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First Day Draft Review

April 28, 2007 by Steel Haven

Round 1

  1. Oakland Raiders

    QB JaMarcus Russell - LSU

    Took the entire 15 minutes to try to make a deal. Then pulled the trigger on Russell when that proved impossible. They were smart to investigate all their options unlike the Texans last year. In the end Russell was really the only option at one given their situation at QB.
    • Needs: QB, G/C, OT, TE, DT, WR
    • My Prediction: QB JaMarcus Russell
    .
  2. Detroit Lions

    WR Calvin Johnson - Georgia Tech

    Another pick that had to be made. Johnson is the best player regardless of position in this draft. While their QB sitiuation is far from perfect and Quinn had to be considered they definitely have better options on their roster at the position than the Raiders. Matt Millen deserves some credit for ignoring past draft mistakes. Now the question is whether they will get a big offer from the Buccaneers or Falcons to move Johnson.
    • Needs: MLB, DE, CB, S, QB, WR
    • My Prediction: WR Calvin Johnson - Georgia Tech
    .
  3. Cleveland Browns

    OT Joe Thomas - Wisconsin

    Take the franchise LT over the franchise QB. Either was a smarter move than taking Adrian Peterson. I thought ownership would pressure Phil Savage to take the local QB to be the face of the franchise. Instead they allowed Savage to do his job. Be interesting if they go for a QB in the second or show faith in Charlie Frye and Derek Anderson.
    • Needs: QB, CB, OT, RB, DE, WR
    • My Prediction: QB Brady Quinn - Notre Dame
    .
  4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

    DE Gaines Adams - Clemson

    Desperately need help on defense so the pick makes sense. It also keeps alive the possibility of a deal with the Lions for Johnson.
    • Needs: DT, DE, WR, LB, S, C
    • My Prediction: DE Gaines Adams - Clemson
    .
  5. Arizona Cardinals

    OT Levi Brown - Penn St

    Slight reach for need. New offensive line coach Russ Grimm reportedly loved Brown. He gets his way. Matt Leinart and Edgerrin James have got to be pleased.
    • Needs: OT, DE, OLB, OG, RB, DT
    • My Prediction: OT Joe Thomas - Wisconsin
    .
  6. Washington Redskins

    S Laron Landry - LSU

    Peter King was right. No one wants to trade up in the top ten. Landry was the best player available at a postion of need. Landry and Sean Taylor. What a pair. Unfotunately without another pick until the fifth round the defensive line is likely to remain a major problem.
    • Needs: DE, DT, S, OG, CB, OT
    • My Prediction: S Laron Landry - LSU
    .
  7. Minnesota Vikings

    RB Adrian Peterson - Oklahoma

    Add a much needed big play threat to the offense. Hopefully having Chester Taylor to share the load will help keep him healthy.
    • Needs: QB, WR, DE, CB, RB, TE
    • My Prediction: RB Adrian Peterson - Oklahoma
    .
  8. Atlanta Falcons (from Houston)

    DE Jamaal Anderson - Arkansas

    Edge rushers move up, not down as some were projecting for Anderson. Anderson's size is a nice compliment to John Abraham on the other side. If Abraham can stay healthy anyway.
    • Needs: S, DE, OT, OG, LB, RB
    • My Prediction: DE Jamaal Anderson - Arkansas
    .
  9. Miami Dolphins

    WR Ted Ginn - Ohio St

    All hell breaks loose. Brady Quinn is now in free fall. The Rams at 13 are an outside possibility. The Panthers at 14 even though they signed David Carr could take a look. The next team that sort of needs a QB is the Jaguars at 17 and they like the Rams and Panthers do not have a major need at the position. Quinn could fall to the Cowboys or Chiefs. Dare I say the Ravens. Reports of Ginn dropping were clearly exaggerated. There were some rumblings the Dolphins were seriously considering him. They need a down the field threat to compliment Chambers and a returner to replace Welker. But taking him at 9 over Quinn.... Wow.
    • Needs: LT, DT, QB, WR, G/C, TE
    • My Prediction: OT Levi Brown - Penn St
    .
  10. Houston Texans (from Atlanta)

    DT Amobi Okoye - Louisville

    Interior defender to continue building the front seven. Solid pick.
    • Needs: LT, CB, WR, S, DT, G/C
    • My Prediction: CB Darrelle Revis - Pittsburgh
    .
  11. San Francisco 49ers

    LB Patrick Willis - Mississippi

    Fills a major need. This pick makes me happy in that there is now a chance Carriker and/or Revis will make it to 15. I really want better options for the Steelers at 15 than Timmons.
    • Needs: ILB, DE, NT, WR, OT, C/G
    • My Prediction: DE Adam Carriker - Nebraska
    .
  12. Buffalo Bills

    RB Marshawn Lynch - California

    The worst case scenario for the Steelers does not appear to be developing as I feared even though Quinn is still on the board. Willis going to the 49ers remains the key. Thanks again to Mike Nolan. Lynch makes sense with only Anthony Thomas at RB. The Bills also have major needs at corner and LB so this pick was not a slam dunk. Plus Lynch had some character red flags which some thought might be a disqualifier for the Bills. But with Willis off the board the Bills do what makes the most football sense.
    • Needs: LB, RB, CB, WR, TE, FB
    • My Prediction: LB Patrick Willis - Mississippi
    .
  13. St. Louis Rams

    DE Adam Carriker - Nebraska

    Damn. My favorite for the Steelers is gone. Not that I didn't expect him to be gone. Carriker is a versatile linemen that can help the Rams inside or outside. They need someone to hold up against the run at the point of attack. That is what Carriker provides.
    • Needs: DT, DE, CB, S, RB, WR
    • My Prediction: DT Amobi Okoye - Louisville
    .
  14. New York Jets (from Carolina)

    CB Darrelle Revis - Pittsburgh

    Double damn. Jets trade up to beat the Steelers to Revis. So much for my excitement that either Carriker or Revis would fall to 15. A corner with a first round grade was not falling to the Jets. This is a good move for them. The Panthers can get Olsen, a safety or a MLB at 25. Great move for them.
    • Needs: CB, OG, TE, OLB, DL, WR
    • My Prediction: TE Greg Olsen - Miami, Fla (at 25)
    .
  15. Pittsburgh Steelers

    LB Lawrence Timmons - Florida St

    Timmons is the pick. My worst case scenario. I am just not sure he fits outside in the 3-4. If this signals a switch to a 4-3 cover-2 in a season or two then I am actually more comfortable with the pick. Kevin Colbert has proven that he knows what he is doing in the first round. Hopefully he is right again.
    • Needs: LB, OL, DE, CB, WR, RB
    • My Prediction: LB Lawrence Timmons - Florida St
    .
  16. Green Bay Packers

    DT Justin Harrell - Tennessee

    A curve ball. Most including myself thought the Packers would go for offense or maybe a safety. Harrell was definitely moving up after proving himself healthy. While Ryan Pickett, Corey Williams, Colin Cole and Johnny Jolly are a solid rotation inside the Packers lack a dynamic presence. The hope is that Harrell will provide that presence.
    • Needs: RB, S, WR, TE, CB, DT
    • My Prediction: RB Marshawn Lynch - California
    .
  17. Denver Broncos (from Jacksonville)

    DE Jarvis Moss - Florida

    Right position, wrong team. I actually had Moss going to the Jaguars at 17. The Broncos have a decent collection of serviceable run stopping ends. Moss provides the speed off the edge that they lack. The two teams that have traded down so far were outside possibilities for Quinn. Almost seems like they are trying to avoid taking him.
    • Needs: DT, MLB, DE, S, OT, WR
    • My Prediction: DT Justin Harrell - Tennessee (at 21)
    .
  18. Cincinnati Bengals

    CB Leon Hall - Michigan

    Best case scenario for the Bengals. Hoped one of the top two corners would fall into their lap to fill a huge void. It happened.
    • Needs: LB, CB, DT, OG, S, TE
    • My Prediction: CB Leon Hall - Michigan
    .
  19. Tennessee Titans

    S Michael Griffin - Texas

    This surprised me to be honest. The Titans signed Bryan Scott to compete with Lamont Thompson next to Chris Hope. They have gaping holes at WR and CB. Guess they think very highly of Griffin.
    • Needs: WR, CB, RB, DE, DT, OG
    • My Prediction: WR Ted Ginn Jr - Ohio St
    .
  20. New York Giants

    CB Aaron Ross - Texas

    Had to be a left tackle, corner or outside linebacker. Ross was the last first round corner available.
    • Needs: OT, CB, OLB, WR, DT, RB
    • My Prediction: OT Joe Staley - Central Michigan
    .
  21. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Denver)

    S Reggie Nelson - Florida

    Would have had to consider Nelson at 17. Get him at 21. Good move. The Jaguars play the draft game correctly and fill a major need.
    • Needs: S, DE, WR, OLB, QB, CB
    • My Prediction: DE Jarvis Moss - Florida (at 17)
    .
  22. Cleveland Browns (from Dallas)

    QB Brady Quinn - Notre Dame

    Browns move up to get a player they considered at 3. The price was costly. The Browns traded their second rounder and next year's first rounder. That is a probable top 10 pick. Quinn better be the real deal.
    • My Prediction: CB Chris Houston - Arkansas (at 36)
    .
  23. Kansas City Chiefs

    WR Dwayne Bowe - LSU

    A receiver was a priority. They preferred Bowe to Meachem. So be it.
    • Needs: WR, DT, G/C, OT, CB, RB
    • My Prediction: WR Robert Meachem - Tennessee
    .
  24. New England Patriots (from Seattle)

    S Brandon Meriweather - Miami, Fla

    I had the Patriots making this pick at 28. Merriweather comes off the board at 24 because the other first round safeties are of the board. Meriweather was a likely pick for the Eagles at 26.
    • Needs: S, ILB, CB, OT, RB, OLB
    • My Prediction: LB David Harris - Michigan
    .
  25. Carolina Panthers (from New York Jets)

    LB Jon Beason - Miami, Fla

    Fill the need at MLB instead of the need at TE. A little surprising. Beason is a high motor team leader that lacks top measureables. The Steelers might have considered him in a trade down.
    • Needs: S, TE, MLB, DE, WR, OG
    • My Prediction: S Reggie Nelson - Florida (at 14)
    .
  26. Dallas Cowboys (from Philadelphia)

    OLB/DE Anthony Spencer - Purdue

    Move back up for an edge speed rusher. Provides a presence opposite Ware to make life even more difficult for opposing QBs. The deal to get back into the first round was very reasonable. The Cowboys basically moved down four picks and traded a third and fifth rounder to get the Browns first rounder next season. Very astute maneuvering by Jerry Jones.
    • Needs: WR, LT, NT, CB, OLB, OG
    • My Prediction: CB Aaron Ross - Texas (at 22)
    .
  27. New Orleans Saints

    WR Robert Meachem - Tennessee

    I got the teams right for Meachem and Bowe. Just reversed. Needed to add a receiver to Marquis Colston and Devery Henderson.
    • Needs: DT, WR, CB, TE, LB, DE
    • My Prediction: WR Dwayne Bowe - LSU
    .
  28. San Francisco 49ers (from New England)

    OT Joe Staley - Central Michigan

    Interesting. Get ahead of the Ravens for the last LT with a first round grade. Can be tried on the right side first as a replacement for Kwame Harris. Then eventually replace Jonas Jennings on the left side. The 49ers traded next year's first rounder and a fourth rounder for this pick. A gamble, although not near as big a gamble as the Browns trading their 2008 first rounder.
    • My Prediction: S Brandon Meriweather (to NE)
    .
  29. Baltimore Ravens

    OG Ben Grubbs - Auburn

    Immediate starter.
    • Needs: OT, G/C, LB, CB, QB, FB
    • My Prediction: G Ben Grubbs - Auburn
    .
  30. San Diego Chargers

    WR Craig Davis - LSU

    The Chargers go for speed over more productive collegians. Speed is something the Chargers need on the outside. AJ Smith knows what he is doing in the draft. If Davis can avoid nagging injuries he certainly has the skills to make Smith look good again.
    • Needs: WR, S, ILB, CB, DL, RB
    • My Prediction: LB Jon Beason - Miami, Fla
    .
  31. Chicago Bears

    TE Greg Olsen - Miami, Fla

    Olsen falls into their laps and they pull the trigger. I actually didn't think TE was a big need for the Bears. Desmond Clark had a solid season and is underrated. John Gilmore is a good blocker. Olsen provides a different dimension. I am honestly a bit surprised he lasted this long.
    • Needs: OT, OLB, OG, WR, DT, RB
    • My Prediction: LB Paul Posluszny - Penn St
    .
  32. Indianapolis Colts

    WR Anthony Gonzalez - Ohio St

    Bill Polian just doesn't care about defense. Gonzalez is a much needed slot receiver. He will be very dangerous. But the Colts have huge needs at DT, LB and S. Plus they have no second round pick.
    • Needs: DT, LB, S, CB, WR, C/G
    • My Prediction: DT Alan Branch - Michigan

Round 2

  1. Arizona Cardinals (From Oak) - DT Alan Branch - Michigan
    Move up for the free falling Branch. A steal if Branch is motivated.
  2. Buffalo Bills (from Det) - LB Paul Posluszny - Penn St
    Move up for their likely MLB. Unlike Branch motivation will not be a problem.
  3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - T/G Arron Sears - Tennessee
    Versatile. Competetion for Davis at RT. Depth at both guard spots. .
  4. Philadelphia Eagles (from Dal/Cle)

    QB Kevin Kolb - Houston

    The Eagles bail out of the first round with the top four safeties and top three corners already off the board. Then they pull a huge surprise by drafting the new heir apparent to McNabb. Kolb was ultra-productive in a spread offense and has been rising up draft boards. McNabb's spate of injuries the last few years obviously has Andy Reid concerned.
    • Needs: S, CB, DE, LB, WR, RB
    • My Prediction: S Michael Griffin - Texas (at 26)
    .
  5. San Diego Chargers (from Chi/NYJ/Was) - S Eric Weddle - Utah
    Trade 4 picks to move up for Kiel's replacement. Seems like a lot to give up.
  6. Oakland Raiders (from Arz) - TE Zach Miller - Arizona St
    All purpose TE fills a void and gives Russell an outlet receiver.
  7. Atlanta (from Hou) - OG Jason Blalock - Texas
    Powerful interior linemen that fits Petrino's offense.
  8. Miami Dolphins - QB John Beck - BYU
    Pass on Quinn and get their QB of the future in the second round.
  9. Atlanta (from Min) - CB Chris Houston - Arkansas
    Move up for Houston. Could mean Williams is moving to safety.
  10. Indianapolis Colts (from SF) - OT Tony Ugoh - Arkansas
    Trade 2008 1st rounder to SF. Ugoh wasn't dropping much farther. But why no defense?
  11. Detroit Lions (from Buf) - QB Drew Stanton - Michigan St
    Millen gets his QB of the future plus a third rounder from the Bills.
  12. Minnesota Vikings (from Atl) - WR Sidney Rice - South Carolina
    Big down the field threat for a team with no WRs.
  13. Carolina Panthers - WR Dwayne Jarrett - USC
    Big receiver that can be tutored by Keyshawn.
  14. Pittsburgh Steelers - OLB/DE LeMarr Woodley - Michigan
    This pick combined with Timmons in the first means the 4-3 is coming in 2008.
  15. New York Jets (from GB) - LB David Harris - Michigan
    Barton is miscast in the 3-4. Taking Schlegel last year was a mistake.
  16. Jacksonville Jaguars - LB Justin Durant - Howard
    Competition on the weakside for Ingram.
  17. Cincinnati Bengals - RB Kenny Irons - Auburn
    Perry is a bust. Johnson is starting to slow down.
  18. Tennessee Titans - RB Chris Henry - Arizona
    Speed and upside over productivity. Nice compliment to White.
  19. New York Giants - WR Steve Smith - USC
    Toomer is coming off a torn ACL. Burress is unreliable.
  20. St. Louis Rams - RB Brian Leonard - Rutgers
    A versatile offensive weapon to help take pressure off Jackson.
  21. Cleveland Browns (from Dal) - CB Eric Wright - UNLV
    Trade up for a character risk. Not excited by Cleveland's day so far.
  22. Kansas City Chiefs - DT Turk McBride - Tennessee
    Active interior lineman fills big need. .
  23. Seattle Seahawks

    CB Josh Wilson - Maryland

    Already have Marcus Trufant, Kelly Jennings, and Kelly Herndon on the depth chart. Can't have enough corners. Helps immediately as a kick returner. Should be around for years as a nickel corner and possible starter in his prime.
    • Needs: G/C, TE, DE, DT, S, OT
    • My Prediction: DE Ray McDonald - Florida
    .
  24. Denver Broncos - DE Tim Crowder - Notre Dame
    Second straight end. Seems like overkill.
  25. Philadelphia Eagles - DE Victor Abiamiri - Notre Dame
    Flip this pick with the selection of Kolb and their draft looks better.
  26. Detroit Lions (from NO) - DE Ikaika Alama-Francis - Hawaii
    Trade up for high upside end. Alama-Francis might have been a better fit in a 3-4.
  27. Carolina Panthers (from NYJ) - Ryan Kalil - USC
    Interesting. Already strong at center with Hartwig and Hangartner.
  28. Miami Dolphins (from NE) - C/G Samson Satele - Hawaii
    Need all the offensive linemen that they can get.
  29. Detroit Lions (from Bal) - S Gerald Alexander - Boise St
    Should have been able to get him later.
  30. Chicago Bears (from SD) - DE Dan Bauzin - Central Michigan
    Huh? Not a need. Not a first day talent. Angelo travels to the beat of a different drum.
  31. Green Bay Packers (from NYJ/Chi) - RB Brandon Jackson - Nebraska
    All purpose back that should have the opportunity to start immediately.
  32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from Ind) - S Sabby Piscitelli - Oregon St
    Have nothing behind Allen and Phillips.

Round 3

  1. Oakland Raiders - DE Quentin Moses - Georgia
    Looking for a pass rusher opposite Burgess. Boom or bust pick.
  2. New Orleand Saints (from Det) - CB Usama Young - Kent St
    Fast riser not invited to the combine.
  3. Dallas Cowboys (from Cle) - OT James Marten - Boston College
    Pure RT. Can Columbo move to the left side if Adams gets hurt?
  4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - LB Quincy Black - New Mexico
    Speedy linebacker to add to an aging group.
  5. Arizona Cardinals - LB Buster Davis - Florida St
    Undersized difference maker. Does Hayes move outside?
  6. Denver Broncos (from Was) - OT Ryan Harris - Notre Dame
    Good zone blocking prospect.
  7. Miami Dolphins - RB Lorenzo Booker - Florida St
    Third down back adds speed.
  8. Minnesota Vikings - CB Marcus McCauley - Fresno St
    Smoot is gone. Griffin was recently arrested after a nightclub incident.
  9. Houston Texans - WR Jacoby Jones - Lane
    Had to find a partner for Johnson.
  10. Baltimore Ravens (from Det/Buf) - WR Yamon Figurs - Kansas St
    Speed outside. Return ability is a plus since Sams may not make it back from broken leg.
  11. Atlanta Falcons - WR Laurent Robinson - Illinois St
    Continue to try to find targets for Vick.
  12. San Fransisco 49ers - WR Jason Hill - Washington St
    Fell farther than I expected. Wish he would have made it to 77. Smith needs weapons.
  13. Pittsburgh Steelers - TE Matt Spaeth - Minnesota
    Honestly don't understand this pick at all.
  14. Green Bay Packers - WR James Jones - San Jose St
    Sleeper goes way higher than I expected.
  15. Jacksonville Jaguars - WR Mike Walker - Central Florida
    Fast riser that had a great combine workout.
  16. Tennessee Titans - WR Paul Williams - Fresno St
    Recievers are flying off the board. Definite need. Williams provides speed.
  17. New York Giants - DT Jay Alford - Penn St
    Steady. Unspectacular. Limited upside.
  18. Kansas City Chiefs (from StL) - DT Tank Tyler - North Carolina St
    Another DT for KC. Bigger and more stout at the point of attack than McBride.
  19. Carolina Panthers - DE Charles Johnson - Georgia
    Should have stayed in school.
  20. St. Louis Rams (from KC) - CB Jonathon Wade - Tennessee
    High upside corner with limited experience.
  21. Seattle Seahawks - DT Brandon Mebane - California
    Like Alford. Steady. Unspectacular. Why no guard? There are good ones available.
  22. Baltimore Ravens (from Jax/Den) - G/T Marshall Yanda - Iowa
    Trade up for a possible starting RT or G.
  23. Philadelphia Eagles (from Dal) - LB Stewart Bradley - Nebraska
    Big strongside LB fills a need. Past injuries are a concern.
  24. New Orleans Saints - OG Andy Alleman - Akron
    The pick I really wanted the Steelers to make in the third.
  25. Green Bay From (NYJ) - S Aaron Rouse - Virginia Tech
    Big former LB to compete with Manuel at SS.
  26. Philadelphia Eagles - RB Tony Hunt - Penn St
    Big back to compliment Westbrook. Could get playing time at FB.
  27. Oakland Raider (from NE) - OT Mario Henderson - Florida St
    Athletic. Inexperienced. Has the agility to end up on the left side.
  28. Buffalo Bills (from Bal) - QB Trent Edwards - Syracuse
    Insurance for Losman. A few good preseasons could make him very valuable like Schaub.
  29. Chicago Bears (from SD) - RB Garret Wolfe - Northern Illinois
    Ultra-productive undersized back to compliment Benson.
  30. Chicago Bears - OLB Michael Okwo - Stanford
    Undersized LB that fits the cover-2. Still a reach.
  31. Indianapolis Colts - CB Damien Hughes - California
    Solid cover-2 corner prospect that lacks speed.
  32. San Diego Chargers - LB Anthony Waters - Clemson
    Drops due to knee injury. Fills a need if recovered.
  33. San Fransisco 49ers - DE Ray McDonald - Florida
    3-4 end prospect that provides excellent value at this spot.
  34. Indianapolis Colts - DT Quinn Pitcock - Ohio St
    High motor team leader that should help against the run.
  35. Oakland Raiders - WR Johnie Lee Higgins - UTEP
    The situation surrounding Moss and Porter remains volatile.
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