I made this with a friend, so no it's not compiled by just me. I have included commentary for the 1st round but it's only for the first round because it's too much work to comment on all the picks on all 3 rounds. I do NOT include draft-day trades because not only are they very hard to predict both team sides, but it also might include players which would complicate it even more. Please comment on my draft.
Two important juniors that I have not included are Pat Sims and Brandon Flowers. They are potential first-day picks but this has not been updated in a week so any juniors that have declared in that time are not included (with the exception of McFadden).
Round 1
1. Miami Dolphins – Glenn Dorsey DT, LSU
With Bill Parcells coming in as the VP of Football Operations, he’s obviously going to address defense first. Glenn Dorsey is the single best defensive prospect in the draft and the Dolphins will not pass him up. However, look for a possible trade down.
2. St. Louis Rams – Jake Long OT, Michigan
With the offensive line decimated by injuries due to age, it’s clear that the Rams need find a replacement for Orlando Pace. He’s getting old and injury-prone so Jake Long would be the most reasonable pick. He is the best offensive lineman of his class and it’s very likely the Rams pick him with the second overall pick.
3. Atlanta Falcons – Matt Ryan QB, Boston College
It’s clear that the Falcons need a QB. They started three different quarterbacks throughout the season, and have yet to find a true starter. Many people expect that Atlanta will not be able to pass up McFadden, but it’s clear that a future franchise quarterback is their biggest need. The talent of quarterbacks this year is very slim after the top 3, and seeing as how many teams need a quarterback, the Falcons won't luck out in the 2nd round with someone like Woodson.
4. Oakland Raiders – Chris Long DE, Virginia
Raiders have holes everywhere on defense so they will probably draft the best available defensive prospect. This would mean that it would probably be Chris Long that the Raiders draft. Some might say McFadden because his talent level is the best of this year’s draft, but with a backfield consisting of Justin Fargas, Lamont Jordan, and Dominic Rhodes, I think they address their other needs here.
5. Kansas City Chiefs – Ryan Clady OT, Boise State
Chiefs need help at the line. They allowed 36 sacks, 5th most in the NFL. They would obviously not draft McFadden, seeing as Larry Johnson is an established running back and a pick on McFadden would be a pick wasted.
6. New York Jets – Darren McFadden RB, Arkansas
Jets would salivate over this pick if McFadden lasts this long. Obviously the best talent in this year’s draft.
7. New England Patriots (From San Francisco 49ers) – James Laurinitis MLB, Ohio State
Patriots basically have their depth chart filled up. The only problem is age. Look for Belicheck to insert some youth in his very experienced linebacking core.
8. Baltimore Ravens – Brian Brohm QB, Louisville
Boller obviously wasn’t the answer, and with McNair on the brink of retirement, the Ravens need to bring in a new quarterback.
9. Cincinnati Bengals – Sedrick Ellis DT, USC
Bengals need help at basically every position on defense. Ellis is a great starting point.
10. New Orleans Saints – Malcolm Jenkins CB, Ohio State
That atrocious secondary definitely needs help. Jenkins is the best cornerback/safety in the draft.
11. Buffalo Bills – Vernon Gholston DE, Ohio State
Bills need a pass rusher. Gholston is the best pure pass rusher in the draft. Perfect match.
12. Denver Broncos – Keith Rivers OLB, USC
Broncos need help stopping the run. With most defensive tackles gone at this point, look for them to pick Rivers.
13. Carolina Panthers – Kenny Phillips FS, Miami
Panthers need some help at the safety position. They gave up too many big plays last season. Phillips is by far the best safety in the draft.
14. Chicago Bears – Andre Woodson QB, Kentucky
Grossman, Griese, and Orton weren’t the answer. Woodson would be their best chance since Brohm and Ryan are already off the board.
15. Detroit Lions – Calais Campbell DE, Miami
Anything to help that last-ranked defense.
16. Arizona Cardinals – Mike Jenkins CB, USF
The Cardinals obviously need secondary help. With the other Jenkins already gone, the Cards will gladly select Mike Jenkins.
17. Minnesota Vikings – DeSean Jackson WR, California
Jackson has the potential to be a top 10 pick with his speed. Although Minnesota will not be the best fit for Jackson, he has way too much talent for the Vikings to pass him up.
18. Houston Texans –Jonathan Stewart RB, Oregon
Green showed he cannot run it effectively anymore, and Ron Dayne is obviously not a franchise running back.
19. Philadelphia Eagles – Malcolm Kelly WR, Oklahoma
Regardless of whether McNabb is traded, the Eagles clearly lack a big-play wideout. Kelly fits their needs perfectly.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers –Sam Baker OT, USC
The Buccaneers need to protect Jeff Garcia’s backside. He’s getting too old to be knocked down.
21. Washington Redskins – Derrick Harvey DE, Florida
The Redskins desperately need a pass rush and Harvey is among the top in pass rushing.
22. Dallas Cowboys (From Cleveland Browns) – Aqib Talib CB, Kansas
Outside of Terrence Newman, the Cowboys have no real cornerback capable of guarding a good wideout. They need depth.
23. Seattle Seahawks – Frank Okam DT, Texas
The Seahawks lack depth on their defensive line. Frank Okam would give them an immediate starter if need be.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers –Jeff Otah OT, Pittsburgh
Roethlisberger was sacked the second most in the NFL. That’s not good for a young franchise quarterback.
25. Tennessee Titans – Limas Sweed WR, Texas
Finally, a big-play wideout that the Titans have been searching for. Oh, did we mention he played with Vince Young too?
26. New York Giants – Kentwan Balmer DT, UNC
A bit of a reach, but the Giants need a defensive tackle.
27. San Diego Chargers – Rey Maualuga MLB, USC
Great outside linebackers, horrible inside linebackers. Maualuga is a great player and the Chargers would be more than happy to add him into the roster.
28. Jacksonville Jaguars – Fred Davis TE, USC
The Greg Olsen of 2008. He falls down to Jacksonville and they’ll gladly pick him up. Davis gives Garrard a big target across the middle of the field.
29. Green Bay Packers –Antoine Cason CB, Arizona
The fact that Ryan Grant is the Packers’ long term answer at running back is unsure. However, they do need to address their cornerbacking needs. Al Harris and Charles Woodson are 33 and 31, respectively, and they need to get a young guy in there before it’s too late. Woodson has proven to be injury prone missing a couple games last season so this pick on Cason wouldn’t be that bad. Don’t be surprised if they draft someone like Rashard Mendenhall or Felix Jones.
30. San Francisco 49ers (From Indianapolis Colts) – Early Doucet WR, LSU
Obviously lacking in just about every position, Doucet gives them a great receiver with amazing hands.
31. Dallas Cowboys –Rashard Mendenhall RB, Illinois
With Julius Jones departing for the free agency, and Marion Barber not ready to take the full workload, Mendenhall + Barber would give the Cowboys one of the better running back tandems in the league.
32. New England Patriots (From Roger Goodell) – NOBODY
Round 2
1. Miami Dolphins – Jack Ikegwuonu CB, Wisconsin
2. St. Louis Rams – Dan Connor OLB, Penn State
3. Atlanta Falcons – Felix Jones RB, Arkansas
4. Oakland Raiders – Adarius Bowman WR, Oklahoma State
5. Kansas City Chiefs – Reggie Smith CB, Oklahoma
6. New York Jets – Quentin Groves DE, Auburn
7. San Francisco 49ers – Ali Highsmith OLB, LSU
8. Baltimore Ravens – Shawn Crable OLB, Michigan
9. Cincinnati Bengals – Lawrence Jackson DE, USC
10. New Orleans Saints – Erin Henderson OLB, Maryland
11. Buffalo Bills – Xavier Adibi OLB, Maryland
12. Denver Broncos – Red Bryant DT, Texas A&M
13. Carolina Panthers – Dre Moore DT, Maryland
14. Chicago Bears – Kevin Smith RB, Central Florida
15. Detroit Lions –Gosder Cherilus OT, Boston College
16. Arizona Cardinals – Demario Pressley DT, NC State
17. Minnesota Vikings – Chris Ellis DE, Virginia Tech
18. Atlanta Falcons (From Houston Texans) – Trevor Laws DT, Notre Dame
19. Philadelphia Eagles – Barry Richardson OT, Clemson
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Terrell Thomas CB, USC
21. Washington Redskins – Jonathan Hefney FS, Tennessee
22. Cleveland Browns – Justin King CB, Penn State
23. Seattle Seahawks – Philip Wheeler OLB, Georgia Tech
24. Pittsburgh Steelers – Vince Hall MLB, Virginia Tech
25. Tennessee Titans – Marcus Griffin SS, Texas
26. New York Giants – Eric Young OG, Tennessee
27. Miami Dolphins (From San Diego Chargers) – Mario Manningham WR, Michigan
28. Jacksonville Jaguars – James Hardy WR, Indiana
29. Green Bay Packers – Chris Johnson RB, East Carolina
30. Indianapolis Colts – Tracy Porter CB, Indiana
31. Dallas Cowboys – Tom Zbikowski SS, Notre Dame
32. New England Patriots – Steve Slaton RB, WVU
Round 3
1. Miami Dolphins – Jonathan Goff MLB, Vanderbilt
2. St. Louis Rams – Titus Brown DE, Mississippi State
3. Atlanta Falcons – Tavares Gooden OLB, Miami
4. New England Patriots (From Oakland Raiders) – Leodis McKelvin CB, Troy
5. Kansas City Chiefs – Craig Steltz SS, LSU
6. New York Jets – Mike Rucker TE, Louisville
7. San Francisco 49ers – Harry Douglas WR, Louisville
8. Buffalo Bills (From Baltimore Ravens) – DJ Hall WR, Alabama
9. Cincinnati Bengals – Ray Schuening OG, Oregon State
10. New Orleans Saints – Lavelle Hawkins WR, California
11. Buffalo Bills – Tommy Blake DE, TCU
12. Minnesota Vikings (From Denver Broncos) – Dennis Dixon QB, Oregon
13. Carolina Panthers – Drew Radovich OG, USC
14. Chicago Bears – Chris Williams OT, Vanderbilt
15. Detroit Lions – DeJuan Tribble CB, Boston College
16. Arizona Cardinals – Jeremy Leman MLB, Illinois
17. Minnesota Vikings – Ezra Butler OLB, Nevada
18. Houston Texans – Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie CB, Tennessee State
19. Philadelphia Eagles – Nick Hayden DT, Wisconsin
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Ray Rice RB, Rutgers
21. Washington Redskins –Keenan Burton WR, Kentucky
22. Cleveland Browns – Andre Caldwell WR, Florida
23. Seattle Seahawks – Tasahrd Choice RB, Georgia Tech
24. Pittsburgh Steelers – Dwight Lowery CB, San Diego State
25. Tennessee Titans – Lance Laggett WR, Miami
26. New York Giants – Peyton Hillis FB, Arkansas
27. Chicago Bears (From San Diego Chargers) – Josh Barrett SS, Arizona State
28. Jacksonville Jaguars – Darnell Terrell CB, Nebraska
29. Green Bay Packers – John Carlson TE, Notre Dame
30. Indianapolis Colts – Quentin Demps FS, UTEP
31. Dallas Cowboys – Colt Brennan QB, Hawaii
32. New England Patriots – Steve Justice C, Wake Forest
Two important juniors that I have not included are Pat Sims and Brandon Flowers. They are potential first-day picks but this has not been updated in a week so any juniors that have declared in that time are not included (with the exception of McFadden).
Round 1
1. Miami Dolphins – Glenn Dorsey DT, LSU
With Bill Parcells coming in as the VP of Football Operations, he’s obviously going to address defense first. Glenn Dorsey is the single best defensive prospect in the draft and the Dolphins will not pass him up. However, look for a possible trade down.
2. St. Louis Rams – Jake Long OT, Michigan
With the offensive line decimated by injuries due to age, it’s clear that the Rams need find a replacement for Orlando Pace. He’s getting old and injury-prone so Jake Long would be the most reasonable pick. He is the best offensive lineman of his class and it’s very likely the Rams pick him with the second overall pick.
3. Atlanta Falcons – Matt Ryan QB, Boston College
It’s clear that the Falcons need a QB. They started three different quarterbacks throughout the season, and have yet to find a true starter. Many people expect that Atlanta will not be able to pass up McFadden, but it’s clear that a future franchise quarterback is their biggest need. The talent of quarterbacks this year is very slim after the top 3, and seeing as how many teams need a quarterback, the Falcons won't luck out in the 2nd round with someone like Woodson.
4. Oakland Raiders – Chris Long DE, Virginia
Raiders have holes everywhere on defense so they will probably draft the best available defensive prospect. This would mean that it would probably be Chris Long that the Raiders draft. Some might say McFadden because his talent level is the best of this year’s draft, but with a backfield consisting of Justin Fargas, Lamont Jordan, and Dominic Rhodes, I think they address their other needs here.
5. Kansas City Chiefs – Ryan Clady OT, Boise State
Chiefs need help at the line. They allowed 36 sacks, 5th most in the NFL. They would obviously not draft McFadden, seeing as Larry Johnson is an established running back and a pick on McFadden would be a pick wasted.
6. New York Jets – Darren McFadden RB, Arkansas
Jets would salivate over this pick if McFadden lasts this long. Obviously the best talent in this year’s draft.
7. New England Patriots (From San Francisco 49ers) – James Laurinitis MLB, Ohio State
Patriots basically have their depth chart filled up. The only problem is age. Look for Belicheck to insert some youth in his very experienced linebacking core.
8. Baltimore Ravens – Brian Brohm QB, Louisville
Boller obviously wasn’t the answer, and with McNair on the brink of retirement, the Ravens need to bring in a new quarterback.
9. Cincinnati Bengals – Sedrick Ellis DT, USC
Bengals need help at basically every position on defense. Ellis is a great starting point.
10. New Orleans Saints – Malcolm Jenkins CB, Ohio State
That atrocious secondary definitely needs help. Jenkins is the best cornerback/safety in the draft.
11. Buffalo Bills – Vernon Gholston DE, Ohio State
Bills need a pass rusher. Gholston is the best pure pass rusher in the draft. Perfect match.
12. Denver Broncos – Keith Rivers OLB, USC
Broncos need help stopping the run. With most defensive tackles gone at this point, look for them to pick Rivers.
13. Carolina Panthers – Kenny Phillips FS, Miami
Panthers need some help at the safety position. They gave up too many big plays last season. Phillips is by far the best safety in the draft.
14. Chicago Bears – Andre Woodson QB, Kentucky
Grossman, Griese, and Orton weren’t the answer. Woodson would be their best chance since Brohm and Ryan are already off the board.
15. Detroit Lions – Calais Campbell DE, Miami
Anything to help that last-ranked defense.
16. Arizona Cardinals – Mike Jenkins CB, USF
The Cardinals obviously need secondary help. With the other Jenkins already gone, the Cards will gladly select Mike Jenkins.
17. Minnesota Vikings – DeSean Jackson WR, California
Jackson has the potential to be a top 10 pick with his speed. Although Minnesota will not be the best fit for Jackson, he has way too much talent for the Vikings to pass him up.
18. Houston Texans –Jonathan Stewart RB, Oregon
Green showed he cannot run it effectively anymore, and Ron Dayne is obviously not a franchise running back.
19. Philadelphia Eagles – Malcolm Kelly WR, Oklahoma
Regardless of whether McNabb is traded, the Eagles clearly lack a big-play wideout. Kelly fits their needs perfectly.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers –Sam Baker OT, USC
The Buccaneers need to protect Jeff Garcia’s backside. He’s getting too old to be knocked down.
21. Washington Redskins – Derrick Harvey DE, Florida
The Redskins desperately need a pass rush and Harvey is among the top in pass rushing.
22. Dallas Cowboys (From Cleveland Browns) – Aqib Talib CB, Kansas
Outside of Terrence Newman, the Cowboys have no real cornerback capable of guarding a good wideout. They need depth.
23. Seattle Seahawks – Frank Okam DT, Texas
The Seahawks lack depth on their defensive line. Frank Okam would give them an immediate starter if need be.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers –Jeff Otah OT, Pittsburgh
Roethlisberger was sacked the second most in the NFL. That’s not good for a young franchise quarterback.
25. Tennessee Titans – Limas Sweed WR, Texas
Finally, a big-play wideout that the Titans have been searching for. Oh, did we mention he played with Vince Young too?
26. New York Giants – Kentwan Balmer DT, UNC
A bit of a reach, but the Giants need a defensive tackle.
27. San Diego Chargers – Rey Maualuga MLB, USC
Great outside linebackers, horrible inside linebackers. Maualuga is a great player and the Chargers would be more than happy to add him into the roster.
28. Jacksonville Jaguars – Fred Davis TE, USC
The Greg Olsen of 2008. He falls down to Jacksonville and they’ll gladly pick him up. Davis gives Garrard a big target across the middle of the field.
29. Green Bay Packers –Antoine Cason CB, Arizona
The fact that Ryan Grant is the Packers’ long term answer at running back is unsure. However, they do need to address their cornerbacking needs. Al Harris and Charles Woodson are 33 and 31, respectively, and they need to get a young guy in there before it’s too late. Woodson has proven to be injury prone missing a couple games last season so this pick on Cason wouldn’t be that bad. Don’t be surprised if they draft someone like Rashard Mendenhall or Felix Jones.
30. San Francisco 49ers (From Indianapolis Colts) – Early Doucet WR, LSU
Obviously lacking in just about every position, Doucet gives them a great receiver with amazing hands.
31. Dallas Cowboys –Rashard Mendenhall RB, Illinois
With Julius Jones departing for the free agency, and Marion Barber not ready to take the full workload, Mendenhall + Barber would give the Cowboys one of the better running back tandems in the league.
32. New England Patriots (From Roger Goodell) – NOBODY
Round 2
1. Miami Dolphins – Jack Ikegwuonu CB, Wisconsin
2. St. Louis Rams – Dan Connor OLB, Penn State
3. Atlanta Falcons – Felix Jones RB, Arkansas
4. Oakland Raiders – Adarius Bowman WR, Oklahoma State
5. Kansas City Chiefs – Reggie Smith CB, Oklahoma
6. New York Jets – Quentin Groves DE, Auburn
7. San Francisco 49ers – Ali Highsmith OLB, LSU
8. Baltimore Ravens – Shawn Crable OLB, Michigan
9. Cincinnati Bengals – Lawrence Jackson DE, USC
10. New Orleans Saints – Erin Henderson OLB, Maryland
11. Buffalo Bills – Xavier Adibi OLB, Maryland
12. Denver Broncos – Red Bryant DT, Texas A&M
13. Carolina Panthers – Dre Moore DT, Maryland
14. Chicago Bears – Kevin Smith RB, Central Florida
15. Detroit Lions –Gosder Cherilus OT, Boston College
16. Arizona Cardinals – Demario Pressley DT, NC State
17. Minnesota Vikings – Chris Ellis DE, Virginia Tech
18. Atlanta Falcons (From Houston Texans) – Trevor Laws DT, Notre Dame
19. Philadelphia Eagles – Barry Richardson OT, Clemson
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Terrell Thomas CB, USC
21. Washington Redskins – Jonathan Hefney FS, Tennessee
22. Cleveland Browns – Justin King CB, Penn State
23. Seattle Seahawks – Philip Wheeler OLB, Georgia Tech
24. Pittsburgh Steelers – Vince Hall MLB, Virginia Tech
25. Tennessee Titans – Marcus Griffin SS, Texas
26. New York Giants – Eric Young OG, Tennessee
27. Miami Dolphins (From San Diego Chargers) – Mario Manningham WR, Michigan
28. Jacksonville Jaguars – James Hardy WR, Indiana
29. Green Bay Packers – Chris Johnson RB, East Carolina
30. Indianapolis Colts – Tracy Porter CB, Indiana
31. Dallas Cowboys – Tom Zbikowski SS, Notre Dame
32. New England Patriots – Steve Slaton RB, WVU
Round 3
1. Miami Dolphins – Jonathan Goff MLB, Vanderbilt
2. St. Louis Rams – Titus Brown DE, Mississippi State
3. Atlanta Falcons – Tavares Gooden OLB, Miami
4. New England Patriots (From Oakland Raiders) – Leodis McKelvin CB, Troy
5. Kansas City Chiefs – Craig Steltz SS, LSU
6. New York Jets – Mike Rucker TE, Louisville
7. San Francisco 49ers – Harry Douglas WR, Louisville
8. Buffalo Bills (From Baltimore Ravens) – DJ Hall WR, Alabama
9. Cincinnati Bengals – Ray Schuening OG, Oregon State
10. New Orleans Saints – Lavelle Hawkins WR, California
11. Buffalo Bills – Tommy Blake DE, TCU
12. Minnesota Vikings (From Denver Broncos) – Dennis Dixon QB, Oregon
13. Carolina Panthers – Drew Radovich OG, USC
14. Chicago Bears – Chris Williams OT, Vanderbilt
15. Detroit Lions – DeJuan Tribble CB, Boston College
16. Arizona Cardinals – Jeremy Leman MLB, Illinois
17. Minnesota Vikings – Ezra Butler OLB, Nevada
18. Houston Texans – Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie CB, Tennessee State
19. Philadelphia Eagles – Nick Hayden DT, Wisconsin
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Ray Rice RB, Rutgers
21. Washington Redskins –Keenan Burton WR, Kentucky
22. Cleveland Browns – Andre Caldwell WR, Florida
23. Seattle Seahawks – Tasahrd Choice RB, Georgia Tech
24. Pittsburgh Steelers – Dwight Lowery CB, San Diego State
25. Tennessee Titans – Lance Laggett WR, Miami
26. New York Giants – Peyton Hillis FB, Arkansas
27. Chicago Bears (From San Diego Chargers) – Josh Barrett SS, Arizona State
28. Jacksonville Jaguars – Darnell Terrell CB, Nebraska
29. Green Bay Packers – John Carlson TE, Notre Dame
30. Indianapolis Colts – Quentin Demps FS, UTEP
31. Dallas Cowboys – Colt Brennan QB, Hawaii
32. New England Patriots – Steve Justice C, Wake Forest
