Latest 2 round Mock Draft fr. PFT

[woodbuck27]

http://www.profootballtalk.com/2007DraftNeeds.htm

A team-by-team analysis of franchise needs for the coming NFL draft. To accomplish this 32-team task, we've enlisted the help of Matt Miller of NewEraScouting.com, who'll assist us in identifying the areas where the various teams need to add bodies.

Our goal is to add one new team per day, starting March 18 and continuing through April 20. Since the draft doesn't start until April 28, it gives us a built-in buffer of eight days, in the event we fall behind at some point in the process.

Here they are -- from No. 1 to No. 16:

1. Oakland Raiders (March 18, 2007).

2. Detroit Lions (March 19, 2007).

3. Cleveland Browns (March 20, 2007).

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (March 21, 2007).

5. Arizona Cardinals (March 22, 2007).

6. Washington Redskins (March 23, 2007).

7. Minnesota Vikings (March 24, 2007).

8. Houston Texans (March 25, 2007).

9. Miami Dolphins (March 26, 2007).

10. Atlanta Falcons (March 27, 2007).

11. San Francisco 49ers (March 28, 2007).

12. Buffalo Bills (March 30, 2007).

13. St. Louis Rams (March 31, 2007).

14. Carolina Panthers (April 1, 2007).

15. Pittsburgh Steelers (April 3, 2007).

16. Green Bay Packers (April 4, 2007).

[woodbuck27]

http://www.profootballtalk.com/2007PackersDraftNeeds.htm

2007 DRAFT NEEDS:

GREEN BAY PACKERS

presented by PFT Editor Mike Florio, with Matt Miller of NewEraScouting.com

The Packers' primary need is at running back. Without question.

The somewhat unexpected departure of Ahman Green has left the Pack without a proven back. The only guys on the roster at the position are Vernand Morency, Noah Herron, P.J. Pope and Arliss Beach.

So with the 16th overall pick in round one, the Packers should take -- the best available running back.

But if both Adrian Peterson and Marshawn Lynch are claimed, the Packers would be wise to try to trade down, since No. 16 is too high for the next cut of guys, such as Antonio Pittman and Kenny Irons.

Alternatively, the Packers would be wise to try to trade up, especially if Peterson slides past No. 5. If they don't pick him off by No. 6 (which their arch-rivals in Chicago might soon hold), the Pack might have to face Peterson twice per year, when he is a member of the Vikings.

Another smart move would be to get in front of the Bills at No. 12, in order to ensure first dibs to Lynch. (Of course, the Bills will be out of the Lynch sweepstakes, if they land Michael Turner.)

Another key need is at safety. The acquisition of Marquand Manuel via free agency in 2006 was a mistake. Reggie Nelson would be a good choice at No. 16, if they decide to wait on filling that gaping hole in the running game.

The Packers have two solid starters at cornerback in Al Harris and Charles Woodson. Beyond the top of the depth chart, however, things get a little spotty. Will Blackmon, a fourth-round choice in 2006, could emerge as the team's nickel back, but he needs to stay healthy. Depth is critical at this position.

The Packers also could use a solid starter to line up next to defensive tackle Ryan Pickett. Colin Cole and Corey Williams are okay, but the team needs a starter who can take a bulk of the snaps, and provide an inside pass rush.

Back to the offense, quarterback Brett Favre needs another receiver, where Donald Driver is the only reliable guy at the position. Greg Jennings showed real potential as a rookie, but needs to find a way to stay healthy. There's still a chance that the Packers will swing a deal for Raiders receiver Randy Moss, but that one died a quick death just as it seemed to be nearly a done deal.

Finally, the Packers could use a reliable target at tight end. Veteran Bubba Franks seems to be regressing, and Favre surely would love to get a guy like Greg Olsen, especially since every other team in the NFC North is now using the Tampa 2 defense, which is vulnerable against fast tight ends.

[woodbuck27]

http://www.newerascouting.com/index.php?c=32&a=378

Head-to-Head: Cornerbacks

Posted on Apr 02, 2007 by Matt Miller

Each week our writers will tackle an different draft related argument in this ongoing series. This week's argument: "Which cornerback is the best?"

It seems each year there exists some debate on the best cornerback prospects in the NFL Draft. This year is no different, as there could possibly be four or five cornerbacks taken in the first round.

Leon Hall, Aaron Ross, Darrelle Revis, and Marcus McCauley all have displayed incredible athleticism and playmaking ability during their college careers, however Chris Houston of Arkansas will have a much larger impact in the NFL than these other four.

As such, he should be the first cornerback taken in the 2007 NFL Draft.

Houston played his high school football in Austin, Texas at Austin LBJ. He was not a big-time recruit by any means, but the Razorbacks saw enough potential to offer him a scholarship. Upon signing his letter of intent, Houston made a promise that he would make a name for himself on the field and make other larger universities regret passing on him.

After redshirting in 2003, Houston played in 11 games as a freshman, starting four games. He finished the year with 21 tackles and demonstrated his grit and determination serving as a gunner on the Razorbacks? punt coverage team. Houston then started nine games in 2005, racking up another 20 tackles and he tied for the team lead in pass-breakups with eight. Viewed by many as an elite athlete and a potential mid-round selection, Houston briefly flirted with declaring for the 2006 draft before deciding to return to Fayetteville in hopes of boosting his stock. And that he did.

In the first game of the season versus Southern California, Houston proved to be a true lock-down corner, holding then Biletnikoff Award favorite Dwayne Jarrett to five catches for 35 yards. Although Arkansas was beaten badly that night, it was not the fault of Houston. Throughout the rest of the 2006 season, Houston was assigned coverage duties on potential first round receivers Robert Meachem, Dwayne Bowe and Sidney Rice, holding them to a combined 21 catches for 284 yards (including Jarrett's numbers). Because of Houston?s ability to operate on an island in the secondary, Arkansas was able to employ a cover-2 scheme which allowed for more blitzes by the linebackers and also allowed heralded defensive end Jamaal Anderson time to get to the quarterback. Without Houston, Arkansas would not have enjoyed the defensive success it had during its surprising 2006 run. Essentially, he was the piece that made everything ?click."

While he did not have the ballyhooed career of Leon Hall, Houston proved to be a much better big game performer. Over the course of three seasons in Fayetteville, Houston faced some of the most physically imposing wide receivers in the country and experienced unprecedented success in the process. Houston may not be the biggest cornerback in the 2007 NFL Draft, at 5-foot-10 and 185 pounds, he has certainly proved to be the fastest and strongest running a 40-yard dash in 4.32 seconds and pumping out 27 reps in the 225-pound bench press.

Supporters of Hall say that he has more starting experience and has played on a bigger stage during his time at Michigan. They will also point to his surprising Combine numbers where he showed that he was faster and more explosive than thought. However, Houston has started 23 games in college and has proved over and again his ability to blanket the best wide receivers in the nation. Houston also out-shined Hall during the Combine. When it came time for Hall to prove his merit on the field against the likes of Ted Ginn, Anthony Gonzalez and Dwayne Jarrett, Hall looked slow, lost and more like the mid-round draft pick Houston was projected to be before 2006. NFL receivers are the best of the best, and there is tangible proof that Houston performed better against NFL-type receivers than Hall did.

Essentially, Houston has both the measurables and game-day resume that Hall yearns for. The numbers and film do not lie, and upon taking an objective look at both, it becomes obvious that Chris Houston is the top cornerback prospect in the 2007 NFL Draft.

Even Deion Sanders, the prototype for shut-down cornerbacks, believes Houston is legit, as he has taken steps to mentor Houston over the last year and provide him with even more tools to be successful on the NFL stage. Look for Houston to be drafted by the 15th pick, with the most likely suitors being the Texans, Bills, Rams or Steelers. You heard it hear first -- Leon Hall will eventually be moved to free safety because he will become a liability in coverage, while Chris Houston will become a perennial Pro Bowler in the mold of Terence Newman.


Matt Miller on Leon Hall


While I agree with Clark that Houston is an intriguing prospect, if I am running a NFL team I have doubts about drafting a one-year starter as my "shut-down" corner. If I'm drafting a cornerback early in the first round, I'm going for a proven player. My choice would be Michigan cornerback Leon Hall.

Hall has proven himself over a four-year career at one of the most competitive colleges in the Nation. His 12 interceptions over four years place him among the school's all-time leaders. He has consistently played well against the best receivers in the country. Many will point to a match-up against Ted Ginn of Ohio State in 2006, but in fact Hall shut Ginn down save for one touchdown pass where Hall had no deep help and was in position to make a play on the ball. While people search for times that Hall did not play well against top NFL draft choices, it is also easy to point out how well he played against Texas wide receivers in the 2005 Rose Bowl or how he had two sacks against Notre Dame that same season. Hall has played well against the top competition for four seasons, something Houston cannot add to his resume.

Many people will also point out that Hall does not have the speed or quickness to play in the NFL. He silenced those critics by running a 4.39 at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. Hall is also a very physical corner who will do well in a cover-2 or man-based defense. He has a solid frame that will allow him to pressure and run with bigger receivers in the NFL.

Hall is also a more versatile prospect. He has lined up at safety, corner and nickel back during his career in Ann Arbor. Much like Charles Woodson and Marlin Jackson before him, Hall has the ability to play multiple positions on defense. Many coaches will also tell you that Hall was smart enough to make the secondary calls for the defense, a job generally left to the free safety. He is an extremely hard worker who will not be satisfied until he is among the top corners in the NFL.

While Houston may have the measurables you look for, Hall has the skills. He is more than an athlete in football pads, he is a football player with all the tools we look for in a cornerback. He can tackle, press in coverage, run with receivers and track the ball in zone coverage. He is a truly as complete of a player as there is in this cornerback class.

[woodbuck27]

http://www.newerascouting.com/index.php?c=32&a=312

17. Green Bay Packers:

The Pack hit this list at this spot based on a problem of the Mike Sherman era.

The team has drafted around the idea of winning one more Super Bowl for Brett Favre before he retired, which has not happened.

General manager Ted Thompson has helped reverse some of those trends, but the damage has been done. From 2000 to 2002, the Packers have produced two starters, offensive tackle Chad Clifton and tight end Bubba Franks. Na?il Diggs was a starter prior to his departure in the 2006 off-season, but other than that, role players and busts were the game. 2003 did bring speedy inside linebacker Nick Barnett, considered a reach by many at the time, and Hunter Hillenmeyer, who unfortunately now starts for division rival Chicago. Wide receiver Javon Walker and defensive end Aaron Kampman were both starters from the 2002 draft, but only Kampmann remains. The 2004 draft mostly just produced a fist fight between top picks Joey Thomas and Ahmad Carroll, with only Carroll still in the NFL, as a reserve for Jacksonville.

For the Future:

The Packers, now realizing Brett Favre is not going to live forever, have moved on and are drafting for the future, and doing an amazing job.

So far linebacker AJ Hawk, wide receiver Greg Jennings, safety Nick Collins, linebacker Brady Poppinga and guards Jason Spitz and Daryn Colledge have gained starting roles from the 2005 and 2006 draft classes. Expect Thompson, a draft guru who focuses on pick value, to focus on rebuilding the Packers again in this year?s draft.

Too bad he's playing catch up for Mike Sherman's errors.

[woodbuck27]

http://www.newerascouting.com/index.php?c=32&a=204

2007 Mock Draft Updated

Posted on Mar 22, 2007 by Matt Miller
With Houston and Atlanta trading picks, we've updated our mock draft to show you where your team is looking and which players are rising.


1. Oakland - JaMarcus Russell, QB, Louisiana State

At this point the Russell pick is inevitable. We would take WR Calvin Johnson, but the Raiders are feeling pressure to take a passer.


2. Detroit - Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame

This pick could change depending on where David Carr is traded. Detroit is also a team that is rumored to be trading back.


3. Cleveland - Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma

Cleveland wants JaMarcus Russell, but sitting with the third pick in the draft they will have to move up if they want him. Drafting Peterson to team with Jamal Lewis is the smart pick.


4. Tampa Bay - Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech

In reality there will be a rush of teams trying to trade up if Johnson falls this far. Jon Gruden would be drooling should this happen.


5. Arizona - Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin

Arizona loses Leonard Davis and upgrades with Thomas. A win-win situation.


6. Washington - Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson

Washington is another team rumored to be talking trade. If they stay put it is time to add a young pass rusher.


7. Minnesota - LaRon Landry, S, Louisiana State

Minnesota is in love with Landry, but if a quarterback falls they will make him their pick.


8. Atlanta (from HOU) - Levi Brown, OT, Penn State

Atlanta moves up to try and get Landry, and they just miss him. Brown gives them a bookend left tackle.


9. Miami - Patrick Willis, ILB, Mississippi

Willis is flying high after turning in a 4.37 40-yard dash time. Miami needs another linebacker for the aging Zach Thomas.


10. Houston (from ATL) - Alan Branch, DT, Michigan

Houston may not need another high pick on the defensive line, but Branch is the best player available and they need a run-stopper.


11. San Francisco - Dwayne Jarrett, WR, Southern california

The 49ers would like to move up and get Landry, but sitting here and adding a red-zone threat like Jarrett is fine by most fans.


12. Buffalo - Marshawn Lynch, RB, California

This pick seems like its already happened. Lynch to Buffalo fills the void from Willis McGahee leaving.


13. St. Louis - Amobi Okoye, DT, Louisville

Okoye is moving quickly up the charts. The Rams front office is looking to rebuild their defensive line, and can with this pick.


14. Carolina - Jamaal Anderson, DE, Arkansas

With Mike Rucker's future in doubt, adding a solid starter oppposite Julius Peppers will help renew this front four.


15. Pittsburgh - Jarvis Moss, OLB, Florida

Replacing Joey Porter with this aggressive pass rusher will help Mike Tomlin be successful in year one.


16. Green Bay - Adam Carriker, DE, Nebraska

The Packers need to add depth and talent along their defensive line, which is getting older and older at end.


17. Jacksonville - Reggie Nelson, S, Florida

Nelson is a playmaking safety that will allow the aggressive Jaguar corners to play their style of football.


18. Cincinnati - Leon Hall, CB, Michigan

The Bengals know they must add talent at corner. Hall is a perfect fit for their cover two defense.


19. Tennessee - Chris Houston, CB, Arkansas

The Titans added Nick Harper, but are facing a possible suspension for Adam Jones.


20. New York Giants - Paul Posluszny, OLB, Penn State

Posluszny is what Tom Coughlin looks for in a linebacker. He'll replace the bust that LaVar Arrington was.


21. Denver - Charles Johnson, DE, Georgia

Denver has been smart by adding through trades and free agency. Cutting Courtney Brown opens up a spot along the line.


22. Dallas - Robert Meachem, WR, Tennessee

With Terrell Owens aging and little depth otherwise, the Cowboys add a playmaking speedster at receiver.


23. Kansas City - Ted Ginn, WR, Ohio State

The Chiefs have ignored this position for far too long. Should Ginn run well before the draft, this would be a steal.


24. New England (from SEA) - Michael Griffin, S, Texas

The Pats must look for a future starter should Rodney Harrison miss time again or retire.


25. New York Jets - Justin Blalock, OG, Texas

The Jets started off right last year by drafting two linemen in the first round. This year they'll solidify the left side of their line for the next decade.

26. Philadelphia - Zach Miller, TE, Arizona State

The Eagles have few needs, but added another pass catching threat for Donovan McNabb is one of them.

27. New Orleans - Aaron Ross, CB, Texas

The Saints may look to add a receiver here, but they also have a hole at cornerback. Ross will help push this team closer to the Super Bowl.

28. New England - Darrelle Revis, CB, Pittsburgh

New England again adds to the secondary by picking up the speedy Revis.

29. Baltimore - Daymeion Hughes, CB, California

Baltimore knows they must replace Samari Rolle soon. Hughes doesn't have the speed most teams covet, but in the Cover 2 he has Pro Bowl ability.

30. San Diego - Brandon Siler, ILB, Florida

The Chargers have lost depth at linebacker due to injuries and free agency. Siler has starting potential as a rookie.

31. Chicago - Greg Olsen, TE, Miami

The Bears have many problems on offense, but they lack a strong safety valve for whomever is under center next year.

32. Indianapolis - Jon Beason, OLB, Miami

Beason will step in and replace the departed Cato June from day one.

[BallHawk]

How is it that our DEs are old? Cullen Jenkins is in his mid-20s, Kampman is in his late 20s, KGB is going to turn 30 when the season starts. A bit of a daft comment by the writer.

[HarveyWallbangers]

How is it that our DEs are old? Cullen Jenkins is in his mid-20s, Kampman is in his late 20s, KGB is going to turn 30 when the season starts. A bit of a daft comment by the writer.

No doubt. Jenkins just turned 26 and Kampman is only 27. Bad research. I don't disagree with adding a DL if they think he can be a stud--because those guys are hard to find, but the logic is baffling.

[HarveyWallbangers]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/don_banks/04/10/mock.draft5.part1/index.html?eref=si_topstories

16 WR Robert Meachem, Tennessee

With the stock of Cal running back Marshawn Lynch slipping on some boards due to off-field question marks, we think the Packers could kick start the run of first-round receivers. But defensive ends like Arkansas' Jamaal Anderson and Florida's Jarvis Moss also factor into the equation.

[BallHawk]

Meachem, Bowe, and Ginn, in my books, are neck and neck with each other. I'd be happy with any of them. If I had to choose one, though, it'd be Ginn.

[Bretsky]

Meachem, Bowe, and Ginn, in my books, are neck and neck with each other. I'd be happy with any of them. If I had to choose one, though, it'd be Ginn.

You flipper !

Weren't you once on the Meacham wagon with me ? It's a rough road with all the detractors

[BallHawk]

Is it possible to be on 3 bandwagons at the same time?

I'd be happy with either. I think Ginn brings something that the Packers don't have, and that's a speedster. However, Meachem looks like he has all the tools to be a great NFL WR, as does Bowe.

[MJZiggy]

Is it possible to be on 3 bandwagons at the same time?

Bandwagonner

[run pMc]

I'd take Meacham or Bowe over Ginn.

Sorry, I'm just not a fan of Ginn...he's a dynamic playmaker, but so was Peter Warrick. I think he'll get beat up and play timid. I don't think he's as tough as DD, but boy does he have the jets. He's about as big as DD or Jennings, but not as sure handed. I think he's a bit of a reach with a mid-1st rounder, epsecially with the team's other needs.
I think the consensus from most of the draftniks is that Meacham is the next best WR after Calvin Johnson.

I'm a little skeptical BUF will take Lynch...they lost 2 starting LBs (Fletcher-Baker & Spikes), so Willis is the natural pick there. Levy is a kooky GM and Willis might be gone, so ya never know.

I'm not gaga over Lynch like some are, but he fills a need and definitely has talent. I think Yahoo! ranked him as the 8th best player overall talent-wise, so I don't think he'd be a reach, but there's something about him that bugs me...I just can't put my finger on it. If Lynch is gone at #16, trading down a few spots is a possibility. There are some RB's in rounds 2 or 3 that might be able to get the job done in a ZBS. I'd be stunned if TT takes Kenny Irons in the 1st round.

I'd take Reggie Nelson or Revis over Leon Hall. I'm not sure where Houston will land...he had great combine numbers...but he reminds some of Ahmad Carrol, which is scary. I think Houston and Hall could be the first 2 CB's, although it depends on the team.

Olson fits a need at TE but Zach Miller might be there in a subsequent round.

Whatever, I think TT needs to draft the best player available, not draft for need. IMO drafting for need gets you in trouble.

[woodbuck27]

http://www.nfl.com/draft/story/10119448

Ten questions being asked about the draft


By Pat Kirwan
NFL.com Senior Analyst


(April 10, 2007) -- Whether I'm on my Sirius Radio Show, an NFL Network segment, or just talking football with people around town, there are a number of questions that seem to come up every day as the NFL Draft draws closer.

1. Is Brady Quinn being overhyped?

I say Quinn isn't overhyped. But I do feel he's been overanalyzed. It's not the first time that a quarterback (Quinn) who was expected to come out as a junior and decided to return for his senior year, got put under the microscope twice and had to answer many critics, while an underclassman (JaMarcus Russell) with a lot less to go on, got the hype. I can recall when speculations had Peyton Manning leaving Tennessee after his junior year and worthy of a top selection. He stayed in school, gained a lot more experience, worked on his skills and actually got better. Then a year later, a fast rising junior named Ryan Leaf split the votes as to which athlete was the best QB.

Last year, the same could be said for Matt Leinart. He won a national championship as a junior, but wanted another year of seasoning so he returned to school. The critics said it was a big mistake. His draft value supposedly went down. But none of those critics were to be found after he took the field as a rookie for the Cardinals.

There is something to be said for experience and production. Brady Quinn gets labeled as a guy who has accuracy issues. How about the fact that he threw more passes in college than Russell, Drew Stanton and Troy Smith combined? How about the fact that he threw more touchdown passes than Russell and Stanton combined? Any team that passes on Quinn can't predict they will ever be in a position to draft a QB of his caliber in the next five years. As one general manager said, "he could probably start for 10 teams in 2007 and make them better right away." Some people view the fact that he was tutored by Charlie Weis as a negative. It's the system that made him productive is the claim. Same stuff was said about Manning and Leinart. I say the experience with Weis is going to go a long way to help him survive and probably flourish in the NFL.

2. Should JaMarcus Russell be the first pick in the draft?

Well, Russell is going to be the first pick by the Raiders barring any last-minute changes by owner Al Davis. He knows a guy with arm strength and size don't come along very often. Someone told me that when Calvin Johnson visited the Raiders, Davis hardly had any time to even spend with the top receiver and possibly the highest rated player on most draft boards.

I always believe in taking a QB. And even though Russell has struggled with his weight at times and only has 29 career starts under his belt, he is what the doctor ordered for the Raiders. Oakland's plan to bring in a mobile QB like Josh McCown (via trade) in order to buy some time to let Russell develop is a good one.

Finally, LSU defensive coordinator Bo Pellini, a former NFL coach sold me on Russell when he told me the guy can call the protections and has the football intelligence to win in the NFL.

3. Which player is likely to disappoint after his rookie season?

No one can predict where the bust label should be put and in fact, it's a bad idea to think anyone can figure it out. Quarterbacks always stand the chance of being labeled, especially if they go to bad teams and have to play too early.

When I posed this question to two personnel, they both thought the highest risk in the first round is with the pass rushers, especially Jamaal Anderson and Jarvis Moss. They are two very talented young players, but considering what happened to Mario Williams his rookie season, there are issues that scare some teams.

Williams came out of college as a 6-foot-6, 295-pound specimen who had 26½ sacks in college and 35 reps on the bench press test. He finished up his rookie season with 4½ sacks. Mathias Kiwanuka had 37½ sacks at Boston College, but only got to the QB four times as a rookie. Kameron Wimbley had excellent numbers as a rookie, but he was moved to outside linebacker and the scheme helped him. If Anderson and Moss have to play with their hands on the ground, then there might be some concern.

Both players left school early, have under 20 college starts and neither one is much more than a one dimensional pass rusher at this point. Neither has demonstrated the power and strength to hold up on the line of scrimmage. Moss only had 16 reps on the bench (eight less than Quinn) and Anderson's 22 reps isn't much better. Neither player comes to pro football with 20 career sacks in college. Moss has 15 and Anderson 17½, which probably translates to very pedestrian numbers as rookies. I would never call any player a 'bust' before he gets his chance to perform. But there are clear cut concerns about the pass rushers in this draft.

4. Rate JaMarcus Russell vs. the other No. 1 draft pick quarterbacks in recent years?

The NFL is a brutal league, especially for young quarterbacks. The honeymoon ends the second you take the field and can't win games. Russell and Quinn will find that out in due time, but to suggest that either one can be compared to Eli Manning, David Carr, Carson Palmer or Alex Smith is impossible.

Most people will say Palmer is better, but have a strong opinion that Russell is quickly going to pass Eli Manning as a QB. The younger Manning threw 81 touchdowns in college to just 35 interceptions. He has a winning record as a professional quarterback (20-19). He led his team to an 11-5 record and the playoffs in his second year. He has thrown 54 touchdown passes to just 44 interceptions in his first 39 games. Call back later when Russell has 39 starts under his belt.

5. Who's the safest pick in the 2007 draft?

The safest pick in any draft usually comes down to a great running back behind a very good offensive line or an offensive lineman. This year, I would say the safest pick in the 2007 draft is center Ryan Kalil from USC. If he goes to a team like Denver with the zone running scheme, he will start early and be very effective. As one O-line coach said, Kalil is a 10-year starter with a couple of Pro Bowls in him. If he struggles early with big nose tackles because he is giving up 30-40 pounds, the scheme can protect him. If he lasts to the second round, then he wins the safest pick award for sure.

6. Who's stock dropped the most in recent weeks?

If you define stock dropping as lost money, keep in mind that dropping five or six spots in the first round can cost a player more than dropping two or three rounds later on. The downward pressure on the running back position because of four offseason trades -- Willis McGahee, Thomas Jones, Tatum Bell and Reuben Droughns -- and three free-agent acquisitions -- Ahman Green, Jamal Lewis, Dominic Rhodes -- could cost Adrian Peterson a lot of money. Peterson hasn't done a thing wrong, but the pressure is real.

Two players who's stocks have dropped for other reasons are wide receiver Sidney Rice of South Carolina and running back Michael Bush of Louisville. Bush is a victim of injury and he has plummeted from a first-round pick to no one knows where for sure. Rice renounced his senior year of eligibility and jumped into a very good draft class of receivers. He has made some questionable decisions about performing for scouts and coaches in the past few weeks and now sits outside the first round looking in.

Amobi Okoye has steadily improved his stock as draft day approaches.

7. Who's stock has risen the most in recent weeks?

Take a look at DT Amobi Okoye from Louisville. He has a decent senior year as a 19-year-old and finished up as a probable second-round pick. He packed his bags for the Senior Bowl to prove he's better than that and after a week in pads in front of all the NFL brass, he jumped to a late first-round pick. He went to the Combine with that same focus and his workout and interviews moved him up the charts to a mid first-round selection. At his pro day workout, he clocked 4.88 in the 40-yard dash at a weight of 302 pounds. film studies on him by the defensive line coaches draw parallels to Warren Sapp. With just a few weeks to go, it looks like the teenager has climbed to a top-10 pick.

8. Who is the third quarterback in this draft?

There is no third quarterback worthy of a first-round selection. I asked a number of teams how they see the third quarterback and I got a different answer from almost everyone. There's no Jay Cutler in this draft for sure. Drew Stanton was the consensus third, back in January. Troy Smith didn't help himself that much at the Senior Bowl, but hung tough. Trent Edwards got healthy and his stock started to rise and there has been an under current of support in a few places for Kevin Kolb and John Beck. But the truth is, beauty is in the eye of the beholder when it comes to the third QB.

Edwards was sacked 84 times in 31 starts and has foot and shoulder issues. But he has that it factor some teams are looking for. Stanton is a 64 percent completion passer who can run as demonstrated by his 1,500 yards and 15 rushing touchdowns. But the it could be missing in some talent evaluators' minds. Smith has to deal with the height issue and his supporters point at Drew Brees. Kolb comes from a throwing system and some are leery of his numbers. His supporters point at Alex Smith. Beck has a release point that troubles some. For now, my advice is don't claim to know who the third QB is, but don't expect the run on these guys to start until the late second to early third round. As one GM said, "I think we'll wait until the second day and take a long look at that kid from Boise State, there's something about him I like." I said, 'are you talking about it?'

9. Will there be a lot of trading on draft weekend?

I expect trading to continue this year just like it did last year. Teams are getting more comfortable pulling the trigger on a trade using picks for picks -- 2008 picks for 2007 picks, veteran players for picks and they realize with the healthy salary cap situations most teams have right now, it works. Randy Moss should be the big-name player to be moved on draft day, but don't expect more than a second- or third-round pick as compensation and that only happens if he gets his contract restructured.

10. Which virtually unknown player would you want on your team?

Two players come to mind every time I'm asked this question -- Brown linebacker Zak DeOssie and Alabama fullback LeRon McClain.

LBer Zak DeOssie can help a team in so many ways with his size, speed, intelligence and long-snapping ability.

LeRon McClain is a classic fullback in the mold of Lorenzo Neal.

[woodbuck27]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/don_banks/04/10/mock.draft5.part1/index.html?eref=si_topstories

16 WR Robert Meachem, Tennessee

With the stock of Cal running back Marshawn Lynch slipping on some boards due to off-field question marks, we think the Packers could kick start the run of first-round receivers.

'' But defensive ends like Arkansas' Jamaal Anderson and Florida's Jarvis Moss also factor into the equation. '' HW

Fr. previous post:

3. Which player is likely to disappoint after his rookie season?

No one can predict where the bust label should be put and in fact, it's a bad idea to think anyone can figure it out. Quarterbacks always stand the chance of being labeled, especially if they go to bad teams and have to play too early.

When I posed this question to two personnel, they both thought the highest risk in the first round is with the pass rushers, especially Jamaal Anderson and Jarvis Moss. They are two very talented young players, but considering what happened to Mario Williams his rookie season, there are issues that scare some teams.

Williams came out of college as a 6-foot-6, 295-pound specimen who had 26½ sacks in college and 35 reps on the bench press test. He finished up his rookie season with 4½ sacks. Mathias Kiwanuka had 37½ sacks at Boston College, but only got to the QB four times as a rookie. Kameron Wimbley had excellent numbers as a rookie, but he was moved to outside linebacker and the scheme helped him. If Anderson and Moss have to play with their hands on the ground, then there might be some concern.

Both players left school early, have under 20 college starts and neither one is much more than a one dimensional pass rusher at this point. Neither has demonstrated the power and strength to hold up on the line of scrimmage. Moss only had 16 reps on the bench (eight less than Quinn) and Anderson's 22 reps isn't much better. Neither player comes to pro football with 20 career sacks in college. Moss has 15 and Anderson 17½, which probably translates to very pedestrian numbers as rookies. I would never call any player a 'bust' before he gets his chance to perform. But there are clear cut concerns about the pass rushers in this draft.