UPDATE: 2008 Mock NFL Draft - Version 2.0 has been posted!
So here is my first mock NFL draft for 2008. Obviously, things will change as the draft order shifts and certain players go up or down in my rankings. I plan on updating these rankings a couple more tims before the actual draft - then do live draft updates at the draft here in NYC.
1) Miami Dolphins - Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
Where to start? With a team that looks to break the wrong kind of record you need much more help then what one person can provide. The Dolphins have a need on both sides of the line as well as at QB. My suggestion and predication will be that the Dolphins trade down in order to get more - but if they stay with picking first they will go with the best Defensive player available.
2) New England Patriots (via SF) - Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
On the flip side to the Dolphins, what does a team like the Patriots need? I wouldn’t be surprised to see them trade this pick for future considerations. However, if they do stay at #2 they have some good choices. My top 2 picks for the Patriots would be either McFadden or OT Jake Long. McFadden would split carries with Maroney - giving them a nice two-back option.
3) New York Jets - Chris Long, DE, Virginia
The Jets would be wise to go with Jake Long but I don’t think that would go over well with the Jet faithful. That being said, the Jets have an opportunity to make a decent splash with a young, explosive playmaker with either Chris Long or James Laurinaitis - both players would fit well into Mangini’s defensive mindset. My choice in a coin toss is Howie’s son.
4) Atlanta Falcons - Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville
I don’t think I need to go into this one to much. Brohm is the top QB in the draft and Atlanta needs one for some strange reason.
5) St. Louis rams - Jake Long, OT, Michigan
Orlando Pace is getting old and the entire offensive line has been sketchy all season. The Rams are praying no one takes Long before they have a chance.
6) Cincinnati Bengal’s - James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio State
This is another toss up for me - the Bengal’s will go Defensive but could go with either Laurinaitis or Sedrick Ellis. I am going with the former based on raw talent and work ethic (which the Bengal’s need more of).
7) Oakland Raiders - Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
Sedrick Ellis will have a immediate impact with the Raiders and will drastically improve an aging and overmatched defensive line. I am a hunch that the Raiders might be one of the teams looking to move up, possibly for a shot at Dorsey.
8 ) Kansas City Chiefs - Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
With no WR worth drafting at this spot the Cheifs can go QB or OT. I pick QB since that is one of their biggest question marks. I also see the Chiefs making a move to either draft higher or lower - to many needs, to little picks.
9) Baltimore Ravens - Andre Woodson, QB, Kentucky
McNair is just not what he used to be, the Ravens would prefer Matt Ryan but will take Woodson as he is the next best QB available.
10) New Orleans Saints - Calais Campbell, DE, Miami
Campbell has pure raw talent, he could benefit from staying another year but if he comes out some team with major D needs will take a risk on him…so why not the saints?
11) Houston Texans - Malcolm Jenkins, DB, Ohio State
Jenkins will need to work on his footwork and coverage but he is a burner who loves to make picks. Taking Jenkins will give the Texans a impressive secondary worthy of a fantasy football pick for starting D.
12) Denver Broncos - Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State
Clady is going to be a top OT in for many years, he has great strength, good footwork and is just plain massive. The Broncos will take this pick and upgrade the O-line in hopes of bringing back that feared running attack of years past.
13) Carolina Panthers - Keith Rivers, LB, USC
Rivers brings leadership, energy, instinct and quickness - but I question his overall talent at the next level. I lean towards the Panthers taking a flyer on him but if Carolina passes on Rivers I would expect them to go with Miami safety Kenny Phillips.
14) Chicago Bears - Sam Baker, OT, USC
The biggest question mark for the Bears is at QB, but there isn’t one worth picking up at this spot. If the Bears want a QB they will have to trade up and go after Ryan, Brohm or Woodson. With that being said, without a QB to draft the bears will go O-line. Some people question if Baker is ready for the NFL, I think so.
15) Philadelphia Eagles - Kenny Phillips, S, Miami
The Eagles need a WR but I think DeSean Jackson doesn’t fit in Philly so I am going with the best safety which is a big need for the Eagles.
16) Washington Redskins - DeSean Jackson, WR, Cal
The Redskins will be glad to take the top WR in the draft at #15. Jackson is a dynamic player that can play various roles. He will add some much needed speed (if he can remain healthy) and playmaking from day one.
17) Arizona Cardinals - Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College
Arizona is a team that has some good talent but just needs to fill a couple holes. Drafting a OT will be one of them - so the question becomes which one is available.
18) Buffalo Bills - Reggie Smith, DB, Oklahoma
Reggie Smith is a player in the mold of Jenkins who can make a big play at any time - exactly what the Bills need.
19) Minnesota Vikings - Ali Highsmith, LB, LSU
With the Vikings biggest need being QB and no one worth taking this high it makes sense for them to go with a proven defensive talent. Highsmith, once he bulks up a bit, will be a big time player after a season or two.
20) Detroit Lions - Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh
This is shaping to be the year of the o-lineman. Detroit is yet another team that needs a big upgrade at OT and you cant spell Otah without OT (sorry).
21) Dallas Cowboys (via Cle) - Malcom Kelly, WR, Oklahoma
A OT would be a great pick here for the ‘Boys but I cant do it. Second choice would be WR, Kelly is almost a T.O clone and can learn a lot from him.
22) Tennessee Titans - Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
Vince Young needs a WR. No check that, Vince Young needs WR’s (plural!).
23) San Diego Chargers - Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida
Luck has Harvey falling this far to San Diego. Harvey could stand to get another years experience under his belt but with some time in the weight room and condition guidance he could be really good.
24) Seattle Seahawks - Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon
Too many questions at running back in Seattle, answer some of them by drafting Stewart.
25) Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Aqib Talib, DB, Kansas
Size? Check. Toughness? Check. Ball skills? Check. Big play making ability? Check.
26) New York Giants - Mike Jenkins, DB, South Florida
Jenkins is a perfect example of what an extra year can do for you. He will come into eh league as starter and be a top DB for years to come.
27) Jacksonville Jaguars - Dan Connor, LB, Penn State
Connor is one of those players that people question whether or not he is ready for the NFL. At 27 it is worth taking a guy with all the fundamentals and will leave it all on the field every Sunday.
28) Pittsburgh Steelers - Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi
Not another o-lineman! Ugh. Well that is the biggest need for the Steelers. If Oher comes out this is a no-brainer for the boys in steel-town.
29) Green Bay Packers - Steve Slaton, RB, West Virginia
Another team with a lot of questions t running back. If Ryan Grant is for real then the Packers can use Slaton as a return man or change of pace back.
30) San Francisco (via Ind) - Early Doucet, WR, LSU
How pissed at the 49′ers? Come on do the Patriots really need the #2 pick? Well they got it and San Fran is at #30…for now at least. At the 30th pick take a risk on someone like Doucet who could be the next Stever Smith.
31) Dallas Cowboys - Vernon Gholston, DE/OLB, Ohio State
Not sure if Gholston fits the biggest needs for the Cowboys but he is a great pick at #31.
Version 2.0 of my 2008 Mock NFL Draft will go live the first week of January after all of the bowl games have been played.
