Top 10 Draft Picks 2007

The 2007 Draft has come and gone, and this week’s Top 10 features the best picks leaguewide. While the Broncos do make a single entry on the list (you may be surprised at who it is), overall it was the lesser teams like Arizona and Cleveland that stole the draft. Note: no draft trades for Darrell Jackson or Randy Moss here, just genuine picks.

10) Joe Thomas, OT – Cleveland, Round 1

Taking Joe Thomas instead of Brady Quinn was a surprise for me – not a huge surprise, considering that these are the Browns we’re talking about, but a surprise nonetheless. While they ultimately got their man (more on that later), getting Joe Thomas too turns out to be the icing on the cake. Look for the Browns’ left side to be one of the best in football for years down the line.

9) Levi Brown, OT – Arizona, Round 1

What’s this reach doing here, you ask? Well, the Cardinals had a need that was so big it was worth it. Some folks criticizing the whole “drafting on need” business, but the bottom line is that if you don’t reach too far it’s definitely worth it. Levi Brown was pegged as a Top 10 pick; he went 5th overall. Is that such a reach? Would another pick have improved the Cardinals more than that? The answer is a resounding no to both.

8) Joe Staley, OT – San Francisco, Round 1

Three Tackles went off the board in the first round – three tackles start out my countdown. Why? It’s a fact that they are the safest pick in the high rounds – just ask former Jets GM Pat Kirwan of Sirius NFL Radio. If an OT is drafted in the first round this decade, he will start 92% of the games over the next 4 years (count George Foster for 6 of those percentiles). The Niners trading up was a bold move, complimenting top-rated LB Patrick Willis well. I expect them to be even more competitive in the NFC West.

7) Michael Bush, RB – Oakland, Round 4

**uggh** **eck** **spdjsflkj** … sorry, I just complimented Oakland. Nice pick… could be better than Adrian Peterson if he’s healthy… *vhsrkuh** … must run to toilet…

6) Tim Crowder, DE – Denver, Round 2

T-Crow is ready to play this year and isn’t a liability against the run like our first round pick is. While he doesn’t have as much upside, he should start Week 1 and make an immediate impact on our team. Love love loved the pick.

5) Jamaal Anderson, DE – Atlanta, Round 1

Reportedly #1 on our board (and mine), Atlanta might have found themselves their own Julius Peppers when they selected this monster 8th overall. If he had waited until his senior year to come out, I believe Anderson would have been a Top 3 pick.

The Vikings got Top-3 talent at 7th overall with Peterson.

4) Adrian Peterson, RB – Minnessota, Round 1

Chester Taylor and Adrian Peterson will form one of the best running back tandems in the NFL. While they still have questions at quarterback, I can’t blame them for passing on Quinn, considering they just drafted Travaris Jackson in the 2nd round last year. With a solid running offense and defense, the pressure’s on Jackson to deliver, considering the other pieces of the team are fairly in place.

3) Alan Branch, DT – Arizona, Round 2

What a steal for the Cards. Alan Branch falling to the second round was nearly as big as Brady Quinn’s freefall, and Arizona didn’t have to give up next year’s first to take advantage. I truly believe the Cardinals will compete with the Seahawks for the NFC West this year, trumping the Niners and Rams for the division.

2) Calvin Johnson, WR – Detroit, Round 1

What a strange and unique situation for the Lions at #2 – they don’t want a QB, they’re picking #2 overall, and they’ve drafted wide receivers 3 of the last 4 years. Very early. Oh, and the wide receiver of the decade is available for them when they draft. What’s a man – who’s – job’s – on – the – line to do? Pick Calvin Johnson anyway. Oh, and then cut the fat by trading Mike Williams to the Raiders. Great move by Matt Millen and company.

Are the Browns this year’s Saints?

1) Brady Quinn, QB – Cleveland, Round 1

The story of the 2007 Draft felt a lot like 2005, when Aaron Rodgers fell all the way to the 20s and ultimately to back up Brett Favre. Brady Quinn comes into a completely different situation and may be looked at to start in Week 1. While tape study has shown this guy’s weakness, I still insist that he has the work ethic and FBI to get the job done and be a star in this league. Better prospect, in my mind, than JaMarcus Russell.

The true grades for these picks won’t be known for years down the line… Brady Quinn could be the next Ryan Leaf… Calvin Johnson the next Charles Rogers. But looking at how things turned out now, the big winners over the weekend were those who weren’t afraid to get “their guy,” something that the ol’ paralysis by analysis motto contradicts fully.