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With The 24th Pick, In the 2007 NFL Draft, The New England Patriots Select ... |
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This years draft appears to be a solid 12 player draft. Most GM's and draftnics have seven names in common when it comes to the top players in this draft, however the next five- LaRon Laundry, Levi Brown, Amobi Okoye, Jamaal Anderson, and Leon Hall, are just as likely to be impact players as the top seven. Calvin Johnson is head and Shoulders above the rest, and Joe Thomas is a hair above the next ten. The five in between are: Jamarcus Russell, Brady Quinn, Adrian Peterson, Alan Branch, and Gaines Adams. This years draft is a very interesting one for fans of the New England Patriots. The first round is stocked perfectly for the Patriots, if they wish to draft a Defensive Back, Wide Receiver, or Linebacker. There should be a couple at each position available in the Twenties which will be very tempting for the Pat: |
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Chris Houston CB 5-10, 185 Arkansas |
Jarvis Moss OLB/DE 6-4, 250 Florida |
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Aaron Ross CB 6-.1/2, 193 Texas |
Paul Posluszny LB 6-1, 240 Penn State |
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Aaron Rouse SS 6-3, 218 Virginia Tech |
Reggie Nelson FS 6', 195 Florida |
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Michael Griffin FS 6', 205 Texas |
Marcus McCauley CB 6', 197 Fresno ST |
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Team |
My Picks: |
Top Needs: |
Team Moves: |
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1. |
Raiders |
Jamarcus Russell QB LSU 6-5.75, 256 |
F.A. Signings and Trades: Jeremy Newberry C Dominic Rhodes RB Tony Stewart TE Fred Wakefield TE Key F.A. Loses: Aaron Brooks QB |
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The Team: Al Davis is nuts if he is planning to pass on a QB again. He MUST draft a QB, he has an obligation to Raider fans. If he doesn't take Russell or Quinn he will set the Franchise back five years. But, I may be crazy, but, it looks to me like he is trying to find a way to draft Calvin Johnson. Rumors are spreading that he is trying to sign a QB, and is trying to trade Moss and Porter. The Player: Russell has the chance to be a great one. His release is a little slow, and he will have to speed it up. His footwork is the main culprit. I didn't know a lot about him until the Bowl game he played in (I forget the name), but I couldn't not have been more impressed. He soared up my charts at his Proday, and not because he displayed his great size and phenomenal arm. His two main weaknesses are ability to get fat (something I excel at) and his horrid footwork. Well he showed up at his Proday weighing 256 pounds, nine pounds lighter than at the Combine, and he hired a Professional Quarterbacks coach, who noticeably helped his footwork. The Reason: Everybody says Ken Walters has the size, arm, and ability to throw deep that Al Davis loves, but he stinks. He also threw 13 Interceptions and only 3 TDs, and he was NOT a Rookie last season. Sorry Ken, I am not an NFL Quarterback and neither are you. Davis NEEDS to stop goofing around and have Russell signed to a contract before the draft. Second Choice: New Owner | ||||
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2. |
Lions |
Brady Quinn QB Notre Dame 6-4, 230 |
F.A. Signings and Trades: D.J. Duckett Shaun McDonald WR Edwin Multilo OG Zach Pillar OG Dewayne White DE Treavis Fisher CB Key F.A. Loses: Ross Verba OG James Hall DE Tyoka Jackson DE Terrence Holt S Marcus Pollard TE |
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The Team: I cannot believe that the Lions would pass on a QB, again, but if they do it will be for Joe Thomas. Statistically Detroit has the worst O-Line in the league. 31st in Average Per Carry, 31st in Sacks Allowed, and 31st in Redzone Offense. They had a ton of injuries on the O-Line. Verba, Tucker, and Stokes combined to miss 23 starts. Frank Davis and Jonathon Scott were disasters last season. Signing Pillar and Multilo were good moves. Verba was released, and Woody and Stokes may not be far behind. The problem is that Backus is more of a Right Tackle and Foster was a bust in Denver. Thomas could step in at Left Tackle, and solidify the Line, Giving them three good Tackles to fight over playing time. The Player: So much of being a QB in the NFL is work ethic and understanding the Offense, and the latter becomes more and more important each year as Offensive Coordinators make Offenses more and more complicated. Weis says that Quinn has Tom Brady's work ethic and intelligence, that's good enough for me. Quinn struggled a little in some big games, but overall he showed everything you want in a QB prospect. The Reason: I liked the trade for George Foster and Tatum Bell. They needed lots of help on the O-line, and Foster is a giant of a man who will certainly help the running game, but he is not a Left Tackle. Picking up two veteran Guards will help as well. Bell maybe the starter on opening day because of Kevin Jones' foot injury. Jones may not be available in the first half of the season. The big question is- does the acquisition of Foster open the door for drafting Quinn? I have to say yes. In the end, Jon Kitna was not the answer last season. He provided good veteran leadership, but not good veteran play. He threw 22 Interceptions and only 21 TDs. This ratio cannot continue, and Kitna is well into his 30s and not getting any better. Second Choice: Joe Thomas OT |
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3. |
Browns |
Joe Thomas OLT Michigan 6-5.5, 311 |
F.A. Signings and Trades: Jamaal Lewis RB Tim Carter WR Seth McKinney OL Robaire Smith DT Kenny Wright DB Key F.A. Loses: Ruben Droughns RB Dayleon McCluthcen CB |
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The Team: I the Browns will not pass on Brady Quinn. I think Frye has a chance to be a good QB, but Quinn has a chance to be a Franchise QB. Both Romeo and the Owner of the Browns attended Quinn's workout at Notre Dame, where everybody said he was very impressive. If Cleveland is not set on Quinn they should trade down and gather a 2nd or a 1st next season. The Vikings may have the worst Wide Receivers in the NFL, and if the Browns trade down to 7 they could still be looking at both Peterson or Thomas. It seems to me Cleveland will be choosing between who ever is left: Russell, Thomas, or Quinn. Although, I am not convinced they will pass on Johnson. Braylon Edwards has not matured as hoped, and Joe Jurevicius is better suited as a third WR, and if you look at the Depth Chart FA Tim Carter is the only other viable WR on the Roster. The Player: Joe Thomas is huge and has the feet to play Left Tackle. He was maybe the most impressive athlete at the Combine. He is as smooth as ice. He looks like the surest-thing in the Draft. He ran a 4.92 forty at the Combine at 6-6 311 pounds. has tremendous foot and hand work, balance, and technique pass blocking. Is already ready to step in as a pass blocker in the NFL. As natural as he looks as pass blocker, is as unnatural as he looks as a run blocker sometimes. Overextends sometimes and losses his balance. Needs a little work in run block area, but speed, superior balance, and super athleticism really show when pulling, getting out to the second level, and blocking on the run. Outland Trophy winner. The Reason: Shaffer is there starting Left Tackle, this needs to change. He is much better suited on the Right Side, where he or Ryan Tucker could be moved inside to Guard. I am not sure Shaffer would a better RT than Tucker, but Tucker has more experience inside at Guard. This would give the Brown three good O-Lineman, and along with Andruzzi they would have a chance for a decent Line, if they could solve the Center situation. Second Choice: Calvin Johnson WR |
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4. |
Buccaneers |
Calvin Johnson WR Georgia Tech 6-5, 239 |
F.A. Signings and Trades: Jake Plummer QB Kevin Carter
DE Cato June LB Sammy Davis CB Key F.A. Loses:
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The Team: Gruden appears to be on a mission to dominate the Depth Chart at the QB position. They start out with two good young QBs, and then acquire two good veteran QBs? They have 4 good QBs, but no great QB. D-line is really a desperate need. They may actually be better off if Johnson is gone. They really need two D-Linemen in this draft, but with two 2nd round picks they look like they have the ammunition to get one later. However, DT Ellis Wyms must be replaced. The Player: This appears to be the easiest pick in the draft so far. Calvin Johnson is far and away the best prospect in the draft. He is not only a Physical Freak, but he is also as accomplished at his position as a college player can be. The 4.35 forty at the Combine (at 235 Pounds) may be the most impressive display at the Combine since Deon Sanders ran a 4.19 and just kept going. The Reason: I am struggling with this pick. Do they really need a WR? Joey Galloway, Michael Clayton, Maurice Stovall, Ike Hilliard make a pretty good one through four. Wyms and Hovan are there starting D-Tackles? Yikes! Okoye or Branch seem to be a much better fit. Second Choice: Alan Branch DT |
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5. |
Cardinals |
Alan Branch DT Michigan 6-5.75, 324 |
F.A. Signings and Trades: Al
Johnson OC Key F.A. Loses: Alex Stepanovich OC |
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The Team: A lot of people have Gaines Adams going here, but Defensive End is not the Cards biggest need. They definitely need more Pass Rushing. Chike Okeafor and Bert Berry are both over 30 and showing signs of wear and tare. They combined for only 14.5 sacks last season. However, they are not the worst starting D-Ends in the league. I think they have to get a Run-Stopping DT first. Dockett and Clancy are both good DTs, but they get pushed back on running plays far to often. The Cards may be the number one choice to trade up to get Joe Thomas OLT. In fact, the Left Tackle position is so desperate they may need to take Levi Brown right here. Currently, old friend Butch Gorin is their starting Left Tackle. The Player: Alan Branch is slipping currently as athleticism takes president around Combine time, but as teams go back to the tape coaches love to see those giant immovable objects. They will be drooling when they see Branch not just holding the double- team but pushing it back. He does have some concern as he does not play all out every play. He is the first Boom-or-bust player. The question is- is he going to be Gerald Warren or Ted Washington? The Reason: If your D-Tackles get pushed backwards consistently, you cannot win. If a team keeps running right up the middle on your Defense, you cannot win. If you cannot hold the point-of-attack, you cannot win. The Linebackers and Safeties have to keep coming closer and closer to not just the Line of Scrimmage. So it not only opens up the middle of the field, but also the deep throw, the outside run, the swing pass to the the RB, hell it opens up everything. Alan Branch looks lazy sometimes, but I believe is a matter of technique and not effort. Men as gigantic as Branch often suffer from a simple flaw, if they play high they get pushed aside. When he plays low he is a force against the run. When his first move is up rather than forward, he allows the O-Linemen to get under his pads and use leverage against him. That is a simple discipline in technique that can be corrected. They have two good Pass Rushing DTs, adding Branch would give them a very interesting rotation. Second Choice: Amobi Okoye DT |
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6. |
Redskins |
Gaines Adams DE/OLB Clemson 6-4.75, 258 |
F.A. Signings and Trades: London Fletcher LB Fred Smoot CB Jason fabini Omar Stoutmire SS Key F.A. Loses: Adam Archuleta S Derrick Dockery OG DJ Duckett RB Christian Fauria TE David Patten WR Jim Molinaro OL Troy Vincent DB Kenny Wright CB |
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The Team: It looks like the Skins are in pretty good position here. Come draft day they maybe choosing between Adams and Jamaal Anderson. The Skins had only 19 sacks last season, 6 fewer than any other team. They have no 2nd, 3rd, or 4th Round pick, so trading down here is always an option. Their main need is to stop Snyder's stupidity from destroying this team with Player turn-over and stupid Free Agent Signings, because of his fantasy football mentality there is no continuity on the roster. But for now they MUST get the best Pass Rusher they can find. The Player: Anderson stock seems to be dropping a little. Sot right now it's Gaines Adams. I believe Adams will be the best Pass Rusher to come out of this Draft. He had 28 sacks in his career at Clemson, and was the ACC Defensive Player of the Year last season. Last season he started all 13 games and garnered: 62 TKL, 17.5 TFL, and 12.5 Sacks.The Skins need Pass Rushers more than anything else, they led the league is pass rushing ineptitude by getting a league low 19 sacks. If Gaines slips to them they will be ecstatic. The Reason: This is one of those picks that is to perfect to happen. Adams is the best Pass Rushing Prospect in the draft, and the Redskins are the WORST pass-rushing team in the NFL. Second Choice: Amobi Okoye DT |
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7. |
Vikings |
Jamaal Anderson DE Arkansas 6-6, 280 |
Key F.A. Signings: Bobby Wade WR Vinny Ciurciu LB Visanthe Shiancoe TE Key F.A. Loses: Brad Johnson QB Napoleon Harris LB Fred Smoot CB Tank Williams S Jermaine Wiggins TE |
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The Team: Vikings desperately need to trade up and pick up a young QB. If both Detroit and Cleveland foolishly pass on Brady Quinn, the Vikings cannot be so foolish. The question is can they pass on Ted Ginn Jr.? The top four Wide outs on their roster: T. Taylor, B McMullen, B. Johnson, and T. Williams, who are these guys? Bobby Wade is a start, but he is not a number one receiver. The need for a Wide Receiver is desperate. If they really are going to go with Tarvaris Jackson at QB, they MUST get him some weapons, taking Ginn here will be a reach. The Vikes GM Rick Spielman is known as a guy who likes to trade down for additional picks. In fact, the Vikings first choice will be to trade, up for Johnson or down for one of the many Wide Receivers who will be available later. As far as needs and value go, the Vikings may be in the worst position in the draft. If they do pick here they will probably go for the best Pass Rusher available. The Player: Anderson is an impressive prospect. He has all the measurables you want in a DE, 6-6, 280, runs a 4.7. Despite starting only 19 games he still recorded 17.5 sacks at Arkansas. He learned how to bends his knees more consistently and play low, and he exploded onto the scene last season. He has been compared to Richard Seymour, and like Seymour his height is almost a detriment. When he plays with leverage he is dominate, when he lets O-Linemen get under his pads he looks horrible. He is the the top 3-4 Defensive End prospect in the draft. His main weakness is experience, he has started only 19 games in three season at Arkansas. However, last season he was the best Defensive End in college football. He garnered an impressive 65 TKL, 19.5 TFL, 13.5 Sacks, and had an extraordinary 26 QB Pressures. The Reason: Kenechi Udeze started ever game had an AMAZING ZERO SACKS. I don't get it. Erasmus James is always injured and blew out his knee again last season. Darrion Scott is average at best. He had 5.5 Sacks last season, and is the Vikings Best DE. They need to pick up two D-Ends in this years draft. If Ted Ginn Jr. runs a sub-4.3 before the draft, he will be the pick here. First Choice: Ted Ginn jr. WR |
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8. |
Falcons |
LaRon Landry S LSU 6-5/8, 212 |
F.A. Signings and Trades: Lewis Sanders CB Toniu Fonoti OG Lweis Sanders CB Marcus WIlkins LB Joe Horn WR Key F.A. Loses: Matt Schaub QB Edgerton Hartwell LB Reggis Kelly TE Ike Reese LB |
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The Team: Word is out of Atlanta is the Rich McKay is has locked onto LaRon Laundry will not pass on him here. Crocker is not a bad player, but not a difference maker. Lawyer Milloy was a great Patriot, but is not a difference maker any more. OL has two holes that must be filled, especially at OLT if you are not Wayne Gandy fan (like me). But they are devastated at Defensive End. John Abrahams is over-rated. He is a great pass-rusher, but will always get injured and cannot be counted on for the whole season. Last season, when they still had Patrick Kerney, Linebacker Michael Boley had to play D-End on Passing Downs. The Player: LaRon Laundry is a man amongst boys. Big enough and hits hard enough to be a Strong Safety, and is fast enough and athletic enough to be a Free Safety. This is another easy pick, if Laundry falls here Falcons cannot pass on him. Some think that at nearly 6-1 and 212 pounds he has the cover skills to play Corner. He is a better Prospect than both Safeties taken in the top ten in last years draft, Michael Huff and Donte Whitner, neither of whom could anybody call a bust. The Reason: Word out of Atlanta is that the reason they moved up was because they are locked in on Landry or OLT Levi Brown. But this pick will also show how much power Petrino has in the Organization. If they take Okoye or Brown than he has a say. But I think Vick has more say in the organization the Petrino. Second Choice: Levi Brown OLT |
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9. |
Miami |
Levi Brown OLT Penn ST 6-5.5, 323 |
F.A. Signings and Trades: Joey Porter LB Cameron Worrell S Cory Schlesinger FB Jay Feely K Key F.A. Loses: Joey Harington QB Sammy Morris RB Travis Minor RB Damion McIntosh OT Jeno James OG Kendyl Jacox OG Seth McKinney OG Toniu Fonoti OG Bennie Anderson OG Kevin Carter DE Dan Wilkerson DT Jeff Zgonina DT David Bowens DE Eddie Jackson CB Wes Welker WR/KR |
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The Team: Miami is sweating already. They HAVE to land Brown here, or the season is already lost. The Dolphins currently have no Left Tackle on their roster, unless you consider Lonnie Shelton (who played Right Guard for them last season) a LT. I do not. They have released five Offensive Linemen so far this off season, including starting Left Tackle Damion McIntosh, and four OGs. There Offensive Line is in complete disarray. They will have to use 2 of their top three picks on O-Linemen just to take the field next season. It looks to me like they have focused On Levi Brown, and they had better pray he is still available. The Player: I have Brown rated higher then most people. I think he is a great player. I compare him to another Levi, Levi Jones, and like Jones I think he will step in and quietly play Left Tackle for the next 10-15 years. I know he had some mental lapses at Penn, but he has everything you want in a LT prospect. The hardest part of the draft for draftnics is the interview process, which in many ways is the most important part of this whole process. Brown, by all accounts, is tremendously impressive in person and very intelligent as well; his interviews should be the final piece of his draft profile to make him a top ten pick. The Reason: Word out of Miami is that they are locked in on S LaRon Landry or Brown. I have Landry higher rated for every team except Miami. If Atlanta take Brown they apparently will take Landry. This would be a disaster for Miami's Offense. They could easily draft 3 or 4 O-Linemen in this draft and nobody could complain. Second Choice: Joe Staley OLT |
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10. |
Texans |
Amobi Okoye DT Louisville 6-2, 302 |
Key F.A. Signings: Matt Schaub QB Jordsan Black OLT Shawn Barber LB Danny Clark LB Jeff Zgonina DT Key F.A. Loses: David Carr QB Eric Moulds WR Seth Payne DT Antwan Peek DE Lweis Sanders CB Zach Wiegert OG Domanick WIlliams RB |
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The Team: Houston needs to draft four players here. Okoye, Ginn, Hall, and Brown. But I have been crucifying them for the past three seasons for not taking an Offensive Left Tackle. Taking Eric Winston and Chester Spencer in the 3rd Round last season was huge. If Winston's knee is recovered he could be a Matt Light-like Left Tackle. The signing of Jordan Black was another big move in the right direction for this O-Line, although K.C. released him because they did not think he was a long term solution at Left Tackle. However, they now have four OT Tackles who have played Left Tackle on their roster: Ephraim Salaam, Eric Winson (Played in College), Chester Spencer (Started at Left Tackle as a rookie last season before blowing out his knee), and Black (who is their starting Left Tackle right now). Black could solidify the O-Line and finally give Carr a chance to succeed. However, I like Depth Charts. According to Houston's depth chart, they have three Defensive Ends on the roster: Anthony Weaver, N.D. Kalu, and Mario Williams. Which brings up another question, are they a 3-4 team or a 4-3 team? Cam they pass on Adrian Paterson? when a GM spends that much money on a RB than he thinks that RB is the answer. The Player: Okoye is only 19 years old and his upside is phenomenal. Okoye played an undersized DT at Louisville. He has since gain near 25 pounds and showed up at the Combine at 302 pounds. He looked a little top heavy and uncoordinated to me. The terrific quickness and balance he displayed at Louisville and the Senior Bowl seemed to be missing. I think he is a better player with a weight between 280 and 290. Now I know he is only 19 and still growing into his body, and may eventually be fine playing over 300 pounds, but right now he added to much weight to fast and is has hurt his athleticism. At 290 he appears to be a perfect 3-technique DT: he can hold the Point-Of-Attack, he has the quickness to get to the QB, and he can slice through the double-team and get to the Running Back. The Reason: Although I think Okoye will probably be gone, I think Arizona and Washington will have a hard time passing on him. I think Okoye could play a 3-4 Defensive End or 4-3 DT. If Houston wants to play a 3-4 he would give them a very interesting Left D-End, and may eventually grow into a dominate Nose Tackle. If they want to stay in a 4-3, he would step in as a 3-technique DT, and he is already their best DT. Second Choice: Leon Hall CB |
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11. |
49ers |
Ted Ginn Jr. WR Ohio ST 5-11.5, 188 |
F.A. Signings and Trades: Nate Clemons CB Michael Lewis S Tully Banta Cain LB Aubrayo Franklin DT/NT Key F.A. Loses: Antonio Bryant WR Jeremy Newberry OC Lance Lagree DT Anthony Adams DT Sammy Davis CB Deke Cooper S Eric Johnson TE |
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The Team: They have desperate needs at WR, but I think they would take Branch or Okoye if they fall. Keith Lewis is a Special Teams player. If Landry if available they will jump all over them, as needs at S, WR, and NT will take president in this years Draft. They may take one of the other Wide Receivers available, as both Bowe and Meachum seem to have the talent to be Pro Bowlers, but both come with baggage. They will have to draft multiple Receivers in this draft. They need a 3-4 DE. Bryant Young is 35 and Marques Douglas is 30. The Player: Ginn MUST run. I think he will run under a 4.3 and solidify his position as a top ten pick. I have been watching Ginn for the past three season at Ohio State with envy and enjoyment. Ginn is just pure speed on the field. He reminds me of Reggie Bush, in that when Reggie Bush steps on the field he is the fastest and quickest player on the field, and the same can be said for Ginn. He just plays at a different speed than everybody else. On the field he is the fastest player in this Draft. He does not run patterns well, does like to go over the middle, and it appears he was only asked to run 3 or 4 patterns. His slight size (178 pounds), inability to workout (ankle sprain), and lack of skill in route running, will cause him to fall a little, unless his track speed matches his game speed. The Reason: Right now the unaccomplished Ashley Lelie is their Number One Receiver? Yikes! Ginn is a bit of an enigma at this point, because of his inability to work out. But going by watching him on the field, he is a great game changing player. His speed causes all sorts of problems for defenses and open all sorts of holes for teammates in the pass game, especially in the middle of the field where you want TE Vernon Davis to earn his living. in the end, it comes down to my old motto, "If you have a young QB, get him a great young Wide receiver to work with." Second Choice: Adam Carriker DE/DT |
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12. |
Bills |
Adrian Peterson RB Oklahoma 6-1.5, 217 |
F.A. Signings and Trades: Anthony Thomas R B Key F.A. Loses: Nate Clemons CB London Fletcher LB Tutan Reyes OL Patrick Ramsey QB Kelly Holcomb QB |
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The Team: Nate Clemons is gone. Hall is the top Corner prospect in the draft. Another pick that is to logical to actually happen. A. Youboty, J. Greer, T. McGee, and K. Thomas are the Corners current on their roster. Though I like Youboty and think he will develop into a good one, that is a pretty desperate situation. However, the loss of McGahee is a huge problem that must be addressed early. The Player: Peterson's inability to stay healthy worries me, and I think it will cause him to fall a little. His his ankle sprain is not a concern, but two shoulder injuries in three season in College is a red flag (and yes I know he broke his collar bone, but the collar bone is technically attaches to the shoulder). But when he was on the football field he was dominate. Then he went to the Combine and should that Athletically he was the number one Running Back. The Browns definitely need a RB, but I think they will pass on him for Thomas or Quinn, and that leaves the Bills as the next likely place. The Reason: Yikes! If the Browns pass on Peterson at 3, I don't see anyone taking him until he reaches the Bills. I just cannot see the Bills passing on Peterson. Peterson is a top five talent that will drop because of injury concerns. Second Choice: Leon Hall CB |
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13. |
Rams |
Charles Johnson DE Georgia 6-2, 281 |
Key F.A. Signings: Drew Bennett WR Chris Draft LB Todd Johnson S Mike Rumph CB James Hall DE Travis Minor RB Key F.A. Loses: Dexter Coakley LB Kevin Curtis WR Travis Fisher CB Jason Fisk NT Shaun McDonald WR Adam Timmerman OG |
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The Team: Their defense is a mess, in particular their D-Line. The signing of James Hall is a significant upgrade at D-End, that is how bad their D-Ends are. Leonard Little was dominate last season, and what makes it worse is that all the other D-Ends on the roster combined for only 2 sacks. Little and Hall make DE acceptable, at the least. However, their Defensive Tackles are looking unacceptable to me, and Carriker could step in as a 3-technique DT.. The Player: Johnson really came last season as a Junior, so he is a but of a one year wonder. Last season he had: 44 Tackles, 19 TFL, and 9.5 Sacks, in his previous two seasons he had: 29 TKL, 10.5 TFL, and 2 Sacks. Still he had an excellent Combine doing 33 Reps and running a 4.8 at 281 pounds. He has good size and speed, and is a good Pass Rusher. The Reason: Little needs help. He was the only NFL D-Lineman on the Rams last season. the Rams MUST take the top rated D-Linemen on their board. Second Choice: Adam Carriker DE/DT |
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14. |
Panthers |
Greg Olsen TE Miami 6-5.5, 255 |
Key F.A. Signings: Dave Ball DE Deke Cooper S Chad Lavalais DT Key F.A. Loses: Chris Weinke QB Chris Magnum TE Al Wallace DE |
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The Team: If Panthers look to defense, and Linebacker and Safety looks to be their two biggest needs. I also wonder if they can pass on Bowe or Meachum here. It looks like they will be choosing between Reggie Nelson and Willis. To me M. Minter and S. Williams are serviceable Safeties, but looks like T. Davis, A. Seward, and N. Diggs are their three starting Linebackers. Davis looks likes he is turning into a good player. They like Last years draft pick Jason Anderson, and Dan Morgan is apparently ready to play. If they address the Offense, O-line and Tight End are the top priorities. Though it is not the most important position TE is the biggest hole in their roster. The Player: I think Olsen has top 15 talent as a Pass Catching TE. His blocking skills are atrocious. He looks like a Wide Receiver when is running routes, and then you realize he is almost 6-6 and 255 pounds. He is a convert WR who still runs, catches, and blocks like a Wide Receiver. Had a scary Combine. The Reason: The reason is simple, they currently have no Viable Tight Ends. The new Offensive Coordinator Jeff Davidson has said he wants to emphasis the TE position more, and you have to have an actual TE on the roster to do that. As we get closer and closer to the draft speed becomes more and more important, and Olsen's 4.5 speed at 255 pounds puts him in the freak category. He is the best pure receiving TE prospect out come out since Todd Heap. In fact, I think that is a legitimate comparison. The good news for Pats Fans is that if he goes with Reggie Nelson here, one of the top three Linebacker could drop down to the Pats. Second Choice: Reggie Nelson FS |
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15. |
Steelers |
Leon Hall CB Michigan 5-11,195 |
Key F.A. Signings: Sean Mahan OG Key F.A. Loses: OC Jeff Hartings Verron Haynes RB |
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The Team: New coach Mike Tomlin has said he will switch to a 4-3, though his D-Coordinator is a 3-4 Guru. This causes a lot of problems on Defense. The Steelers need help at OLB and DT. However, a switch to a 4-3 causes the need for D-Lineman to override the need for LB. Right now the Steelers are in limbo between a 3-4 and a 4-3. The best D-Lineman for this situation is Adam Carriker, as he can play anywhere on the line in any Defense. The Steelers Right D-Ends are currently B. Keisel and T. Kirschke, they do not inspire confidence in me. However, Ike Taylor and Bryant McFadden are their starting Corners, and if Hall somehow falls to them they cannot pass. If Hall is gone, I think the Steelers will take a long look at Carriker. The Player: Hall combines text-book technique with amazing feet and athleticism. His biggest question was his long speed, and running a 4.39 forty at the Combine removed those doubts. He is physical in run support. Hall seems to be slipping a little, and I have seen him as the second or third CB on some lists, but I am going to have to go with what I saw. At Michigan he was a phenomenal CB. He has everything you want in a CB: he has terrific cover skills, uncanny anticipation, and the pure quickness a CB must have. Plus, he is a phenomenal athlete, and has good size, strength, and plays the run very well. The Reason: In my opinion, this is a 12 player draft, meaning the top 12 players in this draft are ahead of everybody else. Steelers get lucky and one of the top 12 players drop to them at a need position. Seems to perfect to happen. Second Choice: Adam Carriker DE/DT |
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16. |
Packers |
Marshawn Lynch RB California 5-10, 220 |
Key F.A. Signings:
Key F.A. Loses: |
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The Team: Is Bowe or Meachum a crazy pick here? I think this would be a huge boost for Favre. The need for a WR and a RB will be battled over at this pick. However, they have two good starters at WR, Donald Driver and Greg Jennings, and no real starter at RB, Vernand Morency. The need for a RB is desperate. Character concerns, good 2nd Round talent at RB, and back issues could cause the Packers to pass. The Player: Lynch is a great Runner who has off field issues. He has a herky-jerky running motion that makes him great in the open field, he even ran his Forty at the Combine like he was trying to fake out a DB. He terrific size, strength, and vision. he is a great athlete who runs hard and can catch the ball well. He should be able to give the Packer 18-20 carries per game easily. The Reason: The Packers have no candidates to be their starting Tailback, and have made effort to find one in FA. This gigantic hole has to be filled. The closer we get to the Draft the more it looks they are locked onto Lynch. Lynch looks like he is an instant starter at RB. Second Choice: Dwayne Bowe WR |
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17. |
Jaguars |
Reggie Nelson FS Florida 6', 195 |
Key F.A. Signings: Key F.A. Loses: Kyle Brady TE Deon Grant S |
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The Team: Jags have top Defensive Tackle pair in the League, adding a top DE would make their D-line one of the best in the NFL. They were one of only three teams who were top ten in both Offense and Defense. There biggest concerns seem to be getting better play out of there existing players. They must first get the QB situation must be straightened out. They now have three OT's, with the signing of Pashos, that needs a reliable rotation. And of course the WR situation, a lot of people have the Jags taking a WR here? I just don't see it. They certainly need more production form the WR position, but the have four legitimate WRs including two First Round Picks: Reggie Williams, Matt Jones, Earnest Wilford, and Dennis Northcutt. The position that seems to have the most concerns are the Safety positions. Deon Grant has left and Donovin Darius was injured again last season (he has missed 20 games the past two seasons), and the Jags have to question if he can be counted on for a whole season. The Player: Nelson is a playmaker from Championship Program. Their Defensive Backfield is in disarray, and Nelson will step in and start as a rookie. I think the Pats are craving a chance to grab Reggie Nelson. He has everything you want in a Free Safety Prospect. He is pure speed on the field, and has the range of Eugene Wilson when in deep coverage. He is known for making big plays at the biggest times. He loves football, and is a student of the game. He is ready to step into the starting lineup now and big plays at the biggest times. If only he could make it to 24;-))) The Reason: Nelson is the second best Prospect in the draft at Jacksonville's biggest need position. Nelson is a pure Free Safety Prospect who can play center field like Eugene Wilson, and allow Darius, if he can stay on the field, to play in the box like Harrison. It's to perfect to happen. Second Choice: Jarvis Moss DE |
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18. |
Bengals |
Patrick Willis LB Mississippi 6-1.5, 242 4.37 Forty |
Key F.A. Signings: Reggie Kelly TE Alex Stepanovich OC Key F.A. Loses: Eric Johnson TE Kelley Washington WR Kevin Kaesviharn S |
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The Team: I'm torn Timmons or Olsen. Each would be a huge help to this team next season. Since their is more depth at Linebacker in this draft I was going to go with Olsen, as the Bengals should be able to pick up a good Linebacker prospect in the 2nd and the 3rd Round. However, the signing of Reggie Kelly made the decision to give them a Linebacker easy. The loss of Thurman, Pollack, and Simmons leaves no Linebackers on their roster with more than three years experience. I can see them drafting 3 Linebackers in this Draft. The Player: He ran a 4.37 and a 4.38 Forty at his Proday, are kidding me! He may have worked his way into the top ten. I think Patrick Willis has a chance to be a great one, and I am one of the few people who have him rated over Timmons. He is a sideline-to-sideline tackling machine. Speed, instincts, and toughness. A lot of people have him slipping to or past 24, if he somehow last to 24 the Patriots MUST gobble him up. In my opinion, he is a Patriot-type player, and I mean that as the highest compliment. Unfortunately, I just can't see him making it to 24. The Reason: The reason is simple, there best Linebacker Dan Morgan cannot be counted on because of injuries and serious concussion concerns. The only other legitimate starting Linebacker on their roster now is Davis. Willis is a dominate Middle Linebacker who has the intelligence and versatility that coach John Fox like to employ in his Zone-Blitzing Defense. The Bengals have to get a Linebacker here, and almost everybody has Timmons as the second best Linebacker. He is quick athletic Linebacker who put his hand down on third downs to rush the QB. Second Choice: Darrelle Revis CB |
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19. |
Titans |
Dwayne Jarrett WR USC 6-4 214 4.62 Forty |
F.A. Signings and Trades: Ryan Fowler LB Justin Gage WR Nick Harper CB Brain Scott S Key F.A. Loses: Bobby Wade WR Travis Henry RB Drew Bennett WR Zach Pillar OL Robaire Smith DT Erron Kinnet TE |
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The Team: Titans have a huge hole at WR. David Givens had no speed to spare, and he had a tragic knee injury last season. Brandon Jones, coming off a knee problem himself, looks like he could develop into a good player. The Loss of Drew Bennett and Bobby Wade is huge. Titans will have tough time passing on Jarrett. But, I had them needing a Corner before the Pacman Odyssey. It looks like he will be suspended, if not for an entire season, than for some significant time. The Player: Jarrett ran a 4.62 and a 4.67 at his Proday. This is not great, but better then the 4.7 that would have dropped him out of the 1st Round. He is one of the most productive Wide Receivers who every played in college. He dominated the Pac-10. Some of his numbers are staggering, including a Pac-10 record 41 career TDs. In 2005, he had 91 catches for 1,274 yards and 16 TDs. Last season he had 70 catches for 1,015 yards and 12 TDs. He has great size, great hands, and runs short patterns with amazing quickness and precision. The problem is speed. Can you draft a WR in the 1st Round who cannot run under a 4.6 Forty? I cannot dismiss his lack of speed. Right now I think he is a Second Round pick. However, a lot of people disagree with that assessment, and I'm guessing Norm Chow is one of them. The Reason: The potential loss of Pacman leaves a giant hole at Cornerback. The signing of Nick Harper leaves the door open for the drafting of Jarrett. Both Harper and Reynaldo Hill are good Corners. They clear like Harper more than I do. I will probably switch this pick ten times come draft day. In fact, I've already changed my mind. The biggest hole on their roster is at WR. I thought they needed a WR before the loss of Bennett and Wade. Also I not sure they can pass on Hometown hero Robert Meachum. Second Choice: Dwayne Jarrett WR |
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20. |
Giants |
Lawrence Timmons OLB Florida ST 6-1, 234 4.59 Forty |
. OLT, LB, LB, CB, WR, DT, LB, DB, TE
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Key F.A. Signings: Reuben Droughns RB Key F.A. Loses: LaMarr Arington LB Carlos Emmons LB Visanthe Shiancoe TE |
The Team: The Giants needed to pick up a Linebacker before the season ended, since then they have released Arrington and Emmons. That situation MUST be addressed. They are another team that should draft three Linebacker in this Draft. The Giants need to improve their Defense to take the next step. They also have a big hole at Corner, and if Willis, Posluszny, and Timmons are gone look for a Corner here. The Player: Timmons showed up at the Combine a little smaller and slower than expected, but he is a terrific football player. He has those natural instincts for making blockers miss and finding the ball. On the field, he looks like a super athlete. He is one of those players who is a football athlete and not a track athlete. He plays faster and more athletically than he tests. The Reason: Antonio Pierce is the only experienced Linebacker on the Roster. Gerris Wilkinson showed some promise, but he was mainly a Special Teamer, and that is it. The Giants and the Bengals have the worst Linebackers in the NFL. Second Choice: Paul Posluszny LB |
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21. |
Broncos |
Adam Carriker DL Nebraska 6-6, 296 |
F.A. Signings and Trades: Travis Henry RB Brandon Stokley WR Patrick Ramsey QB Daniel Graham TE Dan Wilkerson DT Antwan Peek DE Montrae Holland OG Key F.A. Loses: Cooper Carlisle OG |
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The Team: Broncos have been the busiest team during the past two off seasons, and as a result it seems to me they have the least needs of any team. They needed a DE, TE, RB, and CB desperately. Those needs have been filled, you can question how well, but they have certainly been addressed. So this pick is one of the hardest in this draft. I think they will be tempted by a WR, because Rod Smith is reaching the end. However, the signing of Brandon Stokley was a good one, and Brandon Marshall has become a valuable asset, as he seems to struck a cord with Jay Cutler and is his favorite receiver. I don't think David Kircus is anything special. But in the end, the Broncos really need a DE as I don't think Peek is the solution there. The Players: Carriker looks a lot like Howie Long to me. He is strong, quick, and can play anywhere on the D-Line. He is a monster of a man for a DE. He is easily the best Power DE in this draft, and the best pure 3-4 DE prospect. He is strong against the run, and can hold the point-of-attack. He also is slippery and has enough speed and quickness to get to the QB, as a 3-Technique DT. To me, Carriker looks ready to step and start on the D-Line in multiple position right now. He is big, strong, and crafty. He can hold the point and slip the block. He was a star at the Senior Bowl and Combine. He has steadily gained weight and strength over the past two season, and has 20.5 career sack and 41 TFL. The Reason: They will be picking between a pass rushing DE and a WR. Right now Moss may be the hardest Player to pass on.. I don't think they will be able to pass on Reggie Nelson is he is on the board either. The reason i gave them Carriker over Moss is the signing of Antwan Peek, who is a pure Pass Rushing DE, like Moss. I think Moss is better player than Peek, but Carriker will give them more versatility. He can be a Left or Right D-End, and on pass down move inside and let Peek come in a Rigth End and rush from the outside. Second Choice: Jarvis Moss DE/OLB |
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22. |
Cowboys |
Robert Meacham WR Tennessee 6-2, 205 |
Key F.A. Signings: Brad Johnson QB Key F.A. Loses: Drew Blodsoe QB Kenyon Coleman DE Jason Fabini OT Al Johnson OC Ryan Fowler LB |
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The Team: I have had Blaylock here for a long time. But the signing of Davis removes that need, though I am not a fan of that move. For me Free Safety and Wide Receiver become top needs, and Hamlin fills Safety need. They must look to WR. Owens is a disaster waiting to happen, and Glenn is 33. The other question for me is D-Line. Carriker may be most valuable to a team lost between a 3-4 and a 4-3. He can play anywhere along the D-line in both a 3-4 and a 4-3, except maybe NT. The Player: Meacham has very good size and speed, but what separates him form the other Wide Receivers are his hands. He has huge Vise-grip hands that he uses to snag the ball out of the air. Plus he has return skills that can help the team immediately as he sits behind the four veterans and learns. The Reason: I keep going back and forth Between Meachum and Bowe. I guess I have them equally rated. The Cowboys hace two starters and need a 3rd or 4th Receiver. I choose Meachum because he has more first year value as he has experience as a Returner. Second Choice: Robert Meachum WR |
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23. |
Chiefs |
Joe Staley OLT Central Michigan 6-6 304 |
Key F.A. Signings: Damion McIntosh OT Napolean Harris LB Donnie Edwards LB Key F.A. Loses: Jordan Black OLT |
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The Team: Chiefs must get at least one Offensive Tackle in this draft. Damion McIntosh was unimpressive at Miami last season. Jordan Black was not the best LT in the league, but he could at least still play. It looks like they will be deciding between Tony Ugoh and Staley. The Player: Staley came on the scene very late. But he is a phenomenal athlete. He is a Legitimate Left Tackle prospect. He may even be able to come in and start day one. He loves football, and trains and studies fanatically, and from a wroking stand point no team will be disappointed. Has the quick feet and wide base you look for in a Left Tackle. Worked his way into the First Round with an amazing Proday. he showed up at his proday at 6-5 7/8 and 304 pounds and ran an astonishing 4.82 Forty. His 32-inch vertical jump and 9-foot-4 long jump are just amazing, and he did a WR like 4.42 short shuttle. The Reason: Chiefs must pick up a Tackle, period. They will be tempted by a WR, especially if Bowe is still on the board. But right now Damion McIntosh, who is adequate at best is the starting LT, and it only goes down hill from there: Chris Terry (not adequate), Kevin Sampson (not adequate), John Webourn (adequate), and Kyle Turley (You have to be kidding me). Staley displayed the skill, technique, and desire to play Left Tackle at Central Michigan. Then tested out athletically as maybe the best O-linemen in the draft, Joe Thomas is his only competition. This pick is not a reach. In fact, Staley may have work his way ahead of Levi Brown, as Brown is a superior run blocker, but he has lapses in footwork that opens lanes to pass rushers. Some think Brown would be better served as a Right Tackle, and Staley is a Left Tackle. Staley would step on this roster and be the best Tackle already, and that is not an easy thing to say about a rookie. Second Choice: Joe Staley OLT |
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24. |
Patriots |
Darrelle Revis CB Pittsburgh 5-11, 190 |
Key F.A. Signings: Sammy Morris FB/RB Kyle Brady TE Donte Stallworth WR Kelly Washington WR Eddie Jackson CB Key F.A. Loses: Corey Dillon RB Tully Banta Cain LB Don Davis LB Tebucky Jones S Daniel Graham TE |
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The Team: The Patriots biggest hole in the roster is a CB, Period. Who is their Nickel Back. I considered there to be twelve starters on defense, the regular eleven and the Nickel Corner. The Nickel Corner is usually on the field when the game is being decided: most Third Downs, every Third and long, Forth and long, and at the end of the game when teams are trying to tie or go ahead. When it matters most the Nickel Corner is on the field. Right now Ray Mickens and Randell Gay are the two Nickel Corners. Now I like Mickens, but most think he will not be on the team next season. As for Gay, he is an Injured Reserve player waiting to happen. Not only do they need a Nickel Corner, they need a young Corner who might have to be a starter next season. Assante Samuel was Franchised that means he is definitely on the Pats for one season. But what about 2008? Do they Franchise him again? He has handled the Franchise Tag very well this off-season, but what if they Franchise him next season? I don't believe he will be as accepting of losing out on 20 million guaranteed next season. If they wouldn't give him a long term deal this season, why would they next season? Getting a Corner first who can step in and start at Nickel Corner and eventually develop into a starter is a MUST. They could get away with drafting a Free Safety, Reggie Nelson (certainly) or Michael Griffin, if they want to move Wilson to Nickel Corner. Revis or Aaron Ross look like perfect fits for this need. Patriots still need to pick up at least one corner and Linebacker, even if they sign Samuel. If they plan on keeping Samuel for the longterm, then Safety becomes just as big a need. Meacham or Bowe are both excellent WR prospects, who may be to good to pass up. The Pats could also look at Linebacker Posluszny, but Linebacker has a lot of depth in this draft. All three of these Linebackers will be available in the 2nd Round: David Harris (Who I think is just as good an Inside Linebacker prospect as Posluszny), Brandon Siler and Jon Beason. Also Linebackers available in the 3rd Round look to be excellent this year. Tim Shaw, H.D. Blades, Jay Moore, Justin Durant, and Prescott Burgess all appear to be available in the 3rd Round. Plus you have the four Combine Wonder Linebackers who will be available early on day two: Zak DeOssie, Brian Robison, Quincy Black, and Antwan Barnes. The Patriots look to be in good position here for a top Corner. There could be as many as four top Corners on the board here, Houston, Ross, Hughes, and Revis. Which one of those four they think is the best, I don't know so it's hard to make this pick. They could easily pass on a Corner here, because of the Depth, especially if Willis or Nelson slip. I think they will also be tempted by Posluszny. But I think Ross can step in and be a very good Nickel Corner next season, and eventually develop into an excellent starter. If the Pats do not take Ross here, he may make it past the Jets, but he will not make it past New Orleans at 27. Griffin and Posluszny both have a chance to make it to 28. The Player: Revis was great in College and if he slides down here, past the Titans, the Pats can't pass on him. He should not fall this far come Draft day. He was a great player at Pitt. Some thought he was a better player than Hall. It looks like he has the speed to be a good Corner in the Pros. He ran a big-time 4.39 at his Proday and he may have surpassed Hall in some eyes. He has great size, toughness, and tackling ability. In fact, he is so tough and good against the run that many think he should play Safety, but that was before he displayed Corner speed. He has the pure cover skills all Corners crave. Reminds me of Ty Law, or a bigger faster Eugene Wilson. He could step in and start at Corner or Free Safety next season. The Reason: Who is the Patriots Nickel Corner? Revis is smart, disciplined, and understands what coaches want him to do. He has all the physical traits you need in a Corner. He has great cover skills and is well experienced as a Bump and Run Corner. Ran a 4.39 Forty at the Combine. Physically aggressive, likes to hit, and maybe the best run-supporting corner in the Draft. Can play Safety. Love football. Revis may not be here when the Patriots pick, but if he is they cannot pass on him. He was a terrific three year starter at Pitt. If Reggie Nelson or Patrick Willis are still on the board, they will jump all over them. Otherwise, they will take the top rated Corner on their board, and Revis may be the top rated Corner in the draft. He and Leon Hall are 1 and 1A. Cincinnati will have a hard time passing on him. Second Choice: Aaron Ross CB |
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25. |
Jets |
Jarvis Moss OLB/DE Florida 6-6, 250 |
Key F.A. Signings: Kenyon Coleman DE Michael Hayes DE David Bowens DE Andre Wadsworth DE Darian Barnes FB Key F.A. Loses: Patrick Ramsey QB Kevin Barlow RB Derrick Blaylock RB Trey Teague OL Dave Ball DE |
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The Team: The Jets are going to need a good cover Corner if they want to continue Blitzing in the 3-4. Aaron Ross would an interesting pick here. He is a bone thin Corner who looks to be a good one. The Patriots will have a hard time passing on him. I really like him. He shows great cover skills and speed. I thought he was dominate at the Senior Bowl, and he really made a lot of money. However, the biggest hole in the Jets roster in TE. Mangini is a Belichick disciple and nobody Belichick loves to draft D-Lineman and Tight Ends in the First Round more than him . So if Greg Olsen drops I think will jump all over him. The Player: Moss is a pure speed rusher. He gets to the QB in a rush. In his last two seasons at Florida he had 81 TKL, 20 TFL, and 15 Sacks. He never stops hustling. Loves the game, and wants to play. He has great height and the frame to add more weight, and can knock down passes and block kicks. It is starting to look like he is slipping a little bit, as concern about injury and lack of strength against the run come up. But Pass Rushers are always at a premium on draft day. The Reason: Outside Linebacker is not a top need, but in a 3-4 you can never have too many Pass Rushing OLB. They have three good linebacker on the team, and the rest are roster fodder. Moss is a pure pass- rusher, and maybe better served playing off the line a little where he can't get overwhelmed in the running game. Second Choice: Aaron Ross CB |
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26. |
Eagles |
Michael Griffin S Texas 5-11.5, 196
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Key F.A. Signings: Kevin Curtis WR Juqua Thomas DE Kelly Holcomb QB Montae Reagar DT Key F.A. Loses: Donte Stallworth WR Shawn Barber LB Jeff Garcia QB Rod Hood CB Michael Lewis S |
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The Team: I thought Eagles needed a WR before they lost Stallworth, now they need two. This is a good year to need a Wide Out and be picking in the 20's. However, Reggie Brown Kevin Curtis give them two good starters. Hank Baskett was a pleasant surprise last season, and Reid really likes Jason Avant. They safety position may be more of a need, Brain Dawkins is 33 and Sean Considine should not be a starting Safety. The Player: Griffin has been the source of much debate. He has been criticized for having a bad Senior season and appearing to be afraid of contact. I disagree with these opinions. As for toughness, he played last season with a bad shoulder and probably should have not played. Is there anything tougher then playing Safety with a bum shoulder? As for have a bad season, statistically he had a slightly better season last season than as a Junior, dispite his shoulder. As a Junior he had 124 TKL, 11 PBU, and 3 INT, as a Senior he had 126, 10, and 4. He is terrific in Run Support. He is an excellent athlete, who displays great speed and anticipation on the field. He is extremely competitive. He loves football, and playing football. He is a great athlete who ran a phenomenal 4.41 at his Proday. The deciding factor for me here is that he is also a great Special Teams player, and though he may not start at Safety next season he will instantly improve the Special Teams of the Team that selects him. The Reason: I think a young Safety who can play FS and maybe able to take over for Dawkins in a few years is the their biggest need. This is the perfect description of Griffin. Plus, Griffin has been tearing up the off season and it looks like there is no way he can drop out of the 1st Round. However, if Dwayne Bowe does drop down here, he probably is to good to pass on. Second Choice: Dwayne Bowe WR |
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27. |
Saints |
Chris Houston CB Arkansas 5-10, 185 |
F.A. Signings: Eric Johnson
TE Key F.A. Loses: Joe Horn WR Danny Clark LB Ernie Conwell TE Montrae Holland CB Omar Stoutmire SS |
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The Team: The Saints really need a CB. Fred Thomas was used, bruised, and abused in the Playoffs last year, and has become the Scapegoat for their loss to the Bears. New Orleans Defense is actually very solid at all positions, except at Right Cornerback. Houston, I think, is the best Press Corner prospect in the draft. He is strong, tough, fast, and lightning quick. By Draft day a lot of teams will have him high on their boards, and he probably won't make it past the Titans at 19. The Player: Houston is a physical freak who can also play football. He runs in the 4.3s, and can bench 450 Pounds. He benched 225 pounds 27 times at the Combine, that is a good number for a linebacker. Was only a starter for one season, and still has a lot to learn. But he has the smooth hips and quick feet to be a good Corner. Physically he may be unmatched in this years draft, but still needs technique work. he may fall this far because of lack of experience, knowledge of the game, and because their are two exception Corners in front of him. But in three years people may be asking why he wasn't a top ten pick. The Reason: The Saints biggest hole in their roster is at CB. Wade has the physical skills to be the best Corner in this years draft. He probably won't last this long, However, the depth in this years draft between 15-30 maybe the best I've ever seen. maybe I'm overrating the talent in this years Draft, but to me Houston is every bit as good a prospect as Pacman Jones was a few years ago, without the character concerns. Second Choice: Michael Griffin S |
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28. |
Patriots |
Paul Posluszny LB Penn ST 6-1.5, 233 |
Key F.A. Signings: Sammy Morris FB/RB Kyle Brady TE Donte Stallworth WR Kelly Washington WR Eddie Jackson CB Key F.A. Loses: Corey Dillon RB Tully Banta Cain LB Daniel Graham TE |
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The Team: I am trying to figure out what I am missing. I see the Patriots taking 2 players from three positions Corner, Safety, and Linebacker. So what am I missing. What position is such an obvious need, that after they draft you go "Oh yeah, obviously." But before the draft seems such a mystery. I have guessed wrong every year so far under Belichick. WR could be an interesting pick, especially if Meachum or Bowe are still around. Both have a chance to be great players yet both carry baggage and will probably be drafted later than they should. Kelly Washington may not make the team this year, he has proven nothing so far in his career, sorry Keith. Troy Brown just underwent knee surgery. And Stallworth may be on a one year contract, the second season of the contract is the BIG one. Jackson may never develop, Rookies who miss training Camp usually struggling in their first season, but players that miss their first two Training Camps usually fail. Although, there is good news on the Jackson front- Doctors have said the damage was not as bad as originally thought and he should be ready for Training Camp, which could be a career saving development for Jackson. So drafting Meachum or Bowe is not out of the question. The O-line did not play as well as expected last season. In the season half of the season they had to all but eliminate the running game from the playbook. Now yes, there were a lot of reason for this, but the O-Line was certainly a large part of that decision. Brady is now 30, and the better the running game the less of a beating he will take, and the longer he can be proficient. Is Justin Blalock way out of line here? I'm not so sure. He plays with amazing strength and leverage. He has played both Right Tackle and Guard. He is a force as run blocker. Nick Kaczur had a bad season last year. Though O'Callaghan played well for a rookie, in fact I thought has played better then Kaczus, especially in the running game. Neal played well in the running game, but his pass protection looks bad sometimes. Blalock would not look bad on the right side with these guys. in the end however, Getting a young Safety or Linebacker is just more of a pressing need. Another development is Jon Beason, a player I think is over-rated. He has been compared to Jonathon Vilma, he is not on the same level as Vilma. Some have him as the top Linebacker in the draft. He is undersized, has been injured, and does not make big plays (he has 2 Career Interceptions and 2.5 Career Sacks in three season at Miami). He is terrific against the run, and could develop into an interesting 3-4 Inside Linebacker. I can see absolutely no way the Patriots draft him in the First Round! There fore he is a viable option here;-) Okay, so maybe no Wide Receiver here. The question is do they take Safety or Linebacker here. I really like Aaron Rouse. He is a 6-3 Strong Safety who is force against the run and is far better against the pass than expected. At the Senior Bowl when they were running Redzone Passing drills, he was amazing. He did not let a single ball get over his head. He was far and away the best DB I ever saw in that drill. I think he is a First Round talent. Plus, he excels in man-on-man coverage against Tight Ends. Brandon Meriweather is another tempting choice here. He has been labeled as having character issues, but I am not sure I buy that. He has never been arrested or got in any trouble while at the U. He was credited with starting the embarrassing brawl against Florida International, but there was a lot of blame to pass around there, and I am not sure you can judge a man's character solely by one act of pure stupidity. On the field he may be as good as any Safety in this draft not named Landry. He can lock onto the TE and shut and him down in coverage. He has that Rodney Harrison knack for being in the right place at the right time with amazing consistency. What he lacks in size he makes up in toughness. He will never be a devastating hitter like Harrison, but he knows his assignments and carries them out with precision and consistency, which is imperative in the Patriot's scheme. I think they will be choosing between Griffin and Posluszny. I'm not sure how much interest the Pats have in Posluszny. He is a bit an injury concern. He looks like he could play any of the four LB positions in the 3-4, and with Thomas arriving with his great versatility a young Linebacker will need that versatility to get on the field. I believe he can play all four Linebacker positions in the 3-4. Belichick seems determined to never take a Linebacker on the First Day. So now that I am convinced he will never take a Linebacker on the First Day, he will take one. In fact, the reason I am convinced he will take a Linebacker here, is because I believe he never will take Linebacker on the First Day;-) Nobody has been fooled by Belichick and Pioli more then me. The Patriots need speed and youth at Linebacker more than anything else, and Posluszny fills both those needs. The Player: Posluszny reads and reacts quickly and can fill the hole inside. I think he could be a great Inside Linebacker in the 3-4, though he says he is more of an Outside Linebacker. He is known as a good coverage Linebacker and can cover Tight Ends all over the field. And I know I'm obsessing about Tight Coverage, but I can still see Dallas Clark running doen the seam. Had tremendous production, had 336 Tackles over the past three seasons. The Reason: The Patriots need a young Inside Linebacker to help Vrabel and develop behind Bruschi. Posluszny would have been considered 1 and 1a with A.J. Hawk in last years draft if he hadn't hurt his knee. He should not still be on the board, in fact I have moved him ahead of Timmons on my Board. His production and versatility even out do Patrick Willis. Willis has more Tackles in the past two seasons, 265 to 232, but is an Inside Linebacker. Posluszny Played Outside in a 4-3, and Inside in a 3-4. The patriots have to consider a safety here, and Michael Griffin would be an excellent fit. And I consider CB to be their top need, so if they don't take a CB at 24 they will have to one here. If Justin Blalock is still available they will have to think about him. Second Choice: Michael Griffin S |
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29. |
Ravens |
Tony Ugoh OLT 6-5 301 |
Key F.A. Signings: Musa Smith RB Jarret Johnson OLB Key F.A. Loses: Adalius Thomas LB Jamaal Lewis RB Aubrayo Franklin NT Edwin Mulitalo OG Tone Pathos OT |
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The Team: To me, The Ravens will be choosing between Tony Ugoh and Blalock. I thought OL was one of there top needs before they lost Pathos and Mulitalo, now I think the need is desperate and I would be very surprised if they took anything other than a O-Lineman here. And the situation could be devastating as Jonathon Ogden is talking about retirement. The Player: I have Ugoh slightly higher rated, and he is really flying up the charts as he is showing more toughness than expected, and interesting, coachability. Ugoh would be a reach, but he is a legitimate Left Tackle prospect, and worth his weight in gold. They may have to wait a little for him to gain weight, strength, and technique, but he has everything you need athletically to play Left Tackle in NFL. He is a terrific athlete, has quick footwork, and special agility for an O-Lineman. I think Ugoh may be able to play Right Tackle next season, as he is very coachable and willing to learn. In two or three years he could be the best O-Lineman to come out of this Draft. The Reason: The Ravens look to be in good position here. They need help on the O-Line and there should be 3 or 4 goods waiting for them. Blalock is a higher rated player and is more ready to step in and play next season. But with Ogden talking about retirement a viable Left tackle could be needed as soon as 2008. This open the door for Ugoh, who will take a year or two to develop, but is a legitimate Left Tackle Prospect. Second Choice: Justin Blalock |
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30. |
Chargers |
Dwayne Bowe WR LSU 6-2 220 |
Key F.A. Signings:
Key F.A. Loses: Keenan McCardell WR Shaun Phillips LB Steve Foley LB Donnie Edwards LB Aaron Shea TE Ryan Krause TE |
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The Team: The Chargers really need a Wide Receiver and several Linebackers. If Bowe, Meachum, or Posluszny fall to them I think they will be ecstatic. You could argue they need Linebacker more than Wide Receivers, but Bowe is the top rated player at both positions left on the board. The Player: Bowe looks like he could be a star if he can stop the dropping the ball. He has everything you want in a WR. He is big and strong and knows how to get open, and his best asset may be his blocking. He is by far the best blocking WR in this years draft. The only concern with Bowe is that he drops too many balls. If he learns to concentrate with more consistency he could be a Pro Bowler. The Reason: If Posluszny or Timmons falls to them they will go Linebacker, otherwise WR is there biggest hole. Bowe looks like he as All-Pro potential at the biggest hole in their roster. Second Choice: Paul Posluszny LB |
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31. |
Bears |
Justin Blalock OG/OT Texas 6-3, 330 |
F.A. Signings and Trades: Adam Archuleta SS Anthony Adams DT Key F.A. Loses: Alfonso Boone DT Justin Gage WR Todd Johnson S Cameron Worrell S |
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The Team: Bears must improve their Offensive Line. They have 3 starters over 30. I think they will be choosing between Blalock and Arron Sears. They both have position versatility, although Sear looks more like a Right Tackle and Blalock a Right Guard. For me the deciding factors are that Blalock is more ready to play and it looks like he can play more positions on the O-Line. The Pick: The pick of Blaylock is just fit perfect. The Beasr really needs help on O-Line, and Blalock looks to be ready to step into the starting lineup and not leave for 10 years. He played Tackle at Texas so he could play Right Tackle in a pinch, but most believe he is going to make his living inside at Guard. Sears looks like a very good Guard prospect, and he has have to size to play Right Tackle as well. I think Grubbs is a much better O-Guard Prospect, but the Bears need help at multiple positions. The Reason: Blalock is the higher rated player at the same position. Second Choice: Arron Sears OL |
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32. |
Colts |
Aaron Ross CB 6-1/2 295 |
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Key F.A. Signings:
Key F.A. Loses: Dominic Rhodes RB Nick Haper CB Cato June LB Montae Reagor DT Brandon Stokley WR |
The Team: Colts will need a Linebacker, Corner, and D-Lineman with their first three picks. I think the Loss of Harper makes CB a priority. Although, they did get two good DB's in last years Draft, CB Tim Jennings and S Antoine Bethea, so they my feel the need to grab a Linebacker, O-Lineman, or DT here more pressing. The Player: I really like Aaron Ross, in fact, I am starting to like him more than Houston. He is the tallest of the Corner prospects and has great quickness and fluidity. He really showed well at Senior Bowl and Combine. He is good bump and run Corner with good height. He knows how to stay with a WR in coverage. He has long arms that he uses to give the WR a good jolt at line of scrimmage. He has an amazing knack for reading the route and running it hip-to-hip with the WR. The Reason: The more I look at it the more I think Beason makes sense here. He makes a lot more sense in the Tampa Two. Daymeon Hughes looks like a better system fit, and could be a good 2nd Round pick for them. But Ross is to good to pass up. Although he is more of a Press Corner and looks a little lost in a Zone. He should be long gone before this pick. Second Choice: Jon Beason LB
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