st.cronin's mock nfl draft thread

[st.cronin]

I put this together this morning, just goofing around on a bunch of sites. I used the draft order projected by footballfrontier. I made some assumptions about which underclassmen are coming out, and I may have made some mistakes there - I'm not up on all the news about that.


1. Miami - Chris Long, DE, Virginia - I don't know if Miami would prefer Long or Dorsey. I think the consensus is that Dorsey is the better fit, but Long is the better talent.

2. Atlanta - Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas - Most mock drafts have Atlanta looking for a QB here, but I think McFadden goes to the first team where it makes any sense.

3. St. Louis - Jake Long, OT, Michigan - Their offensive line is pitiful.

4. New England - James Laurinaitis, LB, Ohio State - I assume they will try to trade this pick, but if they hold onto it, LB is their biggest need. I could also see them picking Dorsey or DeSean Jackson here.

5. Kansas City - Sam Baker, OT, USC - Another team with a very bad offensive line.

6. Oakland - Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU - I'm not really sure what Oakland's biggest needs would be, so Dorsey goes here as BAP.

6. New York Jets - Calais Campbell, DE, Miami - Seems like a good combination of need/ability.

8. Baltimore - Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College - They've been dicking around with Kyle Boller for years now, its time to move on.

9. Cincinnati - Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State - Like the Raiders, I'm not really clear what Cincinatti needs most. I think Gholston is a versatile player, like Junior Seau maybe.

10. Denver - Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State - I think Denver is likely to go DB with their first pick.

11. Carolina - Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville - I think Brohm will be the best QB in this class.

12. Chicago - Andre Woodson, QB, Kentucky - I think Woodson will be a disappointment. But the Bears obviously need a QB. They may need to trade up - I can see them trading with the Pats, and grabbing Matt Ryan.

13. New Orleans - Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas - Like Denver, DB is their biggest need.

14. Houston - Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida - BAP pick.

15. Detroit - Gosder Cherilus, OT, BC - I feel like O-line is their biggest problem.

16. Washington - Kenny Phillips, S, Miami - Actually, Phillips is likely to go earlier.

17. Arizona - Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona - I think Cason was considered a top 15 pick a year ago, but stayed in school.

18. Buffalo - DeSean Jackson, WR, California - He'll probably go earlier.

19. Philadelphia - Early Doucet III, WR, LSU - Philly's an old team with a lot of needs.

20. Tennessee - Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma - Titans may want to trade up to try to get DeSean Jackson.

21. New York Giants - Dan Connor, LB, Penn State - Who knows what the Giants will do.

22. Minnesota - James Hardy, WR, Indiana

23. Seattle - Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC - Ellis should probably go earlier, too. A lot of analysts think Seattle ends up with Rashard Mendenhall.

24. Dallas - Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida - I think Jenkins is going to be great, this would be a steal for Dallas.

25. Tampa Bay - Joe Flacco, QB, Delaware - Flacco's star is rising, I think he ends up in the first round, taken by somebody.

26. Pittsburgh - Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon - Not sure this makes a lot of sense, but their top RB did just break his leg.

27. San Diego - Frank Okam, DT, Texas

28. Jacksonville - Adarius Bowman, WR, Oklahoma State - Looks to be a deep draft for WR's.

29. Green Bay - Quentin Groves, DE, Auburn - BAP pick.

30. Dallas - Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois

31. San Francisco - Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas

[RomaGoth]

21. New York Giants - Dan Connor, LB, Penn State - Who knows what the Giants will do.

They need to draft a QB. Eli Manning SUCKS.

[ArlingtonColt]

I bet Sweed gets drafted before alot of those Wr's.

[st.cronin]

I bet Sweed gets drafted before alot of those Wr's.

Possibly. It seems like there's a lot of good wr's in this class, its kind of hard to tell who ranks higher at this point.

[RomaGoth]

Miami should trade down for more picks. If they can't get that done, they should take either Long or McFadden. McFadden would be a great choice if Ronnie Brown is slow to come back. Either way, I would stay away from Dorsey.

[DeToxRox]

I think this is the weakest QB draft in a long, long time.

[Passacaglia]

On first read, I thought this was called st.cronin's mock the nfl draft thread. That would have been way cooler.

[st.cronin]

I think Miami is going to have a hard time trading down.

[st.cronin]

On first read, I thought this was called st.cronin's mock the nfl draft thread. That would have been way cooler.

I don't aim for cool.

[larrymcg421]

Miami should trade down for more picks. If they can't get that done, they should take either Long or McFadden. McFadden would be a great choice if Ronnie Brown is slow to come back. Either way, I would stay away from Dorsey.

Are you kidding? McFadden is the last player Miami needs. Even when Brown was out, Chatman was running it pretty well. No reason we should pass up Long or Dorsey unless we get a great deal.

[Travis]

I really hope you're wrong about the direction the Seahawks go. With Mebane, Bernard, Terrill and hopefully Tubbs in line to form their DT rotation next year, I'd much rather see them go G/T, TE or RB with that first rounder (bump RB up if they cut ties with Alexander). That said, until I can find out more on how Tubbs' health is coming along, hard to find too much wrong with it.

[st.cronin]

At this point, the only team I see trading up is Chicago (since they may end up just out of reach of whichever QB they like), or some team that falls in love with DeSean Jackson. But that's not going to be somebody trading for the #1 pick - that just doesn't seem to make sense for anybody.

[st.cronin]

I really hope you're wrong about the direction the Seahawks go. With Mebane, Bernard, Terrill and hopefully Tubbs in line to form their DT rotation next year, I'd much rather see them go G/T, TE or RB with that first rounder (bump RB up if they cut ties with Alexander). That said, until I can find out more on how Tubbs' health is coming along, hard to find too much wrong with it.

That's a good point - USC's Fred Davis may make some sense for them.

[DanGarion]

Talking about Fred Davis, I could see him sneak in to top 20 he's the best TE out there and has been an asset nearly every season he has played at USC.

[RomaGoth]

Are you kidding? McFadden is the last player Miami needs. Even when Brown was out, Chatman was running it pretty well. No reason we should pass up Long or Dorsey unless we get a great deal.

Miami has so many holes to fill that it is easier to say what they don't need. Vernon Carey, Ronnie Brown, Satele, Channing Crowder are the only players that are really worth anything going forward. If Brown doesn't come back well from that injury, then they don't even have a running game. Crowder is decent but not overly fast. Jason Taylor is 35, Zach Thomas is older too. They need a complete overhaul of the entire defense and most of the offense. Take McFadden. Then if Brown is ok, trade McFadden for some picks in 2008 or for some other help. Yes, you bite the bullet on the bonus, but you can potentially get some decent return on him, or at the very least have a nice insurance policy. Maybe another scenario is you trade Ronnie Brown and keep McFadden.

Now, assuming you don't take McFadden in the first round, maybe you take Long. He is a good choice as well. Jason Taylor can be his mentor for another year or 2 before Taylor goes bye-bye. They need a future QB as well, but I would not take one in the first round this year, there are no Peyton Manning's or Carson Palmer's. Brohm may be good, but he is not in the same class as Manning. Maybe they can uncover someone like the Patriots did with Brady, or the Cowboys did with Romo....

[rkmsuf]

Take McFadden. Then if Brown is ok, trade McFadden for some picks in 2008 or for some other help. Yes, you bite the bullet on the bonus, but you can potentially get some decent return on him

has this ever happened in the history of the modern NFL?

go dolphins!

[TroyF]

Denvers biggest needs in order: LB, DL, S

I can't see them taking a CB with their first pick.


You are looking at a team that can't stop the run unless they put 8 men into the box. John Lynch is about 80. And he's the guy they bring into the box. Yes, Champ and Dre are aging and we'll need to address that at some point. But no CB comes in and beats either of those two out. We need immediate help.

Of your list, that could mean Phillips at S. It could aslo mean a trade down if a LB or DL that they want isn't there or a trade up to get the LB or DE they need. If they go CB, I'll be very, very dissapointed.

[RomaGoth]

has this ever happened in the history of the modern NFL?

go dolphins!

I believe the Saints did something similar with Ricky Williams when they traded him to Miami after drafting Deuce McCallister.

[rkmsuf]

I believe the Saints did something similar with Ricky Williams when they traded him to Miami after drafting Deuce McCallister.

Not after one season. Don't you mean trade Brown then?

[Karlifornia]

If the Niners take a running back with their first pick, I will be sad. The 49ers need DL, WR, OL, Safties, QB

[st.cronin]

Denvers biggest needs in order: LB, DL, S

I can't see them taking a CB with their first pick.


You are looking at a team that can't stop the run unless they put 8 men into the box. John Lynch is about 80. And he's the guy they bring into the box. Yes, Champ and Dre are aging and we'll need to address that at some point. But no CB comes in and beats either of those two out. We need immediate help.

Of your list, that could mean Phillips at S. It could aslo mean a trade down if a LB or DL that they want isn't there or a trade up to get the LB or DE they need. If they go CB, I'll be very, very dissapointed.

Actually, Sedrick Ellis makes a lot of sense for Denver at that spot. Dunno why I have them going CB. If I do another one of these I'll probably have Denver going DL.

[timmynausea]

I think this is the weakest QB draft in a long, long time.

This class has to be better than 2005 class with 1st round picks Alex Smith, Aaron Rodgers and Jason Campbell.

[DeToxRox]

This class has to be better than 2005 class with 1st round picks Alex Smith, Aaron Rodgers and Jason Campbell.

Very true. I'd say though that if any class can rival that one, it would be this years.

[Karlifornia]

This class has to be better than 2005 class with 1st round picks Alex Smith, Aaron Rodgers and Jason Campbell.

I actually think that Aaron Rodgers could still be very good, once the dinosaur gets out of the way.

[DeToxRox]

I actually think that Aaron Rodgers could still be very good, once the dinosaur gets out of the way.

Remember when you had faith in Smith?

[Karlifornia]

Remember when you had faith in Smith?

Remember when the Lions were gonna win 10 games?

[DeToxRox]

Remember when the Lions were gonna win 10 games?

Nope.

[Lathum]

They need to draft a QB. Eli Manning SUCKS.

Eli doesn't suck.

Coming into the league he had unrealistic expectations.

Is he a top 5 QB, no. But he is in the top 10-15 range and his team has made the playoffs the last 2 years. They are 9-5 this year and look to make the playoffs again. Not really sure what more you want. Put Eli on the Bears last year and they win the superbowl.

I watch every Giants game and Eli has progressed well this year with a suspect running game and his top receiver unable to practice.

[Karlifornia]

Nope.

Come on. You didn't get excited at all when they started out 6-2 or whatever?

[DeToxRox]

Come on. You didn't get excited at all when they started out 6-2 or whatever?

Honestly, no. The two losses were by 60 points against non playoff teams and the six wins were against one playoff team, and that team (Vikings) didn't come on until just now.

Their second half of the schedule was toughest in football.

[RomaGoth]

Eli doesn't suck.

Coming into the league he had unrealistic expectations.

Is he a top 5 QB, no. But he is in the top 10-15 range and his team has made the playoffs the last 2 years. They are 9-5 this year and look to make the playoffs again. Not really sure what more you want. Put Eli on the Bears last year and they win the superbowl.

I watch every Giants game and Eli has progressed well this year with a suspect running game and his top receiver unable to practice.

I must disagree with you on that one. He makes nearly as many mistakes as Grossman. He has a nice upside, but with Chicago he would not have the offense he has with the Giants. I would take Plaxico Burress over Bernard Berrian, and neither team really has a decent running back. Either way, it is a moot point. The jury is still out on Eli, but he is definately no Peyton.

[Lathum]

I must disagree with you on that one. He makes nearly as many mistakes as Grossman. He has a nice upside, but with Chicago he would not have the offense he has with the Giants. I would take Plaxico Burress over Bernard Berrian, and neither team really has a decent running back. Either way, it is a moot point. The jury is still out on Eli, but he is definately no Peyton.

Again, another tired, played out argument.

Of course he isn't Peyton, who is??

Before you said he sucks and now you are saying the jury is still out, which one is it?

[DeToxRox]

Eli is very marginal NFL QB. So far this year he's thrown for 2 + TD's four times. One of those games he threw 4, week 1 vs Dallas. The other three he threw two in and all those games were in a row.

He's had four games over 60% completion and only two 300 yard passing games. In all of the games so far he's attempted 25 + passes minus one. He shows no signs of consistency at all and this belegaured run game you speak of is 6th in the NFL.

So to say Eli would've won a SB on the Bears is beyond asinine because you can't in your right mind tell me which Eli would've shown up.

[Neuqua]

If it was a matter of picking Eli or Rex, I have no idea which one I would take to QB my team. I don't think Eli is necessarily the better player.

[MJ4H]

I may jump in front of a bus if Atlanta gets McFadden.

[Raiders Army]

Of course he isn't Peyton, who is??
That guy who wears number 18 for the Colts?

[Raiders Army]

It's interesting to me the ability to build a team through the draft and FA. On one end of the spectrum you have teams which draft the best player available and tailor that offense/defense around the players. On the other end of the spectrum you have a coaching staff that looks for their "system" players.

Other criteria would include:
1. Cost of the FA/place where you draft a rookie
2. Age of the player
3. Injury history
4. Locker room influence
5. Potential of the player

Hmmm...that sounds a lot like the criteria for picking players in FOF. ;)

Anyhow, the teams that I see building their teams through FA and the draft successfully are the Patriots, Steelers, Eagles, Broncos, and to a lesser extent the Saints. The common thread throughout all of these teams is that their coaching staff has for the most part remained intact and found a happy medium between picking the best player available and formulating an offense/defense for certain players. In other words, when the Patriots identified the need for good WRs, they picked up Welker and Moss and then adjusted their offense to fit them more. Last year the Saints did really well in picking the best (perceived) available player in Bush and used him well.

[Huckleberry]

What is the possibility that San Francisco gets the better Razorback running back (as a pro) from the New England trade in st.cronin's mock draft?

edit - Misread on my part. Point remains in the event New England somehow gets McFadden (I know, unreasonable with Maroney) while San Francisco takes Jones.

Felix Jones has put up filthy numbers his entire career at Arkansas.

Consistently higher YPC than McFadden, better kickoff return productivity than McFadden.

This isn't to knock McFadden at all. He's a great player. But Jones at the end of the first round would be a steal.

[Abe Sargent]

I put this together this morning, just goofing around on a bunch of sites. I used the draft order projected by footballfrontier. I made some assumptions about which underclassmen are coming out, and I may have made some mistakes there - I'm not up on all the news about that.



28. Jacksonville - Adarius Bowman, WR, Oklahoma State - Looks to be a deep draft for WR's.



I guarantee you that the Jags aren't going WR this year. Their offense has improved to its best year since Brunell left and their defense is having among its worst. I suspect you'll see defense here, not offense. Especially when the franchise invested top picks in Reggie Williams, Matt Jones and Marcedes Lewis and hasn't gotten much out of those investments yet.

-Abe

[stevew]

I'd be fine with the Steelers taking that RB there, especially if there is no Tackle talent left. Although, I think it would be a questionable decision since the rookie RB would be making similar money to Parker. I think they'll go OL no matter what though, or possibly WR depending on if a guy slides.

[14ers]

I do not see QB Colt Brennan slipping to the second round, barring an arrest of some kind.

[BishopMVP]

LB makes sense for NE, but I think #4 is too high for Laurinitis. McFadden or Long are the two top talents that make sense IMO. I like Dorsey, but we already have great depth at DL if we play the 3-4 going forward. We only need a WR if Moss leaves, but we'd need a big receiever and DeSean Jackson is similar to Stallworth or Chad Jackson (and I think the Jackson and Bethel Johnson experiences have soured them on drafting WR's.)What is the possibility that San Francisco gets the better Razorback running back (as a pro) from the New England trade in st.cronin's mock draft?

edit - Misread on my part. Point remains in the event New England somehow gets McFadden (I know, unreasonable with Maroney) while San Francisco takes Jones.

Felix Jones has put up filthy numbers his entire career at Arkansas.

Consistently higher YPC than McFadden, better kickoff return productivity than McFadden.

This isn't to knock McFadden at all. He's a great player. But Jones at the end of the first round would be a steal.I like Felix Jones, but watching that offense you can see McFadden is the better RB. They would line up McFadden either in shotgun or at TB and set Jones in motion from a WR position. A big part of the reason why Jones YPC was so much higher was he was getting the ball already running to the outside while defenses were forced to keep 7/8 in the box to respect McFadden. McFadden was able to go up the middle against the teeth of SEC defenses and break through them while Jones was generally using his speed on the outside, which doesn't translate as well to the NFL. If anything, I think McFadden is a better prospect than Adrian Peterson because of Peterson's running style leading to injuries.

[Cringer]

Wow, I was expecting Jas_lov to have been in here already with a take on the Packers that I would have to correct. ;)

I won't comment on the Packers really. You get that low in the first round and it's a total guess at this point and even though I was going to say they would not go DE there, I won't say it. Ted Thompson is bigtime on the BAP, which is why they took a DT this last year when everyone was screaming for a WR/RB. This bastard has been so good at this crap it is almost starting to piss me off because I wanted to hate him really bad.

[JPhillips]

I don't think Gholston is a good fit for Cincy even if they let Justin Smith walk. I'd prefer them take a DT and they should have enough picks this year that they can afford to move up and get Dorsey if he's available after the top five. If they can't get Dorsey I hope that Laurinaitis drops to them.

They seemingly have to pick a DT or LB.

[jbergey22]

I dont see the Vikings taking a WR in the first round this year. I would speculate they will be looking at a S, maybe some OL depth, or QB. Sidney Rice looks like he will turn out ok and I think the Vikings are sick of gambling on 1st round WR's.

[Thomkal]

Interesting list Cronin. Not sure I agree with the Cards pick. Dare I say the Cards secondary actually looked good at points this year with Wilson, Rolle, Hood and others. I think they need to go RB here. I love "Edge" but he's never going to be any better than he is now, which isn't enough. I could also see them going LB or O-line with the pick.

[Thomkal]

Oh and if Brohm fell to Carolina there would be much rejoicing in the Carolinas. Matt Moore may make them think twice about taking a QB in the first round though. They have to find somebody who can play opposite Smith at WR, decide if either of their RB's are the real deal or not, and get better on both lines and the secondary.

[JeeberD]

Jerry's gonna trade the farm to get McFadden...

[bulletsponge]

Jerry's gonna trade the farm to get McFadden...

ya think so?

[Suburban Rhythm]

I'd be fine with the Steelers taking that RB there, especially if there is no Tackle talent left. Although, I think it would be a questionable decision since the rookie RB would be making similar money to Parker. I think they'll go OL no matter what though, or possibly WR depending on if a guy slides.

Agree with you they should go OL. I don't think there is anyway they look at a RB. A broken bone is different than if Parker had torn up his knee. Parker has low mileage on him at this point too.

Only other spot I could see is another LB--can never have too many, and they really have no depth on the inside. Farrior will be 33. Slim, outside chance at a DB.

But...OL should be the call. Preferably someone who can play C, RG and RT all at the same time.

[Logan]

I like Felix Jones, but watching that offense you can see McFadden is the better RB. They would line up McFadden either in shotgun or at TB and set Jones in motion from a WR position. A big part of the reason why Jones YPC was so much higher was he was getting the ball already running to the outside while defenses were forced to keep 7/8 in the box to respect McFadden. McFadden was able to go up the middle against the teeth of SEC defenses and break through them while Jones was generally using his speed on the outside, which doesn't translate as well to the NFL. If anything, I think McFadden is a better prospect than Adrian Peterson because of Peterson's running style leading to injuries.

I didn't see every Arkansas snap, but for me, the most telling point is that when they needed to convert two crucial plays against LSU (one was a 3rd and 4, and I believe the other was a 4th and 1), Felix Jones was the one in the backfield, and McFadden was on the bench. He converted both fairly easily.

I don't have a good read on McFadden yet, but I think Jones could be a great RB in the NFL.

[Logan]

I like Felix Jones, but watching that offense you can see McFadden is the better RB. They would line up McFadden either in shotgun or at TB and set Jones in motion from a WR position. A big part of the reason why Jones YPC was so much higher was he was getting the ball already running to the outside while defenses were forced to keep 7/8 in the box to respect McFadden. McFadden was able to go up the middle against the teeth of SEC defenses and break through them while Jones was generally using his speed on the outside, which doesn't translate as well to the NFL. If anything, I think McFadden is a better prospect than Adrian Peterson because of Peterson's running style leading to injuries.

I didn't see every Arkansas snap, but for me, the most telling point is that when they needed to convert two crucial plays against LSU (one was a 3rd and 4, and I believe the other was a 4th and 1), Felix Jones was the one in the backfield, and McFadden was on the bench. He converted both fairly easily.

I don't have a good read on McFadden yet, but I think Jones could be a great RB in the NFL.

[MJ4H]

He could be, but McFadden is fairly obviously the superior back. This coming from someone that has seen every snap they've played since they arrived.

[Raiders Army]

I didn't see every Arkansas snap, but for me, the most telling point is that when they needed to convert two crucial plays against LSU (one was a 3rd and 4, and I believe the other was a 4th and 1), Felix Jones was the one in the backfield, and McFadden was on the bench. He converted both fairly easily.

I don't have a good read on McFadden yet, but I think Jones could be a great RB in the NFL.

You can say that again. Anyhow, this reminds me of Reggie Bush.

[RPI-Fan]

Haven't read the replies, but no way Houston goes DL -- that's been their strength this year.

[14ers]

Only other spot I could see is another LB--can never have too many, and they really have no depth on the inside. Farrior will be 33.

What are you talkin about?

1) The way LEbeau's 3-4 defense has been playing lately will see Tomlin's traditional 4-3 defense come to Pittsburgh next year. No way Tomlin doesn't get his feet wet in correcting Pittsburgh defensive problems this offseason.

2) The Steelers drafted a LB in the 1st and 2nd round this year. I do not think there is anyway they draft a LB in next years draft.

[Suburban Rhythm]

What are you talkin about?

1) The way LEbeau's 3-4 defense has been playing lately will see Tomlin's traditional 4-3 defense come to Pittsburgh next year. No way Tomlin doesn't get his feet wet in correcting Pittsburgh defensive problems this offseason.

2) The Steelers drafted a LB in the 1st and 2nd round this year. I do not think there is anyway they draft a LB in next years draft.

IF they switch to a 4-3, Tampa 2 D, the Steelers have exactly 0 LBs who fit that scheme. One of those 2 LBs drafted (Woodley) is not a LB in that D. Farrior of 5 years ago, MAYBE can play the middle in the cover 2, but not today. And Haggans in gone. Even if a 3-4, Farrior is about a year away from retirement. He or Foote is out, you are starting Clint Kriewaldt.

[st.cronin]

I've made a couple of changes based on comments about different team's needs.

- Seattle - now picking a TE in the first round.
- Denver - now picking a DT in the first round. This pushes all CBs down a pick.
- Jacksonville - I still think they need a WR, but I now have them picking defense.
- Houston - now picking Jonathan Stewart.
- Pittsburgh - picking best available O-line

1. Miami - Chris Long, DE, Virginia
2. Atlanta - Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
3. St. Louis - Jake Long, OT, Michigan
4. New England - James Laurinaitis, LB, Ohio State
5. Kansas City - Sam Baker, OT, USC
6. Oakland - Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
6. NY Jets - Calais Campbell, DE, Miami
8. Baltimore - Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
9. Cincinatti - Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
10. Denver - Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State
11. Carolina - Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville
12. Chicago - Andre Woodson, QB, Kentucky
13. New Orleans - Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State
14. Houston - Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon
15. Detroit - Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College
16. Washington - Kenny Phillips, S, Miami
17. Arizona - Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas
18. Buffalo - DeSean Jackson, WR, California
19. Philadelphia - Early Doucet III, WR, LSU
20. Tennessee - Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma
21. NY Giants - Dan Connor, LB, Penn State
22. Minnesota - James Hardy, WR, Indiana
23. Seattle - Fred Davis, TE, USC
24. Dallas - Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona
25. Tampa Bay - Joe Flacco, QB, Delaware
26. Pittsburgh - Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh
27. San Diego - Frank Okam, DT, Texas
28. Jacksonville - Quentin Groves, DE, Auburn
29. Green Bay - Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida
30. Dallas - Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois
31. San Francisco - Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas

[jbergey22]

List looks great. Vikings still arent taking Hardy however:)

[Galaxy]

I still don't see Buffalo taking Jackson if Kelly is around. They need a big, sure-handed receiver. Evans and Parrish give them the deep threats.

[ISiddiqui]

You may want to change the draft order a bit too ;). San Fran seems to be winning, dropping NE to 8th pick as of right now (for one).

[st.cronin]

Did a new one tonight, after this week's games. I found this big board, which is a composite of several other ranking systems:

http://www.drafttek.com/2008players.html

This let me be a bit more systematic in my approach. I skipped over all the juniors that I thought were unlikely to come out, took my best guess as to team need, and came up with a very different mock-up:

1. Miami - Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
2. St. Louis - Jake Long, OT, Michigan
3. Atlanta - Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
4. Kansas City - Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
5. Oakland - DeSean Jackson, WR, California
6. New York Jets - Chris Long, DE, Virginia
7. Baltimore - Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State
8. New England - Quentin Groves, OLB/DE, Auburn
9. Denver - Kenny Phillips, FS, Miami
10. Carolina - Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
11. Cincinnati - Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida
12. New Orleans - Terrell Thomas, CB, USC
13. Buffalo - Keith Rivers, OLB, USC
14. Chicago - Andre' Woodson, QB, Kentucky
15. Detroit - Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida
16. Arizona - Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois
17. Houston - Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona
18. Philadelphia - James Lauranaitis, ILB, Ohio State
19. Minnesota - Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh
20. Washington - Dan Connor, LB, Penn State
21. Dallas - Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt
22. Tampa Bay - Ali Highsmith, OLB, LSU
23. Tennessee - Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
24. New York Giants - Vernon Gholston, DE/OLB, Ohio State
25. Seattle - Calais Campbell, DE, Miami
26. Pittsburgh - Xavier Adibi, OLB, Virginia Tech
27. San Diego - Sam Baker, OT, USC
28. Jacksonville - DeJuan Tribble, CB, Boston College
29. Green Bay - Simeon Castillo, FS, Alabama
30. Dallas - Early Doucet, WR, LSU
31. San Francisco - Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College

[stevew]

There's almost no way the steelers will take another OLB in the first round of this draft.

[Logan]

I also question the Niners grabbing an OT after taking Staley last year.

[ISiddiqui]

Atlanta may take either Long if he's on the board over McFadden. New coach may want to play Norwood as the starter and focus on other need positions.

[mattlanta]

Your previous mock drafts in this topic were a bit unrealistic, but your most recent one is more up-to-date with the rankings I think. There's still the Combine to go through, and that determines where a lot of players go especially Beau Bell and Tavares Gooden.

I can picture the Falcons drafting Darren McFadden in order to fill in the seats, but again, there are still factors that will determine who people will draft and why. For Atlanta, in their case, it really depends on who their coach will be next year and I think, more importantly, who their general manager will be considering McKay should be out the door as soon as Blank can find someone to hire. (I'm wishing a Schottenheimer/Nix reunion in Atlanta)

Anyways, overall, good draft. I highly doubt Vernon Gholsten will fall that far. I think he'll go Top 10, but that's just me. He's got a rare blend of speed, athleticism, and raw talent. To me, that sounds like someone Al Davis likes to draft. I guess Atlanta can always just draft a quarterback in the second round and maybe give Chris Redman or another veteran quarterback acquired through the free agency a shot at the starting role until the rookie can show what he's got.

[JAG]

I would be somewhat surprised to see Dallas draft an OT in the first round, as they have 3 young OT prospects on the roster they've been grooming and I think there's a decent chance Flozell Adams will be franchised if not signed to a long-term deal. Their biggest needs are probably CB and WR, possibly ILB though probably not in the first round, and they probably wouldn't turn down a good pass rushing prospect as well. They'll likely try to find a decent RB somewhere in the middle of the draft who can spell Barber. I think it would have to be a really great BPA value for them to deviate from CB / WR / pass rusher.

EDIT: And I'm 100% sure Jerry Jones will explore moving up in the draft. He tried to last year but felt it was too expensive to do so. Depending on the results this year, he may feel there's one elite player that would really help the team as overall Dallas is pretty solid and young across the board, but I don't see that being an RB that would split time with Marion Barber.

[DeToxRox]

Jenkins to Detroit is a wet dream.That kid can fucking play.

[gkb]

Denvers biggest needs in order: LB, DL, S

I can't see them taking a CB with their first pick.


You are looking at a team that can't stop the run unless they put 8 men into the box. John Lynch is about 80. And he's the guy they bring into the box. Yes, Champ and Dre are aging and we'll need to address that at some point. But no CB comes in and beats either of those two out. We need immediate help.

Of your list, that could mean Phillips at S. It could aslo mean a trade down if a LB or DL that they want isn't there or a trade up to get the LB or DE they need. If they go CB, I'll be very, very dissapointed.

This is a good post. I'd be surprised to see them go CB in the first round as well. They definitely need help everywhere else on the D and I also feel they need some young, studly OL help. The Chargers game was not pretty...

[Suburban Rhythm]

There's almost no way the steelers will take another OLB in the first round of this draft.


We need to complete the Adibi parlay.

[Thomkal]

Glad to see you agree with my thoughts on the Cards pick now. ;) I know nothing about that Mendenhalll kid you have them taking, so I hope he's good. ;) I just can't see Atlanta not taking a QB given what they've been through at that position this year. I would think the new coach there would like to start with one he can groom from the beginning.

And boy Brian Boehm's stock sure has fallen hasn't it? Started the year as the likely first QB taken if not overall 1(1), to not even being in the first round in your latest mock draft.

[chesapeake]

I think this (DE Calais Campbell) is your best guess of the three for Seattle's pick. Mostly, they will be drafting for depth, so they will likely go with the best player available that isn't a LB.

Their big problem is the O-line. But they need an immediate fix, so I anticipate that they will try to fill that in free agency. Not to say that they won't go OL -- the miles are adding up on Walter Jones, so at some point they have to find a successor. Ditto with G Chris Gray.

[Radii]

I'm very much anti-Delhomme, so the thought of the Panthers picking up Matt Ryan pleases me quite a bit.

[st.cronin]

Updated with the coin flip, and some of the movement of the various players on various scout sites. I originally had Chris Long going #1, and that hasn't changed. DeSean Jackson is apparently only 5'9", and he may tumble out of the first round. Sedrick Ellis and Vernon Gholston are rising. I have Brohm over Ryan as the first QB taken, and no others in the first round. I'm definitely not remotely sure about the picks in the second half of the draft.

1. Miami - Chris Long, DE, Virginia
2. St. Louis - Jake Long, OT, Michigan
3. Atlanta - Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
4. Oakland - Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
5. Kansas City - Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
6. NY Jets - Vernon Gholston, DE/OLB, Ohio State
7. New England - Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida
8. Baltimore - Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville
9. Cincinatti - Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida
10. New Orleans - Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State
11. Buffalo - Keith Rivers, OLB, USC
12. Denver - Kenny Phillips, FS, Miami
13. Carolina - Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon
14. Chicago - Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
15. Detroit - Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy State
16. Arizona - Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois
17. Minnesota - Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma
18. Houston - Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas
19. Philadelphia - Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt
20. Tampa Bay - Dan Connor, ILB, Penn State
21. Washington - Calais Campbell, DE, Miami
22. Dallas - Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas
23. Pittsburgh - Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh
24. Tennessee - DeSean Jackson, WR, California
25. Seattle - Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina
26. Jacksonville - Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson
27. San Diego - Fred Davis, TE, USC
28. Dallas - James Hardy, WR, Indiana
29. San Francisco - Mario Manningham, WR, Michigan
30. Green Bay - D Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee State
31. New York Giants - Ali Highsmith, OLB, LSU

[Schmidty]

Detroit has to go LB and CB in the 1st 2 rounds.

But they won't. :(

[Galaxy]

Matt Ryan behind (and that late) Brohm?

[Raiders Army]

Do you really think Chris Long will go to Miami? If they're playing the 3-4, why would they use a high pick on a DE? I could see them going for a DT like Dorsey, a QB like Ryan, or a OT like Long, but not really a DE if they're playing a 3-4 defense.

[st.cronin]

Supposedly Chris Long projects as an OLB in a 3-4, like Willie McGinest for example. And Dorsey doesn't project as a 3-4 nose tackle. At least, that's what I've read.

[Raiders Army]

That makes sense, but maybe not since the last time a linebacker was selected first overall was Aundray Bruce in 1988. That's a lot of money to spend on one linebacker out of four starters.

[Raiders Army]

dola, and the truly difficult problem here is that from 2001 to 2005 QBs were selected first overall and the salaries for the #1 pick jumped up considerably so now you have to pay dearly for the #1 pick and have to pay a QB's salary.

[st.cronin]

I just don't see the Dolphins picking a QB first overall. I don't think any of them are worth it. Maybe they'll fall in love with Ryan or Brohm, but this is a very, very weak crop of qbs. I would guess they will pick either Chris Long (best defensive talent available, and a very safe pick), Jake Long (another safe pick), or possibly Glenn Dorsey, if they decide he fits whatever scheme they want to run.

[MrDNA]

Jake Long I think is somewhat safe, but he doesn't have the potential of say, a Joe Thomas from last year. Chris Long, to me, is the safest/most talented pick in the draft - at least that could be considered that high.

And how good could Houston be with Felix Jones? That'd be manna from heaven for them.

[Atocep]

The Bears will almost certainly be going OL or WR with their first pick. So far they've released Fred Miller, Ruben Brown, Muhsin Muhammad, and have all but given up on the chances of resigning Bernard Berrian.

Angelo has already acknowledged that Tait could be moving to RT in order to make room for a rookie LT so they appear to be leading in that direction.

[Horizon]

The only way Ryan goes #1 is if Miami can trade down!

They just drafted a QB Beck last year with the 40th pick in the entire draft, so why are people pointing to Ryan for Miami's pick?

Post coin toss selections
1) Miami --Long (DE)
2) St. Louis --Dorsey (DT)
3) Atlanta --Ryan (QB)
4) Oakland --Mcfadden (RB)
5) Chiefs --Long (OT)

[DeToxRox]

The only way Ryan goes #1 is if Miami can trade down!

They just drafted a QB Beck last year with the 40th pick in the entire draft, so why are people pointing to Ryan for Miami's pick?

Post coin toss selections
1) Miami --Long (DE)
2) St. Louis --Dorsey (DT)
3) Atlanta --Ryan (QB)
4) Oakland --Mcfadden (RB)
5) Chiefs --Long (OT)

The reason is Parcells didn't take Beck. It's a new regime and if they don't feel comfortable with Beck or feel like he's their man, and they like Ryan enough, they'll take him #1.

[Izulde]

Beck sucks.

He's old and he can't throw.

I mean shit, Cleo fucking Lemon was starting over Beck last year.

Does this not tell you how crappy Beck is, even with Camoron's absolute incompetence at anything other than being a clueless dicksmack?

[Thomkal]

Agree with the Panthers pick now that they've released Deshaun Foster. Though if one of the top 2 QB's are on the board still, it may be hard to resist going there instead.

And still agreeing with you that my beloved Cards go RB with their pick.

[CU Tiger]

Parcells hates rookies, prima donnas and star QBs.

No way in hell they draft a QB #1 even if Peyton Manning was on the board, hell would freeze over first with these two choices.

I really look to see the Fins trade the pick

[Galaxy]

Problem is, can Miami find a dance partner that a) can fulfill a need with a player they must love or can't fulfill later b) Are they willing to give up the bounty to move up to number one.

[st.cronin]

Post-combine update. I've changed my mind about which QB will go first, although I still think Brohm is the better prospect. The Bears re-signed Rex, which means they probably don't draft a qb in the first round. Maybe they take a RB or a WR? I've read some speculation that Dorsey's knees may be a worry for some teams - I guess he was hurt at the combine, and didn't participate. DeSean Jackson has actually gone UP on some scout boards. No idea what to make of him right now.

1. Miami - Chris Long, DE, Virginia
2. St. Louis - Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
3. Atlanta - Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
4. Oakland - Jake Long, OT, Michigan
5. Kansas City - Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State
6. NY Jets - Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
7. New England - Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy State
8. Baltimore - Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
9. Cincinatti - Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State
10. New Orleans - Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida
11. Buffalo - Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma
12. Denver - Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida
13. Carolina - Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon
14. Chicago - Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt
15. Detroit - Keith Rivers, OLB, USC
16. Arizona - Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois
17. Minnesota - Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson
18. Houston - Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas
19. Philadelphia - DeSean Jackson, WR, California
20. Tampa Bay - Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville
21. Washington - Kenny Phillips, FS, Miami
22. Dallas - Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee State
23. Pittsburgh - Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh
24. Tennessee - Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
25. Seattle - Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina
26. Jacksonville - Dan Connor, LB, Penn State
27. San Diego - Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas
28. Dallas - Jamaal Charles, RB, Texas
29. San Francisco - Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State
30. Green Bay - Branden Albert, OG, Virginia
32. NY Giants - Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona

[Butter]

Please God, let Vernon Gholston drop to the Bengals.

[rkmsuf]

7. New England - Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy State


this guy was on nfl radio today. doesn't sound like he's read many children's books...or at least only read the poorly written ones.

[Sidhe]

Since the Jets just traded for Kris Jenkins, I really don't see them going DT in the 1st. Both of your picks for the Saints (the team I follow) -- OT and CB are credible, but a lot of folks think that the CB would be Cromartie now, since his 4.28 at the combine, or that we'll go for Rivers to complete our linebacking corps. If either Dorsey or Ellis falls to 10, that's who the Saints will pick.

[st.cronin]

update based on comments, and with some comments reflecting my thinking:

1. Miami - Chris Long, DE, Virginia

The two best players available are Chris Long and Darren McFadden. The Lolphins biggest need is at ... well, everywhere. Long makes more sense imo because he's a safer pick and plays a position with a longer typical career.

2. St. Louis - Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC

The best player available is Darren McFadden, but the Rams are very unlikely to draft a RB here. Their biggest needs are: Defense, WR, OT. The best defensive player available is Glen Dorsey, who is a medical question mark. Next best would be Sedrick Ellis. Jake Long is a possibility here, as is a trade-down. Ellis + Carricker would give their defense a 90s Vikings kind of look.

3. Atlanta - Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas

Best player available, fits a strong need, and should generate some fan interest. I think this is a no-brainer.

4. Oakland - Jake Long, OT, Michigan

There's not much question in my mind that Oakland will go offense with this pick, as they need to put some talent around JaMarcus Russell. Jake Long is the BOPA. Glen Dorsey is a slim possibility here, depending on what Oakland thinks of his knees.

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

Chiefs biggest needs are at CB and OT. Clady seems more likely than one of the CBs here.

6. NY Jets - Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State

BPA, fits a major need. Other possibilities: Matt Ryan, a RB, maybe Glen Dorsey.

7. New England - Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy State

No doubt in my mind that NE uses this pick on somebody to replace Asante Samuel. Mike Jenkins, at least on TV, appears to be a carbon copy of Samuel - but McKelvin is currently higher on more boards.

8. Baltimore - Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College

I'm not really that impressed with Matt Ryan, but some people are, and Baltimore has a new head coach with no ties to Boller or Troy Smith.

9. Cincinnati - Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU

A major medical question mark. Could go much higher, as high as #1. Could also go much lower, even out of the first round.

10. New Orleans - Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma

Saints biggest needs are WR, OL, CB, OLB. CB Mike Jenkins is a possibility here.

11. Buffalo - Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida

Bills biggest needs are DT, DE, CB, WR. If the Saints pick Jenkins, Bills will gladly take Kelly.

12. Denver - Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida

Some scout sites have Harvey listed as a DE, others as an OLB. I'm not too sure what teams he makes sense for, but he's a well-regarded talent, and Denver has needs at both positions.

13. Carolina - Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon

Carolina's biggest needs are RB and OT. I have thought they might draft a QB, and they did cut David Carr, but if Stewart is available, I think they'll gladly take him.

14. Chicago - Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois

I've not really understood Chicago's off-season. They have a lot of different needs, but one of them is RB, and I wouldn't be surprised to see them take Mendenhall.

15. Detroit - Keith Rivers, OLB, USC

The Lions biggest needs are all on defense. I'm not sure how much sense Rivers makes for them, and he may not be available (most mocks have him going to the Bills or Bengals).

16. Arizona - Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson

Merling is a guy who I had frankly never heard of two weeks ago, but is now considered one of the top 10-20 players in the draft. So, maybe he'll be good.

17. Minnesota - DeSean Jackson, WR, California

The new Ted Ginn, Jr.

18. Houston - Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt

The Texans are probably hoping Mendenhall is available, but if he's not, there's a lot of decent RBs that will be available in the later rounds.

19. Philadelphia - Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh

Otah won't be a LT, he'll either be a RT or a G. But he should be good, and he did ok at the combine despite an injury, which I think is actually more impressive than simply doing well.

20. Tampa Bay - Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas

Brian Brohm is a possibility here, or they could pull off a trade with somebody like Dallas did last year. Maybe Detroit or Atlanta.

21. Washington - Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina

It can sometimes be hard to figure out which teams' system matches different players. Washington is another team with needs at a lot of different positions, particularly on defense.

22. Dallas - Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas

The new Julius Jones.

23. Pittsburgh - Kenny Phillips, FS, Miami

Phillips didn't impress at the combine, and has been downgraded by some scouts. Still, its a thin, thin draft for safeties, who historically have been the safest position to pick. Pittsburgh has a need, and I think this pick makes sense.

24. Tennessee - Limas Sweed, WR, Texas

I'm not sure what Tennessee's cap situation is: Why aren't they in the running for one of Berrian, Moss, or Stallworth? Maybe they are, and I just haven't heard of it. Anyway, they obviously need WR.

25. Seattle - Jamaal Charles, RB, Texas

Charles appears to be one of those guys who really made a boatload of money at the combine.

26. Jacksonville - Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee State

I have the Jaguars biggest needs as DE and CB. DRC is another guy who opened some eyes at the combine.

27. San Diego - Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville

If Brohm is still on the board, San Diego will probably have the opportunity to trade this pick. It actually wouldn't be crazy for them to keep Brohm, either - the jury is still out on Rivers.

28. Dallas - Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State

Another guy whose stock was bumped by the combine.

29. San Francisco - Dan Connor, OLB, Penn State

Its not an obvious match, as the 49ers have more pressing needs, but Connor would make an instant impact. One of the Big 10 receivers, Manningham or Hardy, might make more sense.

30. Green Bay - Branden Albert, OG, Virginia

32. NY Giants - Calais Campbell, DE, Miami

[Thomkal]

I still think Atlanta could go QB with their pick, with a new coach I would think they would like to a QB to go with the new offensive system right away. The question is of course is if Ryan or Brohm are good enough to be taken that highly. I read an article somewhere where Ryan was very complimentary of Atlanta and owner Arthur Blank. So it wouldn't be a shocker for me if Ryan goes there, despite the bigger excitement of McFadden. Also with McFadden, he's had some off the field problems has he not? After dealing with the whole Vick affair, they may be a bit gun shy to go with another player with off-field problems.

As for my beloved Cards, I've thought all along they were going to go RB, but I keep reading how they are going to convert CB Rolle to Safety. They may have their pick of the top CB's at their slot, so that remains an option if the RB's go before then. DE not so much. :)

[Eaglesfan27]

I'll be surprised if New Orleans goes WR in the 1st round. I think they are going to go defense with that pick. I think that Otah or Chris Williams makes sense for the Eagles with their 1st round pick.

[st.cronin]

I still think Atlanta could go QB with their pick, with a new coach I would think they would like to a QB to go with the new offensive system right away. The question is of course is if Ryan or Brohm are good enough to be taken that highly. I read an article somewhere where Ryan was very complimentary of Atlanta and owner Arthur Blank. So it wouldn't be a shocker for me if Ryan goes there, despite the bigger excitement of McFadden. Also with McFadden, he's had some off the field problems has he not? After dealing with the whole Vick affair, they may be a bit gun shy to go with another player with off-field problems.

As for my beloved Cards, I've thought all along they were going to go RB, but I keep reading how they are going to convert CB Rolle to Safety. They may have their pick of the top CB's at their slot, so that remains an option if the RB's go before then. DE not so much. :)

I agree that its possible Atlanta picks a QB with 1.3. I just think that would be incredibly stupid. And do you really think Az is set at DE?

[mattlanta]

I agree that its possible Atlanta picks a QB with 1.3. I just think that would be incredibly stupid. And do you really think Az is set at DE?
Why do you think drafting a quarterback with our third overall pick is stupid?

You do realize that Parcells, one of the best quarterback evaluators in the history of NFL, values Matt Ryan very much right?

The margin between Ryan and the rest of the quarterbacks in this draft class are pretty big IMO. If a team is looking for a franchise quarterback, they'd really have no choice but to draft Ryan if he falls to them.

[st.cronin]

Why do you think drafting a quarterback with our third overall pick is stupid?


I don't think drafting a quarterback with the 3rd overall pick is inherently stupid. I think drafting any of the qbs in this class with the 3rd overall pick is is stupid.

You do realize that Parcells, one of the best quarterback evaluators in the history of NFL, values Matt Ryan very much right?

The margin between Ryan and the rest of the quarterbacks in this draft class are pretty big IMO. If a team is looking for a franchise quarterback, they'd really have no choice but to draft Ryan if he falls to them.

This is where I disagree, although its true that most people do agree with you. I think Brohm is the best qb in this class, and I don't think there's much difference between Ryan, Woodson, Booty, and Henne. I think they are all about the same. I don't have any idea what Atlanta is going to do, so I am going with what I think they SHOULD do.

[DeToxRox]

Why do you think drafting a quarterback with our third overall pick is stupid?

You do realize that Parcells, one of the best quarterback evaluators in the history of NFL

Quincy Carter? Chad Hutchinson? Drew Henson?

[mattlanta]

Quincy Carter? Chad Hutchinson? Drew Henson?
Phil Simms, followed by Drew Bledsoe, then he was able to turn a crappy Vinny Testaverde into a competent NFL passer, then saw something in Tony Romo.

Maybe Parcells is great at deception, but his record speaks for itself when it comes to the QB position. I don't think it's a coincidence that the greatest coach of our age, Bill Belichick, suckled at the teat of Parcells.

Parcells is as fallable as any coach really, but he's not the type of guy that is going to draft a QB just for the sake of drafting a QB, something a lot of teams will do. If he thinks Ryan is worth the #1 pick, in a draft that includes players like Chris Long, then that IMO is very high praise for Matt Ryan.

[Schmidty]

Quincy Carter? Chad Hutchinson? Drew Henson?

Joey Harrington.

[mattlanta]

By the way, Cronin, I don't see St. Louis passing up on Jake Long. He's the perfect right tackle for their offensive line, and he had, by far, the best combine out of all the tackles in this year's draft.

And if they do pass up on him, I don't expect Atlanta to draft another team cancer in Darren McFadden. Dimitroff is not known to value running backs in the Top 3 either.

[mattlanta]

Joey Harrington.
What about him?

[DeToxRox]

Phil Simms, followed by Drew Bledsoe, then he was able to turn a crappy Vinny Testaverde into a competent NFL passer, then saw something in Tony Romo.

Maybe Parcells is great at deception, but his record speaks for itself when it comes to the QB position. I don't think it's a coincidence that the greatest coach of our age, Bill Belichick, suckled at the teat of Parcells.

Parcells is as fallable as any coach really, but he's not the type of guy that is going to draft a QB just for the sake of drafting a QB, something a lot of teams will do. If he thinks Ryan is worth the #1 pick, in a draft that includes players like Chris Long, then that IMO is very high praise for Matt Ryan.

This is the weakest top of the draft in a while. Chris Long isn't much of a pass rusher, his best strength his stopping the run. Darren McFadden has talent but the red flags off the field make him very ripe to bust status. Jake Long is probably the top player in the draft. Sedrick Ellis will be okay but DT's are always a risk, especially top 5. Glenn Dorsey has injury concerns. Matt Ryan is what he is. I don't look at Matt Ryan and see a star NFL QB, but he's the best of the a weak lot. Let's put it this way, Brady Quinn would've went #1 in this draft.

[st.cronin]

By the way, Cronin, I don't see St. Louis passing up on Jake Long. He's the perfect right tackle for their offensive line, and he had, by far, the best combine out of all the tackles in this year's draft.

:confused: Even if that's true about the combine, which I think Williams and Hicks were both equally if not more impressive, since when do you want to take a RIGHT tackle 1.2?

[mattlanta]

:confused: Even if that's true about the combine, which I think Williams and Hicks were both equally if not more impressive, since when do you want to take a RIGHT tackle 1.2?
Well why would you take a DT in 1.2 when you already have one in Adam Carriker? He's naturally fit in St. Louis's d-line as a tackle. Do you plan on moving him out? :confused:

[st.cronin]

Well why would you take a DT in 1.2 when you already have one in Adam Carriker? He's naturally fit in St. Louis's d-line as a tackle. Do you plan on moving him out? :confused:

St. Louis does play a 4-3, which requires two DTs, plus I have read that Carricker may be moved to DE. I agree there isn't an obvious match of player-need at this pick, which is why I wouldn't be surprised if they tried to trade out. I don't they will take a qb or a rb. If Chris Long is available, they will definitely take him. Maybe they'll take Vernon Gholston?

[stevew]

The Steelers aren't going FS in the first round. I'd be more inclined to see them pick Limas Sweed if he's there when they pick.

[st.cronin]

You might be right, but Anthony Smith?

[TazFTW]

I hope the Cowboys don't draft a RB in the first round. I would rather see the Cowboys address WR and CB with their two picks. I like Sweed and Rodgers-Cromartie and will be very happy if that is how the first round goes.

[Suburban Rhythm]

You might be right, but Anthony Smith?

Ryan Clark will be back. He was playing really well before the spleen rupture. He made more plays on the ball in half a season last year, than Chris Hope did in 2 seasons as a starter. Especially when the O line is so awful, and this seems to be an OL draft. Steelers wont take a safety.

[st.cronin]

Well, as with Atlanta, take it as not so much what the Steelers might do, as what I think the Steelers should do. Its a deep draft for O-linemen, but I don't see Otah or Williams still being around. The next O-lineman would be the Virginia guard, or possibly Gosder Cherilous, who also might end up a guard. I think Kenny Phillips would be a smarter, safer pick than either one of them.

I'll keep doing this once or twice a week, and the input is definitely appreciated.

[stevew]

WR James Hardy is another guy they are looking at, maybe for the first round.

[Horizon]

Let's put it this way, Brady Quinn would've went #1 in this draft.
LOL.. Which explains why the Browns just gave out a 3 year $24 million contract to Anderson. :D


Ryan has the skills to be a franchise type QB. I do not see the Falcons passing on a QB that you can build a team around. Taking Mcfadden would be like buying 1 new tire for your car.

[Thomkal]

I agree that its possible Atlanta picks a QB with 1.3. I just think that would be incredibly stupid. And do you really think Az is set at DE?

Well not so much set as other positions. They run a 3-4, and have Bertrand Berry and Chike Okeafor both returning from pretty major injuries. They just restructured Berry's contract, so he's got the starting job if healthy. They have a fairly young guy in Antonio Smith who stepped in last year with the injuries and picked up 5.5 sacks. Both Berry and Okeafor are getting old though, so I can certainly see the Cards pick up a DE in the draft, I just don't think the 1st round is the best place for them to pick up one this season given their other needs at RB and CB.

[Thomkal]

Well do the Falcons draft Brohm or Ryan now? :)

[st.cronin]

I assume the signing of Turner means the Falcons won't draft McFadden.

[st.cronin]

The Turner signing could mean that McFadden drops all the way to New England. Oakland, KC, and the Jets all MIGHT take McFadden, but each team also has much more pressing issues. The big question marks now are, what does St. Louis do (if they take Jake Long, McFadden probably gets taken by either Oakland or KC), and what do teams think of Glen Dorsey's knees? Maybe we get something like this:

1. Miami, Chris Long
2. St. Louis, Sedrick Ellis
3. Atlanta, Matt Ryan
4. Oakland, Jake Long
5. Kansas City, Ryan Clady
6. NY Jets, Vernon Gholston
7. NE Patriots, Darren McFadden
8. Baltimore, Leodis McKelvin
9. Cincinatti, Glen Dorsey

[TazFTW]

The Turner signing could mean that McFadden drops all the way to New England. Oakland, KC, and the Jets all MIGHT take McFadden, but each team also has much more pressing issues. The big question marks now are, what does St. Louis do (if they take Jake Long, McFadden probably gets taken by either Oakland or KC), and what do teams think of Glen Dorsey's knees? Maybe we get something like this:

1. Miami, Chris Long
2. St. Louis, Sedrick Ellis
3. Atlanta, Matt Ryan
4. Oakland, Jake Long
5. Kansas City, Ryan Clady
6. NY Jets, Vernon Gholston
7. NE Patriots, Darren McFadden
8. Baltimore, Leodis McKelvin
9. Cincinatti, Glen Dorsey

If McFadden drops Jerry Jones will be calling non-stop.

[st.cronin]

I am not sure I buy the rumors that JJ is so enamored of McFadden that he would try to trade up to get him.

[ISiddiqui]

I don't think Al Davis lets McFadden get by him, even though there are MASSIVE holes in other positions on his team.

[SFL Cat]

ya think so?

yep. Jerry's got a great big new stadium opening soon. He needs offensive fireworks to put butts in the seats. The Cowboys big lack last season was a consistent ground attack. Not saying its a sure thing, but it wouldn't surprise me to see him do it.

[Dunleavy]

what about LT for Miami? or is Vernon Carey handling that job

[Atocep]

yep. Jerry's got a great big new stadium opening soon. He needs offensive fireworks to put butts in the seats. The Cowboys big lack last season was a consistent ground attack. Not saying its a sure thing, but it wouldn't surprise me to see him do it.

The reason for the lack of a consistent running game is their reliance on Juluis Jones. Marion Barber has been one of the 5 most productive runners in the NFL on a per carry basis over the past 3 years, yet Jones has around 200 more carries than Barber over that period.

I can see Jerry Jones making the move, but it would be a mistake. The difference between what Barber is giving them now and what McFadden could potentially give them isn't all that big.

[st.cronin]

With the latest free-agency signings:

1. Miami - Chris Long, DE, Virginia
2. St. Louis - Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State - The Jets signed Calvin Pace, and I think they did so because they didn't think Gholston would be available for them. I believe the Jets think St. Louis will pick Gholston, and that doesn't seem like such a crazy idea to me.
3. Atlanta - Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College - With the signing of Turner, there's no way they pick McFadden here. Depending on how much they like Woodson, Flacco, etc., they may think they can get one of those guys in the second round, and go with a lineman here.
4. Oakland - Jake Long, OT, Michigan - Oakland just gave Justin Fargas a pile of money, so its unlikely that they'll pick McFadden. Long's strength is run-blocking, so he is projected by some as a right tackle.
5. Kansas City - Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State - Oakland may take Clady as well. Clady probably has a higher ceiling than Long, but isn't quite as safe a pick.
6. NY Jets - Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
7. New England - Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy State
8. Baltimore - Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville - Mike Jenkins is another possibility.
9. Cincinnati - Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
10. New Orleans - Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida
11. Buffalo - Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma
12. Denver - Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
13. Carolina - Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon
14. Chicago - Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois
15. Detroit - Keith Rivers, LB, USC
16. Arizona - Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt
17. Minnesota - Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida
18. Houston - Dan Connor, OLB, Penn State
19. Philadelphia - Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh
20. Tampa Bay - DeSean Jackson, WR, California
21. Washington - Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson
22. Dallas - Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas
23. Pittsburgh - Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
24. Tennessee - Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina
25. Seattle - Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas
26. Jacksonville - Calais Campbell, DE, Miami
27. San Diego - Branden Albert, OG, Virginia
28. Dallas - James Hardy, WR, Indiana
29. San Francisco - Anthony Collins, OT, Kansas
30. Green Bay - Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee State
32. NY Giants - Quentin Groves, OLB, Auburn

Edit: Originally had Dallas picking 2 CBs in the first round, which I think is unlikely.

[st.cronin]

2 rounds:

1. Miami - Chris Long, DE, Virginia - Wide range of possibilities here, including the other Long, Matt Ryan, Gholston, and maybe even Dorsey.
2. St. Louis - Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU - I originally had Rams picking DT, but went away from that after people complained they already had Carricker, why would they draft another? Except Carricker was actually picked as a DE, and could move other there easily enough if they switch to a 3-4. Regardless, why wouldn't they want to have a dominating defensive line? Dorsey is a high risk, high reward pick. He could be a hall of famer, he could be Steve Emtman.
3. Atlanta - Jake Long, OT, Michigan - I just can't imagine Falcons picking Matt Ryan. Maybe they will, but it would really surprise me. He's about as good a prospect as Alex Smith or Aaron Rodgers were, so why would somebody take him in the top 5? Jake Long seems to fit their needs both on the field and in terms of image.
4. Oakland - Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State - In my mind, its a coin flip between Gholston and McFadden.
5. Kansas City - Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
6. NY Jets - Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
7. New England - Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State - I've had a CB here, since that's the Pats most glaring need, but this franchise seems to value linemen more than any other position. If Clady's available, I think they'll take him.
8. Baltimore - Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College - The new Joey Harrington.
9. Cincinnati - Keith Rivers, OLB, USC
10. New Orleans - Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt - In the last two years, Vandy has had more day 1 selections than Washington.
11. Buffalo - Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson
12. Denver - Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida
13. Carolina - Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois
14. Chicago - Branden Albert, OG, Virginia
15. Detroit - Dan Connor, ILB, Penn State
16. Arizona - Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy State - There are teams before Arizona that need a CB, but this draft is very, very deep with CB, so I think teams like New England, Buffalo, and Detroit may pass in the first round, thinking they can fill their needs later.
17. Minnesota - Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee State
18. Houston - Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida
19. Philadelphia - Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh
20. Tampa Bay - DeSean Jackson, WR, California
21. Washington - Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State
22. Dallas - Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon
23. Pittsburgh - Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma
24. Tennessee - Limas Sweed, WR, Texas - Makes sense, I guess, although why didn't they try to get a WR in free agency? I'm not really getting this team's plan.
25. Seattle - Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas
26. Jacksonville - Jerrod Mayo, ILB, Tennessee
27. San Diego - Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina
28. Dallas - Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona
29. San Francisco - Early Doucet, WR, LSU
30. Green Bay - Kenny Phillips, FS, Miami
32. NY Giants - Quentin Groves, OLB, Auburn

Round 2
33. Miami - Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville
34. St. Louis - Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College
35. Atlanta - Joe Flacco, QB, Delaware
36. Kansas City - James Hardy, WR, Indiana
37. NY Jets - Andre Caldwell, WR, Florida
38. Atlanta - Calais Campbell, DE, Miami
39. Baltimore - Xavier Adibi, OLB, Virginia Tech
40. San Francisco - Chad Henne, QB, Michigan - Why not? Are the 49ers so sure that Smith is the QB of the future?
41. New Orleans - Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas
42. Buffalo - Martellus Bennett, TE, Texas A&M
43. Denver - Sam Baker, OT, USC
44. Carolina - Trevor Laws, DT, Notre Dame
45. Chicago - Jamaal Charles, RB, Texas
46. Detroit - Anthony Collins, OT, Kansas
47. Cincinnati - Mario Manningham, WR, Michigan
48. Minnesota - Fred Davis, TE, USC
49. Atlanta - Pat Sims, DT, Auburn
50. Philadelphia - Justin King, CB, Penn State
51. Arizona - Ray Rice, RB, Rutgers
52. Washington - Cliff Avril, OLB, Purdue
53. Tampa Bay - Reggie Smith, CB/S, Oklahoma
54. Pittsburgh - Mike Pollak, C, Arizona State
55. Tennessee - Chris Johnson, RB, East Carolina
56. Seattle - Dustin Keller, TE, Purdue
57. Green Bay - Earl Bennett, WR, Vanderbilt
58. Miami - Curtis Lofton, ILB, Oklahoma
59. Jacksonville - Lawrence Jackson, DE, USC
60. Indianapolis - Matt Forte, RB, Tulane
61. Green Bay - Brandon Flowers, CB, Virginia Tech
62. Dallas - Tracy Porter, CB, Indiana
63. New England - Terrell Thomas, CB, USC
64. NY Giants - Charles Godfrey, CB, Iowa

[Izulde]

I'd like to see Gholston get taken #1 overall, personally, or barring that, C. Long, given his NFL pedigree.

Brohm strikes me as a hell of lot better 2nd round pick than Beck was last year.

[stevew]

I think it looks pretty good, although I would guess that Flacco and Brohm both go in the first round via trade up. Possibly on consecutive picks. I would imagine that teams will have a pretty similar grade on all 3, and when it's apparent you won't get any of them if you don't move, it'll happen. Plus the 5 year contract vs the 4 year one.

Hell, the falcons can burn their 2 later 2nds and get Brohm or Flacco at 16 with a 6 year contract if they desired to.

[st.cronin]

I think it looks pretty good, although I would guess that Flacco and Brohm both go in the first round via trade up. Possibly on consecutive picks. I would imagine that teams will have a pretty similar grade on all 3, and when it's apparent you won't get any of them if you don't move, it'll happen. Plus the 5 year contract vs the 4 year one.

By all three, do you mean Flacco/Brohm/Henne, or Flacco/Brohm/Ryan?

[stevew]

flacco, brohm, ryan. I didn't think Henne was projected in the first 2 rounds really.

[stevew]

For the record, i hope the steelers trade down and grab a 2nd and 3rd.

[st.cronin]

flacco, brohm, ryan. I didn't think Henne was projected in the first 2 rounds really.

In that case, I disagree. :)

Henne's stock is climbing as fast as anybody's - he had a really strong combine and pro day. I think right now the generic view of the qbs is roughly:

Ryan - 1st rounder

(gap)

Flacco/Brohm/Henne - 2nd/3rd rounders

(gap)

Woodson/Booty/Ainge - 2nd day picks

Everybody else - UFAs.

[DaddyTorgo]

I hope Matty Ryan makes all you haters pay and does BC proud

[Galaxy]

No way the Bills will select a DE in the first two rounds or so.

[st.cronin]

No way the Bills will select a DE in the first two rounds or so.

Why not? I'm under the impression that one of the Bills major needs is a pass-rushing DE. I have their top 3 needs as: CB, DE, WR.

Edit: Also I think there's a huge gap between Merling, Harvey, Campbell, and the rest of the DE's in this class. So if you need a DE, you better grab one early.

[MikeVic]

Will the Steelers really take a WR?

[Suburban Rhythm]

Will the Steelers really take a WR?

In the first round, I'd think doubtful.

OL is obviously still the top need. And DE depth and probably a CB too.

I think they'll take a WR in the top 3-4 rounds, just not the first. After releasing Ced Wilson, they've got Ward, Holmes, Washington, Willie Reid. So there is a need. Or, they could just use Heath Miller like they should have been all along.

And for the record, I am with stevew-- trade down to somewhere around 8-13 in the 2nd round, and pick up an additional 3rd rounder. Then address all those needs - OL, DE, CB and WR.

[st.cronin]

I don't think Pittsburgh's in a good spot to trade down - unless its with some team that wants Kenny Phillips. In that range, he seems like the most logical player to try to trade up for.

[MikeVic]

If Jeff Otah is somehow available, I think take him. Otherwise yeah, I don't see a WR at all in the 1st. Was just wondering if I was missing something.

[st.cronin]

I think Pittsburgh would like Branden Albert from Virginia in the first round, but I think its unlikely that he'll fall that far. If Albert and Otah are both off the board, I don't think they'll go O-line in the first round. Other than WR, what other position would they be looking at? CB? Maybe a DE?

[Swaggs]

Their company line has been that they will take the best player available, unless he is a QB or TE. I tend to think it will be best available OG/OT or a big WR, if available. I think Kelly is a pretty reasonable guess--maybe 5-10 picks early, but if they cannot trade down and do not think there is an appropriate OL available, I would not have a problem with Kelly there. Ben wants a taller WR to go with Ward and Holmes and they just broke the bank to sign him, so keeping happy is a pretty good idea.

I think Pittsburgh would like Branden Albert from Virginia in the first round, but I think its unlikely that he'll fall that far. If Albert and Otah are both off the board, I don't think they'll go O-line in the first round. Other than WR, what other position would they be looking at? CB? Maybe a DE?

[stevew]

I could see them going DL in the first.

[Galaxy]

Why not? I'm under the impression that one of the Bills major needs is a pass-rushing DE. I have their top 3 needs as: CB, DE, WR.

Edit: Also I think there's a huge gap between Merling, Harvey, Campbell, and the rest of the DE's in this class. So if you need a DE, you better grab one early.

They have a ton of money (and just signed them last two years) tied up in Kelsey, Schobel, and Denney. They should be better now they got Stroud and some help in the linebacker area with Mitchell and hopefully a healthy Poslusnzy. I expect them to go offensive in the first two rounds or so. Receiver (a big one with great hands) should be the top thing on our shopping list. Someone who can complement Evans.

[st.cronin]

They have a ton of money (and just signed them last two years) tied up in Kelsey, Schobel, and Denney.

Aren't both Kelsay and Denney coming off serious injuries? My understanding is both are massive question marks going forward. I agree they need a WR, but this draft is long on WRs. They can find one in the later rounds.

Edit: If Buffalo does decide they don't need to draft a DE, they're likely in a great spot to trade down, since one of Merling, Harvey or Ellis will probably be available in their spot.

[gkb]

12. Denver - Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida

This is the first I've seen Harvey going so high. I'm hoping that Ryan Clady, OT slips to #12 and I was surprised to see you have him going to New England. If all of the top OT and DT are gone when Denver picks at 12 I'm hoping they take Mendenhall. Nice job on the mock draft. :)

[jbergey22]

The reason for the lack of a consistent running game is their reliance on Juluis Jones. Marion Barber has been one of the 5 most productive runners in the NFL on a per carry basis over the past 3 years, yet Jones has around 200 more carries than Barber over that period.

I can see Jerry Jones making the move, but it would be a mistake. The difference between what Barber is giving them now and what McFadden could potentially give them isn't all that big.

Agreed, Barber is a horse. I cant believe the Cowboys would even consider making this move. The guy made the pro bowl last splitting carries, imagine what he could do as a featured back.

[tucker rocky]

I put this together this morning, just goofing around on a bunch of sites. I used the draft order projected by footballfrontier. I made some assumptions about which underclassmen are coming out, and I may have made some mistakes there - I'm not up on all the news about that.


28. Jacksonville - Adarius Bowman, WR, Oklahoma State - Looks to be a deep draft for WR's.

Um, no.

DE if a first and foremost priority. Jags lacked a pass rush last season. This gets addressed. Don't be surprised if the Jags try and trade up to get the player who'll fill this void.

Jags already set at WR.

[tucker rocky]

With the latest free-agency signings:


26. Jacksonville - Calais Campbell, DE, Miami



Ok, I've read through some of the thread and didn't see your updated mock draft.

Jags still might tade up to get Campbell or Harvey.

[st.cronin]

Rumored trade: Lito Sheppard and Philadelphia's 1st round pick (#19) for Buffalo's 1st round pick (#11) and 5th round pick (#147).

[Logan]

I would think that's the equivalent of giving up a 2nd round pick to move up those 8 spots, chart-wise. If this was necessary to move up for someone, I'd rather keep Sheppard and give up the 2nd rounder.

[albionmoonlight]

Rumored trade: Lito Sheppard and Philadelphia's 1st round pick (#19) for Buffalo's 1st round pick (#11) and 5th round pick (#147).

The Saints pick 10th and need a cornerback. I'd be happy if they made that trade instead of Buffalo.

[jbergey22]

Um, no.

DE if a first and foremost priority. Jags lacked a pass rush last season. This gets addressed. Don't be surprised if the Jags try and trade up to get the player who'll fill this void.

Jags already set at WR.

For sure, they just brought in Troy Williamson.


:D

[SteveMax58]

Rumored trade: Lito Sheppard and Philadelphia's 1st round pick (#19) for Buffalo's 1st round pick (#11) and 5th round pick (#147).

Wow...sounds great for Buffalo. If true, I wonder who Philly is targeting, as I dont see why you move up 8 spots in the first and send a decent CB in the process, without knowing "somebody" will not be there when you pick at 19.

I would think they could get some reasonable value from Sheppard, not first round value, but perhaps very late 2nd(Giants or Pats maybe?) to early 4th...somewhere in there.

[tucker rocky]

For sure, they just brought in Troy Williamson.


:D


I'm not sold on Williamson either, it's just that receiver is not a priority.
Addressing the lack of pass rush is more glaring. ;)

[Galaxy]

Aren't both Kelsay and Denney coming off serious injuries? My understanding is both are massive question marks going forward. I agree they need a WR, but this draft is long on WRs. They can find one in the later rounds.

Edit: If Buffalo does decide they don't need to draft a DE, they're likely in a great spot to trade down, since one of Merling, Harvey or Ellis will probably be available in their spot.

Denney is. Schobel played in the Pro Bowl as a first alternative. Plus, with the upgrade in the middle and linebacker, I think they will be fine in the front seven. A big, physical receiver with great hands is needed, to complement the speed of No. 1 receiver Lee Evans.

[Dunleavy]

from what i'm reading it looks like the first four picks are in place. Long, Long, Dorsey, McFadden

that leaves us with Ryan to KC? and will someone trade up for the last good DT (Ellis)?

[TazFTW]

Saw something that said that teams were notified that Aqib Talib and Mario Manningham failed drug tests (Marijuana) multiple times in college. I think that would drop them on several teams draft boards.

[st.cronin]

Does anybody think its likely that Oakland will try to trade down?

[Kodos]

Please don't let the Cowboys draft James Hardy or Tracy Porter. I want to be able to root for them in the NFL!

[Dunleavy]

Does anybody think its likely that Oakland will try to trade down?

i think everyone is trying to trade down. i see Oakland staying at four though where they might have their choice of McFadden, Gholston, or Ellis. Good choices to have.

[st.cronin]

i think everyone is trying to trade down. i see Oakland staying at four though where they might have their choice of McFadden, Gholston, or Ellis. Good choices to have.

Right, but it seems like Oakland/Kansas City would have the ability and desire to trade down with somebody looking for either Gholston or Ellis, or possibly McFadden. Denver or Jacksonville (and I'm sure there are others) are teams that would snarf up one of those players in a heartbeat, whereas for Oakland/Kansas City, they have many, many needs, but not particularly at those two positions.

[Dunleavy]

gut feeling i just don't think Oakland will trade down. btw i dont think Oakland has as many holes as people think. Kansas City on the other hand has more holes then anyone so i could see them dropping down to 9 or 10th with Sedrick Ellis being the target of teams trying to trade up

[st.cronin]

Weekly update:

The top 10: This is assuming Miami does pick Jake Long, which I now think is most likely, although not overwhelmingly likely. Chris Long and Glenn Dorsey will be taken by St. Louis and Atlanta, although it could be Long to Atlanta and Dorsey to St. Louis just as easily. Oakland and the Jets will take McFadden and Gholston, again not sure which team gets which player. Kansas City may be the team best positioned to trade down, but if they don't, Clady probably makes the most sense for them, although it might be a slight reach. New England, I have no idea what they're going to do, but the CB McKelvin seems sensible to me - Rivers is good, but doesn't seem like their kind of LB. If McKelvin is still available, Baltimore may think twice about taking Ryan - but probably not. Cincinnati should be tickled to get Ellis, they're sure to be nervous about some team trading up to get him, and they may look to move up to get him themselves. New Orleans will almost certainly take a defensive player, and I think Keith Rivers would be the best available for them.


1. Miami - Jake Long, OT, Michigan
2. St. Louis - Chris Long, DE, Virginia
3. Atlanta - Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
4. Oakland - Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
5. Kansas City - Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State
6. NY Jets - Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State
7. New England - Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy State
8. Baltimore - Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
9. Cincinnati - Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
10. New Orleans - Keith Rivers, OLB, USC

The rest:

11. Buffalo - Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee State - I think Buffalo's top three needs are DE, CB, and WR. There are no WR's worthy of the #11 pick, so its probably between DRC and Derrick Harvey. Since Randy Moss is in their division, maybe they go with a CB.
12. Denver - Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt - I believe Chris Williams is the only top lineman projected as a pure LT in the NFL. Mendenhall might be a consideration here as well. Their biggest need is at DT, but they would have to trade up to get Sedrick Ellis, otherwise they'll have to wait til later in the draft.
13. Carolina - Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida - They do need a RB, so Mendenhall would be a consideration here. But if Harvey makes it past Buffalo, I think this is where he ends up.
14. Chicago - Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois
15. Detroit - Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh - There's a rumor that Philadelphia is trading picks with Buffalo, and I think this is why - the Eagles are worried about somebody taking Otah. Almost every team drafting after Denver and before Philly would consider Otah.
16. Arizona - Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon - Alternately, a defensive player. We might see RBs fall, since there's a lot of good ones available, and teams that need one will figure they can pick one up in the later rounds.
17. Minnesota - Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson - Could potentially throw a curve ball and take a QB.
18. Houston - Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida - If Mendenahll or Stewart fall, they'll grab one of them.
19. Philadelphia - Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona - The best players available would mostly be WRs, which is also a need, but nobody thinks Philly will take a WR in the 1st round.
20. Tampa Bay - Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State - I kind of hope Detroit takes Thomas. Tampa Bay is another team that could take a QB, although I don't think they will.
21. Washington - Branden Albert, G, Virginia - DE is probably their biggest need, so Campbell would be a possibility.
22. Dallas - DeSean Jackson, WR, California
23. Pittsburgh - Limas Sweed, WR, Texas - I think Pittsburgh will need to trade up to get an offensive lineman worth picking in the first round. If they don't trade up, my guess is they'll go for a WR.
24. Tennessee - Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina
25. Seattle - Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas
26. Jacksonville - Jerod Mayo, ILB, Tennessee
27. San Diego - Kenny Phillips, FS, Miami
28. Dallas - Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas - Cowboys won't care that he's a pothead, will they?
29. San Francisco - Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville
30. Green Bay - James Hardy, WR, Indiana
31. NY Giants - Quentin Groves, OLB, Auburn

[Ryche]

I have a feeling if Ellis is still available at 7, Denver will trade up to grab him. And I really hope Minnesota doesn't go with Merling at 17, I'd much rather see Albert as the pick there.

[Suburban Rhythm]

The more I think about it, the trade offers may well be there for the Pats with teams looking to get ahead of the Ravens for Ryan or the Bengals for Ellis.

Thinking similar with KC. Jake Long falls to them, it's a no brainer. But they've got so many holes, they can move down 5-7 picks and still get someone Clady and grab extra pick(s) in the process.

[st.cronin]

What teams would be trading up for Ryan? Minnesota? San Francisco? I just don't see that happening. Ellis, on the other hand, I think its likely somebody will try to trade up to get him.

[Logan]

No chance the Niners take Brohm. They really like Shaun Hill, and have way too many holes to take a chance on a QB (especially one who I personally feel will not be better than Smith in the NFL).