Sparkey
01-19-2007, 02:12 PM
For more mock drafts visit:
order accurate through regular season
(updated 1.16.07)
1 Oakland Raiders
JaMarcus Russell, Quarterback, LSU
Rumor has it the Raiders already prefer Russell to Quinn. Don't make the mistake of thinking this pick is a lock though. Even if Russell is the clear choice for their top rated quarterback, they may be willing to stick with Andrew Walter and select Calvin Johnson with the top pick.
2 Detroit Lions
Brady Quinn, Quarterback, Notre Dame
The Lions likely have Quinn as the top player on their draft board. He is the ideal quarterback for Mike Martz's system. They may briefly consider selecting Calvin Johnson, but ultimately the fans would not put up with another receiver selected in the first round.
3 Cleveland Browns
Adrian Peterson, Running Back, Oklahoma
The pressure is being put on Romeo Crennel this offseason to improve their dismal offense. Crennel would love to add a guy like Alan Branch to continue to improve his defense, but he isn't in a position to think beyond 2007. Peterson is one of the few players available to him that could help save his job.
4 Tampa Bay Bucs
Calvin Johnson, Wide Receiver, G. Tech
Joey Galloway seems to be improving with age, but the 12 year veteran is no longer the deep threat that he once was. Johnson has the size and speed to be a threat anywhere on the field, and the athleticism to make a jaw dropping play at any moment. The Bucs may also be tempted by Joe Thomas.
5 Arizona Cardinals
Joe Thomas, Offensive Tackle, Wisconsin
This is the best case scenario for the Cardinals who's offensive line is clearly their biggest weakness. Everything needs to fall perfectly in place for Thomas to drop to them at the 5th pick, but if he does things may begin to look up for the Cardinals and they can begin to climb out of the NFL's basement.
6 Washington Redskins
Alan Branch, Defensive Tackle, Michigan
The 'Skins should be thinking defensive line with this pick. That could mean Adams, Branch or Quentin Moses. A speed rusher would be tempting, but Branch may be the smart pick. He has the size to plug holes but his best attribute is his amazing athleticism for a guy his size and his ability to get after the ball carrier.
7 Minnesota Vikings
Gaines Adams, Defensive End, Clemson
Another defensive end? This pick may be disappointing to Viking fans who have seen Kenechi Udeze and Erasmus James struggle to stay healthy and make an impact, but the fact remains that the Vikings defensive line is clearly their weak link. They may also be interested in a receiver if Ginn or Jarrett catches their eye.
8 Houston Texans
Reggie Nelson, Safety, Florida
This may seem a little early for Nelson, but the Texans number one priority will likely be to add a playmaker in their secondary and Nelson fits the bill. However, if the decide David Carr's days are over, JaMarcus Russell, Brian Brohm and Troy Smith all become options.
9 Miami Dolphins
Jamaal Anderson, Defensive End, Arkansas
The Dolphins have the oldest defensive line in the NFL, and while guys like Jason Taylor are still playing well they need to bring in some youth. Linebacker and cornerback are more pressing needs, but their may not be a player at either position worth selecting in the top ten this year.
10 Atlanta Falcons
LaRon Landry, Safety, LSU
Lawyer Milloy is getting up there in age, and Chris Crocker isn't your ideal starting safety. The Falcons are in a good position with the 10th pick to select either Nelson or Landry. They may also be interested in a defensive tackle such as Glenn Dorsey or Quinn Pitcock.
11 San Francisco 49ers
Dwayne Jarrett, Wide Receiver, USC
The 49ers likely have their eyes on Jarrett who could quickly become Alex Smith's number one option. Jarrett doesn't have elite speed, but few college receivers have been as reliable at Jarrett over his three years at USC. The 49ers may also be looking for help in their secondary with this pick.
12 Buffalo Bills
Patrick Willis, Inside Linebacker, Ole Miss
The Bills could land the draft's top rated linebacker with this selection. There is talk that London Fletcher could be on his way out of Buffalo, but even if he stays, both he and Spikes are on the wrong side of 30. Willis has that strength, speed and athleticism to play inside or outside linebacker.
13 St. Louis Rams
Amobi Okoye, Defensive Tackle, Louisville
The Rams need help at both defensive end and tackle and they could get help at either of those positions here. Okoye is the youngest player in the draft at only 19, but he has a rare size and speed combination for an interior lineman. Quentin Moses will also be a tempting pick at defensive end.
14 Carolina Panthers
Levi Brown, Offensive Tackle, Penn State
The Panthers are a top candidate to trade down due to the fact that their biggest needs are at some of this draft's weakest positions. If they stay put the may upgrade their right tackle position with Brown. Should they trade down they'll look for help at linebacker, strong safety, or possibly tight end.
15 Pittsburgh Steelers
Darrell Revis, Cornerback, Pittsburgh
The Steelers could go a number of directions with their first round selection. They have some talented players at cornerback, but they struggled to come up with the big play in 2006. Revis is one of the top cornerbacks in a class that is deep, but lacks the elite players at the top of the ranking.
16 Green Bay Packers
Marshawn Lynch, Running Back, California
Ahman Green can still be a star in this league when healthy, but if he returns to Green Bay the Packers need an insurance policy at the very least. Even if this pick isn't a receiver the Packers need to add offensive talent to either allow Favre to go out on a positive note in '07 or to help out Rodgers.
17 Jacksonville Jaguars
Quentin Moses, Defensive End, Georgia
Moses is a top ten talent that is hurt by some character issues and his struggles as a senior. The Jaguars are in a position to take a risk because they are very close to taking the step to the next level. As good as their defense is, they lack a truly dominant pass rusher and Moses could be the missing piece to the puzzle.
18 Cincinnati Bengals
Quinn Pitcock, Defensive Tackle, Ohio State
This pick has be one for the defensive side of the ball. Sam Adams and John Thornton are on the downside of their careers and they just don't have what it takes to keep up as every down players in the NFL anymore. Pitcock is a high energy player than can help turn things around in Cincinnati.
19 Tennessee Titans
Ted Ginn Jr., Wide Receiver, Ohio State
Vince Young has led the Titans to places no one thought they could go this year, but its been mostly with his feet. In order for Young to reach his full potential as a passer he'll need a speedy receiver like Ginn to stretch the field, which in turn, would open up the running for Young and their committee of running backs.
20 New York Giants
Leon Hall, Cornerback, Michigan
Hall's stock is falling, and should continue to fall after scouts see his disappointing 40 times at the combine. However, he is a gifted athlete who's fundamentals are as polished as any cornerback in this years draft class. The Giants are almost certainly looking at a cornerback to start opposite Sam Madison with this pick.
21 Denver Broncos
Jarvis Moss, Defensive End, Florida
The Broncos patchwork defensive line is adequate, but it isn't enough to take them to next level. Moss is an active lineman that plays with an energy matched by few. He's slightly undersized, but he makes up for it in speed. He's unlike most speed rusher however, in that he can also be effective against the run.
22 Dallas Cowboys
Robert Meachem, Wide Receiver, Tennessee
Even if T.O returns the Cowboys thin at the receiver position. Glenn and Owens are both getting up their in age and they don't really have anyone waiting in the wings. Meachem enters that draft after a phenomenal junior year. The 6'3 receiver has a great blend of size and speed that make him a potential first rounder.
23 Kansas City Chiefs
Sidney Rice, Wide Receiver, S.Carolina
The Chiefs have always gotten by with mediocre receivers, but Herman Edwards is looking to change that. With this class of receivers it will be difficult for them to pass on a talented guy like Rice in the first round that can help them stretch the field and open things up for Larry Johnson in the running game.
24 N.England Patriots
Daymeion Hughes, Cornerback, California
The Patriots need to use this draft to restock their defense with the depth that led them to three championships in four years. Hughes isn't the most fundamentally sound cornerback but his playmaking ability is undeniable. He has great ball skills and can make an instant impact in New England's secondary.
25 New York Jets
Michael Bush, Running Back, Louisville
The Jets have to find a way to replace Curtis Martin and re-establish their running game. Bush is a big, physical running back but he also has the athletic ability to make plays in the passing game. In order to be a first rounder, however, he'll need to prove he has fully recovered from the leg injury that kept him out in '06.
26 New Orleans Saints
Lawrence Timmons, Outside Linebacker, Florida St.
The Saints linebackers had a spectacular 2006 season, but each and everyone overachieved. They can't expect that to continue and must add some athletes on the defensive side of the ball. Timmons is slightly undersized but he's fast and is always around the ball carrier.
27 Philadelphia Eagles
Jeff Samardzija, Wide Receiver, Notre Dame
The Eagles could avoid having to draft another receiver if they resign Donte Stallworth, but that appears unlikely. Samardzija isn't a gamebreaker, but he's a reliable receiver that would look good playing opposite Reggie Brown. The Eagles will also seriously consider drafting a cornerback here.
28 N. England Patriots
LaMarr Woodley, Outside Linebacker, Michigan
The Patriots had a number of different guys step up at linebacker this season, but they don't have anyone capable of bringing consistent blitzing pressure from the outside linebacker position. Woodley played defensive end in college, but has the speed and athleticism to easily make the transition to linebacker.
29 Indianapolis Colts
Tank Tyler, Defensive Tackle, N.C State
The Colts defensive line has looked infinitely better the past two weeks, but they don't have the reliable guys on the interior of the line to succeed on a weekly basis. Tyler isn't the a great athlete, but he plugs holes and will free up space for the Colts linebackers to make plays.
30 Chicago Bears
Zach Miller, Tight End, Arizona St.
The Bears obviously need the most help on offense. While they have some talented receivers, they don't get consistent play from their tight ends. Miller isn't the best receiver of this years tight ends, but he is reliable and also an above average blocker which makes him a perfect fit in Chicago.
31 Baltimore Ravens
Paul Posluszny, Outside Linebacker, Penn State
Despite their great season, you can't overlook the fact that the Ravens linebackers are getting older and it doesn't help that Adalius Thomas may be on his way out. Posluszny has seen his stock fall this year, but still has the potential to become an elite linebacker at the next level.
32 San Diego Chargers
Dwayne Bowe, Wide Receiver, LSU
The Chargers have seen different receivers step up all season, but only Antonio Gates consistently shows up. Bowe has the size and speed to develop into a number one receiver at the next level and could prove to be a steal as a late first round selection. The Chargers could also look for help in their secondary.
order accurate through regular season
(updated 1.16.07)
1 Oakland Raiders
JaMarcus Russell, Quarterback, LSU
Rumor has it the Raiders already prefer Russell to Quinn. Don't make the mistake of thinking this pick is a lock though. Even if Russell is the clear choice for their top rated quarterback, they may be willing to stick with Andrew Walter and select Calvin Johnson with the top pick.
2 Detroit Lions
Brady Quinn, Quarterback, Notre Dame
The Lions likely have Quinn as the top player on their draft board. He is the ideal quarterback for Mike Martz's system. They may briefly consider selecting Calvin Johnson, but ultimately the fans would not put up with another receiver selected in the first round.
3 Cleveland Browns
Adrian Peterson, Running Back, Oklahoma
The pressure is being put on Romeo Crennel this offseason to improve their dismal offense. Crennel would love to add a guy like Alan Branch to continue to improve his defense, but he isn't in a position to think beyond 2007. Peterson is one of the few players available to him that could help save his job.
4 Tampa Bay Bucs
Calvin Johnson, Wide Receiver, G. Tech
Joey Galloway seems to be improving with age, but the 12 year veteran is no longer the deep threat that he once was. Johnson has the size and speed to be a threat anywhere on the field, and the athleticism to make a jaw dropping play at any moment. The Bucs may also be tempted by Joe Thomas.
5 Arizona Cardinals
Joe Thomas, Offensive Tackle, Wisconsin
This is the best case scenario for the Cardinals who's offensive line is clearly their biggest weakness. Everything needs to fall perfectly in place for Thomas to drop to them at the 5th pick, but if he does things may begin to look up for the Cardinals and they can begin to climb out of the NFL's basement.
6 Washington Redskins
Alan Branch, Defensive Tackle, Michigan
The 'Skins should be thinking defensive line with this pick. That could mean Adams, Branch or Quentin Moses. A speed rusher would be tempting, but Branch may be the smart pick. He has the size to plug holes but his best attribute is his amazing athleticism for a guy his size and his ability to get after the ball carrier.
7 Minnesota Vikings
Gaines Adams, Defensive End, Clemson
Another defensive end? This pick may be disappointing to Viking fans who have seen Kenechi Udeze and Erasmus James struggle to stay healthy and make an impact, but the fact remains that the Vikings defensive line is clearly their weak link. They may also be interested in a receiver if Ginn or Jarrett catches their eye.
8 Houston Texans
Reggie Nelson, Safety, Florida
This may seem a little early for Nelson, but the Texans number one priority will likely be to add a playmaker in their secondary and Nelson fits the bill. However, if the decide David Carr's days are over, JaMarcus Russell, Brian Brohm and Troy Smith all become options.
9 Miami Dolphins
Jamaal Anderson, Defensive End, Arkansas
The Dolphins have the oldest defensive line in the NFL, and while guys like Jason Taylor are still playing well they need to bring in some youth. Linebacker and cornerback are more pressing needs, but their may not be a player at either position worth selecting in the top ten this year.
10 Atlanta Falcons
LaRon Landry, Safety, LSU
Lawyer Milloy is getting up there in age, and Chris Crocker isn't your ideal starting safety. The Falcons are in a good position with the 10th pick to select either Nelson or Landry. They may also be interested in a defensive tackle such as Glenn Dorsey or Quinn Pitcock.
11 San Francisco 49ers
Dwayne Jarrett, Wide Receiver, USC
The 49ers likely have their eyes on Jarrett who could quickly become Alex Smith's number one option. Jarrett doesn't have elite speed, but few college receivers have been as reliable at Jarrett over his three years at USC. The 49ers may also be looking for help in their secondary with this pick.
12 Buffalo Bills
Patrick Willis, Inside Linebacker, Ole Miss
The Bills could land the draft's top rated linebacker with this selection. There is talk that London Fletcher could be on his way out of Buffalo, but even if he stays, both he and Spikes are on the wrong side of 30. Willis has that strength, speed and athleticism to play inside or outside linebacker.
13 St. Louis Rams
Amobi Okoye, Defensive Tackle, Louisville
The Rams need help at both defensive end and tackle and they could get help at either of those positions here. Okoye is the youngest player in the draft at only 19, but he has a rare size and speed combination for an interior lineman. Quentin Moses will also be a tempting pick at defensive end.
14 Carolina Panthers
Levi Brown, Offensive Tackle, Penn State
The Panthers are a top candidate to trade down due to the fact that their biggest needs are at some of this draft's weakest positions. If they stay put the may upgrade their right tackle position with Brown. Should they trade down they'll look for help at linebacker, strong safety, or possibly tight end.
15 Pittsburgh Steelers
Darrell Revis, Cornerback, Pittsburgh
The Steelers could go a number of directions with their first round selection. They have some talented players at cornerback, but they struggled to come up with the big play in 2006. Revis is one of the top cornerbacks in a class that is deep, but lacks the elite players at the top of the ranking.
16 Green Bay Packers
Marshawn Lynch, Running Back, California
Ahman Green can still be a star in this league when healthy, but if he returns to Green Bay the Packers need an insurance policy at the very least. Even if this pick isn't a receiver the Packers need to add offensive talent to either allow Favre to go out on a positive note in '07 or to help out Rodgers.
17 Jacksonville Jaguars
Quentin Moses, Defensive End, Georgia
Moses is a top ten talent that is hurt by some character issues and his struggles as a senior. The Jaguars are in a position to take a risk because they are very close to taking the step to the next level. As good as their defense is, they lack a truly dominant pass rusher and Moses could be the missing piece to the puzzle.
18 Cincinnati Bengals
Quinn Pitcock, Defensive Tackle, Ohio State
This pick has be one for the defensive side of the ball. Sam Adams and John Thornton are on the downside of their careers and they just don't have what it takes to keep up as every down players in the NFL anymore. Pitcock is a high energy player than can help turn things around in Cincinnati.
19 Tennessee Titans
Ted Ginn Jr., Wide Receiver, Ohio State
Vince Young has led the Titans to places no one thought they could go this year, but its been mostly with his feet. In order for Young to reach his full potential as a passer he'll need a speedy receiver like Ginn to stretch the field, which in turn, would open up the running for Young and their committee of running backs.
20 New York Giants
Leon Hall, Cornerback, Michigan
Hall's stock is falling, and should continue to fall after scouts see his disappointing 40 times at the combine. However, he is a gifted athlete who's fundamentals are as polished as any cornerback in this years draft class. The Giants are almost certainly looking at a cornerback to start opposite Sam Madison with this pick.
21 Denver Broncos
Jarvis Moss, Defensive End, Florida
The Broncos patchwork defensive line is adequate, but it isn't enough to take them to next level. Moss is an active lineman that plays with an energy matched by few. He's slightly undersized, but he makes up for it in speed. He's unlike most speed rusher however, in that he can also be effective against the run.
22 Dallas Cowboys
Robert Meachem, Wide Receiver, Tennessee
Even if T.O returns the Cowboys thin at the receiver position. Glenn and Owens are both getting up their in age and they don't really have anyone waiting in the wings. Meachem enters that draft after a phenomenal junior year. The 6'3 receiver has a great blend of size and speed that make him a potential first rounder.
23 Kansas City Chiefs
Sidney Rice, Wide Receiver, S.Carolina
The Chiefs have always gotten by with mediocre receivers, but Herman Edwards is looking to change that. With this class of receivers it will be difficult for them to pass on a talented guy like Rice in the first round that can help them stretch the field and open things up for Larry Johnson in the running game.
24 N.England Patriots
Daymeion Hughes, Cornerback, California
The Patriots need to use this draft to restock their defense with the depth that led them to three championships in four years. Hughes isn't the most fundamentally sound cornerback but his playmaking ability is undeniable. He has great ball skills and can make an instant impact in New England's secondary.
25 New York Jets
Michael Bush, Running Back, Louisville
The Jets have to find a way to replace Curtis Martin and re-establish their running game. Bush is a big, physical running back but he also has the athletic ability to make plays in the passing game. In order to be a first rounder, however, he'll need to prove he has fully recovered from the leg injury that kept him out in '06.
26 New Orleans Saints
Lawrence Timmons, Outside Linebacker, Florida St.
The Saints linebackers had a spectacular 2006 season, but each and everyone overachieved. They can't expect that to continue and must add some athletes on the defensive side of the ball. Timmons is slightly undersized but he's fast and is always around the ball carrier.
27 Philadelphia Eagles
Jeff Samardzija, Wide Receiver, Notre Dame
The Eagles could avoid having to draft another receiver if they resign Donte Stallworth, but that appears unlikely. Samardzija isn't a gamebreaker, but he's a reliable receiver that would look good playing opposite Reggie Brown. The Eagles will also seriously consider drafting a cornerback here.
28 N. England Patriots
LaMarr Woodley, Outside Linebacker, Michigan
The Patriots had a number of different guys step up at linebacker this season, but they don't have anyone capable of bringing consistent blitzing pressure from the outside linebacker position. Woodley played defensive end in college, but has the speed and athleticism to easily make the transition to linebacker.
29 Indianapolis Colts
Tank Tyler, Defensive Tackle, N.C State
The Colts defensive line has looked infinitely better the past two weeks, but they don't have the reliable guys on the interior of the line to succeed on a weekly basis. Tyler isn't the a great athlete, but he plugs holes and will free up space for the Colts linebackers to make plays.
30 Chicago Bears
Zach Miller, Tight End, Arizona St.
The Bears obviously need the most help on offense. While they have some talented receivers, they don't get consistent play from their tight ends. Miller isn't the best receiver of this years tight ends, but he is reliable and also an above average blocker which makes him a perfect fit in Chicago.
31 Baltimore Ravens
Paul Posluszny, Outside Linebacker, Penn State
Despite their great season, you can't overlook the fact that the Ravens linebackers are getting older and it doesn't help that Adalius Thomas may be on his way out. Posluszny has seen his stock fall this year, but still has the potential to become an elite linebacker at the next level.
32 San Diego Chargers
Dwayne Bowe, Wide Receiver, LSU
The Chargers have seen different receivers step up all season, but only Antonio Gates consistently shows up. Bowe has the size and speed to develop into a number one receiver at the next level and could prove to be a steal as a late first round selection. The Chargers could also look for help in their secondary.