Official 2007 NFL Draft Thread

[Game]

if its true that they were actually considering quinn at 3, who cares if they dont have a first next year?

 

[elindholm]

I'm not a football fan, but this thread is vastly entertaining.

 

[Assface]

Only 15 more picks untill our next selection. Aaargh, hurry up!

 

[Dr. Jones]

#23 - Kansas City Chiefs

Dwayne Bowe
WR | (6'2

You must be registered for see images attach

", 221, 4.51) | LSU

Scouts Grade: 94View by: Round | Player | NCAA School | Position | NFL Team | Flag

You must be registered for see images attach

| All Ranked Players

You must be registered for see images attach

| NFL Draft History You are signed into Insider

You must be registered for see images

and have access to the exclusive draft content below.
Strengths: Possesses very good size and adequate speed for a bigger receiver. He is a fluid and smooth athlete. Shows a high ceiling for development and continues to improve with more experience. He is learning to use his wide wingspan to his advantage as a route runner. He has long arms and big hands. A potential weapon on jump-balls, fade routes, red zone, etc. His hands are extremely strong and he shows the ability to take the ball away from defenders in the air. He does a good job of catching the ball over his head. He possesses excellent body control and balance for a bigger receiver. He lacks ideal initial burst or acceleration after the catch, but he's a shifty and physical runner that will make the first defender miss and carry the second defender a few yards before going down. Gives a good effort as a blocker and should continue to improve in this area with better technique. Certainly big and strong enough to become an effective stalk blocker in the NFL.

Weaknesses: Continues to improve with experience but a bit of a late-bloomer who did not play football in high school until his junior year. Lacks ideal recognition skills. Does a below average job of finding soft spots in zone coverage. Rounds off too many of his routes and must learn to get in and out of his breaks without gearing down as much. He has a tendency to loose focus on occasion and will drop some "catchable" passes. Possesses adequate speed for his size but lacks elite speed to consistently get over the top of NFL defensive backs one-on-one. He has had some minor durability issues throughout his collegiate career.

Overall: Bowe played in all 13 games for LSU as a true freshman in 2003 as the team's fourth wide receiving and made nine catches for 106 yards. In 2004, Bowe played in all 12 games and had 10 starts. He finished the year with 39 receptions for 597 yards (15.3 average) and five touchdowns. Bowe missed the 2005 opener against ASU with an ankle injury and then played in the remaining 12 games, making nine starts. He led the Tigers in receptions (41), receiving yards (710), and touchdown catches (nine), while averaging 17.3 yards per receptions. In 2006, he earned first team All-SEC honors after playing in all 13 games (started 11 games) while catching 65 passes for 990 yards (15.2 average) and 12 touchdowns. Bowe is one of the most naturally gifted wide receiver prospects in this class. He still has room to improve in terms of his route running and recognition skills, but Bowe is a late-bloomer who continues to make noticeable strides with more playing experience. He projects as a good No. 2 receiver in the NFL and he should come off the 2007 draft board in the bottom-half of the first round.

I'm surprised that Staley wasn't the pick.

 

[Pariah]

We need a run on WRs now. There are a bunch that could go in the next few selections--pushing LBs and CBs to us.

With the talk Pendy and Whiz had that ultimately meant Pendy was retained and the net result was "hey, Pendy did the best he could with crappy CBs," I expect a CB or two to be taken this afternoon.

 

[Assface]

LOL, they just showed KCs WR depth chart. Bowe will be an instant starter there.

 

[Dr. Jones]

I see the Pats takin Pos.

Meachem now.... Then Pos. That's my call for them.

 

[Assface]

We need a run on WRs now. There are a bunch that could go in the next few selections--pushing LBs and CBs to us.

With the talk Pendy and Whiz had that ultimately meant Pendy was retained and the net result was "hey, Pendy did the best he could with crappy CBs," I expect a CB or two to be taken this afternoon.

I want Chris Houston.

 

[Evil Ash]

We need a run on WRs now. There are a bunch that could go in the next few selections--pushing LBs and CBs to us.

With the talk Pendy and Whiz had that ultimately meant Pendy was retained and the net result was "hey, Pendy did the best he could with crappy CBs," I expect a CB or two to be taken this afternoon.

They hinted they'll probably take a DB today.

I will say this though. If that LB from Penn State (I won't try to spell his last name) is available in round 2, then someone may need to revive Stout

 

[Dr. Jones]

Phil Savage:

"We feel like our luck has changed"

He might be choking on that quote next year.

 

[Pariah]

I will say this though. If that LB from Penn State (I won't try to spell his last name), then someone may need to revive Stout

I won't be able to do it, because I'll be on the floor, too. That'd be a big first day for us, no matter what we did in the third.

 

[Dr. Jones]

#24 - New England Patriots

Brandon Meriweather
S | (5'10

You must be registered for see images attach

", 195, 4.47) | MIAMI (FLA.)

Scouts Grade: 88

Flags: (B: BULK/SIZE) Lacks size/bulk for position(C: CHARACTER) Problems on and off the field(D: DURABILITY) Player that can't stay healthyView by: Round | Player | NCAA School | Position | NFL Team | Flag

You must be registered for see images attach

| All Ranked Players

You must be registered for see images attach

| NFL Draft History You are signed into Insider

You must be registered for see images

and have access to the exclusive draft content below.
Strengths: Is a versatile safety prospect with good range versus the run and pass. He lacks ideal size but fills hard versus the run. Shows better power at the point of attack as a tackler than his size would indicate. He plays with a great motor and a mean streak. He makes his presence known over the middle of the field and will throw his body around. Very reliable tackler in the open field. He shows good instincts and initial quickness. Diagnoses plays quickly and consistently takes solid angles. He has better than average range in deep zone coverage. His ball skills are adequate. Shows very good football intelligence and is a leader in the secondary. Great experience at the highest level of collegiate competition.

Weaknesses: Lacks ideal bulk and must add weight to his frame. Fills hard versus the run and could match up in-the-box at times on the collegiate level, but he is not big enough to do the same in the NFL. His shoulder surgery in 2006 is concerning, especially for an undersized safety. Character is also a concern following the stomping incident versus FIU as a senior.

Overall: Meriweather played in three games as a true freshman in 2002, before suffering a season-ending injury, which resulted in him receiving a medical redshirt. He returned in 2003, appeared in all 13 games, and recorded 22 total tackles, one interception, and five pass breakups. In 2004, Meriweather played in all 12 games (seven starts after a shoulder injury kept him out of the starting lineup for five contests) and registered 62 total tackles, two tackles for loss, two interceptions, five pass breakups, and two forced fumbles. Meriweather played in all 12 games in 2005 and finished season with 115 total tackles, 13 tackles for loss, one sack, three interceptions, seven pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. He underwent off-season shoulder surgery and missed spring practice in 2006. Meriweather returned in 2006 and started 11 of 12 games (suspended for the Duke game for his role in the brawl with Florida International) recording 57 total tackles, five tackles for loss, one sack, eight pass breakups, and one interception. He saw action at free safety, strong safety, and cornerback and was named second team All-ACC. Meriweather is an experienced, instinctive and athletic defensive back. While some see him at cornerback in the NFL -- where he spent significant time as a senior -- we believe Meriweather is best suited to play free safety. He lacks ideal size but has room on his frame to add bulk. He grades out as a first-round prospect on film study alone, but concerns regarding his character and durability could cause him to slip a full round in the 2007 draft.

HE'S A FIGHTER!!!!!!!

 

[Dr. Jones]

# 25 - Carolina Panthers

Jon Beason
OLB | (6'0

You must be registered for see images attach

", 237, 4.72) | MIAMI (FLA.)

Scouts Grade: 91

Flags: (D: DURABILITY) Player that can't stay healthy

You must be registered for see images attach

Selected by: Carolina Panthers
Round: 1
Pick (Overall): 25(25) View by: Round | Player | NCAA School | Position | NFL Team | Flag

You must be registered for see images attach

| All Ranked Players

You must be registered for see images attach

| NFL Draft History You are signed into Insider

You must be registered for see images

and have access to the exclusive draft content below.
Strengths: Possesses good strength for his size. Also displays good straight-line speed and short-area quickness. He is an instinctive and aggressive player versus the run. Diagnoses plays quickly, takes good angles in pursuit and shows very good closing burst. Plays with an outstanding motor and sacrifices his body to make plays. He has impressive short-area power for his size and is able to jack running backs off their feet with his initial contact. Very reliable as an open-field tackler. He uses his hands well and does a good job of sifting through traffic. Shows good instincts and closing burst when turned loose as a pass rusher. He displays adequate awareness and range in zone coverage. Also does a great job of covering kicks on special teams.

Weaknesses: Lacks elite height and doesn't have much room left on his frame to get bigger. He displays some stiffness in his hips. He is fast on a straight-line and laterally, but he's not as proficient turning and running. Lacks elite range in coverage and will have trouble matching up one-on-one versus the NFL's quicker running backs out of the backfield. He has a history of durability issues, including shoulder and knee injuries throughout his career.

Overall: Beason arrived at Miami in 2003, appeared in two games (Louisiana Tech, Florida) as a fullback before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury, and then received a medical redshirt. As a redshirt freshman in 2004, he moved to linebacker and saw action in all 12 games (three starts) recording 29 total tackles, four tackles for loss, and one sack. Beason then started 10 contests and played in all 12 (team opened in nickel for two non-starts) at weakside outside linebacker for the 2005 season, registering 66 total tackles including six for loss. In 2006, he played in 12 of 13 games, missed one game with a knee injury, and finished the season with 75 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, one interception, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. Beason lacks elite size and he has a little bit of stiffness in his hips. He also comes with some durability baggage. However, he is a powerful, aggressive and fast linebacker with better instincts and toughness than most prospects in the 2007 draft class. Beason projects as a starting "WILL" linebacker in the NFL and he should come off the board between the late-first and early-second round range.

 

[CardinalChris]

Carolina passing on Olsen......interesting.

 

[Dr. Jones]

Philly trades this pick to Dallas... Wow.. Dealing with the Devil.


#26 - Dallas A$$pirate$....err.... Cowboys

Anthony Spencer
DE | (6'2

You must be registered for see images attach

", 261, 4.7) | PURDUE

Scouts Grade: 91View by: Round | Player | NCAA School | Position | NFL Team | Flag

You must be registered for see images attach

| All Ranked Players

You must be registered for see images attach

| NFL Draft History You are signed into Insider

You must be registered for see images

and have access to the exclusive draft content below.
Strengths: An explosive up-the-field player. Displays very good first-step quickness and top-end speed. Also possesses closing burst to turn the corner as a perimeter pass rusher in the NFL. His motor never stopped running as a senior and it seems that the "light finally came on" in terms of his technique and recognition skills. He plays the run hard and will give great effort pursuing from the backside. Displays good strength for his size. He shows good catch-up speed and is a powerful hitter.

Weaknesses: Lacks ideal size; somewhat on the shorter side with just adequate bulk. Might struggle to get off of blocks as quickly versus bigger NFL lineman. He is quick and fast, but he doesn't possess great change-of-direction skills. He needs to continue to improve his array of pass rush moves. He will overextend at times and will take himself out of some running plays, as a result. He shows stiffness in his hips and will be limited in terms of dropping into coverage in the NFL.

Overall: Spencer arrived at Purdue in 2002 and was redshirted. In 2003 as a redshirt freshman, he tore some foot ligaments during spring practice which limited him early on but he then saw action in 10 of 13 games as a reserve defensive end and on special teams, posting six total tackles and 0.5 tackles for loss. Spencer won a starting spot for all 12 contests in 2004 and recorded 33 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles. In 2005, he once again started every game (11) for Purdue and registered 23 tackles including 7.5 for loss, three sacks, one fumble recovery, and three forced fumbles. In 14 games during the 2006 season, Spencer made 93 total tackles, 26.5 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, one fumble recovery, five forced fumbles, blocked one kick, and was named to the All-Big Ten First Team. Spencer turned in a monster season as a senior in 2006. In fact, very few prospects improved their stock as much as Spencer did over the course of the last year. After combining for 17.5 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks through his first three seasons, Spencer notched 26.5 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks as a senior. While some consider him a 'tweener defensive end/outside linebacker, we're not convinced he's athletic enough to play linebacker in the NFL. His best fit most likely will be as a 4-3 defensive end in a one-gap scheme similar to the Colts'. Regardless, Spencer should come off the board late in the first or early in the second round.

 

[JS22]

Philly trades this pick to Dallas... Wow.. Dealing with the Devil.


#26 - Dallas A$$pirate$....err.... Cowboys

Not bad. Dallas may have given up too much, but Spencer and Ware at the OLB spots is going to be scary in a Wade Phillips attacking system.

 

[Dr. Jones]

#27 - New Orleans Saints

Robert Meachem
WR | (6'2", 214, 4.39) | TENNESSEE

Scouts Grade: 92View by: Round | Player | NCAA School | Position | NFL Team | Flag

You must be registered for see images attach

| All Ranked Players

You must be registered for see images attach

| NFL Draft History You are signed into Insider

You must be registered for see images

and have access to the exclusive draft content below.
Strengths: Possesses very good size and above average speed for a bigger receiver. His initial burst is impressive and he shows the consistent ability to drive defensive backs off the line of scrimmage. He possesses long arms and big hands. Knows how to use his body to shield defenders. Can pluck on the run, gets up-field extremely quickly for his size and also shows the ability to consistently make the first defender miss. He is a strong runner that will break attempted arm tackles versus smaller DB's in the open field.

Weaknesses: Still can improve his consistency as a route runner. Has a tendency to round off some of his routes and isn't always as crisp as he should be getting in and out of his breaks. He seems to have some problems reading coverage; he will occasionally fail to find soft spots in zone and he doesn't always seem to be on the same page with his quarterback on option routes. He seems to struggle locating the ball occasionally on deep throws and will mis-time some of his leaps. Also needs to become more physical; he seems to fear going over the middle and will drop some catchable passes when he hears footsteps. Gives a good effort as a blocker but needs to improve his technique. Needs to play with more leverage and learn to sustain down-field blocks more effectively. Knee injury in 2003 is somewhat concerning but he has been healthy since.

Overall: Meachem underwent knee surgery in August 2003 leading to a medical redshirt season. In 2004 he returned to play in all 13 games (zero starts) and led the team with 459 yards on 25 catches (18.4 average) and four touchdowns. Meachem appeared in all 11 games in 2005, with two starts, and again led the team in receiving yards with 383 on 29 catches (13.2 average) and two touchdowns. In 2006 he started all 13 games and finished with 71 catches for 1,298 yards (18.3 average) and 11 touchdowns earning him a consensus All-American selection. Meachem could have used another season of experience at the collegiate level. He is a bit of an inconsistent route runner and he has a tendency to lose focus as a pass-catcher. Despite his size and strength, he is not an overly physical receiver and it's obvious he prefers working the sideline to going over the middle. However, his combination of size, speed and athletic ability is outstanding. His biggest asset as a pro-prospect is playmaking ability, especially in terms of creating after the catch. He seemed to mature a great deal during his breakout junior season, so there's promise of Meachem continuing to improve at the next level. In our opinion, Meachem grades out as a second-round value but he is expected to come off the board late in the first round due to high NFL ceiling.

15 Minutes is way too long for the last half of the 1st round.

 

[Divide Et Impera]

Mechem finally goes -- to NO!!! Who'da thunk it?!?!

Brees has some EXCEPTIONAL weapons at his disposal now....

 

[Assface]

The view of the safety position is changing, 4 taken in the first round.

 

[Pariah]

The view of the safety position is changing, 4 taken in the first round.

I agree that the safety is more valued in today's NFL than say, 10 years ago, but the reason 4 were taken in the first round this year is more because of the talent than anything that changed THIS year.

 

[Assface]

Mechem finally goes -- to NO!!! Who'da thunk it?!?!

Brees has some EXCEPTIONAL weapons at his disposal now....

I'm surprised they didn't go defense.

 

[Evil Ash]

I agree that the safety is more valued in today's NFL than say, 10 years ago, but the reason 4 were taken in the first round this year is more because of the talent than anything that changed THIS year.

Yup there is a run on DBs every year. Typically though its a run on CBs but the CB class this year is pretty meh

 

[Dr. Jones]

Man.... the Niners are Ballin!!!

I HATE THEM!

 

[Dr. Jones]

The 49ers just traded up. JERKS!!!


# 28 - San Francisco 49ers

Joe Staley
OT | (6'5

You must be registered for see images attach

", 306, 4.81) | CENTRAL MICHIGAN

Scouts Grade: 92View by: Round | Player | NCAA School | Position | NFL Team | Flag

You must be registered for see images attach

| All Ranked Players

You must be registered for see images attach

| NFL Draft History You are signed into Insider

You must be registered for see images

and have access to the exclusive draft content below.
Strengths: Displays outstanding agility for an offensive tackle prospect. Has good initial quickness, takes good angles to blocks and generally gets into good position. Plays with a good motor, does an adequate job of locking onto defender's frame and is relentless once in position. Possesses great range and pulls well. Possesses good lateral mobility and flashes the ability to reach defensive tackles lined up inside of him. Plays under control in space and can adjust to the moving target at the second level. Gets set quickly and uses long arms to ride edge rushers past the pocket. Possesses good lateral mobility, can redirect inside after starting outside and is capable of countering double moves when plays with sound technique.

Weaknesses: While he has added weight to frame, he is still somewhat lean for his tall frame and isn't going to overwhelm defenders at the point of attack. Doesn't deliver a violent initial punch, doesn't roll hips into blocks and isn't going to knock defenders back. Lacks ideal lower body strength and is going to have problems driving defenders off the ball. Doesn't always get great knee bend in pass set and is vulnerable to bull rushers. Still needs to improve his hand-placement in pass pro.

Overall: Staley played in 11 games as a tight end during his true freshman year in 2003, catching 11 passes for 130 yards and one touchdown. In 2004 he was converted to right tackle where he started all 11 games for the Chippewas. Staley again started all 11 games in 2005, this time at left tackle, and did not allow a sack. He again started all 14 games at left tackle in 2006. Staley is a converted tight end who has gained more than 70 pounds since stepping on campus at Central Michigan as a true freshman in 2003. He isn't a powerful drive blocker and he must continue to improve his overall strength. What impresses us most; however, are Staley's outstanding feet and mobility. It's rare to find an offensive lineman with such quick feet and 4.8-second speed in the 40-yard dash. Staley held his own early in the 2006 season against top-competition (Boston College and Michigan), which helps considering most of his playing time came against mid-major defenders. While he's far from a finished product, we think Staley has enough upside and proven skills to warrant a late-first round selection in the 2007 draft.

Well..... These guys are really coming strong. The niners are going to be solid.

They did lose their 1st rounder next year AND a 4th this year..... That could spell doom if they don't improve this year.

 

[Dr. Jones]

# 29 - Baltimore Ravens

Ben Grubbs
OG | (6'2

You must be registered for see images attach

", 311, 5.18) | AUBURN

Scouts Grade: 91View by: Round | Player | NCAA School | Position | NFL Team | Flag

You must be registered for see images attach

| All Ranked Players

You must be registered for see images attach

| NFL Draft History


You are signed into Insider

You must be registered for see images

and have access to the exclusive draft content below.
Strengths: Possesses adequate height and bulk. Not massive, but a thick, sturdy build. Displays impressive quickness, body control and overall mobility. Fires out of his stance quickly and shows good initial pop at the point of attack. He displays the agility to consistently reach the second-level as a rune blocker and he also does a good job of hitting the moving target in space. He has a quick set in pass pro and shows the ability to mirror and slide with more athletic pass rushers. Versatile and durable performer throughout his career. Continues to improve with more experience at the position and still has much room to grow.

Weaknesses: Lacks a massive build and will give up some ground to bigger, stronger bull rushers. Also will have some trouble getting a surge vs. two-gap run plugging types. Shows room to improve in terms of his footwork, hand-placement and angles.

Overall: Grubbs was redshirted in 2002 while practicing as a defensive tackle. He was converted to a blocking tight end before the 2003 season and appeared in nine games. Grubbs then moved from tight end to guard before spring practice in 2004 and became the Tigers' starter for 13 games that season. He returned as a starting guard for the entire 2005 season (12 games) as well. Grubbs started all 13 games at left guard in 2006. Grubbs was a bit of a late-bloomer that spent time at defensive tackle and tight end before finding a home at offensive guard for Auburn. He emerged as one of the most dominant interior offensive linemen in the country in 2006, displaying ideal quickness, power and toughness. Grubbs is the premier guard prospect in the 2007 class and he's worth drafting late in the first round.