War Room Report
Final Mock Draft
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| Click Here for the War Room Report's SEVEN Round Mock Draft (Updated 4/24) |
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1.
Oakland Raiders |
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The War Room Report has long believed that Russell will be the selection for Oakland. Al Davis loves physically gifted quarterbacks who can throw the ball a mile, and Russell has a stronger arm than almost every quarterback, college or NFL. Russell did not impress the Raiders at the scouting combine, showing up overweight. He alleviated some concerns by dropping 9 pounds at LSU's pro day and looked impressive throwing the ball. The concern for Russell is that he is not as focused on the game of football as you would like. Russell still is the favorite to be selected #1 overall, but do not discount the possibility that Oakland could draft WR Calvin Johnson here. His physical tools will have Al Davis salivating and the Raiders may aim to keep Andrew Walter and then draft Johnson. |
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**Projected Trade** The Tampa Bay Bucs want Calvin Johnson desperately. If the Raiders do not take him #1 overall, the Bucs will immediately be on the phone with the Lions in an attempt to move up. Johnson is a rare athlete at the WR position and coach Jon Gruden loves offense. The best player in the draft, he is likely to go in the top three. The Lions, who own the #2 selection are targeting Gaines Adams and the projected trade makes a great deal of sense here. If the Lions stay put, they will select Adams. Other potential trading partners are the Vikings and the Falcons. |
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The signing of Jamal Lewis does not indicate that the Browns are not going to take Adrian Peterson. Lewis was signed to a one year deal and the Browns jettisoned Reuben Droughns. The ultra talented Adrian Peterson could be brought in to split carries in 2007, before taking over the reins in 2008. Peterson is one of the most talented pure runners to enter the draft in recent memory and the Browns would benefit from drafting him. The Browns are also candidates to trade down here or could explore LT Joe Thomas to continue the rebuilding process along the offensive line. Cleveland will be very tempted by QB Brady Quinn, but will decide in the end that Peterson is too talented of a player to pass up. |
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Previous Pick: Buy Or Sell - Who should be the top DE? Gaines Adams or Adam Carriker |
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**Projected Trade** The Lions are coached by a former defensive line coach in Rod Marinelli, and the Tampa 2 defense can only work with a strong pass rush. The Lions signed Dewayne White in the off season, but after trading James Hall, they still need another pass rushing end. Adams is generally ranked as the top pass rushing end in the draft after a strong career at Clemson. Detroit could stay put at pick #2 and take Adams there. They would also have the opportunity to select Brady Quinn here, or trade down again for team that wants to acquire Quinn. However, their defense greatly needs the pass rushing threat that Adams can provide, and in the end, he is likely to be the choice, rather at #2 or #4. |
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The Cardinals are building one of the most potent offenses in the league, but must upgrade their offensive line to do so. They are attacking the position in free agency and new OL coach Russ Grimm should be able to improve the unit. The premier offensive talent that is available in this draft allows them to steal a franchise left tackle with the 5th pick. Thomas had an outstanding career at Wisconsin and put up a strong performance at the combine to confirm he has the athleticism to play LT in the NFL. If Thomas is gone, the Cardinals may reach for LT Levi Brown of Penn State. It does not seem likely that the Cardinals would pass on a tackle with this pick, but only Brown and Thomas would rate this high of a pick. The Cardinals have a left handed QB in Matt Leinart, so recent free agent signing Mike Gandy would likely play left tackle while Thomas protects the blind side. |
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**Projected Trade** The Dolphins have tried many stop gaps to replace Dan Marino, including recent draft pick trades for Daunte Culpepper, Joey Harrington, and A.J. Feeley. However they have not invested a first round pick in the position. With new coach, QB guru Cam Cameron, the Dolphins are targeting Brady Quinn as their savior. Quinn would likely not be the opening day starter but could get into the starting lineup before the end of the season. Minnesota is making noise about Brady Quinn, and Washington desperately needs to add a few draft picks. The trade would be a beneficial move for both teams, especially with Gaines Adams off the board for Washington. If Miami stays at #9, they would likely take the best defensive player on the board. |
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As detailed in my blog post, the Vikings are among the teams that have given me the most trouble in the mock draft process. The Vikings have several very important needs - wide receiver and cornerback are the top two. There does not seem to be a WR or a CB worth the #7 overall pick, which could lead the Vikings to consider a trade down. However, in the end I think they are going to draft LaRon Landry - despite not having a big need at the position. Their Tampa 2 style defense should allow them to enter the season with their current cornerback class. Jamaal Anderson and Ted Ginn Jr will be very enticing options here, but I think in the end, the Vikings decide to take the best player available. |
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With the 8th overall pick acquired from Houston in the Matt Schaub deal, Atlanta has the option of moving up in the draft to target Calvin Johnson. However, Atlanta may find the price to move up for Johnson to be too expensive, and at pick #8, they have the option of addressing their biggest needs. The selection for Atlanta will boil down to three guys - LaRon Landry, Levi Brown, or Amobi Okoye. In this situation, with Landry off the board, look for Bobby Petrino to try to bring the power running game to Atlanta with the addition of Brown, who has the physical skills to develop into a premier left tackle. Petrino must work to develop more consistency in Brown, or this pick could turn into a bust. |
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Previous Pick: Buy Or Sell - Who should be the top DT? Amobi Okoye or Alan Branch |
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**Projected Trade** The Redskins should be targeting Gaines Adams with their first round pick in order to improve an anemic pass rush. However, with the Lions selection of Adams, the Redskins would be wise to move down. Amobi Okoye is a rare prospect who has virtually unlimited upside. He would be a great selection for the Redskins and could immediately start at defensive tackle and help provide some pass rush from that position. Other options with the pick include Jamaal Anderson or Adam Carriker, if the Skins decide they would rather select a defensive end. However, Okoye's story will be intriguing for the Redskins and Daniel Snyder, and he should be the selection. |
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Houston Texans
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With trading their 2nd round pick for QB Matt Schaub, the Texans will only be able to address one need early in the draft, so they must make this pick count. They desperately need to add a WR and a CB. The Texans were another team that I struggled with projecting, as details in the War Room Report Blog. The selection here comes down to the top WRs on the Texans board - likely Ted Ginn Jr. or Robert Meacham and the top CB - Leon Hall or Darrelle Revis. Hall ran a solid 40 at the combine to dispel any questions about his long speed. He is a high character player that is a good technican and will be a great fit across from Dunta Robinson who can contribute right away. |
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11. San Francisco 49ers
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With the signings of CB Nate Clements, OLB Tully Banta-Cain, and SS Michael Lewis, the 49ers have upgraded a defense that struggled in 2006. Carriker is another player who is rising quickly, after a great Senior Bowl and combine. Carriker is much more athletic than the normal 300 lb DE, and would be ideal in as a 3-4 defensive end. Some discount the important of a DE in the 3-4 scheme, but players like Richard Seymour and Aaron Smith were important parts of recent Super Bowl champion 3-4 defenses. The 49ers could add a MLB Patrick Willis here, or target a WR, either Robert Meacham or Ted Ginn Jr., to provide additional weapons for young QB Alex Smith. |
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Buffalo Bills
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The Bills have a number of needs in which they need to address, which could make trading down a possibility here. They must replace three players they lost in the offseason, RB Willis McGahee, CB Nate Clements, and MLB London Fletcher-Baker. Marshawn Lynch had been considered for this selection and is still a possibility, but recent developments have lead us to believe that Willis is the pick here. The Bills could select Leon Hall or Darrelle Revis here to replace Clements, but the best value on the board is probably the outstanding MLB from Ole Miss, Patrick Willis. Willis excelled at Ole Miss and showed rare athleticism for a middle linebacker at the NFL combine. Willis could immediately step in for the Bills, who also lost Takeo Spikes, and now have one of the weakest LB corps in the league. The latest rumor from Peter King is that the Bills will consider Paul Posluszny with this pick. |
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St. Louis Rams
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The Rams have brought in many defensive end and wide receiver prospects for interviews, and also could use a defensive tackle or outside linebacker. The Rams signed Drew Bennett in the offseason and it would be a mistake to select another WR here. The Rams will have to look at the value here and Jamaal Anderson seems to represent the greatest value. Anderson, a converted WR, could rotate with James Hall, who was acquired in the off-season, opposite of Leonard Little. The other consideration here is probably OLB Lawrence Timmons, who would be an immediate upgrade and starter at the position. The Rams have been tempted by the speed of Ted Ginn Jr., but the correct choice is Jamaal Anderson. |
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Carolina had Super Bowl aspirations in 2006, but a combination of injuries and inconsistent play led to a disappointing season. Olsen separated himself from Zach Miller among tight ends with a great performance at the scouting combine, running the fastest 40 time among TEs and catching everything in the drills. New Panther OC Jeff Davison believes in emphasizing the TE position in the passing game and Carolina does not have a threat at that position. Carolina could look at linebackers Lawrence Timmons or Paul Posluszny. Reggie Nelson or one of the other safeties are other possible choices here to beef up the Panthers defense, which has one of the strongest front fours in the NFL. |
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Previous Pick: Buy Or Sell - Who should be the top OLB? Lawrence Timmons or Paul Posluszny |
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New head coach Mike Tomlin is going to slowly phase out the 3-4 defense in favor of more 4-3 play. He has recently stated that the Steelers will use mostly a 3-4 system this year. Lawrence Timmons had an outstanding season at Florida State and has the rare versatility to play OLB in either a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme. The Steelers could address the cornerback position here with Darrelle Revis or Chris Houston, but under the Cover 2 system, CB is not as important and the Steelers could add a CB in Round 2. The Steelers could also target Jarvis Moss here, a versatile player who can contribute in the 3-4 as an OLB then move to a 4-3 defensive end. |
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The Packers lost RB Ahman Green in free agency and have not found a replacement as of yet. Vernand Morency is currently #1 on the depth chart for Green Bay and Marshawn Lynch would be able to contribute immediately. Lynch would be able to work into the league with Morency and could be the offensive playmaker that the Packers needs. Lynch is a legitimate #1 running back, even if he is not an elite back as Adrian Peterson is. Green Bay could also target wide receiver here, particularly Robert Meacham or Dwayne Jarrett. The Packers have also been trying to get younger on defense and could add a replacement for Marquand Manuel at safety with Reggie Nelson or Michael Griffin. Packers GM Ted Thompson loves to trade down to add draft picks so that possibility can not be discounted, especially if Lynch is off the board. The Lynch pick is not as automatic as some may believe, but still remains the most likely option |
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FS Deon Grant signed with Seattle and the Jags would have to be pleased to add the playmaking Nelson here. Prior to the combine, Nelson was competing with LaRon Landry for the #1 safety spot, but it appears Landry has won that battle. There are concerns that Nelson may be raw, after starting less than two years in Division 1. Like other prospects in recent years, Nelson occasionally goes for the big hit instead of the sure tackle. Nelson excels in pass coverage and would be a perfect fit next to Donovan Darius. Nelson would be a fine addition to an already potent defense in Jacksonville. The Jaguars have a really solid team and could look to bolster a few other positions by adding a pass rusher or a WR here. Do not discount the possibility that Brandon Meriweather or Michael Griffin could be higher on the Jaguars board. |
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The Bengals are a tough team to select for, but the pick will probably be on the defensive side of the ball. The Bengals could be tempted to select an outside linebacker here, especially given the injury concerns of David Pollack. The Bengals could also look at defensive tackle or safety here, and will be tempted by Michael Griffin and Alan Branch. However, despite using a first round selection on a cornerback last season, the Bengals may target Darrelle Revis with this pick. Tory James signed with New England and Deltha O'Neal may not be back with the team. Revis is a physical player who could likely start as a rookie, as well as provide instant impact in the return game. |
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Tennessee Titans
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Like Minnesota, the Titans have a depleted WR corps, with Brandon Jones currently #1 on the depth chart. QB Vince Young won the 2006 offensive rookie of the year award but he needs a reliable target if he is to continue his development. Robert Meacham or Ted Ginn Jr. will likely be the main consideration here. Ginn's return ability may be the difference maker here, as the Titans desperately need to replace Pacman Jones in the punt return game. Ginn might be a great fit for the Titans as his speed could work well with Vince Young. Other targets here could be a defensive end or a cornerback, but WR seems the most likely selection. |
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New York Giants
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New York has needs at OLB, OT, and CB and should find a player of value here. The value of Joe Staley is high and the Giants have a huge need at OT after losing Luke Pettigout in the off-season. Staley has the physical tools to develop into a standout offensive tackle. He must continue to work on improving his strength and technique, but the potential is there. The Giants lost OLBs Lavar Arrington and Carlos Emmons in the off season, so they will be tempted by Paul Posluszny here. The cornerback position has several players of value, including Aaron Ross and Chris Houston, but Staley makes sense. |
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Denver Broncos
Previous Pick: Buy Or Sell - Who should be the top DT? Amobi Okoye or Alan Branch |
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The Broncos have several options with this pick. They need to add a linebacker after losing Al Wilson, but with Timmons off the board, they may choose to address another area of need here. Jon Beason and Paul Posluszny may not fit the scheme of the Broncos. One need that many draft experts seem to overlook is the need of a big body at the defensive tackle position. Alan Branch is falling lately because of attitude and health concerns, but his size and strength combination represents a great value here. Mike Shanahan is known to do the unexpected, so do not discount the possibility of a trade up here. |
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Dallas Cowboys
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Dallas had a good season in 2006, but the lack of a reliable player opposite of Terence Newman was a problem. CB Anthony Henry may be moving to safety and even if he stays at CB, he needs competition. Chris Houston has potentially more upside than any cornerback in the draft. He would fit the aggressive nature of the Cowboys secondary. Houston would likely replace Henry to start the 2007 season and at worst would be the nickelback for Dallas. Jerry Jones likes to add players from his alma matter and Houston would be an intriguing pick here. Jones is well known for trading down and that is a possibility here. Other options include a wide receiver, such as Dwayne Bowe or Robert Meacham, or another corner, such as Aaron Ross here. |
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The Chiefs have long been built along the offensive line and feature a rushing based offense. That will make Joe Staley the pick if he is available. If he is not, Ben Grubbs or Justin Blalock will garner consideration. The Chiefs also need help at CB and DT, which would make Aaron Ross and Justin Harrell possible selections. However, the value of Meacham and the Chiefs long standing need for a WR, should make him the pick at #23 if he slips this far. Meacham had an outstanding season at Tennessee and will enable the Chiefs to stretch the field to allow Tony Gonzalez to work underneath. The Chiefs are undergoing a change at the QB position - Damon Huard is projected to start the season, but 2006 draft pick Brodie Croyle could finish it, and need to give their QB a better option than Eddie Kennison. |
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The Patriots have had a strong off-season, filling many of their areas of need. They have reportedly fallen in love with Michigan MLB David Harris, which makes sense given that their ILBs are advancing in age. Harris projects very well to an ILB position in a 3-4, as he has the bulk to shed blocks. He is the type of instinctive, smart player that the Patriots like to draft. He also has the verstatlity to play a 4-3 MLB, which would allow the Pats to use a variety of defenses, which they love to do. Other options here could be safeties Brandon Meriweather or Michael Griffin, or even a wide receiver. The Patriots could go in almost any direction with this pick. |
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New York Jets
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The Jets had a strong 2006 season under first year coach Eric Mangini but need to improve the cornerback position. Justin Miller is one of the best kick returners in the league, but a mediocre CB at best. Andre Dyson was attacked in the playoffs by New England, and the Jets have little depth outside of those two. Aaron Ross could step into the starting lineup immediately after an outstanding season at Texas that saw him win the Jim Thorpe award. Other options for the Jets here would include a variety of 3-4 players including Jarvis Moss or Anthony Spencer. Ross is clearly the top CB left at this point, but Eric Wright could get some consideration. It would be a mistake for the Jets to pass on Ross here, but their desire for a 3-4 pass rusher may trump the CB need. |
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The Eagles benched safety Michael Lewis last season, replacing him with Sean Considine, but Griffin would be a huge upgrade over Considine. Griffin is getting lost in the shuffle of Reggie Nelson and LaRon Landry, but he is an outstanding player in his own right. He would immediately start for Philadelphia and give them an exceptionally strong safety duo. Philadelphia is in a position to take the best player available here. The acquisition of Takeo Spikes should allow Philadelphia to go away from the linebacker position. The Eagles have long placed an emphasis on the defensive secondary and could also look at Brandon Meriweather or Eric Wright here. |
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The Saints had two primary need areas - cornerback and linebacker, in the off-season, but they have addressed those concerns with Brian Simmons and Jason David. The Saints have attempted to add a difference maker at defensive tackle in recent years, but have yet to find a true playmaker. Justin Harrell has the potential to be a top fifteen pick, but an injury early in the 2006 season has slide him down the board. He is generating more buzz as the draft approaches and could go higher than anticipated. The Saints could also look at linebacker here, despite adding Simmons. Jon Beason may not fit their scheme, but Paul Posluszny would be very tempting. With an offensive coach, the Saints could be tempted to select a wide receiver here, especially with Dwayne Bowe on the board. |
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The Patriots are one of the deepest teams in the league and used the off-season to fill in most areas of need. They could use some depth at the safety spot, where Rodney Harrison maybe in his last season. Meriweather's talent is undeniable and he has the coverage skills to cover tight ends and slot receivers, which is useful since many of the other top AFC teams (Baltimore, San Diego, and Indianapolis) have top pass catching targets at the position. Meriweather has the potential to be a star in the league. The Patriots have other options here, but Meriweather seems to be the best selection. |
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Baltimore Ravens
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The Ravens would love to add Joe Staley, and with a lack of needs, they may choose to move up in order to secure him or Levi Brown. However, if they stay at pick 29, the Ravens could target Anthony Spencer as a replacement for Adalius Thomas. Spencer had a phenomenal senior season for Purdue, including 26.5 tackles for a loss. Spencer could be used in a variety of ways in the 46 defense that Rex Ryan runs. The Ravens could also look to add a wide receiver here, as Dwayne Bowe and Dwayne Jarrett represent strong value. The Ravens could also consider an interior linemen here - particularly Ben Grubbs would have value here. |
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The Chargers need to add a safety to replace the departed Terrence Kiel, but with the first four safety prospects off the board, they target another need, at wide receiver. Dwayne Bowe is a strong physical receiver that the Chargers have shown an affinity for and would immediately be a starter. The Chargers could look at WRs Steve Smith or Anthony Gonzalez, if they would like to bring in a smaller, faster receiver. They could also look for a ILB to replace Donnie Edwards and Randall Godfrey, but they should be able to get a player at that position in Round 2. |
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Chicago Bears
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The Bears have relatively few holes and have the luxury of taking a player who may not start immediately in Round 1. However, with Lance Briggs unhappy, the Bears would be wise to target Jon Beason as a Tampa 2 OLB. We are not as high as Jon Beason as other, but in a weak OLB crop, he would be a reasonable selection for the Bears to give them security against a Briggs hold out. The Bears could also target an interior linemen here, as their interior line is advancing in age. The Bears could also be tempted by Dwayne Jarrett here, but if Beason is on the board, he looks likely to be the pick. |
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The Colts want to target Jon Beason or Justin Harrell here, but with those two players off the board, the Colts are in a quandary. They may try to trade down slightly to a team that wants one of the highest rated players left on the board - Dwayne Jarrett, Jarvis Moss, and Paul Posluszny could all be desired. Posluszny does not fit the profile of what the Colts want in an outside linebacker. They could look to select a third WR for themselves - the aforementioned Jarrett or Anthony Gonzalez here, but in the end, the highest rated player on their board may be Ben Grubbs, the best pure OG in the draft. The Colts have had protection problems in the past, and Grubbs would be an upgrade over Ryan Lijlja. |
| Click Here for the War Room Report's SEVEN Round Mock Draft (Updated 4/24) |
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