NFL Mock Draft II - Pre-Combine

This is my pre-combine mock draft. I'll go through the first round with explanations. After the combine, we'll be able to see how much certain players stock rises and drops.

Round 1
1. Oakland Raiders - JaMarcus Russel, QB, LSU
It seems consensus that the Raiders will take Russel with the number one overall in the upcoming draft. They have so many needs and could go so many different ways. Who knows if Joey Porter and/or Randy Moss will return? And it isn't a question of if the offensive line will be pourous, but how pourous will it be? Will LaMont Jordan step up at HB? Expect the Raiders to have the first pick next year too.
2. Detroit Lions - Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin
The Detroit Lions aren't all that far from contending in the NFC North. Expect them to add WR Kevin Curtis and some depth on defense through free agency. Besides that, their main needs are QB and OT. At QB, they have Kitna as a placeholder while they try to develop McCown or Orlovsky. They could also take a QB later in day 1 with high upside such as Houston's Kevin Kolb, Michigan State's Drew Stanton or Ohio State's Troy Smith.
3/4. Cleveland Browns - Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma
Adrian Peterson has vast potential. He also has vast potential to be a bust. If he can prove that injuries are a thing of the past, he could be a great running back. The Browns have alot of needs. Chiefly among them being a better defense in general. Look for them to draft defense throughout most of this draft.
3/4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson
It seems widely agreed on that the Bucs will take Georgia Tech standout Calvin Johnson with this pick. Although Gruden will have a hard time passing it up, he needs more help on defense. He has a young receiving core he needs to develop. Michael Clayton, Maurice Stovall, Paris Warren, Mark Jones and Chas Gessner are all under 26. Adams will help provide youth on an aging defense and can learn from one of the best, Simeon Rice.
5. Arizona Cardinals - Alan Branch, DT, Michigan
Once again, the Cardinals are in a primo spot to trade down. [Watch for New England offering their two first rounders and grabbing Calvin Johnson here.] If they stay, their prime concern is defense and the offensive line. I don't think Levi Brown will go this high, so they'll go to the defensive line with Branch, DT Amobi Okoye or DE Jamaal Anderson.
6. Washington Redskins - Jamaal Anderson, DE, Arkansas
The atrocious pass rush that the Redskins had last year couldn't possibly be worst. With the addition of Anderson, it will surely get better. Look for the 'Skins to add depth across the board in free agency but they probably won't make any big name signings, which has been their m.o. they last few years.
7. Minnesota Vikings - Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech
As I said in my first draft, I will be absolutely shocked if the best player in college football falls to #7. As I also said, I can't see anywhere else he fits. Unless a trade happens, the Raiders, Redskins and Vikings are the only team at this point to need him. The Raiders need a QB more. The Redskins need a pass rush more. And the Vikings need a WR desperately. They'll think about Brady Quinn here, but if they take a QB, it likely won't be until day 2.
8. Houston Texans - Leon Hall, CB, Michigan
The Texans have many needs. The offensive line has been just that, offensive, and the defense hasn't really stopped anybody. With Mario on the line and DeMeco Ryans in the middle, it's time to get a playmaker on the outside in Hall. The Texans will take O-line help later and try to add a veteran QB like Jake Plummer or Jeff Garcia through free agency. They also will likely take a QB late in day 1 or early in day 2.
9. Miami Dolphins - Amobi Okoye, DT, Louisville
The Dolphins don't take Quinn here because they want to see how Culpepper does when he is healthy before investing millions in someone else. They also are in need of offensive line help but need an infusion of youth on defense. The 19-year old Okoye will provide that youth and a burst on the defensive line. He will take blockers off Jason Taylor and emerging young linebacker Channing Crowder.
10. Atlanta Falcons - Ted Ginn Jr., WR/KR/PR/CB, Ohio St.
New Falcons coach Bobby Petrino will find it difficult to pass up such a versatile weapon as Ted Ginn Jr. With Ginn, Vick, Dunn and Norwood on the same offense, teams would have problems matching their speed. Petrino would take full advantage of this by devising a new package for all his playmakers. Look for the Falcons to completely overhaul their O-line, ditching the zone blocking and going to a more traditional scheme. They also need better depth on defense and help at safety.
11. San Francisco 49ers - Reggie Nelson, S, Florida
Expect the 49ers to add some top tier defensive talent through free agency. They have over $30 million to spend on big name free agents such as CB Nate Clements and possibly DE Dwight Freeney or Charles Grant. Nelson would provide the up-and-coming defense with a ball hawking, playmaking safety.
12. Buffalo Bills - Aaron Ross, CB, Texas
With the departure of top cornerback Nate Clements through free agency, corner is an immediate position of need. Ross should be able to step in right away and provide a solid opposite to McGee. The safety spots are already taken care of by sophmores Ko Simpson and Donte Whitner. This defense is young and improving and should only get better next year with the progression of the young backfield and DT's.
13. St. Louis Rams - LaRon Landry, S, LSU
The ends of the line are taken care of between Leonard Little and Victor Adeyanju. A defensive tackle would be nice, but with both Okoye and Branch off the board, value doesn't meet need here. No outside linebacker would be worth the pick either, so it falls between safety and corner. Landry is a good fit and a solid player that can start immediately.
14. Carolina Panthers - Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame
Quinn is a player who could either help himself or hurt himself at the combine. If he doesn't even bother to work out and others do, his stock will take a huge hit. Panthers current QB Jake Delhomme didn't look all that sharp last year and he isn't getting any younger. The Panthers also have a need at receiver, safety, linebacker and offensive line but look for them to address those holes through free agency and later in the draft.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers - Chris Houston, CB, Arkansas
Looking at the Steelers depth chart doesn't show any weak spots that stand out. Depth on defense will be a focus this offseason and a talented young corner like Houston would make sense. A versatile linebacker will also be considered here, but once again, nobody matches value for this pick. Look for Tomlin to draft alot of players on the defensive side throughout the draft.
16. Green Bay Packers - Marshawn Lynch, RB, Cal
Even if the Pack re-sign RB Ahman Green, they should start looking into the future. Green hasn't been the healthiest of backs and the dual-back backfield has become "it" in the NFL. It is my belief that Lynch is the most complete back in this draft and could possibly rise above AP with a stellar combine and individual workouts.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars - Dwayne Bowe, WR, LSU
Does Jacksonville really need a WR? Quite simply, yea. None of their picks have panned out thus far and that has hindered the development of Byron Leftwich. If Leftwich doesn't get it done this year, he could find himself traded or cut next offseason. The only position on defense where they don't have a starter next year us FS. If either Nelson or Landry fall this far, they become an option. One of their other needs, defensive end, is a deep enough position that they can look at one in the second round.
18. Cincinnati Bengals - Tank Tyler, DT, NC State
Who would be a better player for Cincy than a tackle named Tank. Tyler is a big body that can create space for the linebackers and ends. Other defensive help is needed, as is a corrections officer. Outside linebacker is a strong need, with the unsure condition of David Pollack.
19. Tennessee Titans - Sidney Rice, WR, South Carolina
Rice is the playmaking receiver that could allow Vince Young to blossom. The Titans have a young group of receivers but could lose go-to wideout Drew Bennett to free agency. The Titans will try to add depth on the offensive line and at linebacker throughout the draft. They will address the lack of depth at cornerback by aquiring a vet through free agency.
20. N.Y. Giants - Lawrence Timmons, OLB, FSU
By releasing veteran linebackers LaVar Arrington and Carlos Emmons, outside linebacker trumps cornerback as number 1 need. This works out nicely for the Giants, as this years corner class is especially deep and the outside linebackers are not. Look for them to shoot for Eric Wright out of UNLV or Marcus McCauley out of Fresno St. in the second round. Defensive tackle and safety are also concerns on defense.
21. Denver Broncos - Adam Carriker, DE, Nebraska
The Broncos could greatly benefit from picking Carriker. He is big and fast like Packers pro-bowler Aaron Kampman. With him on the line, that fast and attaking group of linebackers will be free to fly the field more. Safety is a concern high on their board, but likely won't draft one until later. Look for them to take a receiver in round 2, and a running back and corner at some point on day 2.
22. Dallas Cowboys - Anthony Gonzalez, WR, Ohio St.
The 'Boys top two wide receivers are over 30 years of age and there is no guarentee of how long T.O. will last. Gonzalez could greatly improve his stock in the combine. I've heard rumors of him running the 40 in 4.3, and for a guy who is largely considered a possession receiver, that is a good time. Cornerback is also a concern. Anthony Henry hasn't been what they expected when he was signed. He would fit alot better at free safety.
23. Kansas City - Robert Meachum, WR, Tennessee
Continuing Kansas City's never ending quest for a playmaking wide receiver, Meachum works here. He has good size and speed and showed reliable hands in college. They still need help at linebacker, Derrick Johnson hasn't lived up to the hype thus far. Corner help and depth for an aging offensive will also be addressed in the draft.
24. New England Patriots [via Seattle]- Paul Posluszny, OLB, Penn State
Posluszny seems to make so much sense in New England. He is a smart, instinctive playmaker who isn't loud and obnoxious. Safety and cornerback will also be looked at, but they take Posluszny here because the Jets, Eagles and Saints all have needs at linebacker.
25. N.Y. Jets - Michael Bush, RB, Louisville
Depending on the combine and his pro day workouts, Bush could go anywhere from the first to third rounds. He is still a raw talent at running back [he was a high school QB but switched to HB when Brohm came to campus], but has tremendous upside. He's a bruiser of a back that would be complemented nicley by the shifty incumbent Leon Washington. The Jets also need defensive help, most notably at end and linebacker.
26. Philadelphia Eagles - Darrele Revis, CB, Pittsburgh
Philly seems to have a healthy obsession with cornerbacks, and Revis will be the latest victim. Though I wouldn't call him a victim, more of a beneficiary because Eagle cornerbacks are usually pretty good. Help at defensive end and both linebacker spots will be looked at here. Also wide receiver could be a concern depending on what happens with free agent Donte Stallworth.
27. New Orleans Saints - Daymeion Hughes, CB, Cal
Hughes is the best cover corner in this draft class, as his performance at the Senior Bowl showed. What the Senior Bowl also showed is that he lacks top end speed. Depending on how he runs at the combine, he could work himself above Hall as the first corner taken. Late first round will be about as far as he will drop. The Saints will try to aquire top tier defensive talent via free agency. Look for them to make a run at Emmons, Arrington and Clements among others.
28. New England Patriots - Charles Johnson, DE, Georgia
The Patriots need help at corner and safety, but Johnson is a bargain at this point. He could end up playing either outside linebacker or pass-rush end. Johnson is quick and has a top tier motor in him to get into the backfield quickly.
29. Baltimore Ravens - Ben Grubbs, OG, Auburn
With Bush off the board, no running back is worth this pick. The Ravens line has struggled the last year and a half and could benefit from some youth. Grubbs should be able to start right away. Running back is a high concern, even if they resign Jamal Lewis. If they do, look for them to draft a 3rd down back, like FSU's Lorenzo Booker, late in day 1 or early day 2. If they don't re-sign Lewis, Brandon Jackson, Kenny Irons and Antonio Pittman are all options in round 2.
30. San Diego Chargers - Eric Weedle, S, Utah
As of now, the Chargers should be content with the Jackson-McCardell combination they have on the perimeter. Taking a wide receiver over a safety, a bigger need, doesn't make sense. They will probably take a wideout later in day 1. However, if one of the top tier receivers is left, look for them to go for that and take Meriweather or Griffin in round 2.
31. Chicago Bears - Greg Olson, TE, Miami
I'm sorry Bears fans, but it looks as if Rex Grossman will start next year at quarterback, not bench warmer. So, you might as well make the best of it. Olson is the latest in the line of physically gifted Miami tight ends. Linebacker, safety and offensive line are options here. Levi Brown would be a fantastic backup at tackle or guard, then could eventually take over for the aging John Tait at left tackle.
32. Indianapolis Colts - Patrick Willis, ILB, Mississippi
Dungy should quickly fall in love with Willis. Why? Well, he reminds me of Derrick Brooks, Dungys future HOFer in Tampa. Besides the difference of position, Willis is a heady player who can cover ground quickly and has no problem working in traffic. Cornerback and defensive tackle will also be looked at, but the champs don't have many holes to fill.