Friday April 25, 2008

Friday Before the Draft, and all is NOT Calm.

Mock Draft Version 6.0, The Final Final Chapter.

Lots going on in the Mock Draft world, and it is all very fun. The Ravens and the Jets might get lucky with their top picks. The most likely trade happening at the top of this draft involves the Ravens at 8 trading down. This happens if I'm wrong and Matt Ryan is gone by 8. If he is, Ozzie trades down and gets the most he can. Let the games begin.

Also, I consider myself having already gotten 2 picks right. What the Dolphins do at 1 and what the Patriots do at 31. Technically, I do have them both correct. So Kudos to me!!!!

**Thank you Steve McNair for 1 really good year as the Ravens QB.**

1. Dolphins: Team Needs: OL,DL,LB,CB,QB
Pick : Jake Long OT Michigan
The Dolphins took all the fun out of this. They properly identified one of their biggest needs, addressed the players signability, and got it done 3 days before the draft. I wonder if there is somebody in charge down there that knows what they are doing. Good pick.

2. Rams: Team Needs: OL,DL,CB,LB
Pick: Chris Long DE Virginia
There is some choice here, Long or Dorsey. The Rams probably can't go wrong between the two. But in today's NFL, getting to the QB is a higher priority, and a skill that is harder to find. I will say it again, but look at who just won the Super Bowl. The Giants got to Brady all day long by rushing 4.

3. Falcons: Team Needs: Everything
Pick: Glenn Dorsey DT
I just read too many other Mock Drafts consistantly show the Falcons passing on Matt Ryan. I don't know how they could, but it looks like they will. Dorsey is one heck of a football player and could develop into a strong interior NFL lineman. The Falcons will address QB with one of their 2 top second round picks. Not a bad plan, but one I don't agree with.

4. Raiders: Team Needs: OT,DL,WR,LB,RB
Pick: Sedrick Ellis DT USE
Lots of talk about the Raiders taking Darren McFadden and I think that would be the best pick here. But the Raiders have a HUGE hole on the Defensive Line and Sedrick Ellis is their man with this pick. He can stop the run and pressure the QB from the interior of the Line. That makes him a must have. He is properly valued at the 4 pick and lots of team below are hoping he slides. They go another year with a decent collection of serviceable Running Backs.

5. Chiefs: Team Needs: OL,DL,LB,WR
Pick: Brandon Albert OL Virginia

This is a biggest change in most Mock Drafts and one I agree with. A versitile lineman who can play guard or tackle, he will start right away for an offensive line that needs high quality youth Right Now. Might be a little high at 5, but a good pick overall.

6. Jets: Team Needs: WR,DL,LB,OL
Pick: Darren McFadden RB Arkansas

Not the biggest need for the Jets, but he is the highest rated player on the board and the Jets will feel they need to take him. So many off the field issues at Arkansas. How is it possible the Jets could think that getting into trouble in Arkansas with no money is a good gamble to take when McFadden will move to the Big Apple and the Jets make in a multi-millionaire. Talk about problems. Anyway, his talent is off the charts, so he gets picked here.

7. Patriots: Team Needs: CB, LB, S

Pick: Leodis McKelvin CB Troy State
The Patriots will try to trade down and may do just that. Until then, they take the highest rated CB on their draft board to try to replace Assante Samuel. Right after the Combine, its Leodis McKelvin. He is shooting up lots of draft boards and for a team that almost always makes the right pick, this is a solid pick. Still, probably trade down.

8. Ravens: Team Needs: CB,DL,LB,QB,OL
Pick: Matt Ryan QB Boston College

Ravens fans hope that the law of averages works in their favor when it comes to first round quarterback picks. They say its about 50-50, that for every Peyton Manning there is a Ryan Leaf. Well, the Ravens already had their Ryan Leaf when they draft "He who will not be named here" to be the QB of the future in the first round of 2003. That has not worked, AT ALL!!! So, this will be the good QB pick, we all hope.

9. Bengals: Team Needs: Defense
Pick: Vernon Gholston DE/LB Ohio State

Versitile speed end rusher from in State powerhouse Ohio State will make an instant positive impact on the Bengals defense. This is a high quality pick and the Bengals will consider themselves thrilled to have made it.

10. Saints: Team Needs: CB,LB,DL,OL
Pick: Mike Jenkins CB South Florida
The Saints desperately need help in there secondary. They have to take the highest CB on there draft board (there will be a lot of this) and that is Jenkins. He is a classic cover corner and will have a good to very good NFL career.

11. Bills: Team Needs: WR,LB,DL,CB,TE
Pick: Devon Thomas WR Michigan State
Nice addition with DT Marcus Stroud. The Draft boards are all over the place with no consensus number 1 WR, but the Bills need one and they get there pick right here. Thomas is big and fast and has good hands and will make an excellent NFL receiver. This pick has the most chance to change as we get closer to the Draft. I just think the Bills have to take the highest WR on there draft board.

12. Broncos: Team Needs: OL,LB,S,DL
Pick: Keith Rivers LB USC
The need for the Broncos to add a playmaking LB is pretty high, and Keith Rivers makes plays. He will play from day one and never leave the field. Not a highly rated as last years Patrick Willis, but Rivers is a value pick at a need position.

13. Panthers: Team Needs: QB,OL,DL
Pick: Ryan Clady OT Boise State
Offensive Tackle is there highest need and the Panthers will consider themselves pretty lucky if Clady falls to them at this pick. This is a direct result to the Chiefs taking Brandon Albert at 5. Clady is a real good Tackle prospect who will give much need help to an offensive line that needs it very bad.

14. Bears: Team Needs: QB,OL,DL,S,RB
Pick: Chris Williams OT Vanderbilt
Way to many needs for a team 1 year removed from a Super Bowl appearance. You look at this kid and you say "Bears Offensive Lineman" Chris is a big massive kid who will contribute right away. I don't see the Bears taking a QB with this pick and their other needs will have to be meet later in the draft.

15. Lions: Team Needs: No WR's, lots of CB's
Pick: Aqib Talib CB Kansas
The Lions were 31st against the pass last year. Either get more pressure on the QB faster or get guys who can cover longer. Actually, they need both. I like the top of this years CB class a lot and lots of CB's are going to be drafted early this year. It depends on each teams draft board, but the Lions take the first of probably two CB's they will eventually draft right here.

16. Cardinals: Team Needs: CB,RB,OL,LB,TE,S,DL
Pick: Jonathan Stewart RB Oregon
This kid has risen fast and fills a tomorrow need today. Edgerin James should be noticing how Shawn Alexander is being treated in Seattle and take notes. Stewart is a complete back and will make immediate contributions. The Cards have some Defensive side of the ball issues to address with this draft, but not right here with this pick is Stewart is still on the board.

17. Vikings: Team Needs: WR,DL,S,LB,TE,QB
Pick: Brian Brohm QB Louisville
Well, this is the second KC pick of MANY in this draft. Their offense last year was almost as bad as the Ravens, so the offense gets addressed early and often in this draft. Look for the Chiefs to trade Larry Johnson and /or Tony Gonzolez. I like this take on things, when you look to start over, really freakin start over. I mean turn the entire roster over and gamble on a QB. Brohm is efficient and has most of the skills it takes to be an NFL QB.

18. Texans: Team Needs: CB,RB,OL,S
Pick: Dominique Rodgers-Cromarte CB Tennesse State
The Texans are getting closer to the Colts. This pick continues a tradition of drafting to try to slow down Peyton Manning. I love the top of this years Cornerback position. Lots of NFL ready talent. And when you have to beat the Colts, you need lots of CB's.

19. Eagles: Team Needs: WR,S,CB,OL,LB,TE
Pick: DeSean Jackson WR California
The Eagles were Horrible last year in the return game last year and they don't want to put Brian Westbrook back there to do it. DeSean Jackson is a NFL #2 WR because of his size, only 5'11", but his ability to contribute immediately in the return game makes him the Eagles pick. They might go with RB Felix Jones but added help in the WR is where they draft.

20. Tampa Bay: Team Needs: LB,WR,OL
Pick: Dan Conner LB Penn State
Tampa could go with a WR at this pick, but the highest rated play making linebacker is still on the board, Tampa jumps on this pick. Dan Conner will be the name and face of the next generation great Tampa defense with his an aggresive attacking style. Smart pick here for Tampa.

21. Redskins: Team Needs: Somebody to pressure the QB
Pick: Derrick Harvey DE Florida
This kid is a pass rushing madman on the field. He will have to learn how to stop the run at the NFL level, but his pass rushing ability is fantastic. Let me repeat, the Redskins have to get pressure on the QB and they go a long way to doing that with this smart pick.

22. Dallas: Team Needs: Steady girlfriend for QB, CB,WR,RB,OL
Pick: Rashard Mendenhall RB Illinois
Rashard is flying up draft boards. The long standing rumor is that Dallas will try to trade up to get Jerry Jones favorite Razorback Darren McFadden. Don't look for that to actually happen, and Dallas gets to keep both first round draft picks AND get a young stud RB. They could go WR here, but Mendenhall is too good to pass.

23. Steelers: Team Needs: OL,DL,CB, Returner
Pick: Jeff Otah OT Pittsburgh
The Steelers have serious needs in the return game, but I don't think they can pass on an offensive tackle of this quality at this pick. They can address the return game later, but the offensive line wins this pick.

24. Titans: Team Needs: WR,CB,TE,DT,S,OL
Pick: Malcolm Kelly WR Oklahoma
The Titans will simply take the highest rated WR on there board and right now that's Malcolm Kelly. He is big and fast and has had an excellent college career. Giving Vince Young another really good young weapon is a must and the Titans hope its Malcolm Kelly. Nice Addition with TE Alge Crumpler.

25. Seahawks: Team Needs: TE,OL,RB,DT
Pick: Fred Davis TE USC

The Seahawks have an offense built around taking advantage of a great pass catching TE. They don't have one. This is a good value pick and makes a lot of sense.

26. Jaquars: Team Needs: DE,S,SB,WR
Pick: Phillip Merling DE Clemson
His injury has brought into question the dreaded health issues. He is good enough to be drafted higher than this and the Jags have needs at DE, so off the board he comes. He might not do all that well his rookie year, who really does. But he should have a solid NFL career and makes for a good pick here.

27. Chargers: Team Needs: OL,DL,LB,WR
Pick: Kentwan Balmer DT North Carolina
The Chargers are in a position to take the highest rated player on there draft board, and fill a need. The Chargers need help and depth at the DT position and Balmer is there man. He is big and eats up blockers and will provide much needed playing time and depth on a team that is expecting to go deep into the Playoffs again next year.

28. Dallas: Team Needs: CB,WR,OL
Pick: Linas Sweed WR Texas
Dallas is getting two really good young weapons in this draft. Linas Sweed has game changing speed with fantastic hands. It is hard to tell if Dallas trades these two picks to move up. My best guess is they do if Darren McFadden does fall to somewhere between 8 and 13. I definitely look for a big trade up for the Cowboys.

29. 49ers: Team Needs: Everything but Middle LB
Pick: James Hardy WR Indiana
Wow, did the 49ers stink last year. They have no WR threat and that is the first place they go in this years draft. They have to hope that Alex Smith, Frank Gore, and Vernon Davis can get on the same page. Having a big strong WR with top flight speed will have to help, won't it? There are just lots of things that went wrong last year so take the best WR and work at having strong later round draft picks.

30. Packers: Team Needs: CB,S,OL,TE, Replace Brett Favre
Pick: Antoine Cason CB Arizona
Well, this is our 6th, and last, CB taken in the first round of this years draft. Green Bay is old at both CB positions and no Safety rates this high. They have few glaring needs other than replacing Charles Woodson and Al Harris soon. This is a pick they might try to trade down as some teams look to draft up and take one of those second tier QB's. I see some offers and a chance Green Bay trades, but if they don't, the next highest rated CB comes off the board right here.

31. Patriots: No pick for you, 1 year

32. Giants: Team Needs: LB,CB,S,OL,DL
Pick: Jeord Mayo LB Tennesse
Well, the rest of the league has picked several starters away from this Defense. That must be dealt with at this pick. Jerod Mayo is showing up on most mock drafts all over the board from middle of the first to middle of the second. So, I guess he goes to the last pick of the first round to the Super Bowl champs with huge needs at linebacker. Nice.

One note before you start to read. This Darren McFadden trade that might happen is difficult to figure out if the Raiders don't take him at 4. I think the Raiders pass and the free fall starts untill either somebody takes him below what he is worth, or Dallas trades up. I think Dallas will trade up, but they haven't yet. Read and enjoy because I have to tell you, this is really fun to do


1. Dolphins: Team Needs: OL,DL,LB,CB,QB

Pick : Chris Long DE Virginia

The Draft needs of the Dolphins have not changed. They need just about everything. To quote Spiderman movies "With great power comes great responsibility" That is just like having the number overall pick in the NFL Draft. Bill Parcells can clearly handle that kind of responsibilty. He takes Chris Long and gives the Dolphins a feared DE for the next decade. The Dolphins continue to look to trade down, but untill then, they go with Long.

2. Rams: Team Needs: OL,DL,CB,LB

Pick: Jake Long OT Michigan

Lots of talk about the Rams drafting Defensive line with this pick. Not going to happen. Replacing Orlando Pace is not easy at all, it is completely necessary, and this pick is a great attempt to do just that. Fills a huge hole with high value.

3. Falcons: Team Needs: Everything

Pick: Matt Ryan QB Boston College

The Pre-Draft talk contiues to have the Falcons taking somebody else with this pick NO WAY!!! I am a Ravens fan, so I know a lot about bad Quarterback play. In fact, I've seen Chris Redman play some really bad Quarterback for the Ravens...........3 YEARS AGO. This has to be the Falcons pick. They have to. No other franchise in recent memory has every needed to completely start over at Quarterback more than this Falcons team needs to do right NOW.

4. Raiders: Team Needs: OT,DL,WR,LB,RB

Pick: Sedrick Ellis DT USE

Lots of talk about the Raiders taking Darren McFadden and I think that would be the best pick here. But the Raiders have a HUGE hole on the Defensive Line and Sedrick Ellis is their man with this pick. He can stop the run and pressure the QB from the interior of the Line. That makes him a must have. He is properly valued at the 4 pick and lots of team below are hoping he slides. They go another year with a decent collection of serviceable Running Backs.

5. Chiefs: Team Needs: OL,DL,LB,WR

Pick: Ryan Clady OT Boise State

The Chiefs have way too many needs on the Offensvie line to wait around for later picks in this draft to address them. Clady may be a stretch pick here at 5, but the Chiefs needs out way the draft best player available thougth process. (A sign of bad things to come). That being said, Clady is a monster with NFL tackle skills and good be very good for years to come, but probably not top 5 pick good.

6. Jets: Team Needs: WR,DL,LB,OL

Pick: Vernon Gholsten DE Ohio State

The trade to get DT Kris Jenkins adds depth to the Interior of the D-Line. But they need more. Having watched the Giants show how to beat the Patriots (Pressure Brady with a strong front 4) the Jets have to take this years DE freak. Vernon is not as strong against the run, but his pass rushing skills will require some attention from an offensive scheme right away.

7. Patriots: Team Needs: CB,LB not much else

Pick: Leodis McKelvin CB Troy State

The Patriots will try to trade down and may do just that. Until then, they take the highest rated CB on their draft board to try to replace Assante Samuel. Right after the Combine, its Leodis McKelvin. He is shooting up lots of draft boards and for a team that almost always makes the right pick, this is a solid pick. Still, probably trade down.

8. Ravens: Team Needs: CB,DL,LB,QB,OL

Pick: Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie CB Tennessee State

A couple of thoughts. One, if Matt Ryan falls this far, the Ravens draft him. Second, if either Darren McFadden and Glenn Dorsey are still on the board, the Ravens answer ALL trade calls and probably make one. I don't think Ozzie Newsome will shy away from trading out of this pick at all. However, those things have not happened and CB is the Ravens biggest draft need so then this kid is the pick. He exploded up the draft board at the Senior Bowl and hasn't left this lofty draft air. He is that good of a prospect and the Ravens take him, unless they trade down.

9. Bengals: Team Needs: Defense

Pick: Glen Dorsey DT LSU

Marvin Lewis takes a couple of seconds to realize Dorsey is still on the board, start to hear the phones rings, and tells everybody not to answer them, not once. Race up to the podium and take Dorsey. This kid fills such a hugh hole on a team that has a few on the defensive side. This is a great pick and the Benglas are lucky to get him.

10. Saints: Team Needs: CB,LB,DL,OL

Pick: Mike Jenkins CB South Florida

Somebody is trying desperately to trade up to draft McFadden (Jerry Jones) and that will make for a very exciting first couple of hours in the draft. However, the Saints desperately need help in there secondary. They have to take the highest CB on there draft board (there will be a lot of this) and that is Jenkins. He is a classic cover corner and will have a good to very good NFL career.

11. Bills: Team Needs: WR,LB,DL,CB,TE

Pick: Linas Sweed WR Texas

Nice addition with DT Marcus Stroud. The Draft boards are all over the place with no consensus number 1 WR, but the Bills need one and they get there pick right here. Linas is big and fast and has good hands and will make an excellent NFL receiver. This pick has the most chance to change as we get closer to the Draft. I just think the Bills have to take the highest WR on there draft board.

12. Broncos: Team Needs: OL,LB,S,DL

Pick: Keith Rivers LB USC

The need for the Broncos to add a playmaking LB is pretty high, and Keith Rivers makes plays. He will play from day one and never leave the field. Not a highly rated as last years Patrick Willis, but Rivers is a value pick at a need position.

13. Panthers: Team Needs: QB,OL,DL

Pick: Darren McFadden RB Arkansas

The Panthers Offensive is not very explosive, and this pick gives them an immediate threat every time he touches the ball. Again, there is no way he lasts this far, but the teams drafting above them are not taking McFadden, so the Panthers do right here.

14. Bears: Team Needs: QB,OL,DL,S,RB

Pick: Chris Williams OT Vanderbilt

Way to many needs for a team 1 year removed from a Super Bowl appearance. You look at this kid and you say "Bears Offensive Lineman" Chris is a big massive kid who will contribute right away. I don't see the Bears taking a QB with this pick and their other needs will have to be meet later in the draft.

15. Lions: Team Needs: No WR's, lots of CB's

Pick: Aqib Talib CB Kansas

The Lions were 31st against the pass last year. Either get more pressure on the QB faster or get guys who can cover longer. Actually, they need both. I like the top of this years CB class a lot and lots of CB's are going to be drafted early this year. It depends on each teams draft board, but the Lions take the first of probably two CB's they will eventually draft right here.

16. Cardinals: Team Needs: CB,RB,OL,LB,TE,S,DL

Pick: Jonathan Stewart RB Oregon

This kid has risen fast and fills a tomorrow need today. Edger James should be noticing how Shawn Alexander is being treated in Seattle and take notes. Stewart is a complete back and will make immediate contributions. The Cards have some Defensive side of the ball issues to address with this draft, but not right here with this pick is Stewart is still on the board.

17. Vikings: Team Needs: WR,DL,S,LB,TE,QB

Pick: Brian Brohm QB Louisville

I think Matt Ryan is the only first round graded QB, but with the success of Adrian Peterson last year, and the dismal QB play the Vikes got last year, they have to draft a QB with this pick. Brian is the top of the second tier QB's and could turn into a very good NFL QB. Wow, did I type QB a lot in this description. I guess QB is a big freakin need for the Vikings.

18. Texans: Team Needs: CB,RB,OL,S

Pick: Brandon Flowers CB Virgina Tech

The Texans are getting closer to the Colts. This pick continues a tradition of drafting to try to slow down Peyton Manning. I love the top of this years Cornerback position. Lots of NFL ready talent. And when you have to beat the Colts, you need lots of CB's.

19. Eagles: Team Needs: WR,S,CB,OL,LB,TE

Pick: DeSean Jackson WR California

The Eagles were Horrible last year in the return game last year and they don't want to put Brian Westbrook back there to do it. DeSean Jackson is a NFL #2 WR because of his size, only 5'11", but his ability to contribute immediately in the return game makes him the Eagles pick. They might go with RB Felix Jones but added help in the WR is where they draft.

20. Tampa Bay: Team Needs: LB,WR,OL

Pick: Dan Conner LB Penn State

Tampa could go with a WR at this pick, but the highest rated play making linebacker is still on the board, Tampa jumps on this pick. Dan Conner will be the name and face of the next generation great Tampa defense with his an aggresive attacking style. Smart pick here for Tampa.

21. Redskins: Team Needs: Somebody to pressure the QB

Pick: Derrick Harvey DE Florida

This kid is a pass rushing madman on the field. He will have to learn how to stop the run at the NFL level, but his pass rushing ability is fantastic. Let me repeat, the Redskins have to get pressure on the QB and they go a long way to doing that with this smart pick.

22. Dallas: Team Needs: Steady girlfriend for QB, CB,WR,RB,OL

Pick: Rashard Mendenhall RB Illinois

Rashard is flying up draft boards. The long standing rumor is that Dallas will try to trade up to get Jerry Jones favorite Razorback Darren McFadden. Don't look for that to actually happen, and Dallas gets to keep both first round draft picks AND get a young stud RB. They could go WR here, but Mendenhall is too good to pass.

23. Steelers: Team Needs: OL,DL,CB, Returner

Pick: Branden Albert G Virginia

The Jeff Otah pick is a common one here, but he had such a bad combine and the Steelers need with this pick is pretty specific, best G available. This is about the time in most drafts were the top Guard gets pick. Right now, that is Branden Albert. He projects as a starting guard right away in the NFL and is the perfect pick for this Steelers team.

24. Titans: Team Needs: WR,CB,TE,DT,S,OL

Pick: Malcolm Kelly WR Oklahoma

The Titans will simply take the highest rated WR on there board and right now that's Malcolm Kelly. He is big and fast and has had an excellent college career. Giving Vince Young another really good young weapon is a must and the Titans hope its Malcolm Kelly. Nice Addition with TE Alge Crumpler.

25. Seahawks: Team Needs: TE,OL,RB,DT

Pick: Jeff Otah OT Pittsburgh

This is just too great a need to pass up. How good will Jeff Otah be as a NFL Tackle? Well we will soon find out. But he is massive and has all the first round measureables that teams need to see out of OT in the first round. He has such a bad Combine, but his 2 year career at Pitt will over shadow that and he goes to the Seahawks who have huge needs to fill on the Offensive line. Wow, what happened to Shawn Alexander????

26. Jaquars: Team Needs: DE,S,SB,WR

Pick: Lawrence Jackson DE USC

Lawrence Jackson moved up into the first round at the Combine (and Calais Campbell fell out). The Jaquar team has a tough mean defense that can stop the run. Adding a young stud DE like Jackson is a blessing and one they take advantage of. Lets not forget, they have to pressure Peyton Manning for several more years. They could go WR, but if Jackson is on the board, he gets picked right here.

27. Chargers: Team Needs: OL,DL,LB,WR

Pick: Kentwan Balmer DT North Carolina

The Chargers are in a position to take the highest rated player on there draft board, and fill a need. The Chargers need help and depth at the DT position and Balmer is there man. He is big and eats up blockers and will provide much needed playing time and depth on a team that is expecting to go deep into the Playoffs again next year.

28. Dallas: Team Needs: CB,WR,OL

Pick: Mario Manningham WR Michigan

Dallas is getting two really good young weapons in this draft. Mario has game changing speed with fantastic hands. It is hard to tell if Dallas trades these two picks to move up. My best guess is they do if Darren McFadden does fall to somewhere between 8 and 13. I definitely look for a big trade up for the Cowboys.

29. 49ers: Team Needs: Everything but Middle LB

Pick: James Hardy WR Indiana

Wow, did the 49ers stink last year. They have no WR threat and that is the first place they go in this years draft. They have to hope that Alex Smith, Frank Gore, and Vernon Davis can get on the same page. Having a big strong WR with top flight speed will have to help, won't it? There are just lots of things that went wrong last year so take the best WR and work at having strong later round draft picks.

30. Packers: Team Needs: CB,S,OL,TE, Replace Brett Favre

Pick: Antoine Cason CB Arizona

Well, this is our 6th, and last, CB taken in the first round of this years draft. Green Bay is old at both CB positions and no Safety rates this high. They have few glaring needs other than replacing Charles Woodson and Al Harris soon. This is a pick they might try to trade down as some teams look to draft up and take one of those second tier QB's. I see some offers and a chance Green Bay trades, but if they don't, the next highest rated CB comes off the board right here.

31. Patriots: No pick for you, 1 year

32. Giants: Team Needs: LB,CB,S,OL,DL

Pick: Curtis Lofton LB Oklohoma

Well, the rest of the league has picked several starters away from this Defense. That must be dealt with at this pick. Curtis Lofton is showing up on most mock drafts as a high second round draft pick, but that is starting to change with the Giants have a serious need at LB