2007 NFL Mock Draft

2007 NFL Mock Draft

This is an assessment of the most likely ways for teams to improve in this year’s draft. It is not a prediction of what will happen, but rather a representation of whom I believe each team should select for the first 100 picks of the draft. It does not take into account any pre-draft signings or draft day trades. This may be continuously updated until draft day.

1. Oakland Raiders – JaMarcus Russell, QB LSU
Needs: QB, OL, WR
Russell’s live arm should be a perfect fit for Lane Kiffin’s verticle offense (assuming any of his receivers ever show up), but I swear I heard that with both Kerry Collins and Aaron Brooks. The difference here is that not only were the previous QB’s in Oakland at the end of their careers, but they were also devoid of any semblance of athletic ability inside or outside the pocket. Russell may not scramble like Vince Young, but he has great feet and a good feel for the rush that is sure to come early and often in the Raider offense. There are several positions of need in Oakland, but luckily the Raiders posses five of the first 100 picks in this draft.
Second Round Selection: (33) Steve Smith, WR USC
Third Round Selection: (65) Manuel Ramirez, OG Texas Tech
(99 compensatory) Dan Bazuin, DE Central Michigan
Fourth Round Selection: (100) Chase Johnson, OT Wyoming (Oak)

2. Detroit Lions – Brady Quinn, QB Notre Dame
Needs: QB, DB, DE
Quinn is the most talented QB in the draft and the Lions are dangerously unstable at the position. With John Kitna’s 35th birthday coming in September, this is the perfect time to bring in a young QB for the future and let him sit for a year before handing him the reigns (a la Carson Palmer). The only question will be if Quinn has the arm it takes to succeed in Mike Martz’s vertical offense.
Second Round Selection: (34) Eric Wright, CB UNLV
Third Round Selection: (66) LaMarr Woodley, DE/OLB Michigan

3. Cleveland Browns – Adrian Peterson, RB Oklahoma
Needs: RB, DE, CB
This is the pick for Cleveland weather Quinn goes second or not. Bringing in Jamal Lewis with a one year deal isn’t enough to make the Browns feel comfortable at the RB position. Concerns about durability shouldn’t be too big of an issue, as none of AD’s college injuries were the kind that linger or return with regular contact. This is a 20 carry per night workhorse that will keep the Browns in games for years to come.
Second Round Selection: (36) Anthony Spencer, DE Purdue
Third Round Selection: (67) Josh Wilson, CB Maryland

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Joe Thomas, T Wisconsin
Needs: OL, S, TE
The most glaring need of any team in football is Tampa’s O-Line, and here comes the best player in the draft to fill it. Thomas is a road grader, a brick wall in the passing game, and a punishing blocker from the point of attack to the whistle. The only one happier than Gruden at this selection is Cadillac Williams.
Second Round Selection: (35) Turk McBride, DT Tennessee
(64 from Indianapolis) John Wendling, S Wyoming
Third Round Selection: (68) Dallas Baker (The Touchdown Maker), WR Florida

5. Arizona Cardinals – Gains Adams, DE Clemson
Needs: OL, DL, LB, FS
As a Card’s fan I can’t decide if I like Adams better or LaRon Landry, but I think they’re more likely to go DL first. Few players find themselves around the football as much as Adams. At 6’5’’ and 260 lbs, he is as quick an end as you’ll see. Adams has outstanding hands (an underrated quality for a DE) and feet, enabling him to stand up well against the run and beat tackles to the spot regularly. He had to learn a lot about the game in college, having played eight-man football in high school, but has developed into one of the best players in the country. As evidenced by his career at Clemson, dude makes plays- 62 total tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, 12 passes defensed, two forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries as a senior.
Second Round Selection: (38) Justin Blalock, OT Texas
Third Round Selection: (69) David Harris, ILB Michigan

6. Washington Redskins – Jamaal Anderson DE Arkansas
Needs: DE, DT, CB
The Redskins will be hoping to hit big with this pick, partly because it’s their only one on the first day. Washington finished 27th against the run in ’06, a death nell in the NFC East, and finished with a league low 19 sacks. The Skins’ lack of picks will make moving this pick the top priority, (the Skins lack the necessary picks to move up, and will only be able to move down if another team is desperate for a player that slips past the top five, like Laron Landry, for example) but strengthening the D Line with this pick will likely be the best option. Anderson will enable them to get more out of their pass rush without becoming vulnerable in the run game. He brings excellent size and quickness as a rusher (13.5 sacks last year at Arkansas) and a strong presence up front (19.5 TFL).
Second Round Selection: None
Third Round Selection: None

7. Minnesota Vikings - Calvin Johnson, WR Georgia Tech
Needs: WR, QB, DE, CB
It isn’t realistic to think that Johnson will fall to seven come draft day, but the six teams above have higher needs than WR. It’s more likely that someone will trade up to get him, but regardless of the order, I think the top ten picks will consist of the same players. That being said, I think there’s a 90% chance the Vikings will trade this pick. They will either move up to get Calvin Johnson or Gaines Adams, or they will trade down one spot and take Amobi Okoye or Leon Hall. But I can’t base an entire draft on potential trades, so we’ll just continue where we left off. Johnson, the best receiver and perhaps the best overall player in the draft, would step into the big play void left two years ago by Randy Moss’ departure in Minnesota. At 6’4’’ and 230 lbs, Johnson has the size and speed (4.38) to be a consistent playmaker and provide some sizzle for what was the least sexy offense in the league in 2006.
Second Round Selection: (41) Charles Johnson, DE Georgia
Third Round Selection: (72) Tarell Brown, CB Texas

8. Atlanta Falcons– LaRon Landry, S LSU
Needs: S, LB, WR, DE
The secondary in Atlanta let the team down on several occasions last season; finishing 28th in pass defense and intercepting only 12 passes. Insert LaRon Landry. With the ability to run deep in coverage, ball hawk the football, or deliver a blow, Landry could be the best secondary player in the draft. He may give up a play now and then because of a tendency to always attack the football, but he more than makes up for his mistakes throughout the game. If Landry is gone at this point, the Falcons may need to look for an ILB if they don’t re-sign Edgerton Hartwell.
Second Round Selections: (39 from Houston) Sydney Rice, WR South Carolina
(44) Marshawn Lynch, RB Cal
Third Round Selection: (75) Brandon Siler, ILB Florida

9. Miami Dolphins– Leon Hall, CB Michigan
Needs: CB, WR, OL, DE
Hall is very talented but there really isn’t any one thing that he does exceptionally well. He moves well in space, has good ball skills, and is a fine tackler. He isn’t the greatest man-to-man cover guy in the world, but he is coach-able with sub 4.4 speed. Miami finished fifth against the pass in ’06, but Hall would be a definite upgrade in a secondary that lacks depth and playmaking ability on the corners.
Second Round Selections: (40) Doug Free, OT Northern Illinois
(60 from NE) Ikaika Alama-Francis, DE Hawaii
Third Round Selection: (71) David Clowney, WR Virginia Tech

10. Houston Texans– Levi Brown, OT Penn State
Needs: RB, OL, WR, DT, DE, DB, LB
At this point I’m convinced that the Texans should trade down and acquire as many picks as possible. (Especially after losing a second round pick in the Schaub deal.) They have needs at virtually every position. They did sign a tackle (Jordan Black, KC) in the off-season, so that could change their direction.
But finally, after passing on quality OT’s for the better part of their short existence, the Teaxans actually get this one right. Brown was one of the top OL prospects going into last year, and he never showed otherwise as the season progressed. He has been very consistent week to week with good feet, good balance, and a willingness to attack defenders. After overpaying for Ahman Green, Brown will be relied upon to clear room for the running game as well. All that being said, trading down is definitely the best option. But if they stay put, Brown is a nice consolation.
Second Round Selection: None
Third Round Selection: (73) Ryan McBean, DT Oklahoma State

11. San Francisco 49ers– Amobi Okoye, DT Louisville
Needs: WR, DL, C
Okoye has been one of the bigger surprises this off-season. The Niners desperately need help at WR, but receivers can be had in later rounds, top end DT’s cannot. With a dominating performance during senior bowl week, and again at the combine, the 19-year-old (with four years of college experience) Okoye shows too much strength, quickness, and potential to pass on. With the additions of CB Nate Clements, S Michael Lewis, and LB Tully Bantha-Cain, look out for Mike Nolan’s D in ‘07.
Second Round Selection: (42) Craig Davis, WR LSU
Third Round Selection: (76) Ryan Kalil, C USC
(97 compensatory) Jay Moore, DE Nebraska

12. Buffalo Bills– Patrick Willis, ILB Ole Miss
Needs: RB, LB, CB
The Bills have a lot of work to do to replace the litany of players who have left during free agency, creating vacancies at RB, CB, G, OLB and ILB. Willis is the highest rated player available to fill one of these spots. Willis has done nothing but impress since the season ended with a stellar performance at the combine and an even better showing at Mississippi’s pro day. There really isn’t anything that he doesn’t do well. Willis was a constant performer at Ole Miss, registering 137 total tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery earning him first team All-American, first team All-SEC, SEC Defensive Player of the Year honors, and the Butkus Award in 2006. Willis is this year’s DeMeco Ryans. In short, he’s a do everything playmaker with great speed who likes to be around the football.
Second Round Selection: (43) Daymeion Hughes, CB Cal
Third Round Selection: (74) Zach DeOssie, OLB Brown
(92 from Baltimore) Chris Henry RB, Arizona

13. St Louis Rams– Alan Branch, DT Michigan
Needs: DL, OL, CB, LB
The Rams defense was one of the worst up front last season (31st ranked run defense).
Branch was long considered the top DL prospect in the draft, but he has dropped slightly as concerns have arisen about his motor and motivation. It won’t be likely, however, for him to slip past the Rams. St. Louis is in desperate need of a stopper up front. Branch is a classic two gap player, a space eater up front who will free up room for the LB’s to roam freely. Passing on Branch at the 13th spot would be a mistake for the Rams.
Second Round Selection: (52) Aaron Sears, OG Tennessee
Third Round Selection: (82) Kenny Scott, CB Georgia Tech

14. Carolina Panthers– Paul Posluszny, LB Penn State
Needs: LB, WR, OL
With Dan Morgan’s constant uncertainty, the Panthers need to add depth at LB. Posluszny’s experience playing both inside and outside will prove valuable to the Panthers. There’s no doubting Posluszny’s leadership abilities, or his skill. As a two time All-American, he showed a never ending motor, excellent pursuit angles, skilled tackling, and great instincts. After returning from a blown out knee after his junior year, Posluszney returned with 116 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, and two forced fumbles, earning him first team All-American honors, an All-Big Ten first team selection, and the Bednarik Award as the nation's top defensive player.
Second Round Selection: (45) Anthony Gonzalez, WR Ohio State
Third Round Selection: (83) Ryan Harris, OT Notre Dame

15. Pittsburgh Steelers– Reggie Nelson, S Florida
Needs: FS, DE, OLB
The Steeler defense began to suffer when Chris Hope left following their Super Bowl victory. But now, the thought of Nelson and Troy Polamalu patrolling the same backfield is enough to make fans salivate, and opposing offenses sweat. The word “Ballhawk” was created for players like Nelson. He is constantly on the attack, always around the football, and rarely gets beat down the field - Perfect for any scheme.
Second Round Selection: (46) Stewart Bradley, OLB Nebraska
Third Round Selection: (77) Ray McDonald, DE Florida

16. Green Bay Packers – Greg Olsen, TE Miami
Needs: WR, TE, RB, S
Taking a running back here would be a mistake, with guys like Brandon Jackson (Nebraska), Tony Hunt (Penn State), or Darius Walker (Notre Dame) likely to be available even in round three. The Packer’s lack of depth in the receiving core kept the offense in a virtual head lock for most of last season. Now that they know that QB Brett Favre will be returning for 2007, the passing game can get a real boost down the seams with the speedy, 6’5’’Olsen to complement pro bowler Donald Driver. Olsen would be reminiscent of a bigger, faster Mark Chmura during the early years of the Favre era in Green Bay.
Second Round Selection: (47) Brandon Jackson, RB Nebraska
Third Round Selection: (78) Josh Gattis, S Wake Forrest

17. Jacksonville Jaguars– Ted Ginn Jr., WR Ohio St.
Needs: WR, LB, S, QB
As unsettled as the Jags are at QB, their biggest question mark remains to be the receiving core. Ernest Wilford, Reggie Williams, and Matt Jones have all shown signs of improvement, but adding a dependable pass catching threat that can stretch the field would really help to open up the Jaguar offense. Ginn’s top end speed and elusive running style allow him to stretch the field and make him dangerous in open space and as a return man.
Second Round Selection: (48) Brandon Meriweather, S Miami (Fl)
Third Round Selection: (79) Rufus Alexander, OLB Oklahoma

18. Cincinnati Bengals – Darrelle Rivas, CB Pitt
Needs: DT, OG, FS, OLB
The Bengal’s 31st ranked pass defense was a disappointment to say the least and must be improved. Rivas has been knocked as not having top end speed (although he did register a 4.39 at Pitt’s pro day), but he runs fluidly and reacts well to receivers in mid rout. He also has a large frame that creates match up problems for less physical receivers. His ability to play the ball in the air and his physical nature make him a favorite of head coach Marvin Lewis.
Second Round Selection: (49) Ben Grubbs, OG Auburn
Third Round Selection: Exercised in supplemental draft

19. Tennessee Titans – Adam Carriker, DE Nebraska
Needs: DE, WR, MLB, TE
At first glance you’d think that with all that the Titans have invested in Vince Young, they would have to surround him with talented receivers- of which there are plenty in the first round. But last year Tennessee ranked 30th in run defense, 27th against the pass, and 32nd -dead last – in total defense. Luckily for coach Jeff Fisher, this draft is deep enough at WR to wait until round two. Right now strengthening the defense is crucial.
No one opened more eyes or improved their position at the senior bowl more than Carriker, and he has carried that hype to the combine and through to the draft. His size (6’6’’, 292 lbs) and speed (4.85) are a freakish combination that allow for big plays (52 total tackles, 16 tackles for loss, seven sacks, one interception, and one blocked kick last season). Carriker is stout against the run, and aggressive towards the QB. Some have him type cast for a 3-4 front, but he will be a solid DE in any scheme.
Second Round Selection: (50) Jason Hill, WR Washington State
Third Round Selection: (80) Jonathan Wade, CB, Tennessee

20. New York Giants – Joe Staley, OT Central Michigan
Needs: OT, CB, DT, WR
Corner and Tackle are the primary concerns for New York. With a deep class of DB’s stretching into the second round, Staley is the choice here. Staley began his career at Central Michigan as a tight end, and has kept his quick feet as his frame has grown. He is still a bit raw, but he is quick, physically gifted and goes non-stop.
Second Round Selection: (51) Quinn Pitcock, DT Ohio State
Third Round Selection: (81) Fred Bennett, CB South Carolina

21. Denver Broncos – Dwayne Bowe, WR LSU
Needs: WR, SS, DL, LB
There’s been a lot of talk about the Broncos taking a DE with their first pick, but I don’t see how a team that produced 27 sacks from the DE position in 2006 would make that their top priority. As Jay Cutler is emerging, the receivers in Denver are in decline. Rod Smith is aging quickly, and there is little to compliment Javon Walker. Bowe is still learning the position, not having played organized football until his junior year of high school, but his production increased steadily over his four years at LSU. At under 4.5 in the 40, Bowe has fine speed for his size, and will make a big impact on the Denver offense.
Second Round Selection: (56) Tim Crowder, DE Texas
Third Round Selection: (70 from Wash.) Justin Durant, ILB Hampton
(86) Marshal Yanda, OL Iowa

22. Dallas Cowboys– Robert Meachem, WR Tennessee
Needs: WR, OL, OLB
Having addressed their concerns at safety via free agency, the Cowboys can turn to WR in round one. Meachem is a perfect fit for the Dallas offense. With Terrell Owens’ future uncertain and Terry Glen turning 33 this season, Meachem will quickly find time to develop a rapport with QB of the future Tony Romo. Running a 4.39 at 6’1’’ also makes him difficult to pass on.
Second Round Selection: (53) Quincy Black, OLB New Mexico
Third Round Selection: (87) Tim Duckworth, OG Auburn

23. Kansas City Chiefs – Chris Houston, CB Arkansas
Needs: OT, WR, CB, S
The offense is a mess in KC with the QB position up in the air and a dearth of receiving options. For years the Chiefs have needed a top WR and never drafted one in the first round. With Bowe and Meachem going right before, they will have to pass again. Houston’s strength (27 reps at the combine) makes him an attractive fit for Herm Edwards’ cover two scheme, and his incredible speed (4.32 in the 40) will make up for any mistakes. WR’s will come in round two.
Second Round Selection: (54) Paul Williams, WR Fresno State
Third Round Selection: (84) James Marten, OT Boston College

24. New England Patriots (from Seattle)– Michael Griffin, S Texas
Needs: FS, CB, DL, LB
Signing Tory James away from Cincinnati takes care of the CB spot for now, and allows the Pat’s to look at adding a top tier safety. Griffin has been impressing scouts in individual workouts, some even saying he could go ahead of Florida’s Reggie Nelson. Griffin is more of a free safety, but is versatile enough to play the strong side. He runs in the low 4.4’s, is a devastating tackler (nine forced fumbles at Texas) and brings a physical presence to the secondary. A constant playmaker for the Longhorns, Griffin finished his senior season with 126 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, one sack, 10 pass-breakups, four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, two blocked kicks, and four interceptions while also being named a second team All-American and a first team All-Big 12 performer.

Seattle Seahawks: Second round selection: (55) Josh Beekman, OG Boston College
Third Round Selection: (85) Kareem Brown, DT Miami (Fl)

25. New York Jets – Aaron Ross, CB Texas
Needs: CB, TE, DL
Eric Mangini’s rebuilding process will take another step with Ross stepping into the cornerback spot. The Jim Thorpe award winner, Ross became the big play specialist (alongside his teammate Griffin) for the Longhorn defense in his senior year. He is tall and shows good technique before and after the ball is in the air, and comes up strong in run support.
Second Round Selections: (59) Brandon Mebane, DT California
(63 from Chicago) Zach Miller, TE Arizona State
Third Round Selection: (89) Andy Alleman, OG Akron

26. Philadelphia Eagles – Tank Tyler, DT NC State
Needs: SS, MLB, DE, WR
With the Takeo Spikes manning the OLB spot and the top safties off the board, the Eagles will continue doing what has brought them so much success over the Andy Reid era- adding depth along the interior line. Tyler was a bit of a surprise this season. As the only returning starter on a defensive line that lost three starters to last year’s first round. Tyler’s play in 2007 actually elevated when he became the main focus of opposing offenses. His straight ahead quickness makes him a perfect fit to play the three technique in Jim Johnson’s aggressive 4-3 defense in Philly.
Second Round Selection: (57) Eric Weddle, DB Utah
Third Round Selection: (90) John Beck, QB BYU

27. New Orleans Saints – Marcus McCauly, CB Fresno State
Needs: CB, SS, DE, WR
The saints actually have few pressing needs, a testament to the great job done by Sean Payton to overhaul the roster in his rookie year, but they do need to improve their overall depth on defense, starting in the secondary. McCauly is a little raw in terms of technique, but he gas great size (6’1’’) and speed (4.39) that show a great deal of potential. Only two teams had fewer interceptions last year than the Saints, and McCauly should help provide a little more play making ability in the secondary.
Second Round Selection: (58) Buster Davis, ILB Florida State
Third Round Selection: (88) Quentin Moses, DE Georgia

28. New England Patriots – Anthony Spencer, DE Purdue
Needs: FS, CB, DL, LB
Adding Tory James via free agency and picking Griffin earlier should be enough to fill the needs in the secondary for now. Spencer will provide versatility with his ability to help on the defensive line (with his large 260 lb frame, he led the nation with 26.5 tackles for loss last season) as well as some spot work at outside linebacker (with his 4.7 speed and 10.5 sacks). Spencer has shown improvement over the past couple of years at Purdue, developing into a very technically sound, explosive player
Second Round Selection: Second Round Selection: None
Third Round Selection: (91) H.B. Blades, ILB Pit

29. Baltimore Ravens – Tony Ugoh, OT Arkansas
Needs: OT, OLB, DL, WR
After bringing in a more explosive Willis McGahee to run the football and losing starting right tackle Tony Pashos (a big hit for the Ravens. He was a their best run blocker), this makes a lot of sense. Ugoh can eventually move to the left side in a couple of years when John Ogden retires, but for now he will be a road grading beast on the right side. Ugoh still has some technique problems, but his strength and quickness off the ball are outstanding. He should fit in well in Baltimore.
Second Round Selection: (61) Victor Abiamiri, DE Notre Dame
Third Round Selection: None

30. San Diego Chargers – Dwayne Jarrett, WR USC
Needs: WR, SS, CB, ILB
At 6’5’’, Jarrett has great size and is able to go over the middle and make the tough catches in traffic. He may be labeled a possession receiver due to a lack of top end speed, but great hands and a large frame make him an attractive addition to this undermanned receiving core. The Chargers have guys who can stretch the field (Vincent Jackson) and run the seams (Antonio Gates). Adding Jarrett will put much more pressure on opposing secondaries that are used to being able to load the box against LaDainian Tomlinson.
Second Round Selection: (62) Tanard Jackson, DB Syracuse
Third Round Selection: (93) Rory Johnson ILB Mississippi
(96 compensatory) Michael Bush, RB Louisville

31. Chicago Bears – Justin Harrel, DT Tennessee
Needs: DT, OT, WR, OLB, RB
The Bears were exposed as a different team when Tommy Harris went down last season. That lack of depth along the defensive line (which will be amplified if Tank Johnson is suspended) hurt the NFC champs and must be a major point of concern for the upcoming season. Harrel showed a lot of toughness last season trying to play through a ruptured biceps tendon, but was unable to finish his senior season. However, he was able to show that he can fill holes up front with exceptional quickness, and his long arms help him to disrupt the QB while rushing the passer. Harrel is very quick for his size and provides strength up the middle, something the Bears don’t have enough of.
Second Round Selection: (37 from Wash. through NYJ) John Beason, OLB Miami (FL)
Third Round Selection: (94) Aundrae Allison, WR East Carolina

32. Indianapolis Colts –Lawrence Timmons, OLB Florida St.
Needs: OLB, CB, WR, RB
The Colts struggle to replace Gary Brackett’s absence last season will become an even greater problem now that their other fine OLB, Cato June, has gone to Tampa. Once thought to be the top OLB prospect in the draft, Timmons has disappointed somewhat with his combine and workout performances. His slower than expected 40 times (in the 4.7’s at the combine, a more respectable 4.6+ at Florida State’s pro day) and lack of experience will cause him to drop, but Timmons is still full of potential and worth a first round pick for the Colts. Despite his youth, Tony Dungy will need Timmons to step in and start right away. Luckily, his talents are exactly what they need on Indy’s D. Timmons can be a bit slow in recognition, but he moves sideline to sideline, is an excellent tackler, and can get back in coverage. If Timmons goes earlier, the Colts would likely turn to John Beason, OLB Miami (FL).
Second Round Selection: None
Third Round Selection: (95) David Irons, CB Auburn
(98 compensatory) Antonio Pittman, RB Ohio State