Wednesday, November 21, 2007

2008 NFL Mock Draft Rounds 1-3

That's right folks, I've upped the rounds to a full three rounds which definitely makes for an interesting time. Now I've tried my best to go with who I think the teams will take, but I know the football coach in me may be swaying me towards who I think they need. That's why I'd love to hear your thoughts on what positions you think your team needs. A new addition to the draft today thought is Rashard Mendenhall, the phenominal running back from Illinois. There's been reports this week that he is leaning towards coming out early for the draft.

ROUND 1
1. Miami Dolphins-Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
There's been a question of why I have Dorsey here with the Dolphins, and for me the reason are simple. They don't need Jake Long as their line has given up few sacks, and they can run the ball. Their defense on the other hand couldn't stop an elderly man with a walker from scoring. Dorsey is considered by most the number one defensive prospect, so it is a pretty easy choice.
2. New England Patriots (via Niners)-Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
For years now the Patriots' draft strategy has been to draft the best player available. I believe that Dallas, or someone of that nature, will sell their souls to get this high to pick McFadden. Though this may not be a time that the Patriots will bite, McFadden is that special kind of player.
3. New York Jets-Jake Long, OT, Michigan
The last few drafts the Jets have gone the smart route and drafted linemen. These have turned out well in Ferguson and Mangold. Imagine an offensive line that is anchored by those three linemen, it makes for an impressive site.
4. Oakland Raiders-Chris Long, DE, Virginia
The Raiders get their wish and the son of Howie falls right into their laps. As much as Kiffin may want McFadden, the Emperor would love to have the son of Howie to attempt to keep the torches and pitchforks at bay.
5. Atlanta Falcons-Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville
I continue to stand by my theory that Bobby Petrino needs a succesfull season to save his job next year. The Falcons aren't known for their patience and as such, he has to take Brohm since he already knows his offense and could be plugged in right away.
6. St Louis Rams-Sam Baker, OT, USC
I know folks have been thinking defense for the Rams, but that isn't where their injuries have come from this season. Without Orlando Pace Bulger and Jackson have been crushed all season long. This Rams team is nothing without its playmakers and they can't have those if there's no one around to protect them.
7. Cincinnati Bengals-James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio St
The Bengals will likely already have his name on the card and will had it to Goodell as soon as their time begins. The only other possibility they may have here is Kenny Phillips, but they're very close to Columbus and a pick of the Road Warrior would keep the fans very happy after this very disappointing season.
8. Carolina Panthers-Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
Many drafts have Andre Woodson as the number one quarterback available. I believe he has the most talent myself, but this isn't about what I believe, but what I think the teams themselves will do. Matt Ryan will end up a Panther if he lasts this long as he is the safest choice. The Panthers rarely take a chance in the draft on a maybe.
9. Baltimore Ravens-Andre Woodson, QB, Kentucky
About as opposite from the Panthers as you can get, the Ravens tend to go for the more athletically gifted player at their position. They would have Woodson rated number one, and would be thrilled to land him at the 9 spot. Though I feel bad for Mr. Woodson, the Ravens don't have a great history of drafting quarterbacks in the first round.
10. Chicago Bears-Keith Rivers, OLB, USC
The Bears have so many places they need to fix on this team it's ridiculous. I don't believe Lance Briggs will stay in Chicago after what happened earlier this year. They need to replace him if they want to compete in the NFC right away, which leads me to Keith Rivers, the best linebacker available. He has the ability to surpass Briggs, now to see if he actually will.
11. Minnesota Vikings-DeSean Jackson, WR, Cal
They have their playmaker in Adrian Peterson, but they would love to have a return specialist, especially since they have to face Devin Hester twice a year. I think Childress will go after a veteran for the quarterback and take one later in the draft, but there's nothing of QB value at this spot in the draft.
12. Kansas City Chiefs-Barry Richardson, OT, Clemson
The Chiefs have been missing great offensive linemen since all of theirs left via retirement, injury and who knows what else, possibly alien abduction. The bottom line is, that this offensive line is not up to par as past o-lines of the Chiefs. Richardson is the most solid lineman left in the draft and I think would work well in the Chiefs offensive gameplan.
13. New Orleans Saints-Calais Campbell, DE, Miami
We know the offense can play when they're healthy, but this defense has been suffering going back to last year. Sean Payton knows what one can do when you have an athletic defensive end/outside linebacker from his days in Dallas with DeMarcus Ware. Calais Campbell has that kind of athletic ability he can use to finally create a pass rush.
14. Buffalo Bills-Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio St
I will get the obligatory Marv Levy is a football GOD out of the way now. That being said, to compete in the AFC where teams are becoming pass happy, Marv knows he's gonna need a powerful corner who can stop people in their tracks. They love what Donte Whitner has done, they reach back into the Buckeye well once again.
15. Washington Redskins-Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
The Redskins, who many are shocked have a first round pick they could have sworn it went somewhere for Deion Sanders, need a presence in their defensive line. If they could have been able to put more pressure on Tony Romo this week, they may have been able to come out victors. This is also the only position I can see them spending a first round draft pick on, the question is do they trade this away cause they can't afford a first rounder?
16. Philadelphia Eagles-Kenny Phillips, S, Miami
How Kenny Phillips falls this far is beyond me, reminds me of when Ed Reed fell to the Ravens at twenty. Some folks list him as a top ten draft prospect, and I think mine had him close to that as well. It is scary to imagine what Brian Dawkins and Phillips would do together in the secondary.
17. Arizona Cardinals-Gosder Cherilus, OT, Cardinals
Some may scratch their heads, but Grimm and Wisenhunt are the kind of guys who love good strong offensive linemen, I wonder why. They know they desperately need to upgrade their offensive line to fit their system. Cherilus is the kind of lineman they know they can depend on to be there and make few mistakes, a no brainier from where I'm siting.
18. Houston Texans-Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas
I know the Texans are wishing that Phillips will fall all the way to them, and I wouldn't put it past them to try to make a play to get up in the draft to snag him before the Eagles do. Talib though is the best secondary player available at this spot. They play the Colts twice a year, do the math.
19. San Diego Chargers-Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio St
The game against Michigan this week raised his draft grade up considerably this week, especially since he became the first player this season to get pass Jake Long for a sack. He helped his draft much like Jarvis Green helped his in the national title game last year. The Chargers need a pass rushing force that isn't named Shawn Merriman.
20. Seattle Seahawks-Jonathon Stewart, RB, Oregon
I don't believe the Seahawks will stay in the first round, since history tells us they will move down. Possibly with the Falcons since the Falcons have two second round picks. Next time I do a possible trade mock draft (2 weeks away mark your calendars) I'll have to add that in there. Shawn Alexander is old and broken down, Stewart is a local kid who is relatively healthy.
21. Denver Broncos-Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU
The Great Browns Defensive Line Pilgrimage didn't work out as well as the Broncos planned. I am torn as to whether they will go cornerback here or defensive end, as they desperately need both. I think there are far more corners in this draft later which makes taking Jackson now more of a priority.
22. Detroit Lions-Justin King, CB, Penn St
A team that is in desperate need of secondary help has to be the Lions. They lost Dre Bly and since then they have men who would be nicklebacks on other teams starting for them. King is a solid, physical corner who should fit into Marinelli's system fairly well, though DeJuan Tribble is also a possibility as well.
23. Tennessee Titans-Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
I know there are some other wide receivers ranked higher then Sweed, but I honestly think Vince Young needs something familiar around him to get comfortable throwing the ball. Sweed succeeds in this desire, having played with Young at Texas. This could lead to the evolution of Young being an honest to god quarterback in this league.
24. Dallas Cowboys (via Browns)-Early Doucet, WR, LSU
I think the Cowboys will be holding their breath as the Titans draft, knowing that they will be going after a wide receiver. They'll likely be enamored with Doucet from the outset of this process and will look to make him their slot receiver. The only thing stopping this is a possible media cry from TO, which we know is likely to happen, he's been far too quiet for far too long.
25. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Derek Harvey, DE, Florida
They've missed Simeon Rice since he's left and I don't see anyone who has stepped up and taken that role. Harvey is a local kid, which is always good publicity, and he's the athletic kind of defensive end that would get Chucky as hard as granite. They may also go Lawrence Jackson, but I think the Florida kid is gonna stay in Florida.
26. Jacksonville Jaguars-Mario Manningham, WR, Michigan
The Jaguars with this pick basically tie the Lions for most first round wide receivers taken in the last seven years or so. The problem is the Lions found Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson, none of the Jaguars wide receivers have really panned out. Now that could be the lack of a stable quarterback, but either way they aren't working. Bringing in Manningham gives them a deep threat that allows those other receivers to become possession receivers, and make this a more balanced offense.
27. New York Giants-Dre Moore, DT, Maryland
The Giants have about as many defensive ends as the Rams do wide receivers, but what they really need is an inside force to take off some of those double teams that those ends get. Putting a big athletic defensive tackle like Dre Moore in the middle may give them the best defensive front line in the NFC East.
28. Pittsburgh Steelers-Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona
Mike Tomlin is a defensive guy, a former secondary player himself if I'm not mistaken. He knows to win in the AFC he needs to beat the Colts and Patriots, two teams with phenomenal passing games. To defend against that he needs a phenomenal secondary. Antoine Cason, in my opinion, has the most upside of any corner of this draft.
29. San Francisco 49ers (via Colts)-Shannon Tevage, G, UCLA
I know what you're thinking, a guard?! Settle down SayHey, remember that Alex Smith can't throw the ball on his ass and Frank Gore can't run if there's no holes. Their next pick is only five away and I don't think that all the wide receivers will be gone by then.
30. Green Bay Packers-Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois
Today it came out that Brett Farve is not looking at retiring this year, that he very well may come back and play next season. If this is true the Packers need a running game more then anyone else in the NFL. Farve is a tough old bastard, but he can only take so much heat. Give him a back to create awesome plays so he's not always in the pocket.
31. Dallas Cowboys-Jack Ikegwuonu, CB, Wisconsin
Now he may not come out this year, but I have a feeling that he very well might. The Cowboys for years now have needed to secure their secondary as it is a main reason they haven't won a playoff game in what seems years now. Jack here, I'm not going to even attempt to say that name, should be taken higher, but as of right now, he's gonna be falling to the Cowboys.
32. New England Patriots-Forfeited after the cause of this strive towards perfection

ROUND 2
33. Miami Dolphins-James Hardy, WR, Indiana
34. San Francisco 49ers-Jaison Williams, WR, Oregon
35. New York Jets-Vince Hall, ILB, Virginia Tech
36. Oakland Raiders-Tony Hills, OT, Texas
37. Atlanta Falcons-Harry Douglas, WR, Louisville
38. St Louis Rams-Xavier Adibi, OLB, Virginia Tech
39. Cincinnati Bengals-Michael Hamlin, S, Clemson
40. Carolina Panthers-Erin Henderson, OLB, Maryland
41. Baltimore Ravens-Alex Mack, C, Cal
42. Chicago Bears-Kirk Barton, OT, Ohio St
43. Minnesota Vikings-Quentin Groves, DE, Auburn
44. Kansas City Chiefs-Earl Bennett, WR, Vanderbilt
45. New Orleans Saints-Ali Highsmith, OLB, LSU
46. Buffalo Bills-Steve Justice, C, Wake Forest
47. Washington Redskins-Phillip Wheeler, OLB, Georgia Tech
48. Philadelphia Eagles-Jerod Mayo, ILB, Tennessee
49. Arizona Cardinals-Steve Slaton, RB, Cardinals
50. Atlanta Falcons(via Texans)-Jovorskie Lane, FB, Texas A&M
51. Miami Dolphins(via Chargers)-Fred Davis, TE, USC
52. Seattle Seahawks-Darry Beckwith, OLB, LSU
53. Denver Broncos-Reggie Smith, CB, Oklahoma
54. Detroit Lions-Josh Barrett, S, Arizona ST
55. Tennessee Titans-Erik Young, G, Tennessee
56. Cleveland Browns-Lawrence Jackson, DE, USC
57. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-DeJuan Tribble, CB, Boston College
58. Jacksonville Jaguars-Tom Zbikowski, S, Notre Dame
59. New York Giants-Ray Rice, RB, Rutgers
60. Pittsburgh Steelers-Roy Schuening, G, Oregon St
61. Indianapolis Colts-Heath Benedict, T, Newberry
62. Green Bay Packers-Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida
63. Dallas Cowboys-Beau Bell, ILB, UNLV
64. New England Patriots-Kevin Ellison, S, USC

Round 3
65. Miami Dolphins-Terrell Thomas, CB, USC
66. San Francisco 49ers-Dwight Lowery, CB, San Jose St
67. New York Jets-Chevis Jackson, CB, LSU
68. New England Patriots(via Raiders)-Ben Moffitt, ILB South Florida
69. Atlanta Falcons-Red Bryant, DT, Texas A&M
70. St Louis Rams-Frank Okam, DT, Texas
71. Cincinnati Bengals-Myron Pryor, DT, Kentucky
72. Carolina Panthers-Mike Hart, RB, Michigan
73. Buffalo Bills(via Ravens)-Mike McGlynn, OT, Pitt
74. Chicago Bears-Craig Steltz, S, LSU
75. Minnesota Vikings-Drew Radovich, G, USC
76. Kansas City Chiefs-Justin Stimson, CB, Wyoming
77. New Orleans Saints-Jacob Tamme, TE, Kentucky
78. Buffalo Bills-Bruce Davis, OLB, UCLA
79. Washington Redskins-Adam Spieker, C, Missouri
80. Philadelphia Eagles-Keenan Burton, WR, Kentucky
81. Arizona Cardinals-Dominique Rogers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee St
82. Houston Texans-Adam Kraus, G, Michigan
83. Chicago Bears(via Chargers)-Jordan Grimes, G, Purdue
84. Seattle Seahawks-Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt
85. Minnesota Vikings(via Broncos)-John Greco, OT, Toledo
86. Detroit Lions-Kirk Elder, G, Texas A&M
87. Tennessee Titans-Terrance Wheatley, CB, Colorado
88. Cleveland Browns-Andre Fluellen, DT, Florida St
89. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Jeff Otah, OT, Pitts
90. Jacksonville Jaguars-Dennis Dixon, QB, Oregon
91. New York Giants-Quintin Demps, S, UTEP
92. Pittsburgh Steelers-Tashard Choice, RB, Georgia Tech
93. Indianapolis Colts-Jonathon Godd, ILB, Vanderbilt
94. Green Bay Packers-Mike Pollack, C, Arizona St
95. Dallas Cowboys-Tavares Gooden, OLB, Miami
96. New England Patriots-Titus Brown, DE, Mississippi St

5 comments:

SayHey Kid said...

Miami- Dorsey would be a nice fit in that aging Miami D

Patriots- Oh why oh why did we make the trade?? Ill tell you why! Joe Staley is that good. He will be just fine next year.

Jets- dont really need a Tackle. But Long has talent. Quite a debacle

Raiders- Der Der Derrr! Skeletor loves legacy players

Bengals- A LB that can tackle is a start. They need to devote the rest of their 6 picks for D as well

Panthers- Ryan would be a great fit in this system

Ravens- Woodson is good, but his career will die in Baltimore. They just dont commit to the passing game.

Bears- The last thing they need is a LB. Urlacher, Hillenmyer, and Briggs round out a HELL of a good corp. Hell, without Briggs they are good. They need a QB ASAP!

Vikings- Also needs a QB. Jackson is not the solution in Purple Jesus town

Redskins- SayHey predicts this pick will be traded for Warren Sapp or another has been.

Eagles- Phillips and Dawkins is one hell of a combo in the safety position

Seahawks- I agree, Time to move foward and forget the Alexander experiment. WHo better to replace him than a local kid with talent

Titans- What a reunion eh?? The college glory days will come back soon enough

Cowboys- This just isnt fair. Crayton, Glenn, Owens AND Doucet?? Your making Cowboy fan drool and others throw up in our mouths.

Jags- Manningham would give this team a legitimate WR for the first time since Stewart

Niners- I agree and i dont. We have a good line but they are all hurt this year. We have youth to boot; Baas and Staley. We need a WR first and foremost.

Niners- Williams is a start, but i dont see him saving our pass game.

Not to shabby of a mock my friend!

Jack Gonzo, MD said...

Jets don't need a tackle? Did you not see Clemens get harassed all day yesterday? Or perhaps it was that lack of running game they mustered?

Did you read what I wrote at all? Briggs will not be Chicago next year, I'd be shocked, more then shocked, if he was.

Yes, they need a QB but there isn't another first rounder available.

Your QB needs to be protected before he can throw the ball. Hell, take those two draft picks and try moving up.

Mevs said...

Nice work Shane.

I was hoping the Browns would be back in the first round (allow someone to tender and not match Derek Anderson) but I see you don't expect that to happen.

SayHey Kid said...

Did you not read what i said about briggs?? Even if he did leave the Bears LB corp is still better than half the LB's in football. Why bolster a good area when others need it more.......Ahem, Grossman is still starting games! Fix that problem first bud

Jack Gonzo, MD said...

I understand that, but at that spot, with the three QBs taken do you want them to take a QB who is valued as a third round pick at the tenth spot in the draft?