Oakland’s problems lie on the offensive side of the ball, and in hopes of improving their dead last ranking from last season, they will be tempted to take a primer quarterback with the top pick in the draft. Russell has an amazing arm with an ability to escape the pocket and make the play. His physical gifts are everything the Raiders are looking for, and owner Al Davis will take no time to pick up their franchise quarterback.

Quinn has what it takes to lead a team like the Lions to success rather than failure

2) Detroit Lions – QB – Brady Quinn – Notre Dame University

If the Lions are going to take a step toward contending with the top teams in the NFC, they need to find the future of their team so they can build around him. Quinn fits into offensive coordinator Mike Martz’s offensive scheme well and Quinn appears to be the most NFL-ready quarterback in the draft. He compares to a more mobile Tom Brady with Carson Palmer’s leadership and Joey Harrington’s persistence. Quinn would be a great fit in Detroit.

3) Cleveland Browns – OT – Joe Thomas – University of Wisconsin

Having an offense with all the tools needed to be successful, the Browns need to look at the structure of their team and realize that without a good offensive line they are not going to produce. They’ve brought in running back Jamal Lewis to work with running back Reuben Droughns, but these two power-style running backs need offensive line support. By bringing in Thomas, the Browns ensure that their quarterback will have more time to throw, their running game will thrive, and the team as a whole will improve. Thomas is a sure thing, and the Browns would be making a safe move by taking him here.

4) Tampa Bay Buccaneers – WR – Calvin Johnson – Georgia Tech University

Johnson is the best player in this draft, and the Buccaneers would be wise to take him over their other pressing needs on defense. Having signed quarterback Chris Simms to a two year contract and picked up quarterback Jeff Garcia in free agency, the Buccaneers could use a weapon for them to throw to. Johnson brings experience and maturity with him to Tampa Bay, and his playmaking abilities will be coveted by head coach Jon Gruden and this offense.

Adams will fare well in Arizona, where his speed and instincts will be coveted

5) Arizona Cardinals – DE – Gaines Adams – Clemson University

Arizona is a team that keeps coming up short, even though they have amassed incredible potential on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. Their two starting defensive ends are not making any kind of an impact on pressuring the quarterback or stopping the run. Bringing in Adams would be a huge boost to their defense; with his quick instincts and ability to beat the blocker and get up the field, he will be an interesting weapon on their defense.\

6) Washington Redskins – DT – Alan Branch – University of Michigan

One of the Redskins’ problems in 2006 was their inconsistent run defense. Their defensive players appeared overwhelmed at times, especially at linebacker, and it caused their front seven to have to do too much at times. With Branch clocking in at over 325 pounds and creating havoc upfront, the Redskins will be calling his name come draft day. Branch can take on multiple blockers at one time, freeing up the Redskins’ linebackers to make the play.

7) Minnesota Vikings – CB – Leon Hall – University of Michigan

In the NFC North the Vikings have to play three teams with downfield offensive passing games. Their loss of cornerback Fred Smoot has caused a hole in their secondary to open up, and they will need to fill it with an experienced cover cornerback. Hall has one of the most prolific resumes of any player in the draft; having played some of the best wide receivers in college football and shut them down. The Vikings could realistically take defensive end Jamaal Anderson or inside linebacker Patrick Willis here, but they’ll opt to take a badly needed cornerback.

8) Houston Texans – RB – Adrian Peterson – University of Oklahoma

Houston has a collection of running backs; big and small, fast and strong; but they are in no case safe with any of them. Running backs Samkon Gado and Wali Lundy simply cannot carry the load, while Domanick Williams is coming off of a season-ending injury and newly-acquired Ahman Green looks to be on the decline of his career. Bringing in Peterson will ensure the Texans will have a unique style of running the ball and Peterson could end up the starter by season’s end. Head coach Gary Kubiak dealt with multiple running backs in Denver, and he should have no problem using Peterson to the best of his ability in Houston.

9) Miami Dolphins – S – LaRon Landry – Louisiana State University

The Dolphins’ secondary is a mess of untapped talent and overprized veterans. Their safety position could use a fix up after starting Yeremiah Bell and Renaldo Hill; both of which were solid but nothing special. Safety Jason Allen should be able to take the starting job from one or the other, and he could possibly move to cornerback to add support to that weak unit. In either case, adding Landry would be a smart move for the future. Landry’s impact on the field came from the big hits he made and his fast reaction to the play, and when the Dolphins pick, they’ll be taking Landry.

10) Atlanta Falcons – DE – Jamaal Anderson – University of Arkansas

Losing defensive end Patrick Kerney is a big problem for the Falcons. He gave defensive end John Abraham the advantage to get to the quarterback while taking on a tackle and fullback. Now, the Falcons will have to bring in a defensive end who can be forceful upfront and make plays. With Anderson, the Falcons get big, physical defensive lineman with good speed and quickness. He can come in and fill a hole that will only get larger to fill.

11) San Francisco 49ers – DE – Adam Carriker – University of Nebraska

In a division where every team has a Pro Bowl running back, the 49ers need to improve their defensive line. Carriker has improved his draft stock at an incredible rate since the off-season started, and at the Senior Bowl he caught many coaches’ eyes; one being head coach Mike Nolan. Carriker can come in and play defensive end or defensive tackle, depending on the 49ers’ defensive scheme, and he will be a big impact up front for years to come.

12) Buffalo Bills – RB – Marshawn Lynch – University of California

Buffalo has done a great job of improving their offensive line this off-season by signing some quality offensive guards and tackles, and having traded running back Willis McGahee they have a big hole in their backfield that must be filled. Lynch is a powerful runner who uses his impressive speed to break free of tacklers and get downfield very quickly. His catching ability will benefit quarterback J.P. Losman, and his ability to make plays will become an important part of this team. Buffalo has other glaring holes at cornerback, linebacker and wide receiver, but they must start with the most important need first.

The Rams hope that Posluszny will be a household name in a couple years

13) St. Louis Rams – OLB – Paul Posluszny – Penn State University

Desperately needing a guy who can move around the field and make plays, the Rams’ defense will get a huge boost by Posluszny. He has been extremely productive in college and will do a good job of translating that productivity into the NFL. The Rams could improve other positions on the defense; primarily defensive end, where they are weak and are not getting much push; but instead they’ll opt to take a tackling machine in Posluszny.

14) Carolina Panthers – ILB – Patrick Willis – Ole Miss University

Because of linebacker Dan Morgan’s injuries and their inconsistent linebacker play, the Panthers will look to take action in the draft and fix this issue. Willis is the unquestionable best linebacker in the draft, having played exceptionally well at Ole Miss. The security he would provide to their linebacker corps would be incredibly helpful, and when Willis gets his shot to start, he will put forth everything he has to make an impact. The Panthers could look toward offensive tackle Levi Brown with their pick, but they would be foolish to pass on Willis here.

15) Pittsburgh Steelers – DE – Jarvis Moss – University of Florida

Pittsburgh is aging on defense and they appear to be slipping out of the elite defenses in the NFL. Given their recent loss of linebacker Joey Porter, they could use an improvement in their front seven, and Moss can provide a great deal of help. Moss fits in with whichever defense the Steelers choose to use; whether it be their traditional 3-4 defense or head coach Mike Tomlin’s 4-3 defense. Moss would be helpful at outside linebacker or defensive end, and the Steelers taking him here would be a no-brainer.

Ginn's return skills will benefit him in Green Bay

16) Green Bay Packers – WR – Ted Ginn Jr. – Ohio State University

The most pressing need on the Packers depth chart is no doubt at running back, but with no running back available that would fit their pick, they will move down their top needs list and find that they could use a kick returner/punt returner. Ginn is a unique prospect because of the versatility he provides with his outstanding speed and multiple uses on offense, defense and special teams. Should the Packers go without trading for Randy Moss, they will use their first round pick on a wide receiver, namely Ginn.

17) Jacksonville Jaguars – S – Reggie Nelson – University of Florida

Jacksonville has an impressive team that keeps coming up short, and given the right pieces, they can take a huge step in the right direction. Nelson would improve their secondary by stepping in for injured or unworthy starters and can use his aggression to his advantage. Young and athletically talented, Nelson would be a very interesting addition to the Jaguars and could end up starting sooner than some would think. He has potential but must find a way to trigger it.

18) Cincinnati Bengals – DT – Amobi Okoye – University of Louisville

What’s a better way to improve a team’s image than by drafting a young, smart, level-headed player who can also come in and be a huge impact on their defense? Okoye has been very impressive this off-season; making scouts wow over his maturity and skill in drills and interviews. While at Louisville, Okoye was a monster in the middle, and given a chance to shine in the NFL, he should be a big-time impact player. He will come in and spend the first year learning behind starting defensive tackles Sam Adams and Jon Thornton, and by next year he will have pushed his way into the starting defensive tackle spot.

19) Tennessee Titans – CB – Chris Houston – University of Arkansas

Tennessee is having a terrible time dealing with their troubled cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones, and they’re not going to take any chances of spending this season without reliable starting cornerbacks. Houston has improved his draft stock substantially after an impressive showing at the NFL Combine and after watching game film on him, it would be hard to debate his ability to cover top talents. The Titans could make a move toward wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett or Robert Meachem, but it wouldn’t hurt to bring in a fast cover cornerback. Houston is the pick here.

20) New York Giants – WR – Dwayne Bowe – Louisiana State University

Eli Manning has been the target of criticism ever since he arrived in New York, and if the Giants are going to help him advance as a quarterback, they need to give him targets. Wide receivers Plaxico Burress and Sinorice Moss are not reliable and when Burress feels underappreciated in games, he tends to give up on the ball downfield. Bowe is physically gifted and has been overlooked while at Louisiana State. Even with the Giants’ needs at offensive tackle, outside linebacker and cornerback, they will have to improve Manning’s options or they will suffer like they did late last season. Bowe may not be the most necessary pick, but he is going to help the team more than people may think.

At Texas, Griffin was an impact on defense; the Broncos hope to benefit from Griffin's abilities too

21) Denver Broncos – S – Michael Griffin – University of Texas

The Broncos’ safeties are not going to be successful for much longer; with John Lynch nearing retirement and unimpressive results from safeties Nick Ferguson and Sam Brandon. After trading for Dre’ Bly, the Broncos need to fix their eminent safety problem with their draft pick. By drafting Griffin, the Broncos get an all-around productive safety who proved he has what it takes to play in the NFL while at Texas. Griffin could be taken higher by Green Bay or Jacksonville, but the Broncos would be doing well by taking him here.

22) Dallas Cowboys – CB – Aaron Ross – University of Texas

Dallas could use a cornerback alongside Terrence Newman who can cover well and stay with the receiver. Ross provides the Cowboys with a multi-talented cornerback who has the size and intangibles it takes to cover NFL wide receivers. The possibility of taking cornerback Darrelle Revis or offensive guard Justin Blalock will be interesting to see play out, but the Cowboys can sleep well with Ross on their team.

23) Kansas City Chiefs – OT – Levi Brown – Penn State University

It would be hard to run the ball with their offensive line situation now, and even running back Larry Johnson would admit that it would be nice to have a big, physical tackle to lead the way on the outside. If the Chiefs opt to take Brown, they would be improving an alright, though not good, offensive position. Brown has the size and footwork that would be loved in Kansas City, and though the Chiefs would like a young wide receiver to groom, they couldn’t hurt themselves by taking Brown.

24) New England Patriots (f/ Seattle) – C – Ryan Kalil – University of Southern California

The Patriots are always a step ahead; drafting team needs for the next year before they’re even known to be needs. This year is no different, and with their first of two first round picks they’ll take a chance on Kalil. After showing his versatility and interesting blend of quickness and potential mass that is hard to find in offensive linemen nowadays, he has worked his way to the top of the Patriots’ big board. Given the Patriots’ offensive line injuries in the past, Kalil could help at center or guard. The Patriots get a very smart player here and ensure they will not be worried about injuries. After two years of bulking up and learning the offense, Kalil could be a top center in the NFL

25) New York Jets – TE – Greg Olsen – University of Miami (FL)

Quarterback Chad Pennington improved last year, but he could get a big help with Olsen coming to New York and using his speed to stretch the middle of the field. After trying to make something happen by trading for tight end Doug Jolly two years ago, the Jets have been trying different players, but none have been very successful. Olsen comes from Miami, where many of the NFL’s top tight ends have come from, and he is no exception.

With an incredible physical talent in Leonard, the Eagles will add a new dimension to their offense

26) Philadelphia Eagles – FB – Brian Leonard – Rutgers University

The Eagles are without a solid fullback and they do not have a guy who can move the pile and make short yardage situations happen. After having a very impressive NFL Combine, Leonard has helped make himself noticed. In a league where two-back offenses are so successful, the Eagles would be wise to follow the trend. Leonard could move to running back or be placed in a tailback role on the team, but nonetheless he can help the Eagles substantially. Many will say that taking a fullback so high is wrong, but considering the Eagles have nobody who can drive through defenses and find the end zone, it would only make sense to see a hybrid running back/fullback taken here.

27) New Orleans Saints – CB – Darrelle Revis – University of Pittsburgh

New Orleans is playing with a secondary that is both old and worn. The safety positions are pretty well off, however the cornerback positions are faltering. By bringing in Revis, the Saints ensure that they have a great shutdown cornerback for the future, although his impact may be felt right away. Revis could have been taken much higher in the draft, possibly to the Texans or Bills, but the only thing scouts have to rate him on is game film, and until he proves he’s a physically-gifted cornerback, he will fall to the Saints.

28) New England Patriots – WR – Dwayne Jarrett – University of Southern California

Sticking with another USC player, the Patriots will look toward wide receiver for improvement. With Jarrett still on the board, the Patriots will be thrilled to grab him; having shown interest in Randy Moss earlier this off-season shows that the Patriots are looking for a tall, playmaker at wide receiver. Jarrett’s comparisons to former USC wide receiver Mike Williams will not hurt his draft stock and when it comes time for the Patriots to make a decision between wide receivers Jarrett and Robert Meachem, they’ll take the big playmaker.

29) Baltimore Ravens – OG – Justin Blalock – University of Texas

Blalock is the best offensive guard in the draft, and for him to fall all the way down to the Ravens is surprising. The Ravens need to improve their offensive line with their first pick in the draft; whether they decide to take an offensive guard or offensive tackle. Blalock was the strongest offensive lineman at the NFL Combine and showed that he was able to play in an offensive system like Baltimore’s. He would be a safe, logical pick.

30) San Diego Chargers – S – Brandon Meriweather – University of Miami (FL)

Safety continues to be a concern for the Chargers, and more so after their problems with safety Terrence Kiel and their inconsistent secondary play. By taking Meriweather, the Chargers will be adding a playmaker to their defense who can possibly move to corner should the team let Quentin Jammer go. Meriweather’s character problems have been exaggerated and should not be taken too seriously; he is a good person who will make himself known in the NFL.

31) Chicago Bears – OLB – Jon Beason – University of Miami (FL)

The possibility of outside linebacker Lance Briggs not being with the team should seriously scare the Bears, because he has been the player who has dominated the outside area of the football field. By drafting Beason, they are ensuring that any departure of Briggs from the team will not be too damaging, and if Briggs should stay, the team has a great player who can come in and play the strong side linebacker spot well.

32) Indianapolis Colts – WR – Robert Meachem – University of Tennessee

Indianapolis doesn’t have much of a need for a wide receiver, given the fantastic production of Pro Bowl wide receivers Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne, but depth is going to be an issue. Meachem is a player who could fit perfectly into the Colts’ offensive game plan. By splitting Meachem out as the number three wide receiver or number four wide receiver, the Colts are guaranteeing that their quarterback Peyton Manning will always have an open target. Meachem may not be the best pick, but he would be a great weapon in Indianapolis.

*Other players who could go in the first round: DE - Charles Johnson – University of Georgia; OT – Joe Staley – University of Central Michigan; CB – Marcus McCauley – Fresno State University; DE – Anthony Spencer – Purdue University; OT – Aaron Sears – University of Tennessee; DT – DeMarcus Tyler – North Carolina State University.