January 29, 2007
1. Miami Dolphins – DE Chris Long, Virginia
The possibility of Bill Parcells being able to move out of this slot and acquire more picks is slim. Chris Long has a great motor and possesses uncanny 3-4 skills. Defensive players that have been selected high in recent years have paid off big time. After gathering 14 sacks in 2007 for the Cavaliers, Long would give the Dolphins a needed boost on the defensive side of the ball. Long may not dominate right away but he definitely has the skills' set it takes to dominate for a long time in the NFL, potential-wise.
2. St. Louis Rams – DT Glenn Dorsey, LSU
The Rams have several major holes to fill, most notably on the defensive and offensive line. Glenn Dorsey would be a great fit for their system. Packing him and last year's first round pick Adam Carriker together in the middle of the front seven would go along way for the Rams defensively. The Rams were 20th against the run and 27th in rushing scores allowed in 2007. Drafting Michigan's OT Jake Long makes sense too but he may be a reach at second overall.
3. Atlanta Falcons* – DT Sedrick Ellis, USC
After an incredible week at the Senior Bowl where Ellis dominated the trenches, look for his stock to increase as he can be expected to land with Atlanta. New HC Mike Smith is a defensive-driven guy that has to know that defense sets the tone when rebuilding a franchise. After a down year for a Falcons defense that is usually stout against the run, Ellis will strengthen up the core of the defensive front line. After cutting DT Gandy for no apparent reason, the Falcons finished 7th worst against the run.
4. Oakland Raiders* – RB Darren McFadden, Arkansas
The Raiders are in a position where they must address several key areas on offense and defense yet can still take the best overall athlete available. With RB Justin Fargas becoming an unrestricted free agent and RBs Dominic Rhodes and LaMont Jordan bailing, look for owner Al Davis & company pursue another athletic freak. McFadden will also give young QB JaMarcus Russell another weapon on offense. Jake Long and Vernon Gholston are possibilities here too.
5. Kansas City Chiefs* – OT Jake Long, Michigan
Kansas City has to walk away smiling if they can snag Jake Long. Most likely, he should be available and the Chiefs can finally begin to reconstruct another formidable offensive line compared to the wreck they put together in 2007. Kansas City finished dead last in rushing after consecutive seasons in the top ten with RBs Priest Holmes and Larry Johnson. Long can become a franchise left tackle for a franchise that has been known to put offensive linemen into the Hall of Fame (Mike Webster) or on Canton's waiting list.
6. New York Jets – DE Vernon Gholston, Ohio State
Once again, the Jets find themselves in a prime position to grab the best available prospect at the most important position pertaining to their needs. Physically, Gholston could be the cover boy for Gold’s Gym yet on the field, he is one of the more underappreciated pass rusher’s in this draft. He would fit in well with the Jets’ 3-4 scheme as well as help the boys in green improve on their 25th ranking in sacks for 2007.
7. New England Patriots (from SF) – CB Mike Jenkins, South Florida
Jenkins is easily the best cover guy in this draft. He has ideal size and speed but when in isolation, he looks like a pro-ready defensive back with his head turned back to the ball and arms extended. He has garnished little publicity so far but come draft day, he will get a big paycheck but not as big as Asante Samuel will cash in with on the free agent market. New England could pursue Ryan Clady, Keith Rivers, Jeff Otah, or trade out of this pick.
8. Baltimore Ravens – OT Ryan Clady, Boise State
This pick may surprise some people but future Hall of Fame OT Jonathan Ogden is finished and Baltimore will be in a complete rebuilding mode. One thing is for sure – I am all for the Ravens acquiring a dependable veteran QB albeit giving second-year QB Troy Smith a chance to progress even further. Will they do such? Probably not but with the free-fall of QBs, look for them to grab one later on. Clady is a menace to defenders and has quick enough footwork to lay the hammer down on pass rushers.
9. Cincinnati Bengals – OLB Keith Rivers, USC
The Bengals need a boost in strength along the interior of the defensive line but they will not get good value here with guys like Kentwan Balmer and Pat Sims. With that said, look for the Bengals to turn in the direction of Keith Rivers. Rivers can be explosive from the outside. His run-stopping is an added plus too for a Bengals squad that finished near the bottom of the league in total defense. A defensive back is not really a possibility as they have drafted one in the first round the last two years.
10. New Orleans Saints – CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Tennessee State
The Saints will be looking to upgrade their secondary after missing out on the same opportunity in last year’s draft. New Orleans finished 28th against the pass plus gave up a league worst 32 touchdowns via the air. Rodgers-Cromartie, cousin of San Diego’s star CB Antonio Cromartie, had a stellar Senior Bowl week where he dominated the secondary and imposed on WRs routes. This guy was almost unheard of in September but the talent he beholds is unprecedented.
11. Buffalo Bills – WR James Hardy, Indiana
There is no reason for Hardy not to be considered as the WR with the most upside in this year’s draft. Buffalo would finally give their second year QB a viable red zone threat and possession receiver all-in-one. Granted, Indiana has not been a pipeline for NFL talent but a guy like Hardy doesn’t come around too often. He would be just the third WR taken in the first round since 1990. The other two WRs are no slouches either, Eric Moulds (1996) and Lee Evans (2004).
12. Denver Broncos – OT Jeff Otah, Pittsburgh
All of a sudden, Denver needs someone to anchor down the left side of the offensive line. Otah, a very raw but powerful blocker may need to refine his technique in run-blocking, plus he may be a bit heavy for the zone blocking scheme, but he would be a great fit for Denver when it comes to potential. Ironically enough though, the retirement of OT Matt Lepsis may benefit the Broncos in the long run as they finally get an opportunity to draft a franchise LT as long as he doesn’t bust like George Foster.
13. Carolina Panthers – QB Matt Ryan, Boston College
While it may seem unfathomable for the top quarterback in this year’s draft to fall this far, it is still very likely, all depending on which direction Baltimore goes at number eight. The future for Carolina isn’t very bright as they are aging as a team but grooming a young QB behind Jake Delhomme may end up saving HC John Fox’s job down the road. Youngster Matt Moore has shown flashes but comparisons between him and Tony Romo are unfair at this point and Ryan would fit in with the Panthers offense.
14. Chicago Bears – S Kenny Phillips, Miami Fl.
The Bears defense used to give opponents a headache but last year they relapsed and finished 27th against the pass. Phillips is a prototypical Cover-2 safety with much greater upside than Adam Archuleta. He has good closing speed and usually takes the right angle. When it comes to coverage, he is no Roy Williams. By that I mean that he will do his part in protecting well when a cornerback gets isolated. The Bears need a safety with a good change of direction.
15. Detroit Lions – RB Jonathan Stewart, Oregon
After tearing his ACL, RB Kevin Jones faces a long rehab in which he may not be ready for the 2008 season. HC Rod Marinelli has stated that the Lions may be in the market for a new RB anyways as Kevin Jones injury could take the same turn that Domanick Davis-Williams’ did a couple of years ago for Houston. Stewart isn’t very flashy as a runner but he hits the pocket hard and has the ideal frame for a pro-ready RB. The Lions do need help on the offensive line and could pursue that here as well.
16. Arizona Cardinals – RB Rashard Mendenhall, Illinois
To the eye of the beholder, this pick may not make much sense but with RB Edgerrin James set to make $5 million this year, a year or two beyond his prime, look for Arizona to make a move with James and draft a young, accomplished back that can do all. Mendenhall is a powerful runner that may look stiff at times but he catches the ball well and gets to the edge despite having a bulky frame. HC Ken Whisenhunt has already been quoted as saying that if he can land an ideal RB, he will part ways with James.
17. Minnesota Vikings – CB Aqib Talib, Kansas
Most mock drafts have the Vikings grabbing a WR here. Well, the Vikings offense hasn’t been nearly as bad as its secondary has been over the last couple of seasons. They can pursue a WR later or in free agency. Minnesota has finished dead last in pass defense in 2007 & 2006. Talib, a shifty playmaker from Kansas has the potential to come in and contribute right away for the Vikings. When he can get his hands on the ball, he makes plays plus he is under evaluated when it comes to being isolated with WRs.
18. Houston Texans – CB Leodis McKelvin, Troy
Houston has been commonly tabbed as a team that will draft a RB in the first round. Well, I hate to break the news but HC Kubiak comes from the Shanahan family tree where the belief system is that RBs are a dime a dozen. After finishing 8-8, look for Houston to beef up their secondary and sequentially improve their defense on all cylinders. McKelvin has seen his stock rise tremendously since November and through out the Senior Bowl where he looked like a pro-ready ballhawker.
19. Philadelphia Eagles – DE Calais Campbell, Miami Fl.
The Philadelphia Eagles front seven play improved tremendously in 2007 and finished 9th in the NFL in sacks, primarily due to the success of DE Trent Cole. Still, Tony Romo, Jason Campbell, and Eli Manning were found to sit comfortable in the pocket as DEs Juqua Thomas and Victor Abiamiri struggled to get into the pocket. DE Jevon Kearse has likely seen his last day as an Eagle too. The Eagles need help at WR but usually avoid them in the first round plus need to find a replacement for OT John Runyan.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – OT Gosder Cherilus, Boston College
Tampa Bay’s offensive line did a decent job in 2007 despite suffering from the injury bug. Cherilus is the type of tackle that may not have a killer instinct but where he lacks in that department, he makes up for with his size, strength, and awareness. The Bucs could go in a variety of directions with this pick, like filling their void at WR or continuing their youth movement on defense. Regardless, the Bucs are sitting pretty without too many holes to fill yet with as many options as anyone else in this draft.
21. Washington Redskins – WR Malcolm Kelly, Oklahoma
The Washington Redskins know that they lack a true playmaker on offense. Santana Moss can hurt defenses but he lacks a true compadre at WR to take the pressure and double coverage off of him. Kelly may end up being a project that could yield great results in a year or two as his route running and technique needs worked on but at the end of the day, he has more upside than WR Brandon Lloyd ever possessed.
22. Dallas Cowboys (from CLE) – RB Felix Jones, Arkansas
All of the buzz surrounding the Cowboys is that owner Jerry Jones wants a RB from Arkansas. That may be the case, but as a businessman, Jones would take the best RB available instead of one from his alum. But, with the ever elusive Felix Jones still on the board, owner Jerry Jones can get what he wants. RB Julius Jones will be an unrestricted free agent and Marion Barber may attract a ton of money despite being a restricted free agent.
23. Pittsburgh Steelers – OT Chris Williams, Vanderbilt
The Pittsburgh Steelers have more holes than one would think but most importantly, they have to find guys that can protect their franchise QB Ben Roethlisberger. Chris Williams is a strong but steady pass rusher that may need help in run blocking. He is intelligent and has leadership qualities. Williams has never caught a case of the injury bug, making him that much more durable plus he has experience at guard as well.
24. Tennessee Titans – WR DeSean Jackson, California
The Titans offense regressed incredibly in 2007. QB Vince Young looked terrible, in all honesty, and a WR will not immediately solve his problems but it could help. Jackson is a multi-dimensional threat that is explosive on special teams. As a matter of fact, whether it is as a return man or as a receiver, if he has an open field in front of him, he can make any defender miss. Jackson possesses tremendous upside for the Titans but it will be a matter of whether or not they can get the ball to him.
25. Seattle Seahawks – OT Sam Baker, USC
At an earlier point of this past football season, Baker was being hailed as the only prospect that can compare to Michigan’s Jake Long. Well is that so? No. He is more finesse than grit but will be a hot commodity due to his upside, keeping him in the first round of this draft. Seattle is another team pegged to take a RB early but with the depth of the class, look for them to address a bigger need, like the offensive line, and then pursue a RB later in the draft.
26. Jacksonville Jaguars – DE Phillip Merling, Clemson
Merling has quietly risen of the draft boards of many teams. He may not have the tools to start immediately but after watching him on film, he may possess more intangibles than former Tiger DE Gaines Adams (2006 First Rounder). Merling uses his hands well and is quick off of the snap. Despite rostering last year’s 4th round pick Brian Smith, the Jaguars still will look at bolstering their defensive line. Merling’s stock is continuing to rise and it will deflate Florida’s DE Derrick Harvey’s stock a bit.
27. San Diego Chargers – DT Kentwan Balmer, North Carolina
While a safety may seem plausible, the Bolts will need to add depth behind NT Jamal Williams. Balmer is a trendy late first round prospect that may need to work on his fundamentals on the next level. He has the size and strength to hold down the interior of the line but has been inconsistent in stopping the run. San Diego became weaker against the run in 2007, falling to 16th compared to finishing 7th against it the year before.
28. Dallas Cowboys – CB Antoine Cason, Arizona
The trendy pick here for Dallas has been a WR but Dallas hasn’t taken one in the first round since 1993 (Kevin Williams). As a matter of fact, the last WR they even drafted in the first three rounds was Antonio Bryant in 2002. They have Terrell Owens returning. They gave Patrick Crayton a sizable contract extension plus TE Jason Witten, Romo’s favorite target, is still wearing a star on his helmet. The Cowboys finished 13th against the pass in 2007 but it was a year where CB Henry overachieved.
29. San Francisco 49ers (from IND) – WR Mario Manningham, Michigan
The 49ers passing offense finished last in total yards, 26th in touchdowns thrown, and last in passer rating. This can be attributed to the apparent regression of QB Alex Smith (plus his injuries) and having to start QBs Shaun Hill, Trent Dilfer, and Chris Weinke. The fact is though, they have brought OC Mike Martz in to turn things around offensively and they will need a playmaker at the WR position. Manningham has the frame of a WR1 and he runs good routes. He goes and gets the ball as well.
30. Green Bay Packers – OLB Dan Connor, Penn State
The Green Bay Packers do not have many holes to fill but they could upgrade at LB with Dan Connor. Connor could step in and immediately replace OLB Poppinga. Connor has been deemed to not be very athletic but if anything should be questioned, it is just his strength. Connor is versatile enough to play inside or out plus get to the quarterback. As we seen at the Senior Bowl, Connor has soft hands and is a threat to pick off tipped pass at the line.
31. New York Giants – WR Early Doucet, LSU
The New York Giants may be seeing an emergence in WR Steve Smith but he will not fill the void Amani Toomer will leave when he retires. Doucet plays the position in similar fashion to Arizona’s Anquan Boldin. Eli Manning is finally beginning to look like a franchise QB and giving him another weapon to exploit the defenses in the NFC East with could go along way to consecutive seasons of being Super Bowl contenders in the future.
32. New England Patriots – Pick Forfeited
Round Two
33. Miami Dolphins – CB Tracy Porter, Indiana
Miami finished 4th against the pass in 2007 but finished in the bottom five of passing touchdowns allowed.
34. St. Louis Rams – OT Chad Rinehart, Northern Iowa
St. Louis can address this need with a fast-rising, small school frontline bully.
35. Atlanta Falcons – QB Chad Henne, Michigan
The Falcons can find the face of their offense with this pick.
36. Oakland Raiders – DT Pat Sims, Auburn
He beefs up the interior of the defensive line plus replaces Warren Sapp.
37. Kansas City Chiefs – ILB Jerod Mayo, Tennessee
Mayo would push Napolean Harris down on the depth chart.
38. New York Jets – OLB Erin Henderson, Maryland
Imagine a LB corps consisting of Jonathan Vilma, Davis Harris, and Erin Henderson.
39. San Francisco 49ers – DE Derrick Harvey, Florida
Gives the 49ers another guy that can hopefully get after the quarterback.
40. Baltimore Ravens – QB Brian Brohm, Louisville
Doesn’t cost as much as a first rounder plus intensifies a camp battle with McNair and Smith.
41. Cincinnati Bengals – DT Marcus Harrison, Arkansas
Very underrated, determined tackle that could be an all-pro in no time.
42. New Orleans Saints – OLB Tavares Gooden, Miami Fl.
Immediately upgrades a down-trodden group of LBs that overachieved 2 years ago.
43. Buffalo Bills – CB Patrick Lee, Auburn
Adds depth to a young and talented secondary that hasn’t reached their full potential yet.
44. Denver Broncos – DT Dre Moore, Maryland
Bulks up the Broncos defense and hopefully improves the run defense. Fills gaps well.
45. Carolina Panthers – S DaJuan Morgan, North Carolina State
Improves the mediocre secondary in Carolina that allowed 22 touchdowns through the air.
46. Chicago Bears – OLB Ali Highsmith, LSU
Fills the void left if/when LB Lance Briggs darts from the Windy City.
47. Detroit Lions – OG Chilo Rachal, USC
Gives the Lions another body to compete and hopefully protect the QB.
48. Arizona Cardinals – CB Charles Godfrey, Iowa
This pick will make it easier to move Antrel Rolle to safety.
49. Minnesota Vikings – DE Quentin Groves, Auburn
The run defense has been terrific but sacking the QB is another thing.
50. Atlanta Falcons (from HOU) – OT Barry Richardson, Clemson
Built well, physically gifted, a true prospect that could rise this April.
51. Philadelphia Eagles – S Reggie Smith, Oklahoma
Lets the Eagles get quicker in the secondary by dumping S Sean Considine.
52. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – WR Limas Sweed, Texas
May not be the speed threat they would want but he will replace Galloway.
53. Washington Redskins – S Marcus Griffin, Texas
Another prospect that may not last around this long. Replaces the late Sean Taylor.
54. Cleveland Browns – CB Justin King, Penn State
Cleveland’s pass defense was terrible. King + Eric Wright is nice foundation for the future.
55. Pittsburgh Steelers – DE Cliff Avril, Purdue
A perfect fit for the 3-4 scheme. Comes from a long line of Boilermaker speed rushers.
56. Tennessee Titans - DE Lawrence Jackson, USC
Improves the Titans defensive line. Could go DT if Haynesworth moves on.
57. Seattle Seahawks – TE Fred Davis, USC
Will lose WR D.J. Hackett to free agency. Gives Hasselbeck a target for the red zone.
58. Jacksonville Jaguars – CB Brandon Flowers, Virginia Tech
Gives the Jaguars another defensive back with strong upside.
59. Miami Dolphins (from SD) – ILB Curtis Lofton, Oklahoma
Lofton would be another good piece to a newly installed 3-4 scheme.
60. Dallas Cowboys – WR Adarius Bowman, Oklahoma State
With the upside he possesses, he will not fall as far as some people think.
61. Indianapolis Colts – OLB Xavier Adibi, Virginia Tech
Gives HC Dungy another LB that he can use to exploit opponents’ weaknesses with.
62. Green Bay Packers – CB Chevis Jackson, LSU
Al Harris isn’t getting any younger, neither is Woodson.
63. New York Giants – DT Frank Okam, Texas
Would make the Giants’ interior a bigger threat and relieve pressure off of the DEs.
64. New England Patriots – OLB Shawn Crable, Michigan
Not sure if he will excel as an OLB or DE but could be utilized well for 3-4.
Round Three
65. Miami Dolphins – QB Andre Woodson, Kentucky
66. St. Louis Rams – OG Kerry Brown, Appalachian State
67. Atlanta Falcons – RB Kevin Smith, Central Florida
68. New England Patriots (from OAK) – ILB Jonathan Goff, Vanderbilt
69. Kansas City Chiefs – S Thomas DeCoud, California
70. New York Jets – WR Donnie Avery, Houston
71. San Francisco 49ers – OT Carl Nicks, Nebraska
72. Buffalo Bills (from BAL) – DE Chris Ellis, Virginia Tech
73. Cincinnati Bengals – RB Chris Johnson, East Carolina
74. New Orleans Saints – S Craig Steltz, LSU
75. Buffalo Bills – OLB Phillip Wheeler, Georgia Tech
76. Minnesota Vikings (from DEN) – WR Davonne Bess, Hawaii
77. Carolina Panthers – DE Darrell Robertson, Georgia Tech
78. Chicago Bears – RB Ray Rice, Rutgers
79. Detroit Lions – CB Terrell Thomas, USC
80. Arizona Cardinals – OG Brandon Albert, Virginia
81. Minnesota Vikings – S Tom Zbikowski, Notre Dame
82. Houston Texans – RB Jamaal Charles, Texas
83. Philadelphia Eagles – OT Oneil Cousins, UTEP
84. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – RB Tashard Choice, Georgia Tech
85. Washington Redskins – DT DeMario Pressley, North Carolina State
86. Cleveland Browns – RB Matt Forte, Tulane
87. Pittsburgh Steelers – S Jamar Adams, Michigan
88. Tennessee Titans – ILB J Leman, Illinois
89. Seattle Seahawks – FB Peyton Hillis, Arkansas
90. Jacksonville Jaguars – WR Devin Thomas, Michigan State
91. Chicago Bears (from SD) – QB Joe Flacco, Delaware
92. Dallas Cowboys – S Josh Barrett, Arizona State
93. Indianapolis Colts – TE John Carlson, Notre Dame
94. Green Bay Packers – OT Heath Benedict, Newberry
95. New York Giants – CB Trae Williams, South Florida
96. New England Patriots – OG Roy Scheuning, Oregon State
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, I can be contacted at [email protected].
