HERD's NFL Mock - FIRST 2 rounds - 2007 (1 Viewer)

[FunkyPlutos]

Love everything in the 1st except Sears to the Bears. I don't think he's a 1st rounder and if he is it's to play guard, which isn't as big of a need for the Bears as tackle is. Why would the Vikings take a linebacker in the 2nd?

I agree with Andy. I think if your draft played out this way, the Vikings would go TE and take either Miller or Olson.

I hope they would...unless they make a play for Daniel Graham.

 

[wadegarrett]

No Anthony Gonzalez? <_<

 

[LAUNCH]

The Raiders really need to trade down. Every mock draft now seems to assume that Jamarcus Russell is the guy, but no one talks about how far he might fall if the Raiders were to trade down/pass on him. They need so much help in so many areas that they shouldn't be content on rolling the dice.

There only seems to be two guys that would be top 5 if they were in almost any other drafts and they are Thomas and Johnson. To get a top pick and not get one of the top guys is probably what will happen because it seems to be the new Raiders way, but Russell could be the Leinart/Rodgers of this years draft if he isn't selected first.

LAUNCH

 

[Boston]

I'm not a fan of the Pats picks as a whole. These picks are based way too much on the future. The Pats are very close and this is a mock draft where they could get very little help for 2007. First of all I pray that they don't use one of their #1's on a WR. The Pats obviously need help there but they can get much bigger bang for the buck elsewhere. As far as two LBs that's another thing I don't see. First of all there has never been one LB drafted on day one during the BB era although with the Pats past precedent often doesn't make sense. Secondly LB is a very difficult position to learn in the Pats system. Chad Brown was a former Pro Bowler who had NFL experience in a 3-4 and he was pretty clear when he said he had no clue what he was doing when he came to Foxboro. Therefore you could bring in three picks who could add very little to a team in 2007. Since they are only a few pieces from winning a championship I don't see that much going to the future. Due to that I don't see all three picks going to these two positions.

Overall I'd be real surprised if a DBack is not selected early. The Pats could use help at either CB and safety and if Samuel doesn't factor into their plans after 2007 than CHB really jumps to the top of needs. Two picks in this area (CB/S) wouldn't surprise me either. I would not be surprised to see a LB (and I'd be very happy with Willis) selected but not two. After that either linemen (D or O) are always a threat with how the Pats look at things. With Dillon retiring and Graham getting ready to walk I see RB and TE as other areas that could get selected early if there's a player they really like. What goes on in free agency will give more of a clue to those type of positions.

Obviously the Pats are incredibly difficult to project and outside of QB and K any position is a threat to get selected early. They do their own thing and they are not vocal about it. The one thing with the Pats is you can never, ever be surprised by what they do. Yet, in this mock there's too much potential to get no help in 2007 and that's a roll of the dice I don't see them taking.

 

[cstu]

Wow....Bush at RB3 and Hunt at RB4 going 48th and 51st respectively is a lot farther down than I would have expected them to go........but I guess you may be right when looking at each teams major need heading into the first round.Still, I was hoping Hunt would fall far enough in the second for the Iggles to snatch him up.

46. Pittsburgh - David Irons - CB - Auburn47. Green Bay - Josh Beekman - OG - Boston College48. Jacksonville - Michael Bush - RB - Louisville49. Cincinnati - Zack Miller - TE - Arizona State50. Tennessee - Aundrae Allison - WR - East Carolina51. New York Giants - Tony Hunt - RB - Penn State

Picking Bush to the Steelers just seems to easy, but it makes sense. I also wouldn't be surprised to see them take Hunt.

 

[Obie Wan]

I doubt that Buffalo takes Levi Brown at #12. The O-line is still an issue but moreso at guard than the tackle position. Peters is a beast at LT and Pennington came on very nicely at RT at the end of the season. Brad Butler seems to finally be 100% recovered from his shoulder surgery last year and the reports are that the coaches are pretty happy with his progress over the last month of the season. He'll start off as OT depth but be given a shot at playing OG possibly too. And since OG is a bigger need than OT, I think that they wait until later rounds to address that and I think that Buffalo will go DT, MLB or CB. My bet is that they go DT. They'll move Crowell to MLB and Ashton Youboty to starting CB.

I say Okoye, then Willis.

 

[Donnybrook]

Love everything in the 1st except Sears to the Bears. I don't think he's a 1st rounder and if he is it's to play guard, which isn't as big of a need for the Bears as tackle is.

Why would the Vikings take a linebacker in the 2nd?

I would not rule out a LB in the 2nd but I would hope for a player that strength is in pass coverage. Analysis from OntheClock:

Analysis

Brandon Siler has a great deal of experience against top competition, having started the past three seasons for the Gators in the SEC. He has a good combination of size and strength for a linebacker. He is a hard worker with a non-stop motor. He is a great leader with good football intelligence. He has great instincts and does a good job of reading and reacting to what the offense is doing. His strength allows him to effectively shed blocks of opposing offensive linemen. He is an extremely hard hitter and a great run defender who displays solid tackling technique. Siler is also effective on the blitz. He can be a bit overaggressive at times which causes him to miss some tackles. He lacks ideal speed and athleticism for a linebacker and as a result, he doesn’t have great range. He lacks fluid hips and looks stiff in coverage. His lack of ball skills make him even more of a liability in coverage. Brandon Siler is a good run-stopping linebacker who could play inside in both the 3-4 and 4-3 defensive schemes. He projects as a second round pick in the 2007 NFL draft.

 

[Mr. Pink]

I'm not a fan of the Pats picks as a whole. These picks are based way too much on the future. The Pats are very close and this is a mock draft where they could get very little help for 2007. First of all I pray that they don't use one of their #1's on a WR. The Pats obviously need help there but they can get much bigger bang for the buck elsewhere. As far as two LBs that's another thing I don't see. First of all there has never been one LB drafted on day one during the BB era although with the Pats past precedent often doesn't make sense. Secondly LB is a very difficult position to learn in the Pats system. Chad Brown was a former Pro Bowler who had NFL experience in a 3-4 and he was pretty clear when he said he had no clue what he was doing when he came to Foxboro. Therefore you could bring in three picks who could add very little to a team in 2007. Since they are only a few pieces from winning a championship I don't see that much going to the future. Due to that I don't see all three picks going to these two positions.Overall I'd be real surprised if a DBack is not selected early. The Pats could use help at either CB and safety and if Samuel doesn't factor into their plans after 2007 than CHB really jumps to the top of needs. Two picks in this area (CB/S) wouldn't surprise me either. I would not be surprised to see a LB (and I'd be very happy with Willis) selected but not two. After that either linemen (D or O) are always a threat with how the Pats look at things. With Dillon retiring and Graham getting ready to walk I see RB and TE as other areas that could get selected early if there's a player they really like. What goes on in free agency will give more of a clue to those type of positions.Obviously the Pats are incredibly difficult to project and outside of QB and K any position is a threat to get selected early. They do their own thing and they are not vocal about it. The one thing with the Pats is you can never, ever be surprised by what they do. Yet, in this mock there's too much potential to get no help in 2007 and that's a roll of the dice I don't see them taking.

Agreed with Boston here that the Pats don't use either 1st round pick on a WR. While there hasn't been a LB picked in the 1st round in the BB era, that may change this year due to need and the relative weakness of the LB position in this year's draft.An obscure player to watch out for that the Pats (I'm certain) had their eyes on as a late round steal is Zach DeOssie from Brown University. He's Steve DeOssie's son and an incredible talent. I've had the privelege of watching him excel in the last two seasons and the early returns on the combine suggest he is shooting up the draft board. Keep your eye on this kid!

 

[Raiders]

Interesting that you don't have marcus McCauley CB Fresno St. in the top two rounds. Most people have had him rated as one of the top 2-3 CB's and a first rounder.

 

[Gnomercy]

Less commentary then normal, but the picks are starting to come together in my opinion.

First Round

5. Cleveland Browns - Adrian Peterson - RB - Oklahoma - Romeo needs some wins and soon. Welcome to your first 350 carry season, AP.

Second Round

36. Cleveland - Ryan Kalil - C - USC

This would be a Killer scenerio for the Browns!

 

[Spiderman]

I dont like the Bears going O-line on the first day- Angelo likes to buy his O-line and draft his defense.

I wouldnt be shocked to see Angelo go after a linebacker at that spot, Beason could be an interesting pick to replace Briggs in 08, of if Timmons is there he could beat out Hillenmeyer this year and would be a perfect for Lovies system. But if Angelo takes a linebacker there may be a riot in Chicago.

I think the Bears may bow to popular sentiment and take a WR in this great draft class- if Berrian was a flash in the pan its going to be another long season for Chicago's offense.

I'm a propoenent of trading down (out of the 1st round), and getting a mid 2nd/mid 3rd round pick so the Bears can look to improve a few different areas on the team.If they don't do something like that, I think they should stick to taking the best player on the board from the OL, LB, CB, S, TE, and WR positions.....Hopefully, they can take 4 players on Day 1 from these positions.

Here's why I see these positions being important on draft day (in no order):

OL - The line is getting old; Rueben Brown may not be back, and Terrence Metcalf could become a starter at guard next season. Metcalf lost his job to Roberto Garza so if Metcalf becomes a starter, that could be an issue. At the tackles, Fred Miller is getting up there in age - they will need a replacement fo him within the next season or two. Tait could always move back to RT at some point in the future, but then the Bears wil need to find a LT. I'd prefer the Bears draft a OT, but I wouldn't argue against a guard if that player was clearly the better choice.

LB - Lance Briggs could be a hold out, and he may only have one season left with the Bears. For that reason alone, I could justify going OLB in Round 1. The Bears drafted Jamar Williams in the 4th round last draft, and he was injured early into the season. They apparently are pretty high on him still, and he could be their potential replacement for Briggs in the future should they be unable to work out a long-term deal. So, in this case, my initial thought is that the Bears probably wouldn't spend a high pick on a LB, but could take one in the 3rd/4th round.

CB - This will not be a 1st or 2nd round pick, and probably not a 3rd round choice either, but I would consider it because Tillman and Vasher are going to need new deal in the near future. They may try and lock up Tillman this off-season, and that would leave them with Ricky Manning Jr. who is very good in the nickel role. CB is such an important position, and you can never have enough quality ones, if the Bears believe they can only sign one of the two (Tillman and Vasher) given the big money that will be needed, this could be a 4th round choice.

S - Mike Brown will probably be back, but Todd Johnson and Cameron Worrell are leaving via free agency, and rookie Daniel Manning got worse as the season progressed. No way do the Bears give up on Manning and his great athletic ability, but they need to protect themselves in case of injury to Brown or Manning losing his confiidence. This is probably a Day 2 selection, or something that could be addressed in free agency.

TE - Desmond Clark had a good season, his first in quite awhile. Will he have a repeat performance or will he be battling injuries next season ? If I were to bet, I'd go with option 2.

WR - Bernard Berrian is their #1, and Muhammed the #2. Both are one rung too high. The Bears need another quality WR. It could be Mark Bradley, but can they really go into the season hoping that's the case. Why not add another WR from a good group, and then you have 5 guys (including Rashied Davis) who all can bring something to the table. I would definitely consider this position in Round 1 given Muhammed's age, and Bradley's health issues.

 

[Colin Dowling]

No Anthony Gonzalez? <_<

Nope. I have Gonzalez, Higgins, and Allison rated similarly but prefer the other two to Gonzalez for the teams where I slotted them.

Interesting that you don't have marcus McCauley CB Fresno St. in the top two rounds. Most people have had him rated as one of the top 2-3 CB's and a first rounder.

McCauley is a bit of a wild card to me. I realize he's highly rated but may be letting some personal bias in - I've seen him less then some of the other guys and his play seemed erratic, IMO. I wouldn't be the least bit surprised to see him as high as San Diego (or even Denver) in round 1 though.

 

[wadegarrett]

No Anthony Gonzalez?

Nope. I have Gonzalez, Higgins, and Allison rated similarly but prefer the other two to Gonzalez for the teams where I slotted them.

Fair enough. I just don't see him falling past the 2nd round.Found this blurb from SI's Risers and Sliders:

Anthony Gonzalez/WR/Ohio State: Gonzalez ran well, twice breaking the 4.4-second barrier, then looked spectacular catching the ball. Running crisp routes he displayed soft, natural hands, diving around the field to catch everything in sight. As a result Gonzalez has jumped into the initial 60 picks.

Link

 

[Whiplash Inc.]

I have Oakland taking an LB in R2 b/c I couldn't convince myself they'd spend the pick on a center (Kalil) and no one else on the board is of the talent of Beason. So, that pick was a "Best player available" b/c I thought it was clear Beason is better then the others there and I don't see them taking a center.

Makes no sense whatsoever. The LB corps is set for years with the starters all being 26 or younger. There's no reason to waste such a high pick on a position that doesn't need to be addressed.They would probably take a lineman there, either Kalil, Ugoh or Staley and if it's not on the offensive side they could most definitely use a speed rusher to compliment Burgess.

 

[bshipper]

Less commentary then normal, but the picks are starting to come together in my opinion.

First Round

18. Cincinnati Bengals - Leon Hall - CB - Michigan - Hall may be just shy of "shutdown" status but he'll provide quality coverage on an opponents 2nd or 3rd receiver.

Second Round

49. Cincinnati - Zack Miller - TE - Arizona State

50. Tennessee - Aundrae Allison - WR - East Carolina

51. New York Giants - Tony Hunt - RB - Penn State

52. St. Louis - Quintin Moses - DE - Georgia

53. Dallas - Lamarr Woodley - DE/LB - Michigan

54. Kansas City - Joe Staley - OT - Central Michigan

55. Seattle - Tony Ugoh - OT - Arkansas

56. Denver - Quinn Pitcock - DT - Ohio State

57. Philadelphia - Eric Weddle - DB - Utah

58. New Orleans - Greg Olsen - TE - Miami

Oh great, here come the "draft a TE early" predictions for the Bengals. It WON'T happen, and even if it did, sounds like Olsen would be better than Miller after the combine. With defensive guys like Moses, Woodley and Pitcock still on the board, they are more likely selections here.

 

[Colin Dowling]

Agreed - Olsen will likely go ahead of Miller. Miller's 40 time should have made him seek help for depression. Dude was SLOW and not being a great blocker, he could fall out of the 2nd round entirely.

 

[LHUCKS]

Agreed - Olsen will likely go ahead of Miller. Miller's 40 time should have made him seek help for depression. Dude was SLOW and not being a great blocker, he could fall out of the 2nd round entirely.

I live here in Phoenix, and I was going to post that I thought he was overrated but I wanted to wait to see his combine numbers. I'm not sure I would even take him in the second round.

 

[Sheriff66]

Although I don't mind the Jarrett pick, they would not take him if Hall was still on the board IMO, and Hall running a 4.4 at the combine sealed it.

 

[Sabertooth]

Anybody else think that the Lynch to GB rumors could be a smokescreen by GB, given they may still want to sign Ahman? Leverage technique?

With no Ahman, Lynch could be tough to pass on. However, I do think they have bigger needs and at #16 they could really go quite a few differnt ways with it. Kenny Irons did talk with Green Bay for about 25 minutes Thursday night.

I think the bigger issue is the 2nd rounder. Especially with all the top tight ends on the board in Colin's mock, I don't see how the Packers can pass on one.

Martin was resigned to the vet minimum, but TE is an area they need to improve at. It would make a lot of sense for them to go after a 1st day TE, especially if they don't address it further during free agency.I'm certain Green Bay will draft another O lineman or two, I'm just not sure one will come at 2.16. They need the added depth, but everything I have heard is that they really are happy with last years rookies and they'll continue to move forward with them. I'd actually be very surprised if Green Bay stayed at both of their current 1st and 2nd round picks. Thompson trades picks likes porn stars trade bodily fluids. He'll be moving around.

Thompson almost always moves back too. I can't recall a single trade where he has moved up. I don't think he does that in the first though. This team lacks talent at TE, WR, RB, DE, DT, S spots and is getting long in the tooth at the CB spot. Drafting a starter in the first is what he will try to do. That said I can see a great possibility of him sliding back to about 60 with his second pick and scooping up a pick or two. I think he could possibly get a starting TE in that range.I think the Packers have 17 of Thomspon's 23 draftees on the roster right now. Eight of them are starters. Thomspon is going to further weed out the roster and I don't expect to draft less than 9 or 10 guys.

 

[Rev]

l like the Quinn to Minny prediction alot. Let him and Tavaris fight it out and may the best man win. Here in Minny, we aren't too sure about our offense for next year, and need some solid QB leadership.

Michael Bush to Jacksonville wont happen, IMO, with Jones, toefield, MDJ, and possibly Taylor still around.

 

[Mr. Brownstone]

l like the Quinn to Minny prediction alot. Let him and Tavaris fight it out and may the best man win. Here in Minny, we aren't too sure about our offense for next year, and need some solid QB leadership.

Michael Bush to Jacksonville wont happen, IMO, with Jones, toefield, MDJ, and possibly Taylor still around.

It could happen. Toefield will leave via FA, Greg Jones is coming of a second major knee injury and is still a full-back, Fred Taylor is approaching the end of his career, and MJD works well in his current role. Drafting Bush in the second round would be something that the Jags like to do. If they think there is value there, then they will pull the trigger. They have done this exact type of thing before with Greg Jones.

 

[JAA]

no chance phi takes 2 DBs with its first 2 picks

 

[MSULions]

I would LOVE to the Cards trade up for Joe T...makes way too much sense.Nice Mock Colin.

It makes a lot of sense for the Cardinals, but when all is said and done, I think the Lions will take Thomas @ #2. If the Cardinals want him, they will have to get their pick. With the abundance of DE talent in the draft, the Lions could get one in Round 2 which I think will be the plan. Getting Thomas in round 1 and a player like Spencer or Abiarimi in round 2 would be good value IMO...

Seems like people are going out of their way in mocks to have Thomas go somewhere else.

 

[Gargoylez]

Even though Miami has probably the oldest D-Line in the league it is one of the better ones IMHO. I have a hard time seeing them use their first 2 picks both on the DL.Too many other needs to concentrate everything there.

Agree to a certain extent. It is also hard to predict considering there is going to be a new coach/system in place.

Matt Roth is still there correct? Is he a bust or a non factor? I have to agree that DL is not in their cards, that the Dolphins will most likely be pinpointing a Saftey or Corner IMO. But much stranger things have happened in a draft.

 

[Colin Dowling]

no chance phi takes 2 DBs with its first 2 picks

Really? Why? (seriously interested)

 

[Colin Dowling]

I would LOVE to the Cards trade up for Joe T...makes way too much sense.Nice Mock Colin.

It makes a lot of sense for the Cardinals, but when all is said and done, I think the Lions will take Thomas @ #2. If the Cardinals want him, they will have to get their pick. With the abundance of DE talent in the draft, the Lions could get one in Round 2 which I think will be the plan. Getting Thomas in round 1 and a player like Spencer or Abiarimi in round 2 would be good value IMO...

Seems like people are going out of their way in mocks to have Thomas go somewhere else.

Not at all. But there are too many "jersey sellers" (i.e. skill players with talent) and too much recent history of OT's taking a long time to develop to discount a little bit of a slide. I like Thomas, but with the guaranteed money given to that draft spot, you could sign two or even three experienced O linemen who can give similar results in the near timeframe.

 

[Colin Dowling]

Even though Miami has probably the oldest D-Line in the league it is one of the better ones IMHO. I have a hard time seeing them use their first 2 picks both on the DL.Too many other needs to concentrate everything there.

Agree to a certain extent. It is also hard to predict considering there is going to be a new coach/system in place.

Matt Roth is still there correct? Is he a bust or a non factor? I have to agree that DL is not in their cards, that the Dolphins will most likely be pinpointing a Saftey or Corner IMO. But much stranger things have happened in a draft.

My understanding when I did this mock a few days ago was that Kevin Carter may be gone. Toss in that a new coaching group may change up the style of play and formation, and I don't think it's a stretch to think the D-line will be of major interest to them in a conference featuring guys like Brady, Manning, Tomlinson, and LJ

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

Despite the Steelers stating that they will consider every position but QB at 15 I am going to go out on a limb and say they don't go WR unless Ted Ginn is there. I also think Jarrett will start to slide once he runs the 40. As deep is this draft is at WR if the Steelers wanted a WR they can get similar value in a guy like Anthony Gonzalez in round 2.

The Steelers two biggest concerns in my opinion are protecting the QB/improving the run game and pressuring the QB. I think the Steelers look at OLB unless Levi Brown is there. Their last three 1st round picks have been spent on the passsing game (Roethlisberger, Miller, Holmes), I expect them to get back to OT or OLB in this draft. Kiper has them going with Jarvis Moss and I think that is very likely, especially if Joey Porter is cut.

I think we can safely take Daymeion Hughes out of the 1st round. Only in the PAC-10 will you find CBs that run a 4.7 40. They blanket 4.8 WRs like Dwayne Jarrett.

 

[valence]

If Joe T slips for some reason, he makes so much sense for the Bucs. The guy can play either side of the line. He can move over to protect lefty Chris Simms or stay put if they bring in a guy like Garcia.

CJ is going to be great but he only fillls one hole, The bucs need pass protection and run blocking and Joe T gives them both.

 

[JimboJim]

A couple of quick observations...

- Unless Detriot trades out of the #2 spot, I see them taking either Thomas (probably) or Quinn. Thomas' dominant perforamce at the combine all but guarantees a top three pick.

- Brady Quinn won't make it past Cleveland unless Okaland passes on Russell. Franchise QBs are always the draft's top commidity and rumor is that teams and scouts are nowhere near as down on Quinn as the media has been recently.

- Landry's ridiculous showing at the combine guarantees he will be the first DB off the board. I project him to Arizona at #5.

- Daymeion Hughes ran very slow and looks to have dropped his stock a round or two; definately not a first rounder anymore.

- Patrick Willis is a premier defensive proscpet this year and will not make it to 28. My guess is he goes to San Fran, Buffalo or St. Louis.

- I see you have them going early in the second, but I would be shocked to see Chris Houston and Paul Posluzny make it past all three two teams once.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

- Brady Quinn won't make it past Cleveland unless Okaland passes on Russell. Franchise QBs are always the draft's top commidity and rumor is that teams and scouts are nowhere near as down on Quinn as the media has been recently.

I'm starting to think the same thing. It seems that a lot of teams "doth protest too much methinks", downplaying Quinn so that other teams don't trade up to get him.Everyone and their grandma knows that the Lions want to trade out of the #2. Teams in the running and in position to drade up for Quinn should be Cleveland, Tampa, and then Minnesota, Houton, and Miami all in quick succession. That's FIVE teams in the top ten that would improve with Qinn on the roster. If I'm any of those teams, I'm talking about how much Quinn sucks to anyone that will listen praying that none of them move up to get him.

 

[brewer]

Moss and Carriker are possibilities, but I don't see how you pass up Jarrett.

I think they take Carriker with an eye toward the 4-3 next year.

It's possible. However, they'd be taking him as a DT in a 4-3 scheme - is he big enough to play that spot? Most scouts seem to think so, but to me, he looks like a prototypical 3-4 DE.

Missed this last week EG. I think Carriker can actually play either position in the 4-3. He would give them much more flexibility than would say Moss, or one of the others. Some are comparing him with Aaron Smith, who I also believe could play inside or out on a 4-3 line. The only thing I don't like about Carriker is the school that he is coming out of. Ever take a look at notable pro names who played at Nebraska? Let me just tell you that it isn't pretty.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Moss and Carriker are possibilities, but I don't see how you pass up Jarrett.

I think they take Carriker with an eye toward the 4-3 next year.

It's possible. However, they'd be taking him as a DT in a 4-3 scheme - is he big enough to play that spot? Most scouts seem to think so, but to me, he looks like a prototypical 3-4 DE.

Missed this last week EG. I think Carriker can actually play either position in the 4-3. He would give them much more flexibility than would say Moss, or one of the others. Some are comparing him with Aaron Smith, who I also believe could play inside or out on a 4-3 line. The only thing I don't like about Carriker is the school that he is coming out of. Ever take a look at notable pro names who played at Nebraska? Let me just tell you that it isn't pretty.

That's what I was referring to - he'd need the ability to play DT in a 4-3 in addition to 3-4 end, which he is clearly suited to play. He reminds me a lot of Smith, though I am more impressed with Carriker's pass rush ability and not as sold on his ability to play the run. I think the flexibility Moss would provide (or Gaines Adams, for that matter) would be the ability to shift between a 4-3 rush end and an OLB in the 3-4. I think a pick like that is more likely if they cut Joey Porter.I've been mentioning the WR and DE spots rather than OLB and OT, primarily because I think the first round talent is clearly superior at the former two positions, while the latter two provide more depth, and a better chance of landing an NFL starter caliber talent in rounds 2 and 3.

 

[brewer]

Moss and Carriker are possibilities, but I don't see how you pass up Jarrett.

I think they take Carriker with an eye toward the 4-3 next year.

It's possible. However, they'd be taking him as a DT in a 4-3 scheme - is he big enough to play that spot? Most scouts seem to think so, but to me, he looks like a prototypical 3-4 DE.

Missed this last week EG. I think Carriker can actually play either position in the 4-3. He would give them much more flexibility than would say Moss, or one of the others. Some are comparing him with Aaron Smith, who I also believe could play inside or out on a 4-3 line. The only thing I don't like about Carriker is the school that he is coming out of. Ever take a look at notable pro names who played at Nebraska? Let me just tell you that it isn't pretty.

That's what I was referring to - he'd need the ability to play DT in a 4-3 in addition to 3-4 end, which he is clearly suited to play. He reminds me a lot of Smith, though I am more impressed with Carriker's pass rush ability and not as sold on his ability to play the run. I think the flexibility Moss would provide (or Gaines Adams, for that matter) would be the ability to shift between a 4-3 rush end and an OLB in the 3-4. I think a pick like that is more likely if they cut Joey Porter.I've been mentioning the WR and DE spots rather than OLB and OT, primarily because I think the first round talent is clearly superior at the former two positions, while the latter two provide more depth, and a better chance of landing an NFL starter caliber talent in rounds 2 and 3.

Agreed about the DE and WR being strong positions in this draft. I think it is short sighted to be thinking about a tweener who could play 4-3 DE or 3-4 OLB like Moss in my opinion however. Let's face it, by 2008, they will be playing almost exclusively 4-3 cover 2. Might as well move toward that now. I'm of the opinion that Joey Porter should be cut, but I'd rather see them over pay for him this year than draft a tweener that might not be the best fit overall. By the way, I'd move Smith inside with Casey and have Keisel and Carriker play the ends. I don't think you run on that line at all and they should get plenty of pressure on the QB.