NFL Mock Draft Version 1.0

I'm going to take a break from the individual NFL Draft preview today to put up my first NFL Mock Draft of the season. I'm only doing the top ten for now, with a full first round coming next Monday. Also I am not factoring any trades into this version either, as things are so fluid around the draft that it's a fools errand to predict trades this early in the process.

2007 NFL MOCK DRAFT

1. OAKLAND RAIDERS: JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU

Russell is exactly what the Raiders are looking for. He's a big guy who can take a pounding (which he will as he stands behind their horrible offensive line), and he has a cannon mounted to his shoulder that he calls an arm. Al Davis (who could be a zombie at this point) loves a "vertical" offense and Russell gives them the arm to pull that off. Hopefully Randy Moss stays happy so JaMarcus will actually have a decent receiver to throw to.

2. DETROIT LIONS: Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech

Okay, okay. Get all the jokes out of your system now. As I stated before I'm doing this version with no trades and if the Lions aren't able to trade out of this spot, I really think they will take Johnson. They don't need Quinn, or Peterson, and I think Thomas is a bit of a reach at number two and I think the Lions agree with me. Johnson is the best talent in this draft and Matt Millen has a track record on taking the best guy on his board, regardless of position, when there is not a player that would fill an immediate need. I'd also be VERY happy with this pick as a Lions fan, but I still fully expect them to trade out of this pick.

3. CLEVELAND BROWNS: Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame

The Browns could go with Peterson here, but I think they'll tab Quinn. They just signed Jamal Lewis, and while he's not exactly the 2,000 yard back that he once was, he'll still fill their need at running back. Currently the Browns options at QB are Charlie Frye and Ken Anderson, not exactly a depth chart that prevents a team from drafting a franchise QB. Quinn better be ready to tuck the ball down and run because Cleveland's offensive line will get him sacked early and often. At least Michigan and USC gave him a little preview of what that will be like already.

4. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS: Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson

At this point Tampa Bay is pretty angry that Johnson didn't fall to them at the fourth spot. They'll console themselves by drafting Adams to add depth to their defensive line and to be the heir apparent to Simeon Rice (who is getting a bit long in the tooth). Adams can play either side of the defensive line and will give the Bucs another pass rushing defensive end that Gruden can scream at.

5. ARIZONA CARDINALS: Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin

Pop the corks Cardinals! Thomas fell to you at number five! Arizona's offensive line has been horrifying (just ask Edgerrin James) and adding a guy like Thomas will definitely help. He'll probably end up playing right tackle in Arizona since Matt Leinart throws with the wrong hand, which should help him a bit since most teams don't use their dominate pass rusher on the right side of the line.

6. WASHINGTON REDSKINS: Alan Branch, DT, Michigan

I don't expect the Redskins to pick here. I think they will end up making the trade with the Bears, who will then make another trade to trade down from this pick. That being said, if the Skins are stuck with this pick I see them going the defensive line route, and since Adams is already off the board at this point, they'll tab Branch.

7. MINNESOTA VIKINGS: LaRon Landry, S, LSU

The Vikings could go for a receiver here, but they could easily address that need later in the draft and get better value for that pick. Drafting Ginn here would be a bit of a reach, and they need help in the defensive secondary. They will be flip flopping between Landry and Hall, but in the end I really think they'll take Landry here. That secondary could use a good free safety.

8. ATLANTA FALCONS: Jamaal Anderson, DE, Arkansas

I think the Falcons are prime to move up this draft. They could easily be eyeing the number two spot to leap up and take hometown hero Calvin Johnson, who Michael Vick could REALLY use, but if they are still sitting here when the eighth pick rolls around then I see them going to the defensive line. They lost Patrick Kerney to free agency so drafting Anderson makes sense, if only to replace what they've lost. They could also go secondary I suppose, but I think their need on the line supersedes the needs in the secondary.

9. MIAMI DOLPHINS: Levi Brown, OT, Penn State

The Dolphins seem to be collecting QB's and to that end I'm sure they'd like to protect that investment. Brown has been shooting up the board after all of his workouts, and will get the nod here from Miami. Just watch out for all those night clubs Levi, just ask Pac Man.

10. HOUSTON TEXANS: Leon Hall, CB, Michigan

We round out the top ten with Houston, who will decide to go defense again in the first round with Hall. He'll give them a good corner to play opposite Dunta Robinson in a defense that is getting better, but is probably a year or so away from being very good. Too bad this pick won't help the horrible offensive line that got David Carr practically killed every game.

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NFL Mock Draft Version 1.0

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