Tag Archives: 2007 NFL Draft

2007 NFL Draft 2nd Round Review

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WordPress is doing strange things again so I need to add some text here because it seems to be a problem using an ordered list at te top of a post.

  1. Arizona (from Oakland) – Branch, Alan, DT, Michigan
    The Cardinals realized a chance to move up and take a top 10 talent and pulled the trigger. Sure, Branch has seen his effort questioned, and many question his work ethic, but the kid is a monster, a 340lb run stuffing mass of a man. Honestly, in most cases, guys like Branch have their dedication questioned. But, he’s a chance worth taking, in a spot the Cardinals need help.
  2. Buffalo (from Detroit) – Posluszny, Paul, OLB, Penn State
    I’m not sure what all the Bills gave up, but they need help on defense, especially with Takeo Spikes gone, and Paul is a late 1st round talent and a 1st rate kind of teammate. He’s a man of many talents, many of which the Bills will use.
  3. Tampa Bay – Sears, Arron, OT, Tennessee
    Aaron Sears is a nice addition by the Bucs, who couldn’t give their Cadillac room to run last season. With two solid lineman in two early 1st day picks, it looks like Gruden and the Bucs are on the right track in Tampa.
  4. Philadelphia (via Browns via Dallas) – Kolb, Kevin, QB, Houston
    I’m not sure I’d be confident enough in my squad to use an early 2nd round pick on a backup/3rd string quarterback, but maybe the Eagles know something about Donovan McNabb’s injuries that I don’t. Surely, Andy Reid and company must feel pretty strongly about Kolb’s ability.
  5. San Diego (via WA via N.Y. Jets & Bears) – Weddle, Eric, SS Utah
    I may be mistaken, but I think the Chargers gave up the rest of their world to take Weddle, a kid that was projected to get off the board somewhere around here. I’ll go out on a limb and say they gave up way too much, but the Chargers like to get the guys they want, and apparently Eric was worth the price.
  6. Oakland (from Arizona) – Miller, Zach, TE, Arizona State
    The Raiders don’t need a big medium-speed tight end bad enough to pick one at the top of Round 2, but Miller is as sure-handed as they come, and he’ll give JaMarcus a nice big safety valve at tight end, something young quarterbacks use to gain confidence.
  7. Atlanta (from Houston) – Blalock, Justin, OT, Texas
    The Falcons made a nice little move up here to grave Blalock, a nice prospect from Texas. I liked Blalock to flirt with the 1st round, and apparently so did the Falcons, as they moved up in a hurry to grab Blalock. He should help the Falcons move to a power running game eventually.
  8. Miami – Beck, John, QB, Brigham Young
    Miami passed on Quinn for what looks to be this sharp BYU signal caller. Some put Beck ahead of Quinn, citing his play making and ability to read the defense as their reasons. I’m not so sure about that. I think letting Quinn go gave the Daunte Culpepper experience another year, and if that doesn’t work out, Beck is their to be groomed. Cam’s a good judge of quarterbacking.
  9. Atlanta (via Minnesota) – Houston, Chris, CB, Arkansas
    The Falcons made yet another move, trading up to snag Arkansas product, Chris Houston. The Falcons struggled all season long in the secondary, giving up too many big plays. Houston is fleet of foot, and will certainly help immediately as a nickel and dime guy in the slot, quite possibly moving in as a starter late in the season, or if Falcons move some corners to safety.
  10. Indianapolis (from San Francisco) – Ugoh, Tony, G, Arkansas
    The Colts need some future prospects on the line if they want to replace some guys headed for free agency after next season. Ugoh has the upside to be a nice blocker for Peyton, and a road grater for Joseph Addai. As long as the Colts keep adding solid lineman, they’ll keep winning football games.
  11. Detroit (from Buffalo) – Stanton, Drew, QB, Michigan State
    Another team that passed on Quinn took a quarterback near the top of Round 2, this time the Lions made the move. There were more than a couple cats who had Drew ahead of Brady, and I assume Mike Martz and the Lions brass were one of those. I like Stanton, but I’m not sure he has the chance to be great.
  12. Minnesota (from Atlanta) – Rice, Sidney, WR, South Carolina
    After taking a former Gamecock project WR 7th overall a couple of years ago, the Vikings waited until the middle of Round 2 to take that chance again. Rice has all the tools to be molded into a star, and gives the Vikings another wide receiver, something they desperately need as their numbers there are limited.
  13. Carolina – Jarrett, Dwayne, WR, Southern California
    I know Jarrett’s numbers at the combine didn’t wow any folk, and his pro day didn’t do him much better, but in the middle of Round 2 is a steal as far as I’m concerned. The Panthers need a compliment to Steve Smith, the best receiver in the league, and Jarrett’s size and reliable hands make him a perfect candidate.
  14. Pittsburgh – Woodley, LaMarr, DE, Michigan
    The Steelers continue to build on defense, which once again, doesn’t surprise me at all. Pittsburgh always has a stout defense, something Mike Tomlin is doing his best to continue in his first year on the job. Woodley is a playmaker that helped the Wolverines dominate most of the Big 10 last season.
  15. N.Y. Jets (from Green Bay) – Harris, David, ILB, Michigan
    The Jets moved up again, this time to take David Harris, making it two Michigan defenders off the board in as many selections. Harris was the center of a stout Wolverine defense that led the Wolverines to a big season.
  16. Jacksonville – Durant, Justin, ILB, Hampton
    The Jaguars always seem to need help at linebacker and this season is no different. No matter how many they stockpile, injuries always deter them from taking the next step. Durant is quick, smart, and a very sure tackler.
  17. Cincinnati – Irons, Kenny, RB, Auburn
    With Chris Perry always on the shelf, the Bengals went ahead and took Kenny Irons to pair with Rudi Johnson, but I’m not so sure Kenny fits that bill. Honestly, as small as Irons is, he runs more like Rudi than a 3rd down back. He’s not a consistent pass catcher, but maybe the Bengals think he has that kind of ability. Either that or they think he has the game to be a starter some day.
  18. Tennessee – Henry, Chris, RB, Arizona
    The Titans took a big chance here, as Henry has just about as many starts in college football as I do. 4 this last year were enough to show the Titans that this youngster has some game, as he ran well for a poor Wildcat team. 1-2 White/Henry punch? We’ll see.
  19. N.Y. Giants – Smith, Steve, WR , Southern California
    The Giants made another very good pick, taking Smith near the end of round 2. Steve does all the little things, and has the speed to be a player in the league. Steve has always produced, but never gotten the big headlines playing second fiddle to a couple tall guys at USC. Mark my words, Smith will be the replacement for Armani Toomer soon.
  20. St. Louis – Leonard, Brian, FB, Rutgers
    I like Brian Leonard a ton, as he can do so much, but the Rams need so much on defense, taking a back up to Steven Jackson here seems a little ridiculous. However, the Rams might be realizing that Jackson can’t stay healthy with so many touches, and adding Leonard definitely gives the Rams a chance to be a little easier on Steven Jackson.
  21. Cleveland (from Dallas) – Wright, Eric, CB, Nevada-Las Vegas
    Eric Wright’s baggage is definitely in his past, and his upside and skills are most likely in the recent future. This young man, grown up from his troubles, will give the Browns instant help in the secondary, something any team can use.
  22. Kansas City – McBride, Turk, DT, Tennessee
    The Chiefs need help on defense, sound familiar? Turk is a run stuffer, and a solid pass rusher that will continue to help Herm Edwards’ defense grow into the solid unit he desires. Nice pick here.
  23. Seattle – Wilson, Josh, CB, Maryland
    Once again, the Hawks have me wowed. I like Wilson, the undersized speedster out of Maryland, and last season’s playoff performance without any corners definitely made the Hawks realize they needed help here, but Wilson is a stretch in Round 2. But, the Hawks rarely miss on Day 1.
  24. Denver – Crowder, Tim, DE, Texas
    The Broncos are re-tooling a defensive line that has underperformed for some time. Crowder fell farther than I thought he would, as he’s done well playing with injuries, and has always been a game changer on the Longhorns defensive line.
  25. Philadelphia – Abiamiri, Victor, DE, Notre Dame
    The Eagles need a guy to step up when Javon Kearse next goes on the IR with a season ending injury. Abiamiri was a lone ranger on the Irish defense, often drawing double teams, and thus his numbers suffered. The Eagles saw through that, though, as Victor will become a starter in the next few years.
  26. Detroit (from New Orleans) – Alama-Francis, Ikaika, DE, Hawaii
    Hawaii doesn’t often get first day love, but Ikaika is the first of two Rainbows plucked at the end of Round 2. It wasn’t all offense in Hawaii, as this young defensive end proved his worth week in and week out. The Lions added another quality peace to an already solid draft.
  27. Carolina (from N.Y. Jets) – Kalil, Ryan, C, Southern California
    I really like what the Panthers did on Day 1. Jon Beason and Ryan Kalil plus a 4th rounder from the Jets for Darrelle Revis. I like it. Kalil helps right away, as does Beason. I like Revis, but these two starters will do more for the Panthers than Revis could have done alone, no question in my mind. Nice work in Carolina.
  28. Miami (from New England) – Satele, Samson, C, Hawaii
    The second Rainbow came of the board, as Satele made it two in three picks. Samson has some strength, and the smarts to make all the line calls for a very good Hawaii front line. Satele will help the Dolphins where they need it most, as Cam Cameron wants to run the rock.
  29. Detroit (from Baltimore) -Alexander, Gerald, FS, Boise State
    Boise State won a lot of football games, and didn’t lose one last season. Gerald Alexander played a huge roll on defense for Broncos. Alexander’s ball hawking ability and sure tackling gives the Lions yet another peace of the puzzle.
  30. Chicago (from San Diego) – Bazuin, Dan, DE, Central Michigan
    I’ve got to be honest, I don’t know much about Dan Bazuin, which says a lot, as I know way too many kids from way too many schools. However, the Bears didn’t need defensive ends, but then again, what do the Bears need? Bazuin will be one of many defensive lineman that will try to make up for the loss of Tank, just in case he’s in more trouble than everyone knows.
  31. Green Bay (via Bears via Jets) – Jackson, Brandon, RB, Nebraska
    The Packers may have stolen their future starter at running backs at the end of round 2, ala the Jaguars and Maurice Drew last season. Jackson has the skill-set and some nice size, as he runs tough. Nebraska used a plethora of backs, so Jackson doesn’t have amazing numbers, but he hasn’t been all used up either. Nice pick by the Packers.
  32. Tampa Bay (from Colts) – Piscitelli, Sabby, SS, Oregon State
    This young man played a huge roll in stunning the Trojans last season, which put him right out there in front of scouts eyes everywhere. Tampa knows how to pick safeties; I expect Sabby to be a damn good one.

2007 NFL Draft 1st Round Review

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The 1st Day has come and gone, and all the way from the busy ass streets of Rome, I found enough time to put some Euro into an Internet room and right up a little analysis of Round 1. The rest of day 1 and a quick review on day 2 may take a little more time, but I figured now was as good a time as any to get this out for all you draft nuts out there. Let the possibility and speculation begin!

  1. Oakland – Russell, JaMarcus, QB, Louisiana State
    Crazy, the Raiders picked arguably the player with the most upside in the entire draft. JaMarcus Russell has monstrous size combined with a rocket arm, and leadership intangibles that make him all Al Davis and the Raiders could ask for with the first pick of the draft. This was a good pick, this was the right pick, and this was the only pick the Raiders were ever going to make.
  2. Detroit – Johnson, Calvin, WR, Georgia Tech
    Finally, Matt Millen did something right. Calvin Johnson was the best prospect in the draft, and a perfect compliment to Roy Williams and Mike Furrey. I don’t think the Lions needed a receiver, and I do think they needed a lot of other things, but the bottom line is, Calvin Johnson was this year’s Reggie Bush, and if you can get that guy with the 2nd pick of the draft, you do it. The Lions did it, congratulations Detroit. It looks like they’ll keep him.
  3. Cleveland – Thomas, Joe, OT, Wisconsin
    The Browns passed on Adrian Peterson and Brady Quinn (for now) to go with a guy that should pave roadways for whomever has the ball in Cleveland. Seeing as Jamal Lewis still has some run in him, and the fact that solid running backs come out often, I think Cleveland made the right move, as cornerstone left tackles don’t come around all that often. Plus, if anything, the most recent free agency period showed us that running backs can be had at a much more reasonable price than years’ past.
  4. Tampa Bay – Adams, Gaines. DE, Clemson
    Tampa Bay didn’t get their hands on Calvin Johnson (unless they trade with Detroit, possibility) just as I had suspected. So, they took the best defensive player on the board, which I think will turn out to be a blessing in disguise. Sure, Johnson is a great prospect, but the Bucs needed help on defense desperately. With Adams, they’ll get help everywhere on D, as his elite pass rush will help solve problems in the secondary as well. And at the 4th pick, in a league where defense wins championships, the Bucs took the best defensive player college had to offer.
  5. Arizona – Brown, Levi, OT, Penn State
    Arizona may have reached for Levi Brown here, but they know what they need, and that is definitely offensive line help. You add that to the fact that they couldn’t have traded down and still picked the big offensive tackle, plus the truth that they rated Levi higher than super offensive tackle, Joe Thomas, and this pick starts to look like a great move. They have a franchise quarterback, great receivers, and a possible hall-of-famer at running back; surely they needed a great offensive line prospect to help them all. Good pick.
  6. Washington – Landry, LaRon, FS, Louisiana State
    Oh, the Redskins might have something in line with this pick, but honestly, for a team that needs lots of help on defense, why not take the most instant impact defensive player in the draft. Everyone loves Landry, and if the Redskins pull their heads out and decide to keep him, maybe they’ll realize why using a top draft pick on a top young talent is such a good move. But I doubt it.
  7. Minnesota – Peterson, Adrian, RB, Oklahoma
    Adrian fell a little farther than he had imagined, but I think he’s a nice fit in Minnesota. After one season, the Vikings brass realized Chester Taylor wasn’t the starting powerful rusher they had hoped for, so they took Peterson, one of the top 3 offensive difference makers in the draft. I wouldn’t be surprised if Peterson, given the carries, makes a solid run at rookie of the year, especially behind a very good left side in Minnesota, and a young passing game. But now what to make of Chester?
  8. Atlanta (from Houston) – Anderson, Jamaal, DE, Arkansas
    I’m not sure the Falcons made the most of their move up to 8, but things didn’t work out they way they had planned, Landry was gone, their big back, Peterson, was gone as well, and thus Jamaal Anderson will make the absence of Patrick Kerney be less of a hit. Anderson has all the skills, and many had him rated above Gaines Adams, so the price was decent at 8.
  9. Miami – Ginn Jr., Ted, WR, Ohio State
    I love Ginn’s talent and ability, but I don’t like this pick by the Dolphins. With Chris Chambers as a number one, and a few solid contributors in the passing game already, I’m very surprised to see Ginn go here, especially with so much needed in Miami. It will be interesting to see how Ginn works out with the Dolphins; maybe Cam Cameron has big plans for the young speedster.
  10. Houston (from Atlanta) – Okoye, Amobi, DT, Louisville
    Houston made the perfect pick. Okoye will be solid next year and great in the future, giving them two elite prospects to build their defense around, solid guys on the line nonetheless. I couldn’t think of a more perfect fit in Houston than Okoye… Great pick here!
  11. San Francisco – Willis, Patrick, ILB, Mississippi
    I think the Niners reached a little for Willis, but as he was the best linebacker in the draft, I like the selection. As everyone has seen, the Niners were destroyed because of their defensive struggles, and while Willis won’t eliminate that problem, he is a step in the right direction, especially in a conference that has so many playmakers offensively. Nice move in San Fran.
  12. Buffalo – Lynch, Marshawn, RB, California
    Trading Willis McGahee basically forced this pick to be made. The Bills left themselves with Shawn Bryson as their number one, and while JP Losman and Lee Evans have built a nice tandem, giving them another option on the ground will help the team continue that growth. Lynch is very complete, both as a runner and a receiving threat, but I think this pick was definitely need driven, and a bit of a reach.
  13. St. Louis – Carriker, Adam, DE, Nebraska
    While I’m a bit surprised by this pick, it doesn’t surprise me that the Rams went defense here, and it seems as though Carriker was the most complete defensive lineman around. He’s got the size to dominate in any front, move around, and cause problems with his motor, speed, and size. Just like the Niners, the Rams realized that defense was where the problems were in St. Louis. Carriker is a nice firm step in fixing the trouble.
  14. N.Y. Jets (from Carolina) – Revis, Darrelle, CB, Pittsburgh
    The Jets saw an opportunity to move up and take their top rated corner back in the draft, and they did just that. Revis is a top talent, and shut down type guy. His speed and more importantly his attitude and awareness should help the Jets get to where they need to be to compete with the Patriots in the AFC East.
  15. Pittsburgh – Timmons, Lawrence, OLB, Florida State
    (Be prepared for sarcasm) Wow, this pick is a real stunner. The Steelers and coach Mike Tomlin went defense with this pick, a perfect outside linebacker for Tomlin’s 4-3 system, and a nice replacement for the 3-4 oriented Joey Porter. Timmons is a perfect player to get the Tomlin era up and started in the Steel City.
  16. Green Bay – Harrell, Justin, DT, Tennessee
    Reach? Maybe the Packers have something here, in fact, as my readers well know, I like Harrell, but surely 16 is pretty high for this young talent. While Justin battled injuries in TN, his skill level while on the field of play would definitely put him in the top 16, but I just don’t know if he quite belongs here. Once again the Packers left Favre out to dry in the 1st round, but if Harrell can stay healthy, this young Packer defense will definitely continue to impress.
  17. Denver (from Jacksonville) – Moss, Jarvis, DE, Florida
    I think Moss is a perfect player for the Broncos who are constantly looking for ways to attack the passer. With elite corners, and some solid linebackers, the Broncos felt strongly enough about Moss’ game to move up to get him, and very rarely do the Broncos fumble when they move up to snag someone. Good pick by Mike and his goons.
  18. Cincinnati – Hall, Leon, CB, Michigan
    I had Leon Hall ranked right at the top of my list of Corners, so snagging him with the 18th pick is one of the first round steals thus far. Hall has the makings of a shut down guy, something the Bengals could definitely use, as their defense had a knack for giving up the big play. Hall comes up and hits, and draws praise from competition. Even USC stayed well enough away from Hall in their bowl-bashing of Michigan. Hall seems to be a solid character guy as well, as far as corners are concerned, so good all around by the Bengals.
  19. Tennessee – Griffin, Michael, FS, Texas
    I’m not sure what to make of this pick. See, I like the pick, as Griffin has proven to be a playmaker in every sense all throughout is college days, but I think he’s a bit of a reach here as well. I’m not real big on downgrading teams because they picked a guy early, especially a guy with all the intangibles like Griffin. So, with Pacman on the shelf, I’ll say the Titans selection of Griffin was solid.
  20. N.Y. Giants – Ross, Aaron, CB, Texas
    The Giants continued their stout drafting methods by taking Aaron Ross before the rest of the best got their hands on him. Ross is a playmaker, has been throughout his entire career, and will be in a Giants uniform as well. New York has struggled on defense of late; so adding a cover corner like Ross, one whom also likes to make a tackle here and there, will turn out to be a good move.
  21. Jacksonville (from Denver) – Nelson, Reggie, FS, Florida
    The Jaguars made some solid moves today. Their first was trading down to acquire more picks, and still getting their man, Reggie Nelson. Seeing as the likelihood of the next few teams taking Reg was slim, Jacksonville played their cards perfectly, moved down 4 spots, only to pay the guy they finally picked less than they would have paid him in the first place. Plus they added a 3rd and 6th round pick, knowing damn well that you build through the draft. Brilliant work by Jax on Day 1.
  22. Cleveland (from Dallas) – Quinn, Brady, QB, Notre Dame
    The Browns couldn’t help but feel that they let one slip through their fingers by letting Brady go in Round 1. So, instead of sulk their tears away, they traded next years’ 1st and this years’ 2nd to grab the guy they almost picked 3rd. I like Brady Quinn and think he has more upside than any quarterback coming out next year, which makes his selection here a risk worth taking. But was a 2nd and a high 1st (assuming they don’t kick butt next year) worth a 22nd overall this season? We shall find out.
  23. Kansas City – Bowe, Dwayne, WR, Louisiana State
    The Chiefs made good on my prediction and took Dwayne Bowe as the 3rd wide receiver overall. Bowe’s playmaking ability, his strong body, and willingness to lay it on the line to get the job done will make him a perfect target for a chiefs offense that relies too much on Tony Gonzales in their air attack. I think Bowe could make an instant impact in KC.
  24. New England (from Seattle), Meriweather, Brandon, FS, Miami
    It has to be nice to realize, that with the right coaching, any player and their problems can be molded into a perfect citizen. The Patriots can take any player, as shady as his past may be, and make it work in New England. Meriweather isn’t the problem child everyone thinks he is, but the Patriots took advantage of their own coaching ability, and took a guy everyone else was shying away from.
  25. Carolina (from N.Y. Jets) – Beason, Jon, OLB, Miami (Fla.)
    The Panthers got the goods from the Jets for their 14th overall slot, (a 1st a 2nd and a 5th) and they got a hard-nosed, undersized linebacker with the explosive hips and difference making ability that should give the Panthers defense the kick in the butt they needed to get back on track, and make a play at the super bowl next season. Honestly, they’re just a player or two away.
  26. Dallas (from Philadelphia) – Spencer, Anthony, DE, Purdue
    Dallas had some fantastic wheeling and dealing going down on Day 1, adding a 1st round pick in 2008 from the Browns (sure to be a top 10 pick) and all they did was move down 4 spots and lose a 3rd round pick. Anthony Spencer will be another tool off the edge for the front 7 loaded Cowboys. No wonder Wade Phillips took this job; he gets all the weapons he wants.
  27. New Orleans – Meachem, Robert, WR, Tennessee
    Despite quarterback troubles in Tennessee, and a team that was a little inconsistent, Robert Meachem had one hell of a year, popping him all the way into the 1st round, and to a team that loves to spread the ball around. I’m not sure the Saints used this pick too wisely, as their were many defensive needs that could have been answered, but Meachem will ease the loss of Joe Horn, and give Brees yet another weapon to toss for 4,000+.
  28. San Francisco (from N.E.) – Staley, Joe, OT, Central Michigan
    Do I think Joe Staley has tons of upside and will help the 49ers greatly in the future? You bet! Do I think they gave up way too much for the 28th pick in this years’ draft? You better believe it. Next years’ 1st round pick… And a 4th rounder this season? That’s way too much. Next year’s 1st rounder, despite a miracle, will surely be in the bottom 25 and probably around 20. They may have thought the world of Joe’s upside, and thus given a lot to get the big tackle, but his trade could definitely backfire.
  29. Baltimore – Grubbs, Ben, G, Auburn
    The Ravens picked up the best guard in the draft with the 29th pick. In the past, this may have been looked down upon, but what a great move in a league that has free agent guards going for 50 million dollars, and being plucked out of free agency as early as possible. Grubbs has all the tools to help pave the way for new running back Willis McGahee. Nice pick in Baltimore.
  30. San Diego – Davis, Craig , WR, Louisiana State
    I’m not so sure Craig Davis was the best receiver available here, but it’s hard to argue with the Brass running Charger ball. Canning Marty was the wrong move, but it’s rare to find trouble with San Diego’s draft tactics. However, it will be interesting to see if Davis has a more productive career that Gonzalez, Steve Smith, Dwayne Jarrett, and Sydney Rice, all of whom the Chargers passed on to take Davis.
  31. Chicago – Olsen, Greg, TE, Miami (Fla.)
    The Bears managed to take the very best tight-end prospect in the draft, and they desperately needed a boost in speed at the position. Once again, the Bears have found a playmaker that is sure to step in and add to a team good enough to get to the Super Bowl. Olsen’s speed and grabbers should help Rexxy improve in his second year as a starter.
  32. Indianapolis – Gonzalez, Anthony, WR, Ohio State
    The Colts made a great move, taking Anthony Gonzalez with the last pick in the 1st round. Gonzo has all the tools to do all the dirty work the Colts love to do from the slot, taking the spot left vacant by Brandon Stokely’s departure. In fact, Gonzalez, in my opinion, is an upgrade at the spot, possibly transforming into Marvin Harrison’s successor, something Stokely would never become.