2007 Draft Reviews - AFC & NFC West

AFC West:

1. Oakland Raiders: The top spot in the AFC West goes to those lowly Raiders. Russell was a great pick for them, especially after passing on Matt Leinart and Jay Cutler last year. Quentin Moses, Mario Henderson, and Zach Miller all have the potential to be very good starters in the NFL. The biggest pick of the draft though, has to be Michael Bush in the 4th round. If he can get healthy and play like he did before he was hurt, this could be the best pick of the entire draft.

2. Kansas City Chiefs: Finally, after years of sub par wide receivers, the Chiefs drafted a top player at the position. If it wasn’t for Calvin Johnson, a total freak of nature, Bowe could have gone in the top 5 picks. The Chiefs also attempted to address their weak defensive line, but I think they could have found better value than the DTs they drafted. If it wasn’t for the Bowe pick, the Chiefs would have been 3rd behind…

3. Denver Broncos: Denver didn’t hide what it needed. Everyone knew the Broncos needed pass rushers, and that is exactly what they got. Jarvis Moss has great speed off the edge, but needs to bulk up to be able to stop the run. The pick of Tim Crowder will help them more in the short term, because he has the size to play every down. As much as I like the Crowder pick though, I dislike the Marcus Thomas pick. With all the trouble he has been in, I think to waste a 4th round choice on him was idiotic. If Thomas can somehow clean up his act though, it could be a great pick. This draft is either boom or bust for Denver.

4. San Diego Chargers: With receivers like Jarrett and Smith still available, to reach for Craig Davis was too much. Davis is quick, but was too inconsistent. Jarrett didn’t have the greatest speed, but he is a proven player who should have gone in the 1st round. The Chargers will regret passing him up. They finally got a top safety, but they paid for it. They gave up a lot to get Eric Weddle, and you have to wonder if that will come back to haunt them if Weddle isn’t a top player early in his career. Brandon Siler could be an excellent replacement for the departed Donnie Edwards if he can clean up his character issues.

NFC West:

1. San Francisco 49ers: If all they did in this entire draft was select Patrick Willis at #11, I would have ranked them first in this division. He will be a major force in the NFL before you know it. They were also able to trade back into the 1st round to take tackle Joe Staley. If he is given the time to develop and learn the position, he can be a top left tackle for many years. DE Ray McDonald is a perfect fit for the 3-4 defense coach Nolan like to run. Add to this draft the pick-up of WR Darrell Jackson from division rival Seattle, and this was a heck of a weekend for the 49ers.

2. Arizona Cardinals: While some see the selection of Levi Brown at #5 as a reach, I think it had to be done. They needed a left tackle to develop, and Brown is just the type of lineman those new coaches from Pittsburgh love. To get a talent like Alan Branch in the 2nd round was a great value pick, as he could be a tremendous player if he can dedicate himself to working hard. Buster Davis and Steve Breaston could both pay long term rewards as well. TE Ben Patrick was an excellent selection in the 7th round. If he were drafted in the 3rd round, no one would have thought anything of it.

3. St. Louis Rams: While I love the selection of both Adam Carriker and Brian Leonard, the Rams needed to get significantly better in the secondary. They passed on the top two corners in the draft to take Carriker. If he doesn’t play very well early on and the corners are still getting used and abused, there could be some major grumbling by the fans. Leonard will be a great NFL player and St. Louis is a great fit. Clifton Ryan and Justin Fry, both 5th round choices, have the potential to be good players down the line.

4. Seattle Seahawks: With no first round pick, they actually did a decent job of getting some type of talent. Josh Wilson has the talent to be a top contributor in the secondary right away. The problem is, he may be the only starter (now and later) that Seattle got in this draft. A tight end like Ben Patrick in any round after the 2nd would have been a great choice. The ‘Hawks have a good team, but they could have done a lot more to improve.

Ultimate Mock Draft - Round 1

In our quest to quench your thirst for everything NFL Draft, STH proudly present our first ever, seven round, Ultimate Mock Draft! We reserve the right to be wrong...often. We know the picks we made for your team are probably "terrible" and...yes...we have no lives. Read it anyways - you just might enjoy yourself...

1. Oakland Raiders – JaMarcus Russell (QB-LSU) – After months of "debate", the Raiders finally take the plunge and draft the strong armed QB that everyone thought they would take from the get go. Will he be ready to start as a rookie? Will Al Davis live long enough to see it? Only time will tell.

2. Detroit Lions – Joe Thomas (T-Wisconsin) – Attempts will certainly be made to trade down, but with the risk that comes with giving up picks to move into the top 5 (can you say Eli Manning) the Lions won't be able to find anyone to meet their asking price. The Lions take what should be one of the safer picks in Round 1 and fans begin holding out hope that Thomas will be around to anchor the line long after Millen is gone.

3. Cleveland Browns – Adrian Peterson (RB-Oklahoma) – This could be a pick that lets us watch the guys at the desk talk for the whole 15 minutes. The Browns are certainly interested in the two top quarterbacks, but word is they're much more enamored with Russell than Quinn. Though it's certainly an understandable debate, Peterson is a special player that could certainly take some pressure off of Charlie Frye.

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Calvin Johnson (WR-Georgia Tech) – The only suspense for this pick is whether Bucs management will trip over themselves in a rush to get the selection in. The hands down best player in the draft falls to the fourth slot - it will be interesting to see how long it takes Johnson to make the first three teams look stupid.

5. Arizona Cardinals – Gaines Adams (DE-Clemson) – "So Dennis, what did you think about the prospects at the top of this year's draft?"...."THEY ARE WHO WE THOUGHT THEY WERE!"..."Do you see any potential studs falling to your former team the Cards at the fifth slot?"..."YOU WANNA CROWN THEM? THEN CROWN THEIR ASSES!"

The Whisenhunt era begins in the desert with a strong defensive presence who can wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks during the inevitable high scoring shootouts to come.

6. Washington Redskins – Amobi Okoye (DT-Louisville) – After spending a good 10 minutes convincing a bewildered and confused Joe Gibbs that this 19 year old phenom is a completely different person than "The Nigerian Nightmare" Christian Okoye from the early 90's Chiefs, Greg Williams finally gets the dominant defensive presence he has so desperately needed.

7. Minnesota Vikings – Laron Landry (S-LSU) – The only thing less imposing and masculine than Brad Childress was the defensive backfield that his squad fielded last season. Landry might be a bit overrated at this slot, but he easily fills a need for the boys in purple.

8. Atlanta Falcons – Levi Brown (T-Penn State) – After all that cleverness in leapfrogging the Dolphins, the Falcons still don't get Landry (the player many assumed they were moving up to get). With a new offense to install and Alex Gibbs gone, Brown will give Bobby Petrino a cornerstone to rebuild his offensive line around.

9. Miami Dolphins – Brady Quinn (QB-Notre Dame) – If "Trent Green" is the answer, Dolphins fans don't want to hear the question. Quinn might be a bit of a pretty boy, but his strength was aptly displayed at the combine and he appears to have a physical and mental toughness that will suit him well at the next level.

"Brady...allow me to introduce you to Dan Marino's shadow."

10. Houston Texans – Alan Branch (DT-Michigan) – Finding positions of need for the Texans is easier than finding a mullet at a NASCAR race. Drafting defensive line two years in a row might seem risky, but there are no adequate offensive prospects left worth taking this high and a Branch/Mario Williams/DeMeco Ryans combo will simply be too tantalizing to pass up.

11. San Francisco 49ers – Patrick Willis (LB-Mississippi) – A definite team on the rise - San Francisco has a host of young quality players and could be a chic playoff pick in 2007. Willis has been steadily moving up boards and he could provide a defensive presence the Niners haven't had since Julian Peterson was at his best.

12. Buffalo Bills – Marshawn Lynch (RB-Cal) – Another team with several holes to fill, the Bills arrive at the draft with a tremendous vacancy in the offensive backfield. Though he's not quite the game changer that Peterson is, Lynch is an outstanding back - hopefully he can withstand the Buffalo weather.

13. St Louis Rams – Jamaal Anderson (DE-Arkansas) – With Leonard Little's best days behind him, the Rams could use a new impact player on the defensive line. Anderson fits the need. His slide stops here.

14. Carolina Panthers – Greg Olsen (TE-Miami) – Next in a long line of assholes...er...highly touted tight ends from Miami...is Greg Olsen. While his college career wasn't as flashy as Shockey's or Winslow's, Olsen put on a show at the combine and could end up being the player that everyone thought Vernon Davis would be last year.

15. Pittsburgh Steelers – Reggie Nelson (S-Florida) – Despite his flowing locks and unrelenting popularity amongst fans, Troy Polamalu occasionally screws up in coverage. He's also had somewhere in the neighborhood of 105 concussions throughout his college and NFL career. Nelson is an obvious candidate to compensate for Polamalu's shortcomings.

16. Green Bay Packers – Dwayne Jarrett (WR-USC) – After another flirt with "retirement", Favre is back for another go round with the Pack. Though they have been getting younger in recent years, the continued presence of Favre demonstrates the Pack's desire to win now. Despite his pedestrian speed, Jarrett provides the type of end zone target that the gun slinging Favre will love. This was certainly the year to draft a running back, but none warrant a selection this high.

17. Jacksonville Jaguars – Paul Posluszny (LB-Penn State) – Though he spent his senior season moving up and down draft boards, Posluszny has the type of run-through-walls attitude that Jack Del Rio will love. His presence could take an already impressive Jacksonville defense to the next level.

18. Cincinnati Bengals – Leon Hall (CB-Michigan) – Re: all the hot air about "character issues" and "team distraction". I've got two words for you - "Lawrence Taylor". Hall might be the best character guy in the world, but Lewis takes him at this spot because he's the best cornerback available.

19. Tennessee Titans – Darrelle Revis (CB-Pittsburgh) – Speaking of character guys, now that the PacMan game has been unplugged for a year, Jeff Fischer is probably going to need a new cornerback in Tennessee. Revis certainly fits the bill as a first round replacement, and he's reportedly never even stomped on anyone's face.

20. New York Giants – Joe Staley (T-Central Michigan) – Does Tom Coughlin make the same pained faces in the draft war room that he does on the sideline? Is he the most unfriendly individual in the NFL? Does it matter after this season? Staley has been flying up draft boards - if legend is true, he ran a 4.2 40 while performing 67 one-armed reps on the bench and reciting Macbeth. Regardless, he'll easily be in the Big Apple much longer than Coughlin.

21. Denver Broncos – Adam Carriker (DE-Nebraska) – Denver has been somewhat quietly assembling a quality offseason in the Rockies. Despite the tragic loss of Darrant Williams, many capable players have been brought in and the Broncos have positioned themselves for a great run in 07. Carriker is a versatile defensive lineman who could provide a great deal for a team with an absence of glaring needs.

22. Dallas Cowboys – Ted Ginn (WR-Ohio State) – Word out of Columbus is that Ginn ran in the high 4.3's in his individual workout last week. Imagine what he could do once he gets off the crutches. Dallas is another team that doesn't have alot of huge holes, but some speed and youth at wide receiver and in the return game never hurts.

Fun Side Note*** New shirts on sale outside of Citizen's Bank Ballpark after the Phillies' season opener? "Dallas Sucks - Romo's a Homo"...I guess it is always sunny in Philadelphia.

23. Kansas City Chiefs – Dwayne Bowe (WR-LSU) – Quick - name three wide receivers from the 2006 Kansas City Chiefs...Stumped? Now you've got one for next year.

24. New England Patriots – Lawrence Timmons (LB-Florida State) – While it's entirely possible that this slot has already been reserved for Brady Quinn's backup, the addition of Timmons AND Adalius Thomas would give the Pats a whole new defensive look for 2007.

25. New York Jets – Chris Houston (CB-Arkansas) – See above regarding unusual draft decisions, but cornerback seems an obvious position of need for the J.E.T.S's. Now if we could just get Mangini and Belichick to have a meaningful embrace after every game, all would be right with the world.

26. Philadelphia Eagles – Aaron Ross (CB-Texas) – Night before the draft. On the card that should read "Robert Meachem - WR - Tennessee", Andy Reid hastily scribbles down Ross's name and glances fondly at the autographed picture of Kevin Curtis that he has framed on his nightstand. Ross could find a spot in Jim Johnson's defense - and he hasn't been arrested nearly as many times as Reid's thug sons.

27. New Orleans Saints – Jarvis Moss (DE-Florida) – Though they're pretty well stocked on the offensive side, the Saints defense does leave something to be desired. Moss has been plummeting lately on draft boards, but Sean Payton could do worse than an athletic defensive end at the bottom of the first round.

28. New England Patriots – Michael Griffen (S-Texas) – Was there a third stringer behind Brady Quinn? Can Belichick use this pick to grab a babysitter for Tom Brady? If not, Griffen would fit nicely as the heir apparent to Rodney Harrison.

29. Baltimore Ravens – Robert Meachem (WR-Tennessee) – A steal at the bottom of the first round, Meachem could finally provide Billick the impact receiver that he's never really had. As long as Ray Lewis doesn't kill him first.

30. San Diego Chargers – Sidney Rice (WR-South Carolina) – The last, and worst, of the potential first round receivers, Rice might not have the speed or pedigree of those who were drafted before him, but he fills a definite position of need for the Chargers - and there's no way he'd last until the end of round two.

31. Chicago Bears – Justin Blalock (T-Texas) – Rex Grossman needs all the time he can get before he lofts a ball 40 yards down field into the awaiting hands of a defender. Blalock can give Rex more time to sort out his stupid decisions and also help pave the way for the new #1 runner, Cedric Benson.

32. Indianapolis Colts – Jon Beason (LB-Miami) – Speaking of Rex, his Super Bowl opponent Tony Dungy has some serious defensive rebuilding to do if he expects to make it back to the big game next season. Beason provides the type of athletic presence that fits the Tampa...er...Indy Two perfectly.

Don't stop now! Continue reading with - Round 2 -

Or check out the - Team By Team Breakdown -

Ultimate Mock Draft - Round 2

33. Oakland - Ben Grubbs (OG-Auburn) - The Raiders' shiny new offensive toys won't have much room to operate without some improvement along the O-line. A stud like Grubbs could be one of the keys to the team's potential turnaround.

34. Detroit - Charles Johnson (DE-Georgia) - Kalimba Edwards led the lions with 7 sacks last year. That's not very good. The Lions hope that adding Johnson and the return of Shaun Rodgers will free up another very large man to sit on Matt Millen until his contract runs out.

35. Tampa Bay - Justin Harrell (DT-Tennessee) - Tampa's defense has hemorraghed talent over the last few years, and Harrell is a big enough guy to create opportunities for the few that remain.

36. Cleveland - Ryan Kalil (C-USC) - Last summer's key free agent signing, center LeCharles Bentley, will probably not be back this year, but if Ryan Kalil is till on the board at this spot, who cares? He has been called a "can't-miss" center prospect and could protect Vinnie Testaverde well into the next decade.

37. Chicago - Zach Miller (TE-Arizona State) - Rex Grossman sucks.

38. Arizona - Tony Ugoh (T-Arkansas) - Levi Brown would have been a bit of a stretch at their spot in the first round and Ugoh's pass protection skills make him a better fit for a Cardinals team that would do well to get the ball in the air by any means necessary.

39. Atlanta - Anthony Spencer (DE-Purdue) - Assuming the Dirty Birds don't reach for a safety here (similar caliber players in that position will be available in the next round), look for them to follow the trend of shoring up both trenches. Or they could add another receiver that can't catch, because that has worked well so far.

40. Miami - Arron Sears (G-Tennessee) - Sears played four different line positions during one game while at UT, which is good because Miami has lost five lineman from an already poor unit. Sears may be called on to cover multiple positions during the same play. Brady Quinn is going to get hurt.

41. Minnesota - Jason Hill (WR-Washington State) - The Vikings say that Tavaris Jackson is their QB of the future, but suspect QB + comatose WR corps = losing to the Lions...maybe.

42. San Francisco - Daymeion Hughes (CB-Cal) - STH really likes the idea of prospects playing pro ball close to where they went to college. This is huge for Hughes, who will be saved the hassle of moving out of his studio apartment.

43. Buffalo - David Harris (ILB, Michigan) - London Fletcher and Takeo Spikes' replacement fails to have a kick-ass name, but a team that lost three of its most productive defenders can't afford the time it would take to convert safety Sabby Piscitelli into an NFL linebacker.

44. Atlanta - Michael Bush (RB-Louisville) - We also like the idea of coaches and players being reunited on a new team. We live in our hearts, what can I say?

45. Carolina - Steve Smith (WR-USC) - This pick needs to happen just to have two Steve Smiths at the same position on the same team, but when you take a look at the Panther's depth chart at WR, it needs to happen for a lot of other reasons, too.

46. Pittsburgh - Samson Satele (C-Hawaii) The versatile Satele could compete to replace Jeff Hartings at center, but he is versatile enough to be plugged in at guard as well? The Steelers organization loves guys they can move around while keeping the unit intact. A remarkable athlete, Satele was injury-free throughout college and named an all-state performer in basketball three times in high school. The Steelers' scouting department also never overlooks another potential All-NFL Hair Team member.

47. Green Bay - Brandon Jackson (RB-Nebraska) - The Packers could team Jackson with Vernand Morency to form a RB tandem the likes of which has never been seen. They could also make the running game just viable enough to keep games close during Brett Favre's last(?) run at a championship.

48. Jacksonville - Drew Stanton (QB-Michigan State) - Jacksonville did well with a Drew last year and looks to start a trend. Stanton is far more mobile than Lord Byron, but the Jags will exercise restraint and not attempt to convert him to a WR.

49. Cincinnati - Quentin Moses (DE-Georgia) - He replaced David Pollack at UGA and everyone likes a familiar situation...except maybe the Bengals during the last year.

50. Tennessee - Anthony Gonzalez (WR-Ohio State) - The six WRs on the Titans' depth chart accounted for a total of 49 receptions last year. Oh boy.

51. New York Giants - Tank Tyler (DT-NC State) - If NC State is such a D-line breeding ground, why is their team never very good? They must spend all their time prepping for the combines. Regardless, the Giants needs healthy bodies in their front seven and Tank never missed a game due to injury while playing for the Wolfpack.

52. St. Louis - Tanard Jackson (CB-Syracuse) - Syracuse has someone worth being drafted? You betcha. Jackson's lack of big-play capability won't be an issue on a team that hasn't won with defense in years.

53. Dallas - Marcus McCauley (CB, Fresno State) - A precursor to the Fresno State fourth round bonanza, McCauley lands in a spot that will allow him to develop without being put on the spot immediately. No word on his FG holding abilities.

54. Kansas City - Trent Edwards (QB-Stanford) - There absolutely must be a Trent at QB for the Chiefs. Absolutely. Must. Plus, Edwards is a steal this late for a team that desperately needs someone to groom.

55. Seattle - LaMarr Woodley (DE-Michigan) - Grant Wistrom's retirement means the team once again has a hole at DE. Woodley has a chance to be a star on a strong Seahawks defense that won't let opponents key on him as a pass rusher.

56. Denver - Eric Weddle (S-Utah) - In 2005, Weddle locked down Calvin Johnson and limited him to two catches for 19 yards. This accomplished defender will be able to immediately contribute to the scariest secondary in the NFL.

57. Philadelphia - Tony Hunt (RB-Penn State) -
Eagles Fan 1: You know what the Iggles need?
Eagles Fan 2: What?
Eagles Fan 1: A big back.
[Repeat ad nauseum]
Andy Reid finally caves.

58. New Orleans - Rufus Alexander (OLB-Oklahoma) - Rufus brings his time-travelling phone booth to New Orleans to provide some much needed playmaking ability. If the Saints can address some concerns on defense, they will prove to be much more than a one year wonder.

59. New York Jets - Tim Crowder (DE-Texas) - The Jets hope to have found the edge rusher they lacked last year. Based solely on name, I'm predicting now that Crowder goes on to be a sports commentator or 60 Minutes contributor.

60. Miami (from New England) - Jonathan Wade (CB-Tennessee) - Losses on the D-Line mean that a deluge of passes flood the secondary requiring Wade-ing. Groan. Plus other Wades have been successful in Miami.

61. Baltimore - Josh Beekman (G-Boston College) - This pick beefs us the Ravens' line. Look for McGahee to rip off runs over 4 yards, something unheard of last year with Jamal Lewis.

62. San Diego - Brandon Meriweather (S-Miami) - Aside from the ego thing, who wouldn't want to be drafted by an already great defense? You are instantly on a winner with very little pressure to lead. Too bad the head coach was an afterthought. Just for a season, it would have been great to see a truly elite team play coachless. I bet the Chargers would go at least 11-5.

63. New York Jets (from Chicago) - Craig Davis (WR-LSU) - See pick 37. Teams assume an erratic QB becomes more dependable with more targets. If only they were as smart as I. Let's say they draft Troy Smith here and he goes ape on every team that passed him up. The Bears would be a lock to return to the Super Bowl and be stomped by the coachless Chargers.

64. Tampa Bay (from Indianapolis) - Victor Abiamiri (DE-Notre Dame) - A leader at every level, Abiamiri will be a cornerstone for the next generation of Bucs defense, or a very large financial consultant. It could go either way.

Onward and upward! - Round 3 -

Or check out the - Team By Team Breakdown -

Ultimate Mock Draft - Round 3

65. Oakland – Brandon Mebane (DT-Cal) – The Silver and Black need to add some talent to the middle of their defensive line and Mebane is a great value at this spot. He’ll make it easy for Raider fans to see Sapp on the sideline.

66. Detroit – Brandon Siler (ILB-Florida) – Detroit could use a youthful presence in the middle of their defense and Siler is just their man. He’s a big boy who knows how to lay the wood on running backs.

67. Cleveland – Ray McDonald (DE-Florida) – McDonald follows his former Florida teammate off the board because his size makes him a good dual threat for Romeo Crennel. McDonald will see time at both DE and DT for the Browns.

68. Tampa Bay – Antonio Pittman (RB-Ohio St) – Antonio becomes the second Pittman to play for tailback for John Gruden. He’s a versatile back who will provide much needed insurance for oft-injured Cadillac Williams.

69. Arizona – Ben Patrick (TE-Delaware) – The Cardinals gave Leonard Pope a shot at tight end last year, but Patrick would be an upgrade. He’s a sure handed receiving threat who could make Boldin and Fitzgerald even more dangerous on the outside.

70. Denver (from Washington) - Doug Free (OT-Northern Illinois) - This road-grader paved the way for Garrett Wolfe's tremendous collegiate career. He's athletic enough to fit in Shanahan's system and will help keeping Denver's ground game among the league's elite.

71. Miami - Brian Leonard (RB-Rutgers) - The Dolphins will be exuberant that Leonard is available at this selection. His versatility in the backfield will help spell Ronnie Brown and provide a receiving threat for first round pick Brady Quinn.

72. Minnesota - Marshall Yanda (OG-Iowa) - Minnesota has a tremendous offensive line, but they lack depth. Yanda provides much needed insurance in case one of their lineman suffers an injury.

73. Houston - Kenny Irons (RB-Auburn) - Irons steps in here to be Houston's back of the future. He'll be a good compliment to Ahman Green and should push him for the starting job as early as October.

74. Buffalo - Stewart Bradley (OLB-Nebraska) - Buffalo lost a couple of starting linebackers this off-season and Bradley has the skill to play outside and the size to transition inside. Bradley should be one of the surprise standout rookies this season.

75. Atlanta - Sabby Piscitelli (S-Oregon State) - The Falcons make up for missing out on LaRon Landry in round 1 by selecting Piscitelli here. Piscitelli is an intimidating presence in the secondary and his speed will help him earn an early starting nod.

76. San Francisco - Josh Wilson (CB-Maryland) - Wilson is a blur on the field. He'll be a great fit as a nickel corner for the Niners. He has the talent and could be a solid starter in the future with a little tutoring from Coach Nolan and new addition Nate Clements.

77. Pittsburgh - Jon Abbate (ILB-Wake Forest) - Abbate is the type of player who will quickly become a fan favorite in Steeltown. He's hard-nosed and should take over for some of Pittsburgh's aging vets at the linebacker position rather soon.

78. Green Bay - James Marten (OT-Boston College) - Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher are starting to show their age. Marten will allow the Packers to start grooming a replacement. He's a tough kid who should have no problem taking the torch.

79. Jacksonville - Aundrae Allison (WR-East Carolina) - Allison is the type of athletic receiver Jacksonville is lacking right now. He could turn out to be the next Anquan Boldin and should find plenty of room playing alongside the Jags other larger targets.

80. Tennessee - Lorenzo Booker (RB-Florida State) - Booker will give Vince Young a receiving threat out of the backfield. He also could become the lightning to the thunder of LenDale White. Norm Chow will find ways to get him involved.

81. New York Giants - Manuel Ramirez (OG-Texas Tech) - Ramirez is a behemoth who should step in and help keep Eli Manning upright. The Giants line has been terrible recently and Ramirez could start as early as Week 1.

82. St. Louis - Aaron Rouse (S-Virginia Tech) - Rouse is another big safety who will press for starting time this season if only in a partial status. Rouse is a former linebacker who should help improve the Rams run defense at the second level.

83. Carolina - Ryan McBean (DT-Oklahoma St) - McBean is a little undersized for a DT, but playing on Carolina's line he should be able to reak havoc. Peppers and Co. will occupy opponents' blockers enough to give this kid a chance to make an impact in their DT rotation.

84. Kansas City - Ryan Harris (OT-Notre Dame) - Harris is a physical blocker who will be a good addition to an aging Kansas City line. He'll learn plenty as a rookie and should be ready to step into the starting rotation within a year or two.

85. Seattle - Josh Gattis (S-Wake Forest) - Seattle recently lost Ken Hamlin and they've had trouble finding stability in the secondary over recent seasons. Gattis is a talented kid who would have a great shot of beating out the veterans and earning a starting spot this season.

86. Denver - Turk McBride (DT-Tennessee) - Denver finally looks outside of Cleveland for defensive lineman. McBride comes from Tennessee which has provided alot of solid DTs to the NFL in recent seasons. McBride will keep the tradition going.

87. Dallas - Mason Crosby (K-Colorado) - Dallas is the most likely team to take a look at Crosby this early in the draft. After trying about 472 kickers over the past five years, the 'Boys will look to Crosby to be their long term answer to their most perplexing demon.

88. New Orleans - Troy Smith (QB-Ohio St) - Sean Peyton apparently doesn't mind short QBs (see: Brees, Drew) and Smith could be a great fit for the Saints. He'll have a few years to lay low behind Brees and could team with Colston and Bush to keep the Saints marching into the future.

89. New York Jets - Scott Chandler (TE-Iowa) - The Jets don't have much at the tight end position and Pennington would love to have this big 6'7" target as his safety valve. Chandler is also no slouch as a blocker and will see plenty of action as a rookie.

90. Philadelphia - Buster Davis (ILB-FSU) - Remember when the Eagles selected Broderick Bunkley last season? They learned nothing. This season they'll address the linebacker need by selecting the one guy they shouldn't: Buster Davis.

91. New England - A. J. Davis (CB-N.C. State) - Asante Samuel may not be back next season and Davis is just the type of player Belichek loves. He flashed his skills in college and the Patiots will help him reach his full potential.

92. Buffalo (from Baltimore) - Eric Wright (UNLV) - This talented kid falls into the Bills lap because of some character issues. He's super talented and if he keeps himself out of trouble he can become the perfect replacement for Nate Clements.

93. San Diego - H. B. Blades (ILB-Pittsburgh) - The current Charger inside linebackers are on the verge of collecting social security. Blades will become the heir apparent to a tradition of steady, talented Charger linebackers.

94. Chicago - Earl Everett (OLB-Florida) - Everett is the kind of player who could flourish with the Bears. With so much attention being paid to Urlacher, Everett could develop into one of the league's best complimentary linebackers with the potential for more if Briggs doesn't leave.

95. Indianapolis - Chris Henry (RB-Arizona) - After letting Dominic Rhodes move on after this season, Henry could become a great compliment to Joseph Addai. Henry flashed his wheels at the combine in Indy and would love to speed around the RCA Dome a little more often.

96. San Diego (compensatory) - Tarell Brown (CB-Texas) - San Diego always seems to have some question marks at corner. Brown is a very good player who could help ease remove this position from the Chargers list of needs year after year.

97. San Francisco (compensatory) - Tim Shaw (OLB-PSU) - Shaw's versatility will be appealing to Mike Nolan here. Shaw spent time at DE,OLB, and ILB while with the Nittany Lions and should find time to help out the Niners in multiple ways this season.

98. Indianapolis (compensatory) - Quinn Pitcock (DT-Ohio St) - Indy's run defense could use a motor guy like Pitcock in the middle. Pitcock anchored the defensive line the past two years and was one of the reasons why Hawk, Carpenter, and Laurinitis thrived for the Buckeyes.

99. Oakland (compensatory) - David Clowney (WR-Virginia Tech) - Moss and Porter aren't getting any younger in Oakland and Clowney is a superb athlete who should become a reliable target in a few short years with the potential to become JaMarcus Russell's number 1 option.

Keeping going and check out - Round 4 -

Or check out the - Team By Team Breakdown -

Ultimate Mock Draft - Round 4

Welcome to day two! The fourth round could see a ton of movement given the number of teams with multiple picks. San Francisco currently hold four this round and New Orleans is slotted to take three players between picks 123 and 126. Should everyone stand pat, there look to be some very interesting situations unfolding. Detroit puts their future in the hands of another Houston QB, something that has never worked out very well in the NFL. A large number of picks fall into one of two categories, a small school standout or a player overshadowed by a big name for most of their career. Akron, UTEP, Lane, Kent State, Hampton, and Fresno State (twice) all have their name called this round, each team hoping a former star will boost their profile with recruits. On the other hand are the schools we all know well, but names we don't. Doug Datish replaced Nick Mangold, a first round pick of the Jets one year ago, Rhema McKnight had to share the spotlight with a player who may not even be drafted this year in Jeff Samardzija, and Tim Duckworth saw Ben Grubbs, the guard he played opposite at Auburn, taken off the board early in the second round. No matter where they hail from, all these players have a legitimate shot to not only make their respective teams, but to make an impact early and often in their careers.

100. Oakland - Ikaika Alama Francis (DE-Hawaii)
101. Detroit - Kevin Kolb (QB-Houston)
102. Tampa Bay - C.J. Gaddis (CB-Clemson)
103. Cleveland - Andy Alleman (G-Akron)
104. San Francisco (from Washington) - Courtney Taylor (WR-Auburn)
105. Arizona - Paul Soliai (DT-Utah)
106. Minnesota - Marcus Thomas (DT-Florida)
107. Houston - Johnnie Lee Higgins Jr. (WR-UTEP)
108. Miami - Daniel Bazuin (DE-Central Michigan)
109. Atlanta - Jacoby Jones (WR-Lane)
110. San Francisco - Jay Moore (DE-Nebraska)
111. Buffalo - John Beck (QB-BYU)
112. Green Bay - Usama Young (CB-Kent State)
113. Jacksonville - Brandon Frye (T-Virginia Tech)
114. Cincinnati - Matt Spaeth (TE-Minnesota)
115. Tennessee - Baraka Atkins (DE-Miami)
116. New York Giants - Chansi Stuckey (WR-Clemson)
117. St. Louis - Justin Durant (OLB-Hampton)
118. Carolina - Nate Harris (ILB-Louisville)
119. Pittsburgh - Brian Robison (DE-Texas)
120. Seattle - Darius Walker (RB-Notre Dame)
121. Atlanta (from Denver) - David Irons (CB-Auburn)
122. Dallas - Doug Datish (C-Ohio State)
123. New Orleans (from Kansas City) - Kenny Scott (CB-Georgia Tech)
124. San Francisco (from NY Jets) - Yamon Figurs (RS-Kansas State)
125. New Orleans (from Philadelphia) - Rhema McKnight (WR-Notre Dame)
126. New Orleans - Clark Harris (TE-Rutgers)
127. New England - Dwayne Wright (RB-Fresno State)
128. Tennessee (from Baltimore) - Enoka Lucas (C-Oregon)
129. San Diego - Fred Bennett (CB-South Carolina)
130. Chicago - Paul Williams (WR-Fresno State)
131. Indianapolis - Michael Johnson (S-Arizona)
132. Pittsburgh (compensatory) - Juwan Simpson (OLB-Alabama)
133. Atlanta (compensatory) - Kareem Brown (DT-Miami)
134. Baltimore (compensatory) - DeAndre Jackson (CB-Iowa State)
135. San Francisco (compensatory) - Mansfield Wrotto (OG-Georgia Tech)
136. Indianapolis (compensatory) - Corey Hilliard (OT-Oklahoma State)
137. Baltimore (compensatory) - Tim Duckworth (OG-Auburn)

Day Two continues... - Round 5 -

Or check out the - Team By Team Breakdown -

Ultimate Mock Draft - Round 5

The second stanza of the second day doesn't suffer from a lack of notable picks...

Despite falling to Day 2, C.J. Ah You of Oklahoma could become a contributer with Tampa Bay. Although he sounds more like a sound-bite from Happy Days, Ah You is exactly the kind of versatile defender that the Bucs have been needing in their post Super Bowl decline.

A player with incredible upside in this round is Jordan Palmer of UTEP. Palmer is often seen more as Carson's younger brother than a potential NFL capable athlete, but he has great size and a good arm - perhaps Brad Childress and the Vikings can help him figure out the rest.

Another recognizable name that will likely still be available in Round 5 is Selvin Young of Texas. Though he was overshadowed by the likes of Cedric Benson and Vince Young throughout most of his college career, Young might have a chance in the league as a third down back or situational substitute for another unheralded college back, Willie Parker of the Steelers.

Saving the best for last, national championship cover boy Chris Leak of Florida has seen a recent spike in his popularity that was nowhere to be found before and during his senior season. A big game in the national spotlight and suddenly Leak might not be the second day long shot everyone had him pegged as. STH isn't buying it. Leak might someday be a capable backup, but that is probably his ceiling. Where better to learn than with the world champion Colts.

Here's a look at how all of Round 5 panned out in the STH Draft Dungeon:

138. Oakland - Adam Koets (OT - Oregon State)
139. Detroit - Travarous Bain (CB-Hampton)
140. Cleveland - Prescott Burgess (OLB-Michigan)
141. Tampa Bay - C.J. Ah You (DE-Oklahoma)
142. Arizona - John Wendling (S-Wyoming)
143. Washington - Noland Burchette (DE-Virginia Tech)
144. Houston - Herbert Taylor (T-TCU)
145. Detroit (from Miami) - Martrez Milner (TE-Georgia)
146. Minnesota - Jordan Palmer (QB-UTEP)
147. San Francisco - Keith Jackson (DT-Arkansas)
148. St. Louis (from Buffalo) - Jay Alford (DT-Penn State)
149. Atlanta - Michael Okwo (OLB-Stanford)
150. Jacksonville - Eric Frampton (S-Washington State)
151. Cincinnati - Derek Landri (DT-Notre Dame)
152. Tennessee - Kevin Payne (S-Louisiana-Monroe)
153. New York Giants - Quincy Black (OLB-New Mexico)
154. Detroit (from St. Louis) - Mike Otto (T-Purdue)
155. Carolina - Dashon Goldson (S-Washington)
156. Pittsburgh - Selvin Young (RB-Texas)
157. Green Bay - Michael Allan (TE-Whitworth)
158. Detroit (from Denver) - Mike Walker (WR-Central Florida)
159. Dallas - Anthony Arline (DB-Baylor)
160. Kansas City - Chase Pittman (DE-LSU)
161. Seattle - Joe Newton (TE-Oregon State)
162. Philadelphia - Gerald Alexander (S-Boise State)
163. New Orleans - Allen Barbre (T-Missouri Southern)
164. New York Jets - Uche Nwneri (G-Purdue)
165. Oakland (from New england) - Marvin White (S-TCU)
166. Baltimore - Courtney Brown (CB-Cal-Poly)
167. San Diego - Cameron Stephenson (G-Rutgers)
168. Chicago - Kenneth Darby (RB-Alabama)
169. Indianapolis - Anthonly Waters (ILB-Clemson)
170. Pittsburgh (compensatory) - C.J. Wilson (CB-Baylor)
171. New England (compensatory) - Zach DeOssie (OLB-Brown)
172. San Diego (compensatory) - Antonio Johnson (DT-Miss. State)
173. Indianaplis (compensatory) - Chris Leak (QB-Indianapolis)
174. Baltimore (compensatory) - Rory Johnson (OLB-Mississippi)

Keep going with... - Round 6 -

Or check out the - Team By Team Breakdown -

Ultimate Mock Draft - Round 6

As we venture down toward the bottom of the board, the recognizable names pop up less frequently and the team needs are sometimes sacrificed for the all important "developmental player" [read: we're not responsible if he never makes the team]

With perhaps the most interesting pick of the second day, STH projects Ramonce Taylor of Texas College going to running back paradise in Denver. For those of you who don't remember, Taylor ran for 12 touchdowns as a sophomore in 2005 with another school in Texas (the one where Vince Young played). Subsequent to the title victory, Taylor got busted, kicked off the team, and shipped out of town. He played in the lower leagues at Texas College last year, but who's to say what Mike Shanahan could do with a player of his talent.

Another Round 6 notable is Isaiah Stanback of Washington going to Pittsburgh. Stanback didn't necessarily dominate the Pac-10 in college, but it seems the Steelers have taken a quarterback with multi-dimensional skills in each of the last 10 drafts. Did this trend leave town with Cowher, or will the legend of "Slash" live on?

A final player to watch in Round 6 (and Pischl's favorite player of the draft) is Jared Zabransky of Boise State. Following his performance in the stirring Fiesta Bowl, Zabransky will try to make the transition from big fish in the small pond to bottom feeder in the ocean. Pischl thinks he's got a chance...and Baltimore needs a quarterback of the future. Could it be?

Here's how Round 6 broke down, pick by outrageous pick:

175. Oakland - Jonny Harline (TE-BYU)
176. Denver (from Detroit) - Ramonce Taylor (RB-Texas College)
177. New York Jets (from Tampa Bay) - Quintin Echols (DT-Kansas State)
178. Cleveland - Xzavie Jackson (DE-Missouri)
179. Washington - Ryan Smith (CB-Florida)
180. New England (from Arizona) - Jacob Bender (T-Nicholls State)
181. Miami - Julius Wilson (T-UAB)
182. Minnesota - Leroy Harris (C-NC State)
183. Houston - Dustin Fry (C-Clemson)
184. Buffalo - Corey Graham (CB-New Hampshire)
185. Atlanta - Dan Mozes (C-West Virginia)
186. San Francisco - Tyler Palko (QB-Pittsburgh)
187. Cincinnati - Jeff Rowe (QB-Nevada)
188. Tennessee - Chase Johnson (T-Wyoming)
189. New York Giants - Tony Taylor (OLB-Georgia)
190. St. Louis - Nate Ilaoa (RB-Hawaii)
191. Carolina - Chris Denman (T-Fresno State)
192. Pittsburgh - Isaiah Stanback (QB-Washington)
193. Green Bay - J.D. Nelson (S-Florida)
194. Jacksonville - Jay Richardson (DE-Ohio State)
195. Kansas City (from Dallas) - Joe Cohen (DE-Florida)
196. Kansas City - Joel Filani (WR-Texas Tech)
197. Seattle - Kyle Young (C-Fresno State)
198. Denver - Steve Breaston (WR-Michigan)
199. New Orleans - Zach Diles (ILB-Kansas State)
200. Dallas (from New York) - Mario Henderson (T-Florida State)
201. Philadelphia - Stephon Heyer (T-Maryland)
202. New England - Zac Taylor (QB-Nebraska)
203. Baltimore - Jared Zabransky (QB-Boise State)
204. Tennessee (from San Diego) - Dan Santucci (G-Notre Dame)
205. Washington (from Chicago) - Laurent Robinson (WR-Illinois State)
206. Tennessee (from Indianapolis) - Ahmad Bradshaw (RB-Marshall)
207. Baltimore (compensatory) - Matt Toeaina (DT-Oregon)
208. New England (compensatory) - Reggie Lewis (CB-Florida)
209. New England (compensatory) - Justin Warren (ILB-Texas A&M)
210. Seattle (compensatory) - Mike Jones (G-Iowa)

And then there was one... - Round 7 -

Or check out the - Team By Team Breakdown -

Ultimate Mock Draft - Round 7

The 7th Round of the draft is filled with lots of shenanigans.

Three members of the National Champion Florida Gatos find homes at picks 215, 219, and 248. The Dallas Cowboys take a flyer on a quarterback with pick 234 (Toby Korrodi - Central Missouri) and hope that he'll at least be a better holder on field goals than Tony Romo. Tampa Bay pulls off the biggest draft day shock by taking Jeff Samardzija at pick 245 and Gruden secretly hopes that the opportunity to play with Jeff "Latino Heat" Garcia is enough to lure Jeff from baseball (which has been very, very good to him). Finally, this year's Mr. Irrelevant proves to finally be Mr. Irrelevant as Mel Kiper Jr Jr (yes, we know we doubled up on Jr) gets drafted by Detroit to play the position he knows best: ass.

Folks, the following is all guesswork at best...but we expect to be right on at least 63.97146% of the 7th rounders.

211. Oakland - Dane Uperesa (T - Hawaii)
212. Dallas (from Detroit through NY Jets) - Nedu Ndukwe (S - Notre Dame)
213. Cleveland - Kevin Boss (TE -Western Oregon)
214. Tampa Bay - Nathan Bennett (G - Clemson)
215. Arizona - DeShawn Wynn (RB -Florida)
216. Washington - Dan Parrish (T - Florida A&M)
217. Minnesota - Stephen Nicholas (OLB - South Florida)
218. Houston - KaMichael Hall (OLB - Georgia Tech)
219. Miami - Dallas Baker (WR - Florida)
220. New Orleans (from Atlanta) - Daren Stone (S-Maine)
221. Chicago (from SF through Cleveland) - Antwan Barnes (OLB - Florida Intl)
222. Buffalo - Chris Davis (WR - FSU)
223. Tennessee - Syvelle Newton (WR - South Carolina)
224. New York Giants - Anthony Pudewell (TE - Nevada)
225. St. Louis - Kelvin Smith (ILB - Syracuse)
226. Carolina - Dallas Startz (OLB - USC)
227. Pittsburgh - Matt Trannon (WR - Michigan St)
228. Green Bay - David Patterson (DT - Ohio St)
229. Jacksonville - Zach Latimer (ILB - Oklahoma)
230. Cincinnati - Kasey Studdard (G - Texas)
231. Kansas City - Tyron Brackenridge (CB - Washington St)
232. Seattle - Sam Olajubutu (OLB - Arkansas)
233. Denver - Rueben Riley (G - Michigan)
234. Dallas - Toby Korrodi (QB - Central Missouri)
235. Green Bay (from NY Jets) - James Jones (WR - San Jose St)
236. Philadelphia - Mkristo Bruce (DE - Washington St)
237. Dallas (from New Orleans) - Marvin Mitchell (ILB - Tennessee)
238. Miami (from New England) - Gary Russell (RB - Minnesota)
239. Buffalo (from Baltimore) - Palauni Ma Sun (G - Oregon)
240. San Diego - Jon Cornish (RB - Kansas)
241. Chicago - Rondell Biggs (DE - Michigan)
242. Indianapolis - D'Juan Woods (WR - Oklahoma St)
243. Green Bay (compensatory) - David Holloway (OLB - Maryland)
244. Atlanta (compensatory) - Kurt Quarterman (G - Louisville)
245. Tampa Bay (compensatory) - Jeff Samardzija (WR - Notre Dame)
246. Tampa Bay (compensatory) - Gabe Hall (T - Texas Tech)
247. New England (compensatory) - Brandon Myles (WR - West Virginia)
248. St. Louis (compensatory) - Jemalle Cornelius (WR - Florida)
249. St. Louis (compensatory) - Thomas Clayton (RB - Kansas St)
250. New York Giants (compensatory) - Mel Musialek (WR - PSU)
251. Jacksonville (compensatory) - Mark Fenton (C - Colorado)
252. Jacksonville (compensatory) - Tyler Ecker (TE - Michigan)
253. Cincinnati (compensatory) - Brandon Harrison (S - Stanford)
254. Oakland (compensatory) - Will Herring (OLB - Auburn)
255. Detroit (compensatory) - Mel Kiper Jr Jr (ASS - Bristol)

And that's all we wrote.

If you need a refresher, go back to - Round 1 -

Or check out the - Team By Team Breakdown -