2007 PGL/NFL Mock Draft 1st Round Projections

[D_Litch]

This is PGL's official mock draft, the common lobbyists guide to the NFL Draft. Let me break down how this thing works.

Each team is assigned a rep, that rep chooses 2 picks for that team in each round. The first pick the rep makes is what he or she thinks that team will do in the draft. The second pick will be what the rep would do in the draft.

Now that you have a general idea of what this whole "Mock Draft" thing is, go take a nap, get a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, or clean out underneath of your couch(it's pretty gross). The real fun of this will come on April 28th, that is when the real draft will happen and the PGL community and the writers of this masterpiece can sit back and see how good, or bad, their picks are.


Notice* This thread is intended for reps to post in only. All the space in this will be used for picks. Please post all of your personal thoughts here, if you do decide that you want to post here, a mod will move your post to the appropriate thread.

[D_Litch]

~Oakland Raiders~

1st Round - What they will do: They have a lot needs and questions still on offensive. The popular choice would be to pick up a QB, since at this point, they only have two QB on the roster--Walter and Booty. Unfortunately, there are two issues: 1) Raiders do not have a history of picking QBs in the first round and even less with a top five pick, and 2) niether of those two have done anything with their time in the league; Booty may be nothing more than camp foddler (bring some compeition into camp). Unfortunately with the new head coach Lane Kifflen, and the free agent acquistions, it still hard to tell what direction the franchise wants to go offensively. All Kifflen has said is the Raiders will run a "explosive offensive." There is still a major question with receivers Moss and Porter. Porter, from what has been put on in the media and interviews, seems to be out the dog house. And Moss seems to locker room cancer when teams aren't winning, and with last years production, there is a big question of his disire to play and how much his skills may have deminished. With Houston having release David Carr, there is an option for a QB with some experience, and still pick up a QB in the draft without being forced to use him; see San Diego with Rivers and Brees.

Who they will pick: JaMarcus Russell, QB, L.S.U.


What I would do: Because of some many issues on offense such as the line, receivers and QB, I would try to trade to gather more picks. QB has to be the biggest crap shoot of all positions. Hopefully the team could get into the #6 to #10 range and have maybe a second first pick or two second rounds where production to cost is not quite as low. They still need some kind of veteran QB. Walter is still a big question if he can truely play at this level, since the offensive line play last year was horrific; Tarkelton (Vikings QB from SB11) wouldn't have been able to dance out of that mess. Trade Randy Moss away and hopefully get a 2nd round out of him, since his production level dropped, had high dropped pass rate, and seem to be an overall sourpuss or locker room cancer last year; luckily the NFL does take a lot of stock in what players did in the past than what they may do in the future. If done, then there is choice of a QB (J.Russel or B.Quinn) or WR (Walker). Pick up a RB in the last 2nd or 3rd round. Get OL or LB in the 2nd.

Who I would pick: For immediate use and production, Quinn. If want higher HOF QB potential, Russell. I just don't see the Raiders getting a solid QB in free agency or trade.



This pick was made by Rep. LoveKeiiy, not D_Litch.

ACTUAL PICK: Jamarcus Russell. Current accuracy: 100%

[D_Litch]

~Detroit Lions~

1st Round - What they will do: Jon Kitna proved last year that he is not totally burnt out, but he proved that he's getting that way. Kitna, who will be turning 35 next season, is still starter material, but for how long? Quinn would be a excellent pick-up for Detroit in the draft, but this is where Millen & Co.'s predicament begins. They have to decide if Jon can keep them afloat until next years draft. Kitna's performance wasn't all his fault, he was sacked 63 times last season. That is where Joe Thomas comes into play. With the pick-ups of Tatum Bell and T.J. Duckett, the Lions should look to help push the pile so these guys can run. But, Joe Thomas isn't going to heal that wounded O-Line. If you can't run the ball then what else can you do, pass. Brady Quinn should blossom into a great NFL QB. Look for the Lions to see that as well.

Who they will take: Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame


What I would do: I like Brady Quinn, I personally think that down the road he will be a better QB than JaMarcus Russell. I think that Detroit needs to pick up a QB to take Kitna's place when he is finally sacked too much. It would be ridiculous for Detroit to pass on a great piece of talent like Brady Quinn, I wouldn't, that's for sure.

Who I would take: Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame



ACTUAL PICK: Calvin Johnson, WR -- Gerogia Tech. CURRENT ACCURACY: 50%

[D_Litch]

~Cleveland Browns~

1st Round - What they will do: Cleveland's choice depends solely on who Oakland and Detroit choose. Since we believe Oakland will take JaMarcus Russell and Detroit will take Brady Quinn, Adrian Peterson(RB, Oklahoma) is the obvious choice. Peterson major weakness is durability, he didn't play an entire season his entire college career due to injury. If Peterson can stop running so high, and therefore avoiding the big hits, he could prove to be an disruptive force in the NFL.

Who they will take: Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma


1st Round - What I would do: Cleveland is in quite a predicament come draft day, they would love to have Brady Quinn or JaMarcus Russell, but they will most-likely be gone before Cleveland gets their pick. I would love to get Adrian Peterson in the back-field, so that would still be who I would pick. Joe Thomas would've been a great pick-up before free agency, but the Browns have done a fine job at stiffening up their O-Line during the free agency period. On draft day, expect to see Adrian Peterson wearing orange and brown.

Who I would take: Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma



ACTUAL PICK: Joe Thomas, OT -- Wisconsin. Current Accuracy: 33%

[Lord Sam]

1st Round - What they will do: While the Bucs are coming off a 4-12 record and have needs in several areas, the chance to draft a WR with the skills of Calvin Johnson does not come around often. Last year's leading WR Joey Galloway (62 catches) is 35 and with the continued fading of once promising WR Michael Clayton, the Bucs could really use a shot in the arm with a very talented WR.

Who they will pick: Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech

What they should do:: Calvin Johnson is the highest graded player in this year's draft. At 6'4", 225lbs, he has the prototypical NFL size for a WR. At the NFL combine, Johnson had not planned on running the 40-yard dash. While it was going on he decided to run. Borrowing a pair of shoes from another player, Johnson ran two phenomial times around the 4.35 mark. This showed me two things: 1) a strong competitive streak and 2) uh, he's fast. Later at the pro day at Georgia Tech, Johnson had a vertical leap of 42.5 inches (which would have been the best vertical of all players at the combine) and a broad jump of 11'7". No one at the combine got over 11 feet.

He possesses freakish natural ability, including a rare combination of size, speed and leaping ability. Johnson has been amazingly productive despite a marginal quarterback throwing to him throughout his career, not to mention constant double and triple team coverage. He has the tools to go down as one of the greatest WRs to play the game.

Who I would pick: Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech



ACTUAL PICK: Gaines Adams, DT -- Clemson Current Accuracy: 25%

[AZRaiderH8r]

Pick 5 - Arizona Cardinals

~Arizona Cardinals~

1st Round - What they will do: Based on how the draft has shaken out so far, the Cardinals will take Joe Thomas, OT, from Wisconsin. At over 6'6" tall and 311 pounds (while running a sub 5 second 40) Thomas is an amazing talent and will fill in immediately at OT. Had someone picked Thomas prior to the # 5 slot, the Cards would have traded the pick to move down and fill their need on the D line.

Who they will take: Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin

1st Round - What I would do: Few teams have the weapons available on the offensive side of the ball that the Cardinals do. With perhaps the best receiver tandem in the NFL in Boldin and Fitzgerald, a proven running back with Edge, and a promising young QB in Matt Leinart, the obvious need is at offensive tackle. The Leonard Davis experiment failed miserably (good luck Dallas) but Thomas will fill the spot well and help keep the heat off Leinart and open holes for Edge.

Who I would take: Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin



Actual Pick: Levi Brown, OT -- PSU Current Accuracy: 20%... They did take the best remaining tackle, however.

[D_Litch]

~Washington Redskins~

1st Round - What they will do: Help for the Defensive Line is the top priority for the Redskins during this years draft, and they've struck it pretty this year. This draft is exceptionally deep in D-Lineman and D-Tackles. So the question is, which lineman fits their needs the most. I think that the Skins' will take Gaine's Adams(DE, Clemson) as their number one pick. In terms of shear athleticism, Adams proved in that he is as pure of a pass rusher as you're going to find in this year's draft. Being 6' 4" and weighing in at 258lbs, he isn't as bulky as you would like a D-lineman to be, but he makes up for it in shear speed(he ran a 4.64 in the 40). I think that the Redskins will take Mr. Adams with their first pick, but they better be careful, they don't pick again until round 5.

Who they will pick: Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson


What I would do: I like Gaines Adams, he will be a great pass-rusher, but against the run is where he doesn't do so well. Amobi Okoye on the other hand plays the run exceptionally well, and he does a great job of breaking down pockets. While I think that the Redskins will take Gaines Adams, I personally think that Okoye is the most rounded defensive lineman in this year's draft.

Who I would pick: Amobi Okoye, DT, Louisville

[Lord Sam]

1st Round - What they will do: While fans are losing faith, the Vikings need to make a big splash in free agency or the draft. Unfortunately, they are not drafting in a spot to make a sexy pick. A big need is a reliable WR, but none would be a good value pick here, so the Vikings will turn to defense. LaRon Landry (S) is a four-year starter at LSU and is hands down the best saftey prospect in the draft. An immediate starter who plays sideline to sideline; strong against the run, and displays the range to play saftey

Who they will pick: LaRon Landry, S, LSU


What I would do: While Landry is a solid pick, the Vikings already are fairly solid at that position with veterans Darren Sharper and Dwight Smith, and with the off season loss of CB Fred Smoot, the Vikings should look to to nearby Michigan at CB Leon Hall. Hall is a physical cover corner with a very good combination of size, athleticism, instincts and ball skills. He has enough size to cover WRs and is very good at stopping the run.


Who I would pick: Leon Hall, CB, Michigan



Next up...#8 Atlanta Falcons (Quo)

[Quo]

1st Round - What they will do: Consensus seems to be the need for some serious help on defense. They're thin and old at safety, and the loss of Kerney to the Seahawks hurts the defensive line in a big way. Who doesn't need help at cornerback in the NFL? On offense, no one could deny they continue to need some help in the recieving corps. Short of a second big offseason tradeup (they traded up to get to the 8th pick by dumping Matt Schaub on the Texans), there's no way they can get their hands on the coveted Calvin Johnson. Ted Ginn's not really attractive at this spot -- plus they've drafted two wide recievers with their top pick in the last four years. It hasn't worked. They picked up Joe Horn as a free agent to try to pick up that slack anyway. Time will tell if their recievers stink that bad or if Vick just isn't seeing them.

The best remaining help on defense now that LaRon Landry's gone is either Alan Branch, DT from Michigan or (some suspect) Jamaal Anderson, DE from Arkansas. Leon Hall is a nice option here, too, but not a good fit with their biggest need. Suspicion is rampant that they are really, really high on Anderson.

Who they will pick: Jamaal Anderson, DE, Arkansas

What I would do: Punt. Anderson's no sure thing here. Many even consider him a project. This is a brutally tough picking position imho. They're not in the top 5, where the can't miss talent is, but they can get creamed in the media for making a bad pick here. It'd be hard to pass up Branch for sure, or to a slightly lesser extent Okoye for that matter, but Anderson has a good combination of size and speed and pretty much fits the bill here. It's not an exciting pick... but it's probably the best hole-filler for this organization.

Who I would pick: Jamaal Anderson, DE, Arkansas



Next up...#9 Miami Dolphins

[Lord Sam]

~Miami Dolphins~

1st Round - What they will do: While the Dolphins didn't seek out a QB replacement in the first few weeks of free agency, there is still some speculation that they will address this need in that market (David Carr and to a lesser extent, Trent Green). With the top two QB prospects gone, the Dolphins will turn thier attention to the next need: offensive line. Levi Brown has the size (6'5", 328 lbs) to excel at the next level at tackle and has good agility and strength to start as a rookie.

Who they will pick: Levi Brown, OT, Penn State

What I would do: Sign a QB first! However, you only get an opportunity to draft a top flight tackle in years where you draft in the top 10, and since the Dolphins don't expect to be at this end of the draft again, you pick up Levi Brown when you can. Levi still has areas to work on, and his only drawback was missing two games this year after surgery to repair torn meniscus in his knee. During his reshirt year at Penn State, he was a defensive tackle.

Who I would pick: Levi Brown, OT, Penn State



Up next...#10 Houston Texans

[D_Litch]

~Houston Texans~

1st Round - What they will do:With Levi Brown and LaRon Landry taken, the Texans will look into another position they are pretty shallow at, cornerback. Leon Hall is the best CB in the draft, period, the Texans will not pass on him. His tackling ability, quickness, and playmaking ability make him a solid fit for a NFL corner. While he won't be a Champ Bailey or Deion Sanders come September, he will be solid in coverage.

Who they will pick: Leon Hall, CB, Michigan


What I would do: As I said above, Leon Hall is the best corner in this year's draft. His habit of cushioning receivers would have me worried if I was a defensive coordinator, but that can be fixed with time. The bottom line is, he is the best DB left in the draft at this point, the Texans will(and should) pick him at #10. He will become a great NFL CB, even if it take a few seasons. Leon Hall is the right choice for the Texans this year.

Who I would pick: Leon Hall, CB, Michigan




Up Next...#11 San Francisco 49ers

[Lord Sam]

~San Francisco 49ers~

1st Round - What they will do: The 49ers have a handful of areas which need improving to compete. Falling in thier lap at the 11th pick is DT Alan Branch. Branch is a massive and gift defensive lineman who can play in a 3-4 or 4-3. Despite his size (6'5", 328), Branch displays quickness off the ball and does a very good job with leverage. Branch is the best, all-around talent on the D-line in this draft.

Who they will pick: Alan Branch, DT, Michigan

What I would do: The growth of Alex Smith took a step back with the departure of Norv Turner as well as the decision to release top WR from last season, Antonio Bryant (not that Bryant was anything special). The 49ers need to surround Alex Smith with talent and a solid, and complete WR is USC's Dwayne Jarrett. Jarrett has the prototypical size for the NFL (6'4", 210lbs), will excell int he red-zone and is not afriad of going across the middle. This might be a bit of a reach on the 49ers part if they take Jarrett 11th.

Who I would pick: Dwayne Jarrett, WR, USC



Up next...#12 Buffalo Bills (oh crap! That's me!)

[Lord Sam]

~Buffalo Bills~

1st Round - What they will do: The Bills have had a...curious off season, letting go of Willis McGahee, London Fletcher, and Nate Clements. Therefore, they have a lot of holes to fill. They will look to bolster the D-line with the addition of Amobi Okoye from Louisville. A young prospect (19 years old), with good natural strength. He is solid against the run, and will only get better and bigger, as time goes on.

Who they will pick: Amobi Okoye, DT, Louisville

What I would do: Tremedous value for the Bills picking up a top-seven player in Okoye with the 12th pick. Okoye is setting himself up with a great scenario where the end of his rookie contract (in 5 years) coinsides with his peak performance age (24). Good characater and very coachable. Tested into the ninth grade as a 12-year-old when his family moved to Huntsville from Nigeria, and played at Louisville at the age of 16. ESPN's John Clayton called him a "once in a lifetime player".



Next up...#13 St. Louis Rams (D-Litch)