Let’s get right to the most relevant rumors as we lead up to the draft!

• ESPN’s Ed Werder reports that the Browns may actually try to trade up with the Raiders to secure the selection of JaMarcus Russell. The rumor is that the Browns will give up Braylon Edwards, the third overall pick in the 2005 draft, in order to move up. This would be a great deal for the Raiders, if it was indeed true, but it seems too outlandish to be accurate.
• There are many whispers that Lance Briggs could still be moved by the Chicago Bears. The Washington Redskins are the most likely destination. The Bears and Briggs are at odds, and if the Bears find a deal that they like, they will not hesitate to move him.
• Inside the League is reporting that the Texans may be trying to trade down with the Denver Broncos. The rumored trade would be the 21st and 56th picks exchanged for the 10th overall pick. That would not be a great deal on the part of the Texans - but if they can get a 2008 2nd round pick they may pull the trigger. The Texans would at least be able to add a WR and CB in the first two rounds this way. The Broncos would likely target Adam Carriker, Patrick Willis, or Amobi Okoye. The trade is not likely to happen until the Texans are on the clock. If Willis is available, I see a trade as very likely. [UPDATE: Adam Schefter, who is well connected in Denver, reports that there have been no talks in regards to this trade. While that seems unlikely - he might be saying what the Broncos want, it appears likely that another site posted a deal as “done” before it was]
• There is increasing rumors that Patrick Willis is a wanted man - Buffalo and San Francisco are apparently both on the Ole Miss MLB, with Denver (as mentioned above) a suitor if they can work in front of those teams.

As the draft approaches, the draft rumor mill is in full swing. Many of the rumors this time of year can be taken with a grain of salt. Yahoo Sports points out some of the more ludicrous rumors of recent years, including the rumor that Kevin Hardy had a broken neck that broke just days before the draft in 1996. Below are some of the rumors we are hearing and our take on them.

Adam Schefter of the NFL Network is speculating that Adrian Peterson could be a player that falls. In fact, if he gets past Cleveland at #3, he could go all the way to #10 with Houston. The Bucs have Cadillac Williams, Arizona has a large investment in Edgerrin James, and Washington has two strong RBs. Minnesota is projected to take Peterson in some mock drafts, but after the investment they made in Chester Taylor last season and the huge needs they have at CB and WR, it would be a foolish move. Atlanta could certainly consider Peterson if he is there. The Falcons do not have a running back to fit Bobby Petrino’s system and Peterson would certainly be interesting there. Miami is unlikely to take a QB, which would potentially put Houston in the position to auction off #10 to Buffalo (#12), Green Bay (#16), or Tennessee (#19).

A casual mention in the Denver Post of a possible trade up by the Broncos has garnered a lot of attention. The article states that Denver offered #21, #56, #86, plus their first rounder in 08 for the #2 pick currently owned by the Lions, provided that Calvin Johnson is still on the board at #2. While this sounds good, it still may not be enough. Plus, Denver is more likely to target other players - potentially Patrick Willis or Amobi Okoye, than Johnson.

Lance Briggs trade rumors still persist. The latest rumor is that the Tampa Bay Bucs are interested in the disgruntled Bears OLB. The reliable Adam Schefter reports the rumor, but it seems very unlikely. The Bucs already have a pair of weakside Tampa 2 OLBs in Cato June and Derrick Brooks. The Bucs trading for Briggs makes even less sense than the rumored Redskins deal for Briggs. It just goes to show that the rumor mill can get out of control this time of year.

Stay tuned to the War Room Report Blog for the latest NFL Draft Rumors and be sure to check out our seven round 2007 NFL Mock Draft.