We here at The Sporting Itis haven't shown much profiency in predictions, so you should probably ignore this entire thing and just listen to Mel Kiper. He's got better hair anyways.
- Raiders – JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU
The Silver and Black desperately need a quarterback to put the franchise back on track, and they love Russell’s huge frame and powerful arm to lead the rebuilding.
- Lions – Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame
Jon Kitna has been serviceable, but he’ll turn 35 this season and is obviously not a long-term option. There’s a large talent dropoff at QB after Russell and Quinn, so the Lions will pull the trigger here.
- Buccaneers* – Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech
The Bucs’ offense was terrible last year, and there’s no better way to improve it than by adding Johnson, the most talented player in this draft.
- Browns* – Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin
The Browns’ efforts to improve the offensive line haven’t yielded great results yet, and Thomas is this year’s top tackle prospect. A perfect fit.
- Cardinals – Jamaal Anderson, DE Arkansas
Arizona has a wealth of talented skill players on offense, but needs to address its offensive line and basically the entire defense. With Thomas gone, defense is the choice.
- Redskins – Alan Branch, DT, Michigan
The D.C. Indigenous Persons' defense regressed last season, and lacks playmakers up front. Branch is a massive, athletic run-stuffer that they can build around from the inside out.
- Vikings – Reggie Nelson, S, Florida
Minnesota was the best run-stopping team in the league last year, but they struggled against the pass. Nelson is a bit of a reach here, but fills a void in an otherwise excellent defense. They could also use a wideout, but may be a bit leery after taking Troy Williamson.
- Texans – Adrian Peterson, HB, Oklahoma
Houston’s front office needs to make up for passing on Reggie Bush and Vince Young, and Peterson is the best way to do it. A native of Texas and a talented ballcarrier, he fits the bill in more ways than one.
- Dolphins – Leon Hall, CB, Michigan
The Fish have a lot of holes, so basically any pick would be a good one. Hall is the most polished corner available, and should be able to start right away.
- Falcons – LaRon Landry, S, LSU
Atlanta’s safeties are woeful against the pass, and were a major liability all year long. Landry is good enough to make an immediate impact in the running and passing games.
- 49ers – Dwayne Jarrett, WR, USC
The Niners have a nice core in place on offense with Alex Smith, Frank Gore and Vernon Davis. What they lack is a standout receiver, and Jarrett fills that slot. Ted Ginn could also go here.
- Bills – Levi Brown, OT, Penn State
Terrance Pennington is starting for Buffalo at right tackle. Suffice to say offensive line is a major concern for the Bills.
- Rams – Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson
The Rams have been looking to improve their defense since the millenium switch. Adams is an explosive pass rusher who should give them a real presence off the edge.
- Panthers – Lawrence Timmons, LB, Florida State
Carolina has a great D-line and solid secondary, but they’re soft in between. Timmons is the best linebacker in this draft and a perfect fit for them.
- Steelers – Darrelle Revis, CB, Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is better than their record showed last year and is pretty well set everywhere. They’ll likely go with the best player available here, though they could definitely use some more depth in the secondary.
- Packers – Marshawn Lynch, RB, Cal
The Packers are worse than their record showed last year and could use help basically everywhere. With Ahman Green always hurt and possibly out the door, they’ll make Lynch their new feature back.
- Jaguars – Ted Ginn, WR, Ohio State
Wide receiver has been a problem for Jacksonville for years, and they’ll be hopeful that Ginn is finally the one that turns into a reliable #1 option.
- Bengals – Amobi Okoye, DT, Louisville
All the Bengals want this year is a guy who’s never been arrested. If he’s talented, that’s a nice bonus. Okoye fits the description, but he will be entering the league as a 20-year old rookie, so there’s still time for him to be corrupted.
- Titans – Charles Johnson, DE, Georgia
The Titans simply lack playmakers on the defensive line, and Albert Haynesworth’s developing insanity certainly isn’t helping them out.
- Giants – Daymeion Hughes, CB, Cal
The G-Men finished 28th in the NFL in pass defense, so DB is an obvious need. Hughes’ speed leaves a bit to be desired, but he has great instincts and ball skills.
- Broncos – Quentin Moses, DE, Georgia
Apparently the whole “bring in the entire crappy Browns d-line” plan didn’t work out as planned. Denver could also look at a DB after Darrent Williams' unfortunate passing.
- Cowboys – Adam Carriker, DE, Nebraska
Carriker is a big end at 6'6"/300, and will fit into the Cowboys’ 3-4 scheme. Dallas’ defense started the year as a strength, but turned into a weakness as the season progressed.
- Chiefs – Sidney Rice, WR, South Carolina
The Chieftains are in need of a top receiver, as Eddie Kennison just ain’t cuttin’ it any more. Rice is tall, rangy target with great leaping ability.
- Patriots (from Seahawks) – Marcus McCauley, CB, Fresno State
New England’s DBs have been a problem since Ty Law left town and Rodney Harrison got old, and they’ll be glad to add some quality depth in McCauley.
- Jets – Tank Tyler, DT, North Carolina State
The J-E-T-S Jets! Jets! Jets! played far beyond expectations this year, but still have work to be done. Their run defense was suspect all year, and they need a big body in the middle.
- Eagles – Paul Posluszny, LB, Penn State
Philly needs an outside linebacker, and Posluszny is just that. He’s not terribly explosive, but is a smart, consistent, tough player who should certainly be productive.
- Saints – Patrick Willis, LB, Mississippi
The feel-good story of the year has ended, so now the Saints need to get back to work. The defense needs a lot of work, and Patrick “whatchu talkin’ ‘bout” Willis would be a nice pick at this spot.
- Patriots – Robert Meachem, WR, Tennessee
The rich get richer as the Pats pick again, and this time they’ll address their rather pathetic receiving corps. The image of Reche Caldwell’s eyes the size of dinner plates after dropping an easy catch against the Colts says it all.
- Ravens – Kenny Irons, HB, Auburn
Jamal Lewis is on his way out, and the Ravens need to find their workhorse of the future. Irons isn’t as big or punishing as Lewis, but is a very talented, somewhat under-the-radar back.
- Chargers – Dwayne Bowe, WR, LSU
The only real problem with the Chargers offense is the wide receiver position. Bowe is a big, physical target who should provide a nice alternative to LaDainian Tomlinson and Antonio Gates.
- Bears** – Michael Griffin, S, Texas
The Bears will probably take the best available player here, and though they’re already stacked on defense, Griffin is just that. An athletic tight end like Greg Olsen is also possible.
- Colts** – Brandon Siler, LB, Florida
Indy needs help on defense, particularly when it comes to stopping the run. Siler is an athletic linebacker who should fit into Tony Dungy’s Cover 2 well.
* Pending coin flip** Pending Super Bowl
1 comment:
From FootballsfFuture.com, the impressive performances at the Senior Bowl, Dwayne Bowe and Amobi Okoye will boost their stocks into at least the middle of the first round. Ryan Kalil, a center out of USC, played well enough to be considered a late first rounder.
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