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Football - General
EFS News Writers Mock NFL Draft- Round 2
After completing our first round Mock NFL Draft we continued with our second round Mock Draft. This covered the past 2+ weeks and reflects the views of the League 3000 owners who cover these NFL teams.
2.1 Oakland Raiders WR Dwayne Jarrett USC
The Raiders select Dwayne Jarrett WR USC. Dwayne has the size, speed, hands and route running ability that is equal to any WR in this draft. The Raiders love that he dropped to the 2nd Round for them. Hopefully he develops into a Roy Williams type.
2.2 Detroit DE Victor Abiramiri Notre Dame
Lions need a quality DE to replace James Hall who was dealt in offseason, and in response to the move of Cory Redding to DT. Victor Abiramiri offers the opportunity to grow into his body, adding muscle to his frame and become a full time DE. The other choices at DE are speed pass rushers that may not offer the same upside to full time DE.
Alternatives: If the Lions didnot take a QB in Round 1, then Drew Stanton will be prime candidate to be chosen in this slot.
2.3 Tampa Bay Bucs - Ray McDonald DE/DT Florida
Tampa's DL is aging, like the rest of their once-fearsome defense. They need new blood. At this point, it would be hard to resist Greg Olsen, the speedy TE from Miami, but with a young Alex Smith already in the fold and greater needs on defense, the Bucs will grit their teeth and go for the best fit for their existing 4-3 defense.
McDonald is 6'4", 280 lbs, and is fairly fast for a big man. He's disruptive from either the inside or outside positions, quick off the ball, and has good explosion and pursuit skills. In short, he's everything that the aging Simeon Rice and underwhelming Greg Spires ain't. To his detriment, he's not all that good in shedding blockers, so he'll need a lot of strength and technique work, plus he's had a history of injuries. In addition, he's a homeboy, having grown up in Florida and attended both high school and college within a few hundred miles of his pro destination.
But, McDonald seems to be a better fit in Tampa than does Justin Harrell (DT Tennessee) or Anthony Spencer (DE/OB Purdue), and no other players in this price performance range match the Bucs' needs better.
Other choices include the players mentioned above, plus possibly Aaron Sears OG Tennessee, David Harris IB Michigan, or Tank Tyler DT North Carolina State.
2.4 Cleveland Browns CB Daymeion Hughes Cal
The Browns have come out firing in free agency and signed future starters such as Eric Steinbach, Robaire Smith and possibly Shaun Smith. But they haven't done much about their less than stellar situation at cornerback. The only player they've signed is Kenny Wright, who is not a long-term answer. Leigh Bodden has proven reliable despite some injury issues, but he needs a tag team partner. Gary Baxter's status is in serious doubt due to health issues and the jury is definitely out on the rest of the corners currently on Cleveland's roster. Conversely, Hughes would be a good fit.
2.5 New York (from Washington) RB Antonio Pitman OhioState
The Jets must fortify a running game that ranked in the bottom half in rushing yds/game and whose leading rusher, Leon Washington, churned out a whopping 650 yards for the entire season. Thomas Jones brings credibility to the unit, but he turns 29 in August and is not the long-term solution. With virtually no cartilage in his knees, Curtis Martin is expected to announce his retirement, leaving this unit precariously thin.
Pittman has impressive 4.41 speed and has deceptive strength. His 210 lb. frame is big enough to pound between the tackles and he makes positive yardage after the initial contact. He also has goods hands, and is dangerous after the catch in space. He does need extensive work on his blocking, however, but that aspect of the game can be taught. This may be a bit early in the selection process, but Pittman has enough solid talent to give the Jets a valuable commodity at RB for years to come.
2.6 Arizona DE Anthony Spencer Purdue
After passing up on Clemson DE Gaines Adams in the first round to take Michigan CB Leon Hall, the Cardinals knew they needed to target a defensive end with their second round pick. Fortunately for the Cardinals, Purdue DE Anthony Spencer fell to them with this pick. Spencer put up good numbers in all of the NFL Combine Drills, not too far off the numbers put up by Adams. The Boilermakers have sent some pretty good defensive ends to the NFL (Akin Ayodele, Cowboys; Rosevelt Colvin, Patriots; Ray Edwards, Vikings; Chike Okeafor, Cardinals; Shaun Phillips, Chargers) since Joe Tiller arrived as Purdue's Head Coach. In 47 games, Spencer totaled 21 sacks and 155 total tackles. In 2006 he led the Boilermakers in sacks (10.5) and was second on the team with a career-high 93 tackles. His skill set and measurables make him a DE/LB "tweener", someone that Defensive Coordinator Clancy Pendergast could use in various zone-blitz packages, which new HC Ken Whisenhunt used so often in Pittsburgh. Spencer made many big plays at Purdue last season, registering 26 stops behind the line, causing 5 fumbles and batting 6 passes and blocking 1 kick. With his all-out, aggressive type of play, he is sure to pay dividends for the Cardinals for many seasons to come.
2.7 Atlanta OC Ryan Khalil USC
Definitely one of the most athletic offensive lineman coming to the NFL out of this years draft. He has an explosive first step and excellent mobility, allowing him to get the second level of his blocks very quickly. He has very good strength for his size (299lbs, 6' 2"), putting up a very impressive 34 reps in the bench press. He also runs a sub 5 40.
Khalil should have a real good opportunity to win a starting job right out of camp, replacing the aging Todd McClure. He will probably be the first of many offensive lineman selected in the 2007 draft by the Falcons. Their O line is among the oldest in the NFL, averaging just over 30 years of age.
2.8 Miami CB Marcus McCauley Fresno State
After going for OL help in the first round, Miami looks to continue improving their weak secondary by picking CB Marcus McCauley. McCauley has first round ability in coverage, size , and speed, but needs to work on his tackling and smarts to become a starter in the NFL. Miami could also look at WR or DT with this pick.
2.9 Minnesota Vikings QB Drew Stanton MSU
Stanton is clearly the QB#3 in this years draft class. He has very good size, mobility and arm strength. He can make all the necessary throws. His senior year was a roller coaster ride, that demonstrated his strenghts and weaknesses. His weaknesses are his tendency to force throws into coverage, and problems reading defenses.
Alternatives to Stanton would be at DE or possibly WR.
2.10 San Francisco 49ers WR Anthony Gonzalez Ohio St
With Antonio Bryant discarded, the 49ers are in dire need of a WR, although one could make the case that they signed WR Ashley Lelie, and still hope to resign Bryant. Gonzalez offers good size, above average speed, excellent hands and can double as a returner. His route running skills are well honed also.
If they resign Bryant before the draft, then the most likely target here will be a DE or DT.
2.11 Buffalo RB Michael Bush Louisville
The Bills traded the best player on their team in Willis Mcgahee and they need to improve their running backs so they pick the next best back in the draft. Bush was a starter at Louisville for all 4 years when healthy and could prove to be a big steal in the second round after missing part of his senior season with a broken leg.
Other Possibilities include: LB Brandon Siler, LB Buster Keaton
2.12 Atlanta S Aaron Rouse VaTech
The Falcons have to address an area that they have been struggling in for years. Their pass defense has been awful and 2006 was not any different, ranking 29th.
Rouse brings great size(6'4") and decent speed (4.59). He also has been known as a very good playmaker in college and has developed a reputation as a very unselfish team player. All of these assets will definitely improve the Falcon pass defense.
He will challenge Lawyer Milloy and Chris Crocker immediately.
2.13 Carolina WR Aundrae Allison East Carolina
With an aging Keyshawn Johnson and a less than stellar Keary Colbert listed as the number 2 and number 3 receivers, the Panthers will have to bring in some youth and talent.
Allison will bring much needed speed (4.39 40) and a very good ability to separate from defenders. He is a bit unpolished, allowing the ball to get to his body, a trait not admired in the NFL. He has tremendous short yardage burst which lends to his ability to separate but can and will be jammed at the line. He will have to improve in this area if he is going to be a productive professional receiver.
2.14 Pittsburgh OG Aaron Sears Tennessee
Sears played OT at TENN but is projected to play OG in the NFL. Steelers have a need at all three OL positions as Starks and Marvel Smith both getting close to FA the team need to start building a line for the future. Sears will at the very least be able to back up either OT incase of injury but he could very well start at OG. Kendall Simmons and Chris Kemoeatu are more that likely replaceable. Another player that has shown some promise at OT is Willie Colon out of Rutgers (drafted in 2006). The line is in need of a retooling and this is just the beginning. Many players might leave in 2008 for greener pastures. There are already rumblings of Starks heading towards the desert, Marvel will be highly sought after and Faneca has already shown his distain for the new regime. The OC is also a big question mark heading into 2007 and the future. Chukky Okobi and new comer Sean Mahan who has started 8 games at center in TB will be a spirited competition this offseason.
This could be the new look OL in 2007:
OT Starks , Colon
OG Sears, Simmons, Kemoeatu
OC Okobi , Mahan
OG Mahan, Kemoeatu
OT M Smith, Sears, T Essex
2.15 Green Bay Packers TE Greg Olsen Miami
Greg Olsen is the prefect weapon for use against the Cover2 defenses the Bears and Minnesota run in the Central Division. He has the speed to get down the seams and will offer the Packers a Red Zone weapon. His reputation is that of a poor blocker, but with added bulk and practice that can be taught.
If Olsen is gone at this point, the Packers might consider TE Zach Miller ArizSt, or a RB like Tony Hunt PennSt. A Defensive back, if A Ross slipped, or someone else, would also be considered.
2.16 Jacksonville WR Craig Davis LSU
With the Jaguars having no proven option for Leftwich to throw to this pick makes a lot of sense. Davis accels very quickly which means he can separate himself from defensive backs well and can be a good deep threat. He isn't afraid to go over the middle and catch the ball and take a hit for his trouble. Davis could be a steal for the Jags because he was overshadowed by his LSU teammate Dwayne Bowe.
Pro Day results:
40-Yrd Dash: 4.41 secs
20-Yrd Dash: 2.54 secs
10-Yrd Dash: 1.49 secs
Broad Jump: 10'1"
2.17 Cincinnati DT Tank Tyler NC State
While the Bengals have Sam Adams and John Thornton at this position I think they go Tyler here for a couple of reasons. Adams is aging and isn't the player he used to be while Thornton hasn't proven to really have the tools to be a starter. Tank Tyler has a lot of speed and power which helps him get good penetration through the line. He is very strong which gives him good leverage when he needs it. He can control the gap well which in return disrupts the run.
Pro Day results:
40-Yrd Dash: 5.24 secs
20-Yrd Dash: 2.96 secs
10-Yrd Dash: 1.75 secs
Vertical Jump: 28 1/2(combine)
Broad Jump: 8'1"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.76 secs
3 Cone Drill: 7.47 secs
2.18 Tennessee CB Tanard Jackson
With the season long suspension of Pacman Jones handed down today, the Titans are in need of another CB to pair with UFA Nick Harper. Jackson is very raw, with excellent recovery speed. He needs to polish his technique but he fits well in the Titans scheme.
2.19 New York David Harris LB Michigan
With their second pick the G-men turn their attention to the defensive side of the ball. The thought of passing on Steve Smith WR USC gets local Giants fans at Radio City Music Hall singing the blues, but the Giant defense is in desperate need of help at LB and CB. Harris is a two year starter at Michigan who would probably be a first round draft pick if it were not for injury concerns based on a torn ACL he suffered as a Freshman in 2003. He is none-the-less a hard hitting playmaker who should be able to secure a starting role come September.
2.20 St Louis DB Eric Wright UNLV
St Louis has a definite need at CB and Eric Wright is a very accomplished cornerback. He has very good size and speed and is not afraid to get mixed up in defending the running game. He started at USC but transferred to UNLV after having problems in LA. Therefore, he has some 'character' issues that may make him fall futher than his talent warrants.
2.21 Dallas WR Sidney Rice South Carolina
T.O. and Terry Glenn are solid WR's but are getting a little long in the tooth. Patrick Crayton is the only notable behind them, followed by a corps of unproven youngsters. The Boys could use a solid WR to learn from the vets for a year or two, then take over as The Man.
Sidney Rice could be that player. He's big, at 6-4 and 200, and raw - coming out as a sophomore, but has huge talent and great hands. Like Jerry Rice, his timed speed will not impress, but his game speed is more than sufficient. With the help of T.O. showing him how to get free, and Glenn showing him how to find seams downfield, he could develop into a prime receiver in the next few years.
Other possibilities with this pick could be OG Justin Blalock from Texas, or possibly FB Brian Leonard from Rutgers. Blalock would provide some fresh talent for an aging OL, and Leonard would provide a combination threat from the FB position missing since the retirement of Moose Johnston.
2.22 Kansas City OL James Marten Boston College
With the retirements of Roaf and Shields in past two years, and loss of Turley, the Chiefs are in dire need of some quality OL replacements. Marten fits the bill, although he may not start out at LT, he may eventually develop into a LT.
2.23 Seattle OG Justin Blalock Texas
The Seahawks get what is considered to be the second best guard prospect in the draft. He will provide immediate depth and will provide a possible long-term solution for the aging Chris Grey who recently re-signed on a 1 year deal. Blalock is also a possibility at tackle so versatility seals this deal. Other possibilities would be CB or S.
2.24 Denver DE Quentin Moses Georgia
The Broncos have needs all along the defensive line and have lacked a true dominant pass rusher for quite some time. Other options at this pick would be Michael Johnson/S -Arizona, Earl Everett/OLB -Florida, or Ben Grubbs/OG -Auburn.
Quentin Moses - HT: 6'5" WT: 250 40-Yard: 4.62
Moses is a natural pass rusher and a tremendous athlete. Has great footwork, balance, and can securely wrap up a tackler. He has a lanky frame and needs to get stronger. Had a sub-par senior season that left a lot of scouts disappointed. He was a stud early in his career and is a very similar prospect to Troy's DeMarcus Ware or NCState's Manny Lawson of a couple years past drafts. He is a flat out ball player and is too athletic not to have success at the next level.
2.25 Philadelphia DE Lamarr Woodley Michigan
Linebacker again could be a possibility here, and I doubt Philadelphia will ignore the position entirely in the draft but the addition of Spikes means they can concentrate on other needs. Darren Howard had a disappointing first season in the city of Brotherly Love and Jevon Kearse is getting older and coming back from a season-ending injury. Trent Cole has impressed but the Eagles don't want to wear him down. As a result, Woodley would be a solid addition.
2.26 New Orleans CB Jonathan Wade Tennessee
The cornerback position is probably the Saints most glaring need in this draft and to have a player like Jonathan Wade still available has Sean Payton and the Saints brass with hugh smiles on their faces, although not the type of grins they were all sporting at the beginning of the 2006 Draft when Reggie Bush fell in to their laps. All three of the Saints CB's - McKenzie, Thomas and Craft - will all be older than 31 come the start of the upcoming season, and it's time for the team to start grooming a young player to take over for one of the aforementioned veterans. Jonathan Wade had the best vertcal jump at the NFL Combine with 40.5 inches, and he posted one of the fastest 40 times (4.36). In college he was also on the Volunteers track team, and was a member of two of the three fastest 4X100-meter relay teams in UT history. This guy is fast. Wade plays bigger than his size (5'10", 195 lbs.), and his lower body strength, particularly his strong legs, gives him quick acceleration with the ability to catch up to fast receivers. He played some receiver in college, and displays natural pass catching ability. One weakness that Wade has is poor tackling technique, which will definitely get refined at the NFL level.
2.27 New York Jets OT Ryan Harris Notre Dame
The Jets need someone to compliment bookend left OT D'Brickashaw Ferguson on the right side. Anthony Clement is sufficient, but he's a liability in pass protection, and what does it say about a guy who was originally cut then brought back as a stopgap? Adrian Jones is nothing more than an injury substitute at best. Ryan Harris has to be the pick here, someone they can groom to pair with Ferguson to help keep the Jets quarterback perpendicular for four quarters.
Harris has quick feet, enabling him to slide outside and meet speed rushers at the point of attack. He shows good leverage, aggressive hands, and can dominate when focused. His run blocking technique needs work, but his mobility make him a solid play on counters and traps. LG Pete Kendall turns 34 this July, and Harris outweighs him by 25 pounds, so it's feasible that Harris could start his career at guard, then move to OT in 2008.
Truth be told, the Jets really need CB help, but three top remaining corners (J. Wade, E. Wright, and T. Jackson) were taken in the previous nine selections, shifting the Jets' focus to Harris. Most pundits have Harris pegged as a top-40 pick, making him a nice long-term value here for New York.
2.28 Miami DB Eric Weddle Utah
This pick is in dispute. Some locations I have researched conted the Patriots do not own this pick. Rather the Miami Dolphins own the pick. Other sites maintain it as the Patriots. Regardless I have not been able to verify. So in the event the New Engand Patriots own this pick or trade to reacquie the pick, they will maximize value and slect Eric Weddle DB from Utah. Weddle is a rare athelete that can play both CB and S. He is also the holder for field goals and etra points. He did not run as fast as some scouts hoped, but he did shut down Dwayne Jarrett to two receptions and 19 yards. As a playmaker and heady football player, Belicheck will use him in nickle packages and until he eventually takes over the starting safety position.
2.29 Baltimore Ravens DE Ikaika Alama-Francis Hawaii
The aftershock of this off season's single most important defection - Adalius Thomas' transplant in New England - has reverberated through the entire Ravens defense, and wasn't addressed in free agency. If this former Rainbow hybrid DE is available, Baltimore won't think twice about selecting him. Dan Cody tore his ACL in 2005, then tore his PCL last season, and he's being counted on to man the spot vacated by Thomas? Uh-huh. Even Ozzie Newsome knows that dog won't hunt; short of moving J. Johnson or M. Smith to the outside, this need has to be addressed.
Alama-Francis is very athletic with a rare combination of size and speed. He's strong enough to shed blockers, and his change of direction is superb for a man his size. Alama-Francis is a former basketball star who switched to football in 2003, so it will take time for him to acclimate himself to the OLB position, especially dropping in coverage. It may take a season or two of grooming before he is comfortable with his role, but if the Ravens are patient, they will have a playmaker to compliment Terrell Suggs on the other side.
2.30 San Diego DB Eric Weddle Wyoming
Josh is the size of a LB with good speed and he has worked on his tackling craft over his four years at Wake Forest. Josh also has the speed that is required to drop into coverage. In 2007 Josh had 82 tackles, 8 PD and 5 INT’s. Josh was also a tremendous special teams player while at Wake Forest. Gattis has some learning to do but he has the raw talent to be a backup for a year and make the team as a punishing special teamer, reminds me of Bernard Pollard. People think that Josh is too aggressive at times but with some good coaching this kid can be something special.
40 Time : 4.53
225 Bench: 22 times
Vertical Jump: 34.5”
20 Shuttle: 4.27
60 Shuttle: 11.24
3 Cone: 6.72
2.31 NewYork Jets (from Chicago) DB Fred Bennett SoCar
Fred Bennett is a big CB, with very good speed and agility who is known as a CB that gets his hands on lots of passes. He has started in a big time program for several years. Downside to this pick is that he apparently is not very physical, sometimes has poor tackling technique, and is better suited to a cover2 defense than a man to man defense.
2.32 TB Buccaneers - Justin Harrell DT Tennessee
The Bucs are amazed that this quality DT fell this far and are on him like a duck on a junebug. With the aging and inconsistent Chris Hovan as the studmuffin of their depleted and underwhelming interior defensive line, they can use all of the quality help they can get. Harrell is big at 6-4, 300, with room to add more bulk on his rangy frame. He can play DE in a 3-4, or standard 2-gap DT in a 4-3. He's a good tackler, hard worker, and has great intangibles. He does need more strength work, and he's not a sideline-to-sideline guy, but should anchor a spot in the middle of the scrum quite well.
Other possibilities with this pick are IB/OB Brandon Siler, DE Tim Crowder, or IB Buster Davis
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