dragondawg
06-18-2007, 02:07 AM
To make things neutral, I decided to set the order of the draft using CBS’ Power Rankings. Because of the parity of the NFL, anything can happen and with that I decided not to use the 2007 draft order. I could have made my own predicted order, but I decided a third party would be best to create the illusion of having no control of the outcome. Paul Oliver, the 2008 top cornerback was academically ineligible, so he will enter the supplemental, and will not be included in this mock draft. Enjoy and feel free to share your positive criticisms.
* denotes underclassman
1. Dallas Cowboys (from Cleveland)- Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas*- Julius Jones has failed to be the running back the Cowboys expected, and picking number one, the Cowboys have to take McFadden, he is too good. McFadden is just a player, can pass, catch, and of course run. McFadden at this time seems to be the runaway favorite for number one pick.
2. Oakland Raiders- Jake Long, OT, Michigan- Oakland got its franchise quarterback last draft, now it needs to bolster that line. Long seems to be the can’t miss tackle of this draft, but of course we said the same for Robert Gallery.
3. Houston Texans- Jared Gaither, OT, Maryland*- Houston needs that franchise tackle to protect its quarterback and Gaither is a monster, literally. At 6-8, 335 lbs, Gaither is exactly what the Texans need.
4. Tennessee Titans- Steve Slaton, RB, West Virginia*- I really doubt Chris Henry or LenDale White is the answer for the Titans’ running game. Slaton is a playmaker, and would create a great young backfield with Vince Young. DeSean Jackson is tempting, but RB is better value at 4.
5. Washington Redskins- Calais Campbell, DE, Miami*- The Skins failed to bolster its d-line in last draft, so look to get the mega size Campbell. Campbell is 6-7, 260 and is just getting better. Look for Campbell to be the first defensive player off the board in the 08 draft.
6. Detroit Lions- James Laurinaitis, MLB, Ohio State*- Brian Brohm is tempting, but after drafting Stanton in the second round last draft, the Lions feel they have their quarterback of the future. MLB could be upgraded and Laurinaitis is an absolute monster and would create a nice young nucleus with Ernie Sims.
7. Kansas City Chiefs- Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville- The Chiefs have a lot of quarterback issues, and these issues could be settled with Brohm. Brohm is by far the top quarterback prospect in the draft. The Chiefs could also look at its offensive line, but Brohm is too good at number 7.
8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- DeSean Jackson, WR, California*- There was no hiding the fact that the Buccaneers wanted Calvin Johnson, this time they get the best WR in the draft. Jackson is a true playmaker that can also be a star return man.
9. Miami Dolphins- Sam Baker, OT, USC- We know the Dolphins have its quarterback of the future in John Beck, or that is what they are at least saying. Whoever is the quarterback needs to be protected, and Baker is the best tackle on the board.
10. Minnesota Vikings- Barry Richardson, OT, Clemson- The Vikings left side is great with McKinnie and Hutchinson, but the right side is lacking. Richardson plays left tackle in college, but I think has the ability to switch over.
11. Green Bay Packers- Mario Manningham, WR, Michigan*- The Packers should have gotten a wide receiver last draft in the first round, but chose to draft Justin Harrell. Manningham should make a nice trio with Driver and Jennings.
12. Carolina Panthers- Kenny Phillips, S, Miami*- The Panthers had a great 2007 NFL Draft, but still failed to get a safety. Phillips is the best safety on the board and would start immediately from the get go.
13. Buffalo Bills- Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona- Cason would have been a first round pick last draft if he had declared, with Paul Oliver declaring for the supplemental draft, Cason is the top cornerback on the board. Buffalo failed to replace Clements in 2007 NFL Draft, but are able to do it here.
14. New England Patriots (from San Francisco)- Dan Connor, LB, Penn State- Connor has the ability to play inside or outside linebacker, which will be great for the aging LBs of the Patriots.
15. Atlanta Falcons- Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU- I am assuming Michael Vick is still the quarterback by the time the 2008 draft rolls around. Dorsey is a beast and Grady Jackson is not getting any younger.
16. St. Louis Rams- Lawrence Jackson, DE, USC- Adam Carriker looks to playing DT, and the defensive ends for the Rams are not getting any younger. Jackson, in addition to Carriker, will really improve a Rams line that has struggled the past few years.
17. New York Jets- Chris Long, DE, Virginia- Long played DE in UVA’s 3-4 system and would fill the same position for the Jets. Wide Receiver is also a possibility, but Long’s experience in the 3-4 makes him a perfect fit for the Jets.
18. Seattle Seahawks- Martin Rucker, TE, Missouri- Marcus Pollard is just a temporary replacement. Rucker as of now is my top TE in the draft, at 6-6 he would be a great target for Hasselbeck. RB is a possibility with Alexander’s recent injury and getting up their an age.
19. New York Giants- Frank Okam, DT, Texas- Offensive tackle would have been the common choice here, but the top four tackles are already gone. I think its too high for Kirk Barton or Gosder Cherilus, so I go with another possible need: DT.
20. Arizona Cardinals- Derrick Harvey, DE/OLB, Florida*- The Cardinals is in the process of changing to a 3-4 defense. Harvey is the best tweener and looks to make the transition from DE to OLB.
21. Jacksonville Jaguars- Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU*- DE seems to be the Jaguars biggest need. The Jags have one of the best DT combos in the league and with the addition of Jackson could really be a lethal line. Jackson is a monster at 6-5, 292.
22. Pittsburgh Steelers- Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon*- The Steelers have its speedy back with Willie Parker, now they need their power back. Stewart is a load at 5-11, 230, and is only not as well known as backs like Mike Hart because he plays in Oregon.
23. Cincinnati Bengals- Quentin Groves, DE, Auburn- Justin Smith was franchised and looks to be gone after the season unless a deal can be made. Groves brings the pass rusher that the Bengals really desire, and like many of the Bengals, hails from Auburn.
24. Dallas Cowboys- Early Doucet, WR, LSU- This pick came down to either a wide receiver or defensive back. With Glenn and Owens getting up there in age, a receiver makes sense. At this pick, the Cowboys have their pick with WRs with Limas Sweed, Adarious Bowman, Marcus Monk, and Harry Douglas. As of now, Doucet is the higher rank receiver, primarily because of speed.
25. Philadelphia Eagles- Jasper Brinkley, LB, South Carolina- Jeremiah Trotter is not getting any younger. Safety is more of a need, but outside of Phillips, there is not a safety worthy of a pick this high. Jamar Adams is the next best safety on the board. There is a debate between Brinkley and Rey Maualuga on who is the best ILB after Laurinaitis, and I think it is Brinkley.
26. New Orleans Saints- Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC- There looks to be three first round DTs- Dorsey, Okam, and Ellis. DT looks to be the biggest need. The Saints could look at CB with Dwight Lowery, but DT is more of a need.
27. Baltimore Ravens- Dwight Lowery, CB, San Jose St.- Quarterback looks like a possibility, but I really think the Ravens are interested in making Troy Smith their quarterback. If that is not the case, Chad Henne is a possibility. Samari Rolle and Chris McAllister will be 31 and 30 when the season starts, so youth at CB is needed. Lowery has nice size at 6-1, 185 and can come in immediately and be the nickleback.
28. Denver Broncos- Limas Sweed, WR, Texas- Wide receiver seems to be the pick here especially with Rod Smith getting up their in years. Sweed is the best receiver on the board and at 6-5 makes for a huge target.
29. San Diego Chargers- Rey Maualuga, MLB, USC*- The Chargers lost three veteran ILBs this offseason, which makes ILB one of the few possible needs for the Chargers. Maualuga, a USC product would get to stay in sunny Southern California.
30. New England Patriots- Justin King, CB, Penn State*- With the Pats first pick, they were able to get an ILB, now they can find a replacement for Asante Samuel if he is to leave at the end of the season. King has off field issues, but it seems the Pats with recent moves are willing to take those risks. Mike Hart could also be a possibility to complement Laurence Maroney.
31. Chicago Bears- Chad Henne, QB, Michigan- This is a make or break year for Rex Grossman. If Grossman has a poor season, look for the Bears to pursue a QB in the draft. If Grossman performs well next season, look for the Bears to pick an OLB or WR.
32. San Francisco 49ers (from Indianapolis Colts)- Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State*- Walt Harris is not getting any younger. Zachary Bowman is tempting only if has fully healed from his injury. With the 49ers most likely having a late pick because they own the Colts’ first rounder, they may go after Paul Oliver in the supplemental draft. Oliver is a top corner, and would add to already a great offseason.
http://thefootballexpert.com/abromowitzmockdraft080001.html
* denotes underclassman
1. Dallas Cowboys (from Cleveland)- Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas*- Julius Jones has failed to be the running back the Cowboys expected, and picking number one, the Cowboys have to take McFadden, he is too good. McFadden is just a player, can pass, catch, and of course run. McFadden at this time seems to be the runaway favorite for number one pick.
2. Oakland Raiders- Jake Long, OT, Michigan- Oakland got its franchise quarterback last draft, now it needs to bolster that line. Long seems to be the can’t miss tackle of this draft, but of course we said the same for Robert Gallery.
3. Houston Texans- Jared Gaither, OT, Maryland*- Houston needs that franchise tackle to protect its quarterback and Gaither is a monster, literally. At 6-8, 335 lbs, Gaither is exactly what the Texans need.
4. Tennessee Titans- Steve Slaton, RB, West Virginia*- I really doubt Chris Henry or LenDale White is the answer for the Titans’ running game. Slaton is a playmaker, and would create a great young backfield with Vince Young. DeSean Jackson is tempting, but RB is better value at 4.
5. Washington Redskins- Calais Campbell, DE, Miami*- The Skins failed to bolster its d-line in last draft, so look to get the mega size Campbell. Campbell is 6-7, 260 and is just getting better. Look for Campbell to be the first defensive player off the board in the 08 draft.
6. Detroit Lions- James Laurinaitis, MLB, Ohio State*- Brian Brohm is tempting, but after drafting Stanton in the second round last draft, the Lions feel they have their quarterback of the future. MLB could be upgraded and Laurinaitis is an absolute monster and would create a nice young nucleus with Ernie Sims.
7. Kansas City Chiefs- Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville- The Chiefs have a lot of quarterback issues, and these issues could be settled with Brohm. Brohm is by far the top quarterback prospect in the draft. The Chiefs could also look at its offensive line, but Brohm is too good at number 7.
8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- DeSean Jackson, WR, California*- There was no hiding the fact that the Buccaneers wanted Calvin Johnson, this time they get the best WR in the draft. Jackson is a true playmaker that can also be a star return man.
9. Miami Dolphins- Sam Baker, OT, USC- We know the Dolphins have its quarterback of the future in John Beck, or that is what they are at least saying. Whoever is the quarterback needs to be protected, and Baker is the best tackle on the board.
10. Minnesota Vikings- Barry Richardson, OT, Clemson- The Vikings left side is great with McKinnie and Hutchinson, but the right side is lacking. Richardson plays left tackle in college, but I think has the ability to switch over.
11. Green Bay Packers- Mario Manningham, WR, Michigan*- The Packers should have gotten a wide receiver last draft in the first round, but chose to draft Justin Harrell. Manningham should make a nice trio with Driver and Jennings.
12. Carolina Panthers- Kenny Phillips, S, Miami*- The Panthers had a great 2007 NFL Draft, but still failed to get a safety. Phillips is the best safety on the board and would start immediately from the get go.
13. Buffalo Bills- Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona- Cason would have been a first round pick last draft if he had declared, with Paul Oliver declaring for the supplemental draft, Cason is the top cornerback on the board. Buffalo failed to replace Clements in 2007 NFL Draft, but are able to do it here.
14. New England Patriots (from San Francisco)- Dan Connor, LB, Penn State- Connor has the ability to play inside or outside linebacker, which will be great for the aging LBs of the Patriots.
15. Atlanta Falcons- Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU- I am assuming Michael Vick is still the quarterback by the time the 2008 draft rolls around. Dorsey is a beast and Grady Jackson is not getting any younger.
16. St. Louis Rams- Lawrence Jackson, DE, USC- Adam Carriker looks to playing DT, and the defensive ends for the Rams are not getting any younger. Jackson, in addition to Carriker, will really improve a Rams line that has struggled the past few years.
17. New York Jets- Chris Long, DE, Virginia- Long played DE in UVA’s 3-4 system and would fill the same position for the Jets. Wide Receiver is also a possibility, but Long’s experience in the 3-4 makes him a perfect fit for the Jets.
18. Seattle Seahawks- Martin Rucker, TE, Missouri- Marcus Pollard is just a temporary replacement. Rucker as of now is my top TE in the draft, at 6-6 he would be a great target for Hasselbeck. RB is a possibility with Alexander’s recent injury and getting up their an age.
19. New York Giants- Frank Okam, DT, Texas- Offensive tackle would have been the common choice here, but the top four tackles are already gone. I think its too high for Kirk Barton or Gosder Cherilus, so I go with another possible need: DT.
20. Arizona Cardinals- Derrick Harvey, DE/OLB, Florida*- The Cardinals is in the process of changing to a 3-4 defense. Harvey is the best tweener and looks to make the transition from DE to OLB.
21. Jacksonville Jaguars- Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU*- DE seems to be the Jaguars biggest need. The Jags have one of the best DT combos in the league and with the addition of Jackson could really be a lethal line. Jackson is a monster at 6-5, 292.
22. Pittsburgh Steelers- Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon*- The Steelers have its speedy back with Willie Parker, now they need their power back. Stewart is a load at 5-11, 230, and is only not as well known as backs like Mike Hart because he plays in Oregon.
23. Cincinnati Bengals- Quentin Groves, DE, Auburn- Justin Smith was franchised and looks to be gone after the season unless a deal can be made. Groves brings the pass rusher that the Bengals really desire, and like many of the Bengals, hails from Auburn.
24. Dallas Cowboys- Early Doucet, WR, LSU- This pick came down to either a wide receiver or defensive back. With Glenn and Owens getting up there in age, a receiver makes sense. At this pick, the Cowboys have their pick with WRs with Limas Sweed, Adarious Bowman, Marcus Monk, and Harry Douglas. As of now, Doucet is the higher rank receiver, primarily because of speed.
25. Philadelphia Eagles- Jasper Brinkley, LB, South Carolina- Jeremiah Trotter is not getting any younger. Safety is more of a need, but outside of Phillips, there is not a safety worthy of a pick this high. Jamar Adams is the next best safety on the board. There is a debate between Brinkley and Rey Maualuga on who is the best ILB after Laurinaitis, and I think it is Brinkley.
26. New Orleans Saints- Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC- There looks to be three first round DTs- Dorsey, Okam, and Ellis. DT looks to be the biggest need. The Saints could look at CB with Dwight Lowery, but DT is more of a need.
27. Baltimore Ravens- Dwight Lowery, CB, San Jose St.- Quarterback looks like a possibility, but I really think the Ravens are interested in making Troy Smith their quarterback. If that is not the case, Chad Henne is a possibility. Samari Rolle and Chris McAllister will be 31 and 30 when the season starts, so youth at CB is needed. Lowery has nice size at 6-1, 185 and can come in immediately and be the nickleback.
28. Denver Broncos- Limas Sweed, WR, Texas- Wide receiver seems to be the pick here especially with Rod Smith getting up their in years. Sweed is the best receiver on the board and at 6-5 makes for a huge target.
29. San Diego Chargers- Rey Maualuga, MLB, USC*- The Chargers lost three veteran ILBs this offseason, which makes ILB one of the few possible needs for the Chargers. Maualuga, a USC product would get to stay in sunny Southern California.
30. New England Patriots- Justin King, CB, Penn State*- With the Pats first pick, they were able to get an ILB, now they can find a replacement for Asante Samuel if he is to leave at the end of the season. King has off field issues, but it seems the Pats with recent moves are willing to take those risks. Mike Hart could also be a possibility to complement Laurence Maroney.
31. Chicago Bears- Chad Henne, QB, Michigan- This is a make or break year for Rex Grossman. If Grossman has a poor season, look for the Bears to pursue a QB in the draft. If Grossman performs well next season, look for the Bears to pick an OLB or WR.
32. San Francisco 49ers (from Indianapolis Colts)- Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State*- Walt Harris is not getting any younger. Zachary Bowman is tempting only if has fully healed from his injury. With the 49ers most likely having a late pick because they own the Colts’ first rounder, they may go after Paul Oliver in the supplemental draft. Oliver is a top corner, and would add to already a great offseason.
http://thefootballexpert.com/abromowitzmockdraft080001.html