BRAYDEN “Brady” QUINN
Quarterback
University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish
#10
6:03.6-232
Dublin, Ohio
Coffman High School

OVERVIEW
With the arrival of head coach Charlie Weis from the New England Patriots at Notre Dame, the
former NFL offensive coordinator quickly bonded with Brady and the results were immediately
evident in 2005. Having been compared to Weis’ former pupil, Tom Brady, Quinn averaged more
than 110 yards passing per game than he had as a sophomore while nearly doubling his
touchdown passes (32 from 17).

During his four seasons with the Fighting Irish, Quinn shattered 36 school records (10 career, 12
single-season, 4 single-game, 10 miscellaneous) including career pass attempts (1,602)
completions (929), yards (11,742), yards per game (239.6), touchdown passes (95) and lowest
INT percentage (2.43).

He won 29 games as a starting quarterback at Notre Dame, tied for most in school history. Quinn
ranks in the top ten in NCAA Division I history in career pass attempts (seventh), passing yards
(tenth) and touchdown passes (ninth).

The Coffman High School product was ranked sixth on the Detroit Free Press "Best of the
Midwest" team and listed 20th on ESPN's list of the nation's top 100 players. He was named
Columbus Dispatch and Ohio Capital Conference Offensive Player of the Year and was an All-
State choice as a senior. The two-time All-Conference selection served as team captain twice.

As a senior in 2002, Quinn completed 143 of 258 passes for 2,149 yards, 25 touchdowns and
only four interceptions while rushing for 108 yards and six touchdowns. He helped his team post
an 8-3 mark in 2002 and played in the U.S. Army All-America game in San Antonio. The two-year
starter threw for 2,200 yards and 21 touchdowns as a junior in 2001, a 9-4 season that saw
Coffman reach the Division I state semifinals. Quinn also lettered three times in baseball. He was
named All-Conference in baseball as a junior and was a member of Young Life, the Rock Solid
Club and Who's Who Among America High School Students.

As a true freshman at Notre Dame, Quinn appeared in 12 games, starting the final nine contests
of the 2003 campaign. He connected on 157 of 332 passes (47.3%) for 1,831 yards, nine
touchdowns and 15 interceptions. He added 25 yards on 48 carries, but also fumbled six times,
with the opposition recovering two of those miscues.

In 2004, Quinn was successful on 191 of 253 throws (54.1%) for 2,586 yards and 17 touch-
downs. He was intercepted 10 times and fumbled four times, but added three more scores on the
ground. Brady earned All-American third-team honors as a junior, ranking third in the nation in
passing yardage (3,919) while establishing school season records with 292 completions of 450
attempts with 32 touchdowns and only seven interceptions.

Quinn continued to rewrite the school record book as a senior in 2006. The All-American hit on
289 of 467 attempts (61.9%) for 3.426 yards (tenth best in the nation), 37 touchdowns and only
seven interceptions. He finished eleventh nationally with an average of 269.0 yards per game in
total offense and placed fifth in points scored per game with an 18.0 average. His average of
22.23 pass completions per game was good for eighth in the nation.

In 49 games at Notre Dame, Quinn started 46 times. He set school career-records with 929 of
1,602 passes (58.0%) for 11,762 yards, 95 touchdowns and 39 interceptions. He carried 254
times for 182 yards (0.7 avg) and six scores. His 1,602 pass attempts rank first among active
NCAA Division 1-A quarterbacks.

CAREER NOTES
Completed 929 of 1,602 passes (58.0%) for 11,762 yards and 95 touchdowns, breaking the
previous school career-records set by Ron Powlus (558 of 969 attempts for 7,602 yards and 52
touchdowns, 1994-97)...His pass completion percentage of 58.0 ranks second in school annals
behind Kevin McDougal (62.2%, 1990-93)...His 11,944 yards in total offense broke the old school
career-record of 7,479 yards by Powlus and his 1,856 plays topped the previous Fighting Irish all-
time record of 1,201 by Powlus...Has a string of 16 consecutive games with at least one
touchdown pass (2004-05), snapping the previous mark of ten by Heisman Trophy winner, John
Huarte, in 1964...Set school season-records with 549 plays in 2006 and 4,009 yards in total
offense in 2005, topping the old marks of 456 plays for 3,217 yards by Jarious Jackson in
1999...His average of 334.1 yards per game in total offense in 2005 shattered the previous
school season-record of 281.3 yards by Joe Theismann in 1970...Gained over 200 yards in total
offense 33 times during his career, topping the old Irish career-record of 15 by Jackson(1996-99)
and Powlus...Gained over 200 yards in total offense 11 times in 2005 and 12 times in 2006,
breaking the old school season-record of nine by Jackson in 1999...His 467 pass attempts in
2006 topped his previous school season-record of 450 in 2005...Along with his 332 pass
attempts in 2003 and 353 tosses in 2004, Quinn owns the top three spots on Notre Dame’s
season-record pass attempt list...Also owns the top three pass completion seasons in school
annals, hitting on 292 throws in 2005, 289 in 2006 and 191 in 2004...His pass completion
percentage of 64.9% in 2005 broke the old Irish season-record of 61.6% by Kevin McDougal in
1993...His 32 touchdown passes in 2005 shattered the old Notre Dame record of 19 by Ron
Powlus in 1994, followed by Quinn topping his own record with 37 scoring strikes in
2006...Quinn’s average of 1.94 touchdown passes per game topped Powlus’ old school career-
record of 1.18 (1994-97)...His seven interceptions in 2005 and repeated in 2006, rank as the
fourth-lowest season totals by a Notre Dame starting quarter-back (minimum 125
attempts)...Threw 39 interceptions during his career, topped only by Steve Beuerlein (44, 1983-
86) in school annals...Responsible for 198 points in 2005 (32 touchdowns passing, one rushing),
breaking the old school season-record of 162 points by Rick Mirer in 1991 (18 touchdowns
passing, nine rushing). Quinn then broke his own school record by totaling 234 points (37 scores
passing, two rushing) in 2006...During his career, Quinn was responsible for 606 points scored
during his career (95 TDs passing, six rushing), surpassing Mirer’s previous Notre Dame career-
record of 350 points (41 TDs passing, 17 rushing, one two-point conversion)...His 158.4 passing
efficiency rating in 2005 broke the previous school season-record (155.1 by John Huarte, 1964).

2006 SEASON
All-American Dream Team selection by the NFL Draft report, earning second-team honors from
the Football Writers Association...Received the 2006 Notre Dame Most Valuable Player Award at
the football banquet for the second-consecutive year after sharing it with receiver Jeff Samardzija
in 2005...Became Notre Dame’s sixth winner of the Maxwell Award, presented to college
football’s most outstanding player...Winner of the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, presented
annually to top senior quarterback in the nation...Voted by fans as the winner of the Cingular
Player of the Year...Selected as a finalist for numerous awards including the Walter Camp Player
of the Year Award, the Davey O’Brien Award and the Manning Award...Graduated this past
December in 3.5 years with dual degrees in Political Science and Finance...Voted a team captain
(along with linebacker Travis Thomas and safety Tom Zbikowski) for second consecutive year as
determined in a vote by his teammates...Member of the football team’s leadership committee for
the second-straight season...Started all 13 games, ranking 11th nationally in total offense (269.0
ypg), 10th in passing yardage (3,426), eighth in pass completions per game (22.23), 18th in
passing efficiency with a 146.66 rating and fifth in points responsible for (18.0 ppg)...Connected
on 289 of 467 passes (61.9%) for 3,426 yards, a school season-record 37 touchdowns and only
seven interceptions...Set a school record as he did not throw an interception in 226 consecutive
passes – also the season high for NCAA Division I in 2006...Threw at least two touchdown
passes in his first 12 games...Added 71 yards and two scores on 82 carries (0.9 avg)...Amassed
3,497 yards in total offense on 549 plays...Turned the ball over once on four fumbles.

2005 SEASON
Second-team All-American selection by The NFL Draft Report, adding third-team honors from the
Associated Press...Finalist for the Davey O’Brien Award and the winner of the Sammy Baugh
Award as the nation’s top quarterback by the Columbus (Oh.) Touchdown Club...Shared the 2005
Notre Dame Most Valuable Player Award with receiver Jeff Samardzija... One of two team
captains (along with linebacker Brandon Hoyte) as determined by a vote of his teammates...
Shattered school season-records, as he hit on 292 of 450 passes (64.9%) for 3,919 yards, 32
touchdowns and only seven interceptions...Ranked third in the nation in passing yards and yards
passing per game (326.58), was fifth nationally in total offense (334.1 ypg), sixth in pass
completions (24.33 pg) and seventh in points responsible for (16.5 pg)...Ranked fourth on the
squad with 70 carries for 90 yards (1.3 avg) and a score...Gained a school season-record 4,009
yards in total offense on 520 plays and set a school season-record with 11 games gaining at least
200 yards in total offense...Threw at least one touchdown in all twelve games he started...
Fumbled three times, as the Irish recovered all three miscues...Sacked 20 times for losses
totaling 133 yards...Accounted for 167 first downs among his 292 pass completions, adding 14
more first downs rushing...Had 35 of his 450 pass attempts deflected by the opposition and
fumbled three times...Converted 90-of-184 third-down plays (48.9%) that he was involved
in...Had 54 pass completions for 20 yards or longer.

2004 SEASON
Produced the finest statistical sophomore season of any quarterback in Notre Dame
history...Started all 12 games, completing 191 of 353 passes (54.1%) for 2,586 yards with 17
touchdown passes and 10 interceptions...Had 11 completions of at least 40 yards or
more...Finished third on the Notre Dame single-season passing yards list, trailing only Jarious
Jackson's 2,753 in 1999 and Quinn’s 3,919 in 2005)...Carried 54 times for losses totaling 4 yards,
adding three scores on the ground...Fumbled four times, with the opposition recovering one of
those miscues...Sacked 25 times for minus 147 yards...Also recorded a pair of solo tackles (one
each vs. Pittsburgh and Oregon State).

2003 SEASON
Played in 12 games as a true freshman, starting the final nine contests when he replaced Carlyle
Holiday in the lineup vs. Purdue...Gained 1,831 yards with nine touchdowns and 15 interceptions
on 157 of 332 passes (47.3%)...His 332 pass attempts set a school season-record (since
broken), topping the ol;d mark of 316 by Jarious Jackson in 1999...Carried 48 times for 25 yards
(0.5 avg) and amassed 1,856 yards in total offense... Also recorded an assisted tackle vs.
Syracuse...Fumbled six times, turning the ball over twice... Was sacked 13 times for losses
totaling 85 yards.

CAMPUS AGILITY TESTS
4.73 in the 40-yard dash...345-pound bench press...Bench presses 225 pounds 21 times...
475-pound squat...36-inch vertical jump...9’7” broad jump...4.22 20-yard shuttle...6.79 three-
cone drill...31 3⁄4-inch arm length...9 5/8-inch hands...Right-handed...29/47 Wonderlic score.

COMBINE AGILITY TESTS
Bench pressed 225 pounds 24 times.

HIGH SCHOOL
Attended Coffman (Dublin, Oh.) High School...Ranked sixth on the Detroit Free Press "Best of
the Midwest" team and listed 20th on ESPN's list of the nation's top 100 players as a
prep...Named Columbus Dispatch and Ohio Capital Conference Offensive Player of the Year and
was an All-State choice as a senior...The two-time All-Conference selection served as team
captain twice...As a senior in 2002, Quinn completed 143 of 258 passes for 2,149 yards, 25
touchdowns and only four interceptions while rushing for 108 yards and six touchdowns...Helped
his team post an 8-3 mark in 2002 and played in the U.S. Army All-America game in San
Antonio...The two-year starter threw for 2,200 yards and 21 touchdowns as a junior in 2001, a 9-
4 season that saw Coffman reach the Division I state semifinals...Also lettered three times in
baseball. He was named All-Conference in base-ball as a junior...Member of Young Life, the
Rock Solid Club and Who's Who Among America High School Students.

PERSONAL
Enrolled in the Mendoza College of Business with a major in Finance and second major in
Political Science...Sister, Laura, is the girlfriend of Ohio State All-American and Green Bay
Packers 2006 NFL Draft first round linebacker A.J. Hawk, Brady’s opponent in the 2006 Fiesta
Bowl...Uncle, David Slates, played football at Brown while another uncle, Steve Slates, played
football at Kentucky...One of three children of Robin and Ty Quinn...Born Brayden Tyler Quinn on
10/27/84 in Columbus, Ohio...Resides in Dublin, Ohio.

JA MARCUS RUSSELL
Quarterback
Louisiana State University Tigers
#4
6:05.4-258
Mobile, Alabama
Williamson High School

OVERVIEW
Much like the Auburn staff did with Jason Campbell several years ago, the LSU coaches patiently
waited for Russell to develop. That patience paid off in 2005, as Russell wrested the starting
reigns away from Matt Flynn. Most experts now regard JaMarcus as the most physically gifted
quarterback to ever wear a Louisiana State uniform.

The talented junior has what many feel is the strongest arm in college football. He can throw the
ball the length of the field and put on an impressive performance prior to the 2006 Sugar Bowl,
when he sat down on the ground and threw the pigskin 40 yards down field. Under the guidance
of offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher, JaMarcus developed a keen understanding and knowledge
in how to manage the clock. He went on to compile a 25-4 record as a starter, the third-best
record in school history.

Russell and his favorite target, receiver Dwayne Bowe, is the most prolific pass-catch scoring
tandem in school history, as the duo connected on 23 touchdowns during their career. JaMarcus
leaves LSU as the school’s second-ranked passer with a 61.86 pass completion percentage and
52 touchdown tosses. He is just the third player in Tiger annals to throw for over 6,000 yards in a
career and the first to lead the team to at least ten victories in consecutive seasons. He also
proved to be a heroic passer, as he rallied the team late in the fourth quarter or during overtime to
eight victories during his 36 games in an LSU uniform.

JaMarcus was regarded as one of the nation's top-rated quarterbacks during his time at
Williamson High School. He was a consensus top five national pro-style quarterback by every
major recruiting publication and named to the prestigious Parade All-American team. In 2002, he
was rated the fourth-best quarterback prospect in the country by College Football News. He was
also named Alabama's Mr. Football and Super Prep Dixie Offensive Player of the Year in 2002.

Russell was a member of Super Prep’s All-American team, FSN South's Countdown to Signing
Day "All-South" first-team, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Super Southern 100 and the Orlando
Sentinel’s All-Southern teams. The all-time leading passer in Alabama history, JaMarcus threw
for 10,744 yards during his career, eclipsing the state record set by former Alabama and current
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Brodie Croyle.

The two-time Class 5A All-State selection also rewrote the state record books with 84 touchdown
passes. He connected on 219-of-372 passes (58.9%) for 3,332 yards and 22 touchdowns as a
senior, adding 400 yards and five scores rushing 2002. He also passed for 1,850 yards and 17
touchdowns as a junior. Russell also excelled on the school’s basketball team as a small forward,
averaging 15 points, 10 rebounds and four assists per game as a junior.

Russell enrolled at Louisiana State in 2003, spending the season performing on the scout team.
He played in 11 games, sharing quarterback duties with Marcus Randall in 2004, earning five
starting assignments. He completed 73-of-144 passes (50.7%) for 1,053 yards, nine touchdowns
and four interceptions. But, despite his 4.7 speed, he was sacked 13 times and lost 41 yards on
26 carries, finishing with 1,012 yards in total offense.

JaMarcus became the full-time starter for the Tigers in 2005, leading the team to a 10-2 record in
their first twelve games. He hit on 188-of-311 attempts (60.5%) for 2,443 yards, 15 touchdowns
and nine interceptions. He scored twice on 61 carries, but was held to minus 22 yards, as he was
sacked 21 times and turned the ball over four times on fumbles.

Russell changed his uniform to #2 in 2006, after wearing #4 during his first two seasons. The first-
team All-Southeastern Conference choice led the Tigers to an 11-3 record in his final campaign.
He gained 3,129 yards with 28 touchdowns and only eight interceptions, as he connected on 232-
of-342 throws (67.8%). JaMarcus added 142 yards and a score on 52 carries, amassing 3,271
yards in total offense.

In 36 games at Louisiana State, Russell started 30 contests. He threw for 6,625 yards and 52
touchdowns and 21 interceptions, as he completed 493-of-797 throws (61.9%). He rushed 139
times for 79 yards (0.6 avg) and four scores while also recording four solo tackles. On 936 plays,
JaMarcus piled up 6,704 yards in total offense, an average of 186.22 yards per game.

CAREER NOTES
Since the 2000 season, the Tigers have rallied in the fourth quarter or in overtime to win 15
games. Russell produced eight of those comebacks, doing so vs. Oregon State in 2004 (scored
TD with 1:05 left to force OT W, 22-21 OT); vs. Mississippi (scored TD with 10:51 left W, 27-24),
Arizona State (scored TD with 1:13 left W, 35-31), Florida (scored TD with 12:35 left W, 21-14),
Auburn (scored FG with 1:40 left to force OT W, 20-17) and Alabama (scored TD on 3rd down in
OT W, 16-13) in 2005; and vs. Tennessee (scored TD with 9 seconds left W, 28-21) and
Mississippi (scored TD with 14 seconds left to force OT W, 23-20) in 2006...Russell’s 6,625 yards
passing rank third on the school’s career-record list behind Tommy Hodson (9,115 yards; 1986-
89) and Jeff Wickersham (6,921; 1982-85)... His 493 pass completions rank third in school
annals, topped by Hodson (674) and Wickersham (587)...Russell’s 797 pass attempts placed him
fourth in school history behind Hodson (1,163), Wickersham (1,005) and Jamie Howard (934,
1992-95)...His pass completion percentage of 61.9 was just shy of the LSU all-time record of
62.0% by Alan Risher (1980-82)...JaMarcus threw for 52 touchdowns during his career, topped
only by Tommy Hodson’s 69 on the school career-record list...Averaged 184.03 yards per game
passing during his career, ranking behind Hodson (203.1), Josh Booty (197.5 ypg, 1999-2000)
and Herb Tyler (184.8 ypg, 1995-98) in LSU annals...The pitch-&-catch combination of JaMarcus
Russell-to-Dwayne Bowe broke the school record for scoring tandems in a career, as the pair
hooked up for 23 touchdowns to move past Tommy Hodson and Wendell Davis (21) for first place
on the all-time LSU list...With a 25-4 overall mark as the Tigers’ starting quarterback, Russell
moved into a third-place tie with Warren Rabb (25-7, 1957-59) for most victories by a signal
caller. Tommy Hodson (1986-89) holds the school record by compiling a 31-14-1 mark during his
career as a starter and Herb Tyler (1995-98) compiled a 27-11 record as a starter...Russell
became only the second player in school history to throw for over 3,000 yards in a season (3,129
in 2006), joining Rohan Davey (3,347 yards in 2001)...His 2,443 yards passing in 2005 rank sixth
on the Tigers’ season-record chart...His 232 pass completions in 2006 set an LSU season-
record, topping the previous mark of 229 by Matt Mauck (2003)...His 342 pass attempts in 2006
rank fourth in school history behind Rohan Davey (367 in 2001), Matt Mauck (358 in 2003) and
Jeff Wickersham (346 in 1985)...Russell’s pass completion percentage of 67.8 in 2006 topped
the old LSU season-record of 65.2% by Herb Tyler (1995) and that completion percentage ranks
second in SEC season annals behind Tim Couch of Kentucky (72.3% on 400-of-553 attempts in
1998...His 28 touchdown passes in 2006 tied the school season-record that was first set by Matt
Mauck (2003)...Russell’s average of 240.69 yards per game passing in 2006 rank second on the
school’s season-record list, surpassed only by Rohan Davey (279.2 ypg, 2001).

2006 SEASON
All-American Dream Team third-team choice by The NFL Draft Report...Semi-finalist for the
Davey O’Brien Award...Joined Tommy Hodson (1987) as the only quarterbacks in LSU history to
be named first-team All-South-eastern Conference by the Associated Press and the league’s
coaches in the same season...Changed uniform numbers from #4 to #2, the same number he
wore during his stellar high school career...Started every game, becoming the first player in
school history to guide the team to 10 or more victories in consecutive seasons (11-2 in 2006, 10-
2 in 2005)...Ranked fourth in the nation and led the SEC with a 167.03 passing efficiency
rating...Ranked 15th nationally and second in the conference with an average of 251.62 yards
per game in total offense...Also finished second in the SEC in total passing yards and average
passing yards per game (240.69)...Set school season-records by completing 232-of-342 passes
(67.8%), good for 3,129 yards, 28 touchdowns and only eight interceptions...Rushed 52 times for
142 yards (2.7 avg) and a score...Gained 3,271 yards in total offense...Turned the ball over four
times on a career-high nine fumbles and was sacked 15 times for losses totaling 126 yards...131
of his pass completions resulted in first downs, as he helped the team convert 64-of-133 third-
down plays during drives that he engineered...48 of his completions were for 20 yards or longer,
but he also had 30 of his pass attempts deflected by the opposition...Earned SEC Player of the
Week honors vs. Mississippi State, Kentucky and Tennessee...Threw for over 300 yards in the
Mississippi State and Notre Dame (Sugar Bowl) games.

2005 SEASON
Russell was selected SEC Player of the Year by the Columbus Touchdown Club...He added SEC
Academic Honor Roll recognition and was named SEC Player of the Week vs. Vanderbilt...
JaMarcus started the first twelve games of the season, becoming the third player in school history
to win ten games (10-2) in a campaign...He hit on 188-of-311 passes (60.5%) for 2,443 yards, 15
touchdowns and nine interceptions, but lost 22 yards on 61 carries, as he was sacked 21 times
for losses totaling 214 yards... All four of his fumbles were recovered by the opposition...Also had
27 of his pass attempts deflected...Threw at least one touchdown in nine consecutive games
before that streak was stopped in the SEC Championship Game vs. Georgia...Suffered a left
shoulder separation and right wrist ligament damage in that Georgia game, undergoing wrist
surgery that forced him to miss the Peach Bowl clash vs. Miami.

2004 SEASON
Shared quarterback duties with Marcus Randall, starting vs. Florida, Vanderbilt, Alabama,
Mississippi and Arkansas...Completed 73-of-144 passes (50.7%) for 1,053 yards, nine
touchdowns and four interceptions...Scored once on 26 carries, but was sacked 13 times for
losses totaling 109 yards...Finished with 1,012 yards in total offense.

2003 SEASON
Enrolled at Louisiana State, redshirting while performing on the scout team.

CAMPUS AGILITY TESTS
4.83 in the 40-yard dash...335-pound bench press...515-pound squat...31-inch vertical jump...34
1/2-inch arm length...9 1/2-inch hands...Right-handed.

HIGH SCHOOL
Attended Williamson (Mobile, Ala.) High School, playing football for head coach Bobby
Parrish...Regarded as one of the nation's top-rated quarterbacks...Consensus top five national
pro-style quarterback by every major recruiting publication and named to the prestigious Parade
All-American team...In 2002, he was rated the fourth-best quarterback prospect in the country by
College Football News...Named Alabama's Mr. Football and Super Prep Dixie Offensive Player
of the Year in 2002...Member of Super Prep’s All-American team, FSN South's Countdown to
Signing Day "All-South" first-team, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Super Southern 100 and the
Orlando Sentinel’s All-Southern teams...The all-time leading passer in Alabama history,
JaMarcus threw for 10,744 yards during his career, eclipsing the state record set by former
Alabama and current Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Brodie Croyle...The two-time Class 5A All-
State selection also rewrote the state record books with 84 touchdown passes...Connected on
219-of-372 passes (58.9%) for 3,332 yards and 22 touchdowns as a senior, adding 400 yards
and five scores rushing 2002...Passed for 1,850 yards and 27 touchdowns as a junior... Also
excelled on the school’s basketball team as a small forward, averaging 15 points, 10 rebounds
and four assists per game as a junior.

PERSONAL
General Studies major...Son of Zina Russell-Anderson and Bobby Lloyd...Made national news in
2006 after sharing his apartment with legendary musician Fats Domino in the days following
Hurricane Katrina...Actually housed over a dozen family and friends for a week following the
storm...Spent part of the 2006 off-season serving as a counselor at the Manning Passing
Academy, working alongside Peyton and Eli Manning each day...Born 8/09/85 in Mobile,
Alabama.

From NFLDraftguys.com

1. Oakland - JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU
We are set up to have some nice suspense about the #1 overall pick. The possible Moss deal could open the door for Calvin Johnson here. I would personally take Johnson, but Russell also fits the Davis fetish for freakish athletes, and he's almost an ideal QB to mesh with Davis's penchant for the vertical passing game. If Lane Kiffin and Greg Knapp have any say (stop laughing), Brady Quinn could be the pick.

2. Detroit - Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin
Every time I project Detroit's pick, I end up feeling like they are just going to trade down. It makes sense for so many reasons. Still, how often have the words "makes sense" and Detroit been in the same sentence in the Millen era? If they do stay home, Thomas is the best pick. He will instantly reduce the number of times Jon Kitna has to do his impression of Arnold Schwarznegger in the "The Running Man".

3. Cleveland - Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame
One would think that Romeo Crennel has a direct pipeline to Charlie Weis to get the dirt on Quinn. Brady has composed himself like a franchise QB in the postseason activities - it's hard to see him dropping much farther than the top 7, and he'll certainly be ahead of Russell on some teams boards. Cleveland needs a face of the franchise and reason for hope for the future, and Quinn will instantly fill that need quicker than you can say "Tim Couch".

4. Tampa Bay - Calvin Johnson, WR - Georgia Tech
It's hard to have Johnson fall this far, but if Oakland doesn't take him, he should, assuming that no one trades up with Detroit or Cleveland to snag "the prototype". Johnson is absolutely the kind of player that teams talk themselves into trading up for. Our friends at the The Pewter Report told us that Tampa was set on Johnson or Thomas, and I still believe that.

5. Arizona - Levi Brown, OT, PSU
I can just as easily justify Alan Branch, Gaines Adams, or Jamaal Anderson here. Even Adrian Peterson. Alas, this is one of the few times I will cite need in projecting a top 10 pick. The Cardinals desperately need Brown to pan out and anchor their line for the long haul. They were right to not overpay Leonard Davis and let him walk. Arizona is almost as good a candidate to trade down as Detroit, so that remains the biggest possibility in my head, but the pick should be Brown if they stay home, otherwise, they'll be having open auditions at LT, and that's a recipe for disaster.

6. Washington - LaRon Landry, S, LSU
As of this moment, it's possible that Washington will have traded this pick for some magic beans by the time April 28 rolls around. A Landry/Sean Taylor combination in the deep middle could be staggeringly good and make up for the pass rush and run defense deficiencies. Just like Arizona, you can really make a good case for any of the top defensive lineman here - as it stands right now, there's no one on the roster that can consistently keep blockers off of London Fletcher-Baker or get pressure on the QB.

7. Minnesota - Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson
Gaines Adams provides the best instant pass rush shot in the arm of any DE in the draft. The Vikes are hurting for a sack artist since their recent rolls of the dice at DE in the first round, Kenichi Udeze and Erasmus James, have come up snake eyes.

8. Atlanta - Jamaal Anderson, DE, Arkansas
Atlanta should surely get either one of Adams/Anderson to compliment John Abraham, or LaRon Landry to hold down the deep middle, showing exactly why the move up from 10 to 8 is not trivial.

9. Miami - Alan Branch, DT, Michigan
I have to think Miami would scoop up Landry if he fell, but Atlanta trading up reduced the chance of that happening. The phones would probably be ringing with inquiries from teams looking to trade up for Peterson at this point. Branch would probably be enough reason to stay home - Keith Traylor clearly found what Ponce De Leon was looking for in South Florida, but the magic will wear off soon, and Traylor was a bigger key to their defensive success than you would probably think. Patrick Willis or whomever the top CB is on the Fins board should also be considerations here.

10. Houston - Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma
The opportunity to take Peterson would be a PR coup for a franchise that is on the ropes. Peterson still being there sets up an interesting tension between the Kubiak/Denver philosophy of plug and play at RB and the chance to add a real difference maker at RB. A partner for Dunta Robinson at CB also makes a ton of sense here.

11. San Francisco - Patrick Willis, LB, Ole Miss
The 49ers staff, especially Mike Singletary, got to work very closely with Willis for a week in Mobile at the Senior Bowl and they loved what they saw. Adam Carriker also fits very well in San Francisco and remains a strong possibility.

12. Buffalo - Marshawn Lynch, RB, California
Finally I get to project the pick I've been toying with since December. It's not a slam dunk as Buffalo could choose to get an RBBC partner for Anthony Thomas later on the first day. Okoye might be an enticing BPA here.

13. St. Louis - Amobi Okoye, DT, Louisville
Okoye pretty much falls into the Rams lap here. He's a possible franchise player and definitely worthy of a higher pick.

14. Carolina - Reggie Nelson, S, Florida
How disappointed will Carolina be if Willis does not fall to them? Nelson's range would be a welcome addition in Carolina.

15. Pittsburgh - Adam Carriker, DL, Nebraska
Carriker is a Steelers type of player, and he'll fit no matter what Mike Tomlin and Dick Lebeau do with the defense.

16. Green Bay - Darrelle Revis, CB, Pitt
It's hard to project when the CBs will start coming off the board. Revis can be an instant answer at nickel back and punt returner, and make a nice understudy to Charles Woodson and Al Harris in his quest to become a shutdown corner at the next level.



17. Jacksonville - Ted Ginn, WR, Ohio State
Ginn is the second WR off the board because of his return skills more than his receiver skills. He hasn't run in the postseason, so this is about as high as he'll go. The Jags would gain a much needed return threat and speedster to stretch the field.

18. Cincinnati - Leon Hall, CB, Michigan
Cincinnati is fortunate to be positioned so that they are almost assured one of the top three CBs. Johnathan Joseph and whomever they get at this pick (assuming its a CB) could form a nice starting combo for years to come.

19. Tennessee - Chris Houston, CB, Arkansas
Between the PacMan debacle and the Titans failure to land a big name in free agency like Nate Clements, CB MUST be addressed in this draft. Then again, the Tennessee WR corps is also screaming out for help, and they are likely to have some nice WRs like Robert Meachem and Dwayne Bowe to choose from. The Titans are lucky to have a good chance of getting a player that both fills a need and justifies a top 20 pick no matter how the first 18 picks go.

20. N.Y. Giants - Robert Meachem, WR, Tennessee
I'm not sure Sinorice Moss will project as a starting WR, and Amani Toomer is in the waning years of his career. Meachem would provide a great deep threat to stretch the field and open up the middle for Jeremy Shockey.

21. Denver - Jarvis Moss, DE, Florida
The Broncos eternal quest to bolster their pass rush continues. They are one of the most likely teams to make a move up in the first. It's very hard to say who the DE4 will be with an interesting 2nd tier of physical freaks DE/OLB tweeners at DE.

22. Dallas - Dwayne Bowe, WR, LSU
Gauging this pick is extremely difficult - only Al Davis meddles as much as Jerry Jones. The Cowboys WR quality is about to go off a cliff with both starters getting well into their 30s.

23. Kansas City - Ryan Kalil, C, USC
It's been a good run for Casey Weigmann, but it's time to get his replacement ready. Kalil can play guard until Weigmann goes off into the sunset. I don't know whether Kalil will be another first round center, but I feel confident he carries at least the same grade first round pick Nick Mangold carried last year.

24. New England (from SEA) - Brandon Meriweather, DB, Miami-Fl
Meriweather's skills allow him to play CB and S - interchangeability which is always valued in New England's defense. One side note, the shadowy Pats are always the hardest team to mock, something like trying to see through lead curtains by squinting.

25. N.Y. Jets - Greg Olsen, TE, Miami-Fl
The Jets try again to land a TE that will occupy safeties and give Pennington a nice target in the middle of the field after the Jolley debacle. I could see some teams preferring Miller to Olsen, so it's not a complete lock that he's the first TE to hear his name called in Radio City Music Hall.

26. Philadelphia - Aaron Ross, CB, Texas
A typical Eagles move of restocking at a position before its a glaring need. Brian Leonard could be in play here, and of course there's the boring old Eagles move of bolstering the lines with the first round pick.

27. New Orleans - Paul Posluszny, LB, PSU
Poz will provide toughness and smarts and help anchor the mediocre LB corps. If I were Mickey Loomis, I would be offering next year's first to move up and take Patrick Willis.

28. New England - Brian Leonard, RB, Rutgers
Yes, Leonard is a legit late first round pick. His character and versatility are outstanding, and he would provide an insurance policy for Maroney's shoulder.

29. Baltimore - Joe Staley, OT, Central Michigan
Staley now has a solid chance of getting in the first with his outstanding pro day. He's probably passed Tony Ugoh as the OT3.

30. San Diego - Justin Blalock, OL, Texas
San Diego is sitting pretty at most every position and can afford to spend a pick to build good depth on the line - Blalock is a mauler that fits their running game, and he'll can back up three positions on the line.

31. Chicago - Drew Stanton, QB, Michigan State
The Bears are also in good shape, enough that they can afford to gamble on Stanton recovering from his 2006 tailspin and giving them a long term upgrade from Rex Grossman. I could also see them going for Jon Beason or another LB that would give them some leverage over Lance Briggs

32. Indianapolis - Jon Beason, LB, Miami-Fl
It won't take Beason long to be better than the now departed Cato June. I expect the Colts to take a candidate for the open WLB position at some point in the first 4-5 rounds if they don't do it here.