Raiders won't pass on Russell
By Bob McManaman
Arizona Republic
The NFL Draft is scheduled for April 28; this mock draft looks at one possible scenario.
1. OAKLAND RAIDERS: JAMARCUS RUSSELL, QB, LSU.
Assuming they resist the temptation to take Georgia Tech receiver Calvin Johnson, the Raiders can't go wrong with Russell, who could become the organization's first real long-term franchise quarterback since Kenny Stabler. But Oakland needs a veteran QB presence, not only to help tutor Russell, but to try to win some games to keep the Raider Nation at peace. Andrew Walter and Josh Booty aren't the answer.
2. DETROIT LIONS: JOE THOMAS, OT, WISCONSIN.
As much as they could use a quarterback of the future — a la Brady Quinn — the Lions probably pass and take one of the best linemen to ever come out of the draft in the 6-foot-6, 311-pound Johnson, who will add instant credibility to a running game featuring Kevin Jones and Tatum Bell. As for the QB situation, good luck with Jon Kitna and Josh McCown.
3. CLEVELAND BROWNS: BRADY QUINN, QB, NOTRE DAME.
There's been a lot of speculation the Browns are leaning toward Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson, and the free-agent signing of Jamal Lewis may not preclude that from happening. But Quinn seems the right fit here, as the Browns are going nowhere with Charlie Frye. Quinn's an Ohio native and has said he'd like to play in Cleveland. Picking him gives the organization some instant credibility with Browns' fans.
4. TAMPA BAY BUCS: CALVIN JOHNSON, WR, GEORGIA TECH.
Wow! If Johnson is still here, Bucs coach Jon Gruden is turning cartwheels. Johnson is regarded by many as the best football talent in this draft, and his combination of size, strength and big-play ability will help take Gruden off the hot seat. Joey Galloway is getting up in age and Johnson offers an immediate impact. As for who's going to get him the ball, well, it could be anyone from Jeff Garcia to Chris Simms to Jake Plummer.
5. ARIZONA CARDINALS: GAINES ADAMS, DE, CLEMSON.
They say you're supposed to take the best player available when you have a high pick in the first round, not necessarily address needs. The Cardinals get to do both here, although it might be hard to stomach passing on Oklahoma's Peterson. But with Edgerrin James still productive, they can afford it and be happy to get Adams, who's a playmaker on defense. The Cardinals don't have a proven pass rusher behind Bertrand Berry, who's missed half of the past two seasons due to injuries. As much as the Cardinals need cornerback help, the No. 5 pick isn't the place to find it.
6. WASHINGTON REDSKINS: JAMAAL ANDERSON, DE, ARKANSAS.
Washington doesn't have a lot of draft picks, so expect a selection based on need over sheer talent. That means the Redskins skip on Peterson, too, and turn to defense, where they need help on the line to rush the passer and improve their run defense. Anderson will help on both fronts, as he might be the best overall defensive end in the draft.
7. MINNESOTA VIKINGS: LEON HALL, CB, MICHIGAN.
The Vikings need help in a lot of areas, but we can see them taking Hall here to improve their pass defense, which was the worst in the league last year, along with Cincinnati's. Hall has great speed and cover skills, has a strong character, and he can help immediately.
8. ATLANTA FALCONS: LARON LANDRY, FS, LSU.
If Quinn were to fall this far, would the Falcons snap him up? It's probably a long shot, anyway. The Falcons could use help at wide receiver, but look for them to focus on pass defense, where Landry has the potential to be a perennial Pro Bowl player. Atlanta moved up two spots here with the trade of quarterback Matt Schaub to the Texans.
9. MIAMI DOLPHINS: ADRIAN PETERSON, RB, OKLAHOMA.
Ronnie Brown is the only running back with any real experience on the roster, and although Ricky Williams has begun the process to seek reinstatement by the NFL, the Dolphins would be foolish to pass on Peterson if he drops this far. They might go in a completely different direction, however, depending on how they decide to shore up their quarterback situation and because of some thin ranks on the offensive line.
10. HOUSTON TEXANS: LEVI BROWN, OT, PENN STATE.
With Schaub on board, replacing David Carr, it's time for the Texans to bolster their offensive line and Brown offers instant pass protection. Houston might be tempted to go find Schaub a slick wide receiver, which wouldn't be a total shock, but it's time to upgrade the offensive line.
11. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS: DWAYNE JARRETT, WR, USC.
Jarrett is an intriguing pick here. The 49ers added Ashley Lelie, but quarterback Alex Smith would have a favorite No. 1 target for years to come if management plucks Jarrett here. He didn't have the best times at the scouting combine, but he's near the top of a very nice crop of wideouts and whoever gets him should benefit nicely.
12. BUFFALO BILLS: MARSHAWN LYNCH, RB, CALIFORNIA.
They'd love to have Peterson, but Lynch offers a ton, too. He's strong, absorbs hard hits and is always digging for extra yards. He doesn't have burnout speed, but has quickness to get to the holes and turn it upfield. The Bills need a player like this in the worst way. Then again, they need a lot of things.
13. LOS ANGELES RAMS: ALAN BRANCH, DT, MICHIGAN.
Branch's stock could slip in the first round due to some weight concerns, but he's still viewed as a bona fide NFL talent. He can provide the interior help the Rams need, now that they picked up a pass rusher in free-agent James Hall.
14. CAROLINA PANTHERS: PATRICK WILLIS, ILB, OLE MISS.
Has a nose for the football and can fight through blocks to jolt ballcarriers before they can get a play going. Could be a workhorse for years. This a classic-type of linebacker in many ways and whoever gets him will be rewarded.
15. PITTSBURGH STEELERS: ADAM CARRIKER, DE, NEBRASKA.
New coach Mike Tomlin would love this player, who can scoot for being 6-6, 298 pounds. Carriker can fit in anywhere in Tomlin's defensive scheme and will be an unmistakable presence on the field.
16. GREEN BAY PACKERS: TED GINN JR., WR, OHIO STATE.
As much as the Packers need help at running back, they can address that concern in the second or third round. We see them taking Ginn for a few different reasons, mainly his explosive speed and huge, big-play potential, including on kick returns. He'll make Brett Favre happy, too.
17. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: DARRELLE REVIS, CB, PITTSBURGH.
Revis ran a 4.38-second 40-yard dash during his Pro Day and is a corner who can shadow any receiver in the NFL. He's got long arms, great hands, and will push for starting time, even if he begins the year in nickel situations.
18. CINCINNATI BENGALS: REGGIE NELSON, S, FLORIDA.
He'll need to get a little bigger and a tad stronger, but Nelson is a ballhawk in the secondary and the Bengals need all the help on pass defense they can find. Nelson fits the bill in many ways, though Cincinnati will consider defensive line help here, too.
19. TENNESSEE TITANS: ROBERT MEACHEM, WR, TENNESSEE.
Coach Jeff Fisher wants to bring in a go-to outside receiver, and Meachem, who runs a 4.39 40, could have a nice, long career with quarterback Vince Young. He doesn't drop balls. Tennessee might also look for a corner because of Adam "Pacman" Jones' off-field issues.
20. NEW YORK GIANTS: PAUL POSLUSZNY, OLB, PENN STATE.
New York fans might actually be happy with this pick. Posluszny had a great combine after a so-so senior season and he's an animal. Versatile enough to play on the inside and is a solid team player.
21. DENVER BRONCOS: JARVIS MOSS, DE, FLORIDA.
You never can be too sure with the Broncos on Draft Day, but they figure to look for help on the offensive line, at safety, and on the defensive line, where Moss is a disruptive force and pushed around Ohio State in the national championship game.
22. DALLAS COWBOYS: BEN GRUBBS, OG, AUBURN.
The Cowboys have some issues on the offensive line and a solid interior lineman like Grubbs, the best pure guard available, would be a long-term solution. Don't be surprised if they look at skill position here, however, perhaps a wide receiver like LSU's Dwayne Bowe or Tennessee's Meachem or Ohio State's Ginn Jr., if either are available.
23. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS: AMOBI OKOYE, DT, LOUISVILLE.
Okoye may not last this long, but if he does, the Chiefs will be absolutely giddy. Okoye was 16 when he began his collegiate career as a true freshman, and he'll only be 20 on Draft Day, but he's drawn comparisons to a hungry Warren Sapp and his stock is moving up. Some think he could become a top 10 pick.
24. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS: GREG OLSEN, TE, MIAMI.
The magic continues for the Pats if Olsen is still here, which we can see happening. They lost tight end Daniel Graham to free agency, but Olsen is better. He was awesome at the scouting combine and can do everything you'd ever ask out of a player at his position — and do it incredibly well. Great pick if he falls this far.
25. NEW YORK JETS: AARON ROSS, CB, TEXAS.
The Jets need to strengthen their secondary and Ross, who is loaded with talent, can step in right away and make an impact. He's a tough cornerback who jolts receivers and he doesn't easily fall for play-action fakes. He'll always be in position.
26. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES: DWAYNE BOWE, WR, LSU.
They lost receiver Donte Stallworth to free agency and Bowe is a big-time wideout who not only is a deep threat, but is like an Anquan Boldin in that he's great at catching a ball in a crowd and isn't afraid to take a hit. The Eagles might find it hard to resist taking Florida State linebacker Lawrence Timmons, however, even though they added a great linebacker with the trade for Takeo Spikes.
27. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS: LAWRENCE TIMMONS, LB, FLORIDA STATE.
There's a specific need to bolster the linebacker corps in the Big Easy, and Timmons, though a little raw and not showing great speed at the combine, can be a very productive player in time. The Saints might also go after a receiver, so if Timmons is gone, they might grab Bowe.
28. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS: MICHAEL GRIFFIN, CB, TEXAS.
The Patriots might throw us a curve here, but they need to replenish themselves at the safety position. They're set now with Rodney Harrison, but Griffin is the perfect understudy, a big-time player from a big-time program who will fit in the Patriots' way.
29. BALTIMORE RAVENS: JOE STALEY, OT, CENTRAL MICHIGAN.
The Ravens are desperately seeking offensive line help and although Staley may be a reach at this pick, the former tight end projects to be a very serviceable player for years to come. He ran a 4.8 40, not bad for a 300-plus pounder. Could be a Pro Bowl left tackle in time.
30. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS: BRANDON MERIWEATHER, FS, MIAMI.
The Chargers' defense is already rock solid, but Meriweather brings another playmaking element and as long as he keeps his focus and character in check, this could be a great pick for San Diego. Meriweather could slip into the second round, however.
31. CHICAGO BEARS: CHARLES JOHNSON, DE, GEORGIA.
If a solid safety is still available, it might be impossible for the Bears to pass, but they can't go wrong if Johnson is still there, either. As good as the Bears' defensive front is, this player will help keep them that much more intimidating.
32. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS: SIDNEY RICE, WR, SOUTH CAROLINA.
He's young and needs some grooming, but Rice has the perfect teacher in the great Marvin Harrison and although he's not a burner, he's another viable weapon for quarterback Peyton Manning.