The NFL Draft Live Wire 12/30/06

Anyone else dreaming of Hawaiian sunshine? Well, the NFL is. In a surprising turn of events, record breaking NCAA quarterback, Colt Brennan, from the University of Hawaii, has received a first round projection from the NFL's Draft Advisory Board. Brennan completed the best statistical season in NCAA history this year with his efficient passing. I had him ranked in the 15-20 range of the quarterbacks, but obviously I was way off. I do base a nice portion of my projections off of the NFL Draft Advisory Board's projections, as they are in the "know," but I am really surprised with this one. Of course, the Board has not always been right but I didn't think this kid had a chance to get drafted if he declared.

Here is the twist; If Brennan returns for his senior season at Hawaii, he is expected to be Darren McFadden's (Arkansas) main competition for the Heisman Trophy and the 2008 first overall selection. I am concerned with the transition he will have to make from a run-and-shoot passer to a conventional signal caller. He is considered a great leader though. He will definitely make a splash in my positional rankings as I was scouting and digging for information when I came across this breaking news about Colt Brennan. At 6-3, 190 lbs., he will need to bulk up a little as he doesn't want to enter the league like Ken Dorsey did several years back. He has single-handedly shook up my draft board.

Also, I have an Adarius Bowman update. He will return for his senior season at Oklahoma State. Bowman will be expected to be a first or second round selection in next year's draft.

Before I wrap up this edition, expect to see LaMarr Woodley (LB, Michigan), Glenn Dorsey (DT, Louisiana State), and Marcus Thomas (DT, Florida) to start shooting up draft boards.

The Latest Mock...

1. Detroit Lions - RB Adrian Peterson, Oklahoma (6-2, 218) Adrian Peterson will resolve any doubt about the seriousness of Kevin Jones lis franc injury. This is Matt Millen's last chance to actually have a good draft. Peterson is the safest pick as he has no serious injury history and could impact this offense from the first time the whistle blows week 1 in 2007.
2. Oakland Raiders - OT Joe Thomas, Wisconsin (6-8, 313) If Art Shell does return, he knows that he has the reigns and needs to build an offensive line first. Their defense is top-notch but the offense is bad and Joe Thomas would be a nice foundation to build upon and could actually affect Robert Gallery's play if he shuffles the line around. Thomas' two knee surgeries concern me though.
3. Cleveland Browns - QB Brady Quinn, Notre Dame (6-4, 227) With a quarterback controversy right around the corner, Quinn, with the Belichick-Weiss-Crennel connection, will be a nice compliment to a franchise looking for its first franchise quarterback since Bernie Kosar. Cleveland has a lot of holes but will not pass up on this situation. Quinn will also fill the seats in Cleveland.
4. Tampa Bay Bucs - DE Gaines Adams, Clemson (6-5, 260) Simeon Rice probably played his last game for Tampa Bay and they will need a true, young pass rusher to rebuild this defense around.
5. Arizona Cardinals - CB Leon Hall, Michigan (5-11, 194) There is little depth at cornerback for the Cardinals. They can't pass on the best defensive back in the draft, even if he isn't a safety. Leon Hall has also drawn comparisons to Champ Bailey.
6. Houston Texans - QB JaMarcus Russell, Louisiana State (6-6, 260) David Carr will be shown the door, probably a year too late, but with him leaving, the big boy Russell will step in and his connections to the Houston area through Hurricane Katrina provide Texans' fans with a glimpse of hope for the future.
7. Washington Redskins - WR Calvin Johnson, Georgia Tech (6-5, 235) Dan Snyder will finally get a go-to receiver for his young quarterback Jason Campbell. While the Redskins' needa viable second option, Johnson could fill in as the first option and make the trade for Brandon Lloyd look like the nonsense it was.
8. Minnesota Vikings - WR Dwayne Jarrett, Southern Cal (6-5, 210) - If Jarrett comes out, the Vikings will not pass on him, but if he stays in school, they will take Sidney Rice here. With no true first or second option at the wide-out position, Tarvaris Jackson needs someone that he knows he can depend on.
9. San Francisco 49ers - DT Alan Branch, Michigan (6-6, 331) The 49ers do not have any impact defensive lineman after the aging Bryant Young. Branch's stock continues to soar as he is the best inside pass rusher and run defender in this draft.
10. Miami Dolphins - CB Daymeion Hughes, California (6-2, 188) Miami's secondary showed signs of hope this year, but at other times, they were picked apart by a signal caller named J.P. Losman. Hughes is a true corner that focuses on the coverage rather than the highlight reel. He has great hands and won't have a problem snatching interceptions.
11. St. Louis Rams - OLB Paul Posluszny, Penn State (6-2, 238) The Rams haven't had an impact linebacker for a while now. With no true starters in this corps, I look for the Rams to build this group up with Posluszny and possibly another linebacker in round 3 or 4.
12. Atlanta Falcons - DT Amobi Okoye, Louisville (6-1, 317) Grady Jackson is ancient and the other two tackles that you can name are overrated. This line has the potential to be a great one and the young Okoye will give it some character.
13. Carolina Panthers - QB Troy Smith, Ohio State (6-1, 215) Even Romeo Crennel said that height doesn't determine how good a quarterback can be. Drew Brees and Tarvaris Jackson are two recent starting quarterbacks that were knocked for their height. Jake Delhomme is all but gone and Smith will get the chance to connect with Steve Smith on an everyday basis.
14. Green Bay Packers - RB Marshawn Lynch, California (5-11, 217) Ahman Green is most likely a goner, and you know with Vernand Morency and Noah Herron, that the Packers will look for their next franchise running back. Lynch is a monster and will fill this void effectively.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers - OT Levi Brown, PennState (6-5, 328) There is no question about this call here. With age and turmoil on this offensive line, the Rooney's need someone to protect their franchise quarterback. Look no further than this backyard hero.
16. New York Giants - CB Darrelle Revis, Pittsburgh (6-0, 200) The Giants have plenty of holes to fill but if they want to compete against the other teams in the NFC, they will need a cornerback to check ball with the likes of Terry Glenn, Reggie Brown, Donte Stallworth, and Santana Moss.
17. Buffalo Bills - WR Sidney Rice, South Carolina (6-4, 202) Buffalo looks like they do have their franchise quarterback but he has only one true option to look for downfield. The Bills do not have many holes really, and may be on the verge of turning the corner as a franchise. If they could grab this mutant wide receiver, they should extend McGahee's contract immediately because they will wreak havoc for years in the AFC East.
18. New England Patriots (from Seattle) - ILB Patrick Willis, Ole Miss (6-2, 240) The linebackers in Foxboro are aging and Belichick will look for a classy, humble team orientated player to be the next in line.
19. Kansas City Chiefs - WR Ted Ginn, Jr., Ohio State (6-0, 180) Eddie Kennison is getting up their in years and Samie Parker is all but gone. The Chiefs haven't had a legitimate threat at wide out since Sly Morris' rookie year. Ginn has also talked about playing corner back as well. Since he can return kicks, is he the next Deion Sanders or Tyrone Calico?
20. Jacksonville Jaguars - OLB Earl Everett, Florida (6-3, 234) Clint Ingram needs someone to push him and Mike Peterson is starting to get gray hair and wrinkles. Everett is an impact pass rusher that is solid in zone coverage.
21. Cincinnati Bengals - DT Quinn Pitcock, Ohio State (6-3, 295) The Bengals have a lot of holes to fill and they need to start bringing in guys without character issues. Pitcock is a Buckeye and a class act that is strong in run defense.
22. Tennessee Titans - DE Quentin Moses, Georgia (6-5, 257) The defensive line needs a young anchor. Albert Haynesworth won't be back after his accolades and Kyle Vanden Bosch is hurt more than he is healthy.
23. Dallas Cowboys - S LaRon Landry, Louisiana State (6-2, 202) Dallas needs a safety that can do more than just make a big hit. They need one that can cover and help efficiently in run defense. Landry is a freak at safety but is regarded as a mutant because he covers like a corner.
24. New York Jets - CB Aaron Ross, Texas (6-1, 192) Justin Miller was a pleasant surprise but this secondary is still very vulnerable. Ross is one of the more renown cornerbacks and will immediately play a role in turning this secondary around.
25. Philadelphia Eagles - DE Victor Abiamiri, Notre Dame (6-4, 270) With Kearse's injury history and the inconsistencies of Darren Howard, the Eagles will look for another young end to compliment sack master Trent Cole.
26. Denver Broncos - S Reggie Nelson, Florida (6-1, 193) Denver does not need much but they could draft a safety to eventually replace John Lynch. Nelson is a good safety that really never received the respect he deserved in the fast paced SEC.
27. New Orleans Saints - DT Frank Okam, Texas (6-5, 315) The Saints have had trouble getting pressure from up the middle. Okam is a big boy that has quick hands and feet. He shouldn't have a problem penetrating in spite of his size.
28. New England Patriots - S Tom Zbikowski, Notre Dame (6-0, 210) It is no secret that Rodney Harrison is getting old and hurt more often. Zbikowski has great character and fortitude. His presence would automatically be felt in this locker room as well.
29. Indianapolis Colts - I/OLB H.B. Blades, Pittsburgh (6-0, 240) Cato June is probably playing his last season as a Colt and after him, their isn't any depth. This linebacker's corps' play was horrid this year. Blades is a versatile linebacker that cruises in zone coverage.
30. Baltimore Ravens - OLB Rufus Alexander, Oklahoma (6-1, 230) With Adalius Thomas on his way out, the Ravens will look to replace him and some talented depth. Alexander is a strong linebacker that reminds me of Thomas as he has played safety before, but in high school.
31. Chicago Bears - OT Arron Sears, Tennessee (6-4, 320) The line is getting old and could use some valuable depth. This may not be the most pressing need but Chicago doesn't really have many pressing needs after injuries.
32. San Diego Chargers - ILB Buster Davis, Florida State (5-10, 240) I said it once, I will say it again. This pick makes perfect sense. Edwards and Godfrey are getting old and the Chargers will look for a young prospect to replace either of them eventually.

33. Detroit Lions - OT Joe Staley, Central Michigan (6-5, 300)

34. Oakland Raiders - OG Justin Blalock, Texas (6-4, 329)

35. Cleveland Browns - DT DeMarcus Tyler, North Carolina State (6-2, 305)

36. Tampa Bay Bucs - WR Dwayne Bowe, Louisiana State (6-3, 218)

37. Arizona Cardinals - OT Sam Baker, Southern Cal (6-5, 305)

38. Houston Texans - S Michael Griffin, Texas (6-0, 205)

39. New York Jets (from Washington) - DE Adam Carriker, Nebraska (6-6, 295)

40. Minnesota Vikings - CB Antoine Cason, Arizona (6-0, 182)

41. San Francisco 49ers - WR Steve Smith, Southern Cal (6-0, 195)

42. Miami Dolphins - OLB Juwan Simpson, Alabama (6-3, 222)

43. St. Louis Rams - DT Brandon Mebane, California (6-3, 295)

44. Atlanta Falcons - CB Tanard Jackson, Syracuse (6-1, 193)

45. Carolina Panthers - TE Zach Miller, Arizona State (6-5, 259)

46. Green Bay Packers - CB Marcus McCauley, Fresno State (6-1, 205)

47. Pittsburgh Steelers - OLB Stewart Bradley, Nebraska (6-4, 250)

48. New York Giants - RB Antonio Pittman, Ohio State (5-11, 195)

49. Buffalo Bills - OT Ryan Harris, Notre Dame (6-5, 292)

50. Seattle Seahawks - S John Wendling, Wyoming (6-1, 222)

51. Kansas City Chiefs - DT Justin Harrell, Tennessee (6-4, 300)

52. Jacksonville Jaguars - OG Ben Grubbs, Auburn (6-3, 318)

53. Cincinnati Bengals - S Eric Weddle, Utah (6-0, 200)

54. Tennessee Titans - TE Greg Olsen, Miami, Fl. (6-5, 252)

55. Dallas Cowboys - OT Jake Long, Michigan (6-7, 313)

56. New York Jets - RB Tony Hunt, Penn State (6-2, 230)

57. Philadelphia Eagles - S Brandon Meriweather, Miami, Fl. (6-0, 195)

58. Denver Broncos - RB Kenny Irons, Auburn (5-11, 200)

59. New Orleans Saints - CB Fred Bennett, South Carolina (6-1, 198)

60. New England Patriots - WR Jeff Samardzija, Notre Dame (6-5, 218)

61. Indianapolis Colts - DT Marcus Thomas, Florida (6-3, 296)

62. Baltimore Ravens - QB Brian Brohm, Louisville (6-4, 224)

63. Chicago Bears - DT Kareem Brown, Miami, Fl. (6-5, 315)

64. San Diego Chargers - WR Rhema McKnight, Notre Dame (6-2, 212)

The NFL Draft Live Wire 12/29/06

Despite the rumors that Michael Bush is behind in his rehabilitation from a broken leg this past summer, the standout running back was working out lightly with his strength and conditioning coach while Louisville prepped for the Orange Bowl. As far as his attempt to enter the draft, head coach Bobby Petrino said that they are in contact with the NFL to see where he would go as of now. Bush has until January 15th to declare or he will be back in Louisville as a medical redshirt. In my opinion, Bush will not get a very high grade until he can prove he can plant and shift on his foot while running at 100%. It would be a drastic mistake if he declared for the 2007 NFL Draft.

Courtney Taylor, a prime wide receiver prospect from Auburn, will play in the 2007 Senior Bowl. I wasn't quite sure he made enough noise to inherit such an invitation and can project him as a round 5 or later pick.

Beware of the "Fearsome Foursome." Calvin Johnson, Sidney Rice, Ted Ginn Jr., and Dwayne Jarrett will be making a splash in an NFL city near you. This could be the deepest group of talented wide receivers the NFL Draft has ever seen.

Aside from the "Fearsome Foursome" and Adarius Bowman, another underclassman that is starting to make waves for himself, Robert Meachem from Tennessee is weighing his option for the NFL Draft. Meachem stood out among all wide-outs in 2006 with 1,265 yards and 11 touchdowns. He has great character and was raised on a farm as a kid. He works hard but won't blind you with lightning speed. If he does declare, I project him to be a first day prospect.

In a situation that I am following closely, Dan Connor, a junior linebacker from Penn State, was told to stay for his senior season by an NFL executive. Some critics think that Connor had a better season than teammate Paul Posluszny. Dan Connor was also told that if he returns for a senior season, he could land as a top ten pick in the 2008 NFL Draft. Stay in school kid.

Also, I have been keeping my eye on Maryland quarterback Sam Hollenbach. He is starting to creep up my draft board. At 6-4, 214 lbs, I have read a ton of good things on this kid but he throws to many picks in gun-slinging fashion. I am currently trying to get some video footage of this kid.

Before I wrap this up, junior Lawrence Timmons from Florida State has declared for the NFL Draft making the total number of underclassmen to declare at 7 for now.

2006 Fantasy Rewind

WARNING --- This commentary is not for those that are fruitful in their avoidance of honesty.

"He broke the plane of the goal line! Frank Gore does it again, his second score of the day, Holey Moley!"

That's what it sounded like week 1 when Mike Nolan took the leash off of Frank Gore and he scored two touchdowns against the Cardinals while amassing 170 total yards. Was this a sign of things to come or just a one week hit or miss experience? If you were on my side of the field, you expected this from Frank Gore. If not, this was a pleasant surprise. Well, nonetheless, Frank Gore has went on to win championships for many owners as he totaled 1,995 yards and reached paydirt 9 times in 16 weeks. Frank Gore had an average draft position in the fourth round, but performed like a top five selection. He showed no ill-effects from two shoulder surgeries in the off-season also. He erased any doubt that anyone could have had on what he could do behind that average offensive line. With that said, Frank Gore has won my Fantasy Stud of the Year Award for 2006.

Yeah, yeah, why does Frank Gore get it but LaDainian Tomlinson, Larry Johnson, or Drew Brees don't get it? Tomlinson and Johnson were expected to put up the numbers they did. That's why they were drafted in the top three of every fantasy draft in the world. As for Drew Brees, he didn't get it because he likely cost many owners their league championships with piss-poor performances weeks 15 and 16.

As for some of the other players that I was high on that delivered, Lee Evans, Maurice Jones-Drew, and Kellen Winslow delivered week in and week out. As for Dominic Rhodes, Reuben Droughns, Randy Moss, and DeAngelo Williams, the outlook for these three wasn't as good as it did in the preseason. I made some good calls on the Dolphins trio, Culpepper, Brown and Chambers, as well as Cedric Benson and Willie Parker (on the road). I made some bold weekly calls, including a near perfect call on a horrid Chad Johnson performance, only to miss the next week with Ocho Cinco. Overall, I am satisfied with the product that I delivered to you, the fan, the reader, and the critic.

As for disappointments, I will not mention Daunte Culpepper, as I had him ranked #21 overall in my final projections. Clinton Portis, due to injuries, was a huge disappointment. I thought that he had the potential to finish as a top three running back this season. Ladell Betts worked his way in and made Portis look like an afterthought. Antonio Bryant was a huge disappointment for me. After becoming only the fifth wide receiver in Browns history to eclipse 1,000 yards receiving, I thought that the Bryant to San Francisco would prove to be a steal. Even though I didn't put him in my final top ten projections, I did believe he would finish as a top ten receiver at the end of the year. Wow, what a miss on that one.

I am also disappointed in Domanick Davis and his degenerative knee. From 2003 to 2005, Davis was fifth in total yardage among all, I am serious, all running backs that had started a minimum of 11 games. The potential he once hosted was tremendous.

Within the last few years, guys like Lee Suggs, Drew Bennett, and Samkon Gado have become late season fantasy legends. Ron Dayne has just joined the huddle. Yes, I did say that the wheels to his bandwagon where flat and the gears were stuck in neutral. What do you know? He made me eat my words with a 153 yard and 2 touchdown performance.

Back in August, a roster that consisted of Donovan McNabb, Carnell Williams, Edgerrin James, Randy Moss, Santana Moss, Chris Chambers and Heath Miller would have been deemed unstoppable, loaded, or even perfect. 16 weeks later, a team that consisted of Michael Vick, Travis Henry, Ahman Green, Laveraneus Coles, Joey Galloway, and Desmond Clark would have a better shot at winning a league championship than the aforementioned roster.

If you think that injuries cost you any chance at winning your league championship, try fielding a competitive team with DeShaun Foster, Donte Stallworth, Greg Jennings, and Matt Hasselbeck. Due to injuries, my roster had more drops than Terrell Owens. Who would have thought I would need to depend on Brett Favre, Dominic Rhodes, and Mike Furrey to make my playoff push.

Negativity is a lot easier to focus on than the positive things that may have occurred in 2006. As for the positive, let me begin with the rebirth of Ahman Green, Fred Taylor, and Travis Henry. We also can't downplay the emergence of Vince Young, into a rare, rookie stud in fantasy football. Jeff Garcia, Tony Romo, Jay Cutler, and J.P. Losman emerged into solid #2 fantasy quarterbacks that could be depended on depending on the match-up. Andre Johnson re-emerged into the all pro, fantasy stud wide receiver he is. Kellen Winslow finally delivered and Carson Palmer made a miraculous comeback. The true, sincere story of 2006 was the emergence of the New Orleans as a fantasy powerhouse. When healthy, Joe Horn was a good start. When he wasn't, you could count on either Devery Henderson or Terrance Copper. As usual, Reggie Bush, Deuce McAllister, and Marques Colston were good, if not great starts week in and week out. Drew Brees, well, there are not enough words to describe his turn around into a top 2 fantasy quarterback. There is no better way in ending this 2006 fantasy rewind in mentioning the New Orleans Saints.

Drew Brees also was the steal of the century.

Oh before I do go let me leave on an interesting note. Of the participants from the Philip Rivers-Eli Manning draft day trade, Eli Manning is the only one not going to the 2006 NFL Pro Bowl. Shawn Merriman, Nate Kaeding, and Rivers himself will all be on vacation in Hawaii for the pro football all-star game. Now, you tell me, who is the winner in that one? If I mention the records of the two franchises involved in the trade, that is just like smearing one's head in defecation.

God bless, as things can only get better in 2007. Have a Happy New Year.