1. Oakland Raiders - *Calvin Johnson, WR Georgia Tech
Johnson seems to have separated himself from the rest of the field, which makes this an interesting pick. The Raiders need offensive line help in the worst way and a franchise quarterback, but Johnson has the type of freakish physical ability Al Davis loves. Of course, this pick probably means either Jerry Porter or Randy Moss (maybe both) are gone, but that could happen regardless of who the Raiders select because of the lack of team attitude each displayed in 2006.
2. Detroit Lions - Joe Thomas, OT Wisconsin
Fans may scream when the Lions pass on a franchise QB for the second year in a row, but Jon Kitna is more than adequate, and there?s no sense in bringing in the QB of the future until something is done about the offensive line.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers *Jamaal Anderson, DE Arkansas
Unless he agrees to a pay cut, Simeon Rice is most likely on his way out of Tampa and Greg Spires will be 33 when the 2007 season begins. Anderson would give the Bucs a young pass rusher to develop.
4. Cleveland Browns - *JaMarcus Russell, QB LSU
The Browns need some work on their offensive line as well, but with Thomas off the board, there?s not another lineman worth this high of a pick. It?s tough to judge QB Charlie Frye?s performance because of the lack of pass protection, but I just don?t see him developing into a franchise-type guy. With the success Vince Young had his rookie year, I?d look for someone to grab Russell early, hoping for a similar type of turnaround.
5. Arizona Cardinals - *Reggie Nelson, FS Florida
Matt Leinart has tremendous potential and plenty of weapons to work with, but lacks the protection from his offensive line. Again, there isn?t an offensive lineman worth this high of a pick after Thomas. Teaming Nelson up with Adrian Wilson would give the Cardinals a formidable pair of safeties to help solidify the team?s secondary. A trade down is also a big possibility.
6. Washington Redskins - Gaines Adams, DE Clemson
Phillip Daniels is 33 years old, and has never really been a big pass-rushing threat. Adams might be a little small at 260 pounds, but he could contribute immediately as a pass-rush specialist. He also has the frame to put on another 10-15 pounds without losing much of his agility.
7. Minnesota Vikings - *Ted Ginn Jr., WR Ohio State
The Vikings really felt the effects of a lack of playmaking receivers in 2006. And while they probably would prefer to bring in some experience at the position, it doesn?t look like there will be much available through free agency. Ginn has great speed and could also be a great return man.
8. Houston Texans - *Adrian Peterson, RB Oklahoma
The Texans missed the chance to draft a dynamic runner in Reggie Bush last year, but if Peterson is available when they pick, I doubt they make the same mistake again. Peterson has a tendency to run a little high, and injuries are a concern. But when he?s healthy, he?s a big-play back.
Johnson seems to have separated himself from the rest of the field, which makes this an interesting pick. The Raiders need offensive line help in the worst way and a franchise quarterback, but Johnson has the type of freakish physical ability Al Davis loves. Of course, this pick probably means either Jerry Porter or Randy Moss (maybe both) are gone, but that could happen regardless of who the Raiders select because of the lack of team attitude each displayed in 2006.
2. Detroit Lions - Joe Thomas, OT Wisconsin
Fans may scream when the Lions pass on a franchise QB for the second year in a row, but Jon Kitna is more than adequate, and there?s no sense in bringing in the QB of the future until something is done about the offensive line.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers *Jamaal Anderson, DE Arkansas
Unless he agrees to a pay cut, Simeon Rice is most likely on his way out of Tampa and Greg Spires will be 33 when the 2007 season begins. Anderson would give the Bucs a young pass rusher to develop.
4. Cleveland Browns - *JaMarcus Russell, QB LSU
The Browns need some work on their offensive line as well, but with Thomas off the board, there?s not another lineman worth this high of a pick. It?s tough to judge QB Charlie Frye?s performance because of the lack of pass protection, but I just don?t see him developing into a franchise-type guy. With the success Vince Young had his rookie year, I?d look for someone to grab Russell early, hoping for a similar type of turnaround.
5. Arizona Cardinals - *Reggie Nelson, FS Florida
Matt Leinart has tremendous potential and plenty of weapons to work with, but lacks the protection from his offensive line. Again, there isn?t an offensive lineman worth this high of a pick after Thomas. Teaming Nelson up with Adrian Wilson would give the Cardinals a formidable pair of safeties to help solidify the team?s secondary. A trade down is also a big possibility.
6. Washington Redskins - Gaines Adams, DE Clemson
Phillip Daniels is 33 years old, and has never really been a big pass-rushing threat. Adams might be a little small at 260 pounds, but he could contribute immediately as a pass-rush specialist. He also has the frame to put on another 10-15 pounds without losing much of his agility.
7. Minnesota Vikings - *Ted Ginn Jr., WR Ohio State
The Vikings really felt the effects of a lack of playmaking receivers in 2006. And while they probably would prefer to bring in some experience at the position, it doesn?t look like there will be much available through free agency. Ginn has great speed and could also be a great return man.
8. Houston Texans - *Adrian Peterson, RB Oklahoma
The Texans missed the chance to draft a dynamic runner in Reggie Bush last year, but if Peterson is available when they pick, I doubt they make the same mistake again. Peterson has a tendency to run a little high, and injuries are a concern. But when he?s healthy, he?s a big-play back.
