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NFL DRAFT
12 THE PATRIOT-NEWS FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2007
THE PATRIOT-NEWS FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2007
Check the big board
Rick Gosselin of the Dallas Morning News rates the prospects
at each position for tomorrow’s NFL draft. Positions are ranked
1 to 10 for strength. The first round begins at noon on ESPN.
QUARTERBACKS
STRENGTH:
5
JaMarcus Russell and Brady Quinn at the top of this board mirrors drafts of 1993 (Bledsoe, Mirer) and 1998 (Manning, Leaf).
Rank, Player
School
Ht. Wt. Notable
1. JaMarcus Russell
LSU
6-51⁄2 265 28 TD passes in 2006
2. Brady Quinn
Notre Dame
6-31⁄2 232 Two-time team captain
3. Drew Stanton
Michigan State 6-3 226 4-time academic All-Big Ten
4. Trent Edwards
Stanford
6-4 231 60 percent passer in 2006
5. Kevin Kolb
Houston
6-3 218 Four-year starter
6. John Beck
BYU
6-2 215 3,885 yards passing in 2006
7. Jeff Rowe
Nevada
6-5 226 Offensive MVP of Senior Bowl
8. Isaiah Stanback
Washington
6-2 216 Sprinter on track team
9. Troy Smith
Ohio State
6-0 225 Heisman Trophy winner
10. Jared Zabransky
Boise State
6-2 219 66 percent passer in 2006
11. Tyler Palko
Pitt
6-1 215 Three-time team captain
6-51⁄2 231 16 career 300-yard games
UTEP
12. Jordan Palmer
C. Missouri St. 6-31⁄2 234 112 career TD passes
13. Toby Korrodi
14. Matt Moore
Oregon State
6-3 192 Transfer from UCLA
15. Matt Gutierrez
Idaho State
6-4 232 Transfer from Michigan
POSSIBLE FIRST-ROUNDERS: Russell, Quinn.
THE BEST: JaMarcus Russell, LSU
He can throw the football 85 yards. But his accuracy is
more impressive. He completed 68 percent of his 342 passes last season with only eight interceptions. His size also
makes him special. “I’m bigger than most defensive guys,”
Russell said. “It’s a lot of fun when you've got big guys trying to tackle you and you’re still able to make plays. I’m bigger than most of the guys out there.”
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN
STRENGTH:
First round and first day are deep. There could be eight DLs picked
in round. Little speed, but there is size and pass-rush ability.
School
Rank, Player
1. Gaines Adams (E) Clemson
2. Amobi Okoye (T)
Louisville
3. Jamaal Anderson (E) Arkansas
4. Adam Carriker (E) Nebraska
Michigan
5. Alan Branch (T)
Florida
6. Jarvis Moss (E)
7. Justin Harrell (T)
Tennessee
8. Anthony Spencer (E) Purdue
9. Victor Abiamiri (E) Notre Dame
10. Claude McBride (T) Tennessee
11. Ray McDonald (E) Florida
12. Lamarr Woodley (E) Michigan
13. DeMarcus Tyler (T) N.C. State
14. Charles Johnson (E) Georgia
15. Tim Crowder (E) Texas
6
Ht. Wt. Notable
6-41⁄2 258 4.64 speed in the 40
6-2 302 Only 19 years old
6-5 288 131⁄2 sacks in 2006
6-6 296 40 career tackles for loss
6-51⁄2 324 Skipping senior season
6-61⁄2 250 4.70 speed in the 40
6-4 300 Missed most of 2006
6-21⁄2 261 Forced 11 career fumbles
6-4 267 101⁄2 sacks in 2006
6-2 277 Nickname is "Turk"
6-3 276 Started at both end and tackle
6-11⁄2 266 Lombardi Trophy winner
6-2 306 Nickname is "Tank"
6-2 270 Skipping senior season
6-31⁄2 272 Started 47 consecutive games
POSSIBLE FIRST-ROUNDERS: Adams, Okoye, Anderson, Carriker, Branch, Moss, Harrell, Spencer.
THE BEST: Gaines Adams, Clemson
Adams started only his final two seasons at Clemson, but
he proved to be a strong finisher. He was named the ACC
Defensive Player of the Year for his 121⁄2 sacks in 2006 and
became the school's first consensus All-America since
Terry Kinard in 1982. He set a school record with sacks in
eight consecutive games and tied William “Refrigerator”
Perry's career mark of 28 sacks.
GOSSELIN’S MOCK FIRST ROUND: WHERE THEY MIGHT GO
1. Oakland, Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech: Say goodbye to Randy Moss.
2. Detroit, Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson: Best pass-rusher in the draft.
3. Cleveland, JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU: Browns like his 85-yard arm
4. Tampa Bay, Adrian Peterson, HB, Oklahoma: Bucs need more big plays.
5. Arizona, Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin: LT Leonard Davis left in free agency.
6. Washington, LaRon Landry, S, LSU: Landry-Taylor a stout safety combo.
7. Minnesota, Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame: Too much value to pass up.
8. Atlanta, Jamaal Anderson, DE, Arkansas: DE Kerney left in free agency.
RUNNING BACKS
Shallow at top and bottom. Only two backs have first-round
value, and the talent pool falls off dramatically in second day.
STRENGTH:
3
Rank, Player
School
Ht. Wt. Notable
1. Adrian Peterson
Oklahoma
6-11⁄2 217 4.40 speed in the 40
2. Marshawn Lynch
California
5-11 215 17 career 100-yard games
3. Chris Henry
Arizona
5-11 230 Only 269 career carries
4. Antonio Pittman
Ohio State
5-101⁄2 207 14 touchdowns in 2006
5. Kenny Irons
Auburn
5-101⁄2 203 South Carolina transfer
6. Tony Hunt
Penn State
6-11⁄2 233 5.1-yard career average
7. Brian Leonard*
Rutgers
6-11⁄2 226 Three-time All-Big East
8. Brandon Jackson
Nebraska
5-91⁄2 210 Skipping senior season
9. Lorenzo Booker
Florida State
5-10 191 114 career receptions
10. Kolby Smith
Louisville
5-11 220 5.6 yards per carry in 2006
11. Dwayne Wright
Fresno State
5-111⁄2 228 1,462 rushing yards in 2006
6-1 243 23 touchdowns in 2005
Louisville
12. Michael Bush
Northern Illinois 5-71⁄2 186 52 career rushing TDs
13. Garrett Wolfe
14. Darius Walker
Notre Dame
5-10 206 109 career receptions
15. DeShawn Wynn
Florida
5-10 232 4.47 speed in the 40
* – fullback. POSSIBLE FIRST-ROUNDERS: Peterson, Lynch.
THE BEST: Adrian Peterson, Oklahoma
Peterson became the first freshman running back in
Oklahoma history to achieve All-America acclaim when he
set a school rushing record with 1,925 yards in his only
healthy season in 2004. But he missed time in 2005 with a
sprained ankle and 2006 with a broken collarbone. He’s a
violent runner who gives and takes punishment. He’s been
compared to Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson.
LINEBACKERS
Need a linebacker? Better get him in the first three rounds —
and there are only 10 with first-day value. Little speed on board.
STRENGTH:
4
School
Ht. Wt. Notable
Rank, Player
1. Patrick Willis (M)
Mississippi
6-1 242 4.37 speed in the 40
2. Lawrence Timmons (O) Florida State 6-01⁄2 234 Team Defensive MVP
Miami
6-0 237 Skipping senior season
3. Jon Beason (O)
4. Paul Posluszny (M)
Penn State 6-11⁄2 238 Two Bednarik Awards
6-2 243 4.59 speed in the 40
Michigan
5. David Harris (M)
Nebraska
6-31⁄2 254 Degree in accounting
6 Stewart Bradley (O)
7. Justin Durant (M)
Hampton
6-01⁄2 230 18 double-figure tackle games
New Mexico 6-11⁄2 240 4.42 speed in the 40
8. Quincy Black (O)
9. Antwan Barnes (O)
Florida Intl. 6-01⁄2 240 4.43 speed in the 40
Florida State 5-9 239 Nickname is "Buster"
10. James Davis (M)
Oklahoma
6-01⁄2 228 101 tackles in 2006
11. Rufus Alexander (O)
12. Stephen Nicholas (O) South Florida 6-1 232 45 career starts
Penn State 6-11⁄2 236 Michigan state sprint champ
13. Tim Shaw (O)
14. Prescott Burgess (O) Michigan
6-3 240 Broke up 13 career passes
6-11⁄2 241 Skipping senior season
Florida
15. Brandon Siler (M)
POSSIBLE FIRST-ROUNDERS: Willis, Timmons, Beason, Posluszny.
THE BEST: Patrick Willis, Mississippi
Willis was a two-year starter, a two-time All-Southeastern
Conference performer and SEC Defensive Player of the Year
in 2006. He led the SEC in tackles both seasons. He played
most of 2005 with a cast on his right hand to protect a broken finger. He's also played through a sprained knee and
foot and a shoulder separation in his career. The NFL loves
his ability, toughness and speed.
9. Miami, Amobi Okoye, DT, Louisville: DL Kevin Carter a salary-cap casualty.
10. Houston, Darrelle Revis, CB, Pitt: Texans must play Colts twice each year.
11. San Francisco, Adam Carriker, DE, Nebraska: DE Bryant Young aging fast.
12. Buffalo, Leon Hall, CB, Michigan: CB Nate Clements left in free agency.
13. St. Louis, Robert Meachem, WR, Tennessee: Speed to complement WRs.
14. Carolina, Patrick Willis, MLB, Mississippi: Morgan’s concussions a concern.
15. Pittsburgh, Ben Grubbs, G, Auburn: Soft with retirement of G Jeff Hartings.
16. Green Bay, Marshawn Lynch, RB, Cal: RB Ahman Green left in free agency.
WIDE RECEIVER
You can find a major-college producer with up-side in every
round. There could be as many as six in the first round.
STRENGTH:
10
Rank, Player
School
Ht. Wt. Notable
1. Calvin Johnson
Georgia Tech
6-5 239 Biletnikoff Award winner
2. Robert Meachem Tennessee
6-1 214 4.39 speed in the 40
3. Ted Ginn Jr.
Ohio State
5-11 178 Skipping his senior season
4. Dwayne Bowe
LSU
6-2 221 26 career TD receptions
5. Anthony Gonzalez Ohio State
6-0 193 Best slot WR in draft
6. Dwayne Jarrett
Southern Cal
6-4 219 12 touchdowns in 2006
7. Sidney Rice
South Carolina 6-31⁄2 200 72 catches in 2006
8. Steve Smith
Southern Cal 5-111⁄2 197 1,083 receiving yards in 2006
9. Craig Davis
LSU
6-1 207 141 career catches
10. Jason Hill
Washngton St. 6-0 1⁄2 204 18.3-yard career average
11. Yamon Figurs
Kansas State
5-11 174 4.30 speed in the 40
6-2 199 4.38 speed in the 40
12. Laurent Robinson Illinois State
6-21⁄2 210 5 career TDs on kick returns
Lane
13. Jacoby Jones
14. David Clowney
Virginia Tech
6-0 188 4.36 speed in the 40
15. Johnnie Lee Higgins UTEP
5-11 186 15 touchdowns in 2006
POSSIBLE FIRST-ROUNDERS: Johnson, Meachem, Ginn, Bowe, Gonzalez, Jarrett.
TIGHT ENDS
Rank, Player
School
Ht.
1. Greg Olsen
Miami
6-51⁄2
2. Zach Miller
Arizona State
6-4
3. Ben Patrick
Delaware
6-3
4. Matt Spaeth
Minnesota
6-7
5. Scott Chandler
Iowa
6-7
6. Martrez Milner
Georgia
6-31⁄2
7. Daniel Coats
BYU
6-21⁄2
8. Michael Allan
Whitworth
6-6
9. Kevin Boss
Western Oregon 6-61⁄2
10. Clark Harris
Rutgers
6-51⁄2
11. Dante Rosario
Oregon
6-3
6-2
12. Derek Schouman Boise State
6-4
13. Anthony Pudewell Nevada
14. Brent Celek
Cincinnati
6-4
15. Joe Newton
Oregon State
6-7
POSSIBLE FIRST-ROUNDERS: Chandler, Miller.
A dozen cornerbacks could be picked on the first day; all but
three of them have run a 4.39-second 40 or better.
7
School
Ht. Wt. Notable
Rank, Player
1. Leon Hall
Michigan
5-11 193 4.39 speed in the 40
2. Darrelle Revis
Pittsburgh
5-111⁄2 204 Skipping season season
Texas
6-01⁄2 193 Thorpe Award winner
3. Aaron Ross
4. Chris Houston
Arkansas
5-91⁄2 185 4.32 speed in the 40
5-101⁄2 192 Southern Cal transfer
UNLV
5. Eric Wright
Maryland
5-9 189 Also returns kickoffs
6. Josh Wilson
7. Jonathan Wade
Tennessee
5-10 195 4.36 speed in the 40
6-01⁄2 203 Forced 4 career fumbles
8. Marcus McCauley Fresno State
9. Kenny Scott
Georgia Tech 6-01⁄2 179 159 career tackles
5-10 190 Lott Trophy winner
10. Daymeion Hughes California
Kent State
5-11 196 4-year starter
11. Usama Young
12. A.J. Davis
N.C. State
5-10 193 Broke up 33 career passes
Alabama State 6-01⁄2 190 Arkansas transfer
13. Michael Coe
14. Fred Bennett
South Carolina 6-01⁄2 196 3-year starter
5-101⁄2 190 Broke up 23 career passes
Texas
15. Tarell Brown
POSSIBLE FIRST-ROUNDERS: Hall, Revis, Ross, Houston.
THE BEST: Leon Hall, Michigan
Hall set Michigan records for passes defended in a season
(18 in 2006) and career (43). He erased the records of former teammate Marlin Jackson, a recent first-round draft
pick of the Indianapolis Colts. The records “weren’t a goal,
but it was something in the back up my mind,” Hall said. “I
just wanted to realize my potential and reach it.” Mission
accomplished.
Wt.
257
256
252
270
270
252
257
255
252
261
244
247
250
255
257
1
Notable
4.51 speed in the 40
56 catches in 2004
Transfer from Duke
Mackey Award winner
1,467 career receiving yards
16.4-yard career average
Converted wide receiver
29 career touchdowns
1,590 career rec. yards
5 career 100-yard games
Converted linebacker
47 catches in 2006
Four-year starter
Two-time captain
7 touchdowns in 2006
THE BEST: Greg Olsen, Miami (Fla.)
There are a handful of tight ends in this draft the size of
Olsen (6-51⁄2, 257). But there are none with his speed. This
is one of the slowest tight end classes in recent years, with
Olsen the only prospect who runs under a 4.6. But he’s a
cut below Jeremy Shockey and Kellen Winslow, who also
came out of Miami. Olsen is an elite receiver, but a subpar
blocker.
Johnson may have the most talent and cleanest character
of any player to come into an NFL draft this decade. He
started three seasons at Georgia Tech and became the first
three-time All-ACC selection in school history. Now, he’s
skipping his senior season to turn pro. He leaves Tech with
school records for receiving yards (2,927), touchdowns (28)
and 100-yard games (13).
STRENGTH:
STRENGTH:
Lack of speed has produced a lack of depth at the tight end position. Stocked with slow receivers and developmental blockers.
THE BEST: Calvin Johnson, Georgia Tech
CORNERBACKS
17. Jacksonville, Reggie Nelson, S, Florida: Deon Grant left in free agency.
18. Cincinnati, Alan Branch, DT, Michigan: Injects 325 pounds into run defense.
19. Tennessee, Ted Ginn Jr., WR, Ohio State: Need kick returner; Pacman is out.
20. NY Giants, Levi Brown, OT, Penn State: LT Petitgout a salary-cap casualty.
21. Denver, Jarvis Moss, DE, Florida: Pass-rushing help arrives.
22. Dallas, Michael Griffin, S, Texas: Best special-teamer in the draft.
23. Kansas City, Joe Staley, OT, Central Michigan: Chiefs struggled in 2006.
24. N. England, Lawrence Timmons, OLB, Florida State: LB corps gets younger.
SAFETIES
STRENGTH:
Only twice in the last 25 drafts have as many as three safeties
gone in the first round. Four have first-round potential in 2007.
8
School
Ht. Wt. Notable
Rank, Player
1. LaRon Landry
LSU
6-01⁄2 213 4.36 speed in the 40
2. Reggie Nelson
Florida
5-11 198 4.35 speed in the 40
Texas
5-111⁄2 202 364 career tackles
3. Michael Griffin
4. Brandon Meriweather Miami (Fla.)
5-101⁄2 195 4.47 speed in the 40
5-11 203 7 interceptions in 2006
Utah
5. Eric Weddle
Syracuse
6-0 195 Converted CB
6. Tanard Jackson
7. Gerald Alexander
Boise State
6-0 210 Converted CB
Oregon State
6-21⁄2 224 4.47 speed in the 40
8. Sabby Piscitelli
9. Michael Johnson
Arizona
6-21⁄2 205 Former JUCO All-America
6-4 223 Converted LB
Virginia Tech
10. Aaron Rouse
Washington
6-11⁄2 202 Converted CB
11. Dashon Goldson
12. Marvin White
TCU
6-1 199 4.47 speed in the 40
Washington State 5-11 204 100 tackles in 2006
13. Eric Frampton
14. John Wendling
Wyoming
6-1 222 18 career interceptions
6-11⁄2 206 Recovered 6 career fumbles
15. Chinedum Ndukwe Notre Dame
POSSIBLE FIRST-ROUNDERS: Landry, Nelson, Griffin, Meriweather.
THE BEST: LaRon Landry, LSU
What's not to like about Landry? He can run (4.36 40),
catch (12 career INTs) and tackle (315 in his career). He also
has the pedigree. His brother Dawan was a fifth-round pick
of the Baltimore Ravens last season and started at safety
as a rookie on the NFL’s No. 1-ranked defense. Landry also
brings experience. He led the team in tackles three times
and was a two-time All-SEC selection.
13
25. NY Jets, Aaron Ross, CB, Texas: Can’t have enough ballhawks in the AFC.
26. Philadelphia, Jon Beason, OLB, Miami: Eagles must replace all three LBs.
27. New Orleans, Justin Harrell, DT, Tennessee: NFL’s 23rd-ranked run defense.
28. New England, Brandon Meriweather, S, Miami: Cover safeties hard to find.
29. Baltimore, Dwayne Bowe, WR, LSU: Ravens get younger, better on flank.
30. San Diego, Paul Posluszny, MLB, Penn State: Edwards salary-cap casualty.
31. Chicago, Greg Olsen, TE, Miami: Another weapon for QB Rex Grossman.
32. Indianapolis, Anthony Gonzalez, WR, Ohio State: Stokley left town.
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN
You have to go back to 2002 to find the last draft where more
than four OLs were picked in first round. This year, six could go.
STRENGTH:
9
Rank, Player
School
Ht. Wt. Notable
1. Joe Thomas (T)
Wisconsin
6-61⁄2 311 Outland Trophy winner
2. Levi Brown (T)
Penn State
6-51⁄2 323 4-year starter
3. Joe Staley (T)
Cent. Michigan 6-51⁄2 306 Allowed 1 sack last 2 years
4. Ben Grubbs (G)
Auburn
6-21⁄2 311 Converted tight end
5. Ryan Kalil (C)
Southern Cal
6-21⁄2 299 Two-time All-Pac 10
6. Arron Sears (G)
Tennessee
6-3 319 Two-time All-SEC
7. Tony Ugoh (T)
Arkansas
6-5 301 Holds school shot-put record
8. Justin Blalock (G) Texas
6-3 320 Three-time All-Big 12
9. Ryan Harris (T)
Notre Dame
6-41⁄2 305 4-year starter
10. Andy Alleman (G) Akron
6-4 305 Transferred from Pitt
11. Doug Free (T)
Northern Illinois 6-6 324 Academic All-MAC
6-21⁄2 302 Captain and team MVP
N.C. State
12. Leroy Harris (C)
13. Jermon Bushrod (T) Towson State 6-41⁄2 315 4.92 speed in the 40
14. James Marten (T) Boston College 6-71⁄2 309 Started at guard and tackle
15. Allen Barbre (G)
Mo. Southern
6-4 300 4.84 speed in the 40
POSSIBLE FIRST-ROUNDERS: Thomas, Brown, Staley, Grubbs, Kalil, Sears.
THE BEST: Joe Thomas, Wisconsin
No lineman in this draft combines the academic and athletic excellence that Joe Thomas does. He was a finalist for
the Wuerffel Trophy (academic, athletic and community
service) and the Draddy Award (academic Heisman). On
the field, he won the Outland Trophy as the best down lineman in college football and the Parker Award as the best
blocker.
SPECIALISTS
The NFL hasn’t drafted a deep snapper in two years, did not use a
first-day pick on a kicker or punter in 2006. That should continue.
STRENGTH:
2
School
Ht. Wt. Notable
Rank, Player
1. Michael Griffin (KB) Texas
5-111⁄2 202 Blocked 8 career punts
2. Ted Ginn Jr. (KR)
Ohio State
5-11 178 8 TDs on kick returns
Kansas State 5-11 174 14.6 yard PR avg. in ’06
3. Yamon Figurs (KR)
4. Jacoby Jones (KR)
Lane
6-21⁄2 210 3 kick-return TDs in ’06
6-21⁄2 229 2-time Ray Guy Award
5. Daniel Sepulveda (P) Baylor
Texas
6-3 259 Blocked 6 kicks
6. Brian Robison (KB)
7. Justin Medlock (K)
UCLA
5-111⁄2 201 Three-time All-Pac-10
Utah
5-11 203 4.48 speed in the 40
8. Eric Weddle (H)
9. Mason Crosby (K)
Colorado
6-1 212 11 career 50-yard FGs
6-01⁄2 239 4-year snapper
UTEP
10. Aaron King (DS)
Maryland
5-10 202 43.1-yard career average
11. Adam Podlesh (P)
12. Daniel Francis (KC) LSU
5-101⁄2 191 4.41 speed in the 40
6-2 253 Also plays DT
13. Tully Janszen (DS) Texas
LEGEND: K-kicker; P-punter; KB-kick blocker; KR-kick returner; DS-deep snapper;
KC-kick coverage; H-holder on placements.
POSSIBLE FIRST-ROUNDERS: Griffin, Ginn.
THE BEST: Michael Griffin, Texas
If Michael Griffin weren’t projected as a first-round safety,
he might have projected as a first-day selection just as a
special teamer. He led Texas as a freshman with 21 special
teams tackles and went on to block a school-record eight
punts in his career. That ranks second in NCAA history.
Griffin also returned six career punts for a 20.7-yard average.