Zobel, best NFL mock draft to date? (1 Viewer)

[Bracie Smathers]

Best I've seen to date. I'd like to cut and paste everything but leaving most commentary out which can be seen at the link. Also he goes into the second round as well. Here's the link and mock. Commentary of top ten picks included go to the link for the rest.

http://draftheadquarters.com/index.php/NFL...ck-Draft-Shawn-

Zobel/Home/cat_id/34343

2008 Mock Draft

Updated: February 16th, 2008

1 Miami Jake Long Offensive Tackle Michigan

With the hiring of former Cowboys offensive line coach Tony Sparano, it seems to me that it would make sense that they would address the line in this year's draft. It also helps that Miami recently cut three offensive tackles. The Dolphins are in the market for a franchise left tackle and someone that they can build around. Selecting Long would bring stability to an offense that among the worst in the league last year. It would open running lanes for their star running back Ronnie Brown, while also providing more time in the passing game. Whether they like quarterback John Beck or not, it's become apparent that the Dolphins are going to need to upgrade the offensive line. Long would be a great way to begin doing so.

The Joe Thomas effect. I'm pretty sure Jake won't bust even if he's just a step slower off his mark. He should at worst be effective and a very safe and solid pick. Matt Ryan could be the guy but the cost/risk is substantial so I like the pick.

2 St. Louis Chris Long Defensive End Virginia

The Rams defensive line still struggled this year despite investing their 2007 1st Round pick in Nebraska's Adam Carriker. Adding a rare player like Long would go a long ways towards upgrading the team's overall defense, not just against the run, but against the pass as well. Long plays the run like a 3-4 defensive end and plays the pass like a 4-3 end. He's a versatile player who could fit in a variety of roles. Other options include Jake Long, as Orlando Pace seems to be nearing the end of his career.

Another safe/solid pick. I was thinking Jake would be better but Pace is rumored to be back healthy and this mock has Jake going #1 so this pick makes sense.

3 Atlanta Darren McFadden Running Back Arkansas

The Michael Vick situation really took a toll on the entire Falcons organization. Bobby Petrino's abrupt departure also did not help, but it's better that they'll be able to start from scratch this offseason. While quarterback is a big need for Atlanta, I don't think that there's a quarterback at this time that is worth taking with the 3rd pick in the draft. The Falcons chose to hire Patriots director of college scouting Tom Dimitroff. It's well known that the Patriots were able to land their franchise quarterback with a 6th Round pick. Maybe that's the way the Falcons will go. Either way, the Falcons need to land a playmaker to help re-build their franchise and that's exactly what McFadden is.

I just don't know what is going on down in Atlanta. Their is a dark cloud over that franchise with Vick/Paterino to the recent suspect cutting of Crumpler. A PR selection may be the best pick even if NFL/logic screams QB. Evaluations range on McFadden but he seems solid with a high ceiling and it would be a PR coupe.

4 Oakland Glenn Dorsey Defensive Tackle LSU

The Raiders offense could really use a playmaker, however, with McFadden off the board, it would make sense for them to address one of their other big needs.Oakland's biggest weakness on defense has been their play against the run. Warren Sapp has retired, leaving a hole at one of the team's defensive tackle spots. Dorsey is arguably the top defensive prospect in this year's draft and he plays with the type of emotion and passion that scouts haven't seen since Warren Sapp was coming out of college. Dorsey is a lock to be off the board within the Top 5 picks.

Another solid pick and makes sense the way the board shapes up in this mock.

5 Kansas City Ryan Clady Offensive Tackle Boise State

The Chiefs offensive line has really gone down hill as of late. Their #1 need is clearly a franchise tackle to protect the blindside of their quarterback, whether it's Brodie Croyle or someone else. While they could look at the quarterback position, I think there's a better chance that they'll give Brodie Croyle another shot next year. Clady may be a bit of a reach here, but he would clearly address the team's greatest weakness. If they were to go with a quarterback here, it'd be Matt Ryan from Boston College.

Many feel this is the Cheifs top need and its difficult to argue but I'm in the, 'if a franchise QB is available then you HAVE to take them', camp. Ofcourse their is a camp of if their is a franchise OLT there then you HAVE to take them camp. I think its a bit of a reach but it happens in every draft and it makes sense in this mock.

6 New York Jets Vernon Gholston Defensive End Ohio State

While the Jets ideally would like to land Darren McFadden, it seems highly unlikely that he'll be around by the 6th pick. Instead, Vernon Gholston seems like the most logical choice. A physical freak, Gholston is as productive on the field as he is in the weight room, having recorded 21 sacks over the course of the past two seasons. He is being projected as a 4-3 defensive end or a 3-4 outside linebacker for the next level. With the Jets running a 3-4 defense, this makes him a perfect fit for their 3-4 alignment.

My favorite player of this draft and a perfect pick here IMHO.

7 New England (from San Francisco) Aqib Talib Cornerback Kansas

With the Patriots losing in the Super Bowl, you know that head coach Bill Belichick will be looking to make yet another run next season.While the team barely has any weaknesses, they could definitely stand to shore up their secondary. Star cornerback Asante Samuel appears likely to bolt via free agency, leaving a hole at the cornerback position. Talib is the #1 rated cornerback on my board heading into the Scouting Combine. While he's at times inconsistent, he has everything that you look for in a starting corner at the next level.

The DBs have been debated yet many think the Pats go CB here so this should not be controversial.

8 Baltimore Matt Ryan Quarterback Boston College

The Ravens offense has never done much under head coach Brian Billick, one of the main reasons that he was fired. Whether it's been a lack of a stud quarterback or just that Billick wasn't the right fit for the job, it's been clear that they need to add a franchise type of signal caller. While they drafted Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith in the 5th Round last year, it's hard to say that he can eventually be the answer for them. With new coach John Harbaugh coming in, I could really see him deciding to take his own quarterback to begin grooming for the future. The Ravens cornerback position was hit with injuries this year, so Aqib Talib or Antoine Cason could also be possibilities here.

As a Browns fan all I can say is UGH! The Ravens had Reed and Heap and Suggs fall into their laps in the past so it seems like the draft after they rid themselves of Billick that they would end up with a legit franchise QB.

9 Cincinnati Sedrick Ellis Defensive Tackle USC

Cincinnati's struggles this year really began with their defense as a whole. Flat out, they weren't able to stop anyone. The Bengals defensive line was arguably their greatest weakness, and they could really use a playmaker to plug in the middle. That's exactly what Sedrick Ellis is. A prototypical three-technique, Ellis could immediately come and help shore up the team's defensive line problems. This would be a great value pick for the Bengals as they would begin to rebuild their struggling defense.

Double whammy for Browns fans and another hand-glove selection.

10 New Orleans Leodis McKelvin Cornerback Troy

Over the course of the past two years, the Saints have had two of the worst corners in the league starting for them. Last year it was Fred Thomas, this year it was Jason David. With their best corner Mike McKenzie going down with a torn ACL in the 2nd to last game of this season, there is now no excuse for the Saints not to add a cornerback in this year's draft. There isn't another team in the league that needs a corner as bad as the Saints do right now. McKelvin is the top cornerback available at this point and would be a huge upgrade for the Saints.

A solid pick but I know the DBs have been debated so a different name could go here yet it should be a DB.The rest of the first round sans commentary. Head to the link above for the full scoop.

11 Buffalo Malcolm Kelly Wide Receiver Oklahoma

12 Denver Keith Rivers Linebacker USC

13 Carolina Kenny Phillips Safety Miami (FL)

14 Chicago Gosder Cherilus Offensive Tackle Boston College

15 Detroit Chris Williams Offensive Tackle Vanderbilt

16 Arizona Mike Jenkins Cornerback South Florida

17 Minnesota Calais Campbell Defensive End Miami (FL)

18 Houston Rashard Mendenhall Running Back Illinois

19 Philadelphia DeSean Jackson Wide Receiver California

20 Tampa Bay Jeff Otah Offensive Tackle Pittsburgh

21 Washington Phillip Merling Defensive End Clemson

22 Dallas (from Cleveland) Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie Cornerback Tennessee State

23 Pittsburgh Branden Albert Offensive Guard Virginia

24 Tennessee James Hardy Wide Receiver Indiana

25 Seattle Jonathan Stewart Running Back Oregon

26 Jacksonville Jaguars Derrick Harvey Defensive End Florida

27 San Diego Chargers Kentwan Balmer Defensive Tackle North Carolina

28 Dallas Felix Jones Running Back Arkansas

29 San Francisco (from Indianapolis) Mario Manningham Wide Receiver Michigan

30 Green Bay Reggie Smith Safety Oklahoma

New England Pick Forfeited

31 New York Giants Dan Connor Linebacker Penn State

Thought this was the best NFL mock draft I'd seen to date. Go to the link for round two and accompanying commentary for other selections.

Thoughts, criticism?

EDIT: fixed link here- http://draftheadquarters.com/index.php/NFL...me/cat_id/34343

 

[prymetyme25]

As a Texans fan if they dont take a CB in the first round I would be very upset. Cromartie would be perfect.

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

I'd be surprised if Baltimore goes QB 1st round.

I think Dallas gets Mendenhall.

 

[QuizGuy66]

Any mock draft that has Ellis slipping to my Bengals at #9 is one I like :X

-QG

 

[Bracie Smathers]

I'd be surprised if Baltimore goes QB 1st round.I think Dallas gets Mendenhall.

IF Matt Ryan is there, big IF, but IF he's there then Baltimore will rip the space time continuem getting his name to the podium.I think Mendenhall could go pretty high depending on his combine/individual workouts.

 

[Riflemen]

I like that Ryan is the only 1st round QB. I don't like the fact he has 4 QB's going in the 2nd. I'd expect Woodson and Flacco to be 3rd round or later picks.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

WR DeSean Jackson fulfills two needs for Philadelphia - longer term prospect at WR and a KR/PR to help them now.

 

[Buckna]

There isn't another team in the league that needs a corner as bad as the Saints do right now.

As a Texans fan, I think we would easily qualify to match or exceed this statement. We were starting a tandem of a 4th round rookie and a 6th round journeyman for the 2nd half of the season last year. Duanta Robinson isn't projected to be back on the field until after the 2008 season starts. Corner is a major weakness.

 

[Brutis]

I like how all the top RB's in these mocks go to all the teams that "need" a rb. It rarely ever goes that way.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Other than Talib and Cherilus being too high, looks good to me.

In fact, it looks kind of familiar to me.

Okay, I don't like Hardy in the first, especially to Jacksonville. I don't think they need another tall & slow receiver.

 

[kremenull]

Overall, I can see the rationale behind the vast majority of his picks, so it's a very nice mock. My only complaint is that I'd like to see his earlier (Mock) revisions. It's much easier to chime in with a mock right about now after all of the 'expert' analysis has been plastered everywhere. This is a very organized, well documented effort, but let's see what he was saying about a month ago.......And it would be OK to change your stance, here or there, but I'd still be curious to see just how much has changed and the reasons behind them.

Other than that, no way Jake Long is the top pick in this draft, at least not based on Zoebel's reasoning. Long is not an elite LT prospect, more of a very good RT prospect, but not even an elite RT, IMO. That would be one of the worst #1 selections I've ever seen. Need may dictate that he is picked rather high, as high as #2, but no way the 'Phins take him at #1.

After the Senior Bowl evaluations, I can't see Sedrick Ellis lasting until #9.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Other than that, no way Jake Long is the top pick in this draft, at least not based on Zoebel's reasoning. Long is not an elite LT prospect, more of a very good RT prospect, but not even an elite RT, IMO. That would be one of the worst #1 selections I've ever seen. Need may dictate that he is picked rather high, as high as #2, but no way the 'Phins take him at #1.

Add in the fact that a Parcells influenced draft would never take a lineman in the first, instead preferring to mine gold in the later rounds.

 

[brock]

I like how all the top RB's in these mocks go to all the teams that "need" a rb. It rarely ever goes that way.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

Other than that, no way Jake Long is the top pick in this draft, at least not based on Zoebel's reasoning. Long is not an elite LT prospect, more of a very good RT prospect, but not even an elite RT, IMO. That would be one of the worst #1 selections I've ever seen. Need may dictate that he is picked rather high, as high as #2, but no way the 'Phins take him at #1.

Add in the fact that a Parcells influenced draft would never take a lineman in the first, instead preferring to mine gold in the later rounds.

The top pick is a big problem. Who do the Phins take? They want to trade down but who would move to the top pick since their isn't a true franchise player in this draft that sticks out. Matt Ryan? Parcells is on the books as saying he wants a, big tall, strong armed, pocket passer. I doubt he is looking seriously at Ryan with the top pick especially considering the QB cap effect of taking a QB in the top ten. Even if Ryan does 'OK' he would more than likely be grossly overpaid. Then look forward to a Jamarcus Russell/Brady Quinn/Matt Lienart hold out lingering long into the preseason wiping out any chance of them being able to make progress for a year or two. Chris Long? What are they going to do on defense? They just cut Zach Thomas which opens the door for the Tuna's coveted 3-4 to take root. Converting a down lineman to an up linebacker takes a good two years. Its a LOOOOOOOONG process. Teddy Bruschi wasn't effective for years. Anthony Spencer didn't see the field last year. Kam Whimbley took a step back last year. Its a looooooooooooong painful conversion and that means the Phins wouldn't get a solid return on their investment for two years with Chris as an outside linebacker and he's too light to play down in a 3-4.Darren McFadden? Sexiest pick in the draft but questions and then that franchise has needs, RB is not one of them.Glen Dorsey? Again, what defense are they playing down there? Then their is an injury concern with Dorsey. The Tuna has his well known planet theory where he points out that their are only so few big men who can move but Glenn would be a disaster in a discipined 3-4 where his job description was to eat blockers instead of move the pocket back and disrupt.I don't like Jake Long's first step but he seems safe. Lets see how he grades out at the combine. He could be the pick.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Chris Long? What are they going to do on defense? They just cut Zach Thomas which opens the door for the Tuna's coveted 3-4 to take root. Converting a down lineman to an up linebacker takes a good two years. Its a LOOOOOOOONG process. Teddy Bruschi wasn't effective for years. Anthony Spencer didn't see the field last year. Kam Whimbley took a step back last year. Its a looooooooooooong painful conversion and that means the Phins wouldn't get a solid return on their investment for two years with Chris as an outside linebacker and he's too light to play down in a 3-4.

I think Long could easily put on a few pounds, lose none of his quickness, and be an excellent 3-4 DE.

 

[Abraham]

I do not care for this mock.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

Chris Long? What are they going to do on defense? They just cut Zach Thomas which opens the door for the Tuna's coveted 3-4 to take root. Converting a down lineman to an up linebacker takes a good two years. Its a LOOOOOOOONG process. Teddy Bruschi wasn't effective for years. Anthony Spencer didn't see the field last year. Kam Whimbley took a step back last year. Its a looooooooooooong painful conversion and that means the Phins wouldn't get a solid return on their investment for two years with Chris as an outside linebacker and he's too light to play down in a 3-4.

I think Long could easily put on a few pounds, lose none of his quickness, and be an excellent 3-4 DE.

I dunno. I believe he was/is listed at 274. He's an EXCELLENT 43 DE right now. I don't like the conversion to OLB in a 34 and right now he's just not big enough to play DE in a 34. Add in. I recall Howie Long was notorious for not being much in the wieght room. He admitted it but said he was 'butt strong'. He said that meant that no one could beat him on the playing field but in the weight room he confessed he wasn't to lift nearly as much as others. I don't know the DNA conversion but if Chris is listed at 274 then 'adding wieght' to get over a trey would be a struggle if done leagally. I think it would also be a struggle to keep that weight if it weren't natural. Just seems to me like if it ain't broke don't fix it and right now Chris Long is the quintesential 43 DE that teams playing that scheme covet.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Chris Long? What are they going to do on defense? They just cut Zach Thomas which opens the door for the Tuna's coveted 3-4 to take root. Converting a down lineman to an up linebacker takes a good two years. Its a LOOOOOOOONG process. Teddy Bruschi wasn't effective for years. Anthony Spencer didn't see the field last year. Kam Whimbley took a step back last year. Its a looooooooooooong painful conversion and that means the Phins wouldn't get a solid return on their investment for two years with Chris as an outside linebacker and he's too light to play down in a 3-4.

I think Long could easily put on a few pounds, lose none of his quickness, and be an excellent 3-4 DE.

I dunno. I believe he was/is listed at 274. He's an EXCELLENT 43 DE right now. I don't like the conversion to OLB in a 34 and right now he's just not big enough to play DE in a 34. Add in. I recall Howie Long was notorious for not being much in the wieght room. He admitted it but said he was 'butt strong'. He said that meant that no one could beat him on the playing field but in the weight room he confessed he wasn't to lift nearly as much as others. I don't know the DNA conversion but if Chris is listed at 274 then 'adding wieght' to get over a trey would be a struggle if done leagally. I think it would also be a struggle to keep that weight if it weren't natural. Just seems to me like if it ain't broke don't fix it and right now Chris Long is the quintesential 43 DE that teams playing that scheme covet.

I agree that the best fit is as a 4-3 defensive end.Huge question, no doubt, which scheme the 'Fins will run.

 

[kremenull]

Other than that, no way Jake Long is the top pick in this draft, at least not based on Zoebel's reasoning. Long is not an elite LT prospect, more of a very good RT prospect, but not even an elite RT, IMO. That would be one of the worst #1 selections I've ever seen. Need may dictate that he is picked rather high, as high as #2, but no way the 'Phins take him at #1.

Add in the fact that a Parcells influenced draft would never take a lineman in the first, instead preferring to mine gold in the later rounds.

The top pick is a big problem. Who do the Phins take? They want to trade down but who would move to the top pick since their isn't a true franchise player in this draft that sticks out. Matt Ryan? Parcells is on the books as saying he wants a, big tall, strong armed, pocket passer. I doubt he is looking seriously at Ryan with the top pick especially considering the QB cap effect of taking a QB in the top ten. Even if Ryan does 'OK' he would more than likely be grossly overpaid. Then look forward to a Jamarcus Russell/Brady Quinn/Matt Lienart hold out lingering long into the preseason wiping out any chance of them being able to make progress for a year or two. Chris Long? What are they going to do on defense? They just cut Zach Thomas which opens the door for the Tuna's coveted 3-4 to take root. Converting a down lineman to an up linebacker takes a good two years. Its a LOOOOOOOONG process. Teddy Bruschi wasn't effective for years. Anthony Spencer didn't see the field last year. Kam Whimbley took a step back last year. Its a looooooooooooong painful conversion and that means the Phins wouldn't get a solid return on their investment for two years with Chris as an outside linebacker and he's too light to play down in a 3-4.Darren McFadden? Sexiest pick in the draft but questions and then that franchise has needs, RB is not one of them.Glen Dorsey? Again, what defense are they playing down there? Then their is an injury concern with Dorsey. The Tuna has his well known planet theory where he points out that their are only so few big men who can move but Glenn would be a disaster in a discipined 3-4 where his job description was to eat blockers instead of move the pocket back and disrupt.I don't like Jake Long's first step but he seems safe. Lets see how he grades out at the combine. He could be the pick.

Well, good points here. It is a very tough year to be drafting #1, and will be incredibly hard to trade down, unless the 'Phins want to drop down to Dallas' picks. However, I disagree with all the talk about Chris Long. The overriding thing that has to be considered when you draft is: Are you a football player or not? And this guy is a hard-nosed, gritty, play-making football player. I don't see a problem for Long to add 10-15 lbs if they want to convert him to a 3-4 end, they (NFL resources) have premier training and nutritional programs for that. I mean, is it that big of a stretch to go from 278 to 290....I don't think so. I actually think he can play the base end at 285, he's that tough and tenacious of a player. Sometimes, we put too much emphasis on ideal size/weight considerations, as a few lbs here or there will not be the determining factor, but his play will. My #1 pick a month ago was Chris Long, and remains Chris Long to the 'Phins.Heck, maybe they throw us all a curveball and decide to play 4-3 and draft Dorsey or Ellis #1........

 

[Cable]

WR DeSean Jackson fulfills two needs for Philadelphia - longer term prospect at WR and a KR/PR to help them now.

 

[scrumptrulescent]

One of the better drafts I've seen as well.

As a Packer fan, I would not be unhappy with Reggie Smith since he has potential at CB/S/KR. I love the versatility.

 

[zadok]

WR DeSean Jackson fulfills two needs for Philadelphia - longer term prospect at WR and a KR/PR to help them now.

He's my top choice right now.

 

[Texasmouth]

I love the Cowboys two picks. A lot of draft experts have the Cowboys going WR-RB in the first round. I would love to take Cromartie if he is there. After the combine there will be no way Cromartie falls to the Cowboys though in my opinion, the guy is too talented to last that long.

Felix Jones with the next pick is perfect. He is a speedster that would be the perfect match with MBIII's style. Not to mention that he is from Arkansas, so Jerry Jones gets his hog after all.

With the second rounder Dallas can grab a WR. The WR and RB classes are stacked this year so Dallas can still land a solid WR for the future there.

As far as some of the other picks, when Parcells was in Dallas, I remember him saying YOU DONT TAKE OT in the FIRST ROUND. I am POSITIVE he said this and it showed with his drafts. He never drafted a first round OT. I see the Dolphins trading this pick away and it may be for less than what some people are thinking. Mainly because of salary cap ramifications other than anything else. Parcells isnt going to want to sell his soul to a first overall pick. Someone is going to offer his something good for this pick, maybe if it is even a future pick. Parcells loves stock piling picks and this dolphins team isnt going to be any good this year anyway. I wouldnt be shocked to see him work a deal with the cowboys to get Bobby Carpenter and Marcus Spears and maybe one of the Cowboys first round picks, which would not bother me at all but someone else might swoop in and give Miami a deal out of no where to get that #1 overall pick. In my opinion, there isnt a guy in this draft that is worth paying $50+ million for.

If Atlanta takes a RB I would be really surprised. I wouldnt be surprised at all if they actually went defense, rolling the dice with Redman and Harrington fighting it out to be the starter and Dunn and Norwood shouldering the load on offense. They may even try to trade themselves because they have a hole or two to fill.

Baltimore goes QB in my opinion and I would bet they end up with Matt Ryan one way or another.

 

[Texasmouth]

Other than that, no way Jake Long is the top pick in this draft, at least not based on Zoebel's reasoning. Long is not an elite LT prospect, more of a very good RT prospect, but not even an elite RT, IMO. That would be one of the worst #1 selections I've ever seen. Need may dictate that he is picked rather high, as high as #2, but no way the 'Phins take him at #1.

Add in the fact that a Parcells influenced draft would never take a lineman in the first, instead preferring to mine gold in the later rounds.

Matt Ryan? Parcells is on the books as saying he wants a, big tall, strong armed, pocket passer. I doubt he is looking seriously at Ryan with the top pick especially considering the QB cap effect of taking a QB in the top ten. Even if Ryan does 'OK' he would more than likely be grossly overpaid. Then look forward to a Jamarcus Russell/Brady Quinn/Matt Lienart hold out lingering long into the preseason wiping out any chance of them being able to make progress for a year or two.

Do you have a link to Parcells saying this?Maybe he was referring to Derek Anderson or Joe Flacco?

 

[JAA]

Jenkins will be drafted befor any QB

 

[Cable]

WR DeSean Jackson fulfills two needs for Philadelphia - longer term prospect at WR and a KR/PR to help them now.

He's my top choice right now.

Can't say enough good stuff about this pick. It's logical and fills and immediate need.If the draft did, in fact, pan out like this...I don't know if Andy will be able to pass on Otah though. He did go to Valley Forge Military Academy so he's got some local ties.Otah would not be an exciting pick, especially since he wouldn't see the field till 2009 or worse BUT imagine that right side of the OLine with The Big Kid and Otah...

 

[Bracie Smathers]

Other than that, no way Jake Long is the top pick in this draft, at least not based on Zoebel's reasoning. Long is not an elite LT prospect, more of a very good RT prospect, but not even an elite RT, IMO. That would be one of the worst #1 selections I've ever seen. Need may dictate that he is picked rather high, as high as #2, but no way the 'Phins take him at #1.

Add in the fact that a Parcells influenced draft would never take a lineman in the first, instead preferring to mine gold in the later rounds.

Matt Ryan? Parcells is on the books as saying he wants a, big tall, strong armed, pocket passer. I doubt he is looking seriously at Ryan with the top pick especially considering the QB cap effect of taking a QB in the top ten. Even if Ryan does 'OK' he would more than likely be grossly overpaid. Then look forward to a Jamarcus Russell/Brady Quinn/Matt Lienart hold out lingering long into the preseason wiping out any chance of them being able to make progress for a year or two.

Do you have a link to Parcells saying this?Maybe he was referring to Derek Anderson or Joe Flacco?

Can't since it was said in an ESPN sit down with Chris Berman the day he was named Miami GM/prez/Grand Pubah or whatever his title is. It was very unsensored and off the cuff, very pure and from the heart. Berman asked him what his thoughts were on the Dolphin quarterback situation and whether or not Beck was the answer. Bill began to answer in a semi-diplomatic manner by saying "I don't know if he's the answer." Berman seemed to know more than what Parcels had given as a standard text book non-answer and he clearly wanted more that is when Parcels let his guard down and seemed to lick his chops describing the sort of QB he liked and this seemed to be exactly what Berman knew and wanted Parcels to say. Parcels then said something to the effect of: "You know I like a big tall strong armed guy." And Boomer sorta raised his eyebrowns and his voice and said, this is Chris Berman paraphrasing the following and Parcels knodding in agreement. Berman "A pocket passing quarterback?" Parcels, "A pocket passer who doesn't [get out of or move or something to that effect]." It was a very brief but completely raw and unguarded exchange that happened on the fly almost within minutes of the story breaking on ESPN that Parcels had turned down Aurther Blank for the Falcon job and instead took the same job in Miami. No link and the above quotes are NOT Parcels word for word but paraphrasing what he said on-air.To me it was obvious that he was refering to Derek Anderson. He clearly did not seem impressed or sold on John Beck and I don't know of any QB in the draft that he could have been speaking of. Flaco is big and tall but I hadn't heard anything about his arm being termed strong. Maybe but I hadn't heard that about his arm. Ofcourse that was literally minutes of him getting the job. He had not met with the Dolphins at that point. He had not named his GM at that point and obviously he had not named his head coach at that point. So anything could have happened from that point in time. But Berman said when they sat down something like. "Bill this is probably the last time I'll ever be able to ask you anything on the air where you can answer truthfully so lets do this." It wasn't long after that when Parcels got his GM but then he did an odd thing. BEFORE he hired his head coach he hired a QUARTERBACK COACH. Odd eh?

 

[Andy Dufresne]

WR DeSean Jackson fulfills two needs for Philadelphia - longer term prospect at WR and a KR/PR to help them now.

He's my top choice right now.

Can't say enough good stuff about this pick. It's logical and fills and immediate need.If the draft did, in fact, pan out like this...I don't know if Andy will be able to pass on Otah though. He did go to Valley Forge Military Academy so he's got some local ties.Otah would not be an exciting pick, especially since he wouldn't see the field till 2009 or worse BUT imagine that right side of the OLine with The Big Kid and Otah...

I mocked Jackson to the Eagles earlier in the year and people shouted "The Eagles don't draft first round WRs!" all day long.I think it's a great pick, but how likely is it?

 

[Bracie Smathers]

Other than that, no way Jake Long is the top pick in this draft, at least not based on Zoebel's reasoning. Long is not an elite LT prospect, more of a very good RT prospect, but not even an elite RT, IMO. That would be one of the worst #1 selections I've ever seen. Need may dictate that he is picked rather high, as high as #2, but no way the 'Phins take him at #1.

Add in the fact that a Parcells influenced draft would never take a lineman in the first, instead preferring to mine gold in the later rounds.

The top pick is a big problem. Who do the Phins take? They want to trade down but who would move to the top pick since their isn't a true franchise player in this draft that sticks out. Matt Ryan? Parcells is on the books as saying he wants a, big tall, strong armed, pocket passer. I doubt he is looking seriously at Ryan with the top pick especially considering the QB cap effect of taking a QB in the top ten. Even if Ryan does 'OK' he would more than likely be grossly overpaid. Then look forward to a Jamarcus Russell/Brady Quinn/Matt Lienart hold out lingering long into the preseason wiping out any chance of them being able to make progress for a year or two. Chris Long? What are they going to do on defense? They just cut Zach Thomas which opens the door for the Tuna's coveted 3-4 to take root. Converting a down lineman to an up linebacker takes a good two years. Its a LOOOOOOOONG process. Teddy Bruschi wasn't effective for years. Anthony Spencer didn't see the field last year. Kam Whimbley took a step back last year. Its a looooooooooooong painful conversion and that means the Phins wouldn't get a solid return on their investment for two years with Chris as an outside linebacker and he's too light to play down in a 3-4.Darren McFadden? Sexiest pick in the draft but questions and then that franchise has needs, RB is not one of them.Glen Dorsey? Again, what defense are they playing down there? Then their is an injury concern with Dorsey. The Tuna has his well known planet theory where he points out that their are only so few big men who can move but Glenn would be a disaster in a discipined 3-4 where his job description was to eat blockers instead of move the pocket back and disrupt.I don't like Jake Long's first step but he seems safe. Lets see how he grades out at the combine. He could be the pick.

Well, good points here. It is a very tough year to be drafting #1, and will be incredibly hard to trade down, unless the 'Phins want to drop down to Dallas' picks. However, I disagree with all the talk about Chris Long. The overriding thing that has to be considered when you draft is: Are you a football player or not? And this guy is a hard-nosed, gritty, play-making football player. I don't see a problem for Long to add 10-15 lbs if they want to convert him to a 3-4 end, they (NFL resources) have premier training and nutritional programs for that. I mean, is it that big of a stretch to go from 278 to 290....I don't think so. I actually think he can play the base end at 285, he's that tough and tenacious of a player. Sometimes, we put too much emphasis on ideal size/weight considerations, as a few lbs here or there will not be the determining factor, but his play will. My #1 pick a month ago was Chris Long, and remains Chris Long to the 'Phins.Heck, maybe they throw us all a curveball and decide to play 4-3 and draft Dorsey or Ellis #1........

Reports are that Chris can beat double teams and that is what you want/need as a 34 DE but in some 34 schemes the DEs perform alot more roles and one is to protect the LBers and clear lanes for them to shoot. I don't have any doubts that Chris Long can beat a double team and rush the passer or push back the pocket but holding his base and protecting LBers is something he'd have to prove. Then I have no reason to doubt durability but he would not be able to hold up at his current weight. I think he's perfect as is and I wouldn't want to have to project a twenty/twenty-five pound weight gain with no loss of speed/mobility. I'm also leery of scouts making down linemen conversions into OLBs like it doesn't come with a cost of two years of development. Two years is a STEEP price to pay. That is two years LOST in maximum production. Two years of full salary without top production. Two years the guy is on the field thinking instead of doing and while he's thinking he may not be at full speed which opens him up to more injury risk IMHO. And I don't like throwing on twenty pounds to a kid and then not taking in any sort of injury risk when it stands the reasonable man question of how much more risk their is to anyone who adds twenty pounds in a short period of time and is expected to do extremely grueling movements in pressure packed situations. Its not a normal/gradual weight gain with age but a forced and hyper wieght gain. Bottom line, Chris Long IS a perfect 43 DE right now. And per the Phins running a 43. I think that if they keep the pick that they should stick with the 43 and then I think the Tuna's planet theory kicks into play and he'd go for Dorsey. Problem is I think the Tuna will switch to the 34 because that is ALL he knows and he's supposed to be Deep Throat mentoring everyone behind the scenes. He knows how to evaluate 34 defenders, knows how to draft them, knows coaches who run his defense. Heck he had both Belichick and Crennel and Cauglin with him so he knows how to pick guys who can coach it. I don't think he changes horses this late in the game just cause he's got the first pick in the draft and the guys available don't fit his scheme.

 

[Cable]

WR DeSean Jackson fulfills two needs for Philadelphia - longer term prospect at WR and a KR/PR to help them now.

He's my top choice right now.

Can't say enough good stuff about this pick. It's logical and fills and immediate need.If the draft did, in fact, pan out like this...I don't know if Andy will be able to pass on Otah though. He did go to Valley Forge Military Academy so he's got some local ties.Otah would not be an exciting pick, especially since he wouldn't see the field till 2009 or worse BUT imagine that right side of the OLine with The Big Kid and Otah...

I mocked Jackson to the Eagles earlier in the year and people shouted "The Eagles don't draft first round WRs!" all day long.I think it's a great pick, but how likely is it?

Oh, don't get me wrong, I love the Jackson pick. It's hard doing a mock prior to Free Agency, and this is certainly a good mock. However if the Eagles signed Andre Davis and the draft went like this, would Jackson still be the pick? Probably not. At this time, Jackson is a sound and logical choice. He's a threat to score on nearly every return and would help with the starting field position woes from recent past. He can come in and immediately help the Eagles win in 2008. Immediate impact is needed this offseason.

 

[sheerterror]

Haven't been able to find anything concrete on this - is Sedrick Ellis being projected as a 3-4 DT or a 4-3? If 4-3, how does he compare to Dorsey?

 

[Chaos Commish]

Haven't been able to find anything concrete on this - is Sedrick Ellis being projected as a 3-4 DT or a 4-3? If 4-3, how does he compare to Dorsey?

Well, Mayock prefers Ellis but calls them DT 1a and 1b. I concur with that, and I am a huge Dorsey fan. I think we're talking about the 2nd and 3rd best football players in this draft regardless of position. I was pulling for Dorsey to come out early last year and be hands down the top DT in the draft as a junior. Mayock also feels Sedrick is a great fit for 3-4 NT in an active front that asks him to both occupy and penetrate. He grades Dorsey out as a pure 4-3 UT, a three technique penetrator. I agree that's a great role for him, but he does a good job tying up OLs and letting his LBs roam too. Both these guys are very capable interior players, similar in size and build. Sedrick seems just a touch, quicker, stronger and more persistent with higher endurance. But Dorsey has some crazy intangible athleticism, not the stuff you measure. He has twisting and leaning leverage moves that just disrupt everything. Ellis is probably a little more versatile. He can play anywhere on the interior DL and probably be beasty as 3-4 end. I think Dorsey is his match at UT where they will both likely end up. Dorsey injury issues have to make teams pause with the way Ellis played all year. A healthy Dorsey is an awesome start to any run D, and he loves to help chase the QB too.

 

[Texasmouth]

Other than that, no way Jake Long is the top pick in this draft, at least not based on Zoebel's reasoning. Long is not an elite LT prospect, more of a very good RT prospect, but not even an elite RT, IMO. That would be one of the worst #1 selections I've ever seen. Need may dictate that he is picked rather high, as high as #2, but no way the 'Phins take him at #1.

Add in the fact that a Parcells influenced draft would never take a lineman in the first, instead preferring to mine gold in the later rounds.

Matt Ryan? Parcells is on the books as saying he wants a, big tall, strong armed, pocket passer. I doubt he is looking seriously at Ryan with the top pick especially considering the QB cap effect of taking a QB in the top ten. Even if Ryan does 'OK' he would more than likely be grossly overpaid. Then look forward to a Jamarcus Russell/Brady Quinn/Matt Lienart hold out lingering long into the preseason wiping out any chance of them being able to make progress for a year or two.

Do you have a link to Parcells saying this?Maybe he was referring to Derek Anderson or Joe Flacco?

It wasn't long after that when Parcels got his GM but then he did an odd thing. BEFORE he hired his head coach he hired a QUARTERBACK COACH. Odd eh?

No, he couldnt hire his coach until the Cowboys were out of the playoffs.

 

[sheerterror]

Haven't been able to find anything concrete on this - is Sedrick Ellis being projected as a 3-4 DT or a 4-3? If 4-3, how does he compare to Dorsey?

Well, Mayock prefers Ellis but calls them DT 1a and 1b. I concur with that, and I am a huge Dorsey fan. I think we're talking about the 2nd and 3rd best football players in this draft regardless of position. I was pulling for Dorsey to come out early last year and be hands down the top DT in the draft as a junior. Mayock also feels Sedrick is a great fit for 3-4 NT in an active front that asks him to both occupy and penetrate. He grades Dorsey out as a pure 4-3 UT, a three technique penetrator. I agree that's a great role for him, but he does a good job tying up OLs and letting his LBs roam too. Both these guys are very capable interior players, similar in size and build. Sedrick seems just a touch, quicker, stronger and more persistent with higher endurance. But Dorsey has some crazy intangible athleticism, not the stuff you measure. He has twisting and leaning leverage moves that just disrupt everything. Ellis is probably a little more versatile. He can play anywhere on the interior DL and probably be beasty as 3-4 end. I think Dorsey is his match at UT where they will both likely end up. Dorsey injury issues have to make teams pause with the way Ellis played all year. A healthy Dorsey is an awesome start to any run D, and he loves to help chase the QB too.

Great info, thanks. I've been trying to decide who I want the Jets to draft is Gholston is not available - and Ellis seems like he may be an ideal fit pending how he measures at the combine, and what the Jets decide to do with Dewayne Robertson. Still praying Chris Long falls to 6 though....

 

[encaitar]

Other than that, no way Jake Long is the top pick in this draft, at least not based on Zoebel's reasoning. Long is not an elite LT prospect, more of a very good RT prospect, but not even an elite RT, IMO. That would be one of the worst #1 selections I've ever seen. Need may dictate that he is picked rather high, as high as #2, but no way the 'Phins take him at #1.

Add in the fact that a Parcells influenced draft would never take a lineman in the first, instead preferring to mine gold in the later rounds.

Matt Ryan? Parcells is on the books as saying he wants a, big tall, strong armed, pocket passer. I doubt he is looking seriously at Ryan with the top pick especially considering the QB cap effect of taking a QB in the top ten. Even if Ryan does 'OK' he would more than likely be grossly overpaid. Then look forward to a Jamarcus Russell/Brady Quinn/Matt Lienart hold out lingering long into the preseason wiping out any chance of them being able to make progress for a year or two.

Do you have a link to Parcells saying this?Maybe he was referring to Derek Anderson or Joe Flacco?

Can't since it was said in an ESPN sit down with Chris Berman the day he was named Miami GM/prez/Grand Pubah or whatever his title is. It was very unsensored and off the cuff, very pure and from the heart. Berman asked him what his thoughts were on the Dolphin quarterback situation and whether or not Beck was the answer. Bill began to answer in a semi-diplomatic manner by saying "I don't know if he's the answer." Berman seemed to know more than what Parcels had given as a standard text book non-answer and he clearly wanted more that is when Parcels let his guard down and seemed to lick his chops describing the sort of QB he liked and this seemed to be exactly what Berman knew and wanted Parcels to say. Parcels then said something to the effect of: "You know I like a big tall strong armed guy." And Boomer sorta raised his eyebrowns and his voice and said, this is Chris Berman paraphrasing the following and Parcels knodding in agreement. Berman "A pocket passing quarterback?" Parcels, "A pocket passer who doesn't [get out of or move or something to that effect]." It was a very brief but completely raw and unguarded exchange that happened on the fly almost within minutes of the story breaking on ESPN that Parcels had turned down Aurther Blank for the Falcon job and instead took the same job in Miami. No link and the above quotes are NOT Parcels word for word but paraphrasing what he said on-air.To me it was obvious that he was refering to Derek Anderson. He clearly did not seem impressed or sold on John Beck and I don't know of any QB in the draft that he could have been speaking of. Flaco is big and tall but I hadn't heard anything about his arm being termed strong. Maybe but I hadn't heard that about his arm. Ofcourse that was literally minutes of him getting the job. He had not met with the Dolphins at that point. He had not named his GM at that point and obviously he had not named his head coach at that point. So anything could have happened from that point in time. But Berman said when they sat down something like. "Bill this is probably the last time I'll ever be able to ask you anything on the air where you can answer truthfully so lets do this." It wasn't long after that when Parcels got his GM but then he did an odd thing. BEFORE he hired his head coach he hired a QUARTERBACK COACH. Odd eh?

Well, as far as Flacco's arm strength is concerned..... In ESPN's QB mini-challenge he threw the ball 74 yards and it wasn't even a spiral. Plus, unlike the other QBs in that competition(none of whom cleared 70 yards), he didn't look like he was straining to throw it. I don't think arm strength would be a problem with Flacco. The only problem I have with him is his small school status. He wouldn't be a mentally prepared for the pros as the other top QBs IMO. That would make him a reach with the first pick in the second round.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

WR DeSean Jackson fulfills two needs for Philadelphia - longer term prospect at WR and a KR/PR to help them now.

He's my top choice right now.

Can't say enough good stuff about this pick. It's logical and fills and immediate need.If the draft did, in fact, pan out like this...I don't know if Andy will be able to pass on Otah though. He did go to Valley Forge Military Academy so he's got some local ties.

Otah would not be an exciting pick, especially since he wouldn't see the field till 2009 or worse BUT imagine that right side of the OLine with The Big Kid and Otah...

Well ain't that the Kiss of Death.....

 

[Bob Magaw]

WR DeSean Jackson fulfills two needs for Philadelphia - longer term prospect at WR and a KR/PR to help them now.

He's my top choice right now.

Can't say enough good stuff about this pick. It's logical and fills and immediate need.If the draft did, in fact, pan out like this...I don't know if Andy will be able to pass on Otah though. He did go to Valley Forge Military Academy so he's got some local ties.Otah would not be an exciting pick, especially since he wouldn't see the field till 2009 or worse BUT imagine that right side of the OLine with The Big Kid and Otah...

I mocked Jackson to the Eagles earlier in the year and people shouted "The Eagles don't draft first round WRs!" all day long.I think it's a great pick, but how likely is it?

Oh, don't get me wrong, I love the Jackson pick. It's hard doing a mock prior to Free Agency, and this is certainly a good mock. However if the Eagles signed Andre Davis and the draft went like this, would Jackson still be the pick? Probably not. At this time, Jackson is a sound and logical choice. He's a threat to score on nearly every return and would help with the starting field position woes from recent past. He can come in and immediately help the Eagles win in 2008. Immediate impact is needed this offseason.

while the eagles haven't drafted a lot of WRs in 1st round lately, they did draft freddie mitchell there (ouch), and todd pinkston & reggie brown were relatively high 2nd rounders (2.05 & 2.03)...also, good point that he is not JUST a WR, but also an elite returner as part of the bonus plan... winning the field position game can confer a huge advantage, & the stock of elite KRs may have risen in the wake of the devin hester phenomenon (i think set NFL career return TD record in TWO seasons!)...

 

[Bob Henry]

Jenkins will be drafted befor any QB

I'd also hope that Jenkins goes to the Lions before they nab an offensive linemen at 1.15.. Not that the Lions couldn't use some help on the OL, but a corner of Jenkins size and talent would go a long way towards filling their deficiencies on D (especially since the top flight DLs will mostly be gone by then)

 

[zadok]

WR DeSean Jackson fulfills two needs for Philadelphia - longer term prospect at WR and a KR/PR to help them now.

He's my top choice right now.

Can't say enough good stuff about this pick. It's logical and fills and immediate need.If the draft did, in fact, pan out like this...I don't know if Andy will be able to pass on Otah though. He did go to Valley Forge Military Academy so he's got some local ties.Otah would not be an exciting pick, especially since he wouldn't see the field till 2009 or worse BUT imagine that right side of the OLine with The Big Kid and Otah...

I mocked Jackson to the Eagles earlier in the year and people shouted "The Eagles don't draft first round WRs!" all day long.I think it's a great pick, but how likely is it?

Over the years, I have learned that predicting what the Eagles will do on draft day is futile. Kolb was the most maddening example. I would be on Jackson like white on rice if he is there at 19. (assuming the returner/WR positions are not addressed in FA)

 

[scrumptrulescent]

Jenkins will be drafted befor any QB

I'd also hope that Jenkins goes to the Lions before they nab an offensive linemen at 1.15.. Not that the Lions couldn't use some help on the OL, but a corner of Jenkins size and talent would go a long way towards filling their deficiencies on D (especially since the top flight DLs will mostly be gone by then)

I was under the impression that a big cover corner was not necessary/ a luxury for the Tampa 2.At 1.15 there will still be top flight DE's I'd think.