AC's 2007 NFL Mock Draft!

1. Oakland Raiders - JaMarcus Russell (QB, LSU) - The consensus right now seems to be that Al Davis will choose Russell with this year's number one overall pick. And it makes sense on multiple levels. Clearly the Raiders are in dire need of a quarterback. Aaron Brooks is one of the least consistent signal callers in the game, and Andrew Walter does not seem to be the long-term answer. Davis also likes big, athletic players, and Russell is certainly that. The 265 pound and nearly 6'6" quarterback has one of the strongest arms in all of football, and Davis has missed the vertical passing game recently. If the Raiders move Randy Moss by draft day, they could always go with Calvin Johnson. Joe Thomas would be tempting here as well, but with all of their needs the team will probably address QB or WR with this pick and look to pick up lunch pail guys later on.

2. Detroit Lions - Brady Quinn (QB, Notre Dame) - If Quinn gets passed up by Detroit and Cleveland, he may fall the way Matt Leinart fell last year. I don't see him dropping to 9th or 10th like some do. Despite some criticisms concerning his lack of big game wins, Quinn's numbers were spectacular throughout his tenure at Notre Dame and he did lead the Irish to some absolutely jaw-dropping comebacks. People should also remember that the team around him was not the powerhouse team Notre Dame has been in the past. His defense, save for a player here and there, was nothing to write home about. And while Darius Walker is a talented back, he was not the elite player that many other top QBs in college had in recent years. When all is said and done, Quinn has the exact make-up you look for in an NFL quarterback, from size to arm strength to intangibles. He is a proven leader and knows what it takes to win football games. I would be willing to bet the Lions won't be taking a wide receiver here, but I wouldn't be surprised at all if Joe Thomas ended up going this early if the Lions do in fact pass on Quinn.

3. Cleveland Browns - Adrian Peterson (RB, Oklahoma) - Like all the other teams near the top of the draft, the Browns have many needs to address. Joe Thomas and Calvin Johnson are always options, but with Droughns fleeing and Jamal Lewis only under contract for a year, it would be wise to get some young talent at running back. Peterson is an amazing specimen, and has all the traits you want at the position. Unfortunately he has been hit with a few injuries in his college career, but his upside far outweighs any risks, and he is undoubtedly one of the most talented players in this year's draft. If he stays healthy, he should be very successful in the NFL. Hopefully splitting carries with Jamal Lewis next year will keep both men strong and energized throughout the season.

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Calvin Johnson (WR, Georgia Tech) - There is just no way Johnson falls any further than this. The Bucs have plenty of needs on defense, but when one of the best wide receiver prospects in years falls into your laps, you don't pass up on him. Thankfully, the Bucs also need an infusion of youth at the position, so it isn't like the pick will be used on a position they have no need for. Joey Galloway is finally starting to show signs of his age, and Michael Clayton is still a big question mark. Johnson would immediately provide a huge target for whoever is at the helm in Tampa Bay, and if Clayton stays healthy and continues to progress, these two could become one of the best tandems in the league.

5. Arizona Cardinals - Joe Thomas (OT, Wisconsin) - After losing Leonard Davis to the Cowboys, the Cardinals' offensive line became even more of a concern...at least it would have if that were possible. The unit has underachieved for far too long, and if Thomas by some miracle drops down to this spot, it would undoubtedly be the pick. At 311 pounds and almost 6'7", Thomas is a force to be reckoned with, and is the absolute best linemen available in the draft. Strange things tend to happen on draft day, but you can bet the bank that Thomas will not slip beyond this point no matter what else happens.

6. Washington Redskins - Gaines Adams (DE, Clemson) - The 'Skins desperately need some help concerning thier pass rush, and Adams will give them just that. In his last two seasons at Clemson he notched 22 sacks, including 12.5 during his senior year. The Redskins may also be tempted to take a guy like Leon Hall, but Hall would be a reach at this point and defensive end is a bigger need right now. Jamaal Anderson could always play into the equation as well.

7. Minnesota Vikings - Jamaal Anderson (DE, Arkansas) - Speaking of Jamaal Anderson, he shows up just a pick later going to Minnesota. The Vikings, like the Redskins, need to put far more pressure on the quarterback. Anderson has never gotten the media attention guys like Adams have, but after quiet freshman and sophomore campaigns, Anderson had a monstrous senior season, racking up 13.5 sacks. The Vikings also need a wide receiver badly, so it isn't completely impossible that Ted Ginn, Jr. or Robert Meachem would be the pick. With the seventh overall pick both of those guys would probably be big reaches, though.

8. Atlanta Falcons (f/Houston) - LaRon Landry (S, LSU) - While the Falcons may have DeAngelo Hall at one cornerback spot, the rest of their secondary leaves much to be desired. Lawyer Milloy is probably entering the final stages of his career, and Chris Crocker is nothing to write home about at free safety. Landry would add a much needed boost and some leadership to the secondary. He's a pure athlete in every sense of the word, and has all the intangibles you would want in a defensive back. He also plays the run just as well as the pass. Some critics say he doesn't play quite as fast as his 4.35 forty time would indicate, but anything close to that time is beyond spectacular.

9. Miami Dolphins - Leon Hall (CB, Michigan) - This might be a slight reach for Hall, but the Dolphins are also in desperate need of secondary help, and Hall is the best cornerback available in the draft. Despite having a difficult time against some of the elite college wide receivers, Hall is a very solid prospect who is a reliable tackler, a hard hitter, and has all the intangibles you could ask for. He also ran an impressive 4.39 forty and while he doesn't seem like a lockdown corner right now he has tremendous upside and Miami can really use all the help they can get in that area. There are plenty of other ways Miami could look, though, including defensive tackle and wide receiver.

10. Houston Texans - Levi Brown (OT, Penn St.) - The Texans may eventually have an NFL caliber offensive line, and Levi Brown would be an integral piece of that puzzle. At 323 pounds and almost 6'6", Brown is an absolute behemoth, and will finally give the Texans the left tackle they've needed for so long. He's a leader and a well known hard worker, and is clearly the second best offensive linemen after Joe Thomas.

11. San Francisco 49ers - Alan Branch (DT, Michigan) - The 49ers need a top nose tackle for their 3-4 defense, and Alan Branch can certainly be that guy. Branch is just about 6'6" and weighs in at 324 pounds, and his frame is absolutely huge. He can clog running lanes easily, and can even take on more than one blocker at a time. His pass rushing abilities aren't ideal, but that's not what the 49ers would be looking for with this pick.

12. Buffalo Bills - Patrick Willis (ILB, Ole Miss) - The Bills have lost almost all of their star players this off-season, and due to that they have plenty of holes to fill. Willis McGahee, London Fletcher, Takeo Spikes, and Nate Clements have all packed their bags and headed to new teams. Marshawn Lynch will be very tempting here, but after Takeo Spikes was traded to the Eagles this pick almost has to address linebacker. Willis is not necessarily the ideal size for a middle linebacker, but he's versatile and can be used in a number of ways by the Bills. He's a hard hitter, a reliable tackler, and a team leader. He reacts quickly and has shown the ability to read quarterbacks. If he realizes his potential at the next level he will be exactly what the Bills need. If Leon Hall falls this far he's another possibility.

13. St. Louis Rams - Amobi Okoye (DT, Louisville) - The Rams once again struggled on the defensive side of the ball last year, particularly against the run. Enter Amobi Okoye. This 20-year old has four years of college football under his belt after beginning college at the ripe old age of 16. Okoye is very powerful at the point of attack and stays low to the ground. He is mature for his age, but obviously still has time to learn and improve. Again, Leon Hall would be very attractive to them if he falls this far.

14. Carolina Panthers - Greg Olsen (TE, Miami) - Steve Smith once again carried the load for the Panthers, although they are slowly building the weapons on offense that will help to compliment him. The one thing they have lacked for a very long time is a pass catching tight end. Olsen is the best of that group in this draft to be sure. He's got great hands and speed, and despite his abilities he shows even more potential for improvement. His senior year did not deliver in the way some thought it would, but the team around Olsen was not the powerhouse it once was. Thanks to his workouts, Olsen has shed the doubts and could now be taken in the middle of the first round.

15. Pittsburgh Steelers - Paul Posluszny (OLB, Penn St.) - Posluszny might be a bit of a reach this early, and if new head coach Mike Tomlin moves away from a 3-4 linebacker might be a little less of a need. As of right now though, the Steelers need some depth at linebacker and a replacement for Joey Porter, who fled to Miami this off-season. Posluszny will fit their style of play very well. He's an intense guy who will hit as hard as he can and ask questions later. He plays with his instincts and has a knack for making big plays.

16. Green Bay Packers - Marshawn Lynch (RB, California) - How the Packers played well enough last season to be picking this late in round one is beyond me, but here they are. They have plenty of needs to address and need depth more or less everywhere. After Ahman Green headed to the Texans, though, the Packers added another huge hole at RB. Beyond Vernand Morecny there really isn't much to speak of, and even if he runs well the Packers will be hard-pressed to pass up on the second best runner in the draft this far down. Lynch is extremely versatile and will be able to make big plays if given the chance. There are some areas he can improve in, of course, including pass catching and blocking.

17. Jacksonville Jaguars - Jon Beason (OLB, Miami) - This might be another reach for a linebacker, but the team needs are there and if a player has to be taken a handful of picks early, so be it. The Jaguars need to infuse some youth and depth into their group of linebackers. Age and unspectacular play will force them to look for help in the draft, and that's where Beason comes in. He's quick, athletic, and versatile, having played all three positions at linebacker. Reggie Nelson is a possibility here as well.

18. Cincinnati Bengals - Lawrence Timmons (OLB, Florida St.) - Here we go again, another team in desperate need of help at linebacker. Thanks to injuries and off-the-field incidents, the Bengals are still weak at the position despite bringing in plenty of young guys in recent years. They may try again with Lawrence Timmons. He's fast, athletically gifted, and an absolutely ferocious hitter. He only has one year of starting experience under his belt, but during that season he recorded an impressive 18.0 tackles for a loss. The Bengals will be mighty pleased if he can come in and even realize a portion of his limitless potential.

19. Tennessee Titans - Ted Ginn, Jr. (WR, Ohio St.) - It's no secret that the Titans' group of wide receivers aren't among the league's elite. The team will want to give Vince Young all the weapons they can, so Ginn would be a great pick here if he ends up falling this far. He is ridiculously fast, running a 4.3 flat in the forty. He is also extraordinarily athletic and will undoubtedly make big plays for whatever team ends up with him. Ginn is a small guy and that may be a concern to some, but his abilities are unquestionable, and he will help to stretch the field both as a wide receiver and as a return man. And the return aspect will become even more important if "Pacman" Jones is suspended or released thanks to his off-the-field incidents.

20. New York Giants - Darrelle Revis (CB, Pitt) - The Giants are yet another team with linebacker listed as a top concern, but at this point the value is just not there. No worries, though, because cornerback is another big concern and it's one they can address with Darrell Revis. While not the quickest defensive back, Revis has all the other things the Giants are looking for. He's athletic, tough, and a very reliable tackler. He also has potential to be very good against the run, which is always welcome in a secondary player. Chances are at least one of the linebackers will fall to this point, though, so it may not be an easy decision for the G-Men come draft day.

21. Denver Broncos - Chris Houston (CB, Arkansas) - The untimely death of Darrent Williams has left the Broncos with an unexpected hole to fill at cornerback. They have very little depth, so bringing in a guy like Chris Houston will help them out tremendously. His speed is off the charts and his forty time is in the 4.32 range. In addition to his quickness he is a very tough player and will break up passes. His tackling needs improvement but he has great potential and if he realizes it the Broncos could have a very nice compliment to Champ Bailey. That's a big "if", of course, but Houston is the guy who held Dwayne Jarrett, Robert Meachem, and Dwayne Bowe to only one total touchdown in his meetings with them last season.

22. Dallas Cowboys - Reggie Nelson (S, Florida) - It should come as no surprise to anyone that the Cowboys have been looking for a safety to compliment Roy Williams without much success. Reggie Nelson could finally fill that void and help out in the inconsistent secondary in Dallas. Nelson is lacking in experience as he only played one and half years at the Division I level, but he's a playmaker in every sense of the word. He will fly around the field and find the ball regardless of where it is thrown. There are some question marks regarding his ability against the run, but he has boatloads of potential and if he falls this far it would be unlikely that Dallas pass him up.

23. Kansas City Chiefs - Robert Meachem (WR, Tennessee) - Tony Gonzalez, the Chiefs' tight end, has now led the team in receiving for three straight seasons. That says a lot about his talent, but it also sheds some light on the fact that the Chiefs have had very little at wide receiver. It is finally time for them to bring in another weapon, and Robert Meachem is just that. He runs a sub-4.40 forty and has shown both big play ability and the tools needed to be a threat in the intermediate passing game. In the past he has had some problem with dropped balls, but his tremendous potential and elusive running more than makes up for any concerns.

24. New England Patriots - Michael Griffin (S, Texas) - Thanks to a very active free agency the Patriots have addressed some of their needs at both wide receiver and linebacker. They also stepped up to the plate and decided to keep Asante Samuel by giving him more money, a rare thing for the franchise. However, outside of Samuel the secondary still needs improvement, and there is little depth to speak of. Rodney Harrison continues to age and seems to be injured every season now. Michael Griffin will add that much needed depth to the secondary. He is very aggressive and fairly quick, and will read plays quickly to make sure he is where the action is. Griffin also has a knack for blocking punts, something he did six times while playing for the Longhorns.

25. New York Jets - Marcus McCauley (CB, Fresno St.) - The Jets' secondary isn't lighting the world on fire, and beyond starting corners Justin Miller and Andre Dyson, there is not much depth to speak of. Marcus McCauley would add that much needed depth and aggressiveness to the team. He has good size and plays even taller thanks to his impressive athleticism and jumping ability. His speed is ideal and he runs in the 4.39 forty range. McCauley also has the potential to be pretty good against the run, which is always a big plus for young cornerbacks. A defensive tackle like Justin Harrell could also be a good fit here, and don't rule out linebacker if the team sees somebody that Mangini could use in the 3-4.

26. Philadelphia Eagles - Brandon Meriweather (S, Miami) - The Eagles could use some depth at linebacker, but at this point there really isn't any value there. If a guy like Timmons were to fall this far, he could be an option. Safety is also a concern, and depth is desperately needed. Michael Lewis has struggled and Brian Dawkins is getting up there in age. Meriweather will bring some youth to this group and his toughness is something the Eagles' defense prides themselves on. He's a quick and hard hitter and plays much bigger than he actually is. He plays well against the run and pass, and has the potential to excel at coverage. Character issues are certainly a question here, though.

27. New Orleans Saints - Aaron Ross (CB, Texas) - Again, if a linebacker that the Saints like falls this far, don't be surprised if that is the pick. They've been looking for a stud outside linebacker for quite some time now, and if somebody like Puz or Timmons falls to them, that could be the pick. Cornerback is another big problem area, and anyone that watched Fred Thomas play last year is well aware of this. Ross will add some vital depth to the Saints' secondary and push the veterans to fight harder for their spots. He is an impact player that will make things happen, whether it is with his size, his ball skills, or his tackling. Ross doesn't have the ideal speed for a corner as he runs around a 4.50 forty, but he plays a little faster and has a way of finding the action.

28. New England Patriots (f/Seattle) - Dwayne Jarrett (WR, USC) - The Pats could end up reaching for a linebacker like David Harris here, or taking another one if they ended up falling. Wide receiver seems an odd choice since they drafted Chad Jackson in the second round last season and just signed three wide receivers this off-season. Donte Stallworth will most likely be around for the 2007 season only, and Wes Welker is more of a slot receiver. It was clear in the playoffs last year that the Patriots' current guys weren't getting it done, that much is to be sure. Jarrett will bring the best ball skills this side of Calvin Johnson to New England. He can adjust his body and make tough catches thanks to his athleticism and size (Jarrett is 6'4" and 219 pounds). The main criticism of Jarrett is his timed speed, but he more than makes up for it with his prowess in the red zone.

29. Baltimore Ravens - Joe Staley (OT, Central Michigan) - Believe it or not, this 306-pounder ran a 4.75 forty! Staley is extremely athletic for his size, and was actually a tight end until recently. His experience at offensive tackle may be a concern, but Staley's ability to run and block on the move will be invaluable. He mirrors opponents well and his pass blocking is among the best in the draft. There are a few other minor concerns, but Staley's upside is huge and the Ravens need some depth on the offensive line after a few of their veterans bolted this off-season.

30. San Diego Chargers - Dwayne Bowe (WR, LSU) - Linebacker is a concern here as well, but unless somebody falls this far the talent pool of first round talent has already dried up. Another major area of concern is wide receiver, where the Chargers have had mostly average players for quite some time. Like the Titans and Chiefs, no one player has been able to stand out. Dwayne Bowe is a big target at 6'2" and 221 pounds, and would help Phillip Rivers progress even more. Bowe is built very well, can block, and isn't afraid to take a big hit. He certainly isn't the quickest receiver in the draft and doesn't have a ton of experience, but his yardage and TDs increased each year while in college until his senior season when he racked up 990 yards and 12 touchdown receptions.

31. Chicago Bears - Justin Blalock (OG, Texas) - The Bears don't have many glaring needs that they can address with this pick, so unless Greg Olsen or an outside linebacker fall into their laps, offensive line would be a good bet here. Justin Blalock will most likely translate to guard at the next level, but he could potentially become a right tackle as well. He is a great athlete and versatile, which is great for a team that just needs some depth for the time being.

32. Indianapolis Colts - Rufus Alexander (OLB, Oklahoma) - It still boggles my mind that a team that gave up 170 yards rushing during the regular season won the championship last year, but it happened. Still, the Colts will need to address their defense during the draft, and they will probably start with this pick. Alexander is a bit of a reach here, and if another OLB falls this far, look for the Colts to go that way. They could also look at a defensive tackle here. Regardless of what they do, they need help stopping the run, especially on the outsides. Alexander isn't the biggest linebacker in the draft, but he has great athleticism and speed. Most importantly, he has great range and will make plays behind the line of scrimmage.

The NFL Draft will take place on April 28th and 29th.