What are your thoughts about these mock draft predictions? BTW: Randy Moss is a free agent and New England don't have a first round pick this year.Well... one of the picks 
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2008 NFL Mock Draft
1. Miami Dolphins - Chris Long, DE, Virginia
With Bill Parcells coming to the Dolphins as the Executive Vice President of Football Operations, major changes have already begun to take place within the Dolphins organization. You can expect to see massive changes to a roster that has produced just one win in 2007.
The perceived "most valued prospect" at this point, in the opinion of many observers, is Arkansas RB Darren McFadden. And while he might be tempting, injured RB Ronnie Brown (torn ACL) has two years remaining on his contract after this season, and the Dolphins just have too many needs to use their top pick on a running back for a split-time situation, barring a major setback in Brown's recovery process. It would be very surprising to see Parcells take McFadden here.
While the Dolphins need a defensive tackle, if they install a Parcells-style 3-4 defense, they'll need to be a traditional nose tackle to fill the middle. Glenn Dorsey is an impressive prospect, but he projects much better for a 4-3 defense. Meanwhile, Chris Long is an ideal 3-4 defense fit. Yes, Miami has Jason Taylor, but adding Long as a bookend with Taylor, along with a natural 3-4 NT either via free agency or in round two, might be the most likely move for the Dolphins. Long carried a mediocre at best Virginia team to the ACC Title game this year, and he would make an immediate impact in Miami as well.
2. St. Louis Rams - Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
What great fortune it would be for St. Louis to land a talent like Glenn Dorsey at the #2 spot. Dorsey, who won the 2007 Bronko Nagurski Trophy (beating out last year's winner, Ohio State LB James Laurinaitis) along with many other awards, is a phenomenal talent. Dorsey would be able to start immediately and have an instant impact in the middle. He is an elite player who has suffered through back and knee injuries and had the guts to remain on the field for LSU down the stretch. And while St. Louis drafted Adam Carriker in round one of last year's draft and saw him move from DE to DT, that should not stop them at all from landing a talent like Dorsey.
3. Oakland Raiders - Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas °
Note: as per the NFL, the Raiders will end up with either the #3 or #4 overall pick in the draft.
The Raiders may be tempted by Jake Long in this spot, but the opportunity to land a unique player like Darren McFadden should be too much for Al Davis to pass up. JaMarcus Russell would have a much easier beginning with McFadden, who is solid in everything he does, from blocking to pass catching. McFadden never takes off a play.
McFadden is a rare talent who has incredible potential as a pro. The Raiders ended up with a 1,000 yard runner in Justin Fargas (4.5 yards per carry) in 2007, but the addition of McFadden would be a huge upgrade for the Oakland offense. He could easily be a day one starter; he does all of the little things right, he blocks hard, he doesn't take plays off, and he has an explosiveness that the Raiders haven't seen since Bo Jackson.
4. Atlanta Falcons - Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
Note: Atlanta could pick as high as #3 or as low as #5.
Despite being an organization that is still in the midst of putting new people in high ranking positions, there are strong indications from Atlanta that the Falcons will take a QB in the first round (or perhaps second) and then have him sit for a year and prep for 2009. Those indications come from the very top: the owner, Arthur Blank. Barring a surprise out of Miami or Kansas City, the Falcons should have the chance to take their pick of the QB class.
Nevermind the Bobby Petrino connection to Brian Brohm; If the Falcons brass likes Brian Brohm the best out of the bunch, I think he'll be the man taken here. Matt Ryan ranks the highest of the QB class almost across the board, though it will ultimately come down to who the Falcons believe is the best player to lead them long-term.
5. Kansas City Chiefs - Jake Long, OT, Michigan
Note: the Chiefs will pick at either #4 or #5.
This is certainly a best case scenario for the Chiefs. Kansas City had almost no luck running the ball in 2007; their 78.0 yards per game rushing average was dead last in the NFL. Larry Johnson's problems (holdout, injury) didn't help things, nor did Priest Holmes suffering a career-ending injury after the team traded Michael Bennett, but the lack of a top level offensive tackle has played a large part in the team's rushing difficulties.
There is a chance that Kansas City might go quarterback at this position, particularly if they end up drafting in front of Atlanta and have a shot at Matt Ryan, but with the pressure on the current administration in Kansas City to win now, taking a QB here as a developmental player doesn't make a great deal of sense to me.
DE Jared Allen is an impending unrestricted free agent, and it's all but certain that the Chiefs will use the franchise tag on him. The Chiefs need a backup RB, but they can acquire that either via free agency or later in the draft, perhaps in round two or three.
6. New York Jets - DeSean Jackson, WR, Cal °
If there's any player in this draft who is difficult to pin down relative to position, it's Jackson. Much like Ted Ginn, Jr. last year, Jackson brings excitement to every play with his kick return skills. And, in a copycat league, everyone is looking for the next Devin Hester.
Jerricho Cotchery had an 1,100+ yard season in 2007, and Laveranues Coles will be back in the mix next year after suffering a season-ending ankle injury late in the year. The flipside on Coles is that he's 30 and, despite having two years remaining on his contract, is expected to push the team to give him a new contract. This could turn ugly, and the presence of Jackson would give the Jets some room to negotiate, even if that means a holdout by Coles.
The Jets having Justin Miller (a good kick returner in his own right) may make Jackson appear like a luxury, but having two great kick returners is better than having none.
7. New England Patriots (from 49ers) - Mike Jenkins, CB, USF
If there's any position that has widely varying grades in this draft, it's cornerback. But one player who grades well across the board is USF corner Mike Jenkins. And with a huge hole to fill by the forthcoming departure of Asante Samuel to a free agency mega-payday, the safest pick may be the experienced Jenkins.
The Patriots are going to lose Pro Bowl CB Asante Samuel to free agency, and while the Pats will do what they can to fill from within, the reality is that they will be in a spot to draft from their choice of the cornerbacks in the draft.
Trading down may also be a consideration, particularly if New England feels that there isn't a corner worth taking in this spot. ILB is also a need, though with James Laurinaitis and Rey Maualuga both going back to college for 2008, the two best inside linebacker prospects out there won't be in the draft.
8. Baltimore Ravens - Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville
The Ravens only have one major free-agent-to-be, DE/OLB Terrell Suggs. And, with the Ravens having so much difficulty performing on offense, a new coach coming in to replace Brian Billick, and Steve McNair turning 35 next month, a quarterback like Brohm would be a great addition to the team. Why Brohm over Woodson? It's a close call, but Woodson slipped due to concerns about his release time, something that the practices at Senior Bowl week did nothing to change. Some have suggested that Brohm will need less prep time to become a starter, which is not an unreasonable belief given that Brohm could have been a first rounder had he come out last year.
9. Cincinnati Bengals - Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State °
The Bengals had a disaster of a 2007 season, and their problems were directly connected with the team's inability to stop the run. At the same time, defensive end Justin Smith is a free agent, and he is not expected to be franchised again by the Bengals, who used the tag to retain Smith for 2007.
This would be a most interesting situation for the Bengals if both Gholston and Ellis are on the board. Ellis had a great week of practices at the Senior Bowl, and he would fit in nicely in Cincinnati. At the same time, a player like Gholston at defensive end would help with both defending the rush and stopping the pass, which Cincinnati ended up being 26th against in 2007.
10. New Orleans Saints - Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas °
One of the worst deals of the 2007 off-season was New Orleans signing 5'8" CB Jason David, a restricted free agent from the Colts, to a 4-year/$15.8 million dollar deal. The guy played in the Tampa Two in Indy, but that didn't stop the Saints from forking over big cash in a deal that they figured, rightfully so, that the Colts wouldn't match. Often times, players from Super Bowl champions get big paydays elsewhere, but when they are put into a system that doesn't suit them well, it can be problematic.
The result in the David deal for the Saints is that New Orleans was 30th against the pass in 2007. David often looked terrible in man coverage, almost to an embarrassing level. It was been bad enough to make many Saints fans forget about Fred Thomas getting burned bad in 2006. To point, David has missed three full games in 2007: all Saints wins.
Talib tore things up in the Orange Bowl, with a pick-six and a missed field goal return in the first half that helped propel Kansas to an upset win over Virginia Tech. He already had the size and speed -- and that performance on national television gave him great momentum going into the draft. And, at 6'2", he has the height to battle with taller receivers like few others in this draft can.
11. Buffalo Bills - Dan Connor, LB, Penn State
It's really remarkable that the Bills won as many games as they did in 2007 when you consider that they were 29th against the pass and 25th against the rush. They were decemated by free agent departures last off-season, from CB Nate Clements to LBs London Fletcher and Takeo Spikes. The guys filling those spots have played hard, but clearly a talent infusion is needed.
A versatile talent like Connor would be an interesting choice for Buffalo. It would reunite him with Penn State LB teammate Paul Posluzsny and add him to a unit lead by breakout OLB talent Angelo Crowell.
12. Denver Broncos - Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
The Broncos added a few pieces to its front defensive line in the 2007 Draft, but they could add perhaps the final piece to the puzzle if they have the chance to draft Ellis.
Ellis is strong (with a reported bench press max of 510 pounds), and while at 6'1" he's shorter than normal for the position, he would immediately improve Denver's run defense. A front four of Ellis and Marcus Thomas at DT and Jarvis Moss and Elvis Dumervil at DE looks really impressive on paper, both from a youth standpoint and from the sheer talent involved.
13. Carolina Panthers - Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State °
Arguably the second-best offensive tackle in the draft, Clady would represent a bit of a bargain at this spot for Carolina. With Jordan Gross facing impending free agency, the Panthers could end up with a major need at the position. And while the team reportedly wants to sign him to an extension, it may be too late to do that with the money of the free agent market pending. Moreover, with Gross having struggled in attempts to play left tackle, replacing him with a strong prospect like Clady might be the best thing for Carolina to do.
14. Chicago Bears - Andre Woodson, QB, Kentucky
The Bears suffered an inordinate amount of injuries in 2007, but there were some serious issues at the quarterback position that trumped the injury problems that plagued the team.
Rex Grossman is going to be an unrestricted free agent, and he'll almost for sure be playing elsewhere in 2008. Kyle Orton and Brian Griese have not shown "long term QB" potential, and clearly the team needs to do something to improve its QB situation.
One note of caution for Woodson fans: if he falls past Chicago at #14, he could free fall, possibly to Tampa Bay at #20, or even further. While I am sold on him, there are some questioning his release time (think David Carr), and that seems to have separated him from Ryan at #1 and Brohm at #2 in the QB slotting battle, at least for now.
15. Detroit Lions - Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy
The Lions have only used one first round pick this decade on a defensive player: LB Ernie Sims in 2006. Their secondary really needs a boost, as it wasn't the same in 2007 without Dre Bly.
McKelvin is a strong overall prospect, and he has quietly climbed past some better-known major school players to place in at least third on many scouts' corner list for this draft. At 5'11" 190 he should be able to handle man coverage, he has solid speed, and he showed this week against the tall Limas Sweed that he can cover tall, big school WRs.
16. Arizona Cardinals - Keith Rivers, LB, USC
Rivers is a 6'3" 245 pound tackling machine who runs a sub-4.6 40, which could make him very valuable in stopping the run. Arizona OLBs Karlos Dansby and Calvin Pace are both facing impending free agency, and both made less than $1,000,000 each in 2007 on the final year of their respective contracts. It will be tough for the Cards to keep them both, especially with an opportunity to land a high-end LB in this spot perhaps being too tempting to pass up.
17. Minnesota Vikings - Kenny Phillips, FS, Miami °
My strong suspicion is that the Vikings will make a move this off-season to acquire either Eagles QB Donovan McNabb or Browns QB Derek Anderson. Such a move would likely require them to trade this pick as part of the deal (or give it up in compensation as part of signing Anderson as a restricted free agent), but in the event that the Vikings keep the pick, defensive end is a position that would likely be addressed.
The Vikings gave up more passing yards in 2007 than any other team. And while filling a need at defensive end could be considered, the chance to land the best safety in the draft in Kenny Phillips could prove too tempting to pass up.
18. Houston Texans - Reggie Smith, CB, Oklahoma °
The facts: Houston doesn't have its second round pick in this draft; that selection belongs to Atlanta. Despite a mediocre rushing game, this is a loaded draft at RB, and even in the third round the Texans could get a quality back. The Texans also have Ahman Green under a big contract, one that was foolish (in my opinion) to sign a 30 year old running back to last year, but one that they are nonetheless stuck with (unless they want to take a huge salary cap hit.) Star CB Dunta Robinson is recovering from a severe injury, one where he not only tore ligaments in his knee, but where his hamstring literally tore off the bone.
Houston is in a loaded division, one that looks to be no less tough in 2008. And while a running back like Jonathan Stewart might be quite tempting, the reality is that the Texans cannot ignore the cornerback position.
Free agency may be the cure for that, and it's possible that Houston will get into the Asante Samuel sweepstakes. Trading down probably makes the most sense, but in this spot and without finding a suitable corner via free agency, I don't see how the Texans can ignore their CB need.
Despite suffering a broken toe in the Big XII Title game, Smith proved enough during the season to earn his status as a likely first round pick. And with the need that the Texans have at corner, Smith makes perfect since for the position.
19. Philadelphia Eagles - Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida °
Harvey showed in the Florida BCS Title win over Ohio State in January 2007 that he can excel in big pressure games, escaping from the shadow of his D-Line teammates with a three sack performance in that game. In 2007, despite facing more double-teams because of Florida losing much of its defensive line from its BCS Title team to the NFL, Harvey held his own. For the Eagles, he could become the player that Philly fans hoped for when the team signed Jevon Kearse to a free agent contract in 2004.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina
Balmer is a somewhat risky pick, as he didn't come on huge until the 2007 season. But the Bucs could use a defensive tackle, particularly one like Balmer who is good at pressuring the QB, a must from any front four utilizing the "Tampa Two" defense. Defensive tackle can be a boom or bust position, and it remains to be seen if Balmer was a one-year wonder or a player who just didn't bloom until his senior year of college.
21. Washington Redskins - Calais Campbell, DE, Miami °
While Andre Carter had a great year at defensive end for the Redskins, adding a young player on the other side to bring the heat would make Washington that much more volatile. Campbell may be a better fit for a 3-4 defense, but even in a 4-3 he can create chaos from the outside. A mountain of a man at 6'8" 280, he brings much more from a pass rush standpoint than many may realize. And while he didn't have as impressive of a 2007 season as he did in 2006, Campbell is a massive player who will be impossible to overlook on the field. He can make tackles, provide a strong pass rush, and in general cause chaos at the line.
22. Dallas Cowboys (from Cleveland) - Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma °
Terrell Owens is 34, and he is entering the final year of his contract with the Cowboys. Compound that with the fact that Terry Glenn turns 34 in July, and it would seem that WR should be a top priority for Dallas.
Going first round for a wideout has not been Dallas' style in recent years, but with a talented player like Kelly available, the team may opt to go that route this year. At 6'4" 220, Kelly has prototype size, and while his 4.55 speed isn't world beater, he has the ability to gain separation just by leaping. With a year to work slowly into the system, Kelly could be primed to take over a starting slot in 2009.
23. Pittsburgh Steelers - Sam Baker, OT, USC
Baker is a versatile talent who could fill a number of offensive line spots. This would work out well for the Steelers, who are likely going to lose OT Max Starks and OG Alan Faneca to unrestricted free agency. While Starks lost his starting job to Willie Colon, depth on the offensive line is very important, and even a worst-case might be Baker lining up at offensive guard for the Steelers in 2008.
24. Tennessee Titans - Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
The Titans desperately need to bring in a top flight wide receiver for Vince Young. Jeff Fisher used veiled language to allude to this after the season, and the team took the unexpected measure of firing offensive coordinator Norm Chow to shake up what has been at many times a dismal offensive approach.
Sweed and Young played together when the University of Texas won the BCS Title in the 2005 season, and them reuniting would be quite intriguing. Sweed has great size and speed, and while he reinjured the wrist he broke during practice at the Senior Bowl, it's not expected to have a major impact on Sweed's overall recovery.
I'm convinced that the Titans will do whatever they have to do to keep Albert Haynesworth after seeing the defense play at a much lower level without him, particularly against the run.
25. Seattle Seahawks - Fred Davis, TE, USC
Davis is the best tight end prospect in the draft, and with Marcus Pollard likely done in Seattle, the Seahawks may need Davis to play from the get-go. Davis has a great mix of both blocking and receiving skills. At 6'4" 250, he has quality size. And while Davis isn't as fast as some of the elite NFL tight ends, and there is actually some question as to what his timed 40 speed is (between 4.65 and 4.85.) Hopefully Davis will run at the combine to settle the issue prior to the draft.
26. Jacksonville Jaguars - Early Doucet, WR, LSU
There are a number of options for the Jags at this spot. The Jags could use a new corner, and while there are a number of "second tier" guys who could go in this spot, that will depend a great deal on how the Jaguars evaluate the corner prospects.
The Jags have used multiple first rounders at wide receiver in recent years, but that hasn't done much to fix the Jaguars receiver situation. A player like Doucet could be a great fit; while he doesn't have the height of Reggie Williams or Matt Jones, he is a near-ideal possession receiver who could give David Garrard a steady, consistent target at which to throw.
27. San Diego Chargers - Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon °
This is an interesting spot for the Chargers, as they need to gain maximum value from this pick since they have traded away (or sacrificed via the 2007 Supplemental Draft) their picks in rounds two, three, and four. San Diego trading down wouldn't surprise me at all.
The Chargers are an overall solid team with few gaps, though with Michael Turner heading for a free agency payday, a young backup RB is a must. This is a spot I have given great thought to, and while a defensive tackle like Pat Sims might be a nice pickup here, a unique talent like Stewart (a 235 pound speedster) would be a great addition to the team.
28. Dallas Cowboys - Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas °
Jones has been overlooked by many due to the presence of Darren McFadden, but he will earn plenty of attention during the weeks leading up to the draft. He would be a particularly nice fit for the Cowboys, who are likely going to lose Julius Jones to free agency but have Marion Barber, III as a restricted free agent they can very likely keep.
While Barber is a bruiser, Jones would be a great contrast, given that he's 6'0", 200 pounds, and he runs a sub-4.4 40. Felix Jones has feature back ability, and he would be a great pickup by the Cowboys.
29. San Francisco 49ers (from Indianapolis) - James Hardy, WR, Indiana °
The 49ers have been in a free-fall, in no small part because of the team's inability to throw the ball -- they were dead last in passing yards per game in 2007. The receiving corps is a mess, and with Mike Martz coming on board as the new offensive coordinator, it seems quite likely that the 49ers will use their first round pick on a receiver.
Hardy is 6'6" and can run a sub 4.6 40. He could do some amazing things in a Mike Martz offense.
30. Green Bay Packers - Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona
Is Ryan Grant the breakout running back of the future for the Packers, or is he a stop-gap who is benefitting from Brett Favre's presence? Two fumbles in the opening quarter against Seattle looked bad, but then Grant rallied to put a 201 yard rushing day against a very good Seahawks defense. That, coupled with the presence of 2007 second round pick Brandon Jackson on the roster, leads me to believe that Green Bay will look elsewhere in this spot.
DT Corey Williams is slated for unrestricted free agency, though Green Bay planned ahead on that by drafting Justin Harrell in the first round of the 2007 Draft. If Williams leaves, I'd think that Green Bay would look for depth in the draft at DT, but not until later on in the process.
The major need rests in finding a young corner. Cason would provide both youth and ability for Green Bay, and he showed at Arizona that he has the ability to potentially become an elite shut-down corner at the NFL level.
31. New York Giants - Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt
There are a number of other considerations that the Giants may have in this area, particularly cornerback, but ultimately an offensive tackle could end up being where the Giants go. Under this scenario, both Pitt's Jeff Otah and Vandy's Chris Williams would be on the board, and for now I'm giving the nod to Williams.
Williams is a 6'6" 320 pound force, and any questions about attitude (i.e. being too soft) were answered at the Senior Bowl when he found himself in a fight with Texas A&M DT Red Bryant. Williams was the first Vanderbilt tackle to earn all SEC honors since 1984, and he was remarkable in allowing only two sacks in more than 1,500 snaps.
32. New England Patriots - FORFEITED
As punishment for the Spygate scandal, the Patriots have been forced to forfeit their 2008 first round pick.
Note: ° indicates a player with NCAA eligibility for 2008 who declared for the 2008 NFL Draft
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2008 NFL Mock Draft
1. Miami Dolphins - Chris Long, DE, Virginia
With Bill Parcells coming to the Dolphins as the Executive Vice President of Football Operations, major changes have already begun to take place within the Dolphins organization. You can expect to see massive changes to a roster that has produced just one win in 2007.
The perceived "most valued prospect" at this point, in the opinion of many observers, is Arkansas RB Darren McFadden. And while he might be tempting, injured RB Ronnie Brown (torn ACL) has two years remaining on his contract after this season, and the Dolphins just have too many needs to use their top pick on a running back for a split-time situation, barring a major setback in Brown's recovery process. It would be very surprising to see Parcells take McFadden here.
While the Dolphins need a defensive tackle, if they install a Parcells-style 3-4 defense, they'll need to be a traditional nose tackle to fill the middle. Glenn Dorsey is an impressive prospect, but he projects much better for a 4-3 defense. Meanwhile, Chris Long is an ideal 3-4 defense fit. Yes, Miami has Jason Taylor, but adding Long as a bookend with Taylor, along with a natural 3-4 NT either via free agency or in round two, might be the most likely move for the Dolphins. Long carried a mediocre at best Virginia team to the ACC Title game this year, and he would make an immediate impact in Miami as well.
2. St. Louis Rams - Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
What great fortune it would be for St. Louis to land a talent like Glenn Dorsey at the #2 spot. Dorsey, who won the 2007 Bronko Nagurski Trophy (beating out last year's winner, Ohio State LB James Laurinaitis) along with many other awards, is a phenomenal talent. Dorsey would be able to start immediately and have an instant impact in the middle. He is an elite player who has suffered through back and knee injuries and had the guts to remain on the field for LSU down the stretch. And while St. Louis drafted Adam Carriker in round one of last year's draft and saw him move from DE to DT, that should not stop them at all from landing a talent like Dorsey.
3. Oakland Raiders - Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas °
Note: as per the NFL, the Raiders will end up with either the #3 or #4 overall pick in the draft.
The Raiders may be tempted by Jake Long in this spot, but the opportunity to land a unique player like Darren McFadden should be too much for Al Davis to pass up. JaMarcus Russell would have a much easier beginning with McFadden, who is solid in everything he does, from blocking to pass catching. McFadden never takes off a play.
McFadden is a rare talent who has incredible potential as a pro. The Raiders ended up with a 1,000 yard runner in Justin Fargas (4.5 yards per carry) in 2007, but the addition of McFadden would be a huge upgrade for the Oakland offense. He could easily be a day one starter; he does all of the little things right, he blocks hard, he doesn't take plays off, and he has an explosiveness that the Raiders haven't seen since Bo Jackson.
4. Atlanta Falcons - Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
Note: Atlanta could pick as high as #3 or as low as #5.
Despite being an organization that is still in the midst of putting new people in high ranking positions, there are strong indications from Atlanta that the Falcons will take a QB in the first round (or perhaps second) and then have him sit for a year and prep for 2009. Those indications come from the very top: the owner, Arthur Blank. Barring a surprise out of Miami or Kansas City, the Falcons should have the chance to take their pick of the QB class.
Nevermind the Bobby Petrino connection to Brian Brohm; If the Falcons brass likes Brian Brohm the best out of the bunch, I think he'll be the man taken here. Matt Ryan ranks the highest of the QB class almost across the board, though it will ultimately come down to who the Falcons believe is the best player to lead them long-term.
5. Kansas City Chiefs - Jake Long, OT, Michigan
Note: the Chiefs will pick at either #4 or #5.
This is certainly a best case scenario for the Chiefs. Kansas City had almost no luck running the ball in 2007; their 78.0 yards per game rushing average was dead last in the NFL. Larry Johnson's problems (holdout, injury) didn't help things, nor did Priest Holmes suffering a career-ending injury after the team traded Michael Bennett, but the lack of a top level offensive tackle has played a large part in the team's rushing difficulties.
There is a chance that Kansas City might go quarterback at this position, particularly if they end up drafting in front of Atlanta and have a shot at Matt Ryan, but with the pressure on the current administration in Kansas City to win now, taking a QB here as a developmental player doesn't make a great deal of sense to me.
DE Jared Allen is an impending unrestricted free agent, and it's all but certain that the Chiefs will use the franchise tag on him. The Chiefs need a backup RB, but they can acquire that either via free agency or later in the draft, perhaps in round two or three.
6. New York Jets - DeSean Jackson, WR, Cal °
If there's any player in this draft who is difficult to pin down relative to position, it's Jackson. Much like Ted Ginn, Jr. last year, Jackson brings excitement to every play with his kick return skills. And, in a copycat league, everyone is looking for the next Devin Hester.
Jerricho Cotchery had an 1,100+ yard season in 2007, and Laveranues Coles will be back in the mix next year after suffering a season-ending ankle injury late in the year. The flipside on Coles is that he's 30 and, despite having two years remaining on his contract, is expected to push the team to give him a new contract. This could turn ugly, and the presence of Jackson would give the Jets some room to negotiate, even if that means a holdout by Coles.
The Jets having Justin Miller (a good kick returner in his own right) may make Jackson appear like a luxury, but having two great kick returners is better than having none.
7. New England Patriots (from 49ers) - Mike Jenkins, CB, USF
If there's any position that has widely varying grades in this draft, it's cornerback. But one player who grades well across the board is USF corner Mike Jenkins. And with a huge hole to fill by the forthcoming departure of Asante Samuel to a free agency mega-payday, the safest pick may be the experienced Jenkins.
The Patriots are going to lose Pro Bowl CB Asante Samuel to free agency, and while the Pats will do what they can to fill from within, the reality is that they will be in a spot to draft from their choice of the cornerbacks in the draft.
Trading down may also be a consideration, particularly if New England feels that there isn't a corner worth taking in this spot. ILB is also a need, though with James Laurinaitis and Rey Maualuga both going back to college for 2008, the two best inside linebacker prospects out there won't be in the draft.
8. Baltimore Ravens - Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville
The Ravens only have one major free-agent-to-be, DE/OLB Terrell Suggs. And, with the Ravens having so much difficulty performing on offense, a new coach coming in to replace Brian Billick, and Steve McNair turning 35 next month, a quarterback like Brohm would be a great addition to the team. Why Brohm over Woodson? It's a close call, but Woodson slipped due to concerns about his release time, something that the practices at Senior Bowl week did nothing to change. Some have suggested that Brohm will need less prep time to become a starter, which is not an unreasonable belief given that Brohm could have been a first rounder had he come out last year.
9. Cincinnati Bengals - Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State °
The Bengals had a disaster of a 2007 season, and their problems were directly connected with the team's inability to stop the run. At the same time, defensive end Justin Smith is a free agent, and he is not expected to be franchised again by the Bengals, who used the tag to retain Smith for 2007.
This would be a most interesting situation for the Bengals if both Gholston and Ellis are on the board. Ellis had a great week of practices at the Senior Bowl, and he would fit in nicely in Cincinnati. At the same time, a player like Gholston at defensive end would help with both defending the rush and stopping the pass, which Cincinnati ended up being 26th against in 2007.
10. New Orleans Saints - Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas °
One of the worst deals of the 2007 off-season was New Orleans signing 5'8" CB Jason David, a restricted free agent from the Colts, to a 4-year/$15.8 million dollar deal. The guy played in the Tampa Two in Indy, but that didn't stop the Saints from forking over big cash in a deal that they figured, rightfully so, that the Colts wouldn't match. Often times, players from Super Bowl champions get big paydays elsewhere, but when they are put into a system that doesn't suit them well, it can be problematic.
The result in the David deal for the Saints is that New Orleans was 30th against the pass in 2007. David often looked terrible in man coverage, almost to an embarrassing level. It was been bad enough to make many Saints fans forget about Fred Thomas getting burned bad in 2006. To point, David has missed three full games in 2007: all Saints wins.
Talib tore things up in the Orange Bowl, with a pick-six and a missed field goal return in the first half that helped propel Kansas to an upset win over Virginia Tech. He already had the size and speed -- and that performance on national television gave him great momentum going into the draft. And, at 6'2", he has the height to battle with taller receivers like few others in this draft can.
11. Buffalo Bills - Dan Connor, LB, Penn State
It's really remarkable that the Bills won as many games as they did in 2007 when you consider that they were 29th against the pass and 25th against the rush. They were decemated by free agent departures last off-season, from CB Nate Clements to LBs London Fletcher and Takeo Spikes. The guys filling those spots have played hard, but clearly a talent infusion is needed.
A versatile talent like Connor would be an interesting choice for Buffalo. It would reunite him with Penn State LB teammate Paul Posluzsny and add him to a unit lead by breakout OLB talent Angelo Crowell.
12. Denver Broncos - Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
The Broncos added a few pieces to its front defensive line in the 2007 Draft, but they could add perhaps the final piece to the puzzle if they have the chance to draft Ellis.
Ellis is strong (with a reported bench press max of 510 pounds), and while at 6'1" he's shorter than normal for the position, he would immediately improve Denver's run defense. A front four of Ellis and Marcus Thomas at DT and Jarvis Moss and Elvis Dumervil at DE looks really impressive on paper, both from a youth standpoint and from the sheer talent involved.
13. Carolina Panthers - Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State °
Arguably the second-best offensive tackle in the draft, Clady would represent a bit of a bargain at this spot for Carolina. With Jordan Gross facing impending free agency, the Panthers could end up with a major need at the position. And while the team reportedly wants to sign him to an extension, it may be too late to do that with the money of the free agent market pending. Moreover, with Gross having struggled in attempts to play left tackle, replacing him with a strong prospect like Clady might be the best thing for Carolina to do.
14. Chicago Bears - Andre Woodson, QB, Kentucky
The Bears suffered an inordinate amount of injuries in 2007, but there were some serious issues at the quarterback position that trumped the injury problems that plagued the team.
Rex Grossman is going to be an unrestricted free agent, and he'll almost for sure be playing elsewhere in 2008. Kyle Orton and Brian Griese have not shown "long term QB" potential, and clearly the team needs to do something to improve its QB situation.
One note of caution for Woodson fans: if he falls past Chicago at #14, he could free fall, possibly to Tampa Bay at #20, or even further. While I am sold on him, there are some questioning his release time (think David Carr), and that seems to have separated him from Ryan at #1 and Brohm at #2 in the QB slotting battle, at least for now.
15. Detroit Lions - Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy
The Lions have only used one first round pick this decade on a defensive player: LB Ernie Sims in 2006. Their secondary really needs a boost, as it wasn't the same in 2007 without Dre Bly.
McKelvin is a strong overall prospect, and he has quietly climbed past some better-known major school players to place in at least third on many scouts' corner list for this draft. At 5'11" 190 he should be able to handle man coverage, he has solid speed, and he showed this week against the tall Limas Sweed that he can cover tall, big school WRs.
16. Arizona Cardinals - Keith Rivers, LB, USC
Rivers is a 6'3" 245 pound tackling machine who runs a sub-4.6 40, which could make him very valuable in stopping the run. Arizona OLBs Karlos Dansby and Calvin Pace are both facing impending free agency, and both made less than $1,000,000 each in 2007 on the final year of their respective contracts. It will be tough for the Cards to keep them both, especially with an opportunity to land a high-end LB in this spot perhaps being too tempting to pass up.
17. Minnesota Vikings - Kenny Phillips, FS, Miami °
My strong suspicion is that the Vikings will make a move this off-season to acquire either Eagles QB Donovan McNabb or Browns QB Derek Anderson. Such a move would likely require them to trade this pick as part of the deal (or give it up in compensation as part of signing Anderson as a restricted free agent), but in the event that the Vikings keep the pick, defensive end is a position that would likely be addressed.
The Vikings gave up more passing yards in 2007 than any other team. And while filling a need at defensive end could be considered, the chance to land the best safety in the draft in Kenny Phillips could prove too tempting to pass up.
18. Houston Texans - Reggie Smith, CB, Oklahoma °
The facts: Houston doesn't have its second round pick in this draft; that selection belongs to Atlanta. Despite a mediocre rushing game, this is a loaded draft at RB, and even in the third round the Texans could get a quality back. The Texans also have Ahman Green under a big contract, one that was foolish (in my opinion) to sign a 30 year old running back to last year, but one that they are nonetheless stuck with (unless they want to take a huge salary cap hit.) Star CB Dunta Robinson is recovering from a severe injury, one where he not only tore ligaments in his knee, but where his hamstring literally tore off the bone.
Houston is in a loaded division, one that looks to be no less tough in 2008. And while a running back like Jonathan Stewart might be quite tempting, the reality is that the Texans cannot ignore the cornerback position.
Free agency may be the cure for that, and it's possible that Houston will get into the Asante Samuel sweepstakes. Trading down probably makes the most sense, but in this spot and without finding a suitable corner via free agency, I don't see how the Texans can ignore their CB need.
Despite suffering a broken toe in the Big XII Title game, Smith proved enough during the season to earn his status as a likely first round pick. And with the need that the Texans have at corner, Smith makes perfect since for the position.
19. Philadelphia Eagles - Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida °
Harvey showed in the Florida BCS Title win over Ohio State in January 2007 that he can excel in big pressure games, escaping from the shadow of his D-Line teammates with a three sack performance in that game. In 2007, despite facing more double-teams because of Florida losing much of its defensive line from its BCS Title team to the NFL, Harvey held his own. For the Eagles, he could become the player that Philly fans hoped for when the team signed Jevon Kearse to a free agent contract in 2004.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina
Balmer is a somewhat risky pick, as he didn't come on huge until the 2007 season. But the Bucs could use a defensive tackle, particularly one like Balmer who is good at pressuring the QB, a must from any front four utilizing the "Tampa Two" defense. Defensive tackle can be a boom or bust position, and it remains to be seen if Balmer was a one-year wonder or a player who just didn't bloom until his senior year of college.
21. Washington Redskins - Calais Campbell, DE, Miami °
While Andre Carter had a great year at defensive end for the Redskins, adding a young player on the other side to bring the heat would make Washington that much more volatile. Campbell may be a better fit for a 3-4 defense, but even in a 4-3 he can create chaos from the outside. A mountain of a man at 6'8" 280, he brings much more from a pass rush standpoint than many may realize. And while he didn't have as impressive of a 2007 season as he did in 2006, Campbell is a massive player who will be impossible to overlook on the field. He can make tackles, provide a strong pass rush, and in general cause chaos at the line.
22. Dallas Cowboys (from Cleveland) - Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma °
Terrell Owens is 34, and he is entering the final year of his contract with the Cowboys. Compound that with the fact that Terry Glenn turns 34 in July, and it would seem that WR should be a top priority for Dallas.
Going first round for a wideout has not been Dallas' style in recent years, but with a talented player like Kelly available, the team may opt to go that route this year. At 6'4" 220, Kelly has prototype size, and while his 4.55 speed isn't world beater, he has the ability to gain separation just by leaping. With a year to work slowly into the system, Kelly could be primed to take over a starting slot in 2009.
23. Pittsburgh Steelers - Sam Baker, OT, USC
Baker is a versatile talent who could fill a number of offensive line spots. This would work out well for the Steelers, who are likely going to lose OT Max Starks and OG Alan Faneca to unrestricted free agency. While Starks lost his starting job to Willie Colon, depth on the offensive line is very important, and even a worst-case might be Baker lining up at offensive guard for the Steelers in 2008.
24. Tennessee Titans - Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
The Titans desperately need to bring in a top flight wide receiver for Vince Young. Jeff Fisher used veiled language to allude to this after the season, and the team took the unexpected measure of firing offensive coordinator Norm Chow to shake up what has been at many times a dismal offensive approach.
Sweed and Young played together when the University of Texas won the BCS Title in the 2005 season, and them reuniting would be quite intriguing. Sweed has great size and speed, and while he reinjured the wrist he broke during practice at the Senior Bowl, it's not expected to have a major impact on Sweed's overall recovery.
I'm convinced that the Titans will do whatever they have to do to keep Albert Haynesworth after seeing the defense play at a much lower level without him, particularly against the run.
25. Seattle Seahawks - Fred Davis, TE, USC
Davis is the best tight end prospect in the draft, and with Marcus Pollard likely done in Seattle, the Seahawks may need Davis to play from the get-go. Davis has a great mix of both blocking and receiving skills. At 6'4" 250, he has quality size. And while Davis isn't as fast as some of the elite NFL tight ends, and there is actually some question as to what his timed 40 speed is (between 4.65 and 4.85.) Hopefully Davis will run at the combine to settle the issue prior to the draft.
26. Jacksonville Jaguars - Early Doucet, WR, LSU
There are a number of options for the Jags at this spot. The Jags could use a new corner, and while there are a number of "second tier" guys who could go in this spot, that will depend a great deal on how the Jaguars evaluate the corner prospects.
The Jags have used multiple first rounders at wide receiver in recent years, but that hasn't done much to fix the Jaguars receiver situation. A player like Doucet could be a great fit; while he doesn't have the height of Reggie Williams or Matt Jones, he is a near-ideal possession receiver who could give David Garrard a steady, consistent target at which to throw.
27. San Diego Chargers - Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon °
This is an interesting spot for the Chargers, as they need to gain maximum value from this pick since they have traded away (or sacrificed via the 2007 Supplemental Draft) their picks in rounds two, three, and four. San Diego trading down wouldn't surprise me at all.
The Chargers are an overall solid team with few gaps, though with Michael Turner heading for a free agency payday, a young backup RB is a must. This is a spot I have given great thought to, and while a defensive tackle like Pat Sims might be a nice pickup here, a unique talent like Stewart (a 235 pound speedster) would be a great addition to the team.
28. Dallas Cowboys - Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas °
Jones has been overlooked by many due to the presence of Darren McFadden, but he will earn plenty of attention during the weeks leading up to the draft. He would be a particularly nice fit for the Cowboys, who are likely going to lose Julius Jones to free agency but have Marion Barber, III as a restricted free agent they can very likely keep.
While Barber is a bruiser, Jones would be a great contrast, given that he's 6'0", 200 pounds, and he runs a sub-4.4 40. Felix Jones has feature back ability, and he would be a great pickup by the Cowboys.
29. San Francisco 49ers (from Indianapolis) - James Hardy, WR, Indiana °
The 49ers have been in a free-fall, in no small part because of the team's inability to throw the ball -- they were dead last in passing yards per game in 2007. The receiving corps is a mess, and with Mike Martz coming on board as the new offensive coordinator, it seems quite likely that the 49ers will use their first round pick on a receiver.
Hardy is 6'6" and can run a sub 4.6 40. He could do some amazing things in a Mike Martz offense.
30. Green Bay Packers - Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona
Is Ryan Grant the breakout running back of the future for the Packers, or is he a stop-gap who is benefitting from Brett Favre's presence? Two fumbles in the opening quarter against Seattle looked bad, but then Grant rallied to put a 201 yard rushing day against a very good Seahawks defense. That, coupled with the presence of 2007 second round pick Brandon Jackson on the roster, leads me to believe that Green Bay will look elsewhere in this spot.
DT Corey Williams is slated for unrestricted free agency, though Green Bay planned ahead on that by drafting Justin Harrell in the first round of the 2007 Draft. If Williams leaves, I'd think that Green Bay would look for depth in the draft at DT, but not until later on in the process.
The major need rests in finding a young corner. Cason would provide both youth and ability for Green Bay, and he showed at Arizona that he has the ability to potentially become an elite shut-down corner at the NFL level.
31. New York Giants - Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt
There are a number of other considerations that the Giants may have in this area, particularly cornerback, but ultimately an offensive tackle could end up being where the Giants go. Under this scenario, both Pitt's Jeff Otah and Vandy's Chris Williams would be on the board, and for now I'm giving the nod to Williams.
Williams is a 6'6" 320 pound force, and any questions about attitude (i.e. being too soft) were answered at the Senior Bowl when he found himself in a fight with Texas A&M DT Red Bryant. Williams was the first Vanderbilt tackle to earn all SEC honors since 1984, and he was remarkable in allowing only two sacks in more than 1,500 snaps.
32. New England Patriots - FORFEITED
As punishment for the Spygate scandal, the Patriots have been forced to forfeit their 2008 first round pick.
Note: ° indicates a player with NCAA eligibility for 2008 who declared for the 2008 NFL Draft
