Atomic Punk
Footballguy
Over the last few years, there have been between 3-5 trades in the first round and an equal number in the second, with the majority of the first round trades occurring in the latter half of the round. I do not expect this year to be any different and have projected a few interesting trades. Although in many cases a trade down is by far the best option for some teams (especially those at the top), the current draft chart that is used by most front offices limits the number of teams that can truly afford to make a deal.
1. Oakland Raiders – C. Johnson WR, Georgia Tech
The Raiders would love to trade down a few spots but will not be able to find any trade partners willing to pay the price. Al Davis has said recently that Russell reminds him of Elway and is also still kicking himself for not taking Leinart last year. Doesn’t matter! One thing about Al Davis is that he never shows his hand and he will not be able to pass on the best WR prospect to ever come out.
2. Detroit Lions – Brady Quinn QB, Notre Dame
The Lions are another team that is almost desperate to trade down but no other teams can afford the move. Quinn is the safer and more NFL-ready of the two QB prospects, and hopefully will make Lion fans forget about the Harrington years.
3. Cleveland Browns – JaMarcus Russell QB, LSU
Draft chatter has the Browns interested in just about everyone. The Browns really can’t screw this up since there are sure-fire can’t miss prospects at all of their positions of need. Thomas and Peterson are both tempting, but the Browns won’t pass on Russell.
4. Buffalo Bills – Adrian Peterson RB, Oklahoma
(To TB #12 and #43 / To BUF #4)
Tampa Bay was in a prime position to obtain additional picks with the Bills uncertain desperate for a stud at RB and uncertain about whether some other teams (Arizona, Houston, Minnesota) drafting in front of them might be interested in Peterson. TB slides down to a position that can still fill their needs and picks up an early 2nd. Levy has shown that he isn’t shy about making moves to grab the player he covets.
5. Arizona Cardinals – Joe Thomas OT, Wisconsin
I almost had the Dolphins moving ahead of the Cards into the TB slot to take Thomas, but he doesn’t fit the expected smash mouth kind of football that Cameron is expecting to install in Miami. The Cards on the other hand can play Thomas at LT or at RT to protect Leinart’s blind side.
6. Chicago Bears – Levi Brown OT, Penn State
(To WAS #37 and OLB Lance Briggs / To CHI #6)
I’m assuming the rumored trade will happen but the Bears will make Snyder pay with the #37. They may still consider trading back down after moving up, but for now I see Levi Brown being an excellent fit. The Bears o-line is aging and Brown is the type of mauler that will fit the Bears expected change to a more smash mouth running attack.
7. Minnesota Vikings – Gaines Adams DE, Clemson
I was toying with the idea of the Patriots making a move up to nab Leon Hall or LaRon Landry, but I the Vikings continue to have difficulty putting pressure on the opposing QB and cannot count on James to start the season. Adams will be a big boost to their pass rush and will hopefully help Udeze fulfill a little of his promise.
8. Atlanta Falcons – LaRon Landry S, LSU
This appears to be the consensus across most mocks and who am I to argue. Landry is a stud and fits a big need for the Falcons.
9. Miami Dolphins – Amobi Okoye DT, Louisville
With the depth at WR, look for the Dolphins to fix the defense in round one and address the offense in round two. Okoye is moving up many draft boards and fills a big need in Miami with their defense aging.
10. Houston Texans – Leon Hall CB, Michigan
The Texans have a tough call with so many needs on both offense and defense. Leon Hall would be an excellent pairing with Robinson. I could also see another trade down for them to collect another day one pick.
11. San Francisco 49ers – Patrick Willis LB, Mississippi
The Niners are in a great position, as they could easily fill any of their immediate needs at this spot and could also go for a big NT (Branch), DE (Carriker) or WR (Meachem).
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Alan Branch DT, Michigan
(To BUF #4 / To TB #12 and #43)
His stock is dropping lately, but I do not think that the Bucs can pass on Branch to shore up their aging defense and provide an infusion of youth. The Tampa-2 defense is predicated on getting pressure and having a big body on the inside pushing the pile back will be able to help out immediately to free up the outside rush.
13. St. Louis Rams – Jamaal Anderson DE, Arkansas
The Rams have a few other needs so I wouldn’t be surprised if they passed on Anderson and went for Revis instead.
14. Carolina Panthers – Reggie Nelson S, Florida
The Panthers are one of the harder teams to predict this year. I could see them trade either up or down and thought they may make a move up for Willis. Nelson is as good a guess as any other.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers – Darrelle Revis CB, Pittsburgh
Revis has excellent size/speed ratio and fills a big need for the Steelers at CB.
16. Green Bay Packers – Marshawn Lynch RB, California
I originally had the Texans drafting Lynch, but I think the Turner option is plausible leaving Lynch for the Pack.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars – Adam Carriker DE, Nebraska
I mulled over the idea of Russell dropping past the Browns and the Jags making a play for him, but talked myself of it. The Jags have drafted offense skill position players three years running and need to get back to basics – running the football and solid defense.
18. Cincinnati Bengals – Lawrence Timmons LB, Florida State
I’d be surprised if the Bengals go with anything other than a LB or CB. Timmons will fill the void left by Pollack (injury) and Thurman (stupidity).
19. Tennessee Titans – Robert Meacham WR, Tennessee
The Titans could go either WR or CB here, as they have big needs at both spots.
20. New York Giants – Aaron Ross CB, Texas
Another team with a lot of needs and could go in many different directions.
21. New Orleans Saints – Paul Posluszny LB, Penn State
(To DEN #27 and #88 / To NO #21)
Denver can afford to drop a little in the first and the Saints jump in front of a few others that may be keen on the Butkus Award winner from Penn.
22. Oakland Raiders – Joe Staley OT, Central Michigan
(To DAL #33 and #65 / To OAK #22 and 4th round pick)
Kiffin knows he needs more talent on the o-line to give his QB a fighting chance. Staley has huge potential and is worth giving up the 3rd round pick to move up.
23. Kansas City Chiefs – Justin Harrell DT, Tennessee
The Chiefs are another team that could go in many different directions including WR and OT, but take the last potential difference maker at DT.
24. New England Patriots – Chris Houston CB, Texas
And the rich get richer. The Patriots get a steal with Houston dropping into their laps.
25. New York Jets – Greg Olsen TE, Miami
The Jets get burnt by the Patriots and lose out on their CB. Instead they get the best TE in the draft and Pennington a nice safety valve.
26. Philadelphia Eagles – Dwayne Bowe WR, LSU
The Eagles generally like to draft offensive or defensive linemen early, but the value isn’t there and Bowe will increase the talent level for McNabb.
27. Denver Broncos – Jarvin Moss DE, Georgia
(To NO #21 / To DEN #27 and #88)
Moss has similar traits to Elvis Dumervil, but Indy has shown that having two edge rushers can be effective. I also considered Ginn for his return abilities alone.
28. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Ryan Kalil C, Southern California
(To NE #35 and #68 / To TB #28)
Tampa Bay moves up to get the best center in the draft. NE adds cheap depth after spending on free agents.
29. Baltimore Ravens – Justin Blalock OG, Texas
Solid interior linemen are still available at the bottom of the first for the Ravens.
30. San Diego Chargers - Brandon Merriweather S, Miami
I think Turner stays in San Diego until after the draft if not the whole season and the Chargers use their 1st to continue to solidify the defense.
31. Chicago Bears – Jon Beason LB, Miami
I almost wrote down Greg Olsen, but the Bears will grab Briggs’ replacement instead.
32. Indianapolis Colts – Ted Ginn Jr. WR, Ohio State
The Colts get their slot receiver and kick returner to boot.
33. Dallas Cowboys – Tony Ugoh OT, Arkansas
(To OAK #22 and 4th round pick / To DAL #33 and #65)
34. Detroit Lions – Charles Johnson DE, Georgia
35. New England Patriots – Brian Leonard RB, Rutgers
(To TB #28) / To NE #35 and #68)
36. San Francisco 49ers – Dwayne Jarrett WR, Southern California
(To CLE #42 and 4th round pick / To SF #36)
37. Washington Redskins – Anthony Spenser DE, Purdue
(To CHI #6 / To WAS #37 and OLB Lance Briggs)
38. Arizona Cardinals – Arron Sears OG/OT, Tennessee
39. Atlanta Falcons – Tony Hunt RB, Penn State
40. Miami Dolphins – Drew Stanton QB, Michigan State
41. Minnesota Vikings – Craig Davis WR, LSU
42. Cleveland Browns – Ben Grubbs OG, Auburn
(To SF #36 / To CLE #42 and 4th round pick)
43. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Michael Griffin S, Texas
(To BUF #4 / To TB #12 and #43)
44. Atlanta Falcons – Sidney Rice WR, South Carolina
45. Carolina Panthers – Brandon Silar LB, Florida
46. Pittsburgh Steelers – Quentin Moses DE/OLB, Georgia
47. Oakland Raiders – LaMarr Woodley DE, Michigan
(To GB WR Randy Moss 2008 3rd round pick / To OAK #47)
48. Jacksonville Jaguars – Jason Hill WR, Washington State
49. Cincinnati Bengals – Daymeion Hughes CB, California
50. Tennessee Titans – Marcus McCauley CB, Fresno State
51. New York Giants – Steve Smith WR, USC
52. St. Louis Rams – DeMarcus Tyler DT, North Carolina State
53. Dallas Cowboys – Eric Weddle S, Utah
54. Kansas City Chiefs – Johnnie Lee Higgins WR, UTEP
55. Buffalo Bills – David Harris LB, Michigan
(To SEA #74 and #92 / To BUF #55)
56. Denver Broncos – Aaron Rouse S, Virginia Tech
57. Philadelphia Eagles – Rufus Alexander LB, Oklahoma
58. New Orleans Saints – Zach Miller TE, Arizona State
59. New York Jets – Eric Wright CB, UNLV
60. Miami Dolphins – Victor Abiamiri DE, Notre Dame
61. Baltimore Ravens – Tanard Jackson CB/S, Syracuse
62. San Diego Chargers – Aundrae Allison WR, East Carolina
63. New York Jets – Manuel Ramirez OG, Texas Tech
64. Tampa Bay – Anthony Gonzalez WR, Ohio State
1. Oakland Raiders – C. Johnson WR, Georgia Tech
The Raiders would love to trade down a few spots but will not be able to find any trade partners willing to pay the price. Al Davis has said recently that Russell reminds him of Elway and is also still kicking himself for not taking Leinart last year. Doesn’t matter! One thing about Al Davis is that he never shows his hand and he will not be able to pass on the best WR prospect to ever come out.
2. Detroit Lions – Brady Quinn QB, Notre Dame
The Lions are another team that is almost desperate to trade down but no other teams can afford the move. Quinn is the safer and more NFL-ready of the two QB prospects, and hopefully will make Lion fans forget about the Harrington years.
3. Cleveland Browns – JaMarcus Russell QB, LSU
Draft chatter has the Browns interested in just about everyone. The Browns really can’t screw this up since there are sure-fire can’t miss prospects at all of their positions of need. Thomas and Peterson are both tempting, but the Browns won’t pass on Russell.
4. Buffalo Bills – Adrian Peterson RB, Oklahoma
(To TB #12 and #43 / To BUF #4)
Tampa Bay was in a prime position to obtain additional picks with the Bills uncertain desperate for a stud at RB and uncertain about whether some other teams (Arizona, Houston, Minnesota) drafting in front of them might be interested in Peterson. TB slides down to a position that can still fill their needs and picks up an early 2nd. Levy has shown that he isn’t shy about making moves to grab the player he covets.
5. Arizona Cardinals – Joe Thomas OT, Wisconsin
I almost had the Dolphins moving ahead of the Cards into the TB slot to take Thomas, but he doesn’t fit the expected smash mouth kind of football that Cameron is expecting to install in Miami. The Cards on the other hand can play Thomas at LT or at RT to protect Leinart’s blind side.
6. Chicago Bears – Levi Brown OT, Penn State
(To WAS #37 and OLB Lance Briggs / To CHI #6)
I’m assuming the rumored trade will happen but the Bears will make Snyder pay with the #37. They may still consider trading back down after moving up, but for now I see Levi Brown being an excellent fit. The Bears o-line is aging and Brown is the type of mauler that will fit the Bears expected change to a more smash mouth running attack.
7. Minnesota Vikings – Gaines Adams DE, Clemson
I was toying with the idea of the Patriots making a move up to nab Leon Hall or LaRon Landry, but I the Vikings continue to have difficulty putting pressure on the opposing QB and cannot count on James to start the season. Adams will be a big boost to their pass rush and will hopefully help Udeze fulfill a little of his promise.
8. Atlanta Falcons – LaRon Landry S, LSU
This appears to be the consensus across most mocks and who am I to argue. Landry is a stud and fits a big need for the Falcons.
9. Miami Dolphins – Amobi Okoye DT, Louisville
With the depth at WR, look for the Dolphins to fix the defense in round one and address the offense in round two. Okoye is moving up many draft boards and fills a big need in Miami with their defense aging.
10. Houston Texans – Leon Hall CB, Michigan
The Texans have a tough call with so many needs on both offense and defense. Leon Hall would be an excellent pairing with Robinson. I could also see another trade down for them to collect another day one pick.
11. San Francisco 49ers – Patrick Willis LB, Mississippi
The Niners are in a great position, as they could easily fill any of their immediate needs at this spot and could also go for a big NT (Branch), DE (Carriker) or WR (Meachem).
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Alan Branch DT, Michigan
(To BUF #4 / To TB #12 and #43)
His stock is dropping lately, but I do not think that the Bucs can pass on Branch to shore up their aging defense and provide an infusion of youth. The Tampa-2 defense is predicated on getting pressure and having a big body on the inside pushing the pile back will be able to help out immediately to free up the outside rush.
13. St. Louis Rams – Jamaal Anderson DE, Arkansas
The Rams have a few other needs so I wouldn’t be surprised if they passed on Anderson and went for Revis instead.
14. Carolina Panthers – Reggie Nelson S, Florida
The Panthers are one of the harder teams to predict this year. I could see them trade either up or down and thought they may make a move up for Willis. Nelson is as good a guess as any other.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers – Darrelle Revis CB, Pittsburgh
Revis has excellent size/speed ratio and fills a big need for the Steelers at CB.
16. Green Bay Packers – Marshawn Lynch RB, California
I originally had the Texans drafting Lynch, but I think the Turner option is plausible leaving Lynch for the Pack.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars – Adam Carriker DE, Nebraska
I mulled over the idea of Russell dropping past the Browns and the Jags making a play for him, but talked myself of it. The Jags have drafted offense skill position players three years running and need to get back to basics – running the football and solid defense.
18. Cincinnati Bengals – Lawrence Timmons LB, Florida State
I’d be surprised if the Bengals go with anything other than a LB or CB. Timmons will fill the void left by Pollack (injury) and Thurman (stupidity).
19. Tennessee Titans – Robert Meacham WR, Tennessee
The Titans could go either WR or CB here, as they have big needs at both spots.
20. New York Giants – Aaron Ross CB, Texas
Another team with a lot of needs and could go in many different directions.
21. New Orleans Saints – Paul Posluszny LB, Penn State
(To DEN #27 and #88 / To NO #21)
Denver can afford to drop a little in the first and the Saints jump in front of a few others that may be keen on the Butkus Award winner from Penn.
22. Oakland Raiders – Joe Staley OT, Central Michigan
(To DAL #33 and #65 / To OAK #22 and 4th round pick)
Kiffin knows he needs more talent on the o-line to give his QB a fighting chance. Staley has huge potential and is worth giving up the 3rd round pick to move up.
23. Kansas City Chiefs – Justin Harrell DT, Tennessee
The Chiefs are another team that could go in many different directions including WR and OT, but take the last potential difference maker at DT.
24. New England Patriots – Chris Houston CB, Texas
And the rich get richer. The Patriots get a steal with Houston dropping into their laps.
25. New York Jets – Greg Olsen TE, Miami
The Jets get burnt by the Patriots and lose out on their CB. Instead they get the best TE in the draft and Pennington a nice safety valve.
26. Philadelphia Eagles – Dwayne Bowe WR, LSU
The Eagles generally like to draft offensive or defensive linemen early, but the value isn’t there and Bowe will increase the talent level for McNabb.
27. Denver Broncos – Jarvin Moss DE, Georgia
(To NO #21 / To DEN #27 and #88)
Moss has similar traits to Elvis Dumervil, but Indy has shown that having two edge rushers can be effective. I also considered Ginn for his return abilities alone.
28. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Ryan Kalil C, Southern California
(To NE #35 and #68 / To TB #28)
Tampa Bay moves up to get the best center in the draft. NE adds cheap depth after spending on free agents.
29. Baltimore Ravens – Justin Blalock OG, Texas
Solid interior linemen are still available at the bottom of the first for the Ravens.
30. San Diego Chargers - Brandon Merriweather S, Miami
I think Turner stays in San Diego until after the draft if not the whole season and the Chargers use their 1st to continue to solidify the defense.
31. Chicago Bears – Jon Beason LB, Miami
I almost wrote down Greg Olsen, but the Bears will grab Briggs’ replacement instead.
32. Indianapolis Colts – Ted Ginn Jr. WR, Ohio State
The Colts get their slot receiver and kick returner to boot.
33. Dallas Cowboys – Tony Ugoh OT, Arkansas
(To OAK #22 and 4th round pick / To DAL #33 and #65)
34. Detroit Lions – Charles Johnson DE, Georgia
35. New England Patriots – Brian Leonard RB, Rutgers
(To TB #28) / To NE #35 and #68)
36. San Francisco 49ers – Dwayne Jarrett WR, Southern California
(To CLE #42 and 4th round pick / To SF #36)
37. Washington Redskins – Anthony Spenser DE, Purdue
(To CHI #6 / To WAS #37 and OLB Lance Briggs)
38. Arizona Cardinals – Arron Sears OG/OT, Tennessee
39. Atlanta Falcons – Tony Hunt RB, Penn State
40. Miami Dolphins – Drew Stanton QB, Michigan State
41. Minnesota Vikings – Craig Davis WR, LSU
42. Cleveland Browns – Ben Grubbs OG, Auburn
(To SF #36 / To CLE #42 and 4th round pick)
43. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Michael Griffin S, Texas
(To BUF #4 / To TB #12 and #43)
44. Atlanta Falcons – Sidney Rice WR, South Carolina
45. Carolina Panthers – Brandon Silar LB, Florida
46. Pittsburgh Steelers – Quentin Moses DE/OLB, Georgia
47. Oakland Raiders – LaMarr Woodley DE, Michigan
(To GB WR Randy Moss 2008 3rd round pick / To OAK #47)
48. Jacksonville Jaguars – Jason Hill WR, Washington State
49. Cincinnati Bengals – Daymeion Hughes CB, California
50. Tennessee Titans – Marcus McCauley CB, Fresno State
51. New York Giants – Steve Smith WR, USC
52. St. Louis Rams – DeMarcus Tyler DT, North Carolina State
53. Dallas Cowboys – Eric Weddle S, Utah
54. Kansas City Chiefs – Johnnie Lee Higgins WR, UTEP
55. Buffalo Bills – David Harris LB, Michigan
(To SEA #74 and #92 / To BUF #55)
56. Denver Broncos – Aaron Rouse S, Virginia Tech
57. Philadelphia Eagles – Rufus Alexander LB, Oklahoma
58. New Orleans Saints – Zach Miller TE, Arizona State
59. New York Jets – Eric Wright CB, UNLV
60. Miami Dolphins – Victor Abiamiri DE, Notre Dame
61. Baltimore Ravens – Tanard Jackson CB/S, Syracuse
62. San Diego Chargers – Aundrae Allison WR, East Carolina
63. New York Jets – Manuel Ramirez OG, Texas Tech
64. Tampa Bay – Anthony Gonzalez WR, Ohio State
I think it would take another pick, maybe a 3rd, to move 8 spots at the top of the draft.
