April 14, 2008

Round 1

Despite the madness of it, Jake may end up going first. I have a lot of OTs going first round but I feel fine with that given the current rumors that scouts think it's the best class in years and the fact that we have had several drafts where OTs have gone in droves first round. The first 6 picks are the most interesting and will set a lot of the tone for the rest of the way. This time Ryan drops, not McFadden. But I still say he could drop and might. But at this point, it's either the Raiders or Jets I can't see him dropping past them, right now. But I still feel it could happen and you know the Draft. Anything CAN happen.

1. Miami - Jake Long, OT, Michigan
(last mock: same) Again, I acknowledge this isn't a sexy pick. But I think Parcells has done a lot to shore the D up and still has some needs for the O-Line. They don't seem to be all that interested in Ryan at QB. Really, either Long Jake or Chris - is a great pick. The fact that they may be negotiating with both only makes me feel better about it.

2. St. Louis - Chris Long, DE, VA
(last mock: same) Dorsey is a different way to go, so are Ellis and Gholston - and there is chatter any of them might go here. Either way they still need help on the outside, so expect a defensive pick here if Jake Long is off the board

3. Atlanta - Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
(last mock: Matt Ryan, QB, BC) While Ryan had a decent enough Pro Day, I don't think anyone is sold on him and there are several QBs that should be available Flacco, Henne, JD Booty, Josh Johnson to name a few - later on. I think they still have work to do on the Defensive side and if Dorsey checks out healthwise, he'll be a good pick here, even though I hear Coach Smith leans towards bigger DTs that Dorsey is.

4. Oakland - Darren McFadden, RB, ARK
(last mock: Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU) Am I buckling like the proverbial belt to the mass consensus that McFadden is too good to drop? Maybe, but the more I read about it, the more I think this dynamic playmaker could fit here, current bunch or mediocre and hurt RBs aside. Another guy I could see here is Sedrick Ellis even though they resigned Tommy Kelly and have 2 good DLs, I think Ellis would let them move Kelly over to DE and is hot after a rock solid Pro Day.

5. Kansas City - Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State
(last mock: same) Another team that might grab Ryan if he's here. But I think they believe in Croyle a little more than we do and it doesn't matter who they have at QB if that O-line doesn't get fixed. It's a disaster now and they need to do something. I like Clady a little more than Vandy OT Chris Williams, but I think either would be a good pick here.

6. New York Jets - Vernon Gholston, DE, OSU
(last mock: same) Gholston proved a ton at the Combine, then capped it with a great Pro Day. I liked this for their pick before, and he hasn't changed my mind just solidified it. In fact it's gone from "he should be here" to "we hope he's here" If not and if rumored targets Chris Long and McFadden are also gone, it'll be real interesting.

7. New England (from SF) - Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida
(last mock: same) Rodgers-Cromartie might sneak in here instead they seem to really like him and he's shot up draft boards since the Senior Bowl. But Jenkins has proven his ability over a longer time and while he may lack DRC's flash, he gets the job done and done well. Another question with the desperate need for youth in the LB core, could they pick Keith Rivers (USC)? Or trade back to pick him up a few picks later? The mind boggles.

8. Baltimore - Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
(last mock: Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville) They are also looking CB and Oline but if Ryan falls here and I am feeling strongly that he might he'll be a no brainer. Remember that the doubts about Ryan are not whether he is the top Qb but the top pick. And while I don't think he's worthy of the #1 overall, he's definitely top 10 material and a good fit here.

9. Cincinnati - Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
(last mock: Darren McFadden, RB, ARK) In some ways I find it hard to believe Ellis drops this far after his Pro Day. But if the Raiders take McFadden, it could happen. Bully for the Bengals. Only one wrinkle: I hear more and more little rumors about Levi Jones knee and how maybe JUST maybe the Bengals are worried enough to grab a tackle here. Willie Anderson also locked up in a contract recently is battling knee issues as well. Finally - Coach Lewis has stated the lack of run production isn't just the RB's fault. That means O-line. There'll always some wacky pick each year we don't expect could a tackle here be it?

10. New Orleans - Keith Rivers OLB (USC)
(last mock: Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC) Yes they added Vilma. And they might have the inkling to go CB with DRC still around. But Rivers is the top LB stud and assuming he doesn't go earlier will cause havoc along with Vilma for years to come. CB is just deep enough to where they can grab a playmaker later.

11. Buffalo - Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee State
(last mock: Kentwan Balmer, DT , North Carolina) As much as they failed to get a WR to go opposite Lee Evans in Free Agency, there are enough WRs worth a shot at the middle of the pack to go later and with questions to the top guys, they might want to wait. However, DRC has had a great pre-Draft period and would be an incredible playmaking upgrade for the Bills.

12. Denver - Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbuilt
(last mock: Sam Baker, OT, USC) I was a little higher on Baker than most and still am - but Williams has snagged my attention over the last few weeks. While the Donks need help on D and they can go DT in a later round, while O-line will thin out before then. Williams is a smart guy and has impressed in his workouts so far. His intelligence should allow him to adapt to the Zone Blocking system Denver uses in short order.

13. Carolina - Derrick Harvey, DE, Fla
(last mock: Jeff Otah, OT, PITT) I do think they need to draft a tackle within the first few rounds and I almost left Otah here as he would be a great pick but keeping both Wharton and Gross (at least for one year in Gross case) allows them to get a player in Harvey who should bring an immediate impact on the defensive side of the ball, filling another need instead.

14. Chicago - Jeff Otah, OT, PITT
(last mock: Andre Woodson, QB, Kentucky) There are many things the Bears need and while Mendenhall, Stewart and Brohm are temptations, it all starts with the O-line. The Bears have to open holes for a RB and give any QB time to do his thing and Otah could step in and be a cornerstone to build the line on for years to come.

15. Detroit - Philip Merling, DE, Clemson
(last mock: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB,Tennessee State) While they are hoping Harvey will fall to them, it didn't occur here. As consolation prizes go, Merling is a good one he'll get pressure on the QB with his pass rushing skills. Again, RB is a temptation, but it's a deep draft.

16. Arizona - Rashard Mendenhall, RB, ILL
(last mock: same) As I said last time, Edgerrin James won't be here forever but long enough to teach the youngster a few moves. Mendenhall has just a few less toe questions than Stewart. They have bigger needs but Mendenhall is too good a value to pass up here.

17. Minnesota - Calais Campbell, DE, Fla
(last mock: Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida DE was thin even before Kenechi Udeze found out he had leukemia Erasmus Jones has had multiple surgeries to his left knee and despite 38 sacks and an awesome run D, the Vikes could use more help at the position. Campbell will bring fierce pass rush skills to the table and develop into a good DE for them.

18. Houston - Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy
(last mock: John Stewart, RB, Oregon) Dunta Robinson could miss half the season. They signed Jacques Reeves from Dallas, but lost Von Hutchins. They could look to Kenny Phillips at Safety, but with McKelvin still on the board, they'll take care of a position of need with a top prospect.

19. Philadelphia - DeSean Jackson, WR, Cal
(last mock: same) Even though the Eagles don't take WRs since the great Freddie Mitchell incident, I stand by my logic from last time. The Eagles need a playmaking WR very badly. With his special teams ability and talent that I think will make him their #1 WR threat, Jackson is the guy here.

20. Tampa Bay - Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
(last mock: Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma) The tumult around Kelly is exactly what the Bucs would want to avoid, so he's out. Limas Sweed has some questions but is a big, tough WR who can make a difference right away in the offense. Rumor has it Brian Brohm is well loved by Gruden. Wouldn't shock me to see it now.

21. Washington - Gosder Cherilus, OT, BC
(last mock: Limas Sweed, WR, Texas) Washington needs a WR almost as much as Philly, but with Chris Samuels getting old at LT and Jon Jansen getting old and hurt at the RT they need youth at the tackle position and soon. Cherilus needs a little work but will be able to play either side and should be a great addition to the future of the line.

22. Dallas (from Cleveland)- Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona
(last mock: Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy) Only a few weeks from Draft Day and still Dallas trading up for McFadden will not die. I'm one of the folks who say thee NAY! While they are happy with Anthony Henry, there isn't much else there so even with two picks in the next 6, Dallas won't wait to pick up the best CB left on the board.

23. Pittsburgh - Branden Albert, OG, Virginia
(last mock: Gosder Cherius, OT, Boston College) I know I'm not original here but with the straight OT talent mostly gone, Pittsburgh would leap at the chance to grab the top OG in the Draft especially as h could potentially slide over to tackle if need be. While Albert heads a relatively weak Guard class, he's got lots of buzz right now and his versatility should make him very attractive.

24. Tennessee - Early Doucet, WR, LSU
(last mock: same) I still like Doucet's fit in Tennessee and as I said last mock Doucet has the size, quickness and speed to be the perfect weapon for QB Vince Young and while you could argue needs on the D side, I think WR is a more pressing one.

25. Seattle - Fred Davis, TE, USC
(last mock: Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas) Adding Julius Jones has bought them a round or so they don't need to hop on a RB in a panic, focusing instead on replacing Jeremy Stevens- something which Marcus Pollard couldn't come close to last year. Aside from LB, there isn't much value at need for the Hawks and Mike Holmgren wants to go out a winner now to do that he needs a few more playmakers on offense.

26. Jacksonville - Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas
(last mock: Quentin Groves, DE, Auburn) I can't see them going WR this year, not when they have other needs and with the litany of failures they've had drafting WRs. Greg Williams will want a pressure DE and a CB early on this draft and as the top DEs are gone, he should get what he wants at the Corner position. Talib's decision-making skills still need work, but he's a playmaker with great size and speed.

27. San Diego - Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon
(last mock: Christopher Williams, OT, Vanderbilt) San Diego doesn't appear to need much so far. They could go CB, and shore up a need to replace Drayton Florence. O-Line could be a way to go. But if Jonathan Stewart tumbles this far, the Chargers would only be delayed in picking him by fits of joyful giggling. Stewart would fill in quickly for Turner and would develop into a fine replacement down the line for LT.

28. Dallas - Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas
(last mock: Mario Manningham, WR, Michigan) They've locked down a good CB with their first pick, and here they gain a good RB who can compliment Barber fairly quickly. Could go safety here, with Kenny Phillips still around, but Jones might be too good to pass up.

29. San Francisco (from Indy) - Dan Connor, OLB, Penn St.
(last mock: Keith Rivers, OLB, USC) One could debate the need for a WR in San Fran, but there's no way they pass on a top LB prospect if he's sitting here. Set him up next to Willis and wow that defense got even scarier.

30. Green Bay - Kenny Phillips, S, Miami
(last mock: same) The Pack needs a solid safety to compliment some all world (but old) corners. Phillips is the top Safety prospect right now, with strong coverage skills, good size and speed and solid set of smarts. He may not make it this far in which case, look corner or maybe the O-line.

31. New England Patriots FORFEITED

32. New York Giants - Brandon Flowers, CB, VaTech
(last mock: Dan Connor, OLB, Penn St). I could see them reaching a little for someone like Jerod Mayo or a WR, considering Plax is making money rumbles, Toomer is beyond getting up in years and Sinorice Moss looks like a bust. But the secondary needs help the most they won't rest on their laurels. Flowers is a tad undersized but also an extremely physical corner with good man coverage.

Round 2

33. Miami Joe Flacco, QB, Delaware - Again, D moves in FA give Tuna flexibility and he upgrades the QB position. Why not Brohm? I hear BP found true love.

34. St. Louis Malcolm Kelly,WR, Oklahoma - It suddenly got very thin behind Tory Holt.

35. Atlanta Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville - Say Starting QB Harrington or Redman is our future. Yeah, I laughed too.

36. Kansas City Chevis Jackson, CB, LSU - One for the aging D Surtain lost a stepand Ty Law is gone Jackson's ball skills will more than fill the bill.

37. NY Jets Jerod Mayo, ILB, Tenn - A steal at this point and another defensive need filled. Look for value from here on out.

38. Atlanta Sam Baker, OT, USC - Another pick, another need filled since Weiner and Grady both were injured and lost for the season and they have to protect their new investments (Turner and Brohm).

39. Baltimore Patrick Lee, CB, Auburn - Injuries to the CB position showed a huge lack of depth.

40. San Fran James Hardy, WR, Indiana - Martz will need more WRs which works since the 49rs have needed them for a long time.

41. New Orleans Justin King, CB, Penn St - Two words: Jason David. The injury to Ikegwuonu moves King up.

42. Buffalo Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan St. - Thomas skills will loosen things for Evans.

43. Denver Curtis Lofton, ILB, Oklahoma - Not only tough and a big hitter, but smart.

44. Carolina Chad Henne, QB, Michigan - Delhomme might be the answer this year, but not for much longer.

45. Chicago Jamaal Charles, RB, Texas - That ticking is Benson's clock about to strike midnight.

46. Detroit Chris Johnson, RB, E. Carolina - A big play terror who could be the final answer at Running Back for Motown.

47. Cincinnati Xavier Adibi, OLB, Virginia Tech - They're desperate for LB help and Adibi will be a great fit for them.

48. Minnesota Tracy Porter, CB ,Indiana - Good coverage skills that are needed by a pass D that is as bad as the run D is good.

49. Atlanta (from Houston Charles Godfrey, CB, Iowa - A little raw, but aggressive and with good upside.

50. Philadelphia Terrell Thomas, CB, USC - With Sheppard being trade bait, the Eagles will get a CB sooner than later. Thomas needs work, but his size and instincts are good and he could play Safety if need be.

51. Arizona Quentin Groves, DE, Auburn - Laboy was a great addition, but Berry and Okeafor were hurt last year. Groves has solid talent, but some inconsistent play drops him here. Good for the Cards.

52. Washington DE Christopher Ellis, Virgina Tech - Will be a great prospect if he can stay healthy and out of trouble.

53. Tampa Bay Ray Rice, RB, Rutgers - Is Graham the solution? Dunn and Bennett aren?. A tough, smart runner, Rice just might be.

54. Pittsburgh DE Jason Jones, Eastern Michigan - This versatile player (played DT his senior year) can fill any one of several role for the Steelers.

55. Tennessee Trevor Laws, DT, Notre Dame - Should provide run stopping ability, and solidifies a lot of questions behind Haynesworth.

56. Seattle Chico Rachal, OG, USC - Still filling the hole from Hutch's departure.

57. Green Bay Erin Henderson, OLB, Maryland - Henderson plays nasty and the Pack could use a little outside help.

58. Miami (from San Diego) DE Darrell Robertson, Georgia Tech - Will likely start out situational until he adds some bulk, but should fit into the 3-4 well.

59. Jacksonville Kentwan Balmer, DT , North Carolina - Jimmy Kennedy is a stop-gap Balmer is the full measure.

60. Indianapolis Kevin Smith, RB, C. Fla - Indy needs someone to step in if something happens to Addai. Smith has the potential to be a starter or be very productive as a #2.

61. Green Bay John David Booty, QB, USC - While perhaps a bit early, GB goes BPA and Booty is good insurance in case Rodgers can't cut it.

62. Dallas DaJuan Morgan, S, NC State - They didn't get Phillips, but Morgan has the tools to ease the burden of Roy Williams.

63. New England Patriots OLB Tavares Gooden, Miami - A versatile, athletic player who has tons of upside.

64 - NY Giants Mario Manningham, WR, Michigan - Manningham shouldn't drop this far but if he does, the Giants will secure the possibly Plax-less future.