This is my final mock draft. I will do one round for everybody, and the whole draft for our beloved Dolphins.
1.Miami-Jake Long OT, Michigan Everybody has their own opinion on who should be the pick. While there are 4 guys who I'd be happy with (either Long, Dorsey, or Gholston) but the reasoning for Jake Long is simple. We can can get a decent OLB or DT in rounds 2,3,4 whatever. We are not however garunteed to get a good OT later. A month ago when it looked like we could get Brendan Albert or Chris Williams I would've passed on Jake, but Albert is a likely top 10 pick, and Chris Williams won't get past Houston. So the pick has to do with taking a franchise LT when you can since you can't garuntee a good OT will be available at 32.
2.St Louis- Chris Long DE, Virginia Rumors are that the Rams will make a trade with the Saints, but I don't project trades. Glen Dorsey is very tempting here, but Chris Long brings a motor to the table that is hard to pass up. Carriker and Long would make a very formidable duo.
3.Atlanta-Glen Dorsey DT, LSU Arthur Blank apparantly really wants to get Matt Ryan to provide a face to the franchise, but everybody else involved with the Falcons want Dorsey. Mike Smith comes from Jacksonville, who built their defense around Marcus Stroud and John Henderson. He sees Dorsey as another guy you can build the defense around.
4.Oakland-Darren McFadden RB, Arkansas Unless Chris Long is available, I don't see Al Davis letting the top RB getting past him. Despite Justin Fargas having a good year, Davis will look towards DMC to build Oakland's offense like Chester Taylor and Adrian Peterson up in Minny.
5.Kansas City-Vernon Gholston DE, Ohio State I'm Not gonna project all picks traded, but KC is one I will make an exception to. Looks like Jared Allen will be traded to Minny, so there is a need for a pass rusher in KC.
6.New York Jets-Brendan Albert OG/OT, Virginia With the two players they want being off the board, the Jets will take arguably the best player available. Despite spending a lot of money on Allan Faneca and Damien McIntosh, those 2 are getting older, and McIntosh has had one good year in Detroit; his final year. Even so, they have a hole at RG or RT (whichever McIntosh doesn't play). Matt Ryan is definatly a possibility as is a CB, but I think the potential of Albert will intice the Jets.
7.New England-Jerod Mayo LB, Tennessee Supposedly, Mayo has passed Keith Rivers on the Patsies' draft board. The pick will either be an LB or a CB, and rumors are that the Pats are leaning heavily towards LB.
8.Baltimore-Matt Ryan QB, Boston College The Ravens want Ryan bad. So bad that if the Falcons don't pick Ryan they'll try to trade up. Fact is they don't have a lot of needs, but QB is a big one.
9.Cincinatti-Sedrick Ellis DT, USC Defintaly think that if Ellis lasts this far, the Bengals will jump at the big man. Ellis is a great run stuffer, and also gives a great pass rush from inside.
10.New Orleans- Keith Rivers LB, USC If the Saints can't trade up, they'll look at LB and CB. After spending big money the last 2 offseasons on Jason David and Randall Gay, as well as having Mike McKenzie and drafting Usama Young, the Saints will look to upgrade their LB corp. Jon Vilma is coming off of an injury plagued season, and Dan Morgan will get injured so another LB is needed.
11.Buffalo-Leodis McKelvin CB, Troy The Bills would love to get a WR, but I don't think they want to reach for Devin Thomas. They could use some CB depth so why not take the top CB in the draft.
12.Denver-Chris Williams OT, Vanderbilt Yes Ryan Clady is the perfect fit for Denver's zone blocking, but guess who is making a big push for Shanny to draft Williams? Jay Cutler. The Vanderbilt alum is really pushing for his former college teammate to be the pick, and rumors are that Denver is listening
13.Carolina-Ryan Clady OT, Boise State With Travelle Wharton moving to LG, the Panthers want Clady in the worst way apparantly. Carolina also is looking to go to a zone blocking scheme.
14.Chicago-Rashard Mendenhall RB, Illinois From what I've heard (so take as a grain of salt) the Bears are banking on Ryan Clady or Chris Williams being available. If they are not there, the Bears supposedly aren't huge fans of Jeff Otah and will look locally at the former Figting Illini. With Cedric Benson looking like a bust, the Bears will look to add a playmaker to the offense.
15.Detroit Lions-Derrick Harvey DE, Florida With Mendanhall off the board, the Lions will look to add some pass rushing to their defense. Could go a couple ways, but Harvey is probably the most likely choice.
Arizona-Dominique Rodgers Cromartie CB, Tennessee State If the Jared Allen trade goes down like I think it will the CBs will fall. DRC will not get past Arizona. Antrell Rolle is moving to FS, and Eric Green has been a huge disappointment as a starter so the Cards will look for an upgrade.
Minnesota-Jeff Otah OT, Pittsburgh* IMO this pick will go to KC in the Allen trade. With the Chiefs passing on Albert earlier in the draft, they will not pass on Otah this late.
Houston-Mike Jenkins CB, USF Johnathan Stewart is an option, but CB is a much bigger need. With Dunta Robinson coming off a knee injury, the Bengals have very little depth in their secondary. Jenkins is the best player available, and a very good player.
Philadelphia-Devin Thomas WR, Michigan State If Otah lasts as long as I have him lasting, the Eagles will try to trade up and get him. If they can't, they'll settle for a WR. Kevin Curtis was alright in his first year with the birds, but Reggie Brown has yet to develop into the go to guy they need. I have my questions about Thomas, but he is the best WR available.
Tampa Bay-Aquib Talib CB, Kansas good chance that the pick is Desean Jackson, but with Brian Kelly leaving, and Ronde Barber getting older, the Bucs will need to add youth to the secondary. Talib is perfect for the Tampa 2, and could have an immediate impact.
Washington-Limas Sweed WR, Texas The Skins could use a DE, but with them trying to trade for Ocho Cinco, and the lack of production they recieved from anybody not named Santana Moss or Chris Cooley is alarming. DeSean Jackson is probably better than Sweed, but the Skins need some size at WR.
Dallas-Desean Jackson WR, California Truth be told, Dallas has very few needs, but they do need youth at WR. Jackson will also add a weapon on ST.
Pittsburgh-Gosder Cherilus OT, Boston College The biggest need for the Steelers is OL. Cherilus is a nasty OT that is a dominant run blocker. He's the perfect player for the Steelers.
Tennessee-James Hardy WR, Indiana The Titans don't have a go to WR (or QB, but that's for another time and place) so they go for the freak of nature. Hardy could fall a little further due to character concerns, but he's a good fit here.
Seattle-Dustin Keller TE, Purdue Seattle could go DT, but word is they are more interested in adding a recieving threat at TE. Keller is not a blocking TE, but hes a damn good reciever.
Jacksonville-Phillip Merling DE, Clemson With Bobby McCray now in New Orleans, the Jags don't have a pass rush to speak of. Many around the league feel that Merling could be the steal of the firt round.
San Diego-Kenny Phillips S, Miami The Chargers do not have a lot of needs, but they could use a S to play alongside Eric Weddle. Phillips never really became what most thought he would, but he's still a good player.
Dallas-Felix Jones RB, Arkansas Although Jonathan Stewart is available, Jerry Jones wants an Arkansas RB. Much like Jackson, Jones would add speed to the offense, and help out ST.
San Francisco-Dan Connor LB, Penn State Quienton Groves fits here, but with his heart issue, he'll fall a bit. Connor is a smart player that will play well alongside Patrick Willis.
Green Bay-Jonathan Stewart RB, Oregon Despite Tony Grant having a great season, many with the Packers organization don't see him as a franchise RB. Plus, if Stewart falls to them, it will be hard to pass him up.
New York Giants-Tyrell Johnson S, Arkansas State A man from Cleo Lemon's school. Johnson is a very very good prospect who can step in and replace Gibril Wilson right away..
Rest of the Fins mock.
2a.Curtis Lofton LB, Oklahoma I've come to the conclusing that Lofton is the guy I want at 2a. With how he plays, I see a future All-Pro that could have an impact to our defense similar to that of such 2nd round picks as Demeco Ryans, and Lofa Tatupu.
2b.Cliff Avril DE/OLB I could see us going CB, but I think the oppurtunity to add a speedy pass rusher like Avril is too tempting to pass up. Avril can play LB in both a 4-3 and 3-4 and is also very fast. Probaby would only be a 3rd down pass specialist as a rookie, but would contribute.
3.Tyvon Branch CB, UCONN We've had a lot of contact with Branch, and he's a very good prospect. Good size at just under 6 feet tall, 4.3 speed and very physical. Never had a lot of interceptions, but he could step in and be a very good CB right away.
4.Kellen Davis TE, Michigan State Despite signing Sean Ryan, we have a need at TE. We have a couple good blockers in Peele and RYan, but recieving threats. Davis is a good recieving threat.
6a.Caleb Campbell S, Army a guy we have been all over all offseason. He'll go a lot lower than he should. Campbell is a good player and a good leader, who could start from day 1.
6b.Shawn Murphy OG, Utah State We sent Mike Maser to his workout, and we are apparantly in love with him. Probably would not start as a rookie, but could develop into a good player in a few years.
7a.Kroy Bierman DE/OLB, Montana Another guy we've been all over. If he's available, I definatly think we'll take him.
7b.Luke Swan WR, Wisconsin Missed most of his senior season with an torn hamstring, but he's a great slot WR that gives his all. Could become a Wes Welker like WR for us.
That's my final mock, comments are welcomed as always.
1.Miami-Jake Long OT, Michigan Everybody has their own opinion on who should be the pick. While there are 4 guys who I'd be happy with (either Long, Dorsey, or Gholston) but the reasoning for Jake Long is simple. We can can get a decent OLB or DT in rounds 2,3,4 whatever. We are not however garunteed to get a good OT later. A month ago when it looked like we could get Brendan Albert or Chris Williams I would've passed on Jake, but Albert is a likely top 10 pick, and Chris Williams won't get past Houston. So the pick has to do with taking a franchise LT when you can since you can't garuntee a good OT will be available at 32.
2.St Louis- Chris Long DE, Virginia Rumors are that the Rams will make a trade with the Saints, but I don't project trades. Glen Dorsey is very tempting here, but Chris Long brings a motor to the table that is hard to pass up. Carriker and Long would make a very formidable duo.
3.Atlanta-Glen Dorsey DT, LSU Arthur Blank apparantly really wants to get Matt Ryan to provide a face to the franchise, but everybody else involved with the Falcons want Dorsey. Mike Smith comes from Jacksonville, who built their defense around Marcus Stroud and John Henderson. He sees Dorsey as another guy you can build the defense around.
4.Oakland-Darren McFadden RB, Arkansas Unless Chris Long is available, I don't see Al Davis letting the top RB getting past him. Despite Justin Fargas having a good year, Davis will look towards DMC to build Oakland's offense like Chester Taylor and Adrian Peterson up in Minny.
5.Kansas City-Vernon Gholston DE, Ohio State I'm Not gonna project all picks traded, but KC is one I will make an exception to. Looks like Jared Allen will be traded to Minny, so there is a need for a pass rusher in KC.
6.New York Jets-Brendan Albert OG/OT, Virginia With the two players they want being off the board, the Jets will take arguably the best player available. Despite spending a lot of money on Allan Faneca and Damien McIntosh, those 2 are getting older, and McIntosh has had one good year in Detroit; his final year. Even so, they have a hole at RG or RT (whichever McIntosh doesn't play). Matt Ryan is definatly a possibility as is a CB, but I think the potential of Albert will intice the Jets.
7.New England-Jerod Mayo LB, Tennessee Supposedly, Mayo has passed Keith Rivers on the Patsies' draft board. The pick will either be an LB or a CB, and rumors are that the Pats are leaning heavily towards LB.
8.Baltimore-Matt Ryan QB, Boston College The Ravens want Ryan bad. So bad that if the Falcons don't pick Ryan they'll try to trade up. Fact is they don't have a lot of needs, but QB is a big one.
9.Cincinatti-Sedrick Ellis DT, USC Defintaly think that if Ellis lasts this far, the Bengals will jump at the big man. Ellis is a great run stuffer, and also gives a great pass rush from inside.
10.New Orleans- Keith Rivers LB, USC If the Saints can't trade up, they'll look at LB and CB. After spending big money the last 2 offseasons on Jason David and Randall Gay, as well as having Mike McKenzie and drafting Usama Young, the Saints will look to upgrade their LB corp. Jon Vilma is coming off of an injury plagued season, and Dan Morgan will get injured so another LB is needed.
11.Buffalo-Leodis McKelvin CB, Troy The Bills would love to get a WR, but I don't think they want to reach for Devin Thomas. They could use some CB depth so why not take the top CB in the draft.
12.Denver-Chris Williams OT, Vanderbilt Yes Ryan Clady is the perfect fit for Denver's zone blocking, but guess who is making a big push for Shanny to draft Williams? Jay Cutler. The Vanderbilt alum is really pushing for his former college teammate to be the pick, and rumors are that Denver is listening
13.Carolina-Ryan Clady OT, Boise State With Travelle Wharton moving to LG, the Panthers want Clady in the worst way apparantly. Carolina also is looking to go to a zone blocking scheme.
14.Chicago-Rashard Mendenhall RB, Illinois From what I've heard (so take as a grain of salt) the Bears are banking on Ryan Clady or Chris Williams being available. If they are not there, the Bears supposedly aren't huge fans of Jeff Otah and will look locally at the former Figting Illini. With Cedric Benson looking like a bust, the Bears will look to add a playmaker to the offense.
15.Detroit Lions-Derrick Harvey DE, Florida With Mendanhall off the board, the Lions will look to add some pass rushing to their defense. Could go a couple ways, but Harvey is probably the most likely choice.
Arizona-Dominique Rodgers Cromartie CB, Tennessee State If the Jared Allen trade goes down like I think it will the CBs will fall. DRC will not get past Arizona. Antrell Rolle is moving to FS, and Eric Green has been a huge disappointment as a starter so the Cards will look for an upgrade.
Minnesota-Jeff Otah OT, Pittsburgh* IMO this pick will go to KC in the Allen trade. With the Chiefs passing on Albert earlier in the draft, they will not pass on Otah this late.
Houston-Mike Jenkins CB, USF Johnathan Stewart is an option, but CB is a much bigger need. With Dunta Robinson coming off a knee injury, the Bengals have very little depth in their secondary. Jenkins is the best player available, and a very good player.
Philadelphia-Devin Thomas WR, Michigan State If Otah lasts as long as I have him lasting, the Eagles will try to trade up and get him. If they can't, they'll settle for a WR. Kevin Curtis was alright in his first year with the birds, but Reggie Brown has yet to develop into the go to guy they need. I have my questions about Thomas, but he is the best WR available.
Tampa Bay-Aquib Talib CB, Kansas good chance that the pick is Desean Jackson, but with Brian Kelly leaving, and Ronde Barber getting older, the Bucs will need to add youth to the secondary. Talib is perfect for the Tampa 2, and could have an immediate impact.
Washington-Limas Sweed WR, Texas The Skins could use a DE, but with them trying to trade for Ocho Cinco, and the lack of production they recieved from anybody not named Santana Moss or Chris Cooley is alarming. DeSean Jackson is probably better than Sweed, but the Skins need some size at WR.
Dallas-Desean Jackson WR, California Truth be told, Dallas has very few needs, but they do need youth at WR. Jackson will also add a weapon on ST.
Pittsburgh-Gosder Cherilus OT, Boston College The biggest need for the Steelers is OL. Cherilus is a nasty OT that is a dominant run blocker. He's the perfect player for the Steelers.
Tennessee-James Hardy WR, Indiana The Titans don't have a go to WR (or QB, but that's for another time and place) so they go for the freak of nature. Hardy could fall a little further due to character concerns, but he's a good fit here.
Seattle-Dustin Keller TE, Purdue Seattle could go DT, but word is they are more interested in adding a recieving threat at TE. Keller is not a blocking TE, but hes a damn good reciever.
Jacksonville-Phillip Merling DE, Clemson With Bobby McCray now in New Orleans, the Jags don't have a pass rush to speak of. Many around the league feel that Merling could be the steal of the firt round.
San Diego-Kenny Phillips S, Miami The Chargers do not have a lot of needs, but they could use a S to play alongside Eric Weddle. Phillips never really became what most thought he would, but he's still a good player.
Dallas-Felix Jones RB, Arkansas Although Jonathan Stewart is available, Jerry Jones wants an Arkansas RB. Much like Jackson, Jones would add speed to the offense, and help out ST.
San Francisco-Dan Connor LB, Penn State Quienton Groves fits here, but with his heart issue, he'll fall a bit. Connor is a smart player that will play well alongside Patrick Willis.
Green Bay-Jonathan Stewart RB, Oregon Despite Tony Grant having a great season, many with the Packers organization don't see him as a franchise RB. Plus, if Stewart falls to them, it will be hard to pass him up.
New York Giants-Tyrell Johnson S, Arkansas State A man from Cleo Lemon's school. Johnson is a very very good prospect who can step in and replace Gibril Wilson right away..
Rest of the Fins mock.
2a.Curtis Lofton LB, Oklahoma I've come to the conclusing that Lofton is the guy I want at 2a. With how he plays, I see a future All-Pro that could have an impact to our defense similar to that of such 2nd round picks as Demeco Ryans, and Lofa Tatupu.
2b.Cliff Avril DE/OLB I could see us going CB, but I think the oppurtunity to add a speedy pass rusher like Avril is too tempting to pass up. Avril can play LB in both a 4-3 and 3-4 and is also very fast. Probaby would only be a 3rd down pass specialist as a rookie, but would contribute.
3.Tyvon Branch CB, UCONN We've had a lot of contact with Branch, and he's a very good prospect. Good size at just under 6 feet tall, 4.3 speed and very physical. Never had a lot of interceptions, but he could step in and be a very good CB right away.
4.Kellen Davis TE, Michigan State Despite signing Sean Ryan, we have a need at TE. We have a couple good blockers in Peele and RYan, but recieving threats. Davis is a good recieving threat.
6a.Caleb Campbell S, Army a guy we have been all over all offseason. He'll go a lot lower than he should. Campbell is a good player and a good leader, who could start from day 1.
6b.Shawn Murphy OG, Utah State We sent Mike Maser to his workout, and we are apparantly in love with him. Probably would not start as a rookie, but could develop into a good player in a few years.
7a.Kroy Bierman DE/OLB, Montana Another guy we've been all over. If he's available, I definatly think we'll take him.
7b.Luke Swan WR, Wisconsin Missed most of his senior season with an torn hamstring, but he's a great slot WR that gives his all. Could become a Wes Welker like WR for us.
That's my final mock, comments are welcomed as always.
