kremenull
Footballguy
Updated since the end of the combine and after first day of FA.......a link to my previous rev is attached for reference. My goal is to try to be somewhat consistent from the start by doing early research, so as not to have a totally different mock each time out, but of course there are at least a few changes.... 
...have at it and I appreciate any feedback
(previous mock)
http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index...p;#entry8077353
February 29, 2008
Draggin’s 2008 NFL Mock Draft (Post-Combine)
1st ROUND
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.
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 Ryan Clady OT 6’6” 320 Boise St.
The Broncos o-line has quietly gotten very old. A raw, but very athletic prospect with good footwork, Clady may not make it out of the Top 10. Clady doesn’t necessarily fit the mold of past Denver OLs as he is much bigger, but his upside may propel this guy into an elite NFL LT, so this choice in the long run may prove to be a wise one.
13. Carolina Panthers Derrick Harvey DE 6’4” 280 Florida
With HC Fox on the hot seat, this offseason is critical for his future job status and another disappointing season could seal his fate and usher in the Bill Cowher era. A very good athlete for his size, Harvey provides speed off the edge to complement Julius Peppers and has been an impact player in big games at Florida U. With the uncertainty surrounding Rucker’s NFL future, this pick is much needed and should immediately upgrade the defense. A young WR like Sweed or Hardy could also be considered.
14. Chicago Bears Chris Williams OT 6’6” 320 Vanderbilt
The Bears are also in need of help along the OL and LB, but the o-line is in serious trouble and needs an overhaul. Williams is light on his feet and has the natural athleticism to play LT as he is very good in protecting the QB’s blind side. This spot is one of the turning points in the draft as the Bears could go in several directions here, OL, LB, RB, and QB among them.
15. Detroit Lions Keith Rivers LB 6’3” 220 USC
A sideline-to-sideline force, Rivers projects as a Pro-Bowl caliber Weakside Linebacker, a position that the Lions desperately need to upgrade. Rivers is a guy who should become an immediate starter, and would team with Ernie Sims to provide a very formidable LB duo in HC Marinelli’s Tampa-2 system. The Lions have not added a top-flight young pass rusher in ages, but with the Top 3 rushers off the board, they opt to fill another need.
16. Arizona Cardinals Rashard Mendenhall RB 5’11” 225 Illinois
The Cards have both of their top feature back prospects on the board to tab their successor to Edgerrin James, which may happen sooner rather than later. Their choice could be either guy (Mendenhall or Stewart), so I’ll choose Mendenhall here just because he reminds me of a young Edge. Adding a player of Mendenhall’s caliber who also happens to have low mileage on his wheels, the Cards could be one of the most explosive teams in the league with this addition to their current group of offensive playmakers.
17. Minnesota Vikings Aqib Talib CB 6’1” 205 Kansas
The Vikings could find a perfect compliment to the steady play of Antoine Winfield. Talib is a very smooth athlete with a tremendous amount of confidence in his abilities, an important quality for all players, but especially DBs. The tandem of Winfield and Talib should help solidify one of the worst pass-coverage defenses in the league. They could also use a deep-threat WR to stretch the field, so DeSean Jackson is also a possibility here.
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. I'd expect Kubiak to stick with his (Shanahan) philosophy of not drafting a RB very early in the draft, although Stewart would be a great fit for them, this selection does fill 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 Anthony Collins OT 6’5” 310 Kansas
The Eagles are a team that values OL early in the draft. After giving up a ton of sacks, and getting steamrolled by the Giants DL, an o-linemen like Collins is a welcomed sight for D.McNabb. Collins has the ability to play either tackle spot and will most likely start out at RT while being groomed as LT Tra Thomas’ eventual replacement.
20. Tampa Bay Bucs Branden Albert OL 6’6” 325 Virginia
The Bucs continue their focus on upgrading their OL, which was one of their weak links just two years ago and could now be considered one of the team’s strengths. Albert is one of the most athletic interior OL that I’ve seen in the last 10 years, and the best G prospect since Steve Hutchinson. He also is versatile enough to slide over to tackle and thus will provide added insurance in case of injury. Albert will probably need to get a bit stronger to deal with NFL-style bull rushers, but his overall skill level and technique will allow him to start very early on. A future Pro Bowler.
21. Washington Redskins James Hardy WR 6’6” 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 Brandon Flowers CB 5’10” 200 Virginia Tech
Flowers is the type of physical CB that Dallas prefers and would be able to fit right into Wade Phillips’ attacking scheme with an occasional CB blitz. This selection also will provide some flexibility as Anthony Henry could slide over to safety and Roy Williams could be taken out of the nickel and dime (secondary) and play LB in those packages.
23. Pittsburgh Steelers Jeff Otah OL 6’6” 340 Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh gave up way too many sacks last season and are in line to lose their best offensive linemen and long-time stalwart G Alan Faneca. Otah is a local prospect whom the Steelers should already be familiar with and he could fill in at either G or T, eventually settling in at one of the tackle spots in the long run.
24. Tennessee Titans DeSean Jackson WR 5’10” 170 California
Just what the doctor ordered: A deep-threat who is also a game-changing return man. This offseason will be key as the Titans are implementing a new offense, so bringing in a much-needed playmaker will ease Vince Young’s burden of having to carry the entire offense. This could turn out to be one of the best picks in the 1st Rd as Tennessee has nowhere to go but up after registering only 9 passing TDs in 2007.
25. Seattle Seahawks Jonathan Stewart RB 5’11” 235 Oregon
Another team looking to replace a declining star RB, the Seahawks luck out as Stewart falls into their lap at #25. A physical marvel, Stewart showed that he is finally healthy as his talent was on display all season and after an impressive combine showing, he just may not last this long in the draft. With a great blend of size, speed, strength, and athleticism, the best is yet to come for this talented RB.
26. 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.
27. San Diego Chargers Quentin Groves DE 6’3” 255 Auburn
The Chargers are another team that usually drafts based on fit first, value second. Groves didn’t put up the production that his measurables would indicate, but playing in a rotation with the likes of Merriman and Phillips could push him to another level. Groves has an explosive first step and once he learns to play with better leverage, he could make quite an impact. 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 late in games.
28. 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.
29. 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 and very athletic. 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.
30. 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.
31. New York Giants Kenny Phillips S 6’2” 210 Miami (FL)
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 vacated by Gibril Wilson to begin the season.
32. Forfeited (Patriots)
2nd ROUND
33. Miami Dolphins Jerod Mayo LB 6’2” 230 Tennessee
34. St. Louis Rams Gosder Cherilus OT 6’7” 320 Boston Coll.
35. Oakland Raiders Sam Baker OT 6’5” 305 USC
36. Kansas City Chiefs Trevor Laws DT 6’1” 300 Notre Dame
37. New York Jets Shawn Crable OLB 6’5” 240 Michigan
38. Atlanta Falcons Brian Brohm QB 6’4” 225 Louisville
39. Baltimore Ravens Limas Sweed WR 6’5” 220 Texas
40. San Francisco 49’ers Chilo Rachal G 6’5” 315 USC
41. New Orleans Saints Pat Sims DT 6’4” 315 Auburn
42. Buffalo Bills Fred Davis TE 6’3” 250 USC
43. Denver Broncos DaJuan Morgan S 6’1” 200 N.Carolina St.
44. Carolina Panthers Frank Okam DT 6’5” 320 Texas
45. Chicago Bears Joe Flacco QB 6’6” 235 Delaware
46. Detroit Lions Justin King CB 5’11” 185 Penn St.
47. Cincinnati Bengals Reggie Smith DB 6’0” 195 Oklahoma
48. Minnesota Vikings Calais Campbell DE 6’8” 280 Miami (FL)
49. Atlanta Falcons Dan Connor LB 6’3” 235 Penn St.
50. Philadelphia Eagles Andre Caldwell WR 6’0” 200 Florida
51. Arizona Cardinals Tracy Porter CB 5’11” 185 Indiana
52. Washington Redskins Thomas DeCoud S 6’2” 205 California
53. Tampa Bay Bucs Chris Johnson RB 5’11” 195 E.Carolina
54. Pittsburgh Steelers Patrick Lee CB 6’0” 200 Auburn
55. Tennessee Titans Lawrence Jackson DE 6’5” 270 USC
56. Seattle Seahawks Marcus Harrison DT 6’3” 310 Arkansas
57. Green Bay Packers Oniel Cousins OL 6’4” 305 UTEP
58. Miami Dolphins Brad Cottam TE 6’7” 270 Tennessee
59. Jacksonville Jaguars Erin Henderson LB 6’3” 235 Maryland
60. Indianapolis Colts Early Doucet WR 6’0” 205 LSU
61. Green Bay Packers Philip Wheeler LB 6’3” 230 Georgia Tech
62. Dallas Cowboys Red Bryant NT 6’5” 325 Texas A&M
63. New England Patriots Jamaal Charles RB 6’1” 205 Texas
64. New York Giants Tavares Gooden LB 6’2” 240 Miami (FL)
...have at it and I appreciate any feedback(previous mock)
http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index...p;#entry8077353
February 29, 2008
Draggin’s 2008 NFL Mock Draft (Post-Combine)
1st ROUND
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.
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 Ryan Clady OT 6’6” 320 Boise St.
The Broncos o-line has quietly gotten very old. A raw, but very athletic prospect with good footwork, Clady may not make it out of the Top 10. Clady doesn’t necessarily fit the mold of past Denver OLs as he is much bigger, but his upside may propel this guy into an elite NFL LT, so this choice in the long run may prove to be a wise one.
13. Carolina Panthers Derrick Harvey DE 6’4” 280 Florida
With HC Fox on the hot seat, this offseason is critical for his future job status and another disappointing season could seal his fate and usher in the Bill Cowher era. A very good athlete for his size, Harvey provides speed off the edge to complement Julius Peppers and has been an impact player in big games at Florida U. With the uncertainty surrounding Rucker’s NFL future, this pick is much needed and should immediately upgrade the defense. A young WR like Sweed or Hardy could also be considered.
14. Chicago Bears Chris Williams OT 6’6” 320 Vanderbilt
The Bears are also in need of help along the OL and LB, but the o-line is in serious trouble and needs an overhaul. Williams is light on his feet and has the natural athleticism to play LT as he is very good in protecting the QB’s blind side. This spot is one of the turning points in the draft as the Bears could go in several directions here, OL, LB, RB, and QB among them.
15. Detroit Lions Keith Rivers LB 6’3” 220 USC
A sideline-to-sideline force, Rivers projects as a Pro-Bowl caliber Weakside Linebacker, a position that the Lions desperately need to upgrade. Rivers is a guy who should become an immediate starter, and would team with Ernie Sims to provide a very formidable LB duo in HC Marinelli’s Tampa-2 system. The Lions have not added a top-flight young pass rusher in ages, but with the Top 3 rushers off the board, they opt to fill another need.
16. Arizona Cardinals Rashard Mendenhall RB 5’11” 225 Illinois
The Cards have both of their top feature back prospects on the board to tab their successor to Edgerrin James, which may happen sooner rather than later. Their choice could be either guy (Mendenhall or Stewart), so I’ll choose Mendenhall here just because he reminds me of a young Edge. Adding a player of Mendenhall’s caliber who also happens to have low mileage on his wheels, the Cards could be one of the most explosive teams in the league with this addition to their current group of offensive playmakers.
17. Minnesota Vikings Aqib Talib CB 6’1” 205 Kansas
The Vikings could find a perfect compliment to the steady play of Antoine Winfield. Talib is a very smooth athlete with a tremendous amount of confidence in his abilities, an important quality for all players, but especially DBs. The tandem of Winfield and Talib should help solidify one of the worst pass-coverage defenses in the league. They could also use a deep-threat WR to stretch the field, so DeSean Jackson is also a possibility here.
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. I'd expect Kubiak to stick with his (Shanahan) philosophy of not drafting a RB very early in the draft, although Stewart would be a great fit for them, this selection does fill 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 Anthony Collins OT 6’5” 310 Kansas
The Eagles are a team that values OL early in the draft. After giving up a ton of sacks, and getting steamrolled by the Giants DL, an o-linemen like Collins is a welcomed sight for D.McNabb. Collins has the ability to play either tackle spot and will most likely start out at RT while being groomed as LT Tra Thomas’ eventual replacement.
20. Tampa Bay Bucs Branden Albert OL 6’6” 325 Virginia
The Bucs continue their focus on upgrading their OL, which was one of their weak links just two years ago and could now be considered one of the team’s strengths. Albert is one of the most athletic interior OL that I’ve seen in the last 10 years, and the best G prospect since Steve Hutchinson. He also is versatile enough to slide over to tackle and thus will provide added insurance in case of injury. Albert will probably need to get a bit stronger to deal with NFL-style bull rushers, but his overall skill level and technique will allow him to start very early on. A future Pro Bowler.
21. Washington Redskins James Hardy WR 6’6” 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 Brandon Flowers CB 5’10” 200 Virginia Tech
Flowers is the type of physical CB that Dallas prefers and would be able to fit right into Wade Phillips’ attacking scheme with an occasional CB blitz. This selection also will provide some flexibility as Anthony Henry could slide over to safety and Roy Williams could be taken out of the nickel and dime (secondary) and play LB in those packages.
23. Pittsburgh Steelers Jeff Otah OL 6’6” 340 Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh gave up way too many sacks last season and are in line to lose their best offensive linemen and long-time stalwart G Alan Faneca. Otah is a local prospect whom the Steelers should already be familiar with and he could fill in at either G or T, eventually settling in at one of the tackle spots in the long run.
24. Tennessee Titans DeSean Jackson WR 5’10” 170 California
Just what the doctor ordered: A deep-threat who is also a game-changing return man. This offseason will be key as the Titans are implementing a new offense, so bringing in a much-needed playmaker will ease Vince Young’s burden of having to carry the entire offense. This could turn out to be one of the best picks in the 1st Rd as Tennessee has nowhere to go but up after registering only 9 passing TDs in 2007.
25. Seattle Seahawks Jonathan Stewart RB 5’11” 235 Oregon
Another team looking to replace a declining star RB, the Seahawks luck out as Stewart falls into their lap at #25. A physical marvel, Stewart showed that he is finally healthy as his talent was on display all season and after an impressive combine showing, he just may not last this long in the draft. With a great blend of size, speed, strength, and athleticism, the best is yet to come for this talented RB.
26. 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.
27. San Diego Chargers Quentin Groves DE 6’3” 255 Auburn
The Chargers are another team that usually drafts based on fit first, value second. Groves didn’t put up the production that his measurables would indicate, but playing in a rotation with the likes of Merriman and Phillips could push him to another level. Groves has an explosive first step and once he learns to play with better leverage, he could make quite an impact. 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 late in games.
28. 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.
29. 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 and very athletic. 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.
30. 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.
31. New York Giants Kenny Phillips S 6’2” 210 Miami (FL)
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 vacated by Gibril Wilson to begin the season.
32. Forfeited (Patriots)
2nd ROUND
33. Miami Dolphins Jerod Mayo LB 6’2” 230 Tennessee
34. St. Louis Rams Gosder Cherilus OT 6’7” 320 Boston Coll.
35. Oakland Raiders Sam Baker OT 6’5” 305 USC
36. Kansas City Chiefs Trevor Laws DT 6’1” 300 Notre Dame
37. New York Jets Shawn Crable OLB 6’5” 240 Michigan
38. Atlanta Falcons Brian Brohm QB 6’4” 225 Louisville
39. Baltimore Ravens Limas Sweed WR 6’5” 220 Texas
40. San Francisco 49’ers Chilo Rachal G 6’5” 315 USC
41. New Orleans Saints Pat Sims DT 6’4” 315 Auburn
42. Buffalo Bills Fred Davis TE 6’3” 250 USC
43. Denver Broncos DaJuan Morgan S 6’1” 200 N.Carolina St.
44. Carolina Panthers Frank Okam DT 6’5” 320 Texas
45. Chicago Bears Joe Flacco QB 6’6” 235 Delaware
46. Detroit Lions Justin King CB 5’11” 185 Penn St.
47. Cincinnati Bengals Reggie Smith DB 6’0” 195 Oklahoma
48. Minnesota Vikings Calais Campbell DE 6’8” 280 Miami (FL)
49. Atlanta Falcons Dan Connor LB 6’3” 235 Penn St.
50. Philadelphia Eagles Andre Caldwell WR 6’0” 200 Florida
51. Arizona Cardinals Tracy Porter CB 5’11” 185 Indiana
52. Washington Redskins Thomas DeCoud S 6’2” 205 California
53. Tampa Bay Bucs Chris Johnson RB 5’11” 195 E.Carolina
54. Pittsburgh Steelers Patrick Lee CB 6’0” 200 Auburn
55. Tennessee Titans Lawrence Jackson DE 6’5” 270 USC
56. Seattle Seahawks Marcus Harrison DT 6’3” 310 Arkansas
57. Green Bay Packers Oniel Cousins OL 6’4” 305 UTEP
58. Miami Dolphins Brad Cottam TE 6’7” 270 Tennessee
59. Jacksonville Jaguars Erin Henderson LB 6’3” 235 Maryland
60. Indianapolis Colts Early Doucet WR 6’0” 205 LSU
61. Green Bay Packers Philip Wheeler LB 6’3” 230 Georgia Tech
62. Dallas Cowboys Red Bryant NT 6’5” 325 Texas A&M
63. New England Patriots Jamaal Charles RB 6’1” 205 Texas
64. New York Giants Tavares Gooden LB 6’2” 240 Miami (FL)
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