Rock draft, not mock draft: Jack White, Neko Case, Dan Auerbach, Victor Wooten, Ben Folds top my musical draft list (videos)

How about a Rock ‘n’ Roll Draft?

With the over-hyped, prime-time-powered NFL Draft under way tonight, I couldn’t help but wonder what the selection process might look like if rock groups were “teams” picking musicians and singers for their franchises.

Hey, there are similarities: Bands and football teams both look for players who complement their style and approach, and both hanker to fill needs at positions when vacancies occur – like when a flashy free agent wide receiver (aka, ego-driven guitarist) decides to jump ship for a more lucrative offer from a different team (aka, desperate rock band).

So, welcome to the first-ever R’n’R Draft, my wacky attempt at building a new band with some of rock’s star players.

Of course, there have to be some ground rules. Because the NFL fills out its teams by drafting the best young talent out of college, I figured this musical draft must be limited to “up-and-coming” players who released their first albums less than 25 years ago. (Otherwise it would be too easy and obvious. Most Top 10 lists of best guitarists or best drummers or what have you are filled with over-60 Hall of Famers like Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck, or dead guys like John Bonham and Keith Moon. They’re not available, sorry.)

So, here’s my 10-player draft for the Raging Lions, who I’m sure will be headed for Super Bowl of Rock. Pick your own Top 10 and post the list in the comments below.

And while you’re doing that, I’ll just pray that my beloved Detroit Lions don’t pick a guy with a bum knee and a proclivity for leafy substances in the real NFL draft.

1. Jack White (guitar, vocals) – When you’re starting a team, you can’t do any better than this because White’s garage-rock-flavored versatility and originality is unparalleled. Plus, as his engaging new solo album, “Blunderbuss,” and past projects with a host of different musicians (The Raconteurs, White Stripes, Dead Weather) prove, this guy makes everyone around him better. It’s a football cliché I couldn’t resist.

2. Dan Auerbach (guitar, vocals) – One-half of The Black Keys is another no-brainer in my book and perfect for my creatively raw, blues-infused team. I can see Auerbach and White feeding off of each other…like sharks.

3. Neko Case (lead vocals , percussion, guitar) – Really, who wouldn’t want to have the enigmatically cool Case propelling their on-field antics?

4. Victor Wooten (bass) – I’ve never seen a better bass player live, period. I have no clue how Wooten might fit in stylistically, but I know this guy can play with anybody and probably with one hand tied behind his back. And I mean ANYBODY.

5. Ben Folds (keyboards) – Sure, in my fantasy world as a piano guy, I’d probably draft an older cat like Dr. John, Leon Russell, Elton John, Chuck Leavell, Bill Payne or Ian McLagan, but for this draft I absolutely adore Folds’ keyboard prowess and witty demeanor.

6. David Grohl (drums) – Yes, I know that the former Nirvana drummer revels in his guitar-playing, chatty frontman role with the Foo Fighters. But let’s face it: He’s a drummer at heart and proved that most recently in spectacular fashion with Them Crooked Vultures. Anyway, I like the fact that he’s got the versatility to run punts back, so to speak, and be a special teams player if needed on guitar and vocals.

7. Gavin Harrison (drums) – This drums and percussion phenom for prog-rock’s Porcupine Tree and King Crimson will hold down the fort, and build it rhythmically if need be, while Grohl goes prehistoric on the skins.

8. Joan Osborne (vocals) – Literally, there’s no more dynamic or versatile singer on the playing field. Whether bluesy or sultry or tender, she can do it all. And the very notion of her harmonizing with Case, Auerbach and White raises the hair on my neck.

9. Chris Thile (mandolin, banjo, violin, acoustic guitar) – This virtuoso musician for Nickel Creek and Punch Brothers would give this raucous outfit a rootsy, alt-country spin.

10. Robert Randolph (slide guitar) – Can you imagine? I mean, really, can you imagine the sizzling quality that Randolph would given an all-star jam with the aforementioned nine draft picks?

Email: jsinkevics@gmail.com