Mock Draft: Picks 26-32

26. Eagles- WR Ted Ginn Jr., Ohio State

The story of the Eagles 2006 season is one of two halves: the first half with Donavan McNabb and the second half with Jeff Garcia. Garcia rallied the Eagles to a playoff birth after McNabb went down, in large part because of the coaching staff’s decision to run the ball more with Brian Westbrook. With Garcia moving on to Tampa Bay this season, Philadephia might look to supply McNabb with some more offensive weapons, and Ted Ginn Jr. would be a great addition if he were somehow still around with the 26 pick in the first round. Ginn is the fastest of stellar wide receiver class, as he was Troy Smith’s favorite target the past two seasons. If Ginn is gone, the Eagles could add another wideout or look for help at safety or linebacker.

27. Saints- WR Dwayne Bowe, LSU

The Dallas Cowboys loaned the Saints their nickname last season, as New Orleans became America’s team. The offense showed immense improvement in the first year of the Sean Payton/Drew Brees Era, and rookies like Marques Colston and Reggie Bush made immediate impacts. The Saints defense was considered a weakness going into the season, but their defensive line and linebackers overachieved, getting the team to the NFC Championship game. Still for a team that won 12 games, the Saints have plenty of weaknesses. They could use a cornerback or linebacker, and now may need a wide receiver after losing Joe Horn. Dwayne Bowe is one of the best wideouts in a very good class of receivers, and would team up with Colston and Devery Henderson to make the Saints offensive attack even more potent.

28. Patriots- LB Lawrence Timmons, Florida State

With their second of two first round picks, the Patriots could look up upgrade in a number of different areas. If a wide receiver like Jarrett, Meachem, or Bowe was available, their talent and value might be too good to pass up, even after the team added Daunte Stallworth and Wes Welker in free agency. But teams that run the 3-4 always need linebackers, and Florida State’s Lawrence Timmons would be an ideal fit as a rush linebacker. Timmons could have gone much earlier than this, and still might, but his post-season workouts have been underwhelming so far.

29. Ravens- WR Robert Meachem, Tennessee

The Ravens finally found stability at quarterback last season as veteran Steve McNair played in all 16 games. They added Willis McGahee in the offseason to refresh the running game, and now may look to give McNair more targets. Robert Meachem is quickly rising up draft boards and could be the second receiver selected. He has good speed and was productive during his three seasons at Tennessee. Another option could be an offensive lineman like Central Michigan tackle Joe Staley or USC center Ryan Kahil.

30. Chargers- S Michael Griffin, Texas

Led by a historically great season from LaDanian Tomlinson, the Chargers dominated the regular season finishing with the NFL’s best record, 14-2. It didn’t help them in the playoffs, however, as they fell to a veteran New England Patriots team in the conference semi finals. They could use a receiver but may use their first pick to fill needs in the secondary. Michael Griffin in a terrific football player from a program that has a history of producing solid defensive backs. While not the prospect his former teammate Michael Huff was, Griffin should make an immediate impact on whatever team he goes to.

31. Bears- G Aaron Sears, Tennessee

It’s a been a rough offseason for the Bears, as they lost their starting running back and now may lose two time Pro Bowl linebacker Lance Briggs. If Briggs departs, the Bears may use this pick on a linebacker if someone like Paul Posluszny is available. If not, they should look to bring youth to their offense line, where Ruben Brown and Fred Miller are both coming near the end of their careers. Tennessee’s Aaron Sears would be an ideal fit because he can play both tackle and guard, and would provide the Bears offensive line with some much needed depth. (Much more on this pick in the future.)

32. Colts- LB Rufus Alexander, Oklahoma

The Colts defense may have stepped up in the playoffs, but their regular season rankings were amongst the worst in the NFL. Having trouble stopping the run the entire season, the Colts should use most of their draft picks to focus on their front seven. Oklahoma’s Rufus Alexander would be an ideal fit in Indianapolis’ cover 2, and could contribute right away. Reminding many of Ernie Sims, Alexander plays bigger than his small frame.