2007 NFL Mock Draft - Version 1.0

Here is my first stab at the top 10 plus Packers pick at #16:

#1 Raiders - JaMarcus Russel (QB - LSU): Russell has a great presence in the pocket, accurate throw, and an outstanding deep ball. Just what Al Davis is always looking for to run the Raiders vertical passing game.

#2 Lions - Joe Thomas (OT - Wisconsin): The Lions will pass on C. Johnson & B. Quinn. Matt Millen will make the fist smart move of his tenure by picking up this future franchise left tackle.

#3 Browns - Adrian Peterson (RB - Oklahoma): Romeo Crennel's job is in jeopardy so he needs this pick to be a "home run". Peterson has injury concerns but when healthy is an elite running back.

#4 Bucs - Calvin Johnson (WR - Georgia Tech): Rare size, strength and speed. The Bucs have many needs but Johnson would be nearly impossible to pass on at this point.

#5 Cardinals - Gaines Adams (DE - Clemson): Adams is currently considered the best defensive player in the draft. Should be an instant defensive playmaker, which the Cards definitely need.

#6 Redskins - Alan Branch (DT - Michigan): The Redskins have many needs on the defensive line and Branch has the speed to play DE and the power to play nose tackle. His versatility will push him ahead of Amobi Okoye.

#7 Vikings - Jamaal Anderson (DE - Arkansas): The Vikings biggest need is at wide receiver. However, with Childress not being a supporter of first round wide receivers, the next option is to improve the pass rush. Anderson is coming off an outstanding junior year, and would make a great partner opposite Erasmus James. It'll be difficult to pass on Brady Quinn but the Vikings have already invested in T. Jackson. Anderson is the pick.

#8 Texans - Brady Quinn (QB - Notre Dame): Quinn is the question mark of the draft but if he is available here, the Texans simply cannot let the opportunity pass them by. At this point the Texans would draft Quinn and trade David Carr for a first day pick.

#9 Dolphins - Amobi Okoye (DT - Louisville): Age and free agency make the middle of the defensive line a priority for the Dolphins. Okoye began his college career at age 16 and was dominant, despite being the youngest on the field. At age 19, Okoye is ready to produce at the NFL level.

#10 Falcons - LaRon Landry (FS - LSU): Given the players already gone, this is an easy pick. The tandem of safeties for Atlanta last season was less than impressive and Laron Landry would make an immediate positive impact where they need it most.

#16 Packers - Marshawn Lynch (RB - California): Great inside runner, with the ability to take a hit and quickness to turn the corner. Will be the replacement for Ahman Green and will be the franchise running back for years to come.

Feel free to critique...

Super Bowl XLI

Sunday, February 4, 6:25 p.m. ET on CBS

It's almost time for the big game, the NFL title game - Super Bowl XLI. The Chicago Bears are back in the Super Bowl for first time since beating the piss out of the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XX in January of 1986, while the Colts, who beat Dallas in Super Bowl V, will make a Super Bowl appearance for the first time since the franchise abruptly relocated from Baltimore in the middle of the night. Both teams started the 2006-2007 season fast with the Bears winning their first seven games - easily crapping on the chest of Brett Favre & the Green Bay Packers (26-0) in the opening game of the year, while narrowly escaping the ball hawking Minnesota Vikings (19-16) in there third game of the season - on their way to the NFC North title and a 15-3 overall record. The Colts started 9-0 behind the laser rocket arm of Peyton Manning and went on to win the AFC South crown and finish with a 15-4 overall record. The game will feature strength against strength with the Colts electrifying offense, ranked third in the regular season, going against a stingy Bears defense that finished the season ranked fifth overall. Both teams have plenty of talent, with Chicago sending eight players to the Pro Bowl, six from the defense or special teams, and the Colts boasting five Pro Bowl players, all from the offense. Bears coach Lovie Smith and Colts coach (University of Minnesota Alumni) Tony Dungy are close friends, dating back to Smith's time working on Dungy's staff with the Tampa Bay Bucs, and the two are the first African-American head coaches to reach the Super Bowl.

The keys for the Bears are the following: Nathan Vasher & Charles Tillman must keep Marvin Harrison & Reggie Wayne from making big plays. The Colts are going to move the ball but the Bears have to stop the "home run". If the Bears starting CB's do there job it's going to come down to Ricky Manning being able to clamp down on Colts TE, and Iowa hick, Dallas Clark. Limit the Colts passing game and dare them to move the ball on the ground. Offensively the Bears have to pound the ball with the two-headed monster of Thomas Jones & Cedric Benson. This will take the pressure off of Rex Grossman and keep Peyton Manning & the Colts offense off the field. Hopefully Rex's head will be in the game, unlike the game at the end of the year where he was thinking about a gang bang with Paris Hilton and GAVE the win to the Packers, and he'll be able to make the throws necessary to sustain drives. Another key for the Bears will be the ability of Devin Hester to hold onto the ball and exploit the Colts weak special teams units, especially on kickoff coverage.

The keys for the Colts are the following: the Colts defense needs to control its aggressiveness and not overpursue the run. They need to contain the Bears run game and make Rex Grossman beat them. If the Colts can stop Rex from gaining confidence, especially early, they should be in good shape. Offensively the Colts have to keep possession of the ball. I know it's obvious but if the Colts can limit turnovers and allow the Corky (from "Life Goes On") look alike to have 10 or more possessions then they should be able to score enough to put the game out of reach.

Personally I have reasons to want both teams to win. I like Peyton Manning and would like to see him lose the lovable loser tag but I also would love to see the Bears win for my buddy Brutus. I've been debating my prediction for a week now and I think I'm going to roll with the underdog. I think the Bears will force three turnovers, get a big special teams play and control the game offensively by running the ball.

Final score: Bears win 20-17.