Joemailman
08-15-2006, 09:02 PM
Updated July 17, 2006 Round 1 | Round 2 | Round 3
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1. BUFFALO BILLS
BRADY QUINN QB | Notre Dame | Scouting Report
After jettisoning a number of veterans it would appear that the Bills are now in rebuilding mold but they still lack a top signal caller. Former first round pick J.P. Losman was never really given much of an opportunity and has seemingly fallen out of favor while nobody in their right mind would mistake Kelly Holcomb or Craig Nall for long-term options. Brady Quinn has everything you look for in a quarterback physically and then when you factor in the pedigree of having been tutored by Charlie Weis it's no wonder why he's widely considered to be the front-runner for the #1 overall pick in '07. A Carson Palmer clone, Quinn is a franchise quarterback.
2. SAN FRANCISCO 49'ERS
CALVIN JOHNSON WR | Georgia Tech | Scouting Report
Slowly but surely the Niners are upgrading their overall talent level but they still lack a true #1 wide receiver. Antonio Bryant was brought in and he's a solid starter but there is very little to get excited about beyond him so this pick would make a ton of sense. A physical marvel with a rare blend of size, speed and athleticism, Johnson is one of the best wideout prospects to come along in years and could be a better version of Andre Johnson. Due to the program he plays for and average quarterback play Johnson doesn't get a lot of attention but make no mistake about it he is an elite pro prospect and will go very high whether it is in 2007 or 2008.
3. NEW YORK JETS
ADRIAN PETERSON RB | Oklahoma | Scouting Report
Father time is finally catching up with Curtis Martin so the Jets are going to have to bring in a top running back in the near future. After a phenomenal freshman campaign Peterson battled injuries as a sophomore but still came through with a solid campaign. Right now durability is the only big question mark with Peterson but if he can stay healthy he'll be an elite prospect and potentially one of the best running backs the draft has produced in a very long time. With a tremendous blend of size, speed and power Peterson has evoked comparisons to Eric Dickerson so if he has the junior season he's capable of you can pencil him into the Top 3 overall.
4. HOUSTON TEXANS
JOE THOMAS OT | Wisconsin | Scouting Report
Since their inception the Texans have been in search of a premier left tackle but after failed experiments with the likes of Tony Boselli, Chester Pitts and Seth Wand they've come up empty to this point. That would all change with Thomas though, who had it not been for a knee injury in the Badgers bowl game while playing defensive end would likely have come out early and been a top 10-15 overall pick in 2006. A great athlete for the position with ideal size and nimble feet, Thomas is an excellent all-around blocker who would finally solidify the Houston offensive line. Depending on which underclassmen come out Thomas could even go a bit earlier.
5. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
PAUL POSLUSZNY OLB | Penn St. | Scouting Report
It's not an exaggeration to say that the Saints have been in search of a stud linebacker for a good decade and despite using first day picks on the likes of Sedrick Hodge, James Allen, Courtney Watson and Alfred Fincher the position is still arguably the weakest on the team. New Orleans was all set to take A.J. Hawk at #2 overall this year until Reggie Bush fell into their laps but they could get another shot at an impact 'backer from the Big Ten in Paul Posluszny. Many have called "Puz" one of the best, if not the best, linebacker the Nittany Lions have produced which is saying something when you consider the school has been tabbed "Linebacker U".
6. OAKLAND RAIDERS
BRIAN BROHM QB | Louisville | Scouting Report
Despite not having a top signal caller on their roster the Raiders opted to pass on Matt Leinart in the '06 Draft, a move that could come back and haunt them. With that in mind the team is still in need of an upgrade over Aaron Brooks so they take this opportunity to select Brian Brohm, a prolific passer dating back to his high school days. Many Raider fans would point out that Andrew Walter is their quarterback of the future but he has yet to earn that title. Al Davis is known to be a big fan of Louisville coach Bobby Petrino so why not bring in his star pupil, who figures to be at the helm of one of the most explosive offenses in the entire nation.
7. GREEN BAY PACKERS
DWAYNE JARRETT WR | USC | Scouting Report
The receiving corps in Green Bay have been in a state of disarray for years and the trade of Javon Walker now leaves the team with the aging Donald Driver as their only proven commodity at the position. Whether it is Brett Favre or Aaron Rodgers at the helm in 2007 they are going to need somebody to throw to so why not bring in Jarrett, who could end up being everything Mike Williams was supposed to be. A prolific receiver since his true freshman year with the Trojans, Jarrett has outstanding size and a knack for getting in the end zone, two skills that the Packers could use. The key for Jarrett will be his forty time but if he runs well he'll go early.
8. DETROIT LIONS
DREW STANTON QB | Michigan St. | Scouting Report
After four tumultuous seasons the Joey Harrington error, I mean era, is officially over in Motown. It looks like Jon Kitna will start the season for the Lions but he is nothing more than a stop-gap solution which means they are going to have to bring in a top young signal caller sooner rather than later. Drew Stanton is a local guy who shows flashes of brilliance and really brings a gunslinger's mentality to the quarterback position so Mike Martz should be able to coach him up. Matt Millen might be a little gun-shy about using another high pick on a quarterback but unless the team makes major strides this upcoming season he probably won't be around.
9. ST. LOUIS RAMS
QUENTIN MOSES DE | Georgia | Scouting Report
For years now Leonard Little has been one of the best in the business when it comes to rushing the passer but he isn't getting any younger and the team has yet to adequately replace Grant Wistrom on the other side. Tony Hargrove struggled in 2005 and this will likely be a make or break year for him so if he should falter they will need a replacement. Quentin Moses may be a bit undersized but he's an outstanding athlete who even saw some action on the Bulldogs basketball team. One of the top sack artists in the country, Moses will go early and carry on a strong recent tradition of Georgia sending top defensive line prospects to the pro ranks.
10. TENNESSEE TITANS
SAM BAKER OT | USC | Scouting Report
A strong offensive line has been a signature of the Tennessee franchise in recent years and if they want to continue that tradition they'll need an infusion of talent soon. After a decade of service Brad Hopkins is no longer with the team and despite struggling at times as a rookie the Titans will move Michael Roos to the left side to replace him. Even if that experiment is a success however they could still need some help at the position which is where Baker would come in. Arguably the best player on a very talented Trojan offensive line last year, Baker will now protect the blind side of his quarterback in '06 after blocking for lefty Matt Leinart early in his career.
11. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
GAINES ADAMS DE | Clemson | Scouting Report
Year after year Simeon Rice has been one of the top sack artists in the league but time is going to begin catching up with him and there has been rumors that he might not be in Tampa much longer. Even with Rice around the Bucs could use another stud opposite of him because while Greg Spires is solid and underrated there is certainly room for an upgrade. Gaines Adams is a player on the rise after a strong finish to his junior season and if he can pick up where he left off in 2006 he could very well wind up being the first defensive end chosen next April. The battle developing between Adams and Moses for the top end slot should be fun to watch.
12. MINNESOTA VIKINGS
MICHAEL BUSH RB | Louisville | Scouting Report
New head coach Brad Childress says he wants to pound the ball and if that's the case guys like Chester Taylor and Mewelde Moore just aren't going to get the job done. A powerful runner and good receiver out of the backfield, Michael Bush can do it all and when it comes to pure athleticism he has very few peers. Don't think that Bush is all potential though because he's also been extremely productive with 36 career rushing touchdowns including 23 as a junior in 2005 alone. This selection would finally give the Vikings the workhorse running back they haven't had in years and help resurrect a rushing attack that has been relatively dormant for a while.
13. NEW YORK GIANTS
LEON HALL CB | Michigan | Scouting Report
When the Giants said they were going to makeover their secondary they weren't kidding, letting Will Allen and William Peterson both leave this past offseason. Some reinforcements were brought in but outside of Sam Madison the G-Men still have more questions than answers at cornerback, with unproven youngsters (i.e. Corey Webster) and ageing journeymen (i.e. R.W. McQuarters) occupying key spots on their depth chart. Leon Hall is a productive, physical and battle tested coverman who isn't afraid to come up and support the run which should endear him to the hardnosed Tom Coughlin while providing the team with a long-term #1 corner.
14. CLEVELAND BROWNS
LEVI BROWN OT | Penn St. | Scouting Report
Just a couple of years ago this franchise was almost devoid of frontline talent but under the direction of Phil Savage and Romeo Crennel they are finally on the right track. The Browns did just invest a boatload of money in their offensive line this past offseason but there is still work to be done and adding a top offensive tackle like Levi Brown would be a step in the right direction. Kevin Shaffer is solid at one starting spot but Ryan Tucker is only average and there is little or no depth to speak of. A mountain of a man at 6-5 and 325 pounds, Brown helped lead the way for a dominant rushing attack in 2005 while earning First Team All-Big Ten honors.
15. ARIZONA CARDINALS
BRANDON MERIWEATHER S | Miami (FL) | Scouting Report
After two tremendous drafts the Cardinals have to be considered one of the top up-and-coming teams in the league, but they aren't there just yet. One area of particular concern has to be the secondary, where they have a couple of building blocks in Adrian Wilson and Antrel Rolle but not much else. Free safety is a problem area with Robert Griffith well past his prime so if they have the opportunity to bring in a top talent at the position it might be hard to pass it up. Meriweather combines the cover skills of a corner with the mentality of a safety and teaming him with Wilson in the deep middle would give them one of the leagues top starting combos.
16. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
TED GINN JR. WR | Ohio St. | Scouting Report
Despite their lack of a true #1 wide receiver the Chiefs offense has always been one of the most potent in the league but Eddie Kennison is getting older and the time has come to upgrade the talent level at the position. A great athlete with world-class speed, Ginn is still working on mastering the nuances of the position after beginning his career on defense as a cornerback. Despite being rough around the edges Ginn is a big play waiting to happen and a threat to score every time he gets the ball in his hands, whether it be as a receiver, return man or even on trick plays. With Santonio Holmes now playing for the Steelers it is Ginn's time to shine.
17. ATLANTA FALCONS
FRANK OKAM DT | Texas | Scouting Report
After teaming John Abraham with Patrick Kerney the Falcons now have perhaps the best set of defensive ends in the league but they could still use some help inside next to Rod Coleman. Even though they have invested relatively early draft picks on Chad Lavalais and Jonathan Babineaux the Falcons overall depth in the middle is only average at best so adding a difference maker like Frank Okam would be a major upgrade. With Rodrique Wright gone Okam, a former highly touted prep recruit, is now the man in the middle of the Longhorns defense and he could come out early as a junior to take advantage of a weak crop of senior defensive tackles.
18. CINCINNATI BENGALS
GREG OLSEN TE | Miami (FL) | Scouting Report
Despite boasting one of the most explosive young offenses in the league the Bengals have been without a true pass catching threat at the tight end position for years and things only figure to get worse with Matt Schobel moving on in free agency. Greg Olsen is the next in a recent string of Hurricane tight ends that have developed into top pro prospects and draft picks, following in the footsteps of guys like Bubba Franks, Jeremy Shockey and Kellen Winslow II. A major threat in the passing game with the speed to get deep, Olsen would be a tremendous addition to the Cincinnati offense and give Carson Palmer yet another weapon to utilize.
19. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
TIM CROWDER DE | Texas | Scouting Report
This is a team without a lot of glaring holes but an upgrade over Paul Spicer opposite of Reggie Hayward sure wouldn't hurt. With such a strong crop of senior defensive ends Tim Crowder kind of gets lost in the shuffle but he is a legit first round prospect and could even go higher than this. A good all-around performer, Crowder would finish off what could be one of the best defensive lines in the league. It looks like Fred Taylor is nearing the end of his days in Jacksonville too so depending on how Maurice Drew performs this season the team could also be in the market for a top running back but that situation is still very much up in the air.
20. DALLAS COWBOYS
JUSTIN BLALOCK OG | Texas | Scouting Report
The Cowboys have some serious questions along the offensive line with aging veterans and lackluster journeymen types abound so that would appear to be among their greatest needs and to land a guy like Justin Blalock here would be an ideal situation for them. A college offensive tackle who could also shift inside to guard at the next level, Blalock's versatility will be a major plus in his favor because Dallas could really use some help at either spot. The free safety position is still a concern so that could be an option here as well but in the end Blalock is a local guy who would seem to be a perfect fit while giving the team some long-term stability.
21. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
SIDNEY RICE WR | South Carolina | Scouting Report
With Terrell Owens now out of the picture the Eagles receiving corps is looking extremely average so the time is right to add a potential impact threat at the position. Reggie Brown showed a lot of potential as a rookie but beyond him the team has very little to get excited about with the rest of their guys like Todd Pinkston, Greg Lewis and Jabar Gaffney probably best suited to be third or fourth options. Sidney Rice is just a sophomore but he redshirted in 2004 and has been out of high school for three years which means he could enter this draft if he so chooses. At this point the potential rewards probably outweigh the possible risks.
22. BALTIMORE RAVENS
LARON LANDRY S | L.S.U. | Scouting Report
One of the biggest shocks of the 2006 Draft was the Ravens failure to adequately address the free safety position after Will Demps bolted as a free agent. Needless to say with only B.J. Ward, Dawan Landry and Gerome Sapp manning the position free safety is an area that is going to need serious attention next offseason. LaRon Landry almost came out last year but wisely decided to go back to school for his senior year, which should pay dividends as he'll likely be one of the top 2-3 players available at his position. A true playmaker and ballhawk in every sense of the word, Landry would be an ideal fit for the Baltimore defense and is a great value here.
23. CHICAGO BEARS
ZACH MILLER TE | Arizona St. | Scouting Report
Even though they already have one of the best defenses in the entire league the Bears used almost their entire 2006 Draft to bolster that side of the ball, ignoring a porous offense. Maybe that will turn out to be the right decision and maybe it won't but one way or another Chicago is going to have to add some impact players in the passing game and one area that can be easily upgraded is tight end, where Desmond Clark is extremely average. After bursting onto the scene as a true freshman in 2004 Zach Miller has been one of the most productive tight ends in the college game and would give the Bears a top pass catching threat at the position.
24. WASHINGTON REDSKINS
QUINN PITCOCK DT | Ohio St. | Scouting Report
As always the Redskins were major players in free agency and addressed a number of holes that way but defensive tackle remains one of the few concerns on what was one of the leagues best defenses in 2005. At one spot Cornelius Griffin is very solid but Joe Salave'a really isn't starting material and there is little or no depth to speak of so the opportunity to land the top senior defensive tackle on the board this late in round one is simply too enticing to pass up. After losing a ton of top players to the 2006 NFL Draft Quinn Pitcock should be a defensive standout for Ohio St. this season while continuing the Buckeyes trend of draft day dominance in '07.
25. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
ANTOINE CASON CB | Arizona | Scouting Report
Odds are the Colts won't be looking for help on offense but they could still use some help stopping other teams from scoring and the secondary is somewhat of a concern. A couple years ago Indy used their first round pick on Marlin Jackson but there is talk of eventually moving him to safety and even if he does stay outside they could use another top coverman. Antoine Cason is a very physical cornerback who isn't afraid to come up and support the run but makes more than his fair share of plays in coverage as well which is why he is considered one of the top players at his position in the junior class and a potential first round pick when he comes out.
26. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
JEFF SAMARDZIJA WR | Notre Dame | Scouting Report
The phrase that would best describe the San Diego Chargers group of wide receivers is solid but unspectacular. Keenan McCardell is very reliable but beyond him the team has very little to get excited about and lacks a true #1 option. Jeff "The Shark" Samardzija is a great athlete with ideal size, good hands and tremendous body control but his situation is very different from that of most prospects. Samardzija also plays minor league baseball for the Chicago Cubs which could affect his draft stock but he is a legitimate first round talent if he opts for a career on the gridiron rather than one on the diamond. That's a big "if" though.
27. DENVER BRONCOS
MARSHAWN LYNCH RB | California | Scouting Report
This is a franchise that is usually able to find running backs later in the draft but even Mike Shanahan admitted that he would have taken Laurence Maroney in round one of the '06 Draft had the team not traded up for Jay Cutler. Tatum Bell is on shaky ground at best and the team doesn't seem to have a lot of confidence in him so with the only other option being Ron Dayne it's easy to see why the Broncos would go for a runner here. Lynch is a dynamic big play threat who can take it the distance at any time and would be a great fit in Denver's offense, not to mention a tremendous value this far down in the first round since he could easily go Top 20.
28. MIAMI DOLPHINS
LAMARR WOODLEY DE | Michigan | Scouting Report
At heart Nick Saban will always be a defensive guy and despite some major reshuffling of the deck there is still some work to do on that side of the ball in Miami. One area that needs to be addressed is linebacker, where the likes of Donnie Spragan and Sedrick Hodge just aren't starting material. Saban would like to add an attacking pass rusher to play with Zach Thomas and Channing Crowder so a defensive end / outside linebacker hybrid like LaMarr Woodley would be a great addition. A top recruit coming out of high school, Woodley has great size and athleticism and you can bet that Saban will be able to aptly utilize his versatility.
29. CAROLINA PANTHERS
PATRICK WILLIS ILB | Ole Miss | Scouting Report
Losing Will Witherspoon as a free agent was a tremendous blow and even though former first rounder Thomas Davis was moved to linebacker full-time there is still a need at the position. Granted the Panthers do have Dan Morgan in the middle now but he is versatile and could shift outside and Willis could as well if need be. A playmaker and big hitter, "P-Willie" considered making the jump to the NFL after his junior season but opted to stay at the collegiate level for one more year and should rank among the top players available at his position next April. Safety is also a concern for Carolina but at this point in round one Willis just offers too much value.
30. PITTSBURGH STEELERS
KENNY IRONS RB | Auburn | Scouting Report
A guy named Irons in the Steel City? Brilliant! At first glance this pick might raise some eyebrows but upon further inspection it actually makes a lot of sense. The great Jerome Bettis has retired and Duce Staley can't seem to stay healthy so at the very least the Steelers will need a solid backup to Willie Parker as well as a goal line specialist and if "Fast Willie" should falter at all they might need much more. After transferring from South Carolina Kenny Irons burst onto the scene in 2005 and had a great year but even bigger things could be in store this upcoming season. Needless to say a big and powerful runner like Irons would be a perfect fit here.
31. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
MICHAEL GRIFFIN S | Texas | Scouting Report
You can always count on Scott Pioli, Bill Belichick and the Patriots to find players who not only fit their style of play on the field but who are also with the program in terms of what they look for off the field as well. At safety Rodney Harrison has been a key part of the New England dynasty but he isn't getting any younger and has been susceptible to injuries in recent years. Michael Griffin is a tackling machine and a playmaker in the secondary who just might be the next great Longhorn defensive back. A lights out hitter who is seemingly in on every play, Griffin would be an ideal successor to Harrison and help ensure that the Pats defense remains a strong suit.
32. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
KYLE YOUNG C | Fresno St. | Scouting Report
The Seahawks took a big hit when they unexpectedly lost free agent Steve Hutchinson, who was not only one of the best players at his position in the entire league but also an underrated and key component to their high-powered offense. Seattle did just draft Chris Spencer in the first round a couple of years ago but he could shift to guard in this scenario and once again make the interior of the Seahawks offensive line a team strength. Had he come out a year ago Young may have been the second center chosen but in 2007 he should be the unquestioned top senior pivot available and will try to follow in the footsteps of Logan Mankins.
It's never too early to start planning!
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1. BUFFALO BILLS
BRADY QUINN QB | Notre Dame | Scouting Report
After jettisoning a number of veterans it would appear that the Bills are now in rebuilding mold but they still lack a top signal caller. Former first round pick J.P. Losman was never really given much of an opportunity and has seemingly fallen out of favor while nobody in their right mind would mistake Kelly Holcomb or Craig Nall for long-term options. Brady Quinn has everything you look for in a quarterback physically and then when you factor in the pedigree of having been tutored by Charlie Weis it's no wonder why he's widely considered to be the front-runner for the #1 overall pick in '07. A Carson Palmer clone, Quinn is a franchise quarterback.
2. SAN FRANCISCO 49'ERS
CALVIN JOHNSON WR | Georgia Tech | Scouting Report
Slowly but surely the Niners are upgrading their overall talent level but they still lack a true #1 wide receiver. Antonio Bryant was brought in and he's a solid starter but there is very little to get excited about beyond him so this pick would make a ton of sense. A physical marvel with a rare blend of size, speed and athleticism, Johnson is one of the best wideout prospects to come along in years and could be a better version of Andre Johnson. Due to the program he plays for and average quarterback play Johnson doesn't get a lot of attention but make no mistake about it he is an elite pro prospect and will go very high whether it is in 2007 or 2008.
3. NEW YORK JETS
ADRIAN PETERSON RB | Oklahoma | Scouting Report
Father time is finally catching up with Curtis Martin so the Jets are going to have to bring in a top running back in the near future. After a phenomenal freshman campaign Peterson battled injuries as a sophomore but still came through with a solid campaign. Right now durability is the only big question mark with Peterson but if he can stay healthy he'll be an elite prospect and potentially one of the best running backs the draft has produced in a very long time. With a tremendous blend of size, speed and power Peterson has evoked comparisons to Eric Dickerson so if he has the junior season he's capable of you can pencil him into the Top 3 overall.
4. HOUSTON TEXANS
JOE THOMAS OT | Wisconsin | Scouting Report
Since their inception the Texans have been in search of a premier left tackle but after failed experiments with the likes of Tony Boselli, Chester Pitts and Seth Wand they've come up empty to this point. That would all change with Thomas though, who had it not been for a knee injury in the Badgers bowl game while playing defensive end would likely have come out early and been a top 10-15 overall pick in 2006. A great athlete for the position with ideal size and nimble feet, Thomas is an excellent all-around blocker who would finally solidify the Houston offensive line. Depending on which underclassmen come out Thomas could even go a bit earlier.
5. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
PAUL POSLUSZNY OLB | Penn St. | Scouting Report
It's not an exaggeration to say that the Saints have been in search of a stud linebacker for a good decade and despite using first day picks on the likes of Sedrick Hodge, James Allen, Courtney Watson and Alfred Fincher the position is still arguably the weakest on the team. New Orleans was all set to take A.J. Hawk at #2 overall this year until Reggie Bush fell into their laps but they could get another shot at an impact 'backer from the Big Ten in Paul Posluszny. Many have called "Puz" one of the best, if not the best, linebacker the Nittany Lions have produced which is saying something when you consider the school has been tabbed "Linebacker U".
6. OAKLAND RAIDERS
BRIAN BROHM QB | Louisville | Scouting Report
Despite not having a top signal caller on their roster the Raiders opted to pass on Matt Leinart in the '06 Draft, a move that could come back and haunt them. With that in mind the team is still in need of an upgrade over Aaron Brooks so they take this opportunity to select Brian Brohm, a prolific passer dating back to his high school days. Many Raider fans would point out that Andrew Walter is their quarterback of the future but he has yet to earn that title. Al Davis is known to be a big fan of Louisville coach Bobby Petrino so why not bring in his star pupil, who figures to be at the helm of one of the most explosive offenses in the entire nation.
7. GREEN BAY PACKERS
DWAYNE JARRETT WR | USC | Scouting Report
The receiving corps in Green Bay have been in a state of disarray for years and the trade of Javon Walker now leaves the team with the aging Donald Driver as their only proven commodity at the position. Whether it is Brett Favre or Aaron Rodgers at the helm in 2007 they are going to need somebody to throw to so why not bring in Jarrett, who could end up being everything Mike Williams was supposed to be. A prolific receiver since his true freshman year with the Trojans, Jarrett has outstanding size and a knack for getting in the end zone, two skills that the Packers could use. The key for Jarrett will be his forty time but if he runs well he'll go early.
8. DETROIT LIONS
DREW STANTON QB | Michigan St. | Scouting Report
After four tumultuous seasons the Joey Harrington error, I mean era, is officially over in Motown. It looks like Jon Kitna will start the season for the Lions but he is nothing more than a stop-gap solution which means they are going to have to bring in a top young signal caller sooner rather than later. Drew Stanton is a local guy who shows flashes of brilliance and really brings a gunslinger's mentality to the quarterback position so Mike Martz should be able to coach him up. Matt Millen might be a little gun-shy about using another high pick on a quarterback but unless the team makes major strides this upcoming season he probably won't be around.
9. ST. LOUIS RAMS
QUENTIN MOSES DE | Georgia | Scouting Report
For years now Leonard Little has been one of the best in the business when it comes to rushing the passer but he isn't getting any younger and the team has yet to adequately replace Grant Wistrom on the other side. Tony Hargrove struggled in 2005 and this will likely be a make or break year for him so if he should falter they will need a replacement. Quentin Moses may be a bit undersized but he's an outstanding athlete who even saw some action on the Bulldogs basketball team. One of the top sack artists in the country, Moses will go early and carry on a strong recent tradition of Georgia sending top defensive line prospects to the pro ranks.
10. TENNESSEE TITANS
SAM BAKER OT | USC | Scouting Report
A strong offensive line has been a signature of the Tennessee franchise in recent years and if they want to continue that tradition they'll need an infusion of talent soon. After a decade of service Brad Hopkins is no longer with the team and despite struggling at times as a rookie the Titans will move Michael Roos to the left side to replace him. Even if that experiment is a success however they could still need some help at the position which is where Baker would come in. Arguably the best player on a very talented Trojan offensive line last year, Baker will now protect the blind side of his quarterback in '06 after blocking for lefty Matt Leinart early in his career.
11. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
GAINES ADAMS DE | Clemson | Scouting Report
Year after year Simeon Rice has been one of the top sack artists in the league but time is going to begin catching up with him and there has been rumors that he might not be in Tampa much longer. Even with Rice around the Bucs could use another stud opposite of him because while Greg Spires is solid and underrated there is certainly room for an upgrade. Gaines Adams is a player on the rise after a strong finish to his junior season and if he can pick up where he left off in 2006 he could very well wind up being the first defensive end chosen next April. The battle developing between Adams and Moses for the top end slot should be fun to watch.
12. MINNESOTA VIKINGS
MICHAEL BUSH RB | Louisville | Scouting Report
New head coach Brad Childress says he wants to pound the ball and if that's the case guys like Chester Taylor and Mewelde Moore just aren't going to get the job done. A powerful runner and good receiver out of the backfield, Michael Bush can do it all and when it comes to pure athleticism he has very few peers. Don't think that Bush is all potential though because he's also been extremely productive with 36 career rushing touchdowns including 23 as a junior in 2005 alone. This selection would finally give the Vikings the workhorse running back they haven't had in years and help resurrect a rushing attack that has been relatively dormant for a while.
13. NEW YORK GIANTS
LEON HALL CB | Michigan | Scouting Report
When the Giants said they were going to makeover their secondary they weren't kidding, letting Will Allen and William Peterson both leave this past offseason. Some reinforcements were brought in but outside of Sam Madison the G-Men still have more questions than answers at cornerback, with unproven youngsters (i.e. Corey Webster) and ageing journeymen (i.e. R.W. McQuarters) occupying key spots on their depth chart. Leon Hall is a productive, physical and battle tested coverman who isn't afraid to come up and support the run which should endear him to the hardnosed Tom Coughlin while providing the team with a long-term #1 corner.
14. CLEVELAND BROWNS
LEVI BROWN OT | Penn St. | Scouting Report
Just a couple of years ago this franchise was almost devoid of frontline talent but under the direction of Phil Savage and Romeo Crennel they are finally on the right track. The Browns did just invest a boatload of money in their offensive line this past offseason but there is still work to be done and adding a top offensive tackle like Levi Brown would be a step in the right direction. Kevin Shaffer is solid at one starting spot but Ryan Tucker is only average and there is little or no depth to speak of. A mountain of a man at 6-5 and 325 pounds, Brown helped lead the way for a dominant rushing attack in 2005 while earning First Team All-Big Ten honors.
15. ARIZONA CARDINALS
BRANDON MERIWEATHER S | Miami (FL) | Scouting Report
After two tremendous drafts the Cardinals have to be considered one of the top up-and-coming teams in the league, but they aren't there just yet. One area of particular concern has to be the secondary, where they have a couple of building blocks in Adrian Wilson and Antrel Rolle but not much else. Free safety is a problem area with Robert Griffith well past his prime so if they have the opportunity to bring in a top talent at the position it might be hard to pass it up. Meriweather combines the cover skills of a corner with the mentality of a safety and teaming him with Wilson in the deep middle would give them one of the leagues top starting combos.
16. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
TED GINN JR. WR | Ohio St. | Scouting Report
Despite their lack of a true #1 wide receiver the Chiefs offense has always been one of the most potent in the league but Eddie Kennison is getting older and the time has come to upgrade the talent level at the position. A great athlete with world-class speed, Ginn is still working on mastering the nuances of the position after beginning his career on defense as a cornerback. Despite being rough around the edges Ginn is a big play waiting to happen and a threat to score every time he gets the ball in his hands, whether it be as a receiver, return man or even on trick plays. With Santonio Holmes now playing for the Steelers it is Ginn's time to shine.
17. ATLANTA FALCONS
FRANK OKAM DT | Texas | Scouting Report
After teaming John Abraham with Patrick Kerney the Falcons now have perhaps the best set of defensive ends in the league but they could still use some help inside next to Rod Coleman. Even though they have invested relatively early draft picks on Chad Lavalais and Jonathan Babineaux the Falcons overall depth in the middle is only average at best so adding a difference maker like Frank Okam would be a major upgrade. With Rodrique Wright gone Okam, a former highly touted prep recruit, is now the man in the middle of the Longhorns defense and he could come out early as a junior to take advantage of a weak crop of senior defensive tackles.
18. CINCINNATI BENGALS
GREG OLSEN TE | Miami (FL) | Scouting Report
Despite boasting one of the most explosive young offenses in the league the Bengals have been without a true pass catching threat at the tight end position for years and things only figure to get worse with Matt Schobel moving on in free agency. Greg Olsen is the next in a recent string of Hurricane tight ends that have developed into top pro prospects and draft picks, following in the footsteps of guys like Bubba Franks, Jeremy Shockey and Kellen Winslow II. A major threat in the passing game with the speed to get deep, Olsen would be a tremendous addition to the Cincinnati offense and give Carson Palmer yet another weapon to utilize.
19. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
TIM CROWDER DE | Texas | Scouting Report
This is a team without a lot of glaring holes but an upgrade over Paul Spicer opposite of Reggie Hayward sure wouldn't hurt. With such a strong crop of senior defensive ends Tim Crowder kind of gets lost in the shuffle but he is a legit first round prospect and could even go higher than this. A good all-around performer, Crowder would finish off what could be one of the best defensive lines in the league. It looks like Fred Taylor is nearing the end of his days in Jacksonville too so depending on how Maurice Drew performs this season the team could also be in the market for a top running back but that situation is still very much up in the air.
20. DALLAS COWBOYS
JUSTIN BLALOCK OG | Texas | Scouting Report
The Cowboys have some serious questions along the offensive line with aging veterans and lackluster journeymen types abound so that would appear to be among their greatest needs and to land a guy like Justin Blalock here would be an ideal situation for them. A college offensive tackle who could also shift inside to guard at the next level, Blalock's versatility will be a major plus in his favor because Dallas could really use some help at either spot. The free safety position is still a concern so that could be an option here as well but in the end Blalock is a local guy who would seem to be a perfect fit while giving the team some long-term stability.
21. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
SIDNEY RICE WR | South Carolina | Scouting Report
With Terrell Owens now out of the picture the Eagles receiving corps is looking extremely average so the time is right to add a potential impact threat at the position. Reggie Brown showed a lot of potential as a rookie but beyond him the team has very little to get excited about with the rest of their guys like Todd Pinkston, Greg Lewis and Jabar Gaffney probably best suited to be third or fourth options. Sidney Rice is just a sophomore but he redshirted in 2004 and has been out of high school for three years which means he could enter this draft if he so chooses. At this point the potential rewards probably outweigh the possible risks.
22. BALTIMORE RAVENS
LARON LANDRY S | L.S.U. | Scouting Report
One of the biggest shocks of the 2006 Draft was the Ravens failure to adequately address the free safety position after Will Demps bolted as a free agent. Needless to say with only B.J. Ward, Dawan Landry and Gerome Sapp manning the position free safety is an area that is going to need serious attention next offseason. LaRon Landry almost came out last year but wisely decided to go back to school for his senior year, which should pay dividends as he'll likely be one of the top 2-3 players available at his position. A true playmaker and ballhawk in every sense of the word, Landry would be an ideal fit for the Baltimore defense and is a great value here.
23. CHICAGO BEARS
ZACH MILLER TE | Arizona St. | Scouting Report
Even though they already have one of the best defenses in the entire league the Bears used almost their entire 2006 Draft to bolster that side of the ball, ignoring a porous offense. Maybe that will turn out to be the right decision and maybe it won't but one way or another Chicago is going to have to add some impact players in the passing game and one area that can be easily upgraded is tight end, where Desmond Clark is extremely average. After bursting onto the scene as a true freshman in 2004 Zach Miller has been one of the most productive tight ends in the college game and would give the Bears a top pass catching threat at the position.
24. WASHINGTON REDSKINS
QUINN PITCOCK DT | Ohio St. | Scouting Report
As always the Redskins were major players in free agency and addressed a number of holes that way but defensive tackle remains one of the few concerns on what was one of the leagues best defenses in 2005. At one spot Cornelius Griffin is very solid but Joe Salave'a really isn't starting material and there is little or no depth to speak of so the opportunity to land the top senior defensive tackle on the board this late in round one is simply too enticing to pass up. After losing a ton of top players to the 2006 NFL Draft Quinn Pitcock should be a defensive standout for Ohio St. this season while continuing the Buckeyes trend of draft day dominance in '07.
25. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
ANTOINE CASON CB | Arizona | Scouting Report
Odds are the Colts won't be looking for help on offense but they could still use some help stopping other teams from scoring and the secondary is somewhat of a concern. A couple years ago Indy used their first round pick on Marlin Jackson but there is talk of eventually moving him to safety and even if he does stay outside they could use another top coverman. Antoine Cason is a very physical cornerback who isn't afraid to come up and support the run but makes more than his fair share of plays in coverage as well which is why he is considered one of the top players at his position in the junior class and a potential first round pick when he comes out.
26. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
JEFF SAMARDZIJA WR | Notre Dame | Scouting Report
The phrase that would best describe the San Diego Chargers group of wide receivers is solid but unspectacular. Keenan McCardell is very reliable but beyond him the team has very little to get excited about and lacks a true #1 option. Jeff "The Shark" Samardzija is a great athlete with ideal size, good hands and tremendous body control but his situation is very different from that of most prospects. Samardzija also plays minor league baseball for the Chicago Cubs which could affect his draft stock but he is a legitimate first round talent if he opts for a career on the gridiron rather than one on the diamond. That's a big "if" though.
27. DENVER BRONCOS
MARSHAWN LYNCH RB | California | Scouting Report
This is a franchise that is usually able to find running backs later in the draft but even Mike Shanahan admitted that he would have taken Laurence Maroney in round one of the '06 Draft had the team not traded up for Jay Cutler. Tatum Bell is on shaky ground at best and the team doesn't seem to have a lot of confidence in him so with the only other option being Ron Dayne it's easy to see why the Broncos would go for a runner here. Lynch is a dynamic big play threat who can take it the distance at any time and would be a great fit in Denver's offense, not to mention a tremendous value this far down in the first round since he could easily go Top 20.
28. MIAMI DOLPHINS
LAMARR WOODLEY DE | Michigan | Scouting Report
At heart Nick Saban will always be a defensive guy and despite some major reshuffling of the deck there is still some work to do on that side of the ball in Miami. One area that needs to be addressed is linebacker, where the likes of Donnie Spragan and Sedrick Hodge just aren't starting material. Saban would like to add an attacking pass rusher to play with Zach Thomas and Channing Crowder so a defensive end / outside linebacker hybrid like LaMarr Woodley would be a great addition. A top recruit coming out of high school, Woodley has great size and athleticism and you can bet that Saban will be able to aptly utilize his versatility.
29. CAROLINA PANTHERS
PATRICK WILLIS ILB | Ole Miss | Scouting Report
Losing Will Witherspoon as a free agent was a tremendous blow and even though former first rounder Thomas Davis was moved to linebacker full-time there is still a need at the position. Granted the Panthers do have Dan Morgan in the middle now but he is versatile and could shift outside and Willis could as well if need be. A playmaker and big hitter, "P-Willie" considered making the jump to the NFL after his junior season but opted to stay at the collegiate level for one more year and should rank among the top players available at his position next April. Safety is also a concern for Carolina but at this point in round one Willis just offers too much value.
30. PITTSBURGH STEELERS
KENNY IRONS RB | Auburn | Scouting Report
A guy named Irons in the Steel City? Brilliant! At first glance this pick might raise some eyebrows but upon further inspection it actually makes a lot of sense. The great Jerome Bettis has retired and Duce Staley can't seem to stay healthy so at the very least the Steelers will need a solid backup to Willie Parker as well as a goal line specialist and if "Fast Willie" should falter at all they might need much more. After transferring from South Carolina Kenny Irons burst onto the scene in 2005 and had a great year but even bigger things could be in store this upcoming season. Needless to say a big and powerful runner like Irons would be a perfect fit here.
31. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
MICHAEL GRIFFIN S | Texas | Scouting Report
You can always count on Scott Pioli, Bill Belichick and the Patriots to find players who not only fit their style of play on the field but who are also with the program in terms of what they look for off the field as well. At safety Rodney Harrison has been a key part of the New England dynasty but he isn't getting any younger and has been susceptible to injuries in recent years. Michael Griffin is a tackling machine and a playmaker in the secondary who just might be the next great Longhorn defensive back. A lights out hitter who is seemingly in on every play, Griffin would be an ideal successor to Harrison and help ensure that the Pats defense remains a strong suit.
32. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
KYLE YOUNG C | Fresno St. | Scouting Report
The Seahawks took a big hit when they unexpectedly lost free agent Steve Hutchinson, who was not only one of the best players at his position in the entire league but also an underrated and key component to their high-powered offense. Seattle did just draft Chris Spencer in the first round a couple of years ago but he could shift to guard in this scenario and once again make the interior of the Seahawks offensive line a team strength. Had he come out a year ago Young may have been the second center chosen but in 2007 he should be the unquestioned top senior pivot available and will try to follow in the footsteps of Logan Mankins.
It's never too early to start planning!