Mock Draft: Picks 6-10

Mock Draft: Version 1

6. Washington Redskins- DE Gaines Adams, Clemson

The Redskins are quickly turning into the NFL’s version of the New York Knicks. The past few offseasons have been filled with big name free agent signings who have failed to help the team produce wins. This offseason has been no different, as Washington shelled out big money contracts to London Fletcher-Baker, Jason Fabini, and Fred Smoot. Their defense, which was one of the league’s premier units in 2005, struggled in 2006 in large part because they couldn’t put pressure on the quarterback. Enter Clemson defensive end Gaines Adams with the sixth overall pick. A natural pass rusher with good size at 6’5, 260 lbs., Adams would start right away and immediately improve the Redskins pass rush. Of course, this pick has been rumored to go to the Chicago Bears in exchange for Lance Briggs. The pick would put the Bears in strange position because they have very few holes. If the Bears do acquire this pick, they could reach for Penn State offensive tackle Levi Brown, or cut ties with defensive tackle Tank Johnson and take Amobi Okoye or Alan Branch. The most likely scenario for the Bears, however, would be to trade down to a team looking for Adrian Peterson or LaRon Landry, and stockpile picks.

7. Minnesota Vikings- DE Jamaal Anderson, Arkansas

After a promising start to the 2006 season, the Vikings slipped back into mediocrity. Head Coach Brad Childress spent his first season building the teams offensive line and running game, and now he must turn his attention to the defense. Two players, Arkansas defensive end Jamaal Anderson and LSU safety LaRon Landry, should still be on the board here, and both would immediately bolster a Vikings defense that struggled throughout last year. The Vikings have spent first round picks in recent years on defensive ends Kenechi Uduze and Erasamus James, but both have failed to live up to expectations. Anderson would give them a premier edge rusher who is drawing comparisons to the game’s top defensive players. If one of the quarterbacks slip, Minnesota might be tempted to pull the trigger. The team also has a big need at wide receiver after Troy Williamson, the #7 pick in the 2004 draft, seemed to drop more balls than he caught.

8. Atlanta Falcons- RB Adrian Peterson, Oklahoma

It would be very hard to see Adrian Peterson slipping this far, I have him as the second best prospect overall, and if he gets past Cleveland there may be teams looking to trade up to get him. If not for durability concerns, Peterson could be considered one of the most complete running prospects in a long time. When healthy, he carried the Sooners offense on his back and made them one of the elite teams in the country almost single-handedly. Atlanta has a good running back in Warrick Dunn, but a prospect like Peterson would be too good to pass up with the #8 pick.

9. Miami Dolphins- DT Alan Branch, Michigan

A mountain of a man at 6’6 and 330 lbs., Alan Branch has the ability to dominate an offensive line. While his production in college was a bit underwhelming, Branch has everything you look for in a dominant run stopper in the middle of the line. The Dolphins defense struggled last year, while their offense failed to find consistency. Daunte Culpepper cannot be counted on as a franchise quarterback any longer, so if either Russell or Quinn slips, the Dolphins would have to take a good look at them.

10. Houston Texans- S LaRon Landry, LSU

Nobody drew more criticism on draft day last year then the Texans. By passing up Reggie Bush and Vince Young for Mario Williams, the Texans made a clear statement saying they were building their team around defense. Williams struggled in his first year, finishing with only 4.5 sacks, but he and fellow rookie DeMeco Ryans prove the Texans defense has a bright future. Dunta Robinson is a very good cornerback, but the team could still use a playmaker in the secondary like LaRon Landry. Already drawing comparison’s to Ed Reed, Landry is a true impact player that could take the Houston defense to the next level. If Landry is gone, the team could look to help out new quarterback Matt Schaub by taking either Ohio State wide receiver Teddy Ginn Jr., or Penn State left tackle Levi Brown.