NFL Mock Draft: Version 3.0

So here it is, the ever coveted post-combine mock draft. For those of you keeping tally, this is number 3 for me, and I will attempt to limit myself to 4. What makes this mock draft so special you ask? Well, for one, it will include two rounds of projections. Yes, two! Secondly, I wrote it, so that is why it is so special. Any other questions? Okay, let us start with the Raiders...

Round 1
1. Oakland Raiders - JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU
No surprise here. Russell is the most dynamic quarterback talent in the draft and he is at a position of need for the Raiders [but really, what position isn't?]. With his combination of athleticism and size, he's built to take a beating, which is what he will be doing behind a porous offensive line.
2. Detroit Lions - Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame
This isn't a reflection of Quinn's rising stock as much as it is a reflection of the Lions needs and actions in free agency. Quinn would be a good fit in Detroit, and I think Mike Martz would be the perfect coach for him. Martz has always worked with true pocket passers like Quinn, but he hasn't had one as hyped as Quinn. With KJ and Tatum Bell in the backfield, Roy Williams on the outside and Quinn under center, the Lions might become a team to watch. But about that defense...
3. Cleveland Browns - Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin
The Browns are in a tough position with this pick. They could take an impact halfback in Adrian Peterson, a defensive standout like Gaines Adams or an O-line stronghold in Thomas. With the depth at running back and defensive end in this draft, I expect them to go with Thomas. Thomas is ready to step in immediately and anchor a line that is on a downslide.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech
Although the Bucs have alot more glaring needs than a wide reciever, Johnson is the best player in the draft, hands down. Gruden has stock-piled mediocre quarterbacks, so he might as well surround them with top tier talent. Johnson, Michael Clayton, Joey Galloway and Alex Smith make for a dynamic group of pass catchers and Cadillac can get going out of the backfield when he is healthy.
5. Arizona Cardinals - Levi Brown, OT, Penn State
The Cardinals are in a position much like that of the Browns and Lions. They have multiple needs, so they could trade down to stockpile picks or they could stay put and take a top tier offensive lineman or defensive playmaker. On the defensive side, Gaines Adams, Amobi Okoye, and Alan Branch would make sense. Brown makes the most sense, however, because they lost LT Leonard Davis through free agency and Brown should be able to fill the void at tackle immediately.
6. Washington Redskins - Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson
The Redskins are in the market for alot of defensive help, and they acquired CB Fred Smoot and MLB London Fletcher-Baker through free agency. What's next? Adding a pass rusher for a team that didn't have any pass rush makes the most sense. Adams and Jamaal Anderson are the elite talents at end in this draft, and if either drops here, the 'Skins should take them in a hearbeat.
7. Minnesota Vikings - Adrian Peterson, HB, Oklahoma
The Vikings have a wealth of needs on offense, most pertinent of which being wide reciever, but with the depth there, they should be able to get a good one in round 2. Drafting Peterson would give the Vikings a 1-2 punch out of the backfield with him and incumbent Chester Taylor. They could take WR Ted Ginn Jr. or Robert Meachum here, but they would get better value by waiting until the second round. In the second round, the Vikes could find a multitude of wide recievers to fit their needs like Aundrae Allison, Craig Davis, Steve Smith and Jason Hill.
8. Houston Texans - Alan Branch, DT, Michigan
Branch has the size and versatility to play anywhere on the Texans front. He'll probably land at NT, where they wouldn't have to pull him on passing downs. Houstons other top needs are offensive line, quarterback and halfback, but with the top players off the board at those position, they'll likely look to upgrade the defense. Other options include CB Leon Hall or safeties LaRon Landry and Reggie Nelson.
9. Miami Dolphins - Amobi Okoye, DT, Louisville
The Dolphins defense is on the decline, mainly because the general age of it is on the incline. In looking to get youner, especially along the line, the 19-year old Okoye makes sense. He is still a but raw but possesses all the tools to develop into a very good defensive tackle. If OT Levi Brown slides to this spot, he becomes an option, as does DE Jamaal Anderson and CB Leon Hall.
10. Atlanta Falcons - Reggie Nelson, S, Florida
Nelson helped his stock by putting on a great show at Florida's pro day. Safety is a major position of need for the Falcons, and Petrino would love an athletic, ball-hawking, centerfield type safety. Petrino also needs big offensive lineman, as he is scraping the zone blocking scheme and going back to a road-grader, man-to-man scheme. After Nelson, look for them to take offensive lineman the rest of the first day.
11. San Fransico 49ers - LaRon Landry, S, LSU
The 49ers shored up alot of their weaknesses through trades and free agency. Their biggest signing was prized CB Nate Clements, who will be joined on the defensive side by former Patriots linebacker Tully Banta-Cain. The prize additions on offense will be WR's Bryan Gilmore and Ashley Lelie, who was acquired via trade. Landry will likely play at FS, across from Michael Lewis, with will move Keith Lewis into the backup safety role at each spot.
12. Buffalo Bills - Leon Hall, CB, Michigan
Hall has drawn comparisons to recently departed Bills' cornerback Nate Clements. He doesn;t have top speed, but he has a great combination of size and athleticism. He should start right away across from Terrence McGee. With the safety position on lockdown from last years rookies Ko Simpson and Donte Whitner, this could be a solid secondary. The Bills will look at defensive end Jamaal Anderson here as well as RB Marshawn Lynch.
13. St. Louis Rams - Aaron Ross, DB, Texas
Even though the Rams signed Todd Johnson from the Bears, he won't really upgrade the safety position. If Ross can't beat out the incumbent Oshiomogho Atogwe, he can be used as a backup at safety and cornerback. The rams will also look at defensive tackle, buy Tank Tyler would be a stretch at this point, so look for them to take one in the second round.
14. Carolina Panthers - Patrick Willis, ILB, Ole Miss
Willis is far and away the best inside linebacker in this draft. He was a three year starter in the SEC, so he has experience. He's very athletic as well, so he is ready to start in the NFL. The Panthers need him too. They don't have any young inside linebackers on their team and they don't have much depth at the position in general. Safety and tight end will also be looked at here, but unless Reggie Nelson or LaRon Landry fall, they will probably go with Willis
15. Pittsburgh Steelers - Jamaal Anderson, DE, Arkansas
Tomlin eventually wants to switch to a 4-3 defense, and Anderson would be a good cornerstone. During the transition this season, he'll be used as a situational pass rusher. Cornerback and safety will also be looked at here, but Anderson is to good of a prospect to pass up. Look for Tomlin to draft defensive players the rest of day one [unless they find a pounding back that they covet] to ease the transition to the Tampa 2 defense.
16. Green Bay Packers - Marshawn Lynch, RB, Cal
As their roster sits now, Noah Herron and Vernand Morency will battle for the starting halfback job. That isn't the greatest battle to have for one of the more important positions on the team. Lynch would walk into camp as the favorite to win the starting job. He's a solid all-around back that Favre could use to his advantage. The Packers are also going to be looking at wide recievers, defensive tackles and cornerbacks.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars - Adam Carriker, DE, Nebraska
The jags most glaring need is at safety, but unless one of the top two fall, they will likely focus on end. Carriker has the big body that the Jags usually go for on their defense, but he also has great speed for his size. At 6-6 and pushing 300 lbs., Carriker will be a tough matchup for any offensive tackle.
18. Cincinatti Bengals - Lawrence Timmons, OLB, Florida State
Here is a major thing going for Timmons: he isn't a total head case. And the Bengals could use an outside linebacker, so this seems like a good match. Timmons hasn't worked out the greatest, but it is evident from gametape that he is a top tier athlete for his position. Even though he is raw [started one year at FSU], he has good instincts and attacks the ballcarrier.
19. Tennessee Titans - Ted Ginn Jr., WR, Ohio State
The Titans would be ecstatic if Ginn fell to them here. But they would also be happy with Dwayne Bowe, Dwayne Jarret or Robert Meachum. Losing Drew Bennett via free agency puts the Titans in dire need of a reciever. I wouldn't be surpsrised to see them trade into the top 5 to take a shot at Johnson. I can't even imagine watching VY and Johnson on the field at the same time.
20. New York Giants - Jon Beason, OLB, Miami [FL]
By releasing veteran linebackers LaVar Arrington and Carlos Emmons, the Giants made outside linebacker their #1 position of need, even ahead of corner. Beason's stock has been rising ever since he has declared for the draft. I doubt that he will challenge Timmons for the top spot, but it might get close.
21. Denver Broncos - Robert Meachum, WR, Tennessee
Besides Rod Smith, who is quickly showing his age, and Javon Walker, who is always a health question mark, they don't have alot at WR. Brandon Marshall showed flashes of brilliance last year but was inconsistent. Meachum would likely step in as the slot WR and learn under Smith until he is ready to take a step back. Defensive end, cornerback and safety are other needs for an otherwise strong Broncos team.
22. Dallas Cowboys - Darrelle Revis, CB, Pittsburgh
The Cowboys need a FS more than they need a corner, but by drafting a corner, they can move Anthony Henry to free safety where he would likely be more productive at this point in his career. They should also be looking to get younger at wide receiver, both T.O. and Terry Glenn are getting up there in age. Behind those two, there really isn't anybody on the roster ready to step up.
23. Kansas City Chiefs - Dwayne Jarrett, WR, USC
Jarrett could see his stock skyrocket if he runs well at USC's pro day, but if not, this is about as far down as he will go. He's the playmaker on the edge that the Chiefs could use. If they don't use this pick on a wideout, they'll target a corner like Arkansas's Chris Houston. Offensive tackle is also a need, but anybody but Brown and Thomas would be a reach here.
24. New England Patriots [via Seattle] - Paul Posluszny, LB, PSU
Posluszny seems to make so much sense in New England. He is a smart, instinctive playmaker who isn't loud and obnoxious. He can play on the inside or on the outside. 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. New York Jets - Ben Grubbs, OG, Auburn
The Jets could go get a TE, OLB or CB here, but guard is just as much a need and Grubbs is a better player than they could get at those three positions. Grubbs should be able to start at right guard immediately. Halfback might've been a need until they acquired Thomas Jones via trade, but don't be surprised if they take one early on day two.
26. Philadelphia Eagles - Dwayne Bowe, WR, LSU
By losing Donte Stallworth in free agency the Eagles lose their number 1 wideout and deep threat. With Jeremy Bloom being ready for next season, he can be the deep threat, but neither him, Hank Baskett or Jason Avant will be able to step in as a starter. Cornerback and safety is also a position of need, so look for them to address the defense in later rounds.
27. New Orleans Saints - Chris Houston, CB, Arkansas
Houston's stock is flying higher than ever because of his workout at the combine and it wouldn't be surprising to see him rise into the late teens. Cornerback should be priority number 1 for the Saints. They will also be looking at acquiring depth and youth at linebacker and a pass-catching tight end.
28. New England Patriots - Jarvis Moss, DE/OLB, Florida
Moss fits into New England's mold of tweeners that can play on the line or a few yards back. He is a fantastic athlete who will provide pressure from the edge. He is a bit raw but will have time to develop.
29. Baltimore Ravens - Charles Johnson, DE/OLB, Georgia
The Ravens lost their Mr. Versatility [Adalius Thomas] in free agency, so it makes sense to go out and get one in the draft. He should step right into Thomas's shoes and start on the outside in the Ravens 3-4 scheme. The two other positions of need are cornerback, due to lack of depth, and tackle, due to the departure of free agent Tony Pashos.
30. San Diego Chargers - Sidney Rice, WR, South Carolina
A reciever combination of Vincent Jackson and Rice would give the Chargers some primo mismatches. Jackson, who is 6-5, and Rice, who is 6-4, each have great speed and athleticism for their size. Safety and guard are other positions of need, but those will likely be taken care of later or through free agency.
31. Chicago Bears - Greg Olson, TE, Miami
If the Bears are commited to Grossman as their quarterback, they might as well get him some weapons. Olson is the top TE in the draft and would be a steal at this point. Depth on defense, especially at safety and defensive tackle, will be keyed in on throughout the draft.
32. Indianapolis Colts - LaMarr Woodley, DE/OLB, Michigan
Woodley would start off as a pass rush specialist as they work him into the spot left open by departing OLB Cato June. Woodley is the athletic type of linebacker that Dungy prefers for his defense. Defensive tackle, running back and wide reciever are other needs for the defending champs.

Round 2
1. Oakland Raiders - Justin Blalock, OG, Texas
2. Detroit Lions - Daymeion Hughes, CB, Cal
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Tank Tyler, DT, N.C. State
4. Cleveland Browns - Anthony Spencer, DE/OLB, Purdue
5. N.Y. Jets [via Washington] - Zach Miller, TE, Arizona State
6. Arizona Cardinals - Brandon Mebane, DT, Cal
7. Houston Texans - Tony Ugoh, OT, Arkansas
8. Miami Dolphins - Jonathan Wade, CB, Tennessee
9. Minnesota Vikings - Anthony Gonzalez, WR, OSU
10. San Francisco 49ers - Aaron Sears, OT, Tennessee
11. Buffalo Bills - Michael Bush, RB, Louisville
12. Atlanta Falcons - Josh Beekman, OG, Boston College
13. Carolina Panthers - Drew Stanton, QB, Michigan State
14. Pittsburgh Steelers - Brandon Meriweather, S, Miami [FL]
15. Green Bay Packers - Eric Wright, CB, UNLV
16. Jacksonville Jaguars - Michael Griffin, S, Texas
17. Cincinatti Bengals - Justin Harrell, DT, Tennessee
18. Tennessee Titans - Quentin Moses, DE/OLB, Georgia
19. N.Y. Giants - Marcus McCauley, CB, Fresno St.
20. St. Louis Rams - Ryan McBean, DT, Oklahoma St.
21. Dallas Cowboys - Aundrae Allison, WR, Eastern Carolina
22. Kansas City Chiefs - Joe Staley, OT, Michigan State
23. Seattle Seahawks - Eric Weedle, S, Utah
24. Denver Broncos - Marcus Thomas, DT, Florida
25. Philadelphia Eagles - Josh Wilson, CB, Maryland
26. New Orleans Saints - Rufus Alexander, OLB, Oklahoma
27. N.Y. Jets - Aaron Rouse, S, Virginia Poly
28. New England Patriots - Jason Hill, WR, Washington St.
29. Baltimore Ravens - C.J. Gaddis, Clemson
30. San Diego Chargers - Manny Ramirez, OG, Texas Tech
31. Chicago Bears - Prescott Burgess, OLB, Michigan
32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers [via Indianapolis] - Josh Gattis, S, Wake Forest