Mock draft 10.0: Patriots plan to get defensive

As the NFL Draft is just over a week away, let's take another look at how things shake out for the draft.

Round 1 | | | |

Previous mock drafts: | | | | | | | | 9.0

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 Bunyan-esque tall tales, he's got poise and moxie. 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. He'll be the "Mad Bomber" of the next generation of Raider fans. Now, what to do with Jerry Porter and Randy Moss? Can Kiffin motivate them, too?
2.	Lions	Gaines Adams	DE	Clemson	Senior	2nd	SAME	2nd / 7th
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 than the offensive line with the second pick. I don't see them passing on Gaines Adams, a potential Pro Bowl defensive end. 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 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. Perfect fit for the Lions. Of course, Detroit could trade this pick for a team looking to grab Calvin Johnson. Keep your eyes glued and ears open — trade rumors will be spreading like wildfire over the next few weeks.
3.	Browns	Brady Quinn	QB	Notre Dame	Senior	3rd	SAME	1st / 9th
If still available, Romeo Crennel will take his old colleague Charlie Weis' guy in Quinn, the superstar cover boy out of South Bend. A Dublin, Ohio native, Quinn grew up a Browns fan and has expressed his desire to play for the club. The last time Cleveland fans were excited about a young quarterback, Tim Couch was the man under center. We know how that turned out. Is Quinn the next Couch? Browns fans sure hope not.
4.	Buccaneers	Calvin Johnson	WR	Georgia Tech	Junior	4th	SAME	2nd / 4th
Johnson may not fall to four, 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
Sure, signing veteran OL Mike Gandy helped the offensive line this off-season, but the unit's still a long ways away from formidable. Both Kurt Warner and Matt Leinart were under constant pressure last season. 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. Or "front", considering Leinart's a lefty.
6.	Redskins	Alan Branch	DT	Michigan	Junior	6th	SAME	6th / 6th
It looks like I'm the last draftnik on earth who still has faith in Alan Branch ... and that's OK. After mediocre performances at both the combine and his Michigan Pro Day, several mock drafts floating around the Internet have Branch slipping out of the top 10, some even out of the top 20. Crazy talk, if you ask me. A 330-pound clog in the middle, I still think Branch will be the first defensive tackle 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. With only one pick in the first four rounds of this year's draft, the 'Skins will take a player who can perform right away. Branch is that guy.
7.	Vikings	Adrian Peterson	RB	Oklahoma	Junior	7th	SAME	3rd / 12th
I'm standing by this pick. Yes, I know. Outside of DT, where Minnesota has two Pro Bowl caliber players, running back is likely the only other position on the field where the Vikings are pretty set. The Taylor-Pinner-Moore-Fason combo was solid last season, combining for 113.8 yards per game, good enough for Minnesota to finish in the top half of the league. 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. Forget all that for now. Coach 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 still available. Passing up on an Adam Carriker, a Jamaal Anderson, or a LaRon Landry at No. 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? From Jacksonville to Washington to Atlanta to Dallas — it seemed as though the league's best rushing attacks had two options carrying the rock. Toss in Peterson — a 4.4 40 guy who draws comparisons to Eric Dickerson — and Minnesota can instantly upgrade their rushing attack to one of the best in the league. Suddenly, their offense goes from anemic to lethal. Three years from now, Peterson slotted at seven could very well be viewed steal of the draft.
8.	Falcons	LaRon Landry	S	LSU	Senior	8th	SAME	8th / 11th
Already considered the top defensive back in the draft entering the combine, 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 last month. A four-year starter down in Baton Rouge, the Falcons would be grabbing a franchise player by selecting him here. Really, a can't miss prospect.
9.	Dolphins	Amobi Okoye	DT	Louisville	Senior	9th	SAME	9th / 32nd
The NFL Draft has been a bit of a disaster for the Dolphins over the past five years. Alex Marvez wrote in his Monday column in the South Florida-Sun Sentinel, "The Dolphins were one of the NFL's worst drafting teams in their current five-season stretch without a playoff appearance. None of the Dolphins' six 2006 draft choices started as rookies, while safety Yeremiah Bell, linebacker Derrick Pope, tackle Vernon Carey and center Rex Hadnot are the only four of the 20 players drafted by the franchise between 2002 and 2004 who remain on the roster." Yuck. The failure of recent picks paired with the mass exodus from Miami's roster this off-season — key contributors Wes Welker, Joey Harrington, Travis Minor, Randy McMichael and Sammy Morris all signing elsewhere — makes this pick one of the more intriguing selections of Day One. Do the Dolphins focus on offense, here? The 'Phins O was anemic towards the end of last season, and Cam Cameron — an offensive mastermind — may look to address glaring needs at wide receiver via the draft. Robert Meachem, Dwayne Bowe, as well as Ted Ginn Jr. or Levi Brown could all be available. Yet, with three picks in rounds 2 and 3, I see Miami going big, and taking a gamble on the 19-year-old Okoye, one of the more intriguing prospects in this entire draft. Okoye — who played in 13 games as a 16-year-old freshman at Louisville — improved his Indianapolis combine 40 time by 3 tenths of a second at his March Pro Day. 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. Wide receivers Jason Hill, Steve Smith, and Craig Davis could all be around by the time the 'Phins pick in the second round at 40. Look for Cameron to scoop one up then.
10.	Texans	Levi Brown	OT	Penn State	Senior	10th	SAME	8th / 31st
David Carr was sacked 249 times in five seasons under center in Houston. Now it's Matt Schaub's turn to take the beating. Houston's brass hopes it won't be the case. 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 a sure-fire talent to anchor the line and protect their new investments — Schaub and Ahman Green. Brown's stock is rising, and could be gone to Arizona at five if Joe Thomas is off the board in the first four picks. If Brown is still on the board at 10, though, 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	11th	SAME	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 most certainly 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, Ala. 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. Mike Nolan likes players 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, he could play right away in a 4-3 scheme, or the 3-4 that Mora's long wanted to install in San Fran. A great fit.
12.	Bills	Patrick Willis	LB	Ole Miss	Senior	12th	SAME	12th / 14th
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 Will and the Sam linebacker spots next season, but who's going to play the Mike? Willis isn't a bad choice. The SEC Defensive Player of the Year in '06, the senior standout was a star in Mobile at the Senior Bowl a month ago and a top collegiate performer throughout his entire tenure at Ole Miss. The Butkus Award winner 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 is a no-brainer. Unless, of course, Adrian Peterson is still lingering at 12.
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 and aging offensive line via the draft. Pairing '06 rookie Tye Hill (taken 15th overall last year) with Leon Hall as the corners for the next decade is awfully appealing. Hall showed off 4.3 speed at the combine. Though he didn't run at the March 16 Pro Day, he 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	14th	SAME	13th / 17th
At Florida's Pro Day last month, Nelson tore off a reported 4.22 40-yard-dash. Sure, clocks differed — but the fact remains — Nelson's got wheels. After a solid at the combine, his Pro Day performance confirmed that he'll be the second safety taken in April's draft. Nelson had six interceptions last season, and was one of the leaders on a National Championship winning squad. A pure athlete with a mean streak, he's one of more intriguing prospects in this draft. 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 (ugh), there's plenty of room for a young star in Carolina's defensive backfield. Nelson would bring some young energy to John Fox's suddenly aging defense.
15.	Steelers	Jamaal Anderson	DE	Arkansas	Junior	21st	(+6)	5th / NR
Last season, the Steelers D dipped in terms of production from its Super Bowl winning campaign the year before. Injuries, depth issues and underwhelming performances out of premier players (such as Ike Taylor) led to a disappointing campaign and a horrendous start to the season. Look for Pittsburgh to re-vamp its defense via the draft. For months, I've had Paul Posluszny going to the Steelers in this spot, but if Jamaal Anderson — the speed rusher out of Arkansas — is available at 15, look for Mike Tomlin and Co. to scoop him up. In '06, Anderson broke onto the scene, racking up 13.5 sacks and showing some wonderful athletic ability. With Tomlin's defensive scheme still an unknown (3-4, 4-3, Cover 2?), look for Pittsburgh to take the highest rated defensive player on their board. In this case, Anderson — to join Casey Hampton, Brett Keisel, and Aaron Smith on that Steelers d-line — works pretty well. A projected top 10 pick in several other mock drafts, this would be a "best player available" type pick, and not one made on specific position needs.
16.	Packers	Marshawn Lynch	RB	California	Junior	16th	SAME	14th / 20th
As much as I'd like to go out on a limb and believe Ted Thompson's going to shock the world and go elsewhere with this pick, I think the mass of pundits slotting Lynch in this spot are right. 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. 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	17th	SAME	17th / NR
Donovan Darius has had his past two seasons ended with serious injuries and Deon Grant left in free agency. Meanwhile, Gerald Sensababaugh had some off-the-field trouble in the off-season. It's a bleak situation at the safety spot in Jacksonville, 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 deserve 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 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 needs — it's the right pick.
18.	Bengals	Darrelle Revis	CB	Pittsburgh	Junior	18th	SAME	9th / 20th
Revis has NFL stardom in his blood, as he's the nephew of Sean Gilbert, the former All-Pro Ram and Redskin. He 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 touchdowns in consecutive games vs. 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. Look for Cincinnati to address their other biggest need on defense — linebacker — in the second round.
19.	Titans	Ted Ginn, Jr.	WR	Ohio State	Junior	19th	SAME	11th / 19th
Tennessee may be looking to grab a corner to replace Pacman Jones (Chris Houston or Aaron Ross; Hall or Revis if available) with this pick. But with a deep cornerback draft class (Jonathan Wade, Eric Wright, and Marcus McCauley are all potential first-round talent) and the recently signed Nick Harper now on board, the Titans may wait to address that need in the second or third round. Pacman or not, Tennessee's wideout situation remains abysmal. Drew Bennett is gone to St. Louis and seldom-used former Bear Justin Gage is the only addition at wide receiver this off-season. Look for Tennessee to use this pick on one of the four top wideouts (Ginn, Bowe, Meachem, Dwayne Jarrett) available. I think Ginn's the choice. His BCS title game ankle injury should be cleared up by then, and his speed is just fine. Ginn will enter the league as a deep ball threat with breakaway capabilities, as well as one of the more dangerous kick and punt return men in the game. Another possibility? Look for Tennessee to make a run at Marshawn Lynch if he's still available at 19. LenDale White's weight issues remain a concern.
20.	Giants	Paul Posluszny	LB	Penn State	Senior	15th	(-5)	15th / 25th
The Giants would be awfully pleased to see "Poz" slip to 20. Linebacker is the most obvious sore spot on the Giants defense. This off-season, the unit underwent a massive overhaul. LaVar Arrington, Brandon Short and Carlos Emmons are gone, and Chase Blackburn and Reggie Torbor are not quite starting NFL linebackers. Newly signed Kavika Mitchell is a nice addition and second-year man Gerris Wilkinson has shown flashes, but neither have top-flight talent. It's pretty much Antonio Pierce and some solid role players now manning the middle for New York. Look for the Giants to upgrade via the draft. Poz is a former Bednariak and Butkus award winner and could start immediately for Big Blue. Whereas other top linebacker prospects Lawrence Timmons and Jon Beason may take a few years before making an impact, Posluszny is ready now.
21.	Broncos	Jarvis Moss	DE	Florida	Junior	26th	(+5)	21st / NR
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. Moss is an intriguing prospect. One of the highest rated defensive players coming out of high school in Texas back in 2003, he had three solid years in Gainesville, capping his career off with a dominant performance in the BCS title game. Moss could potentially play linebacker, if taught the position, as well.
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 in 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 34 and Terry Glenn is 33. 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. could be looking at an O-line prospect here, bouncing off of the recent retirements of William Roaf and Will Shields in the past two off-seasons. Justin Blalock and Joe Staley will certainly garner attention, as well as Ben Grubbs. But I still think the Chiefs go wideout at 23. The Samie Parker/Eddie Kennison duo has been nothing short of disappointing 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. But he's certainly a top 25 selection. Look for Carl Peterson, Herm Edwards and Co. to grab the highest ranked wideout on their board. If Meachem's still around, he's likely the guy. O-line and DT will be addressed in rounds 2, 3, and 4.
24.	Patriots (from Seahawks)	Aaron Ross	CB	Texas	Senior	24th	SAME	24th / NR
Asante Samuel's openly disappointed 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 become a long-term answer. Adding Ross to the roster, 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	25th	SAME	25th / NR
It's been a busy off-season for New York. The Jets traded for Thomas Jones, signed Darian Barnes, Kenyon Coleman, Michael Haynes and Marques Tuiasosopo. They also took a gamble on Andre Wadsworth and 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 champs, he could make an immediate impact for Eric Mangini's defense.
26.	Eagles	Anthony Spencer	DE/LB	Purdue	Senior	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 versatile defensive end could be the way to go with the 26th pick. Spencer could be a bit of a reach here, but fills a need for Philadelphia — a potential defensive end/linebacker who can learn both outside positions and play them in a variety of schemes. In four years at Purdue, Spencer totaled 155 tackles and racked up 21 sacks. He's a gamer — right up Andy Reid's alley.
27.	Saints	Greg Olsen	TE	Miami	Junior	27th	SAME	16th / NR
New Orleans beefed up their defense in the off-season with 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. 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. 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 Billy Miller last season. Olsen's a whole other beast, capable of stretching defenses with speed and opening holes with his blocking.
28.	Patriots	Lawrence Timmons	LB	Florida State	Junior	20th	(-8)	17th / NR
Those New England linebackers aren't getting any younger. Adalius Thomas helps (he's no rookie, either), but Larry Izzo, Mike Vrabel, Tedy Bruschi and Rosevelt Colvin are all over 30. The loss of Tully Banta-Cain may actually hurt more than fans realize. Look for New England to grab Timmons if he's still around at 28. 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. Timmons was second in the ACC in tackles for a loss, and recorded 79 tackles in '06. Let him learn from the veteran Patriots this season.
29.	Ravens	Justin Blalock	OT	Texas	Senior	29th	SAME	22nd / NR
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	30th	SAME	23rd / NR
Adding depth at 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	31st	SAME	30th / NR
Who knows what's up with Lance Briggs. Look for Chicago to add some depth at LB if possible. The Bears are loaded with talent at defensive end, and struck gold with fifth-round pick Mark Anderson last season. Beason, considered "undersized" at 6'0, 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: Joe Staley, OT, Central Michigan

Round 1 | | | |

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