2008 NFL Mock Draft Rounds 1-3 Dec 12th

I had a draft ready to go for today, but with Bobby Petrino resigning from the Falcons threw the entire draft for a loop. I also rethought Miami's first pick, which definitely changed the draft as well. Again I urge all you visitors to leave me your thoughts, you can post anonymously, of who you would like to see your team acquire be it a specific player or position.

ROUND 1
1. Miami Dolphins-Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
I thought long about this selection and chose this for two reason. One, Ronnie Brown is coming back from a knee injury and they have no clue how healthy he is going to be. He could be the same back from this year, and he could fall short like so many do after a knee injury. Second, the Patriots have a pick two after them and the Falcons won't be taking McFadden. They have to select McFadden or face him twice a year.
2. Atlanta Falcons-Andre Woodson, QB, Kentucky
Petrino has left, but their need for a quarterback has not. I think with the community and the style of football they desire to play, Woodson is the best choice out of the three first round quarterbacks. He should be able to lead that team very quickly, depending on who their coach ends up being.
3. New England Patriots (via 49ers)-James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio St
Junior Seau MIGHT have one more year left in him, so taking the Road Warrior takes priority over taking Chris Long. I think he would fit into that defensive scheme better then OJ's gloves. He has the right personality to be exactly the kind of player that the Patriots love.
4. St Louis Rams-Jake Long, OT, Michigan
It is no secret that the Rams have had their share of injuries on the offensive line this year, so don't be surprised when three of their seven draft picks end up being offensive linemen. I know Dorsey and Chris Long will be very tempting to take, but their offense has been hampered by having zero offensive linemen.
5. New York Jets-Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
The Jets must have done something right for Dorsey to fall right into their lap at number five. There are five definite number one picks in this draft, the Jets get lucky by the Falcons taking a player that isn't one of them. The Jets would be happy to take any of those number one players.
6. Baltimore Ravens-Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
The Ravens are another team that has a pressing need that will force them to pass up someone like Chris Long. Now, if Troy Smith looks like a Heisman the rest of this season, this pick could and very likely would change, but still not to Long but more likely to Malcolm Jenkins. Ryan should be decent for the Ravens, as he tends to make the fewest mistakes out of the three first round quarterbacks.
7. Kansas City Chiefs-Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio St
The Chiefs have no need for a defensive end, so they could trade back from here so they can get Sam Baker, but if they don't look for them to take the number one corner in the draft, Malcolm Jenkins. Their secondary is starting to age like the San Francisco Giants outfield, so this is an immediate need.
8. Oakland Raiders-Chris Long, DE, Virginia
By the power of the dark side, the Emperor manages to aquire Howie Longs son, which I guess in essence turns him into Luke Skywalker. I wonder if they would let him wear 75, or if he would even want. One thing is certain, nothing would energize the Raider Nation like another Long.
9. Chicago Bears-Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville
My apologies go out to Brian Brohm and the entire Brohm family. Not only did Petrinos leaving kill your payday, but you will now become the latest first round quarterback bust by being drafted by the Bears. I've said it before, the Bears only draft defensive players well in the first round. Almost ever single offensive player taken in the first round has been a bust for the Bears.
10. Philadelphia Eagles-DeSean Jackson, WR, Cal
I don't think the Eagles will get the kind of playmaker at the wide receiver position they need by drafting Jackson, but he will take over the return game and should energize special teams like Hester does for the Bears. I think the Eagles need a lot of help during this draft, but they may have to wait until next year's draft to be able to fully restocked.
11. Cincinnati Bengals-Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
If the Bengals take any player on the offensive side of the ball I will seriously laugh at them. It should be defense, defense, defense. Ellis is going to be a great player in this league, much along the same lines as Tommie Harris for Chicago. Keith Rivers could be another option, and maybe even Kenny Phillips.
12. Carolina Panthers-James Hardy, WR, Indiana
I know what you're thinking, why would the Panthers be taking another wide receiver? I agree, they shouldn't go in this direction. They should trade with the Patriots and go after the Road Warrior, but everything I seem to read lately says the Panthers think that the receivers are the problem, not the lack of quarterback.
13. Houston Texans-Kenny Phillips, S, Miami
Here is another team whose prayers are answered by the player they want falling all the way to them at the thirteen slot. Phillips upgrades a defense that is already on their way to becoming one of the elite groups in the NFL. A corner could be a possibility here, but safety is the only one they haven't drafted in the first round the last few years.
14. Arizona Cardinals-Sam Baker, OT, USC
Russ Grimm, if he's still there, and Ken Wisenhunt would be licking their chops for Sam Baker to fall to them at fourteen. If you saw Kurt Warner physically abused like he was a senior citizen on Law and Order:SVU this past weekend you understand their need for a dominate offensive lineman, and Baker would be the highest rated at this point.
15. Detroit Lions-Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida
The Lions need to have a secondary if they plan on being one of the elite teams in the NFC, hell in the NFC North. They are pretty solid almost everywhere else on the defense, but their secondary is killing the rest of the squad. Jenkins has the tools to be a outstanding corner in the Tampa 2, which I believe is what the Lions run under Marinelli.
16. Washington Redskins-Calais Campbell, DE, Miami
They continue tradition and get a player from the U. Might as well calls this the Sean Taylor tribute pick, thankfully this is a position they desperately need help in. To say they need some help in creating a pass rush, I think Trent Edwards is still having a tea party stemming from that game.
17. New Orleans Saints-Keith Rivers, OLB, USC
The fact that Keith Rivers could fall all the way to number 17 should be a crime punishable in every state and the territories. This man is going to be a star in the NFL, much like Demeco Ryans is becoming. He has the leadership that is missing on that Saints defense. He would immediately change the attitude and style of play down there in the Big Easy.
18. Denver Broncos-Reggie Smith, CB, Oklahoma
As I have stated previously, the Broncos have had a big hole opposite Champ Bailey. Dre Bly is a nice corner, but he's getting on in years and isn't as dominate as he once was. Reggie Smith could benefit from the knowledge he would gleam from Bly and Bailey and begin to give the Broncos a secure secondary.
19. Tennessee Titans-Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
Well whatcha know, Sweed feel this time all the way into Vince Young's lap. To say that Vince Young doesn't have many weapons, remember when the Saints had a beer truck driver? Yeah well the Titans have been calling local pizza delivery places and giving the fastest folks auditions to be their number one receiver.
20. Minnesota Vikings-Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio St
In a case of the rich just getting richer, the Vikings land (in my opinion) the second best defensive end in this draft. His demeanor and playmaking ability turns this defense into one of the best in the NFL, definitely better then rivals Chicago if they keep playing the way they're playing. This strong defense gives Purple Jesus the time to win games on the ground.
21. Buffalo Bills-Dan Connor, OLB, Penn St
That would be an interesting situation, Dan Connor is reunited with Poz in the Bills linebacking corps. This Bills defense has taken leaps and bounds this season, and now you add Dan Connor? Does anyone else get the feeling that we are seeing the formation of a team from the early 90s? If Trent Edwards turns into Jim Kelly, dear god, New England may have competition in the East.
22. Dallas Cowboys (via Browns)-Jeff Otah, OT, Pitt
I thought about what the Cowboys need right off the bat, a lineman, a wide receiver and a safety. Well, there will be a wide receiver further down at the end of the first round, and it's too high for Marcus Griffin, so I went with the left tackle from Pitt. After all they've put a lot of money into Tony Romo, they probably want that backside of his protected.
23. San Diego Chargers-Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina
The Chargers are going to have an easy first day of the draft, as this is their sole selection day one. Kentwan Balmer is a tweener, he can likely play defensive tackle or defensive end. Since the Chargers have needs at both areas, he is the most logical choice. They can't move up, least I don't think they have anything they'd give up to move up, but they very well could move back.
24. Jacksonville Jaguars-Mario Manningham, WR, Michigan
They've been on the great wide receiver search for a very long time, and Manningham COULD be the solution. He definitely has all the tools, athletic ability and size, the one down side on Manningham in my opinion is I wonder about his character. He seems to be a prima donna at Michigan, giving me glimpses of Randy Moss, the Raiders years.
25. New York Giants-Tracy Porter, CB, Indiana
The Giants realize they play the Cowboys twice a year, and with the emergence of Tony Romo, know they need to defend against the pass. Aaron Ross seems to be playing well for the Giants, so I expect them to take a corner to play opposite of Ross and fight the Cowboys air attack. They could go for Cherilus, but I think they're quicker to go after a corner.
26. Pittsburgh Steelers-Marcus Griffin, S, Texas
We saw what happened to the Steelers this past weekend when Troy was out. To say Tom Brady and the Patriots made fools out of them may be a little harsh, but I don't know if you'd call me a liar. Griffin is likely the second best safety in the draft, though maybe not a first round talent, the Steelers know they need the best safety on the board.
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas
To say I think Aqib Talib is going to be a very solid corner in this lead may be me underestimating what I think he could actually do in this league, especially in Tampa Bay and their Tampa 2. I think Talib may actually end up the best corner from this draft, but he comes from Kansas so I know many will question just how good he actually is.
28. Seattle Seahawks-Jonathon Stewart, RB, Oregon
We have seen Shaun Alexander age as the season has gone on, and where Maurice Morris is a nice change of pace back, he's not the starter the Seahawks need. Jonathon Stewart is a local kid in a sense, and a damn hard runner. I think he would fit in perfectly with this Seahawk team, in a scary good kind of way.
29. Green Bay Packers-Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois
I do think Ryan Grant may end up being the starter, I can't help but think that the Packers may not be completely sold on him as of yet. Bringing in Mendenhall, who can make phenomenal plays, just makes too much sense to me. It also takes some pressure off of Brett Farve, which all signs are pointing to him coming back this year.
30. San Francisco 49ers (via Colts)-Early Doucet, WR, LSU
I've made my opinion on LSU wide receivers known in the past, but if you missed that memo, they're solid possession receivers, but they don't exactly get me excited as a number one receiver. They're not going to be huge playmakers like Braylon Edwards, but you can rely on them to be solid receivers, a Reggie Wayne or Brandon Stokley if you will. Honestly, I see many number 2 receivers in this draft, I don't know if there is a number one.
31. Dallas Cowboys-Lavelle Hawkins, WR, Cal
With wide receivers dropping off the board, the Cowboys have to take Hawkins now. He is built exactly in the style the Cowboys would use him as, a speedy number three receiver who can make plays like Wes Welker when given the ball. He could surprise everyone and turn into a great Marvin Harrison type, but not while TO is still in Dallas demanding the ball.
32. New England Patriots-Forefit
Yeah yeah spygate, all this does is help them save cap room. Hell I think taking the pick away might help the Patriots more then it hurts them.

ROUND 2
1. Miami Dolphins-Dre Moore, DT, Maryland
2. Atlanta Falcons-Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College
3. San Francisco 49ers-Alex Mack, C, Cal
4. St Louis Rams-DeJuan Tribble, CB, Boston College
5. New York Jets-Vince Hall, ILB, Virginia Tech
6. Baltimore Ravens-Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona
7. Kansas City Chiefs-Barry Richardson, OT, Clemson
8. Oakland Raiders-DJ Hall, WR, Alabama
9. Chicago Bears-Michael Hamlin, S, Clemson
10. Philadelphia Eagles-Jamie Silva, S, Boston College
11. Cincinnati Bengals-Erin Henderson, OLB, Maryland
12. Carolina Panthers-Dennis Dixon, QB, Oregon
13. Atlanta Falcons (via Texans)-Red Bryant, DT, Texas A&M
14. Arizona Cardinals-Steve Slaton, RB, West Virginia
15. Detroit Lions-Fred Davis, TE, USC
16. Washington Redskins-Marcus Monk, WR, Arkansas
17. New Orleans Saints-Travis Beckum, TE, Wisconsin
18. Denver Broncos-Quentin Groves, DE, Auburn
19. Tennessee Titans-Jack Ikegwuonu, CB, Wisconsin
20. Minnesota Vikings-Tony Hills, OT, Texas
21. Buffalo Bills-Charles Godfrey, CB, Iowa
22. Cleveland Browns-Lawrence Jackson, DE, USC
23. Miami Dolphins (via Chargers)-Derek Harvey, DE, Florida
24. Jacksonville Jaguars-Ali Highsmith, OLB, LSU
25. New York Giants-Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt
26. Pittsburgh Steelers-Roy Schuening, G, Oregon
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Shawn Crabble, OLB, Michigan
28. Seattle Seahawks-John Carlson, TE, Notre Dame
29. Green Bay Packers-Shannon Tevaga, G, UCLA
30. Indianapolis Colts-Kirk Barton, OT, Ohio St
31. Dallas Cowboys-Quintin Demps, S, UTEP
32. New England Patriots-Josh Barrett, S, Arizona St

ROUND 3
1. Miami Dolphins-Frank Okam, DT, Texas
2. Atlanta Falcons-Phillip Wheeler, ILB, Georgia Tech
3. San Francisco 49ers-Kevin Ellison, S, USC
4. St Louis Rams-Jonathon Godd, ILB, Vanderbilt
5. New York Jets-Adarius Bowman, WR, Oklahoma St
6. Buffalo Bills (via Ravens)-Steve Justice, C, Wake Forest
7. Kansas City Chiefs-Cody Wallace, C, Texas A&M
8. New England Patriots (via Raiders)-Chris Ellis, DE, Virginia Tech
9. Chicago Bears-Mike McGlynn, OT, Pitt
10. Philadelphia Eagles-Heath Benedict, OT, Newberry
11. Cincinnati Bengals-Craig Steltz, S, LSU
12. Carolina Panthers-Chris Harrington, DE, Texas A&M
13. Houston Texans-Earl Bennett, WR, Vanderbilt
14. Arizona Cardinals-Drew Radovich, G, USC
15. Detroit Lions-Adam Kraus, G, Michigan
16. Washington Redskins-Tom Zbikowski, S, Notre Dame
17. New Orleans Saints-Marcus Harrison, DT, Arkansas
18. Minnesota Vikings (via Broncos)-Donnie Avery, WR, Houston
19. Tennessee Titans-Trevor Laws, DT, Notre Dame
20. Minnesota Vikings-Joe Flacco, QB, Delaware
21. Buffalo Bills-John Greco, OT, Toledo
22. Cleveland Browns-Terrance Taylor, DT, Michigan
23. Chicago Bears(via Chargers)-Wesley Woodard, OLB, Kentucky
24. Jacksonville Jaguars-Erik Ainge, QB, Tennessee
25. New York Giants-Ray Rice, RB, Rutgers
26. Pittsburgh Steelers-Justin King, CB, Penn St
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Jaison Williams, WR, Oregon
28. Seattle Seahawks-Adam Spieker, C, Missouri
29. Green Bay Packers-Jonathan Hefney, S, Tennessee
30. Indianapolis Colts-Erik Young, G, Tennessee
31. Dallas Cowboys-Ben Moffitt, ILB, South Florida
32. New England Patriots-Terrell Thomas, CB, USC