deon Anderson, Connecticut
WR: Dallas Baker, Florida
TE: Ben Patrick, Delaware
TE: Matt Spaeth, Minnesota
T: James Marten, Boston College
T: Mike Otto, Purdue
G: Jonathan Palmer, Auburn
G: Marshal Yanda, Iowa
C: Scott Stephenson, Iowa State
DEFENSE
DE: Ray McDonald, Florida
DE: LaMarr Woodley, Michigan
DT: Turk McBride, Tennessee
DT: Keith Jackson, Arkansas
OLB: Tim Shaw, Penn St.
OLB: Quincy Black, New Mexico
MLB: H.B. Blades, Pittsburgh
CB: Jonathan Wade, Tennessee
CB: Courtney Brown, Cal Poly
FS: Tanard Jackson, Syracuse
SS: Eric Weddle, Utah
OFFENSE
QB: Trent Edwards, Stanford
RB: DeShawn Wynn, Florida
FB: Deon Anderson, Connecticut
WR: Dallas Baker, Florida
TE: Ben Patrick, Delaware
TE: Matt Spaeth, Minnesota
T: James Marten, Boston College
T: Mike Otto, Purdue
G: Jonathan Palmer, Auburn
G: Marshal Yanda, Iowa
C: Scott Stephenson, Iowa State
DEFENSE
DE: Ray McDonald, Florida
DE: LaMarr Woodley, Michigan
DT: Turk McBride, Tennessee
DT: Keith Jackson, Arkansas
OLB: Tim Shaw, Penn St.
OLB: Quincy Black, New Mexico
MLB: H.B. Blades, Pittsburgh
CB: Jonathan Wade, Tennessee
CB: Courtney Brown, Cal Poly
FS: Tanard Jackson, Syracuse
SS: Eric Weddle, Utah
Saturday, March 24, 2007
2007 Positional Rankings
OFFENSE
Quarterbak
1. Brady Quinn, Notre Dame
2. JaMarcus Russell, LSU
3. Trent Edwards, Stanford
4. Drew Stanton, Michigan St.
5. John Beck, BYU
6. Josh Swogger, Montana
7. Troy Smith, Ohio St.
8. Jared Zabransky, Boise St.
9. Kevin Kolb, Houston
10. Jordan Palmer, Texas-El Paso
Running Back
1. Adrian Peterson, Oklahoma
2. Brian Leonard, Rutgers
3. Darius Walker, Notre Dame
4. DeShawn Wynn, Florida
5. Michael Bush, Louisville
6. Marshawn Lynch, California
7. Kenny Irons, Auburn
8. Lorenzo Booker, Florida St.
9. Justise Hairston, Central Connecticut St.
10. Antonio Pittman, Ohio St.
Fullback
1. Le'Ron McClain, Alabama
2. Jason Snelling, Virginia
3. Deon Anderson, Connecticut
4. Cory Anderson, Tennessee
5. Tim Castille, Alabama
Wide Receiver
1. Calvin Johnson, Georgia Tech
2. Dwayne Jarrett, USC
3. Sidney Rice, South Carolina
4. Dwayne Bowe, LSU
5. Robert Meacham, Tennessee
6. Steve Smith, USC
7. Ted Ginn, Jr., Ohio St.
8. Aundrae Allison, East Carolina
9. Paul Williams, Fresno St.
10. Dallas Baker, Florida
Tight End
1. Ben Patrick, Delaware
2. Greg Olsen, Miami
3. Scott Chandler, Iowa
4. Zach Miller, Arizona St.
5. Matt Spaeth, Minnesota
6. Martrez Milner, Georgia
7. Michael Allan, Whitworth
8. Tyler Ecker, Michigan
9. Clark Harris, Rutgers
10. Joe Newton, Oregon State
Offensive Tackle
1. Joe Thomas, Wisconsin
2. Levi Brown, Penn St.
3. Joe Staley, Central Michigan
4. Tony Ugoh, Arkansas
5. James Marten, Boston College
6. Mike Otto, Purdue
7. Ryan Harris, Notre Dame
8. Doug Free, Northern Illinois
9. Allen Barbre, Missouri Southern
10. Herbert Taylor, TCU
Offensive Guard
1. Ben Grubbs, Auburn
2. Josh Beekman, Boston College
3. Justin Blalock, Texas
4. Arron Sears, Tennessee
5. Manuel Ramirez, Texas Tech
6. Andy Alleman, Akron
7. Marshal Yanda, Iowa
8. Mansfield Wrotto, Georgia Tech
9 Tim Duckworth, Auburn
10. Uche Nwaneri, Purdue
Center
1. Ryan Kalil, USC
2. Samson Satele, Hawaii
3. Dan Mozes, West Virginia
4. Leroy Harris, North Carolina St.
5. Dustin Fry, Clemson
6. Scott Stephenson, Iowa St.
DEFENSE
Defensive End
1. Jamaal Anderson, Arkansas
2. Gaines Adams, Clemson
3. Adam Carriker, Nebraska
4. Jarvis Moss, Florida
5. Anthony Spencer, Purdue
6. Tim Crowder, Texas
7. Charles Johnson, Georgia
8. Ray McDonald, Florida
9. Dan Bazuin, Central Michigan
10. LaMarr Woodley, Michigan
Defensive Tackle
1. Amobi Okoye, Louisville
2. Alan Branch, Michigan
3. Turk McBride, Tennessee
4. Justin Harrell, Tennessee
5. Marcus Thomas, Florida
6. Brandon Mebane, California
7. Keith Jackson, Arkansas
8. Paul Soliai, Utah
9. Ryan McBean, Oklahoma St.
10. Jeremy Clark, Alabama
Outside Linebacker
1. Lawrence Timmons, Florida St.
2. Paul Posluszny, Penn St.
3. Tim Shaw, Penn St.
4. Jon Beason, Miami
5. Quincy Black, New Mexico
6. Justin Durant, Hampton
7. Antwan Barnes, Florida International
8. Earl Everett, Florida
9. Rory Johnson, Mississippi
10. Juwan Simpson, Alabama
Inside Linebacker
1. Patrick Willis, Mississippi
2. David Harris, Michigan
3. H.B. Blades, Pittsburgh
4. Brandon Siler, Florida
5. Anthony Waters, Clemson
6. Stewart Bradley, Nebraska
7. Zak DeOssie, Brown
8. Buster Davis, Florida St.
9. Nate Harris, Louisville
10. Dedrick Harrington, Missouri
Cornerback
1. Darrelle Revis, Pittsburgh
2. Leon Hall, Michigan
3. Jonathan Wade, Tennessee
4. Chris Houston, Arkansas
5. Eric Wright, UNLV
6. Aaron Ross, Texas
7. David Irons, Auburn
8. Marcus McCauley, Fresno St.
9. Fred Bennett, South Carolina
10. Daymeion Hughes, California
Safety
1. LaRon Landry, LSU
2. Michael Griffin, Texas
3. Reggie Nelson, Florida
4. Brandon Meriweather, Miami
5. Tanard Jackson, Syracuse
6. Eric Weddle, Utah
7. Aaron Rouse, Virginia Tech
8. John Wendling, Wyoming
9. Sabby Piscitelli, Oregon St.
10. Roderick Rogers, Wisconsin
Quarterbak
1. Brady Quinn, Notre Dame
2. JaMarcus Russell, LSU
3. Trent Edwards, Stanford
4. Drew Stanton, Michigan St.
5. John Beck, BYU
6. Josh Swogger, Montana
7. Troy Smith, Ohio St.
8. Jared Zabransky, Boise St.
9. Kevin Kolb, Houston
10. Jordan Palmer, Texas-El Paso
Running Back
1. Adrian Peterson, Oklahoma
2. Brian Leonard, Rutgers
3. Darius Walker, Notre Dame
4. DeShawn Wynn, Florida
5. Michael Bush, Louisville
6. Marshawn Lynch, California
7. Kenny Irons, Auburn
8. Lorenzo Booker, Florida St.
9. Justise Hairston, Central Connecticut St.
10. Antonio Pittman, Ohio St.
Fullback
1. Le'Ron McClain, Alabama
2. Jason Snelling, Virginia
3. Deon Anderson, Connecticut
4. Cory Anderson, Tennessee
5. Tim Castille, Alabama
Wide Receiver
1. Calvin Johnson, Georgia Tech
2. Dwayne Jarrett, USC
3. Sidney Rice, South Carolina
4. Dwayne Bowe, LSU
5. Robert Meacham, Tennessee
6. Steve Smith, USC
7. Ted Ginn, Jr., Ohio St.
8. Aundrae Allison, East Carolina
9. Paul Williams, Fresno St.
10. Dallas Baker, Florida
Tight End
1. Ben Patrick, Delaware
2. Greg Olsen, Miami
3. Scott Chandler, Iowa
4. Zach Miller, Arizona St.
5. Matt Spaeth, Minnesota
6. Martrez Milner, Georgia
7. Michael Allan, Whitworth
8. Tyler Ecker, Michigan
9. Clark Harris, Rutgers
10. Joe Newton, Oregon State
Offensive Tackle
1. Joe Thomas, Wisconsin
2. Levi Brown, Penn St.
3. Joe Staley, Central Michigan
4. Tony Ugoh, Arkansas
5. James Marten, Boston College
6. Mike Otto, Purdue
7. Ryan Harris, Notre Dame
8. Doug Free, Northern Illinois
9. Allen Barbre, Missouri Southern
10. Herbert Taylor, TCU
Offensive Guard
1. Ben Grubbs, Auburn
2. Josh Beekman, Boston College
3. Justin Blalock, Texas
4. Arron Sears, Tennessee
5. Manuel Ramirez, Texas Tech
6. Andy Alleman, Akron
7. Marshal Yanda, Iowa
8. Mansfield Wrotto, Georgia Tech
9 Tim Duckworth, Auburn
10. Uche Nwaneri, Purdue
Center
1. Ryan Kalil, USC
2. Samson Satele, Hawaii
3. Dan Mozes, West Virginia
4. Leroy Harris, North Carolina St.
5. Dustin Fry, Clemson
6. Scott Stephenson, Iowa St.
DEFENSE
Defensive End
1. Jamaal Anderson, Arkansas
2. Gaines Adams, Clemson
3. Adam Carriker, Nebraska
4. Jarvis Moss, Florida
5. Anthony Spencer, Purdue
6. Tim Crowder, Texas
7. Charles Johnson, Georgia
8. Ray McDonald, Florida
9. Dan Bazuin, Central Michigan
10. LaMarr Woodley, Michigan
Defensive Tackle
1. Amobi Okoye, Louisville
2. Alan Branch, Michigan
3. Turk McBride, Tennessee
4. Justin Harrell, Tennessee
5. Marcus Thomas, Florida
6. Brandon Mebane, California
7. Keith Jackson, Arkansas
8. Paul Soliai, Utah
9. Ryan McBean, Oklahoma St.
10. Jeremy Clark, Alabama
Outside Linebacker
1. Lawrence Timmons, Florida St.
2. Paul Posluszny, Penn St.
3. Tim Shaw, Penn St.
4. Jon Beason, Miami
5. Quincy Black, New Mexico
6. Justin Durant, Hampton
7. Antwan Barnes, Florida International
8. Earl Everett, Florida
9. Rory Johnson, Mississippi
10. Juwan Simpson, Alabama
Inside Linebacker
1. Patrick Willis, Mississippi
2. David Harris, Michigan
3. H.B. Blades, Pittsburgh
4. Brandon Siler, Florida
5. Anthony Waters, Clemson
6. Stewart Bradley, Nebraska
7. Zak DeOssie, Brown
8. Buster Davis, Florida St.
9. Nate Harris, Louisville
10. Dedrick Harrington, Missouri
Cornerback
1. Darrelle Revis, Pittsburgh
2. Leon Hall, Michigan
3. Jonathan Wade, Tennessee
4. Chris Houston, Arkansas
5. Eric Wright, UNLV
6. Aaron Ross, Texas
7. David Irons, Auburn
8. Marcus McCauley, Fresno St.
9. Fred Bennett, South Carolina
10. Daymeion Hughes, California
Safety
1. LaRon Landry, LSU
2. Michael Griffin, Texas
3. Reggie Nelson, Florida
4. Brandon Meriweather, Miami
5. Tanard Jackson, Syracuse
6. Eric Weddle, Utah
7. Aaron Rouse, Virginia Tech
8. John Wendling, Wyoming
9. Sabby Piscitelli, Oregon St.
10. Roderick Rogers, Wisconsin
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Mock Draft - 3.22.7
1. Oakland
JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU
2. Detroit
Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame
3. Cleveland
Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma
4. Tampa Bay
Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech
5. Arizona
Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin
6. Washington
Jamaal Anderson, DE, Arkansas
7. Minnesota
Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson
8. Atlanta (from Houston)
Amobi Okoye, DT, Louisville
9. Miami
Levi Brown, OT, Penn St.
10. Houston (from Atlanta)
LaRon Landry, S, LSU
11. San Francisco
Adam Carriker, DE, Nebraska
12. Buffalo
Patrick Willis, LB, Ole Miss
13. St. Louis
Alan Branch, DT, Michigan
14. Carolina
Greg Olsen, TE, Miami
15. Pittsburgh
Jarvis Moss, DE, Florida
16. Green Bay
Leon Hall, CB, Michigan
17. Jacksonville
Ted Ginn, Jr., WR, Ohio St.
18. Cincinnati
Darrelle Revis, CB, Pittsburgh
19. Tennessee
Robert Meachem, WR, Tennessee
20. New York Giants
Lawrence Timmons, LB, Florida St.
21. Denver
Chris Houston, CB, Arkansas
22. Dallas
Ben Grubbs, OG, Auburn
23. Kansas City
Dwayne Jarrett, WR, USC
24. New England (from Seattle)
Reggie Nelson, S, Florida
25. New York Jets
Eric Wright, CB, UNLV
26. Philadelphia
Paul Posluszny, LB, Penn St.
27. New Orleans
Aaron Ross, CB, Texas
28. New England
David Harris, ILB, Michigan
29. Baltimore
Joe Staley, OT, Central Michigan
30. San Diego
Dwayne Bowe, WR, LSU
31. Chicago
Justin Blalock, OG, Texas
32. Indianapolis
Justin Harrell, DT, Tennessee
JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU
2. Detroit
Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame
3. Cleveland
Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma
4. Tampa Bay
Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech
5. Arizona
Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin
6. Washington
Jamaal Anderson, DE, Arkansas
7. Minnesota
Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson
8. Atlanta (from Houston)
Amobi Okoye, DT, Louisville
9. Miami
Levi Brown, OT, Penn St.
10. Houston (from Atlanta)
LaRon Landry, S, LSU
11. San Francisco
Adam Carriker, DE, Nebraska
12. Buffalo
Patrick Willis, LB, Ole Miss
13. St. Louis
Alan Branch, DT, Michigan
14. Carolina
Greg Olsen, TE, Miami
15. Pittsburgh
Jarvis Moss, DE, Florida
16. Green Bay
Leon Hall, CB, Michigan
17. Jacksonville
Ted Ginn, Jr., WR, Ohio St.
18. Cincinnati
Darrelle Revis, CB, Pittsburgh
19. Tennessee
Robert Meachem, WR, Tennessee
20. New York Giants
Lawrence Timmons, LB, Florida St.
21. Denver
Chris Houston, CB, Arkansas
22. Dallas
Ben Grubbs, OG, Auburn
23. Kansas City
Dwayne Jarrett, WR, USC
24. New England (from Seattle)
Reggie Nelson, S, Florida
25. New York Jets
Eric Wright, CB, UNLV
26. Philadelphia
Paul Posluszny, LB, Penn St.
27. New Orleans
Aaron Ross, CB, Texas
28. New England
David Harris, ILB, Michigan
29. Baltimore
Joe Staley, OT, Central Michigan
30. San Diego
Dwayne Bowe, WR, LSU
31. Chicago
Justin Blalock, OG, Texas
32. Indianapolis
Justin Harrell, DT, Tennessee
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
2007 NFL Mock Draft
1. Oakland
JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU
2. Detroit
Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame
3. Cleveland
Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma
4. Tampa Bay
Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech
5. Arizona
Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin
6. Washington
Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson
7. Minnesota
Jamaal Anderson, DE, Arkansas
8. Houston
LaRon Landry, S, LSU
9. Miami
Amobi Okoye, DT, Louisville
10. Atlanta
Leon Hall, CB, Michigan
11. San Francisco
Alan Branch, DT, Michigan
12. Buffalo
Patrick Willis, LB, Ole Miss
13. St. Louis
Chris Houston, CB, Arkansas
14. Carolina
Greg Olsen, TE, Miami
15. Pittsburgh
Levi Brown, OT, Penn St.
16. Green Bay
Ted Ginn, Jr., WR, Ohio St.
17. Jacksonville
Jarvis Moss, DE, Florida
18. Cincinnati
Darrelle Revis, CB, Pittsburgh
19. Tennessee
Robert Meachem, WR, Tennessee
20. New York Giants
Lawrence Timmons, LB, Florida St.
21. Denver
Adam Carriker, DE, Nebraska
22. Dallas
Ben Grubbs, OG, Auburn
23. Kansas City
Dwayne Bowe, WR, LSU
24. New England from Seattle
Reggie Nelson, S, Florida
25. New York Jets
Anthony Spencer, DE/OLB, Purdue
26. Philadelphia
Paul Posluszny, LB, Penn St.
27. New Orleans
Marcus McCauley, CB, Fresno St.
28. New England
David Harris, ILB, Michigan
29. Baltimore
Marshawn Lynch, RB, California
30. San Diego
Dwayne Jarrett, WR, USC
31. Chicago
Justin Blalock, OG, Texas
32. Indianapolis
Aaron Ross, CB, Texas
JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU
2. Detroit
Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame
3. Cleveland
Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma
4. Tampa Bay
Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech
5. Arizona
Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin
6. Washington
Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson
7. Minnesota
Jamaal Anderson, DE, Arkansas
8. Houston
LaRon Landry, S, LSU
9. Miami
Amobi Okoye, DT, Louisville
10. Atlanta
Leon Hall, CB, Michigan
11. San Francisco
Alan Branch, DT, Michigan
12. Buffalo
Patrick Willis, LB, Ole Miss
13. St. Louis
Chris Houston, CB, Arkansas
14. Carolina
Greg Olsen, TE, Miami
15. Pittsburgh
Levi Brown, OT, Penn St.
16. Green Bay
Ted Ginn, Jr., WR, Ohio St.
17. Jacksonville
Jarvis Moss, DE, Florida
18. Cincinnati
Darrelle Revis, CB, Pittsburgh
19. Tennessee
Robert Meachem, WR, Tennessee
20. New York Giants
Lawrence Timmons, LB, Florida St.
21. Denver
Adam Carriker, DE, Nebraska
22. Dallas
Ben Grubbs, OG, Auburn
23. Kansas City
Dwayne Bowe, WR, LSU
24. New England from Seattle
Reggie Nelson, S, Florida
25. New York Jets
Anthony Spencer, DE/OLB, Purdue
26. Philadelphia
Paul Posluszny, LB, Penn St.
27. New Orleans
Marcus McCauley, CB, Fresno St.
28. New England
David Harris, ILB, Michigan
29. Baltimore
Marshawn Lynch, RB, California
30. San Diego
Dwayne Jarrett, WR, USC
31. Chicago
Justin Blalock, OG, Texas
32. Indianapolis
Aaron Ross, CB, Texas
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Marcus Thomas: Down But Not Out
Marcus Thomas has a lot to say over in this rivals.com football "diary entry." It's co-written, which obviously helps this sound as good as it does. Still, it's no given that a young prospect with character concerns is going to start listening to the right people and start doing the right things to change the perception of himself (and, for the prospect's sake, hopefully his actual self as well).
Friday, January 19, 2007
Draft’s Underclassmen Rush Scouts
BuffaloBills.com looks at how Draft’s Underclassmen Put Scouts In A Time Crunch. I think it'd be a little naive to believe that the scouts have as little info on the underclassmen, espesically the higher profile junior prospects, as Bills coordinator of college scouting Doug Majeski suggests in the article. But certainly there's going to be some scrambling, and this piece lets the reader in, a bit, on what's going on.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
The New Orleans Saints' 2006 Draft
This aritcle by Roy Lang III recaps the Saints' 2006 Draft. One year is really too soon to judge a draft—better to wait at least three years, and arguably four or five— but it certainy does look like a safe bet to be the "second best in Saints' history." Sean Payton remarks: "There's a lot of communication and work done on behalf of the scouts and personnel staff. You start your preparation on the players you are grading, as well as the pro end, where you look at the Jeff Faines. This comes into play when all of a sudden you can back up and acquire Roman Harper and Jeff Faine and back up and acquire Jahri Evans and Hollis Thomas."
Team Needs
Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo News writes that upgrades to the run game and run defense are at the top of the offseason agenda for the Buffalo Bills.
Houston Texans
The Houston Chronicle sizes up the Texans needs heading into the 2007 NFL draft.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Florida Today looks at some of the issues facing the Jaguars as they head toward the 2007 season.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Star considers the many decisions confronting the AFC's sixth seed in the playoffs.
New York Giants
The Giants' needs are pretty obvious as this quick breakdown of the Giant roster proves.
Oakland Raiders
Inside Bay Area reports Raiders have lots to do to become presentable
San Francisco 49ers
Inside Bay Area reports 49ers must tackle need for much defensive help.
Seattle Seahawks
Scout.com puts the spotlight on the Seahawks' offseason needs.
The Buffalo News writes that upgrades to the run game and run defense are at the top of the offseason agenda for the Buffalo Bills.
Houston Texans
The Houston Chronicle sizes up the Texans needs heading into the 2007 NFL draft.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Florida Today looks at some of the issues facing the Jaguars as they head toward the 2007 season.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Star considers the many decisions confronting the AFC's sixth seed in the playoffs.
New York Giants
The Giants' needs are pretty obvious as this quick breakdown of the Giant roster proves.
Oakland Raiders
Inside Bay Area reports Raiders have lots to do to become presentable
San Francisco 49ers
Inside Bay Area reports 49ers must tackle need for much defensive help.
Seattle Seahawks
Scout.com puts the spotlight on the Seahawks' offseason needs.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Mock Draft
1. Oakland
JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU
2. Detroit
Jamaal Anderson, DE, Arkansas
3. Cleveland
Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame
4. Tampa Bay
Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech
5. Arizona
Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin
6. Washington
Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson
7. Minnesota
Quentin Moses, DE, Georgia
8. Houston
Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma
9. Miami
Alan Branch, DT, Michigan
10. Atlanta
Reggie Nelson, FS, Florida
11. San Francisco
Amobi Okoye, DT, Louisville
12. Buffalo
Patrick Willis, LB, Ole Miss
13. St. Louis
Lawrence Timmons, LB, Florida St.
14. Carolina
Sidney Rice, WR, South Carolina
15. Pittsburgh
Darrelle Revis, CB, Pittsburgh
16. Green Bay
Dwayne Jarrett, WR, USC
17. Jacksonville
LaRon Landry, S, LSU
18. Cincinnati
DeMarcus Tyler, DT, NC State
19. Tennessee
Ted Ginn, Jr., WR, Ohio St.
20. New York Giants
Marshawn Lynch, RB, California
21. Denver
Leon Hall, CB, Michigan
22. Dallas
Ben Grubbs, OG, Auburn
23. Kansas City
Levi Brown, OT, Penn St.
24. New England from Seattle
Jarvis Moss, DE/OLB, Florida
25. New Orleans
Zach Miller, TE, Arizona St.
26. New York Jets
Marcus McCauley, CB, Fresno St.
27. Philadelphia
Paul Posluszny, LB, Penn St.
28. New England
Jeff Samardzija, WR, Notre Dame
30. Baltimore
Anthony Spencer, DE/OLB, Purdue
30. San Diego
Robert Meachem, WR, Tennessee
31. Chicago
Justin Blalock, OG, Texas
32. Indianapolis
Earl Everett, LB, Florida
JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU
2. Detroit
Jamaal Anderson, DE, Arkansas
3. Cleveland
Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame
4. Tampa Bay
Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech
5. Arizona
Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin
6. Washington
Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson
7. Minnesota
Quentin Moses, DE, Georgia
8. Houston
Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma
9. Miami
Alan Branch, DT, Michigan
10. Atlanta
Reggie Nelson, FS, Florida
11. San Francisco
Amobi Okoye, DT, Louisville
12. Buffalo
Patrick Willis, LB, Ole Miss
13. St. Louis
Lawrence Timmons, LB, Florida St.
14. Carolina
Sidney Rice, WR, South Carolina
15. Pittsburgh
Darrelle Revis, CB, Pittsburgh
16. Green Bay
Dwayne Jarrett, WR, USC
17. Jacksonville
LaRon Landry, S, LSU
18. Cincinnati
DeMarcus Tyler, DT, NC State
19. Tennessee
Ted Ginn, Jr., WR, Ohio St.
20. New York Giants
Marshawn Lynch, RB, California
21. Denver
Leon Hall, CB, Michigan
22. Dallas
Ben Grubbs, OG, Auburn
23. Kansas City
Levi Brown, OT, Penn St.
24. New England from Seattle
Jarvis Moss, DE/OLB, Florida
25. New Orleans
Zach Miller, TE, Arizona St.
26. New York Jets
Marcus McCauley, CB, Fresno St.
27. Philadelphia
Paul Posluszny, LB, Penn St.
28. New England
Jeff Samardzija, WR, Notre Dame
30. Baltimore
Anthony Spencer, DE/OLB, Purdue
30. San Diego
Robert Meachem, WR, Tennessee
31. Chicago
Justin Blalock, OG, Texas
32. Indianapolis
Earl Everett, LB, Florida
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Initial Positional Rankings - 2007 NFL Draft
OFFENSE
Quarterbak
1. Brady Quinn, Notre Dame
2. JaMarcus Russell, LSU
3. Trent Edwards, Stanford
4. Drew Stanton, Michigan St.
5. John Beck, BYU
6. Jordan Palmer, Texas-El Paso
7. Kevin Kolb, Houston
8. Jeff Rowe, Nevada
9. Troy Smith, Ohio St.
10. Tyler Palko, Pittsburgh
Running Back
1. Adrian Peterson, Oklahoma
2. Darius Walker, Notre Dame
3. Tony Hunt, Penn St.
4. Marshawn Lynch, California
5. Antonio Pittman, Ohio St.
6. Michael Bush, Louisville
7. Gary Russell, Minnesota
8. Kolby Smith, Louisville
9. DeShawn Wynn, Florida
10. Kenny Irons, Auburn
Fullback
1. Brian Leonard, Rutgers
2. Jason Snelling, Virginia
3. Cory Anderson, Tennessee
4. Deon Anderson, Connecticut
5. Billy Latsko, Florida
Wide Receiver
1. Calvin Johnson, Georgia Tech
2. Dwayne Jarrett, USC
3. Sidney Rice, South Carolina
4. Ted Ginn, Jr., Ohio St.
5. Jeff Samardjiza, Notre Dame
6. Robert Meacham, Tennessee
7. Dwayne Bowe, LSU
8. Craig Davis, LSU
9. Jason Hill, Washington St.
10. Dallas Baker, Florida
Tight End
1. Zach Miller, Arizona St.
2. Greg Olsen, Miami
3. Martrez Milner, Georgia
4. Scott Chandler, Iowa
5. Matt Spaeth, Minnesota
Offensive Tackle
1. Joe Thomas, Wisconsin
3. Levi Brown, Penn St.
3. Arron Sears, Tennessee
4. Mike Otto, Purdue
5. Tony Ugoh, Arkansas
6. Joe Staley, Central Michigan
7. Ryan Harris, Notre Dame
8. James Marten, Boston College
9. Doug Free, Northern Illinois
10. Herbert Taylor, T.C.U.
Offensive Guard
1. Ben Grubbs, Auburn
2. Justin Blalock, Texas
3. Josh Beekman, Boston College
4. Manuel Ramirez, Texas Tech
5. Tim Duckworth, Auburn
Center
1. Josh Beekman, Boston College
2. Ryan Kalil, USC
3. Dustin Fry, Clemson
4. Samson Satele, Hawaii
5. Doug Datish, Ohio St.
DEFENSE
Defensive End
1. Jamaal Anderson, Arkansas
2. Gaines Adams, Clemson
3. Quentin Moses, Georgia
4. Victor Abiamiri, Notre Dame
5. Anthony Spencer, Purdue
6. Adam Carriker, Nebraska
7. Charles Johnson, Georgia
8. Jarvis Moss, Florida
9. LaMarr Woodley, Michigan
10. Ray McDonald, Florida
Defensive Tackle
1. Amobi Okoye, Louisville
2. Alan Branch, Michigan
3. DeMarcus Tyler, North Carolina St.
4. Marcus Thomas, Florida
5. Kareem Brown, Miami
Outside Linebacker
1. Lawrence Timmons, Florida St.
2. Earl Everett, Florida
3. Paul Posluszny, Penn St.
4. Rufus Alexander, Oklahoma
5. Jon Beason, Miami
Inside Linebacker
1. Patrick Willis, Mississippi
2. David Harris, Michigan
3. H.B. Blades, Pittsburgh
4. Brandon Siler, Florida
5. Buster Davis, Florida St.
Cornerback
1. Darrelle Revis, Pittsburgh
2. Jonathan Wade, Tennessee
3. Marcus McCauley, Fresno St.
4. Leon Hall, Michigan
5. Fred Bennett, South Carolina
6. Chris Houston, Arkansas
7. Aaron Ross, Texas
8. Eric Wright, UNLV
9. Tanard Jackson, Syracuse
10. Daymeion Hughes, California
Safety
1. Reggie Nelson, Florida
2. Michael Griffin, Texas
3. LaRon Landry, LSU
4. Brandon Meriweather, Miami
5. Josh Gattis, Wake Forest
Quarterbak
1. Brady Quinn, Notre Dame
2. JaMarcus Russell, LSU
3. Trent Edwards, Stanford
4. Drew Stanton, Michigan St.
5. John Beck, BYU
6. Jordan Palmer, Texas-El Paso
7. Kevin Kolb, Houston
8. Jeff Rowe, Nevada
9. Troy Smith, Ohio St.
10. Tyler Palko, Pittsburgh
Running Back
1. Adrian Peterson, Oklahoma
2. Darius Walker, Notre Dame
3. Tony Hunt, Penn St.
4. Marshawn Lynch, California
5. Antonio Pittman, Ohio St.
6. Michael Bush, Louisville
7. Gary Russell, Minnesota
8. Kolby Smith, Louisville
9. DeShawn Wynn, Florida
10. Kenny Irons, Auburn
Fullback
1. Brian Leonard, Rutgers
2. Jason Snelling, Virginia
3. Cory Anderson, Tennessee
4. Deon Anderson, Connecticut
5. Billy Latsko, Florida
Wide Receiver
1. Calvin Johnson, Georgia Tech
2. Dwayne Jarrett, USC
3. Sidney Rice, South Carolina
4. Ted Ginn, Jr., Ohio St.
5. Jeff Samardjiza, Notre Dame
6. Robert Meacham, Tennessee
7. Dwayne Bowe, LSU
8. Craig Davis, LSU
9. Jason Hill, Washington St.
10. Dallas Baker, Florida
Tight End
1. Zach Miller, Arizona St.
2. Greg Olsen, Miami
3. Martrez Milner, Georgia
4. Scott Chandler, Iowa
5. Matt Spaeth, Minnesota
Offensive Tackle
1. Joe Thomas, Wisconsin
3. Levi Brown, Penn St.
3. Arron Sears, Tennessee
4. Mike Otto, Purdue
5. Tony Ugoh, Arkansas
6. Joe Staley, Central Michigan
7. Ryan Harris, Notre Dame
8. James Marten, Boston College
9. Doug Free, Northern Illinois
10. Herbert Taylor, T.C.U.
Offensive Guard
1. Ben Grubbs, Auburn
2. Justin Blalock, Texas
3. Josh Beekman, Boston College
4. Manuel Ramirez, Texas Tech
5. Tim Duckworth, Auburn
Center
1. Josh Beekman, Boston College
2. Ryan Kalil, USC
3. Dustin Fry, Clemson
4. Samson Satele, Hawaii
5. Doug Datish, Ohio St.
DEFENSE
Defensive End
1. Jamaal Anderson, Arkansas
2. Gaines Adams, Clemson
3. Quentin Moses, Georgia
4. Victor Abiamiri, Notre Dame
5. Anthony Spencer, Purdue
6. Adam Carriker, Nebraska
7. Charles Johnson, Georgia
8. Jarvis Moss, Florida
9. LaMarr Woodley, Michigan
10. Ray McDonald, Florida
Defensive Tackle
1. Amobi Okoye, Louisville
2. Alan Branch, Michigan
3. DeMarcus Tyler, North Carolina St.
4. Marcus Thomas, Florida
5. Kareem Brown, Miami
Outside Linebacker
1. Lawrence Timmons, Florida St.
2. Earl Everett, Florida
3. Paul Posluszny, Penn St.
4. Rufus Alexander, Oklahoma
5. Jon Beason, Miami
Inside Linebacker
1. Patrick Willis, Mississippi
2. David Harris, Michigan
3. H.B. Blades, Pittsburgh
4. Brandon Siler, Florida
5. Buster Davis, Florida St.
Cornerback
1. Darrelle Revis, Pittsburgh
2. Jonathan Wade, Tennessee
3. Marcus McCauley, Fresno St.
4. Leon Hall, Michigan
5. Fred Bennett, South Carolina
6. Chris Houston, Arkansas
7. Aaron Ross, Texas
8. Eric Wright, UNLV
9. Tanard Jackson, Syracuse
10. Daymeion Hughes, California
Safety
1. Reggie Nelson, Florida
2. Michael Griffin, Texas
3. LaRon Landry, LSU
4. Brandon Meriweather, Miami
5. Josh Gattis, Wake Forest
Saturday, January 06, 2007
53 Deep 2006 All-Pro Team
OFFENSE
QB: Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts
FB: Lorenzo Neal, San Diego Chargers
RB: LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego Chargers
TE: Tony Gonzalez, Kansas City Chiefs
WR: Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis Colts
WR: Marvin Harrison, Indianapolis Colts
T: Jammal Brown, New Orleans Saints
T: Willie Anderson, Cincinnati Bengals
G: Mike Goff, San Diego Chargers
G: Shawn Andrews, Philadelphia Eagles
C: Brad Meester, Jacksonville Jaguars
DEFENSE
LE: Aaron Kampman, Green Bay Packers
DT: Warren Sapp, Oakland Raiders
DT: Pat Williams, Minnesota Vikings
RE: Jason Taylor, Miami Dolphins
SLB: Adalius Thomas, Baltimore Ravens
MLB: Zach Thomas, Miami Dolphins
WLB: Lance Briggs, Chicago Bears
CB: Champ Bailey, Denver Broncos
CB: Asante Samuel, New England Patriots
SS: Adrian Wilson, Arizona Cardinals
FS: Kerry Rhodes, New York Jets
SPECIAL TEAMS:
K: Robbie Gould, Chicago Bears
P: Brian Moorman, Buffalo Bills
KR: Devin Hester, Chicago Bears
QB: Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts
FB: Lorenzo Neal, San Diego Chargers
RB: LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego Chargers
TE: Tony Gonzalez, Kansas City Chiefs
WR: Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis Colts
WR: Marvin Harrison, Indianapolis Colts
T: Jammal Brown, New Orleans Saints
T: Willie Anderson, Cincinnati Bengals
G: Mike Goff, San Diego Chargers
G: Shawn Andrews, Philadelphia Eagles
C: Brad Meester, Jacksonville Jaguars
DEFENSE
LE: Aaron Kampman, Green Bay Packers
DT: Warren Sapp, Oakland Raiders
DT: Pat Williams, Minnesota Vikings
RE: Jason Taylor, Miami Dolphins
SLB: Adalius Thomas, Baltimore Ravens
MLB: Zach Thomas, Miami Dolphins
WLB: Lance Briggs, Chicago Bears
CB: Champ Bailey, Denver Broncos
CB: Asante Samuel, New England Patriots
SS: Adrian Wilson, Arizona Cardinals
FS: Kerry Rhodes, New York Jets
SPECIAL TEAMS:
K: Robbie Gould, Chicago Bears
P: Brian Moorman, Buffalo Bills
KR: Devin Hester, Chicago Bears
Monday, January 01, 2007
How Important Are First Round Picks?
Chris Malumphy at DraftHistory.com breaks down the Pro Bowl teams and finds Nearly Half of 2006 NFL Pro Bowlers Drafted in First Round. Malumphy also analyzes some of the differences between the AFC and NFC representatives.
Friday, February 24, 2006
2006 NFL Draft "Pet Cat" Team
An "all-draft" team comprised of underrated players, potential steals, and prospects I otherwise find myself rooting for.
OFFENSE
QB: Kellen Clemens, Oregon
RB: Joseph Addai, LSU
FB: Lawrence Vickers, Colorado
WR: Maurice Stovall, Notre Dame
WR: Ethan Kilmer, Penn State
TE: Anthony Fasano, Notre Dame
T: Michael Toudouze, TCU
T: Pat McQuistan, Weber State
G: Kevin Boothe, Cornell
G: Charlie Johnson, Oklahoma State
C: Mike Degory, Florida
DEFENSE
DE: Pierre Woods, Michigan
DT: Babatunde Oshinowo, Stanford
DT: Steve Fifita, Utah
DE: Jason Hatcher, Grambling State
LB: Brandon Guillory, Louisiana-Monroe
MLB: Anthony Schlegel, Ohio State
LB: Nick Reid, Kansas
CB: Cletis Gordon, Jackson St.
CB: Will Blackmon, Boston College
FS: Anthony Smith, Syracuse
SS: Greg Blue, Georgia
OFFENSE
QB: Kellen Clemens, Oregon
RB: Joseph Addai, LSU
FB: Lawrence Vickers, Colorado
WR: Maurice Stovall, Notre Dame
WR: Ethan Kilmer, Penn State
TE: Anthony Fasano, Notre Dame
T: Michael Toudouze, TCU
T: Pat McQuistan, Weber State
G: Kevin Boothe, Cornell
G: Charlie Johnson, Oklahoma State
C: Mike Degory, Florida
DEFENSE
DE: Pierre Woods, Michigan
DT: Babatunde Oshinowo, Stanford
DT: Steve Fifita, Utah
DE: Jason Hatcher, Grambling State
LB: Brandon Guillory, Louisiana-Monroe
MLB: Anthony Schlegel, Ohio State
LB: Nick Reid, Kansas
CB: Cletis Gordon, Jackson St.
CB: Will Blackmon, Boston College
FS: Anthony Smith, Syracuse
SS: Greg Blue, Georgia
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
53 Deep 2005 All-Pro Team
OFFENSE
QB: Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts
FB: Lorenzo Neal, San Diego Chargers
RB: Tiki Barber, New York Giants
TE: Antonio Gates, San Diego Chargers
WR: Steve Smith, Carolina Panthers
WR: Chad Johnson, Cincinnati Bengals
T: Walter Jones, Seattle Seahawks
T: Willie Anderson, Cincinnati Bengals
G: Steve Hutchinson, Seattle Seahawks
G: Alan Faneca, Pittsburgh Steelers
C: Jeff Saturday, Indianapolis Colts
DEFENSE
DE: Kyle Vanden Bosch, Tennessee Titans
DE: Osi Umenyiora, New York Giants
DT: Pat Williams, Minnesota Vikings
DT: Tommie Harris, Chicago Bears
OLB: Joey Porter, Pittsburgh Steelers
OLB: Lance Briggs, Chicago Bears
MLB: Zach Thomas, Miami Dolphins
CB: Champ Bailey, Denver Broncos
CB: Ronde Barber, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
S: Mike Brown, Chicago Bears
S: Bob Sanders, Indianapolis Colts
SPECIAL TEAMS:
K: Neil Rackers, Arizona Cardinals
P: Brian Moorman, Buffalo Bills
KR: Terrence McGee, Buffalo Bills
QB: Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts
FB: Lorenzo Neal, San Diego Chargers
RB: Tiki Barber, New York Giants
TE: Antonio Gates, San Diego Chargers
WR: Steve Smith, Carolina Panthers
WR: Chad Johnson, Cincinnati Bengals
T: Walter Jones, Seattle Seahawks
T: Willie Anderson, Cincinnati Bengals
G: Steve Hutchinson, Seattle Seahawks
G: Alan Faneca, Pittsburgh Steelers
C: Jeff Saturday, Indianapolis Colts
DEFENSE
DE: Kyle Vanden Bosch, Tennessee Titans
DE: Osi Umenyiora, New York Giants
DT: Pat Williams, Minnesota Vikings
DT: Tommie Harris, Chicago Bears
OLB: Joey Porter, Pittsburgh Steelers
OLB: Lance Briggs, Chicago Bears
MLB: Zach Thomas, Miami Dolphins
CB: Champ Bailey, Denver Broncos
CB: Ronde Barber, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
S: Mike Brown, Chicago Bears
S: Bob Sanders, Indianapolis Colts
SPECIAL TEAMS:
K: Neil Rackers, Arizona Cardinals
P: Brian Moorman, Buffalo Bills
KR: Terrence McGee, Buffalo Bills
Monday, December 26, 2005
Frank Gore—Making Himself at Home?
2005 third-round pick Frank Gore seems to be making a push to establish himself at the new number one running back for the San Francisco 49ers.
The statistical analysis over at FootballOutsiders.com shows that Frank Gore is actually having the best season of any rookie running back (DPAR, ranked 17th overall). What's more, in terms of value per play (DVOA), Gore is doing more than twice as better than the next rookie, Ronnie Brown (7.1%, 9th overall, versus -6.1%, 25th overall).
The statistical analysis over at FootballOutsiders.com shows that Frank Gore is actually having the best season of any rookie running back (DPAR, ranked 17th overall). What's more, in terms of value per play (DVOA), Gore is doing more than twice as better than the next rookie, Ronnie Brown (7.1%, 9th overall, versus -6.1%, 25th overall).
Saturday, December 24, 2005
Favre Should Keep Playing
Too many reporters and supposed football "experts" write about players as if they're nothing more than graphics in a John Madden video game. The Green Bay Packers team is going out there tomorrow and next week, and they're going to give their all, and they deserve the best chance to win the game. Brett Favre gives them that, not Aaron Rodgers. There's no such thing as a "meaningless game" to a player, though some games certainly have less importance than others. The idea that Rodgers needs playing time doesn't hold water because the situation isn't right. Rodgers is not going to be battling the current starter for the spot next year. Favre is the man until he announces he's retiring, or he because completely inept at his job. Of course, Favre is open to criticism for not letting the team know his plans at this point; an argument can be made that he needs to consider where his team is at and that the front office people need to know his leanings, at least, so that they can best do their job. But until there is a real quarterback controversy in Green Bay, not one projected by reporters needing to come up with a storyline, Favre should be in there unless the game gets out of hand as it did last Monday night.
Pro Bowl Players Tend To Be High Draft Picks
Chris Malumphy of Drafthistory.com offers his take on the correlation between high draft picks and players selected to the Pro Bowl.
Another Article on Belichick's History Lesson
This time from the Boston Herald's John Tomase: Class in session: Prof. Belichick teaches media Football 101.
Friday, December 23, 2005
Umenyiora Signs 6-year Extension
Len Pasquarelli of ESPN.com reports that New York Giant's defensive end Osi Umenyiora has agreed to a $41 million contract which will run through 2012. Though "only" $15 million is guaranteed, Pasquarelli notes that "The guaranteed part of the contract is believed to be the largest ever awarded to a three-year veteran."
Belichick's History Lesson
I'm glad Football Outsiders linked to this blog report by Boston.com's Mike Reiss. Wish there were even more details, but maybe more will emerge in articles in tomorrow's papers. This is the kind of thing, besides the three Super Bowl wins in four years, that separates Bill Belichick from the rest of the league's coaches. He really is an original. Though I will always hold a bit of a grudge against him for choosing Vinny Testaverde over Bernie Kosar, who was one of my favorite players at the time. Anyway, it'd be awesome if Belichick could take some time in the offseason to put together a show or two (or three or four) for NFL films.
Majority of Pro Bowl Position Players Were First Round Picks
Great Blue North's PRO BOWL ROSTER REPORT notes that "70 of the 76 players named to the Pro Bowl this year at regular positions were drafted. In fact, over half of this year's AFC and NFC Pro Bowl positional players - 40 of 76 or 53% - were first round picks and 83% of all positional players named to this year's Pro Bowl, were first day picks selected in the first three rounds."
DeMarcus Ware Hopes To Make an Impact Down the Stretch
For the first half of the season, DeMarcus Ware of the Dallas Cowboys was the hot defensive rookie. But over the course of the second half of the season his play has dropped off and the attention has shifted to Shawne Merriman of the San Diego Chargers. Both are outside linebackers in 3-4 defenses. Merriman was selected just one spot behind Ware in the 2005 NFL draft and was just voted in to the Pro Bowl. Todd Archer of the Dallas Morning News reports that Ware is frustrated by his recent lack of production.
Bloomin' Prospect
Jeff Legwold's weekly NFL notebook looks at skier/NFL prospect Jeremy Bloom and lists some of the top candidates for the Texans head coaching job. And, yes, I'm still irked that Art Shell is not among those mentioned.
Playing Your Senior Year
Alabama linebacker DeMeco Ryans could have declared for the 2005 NFL draft, he was reasonably assured of a day one pick, probably the late second or early third round. In this report by AP writer John Zenor, Ryans shows that Matt Leinart wasn't the only top prospect to be glad to have come back for his senior year. Said Ryans, "I would tell anybody, if you have the opportunity, to come back. There's no other experience like it."
How Manning Started Calling His Own Plays
In advance of the Colts game against Seattle, Gregg Bell reports on how Manning's NFL play-calling autonomy began in Seattle. This throwback aspect of his game is probably the main reason I love it when the Colts are on TV.
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Berger: Leinart? Jets might pass
Ken Berger considers the likelihood that the Jets will make an unpopular decision on NFL draft day 2006. He reports that "Jimmy Williams of Virginia Tech... is said to thrill coach Herman Edwards." If Virginia offensive tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson is already taken (which I think would be the Texans best move), the Williams pick could be a good one, but that would mean not only passing up on Leinart and Bush, but on a whole crop of other top rated offensive linemen that the Jets sorely need (and won't be able to afford in free agency).
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
SCHATZ: Rookies Redefine 'Skill Positions'
Aaron Schatz of FootballOutsiders.com writes in The New York Sun about this year's impact rookies. From my perspective though, Lofa Tatupu is a much bigger surprise than Kirk Morrison who I had rated as the best ILB prospect ahead of Odell Thurman and Channing Crowder.
Frank Coyle's Top Prospects for the 2006 Draft
Great Blue North has posted a preview of draft expert Frank Coyle's Top 25 Pro Prospects for the 2006 NFL Draft. It's good to see Bobby Carpenter make the list, who I think has not been placed high enough so far by many of the top ranking sites. But given that Coyle is including juniors who haven't declared yet, I'm surprised not to see Winston Justice on this list. Also, Tamba Hali should probably be in there as well.
Sunday, December 18, 2005
Should scouts determine NFL awards?
Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel argues that scouts should determine NFL awards. I don't agree with him about the pro bowl, since it's just an all-star game to bring in more money for the league and entertain some fans, but it would make sense for an official all-pro team to be selected by those most knowledgeable people who evaluate players for a living. The league should seriously consider getting the personnel folks together and working on this.
Saturday, December 17, 2005
Not the Only One Thinking of Shell
Eric Gilmore of the Contra Costa Times confirms that Art Shell Still Wants a Second Chance.
Will Both Virginia ILBs Declare?
According to Jeff White of the Richmond Times-Dispatch, "Groh didn't name any names but said he'd talked to a couple of his players about the wisdom of leaving school early for the NFL. He's believed to have advised [Ahmad] Brooks to leave and [Kai] Parham to return." Ready for the NFL as he may be for, Brooks could find himself slipping into the second or even third round because of this past year's health concerns, unless he can really impress the scouts over the off-season.
Friday, December 16, 2005
Art Shell Deserves Another Shot
If the Lions, Texans, Saints, and any other team that will be looking for a new head coach don't bring in Art Shell for an interview and have him starting out at or near the top of their lists, then there really is something wrong with the NFL. Not only does Shell have a proven record as a winning coach who knows how to get the most out of his teams, but as a member of the Hall of Fame for his outstanding offensive line play, he brings serious credentials that demand a certain level of respect from players.
In 1989 Art Shell took over for a 1-3 Raiders team, leading them to a 7-5 record the rest of the way. In 1990 the Raiders finished 12-4 for their first winning record in five years. In Shell's five full seasons as head coach, the Raiders posted a winning record four times and made the playoffs three times. Shell's playoff record with those Raider teams was a respectable 2-3. In Shell's last year, 1994, the Raiders went 9-7. Without him, the Raiders wouldn't again post a winning record until 2000.
His experience as an offensive lineman and as an offensive line coach might also go a long way toward helping the Texans and the Lions in particular, as they are two teams whose offensive line play has left much to be desired this past season. No matter what QB or all-world RB they bring in, improvement for such teams isn't going to happen until they shore up their front lines. And there's no coaching candidate out there that would be better served to lead the way.
In 1989 Art Shell took over for a 1-3 Raiders team, leading them to a 7-5 record the rest of the way. In 1990 the Raiders finished 12-4 for their first winning record in five years. In Shell's five full seasons as head coach, the Raiders posted a winning record four times and made the playoffs three times. Shell's playoff record with those Raider teams was a respectable 2-3. In Shell's last year, 1994, the Raiders went 9-7. Without him, the Raiders wouldn't again post a winning record until 2000.
His experience as an offensive lineman and as an offensive line coach might also go a long way toward helping the Texans and the Lions in particular, as they are two teams whose offensive line play has left much to be desired this past season. No matter what QB or all-world RB they bring in, improvement for such teams isn't going to happen until they shore up their front lines. And there's no coaching candidate out there that would be better served to lead the way.
Thursday, December 15, 2005
2005's Final Mock Draft
For 2006 I'll be looking to improve on this year's mock draft, which was the first one I ever did. Using The Huddle Report's scoring method, I tallied 42 points. Not too shabby, but certainly leaving room for improvement.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
