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Football - General
EFS LG3000 Mock NFL Draft Round 1
1.1 Oakland Raiders JaMarcus Russell QB LSU
JaMarcus Russell is a very athletic QB with excellent size for his position. He has a good, strong arm and can make all the throws needed to be a franchise QB at the next level. He is a pocket passer who moves well in and out of the pocket. JaMarcus is a powerful kid who throws the ball with good touch, but can also whip the ball into a tight area. There is nothing on a football field that JaMarcus cannot do or accomplish if he puts his mind to it. Hopefully he doesnt buy a Taco Bell franchise and eat his way out of the league before he plays his rookie year.
1.2 Detroit Lions QB Brady Quinn Notre Dame
Given the fact that Jon Kitna is in his mid thirties, it seems only reasonable that the Lions would look for a replacement for Kitna. Not sure Orlovsky or McCown are viable options, even though Martz is reputed to like Orlovsky. Quinn has all the intangibles and the physical ability to be a successful NFL quarterback. The only real question concerning this pick is whether Detroit takes Quinn here, or takes OT Joe Thomas in rd 1 and then takes QB Stanton in rd2. If both of the top-rated QB's are not taken in the first two picks then it sets up the rest of the top 10 to be a wild affair!
1.3 Cleveland Browns OT Joe Thomas Wisconsin
With both quarterbacks off the board and Jamal Lewis in the fold, Cleveland continues their offensive line upgrade. Adrian Peterson or Calvin Johnson would be nice picks but Cleveland has had problems on the offensive line since the franchise was reborn in 1999. Thomas and Steinbach would constitute two huge additions and a better offensive line would aid the progress of Charlie Frye and Derek Anderson, both of whom could be adequate starters with a little help.
1.4 Tampa Bay Bucs - Calvin Johnson WR GA Tech
Come to Daddy! Calvin Johnson is easily the #1 talent in this draft, and is too much of an opportunity for the Bucs to pass by. Although WR isn't the #1 need of the Bucs, they sure can use some help here with Galloway ready for his AARP card, Clayton on the verge of being labeled a bust, and nobody much behind them. Johnson is big, very fast, has soft hands, runs good routes, and most importantly - isn't a head case like so many other WR’s. He'll be a fixture at the position for years and make pedestrian QB’s like Chris Simms look more like Joe Montana.
1.5 Arizona Cardinals DB Leon Hall Michigan
Like the Browns, the Arizona Cardinals are trying to fix their ever ending offensive line problems during yet another off-season, which has been made more difficult situation with the loss of OT Leonard Davis in free agency to the Dallas Cowboys. At the moment, the Browns chances of improved line play in 2007 are a little better with the drafting of Wisconsin OT Joe Thomas, than that of the Cardinals, who are devoid of real talent along the offensive line, especially at the tackle position. Arizona will still make the offensive line a major focus in the NFL draft, but they will wait until after the first round to draft at the position now that the number one offensive lineman prospect is off the board.
The Cardinals shift their attention to another major weakness, that being at the cornerback position. Antrel Rolle, although not a bust just two years in to his NFL career, has failed to live up to expectations with only 2 interceptions in 21 games played. The only playmaker in the secondary has been SS Adrian Wilson, and not having anyone else to help Wilson make an impact in the backfield has led to a defense that has averaged #26 in points allowed during the last seven seasons, with their best ranking (#12) coming in 2004. The defense has also been in the middle of the pack in yards and touchdowns allowed during this time. The Cardinals are making strides with their offense to hopefully remain competitive enough to win games in the high powered NFC West, but they also need their defense to start making bigger plays in the secondary to eliminate the embarrassing offensive slaughterings that the Cardinals defense has grown accustomed to.
That is why the drafting of Michigan CB Leon Hall makes sense here. At 5’11”, 193 pounds with 4.4 speed (ran a 4.39 at the 2007 NFL Combine), Hall is a smart instinctive player who attacks the ball on every play. He holds the Michigan school record with 43 pass deflections, breaking up at least one pass in 26 of his final 42 games. According to one scouting service: “Leon Hall has natural hands and very good ball skills, timing his leaps to get to the ball at its highest point…Shows good flexibility coming out of his breaks and has the ability to slip a block and make the tackle in the backfield…Plays with aggression and never takes a play off…Explosive hitter who keeps his pads low and shows good arm extension to wrap up and secure…Has the speed to stay tight on the receiver throughout the route”.
Based on the above scouting report, and having seen it on the field, Hall is definitely a player that can step in immediately for the Cardinals and help take pressure off of the rest of the defense, particularly Adrian Wilson and whoever lines up at the other cornerback position. And with Defensive Coordinator Clancy Pendergast employing an aggressive style of defense, Leon Hall will get plenty of chances at making ‘big’ plays.
1.6 Redskins Gaines Adams DE Clemson
The Redskins haven't had an impact pass rusher in years. The lack of pressure up front really left the secondary exposed last year and partly contributed to the horrible defensive rankings. As such the Redskins will take a pass rusher and Adams is the best pass rush prospect in the draft. Washington was expecting a DE to go @ 1.05 to AZ, so getting first choice out of Adams and Arkansas DE Jamal Williams leaves Washington feeling pretty good about this pick. Really though, the more likely scenario has the skins trading down in order to recoup some picks. A possible trade partner would be the Broncos who are also eyeing the defensive ends available and would probably jump on a trade if Adams is still available. Adrian Peterson is still available but not a temptation for the ‘Skins since they have both Portis and Betts in the backfield.
1.7 Minnesota Vikings S Laron Landry LSU
Minnesota was praying that one of the prized qbs would be here, but thanks to Brady Quinn's recent workouts, his stock rose, which killed any chance that he would slip to number 7. Don’t be surprised if the Vikings didn't trade this pick, and move down a few spots and pick up a few extra picks. Or they could reach and take Meacham or Jarrett. Considering how poor their safeties were last year, I just don't see them passing on Laundry. He's been a stud at LSU, and this young kid has game changing ability, and certainly could become one of the best at his position very quickly.
Later in the draft the Vikings will focus on WR, DE, and QB.
1.8 Atlanta Falcons DTOmobe Okeye Louisville
With an aging defensive unit, the Falcons have many possibilities on the defensive unit with this pick. They will choose to take the best overall player left on their draft board and select defensive tackle Omobe Okoye, out of Louisville.
Okoye will not have to start immediately and will be allowed to mature in a 3 man rotation with wily veterans Rod Coleman and Grady Jackson. He seems to be an ideal fit for Atlanta's current defensive system and is very often compared to one of the players he will be backing up, Rod Coleman. He will come into the NFL at the very young age of 19 and will continue to add substantial beef to his already large 302lb. frame. His equal ability against the run and pass in a one gap system will pay immediate dividends for the Falcons Defense.
1.9 Miami Dolphins OT Levi Brown
Unable to trade up to get a QB and with no WR worth taking at this stage the Dolphins only chance to improve their woeful offense is a much needed focus on the OL. The Dolphins were unable to make any significant upgrade to their OL through Free Agency so they take the big OT Levi Brown.
Other possibilities include WR Ted Ginn JR, WR Dwayne Bowe, DT Alan Branch, and DT Amobi Okoye .
1.10 Houston Texans RB Adrian Peterson OU
This is the Dream scenario!! After last year's Reggie Bush/V Young debacle, getting this stud RB would be surprising and a coup for this franchise. Peterson runs upright, which might leave him open to big shots by defenders but he is elusive and has breakaway speed. He didn't get many opportunities to catch the ball at Oklahoma, but at his ProDay he reportedly exhibited very good hands. Some might think that the signing of Ahman Green precludes this choice, or that Peterson does not fit the Zone Blocking scheme; neither of those are true. This opportunity to draft a long-term solution to the RB situation won't be overlooked.
Other options in case AD is actually not here when the pick is due? OT Levi Brown, another pass rushing DE to match with Mario Williams, a Safety (Landry would be the only one worth it at this point in the draft), a WR that can stretch the field, or a trade down....all are possibilities.
1.11 San Francisco 49ers LB Patrick Willis MSU
Willis is the best LB in this draft, at least as an ILB. Very mobile, hard hitter, excellent tackler and is a three down LB. Only caveat to this pick is whether or not 49ers will play a 3-4 or 4-3 defense. Willis would be more valuable in a 4-3 from a fantasy perspective.
Possible Alternatives include: WR Ginn, DE Carriker, or WR Bowe.
1.12 Buffalo Bills CB Chris Houston
Buffalo fills one of their biggest holes with the rapidly rising up the draft CB Chris Houston. After losing CB Nate Clements in free agency, the Bills have a huge hole opposite Terrance Mcgee. Houston fills in nicely.
Other Possibilities include: DT Alan Branch or RB Marshawn Lynch
1.13 St. Louis Rams DT Alan Branch Michigan
The Rams have three players they are targeting with this pick; Alan Branch, Gaines Adams, and Jamaal Anderson. The Rams would have died and gone to heaven if Adams would have fallen to the 13th pick, but with him off the board St. Louis decides to fill their main need, defensive tackle.
Branch's stock has fallen, and with their history of first round defensive tackle busts, think Damione Lewis, Ryan Pickett, and Jimmy Kennedy, if the Rams are going to draft Branch, they better be 100% sure he will be a fine player. Scouts are starting to recognize that Branch took many plays off, and in some games he didn't give his full effort. To me, that's a huge white flag. However, Haloti Ngata, was tagged with the same stigma last year, and the scouts were proven dead wrong. Here's hoping that the scouts will be wrong once again. If not, the Rams porous run defense will not improve, and the Rams once again, will be a game or two short of making the 07 playoffs.
1.14 Carolina Panthers select Reggie Nelson S Florida
Reggie Nelson is a unique Safety, one that has the speed and coverage ability of most cornerbacks. He is not as tall or bid as L Landry, but he has very good skills- reportedly he has best hands of any DB in the draft. He is not afraid to tackle in the box, he will come up and stick RB’s. The only question with him concerns reports that he may not be smart enough to absorb the intricacies of NFL defenses.
1.15 Pittsburgh Steelers CB Darrelle Revis PITT
With the big name FA signing last year in Ike Taylor the Steelers need to find a stud at CB and with this pick they might have just grabbed a diamond ready to shine. The team really wanted Leon Hall but he was snatched by the Cardinals at 5. Revis seems to do many things very well, covering, run support, punt returns and has the speed to keep up with NFL receivers. Darrelle is a tremendous athlete and looks to be one of the first CB's taken in this years draft. The fact that Revis didn't work out at the combine might hurt him in the long run money wise but it seems to have worked out for the Steelers as some teams have Revis listed as their #1 CB. Steelers get the home town boy who is also an electrifying punt returner!
Revis's #'s from his Pro Day @ PITT:
Height: 5-11 ¼
Weight: 196
40: 4.41 and 4.39 seconds
Vertical: 38-inch
Broad Jump: 10-foot-5
Short Shuttle: 4.08
Three Cone Drill: 6.56
1.16 Green Bay RB Marshawn Lynch Cal
Lynch has good size, vision, and speed. He is a 3-down back who is an excellent receiver out of the backfield. Some mocks have expressed some doubt about his 'fit' in the zone blocking scheme GB runs; no consensus on that though. He does have some off-field issues that may cause him to fall past this point. If he is here and he is not taken by GB then those issues would play a part in his fall. Other alternatives here would be: a big WR (Meachem, Bowe, Rice), TE Olsen, or Safety if Nelson is available.
1.17 Jacksonville DE Adam Carriker Neb
Jaguars need a DE to take place of injured players on the DL. Jags still have McCray so Carriker may start out as backup in the DL rotation. Still he has the size to stop the run efficiently, and generate some pass rush. He is probably similar to Vonnie Holliday or Aaron Kampman than a pure pash rushing DE.
1.18 Cinncinnati LB Jon Beason Mia
Beason's stock is rising fast due to his combine and Pro Day workouts. He is not very big but is fast, quick and reasonably good tackling ability. His college career has blossomed the past two seasons. So far he does not have a reputation for off field transgressions, if any arise then the focus for the Bengals may switch to another OLB-Paul Poszluzny of Penn State.
1.19 Tennessee WR Robert Meachem Tenn
Titans pick a home town guy to serve as receive for Vince Young's passes. Meachem is a big, tall WR who has some speed once he separates from defenders and is not afraid to go across the middle of the field. The only reported drawbacks to his game are: he only produced for one year, and this issue about separating from DB's in the NFL.....
1.20 New York Giants OL Joe Staley Central Mich
The Giants have major holes at both LB and OT, since the franchise has invested in Eli Manning and they need to protect his blind side. Staley is a gifted athlete who began his career at a Tight End. He has good size (6.5 302lbs) and even better quickness. He needs to work on his strength, but he has a great first step and is able to handle the speed rushers off the edge. For the past two seasons he earned All Mid-American Conference honors, protecting the his QBs who averaged more than 245 yards per game passing. Drafting an OLB like Timmons at this point may seem to be a more sexy pick, but for the Giants to win, they need to show that trading Phillip Rivers and the farm to San Diego was not Hershall Walker moment. If Eli stays upright, the G-men can battle for a playoff spot. Joe Staley could very well be the key.
1.21 Denver Broncos DE Jamaal Anderson Ark
A pass-rushing phenom that excels off the edge with extremely good foot-work. He is a natural athlete who has a hoops background. Has room to grow into his long frame, so he has a lot of up-side. He is a sure fire top 15 pick with a 1st round grade that shouldn't have fallen this far.
The Broncos needs:
• Defensive End
• Cornerback
• Safety
• Offensive Tackle
• Defensive Tackle
Other options for the Broncos at DE would have been Charles Johnson, Victor Abiamiri, or Quentin Moses but they would be reaches at this point. I also would look for the Broncos to address their secondary with a player in similar mold to Brandon Meriweather who can line up at safety or corner. There is a big drop off at the offensive tackle position and I don't like taking a guard this early in the draft.
1.22 DAL Cowboys DB Michael Griffin Texas
The Boyz pickup homeboy Griffin from down the road in Austin, adding a young talent to a weak spot in the Dallas D. The recent Ken Hamlin deal made FS less of a need than previously thought, but it never hurts to have a youngster being groomed for a role rather than being thrown to the wolves. Griffin, at 6-0" and 200, is big enough to play SS, and with 4.45 speed, fast enough to play CB, both of which he has done in his college career. He seems to play better in space and handles slot receivers well, which is exactly what the Boyz need - it will allow Roy Williams to play close to the line and do his pseudo-LB thang. Griffin is also very good on special teams and will likely make a strong impact in that area.
Other possibilities: Aaron Ross CB Texas, Ted Ginn WR Ohio State, and Dwayne Bowe WR LSU. The Boyz also need a pass rushing DE, but there seems to be nothing available at the first-round level (DAL would have taken Anderson, but he went at the 1.21). The Leonard Davis deal de-emphasized the need for OL help, as did the Ken Hamlin FS deal - although depth will surely be obtained in later rounds. And, the WR's on staff are certainly serviceable for another year or two; the Boyz will definitely seek depth here in the later rounds.
1.23 KC Chiefs WR Dwayne Bowe
The Chiefs are ecstatic to see some of the best WR of the draft fall to their spot. Kansas City has not had a true #1 receiver in some time. Bowe fits Herman Edwards system better than Ted Ginn Jr. but Ginn's speed is tempting. I do not see KC going any direction but WR here as that is their biggest need and there should be at least one WR worth taking at this spot.
Other possibilities include: WR Ginn Jr, WR Dwayne Jarrett
1.24 New England LB L Timmons FSU
The genius of Belechick always has been his defense. Even though the past two seasons the Patriots developed a better offense, they could not advance to the SuperBowl. Belechick knows that that his secret to beating the Colts, was the ability of his defense to shut down Manning. With two first round picks, he will improve the talent on the defensive side of the ball. Although they signed Adalius Thomas, Belechick, will still look for quickness from the outside. Timmons is a hard hitting tackling machine who loves sacking the QB. In 13 starts, he dumped his opposition eight times. His ability to charge off the edge is also demonstrated by the four kicks that he blocked during his 38 game career with Bobby Bowden. Timmons is a versatile athlete who makes plays, hits hard, causes turnovers, and sacks the QB. That is the kind of player that Belechick needs to recharge his defense.
1.25 New York Jets DE Charles Johnson Georgia
Shaun Ellis is still one of the most complete DE's in the game but has played only 20 games over the last two years and may be breaking down. Kimo Von Oelhoffen is 36 and is really better suited for a complimentary role. The Jets already have their own version of A. Carriker (B. Thomas) and with J. Anderson off the board, Johnson is the pick.
Though Johnson doesn't really have the pass rushing explosiveness the Jets covet, his long arms and strength at the point of attack will be huge assets in the Jets defensive scheme. His reads are quick and instinctive, and he has an innate ability to shed lineman and pursue the play from the backside. If he lands in the Big Apple, New York will have a high effort, every down player that will anchor the right side of the defensive line for years to come.
1.26 Philadelphia DB Brandon Merriwether Miami
Going into this draft, linebacker would have seemed to be one of Philadelphia's biggest priorities. However, before this pick was made the Eagles made a trade with Buffalo for Takeo Spikes. They traded defensive tackle Darwin Walker as part of the deal, but that was offset by the free agency addition of Montae Raegor. So it's time to go for need, and the Eagles definitely have a need at safety. Michael Lewis left to join the 49ers and there are doubts about Sean Considine. Brian Dawkins is still playing at a high level, but Philadelphia is known for drafting guys and grooming them as future starters (as evidenced by Lito Sheppard and Sheldon Brown being groomed behind Bobby Taylor and Troy Vincent). Meriweather has great athleticism and played every position in the secondary at Miami, meaning the Eagles could use him in a variety of ways. His best spot is free safety, which is the domain of Dawkins, but he could eventually succeed him down the line and in the meantime give the Eagles solid depth.
1.27 New Orleans LB Paul Posluzny Penn State
Everyone knows that the Saints are in dire need of improvement at the LB slots. Fujita and Shanle are ok, so Posluzny will provide an upgrade over even those two. It remains to be seen whether or not he will play ILB or OLB, but he could certainly play inside. He has the skills to manage quite well there.
1.28 New England DB Aaron Ross Texas
The Patriots had long discussions at 1.24 as to whether they should take the play making OLB in Timmons or the game changing corner and Punt returner in Aaron Ross. The Patriots Magic continues with Ross falling to them at 1.28 and they are able to get the two players they were targeting to re-energize their defense. Ross, as the Thorpe award winner (Best DB in Coutnry) and Big 12 Defensive player of the year has ten interceeptions and 33 pass breakups. He is known as a gambler and will need to work on staying within the system, but as a ball hawk he is capable of game changing plays. AT 6-1, 192 he has the size to compete with the new breed of WR and there are no doubts about his speed, leaping ability, and his knack to make the big play. Ross, will fit in immediately for the Patriots as a nickle back and punt returner, and as he learns the system, will battle for full time starter status.
1.29 Baltimore OT Tony Ugoh Arkansas
Jonathan Ogden is flirting with retirement, FA Tony Pashos signed with Jacksonville, and Edwin Mulitalo was released (Detriot), so Baltimore is precariously thin along the offensive line. This is more a need than value pick, but Ugoh will probably be counted on to start at some point in 2007.
Strong enough at the point of attack though not really a mauler, Ugoh will need work on his run blocking schemes. His strength is pass protection, and he excels at sealing the edge on roll outs - a McNair specialty. Ugoh should compete immediately with Adam Terry for the RT position and eventually will replace Ogden at LT.
1.30 San Diego Ted Ginn Jr Ohio State WR
Ted will fill the role of Punt/Kick Returner as well as #2 wide receiver. With your top two WR's being Vincent Jackson and Eric Parker and upgrade of your #2 is needed. Jackson is a great red zone threat and Parker is more of a slot receiver. Ted Ginn can be the down field threat as well as a very potent ST player.
1.31 Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears select Ben Grubbs, offensive guard from Auburn University. Ben is very athletic for his 320 pound frame. His versatility should lend himself to play any of the three interior line positions. With Thomas Jones gone, Cedric Benson will have to carry the load himself this year. Also, Rex Grossman is at a "make or break" position in his career going into 2007. That is a remarkable amount of unknowns for the Chicago Bears following a season that saw them reach the Super Bowl. If Benson and/or Grossman are going to have the kind of year the Bears fans are hoping for, they will need some more depth at offensive line. Ben Grubbs could give them a significant lift.
1.32 Indianapolis Colts DE Jarvis Moss Mia
The Colts will lok to bolster their defensive line and interior front seven. Indianapolis has needs at many positions, believe it or not, and their needs are:
*
Defensive Line
*
Linebacker
*
Cornerback
*
Offensive Line
*
Wide Reciever
*
Running Back
The Colts will look to address a number of different needs, as a lot of quality will still be left on the board. The most likely scenario is that Jarvis Moss will be taken and that the Colts will look to add a run stuffing DT or the best LB available. The players that I see fitting Indianapolis' scheme are Justin Harrell, DT -Tennessee, Lawrence Timmons, OLB -F.S.U., and Demarcus Tyler, DT -N.C.S.
Jarvis Moss
Strengths
Moss is a pass-rushing specialist who excells at getting off the ball quickly...... almost as if he knows the snap count on every play. Jarvis is an athlete that scouts LOVE! He plays with excellent flexability and terrific form. He shows good knee-bend and has a great motor. In division-I football, Moss had to be accounted for on every single play, so we'll see how that translates to the pro game.
Weaknesses
Moss is a very thin person and MUST bulk up if wants to have a chance in the NFL game. Jarvis does not use his hands well at this stage in his career and will need to learn better technique. Durability will be a concern with him, as a pelvic condition that resulted in him dropping to 218lbs very early in his career has been documented.
Bottom Line
Moss has the athletic ability to develop into an eilte pass rusher in this league if he bulks up and adds some more muscle. He is a superior talent that, once again, should not have fallen this far. Being a Junior Moss had to make a decision to enter the draft early or not and it is blatantly clear that Moss made the right move, as the DE class is very thin after the first day picks are gone.
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