2008 NFL Mock Draft Rounds 1-3 Dec 20th

I love how these mock drafts are constantly evolving based on who is coming out, who is looking more tempting to scouts, and of course the upcoming big bowl play making that probably elevated Jarvis Moss into the first round last year. I want to ask everyone to please let their opinions be heard, you don't have to have an account to leave a comment.

ROUND 1
1. Miami Dolphins-Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
I've gone back to the Dorsey pick because if the Dolphins want to get security for Ronnie Brown they can do it via free agency, and plus the Patriots are further back so they don't have to worry about the Patriots acquiring McFadden. Besides, they may need a defensive tackle more then any other team at this point.
2. Atlanta Falcons-Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
I went away from the choice the city itself would have wanted, Woodson, and went with the safest quarterback in the draft. Of course until we know who the coach is, and who it is that gets the job that they were going to give Parcells, this pick is really up in the air right now. Though I could see them going after Jake Long here as well and taking a quarterback later.
3. St Louis Rams-Jake Long, OT, Michigan
This is a big need for the Rams right now. We've all read the stats I gave you a mock draft or two ago about how many offensive linemen have been injured this year for the Rams. Those who have them taking Chris Long are either going based purely on their player rankings and not taking into consideration need, or aren't playing very close attention.
4. New York Jets-Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
I know, the Jets signed Thomas Jones last offseason, but it hasn't done much for them. Also between this pick and the Patriots are Larry Johnson and Willis McGahee, so McFadden is not likely going to be picked. Though I wouldn't put it past someone to trade up and get McFadden, I'll tell you who later.
5. Baltimore Ravens-Andre Woodson, QB, Kentucky
I still believe Woodson would be a great fit in Baltimore and the city would love this kid. Will he be a good professional quarterback, I'm not so sure. I think he has the make up and determination to give it his all, but I'm not sure if that will be enough, much like Byron Leftwich.
6. Kansas City Chiefs-Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio St
The Chiefs need offensive linemen, but there are plenty in this draft. Malcolm Jenkins fills an immediate need and it isn't too high to take at number six. If memory serves both their corners are over the age of thirty, that isn't a good sign. Herm Edwards is a secondary guy anyways, and this is his type of player.
7. New England Patriots (via 49ers)-Chris Long, DE, Virginia
Either way the Patriots are going to end up with a great player this year. Now I think teams will attempt to trade up with others to block the Patriots play, and I hope the Browns are one of them, but the Patriots have a history of taking "the best player on their board" no matter what their need. Hence they take Chris Long over Laurinaitis or Phillips.
8. Oakland Raiders-Sam Baker, OT, USC
I know Raider fan will be weeping when the Patriots are able to draft Chris Long one spot before their selection. Have faith Raider fan, my Niner friends believe they're gonna beat the Buccs this weekend. So keep on losing and you have a shot at the Chris Long sweepstakes.
9. Chicago Bears-Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville
From the second pick in the draft to the ninth, a tough life from the Brohm family. Even worse, you go to the first round quarterback draftee graveyard which is Chicago. Rex, Cade, Harbaugh, things don't look good for Brohm. Though they did draft McMahon, so there is hope Brian, there is hope.
10. Cincinnati Bengals-James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio St
The Bengals will have their eye on the Road Warrior the entire first three hours of the draft, cause we know that's how long it will take to get to the tenth pick. They keep a local star, help the defense that I believe is on defense in Bermuda, and give their fans something to smile about for the first time since they drafted Carson Palmer.
11. Arizona Cardinals-Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
Now Jeff Otah could be a very serious possibility at this spot, but I believe Sedrick Ellis is too big of a need and way too talented to pass up here at number eleven. Wisenhunt and Grimm know exactly what they are doing and what they are building out there in the desert, Mua'dib.
12. Philadelphia Eagles-Jeff Otah, OT, Pitt
Now I know many Eagle fans will be clamoring for the Eagles to draft Kenny Phillips, the safety from The U, so when they select Jeff Otah you will likely hear the usual chorus of boos from the crowd and emanating from the city of brotherly love. Hey Phily, let's try drafting a player who may keep your quarterbacks healthy for a change.
13. Detroit Lions-Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida
We've spoken before on how badly the Lions have needed to replaced Dre Bly. Mike Jenkins may end up being rated higher then Malcolm Jenkins by some when the combine is over. I will have to wait to see it for myself, but for now he's number two on my list and the natural selection here for the Lions.
14. Denver Broncos-Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina
They've been trying for years to solve the problem of their defensive line in the Mile High City. I think they made a steal last year when they drafted Jarvis Moss from Florida. This year they move over one spot and try to clog the middle with Balmer. I however am not sold on Balmer, I think he's gonna be a bust, but folks really like his athletic ability so here you are.
15. Carolina Panthers-Calais Campbell, DE, Miami
If you put Calais Campbell, the defensive end version of Kellen Winslow at Miami, opposite Julius Peppers the Panthers very well may end up with the most athletic pair of defensive ends the NFL has ever seen. He has enough talent to take some of the double teams off of Peppers and allow him to once again be a menace. I'm not saying he's going to be Jason Taylor, but he could be a Clyde Simmons.
16. Houston Texans-Kenny Phillips, S, Miami
The Texans would likely be watering at the mouth is Kenny Phillips fell all the way to them at number 16. Their defense continues to improve and the idea in the offseason is to continue to work that magic, especially in their secondary since they play the Colts twice a year. This furthers that goal tremendously and puts them almost into the upper echelon of defensive squads.
17. Washington Redskins-Quentin Groves, DE, Auburn
The beauty if the Redskins taking Quentin Groves is that he may end up being one of those players that can either play defensive end or outside linebacker in this league, and with the injury to Rocky McIntosh last week may be exactly what they need at this point as they have definite needs at both positions.
18. Buffalo Bills-Keith Rivers, OLB, USC
Dear god, the football god would have done it again if he is able to snag Keith Rivers at the 18th spot in the draft. A linebacker corps that would consist of Poz and Rivers is downright frightening. Their defense is becoming something special, and could become a brick wall with this draft.
19. New Orleans Saints-Fred Davis, TE, USC
I know common perception is that the Saints will take a defensive player with the nineteenth selection of the draft, I'm not so sure. What they need, inside linebacker and defensive tackle, is already depleted of first round talent. I say they take the tight end while no one is looking and continue to build up that offense so they can rival the ones in the AFC.
20. Tennessee Titans-Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
Twenty picks until we have our first wide receiver taken in this draft, shocking. I think there are plenty of solid, reliable, wide receivers in this draft, I just don't know if any of them have that first round talent to get them picked high. This is a great pick for the Texans as it puts Vince Young with familiar hands.
21. Minnesota Vikings-Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio St
I will literally be sick if the Vikings are able to draft Vernon Gholston at the twenty first spot. Their defense is already number one against the run, mainly due to the Williams boys, but add Gholston and all of a sudden there is a pass rush and the rebirth of the Purple People Eaters is alive and well. In my internal list, I put Gholston second in the draft to Chris Long.
22. New York Giants-Dan Connor, OLB, Penn St
This would be a really smart pick by the Giants. They have the defensive ends, but if the running back gets outside of that they usually have plenty of room to move. Dan Connor gives them that outside linebacker that can make huge plays. Maybe not the LT some Giants fans want, but a player that will be all over the field making tackles.
23. Dallas Cowboys (via Browns)-Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt
This isn't a sexy pick by the Cowboys, but it is the smart one. They have put their eggs into their Tony Romo basket, and no word on if they banned Jessica Simpson from the stadium yet or not. Chris Williams is a damn fine offensive lineman who can give Tony Romo protection to get the ball to TO, which is their offensive strategy.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers-James Hardy, WR, Indiana
I know, the Steelers have bigger needs, but there really isn't too many players at that need that are first round talent. They have Ward and Holmes, but Hardy gives them that third cog that they've been missing since Buress went to New York. Besides, the Steelers linemen needs can always come later in the draft, they're masters of the late round finds.
25. San Diego Chargers-Lawrence Jackson, DE, USC
They have one draft pick right now on day one, where do you go? Well we know they need to go defense, this time I see them going after Lawrence Jackson, a phenomenal defensive end from Southern California. They need to get that pass rush, and to do that they need the double team off of Shawn Merriman, this is my solution to that quandary.
26. Seattle Seahawks-Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois
I feel like a broken record saying the Shawn Alexander is running like a wore down car at this point. If you're not able to see this then time for Lasic or something. It's a coin flip on whether they will take Mendenhall, who I think fits their style of offense better, or Jonathan Stewart who is the local kid...kind of. Either way it's time for Alexander to step aside as the wheels of that car wearing out.
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Ali Highsmith, OLB, LSU
I couldn't decide on if the Buccs should take an outside linebacker or a corner. There appears to be a plethora of talented corners in this draft, one of the best corner classes I've seen in years. Outside backers though seem to be a bit thinner with a bunch of possibilities and question marks. That being said, you take one of the few remaining backers before the question marks begin.
28. Jacksonville Jaguars-DeSean Jackson, WR, Cal
Not the play making Randy Moss type of wide receiver I'm sure the Jaguars were hoping for, but drafting Jackson does two things. It gives them the excitable returner like Devin Hester he will likely be in the league, and keeps from Maurice Jones Drew from returning and saves his energy for offense.
29. Green Bay Packers-Jonathon Stewart, RB, Oregon
Ryan Grant appears to be coming along, and that is great news for the Packers. In the NFL now though, you almost have to have two running backs who can carry the load for your team to succeed. Grant may only be a one year wonder so logic suggest you take Stewart and thank the stars if you end up with two NFL caliber running backs on your team.
30. San Francisco 49ers (via Colts)-Mario Manningham
I know SHK will be thrilled that Manningham once again fell to his Niners. Shawn Hill is starting to make a believer out of fans next year and I won't be surprised if you see a situation like the Browns had at the beginning of the year with the Niners next year. Mario at least gives whoever is quarterback a big team receiving threat that they haven't had since TO was just Terrell Owens.
31. Dallas Cowboys-Early Doucet, WR, LSU
This is the perfect type of receiver for the Cowboys. Doucet isn't going to be anyone's number one receiver, well maybe Seattle, but he can be the Cowboys reliable number 3/slot wide receiver and take some pressure off of TO and Crayton. Oh, of course this is if the Cowboys stay here. I can see them sending these two picks and something else to move up and draft Darren McFadden. Julius Jones is a UFA and they can get something for Marion Barber who is a RFA, all just to get to Darren McFadden.
32. New England Patriots-Forefit
Well, spygate has come and gone and given them motivation, super.

ROUND 2
1. Miami Dolphins-Vince Hall, ILB, Virginia Tech
Zach Thomas' eventual replacement, they hope.
2. Atlanta Falcons-Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College
Give Matt Ryan a sense of peace with someone he knows on his backside blocking.
3. St Louis Rams-Reggie Smith, CB, Oklahoma
Their secondary needs an upgrade, Smith is a first round talent.
4. New York Jets-Phillip Wheeler, ILB, Georgia Tech
Rumor is that Vilma is going to be shipped somewhere, hello Mr. Wheeler.
5. Baltimore Ravens-Tracy Porter, CB, Indiana
Corners are aging and getting burned this season, a shot of youth and first round talent.
6. Kansas City Chiefs-Barry Richardson, OT, Clemson
Let the rebuilding effort of the dam which was the Chiefs offensive line begin.
7. San Francisco 49ers-Marcus Griffin, S, Texas
I thought offensive line, but those two big money corners need some help over the top of them.
8. Oakland Raiders-Lavelle Hawkins, WR, Cal
They like the local kids, and he's a reliable receiver, could be a sleeper.
9. Chicago Bears-Michael Hamlin, S, Clemson
To say their safeties get hurt often would be like me saying I have a big forehead.
10. Cincinnati Bengals-Dre Moore, DT, Maryland
Your inside linebackers can't be as effective without a big mammoth in the middle.
11. Arizona Cardinals-Steve Slaton, RB, West Virginia
A specialty player that they can use on returns and third down, also spell Edge as well.
12. Philadelphia Eagles-DJ Hall, WR, Alabama
The Eagles have had a wide receiver issue for years, this may or may not help but it's worth a shot.
13. Detroit Lions-Tony Hills, OT, Texas
Gotta start running the ball effectively, Texas did that with the help of Hills.
14. Denver Broncos-Aquib Talib, CB, Kansas
Definite need of someone opposite of Champ Bailey, my favorite corner in the draft.
15. Carolina Panthers-Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida
Possible move to the outside linebacker, hey I screwed up bahhumbug.
16. Atlanta Falcons (via Texans)-Red Bryant, DT, Texas A&M
They let go of Grady Jackson, definitely need someone to fill that very large hole.
17. Washington Redskins-Marcus Monk, WR, Arkansas
He is tall, which their receivers don't have and gives the fans name recognition.
18. Buffalo Bills-Travis Beckum, TE, Wisconsin
I don't know how the Bills keep finding players that fit their mold so well.
19. New Orleans Saints-Jonathon Godd, ILB, Vanderbilt
Underrated inside linebacker that should be a solid fit in Nawlins.
20. Tennessee Titans-DeJuan Tribble, CB, Boston College
Whether Pacman is back or not at this point is moot, they need secondary.
21. Minnesota Vikings-Roy Schuening, G, Oregon St
Maybe the number one guard in the draft, adds him to Birk and Hutchinson.
22. New York Giants-Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona
Secondary is starting to come along, but still questions, this helps that.
23. Cleveland Browns-Erin Henderson, OLB, Maryland
If he plays as well as Jackson the Browns may have the best linebacking corps in the league.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers-Shannon Tevaga, G, UCLA
I keep hearing they will lose Faneca, then there is a definite need for a replacement.
25. Miami Dolphins (via Chargers)-Drew Radovich, G, USC
They need a guard to open holes for Ronnie Brown, he was doing that too much solo.
26. Seattle Seahawks-John Carlson, TE, Notre Dame
A very solid choice, westcoast offense needs a good tight end to work.
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Jack Ikegwuonu, CB, Wisconsin
A steal this late in the second round, which those Buccs shouldn't feel bad about.
28. Jacksonville Jaguars-Shawn Crabble, OLB, Michigan
Crabble could go either way here, but should be decent for the Jaguars.
29. Green Bay Packers-Alex Mack, C, Cal
Aaron Rodgers will be their quarterback soon, give him a young center to grow with.
30. Indianapolis Colts-Carl Nicks, OT, Nebraska
The Colts need to restock the offensive lineman shelves.
31. Dallas Cowboys-Jamie Silva, S, Boston College
Silva may be underestimated in the safety class, good fit for Dallas.
32. New England Patriots-Ben Moffitt, ILB, South Florida
Junior Seau is old, really old, Moffitt should fit in nicely in New England.

ROUND 3
1. Miami Dolphins-Adarius Bowman, WR, Oklahoma State
Their young QBs can't do much if they have no one to throw to.
2. Atlanta Falcons-Quintin Demps, S, UTEP
Their safety position is up there in age, let Demps learn from them.
3. St Louis Rams-Chris Ellis, DE, Virginia Tech
A serviceable defensive end, not a monster but won't lose games for you.
4. New York Jets-Trevor Laws, DT, Notre Dame
Laws should fit into a 3-4 fairly well.
5. Buffalo Bills (via Ravens)-Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy State
Quickly losing "sleeper" status, I'm beginning to worry about playing Bills every year.
6. Kansas City Chiefs-Earl Bennett, WR, Vanderbilt
Dwayne Bowe and....that's right now one else really, maybe this is that other piece.
7. San Francisco 49ers-Steve Justice, C Wake Forest
Steve Justice may be the best offensive lineman who isn't Jake Long in this draft.
8. New England Patriots (via Raiders)-Josh Barrett, S, Arizona St
Rodney Harrison is also getting up there in age, a year under him and Barrett would be dangerous.
9. Chicago Bears-Kirk Barton, OT, Ohio St
Other then their center their offensive line just plain sucks.
10. Cincinnati Bengals-Wesley Woodard, OLB, Kentucky
I don't know if this kid would fit in with the thugs of Cincinnati, but he's gonna be a hell of a football player.
11. Arizona Cardinals-Heath Benedict, OT, Newberry
Wisenhunt and Grimm take the little known tackle and turn him into a beast.
12. Philadelphia Eagles-Kevin Ellison, S, USC
The Eagles finally try to fill the safety hole.
13. Detroit Lions-Martin Rucker, TE, Missouri
The Lions need a TE, Rucker could have first round talent.
14. Minnesota Vikings (via Broncos)-Craig Steltz, S, LSU
I love Steltz as a player, this just makes the Vikings defense better.
15. Carolina Panthers-Dennis Dixon, QB, Oregon
The scratch on Dixon is his size, but this kid is a gamer.
16. Houston Texans-Adam Kraus, G, Michigan
They've had offensive line issues since they began, this can give them some security.
17. Washington Redskins-Tom Zbikowski, S, Notre Dame
Probably not the type of safety the Redskin fan base want, but Gibbs will.
18. Buffalo Bills-Marcus Harrison, DT, Arkansas
Not biggest need, but better player then other needs still out there.
19. New Orleans Saints-Chris Harrington, DE, Texas A&M
That defense needs to be upgraded, take the somewhat local kid.
20. Tennessee Titans-Terrance Taylor, DT, Michigan
Without Haynesworth they are a bad team, gotta get that insurance.
21. Minnesota Vikings-Charles Godfrey, CB, Iowa
I am beginning to hate the Vikings defense becoming so good, first round talent.
22. New York Giants-Ray Rice, RB, Rutgers
They have many backs, but are any really any good?
23. Cleveland Browns-Andre Fluellen, DT, Florida St
I don't know if he's part of the 25, if so then Wallace Gilberry.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers-Jonathan Hefney, S, Tennessee
Polamalu missed a good portion of the season, we go back to insurance.
25. Chicago Bears (via Chargers)-Mike Hart, RB, Michigan
Benson doesn't seem to be the answer, how bout a cold weather kid?
26. Seattle Seahawks-Erik Young, G, Tennessee
Their guard play has been horrible since Hutchinson left.
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Mike McGlynn, OT, Pitt
They continue to attempt to find that answer on the offensive line.
28. Jacksonville Jaguars-Thomas DeCloud, S, Cal
There is a gap here, DeCloud may very well be a sleeper.
29. Green Bay Packers-Jordan Grimes, G, Purdue
Gotta keep building up that offensive line to protect Farve.
30. Indianapolis Colts-Kendall Langford, DE, Hampton
Dwight Freeney went out this year, they need someone opposite.
31. Dallas Cowboys-Bruce Davis, OLB, UCLA
It made the most sense in my head when I wrote it down.
32. New England Patriots-Justin King, CB, Penn St
They continue to build through the draft as they left big money players go elsewhere.