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From contributor Steve Silverman
The 2008 draft may not have the star power at the top of the draft, but just because there are no stars like Reggie Bush, Mario Williams or JaMarcus Russell don’t think this draft is weak.
There is plenty of depth in the first round and the first eight picks are especially strong. The end of the round also has capable players in Illinois RB Rashard Mendenhall and LSU LB Ali Highsmith.
The draft list will likely change quite a bit before late April, but here is msnbc.com’s first look.
TEAM NAME POS. HT. WT. COLLEGE
1. Dolphins Glenn Dorsey DT 6-2 318 LSU
Stud lineman proved he was back to full strength in national championship game. Dorsey has the kind of power that will allow him to overpower most interior lineman from the start. He will become a dominant NFL player with experience, health and determination.
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2. Rams Chris Long DE 6-4 275 Virginia
The Rams need plenty of help on both lines, but the greatest need appears to be on defense. Long has sensational athletic talent and is a quick study. He appears to have the same kind of makeup -- physical and intellectual -- as his dad, Hall of Fame defensive end Howie Long.
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3. Falcons Matt Ryan QB 6-5 227 Boston College
With a new GM and a new coach, the Falcons need a signature No. 1 pick and Ryan is the draft’s best QB prospect. He’s got the arm strength and savvy to make all the throws, but he does not have a lot of speed and is no sure thing.
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4. Raiders Darren McFadden RB 6-2 208 Arkansas
A tough call because the Raiders have a slew of needs and Justin Fargas gave them solid production in 2007. However, McFadden is a special talent who may be close to Minnesota’s Adrian Peterson in all-around play. Fargas may be available in a trade as a result of this decision.
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5. Chiefs Jake Long OT 6-7 318 Michigan
You don’t have to be a football genius to realize this pick makes sense. Chiefs GM Carl Peterson has long espoused going with the best available football player/athlete and eschewing need – and Long fits both categories. Unless the Chiefs can put together a competent offensive line the attack will continue to be dormant.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6. Jets Brian Brohm QB 6-3 225 Louisville
Kellen Clemens may be the flavor of the month but he is not the answer, neither is Chad Pennington. Brohm has all the tools needed to become a top-level quarterback and is mobile enough to buy time if the offensive line suffers a few leaks.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7. Patriots (from 49ers) Mike Jenkins CB 6-0 201 South Florida
Regardless of how the postseason plays out, the Pats could use an upgrade in the secondary. They are an Asante Samuel injury away from being below average. Jenkins has the athleticism and demeanor to become a top-level defensive back.
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8. Ravens Calais Campbell DE 6-8 280 Miami
The Ravens need to upgrade several offensive positions, but the team’s strength remains defense. Adding a young stud like Campbell might not seem like an obvious move since they also need help at cornerback, but no team can ever have too much strength on the defensive line.
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9. Bengals Vernon Gholston DE 6-4 260 Ohio State
The Bengals need good citizens who can play physical football and understand their role. Gholston is a maximum-effort type who has a track record of consistent improvement and production at Ohio State. He’s the kind of player that Marvin Lewis can build around.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10. Saints Sedrick Ellis DT 6-1 308 USC
The Saints need a defensive player. While there will be plenty of debate inside the Superdome about defensive lineman or defensive back, selecting a player who can dominate against the run and collapse the pocket is crucial. Ellis can disrupt opposing passing attacks and make life easier in the secondary.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11. Bills DeSean Jackson WR 6-0 176 California
Jackson may be the draft’s best receiver, and could be an outstanding complementary receiver playing opposite Lee Evans. Jackson has fine hands, eye-catching acceleration and runs routes like a veteran pro.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12. Broncos Dan Connor ILB 6-3 235 Penn State
The Broncos lack strength and toughness up front and don’t have any players who will throw their body around in order to stop an opposing ball carrier. Connor solves that problem.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13. Panthers Kenny Phillips S 6-2 206 Miami
Phillips has the ideal size, strength and toughness, great sideline-to-sideline range and instincts the Panthers badly need.
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14. Bears Ryan Clady OT 6-6 319 Boise State
The Bears’ offensive line was a strength in 2006, but a major weakness in 2007. The Bears are old and lack athleticism, so picking Clady would be major upgrade for them, if a little early in this draft.
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15. Lions Jeff Otah OT 6-6 342 Pittsburgh
The Lions tried to get by with George Foster at tackle last year, which was a disaster. Otah has great size, strenght and a huge reach, but does need to improve his technique.
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16. Cardinals Xavier Adibi OLB 6-2 222 Virginia Tech
The Cardinals showed significant improvement in 2007 and could make the playoffs with a better defense. Adibi has rare athletic ability, with excellent size and should be able to add 10 pounds to his frame. He can make plays sideline to sideline and could turn into a terror once he refines his technique.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
17. Vikings Andre’ Woodson QB 6-5 222 Kentucky
Tavaris Jackson is not the answer. Unless the Vikings sign a veteran free agent or make a trade, they should look at Woodson. In addition to having a strong, accurate arm and solid footwork, Woodson knows how to keep his cool under pressure.
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18. Texans Jonathan Stewart RB 5-11 232 Oregon
The Texans need more offensive weapons. Andre Johnson is still their top receiver, but the prospects for the running game are laughable with Ron Dayne and ancient Ahman Green. Stewart is explosive and has big-play potential.
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19. Eagles Mario Manningham WR 6-0 183 Michigan
The Eagles could trade down. But if they keep this pick, Manningham would upgrade their crew of wide receivers. He is agile, fast and has dependable hands.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
20. Bucs Sam Baker OT 6-5 311 USC
Jon Gruden must be drooling at the chance to pick up a humongous tackle to anchor his offensive line. There’s a lot more to Baker’s game than his size and reach. He has excellent feet for a young tackle and scouts believe he has something that can’t be taught -- a mean streak when he’s on the field.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
21. Commanders Kentwan Palmer DT 6-5 299 North Carolina
The Commanders want Sedrick Ellis, but he’ll be gone by this pick. Palmer made had 59 tackles, 3.5 sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss. If he can stay low and use his size to his advantage, he could be a much better pro player than he was in college.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
22. Cowboys (from Browns) Antoine Cason CB 6-0 188 Arizona
Solid cover corner who can handle bigger receivers and excels at open-field tackling. Cason is physical and can deliver a solid blow at the line of scrimmage to knock receivers off stride, but may not have the quickness to handle smaller, more explosive receivers.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
23. Steelers Chris Williams OT 6-6 318 Vanderbilt
The offensive line has long been the Steelers’ bread-and-butter. However, Alan Faneca is a free agent and there are some other vulnerable areas, which makes this pick likely. Williams is big, aggressive and smart and has the drive to improve.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
24. Titans Limas Sweed WR 6-5 222 Texas
This is a perfect fit. Sweed a big receiver who can go over the top of defensive backs, but he also is familiar with Vince Young since they were teammates at Texas. No team needs more help at WR than the Titans.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
25. Seahawks Rashard Mendenhall RB 5-11 211 Illinois
The Shaun Alexander era is coming to an end. Mendenhall may not have Alexander’s speed, but he is a warrior with fine running skills. Mendenhall will never try to run out of bounds to avoid contact, something that Alexander does with regularity.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
26. Jaguars Early Doucet WR 6-0 210 LSU
Doucet is an overachiever who wants the ball in all clutch situations. He’ll be behind the curve of most players, but he talented player and works extremely hard. If he ends up going to Jacksonville, he could be David Garrard’s favorite receiver very quickly.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
27. Chargers Ali Highsmith OLB 6-0 222 LSU
A solid player with outstanding instincts. Highsmith is always around the ball and will fight through blockers to make the play. He not as big as some scouts like, but he plays with reckless abandon and will not rest until he makes the play.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
28. Cowboys Malcolm Kelly WR 6-4 219 Oklahoma
Patrick Crayton fell apart in the playoffs and Jerry Jones has to be concerned with his team’s overall receiving talent. Kelly has big-time size, great speed and would be a nice complement to Terrell Owens.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
29. 49ers (from Colts) James Hardy WR 6-6 218 Indiana
Hardy has the kind of size that Alex Smith should be able to exploit. He wants the ball in clutch situations and he is not afraid to help an underachieving team improve. That’s what he did at Indiana and he will have the same responsibility with the 49ers.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
30. Packers Felix Jones RB 6-0 202 Arkansas
Like the Auburn backs (Cadillac Williams and Ronnie Brown) of 2005, Jones and McFadden sure-fire first-round selections. Jones has first-rate speed and the ability to squeeze through small cracks. He could be a perfect complement to Ryan Grant.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
31. Giants Reggie Smith CB 6-1 199 Oklahoma
The Giants have a couple of holes in their secondary, most Sam Madison, who is getting near the end of his career. Smith has great speed and instincts. He also could be a fine return man.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
32. Patriots
New England forfeits this pick as part of the penalty handed down for illegally taping Jets coaches from the sideline in Week 1.
The 2008 draft may not have the star power at the top of the draft, but just because there are no stars like Reggie Bush, Mario Williams or JaMarcus Russell don’t think this draft is weak.
There is plenty of depth in the first round and the first eight picks are especially strong. The end of the round also has capable players in Illinois RB Rashard Mendenhall and LSU LB Ali Highsmith.
The draft list will likely change quite a bit before late April, but here is msnbc.com’s first look.
TEAM NAME POS. HT. WT. COLLEGE
1. Dolphins Glenn Dorsey DT 6-2 318 LSU
Stud lineman proved he was back to full strength in national championship game. Dorsey has the kind of power that will allow him to overpower most interior lineman from the start. He will become a dominant NFL player with experience, health and determination.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. Rams Chris Long DE 6-4 275 Virginia
The Rams need plenty of help on both lines, but the greatest need appears to be on defense. Long has sensational athletic talent and is a quick study. He appears to have the same kind of makeup -- physical and intellectual -- as his dad, Hall of Fame defensive end Howie Long.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. Falcons Matt Ryan QB 6-5 227 Boston College
With a new GM and a new coach, the Falcons need a signature No. 1 pick and Ryan is the draft’s best QB prospect. He’s got the arm strength and savvy to make all the throws, but he does not have a lot of speed and is no sure thing.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. Raiders Darren McFadden RB 6-2 208 Arkansas
A tough call because the Raiders have a slew of needs and Justin Fargas gave them solid production in 2007. However, McFadden is a special talent who may be close to Minnesota’s Adrian Peterson in all-around play. Fargas may be available in a trade as a result of this decision.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5. Chiefs Jake Long OT 6-7 318 Michigan
You don’t have to be a football genius to realize this pick makes sense. Chiefs GM Carl Peterson has long espoused going with the best available football player/athlete and eschewing need – and Long fits both categories. Unless the Chiefs can put together a competent offensive line the attack will continue to be dormant.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6. Jets Brian Brohm QB 6-3 225 Louisville
Kellen Clemens may be the flavor of the month but he is not the answer, neither is Chad Pennington. Brohm has all the tools needed to become a top-level quarterback and is mobile enough to buy time if the offensive line suffers a few leaks.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7. Patriots (from 49ers) Mike Jenkins CB 6-0 201 South Florida
Regardless of how the postseason plays out, the Pats could use an upgrade in the secondary. They are an Asante Samuel injury away from being below average. Jenkins has the athleticism and demeanor to become a top-level defensive back.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8. Ravens Calais Campbell DE 6-8 280 Miami
The Ravens need to upgrade several offensive positions, but the team’s strength remains defense. Adding a young stud like Campbell might not seem like an obvious move since they also need help at cornerback, but no team can ever have too much strength on the defensive line.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9. Bengals Vernon Gholston DE 6-4 260 Ohio State
The Bengals need good citizens who can play physical football and understand their role. Gholston is a maximum-effort type who has a track record of consistent improvement and production at Ohio State. He’s the kind of player that Marvin Lewis can build around.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10. Saints Sedrick Ellis DT 6-1 308 USC
The Saints need a defensive player. While there will be plenty of debate inside the Superdome about defensive lineman or defensive back, selecting a player who can dominate against the run and collapse the pocket is crucial. Ellis can disrupt opposing passing attacks and make life easier in the secondary.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11. Bills DeSean Jackson WR 6-0 176 California
Jackson may be the draft’s best receiver, and could be an outstanding complementary receiver playing opposite Lee Evans. Jackson has fine hands, eye-catching acceleration and runs routes like a veteran pro.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12. Broncos Dan Connor ILB 6-3 235 Penn State
The Broncos lack strength and toughness up front and don’t have any players who will throw their body around in order to stop an opposing ball carrier. Connor solves that problem.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13. Panthers Kenny Phillips S 6-2 206 Miami
Phillips has the ideal size, strength and toughness, great sideline-to-sideline range and instincts the Panthers badly need.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14. Bears Ryan Clady OT 6-6 319 Boise State
The Bears’ offensive line was a strength in 2006, but a major weakness in 2007. The Bears are old and lack athleticism, so picking Clady would be major upgrade for them, if a little early in this draft.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
15. Lions Jeff Otah OT 6-6 342 Pittsburgh
The Lions tried to get by with George Foster at tackle last year, which was a disaster. Otah has great size, strenght and a huge reach, but does need to improve his technique.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
16. Cardinals Xavier Adibi OLB 6-2 222 Virginia Tech
The Cardinals showed significant improvement in 2007 and could make the playoffs with a better defense. Adibi has rare athletic ability, with excellent size and should be able to add 10 pounds to his frame. He can make plays sideline to sideline and could turn into a terror once he refines his technique.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
17. Vikings Andre’ Woodson QB 6-5 222 Kentucky
Tavaris Jackson is not the answer. Unless the Vikings sign a veteran free agent or make a trade, they should look at Woodson. In addition to having a strong, accurate arm and solid footwork, Woodson knows how to keep his cool under pressure.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
18. Texans Jonathan Stewart RB 5-11 232 Oregon
The Texans need more offensive weapons. Andre Johnson is still their top receiver, but the prospects for the running game are laughable with Ron Dayne and ancient Ahman Green. Stewart is explosive and has big-play potential.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
19. Eagles Mario Manningham WR 6-0 183 Michigan
The Eagles could trade down. But if they keep this pick, Manningham would upgrade their crew of wide receivers. He is agile, fast and has dependable hands.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
20. Bucs Sam Baker OT 6-5 311 USC
Jon Gruden must be drooling at the chance to pick up a humongous tackle to anchor his offensive line. There’s a lot more to Baker’s game than his size and reach. He has excellent feet for a young tackle and scouts believe he has something that can’t be taught -- a mean streak when he’s on the field.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
21. Commanders Kentwan Palmer DT 6-5 299 North Carolina
The Commanders want Sedrick Ellis, but he’ll be gone by this pick. Palmer made had 59 tackles, 3.5 sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss. If he can stay low and use his size to his advantage, he could be a much better pro player than he was in college.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
22. Cowboys (from Browns) Antoine Cason CB 6-0 188 Arizona
Solid cover corner who can handle bigger receivers and excels at open-field tackling. Cason is physical and can deliver a solid blow at the line of scrimmage to knock receivers off stride, but may not have the quickness to handle smaller, more explosive receivers.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
23. Steelers Chris Williams OT 6-6 318 Vanderbilt
The offensive line has long been the Steelers’ bread-and-butter. However, Alan Faneca is a free agent and there are some other vulnerable areas, which makes this pick likely. Williams is big, aggressive and smart and has the drive to improve.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
24. Titans Limas Sweed WR 6-5 222 Texas
This is a perfect fit. Sweed a big receiver who can go over the top of defensive backs, but he also is familiar with Vince Young since they were teammates at Texas. No team needs more help at WR than the Titans.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
25. Seahawks Rashard Mendenhall RB 5-11 211 Illinois
The Shaun Alexander era is coming to an end. Mendenhall may not have Alexander’s speed, but he is a warrior with fine running skills. Mendenhall will never try to run out of bounds to avoid contact, something that Alexander does with regularity.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
26. Jaguars Early Doucet WR 6-0 210 LSU
Doucet is an overachiever who wants the ball in all clutch situations. He’ll be behind the curve of most players, but he talented player and works extremely hard. If he ends up going to Jacksonville, he could be David Garrard’s favorite receiver very quickly.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
27. Chargers Ali Highsmith OLB 6-0 222 LSU
A solid player with outstanding instincts. Highsmith is always around the ball and will fight through blockers to make the play. He not as big as some scouts like, but he plays with reckless abandon and will not rest until he makes the play.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
28. Cowboys Malcolm Kelly WR 6-4 219 Oklahoma
Patrick Crayton fell apart in the playoffs and Jerry Jones has to be concerned with his team’s overall receiving talent. Kelly has big-time size, great speed and would be a nice complement to Terrell Owens.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
29. 49ers (from Colts) James Hardy WR 6-6 218 Indiana
Hardy has the kind of size that Alex Smith should be able to exploit. He wants the ball in clutch situations and he is not afraid to help an underachieving team improve. That’s what he did at Indiana and he will have the same responsibility with the 49ers.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
30. Packers Felix Jones RB 6-0 202 Arkansas
Like the Auburn backs (Cadillac Williams and Ronnie Brown) of 2005, Jones and McFadden sure-fire first-round selections. Jones has first-rate speed and the ability to squeeze through small cracks. He could be a perfect complement to Ryan Grant.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
31. Giants Reggie Smith CB 6-1 199 Oklahoma
The Giants have a couple of holes in their secondary, most Sam Madison, who is getting near the end of his career. Smith has great speed and instincts. He also could be a fine return man.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
32. Patriots
New England forfeits this pick as part of the penalty handed down for illegally taping Jets coaches from the sideline in Week 1.
