2007 Field Gulls Community Draft

by John Morgan on Mar 23, 2007 4:18 PM PDT

Ok everyone, I'm appealing to your collective NFL expertise to help me construct the Field Gulls mock draft. I'm looking for two things: consensus and cogent arguments. I've decided to scrap the input of any sort of "draft expert" because I'm sure all of our opinions have been at least partially influenced by the dozens of nattering pundits who evaluate draft talent for a living. Before we open this up, I would like to offer a couple thoughts.

Teams almost always take best available talent. The only positions I see as an absolute need are offensive line and tight end. I don't think you can construct a realistic mock draft without addressing those needs.
With Bobby Engram returning, Darrell Jackson is probably going to be traded or cut. This is said to be a super-deep draft for wide receivers, so if you propose a scenario where he is traded, please be realistic about the return. I could see Seattle moving him and a draft pick for a better draft pick (i.e. Jackson and the Hawk's second round pick for San Diego's first round pick, or D-Jack and a third round pick for a team's top 15 second round pick--something like that), but he's not going to get a first round pick or really a second round pick straight up, so let's try and limit the wishcasting.
I seem to be at odds with the draft cognoscenti about this, but I think this is a deep draft for tight ends. It might not have the marquee talent of past drafts, but I think we'll see four or five starting quality tight ends emerge, many from the second day. In other words, I wouldn't reach to get Michael Allen in the third round when Kevin Boss could be had in the fifth or sixth. That is, unless you think Allen is really that kind of talent.

That's about it. The best part is that next year and each year that follows we can track how our picks have performed versus the Decider's, no not that guy, Tim Ruskell.

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Comments

I should have a 1st round mock up later tonight

for some picks I'll put my reason, but others are obvious. For instance I'm not gonna write why oakland takes Jamarcus Russel-since that is just a for gone conclusion.

oh wait a minute, are we just doing a Hawks mock?? or doing on for the entire NFL??

Josh Brown is better than you.

by MFAN on Mar 23, 2007 4:39 PM PDT reply actions

Do whatever you want.

This should be fun--sort of a rock `em sock `em discussion.

I'll be back later tonight to mix it up with you guys.

by John Morgan on Mar 23, 2007 4:45 PM PDT reply actions

awesome

Josh Brown is better than you.

by MFAN on Mar 23, 2007 4:50 PM PDT up reply actions

alright...here we go

I basically just went by the 3 or 4 mocks i've read and put those together with my own observations.

I ask everyone to be kind, I'm probably WAY OFF on more than 1 pick. I don't have much insight, so this is all pure speculation.

I threw in some trades and a few reaches by some teams (nothing off the wall, but possibly surprising).

First-the trades:
In order to insure getting Calvin Johnson, Tampa trades their 2nd and 4th round picks to Detroit to move up to the 2nd pick, Detroit then picks 4th.

to insure getting Brady Quinn, Miami trades their 2nd round pick to Minnesota to move up two spots, Miami picks 7th, Minnesota picks 9th.

With a overload of WR's the Seahawks trade Darrell Jackson and their 2nd round pick (along with a 6th rounder in 2008) to San Diego for their 1st round pick (30th overall).

Here we go...

1. Oakland- JaMarcus Russell OB LSU
2.*Tampa Bay- Calvin Johnson WR G.TECH

Cleveland - Adrian Peterson RB Oklahoma
*Detroit - Joe Thomas OT Wisconson
Arizona - Levi Brown OT Penn st.
Washington - Gaines Adams DE Clemson
*Miami - Brady Quinn QB Notre Dame
Atlanta- Jamaal Anderson DE Arkansas
Minnesota- Ted Ginn JR. WR Ohio St.
Houston - Marshawn Lynch RB CAL
San Fran - Alan Branch DT Michigan
Buffalo - LaRon Landry S LSU
St. Louis - Amobi Okoye DT Louisville
Carolina - Reggie Nelson S Florida
Pittsburgh - Adam Carriker DE Nebraska
Green Bay- Leon Hall CB Michigan
Jacksonville- Dwayne Bowe WR LSU
Cincy - Darrelle Revis CB Pitt
Tennessee - Dwayne Jarrett WR USC
Giants - Paul Posluszny OLB Penn st.
Denver - Jarvis Moss DE Florida
Dallas- Justin Harrell DT Tennessee
KC- Michael Griffin S Texas
New England - Daymein Hughes CB CAL
Jets- AaRon Ross CB Texas
Philadelphia - Robert Meachem WR Tennessee
New Orleans - Marcus McCauley CB Fresno St.
New England - Patrick Willis ILB Ole Miss
Baltimore - Sidney Rice WR S.Carolina
* Seattle - Dan Grubbs G Auburn
Chicago - Greg Olsen TE Miami
Indianapolis - Charles Johnson DE Georgia

I think it's a stretch for Arizona to take Levi Brown at 5. If they don't get Thomas they may trade down, knowing they could get Brown later.

I wasn't sure where to put Greg Olsen. If he does fall that far there might be a chance we take him. Carolina could be a place he could go.

I didn't know what Baltimore really needed, I doubt they need defensive help, so I debated between o-line, QB and WR. QB isn't a huge need for them so I gave them the WR.

I see Amobi Okoye stock droping a tad, just because he's so young (19). It's good that he's young because he'll have so much time to develop, but man..19 is young to play in the NFL. Hell I was 18 when I was siting on the bench in high school football. I think the 49ers shy off from him and go with Branch.

After not picking Bush in 2006, I think Houston will feel pressure to go with a running back and they may reach for Lynch. Although they could go Tackle with Ahman Green aboard.

Well that is it, I'll probably be correct on 6 of those.

Josh Brown is better than you.

by MFAN on Mar 23, 2007 5:45 PM PDT reply actions

I don't understand the Bucs trading up...

Seems like the top three is pretty set, and if Millen gets a wild hair and drafts Calvin Johnson I'm pretty sure Bruce Allen and Jon Gruden would be more than happy to get a potential franchise LT at #4 (not that I think that Joe Thomas is a franchise LT, but what do I know.)

The way teams were throwing money at guards I'd be surprised if Grubbs falls that far. Why is Grubbs considered the #1 guard? I haven't heard a convincing argument, and he stunk up the combine.

by John Morgan on Mar 24, 2007 11:07 AM PDT up reply actions

n/s

"Why is Grubbs considered the #1 guard?"

Pfff...I have no clue, he just seemed to be the 1st guard off the board on most mocks.

Josh Brown is better than you.

by MFAN on Mar 24, 2007 11:12 AM PDT up reply actions

or

at least he the couple mocks I read, he was the 1st guard gone.

Josh Brown is better than you.

by MFAN on Mar 24, 2007 11:15 AM PDT up reply actions

Grubbs

His only real fault is power, or lackthereof. He's very athletic, that's the key. If he can mature and retain that athleticism....

Blalock, and pretty much every other top rated guard, is a stationary player.

by WABronco on Mar 24, 2007 11:04 PM PDT up reply actions

Good job

It's all a giant crapshoot. I wouldn't be surprised to see a few teams try and trade up to get Adrian Peterson, especially Houston. They actually made a good pick-up in Schaub from Atlanta.

Oakland would be smarter to trade down. They have alot of holes that extra picks could fill, but I think Al Davis is enamored with Russell.

Beer...giving kidneys and livers something to do since ancient times.

by Ben in Va on Mar 24, 2007 11:11 AM PDT up reply actions

yeah it really is

a crapshoot, I think Oakland should trade down also, im not big on Russell.

Josh Brown is better than you.

by MFAN on Mar 24, 2007 11:13 AM PDT up reply actions

Yes.

I think it is obvious to even the casual fan Oakland needs to rebuild and needs alot of help. Trading the number 1 pick and also Randy Moss would probably net them the draft picks to get there. I just don't see it happening though. Al Davis is having Russell to Moss visions dancing through his head.

Beer...giving kidneys and livers something to do since ancient times.

by Ben in Va on Mar 24, 2007 11:35 AM PDT up reply actions

God dam job

I will try to do something for the morning

You better tie a 2x4 across your ass before you go poking around with Jenna Jameson. Otherwise, you'll fall in and will never be heard from again.

by Scruffy Lefty on Mar 23, 2007 5:59 PM PDT reply actions

I'm kind of curious how everyone would rate the Gs

by John Morgan on Mar 24, 2007 11:07 AM PDT reply actions

Hmmmm

I would rate Blalock ahead of Grubbs. He doesn't pull block all that well but he does have more versatility and in the right system he would flourish. Plus from everything I have read he has a mean streak and can make a good push.

After that I guess Grubbs, maybe Sears.

Beer...giving kidneys and livers something to do since ancient times.

by Ben in Va on Mar 24, 2007 11:16 AM PDT up reply actions

How about the TEs?

by John Morgan on Mar 24, 2007 11:08 AM PDT reply actions

Another tough one

Probably like this:

Greg Olson - Seems to be a good receiver who will imnprove with time. He did lead the Hurricanes in receiving (but they sucked). He is not a good blocker though and that would hurt a team with a weak offensive line. I am not sure I would take him as the top tight end but I feel that is where he will go.

Zach Miller - Not my fave. I don't think he has the lower body strength to be an effective blocker. Again, though I think he will go second.

Kevin Boss - I think he is a sleeper. He would definitely go higher if it weren't for a shoulder injury. Probably quite a few tight ends will go before him, but I like his makeup and he is smart. Plus he is a two sport player (basketball) that has the ability to win jump balls with defenders. I think he would be a steal if someone got him in the lower rounds.

Beer...giving kidneys and livers something to do since ancient times.

by Ben in Va on Mar 24, 2007 11:33 AM PDT up reply actions

I'd have to go...

-Olsen

-Miller

-Milner (potential)

-Chandler

-Spaeth (excellent blocker)

-Patrick

-Newton

-Boss

-Allen

-Herian

by WABronco on Mar 24, 2007 11:16 PM PDT up reply actions

my reasoning for the bucs moving up

It's not so much they will be worried about Millen taking another WR, but more worried of another team (SF, Minnesota) possibly trading up, they give Detroit maybe a 3rd or 2nd rounder and insure getting Johnson.

This just a prediction and to be honest I don't think it will really happen, it's more or less just something I'd watch for on draft day.

Josh Brown is better than you.

by MFAN on Mar 24, 2007 11:41 AM PDT reply actions

Tampa Bay is an enigma

With Gruden they like using high picks for offense but they are in dire need of defensive line help. One of their DL was signed by the Lions and I believe Simeon Rice and the other decent guy they have are both on the wrong side of 30 (33??? If they stand pat they might pick Jamaal Anderson out of Arkansas.

Of course they are not much better at WR. Clayton was hurt last year, Galloway is 35 and Ike Hilliard is around 30.

If they could work out a trade for a WR then I might look for them to trade the #4 pick, draft lower and get a DE and maybe even a QB. I am not sure how much faith they hold in Simms or Gradkowski.

Beer...giving kidneys and livers something to do since ancient times.

by Ben in Va on Mar 24, 2007 12:41 PM PDT up reply actions

n/s

Remember they also have Garcia now, so I think they stick with one of those 3 (Simms, Garcia, Gradkowski) and they also have Rattay I believe.

They do need defensive line-up help, Anderson or Gaines Adams could be decent picks for them.

Josh Brown is better than you.

by MFAN on Mar 24, 2007 12:57 PM PDT up reply actions

The Lions

Hmmm....With the #2 pick they can go all over the board. I really think though that it's a QB for them. Why not an OT you say? Because for some reason I have this creeping feeling they will take Brady Quinn. Sure it would be stupid move with the #2, but hey, it's the Lions.

I might see them trying to take Mike Jones, the OG out of Iowa, in a later round.

Beer...giving kidneys and livers something to do since ancient times.

by Ben in Va on Mar 24, 2007 12:49 PM PDT reply actions

I could see that

I could picture Millen being a Quinn fan and probably Martz as well.

And like you said it is the Lions, im sure Johnson, Bowe, Jarrett and Rice are all on their list.

However will all that said I think they go with Joe Thomas.

Josh Brown is better than you.

by MFAN on Mar 24, 2007 12:59 PM PDT up reply actions

Millen has said he won't take a QB

that high again after the Harrington ordeal

You better tie a 2x4 across your ass before you go poking around with Jenna Jameson. Otherwise, you'll fall in and will never be heard from again.

by Scruffy Lefty on Mar 24, 2007 2:32 PM PDT up reply actions

Martz is going to want a LT...

He's used to having Orlando Pace and Bulger was a 6th round pick, so I think Martz believes he can make McCown, Kitna or some other scrub work. Millen's picks are guaranteed to fail, that's why I think they'll take Thomas and watch defensive ends run around him all year.

The Bucs are going to take best available talent. No way they give up players who have graded out as elite for their position (Johnson and Peterson) for an end that couldn't carry Mario William's jock strap.

I think Arizona will trade down, but the top four looks pretty set--unless Oakland tries to make a move. Russell could probably be had later and a team like Atlanta might try and move up and get Johnson.

To me, Calvin Johnson is the wild card. Teams are looking at him as Randy Moss with a good attitude and I think a lot of teams would be willing to trade picks to move up to get him.

by John Morgan on Mar 24, 2007 1:20 PM PDT reply actions

Starting @ the top

David Carr is available for Oakland to sign. He's a much more adequate QB at this point in time for Oakland than any rookie.

They trade Moss for pick/s, maybe a young OL talent, and draft Calvin Johnson @ #1.

2nd, I am not sold on Russell and Quinn being the savior QBs in this draft. The most raw talent and most ready to come and run the engine respectively maybe, but not the franchise the way the big 2/3 were last season. There are value picks in later rounds (Trent Edwards, John Beck, to name a couple) that will be more celebrated down the road.

3rd, Joe Thomas and Adrian Peterson have injury plagued written all over them. Both have suffered from body yips in college, yet both will make NFL suitors forget about this with their physical specimen.

4th, it is a deep draft for TE, being that there is about 15 guys besides Ben Olsen that can/will get drafted (or not) between the 2nd and 7th rounds.

Who do I like the Hawks taking? It's all a crapshoot to predict, but it wouldn't shock me if they wait until later rounds to take the project player they really want for G, or even TE, and go with a DT, WR, or even an RB in the 2nd.

Easily led. Much too hard to follow.

by godtomsatan on Mar 24, 2007 10:07 PM PDT reply actions

The only reliable projection system I know of...

is pretty high on Quinn. I'm not sure why everyone is so down on him.

I think Seattle's needs are: G, TE, DT, CB, RB and LB; roughly in that order.

I would like us to pick up a guard on day one, but just pick best available talent otherwise.

by John Morgan on Mar 25, 2007 4:34 PM PDT reply actions

RE: Quinn

I think people are down on him because everytime he plays a good defense he stuggles and people wonder if he will be able to read NFL style defenses

You better tie a 2x4 across your ass before you go poking around with Jenna Jameson. Otherwise, you'll fall in and will never be heard from again.

by Scruffy Lefty on Mar 25, 2007 4:38 PM PDT up reply actions

I can't believe so many people

are so high on Ted Ginn Jr. The guy has hands of stone, and runs terrible routes. Every draft simulation I've read has him going in the first round, and there is no way he should be a first rounder.

That's a right kerfuffle!

by Phil Hatzenbuehler on Mar 26, 2007 8:11 AM PDT reply actions

Welcome to

THEE ohio state university. But I agree, there is lots better talent out there at WR then Ginn.

Didn't DMZ make fun of your dad? - Scruffy Lefty to Coach Owens ...... - Coach Owens to Scruffy Lefty

by Christian on Mar 26, 2007 9:56 AM PDT up reply actions

I'd rather have Gonzalez.

by John Morgan on Mar 26, 2007 11:42 AM PDT up reply actions

Yup.

But the only way we draft a WR this year is if Calvin Johnson falls to us. Which the only way that happens is if the whole league sans Seattle pulls a Minnesota.

Didn't DMZ make fun of your dad? - Scruffy Lefty to Coach Owens ...... - Coach Owens to Scruffy Lefty

by Christian on Mar 26, 2007 12:20 PM PDT up reply actions