NFL Draft Rumors

The Bucs May Take Peterson
It's no secret that Tampa Bay covets Georgia Tech wide receiver Calvin Johnson with the fourth overall pick in Saturday's NFL Draft. But if Johnson is selected #1 overall by the Oakland Raiders, or if the Detroit Lions trade their second pick to a team that selects Johnson, who would the Bucs take? It would appear that Wisconsin tackle Joe Thomas would be the logical selection, but coach Jon Gruden seems infatuation with Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson. Selecting Peterson would seem curious because Tampa Bay took running back Cadillac Williams in the first round in 2004, but if Gruden feels Peterson is the best player, he may be the pick.

The Cowboys Could Trade Up
An aging group of wide receivers and underwhelming running game has the Dallas Cowboys looking to trade up in the NFL Draft. The Cowboys have spent most of their first round picks in recent drafts on defensive players, but with that side of the ball firmly in place, they may look to add a dynamic offensive playmaker. Dallas would love to have Calvin Johnson, but the asking price for him may be too steep. If they can't land Johnson, Dallas may contemplate still trading up for Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson.

Five Teams Interested in Briggs
Disgruntled Chicago Bears linebacker Lance Briggs isn't only drawing interest from the Washington Redskins anymore. The Bears turned down the Redskins deal for Briggs, reportedly Washington was sending the #6 pick to Chicago for Briggs and the #37 pick, but may still trade him on draft day. Four other teams, the Bucs, Giants Broncos, and Bills, have shown interest.

Lions high on Willis
One of the worst kept secrets in the NFL Draft is the Lions desire to trade out of their #2 pick. Everyone thinks Detroit covets Clemson defensive end Gaines Adams, but they may also be targeting another defensive player. Coach Rod Marinelli gushed about Ole' Miss linebacker Patrick Willis, and he may be their real target. The Lions hired Marinelli before last season and focusing their rebuilding through defense, selecting linebacker Ernie Sims in the first round last season.