Official NFL Draft Blog

[mardigan]

Ive been putting off my mock, but the draft is only 17 days away, so Im going to go for it. Here is my mock, barring any trades



1)Raiders-Calvin Johnson wr
I know the Raiders need a qb as more than any team in the NFL, but Al is really high on this guy, and seeing as how Al doesnt play rookie qb's, mine as well take the most sure player in the draft and look for a qb elsewhere

2)Lions-Jamarcus Russell qb
I think that they will trade this pick, unless the Raiders do take Johnson. If niether happens, Thomas will be the pick

3)Browns-Brady Quinn qb
It would be easy to slot in Peterson here, but I just dont see it happening. They will see how good Lewis can be next year, and finally get their first franchise qb

4)Buccaneers-Gaines Adams de
If Johnson is off the board, look for them to trade down. If they cant find a partner, this will be the pick. Their defense is aging, and this guy could replace Simeon Rice. Also, watch out for Peterson here, supposedly Gruden is enamored by him to the point where they might take him and trade Cadillac.

5)Arizona-Joe Thomas ot
No brainer here. They will do back flips if he slides this far. Thomas is a sure thing, and for a franchise that hasnt had stability, he will be their starter for 10 plus years. Look for them to trade up , maybe to the Lions or Bucs to grab this guy.

6)Redskins-Omobi Okoye dt
If they even have their pick by the time the draft starts, he will be the pick. Their interior defense is horrible, and taking this 19 year old hard worker will help shore up the middle of that d-line for many, many years.

7)Vikings-Laron Landry s
I think that the Vikes are praying that Quinn falls to them. He wont, so they will take Landry, a game changing playmaker in the secondary. If the Pats pull off the trade to get the 6th pick, they will take Landry, so Viking fans better hope the Skins dont pull it off.

8)Falcons (from Texans)-Adrian Peterson rb
With Landry off the board (who the Falcons covet), they almost have to take Peterson. They could go d-line, and get a Branch or Anderson, but Warrick isnt getting any younger and Peterson is the best player available.

9)Dolphins-Jamaal Anderson de
This is a no-brainer to me. Quinn is gone, and Landry will be gone, so that leaves defensive end. This team is getting old all over the field on defense, and Anderson will be the replacement for the loss of Kevin Carter. I also wouldnt be surprised if they reached here for Greg Olsen. Levi Brown is also an option.

10)Texans (from Falcons)-Levi Brown ot
Another easy pick. The Texans have needed a solid left tackle since thye started out as a franchise. This is the year they finally do somethin about it. Levi will be a starter for a long time and help Green get some big runs. If Peterson is still there at this pick you can scratch this pick

11)49ers-Adam Carriker de
This is one of my favorite guys in the draft. 6-6, about 300 pounds and still ran a low 4.9, high 4.8. With the 9ers transition to the 3-4, they have been looking for a guy to compliment Young, Carriker is their guy. Can play all 3 positions on the line, strong enough to stop the run, quick enough to get to the qb.

12)Bills-Darrelle Revis cb
This is a hard one. They could take Willis here, or even reach for a reciever. But with the loss of Clements, they have a huge hole to fill. The coaching staff are high on Ashton Youboty, but Revis's sub 4.4 40 cements him as the best corner in my mind. He is a very physical corner that will be very good in the Bills system.

13)Rams-Alan Branch dt
Another team that will be doing cartwheels if he falls here. The Rmas were last in the league last year in stopping the run, and their best dt (Glover) is getting ancient. Branch has slipped on most draft boards questioning his work ethic, but he will be solid run stopper for the Rams for a long time.

14)Panthers-Greg Olsen te
No doubt in my mind. They dont have a tight end, and Olsen is the best. He will be a great addition to a pretty good offense, and give Delhomme a big fast target over the middle.

15)Steelers-Chris Houston cb
The Steelers need a lot of help in the secondary, and with Revis gone, Houston is the pick. He is a little undersized (5-9), but more than makes up for it with his speed, strength, and outstanding jumping ability. He is much better in the bump and run, and can get a little lost in zones, but he will be a solid starter on a team poised to be a player in the AFC next year.

16)Packers-Marshawn Lynch rb
He is another guy that has been slipping lately, and I could see the Pack taking another wide out, but Lynch is to good to pass up here. He can be split out as he is a great reciever, and with the young guys that start on the offensive line for the Pack getting another year under their belt, Lynch will be a big time producer for the Pack next year. He is also a very under-rated blocker in the back-field.

17)Jaguars-Reggie Nelson s
With the loss of Deion Grant last year and Minter getting old, Nelson is an easy pick. He is a ball hawk, with very good speed and great in run support. He will be a great addition for this defense.

18)Bengals-Patrick Willis lb
Letting your best linebacker go when you have a thin core is tough to do, but its what the Bengals did by letting Brian Simmons go this off-season. Willis will be plugged in at middle linebacker from day one, and will help this Bengals d immensely. He has very good speed, is a good leader, very strong
and good size. He is my early early pick for defensive rookie of the year.

19) ans-Robert Meachem wr
A lot of people were questioning Meachem's ability before the combine. Then he ran mid 4.3. Jarret could be an option with the USC conection, but his mid 4.6 40 times dropped him out of the first round in my mind. Vince will be getting a very humble, very talented reciever with Meachem. Again, he is my early pick for offensive rookie of the year.

20)Giants-Aaron Ross cb
I hate putting him here as he is one of my favorite Horns ever, but I think its were he will go. The G-men are very old in their secondary, and with the trade of Tim Carter need help in the return game. Ross will help with both. The knock on him is that he struggles in zone coverages and any time he isnt in bump and run. I personally think he will be a great, not good, great corner for a long time.

21)Broncos-Jarvis Moss de/lb
It wouldnt surprise me if the Broncos took Bowe here, but they need help with their pass rush, and this is their answer. Moss is an amazing athlete, 6-5, 6-6, about 260 with a 40 time around the low 4.6's. With them getting so much production from Dumerville last year, Moss could play opposite of him, and even take some snaps at linebacker. I like this kid a lot, and I am hoping he slips one more slot until......

22)Cowboys-Ted Ginn Jr.
Like I said I hope that Moss slips here, but I am pretty sure he will either be a Bronco or Steeler. So that leaves the Cowboys with a lot of options. Do they take Spencer from Purdue and help their pass rush? Do they take Leon Hall here as Aaron Glenn is in his last year? Or maybe a safety like Michale Griffin? I say none of the above. Ginn will make a good wide out core even better. He is a gamebreaker, and the Boys recievers arent getting any younger. Couple that with the fact that he will make a great punt and kick returner, and he becomes very valuable to the Boys.

23)Chiefs-Leon Hall cb
It will be tempting to take a reciever here, but Hall is to good to pass up at this point. Aging secondary+ defensive minded coach+a top notch corner available=very easy pick for the Chiefs. They can pick up a wide out in the next round anyway, its a deep class this year.

24)Patriots (from Seattle)-Lawerence Timmons lb
Big, physical, hard working. This is a perfect fit to me. The Pats are getting long in the tooth at backer, and Timmons will be a perfect fit to take over at outside linebacker.

25)Jets-Marcus McCauley cb
The Jets need help in the secondary, and McCauley is one of the best in this draft. He is a big corner (6-1), quick, fast and a good open field tackler. He will be a good fit for Mangenius's system.

26)Eagles-Michael Griffin s
Another one of my boys slotted to one of my least favorite teams. The Eagles have many spots that they need to improve, but this one is the most pressing. Having lost Lewis to free agency and Dawkins getting older by the second, Griffin will be the starter day one, and will learn under one of the best. Many mocks have him as a second round talent, but as those who watched Texas play the last 3 years will tell you, he is as good as any safety in this draft who's last name isnt Landry. Gig'em Mike

27)Saints-Dwayne Jarrett wr
Personally, I dont think he will be great. Now Sean Peyton on the other hand, will probably make me look like an idiot if he gets his hands on this guy. You could make a case here for Joe Staley or Merriweather, but the loss of Horn and the uncertainty of Copper and Henderson make this huge target to good to be true. At 6-5, he could very well be a touchdown scoring machine in the redzone for Brees.

28)Patriots-Ryan Kalil c
He is so good. The Pats will have a great starting center for the next 10-12 years with this pick, and probably a multiple Pro-Bowler. He is smart coming from a pro system, and tough as they come.

29)Ravens-Anthony Spencer lb/de
Goodbye Adalius Thomas, o Anthony Spencer. 6-3, 270 pounds, fast and mean. The Ravens are probably sacrificing lambs right now hoping Spencer falls to them. While Im not 100% sure he will, if he does the Ravens will turn him into a Pro-Bowler in a couple of years, guy has tons of talent.

30)Chargers-Dwayne Bowe wr
The Chargers have been needing a #1 reciever for quite some time, and Bowe could very well fill that void. He is big (6-2, 220), and has very good straight line speed. He can go over the middle or beat his man deep. He didnt start playing football till his junior year, so this guy has a ton of upside. Dont be surprised to see him taken much sooner.

31)Bears-Joe Staley t
The Bears have a aging line, and Staley is a great pick me up for it. He was a converted tight end coming in from high school, which shows in his great foot speed and lateral quickness. The Bears might go defense with this pick, but with the age of Brown and Miller,and all of the good defensive tackles gone Staley would be the safe pick. He can play guard or tackle.

32)Colts-Jon Beason lb
Say o to Cato Junes replacement. Small and fast, he is almost a June clone. He will step in and start from day one.


I know you guys are going to pick me apart on this, but please, add as much stuff as you want. I am going to keep doing the rounds as we get closer to the draft, and hopefully you guys can add who you want for your teams and why I am an idiot for putting guys where I put them

[mardigan]

Raiders | Team considering trading No. 1 pick in draft
Wed, 11 Apr 2007 07:21:16 -0700

Steve Corkran, of the Contra Costa Times, reports the Oakland Raiders have fielded several trade offers for the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft and may consider trading the pick. "It's a great situation, obviously," head coach Lane Kiffin said. "We're the only ones that control our own destiny. Obviously, we're looking at a number of options with players and also with trades."


Well this could change the whole draft

[mardigan]

ans should trade pac-man for the #1 pick.

Im wondering if the Skins were one one of the teams that contacted them. They have already brought in Russell for an interview, and could package their 6th with a couple of players (like Campbell) and move up

[mardigan]

Updated: April 11, 2007, 5:35 PM ET
Ginn clocks 4.3s in 40-yard sprint for scoutsBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

Although his stamina was less than ideal following months of rehabilitation for a sprained foot, Ohio State wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr. was still clocked in the 4.3s in the 40-yard sprint during a Wednesday workout for NFL scouts, a performance which likely strengthened his status as a top 15 selection in this month's draft.

Ginn, who was unable to work out at the NFL combine sessions at Indianapolis in February, and, thus, was viewed as a bit of a wild card in the first round, ran the 40 three times during Wednesday's campus audition. According to scouts present at the workout, Ginn's times were between 4.37-4.45 seconds.

Had he been healthy, Ginn hoped to challenge Deion Sanders' unofficial combine record in the 40-yard sprint, 4.29 seconds, but his injury precluded that. The Buckeyes' star recently has been running consistently in the 4.3s during training sessions, and his Wednesday times should have been more than satisfactory for scouts.

Overall conditioning remains a problem, however, for Ginn, who probably needs three or four more weeks to be back to optimum shape. Ginn suffered a left mid-foot sprain when teammates piled on him to celebrate his 93-yard touchdown return of the opening kickoff in the BCS championship game against the University of Florida more than two months ago.

The workout on Wednesday consisted of Ginn running the 40 and of going through a series of receiving drills. Scouts said Ginn caught the ball well and demonstrated a fluid running style but that, with his foot still not 100 percent, he was not as explosive in and out of his cuts as they project him to be when he is fully recovered.

Most teams rate Ginn the No. 2 wide receiver prospect in the draft, behind only Georgia Tech's Calvin Johnson, and some projections have him a top 10 choice. Beyond the foot injury, the only other concerns about Ginn revolve around his thin build. At the combine, he measured 5-feet-11 ¼ and 178 pounds.

In three seasons, Ginn was one of the college game's most dynamic playmakers, both as a receiver and a return man. He posted 125 receptions for 1,943 yards and 15 touchdowns in 37 games at Ohio State. Ginn averaged 14.1 yards and scored six times on 64 punt returns. He scored two touchdowns, and averaged 26.6 yards on 38 kickoff returns, and rushed 28 times for 213 yards and three touchdowns.

His six touchdowns on combined kick returns tied an NCAA career record.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.


Doubt he is going to slip now

[Pugglekicker_21]

good draft mocking.

i still say the raiders hsould draft kevin durant and make him their qb. either that or trade for byron leftwich by giving them jerry porter....and then my brain's dead, because I dont see them wanting to trade Moss, and that's the only person capable of making the jags even think of trading Byron, and they may not want him with all their receivers and his stats going to these past few years.

but thats becuase he's had no QB since Daunte...

if either russell of calvin decided to stay put for another year the raiders wouldnt have sucha big problem.

[scott]

Nice mock... I think Russell will go #1 and be a bust, but I like the curve ball in your mock.

However, GOD I HOPE THE BOYS DO NOT DRAFT GINN.

[shyne]

Houston Aint taking Levi he sucks, I think they have put themselves in position this offseason to take the best player there and it isnt Levi Brown. I'm guessing the go corner with Leon Hall, safety with Nelson or maybe Laundry will fall, or WR. Or Adrian could fall to them I have seen alot of mocks having him slip with Quinn going to Cleveland.

[mardigan]

Houston Aint taking Levi he sucks, I think they have put themselves in position this offseason to take the best player there and it isnt Levi Brown. I'm guessing the go corner with Leon Hall, safety with Nelson or maybe Laundry will fall, or WR. Or Adrian could fall to them I have seen alot of mocks having him slip with Quinn going to Cleveland.

I pretty much agree that they with everything you say. They could definately go with all of those, I just think Levi. And I think Levi is going to be very good. He is a little inconsistent, but has a ton of talent.

[JaMarcus Bryant]

my boy JaMarcus should be and will be picked first, guarantee it.

[Loose Cannon]

The chances of the Saints drafting Dwayne Jarrett at 27 are exactly zero.

[mardigan]

The chances of the Saints drafting Dwayne Jarrett at 27 are exactly zero.

And why is that exactly?

[Guru of Nothing]

And why is that exactly?

I'm not sure who the Saints will take in round one, but I can agree that a WR in round #1 is very unlikely, if for no other reason that Reggie Bush is a receiving threat.

Some fans want them to take Greg Olsen, if available, but I don't think that helps their cause. If the Saints really want a WR, they can get a stellar prospect in round 2.

Either way, I have plans to geek out on Saints training camp when the show comes to town.

[dallaskd]

a little early?

[Pugglekicker_21]

they s ed mocks right after the SB...

[mardigan]

I'm not sure who the Saints will take in round one, but I can agree that a WR in round #1 is very unlikely, if for no other reason that Reggie Bush is a receiving threat.

Some fans want them to take Greg Olsen, if available, but I don't think that helps their cause. If the Saints really want a WR, they can get a stellar prospect in round 2.

Either way, I have plans to geek out on Saints training camp when the show comes to town.

I agree they could get someone in the second like Steve Smith or Sidney Rice, but if a reciever with his upside falls to them, I just see it being a little hard to pass on that guy. Olsen wont be there, they could address their o-line, or secondary, but with the signing of Kaisevern, I think theyare set at safety this year. But who knows, they didnt really need a rb last year and took the best available, if a quality reciever is their when they pick, why not?

[Fillmoe]

patrick willis wont get past the bills..... and im glad you put 2 cats form the U in the first round!

[mardigan]

Report: Johnson among those admitting marijuana useESPN.com news services

Three players widely regarded as top-10 picks in the NFL draft, including Georgia Tech wide receiver Calvin Johnson, have admitted to previously using marijuana, Pro Football Weekly reported.

Johnson, Clemson defensive end Gaines Adams and Louisville defensive tackle Amobi Okoye admitted using the drug, according to multiple sources who have watched the interviews, the publication reported. The admissions were made during standard interviews at the NFL Scouting Combine, which are taken by every player and shared by all 32 teams for review.

Johnson is being considered by the Oakland Raiders for the first overall pick in the draft.

While some teams could see marijuana use as troubling, others might view the players' admissions of prior use as a sign of maturity, particularly since players are encouraged to be honest in the interviews.

But the NFL's new player conduct policy, along with its hardline suspensions of the Cincinnati Bengals' Chris Henry for eight games and the Tennessee ans' Adam "Pacman" Jones for an entire season, could cause teams to put even more emphasis on character, now that the league has made clear it will deal with off-the-field misbehavior harshly.

"[NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell] is going to be all over any team that drafts players with borderline character," an unidentified team official said, according to Pro Football Weekly. "You are not going to see a draft like, for instance, Cincinnati's [in 2006], where they took four criminals in one draft, because the owners are going to start getting fined."

[Fillmoe]

more incentive for the raiders to draft johnson.....

him and al can cut up that sticky icky!

[JMarkJohns]

I don't know enough of the NFL draft to do a complete mock, but I know what the Cardinals need, so...

If Thomas falls, I'll be thrilled. If not, they need to take the best player. hey don't need to reach. If the player is Peterson, I'm sure teams will call and inquire about trade options. If one of the two QB's slip, they need to shop the pick before making a draft decision. Getting an additional first or two additional first-day picks will go a long way.

They need, in order of importance...

Offensive lineman, at least three, preferably two on the first day
Linebacker, at least two overall, one on the first day
Cornerback, at least two overall, one or two on the first day
Defensive lineman, at least two overall, one on the first day
Tight End, just one, but maybe a first day pick
Runningback, just one, but maybe a first day pick

The rest is just a luxery.

[mardigan]

Cardinals | Team could trade down in the draft
Mon, 23 Apr 2007 11:39:15 -0700

Kent Somers, of the Arizona Republic, reports the Arizona Cardinals, who hold the fifth overall pick, are considering trading down in the NFL Draft. Cardinals vice president of football operations Rod Graves said trading the pick is a "50-50 option" at this point. Graves also said, "If we do look at that alternative, we don't want to go so far back as to take ourselves out of an opportunity for what we think could be an impact player. And, in addition to that, the compensation to do so would certainly have to be worth it."

[mardigan]

Broncos | Team unlikely staying put at No. 21?
Mon, 23 Apr 2007 07:05:25 -0700

Mike Klis, of the Denver Post, reports the Denver Broncos have discussed the possibilities of trading up or down in the NFL Draft. The team currently owns the No. 21 overall pick.

[mardigan]

NFL | E. Wright looking to counter questions on his character
Sun, 22 Apr 2007 21:37:48 -0700

Ralph Vacchiano, of the New York Daily News, reports UNLV CB Eric Wright has been showing up to his interviews with NFL teams trying to prove he does not have character issues. Wright was arrested on su ion of rape when he was a redshirt freshman at USC. During their investigation, the police also found 136 Ecstasy pills in Wright's apartment. However, both charges were dropped. With NFL commissioner Roger Goodell making character a priority, Wright knows he will have to explain his actions during his interviews with NFL teams. He has gone to his interviews with reference letters from many people inside and outside football. He hopes to show that any character concerns about him were the result of "an isolated incident or maybe two or three hours' worth of bad decisions."


Guy is a stud on the field, hopefully he can stay out of trouble

[mardigan]

Raiders | Team split on who to take in NFL Draft?
Mon, 23 Apr 2007 21:45:37 -0700

Phil Barber, of the Santa Rosa Press Democrat, reports there is speculation the Oakland Raiders are torn on who to select with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft. The scouting department reportedly likes Georgia Tech WR Calvin Johnson, head coach Lane Kiffin and offensive coordinator Greg Knapp like Notre Dame QB Brady Quinn and team owner Al Davis wants Louisiana State QB JaMarcus Russell.

[mardigan]

Cowboys | Jarrett visited with team
Mon, 23 Apr 2007 21:40:17 -0700

Todd Archer, of The Dallas Morning News, reports Southern California WR Dwayne Jarrett has visited with the Dallas Cowboys.

Cowboys | Sears visited with team
Mon, 23 Apr 2007 21:41:14 -0700

Todd Archer, of The Dallas Morning News, reports Tennessee OG Arron Sears has visited with the Dallas Cowboys.

[mardigan]

ans | Team expected to address receiver position in draft
Tue, 24 Apr 2007 07:36:30 -0700

The Associated Press reports the Tennessee ans will look to add a wide receiver in this year's NFL Draft. "It's still a 'need' position for us, and we're going to try to address it," said head coach Jeff Fisher.