2008 NFL Mock Draft Rounds 1-4 Dec 27th

That's right folks, I have upped the rounds to include the fourth round, enjoy. Now today's draft comes after the rumor mill of the Dolphins giving up their first and third round draft choices for Derek Anderson's restricted free agent tender. I know Phil Savage wants to keep DA, but the first pick of this year's draft may be too tempting to pass up. With that in mind I also rendered other restricted free agents and made one trade. The odd thing is three of the four things involve the Dolphins.

Derek Anderson is signed by the Dolphins for their 1st and 3rd draft picks.
The Chicago Bears sign Marion Barber giving up the 2nd round tender.
The Miami Dolphins sign Jovan Haye giving up the 2nd round tender.
Jason Taylor is traded to the Minnesota Vikings for a 2nd and 4th round pick.
The Jets trade Jonathan Vilma to the Baltimore Ravens for their 2nd round pick.
Dallas trade their 23rd, 30th, 94th and 2009 2nd round picks for the Jets' number 4 pick.

ROUND 1
1. Cleveland Browns (via Dolphins)-Chris Long, DE, Virginia
Many believe that if the Browns had this selection that it would be Darren McFadden in a landslide, I disagree. Jamal Lewis is doing just fine and needs to be that veteran leader on the offense, especially if it's just Brady Quinn. Do you want Quinn and McFadden back there? No you need that veteran and Lewis has come back to form. The Browns have zero defensive line, Chris Long upgrades this immediately. They thought line last year, they should do it again this year, just the other side of the ball.
2. Atlanta Falcons-Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
Matt Ryan is likely the most NFL-ready quarterback out of this year's anemic quarterback crop. How he does in the NFL all depends on who Arthur Blank ends up choosing to coach his football team. I for one am pulling for the return of Jerry Glanville to Atlanta.
3. St Louis Rams-Jake Long, OT, Michigan
I think most sites right now have this as a foregone conclusion, Jake Long and the Rams just make too much sense. Even if Orlando Pace was able to miraculously turn 25 again, they need another tackle since no one on that team right now can block.
4. Dallas Cowboys (via Jets)-Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
I think Jerry Jones shoots for the moon here, especially after watching what Adrian Peterson does to his team in the playoffs. They have maybe the most complete team in the NFC so some extra draft picks to be able to nab his running back of the future means nothing to him. The key to this trade is someone taking the restricted free agent tender for Marion Barber.
5. Baltimore Ravens-Andre Woodson, QB, Kentucky
They have many spots to fill, and here I personally would take one of the tackles, but I think they're gonna go the quarterback route. Troy Smith is young and the competition with Woodson would be amazing to watch, but I think they make this move to show the fans that the Kyle Boller era is over.
6. Oakland Raiders-Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
I can't explain it, no matter what I do to a draft to screw everything up the Raiders always wind up with some kind of steal. Before it was Chris Long, this time it is Glenn Dorsey, just in time since Warren Sapp will likely no longer be a part of the team come April.
7. Kansas City Chiefs-Ryan Clady, OT, Boise St
Now I included Clady to this draft since more rumors are circulating that he will be entering the draft. Personally I think he should stay in one more year and work on his game so that he could possibly be the number one pick, but that's just me. The Chiefs need a defensive line like the writers strike needs to be over.
8. New England Patriots (via 49ers)-James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio St
If you let the Road Warrior fall to the Patriots and allow him to learn from some of those veterans, we'll never see the end to this alleged Patriots dynasty. Of course he's a perfect fit for that team and their personality, that's why I hate it that he may wind up there.
9. Carolina Panthers-Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville
The Panthers have a luxury that the Falcons and Ravens don't have, their quarterback has the chance to sit back and not start, as long as Delhomme is healthy at least. Now I personally don't think he'll do much in the NFL, maybe a cagey backup but what else are ya gonna do if you're the Panthers?
10. Denver Broncos-Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
They've been trying to solve their defensive line for year, this pick will go a long way to fixing that ongoing problem. I think Sedrick Ellis is going to be one of the stars of this league, and he would be beloved and worshiped in the mile high.
11. Chicago Bears-Sam Baker, OT, USC
There's not another first round quarterback available, and they don't have a second round pick due to the Marion Barber deal (in this draft). They may give Orton his shot or pick up a free agent, but no matter who it is they definitely need better blocking then they have been getting.
12. Detroit Lions-Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio St
To say that the Lions secondary is playing like an elementary team may be understating the problem according to some. Malcolm Jenkins has what you could call a Detroit personality, a tough as nails aggressive corner who can easily be the leader of that secondary the minute he steps onto the field.
13. Houston Texans-Kenny Phillips, S, Miami
Perhaps it's fate, perhaps it's destiny, but I foresee the Texans landing Kenny Phillips. This move goes just one step closer to making that defense one that can compete with the Colts and Jaguars year in and year out.
14. Cincinnati Bengals-Keith Rivers, OLB, USC
There are so many possible holes to fill on this team, cept corner, and I think you have to go after the best linebacker available. Vernon Gholston could be an option, get that local kid, but they have had success drafting Trojans.
15. New Orleans Saints-Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina
This kid hasn't been on the national radar too much because he's been a Tar Heel football player, but all sources say he'll be a high draft pick due to his freakish ability. He is also one of the reasons I think Steve Justice may be the best interior lineman in this draft, he handled Balmer quite well.
16. Buffalo Bills-Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida
The Football God gets a corner that has some freakish athletic ability. You put him and Donte Whitner in that secondary, and that defense is damn near close to being that Super Bowl Bills defense once again, save this time they may have an even better secondary.
17. Philadelphia Eagles-Jeff Otah, OT, Pitt
They have to major holes to fill, tackle and safety. I think this is too early for Griffin and they need to keep their quarterbacks healthy for a change. Otah is a solid left tackle that can block Kolb's backside for a decade to come.
18. Arizona Cardinals-Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois
I think many will be shocked by the Cardinals going for a running back so soon in the draft, but Wisenhunt and Grimm know the benefits of having two great running backs. Add those to their receiving corps and this offense may have the most fire power in the league, now if they can only get the trigger man on the same page.
19. Tennessee Titans-Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
I wonder if it will be some kind of record not having a wide receiver taken until the 19th spot. This year's wide receiving corps I think has some real gems, but only in 2nd and 3rd receiver sense. There doesn't appear to be many who could become those big time play makers. Least this one can catch the ball for Vince Young.
20. Minnesota Vikings-Marcus Griffin, S, Texas
With the Vikings trading for Jason Taylor they have to draft a safety now if they want to try to find that playmaker. Griffin is the only first round rated safety I have, and they've been pleased with last year's Longhorns draft choice, why not go back?
21. Washington Redskins-Quentin Groves, DE/OLB, Auburn
I don't believe they should draft a safety first, they have other needs and there is none of value here. Groves can play either defensive end or outside linebacker for the Redskins, though I think he'll end up at OLB because of his size, though if he bulks up he definitely can play defensive end.
22. New York Giants-Dan Connor, OLB, New York Giants
Their defensive ends are dangerous, even Tom Brady knows this. Their secondary is young, but appear to be getting a grasp on how to play in the NFL. Now they must begin to work on their linebacking corps and Dan Connor is a great choice to be an addition to that defense.
23. New York Jets (via Cowboys via Browns)-James Hardy, WR, Indiana
There is plenty of possession receivers on the Jets but they lack the big play maker. James Hardy has all the tools to be a big play maker in the NFL. Not too many folks know about him, unless you're a Big Ten or draft person, and this kid is gonna shock people in the NFL.
24. Seattle Seahawks-Fred Davis, TE, USC
Do you pay money for a first round running back, or do you get someone you need right now? I went with the right now philosophy and took the best tight end in this draft for the Seahawks. The West Coast offense MUST have a stellar tight end to succeed, notice anything missing in Seattle?
25. Pittsburgh Steelers-Early Doucet, WR, LSU
They'll likely let Nate Washington leave via free agency. That leaves them with Ward and Holmes, they need a third man. Now a offensive lineman or two are also needed, but the Steelers have been known to make the pick they believe they need, not everyone else...and they're usually right.
26. San Diego Chargers-Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio St
They have one selection on the first day so the player better be something special. Well, he is the only player to beat Jake Long and sack the quarterback all year so he has that going for him I suppose. He fits that defenses mentality to a t as well.
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Reggie Smith, CB, Oklahoma
The Buccs are aging on defense so it is time to restock the shelves of the Pirate Ship. Reggie Smith is that classical Buccs type of player that we've now expected from them the last decade or so. Learning under Ronda Barber is another great benefit for the Boomer Sooner.
28. Jacksonville Jaguars-DeSean Jackson, WR, Cal
They've been searching for wide receivers for years now, but they don't take Jackson for his receiving ability totally. Having him become your returner allows Maurice Jones-Drew to save his strength running the ball, making the rushing attack (which very well may be the best in the NFL) that much better.
29. Green Bay Packers-Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon
Ryan Grant looks like a good solid player, but is it for real or just a one year fluke? I don't think the Packers can allow themselves the luxury of being wrong and take Stewart. It doesn't hurt them though, every team needs two solid running backs in today's NFL.
30. New York Jets (via Cowboys)-Vince Hall, ILB, Virginia Tech
Word on the street is that Jonathon Vilma is going to be traded, some issues with Manjackass, hence why he was traded in this draft to the Ravens, the alleged team who has great interest in Vilma. Vince Hall can come in and match up well next to their current players.
31. San Francisco 49ers (via Colts)-Mario Manningham, WR, Michigan
Here is your big time wide receiver Shawn Hill. Is there any question that Shawn Hill is now the Niners quarterback? Will there be a a situation much like there was this year in Cleveland between Hill and Alex Smith? Either way, they need someone to throw to.
32. New England Patriots-Forefit

ROUND 2
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (via Dolphins)-Erin Henderson, OLB, Maryland
May be the Demeco Ryans of this draft, great linebacker.
2. Atlanta Falcons-Phil Loadholt, OT, Oklahoma
Someone needs to protect Matt Ryan and this guy is the size of a trailer.
3. St Louis Rams-Tracy Porter, CB, Indiana
Their secondary is in dire need of help quickly, Porter is gonna be a great player.
4. New York Jets-Marcus Harrison, DT, Arkansas
Dewayne Robertson hasn't lived up to his potential, perhaps Harrison will.
5. New York Jets (via Ravens)-Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas
I still think this kid could be the best in this draft class.
6. Oakland Raiders-Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College
Someone needs to protect JaMarcus from those Chiefs and Chargers.
7. Kansas City Chiefs-Kennan Burton, WR, Kentucky
Dwayne Bowe and...do the Chiefs really have any other receivers?
8. San Francisco 49ers-Barry Richardson, OT, Clemson
You can't throw it to Manningham on your ass, reliable always playing tackle.
9. Carolina Panthers-Lawrence Jackson, DE, USC
A first round talent who can take pressure off of Peppers.
10. Denver Broncos-Robert Felton, G, Arkansas
Their o-line isn't what it used to be, best guard in the draft.
11. Dallas Cowboys (via Bears)-Tony Hills, OT, Texas
Romo, McFadden, and the Cowboys need a big Texan to move the football.
12. Detroit Lions-Travis Beckum, TE, Wisconsin
So it's not a wide receiver, but this team needs to smell the times and get a TE.
13. Atlanta Falcons (via Texans)-Dre Moore, DT, Maryland
Grady Jackson is gone and so is his presence in the middle.
14. Cincinnati Bengals-Trevor Laws, DT, Notre Dame
A scary though, Laws and Peko in the middle of that defense.
15. New Orleans Saints-Phillip Wheeler, ILB, Georgia Tech
They'll draft him, but I'm not sold on Wheeler.
16. Buffalo Bills-Ali Highsmith, OLB, LSU
Some more defensive assistance, are they now better then any other AFC East D?
17. Philadelphia Eagles-Michael Hamlin, S, Clemson
They fill that glaring safety hole with a kid who could surprise a few people.
18. Arizona Cardinals-Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt
Deadbeat Daddy and that high powered offense need some kind of protection.
19. Tennessee Titans-Charles Godfrey, CB, Iowa
Even with Pacman coming back they need another corner, and this kid is special.
20. Miami Dolphins (via Vikings)-Adam Kraus, G, Michigan
Their first draft pick, a guard, gotta protect your investments.
21. Washington Redskins-Chris Ellis, DE, Virginia Tech
Another defensive end, but they need d-line help almost as much as the Browns.
22. New York Giants-DeJuan Tribble, CB, Boston College
They continue to build that secondary so they can stop Romo.
23. Cleveland Browns-Red Bryant, DT, Texas A&M
A big massive force inside of their 3-4 allowing those inside linebackers to make plays.
24. Seattle Seahawks-Alex Mack, C, Cal
Their interior line is fading quickly, Mack can solidify that area.
25. Pittsburgh Steelers-Drew Radovich, G, USC
I keep hearing that Faneca isn't staying, so there is a big hole to fill.
26. Miami Dolphins (via Chargers)-Calais Campbell, DE, Miami
They lose Jason Taylor and keep a local kid with all kinds of athletic ability.
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Kirk Barton, OT, Ohio St
They seem to have been working on their offensive line for years now.
28. Jacksonville Jaguars-Bruce Davis, OLB, UCLA
Their linebacking corps is young, but this gives them that big athletic ability it needs.
29. Green Bay Packers-Roy Schuening, G, Oregon St
Someone has to make the holes for Grant and Stewart.
30. Dallas Cowboys-Lavelle Hawkins, WR, Cal
They need some sort of slot receiver and Hawkins may be ideally suited for that role.
31. Indianapolis Colts-Heath Benedict, OT, Newberry
They have been devastated by injuries to their offensive line almost as badly as the Rams.
32. New England Patriots-Jonathan Goff, ILB, Vanderbilt
They have Laurinaitis, Godd though can play that Vrabel and Bruschi type of position where it is sort of a tweener.

ROUND 3
1. Cleveland Browns (via Dolphins)-Ray Rice, RB, Rutgers
Lewis isn't going to be around forever, Rice could learn a great deal while he's there though.
2. Atlanta Falcons-Jamie Silva, S, Boston College
The secondary is the pits, Silva plays the game right.
3. St Louis Rams-Derek Harvey, DE, Florida
His ability and style is best suited for that inside the dome team.
4. New York Jets-Quentin Demps, S, UTEP
He's going to have to play free safety as no one really plays it right now.
5. Buffalo Bills (via Ravens)-John Carlson, TE, Notre Dame
Marv Levy has always loved a good tight end, this is his kind of player.
6. New England Patriots (via Raiders)-Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona
They are always needing solid corners for their defense, Cason is a steal in the third.
7. Kansas City Chiefs-Shannon Tevaga, G, UCLA
They need to continue to rebuild that horrible offensive line.
8. San Francisco 49ers-Josh Barrett, S, Arizona St
They have real promise on their defense, but no one in the middle of the secondary.
9. Carolina Panthers-Dorien Bryant, WR, Purdue
They have plenty of receivers but none made big plays this year, try something new.
10. Minnesota Vikings (via Broncos)-Mike McGlynn, OT, Pitt
Purple Jesus and whoever the quarterback is need protection.
11. Chicago Bears-Kevin Ellison, S, USC
They have another pick near the bottom of the round for the QB, their d needs a safety.
12. Detroit Lions-Colt Brennan, QB, Hawaii
Kitna isn't getting younger and he could flourish in a Martz offense.
13. Houston Texans-Steve Justice, C, Wake Forest
That questionable offensive line just got a huge jump up.
14. Cincinnati Bengals-John Greco, OT, Toledo
They may very well lose two of their tackles in the offseason.
15. New Orleans Saints-Martin Rucker, TE, Missouri
Drew Brees needs another Gates type tight end, Rucker is the closest.
16. Buffalo Bills-Frank Okam, DT, Texas
You can never have enough solid defensive tackles.
17. Philadelphia Eagles-DJ Hall, WR, Alabama
Much like the Jaguars they've been on the search for a wide receiver for years.
18. Arizona Cardinals-Terrance Taylor, DT, Michigan
They've taken a Michigan defensive tackle the last two years, why not three?
19. Tennessee Titans-Andre Fluellen, DT, Florida St
They may or may not get Albert back, if not then this will need to happen sooner.
20. Minnesota Vikings-Joe Flacco, QB< Delaware
Why not take a quarterback here, it's a nice safe choice.
21. Washington Redskins-Marcus Monk, WR, Arkansas
I've heard all year long how they need a big tall receiver, here you are.
22. New York Giants-Mike Hart, RB, Michigan
They may lose Ward in the offseason, he can run the ball forty times a game.
23. Cleveland Browns-Jordan Grimes, G, Purdue
Some may scratch their heads, but the right side of the line is missing a strong guard.
24. Seattle Seahawks-Chris Johnson, RB, East Carolina
They finally take a running back, a solid one at that who could be a sleeper.
25. Pittsburgh Steelers-Tom Zbikowski, S, Notre Dame
The man boxes in the offseason, yeah he fits the Steelers mold.
26. Chicago Bears (via Chargers)-Dennis Dixon, QB, Oregon
A proven winner who can give the Bears offense a different look, if healthy.
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Josh Johnson, QB, San Diego
Johnson reminds me of the type of QBs Gruden likes to employ.
28. Jacksonville Jaguars-Jonathan Hefney, S, Tennessee
Sammy Knight is in his 30s, he needs to be someone's mentor.
29. Green Bay Packers-Chad Rinehart, OT, Northern Iowa
They continue to turn that offensive line a little younger.
30. New York Jets (via Cowboys)-Jacob Hester, RB, LSU
Leon Washington is a returning, Thomas Jones needs someone to spell him.
31. Indianapolis Colts-Jack Ikegwuonu, CB, Wisconsin
Much like the Patriots they seem to rotate corners in and out without hurting.
32. New England Patriots-Wesley Woodard, OLB, Kentucky
Their third linebacker of the draft, a good thing since three of their starters could very well be done after the season.

ROUND 4
1. Miami Dolphins-Earl Bennett, WR, Vanderbilt
Derek Anderson is going to need someone to throw the ball to.
2. Atlanta Falcons-Trae Williams, CB, South Florida
I don't care how good they THINK they are, the Falcons need secondary help.
3. St Louis Rams-Donnie Avery, WR, Houston
Issac Bruce looks to retire soon, need someone to step up.
4. New York Jets-Kirk Elder, G, Texas A&M
Their current guards are mediocre, this could be a step up.
5. Baltimore Ravens-Cody Wallace, C, Texas A&M
Flynn is nearing 40, Wallace could compete for the starters job.
6. Oakland Raiders-Jaison Williams, WR, Oregon
I don't like Williams, he drops to many balls, but the Raiders need another receiver.
7. Kansas City Chiefs-Erik Ainge, QB, Tennessee
Call this an insurance policy on Croyle.
8. San Francisco 49ers-Adam Spieker, C, Missouri
May be good enough to play left guard for Larry Allen as well.
9. Carolina Panthers-Ben Moffitt, ILB, South Florida
Jon Beason seems to be coming along, but just in case...
10. Denver Broncos-Kory Lichtensteiger, C, Bowling Green
Another attempt to fix that interior line of the Broncos.
11. Chicago Bears-Adarius Bowman, WR, Oklahoma St
Berrian and Muhammad need a third compadre out there on the field.
12. Detroit Lions-Carl Nicks, OT, Nebraska
Perhaps someone like Nicks can actually help the QB stay upright.
13. Houston Texans-Mac Unger, OT, Oregon
A huge steal in the fourth round, and more offensive solidization by the Texans.
14. Cincinnati Bengals-J Leman, ILB, Illinois
I love this Leman kid and it breaks my heart to see him go to Cin City.
15. New Orleans Saints-Matt Forte, RB, Tulane
I know, a running back to the Saints, but are any actually healthy right now?
16. Buffalo Bills-Hilee Taylor, DE/OLB, North Carolina
A tweener that the Bills could use in various formations to throw the offense off.
17. Philadelphia Eagles-Dantrelle Savage, RB, Oklahoma St
This seems to be about the time the random running back is drafted by the Eagles.
18. Arizona Cardinals-Justin King, CB, Penn St
He has to be better then the undrafted starter they have now.
19. Tennessee Titans-Harry Douglas, WR, Lousiville
Give Vince Young enough targets and one is bound to be able to catch.
20. Miami Dolphins (via Vikings)-Beau Bell, ILB, UNLV
This kid is one of the three fourth round linebackers that I think are steals.
21. New York Jets (via Redskins)-Xavier Adibi, OLB, Virginia Tech
Pair him up with Hall in that 3-4 and see if they can win like they did at VA Tech.
22. New York Giants-Craig Steltz, S, LSU
Defense is going to be the name of the game this year for the Giants.
23. Cleveland Browns-Darrell Robertson, DE/OLB, Georgia Tech
I envision moving him to outside linebacker and taking over for McGinnest.
24. Seattle Seahawks-Brandon Rodd, G, Arizona St
They continue to upgrade their offensive interior line.
25. Pittsburgh Steelers-Pedro Sosa, OT, Rutgers
They very well may lose a tackle in the offseason as well, Sosa is underrated.
26. San Diego Chargers-David Vobora, ILB, Idaho
The number two of three of the linebackers, would fit in well with the Chargers D.
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Darry Beckwith, OLB, LSU
With the right coaching he could take over for Derrick Brooks.
28. Jacksonville Jaguars-Paul Smith, QB, Tulsa
Garrard is the starter, Gray is decent but is he good enough to be the backup?
29. Green Bay Packers-Paul Hubbard, WR, Wisconsin
Another big receiver for Farve to throw to.
30. Dallas Cowboys-Thomas DeCloud, S, Cal
People complain about the Cowboys secondary, perhaps this will help.
31. Indianapolis Colts-Ezra Butler, OLB, Nevada
The third linebacker, this kid is all over the field making tackles.
32. New England Patriots-Jarrett Dillard, WR, Rice
He has slipped under the radar since he didn't put up numbers like he did last year, steal for Tom Brady.