Mel Kiper 1st Rnd Mock - I hate it!

[Dallas]

Kiper's First-Round Projection
Name Team Player Position

1 Miami Dolphins Glenn Dorsey, DT LSU

2 St. Louis Rams Chris Long, DE Virginia

3 Atlanta Falcons** Matt Ryan, QB Boston College

4 Oakland Raiders** *Darren McFadden, RB Arkansas

5 Kansas City Chiefs** Jake Long, OT Michigan

6 New York Jets *Vernon Gholston, DE Ohio St.

7 New England Patriots (from SF) *Aqib Talib, CB Kansas

8 Baltimore Ravens Sedrick Ellis, DT USC

9 Cincinnati Bengals *Phillip Merling, DE Clemson

10 New Orleans Saints Kentwan Balmer, DT North Carolina

11 Buffalo Bills *Malcolm Kelly, WR Oklahoma

12 Denver Broncos *Ryan Clady, OT Boise St.

13 Carolina Panthers Jeff Otah, OT Pittsburgh

14 Chicago Bears Sam Baker, OT USC

15 Detroit Lions Leodis McKelvin, CB Troy

16 Arizona Cardinals *Jonathan Stewart, RB Oregon

17 Minnesota Vikings *DeSean Jackson, WR California

18 Houston Texans Mike Jenkins, CB South Florida

19 Philadelphia Eagles Chris Williams, OT Vanderbilt

20 Tampa Bay Buccaneers *Felix Jones, RB Arkansas

21 Washington Commanders *Calais Campbell, DE Miami

22 Dallas Cowboys (from CLE) *Mario Manningham, WR Michigan

23 Pittsburgh Steelers *Chilo Rachal, OG USC

24 Tennessee Titans Limas Sweed, WR Texas

25 Seattle Seahawks Fred Davis, TE USC

26 Jacksonville Jaguars *Derrick Harvey, DE Florida

27 San Diego Chargers *Reggie Smith, CB Oklahoma

28 Dallas Cowboys *Rashard Mendenhall, RB Illinois

29 San Francisco 49ers (from IND) *James Hardy, WR Indiana

30 Green Bay Packers Keith Rivers, LB USC

31 New York Giants Dan Connor, LB Penn St.

32 New England Patriots Forfeited pick



There is no way SD takes Reggie w/ Jammar and Cromartie in place. I think Dallas needs to take Reggie Smith at 22 if he is still on the board.

 

[FuzzyLumpkins]

Kiper's First-Round Projection
Name Team Player Position

1 Miami Dolphins Glenn Dorsey, DT LSU

2 St. Louis Rams Chris Long, DE Virginia

3 Atlanta Falcons** Matt Ryan, QB Boston College

4 Oakland Raiders** *Darren McFadden, RB Arkansas

5 Kansas City Chiefs** Jake Long, OT Michigan

6 New York Jets *Vernon Gholston, DE Ohio St.

7 New England Patriots (from SF) *Aqib Talib, CB Kansas

8 Baltimore Ravens Sedrick Ellis, DT USC

9 Cincinnati Bengals *Phillip Merling, DE Clemson

10 New Orleans Saints Kentwan Balmer, DT North Carolina

11 Buffalo Bills *Malcolm Kelly, WR Oklahoma

12 Denver Broncos *Ryan Clady, OT Boise St.

13 Carolina Panthers Jeff Otah, OT Pittsburgh

14 Chicago Bears Sam Baker, OT USC

15 Detroit Lions Leodis McKelvin, CB Troy

16 Arizona Cardinals *Jonathan Stewart, RB Oregon

17 Minnesota Vikings *DeSean Jackson, WR California

18 Houston Texans Mike Jenkins, CB South Florida

19 Philadelphia Eagles Chris Williams, OT Vanderbilt

20 Tampa Bay Buccaneers *Felix Jones, RB Arkansas

21 Washington Commanders *Calais Campbell, DE Miami

22 Dallas Cowboys (from CLE) *Mario Manningham, WR Michigan

23 Pittsburgh Steelers *Chilo Rachal, OG USC

24 Tennessee Titans Limas Sweed, WR Texas

25 Seattle Seahawks Fred Davis, TE USC

26 Jacksonville Jaguars *Derrick Harvey, DE Florida

27 San Diego Chargers *Reggie Smith, CB Oklahoma

28 Dallas Cowboys *Rashard Mendenhall, RB Illinois

29 San Francisco 49ers (from IND) *James Hardy, WR Indiana

30 Green Bay Packers Keith Rivers, LB USC

31 New York Giants Dan Connor, LB Penn St.

32 New England Patriots Forfeited pick



There is no way SD takes Reggie w/ Jammar and Cromartie in place. I think Dallas needs to take Reggie Smith at 22 if he is still on the board.

I like looking at Kipers player ranks but lets just say his insight into the machinations of NFL clubs is specious at best.

 

[YosemiteSam]

Thats what you get for listening to theogt... Err, Kiper. I mean has that guy ever been right? :laugh2:

 

[Doomsday101]

I would not be crushed with Mario Manningham and Rashard Mendenhall in the 1st

 

[TellerMorrow34]

I wouldn't be crushed...but I'd be disappointed if we took them in the first, depending on what else was on the board at the time.

For example I don't like Manningham over Sweed at 22. If we take a WR there, and Sweed is there, I'd rather we took him.

 

[Muhast]

i will lose sleep if we dont draft a corner with one of the two picks.

 

[JonJon]

Well I can't say that I would disappointed with Manningham and Mendenhall. I think they would both be great additions. Also, consider that the Cowboys might sign a free agent CB by then.

 

[Dallas]

I wouldn't be crushed...but I'd be disappointed if we took them in the first, depending on what else was on the board at the time.

For example I don't like Manningham over Sweed at 22. If we take a WR there, and Sweed is there, I'd rather we took him.

Sweed couldn't carrry Manningham's jock. Sweed is the most over-rated WR in the draft as far as I'm concerned.


Blargh!! No thanks!

 

[jackrussell]

Love the Manningham pick.

Mendenhall seems to be a luxury pick at 22 given the RB depth of the draft...but if there isn't a good CB to grab there, then by all means...Mendenhall.

 

[TellerMorrow34]

Sweed couldn't carrry Manningham's jock. Sweed is the most over-rated WR in the draft as far as I'm concerned.


Blargh!! No thanks!

Wow? Man...I always kinda liked him.

 

[YosemiteSam]

I cannot tell you how upset I would be with Manningham in the first round. Of course, I would be more pissed off at DeSean Jackson or that 2x4 Bowman.

Manningham will not go in the first. If he does, someone reached.

 

[TellerMorrow34]

Now don't get me wrong I have nothing against Manningham...but he just didn't seem like a first rounder to me. Maybe I'm dead wrong on him though.

 

[windward]

If we take a rb at #28 it better be Chris Johnson or Felix Jones.

If Kiper's mock played out that way we should take Antoine Cason and Johnson.

 

[Hostile]

Not crazy about that projection at all.

 

[WoodysGirl]

Buzzmaster: (4:01 PM ET ) Alright guys we have Mel so fire away!

Mel Kiper: (4:02 PM ET ) We can cover any bases you want from projections to the seniors to the underclassmen!


J.B. (Dunmore, PA): Mr. Kiper: Which position do you feel is deepest in the upcoming draft?

Mel Kiper: (4:05 PM ET ) It is really depends upon how the foruth and sixth round develops. Initially, RB looks very good because of the Juniors. There will always bee good RB in the later rounds especially with the juniors. And TE is another position, especially pass cacthing TE. And there may only be one first rund QB, but there is a potential for 6 QB to go between the second and third round areas. WR is not very good, as is safety. LB are average at best. But those first three positions I feel are very good.


Billy (Gonzales, La): Mel, How many LSU guys you see getting drafted? I say 5

Mel Kiper: (4:08 PM ET ) Well you obviously have Dorsey a first rounder, Ali Highsmith, Chevis Jackson are no worse than late second round guys, Craig Steltz should go in the fourth round, Zenon projects in the sixth round, Kiersten Pittman could be a seventh rounder, Early Doucet could be a second round guy, Matt Flynn could be a sixth or seventh round guy, Jacob Hester at RB/FB could be a fourth round guy. So right there you have 9 draftable guys.


Brad (Gadsden,Alabama): Mel, What do you think of DJ Hall?

Mel Kiper: (4:09 PM ET ) DJ has a lot of talent, and made a lot of catches in the SEC. He needs to pay more attention to deal and maximize his ability. He has a chance to be decent number two or three guy. I think he is a thirs to fourth round type of guy.


Rick (Morgantown WV): Mr. Kiper what is Owens Schmit draft status?

Mel Kiper: (4:12 PM ET ) He is the No1 FB in a league that no longer really uses the position. He is a third or fourth round guy. But he is a tough, hard-nosed strong kid, who can do some things with the ball. But because of what has happened with the FB in the NFL I see him as a third rounder.


Ben (Baton Rouge, LA): Will there now only be 2 QB's drafted in the first round? Any chance that Brohm or Ryan could slip to the Bears at 14?

Mel Kiper: (4:15 PM ET ) No chance for Ryan. He will go to either go to the Falcons, or Baltimore. I see no way he drops to the Bears. Now Brohm, I would be surprised if he goes in the first round. I think he is a second rounder. He does not have a great arm and has some durability issues. He is a very smart, accurate passer, and I see him a decent NFL player. But I think the Bears will go with a OT, WR, or RB. I see them maybe going with Sam Baker OT from USC, Chis Williams OT from Vandy, Jonathan Stewart RB from Oregon, Mario Manningham WR from Michigan.


Adam (Mechanicsburg, PA): What are the Pats going to do with 7th pick? Will it change depending on whether they win the Super Bowl?

Mel Kiper: (4:17 PM ET ) The 7th pick may end up being a CB. I like Aqib Talib a CB our of Kansas who is a great athlete. He has great hips and a smooth turning motion and great leaping ability. He is the best CB in the draft in my opinion and a great option for the Pats.


Karl (Owasso, OK): How do you see drafting McFadden? Do you think Felix Jones drops into the second round?

Mel Kiper: (4:20 PM ET ) I think McFadden could end up in Oakland. If they are picking fourth I say they go with McFadden. Wouldn't it be great to have McFadden and Russell, there is a lot of versatility there. With Jones, he has game-breaking capability and he can return kicks. He is a bit like Reggie Bush. He is a game-braker, who may not be capable of being a full-time RB. He needs to go to a team that already has a good RB in place. I think Tampa at 20 would be a good choice, and I do not see him dropping to the second, although RB do drop in the draft.


Randy (VA): Who do you see the Steelers targeting in the first round?

Mel Kiper: (4:22 PM ET ) I think they will look at a guard. I am looking a Raceal a big tough guard, who is very talented. I do not think most people realize how good this kid is, but I think people will soon realize how good he is once more film of his is watched. So that is who I see going to Pittsburgh!

Mel Kiper: (4:24 PM ET ) That's all the time I have today! Thanks for your questions! See you for the full hour on Wednesday. Harry Douglas WR from Louisville is up next!

 

[Doomsday101]

I would not be upset taking Trae Williams on day 1, Mike Jenkins teammate.

2008 NFL Draft Prospect - Scouting Report
South Florida boasts one of the most active, playmaking defenses in the nation; which features one of the country's top cornerback tandems in Mike Jenkins and Trae Williams. While many scouts are already well aware of Mike Jenkins' talents, Williams (his partner in defense)is more than deserving of his own share of attention.

While Jenkins is bigger and more known for his cover skills, Williams is just an absolute playmaker in the secondary. If the ball is in his vicinity, watch out!

In 2006, he made 49 tackles and picked off seven passes, with nine more passes broken up. As a result, he was a first-team All-Big East performer and he was also named the team's defensive MVP.

His senior season got off to a slower pace, but made up for it and then some with his torrid finish to the regular season. Williams returned interceptions for touchdowns in each of the last three games - a 64-yarder against Cincinnati, a 73-yarder against Louisville, and a 21-yarder against Pittsburgh.

Going into the Bulls' bowl game, Williams has 50 tackles, six interceptions, and 10 pass breakups. In his four-year career, he has 160 tackles, 16 interceptions, and 27 pass breakups.

Excellent cover skills - check. Ball hawk - check. Serious playmaker - check. Speed - check.

The difference in Williams' being a high, high pick and falling into the second or third round is inches - literally. If he was a few inches taller, he would be rated higher. But, with so many tall, physical receivers in the NFL, it's understandable if there might be worries about him getting dominated by guys with a four to six(or more) inch height advantage on him.

But, he has the speed to stay stride for stride in most matchups and will put himself in a position to make plays regularly. Even though he won't get any taller, if he adds some bulk, he'll give himself an even better chance against the bigger receivers.

With so many bigger corners available, he might have to wait on into the evening on Day One to hear his name called. But size concerns aside, Williams has the tools to be a starter within a short time and should go sometime on that first day; but don't rule out the chance he could make a move and end up going off of the board not too long after his secondary mate (or ahead, if Jenkins falls because of character concerns), if a team picks him solely on his skills and potential.

 

[TellerMorrow34]

Manningham as high as 14 to Chicago? I know some people are high on him (And I don't hate him or anything) but 14 is a HUGE reach.

 

[FuzzyLumpkins]

If Jenkins was still there at 18 Id like to see us trade up.

I had wanted Stewart but Ive cooled on that seeing how RB fare generally in the draft the last several years.

 

[Dallas]

If Jenkins was still there at 18 Id like to see us trade up.

I had wanted Stewart but Ive cooled on that seeing how RB fare generally in the draft the last several years.

I am a huge Jenkins fan. I think he could very well be the #1 CB in this draft.

Yes - more so than Talib.

I just want a CB w/ our first #1 and then a WR w/ the 28th pick. I think getting a RB in rnd 2 would be ideal.

 

[CowboyWay]

I'd rather have caison and bowman