kremenull
Footballguy
Notes from Mel Kiper on NFL Insider........
• The most notable change between my initial first-round projection and this one is that I have Virginia defensive end Chris Long going No. 1 overall to the Miami Dolphins. This is based on discussions with various NFL sources; however, Boston College QB Matt Ryan is still a distinct possibility to be the first pick. If Ryan goes No. 1 overall, then Long would go No. 2 to St. Louis, and Atlanta would take DT Glenn Dorsey with the third pick. The sources with whom I have spoken have no concerns about Dorsey's medical history.
• The name you can expect to hear more leading up to the draft is Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Now that the Patriots have lost Asante Samuel to free agency, I have the Division I-AA cornerback going to New England with the seventh pick. If the Pats pass on Rodgers-Cromartie, the Saints could take him with the No. 10 pick.
My top 10 picks on my latest mock vs. Kiper's (mine posted Feb. 29, Kiper's Mar. 4.....not saying he's following my lead or anything but picks 10-14 are identical.......
)
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(Mine)
1. Miami Dolphins Chris Long DE/OLB 6’4” 280 Virginia
Chris Long is one of the surest things in this year’s draft. Bringing a non-stop motor and top pedigree (Howie Long’s son), he will be able to fit in either the 3-4 or 4-3 scheme. The Al Groh – Bill Parcells connection gives this selection even more credibility and is not to be understated. But make no mistake, Long is a Parcells type of player and will be a fixture on the defense for the next decade. With visions of Howie Jr. reincarnated running through his mind, Parcells makes a tough call with no other team willing to move up to the top spot.
2. St. Louis Rams Vernon Gholston DE/OLB 6’3” 265 Ohio St.
This is a tough decision for the Rams with needs in abundance throughout the team. Continuing his ascent up draft boards, and with a school record 15 sacks this past season, Gholston is probably the most physically gifted athlete in the draft with room for improvement……..And that is SCARY! His combination of speed and hulk-like strength will give offensive linemen nightmares for years to come. In 3-5 years, Gholston could very well turn into the best player in this draft. And with the possibility of addressing their OL and secondary needs in FA or later in the draft, the Rams get a guy with an unlimited ceiling who could bring back memories of……..dare I say, LT56!
3. Atlanta Falcons Glenn Dorsey DT 6’2” 300 LSU
The new regime of GM Dimitroff and HC Mike Smith will usher in a defensive philosophy based on their backgrounds with previous organizations (Patriots and Jaguars). The Falcons should not have to take more than 5 mins. to make their way to the podium with one of the top players in the entire draft still available at a position of need. Although there is still a need for a franchise QB, Dorsey is too good to pass here, as his tenacity, toughness, and technique will bring much needed playmaking ability along the front four. In playing through various injuries his Sr. year, Dorsey more than proved his worth and will immediately bring leadership and stability to this team as they embark on a new era.
4. Oakland Raiders Darren McFadden RB 6’1” 215 Arkansas
I was all but set to pencil in DT Sedrick Ellis for the Raiders here, but with the re-signing of DL Tommy Kelly (to a surprisingly enormous contract) and the underappreciated play of former castoff DT Gerard Warren last season (when healthy), this pick leads me in another direction. And make no bones about it, the Raiders have several needs, but Al Davis is as big a proponent of “Speed Kills” as there is, and after McFadden’s electric combine performance, this is a match made in heaven. Off-field issues will not be a problem, and frankly, his issues don’t appear to be that disconcerting, and the bottom line is the Raiders add a very talented playmaker to an offense in need of explosiveness. His combination of breakaway speed and toughness will serve him well at the next level and McFadden is a more physical runner than he’s given credit for. Although, I would not be surprised to see Sedrick Ellis still go here.
Note: This quite possibly is the most logical spot for a trade down with Dallas moving up to grab McFadden. Al Davis and Jerry Jones have a very good relationship.
5. Kansas City Chiefs Jake Long OT 6’7” 315 Michigan
Probably the least kept secret is how inept the Chiefs o-line is, and this is their best case scenario realized with the #1 OL prospect still available. Long is not quite the caliber of last year’s top OT Joe Thomas, but he does possess excellent strength, experience, and technique and should start immediately at RT. Larry Johnson will be jumping for joy over this selection as he should find a bit more running room in ’08.
6. New York Jets Kentwan Balmer DL 6’5” 295 N.Carolina
This is the Jets’ worst nightmare scenario with both elite 3-4 edge rushers (Long, Gholston) and McFadden off the board. Still in the process of assembling the personnel for their 3-4 base defense, the Jets select Balmer here to play end in the 3-4 base defense and slide inside on passing downs. Probably not a value pick here, so a trade down is likely to be strongly considered if the board shakes out this way.
7. New England Patriots D.Rodgers-Cromartie CB 6’1” 185 Tennessee St.
Belichick is always looking for defensive playmakers, and with the offense pretty much solidified, he can address the defense here. And I’m sure that Antonio Cromartie made quite an impression on Belichick in the AFC Championship game, and DRC possesses a similar skill set as his ball-hawking cousin. With the recent loss of Samuel in FA, this selection has become much more apparent, at least with respect to position. I believe DRC has increased his stock as much as any player after his superb post-season at the Senior Bowl and combine.
8. Baltimore Ravens Matt Ryan QB 6’5” 225 Boston Coll.
Taking over the Ravens job at this point in time, new HC John Harbaugh obviously must address the offense. There are needs on all offensive units other than RB, however, the most pressing need is to find a QB to lead this team. Ryan is a good fit. An experienced, poised, and accurate passer, Ryan should be able to start from Day 1 and pick up an NFL offense and defensive reads rather quickly. Not an elite athlete, but Ryan is a solid QB who could become a Pro Bowl caliber performer in the mold of a Matt Hasselbeck.
9. Cincinnati Bengals Sedrick Ellis DT 6’0” 305 USC
In their (seemingly) never-ending search for top-notch defensive talent, the Bengals tab a guy who arrives with a great work ethic and upstanding character to match his superb talent level. Ellis is stout vs the run and is able to penetrate into the backfield as a disruptive force in the middle. Getting a defensive talent like Ellis at this point in the draft is great value for the Bengals and addresses a major weakness for them.
10. New Orleans Saints Leodis McKelvin CB 5’11” 190 Troy
This selection is primarily a byproduct of two key factors: 1)teams must field multiple cover corners to keep up with today’s dynamic passing schemes, and 2)increased emphasis on the return game in the NFL nowadays. McKelvin is a smooth, natural cover guy who has all the tools to develop into a top-level cornerback with the proper coaching. Hailing from a small-school, the same school that produced DeMarcus Ware, McKelvin may start out as a nickel/dime corner but should pay immediate dividends in the return game.
(Kiper)
1. Miami Dolphins Chris Long DE Virginia
2. St. Louis Rams Glenn Dorsey DT LSU
3. Atlanta Falcons Matt Ryan QB Boston College
4. Oakland Raiders Darren McFadden RB Arkansas
5. Kansas City Chiefs Jake Long OT Michigan
6. New York Jets Vernon Gholston DE Ohio St.
7. New England Patriots D. Rodgers-Cromartie CB Tennessee St.
(from SF)
8. Baltimore Ravens Sedrick Ellis DT USC
9. Cincinnati Bengals Phillip Merling DE Clemson
10. New Orleans Saints Leodis McKelvin CB Troy
********************************************************************************
• The most notable change between my initial first-round projection and this one is that I have Virginia defensive end Chris Long going No. 1 overall to the Miami Dolphins. This is based on discussions with various NFL sources; however, Boston College QB Matt Ryan is still a distinct possibility to be the first pick. If Ryan goes No. 1 overall, then Long would go No. 2 to St. Louis, and Atlanta would take DT Glenn Dorsey with the third pick. The sources with whom I have spoken have no concerns about Dorsey's medical history.
• The name you can expect to hear more leading up to the draft is Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Now that the Patriots have lost Asante Samuel to free agency, I have the Division I-AA cornerback going to New England with the seventh pick. If the Pats pass on Rodgers-Cromartie, the Saints could take him with the No. 10 pick.
My top 10 picks on my latest mock vs. Kiper's (mine posted Feb. 29, Kiper's Mar. 4.....not saying he's following my lead or anything but picks 10-14 are identical.......
)********************************************************************************
(Mine)
1. Miami Dolphins Chris Long DE/OLB 6’4” 280 Virginia
Chris Long is one of the surest things in this year’s draft. Bringing a non-stop motor and top pedigree (Howie Long’s son), he will be able to fit in either the 3-4 or 4-3 scheme. The Al Groh – Bill Parcells connection gives this selection even more credibility and is not to be understated. But make no mistake, Long is a Parcells type of player and will be a fixture on the defense for the next decade. With visions of Howie Jr. reincarnated running through his mind, Parcells makes a tough call with no other team willing to move up to the top spot.
2. St. Louis Rams Vernon Gholston DE/OLB 6’3” 265 Ohio St.
This is a tough decision for the Rams with needs in abundance throughout the team. Continuing his ascent up draft boards, and with a school record 15 sacks this past season, Gholston is probably the most physically gifted athlete in the draft with room for improvement……..And that is SCARY! His combination of speed and hulk-like strength will give offensive linemen nightmares for years to come. In 3-5 years, Gholston could very well turn into the best player in this draft. And with the possibility of addressing their OL and secondary needs in FA or later in the draft, the Rams get a guy with an unlimited ceiling who could bring back memories of……..dare I say, LT56!
3. Atlanta Falcons Glenn Dorsey DT 6’2” 300 LSU
The new regime of GM Dimitroff and HC Mike Smith will usher in a defensive philosophy based on their backgrounds with previous organizations (Patriots and Jaguars). The Falcons should not have to take more than 5 mins. to make their way to the podium with one of the top players in the entire draft still available at a position of need. Although there is still a need for a franchise QB, Dorsey is too good to pass here, as his tenacity, toughness, and technique will bring much needed playmaking ability along the front four. In playing through various injuries his Sr. year, Dorsey more than proved his worth and will immediately bring leadership and stability to this team as they embark on a new era.
4. Oakland Raiders Darren McFadden RB 6’1” 215 Arkansas
I was all but set to pencil in DT Sedrick Ellis for the Raiders here, but with the re-signing of DL Tommy Kelly (to a surprisingly enormous contract) and the underappreciated play of former castoff DT Gerard Warren last season (when healthy), this pick leads me in another direction. And make no bones about it, the Raiders have several needs, but Al Davis is as big a proponent of “Speed Kills” as there is, and after McFadden’s electric combine performance, this is a match made in heaven. Off-field issues will not be a problem, and frankly, his issues don’t appear to be that disconcerting, and the bottom line is the Raiders add a very talented playmaker to an offense in need of explosiveness. His combination of breakaway speed and toughness will serve him well at the next level and McFadden is a more physical runner than he’s given credit for. Although, I would not be surprised to see Sedrick Ellis still go here.
Note: This quite possibly is the most logical spot for a trade down with Dallas moving up to grab McFadden. Al Davis and Jerry Jones have a very good relationship.
5. Kansas City Chiefs Jake Long OT 6’7” 315 Michigan
Probably the least kept secret is how inept the Chiefs o-line is, and this is their best case scenario realized with the #1 OL prospect still available. Long is not quite the caliber of last year’s top OT Joe Thomas, but he does possess excellent strength, experience, and technique and should start immediately at RT. Larry Johnson will be jumping for joy over this selection as he should find a bit more running room in ’08.
6. New York Jets Kentwan Balmer DL 6’5” 295 N.Carolina
This is the Jets’ worst nightmare scenario with both elite 3-4 edge rushers (Long, Gholston) and McFadden off the board. Still in the process of assembling the personnel for their 3-4 base defense, the Jets select Balmer here to play end in the 3-4 base defense and slide inside on passing downs. Probably not a value pick here, so a trade down is likely to be strongly considered if the board shakes out this way.
7. New England Patriots D.Rodgers-Cromartie CB 6’1” 185 Tennessee St.
Belichick is always looking for defensive playmakers, and with the offense pretty much solidified, he can address the defense here. And I’m sure that Antonio Cromartie made quite an impression on Belichick in the AFC Championship game, and DRC possesses a similar skill set as his ball-hawking cousin. With the recent loss of Samuel in FA, this selection has become much more apparent, at least with respect to position. I believe DRC has increased his stock as much as any player after his superb post-season at the Senior Bowl and combine.
8. Baltimore Ravens Matt Ryan QB 6’5” 225 Boston Coll.
Taking over the Ravens job at this point in time, new HC John Harbaugh obviously must address the offense. There are needs on all offensive units other than RB, however, the most pressing need is to find a QB to lead this team. Ryan is a good fit. An experienced, poised, and accurate passer, Ryan should be able to start from Day 1 and pick up an NFL offense and defensive reads rather quickly. Not an elite athlete, but Ryan is a solid QB who could become a Pro Bowl caliber performer in the mold of a Matt Hasselbeck.
9. Cincinnati Bengals Sedrick Ellis DT 6’0” 305 USC
In their (seemingly) never-ending search for top-notch defensive talent, the Bengals tab a guy who arrives with a great work ethic and upstanding character to match his superb talent level. Ellis is stout vs the run and is able to penetrate into the backfield as a disruptive force in the middle. Getting a defensive talent like Ellis at this point in the draft is great value for the Bengals and addresses a major weakness for them.
10. New Orleans Saints Leodis McKelvin CB 5’11” 190 Troy
This selection is primarily a byproduct of two key factors: 1)teams must field multiple cover corners to keep up with today’s dynamic passing schemes, and 2)increased emphasis on the return game in the NFL nowadays. McKelvin is a smooth, natural cover guy who has all the tools to develop into a top-level cornerback with the proper coaching. Hailing from a small-school, the same school that produced DeMarcus Ware, McKelvin may start out as a nickel/dime corner but should pay immediate dividends in the return game.
(Kiper)
1. Miami Dolphins Chris Long DE Virginia
2. St. Louis Rams Glenn Dorsey DT LSU
3. Atlanta Falcons Matt Ryan QB Boston College
4. Oakland Raiders Darren McFadden RB Arkansas
5. Kansas City Chiefs Jake Long OT Michigan
6. New York Jets Vernon Gholston DE Ohio St.
7. New England Patriots D. Rodgers-Cromartie CB Tennessee St.
(from SF)
8. Baltimore Ravens Sedrick Ellis DT USC
9. Cincinnati Bengals Phillip Merling DE Clemson
10. New Orleans Saints Leodis McKelvin CB Troy
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If the draft shapes up like you expect.....the Jets better trade out in a hurry!!
