2007 Post NFL Draft Reports: NFC

Click on  team name for a quick jump to your favorite team's report:

1. (26) DE/OLB Anthony Spencer, Purdue

The Dallas Cowboys are dead set on establishing a pass rush. Another surprise here: DeMarcus Ware, Bobby Carpenter and Anthony Spencer; that's an outside linebacker in the first round three years in a row. Carpenter will almost certainly be moved to the inside now. The Cowboys first traded down with the Browns out of the 22nd slot, got the Browns 1st rounder next year (2008 NFL Draft), and got the Browns second rounder this year (#36). Follow me now, then they traded up with the Eagles to jump into the 26th slot, they gave up a lot for Spencer, they gave the Eagles one of their seconds, their third, and fifth round pick. I hope Spencer was worth all that, he did have fantastic production last season with an incredible 93 tackles, 26.5 tackles for a loss, 10.5 sacks, and 5 forced fumbles.

3. (#67) OT James Martin, Boston College

A huge tackle (6' 7" 309 lbs.) with great mobility and quick feet. He ran a very nice 5.08 forty at the combine. Martin might be a future replacement for LT Flozell Adams who is not getting any younger. They got lucky with Columbo last year, but if the luck doesn't hold, Martin will have to be more than a back up. Martin also has experience at guard. Kind of tall for a guard though at 6' 7" 320 lbs.

4. (#103) WR Isaiah Stanback

Played QB his senior year. Will have to make the transition to wideout. This is to early to draft such a long range developmental project. Has track speed, finished 5th in the 100 meters in the Pac 10. Great athlete, was a star baseball and basketball player also. He will be a project and will be in a fight to make the team.

4. (#122) OT Doug Free, Northern Illinois

This is an excellent pick for Dallas, last year at this point Free was rated higher than Joe Staley. Free battled injuries this year or he would have been rated higher. He was in most peoples top 100. That gives Dallas three young, talented, nice sized offensive tackles: Free, James Martin, and last years draft pick and promising talent Pat McQistan

6. (#178) Kicker Nick Folk, Arizona

Martin Gramatica is shaking in his boots right about now because if Folk beats him out in camp, he will probably be released. I doubt Dallas keeps two kickers on the roster, but Folk can kick deep on kick offs. I actually liked Justin Medlock from UCLA much better as a kicker, but he was picked the round before by the Chiefs. The added bonus is Folk is also an excellent punter. Dallas breaks away from the norm and actually drafts a kicker for the first time in the Jerry Jones era.

6. (#195) FB Deon Anderson, Connecticut

A nice full back and special teams demon, but he will have trouble making the team with Lousaka Polite and Oliver Hoyte on the roster. Anderson has a shot though, because he is more athletic and has better hands than both Polite and Hoyte, just not as big (6' 2" 238 lbs).

7. (#212) CB Courtney Brown, Cal-Poly

This is my favorite pick on day two next to Doug Free. Brown has the speed to make the team and eventually help out in the nickel.

7. (#237) CB Alan Ball, Illinois

Overall Grade: B  Wouldn't have been this high except they got an extra first round pick next year from the Browns. This draft will be remembered for how well Anthony Spencer does and if one of those two tackles can emerge as a starter in the next couple years.

1. CB Aaron Ross, Texas

Very solid pick for the G-men. I think they had LB Lawrence Timmons targeted but he was long gone. I am surprised that so many teams are passing on WR Robert Meachem.

2. (#51) WR Steve Smith, USC

A nice value her at 51. Smith will give Eli Manning another much needed target. Fast and runs great routes, he could have easily been drafted in the late first round by San Diego.

3. (#81) DT Jay Alford, Penn State

A solid but not flashy player. Has decent size (6' 3" 305 lbs) and while he doesn't have good stop watch speed, he looks fast on film and is a disruptive force on the inside. Day one grade: B

4. (#116) OLB Zak DeOssie, Brown

A wonderful pick if you are a Giant fan. DeOssie is not only an excellent value at this spot, but he fills a serious team need. His dad, Steve DeOssie also played for the Giants. A great athlete that is still developing, but nice size (6' 4" 255 lbs) and speed (4.58).

5. (#153) TE Kevin Boss, Western Oregon

A great pick here in the 5th round. The small school super-star Boss has 3rd round talent, and after he adjusts to the pro game, could be an elite NFL tight end.

6. (#189) Adam Koets, Oregon State

7. (#224) SS Michael Johnson, Arizona

7. (#250) RB Ahmad Bradshaw, Marshal

Overall Grade: B  Not flashy but they filled most needs except linebacker, they had better hope DeOssie turns out to be a player because they need help at that position. WR Steve Smith was a good value at 51.

Eagles trade out of the first round with their arch rival Dallas. The Eagles make out pretty good though, they trade their first round pick (#26) to Dallas for Dallas's 2nd, 3rd, and 5th round picks. McNabb has to be saying WTF with their first pick.

2. (#36) QB Kevin Kolb, Houston (From Dallas)

A huge reach here, Drew Stanton, John Beck and Trent Edwards were all rated higher. Very experienced at the college level with 50 starts in 50 games. He finished 2006 with an impressive 67.6 completion percentage and threw 191 straight times without an interception. This sends a message to McNabb.

2. (#57) DE Victor Abaimiri, Notre Dame

He looks like Tarzan but plays like Jane. He has all the tools to make plays but doesn't stand out in any one area. I am not real high on Victor. Dan Bazuin or Brian Robinson would have been a better selection. Victor did put up decent numbers though this year with 43 tackles, 15 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks.

3. (#87) OLB Stewart Bradley, Nebraska

Nice pick here, Bradley has excellent size (6' 4" 256 lbs) and decent speed (4.72). Bradley had a nice senior year (2006) after recovering from injury in 2005.

3. (#90) RB Tony Hunt, Penn State

This is the most sensible pick the Eagles have made on day one. Hunt brings a physical presence to the running game that the eagles haven't possessed. Hunt has thick legs and he breaks a lot of tackles. He was the MVP of the Outback Bowl against Tennessee with 31 carries for 158 yards.  They could have made much better use of all those day one picks.  Day one grade: C

5. (#159) FS C. J. Gaddis, Clemson

5. (#162) TE Brent Celek, Cincinnati

This was a huge reach in my opinion. Small school tight end Michael Allen would have been a much better pick here.

7. (#236) RB Nate Ilaoa, Hawaii

Overall Draft Grade: D  This draft will be remembered for QB Kevin Kolb, who was drafted sooner than expected. We won't know for about three years if he was worth it or not. Hunt was an excellent pick or this grade might have slipped to an F.

1. LaRon Landry, LSU

I love Landry, but this is not a smart pick, they already have a strong safety in Sean Taylor, both Landry and Taylor are better suited to play the run support role. Taylor will be moved to free safety but that's not his strength. A better pick would have been CB Leon Hall or DT Amobi Okoye. Landry would have been a first round draft pick if he would have entered the 2006 NFL Draft last year. Landry hits like a linebacker but runs and covers like a cornerback. He really has no weakness, he is big and strong enough at 6-2 208 to play strong safety, but also has the coverage ability and speed to play free safety.

5. (#143) OLB Dallas Sartz, USC

It seems like forever since the Skins got to pick again. Sartz is an excellent value here. He has a nice size/speed combination and can really rush the passer. He should start on day one.

6. (#179) LB H. B. Blades, Pittsburgh

A great value in the 6th. At one point in the season he was considered a 3rd rounder. Not real fast, but instinctive and a great tackler. Blades has been incredibly productive on the football field. This past season he was an All-American and Big-East defensive player of the year, recording 147 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and 2 INTs.

6. (#205) QB Jordan Palmer, Texas El-Paso

Not nearly as talented as his brother Carson. Good size at 6' 5" 231 pounds, in 2006 he had a 65.7 completion percentage, threw for 3,595 yards, 26 TDs but an alarming high 14 interceptions.

7. (#216) TE Tyler Ecker, Michigan

Overall Draft Grade: D  With only 5 picks total it's hard to get a good grade. They had better hope Landry turns into a Pro Bowler or this draft will be remembered as one of the worst in skins history. If Sartz and Blades make the team and contribute this draft might be salvaged.

1. TE Greg Olsen, Miami

This makes total sense, they need a tight end and Olsen was the highest rated tight end in this draft. Olsen has a tight end body but receiver speed.

2. (#62) DE Dan Bazuin, Central Michigan

A pass rushing terror, Bazuin has been hugely productive. He was the defensive MVP of the East West Shrine game. Mr. production has really produced, over the last two season Dan has recorded 41.5 tackles for a loss and 26 sacks! Wow

3. (#93) RB Garrett Wolfe, Northern Illinois

Great pick for the Bears, Wolfe might be small (5' 7" 188 lbs) but he is a gamer. Quick as lightening and tough, he can play in the NFL. He has Barry Sanders type moves.

3. (#94) LB Michael Okwo, Stanford

With back to back picks in the 3rd round the Bears choose a talented linebacker. A little short at 5' 11" but he is an excellent linebacker. Good speed and production. Day one draft grade: C

4. (#130) OG Josh Beekman, Boston College

One of the steals of the draft so far. I had Beekman rated as a 2nd round prospect. Very powerful and plays with good leverage.

5. (#167) FS Kevin Payne, Louisiana-Monroe

A developmental small school project, but hugely talented. A good pick here and with his speed and size has a bright future in the NFL.

5. (#168) CB Corey Graham, New Hampshire

Another supremely talented small school star. They had luck with small school talent Ricky Manning last year, and now they are going back to the small school well big time.

7. (#221) CB Trumaine McBride, Mississippi

7. (#241) OT Aaron Brant, Iowa State

Overall Draft Grade: B  Beekman was a steal and I like what Wolfe brings to the table. Olsen is blazing fast and fills a huge need. Brant was a nice pick up in the 7th, he is a real under rated offensive tackle.

1. WR Calvin Johnson, Georgia Tech.

I think the Lions would have liked to trade this pick. They have drafted a receiver in the 1st round three years in a row. They might regret passing on QB Brady Quinn. In defense of the Lions, Johnson is by far the best player in this draft. I have been following the draft for the last 20 years and Calvin Johnson is the best receiver prospect that I have ever seen enter the NFL Draft. I know that is a bold statement, but Johnson is a bold player, he has everything you look for in a receiver, size, speed, athletic ability, great hands, toughness, and good character, he doesn’t really have any weaknesses. He was even coached in college at Georgia Tech by former NFL offensive guru Chan Gailey. At the 2007 NFL Combine, he measured in at around 6’ 5" 240 pounds and ran a 4.38 second forty yard dash, while not even running with his own shoes (he had to borrow a friends). That run will go down in Combine History folklore. He is widely viewed as the top prospect for the 2007 NFL Draft, and any team that passes on him will likely regret it down the road. Sometimes you draft for need, but if you have a chance to land a player with Johnson’s ability, you can’t pass it up.  Junior Wide Receiver Calvin Johnson is one of 48 players in Georgia Tech history to be named a first-team all-America, and he was a three-time, first-team all-Atlantic Coast Conference selection, the first in Tech history. In the 38 games he played in college, he set school records with 2,927 yards receiving and 28 touchdown receptions, and caught 178 passes to rank second in Tech history in career receptions. He stands third in the Tech record book in career touchdowns and seventh in career scoring. In ACC annals, he is tied for fifth in career TD receptions, eighth in receiving yards and 12th in receptions. In his career, he has been responsible for 42 percent of Tech's passing yards and 33 percent of Tech's pass completions, despite constant double teams, and he has caught 28 of the Jackets' 55 touchdown passes during that time. In addition to his 178 catches, he has drawn 19 pass interference or defensive holding penalties. He has a career average of 16.4 yards per catch and has school-record 13 100-yard games. Buccaneers Coach Jon Gruden was highly impressed by Johnson's pro day workout March 15 in Atlanta. "You put his body on at the combine and you have this big guy looking at you on the big screen with his shirt off and he's chiseled and he's 6-5 and 240 pounds and he runs 4.36 for us," Gruden said. "Then he jumps 11-7 and he's mad as hell at himself. I've been doing this 16 years and I've never seen 11-7, especially from a 6-5, 240-pound guy. Then he jumps 44 1/2 inches and he's mad as hell, he thinks he should've gotten 47. And he's a great kid. He'll look you in the eye and he wants to be good. Everybody you talk to at Georgia Tech says that's a good kid right there, that Calvin Johnson. He's going to be a great player.

2. (#43) QB Drew Stanton, Michigan State

I had Stanton as my third rated quarterback, not far behind Brady Quinn. This is an excellent pick up for Detroit and a good value here. Very experienced with 24 consecutive starts before suffering a concussion in the next to last game of the season. In 2006 he finished with a 57.2 completion percentage, for 1,807 yards, 12 TDs and 10 INTs.

2. (#58) DE Ikaika  Alama-Francis

A very solid pick here. Alama is a pass rushing terror with nice size (6' 5" 277 lbs). In 2006 he recorded 39 tackles, 10 tackles for a loss and 4 sacks.

2. (#61) S Gerald Alexander, Boise State

A slight reach here, Alexander should have been a 3rd or 4th rounder. Sabby Piscitelli would have been a better pick. He played just one season at safety and three at corner, so he is decent in coverage. A fast player, he ran a 4.51 at the NFL Combine.  Day one grade: B

4. (#105) CB A.J. Davis, NC State

4. (#117) G Manny Ramirez, Texas Tech.

A great value in the 4th round, Ramirez is huge at 6' 3" 328 pounds and plays with a mean streak. Playing in the pass happy Tech offense has made him a solid pass protector.

5. (#158) LB Johnny Baldwin, Alabama A&M

7. (#255) CB Ramzee Robinson, Alabama

Overall Draft Grade B  Getting super talented Calvin Johnson keeps them from getting a C.  Drew Stanton and Manny Ramirez were nice picks but the rest were only average at best.

1. DT Justin Harrell, Tennessee

This was a shocker, most people thought they would snag WR Robert Meachem here. Harrell is coming off a torn bicep injury and probably would have been available in the late first round. But Harrell fills a need and when healthy has Pro Bowl NFL talent.

2. (#63) RB Brandon Jackson, Nebraska

More of a need pick than a best player available pick. Nice size (5' 10" 210 lbs)and speed, had a shoulder injury but came on down the stretch last year. Ran a 4.54 forty at the combine.

3. (#78) WR James Jones, San Jose State

A reach here, the Pack has reached with all their day one picks. I don't know why so may teams are passing on WR Aundrae Allison. Jones is a solid pick, but would have still been available in the 4th round. He is fairly fast but not blazing, runs a 4.54 forty.

3. (#89) SS Aaron Rouse, VA Tech.

Yet another reach by the Packers. Rouse is a fine talent but at 6' 4" 225 pounds he is a tweener. Good straight line speed, but poor in coverage, stiff and slow back pedal. Day one draft grade: D

4. (#119) G Allen Barbre, Missouri Southern State

Great pick here, at 6' 4" 300 pounds Barbre was the fastest offensive lineman at the combine. A day one talent slips into round four.

5. (#157) WR David Clowney, Virginia Tech

6. (#191) LB Korey Hall, Boise State

6. (#192) LB Desmond Bishop, California

6. (#193) Kicker Mason Crosby, Colorado

7. (#228) RB DeShawn Wynn, Florida

7. (#243) TE Clark Harris, Rutgers

Over all Draft Grade: C  I love what they did on the second day, they really got some blue collar players. They reached a lot on the first day or else they would have gotten a B.

1. RB Adrian Peterson, Oklahoma

It's hard to fault Minnesota for taking Peterson except for the fact that they don't have a quarterback, and Brady Quinn was still on the board. With his upright running style, junior running back Adrian Peterson has been described as the next Eric Dickerson. He has everything you would want in a running back except the ability to stay healthy and the experience and ability to provide production in the passing game. Peterson has elite game breaking speed, at the 2007 NFL Scouting Combine, he ran a sizzling 40 yard dash at 4.40 seconds, 10' 7" broad jump and 38.5" vertical jump. Unlike most speed-backs however, Peterson will not shy away from contact and run out of bounds, that’s not his style, a great example of that is, as a freshman, 1,365 of his 1,925 rushing yards were gained after initial contact. His 1,925 rushing yards as a freshman broke an NCAA record.

Yes Adrian Peterson is the whole nine yards as a running back, in just three years at Oklahoma he has accumulated an amazing 4,045 yards and 41 touchdowns. Any time Peterson gets his hands on the football he can break a tackle or two, outrun the secondary and score 7 points for his team. The only question that lingers for NFL scouts is his injuries, Peterson missed all or parts of 11 of his 39 games, practically an entire college season. He takes on a lot of tacklers with his shoulder, and it has been dislocated numerous times, he even had shoulder problems in high school. However, in 2004 he had minor shoulder surgery and hasn’t had any shoulder problems since. In 2005 he suffered a high ankle sprain, and last season he broke his collar bone and missed 7 games before coming back to play in the Fiesta Bowl. If he can’t make it through a 12 game college season, NFL scouts are wondering if he can make it through a grueling 16 game NFL season, with mini camps, training camp and preseason games to boot. His other limitation is in catching the football, he doesn't have great hands in that area, in his entire 3 year college career he only caught 24 passes with only one being for a touchdown.

2. (#44) WR Sidney Rice, South Carolina

Both of these first two picks together add a ton of big play ability to the Vikings offense. Rice (6' 3" 202 lbs) is a youngster but he has Randy Moss ability to catch jump balls.  Sidney Rice entered the 2007 NFL Draft as only a redshirt sophomore, but after two great seasons for the Gamecocks, he decided to enter the NFL Draft early, just as his predecessor Troy Williamson did.  Rice had to "redshirt" his freshman year because of a knee injury sustained in the Georgia game.  He was a pre-season All-America candidate in 2006, and a candidate for the Biletnikoff Award, given to the nation's top receiver.  Regarded as the nation's third-best wide receiver entering the 2006 season by The Sporting News.  In 2005, he broke the school record for receiving yards (1,143) and touchdown catches (13) in a single season.  Last year (2006) he had another spectacular year, catching 72 passes for 1,090 yards and another 10 TDs. His performance at the NFL Scouting was decent, he ran a 4.54 second 40 yard dash. Rice chose to attend South Carolina in part because they allowed him to play basketball as well as football.  Rice is a big play threat on the football field, and will come down with most jump balls; and his 23 TDs over the last two years shows he is no stranger to the end zone. Excellent value here.

3. (#72) CB Marcus McCauley, Fresno State

What a steal, yes he had a down senior season, but he has tons of talent. He ran a 4.39 second 40 at the combine. Day one grade: A

4. (#102) DE Brian Robinson, Texas

A great value here in the 4th round. One of the fastest players at his position.

5. (#146) WR Aundrae Allison, East Carolina

It was shocking to see Allison slip this far down in the draft. He is fast, great hands and has 3rd round talent. NFL scouts must have seen something they didn't like however.

6. (#176) LB Rufas Alexander, Oklahoma

Not real big or fast, but he has NFL talent. Great instincts and he plays with passion. I expected Alexander to be about a 3rd round pick. He was a first team All-American and Big 12 defensive player of the year, finishing with 118 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 1 INT, 4 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries and 3 pass break-ups. The Vikings are having a fantastic draft. Every pick has been great value so far.

7. (#217) QB Tyler Thigpen, Coastal Carolina

7. (#233) WR Chandler Williams, Florida International

Overall Draft Grade: A  Value throughout the draft, they never reached and filled their roster with talented playmakers. Picks 1-6 should easily land on the opening roster. Allison could emerge as a starting receiver this year.

1. DE Jamaal Anderson, Arkansas

An excellent pick for the Falcons, he will step in for recently departed Patrick Kerney. However, Amobi Okoye would have been a slightly better pick here in my opinion. They were hoping LaRon Landry slipped down to them but he didn't.

2. (39) G Justin Blalock, Texas

A solid pick for the Falcons, Blalock has the talent to have been a first rounder. Power, thick legs and experienced at tackle and guard, but he will be a guard in the NFL. Not real mobile and needs to play with more intensity.

2. (41) CB Chris Houston, Arkansas

A blazing fast early entry junior. Houston was in the first round of my 2007 NFL Mock Draft. He is very experienced in man to man coverage and he has a good mentor in team mate DeAngelo Hall.

3. (#75) WR Laurent Robinson, Illinois State

A small school star with tons of speed. One of the fastest players in the nation, ran a 4.38 forty at the combine. Very athletic, nice hands. Raw, will need a year to develop. Day one grade: A

4. (#109) Steven Nichols, South Florida

Nichols has talent, but Zack DeOssie would have been a much better pick.

4. (#133) TE Martrez Milner, Georgia

This is an excellent pick here and Milner should make the team and give Vick another target.

6. (#185) DT Trey Lewis, Wasburn

6. (#194) CB David Irons, Auburn

6. (#198) Center Doug Datish, Ohio State

A well known player but not very talented. Marginal anchor ability for the NFL.

6. (#203) S Daren Stone, Maine

A developmental small school prospect, but an excellent pick here. Stone is extremely talented and should make the falcons roster. He made it to the bottom of my "Sleeper" team.

7. (#244) RB Jason Snelling, Virginia

Overall Draft Grade: B  They had a very solid first day with value in all of their first three picks. The Falcons filled a lot of team needs. They had a ton of picks, but with their four 6th-round picks only Daren Stone looks like a good player to me.

1. LB Jon Beason, Miami (Fl)

Bad pick here, I am in the minority, but I think Beason will be  a bust. Slow, short and inexperienced is not a good combination. Paul Posluszny from Penn State would have been a much better pick.

2. (#45) WR Dwayne Jarrett, USC

An excellent pick, I had Jarrett rated as a late first rounder. He was a touchdown machine at USC. He ran a slow 40 and slipped into the 2nd round, but he has football speed, knows how to get open and excellent size at 6' 4" 202 lbs. Jarrett had a school-record 216 receptions and a Pac-10 record 41 touchdown catches while playing at USC. He is scheduled to attend Carolina's minicamp on 4 May 2007. Update: WR Keshawn Johnson was released just three days after Jaretts' selection.

2. (#59) Center Ryan Kalil, USC

The steal of the draft, Kalil has legitimate first round talent. He isn't huge, but uses flawless technique. He can sink his hips and stop the bull rush, plus he has the mobility to get out and block in the open field. A future pro bowl center.  Ryan Kalil is a leader.  I could stop at that point and this article would still be accurate.  The senior standout from the juggernaut that is the USC program has always been able to step up and excel.  Although his size never was overly impressive, his instincts and leadership ability has allowed him to become the premiere center in the country over the last 2 years.  He is considered more talented than the NY Jets starting center Nick Mangold, whom was taken at selection number 29 in the 1st round of the 2006 NFL Draft. 

3. (#83) DE Charles Johnson, Georgia

A great value here, he was rated as an early second rounder by most. Had a very productive junior year and decided to come out early. Great production at 6' 2" 275 pounds, he recorded (in 2006) 44 tackles, 19 tackles for a loss and 9.5 sacks. If it wasn't for the reach with Beason I would give the Panthers an A. Day one draft grade: B

4. (#118) WR Ryne Robinson, Miami (Ohio)

Faster than his clocked speed (4.47). Robinson has been hugely productive in 2006 with 91 recptions 1,178 yards and 8 TDs. A good value here in the 4th.

5. (#155) TE Dante Rosario, Oregon

5. (#164) LB Tim Shaw, Penn State

Excellent pick here, Shaw has excellent speed and was rated as a third/fourth round talent on some draft boards.

7. (#226) CB C. J. Wilson, Baylor

Overall Draft Grade: A   Beason was the only poor pick in this draft. Jarrett at 45, Kalil at 59 and Johnson at 83 were huge steals. Plus Shaw and Wilson were also big time steals. They really added talent to the team on both sides of the ball.

1. WR Robert Meachem, Tennessee

Great pick for the Saints. This is the steal of the entire draft, the Saints should have an explosive offense in 2007. Meachem has top ten talent, and I have to applaud this pick, but the Saints really need a cornerback.

3. (#66) CB Usama Young, Kent State

A huge reach here for the Saints, Usama is a decent prospect, but might have been available to them in the 4th or 5th round. CB Marcus McCauley would have been a much better pick.

3. (#88) G Andy Alleman, Akron

This is an excellent pick. Andy is a big strong run blocker. Reggie Bush should be happy. Day one draft grade: B

4. (#107) RB Antonio Pittman

This pick had me scratching my head. The Saints traded up to get Pittman. He is a good value here, don't get me wrong, but they don't need another running back. Pittman is fast but not very elusive.

4. (#125) OT Jermon Bushrod, Towson

The Saints have really upgraded their offensive line with the addition of Bushrod and Alleman.  Bushrod is a small school stud than can play in the NFL.

5. (#145) CB David Jones, Wingate

7. (#220) LB Marvin Mitchell, Tennessee

Overall Draft Grade: C  They started great with Meachem, who could be a pro bowl receiver. Bushrod and Alleman were nice picks, but not much else after that. They really failed to address their primary team need which was cornerback.

1. Gaines Adams, Clemson

The Bucs are disappointed that they couldn't get Calvin Johnson or OT Joe Thomas, so they take the safe pick. The best pass rusher in the 2007 NFL Draft. A worthy replacement for an aging Simeon Rice.

2. (#35) G Aaron Sears, Tennessee

Another solid pick by Tampa, Sears fills a huge need, but I had guard Justin Blalock rated higher. Kind of a toss up though, Sears has experience at center. The Bucs have put together a solid offensive line with Davin Joseph, Jeremy Trueblood, Luke Petitgout, Dan Buenning and now the  talented young Sears.

2. (#64) S Sabby Piscitelli, Oregon State

A great pick for the Bucs, good value at 64. Sabby is a size/ speed guy that had a fantastic combine.

3. (#65) LB Quincy Black, New Mexico

I was really high on black, one of the fastest linebackers in this draft. He will be a perfect fit in the Bucs speedy, cover two defense. The Bucs defense has taken a huge step forward after day one. Grade for day one: A

4. (#106) CB/S Tanard Jackson, Syracuse

In my opinion the Bucs have put together the best draft in the NFL so far. Jackson has 2nd round talent and is a huge steal in the 4th. Has the talent and size to play safety or corner.

5. (#141) DE Greg Peterson, North Carolina Central

6. (#182) Adam Hayward, Portland State

7. (#245) CB Marcus Hamilton, Virginia

7. (#246) RB Ken Darby, Alabama

Over all Draft Grade: A  The Bucs had in my opinion the best draft, they got talented player after player. Their first five picks could be starters on day one. I even like Ken Darby at 246.

1. OT Levi Brown, Penn State

This was a huge reach here in my opinion. The Cards drafted for need, but didn't get the best player available. Brown would have been a mid-first round pick if the Cards didn't bite. DT Amobi Okoye would have been a better value.

2. (#33) DT Alan Branch, Michigan

Great pick for the Cards, Branch was rated as a top ten talent for much of the year, but didn't impress anybody during his post season workouts. A huge prospect at 6' 5" 320 lbs.

3. (#69) LB Buster Davis, Florida State

Nice pick, if Davis is three inches taller he is a first round pick. He might be short, but he just makes plays. He is all over the football field, great instincts, speed and tackling ability.

5. (#142) WR Steve Breaston, Michigan

A speedy wideout that can return punts and kicks. Good value here.

7. (#215) TE Ben Patrick, Delaware

I can't believe Patrick lasted until the 7th round. I had him rated as a third rounder. Good sized and incredibly talented. The Cards stole him here.

Overall Draft Grade: B  They reached a little by taking Levi Brown that high, but got lucky when Alan Branch fell down to them. Most had Branch as a top ten pick! They didn't have a lot of picks but made the most of them, they addressed a couple of glaring team needs.

1. DE Adam Carriker, Nebraska

Great pick for the Rams, Carriker can really get after the QB and has the size (6" 6" 290 lbs.) to stop the run. I think they wanted Ted Ginn but he was already gone.

2. (#52) RB/FB/HB Brian Leonard, Rutgers

Not a need pick, but he was the best player available here. He can do so much on the offensive side of the ball. He can play every position except O-line and QB.

3. (#84) CB Jonathan Wade, Tennessee

A nice value here, Wade has blazing speed (4.36) and nice size (5' 11" 193 lbs). A developmental guy that is a little raw with his technique. With patience he could be special. Day one draft grade: A

5. (#139) Center Dustin Frye, Clemson

A huge (6' 2" 326 lbs) physical player on the inside, good pick here for the Rams.

5. (#154) DT Clifton Ryan, Michigan State

6. (#190) OT Ken Shackleford, Georgia

7. (#248) DT Keith Jackson, Arkansas

7. (#249) WR Derek Stanley, Wisconsin-Whitewater

Overall Draft Grade: B They had a mediocre day two which pulled down their over all grade, but the addition of Leonard and Carriker gives their team a more physical mentality. Their top two picks could be pro bowlers.

1. LB Patrick Willis, Mississippi

Willis was a top ten talent. 49er fans have to love this pick, he was the best player available and he filled a need. Willis should be defensive rookie of the year in 2007.

1. (#28) OT Joe Staley, Central Michigan

The San Francisco 49ers make a deal to move up into the Patriots slot and get an extra 1st rounder. The 49ers pay dearly for this move, they will give up their first rounder in the 2008 NFL Draft and a 4th rounder this year. Staley (6' 6" 305 lbs.) is very light on his feet, but he is not special. I had OG Ben Grubbs and Center Ryan Kalil rated higher.

3. (#76) WR Jason Hill, Washington State

Hill was one of my sleeper picks and he is a great value here at 76. A speed merchant that can catch the ball and score touchdowns. Ran a 4.32 second 40 at the combine.

3. (#97) DE Ray McDonald, Florida

An excellent pick for the niners. Very athletic and has the size (6' 3" 281 lbs) to play inside or out. Day one draft grade: A

4. (#104) DE Jay Moore, Nebraska

The 49ers are putting together one heck of a draft. Moore is a steal here in the 4th round. Super fast end/linebacker, nice size at 6' 4" 275 lbs.

4. (#126) FS Dashon Goldson, Washington

*Breaking news: Niners get veteran WR Daryl Jackson from the Seahawks for a 4th round draft pick.

4. (#135) DT Joe Cohen, Florida

5. (#147) CB Tarell Brown, Texas

6. (#186) RB Thomas Clayton, Kansas State

A nice back up to Frank Gore. Clayton is a good value here. Played very well in the Senior Bowl.

Overall Draft Grade A  Their first five picks could be starters or at least contributors on day one, and Willis is my pick to become the NFL defensive rookie of the year. He (Willis) is a special talent and a future pro bowler.

2. (#55) Josh Wilson, Maryland

The Seahawks finally get a pick. Small (5' 9" 188 lbs) but blazing fast and fine instincts. A decent cover corner, but Tanard Jackson and Marcus McCauley were rated higher.

3. (#85) DT Brandon Mebane, California

Just a super value at 85. Saw constant double teams but still made plays for Cal. The two time All-Pac Ten selectee finished 2006 with 52 tackles, 10 tackles for a loss and 4 sacks. The Seahawks didn't have many day one picks but they got two starting caliber guys. Day one grade: C

4. (#120) DT Baraka Atkins, Miami

A classic under achiever. Had the size and ability in college but didn't produce.

4. (#124) OG Mansfield Wrotto, Georgia Tech

A converted defensive lineman. He has a neck the size of a tree trunk. He looks like a future NFL starter at guard to me. The Seahawks traded veteran receiver Daryl Jackson to the 49ers for this pick.

5. (#161) LB Will Herring, Auburn

6. (#197) WR Courtney Taylor, Auburn

A real surprise that Taylor fell so low in this draft. He is a steal here.

7. (#232) OT Steve Vallos, Wake Forest

Overall Draft Grade: D  No first rounder and no great playmaker or difference maker. Mansfield Wrotto is going to be a good guard in a couple years and WR  Courtney Taylor was a steal in round 6. Deion Branch should be considered part of this draft class since he was dealt to New England for Seattle's first-round pick.

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