NFL Mock Draft Super Early Edition

With not much to do until tomorrow when training camp starts, I figured I'd spend the morning doing my first mock draft of the year. Using my predictions from earlier in the month, I present to you my first mock draft for 2010.

1. Oakland Raiders-Tim Tebow, QB, Florida
Laugh, mock, do all that you want to do just remember one key thing, Al Davis is still the owner and head decision maker for the Oakland Raiders and until he dies the decision making process will be all kinds of FUBAR.
2. St Louis Rams-Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma
It will become evident this season that Marc Bulger can no longer operate as a NFL QB. I do believe he is now suffering from shell shock and the Rams need someone to replace him sooner rather than later.
3. Seattle Seahawks via Broncos –Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma
The Seahawks can really set their defense up for dominance with this draft. They are already on their way, but with the third and sixth picks…if they don’t trade up with the Raiders to draft Bradford I see this being all D.
4. Detroit Lions –Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State
The Lions start drafting like an actual NFL franchise again and pass on the number one WR, even though he is available. You need to protect Sanford, and Okung could easily be a 15 year game in game out starter for the franchise.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida
Though he plays DE at Florida, and may be better situated for a 3-4 DE, I could see the Buccs taking his athleticism and turning him into a very destructive DT as well.
6. Seattle Seahawks- Taylor Mays, S, USC
Grant and Russell are decent players, they’re solid and won’t lose you too many games, Mays may be the best safety from Safety U since Troy P…maybe since Ronnie Lott.
7. New York Jets-Damian Williams, WR, USC
I think the lack of breakout WRs in New York is going to be one of the downsides to this season. Benn from Illinois is likely the top WR, but Williams right behind him brings the Jets to a QB who already has a repertoire with the WR.
8. Cincinnati Bengals-Arrelious Benn, WR, Illinois
I’m not sure who the new head coach in Cincinnati will be, but I can easily see them getting the good sized, very quick Benn for Carson Palmer.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars –Jevan Snead, QB, Ole Miss
Sadly Jack Del Rio is no longer in Jacksonville, and they decide to go another route with their QB situation as Garrard struggles for a second straight year.
10. Dallas Cowboys-Eric Berry, S, Tennessee
Now this may be a bit farther down then some folks would expect Berry, but I can see opposing teams going away from Berry as much as possible. There may be no greater need for a safety then Dallas’.
11. San Francisco 49ers via Panthers- Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska
Running the 3-4 successfully requires a dominate nose tackle, something the Niners are currently missing. Suh is little known from Nebraska, but that will change once his is a Niner.
12. Miami Dolphins- Travis Lewis, OLB, Oklahoma
Lewis is a production beast at Oklahoma, and while maybe not the pass rush threat the Dolphins probably need more, you cannot argue with production that they hope will translate to a Patrick Willis type player.
13. Tennessee Titans-Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa
Since the high quality defensive linemen are already taken by 13, the Titans end up going the safe route and taking the number two tackle on the board.
14. Kansas City Chiefs-Brandon Spikes, ILB, Florida
Tony Gonzales is in a different uniform this year, which is just going to feel all kinds of weird. Gresham has good hands, and a decent size to block as well and could be the pick, but I think Pioli is going to try to strike gold like he did with Mayo.
15. San Francisco 49ers-Kristofer O’Dowd, C, USC
SayHey may hate this pick, but he did say they need some offensive linemen. O’Dowd is the top Center available, and since signing Marvel Smith drafting a tackle doesn’t make too much sense here.
16. Indianapolis Colts-Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma St
Perhaps this is the lesson we learn this year from the Colts, Peyton Manning needs three solid targets downfield, not just two. Bryant fits in beautifully in this offense.
17. Minnesota Vikings-Joe Haden, CB, Florida
Came on strong last year playing for the Gators, always seems to be in the receivers face for a pass. Vikings secondary is getting a bit long in the tooth.
18. Buffalo Bills-Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma
Dick Jauron finally gets the style of tight end he’s been wanting, a good sized kid with decent hands and can block at a very high level.
19. Denver Broncos via Bears-Colt McCoy, QB, Texas
Colt McCoy is the perfect style QB for Josh McDaniels’ style of offense. Exceedingly accurate and a great leader, McCoy may be what the Broncos were thinking when they traded Cutler to the Bears.
20. Philadelphia Eagles-Reshad Jones, S, Georgia
Brian Dawkins has left the city of brothery love to form a former NFC East All Star secondary in Denver. They will quickly realize that Sean Jones is not the answer, another Jones is.
21. Cleveland Browns- Sergio Kindle, DE/OLB, Texas
Unless Wimbley can produce like he did in his rookie season, some kind of pass rush is needed in Cleveland. Kindle is the Mangini type of player, though Arthur Jones could land here as a 3-4 DE as well.
22. Atlanta Falcons- Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma
They have Sam Baker on their left side, but their right is an undrafted Demon Deacon. This is the natural progression of a franchise going in the right direction.
23. Houston Texans-Trevard Lindley, CB, Kentucky
The Texans have some questions in the secondary right now, especially with the Duante Robinson situation. Being able to snag the number two corner this far down would be a god send for the Texans.
24. Arizona Cardinals- Brandon Graham, DE, Michigan Greg
The Cardinals may struggle with a pass rush, and Graham has the speed to be a beast of a defensive end for them. Add his speed to that of Campbell and they could have the fastest DE combo in the NFL.
25. Baltimore Ravens-Brandon LaFell, WR, LSU
I’m not sure what is going to happen to LaFell seeing that I believe the LSU QB position is a bit of a question mark this year. He seems to fit the Ravens’ style of WR though.
26. Washington Redskins-CJ Spiller, RB, Clemson
Running backs seem to be taken later and later in drafts the past few years. Clinton Portis isn’t getting any younger and they really don’t have a very good answer behind him, Spiller makes the most sense here.
27. New York Giants-Sean Witherspoon, OLB, Missouri
When it comes to Witherspoon you’re reminded of the Oklahoma LB taken above him in the draft, production. Witherspoon has been nothing but productive since he emerged onto the scene at Missouri.
28. San Diego Chargers-Terrence Cody, DT, Alabama
6’5” 360lbs…the size alone means you put him in the middle of the defense and hope he takes three offensive linemen with him.
29. New Orleans Saints-Arthur Jones, DT, Syracuse
Though he may be better suited for a 3-4 defensive end, they are gonna need someone to go next to Sedrick Ellis on the interior of their defensive line.
30. Pittsburgh Steelers-Rolando McClain, ILB, Alabama
James Farrior isn’t getting any younger for the Steelers and his eventual replace needs to be found. McClain is a very productive inside linebacker, one who should fit in well with the Steelers.
31. New England Patriots-Javier Arenas, CB, Alabama
The Saban Belichek connection continues. Arenas may have been the best new secondary player in the SEC last year, but the best thing for the Patriots is he is a dynamic return specialist.
32. Green Bay Packers- Ciron Black, OT, LSU
When you seemingly have everything else that you need, take the best offensive lineman available, you can never have enough quality offensive linemen.

NFL Mock Draft 2009 v 2.0 Pre Combine Edition

Welcome once again everyone to the LSWTF Mock Draft. The draft order is now set and it is time to start thinking heavily on where teams are going to go, who is moving around, and what big trades we should expect to see. Last year we saw quite a few moves in the first round, I'm predicting now this year may break records in regards to how many trades you see. I'm willing to say two of the top five teams will move down or trade away their picks in some fashion.

ROUND ONE
1. Detroit Lions-Andre Smith, OT, Alabama
The Lions hired Jim Schwartz and by all accounts he is a very smart in the football sense. He knows the QB class isn't up to par this year, that what he can get later isn't that far from what he can get right here. So with that in mind I see him taking Andre Smith, continuing a trend to come of taking an offensive tackle first. Now the Lions have a great deal of picks so I'm gonna say this right off the bat, I expect them to offer their second first rounder and one of their third rounders to the Patriots for Matt Cassell.

2. St Louis Rams-Aaron Curry, OLB, Wake Forest
They drafted the son of Long last year and now they hired the defensive coordinator who unleashed hell from the defensive end position in New York. Now imagine Chris Long and right behind him, Aaron Curry. His stock is pretty high now, after the combine I imagine it will be even higher.

3. Kansas City Chiefs-Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
There is an interesting dynamic brewing in KC. You have the Patriot minded Pioli with the offensive minded Hadley, hence you end up with Michael Crabtree. Now of course this will cause all of Seattle to begin weeping into their Starbucks, but Hadley knows what he can do with devastating WRs at his disposal. Pioli knows this offense needs some playmakers and Crabtree is without a doubt the number one playmaker in this draft.


4. Seattle Seahawks-BJ Raji, DT, Boston College
This is a few spots high for Raji, but the Seahawks may learn from the Patriots and not worry if it is deemed "too high" for a player, especially when that player produces. Of course it goes without saying that if Crabtree falls to this spot Seattle will take him in an instant.

5. Cleveland Browns-Eugene Monroe, OT/G, Virginia
Let me be frank, I don't expect the Browns to stay at the number five spot. I see them moving down with the Eagles who are in desperate need of one of the offensive tackles of this draft. Mangini used his first draft in New York to stock pile picks, and that worked out pretty well. If they do decide to stay Monroe makes the most sense to me. He can play tackle or guard and they need to balance out that left heavy offensive line.

6. Cincinnati Bengals-Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia
I know this pick doesn't make a whole hell of a lot of sense to some people, the Bengals obviously need more defensive help then anything. Then again its the Bungles and they don't really have a running threat at the moment and Moreno may be too tempting to pass up. I could see Jenkins, Maybin or one of the tackles here as well.

7. Oakland Raiders-Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri
Al Davis loves one thing, speed. This would be the thrid straight year where you saw the Raiders getting some of the most devistating offensive players in college football with their first round pick. The bonus to Maclin is his return ability, which Oakland is probably already drooling over.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars-Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio St
Though an inside linebacker here is tempting, the Jaguars attempted to shore up their secondary last year and it didn't work out so well. Jenkins seems to have all the traits of a sure fire hall of famer so I can easily see Del Rio pulling the trigger on this kid. Of course if one of the wide outs fall this far, I can see that happening too.

9. Green Bay Packers-Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn St
The thing that hurt the Packers defense this year was the complete lack of a pass rush. Taking Maybin over Brown and Orakpo I think will have more to do with where he played (a cold climate) then anything else. Maybin knows how to play that Packers style of defense and should meld in well, though I don't know if I see constant Pro Bowler in him.

10. San Francisco 49ers-Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC
Now many have the Niners taking the first QB, but I don't see this. If the Buccs let Jeff Garcia go I can see a reunion in his home town and allowing the younger QBs to develop. Remember Singletary is a defensive guy and how scary would it be to imagine Rey Maualuga and Patrick Willis on the same team? Terrifying if you ask me, jesus.

11. Buffalo Bills-Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma St
They need to give Trent Edwards a tight end as a target, as this offense is moving in the right direction, I just see the TE as the glaring spot of weakness right now. I love the style of play by Pettigrew, and I think Dick Jauron will too.

12. Denver Broncos-Everette Brown, DE, Florida St
For a long time now the Broncos have been looking for a pash rush. Their rookie defensive end should have been a star this last year, but he was hurt early on. Add Brown to the other side of him and this defensive line just got very athletic and very likely JaMarcus Russell's worst nightmare.

13. Washington Redskins-Jason Smith, OT, Baylor
I've talked to my Redskins fan friends and they all seem to think defensive end, defensive end. Sorry I just cannot agree with that. They have no second round pick, and with the way their line is aging (not to mention performing) I have to go with an offensive tackle here. Jim Zorn knows the benefits of having a solid tackle (read Wlater Jones) protect your QB.

14. New Orleans Saints-Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss
Drew Brees is what moves this offense, not McCallister or Bush. They need to make sure they protect arguably one of the best quarterbacks in the league. Hell, who knows maybe he can even open a hole up for Duece and Reggie while he's protecting the Boilermaker.

15. Houston Texans-Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas
If Orakpo lasts to the Texans I imagine I will be hearing plenty of gunfire in the streets if they make this pick. Super Mario is playing out of his mind down here and needs someone on the otherside to balance out his act. The duo of Williams and Orakpo may just be the most athletic defensive end duo in the league.

16. San Diego Chargers-Brian Cushing, LB, USC
The Chargers don't have a second round pick, so grabbing one of the top linebackers is crucial here. They'll be able to snag one of the running backs in the third round, but their linebacker corps needs a solid presence since so many go out with injury throughout the year. Cushing can play both OLB and ILB in a 3/4 I think and should be a great fit on this team.

17. New York Jets-Percy Harvin, WR, Florida
Remember that scene towards the finale of The Matrix? What do you need, weapons, and lots of them. The Jets have decent weapons, but nothing with the firepower of Percy Harvin. Hell, put him on kickoff with Leon Washington, a wildcat with Brad Smith, or any other offensive formation and the kid will make a play.

18. Chicago Bears-Mark Sancchez, QB, USC
The Bears will be salivating if Davis falls to them at 18, this is true, but I don't think the organization will let one of the QBs slip by them if they make it this far. Yes, Kyle Orton is the starter but he doesn't exactly light up the scoreboard with excitement. Drafting Sanchez gives him some time to sit for a year before Orton and get adjusted to the pro game.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Matt Stafford, QB, Georgia
Jon Gruden is no longer the head honcho on the Pirate Ship, lord knows why, so gone are the days of veteran QBs all over the place. Raheem Morris makes a statement and takes Stafford since he's still on the board. They've seen what a rookie QB can do, of course if they keep Garcia this could change as well.

20. Detroit Lions via Cowboys-Peria Jerry, DT, Ole Miss
If they still have this pick remember one key thing, their new coach is Jim Schwartz. He knows how much his success relied on Albert Haynesworth, and with Shaun Rogers gone in Detroit, he needs some inside presence on the defensive line. Now I wish the Browns would just suck it up, and take Jerry with the number five pick. I think this kid is going to be a superstar and is very close to being my favorite player in this draft.

21. Philadelphia Eagles-Eben Britton, OT, Arizona
Both tackles are over 30, one won't be healthy until training camp, and that's if they resign him. Now of course there's that chance they could trade up, but then they could just play the odds and hope that someone like Britton falls into their lap at number 21.

22. Minnesota Vikings-Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest
Winfield finally got some recognition this year and was sent to the Pro Bowl, but that doesn't change the fact that the Vikings have a bit of an age situation in the secondary. Taking Smith now allows him to learn from those veterans and makes him that much better.

23. New England Patriots-Clint Sintim, OLB, Virginia
Dear god I hope they take Sintim over Clay Matthews. He has the ability to play both the OLB and ILB in the 3/4 I believe. Their job of lowering the average age of their linebacking corps needs to continue as I think Mayo is the only one without an AARP card at this point.

24. Atlanta Falcons-Patrick Chung, SS, Oregon
I'm sure many of you are scratching your heads at this, but they have two safeties who are free agents, and even then most of their safeties are a bit long in the tooth. I think Mike Smith is gonna LOVE Patrick Chung's style of play.

25. Miami Dolphins-Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois
Bill Parcells has a very interesting team being born there on the beach. One thing it needs, however, is a shut down cornerback. I think Vontae Davis can be that back, should be that back, if he manages to slip by the Bears of course.

26. Baltimore Ravens-Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland
It's always nice to see a team take a local kid, so this makes sense to me. They need to give Joe Flacco a big tall target downfield, Mason isn't getting any younger you know. I know the initial reaction is gonna be, what about a linebacker?! There are a plethora of quality linebackers in this draft, it can wait a round.

27. Indianapolis Colts-Alex Mack, OL, Cal
Though they top three are all listed as centers, I do believe all of them can play guard and sometimes tackle as well. With the many injuries the Colts have experienced the last two years, taking the best offensive lineman on the board makes the most sense to me...and Peyton Manning.

28. Philadelphia Eagles via Panthers-Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State
Chris Wells is that relief that Westbrook so desperately needs. Westbrook hasn't been known to be the most durable running back in recent years so giving a back who can take a pounding makes sense, especially in this two running back age we seem to be coming to.

29. New York Giants-LeSean McCoy, RB, Pitt
Either Ward or Jacobs is likely out of New York via free agency, and where Bradshaw is a good change of pace back, they need another back who can stand out. In enters LeSean McCoy, as the rest of the NFC East groans at the continued pound and ground of the Giants.

30. Tennessee Titans-Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina
Whether the QB is Kerry Collins or Vince Young, the Titans need to get them some weapons. Nicks is a tall, powerful, sure handed wide receiver whose style of play I would liken very much to Palaxico Burress. The nice thing is there are no reports of Nicks shooting himself in the leg yet.

31. Arizona Cardinals-James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio State
The fact that the Road Warrior could fall so far is a crying shame. Of course if the Browns end up with two lower end first round picks, he could come off the board to them, but then I have a conflict between the Road Warrior and Son of Matthews. The Cards are gonna lose some folks via free agency, but this makes the best sense to me.

32. Pittsburgh Steelers-William Beatty, OT, UConn
Though Big Ben gave them a bunch of credit after they won, the weak spot on this team is still the offensive line. William Beatty has been relatively unknown, but this kid is shooting up the charts since, according to one sight, he's 6'6" 300lbs and moves like a power forward.

ROUND TWO
1. Detroit Lions-DJ Moore, CB, Vanderbilt
A crime he could slip this far, my favorite seccondary player in this draft.

2. St Louis Rams-Jamon Meredith, OT/G, South Carolina
If they don't start protecting Mark Bulger they're not gonna have a quarterback left.

3. Kansas City Chiefs-Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State
The quarterback with the biggest upside comes from a local college, bonus round.

4. Cleveland Browns-Clay Matthews, OLB, USC
Look, this is the only pick I care about with the Browns. It is a sign of a return to glory if once again there is a Clay Matthews in the linebacker corps.

5. Seattle Seahawks-Derrick Williams, WR, Penn State
They went through an entire offense of wide outs last year, this one at least gives them return ability as well.

6. Cincinnati Bengals-Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech
Easily the most athletically gifted defensive end in the draft, sadly getting drafted by the Bengals ruins your career.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars-Jason Phillips, ILB, TCU
A player that is under the radar for a lot of people, I consider this an upgrade over Peterson.

8. Oakland Raiders-Fili Moala, DT, USC
Do you think Tom Cable is happy that one of his starters is Gerrard Warren?

9. Green Bay Packers-Duke Robinson, G, Oklahoma
Probably has first round talent, the Packers get a real steal with him falling this far.

10. Buffalo Bills-Eric Wood, C, Louisville
Every other AFC East team runs the 3-4, Wood is the biggest Center of the top three.

11. San Francisco 49ers-Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers
A solid possession receiver who should make Singletary very happy with his style of play.

12. Miami Dolphins via Redskins-Larry English, OLB/DE, Northern Illinois
A 3-4 outside backer, a very hard player who should make the Parcells team very happy.

13. New York Giants via Saints-Rashad Johnson, S, Alabama
A pretty solid with some ball hawking ability, should be a good fit for that defense.

14. Houston Texans-Max Unger, C, Oregon
They're now the zone blocking team of the NFL, the perfect place for my favorite lineman in the draft.

15. New England Patriots via Chargers-Sean Smith, CB/S, Utah
Sean Smith is a playmaker, and can play any spot in the secondary, perfect for the Patriots.

16. Denver Broncos-Juaquin Iglesias, WR, Oklahoma
The Broncos need a weapon since who knows whats up with Brandon Marshall, perfect number 3 receiver.

17. Chicago Bears-Fenuki Tupou, OT, Oregon
The Bears offensive tackles resemble the Eagles' too much, broken and old.

18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Pat White, WR, West Virginia
Maybe hedging his bets, I'm starting to think Pat White may just be an NFL QB yet.

19. Dallas Cowboys-Herman Johnson, G, LSU
The biggest baby ever born in Louisiana, his size is the perfect fit for the Cowboys.

20. New York Jets-Louis Delmas, S, Western Michigan
A talented safety, Rob Ryan knows his defense needs those players to succeed.

21. Philadelphia Eagles-Marcus Freeman, OLB, Ohio State
Gocong and Bradley are impressive, Freeman makes it three.

22. Minnesota Vikings-Brandon LaFell, WR, LSU
The wide receivers for Minnesota currently are Berrian and...

23. Atlanta Falcons-Chase Coffman, TE, Missouri
They currently have decent tight ends, Coffman has the ability to be one of the best.

24. Miami Dolphins-Sen-Derrick Marks, DT, Auburn
Not a fan of the player, but could thrive as a DE in the 3-4.

25. Baltimore Ravens-Darry Beckwith, ILB, LSU
At best they're only gonna keep two out of the three free agent linebackers.

26. New England Patriots-Asher Allen, CB, Utah
I know, two corners in the same round, but it would make quite the tandem for them.

27. Carolina Panthers-Jerry Hughes, DE, TCU
I'm guessing they can keep Gross, but Peppers already has his bags packed. This could be the steal of the draft though.

28. Indianapolis Colts-Sean Witherspoon, OLB, Missouri
Is solid and has depth, except at the weakside backer.

29. New York Giants-Ricky Jean-Franocis, DT, LSU
They swap defensive lineman in out like Trump does toupees.

30. Tennessee Titans-Travis Beckum, TE, Wisconsin
The Antonio Gates model, more about receiving then blocking, just giving them another target.

31. Arizona Cardinals-Trevor Cannfield, G, Cincinnati
They have to start protecting the QB better...imagine what could have been if they had.

32. Pittsburgh Steelers-Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU
They tend to stockpile defensive players.

ROUND THREE
1. Detroit Lions-Cullen Harper, QB, Clemson

2. St Louis Rams-William Moore, S, Missouri

3. Kansas City Chiefs-Scott McKillop, ILB, Pitt

4. Seattle Seahawks-Shonn Greene, RB, Iowa

5. Dallas Cowboys via Browns-Ron Brace, DT, Boston College

6. Cincinnati Bengals-Adam Uiatowski, OT, Texas

7. Oakland Raiders-Victor Harris, CB, Virginia Tech

8. Jacksonville Jaguars-Mohammed Massaquoi, WR, Goergia

9. Green Bay Packers-Jonathan Casillas, OLB, Wisconsin

10. San Francisco 49ers-Nate Davis, QB, Ball State

11. Buffalo Bills-George Selvie, DE, South Florida

12. New York Jets via Saints-Drew Willy, QB, Buffalo

13. Houston Texans-Tyrone McKenzie, OLB, South Florida

14. San Diego Chargers-Donald Brown, RB, UConn


15. Denver Broncos-Dannell Ellerbe, ILB, Georgia

16. Washington Redskins-Brandon Graham, DE, Michigan

17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Darius Butler, CB, UConn

18. Detroit Lions via Cowboys-Shawn Nelson, TE, Southern Miss

19. Green Bay Packers via Jets-Evander Hood, DT, Missouri

20. Chicago Bears-Louis Murphy, WR, Florida

21. Philadelphia Eagles-Kevin Ellison, SS, USC

22. Minnesota Vikings-Jared Cook, TE, South Carolina

23. Miami Dolphins-Phil Loadholt, OT, Oklahoma

24. Baltimore Ravens-Keenan Lewis, CB, Oregon St

25. New England Patriots-Jeremiah Johnson, RB, Oregon

26. Atlanta Falcons-Brian Robiskie, WR, Ohio State

27. Indianapolis Colts-Mike Mickens, CB, Cincinnati

28. Carolina Panthers-Alex Magee, DT, Purdue

29. New York Giants-Ramses Barden, WR, Cal Poly

30. Tennessee Titans-Kraig Urbik, G, Wisconsin

31. Arizona Cardinals-Paul Kruger, DE, Utah

32. Pittsburgh Steelers-Derek Pegues, FS, Mississippi State

2008 NFL Mock Draft Rounds 1-3 April 16th, 2008

The first day back after getting married and I've already able to knock out a brand new draft, that's awesome. There may be a few surprises, a few head scratchers, but is you want to ask why please do and I'll try to give the best explanation I possible can.

Next week of course is the draft and around this time I will unleash my final draft, maybe even a full draft and see how accurate I can make it. This draft also will include what trades I think may happen, so if it looks a bit off then, that's why.

ROUND 1.
1. Miami Dolphins- Jake Long, OT, Michigan
Thankfully folks have finally let the talk about Matt Ryan going number one die down, it was ridiculous to begin with and I have a tough time putting him in the top ten anyways. Reports are coming out that the Dolphins have begun talking contract with Jake Long. A bit shocking, but when you’re offense has bigger needs at this point then your defense it doesn’t shock me all that much. Long will walk in and become their best offensive lineman at the start of training camp. Imagine how good Ronnie Brown will be when he actually has blockers and isn’t producing all the yards by himself, which if watched last season, is what he did.
2. St Louis Rams- Chris Long, DE, Virginia
His father played for the LA Raiders, now his son will be drafted by the team that were neighbors, the Rams. It was a toss up, if Jake Long was here he’d be taken but since he isn’t the Rams have more of a need for a defensive end right now the defensive tackle. Leonard Little and James Hall are their two starters, you telling me Long won’t come right in and cause havoc in a very weak NFC West?
3. Atlanta Falcons-Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
This will shock some of you, but look at who the new coach is. The Jaguars built their stellar defense around their defensive linemen and their defensive tackles in particular. You also need a leader who is solid, upright, and is a great representative for your organization. Glenn Dorsey is easily one of the best roles models in this draft, which is something the Falcons need after Vick, hall and letting Warrick Dunn go.
4. Oakland Raiders- Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
I know, all the talk is about Darren McFadden being the man in Oakland, but remember they have four running backs already. Note to Phil Savage, trade something to Oakland and get Michael Bush, this kid will be a star if he stays healthy and the perfect replacement for Jamaal Lewis after this year. Now you’re wondering, why not Vernon Gholston then? Their starting defensive tackles are Gerrard Warren and Terrell Sands, you tell me why the go with the Trojan instead of the Buckeye.
5. Kansas City Chiefs-Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
Yes, I think Herm Edwards takes a chance, I don't care if Brodie Croyle is his boy or not. The two options they have right now were far form stellar last season and the Chiefs faithful aren't exactly a patient bunch. The Chiefs will be a team everyone will be watching as what they do could start a flurry of trades trying to get up and I can see the Jets trading down to acquire picks.
6. New York Jets- Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
Leon Washington and Thomas Jones are nice backs, but do you honestly think the Jets and Mangini are going to let Darren McFadden slip to the Patriots? If they don’t take him themselves, they’ll sell the spot to the Cowboys who will gobble him up like a fat kid with a cupcake. They will not allow McFadden to go to the Patriots, even if they fans boo the selection, which they will no matter who it is.
7. New England Patriots (via 49ers)- Vernon Gholston, DE/OLB, Ohio State
The Patriots lost both starting corners in free agency so the drafting a corner seems like the smartest move, but look what I said above. They take the best player available and at this time the best player available is Vernon Gholston. There are a good number of corners in this draft who can be very good players, so they don't need to pay that high corner money at this point in the draft, which the Patriots are also very wary to do. Gholston is a tweener between defensive end and outside linebacker which fits their style of play perfectly.
8. Baltimore Ravens-Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy State
I'm not sure there will be a run on the corners in the first round as many else do. I think you'll see that tackle run, but not completely sold on corners, that's a lot of money to sink into a player. Ozzie Newsome is a part of those GMs though who take the best player available, most of the time, Kyle Boller was far from the best. Give McKelvin a year to adjust to this higher level of playing and in two years he'll be one on one with Braylon Edwards.
9. Cincinnati Bengals-Keith Rivers, OLB, USC
Defense, defense, defense, this should be the mantra of the Bengals' draft. I think Rivers will fit into their defense very well, specially with their adjustment to the 3-4 coming on. He's also an upstanding citizen, which is something else they need to look for when drafting. Some think they may go after a wide receiver here as well with the departure of Chris Henry, but outscoring your opponents doesn’t work when you can’t stop them from scoring.
10. New Orleans Saints-Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson
If the Saints somehow are able to land Glenn Dorsey watch New Orleans go nuts for the LSU Tiger. I wouldn't put it past the Saints trading up to try to land Glenn Dorsey which would continue to grab huge support from the community as they are coming down from the Reggie Bush excitement. Drafting Merling though allows them to move one of the bigger d-ends they have right now to tackle as their defensive line is still a big weakness for the Saints.
11. Buffalo Bills- Dominique Rogers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee State
They've had one of the best draft records the last three or so years and this very well may be the year we see Buffalo really start to compete for that wild card spot. I say wildcard because as long as New England has Tom Brady I don't see any team in the AFC East over taking them. I'm a big fan of Talib and I think he fits in beautifully with mentality they're building in Buffalo, but the raw athletic potential that Rogers-Cromartie possesses may be too good to pass up. Talib also is a bit susceptible to giving up the long bomb, which New England would take advantage of at every change.
12. Denver Broncos-Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State
Their offensive line is old, inexperienced and in shambles. This isn't good when your offense is on the shoulders of a third year quarterback. They need to protect Jay Cutler, and Ryan Clady I think is the best fit for their zone blocking scheme. He’s the most athletic lineman in the draft, so for a team that does zone blocking and plenty of pulling of their linemen this just makes the most sense.
13. Carolina Panthers- Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina
I know that many of you are looking at me right now like…huh?! Hear me out, Carolina loves drafting local kids and Balmer is the next best defensive tackle on the board. They have zero inside presence right now, and that isn’t helping Julius Peppers at all. Their defensive tackle need to be able to occupy many blockers at once, and they weren’t able to do this last year. Now I can see them moving down to make this pick, but he won’t be there in the second round so it has to be made in the first.
14. Chicago Bears-Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois
I've been preaching that the Bears will take a tackle for a very long time, but today this hit me. Benson hasn't worked out that well, and why not take the best Illinois player to enter the draft in decades? This kid is PHE-NOMINAL and I think is the best running back in the draft and will be a legitimate superstar, the kind Reggie Bush was supposed to be. It also works fan wise, taking the local college prospect is almost always looked at positively by the fans.
15. Detroit Lions- Jeff Otah, OT, Pitt
They have stated that this year they are focusing on the running game, they must establish the running game. Well, one has to block to establish the running game. If Mendenhall is available you'll see a path of fire where the Lions ran up to hand his card in, but with him gone they have to get the best lineman available. Otah is also a great left tackle, which may actually give Jon Kitna some time to actually throw the ball this year, instead of always being knocked on his ass.
16. Arizona Cardinals-Chris Williams, OT, Vandy
This is a big question mark for people, as they have a few big areas they could focus on in the first round. I went with the offensive tackle, help facilitate Edge running the ball and give some protection to Kurt Warner and Matt Leinart. Williams is a solid tackle who should make his share of pro bowls.
17. Minnesota Vikings-Derek Harvey, DE, Florida
I think the Vikings could go offensive tackle here as well, but for some reason I couldn't stop but picking Derek Harvey. They've almost been Lion-esque at times when it comes to drafting defensive ends in the first round and here it isn't much different. I think it gives them some speed at the end position that they're missing right now.
18. Houston Texans-Kenny Phillips, S, Miami
They will sit there, hoping and praying like good Texans, that Kenny Phillips land in their laps at number eighteen. They've been building that defense up to beat the Colts, putting this Miami General in charge of your air force is the next stop in toppling Peyton.
19. Philadelphia Eagles-DeSean Jackson, WR, Cal
They have their pick of wide receivers, but I went with DeSean Jackson purely because of his return ability. He would take the load off of Westbrook, and we have seen over the last two years how return men are becoming more and more of a factor in the NFL, this just continues that trend.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida
Their defense has been solid for years, almost a decade it seems, but with that comes age and it's time to start restock piling their shelves. I think Mike Jenkins is the type of player Jon Gruden adores. I think he has untapped physical potential, he could be the most athletic player in this draft, and could be a huge steal at 20. He has the potential to be a damn good shut down corner and the fact that he’s a bit of local kid also helps the team. He may turn out to be the best corner of this draft.
21. Washington Redskins-Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma
Pass rush is what they need most of all, but at 21 the real big name defensive ends are gone. Jason Campbell needs that tall wide receiver who can go up and snatch a pass if he's going to become one of those elite quarterbacks in the NFC. Kelly gives him that option, and moves Randal-El back to the slot, where he plays his best.
22. Dallas Cowboys (via Browns)-Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas
Step one, protect Tony Romo. At least, that's what it should be. Jerry Jones though is getting older and a bit more reminiscant about his past. He also hasn't seen Arkansas players this good come into the NFL since maybe the 70s. I believe he is determined to take one of those Arkansas running backs and make him a star. He doesn't want to risk losing Felix Jones, he takes him with their first of two.
23. Pittsburgh Steelers-Quentin Groves, DE/OLB, Auburn
They lost Alan Faneca, so taking Albert with their first round pick seems like a no-brainer, but rumor is circling that the Steelers are infatuated with Quentin Groves. One can see why, he is a dynamic player with great physical prowess and fits well into their defensive system. They can wait until the second round to grab a guard, Groves though won't be there.
24. Tennessee Titans-Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
I think there isn't a question that they will take at least two wide receivers in the draft, starting in the first round. Here though it depends on who the Eagles take, and they sort of get the left overs. I think Kelly and Sweed are so close together that it's a toss em. I do think over the long haul though Sweed is the better NFL caliber player as were Kelly may be a number 2 or slot receiver. It doesn't matter though, the Skins have selected Kelly and that allows the Titans to reunite Sweed and Young.
25. Seattle Seahawks-Fred Davis, TE, USC
They took care of some of their needs via free agency, especially at the running back position. Now they have Alexander, Morris, Duckett AND Julius Jones. I wouldn't be surprised if each of them got their own specific down and distance, maybe even 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th downs. So drafting a running back is no longer a first round priority. I still think they need a dynamic tight end for the west coast offense and Fred Davis to me is above and beyond the best tight end in the draft.
26. Jacksonville Jaguars- Lawrence Jackson, DE, USC
Lawrence Jackson is an absolute steal for the Jaguars at 26. His mentality is one that fits in with a defense with many weapons. In college folks were more worried bout the linebackers and Ellis, which allowed him to do great things, the same thing will be true in a sense in Jacksonville. It also may give them the best defensive line in football, if they didn’t have that already.
27. San Diego Chargers-Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College
They have this one draft pick until I think the fourth or fifth round, maybe even until 2009 the rate they're going. They desperately need another offensive tackle to book end their offensive line, protect the trash talker and LT. To me, this is the only kind of pick that makes sense with as few picks as they have in this draft.
28. Dallas Cowboys-Curtis Lofton, ILB, Oklahoma
Once again I think they will go away from what people expect them to do. Their inside linebackers don't exactly strike fear in the hearts of anyone, even with the Zach Thomas addition. Taking Curtis Lofton, a player much in the same mold of Zach Thomas, allows him to learn from the veteran and become the general that defense needs.
29. San Francisco 49ers (via Colts)- Branden Albert, G, Virginia
You have two young, well one young the other finally getting playing time, quarterbacks who need protection. You have a young running back who needs holes opened. You began reconstructing the offensive line last year with Joe Staley, I think they should work on solidifying the middle with the best guard in the draft. His addition with David Baas makes the Niners even nicer inside. I wouldn’t be shocked if they took a center in the third or fourth rounds either.
30. Green Bay Packers- Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas
The Packers are an interesting team as they don't have that many weaknesses and needs in regards to the draft. Their corners are getting quiet old, especially in the NFL and it may be time to draft a corner in the first time, for the first time in a very long time. I'm more sold on Aqib Talib then other people are, but then I paid more attention to Kansas the majority of the season then others, who only watched them at the tail end of the season.
31. New York Giants-Erin Henderson, OLB, Maryland
They lost Mitchell in the offseason, who was all over the field during the Super Bowl. I can't say enough how much I enjoy watching Erin Henderson play. I think he would fit in very well with that Giants style of football. The other option I can see here is maybe going after Antoine Cason and getting another young corner, or reaching for a safety like Josh Barrett or Kevin Ellison.

ROUND 2
32. Miami Dolphins-Brandon Flowers, CB, Virginia Tech
A strong, physical corner that fits the Parcells system
33. St Louis Rams-Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona
Though the need for protection is high, they can’t stop anyone’s passing game right now
34. Atlanta Falcons (via Raiders)-Chad Henne, QB, Michigan
They have their defensive centerpiece, now they need the field general on offense
35. Kansas City Chiefs-Reggie Smith, CB, Oklahoma
Same situation as St Louis with linemen, difference is their corners are around fifty years old
36. New York Jets- Calais Campbell, DE, Miami
This gives them a hugely athletic kid at the corner
37. Atlanta Falcons-Terrell Thomas, CB, USC
They traded Hall to Oakland, now they must replace him
38. Baltimore Ravens-Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville
Why didn’t Tampa take him round 1? He’s not old enough for Gruden
39. San Francisco 49ers- Early Doucet, WR, LSU
Manningham is tempting, but Doucet is the perfect type of receiver for Martz’s offense
40. New Orleans Saints-Dustin Keller, TE, Purdue
Ask Brees if he misses Antonio Gates at all
41. Buffalo Bills-John Carlson, TE, Notre Dame
This is a receiving threat that is something the Bills don’t have right now, reliable.
42. Denver Broncos- Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State
I don’t understand the fascination with Thomas, so naturally Denver will drop the ball with him
43. Carolina Panthers-Joe Flacco, QB, Delaware
This gives Flacco time to learn behind Jake Delhomme
44. Chicago Bears-Sam Baker, OT, USC
The number one complaint amongst Bears fans? The O-Line
45. Detroit Lions-Michael Grant, CB, Arkansas
Running game may be the name, can’t stop the pass, however, is another symptom of a bad team
46. Cincinnati Bengals-Red Bryant, DT, Texas A&M
Rumor has it they’re going 3-4 so they need a brick wall in the middle
47. Minnesota Vikings- Mario Manningham, WR, Michigan
Tavares Jackson isn’t a great quarterback, so give him an under achieving receiver
48. Atlanta Falcons (via Texans)- Tavares Gooden, OLB, Miami
The Falcons will completely rebuild their team during this draft, that’s how many picks they have in the second round
49. Philadelphia Eagles- Josh Barrett, S, Arizona St
They finally attempt to fill that whole next to Brian Dawkins
50. Arizona Cardinals- Cliff Avril, DE/OLB, Purdue
They lose a talented tweener, Avril may be better then what they lost
51. Washington Redskins- Dan Connor, ILB, Penn State
How Dan Connor falls this low is beyond me, Skins fans look, London Fletcher ain’t exactly a rookie
52. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Xavier Adibi, OLB, Virginia Tech
One of the fastest outside backers in the draft, should fit in well with their style
53. Pittsburgh Steelers-Chilo Rachal, G, USC
They get their Faneca replacement after all
54. Tennessee Titans- Tracy Porter, CB, Indiana
Pacman is going to Dallas in some fashion, so a replacement is going to be needed
55. Seattle Seahawks- Kevin Ellison, S, USC
It seems like every year the Seahawks are looking for a safety in the draft
56. Green Bay Packers (via Browns)-Jonathon Stewart, RB, Oregon
You’re scratching your heads, well are the Packers completely sold on fumbleruskie?
57. Miami Dolphins (via Chargers)- Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech
A big physical player who manages to almost always get into the backfield
58. Jacksonville Jaguars-Trevor Laws, DT, Notre Dame
Their type of defensive tackle, something they horde like a kid on Halloween
59. Indianapolis Colts- Jason Jones, DE, Eastern Michigan
They’re not afraid to take a smaller school player, specially when he has tremendous upside
60. Green Bay Packers-Oniel Cousins, OT, UTEP
They need to protect their “rookie” quarterback as best they can
61. Dallas Cowboys-Donnie Avery, WR, Houston
Avery would be the perfect speedy slot receiver they need so badly
62. New England Patriots-Spencer Larsen, ILB, Arizona
To replace a Wildcat one must use another Wildcat
63. New York Giants-Ahtyba Rubin, DT, Iowa State
Love this kid, may be the best d-tackle when it’s all said and done

ROUND 3.
64.Miami Dolphins- James Hardy, WR, Indiana
65.St. Louis Rams- Anthony Collins, OT, Kansas
66.Kansas City Chiefs- Chris Johnson, RB, East Carolina
67.Carolina Panthers (via Jets) – Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
68.Atlanta Falcons- Brad Cottam, TE, Tennessee
69.New England Patriots (via Raiders)- Dwight Lowery, CB, San Jose State
70.Chicago Bears (via Niners)- DaJuan Morgan, S, North Carolina State
71.Jacksonville Jaguars (via Bills) – Dexter Jackson, WR, Appalachian State
72.Buffalo Bills(via Ravens) – Lavelle Hawkins, WR, Cal
73.Minnesota Vikings (via Broncos)- Mike Pollack, C, Arizona St
74.Carolina Panthers- Chris Ellis, DE, Virginia Tech
75.San Francisco 49ers (via Bears) – Tyrelle Johnson, FS, Arkansas State
76.Detroit Lions- Roy Schuening, G, Oregon State
77.Cincinnati Bengals- Chris Harrington, DE, Texas A&M
78.New Orleans Saints- Dre Moore, DT, Maryland
79.Houston Texans- Jamaal Charles, RB, Texas
80.Philadelphia Eagles- Ray Rice, RB, Rutgers
81.Arizona Cardinals- Charles Godfrey, CB, Iowa
82.Minnesota Vikings- Pat Sims, DT, Auburn
83.Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Josh Johnson, QB, San Diego
84.Washington Redskins- Marcus Howard, DE/OLB, Georgia
85.Tennessee Titans- Marcus Harrison, DT, Arkansas
86.Seattle Seahawks- Robert Felton, G, Arkansas
87.Detroit Lions (via Browns)- Ali Highsmith, OLB, LSU
88.Pittsburgh Steelers- Patrick Lee, CB, Auburn
89.Jacksonville Jaguars- John David Booty, QB, USC
90.Chicago Bears (via Chargers)- Andre Woodson, QB, Kentucky
91.Green Bay Packers- Kennan Burton, WR, Kentucky
92.Dallas Cowboys- DeJuan Tribble, CB, Boston College
93.Indianapolis Colts- Beau Bell, ILB, UNLV
94.New England Patriots- Matt Forte, RB, Tulane
95.New York Giants- Thomas DeCoud, S, Cal
96.Washington Redskins (NFL compensatory pick)- Frank Okam, DT, Texas
97.Cincinnati Bengals (NFL compensatory pick)- Earl Bennett, WR, Vanderbilt
98.Atlanta Falcons (NFL compensatory pick)- Phil Loadholt, OT, Oklahoma
99.Baltimore Ravens (NFL compensatory pick)- Jolon Dunbar, ILB, Boston College

2008 NFL Mock Draft Rounds 1 & 2 April 7, 2008

Between designing and printing programs and place cards I've somehow managed to squeeze in a mock draft. Welcome to those who are just joining us from Hail Redskins. Now I do have some thoughts about what draft day trades we'll see and I predict that it will involve the Dolphins and Cowboys enabling the Cowboys to get the number one pick so Jerry Jones can support his alma mater and take Darren McFadden, but for this mock I just went with what we already have set.

ROUND 1.
1. Miami Dolphins-Chris Long, DE, Virginia
People still talk about the possibility of Matt Ryan going to the Dolphins, this is nonsense since in the last five years Bill Parcells used each first round draft pick he had on a defensive player. It is a combination of the media hyping the only first round quarterback in the draft and the media's obsession with the quarterback position. Chris Long is the son of Howie, a fuckin monster who plays the game the way it should be played. Parcells knew this was his choice the moment he took the Dolphins job.
2. St Louis Rams-Jake Long, OT, Michigan
In my mind the closest thing to a sure thing in this draft as Parcells taking Long is the Rams taking Long as well, Jake Long. I think every offensive lineman on that team spent time on the DL last year, and Orlando Pace isn't a spring chicken anymore. Their game plan is throwing the ball and having Stephen Jackson make other defenses look like fools. They still want to be the greatest show on turf, and to do that you have to be able to block. The only way they don't take Jake Long in my mind is if there is Chris Long available to them at this spot. Though, I wouldn't put it past them to trade down and grab some picks as well.
3. Atlanta Falcons-Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
This will shock some of you, but look at who the new coach is. The Jaguars built their stellar defense around their defensive linemen and their defensive tackles in particular. You also need a leader who is solid, upright, and is a great representative for your organization. Glenn Dorsey is easily one of the best roles models in this draft, which is something the Falcons need after Vick, hall and letting Warrick Dunn go.
4. Oakland Raiders-Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
They have three running backs on their team currently who have been starters during their careers. Why would they take Darren McFadden? Cause this is Al Davis and the Oakland Raiders. Nevermind that he already has bar brawls on his resume, no other offensive player has been hyped this year as much as McFadden and The Godfather loves big names.
5. Kansas City Chiefs-Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
Yes, I think Herm Edwards takes a chance, I don't are if Brodie Croyle is his boy or not. The two options they have right now were far form stellar last season and the Chiefs faithful aren't exactly a patient bunch. The Chiefs will be a team everyone will be watching as what they do could start a flurry of trades trying to get up and I can see the Jets trading down to acquire picks.
6. New York Jets-Vernon Gholston, DE/OLB, Ohio State
Gholston's stock continues to rise after having a better pro-day then his combine, and his combine was easily one of the five best. Mangenius learned from Hoodie that you take the best player available on the board, and that's Gholston by a yard. He can fit in nicely with their 3-4 system and is the type of worker that they have come to expect from Ohio State, see Nick Mangold.
7. New England Patriots (via 49ers)-Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
The Patriots lost both starting corners in free agency so the drafting a corner seems like the smartest move, but look what I said above. They take the best player available and at this time the best player available is Sedrick Ellis. There are a good number of corners in this draft who can be very good players, so they don't need to pay that high corner money at this point in the draft, which the Patriots are also very wary to do.
8. Baltimore Ravens-Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy State
I'm not sure there will be a run on the corners in the first round as many else do. I think you'll see that tackle run, but not completely sold on corners, that's a lot of money to sink into a player. Ozzie Newsome is a part of those GMs though who take the best player available, most of the time, Kyle Boller was far from the best. Give McKelvin a year to adjust to this higher level of playing and in two years he'll be one on one with Braylon Edwards.
9. Cincinnati Bengals-Keith Rivers, OLB, USC
Defense, defense, defense, this should be the mantra of the Bengals' draft. I think Rivers will fit into their defense very well, specially with their adjustment to the 3-4 coming on. He's also an upstanding citizen, which is something else they need to look for when drafting.
10. New Orleans Saints-Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson
If the Saints somehow are able to land Glenn Dorsey watch New Orleans go nuts for the LSU Tiger. I wouldn't put it past the Saints trading up to try to land Glenn Dorsey which would continue to grab huge support from the community as they are coming down from the Reggie Bush excitement. Drafting Merling though allows them to move one of the bigger d-ends they have right now to tackle as their defensive line is still a big weakness for the Saints.
11. Buffalo Bills-Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas
They've had one of the best draft records the last three or so years and this very well may be the year we see Buffalo really start to compete for that wild card spot. I say wildcard because as long as New England has Tom Brady I don't see any team in the AFC East over taking them. I'm a big fan of Talib and I think he fits in beautifully with mentality they're building in Buffalo.
12. Denver Broncos-Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State
Their offensive line is old, inexperienced and in shambles. This isn't good when your offense is on the shoulders of a third year quarterback. They need to protect Jay Cutler, and Ryan Clady I think is the best fit for their zone blocking scheme.
13. Carolina Panthers-Lawrence Jackson, DE, USC
Imagine being a quarterback and seeing Julius Peppers on one side and Lawrence Jackson on the other, a daunting view from where I'm sitting. Now shipping Kris Jenkins to the Jets will no doubt make them think about local Tar Heel Kentwan Balmer, but I think Jackson is by far the better player overall and the one most likely to take the pressure off poster boy Julius Peppers.
14. Chicago Bears-Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois
I've been preaching that the Bears will take a tackle for a very long time, but today this hit me. Benson hasn't worked out that well, and why not take the best Illinois player to enter the draft in decades? This kid is PHE-NOMINAL and I think is the best running back in the draft. It also works fan wise, taking the local college prospect is almost always looked at positively by the fans.
15. Detroit Lions-Jeff Otah, OT, Pitt
They have stated that this year they are focusing on the running game, they must establish the running game. Well, one has to block to establish the running game. If Mendenhall is available you'll see a path of fire where the Lions ran up to hand his card in, but with him gone they have to get the best lineman available.
16. Arizona Cardinals-Chris Williams, OT, Vandy
This is a big question mark for people, as they have a few big areas they could focus on in the first round. I went with the offensive tackle, help facilitate Edge running the ball and give some protection to Kurt Warner and Matt Leinart. Williams is a solid tackle who should make his share of prp bowls.
17. Minnesota Vikings-Derek Harvey, DE, Florida
I think the Vikings could go offensive tackle here as well, but for some reason I couldn't stop but picking Derek Harvey. They've almost been Lion-esque at times when it comes to drafting defensive ends in the first round and here it isn't much different. I think it gives them some speed at the end position that they're missing right now.
18. Houston Texans-Kenny Phillips, S, Miami
They will sit there, hoping and praying like good Texans, that Kenny Phillips land in their laps at number eighteen. They've been building that defense up to beat the Colts, putting this Miami General in charge of your air force is the next stop in toppling Peyton.
19. Philadelphia Eagles-DeSean Jackson, WR, Cal
They have their pick of wide receivers, but I went with DeSean Jackson purely because of his return ability. He would take the load off of Westbrook, and we have seen over the last two years how return men are becoming more and more of a factor in the NFL, this just continues that trend.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Dominique Rogers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee State
Their defense has been solid for years, almost a decade it seems, but with that comes age and it's time to start restock piling their shelves. I think DRC is the type of player Jon Gruden adores. I think he has untapped physical potential, he could be the most athletic player in this draft, and could be a huge steal at 20. He has the potential to be a damn good shut down corner.
21. Washington Redskins-Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma
Pass rush is what they need most of all, but at 21 the real big name defensive ends are gone. Jason Campbell needs that tall wide receiver who can go up and snatch a pass if he's going to become one of those elite quarterbacks in the NFC. Kelly gives him that option, and moves Randal-El back to the slot, where he plays his best.
22. Dallas Cowboys (via Browns)-Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas
Step one, protect Tony Romo. At least, that's what it should be. Jerry Jones though is getting older and a bit more reminiscant about his past. He also hasn't seen Arkansas players this good come into the NFL since maybe the 70s. I believe he is determined to take one of those Arkansas running backs and make him a star. He doesn't want to risk losing Felix Jones, he takes him with their first of two.
23. Pittsburgh Steelers-Quentin Groves, DE/OLB, Auburn
They lost Alan Faneca, so taking Albert with their first round pick seems like a no-brainer, but rumor is circling that the Steelers are infatuated with Quentin Groves. One can see why, he is a dynamic player with great physical prowess and fits well into their defensive system. They can wait until the second round to grab a guard, Groves though won't be there.
24. Tennessee Titans-Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
I think there isn't a question that they will take at least two wide receivers in the draft, starting in the first round. Here though it depends on who the Eagles take, and they sort of get the left overs. I think Kelly and Sweed are so close together that it's a toss em. I do think over the long haul though Sweed is the better NFL caliber player as were Kelly may be a number 2 or slot receiver. It doesn't matter though, the Skins have selected Kelly and that allows the Titans to reunite Sweed and Young.
25. Seattle Seahawks-Fred Davis, TE, USC
They took care of some of their needs via free agency, especially at the running back position. Now they have Alexander, Morris, Duckett AND Julius Jones. I wouldn't be surprised if each of them got their own specific down and distance, maybe even 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th downs. So drafting a running back is no longer a first round priority. I still think they need a dynamic tight end for the west coast offense and Fred Davis to me is above and beyond the best tight end in the draft.
26. Jacksonville Jaguars-Calais Campbell, DE, Miami
He may have the most upside of any defensive end, save for Gholston and Long, as he has the pure physical ability that may be unmatched in this draft. The problem is his motor, can Jack Del Rio motivate Campbell to play to the best of his ability? If he can, then they made a steal at 26.
27. San Diego Chargers-Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College
They have this one draft pick until I think the fourth or fifth round, maybe even until 2009 the rate they're going. They desperately need another offensive tackle to book end their offensive line, protect the trash talker and LT. To me, this is the only kind of pick that makes sense with as few picks as they have in this draft.
28. Dallas Cowboys-Curtis Lofton, ILB, Oklahoma
Once again I think they will go away from what people expect them to do. Their inside linebackers don't exactly strike fear in the hearts of anyone, even with the Zach Thomas addition. Taking Curtis Lofton, a player much in the same mold of Zach Thomas, allows him to learn from the veteran and become the general that defense needs.
29. San Francisco 49ers (via Colts)-Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida
With the addition of Issac Bruce wide receiver is no longer a given for the Niners in the first round. Their secondary though needs an immediate injection of youth and talent. They spent the farm on Clements, but that didn't result in the success they were expecting. Jenkins I believe is the type of player Mike Nolan cherishes and would probably end up starting over Walt Harris before the season began.
30. Green Bay Packers-Brandon Flowers, CB, Virginia Tech
The Packers are an interesting team as they don't have that many weaknesses and needs in regards to the draft. Their corners are getting quiet old, especially in the NFL and it may be time to draft a corner in the first time, for the first time in a very long time. I'm not as sold as Flowers as other people are, but he'll be serviceable and I honestly don't know who else they could take here.
31. New York Giants-Erin Henderson, OLB, Maryland
They lost Mitchell in the offseason, who was all over the field during the Super Bowl. I can't say enough how much I enjoy watching Erin Henderson play. I think he would fit in very well with that Giants style of football. The only other option I can see here is maybe going after Antoine Cason and getting another young corner, or reaching for a safety.

ROUND 2
32. Miami Dolphins-Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina
33. St Louis Rams-Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona
34. Atlanta Falcons via Raiders-Chad Henne, QB, Michigan
35. Kansas City Chiefs-Reggie Smith, CB, Oklahoma
36. New York Jets-Early Doucet, WR, LSU
37. Atlanta Falcons-Terrell Thomas, CB, USC
38. Baltimore Ravens-Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville
39. San Francisco 49ers-Mario Manningham, WR, Michigan
40. New Orleans Saints-Dustin Keller, TE, Purdue
41. Buffalo Bills-John Carlson, TE, Notre Dame
42. Denver Broncos-Branden Albert, G, Virginia
43. Carolina Panthers-Joe Flacco, QB, Delaware
44. Chicago Bears-Sam Baker, OT, USC
45. Detroit Lions-Michael Grant, CB, Arkansas
46. Cincinnati Bengals-Red Bryant, DT, Texas A&M
47. Minnesota Vikings-Josh Barrett, S, Arizona St
48. Atlanta Falcons (via Texans)-James Hardy, WR, Indiana
49. Philadelphia Eagles-Kevin Ellison, S, USC
50. Arizona Cardinals-Tavares Gooden, OLB, Miami
51. Washington Redskins-Jason Jones, DE, Eastern Michigan
52. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Cliff Avril, DE/OLB, Purdue
53. Pittsburgh Steelers-Chilo Rachal, G, USC
54. Tennessee Titans-Tracy Porter, CB, Indiana
55. Seattle Seahawks-DaJuan Morgan, S, North Carolina State
56. Green Bay Packers (via Browns)-Jonathon Stewart, RB, Oregon
57. Miami Dolphins (via Chargers)-Donnie Avery, WR, Houston
58. Jacksonville Jaguars-Trevor Laws, DT, Notre Dame
59. Indianapolis Colts-Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech
60. Green Bay Packers-Oniel Cousins, OT, UTEP
61. Dallas Cowboys-Dexter Jackson, WR, Appalachian State
62. New England Patriots-Spencer Larsen, ILB, Arizona
63. New York Giants-Ahtyba Rubin, DT, Iowa State

2008 NFL Mock Draft Rounds 1 & 2 March 10, 2008

I know it's been about a month or so since I've done a mock draft. Well, I should say it's been a month or so since I POSTED a mock draft, I've done my usual work on them but hesitated to post them. The mixture of free agency and combine held my hand from actually publishing a mock draft. Now I will unleash upon you all the latest mock draft, though I'm going to hold it down to the first two rounds now. Doing the first five just became very long and with the wedding coming up I just don't have the time. As always your feedback is appreciated as I'd love to hear what the fans want their team to go after.

ROUND 1.
1. Miami Dolphins-Chris Long, DE, Virginia
People still talk about the possibility of Matt Ryan going to the Dolphins, this is nonsense since in the last five years Bill Parcells used each first round draft pick he had on a defensive player. It is a combination of the media hyping the only first round quarterback in the draft and the media's obsession with the quarterback position. Chris Long is the son of Howie, a fuckin monster who plays the game the way it should be played. Parcells knew this was his choice the moment he took the Dolphins job.
2. St Louis Rams-Jake Long, OT, Michigan
In my mind the closest thing to a sure thing in this draft as Parcells taking Long is the Rams taking Long as well, Jake Long. I think every offensive lineman on that team spent time on the DL last year, and Orlando Pace isn't a spring chicken anymore. Their game plan is throwing the ball and having Stephen Jackson make other defenses look like fools. They still want to be the greatest show on turf, and to do that you have to be able to block.
3. Atlanta Falcons-Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
There is talk that the Falcons will trade up with the Dolphins to ensure that they get Matt Ryan, and it wouldn't surprise me one bit. This is a poorly run franchise, might be the worst run NFL team and I have no doubt that they would trade up two spots to ensure they will get the player they will get if they sit tight at number three. Is he the answer, no, I think he won't be the best quarterback of this draft. He will be serviceable and will remind Atlanta of the days that Chris Chandler was their quarterback.
4. Oakland Raiders-Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
They have three running backs on their team currently who have been starters during their careers. Why would they take Darren McFadden? Cause this is Al Davis and the Oakland Raiders. Nevermind that he already has bar brawls on his resume, no other offensive player has been hyped this year as much as McFadden and The Godfather loves big names.
5. Kansas City Chiefs-DeSean Jackson, WR, Cal
Many of you right now are scratching your head, and I don't blame you. You expect the Chiefs to take Dorsey, Ellis or one of the tackles and it's a good possibility. I went with DeSean because he's a playmaker. He can return kicks, something the Chiefs have lacked since Dante Hall. He's the fast speedy receiver, the kind of receiver Herman Edwards wants in his offense. He's an exciting playmaker, and if he goes back to pre-injury form the kind a playmaker that can change a game in the AFC West.
6. New York Jets-Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy St
The more tape I see of this kid the more I'm impressed. The Jets know they have to face the Patriots twice a year. They know that they can't leave any player uncovered or Tom Brady will abuse them drive after drive, video tape or no video tape. They began last year with the drafting of Darelle Revis, now they solidify the other side.
7. New England Patriots (via 49ers)-Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas
The Patriots lost both starting corners in free agency so the drafting of Aqib Talib is one they HAVE to make. With McKelvin gone Talib becomes the highest rated corner in the draft. Now I don't doubt that they are thinking to trade down and pick up some extra picks, maybe even trading with the Cowboys to get their two first rounders. If not, Talib is an excellent corner man who is only getting better.
8. Baltimore Ravens-Dominique Rogers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee State
I don't know if there's ever been three straight corners taken in the first round, let alone in the top ten of the draft, but it wouldn't surprise me this year. Samari Rolle is a damn fine corner, but his diagnosis doesn't lead him to playing much longer. Cromartie may be the most physically gifted of the corners in the draft, but also the one with probably the least amount of experience at a high talent level. Taking him now allows them to put him under Rolle's wing for a year so he can adjust.
9. Cincinnati Bengals-Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
It's a toss up between who is better, Ellis or Dorsey. They both come from Championship programs and have known to make plays, but Ellis has the cleaner health record between the two players so I'm giving him the edge. Plus the Bengals love USC players, at least they do love Carson Palmer. Having two Trojans lead their team may be a very wise move.
10. New Orleans Saints-Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
If the Saints somehow are able to land Glenn Dorsey watch New Orleans go nuts for the LSU Tiger. I wouldn't put it past a team trying to trade up and land him, say like the Cowboys. It would also help take the spotlight off of Reggie Bush as the New Orleans locals would probably buy the Dorsey Saints jersey in droves.
11. Buffalo Bills-Keith Rivers, OLB, USC
They've had one of the best draft records the last three or so years and this very well may be the year we see Buffalo really start to compete for that wild card spot. I say wildcard because as long as New England has Tom Brady I don't see any team in the AFC East over taking them.
12. Denver Broncos-Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State
Their offensive line is old, inexperienced and in shambles. This isn't good when your offense is on the shoulders of a third year quarterback. They need to protect Jay Cutler, and Ryan Clady I think is the best fit for their zone blocking scheme.
13. Carolina Panthers-Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State
Imagine being a quarterback and seeing Julius Peppers on one side and Vernon Gholston on the other, a daunting view from where I'm sitting. Now shipping Kris Jenkins to the Jets will no doubt make them think about local Tar Heel Kentwan Balmer, but I think Gholston is the better player overall and the one most likely to take the pressure off poster boy Julius Peppers.
14. Chicago Bears-Jeff Otah, OT, Pitt
I've heard that the Bears have their sites set on Ryan Clady, but with the Broncos snatching him away I don't think they will cry at getting Jeff Otah. He may just be good enough to be a pro bowl left tackle, which may be the toughest non-skill position in the NFL.
15. Detroit Lions-Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida
Well, it's not a wide receiver, but it is a position tied into the wide receiver position. I think Jenkins is a dynamic player, one who may surprise people at how good he really is. For my own money, I have him just a bit behind Aqib Talib, but only because of the level of competition that he's faced in college.
16. Arizona Cardinals-Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois
This is a big question mark for people, specially since they have the Edge at running back and have other positions they need to fill. I just don't think one can pass up on Mendenhall. I think teams will have the reaction they had to people passing up Purple Jesus last year. Mark my words, he will deliver the kind of excitement that Reggie Bush was supposed to deliver.
17. Minnesota Vikings-Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt
Purple Jesus is the face of your team, but to often last year he made his own way to the end zone. Imagine what your offense can do if you had folks to block for him? Also Bryant McKinnie doesn't seem to "get it" and may land in jail sooner rather then later.
18. Houston Texans-Kenny Phillips, S, Miami
They will sit there, hoping and praying like good Texans, that Kenny Phillips land in their laps at number eighteen. They've been building that defense up to beat the Colts, putting this Miami General in charge of your air force is the next stop in toppling Peyton.
19. Philadelphia Eagles-Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
Limas Sweed and Malcolm Kelly, two players on rival teams. Two players seperated by two years of birth and 190 miles from each other growing up. The key here is which one of the two the Eagles view as the better player. I view Sweed as the better receiver, so I gave him to the Eagles. Who they think is not known to me, but with Phillips off the board wide receiver is likely where they are going.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Brandon Flowers, CB, Virginia Tech
Their defense has been solid for years, almost a decade it seems, but with that comes age and it's time to start restock piling their shelves. I think Brandon Flowers is the type of player Jon Gruden adores. I'm not as big on Flowers, I think there are some major flaws in how he plays to warrant being a first rounder, but he has the potential to be a damn good shut down corner.
21. Washington Redskins-Lawrence Jackson, DE, USC
A pass rush, it feels like the Redskins haven't had a pass rush since I moved to DC and that was in 2002. Lawrence Jackson is a difference maker who I think is being looked over because of the phe-nominal Long and Gholston. This would be a step in the right direction for Jim Zorn, focusing on their defense who would be ah-mazing if they only had a pass rush.
22. Dallas Cowboys (via Browns)-Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College
Step one, protect Tony Romo. Their offensive line is still talented, but getting up there in years. Gosder Cherilus is a solid lineman, who has fallen in the draft from where he once was (near the top) but his combine performance has helped him regain some footing. I like the fit in the Cowboys offense for Cherilus, after all they have to stop those Giants defensive ends.
23. Pittsburgh Steelers-Branden Albert, G, Virginia
They lost Alan Faneca, so taking Albert with their first round pick seems like a no-brainer for me. They can't wait until the end of round 2, he'll be long gone by then, likely by the Dolphins at 32. They also save money by not having to pay a wide receiver first round money.
24. Tennessee Titans-Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma
I think there isn't a question that they will take at least two wide receivers in the draft, starting in the first round. Here though it depends on who the Eagles take, and they sort of get the left overs. I think Kelly and Sweed are so close together that it's a toss em. I do think over the long haul though Sweed is the better NFL caliber player as were Kelly may be a number 2 or slot receiver.
25. Seattle Seahawks-Fred Davis, TE, USC
They took care of some of their needs via free agency, especially at the running back position. Now they have Alexander, Morris, Duckett AND Julius Jones. I wouldn't be surprised if each of them got their own specific down and distance, maybe even 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th downs. So drafting a running back is no longer a first round priority. I still think they need a dynamic tight end for the west coast offense and Fred Davis to me is above and beyond the best tight end in the draft.
26. Jacksonville Jaguars-Erin Henderson, OLB, Maryland
I love this kid, he's a ball hawk who plays hard ALL the time. I think his personality and playing style fit in beautifully to the Jaguars and raises that defense even higher then it was before. The NFC South is quickly becoming the best Division in the NFL, surpassing the NFC East in terms of competitiveness.
27. San Diego Chargers-Dan Connor, ILB, Penn State
They have this one draft pick until I think the fourth or fifth round. The glaring need I see for them is inside linebacker. Donnie Edwards left and took with him his blockers, who know seem to focus on Shawn Merriman. Dan Connor, like Erin Henderson, is a ball hawk who is all over the field and I think fits into that pursuit defense the Chargers have.
28. Dallas Cowboys-Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas
Jerry Jones is an Arkansas graduate. He LOVES Arkansas and the Razorbacks. Hell, he helped Petrino get his job right? There's been word he'd trade up to get Darren McFadden, and I betcha the Raiders would pull the trigger so they had two first round draft picks.
29. San Francisco 49ers (via Colts)-Sam Baker, OT, USC
With the addition of Issac Bruce wide receiver is no longer a given for the Niners in the first round. Adding a superb blocker like Sam Baker and putting him opposite of Staley is really a great step in the right direction for this Niners team. I'm big on Baker, I think he's going to be better then some of the blockers ahead of him.

30. Green Bay Packers-Mike Pollack, C, Arizona State
You're scratching your head, I know. I think the weakest offensive line position for the Packers is at center and Pollack is head and shoulders above the rest of his field. The Packers aren't a team with many needs, so taking Pollack now without risking losing him before they draft in the second round is the most prudent decision they can make.
31. New York Giants-Josh Barrett, S, Arizona State
They lost Gibril Wilson to the Raiders via free agency, but I don't think they'll miss him much if they take Josh Barrett. The closest NFL player I think I can liken him to is Atari Bigby, I think he's that type of hitter, that type of ball hawk. He will fit in beautifully with the Giants defense, maybe even improve on what they had last year.

ROUND 2
32. Miami Dolphins-Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina
It could be offensive line, but they need a defensive tackle to allow their linebackers to roam free.
33. St Louis Rams-Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson
They need some kind of pass rusher to put pressure on quarterbacks in the NFC West, a division not know for their blocking.
34. Oakland Raiders-Dre Moore, DT, Maryland
Warren Sapp has retired and all they really have is a failed top five pick and Terrell Sands. Dre Moore has that Raider mentality.
35. Kansas City Chiefs-Oniel Cousins, OT, UTEP
Onieal Cousins has first round talent and potential, so taking Jackson doesn't hurt the Chiefs that much.
36. New York Jets-Curtis Lofton, ILB, Oklahoma
I don't know how he will do playing in a 3-4 defense, but he has the athletic ability to play almost anywhere on the defense.
37. Atlanta Falcons-Red Bryant, DT, Texas A&M
They let go of Grady Jackson last season and now have a gaping hole in their defensive line. As former Jaguars D-Coordinator Mike Smith knows the benefits to having stellar defensive tackles.
38. Baltimore Ravens-Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville
They wait and they still manage to draft Brian Brohm, only because Ozzie Newsome knows prudent planning. I expect to see Boller traded at some point during the draft, maybe to Atlanta.
39. San Francisco 49ers-Early Doucet, WR, LSU
Much like the Ravens the Niners wait and are able to draft a player they wanted in the first round in the second. Doucet should excel in Mike Martz's offensive system.
40. New Orleans Saints-Dustin Keller, TE, Purdue
I would if you asked Drew Brees if he missed Antonio Gates what his reaction would be, would he just simply break down and cry on the spot or would he wait till he got home at night?
41. Buffalo Bills-Reggie Smith, CB, Oklahoma
Their defense just seems, at least to me, to be on the cusp of something really special. I think they'll go corner here, and Reggie Smith is the top on the board.
42. Denver Broncos-Jonathon Stewart, RB, Oregon
I don't think they'll be able to resit taking Stewart here. Travis Henry is the only running back they had that was actually drafted. Selvin Young has been good for them, but Stewart is a special back who should do amazingly well in their system.
43. Carolina Panthers-Chad Henne, QB, Michigan
They too wait and end up getting the quarterback who should fit their system very nicely. Now this could also be a running back, but then so could the first rounder.
44. Chicago Bears-Joe Flacco, QB, Delaware
The Bears have one of the biggest question marks at the quarterback position that I've ever seen in my life.
45. Detroit Lions-Anthony Collins, OT, Kansas
Rod Marinelli says the Lions are going to be focusing on the run now. That's good, since you've drafted a team of wide receivers.
46. Cincinnati Bengals-Quentin Groves, DE/OLB, Auburn
It looks like the Bengals are going to the 3-4, and Groves is fit for that system of play I feel.
47. Minnesota Vikings-Kevin Ellison, S, USC
Their safeties aren't exactly spring chickens, and Ellison is much like Josh Barrett which would be a good fit for the Vikings.
48. Atlanta Falcons (via Texans)-Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
Now that you have Matt Ryan and Michael Turner you have to be able to block for them.
49. Philadelphia Eagles-DaJuan Morgan, S, North Carolina State
I've heard from many Eagle fans, we need another safety next to Brian Dawkins. I think it's low enough to take a chance on DaJuan Morgan, I say chance because I'm not as high on him as others are.
50. Arizona Cardinals-Trevor Laws, DT, Notre Dame
The more I saw of Trevor Laws at the combine the more I realized how much he must have been double teamed at Notre Dame.
51. Washington Redskins-Mario Manningham, WR, Michigan
More and more teams are beginning to see in film what I say every time I turned on a Michigan game. Drop after drop by Mario Manningham.
52. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Tavares Gooden, OLB, Miami
Tavares Gooden could be one of those secret players, like Demeco Ryans was for most people when he came out. The heir apparent to Derrick Brooks.
53. Pittsburgh Steelers-James Hardy, WR, Indiana
He may not be the HUGE receiver that Big Ben wanted, but this kid is a human highlight film.
54. Tennessee Titans-Terrell Thomas, CB, USC
Pacman may as well buy a house somewhere else because I don't ever see him going back to the Titans.
55. Seattle Seahawks-Ali Highsmith, OLB, LSU
Their linebacking corps looks to be one big playmaker away from having one of the best linebacking corps in the NFL.
56. Green Bay Packers (via Browns)-Chris Johnson, RB, East Carolina
Ryan Grant had a splendid year, one no one expected. Chris Johnson though runs like he's outrunning the devil and would be an excellent change of pace back.
57. Miami Dolphins (via Chargers)-Donnie Avery, WR, Houston
They let go of Marty Booker so who do they expect Beck or McKown to throw the ball to or are they just running Ronnie Brown every play?
58. Jacksonville Jaguars-Thomas DeCoud, S, Cal
They drafted Reggie Nelson in the first round last year and he looks to be a solid player. The player opposite of him, Gerald Sensabaugh, what do you think?
59. Indianapolis Colts-Chilo Rachal, G, USC
The Colts had many injuries on their offensive line last year, taking Rachal who I have as the highest rated offensive lineman available makes sense.
60. Green Bay Packers-Roy Schuening, G, Oregon State
The continued revitalization of the offensive line should be the priority of the Packers, especially after watching how Brett Farve was chased in the NFC Championship game.
61. Dallas Cowboys-Michael Grant, CB, Arkansas
Will you look at that, the next available to corner for the Cowboys to draft is a Razorback, would this honestly shock anyone?
62. New England Patriots-Dexter Jackson, WR, Appalachian State
Another head scratcher, but Faulk just got busted for the sticky icky, and he's isn't so young anymore. Jackson would be their version of Joshua Cribbs, just another playmaker in their machine.
63. New York Giants-Cliff Avril, DE/OLB, Purdue
Cliff Avril was one of the stars of the combine, then again Purdue University was the star of the combine. He would likely move to outside linebacker for the Giants.