Bodog Live - NFL Draft

Every draft has a player that could affect the entire first round, this year it's Georgia Tech WR Calvin Johnson.

April 26, 2007

By Carlisle Richards
Bodog Nation Contributing Writer

When it comes to drama, lies, and surprises (if not sex) the NFL Draft has the makings of a soap opera.

Every year, it takes only one trade, one rumor, or one unforeseen pick to change the plans of every team on the board. In 2006, it was the Texans’ decision to take defensive end Mario Williams over Heisman running back Reggie Bush that affected picks two through 32.

This year, the draft’s pendulum seems to swing on the Owens-Harrison-Moss pass-catcher from Georgia Tech - Calvin Johnson.

Although most analysts feel the Raiders are a lock to select LSU QB JaMarcus Russell No. 1, rumors persist they are shopping for a veteran QB instead so they can draft Johnson.

Others say that’s just a scam to take trade interest away from the Lions, who’ve been dangling their No. 2 pick in front of teams with a man-crush on the receiver. There’s even been rumors that Johnson’s admittance to marijuana use was leaked so teams picking below No. 10 could have a shot at him.

So who or what should you believe? Take it from us, play draft rumors like a game of Survivor - trust no one. But if you’re looking for a glimpse into how things could go down on Saturday, April 28 at New York City’s Radio City Music Hall, Bodog Nation has a mock draft to help you paint a clearer picture:

1. Oakland Raiders Select: JaMarcus Russell, LSU Quarterback (NFL Draft Odds: -275)

The Raiders need a QB too badly to pass on a player dubbed a Daunte Culpepper/John Elway sandwich. Although there is significant bust potential surrounding his work ethic and leadership, his freakish 6-5, 256-pound frame and elephant-gun arm make a perfect match for a franchise looking to regain their larger-than-life reputation. Also, look for the Raiders to take a hard look at Calvin Johnson for trade bait or to play opposite Randy Moss.

2. Detroit Lions Select: Calvin Johnson, Georgia Tech Wide Receiver (NFL Draft Odds: EVEN)

Now relax Lions fans, this is a trade pick. The Buccaneers and Falcons seem to have the best shot at trading up for Johnson, but if the Lions don’t get the offer they want don’t think GM Matt Millen won’t keep his fourth first-round receiver in five years. With the size (6-5, 235) of Terrell Owens, the speed (4.34 40 time) of Randy Moss, and the personality of Marvin Harrison, Johnson is too good to pass up for nothing.

3. Cleveland Browns Select: Brady Quinn, Notre Dame Quarterback (NFL Draft Odds -130)

Oklahoma runner Adrian Peterson is a strong contender for this spot, but running back can be addressed in later rounds and head coach Romeo Crennel has shown tremendous interest in the Notre Dame prospect. Quinn should thrive with young weapons TE Kellen Winslow and WR Braylon Edwards at his disposal.

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Select: Gaines Adams, Clemson Defensive End (NFL Draft: Odds +125)

With Gaines Adams drafted the Bucs can move forward with finding a way to trade up for Johnson. If it doesn’t work out the Bucs will use Adams as their future star on an aging D-line.

5. Arizona Cardinals Select: Joe Thomas, Wisconsin Tackle (NFL Draft Odds: -150)

The only piece missing from this Colts-like offense is an offensive tackle to move the chains on the run and protect QB Matt Leinart on the pass. Thomas has the strength and quick feet to shore up Leinart’s blind side for years to come.

6. Washington Redskins Select: Amobi Okoye, Louisville Defensive Tackle (NFL Draft Odds: -150)

The Redskins set a franchise record with only 19 sacks on the season and ranking No. 27 against the run. If 6-2, 300-pound-plus Okoye reaches his potential he could be the beginning of a nasty front line in Washington.

7. Minnesota Vikings Select: LaRon Landry, LSU Safety (NFL Draft Odds: +250)

The Vikings need a WR since it appears third-year pro Troy Williamson is a flop. But it's too early to draft one here. Landry consistently blew up receivers at LSU and could have an Ed Reed-like impact on the Vikings defense.

8. Atlanta Falcons Select: Alan Branch, Defensive Tackle Michigan (NFL Draft Odds: Any Other Player +200)

If the Falcons can't find a way to grab Johnson, they can plug a big hole on the D-line with Patrick Kerney bolting for Seattle. Branch has the size (6-5, 307) to clog the run, and the speed (5.07 40-time) off the line to run down the quarterback.

9. Miami Dolphins Select: OT Levi Brown, Penn State Offensive Tackle (NFL Draft Odds: +140)

You could blame a lot of sacks on Daunte Culpepper’s gimpy knees and Joey Harrington being Joey Harrington, but overall the Dolphins lacked pocket protection. Brown is the second-best tackle in the draft and could cure those problems instantly.

10. Houston Texans Select: Adrian Peterson, Oklahoma Running Back (NFL Draft Odds: +265)

Is Reggie Bush still on the board? No? Then the Texans should address the position they could've taken care of last year, running back.

11. San Francisco 49ers Select: Adam Carriker, Wisconsin Defensive End

The Niners defense is going the 3-4 route under coach Mike Nolan. Carriker’s size (6-6, 296) and speed (4.90 40-time) give them the versatile DT/DE they need for the scheme.

12. Buffalo Bills Select: Patrick Willis, Ole Miss Linebacker

The Ray Lewis comparisons Willis has been garnering make him an easy pick for the Bills at No. 12 as they’re desperate for a solid middle linebacker after the loss of London Fletcher.

13. St. Louis Rams Select: Jamaal Anderson, Arkansas Defensive End

Although coach Scott Linehan tried to change their fun-and-gun philosophy last year, the Rams were still a terrible defensive squad. Anderson has the burst off the line to make an immediate impact in the Rams’ pass defense.

14. Carolina Panthers Select: Greg Olsen, Miami Tight End

A strong team on offense and defense, the Panthers only weakness seems to be at tight end. Olsen has the skills to be a great bail-out TE for QB Jake Delhomme.

15. Pittsburgh Steelers Select: Lawrence Timmons, Florida State Linebacker

With LB Joey Porter gone, Timmons has the burst and pursuit skills to replace him in Pittsburgh’s 3-4 defense.

16. Green Bay Packers Select: Marshawn Lynch, California Running Back

Ok, Ahman Green’s gone, so can you name one of Green Bay's current running backs? Lynch should solve that problem quickly as he will be a productive three-down back in the NFL.

17. Jacksonville Jaguars Select: Reggie Nelson, Florida Safety

If Nelson contributes the way he did at Florida, Jacksonville could be a contender in the AFC South.

The Jags could use a receiver on their roster that doesn’t have the size and speed of a TE, but instead they’ll bolster their secondary with a cover safety who was key to the Florida Gators’ BCS Championship run.

18. Cincinnati Bengals Select: Darrell Revis, Pittsburgh Cornerback

The Bengals are so good on offense they’re planning endzone dances already, so defense makes the most sense here. Not only will Revis help their secondary, he’ll be solid in the kick and punt return game as well.

19. Tennessee Titans Select: Ted Ginn Jr., Ohio State Wide Receiver

Vince Young is ready to break out in year two and all he needs is a target to throw the ball to. Ginn Jr. has the jets to go endzone every time he touches the ball and will also aid the Titans in the return game now that Pacman Jones is on an extended vacation.

The Tennessee Titans first round pick will be?

• Cornerback -105
• Wide Receiver -115
• Any Other Position +250

20. The New York Giants Select: Aaron Ross, Texas Cornerback

The G-Men need instant help on defense and Ross has the size, instincts and playmaking ability to make an impact right away.

The New York Giants first round pick will be?

• Offensive Player -105
• Defensive Player -135

21. Denver Broncos Select: Jarvis Moss, Florida Defensive End

Already solid at corner with the addition of Dre' Bly, if Moss is able to live up to the billing as the next Jevon Kearse, the Broncos will have a dangerous defensive squad.

22. Dallas Cowboys Select: Robert Meachem, Tennessee Wide Receiver

Terrell Owens may act like a child but he’s entering his 13th season in the NFL. Meachem may be the Cowboys' future No. 1.

The Dallas Cowboys first round pick will be?

• Cornerback -105
• Wide Receiver -110
• Any Other Position +180

23. Kansas City Chiefs: Dwayne Bowe, LSU Wide Receiver

Seriously, have the Chiefs ever had a solid receiver? Bowe should solve that problem. The prospect has a speed/power combo that compares him to Anquan Boldin.

24. New England Patriots Select: Paul Posluszny, Penn State Linebacker

Posluszny is a perfect fit for the Patriots brains-over-brawn approach to the linebacker position. He has outstanding instincts and the intangibles to be a starter on the Pats defense.

25. New York Jets Select: Leon Hall, Cornerback Michigan

The Jets are a team needy for a star corner. Leon Hall is just the cover corner they need.

The New York Jets first round pick will be?

• Offensive Player -105
• Defensive Player -135

26. Philadelphia Eagles Select: Brandon Meriweather, Florida Safety

The Eagles are pretty solid at all positions, however, it makes sense to move for a safety with starter Brian Dawkins pushing 34 years old and Sean Considine not a Pro Bowl caliber player.

27. New Orleans Saints Select: Justin Harrell, Tennessee Defensive Tackle

Now that New Orleans’ offense has weapons to go to war with anyone, the Saints can focus on defense. DT Justin Harrell has been shooting up draft boards since he regained full strength after two bicep tears his senior year.

28. New England Patriots Select: Michael Griffin, Texas Safety

With the Pats addressing the linebacker position at No. 24, they fill their safety need here. Griffin will become another solid piece of Bill Belichick’s puzzle.

29. Baltimore Ravens Select: Joe Staley, Central Michigan Offensive Tackle

With pro-bowl left tackle Jonathan Ogden about ready to retire, Staley’s quick feet and large frame fits the bill as his replacement.

30. San Diego Chargers Select: Dwayne Jarrett, USC Wide Receiver

Jarrett caught 16 TDs at USC his senior year.

Ignore the 4.60 40s, Jarrett has the size and hands to be a solid contributor at the NFL level. If anything, he’ll be a strong jump-ball threat in the endzone if Antonio Gates is doubled.

31. Chicago Bears Select: Jon Beason, Miami Linebacker

The Bears will be without linebacker Lance Briggs whether they trade him or not. That makes Beason the logical choice here.

32. Indianapolis Colts Select: Chris Houston, Arkansas Cornerback

He may be a little raw, but the Colts don’t get another draft choice until the third round. And with the loss of two starters in the secondary (CBs Jason David and Nick Harper) they'll need to address the cornerback position here.

The Indianapolis Colts first round pick will be?

• Offensive Player +300
• Defensive Player -500

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