Oklahoma Sooners & NFL Blog

By: Sam Roberts

Round 1:

1. San Francisco 49ers – Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma
Analysis: The Niners don’t have much talent at all. Frank Gore might not be the future, and Kevin Barlow has had too many chances to prove himself. Peterson had a beastly season as a freshman at Oklahoma, running all over opponents. He was a Heisman candidate in 04, quite and accomplishment. But, he may be set for a Heisman win this upcoming season. He had injury problems and bad O-line play last year, but everything should be fine this year. He’s a physical specimen, and the front runner for the #1 pick. San Francisco passing on him would be like Houston passing on Reggie Bush; stupid.

2. Oakland Raiders – Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame
Analysis: Oakland had a good draft, but they passed up Matt Leinart which was very surprising to most, including myself. My simulated Madden season (where I got the draft order) didn’t have the Aaron Brooks experiment working out, and I agree with it. Brooks never has, nor do I think he will live up to his expectations. He’s a perennial underachiever, and shouldn’t do much more than just that in Oakland. Andrew Walter is serviceable, but passing on a player like Quinn here wouldn’t make since. Quinn made huge strides under Charlie Weis last season, and he looks to do the same this year. With great intangibles and everything you look for in a quarterback, Quinn could very well be the first pick in the draft.

3. New Orleans Saints – Paul Posluszny, OLB, Penn State
Analysis: It’s no secret New Orleans has been looking for a stud outside linebacker for years. In 04 it was D.J. Williams, in 05 it was Derrick Johnson, and most recently A.J. Hawk. They wanted all those guys, but not once did they land any of the three. “Poz” as he’s known, could have rivaled AJ Hawk as the top linebacker in the draft last year, although I don’t believe he’s on his level, yet. Very instinctive and the leader of Penn State’s defense, Pozluszny made a name for himself last year. He should go top ten, most likely top five, and is very much so a “safe pick” as was AJ Hawk.

4. Detroit Lions – Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin
Analysis: The Lions slapped the franchise tag on tackle Jeff Backus, and while that’s a good thing for the team, it means he very well may be gone next year. Thomas is extremely athletic, and he’s got great size to go with it. He has major potential, and made a great choice by staying in school for his senior year. This kid could be the franchise left tackle for who ever drafts him.

5. Houston Texans – Sam Baker, OT, USC
Analysis: After passing on Reggie Bush, I really wonder if the Texans could make a smart pick like this one. It’s obvious they need offensive line help, and Baker’s got a lot of talent. They drafted Winston and Spencer, but neither are as good as Baker could be. Big, strong, athletic, if Baker comes out after his junior year, he could rival Thomas as the best tackle in the draft.

6. Buffalo Bills – Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech
Analysis: The Bills traded Eric Moulds to Houston, leaving a terrible wide out corps in Buffalo. Roscoe Parrish, and who? They didn’t draft one, nor add one through free agency. This year’s wide receiver class is leaps and bounds ahead of last year’s, especially if Johnson and Jarrett declare. Johnson isn’t extremely fast, but he’s so athletic, with great jumping ability and hands like no other. This guy’s got all the tools to be a star in the NFL, and the Bills would do themselves good by picking him up.

7. Cleveland Browns – Marshawn Lynch, RB, California
Analysis: Cleveland hasn’t had much success drafting running backs in the past, which is why they should be targeting one this next year. William Green, Lee Suggs and newly acquired Leon Washington won’t provide a very good running game, although all would be adequate backups. Lynch has the talent to be a great number one, and has shown off his skills since his freshman year behind Arrington. He’s a great all around back, and if he comes out, would be great for the Browns.

8. Baltimore Ravens – Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville
Analysis: A few years back the Ravens drafted Kyle Boller in the middle of round one, hoping he would be the future. Well fast forward three years. He’s been given shot after shot to prove himself, but has never done so. This proves that just because you can throw really far (cough-Cutler-cough) doesn’t mean you’ll be a good pro QB. If Boller doesn’t perform this year, he will be gone, and they will be looking for a new leader. Brohm has a great bloodline, and if he comes back from his injury full strength, could be top 5.

9. Atlanta Falcons – Sidney Rice, WR, South Carolina
Analysis: The Falcons have used two late-first round picks in the past on wide receivers, but it’s time they use an early first on one. Roddy White and Michael Jenkins have underperformed, and they need to get Michael Vick weapons on offense. Sidney Rice may be the best sophomore in all of College football, although he will be draft eligible at the end of the year. If he matches his 2005 production, there’s a good chance he comes out. He would be a hot commodity, even with the overload of talented receivers in this draft.

10. Green Bay Packers – Dwayne Jarrett, WR, USC
Analysis: After trading Javon Walker, it’s obvious that one of the Packer’s major needs will be wide receiver. Luckily for them they won’t be very good, and there’s a lot of talent in this year’s wide out class. Driver is a good player, but who will be their number two? That being said, I don’t think Driver is anything more than a good #2. Jarrett is a huge target with great hands and solid speed. Could stand to add a little weight, but has proven that he can hold his own against good corners. With Brett Favre most likely retiring after this year (but who knows, really) they need to surround Rodgers with weapons for him to succeed. Jarrett would definitely be a weapon.

11. New York Jets – Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona
Analysis: Ty Law is out of New York, and they really have little to no depth at the cornerback position. Cason is a stud prospect. Great speed and coverage abilities are his strengths. He should be a top fifteen if he comes out, and would be great for the Jets.

12. Tennessee Titans – Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson
Analysis: Since the loss of Javon Kearse the Titans haven’t had a pass rush that frightens any quarterbacks. A couple years back they went all out with DT’s in the draft, but it doesn’t change the fact they need an outside rush. Adams has great technique, and is a sack machine. He would be great for Tennessee, considering many people have him at top ten, even top five value.

13. Kansas City Chiefs – Jeff Samardzija, WR, Notre Dame
Analysis: Kansas City is a very old team offensively, but with the signing of Casey Printers (Former CFL QB) and drafting Brodie Croyle, it’s obvious they’re looking towards the future. Their receivers are probably one of the worst groups in the league. They expect Thorpe to be good, but other than him they have no youth nor do they have any potential. Samardzija is a big guy, and a beast of a wide receiver. Good speed, good size, he’s overall just a very good player. His hands are reliable, and he really had a breakthrough last year. If he matches his 05 numbers, or does better, he’s a definite top 15 pick. One of KC’s main concerns should obviously be wide receiver, and with the depth in this draft they should get a good one.

14. Philadelphia Eagles – Jason Hill, WR, Washington State
Analysis: The Terrell Owens controversy was the real killer of the Eagles season last year, and because of that they chose to release him. Todd “alligator arms” Pinkston has never been a legitimate threat, and Reggie Brown may be good, but needs some help. McNabb is a great leader, and if you give him weapons he is even better. This team has a good chance to go far if they get more talent on offense. Jason Hill is very talented, and a burner. Great down-field threat who would fit well in Chicago’s offense.

15. Dallas Cowboys – LaRon Landry, FS, LSU
Analysis: When the Cowboys moved Roy Williams to strong safety last year, they left a huge hole at free safety. They signed Marcus Coleman, but he’s by no means the future. They drafted Pat Watkins, but can a 5th rounder perform at a starting level? LaRon Landry is easily top ten talent, but with all the great skill-players in this draft, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him fall a little bit. He would be great value in the middle of the first, and be an instant impact type of guy in “The Big D”.

16. San Diego Chargers – Patrick Willis, ILB, Ole Miss
Analysis: Donnie Edwards is currently, and has been, on the trading block. He’s in his mid 30’s, and for some reason GM AJ Smith doesn’t think he’s got much fuel left in the tank. Even if they keep Donnie, they will still have a need at MLB with the likely retirement of Godfrey. Willis is a tackling machine, and would be a great fit in San Diego’s 3-4.

17. St. Louis Rams – Tim Crowder, DE, Texas
Analysis: It seemed one of the Rams’ main needs coming into this draft was defensive end, and it also seemed they would address it early. Well, needless to say, they didn’t. Crowder may be a little undersized, but he’s got a motor on him that runs every play. He could definitely see his stock rise into the top ten if he performs up to his talents.

18. Arizona Cardinals – Greg Olsen, TE, Miami
Analysis: Olsen is a stud, plain and simple. The Cardinals will have one of the most potent, dangerous, great young offenses in the league if they can pick up a potentially great tight end like Olsen. They got Leonard Pope in the 3rd last year, but is a third round guy really expected to make a huge difference? If Olsen comes out he could be a top ten pick due to his great hands, size and abilities. You don’t pass up the chance to add a player who can be as good as Olsen.

19. Minnesota Vikings – Justin Blalock, OL, Texas
Analysis: The Vikings had a relatively bad draft, and didn’t address the guard position. Blalock played all last year at right tackle for Texas, but is very versatile. His main position will most likely be offensive guard in the NFL, something the Vikings really need. He’s been a consistent starter and has really improved Oklahoma’s run game.

20. Washington Redskins – Drew Stanton, QB, Michigan State
Analysis: Mark Brunell? What is he like 40? It’s strange, but yet great at the same time, to see that guy still on the field and performing. Washington really got lucky with him, and since the departure of Patrick Ramsey, they really have no insurance or future at the position (Don’t get me started on the enigma that is JAson Campbell). This may be Brunell’s final season, so picking up a top young QB would be ideal. Stanton has a lot of good qualities about him, and reminds some of Alex Smith. He’s got a lot of physical tools, but his decision making needs to be refined. He really had a stand-out season last year, and if he matches or improves upon his numbers he could see himself in the running as a top 2 QB.

21. Denver Broncos – Quentin Moses, DE, Georgia
Analysis: The Broncos love former Cleveland Browns linemen for some reason, but they need to add actual, young talent to their defensive line. They drafted Elvis Dumervil, a sack specialist in college, but he is undersized and may play OLB in the NFL. Moses really stood out last season, and if he gets good numbers once again, with his physical ability he could be a top ten pick come draft day.

22. Miami Dolphins – Daymeion Hughes, CB, California
Analysis: Last year the Dolphins got Jason Allen in the first, but it’s still up in the air about what position he will play. If it’s safety, which it should be, they will still have a hole to be filled at corner. Demeion Hughes is quick, fast and a good cover corner which is something NFL teams really like nowadays. He made a good choice by staying in school for his senior year.

23. Chicago Bears – Paul Williams, WR, Fresno State
Analysis: Most people expected the Bears to take a wide receiver with their first pick in the first round. Surprisingly, they didn’t opt to take Jackson, but instead traded down, and then passed over Sinorice Moss in the second round. I think that they will regret passing those guys up when Grossman or Griese can’t succeed because their only target is Muhammad. Williams is a big target, and while this may be a little early, they really need a wide out.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers – Brian Leonard, RB/FB, Rutgers
Analysis: With Jerome “The Bus” Bettis gone, it really changes the way the Steelers will play next year. They can’t pound the ball with Parker and the injury plagued Staley. Leonard is the same type of prospect as Bettis was. A Full Back who could easily play running back and succeed in a system like Pittsburgh’s. I think this guy would be absolutely fantastic for the team, a beneficial pick for both the player and the team.

25. New York Giants – Alan Branch, DT, Michigan
Analysis: The Giants have two great defensive ends, and drafted another with a lot of potential in Mathias Kiwanuka. But, they are really in need of interior defensive linemen, something I was expecting them to address early in the draft. Alan Branch has got a lot of potential, and could go higher than this. If he chooses to come out his stock could rocket up.

26. Seattle Seahawks – Brandon Merriweather, S, Miami
Analysis: Seattle has a couple of very good safeties, but that may not be true if Hamlin can not return to his original form. The serious injuries he got suffered may not be easy to come back from, and sadly, he may never be the same player. If that turns out to be true, they would do well to bring in Merriweather. He’s somewhat overlooked, and coming from “The U” he’s got great pedigree as a safety. He would be a great replacement if Hamlin doesn’t come back full strength.

27. Jacksonville Jaguars – , RB, Louisville
Analysis: Although the Jags drafted Maurice Drew late in round 2, and have Fred Taylor, don’t be surprised if they target another back. Taylor’s years may be short, and there are serious questions about Drew’s ability as a full-time back in the NFL. Bush is a big back with quick feet and great vision. A combination of him and Drew would be a reincarnation of “Thunder and Lightning” in Jacksonville.

28. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Lawrence Jackson, DE, USC
Analysis: Simeon Rice’s days are numbered. There have been talks of him being released, and his soon to be retirement. If that happens, they definitely want to find his replacement because as everyone knows the Bucs love to have a strong defense. Lawrence Jackson is a great physical specimen. Great speed and size, if he declares he could go higher than this.

29. New England Patriots – Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College
Analysis: The Pats lost offensive tackle Tom Ashworth, and didn’t draft or sign anyone to replace him. Ryan O’Callaghan (5th round) won’t do much for the team, whereas Cherilus could make an immediate impact. He’s a big, strong kid who can challenge Sam Baker as the best Junior offensive line prospect in the draft.

30. Indianapolis Colts – Brandon Siler, LB, Florida
Analysis: The Colts defense drastically improved last year, but they still have some holes, especially with the loss of a key outside linebacker. They didn’t draft one in the 06 draft, so they must be targeting one for next year. Siler is a good prospect, physically talented; he may shoot up draft boards.

31. Carolina Panthers – Rufus Alexander, LB, Oklahoma
Analysis: The Panthers lost star outside linebacker Will Witherspoon to the Rams, but didn’t bring anyone in to fill the need. Rufus is a fan favorite in Norman, and could be a great pick for the Panthers.

32. Cincinnati Bengals – Matt Herian, TE, Nebraska
Analysis: It was widely assumed the Bengals wanted a tight end early, but it obviously wasn’t a concern for them. That said, they already have a talented offense, but adding another potential young star would be great. They have no presence at tight end, and Herian could be a good target for Palmer.