kremenull
Footballguy
Another mock for your perusal.....my first effort of the year now that all underclassmen have declared....Hopefully, I've brought some other considerations to the party for discussion here. Feedback requested, feel free to critique
January 19, 2008
Draggin’s 2008 NFL Mock Draft (Pre-Combine)
1st ROUND
1. Miami Dolphins Chris Long DE 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 is an ideal fit in the new 3-4 scheme that will be implemented by the Dolphins which is the determining factor for why he gets the nod over Dorsey, who is more suited for a 4-3. But make no mistake, Long is a Parcells type of player and will be a fixture on the defense for the next decade Compares favorably to his father, of course, but also more recent guys like A.Kampman, J.Anderson, and A.Carriker.
2. St. Louis Rams Jake Long OT 6’7” 315 Michigan
This is a tough decision for the Rams with needs in abundance throughout the team. With a bit more depth along the DL in this draft, they opt to address the OL here and select Long, an elite tackle prospect. With Pace breaking down over the past two seasons, the Rams offense has suffered big-time and Marc Bulger has been beaten like a rag doll. Long provides an immediate upgrade at RT and has the natural athleticism and technique to slide over to the left side whenever Pace decides to hang ‘em up or gets injured.
3. Atlanta Falcons Glenn Dorsey DT 6’2” 300 LSU
The Falcons can’t wait to make their way to the podium with perhaps the top player in the entire draft still available. 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 6’2” 215 Arkansas
One of the Raiders most pressing needs is to add a dynamic playmaker to the offense. Although Justin Fargas proved that he is an NFL starting caliber RB, a talent like McFadden does not come along often. His combination of breakaway speed and toughness will serve him well at the next level. McFadden is a more physical runner than he’s given credit for, and the Raiders add a home-run threat to pair with franchise signal-caller JaMarcus Russell.
5. Kansas City Chiefs Ryan Clady OT 6’6” 320 Boise St.
Probably the least kept secret is how inept the Chiefs o-line is, and although Clady is probably not rated this high, this is very much a pick the Chiefs need, and thus they have to make this selection or look to trade down and select an OL like Baker, Otah, or Clady, a bit further down in the 1st. The athleticism of Clady may propel this guy into an elite NFL left tackle, so this choice in the long run may prove to be a wise one.
6. New York Jets Vernon Gholston DE/OLB 6’4” 265 Ohio St.
Still in the process of assembling the personnel for their 3-4 base defense, the Jets add a marvelous physical specimen to come off the edge and wreck havoc in opposing backfields. Gholston is a fast riser up draft boards and could develop into a Merriman/Ware type of impact player.
7. New England Patriots Derrick Harvey DE 6’4” 260 Miami (FL)
A very good athlete for his size, Harvey provides speed off the edge and may also be able to drop into a short zone in passing situations from the OLB position. Belichick is always looking for defensive playmakers, and with the offense pretty much solidified, he can address the defense here. Gholston would have been preferred, however, pass rushers like Harvery are always in high demand. CB could also be given consideration here, but the value at the position should be there in the subsequent rounds.
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 6’1” 290 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.
11. Buffalo Bills Malcolm Kelly WR 6’4” 220 Oklahoma
Still a relatively raw talent but with a huge upside, Kelly provides a true 2nd receiving threat opposite the big-play capability of Lee Evans. A very smooth athlete with big-play potential as well, Kelly has the size to be a very nice red-zone target for 2nd year QB Trent Edwards. Look for the Bills to loosen the reigns on their young signal-caller in ’08, as they now have multiple, young, athletic weapons to deploy at the skill positions.
12. Denver Broncos Kenny Phillips S 6’2” 210 Miami (FL)
With John Lynch getting up in age, bringing in a smart, athletic, physical DB like Phillips makes a lot of sense. Although probably not as highly rated a prospect as the late Sean Taylor, Phillips is certainly capable of living up to the standard of previous safety prospects to come from ‘The U’. This guy just seems to always be around the ball making plays in both the run and passing game and he should step into a starting position to begin the season.
13. Carolina Panthers Andre Woodson QB 6’4” 230 Kentucky
With HC Fox on the hotseat, this selection could seal his fate and usher in the Bill Cowher era in Carolina if the Panthers fall flat again in ’08. Woodson is a development player, albeit with marvelous tools, who is not ready to lead a team at the NFL level into contention. If Fox has much input, this selection will most likely not be a young QB, unless Ryan somehow slips, but probably a defender or possibly a WR like Sweed.
14. Chicago Bears Rashard Mendenhall RB 5’11” 225 Illinois
The Bears, who operate deep in the heart of Big Ten country, have to look no further than their own backyard to find a much-needed offensive playmaker. Cedric Benson is a bust, and it’s about time to move on, especially with guys like Stewart and Mendenhall available. I believe Stewart is a slightly better prospect, but the Bears will take Mendenhall due to the local connection and familiarity. Either player would be an instant upgrade over what they currently have and a welcomed addition to an offense that is starving for a legitimate threat, other than the occasional long-bomb to free-agent to be Berrian and/or Hester.
15. Detroit Lions Calais Campbell DE 6’8” 280 Miami (FL)
The Lions have not added a top-flight young pass rusher in ages, and they hope Campbell fits the bill. With one of the most nondescript front fours in the league, Campbell will at least strike an imposing shadow (at 6’8” 280) over the opposing offenses. If he can develop his pass rush technique, including better utilization of his hands, the sky is the limit for him.
16. Arizona Cardinals Jonathan Stewart RB 5’11” 230 Oregon
No way Stewart drops out of the Top 20, and the Cards tab their successor to Edgerrin James, which may happen sooner rather than later. A physical marvel, Stewart showed that he is finally healthy as his talent was on display all season. I expect him to wow the scouts at the combine and/or in his personal workout to warrant an even higher selection. Look for several teams to attempt to trade up ahead of the Cardinals (or even the Bears) to possibly select Stewart.
17. Minnesota Vikings DeSean Jackson WR 6’0” 175 California
See Leodis McKelvin……The Vikings could certainly use a deep-threat WR to stretch the field and also a game-changing return man. This pick is one of the no-brainers of the 1st Rd, where team need meets player who is a perfect fit. Jackson is eerily similar to another slender, smooth, big-play WR who donned the Purple/Gold. Viking fans will remember……. Anthony Carter
18. Houston Texans Mike Jenkins CB 6’0” 200 S.Florida
The Texans add another piece to the (Contain Manning) puzzle with the selection of Jenkins. With Stewart and Mendenhall both off the board, this selection became a lot easier and fills a major hole in the defensive backfield - a top-level corner opposite Dunta Robinson, who will be coming off of a major knee injury next season.
19. Philadelphia Eagles Reggie Smith DB 6’0” 195 Oklahoma
Smith is a superb athlete who can play either corner or safety, but will likely be groomed as the successor to Brian Dawkins, which could also happen sooner rather than later due to cap considerations. An elite playmaker, Smith will instantly upgrade the deep middle of the Eagles secondary and can also cover in the slot as well as perform on special team coverage units.
20. Tampa Bay Bucs Sam Baker OT 6’5” 305 USC
More of a need pick rather than a value selection, the Bucs address one of their primary weaknesses for the past couple of seasons, their o-line. Baker is a LT prospect, but must get quite a bit stronger to deal with NFL-style bull rushes. Blessed with very good feet, if he puts in the proper amount of time to develop physically, he could be a very good selection at this point in the draft.
21. Washington Redskins James Hardy WR 6’7” 220 Indiana
Some team will fall in love with Hardy’s size and quickly envision him making a ton of big plays in the red zone. Hopefully, this is not a dream scenario for the Redskins and Hardy actually does make some of those plays. Currently, the only red-zone threat the Redskins employ in the passing game is Chris Cooley, a hard-working, but not an overly athletic, TE.
22. Dallas Cowboys Aqib Talib CB 6’1” 205 Kansas
Talib has the size that Dallas prefers at CB and is a wonderful athlete who plays aggressively out on the perimeter. He will need to refine his technique, but in a position that is always in high demand throughout the league, guys with his talent level are scooped up rather quickly and coaches then must do their job…..Coach ‘em up!
23. Pittsburgh Steelers Jeff Otah OL 6’6” 340 Pittsburgh
See Aqib Talib…Pittsburgh has to do a better job of protecting Roethlisberger.
24. Tennessee Titans Limas Sweed WR 6’5” 220 Texas
This is where the projection kind of went towards a wish scenario. Doesn’t Vince deserve some legit weapons? If Sweed does not come off the board earlier, which is very possible, then VY will most likely have some input on this selection. And is there any better way to make your QB feel comfortable while learning a new offense than to pair him up with his favorite target from college (where they developed quite an on-field rapport)?
25. Seattle Seahawks Pat Sims DT 6’4” 315 Auburn
Listen up Seahawks, standing pat will not land you a marquee feature-back in this draft. However, they do alright in Rd 2 below…..wink-wink…..The addition of a large body in the middle of the defense will provide depth and look for Sims to immediately get into the rotation and help stop opposing teams’ run game. Giving up over 200 yards on the ground in a playoff game is cause for some needed size to be brought in up front.
26. New York Giants Keith Rivers LB 6’3” 220 USC
A sideline-to-sideline force, Rivers projects as a Pro-Bowl caliber Weakside Linebacker that the Giants desperately need to upgrade. Rivers is a guy who could become an immediate starter, or at least start out as a situational player and special teams ace before starting by midseason.
27. Jacksonville Jaguars Phillip Merling DE 6’5” 280 Clemson
A prototypical Jaguars selection, a guy with a nonstop motor who fits their scheme on defense in that he is able to play both run and pass. Not a great pass rusher, but Merling will give maximum hustle and add further depth to an already deep d-line rotation. He would also provide insurance in the event that either Hayward or Spicer leave via FA or is released.
28. San Diego Chargers Shawn Crable OLB 6’5” 240 Michigan
The Chargers are another team that usually drafts based on fit rather than value. Crable has the length and athleticism to project as an outside rush end in their 3-4 scheme, in the mold of Shaun Phillips. In the 3-4 scheme, a team cannot have enough of these ‘tweeners to apply pressure on the QB and rotate in and out to keep guys fresh.
29. Dallas Cowboys Felix Jones RB 6’0” 205 Arkansas
Jerry Jones’ consolation prize to not landing McFadden, which will not happen, is Jones. An electric runner with premier return skills to boot, the Cowboys simply replace one (departing Julius) Jones with another (arriving Felix) Jones. Jones provides even more Lightning to Barber’s Thunder.
30. San Francisco 49’ers Devin Thomas WR 6’2” 215 Michigan St.
It’s no surprise that the team with probably the worst WR unit in the league selects a WR. What may come as a surprise is which WR they select. Thomas is a late-blossoming, but extremely talented, WR who is rising fast up draft boards. Thomas displays strong, sure hands and is also sneaky fast. If paired with a true #1, he can step in and produce rather well as a #2 and eventually could develop into a #1 WR in the NFL.
31. Green Bay Packers Antoine Cason CB 6’0” 185 Arizona
The Packers add another DB who likes to play aggressively, which fits into their current DBs’ mentality. Both Woodson and Harris are getting long in the tooth and although they are still both very effective and on top of their game, it would be wise to bring in some support and an eventual successor to one of them. Cason, who some say his stock is falling, remains one of the top CBs on most boards based on his experience level and mentality.
32. Forfeited (Patriots)
2nd ROUND
33. Miami Dolphins John Carlson TE 6’6” 260 Notre Dame
34. St. Louis Rams Frank Okam DT 6’5” 320 Texas
35. Oakland Raiders Kentwan Balmer DT 6’5” 295 N.Carolina
36. Kansas City Chiefs Dan Connor LB 6’3” 235 Penn St.
37. Atlanta Falcons Brian Brohm QB 6’4” 225 Louisville
38. New York Jets Jack Ikegwuonu CB 6’1” 195 Wisconsin
39. Baltimore Ravens Brandon Flowers CB 5’10” 200 Virginia Tech
40. San Francisco 49’ers Lawrence Jackson DE 6’5” 270 USC
41. New Orleans Saints Jerod Mayo LB 6’2” 230 Tennessee
42. Buffalo Bills Fred Davis TE 6’4” 245 USC
43. Denver Broncos Earl Bennett WR 6’1” 200 Vanderbilt
44. Carolina Panthers Early Doucet WR 6’0” 205 LSU
45. Chicago Bears Gosder Cherilus OT 6’7” 320 Boston Coll.
46. Detroit Lions Justin King CB 5’11” 185 Penn St.
47. Cincinnati Bengals Jamaal Charles RB 6’1” 205 Texas
48. Minnesota Vikings Quentin Groves DE 6’3” 255 Auburn
49. Atlanta Falcons Anthony Collins OT 6’5” 310 Kansas
50. Philadelphia Eagles Adarius Bowman WR 6’4” 220 Oklahoma St.
51. Arizona Cardinals Terrell Thomas CB 6’1” 195 USC
52. Washington Redskins DaJuan Morgan S 6’1” 200 N.Carolina St.
53. Tampa Bay Bucs Mario Manningham WR 6’0” 180 Michigan
54. Seattle Seahawks Ray Rice RB 5’9” 205 Rutgers
55. Cleveland Browns Red Bryant NT 6’5” 325 Texas A&M
56. Pittsburgh Steelers Thomas DeCoud S 6’2” 205 California
57. Tennessee Titans Curtis Lofton LB 6’0” 240 Oklahoma
58. New York Giants Patrick Lee CB 6’0” 200 Auburn
59. Jacksonville Jaguars Lavelle Hawkins WR 5’11” 185 California
60. Chicago Bears Charles Godfrey DB 6’1” 210 Iowa
61. Indianapolis Colts Keenan Burton WR 6’2” 195 Kentucky
62. Dallas Cowboys Andre Caldwell WR 6’0” 200 Florida
63. Green Bay Packers Roy Schuening G 6’4” 315 Oregon St.
64. New England Patriots Tavares Gooden LB 6’2” 240 Miami (FL)
January 19, 2008
Draggin’s 2008 NFL Mock Draft (Pre-Combine)
1st ROUND
1. Miami Dolphins Chris Long DE 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 is an ideal fit in the new 3-4 scheme that will be implemented by the Dolphins which is the determining factor for why he gets the nod over Dorsey, who is more suited for a 4-3. But make no mistake, Long is a Parcells type of player and will be a fixture on the defense for the next decade Compares favorably to his father, of course, but also more recent guys like A.Kampman, J.Anderson, and A.Carriker.
2. St. Louis Rams Jake Long OT 6’7” 315 Michigan
This is a tough decision for the Rams with needs in abundance throughout the team. With a bit more depth along the DL in this draft, they opt to address the OL here and select Long, an elite tackle prospect. With Pace breaking down over the past two seasons, the Rams offense has suffered big-time and Marc Bulger has been beaten like a rag doll. Long provides an immediate upgrade at RT and has the natural athleticism and technique to slide over to the left side whenever Pace decides to hang ‘em up or gets injured.
3. Atlanta Falcons Glenn Dorsey DT 6’2” 300 LSU
The Falcons can’t wait to make their way to the podium with perhaps the top player in the entire draft still available. 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 6’2” 215 Arkansas
One of the Raiders most pressing needs is to add a dynamic playmaker to the offense. Although Justin Fargas proved that he is an NFL starting caliber RB, a talent like McFadden does not come along often. His combination of breakaway speed and toughness will serve him well at the next level. McFadden is a more physical runner than he’s given credit for, and the Raiders add a home-run threat to pair with franchise signal-caller JaMarcus Russell.
5. Kansas City Chiefs Ryan Clady OT 6’6” 320 Boise St.
Probably the least kept secret is how inept the Chiefs o-line is, and although Clady is probably not rated this high, this is very much a pick the Chiefs need, and thus they have to make this selection or look to trade down and select an OL like Baker, Otah, or Clady, a bit further down in the 1st. The athleticism of Clady may propel this guy into an elite NFL left tackle, so this choice in the long run may prove to be a wise one.
6. New York Jets Vernon Gholston DE/OLB 6’4” 265 Ohio St.
Still in the process of assembling the personnel for their 3-4 base defense, the Jets add a marvelous physical specimen to come off the edge and wreck havoc in opposing backfields. Gholston is a fast riser up draft boards and could develop into a Merriman/Ware type of impact player.
7. New England Patriots Derrick Harvey DE 6’4” 260 Miami (FL)
A very good athlete for his size, Harvey provides speed off the edge and may also be able to drop into a short zone in passing situations from the OLB position. Belichick is always looking for defensive playmakers, and with the offense pretty much solidified, he can address the defense here. Gholston would have been preferred, however, pass rushers like Harvery are always in high demand. CB could also be given consideration here, but the value at the position should be there in the subsequent rounds.
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 6’1” 290 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.
11. Buffalo Bills Malcolm Kelly WR 6’4” 220 Oklahoma
Still a relatively raw talent but with a huge upside, Kelly provides a true 2nd receiving threat opposite the big-play capability of Lee Evans. A very smooth athlete with big-play potential as well, Kelly has the size to be a very nice red-zone target for 2nd year QB Trent Edwards. Look for the Bills to loosen the reigns on their young signal-caller in ’08, as they now have multiple, young, athletic weapons to deploy at the skill positions.
12. Denver Broncos Kenny Phillips S 6’2” 210 Miami (FL)
With John Lynch getting up in age, bringing in a smart, athletic, physical DB like Phillips makes a lot of sense. Although probably not as highly rated a prospect as the late Sean Taylor, Phillips is certainly capable of living up to the standard of previous safety prospects to come from ‘The U’. This guy just seems to always be around the ball making plays in both the run and passing game and he should step into a starting position to begin the season.
13. Carolina Panthers Andre Woodson QB 6’4” 230 Kentucky
With HC Fox on the hotseat, this selection could seal his fate and usher in the Bill Cowher era in Carolina if the Panthers fall flat again in ’08. Woodson is a development player, albeit with marvelous tools, who is not ready to lead a team at the NFL level into contention. If Fox has much input, this selection will most likely not be a young QB, unless Ryan somehow slips, but probably a defender or possibly a WR like Sweed.
14. Chicago Bears Rashard Mendenhall RB 5’11” 225 Illinois
The Bears, who operate deep in the heart of Big Ten country, have to look no further than their own backyard to find a much-needed offensive playmaker. Cedric Benson is a bust, and it’s about time to move on, especially with guys like Stewart and Mendenhall available. I believe Stewart is a slightly better prospect, but the Bears will take Mendenhall due to the local connection and familiarity. Either player would be an instant upgrade over what they currently have and a welcomed addition to an offense that is starving for a legitimate threat, other than the occasional long-bomb to free-agent to be Berrian and/or Hester.
15. Detroit Lions Calais Campbell DE 6’8” 280 Miami (FL)
The Lions have not added a top-flight young pass rusher in ages, and they hope Campbell fits the bill. With one of the most nondescript front fours in the league, Campbell will at least strike an imposing shadow (at 6’8” 280) over the opposing offenses. If he can develop his pass rush technique, including better utilization of his hands, the sky is the limit for him.
16. Arizona Cardinals Jonathan Stewart RB 5’11” 230 Oregon
No way Stewart drops out of the Top 20, and the Cards tab their successor to Edgerrin James, which may happen sooner rather than later. A physical marvel, Stewart showed that he is finally healthy as his talent was on display all season. I expect him to wow the scouts at the combine and/or in his personal workout to warrant an even higher selection. Look for several teams to attempt to trade up ahead of the Cardinals (or even the Bears) to possibly select Stewart.
17. Minnesota Vikings DeSean Jackson WR 6’0” 175 California
See Leodis McKelvin……The Vikings could certainly use a deep-threat WR to stretch the field and also a game-changing return man. This pick is one of the no-brainers of the 1st Rd, where team need meets player who is a perfect fit. Jackson is eerily similar to another slender, smooth, big-play WR who donned the Purple/Gold. Viking fans will remember……. Anthony Carter
18. Houston Texans Mike Jenkins CB 6’0” 200 S.Florida
The Texans add another piece to the (Contain Manning) puzzle with the selection of Jenkins. With Stewart and Mendenhall both off the board, this selection became a lot easier and fills a major hole in the defensive backfield - a top-level corner opposite Dunta Robinson, who will be coming off of a major knee injury next season.
19. Philadelphia Eagles Reggie Smith DB 6’0” 195 Oklahoma
Smith is a superb athlete who can play either corner or safety, but will likely be groomed as the successor to Brian Dawkins, which could also happen sooner rather than later due to cap considerations. An elite playmaker, Smith will instantly upgrade the deep middle of the Eagles secondary and can also cover in the slot as well as perform on special team coverage units.
20. Tampa Bay Bucs Sam Baker OT 6’5” 305 USC
More of a need pick rather than a value selection, the Bucs address one of their primary weaknesses for the past couple of seasons, their o-line. Baker is a LT prospect, but must get quite a bit stronger to deal with NFL-style bull rushes. Blessed with very good feet, if he puts in the proper amount of time to develop physically, he could be a very good selection at this point in the draft.
21. Washington Redskins James Hardy WR 6’7” 220 Indiana
Some team will fall in love with Hardy’s size and quickly envision him making a ton of big plays in the red zone. Hopefully, this is not a dream scenario for the Redskins and Hardy actually does make some of those plays. Currently, the only red-zone threat the Redskins employ in the passing game is Chris Cooley, a hard-working, but not an overly athletic, TE.
22. Dallas Cowboys Aqib Talib CB 6’1” 205 Kansas
Talib has the size that Dallas prefers at CB and is a wonderful athlete who plays aggressively out on the perimeter. He will need to refine his technique, but in a position that is always in high demand throughout the league, guys with his talent level are scooped up rather quickly and coaches then must do their job…..Coach ‘em up!
23. Pittsburgh Steelers Jeff Otah OL 6’6” 340 Pittsburgh
See Aqib Talib…Pittsburgh has to do a better job of protecting Roethlisberger.
24. Tennessee Titans Limas Sweed WR 6’5” 220 Texas
This is where the projection kind of went towards a wish scenario. Doesn’t Vince deserve some legit weapons? If Sweed does not come off the board earlier, which is very possible, then VY will most likely have some input on this selection. And is there any better way to make your QB feel comfortable while learning a new offense than to pair him up with his favorite target from college (where they developed quite an on-field rapport)?
25. Seattle Seahawks Pat Sims DT 6’4” 315 Auburn
Listen up Seahawks, standing pat will not land you a marquee feature-back in this draft. However, they do alright in Rd 2 below…..wink-wink…..The addition of a large body in the middle of the defense will provide depth and look for Sims to immediately get into the rotation and help stop opposing teams’ run game. Giving up over 200 yards on the ground in a playoff game is cause for some needed size to be brought in up front.
26. New York Giants Keith Rivers LB 6’3” 220 USC
A sideline-to-sideline force, Rivers projects as a Pro-Bowl caliber Weakside Linebacker that the Giants desperately need to upgrade. Rivers is a guy who could become an immediate starter, or at least start out as a situational player and special teams ace before starting by midseason.
27. Jacksonville Jaguars Phillip Merling DE 6’5” 280 Clemson
A prototypical Jaguars selection, a guy with a nonstop motor who fits their scheme on defense in that he is able to play both run and pass. Not a great pass rusher, but Merling will give maximum hustle and add further depth to an already deep d-line rotation. He would also provide insurance in the event that either Hayward or Spicer leave via FA or is released.
28. San Diego Chargers Shawn Crable OLB 6’5” 240 Michigan
The Chargers are another team that usually drafts based on fit rather than value. Crable has the length and athleticism to project as an outside rush end in their 3-4 scheme, in the mold of Shaun Phillips. In the 3-4 scheme, a team cannot have enough of these ‘tweeners to apply pressure on the QB and rotate in and out to keep guys fresh.
29. Dallas Cowboys Felix Jones RB 6’0” 205 Arkansas
Jerry Jones’ consolation prize to not landing McFadden, which will not happen, is Jones. An electric runner with premier return skills to boot, the Cowboys simply replace one (departing Julius) Jones with another (arriving Felix) Jones. Jones provides even more Lightning to Barber’s Thunder.
30. San Francisco 49’ers Devin Thomas WR 6’2” 215 Michigan St.
It’s no surprise that the team with probably the worst WR unit in the league selects a WR. What may come as a surprise is which WR they select. Thomas is a late-blossoming, but extremely talented, WR who is rising fast up draft boards. Thomas displays strong, sure hands and is also sneaky fast. If paired with a true #1, he can step in and produce rather well as a #2 and eventually could develop into a #1 WR in the NFL.
31. Green Bay Packers Antoine Cason CB 6’0” 185 Arizona
The Packers add another DB who likes to play aggressively, which fits into their current DBs’ mentality. Both Woodson and Harris are getting long in the tooth and although they are still both very effective and on top of their game, it would be wise to bring in some support and an eventual successor to one of them. Cason, who some say his stock is falling, remains one of the top CBs on most boards based on his experience level and mentality.
32. Forfeited (Patriots)
2nd ROUND
33. Miami Dolphins John Carlson TE 6’6” 260 Notre Dame
34. St. Louis Rams Frank Okam DT 6’5” 320 Texas
35. Oakland Raiders Kentwan Balmer DT 6’5” 295 N.Carolina
36. Kansas City Chiefs Dan Connor LB 6’3” 235 Penn St.
37. Atlanta Falcons Brian Brohm QB 6’4” 225 Louisville
38. New York Jets Jack Ikegwuonu CB 6’1” 195 Wisconsin
39. Baltimore Ravens Brandon Flowers CB 5’10” 200 Virginia Tech
40. San Francisco 49’ers Lawrence Jackson DE 6’5” 270 USC
41. New Orleans Saints Jerod Mayo LB 6’2” 230 Tennessee
42. Buffalo Bills Fred Davis TE 6’4” 245 USC
43. Denver Broncos Earl Bennett WR 6’1” 200 Vanderbilt
44. Carolina Panthers Early Doucet WR 6’0” 205 LSU
45. Chicago Bears Gosder Cherilus OT 6’7” 320 Boston Coll.
46. Detroit Lions Justin King CB 5’11” 185 Penn St.
47. Cincinnati Bengals Jamaal Charles RB 6’1” 205 Texas
48. Minnesota Vikings Quentin Groves DE 6’3” 255 Auburn
49. Atlanta Falcons Anthony Collins OT 6’5” 310 Kansas
50. Philadelphia Eagles Adarius Bowman WR 6’4” 220 Oklahoma St.
51. Arizona Cardinals Terrell Thomas CB 6’1” 195 USC
52. Washington Redskins DaJuan Morgan S 6’1” 200 N.Carolina St.
53. Tampa Bay Bucs Mario Manningham WR 6’0” 180 Michigan
54. Seattle Seahawks Ray Rice RB 5’9” 205 Rutgers
55. Cleveland Browns Red Bryant NT 6’5” 325 Texas A&M
56. Pittsburgh Steelers Thomas DeCoud S 6’2” 205 California
57. Tennessee Titans Curtis Lofton LB 6’0” 240 Oklahoma
58. New York Giants Patrick Lee CB 6’0” 200 Auburn
59. Jacksonville Jaguars Lavelle Hawkins WR 5’11” 185 California
60. Chicago Bears Charles Godfrey DB 6’1” 210 Iowa
61. Indianapolis Colts Keenan Burton WR 6’2” 195 Kentucky
62. Dallas Cowboys Andre Caldwell WR 6’0” 200 Florida
63. Green Bay Packers Roy Schuening G 6’4” 315 Oregon St.
64. New England Patriots Tavares Gooden LB 6’2” 240 Miami (FL)
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