Mock Draft 1/17/08

The push towards the 2008 NFL Draft has reached another critical juncture, with collegiate underclassmen officially declaring their intentions for next season. As always, some surprises have shaken up draft boards. Expect more movement in the coming weeks with all-star games and February's combine, at which time we will re-examine the potential draft outcomes.

1. Miami Dolphins (1-15) Needs: OL,DL,CB,WR,S
Glenn Dorsey DT LSU
The Dolphins off-season plans will quickly take shape as Jeff Ireland, Tony Sparano, and Bill Parcells form a tuna triumvirate. Expect the Dolphins to entertain offers for this pick and for Jake Long from Michigan to draw strong considering as well if they retain this pick. Parcells is not one for flashy moves and since he's the one buying the groceries here, expect him to go with Dorsey. The senior tackle from LSU battled injuries this past season, but showed that when he's healthy, he can really wreck havoc in backfields. Dorsey reminds folks of Warren Sapp with his ability to be disruptive up the middle, and as we see with the teams remaining in the playoffs, a strong defensive line is part of the foundation to winning football.

2. St. Louis Rams (3-13) Needs: OT,LB,S,CB,QB
Chris Long DE Virginia
Scott Linehan's tenure as play-caller has apparently come to a close, although his head-coaching job remains intact. While that may disappoint Rams' fans, Chris Long will not. Grumblings in St. Louis have fans calling for McFadden and a trade of Stephen Jackson, but that seems highly unlikely. Jake Long certainly would be an upgrade on the offensive line, but if and when Orlando Pace gets healthy, Jake Long likely doesn't have a spot in the starting lineup. That is simply unacceptable for a Rams team that played pathetically at times in 2007. Chris Long, along with last year's #1 pick Adam Carriker would give the Rams defensive line an influx of youth and non-stop effort. Long was perhaps the most disruptive defensive force in college football last season, he is the Long who can come in and help the Rams right away next year...something Scott Linehan will certainly take into account.

3. Atlanta Falcons (4-12) Needs: QB,OL,DT,LB,WR,S
Darren McFadden RB Arkansas
If Jason Garrett becomes the next head coach of the Falcons, Matt Ryan certainly could be the pick. However, Rex Ryan is the front-runner for the position at this time and defensive minded head coaches tend to be in favor of pounding the football. Darren McFadden is the top prospect in this year's draft and probably a better pure running back than Reggie Bush. Questions remain about McFadden's ability to adapt to a pro offense and be used in the passing game, but with established backs already in place in Atlanta, McFadden can be used only where is most effective. On the fast track in the Georgia Dome, McFadden will be able to make big plays, and more importantly for Arthur Blank, put people in the seats.

4. Kansas City Chiefs (4-12) Needs: OL,WR,QB,CB,S
Matt Ryan QB Boston College
The staple of the Chiefs for the past decade has been their ability to run the football behind an impressive offensive line. The talent in the trenches has dwindled significantly and certainly the line is the biggest position of need for KC. However, the Chiefs are not on the cusp of once again competing for a title, particularly in a division with some young, talented teams. Jake Long could be the pick, but the rule is: you don't pass on a franchise quarterback if you don't already have one. "Matty Ice" is the best signal caller in the draft and can make all of the throws. The Chiefs have reason to believe Ryan can help them right away because he has everything a young QB needs to develop: a franchise RB(LJ), a true #1 at WR(Dwayne Bowe), and a Pro-Bowl TE(Tony Gonzalez).

5. Oakland Raiders (4-12) Needs: OL,WR,SS, DL,DB
Jake Long OT Michigan
I can already see the pained look on Al Davis' face when he learns he can't draft Darren McFadden in this spot. The Raiders could have an even bigger number of needs after guys like Fargas and Porter could be leaving Oakland in the off-season. However, the Raiders drafted a franchise QB with the #1 overall pick last year, and they have to find a way to keep JeMarcus Russell upright. Jake Long will be the best offensive lineman in the draft and if the can have similar success to Joe Thomas, the Raiders will be thrilled.

6. New York Jets (4-12) Needs: DL,WR,CB,G,FS
Sedrick Ellis DT USC
Much to the dismay of J-E-T-S fans, beating the Kansas City Chiefs in the final week of the season pushed the Jets too low to get McFadden without trading up. It may be a blessing in disguise for New York who have a number of other needs. Finding someone to rush the passer is near the top of the list. Sedrick Ellis brings toughness and tenacity to a defense that struggled at times to generate pressure. Ellis played inside at USC, but would likely move outside to end in the 3-4 New York runs. The move makes sense because Ellis makes a living getting into the backfield of opponents, where you'll find guys like Tom Brady in his division.

7. New England Patriots F/ 49ers Needs: CB,S,LB, RB, OL
Mike Jenkins CB South Florida
The NFL owes the 49ers a debt of gratitude for having some pride and not completely tanking their season to get a higher pick. The perfect Patriots pick up a top 10 pick anyway, and even at 7 don't expect them to stay here. If they do, the physical cover corner from USF could be the pick. Jenkins is the top corner in the draft, particularly now that Malcolm Jenkins will return to Ohio State for his senior season. Asante Samuel will likely leave this off-season, which may serve as reason to stay at 7 and grab 2008's top cover man.

8. Baltimore Ravens (5-11) Needs: QB,CB,WR, OL,LB
Brian Brohm QB Louisville
The league's most disappointing team in 2007 may find themselves at the top of the 2009 draft which doesn't figure to feature a quarterback worth a top 10 pick. The Ravens lost their head coach and offensive coordinator, and will likely lose defensive coordinator Rex Ryan to Atlanta. The Ravens have no QB worth relying on and Briam Brohm may have been underrated this year because of a poor team. Brohm makes up for a rocket arm with excellent timing and accuracy. He ran a wide open offense at Louisville, but he is smart and makes reads quick enough to translate that experience into an NFL system.

9. Cincinnati Bengals (7-9) Needs: LB,DL,OL,S,TE
Vernon Gholston DE Ohio State
Cincinnati disappointed many this season by failing to live up to expectations and missed the playoffs. Take one look at the remaining playoff teams and one will see just how important it is to get pressure on the opposing quarterback, particularly with the front four. The Bengals don't have a pass rush specialist and Vernon Gholston may be the class' best. The former Ohio State stand out has been shooting up draft boards and flashed brilliance all season. He may have been a top 3 pick had he stayed in school and developed a few more pass-rush moves, but Cinici will be happy to have him as is and bolster a weak group up front.

10. New Orleans Saints (7-9) Needs: DT,LB,CB,TE,S
Dan Connor MLB Penn State
New Orleans lost its identity this season and it caused them to play extremely inconsistently. All things considered, the Saints remain a highly talented team, and the right choice here, could catapult right back into contention in the NFC. Clearly, the defense remains the biggest weakness in New Orleans. Drew Brees leads this team on offense, but on defense, the Saints don't have a so-called "quarterback" on defense. Dan Connor's athletic ability will not jump out at you, but he is extremely intelligent and flies around the field. He was around the ball constantly making plays at Penn State. He could really help lead a deflated defense and take some pressure off Brees, Bush and company.

11. Buffalo Bills (7-9) Needs: WR,TE,CB,DT,LB
DeSean Jackson WR Cal
For a team that looked dead early in the season, the Buffalo Bills fought back and even flirted with the playoffs late in the season. Drew Edwards will be the starter and showed his worth late in games. The Bills offense is predicated on running the football, but adding an explosive player in the passing game would only increase the versatility of the offense. The Bills have Lee Evans in place as their #1 and have a bunch of #3's, and 4's behind him. DeSean Jackson is explosive and can really make things happen after the catch. The threat of Lee Evans in the vertical passing game will allow Edwards to get Jackson the ball underneath where he can make plays in the open field.

12. Denver Broncos (7-9) Needs: DT,OL,S,RB,WR
Ryan Clady OT Boise State
Denver's defense was a joke against the run last year and lack of depth at safety really hurt in the defensive backfield even with one of the best corner tandems in the leageue. Denver will certainly have their pick of defensive lineman and defensive backs at this point, however Ryan Clady is the best player left on the board at this point and fits a need. The Broncos love to run the ball and Clady is a mauler who uses his strength and blast people upfront. The joke is that anyone could get 1,000 yards in Denver, but that can't happen without horses up front. The former Blue Bronco would only have to change color schemes slightly to adapt to his new Bronco team.

13. Carolina Panthers (7-9) Needs: WR,DL,QB,S,TE
Kenny Phillips S Miami (Florida)
For as bad as the Panthers were at times this season, they finished a respectable 7-9 and may have found their quarterback of the future in Matt Moore. While it would be too early to anoint Moore as the future of the team, the Panthers probably feel comfortable moving forward with Delhomme and Moore, at least that how John Fox will try to spin it to avoid taking a QB here and admit to rebuilding(a move that would likely mean his job sooner rather than later). The Panthers have a stout front four and Jon Beason has really helped their linebacking unit. The defensive backfield could use an upgrade and Kenny Phillips is the only safety worth taking in the first round, one of only a handfull of DB's worthy of the top 20. Phillips is a leader and a play maker. Expect him and Beason to pick up right where they left off at Miami, creating the kind of continuity often overlooked on defense.

14. Chicago Bears (7-9) Needs: QB,G,T,RB,S,WR
Andre Woodson QB Kentucky
Last season represents the story of the Bears franchise over the last 20 years: a talented team that fails to live up to expectations for any length of time due to inconsistencies, mismanagement, and misplaces loyalties. The Bears head into the off-season as the worst team in their division a year after making the Super Bowl. Rex Grossman was putrid and is not a starting quarterback in this league. Don't be surprised of Donovan McNabb's name continues to come up, but don't hold your breath. Woodson is the man here, and he has scouts drooling. Not overly-athletic, he can make every throw with either strength or touch. He has a long throwing motion and worked mostly from the shotgun in college, but he's still better than anyone the Bears currently have on their roster or are likely to get.

15. Detroit Lions (7-9) Needs: OL,CB,TE,LB,S
Sam Baker OT USC
...That was Detroit fans with a collective sigh of relief for being able to have a team good enough to draft outside of the top 10. While the Lions fizzled out last season, they showed signs of hope for the future and boast a talented group and a number of positions. The defensive backs for Detroit are not great in coverage, although they were able to force turnovers. Unfortunately, their own offense often gave it right back. QB Jon Kitna rarely had time to set his feet and throw because he didn't have time. Sam Baker would give the Lions a fantastic talent upfront. Baker has great feet and balance, although he likes the kind of aggression and mean streak Rod Marinelli would love. With the way his stock has been rising, Aqib Talib could also be a possibility here.

16. Arizona Cardinals (8-8) Needs: OL,DL,LB,RB,S
Derrick Harvey DE Florida
2007 may not have been the playoff season some "experts" predicted, but it gave fans in Arizona reason to be hopeful. Even without Matt Leinart and some of their other stars from stretches, the Cardinals scored in bunches. They just couldn't seem to get a stop when they needed one. The Cardinals were 28th in the league in passing defense and only 7 teams gave up more plays of over 20 yards. The NFC West is full of potent passing attacks and Derrick Harvey would give the Cardinals an upgrade at end to stymie those aerial assaults. Harvey uses his hands well to engage blockers and get up field into the grills of opposing QB's. The former Florida Gator will benefit from playing on some fast tracks in NFC West stadiums with his excellent quickness off the edge.

17. Minnesota Vikings (8-8) Needs: QB,WR,DE,RT,CB
Limas Sweed WR Texas
NFL player personnel directors love to blow smoke about who they're picking and who they like and why. Early word out of Minnesota is they would love to get another pass rusher in the first round. After being burned by Erasmus James and Keneche Udezi, I can't imagine that would be true unless they traded up to get a guy like Chris Long. The more likely choice would be to give Tavaris Jackson some weapons to go along with Adrian Peterson. The Vikings don't have a go-to receiver or a big play threat except for #28. Despite an injury that cut his season short, Limas Sweed is one of the top 3 pass-catchers in the draft and is built like a #1 in the NFL. The former Longhorn is big and physical, and can make tough catches in traffic. He isn't overly quick in and out of breaks, but he would give Jackson a big target with soft hands, as well as a guy who can take his man deep. Then, imagine how dangerous AP could be.

18. Houston Texans (8-8) Needs: OL,CB,WR,RB,LB
Jonathan Stewart RB Oregon
The 2008 running back class is absolutely loaded with talent and if the Texans felt as though they wanted to upgrade at running back, they certainly could wait until the second round and grab a guy like Steve Slaton or the hometown Jamaal Charles. That could certainly meant a guy like Jeff Otah from Pitt in this spot, but the Texans ran the ball effectively last year behind the line they had. Jonathan Stewart would give the Texans a yardage eater who could be used in a number of ways within the offense, both running and in the passing game. Stewart is similar to the backs Houston already has only significantly younger and more explosive. It would make 3 drafts, 3 budding defensive stars (Williams, Ryans, Okoye) and a franchise running back, only they didn't pick Reggie Bush #1 overall.

19. Philadelphia Eagles (8-8) Needs: WR,S,G,LB,OT
Malcolm Kelly WR Oklahoma
You were looking for "play makers" Donovan? Malcolm Kelly will be exactly what this offense needs. It is true that the Eagles were not as bad on offense as McNabb, or the Philly media would like us to believe (10th in passing 8th in rushing), the Eagles lack explosion at receiver. The defense certainly isn't getting any younger and could use an upgrade at safety and some help up front. However, the Eagles offense relies too heavily on Michael Westbrook, and to keep him healthy for 16 games, Philly has to find a way to lighten his load. Kelly is a big, strong receiver who fits Andy Reid's system. Kelly is perfect for crossing routes, curls, slants, and skinny posts, and is built similarly to a certain former Eagles receiver whose name shall not be menTiOned.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7) Needs: OL,CB,LB,WR,RB
Keith Rivers OLB USC
In the NFC South, the Bucs could just as easily be last next year. No indictment of Tampa Bay, that simply seems to be the way that division works. The Bucs rode a revitalized defense and a game managing quarterback to the playoffs last season and that blueprint could get them there again in 2008. However, that defense may be losing a step and could use a shot of young talent. Keith Rivers is a tackling dynamo who works sideline to sideline on every snap. Rivers is athletic and can make tackles in the open field. His hips could be a little more fluid and his coverage could use some fine tuning. On the other hand, Tampa still has Derrick Brooks, one of the greatest coverage linebackers of his era. That will leave Rivers free to go after ball carriers and quarterbacks.

21. Washington Redskins (9-7) Needs: DL,S,OLB,WR,OL
Kentwan Balmer DT North Carolina
The NFC East promises to be the best division in football next season and the improved Washington Redskins are just one of the reasons why. The Redskins rode a magical run down the stretch in to the playoffs only to run into Seahawks team who plays lights out at home. With a few improvements, the 'Skins could challenge not just for a playoff birth, but the division. Cornelius Griffin is getting old in the middle and newcomer Anthony Montgomery is serviceable, but not great. Balmer has as much upside as any defensive player in the draft, and finally as a senior displayed some of that talent. The defensive tackle has tremendous athletic ability and talent, but lacks idea bulk for the position. With the passing games in the NFC East, the Skins know they will have to generate a great deal of pressure if they want to win.

22. Dallas Cowboys F/ Browns (13-3) Needs: DB,DT,MLB,RB,OL
Aqib Talib CB/S Kansas
Jerry Jones loves to be in the spotlight. That isn't news, but it could mean he uses his two first rounders in a package to land the top pick and Darren McFadden. His 'Boys will likely be in the market for a running back given Julius Jones is likely gone and Marion Barber III is also a free agent. However, the Cowboys lack depth in the defensive backfield and only the Cowboy nation got Ken Hamlin into the Pro Bowl. Talib is a rising prospect with all the physical tools you look for. He is brash and cocky, but he has the hands and the hips to back it up. If Talib runs anything in the 4.4 range in February, this will likely be too low for him.

23. Seattle Seahawks (10-6) Needs: G,RB,WR,OLB,CB
Felix Jones RB Arkansas
Mike Holmgren's status as head coach remains unclear to this point, however the needs of the Seahawks remain the same; Seattle disparately needs to find a running game. Shaun Alexander has deteriorated quickly, although to be fair, his pockets may be too full to move any faster. The 'Hawks simply don't have a big play threat on their team beyond Deion Branch. Felix Jones split time at Arkansas and will likely do the same in Seattle. Jones is a dynamic runner who can be used in a number of different ways. Jones finds creases and hits them with explosion and burst, making him an excellent returner as well. Jones could provide the kind of home run threat missing in Seattle since A-Rod left.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6) Needs: OT,S,WR,OLB,DE
Jeffrey Otah OT Pittsburgh
The 2007 version of the Pittsburgh Steelers lacked the kind of toughness we've grown accustomed to seeing. Part of the problem was the inability of the Steeler line to generate push upfront, or give Big Ben time to find receivers. Pittsburgh is loaded offensively at the skill positions and have a top 5 defense despite underachieving this past season. Jeffrey Otah, the backyard boy, has the kind of skill set to open lanes for Willie Parker, and have Big Ben keeping perfect time. Otah is massive (6-6 340) but moves extremely well for his size. The former Pitt stand out was dominant in the Big East and has one of the highest upsides of any player in the draft. The Steelers could wind up with one of the steals in this year's draft.

25. Tennessee Titans (10-6) Needs: WR,CB,LB,OL,DT
Early Doucet III WR LSU
With Norm Chow out as offensive coordinator, Jeff Fisher clearly wants to emphasized improvement on offense in 2008. That has to mean getting Vince Young some help in the passing game. LenDale White has proved worthy of the risk, and Fisher has done wonders with that defense. VY simply doesn't have a go-to receiver who he can look for when the Titans need to convert a 3rd and 12. Early Doucet carved up coverages in the SEC his whole career at LSU and learned from guys like Dwane Bowe and Craig Davis. Doucet has fantastic hands and is fluid in and out of his breaks. He can get deep on corners and has strong hands to make catches in traffic. If the Titans can cultivate a passing game with Vince and the defense continues to improve, look out.

26. New York Giants (10-6) Needs: LB,DB,WR,OL
Ali Highsmith LB LSU
Going into the season, the New York Football Giants had one of the most talented rosters in football. The way they're playing now, one hardly remembers the Giant team who couldn't cover, tackle, or catch at times throughout the year. The G-Men would certainly like to get better in linebacker where Antonio Pierce is really the only solid player. Ali Highsmith has everything one could want from a weak side linebacker. He has quickness and vision to go along with a knack for getting to the quarterback and making plays. The Giants can rush the passer, but Highsmith knows how to find the ball and with those defensive linemen attacking opposing offenses, Highsmith's relative lack of bulk would be negated.

27. Jacksonville Jaguards (11-5) Needs: WR,LB,S,DL,
Calais Campbell DE Miami (Florida)
The toughest division in football gave us three playoff teams this season, and another team who finished .500. The Jacksonville Jaguars proved to be as good as any team in football with a tenacious defense and a physical running offense. However, the pass defense of Jacksonville is spotty at times and it stems from their inability to get push off the edges. Stroud and Henderson are stout in the middle, as good as any tackles in the league not named Williams. Calais Campbell is another massive defensive linemen who makes his living on the other side of the line of scrimmage. To disrupt teams like the Patriots and the Colts, your defense has to get pressure with your front four. Campbell is an upgrade for the Jags and will help take pressure off of their young secondary.

28. San Diego Chargers (11-5) Needs: MLB,WR,DT,LB,S,RB
Richard Mendenhall RB Illinois
Much like the Giants, the San Diego Chargers are finally playing to their capabilities. When they're healthy, there are not a great deal of holes on this team. Jamaal Williams is getting older and they could use some depth at linebacker, but the value here isn't high at either position. Chris Chambers and Vincent Jackson have really come on, plus they drafted Craig Davis in the first round last year. Mendenhall may be a surprise pick, but the reason LT has played so well for so long has been the play of Michael Turner. Tomlinson is the catalyst for this offense and he needs a breather every now and then. Mendenhall is a physical running back with the speed to break big plays. With those two in the backfield, with Gates and Chambers, this offense would be scary good.


29.Dallas Cowboys (13-3) Needs: DB,DT,MLB,RB,OL
Mario Manningham WR Michigan
Jerry Jones would love to get his hands on one of the first round caliber running backs. Don't be surprised if he snags one with his first pick. However, if he doesn't, he likely will have to wait until the second round to get a running back with any value. Instead, here he will address the offense. Tony Tomo and the offense struggled late in the year. TO is due $3 million, Terry Glenn looks finished, and Patrick Crayton has been inconsistent of late. Regardless of his trip to Cabo, Tono Romo is the QB of this team and he needs some dependability at receiver. Manningham is a big target who makes plays despite not having blinding speed. He needs to get stronger and more physical, but he will give Tony Romeo another option in the passing game.

30. San Francisco 49ers F/ Colts (5-11) Needs: OL,WR,DT,S,OLB
James Hardy WR Indiana
Even though they traded their pick to New England, San Francisco will get Indianapolis' pick here at 30. The 49ers offense anemic last season and new offensive coordinator Mike Martz will be called upon to breath life into a dormant offensive club. James Hardy may not be a Mike Martz guy but he has serious physical tools. At a legitimate 6 foot 7 230+ pounds, Hardy is a huge target with soft hands and a huge wingspan. No corner will be able to jump with him and Hardy will have an immediate impact in the redzone. He will need some work on his footwork and route running as he is a long strider. Alex Smith can help himself regain his rhythm by going down the field to Hardy early and often. That will only open up the run game for Gore and the middle of the field for Vernon Davis.

31. Green Bay Packers (13-3) Needs: S,RB,OL,TE,OLB
Fred Davis TE USC
Brett Favre must have known something we didn't when he said this was the most talented team he'd been apart of. Ryan Grant ran like a man possessed after putting the ball on the tundra twice against Seattle and he is their back of the future. Atari Bigby and Nick Collins have also stepped up considerably since the middle of the season and are making plays for the defense. The Packers could use another athlete at linebacker and depth at offensive line, but picking up an offensive play maker like Fred Davis will be too good to pass up. Davis was the man in the passing game at USC and is the kind of big athletic tight ends who create so many match-up problems. Davis will help Brett and beyond at quarterback in Green Bay, and teamed with Donald Lee could quickly become the best tight end combo in the league.
New England Patriots 16-0
Forfeit pick