[EmpireWF]

Even though we still don't know for certain which underclassmen will declare, I just felt like writing up a little mock draft including those who I feel will declare. I'll use the latest draft order.

1. Detroit Lions: Brady Quinn QB from Notre Dame
-This is not even a question anymore. The Lions have tons of wholes to fill but with a potential franchise QB available, they can't pass him up. With or without Millen, this is the best possible pick for a franchise in dissaray.

2. Oakland Raiders: Calvin Johnson WR from Georiga Tech
-The Raiders are probably the worst team in the NFL when you look at the complete picture. They would love to be able to draft Quinn but have to settle for a player some think is the best overall prospect in the draft. Many believe Jerry Porter and Randy Moss will not be Raiders next season so Johnson would be a welcome member to a fledgling offensive unit.

3. Cleveland Browns: Joe Thomas OT from Wisconsin
-The Browns could use some help along the defensive line but their offensive line is pitiful. No matter who the QB or RB was, they can't have success as is. Some think Adrian Peterson could go here but they need to address the line first.

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Gaines Adams DE from Clemson
-The Bucs defense has gotten older and older and it looks like Simeon Rice is on his way out. Adams is one of the best pass rushers in the draft and should be an impact player right off the bat. Another guy to look out for here is Michigan d-tackle Alan Branch.

5. Arizona Cardinals: Jake Long OT from Michigan
-This is a tough spot because at this moment, it may seem like they're reaching for a OT. Levi Brown is another possible name. There's no question they need to boost their offensive line. It's really the major thing holding them back.

6. Houston Texans: Adrian Peterson RB from Oklahoma
-Houston didn't get Bush last year but they're in prime position to get Adrian Peterson. Injury concerns aside, he could've been an easy #1 overall pick. The reason he goes here, the lack of a clear cut 3rd OL in the top 6.

7. Washington Redskins: Alan Branch DT from Michigan
-The Redskins defensive line is a shadow of what is use to be. Branch is the top interior defensive lineman in the draft and many see big things in his future.

8. Minnesota Vikings: Leon Hall CB from Michigan
-The Vikings plan on getting rid of Fred Smoot. Although they seem high on Cedric Griffin, you can't have too many solid corners. Hall may be the best in the class and would automatically improve Minnesota's defense.

9. San Francisco 49ers: Ted Ginn WR from Ohio State
-They need a playmaker to fit into the system alongside Vernon Davis and Frank Gore. They could also try and pick up an offensive lineman or defensive lineman but Ginn is as big a playmaker as anyone.

10. Miami Dolphins: Darrelle Revis CB from Pittsburgh
-The Dolphins secondary has been a big questionmark this year. Revis will fight with Hall to be the first corner taken. The Dolphins may also look to go OLB or OL here but Revis gives them the best value here.

11. St. Louis Rams: Quentin Moses DE from Georgia
-The Rams will look to upgrade any of their defensive units. Moses is the best pass rushing end on the board. He wasn't as good in his senior year as some expected but you can't deny his skills.

12. Atlanta Falcons: Laron Landry S from LSU
-The Falcons need to get younger in the secondary and Landry is one of the top two safeties in the draft. He's the very definition of a playmaker and if Lawer Milloy sticks around, will have a ton to learn from.

13. Carolina Panthers: Patrick Willis LB from Mississippi
-The Panthers need some bodies for their linebacking corps and with Dan Morgan's career in jeopardy, Willis is available. This may be a reach at this point in the draft but Willis is a big hitter.

14. Green Bay Packers: Marcus McCauley CB from Fresno State
-The Packers secondary is bad and full of guys who probably shouldn't be starting. McCauley may not go this high but he has the size and speed to be a force in the NFL.

15. Pittsburgh Steelers: Paul Posluszny OLB from Penn State
-Perhaps a reach considering his health concerns but he's probably one of the best line backers out of Penn State over the last decade. He's a smart, rangy player who's a natural leader. He will insert some youth and fire into an aging Steel Curtain.

16. New York Giants: Reggie Nelson S from Florida
-The Giants secondary has once again allowed among the most passing yards out of any other squad. Nelson has come on strong in his junior year and it's said he can also play corner. The Giants need some healthy young solid play at either position.

17. Buffalo Bills: Jamarcus Russell QB from LSU
-I really don't think Russell would last this long if he were to declare, however the Bills would surely love it. They're not high on JP Losman and if given the opportunity would jump on the chance to get Russell. Other possibilities include offensive tackle if one were available and they liked.

18. New England Patriots: Dwayne Jarrett WR from Southern Cal
-Jarrett has that special knack of being in the endzone and making all the catches that not many tall receivers have. The Pats need some youth and solid receivers and Jarrett could turn out to be the best of this class.

19: Kansas City Chiefs: Quinn Pitcock DT from Ohio State
-Pitcock had a great senior year for the Buckeyes and the Chiefs need an inside prescence. He's said to be a guy who can control his gap along the line and a solid all round player.

20: Jacksonville Jaguars: Levi Brown OL from Penn State
-This is a tough pick because they could use a CB or linebacker. However, I've read changes on the offensive line could be coming. Brown is respected as a guy who can fit right in to a starting line-up.

21: Cincinnati Bengals: DeMarcus Tyler DT from North Carolina State
-One of the worst rush defenses in the league needs some beef up front. Tyler will automatically step in and should help out a rushing defense that allows over 110 yards per game on the ground. Hopefully he can stay out of jail

22: Tennessee Titans: Jeff Samardzija WR from Notre Dame
-The Titans need a target for Vince Young and someone who can step up. Samardzija is a tricky guy because it's known he may want to try his hand at playing MLB (the Cubs have a large offer on the table) as well as the NFL. Either way, he's a guy who can catch the ball and that's what Vince Young needs.

23: Dallas Cowboys: Justin Blalock OL from Texas
-The Cowboys need help on the offensive line and Blalock is a guy who can play the inside well on the pro level. He's a good pass protector.

24: New York Jets: Marshawn Lynch RB from California
-I think the Jets would be happier if they can get a big run stuffing nose tackle to insert into the 3-4. But here it doesn't seem they can so they go with the top running back on the board in Lynch.

25. Philadelphia Eagles: Antoine Cason CB from Arizona
-Cason has the speed, athleticism and attitude of a guy who can be a #1 corner on an NFL team. He does go after the ball too much allowing some big plays but with Brian Dawkins on the team, he should learn quickly.

26. Denver Broncos: Victor Abiamiri DE from Notre Dame
-A good tackler and even better pass rusher. The Broncos need guys who can rush the passer after all those Cleveland guys settled down.

27. New Orleans Saints: Amobi Okoye DT from Louisville
-This kid is amazing, he's only 20 years old and will have graduated from college. He's got an extreme amount of potential that can be molded if coached correctly.

28. New England Patriots: Earl Everett LB from Florida
-A great athlete with amazing speed who should be an impact player right off the bat for the Pats. He was a breakout SEC player which goes to show you how good of a year he had.

29. Indianapolis Colts: Buster Davis ILB from Florida State
-Davis can play both inside and outside and the Colts will need some bodies at LB after free agency hits them again.

30. Baltimore Ravens: Anthony Spencer DE from Purdue
-A great candidate to move to OLB for the Ravens in the 3-4 scheme. They will need another guy as it looks like Adalius Thomas may leave via free agency.

31. Chicago Bears: Zach Miller TE from Arizona State
-The Bears need all the help they can get on the offensive side of the ball and in Miller they will get a great pass catching tight end. No matter who the QB will be, Miller will catch the ball.

32. San Diego Chargers: H.B. Blades ILB from Pittsburgh
-Blades isn't a guy who will blow you away with measurables. However, he is a player as they say. May not make it to the 1st round but he can be a solid NFL player. The Chargers need some depth for an aging LB corps.


Your thoughts?

[Gotham Dark Knight]

I would doubt that the Raiders would pass up on a QB two years in a row...they can't make the blunder twice in a row.

And I do not see Peterson going as low as 6th.

[Lefty Noob]

Okay, it's been a long day and ol' Lefty is sleepy... so we're only going top five.

1. Detroit Lions - Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame
This pick will confuse a lot of people who have read my comments trying to implore the Lions to pick Adrian Peterson. The reason is simple. I think Peterson is the right guy to pick here, and I don't think the Detroit Lions will make the right pick. They'll make the popular one and draft Quinn,

2. Oakland Raiders - JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU
The Raiders need a QB, pure and simple, and Russell is the best on the board here. Some draftniks have him rated over Quinn, even.

3. Cleveland Browns - Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech
Tough call here. The Browns offensive line has been horrible this year, but that's more due to injuries then anything else. If a few guys get healthy, the unit will be much better in '07. They're set at RB with Droughns, so I figure they look to add depth and talent at WR, picking the guy many feel is the best pure athlete in the draft. There may be pressure to take Troy Smith with this selection, though.

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Leon Hall, CB Michigan
Okay, I'm unsure about this one. The one thing I do know is that it will be a defensive player. What everything depends upon is who stays and who goes. Rice, Brooks and Barber may all need replaced. I like Adams, Landry, Pittcock, Moses, Blades... but what I think it comes down to is that the Bucs will take the #1 rated corner on their board, which most likely would be Hall of the Wolverines.

5. Arizona Cardinals - Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin
No doubt about it. Be it Thomas or someone else, Arizona takes the best OL still on the board.

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by Lefty Noob

Okay, it's been a long day and ol' Lefty is sleepy... so we're only going top five.

1. Detroit Lions - Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame
This pick will confuse a lot of people who have read my comments trying to implore the Lions to pick Adrian Peterson. The reason is simple. I think Peterson is the right guy to pick here, and I don't think the Detroit Lions will make the right pick. They'll make the popular one and draft Quinn,

2. Oakland Raiders - JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU
The Raiders need a QB, pure and simple, and Russell is the best on the board here. Some draftniks have him rated over Quinn, even.

3. Cleveland Browns - Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech
Tough call here. The Browns offensive line has been horrible this year, but that's more due to injuries then anything else. If a few guys get healthy, the unit will be much better in '07. They're set at RB with Droughns, so I figure they look to add depth and talent at WR, picking the guy many feel is the best pure athlete in the draft. There may be pressure to take Troy Smith with this selection, though.

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Leon Hall, CB Michigan
Okay, I'm unsure about this one. The one thing I do know is that it will be a defensive player. What everything depends upon is who stays and who goes. Rice, Brooks and Barber may all need replaced. I like Adams, Landry, Pittcock, Moses, Blades... but what I think it comes down to is that the Bucs will take the #1 rated corner on their board, which most likely would be Hall of the Wolverines.

5. Arizona Cardinals - Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin
No doubt about it. Be it Thomas or someone else, Arizona takes the best OL still on the board.

Now that's a bold statement...I like it!

[EmpireWF]

If Russell does declare, it does sound like he could go 2nd but I didn't realize it until I got half way though

With Cleveland, I doubt they can pass on Thomas who many feel can be a bookend for a decade. Romeo wants to be tough in the trenches.

[Lefty Noob]

Originally Posted by Gotham Dark Knight

Now that's a bold statement...I like it!

Heh heh, well, ol' Lefty doesn't ALWAYS play it conservative, you know.

What's funny is, looking at the top five, if Detroit doesn't pick Adrian Peterson then he probably DOES fall to #6 and the Texans. Oakland needs a QB in the worst way, Cleveland has Droughns, the Bucs have the Cadallac and Arizona has the Edge and are desperate for a line that can actually open some holes for him.

[Lefty Noob]

Originally Posted by EmpireWF

If Russell does declare, it does sound like he could go 2nd but I didn't realize it until I got half way though

With Cleveland, I doubt they can pass on Thomas who many feel can be a bookend for a decade. Romeo wants to be tough in the trenches.

Well, that would lead to some interesting scenarios, such as the top two skill position players in the draft (Peterson and Johnson) NOT going in the top 5 picks. What a strange situation that would be, eh?

[Notorious C.L.E.]

Personally, I would rather have Alan Branch than Joe Thomas for the Browns. General manager Phil Savage doesn't have a history with drafting offensive tackles in the first round, but Thomas is an enticing prospect at a position of need.

I have a huge mancrush on Alan Branch, and that is coming from a diehard Ohio State fan. He is a monster in the middle of that line and would be a good fit in our 3-4. He is 6-6, 315 lbs. with freakish athleticism. A prospect of that nature does not come around often, whereas you can usually get a solid left tackle in the draft year after year.

On a side note, I like Joe Staley of Central Michigan in the early second round. I am not sure if his stock is there just yet, but I have been impressed with him in the games I have seen. I expect his stock to soar come postseason.

[simple simon]

i really like the picks for the Pats, they for sure need a high quality WR out there and it would help Troy Brown out as well i think

as for the 2nd pick i believe LB is also a good choice, Bruschi wont last for ever..........and i would love to see Jr. back for the leadership, and with his experience i bet he would be great working with a rookie

[mervinout]

i dont see calvin johnsons coming out his parents are all about the education, plus he spent the entire last summer in south america doing coomunity service work. Just doesnt seem like the guy to leave early but i could be wrong jus tmy thoughts

[mervinout]

o ya why you got the giants drafting a S, will demps is playing much better and wilson is def fine they dont need S's they need a CB to replace webster

[mervinout]

Originally Posted by Lefty Noob

Okay, it's been a long day and ol' Lefty is sleepy... so we're only going top five.

1. Detroit Lions - Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame
This pick will confuse a lot of people who have read my comments trying to implore the Lions to pick Adrian Peterson. The reason is simple. I think Peterson is the right guy to pick here, and I don't think the Detroit Lions will make the right pick. They'll make the popular one and draft Quinn,

2. Oakland Raiders - JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU
The Raiders need a QB, pure and simple, and Russell is the best on the board here. Some draftniks have him rated over Quinn, even.

3. Cleveland Browns - Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech
Tough call here. The Browns offensive line has been horrible this year, but that's more due to injuries then anything else. If a few guys get healthy, the unit will be much better in '07. They're set at RB with Droughns, so I figure they look to add depth and talent at WR, picking the guy many feel is the best pure athlete in the draft. There may be pressure to take Troy Smith with this selection, though.

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Leon Hall, CB Michigan
Okay, I'm unsure about this one. The one thing I do know is that it will be a defensive player. What everything depends upon is who stays and who goes. Rice, Brooks and Barber may all need replaced. I like Adams, Landry, Pittcock, Moses, Blades... but what I think it comes down to is that the Bucs will take the #1 rated corner on their board, which most likely would be Hall of the Wolverines.

5. Arizona Cardinals - Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin
No doubt about it. Be it Thomas or someone else, Arizona takes the best OL still on the board.

your turning the browns into the lions, winslow edwards now johnson lol

[mervinout]

hey empire do you see lenoard from rutgers going to the bucs in the second round to replace Mile Alstott? He is getting old and that city loves him, seems like a good replacement

[MJHMarc]

Brady Quinn can definitely impact the Detriot Lions' organization.

He is exactly what the doctor ordered.

[EmpireWF]

Marc, too bad they won't have the chance to take him if the Raiders like him.

Mervin, I'm not sure Leonard is even a 2nd round prospect. How often to FBs go that high? I'm sure he'll be a very productive player in the right system though. Is Alstott leaving for sure?