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Surrealist
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1. MIAMI DOLPHINS JAKE LONG
OT | Michigan | Scouting Report
The Dolphins created perhaps the biggest stir of the '07 NFL Draft when they chose Ted Ginn, Jr. at #9 overall but this pick will be a lot less controversial. The offensive line has been a problem area for Miami with Vernon Carey starting at left tackle even though he would be a better fit on the right side or, ideally, inside at guard and not much else beyond him so bringing in Jake Long would make a lot of sense. There is still a chance Long might have to play right tackle at the next level but at this point he likely falls somewhere in between Joe Thomas and Levi Brown as a pro prospect.
2. BUFFALO BILLS GLENN DORSEY
DT | L.S.U. | Scouting Report
Even though they have invested big free agent dollars and high draft picks on the likes of Larry Tripplett and John McCargo in recent years the Bills run defense still remains their Achilles' heel so if they have the opportunity to select Glenn Dorsey it would probably be a no-brainer. A disruptive force in the middle due to his strength and quickness, Dorsey might have given Amobi Okoye a run for his money to be the first defensive tackle chosen last year had he come out early but he shouldn't have to battle anyone for that honor in '08. Dorsey looks like a mortal lock for the Top 5.
3. ST. LOUIS RAMS CALAIS CAMPBELL
DE | Miami (FL) | Scouting Report
Either Glenn Dorsey or Jake Long would probably be better fits but since their gone they have to go in another direction and instead opt for the best available defensive end. Leonard Little isn't getting any younger and James Hall is solid but certainly not special so Calais Campbell would provide a major upgrade for them along the d-line. A mountain of a man at 6-8 and 280 lbs., Campbell notched 20.5 tackles for a loss to go along with 10.0 sacks as a sophomore and is off to a hot start this year as well so if he comes out there is a decent chance he'd hear his name called in the Top 10.
4. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS KENNY PHILLIPS
S | Miami (FL) | Scouting Report
The Saints have had major issues in the secondary for a long time now but they've become even more pronounced the past couple of years so they really need to add a difference maker in the defensive backfield. A corner would make more sense here but there isn't one worthy of a Top 5 pick so instead they take Phillips, who's earned the right to have his name mentioned in the same breath as Ed Reed & Sean Taylor. Granted they do have a couple of youngsters at safety in Josh Bullocks and Roman Harper but Phillips has a shot to be special. Don't rule out Glenn Dorsey here either.
5. ATLANTA FALCONS BRIAN BROHM
QB | Louisville | Scouting Report
As soon as the news about Michael Vick's guilty plea and subsequent suspension broke the speculation about Brian Brohm being reunited with his former coach Bobby Petrino in Atlanta began and if they are indeed in position to draft him that would sure make sense for the Falcons. Brohm would appear to have all the tools you look for yet there are some durability issues and concern that he might be just a product of the offensive system that he plays in. Even though he may not necessarily be an "elite" prospect Brohm will still have a great shot at landing in the Top 5 - 10 overall.
6. DALLAS COWBOYS (f/CLE) DARREN MCFADDEN
RB | Arkansas | Scouting Report
If Cleveland's pick ends up being this high the trade that netted them Brady Quinn could come under fire but had they not made the deal there is a very good chance they would still miss out on the top quarterback in this draft and they wouldn't have a potential franchise signal caller with a year of pro experience under his belt. Dallas owner Jerry Jones is an Arkansas alum and with Julius Jones set to become a free agent following this season you can bet he'd love nothing more than to add perhaps the best running back prospect to come along in the last decade or so to his roster.
7. NEW YORK JETS CHRIS LONG
DE | Virginia | Scouting Report
Eric Mangini is trying to implement a 3-4 defense like he had in New England but he just doesn't have the personnel up front so it's high time to invest in a top defensive lineman for that scheme. Chris Long is a 3-4 end for the Cavaliers where more often than not he is asked to cover his gaps rather than get after the quarterback, which explains his lack of eye-popping statistics, but as a senior he has been given more freedom and it's shown up in the box scores. Long, who is the son of a Hall of Famer (Howie), can play in any scheme but he'd be an absolutely perfect fit for the J-E-T-S.
8. MINNESOTA VIKINGS DESEAN JACKSON
WR | California | Scouting Report
Quarterback would be a possibility here as well but Tarvaris Jackson will be their guy as long as Brad Childress is around. With that being the case the Vikes instead turn their attention to the top offensive playmaker available in DeSean Jackson, who is a better prospect than Ted Ginn, Jr. was a year ago. Similar to Ginn in many ways, Jackson may not be quite as fast but he's more polished as a receiver and an even better return man. Minnesota might have the worst group of wideouts in the league and the dynamic Jackson would give their offense the shot in the arm that it needs.
9. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS ANDRÉ WOODSON
QB | Kentucky | Scouting Report
The Chiefs braintrust really likes Brodie Croyle so they may be content to address their offensive line with this pick but since Jake Long is already off the board there really isn't value there so instead they opt for a quarterback. Coming off a fantastic junior campaign that really put him on the prospect map André Woodson has been even better as a senior and as a result he's giving Brian Brohm a run for his money to see who will be the top signal caller available. Woodson has great size, a strong arm and rarely turns the ball over which is why he will most likely be a Top 10 pick.
10. CINCINNATI BENGALS KEITH RIVERS
OLB | USC | Scouting Report
Due to some injuries and very questionable Draft Day decisions the Bengals have a real mess on their hands at linebacker so it would not surprise anyone to see them jump all over Keith Rivers here. Even though he may not have the ideal bulk that you look for Rivers is fast and extremely athletic and just the fact that the Trojans saw fit to let him wear their storied #55 jersey really speaks volumes. When it comes right down to it the Bengals could use a defensive end, a defensive tackle or a safety as well so one way or another look for this selection to be used on an impact defender.
11. OAKLAND RAIDERS GOSDER CHERILUS
OT | Boston College | Scouting Report
Is this a reach? Probably, but Levi Brown wasn't the 5th best player in last year's draft either and as we all know need plays almost as big of a role in the NFL Draft these days as talent does. Oakland's troubles along the offensive line have been well documented so they need to bring in some talent up front and Gosder Cherilus would be a huge upgrade over Cornell Green at right tackle. For the last decade or so Boston College has done just a tremendous job of sending offensive linemen to the pro ranks and Gosder Cherilus rates right up there with the very best of them.
12. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES SAM BAKER
OT | USC | Scouting Report
Philly is always one of the toughest teams to figure out when it comes to mock drafts because they are notoriously unpredictable on Draft Day but one trend that has emerged over the years is that they tend to lean towards linemen in round one. Their starting offensive tackle duo of William Thomas and Jon Runyan aren't getting any younger and since Winston Justice's ability to play on the left side is now a big question mark it may be time to bring in some more help for the future. Sam Baker is a fine athlete and a fantastic pass blocking left tackle which is what the Iggles need.
13. DETROIT LIONS MALCOLM JENKINS
CB | Ohio St. | Scouting Report
For as explosive as the Lions offense has become in recent years their defense has been just as bad and they have really struggled against the pass. Malcolm Jenkins is basically the prototype for a stud cornerback when it comes to height/weight/speed and he would almost instantly become the best defensive back on the Lions roster. The Buckeyes have always done a terrific job of producing pro corners and Jenkins has the talent to join the ranks of Antoine Winfield, Ahmed Plummer, Nate Clements, Chris Gamble and Ashton Youboty. Or will Matt Millen take another wide receiver...?
14. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (f/SF) JAMES LAURINAITIS
ILB | Ohio St. | Scouting Report
Look at most of the projected picks for New England when it comes to mock drafts in recent years and you will see two positions pop up more often than not and they are defensive back and linebacker. The Patriots finally addressed one of them when they chose Brandon Meriweather this past year but with Tedy Bruschi slowing down and nearing the end of his career it might be time for them to cross the other off the list as well. In his first year as a starter James Laurinaitis picked up right where A.J. Hawk left off, winning the Nagurski Award as the nation's premier defensive player.
15. CHICAGO BEARS MATT RYAN
QB | Boston College | Scouting Report
Rex Grossman will be a free agent following the 2007 season and it does not look like he will be asked back which means the Bears need to find a young quarterback to start grooming. A fringe first rounder coming into his senior year, Matt Ryan has seen his stock skyrocket and there is a good chance he could even be gone by this point but if available he'd make a lot of sense for Da Bears. In terms of physical tools Ryan is more than adequate in every category but what really stands out about him are his top-notch intangibles and he would be an absolutely perfect fit for Chicago.
16. CAROLINA PANTHERS REGGIE SMITH
CB | Oklahoma | Scouting Report
With the retirement of Mike Minter a top safety is now far and away the Panthers most glaring need but the problem is there really isn't value at that position here. However, even though he's at cornerback now Reggie Smith did play safety early in his career with the Sooners and if he comes out early teams could project him there depending on how fast he runs in workouts. Others get more attention and hype but keep an eye on Smith because he is quickly emerging as one of the top DB's in the junior class. An added bonus with Smith is that he's also a fantastic return man.
17. DENVER BRONCOS DAN CONNOR
OLB | Penn St. | Scouting Report
It's been a long time since linebacker was a problem for Denver but that day might finally have come. Moving D.J. Williams inside to replace Al Wilson has created a hole outside and guys like Nate Webster and Warrick Holdman just aren't the long-term answer. A better pro prospect than Paul Posluszny was, Connor is versatile and can also play the middle which would give Denver the option of moving D.J. Williams back outside where he was so successful early in his career. The Broncos don't have a lot of big weaknesses but this could be a classic case of both value and need meshing.
18. ARIZONA CARDINALS QUENTIN GROVES
DE | Auburn | Scouting Report
With Ken Whisenhunt, formally of the Steelers, now in charge the Cardinals will try and convert to a 3-4 defense but in order to do that they'll need to make some big personnel changes. One notable position that is going to have to be addressed is outside linebacker, where they need someone who is fast and athletic enough to drop into coverage but also able to get after the quarterback as a pass rusher. Bert Berry and Chike Okeafor will get the first shot at filling those roles but neither is a good fit so the addition of a guy like Groves would sure seem to make a lot of sense.
19. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS SEDRICK ELLIS
DT | USC | Scouting Report
For years the Bucs boasted one of the best, if not the best, defensive tackle combo in the league with Warren Sapp and Booger McFarland but they are both gone and with guys like Chris Hovan, Jovan Haye and Ryan Sims atop their depth chart it is pretty obvious that they need an upgrade in the middle. Sedrick Ellis, who is having a terrific senior campaign for a very talented Trojan defense, is an even better pro prospect than Mike Patterson was a few years ago and as a classic 3-technique he would be an absolutely ideal fit for Monte Kiffin in his "Tampa 2" defensive scheme.
20. HOUSTON TEXANS RYAN CLADY
OT | Boise St. | Scouting Report
Since day one (literally!) the Texans have been searching for a stud left tackle and this could finally be their chance to land one. Charles Spencer's career is in doubt due to an injury and Ephraim Salaam and Jordan Black are obviously not the long-term answer so Houston would be very fortunate if Ryan Clady fell into their laps. A much better pro prospect than Daryn Colledge was coming out, Clady is very athletic with excellent size and nimble feet that should allow him to anchor the left side and protect quarterback Matt Schaub's blind size. In today's NFL those guys are coveted.
21. WASHINGTON Commanders DERRICK HARVEY
DE | Florida | Scouting Report
Many felt the Commanders would look to address their defensive line with the #6 pick in the 2007 NFL Draft and while you certainly can't knock their selection of LaRon Landry from a value standpoint the fact remains that they still need an impact guy up front, whether it be at end or tackle. Andre Carter is solid on one side but Phillip Daniels is nearing the end of his career and the depth is lackluster at best. Harvey is a great natural pass rusher and that was evident in the BCS National Championship Game when he garnered Defensive MVP honors by dominating and notching 3 sacks.
22. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS JONATHAN STEWART
RB | Oregon | Scouting Report
Yes the Seahawks do still have Shaun Alexander but he has a lot of mileage on his tires and is obviously wearing down and you might remember that back in 2000 Mike Holmgren drafted him even though the team appeared to be set with Ricky Waters at running back. A local Washington product, Jonathan Stewart has everything you look for physically at 5-11 and 230 lbs. with 4.4 speed and when you combine those triangle numbers with his ability to be a threat as a runner, receiver and return man it is not hard at all to see why he will likely be such a highly regarded pro prospect.
23. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS FRANK OKAM
DT | Texas | Scouting Report
For the most part the Charges are a team with relatively few holes so it's tough to predict what they might be looking for in round one. With that said they are woefully thin at nose tackle behind the great Jamal Williams and if anything should happen to him they'd be in real trouble so adding some depth there would seem to be a logical move. The latest in a long line of impact Longhorn defensive tackles, at 6-5 and 320 lbs. Frank Okam has the size and talent to follow in the footsteps of Casey Hampton and Shaun Rogers but scouts feel he still needs to exhibit a little more consistently.
24. NEW YORK GIANTS ALI HIGHSMITH
OLB | L.S.U. | Scouting Report
The defense continues to be a problem for the Giants and one area that has to be upgraded is outside linebacker, where the Mathias Kiwanuka experiment continues and Kawika Mitchell is very average. Ali Highsmith is undersized but he's athletic with excellent speed and is able to make plays sideline-to-sideline as well as in coverage, which would make him a marked improvement over Mitchell on the weakside. Their secondary continues to be a major concern as well so they could go that route here but after taking Aaron Ross in round one last year they may want to look elsewhere.
25. BALTIMORE RAVENS MIKE JENKINS
CB | South Florida | Scouting Report
Not many teams have a better pair of starting cornerbacks than the Ravens do but Samari Rolle is wearing down and their depth is lacking, especially since former 3rd round pick David Pittman hasn't panned out as expected. South Florida is a program on the rise and their best senior prospect is Mike Jenkins, who appears to have the physical tools you look for and could sneak into the first round. Linebacker is another area where the Ravens could look at add some depth and get younger so a guy like Tommy Blake would make sense too providing he can alleviate off-the-field concerns.
26. TENNESSEE TITANS LIMAS SWEED
WR | Texas | Scouting Report
The Titans have done a great job of building through the draft in recent years but one exception has been their efforts at wideout, where despite investing a bunch of picks on the position they have yet to really have one pan out. Tennessee needs to get Vince Young some targets to throw to and since they have had success with his former Longhorn teammates Bo Scaife & Ahmard Hall why not go back to the Texas program and get him his old #1 receiver. Limas Sweed has his senior year cut short by a wrist injury but if he can run well in workouts he could still be a first round pick.
27. GREEN BAY PACKERS STEVE SLATON
RB | West Virginia | Scouting Report
You have to give Green Bay credit because they have done a terrific job of building through the draft the last couple of years while straddling that line between trying to win now while Brett Favre is still around as well as looking toward the future. '07 2nd rounder Brandon Jackson may still pan out but so far he has not yet established himself as a starter at the pro level and a lackluster run game is a major concern for the Packers. Even though he isn't the biggest runner around Steve Slaton is a true gamebreaker who would really give the Green Bay offense a whole new dimension.
28. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS COLT BRENNAN
QB | Hawaii | Scouting Report
The Jags finally jettisoned Byron Leftwich and to this point David Garrard has not asserted himself as the long-term answer under center so after lobbying hard for Brady Quinn in 2007 Jack Del Rio finally gets his top young signal caller. Colt Brennan might be one of the most controversial prospects to come along in many years and depending on who you talk to he could go in the Top 15 overall or fall all the way to Day Two. The truth probably lies somewhere in between but at this point late in the first round, even though it may be a reach, someone may opt to take a flyer on him.
29. PITTSBURGH STEELERS ANTOINE CASON
CB | Arizona | Scouting Report
Defense has always been a big emphasis for the Steelers but in recent years the secondary just hasn't played up to expectations, especially the corners, so look for them to make some moves there in the near future. Since signing a new contract Ike Taylor's play has really fallen off and since Ricardo Colclough is now set to become a free agent it would make some sense for them to bring in a corner relatively early on Draft Day and Antoine Cason would be a great fit. Even though he doesn't have elite timed speed Cason is a true playmaker and that is something Mike Tomlin stresses.
30. DALLAS COWBOYS JUSTIN KING
CB | Penn St. | Scouting Report
For years now the problems Dallas has had at safety when it comes to coverage have been well documented but now their lack of depth at cornerback has come to the forefront as well and this selection would help solve both problems. At the very least the Cowboys need to add some depth and by bringing in a top corner it could allow them to make the long rumored move of Anthony Henry to safety if Ken Hamlin doesn't pan out on his one-year deal. King has emerged as one of the top corners in the nation and if he comes out early he may come off the board in this general area.
31. SAN FRANCISCO 49'ERS (f/IND) EARLY DOUCET
WR | L.S.U. | Scouting Report
The Niners overall talent level has really increased by leaps and bounds the past 2-3 years but one area that is still a big question mark is wide receiver. Darrell Jackson solidified one spot as long as he can stay healthy but Ashley Lelie is not the answer and outside of veteran Arnaz Battle and rookie Jason Hill their depth leaves a lot to be desired. A highly-touted recruit coming out of high school, Doucet had to wait his turn but he is finally getting his chance to shine and even though he isn't as big as Dwayne Bowe or as fast as Craig Davis he too could wind up being a first round pick.
OT | Michigan | Scouting Report
2. BUFFALO BILLS GLENN DORSEY
DT | L.S.U. | Scouting Report
3. ST. LOUIS RAMS CALAIS CAMPBELL
DE | Miami (FL) | Scouting Report
4. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS KENNY PHILLIPS
S | Miami (FL) | Scouting Report
5. ATLANTA FALCONS BRIAN BROHM
QB | Louisville | Scouting Report
6. DALLAS COWBOYS (f/CLE) DARREN MCFADDEN
RB | Arkansas | Scouting Report
7. NEW YORK JETS CHRIS LONG
DE | Virginia | Scouting Report
8. MINNESOTA VIKINGS DESEAN JACKSON
WR | California | Scouting Report
9. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS ANDRÉ WOODSON
QB | Kentucky | Scouting Report
10. CINCINNATI BENGALS KEITH RIVERS
OLB | USC | Scouting Report
11. OAKLAND RAIDERS GOSDER CHERILUS
OT | Boston College | Scouting Report
12. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES SAM BAKER
OT | USC | Scouting Report
13. DETROIT LIONS MALCOLM JENKINS
CB | Ohio St. | Scouting Report
14. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (f/SF) JAMES LAURINAITIS
ILB | Ohio St. | Scouting Report
15. CHICAGO BEARS MATT RYAN
QB | Boston College | Scouting Report
16. CAROLINA PANTHERS REGGIE SMITH
CB | Oklahoma | Scouting Report
17. DENVER BRONCOS DAN CONNOR
OLB | Penn St. | Scouting Report
18. ARIZONA CARDINALS QUENTIN GROVES
DE | Auburn | Scouting Report
19. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS SEDRICK ELLIS
DT | USC | Scouting Report
20. HOUSTON TEXANS RYAN CLADY
OT | Boise St. | Scouting Report
21. WASHINGTON Commanders DERRICK HARVEY
DE | Florida | Scouting Report
22. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS JONATHAN STEWART
RB | Oregon | Scouting Report
23. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS FRANK OKAM
DT | Texas | Scouting Report
24. NEW YORK GIANTS ALI HIGHSMITH
OLB | L.S.U. | Scouting Report
25. BALTIMORE RAVENS MIKE JENKINS
CB | South Florida | Scouting Report
26. TENNESSEE TITANS LIMAS SWEED
WR | Texas | Scouting Report
27. GREEN BAY PACKERS STEVE SLATON
RB | West Virginia | Scouting Report
28. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS COLT BRENNAN
QB | Hawaii | Scouting Report
29. PITTSBURGH STEELERS ANTOINE CASON
CB | Arizona | Scouting Report
30. DALLAS COWBOYS JUSTIN KING
CB | Penn St. | Scouting Report
31. SAN FRANCISCO 49'ERS (f/IND) EARLY DOUCET
WR | L.S.U. | Scouting Report
