As I sit here at the computer, I keep stopping to re-examine my mock draft.  I have made continuous changes in the past weeks, seemingly with every Free Agent pick-up or trade.  Not there have been many trades to speak of this year.  Nevertheless, once again in the last month prior to the draft, we fantasize about the blockbuster trade that overshadows the entire draft weekend.  I never tire of a good trade rumour.  Naturally, any significant deal has to center around a Wide Receiver.  Why?  Well, that’s just the way things go.  No, I am not talking about the infamous T.O, I am referring a TO-clone: Javon Walker.

Javon, you had 1 good season and are now damaged goods.  Perhaps another exceptional season after your injury will turn some heads and someone will, “Show you the money”.  Enough on that, I am traditionally against caving into the wishes of players who are interested in re-negotiating a contract; however, my Packers could use another 1^st round pick and if the Bronco’s are willing to take the risk, lets see it happen.    

On the subject of Wide-outs, they may not be as prominent in the first round as they have been in the past.  At this point, I am projected 2 in the top 32 (Chad Jackson and Santonio Holmes).  That’s a far cry from the typical 4-5.  So which position is most likely to be well represented after the first round?  In my opinion, which doesn’t count for much these days, based on my “fan mail”, I have to give the nod to the Linebackers.  Teams are beginning to understand that Defense wins championships.  Since the Ravens won the Super Bowl, the paradigm has been slowly shifting to the other side of the ball.  For those that remember my article “Combining influences”, Chad Greenway is not represented in this group.

AJ Hawk is the obvious leader of this group.  I suspect he will be taken by the Packers and will not drop below the #5 spot.  Manny Lawson, Ernie Sims, Demeco Ryans, Kamerion Wimbley, Abdul Hodge are all prominent members of a strong linebacker class and will receive some consideration in the first round.  However, my sleeper is Thomas Howard.  Perhaps under staged by some of the more recognizable names above, Thomas Howard has tremendous speed, size, and strength that will guarantee him a nod in the first round.  

If you are still reading, I need to keep your attention, so I have enclosed my top 10 picks.  Comments are always welcome.

1. Houston:  Reggie Bush
2. New Orleans:  Mario Edwards
3. Tennessee:  Matt Leinart
4. NY Jets: D’Brickshaw Ferguson
5. Green Bay: AJ Hawk
6. San Francisco: Vernon Davis
7. Oakland:  Vince Young
8. Buffalo:  Broderick Bunkley
9. Detroit:  Michael Huff
10. Arizona:  Jay Cutler.