1- Oakland Raiders- Jamarcus Russell (LSU)-QB
Height: 6-6
Weight: 265
40 Time: 4.83
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mx1iaBhEujY
The moment Jamarcus Russell is drafted he will become the league’s strongest-armed quarterback. In addition to being a freakish physical specimen, Jamarcus has shown that he is a leader, winning around 90% of his games as a starter.
I don’t respect many football minds more than A.J. Smith, San Diego’s General Manager. (The guy who traded Eli Manning for three pro bowlers- Phillip Rivers, Shawne Merriman, and Nate Kaeding). Anyways, this is what A.J. had to say about Jamarcus Russell at his March 14th pro day workout-
“He has arm strength like Brett Favre, Jeff George and John Elway. But what I’ve noticed at his workout is that he has one of the tightest spirals I’ve ever seen delivered. The guy is just awesome. If he’s got the intangibles and he wants to work hard…everything I’m hearing is that this is a legitimate guy who will take this opportunity and become an incredible pro. And it’s making me nervous.”
There has been some buzz in the past few days that the Raiders are considering taking Calvin Johnson no.1. Their projected starting quarterback right now is Andrew Walter. So the Raiders could have Randy Moss, Calvin Johnson, Jerry Porter, Ronald Curry, etc… and Andrew Walter at QB?
What about the Raiders trying to make a deal for Daunte Culpepper? The thing people don’t realize is that two years ago Daunte was terrible before he injured his knee. He was averaging three picks a game. But the Raiders want him. Maybe throwing it to Randy Moss again will revive him. Al Davis is losing it. How could he pass on Leinhart and Cutler last year at no.7? Huff is a great player but the Raiders are just stockpiling players in their secondary when their defense is already very talented. You never know with the Raiders so we’ll see, but if they don’t take a quarterback here the NFL should tear their franchise apart.
2- Detroit Lions- Calvin Johnson (Georgia Tech)-WR
Height: 6-5
Weight: 239
40 Time: 4.35
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvBUKqhT0FE
A few months ago I was pretty sure the Lions would take Brady Quinn here. But the organization doesn’t seem to think as highly about Brady as a lot of other teams. If you think about it, Jon Kitna had a pretty good year last year and new head coach Rod Marinelli is a defense-oriented coach. The Lions took Ernie Simms in the first round last year, why not take Gaines this year?
On a separate note, a report just came out of Detroit that the Lions have decided to draft Calvin Johnson unless there is a “blockbuster deal.” Taking a wide receiver in the top 10 four out of five years seems ridiculous but I think the Lions realize that Calvin is a special player. Of course this all just might be a ploy by the Lions front office to squeeze some more out of the Bucs/Falcons. Watch out for the Bucs to trade the Lions their late 2nd round pick (via the Colts) and the 4th overall pick for Calvin Johnson. The Lions are hoping that after they draft Calvin Johnson the Bucs and Falcons will have a bidding war. Although I think the Falcons will put together an enticing package of picks, look for the deal breaker to be the Lions’ uncertainty as to whether Gaines Adams will be available at no.8.
As for Calvin’s abilities, the guy has Randy Moss’ quickness, T.O.’s strength, and Marvin Harrison’s mind (so he says). He also doesn’t seem to have any character issues and designed latrine systems for the poor in third world countries. If you don’t believe me or want to read more about how dorky the world’s greatest fusion of speed and strength is, check out this link: http://www.gatech.edu/news-room/release.php?id=1115
Height: 6-6
Weight: 265
40 Time: 4.83
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mx1iaBhEujY
The moment Jamarcus Russell is drafted he will become the league’s strongest-armed quarterback. In addition to being a freakish physical specimen, Jamarcus has shown that he is a leader, winning around 90% of his games as a starter.
I don’t respect many football minds more than A.J. Smith, San Diego’s General Manager. (The guy who traded Eli Manning for three pro bowlers- Phillip Rivers, Shawne Merriman, and Nate Kaeding). Anyways, this is what A.J. had to say about Jamarcus Russell at his March 14th pro day workout-
“He has arm strength like Brett Favre, Jeff George and John Elway. But what I’ve noticed at his workout is that he has one of the tightest spirals I’ve ever seen delivered. The guy is just awesome. If he’s got the intangibles and he wants to work hard…everything I’m hearing is that this is a legitimate guy who will take this opportunity and become an incredible pro. And it’s making me nervous.”
There has been some buzz in the past few days that the Raiders are considering taking Calvin Johnson no.1. Their projected starting quarterback right now is Andrew Walter. So the Raiders could have Randy Moss, Calvin Johnson, Jerry Porter, Ronald Curry, etc… and Andrew Walter at QB?
What about the Raiders trying to make a deal for Daunte Culpepper? The thing people don’t realize is that two years ago Daunte was terrible before he injured his knee. He was averaging three picks a game. But the Raiders want him. Maybe throwing it to Randy Moss again will revive him. Al Davis is losing it. How could he pass on Leinhart and Cutler last year at no.7? Huff is a great player but the Raiders are just stockpiling players in their secondary when their defense is already very talented. You never know with the Raiders so we’ll see, but if they don’t take a quarterback here the NFL should tear their franchise apart.
2- Detroit Lions- Calvin Johnson (Georgia Tech)-WR
Height: 6-5
Weight: 239
40 Time: 4.35
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvBUKqhT0FE
A few months ago I was pretty sure the Lions would take Brady Quinn here. But the organization doesn’t seem to think as highly about Brady as a lot of other teams. If you think about it, Jon Kitna had a pretty good year last year and new head coach Rod Marinelli is a defense-oriented coach. The Lions took Ernie Simms in the first round last year, why not take Gaines this year?
On a separate note, a report just came out of Detroit that the Lions have decided to draft Calvin Johnson unless there is a “blockbuster deal.” Taking a wide receiver in the top 10 four out of five years seems ridiculous but I think the Lions realize that Calvin is a special player. Of course this all just might be a ploy by the Lions front office to squeeze some more out of the Bucs/Falcons. Watch out for the Bucs to trade the Lions their late 2nd round pick (via the Colts) and the 4th overall pick for Calvin Johnson. The Lions are hoping that after they draft Calvin Johnson the Bucs and Falcons will have a bidding war. Although I think the Falcons will put together an enticing package of picks, look for the deal breaker to be the Lions’ uncertainty as to whether Gaines Adams will be available at no.8.
As for Calvin’s abilities, the guy has Randy Moss’ quickness, T.O.’s strength, and Marvin Harrison’s mind (so he says). He also doesn’t seem to have any character issues and designed latrine systems for the poor in third world countries. If you don’t believe me or want to read more about how dorky the world’s greatest fusion of speed and strength is, check out this link: http://www.gatech.edu/news-room/release.php?id=1115
3- Cleveland Browns- Brady Quinn (Notre Dame)-QB
Height: 6-4
Weight: 232
40 Time: 4.70
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJgmeEH1lrE
Brady has clearly stated that he wants to play for Cleveland. What is happening in Cleveland right now is coach Romeo Crennel is feeling the pressure and is leaning towards drafting Adrian Peterson since he will give the Browns the best chance of winning next season. Ownership, however, is hoping that Brady Quinn will be their franchise quarterback.
I say ownership wins (as it usually does) and the Browns select Brady Quinn with the third pick. One thing that has also really impressed me is Brady’s conditioning. The guy is really strong, has experience running a pro-style offense under a highly respected coach in Charlie Weiss, and seems to have all the intangibles to be a team’s leader.
There is also an outside chance the Browns with take Joe Thomas with this pick.
4- Tampa Bay Buccannears- Gaines Adams (Clemson)-DE
Height: 6-5
Weight: 258
40 Time: 4.64
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HHzvzYBX8
I anticipate the Bucs taking Gaines Adams here as part of a package deal with the Lions. If the Bucs don’t make a deal to get Calvin, anticipate the Bucs trading down a couple of spots. If the Bucs stay at no.4 they will have a tough time deciding between Joe Thomas and Gaines Adams. I tilt the odds slightly in favor of Adams because the Bucs recently signed OT Luke Petigout from the Giants while Simeon Rice is aging fast.
5- Arizona Cardinals- Joe Thomas (Wisconsin)-OL
Height: 6-7
Weight: 311
40 Time: 4.92
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWB8uLH57Rc
Edge had a terrible year last year because of Arizona’s terrible offensive line. Starting left tackle Leonard Davis (the no.2 overall pick in the 2001 draft) left for the Cowboys after being signed as an unrestricted free agent. If Joe Thomas is around at no.5, this pick will be automatic. If Joe Thomas has already been drafted (Lions, Browns, Bucs), look for the Cardinals to draft DE Gaines Adams.
6- Washington Redskins- Amobi Okoye (Louisville)-DT
Height: 6-2
Weight: 302
40 Time: 5.07
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qm_zM86RZI
This guy is a freak of nature. He was a starter in college football when he was sixteen. The guy has a couple of years of college experience and is only 19. Look for the Redskins to also strongly consider defensive end Jamaal Anderson.
7- Minnesota Vikings- Adrian Peterson (Oklahoma)-RB
Height: 6-2
Weight: 217
40 Time: 4.40
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3u29GM3vtRA
Adrian Peterson will be extremely tempting if he falls to no.7. Although Peterson has elite top 5 talent, I think his injury concerns are going to be the deciding factor for the Browns at no.3. Watch out for the Vikings potentially passing on Peterson and taking Laron Landry. The Vikings are also prime candidates to move down a couple of spots since their most glaring weakness is at wide receiver.
8- Atlanta Falcons (from Houston)- Laron Landry (LSU)-S
Height: 6-1
Weight: 213
40 Time: 4.35
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bip9KlMxd04
Losing defensive end Patrick Kerney coupled with John Abraham’s frequent injury concerns makes improving at defensive end a priority in the draft. Jamaal Anderson is a former high school wide receiver with great agility. However, I think Laron Landry is too talented for the Falcons to pass up here. Landry is as fast as a corner and hits as hard as a safety. If new coach Bobby Petrino wants to go offense, look for the Falcons to take OL Levi Brown. The Falcons may also be able put together the pieces for the hometown hero WR Calvin Johnson.
9- Miami Dolphins- Levi Brown (Penn State)-OT
Height: 6-6
Weight: 323
40 Time: 5.40
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igNRxKai1mE- Levi is pissed
Miami has substantial holes at quarterback, wide receiver and offensive line. The Dolphins will take Brady Quinn if he is available but odds are he will be long gone. An intriguing pick at no.9 would be Ohio State wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr. If Ginn hadn’t hurt his foot in the BCS title game he would have been a sure fire top 10 pick. After the injury, scouts have begun to question his durability. The other hole is at offensive line, left tackle in particular. The Dolphins lost left tackle Damion McIntosh to Kansas City through free agency. If I were the Dolphins I would strongly consider taking Ted Ginn Jr. here but I think the Dolphins go safe and take offensive tackle Levi Brown, who has great footwork and work ethic evidenced by his post-graduate degree. Look for a potential trade at this spot since many teams may want to move up to get Adrian Peterson (if he is still on the board) or Patrick Willis. If the Dolphins move down they could take a wide receiver (Meachem, Bowe, Jarrett) or OL Joe Staley later in the first round.
10- Houston Texans (from Atlanta)- Leon Hall (Michigan)-CB
Height: 5-11
Weight: 193
40 Time: 4.39
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpa-SG4yh54
I think Leon Hall will be the best player available at no.10 but watch out for the Texans making a run at a wide receiver after cutting cutting Eric Moulds earlier this off-season. Ted Ginn Jr. would compliment Andre Johnson well. An interesting scenario is if Adrian Peterson somehow slides to no.10. If Adrian Peterson falls, look for Houston to nab the native Texan.
11- San Francisco 49ers- Patrick Willis (Mississippi)-LB
Height: 6-1
Weight: 242
40 Time: 4.51
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IqadSMQm5o
Having already signed CB Nate Clements (to a record-break $80 million contract), S Michael Lewis, NT Aubrayo Franklin, and OLB Tully Banta-Cain in free agency, the 49ers most glaring deficiency is at wide receiver and linebacker. Mike Nolan is enamored with Patrick Willis after coaching him for a week at the Senior Bowl. Look for the 49ers to snag a wide receiver in the second round. Alan Branch is also a possibility here.
12- Buffalo Bills- Darrelle Revis (Pittsburg)-CB
Height: 6-0
Weight: 204
40 Time: 4.54
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vV3g2Z-0ExA- Ridiculous return
Although the Bills sorely need a middle linebacker after Fletcher-Baker signed with the Redskins, look for the Bills to invest in a cornerback with their first round pick since the 49ers signed away pro-bowl CB Nate Clements. Revis has been shooting up draft boards and should be the top corner available when the Bills are on the clock. Look for the Bills to seriously consider CB Leon Hall and LB Patrick Willis if they fall.
13- St. Louis- Jamaal Anderson (Arkansas)-DE
Height: 6-6
Weight: 288
40 Time: 4.85
http://scout.scout.com/a.z?s=211&p=8&c=1&nid=2707986
Although the Rams lost WR Kevin Curtis, they acquired a trio of talented pass-catchers including Drew Bennett, Randy McMichael, and Dante Hall. Look for the Rams to go defense in the first round. The most glaring weakness is on the decimated defensive line and Jamaal Anderson is projected to be the most talented DE available at this position.
14- Carolina Panthers- Reggie Nelson (Florida)-S
Height: 5-11
Weight: 198
40 Time: 4.48
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWImu1_hl3o- “The Eraser”
The Panthers are coming off of a very disappointing season in which they failed to make the playoffs after starting the season as Super Bowl favorites. The Panthers have already addressed issues at quarterback by signing David Carr and should be inclined to go defense in the first round. Dan Morgan cannot be relied upon at middle linebacker due to his history of concussions. Look for the Panthers to scoop up Patrick Willis if he is available here.
Safety is the other glaring deficiency. The Panthers have the aging Mike Minter signed for next season but Shaun Williams and Colin Branch are free agents. Considering the Panthers are very close to the salary cap, they need to get help at safety through the draft. Look for the Panthers to take Reggie Nelson, aka “The Eraser,” at no. 14. If the Panthers find another solution at safety they will most likely take TE Greg Olsen, the speedy tight end from Miami (who runs a faster 40 than Dwayne Jarrett).
15- Pittsburgh Steelers- Lawrence Timmons (Florida State)-LB
Height: 6-1
Weight: 234
40 Time: 4.66
http://scout.scout.com/a.z?s=211&p=8&c=1&nid=2475748
This draft may signal the Steelers’ shift from the 3-4 to the 4-3. The most significant off season loss was Joey Porter. Look for the Steelers to take an outside linebacker. Lawrence Timmons seems to be a perfect fit for the Tampa 2 defense Tomlin is trying to install since he is adept at dropping back into coverage. Other potential picks here are DE Adam Carriker and LB Paul Posluszny.
16- Green Bay Packers- Marshawn Lynch (California)-RB
Height: 5-11
Weight: 215
40 Time: 4.46
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxwFmss2EwA
The departure of Ahman Green leaves a huge hole in the Packers’ backfield. Marshawn Lynch appears to be the likely choice here. The Packers may go another “route” and give Brett Favre another offensive weapon by taking a speedy wide receiver (Meachem or Ginn Jr.).
17- Jacksonville Jaguars- Adam Carriker (Nebraska)-DE
Height: 6-6
Weight: 296
40 Time: 4.90
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tg4NVaAxhr0
The Jaguars have had a series of first round wide receiver busts. Look for the Jags to take a defensive end or safety at this spot. Reggie Nelson and Jarvis Moss are also possibilities.
18- Cincinnati Bengals- Paul Posluszny (Penn State)-LB
Height: 6-2
Weight: 238
40 Time: 4.70
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7yO48xyUyQ
An injury to David Pollack and a drug suspension to Odell Thurman have made the Bengals extremely thin at linebacker. Their pass defense ranked 31st so a corner or safety would also be a likely choice.
19- Tennessee Titans- Robert Meachem (Tennessee)-WR
Height: 6-2
Weight: 214
40 Time: 4.39
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MABDChtX5Z8
The free agent signing of the Colts’ Nick Harper allows the Titans flexibility with their first round pick. Look for the Titans to give Vince Young more downfield weapons by selecting a wide receiver. Robert Meachem appears to be a probable choice here because of his devastating combination of size and speed (not mentioning the fact that he’s a hometown kid). Adding depth at corner back is also still an option. Possible picks here include Ted Ginn Jr. Dwayne Jarrett, Aaron Ross, and Chris Houston.
20- New York Giants- Alan Branch (Michigan)-DT
Height: 6-6
Weight: 324
40 Time: 5.07
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GcBpbXcMHvM
The Giants’ defense is crumbling. The G-Men need help at outside linebacker, cornerback, and defensive tackle. The Giants will be without linebackers LaVar Arrington and Carlos Emmons next season. Potential linebackers that could be selected in the draft include Paul Posluszny and David Harris. The Giants’ secondary is also laughably week. Sam Madison, R.W. MQuarters, and Corey Webster have done a terrible job patrolling the defensive backfield. Corners that could be available here include Aaron Ross and Chris Houston.
21- Denver Broncos- Ted Ginn Jr. (Ohio State)-WR
Height: 5-11
Weight: 178
40 Time: 4.35
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGyrgqOKZLg
The Broncos had a very productive off-season, signing RB Travis Henry, CB Dre Bly, and TE Daniel Graham. The Broncos need help at defensive tackle and may very likely take defensive tackle Justin Harrell. The potential combination of Ted Ginn Jr. alongside Javon Walker would give the Broncos one of the league’s most dynamic wide receiver combinations. Since the Broncos don’t have many glaring needs look for them to take the best player available.
22- Dallas Cowboys- Aaron Ross (Texas)-CB
Height: 6-1
Weight: 193
40 Time: 4.44
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nVjwzOCxQU
The Cowboys will snatch Reggie Nelson if he is available here because of the potential pass/run safety combo that would be created if he were given the opportunity to play alongside Roy Williams. The Cowboys are also getting old at receiver and could take Ted Ginn Jr. or Dwayne Bowe at this position. I think that the Cowboys will use this pick to improve their secondary and Aaron Ross would be a great local addition
23- Kansas City Chiefs- Joe Staley (Central Michigan)-OT
Height: 6-6
Weight: 306
40 Time: 4.75
http://www.rookiepedia.com/index.php?title=Joe_Staley
Joe Staley has been climbing up draft boards. The Central Michigan product would provide the Chiefs with a youthful presence on an aging offensive line sure to decline with the retirement of Will Shields. The Chiefs could also take a wide receiver at this position and Dwayne Jarrett appears to be the best fit for the Chiefs’ offense.
24- New England Patriots (from Seattle)-Chris Houston (Arkansas)-CB
Height: 5-10
Weight: 185
40 Time: 4.32
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uobr83t2jF0
The Patriots have had an unbelievable off-season with the addition of Wes Welker, Dante Stallworth, and Adalius Thomas. However, the Patriots are getting old at linebacker with Teddy Bruschi and Mike Vrabel. The Patriots also will likely take a cornerback with one of their two first round picks since Asante Samuel was given the franchise tag for the upcoming season and may not be with the Patriots the following year. Chris Houston has trailblazing speed and would be given the opportunity to sit back and learn the first year before becoming a starter.
25- New York Jets- Greg Olsen (Miami)-TE
Height: 6-6
Weight: 254
40 Time: 4.51
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Jasmb6YzhY
Jeremy Shockey, Kellen Winslow, Greg Olsen? Is Greg Olsen in line to be the next Hurricane tight end to make it big in the NFL? Sure looks like it. Greg Olsen is a freak. 6’6, 254, and he runs a faster 40 time than Dwayne Jarrett. The Jets could also go cornerback, d-line, or guard here if the Panthers or Packers scoop up Olsen .
26- Philadelphia Eagles- Brandon Meriweather (Miami)-S
Height: 5-11
Weight: 195
40 Time: 4.47
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ux-_JitnSfA
Look for the Eagles to strengthen their aging secondary. The Eagles could also choose to take a wide receiver here to fill the void created by Donte Stallworth’s departure.
27- New Orleans Saints- Justin Harrell (Tennessee)-DT
Height: 6-5
Weight: 300
40 Time: 5.04
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Justin_Harrell
If the Saints are able to pass on hometown product Dwayne Bowe they are likely to pick a defensive player. The Saints need help at cornerback and safety as well as on the defensive line. Chris Houston and Jonathon Wade are both options for the secondary.
28- New England Patriots- Jon Beason (Miami)-LB
Height: 6-0
Weight: 237
40 Time: 4.72
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXKGFQxTwZs
The Patriots will likely take a linebacker with one of their two first round picks and Jon Beason is projectd to be the highest rated linebacker available.
29- Baltimore Ravens- Jarvis Moss (Florida)-DE/OLB
Height: 6-7
Weight: 250
40 Time: 4.70
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALgXNf-5c5c
The Ravens could easily go offensive line here and select either Ben Grubbs or Justin Blalock. However, the departure of Adilius Thomas creates an opening at outside linebacker. Jarvis Moss is a similarly skilled athlete and if he could become a suitable replacement.
30- San Diego Chargers- Dwayne Bowe (LSU)-WR
Height: 6-2
Weight: 221
40 Time: 4.51
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNm2rFzdvW8&mode=related&search=
The Chargers need a game-changing wide receiver so defenses won’t be able to stack the box against LT. A top-flight receiver would also create more space for Antonio Gates.
31- Chicago Bears- Ben Grubbs G
Height: 6-3
Weight: 311
40 Time: 5.18
http://scout.scout.com/a.z?s=211&p=8&c=1&nid=2655567
The Bears’ offensive line is rapidly again, with most of their lineman well into their thirties. If the Bears don’t address the o-line they will likely take a linebacker because of the uncertainty of Lance Briggs’ future in Chicago.
32- Indianapolis Colts- Michael Griffin (Texas)-S
Height: 6-0
Weight: 202
40 Time: 4.45
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynFNxQ3b5-U
The Colts have lost a lot of the defensive components of their super bowl team this off-season. Both starting cornerbacks as well as LB Cato June were signed by other teams. Team needs include linebacker, defensive line, running back, and secondary.
2nd/3rd round steals:
Michael Bush (RB)- Louisville
Dwayne Jarrett (WR)-USC
Anthony Gonzales (WR)-Ohio State
Steve Smith (WR)-USC
Buster Davis (LB)- Florida
The Chargers need a game-changing wide receiver so defenses won’t be able to stack the box against LT. A top-flight receiver would also create more space for Antonio Gates.
31- Chicago Bears- Ben Grubbs G
Height: 6-3
Weight: 311
40 Time: 5.18
http://scout.scout.com/a.z?s=211&p=8&c=1&nid=2655567
The Bears’ offensive line is rapidly again, with most of their lineman well into their thirties. If the Bears don’t address the o-line they will likely take a linebacker because of the uncertainty of Lance Briggs’ future in Chicago.
32- Indianapolis Colts- Michael Griffin (Texas)-S
Height: 6-0
Weight: 202
40 Time: 4.45
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynFNxQ3b5-U
The Colts have lost a lot of the defensive components of their super bowl team this off-season. Both starting cornerbacks as well as LB Cato June were signed by other teams. Team needs include linebacker, defensive line, running back, and secondary.
2nd/3rd round steals:
Michael Bush (RB)- Louisville
Dwayne Jarrett (WR)-USC
Anthony Gonzales (WR)-Ohio State
Steve Smith (WR)-USC
Buster Davis (LB)- Florida
