War Room Report
Mock Draft
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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 balls. 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 bring in a veteran QB such as David Carr and then draft Johnson. |
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2. Detroit Lions
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All along we had suggested that the Lions were after LT Joe Thomas. After all, the Lions offensive line was atrocious in 2006 and they publicly declared their happiness with QB Jon Kitna. However, actions speak louder than words. With the acquisition of Tatum Bell and George Foster from the Broncos, coupled with the signing of DE Dewayne White, it appears the Lions are making moves that would allow them to spend this high pick on a QB. Quinn's pro day performance helped stop his slide down draft boards and he likely would get a year to prepare himself behind Kitna. The Lions also could target the #1 player in the draft, Calvin Johnson here, or look to move down and address defense. Joe Thomas is still a possibility, especially if the Lions decide to move Foster inside. |
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3. Cleveland Browns
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The recent 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's multiple needs, combined with the fact that the best player on the board, Calvin Johnson, is still available, could mean Cleveland would receive an offer that it can not refuse, possibly from Atlanta to make a move here. |
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4. Tampa Bay Bucs
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Calvin Johnson is the most talented player in the draft and the highest rated WR the War Room Report has ever seen. However, in this draft, he could slide to the fourth pick. Tampa Bay has other needs to address, as their defense is getting very old, but will be unable to pass on Johnson here. Johnson's combination of size, speed, and hands will instantly place him in the top echelon of NFL WRs. Johnson will join Joey Galloway and Michael Clayton as a strong receiving corps for either Chris Simms or Jeff Garcia. The other option here for Tampa is Gaines Adams. Tampa could stay put and select Adams, or may be better off to trade down to a team that wants Johnson, if Adams is the player they desire. |
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5. Arizona Cardinals
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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 an left tackle with this pick, but only Brown and Thomas would rate this high of a pick. |
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6. Washington Redskins
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The Redskins ranked last in the league in sacks last season, with only 19. Gaines Adams would provide an immediate pass rushing threat at the defensive end position. Adams has a good combine running a 4.64 forty yard dash. Adams had 12.5 sacks and 17.5 tackles for a loss at Clemson last year and is a speed rushing type. Washington could look at the other top defensive end prospects here, as either Adam Carriker or Jamaal Anderson are possibilities. Washington could also draft DT Alan Branch. The Redskins have not focused on the draft in recent seasons, and may be best served by trading down in Round One to acquire additional draft picks. |
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7. Minnesota Vikings
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Minnesota's top WRs from the start of the 2006 season, Marcus Robinson and Travis Taylor, are no longer on the team. Bobby Wade was signed as a free agent to compete with former first round pick Troy Williamson and veteran Billy McMullen, but the Vikings must add a playmaker at the position to help second year QB Tavaris Jackson or Brooks Bollinger. Ginn is a player that elicits strong responses, but his natural speed will elevate him to the top of draft boards. Ginn will immediately contribute in the return game as well. Minnesota should add a WR here and could look at Dwayne Jarrett or Robert Meacham, if they feel that Ginn is too similar to first round bust Troy Williamson. The Pro Day performances of Jarrett and Ginn could determine the pick. The Vikings could also target a defensive player, such as Jamaal Anderson or LaRon Landry here. |
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8. Atlanta Falcons (via trade)
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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, moving up to 8th should allow them to address their biggest need - offensive tackle. Levi Brown has more upside than any offensive lineman in the draft, including Joe Thomas. Brown needs to play with more consistency in his effort and technique, but he has outstanding physical skills. Atlanta could address several defensive needs here also - LaRon Landry could still be the pick or one of the defensive ends, Jamaal Anderson or Adam Carriker could be selected to replace the departed Patrick Kerney. |
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9. Miami Dolphins
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The Dolphins appear committed to building for the future, releasing several of starters from the 2006 season. They have been among the teams that have been the hardest to gauge in the mock draft process. They would like to grab one of the premier left tackles, but Levi Brown may go just before their pick. Alan Branch's work ethic has been in question as of late, so the best choice for Miami at #9 is to select the top corner in the draft, Leon Hall. Hall put to rest questions about his speed with a sensational performance at the combine. Hall had a strong career at Michigan and should be the first corner selected. Hall would immediately start for Miami across from Will Allen. If Miami decides this is too high for Hall, they could select Branch, Robert Meacham, or Dwayne Jarrett. |
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10. 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 would like to address CB or WR here, but Okoye would be a tremendous value to place next to Mario Williams. Okoye is still developing, but despite his young age, he tore apart opposing offensive lineman in the Big East and at the Senior Bowl. The Texans could decide to take the highest remaining corner on the board, either Darrelle Revis or Chris Houston to play with former first rounder Dunta Robinson. Other options here include WRs Dwayne Jarrett or Robert Meacham. |
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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 Dwayne Jarrett, to provide additional weapons for young QB Alex Smith. |
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12. Buffalo Bills
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The Bills finally tired of Willis McGahee, dealing him to the Baltimore Ravens for draft picks. They do not have a replacement on the roster yet, and as predicted in previous WRR mock drafts, Cal RB Marshawn Lynch is the likely pick here. Even if the Bills sign a free agent running back, either Chris Brown or Corey Dillion, Lynch could split carries immediately before taking over in 2008, much as Joseph Addai and Laurence Maroney did in the 2006 season. Lynch is a versatile player who really understands the running back position. The Bills also could look at a WR or a CB with this pick, with Dwayne Jarrett, Robert Meacham, and Leon Hall all possibilities. After the Takeo Spikes trade, the Bills could look at linebacker here. |
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13. St. Louis Rams
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DE James Hall was acquired from the Lions and provides immediate relief at that position. The Rams also could use an outside linebacker, but would have to determine if Lawrence Timmons or Paul Posluszny rate a pick here. Instead, they steal LaRon Landry at pick 13. Landry is one of the most talented players in the draft, but could slide if teams ahead of him decide to address huge needs at corner and offensive tackle. The Rams defense could use a play maker and Landry, the four year starter for LSU, is certainly that. He is a superior player to Michael Huff and Donte Whitner, both top ten picks in 2006, so the Rams would be pleased to take him here. In addition to the previously mentioned linebackers, St. Louis could look at virtually every position on defense here, including Jamaal Anderson or Alan Branch. |
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14. Carolina Panthers
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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 Patrick Willis, especially if they are doubtful about the future of MLB Dan Morgan. Lawrence Timmons or Reggie Nelson 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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15. Pittsburgh Steelers
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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. The Steelers could use a versatile player such as Jamaal Anderson on the defensive line. Anderson was a wide receiver when he arrived at Arkansas, but added bulk and had a huge junior season for the Razorbacks. Anderson had 19.5 tackles for a loss and 13.5 sacks playing in the SEC and is still improving as a player. Brett Keisel, one of the Pittsburgh defensive ends is reportedly going to try to move to OLB. 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 try to add a true OLB such as Paul Posluszny or Lawrence Timmons to replace Joey Porter. |
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16. Green Bay Packers
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The Packers lost RB Ahman Green in free agency and thus far have been silent about his replacement. With Marshawn Lynch and Adrian Peterson already off the board, Green Bay will have to address the position in later rounds. Green Bay seems intent on bringing offensive weapons on board and Meacham would be an outstanding target for QB Brett Favre. Meacham had a great season at Tennessee and followed up that performance with a 4.36 40 at the combine. Outside of Calvin Johnson, Meacham's combination of size and speed may be the best in the draft at the WR position. Green Bay could also look to address the defense here with Reggie Nelson, Darrelle Revis, or Chris Houston. |
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17. Jacksonville Jaguars
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FS Deon Grant is not going to be back in Jacksonville 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 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. |
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Cincinnati Bengals
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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, but Branch is a big value pick at a need area. When Branch is on top of his game, he is a dominant force. The Bengals have depth at the DT spot, but no playmakers. Branch could come in and make an instant impact, especially if he is able to rotate with other players. As mentioned, outside linebacker, particularly Lawrence Timmons or Jon Beason could be options here. The Bengals also could look at Michael Griffin here to replace Dexter Jackson. |
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19. 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. Concerns about Dwayne Jarrett's speed and separation skills allow the Titans to steal the former Trojan at pick 19. Jarrett's production at USC was exceptional. but his recent pro day results have some questioning rather or not he is a first round pick. The 4.62 40 yard dash is not what you expect from a 1st round wide receiver, but the Titans are a team that favors big receivers and former USC offensive coordinator Norm Chow is on the Titans staff. If the Titans do not think Jarrett translates well to the NFL, they could look at Dwayne Bowe or Sidney Rice, but they must add a WR here. |
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20. New York Giants
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Lawrence Timmons, OLB, Florida State |
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The Giants lost OLBs Lavar Arrington and Carlos Emmons in the off season, so it would appear that they should draft an OLB here. Lawrence Timmons had an outstanding season at Florida State and is a player who will continue to develop. The recent signing of Kawika Mitchell to place the SAM LB would make perfect sense to allow Timmons to start on the weakside. Until 2006, he was overshadowed by the likes of A.J. Nicholson and Ernie Sims, but his raw athletic ability makes him an elite prospect. The Giants also need to add a cornerback and could target Chris Houston here. The Giants could also target Joe Staley as a replacement for Luke Pettigout at the LT spot. |
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21. Denver Broncos
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The Broncos will likely address the defensive line and with Okoye and Branch off the board, they will find the best value at the DE spot. Jarvis Moss is a tremendous natural pass rusher who is still developing physically. An integral part of the 2007 National Champion Gators, Moss was sidelined in 2005 with a staph infection that went undiagnosed for a long period of time. He is still adding back the bulk he lost and should continue to develop physically. The Broncos could consider adding a cornerback such as Darrelle Revis or Chris Houston, or could look to address offensive tackle with Joe Staley or center with Ryan Kalil. The Broncos tried to trade Al Wilson, and if they think Wilson is done, may draft Patrick Willis or an outside linebacker here. |
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22. 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. Darrelle Revis is one of the more physical corners in the draft. Revis is excellent in run support and could also assist in the return game. He would fit the aggressive nature of the Cowboys secondary. Revis would likely replace Henry to start the 2007 season and at worst would be the nickelback for Dallas. Other options for the Cowboys include CBs Aaron Ross, S Michael Griffin, or WR Dwayne Bowe. |
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23. Kansas City Chiefs
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The Chiefs have always been built along the offensive line, but the retirement of Willie Roaf and the loss of John Tait has left Damien McIntosh and Chris Terry as the starting tackles for the run heavy Chiefs. Joe Staley had a terrific performance at his Pro Day, and the converted tight end, has the athleticism to play LT at the next level. The Chiefs could also target a wide receiver here, as it seems they have needed to address that position for the last several years. They may choose to take a wide receiver in Round Two, as the WR class is much deeper than the OT class. The Chiefs other major need is at defensive tackle, so Justin Harrell could be a target here as well. |
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24. New England Patriots
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Patrick Willis is one of the best defensive players in the country, but his production was lost at times playing for an overmatched Ole Miss team. He would be the perfect fit for a New England team that is built on strong defenders. He could replace either Mike Vrabel or Tedy Bruschi in the middle of the New England 3-4 defense. He falls in the draft because of the lack of emphasis that many teams place on the MLB position. His pro day did nothing but solidify his draft grade. New England has the opportunity to take the best player available with both of their Round 1 picks. Other options for them here could include Chris Houston or Aaron Ross or an interior lineman such as Ryan Kalil or Justin Blalock. |
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25. 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. Chris Houston had a terrific season for the Razorbacks, shutting down several top WRs including possible first rounders Robert Meacham and Dwayne Jarrett. Houston would instantly contribute for the Jets. They could look at a number of the 3-4 defenders available, including Anthony Spencer, with this pick or could choose Texas CB Aaron Ross over Houston, but they would be best advised to take the physical Houston here. |
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26. Philadelphia Eagles
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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 Aaron Ross here. |
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27. New Orleans Saints
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Aaron Ross, CB, Texas |
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The Saints added former Bengal LB Brian Simmons in the off season to bolster their linebacking corps and have added Kevin Kaesviharn for some competition at safety. CB Fred Thomas was repeatedly abused by the Eagles and Bears in the playoffs. 31 year old Jason Craft served as the nickelback for the Saints during 2006 and the ability to add the 2006 Thorpe Award winner at pick 27 can not be passed up. Ross has tremendous ball skills and is has the speed to run with receivers down the field. Ross was a first team All-American after a 2006 season that saw him have 80 tackles, 6 interceptions, and 19 pass breakups. The Saints could look at linebacker here - particularly Paul Posluszny. |
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28. New England Patriots
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The Patriots are one of the deepest teams in the league and used the offseason to fill in most areas of need. They have the luxury of targetting the best player available with this pick and adding depth. Ryan Kalil is one of the top center prospects to ever enter the draft. He also has the versatility to play guard if need be. Kalil demonstrated at the combine and Senior Bowl that he is the type of center that can get to the second level in the run game. As mentioned, the Patriots could really choose to go in several directions here. They could add even another wide reciever, such as Dwayne Bowe, but that seems to be overkill. Brandon Meriweather could be selected to add depth to safety, or another offensive lineman, perhaps Justin Blalock or Arron Sears could be the selection here. |
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29. Baltimore Ravens
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Baltimore lost Adalius Thomas, but could replace him with the explosive Anthony Spencer, who had an incredible 26.5 tackles for a loss last season at Purdue. A War Room Report favorite, Spencer did play some OLB at Purdue, which should make the transition to the NFL easier. Baltimore, like New England, is in a position with very few true need areas, so they can take a chance on a very talented player without a defined role. The Baltimore scheme could allow Spencer to truly shine as a rookie, much as Terrell Suggs did. Baltimore could look at several other positions here, such as CB with Daymeion Hughes or OT with Tony Ugoh, but the OLB/DE position probably represents the most value. |
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30. San Diego Chargers
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The Chargers jettisoned safety Terence Kiel and bringing in Meriweather would be an improvement for an unit that already ranked among the best in the league. Brandon Meriweather, who also could play some cornerback, is a premier playmaker with great ball skills and instincts. After an off the field incident and his role in the brawl at the Florida International game, there are concerns about Merewether's character. His talent should overrule those concerns. The Chargers could look to add WRs Dwayne Bowe or Sidney Rice here, but must fill the most pressing need first. 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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31. 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. Blalock can play OG or OT and with Reuben Brown playing his 13th NFL season, Blalock should eventually slide into his position. He started four years for one of the best college programs in the country and could again pave the way for Cedric Benson. The Bears could go many ways with this pick, but selecting Blalock or one of the other interior line prospects seems reasonable. With the pick acquired from the Jets in the Thomas Jones trade, the Bears are prime candidates to trade up. |
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32. Indianapolis Colts
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Jon Beason, OLB, Miami |
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The Colts are going to lose Cato June and LB Jon Beason would be a fine replacement. There are some whispers that Beason may have a slight ACL injury, and if true, he would obviously fall. Beason is slightly shorter than some would like but is an extremely physical player who hits hard and has good agility. Beason could play any of the LB positions in the Indianapolis system if necessary and can handle the coverage required in a Cover 2. The Colts have Gilbert Gardener, but he has been a disappoint thus far. The Colts could also look at a DT here - possibly Tank Tyler or Justin Harrell. |
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