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Round 1

1. Oakland - QB JaMarcus Russell, Louisiana State (6-6, 260) Obviously, the Raiders need a lot of help on the offensive side of the ball but when a rebuilding team needs to rebuild again, they will start with a quarterback. Owner Al Davis is big on the advancement of minorities in sports. Russell has raw potential that hasn't been tapped yet. Russell will play a nice role in the downfield passing attack, as well as providing nice touch on the leather when needed. He is the physical monster that Oakland usually pursues.
2. Detroit - OT Joe Thomas, Wisconsin (6-8, 313) Let the heated debates begin. No, the quarterback talk in Detroit is not a smokescreen. Jon Kitna will be the man in 2007, and if he slips up, the developing Dan Orlovsky will fill in for him. Thomas is the safest pick here for the resiliently bad Matt Millen. It is time for an overhaul in Detroit and Thomas will help lead the way. He is also being considered a better prospect than D'Brickashaw Ferguson from last year.
3. Tampa Bay (pending coin flip with CLE) - WR Calvin Johnson, Georgia Tech (6-5, 235) The Buccaneers need help on the defensive side of the ball. Calvin Johnson stands out here though and he will give Chris Simms or Bruce Gradkowski an immediate threat anywhere on the field. Johnson has all of the physical tools to be an on-the-field prototype of Terrell Owens. His character is a polar opposite of Owens' as well. Get used to punching his name in on the Pro Bowl ballot.
4. Cleveland (pending coin flip with TB) - DT Alan Branch, Michigan (6-6, 331) Many homers will be pulling for a Brady Quinn selection but the clock is ticking on the Romeo Crennel regime. They have no time to waste in starting over with a rookie quarterback. Charlie Frye is an adequate project when healthy and the offensive line should be recovered from injuries next year. Branch fills in a mandatory hole at nose tackle. Ted Washington is sweating dirt after a series and there is no depth behind him.
5. Arizona - DE Jamaal Anderson, Arkansas (6-6, 280) The more I see of Anderson, the more I like. He was the best defensive end in college football this year and has leaped Gaines Adams. You might think Mario Williams was worthy last year, but Williams' senior season is nothing compared to Anderson's junior campaign. Anderson racked up 13.5 sacks this year as well.
6. Washington - DE Gaines Adams, Clemson (6-5, 260) Adams is an outstanding athlete who can get pressure off of the ball in a way that no other Redskin end could in 2006. He is almost as disruptive as Jamaal Anderson but could develop into a perennial nightmare on the field. Philip Daniels is looking like he won't be anything more than a journeyman in the NFL also. Adams is an immediate upgrade over Daniels.
7. Minnesota - S LaRon Landry, Louisiana State (6-2, 202) Darren Sharper is still a good safety but he is ten years deep into the league. He will also be a free agent after 2007. While the Vikings need a defensive end, they could trade down into the �teens to acquire Charles Johnson, but that is a reach. They also need a wide receiver but as I came to find out, Brad Childress was a leading factor in keeping the Eagles away from first round wide-outs, even though they dismissed the notion when they snatched Fred Mitchell. Landry provides insurance and adds quality depth before it is missed. He is a ballhawk that will challenge Sharper for his starting gig.
8. Houston - RB Adrian Peterson, Oklahoma (6-2, 218) Peterson probably shouldn't fall this far but it is likely he will. This Texas native turned Sooner will provide an extra dimension in the backfield. If Domanick Williams (the former Davis) can return to health, this duo could turn into a 1-2 punch that most will regret facing. Peterson will need to prove he can be a pass catcher and he needs to improve his blocking.
9. Miami - QB Brady Quinn, Notre Dame (6-4, 227) New head coach Cam Cameron is great in developing quarterbacks. From Antwaan Randle-El in college to Gus Frerotte in his Pro Bowl season (1997), Cameron knows his passers. He has a big decision to make concerning Daunte Culpepper but when Brady Quinn falls into his lap, that decision on Culpepper will be a lot easier.
10. Atlanta - WR Dwayne Jarrett, Southern Cal (6-5, 210) The Falcons history with wide receivers in the first round isn't very good and the selection of Jarrett would be their 3^rd wide-out in four first rounds. In order for Bobby Petrino's offense to run effectively, he will need an impact wide receiver that can hold on to the ball. Jarrett might have a problem selling his routes but his major concern should be with who is at quarterback.
11. San Francisco - CB Leon Hall, Michigan (5-11, 194) Like I said before, Walt Harris is a solid cornerback but Shawntae Spencer is overrated. Hall will fill a void in the defensive backfield. He is quick off the ball and uses his eyes effectively. He is quick enough to hang with anyone but will need safety support at times.
12. Buffalo - RB Marshawn Lynch, California (5-11, 217) Willis McGahee has worn out his welcome in Buffalo and is expected to be moved before the 2007 season kicks off. He is also entering the last year of his contract. The Bills offense is catching up to most of the better teams in the league and Lynch will provide them with the running attack McGahee once provided. First Travis Henry, now McGahee. What is it with running backs in Buffalo?
13. St. Louis - DT Amobi Okoye, Louisville (6-1, 317) The Rams need help at both linebacker and defensive tackle but drafting Okoye here is a win-win situation. They get a guy that will be the youngest player in the NFL, and he is also a great prospect for the Rams defense, as he is strong enough to help solidify their run defense.
14. Carolina - WR Ted Ginn, Ohio State (6-0, 180) Even though I don't expect to see Keyshawn Johnson departing, Keary Colbert has worked his way out of a job. The Panthers need a lot of help at linebacker but they also need a legitimate threat opposite of Steve Smith. This offense lacked intensity and hopefully Ginn will help rejuvenate this group of athletes.
15. Pittsburgh - OT Levi Brown, Penn State (6-5, 328) With help needed at guard, center, and tackle, the Steelers can't go wrong with the best offensive lineman in this draft. Although it seems appropriate for Pittsburgh to draft out of their backyard, but their largest weakness is with the protection of Ben Roethlisberger.
16. Green Bay - CB Darrelle Revis, Pittsburgh (6-0, 200) The Packers lack a legitimate shut down corner opposite of Al Harris. Charles Woodson has had a great career but the nursing home motorcade is about to arrive. Considering who he will be facing within the NFC North, Revis could step in and leave 2007 with a great rookie season.
17. Jacksonville - S Reggie Nelson, Florida (6-1, 193) The Jaguars do not expect to see Deon Grant back next year so they must look to add some solid depth. Nelson is a true playmaker in the backfield. He reminds me of a more athletic John Lynch. He will hit hard and take names. The Jaguars would love for an offensive playmaker to land here also.
18. Cincinnati - OLB Lawrence Timmons, Florida State (6-3, 230) The Bengals failed to acquire one sack from their left outside linebackers in 2006. They lack a presence at defensive tackle but with what little they have in Rashad Jeanty, there is no way that Marvin Lewis can pass on Timmons here.
19. Tennessee - WR Sidney Rice, South Carolina (6-4, 202) With Drew Bennett's expired contract and no new deal in the works, the Titans will need to reload at wide receiver despite needing help at defensive end as well. This is a coin flip between Rice and Charles Johnson. Rice plays like Drew Bennett as his speed is questionable but his playmaking ability is better.
20. N.Y. Giants - OLB Paul Posluszny, Penn State (6-2, 238) The Giants have a ton of issues but most importantly, they need help at linebacker. LaVar Arrington's injury may have cost him his career production-wise and Brandon Short has done nothing spectacular lately. Posluszny is a freak and he will prove to anyone that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover.
21. Denver - DE Charles Johnson, Georgia (6-2, 270) Charles Johnson hopped over his team mate Quentin Moses when he declared for the draft. Johnson acquired 5 more sacks than Moses in 2006. The Broncos lack a true playmaking pass rusher and Johnson will provide them with stability. Johnson and Elvis Dumervil will give Denver a great set of book-ends and a strong hope for the future.
22. Dallas - OG Justin Blalock, Texas (6-4, 329) With more questions than answers, Jerry Jones doesn't have the luxury of passing on Blalock here. At the end of the day, whether it is a tackle, guard, or center, Blalock may be the best offensive lineman prospect in this draft. He would have been a late first rounder last year and will be one again this year.
23. Kansas City - DT DeMarcus Tyler, North Carolina State (6-2, 305) The Chiefs need a pure defensive tackle that is strong in penetrating betweens the trenches. Tank Tyler is a brutal force inside and will compliment the ends well. A guy like Tyler will even make the linebackers look good. If he can stay in good shape and not get lazy, he could remind some people of what they hoped for in Ryan Sims.
24. New England (via SEA) - ILB Patrick Willis, Ole Miss (6-2, 240) Willis is a top 15-type player that will be pleased to hear his name announced in conjunction with the New England Patriots. The Patriots group in the middle is starting to age and Banta-Cain is slated to be a free agent. Willis is versatile enough to play on the outside in the 3-4 as well, even though he might get outmatched most of the time.
25. N.Y. Jets - CB Marcus McCauley, Fresno State (6-1, 205) When they brought in some new defensive backs, most of them were ageless wonders with little left. Rumors are already circulating of an Eric Mangini-Asante Samuel reunion in the Big Apple. Never count out McCauley though. He is a class act and can make plays from the outside or nickel position.
26. Philadelphia - DE Jarvis Moss, Florida (6-6, 251) Face it, Jerome McDougle is a bust and Jevon Kearse can't stave off injuries. Darren Howard is too inconsistent and Trent Cole is an emerging star. The Eagles need help at linebacker, safety, and defensive end but at this point, they can not pass on Moss, a true athlete that will swim around any tackle in the NFC East.
27. New Orleans - CB Aaron Ross, Texas (6-1, 192) Fred Gibson's post-season performance is a strong reminder to Sean Payton that the Saints need a quality cornerback. Ross is an underrated corner that didn't start until his senior year but he did win the Jim Thorpe Award. Daymeion Hughes slide will create enough value for Ross to push him into the first round.
28. New England - CB Chris Houston, Arkansas (5-11, 188) The Patriots will need to replace Asante Samuel, and who better to replace him with than a fast-rising confident cover corner from Arkansas. Houston will step in immediately and start over Ray Mickens.
29. Baltimore - OLB Jon Beason, Miami, Fl. (6-0, 238) The Ravens will need to find a replacement for Adalius Thomas. Jon Beason isn't as athletic as Thomas but he will fit the mold of the typical Raven linebacker. Beason plays more like Bart Scott and could have an immediate impact next to Ray Lewis.
30. San Diego - WR Robert Meachem, Tennessee (6-3, 210) The Chargers need someone that can not only spread the field but someone who can hold on to the rock. Meachem reminds me of a Keenan McCardell in his prime and will compliment the aging McCardell as soon as he steps onto the field.
31. Indianapolis - OLB Earl Everett, Florida (6-3, 234) The Colts could go with DT Quinn Pitcock here but Pitcock is not very effective in the run defense department. The Colts have some key free agents at linebacker and those guys underachieved so it is likely they could land Earl Everett here. Everett is a hard-nosed athlete with a knack for getting into the backfield.
32. Chicago - TE Zach Miller, Arizona State (6-5, 259) The Bears need help on the offensive line and at tight end but they might not have the opportunity to pass on a guy like Zach Miller. Miller's numbers rivaled Todd Heap's in college and Miller has drawn the knack to prove his is more versatile than Heap was in college. Desmond Clark is average but Miller possesses the ability to make big plays like Jeremy Shockey or Antonio Gates.

Round 2

1. Oakland - OT Tony Ugoh, Arkansas (6-5, 329) This selection helps solidify the worst offensive line in football.
2. Detroit - DE Quentin Moses, Georgia (6-5, 257) Cory Redding will now be a full-time tackle so they need to replace him.
3. Tampa Bay - DT Quinn Pitcock, Ohio State (6-3, 295) The Bucs need a presence up the middle and Pitcock will be their guy.
4. Cleveland - OG Ben Grubbs, Auburn (6-3, 318) The Browns need to upgrade their line despite efforts to do so last year.
5. Arizona - OT Arron Sears, Tennessee (6-4, 320) This is a no-brainer here. Sears is versatile enough to challenge at guard or tackle.
6. N.Y. Jets (via WAS) - RB Tony Hunt, Penn State (6-2, 230) His projected 4.60 forty is killing his value but he will push the 4.50 barrier at the combine. Compliments Washington.
7. Minnesota - WR Dwayne Bowe, Louisiana State (6-3, 217) The Vikings need a true warrior at wide receiver.
8. Houston - S Brandon Meriweather, Miami, Fl. (6-0, 195) He is an immediate upgrade over C.C. Green and Glenn Earl.
9. Miami - OLB/S Michael Okwo, Stanford (6-0, 225) Okwo is rising fast on draft boards and he will replace Spragan or play safety.
10. Atlanta - RB Michael Bush, Louisville (6-3, 247) Petrino will continue to push this offense into a major overhaul.
11. San Francisco - DE/OLB LaMarr Woodley, Michigan (6-2, 274) Woodley will be Manny Lawson's compliment for years to come.
12. Buffalo - OG Marshal Yanda, Iowa (6-4, 305) An upgrade for the offensive line is much needed.
13. St. Louis - OLB Rufus Alexander, Oklahoma (6-1, 230) A linebacker has been needed for the last decade. Maybe Alexander will be that guy that have always pursued.
14. Carolina - ILB Buster Davis, Florida State (5-10, 240) You are looking at a first round value replacing Dan Morgan from the second round.
15. Pittsburgh - CB Daymeion Hughes, California (6-2, 188) Hughes has great hands and covers well enough for the 3-4 blitz package.
16. Green Bay - RB Antonio Pittman, Ohio State (6-1, 220) Pittman will be the next franchise running back for the Cheeseheads.
17. Jacksonville - ILB Brandon Siler, Florida (6-2, 235) Mike Peterson needs a replacement and the Gator will fill in nicely.
18. Cincinnati - TE Greg Olsen, Miami, Fl. (6-5, 252) Olsen will provide another dimension to this passing attack.
19. Tennessee - DE Adam Carriker, Nebraska (6-6, 295) While some have Carriker going to Tennessee in the first, I have him falling in their laps in the second.
20. N.Y. Giants - CB Josh Wilson, Maryland (5-9, 187) The Giants still lack depth at corner and could do better with Wilson than with what they have.
21. Denver - CB Fred Bennett, South Carolina (6-1, 198) Bennett is not fiercely physical but is an upgrade over Domonique Foxworth.
22. Dallas - S Michael Griffin, Texas (6-0, 205) Griffin's value is taking a slide like Dustin Fox's in 2005.
23. Kansas City - QB Troy Smith, Ohio State (6-1, 215) The Chiefs can't be sold on Brodie Croyle and Trent Green is turning into Kurt Warner.
24. Seattle - OT Joe Staley, Central Michigan (6-5, 300) They need to replenish their offensive line with some talent.
25. N.Y. Jets - DE Victor Abiamiri, Notre Dame (6-4, 270) He plays like John Abraham from the edge but it wouldn't hurt to bulk up.
26. Philadelphia - S Aaron Rouse, Virginia Tech (6-4, 221) A true ballhawk that plays defenders well, will compliment Dawkins well.
27. New Orleans - DT Justin Harrell, Tennessee (6-4, 300) He provides a conditioned upgrade over out-of-shape Hollis Thomas.
28. New England - WR Anthony Gonzalez, Ohio State (6-0, 193) Gonzalez is a true compliment to this passing attack that doesn't need a #1.
29. Baltimore - OT Doug Free, Northern Illinois (6-7, 302) Jonathan Ogden will need replaced and Free has the frame to do so.
30. San Diego - ILB H.B. Blades, Pittsburgh (6-0, 240) He will be the heir-apparent to either Donnie Edwards or Randall Godfrey.
31. Tampa Bay (via IND) - DE Ikaika Alama-Francis, Hawaii (6-5, 285) This guy lives in the offensive backfield.
32. Chicago - OLB Stewart Bradley, Nebraska (6-4, 250) Bradley is a monster and will probably improve his stock even more.