Final
Thoughts on 2007 Draft
By Chris Steuber
Thursday, April 26, 2007
The draft is this weekend, and things are starting to shape up
a bit. There’s a lot of talk about possible trades taking place and speculation
that some teams are positioning themselves to draft the player they covet.
The craziness will only get crazier this Saturday.
In my final attempt to forecast the 2007 NFL Draft, I predict
one trade to happen within the top-ten selections. NOTE: This trade is a prediction and not an actual occurrence.
I have the Tampa Bay Buccaneers trading up with the Detroit
Lions to select Calvin Johnson. Johnson gives the Buccaneers the big-play
threat on offense they desperately need, and moving down allows the Lions to
pick up an extra selection and draft the best defensive player on the board. I didn’t include an exchange of picks in
the second round because the Bucs may trade a player instead of draft picks to
the Lions.
Obviously this trade will affect the top-ten and allow for some
players to fall and others to rise.
So, enjoy my final mock draft and let me know your thoughts. We’re a couple of
days away from the biggest off-season spectacle in professional sports.
If you have any questions
regarding my latest mock draft, feel free to email me at: chriss@sportsgrumblings.com.
|
Pick
|
Team
|
Pos.
|
Player
|
College
|
Class
|
Ht.
|
Wt.
|
|
1
|
|
QB
|
JaMarcus Russell
|
LSU
|
Jr.
|
6-6
|
265
|
|
The Raiders have to identify a franchise
quarterback, but there’s also the temptation of Calvin Johnson. If the
Raiders select Johnson, who will be throwing him the ball? With the release
of Aaron Brooks, the Raiders starting quarterback, at the moment, is Andrew
Walter. Obviously Walter isn’t the answer so the selection of JaMarcus
Russell is an easy one for the Raiders.
|
|
2
|
 from 
|
QB
|
Calvin Johnson
|
Georgia Tech
|
Jr.
|
6-5
|
239
|
|
The Lions are looking to trade down and
acquire picks or a player. After listening to many offers, the Lions decide
to make a trade with Tampa
Bay. The Buccaneers
desire one player, Georgia Tech’s star wide receiver Calvin Johnson.
With Johnson, the Bucs will have a big-play threat for years to come.
|
|
3
|
|
QB
|
Brady Quinn
|
Notre Dame
|
Sr.
|
6-4
|
232
|
|
Cleveland has a tough decision;
do they draft Brady Quinn and have a potential franchise quarterback for the
next decade? Do they draft Adrian Peterson as the long-term answer at running
back? Or, do they upgrade their offensive line with Joe Thomas? Adding a
franchise quarterback is the answer, and Quinn is the pick.
|
|
4
|
from
|
DE
|
Gaines Adams
|
Clemson
|
Sr.
|
6-5
|
258
|
|
The Lions moved down two spots and hoped for
the best. Detroit
needs to upgrade their defense and add a dominant pass rusher on their
defensive line. Clemson’s Gaines Adams is the answer for a team in need of a
quality pass rush.
|
