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Well, my last piece was done in January so I'm a little past due. Once again, this took me forever, I hope you guys enjoy.
Aqua's NFL 1st Round Mock Draft 3/17/08
1. Miami – Chris Long DE Virginia
- The Dolphins are full of needs throughout the entire defense and would be best suited to trade down, but it’s nearly impossible to fulfill chart value. With swirling rumors that Jason Taylor could be on his way out of Miami, the Dolphins need find his replacement and there’s no better choice then the son of Hall of Fame Howie Long. Long may have to make the switch to outside linebacker in the 3-4 defense, but that learning curve shouldn’t be too much for a smart kid like Long to handle.
2. St. Louis – Jake Long OT Michigan
- The Rams are loaded with playmakers on offense. Steven Jackson and Tori Holt are among the best at their respective positions and Marc Bulger is still an elite NFL quarterback. This three-headed monster was held in check because of an aging and injury riddled offensive line; insert Jake Long. Long had a combine for the ages and his disciple makes him a safe pick. While his footwork and ability to handle top-flight speed rushers is in question, Long may still project as a left tackle.
3. Atlanta – Glenn Dorsey DT Louisiana State
- A lot of draft enthusiasts and NFL analysts are expecting Matt Ryan to go off the board at this spot, but that would be a mistake for the Falcons. Every year quarterbacks are hyped in the draft because of the popular demand for the position in the NFL. The Falcons won’t lose much value if it selects a quarterback in round 2 and selects Dorsey in the first. Dorsey is a tremendous character and was still extremely effective playing hurt while taking on double teams last year at LSU. With Grady Jackson and Rod Coleman now out of the picture, the smart money is on Dorsey.
4. Oakland Darren McFadden RB Arkansas
- I’m having a really tough time trying to decide what the Raiders will do here. If I’m in charge, I’m taking Sedrick Ellis and I never would’ve paid Tommy Kelly that insane contract. But, we have to take the Al Davis factor into account and try to get inside that crazy mind of his. Kelly and Javon Walker have received massive contracts and Oakland just upgraded possibly their strongest position by trading for DeAngello Hall. The reason I put McFadden here is because the big payday Kelly received. The Raiders defense is great in the back 7 but the offense is still mundane. Adding the home run hitting McFadden will help the Raiders in this seemingly never ending rebuilding process.
5. Kansas City Leodis McKelvin CB Troy
- There are plenty of options for the Chiefs here, but I can’t justify taking any quarterback or offensive lineman with this pick. Matt Ryan and Ryan Clady are both reaches at this point and with Ty Law recently awarded his walking papers; the Chiefs need help at corner. McKelvin will give the Chiefs a much needed cover corner and he will help immensely in the return game.
6. NY Jets Vernon Gholston DE Ohio State
- An enormous combine has bolstered Gholston’s stock, but I still have him sliding to New York. The Jets just gave way too much money to Calvin Pace and will have to compliment him with another edge rusher. Sedrick Ellis is an option here but New York just gave up a pick for Kris Jenkins. Gholston’s explosion and amazing speed off the edge is something teams in the AFC East need in order to pressure Tom Brady and take the division crown.
7. New England (from SF) Dominic Rodgers-Cromartie
- Height is becoming a valued attribute for corners in the NFL and DRC is tall just like his cousin Antonio Cromartie. He plays the run well and his physical play is just what Bill Belichick prefers in all of his defensive players. The Patriots are in need of young players all over the defense with a core of senior citizens at the linebacker positions, but no linebacker is worthy of this selection.
8. Baltimore Malcolm Kelly WR Oklahoma
- With the first surprise of the draft, the Ravens select the heir apparent to Derrick Mason and the playmaker likely to supplant the under-achieving Mark Clayton. Kelly is the best receiver in the draft and is extremely versatile in his abilities. Offensive line and quarterback and the other options here but I feel like Kelly presents the best value.
9. Cincinnati Sedrick Ellis DT Southern California
- The Bengals are in the war room going nuts that their guy fell all the way to #9. With Ellis on the board, there is absolutely no other option for the Bengals. Its run defense has been awful for years and with two straight first round corners taken and no great middle linebacker on the board, this is a no-brainer for Marvin Lewis and the Bengals.
10. New Orleans Mike Jenkins CB South Florida
- The Saints pass defense was a joke in the 2007 season. Jason David very well may be the biggest free agent bust of the 2007 season as every wide receiver that has faced him has made David their personal whipping boy. With Mike Jenkins, the Saints immediately have two corners that cover well and attack the football with the Jenkins/Mike McKenzie pairing. There are needs all over the New Orleans defense but when the opposition continuously picks on one player, it’s clear the team needs a change.
11. Buffalo Aqib Talib CB Kansas
- Continuing the first round cornerback flurry, the Bills take a guy that wasn’t #1 on their big board. Malcolm Kelly was the perfect fit for the Bills and the Ravens did the other teams in the AFC East a favor by selecting the star receiver out of Oklahoma. Corner is next on the Bills “to do†list with Asthon Youbooty, Terrance McGee and Kiwaukee Thomas as the available options for Buffalo. Talib is speedy play making corner who frequently gets his hands on the ball; when he intercepts, chances are, it’s going back to the house.
12. Denver Keith Rivers LB Southern California
- The Broncos defense was one of the NFL’s most surprising units in 2007 and that’s not a good thing. Al Wilson’s neck injury was a much greater loss then I expected and the Broncos defense never rebounded from it. Enter Keith Rivers and the Broncos have a perfect fit as an outside edge rusher. The emergence of Elvis Dummerville and last year’s first rounder Jarvis Moss means the Broncos pass rush is suddenly becoming young and fast. Rivers is the most physically talented linebacker in the draft, this is a match made in heaven at #12.
13. Carolina Matt Ryan QB Boston College
- John Fox steps in and finally ends Matt Ryan’s misery. Jake Delhomme certainly isn’t the long-term answer and the David Carr experiment is over nearly before it started. Ryan has prototypical NFL size and seems to have a good understanding for how to win football games. His erratic play at times leads to some interceptions; he’s not going to be a star quarterback in the NFL, but he could be a quality starter for years.
14. Chicago Ryan Clady OT Boise State
- Just as there are teams building and getting better, there are teams on the descent. The Bears had a tough 2007 and I don’t think their fall has reached its end. Cedric Benson hasn’t amounted to anything, Devin Hester projects as the #1 receiver, (Hester can’t catch a football) and did they really re-sign Rex Grossman? The worst part is, I have the Bears addressing another position. After falling a little longer then expected, Clady lands in the windy city. Clady is quick and has the tremendous footwork necessary to play left tackle in the NFL.
15. Detroit Rashard Mendenhall RB Illinois
- The addition of Leigh Bodden and the departures of T.J. Duckett and Kevin Jones have changed the Lions first round plans from corner to running back. Bodden is a good corner and the Lions could still use help at the position but this is one of the deepest corner classes in recent memory. Tatum Bell certainly isn’t going shoulder the load in Mo-Town this season, enter Rashard Mendenhall. Mendenhall is a monster that is also capable of making the big play (see the 2008 Rose Bowl Game), he is going to have a very nice NFL career.
16. Arizona Jonathan Stewart RB Oregon
- News of a toe injury has scared some Stewart advocates, but not this one. Stewart ran a 4.44 forty-yard dash and weighed in at 235 pounds. A moving wrecking ball, Stewart moves into the backfield with Edgerin James who turns 30 this summer. This is the perfect situation because if Stewart isn’t immediately ready, James can still carry the load in 2008. If Matt Leinart can ever become the player he should be, the Cardinals will have a top offense in the NFL for years to come.
17. Minnesota Phillip Merling DE Clemson
- This pick could change depending on the Jason Taylor to Minnesota rumors currently circulating; the Vikings need a better pass rush. Unfortunately, Kenchi Udeze has been diagnosed Leukemia and now the Vikings are even more desperate at defensive end. Quarterback and offensive tackle are the other options here, but I think the Vikings can address those positions later on in the draft. Merling is a large end that will benefit from playing alongside Pat and Kevin Williams.
18. Houston Antoine Cason CB Arizona
- The Texans have built a nice young defense. Amobi Okeye, Mario Williams, DeMecco Ryans and Dunta Robinson are all pro-bowl caliber players. Robinson has become one of the best corners in football and it was tough for me to see him go down with an ACL tear late in the 2007 season; it’s unlikely he’ll strap it on in 2008. Beyond Robinson, the Texans secondary is a mess. Antoine Cason proved in his final season at Arizona that he’s much more then just a flashy return man. He’s undersized, but you’d never know it by watching him play. He loves to hit, he can run with any receiver, and he gets his hands on the football. I view Cason as a top 3 cornerback in this class; I just don’t think most NFL scouts have the same opinion.
19. Philadelphia Limas Sweed WR Texas
- Limas Sweed is a big possession receiver that can run. His combination of size, speed, vertical leap and soft hands make him a complete playmaking machine. The Eagles have been pursuing big time receivers all off-season and still haven’t landed their Terrell Owens (minus the locker room antics.) Donovan McNabb showed what he can do with a star receiver, Sweed projects to be just that for the Eagles. Offensive line is a must upgrade for the Eagles, but the drop from Sweed to the receivers that will be available when the Eagles pick in round 2 is a significant one.
20. Tampa Bay DeSean Jackson WR California
- There’s only one word to describe DeSean Jackson: playmaker. While the Bucs finally got their first kick return for a touchdown this season in team history, they lack a true difference maker on special teams. The report on Jackson is that he is a more polished Ted Ginn coming into this 2008 draft class. His production tailed off a bit late in the 2007 season but Jackson’s skills should translate well to the NFL. The Bucs were heart broken when the Lions selected Calvin Johnson in the 2007 draft and now the Bucs get their chance at a star wide receiver. Joey Galloway can fly but he is 35 years old and nearing the end of his career. The Bucs need receiver help big time and Jackson is a guy John Gruden covets.
21. Washington Derrick Harvey DE Florida
- While the Redskins could target a WR, I have them improving a pass rush that desperately needs some help. This draft if much deeper at receiver then it is at defensive end so the Skins could target someone further down the line. Whether it’s Derrick Harvey, Quentin Groves or Calais Campbell, the Redskins need to do something about their defensive end situation in this draft.
22. Dallas (from Cle) Felix Jones RB Arkansas
- Jerry Jones infatuation with Arkansas alumnus may bite the Cowboys here; they could really use a guy like James Hardy here. However, Dallas does need a back to play second fiddle to Marion Barber and Jones is used to doing just that as he did with Darren McFadden as a Razorback. Barber is a bruiser and Jones is a burner, this will make for a very nice 1-2 punch in Big D.
23. Pittsburgh Jeff Otah OT Pittsburgh
- Oh what a dream scenario this would be for the Steelers. The hometown product and monster in Jeff Otah would do just fine protecting Ben Roethlisberger’s back side for years to come. The Steelers are going to lost Alan Faneca and their line is pretty meek right now. I have Otah slipping because of a poor combine, but Jeff is a guy that will never look good in shorts. He does, however, look good under a shelf of pads mowing down defenders trying to get into his backfield. Otah is the last guy in this class I’d want to see in a dark alley.
24. Tennessee James Hardy WR Indiana
- I’m the biggest anti-Vince Young proponent on the planet but it’s obvious the Titans think he’s their guy. The Titans wide receivers dropped more footballs then any other team in the league this season and the group lacks talent. Roydell Williams isn’t a true number 1 and Brandon Jones doesn’t seem to have a clue what the NFL is all about just yet. James Hardy is a strong 6’6’’ possession receiver that will provide a safety aide to Vince Young. Hardy caught 36 touchdowns in his 3 seasons at Indiana, if it weren’t for off the field battery issues, Hardy could be a top 15 pick.
25. Seattle Chris Williams OT Vanderbilt
- Shaun Alexander has become an unmotivated, timid slowpoke, but his offensive line hasn’t helped a lot recently. Seattle gave the big money to the wrong guy when they let Steve Hutchinson go to Minnesota without matching the offer sheet. Walter Jones is the best player in Seahawks history, but his legend is nearing its end. Chris Williams sliding to #25 is blessing for kings of the AFC West. Matt Hasselbeck is the best quarterback in the NFC and the Seahawks need to do everything possible to keep him upright and healthy. Williams solid Senior Bowl and combine vaulted him into the first round; his giant stature doesn’t hurt either.
26. Jacksonville Quentin Groves DE Auburn
- After adding Troy Williamson and Jerry Porter, the Jags can now fully focus their attention to upgrading their defensive line. Paul Spicer is a good pass rusher, but I question Reggie Hayward since his ruptured Achilles and Bobby McCray doesn’t have any “wow†factor about him. Groves is a little undersized but is lightning quick off the edge. The Jags were a couple of pieces away from being a Super Bowl team, with the additions of Porter and Williamson, they are just one or two pieces away now.
27. San Diego Kentwan Balmer DT North Carolina
- Every member of the Chargers defense will tell you the key to their 3-4 defense is Jamal Williams. Williams was hampered by injuries in 2007 and he isn’t getting any younger. Balmer is well suited to play in either the 3-4 or the 4-3 so he should transition quite well. Brandon Albert, Anthony Collins and Carl Nicks are options here, but it’s difficult to pinpoint just what the Chargers will do. I think this team is ready to play for a Super Bowl right now.
28. Dallas Devin Thomas WR Michigan State
- Thomas caught only 6 balls as a sophomore, and then went for 79 in his junior season. Whether you want to call it a fluke or not, Thomas can make plays. A lightning fast forty-yard dash (4.32) and good size makes Thomas a great compliment to Terrell Owens. Terry Glenn is about ready to call it a career and Patrick Crayton is better suited as a 3rd receiver. Cornerback is a possibility here but with Thomas on the board, the Cowboys must oblige.
29. San Francisco (from Ind) Dre Moore DT Maryland
- The 49ers need help on the front line. They were in the bottom half of the league in nearly every defensive category and it was due in large part to their front 7. Last off-season they addressed the secondary and this year needs to see some defensive line help. Dre Moore is more then just a workout warrior; he stops the run and rushes the passer from the interior. However, it’s not as if he doesn’t look good in shorts. Moore weighs 300+ pounds, he did 31 reps of 225 pounds on the bench, and he ran a 4.82 forty-yard dash.
30. Green Bay Brandon Flowers CB Virginia Tech
- The Packers defense is young and fast. The cornerbacks are old and physical and they need to start thinking about who will be the successors of Al Harris (33) and Charles Woodson (32.) Not only is Harris aging, he got burned by both Terrell Owens and most recently Plaxico Burress in the NFC Championship Game. Brandon Flowers plays the ball exceptionally well and anticipates throws with the best of them. He’s physical, has a nice physique, and the only reason he falls to #30 is because of this ridiculously good cornerback class.
31. NY Giants Dan Connor LB Penn State
- The Giants just lost Kawika Mitchell and Gibril Wilson, so that gives them two choices; Dan Connor and Kenny Phillips. Connor is the pick because he’s a football junkie and is a safe pick. He’s a little undersized and will get hit in the mouth every now and then, but he diagnoses plays extremely well. The Giants miracle run this past season seems unlikely to repeat itself in 2008, but drafting Connor is a step in the right direction.
Miami Dolphins Mock Draft
1. (1) Chris Long DE Virginia
- The Dolphins are full of needs throughout the entire defense and would be best suited to trade down, but it’s nearly impossible to fulfill chart value. With swirling rumors that Jason Taylor could be on his way out of Miami, the Dolphins need find his replacement and there’s no better choice then the son of Hall of Fame Howie Long. Long may have to make the switch to outside linebacker in the 3-4 defense, but that learning curve shouldn’t be too much for a smart kid like Long to handle.
2. (32) Brandon Albert G Virginia
- The Dolphins line has three starters and not a lot of depth. There will be more then one offensive linemen taken in the coming draft by the Fins and Albert falling to Miami would be a dream come true. Albert is huge and is a superb run blocker; he would be a top 15 pick if he was a tackle opposed to an interior lineman.
2. (57) Anthony Collins OT Kansas
- Continuing the theme of building from the inside out, Collins completes the Dolphins starting offensive line (Collins, Albert, Satele, Smiley, Carey.) After a solid junior season at Kansas, Collins has decided to forego his senior season and test his luck at the NFL draft. Collins didn’t run a great forty, but his size and footwork should transition his game to the NFL quite nicely.
3. (64) John Carlson TE Notre Dame
- Carlson is a solid versatile tight end. He run blocks and works the middle of the field very well. Playing for a horrible Irish team brought his stats down a bit and a sub-par combine should benefit the Dolphins as Carlson could slide a bit. The tight end position was a joke for the Dolphins in 2007, David Martin and Justin Peelle are incapable of starting in the NFL.
4. (96) Beau Bell MLB Nevada Las Vegas
- Beau Bell will fit in just fine in Miami after Dolphins fans got used to watching Zach Thomas. I’m not trying to hype Bell into the next Dolphins legend, but his dedication and work ethic doesn’t go unnoticed. Bell will spend some nights in the film room as he suffers from paranoia of not being prepared.
6. (160) Matt Flynn QB Louisiana State
- With only two quarterbacks on the roster, the Dolphins will need a 3rd. Flynn is a late round projection that would be a scout team project player. The pros with Flynn are that he is a winner; he just won a National Championship and is capable of throwing a nice touch pass. The cons, he’s inconsistent and can be a turnover machine.
6. (Compensatory) Jaime Silva S Boston College
- If you watched Silva in his bowl game this season, you saw a player who was all over the field making plays. He hits hard and is a terrific project player at this point in the draft. He has a bit of an injury history, but like Urrutia, the upside is too much to ignore.
7. (192) Mario Urrutia WR Louisville
- Targeting best player available at this point, Urrutia makes a fine selection in the 6th round. He’s 6’6’’ and 220 pounds but has some character issues. He’s a little slow off the line of scrimmage and is a bit of a hot head but the potential is too much to ignore at this point.
7. (Compensatory) Jake Ikegwuonu CB Wisconsin
- He blew out his knee in workouts and is now in trouble for reportedly stealing an Xbox. This is just a project pick. If Ikegwuonu is here, Miami should take him just to have the rights to him. Once healthy, he could be a nice player.
Aqua's NFL 1st Round Mock Draft 3/17/08
1. Miami – Chris Long DE Virginia
- The Dolphins are full of needs throughout the entire defense and would be best suited to trade down, but it’s nearly impossible to fulfill chart value. With swirling rumors that Jason Taylor could be on his way out of Miami, the Dolphins need find his replacement and there’s no better choice then the son of Hall of Fame Howie Long. Long may have to make the switch to outside linebacker in the 3-4 defense, but that learning curve shouldn’t be too much for a smart kid like Long to handle.
2. St. Louis – Jake Long OT Michigan
- The Rams are loaded with playmakers on offense. Steven Jackson and Tori Holt are among the best at their respective positions and Marc Bulger is still an elite NFL quarterback. This three-headed monster was held in check because of an aging and injury riddled offensive line; insert Jake Long. Long had a combine for the ages and his disciple makes him a safe pick. While his footwork and ability to handle top-flight speed rushers is in question, Long may still project as a left tackle.
3. Atlanta – Glenn Dorsey DT Louisiana State
- A lot of draft enthusiasts and NFL analysts are expecting Matt Ryan to go off the board at this spot, but that would be a mistake for the Falcons. Every year quarterbacks are hyped in the draft because of the popular demand for the position in the NFL. The Falcons won’t lose much value if it selects a quarterback in round 2 and selects Dorsey in the first. Dorsey is a tremendous character and was still extremely effective playing hurt while taking on double teams last year at LSU. With Grady Jackson and Rod Coleman now out of the picture, the smart money is on Dorsey.
4. Oakland Darren McFadden RB Arkansas
- I’m having a really tough time trying to decide what the Raiders will do here. If I’m in charge, I’m taking Sedrick Ellis and I never would’ve paid Tommy Kelly that insane contract. But, we have to take the Al Davis factor into account and try to get inside that crazy mind of his. Kelly and Javon Walker have received massive contracts and Oakland just upgraded possibly their strongest position by trading for DeAngello Hall. The reason I put McFadden here is because the big payday Kelly received. The Raiders defense is great in the back 7 but the offense is still mundane. Adding the home run hitting McFadden will help the Raiders in this seemingly never ending rebuilding process.
5. Kansas City Leodis McKelvin CB Troy
- There are plenty of options for the Chiefs here, but I can’t justify taking any quarterback or offensive lineman with this pick. Matt Ryan and Ryan Clady are both reaches at this point and with Ty Law recently awarded his walking papers; the Chiefs need help at corner. McKelvin will give the Chiefs a much needed cover corner and he will help immensely in the return game.
6. NY Jets Vernon Gholston DE Ohio State
- An enormous combine has bolstered Gholston’s stock, but I still have him sliding to New York. The Jets just gave way too much money to Calvin Pace and will have to compliment him with another edge rusher. Sedrick Ellis is an option here but New York just gave up a pick for Kris Jenkins. Gholston’s explosion and amazing speed off the edge is something teams in the AFC East need in order to pressure Tom Brady and take the division crown.
7. New England (from SF) Dominic Rodgers-Cromartie
- Height is becoming a valued attribute for corners in the NFL and DRC is tall just like his cousin Antonio Cromartie. He plays the run well and his physical play is just what Bill Belichick prefers in all of his defensive players. The Patriots are in need of young players all over the defense with a core of senior citizens at the linebacker positions, but no linebacker is worthy of this selection.
8. Baltimore Malcolm Kelly WR Oklahoma
- With the first surprise of the draft, the Ravens select the heir apparent to Derrick Mason and the playmaker likely to supplant the under-achieving Mark Clayton. Kelly is the best receiver in the draft and is extremely versatile in his abilities. Offensive line and quarterback and the other options here but I feel like Kelly presents the best value.
9. Cincinnati Sedrick Ellis DT Southern California
- The Bengals are in the war room going nuts that their guy fell all the way to #9. With Ellis on the board, there is absolutely no other option for the Bengals. Its run defense has been awful for years and with two straight first round corners taken and no great middle linebacker on the board, this is a no-brainer for Marvin Lewis and the Bengals.
10. New Orleans Mike Jenkins CB South Florida
- The Saints pass defense was a joke in the 2007 season. Jason David very well may be the biggest free agent bust of the 2007 season as every wide receiver that has faced him has made David their personal whipping boy. With Mike Jenkins, the Saints immediately have two corners that cover well and attack the football with the Jenkins/Mike McKenzie pairing. There are needs all over the New Orleans defense but when the opposition continuously picks on one player, it’s clear the team needs a change.
11. Buffalo Aqib Talib CB Kansas
- Continuing the first round cornerback flurry, the Bills take a guy that wasn’t #1 on their big board. Malcolm Kelly was the perfect fit for the Bills and the Ravens did the other teams in the AFC East a favor by selecting the star receiver out of Oklahoma. Corner is next on the Bills “to do†list with Asthon Youbooty, Terrance McGee and Kiwaukee Thomas as the available options for Buffalo. Talib is speedy play making corner who frequently gets his hands on the ball; when he intercepts, chances are, it’s going back to the house.
12. Denver Keith Rivers LB Southern California
- The Broncos defense was one of the NFL’s most surprising units in 2007 and that’s not a good thing. Al Wilson’s neck injury was a much greater loss then I expected and the Broncos defense never rebounded from it. Enter Keith Rivers and the Broncos have a perfect fit as an outside edge rusher. The emergence of Elvis Dummerville and last year’s first rounder Jarvis Moss means the Broncos pass rush is suddenly becoming young and fast. Rivers is the most physically talented linebacker in the draft, this is a match made in heaven at #12.
13. Carolina Matt Ryan QB Boston College
- John Fox steps in and finally ends Matt Ryan’s misery. Jake Delhomme certainly isn’t the long-term answer and the David Carr experiment is over nearly before it started. Ryan has prototypical NFL size and seems to have a good understanding for how to win football games. His erratic play at times leads to some interceptions; he’s not going to be a star quarterback in the NFL, but he could be a quality starter for years.
14. Chicago Ryan Clady OT Boise State
- Just as there are teams building and getting better, there are teams on the descent. The Bears had a tough 2007 and I don’t think their fall has reached its end. Cedric Benson hasn’t amounted to anything, Devin Hester projects as the #1 receiver, (Hester can’t catch a football) and did they really re-sign Rex Grossman? The worst part is, I have the Bears addressing another position. After falling a little longer then expected, Clady lands in the windy city. Clady is quick and has the tremendous footwork necessary to play left tackle in the NFL.
15. Detroit Rashard Mendenhall RB Illinois
- The addition of Leigh Bodden and the departures of T.J. Duckett and Kevin Jones have changed the Lions first round plans from corner to running back. Bodden is a good corner and the Lions could still use help at the position but this is one of the deepest corner classes in recent memory. Tatum Bell certainly isn’t going shoulder the load in Mo-Town this season, enter Rashard Mendenhall. Mendenhall is a monster that is also capable of making the big play (see the 2008 Rose Bowl Game), he is going to have a very nice NFL career.
16. Arizona Jonathan Stewart RB Oregon
- News of a toe injury has scared some Stewart advocates, but not this one. Stewart ran a 4.44 forty-yard dash and weighed in at 235 pounds. A moving wrecking ball, Stewart moves into the backfield with Edgerin James who turns 30 this summer. This is the perfect situation because if Stewart isn’t immediately ready, James can still carry the load in 2008. If Matt Leinart can ever become the player he should be, the Cardinals will have a top offense in the NFL for years to come.
17. Minnesota Phillip Merling DE Clemson
- This pick could change depending on the Jason Taylor to Minnesota rumors currently circulating; the Vikings need a better pass rush. Unfortunately, Kenchi Udeze has been diagnosed Leukemia and now the Vikings are even more desperate at defensive end. Quarterback and offensive tackle are the other options here, but I think the Vikings can address those positions later on in the draft. Merling is a large end that will benefit from playing alongside Pat and Kevin Williams.
18. Houston Antoine Cason CB Arizona
- The Texans have built a nice young defense. Amobi Okeye, Mario Williams, DeMecco Ryans and Dunta Robinson are all pro-bowl caliber players. Robinson has become one of the best corners in football and it was tough for me to see him go down with an ACL tear late in the 2007 season; it’s unlikely he’ll strap it on in 2008. Beyond Robinson, the Texans secondary is a mess. Antoine Cason proved in his final season at Arizona that he’s much more then just a flashy return man. He’s undersized, but you’d never know it by watching him play. He loves to hit, he can run with any receiver, and he gets his hands on the football. I view Cason as a top 3 cornerback in this class; I just don’t think most NFL scouts have the same opinion.
19. Philadelphia Limas Sweed WR Texas
- Limas Sweed is a big possession receiver that can run. His combination of size, speed, vertical leap and soft hands make him a complete playmaking machine. The Eagles have been pursuing big time receivers all off-season and still haven’t landed their Terrell Owens (minus the locker room antics.) Donovan McNabb showed what he can do with a star receiver, Sweed projects to be just that for the Eagles. Offensive line is a must upgrade for the Eagles, but the drop from Sweed to the receivers that will be available when the Eagles pick in round 2 is a significant one.
20. Tampa Bay DeSean Jackson WR California
- There’s only one word to describe DeSean Jackson: playmaker. While the Bucs finally got their first kick return for a touchdown this season in team history, they lack a true difference maker on special teams. The report on Jackson is that he is a more polished Ted Ginn coming into this 2008 draft class. His production tailed off a bit late in the 2007 season but Jackson’s skills should translate well to the NFL. The Bucs were heart broken when the Lions selected Calvin Johnson in the 2007 draft and now the Bucs get their chance at a star wide receiver. Joey Galloway can fly but he is 35 years old and nearing the end of his career. The Bucs need receiver help big time and Jackson is a guy John Gruden covets.
21. Washington Derrick Harvey DE Florida
- While the Redskins could target a WR, I have them improving a pass rush that desperately needs some help. This draft if much deeper at receiver then it is at defensive end so the Skins could target someone further down the line. Whether it’s Derrick Harvey, Quentin Groves or Calais Campbell, the Redskins need to do something about their defensive end situation in this draft.
22. Dallas (from Cle) Felix Jones RB Arkansas
- Jerry Jones infatuation with Arkansas alumnus may bite the Cowboys here; they could really use a guy like James Hardy here. However, Dallas does need a back to play second fiddle to Marion Barber and Jones is used to doing just that as he did with Darren McFadden as a Razorback. Barber is a bruiser and Jones is a burner, this will make for a very nice 1-2 punch in Big D.
23. Pittsburgh Jeff Otah OT Pittsburgh
- Oh what a dream scenario this would be for the Steelers. The hometown product and monster in Jeff Otah would do just fine protecting Ben Roethlisberger’s back side for years to come. The Steelers are going to lost Alan Faneca and their line is pretty meek right now. I have Otah slipping because of a poor combine, but Jeff is a guy that will never look good in shorts. He does, however, look good under a shelf of pads mowing down defenders trying to get into his backfield. Otah is the last guy in this class I’d want to see in a dark alley.
24. Tennessee James Hardy WR Indiana
- I’m the biggest anti-Vince Young proponent on the planet but it’s obvious the Titans think he’s their guy. The Titans wide receivers dropped more footballs then any other team in the league this season and the group lacks talent. Roydell Williams isn’t a true number 1 and Brandon Jones doesn’t seem to have a clue what the NFL is all about just yet. James Hardy is a strong 6’6’’ possession receiver that will provide a safety aide to Vince Young. Hardy caught 36 touchdowns in his 3 seasons at Indiana, if it weren’t for off the field battery issues, Hardy could be a top 15 pick.
25. Seattle Chris Williams OT Vanderbilt
- Shaun Alexander has become an unmotivated, timid slowpoke, but his offensive line hasn’t helped a lot recently. Seattle gave the big money to the wrong guy when they let Steve Hutchinson go to Minnesota without matching the offer sheet. Walter Jones is the best player in Seahawks history, but his legend is nearing its end. Chris Williams sliding to #25 is blessing for kings of the AFC West. Matt Hasselbeck is the best quarterback in the NFC and the Seahawks need to do everything possible to keep him upright and healthy. Williams solid Senior Bowl and combine vaulted him into the first round; his giant stature doesn’t hurt either.
26. Jacksonville Quentin Groves DE Auburn
- After adding Troy Williamson and Jerry Porter, the Jags can now fully focus their attention to upgrading their defensive line. Paul Spicer is a good pass rusher, but I question Reggie Hayward since his ruptured Achilles and Bobby McCray doesn’t have any “wow†factor about him. Groves is a little undersized but is lightning quick off the edge. The Jags were a couple of pieces away from being a Super Bowl team, with the additions of Porter and Williamson, they are just one or two pieces away now.
27. San Diego Kentwan Balmer DT North Carolina
- Every member of the Chargers defense will tell you the key to their 3-4 defense is Jamal Williams. Williams was hampered by injuries in 2007 and he isn’t getting any younger. Balmer is well suited to play in either the 3-4 or the 4-3 so he should transition quite well. Brandon Albert, Anthony Collins and Carl Nicks are options here, but it’s difficult to pinpoint just what the Chargers will do. I think this team is ready to play for a Super Bowl right now.
28. Dallas Devin Thomas WR Michigan State
- Thomas caught only 6 balls as a sophomore, and then went for 79 in his junior season. Whether you want to call it a fluke or not, Thomas can make plays. A lightning fast forty-yard dash (4.32) and good size makes Thomas a great compliment to Terrell Owens. Terry Glenn is about ready to call it a career and Patrick Crayton is better suited as a 3rd receiver. Cornerback is a possibility here but with Thomas on the board, the Cowboys must oblige.
29. San Francisco (from Ind) Dre Moore DT Maryland
- The 49ers need help on the front line. They were in the bottom half of the league in nearly every defensive category and it was due in large part to their front 7. Last off-season they addressed the secondary and this year needs to see some defensive line help. Dre Moore is more then just a workout warrior; he stops the run and rushes the passer from the interior. However, it’s not as if he doesn’t look good in shorts. Moore weighs 300+ pounds, he did 31 reps of 225 pounds on the bench, and he ran a 4.82 forty-yard dash.
30. Green Bay Brandon Flowers CB Virginia Tech
- The Packers defense is young and fast. The cornerbacks are old and physical and they need to start thinking about who will be the successors of Al Harris (33) and Charles Woodson (32.) Not only is Harris aging, he got burned by both Terrell Owens and most recently Plaxico Burress in the NFC Championship Game. Brandon Flowers plays the ball exceptionally well and anticipates throws with the best of them. He’s physical, has a nice physique, and the only reason he falls to #30 is because of this ridiculously good cornerback class.
31. NY Giants Dan Connor LB Penn State
- The Giants just lost Kawika Mitchell and Gibril Wilson, so that gives them two choices; Dan Connor and Kenny Phillips. Connor is the pick because he’s a football junkie and is a safe pick. He’s a little undersized and will get hit in the mouth every now and then, but he diagnoses plays extremely well. The Giants miracle run this past season seems unlikely to repeat itself in 2008, but drafting Connor is a step in the right direction.
Miami Dolphins Mock Draft
1. (1) Chris Long DE Virginia
- The Dolphins are full of needs throughout the entire defense and would be best suited to trade down, but it’s nearly impossible to fulfill chart value. With swirling rumors that Jason Taylor could be on his way out of Miami, the Dolphins need find his replacement and there’s no better choice then the son of Hall of Fame Howie Long. Long may have to make the switch to outside linebacker in the 3-4 defense, but that learning curve shouldn’t be too much for a smart kid like Long to handle.
2. (32) Brandon Albert G Virginia
- The Dolphins line has three starters and not a lot of depth. There will be more then one offensive linemen taken in the coming draft by the Fins and Albert falling to Miami would be a dream come true. Albert is huge and is a superb run blocker; he would be a top 15 pick if he was a tackle opposed to an interior lineman.
2. (57) Anthony Collins OT Kansas
- Continuing the theme of building from the inside out, Collins completes the Dolphins starting offensive line (Collins, Albert, Satele, Smiley, Carey.) After a solid junior season at Kansas, Collins has decided to forego his senior season and test his luck at the NFL draft. Collins didn’t run a great forty, but his size and footwork should transition his game to the NFL quite nicely.
3. (64) John Carlson TE Notre Dame
- Carlson is a solid versatile tight end. He run blocks and works the middle of the field very well. Playing for a horrible Irish team brought his stats down a bit and a sub-par combine should benefit the Dolphins as Carlson could slide a bit. The tight end position was a joke for the Dolphins in 2007, David Martin and Justin Peelle are incapable of starting in the NFL.
4. (96) Beau Bell MLB Nevada Las Vegas
- Beau Bell will fit in just fine in Miami after Dolphins fans got used to watching Zach Thomas. I’m not trying to hype Bell into the next Dolphins legend, but his dedication and work ethic doesn’t go unnoticed. Bell will spend some nights in the film room as he suffers from paranoia of not being prepared.
6. (160) Matt Flynn QB Louisiana State
- With only two quarterbacks on the roster, the Dolphins will need a 3rd. Flynn is a late round projection that would be a scout team project player. The pros with Flynn are that he is a winner; he just won a National Championship and is capable of throwing a nice touch pass. The cons, he’s inconsistent and can be a turnover machine.
6. (Compensatory) Jaime Silva S Boston College
- If you watched Silva in his bowl game this season, you saw a player who was all over the field making plays. He hits hard and is a terrific project player at this point in the draft. He has a bit of an injury history, but like Urrutia, the upside is too much to ignore.
7. (192) Mario Urrutia WR Louisville
- Targeting best player available at this point, Urrutia makes a fine selection in the 6th round. He’s 6’6’’ and 220 pounds but has some character issues. He’s a little slow off the line of scrimmage and is a bit of a hot head but the potential is too much to ignore at this point.
7. (Compensatory) Jake Ikegwuonu CB Wisconsin
- He blew out his knee in workouts and is now in trouble for reportedly stealing an Xbox. This is just a project pick. If Ikegwuonu is here, Miami should take him just to have the rights to him. Once healthy, he could be a nice player.
