Mock Draft; picks 1-5

Mock Draft
Version 1: Updated March 27

1. Oakland Raiders- WR Calvin Johnson, Georgia Tech

Before the college football season even began, Notre Dame’s Brady Quinn was pegged for the top pick in the 2007 Draft. But after an up-and-down season that included back-to-back loses to USC and LSU, Quinn’s stock began to drop. For months, everyone has assumed that Quinn’s counterpart in the Sugar Bowl, LSU’s JaMarcus Russell, would be chosen #1 overall. The Raiders desperately need a quarterback and Russell has the kind of measurable that Raiders’ owner Al Davis covets. While Russell has not done anything to lose his hold on the #1 overall pick, Georgia Tech wideout Calvin Johnson may have done enough to steal it away from him. Bigger then most linebackers in this class, Johnson took a step into the next stratosphere when he ran a 4.35 40 yard dash at the combine, while weighing in at 240 lbs. This pick probably only happens if the Raiders do two things: a) acquire a veteran quarterback like Trent Green or David Carr, and b) trade Randy Moss. If those two things happen, Johnson’s immense talent should be too much for the Raiders to pass up.

2. Detroit Lions- QB Brady Quinn, Notre Dame

The Lions said early in the draft process that they were satisfied with quarterback Jon Kitna, a veteran who put up the best Detroit passing numbers of the decade. But Kitna is in his mid 30’s and is nearing the end of his career, and Notre Dame’s Brady Quinn may be too good to pass up. Once rumored to possibly slip out of the top 10, Quinn has impressed enough in his post-season workouts to warrant a pick this high. If the Lions decide that quarterback is not their most pressing need, then the team could go after Wisconsin tackle Joe Thomas, Georgia Tech wide receiver Calvin Johnson, or Clemson defensive end Gaines Adams.

3. Cleveland Browns- QB JaMarcus Russell, LSU

The last time the Browns took a quarterback with their first pick it set their franchise back, oh, about eight years. Tim Couch was a monumental flop after the Cleveland selected him with the #1 overall pick in 1999, and the Browns have struggled to find consistency at quarterback ever since. The moves the Browns have made in the offseason, upgrading the offensive line with Eric Steinbach and their running game with Jamal Lewis, lets them take a chance at one of the top two quarterbacks, if they fall. Russell is a monster for a quarterback at 265 lbs. and has a cannon for a right arm. He could come in and start right away or he could sit for a year while Charlie Frye continues to develop. The problem is everyone expects Russell to go #1, if that’s the case, the Browns could then look at Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson or Wisconsin offensive tackle Joe Thomas. But all indications are, if either Quinn or Russell drops, the Browns would select them at #3.

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- DT Amobi Okoye, Louisville
The last time John Gruden coached at the Senior Bowl, he fell for Auburn running back Cadillac Williams, who the team selected #5 overall in 2004. While most people don’t even have Amobi Okoye as the draft’s top defensive tackle, it would fill a major hole in the once proud Tampa Bay defense. The team would love if Georgia Tech wide receiver Calvin Johnson fell, and it could happen. If Johnson is gone (and don’t be surprised if they try to trade up and get him) and the team decides not to take Okoye, Clemson defensive end Gaines Adams or Wisconsin tackle Joe Thomas might draw consideration.

5. Arizona Cardinals- OT Joe Thomas, Wisconsin

Over the last few years, the Cardinals have really upgraded the overall talent of their roster. Quarterback Matt Leinart, the team’s first round selection last year, showed signs in his rookie season that he can continue the success he had in college. Wide receivers Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin are the league’s top young pass catching tandem, and last year’s signing of Edgerin James finally gave the Cardinals a 1,000 yard rusher. James’ first season in Arizona, however, can hardly be considered a success, as he saw his yards per carry drop 4.6 in 2005 to only 3.8 last year. James’ struggles, of course, aren’t his fault entirely. The Cardinals offensive line has been one of the leagues worst units for over a decade. Adding a top-notch left tackle like Joe Thomas would instantly upgrade their line, and could make them a playoff contender under new head coach Ken Wisenhunt. If Thomas is off the board, there are no other offensive linemen that would be worthy of this pick so the team could trade down. Or, they could try to improve their defense with a lineman like Gaines Adams, Alan Branch, or Jamaal Anderson.