A couple of quick hitters as I ponder who the Phillies will hire as their next manager…
My mock draft was picked up by a Washington Redskins fan site, which I’ve linked this site to. I also linked to a D.C. sports blog, which is pretty good reading. Washington, like Philly. is a great sports town. Gilbert Arenas may the most entertaining player in the NBA (not the best, mind you – I’m a Kobe guy). The Capitals have a dynamic duo of Alexander Ovechkin and Alexander Semin. The Nationals are opening a new park next year. But despite the fact that they have all four major sports, Washington, like Philly, lives and dies by its football team. And, they hate the Cowboys almost as much as we do.
Another thing going for D.C.? They’ve got a great radio station in DC 101. Anytime I’m cruising up or down I-95, I pick up DC 101 as early as possible and listen to it until it turns to static. Well, unless it’s mid-day and the Jim Rome show is on. I am a clone, after all.
This week’s admission from potential top-ten picks WR Calvin Johnson, DE Gaines Adams, and DT Amobi Okoye that they have used marijuana is getting a lot of run, like it’s a cause for concern. You mean college kids experiment with pot? I am both shocked and dismayed. What’s next, are you going to tell me that these guys have had beer to? Look, I’m guessing the question that was posed to these guys was more “have you ever smoked” as opposed to “are you a habitual smoker,” and their owning up to it now is certainly better than one of them failing a drug test. Something tells me Johnson, Adams, and Okoye will still go early on the 28th.
The irony of this story breaking around April 20th is not lost on me. I’m not sure why they call this the “Stoner’s Holiday.” If anybody is sitting at home all baked up today and want to clue me in, please do so (nfl_ant@hotmail.com).
In a quasi-related story, former Dolphins running back and current Toronto Argonaut Ricky Williams wants back in the NFL, and rumors are he may land in St. Louis to back up Steven Jackson. After being relegated to the CFL, I don’t think Ricky would have a problem being a back up in the NFL. Plus, you can never have enough good backs. Seems like a win-win to me.
Here’s a thought on Dom Imus that might surprise you – I don’t think he should have been fired. Look, I’m a Stern guy from way back (not so much anymore since he’s on satellite now). For years, I defended his right to say whatever the hell he wanted (as guaranteed in the first amendment to the Constitution). I don’t like religious watchdog groups telling you what you can and can’t hear. Much as Imus has the right so free speech, listeners have the right to change the channel, or turn the radio off altogether. Is Imus a bigot? Perhaps. Should the Rutgers women be offended? Absolutely. Does his firing have an affect on me? Depends on what the local sports radio station puts on in his place. I guess if advertisers were starting to pull out and cost CBS a bunch of money, that’s a whole different animal. But I’d sound very hypocritical if I say he should have been fired.
Happy trails, Corey Dillon.
Saturday, April 21, 2007
04/20 Quick Hits
Monday, April 16, 2007
Ant's Second Annual Mock Draft
Before I get to the Mock Draft, a quick comment about Roger Goddell and the league’s new conduct policy. As he’s hinted at before, Goddell instituted a new code of conduct for his players whereby they will finally be held accountable for all of their legal transgressions and other questionable behavior. Under the new policy, he suspended Bengals WR Chris Henry for eight games in 2007, and banned Titans CB Adam “Pac Man” Jones for the entire year. Both have had multiple run-ins with the law. The suspensions opened many eyes around the league...
While I don’t have a problem with the policy on the surface, and I don’t necessarily disagree with the suspensions handed down, it is a little curious that the actions of the suspended players occurred before the policy was in effect. Does this mean Ray Lewis will get four games for (allegedly) stabbing people at the Super Bowl a few years back? It seems a little odd that the policy is retro active.
One other thing – Goddell said that he will not always wait for the legal system and due process to run their course before suspending a player. As we learned from the recently dismissed Duke Lacrosse case, rushing to judgment without letting the legal process work can complicate matters. Goddell may want to check in with former Durham district attorney Mike Nifong about that one.
And now, the mock draft. I started this thing a few weeks back, then paused while waiting to see of the Redskins were going to trade for Lance Briggs. Since that deal fell through, I picked up where I left off. As a general disclaimer, this is my opinion of who should go where based on the drafting team’s needs and the drafting player’s reputation. Unlike some of the other mock drafts you’ll find, this will be the only iteration I publish. I also don't predict trades, as some posts do (how, I'm not sure, but whatever).
With that said, I'm in kind of a hurry to publish this, as the Dolphins impending trade or release of Daunte Culpepper could throw an enormous monkey wrench in my system. How? Assuming the Dolphins cut him, Oakland may take a flyer on him to reunite him with Randy Moss, then Oakland would be clear to take Calvin Johnson first. Jon Gruden really wants Johnson and has been trying to negotiate a trade with Detroit to move up to the number two spot, presuming that the Raiders take Russell. If Johnson goes first, Tampa could try to trade down. See how messy this could get? That's why I'm publishing now.
1. Oakland Raiders: JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU – For all their posturing about taking Calvin Johnson and drafting another quarterback later (Trent Walters out of Stanford? Are you serious?), Russell is too good to pass up, especially if they have any intention of salvaging Randy Moss’ career.
2. Detroit Lions: Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech – It would seem a little comical and totally illogical for the Lions to take another wide receiver in the first round, having used three of their last four top picks on receivers (two of whom have been total busts). But Johnson is as legit as they come. If Matt Millen passes on Johnson, he’ll regret it.
3. Cleveland Browns: Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma – The trade of Reuben Droughns to the Giants makes this pick almost a slam dunk. So does Peterson’s potential. He’s a strong inside runner who also has the ability to bust it outside. Injuries may be a concern, but not enough for him to fall past the Browns.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin – With Jon Gruden’s dream of landing Calvin Johnson vaporized, the Buccaneers need to look at rebuilding their lines. While there are many defensive linemen worthy of consideration here, Thomas projects as a can’t-miss tackle who should start immediately and be tasked with guarding Jeff Garcia’s blind side.
5. Arizona Cardinals: Gaines Adams, DT, Clemson – Speaking of dashed dreams, the Cardinals have to be hoping the Thomas falls to them in the five spot, as he would tremendously help their anemic running game. But I think he’ll be gone, and five may be a little high for Levi Brown, so the Cards should look D-line. Adams is a pure speed rush end with tremendous upside.
6. Washington Redskins: Alan Branch; DT; Michigan – Washington’s defense took a few steps backwards last year, mainly because they couldn’t put any kind of pressure on the quarterback. They are in a great position to draft, because they’ll have their pick of the D-line litter here. My gut tells me they’ll go with Branch, who has the size to play tackle and the agility to play the end.
7. Minnesota Vikings: Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame – Maybe the most NFL-ready quarterback to enter the draft in quite some time, the Vikings have to jump at the opportunity to take Quinn. They missed out on David Carr and only have two quarterbacks on their depth chart – Tavaris Jackson and Brooks Bollinger. Quinn would be #1 by April 29th.
8. Atlanta Falcons: LaRon Landry, S, LSU – The Falcons need help along both lines, so Jamaal Anderson and Levi Brown are possibilities here. Landry, however, was a four-year starter at LSU, is excellent in run support and has above average ball skills for a safety. Plus, he’s a hard-hitter in the Roy Williams-Sean Taylor mold. In short, Landry is a complete football player who should contribute right away.
9. Miami Dolphins: Jamaal Anderson, DE, Arkansas – If Gaines Adams is the #1 defensive end on the board, Anderson might be 1-A. Miami could use a franchise-type quarterback, but with JaMarcus Russell and Brady Quinn gone, the Dolphins could add a guy to learn from (and eventually supplant) reigning defensive player of the year Jason Taylor.
10. Houston Texans: Levi Brown, OT, Penn State – I have previously mentioned how the Texans have neglected the offensive line for so long that they had to do something about it now. Brown weighs about 325 pounds and is a very good run-blocker who can play either right or left tackle. He’s an upgrade at either spot and hearing his name should make Ahman Green and Matt Schaub very happy.
11. San Francisco 49ers: Dwayne Jarrett, WR, USC – The 49ers look like they’re going to be a serious player in the NFC West, having signed free agent CB Nate Clements and S Michael Lewis. Maybe the only thing lacking is bona fide #1 wide receiver. Jarrett fits the bill for them as a guy with outstanding size and hands who makes highlight-reel catches.
12. Buffalo Bills: Patrick Willis, LB, Mississippi – Assuming Marv Levy is awake and realizes that the draft is happening, the Bills have to look at their defense, which has been ravaged by free agency and trades. Willis is the premiere inside linebacker in this draft, and should be favored here over a cornerback like Leon Hall.
13. St. Louis Rams: Amobi Okoye, DE, Louisville – Having addressed offensive issues via free agency by signing WR Drew Bennett and TE Randy McMichael, the Rams can focus their draft energy on defense. Though only 19, Okoye has NFL size (6’ 2”, 300 lbs), yet is a good athlete. Plus, he is of high moral character. In other words, he’s the anti- Leonard Little.
14. Carolina Panthers: Greg Olsen, TE, Miami – My Panthers sources tell me that if Willis is still available here, they’d take him in an instant, ask him to start right away, and force Dan Morgan into early retirement. Since he’ll be gone, they’ll look to add another weapon for new starting quarterback David Carr (remember where you heard that when it happens). The tight end crop in this draft is thin, with Olsen as the highest-rated. While he’s not much for run blocking, Olsen is a very good receiver.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers: Anthony Spencer, DE/LB, Purdue – Spencer may be a bit of a stretch here, as he’s not an ideal defensive end in a 3-4 scheme. But he’s got the speed and versatility to play outside linebacker and rush the quarterback or cover a tight end. Spencer could take the place of the departed Joey Porter in Pittsburgh (that is, if he starts talking a bunch of smack and punching opposing offensive linemen at blackjack tables).
16. Green Bay Packers: Marshawn Lynch, RB, California – While we still don’t know if Aaron Rodgers is the quarterback of the future in Green Bay, we do know that Noah Herron is likely not the running back of the future. Lynch is 215 lbs and is a tough, between-the-tackles runner who is also a better receiver out of the backfield than he gets credit for.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars: Reggie Nelson, S, Florida – Nelson may not possess ideal size but he’s got great speed and range, and can return punts, as he did at Florida. He rarely gets caught out of position, and can recover quickly when he does. Plus, he’s a ball hawk, accounting for seven turnovers for the Gators a year ago. Nelson has defensive rookie of the year written all over him.
18. Cincinnati Bengals: Ted Ginn, Jr., WR, Ohio State – Even though the Bengals will only be without Chris Henry for half of the season, a receiver wouldn’t be a bad choice. Ginn is a burner whose stock may have slipped a little due to a foot injury suffered in the BCS Championship game. Ginn’s ability to contribute as a kick and punt returner makes him an immediate impact guy, much like Chicago’s Devin Hester last year.
19. Tennessee Titans: Leon Hall, CB, Michigan – Speaking of replacing suspend players, the Titans should grab the best available corner on the board at this time to ease the loss of Adam “Pac Man” Jones. Hall certainly fits the bill. He’s got good size and instincts against the run and the pass.
20. New York Giants: Adam Carriker, DE, Nebraska – The Giants appear to be replete with defensive ends, but both Michael Strahan and Osi Umienyora are better-suited to rushing the quarterback. Carriker is a tall, run-stuffing end who can play situationally and maybe develop his pass rush skills.
21. Denver Broncos: Jarvis Moss, DE, Florida – The Broncos trade for Dre Bly fills the void created by the death of Darrent Williams. A linebacker is a possibility here with Al Wilson now kicked to the curb. But the Denver D-line needs rebuilding. Having watched Moss play a few times last year, he reminded me a little of another tall, lanky, freakish defensive end out of Florida – Jevon Kearse.
22. Dallas Cowboys: Darrelle Revis, CB, Pittsburgh – Somewhere in this draft, Dallas has to take a quarterback to back up Butterfingers Romo, but it won’t be until a later round. Instead, they’ll go secondary in the first round. Revis had a great workout, which helped his status tremendously. He’s got excellent speed and could be an effective return man while he learns the pro game.
23. Kansas City Chiefs: Dwayne Bowe, WR, LSU – It warrants mentioning that Kansas City’s starting receivers are Eddie Kennison and Samie Parker. To say they need help at the position goes without saying. Bowe has outstanding size and speed, and he’s got the kind of leaping ability to make him an immediate red-zone threat. He’s the kind of compliment to Larry Johnson and Tony Gonzalez that the Chiefs have needed for some time.
24. New England Patriots: Lawrence Timmons, LB, Florida State – When he first declared for the draft, Timmons projected as the number one linebacker and a potential top-ten overall pick. But his workout was less than stellar, and his stock has dropped. He’s a big hitter who can go sideline-to-sideline, but he’s not overwhelmingly big. He’d be a good outside backer in a 3-4 scheme, which the Patriots run.
25. New York Jets: Jon Beason, LB, Miami – The Jets could use a corner or a linebacker, so Aaron Ross and Chris Houston are also possibilities. I think Beason goes here though. As is the case with most guys from “The U,” Beason has good instincts, recognizes the play and reacts quickly. Plus, he’s a sure tackler on defense and in kick coverage.
26. Philadelphia Eagles: Michael Griffin, S, Texas – Prior to acquiring Takeo Spikes, I could have seen the Eagles looking at Timmons, Beason, or Paul Posluszny. But the run defense is in need of an upgrade, and Griffin is a tackling machine who is fantastic against the run. Griffin would challenge Sean Considine for a starting spot this year, and after he learns the league could eventually replace Brian Dawkins (currently irreplaceable).
27. New Orleans Saints: Aaron Ross, CB, Texas – After last year’s resurgence, the Saints will be looking to take the next step, and the secondary is a glaring area of need, especially cornerback. I think the Saints will go with Ross over Chris Houston. Ross is taller, stronger, and also has the versatility to play safety.
28. New England Patriots: Chris Houston, CB, Arkansas – In the event that current franchise player Asante Samuel is shown the door next year (a la Adam Vinatieri), the Pats should begin thinking about his replacement. Houston isn’t the tallest corner out there, but what he lacks in size he makes up for in speed (4.32 40-yard dash) and cover skills.
29. Baltimore Ravens: Paul Posluszny, LB, Penn State – It’s always defense first with the Ravens, and with Adalius Thomas gone for New England, that trend should continue. Posluszny has experience in both the 4-3 and 3-4 defensive schemes, and should be able to adapt to whichever system the Ravens choose to run. He’s the all-time leading tackler at a school renowned for it’s linebackers, which should tell you what kind of player he is.
30. San Diego Chargers: Robert Meachem, WR, Tennessee – Adding another weapon around the still-developing Philip Rivers would be beneficial. No doubt the offensive-minded Norv Turner would agree. Meachem’s speed is his biggest asset, and he’d fit in well in an offense with guys like LaDanian Tomlinson and Antonio Gates commanding a lot of attention.
31. Chicago Bears: Charles Johnson, DE, Georgia – It’s still entirely possible that the Bears will either trade outside linebacker Lance Briggs before the draft and need to come up with a replacement for him. But as it stands right now, Briggs is a Bear. Chicago might be better suited strengthening the defensive line so that they are prepared to replace Tank Johnson the next time he runs afoul of the law (which shouldn’t be very long).
32. Indianapolis Colts: Justin Harrell, DT, Tennessee – The Super Bowl champions have suffered significant losses on the defensive side of the ball, with one-time starters DT Monte Reagor, CB Nick Harper, LB Cato June, and S Mike Doss all gone. Harrell is a run-stuffing tackle who should bolster a lackluster Colts run defense.
While I don’t have a problem with the policy on the surface, and I don’t necessarily disagree with the suspensions handed down, it is a little curious that the actions of the suspended players occurred before the policy was in effect. Does this mean Ray Lewis will get four games for (allegedly) stabbing people at the Super Bowl a few years back? It seems a little odd that the policy is retro active.
One other thing – Goddell said that he will not always wait for the legal system and due process to run their course before suspending a player. As we learned from the recently dismissed Duke Lacrosse case, rushing to judgment without letting the legal process work can complicate matters. Goddell may want to check in with former Durham district attorney Mike Nifong about that one.
And now, the mock draft. I started this thing a few weeks back, then paused while waiting to see of the Redskins were going to trade for Lance Briggs. Since that deal fell through, I picked up where I left off. As a general disclaimer, this is my opinion of who should go where based on the drafting team’s needs and the drafting player’s reputation. Unlike some of the other mock drafts you’ll find, this will be the only iteration I publish. I also don't predict trades, as some posts do (how, I'm not sure, but whatever).
With that said, I'm in kind of a hurry to publish this, as the Dolphins impending trade or release of Daunte Culpepper could throw an enormous monkey wrench in my system. How? Assuming the Dolphins cut him, Oakland may take a flyer on him to reunite him with Randy Moss, then Oakland would be clear to take Calvin Johnson first. Jon Gruden really wants Johnson and has been trying to negotiate a trade with Detroit to move up to the number two spot, presuming that the Raiders take Russell. If Johnson goes first, Tampa could try to trade down. See how messy this could get? That's why I'm publishing now.
1. Oakland Raiders: JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU – For all their posturing about taking Calvin Johnson and drafting another quarterback later (Trent Walters out of Stanford? Are you serious?), Russell is too good to pass up, especially if they have any intention of salvaging Randy Moss’ career.
2. Detroit Lions: Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech – It would seem a little comical and totally illogical for the Lions to take another wide receiver in the first round, having used three of their last four top picks on receivers (two of whom have been total busts). But Johnson is as legit as they come. If Matt Millen passes on Johnson, he’ll regret it.
3. Cleveland Browns: Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma – The trade of Reuben Droughns to the Giants makes this pick almost a slam dunk. So does Peterson’s potential. He’s a strong inside runner who also has the ability to bust it outside. Injuries may be a concern, but not enough for him to fall past the Browns.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin – With Jon Gruden’s dream of landing Calvin Johnson vaporized, the Buccaneers need to look at rebuilding their lines. While there are many defensive linemen worthy of consideration here, Thomas projects as a can’t-miss tackle who should start immediately and be tasked with guarding Jeff Garcia’s blind side.
5. Arizona Cardinals: Gaines Adams, DT, Clemson – Speaking of dashed dreams, the Cardinals have to be hoping the Thomas falls to them in the five spot, as he would tremendously help their anemic running game. But I think he’ll be gone, and five may be a little high for Levi Brown, so the Cards should look D-line. Adams is a pure speed rush end with tremendous upside.
6. Washington Redskins: Alan Branch; DT; Michigan – Washington’s defense took a few steps backwards last year, mainly because they couldn’t put any kind of pressure on the quarterback. They are in a great position to draft, because they’ll have their pick of the D-line litter here. My gut tells me they’ll go with Branch, who has the size to play tackle and the agility to play the end.
7. Minnesota Vikings: Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame – Maybe the most NFL-ready quarterback to enter the draft in quite some time, the Vikings have to jump at the opportunity to take Quinn. They missed out on David Carr and only have two quarterbacks on their depth chart – Tavaris Jackson and Brooks Bollinger. Quinn would be #1 by April 29th.
8. Atlanta Falcons: LaRon Landry, S, LSU – The Falcons need help along both lines, so Jamaal Anderson and Levi Brown are possibilities here. Landry, however, was a four-year starter at LSU, is excellent in run support and has above average ball skills for a safety. Plus, he’s a hard-hitter in the Roy Williams-Sean Taylor mold. In short, Landry is a complete football player who should contribute right away.
9. Miami Dolphins: Jamaal Anderson, DE, Arkansas – If Gaines Adams is the #1 defensive end on the board, Anderson might be 1-A. Miami could use a franchise-type quarterback, but with JaMarcus Russell and Brady Quinn gone, the Dolphins could add a guy to learn from (and eventually supplant) reigning defensive player of the year Jason Taylor.
10. Houston Texans: Levi Brown, OT, Penn State – I have previously mentioned how the Texans have neglected the offensive line for so long that they had to do something about it now. Brown weighs about 325 pounds and is a very good run-blocker who can play either right or left tackle. He’s an upgrade at either spot and hearing his name should make Ahman Green and Matt Schaub very happy.
11. San Francisco 49ers: Dwayne Jarrett, WR, USC – The 49ers look like they’re going to be a serious player in the NFC West, having signed free agent CB Nate Clements and S Michael Lewis. Maybe the only thing lacking is bona fide #1 wide receiver. Jarrett fits the bill for them as a guy with outstanding size and hands who makes highlight-reel catches.
12. Buffalo Bills: Patrick Willis, LB, Mississippi – Assuming Marv Levy is awake and realizes that the draft is happening, the Bills have to look at their defense, which has been ravaged by free agency and trades. Willis is the premiere inside linebacker in this draft, and should be favored here over a cornerback like Leon Hall.
13. St. Louis Rams: Amobi Okoye, DE, Louisville – Having addressed offensive issues via free agency by signing WR Drew Bennett and TE Randy McMichael, the Rams can focus their draft energy on defense. Though only 19, Okoye has NFL size (6’ 2”, 300 lbs), yet is a good athlete. Plus, he is of high moral character. In other words, he’s the anti- Leonard Little.
14. Carolina Panthers: Greg Olsen, TE, Miami – My Panthers sources tell me that if Willis is still available here, they’d take him in an instant, ask him to start right away, and force Dan Morgan into early retirement. Since he’ll be gone, they’ll look to add another weapon for new starting quarterback David Carr (remember where you heard that when it happens). The tight end crop in this draft is thin, with Olsen as the highest-rated. While he’s not much for run blocking, Olsen is a very good receiver.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers: Anthony Spencer, DE/LB, Purdue – Spencer may be a bit of a stretch here, as he’s not an ideal defensive end in a 3-4 scheme. But he’s got the speed and versatility to play outside linebacker and rush the quarterback or cover a tight end. Spencer could take the place of the departed Joey Porter in Pittsburgh (that is, if he starts talking a bunch of smack and punching opposing offensive linemen at blackjack tables).
16. Green Bay Packers: Marshawn Lynch, RB, California – While we still don’t know if Aaron Rodgers is the quarterback of the future in Green Bay, we do know that Noah Herron is likely not the running back of the future. Lynch is 215 lbs and is a tough, between-the-tackles runner who is also a better receiver out of the backfield than he gets credit for.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars: Reggie Nelson, S, Florida – Nelson may not possess ideal size but he’s got great speed and range, and can return punts, as he did at Florida. He rarely gets caught out of position, and can recover quickly when he does. Plus, he’s a ball hawk, accounting for seven turnovers for the Gators a year ago. Nelson has defensive rookie of the year written all over him.
18. Cincinnati Bengals: Ted Ginn, Jr., WR, Ohio State – Even though the Bengals will only be without Chris Henry for half of the season, a receiver wouldn’t be a bad choice. Ginn is a burner whose stock may have slipped a little due to a foot injury suffered in the BCS Championship game. Ginn’s ability to contribute as a kick and punt returner makes him an immediate impact guy, much like Chicago’s Devin Hester last year.
19. Tennessee Titans: Leon Hall, CB, Michigan – Speaking of replacing suspend players, the Titans should grab the best available corner on the board at this time to ease the loss of Adam “Pac Man” Jones. Hall certainly fits the bill. He’s got good size and instincts against the run and the pass.
20. New York Giants: Adam Carriker, DE, Nebraska – The Giants appear to be replete with defensive ends, but both Michael Strahan and Osi Umienyora are better-suited to rushing the quarterback. Carriker is a tall, run-stuffing end who can play situationally and maybe develop his pass rush skills.
21. Denver Broncos: Jarvis Moss, DE, Florida – The Broncos trade for Dre Bly fills the void created by the death of Darrent Williams. A linebacker is a possibility here with Al Wilson now kicked to the curb. But the Denver D-line needs rebuilding. Having watched Moss play a few times last year, he reminded me a little of another tall, lanky, freakish defensive end out of Florida – Jevon Kearse.
22. Dallas Cowboys: Darrelle Revis, CB, Pittsburgh – Somewhere in this draft, Dallas has to take a quarterback to back up Butterfingers Romo, but it won’t be until a later round. Instead, they’ll go secondary in the first round. Revis had a great workout, which helped his status tremendously. He’s got excellent speed and could be an effective return man while he learns the pro game.
23. Kansas City Chiefs: Dwayne Bowe, WR, LSU – It warrants mentioning that Kansas City’s starting receivers are Eddie Kennison and Samie Parker. To say they need help at the position goes without saying. Bowe has outstanding size and speed, and he’s got the kind of leaping ability to make him an immediate red-zone threat. He’s the kind of compliment to Larry Johnson and Tony Gonzalez that the Chiefs have needed for some time.
24. New England Patriots: Lawrence Timmons, LB, Florida State – When he first declared for the draft, Timmons projected as the number one linebacker and a potential top-ten overall pick. But his workout was less than stellar, and his stock has dropped. He’s a big hitter who can go sideline-to-sideline, but he’s not overwhelmingly big. He’d be a good outside backer in a 3-4 scheme, which the Patriots run.
25. New York Jets: Jon Beason, LB, Miami – The Jets could use a corner or a linebacker, so Aaron Ross and Chris Houston are also possibilities. I think Beason goes here though. As is the case with most guys from “The U,” Beason has good instincts, recognizes the play and reacts quickly. Plus, he’s a sure tackler on defense and in kick coverage.
26. Philadelphia Eagles: Michael Griffin, S, Texas – Prior to acquiring Takeo Spikes, I could have seen the Eagles looking at Timmons, Beason, or Paul Posluszny. But the run defense is in need of an upgrade, and Griffin is a tackling machine who is fantastic against the run. Griffin would challenge Sean Considine for a starting spot this year, and after he learns the league could eventually replace Brian Dawkins (currently irreplaceable).
27. New Orleans Saints: Aaron Ross, CB, Texas – After last year’s resurgence, the Saints will be looking to take the next step, and the secondary is a glaring area of need, especially cornerback. I think the Saints will go with Ross over Chris Houston. Ross is taller, stronger, and also has the versatility to play safety.
28. New England Patriots: Chris Houston, CB, Arkansas – In the event that current franchise player Asante Samuel is shown the door next year (a la Adam Vinatieri), the Pats should begin thinking about his replacement. Houston isn’t the tallest corner out there, but what he lacks in size he makes up for in speed (4.32 40-yard dash) and cover skills.
29. Baltimore Ravens: Paul Posluszny, LB, Penn State – It’s always defense first with the Ravens, and with Adalius Thomas gone for New England, that trend should continue. Posluszny has experience in both the 4-3 and 3-4 defensive schemes, and should be able to adapt to whichever system the Ravens choose to run. He’s the all-time leading tackler at a school renowned for it’s linebackers, which should tell you what kind of player he is.
30. San Diego Chargers: Robert Meachem, WR, Tennessee – Adding another weapon around the still-developing Philip Rivers would be beneficial. No doubt the offensive-minded Norv Turner would agree. Meachem’s speed is his biggest asset, and he’d fit in well in an offense with guys like LaDanian Tomlinson and Antonio Gates commanding a lot of attention.
31. Chicago Bears: Charles Johnson, DE, Georgia – It’s still entirely possible that the Bears will either trade outside linebacker Lance Briggs before the draft and need to come up with a replacement for him. But as it stands right now, Briggs is a Bear. Chicago might be better suited strengthening the defensive line so that they are prepared to replace Tank Johnson the next time he runs afoul of the law (which shouldn’t be very long).
32. Indianapolis Colts: Justin Harrell, DT, Tennessee – The Super Bowl champions have suffered significant losses on the defensive side of the ball, with one-time starters DT Monte Reagor, CB Nick Harper, LB Cato June, and S Mike Doss all gone. Harrell is a run-stuffing tackle who should bolster a lackluster Colts run defense.
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