DTR's 2008 NFL Mock Draft (Version 1) .. Deal with it

[DeToxRox]

Yes, I stole this from Cronin and I believe someone else, but as my prior top 5 finishes in Jim's mock draft contest show, I am quite truly, the man (who just doesn't win) and since I am bored and feelin' antsy, I figured I'd toss my own mock in the hopper.

#1. Miami Dolphins - OT Jake Long, Michigan

Everyone probably knows I am a Michigan dong slosher, but I believe Long is the most solid player in this years draft. Projected as an RT, I truly feel he has the quickness to be an effective LT on Sundays, but regardless, he will be making an impact. As FA has shown, Miami has been looking at fixing their defense, but that offense is truly abysmal still. Starting from the inside out, Parcells who has had glowing things to say about Long, will make him the #1 pick assuming he doesn't deal out.

#2. St. Louis Rams - DE/OLB Chris Long, Virginia

While I don't think Chris Long is spectacular, he is a solid player who plays with a motor. I think he projects as a hybrid DE/LB in the NFL, but can do damage off the edge for a team that sorely needs defensive help and Long is probably the safest defensive player available. His potential isn't very high for sack totals but his potential to bust is almost zero. He'll be a contributor. Add in the fact their DE's are old and ineffective anymore and you have the makings of a fit.

#3. Atlanta Falcons - QB Matt Ryan, Boston College

This is more of prediction then how I really feel. I assume Michael Turner signs with Atlanta in FA making this the pick they'll make, but if Turner doesn't sign this will be McFadden. Ryan doesn't project as a big game QB to me, but he has solid accuracy, though he is very prone to INT's. Atlanta needs a change, and new HC Mike Smith will want an impact offensive player to help ease this team out of the Mick Vick era.

#4. Oakland Raiders - RB Darren McFadden, Arkansas

Let's be real here. This is not Lane Kiffins pick but Al Davis is in charge and McFadden is a guy that makes his Pampers moist. He is a complete package but may suffer from early signs of LPS .. Lawerence Phillips Syndrome. The one benefit is he and Travis Henry will be able to play one another twice every year, which should give them ample time to show each other their childrens pictures.

#5. Kansas City Chiefs - OT Ryan Clady, Boise State

A reach pick, but one the Chiefs have to make. Neither DT here is worth the risk considering their gaping hole on a traditional solid OL. Clady or Vanderbilts Chris Williams will go here, but I give the nod to Clady at this point in time, assuming his pec injury is fully healed.

#6. New York Jets - DE/LB Vernon Gholston, Ohio State

A flat out beast, the Jets get the 2008-09 Defensive Rookie of the Year at #6. Gholston sometimes takes plays off, but playing in a 3-4 he will flourish as an elite pass rusher, especially with Kris Jenkins eating (literally) double teams all game long. Gholston in a 3-4 is a nightmare for opposing QB's.

#7. New England Patriots - DB Dominqiue Rodgers-Cromartie, Teneessee State

You do not pass up on a physical specimine like DRC. He is rising like no other in this years draft, and the fact is, while raw, a student of the game like BB will make him a legit player. At 6'1", 185 lbs and running a 4.3 forty, he is never out of a play.

#8. Baltimore Ravens -DB Leodis McKelvin, Troy

Everyone knows the offensive problems in Baltimore, but last year the Ravens D was horrible. They have holes everywhere and McKelvin, a top flight DB falls into their lap. No one else here makes sense offensivley if Matt Ryan is off the board, and though I think McKelvin could be a big bust, he has a buzz about him that will make him one of the two top DB's taken.

#9. Cincinnati Bengals - DT Sedrick Ellis, USC

Marvin Lewis needs a space eater on that D, and with their trade for Shaun Rogers falling through they take a shot on a Sedrick Ellis. Ellis can be a player in this league and he'll get every shot anchroing the Bengals DL. May not be best suited to be a NT in this league but the potential is too much to ignore.

#10. New Orleans Saints -LB Keith Rivers, USC

The Saints hope Cromartie or McKelvin are available but chances are they won't be, so the next best option is to pick up an LB to play next to newly acquired Jonathan Vilma. Glenn Dorsey is an option, but Rivers is the safer pick.

#11. Buffalo Bills - WR Malcom Kelly, Oklahoma

Kelly is the best WR in this draft and the Bills absolutely need someone to take the pressure off Lee Evans. Kelly will be in a great position where he won't be looked at as a #1, and will provide Trent Edwards even more help at the skill positions. Before trading for Marcus Stroud today, I would've said Dorsey here, but not Kelly becomes their top guy.

#12. Denver Broncos - DT Glenn Dorsey, LSU

Bronco fans rejoice. After being involved in every discussion for an available DT so far this off season, they get a gift in Glenn Dorsey. If healthy, Dorsey is a stud, and this team needs a stud, or at least a contributor on their front seven. This will be a coup for their team.

#13. Carolina Panthers - OT Chris Williams, Vanderbilt

Travelle Wharton is not an OT. So, the Panthers move him inside where he is suited and pick up a solid OT in Chris Williams. Williams can run their zone block schemes and should allow for Gross to be an effective RT.

#14. Chicago Bears - RB Rashard Mendenhall, Illinois

I am not a believer in hometown guys playing for their hometown teams as first round picks because it's a lot of pressure, but in this case, the best (in my opinion) RB in the draft stays home and gives them a much better alternative then Captain Blue Balls, Cedric Benson. This is based off the fact it looks like Michael Turner is going to Hotlanta.

#15. Detroit Lions - RB Jonathan Stewart, Oregon

The Lions still have plenty of holes elsewhere, but they're a running team now, and Jonathan Stewart is a bruiser who fits their power run game attack perfectly. OT would make sense here, but you don't pass up a potential franchise RB for whats left of a weak OT class.

#16. Arizona Cardinals - RB Felix Jones, Arkansas

The hat trick of RB's finishes out with Felix Jones going out West. It's apparently Ken Whisenhunt still wants to run and the Edge is only getting older. This is a pick they have to make eventually, and the first round RB's this year are a deep group.

#17. Minnesota Vikings - DE Philip Merling, Clemson

Merling is a nice edge rusher coming to a team who needs one. With the unfortunate events with Udezi and the fact Erasmus James hasn't panned out, they need a pass rusher desperatley. If Brad Childress wants to keep his job he needs to win this year and Merling is a start to that.

#18. Houston Texans - DB Mike Jenkins, USF

The Texans D is getting there, but the unfortunate ACL injury near the years end to Dunta Robinson makes their secondary even weaker then it was. Jenkins is a solid cover corner who can be a #1 once he developes, it just may happen quicker then anyone thought if Robinson isn't ready to go in September.

#19. Philadelphia Eagles - WR Devin Thomas, Michigan State

Thomas is a stud, and I hate the Spartans. He helped himself more then any other WR at the Combine, and has good mix of size and speed. McNabb has gotten playmakers in defense in FA (Samuels, Clemons) and now he adds a WR to compliment Westbrook and Curtis.

#20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - WR DeSean Jackson, Cal

Tampa needs help offensivley and they never have had a return game. DeSean Jackson provides both. His size lacks but Joey Galloway is an ideal mentor as a fully developed Jackson will be very reminissicent of Joey Galloway himself.

#21. Washington Redskins - DE Derek Harvey, Florida

The Skins need an edge rusher and Harvey is the best available. They couldn't sack the QB to save their lives last year and they won't compete for the playoffs in an even more loader NFC East without a D that can bring a rush.

#22. Dallas Cowboys - CB Brandon Flowers, Virginia Tech

The Boys need WR and CB's but the WR's available at 22 don't have the same talent as the CB available here in Brandon Flowers. Flowers gives me a replacement over Henry and should allow for a better back four then they've had in a while.

#23. Pittsburgh Steelers - OT Jeff Otah, Pitt

Again I do the thing I hate, bringing the hometown kid to the hometown team, but the Steelers need to beef up their OL and Otah is the best OT left on the board. His combine has caused his stock to fall but he was apparently hurt during it. His pro day will determine if he moves up or falls out of the first totally. Still as of right now he makes perfect sense for the Steelers.

#24. Tennessee Titans - WR Early Doucet, LSU

The Titans need playmakers at WR for Vince Young. Some may go for Limas Sweed here but Early Doucet is the more polished WR and compliments Vince better. He can go across the field and make plays after the catch. VY will probably be a guy to beat people deep, but the intermediate routes are where he'll prove his worth and that is where Doucet will shine.

#25. Seattle Seahawks - G Brandon Albert, Virginia

Seattle has had a big hole on the inside of their line since Hutchinson went to the Vikings, and Albert is probably the best interior guard of the draft, though I don't think that says too much. He could be a solid pro, but this is a pick out of need, not so much a pick of the best available player.

#26. Jacksonville Jaguars - DE/LB Quentin Groves, Auburn

Groves is a kid who could be a top 20 pick by the time the draft rolls around. He is big and fast and a versatile player. The Jaguars addressed WR needs in the off season with Williamson and Porter, and now with the loss of Stroud, although he is a DT, they need to sure up that defense, and a guy like Groves helps them on multiple levels.

#27. San Diego Chargers - FS Kenny Phillips, Miami

The Chargers can take best player available and manage to fix a need in one pick. They have arguably the best pair of DB's in the league, and now you add a ballhawking FS who isn't afraid to lay a lick in the middle of the field. Phillips is the best FS in a weak overall safety class and should provide another threat to overcome for opposing offenses.

#28. Dallas Cowboys - WR Limas Sweed, Texas

The Cowboys get the best WR available and settle a glaring need opposite Terrell Owens. He's a hometown kid (I'm really f'ing myself here considering my stance on this) who has good size and speed and should be a solid #2 in the NFL to start his career.

#29. San Francisco 49'ers - WR James Hardy, Indiana

A pick of need, and another WR to go in the first round, with Mike Martz in town this team is in desperate need of playmakers on the outside, and their current group will not cut it. Hardy produced his entire career at Indiana and should be able to make some plays for Alex Smith, who needs a big year this year to shead the "bust" label that is sure to become much bigger on him if he fails.

#30. Green Bay Packers - DE Calias Campbell, Miami

The Packers need some depth on their DL, and have been targeting the Phins Jason Taylor. Assuming they can't land him, Campbell makes sense here. He needs time to get into better shape, but he can be part of a rotation in Lambeau his first season, then be counted on to start in year two or three.

#31. New England Patriots - Pick forfeited

#32. New York Giants - CB Aqib Talib, Kansas

With Gibril Wilson in Oaktown, the Giants secondary needs a lift, and Aqib Talib provides it. This move allows Corey Webster to slide over to safety and Talib plays opposite Aaron Ross to give the Giants a young secondary full of potential. And with that Giants pass rush, Talib should have an easier time adjusting to the NFL then any other DB taken to this point.

[Chief Rum]

I might comment more later on, but I'll say this right now: no way Long goes #1. No way Dorsey goes #12.

I like the fits on some of the other top picks, but Long getting picked lower (probably by the Chiefs) and Dorsey higher (probably ahead of Long) changes everything.

[Chief Rum]

Ahem...Jake Long (stupid too many Longs...)

[DeToxRox]

Originally Posted by Chief Rum

I might comment more later on, but I'll say this right now: no way Long goes #1. No way Dorsey goes #12.

I like the fits on some of the other top picks, but Long getting picked lower (probably by the Chiefs) and Dorsey higher (probably ahead of Long) changes everything.

Miami has signed everyone under the sun so far and still hasn't addressed the OL. As draft day rolls around they'll still have an awful OL. As far as Dorsey, I think hes this years big time guy who drops. Injury concerns for a DT who will be making huge garaunteed money is a death sentence for his stock.

[ice4277]

I think Dorsey will go much, much higher than 12, but I also think that he is the prime candidate to be The Bust of 2008.

[Chief Rum]

Originally Posted by DeToxRox

Miami has signed everyone under the sun so far and still hasn't addressed the OL. As draft day rolls around they'll still have an awful OL. As far as Dorsey, I think hes this years big time guy who drops. Injury concerns for a DT who will be making huge garaunteed money is a death sentence for his stock.

Hmm, I think you're forgetting two things.

1) Long isn't a #1 overall talent. Parcells doesn't do reaches. He'll trade out or take the best available player, and find another way to go with the OL.

2) Dominating DTs are hard to get, even with injury issues. The potential will far outweigh the risk in the minds of scouts and GMs.

[Chief Rum]

Originally Posted by ice4277

I think Dorsey will go much, much higher than 12, but I also think that he is the prime candidate to be The Bust of 2008.

Yup, I would agree with this. DeTox is likely right that injury issues will be the bane of Dorsey--but it won't affect his draft status. It rarely does with great DT prospects. They're just too rare.

[albionmoonlight]

I have no idea if Dorsey will bust or not. But I do know that if the Saints, who have a slight need at DT, pass on a DT from LSU who was once considered the top pick in the draft, then their local fans will be . . . unhappy.

[Lathum]

I think it unlikely Miami trades out. there just isn't the clear cut stud that someone has to have to pay #1 money to and sacrifice deapth.

I think it is much more likely given Parcell's history Matt Ryan goes #1.

[Travis]

Just to touch on the Seahawks pick, as of right now I'd fully expect them to go TE in round 1 (possibly even if they're able to sign Crumpler). With the signing of Wahle (to play LG), Sims will move to RG and they have a couple younger guys they want to give a long look at training camp. There's a lot of talk they're hoping to pick up a solid C/G type veteran for depth and while I think they'll definitely draft at least one offensive lineman this year, if it's going to be in the first 3 rounds, it's much more likely to be a tackle (to either replace Jones in a couple years or assume the RT duties if Locklear switches over to LT at that time).

[MizzouRah]

Good, I hope the Rams get Jake Long instead of Miami.

[Radii]

I don't follow this too closely until draft time, is Brohm really falling out of the first round?

[Atocep]

Originally Posted by Radii

I don't follow this too closely until draft time, is Brohm really falling out of the first round?

From what I'm reading most teams are giving him a 2nd round grade (a few even lower) and have dropped him below Flacco on their boards. There's still a chance someone could trade up into the lower half of the 1st to grab him, but its looking more and more like he falls out of round 1.

His individual workout might save him, but its unlikely that he goes in the top 20 or so picks.

[Radii]

Interesting, thanks

[Honolulu_Blue]

Good stuff as always, DeTox.

You really think the Lions go offense over defense... again?

[DeToxRox]

Originally Posted by Honolulu_Blue

Good stuff as always, DeTox.

You really think the Lions go offense over defense... again?

Yes I do, ha. Millen came out in that interview last week and the first thing he said when asked about weaknesses was at RB. Add in they want to bring back Bell and Duckett, but Bell seems gone and TJ seems upset they're not offering right now, they could miss both guys, and plus KJ is no set thing at RB coming off an ACL and Lisfranc.

[JPhillips]

It would be a dream come true for both Dorsey and Ellis to be available for the Bengals.

[Schmidty]

Lions go defense 1st round. Period.

There are too many good CBs in the draft, and RB can be filled later, especially since the Lions have 2 third rounders now.

Also, OLB Rivers would be an automatic pick if he fell.

[DeToxRox]

Originally Posted by Schmidty

Lions go defense 1st round. Period.

There are too many good CBs in the draft, and RB can be filled later, especially since the Lions have 2 third rounders now.

Also, OLB Rivers would be an automatic pick if he fell.

You're preaching to the chior, but you're like HB and I, Schmidty, a Lions fan, and we know that just isn't Millens MO.

[Raiders Army]

No way Raiders take McFadden. They'll take Dorsey or Ellis if Jake Long is gone.

[DeToxRox]

Originally Posted by Raiders Army

No way Raiders take McFadden. They'll take Dorsey or Ellis if Jake Long is gone.

If Kiffin had a say in personnell moves I'd say you're 100% right. But again, Al Davis won't pass on freak athletes.

[korme]

Originally Posted by JPhillips

It would be a dream come true for both Dorsey and Ellis to be available for the Bengals.

So we could have a chance to pick the wrong one??? NO!!!

[DeToxRox]

Originally Posted by Travis

Just to touch on the Seahawks pick, as of right now I'd fully expect them to go TE in round 1 (possibly even if they're able to sign Crumpler). With the signing of Wahle (to play LG), Sims will move to RG and they have a couple younger guys they want to give a long look at training camp. There's a lot of talk they're hoping to pick up a solid C/G type veteran for depth and while I think they'll definitely draft at least one offensive lineman this year, if it's going to be in the first 3 rounds, it's much more likely to be a tackle (to either replace Jones in a couple years or assume the RT duties if Locklear switches over to LT at that time).

I can see that, but right now there are no TE worth burning a first rounder on.

[jbergey22]

I am hoping the Vikings trade a 2nd and 3rd for Jason Taylor and then take Brian Brohm in the first round. I am not certain why Brohm's draft status have been falling but he seems the most NFL ready QB in this years draft. Have scouts not been impressed with his arm strength?

[johnnyshaka]

Originally Posted by Travis

Just to touch on the Seahawks pick, as of right now I'd fully expect them to go TE in round 1 (possibly even if they're able to sign Crumpler). With the signing of Wahle (to play LG), Sims will move to RG and they have a couple younger guys they want to give a long look at training camp. There's a lot of talk they're hoping to pick up a solid C/G type veteran for depth and while I think they'll definitely draft at least one offensive lineman this year, if it's going to be in the first 3 rounds, it's much more likely to be a tackle (to either replace Jones in a couple years or assume the RT duties if Locklear switches over to LT at that time).

Crumpler just signed with the Titans.

[Travis]

Originally Posted by johnnyshaka

Crumpler just signed with the Titans.

Yeah, just reading about that. Guessing at this point the Seahawks may even take a pair of TE's in the draft.

[Dunleavy]

or not

CRUMPLER'S AGENT DENIES REPORT OF TITANIC DEAL

In response to a report that tight end Alge Crumpler has agreed to terms with the Tennessee Titans, Crumpler's agent denied that a deal is done.

''Where did you see that report?" agent James Williams told TitansRadio.com. "We talked on Sunday, lets put it that way. He has not signed a contract nor agreed to anything.''

[Travis]

Originally Posted by Dunleavy

or not

Be interesting to see what happens tomorrow. Something odd going on in this situation for sure.

[Galaxy]

Talib going with the last pick in the first round? Isn't he projected to be the top corner taken, and a top ten pick?

[sterlingice]

Originally Posted by Galaxy

Talib going with the last pick in the first round? Isn't he projected to be the top corner taken, and a top ten pick?

That seems awfully high to me. I thought he was more of a 20-30ish sort of guy, late first round.

SI

[bhlloy]

Originally Posted by DeToxRox

I can see that, but right now there are no TE worth burning a first rounder on.

This depends on whether you want an all-around guy or just a receiver. Fred Davis is the best receiving tight end to come out for a couple of years, and seeing what the Chargers do with Gates and Manumaleuna coming in as the blocking TE, I think he is definitely worth a first round pick, especially for the Seahawks who have such a glaring need. The only other TE that is close to a sure thing is Carlson, and neither he or Davis will be around in the second for the Seahawks unless they trade up.

[Tigercat]

With Vilma now in the fold Saints NEED another average or better DT to protect him. DT is the #1 need for the team right now.

Little chance, IMO of course, the Saints pass up on Dorsey or Ellis to pick Rivers.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by DeToxRox

Yes I do, ha. Millen came out in that interview last week and the first thing he said when asked about weaknesses was at RB. Add in they want to bring back Bell and Duckett, but Bell seems gone and TJ seems upset they're not offering right now, they could miss both guys, and plus KJ is no set thing at RB coming off an ACL and Lisfranc.

I could certainly see it. Millen can't seem to pass up potential offensive weapons.

[st.cronin]

I agree there is no way Jake Long goes #1 - he may not even be the first offensive lineman taken. But about Dorsey, the injury concerns around him are not typical, and he could fall quite a ways.

[Butter]

Maybe the Bengals can take Dorsey and play him in Detroit in the 1st preseason game....

[johnnyshaka]

Great read, DTR.

The Eagles have needed a WR for a long time now and have never taken one in the first round and I doubt they'll do it this year, either.

They are getting long in the tooth on the O-line and we all know that Reid loves to take big guys...so, I think he'll stick to that mantra yet again.

He will address WR at some point but probably not until the 2nd round, and maybe even later. Heck, Devin Thomas could be still there when they pick in the 2nd round...who knows?

[bulletsponge]

so.. the Vikings are STILL trying to fill the DE hole thats been there for over a decade

[Mustang]

If the Packers take a DL in round 1 it won't be because they need depth. I still think CB/OL is the way they would go. If Talib happened to be on the board at 30, I'd say this would be the pick. (I don't think that will happen though)