NFL Draft Thread

[dirno2000]

Kiper's top 25 (not a mock)

1. Calvin Johnson*, WR, Georgia Tech (6-4, 225) | previous: Same
He's not only a tremendous athlete, but he's a hard worker and very team oriented. Based on the needs of the Raiders and Lions, Johnson might not be the No. 1 overall pick, but he won't fall out of the top five.

2. Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin (6-6½, 313) | previous: Same
Huge, quick and athletic with a long wingspan.

3. Adrian Peterson*, RB, Oklahoma (6-1½, 218) | previous: Same
The most talented running back in the draft with an excellent burst to the outside for his size. The concern with Peterson is his durability.

4. JaMarcus Russell*, QB, LSU (6-6, 260) | previous: Same
Big, strong signal caller with a powerful arm, and his decision-making improved significantly in 2006.

5. Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame (6-3½, 225) | previous: Same
Poised, smart and at his best in pressure situations. Quinn did throw two interceptions in the Sugar Bowl after throwing just one INT in his previous eight games.

6. LaRon Landry, DB, LSU (6-1½, 205) | previous: Same
Four-year starter who has proven to be Mr. Reliable throughout his career.

7. Amobi Okoye, DT, Louisville (6-1½, 298) | previous: Same
A four-year veteran, and he is only 19 years old. Okoye is quick and explosive and goes all-out on every play. He is not only good at eating up space but also gets good penetration into the backfield.

8. Leon Hall, CB, Michigan (5-11, 193) | previous: 9
Tough customer who also shows very good anticipation and awareness in coverage.

9. Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson (6-4½, 260) | previous: 8
Flashes dominating ability with his athleticism and quickness. Adams led the Tigers with 10½ sacks and 15½ tackles for loss.

10. Jamaal Anderson*, DE, Arkansas (6-5, 270) | previous: Same
A gifted athlete who is coming off an exceptional 2006 season. Anderson is a complete player, equally solid against the run and as a pass rusher.

11. Greg Olsen*, Miami, TE (6-5, 254) | previous: Same
His performance at the combine should move Olsen up to the middle of the first round. Great hands and very athletic, Olsen reminds me of Baltimore Ravens tight end Todd Heap.

12. Patrick Willis, LB, Mississippi (6-2, 235) | previous: Same
Tackling machine with great football sense. Willis lead the Rebels with 137 tackles (87 solo).

13. Adam Carriker, DE, Nebraska (6-6, 298) | previous: Same
You don't see many defensive ends carrying 300 pounds who can move as well as Carriker.

14. Ted Ginn Jr.*, WR, Ohio State (5-11, 175) | previous: 15
Takes a backseat to no one in the speed department, brings a big-play dimension to the wide receiver position and also the return game.

15. Levi Brown, OT, Penn St. (6-4½, 325) | previous: 17
Steady and reliable at protecting the quarterback's blind side.

16. Joe Staley, OT, Central Michigan (6-5½, 300) | previous: 19
He's a former tight end who has developed into a natural left tackle. Staley brings incredible footwork, athleticism and agility to the position.

17. Ben Grubbs, OG, Auburn (6-3, 300) | previous: 20
A versatile athlete who started his career at defensive tackle and then shifted to tight end. Grubbs brings a great deal of athletic ability to the interior of the offensive line.

18. Jarvis Moss*, DE, Florida (6-5, 250) | previous: 14
Speed rusher who is also excellent in pursuit, using his lateral quickness to chase down running plays before they can amount to anything.

19. Anthony Spencer, DE, Purdue (6-2½, 261) | previous: Unranked
He became a much more effective pass rusher in 2006 for the Boilermakers. The key at the next level will be his athleticism and versatility, because I project he'll be an ideal outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense.

20. Marshawn Lynch*, RB, California (5-11, 224) | previous: 16
Complete big back, right on the heels of Adrian Peterson when it comes to who will be the top RB in the draft.

21. Paul Posluszny, LB, Penn St. (6-1½, 235) | previous: Same
A productive and consistent player who studies and prepares as thoroughly as anybody.

22. Ryan Kalil, C, USC (6-3, 285) | previous: Same
Game improved dramatically thanks in part to facing great competition in practice.

23. Dwayne Bowe, WR, LSU (6-2, 217) | previous: 25
Big and productive, Bowe runs excellent routes and has the toughness to catch the ball in traffic.

24. Lawrence Timmons*, LB, Florida St. (6-2¼, 233) | previous: 18
Moves right to the top of a very subpar linebacking group, particularly from the senior class. Timmons' production and consistency from game to game are what jumps out at you.

25. Tony Ugoh, OT, Arkansas (6-5, 305) | previous: 24
Athletically gifted left tackle with a tremendous amount of upside.