DJ Boyer

2007 NFL Draft

DJ Boyer – 1 Round Mock Draft V 3.0 12/19/06
* - Denotes Underclassman

The current order of this mock draft reflects current draft order through 14 weeks of the NFL season.


Round 1

1. Detroit Lions
Brady Quinn QB Notre Dame

There are lots of pressing needs for the Lions but let’s face it…Jon Kitna isn’t the long term solution at quarterback nor is Josh McCown or Dan Orlovsky. Matt Millen needs to install some hope for this franchise on offense and it starts with taking a quarterback that is more successful than the Joey Harrington selection was. Detroit would be smart to trade out of the top spot for multiple selections but there are no trades in these scenarios. Joe Thomas makes sense at #1 but it is rare we see a lineman taken with the top pick.


2. Oakland Raiders
*Brian Brohm QB Louisville

Andrew Walter hasn’t quite had the luster the team had hoped for and the picks the team has made on defense in recent years seems like they are paying off. This means the offense will be the focal point for the draft and starting with a franchise quarterback looks like the right move. If Al Davis can resist the speed and big play ability of Ted Ginn Jr. than Brohm looks like the likely choice.


3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
*Ted Ginn Jr. WR Ohio State

The Buccaneers need playmakers on offense to build around their talented young running back Carnell Williams. Michael Clayton has had problems staying healthy ever since his outstanding rookie campaign in 2004 and Joey Galloway is on the downside of his career. Calvin Johnson is a thought here but the Buccaneers have a big target they are hoping will pan out in 2006 draft choice Maurice Stovall. Ginn brings the Buccaneers a legitimate big play threat.


4. Arizona Cardinals
Joe Thomas OT Wisconsin

The Arizona offensive line is a constant work in progress. Edgerrin James needs some help to find running lanes and the ineffectiveness of Oliver Ross at the right tackle spot has been hurting Arizona. Thomas is the best lineman available in this draft and worthy of a top 5 selection.


5. Houston Texans
*Calvin Johnson WR Georgia Tech

Eric Moulds presence has done wonders for the Texans offense this season but depth is still an issue at wide receiver as is the number 34. That is how old Eric Moulds will be when the 2007 season begins so finding a young stud at wide receiver to pair with Andre Johnson is a priority. Calvin Johnson is the #1 prospect on my board and think of the promotional possibilities with Johnson & Johnson at wide receiver (they could borrow from the baby’s shampoo line with the slogan “No More Tears”).


6. Washington Redskins
*Reggie Nelson CB Florida

I don’t think there was a cornerback in the country that played better down the stretch than Reggie Nelson. Washington has numerous problems with the secondary this season and their best player Shawn Springs has been watching from the sidelines for most it. I think the biggest need on this team is along the defensive line and establishing a consistent pass rush but the Redskins can look for pass rushers later. With no cornerbacks off the board, Washington jumps at the chance to pair someone with Carlos Rogers for years to come.


7. Cleveland Browns
*Frank Okam DT Texas

The Browns look like they made a great choice with Kamerion Wimberley in the 2006 draft as he has been providing quarterback pressure along the edge. This draft will allow Cleveland to try and land the same type of presence in the interior of the line. Texas has a reputation for having their players stay through their senior year, let’s see if Vince Young started a trend in 2006.


8. St. Louis Rams
Gaines Adams DE Clemson

The team likes what they see in 2006 pick Victor Adeyanju but with injuries and different defensive packages, teams are relying more and more on having 3 or even 4 pass rushing threats along the edges. Adams had a strong close to the season after a very slow start in which he was benched at one point. I think the Combine and All Star game performances will show whether Adams or Quentin Moses of Georgia is the top defensive end taken but I currently give the advantage to Adams.


9. San Francisco 49ers
LaRon Landry S LSU

There was a time when selecting a safety in the top 10 of the draft was considered a no-no. But with high selections made in recent years that have paid dividends (Roy Williams, Sean Taylor and Michael Huff and Donte Whitner last season) it is not considered a huge risk any longer. If the 49ers avoid the safety position it will be likely that they go with a corner and help the secondary in some way. Dwayne Jarrett could be tempting for this team as he is still on the board at this point.


10. Green Bay Packers
*Adrian Peterson RB Oklahoma

Green Bay won’t even have to think about this selection as they immediately get the replacement for Ahman Green and won’t have to rely on the likes of Vernand Morency and Noah Herron for running options.


11. Minnesota Vikings
*Dwayne Jarrett WR USC

The once promising honeymoon between Troy Williamson and the Vikings has seemed to sour and with Jarrett still on the board it gives the Vikings a wide receiver that can contribute as soon as the season begins. Look for the Vikings to go for offensive line help later during the first day.


12. Carolina Panthers
Paul Posluszny LB Penn State

With Dan Morgan registering concussion after concussion and the team not replacing the void left by letting Will Witherspoon walk, a linebacker is a big need for the Panthers. The Panthers have depth at the position but seem to lack guys who can make big plays and this is where Posluszny comes in. He is a starter at the beginning of the season and can fill multiple roles on defense.


13. Miami Dolphins
*Alan Branch DT Michigan

Look at the top four options the Dolphins have at defensive tackle, what you see is a lot of age, in fact Vonnie Holliday is the youngest of the bunch at the young age of 31. Miami gets what they need in Branch, a young playmaker that can take some snaps away from the veterans and keep them from breaking down late in the year.


14. Pittsburgh Steelers
*Daymeion Hughes CB California

The Steelers are just looking for the athlete that can come in and make the biggest contribution right out of the gate. This came down between a cornerback and a linebacker in my estimation and Daymeion Hughes winds up winning. A playmaking corner with size who has improved his ability to help in run support every year at California.


15. Buffalo Bills
Justin Blalock OG Texas

The key to keeping J.P. Losman on the trail to improvement is to ensure the running game stays the most consistent threat for the offense. The Bills are thin at guard and the best they have at the position (Mike Gandy) might not be a Bill after this season. Blalock has experience at guard and tackle but figures to project as the top guard in this draft class. Buffalo finds someone who can step in and play from the beginning of the season.


16. Tennessee Titans
*Jake Long OT Michigan

Most reports have Long back at Ann Arbor for his senior season but until the window for underclassmen passes we will keep him in our draft because we have seen plenty of players change their minds at the last minute. Long has a shot to be the top tackle in the 2008 class but the leg injury he suffered that caused him to miss a large chunk of 2005 will keep him thinking about declaring now when his stock is high and his health isn’t a question mark.

DJ Boyer

17. Atlanta Falcons
Brandon Merriweather S Miami (Fla.)

Finding Merriweather still in the first round may be surprising for some since he was one of the main contributors to the brawl that occurred between Miami (Fla.) and Florida International. Atlanta would love LaRon Landry but their need at safety is so severe they could be the one team that takes a first round chance on Merriweather. Atlanta could look along the offensive line for depth if they decide the Merriweather risk is too great and Landry is off the board.


18. New York Jets
Marcus McCauley CB Fresno State

It looked like this would be a running back selection for a long time but the team is gaining more and more confidence in the current running back rotation. There may be a few cornerbacks that rank a little higher on the Jets board but McCauley seems to have the best wheels and the Jets need more of that in the secondary, especially since Justin Miller has had such a hard time staying on it for the Jets. I expect the Jets to look for some depth along the defensive line in the later rounds.


19. Philadelphia Eagles
Aaron Rouse S Virginia Tech

Brian Dawkins is still one the best in the league but he isn’t getting any younger. Rouse gives the Eagles an option to replace one of the most popular Eagles of all time. The team knows this is key because replacing a cornerstone of the franchise is going to take a special player so using a 1st or 2nd round pick on him makes sense.


20. Kansas City Chiefs
*Sam Baker OT USC

The Chiefs are in constant need on young and nimble lineman who can move in space. Baker is a player they can bring along slowly and groom to be a future player in one of the best run-blocking lines in the NFL.


21. Denver Broncos
Quentin Moses DE Georgia

Situational pass-rushers like Elvis Dumervil have provided the Broncos the most consistency this season in the pass-rushing department. Moses gives the Broncos a player who can give an opposing offense multiple looks and has the speed and agility to line up as a linebacker. Moses would be an instant hit in Denver.


22. New York Giants
*Marshawn Lynch RB California

The Giants may have been thinking of selecting a running back with a high draft choice even if the whole Tiki Barber retirement story had not been known. Brandon Jacobs is a great piece to the offense but he may never be more than a change-of-pace/short yardage back. I think the Giants have been eyeing Kenny Irons but in this scenario Lynch was on the board so the Giants jumped at the chance to draft him.


23. New England Patriots (From Seattle)
Patrick Willis LB Mississippi

New England has an extra first round selection because of the Deion Branch deal. New England gets their glaring need here with Willis, the most consistent tackling machine at the NCAA level right now. Willis could start right away and would be a favorite to win the Defensive Rookie of the Year Award since he would be playing in a system where the linebackers are given so many opportunities to make plays.


24. Dallas Cowboys
Leon Hall CB Michigan

There are some other positions where the Cowboys have bigger needs but at this point it comes down to the best player available. The Cowboys could use more depth at cornerback and maybe even someone to push Anthony Henry by 2008. I think if the Cowboys could be convinced that Notre Dame wide receiver Jeff Samardzija would stay away from baseball then he would be the perfect selection here. Terry Glenn is over 30 as is Terrell Owens and there are constant injury worries that seem to follow him. Throw in the fact that Patrick Crayton could be a free agent after this season and you see why Samardzija could be the choice.


25. Jacksonville Jaguars
*Antoine Cason CB Arizona

I think Cason is the best cornerback available but I seem to be in the minority on that assessment. The Jaguars have a nice nickel option in Scott Starks but finding a young player who can start in the near future across from Rashean Mathis is far from settled. Cason is a bit raw but has the size and big play flair to be a future star in the NFL.


26. Cincinnati Bengals
*Greg Olsen TE Miami (Fla.)

The offense in Cincinnati is ridiculous but it could be even better with a pass-catching threat at tight end. Olsen is the best on the board and with that available to Cincinnati they take a chance. Throw in the fact that Miami Hurricane players have a reputation for getting into trouble off the football field, why wouldn’t the team that leads the NFL in players arrested take a chance?


27. New Orleans Saints
Rufus Alexander LB Oklahoma

It seems odd having the Saints pick so late in a mock draft doesn’t it? Anyway the linebacking corps has overachieved in New Orleans and Alexander gives them a player with speed that can being pressure off the edge. I think Alexander would fit nicely as a situational pass rusher but his status as a starter could be hindered by his size. If he goes in round one New Orleans seems like a nice fit.


28. New England Patriots
Jeff Samardzija WR Notre Dame

The team has a pair of selections in the first round so if someone were to take a chance on Samardzija then why not the Patriots. There is an opening at wide receiver since Doug Gabriel has been cut so Samardzija is a gamble that could pay off big in New England.


29. Baltimore Ravens
Kenny Irons RB Auburn

This pick would raise a few eyebrows but with a great back still on the board and Jamal Lewis still not performing to his form from a few seasons ago this seems like a logical gamble. The one thing that could hinder a pick like this happening is that it would effectively mean Baltimore would be admitting letting Chester Taylor walk and keeping Lewis was a mistake. I think a choice along the offensive line would also be a logical choice for the Ravens.


30. Indianapolis Colts
Buster Davis LB Florida State

The fact that Buster Davis is so short (5-10) will likely keep him out of the first round but if there is a team that will take a chance on him it could be Indianapolis. Does any team take more short players near the top of the draft and prove the experts wrong (Dwight Freeney and Bob Sanders)? The starting cornerbacks are 5-9 and 5-10 and as a defensive coordinator Tony Dungy was known for choosing speed over size. Unless you have lived in a cave you know that Indianapolis has problems stopping the run. The best run stopping middle linebacker left on the board right now is Davis so this seems like a no-brainer.


31. Chicago Bears
Ryan Harris OT Notre Dame

I’m not as sold on Harris as some others but here he addresses a big need for Chicago. The Bears need more linemen and few are as versatile and athletic as Harris. He is very inconsistent but the Bears are looking for more linemen who can block downfield, something Harris excels at. Harris is a risk but is a safer risk for a team like Chicago and he is a kid who grew up in the Midwest and played his college ball in the region.


32. San Diego Chargers
*Brandon Siler LB Florida

The Chargers will have a pair of linebackers starting inside next season that are both 34 years old. Siler gives the Chargers another young prospect for the future as the team starts to think about life after the ageless Donnie Edwards. Safety is a huge need but with three prospects already off the board I look for the Chargers to think about this spot a little later unless they take a late-round risk on Utah’s Eric Weddle.

Nixon

I think Martz is exactly the kind of OC to push for an OT. Don't see Brohm going that high. Hate the Steelers pick.

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DJ Boyer

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Nixon @ Dec 18th ) [snapback]1825396[/snapback]</div>It would be in the Lions best interest to take Thomas...I agree....can't put him there until I see or hear something with some credability saying a lineman would be considered at #1 because it doesn't happen often. But I agree if Martz does it....it would be a smart move.

no dice on the Steelers pick eh? Who would you want to see.....what if they pick Hughes and still get leonard in round 2...wouldn;t that be a success?

Nixon

i'd be happier with either of the picks that happened immediately after actually (Blalock or Long, the OL has been ignored too long. Last first round pick was spent on OG Kendall Simmons who has been a complete BUST, StarksORSmith will be gone via FA too). The issues with our secondary are directly related to the lack of consistent pass rush. Fix the pass rush, coach up McFadden and Anthony Smith and that Steelers secondary is good to go. ( why the **** did we pass on Ko!!)

I also like Patrick Willis as ILB is a need as well.

Looking at the way things were run in St. Louis w/ Martz I'd doubt very seriously that he'd take a QB so high. Especially considering the spectacular failures Detroit has had taking offensive skill position players in the first.

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titansfan21

Long isnt a bad pick, I wish Jarrett was still on the board.

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I bleed Sooner red

I love the Landry pick...too bad he won't be on the board when we pick

SteelerfanstuckinVa

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Nixon @ Dec 18th ) [snapback]1825403[/snapback]</div>
LaMarr Woodley in the 2nd.

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DJ Boyer

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Nixon @ Dec 18th ) [snapback]1825403[/snapback]</div>I had the Steelers going OL in my other scenarios.....this went came down to Willis or Hughes so Willis was a thought.......

yeah Detroit and offenisve skill players high...other than Kevin Jones they've all pretty much been big flops...and now Jones has that very serious injury....

Nixon

oh, that brings up AP for the Lions too I guess. I hadn't heard it was that bad, is it career threatening then or just looks like he'll miss part of next season too?

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