Every sports writer, analyst, enthusiast, and even the guy who knows
nothing about football but hears other guys at work talking about it
has a mock top 10 draft ready to go at the drop of a hat. I couldn't
stay away from it any longer. So here's my top 10, most likely in no
particular order.
1. Oakland Raiders- JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU
The Raiders have been on the clock since last September and I think
when it's their time to shine JaMarcus Russell will be the name that
gets called. This subject has been debated so much that some analysts
actually think that Oakland will take Calvin Johnson and Joe Namath
will be playing QB for them next season. Other reports have the Raiders
going with the Easter Bunny in the one slot. Is Russell the best move
for Oakland? Probably not. Then again, Peyton Manning couldn't even get
a throw off standing behind this look-out block throwing offensive
line. Joe Thomas would be the most practical pick, but he doesn't
glimmer quite enough for Al Davis. No one who the Raiders select is
going to change the tenor of this team. There are too many holes. I
think it's Russell number one though.
2. Detroit Tigers- Joe Thomas OT, Wisconsin
If only the Lions hadn't been so wide receiver happy in the past. The
best player in the NFL Draft likely slips a couple more spots because
of this. Their early pick of Joey Harrington several years ago likely
scares them away from Brady Quinn here, too, even though I feel he
could be a good fit. It looks like the Detroit Lions will play it safe
and go with the best offensive lineman in the draft.
3. Cleveland Browns- Adrian Peterson RB, Oklahoma
No more Sandwich Droughns in Cleveland paves the way for the Browns to
take Adrian Peterson. Although great workouts have pro scouts
forgetting about his injury-plagued college career, I would still be
leery about taking Peterson so high. I guess picking up Jamal Lewis
helps Cleveland make this gamble.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Calvin Johnson WR, Georgia Tech
It looks like the Bucs will get the best of the best in 2007 thanks to
teams with other needs. Oakland should probably just take this kid and
Detroit will be kicking itself when Johnson torches them for 200 yards
on October 21st. He's big, he's strong, and he's fast. There's no way
in hell this kid is a bust.
5. Arizona Cardinals- Gaines Adams DE, Clemson
All I have to say is don't do it. Adams may be the most talented
defensive player in the draft, but the Cards could benefit from more
help up the middle not on the outside. I feel Amobi Okoye is the answer
here. Michigan's Alan Branch would even be better.
6. Washington Redskins- Amobi Okoye, DT Louisville
The Skins could go with safety Laron Landry from LSU or Alan Branch
from Michigan. They'll likely go with Gaines Adams if he slides past
Arizona. I think Amobi fills Washington's interior defensive needs and
has a larger upside than Alan Branch even though he isn't as polished
yet.
7. Minnesota Vikings- Brady Quinn QB, Notre Dame
Despite Quinn's campaigning for getting nabbed number one, he'll likely
slide to number seven which will be fine by the Vikes. I'm not sure
this kid is tough enough to play QB in the black and blue division.
Hopefully he'll take notes when Brett Favre comes to town.
8. Atlanta Falcons- Jamaal Anderson DE, Arkansas
The name Jamaal Anderson belongs in Atlanta. Hopefully it will get the
Falcons back in a position to challenge for an NFC title. Anderson is
the second best defensive end in this draft and he will fill a need for
the Falcons on the defensive side of the football. If Gaines Adams were
to slide, the Falcons would be doing the "Dirty Bird" again.
9. Miami Dolphins- Tedd Ginn Jr. WR, Ohio State
This one might shock you a little bit with all the talk of Ginn's
injury affecting his draft stock. Miami is paper thin at wide receiver
and game changing kick returners are not a dime a dozen. Tedd Ginn Jr.
could be this season's Devin Hester and more.
10. Houston Texans- Levi Brown OT, Penn State
This is my hopeful pick for the Texans, but don't be surprised if they
make another bone head move like we saw last season when they passed up
Reggie Bush. Levi Brown will help shore up an offensive line which has
been this teams weak spot since starting in the National Football
League.
Jimmy Boyd is a documented member of the Professional Handicappers League.
Read all of his articles at www.procappers.com/Jimmy_Boyd.htm
Subscribe to this comment's feed