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Best Player
Available NFL Mock Draft- 2 Rounds
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| by Gregory Cox,
3/27/07 |
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This
will NOT be your ordinary mock draft. Instead, the overused phrase
"best player available" will determine where the players land. Using 41
of the top mock drafts an average draft position is assigned to each
player. The lowest available number will go to the next team on the
board. Only players mentioned in at least 18 of the mock drafts are
considered.
Round 1
1) Oakland - QB JaMarcus Russell (LSU): This is obviously not a
stretch. Nearly every mock has the strong armed former Tiger joining
the Raider Nation. There are limited scenarios which might change
things. One is the team finding a veteran quarterback like Culpepper or
Carr off the scrap heap. Another is trading Randy Moss to create room
for Georgia Tech receiver Calvin Johnson. The final one would be
trading down. Unless one of the above takes place, Russell is heading
for the East Bay.
2) Detroit - WR Calvin Johnson (Georgia Tech): Now the process gets
fun. Millen is stuck drafting another receiver in the first round.
Would it be a disaster? Not really. Roy Williams is an established #1
on the other side. Mike Furrey caught a ton of passes (98) out of
nowhere last year, but offensive coordinator Mike Martz would love to
shift him inside as a #3 with the addition of Johnson. Kitna threw for
4,208 yards despite having just two threats down the field. With this
pick they might throw the ball 70% of the time.
3) Cleveland - OT Joe Thomas (Wisconsin): A lot of things are wrong
with the Browns. One of them is the offensive line and it is a good
place to start given the talent level of this player. He will not
revitalize the line overnight, but solid left tackles are very hard to
find. Ferguson proved for the Jets last year that the right one can
improve the play of the entire line. Jamal Lewis has been brought in to
run the ball and they have two young quarterbacks vying for the right
to throw it. This might be a pick that makes sense.
4) Tampa Bay - QB Brady Quinn (Notre Dame): The Bucs signed Garcia and
still have young quarterbacks in Simms and Gradkowski. At 37 there is
little chance Garcia will start beyond this season. Both of the other
guys have proven to be very mediocre players. If the player most
associated with them in mock drafts, Calvin Johnson is gone then this
is a guy they might consider. Gruden would have a young quarterback to
tutor and hope he keeps his job long enough to see him hit the field in
2008 or 2009.
5) Arizona - RB Adrian Peterson (Oklahoma): Don't dismiss this as
fantasy just because the Cardinals have Edgerrin James. Most teams want
to employ two running backs and they were not able to do that last
year. Edge ran the ball 337 times last year while three other backs
totaled 40. He will also be 29 by the start of the season meaning he
probably has two years as a strong leading rusher. Arrington is not the
player they expected he would be after taking him at #44 in the 2005
draft, probably because he ran behind such a strong line at Cal.
Peterson would make their offense scary for the next several years
given the youth of their receivers (Boldin, Fitzgerald, Johnson) and
quarterback (Leinart).
6) Washington - DE Gaines Adams (Clemson): This is a pick that makes a
lot of sense. The Redskins went into the tank on defense in 2006. A
good pass rushing end can be the first step back from that disastrous
#31 ranking. Because of past ill advised moves this is their only day
one pick so it would not be surprising to see them deal down. If they
don't the pick is by far the highest rated defensive player. Adams is 2
1/2 slots above any other player on defense.
7) Minnesota - S LaRon Landry (LSU): It is a bit deceiving that the
Vikings ranked #31 in pass defense last year because their unreal run
defense (61.6 yards per game) forced teams to throw a ton on them.
However, if they can bring another front line player in at safety
opposite of Darren Sharper suddenly the options of their opponents will
be dwindling in a hurry. Perhaps all the defense will need to start
really being dominant is a stud linebacker. Then they can start winning
games 9-6.
8) Atlanta - DE Jamaal Anderson (Arkansas): When the Falcons lost
Patrick Kerney a void opened up on their defense. This move potentially
fills it up. There are a few good ends in this class so it is
questionable whether or not they will really use the two slots gained
in the Schaub trade to select one, but of course in this mock they are
forced to take the BPA. A pass defense ranking #29 can ill afford to
let a great pass rusher leave without trying to replace him with an
elite player though.
9) Miami - DT Alan Branch (Michigan): Just about everyone on the front
line for this team is collecting Social Security. The aging starters
really don't have any heir apparents behind them either making this a
good choice for them. In reality they might take Okoye who is young
enough to be the son of the men he would be trying to replace. Either
way this gives them an interior presence to help Taylor and Porter
wreak havoc outside.
10) Houston - DT Amobi Okoye (Louisville): There isn't much to say
about this guy other than he is one of a kind because of his unique
blend of youth and intelligence. The Texans just took Mario Williams at
#1 overall and grabbed a great linebacker in DeMeco Ryans a round
later. This gives them a trio of players to build their defense around
up front. Since they can't score it might be a good idea to shut a few
teams down.
11) San Francisco - OT Levi Brown (Penn State): After a few picks that
clearly make sense despite the BPA stipulation this is one that might
raise a few eyebrows. The 49ers got good play from their line last
season and showed vast improvement over 2005. There is young talent in
starting right tackle Harris and reserves Baas and Snyder, both day one
picks in the 2005 draft. They also have converted tight end Estes, a
seventh round pick that year. That being said, adding Brown potentially
gives them a standout line for the next decade. Allen is just about
ready to hang them up so with a little shifting there might be a place
for Brown until Jennings (who turns 30 this year) loses a step.
12) Buffalo - CB Leon Hall (Michigan): Funny how this BPA draft has
turned out given that another team with a key free agency loss is faced
with a player at that position being the highest rated on the board.
Nate Clements found a pot of gold in San Francisco, Hall could step
right into his spot. The Bills hit the mark twice at safety in last
year's draft with Whitner and Simpson. Youboty is a young corner and
one side and Hill conceivably gives them a starting secondary to carry
them for years to come. Unfortunately this team can't stop the run to
save their life.
13) St. Louis - RB Marshawn Lynch (Cal): Here is where the BPA formula
hits a serious speed bump. There is zero chance the Rams take any
running back on day one, to say nothing of using their first round
pick. About the only thing good about this pick is that Lynch is a
similar player to Jackson. He can catch passes and run pass patterns
comfortably so spelling Jackson would be no problem. Unfortunately
Jackson has about five more seasons in his prime and shows no signs of
needing any help. A speedy small back or big, bruising back on day two
in the draft would be possible. Value or no value, this is not.
14) Carolina - WR Ted Ginn Jr. (Ohio State): The depth chart at
receiver for the Panthers is lacking behind Steve Smith. Keyshawn is
probably retiring after the 2007 season. Colbert has all but
disappeared since a solid rookie season in 2004. Carter, another former
Buckeye, caught only 28 passes this year. In other words there is
plenty of room for his receiving skills and big play ability when
defenses are keying on Smith. In the punt return game he would replace
yet another Buckeye, cornerback Chris Gamble, who averaged a paltry 5.1
yards per return. Ginn adds value in the slot position to a sputtering
offense that still needs a solid #2.
15) Pittsburgh - LB Patrick Willis (Mississippi): Yet again the BPA
lands on a position just vacated by a departing free agent. Joey Porter
has gone south to Florida and let's face it the Steelers can never have
enough good linebackers. Starters Haggans and Farrior are both over 30
means this pick makes a lot of sense. Generally Pittsburgh takes their
linebackers later. The last time they took one in the first round was
Huey Richardson in Florida which might explain their reluctance.
However, they have only taken one linebacker in the last three drafts
so it is probably time to dive back in.
16) Green Bay - S Reggie Nelson (Florida): The Packers have stockpiled
safeties in the past two drafts, taking four in all but only Collins
(round 2, 2005) was taken on the first day. I suppose there could be
safety in numbers, pun intended, if they took Nelson. His hair would
certainly fit right in with cornerback Al Harris. Other than that,
value or not this is probably not the direction Green Bay will be going
in on April 28.
17) Jacksonville - DE Adam Carriker (Nebraska): Early on in the process
Adams and Anderson were considered the clear cut top ends, but Carriker
has quickly risen up draft boards. In this scenario he lands on a
Jaguar team with on McCray making an impact in the sack department for
2006. As a team they finished in the middle of the pack. As a young
franchise Jacksonville has been involved in 12 drafts. Just twice, 1996
and 1997, have they taken a defensive end sooner than round 5. This
would give them a nice piece to keep their #2 ranked offense from last
year operating on all cylinders. Not likely, but not ridiculous.
18) Cincinnati - DE Jarvis Moss (Florida): It is a strong year
for defensive ends and based on the law of supply and demand it could
cause them to slide. If not this will be the fourth one taken just past
the midway point of the first round. Like the Jags in front of them the
Bengals had one impact sack machine (Geathers) and ranked in the middle
of the pack as a team. Their defense as a whole ranked #30 so any
defender would be a welcome addition.
19) Tennessee - CB Chris Houston (Arkansas): The BPA could be up for
debate with this pick because three others are within 0.71, but we'll
stick to the script. Besides, anyone living above ground knows of the
troubles Adam Jones has had off the field. The Titans can ill afford to
count on him and this guy has the speed to be an impact corner for this
defense.
20) NY Giants - WR Dwayne Jarrett (USC): New York will be without the
combined 80 receptions for 662 yards provided by Carter (traded) and
Barber (retired). It might not seem like a lot, but that represents
20.4% of their passing offense in yardage and 26.6% of Eli's completed
passes hit one of those two guys. Burress is established as the #1 and
Shockey when healthy makes noise at tight end. Beyond that only Toomer
exists as a threat and at 33 when the season begins he is just about
done. Jarrett brings them size and big play ability. Coming from a high
profile program he will also fit in nicely with the Big Apple media.
This is a nice fit.
21) Denver - CB Darrell Revis (Pittsburgh): The tragic death of Darrent
Williams makes cornerback a need for the Broncos. He was the first of
three consecutive corners taken in the 2005 draft as the team searched
for a bookend to pair with Champ Bailey. For now they have filled the
void by trading for Bly, but at 30 he only has so much left in the
tank. The Broncos also must deal with dynamic offenses which means
multiple corners are often in use. If they feel Foxworth and Paymah
can't fill their nickel/dime needs they very well might make this pick.
22) Dallas - WR Dwayne Bowe (LSU): In the last 10 drafts the Cowboys
have taken just one receiver on the first day, Antonio Bryant at #63 in
2002. Luckily for them one of their late round picks, Crayton at #216
in 2004, has panned out. Currently he is their only young receiver
showing promise though after managing 516 yards and 4 touchdowns behind
Glenn and Owens. Both of them went over 1,000 yards receiving last
year, but both are closing in on the wrong side of their 30's. This
would be an interesting selection and might mark the final season for
T.O. in Dallas.
23) Kansas City - TE Greg Olsen (Miami, FL): At last a pick we can all
laugh at. Tony Gonzalez is one of the premier tight ends in the NFL and
just got a new contract. Then again let's play devil's advocate. He
will be 32 soon after the 2007 season ends and in the meantime the
Chiefs have nothing going at wide receiver. It might make sense for
them to run their passing game through two tight end sets leaving
Johnson in a single back formation. It is unlikely, but interesting.
24) New England - WR Robert Meachem (Tennessee): Some think the
Patriots still need to address their needs at wide receiver even after
signing Stallworth and Washington while trading for Welker. Considering
that Caldwell led the team with only 61 receptions and 760 yards they
might be right. Heck, old man Troy Brown was next among receivers with
43 catches. Gabriel caught 25 during his short stint with the team and
the rookie Jackson had 13 in a thoroughly disappointing campaign. This
would give them a solid group of young receivers going forward, but I'm
not sure the play of Gaffney was bad enough to force a move like this
early in the draft given what they have added.
25) NY Jets - LB Lawrence Timmons (Florida State): Barton has been a
good player in three seasons since coming over from Oakland. After
making the playoffs in 2006 it is now time for this team to expect
more. Coupled with Vilma he could help this defense get back into the
top half of the rankings. Last year they were able to win through smoke
and mirrors despite being outgained and nearly outscored on the season.
Timmons will help them rectify that and he would be a good choice.
26) Philadelphia - LB Paul Posluszny (Penn State): It might be destiny
for Linebacker U to keep a player in state to play on the Eagles.
Trotter's second tour has seen him lead the team in tackles the past
two seasons. Obviously they thought he was expendable and still wants
to get better play out of their linebackers. Their 2006 fifth rounder
Gaither and 2005 third rounder McCoy have both made their presence
known, but neither is a difference maker. Posluszny could be, and seems
like a marketing dream.
27) New Orleans - CB Aaron Ross (Texas): The Saints have not taken a
cornerback in the opening three rounds since 1996 when they selected
Alex Molden. Expect that streak to end after Fred Thomas was burned
during the playoffs. Clearly it is their biggest need and the stars
align in this draft where they must take the best player available.
There will be a lot of pressure on Ross to start immediately on a team
favored to go deep into the NFC playoffs, but after playing at a high
profile school in Texas he should be up for it.
28) New England - S Michael Griffin (Texas): Since Lawyer Milloy left
the team following the 2002 season the Patriots have been attacking the
safety position in the draft, taking five in four drafts. Of those
players Harrison's backup James Sanders and Eugene Wilson remain with
the team. If they decide Sanders is not their future player at strong
safety, Griffin might just be the player for them. Odds are they will
take a safety somewhere along the line.
29) Baltimore - OG Justin Blalock (Texas): Look out, there's a run on
Longhorns. This might be one of the less likely scenarios to play out
because the Ravens have plenty of youth at the guard position. However,
Blalock has the versatility to play tackle. If Ogden flames out it
could be a situation where they slide Terry over to the left side and
draft the best lineman on the board. At this point it is Blalock
according to the mock drafts.
30) San Diego - DE Charles Johnson (Georgia): This would be a move for
depth and teams generally don't do that in round 1 unless the starters
are either injury prone or getting old. Neither applies to the Chargers
in their 3-4. The linebackers provide a ton of their pass rush and
Johnson probably doesn't fit into the scheme. If not for being a full
point in the average draft position ahead of Rice I might have just
given them Rice.
31) Chicago - WR Sidney Rice (South Carolina): Even though the Bears
finished #14 in passing offense they are light on talent at the
receiver position. Muhammad has been their leading receiver in both his
seasons since coming over from Carolina, but hasn't cracked 900 yards
with the team. Not since 2002 has the team seen a 1,000 yard receiver
(Booker 1,189) and David Terrell turned out to be a huge bust from the
2001 draft at #8 overall. Recently their drafting skill has gotten
better with third rounder Berrian (2004) making a big impact and second
rounder Bradley (2005) showing promise. Former AFL player Davis showed
some big play ability, but Rice has the size to serve as an anchor to
the group once Muhammad retires. At 34 this May it could happen at the
end of this season.
32) Indianapolis - OT Joe Staley (Central Michigan): Taking a tackle
with this pick is hard to defense. Manning was sacked a mere 14 times
during the regular season and suffered multiple sacks in only six of
the team’s twenty games. The line is young and solid which makes an
addition early insurance for left tackle Tarik Glenn who turns 31 this
May. If they do get him, he’s a rising prospect in the race to have his
name called after Thomas and Brown go.
Round 2
33) Oakland - S Brandon Meriweather S (Miami, FL): The Raiders really
got after their opponents on defense last year. Their free safety
Schweigert had by far the best season of his three in the league thanks
to the addition of Michael Huff in the 2006 draft. However, Meriweather
gives them an upgrade in the speed department and is probably more
likely to intercept a few passes after the safeties were shut out this
season. An added bonus is being of questionable character after his
direct involvement in the brawl with Florida International. Other teams
move players down for things like that, the Raiders move them up.
34) Detroit - C Ryan Kalil (USC): Having been forced to use their first
pick on a wide receiver in our “best player available” formula, the
Lions will be sticking with Kitna at quarterback. Needless to say he is
less than mobile after absorbing 63 sacks in 2006, fourteen more than
anyone else in the NFL. Having picked up Foster at tackle from Denver
this gives them an added body on the inside in the form of the top
rated center. Last year that was Nick Mangold who made a great impact
on the Jets after going #29.
35) Tampa Bay - DE Anthony Spencer (Purdue): The Bucs have a trio of
players at end who will be over 33 on opening day. However, Spencer is
more suited for the 3-4 as a candidate for conversion to outside
linebacker. Unless they see him fitting into their scheme they are
unlikely to fill their defensive end need with him, best available or
not.
36) Cleveland - LB Jon Beason (Miami, FL): The original Browns were
known for their defense. It became the dominating Super Bowl XXXV
champions after the team left for Baltimore. Romeo Crennel came in from
New England where he served as defensive coordinator for three Lombardi
winners, but his head coaching stint just produced the #27 rated
defense. Now he needs some linebackers to make the 3-4 work. They have
taken five in the past two drafts and all are still on the team with
Jackson and Wimbley starting. Someone needs to push McGinest to the
teaching role and get him off the field. Like Spencer above, Beason is
a player at the right position who probably doesn’t fit the scheme. It
won’t be a total shock if they take another linebacker though.
37) Chicago - CB Marcus McCauley (Fresno State): In the past three
drafts the Bears have taken a cornerback in the first 110 picks.
Tillman, Vasher and last season’s sensation Hester all turned out just
fine. In other words it would be surprising to seem the use the trade
up from #63 acquired from the Jets for Thomas Jones to take another
corner. Given the strength of their defense and youth in the secondary
this would be a strange maneuver. Whoever gets McCauley will land the
bookend to fellow Fresno State alum Richard Marshall (Carolina’s second
rounder of 2006) who just had a nice rookie season with 70 tackles and
3 interceptions.
38) Arizona - OG Ben Grubbs (Auburn): At 6’3” and 318 pounds it is hard
to believe Grubbs would be smaller than three guards already on board
with the Cardinals including 2006 second round pick Lutui and 2005
fourth rounder Brown. Given their presence it is more likely the team
would go after a tackle now that Davis has signed with Dallas.
39) Atlanta - OT Tony Ugoh (Arkansas): Not since 1993 when they
selected Lincoln Kennedy #9 overall have the Falcons taken a tackle on
day one. For a team built to dominate on the ground counting on a left
tackle who will be 37 shortly after the end of this season it might be
time to end that streak. The pick acquired from Houston for Schaub
could ironically be used to help protect Vick.
40) Miami - OT Arron Sears (Tennessee): Let’s face it almost every team
could use another big body on the offensive line. The Dolphins have
taken five of them in the last four drafts but of that group have wound
up with just a starter on the right side (Carey) and a backup (Alabi).
Right now there is indecision at quarterback so it might be a good idea
to set up some blockers for Ronnie Brown. They need him healthy enough
to stay strong for a full 16 games and do better than the 907 and 1,008
yard seasons he has produced.
41) Minnesota - DT Justin Harrell (Tennessee): If this BPA mock draft
mirrors what happens on April 28 Brett Favre might want to skip his two
meetings with the Vikings and let the consecutive start streak go by
the wayside. After picking up a safety this would give them a
frightening defensive line. Already with youth at end in the form of
James, Udeze, Scott and Edwards this is the heir apparent to Pat
Williams inside.
42) San Francisco - DT Tank Tyler (N.C. State): There are definitely
holes on this defense. The question is whether or not he fits into
their system. It takes a tough guy to play the nose in a 3-4 and I’m
not convinced he stands out enough to make it there in the NFL. He
hardly stood out in college where players like Mario Williams
overshadowed him.
43) Buffalo - WR Anthony Gonzalez (Ohio State): The Bills were so
desperate at receiver they brought back Peerless Price and he finished
second on the team with 49 receptions. The bad news was his average
reception (8.2 yards). After taking 12 receivers in eight drafts from
1998-2005 they didn’t take any last year. Even with a lot of mistakes
they do have two possession type players in Reed and Parrish. Now they
need a true starter opposite of Evans. In our BPA system this is
another situation where we see the right position addressed with the
wrong player because he really doesn’t have the size Buffalo would be
looking for. He’s another route runner who should wind up in the slot,
a crowded position on this depth chart.
44) Atlanta - TE Zach Miller (Arizona State): Vick has had serious
issues hitting his wide receivers, instead relying heavily his tight
end Crumpler who has led the team in receiving the last three seasons.
After adding Horn at receiver to supplement the inexperienced White and
Jenkins helps, but this move gives them even more flexibility on
offense. New head coach Bobby Petrino is probably more of a three wide
receiver guy than a two tight end guy though.
45) Carolina - DE Quentin Moses (Georgia): In their first eight years
of existence the Panthers took five defensive ends in the opening three
rounds ending with 2002’s #2 overall pick Julius Peppers. Since then
they have taken only two, in the sixth and seventh rounds. Having
Rucker on the other side has given them the flexibility to use picks
elsewhere. Now that he has turned 32 it is definitely time for a player
to relieve him and eventually be his replacement opposite Peppers.
46) Pittsburgh - CB Eric Wright (UNLV): The Steelers have not had a
cornerback intercept more than 4 passes in a season since Chad Scott
had five in 2001. McFadden is probably in line to succeed Townsend who
will be 32 when the season starts, but there is not a lot of depth or
big play ability at the position. This could be a spot where they take
another stab at finding someone who can get the football in their
hands.
47) Green Bay - LB Brandon Siler (Florida): Giving the Packers another
young linebacker would be like giving them another quarterback pushing
40. The last two drafts have given them Poppinga, Hawk and Hodge for
their 4-3. At 26 (in May) Barnett is the old man of the group. Unless
two of these guys suffer fluke injuries in the next few weeks it is
safe to say that regardless of who the best player available is the
Pack will not take a linebacker.
48) Jacksonville - CB Daymeion Hughes (Cal): The Jags got a mediocre
season out of Brian Williams after signing him away from Minnesota. It
is not too difficult to start on the other side of Rashean Mathis and
Hughes would present all kinds of problems for opposing offenses.
That’s because he is fast enough to take on most #2 receivers and savvy
enough to bait quarterbacks into throwing his way. He intercepted 13
passes his final two seasons at Cal and took three of them back for
touchdowns. Overconfidence could be his only challenge in the pros, but
after facing USC’s receivers it is hard to envision him being
intimidated.
49) Cincinnati - FB Brian Leonard (Rutgers): This would be an
interesting selection and something the Bengals would certainly
entertain if he falls this far. Chris Perry was a dynamo out of the
backfield in 2005 with 51 receptions in just 14 games, but missed most
of last year due to injury. If it looks like he won’t be around the
Bengals could get a slightly different back that is more capable of
blocking, equally effective catching passes and less likely to lighten
the rushing load of Johnson. Fun to think about for an exciting
offense, but I doubt he makes it this deep into the second round
anyway.
50) Tennessee - LB David Harris (Michigan): Team history tends to lead
towards this not happening because the Titans have selected just one
linebacker higher than the third round since 1993, that being current
starter Keith Bullock at #30 in 2000. The three starters are all at
least 29 years old though and the reserves are nothing special. This
would give them a player to immediately contend for playing time on the
NFL’s reigning worst defense.
51) NY Giants - DT Quinn Pitcock (Ohio State): The run defense wasn’t
terrible last year (#14) but it is tempting to put a solid piece in
between young ends Kiwanuka and Umenyiora. If only his name were more
confusing to spell they might really be onto something with a
“Scrabble” front line. Seriously though this would be a good maneuver
and if they hit on a good player they could be set on the defensive
line for years to come.
52) St. Louis - DE LaMarr Woodley (Michigan): In recent seasons the
Rams have let a couple starting ends fly to Seattle. They are left with
two starters on the other side of 30. Little is their sack machine, but
they don’t have a lot of depth and for a below average defense adding
any talent on this side of the ball seems like a good idea to me.
53) Dallas - RB Michael Bush (Louisville): The immediate response to
this is that the Cowboys have two solid rushers and would not consider
taking Bush. However, they reportedly tried to trade Jones on draft day
once already and might give it a shot again on a day when not a lot of
great backs will be available. Bush was considered a Heisman candidate
before getting hurt and represents exactly what this mock draft is all
about – an excellent value.
54) Kansas City - S Eric Weddle (Utah): Last year the Chiefs were very
inconsistent on defense. Six times they held teams under 14 points, but
five times they were roughed up for at least 27. In the 2006 draft
Bernard Pollard was taken in the second round to succeed veteran Sammy
Knight. This would give them a flexible player at the free spot as
insurance for Greg Wesley who has lost six games to injury the last
three seasons and just turned 29. Weddle can play a little corner as
well and certainly adds value in dime situations.
55) Seattle - WR Craig Davis (LSU): If the Seahawks made this move it
could spell help them make a decision on often injured #1 Darrell
Jackson. Either Jackson or Burleson would certainly be out of a job
sooner than later. Engram was just retained as the possession receiver
and Branch is counted on for big plays. Davis potentially is their
steady presence at #2, but this move likely will not come to fruition
even if the value is there.
56) Denver - DE Victor Abiamiri (Notre Dame): After adopting so many
Cleveland Browns to play on their defensive line, one of them was sent
back to the discard pile in the form of end Courtney Brown. However,
there are other guys available to pick up the slack. The only way the
Broncos make this choice is if they have lost confidence in Dumervil,
their fourth round pick last year.
57) NY Jets - CB Tanard Jackson (Syracuse): Their starters are not
exactly shut down material which means this is a possible selection.
Ironically, the last time they had the #57 spot (2005) they took
another corner with questionable character in Justin Miller. That move
worked out pretty well and given Jackson’s size this one might too.
58) Philadelphia - DE Tim Crowder (Texas): There are a few spots the
Eagles need to fill in this draft, but defensive end is certainly not
one of them. Howard came over from New Orleans and registered 5 sacks.
Their 2005 draft pick Cole had 8 sacks, stepping up big time for the
injured Kearse. They also have McDougle in the fold. They might take
one next year on day two, but not this year on day one by any stretch
of the imagination.
59) New Orleans - WR Steve Smith (USC): Reggie Bush might get company
from a former Trojan teammate. The team just struck seventh round gold
in Colston and got inspired play from previously disappointing second
round pick Henderson who led the NFL (qualified players) with 23.3
yards per reception. Still, they lost anchor Joe Horn who averaged 67.9
yards per start. Copper showed signs of life, but if they see a player
they really like at the receiver position I think they will grab him.
In free agency they pursued some players and came up empty.
60) Miami - QB Drew Stanton (Michigan State): The Dolphins at press
time have yet to resolve the Trent Green situation. Regardless of how
that turns out it is very possible Stanton is on their radar. Opinions
on him vary from steal to bust, but his tangibles (size and speed) are
good. Cam Cameron is familiar with Cleo Lemon from being the
coordinator in San Diego and obviously doesn’t see him as the starter.
That leaves the injured Culpepper and potential deal for Green. If
Green is acquired Culpepper is probably cut loose and Stanton would be
the quarterback of the future.
61) Baltimore - WR Jason Hill (Washington State): Certain teams just
can’t seem to produce good wide receivers. The Ravens finally seem to
have a good one in Clayton who led the team with 939 yards. Behind him
Mason is a solid vet who will be declining in production and turns 34
at the end of this season. Last year’s fourth round pick Demetrius
Williams made some huge plays, but it remains to be seen if he is a
consistent starter. Hill is similar in size and has blazing 4.32 speed
which doesn’t make him the ideal choice at the position although it
isn’t out of the question.
62) San Diego - LB Buster Davis (Florida State): With the departure of
Edwards and age of Godfrey there is certainly room for another ‘backer
in this 3-4. The Chargers have been successful at choosing linebackers
having taken four since 2003 with all of them still on the roster. I
think he is the type of player who simply gets after it and San Diego
would find a way to work him into their system. A team that lost just
three times, all by 3 points, there aren’t many holes to fill.
63) NY Jets - DT Brandon Mebane (Cal): Last year Kimo von Oelhoffen
came over in free agency to step into the starting lineup, but at 37
when this season ends he is just about finished. Mosley and Pouha are
candidates to replace him. I think Mebane is a better player and if the
Jets agree they could make this their selection on draft day.
64) Tampa Bay - RB Kenny Irons (Auburn): Closing out our best player
available mock draft is a pick that makes possibly only a little sense,
but is interesting for different reasons. Recently retired running back
Tiki Barber’s twin brother Ronde plays cornerback for the Bucs after
both played together at Virginia in college. Kenny just finished his
college career playing with his twin David, a cornerback. Seems fitting
to me, not to mention that Tampa Bay’s current starter Cadillac
Williams went to Auburn. In reality the running back position is thin
given that Pittman is there just to provide occasional relief. At 32
when the season kicks off that is not a long term situation. A round or
two later I could see them taking a player for insurance to Cadillac
who has missed two games in each of his first two seasons.
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