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Peter Schrager is a frequent contributor for FOXSports.com. You can e-mail him at PeterSchrager@gmail.com
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Mock draft 9.0: Peterson may be steal of draft

As the NFL Draft draws near, let's take another look at how things shake out for the draft.

Round 1 | | |

Previous mock drafts: | | | | | | |

Previous NFLDraftScout.com mock drafts: | | |

MOCK DRAFT: Round 1
Pick Team Player Pos. School Class Previous Rising/Falling High/Low
1. Raiders JaMarcus Russell QB LSU Junior 1st SAME 1st / 10th
The word is that when Russell takes the field in September, he'll be the owner of the best arm in the entire NFL. You've heard the stories: He can throw it seventy yards through the uprights from his rear end, he can hit targets lying on his back, etc. On top of the Paul Bunyon-esque tall tales, he's got poise and moxie. Judging by his "Sunday Conversation" interview on ESPN last weekend, he's got a bit of a chip on his shoulder too — apparently ready to prove the "critics" wrong. Plenty for new Raiders coach Lane Kiffin, a quarterbacks guru, to work with over the next few years. At the very least, this is an extremely exciting pick — just the way Al Davis likes it.

  • 2. Lions Gaines Adams DE Clemson Senior 2nd SAME 2nd / 7th
    I originally had the Lions taking Joe Thomas with this pick, solidifying their morbid offensive line. But with recent acquisitions of OT George Foster via trade and OG's Edwin Mulitalo and Zach Piller through free agency, Detroit may be looking elsewhere with the No. 2 pick. Though several of the mock drafts floating around the 'net this month foresee Detroit going with Brady Quinn here, I don't see them passing on Gaines Adams — a potential Pro Bowl defensive end — at 2. Mike Martz and Jon Kitna actually worked out fairly well last year, with the veteran quarterback tossing for over 4,000 yards and getting big production out of receivers Roy Williams and Mike Furrey. There will be some real value at the quarterback position in the later rounds with Trent Edwards, Kevin Kolb, and Drew Stanton all likely to get some attention in rounds 2, 3, and 4. Detroit could really upgrade their defense with Adams. Losing James Hall hurts, and although picking up Dewayne White helps — the kid from Clemson brings instant credibility to the Lions' pass rush. The 2006 ACC Defensive Player of the Year, Adams dominated both on the field in 2006, and at the combine drills in Indianapolis back in February. His 12.5 sacks during his senior year were a career best, and he locked up a spot on the All-American squad. Everyone's in love with the kid, and he'll be the first defensive player chosen come April 28. I'll keep on using this quote to describe Adams — because I love it. FOXSports.com's John "Czar" Czarnecki take on Adams, the day after his combine performance, "Going strictly by his numbers, Adams blew away his competition by running a 4.64 40-yard dash and also finishing no worse than third in his group in three other categories. When going by these numbers, Adams could be this year's Mario Williams. He could go anywhere in the top 10 and possibly even the top five based on his overall performance. There wasn't one defensive coach yesterday who wasn't blown away by his 40 time." Perfect fit for the Lions.

  • 3. Browns Brady Quinn QB Notre Dame Senior 3rd SAME 1st / 9th
    If still available at three, Romeo Crennel will take his old colleague Charlie Weis's guy in Quinn, the golden domer out of South Bend. A Dublin, Ohio native, Quinn grew up a Browns fan and has expressed his desire to play for the club. And though a lot of the Dawg Pound still supports another local guy in Charlie Frye, Quinn gives instant credibility to a position that's been more or less vacated in Cleveland since the Bernie Kosar era. Is he the next Joe Montana or the next Rick Mirer? Neither. He'll be Brady Quinn. What that means — of course — is the great unknown.

  • 4. Buccaneers Calvin Johnson WR Georgia Tech Junior 4th SAME 2nd / 4th
    Johnson may not fall to No. 4, but the teams with the first three picks in the draft truly do not need immediate help at wide receiver. The commonly accepted thought is that some team is going to trade up and make a run at CJ21, but if not — Jon Gruden would be absolutely delighted to have Johnson fall into his lap, here. Scouts are already slotting the kid in as a future All-Pro, and some are even using the words "best ever." Jeff Garcia or Chris Simms or Bruce Gradkowski or whoever is playing quarterback next season in Tampa will have a 6-foot-6 physical freak of nature as a new best friend.

  • 5. Cardinals Joe Thomas OT Wisconsin Senior 5th SAME 2nd / 5th
    Russ Grimm and Ken Whisenhunt — Bill Cowher's offensive brain trust in Pittsburgh — would consider this a dream scenario for their new team down in the desert. Sure, signing veteran OL Mike Gandy helped the offensive line this off-season — and yes, losing Leonard Davis might have very well been addition by subtraction — but Joe Thomas is a franchise cornerstone. The Wisconsin All-American wowed scouts at the combine and has everything the Cardinals brass would like to see in a first round draft pick. He's a wonderful player — a can't miss prospect — and an even better kid. He'll have Matt Leinart's back well into the next decade. That, of course, is if he is still available by the fifth pick.

  • 6. Redskins Alan Branch DT Michigan Junior 6th SAME 6th / 6th
    After mediocre performances at both the combine and his Michigan Pro Day, several mock drafts have Branch slipping out of the top ten, some even out of the top twenty. That's silly. A 330-pound clog in the middle, I still think he'll be the first DT drafted in April. The Redskins' rush defense was an embarrassment in '06, capped off by a Tiki Barber 200-yard performance in the final week of the season. An All-Big Ten performer, Branch anchored the Big Ten's number one defense in '06. Amobi Okoye may be an intriguing option, here, too — but I'm still thinking Branch.

  • 7. Vikings Adrian Peterson RB Oklahoma Junior 12th (+5) 3rd / 12th
    Whoa. Yep. Sure, this may make little to no sense on paper. Chester Taylor's one of the top 15 running backs in the league, coming off a stellar first season in Minnesota. And yes, running back seems to be the one position on the field that the Vikings actually have some depth. With glaring holes at defensive end, receiver, and all over the defensive backfield — Brad Childress and Co. have been long expected to grab a player to fill those voids in April's draft. Well, traditionalists and draftniks be damned. Peterson's arguably the biggest playmaker in this entire draft, a relentless worker with Hall of Fame potential. Childress is an offensive mind, and with today's NFL norm of a dual-running back rushing attack — don't be shocked if Minnesota grabs the former Heisman Trophy finalist if he's available at 7. Passing up on an Adam Carriker, a Jamaal Anderson, or a LaRon Landry at 7 for a position where you're already set may draw criticism from the critics. But, Reggie Bush and Deuce McAllister worked out pretty well last year, no? Peterson at 7 could very well end up being the steal of the draft.

  • 8. Falcons LaRon Landry S LSU Senior 8th SAME 8th / 11th
    A no-brainer if Landry's still around at 8. Already considered the top defensive back in the draft entering last month's combine session, Landry blew scouts away with a jaw-dropping 4.32 in the 40. He followed that up with a spectacular performance at the LSU Pro Day on March 14. A four-year starter down in Baton Rouge, the Falcons would be grabbing a franchise player by selecting him at 8.
    9. Dolphins Amobi Okoye DT Louisville Senior 9th SAME 9th / 32nd
    Miami can go a variety of ways with the 9th pick. Robert Meachem, Dwayne Bowe, as well as Ted Ginn or Levi Brown could be the choice if the 'Phins want to go with offense, Cam Cameron's specialty. Yet, I see Miami taking a gamble on the 19-year-old Okoye, one of the more intriguing prospects in this entire draft. Okoye improved his Indianapolis combine 40 time by 3 tenths of a second at Louisville's Pro Day on March 14th, and came across as polished and mature beyond his years in interviews. A standout at Louisville with arguably the most "upside" in the entire draft, he will learn the game from some of the NFL's best defensive players in Miami. As good as that defense is — Zach Thomas, Porter, Keith Traylor, and Jason Taylor aren't getting any younger. Okoye could be the unit's leader for the next decade.
    10. Texans Levi Brown OT Penn State Senior 10th SAME 8th / 31st
    The Texans offensive line has long been one of the great punch lines of the league. Of course, David Carr never found it all that funny, having been sacked 249 times in five seasons under center in Houston. Rick Smith, Gary Kubiak and Co. signed OT Jordan Black back in March to bolster the sieve-like line, but it's still not enough. The unit is in dire need of a number one pick — a sure-fire talent to anchor the line and protect quarterback Matt Shaub. Brown's stock is rising, and could be gone to Arizona at 5 if Joe Thomas is off the board in the first four picks. If Brown is still on the board at 10, look for Houston to grab the two-time All American and get him acquainted with Gary Kubiak's zone blocking scheme right away.

  • 11. 49ers Adam Carriker DE Nebraska Senior 7th (-4) 7th / NR
    Through free agency, San Francisco bolstered their defensive backfield (Michael Lewis and Nate Clements) and linebacker corps (Tully Banta-Cain and Colby Bockwoldt). The defensive line will be addressed through the draft. Bryant Young isn't getting any younger, and the Niners' line as a whole only accounted for 12.5 sacks last year. Carriker's stock has soared since a dominating week down in Mobile, Alabama for the Senior Bowl. He's more athletic than scouts first imagined. He followed the Senior Bowl performance up with a solid combine workout in Indianapolis, and an even more impressive Pro Day on March 7. Mike Nolan likes players — ones that are all-business and lead both on and off the field. Carriker was an academic standout at Nebraska, has already graduated with a business degree, and is married to his college sweetheart. He's got his act together. A three-year contributor in Lincoln, could play right away in a 4-3 scheme, or the 3-4 that Nolan's long wanted to install in San Fran. A great fit.
    12. Bills Patrick Willis LB Ole Miss Senior 14th (+2) 12th / 14th
    If Adrian Peterson is gone at 12, Buffalo may consider taking a risk on Cal RB Marshawn Lynch here. If not, look for the Bills to plug holes left by London Fletcher-Baker and Takeo Spikes at linebacker. Keith Ellison and Angelo Crowell will likely start at the outside linebacker spots next season, but who's going to man the middle? Willis makes the most sense. The SEC Defensive Player of the Year in '06, Willis was a standout in Mobile at the Senior Bowl and a top collegiate performer his entire tenure at Ole Miss. The Butkus Award winner, he recorded 137 tackles and had three sacks in his senior season in Oxford. A complete package that goes sideline-to-sideline, Willis will pay immediate dividends for Buffalo. Dick Jauron is a defensive guy and Marv Levy has a history of drafting defensive players in the first round. This makes sense.
    13. Rams Leon Hall CB Michigan Senior 13th SAME 8th / 18th
    The Rams addressed a lot of needs on the offensive side of the ball in the off-season (Travis Minor, Drew Bennett, Randy McMichael). Look for them to improve their struggling D via the draft. St. Louis seems to have more pressing needs than corner, but the thought of Tye Hill (taken 15th overall last year) and Leon Hall starting in the their defensive backfield for the next decade is awfully appealing. Hall showed off 4.3 speed at the combine, and though he didn't run at the March 16th Pro Day, kept his draft stock hot by performing well in the DB drills. The Rams have a far greater need at the linebacker position, but with Willis likely off the board by 13 — taking the draft's top corner is not a bad consolation prize.
    14. Panthers Reggie Nelson S Florida Senior 17th (+3) 13th / 17th
    At Florida 's Pro Day last month, Nelson left scouts in awe with a reported 4.22 40-yard-dash. After a solid workout in Indianapolis at the combine, his Pro Day performance confirmed that he'll be the second safety taken in April's draft. Nelson had 6 interceptions last season, and was one of the leaders on a National Championship winning squad. He hits with fury and mans the middle. With Mike Minter gearing up to start his 11th season as the Panthers free safety and former Giants first round pick Shaun Williams the likely starting strong safety, there's plenty of room for a young stud in Carolina's defensive backfield. Nelson would bring some young energy to John Fox's suddenly aging defense.
    15. Steelers Paul Posluszny LB Penn State Senior 15th SAME 15th / 25th
    Most mock drafts on the 'net have "Poz" as the fourth or fifth rated linebacker on the board, ranked below both Lawrence Timmons and Jon Beason. They also seem to have the Steelers grabbing a corner like Leon Hall or Darrelle Revis with the 15 pick. I still think Mike Tomlin and the Steelers brass grab the Western Pennsylvania kid and Penn State alum. With Joey Porter gone to Miami , the former Bednariak and Butkus award winner could help fill the void at linebacker for the Steelers immediately. Whereas Timmons and Beason may take a few years before making an immediate impact, Posluszny is ready now. Exactly what scheme Mike Tomlin plans to employ is still up in the air. Whether it's a 4-3, a 3-4, or a Cover 2, "Poz" has played both inside linebacker and outside linebacker at a high level. In this case, 40 times and combine workouts need to be thrown out the window. As was the case with Troy Polamalu in the 2003 draft, Pittsburgh should take a polished, decorated college star instead of a "workout warrior".
    16. Packers Marshawn Lynch RB California Junior 16th SAME 14th / 20th
    With Ahman Green gone to the Texans, the Packers will undoubtedly be looking to fill their starting running back position in April. Quite simply, Vernand Morency and Noah Herron are not NFL starting running backs. Lynch, however, is. The golf car-riding stud out of Cal is the perfect running back for the West Coast offense, a superb rusher and a better than average receiver. There's word of Ted Thompson pulling the rug from everyone and going elsewhere with this pick, but I don't see it happening. The All-Pac-10 performer showed off his speed in Indianapolis, clocking in with a sub 4.4 40 yard dash and put up tremendous numbers for three years on the field. This is a no-brainer ... unless, of course, Adrian Peterson is somehow still on the board.

  • 17. Jaguars Michael Griffin S Texas Senior 24th (+7) 17th / NR
    Desperate times for the two safety positions in Jacksonville. Donovan Darius has had his past two seasons ended with serious injuries, while Deon Grant's gone via free agency. Meanwhile, Gerald Sensababaugh had some off-the-field trouble in the off-season. Bleak situation to be certain. The Jags would love to see Reggie Nelson fall to them at 17. If he's no longer available, Griffin — the third safety on my draft board — will be a solid consideration. A converted running back, Griffin was a tackling machine at Texas last season. He's also a special teams demon, having blocked four punts in 2005, and eight over the course of his career in Austin. A heady player who just always seems to be in on tackles, Griffin could make an immediate impact in Jacksonville 's defensive scheme. This may be a bit of a reach (Griffin's generally considered a late first, early second round pick), but based on need — it's the right pick.
    18. Bengals Darrelle Revis CB Pittsburgh Junior 20th (+2) 9th / 20th
    Revis is arguably the most physical cornerback in this year's draft class. He's also got lightning rod-like speed. Though he opted not to run at the Combine in Indianapolis, the junior out of Pitt wowed scouts with a 4.38 40 at his Pro Day workout on March 16th. Revis has NFL stardom in his blood, as he's the nephew of Sean Gilbert, the former All-Pro Ram and Redskin. Revis started in all but one of his 36 games at Pitt, and was an excellent punt returner as well. His big play capabilities were on display in September of '06, when he returned interceptions for scores in consecutive games versus Virginia and Cincinnati. The Bengals loved what they got out of rookie Johnathan Joseph last season, but are still in need of a long term replacement for the aging Deltha O'Neal. Revis is a steal at 18. Most importantly for Cincinnati, he's a character guy — a stellar contributor on the field, and an even more impressive young man off of it.
    19. Titans Ted Ginn, Jr. WR Ohio State Junior 19th SAME 11th / 19th
    With Pacman Jones now suspended for the season, Tennessee may be looking to grab a corner (Chris Houston or Aaron Ross; Hall or Revis if available) with this pick. But with an exceptionally deep cornerback draft class (Jonathan Wade, Eric Wright, and Marcus McCauley are all first round talent), the Titans may wait to address that need in the second or third round. Pacman or not, Tennessee's wideout situation remains bleak. With Drew Bennett gone to St. Louis and seldom-used former Bear Justin Gage the only addition at wide receiver this off-season, look for Tennessee to use this pick on one of the four top wideouts (Ginn-Dwayne Jarrett-Dwayne Bowe-Robert Meachem) available. I think Ginn's the choice. Though still dealing with that lingering BCS Championship ankle injury, he should be all healed up by training camp. Ginn will enter the league as a deep ball threat with breakaway speed, as well as one of the more dangerous kick and punt return men in the game. Of course, there are still several rumors about a potential trade of this selection to San Diego, as there have apparently been some serious Michael Turner-related trade discussions over the past two weeks. Another possibility? Look for Tennessee to put the LenDale White five-year plan on the shelf and upgrade at RB if Marshawn Lynch is still available at 19.

  • 20. Giants Lawrence Timmons LB Florida State Junior 18th (-2) 17th / NR
    Aside from signing Kamika Mitchell and re-signing Shaun O'Hara and trading for Reuben Droughns, there hasn't been many other noteworthy additions for Big Blue. LaVar Arrington, Tiki Barber, Tim Carter, Carlos Emmons, Jay Feely, Chad Morton, Luke Petigout, Visanthe Shiancoe, Frank Waker, Brandon Short, and Bob Whitfield are all gone. Aside from defensive line, quarterback, and tight end — the Giants have glaring needs just about everywhere. Linebacker is the most obvious sore spot. Arrington, Short, and Emmons are gone, and Chase Blackburn and Reggie Torbor are not quite starting NFL linebackers. Second-year man Gerris Wilkinson showed flashes, but likely isn't ready yet either. It's pretty much Antonio Pierce and some solid role players manning the middle. Look for the Giants to upgrade via the draft. Timmons is a physical freak, as well as an exciting prospect at the position. Still a bit raw without much big-game experience (he only started 13 games at FSU), he wrapped up his college career with a fabulous junior season in Tallahassee. Timmons was 2nd in the ACC in tackles for loss, and recorded 79 stops in '06. Paul Posluszny may actually fit the Giants immediate need at the position better, but Timmons is generally considered the better overall long-term prospect.
    21. Broncos Jamaal Anderson DE Arkansas Junior 11th (-10) 5th / NR
    A steal at 21, Anderson would help solidify Denver's aging defensive line. Already in the midst of yet another busy, productive off-season this year, the Broncos could use a pure athlete like Anderson coming off the edge in the draft. Dre Bly, Daniel Graham, Patrick Ramsey, and Travis Henry were all added to the Denver roster in recent months. The coaching staff loves 2006 fourth round draft choice Elvis Dumervil, and has gotten great production out of a cast of Cleveland re-treads over the past two years. But the unit wore down towards the end of last season and finished with a string of disappointing performances down the stretch, culminating in that devastating New Year's Eve loss to Frank Gore and the Niners. Reliable edge rusher Patrick Chukwurah is now in Tampa Bay, as well. Anderson had 13.5 sacks for the Razorbacks last year and could be an instant contributor out in Denver.

  • 22. Cowboys Dwayne Jarrett WR USC Junior 22nd SAME 10th / 22nd
    The USC career record holder for touchdowns and receptions laid eggs both at the combine and at USC's Pro Day. During the latter, Trojan linebacker Dallas Sartz ran a faster 40, as Jarrett clocked in with embarrassing 4.67 and 4.62 40 scores and was less than impressive quickness drills. I'm not quitting on the Jersey boy yet, though. After filling their holes at safety and offensive line (Ken Hamlin and Leonard Davis), the Cowboys have no real "pressing" immediate needs. If there's any position they'll look to upgrade it, it's at receiver, where Terrell Owens is 33 and Terry Glenn is 34. Dallas has the luxury to take a bit of a risk in this spot. Just a bit weird to consider a guy who scored 41 touchdowns caught 216 balls in three years at college — a "risk."

  • 23. Chiefs Robert Meachem WR Tennessee Junior 23rd SAME 23rd / NR
    K.C. would be best suited to take the highest ranked wideout on their board at 23. The Samie Parker/Eddie Kennison duo hasn't exactly been Jerry Rice and John Taylor over the past few seasons. Robert Meachem — a projected top 15 pick on most other mock drafts — may not be taken as soon as other draftniks are expecting. K.C. has needs elsewhere (DT and CB specifically), but if Meachem, Jarrett, Ginn, or Bowe are still on the board — Carl Peterson, Herm Edwards and Co. will look to grab whoever's ranked highest on their board.

  • 24. Patriots (from Seahawks) Aaron Ross CB Texas Senior 25th (+1) 24th / NR
    Without giving up either of their two first round picks, New England picked up valuable contributors in Adalius Thomas, Sammy Morris, Wes Welker, Donte Stallworth, Kyle Brady, and Kelley Washington this off-season. They also quietly re-signed key role players Larry Izzo and Heath Evans, as well as locked up Asante Samuel for one more year. However, Samuel's been publicly vocal about his disappointment with the franchise tag. Randall Gay, another valuable cornerback in Bill Belichick's defense, recently met with the Jets. Neither Gay nor Samuel have signed their tender offers this off-season. Look for the Pats to pick up a young cornerback at the 24 spot, one that can make an immediate impact as well as a long-term answer. Adding Ross, the 2006 Thorpe Award winner and widely considered best cornerback in college football last season, would give New England their cornerback of the future.
    25. Jets Chris Houston CB Arkansas Senior 26th (+1) 25th / NR
    Busy off-season for New York. The Jets brought in Thomas Jones via trade, signed Darian Barnes, Kenyon Coleman, Michael Haynes, backup quarterback in Marques Tuiasosopo, and took a gamble on Andre Wadsworth. They also locked up defensive end David Bowens. Yet, New York still hasn't addressed their greatest need: cornerback. Houston's an intriguing option, here. The Razorback star's draft stock skyrocketed after the combine in Indianapolis, where he ran a 4.32 40, and benched 225 pounds 27 times — the most of any of the defensive backs in attendance. A standout in '06 for the SEC West champions, he could make an immediate impact for Eric Mangini's defense.
    26. Eagles Jarvis Moss DE Florida Junior 21st (-5) 21st / NR
    Through recent draft choices, trades, and free agent signings over the past couple off-seasons, Philadelphia has gone a long way to solidify their defense up the middle. But with Darren Howard and Jevon Kearse both fighting through injuries and getting older, a stud defensive end may be the Eagles' next first round target. And who better for "The Freak" to groom than the guy who drew constant comparisons to him over the course of his career in college? None other than fellow Florida Gator, Jarvis Moss. Moss — who had 56 tackles and 7.5 sacks in 2006 — is a 6-foot-7, 250-pound beast coming off the edge. An added bonus — he could potentially play an outside linebacker position down the road if taught the role.
    27. Saints Greg Olsen TE Miami Junior 31st (+4) 16th / NR
    New Orleans beefed up their defense in the off-season with signings of former Bengals Brian Simmons and Kevin Kaesviharn, but could still use some help at corner. Look for the Saints to address that spot in the second round if Hall, Revis, Ross, and Houston are off the board by the 27th pick in Round 1. Former Niner and "Yaley" tight end Eric Johnson was brought in this off-season, but could become a backup awfully quickly if Olsen is still around in this spot. The Miami junior ran a 4.45 40-yard dash and had a solid day catching the ball at the combine in Indianapolis back in February. Though he had a less than dazzling junior season, he'll likely still be the first tight end taken in the draft. Sean Payton's offense got solid contributions from Bill Mueller last season. Olsen's a whole other beast, capable of stretching defenses with speed, and opening holes with his blocking.
    28. Patriots Joe Staley OT Central Michigan Senior 28th SAME 28th / NR
    Staley ran a 4.79 40-yard dash, and played tremendously well at the Senior Bowl down in Mobile. A three-year starter at Central Michigan, the 306-pound OT was a team leader both on and off the field for the Chippewas. A Belichick kinda guy in every sense of the term. He could fill in at either of the tackle spots and probably even play a little guard. This isn't an altogether pressing need for New England, but with two first round picks, Staley could very well be the best player left on the board and worth the selection. Based on the Patriots injury woes in recent years, adding depth to any position on the field — especially the offensive line — shouldn't be frowned upon by the New England faithful.
    29. Ravens Justin Blalock OT Texas Senior 29th SAME 22nd / NR
    Blalock's got everything a team should be looking for in a young lineman. An All-BIg 12 performer who played in a slew of important games as a collegiate star, Blalock could be the heir apparent for Jonathan Ogden. Able to likely play tackle or guard, the 6-4 330-pound force makes sense at 29. If Blalock's gone by this point, Baltimore may also look at Ben Grubbs, Joe Staley, or Tony Ugoh in this spot.

  • 30. Chargers Dwayne Bowe WR LSU Senior 27th (-3) 23rd / NR
    Adding more depth at both safety and linebacker will be a top concern for San Diego in April. However, if Bowe's around at 30, the Chargers brass would be wise to scoop him up. Considered one of the best "hands" guys in the draft class as well as this crop's best blocking wideout, Bowe enters the NFL with four years of big game experience. His senior season in Baton Rouge was his best, a campaign in which the Miami native hauled in 65 passes for 990 yards, and scored 12 touchdowns. San Diego brass is high on young wideout Vincent Jackson. Bowe could serve as the perfect compliment for years to come.

  • 31. Bears Jon Beason LB Miami Junior 30th (-1) 30th / NR
    With Lance Briggs' future in Chicago in flux, look for Chicago to take Beason, a first round talent at linebacker, if available at 31. The Bears are loaded with talent at defensive end, and struck gold with fifth round pick Mark Anderson last season. Beason, considered "undersized" at 6-foot-0, 237-pounds, can go sideline-to-sideline as a middle linebacker in a 3-4, as well as an outside linebacker in the 4-3. The Jets pick (via Washington ) in the second round allows Chicago to take a bit of a risk here. If the draft goes this way, Beason may very well be the best player available.
    32. Colts LaMarr Woodley LB/DE Michigan Senior 32nd SAME 18th / NR
    The Colts lost a lot of key contributors from their Super Bowl winning squad. Nick Harper, Dominic Rhodes, Mike Doss, Brandon Stokley, and Cato June all left via free agency, and Indy released 2006 defensive contributors Montae Reagor and Dexter Reid. Look for Indy to re-load on the defensive side of the ball come draft time. Woodley's stock took a bit of a hit with a less than impressive combine performance and a slow 40 time at the Michigan Pro Day. But, able to play both linebacker and defensive end, Woodley fits the Big 10-heavy feel of Tony Dungy's defense.

    Out of the Top 32: None

    Round 1 | | |

    You can e-mail FOXSports.com contributor Peter Schrager at PeterSchrager@gmail.com.


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