ESPN INsider - Todd McShay Mock Draft 1-9-07

[JAXwithanX]

Thought ya'll might be interested

1. Oakland Raiders (2-14)

Projected pick: +JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU
Russell vs. Brady Quinn? Let the great debate begin. Most teams have Quinn ahead of Russell, but Raiders owner Al Davis could fall in love with Russell's size and deep arm.

2. Detroit (3-13)

Projected pick: Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame
The Lions will be stoked if Quinn falls to them at No. 2. Wouldn't it be great, though, if Matt Millen takes another wide receiver (Calvin Johnson) with this pick?

3t. x-Cleveland (4-12)

Projected pick: +Alan Branch, DT, Michigan
The Browns want Russell with this pick, but they'll settle for a 330-pound playmaker to help solidify Romeo Crennel's three-man defensive front.

3t. x-Tampa Bay (4-12)

Projected pick: +Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech
The Bucs have other more pressing needs, but coach Jon Gruden can't pass on the draft's most dynamic offensive weapon.

5. Arizona (5-11)

Projected pick: Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin
As usual, the Cardinals are a prime candidate to trade down. They should get lots of bidders if Thomas -- the only elite offensive lineman in this class -- is still available.

6. Washington (5-11)

Projected pick: Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson
Adams is a no-brainer for a Redskins defense that set a team record for the fewest sacks in a season (19) in 2006.

7. Minnesota (6-10)

Projected pick: +Jamaal Anderson, DE, Arkansas
It's hard to believe the Vikings still need defensive end help, but Erasmus James suffered a season-ending injury in the opener and Kenechi Udeze failed to notch a sack. Anderson is the complete package physically and he should capitalize on 13.5 sacks as a junior in 2006.

8. Houston (6-10)

Projected pick: +Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma
Peterson is expected to make his decision to bolt for the NFL in the next few days. Drafting Peterson here would help to overshadow the Texans' colossal mistake of passing on Reggie Bush with the top overall pick last year.

9. Miami (6-10)

Projected pick: Leon Hall, CB, Michigan
The Dolphins could consider QB Brian Brohm with this pick, but they also could go the free-agency route in order to get short-term relief. Hall would be a good value here and would help upgrade a patchwork secondary.

10. Atlanta (7-9)

Projected pick: LaRon Landry, S, LSU
Landry is a ball-hawk free safety who would instantly upgrade the athleticism of the Falcons secondary.

11. San Francisco (7-9)

Projected pick: +Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
Dorsey might not fall this far, but the 49ers certainly wouldn't protest such a scenario. Dorsey is a disruptive force as a one-gap penetrating interior lineman.

12. Buffalo (7-9)

Amobi Okoye, DT, Louisville
Projected pick: The Bills have more pressing needs, including cornerback and middle linebacker. However, Okoye is a fast-rising 19-year-old with great potential.

13. St. Louis (8-8)

Projected pick: Adam Carriker, DE, Nebraska
Carriker, a quick and powerful 290-pound defensive end, could be a good complement opposite DE Leonard Little.

14. Carolina (8-8)

Projected pick: +Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville
The Panthers need help at middle linebacker, left tackle, safety and tight end, but it also might be time to address life after QB Jake Delhomme. If Brohm elects to leave school early, he should be taken somewhere between picks No. 10 and 20.

15. Pittsburgh (8-8)

Projected pick: Quentin Moses, DE/OLB, Georgia
Moses' stock is dropping after a subpar senior year, but it will spike once he works out at the combine next month.

16. Green Bay (8-8)

Projected pick: +Marshawn Lynch, RB, Cal
QB Brett Favre could help maximize Lynch's explosiveness and versatility if they're working in the same backfield in 2007.

17. Jacksonville (8-8)

Projected pick: +Ted Ginn Jr., WR/RS, Ohio State
Ginn Jr. has a tough decision to make after injuring his ankle in the first quarter of the BCS title game. Assuming he turns pro, the Jaguars could use his speed. Despite spending first-round picks on the position in 2004 (Reggie Williams) and 2005 (Matt Jones), no Jaguar finished in the NFL's top 50 in catches.

18. Cincinnati (8-8)

Projected pick: Tank Tyler, DT, N.C. State
Tyler had a monster season as a senior, and his combination of power and quickness would help upgrade the Bengals' ailing defensive front.

19. Tennessee (8-8)

Projected pick: +Dwayne Jarrett, WR, USC
Jarrett is a dynamic playmaker with extraordinary hand-eye coordination, but he might not run well enough to land a spot in the top 15. However, the former Trojans receiver could make quite a team with the former Longhorns quarterback (Vince Young) in Tennessee.

20. N.Y. Giants (8-8)

Projected pick: +Darrell Revis, CB, Pittsburgh
The Giants must upgrade their cover-corner situation, and Revis displays the athleticism and ball skills to fit their needs. Revis will compete for the second cornerback taken behind Hall in this year's class.

21. Denver (9-7)

Projected pick: Daymeion Hughes, CB, Cal
The tragic passing of Darrent Williams will force the Broncos to re-evaluate their personnel needs this offseason.

22. Dallas (9-7)

Projected pick: +Reggie Nelson, S, Florida
Nelson, a speedy center fielder with excellent ball skills, would provide an ideal complement next to hard-hitting S Roy Williams.

23. Kansas City (9-7)

Projected pick: +Sidney Rice, WR, South Carolina
Rice's draft stock could fluctuate greatly depending on his postseason workouts. Assuming he grades out as a late first-round prospect, the Chiefs would welcome his pass-catching services on the perimeter.

24. y-New England (from Seattle)

Projected pick: +Jarvis Moss, DE/OLB, Florida
Moss is an undersized pass-rushing end who would fit well as an outside linebacker in the Patriots' 3-4 defensive scheme. Plus, Bill Belichick obviously has a thing for Gators players.

25. y-N.Y. Jets (10-6)

Projected pick: Kenny Irons, RB, Auburn
Irons' draft stock is plummeting after a disappointing senior campaign. However, don't be surprised if he works his way back into the first round by running well and checking out physically at next month's combine. The Jets might be desperate enough to take a gamble.

26. y-New Orleans (10-6)

Projected pick: Marcus McCauley, CB, Fresno State
The Saints need lots of help on defense, and selecting McCauley would be a step in the right direction. McCauley is raw but he's also a 6-foot-1 cornerback with 4.3-second speed in the 40-yard dash.

27. y-Philadelphia (10-6)

Projected pick: +Lawrence Timmons, OLB, Florida State
Timmons is unpolished, but he's a big hitter with great speed for his size.

28. y-New England (12-4)

Projected pick: Jeff Samardzija, WR, Notre Dame
Samardzija could easily slip out of the first round due to his desire to play both baseball (Cubs) and football professionally. The Patriots should be "in the know" thanks to their old buddy Charlie Weis.

29. y-Indianapolis (12-4)

Projected pick: Patrick Willis, ILB, Ole Miss
The Colts' run defense was abysmal during the regular season, so drafting a one-man wrecking crew like Willis makes a lot of sense with this pick. Willis notched 265 tackles during his final three seasons at Ole Miss.

30. y-Chicago (13-3)

Projected pick: Levi Brown, OT, Penn State
Brown could slip after a disappointing senior season, but it's still tough to find a tackle with his combination of size and agility.

31. y-Baltimore (13-3)

Projected pick: LaMarr Woodley, DE/OLB, Michigan
The Ravens could use a youth influx at linebacker, and Woodley would be a good fit thanks to his experience playing in a similar hybrid 3-4/4-3 defensive scheme at Michigan.

32. y-San Diego (14-2)

Projected pick: Dwayne Bowe, WR, LSU
A young weapon like Bowe at wide receiver could take an already-potent Chargers offense to the next level.

[kiwitexansfan]

That guy lost when he started with the whole colossal mistake passing on RB line.

Get over it.

We improved 4 wins, had a much improved defense and have something on defense to be excited about in the future.

Not excited about taking Peterson at 8. Secondary and DL even OL are higher priorities in my book.

[Texas_Thrill]

Hell he mean COLOSSAL? Did he watch our defense the last year? The defense that gave up TWO 200 YARD RUNNING GAMES!!!!

Peterson does not make up for Bush. They are two different backs and I'm not willing to chance a top 10 pick on a MAYBE player.

[threetoedpete]

Actually I thought it was a prety good mock. Micheal Bush...J E T S.jets, jets, jets.

Yes and the press picked VY over Maurice Jones-Drew for OYOR. Go figgure. They'll figure it out eventually.

EYE popping:
Ginn Jr to the Jags.
Where'd Marshawn GO ?
Calvin Johnson to the Bucs.
The Wolf Cherry pickin' Moss & Samard.z.i.j.a. at the end of round 1.

[DatTexBoy]

Originally Posted by kiwitexansfan

That guy lost when he started with the whole colossal mistake passing on RB line.

Get over it.

We improved 4 wins, had a much improved defense and have something on defense to be excited about in the future.

Not excited about taking Peterson at 8. Secondary and DL even OL are higher priorities in my book.

I hate when you give your opinion that people try to rip you for not being a fan or that because it's negative it isn't valid...get over your self kiwi

[joedinkle]

Originally Posted by DatTexBoy

I hate when you give your opinion that people try to rip you for not being a fan or that because it's negative it isn't valid...get over your self kiwi

I agree with that, but that's not where his anger is coming from. Almost every mock draft(not on this site) has us taking Peterson. It's like everyone took it personally that we didn't take Bush. As if we ruined their life plan.

[ESAD2-14]

Originally Posted by DatTexBoy

I hate when you give your opinion that people try to rip you for not being a fan or that because it's negative it isn't valid...get over your self kiwi

I think you need to re-read his post (Kiwi) again, slowly. I agree with what Kiwi said, who ever authored that article , probably needs to pull their head out of RB's crack. I however would not mind if the Texans drafted A. Peterson, or DB, or OL, or LB, or DL. So many areas that need to be addressed. I bet I can predict one thing though, that not everyone that is a Texans "fan" or FAN will be saitisfied come draft day.

[BigBull17]

Originally Posted by Texas_Thrill

Hell he mean COLOSSAL? Did he watch our defense the last year? The defense that gave up TWO 200 YARD RUNNING GAMES!!!!

Peterson does not make up for Bush. They are two different backs and I'm not willing to chance a top 10 pick on a MAYBE player.

Peterson is the better back than Bush, a combination of power and speed we havent seen in a while. Bush is more of a WR than a back. I like the pick if hes there, but I dont see him being around at 8th.

[sprtsfanatic]

Originally Posted by BigBull17

Peterson is the better back than Bush, a combination of power and speed we havent seen in a while. Bush is more of a WR than a back. I like the pick if hes there, but I dont see him being around at 8th.

Neither do I....I'd be very surprised if he makes it to the 6th spot...

[TexansCanes]

Originally Posted by threetoedpete

Actually I thought it was a prety good mock. Micheal Bush...J E T S.jets, jets, jets.

Yes and the press picked VY over Maurice Jones-Drew for OYOR. Go figgure. They'll figure it out eventually.

EYE popping:
Ginn Jr to the Jags.
Where'd Marshawn GO ?
Calvin Johnson to the Bucs.
The Wolf Cherry pickin' Moss & Samard.z.i.j.a. at the end of round 1.

I don't think CJ goes to the bucs either. they should take thomas to make sure simms doesn't rupture another organ. the jags taking another pass catcher is strange but i guess someone needs to catch the ball for them. i have a feeling that the browns are going to make a push to get Jamarcus at some point before the draft.

[kastofsna]

chris simms isn't the future there, they're not going to draft a tackle because of him. if calvin johnson is there, there's no way that gruden doesn't draft him. simple.

[GanadoUHCoog]

are you guys kidding me?

Adrian Peterson is a special special player.
If he is there at #8 we have to take him

[AustinJB]

Originally Posted by GanadoUHCoog

are you guys kidding me?

Adrian Peterson is a special special player.
If he is there at #8 we have to take him

I agree, but what you probably don't realize is that most of the people on these MBs have not seen what AP can do.

They haven't had his highlight reels shoved down their throats for 6 straight months....like Bush's were. EVERYONE saw Bush's highlight reels, probably not so much w/ AP.

Hey, that's a good idea. Can anyone post some of AP's highlight reels? His runs are awesome! (although I didn't like them at the time b/c some of them were against Texas)

[TexansCanes]

Originally Posted by kastofsna

chris simms isn't the future there, they're not going to draft a tackle because of him. if calvin johnson is there, there's no way that gruden doesn't draft him. simple.

it depends on the cointoss but i just don't see CJ falling out of the top three and there o-line is horrible. yeah, i don't think simms' future is very bright but why did the bucs give him an extension then? you live in tampa so you probably know a lot more about the situation then I do. caddy is still there and he needs some holes to run through. unless the raiders fall in love with JaMarcus (which very well could happen), i could see oakland swap picks with the browns and take johnson with the three. it doesn't matter though because at this point mock drafts are pointless.

kastofsna, did Jason Allen do anything this year or did his injury slow him down?

[DatTexBoy]

If Peterson survives the Browns he SHOULD be a Houston Texan...plain and simple...unless of course there is another Mario Williams we don't know about...I think last year's draft has everyone on pins and needles when it comes to the Texans first pick...

Ever since Babin...the first pick has been cursed...I think
skipped on D Johnson to select T Johnson then well we all know what happened...not a knock on Mario whom I feel will show why is he was considered first five talent...I loved his heart this year...playing hurt and all...but I can't say I would be mad if we select another D-lineman even though I would love to get Adrian Peterson or LaRon Landry with a trade down...

[kastofsna]

Originally Posted by TexansCanes

it depends on the cointoss but i just don't see CJ falling out of the top three and there o-line is horrible. yeah, i don't think simms' future is very bright but why did the bucs give him an extension then? you live in tampa so you probably know a lot more about the situation then I do. caddy is still there and he needs some holes to run through. unless the raiders fall in love with JaMarcus (which very well could happen), i could see oakland swap picks with the browns and take johnson with the three. it doesn't matter though because at this point mock drafts are pointless.

kastofsna, did Jason Allen do anything this year or did his injury slow him down?

simms was signed to a deal that's very easy to move, so he's probably going to be traded. i hear the cowboys and raiders want him. both make sense. gruden has never really liked him and simms doesn't fit his offense at all.

allen never started but when he was on the field he played very well. saban kept him on the bench too long; our safety play was abysmal before he started seeing the field.

[Insideop]

Originally Posted by AustinJB

I agree, but what you probably don't realize is that most of the people on these MBs have not seen what AP can do.

They haven't had his highlight reels shoved down their throats for 6 straight months....like Bush's were. EVERYONE saw Bush's highlight reels, probably not so much w/ AP.

Hey, that's a good idea. Can anyone post some of AP's highlight reels? His runs are awesome! (although I didn't like them at the time b/c some of them were against Texas)

It's hard to have "highlight reels" when you're on the sideline with a broken collar bone!

[Second Honeymoon]

AP will be chosen before #8. Just wait till he has his private workout and/or combine workout. He will turn some heads no doubt. As will Calvin Johnson. CJ is far and away the most impact player in this draft with AP a close second.

As a Texans fan, I would be elated if AP fell to #8 but the pick would justifiably be met with some skepticism, myself included. He has a lot of wear and tear on those tires courtesy of Stoops and AP's own heart and drive to win. I think it would be a great pick but risky like any other early drafting of a skill position player. I also think it would go a long way towards making up for them pashing on Bush/VY last year. I love Mario, but it was a bad pick at this point in time. no doubt about it.

Texans Wish List - In Order

1. Joe Thomas
2. Calvin Johnson
3. Gaines Adams
4. Leon Branch
5. Adrian Peterson
6. Leon Hall
7. Brady Quinn
8. DaMarcus Russell
9. Jake Long
10. LaRon Landry

If they get anyone on that list in my Top5 we will have had a great draft....Top 10 a good draft.

The writer Todd McShay got something wrong though. I don't think there is anyway in hell that both Quinn and Russell are taken #1 and #2. No way in hell. It is in the Texan's interest for it to fall that way though. It could help a Branch, Adams, or AP fall to us at #8 if it shakes out like that.

Doug From The Woodlands

[beerlover]

Originally Posted by Second Honeymoon

Texans Wish List - In Order

1. Joe Thomas
2. Calvin Johnson
3. Gaines Adams
4. Leon Branch
5. Adrian Peterson
6. Leon Hall
7. Brady Quinn
8. DaMarcus Russell
9. Jake Long
10. LaRon Landry

If they get anyone on that list in my Top5 we will have had a great draft....Top 10 a good draft.

The writer Todd McShay got something wrong though. I don't think there is anyway in hell that both Quinn and Russell are taken #1 and #2. No way in hell. It is in the Texan's interest for it to fall that way though. It could help a Branch, Adams, or AP fall to us at #8 if it shakes out like that.

Doug From The Woodlands

a good gm should take the bpa in the 1st rd. especially the top 10, so if that is your top 10 (Long is not coming out this year) you need to put them in that kind of order, not just what the Texans need. should look something like this-

1. Calvin Johnson
2. JaMarcus Russell
3. Adrian Peterson
4. Brady Quinn
5. Joe Thomas
6. Gaines Adams
7. Alan Branch
8. Leon Hall
9. LeRon Landry
10. Ted Ginn Jr.

[Second Honeymoon]

Originally Posted by beerlover

a good gm should take the bpa in the 1st rd. especially the top 10, so if that is your top 10 (Long is not coming out this year) you need to put them in that kind of order, not just what the Texans need. should look something like this-

1. Calvin Johnson
2. JaMarcus Russell
3. Adrian Peterson
4. Brady Quinn
5. Joe Thomas
6. Gaines Adams
7. Alan Branch
8. Leon Hall
9. LeRon Landry
10. Ted Ginn Jr.

In all honesty, my mock was pretty much a BPA rating other than having Joe Thomas over Calvin Johnson. I am not that high on JaMarcus Russell, Brady Quinn, or Ginn Jr. but if a Quinn or a Russell is there at #8 we have to take a hard look at one of those guys or possibly trade the pick and trade down for more volume.

I thought the word on the street was that Jake Long was coming out. If not, you can replace his name with Levi Brown or Glenn Dorsey.