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Saint fan. You feel my pain. Well, you did. They are turning around nicely!
You are stuck...I follow the Saints and the Giant! And Ole Miss Fan keeping up with my boys! Rj
Yeah. It sucks being a lions fan. But when you are raised on a team, what can you do?
Thanks for that info, I will NOT be checking out the Lions this year...RJ
Not the Lions. They don;t have cheerleaders. No wonder they are awful! blah!
that is the best part of ALOT of NFL teams, not just the Pats...Rj
Oh No Romo! He runs with alot of the big names...RJ
American Idol Carrie Underwood & Tony Romo Together for His Birthday
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Josh Hart
Apr 23, 2007
Dallas Cowboys QB Tony Romo celebrated his 27th birthday in Dallas over the weekend and with him was none other than American Idol winner Carrie Underwood. Earlier reports this month from Star Magazine had the pair heating up and possibly looking at a wedding. While that's still not clear what is becoming apparent is that they are an item of some sort. According to a report from People Magazine the pair looked very cozy at the birthday bash sources told the mag.
American Idol Carrie Underwood & Tony Romo Celebrate His Birthday
"Carrie and Tony were having a great time in the deejay booth," an insider spilled to 'People'. "They were laughing, singing together, holding hands and their arms were around each other all night."
***
Cue the rep™: A spokesperson for Underwood, 24, confirms that the Grammy winner was on hand to celebrate Romo's birthday. Asked if they are dating, rep Jessie Schmidt tells People: "They have recently been spending a little time together." But, says Schmidt, they are "definitely not boyfriend/girlfriend. It's very casual at this point. It's [in the] really early stages."
Star has already reported that Carrie was a big hit with his family. "Tony’s family all loved Carrie and told him not to let this one get away,’ an insider gabs to the magazine. “And he’s not.”
***
The party was held in the VIP section of Ghostbar and it was closed off for the football star's guests, who had their own private bar and seating area. But Carrie and Tony ventured out. They even headed for the deejay booth where they led the bar in a version of Twisted Sister's hit "We're Not Gonna Take It."
The report from People also notes that Underwood put her singing talent to good use when she led the entire club in singing "Happy Birthday" to Romo. The club also had "Happy Birthday Tony Romo" posted on all its video screens.
hey billie...heres some real news..
With Jones back in charge, Dallas Cowboys may look to move up
Published: Tuesday, April 24, 2007 | 4:38 PM ET
Canadian Press: STEPHEN HAWKINS
IRVING, Texas (AP) - Jerry Jones may be looking to move up in the NFL draft, something the Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager never did with Bill Parcells at his side the past four years.
Parcells left the roster in good shape when he retired, even though it was the only of his four NFL coaching jobs where he never won a playoff game.
"I feel like that we could line up and play with the players that we have before the draft. ... We do not have to have a player at a position," said Jones, who is preparing for his 19th NFL draft. "That gives me a lot of flexibility in any decision that I may make as we get into the draft."
So does having 10 picks, though there is one small problem: The Cowboys, who haven't won a playoff game in 10 seasons, have the 22nd spot Saturday.
"Bill didn't do us any favours," Jones said, smiling. "He left us with a low draft pick."
Without a specifically pressing need and with a few extra picks, Jones may try to move up to get an impact player, preferably on the offensive side of the ball.
"I'm looking at the possibility of, and probably more seriously consider it than I ever have, doing some bundling up (of picks) and trading up," Jones said. "We do have our bases covered, so if there were a player we could reach - big if, big if - that could come in and make the obvious impact, then that should be a consideration."
The problem is, it would take a blockbuster deal to snag an impact player such as Georgia Tech receiver Calvin Johnson or Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson.
Not as big the October 1989 deal by Jones that sent Herschel Walker to Minnesota for five players and six draft picks, or Mike Ditka trading all six of New Orleans' picks in 1999 to get Ricky Williams. But it would have to be something significant.
And Jones is only planning to package draft picks, not current players.
"I would like to see if we could create some impact over there, do something to juice it up," Jones said. "But 31 other clubs are looking for the same guy, too."
Since Jones bought the team in 1989 - when he got Hall of Fame quarterback and three-time Super Bowl winner Troy Aikman with the first overall pick - the Cowboys have made 40 draft-day trades. There are only five years when one of those trades didn't involve a first-round pick.
The Cowboys moved up in 1990 to get NFL career rushing leader Emmitt Smith with the No. 17 pick. But even Jones knows the nearly impossible chances of something like that happening again that low in the round.
The Cowboys may look for a receiver - Terrell Owens and Terry Glenn both will be 33 at the start of their 12th NFL seasons - but the group behind Johnson is somewhat equal and probably not worth trading up for.
With the emergence of Tony Romo, the Cowboys may finally have a true successor to Aikman seven years after his last game, so they don't have to draft a quarterback high. Plus, they've already signed veteran Brad Johnson as insurance after Drew Bledsoe was released and retired.
The Cowboys also don't have to worry about trying to get an offensive lineman early after their off-season moves. They spent big money on free agent Leonard Davis and gave long-term contracts to keep right tackle Marc Colombo and centre Andre Gurode.
If the Cowboys go for defence, they'd probably have to do some dealing for LSU safety LaRon Landry or Michigan cornerback Leon Hall. However, But Texas safety Michael Griffin or his teammate, cornerback Aaron Ross, could be available at No. 22.
Like Parcells, new coach Wade Phillips is defence-minded and well-versed in the 3-4 scheme, though they have different approaches.
Most of the pieces are in place there because of the emphasis on defence the last two drafts: six of the eight picks in 2005, including first-rounders DeMarcus Ware and Marcus Spears, and first-round pick Bobby Carpenter and three more defenders last year.
Parcells' final draft had a familiar formula. Dallas selected a defender in the first round, the son of one of coach's former players, and made trades to acquire more picks.
Jones expects the new coach to be a little more flexible.
"Bill was a little more focused on a certain prototype that were his system guys," Jones said. "(Phillips) will take a guy that was drafted for that system and make it work in his system or attempt to work it in his system. His idea would be it's unlikely you're going to get them all that just fit."
One thing I have learned being a Lions fan for 27 years. No matter what the Lions do, or how great it might seem at the time, it will be the wrong decision. If we take Johnson and trade him, he'll be the next Jerry Rice times 10. If we keep him. He'll be a bust.
The Cubs and Red Sox no nothing of what it means to be cursed! lol
couple of options:
http://www.mlive.com/lions/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/117693600357600.xml&coll=1
http://lions.scout.com/2/526632.html
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?Category=SPORTS0101
and...............
Inside Slant
Posted 4/21/2007 7:45 AM ET
DRAFT STRATEGY — Here's the latest trade rumor: Lions president Matt Millen is plotting to move up from No. 2 in the NFL draft, not down.
"I think Mr. Millen said they were going to trade with Oakland to take me at No. 1," Wisconsin offensive lineman Joe Thomas said.
OK, just kidding. Thomas was smiling as he said that.
But who knows? So much stuff has been circulating about the Lions, it's hard to separate fact from fiction.
The Lions love Thomas. No, wait. They love Clemson defensive end Gaines Adams.
They traded the No. 2 pick to Tampa Bay for the No. 4 pick and Simeon Rice. No, wait. They didn't.
We can safely say this: The Lions aren't going to trade up to No. 1. They have talked to a number of teams about moving down from No. 2, but so far it's just talk. There are a lot of ways the Lions could go.
Everything seems to hinge on Oakland. If the Raiders take JaMarcus Russell first overall, then there will be a market for the No. 2 pick because Georgia Tech wide receiver Calvin Johnson — considered by many the best player in the draft — will be available. But if the Raiders take Johnson, all bets are off.
If the Raiders take Russell, the Lions might want to move down — or take Johnson and trade him — for two reasons. One, there are players they like who would be available a little lower, such as Thomas and Adams. Two, more picks would help them fill more holes.
But completing a trade is easier said than done. Tampa Bay seems like a possible trading partner at No. 4. The Bucs are said to covet Johnson. They have to move up only two spots, and they have two second-round picks. But Washington, at No. 6, doesn't have many picks to offer. Atlanta, at No. 8, might be too far down.
Don't rule out the Lions taking Johnson and keeping him. They would be ridiculed for taking a receiver in the top 10 for the fourth time in five years, but they still need help at receiver and pass-happy Mike Martz is still their offensive coordinator. And anyway, they will be ridiculed if they pass on Johnson, too.
If the Raiders take Johnson, the Lions might be "stuck" with the No. 2 pick. It seems unlikely they would take Russell, Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn or Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson. They could shop the pick in case someone is worried Cleveland will take one of those guys at No. 3. They could stretch and take Adams, but more likely they would play it safe and take Thomas.
One thing to remember, though. As bad as the Lions have been at the top of the draft, they have failed later in the draft, too. They need help in a lot of areas and can't afford to miss at the top, middle or bottom.
NOTES, QUOTES
—LSU quarterback JaMarcus Russell wasn't very revealing as he left his visit to Lions headquarters. He said he would love to play in Detroit. But asked what he told Oakland, he said: "Same thing." Asked if he had a gut feeling about where he would end up, he said: "You never know, man. Just let it happen."
—Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn thinks he would be a great fit for the Lions. Quinn would go from working under Charlie Weis, the former New England offensive coordinator, to working under Mike Martz, the director of the "Greatest Show on Turf" in St. Louis. "You can just tell from speaking with him that it would be a great opportunity for me to be here and work with him," Quinn said. "I think a lot of things that Coach Martz likes to do, he would be able to utilize my talent and we would be able to do a lot of special things I think with the offensive scheme."
—If the Lions draft Wisconsin offensive lineman Joe Thomas, he would be willing to play right tackle. The Lions already have made a commitment to a left tackle, Jeff Backus, who signed a six-year contract last year than included $15.5 million guaranteed. "We haven't really talked about it," Thomas said. "Obviously if I get drafted, I think then we'll talk about it. But they've asked me about playing right tackle. I have no problem with that. For me, my goal as a first-year player is not to start at any certain position, but just to be a starter on the team and help the team win."
QUOTE TO NOTE: "I don't think anyone would hold a grudge." — QB Brady Quinn, on how Michigan football fans would react if the Lions drafted a kid who was born in Columbus, Ohio, and played at Notre Dame.
STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL
MEDICAL WATCH: No updates.
FRANCHISE PLAYER
—DT Cory Redding: Tendered at $6.775M.
TRANSITION PLAYER: None.
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
—WR Corey Bradford came back to the Lions last year after being cut earlier in the season. He probably won't come back again.
—RB Arlen Harris came and went last season as a depth player. He knows Mike Martz's offense from St. Louis.
—OG Tyrone Hopson missed the entire season because of injury.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
—CB Keith Smith (tendered at $850,000) has been solid on special teams, but hasn't developed on defense as hoped.
EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS: Not available.
PLAYERS RE-SIGNED
—RB Aveion Cason: UFA; 1 yr, terms unknown.
—WR Mike Furrey: Potential UFA; 3 yrs, terms unknown.
—DE Claude Harriott: ERFA; terms unknown.
—LB Alex Lewis: Potential RFA; 3 yrs, terms unknown.
—RB Will Matthews: ERFA; terms unknown.
—NT Langston Moore: ERFA; terms unknown.
—LS Don Muhlbach: RFA; 5 yrs, terms unknown.
—OG Stephen Peterman: ERFA; terms unknown.
—DT Cleveland Pinkney: Not tendered as ERFA; 1 yr, terms unknown.
—OL Blaine Saipaia: Potential RFA; 2 yrs, terms unknown.
—DE Corey Smith: UFA; 1 yr, terms unknown.
PLAYERS ACQUIRED
—RB Tatum Bell (trade Broncos).
—CB Tony Beckham: FA; 1 yr, terms unknown.
—CB Ike Charlton: FA; 1 yr, terms unknown.
—RB T.J. Duckett: FA Redskins; $1.5M/1 yr.
—CB Travis Fisher: UFA Rams; $2.25M/1 yr, $1.25M SB.
—OT George Foster (trade Broncos).
—WR Shaun McDonald: UFA Rams; $2.8M/2 yrs, $1.5M guaranteed.
—OG Edwin Mulitalo: FA Ravens; 3 yrs, terms unknown.
—OG Zach Piller: FA Titans; 1 yr, terms unknown.
—DE Dewayne White: UFA Buccaneers; $29M/5 yrs, $13M guaranteed.
PLAYERS LOST
—NT Marcus Bell (released).
—CB Dre' Bly (traded Broncos).
—OG Rick DeMulling: UFA Colts; 1 yr, terms unknown.
—CB Jamar Fletcher: UFA Texans; $2.3M/2 yrs, SB unknown.
—S Terrence Holt: UFA Cardinals; $15M/5 yrs, $3.5M RB/$500,000 RB '08.
—DE Tyoka Jackson (released).
—S Jon McGraw: UFA Chiefs; 2 yrs, terms unknown.
—TE Marcus Pollard (released).
—FB Cory Schlesinger: UFA Dolphins; $2M/2 yrs, SB unknown.
—OG Ross Verba (released).
Thanks. Heard Millen said we might take Johnson! Argh. Another reciever! lol
hope they do the right thng for you guys, you deserve it!!
Lions Fan here! Really excited to see what they end up doing, as they have a lot of options!
Skins shop Springs
Wednesday, Apr 25, 2007 12:17 pm EDT
Getty Images
The Washington Redskins have shopped cornerback Shawn Springs to the Detroit Lions, who have the second overall pick.
Completing such a trade would be difficult – perhaps impossible – without including next year's first-round pick. That, according to owner Dan Snyder, means that it is imperative that the team identify the best possible candidate for the sixth pick.
Source: Washington Post
LOL...I am sure you would...I am glad you enjoy looking at my wife! LOL! RJ
I'll draft the hottie in your pic!!
The NFL draft kicks off Saturday in New York and one former Rebel is assured of being a first round pick while three others may be more likely to go on day two, if at all. Two-time All-American and Butkus Award winner Patrick Willis looks to be a lock for the first half of the first round while three others will keep an eye on the ticker.
I see...thanks for that info Mugs! That is fine with me also, Denver is a nice program! RJ
Uh oh. Look
Deal in the Works?
University of Mississippi LB Patrick Willis By Adam Caplan/Tony Pauline
scout.com
Posted Apr 25, 2007
Scout.com has confirmed The Houston Texans and Denver Broncos are working on a deal in which the teams will exchange first round picks, giving the Broncos the tenth selection in round one. It's believed Denver is targeting three players with that choice--University of Mississippi LB Patrick Willis, University of Nebraska DL Adam Carriker, and University of Louisville DT Amobi Okoye.
Denver feels they must move ahead of San Francisco as the 49ers have Willis rated highly and could take him with the eleventh pick. If the trade occurs, the Texans will likely target University of Texas CBAaron Ross later on in round one.
If Denver trades up to select Willis, that would give them the replacement they've been seeking for veteran MLB Al Wilson who was released on Tuesday. If Willis does indeed become a Bronco, that would end their pursuit of free agent MLB Ed Hartwell.
Hartwell, sources say, is hoping to sign a one-year deal before the start of Saturday's NFL draft. The Cincinnati Bengals are thought to be the front runner to sign him with the New England Patriots also in the mix.
As for Carriker, he's capable of playing in the interior in new defensive coordinator Jim Bates's scheme as well as line up outside at his natural spot.
If Okoye winds up being selected by Denver, he would give them a very solid
They need to get anyone on that defense. Has to be better than what they have now. If the rams can get a couple of defensive players they might be playoff bound.
That is who I was hoping would pick him...with your tradition on D-Fence! I wanted him to wear your colors! RJ
Ya I saw. Now they don't go after Ginn as punt returner/wideout and go defense. Maybe Carriker out of Nebraska. eom
Rams just got Dante Hall from KC for a fifth rounder.
Win the east? Give me some of what your smoking. lol We'll take JT and Zach off your hands to if you want. :>) eom
yea yea yea...I am very very disappointed in the loss of Welker not as much for the loss of his talent because the picks will probably well eclipse that...but his heart, tough to find hard nosed team players at wide reciever nowadays...it's okay in the end Miami will win the East this year...
I would Draft Johnson and then Trade him to Tampa for their pick and extras. You can get Beck, Kolb or Stanback in later round. eom
Hate the Pats? LOL We stole Welker. He's a player and I don't mind the two and seven for him. You can see Kraft has class though and worked out a trade rather than a poison pill. eom
No way the Pats could get Willis at 24. He'll be long gone. I would love to have him. eom
Maybe your Pats will pick up P-Willie from Ole Miss?? If he is still around...RJ
yea, it's because they used to be stars in thier respective sport so they have parlayed the respect they get due to thier athletic abilities (or former abilities) and for some reason this makes them unfireable it seems, they get second chances that no other gm gets, (besides Kevin McHale who should be included in this convo).
another WR? Dont they need a QB? I thought they would go after Quinn or Russell.
God I hope that the Raiders don't draft Jamarcus Russel. He is the next Ryan Leaf. The most overhyped QB ever going into the draft. He had one good game in three years and suddenly he is the #1 draft pick? His receivers were a good two steps faster than the ND defense and he still had some issues getting the ball where it needed to be. Did anyone here happen to catch any of his other games against good opponents last year or the year before? How about the SEC championship against Georgia two years ago? He was horrible. Or last year against Tennessee, Florida or Auburn???? He is bad. He does have a cannon, but so did Akili Smith and Ryan Leaf and we see how that worked out for them. Hopefully the Raiders will get smart and either trade for Culpepper and draft Johnson or just pick Quinn. We should know in lest than 5 days.
Culpepper came back to early, I think he still has a lot left, but last year probably killed his confidence, I'd like to have Brady sit for a year under Culpepper anyway,
oh and I don't thank the Pats for anything, I have a very deep level of hatred for them and the Buffalo Bills
I cannot understand why he still has a job. Him and Isiah Thomas should have been fired along time ago. Two worst GM's in sports imo. eom
lol, I'm really surprised Millen is still there
almost embarrassed to post it
NFL DRAFT: Lions Can Trace Futility Since 2001 to Drafts
Apr 19, 7:07 PM (ET)
By LARRY LAGE
DETROIT (AP) -The Detroit Lions have lost 75 percent of their games since Matt Millen began running the franchise, in large part because nearly half of his first-round picks have been busts.
Joey Harrington and Charles Rogers were traded and cut, respectively, last year. Mike Williams might not make it to a third season in Detroit.
"You invest a lot of time and money into people you pick high and they're supposed to be game-changing players," Millen's first No. 1 pick, offensive tackle Jeff Backus, said Thursday. "You need them to pan out and be worthy of the pick.
"Nobody gets first-round stars every year, but we've had to go to free agency to fill some holes because at some point you need draft picks to develop."
Millen will have at least one more chance to get it right in the first round on April 28, when the Lions make the No. 2 pick overall or trade down to add picks and fill many needs.
If Detroit sticks with its spot, no one seems to know what Millen will do because arguments can be made for drafting any of the following: Georgia Tech wide receiver Calvin Johnson; LSU quarterback JaMarcus Russell; Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn; Wisconsin offensive tackle Joe Thomas; Clemson defensive end Gaines Adams; or Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson.
All of those players have recently visited the Lions, except Peterson, who is scheduled to be at the team's headquarters Friday.
"This is one of the most interesting drafts of all time," NFL draft analyst Gil Brandt said. "Everybody knows who the top 10 players are, but nobody knows what team is going to take them and in what order they're going."
Draft-day misses, particularly in the first round, have led to Detroit posting an NFL-worst 24-72 record since Millen became the team's chief executive in 2001.
The only other stretch of futility in league history that compares is Tampa Bay's 12 straight double-digit loss seasons from 1983-94.
Millen got off to a good start in his first draft after leaving a low-stress, lucrative job as a TV analyst.
Backus was selected 18th overall in 2001 and has been durable and effective enough to start every game - and get a new contract. Second-round pick Shaun Rogers turned into a Pro Bowl defensive tackle, and another second-rounder, Dominic Raiola, has started each game at center the last five seasons.
Wide receiver Roy Williams and running back Kevin Jones were drafted with savvy moves in the 2004 first round. Linebacker Ernie Sims had a solid rookie season last year, making Millen feel good about taking a defensive player for the first time with a first-round pick.
Millen's first three picks - Backus, Raiola and Shaun Rogers - bolstered the lines, perhaps fittingly for a player that won Super Bowls as a tough linebacker.
Then, Millen invested millions of William Clay Ford's money in some picks who didn't appear to fit his image as a gritty player.
Harrington was taken third overall in 2002 to end a decades-long search for a quarterback. Rogers was added with the second pick the next year to give Harrington a go-to receiver.
Millen stunned everyone by taking Mike Williams 10th overall two years ago, making him the first executive to take wide receivers in the first round three straight years since the NFL and AFL merged drafts in 1967.
"The league now is like the AFL was from 1965-69 - it's a throwing, wide-open game," Millen said, explaining his reasoning in a 2005 interview with the AP. "That all points to catching the football."
The experiment failed miserably, helping to create a bleak present and questionable future for a franchise with only one playoff victory since winning the NFL title a half-century ago.
"If you miss too much with the draft, like the Lions have, it's hard to overcome," said Brandt, who was vice president of player personnel for the Dallas Cowboys from 1960-89.
Millen clearly missed on Harrington and Charles Rogers and all signs are pointing toward Mike Williams being another draft-day mistake.
Harrington was traded after four lackluster seasons to Miami for a fifth-round pick. The Dolphins cut him this offseason and he's now in Atlanta.
Charles Rogers was released just before last season and is still looking for work. His career in Detroit ended with just 36 receptions for 440 yards and four touchdowns, along with two broken collarbones and a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy.
"Looking back on it, and I've told Joey this, it would've been hard for him to succeed because he was thrown right in the mix and had the weight of the team on his shoulders," Backus said. "Charles obviously had off-the-field issues, but I'll always wonder if he would've avoided them if two broken collarbones didn't take him away from the team for basically two seasons."
Millen has acknowledged the franchise couldn't afford to regret taking Harrington and Charles Rogers.
"They can't do it alone, but in order for us to get where we want to get, we can't look back and say we missed with those guys," Millen said in 2003.
To be fair, taking Harrington and Charles Rogers was hailed almost universally. It simply didn't work out for them in Detroit, just like first-round picks each year don't pan out for other teams.
But taking Mike Williams was regarded as indefensible at the time and still is today.
He had to sit out the 2004 season at USC after trying to enter the draft as an underclassman and giving up his eligibility. Detroit has fined Williams for being overweight and played him sparingly in just eight games last season, hoping to motivate him, but nothing seemed to work. Williams has skipped voluntary workouts, making it closer to a lock that his future is elsewhere
Brandt said he has known Millen a long time, spent a lot of time with him at the NFL combine, and respects his knowledge of the game. That's why he's so puzzled at Millen's lack of success on draft days.
"It's hard to figure why he's missed on some of the players he did and why he took (Mike) Williams in the first place," Brandt said. "To me, Matt is like Charles Rogers because they both have talent and seem to work at it, but I can't put my finger on why it hasn't worked out for either of them."
You can thank the Pats for your extra 2nd round pick. Brady Quin would be an excellent pick. Culpepper sucked. Harrington to. eom
yes I am banking on it, we need a QB, like Iraq needs a solid gov't
I like Quinn also, I think he'll have a great career
The Dolphins will draft Brady Quinn and he is the next Dan Marino weeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
Mock draft No. 6
By John Murphy, Yahoo! Sports
April 18, 2007
SECOND-ROUND PROJECTIONS
1. Oakland: USC WR Dwayne Jarrett
2. Detroit: Stanford QB Trent Edwards
3. Tampa Bay: North Carolina State DT Tank Tyler
4. Cleveland: USC OL Ryan Kalil
5. Chicago: Maryland CB Josh Wilson
6. Arizona: Florida DE/OLB Jarvis Moss
7. Atlanta: Texas S Michael Griffin
8. Miami: Arizona State TE Zach Miller
9. Minnesota: Purdue DE/OLB Anthony Spencer
10. San Francisco: LSU WR Craig Davis
11. Buffalo: Ohio State RB Antonio Pittman
12. Atlanta: Georgia DE Charles Johnson
13. Carolina: Hampton LB Justin Durant
14. Pittsburgh: Nebraska DE/OLB Jay Moore
15. Green Bay: Auburn RB Kenny Irons
16. Jacksonville: South Carolina WR Sidney Rice
17. Cincinnati: Michigan LB David Harris
18. Tennessee: Texas DE Tim Crowder
19. NY Giants: Notre Dame OT Ryan Harris
20. St. Louis: Boston College OL Josh Beekman
21. Dallas: Texas CB/KR Aaron Ross
22. Kansas City: Hawaii DE Ikaika Alama-Francis
23. Seattle: Auburn OG Ben Grubbs
24. Denver: Notre Dame DE Victor Abiamiri
25. Philadelphia: USC WR Steve Smith
26. New Orleans: UNLV CB Eric Wright
27. NY Jets: Miami (Fla.) DL Baraka Atkins
28. Miami: Texas OG/OT Justin Blalock
29. Baltimore: Houston QB Kevin Kolb
30. San Diego: Lane (Tenn.) WR Jacoby Jones
31. NY Jets: Delaware/Duke TE Ben Patrick
32. Tampa Bay: Fresno State CB Marcus McCauley
Watch: NFL Draft prospect highlights
When the clock strikes 12 (noon) in 10 days, we will find out if Calvin Johnson becomes the first receiver since another well-known Johnson, Keyshawn, to be taken No. 1 overall during the NFL draft. Or will JaMarcus Russell or Brady Quinn become the latest in a long line of quarterbacks to go first?
Here's the latest mock draft, which also includes second-round projections.
ROUND 1
1. Oakland Raiders – LSU quarterback JaMarcus Russell. The Raiders will hear plenty of trade proposals in the next 10 days, but they are putting on a strong game face by letting observers believe they are committed to Russell. Any potential deal likely would not occur until teams are on the clock.
2. Detroit Lions – Clemson defensive end Gaines Adams. After adding another possible solution for their hole at offensive tackle, it now seems like they are headed in the direction of taking the top-rated defensive player on their board at this spot. There has also been some speculation that the Lions would love to deal down, but that would only be the case if Calvin Johnson is still on the board. Either way, expect the Lions to land Adams with their choice at No. 2 or at No. 4 after a trade with the Bucs.
3. Cleveland Browns – Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn. The Browns could be sitting pretty if the draft plays out differently than my first two picks suggest or if the Raiders and Bucs make a deal. If you are looking for where the draft could swing for the first time, it would come with the Browns' choice of picking either a possible franchise quarterback or running back.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Georgia Tech wide receiver Calvin Johnson. The Bucs have done a great job of identifying a large number of scenarios for themselves, but may have to decide exactly how much they are willing to give up to obtain the rights to Johnson. FYI, picks Nos. 4, 35, 65 and 68 – the four choices the Bucs own on day one – still do not equal the No. 1 overall choice if you use most versions of the trade value chart.
5. Arizona Cardinals – Wisconsin offensive tackle Joe Thomas. Several teams are likely to try dealing up for this pick based on who comes off the board in the top three choices. Unless the Cardinals make a deal to go way down the draft board, there is still a chance they could land a front seven playmaker several choices later. As a result, this could be a spot where either Denver or Chicago could eye moving up to land themselves a starting left tackle for the next 10 years.
6. Washington Redskins – LSU safety LaRon Landry. The addition of Landry would give them an instant playmaker in the middle of the field to pair with All-Pro safety Sean Taylor. A pair of options would be for them to go after either defensive tackle Amobi Okoye or defensive lineman Jamaal Anderson, who would both help improve a front four that struggled to provide a pass rush last season.
7. Minnesota Vikings – Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson. Given their struggles to score last season, adding such an offensive force makes sense … even if tailback Chester Taylor ran for 1,216 yards in 2006.
8. Atlanta Falcons – Penn State offensive tackle Levi Brown. The Falcons have admitted that they are not sure of their alignment on the offensive line for the upcoming season. Since they have a pair of second-round choices, they could pass on Brown to select the best available defensive player on their board and then try to deal back up into the mid-to-late portion of the first round for Central Michigan offensive tackle Joe Staley.
9. Miami Dolphins – Arkansas defensive lineman Jamaal Anderson. The Dolphins have a number of needs, but Anderson would give them a young lineman that could help protect the team's aging defenders like Jason Taylor, Joey Porter and Zach Thomas. They could also attempt to trade up if one of the quarterbacks or top offensive tackles slides.
10. Houston Texans – Louisville defensive tackle Amobi Okoye. Adding an interior defender like Okoye alongside last year's No. 1 choice, Mario Williams, and middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans would give them the nucleus of a defensive unit necessary to stop teams like the Colts. Their other options would be cornerback and offensive line.
11. San Francisco 49ers – Nebraska defensive lineman Adam Carriker. The 49ers need a front-line playmaker in order to make the full-time switch to a 3-4 scheme and Carriker provides them with the best model for playing end in that scheme. They're also in need of linebackers for the 3-4, but they can find suitable fits later in the draft.
12. Buffalo Bills – Mississippi linebacker Patrick Willis. Willis also has the same type intangibles that make them believe he could replace London Fletcher with relative ease.
13. St. Louis Rams – Pittsburgh cornerback Darrelle Revis. Revis, who can also contribute as a return specialist, has good size (6-foot, 200 pounds), which gives him the edge on others that could be considered here.
14. Carolina Panthers – Miami (Fla.) tight end Greg Olsen. Olsen is pass-catching threat in the middle of the field who can also pull defenders to him, opening things up more for receiver Steve Smith and creating better running lanes for DeAngelo Williams.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers – Michigan cornerback Leon Hall. The Steelers, who are likely to have a heavy defensive draft, could wait for a defensive back until later on the first day and opt for an outside linebacker. Lawrence Timmons would be a good fit as they make the move towards a 4-3 scheme over the next few years.
16. Green Bay Packers – Tennessee wide receiver Robert Meachem. The obvious option for the Packers would be, in an average class of running backs, to select Marshawn Lynch. However, they have seemed to cool a little on him and could find a much better combination of choices by adding another vertical threat here at No. 16 and come back with a running back in the second or third round.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars – Florida defensive back Reggie Nelson. They could target a pass rusher here, but there is a solid group projected to be available mid-second round. The likely pick here is Nelson, who they've eye-balled since his pro day.
18. Cincinnati Bengals – Michigan defensive lineman Alan Branch. Would the Bengals take a chance on a guy that might have just a so-so motor? Ultimately, they need to find two front-seven defensive playmakers, another cornerback and a reserve wide receiver, so Branch is a strong possibility.
19. Tennessee Titans – California running back Marshawn Lynch. The Titans have said all the right things about their backfield situation. However, if they are without a veteran back before the draft, then adding Lynch to share time with LenDale White could give the Titans enough backfield fire power to aid in the progress of second-year signal caller Vince Young. Both wide receiver and cornerback will be considered at this spot, as well.
20. NY Giants – Penn State linebacker Paul Posluszny. The Giants are taking a full evaluation of potential replacements or additions to their wide receiver corps, but it still stands to reason that the linebacker position is the greatest single area of concern. "Big Blue" would find a perfect complement to their defensive front seven by adding the type of intangibles that Posluszny brings to the field. The Giants have kept close tabs on both Ted Ginn Jr. and Dwayne Jarrett in recent weeks.
21. Denver Broncos – Central Michigan offensive tackle Joe Staley. The Broncos will continue to try dealing up the draft, especially if tackle Thomas slides down past the first few teams. If not, they can find themselves in good fortune by finding the ultra-athletic Staley still on the board. He may need a year of development, but he has all the tools to become a standout left tackle during his career.
22. Dallas Cowboys – Ohio State wide receiver/return man Ted Ginn Jr. The Cowboys have secured most of their positions of need through free agency, which opens the door for either a deal down or for them taking a gamble on a player like Ginn or even Marshawn Lynch. Terrell Owens and Terry Glenn are getting up in age, and for Jerry Jones to find a playmaker like this still on the board, it could provide them the type of all-around playmaker their offense has not seen since the days of Calvin Hill.
23. Kansas City Chiefs – Tennessee defensive tackle Justin Harrell. Head coach Herm Edwards has stated several times that he believes their receiving corps has much better depth than outsiders currently think. If that is indeed the case, the next biggest area of concern is finding an interior defender that can actually make plays. Harrell has returned to his former first-round status thanks to proving he is 100 percent healthy (31 bench reps of 225 pounds) and teams have grown very fond of his toughness and motor.
24 New England Patriots – Miami (Fla.) linebacker Jon Beason. The addition of Beason, who has the versatility and intangibles that the Patriots desire, offers them a player that can back up at several spots in the short term before taking over as the leader of the linebacker corps. After signing veteran cornerback Tory James, the Patriots can pursue the top players on their board as opposed to simply drafting for need.
25. New York Jets – Arkansas cornerback Chris Houston. The Jets have added a handful of veteran defenders in an attempt to improve their woeful pass rush. Therefore, Houston could be a perfect fit here since he is able to play man coverage, but also has excellent strength and could lock down one side of the field.
26. Philadelphia Eagles – Rutgers running back Brian Leonard. Leonard could fill in for Brian Westbrook and the Eagles could play both at the same time, motioning Westbrook out to the slot.
27. New Orleans Saints – LSU wide receiver Dwayne Bowe. If they are unable to sign restricted free agent cornerback Jason David, the Saints are likely to attempt to trade up or potentially try packaging picks to make a run at someone like disgruntled Patriots cornerback Asante Samuel. However, adding Bowe to their current stock of offensive weapons could lead them to having the highest-scoring offense in the league in 2007.
28. New England Patriots – Syracuse defensive back Tanard Jackson. The Patriots have a desire to get younger in the back seven, and Jackson is a versatile defender that can back up Rodney Harrison and even fill in at nickel back and special teams. They could also go off the board if a running back like Lynch or Leonard were to fall this far.
29. Baltimore Ravens – Florida State linebacker Lawrence Timmons. The Ravens could go in a number of directions at this choice because they feel they are mainly drafting for depth. They could easily draft back with an eye towards selecting a future successor to quarterback Steve McNair, but the next most pressing issue is getting younger and staying fast/athletic at the linebacker position.
30. San Diego Chargers – Miami (Fla.) safety Brandon Meriweather. Meriweather has answered most of the questions about his character and athletically would provide them with the range/playmaking skills they lacked in Terrence Kiel and others they have tried the past few seasons at this position.
31. Chicago Bears – Arkansas offensive tackle Tony Ugoh. The Bears are unlikely to fully know where or what team All-Pro linebacker Lance Briggs will play for in 2007 before the draft. Meanwhile, Ugoh provides them with a young, athletic tackle that can be brought up slowly behind John Tait, who is 32. Don't forget that fellow starting tackle Fred Miller will be 35 before next season ends.
32. Indianapolis Colts – Ohio State wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez. Gonzalez is a smart, athletic, high-character receiver that would fit perfectly for their No. 3 role now that Brandon Stokley is gone. Gonzalez has moved himself into contention to be taken as high as Dallas' choice at No. 22.
John Murphy's 6th annual NFL Draft Bible is now available. Learn more
I dont see the cards going for Peterson
Sporting news latest first round picks
1 (1) Raiders JaMarcus Russell* QB LSU
The Raiders still are trying to get a veteran QB -- trading for the Lions' Josh McCown or signing Daunte Culpepper if the Dolphins cut him -- but if they cannot do either, they will take Russell. Also, do not count out the Browns trading up to take Russell.
Team needs: QB | OT | TE | WR | DE | DT | OLB | RB | S | ILB
2 (2) Lions Gaines Adams DE Clemson
The Lions would like to trade down, and if they do and acquire a defensive end (such as the Bucs' Simeon Rice) in the trade, they will take Wisconsin OT Joe Thomas with that slightly lower first-round pick.
Team needs: DE | ILB | CB | S | WR | OT | TE | FB | QB | DT
3 (3) Browns Joe Thomas T Wis.
The Browns will debate between Thomas and RB Adrian Peterson. They should opt for Thomas here but only if all their attempts to trade up to draft Russell with the first overall pick fail.
Team needs: CB | G | DE | DT | OT | QB | RB | OLB | C | TE
4 (4) Buccaneers Calvin Johnson* WR Georgia Tech
There is no doubt that coach Jon Gruden is infatuated with Johnson. Expect the Bucs to try everything short of trading their whole draft (a la the Saints to get Ricky Williams in 1999) for Johnson. If Gruden is patient, though, Johnson could drop into his lap. Wide receiver is not a pressing need for the Bucs, but Johnson is a rare game-changing weapon.
Team needs: DT | DE | OT | S | WR | C | G | FB | RB | TE
5 (5) Cardinals Adrian Peterson* RB Oklahoma
The Cardinals certainly have more pressing needs than running back, but two-back systems are all the rage in the NFL. Peterson is a franchise back who would, at first, complement Edgerrin James before ultimately replacing him.
Team needs: OT | OLB | CB | DE | DT | TE | RB | G | C | FB
6 (6) Redskins Alan Branch* DT Michigan
The Redskins certainly need a big, strong defensive tackle, but the coaches are wary of how Branch has looked in pre-draft workouts. It's a gamble, for sure, but it could pay off big time in the long run if coach Joe Gibbs and staff can motivate Branch.
Team needs: DT | G | S | WR | OLB | DE | CB | FB | OT | TE
7 (7) Vikings Leon Hall CB Michigan
The Vikings need much help in the secondary. Hall had a standout senior season and backed it up with outstanding pre-draft workouts.
Team needs: WR | DE | QB | ILB | CB | DT | RB | G | OT | FB
8 (8) Falcons LaRon Landry S LSU
(from Houston) Falcons GM Rich McKay has his eyes on three defensive stars -- Adams, Landry and DE Jamaal Anderson -- and would be happy with any of them. The trade of backup QB Matt Schaub put the team in position to take the impact safety it needs.
Team needs: WR | S | G | DE | CB | ILB | C | DT | OT | OLB
9 (9) Dolphins Brady Quinn QB Notre Dame
If Dolphins GM Randy Mueller fails to consummate the trade for Chiefs QB Trent Green, the team will draft Quinn. If he gets Green before draft day, Mueller will stay local and draft University of Miami TE Greg Olsen.
Team needs: QB | G | OT | S | WR | P | TE | CB | RB | C
10 (10) Texans Levi Brown T Penn State
(from Atlanta) The Texans, after trading for QB Matt Schaub, must get a left tackle to protect his blindside. Brown is inconsistent but has off-the-charts measurable skills and upside.
Team needs: OT | WR | S | DE | DT | CB | OLB | G | C | QB
11 (11) 49ers Jamaal Anderson* DE Arkansas
Coach Mike Nolan, to play his hybrid 3-4/4-3 scheme, needs a defensive end who can line up with his hand down in either alignment. Anderson has the height, long arms and natural strength to fulfill the job.
Team needs: DE | WR | DT | OLB | CB | ILB | S | OT | G | C
12 (12) Bills Marshawn Lynch* RB Cal
Bills GM Marv Levy traded away RB Willis McGahee and should use his first-round pick to replace him.
Team needs: RB | ILB | CB | OLB | WR | FB | TE | QB | C | OT
13 (13) Rams Amobi Okoye DT Louisville
Rams officials, after whiffing on three attempts in recent years, are nervous about using another first-round pick on a defensive tackle. Coach Scott Linehan wasn't around for those miscues and should convince higher-ups to take yet another shot at solidifying the team's interior defense.
Team needs: DT | RB | DE | CB | WR | C | G | FB | ILB | OLB
14 (14) Panthers Patrick Willis ILB Ole Miss
Panthers officials will debate long and hard about whether to take Willis or Florida S Reggie Nelson, especially after FS Mike Minter announced he will retire after the '07 season. This draft is full of good safeties but few quality linebackers.
Team needs: S | ILB | DE | WR | TE | FB | CB | OLB | OT | DT
15 (15) Steelers Paul Posluszny OLB Penn State
Coach Mike Tomlin could be switching the Steelers from a 3-4 defense to a 4-3 scheme, and Posluszny certainly would help in the transition.
Team needs: OLB | DE | RB | CB | P | OT | G | DT | ILB | FB
16 (16) Packers Ted Ginn Jr.* WR Ohio St.
Packers officials hope Lynch falls to them. If he's not available, GM Ted Thompson should add the blazing fast Ginn to QB Brett Favre's receiving corps.
Team needs: RB | WR | TE | S | CB | OLB | FB | OT | C | DT
17 (17) Jaguars Dwayne Bowe WR LSU
The Jaguars also need help at cornerback and safety, and team officials are sure to debate long and hard about whether to use another high draft pick on a wide receiver. Safety Reggie Nelson would've been the pick here, but the coaches are worried about his inconsistencies against the run.
Team needs: WR | S | DE | CB | QB | OLB | ILB | DT | G | OT
18 (18) Bengals Darrelle Revis* CB Pitt
The Bengals are desperate for a pass rusher and a cornerback. Revis certainly has the talent to solve one of those problems, and he should start from Day 1.
Team needs: CB | S | DT | OLB | TE | WR | OT | RB | G | ILB
19 (19) Titans Charles Johnson* DE Georgia
Titans coach Jeff Fisher, after losing Drew Bennett in free agency, wants the big and athletic Bowe. If he is off the board, the team likely will take the top-available defensive end.
Team needs: WR | DE | CB | RB | G | S | TE | DT | C | OLB
20 (20) Giants Tanard Jackson CB Syracuse
The Giants' secondary is awful. Jackson is versatile, big and athletic.
Team needs: OLB | CB | WR | TE | S | DT | FB | OT | DE | RB
21 (21) Broncos Adam Carriker DE Nebraska
The Broncos have struggled to pressure quarterbacks in recent years, and the coaches loved what they saw of Carriker at the Senior Bowl and NFL Scouting Combine.
Team needs: DT | DE | S | ILB | OT | G | RB | P | C | CB
22 (22) Cowboys Jarvis Moss* DE Florida
OLB DeMarcus Ware is the team's lone pass-rush threat, and the team is desperate for a complementary force opposite him. OLB Greg Ellis is coming off an Achilles injury and might be traded, and OLB Bobby Carpenter, last year's No. 1 pick, isn't an explosive pass rusher. Adding Moss could give coach Wade Phillips a pass-rush combo to rival the one he left in San Diego (Shawne Merriman and Shaun Phillips).
Team needs: OLB | S | WR | DT | CB | RB | OT | QB | DE | ILB
23 (23) Chiefs Aaron Ross CB Texas
GM Carl Peterson will be tempted to take Southern Cal WR Dwayne Jarrett, but the Chiefs' defense is in greater need and likely will get help first.
Team needs: DT | CB | FB | DE | WR | G | RB | OT | QB | C
24 (24) Patriots Reggie Nelson* S Florida
(from Seattle) Everybody knows the Patriots will draft the best available safety, cornerback and/or linebacker (not necessarily in that order) with their two first-round picks. Nelson is an inconsistent tackler but has the tools to be a big-time playmaker.
Team needs: S | CB | ILB | OT | OLB | WR | RB | FB | TE | G
25 (25) Jets Marcus McCauley CB Fresno St.
The Jets' secondary needs an infusion of youth. McCauley has top-10 great talent but dropped down draft boards after a terrible senior season.
Team needs: CB | ILB | G | OT | OLB | DE | DT | WR | TE | S
26 (26) Eagles Brandon Meriweather S Miami (FL)
The Eagles have struggled to find a safety to pair with All-Pro Brian Dawkins and should not pass up the chance to get Meriweather -- even though team officials would prefer to take a defensive end here.
Team needs: DE | S | OLB | ILB | CB | TE | RB | DT | FB | OT
27 (27) Saints Chris Houston* CB Arkansas
The Saints' secondary is not where it needs to be. They should gamble on the super-athletic but still developing Houston.
Team needs: CB | WR | DT | OLB | ILB | TE | G | QB | DE | C
28 (28) Patriots David Harris ILB Michigan
Patriots inside linebackers Tedy Bruschi and Mike Vrabel are old, and Harris has the talent and intangibles around which the Patriots like to build.
Team needs: S | CB | ILB | OT | OLB | WR | RB | FB | TE | G
29 (29) Ravens Tony Ugoh T Arkansas
The Ravens lost RT Tony Pashos as a free agent, and LT Jonathan Ogden doesn't figure to play much longer. The team must draft an offensive tackle on Day 1, and Ugoh is this draft's most athletic tackle.
Team needs: OT | CB | OLB | FB | G | DE | ILB | CB | RB | QB
30 (30) Chargers Aundrae Allison WR E. Carolina
Chargers officials will debate between drafting a wide receiver or an offensive lineman at this spot but should take the athletic and consistent Allison.
Team needs: WR | S | RB | DT | OLB | ILB | OT | TE | G | C
31 (31) Bears Greg Olsen* TE Miami (FL)
The Bears figure to draft the most athletic offensive lineman on the board but won't pass on Olsen if he is available. He can make an immediate impact.
Team needs: WR | OT | TE | OLB | CB | DT | G | RB | QB | S
32 (32) Colts Jon Beason* OLB Miami (FL)
The Colts lost OLB Cato June as a free agent, and Gilbert Gardner proved in '06 that he isn't good enough to start in the NFL. Beason is explosive and athletic.
Timmons a possibility but I'm not sure Hall drops to 15. eom
interested in seeing how the texans screw up again
Yup, me to. Maybe we can get it going here till after the draft. eom
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