News / Sports
NFL Draft: First Round, Top Ten Selections
With the first pick in the 2007 NFL draft the Oakland Raiders selected the 6’5, 256-pound quarterback JaMarcus Russell of LSU. Russell’s arm strength speed and size wee enough to convince the Raiders that he could considerably improve an offense that finished dead last in the NFL last season
The Detroit Lions, involved in heavy trade speculation leading up to the draft, opted to keep their number two spot and selected wide receiver Calvin Johnson of Ga. Tech. Johnson was widely regarded as the best athlete in the draft and will be seen as an immediate impact in the Lions offensive schemes.
Offensive tackle Joe Thomas of Wisconsin was selected number three by the Cleveland Browns and should fit in nicely with a revamped offensive line. At 6’6, 311 pounds Thomas has the size and strength to protect the quarterback as well as open holes for the runner
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers used their first round pick to select defensive end Gaines Adams of Clemson. Adams was considered the best pass rusher in the draft and should improve a glaring weakness in the Bucs defense.
The Arizona Cardinals selected offensive tackle Levi Brown of Penn State with the number five pick. The Cardinals had been in need of a left tackle and believe they’ve found the guy that will open some holes for running back Edgerrin James.
LSU safety LaRon Landry was chosen number six by the Washington Redskins. A proven run stopper, Landry also has solid coverage ability and is a known to lay out strong hits.
The Minnesota Vikings selected running back Adrian Peterson of Oklahoma with the number seven pick. Peterson was believed to be the best running back in the draft with the only question mark being his health.
With the number eight selection the Atlanta Falcons selected defensive end Jamaal Anderson of Arkansas. Anderson has great run stopping ability and is quick to the quarterback.
The Miami Dolphins selected wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr. of Ohio State with the ninth overall pick. Ginn has 4.35 speed and consistently proved himself to be a playmaker in college.
Rounding out the top ten, the Houston Texans selected defensive tackle Amobi Okoye of Louisville. At 19-years-old Okoye still has a lot of filling out to do but his 6’2, 302 pound frame has already proven it can stop the run.
