Tuesday, April 3, 2007

Mock Draft: Picks 16-20

16. Green Bay Packers- RB Marshawn Lynch, California

Considering the overall talent level of its roster, the Packers overachieved last year. Not being eliminated from playoff contention until after the final week of the season, the Packers young defense showed signs that it could evolve into one of the league’s best. The offseason, however, has not been so kind to their offense. Losing running back Ahmad Green in free agency to the Texans, the Packers will try to add playmakers and team speed on offense in the draft. A wide receiver, like Dwayne Jarrett or Ohio State’s Ted Ginn is an option, but Cal’s Marshawn Lynch would be an ideal fit. Lynch could go as high as 12 to the Bills, who lost Willis McGahee to the Ravens, but he would likely be the pick here if available.

17. Jacksonville Jaguars- LB Paul Posluszny, Penn State

The Jaguars offense struggled to find consistency in 2006, partly because they lacked stability at quarterback. Byron Leftwich and David Garrard took turns running the offense, and both led them to mediocre results. One positive of the Jags was the emergence of second round pick Maurice Jones-Drew. Veteran running back Fred Taylor seemed to take Drew under his wing, as the rookie rushed for 13 touchdowns. Jacksonville could look to upgrade its defense with its first pick, and Paul Posluszny would be great choice. Following in the tradition of great Penn State linebackers like Jack Ham and Lavar Arrington, Puz won the Butkus award as a junior and led the Nitney Lions defense in tackles as a senior. If they opt to address their secondary, a safety like Reggie Nelson would make be an immediate upgrade.

18. Cincinnati Bengals- LB Jon Beason, Miami

The Bengals on-field performance was overshadowed horrendous off-field behavior in 2006. Carson Palmer’s return from knee surgery was about the only good story for a Bengals team that saw nine players get arrested. So what do the do with their first round pick in this draft? They select a linebacker from the morally sound football program in Coral Gables! Although many felt he was better served to stay another year in school, Miami’s Jon “Big Beast” Beason was one of the few consistent parts in a Miami team that underachieved in 2006. Cornerback is another concern for the Bengals who could also target someone like Pitt’s Darrelle Revis. No word yet on how Beason’s commitment to the Seventh Floor Crew will affect his draft status.

19. Tennessee Titans- WR Dwayne Jarrett, USC

The Titans were among the most pleasant of surprises in the 2006 NFL season. Vince Young proved all his draft day detractors wrong (nice call Merrill Hodge) by leading Tennessee to an 8-8 record with a team that had limited offensive weapons. Though it was further along then most expected, Young still has a little work to do on his passing game, so adding a wide receiver makes sense with this pick. After losing top wideout Drew Bennett, a receiver seems like their top priority, and there should be a lot of good ones available. LSU’s Dwayne Bowe, USC’s Dwayne Jarrett, and Ohio State’s Ted Ginn all excel in different aspects, but Jarrett is the most complete of all of them. Breaking the Pac 10 record for touchdown receptions in only 3 seasons at USC, Jarrett would be able to reunite with old Trojan offensive coordinator Norm Chow in Tennessee.

20. New York Giants- CB Darrell Revis, LSU

An award for the NFL’s most maligned player in 2006 would have to include Eli Manning in its nominees. You would probably have to look to Chicago to find a quarterback that experienced as many ups and downs and Manning, as his Giants fought their way into the playoffs only to lose in the first round. The Giants offense could probably use a young playmaking wide receiver but their defense should be New York’s chief concern. While a linebacker like Puz or Big Beast could be the pick, depth at cornerback is essential for the Giants. Darrell Revis posted a strong junior season and has now asserted himself as the class’s second best corner.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Nice work. By the way, Chicago sports fan here also. Bears, Bulls, Cubs...the White Sox, not so much.

Tremendous upside potential reminds me of the phrase Jay Bilas used to describe Tyrus Thomas. Haha. This kid is going to be a star, no question.

Good information, I'll be checking back every now and again to get your take on Chitown's finest. Keep up the solid work.