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2008 NFL Mock Draft, Version 4.0
Authored by Jeff Risdon - 4th March, 2008 - 1:02 pm
Updated for transactions through March 3rd.
Some precursory notes:
All the recent trades of players for picks appears to put a real damper on significant draft-day trades. Do not expect much movement near the top, but there is some chatter in the 20-40 range.
Teams are still sorting out their draft boards and developing contingency draft plans. Combined with the remaining free agents still looking to sign, that means there is still some fluidity--what you see today might change quite a bit over the next 7 weeks.
Round 1
1. Miami Dolphins: Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
This assumes they find no takers to move down, and that’s likely the case. There is very little (if any) separation between the top 3-4 prospects, and teams picking below that simply aren’t willing to meet Parcells’ demands in a trade. Lots of pundits will point to the fact that Parcells once started a successful rebuild with Drew Bledsoe at #1 overall, but I have another rationale for Miami picking Ryan. The QB position in MIA has been a black hole since the chronically over-appreciated Dan Marino retired, and the ego of the Tuna won’t be satisfied until he proves he can fill that vacuum. Ryan will have to cut back on the INTs, but history has proven that talented QBs (the Mannings, Roethlisberger) can do that and win Super Bowls.
2. St. Louis Rams: Jake Long, T, Michigan
Big Jake solidified his status as the top tackle in this draft and a top overall prospect with his impressive showing in Indy. He might indeed be better served on the right side, but Long has enough experience and attitude that he can handle LT duties just fine. He’s the best run blocking tackle to enter the league since Tony Boselli, and the Rams need loads of help across the front line, where they are replacing as many as 3 starters. I’m told by a reliable source the Rams have more interest in Vernon Gholston and Ryan Clady than they do in Glenn Dorsey, Darren McFadden, or Chris Long, and that Jake Long is a notch above all those on their draft board.
3. Atlanta Falcons: Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU: Dorsey represents Plan B for the Falcons, who really want Matt Ryan but will not trade up to get him. He makes an excellent fall-back choice for the talent-starved defensive front, a unit which new Head Coach Mike Smith places the utmost importance. Dorsey commands constant double teams and still has enough quickness and motor to make plays in the backfield. The nagging injury questions surrounding Dorsey could scare off some teams, and if the Falcons buy into that buzz they’ll take Sedrick Ellis or Ryan Clady instead. The Michael Turner signing means they are out of the Darren McFadden business.
4. Oakland Raiders: Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
Never mind that RB is the one position where the Raiders have both talent and depth; Al Davis doesn’t worry about taking coal to Newcastle when the coal burns as fast as Darren McFadden. As soon as the Raiders staff got word of McFadden’s blazing 40 time at the Combine, they all resigned themselves that he is the pick no matter what they need or who else is available. He has the chance to be a very special running back, but the knocks on him (dead legs
, ball security, system) are legit as well. Humble prediction: if by some freak of nature he doesn’t go here and the Raiders go with Sedrick Ellis, McFadden is this year’s Brady Quinn or Aaron Rodgers, a suspected Top 5 draftee who plummets far below any reasonable prognostication.
5. Kansas City Chiefs: Ryan Clady, T, Boise State
The Chiefs line needs an extreme makeover, and Clady is a sound choice for a new foundation. The man of few words lets his play do his talking, and the junior has a higher talent ceiling than Jake Long thanks to his exceptional footwork. If anyone can fill Willie Roaf’s pigeon-toed shoes, it’s Clady. Expect the Chiefs to check the market and see if they can slide down a few spots and still get Clady or Jeff Otah, who coach Herm Edwards covets as well. There is very little chance the Chiefs do not take a tackle with their first pick.
6. New York Jets: Chris Long, DE, Virginia
Long is the top overall prospect on my board, but as I mentioned earlier there is little reason to hold tight to those rankings amongst the top 4-5 slots. The Jets would love Long to fall here, as he has experience playing DE in a pro-style 3-4 run by former Jets coach Al Groh as UVA. Like AJ Hawk and Joe Thomas in the last two drafts, Long represents the “safe” pick (i.e. almost no chance of busting). Both those guys would up being very good very quickly, and Long should immediately upgrade the Jets balky defense with both his ability to get to the QB and his strong run support.
7. New England Patriots (from SF): Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State
Mike Vrabel is nearing the end of a very long and prolific career as a pass-rushing converted defensive end who also happens to play great run defense and technically sound coverage. Gholston is the same type of player, only a little faster and stronger. As with Vrabel (who flopped in Pittsburgh before it clicked), it might take a little time for Gholston to adjust to playing without a hand on the ground, but he gives Belichick & Co. flexibility when they slide into a 4-3 front in nickel packages. As I mentioned in the Top 103, Gholston is better at disrupting screens and toss sweeps than any collegiate DE I’ve ever seen in nearly 30 years of watching. Sleeper pick: Rashard Mendenhall.
8. Baltimore Ravens: Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy
In a division with some pretty prolific passing attacks, having a strong secondary is paramount to success. The Ravens have perhaps the best safety duo in the league, but corner is another story. McKelvin shined when facing BCS-conference competition and also shined at both the Senior Bowl and Combine. His package of size/speed/hands is ideal, and he’s comfortable playing the physical style the Ravens demand of their defenders. His skills as a return man are a bonus.
9. Cincinnati Bengals: Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida
The anemic pass rush hindered what could be a decent young secondary, and losing Justin Smith to free agency only exacerbates the giant hole at defensive end. Harvey is an accomplished pass rusher with better upside than former Gator teammate Jarvis Moss, whom Head Coach Marvin Lewis openly coveted last draft. Trading for Dewayne Robertson mitigates the need at DT, and none of the available LBs are as potentially dynamic as Harvey.
10. New Orleans Saints: Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
Some scouts rate Ellis even with Glenn Dorsey, and his dominating performance during Senior Bowl week opened a lot of eyes to his impressive quickness and ability to get off blocks despite lacking traditional bulk. The Saints are focusing on improving their defense up the middle, and Ellis certainly can help in that regard. A lot of Saints fans would like to think they’d address their chronic need for CB help here instead of overpaying second-tier free agents every spring, but like the Bengals just above them, the New Orleans coaching staff feels an improved pass rush will make their CBs look a lot less crappy.
11. Buffalo Bills: Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
The Bills are set at #1 WR with Lee Evans and with the underneath/scat type WR in Roscoe Parrish. What they desperately need for whomever is playing QB is a quality #2 WR with size, great hands, and ability to get and remain open. That describes Sweed to a “T”, and he showed in Indy he has very good speed and agility for a tall WR. The Bills have been known to throw some draft curveballs, and the potential is there for another one with the Sleeper Pick: Philip Merling.
12. Denver Broncos: Keith Rivers, LB, USC
The Broncos D never really recovered from losing Al Wilson. With Ian Gold now gone as well, the time to restock the LB cupboard has come. Enter Rivers, who has great range, instincts, and the versatility to play inside or outside. With a little coaching and a solid supporting cast, Rivers has the ability to spearhead a very good defense. The great depth at T in this draft affords them the ability to skim the cream of a very weak LB class here and still upgrade the OL later.
13. Carolina Panthers: Jeff Otah, T, Pittsburgh
Don’t be fooled by the re-signing of Travelle Wharton and the franchise tagging of Jordan Gross--this team still desperately wants to get better and deeper up front. The massive Otah (6’5”, 339 when dieting) has the bulk and power to move inside to replace Mike Wahle before he takes over for Gross in 2009. This is one of the few teams looking to move up, and picking up an extra 3rd rounder to shed Kris Jenkins’ unwanted bulk might allow them to slide up and take Sedrick Ellis, whom they love.
14. Chicago Bears: Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois
They would much prefer Clady or Otah, but if they’re both gone GM Jerry Angelo will not be disappointed in taking Mendenhall. He has the speed, vision, and powerful running style to resuscitate the moribund Bears ground game, and the fact he has local ties won’t hurt either. Should Angelo be spooked by the freakishly long string of 1st round RB busts in Chicago, Brian Brohm could fit here.
15. Detroit Lions: Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida
The Lions are undergoing a major overhaul at corner, with a renewed emphasis on ball skills, controlling mistakes, and run support. Jenkins provides all of that in spades, and he hit it off with the Lions coaches during their Combine interview. Jenkins and new acquisition Leigh Bodden (picked up with a 3rd rounder for Shaun Rogers) have the potential to be an above-average CB duo in a division full of QBs who throw INTs in bunches. Matt Millen will consider Keith Rivers if he’s still on the board.
16. Arizona Cardinals: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee State
DoRoCro (it’s a heck of a lot easier to type that than his full name!) may come from a small school, but he’s shown he’s every bit as good as any CBs from the big-time schools. With Antrell Rolle moving to the safety/nickel spot, the Cards need a guy who can step right in and provide both good man coverage and run support. DoRoCro has the size, speed, and technique to be that guy. They would take Mendenhall here if he’s still on the board.
17. Minnesota Vikings: Philip Merling, DE, Clemson
Merling must now officially be referred to as “underrated”, because that’s the label seemingly every pundit has tagged upon him. He can get to the QB better than the stats may show, but what really gives Merling value is that he is never out of position and can get off blocks to make plays. He has the agility to drop into coverage on occasion, a good trait of a team that likes to blitz LBs. Sleeper Pick: Chris Williams.
18. Houston Texans: Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon
This pick represents a perfect fit of what a team needs and what a player offers. Stewart can run for power between the tackles, but what makes him special is his burst into the open field and his great receiving skills. They desperately need help in the secondary as well, but Stewart’s potential as a true difference-maker is too great to pass on here. This pick is also the start of the range where teams looking to package picks and move up from the 2nd round starts to be viable, and the Texans will indeed be listening.
19. Philadelphia Eagles: Desean Jackson, WR/KR, California
Donovan McNabb cries out for playmakers; Jackson is the epitome of a big-play guy, if you can live with the prolonged stretches where he does next to nothing as a receiver. The Eagles sorely need a premium return man, and that’s where Jackson has the greatest potential impact. He’s not quite Devin Hester on returns, but he’s a far more accomplished wideout, even if he weighs 20 pounds less than most “small” WRs.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma
Another good marriage of team need and player skill; Kelly is the best big-play threat of the bigger WRs with similar potential to Braylon Edwards. Since QB Jeff Garcia doesn’t have the field-stretching arm, Kelly’s best initial value comes as a red zone target, where the Bucs have consistently struggled in recent years. Don’t rule out the Bucs as a destination for Brian Brohm, as unlikely as that might seem with this pick.
21. Washington Ethnic Slurs: James Hardy, WR, Indiana
The Skins desperately need size and strength at WR, and Hardy flashed the speed to go along with those in Indy. Hardy has thrived against several current and future NFL corners and has experience playing with a QB who likes to throw on the run like Jason Campbell. He has some flags but also undeniable potential. The Dan Snyder era has featured lots of wheeling and dealing of draft picks, and teams shopping to get someone unexpectedly falling (say, Gholston or Otah) will likely find a dance partner here.
22. Dallas Cowboys (from CLE): Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas
Talib doesn’t have ideal speed for a corner, but he’s proven time and again he can make plays all over the field. His confidence and leadership are unmatched in this corner class as well. The Cowboys have missed out on the top free agent CBs and sorely need an overall upgrade at the position. They go CB ahead of WR with their two first rounders because the WR pool is deeper with higher talent.
23. Pittsburgh Steelers: Chris Williams, T, Vanderbilt
The Steelers OL is in the midst of an overhaul, and the fast-rising Williams has all the tools to be a top-flight NFL tackle. His rep for playing “soft” isn’t unmerited but is overblown. Better protection for new $100M man Ben Roethlisberger is paramount; the Steelers ranked dead last in QB pressures and sacks per pass last season. If Williams and all the above tackles are gone, they will reach for Sam Baker here.
24. Tennessee Titans: Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina
The Titans struggled mightily when Al Haynesworth missed time, and free agency hurt their already-thin depth. Balmer is a late blooming physical stud who effectively uses brute force to make an impact as either a 2- or 3-technique DT. Once again, the depth at WR allows the Titans to address that hole later.
25. Seattle Seahawks: Branden Albert, G, Virginia
He hasn’t always played like it, but Albert has shown often enough that he is capable of being a dominant NFL guard, particularly as a run blocker. The Seahawks brought in Mike Wahle, but his age and health dictate that Holmgren & Co. have a solid Plan B for a potential Super Bowl run. Sleeper Pick: Matt Forte.
26. Jacksonville Jaguars: Quentin Groves, DE, Auburn
Groves is a speed rushing specialist with outstanding athleticism and snap anticipation. He often played like just another guy and isn’t much of a run defender, which limits his draft ceiling. Groves would essentially replace Bobby McCray, another player of similar swings in production.
27. San Diego Chargers: Brandon Flowers, CB, Virginia Tech
Flowers is your typical Hokie DB: athletic, tough, and willing to risk the big play to make the big play. On a team with a strong pass rush like the Chargers, that works very well, and Flowers would make a very talented nickel back. The Chargers are steadfast believers in taking the best player available, so if Balmer or any of the above tackles or corners are around, they’ll be the pick here. I’ve heard from a reliable source they are not Kenny Phillips fans even though he makes sense here.
28. Dallas Cowboys: Devin Thomas, WR/KR, Michigan State
Thomas is a one-year wonder with outstanding physical tools. He’s lethal in the open field and also provides a dynamic option as a return man, qualities which the Cowboys need in more youthful packages. As always, any team with multiple picks bunched closely together is a great candidate to trade up, and if Darren McFadden somehow falls a little, expect Jerry Jones to work the phones hard.
29. San Francisco 49ers (from IND): Andre Caldwell, WR, Florida
Whoever winds up being the least awful in their QB derby will need lots of help at WR. Caldwell has moved up draft boards with impressive displays in Mobile and Indy, and further reviews of game film prove his rising stock is merited. He’s perhaps the best route runner of the top grouping of wideouts and has very good running ability after the catch. They would love if one of the aforementioned tackles drops here.
30. Green Bay Packers: Reggie Smith, CB, Oklahoma
Smith fits the mold of the current aging Packers CBs: physical, quick-closing, and often in need of safety help over the top. He’s also played some safety and performed well in that capacity, and having versatile depth is important when you’re thisclose to the Super Bowl. The Pack are a good candidate to trade down and save some signing bonus $$.
31. New York Giants: Dan Connor, LB, Penn State Connor lacks ideal physical attributes, but his instincts and intangibles are off the chart. He’ll never be a star, but in Steve Spagnuolo’s attacking 4-3 Connor has the potential to be a very solid weakside LB. The Giants have lost all their LB depth to free agency, meaning they will reach a little to fill a need here. Curtis Lofton also makes sense with this pick.
- New England lost their pick as punishment for violating NFL rules concerning the use of video recording equipment
Round 2
32. Miami Dolphins: Sam Baker, T, USC
33. St. Louis Rams: Mario Manningham, WR, Michigan
34. Atlanta Falcons: Chad Henne, QB, Michigan
35. Oakland Raiders: Calais Campbell, DE, Miami FL
36. Kansas City Chiefs: Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona
37. New York Jets: Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville
38. Baltimore Ravens: Chris Johnson, RB/KR, East Carolina
39. San Francisco 49ers: Chilo Rachal, G, USC
40. New Orleans Saints: Xavier Adibi, LB, Virginia Tech
41. Buffalo Bills: Dustin Keller, TE, Purdue
42. Denver Broncos: Kenny Phillips, S, Miami FL
43. Carolina Panthers: Curtis Lofton, LB, Oklahoma
44. Chicago Bears: Early Doucet, WR, LSU
45. Detroit Lions: Jerod Mayo, LB, Tennessee
46. Cincinnati Bengals: Anthony Collins, T, Kansas
47. Minnesota Vikings: Patrick Lee, CB, Auburn
48. Atlanta Falcons (from HOU): Tracy Porter, CB, Indiana
49. Philadelphia Eagles: Matt Forte, RB, Tulane
50. Arizona Cardinals: Beau Bell, LB, UNLV
51. Washington Ethnic Slurs: Gosder Cherilus, T, Boston College
52. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas
53. Pittsburgh Steelers: Justin King, CB, Penn State
54. Tennessee Titans: Eddie Royal, WR, Virginia Tech
55. Seattle Seahawks: Pat Sims, DT, Auburn
56. Green Bay Packers: Erin Henderson, LB, Maryland
57. Miami Dolphins (from SD): Fred Davis, TE, USC
58. Jacksonville Jaguars: King Dunlap, T, Auburn
59. Indianapolis Colts: Shawn Murphy, G, Utah State
60. Green Bay Packers: Martellus Bennett, TE, Texas A&M
61. Dallas Cowboys: Kevin Smith, RB, Central Florida
62. New England Patriots: Zach Bowman, CB, Nebraska
63. New York Giants: Tony Hills, T, Texas
Round 3
64. Miami Dolphins: Earl Bennett, WR, Vanderbilt
65. St. Louis Rams: Lawrence Jackson, DE, USC
66. Kansas City Chiefs: John Greco, G/T, Toledo
67. New England Patriots (from OAK): Geno Hayes, LB, Florida State
68. Atlanta Falcons: Duane Brown, T, Virginia Tech
69. Carolina Panthers (from NYJ): Joe Flacco, QB, Delaware
70. San Francisco 49ers: Athyba Rubin, DT, Iowa State
71. Jacksonville Jaguars (from BUF): Martin Rucker, TE, Missouri--one of these two picks will be Buffalo, the other Jacksonville, but as of now which pick Buffalo dealt to the Jaguars for DT Marcus Stroud is not clear.
72. Buffalo Bills: Charles Godfrey, CB, Iowa
73. Minnesota Vikings (from DEN): Donnie Avery, WR, Houston
74. Carolina Panthers: Kendall Langford, DE, Hampton
75. Chicago Bears: Josh Johnson, QB, San Diego
76. Detroit Lions: Trevor Laws, DT, Notre Dame
77. Cincinnati Bengals: Jordon Dizon, LB, Colorado
78. New Orleans Saints: Brad Cottam, TE, Tennessee
79. Houston Texans: DaJuan Morgan, S, NC State
80. Philadelphia Eagles: Andrew Crummey, G, Maryland
81. Arizona Cardinals: Ray Rice, RB, Rutgers
82. Minnesota Vikings: Vince Hall, LB, Virginia Tech
83. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Shawn Crable, DE/OLB, Michigan
84. Washington Ethnic Slurs: Kellen Davis, TE, Michigan State
85. Tennessee Titans: Roy Schuening, G, Oregon State
86. Seattle Seahawks: Marcus Harrison, DT, Arkansas
87. Detroit Lions (from CLE): Jonathan Wilhite, CB, Auburn
88. Pittsburgh Steelers: Paul Hubbard, WR, Wisconsin
89. Jacksonville Jaguars: Dre Moore, DT, Maryland
90. Chicago Bears (from SD): Tom DeCoud, S, California
91. Green Bay Packers: Carl Nicks, G/T, Nebraska
92. Dallas Cowboys: Jeremy Geathers, DE, UNLV
93. Indianapolis Colts: Lavelle Hawkins, WR, California
94. New England Patriots: Chevis Jackson, CB, LSU
95. New York Giants: DeJuan Tribble, CB, Boston College
Authored by Jeff Risdon - 4th March, 2008 - 1:02 pm
Updated for transactions through March 3rd.
Some precursory notes:
All the recent trades of players for picks appears to put a real damper on significant draft-day trades. Do not expect much movement near the top, but there is some chatter in the 20-40 range.
Teams are still sorting out their draft boards and developing contingency draft plans. Combined with the remaining free agents still looking to sign, that means there is still some fluidity--what you see today might change quite a bit over the next 7 weeks.
Round 1
1. Miami Dolphins: Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
This assumes they find no takers to move down, and that’s likely the case. There is very little (if any) separation between the top 3-4 prospects, and teams picking below that simply aren’t willing to meet Parcells’ demands in a trade. Lots of pundits will point to the fact that Parcells once started a successful rebuild with Drew Bledsoe at #1 overall, but I have another rationale for Miami picking Ryan. The QB position in MIA has been a black hole since the chronically over-appreciated Dan Marino retired, and the ego of the Tuna won’t be satisfied until he proves he can fill that vacuum. Ryan will have to cut back on the INTs, but history has proven that talented QBs (the Mannings, Roethlisberger) can do that and win Super Bowls.
2. St. Louis Rams: Jake Long, T, Michigan
Big Jake solidified his status as the top tackle in this draft and a top overall prospect with his impressive showing in Indy. He might indeed be better served on the right side, but Long has enough experience and attitude that he can handle LT duties just fine. He’s the best run blocking tackle to enter the league since Tony Boselli, and the Rams need loads of help across the front line, where they are replacing as many as 3 starters. I’m told by a reliable source the Rams have more interest in Vernon Gholston and Ryan Clady than they do in Glenn Dorsey, Darren McFadden, or Chris Long, and that Jake Long is a notch above all those on their draft board.
3. Atlanta Falcons: Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU: Dorsey represents Plan B for the Falcons, who really want Matt Ryan but will not trade up to get him. He makes an excellent fall-back choice for the talent-starved defensive front, a unit which new Head Coach Mike Smith places the utmost importance. Dorsey commands constant double teams and still has enough quickness and motor to make plays in the backfield. The nagging injury questions surrounding Dorsey could scare off some teams, and if the Falcons buy into that buzz they’ll take Sedrick Ellis or Ryan Clady instead. The Michael Turner signing means they are out of the Darren McFadden business.
4. Oakland Raiders: Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
Never mind that RB is the one position where the Raiders have both talent and depth; Al Davis doesn’t worry about taking coal to Newcastle when the coal burns as fast as Darren McFadden. As soon as the Raiders staff got word of McFadden’s blazing 40 time at the Combine, they all resigned themselves that he is the pick no matter what they need or who else is available. He has the chance to be a very special running back, but the knocks on him (dead legs
, ball security, system) are legit as well. Humble prediction: if by some freak of nature he doesn’t go here and the Raiders go with Sedrick Ellis, McFadden is this year’s Brady Quinn or Aaron Rodgers, a suspected Top 5 draftee who plummets far below any reasonable prognostication. 5. Kansas City Chiefs: Ryan Clady, T, Boise State
The Chiefs line needs an extreme makeover, and Clady is a sound choice for a new foundation. The man of few words lets his play do his talking, and the junior has a higher talent ceiling than Jake Long thanks to his exceptional footwork. If anyone can fill Willie Roaf’s pigeon-toed shoes, it’s Clady. Expect the Chiefs to check the market and see if they can slide down a few spots and still get Clady or Jeff Otah, who coach Herm Edwards covets as well. There is very little chance the Chiefs do not take a tackle with their first pick.
6. New York Jets: Chris Long, DE, Virginia
Long is the top overall prospect on my board, but as I mentioned earlier there is little reason to hold tight to those rankings amongst the top 4-5 slots. The Jets would love Long to fall here, as he has experience playing DE in a pro-style 3-4 run by former Jets coach Al Groh as UVA. Like AJ Hawk and Joe Thomas in the last two drafts, Long represents the “safe” pick (i.e. almost no chance of busting). Both those guys would up being very good very quickly, and Long should immediately upgrade the Jets balky defense with both his ability to get to the QB and his strong run support.
7. New England Patriots (from SF): Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State
Mike Vrabel is nearing the end of a very long and prolific career as a pass-rushing converted defensive end who also happens to play great run defense and technically sound coverage. Gholston is the same type of player, only a little faster and stronger. As with Vrabel (who flopped in Pittsburgh before it clicked), it might take a little time for Gholston to adjust to playing without a hand on the ground, but he gives Belichick & Co. flexibility when they slide into a 4-3 front in nickel packages. As I mentioned in the Top 103, Gholston is better at disrupting screens and toss sweeps than any collegiate DE I’ve ever seen in nearly 30 years of watching. Sleeper pick: Rashard Mendenhall.
8. Baltimore Ravens: Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy
In a division with some pretty prolific passing attacks, having a strong secondary is paramount to success. The Ravens have perhaps the best safety duo in the league, but corner is another story. McKelvin shined when facing BCS-conference competition and also shined at both the Senior Bowl and Combine. His package of size/speed/hands is ideal, and he’s comfortable playing the physical style the Ravens demand of their defenders. His skills as a return man are a bonus.
9. Cincinnati Bengals: Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida
The anemic pass rush hindered what could be a decent young secondary, and losing Justin Smith to free agency only exacerbates the giant hole at defensive end. Harvey is an accomplished pass rusher with better upside than former Gator teammate Jarvis Moss, whom Head Coach Marvin Lewis openly coveted last draft. Trading for Dewayne Robertson mitigates the need at DT, and none of the available LBs are as potentially dynamic as Harvey.
10. New Orleans Saints: Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
Some scouts rate Ellis even with Glenn Dorsey, and his dominating performance during Senior Bowl week opened a lot of eyes to his impressive quickness and ability to get off blocks despite lacking traditional bulk. The Saints are focusing on improving their defense up the middle, and Ellis certainly can help in that regard. A lot of Saints fans would like to think they’d address their chronic need for CB help here instead of overpaying second-tier free agents every spring, but like the Bengals just above them, the New Orleans coaching staff feels an improved pass rush will make their CBs look a lot less crappy.
11. Buffalo Bills: Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
The Bills are set at #1 WR with Lee Evans and with the underneath/scat type WR in Roscoe Parrish. What they desperately need for whomever is playing QB is a quality #2 WR with size, great hands, and ability to get and remain open. That describes Sweed to a “T”, and he showed in Indy he has very good speed and agility for a tall WR. The Bills have been known to throw some draft curveballs, and the potential is there for another one with the Sleeper Pick: Philip Merling.
12. Denver Broncos: Keith Rivers, LB, USC
The Broncos D never really recovered from losing Al Wilson. With Ian Gold now gone as well, the time to restock the LB cupboard has come. Enter Rivers, who has great range, instincts, and the versatility to play inside or outside. With a little coaching and a solid supporting cast, Rivers has the ability to spearhead a very good defense. The great depth at T in this draft affords them the ability to skim the cream of a very weak LB class here and still upgrade the OL later.
13. Carolina Panthers: Jeff Otah, T, Pittsburgh
Don’t be fooled by the re-signing of Travelle Wharton and the franchise tagging of Jordan Gross--this team still desperately wants to get better and deeper up front. The massive Otah (6’5”, 339 when dieting) has the bulk and power to move inside to replace Mike Wahle before he takes over for Gross in 2009. This is one of the few teams looking to move up, and picking up an extra 3rd rounder to shed Kris Jenkins’ unwanted bulk might allow them to slide up and take Sedrick Ellis, whom they love.
14. Chicago Bears: Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois
They would much prefer Clady or Otah, but if they’re both gone GM Jerry Angelo will not be disappointed in taking Mendenhall. He has the speed, vision, and powerful running style to resuscitate the moribund Bears ground game, and the fact he has local ties won’t hurt either. Should Angelo be spooked by the freakishly long string of 1st round RB busts in Chicago, Brian Brohm could fit here.
15. Detroit Lions: Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida
The Lions are undergoing a major overhaul at corner, with a renewed emphasis on ball skills, controlling mistakes, and run support. Jenkins provides all of that in spades, and he hit it off with the Lions coaches during their Combine interview. Jenkins and new acquisition Leigh Bodden (picked up with a 3rd rounder for Shaun Rogers) have the potential to be an above-average CB duo in a division full of QBs who throw INTs in bunches. Matt Millen will consider Keith Rivers if he’s still on the board.
16. Arizona Cardinals: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee State
DoRoCro (it’s a heck of a lot easier to type that than his full name!) may come from a small school, but he’s shown he’s every bit as good as any CBs from the big-time schools. With Antrell Rolle moving to the safety/nickel spot, the Cards need a guy who can step right in and provide both good man coverage and run support. DoRoCro has the size, speed, and technique to be that guy. They would take Mendenhall here if he’s still on the board.
17. Minnesota Vikings: Philip Merling, DE, Clemson
Merling must now officially be referred to as “underrated”, because that’s the label seemingly every pundit has tagged upon him. He can get to the QB better than the stats may show, but what really gives Merling value is that he is never out of position and can get off blocks to make plays. He has the agility to drop into coverage on occasion, a good trait of a team that likes to blitz LBs. Sleeper Pick: Chris Williams.
18. Houston Texans: Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon
This pick represents a perfect fit of what a team needs and what a player offers. Stewart can run for power between the tackles, but what makes him special is his burst into the open field and his great receiving skills. They desperately need help in the secondary as well, but Stewart’s potential as a true difference-maker is too great to pass on here. This pick is also the start of the range where teams looking to package picks and move up from the 2nd round starts to be viable, and the Texans will indeed be listening.
19. Philadelphia Eagles: Desean Jackson, WR/KR, California
Donovan McNabb cries out for playmakers; Jackson is the epitome of a big-play guy, if you can live with the prolonged stretches where he does next to nothing as a receiver. The Eagles sorely need a premium return man, and that’s where Jackson has the greatest potential impact. He’s not quite Devin Hester on returns, but he’s a far more accomplished wideout, even if he weighs 20 pounds less than most “small” WRs.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma
Another good marriage of team need and player skill; Kelly is the best big-play threat of the bigger WRs with similar potential to Braylon Edwards. Since QB Jeff Garcia doesn’t have the field-stretching arm, Kelly’s best initial value comes as a red zone target, where the Bucs have consistently struggled in recent years. Don’t rule out the Bucs as a destination for Brian Brohm, as unlikely as that might seem with this pick.
21. Washington Ethnic Slurs: James Hardy, WR, Indiana
The Skins desperately need size and strength at WR, and Hardy flashed the speed to go along with those in Indy. Hardy has thrived against several current and future NFL corners and has experience playing with a QB who likes to throw on the run like Jason Campbell. He has some flags but also undeniable potential. The Dan Snyder era has featured lots of wheeling and dealing of draft picks, and teams shopping to get someone unexpectedly falling (say, Gholston or Otah) will likely find a dance partner here.
22. Dallas Cowboys (from CLE): Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas
Talib doesn’t have ideal speed for a corner, but he’s proven time and again he can make plays all over the field. His confidence and leadership are unmatched in this corner class as well. The Cowboys have missed out on the top free agent CBs and sorely need an overall upgrade at the position. They go CB ahead of WR with their two first rounders because the WR pool is deeper with higher talent.
23. Pittsburgh Steelers: Chris Williams, T, Vanderbilt
The Steelers OL is in the midst of an overhaul, and the fast-rising Williams has all the tools to be a top-flight NFL tackle. His rep for playing “soft” isn’t unmerited but is overblown. Better protection for new $100M man Ben Roethlisberger is paramount; the Steelers ranked dead last in QB pressures and sacks per pass last season. If Williams and all the above tackles are gone, they will reach for Sam Baker here.
24. Tennessee Titans: Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina
The Titans struggled mightily when Al Haynesworth missed time, and free agency hurt their already-thin depth. Balmer is a late blooming physical stud who effectively uses brute force to make an impact as either a 2- or 3-technique DT. Once again, the depth at WR allows the Titans to address that hole later.
25. Seattle Seahawks: Branden Albert, G, Virginia
He hasn’t always played like it, but Albert has shown often enough that he is capable of being a dominant NFL guard, particularly as a run blocker. The Seahawks brought in Mike Wahle, but his age and health dictate that Holmgren & Co. have a solid Plan B for a potential Super Bowl run. Sleeper Pick: Matt Forte.
26. Jacksonville Jaguars: Quentin Groves, DE, Auburn
Groves is a speed rushing specialist with outstanding athleticism and snap anticipation. He often played like just another guy and isn’t much of a run defender, which limits his draft ceiling. Groves would essentially replace Bobby McCray, another player of similar swings in production.
27. San Diego Chargers: Brandon Flowers, CB, Virginia Tech
Flowers is your typical Hokie DB: athletic, tough, and willing to risk the big play to make the big play. On a team with a strong pass rush like the Chargers, that works very well, and Flowers would make a very talented nickel back. The Chargers are steadfast believers in taking the best player available, so if Balmer or any of the above tackles or corners are around, they’ll be the pick here. I’ve heard from a reliable source they are not Kenny Phillips fans even though he makes sense here.
28. Dallas Cowboys: Devin Thomas, WR/KR, Michigan State
Thomas is a one-year wonder with outstanding physical tools. He’s lethal in the open field and also provides a dynamic option as a return man, qualities which the Cowboys need in more youthful packages. As always, any team with multiple picks bunched closely together is a great candidate to trade up, and if Darren McFadden somehow falls a little, expect Jerry Jones to work the phones hard.
29. San Francisco 49ers (from IND): Andre Caldwell, WR, Florida
Whoever winds up being the least awful in their QB derby will need lots of help at WR. Caldwell has moved up draft boards with impressive displays in Mobile and Indy, and further reviews of game film prove his rising stock is merited. He’s perhaps the best route runner of the top grouping of wideouts and has very good running ability after the catch. They would love if one of the aforementioned tackles drops here.
30. Green Bay Packers: Reggie Smith, CB, Oklahoma
Smith fits the mold of the current aging Packers CBs: physical, quick-closing, and often in need of safety help over the top. He’s also played some safety and performed well in that capacity, and having versatile depth is important when you’re thisclose to the Super Bowl. The Pack are a good candidate to trade down and save some signing bonus $$.
31. New York Giants: Dan Connor, LB, Penn State Connor lacks ideal physical attributes, but his instincts and intangibles are off the chart. He’ll never be a star, but in Steve Spagnuolo’s attacking 4-3 Connor has the potential to be a very solid weakside LB. The Giants have lost all their LB depth to free agency, meaning they will reach a little to fill a need here. Curtis Lofton also makes sense with this pick.
- New England lost their pick as punishment for violating NFL rules concerning the use of video recording equipment
Round 2
32. Miami Dolphins: Sam Baker, T, USC
33. St. Louis Rams: Mario Manningham, WR, Michigan
34. Atlanta Falcons: Chad Henne, QB, Michigan
35. Oakland Raiders: Calais Campbell, DE, Miami FL
36. Kansas City Chiefs: Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona
37. New York Jets: Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville
38. Baltimore Ravens: Chris Johnson, RB/KR, East Carolina
39. San Francisco 49ers: Chilo Rachal, G, USC
40. New Orleans Saints: Xavier Adibi, LB, Virginia Tech
41. Buffalo Bills: Dustin Keller, TE, Purdue
42. Denver Broncos: Kenny Phillips, S, Miami FL
43. Carolina Panthers: Curtis Lofton, LB, Oklahoma
44. Chicago Bears: Early Doucet, WR, LSU
45. Detroit Lions: Jerod Mayo, LB, Tennessee
46. Cincinnati Bengals: Anthony Collins, T, Kansas
47. Minnesota Vikings: Patrick Lee, CB, Auburn
48. Atlanta Falcons (from HOU): Tracy Porter, CB, Indiana
49. Philadelphia Eagles: Matt Forte, RB, Tulane
50. Arizona Cardinals: Beau Bell, LB, UNLV
51. Washington Ethnic Slurs: Gosder Cherilus, T, Boston College
52. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas
53. Pittsburgh Steelers: Justin King, CB, Penn State
54. Tennessee Titans: Eddie Royal, WR, Virginia Tech
55. Seattle Seahawks: Pat Sims, DT, Auburn
56. Green Bay Packers: Erin Henderson, LB, Maryland
57. Miami Dolphins (from SD): Fred Davis, TE, USC
58. Jacksonville Jaguars: King Dunlap, T, Auburn
59. Indianapolis Colts: Shawn Murphy, G, Utah State
60. Green Bay Packers: Martellus Bennett, TE, Texas A&M
61. Dallas Cowboys: Kevin Smith, RB, Central Florida
62. New England Patriots: Zach Bowman, CB, Nebraska
63. New York Giants: Tony Hills, T, Texas
Round 3
64. Miami Dolphins: Earl Bennett, WR, Vanderbilt
65. St. Louis Rams: Lawrence Jackson, DE, USC
66. Kansas City Chiefs: John Greco, G/T, Toledo
67. New England Patriots (from OAK): Geno Hayes, LB, Florida State
68. Atlanta Falcons: Duane Brown, T, Virginia Tech
69. Carolina Panthers (from NYJ): Joe Flacco, QB, Delaware
70. San Francisco 49ers: Athyba Rubin, DT, Iowa State
71. Jacksonville Jaguars (from BUF): Martin Rucker, TE, Missouri--one of these two picks will be Buffalo, the other Jacksonville, but as of now which pick Buffalo dealt to the Jaguars for DT Marcus Stroud is not clear.
72. Buffalo Bills: Charles Godfrey, CB, Iowa
73. Minnesota Vikings (from DEN): Donnie Avery, WR, Houston
74. Carolina Panthers: Kendall Langford, DE, Hampton
75. Chicago Bears: Josh Johnson, QB, San Diego
76. Detroit Lions: Trevor Laws, DT, Notre Dame
77. Cincinnati Bengals: Jordon Dizon, LB, Colorado
78. New Orleans Saints: Brad Cottam, TE, Tennessee
79. Houston Texans: DaJuan Morgan, S, NC State
80. Philadelphia Eagles: Andrew Crummey, G, Maryland
81. Arizona Cardinals: Ray Rice, RB, Rutgers
82. Minnesota Vikings: Vince Hall, LB, Virginia Tech
83. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Shawn Crable, DE/OLB, Michigan
84. Washington Ethnic Slurs: Kellen Davis, TE, Michigan State
85. Tennessee Titans: Roy Schuening, G, Oregon State
86. Seattle Seahawks: Marcus Harrison, DT, Arkansas
87. Detroit Lions (from CLE): Jonathan Wilhite, CB, Auburn
88. Pittsburgh Steelers: Paul Hubbard, WR, Wisconsin
89. Jacksonville Jaguars: Dre Moore, DT, Maryland
90. Chicago Bears (from SD): Tom DeCoud, S, California
91. Green Bay Packers: Carl Nicks, G/T, Nebraska
92. Dallas Cowboys: Jeremy Geathers, DE, UNLV
93. Indianapolis Colts: Lavelle Hawkins, WR, California
94. New England Patriots: Chevis Jackson, CB, LSU
95. New York Giants: DeJuan Tribble, CB, Boston College
