Vick and drinking

Vick probably got booed for having a dog fighting ring on his property but leave it to NY to do it at the worst time possible, total lack of class. And speaking of class drinking at 11 AM is never a bad idea.

NFL Draft Live Blog

Alright, finally (hopefully) got the internet fixed now I'm ready for the DRAFT!!!!!!!!!

Wow, Mike Vick just got booed during the memorial to Va Tech... stay classy New York.

Random question... is 11 am too soon to start drinking?

DRAFT BEGINS!!!!!!!

1st - Oakland Raiders : J Russ

Big shocker here. Let the Calvin Johnson sweepstakes begin.

2nd - Detroit Lions : Calvin Johnson!!

I know they have taken a WR every year since like 1980 but, Calvin Johnson anyone??? We shall see...
And it's official. Another WR. And the fans are surprisingly optimistic. Or drunk. One of the two.

3rd - Clevland Browns : Joe Thomas

Weeeeeeellllllll. Quick aside here, Joe Thomas' aunt shaved her head into a mohawk and put the NFL logo on the side of her head. Dedication much??
Solid pick. No big surprises yet. Franchise LT to protect... Oh yeah, they still need a QB.

4th - Tampa Bay : Gaines Adams

Big Gaines Adams. Great pick here from a need standpoint. Also, Adams' mom has a mullet weave, a look most people can't pull off, including her. Nice that Tampa got the next Simeon Rice to take over for Rice, a future overrated one-dimensional speed rusher. But the best folical fashion in that family has to go to Gaines, himself. I'll always vote for the black guy with writing/designs in his hair.

5th - Arizona Cardinals : Levi Brown

The first "wow" of the draft. I like Brown, but he's not the 5th best player in this, or any, draft. If they really wanted a left tackle they should have traded up to get Thomas or down for Levi. REACH.

6th - Washington Deadskins : LaRon Landry

Great pick here. He and Sean Taylor might kill somebody. No seriously, they might. Nobody outside of Romo will be able to dissect this ridiculous combo in the secondary.


7th - Minnesota Vikqueens : Peterson

All Day!! He will demolish in Minny. He is a back in the mold of an Earl Campbell. Great back for a decade giver or take 9 years. I believe Minny will be happy with this pick. Front runner for Pro Bowl this year.

If it hasn't become obvious yet, our connection was shut down by Goodell and ESPN. They didn't want us announcing their picks and taking away from their audience. Next time we won't advertise as much.

8th - Hotlanta Falcons : Jamaal Anderson

Well they won't have to get another jersey. Very nice fit, he's huge and athletic, a great fit for the 3-4. Has the speed (he went to Arkansas as a WR) to get around the outside and the size to stuff the run. The dirty bird is back.

9th - Miami Dolphins : Ted Ginn

Wow!!!!! I'm speechless. Quinn looks like he wants to vomit, as he should. Who is going to throw to him, Lemon?!?!?!

From Krevor: It sucks to be a Redskin fan, but at least I'm not a Dolphins fan.

10th - Houston Texans : Amobi Okoye

Very young, smart, talented kid. The Texans are forming an impressive front D-line. He and Mario Williams should be good for a long time. I might note though that the phrase, "The Texans are forming an impressive backfield with Reggie Bush and Brady Quinn" sounds much better.

11th - San Fran : Patrick Willis

Quick, smart guy. Nice pick here for the 49ers who have several needs on the defensive side of the ball.

12th - Buffalo Bills : Marshawn Lynch

The new Pac-Man. But in seriousness, he is a very talented back that replaces the recently departed talented back they already had. Doesn't make sense to me either.

13th - Greatest Show on Turf : Adam Carriker

JJ: Not to be outdone by the Dolphins, the Rams take the giant white kid from Nebraska. I think this is a terrible pick, especially with some of the other available players here. Time will tell I suppose.

LH: I really like Carriker, I can't believe they didn't get Bulger's replacement though.

14th - NY Jets from Carolina Panthers : Darrelle Revis

...And Jet's fans tear down Radio City Music Hall. I like him, but I'm suprised they traded up to him. I didn't think there was that much difference between Revis, Hall and Ross.

15th - Pittsburgh Steelers : Lawrence Timmons

Underacheving very young guy to replace Joey Porter.

16th - Cheesheads : Justin Harrell

... Nice that they went with a guy with one arm over offensive help. If I'm Alan Branch I'm pissed...and fat, but mostly pissed.

17th - Dever from Jags : Jarvis Moss

It just seems like it's been 3 hours since a team made a really good pick (Willis to San Fran?) Moss has a lot of talent, but is very risky as an inexperienced one - dimensional player.

18th - Bengals : Leon Hall

Finally a pick I can get behind.

Quinn, Branch, Meachem, Bowe, Ross, Nelson, Poz all still on the board.

It's nice that the Commish let Quinn move to a private room, so he can cry in peace.

19th - Tennessee : Michael Griffin

wow, um...Reggie Nelson? Maybe a Robert Meachem or Dwayne Bowe for VY to throw to? And if you really wanted a saftey, how about Brandon Merriweather? Him and Pac Man in the same secondary? Who would F--- with them? No one, that's who!

A spoting of Bud from Married With Children, he's doing McDonalds commericals now... I know what you're thinking, and no apparently he isn't dead.

20th - NY Giants : Aaron Ross

So I guess he won't be a Cowboy.

21st - Jags : Reggie Nelson

So Quinn is still there when the Boys pick...wow. I really like Nelson though, dude's got tons of talent. He will add a few years to Donovan Darius' career. Great center fielder. Really thought Quinn would go there though, with as much as they seem to hate Leftwich.

22nd - Dallas Cowboys : TRADE TO CLE - Brady Quinn

Dallas gets Cle's 2nd and first next year (top 5 pick, Darren McFadden??)!!! I'm on board! Great pick by the Browns, too they get their franchise guy.

JJ's Dad: Well now maybe he can afford a hair cut.

Krevor: Mike Vick should tell Quinn to stop feeding his girlfriend so much.

Jerry Jones said that if they didn't get the trade offer they did from the Browns, they would have drafted Quinn, to much value to pass up.

23rd - KC : Dwayne Bowe

KC's needed a WR for a long time and Bowe is a really good one. The best blocking wide out, great size and good hands. Thought they might go O-line, but WR is the better value.

24th - New England : Brandon Merriweather

Extremely talented saftey and fills a need for the Pats. I think Dallas thought they might still get him with the Brown's 2nd round pick. The only knock on Merriweather is character, but if any team can handle him, it's New England. The first guy from the U to get picked this year. He definately has that killer instinct.

KC: Do I have quotes on there? Because I think I should.

25th - Carolina : Jon Beason

I really thought they'd go with Greg Olsen, well I had the school right... I really like Beason, thought he was underrated but he's very instinctive and a good tackler. Guess that means Dan Morgan is officially dead. I really like this value pick, there was a good chance that they would have drafted him at their original 14 spot.

JJ: It's in his DNA, it says tackle running backs.

26th - Philly : TRADE Dallas! ANTHONY SPENCER

Dallas gives up Cle's 2nd, and their 3rd and 5th. So basically Dallas gives up a 3 and a 5 for Cle's #1 next year.

Another pass rusher, but a big time disruptive player. Will really help out our D. One of the most underrated players in this draft. Cowboys need a pass rusher and there's a really big drop off after Spencer.

27th - New Orleans : Robert Meachem

Wow, that's a crazy trio of wide outs now Meachem, Colston and Bush, but the best player avaliable.

28th - New England : TRADE 49ers : Joe Staley

Alex Smith has someone to protect his blindside now. I love Staley's upside, he's the most athletic tackle to come into the draft ever. New England now picks up another first rounder next year, and you wonder why they always are playing in the Super Bowl.

29th - Baltimore : Ben Grubbs

The two most athletic linemen go back to back.

30th - San Diego : Craig Davis

Wow, over Jarrett, but I really like Buster. The Chargers need more speed at the receiver position, which is probably why they chose him over Jarrett.

Two predictions, first round ends with Olsen going to the Bears and Branch to Indy.

31st - Chicago : Greg Olsen

As Bob Sturm says, "nothing screams big white tight end like the Chicago Bears."

32nd - Indy : Anthony Gonzalez

Manning needs another receiver, great! Thought they might go D here with Alan Branch or Poz, but Indy does need another light skined slot receiver.

Thanks for sticking with us... We'll have a few updates here and there in the 2nd round. I'm off to get hammered.

Cowboys Draft Preview

Check out our Mock Draft, Krevor will have his final Mock up sometime today.

And remember that we will have a live running blog of the draft which, through the magic that is the Sports Bully Network (trademark pending) will show each and every pick in the first round and subsequent rounds if were still on top of our game a full 10-15 seconds BEFORE Goodell walks up to the podium.

And now an in depth look at what the Cowboys may do in the 2007 NFL Draft.

The Dallas Cowboys are one of the most difficult teams to say with any great certainty what they are going to do in the draft. Dallas is coming off of a roller coaster season that started and ended in heartache but in the midst they found their future, Tony Romo. The 2007 Dallas Cowboys can be an elite team...with a great draft.

I'll start off in generalities the Cowboys will either stay at #22 in the first round, trade up or trade down.

They will take a corner back, a wide receiver, and offensive lineman, a defensive lineman, and a quarterback. In some order but definitely with the QB late and if I had to guess (which I prolly should since I'm writing this article) I'd say CB and WR are 1/2 in importance on Jerry's shopping list.

Let's take a look at some different scenarios:

Scenario 1: Boys Take a Corner First

As happened in my MOCK DRAFT Aaron Ross of Texas is the CB most likely to be there at 22. Chris Houston of Arkansas would be the second most likely guy if Dallas was Jonesin' for a third corner. Getting a corner early in the draft would give the Cowboys a guy who could come in and help in a limited role right off the bat while developing him for the future, a future without Anthony Henry and Aaron Glenn starting. While Aaron Ross is the most likely guy in this scenario, keep an eye out for Brandon Meriweather who just may dawn the star and play nickleback/free safety.

If corner was the first choice Dallas would be left to get a wide out in the second or third rounds, which isn't a bad thing in this very deep WR draft. Sidney Rice of South Carolina and Craig Davis of LSU would be possible 2nd round picks, while Jason Hill of Washington State and Aundrae Allison from East Carolina may be had in the 3rd. Any of those guys would be very nice value picks and all have a good chance of being productive NFL players.

Scenario 2: Boys Take a Receiver First

Calvin Johnson's not going to be there unless he kills someone between now and the draft, and even then he'd have to be injured severely too, to push him that far down the board. However each of the other top WRs have at least an outside chance of still being available when the Cowboys are on the clock with pick 22 in the first round, 38 hours into the draft. One or maybe two of Robert Meachem - Tennessee, Dwayne Bowe - LSU, Dwayne Jarrett - USC, and Ted Ginn Jr - Ohio State could still be had thanks to the closeness of this group of receivers and the differences in teams big boards. As I have made known here, I would prefer Meachem but my gut tells me he'll be gone by then as will Ted Ginn after some team realizes just how fast he is and takes a gamble on all of his raw, speedy, game changing, potential. However I would expect for at least one of the Dwaynes to be there. They are pretty similar players, Bowe is a little faster, Jarrett has little better hands, Bowe is a little stronger, Jarrett is a little taller, Bowe has a little more potential, and Jarrett is a little more polished.

Round 2 corners that could be Cowboys should Dallas go WR in round one, Marcus McCauley - Fresno State and Josh Wilson - Maryland --- both guys I like. McCauley has a very rare size/speed combination for a corner, 6'1'' 4.37, but after a very nice junior year didn't play up to very high expectations. He needs good coaching, but has all the tools in the world to be a premier player. Josh Wilson is a workout warrior (Maryland has a lot of those, don't they?) who had a very good year last year, but is under sized, 5'9''. He is however very strong for his size and blazingly fast, 4.35. Wilson doesn't shy away from contact but doesn't have very good hands, only one pick last year, still his ceiling could be as kind of the next Antoine Winfield.

Scenario 3: Boys Take a Pass Rusher

After Bobby Carp, and D-Ware it is probably time to share the love around a little bit in first round picks, but Dallas did severely lack a consistent pass rush after Greg Ellis went down and teams were able to game plan around Ware. Jarvis Moss of Florida, a physically gifted speed rusher is falling down draft boards and will most likely be available at 22. It isn't inconceivable that he's a Cowboy, but more likely is Lawrence Timmons - FSU or Anthony Spencer - Purdue. Both guys could be excellent DE/OLB's in a 3-4 and contribute right away in the NFL as pass rushers. The biggest problem going this route the fact that they wouldn't have a position to play, and would be relegated to backup/special teams roles as rookies, though I have advocated for moving Greg Ellis back to DE before -- He's your best defensive end, shouldn't he play defensive end?

If they then grab a WR in the 2nd round, possible 3rd round corners include: Jon Wade - Tennessee, Tanard Jackson - Sorrycuse, Daymeion Hughes - Cal, Eric Wright - UNLV. Wright may actually go before this, and he has the physical abilities to justify being a high pick but he has MAJOR character concerns like battery, drug dealing, and rape charges kind of major -- he's been taken off of a lot of teams draft boards, hopefully the Cowboys have too. Jackson has some character issues himself, but he's an alter boy compared to Wright, Jackson has some coachability problems and is prolly a tad too big and slow to play corner -- profiles more as a safety. Wade is an interesting guy who is a little small and very raw as he only turned to defense full time in 04, he was a receiver before then, but is an elite athlete who's oozing with potential. Hughes is somewhat the opposite, a technically sound All-American who was the Pac-10 defensive POY last year and looked like a first round pick...until he ran a 4.65. While he plays much faster than that, Hughes is probably best suited for a very zone heavy D.

Scenario 4: Boys Take an Offensive Lineman

Loyal readers of this blog know of my man crush on Justin Blalock from UT. As I advocated in one of our original posts, the 2007 Draft is:

Christmas for any good NFL fan, the spring training of football when everyone thinks their team can make it all the way. I'm already excited. I can almost hear Roger Goodell's dulcet tones now...

With the 22nd pick of the 2007 Draft the Dallas Cowboys select from the University of Texas Offensive Guard, Justin Blalock (and the crowd goes wild.) Or maybe it won't. It wouldn't be the sexiest pick but at 6'3'' 320 lbs. there's just more of him to love. Blalock is another Guard/Tackle 'tweener guy who would be best served playing on the inside (sandwich him in between our pro-bowl Left Tackle and Center?) He's very strong and powerful but also has the speed to pull to the outside or reach the second level of defenders. He ran a 5.1 40 at the combine. Flozell, Blalock, Gurode, Davis, and Columbo would give Dallas it's best O-Line since the Super Bowl glory days of my youth.

Note: I advocated Dallas signing Big Leonard Davis in free agency a month before it happened.

Scenario 5: Boys Trade Up

In Matt Mosley's recent column on ESPN.com, he brought up the possibility of Dallas trading up, stating:

On Monday, [Jerry Jones] indicated there were seven "wow" players in the draft. In his mind, these players are talented enough to consider trading up for.

Reading between the lines -- something you have to do with Jones' doublespeak -- the Cowboys would start bundling picks together if, say, Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson somehow slipped out of the top 10.

Jerry doesn't want to give up next year's first rounder, so any trade would be limited to only trading up to a team in the low teens. Jones also says in the article that he doesn't want to trade any current players, because everyone is myopically focused on the draft and they don't have near the same value that they do at other times of the football calendar.

I put this one at #5 because I believe it is not likely to happen, but you can never say, "never" when Jerry is in the conversation. I would LOVE Peterson as a Cowboy, but I really think it's a pipe dream. I don't see him getting past Houston @ 10, and the odds of him lasting that long are not good.

Scenario 6: Boys Trade Down

Under this scenario, most of the guys Dallas has targeted are off the board but a couple teams are in love with a player and willing to give up a lot to get him (see 2004.)

Hard to say a lot about potential trades until they happen, just know it's possible but maybe not probable.

Day 2 Targets

After looking at 6 possibilities for how Saturday could shake out, here are some guys Dallas might look at on Sunday.

Jared Zambransky QB Boise State
Matt Morre QB Oregon State
Drew Tate QB Iowa
Jeff Rowe QB Nevada
Toby Korrodi QB Central Missouri

Brandon Myles WR West Virginia
Steve Breaston WR Michigan
Jeff Samardzija WR Notre Dame
Cory Anderson FB Tennessee
Kevin Boss TE Western Oregon

Mike Jones (who?) OG Iowa
Stephon Heyer OT Maryland
Dan Parrish OT Florida A&M
Tanner Jenkins C Arkansas State
Anthony Wollschlager C The U

Jacob Ford DE Central Arkansas
Victor Degrate DE Oklahoma State
Antwan Applewhite DE San Diego State
Louis Leonard DT Fresno State
Matt Toeaina DT Oregon

Travarous Bain CB Hampton
Courtney Brown CB Cal Poly
Michael Coe CB Alabama State
Corey Graham CB New Hampshire
Marvin White S TCU

Cowboys Dream Draft

I think this is a fairly deep draft, especially in positions the Boys need - WR, QB, DB, and there are lots of possibilities that would leave me very happy after this weekend. However, knowing it probably won't work out this way, here is my everything-went-perfect-we're-going-to-win-it-all-now 2007 Cowboys draft.

1st Round - Aaron Ross CB Texas
2nd Round - Justin Blalock OG Texas
3rd Round - Jason Hill WR Washington State
4th Round - Travarous Bain CB Hampton
5th Round - Brandon Myles WR West Virginia
6th Round - Jared Zambransky QB Boise State
6th Round - Victor Degrate DE Oklahoma State
7th Round - Cory Anderson FB Tennessee
7th Round - Stephon Heyer OT Maryland
7th Round - Louis Leonard DT Fresno State

Defensive Line Prospects

If you're looking for our MOCK DRAFT either click that link, the one on the right hand side or scroll down... we SportsBullies like to give you options.

Krevor here with the rankings for the Defensive Line a.k.a. the big uglies

DE Gaines Adams 6-4 265

Gaines Adams has all the tools to be a premier pass rusher in the NFL. He has good size and excellent speed, clocking a 4.64 40-yard dash which is very fast for a defensive lineman. He was also extremely productive in college logging 28 sacks in his college career. He has gotten the reputation as a bit of a one dimensional player that can not stand up against the run. However in his senior year he vastly improved against the run. Others point to his size and say he is too small to play football. This criticism is unfounded in my opinion. He will probably be able to add 10-15 pounds to him without losing speed. He also compares in size to some amazing players, Jason Taylor, Dwight Freeney, and Jevon Kearse to name a few. Adams will be a 10-sack a year player who will disrupt the passing game.

DT Amobi Okoye 6-2 300

Amobi is a freak at everything he does. At age 19 he graduated college and dominated offensive lineman in the big east. At age 19 I wasn’t sure I would ever graduate college and the only thing I was dominating was fraternity beer pong games. Amobi has good size and a ton of strength but what is most impressive about him is his great athleticism. He is very quick off the ball which enables him to run down ball carriers and collapse the pocket. I think he is the next Tommy Harris and if he is close to as good as that then he will be a hell of a player.

DE Jamaal Anderson 6-6 280

Mr. Anderson is the perfect size for a DE. He is considered the most complete end in the draft being strong against both the run and the pass. He had one extremely productive year at Arkansas and some believe that he is a one year wonder. Others have compared him to all-pro Richard Seymore. Those are some big shoes to fill but if Anderson is anything like him a team will be getting a great player for many years to come.

DT Alan Branch 6-6 330

Alan Branch is a massive presence on the defensive line and he helped Michigan shut down opposing teams running games. After the college football season ended Branch was considered a top 5 pick. His stock has plummeted after concerns about him being out of shape and some people who weren’t impressed with his workouts. I have to disagree. I was very impressed by his workouts and his very fast 5.1 40-yard dash. Amazing for a 330 pound man. Although I have him at #4 he very well could be the best lineman in the draft. He clogs up running lanes and has the athleticism to pressure the QB. He may not rack up the best stats but he could have the greatest impact of any defensive player chosen in the draft by taking on double teams and ruining the running games of many teams.

DE Adam Carriker 6-6 296

Carriker is country strong and has excellent size. I do not think he is the greatest pass rusher in the world but his versatility will make him a good player in this league. He can either play end in a 4-3 or a 3-4. Some believe he could move inside in a 4-3 but I think that would not maximize his production. He will probably be someone who will get around 5 sacks a year and be very strong against the run. I think Anthony Spencer could turn out to be better then Carriker but he could be a very valuable piece of a defense. He is defiantly not the sexiest pick one could make in the draft but he has the potential to be an impact player in the NFL. Look for him to get strong interest from a 3-4 team in the middle of the first round.

2007 NFL Mock Draft UPDATE!!!

Lincoln here with another mock draft. This one will be a little different than our previous ones, in this mock draft I will say who each team should take; not who they will -- an important distinction is needed there because some NFL GM's are idiots and don't do what's best.

And remember that we will have a live running blog of the draft which through the magic that is the Sports Bully Network (trademark pending) will show each and every pick in the first round and subsequent rounds if were still on top of our game a full 10-15 seconds BEFORE Goodell walks up to the podium.

1 - Oakland Raiders : Brady Quinn QB Notre Dame

Oakland needs a franchise signal caller because Andrew Walter is definitely not the answer and all current free agent/trade targets come with serious baggage (either they suck: Josh McCown, or they are have serious injury concerns: Dante Culpepper, or they are old: Trent Green.) Most people keep saying that Oakland "has to take JaMarcus Russell" but they are missing a huge point...he's not the best QB in this draft!! I have gone in depth about the QB controversy atop this years draft and why Quinn is a better prospect than Russell but let me just bring back up something I've covered before, again thanks to our friends at Football Outsiders for this info:

Russell started only 29 games at LSU. Over the past ten years, collegiate games started has been the single greatest predictor of NFL success for early first-round quarterbacks. Since 1997 seven quarterbacks who started fewer than 30 games in college have been drafted in the top ten: Ryan Leaf, Tim Couch, Akili Smith, Michael Vick, David Carr, Joey Harrington, Alex Smith.

Then this about Brady:

As for Quinn: Here is the complete list of players drafted in first two rounds over the past ten years who started at least 35 games and completed at least 57 percent of their passes: Peyton Manning, Donovan McNabb, Daunte Culpepper, Chad Pennington, Drew Brees, Carson Palmer, Byron Leftwich, Eli Manning, Philip Rivers, Ben Roethlisberger, Jason Campbell, Matt Leinart and Jay Cutler.

2 - Detroit Lions : JaMarcus Russell QB LSU

Despite of what I just typed, I really don't think Russell is a bad prospect. I just think that Quinn was much better in college and is much closer to a certainty than what you would get with Russell. I thought long and hard about saying that the Lions should draft Calvin Johnson, and there still stands a very high likely hood that the freak stud WR will go #2 overall as the Lions seem hell bent on trading down and drafting Gaines Adams. The biggest reason everyone says they shouldn't draft Calvin Johnson is because Matt Millen is retarded and wasted high first round picks on wide outs with horrible character/work ethic concerns (Charles Rogers) and weight/speed issues (Mike Williams) and that the fans would revolt. The fans have already revolted against the Lions and any GM who lets outside emotional influences take precedent over logical best-for-the-organization decisions should be fired on the spot (though Millen should have been fired on the spot 3 years ago...maybe he has a side bet with Isiah Thomas about which guy can F--- up his franchise worse AND keep his job.... I give 30/1 that Millen not only gets a contract extension this year but is named the new head coach of the team by Thanksgiving.)

However the Lions need for a franchise QB is too great to justify passing up on a guy like Russell who has the talent to succeed in the NFL, he just needs a few things to be in place which the Lions actually meet. First he needs to be on a team that can afford to sit him for a year and John Kitna allows the Lions that luxury. Second he needs to have at least one good receiving weapon who can stretch the field vertically letting him show off his greatest attribute, arm strength, and the Lions have that in Pro Bowler Roy Williams. Thirdly he needs to be with a great offensive mind and Mike Martz is definitely that, now Russell will never be confused with a standard Martz QB (Trent Green, Kurt Warner, Marc Bulger) but I believe Martz is creative enough to design a system that will put Russell in the best possible position to succeed.

3 - Cleveland Browns : Adrian Peterson RB Oklahoma

The Browns also need a QB, but with Quinn and Russell off the board they should go with a guy who can immediately help an anemic offense. With LeCharles Bentley, Joe Andruzzi, Eric Steinbach, and Kevin Shaffer Cle has the makings of a very good O-line assuming everyone can stay healthy. If that line is as strong as it can be, Peterson will be a Pro Bowler this year. Jamal Lewis and William Green should pose no threat to the incredibuly talented Peterson who would be the Offensive Rookie of the Year in this senario and the most talented back to play in Cle since the immortal Jim Brown, the only thing holding him back is that he might be the least healthy back to play in Cle since Ernie Davis.

4 - Tampa Bay Bucs : Calvin Johnson WR Georgia Tech

Tampa may end up getting into a bidding war with the 49ers offering trades to Detroit to get the #2 pick and the chance to draft Calvin, but he should be Bucco anyway. Joey Galloway is a thousand years old and Michael Clayton has disappointed since his stellar rookie campaign, after that the TB WR roster bosts the likes of noted 'roid user David Boston the great Ike Hillard, tiny 6th round pick last year Chad Owens and the space cowboy himself Maurice Stovall who had 7 catches for 102 yards last year...not in one game in all of last year. Calvin is the best player in the draft and the greatest receiver prospect of all time. The Bucs may have problems getting Johnson the ball as none of Tampa's top 3 QB's have the two things you need to succeed in pro football at the position -- a spleen and full head of hair (thank you Drew Bledsoe.)

5 - Arizona Cardinals : Joe Thomas LT Wisconsin

Zona would be filling a huge need AND getting great value with this pick which stands a very high likelyhood of actually happening this weekend. The Cardinals would probably move this Badger to the RT in order to protect the blindside of their southpaw signal caller. The departure of Lenoard Davis...and you could argue that when Davis was there... created a huge hole on the line that the Cardinals desprately need to fill. Joe Thomas is just the man to fill that hole. Yes I said it, you perv.

6 - Washington Redskins : Jamal Anderson DE Arkansas

Everyone knows that the Skins were historically bad at sacking opposing QBs, so addressing the defensive line with their draft pick (singular) is obvious. Not obvious to everyone however is the fact that Jamal Anderson, not Gaines Adams is the best defensive end in this years draft. Adams is a great speed rusher coming off the edge, which is an important skill and he's the best at it in this draft, but that is about the limit of his abilities. Anderson, though still fairly raw, has the potential to be an all around superstar at the defensive end position. His tremendous size, 6'5'' 290, and speed 4.75 make him a truley elite talent that for whatever contrived reason is falling in the eyes of many. NOTE OF FULL DISCLOSURE: I am a die hard Cowboy fan, so I root for the Skins to suck ... and that wish has been granted in recent years, so I hope that the Skins GM picks a one dimensional guy like Adams or trade way down and throw away their chance of getting an elite prospect.

7 - Minnesota Vikings : LaRon Landry S LSU

Fans of the Viqueens (high comedy that I just had to throw in sometime...and for warning I'm sure it will happen during our LIVE RUNNING BLOG OF THE NFL DRAFT! WHERE YOU WILL SEE THE PICKS POSTED BEFORE THE ARE ANNOUNCED ON ESPN!!! as I get drunker and the puns get worse) should pray that Brady Quinn is still avaliable when they pick and should give very hard consideration to trading up to get the Golden Domer. But if fans of the Norse Invaders have to suffer thru a year of Tarvaris Jackson leading the offense, at least they should have the most exciting saftey combination in the league for some redeming quality. Darren "MEEP" Sharper and LaRon "Laundry" Landry -- as Krevor insists on refering to him -- will be far and away the best and most exciting saftey combination since Ed Reed teamed with Sean Taylor on everyone of my Madden '06 Franchise teams.

8 - Atlanta Falcons : Leon Hall CB Michigan

DeAngelo Hall and Leon Hall...the marketing would write itself.

9 - Miami Dolphins : Amoby Okoye DT Louisville

South beach may not be the best destination for a kid who can't legally drink yet, but Okoye's gridiron precociousness will be a perfect fit. The Fins very old defense needs added youth, and Okoye unquestionably fills that need. Okoye started walking at 7 months, talking at 11, attending school at 2 and a half, moved to the United States from Nigeria when he was 11, attended high school at 12 and tried out for the football team [first time ever he played organize football], made varsity at 13, All State by 14, graduated at 15, in college playing D I ball by 16, graduated with a degree when he was 19, top 10 pick 19, stud defensive player in the NFL 20, pro bowl 21, free agent 24, retire 26, hall of fame at age 29, and dead at age 143.

10 - Houston Texans : Reggie Bush RB USC

Oops sorry, that Okoye thing got my personal clock all messed. It's not 2006 anymore. So how bout this?

10 - Houston Texans : Joe Staley OT Central Michigan

As I covered in my tackle rankings, Staley is the 2nd best tackle in this draft and would fit absolutely perfectly with Coach Gary Kubiak's (Whoop!) Denver style running/blocking scheme that focuses on agility and quickness from linemen more than straight ahead brute strength. Staley may be the fastest tackle ever to come into the draft, 4.8, and was virtually carved from a mold to fit in Kubiak's system. Staley would immediately become the best linemen every to play for the Texans with Tony Baselli currently holding that spot for his work on the practice squad.

11 - San Francisco 49ers : Paul Posluszny LB Penn State

Wide out will be a very strong consideration for the 9ers when they are on the clock, but Poz is so good and he can fill a big need for the Gold Rushers. San Fran's 3-4 defense is in dire need of linebackers with Derek Smith and Jeff Ulbrich nearing the ends of their respected careers. Poz would quench the 9ers love of the white linebacker. Pat Willis would also be a great choice, but I like the man with no discernable neck just a little bit more.

12 - Buffalo Bills : Marshawn Lynch RB Cal

While Lynch will probably be just as bored in Buffalo as Willis McNoknee, he also should be just as productive. Lynch is a big physical, one cut runner who could give JP a solid run game. Corner is also a need with Nate Clements leaving in free agency, so Revis is a close second to Lynch in my mock draft. Side bet: 4/1Lynch stands the best chance of any player taken in this years first round of being mistaken for Pac Man Jones.

13 - St Louis Rams : Gaines Adams DE Clemson

Hopefully he will take after Leonard Little on the field and become a dominating pass rusher but not off of it and kill people. The Rams perennially need defensive help and Adams would be a good value right here. He could come into the league right now and contribute off the edge in passing situations, but he was a ways to go before he can be counted on a three down end. Still he has too much ability to pass up for the Rams here, even if he may always be overrated in his career thanks to people's over emphasis with sack totals.

14 - Carolina Panthers : Patrick Willis LB Ole Miss

JP Taravella High School's own Dan Morgan is a great talent, but his career may already be over thanks to several concussions. If Morgan is healthy, Willis will team with him and Thomas Davis to give Carolina the fastest, most intimidating trio of linebackers in the league and the best overall front 7 (they might already have the best front 7 when everyone is healthy.) Another receiving threat, especially at tight end, will be very tempting for the Panthers and they may end up going that way but on this board Willis is too good to pass up. Some think Willis is too small and plays too out of control so the view him as a bit of a risky prospect but add him in with that kind of talent and leadership and 60% of the time it would work every time.

15 - Pittsburg Steelers : Adam Carriker DE Nebraska

This versitile, hard working lineman would be a great fit in the Steel City. Carriker would slide right into defensive end in the 3-4 and if new Head Coach Tomlin wants to switch to the 4-3 Carriker will still be a valuabe piece, able to play end or tackle. He would fit right in with the Steelers draft strategy with not being an overly flashy or sexy pick, but being a strong, hard-working really good player. In going from Nebraska to Pittsburg, Carriker would go from the Blackshirts to the Steel Curtain making him part of two of the coolest defensive nicknames in football.

16 - Green Bay Packers : Greg Olsen TE Miami

Daniel Lamont Franks was really ineffective last year, managing only 25 grabs for less than 300 yards and 0 scores. Olsen would replace Bubba as the downfield passing threat from the U that Farve loves in the red zone. Running Back is a big need and if Lynch is still available on Draft Day there is no way they pass him up but Olsen is a nice consolation prize and far and away the best receiving tight end in this class.

17 - Jacksonville Jaguars : Reggie Nelson S Florida

Nelson could add years onto Donovin Darius' career. A true ball hawk with great speed, Nelson would be fighting with Landry for the title of "best saftey in the 2007 Draft" if he didn't run a disappointing 4.55 fourty yard dash at the combine. Still Nelson plays much, much faster than that and drastically improved him time during Florida's Pro Day. He's a little slight of frame but isn't afriad to try and lay a big hit on you and is as good a cover free saftey as has come along in a while -- I really like this kid.

18 - Cincinnati Bengals : Alan Branch DT Michigan

A potential top 10 pick when the draft evaluations began, Branch's stock has dropped thanks to Mel Kiper pointing out that he wasn't very productive. While Branch's tackle numbers are somewhat low, that is to be expected from a fearsome DT that teams plan to run away from. The only thing dropping him down my board is questions about his work ethic and desire to succeed. Branch has all the talent in the world, and even returned 6 kicks for touchdowns in high school. He very well could be the steal of the draft, if he puts his mind to it. The Bengals will certainly hope he does as he could transform a defensive front 7.

19 - Tennessee Titans : Darrelle Revis CB Pittsburg

The suspension of Pac Man Jones turns the Titans cornerback situation from, "hey we should add some depth here" to a "Oh Sweet Jesus! Nick Harper is our #1 corner!?!? Quick someone call Vince, see how he feels about playing both ways this year!"

20 - New York Giants : Jon Beason LB Miami

Because he's much better than Reggie Torbor or Gerris Wilkinson, the Giants current starting outside linebackers. Corner is need area too so I almost went with Aaron Ross.

21 - Denver Broncos : Robert Meachem WR Tennessee

Meachem and Javon Walker would give Jay Cutler a great combo of receivers to throw to for the next 5 years. Can you tell it's getting late as the comments get shorter?

22 - Dallas Cowboys : Aaron Ross CB Texas

Levi Brown would be very tempting should the Draft unfold this way, but Ross would give the Boys a bigger boost this year. Dallas filled virtually all of its holes in free agency, so they will take the popular cliche "best player available" when they are on the clock. The Thorpe Award winning Ross, while not the faster than his girlfriend, has the speed to play corner in the NFL along with the instincts, technique, and run support needed to be a very very good player. Ross and Newman would be a very, very good corner combo for years to come.

23 - Kansas City Chiefs : Levi Brown OT Penn State

The staple of the KC offense for years has been it's dominate offensive line, but those days are now over. The Chiefs need to rebuild and Brown would provide the talent to make an immediate impact. Larry Johnson would be the biggest fan of this pick in the world.

24 - New England Patriots : Dwayne Bowe WR LSU

The Pats dramatically revamped their receiving corps in free agency, adding Donte Stallworth, Wes Welker and Kelly Washington. However their possession receiver is currently Reche Caldwell. Bowe has too much talent to pass up and would be a perfect fit for a Belichick designed offense that stresses short passes and the receivers ability to break tackles and make plays in space.

25 - New York Jets : Chris Houston CB Arkansas

This big time player would fill a huge need area for the J-E-T-S, as Hank Poteat and Andre Dyson are currently penciled in as starters. Houston played his best against the best competition and would add speed and playmaking ability to a secondary that drastically needs both.

26 - Philadelphia Eagles : Ted Ginn Jr WR Ohio State

Philly would be able to replace departed WR Donte Stallworth with one of the few guys avaliable who's actually faster. Ginn would also take some of the load off of Brian Westbrook in the return game. Ginn is far from an accomplished route runner but the Eagles will be able to slowly work him into the offense and having a QB the caliber of McNabb is always a great thing for a young wide out. The Eagles have problems in the defensive secondary, but Ginn has too much upside too pass up.

27 - New Orleans Saints : Lawrence Timmons LB Florida State

The Saints will be praying that Ross or Houston falls to them as they have big time needs at the corner position, though they did sign Jason David as a restricted free agent. With all the first round corners off the board, the Saints will turn their attentions to upgrading their outside linebackers. The two Scotts, Shanle and "3000 chicken Fajitas," were suprisingly effective last year during New Orleans' magical season. However athleticism and speed need to be added. Again not being able to get their top priority, CB, the Saints will look to increas their pass rush outside and Timmons gives them everything they'll be looking for. He's very athletic and a great pass rushers who can be force when teamed with defensive ends Will Smith and Charles Grant coming off the edge, forcing opposing QB's to get rid of the ball before Fred Thomas has time to beat deep...well too deep.

28 - New England Patriots : Brian Leonard RB Rutgers

I've said it before (scroll down to the end) but Leonard is the perfect fit for the Pats late in round 1. Saftey is also a priority and I almost went with Michael Griffin, but guys like Brandon Merriweather, Eric Weddle and Aaron Rouse will all be available in round 2 and Leonard likely won't. He would take part of the load off of Maroney, provide valuable blocking and play part time as a tight end for the Pats. He also fits in perfectly with a championship teams locker room, as he is a true leader and winner and I say that with complete certainty.

29 - Baltimore Ravens : Justin Blalock OL Texas

I've enumerated the reasons I love Blalock before, but he makes a lot of sense for the Ravens in this spot. The Ravens need help at guard and the right tackle spot and Blalock can play both. He also will give the Ravens a potential replacement (though he is best suited for guard) to Jonathon Ogden after he retires and should be an elite level player even after Ogden is enshrined in Canton.

30 - San Diego Chargers : Michael Griffin S Texas

Griffin fills a need on the Chargers D that's been there for a while. His range and instincts at the saftey position mean he should expect to have success right off the bat, and his willingness to step up in run support means he'll gain the favor of teammates and coaches just as quickly.

31 - Chicago Bears : Justin Harrell DT Tennessee

With Tank sitting in jail and facing a very likely suspension by the NFL when he is freed, DT is a major concern for da Bears this year. Adding Harrell would solidify virtually the only weakness on a championship caliber defense. Harrell is coming off of a major injury that cost him most of his senior season, but has all the talent to be a big time player and the wide body to keep interior linemen off of Brian Urlacher.

32 - Indianapolis Colts : Anthony Spencer DE/OLB Purdue

It is rare to see a DE/OLB 'tweener go to a team that doesn't play the 3-4, but Spencer fits perfectly with the Colts D. Playing the weakside backer for the champs, Spencer would be an upgrade against the run over what they already have and would help provide a blitz off the edge to help out Dwight Freeney. There is a very good chance that there won't be 31 better players than Spencer come out of this draft, and Indy can always use defensive help in whatever form they can get.

Linebackers

Just a reminder to check out our live running blog of the NFL draft. We will have all of the picks BEFORE they are announced on ESPN. Keep by your comp for the most up to the second coverage available anywhere on the web!

We will have a new mock draft up very soon as well as coverage of the draft plans for the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins.

Now onto the linebackers... I was 90% done with a very in depth article when a lightning strike caused the power to go out. Let this be a reminder to frequently save your work. So to make up for lost time I'm scrapping the analysis and just giving you bare bones rankings, will have more on each player as they are drafted.

1. Paul Posluszny - Penn State

Best instincts of any player in the draft and now is 100% healed from that nasty knee injury he suffered in the Orange Bowl his junior year. Two time Bednarik Award Winner.

2. Pat Willis - Mississippi

Virtually a "1B" in these rankings, Willis is a very aggressive player with great athleticism. Ferocious tackler, who always seems to be banged up.

3. Jon Beason - The U

Great leader and very instinctive player who lacks ideal size/speed.

4. Lawrence Timmons - Florida State

Terrific athlete with a knack for making big plays, but drops in these rankings due to his lack of experience -- one year starter.

5. Justin Durant - Hampton

Three time MEAC Defensive POY is a firey, aggressive player with great natural athletic ability.

6. Quincy Black - New Mexico

Big playmaker but only started two years for New Mexico after transfering from a JuCo. Still black has phenominal instincts and ran a 4.42!!

7. Rufus Alexander - Oklahoma

Big 12 player of the year will slide in the draft because of his size 6'0'' 225lb but he plays fast and is always around the ball. Will succeed in the right system as a weakside backer.

8. Stewart Bradley - Nebraska

Great, versitile player with a real nose for the game who would be much higher if he wasn't always injured. Has played all three linebacker spots as well as defensive end.

9. David Harris - Michigan

Big athletic ILB who was a very important part of a really talented Wolverine D who didn't always play up to his ability but has all the tools to be successful.

10. Stephen Nicholas - South Florida

Top notch athlete who was monsterously productive at a lower level of competition. If he were bigger would be a perfect fit as an outside rush end in a 3-4 scheme, he had 14.5 sacks over the last two years, but he's only 6'1'' 235lbs.

Interior Offensive Linemen

I would like to thank JJ for his good work breaking down the top picks in the secondary this year, and he is right about our live running blog of the draft where we guarantee to have every first round pick (and future rounds if we're not too drunk by then) up and posted BEFORE Roger Godell announces them "live" on ESPN. We can't tell you how we got this hookup, but spread the word and keep hitting refresh for the most up to date coverage anywhere. Krevor will have the D-line rankings soon, as well as another mock draft (or maybe two if you're nice to us.)

With a good caffine buzz going, onto the interior offensive linemen starting with the guards.

1. Justin Blalock - Texas

A lot ''experts'' don't have him as the top guard in this draft, and personally I think they are retarded. I like Ben Grubbs as much as the next guy, as you will see below, but Blalock is a dominate... I repeat DOMINATE player. He wowed scouts at the combine bench pressing 225 40 consecutive times, which was more than any other player this year. I have had the privilege of watching the vast majority of this young super hulks games, and that weight room strength unquestionably translates into football strength. The four year stater for the horns plays with a mean streak like very few linemen do, and finishes his blocks. Blalock lead the way for the dominate Texas run game as he constantly jolted defenders, getting great push and racked up plenty of pancakes. He truly engulfs defenders. This consensus first team All-American last year (in addition to his other accolades: first team Freshman All-American 2003, first team All-Big 12 2004-2006) has great size, 6'3'' 320, combined with impressive speed, 5.1. The knock on Blalock is that he lacks ideal lateral quickness to play tackle, which is why I have him in my guard rankings. He played the final 6 games of last year at guard after starting the rest of his career at right tackle. I do think he could play right tackle, but I know he can play guard and make multiple pro-bowls. He needs to refine his technique a little bit, as does virtually every prospect, but Coach Mack Brown raves about this kid. He's legit, the size and strength to physically over match defenders at the line and the surprising speed and athleticism to get to the next level and protect his QB versus speed rushers. In case you couldn't tell I really like him. Blalock is an elite talent in this draft, but his position is one that very rarely gets picked high. Still Blalock is one of the few guard talents who warrants a first round pick, yet it looks like he will slide into the mid second round where he will provide one of the best values in this draft.

2. Ben Grubbs - Auburn

Grubbs is a very fine prospect in his own right and would be the premier guard in the draft, if he didn't happen to go into the draft the same year as Justin Blalock. At 6'3'' 310lbs Grubbs has the size to play inside but his greatest assest is his quickness, which isn't something you say for a lot of 310 pound guys. A bit of a freak athlete, Grubbs spent time playing defensive tackle and even tight end before settling into his role at guard for the War Eagle. Grubbs is a little smaller than Blalock and will never be dominate straight ahead power run blocking lineman but he will fit perfect for a team that pulls its guards often. He will have some trouble with giant two gap DTs and needs to improve his techinque, as he is fairly new to the position. Chicago and Indy at the end of the first round are possibilities, but he's more of a mid 2nd round guy who should be a very good pro.

3. Arron Sears - Tennessee

Giant and versitle are the best words to describe this four year starter for the Volunteers. At 6'3'' 320lbs Sears has started games at every O-line spot, except center: 13 starts at left tackle, six at right tackle, four at right guard, and one at left guard in his first three years as he started every game at left tackle last season. Sears has pretty good quickness for such a large man, but he doesn't maintain that athleticism over long distances, 5.45 40. He has had some problems keeping his weight in check, and isn't a great conditioned athlete which may say something about his desire to succeed at the NFL level. He also had an off field episode as he accepted illegal gifts from a store and had to return them to keep his eligability. Sears has the talent to play in the league for a long time, if he really wants to. Likely second round pick.

After the big three, or really two who stand a really good chance of being good and the one who may be good, there is a bit of a drop off. Josh Beekman - BC, Marshal Yanda - Iowa, Andy Alleman - Akron, Manny Ramirez - TT, Mansfield Wrotto GT, and Dan Santucci - ND all have a chance of being solid players, and it would be lovely to write about them but unfortuantely timing is something, I just won't be able to make it.

Centers

1. Ryan Kahil - Southern Cal

A very very good center prospect. Not quite as good as Nick Mangold, but he's not that far behind. Kahil does everything well. He's very smart, and has tons of experience playing at the highest level. Very technically sound with good mobility. Great intangables, proven productive player who plays bigger than his size, 6'2'' 298. Able to get to the second level, 4.95 40. Virtually no negatives to talk about. Very well could go in the late first round and will be a steal if he goes after that.

2. Samson Satele - Hawai'i

There is probably a bigger drop off between Kahil and Satele than there is between any other 1 and 2 ranked player at any other position. That is not to mislead you into thinking that Satele isn't capable of being a good starter in the league, however. Samson is a very good, experienced pass blocker with versitility all over the line (has played guard and tackle as well.) However this native Hawain will have to make a somewhat difficult transition from playing in the Warriors offensive system to a pro system. He's not experienced as a run blocker, and needs to get stronger. He has had some problems keeping his weight in check, he weighed into the combine at and even 3 bills which is a decent wieght for his frame 6'2.5''. Satele has good short area quickness, but lacks downfield athletic ability that Kahil has. A bit of a project who may be best served sitting for a year learning the blocking system and getting stronger, Samson could be a player down the road. It isn't everyday a center comes along who has hit type of pass blocking ability. Third rounder.

3. LeRoy Harris - North Carolina State

Really sort of a 2b at the center position this year. Harris is a very hard worker, who finishes blocks and shows the ability to drive defenders back off the line. Anchors the line very well, and has a lot of experience. Good strength for his size, 6'2.5'' 300, but struggles a bit locking onto defenders at the second level. Good football IQ, will be able to bark out blocking assignments. Durability is the major concern with Harris and is what has him sliding down some boards, he missed games in his sophomore and senior seasons. Good news is that neither of the injuries was degenerate and he should be healthy for training camp. At worst he should be a solid back up in the NFL, and a probable Day 2 pick.

Now as much as I would love to spend the next hour talking to you about Dan Mozes of WV and Doug Datish of THE Ohio State University, again I don't if I'll have enough time. See you guys tomorrow for more of our position preview series.

Secondary

Here is the breakdown of the secondary in this year's draft. Also a quick note, we here at Sports Bullies will be bringing you a live running blog of the draft as it happens. Also, through a very exclusive deal we have, we will be providing said coverage 10-15 sec. before ESPN or any other online media outlet can provide it. This shouldn't surprise you, we have been the definitive voice of sports for the last 56 days and counting!! On to some analysis.

First the CB.

Leon Hall - Michigan

This aggressive and tough corner back is a physical brute. His ability to break quickly on the ball combined with his ridiculous 40 time (4.39) should allow him to hang with anybody in the league. He will be best utilized in a zone-heavy scheme, but he also can play mostly man-to-man coverage, so long as a safety can help out versus the speediest receivers. Hall is not only big and strong enough to handle bigger NFL receivers but he also does an amazing job supporting the run. I see him in the top 15 of this draft with someone like the Texans, Bills, or Rams being a prime destination.

Darrelle Revis - Pittsburgh

Revis is very instinctive. His break on the ball is amazing and this comes from his outstanding ability to read the quarterbacks' eyes. He is also a reliable open-field tackler. Revis can also be used as a punt return specialist due to his good vision and balance. A knock on Revis is is 4.54 40 time. That will severely hinder him versus the likes of Ginn?Glenn type players. I see the Bills, Rams, and Jags as teams that desire Revis.

Aaron Ross - Texas

Ross is one of the better CB to come along in a long time. His 4.42 40 time is just the tip of the iceberg. Ross' ability to knock receivers off their route with his upper-body strength is a great asset. Ross is an amazing open-field tackler, that can knock the ball loose. A major knock however is his inability to cover the run. Look for teams that run lots of man-to-man, which neutralize this, to show interest in him. His experience returning punts should also serve his new team well. Several teams drafting between 15 and 25 should show interest in him. (The Cowboys would be well-served by his talents.)

Chris Houston - Arkansas

This Razorback is a very intriguing pick. While not initially thought of as a 1st rounder, Houston is skyrocketing up the draft boards. His best ability is to shutdown top-tier receivers. Just ask Dwayne Jarrett, Dwayne Bowe, and Robert Meachem. Houston's tackling ability has come into question and his recognition time is a bit slow. With more experience though, Houston can be a shut-down corner in the league. I see him as a late 1st round steal.

On to the safeties who are legit 1st rounders.

Laron Landry - LSU

A top 5 pick if I've ever seen one. Landry is the real deal. Think of a mix between Ronnie Lott's tenacity, Ed Reed's big-play ability, and the cover skills of Roy Williams. See that is the one knock on Landry. He misjudges the ball in mid-air at times and gives up the long bomb. Also until he gains some size, which he most certainly will, he will have a difficult time in the box in the NFL. Overall, I think Landry has a chance to go down as one of the greats of the game.

Reggie Nelson - Florida

A terrific safety that has extended range. He can cover sideline-to-sideline in a single bound. Nelson has great instincts and is a real ball-hawk. (Unlike this kid.) He also isn't afraid to lay one on you, which is a plus when it comes to run support. A knock on him is that he is a "Roy Williams" type of player; to often he tries to knock you out rather than wrap you up. A top 15 pick for sure, Nelson has the potential to be an all-pro safety.

Michael Griffin - Texas

Texas might soon start garnering the title "Secondary U." Griffin follows in the footsteps of Thorpe award winner Michael Huff, non-relation Cedric Griffin, fellow 1st round hopeful Aaron Ross (also a Thorpe award winner), and brother Marcus, a junior. Michael is a very talented cover man with good pop and a "motor that never stops." (Football lingo for someone who busts their ass on every play.) He lacks the size of a typical free safety, but makes up for it with freakishly long arms and mad ups. He also has a tuff time lining up in the box. Griffin also has 6 blocked punts in his college career, a Longhorn record. Griffin projects as a late 1st rounder with lots of upside.

Brandon Meriweather - The U

Hits harder than almost anybody in college football. Nuff said. This guy has a mean streak like non-other. His size isn't ideal, but he is still a very capable free safety. He has speed to burn and decent instincts. Off-field concerns are an issue, as is on-field character, but he is a decent prospect that probably falls to the second round, where he will be a steal.