August, 2007 – Final Mock Draft

We did a May Mock draft. We did a July Mock draft. Now that the keepers are in, it’s time to do one FINAL mock draft before next Tuesday’s actual draft. Enjoy.

ROUND ONE #1 David Hightower Steven Jackson, RB – STL He’s the best player not named Tomlinson. #2 Eric Vozzola Shaun Alexander, RB – SEA He’s had a lot of high picks…this may be his best yet. #3 Matt Neatock Brian Westbrook, RB – PHI Matt’s wet dream finally comes true. The Best Eagle on his roster. #4 Rich Calderon Rudi Johnson, RB – CIN Smart, consistent back…something the Projects sorely missed last year. #5 Griff Coomer Cedric Benson, RB – CHI I may be the only person truly excited about this guy. Who’s going to take his carries away? #6 Jeff & Colby Clinton Portis, RB – WAS He hasn’t played in the pre-season, so this is no sure thing, though Gibbs is saying all the right things. #7 Richard Burrier LaDainian Tomlinson, RB – SD (K) One final ride on the LT Express. #8 Molly Coomer Edgerrin James, RB – ARI He struggled last year, but would Molly be willing to roll the dice on an unproven rookie like Lynch or an injured Jones? #9 Rob Masterson Thomas Jones, RB – NYJ Not a homer pick, just the best available back at this point. He won’t make Rob forget about Jackson, but who can? #10 Bob Castrone Reggie Bush, RB – NO (K) I don’t agree with it, but what if I’m wrong and Bush becomes a 1,000/1,000 guy this year? Can you say Roger Craig? #11 Robio Murray Chad Johnson, RB – CIN I don’t need a back, I need a receiver. It comes down to Johnson or Harrison and I’ll decide on draft day. #12 Don Vozzola Tatum Bell, RB – DET Not a lot of great options, but I don’t see Don taking a Buffalo Bill RB (although if he moved there, we know he’d be a diehard fan).

ROUND TWO #13 Don Vozzola Marvin Harrison, WR – IND If I take Johnson, he takes Harrison. If I take Harrison, he takes Johnson. #14 Robio Murray Willie Parker, RB – PIT (K)_ Both my running backs are going first round in mock drafts and I didn’t have to use a first round pick on them. #15 Bob Castrone Terrell Owens, WR – DAL Not sure how much faith he has in Jacobs. He could roll the dice on a third back (Lynch). For now, the next best receiver. #16 Rob Masterson Reggie Wayne, WR – IND Number 1A in the league’s best receiving duo. #17 Molly Coomer Steve Smith, WR – CAR He’s slid down a bit, but he’s still one of the best. #18 Richard Burrier Larry Fitzgerald, WR – ARI Burrier needs a second back, but who’s really worthy right now in this position? #19 Jeff & Colby Cadillac Williams, RB – TB This could be Lynch, but for a team with no great keepers, Caddy is more of a sure thing at this point. #20 Griff Coomer Roy Williams, WR – DET Roy should be ever better with Calvin Johnson on the otherside of the field. #21 Rich Calderon Torry Holt, WR – STL (K) Torry could outscore all of Rich’s running backs in 2007. #22 Matt Neatock Peyton Manning, QB – IND Is Jones-Drew a starter? If yes, Matt can grab the league’s best QB. If no, he needs a running back here. #23 Eric Vozzola Ronnie Brown, RB – MIA (K) His coach is threatening him. Hopefully for Eric, it’s just to motivate, because last year Brown was a steal; this year he isn’t. #24 David Hightower T.J. Houshmandzadeh, WR – CIN There’s Harrison/Wayne and then there’s Johnson/Housh.

ROUND THREE #25 David Hightower Tom Brady, QB – NE He needs another WR, but don’t look for the top-tier QB’s to still be sitting here at the end of the 4th round. #26 Eric Vozzola Anquan Boldin, WR – ARI How can Fitzgerald and Boldin both be top ten receivers, but Leinart isn’t a top ten QB? Go figure. #27 Matt Neatock Randy Moss, WR – OAK (K) A bit of a risk. A bit of a mystery. #28 Rich Calderon Andre Johnson, WR – HOU A new QB, with little preseason results, but he’s too good to pass up #29 Griff Coomer Lee Evans, WR – BUF If only he could learn how to catch a few simple curl routes. #30 Jeff & Colby Javon Walker, WR – DEN As Cutler improves, so do Walker’s numbers. #31 Richard Burrier Marshawn Lynch, RB – BUF In all honesty, I’d be shocked if he falls this far, however, he’s done jack to prove himself worthy of being anything more than JJ Arrington so far. #32 Molly Coomer Carson Palmer, QB – CIN She has such great keepers, why not grab the big guy in Cincy? #33 Rob Masterson Donald Driver, WR – GB Does he get Driver every year, or does it just same that way? #34 Bob Castrone Hines Ward, WR – PIT His number slipped in ’06, but he was hurt and so was his QB. #35 Robio Murray Plaxico Burress, WR – NYG Ugh. I don’t hate it, but I hope someone more consistent falls to me. #36 Don Vozzola Mark Clayton, WR – BAL Too high? Probably. But he’s going four or five in many normal mock drafts.

ROUND FOUR #37 Don Vozzola Antonio Gates, TE – SD He could go QB, running back insurance or go with the best TE. #38 Robio Murray Adrian Peterson, RB – MIN Hell of a talent, but do I need him? Why not TE or even a defense? #39 Bob Castrone Tony Gonzalez, TE – KC He had him last year, so Bob could go for a different TE (Davis, Heap) #40 Rob Masterson Drew Brees, QB – NO Rob would give his left nut to land Brees here and I can’t see any reason why he won’t last this far. Plus, who really needs their left nut? #41 Molly Coomer Bears Defense, CHI She had complete success grabbing the Bears early in ’06, why mess up a good thing? However, I could end up grabbing them earlier. #42 Richard Burrier Laveranues Coles, WR – NYJ He’s not sexy, but he’s good. If he grabs Lynch, Rich can’t grab another rookie (Calvin Johnson) here too. #43 Jeff & Colby Calvin Johnson, WR – DET When you got nothing to lose, then why not take a chance. If one receiver is going to breakout like Randy Moss his rookie year, this is the guy. #44 Griff Coomer Todd Heap, TE – BAL Tight ends are flying and Griff will get into the fun. #45 Rich Calderon Brandon Jackson, RB – GB He’s the rookie RB with the best shot to start on opening day. #46 Matt Neatock Vernon Davis, TE – SF He was the best TE in the last month of the season in ’06. #47 Eric Vozzola Darrell Jackson, WR – SF The new Gator takes the old Gator in SF. #48 David Hightower Vincent Jackson, WR – SD Jackson, Clayton and Brown…these are the three receivers expected to breakout in ’07. I say only one does, the rest will flop. ROUND FIVE #49 David Hightower Chris Cooley, TE – WAS He’s ready to step into top-five status for TE’s #50 Eric Vozzola Marc Bulger, QB – STL He led one Vozzola to a title in ’06. Can he lead another one in ’07? #51 Matt Neatock Jamal Lewis, RB – CLE He’s a nice grab if he last this long. #52 Rich Calderon Patriots Defense, NE Too early, but I’ve never seeen Calderon take a tight end this early. #53 Griff Coomer Larry Johnson, RB (KC) He just signed a new contract, he’s in camp, he’s ready to rumble. #54 Jeff & Colby Donovan McNabb, QB – PHI (K) He’s top five, until he gets hurt. Hopefully the Pounders will be prepared this year. #55 Richard Burrier Ben Watson, TE – NE With so much attention paid to Moss & Stallworth, there should be plenty of holes for this guy up the middle. #56 Molly Coomer Frank Gore, RB – SF (K) Great keeper, even when hurt. He’s going ahead of Johnson and Alexander in some Mock drafts. #57 Rob Masterson Joseph Addai, RB – IND (K) It was tough, but I believe Rob made the right decision. #58 Bob Castrone Jon Kitna, QB – DET With so much talent at the receiver and running back position, how could he not succeed? Of course, this is the Lions were talking about. #59 Robio Murray Tony Romo, QB – DAL A bit of a homer pick, but I need someone to backup Vince. #60 Don Vozzola Willis McGahee, RB – BAL (K) He’s got a new home and is in a better system. 1,500 yards? Maybe asking too much.

ROUND SIX #61 Don Vozzola Michael Turner, RB – SD (K) Have you ever thought about trying to trade up with Burrier for this guy. He means more to Rich than you. #62 Robio Murray Travis Henry, RB – DEN (K) All I had to do was trade Jake Delhomme and I get a first-round quality running back? Who knew? #63 Bob Castrone Broncos Defense, DEN The D’s will start to fly off the board soon, so if you want a good one, now is the time to get one. #64 Rob Masterson Jason Witten, TE – DAL He’s not elite, but Romo seeemed to find him a lot last year. #65 Molly Coomer Alge Crumpler, TE – ATL He use to be top three, but with Vick gone, who knows. Hell, he might be better without Vick. #66 Richard Burrier Eagles Defense, PHI They’re always a strong unit, plus they face Eli twice a year. #67 Jeff & Colby LJ Smith, TE – PHI Back-to-back Eagles. Yeah, it makes me sick too. #68 Griff Coomer Chargers Defense, SD (K) They’re a great keeper, considered by most as the second best D. #69 Rich Calderon Deuce McAllister, RB – NO (K) Much like Rudi; smart and consistent. But does smart and consistent end Rich’s playoff drought? #70 Matt Neatock Maurice Jones-Drew, RB – JAX (K) He’s a lil’ stud, but is he starter worthy? Matt’s got only a few more days to decide. #71 Eric Vozzola Dolphins Defense, MIA No, not a homer pick; just the best D still on the board. #72 David Hightower Steelers Defense, PIT They got a new coach who could put this unit back together this year. ROUND SEVEN #73 David Hightower Laurence Maroney, RB – NE (K) If healthy, Dave has the league’s best running back combo. #74 Eric Vozzola Ahman Green, RB – GB (K) Not great, but not needed to be a starter. #75 Matt Neatock Cowboys Defense, DAL Could an Eagle fan really take the Cowboys’ D? We’ll see. #76 Rich Calderon Dallas Clark, TE – IND If you wait to take a tight end, then this is what you’re going to get. He could go with Olsen, but can a rookie really be a starter in fantasy? #77 Griff Coomer Matt Hasselback, QB – SEA He’s being forgotten, but if he last this long, it’s a steal. #78 Jeff & Colby 49ers Defense, SF Colby loves his defenses and Jeff loves to make Colby happy. #79 Richard Burrier Jay Cutler, QB – DEN Leinart could start for Rich, so Cutler is only for insurance. #80 Molly Coomer Marques Colston, WR – NO (K) Why are so many people down on this guy? I can’t figure it out. Personally, I seee bigger numbers in ’07. #81 Rob Masterson Warrick Dunn, RB – ATL He’s older and he’s banged up, but he’s still starting in Atlanta. #82 Bob Castrone Chris Henry, RB – TEN He probably won’t start out of the gate, but look for him to be by mid-season if the Tttans are below .500. #83 Robio Murray LaMont Jordan, RB – OAK To think, he was the third pick in last year’s draft. Now I’m taking a risk on him in the 7th. Wow. #84 Don Vozzola Seahawks Defense, SEA Good team defense. Won’t dominate, but could be good with right match up.

ROUND EIGHT #85 Don Vozzola Fred Taylor, RB – JAX Matt should be grabbing Taylor, but if he doesn’t, Don could use some more insurance. #86 Robio Murray Deion Bramch, WR – SEA Someone needs to be the man in Seattle. #87 Bob Castrone Bernard Berrian, WR – CHI Everyone is predicting he’s the #1 target in Chicago. #88 Rob Masterson Joey Galloway, WR – TB He fell off last year with no QB. Is Garcia the answer? #89 Molly Coomer DeAngelo Williams, RB – CAR He’s a fantasy owner’s worst nightmare…a splitter. #90 Richard Burrier Terry Glenn, WR – DAL Balls thrown to him fell off, once Romo was in. #91 Jeff & Colby Sanatana Holmes, WR – PIT A few are predicting him to overtake Ward; not me. #92 Griff Coomer Jerious Norwood, RB – ATL If Dunn breaks down, Norwood steps in #93 Rich Calderon Donte Stallworth, WR – NE Moss will get more attention, but Stallworth may be the better of the two. #94 Matt Neatock Jerricho Cotchery, WR – NYJ Hey, why not. #95 Eric Vozzola Chris Chambers, WR – MIA He has talent, but he has never lived up to it. #96 David Hightower Sammy Morris, RB – NE With Maroney’s health issues, Morris could get stolen earlier by someone else. ROUND NINE #97 David Hightower Jerry Porter, WR – OAK Moss is gone, so who will step up; Porter or Curry? #98 Eric Vozzola Packers Defense, GB They’ve sucked for many years, but the Pack’s D is a popular sleeper candidate. #99 Matt Neatock DeShaun Foster, RB – CAR Foster will probably start over DeAngelo, but he’ll never get 20 touches a game. #100 Rich Calderon Greg Jennings, WR – GB He was hot last year early on, until he got hurt. #101 Griff Coomer Joe Horn, WR – NO Can he really rediscover his glory in Georgia? #102 Jeff & Colby Ladell Betts, RB – WAS (K) Until Portis proves he can play healthy, Betts is worth a roster spot #103 Richard Burrier Marion Barber III, RB – DAL (K) If only Juliius Jones could tear an ACL. #104 Molly Coomer Issac Bruce, WR – STL His numbers keep falling, but he’s still starting. #105 Rob Masterson Braylon Edwards, WR – CLE (K) If Edwards was on a better team with a better QB, he’d be a top ten guy. #106 Bob Castrone Alex Smith, QB – SF If his receivers and TE can step up and stay healthy, Alex could be taking a huge step forward. #107 Robio Murray Vikings Defense, MIN I wait nine rounds to take a D and this is what I get. #108 Don Vozzola Brett Favre, QB – GB Look on the brightside, he’ll be throwing a lot.

ROUND TEN #109 Don Vozzola Kevin Jones, RB – DET If Don really does take Tatum, he’s going to need Jones as well. #110 Robio Murray Jets Defense, MYJ Robio always, always carries two defenses. #111 Bob Castrone Brandon Jacobs, RB – NYG (K) The only real surprise of the keepers. Does Bob have faith in him to be the starter? #112 Rob Masterson Chester Taylor, RB – MIN Taylor will start in Minnesota, but Peterson will be on his heels. #113 Molly Coomer Julius Jones, RB – DAL Can the starting running back in Dallas really fall this far? Why not, he won’t get 1,000 yards and he won’t get the goalline carries. #114 Richard Burrier Anthony Thomas, RB – BUF If you grab Lynch, you have to grab the A-Train (hopefully, Rich won’t take him in the third round this year). #115 Jeff & Colby Leon Washington, RB – NYJ Masterson should grab him, so he probably won’t last this far. #116 Griff Coomer Michael Bennett, RB – KC Griff knows all about taking your star player’s back up. #117 Rich Calderon Kenny Watson, RB – CIN As does Rich. #118 Matt Neatock Correll Buckhalter, RB – PHI As does Matt. #119 Eric Vozzola Devery Henderson, WR – NO The Saints wouldn’t have let Joe Horn go if they didn’t have faith in this kid. #120 David Hightower Buccaneers Defense, TB They’re not dominating anymore, but they can do the job if the right opponent comes along.