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Marshall Mayock Live at the 2008 Draft

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Hello, this is Marshall Mayock covering the second round in the 2008 Draft from the FHSI-Sports Network. I will being giving you all a pick-by-pick analysis as Peter Kiper takes his leave until the end of the draft.

With the first round over with, a lot of players on my top five remain on the board. It amazes me that guys like Jamaal Charles and Chris Johnson has went off the board before Felix Jones, but then again, that's what makes this sport even more intense.

Will Brian Brohm continue his free fall like Brady Quinn did in 2007? Will the Tampa Bay Buccaneers continue to trade down until they reach the 7th round and possess 32/32 of that round? Will anyone take a chance on "bad boy" Brandon Flowers?

We'll see as the second round of the FHNFL Draft rolls on!
 
DOLPHINS select DE LAWRENCE JACKSON, Southern California

The Dolphins front seven needs some serious rebuilding after trading away their over the hill cornerstones. Although Jackson has a second round grade on him, this wouldn’t be considered a reach in my book although there’s an even better prospect in Dre Moore out of Maryland.

Jackson is very strong and quick, making him a solid selection for Dolphins as there isn’t much for top tier defensive ends on the board.

Positives:
- Great size
- Very productive
- Excellent quickness
- Plays faster than his timed speed
- Strong and powerful
- Excellent technique
- Versatile

Negatives:
- Inconsistent
- Adequate burst and explosiveness
- Hot and cold motor
- Durability concerns

Although a better defensive end selection was on the board, the Dolphins made the most out of their pick getting one of the best defensive ends on the board.

He has the quickness, speed, and size to be an outside linebacker in the 3-4 system and that’s very likely where the Dolphins will play him. With this move, they’ll have both Joey Porter and Lawrence Jackson manning the outside linebacker spots in their 3-4 defense.

Another solid pick up by Miami who looks to rebuild their defense. They have a few more selections in the draft so I expect them to make the most out of their draft.

Selection Grade: B+
 
BUCCANEERS select WR DEVIN THOMAS, Michigan State

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers need a wide receiver for the future with Joey Galloway getting older and veteran pick ups in Isaac Bruce and Darrell Jackson. They traded down from #20 to #35 expecting to get their targeted player and they did. Thomas is my #3 WR and this is an excellent pick up in the 2nd round.

Thomas is known as a one year wonder out of Michigan State, yet has all the physical tools you look for in a wide receiver. He’s a natural athlete with great speed and elusiveness.

Positives:
- Good size with very long arms
- Great speed
- Extremely elusive
- Excellent leaping ability
- Outstanding return man
- Unlimited potential

Negatives:
- One year wonder
- Average route runner
- Doesn’t play to his timed speed
- Very raw

With the Buccaneers having a relatively good wide receiver depth, it’ll give Thomas the time he needs to grow into a legit NFL receiver. He can start off as a return specialist, using his elusiveness to give the Buccaneers an advantage in the special teams aspect.

Thomas may not make a huge impact his first year as a receiver, but give him a year in the NFL and he’ll be one of the rising stars in the NFL.

The Buccaneers definitely upgraded their wide receiver position with one of the top receivers on the board and in this draft. It still amazes me how guys like James Hardy and Malcolm Kelly went before this guy.

Selection Grade: A
 
RAIDERS select OT GOSDER CHERILUS, Boston College

The Raiders desperately need a tackle as the aging Barry Sims is likely going to be shipped out within the next few days. They helped their offensive line become even younger by drafting an offensive tackle in Gosder Cherilus. Cherilus has a first round grade, but somehow he dropped to the second round, which is great for the Raiders.

Cherilus has great size and is very quick, making him a possible fit for the left tackle position. We can expect the Raiders’ offensive line in 2008 to be younger and much more talented in 2008.

Positives:
- Great size
- Very quick
- Powerful
- Excellent balance
- Smart player
- Powerful
- Versatile

Negatives:
- Trouble with speed rushers
- Concentration lapses
- Minor off-the-field issues
- May not be able to handle the left side

All for all, the selection of Gosder Cherilus was a great one. Cherilus should be able to step right in, whether he’ll be playing right or left tackle remains to be decided. With the additions of Matt Schaub, Darren McFadden, Wes Welker, and Chad Jackson, the Raiders offense looks to be much more dynamic this year.

I have little doubts that Cherilus will, at the very least, be a solid starter for the Raiders. Whether or not he steps up to that elite status is his own choice.

The Raiders made a great selection in Gosder Cherilus and while it may not be the steal of the draft, it was definitely a solid selection.

Selection Grade: A-
 
CHIEFS select CB ANTOINE CASON, Arizona

After the Chiefs traded away Ty Law for 4th and 5th round draft selections, they needed to address the cornerback position. With Patrick Surtain returning as their starter, the Chiefs need a legit number two option. Antoine Cason fits that bill in the Kansas City Chiefs general manager’s mind.

Cason is a cornerback that you really can’t doubt as he possess top notch intangibles to go along with his excellent instincts, athleticism, and technique.

Positives:
- Very athletic
- Very good awareness and technique
- Playmaker that can catch
- Very aggressive
- Good speed
- Solid tackler
- Leader

Negatives:
- Lacks ideal burst
- Adequate strength
- Cannot recover when beat
- Trouble shedding blockers

Antoine Cason was a solid selection for the Kansas City Chiefs as he’ll be taken under the wing one of the greatest cornerbacks in his time frame in Patrick Surtain. Cason should be able to nab a starting role in 2008 and will likely succeed while covering team’s number two and three options.

While Cason was a solid selection, I’d say that Brandon Flowers may have been a better selection. I have Flowers as my fifth rated cornerback and he’d be even higher if it weren’t for his off-field antics.

I can’t argue with the selection of Antoine Cason as they filled a need and brought in a good player that will look to his best in Kansas City.

Selection Grade: B+
 
JAGUARS select LB ERIN HENDERSON, Maryland

With the Jaguars possible conversation to the 3-4, they’re going to need more linebackers for that. Erin Henderson gives the Jaguars another ILB in the 3-4 or more depth at the linebacker position if they continue to run a 4-3. While Henderson may have been considered a reach by some, he’s still the 2nd rated outside linebacker behind Keith Rivers on my list.

Henderson is a hard working linebacker with top notch intangibles that can play either outside in the 4-3 or inside in the 3-4.

Positives:
- Good size
- Very aggressive/Nasty demeanor
- Great awareness
- Big hitter
- Solid in zone coverage
- Excellent intangibles

Negatives:
- Durability
- Trouble shedding blockers
- Needs more strength
- Not super athletic

Henderson was a very good selection for the Jaguars as they have no real direct needs other than solidifying that linebacker position. If the Jaguars decide to play the 3-4, he’ll be going up with some of the more well known 3-4 linebackers in the league in James Farrior, Greg Ellis, and Clark Haggans who will be great mentors for this kid.

An interesting fact about Henderson is that football is in his bloodlines. His brother, EJ, currently plays for the Minnesota Vikings as a MLB in their 4-3 defense and has won many awards during his stint at Maryland.

Henderson will look for a starting role in Jacksonville or just be a situational player until someone steps down. Either way, you cannot argue with this selection.

Selection Grade: B
 
JETS select TE FRED DAVIS, Southern California

The Jets go into the season with acquiring the best quarterback in the league in Tom Brady. They have given Brady some nice receivers to work with, but they do not have a legit tight end. With Lavarnues Coles and Jerricho Cotchery leading the way with Marty Booker in the slot, you can’t say that the Jets do not have the personnel to the run the spread like Brady did in New England. This brings me to the Jets selection, Fred Davis.

Fred Davis is ranked as the number one tight end in many draft sites, although I have him as my third rated tight end. Davis is one of the most athletic tight ends in the draft that has plenty of upside that Brady can maximize.

Positives:
- Very athletic
- Great hands
- Great body control and balance
- Excellent route runner
- Very quick
- Tough player who can go over the middle

Negatives:
- Average size
- Not very explosive
- Adequate blocker
- Average acceleration

While I think that there are two tight ends that are better than Davis in Dustin Keller and John Carlson, I cannot argue with this selection. Davis will look to the Jets in a similar role that Dallas Clark plays with the Indianapolis Colts. He’ll likely be moved around the slot and in the traditional tight end position.

Davis is an excellent selection for the Jets and he’ll likely be a top contributir for the Jets offense in 2008. Even I could excel with the Tom Brady at the helm, just imagine what a player like Fred Davis can do?

Selection Grade: B+
 
BUCCANEERS select RB FELIX JONES, Arkansas

When I first seen this and found out that Felix Jones dropped to the second round, I figured that teams avoided running backs earlier on so it was just supply and demand. No sir, instead Chris Johnson and Jamaal Charles were taken ahead of him… Chris Johnson and Jamaal Charles?! Now I seriously question the Cowboys and the Browns general managers here because they passed on an exceptional talent for running backs who don’t even crack the top fifty players. At least the Cowboys reached on a guy whose in the top fifty, I can’t say the same for Cleveland. The Browns reached even more than the Cowboys, Charles is maybe a top eighty player, and I’m being nice too. Maybe they need to start giving out IQ tests to be a FHNFL General Manager…

Felix Jones is a great value pick for the Buccaneers who have some good options at running back, but now their running back situation is just scary. I’m not saying it’s scary as in bad, I’m saying I feel bad for NFC teams. Not only did you let Tampa steal Devin Thomas; you let them top the sundae with Felix Jones, both in the second round. Felix Jones is an elusive back that is compared to Reggie Bush. Jones shared time with McFadden and he’ll be sharing time with Shaun Alexander and Earnest Graham in Tampa Bay.

Positives:
- Extremely elusive
- Excellent speed
- Very explosive
- Great vision
- Great receiving option
- Playmaker
- Return specialist

Negatives:
- Average size and bulk
- Doesn’t break many tackles
- Not very strong
- Needs to let plays develop
- Never carried a full load before

Felix Jones will provide so much for Tampa Bay’s offense, giving them a big play threat from the line of scrimmage. Forget about DeSean Jackson going at #27 overall; how do you let Felix Jones go #39 overall?! Jones elusiveness will allow him to compliment Alexander and Graham perfectly as their bruising styles will keep defenses on their toes. Jones can play a Reggie Bush role as a team’s “X-Factor†lining up in the slot and so much more.

Felix Jones was simply a steal at this point in the draft, he’s my 4th rated running back behind three guys that went in the top fifteen.

I applaud Tampa Bay for making the moves that they did, they turned Limas Sweed and a forth round pick into Devin Thomas and Felix Jones. Heck, I’ll call it out right now; Tampa Bay is going to the Super Bowl. That’s some Mayock love for you right there. Take notes Dallas and Cleveland GM, maybe you can actually learn to go BPA instead of reaching deep into your pockets and pulling out something that should just stay where it was. Marshall Mayock, signing off!

Selection Grade: A++ (Is this possible? It is Mayock World!)
 
LIONS select OT SAM BAKER, Southern California

The Lions needed a tackle after releasing the aging Damien Woody and swapping three players within the right tackle position in 2007. The Lions ended this problem today with drafting one of the best players on the board in Sam Baker. The Lions have completed their offense with this selection after adding Frank Gore, Cedric Benson, Donte Stallworth, Plaxico Burress, and Ben Watson.

Sam Baker has a first round grade talent on him and was passed on earlier in the draft due to this year’s depth at the tackle position. At the end of his junior year, he was an expected top ten pick. Baker has a large frame with room to grow and is very athletic with quick feet.

Positives:
- Large frame
- Athletic
- Very quick
- Great awareness
- Good technique
- Good balance

Negative:
- Needs to bulk up
- No killer instinct
- Average strength
- Durability issues

The Lions selected the best tackle available in Sam Baker and he’ll make an impact right away. The Lions will pencil in Baker as a right tackle, which is a much better fit Baker than the left side. This selection helped the Lions get younger at tackle and made them a much better team as a whole.

Baker may not be an elite tackle, but he’ll be a solid starter for years to come. I don’t think he has the ability to play left side, but weirder things have happened.

A good selection for the Lions as they both addressed a team need while not reaching like some other teams have in the past. It seems to be that Matt Millen obviously isn’t running the Lions draft this year, which is a good thing.

Selection Grade: B+
 
SAINTS select DT KENTWAN BALMER, North Carolina

The Saints addressed a position they don’t need to, but being they don’t have any glaring needs, it’s safe to say they made a good selection in Balmer as they went BPA. Balmer is my third rated defensive tackle behind Ellis and Dorsey and for New Orleans to get him in the second round is a steal. They already have Corey Williams and Fred Robbins, but Robbins is aging and will need an eventual replacement. This will give Balmer plenty of time to develop into a top tackle for the Saints.

Balmer is an extremely strong defensive tackle with very good size and room to grow as well.

Positives:
- Great size
- Excellent strength
- Athletic
- Very quick
- Versatile
- Special teams contributor
- Still has some upside

Negatives:
- Inconsistent
- Questionable motor
- Trouble shedding blocks
- Poor leverage

The Saints drafted a great defensive tackle in Kentwan Balmer out of North Carolina and he’ll be able to develop fully in New Orleans. He’ll learn from one of the better defensive tackle tandems in the league in Corey Williams and Fred Robbins. I think Balmer landed in an ideal situation in New Orleans.

Balmer will be able to contribute on special teams right away as he’s known for being a solid special teams contributor. He won’t start right away, but he’ll be an eventual starter and may even convert to defensive end.

Overall a nice selection by the Saint, they came into the draft with no pressing needs and chose to draft best player available at their slot. You can never complain about something like that either. The Saints have definitely improved with the newest additions of Clady and Balmer.

Grade Selection: A-
 
BILLS select LB JEROD MAYO, Tennessee

The Bills went into the draft thinking they should go best player available and although they are pretty stocked at the linebacker position, they drafted a linebacker that’s not even in my top five! You had Curtis Lofton, Jordan Dizon, Beau Bell, and Spencer Larson on the board who are two through five in my top five, but you take Jerod Mayo? My goodness!

Jerod Mayo is an athletic linebacker who is very quick and draws comparisons to former Denver Broncos linebacker, Al Wilson.

Positives:
- Athletic
- Excellent speed and quickness
- Very physical
- Good tackler
- Smart
- Non-stop motor
- Good in coverage

Negatives:
- Undersized
- Trouble shedding blockers
- Adequate blitzer
- Durability
- Doesn’t fit in every scheme

I think Mayo is a rising prospect, but I wouldn’t put him in the top five for inside linebackers by any means. I think he’s too small to be a linebacker in this league, but that’s just my opinion. The Bills have a pretty solid linebacker core that’s very young. Angelo Crowell and Demorrio Williams are both very young and talent outside linebackers that would start on most teams. Paul Posluszny was looking to have a good rookie season until an injury cut him short, he lines up in the middle. Their back ups are very good in John DiGiorgio, Blake Contanzo, and Keith Ellison.

I think Mayo can be a good middle linebacker in the right situation, but the Bills just aren’t giving that to him with a young linebacker tandem where their average age for starters at 25 years old!

Sure Mayo is a good athlete and possibly considered one of the better linebackers in this draft by some, but the Bills could be giving themselves a headache later on. You’ll be paying this rookie big money and you have already invested a second round pick in Posluszny last year. I’m sorry, but I just don’t agree with this pick.

Grade Selection: B-
 
BRONCOS select S REGGIE SMITH, Oklahoma

Finally someone selects Reggie Smith, I’m sure he’s as anxious as Brian Brohm. Smith has a first round grade on him from most, if not all, draft experts. The Broncos have a pretty solid team, but their secondary could use some depth so this fulfills a need while getting great value. The Broncos have Ike Taylor and Dre’ Bly as their starting corners, but they have no depth behind them. The Broncos also have Troy Polamalu and John Lynch at safety, but Lynch isn’t getting any younger.

Reggie Smith is a versatile player who is very athletic and can play both safety and cornerback efficiently.

Positives:
- Natural athlete
- Very versatile
- Productive
- Playmaker
- Can deliver the big hit
- Kick return specialist

Negatives:
- Lacks long speed
- Hips aren’t very fluid
- Receivers can make a cut and lose him

My guess is that the Broncos will place Smith in the cornerback position his first year to give them more depth and eventually take over John Lynch in the safety department. This is an ideal situation for Smith as he won’t be rushed into the NFL atmosphere and he’ll learn from the best in Bly, Taylor, Polamalu, and Lynch.

I have no doubt that Smith will be successful in this league; I would definitely compare him to someone like Antrel Rolle. Rolle also started out as a cornerback but was eventually moved to safety.

Smith is yet another Oklahoma superstar to go off the board as his teammates Malcolm Kelly and Curtis Lofton were drafted also during day one. A solid selection for the Broncos, they definitely grabbed the best player available in Smith and addressed a need.

Selection Grade: A
 
TEXANS select WR EARLY DOUCET, Louisiana State

The Houston Texans traded away Andre Johnson and wound up grabbing Jonathan Stewart, which was a very questionable move at the time. This move now makes much more sense as the Texans grab Early Doucet in the second round. This was a very good move on the Texans part because their wide receivers aren’t super strong, but the addition of Doucet definitely strengthens them.

Doucet is a very quick receiver who is tough to bring down due to his elusiveness.

Positives:
- Very quick
- Elusive
- Amazing hands
- Excellent burst
- Good vision
- Terrific blocker
- Great work ethic

Negatives:
- Average timed speed
- Average route runner
- Durability
- Limited upside
- Very little experience

Doucet will join the Texans wide receiver crew of Bernard Berrian, Michael Clayton, and Jacoby Jones. Doucet will likely be inserted as the number three or four option as he’ll slowly learn the ropes to become a NFL starter. Doucet should compliment Berrian perfectly in the future as Doucet’s quickness and great hands will result in him being more of a possession receiver, complimenting Berrian’s straight line speed.

I think Doucet can be a solid starting receiver in this league, maybe not in his first year, but beyond that I feel he can be something. He’ll likely be a 2nd option in Houston unless Berrian leaves.

Early Doucet played behind the likes of Dwayne Bowe and Craig Davis most of his career and didn’t get the chance to start until his senior campaign. He’s played with some of the best receivers in college so he’s willing to take a lesser role. I think Houston made an excellent selection in Doucet.

Selection Grade: B+
 
COWBOYS select LB CURTIS LOFTON, Oklahoma

The Dallas Cowboys needed a few more players to complete their team and one of those positions of need would be the inside linebacker position. They may have selected Lofton a little bit earlier than they needed to, but they selected the second best inside linebacker in my book. Lofton will split time with Kevin Burnett inside the Cowboys’ 3-4 defense as Bradie James mans their other inside linebacker positions.

Lofton is a very smart player who has perfect size for a 3-4 inside linebacker.

Positives:
- Good bulk and frame
- Excellent awareness
- Nonstop motor
- Big hitter
- Reliable tackler
- Good intangibles
- Leader

Negatives:
- Stiff
- Not a great athlete
- Struggles in man coverage
- Average blitzer
- Limited experience

The Cowboys made the most out of their selection by addressing a team need and grabbing a player of good value.

Lofton has everything you want in the 3-4 inside linebacker, he has good speed, great awareness, and is a very reliable tackler. He’ll likely be the leader of the Dallas Cowboys defense in a few years. They will be able to wean Lofton into the position by having him split time with youngster Kevin Burnett.

Lofton is a very solid pick up by the Cowboys who pick up one of the better players on the board instead of reaching this time. The Cowboys definitely improved their defense by adding this player.

Selection Grade: B+
 
PATRIOTS select CB BRANDON FLOWERS, Virginia Tech

Brandon Flowers is a player with first round talent, but was pushed to the second round due to character issues. He’s a great player and he was expected to be drafted in round one until a controversial photo entered into the internet world. The Patriots picked up a great player and should be able to turn his head towards the right direction. The Patriots organization is known for their team’s discipline and I’m sure Flowers will adhere to that. The Patriots got a great player at a discount price and I’m sure they’ll make the league sorry for passing on him.

Brandon Flowers is a very athletic corner who is known for his physical and aggressive play.

Positives:
- Solid build
- Athletic
- Physical
- Excellent footwork
- Very quick
- Great awareness
- Playmaker

Negatives:
- Short
- Character issues
- Erratic play
- Goes for big hit and may miss tackles
- Durability

The Patriots picked up a great player in Flowers and they definitely went best player available. They only had one selection in day one and they made sure it would count. Brandon Flowers will look to make the NFL sorry for passing on him as he works with one of the most popular teams.

Flowers will join Asante Samuel and Eric Wright and will likely be inserted as the team’s nickelback his first year in the league with a possibility of taking over the starting role for Eric Wright. Flowers will learn from one of the best corners in the league in Asante Samuel and I’m sure he’ll do just fine.

A great pick by the Patriots, solidifying one of the most important positions while grabbing a great player without reaching. The Patriots made the most out of this pick, without a doubt.

Selection Grade: A-
 
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