Roman529
Moon Runner / The 3 AM Crew
1. Oakland Raiders
JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU
Rationale: Randy Moss and Jerry Porter might be malcontents, but they're talented malcontents. Calvin Johnson is best player in the draft, but what good would he do if the Raiders don't have anyone who can throw him the ball? Forget the David Carr rumors. He signed with the Panthers on Friday.
Also Considered: They should give some consideration to Johnson based on his skills alone, but Russell is the pick unless Al Davis sees something in Andrew Walter that I'm missing.
2. Detroit Lions
Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin
Rationale: Don't look now, but the Lions have quietly assembled a solid offensive line. They acquired George Foster in the Tatum Bell trade to start at right tackle. They signed free agent guard Edward Mulitalo to start at one of the guard positions. Last year's starting left tackle and franchise player Jeff Backus might be better off moving to the open guard position, leaving the starting left tackle job to Thomas.
Also Considered: Matt Millen will be too leery of wideouts to mess with Johnson (see Charles Rogers and Mike Williams). He'll consider Brady Quinn, but he and Rod Marinelli are said to be high on Jon Kitna .
3. Cleveland Browns
Adrian Peterson , RB, Oklahoma
Rationale: Jamal Lewis signed a one-year deal, which tells me the Browns have someone else in mind for 2008 and beyond.
Also Considered: Quinn has begged to play in Ohio, but the Browns have a bigger need in the backfield. Everyone seems to think the Browns are thinking about Thomas, Quinn, or Peterson. What about Johnson? It's not like they're loaded at the wideout position, but bigger needs at other positions will most likely cause them to become the third team to pass over the best player in the draft.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech
Rationale: Michael Clayton 's sophomore slump extended into his third season, and Joey Galloway isn't getting any younger. Jon Gruden has been gushing over Johnson in recent conversations with the media.
Also Considered: LaRon Landry would fill a major hole at safety, and Gaines Adams could serve as the eventual replacement for Simeon Rice .
5. Arizona Cardinals
LaRon Landry, S, LSU
Rationale: The Cards would like to find a safety to feature next to Adrian Wilson and Landry is arguably the best defensive player in the draft.
Also Considered: The Cardinals have a number of needs and they'll give serious consideration to Adams due to their lack of a pass-rusher.
6. Washington Redskins
Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson
Rationale: The Redskins want to put more pressure on opposing quarterbacks and Adams would be an immediate starter.
Also Considered: I'll be shocked if the Redskins retain this pick. Team owner Dan Snyder wants disgruntled Bears linebacker Lance Briggs , and the rich computer geek usually gets his way.
7. Minnesota Vikings
Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame
Rationale: Brooks Bollinger and Tavares Jackson. Enough said.
Also Considered: The Purple have a glaring need at wide receiver. They could trade up to get Johnson or down if they like the value of wideouts such as Ted Ginn Jr. or Robert Meachem. If the Browns select Quinn, the Vikings might even grab Peterson, as they've talked about finding a running back to take some of the load off Chester Taylor .
8. Atlanta Falcons
Amobi Okoye, DT, Louisville
Rationale: Starting defensive tackle Grady Jackson is suing the team for releasing his medical information. Meanwhile, new head coach Bobby Petrino coached the boy wonder at Louisville.
Also Considered: The Falcons appear to be hopeful that Landry will fall to them. The departure of Patrick Kerney via free agency leaves a big void at defensive end. Jamal Anderson carried them to a Super Bowl appearance, so perhaps Jamaal Anderson could do the same.
9. Miami Dolphins
Levi Brown, OT, Penn State
Rationale: New head coach Cam Cameron wants to overhaul the running game and grabbing the second best offensive lineman in the draft would be a good start. Brown is a bit of a reach here, but the Dolphins will be leery to trade down with the o-line strapped Texans sitting behind them.
Also Considered: The Fins need a run-stopper in the middle and Alan Branch might be available when they go on the clock.
10. Houston Texans
Leon Hall, CB, Michigan
Rationale: The Texans need a cornerback to play opposite Dunta Robinson. With Brown off the board, they grab the highest-rated cornerback in the draft.
Also Considered: Brown would fill a perennial offensive line need if he gets past the Dolphins. I'd love to see them find a wideout who can compliment Andre Johnson , but there should be some talented receivers left in the second round.
11. San Francisco 49ers
Adam Carriker, DE, Nebraska
Rationale: The 49ers coaching staff fell in love with Carriker when they coached him at the Senior Bowl back in February.
Also Considered: Poor Alex Smith needs a legitimate wide receiver to work with.
12. Buffalo Bills
Patrick Willis, LB, Mississippi
Rationale: The Bills are desperate for help at linebacker after trading Takeo Spikes to the Eagles last month.
Also Considered: Trading Willis McGahee to the Ravens left a huge void in the backfield. As such, Marshawn Lynch should garner some interest.
13. St. Louis Rams
Alan Branch, DT, Michigan
Rationale: Questions regarding Branch's work ethic have lowered his stock. He has top-10 talent and would be a steal for a Rams, who need a run-stopper in the middle.
Also Considered: The Rams would like to add some depth at linebacker and they always seem to be looking for help at defensive end.
14. Carolina Panthers
Ted Ginn Jr., WR, Ohio State
Rationale: Keyshawn Johnson isn't getting any younger, and Drew Carter and Keary Colbert will be free agents after the upcoming season. Ginn could cut his teeth as a return man this year and then take over as Steve Smith 's sidekick in 2008.
Also Considered: Starting safety Mike Minter has announced that he's calling it quits after this season. Therefore, Reggie Nelson is a possibility.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers
Paul Posluszny, LB, Penn State
Rationale: The Steelers stay in-state and grab a linebacker who is versatile enough to play in their current 3-4 scheme and make the switch to the cover-two that new head coach Mike Tomlin prefers.
Also Considered: Offensive line appears to be an area of need, meaning Brown could be a candidate if he slips this far.
16. Green Bay Packers
Reggie Nelson, S, Florida
Rationale: My colleague and resident Dairy State expert Jon Lopuch insists the Pack will select Nelson if he's still available. Who am I to argue?
Also Considered: The loss of Ahman Green will force the Packers to at least consider selecting Marshawn Lynch.
JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU
Rationale: Randy Moss and Jerry Porter might be malcontents, but they're talented malcontents. Calvin Johnson is best player in the draft, but what good would he do if the Raiders don't have anyone who can throw him the ball? Forget the David Carr rumors. He signed with the Panthers on Friday.
Also Considered: They should give some consideration to Johnson based on his skills alone, but Russell is the pick unless Al Davis sees something in Andrew Walter that I'm missing.
2. Detroit Lions
Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin
Rationale: Don't look now, but the Lions have quietly assembled a solid offensive line. They acquired George Foster in the Tatum Bell trade to start at right tackle. They signed free agent guard Edward Mulitalo to start at one of the guard positions. Last year's starting left tackle and franchise player Jeff Backus might be better off moving to the open guard position, leaving the starting left tackle job to Thomas.
Also Considered: Matt Millen will be too leery of wideouts to mess with Johnson (see Charles Rogers and Mike Williams). He'll consider Brady Quinn, but he and Rod Marinelli are said to be high on Jon Kitna .
3. Cleveland Browns
Adrian Peterson , RB, Oklahoma
Rationale: Jamal Lewis signed a one-year deal, which tells me the Browns have someone else in mind for 2008 and beyond.
Also Considered: Quinn has begged to play in Ohio, but the Browns have a bigger need in the backfield. Everyone seems to think the Browns are thinking about Thomas, Quinn, or Peterson. What about Johnson? It's not like they're loaded at the wideout position, but bigger needs at other positions will most likely cause them to become the third team to pass over the best player in the draft.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech
Rationale: Michael Clayton 's sophomore slump extended into his third season, and Joey Galloway isn't getting any younger. Jon Gruden has been gushing over Johnson in recent conversations with the media.
Also Considered: LaRon Landry would fill a major hole at safety, and Gaines Adams could serve as the eventual replacement for Simeon Rice .
5. Arizona Cardinals
LaRon Landry, S, LSU
Rationale: The Cards would like to find a safety to feature next to Adrian Wilson and Landry is arguably the best defensive player in the draft.
Also Considered: The Cardinals have a number of needs and they'll give serious consideration to Adams due to their lack of a pass-rusher.
6. Washington Redskins
Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson
Rationale: The Redskins want to put more pressure on opposing quarterbacks and Adams would be an immediate starter.
Also Considered: I'll be shocked if the Redskins retain this pick. Team owner Dan Snyder wants disgruntled Bears linebacker Lance Briggs , and the rich computer geek usually gets his way.
7. Minnesota Vikings
Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame
Rationale: Brooks Bollinger and Tavares Jackson. Enough said.
Also Considered: The Purple have a glaring need at wide receiver. They could trade up to get Johnson or down if they like the value of wideouts such as Ted Ginn Jr. or Robert Meachem. If the Browns select Quinn, the Vikings might even grab Peterson, as they've talked about finding a running back to take some of the load off Chester Taylor .
8. Atlanta Falcons
Amobi Okoye, DT, Louisville
Rationale: Starting defensive tackle Grady Jackson is suing the team for releasing his medical information. Meanwhile, new head coach Bobby Petrino coached the boy wonder at Louisville.
Also Considered: The Falcons appear to be hopeful that Landry will fall to them. The departure of Patrick Kerney via free agency leaves a big void at defensive end. Jamal Anderson carried them to a Super Bowl appearance, so perhaps Jamaal Anderson could do the same.
9. Miami Dolphins
Levi Brown, OT, Penn State
Rationale: New head coach Cam Cameron wants to overhaul the running game and grabbing the second best offensive lineman in the draft would be a good start. Brown is a bit of a reach here, but the Dolphins will be leery to trade down with the o-line strapped Texans sitting behind them.
Also Considered: The Fins need a run-stopper in the middle and Alan Branch might be available when they go on the clock.
10. Houston Texans
Leon Hall, CB, Michigan
Rationale: The Texans need a cornerback to play opposite Dunta Robinson. With Brown off the board, they grab the highest-rated cornerback in the draft.
Also Considered: Brown would fill a perennial offensive line need if he gets past the Dolphins. I'd love to see them find a wideout who can compliment Andre Johnson , but there should be some talented receivers left in the second round.
11. San Francisco 49ers
Adam Carriker, DE, Nebraska
Rationale: The 49ers coaching staff fell in love with Carriker when they coached him at the Senior Bowl back in February.
Also Considered: Poor Alex Smith needs a legitimate wide receiver to work with.
12. Buffalo Bills
Patrick Willis, LB, Mississippi
Rationale: The Bills are desperate for help at linebacker after trading Takeo Spikes to the Eagles last month.
Also Considered: Trading Willis McGahee to the Ravens left a huge void in the backfield. As such, Marshawn Lynch should garner some interest.
13. St. Louis Rams
Alan Branch, DT, Michigan
Rationale: Questions regarding Branch's work ethic have lowered his stock. He has top-10 talent and would be a steal for a Rams, who need a run-stopper in the middle.
Also Considered: The Rams would like to add some depth at linebacker and they always seem to be looking for help at defensive end.
14. Carolina Panthers
Ted Ginn Jr., WR, Ohio State
Rationale: Keyshawn Johnson isn't getting any younger, and Drew Carter and Keary Colbert will be free agents after the upcoming season. Ginn could cut his teeth as a return man this year and then take over as Steve Smith 's sidekick in 2008.
Also Considered: Starting safety Mike Minter has announced that he's calling it quits after this season. Therefore, Reggie Nelson is a possibility.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers
Paul Posluszny, LB, Penn State
Rationale: The Steelers stay in-state and grab a linebacker who is versatile enough to play in their current 3-4 scheme and make the switch to the cover-two that new head coach Mike Tomlin prefers.
Also Considered: Offensive line appears to be an area of need, meaning Brown could be a candidate if he slips this far.
16. Green Bay Packers
Reggie Nelson, S, Florida
Rationale: My colleague and resident Dairy State expert Jon Lopuch insists the Pack will select Nelson if he's still available. Who am I to argue?
Also Considered: The loss of Ahman Green will force the Packers to at least consider selecting Marshawn Lynch.
