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 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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At the beginning of the mock draft process, the War Room Report suggested that the Lions would target 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 Tampa 2 system necessitates a strong pass rush, so Gaines Adams is a real possibility here. The Lions could certainly move down to pick four or five and grab Adams. Joe Thomas is still a possibility, especially if the Lions decide to move Foster inside. |
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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'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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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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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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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 or Amobi Okoye. 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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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 Robert Meacham, if they feel that Ginn is too similar to first round bust Troy Williamson. The Vikings could also address defense with Leon Hall or Jamaal Anderson as possibilities. The recent signing of Mike Doss probably knocks LaRon Landry from this pick. |
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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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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 LaRon Landry. |
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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 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 a wide receiver such as 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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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 possiblity 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 projected in this slot for a month by the War Room Report, but the recent visit of Michael Turner indicated to us that the Bills may not be targeting the Cal RB. The Bills could select Chris Houston 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. |
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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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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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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. 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. |
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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. |
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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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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 had a terrific season at Tennessee and is one of the fastest WRs in the draft. He has the size and speed to work well Vince Young well. Meacham has the athletic talent to go after jump balls and should only continue to improve. The Titans could look at a few other WR prospects here such as Dwayne Jarrett or Dwayne Bowe, or could even consider a pass rusher here. |
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New York Giants
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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 play 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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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 could look at a few other defensive end prospects here, particularly Anthony Spencer or Charles Johnson. |
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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. 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 WRs Dwayne Bowe or Dwayne Jarrett. |
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The Chiefs have needed to address the WR position for several seasons. The Chiefs have yet to add a real weapon at the position, and as they undergo a transition at the quarterback spot with Damon Huard and Brodie Croyle, they must give the QB a weapon. Bowe impressed in the Senior Bowl with his physical style and would fit well in the AFC West. The Chiefs would also be tempted to take Dwayne Jarrett from USC, but his slow 40 yard dash time may have dropped him from Round One. The Chiefs will be very tempted to select Central Michigan OT Joe Staley, as this is a team that has built itself along the offensive line. The Chiefs other major need is at defensive tackle, so Justin Harrell could be a target here as well. |
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The Patriots have had a strong off-season, filling many of their areas of need. They can afford to target some of the best players on the board with this pick and Chris Houston is not only one of the top players on the board, but plays a position of need for the Pats. Houston is an amazingly physical corner who will benefit greatly from being eased into the starting lineup by the Pats. Asante Samuel is unhappy about his franchise designation and could be gone after this season. Houston's upside is greater than any cornerback in the draft and he could be the #1 corner that the Patriots could count on for a long time. The Pats could go in a variety of directions here, including safety such as Brandon Meriweather or Michael Griffin or linebacker, particularly Jon Beason. |
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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, but there seems to be little value here. Ross is clearly the top CB left at this point, but Eric Wright could get some consideration. |
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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 have two primary need areas - cornerback and linebacker, but with Ross and Houston off the board, the Saints would be best served to target the two time Chuck Bednarik Award winner from Penn State, Paul Posluszny. Brian Simmons was brought in to compete with Mark Simoneau in the middle, but Posluszny would immediately fight with Scott Shanle and Scott Fujita on the outside. Posluszny would instantly upgrade the defense of the Saints, which desperately needs an upgrade. If the Saints wish to add a first round cornerback to compete with Fred Thomas, they likely would have to explore Eric Wright or Marcus McCauley here, two players with immense physical talents but character and consistency concerns. |
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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 this pick to add depth to their inside linebacking corps that is advancing in age. Beason played outside linebacker at Miami but could easily transition to inside linebacker in the 3-4 system of the Patriots. His coverage skills would allow him to get playing time immediately then he could take over as a starter as soon as mid-season. Beason does not have elite speed but he has the ability to shed blocks and drop back in pass coverage, both necessities for a 3-4 inside linebacker. The Patriots have a variety of options here, including versatile offensive lineman like Justin Blalock or Ryan Kalil or a safety in Brandon Meriweather. |
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Baltimore Ravens
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The Ravens lost Tony Pashos in free agency and perennial Pro Bowler Jonathan Ogden has hinted at retirement. The Ravens are one of the deepest teams in the league and can afford to use this pick to take one of the best players available. Staley, a converted tight end, tested extremely well at his Pro Day and if he can get stronger and improve his technique, he could become a top left tackle. It is difficult to find potential left tackles, particularly drafting towards the end of Round One. Baltimore could look at several other positions here, such as CB with Eric Wright or an OLB/DE prospect such as Anthony Spencer but if Staley is on the board, he will be the pick for the Ravens. |
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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 WR Dwayne Jarrett 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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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. With Lance Briggs being unhappy, the Bears could very easily select an outside linebacker here, but with Posluszny and particularly Beason off the board, they will have to look in another direction. |
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The Colts would like to grab Jon Beason with this pick, but with him off the board, they can address another need area, with Justin Harrell of Tennessee. Harrell has the skills to go even higher, but a 2006 injury may drop him to this pick. Justin Harrell has the strength to play immediately. The Colts defense need to improve both their pass rush and run defense and Harrell could immediately contribute in both areas. The Colts have a variety of other options here and could even look at a number of value players here including WR Dwayne Jarrett. Interior line is another possibility here. |
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