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| 2007 NFL Mock Draft |
| April 28, 2007 |
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Paul Baitinger
Senior Editor
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Now that today is draft day the speculation about the draft rumors are at an all-time high as some teams near the top of the draft might be willing to trade up and/or down.
As for the quality of this draft class... The DE position is very deep, with perhaps 11 DEs projected to be drafted in the first 64 picks.
If
you're interested to know what your teams needs are and who they
may draft, check out my 2007 NFL Mock Draft below. Be sure to check out our 7 round Computer
Generated Mock Draft, my blog, and Al's blog as well.
Round
One |
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| 1 | Raiders (2-14), Player: QB *JaMarcus Russell (LSU) | Needs: OL, QB, DT, LB, WR
The Raiders need a lot of help despite having very talented skill position players. In fact, they even went out and further upgraded their RB corps. As long as the new coaching staff can get along with Jerry Porter and Randy Moss, the Raiders would be wise to find help at QB. Russell's athletic ability, in particular his ability to throw the deep ball will make him hard for Al Davis to pass up. |
| | | | 2 | Lions (3-13), Player: WR *Calvin Johnson (Georgia Tech) | Needs: MLB, CB, DE, WR, S
Jon Kitna actually played very well last season, passing for over 4,000 yards, but the Lions could still use a QB of the future, thus many draft experts once felt that they could be interested in Quinn. The Lions were very interested in Thomas early on and Coach Marinelli loves him, but after adding 3 OL this offseason, their need there isn't as pressing. The Lions truly would love to trade down a few spots because the man that they really appear to want is Patrick Willis. With that said, they are also interested in Calvin Johnson despite 2 of thier 3 recent 1st round picks at WR turning into flops. If they stand pat with the second pick WR Calvin Johnson would likely be their guy, but don't rule out a trade. Stay tuned, this will get interesting! |
| | | | 3 | Browns (4-12), Player: QB Brady Quinn (Notre Dame) | Needs: QB, DB, DL, OL, RB
Despite many draft experts insisting that they'll draft Peterson, I don't buy it. If somehow the Lions pass on Quinn we can't see Romeo Crennel and company passing on him. Quinn will likely come highly recommended to Crennel considering that Charlie Weiss (a former coordinator, with Crennel in New England) coached him up in college. |
| | | | 4 | Buccaneers (4-12), Player: DE Gaines Adams (Clemson) | Needs: WR, OL, DL, DB, QB
Clearly the Bucs' offense struggled in 2006 -- and only part of the reason was because Chris Simms went down early in the season. Joey Galloway may still have some fuel left in the tank, but the team badly needs to find a quality receiver to back-fill. Some scouts have Johnson as the top overall prospect in the draft. Gruden and company would be mighty happy to have him fall into their laps at #4 or they could even trade up for him. However, if he's off the board, the Bucs might be content going with the best available player. Adams would give them a formiddably DE opposite Rice and give them insurance for another down year from Rice (2 sacks in half a season last year). |
| | | | 5 | Cardinals (5-11), Player: OT Joe Thomas (Wisconsin) | Needs: OT, OG, DL, CB, LB
The Cardinals would love for Joe Thomas to be available when they come up on the clock and may even be willing to trade up to get him. Thomas looks like that can't-miss prospect, a real good-guy, and a great football player. He could surely help keep Leinart upright and open holes for Edge! If he's gone, the Cardinals might end up looking for an upgrade along the defensive line or just snag Peterson at RB. |
| | | | 6 | Redskins (5-11), Player: DT *Amobi Okoye (Louisville) | Needs: DE, DT, CB, LB, S
The Redskins need some serious help along their defensive line, however of late, they appear to be enamored with Lance Briggs from the Bears as well as LaRon Landry at safety. Adams should be a top-flight pass-rushing DE for many years to come, so Gregg Williams would be happy to add him to the defensive line. If he's gone and the Skins stick with the 6th pick, I'd look for them to either draft Landry, DE Anderson or land DT wonderkid, Amobi Okoye. Okoye is a 300-pounder with the size to stuff the run and a quick first step that can help pressure QBs. He's just 19 years old, but he has a ton of potential. |
| | | | 7 | Vikings (6-10), Player: S LaRon Landry (LSU) | Needs: WR, QB, CB, S, LB
The Vikings have been disappointed in Troy Williamson and didn't get very good production out of their WRs of late. They'd love for a WR of value to be available here, but I'm not sold that teams see any WR aside from Johnson as top 10 players. That means that the Vikings could be looking at LaRon Landry, a very experienced, talented, and athletic safety, not to mention the best player available aside from Peterson if he lasts this long. |
| | | | 8 | Falcons (7-9), Player: RB *Adrian Peterson (Oklahoma) | From HOU - Needs: CB, DE, OL, LB, S
This is another interesting pick as the Falcons have plenty of other needs. The Falcons surely don't truly need another RB right now with Vick, Dunn, and Norwood already offering such an explosive running game, however, Peterson might be too good to pass up. Furthermore, Dunn can't last forever and neither he nor Norwood offer a big enough body to bang the ball in from short-yardage. |
| | | | 9 | Dolphins (6-10), Player: OT Levi Brown (Penn State) | Needs: OL, DL, LB, DB, WR
The Dolphins could use some help in many places. If the draft goes like this they will have some serious soul searching to do between adding help at DL, LB, or along the OL. Being that the Dolphins are so thin along the OL, I could see them picking Levi Brown here in an effort to protect their QB(s) and open holes for their RBs. |
| | | | 10 | Texans (6-10), Player: LB Patrick Willis (Mississippi) | From ATL - Needs: OT, OG, WR, DL, DB
The Texans won't fare any better with Schaub than with Carr unless they get some big bodies to help their QB stay upright. Levi Brown almost seems to be a no-brainer for the Texans at this pick, that is if he's still on the board. If the draft unfolds without Brown being available then Texans would have to likely choose between adding help at CB, WR, or anywhere else. Right now the way I see it Patrick Willis was not only the most productive LB in college, he was the best performer at the Senior Bowl. His workouts also proved that he has the measurables to back up his game. Many teams covet him and even though he's a MLB, I believe that he's a top 10 prospect, thus the Texans just might be interested in adding him to their squad and moving DeMeco Ryans to OLB after an amazing rookie season at MLB. |
| | | | 11 | 49ers (7-9), Player: DE Adam Carriker (Nebraska) | Needs: DB, DL, LB, WR, OL
The 49ers could go many ways with this pick as they are still a bit talent-strapped. Despite his foot injury, Ted Ginn, Jr. could be worth a long look here as the 49ers need help at WR. His speed could be quite a welcome addition and free up Leonard Davis. The concern is that he might not be overly durable and doesn't offer great size so I could see Ginn slipping a bit. With that said, DE Adam Carriker appears to be a great fit as a 3-4 DE. He has the bulk (over 290 pounds) to hold up against the run and the skills to get after the passer. |
| | | | 12 | Bills (7-9), Player: CB *Darelle Revis (Pittsburgh) | Needs: RB, LB, OL, CB, DL
Since Nate Clements left via free agency the Bills would be interested in finding some help at CB and Leon Hall or Darelle Revis would draw some interest even though they feel that Ashton Youboty could fill in as a solid starter. OT Levi Brown might be of interest as well if he's available as would fellow Nittany Lion, Posluszny at LB. Then there's a couple of solid DT prospects. However, from what I hear the guy that they really want is Patrick Willis. If somehow Patrick Willis is still available when the Bills are on the clock, they would probably run up to the podium to select him. Assuming he's gone, the Bills will probably go with their top ranked prospect. Considering that NFL teams always need help at CB, Revis could be their guy. |
| | | | 13 | Rams (8-8), Player: DE *Jamaal Anderson (Arkansas) | Needs: CB, OL, DT, LB, S
The Rams would love to see DT Amobi Okoye fall this far, but it doesn't appear that he'll be available. The Rams could be looking for help along the DL even though DT is not a MAJOR need for the Rams this year. Alan Branch could draw some interest as could fellow Wolverine, Leon Hall. Then again, with Leonard Little starting to age and with James Hall not being a sure bet, DE Jamaal Anderson could be mighty tempting as the best available player. His 6-6, 279 pound body should be able to help their DL even if he's in a rotation at DE. |
| | | | 14 | Panthers (8-8), Player: TE *Greg Olsen (Miami) | Needs: LB, TE, DB, DL, OL
The Panthers might be happy finding some help at DT considering that Kris Jenkins hasn't been a model of health. Alan Branch is a guy that was once thought of as a top 5-7 pick, but looking at film scouts don't see 100% effort on every play. He could be a guy that slips a bit in this draft, but could fit nicely into the Panthers DT rotation. However, Greg Olsen might help take some pressure off of the Panthers WRs as he is a field-stretching TE that should gobble up everything thrown his way. |
| | | | 15 | Steelers (8-8), Player: CB Leon Hall (Michigan) | Needs: CB, S, DL, LB, OL
The Steelers could surely use some help at CB and local product Darelle Revis has enough atheticism, size, and (most importantly) instincts to fill the need if he's available. If not, then perhaps Leon Hall could draw a lot of interest as many teams have him rated as their #1 CB. Then again, with Joey Porter gone, the Steelers might be looking to find a new threat at LB. Jarvis Moss, an athletic DE that could move to OLB this year and back to DE again down the road if Tomlin elects to employ a 4-3 scheme in the future. Or Lawrence Timmons, a versatile LB could also be a lot of help in filling the shoes of Porter and he could fit in nicely at OLB in a 4-3 scheme if the Steelers decide to go that route. In the end, the Steelers could probably find some solid LBs in later rounds, but CBs tend to have more draft importance. |
| | | | 16 | Packers (8-8), Player: RB *Marshawn Lynch (California) | Needs: OL, RB, WR, CB, S
Marshawn Lynch could help the offense that no longer offers Ahman Green as a RB threat. Sure, the Packers could still use some help along the OL, at WR, and at DB, but they really need help at RB now without Green. |
| | | | 17 | Jaguars (8-8), Player: S *Reggie Nelson (Florida) | Needs: DE, DB, LB, QB, WR
Simply put Reggie Nelson is a play-maker, whether he's playing CB or S he has a nose for the ball. Nelson's versatility , speed, and play-making should really be welcome in Jacksonville, especially when you're trying to unseat the Super Bowl Champion Colts who boast all world QB Peyton Manning and a pair of Pro-Bowl wideout. |
| | | | 18 | Bengals (8-8), Player: LB *Lawrence Timmons (Florida State) | Needs: LB, OC, DL, DB, OL
The bad boy Bengals could use some help at LB after Odell Thurman's and many other players off-field exploits have drawn them much criticism. At any rate, the Bengals need some help at LB and Timmons and Pos are certainly worth looking at here. Personally, I have Posluszny rated higher, but this just comes down to a matter of preference and how teams see the players fitting into their system. |
| | | | 19 | Titans (8-8), Player: WR *Ted Ginn, Jr. (Ohio State) | Needs: CB, WR, OL, DE, DT
Vince Young could use another weapon in the Titans arsenal, so a young WR with potential to be very good could come in handy as the Titans are developing into contenders again. With Pacman Jones being suspended for a year the Titans could also be looking for CB help. Jarrett might be on their radar with his connections to Norm Chow, both formerly of USC. Of course, local product Meachem might also draw interest as well. However, Ginn's speed should help stretch the field and fill a void as a return man in replacing Pacman. |
| | | | 20 | Giants (8-8), Player: LB Paul Posluszny (Penn State) | Needs: LB, DL, WR, RB, DB
The Giants defense really struggled the second half of the season with a banged up LB unit. They had a trade in the works to land MLB Al Wilson from Denver, however he didn't pass his physical. Being that Posluszny is a true football player with experience at different positions at LB, the Giants would do well to land him here. |
| | | | 21 | Broncos (9-7), Player: DE *Jarvis Moss (Florida) | Needs: S, DL, WR, OL, LB
The Broncos might have found a diamond in the rough in Elvis Dumervil, a pass-rushing specialist at DE. By rotating him into the mix they had a decent rotation at DE, however Kenard Lang will be entering his 11th season, so they could stand to develop another DE. Moss, if he's still available would offer the best pass-rushing skills of anyone left on the board. The guy is an impact play-maker. |
| | | | 22 | Cowboys (9-7), Player: DT *Alan Branch (Michigan) | Needs: CB, OL, DL, LB, WR
The Cowboys certainly could use some help at CB and local product Aaron Ross might fit their system well. He is a physical CB with good cover skills that should help solidify the Cowboys secondary. Of course, they could use some youth at WR too and there are plenty of capable WRs that should be available here. In the end, I believe that Alan Branch's potential as a DT would be too hard to pass up here if he's available. Branch's size and quickness could give other teams fits. |
| | | | 23 | Chiefs (9-7), Player: WR *Robert Meachem (Tennessee) | Needs: WR, QB, OL, DT, DB
The Chiefs could use some youthful help along the OL. With Willie Roaf having retired and Kyle Turley being a question mark due to injuries, they could be looking for help along the OL. However, if Damon Huard is really going to enter the season as their starter they need to find some help at WR. Robert Meachem's speed would surely come in handy, but Dwayne Bowe's game is a better fit as it appears that he is the better blocking WR and route runner. Then again, there's also Dwayne Jarrett who offers better size and very good hands. |
| | | | 24 | Patriots (12-4), Player: LB Jon Beason (Miami) | From (SEA) Needs: LB, CB, S, OL, WR
The Patriots decided to use free agency as a means to help their WR situation so I could see them focusing on CB and LB in the first round. Chris Houston looks like a promising young CB that has solidified his draft status as that of a first-rounder. With that said, the Patriots might be willing to gamble on waiting on corner until their next pick. LB Jon Beason would be a nice fit in the Patriots LB corps as they could use a shot of youth there. It appears that he would be best suited to move inside in the Patriots scheme, thus freeing up Vrabel to play outside again. |
| | | | 25 | Jets (10-6), Player: DE Anthony Spencer (Purdue) | Needs: DL, CB, OL, QB, TE
The list of Purdue DEs that have turned to successful OLBs in the NFL is fairly long. Anthony Spencer might just be following suit as it appears that his athleticism would fit in well at DE as a pass-rushing specialist or as an OLB in a 3-4 scheme. |
| | | | 26 | Eagles (10-6), Player: WR Dwayne Bowe (LSU) | Needs: WR, CB, LB, OL, S
After losing Donte' Stallworth the Eagles signed Kevin Curtis to fill his shoes. Still, they could be looking for more help at WR to bolster their passing game. Dwayne Bowe would provide McNabb with yet another solid pass-catching option to team with Brown, Curis, and Baskett. The Eagles might also be interested in a CB to help groom in nickel situations or even Jon Beason at LB as the Eagles need help along that unit as well. |
| | | | 27 | Saints (10-6), Player: CB *Chris Houston (Arkansas) | Needs: CB, LB, DT, S, WR
Being that Fred Thomas was beaten like a rented mule in the playoffs this year the Saints will surely be looking for help in their secondary. Chris Houston would offer solid cover skills and good recovery speed which makes him a sought after player in this year's draft. |
| | | | 28 | Patriots (12-4), Player: CB Aaron Ross (Texas) | Needs: LB, CB, S, OL, WR
The Patriots could use some help at CB. Ross is good in man-to-man coverage and physical in run support and should fit in well on this Patriots team. |
| | | | 29 | Ravens (13-3), Player: OT Joe Staley (Central Michigan) | Needs: OL, LB, DL, DB, WR
The Ravens could be looking for help along the OL in order to pave the way for their new addition, Willis McGahee. Joe Staley is a talented and somewhat underrated OT prospect that should turn into a solid pro player. |
| | | | 30 | Chargers (14-2), Player: WR *Dwayne Jarrett (USC) | Needs: WR, DE, DB, WR, OL
The Chargers seriously need to find some help at WR in order to take some of the load off of Gates and Tomlinson. Jarret's size and hands should help the Chargers keep the sticks moving and give them another valuable weapon in the red zone. The knock on him is his straight-away speed isn't special and some teams may feel that he is too much like Mike Williams, therefore he could slip this far. |
| | | | 31 | Bears (13-3), Player: S Michael Griffin (Texas) | Needs: S, TE, OL, WR, QB
The Bears have made it clear that they're in the hunt for help at safety and possibly for a replacement for Briggs at LB. Michael Griffin would be decent value here as he can play either safety position and plays well in man coverage from the safety spot. Of course the Bears would also be interested in finding some LB help or WR help as well. |
| | | | 32 | Colts (12-4), Player: DT Justin Harrell (Tennessee) | Needs: LB, CB, S, DL, OL
The Colts have suffered some losses and could be looking for a replacement for Cato June at LB or even help in the defensive backfield. Both are a much more pressing need than DT. However, they could also use some help at DT unless Simon returns to form and becomes a standout DT again. That means Harrell might be worth a look here rather than reaching for a CB or a LB. |
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* Denotes Underclassmen
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| Check out the Second Round of my Mock Draft in my Blog! |
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