Official Draft Thread

[GridIronKing34]

DO NOT POST HERE UNLESS YOU ARE MAKING A SELECTION!!
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First Round

1. Oakland Raiders: Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
2. Cleveland Browns: Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
3. St Louis Rams: Chris Long, DE, Virginia
4. Minnesota Vikings: Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
5. Kansas City Chiefs: Jake Long, OT, Michigan
6. Cleveland Browns: Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State
7. Seattle Seahawks: Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois
8. Atlanta Falcons: Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
9. Green Bay Packers: Keith Rivers, LB, USC
10. New Orleans Saints: Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State
11. Houston Texans: Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon
12. Denver Broncos: Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh
13. Carolina Panthers: Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson
14. Miami Dolphins: Domnique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee State
15. New York Giants: Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy
16. Arizona Cardinals: Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida
17. Cleveland Browns: Jamaal Charles, RB, Texas
18. Houston Texans: Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt
19. Philadelphia Eagles: Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma
20. Tennessee Titans: Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
21. Minnesota Vikings: Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida
22. Dallas Cowboys: Chris Johnson, RB, East Carolina
23. Miami Dolphins: Branden Albert, OG, Virginia
24. Atlanta Falcons: Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas
25. Chicago Bears: Calais Campbell, DE, Miami (FL)
26. Seattle Seahawks: Kenny Phillips, S, Miami (FL)
27. San Diego Chargers: DeSean Jackson, WR, California
28. Dallas Cowboys: Mario Manningham, WR, Michigan
29. Baltimore Ravens: Quentin Groves, DE, Auburn
30. Minnesota Vikings: James Hardy, WR, Indiana
31. New England Patriots (Forfeited)
32. New York Giants: Dan Connor, LB, Penn State

Second Round

33. Miami Dolphins: Lawrence Jackson, DT, USC
34. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State
35. Oakland Raiders: Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College
36. Kansas City Chiefs: Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona
37. Jacksonville Jaguars: Erin Henderson, LB, Maryland
38. New York Jets: Fred Davis, TE, USC
39. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas
40. Detroit Lions: Sam Baker, OT, USC
41. New Orleans Saints: Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina
42. Buffalo Bills: Jerod Mayo, LB, Tennessee
43. Denver Broncos: Reggie Smith, S, Oklahoma
44. Houston Texans: Early Doucet, WR, LSU
45. Dallas Cowboys: Curtis Lofton, LB, Oklahoma
46. New England Patriots: Brandon Flowers, CB, Virginia Tech
47. New York Giants: Dustin Keller, TE, Purdue
48. Washington Redskins: Pat Sims, DT, Auburn
49. Atlanta Falcons: Ray Rice, RB, Rutgers
50. Philadelphia Eagles: John Carlson, TE, Notre Dame
51. Arizona Cardinals: Cliff Avril, OLB, Purdue
52. Dallas Cowboys: Carl Nicks, OT, Nebraska
53. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville (To Kansas City)
54. Oakland Raiders: DeJuan Morgan, S, North Carolina State
55. Miami Dolphins: Joe Flacco, QB, Delaware
56. Minnesota Vikings: Martellus Bennett, TE, Texas A&M
57. Baltimore Ravens: Patrick Lee, CB, Auburn
58. Chicago Bears: Chilo Rachel, OG, USC
59. Jacksonville Jaguars: Dre Moore, DT, Maryland
60. Carolina Panthers: Tracy Porter, CB, Indiana
61. Dallas Cowboys: Trevor Laws, DT, Notre Dame
62. Washington Redskins: Chris Ellis, DE, Virginia Tech
63. Seattle Seahawks: Andre Caldwell, WR, Florida
64. New York Giants: Anthony Collins, OT, Kansas

Third Round

65. Arizona Cardinals: Matt Forte, RB, Tulane
66. Tennessee Titans: Tavares Gooden, LB, Miami FL
67. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Justin King, CB, Penn State
68. Atlanta Falcons: Lavelle Hawkins, WR, California
69. Oakland Raiders: Beau Bell, LB, UNLV
70. New York Jets: Kevin Smith, RB, UCF
71. New York Giants: Red Bryant, DT, Texas A&M
72. Philadelphia Eagles: Jason Jones, DE, Eastern Michigan
73. New York Jets: Andre Woodson, QB, Kentucky
74. Minnesota Vikings: Duane Brown, OT, Virginia Tech
75. Carolina Panthers: Ali Highsmith, LB, LSU
76. Dallas Cowboys: Earl Bennett, WR, Vanderbilt
77. Detroit Lions: Phillip Wheeler, LB, Georgia Tech
78. Minnesota Vikings: Josh Barrett, S, ASU
79. New Orleans Saints: Xavier Adibi, LB, Virginia Tech
80. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mike Pollak, OC, ASU
81. Atlanta Falcons: Chad Henne, QB, Michigan
82. Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Goff, LB, Vanderbilt
83. Minnesota Vikings: Tashard Choice, RB, Georgia Tech
84. Miami Dolphins: Shawn Crable, LB, Michgan
85. Dallas Cowboys: Roy Schuening, OG, Oregon State
86. Baltimore Ravens: Martin Rucker, TE, Missouri
87. Seattle Seahawks: Terrell Thomas, CB, USC
88. Miami Dolphins: Frank Okam, DT, Texas
89. Seattle Seahawks: Kendell Langford, DE, Hampton
90. Tennessee Titans: Charles Godfrey, CB, Iowa
91. Dallas Cowboys: Marcus Harrison, DT, Arkansas
92. Seattle Seahawks: Mike McGlynn, OG, Pittsburgh
93. St Louis Rams: Geno Hayes, LB, Florida State
94. Houston Texans: Steve Justice, OC, Wake Forest
95. Houston Texans: Brad Cottam, TE, Tennessee
96. Arizona Cardinals: Eric Young, OG, Tennessee

Forth Round

97. Cleveland Browns: Marcus Howard, LB, Georgia
98. Buffalo Bills: John David Booty, QB, USC
99. Atlanta Falcons: Jermaine Finley, TE, Texas
100. Seattle Seahawks: Kellen Davis, TE, Michigan State
101. Kansas City Chiefs: Bruce Davis, DE, UCLA
102. New York Jets: Donnie Avery, WR, Houston
103. St. Louis Rams: Adarius Bowman, WR, Oklahoma State
104. Seattle Seahawks: Erik Ainge, QB, Tennessee
105. Denver Broncos (Forfeited)
106. Miami Dolphins: Steve Slaton, RB, West Virginia
107. St. Louis Rams: Thomas DeCoud, S, California
108. Carolina Panthers: Eddie Royal, WR, Virginia Tech
109. Cincinnati Bengals: Tyvon Branch, CB, Connecticut
110. Cleveland Browns: Ahtyba Rubin, DT, Iowa State
111. Baltimore Ravens: DeMario Pressley, DT, North Carolina St.
112. Philadelphia Eagles: Owen Schmidt, FB, West Virginia
113. Arizona Cardinals: Jerome Simpson, WR, Coastal Carolina
114. Pittsburgh Steelers: Marcus Griffin, S, Texas
115. New Orleans Saints: Jeremy Thompson, DE, Wake Forest
116. Denver Broncos (Forfeited)
117. Miami Dolphins: J Leman, LB, Illinois
118. Chicago Bears: Andre Fluellen, DT, Florida State
119. Detroit Lions: Tom Zbikowski, S, Notre Dame
120. Dallas Cowboys: Jack Ikegwuonu, CB, Wisconsin
121. Tennessee Titans: Tyrell Johnson, S, Arkansas State
122. San Diego Chargers (Forfeited)
123. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jacob Tamme, TE, Kentucky
124. Chicago Bears: Josh Johnson, QB, San Diego
125. Houston Texans:Brian JohnsTon, DE, Gardner-Webb
126. Kansas City Chiefs: Orlando Scandrick, CB, Boise State
127. Indianapolis Colts (Forfeited)
128. New York Giants: Jordy Nelson, WR, Kansas State

Fifth Round

129. Kansas City Chiefs: John Sullivan, C, Notre Dame
130. St Louis Rams: Heath Benedict, OT, Newberry
131. Denver Broncos (Forfeited)
132. Kansas City Chiefs: Dexter Jackson, WR, Appalachian State
133. Green Bay Packers: Colt Brennan, QB, Hawaii
134. New York Jets: Chevis Jackson, CB, LSU
135. Atlanta Falcons: Jack Williams, CB, Kent State
136. Baltimore Ravens (Forfeited)
137. Detroit Lions: Jason Shirley, DT, Fresno State
138. Buffalo Bills: Jeremy Zuttah, OL, Rudgers
139. Cleveland Browns: Donald Thomas, OG, Connecticut
140. Cincinnati Bengals: Mike Hart, RB, Michigan
141. New Orleans Saints: Craig Steltz, S, LSU
142. Buffalo Bills: King Dunlap, OT, Auburn
143. Seattle Seahawks: Oniel Cousin, OT, UTEP
144. Cleveland Browns: Jacob Hester, RB, LSU
145. Minnesota Vikings: Darrell Robertson, DE, Georgia Tech
146. Houston Texans: Nick Hayden, DT, Wiscosnin
147. Pittsburgh Steelers: Vince Hall, LB, Virginia Tech
148. Seattle Seahawks: Jordan Dizon, LB, Colorado
149. New York Jets: Keilen Dykes, DT, West Virginia
150. Baltimore Ravens: William Franklin, WR, Missouri
151. Indianapolis Colts (Forfeited)
152. Detroit Lions: Quentin Demps, S, UTEP
153. Seattle Seahawks: John Greco, OL, Toledo
154. Dallas Cowboys: Wesley Woodyard, LB, Kentucky
155. San Diego Chargers: Terrence Wheatley, CB, Colorado
156. New Orleans Saints: Paul Smith, QB, Tulsa
157. Green Bay Packers: Craig Stevens, TE, California
158. Washington Redskins: Kirk Barton, OT Ohio State
159. Kansas City Chiefs: Jamar Adams, S, Michigan
160. New York Giants: Caleb Campbell, S, Army

Sixth Round

161. New York Giants: Trevor Scott, DE, Buffalo
162. Tennessee Titans: Johnny Dingle, DE, West Virgina
163. Kansas City Chiefs: Shannon Tevaga, OG, UCLA
164. Atlanta Falcons: Brandon Coutu, K, Georgia
165. Baltimore Ravens: Tony Hills, OT, Texas
166. New York Jets: Ben Moffitt, LB, South Florida
167. Cleveland Browns: Kenny Iwebema, DE Iowa
168. New Orleans Saints: Dwight Lowery, CB, San Jose State
169. New England Patriots: Kevin Robinson, WR, Utah State
170. Dallas Cowboys: Erza Butler, LB, Nevada
171. Cincinnati Bengals (Forfeited)
172. New Orleans Saints: Harry Douglas, WR, Louisville
173. Houston Texans: Kevin O'Connell, QB, San Diego State
174. Buffalo Bills: Letroy Guion, DT, Florida State
175. Carolina Panthers: Steve Octavien, OLB, Nebraska
176. Philadelphia Eagles: Carlton Powell, DT, Virginia Tech
177. Houston Texans:Arman Shields, WR, Richmond
178. Philadelphia Eagles: Justin Forsett, RB, California
179. Detroit Lions: Adrian Arrington, WR, Michigan
180. Washington Redskins: Cory Boyd, RB South Carolina
181. Seattle Seahawks: Peyton Hillis, FB, Arkansas
182. Pittsburgh Steelers: Ryan Grice Mullen, WR, Hawaii
183. New England Patriots: Alvin Bowen, LB, Iowa State
184. Baltimore Ravens: Kroy Biermann, LB, Montana
185. Pittsburgh Steelers: Davone Bess, WR, Hawaii
186. San Diego Chargers: Joey Haynos, TE, Maryland
187. Jacksonville Jaguars: Xavier Omon, RB, NW Missouri State
188. New York Giants: Barry Booker, DT, Virgina Tech
189. Dallas Cowboys: Rafael Little, RB, Kentucky
190. Cleveland Browns: Evan Moore, WR, Stanford
191. New York Jets: Jamie Silva, S, Boston College
192. Oakland Raiders: Dennis Dixon, QB, Oregon

Seventh Round

193. Miami Dolphins: Mario Urrutia, WR, Louisville
194. New England Patriots: Tommy Blake, DE, TCU
195. Atlanta Falcons: Jo-Lonn Dunbar, LB, Boston College
196. Chicago Bears: Darius Reynaud, WR, West Virginia
197. Kansas City Chiefs: Chauncey Washington, RB, USC
198. New York Jets: Jerome Felton, FB, Furman
199. Indianapolis Colts: (Forfeited)
200. Chicago Bears: Michael Grant, S, Arkansas
201. Detroit Lions: DJ Hall, WR, Alabama
202. St. Louis Rams: Chad Rinehart, OT, Northern Iowa
203. New Orleans Saints: Wallace Gilberry, DE, Alabama
204. Buffalo Bills: Marcus Monk, WR, Arkansas
205. Denver Broncos (Forfeited)
206. Carolina Panthers: Steve Johnson, WR, Kentucky
207. Chicago Bears: Keenan Burton, WR, Kentucky
208. Detroit Lions: Jonal Saint-Dic, DE, Michigan State
209. Miami Dolphins: Chris Norwell, DT, Illinois
210. Detroit Lions: Cody Wallace, OL, Texas A&M
211. New England Patriots: George Chukwu, DT, Rice
212. Seattle Seahawks: Doug Legursky, C, Marshall
213. Washington Redskins: Bryan Kehl, LB, BYU
214. Chicago Bears (Forfeited)
215. Philadelphia Eagles (Forfeited)
216. Cleveland Browns: Thaddeus Coleman, OT, Mississippi Valley State
217. Miami Dolphins: Hercules Satele, OG, Hawaii
218. Jacksonville Jaguars: Bernard Morris, QB, Marshall
219. San Diego Chargers: Maurice Murray, DT, New Mexico State
220. Tennessee Titans: Drew Radovich, OG, USC
221. Miami Dolphins: Tony Temple, RB, Missouri
222. Green Bay Packers: DJ Wolfe, S, Oklahoma
223. New England Patriots: Todd Blythe, WR, Iowa State
224. New York Giants: Larry Grant, LB, Ohio State

Thank you for helping us run a very smooth draft this year. This year's draft lasted only 15-16 days.

 

[PublixSubsRule]

Darren McFadden

Roger Goodell approaches the podium and announces, "With the First pick in the 2008 NFL draft the Oakland Raiders select running back, Darren McFadden from the University of Arkansas."

McFadden is easily one of the best, if not the best player in this years draft; He (and Adrian Peterson) is one of the two best Half-backs to come out of college in several years. McFadden will instantly make our Offense much more productive on all levels. Darren will make all types of plays for us, whether he is taking hand-offs the distance or catching the ball for critical firstdowns. He is going to be our starter going into pre-season and has all the experience you want in a Half-back; which includes playing against some of the best defences in the SEC and the NCAA. While McFadden is a very fast and elusive runner he does not mind or avoid making contact. We are expecting him to put up similar numbers to last years rookie phenom, Adrian Peterson.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJGTC-StZGI

 

[adamprez2003]

The Cleveland Browns select Matt Ryan of Boston College with the 2nd pick in the draft.

Cleveland is the benficiary of the shrewd drafting skills of the Finheaven Draft Committee. Matt Ryan has been brought in to be the savior of this sorry franchise and bring them to the first SuperBowl in their history

2007 was a very good year for this savior QB. Bathed in a blinding glare that God himself shines on his favorite son, Matt Ryan lead his Boston College team to challenge for the number one spot in the country. His 127 QB rating, 4507 yds and 31 Tds were second only to the 45 lepers, 78 cripples, and 32 blind people he healed while challenging for the Heisman trophy. An added benefit of the Ryan drafting is that the team's doctors were let go in a cost cutting move and Ryan will take over the instant healing of all the injuries his future teammates suffer

Possessing a saintly arm that can make every throw on the field, Ryan is also capable of walking on water which should come in handy in the inclement weather that is a part of AFC North football.

The Browns have certainly done well by drafting the chosen one. The SuperBowl is certainly assured

 

[TractorTraylor]

With the 3rd pick in the first round, the Saint Louis Rams select DE Chris Long, from University of Virginia. Chris Long will step right into the starting lineup, next to last years first round pick Adam Carriker to add a high energy pass rush and non stop motor for years to come. We expect Long to bring the intangibles that he has displayed thus far, and a presence similar to his father, Hall of Famer, Howie Long.

 

[Stitches]

With the 4th pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings are ecstatic to be able to select Glenn Dorsey, DT, from LSU. Dorsey will be paired alongside Kevin Williams, and bring with him an energy, passion, work ethic, and leadership that is second to none. We feel Dorsey is the best player in the draft and we feel getting him all the way at four is a major boon for us. Dorsey a 2-time All-American is the only player to win the Nagurski Trophy, Outland trophy, Lott Trophy, and Lombard Award all in the same season. Dorsey is all healed form his knee injury, and his back checked out with no issues so he will be ready to contribute come training camp. Look for him to make a push for the Pro-Bowl, even as a rookie.

 

[Regan21286]

With the 5th pick in the NFL Draft 2008, the Kansas City Chiefs elect not to take the Cam Cameron/Randy Mueller path and select OT Jake Long from Michigan. Long is exactly what we need for our aging OL as he can easily fit in as LT or RT. There will be naysayers about his ability to play LT, but with his excellent frame and ability to slide well laterally, he has the tools. He's a nice big tackle who's strong, powerful, nasty, and experienced. A true leader from a football program with great pedigree. He'll be our best LT since Willie Roaf, who we feel is very similar to Long. Everything on offense starts with the line and Long's with the best of them.

 

[adamprez2003]

With the 6th pick in the draft the Browns select DE/OLB Vernon Gholston from THE Ohio State

The unbelievable geniuses at the Finheaven Draft Committee havent stopped in their assault on the Finheaven GM league. After receiving large cash amounts from Gish we have basically assured him of the championship by drafting Gholston. Gholston holds the world record for amount of muscles on a human body. By our count he has over 2,540,567 different muscles covering his body. A little known fact is that on average, 135 new muscles appear daily on Vernon's body each day

A ferocious pass rusher Gholston should bolster the Browns defense for years to come

 

[pigskinguy]

After a trade with the Miami Dolphins, the Seattle Seahawks use the 7th pick in the draft to select, from the University of Illinois, RB, Rashard Mendenhall.

College: Illinois Number: 5
Height: 5-10 Weight: 225
Position: RB Pos2:
Class/Draft Year: Jr/2008
40 Time: 4.41 40 Low: 4.37 40 High: 4.50

Unanimous All-Big Ten Conference first-team choice and named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year by the league's coaches and media... Doak Walker Award and Maxwell Award semi-finalist…Ranked eighth in the nation and second in the Big Ten in rushing (129.31 ypg) and finished third in the league in all-purpose yardage (153.77 ypg…Started all thirteen games, carrying 262 times, as he set school season-records with 1,681 yards (6.4 avg) and 17 touchdowns…Set another Illini season-record by amassing 1,999 all-purpose yards…Ran for over 100 yards eight times, as the team compiled a 7-1 record in those contests.

Mendenhall will replace the traded and aging Shaun Alexander, and will be the feature back in Seattle for years to come.

 

[biggtyme13]

Falcons Select Sedrick Ellis, DT USC

Strengths: A disruptive, penetrating interior defensive lineman. At his best in a one-gap scheme but has some versatility due to experience as a nose tackle and three-technique. He is extremely disruptive versus the run. Displays outstanding initial burst and wins most of his battles with first-step quickness. Uses long arms to keep separation and does an excellent job of disengaging from blocks and keeping on the move. Recognition skills are very good and he's athletic enough to change directions and pursue once he penetrates the backfield. He consistently generates pressure as a pass rusher. Shows upper-echelon closing burst for his position and also does a good job of batting down passes once he realizes he's not getting to the QB. Plays with a great motor and works very hard on and off the field. Never gives up on a play and his effort is infectious.

Weaknesses: Undersized; lacks ideal height and bulk. Not a good fit for schemes that require two-gap ability. Plays with a narrow base and will get overwhelmed by bigger blockers in the phone booth. He struggles to anchor when teams run at him and he really needs to be on the move in order to be successful. Durability has been somewhat of an issue; redshirted in 2003 due to injury that required surgery and missed three games in 2006 (Nebraska, Arizona and Washington State) due to right knee injury that required arthroscopic surgery.

Overall: Ellis arrived at USC in 2003 but received a medical redshirt after suffering a midseason left ankle fracture which required surgery. During his first three seasons (2004-'06) he saw action in 34 games making 86 total tackles, 16 tackles for loss, and nine sacks. Ellis missed some time in 2006 after having arthroscopic knee surgery. Ellis is a one-gap defensive tackle prospect that isn't for everybody but can be effective in the right scheme (see: Colts, Buccaneers, Eagles, etc.). If ranks among the elite prospects at his position and can solidify a spot in Round 1 with a healthy and productive senior season.

 

[vinlakers22]

With the Ninth Pick in the NFL draft, the Green Bay Packers select Keith Rivers, OLB, USC. With Rivers added to the Packers linebacking core that already included A.J. Hawkand Nick Barnett, the Packers linebackers are among the top units in the league.

Strengths:
Excellent athleticism...Great speed with a burst to close...Quick and agile...Terrific range and makes plays sideline-to-sideline...Does a fantastic job in pursuit...Good frame with long arms...Motor runs non-stop and he is really active...Fluid and does a terrific job in coverage...A big hitter who can lay the lumber...Decent pass rusher and blitzer...Aggressive and plays with an attitude...Works through the trash and traffic well..Good instincts and recognition...Offers some versatility..A hard worker.

Notes:
A elite recruit coming out of high school...Wore the #55 jersey for the Trojans that was made famous by guys like Junior Seau, Willie McGinest and Chris Claiborne...A outstanding all-around linebacker who shouldn't ever have to leave the field...Has an ideal blend of natural talent, physical tools, and intangibles...Prototypical WILL.

 

[Saint Greg]

With the 10th pick in the draft, The New Olreans Saints Select Ryan Clady, Offensive Tackle, Boise State

This couldn't have worked out more perfectly for the Saints. Clady is the player we had hoped would fall to our pick from the beginning....and he did. Clady has the feet and athleticism to play LT in the NFL. With Jammal Brown on the team, We will start Ryan out on the right side, but we could see the two players switching spots in a year or two. Jammal Brown and Ryan Clady will give us a great pair of OTs for some time to come. Jon Stinchcomb is now on the trade block for a draft pick.

 

[Paul 13]

With the 11th pick in the 2008 GM League Draft, the Houston Texans select... Running Back Jonathan Creon Stewart from the University of Oregon. There is no questioning his ability as a running back, at 5-11 235 pounds and 4.48 40, 28 reps on the bench at the combine, a 36.5 inch vertical, and a 10-8 broad jump, he has all the physical tools you look for in a back. Productivity? How about 280 carries for 1,722 yards (6.2 yard average) rushing and 11 TD's as a senior. Coming off the big toe surgery that is expected to sideline him 4 months, we feel he'll be ready for the 2008 season and be our BIG TOE on offense! As evidence of what he'll bring to the table, take a look at this clip!



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2yKRVAHItU

 

[TractorTraylor]

With Denver's GM AWOL, the Committee has selected for them OT Jeff Otah from Pittsburgh. He will step in immediately to fix a dilapidated line. His athleticism fits in well with Denver's scheme but still has the size to maul if needed.

 

[adamprez2003]

With the next pick the Carolina Panthers select DE Phillip Merling out of Clemson. We envison a ferocious and resurgent defensive line with Julius Peppers and Merling manning the bookends and laying ferocious havoc all season long

Philip Merling has decided to fore go his senior season at Clemson and enter the NFL Draft. The 6-5, 280 pound defensive end has done an amazing job of getting into the backfield. During his junior year, he recorded 17 tackles for loss and seven sacks. Even when he doesn't get to the quarterback, he will constantly apply pressure and disrupt the opposing offense. He can even be effective dropping back in pass coverage and has decent hands after playing tight end at prep school.
During his sophomore year, Merling started to show his potential, tallying ten tackles for loss and three sacks. His senior campaign would have been even better, but he is ready for the NFL right now. He is a big 280 pounds for an end, but he is still surprisingly quick and nimble for his size. Even if his physical skills are a notch below some of the other ends in the league, Merling is a smart player and can work most match-ups to his advantage.

VIDEO: http://collegefootball.rivals.com/video.asp?section=football&pkey=53198&vidtype=college&vidid=33287

 

[schisno]

The commissioner walks onto the stage to announce the selection made by the Miami Dolphins.


"With the 14 selection of the 2008 Draft...the Miami Dolphins select...

Dominique Rodger-Cromartie out of Tennessee State



He showed he can hang with the top prospects in this years draft, he has the size, speed and tools to be a shutdown corner at the next level. He can also contribute on special teams as a returner and if he can get anywhere near his cousins level, watch out. Sorry Leodis, you may be the top ranked prospect at corner, but DRC is our man.