With the NFL Combine done with, many players have seen their stocks soar or drop based on a bunch of gentlemen with clipboards watching them run around in t-shirts. Now that they’ve been timed in the various dashes, shuttles, leaps and other tests, teams are getting better ideas as to who they really want to pick. With star players getting cut, others getting signed and still more getting traded, rosters around the league are getting scrambled like eggs. And with that in mind, it’s only proper that we tireless minds at The Sporting Itis give you, our faithful reader (no typo), another mock draft.
- Raiders – JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU
The mammoth Bayou Bengal has all but put on the Silver & Black at this point. Scouts across the league are all raving about his talent, and Aaron Brooks’ recent release conveniently opens up the Raiders #2 jersey. However, Oakland could throw a wrench in the whole draft if they trade Randy Moss and take Calvin Johnson.
- Lions – Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin
All accounts say that the Lions and head coach Rod Marinelli love Thomas, not just because of his talents but because of his work ethic and attitude. Of course, the last can’t-miss left tackle to go #2 overall was super-bust Robert Gallery.
- Browns – Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma
Peterson ran a 4.38 40, was outstanding in college, and durability seems to be his only possible issue. More than Peterson, though, most Browns fans just DON’T want Brady Quinn.
- Buccaneers – Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech
This fella looks prepared to dominate right away. Johnson is a freakish combination of Randy Moss’ speed and Terrell Owens’ physicality, but without the arrests or suicide attempts. The Lions still might be crazy enough to take him at #2, and pending the Moss trade the Raiders could.
- Cardinals – Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson
The Cards have a good offense in place, and just need to put some playmakers on the other side of the ball. Adams has emerged as the top defender in the draft, and surely adding him will convince people that this is finally the year that Arizona turns it around.
- Redskins – Alan Branch, DT, Michigan
The Potomac Drainage Basin Indigenous Persons (naming credit to ESPN’s Gregg Easterbrook) need some young blood on their defensive line, and Branch is a big ol’ run-stuffin’ QB-sackin’ running back-tacklin’ fella who fills the void.
- Vikings – Ted Ginn, WR, Ohio State
Minnesota's front office might be a bit hesitatnt to take a smallish, speedy receiver after the Troy Williamson selection, but Ginn is certainly more polished and at least has enough talent as a kick returner to make an impact right away.
- Texans – Levi Brown, OT, Penn State
The Ahman Green acquisition gives the Tejans a talented (if fragile) running back who should take some pressure off the passing game. Now they need someone to block for him – and keep David Carr from getting planted onto his backside.
- Dolphins – Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame
Miami (which spells “I maim” backwards; see, words are fun!) is in desperate need of a pigskin tosser, and without many outstanding quarterbacks in this draft they’ll probably pull the trigger on Notre Dame’s golden boy here.
- Falcons – LaRon Landry, S, LSU
Aside from Michael Vick not being able to throw an intermediate out pattern, the defensive backfield is the Dirty Birds’ biggest concern. Landry is a talented all-around prospect, and has compared himself to Ronnie Lott. For what that’s worth.
- 49ers – Jamaal Anderson, DE, Arkansas
The Niners have upgraded their secondary with the signings of cornerback Nate Clements and safety Michael Lewis. If they can improve their front seven, they could be a legit playoff contender next year.
- Bills – Leon Hall, CB, Michigan
With Clements leaving for the redder and golder pastures of San Francisco, the Bills’ secondary is left young and inexperienced. Adding Hall would give Buffalo a handful of talented young defensive backs along with Terrence McGee, Donte Whitner and Ashton Youboty.
- Rams – Amobi Okoye, DT, Louisville
St. Louis’ defense has been a problem since the Kurt Warner-led Greatest Show on Turf was around. Problem is, the current offense isn’t good enough to win games all by its lonesome. Okoye will be an unusually young 20 year-old rookie, giving him all kinds of crazy upside.
- Panthers – Patrick Willis, LB, Ole Miss
Carolina certainly underachieved last year, but doesn’t have any gaping holes. Middle linebacker Dan Morgan is oft-injured and getting older, and Willis is an athletic player in that same mold.
- Steelers – Darrelle Revis, CB, Pittsburgh
The surprise release of Joey Porter could send the Stillers looking for a linebacker (perhaps they’d like to convert Florida’s Jarvis Moss to OLB), but their secondary could also use some work.
- Packers – Marshawn Lynch, RB, Cal
Ahman Green’s departure virtually guarantees that Green Bay will take Lynch. The only way they won’t is if he’s taken earlier or if they make a bid for one of the other free agent running backs.
- Jaguars – Reggie Nelson, S, Florida
The Jags have long been stiff against the run, but tend to struggle against top tier passing games. Nelson is a gambler in the secondary who should be able to create some turnovers, making a good defense even better.
- Bengals – Jarvis Moss, DE, Florida
Moss is a big, lean, fast defensive end and sort of resembles another former Gator, Jevon Kearse. Better than that for the Cinmates, he doesn’t look like he’ll end up in an Ohio Correctional Facility.
- Titans – Dwayne Jarrett, WR, USC
Vince Young emerged as a great leader, now he just needs better teammates to throw to. With former USC coordinator Norm Chow calling the plays, it seems like a natural fit for Tennessee to add a Trojan receiver. They could also look at a cornerback if they decide they’ve had enough of Pacman Jones’ antics.
- Giants – Marcus McCauley, CB, Fresno State
The Giants were 28th in the league in pass defense last year, so defensive back is clearly a priority. McCauley isn't a gambler and didn’t record an interception last season, but did hold some of the Pac-10’s top receivers (like Dwayne Jarrett) to quiet outings.
- Broncos – Adam Carriker, DE, Nebraska
The grand plan of bringing in the crappy former Browns’ d-line didn’t quite work out as planned, so the Broncos will look to this big versatile Cornhusker to help them out.
- Cowboys – Aaron Ross, CB, Texas
Dallas’ defense went from a strength to a weakness as the season went on, and they gave up a lot of big pass plays. Ross, a native Texan, should be able to help them out.
- Chiefs – Robert Meachem, WR, Tennessee
Eddie Kennison never was and never will be a #1 receiver. Meachem might not be either, but the Chieftains need some options on the outside to keep defenses from focusing in on Larry Johnson and Tony Gonzalez.
- Patriots (from Seahawks) – Dwayne Bowe, WR, LSU
Tom Brady might go homicidal if he doesn’t get a decent wideout to throw to soon. Luckily for Mr. Gisele Bundchen, this draft has a lot of big, talented targets, and Bowe would be a nice pickup this low.
- Jets – Lawrence Timmons, LB, Florida State
Eric the Mangina led the Jets to a surprising playoff berth, but the defense still has a ways to go, especially when it comes to stopping the run. Timmons is athletic and versatile, and oughta help the J-E-T-S shore up the D-E-F-ense.
- Eagles – Paul Posluszny, LB, Penn State
Philly’s ‘backers are getting old and were never that good anyways. Scouts say Posluszny has a great work ethic and a high motor. But that just means he’s white. Still, he’s a good player.
- Saints – Michael Griffin, S, Texas
The Saints were feel-good story of the season, but if they want to keep improving they need a defense that will keep them in games.
- Patriots – Daymeion Hughes, CB, Cal
Aside from Asante Samuel, New England’s secondary is pathetic. Unless Ellis Hobbs and Chad Scott inspire something deep inside the Pats front office, they will most certainly choose a defensive back.
- Ravens – Kenny Irons, RB, Auburn
The release of Jamal Lewis (though he may be re-signed) makes running back an immediate need for the Ravens, and while Peterson and Lynch are far and away the top two backs, Irons is still a talented player and a good pick.
- Chargers – Anthony Gonzalez, WR, Ohio State
Like the Chiefs need to take pressure off of Johnson and Gonzalez, the Chargers need a deep threat to take pressure off of LaDainian Tomlinson and Antonio Gates.
- Bears – Greg Olsen, TE, Miami
Olsen was very impressive at the combine and emerged as the top tight end prospect. Desmond Clark is a decent player, but Olsen would give Chicago a faster, more versatile receiving option down the middle of the field.
- Colts – Brandon Siler, LB, Florida
Despite their sudden resurgence during the playoffs, Indy’s defense still leaves a lot to be desired. Siler is a fast defender who would fit well into Tony Dungy’s defense.
Others who could sneak into the first round: Justin Blalock (OT, Texas), Ben Grubbs (OG, Auburn), Arron Sears (OT, Tennessee), Quentin Moses (DE, Georgia), Charles Johnson (DE, Georgia), Tank Tyler (DT, NC State), H.B. Blades (LB, Pittsburgh), Jon Beason (LB, Miami)
8 comments:
McCauley is 2nd rd at best after the combine, definitely not to Giants. Adam Carriker will not last til the Broncos. Levi Brown is high, Jammal Andersen way too low. Hughes is 2nd rd at best. Irons is 3rd rd, not near first. Moss makes more sense in a 3-4, not Cincy. C. Johnson will go in the 1st and you completely ignored Houston who will easily be in 1st rd. Pretty bad mock draft. And by the way, the Saints take CB, ILB or DT best of whats there in the first.
Levi Brown is not high, he ran his 40 slow but is still a hot commodity, being a left tackle. Considering Houston needs an Offensive Lineman badly, this seems like a good choice. Barring unforseen injuries and free agent signings, he should go at least top 12...Mccauley did average in the combine - mid 4.4s for 40 - Hughes hasnt run yet but if he does a smiliar time he will surely be in the 1st round. As (I think) we said at the bottom of the draft, Chris Houston is on the fringes...He didnt run a 4.3, so why does he suddenly deserve a DEFINITE first round choice? Jamaal Anderson didn't do anything at the combine, so we assessed that his stock would drop...Saying a player like Jarvis Moss (who played in a 4-3 in college) would fit better in a 3-4 is just nitpicking for mistakes...I will agree with you that Carriker could stand to go 5-6 spots higher. Everything else is relatively similar to what the other experts say (except our name brand). We evaluated the combine and free agency but you really have no concrete arguments here. Of course, no one is going to be right on the matter, but constructive criticism is always more fun than just saying "This is Terrible".
Ok for the Saints, Griffin is a good player. But my question is "Where is Chris Houston?" It was said that at the combine the Saints were all over him. A Saint scout was quoted as saying they thought he was the best CB in the draft. I really think that McCauley will still be on the board when the Saints pick also and he would be a viable option. One more thing. As bad as the Saints defense is I honestly wouldnt be surprised if New Orleans gives serious consideration to drafting Greg Olson at TE. Maybe they would wait and see if Zach Miller is still there in the 2nd rd though. I honestly believe were gonna hear, "With the 28th pick in the 2007 NFL Draft the New Orleans Saints select CB Chris Houston from the University of Arkansas".
Irons is more than a tad too high, with the loss of Adalius Thomas the Ravens may look to patch up the front 7 since thomas kinda played everywhere.. Levi Brown is one of the top linemen in this draft, but there are a few rumors that Carr is being shopped and in that case the Texans would prally scoop up Quinn there. Hughes is interesting bc of the injury concerns, and his 40 might not be good enough to merit a first round choice. In spite of all that he had a dominant senior year and its a very weak year for corners.
My views are polarizing America!
The Saints are close to signing Brian Simmons (from UNC), who was recently cut by the Bengals so Linebacker may not be an immediate issue here. A defensive back makes the most sense, but I agree, there is a strong case to get Greg Olsen from The U.
Thanks Rosey
Multiple sources have said that Hughes ran a 4.65 40 at the combine...thats just not first-round caliber, not matter how good his instincts, technique, and ball-skills are. I also say Irons is a reach to the Ravens, even assuming they would have wanted a running back (as of now they would never pick one that high after trading for Willis McGahee), because Irons is not talented enough to warrant selection that high. The Ravens will try to get a corner if available to shift the aging Samari Rolle to nickel back.
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