Wednesday, November 28, 2007

2008 NFL Mock Draft Rounds 1-3 Nov 28

I do not exaggerate when I say I did this week's mock draft three seperate times. I did one on Friday, did one on Monday with trades, then the Sean Taylor thing happened, redid the order once again and finished it up. As I promised next week's Mock will involve possible trades judging by team's history of moving in the draft. I am also looking forward to hearing your thoughts as this draft is definitely different then what we've seen so far.

1. Miami Dolphins-Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
This defense is starting to get up there in age. Zach Thomas and Joey Porter aren't exactly spring chickens if you know what I mean. That being said, you want Thomas to increase effectiveness, put a big monster in front of him who keeps blockers off of him.
2. Atlanta Falcons-Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville
I continue on with the theory that the quarterback weary Falcons, who may very well bring Chris Chandler back to throw for them before this season is done, will go with a kid who knows the offense already so he can step in right away and attempt to make an impact.
3. New York Jets-Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
Do the Jets need McFadden, probably not. They have Thomas Jones and to a lesser extent Leon Washington. This is a purely strategic move to prevent McFadden from becoming a Patriot, and to be honest can you really blame them?
4. Carolina Panthers-Jake Long, OT, Michigan
With this pick I thought long and hard about Long, Long and the Road Warrior. In the end their defense isn't completely in shambles, it's their offense that is. Putting a solid blocker did wonders for the Browns this year, the Panthers will be hoping for the same in return.
5. New England Patriots (via Niners)-James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio St
The Road Warrior becomes a Patriot and learns from Bruschi, Vrabel and Seau. Has is this allowed in the NFL? What ever happened to that whole parity thing they were striving for? I blame the Niners for allowing this happen, you just had to trade with the Patriots didn't you SHK?
6. Baltimore Ravens-Andre Woodson, QB, Kentucky
The higher the Ravens move up the more likely I think that they will secure their selection of Andre Woodson. This is a kid who will fit in great with the Baltimore community, and could come in and probably play better then their quarterbacks right now.
7. Oakland Raiders-Chris Long, DE, Virginia
They fall lower, and yet somehow they still manage to get Chris Long. It just seems to me that unless someone trades up that Chris Long will end up as an Oakland Raider, just like his father before him....my young jedi friend.
8. St Louis Rams-Sam Baker, OT, USC
If they Rams continue to fall lower in the draft they may wait to get a tackle until round 2, but for now Baker is still on the board and makes too much sense for a team whose offensive line couldn't stop Notre Dame's pass rush this year.
9. Chicago Bears-Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
The Bears luck out and Matt Ryan falls all the way to them at number 9. In previous mocks this has never happened, they lucked out on this day. Now, will he succeed in Chicago, history tells us no. The only first round picks lately who have succeeded have been defensive players.
10. Kansas City Chiefs-DeSean Jackson, WR, Cal
The Chiefs have missed Dante Hall and his return abilities ever since he went to St Louis, which I'm sure didn't help the city rivalry what so ever. Not sure if he can be an NFL wide receiver, but I do think he'd be another phenomenal return man.
11. Cincinnati Bengals-Keith Rivers, OLB, USC
I struggled to make a decision between Keith Rivers, Sedrick Ellis and Kenny Phillips. In the end I went with the linebacker since they've missed them ever since Takeo Spikes departed for Buffalo. They don't need a defensive end, but a man who can be all over the field is always welcome.
12. Washington Redskins-Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
This time the decision was between Ellis, Phillips, and Calais Campbell. With Sean Taylor most would think Phillips right away, but they have a bigger gap in the middle of their defensive line that needs to be filled. Then again, it's the Redskins and drafts IQ is not exactly high.
13. Denver Broncos-Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio St
For me this is a no brainier. They have Champ Bailey, but Dre Bly hasn't contributed much like they expected him to. That being said, taking Jenkins give the Broncos that player they've been missing since Williams was shot. Odd to have the Redskins and Broncos back to back when you think about it, down right eerie.
14. Buffalo Bills-Dan Connor, OLB, Penn St
Connor and Poz together again, will the Football GOD do this? It would be an interesting move, putting two teammates back together who know each other so well. There is already a trust factor there which could lead to an even more impressive defense.
15. Houston Texans-Kenny Phillips, S, Miami
That missing piece of the Texans' defense is found, a powerful and impressive force in the middle of their secondary. This defense has already improved leaps and bounds, but with Phillips it may begin to become one of the most formidable in the NFL.
16. New Orleans Saints-Calais Campbell, DE, Miami
I don't know how the Saints would get this lucky, having Campbell who has been listed by me and others in the top five of the draft at some point. Now the Redskins may take, and the Jets, due to their love of Miami players. I think defensive tackle is more of a need right now for the Skins so Campbell falling to the Saints isn't out of the question.
17. Detroit Lions-Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio St
Gholston helped himself against Michigan and probably moved himself up into the first round of the draft. The Lions defense has almost everything in place, save for a pass rush. Gholston immediately increases their ability to sack the quarterback, being the only player to get a sack on Jake Long this year.
18. Tennessee Titans-James Hardy, WR, Indiana
James Hardy is a big skilled wide receiver, something Vince Young desperately needs. He has a running game, but as long as his wide receivers would be 3 and 4s on other teams, they Titans will be fighting in every single game. The dude is 6'7", Vince just has to throw it above the corners for Hardy to catch it.
19. New York Giants-Dre Moore, DT, Maryland
The Giants have more defensive ends then they know what to do with, but defensive tackle appears to be lacking. Dre Moore gives them a playmaking athletic tackle who can disrupt the offensive line and allow the linebackers to make plays.
20. Arizona Cardinals-Barry Richardson, OT, Clemson
I do believe that Wisenhunt and Grimm will be enthralled with Barry Richardson. He is a durable and dependable offensive lineman who gets the job done, mainly protect Matt Leinart or Kurt Warner, whoever ends up starting next year. Plus you can't run the ball without an offensive line unless your Barry Sanders.
21. Minnesota Vikings-Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College
The Vikings right now are two pieces away from having the best offensive line in football. In this draft alone I believe they will complete that offensive line and that starts with Cherilus. Imagine what Adrian Peterson could do with the best o-line in the NFL.
22. San Diego Chargers-Lawrence Jackson, DE, USC
Shawn Merriman cannot be the Chargers sole pass rush, as we've seen focusing on him and limiting what he can do in the backfield. That being said, Jackson is a local kid who would give them that other big pass rush threat that might allow Merriman's blitzes to be much more successful.
23. Philadelphia Eagles-Michael Hamlin, S, Clemson
There is a giant hole right now next to Brian Dawkins, which is killing the Eagles. Putting the second best safety in the draft next to Dawkins, a damn good ball hawking safety at that, makes this one of the best defenses in the league again. Specially as teams focus more and more on a passing attack, the Eagles need Hamlin to stop Romo.
24. Dallas Cowboys (via Browns)-Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas
The Cowboys secondary has been struggling for years now. In the past few drafts they have tried focusing on pass rush, but adding someone like Talib in the secondary allows that pass rush to have the time to get to the quarterback and makes plays. He breaks on the ball very well, and may be the most underrated corner in this draft.
25. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Quentin Groves, DE, Auburn
26. Pittsburgh Steelers-Roy Schuening, G, Oregon St
I've asked Steeler fans if they think they will still have Faneca on their team come next year and no one so far has believed they will. I think I'd put my money on Seattle as his location, but with him gone they need to plug that hole in their offensive line, asap. Schuening is arguably the best guard in the draft, oddly enough my top three guards all come from the Pac 10.
27. San Francisco 49ers (via Colts)-Mario Manningham, WR, Michigan
If this happens, SHK might climax the moment the call is made. A big athletic playmaker like Manningham gives the Niners that offensive weapon to take pressure off of Vernon Davis and Frank Gore. Now I don't know if he has the heart to succeed in the NFL, he may end up the next Mike Williams, but at least the Niners would have hope.
28. Jacksonville Jaguars-Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona
I believe the Jaguars are right there on the cusp of being talked about as one of the top teams in the NFL. Their running game is almost second to none, and Garrard is turning out to be the man. Now playing against the Colts twice a year they need a superb secondary, that's where Cason comes in.
29. Seattle Seahawks-Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois
Shawn Alexander may have one more year of productivity left, maybe. Hell, he may already be past his usefulness and they may as well take him out back and be done with him. I think Mendenhall has the tools to be a great west coast offense running back, which he would be in Seattle.
30. Green Bay Packers-Jonathon Stewart, RB, Oregon
If Brett Farve does stay around one more year the Packers may end up with more draft picks by trading off Aaron Rodgers, cause that's been first round money well spent hasn't it? Grant may or may not be the answer at running back, until we know for sure, I'm going here with Jonathon Stewart.
31. Dallas Cowboys-Early Doucet, WR, LSU
I personally think Doucet will be a serviceable wide receiver in the NFL, maybe a career number three. That being said, it would then be good money value taking him at 31 to help offset the coverage of Patrick Crayton and Terrell Owens. He's never gonna make you go wow with amazing plays, but he can be reliable, which is a receiver that Romo needs.
32. New England Patriots-Forefit

ROUND 2
33. Miami Dolphins-Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU
34. Atlanta Falcons-Ali Highsmith, OLB, LSU
35. New York Jets-Erin Henderson, OLB, Maryland
36. Carolina Panthers-Vince Hall, ILB, Virginia Tech
37. San Francisco 49ers-Alex Mack, C, Cal
38. Baltimore Ravens-Jonathon Godd, ILB, Vanderbilt
39. Oakland Raiders-Fred Davis, TE, USC
40. St Louis Rams-Jack Ikegwuonu, CB, Wisconsin
41. Chicago Bears-Josh Barrett, S, Arizona St
42. Kansas City Chiefs-Steve Justice, C, Wake Forest
43. Cincinnati Bengals-Red Bryant, DT, Texas A&M
44. Washington Redskins-Kevin Ellison, S, USC
45. Denver Broncos-Derek Harvey, DE, Florida
46. Buffalo Bills-Shannon Tevaga, G, UCLA
47. Atlanta Falcons (via Texans)-Reggie Smith, CB, Oklahoma
48. New Orleans Saints-Xavier Adibi, OLB, Virginia Tech
49. Detroit Lions-DeJuan Tribble, CB, Boston College
50. Tennessee Titans-Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida
51. New York Giants-Ray Rice, RB, Rutgers
52. Arizona Cardinals-Steve Slaton, RB, West Virginia
53. Minnesota Vikings-Drew Radovich, G, USC
54. Miami Dolphins (via Chargers)-Justin King, CB, Penn St
55. Philadelphia Eagles-Titus Brown, DE, Mississippi St
56. Cleveland Browns-Frank Okam, DT, Texas
57. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Heath Benedict, OT, Newberry
58. Pittsburgh Steelers-Terrell Thomas, CB, USC
59. Indianapolis Colts-Tony Hills, OT, Texas
60. Jacksonville Jaguars-Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
61. Seattle Seahawks-Adam Kraus, G, Michigan
62. Green Bay Packers-Dwight Lowery, CB, San Jose St
63. Dallas Cowboys-Beau Bell, ILB, UNLV
64. New England Patriots-Tom Zbikowski, S, Notre Dame

ROUND 3
65. Miami Dolphins-Adarius Bowman, WR, Oklahoma St
66. Atlanta Falcons-Harry Douglas, WR, Louisville
67. New York Jets-Earl Bennett, WR, Vanderbilt
68. Carolina Panthers-Myron Pryor, DT, Kentucky
69. San Francisco 49ers-Marcus Griffin, S, Texas
70. Buffalo Bills (via Ravens)-Jaison Williams, WR, Oregon
71. New England Patriots (via Raiders)-Adam Spieker, C, Missouri
72. St Louis Rams-Darry Beckwith, OLB, LSU
73. Chicago Bears-Mike Hart, RB, Michigan
74. Kansas City Chiefs-Kirk Barton, OT, Ohio St
75. Cincinnati Bengals-Craig Steltz, S, LSU
76. Washington Redskins-Marcus Monk, WR, Arkansas
77. Minnesota Vikings (via Broncos)-Dennis Dixon, QB, Oregon
78. Buffalo Bills-Terrance Taylor, DT, Michigan
79. Houston Texans-Erik Young, G, Tennessee
80. New Orleans Saints-Ben Moffitt, ILB, South Florida
81. Detroit Lions-Mike McGlynn, OT, Pitt
82. Tennessee Titans-Andre Fluellen, DT, Florida St
83. New York Giants-Jordan Grimes, G, Purdue
84. Arizona Cardinals-Kirk Elder, G, Texas A&M
85. Minnesota Vikings-Kennan Burton, WR, Kentucky
86. Chicago Bears (via Chargers)-Chevis Jackson, CB, LSU
87. Philadelphia Eagles-Dominique Rogers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee St
88. Cleveland Browns-Chris Harrington, DE, Texas A&M
89. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Jacob Tamme, TE, Kentucky
90. Pittsburgh Steelers-Chris Ellis, DE, Virginia Tech
91. Indianapolis Colts-Paul Hubbard, WR, Wisconsin
92. Jacksonville Jaguars-Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt
93. Seattle Seahawks-Mike Pollack, C, Arizona St
94. Green Bay Packers-John Greco, OT, Toledo
95. Dallas Cowboys-Ketwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina
96. New England Patriots-Shawn Crabble, OLB, Michigan

7 comments:

Dews said...

Two quick questions for ya Shane,

First being, if McFadden isn't available once the Pats use SayHey's 49er's pick, any chance they trade down to go for two young LB's to get ready to replace the vets they've got?

Second off, I couldn't help but notice a "Marcus Monk" picked by the skins...

That wouldn't be any relation to the legendary Art would it?

Guess I've got google and all... :)

Dews said...

Nevermind, I found it:

From Yahoo:
"No! The previous answer is incorrect. Marcus Monk of Arkansas is NOT the son of Art Monk. Marcus Monk is from the state of Arkansas but Art Monk and his family live in New York and near D.C.

Accoring to an Arkansas fan site (link below) Marcus is the son of Dewayne Perry and Jackie Monk.

Art Monk does have a son (James) and 2 daughters."

SayHey Kid said...

Pats wont waste a pick on a RB. Seau will be retiring soon, The Road Warrior would be perfect next to his OSU brother, Mike Vrabel!

We honestly thought we would win 9 games this season, hence the trade of our pick for Joe Staley. Who is still a hell of an OLman. Its not like we got nothing out of the trade

Finally, you have Matt Ryan goin to Da' Bears!

Jackson and Bowe side by side in KC.......Not to shabby, they just need someone to throw them the ball

Redskins- With the Taylor tragedy, its time to draft a SS stud in his honor. Perhaps Jenkins and moving him to SS. Could happen? or trade down for Hamlin?

Id be drooling over Cherilus if I were Minnesota! He makes that line go from good to fricken amazing!

DUDE- Do not toy with me boy.......Manningham in Niner Gold?? Could happen, but we also learned our lesson with Brandon Lloyd....Michigan WR's are equally as painful as UCLA ones in Niner town.

Wow- Doucet at 31? Kinda a stretch. Kid is talented

Jack Gonzo, MD said...

Doucet is talented, but name me one very successful LSU wide receiver in the last ten years? Plus, those above him in the draft are more appealing.

SayHey Kid said...

Very true, outside of Joseph Addai i cant think of any other player thats half decent (russell doesnt count).

But you cant judge a players ability by a schools previous WR's.

kais said...

Couple things......

LSU receivers
Dwayne Bowe
Buster Davis
Devery Henderson
Josh Reed
Michael Clayton
Eddie Kennison

maybe not the greatest list, but it certainly isn't bad enough to be a knock on Doucet.

I find it hard to imagine K Phillips and especially C Campbell sliding down that far, but somebody has to slip.

Michael Hamlin is not a first round prospect, its really a down year for safety prospects

Overall really good mock though

Jack Gonzo, MD said...

Thanks for commenting kais.

As for the LSU receivers, none of those listed really strike fear into defense do they? They're all good solid wide receivers, but nothing to wet yourself over. Plus the addition of Hardy, Manningham and Jackson to the draft automatically puts them all above Doucet. I guess in the end I don't see him being a number one receiver and isn't that what you're trying to get in the first round?

I completely agree with the Phillips and Campbell comment. It comes down to what teams need, then again someone may trade up to secure them.

I agree that Hamlin is a bit of a tweener, but the Eagles need to fill that giant hole next to Dawkins more then anything.