Hindsight is interesting to think about, especially when evaluating former draft prospects. I ..."/> Hindsight is interesting to think about, especially when evaluating former draft prospects. I ..."/> Hindsight is interesting to think about, especially when evaluating former draft prospects. I ..."/>
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NFL draft: 2007 re-do

By Rishi Pochiraju

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25. Carolina Panthers

Jon Beason, LB, Miami

Actual pick: same

Beason was a good inside linebacker for Carolina from 2007 to 2013 until he left to play for the Giants. He was a three-time Pro Bowler and a two-time All-Pro, so I don’t see a reason to pass on him with the lack of great talent in this draft.

26. Dallas Cowboys

Anthony Spencer, LB, Purdue

Actual pick: same

The Cowboys have not been good defensively in recent years. 2007, however, was an exception, and the team ended up going 13-3. Spencer, although he may have lost a step recently, has been a good pass rusher alongside DeMarcus Ware.

27. New Orleans Saints

Ryan Kalil, C, Southern California

Actual pick: Robert Meachem, WR, Tennessee

While center may not be of the Saints’ obvious needs, Kalil is too good to pass up here. This was before Brian de la Puente signed with the team, so with Kalil, de la Puente doesn’t need to be signed two years later, and Drew Brees gets a premier (and reliable) center.

28. San Francisco 49ers

Ben Grubbs, G, Auburn

Actual pick: Joe Staley, OT, Central Michigan

Joe Staley is gone, but Grubbs is available. He’s a guard, but the 49ers had a big need along the entire offensive line. Grubbs earned himself a 5-year, $36 million contract with the Saints after leaving Baltimore and has done a good job of protecting Drew Brees.

29. Baltimore Ravens

Greg Olsen, TE, Miami

Actual pick: Ben Grubbs, G, Auburn

The Ravens could upgrade the offensive line, but Grubbs was just taken by San Francisco a pick earlier. Olsen had a nice tenure with Chicago and has been Cam Newton’s “security blanket” (for a lack of a better term) in Carolina. Olsen would be Todd Heap’s replacement when he would have retired.

30. San Diego Chargers

David Harris, LB, Michigan

Actual pick: Buster Davis, WR, Louisiana State

Buster Davis was out of the league by 2011. The Chargers could have used another linebacker to go with Shawne Merriman. Harris is a little overrated – it seems like any Jets linebacker nowadays will be – but Harris is still a good player, although not as good as his hype sells him to be.

31. Chicago Bears

Paul Soliai, DT, Utah

Actual pick: Greg Olsen, TE, Miami

The Bears could use a defensive line upgrade. The unit was torched by Joseph Addai in the Super Bowl. Outside of Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs, the seven, especially the front four, lacked good pass rushers and run defenders.

32. Indianapolis Colts

Pierre Thomas, RB, Illinois

Actual pick: Anthony Gonzalez, WR, Ohio State

The Colts have lacked a franchise running back since Edgerrin James. Pierre Thomas has been just that for the Saints – or he could be, if the Saints run more. Now, it seems like they are, and they’re more balanced and the Saints have a nice running back rotation with Mark Ingram, Thomas, and (formerly) Darren Sproles. The Colts don’t need an every-down back, as they had Peyton Manning until the end of 2011, but Thomas would certainly help Manning and Andrew Luck out in the passing game.

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