2007 NFL Mock Draft

1. Oakland Raiders: JaMarcus Russel, QB
Most people agree that Russel is the current favorite to go to Oakland. Al Davis loves guys with great measureables and Russel certainly has that. He's big (6'6", 260) and has canon for an arm. I'd be a little concerned about his poise though, until the BCS game Russel hadn't performed well in big games against top notch competition.
My Pick: Calvin Johnson, WR
QB is definitely a need for Oakland, but WR might be just as big of a need with Porter and Moss likely to be gone before the season starts. QB is very difficult to project at the NFL level and I feel like Johnson is a safer pick in this situation. Plus, I've got a serious man crush on the guy.

2. Detroit Lions: Brady Quinn, QB
It's hard to know what the Detroit Lions will do each draft with Millen at the head - but I'll save the jokes because it's just lazy journalism at this point to pick on Millen anymore. Detroit needs a young QB to groom and Quinn is the most ready to contribute.
My pick: Joe Thomas, OT
Again, QBs are so hard to predict and I think Thomas is the safer play here and it does fill a need as well for Detroit. I think they can grab a Stanton or T. Smith type QB later in the draft and give him a year behind Kitna. This franchise can't have another Joey Harrington - which is always possible when picking a QB that early.

3. Cleveland Browns*: Adrian Peterson, RB
RB is an obvious need for Cleveland after Droughns failed to pan out last year. Plus, I agree with Mel Kiper that Peterson will blow people away at the combine with his measureables. He is going to run fast, jump high, and lift a lot of weight. GMs will be salivating over he and Ca. Johnson.
My Pick: Adrian Peterson, RB
The injuries are a concern with Peterson, but I think the upside he brings overrides that. Plus, the guys is tough and loves the game. He came back from the shoulder injury this past season to play in the bowl game when he knew he was probably going pro and it didn't mean all that much. I was impressed by that decision by Peterson.

4. Tampa Bay Bucaneers*: Calvin Johnson, WR
Tampa can't pass on the best player available here. Johnson is a game changer and a big, fast target for whomever they get to play QB.
My Pick: JaMarcus Russel, QB
Well, in my draft CJ is off the board and Tampa has a decision to make. They have their choice of young QBs if they decide to not resign Chris Simms. They could also grab a pass rusher here, but I'll say they hitch their wagon to the big QB.

5. Arizona Cardinals: Joe Thomas, OT
This is a dream scenario for Arizona. They get the top rated OT in the draft and improve the biggest weakness from their team a year ago. Thomas is the best player available and in a position of need, easy pick for ex-Steeler OC Ken Whisenhunt and OL Coach Russ Grimm.
My Pick: Alan Branch, DT
Things are less dreamy in my scenario for Arizona. Thomas is gone and now Arizona might look to trade down to a team looking to move up and take Quinn, but if not I think they end up getting the run stuffing DT from Michigan.

6. Washington Redskins: Alan Branch, DT
My pick: Gaines Adams, DE
Not much to say about the Redskins selection. They have plenty of needs and have traded away their 2nd, 3rd, and 4th pick in previous deals. I am not certain but I believe in efforts to get Jason Campbell, A. Randle El, and Brandon Lloyd. How is that working out for you, Daniel Snyder? Anyway, it would be wise for the Redskins to trade down in this spot and stockpile some picks. However, there is not always someone interested in moving up. If there isn't the Redskins best option is to take the best available player on the board.

7. Minnesota Vikings: G. Adams, DE
My pick: J. Anderson, DE
It's a tough call for the Vikings here. They could use a pass catcher and possibly some help in the secondary, but they end up going with the best value pick here and get the pass rusher. Possible trade down potential here.

8. Houston Texans: Levi Brown, OT
I think this is a pick where Houston reaches a bit, but OL is there biggest need still and Brown is a pretty good one.
My pick: Brady Quinn, QB
Quinn slips in my projections (a recent trend for QBs - think Aaron Rodgers and Matt Leinart) The City of Houston and Texans' management appears tired with David Carr. Quinn might be ready to step in and play as rookie, a la Peyton Manning. He would struggle for sure, like Manning, but could play early. Or they could take Quinn and sign or trade for a veteran to play a year or two and groom Quinn...Jake Plummer comes to mind.

9. Miami Dolphins: Jamaal Anderson, DE
Miami needs to get younger on defense and NFL teams are always looking for pass rushers they can change games.
My pick: Leon Hall, CB
Anderson is not available were I to be making picks for each NFL team, so Miami stays on the defensive side of the ball to grab to top corner. Hall saw his stock drop with poor performances late in the season, but I think he will rise back up after the combine and individual workouts.

10. Atlanta Falcons: LaRon Landry, S
My pick: LaRon Landry, S
Landry is the top rated safety by most folks. Landry was a game changer at LSU and would fill an immediate hole for Atlanta in their secondary. Lawyer Milloy was a good fit in SS role, but free safety, Chris Crocker was beaten deep too many times when he was responsible over the top coverage. The Falcons also have the option of moving Jimmy Williams to free safety and drafting a cornerback such as Leon Hall in this spot. And still a third option for the Falcons is to draft a DE, if they are unable to resign free agent Patrick Kerney this offseason. One thing I do not expect the Falcons to do is spend this pick on a WR such as Ginn or Jarrett. The Falcons last 2 first round picks went to address that area and while WR is a need, there are other, more pressing needs to fill on defense.

* There will be a coin flip to determine who will receive the 3rd pick and who will receive the 4th pick between Cleveland and Tampa Bay.