NFL Mock Draft, Version 2
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by JMFlyer1454
The 2008 NFL Draft is still over 180 days away. I've reviewed my first version and made some significant changes. I also have added why they should make the pick and who else they may consider. Again, I am not an expert on all college or NFL teams. Leave me comments so that I can consider them for Version 3, which I will create after Week 12. The draft order was determined by reverse order of the current NFL standings. The Miami Dolphins are on the clock...
| Pick | Team | Player (Position, College) | Why? | Will Also Consider... |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | Glenn Dorsey (DT, LSU) | The Miami Dolphins need help almost everywhere but the defense has been the surprise weak spot. Keith Traylor is way past his prime and Vonnie Holliday is more suited for DE, not NT, in a 3-4 defense. They need secondary help but no defensive backs warrant the #1 pick. Dorsey is a mammoth playmaker for LSU. He's the best choice for Miami even though Darren McFadden is viewed as the best player available. The last time a DT was taken #1 overall was in 1994 by the Cincinnati Bengals (Dan Wilkinson, Ohio State). | Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
Chris Long, DE, Virginia |
| 2 |  | Jake Long (OT, Michigan) | The root of the problems for the St. Louis Rams is lack of protection for Marc Bulger. Orlando Pace is one of the best tackles in the league but he has been injured for the past two years. A replacement is needed. They cam team Long with RT Alex Barron and have a steady offensive line for the foreseeable future. | Calais Campbell, DE, Miami
Chris Long, DE, Virginia Kenny Phillips, S, Miami |
| 3 |  | Darren McFadden (RB, Arkansas) | Is RB the position that the Jets need to fill the most? Probably not. But with Adrian Peterson sending shockwaves through the NFL week after week teams will be tempted to find a comparison. Many "experts" felt McFadden could be drafted in the top 5 last year, after his sophomore campaign. There is little doubt that he will most likely be the number one rated prospect before the draft begins. Unfortunately for him, the Dolphins (Ronnie Brown) and Rams (Steven Jackson) do not need a RB. The Jets get quite a steal and shore up a position that has been mediocre since 2004 (the last significant season from Curtis Martin). | Chris Long, DE, Virginia
Calais Campbell, DE, Miami Keith Rivers, OLB, USC |
| 4 |  | Brian Brohm (QB, Louisville) | The Falcons have more problems than just QB. But its is the most prolific and significant position in football. Joey Harrington and Byron Leftwich aren't the long-term answers. Michael Vick is most likely finished in Atlanta and possibly in the NFL in general. Atlanta's shortcomings isn't just Harrington's/Leftwich's fault. The offensive line is decimated with injuries, too. | Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
Andre Woodson, QB, Kentucky Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State |
| 5 |  | Kenny Phillips (S, Miami) | The Saints are starting to show some signs of life. I'd be willing to bet that they don't pick 5th overall in April but that's where they currently sit. If they were in this position, the secondary must get the attention. Jason David has been an immense disappointment and Mike McKenzie is getting older. Teaming Phillips with Josh Bullocks could create quite the safety duo. | Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
Keith Rivers, OLB, USC |
| 6 |  | Chris Long (DE, Virginia) | The Raiders have shown steady improvement offensively behind Daunte Culpepper. While not the offensive juggernaut that the Colts and Patriots are, they have improved. They need some help along the offensive line and at WR but one of the best players in the draft is still available. So they go with him. Chris Long is more than likely the 2nd best player in the 2008 draft (after McFadden). The Raiders need a ferocious pass rusher that can also stop the run. Drafting Long allows the Raiders to move Tommy Kelly back into DT. And wouldn't it be sweet for Chris to play for the same team as his father Howie Long? | Calais Campbell, DE, Miami
Keith Rivers, OLB, USC Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State |
| 7 |  | Calais Campbell (DE, Miami) | Opposite of the Saints, I expect Buffalo to be a bit lower (around 3rd or 4th) when all is said and done. But for now, here they are. At seven they still fill a huge need, selecting DE Calais Campbell out of 'Da U'. Campbell will rush opposite underrated Aaron Schobel and help restore Buffalo's defense that lost many key starters this past offseason (Nate Clements, London Fletcher, Takeo Spikes). | Keith Rivers, OLB, USC
DeSean Jackson, WR, California James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio State |
| 8 |  | Sedrick Ellis (DT, USC) | I think it is quite obvious that the Cincinnati Bengals need all the help they can on get defense. Sedrick Ellis has become the second best DT prospect available, beating out Frank Okam from Texas and DeMario Pressley of North Carolina State. The Bengals have one of the worst front sevens in the league (except for DE Justin Smith, who happens to be a free agent after this year). Who Dey could easily grab one of the linebackers, too. Regardless, this pick SHOULD be defense. | Keith Rivers, OLB, USC
James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio State Dan Connor, ILB, Penn State |
| 9 |  | Keith Rivers (OLB, USC) | The Eagles are my pick for 'Underachiever of the Year' so far. Even more so than the Saints. The team is blessed with a solid offensive line, a more than capable QB, and scatback Brian Westbrook. Yet they are only 2-4. There is plenty of time to rebound, something the Eagles are quite good at. The LB corp has been dismal for the last few years, even when Jeremiah Trotter was in town. The acquisition of Takeo Spikes helped but he is over 30. I like Omar Gaither more than some do but the other spot remians devoid of playmakers. Rivers would fit in this spot rather nicely. | Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State
James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio State Dan Connor, ILB, Penn State |
| 10 |  | Matt Ryan (QB, Bostn College) | Tarvaris Jackson doesn't impose fear on any defenses. Brad Childress and the Minnesota Vikings organization must come to realize that he is, at best, a backup. With the emergence of Adrian Peterson the Vikings need a QB more than anything. Matt Ryan may end up being the best QB in the 2008 draft and I was tempted to have Bobby Petrino take him over Brian Brohm. Alas, Ryan falls and the Vikings have a formidable 1-2 punch in Ryan and Peterson. | Andre Woodson, QB, Kentucky
DeSean Jackson, WR, California Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State |
| 11 |   | James Laurinaitis (ILB, Ohio State) | It seems that every year draft pundits have the Patriots selecting a defensive back and linebacker. With good reason. Despite their talented starters, depth is an issue and has been for a few years. The LB corp has some depth to it, but the majority of their players are on the wrong side of 30. Tedy Bruschi, Mike Vrabel, and Junior Seau could all retire if the Patriots win the Super Bowl this year. That would certainly put a damper on the LB position. Laurinaitis took over for A.J. Hawk when he left and didn't miss a beat. Hopefully this pick doesn't turn out to be like the last Ohio State LB they drafted in the first round (Andy Katzenmoyer, 1999). | Dan Connor, ILB, Penn State
Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas |
| 12 |  | Derrick Harvey (DE/OLB, Florida) | The Cardinals are slowly making a transition to a multiple defense team, incorporating the 3-4 from former Pittsburgh assistants Ken Whisenhunt and Russ Grimm. The Cardinals currently have Antonio Smith, a 4th year player out of Oklahoma State, and Bertrand Berry at DE. Smith has played decent but has not dominated. Berry is a pass rushing specialist that is a liability against the run. Someone new is needed. Derrick Harvey is considered a better NFL prospect than former teammate and current Bronco Jarvis Moss was (he went 17th overall last year). If the Cardinals staff thinks Harvey would be a better OLB (he is considered a 'tweener), then they can move him there. After all, LB is another area of need since Calvin Pace and Karlos Dansby are eligible for unrestricted free agency this offseason. | Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State
Dan Connor, ILB, Penn State |
| 13 |  | Ryan Clady (OT, Boise State) | Ryan Clady is finally off the board. A lot of teams are looking for offensive line help but it seems that they must fill a bigger need somewhere else. Clady will fill a big need along the Texans line and help protect Matt Schaub. Eric Winston has come into his own this year and, when paired with Clady, will finally assure the Texans that they won't give up the most sacks. | Jonathan Stewart, RB Oregon
Steve Slaton, RB, West Virginia DeSean Jackson, WR, California |
| 14 |  | Andre Woodson (QB, Kentucky) | Although Brian Griese has played decent these past two weeks he is obviously not the long-term solution. Neither is Rex Grossman who will leave town as a free agent (but who would want him?). Andre Woodson was being touted as the best QB available a few weeks ago, specifically after outdueling Brian Brohm. But his stock took a hit after unimpressive losses against South Carolina and Florida. But because he plays in the best college football conference and has played well against top teams (LSU), he is definitely worth a first round selection. | DeSean Jackson, WR, California |
| 15 |  | Dan Connor (ILB, Penn State) | The Denver Broncos could easily be 0-6 at this point in the season (thank you Jason Elam!). The influx of new players just hasn't worked for Mike Shanahan and company so far. The team is young and had a solid draft in 2007 (DE Jarvis Moss, DE Tim Crowder, DT Marcus Thomas). The experiment to place former OLB D.J. Williams in the middle has been a disaster. As the MLB he can't use his athleticism and speed as much and is a bit undersized. Importing another playmaking LB is a must and Dan Connor fits that mold. It may be possible that Connor also moves to OLB (a position he played in two of his four years at Penn State). Regardless, Connor is thought by many to be a better pro prospect than Paul Posluszny was last year. 'Linebacker U' continues to produce (be on the look out for Sean Lee next year). | DeSean Jackson, WR, California
Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma |
| 16 |   | DeSean Jackson (WR, California) | The Cowboys probably would have liked for this pick to be higher, with a chance to grab Kenny Phillips. But the Browns have been playing much better and this may end up being their final resting place. The 'boys will consider offensive line and secondary help as well. But Terrell Owens and Terry Glenn are old and youth is needed at the position. What better way to do that than nab the best WR in the draft? DeSean Jackson is a better version of Ted Ginn, Jr. He is just as fast, has the same return skills, but is a better route runner. | Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State
Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma |
| 17 |  | Malcolm Jenkins (CB, Ohio State) | Even though the Chargers have underachieved it is still hard to find a weakness. I remember reading that both starting CBs (Drayton Florence and Quentin Jammer) are free agents after this season. If this is true, a CB is needed even after drafting Antonio Cromartie two years prior. Malcolm Jenkins is fighting with Kansas CB Aqib Talib to be the first CB taken. The Chargers should grab one of them to shore up the secondary. A LB is also another possibility to place in the middle (although the presence of Brandon Siler and Anthony Waters makes that less of a necessity). | Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC
Ali Highsmith, OLB, LSU Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas |
| 18 |  | Sam Baker (OT, USC) | The Buccaneers are one of the surprising teams this year. They have very few stars on their team. Perhaps Carnell 'Cadillac' Williams counts but he is on IR the rest of the year. Derrick Brooks and Ronde Barber are fading. Luckily, Barrett Ruud has blossomed and has helped sure up the defense. A DT or another DE to rush opposite 2007 first-rounder Gaines Adams would be nice. Unfortunately neither are available at this juncture. So the Bucs will settle for USC's Sam Baker. He will crack the starting lineup at LT. The Buccaneers have completely remdae their offensive line the last few years. RT Jeremy Trueblood, RG Davin Joseph, and LG Arron Sears all have less than 2 years experience (Trueblood and Joseph are second year players and Sears is a rookie). The offensive line could become one of the best in the NFL within the next three years. | Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas |
| 19 |  | Jonathan Stewart (RB, Oregon) | Shaun Alexander has been a colossal disappointment these past two years. Injuries derailed '06 and this year he can't get anything going. Alexander will be 31 when 2008 starts and the histiry for RBs over 30 is not pleasant. The Seattle Seahawks should draft a RB so he can be Alexander's protege, much like they did for Alexander with Ricky Watters. Stewart is a local product (Lacey, WA) and is a bruiser. | Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma
Steve Slaton, RB, West Virginia Early Doucet, WR, LSU |
| 20 |  | Aqib Talib (CB, Kansas) | With Baltimore GM Ozzie Newsome addressing the teams biggest problem in the past three years, the team can focus on other needs. Newsome, possibly the best GM in the NFL, filled out his offensive line with Jason Brown and Adam Terry in 2005, Chris Chester in 2006, Marshal Yanda and Ben Grubbs in 2007, and Jared Gaither in the '07 Supplemental Draft. Jonathan Ogden also calls the Baltimore offensive line his home, although there is speculation that he may hang 'em up after this season. The defense, always sturdy, is aging in a few key ares, predominantly CB. Chirs McAllister and Samari Rolle are still good but are past their prime. Bringing in Aqib Talib would be ideal. The Ravens could also look for LB help with Ray Lewis aging and DE/OLB Terrell Suggs a free agent. | Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC
Quentin Groves, DE/OLB, Auburn Ali Highsmith, OLB, LSU |
| 21 |  | Gosder Cherilus (OT, Boston College) | The Chiefs really need a QB but Herm Edwards seems to have faith in Damon Huard for this year and Brodie Croyle next. So it's crucial that the Kansas City Chiefs fix their offensive line. The best remaining line prospect, Cherilus would open up holes for Larry Johnson and protect Huard/Croyle from a litany of sacks. With the departure of Will Shields and Willie Roaf in recent years, the once dominate unit has regressed terribly. A few of the Chiefs' picks should be spent on the o-line. They should start with Cherilus. | Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss
Reggie Smith, CB, Oklahoma Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma |
| 22 |  | Vernon Gholston (DE, Ohio State) | It was thought that during last years draft the Detroit Lions would swap with the Buccaneers so that the Bucs could grab Calvin Johnson and the Lions could select Gaines Adams. Not the case. Detroit took a WR for the 4th time in 5 years (Charles Rogers in '03, Roy Williams in '04, Mike Williams in '05, then Johnson last year). To make up for missing on Adams, the Lions will take Gholston. DEs DeWayne White and Kalimba Edwards are average at best. The Lions may also look for another LB to team with 2006 first-rounder Ernie Sims. Boss Bailey and Teddy Lehman are free agents come Spring. | Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC
Reggie Smith, CB, Oklahoma Ali Highsmith, OLB, LSU |
| 23 |  | Malcolm Kelly (WR, Oklahoma) | The Titans desperately needed WR help last year but didn't address the need until the later rounds. Kelly has exploded into the spotlight this year as a result of Sam Bradford's strong play. Kelly would give VY a formidable weapon. There are some areas on defense that could use an upgrade but Kelly would be the best pick. | Early Doucet, WR, LSU
Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC Reggie Smith, CB, Oklahoma |
| 24 |  | Early Doucet (WR, LSU) | The Jaguars have been missing on their first round WRs (Reggie Williams and Matt Jones). A few weeks ago a QB was probably in the cards for Jacksonville but David Garrard has performed well enough to hold off for another year. Doucet was considered by many to be the best WR in the draft before the games started. He has had a few injuried this year and has seen limited action. I could have gone with a LB or CB but a WR is a necessity, too. Ernest Wilford and Dennis Northcutt don't cause defensive coordinators to stay up late at night. | Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC
Reggie Smith, CB, Oklahoma Ali Highsmith, OLB, LSU |
| 25 |  | Rey Maualuga (ILB, USC) | A player mentioned for many teams during this draft, Maualuga is finally selected. Dan Morgan is constantly injured and this selection could help create a powerful defense, already filled with Julius Peppers, Kris Jenkins, Jon Beason, and Chris Gamble. A safety is needed the most but none are worthy at this point. | Reggie Smith, CB, Oklahoma
Ali Highsmith, OLB, LSU |
| 26 |  | Quentin Groves (DE, Auburn) | The Redskins need two things (as pointed out by User:Tylersalt): pass rushers and/or offensive linemen. Groves has seen his stock fluctuate with the performance of his current team. He is having a decent year, posting 18 tackles, 3 sacks, and 1 forced fumble. Groves is seen as a 'tweener in the mold of Manny Lawson. He could play DE in 4-3 or LB in a 3-4. The Redskins could easily take one of the remaining o-line prospects. It wouldn't be surprising if they ended up trading this pick either. | Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss
Alex Boone, OT, Ohio State Lawrence Jackson, DE, USC |
| 27 |  | Reggie Smith (CB, Oklahoma) | The Steelers have few holes that must be filled. They could look for an offensive lineman, such as T's Oher, Boone, or G Eric Young from Tennessee to fill the gap that Alan Faneca will create. Or they could grab another WR. Hines Ward has been regularly injured and his production last year and so far this year isn't the best. Santonio Holmes has matured on the field and looks like a great #2 but they could use some depth. Nate Washington and Cedrick Wilson are uninspiring and, at best, #3s. When Ward leaves they'll need a replacement. But that may not be for a few more years. So I turned my attentiuon to the secondary. To me, Ike Taylor has been a huge disappointment since signing his contract extension. He continually drops interceptions and was in Bill Cowher's doghouse often last season. He is playing better this year but still is better suited opposite an opponent's #2. CBs Reggie Smith, Mike Jenkins, or Justin King could eventually demote Taylor back to that spot. | Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss
Alex Boone, OT, Ohio State |
| 28 |  | Ali Highsmith (OLB, LSU) | Wow. The Giants are on a roll and face the winless Dolphins in London on Sunday. They have had quite a turnaround defensively since the first two games. That should continue in the draft this year as well. The d-line has been dominant but the LBs and secondary could be a bit better. Drafting Highsmith will allow them to shuffle their LB corp or tutor the rookie to eventually replace Mathias Kiwanuka, who may take over for Michael Strahan when he retires. Antonio Pierce is solid in the middle but Kawika Mitchell is a stopgap solution. The Giants may also consider Mike Jenkins and Justin King as well with Sam Madison aging (though a safety is needed more). | Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida
Justin King, CB, Penn State Xavier Adibi, OLB, Virginia Tech |
| 29 |  | Mike Jenkins (CB, South Florida) | The Packers are a surprise team this year. They are relatively young along the interior offensive line and at linebacker. They are not young at cornerback. Charles Woodson and Al Harris are seasoned veterans with another season or two left in them. A capable replacement is a necessity. The Packers are left with two strong options in USF senior Mike Jenkins and Penn State junior Justin King. They could also go offensive line which, although young, has two tackles over 30 and two late round draft picks starting. It wouldn't be a shock if they went RB either. Vernand Morency and rookies Brandon Jackson and DeShawn Wynn have all tried to fill the void left by the departure of Ahman Green. It hasn't worked too well. Another consideration could be WR, although they seem content with Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, and James Jones. | Justin King, CB, Penn State
Limas Sweed, WR, Texas |
| 30 |  | Adarius Bowman (WR, Oklahoma State) | The 49ers attempted to fill a hole at WR with Seahawk castoff Darrell Jackson. It has not worked. The 49ers offense rank dead last in total offense and passing offense. Some of this can be contributed to injuries to Alex Smith and Vernon Davis. Smith needs a dynamic WR. While DeSean Jackson would be ideal, it's doubtful that he'll be around this late. Bowman or Sweed could step in and take over for converted QB Arnaz Battle and slowly work their way up the depth chart. OG Young is possible as well as the heir apparent to Larry Allen. | Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
Eric Young, OG, Tennessee Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU |
| 31 | | Justin King (CB, Penn State) | I'm not convinced that King will make the jump this year and I also think he has been overrated. He was torched last weekend by Indiana's James Hardy (to the tune of 14 catches for 142 yards and 2 TDs). But many draft gurus think he will and have him going in the first round. King has blazing speed and would fill a hole in Dallas' secondary. He would start opposite Terrence Newman and allow the COwboys to possibly shift Anthony Henry to safety, thus filling two holes by drafting one person. FS has been the Achilles heel of the Cowboys of late. Ken Hamlin has perfomred better than Pat Watkins but Henry would provide better coverage skills and more speed. | Philip Wheeler, ILB, Georgia Tech
Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss Alex Boone, OT, Ohio State |
| 32 | | FORFEITED | This pick was revoked by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell as part of the punishment for stealing signals from the New York Jets. | N/A |
NOTES: Many of these players are juniors. While many do make the jump to the NFL some may choose to return to school for their senior year (e.g. Brian Brohm last year).
Dropped Since Version 1:
Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU
Frank Okam, DT, Texas
Colt Brennan, QB, Hawaii
Philip Wheeler, ILB, Georgia Tech
Xavier Adibi, OLB, Virginia Tech
DeMario Pressley, DT, N.C. State
Terrell Thomas, CB, USC
Others of Note:
Chevis Jackson, CB, LSU
Tony Hills, OT, Texas
DeJuan Tribble, CB, Boston College
Lawrence Jackson, DE, USC
Eric Young, OG, Tennessee
Chad Henne, QB, Michigan
Shawn Crable, DE/OLB, Michigan
Owen Schmitt, FB, West Virginia
Steve Slaton, RB, West Virginia
As I always say, people who's favorite team is XXX or YYY will always disagree or be nit picky w/ you because they generally know their team better...
Like me...I don't see the eagles taking a LB, its a position they don't value...
Much like this year, they'll attempt to take a DB depending on their positioning and value of the pick...but couldn't you see them taking a lineman too...hmm
and what to I mean by "much like this year, they'll attempt to take DB?" - well, the eagles were eyeing revis, ross and meriweather until they all got nabbed...had any of them been available at 24, Kolb wouldn't be an eagle, Spencer wouldn't be a cowboy adn the boy's wouldn't have the browns #1 next year...