Welcome to the new revised version of the PHSports Mock Draft. Looking back at the last mock draft, we see that Pro Days and Free Agency have made it slightly more of a mockery. Some of the smokescreens that teams, agents and even beat writers put out there have cleared. However, I will go on record saying that there are more smokescreens out there leading up to this draft than any in recent memory. This should be a fun draft.
1st Round
1. Miami: Jake Long, T - Michigan
I'm sticking with Jake Long at the top pick. Sparano is an offensive line coach, and the Dolphins offensive line is in shambles at the tackle position. This pick allows Mount Vernon Carey to move back to right tackle.
2. St. Louis: Chris Long, DE - Virginia
Back to back Longs in the top 2 picks. While Vernon Gholston's stock is sky-rocketing, the Rams forego the hype and stick with Long.
3. Atlanta: Glenn Dorsey, DT - LSU
Looks like the news about his leg injuries was inflated by a beat writer in St. Louis. Dorsey put up numbers as originally expected in his Pro Day. The Falcons liked last year's late round surprise, Trey Lewis. However, coach Mike Smith knows the value of having a dominant D-Line.
4. Oakland: Vernon Gholston, DE - Ohio State
While word is that Al Davis loves McFadden, the Raiders front office needs to veto and take Gholston, who helps at a needy position for the team. He'll be Burgess's bookend, and they have the potential to be one of the best pass rush tandems in the league.
5. Kansas City: Matt Ryan, QB - Boston College
The Chiefs had more scouts at Ryan's Pro Day than any other team. While they need to address their offensive line, they choose to go with the top QB of the draft.
6. New York Jets: Darren McFadden, RB - Arkansas
I've had a few Jets fans give me grief for this pick, claiming that the team is fine with Jones and Washington. I'm not buying it. McFadden is the type of offensive weapon that will keep the pressure off their "savior" Chad Pennington.
7. New England (from San Francisco): Leodis McKelvin, CB - Troy
Regardless of the Bryant and Webster additions at CB, the team needs some young talent to build on. McKelvin makes the most sense to me, but don't be surprised if the Pats go another direction. This pick is a prime spot for a team to trade up to.
8. Baltimore: Mike Jenkins, CB - South Florida
Jenkins has looked great, and there is debate whether he or McKelvin are the top corner in the draft. The Ravens need to address the aging position on their team.
9. Cincinnati: Sedric Ellis, DT - Southern Cal
Thornton and Peko won't exactly cut it. The Bengals need to address the run defense, or else they'll be run on all over again.
10. New Orleans: Keith Rivers, LB - Southern Cal
While they acquired both Vilma and Morgan, the Saints can't pass up on Rivers to man the outside spot. If Sedric Ellis or Glenn Dorsey are available, they will probably be the pick.
11. Buffalo: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB - Tennessee St.
This WR class is really disappointing. Therefore the Bills choose not to reach, and instead take the top CB off the board. DRC is climbing the draft lists, and settling in nicely as the #3 CB in the draft.
12. Denver: Chris Williams, T - Vanderbilt
With his high-QB like Wonderlic scores and athletic ability at the left tackle position, the Broncos can fit Williams right into their zone-blocking scheme and hope he picks up where Lepsis left off
13. Carolina: Jeff Otah, T - Pittsburgh
With Jordan Gross moving to left tackle, and Travelle Wharton to left guard, there is a nice spot wide open for Otah to step into. This mauler should open holes for DeAngelo Williams
14. Chicago: Ryan Clady, T - Boise State
The team may have actually preferred Williams or Otah, but Clady isn't a shabby consolation prize. In fact, he was rated higher than those two before his horrible Wonderlic scores surfaced. He still might end up in Denver.
15. Detroit: Rashard Mendelhall, RB - Illinois
This is practically a foregone conclusion. With Kevin Jones gone, and Tatum Bell far from an every down back, the Lions tag Mendelhall, who could earn the lion's share of the carries (no pun intended)
16. Arizona: Aqib Talib, CB - Kansas
Before Jonathan Stewart had his foot injury and surgery he would have been my pick here. He may still end up being the pick, but for now I'm going for another needy position. With Antrel Rolle moving to safety, the Cards need some help at CB. Talib can also take on return duties
17. Minnesota: Derrick Harvey, DE - Florida
Udezi has been inefficient, and James's status is uncertain after his injury. Harvey would be a welcome addition. Though he tested slower and heavier than he was expected at the combines, his strength was better and he still has that explosive first step
18. Houston: Branden Albert, G - Virginia
Another pick that could go a variety of directions. Talk of them not taking a RB in the early rounds could be a smokescreen. However with the Chris Brown signing, they can wait a year. Albert is a guard and can fit right in, but he can also play tackle effectively. He's also athletic enough to play in the zone-blocking scheme. The Texans are dreaming of Chris Williams or Ryan Clady being available here.
19. Philadelphia: Malcolm Kelly, WR - Oklahoma
The Eagles have plenty of speed at the WR position, but now they have some size. Kelly hasn't truly worked out for anyone, but he still holds onto the top WR distinction
20. Tampa Bay: Devin Thomas, WR - Michigan State
Thomas is getting a lot of looks, and seems to have jumped his way up the draft charts. He's got it all: Size, Speed, Hands, Return Ability. The Bucs could use him, especially with Galloway's age and the lack of production they have from the rest of their WR corps
21. Washington: Phillip Merling, DE - Clemson
If it wasn't for his weak showing on the bench press reps at the combine, he would have been a top 10 pick. He's a high motor player who the Redskins lack along the defensive line.
22. Dallas (from Cleveland): Felix Jones, RB - Arkansas
Jerry Jones might consider Felix Jones the next best back in the draft after McFadden. Jones has no problem sharing the ball, or even taking a back seat to Marion Barber, as he backed up McFadden in college.
23. Pittsburgh: Limas Sweed, WR - Texas
The Steelers don't have to draft for need here, they can go a number of directions. With some of the drama that took place with Hines Ward, the team could look to Sweed, who without his wrist injury is the best WR in this draft. Also, is there any doubt that Tomlin likes to throw the rock?
24. Tennessee: Mario Manningham, WR - Michigan
The Titans can't let Vince Young throw to the current set of receivers and expect results. While they have a lot of high draftees at WR, they can't pass on what Manningham brings to the table. His latest workouts quieted a few of his critics, but he still isn't where he was before the combine
25. Seattle: Jonathan Stewart, RB - Tennessee
The Seahawks get a steal, and have no problem waiting for him to be 100% after his surgery. They have Julius Jones and T.J. Duckett to lean on until then. Stewart should have no problem fitting into the current offense, as he runs a similar style to Alexander
26. Jacksonville: Lawrence Jackson, DE - Southern Cal
He should have no problem unseating Paul Spicer on passing downs. He could also work in as the starter early on. Calais Campbell could be an option. Both Jackson and Campbell have been wild cards in other mocks I have seen, going from the latter part of the 1st round, down to the mid-section of the 2nd round.
27. San Diego: Kenny Phillips, FS - Miami
The Chargers could surprise and take a RB if someone happens to slip (Jones/Stewart), don't rule it out. Calais Campbell is also a tempting pick here. However the Chargers go with Kenny Phillips, a playmaker who can start alongside Weddle and form a great young tandem
28. Dallas: DeSean Jackson, WR - California
Jones should have no problem making this pick if Jackson is available. He won't pass on a chance to have a Hester-like player on his team who can break long plays in the passing and return games.
29. San Francisco (from Indianapolis): Quentin Groves, DE/LB - Auburn
Groves can play OLB in San Fran's 3-4 defense. He would challenge Tully Banta-Cain, and would probably beat him out for the job before the preseason is over.
30. Green Bay: Reggie Smith, CB - Oklahoma
A Charles Woodson clone, Smith fits right into the Green Bay defense and would has two great mentors to learn from.
New England Selection Forfeited
31. New York Giants: Kentwan Balmer, DT - North Carolina
Robbins is getting up there in years, while Coefield and Alford are more one-dimensional. Balmer is similar to Robbins and can start next to him before taking over in a couple of years.
2nd Round
32. Miami: Dan Connor, LB - Penn State
Connor falls under that category of a "Parcels guy". If he's taken here, he should have no problem getting snaps, regardless of who the team signed.
33. St. Louis: James Hardy, WR - Indiana
The Rams take the giant receiver from Indiana. Hardy is huge and still times well. He could end up being another Vincent Jackson.
34. Atlanta (from Oakland): Antoine Cason, CB - Arizona
With DeAngelo Hall gone, the Falcons now have a hole at CB. Cason started off the college season as the top corner in the nation. He has the instincts and coverage skills. He could be a steal.
35. Kansas City: Ghosder Cherilus, T - Boston College
KC desperately needs help along the offensive line. Cherilus has first round talent, but slips out because he's more suited for the right side. Two or three years down the road, this pick could be considered a steal
36. New York Jets: Calais Campbell, DE - Miami
Despite his poor junior season and poor workouts, Campbell is still on the verge of being a great player. As much as the Jets like Kenyon Coleman, the monsterous Campbell will challenge him for the starting DE spot.
37. Atlanta: Sam Baker, T - Southern Cal
Baker can slide right into the LT spot and start for the Falcons. As a 2nd rounder, he would be a better option than anyone they currently have (unless they move Weiner over to the left side)
38. Baltimore: Brian Brohm, QB - Louisville
While Flacco brings a lot of potential, Brohm brings more of a finished product. The Ravens were a great team with bad QB play. They need a QB who can be a field general, and Brohm is better suited for that style.
39. San Fransisco: Frank Okam, DT - Texas
A huge NT who can take up space, but also has the forward push to get into the backfield on occasion during pass plays.
40. New Orleans: Pat Sims, DT - Auburn
Sims adds youth to an aging defensive line, and shouldn't have a problem cracking the 3-man rotation at DT along with Thomas and Young.
41. Buffalo: Dustin Keller, TE - Purdue
Keller shot himself to the top of the TE ranks at the combines. He timed very well and was also a decent blocker at Purdue. He should have no problem taking playing time from Royal on passing downs.
42. Denver: Red Bryant, DT - Texas A&M
Bryant looked like the total package at the combine. The team needs bodies at the DT position, and Bryant could easily play into the rotation
43. Carolina: Joe Flacco, QB - Delaware
Great size and arm strength to go with a good score (for a QB) on the Wonderlic. The potential is there for a good NFL starter. He brings a lot of stuff to the table that Delhomme doesn't, but how much coaching does he need to get on the field?
44. Chicago: Early Doucet, WR - LSU
Booker and Lloyd as the starters? Hester? The Bears need to walk away from day one of this draft with a real WR.
45. Detroit: Curtis Lofton, MLB - Oklahoma
His stock rose back up to the top of the MLB ranks after his Pro Day. Lofton should have no problem learning from Paris Lenon and eventually taking over in the middle.
46. Cincinnati: Jerod Mayo, MLB - Tennessee
Mayo could either push Ahmad Brooks outside, or play on the weakside himself.
47. Minnesota: Heath Benedict, T - Newberry
Has McKinnie worn out his welcome yet? This would be his worst nightmare. Benedict is athletic and is an overachiever. He's the kind of kid that coaches love, and is the antithesis of McKinnie.
48. Atlanta (from Houston): Xavier Adibi, LB - Virginia Tech
Expect them to take a strong look at Andre Woodson, but to pass. Adibi fills a need position. Expect Mike Smith to make defense a high priority in this draft.
49. Philadelphia: Tracy Porter, CB - Indiana
With Lito Sheppard seemingly out the door, the Eagles bypass the need at DE and take a CB who has first round talent.
50. Arizona: Chris Johnson, RB - East Carolina
The Cards may not replace Edgerrin James with this pick, however, Johnson should have no problem taking a bunch of carries off James's plate. Johnson's speed cannot be overlooked.
51. Washington: Dre Moore, DT - Maryland
Without a big WR available, who wouldn't be a reach, the Skins opt to add some more to their D-Line. Moore is a hometown kid who had a great showing at the combines. He should have no problem working into the rotation.
52. Tampa Bay: Patrick Lee, CB - Auburn
Kiffin likes those big physical corners. Lee brings all of that to the table. He's built somewhat like Ronde Barber.
53. Pittsburgh: Brandon Flowers, CB - Virginia Tech
The Steelers can afford to go a number of directions, as they have a solid roster already. In these situations, you usually take the top corner or DE off the board. Flowers is one of the most decorated, coming out of Virginia Tech, which is saying a lot.
54. Tennessee: Ahtyba Rubin, DT - Iowa State
The Titans are hurting at DT almost as much as they're hurting at WR. At this point, you could even pencil in Rubin as a starter.
55. Seattle: Fred Davis, TE - Southern Cal
Davis probably won't fall this far, but if he does, the Seahawks war room will be the "peace" room. He would probably be a day one starter
56. Green Bay (from Cleveland): Trevor Laws, DT - Notre Dame
He could end up starting, which would be a stark transition from Justin Harrell, last year's 1st rounder.
57. Miami (from San Diego): Justing King, CB - Penn State
Tuna should have no problem gambling on a CB that has the physical talent to be a first rounder. King can also return kicks.
58. Jacksonville: Erin Henderson, LB - Maryland
Henderson can step in and challenge Clint Ingram, while keeping his eye on Mike Peterson's MLB spot in the future
59. Indianapolis: Gary Guyton, LB - Georgia Tech
Guyton was the fastest LB at the draft and has great size. He could be a sleeper pick.
60. Green Bay: Anthony Collins, T - Kansas
The underclassman would serve as an insurance policy, in case Clifton or Tauscher start to break down due to their age and mileage.
61. Dallas: Charles Godfrey, CB - Iowa
Losing both Reeves and Jones, the Cowboys need depth at the CB position. Godfrey could end the season as the 2nd or 3rd corner
62. New England: Cliff Avril, OLB - Purdue
Great spot for Avril to land. He could share time for a while before eventually taking on a starting spot. He's the type of player you would expect to end up in New England
63. New York Giants: Josh Barrett, S - Arizona State
One of the most physically gifted players in the draft. Has Sean Taylor-like size and speed. He could even be converted to a LB.
That's it for now. Please leave your comments. I would love to hear what you think (good, bad or ugly).
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
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16 comments:
The Steelers have to draft OL in theeir first two picks!!!!!There is a very LARGE need in the Burgh!
Heath Benedict died. You should take him out of your draft.
this is a good draft but Detroit needs more help on D than on offense. To many OT and RB to get one in the later rounds so they dont have to take the best 1 at 15. Look for a defensive player that can come in a nd start right away. Look for Mayo or Conner at 15 (I think Mayo will be a better pro) especially now there can be 1 player w/ a radio in the helmet.
ohh and Brondon Flowers is the 3rd best corner in the draft, and theres no way he falls to the 2nd runds. Look for GB to take him. Hes physical and plays just like Harris and GBs corner are getting old.
Thanks for the comments. I'll tackle the comments one by one.
Pittsburgh just signed Hartwig, so I don't see them going O-Line in the 1st (maybe the 2nd). Cherilus could fit, but I think he's a reach in the first round at Pitt's pick, and there is better value. Sweed is a beast...he's just got that wrist thing going on.
Yeah...I totally missed the Benedict thing. My condolences to the family...that's just sad.
15 is way too high for Mayo. I don't doubt that he can start as a rookie, but the only way he goes in the first round is if he sneaks into the bottom of the round. Mendelhall is a steal at 15...he could go earlier.
Brandon Flowers is a great player...but size matters in this league when it comes to the draft, and especially in Green Bay's scheme at CB. Flowers could go early in the 2nd, but he's definitely not the 3rd best CB in my opinion. DRC is easily 3rd.
Here's a question. Do you think anyone will trade back into the latter part of the 1st round to draft either Brohm or Flacco? If so, where do you see them trading into? 21 w/ the skins? 25 w/ the seahawks?
Heath Benedict is dead, so I don't think the Vikings will be drafting him
Udezi has cancer, so a DE in the first round makes sense
The Jaguars would most likely not take a LB in the 2nd round if they were able. They currently have 4 starters for 3 positions and some pretty solid backups. If a CB, S or DT were available that fits that need, I would think that they would lean towards that.
Dont you think the first pick of dallas is limas sweed or mendenhall or why not rodgers-cromartie????
Um, I hate to break it to you, but the Panthers are far from drafting a QB in the top 3, or even 4 rounds. They are already happy with Delhomme, Moore, and Basanez. I think that if they do draft Otah in the first round, then they'll draft a DT or DE in the 2nd (or vice versa). If Mendenhall is still there by the 13th pick, then I think they'll pick him up and grab the next best Offensive Tackle in the 2nd.
Its a good mock draft. I just thought I would throw my 2 cents in...
Giants taking a DT in the first round of the draft are you crazy...I do agree we need another defensive tackle I believe we can get one in rounds 4 or 5 not round one... we should concentrate on either DB or LB in the first and second round
The seahawks never need another tip toe runner like SA again yes he had sucess when he was behind one of the best lines in football in 05 that all changed when hutch left town. injuries happen when people are hitting you instead of you hitting them. A downhill runner who hits the holes at full speed is what the seahawks need.
i don't get GB drafting the Notre Dame DT for pick 45. they have PLENTY of nose tackles and will most likely take a linebacker or perhaps a qb with one of the second round picks. DT is the last position they need to worry about
I think the Giants will go with a LB in the first and a CB in the 2nd. However, if they do go the DT route early word is they like Trevor Laws.
Wow...amazing comments. Thank you all. It means a lot that I can put together something like this and know that people actually read it and are willing to give their thoughts.
Ok...here goes:
1. Trading down for Brohm or Flocco: I like Brian Brohm. I don't like that I put him into the 2nd round. I think that Carolina or Chicago would be smart to trade down. Here's what I like about your comment. You mentioned Seattle. They would have to trade up to 13 or 14, ahead of Detroit, in order to get Mendelhall, because Detroit will take him if he's there. The question is, what would Seattle have to give up?
2. DE for the Vikes...and the Benedict tragedy: Like I've said before, Udezi is non-existent and Erasmus James has injury issues. Harvey would be a great pick for them. On Benedict...I missed that news. Wish I had caught that. I really liked his potential in the league. It's tragic for that young man to have lost his life.
3. No more LBs in JAX: I like Erin Henderson a lot, and I have this feeling that Mike Peterson will play out his contract this year and probably end up in Atlanta next year with Mike Smith. I thought long about Josh Barrett at this pick (cuz I like that kid a lot), but I've also been high on Sensebaugh since he came out of UNC. I can see Henderson playing in the middle in a year, I can't see Durant there. Anyway...like the comment, just wanted to explain some of my thinking.
4. Dallas's first pick: Mendelhall and Rodgers-Cromartie were gone on my board by the time Dallas picked. If those players are available at 22 (which I highly doubt) Dallas would be crazy not to take either one. Sweed should be there, but Dallas probably won't take a chance at missing out on Felix Jone (or even Jonathan Stewart, if they like him more), especially if Seattle is still there at 25.
5. Panthers picks: Great points. I'm not the Panthers, but I think Flocco at 43 is a great value. Are they really THAT high on Moore? I know he did ok in spot duty, but Flocco brings so much to the table. I totally hear you on Mendelhall...I struggled with that one. What is it about Williams that the team doesn't like? And yes, they do need to consider the DE position with Rucker gone, and this craziness about Peppers possibly being on the block.
6. Giants taking a DT in the First?!?!?!: Dan Connor is a strong possibility, but there isn't a safety who I like there. If Kenny Phillips falls to that pick, then maybe. Reggie Smith can play safety too, and if he's available...maaaaaaybe. Balmer, in my opinion, is a steal at that pick, and while I like Coefield and Alford, Balmer brings a lot more to the table. Balmer can be an interior pass rusher, and we all saw what a great pass rush did for the Giants. The theory here is to draft towards strength, which is what the Giants did with their LBs in the Lawrence Taylor days.
7. Downhill runners in Seattle: You make a great point about the offensive line contributing to SA's success, and the Hutchinson departure. I'm VERY high on Stewart, and the only reason I feel he's not challenging Mendelhall as the 2nd RB off the board is because of the foot surgery. Stewart has all the measurables (size/speed especially), but I understand the comment on the tip-toe runner. Could you imagine if Clinton Portis was a Seahawk (people need to watch video of him and see how he really runs)? That's the type of runner they could use.
8. No DTs in GB: Unless Jon Harrell is breaking out (which isn't a stretch), I don't see them being all that happy with John Jolly as a long-term starter. I will say though, that the Packers can go so many directions in the 2nd round. They have a nice young nucleus and can focus anywhere they want.
9. Giants-Laws: They would have to trade down in order not to reach, to get Laws, or get extremely lucky and land him at the end of the 2nd. However, I will say this. There isn't a ton of word on who's specifically interested in Laws. With all the smokescreens out there, there could be a team that's coveting the talented DT.
Again...thanks for the comments. I really appreciate them. Looking forward to more comments...and already tinkering with my new mock draft.
No OL for Steelers in first 2 rounds?
A WR in R1?
This mock is a steaming heap of uninformed CRAP!!
OK The TN Titans are my team. I think that DT is not as strong a need as WR or HB. LenDale going to court and Chris Henry got a positive test for steriods again. Ray Rice of Rutgers or Earl Bennett of Vanderbilt should be their 2nd round pick. I think you are right Manningham but I also think it is possible for them to trade up 3 or 4 picks and get Malcom Kelly becasue Vince has been expressing some serious intrest in throwing to him. Earl Bennet is VERY under rated. I think that if LenDale gets out clean that they should get Bennett but if it takes a while then Rice is the same kind of workhorse back White is and could be a good starter if with the right team. I am only 13 but I probably know more about any of this then you older guys. Tell if you think I'm right or wrong.
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