Al Davis and the Raiders have always valued speed and this is just one of the qualities that Geogia Tech wide out Johnson brings to the field.

MOCK DRAFT, PHASE III 

Russell still tops the board but... 

HAVE THE FANTASTIC FOUR BECOME THE FAB FIVE? While it's obvious the foursome of wideout Calvin Johnson, quarterbacks JaMarcus Russell and Brady Quinn as well as offensive tackle Joe Thomas are this draft's elites, a defender may be sneaking into the mix. That would be rugged Clemson defensive end Gaines Adams. Can he crash the party at the top? As countdown to April 28th continues, take a look at the third installment of our mock draft... 

 1  RAIDERS: JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU
Holding strong, Russell stays at the top. New head coach Lane Kiffin has said enough in Russell's favor to suggest the Raiders are still very high on him, and it really probably comes down to either Russell or Quinn. The Al Davis factor also looms, and he is well known for liking exciting athletes, which gives Russell a further edge. The only question is how ready Russell might be to run the sputtering Raider offense.

 2  LIONS: Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech
The prevailing wisdom up to this point was that Detroit boss Matt Millen would play it safe and go with Wisconsin O-tackle Joe Thomas, who fills a big need. But the recent no-show of WR Mike Williams to Detroit workouts means Millen might now have an excuse to take Johnson. Millen has always coveted flashy offensive players, and it would be hard at this point to see Detroit fans being upset with team for grabbing the most exciting receiver to come along in years.

 3  BROWNS: Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame
Quinn recently visited the Browns, and has reiterated to the press that he would love to play for Cleveland. That's not always the case with NFL prospects, but Quinn is an Ohio native and loved the Browns growing up. They are desperate for a stud QB, Romeo Crennel is likely to trust former New England coaching peer (and now Notre Dame head coach) Charlie Weis, Quinn has done nothing to drop from his elite status.

 4  BUCCNEERS: Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson
Some habits die hard, and the Bucs love defense. Head coach Jon Gruden has wisely been focusing on the offensive side of the ball lately, but at the end of the day his bread and butter is the D. The Bucs would love for wideout Calvin Johnson to still be around, but that is looking less and less likely. If he's gone (as he likely will be) Adams (picture) is a nice addition who will bring youth to an aging defensive unit.

 5  CARDINALS: Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin
A drop? Yes and no. Thomas has the pure talent to go No.1 overall, but questions about his durability might linger, and the other top prospects are likely too exciting to be passed by. Thomas will be a great pro, but his stock hasn't really been soaring lately like that of the others. This pick would fill Arizona's most pressing need, and if he lasts until this point, Thomas would help the Cards make huge strides right away.

 6  REDSKINS: Jamaal Anderson, DE, Arkansas
With the recent collapse of the Lance Briggs trade with the Bears, the Redskins need to focus even more on elite defensive prospects. Anderson is a versatile player who has the raw potential to dominate eventually, and Washington had an awful time getting after opposing quarterbacks in 2006. A great fit for the Redskins, and a player likely to be available, but not likely to be around much later than this.

 7  VIKINGS: Darrelle Revis, CB, Pittsburgh
As much as the Vikes might like to grab someone like Louisville defensive tackle Amobi Okoye, Revis makes the most sense. Minny had an awful time holding opposing receivers, and Revis is an immediate upgrade for their secondary. Losing Fred Smoot (who went back to the Redskins) hurts them even more, so they need to grab the most talented corner likely to be available. That's likely Revis.

 
 8  FALCONS: LaRon Landry, S, LSU
When they moved QB Matt Schaub to the Texans for a two-spot jump in the draft, the Falcons obviously had a player in mind, one they were worried might not last to No.10. That player may be Landry, who would be an immediate upgrade in the safety rotation. The Falcons had a tough time stopping anyone over the middle, and Landry would likely be able to step in and play right away for them.

 9  DOLPHINS: Amobi Okoye, DT, Louisville
Despite all their struggles in 2006, the Dolphins are already a very well-rounded team talent-wise. They would probably most like to draft Quinn, but he isn't likely to be around at this point. That means the 'best player available' may be the their best option, and that could be Okoye. He would bring some youth and energy to a veteran defense that isn't getting any younger. They could really use an offensive lineman, but Joe Thomas is likely gone by now as well.

 10  TEXANS: Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma
Now that Domanick Williams (previously known as Davis) is gone, the Texans need a superstar back for the future. While Ahman Green is their new No.1 guy, he's no spring chicken and Peterson would be a great heir apparent. They still have lots of other pressing needs, but Peterson would be a pure steal at this point and head coach Gary Kubiak loves the running game from his days in Denver.

 11  49ers: Reggie Nelson, S, Florida
Despite the big free agent signing of Nate Clements, the 'Niners still need a lot of talent and depth in their secondary. Nelson (picture) has a great overall package of skills and talent, and also seems to be the type of positive, team-first player San Fran is looking for these days. He is also mostly game-ready, which is a real plus for a team on the rise like the 49ers.

 12  BILLS: Jon Beason, OLB, Miami
This might seem a little high for Beason, but his stock is on the rise and the Bills seem to have no problem taking players a little higher than expected (see last year's draft). The losses of London Fletcher-Baker and Takeo Spikes really hurt their linebacking corps, and Beason is a great tackler who might be able to step right in to their young defense.

 13  RAMS: Alan Branch, DT, Michigan
An offensive lineman is also a real need, but after Joe Thomas there aren't many elite ones in this draft. With that in mind the Rams are likely to turn to the defensive side of the ball, where Branch could help out right away. Branch was earlier considered a top-10 guy, so the Rams would likely be delighted if he were to fall to this point. They desperately need someone to stop opposing running backs and collapse the pocket.

 14  PANTHERS: Greg Olsen, TE, Miami
The Panthers have had major problems offensively despite a lot of talent, and a player like Olsen would be a huge upgrade. He's not quite game-ready as far as the finer points go, but Carolina desperately needs a short-pass outlet to make their running game and the deep ball to Steve Smith more effective. Olsen has been gaining popularity since the Indy Combine, and is likely to be the first tight end taken.

 15  STEELERS: Jarvis Moss, DE, Florida
Goodbye Joey Porter, hello Jarvis Moss. The loss of Porter really leaves a hole in the Steeler defense, and Moss is a similar type of player who can excel early in Pittsburgh's system. A defensive back is also a real possibility at this point, but new head coach Mike Tomlin doesn't put as much stress on the secondary as he does on stopping the run and getting into the backfield. Moss is a keeper, and would be a nice fit here.

 16  PACKERS: Marshawn Lynch, RB, California
This pick isn't ideal for the Packers, but they have a major need in the backfield. The loss of Ahman Green really hurts and while there is still talk they will land a free agent, there aren't many great options still on the market and. That makes a player with Lynch's talent level essential. There are questions about his character, but that didn't stop this team from picking up Koren Robinson last year. Lynch is clearly the top tailback not named Adrian Peterson.

 17  JAGUARS: Leon Hall, CB, Michigan
Jacksonville has used some high picks on offense in the past couple of years, but their team is mostly built on defense. While they have no clear weaknesses on that side of the ball, adding Hall would give them some needed depth at the corner spot. They are already stacked at all the key offensive spots except for QB, but there are no elite play-callers likely to be available at this point.

 18  BENGALS: Robert Meachem, WR, Tennessee
The suspension to Chris Henry and the departure of Kelley Washington leave the Bengals a little thin on wideout depth after their star starters. Enter Meachem (picture), who has been soaring up draft boards. On paper the Bengals seem to need more help on the defensive line and the secondary, but their troubles there aren't really because of a lack or raw talent. This team also loves offensive talent, and would have a tough time passing on Meachem.

 19  TITANS: Dwayne Bowe, WR, LSU
Vince Young needs a new top target, and it may be Jarrett. A few months ago Jarrett was considered by some as the most talented receiver in the draft. Some questions about his raw speed might be a concern for some teams, but Tennessee offensive coordinator isn't likely to worry. He will be very familiar with Jarrett from his days as USC, and like with LenDale White last year, isn't likely to be as concerned with Jarrett's perceived attitude issues either.

 20  GIANTS: Charles Johnson, DE, Georgia
Last season the Giants had a tough time getting to opposing quarterbacks, and Michael Strahan may not have too many big years left. This team probably needs more help in the secondary, but recent years have shown they are more likely to look for veterans in filling those gaps. Johnson is an underrated player who would be a bit of steal at this point, and he could apprentice under one of the best in Strahan.

 21  BRONCOS: Adam Carriker, DE, Nebraska
All the recent movement and uncertainty on the defensive line in Denver suggests the team is in need of some depth. While Carriker isn't exactly a can't-miss type, he is the sort of player head coach Mike Shanahan loves: versatile, somewhat underrated, and a gamer. Carriker's lack of big-time production to finish his college career could have him still available at this point, and he would be a nice steal for a cagey Denver squad.

 22  COWBOYS: Aaron Ross, CB, Texas
Despite new head coach Wade Phillips' love of the blitz, the Cowboys have a big need for depth in the secondary. Ross played his college ball at nearby Texas, and is flying under the radar a little lately. He is the type of playmaker Phillips looks for, and would be a nice complement to the players already on board in Big D.

 23  CHIEFS: Levi Brown, OT, Penn State
Brown has seen his stock move all over the place lately. His awful foot-speed at Indy Combine probably dropped him out of the top half of the first round, but he might be a nice pick-up here for a KC team that needs depth on the O-line. The Chiefs had major issues in that area last year, but it has always been a point of strength for them. Defense has been the focus the past couple of drafts, but probably not this year. 

 24  PATRIOTS: Paul Posluszny, LB, Penn State
With Tedy Bruschi aging and the status of Junior Seau still up in the air, Poz would be a great pick for the Pats. He may not last this long, but if he does, Posluszny may be the next Bruschi. He's a gutsy, underrated, intense defender who will help out immediately. New England doesn't have too many major needs, but depth at this position might be one of them. Poz would also be a nice fit because of his team-first attitude.

 25  JETS: Anthony Spencer, LB, Purdue
The Jets have a big need for players who can stop the run, but they also love to blitz. That makes Spencer (picture) an almost perfect fit for them. He loves to get into the backfield but also is great at picking up the run, and he can play several positions. He may be a bit of a late bloomer, but the Jets seem to love players like that. Their defense is really coming into its own, and Spencer would be a nice fit for them.

 26  EAGLES: Lawrence Timmons, OLB, Florida State
The Eagles have shown a real talent in recent years for finding diamonds-in-the-rough, especially on defense. Timmons could be the latest in that tradition, and he would be a nice fit in Philly's group of athletic, talented, and intense defenders. He isn't a classic inside linebacker but this team picked up Takeo Spikes recently, so that isn't as much of a pressing issue now.

 27  SAINTS: Patrick Willis, LB, Ole Miss
On a pure needs basis, Willis might be the best pick here for the Saints. They have a tough time stopping runners up the middle and Willis would help out with that immediately. The Saints need more leadership and intensity in their linebackers, and Willis is the type of player who might eventually become a defensive captain. Defense is a top priority for the Saints in this draft, and Willis may be the best defender available at this point.

 28  PATRIOTS: LaMarr Woodley, LB, Michigan
Versatility has always been a buzz word with the Pats, and Woodley is a perfect fit for their system. His ability to excel at several positions would make him a nice depth pick right away, and his intensity would make him a natural addition to a defense that seems to thrive on it. The offense seems mostly set, so it wouldn't be surprising to see the Pats load up on defenders early in the draft.

 29  RAVENS: Dwayne Bowe, WR, Louisiana State
The Ravens have very few weaknesses, which makes them a good candidate to go the 'best player available' route. That may be Bowe, who would give the Ravens a very nice backup for incumbent wideouts Mark Clayton and Derrick Mason. Baltimore is also a little small in the receiving corps, and Bowe is a big target who would add an excellent possession element to their downfield pass attack.

 30  CHARGERS: Ted Ginn Jr., WR, Ohio State
The Chargers have two needs: a top wideout talent, and players who can help them win right away. Ginn is both those things, and would give QB Philip Rivers a legitimate vertical threat who would also take pressure off Antonio Gates. Ginn has seen his stock move all over the place recently, so he may still be around here and the Chargers tend to covet players with his athleticism.

 31  BEARS: Stewart Bradley, LB, Nebraska
This might be a little high for Bradley considering the injury concerns surrounding him, but it also might be a steal for the Bears. When healthy Bradley has major upside, and the ongoing Lance Briggs saga means Chicago is in the market for depth at linebacker. Bradley has top-tier talent but just needs to prove he can stay healthy, and at No.31 the Bears can afford to take a chance.

 32  COLTS: DeMarcus "Tank" Tyler, DT, North Carolina State
Earlier projections had 'Tank' going in the top half of the first round, and some have him slipping to the second round. So this is a nice compromise on his likely landing, and is also a perfect fit for the Colts. While they usually covet smaller, more high-motor types, it's obvious they need some size in the middle of the defense and Tyler would provide that. This might be a steal for Indy.