The 2007 NFL Draft

The 2007 NFL Draft, held from April 28-29 in New York City, is notable for producing a mix of offensive stars and defensive standouts, though its overall legacy is somewhat debated due to some high-profile busts. Teams aimed to find franchise cornerstones, and while some succeeded spectacularly, others faced significant setbacks.

The 2007 NFL Draft produced Hall of Famers like Calvin Johnson, Joe Thomas, and Patrick Willis, but is also remembered for the JaMarcus Russell bust.

✦ The First Round: Offensive Fireworks and Defensive Potential

The Oakland Raiders selected quarterback JaMarcus Russell from LSU with the first overall pick. Russell entered the league with immense hype due to his strong arm and physical stature, but his NFL career was ultimately short-lived and considered one of the biggest draft busts in NFL history.

The Detroit Lions followed by selecting wide receiver Calvin Johnson from Georgia Tech with the second pick. Johnson, nicknamed "Megatron," became one of the greatest wide receivers of all time, known for his incredible size, speed, and athleticism. His selection was one of the biggest successes of this draft.

With the third pick, the Cleveland Browns selected offensive tackle Joe Thomas from Wisconsin. Thomas became a stalwart on the Browns' offensive line, earning numerous Pro Bowl selections and establishing himself as one of the premier left tackles in NFL history. He is considered one of the safest and most successful picks in the draft.

The draft also featured other notable offensive selections. The Minnesota Vikings picked running back Adrian Peterson from Oklahoma (7th overall). Peterson became one of the most productive and dynamic running backs of his era, known for his speed, power, and resilience.

The San Francisco 49ers selected linebacker Patrick Willis from Ole Miss with the 11th overall pick. Willis quickly established himself as one of the league's premier inside linebackers, known for his exceptional instincts, tackling ability, and leadership. His career, though relatively short, was highly impactful, earning him a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Darrelle Revis, a cornerback from Pittsburgh, was selected by the New York Jets with the 14th overall pick. Revis became known as one of the greatest cornerbacks of his generation, earning the nickname "Revis Island" for his ability to shut down opposing wide receivers.

Other notable first-round picks included: LaRon Landry (6th, Washington Redskins), Gaines Adams (4th, Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Marshawn Lynch (12th, Buffalo Bills), and Joe Staley (28th, San Francisco 49ers).

✦ The Top ten of the 2007 NFL Draft rounded out like this:

Pick    Tm    Player    Pos    College/Univ

✦ 1    OAK    JaMarcus Russell    QB    LSU

✦ 2    DET     Calvin Johnson    WR    Georgia Tech

✦ 3    CLE     Joe Thomas    T    Wisconsin

✦ 4    TAM    Gaines Adams    DE    Clemson

✦ 5    ARI     Levi Brown    T    Penn St.

✦ 6    WAS    LaRon Landry    DB    LSU

✦ 7    MIN    Adrian Peterson    RB    Oklahoma

✦ 8    ATL     Jamaal Anderson    DE    Arkansas

✦ 9    MIA    Ted Ginn Jr.    WR    Ohio St.

✦ 10  HOU    Amobi Okoye    DT    Louisville

✦ Beyond the First Round: Notable Contributors

The 2007 draft also produced some strong players in the later rounds. The San Diego Chargers selected safety Eric Weddle in the second round (37th overall). Weddle became a highly respected and consistent safety known for his intelligence, toughness, and playmaking ability.

The Chicago Bears selected tight end Greg Olsen with the 31st overall pick. Olsen was a reliable and productive tight end for many years, primarily with the Carolina Panthers.

✦ 2007 Draft Class Overview

The 2007 NFL Draft is viewed with mixed retrospect. It contains some of the greatest players in NFL history and some all-time busts. Calvin Johnson, Joe Thomas, and Patrick Willis are all-time greats and were selected in the top 11. Adrian Peterson, Marshawn Lynch, and Darrelle Revis are among the best at their positions in the modern era. However, the presence of players like JaMarcus Russell, who did not pan out, tempers the classes' overall reputation.