Broncoman13
01-18-2008, 07:29 AM
Updated January 18, 2008 Round 1 | Round 2 | Round 3
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1. MIAMI DOLPHINS
CHRIS LONG DE | Virginia | Scouting Report
Odds are Bill Parcells will try to trade down but the question is will anyone want to move up? Not only would it be costly in terms of draft picks but then they will have to worry about negotiating a huge, #1 overall pick contract as well. If they stay put the Dolphins will likely be zeroing in on three players: Chris Long, Glenn Dorsey and Jake Long. Knowing Parcells the smart money is certainly on defense and in a photo finish Howie's boy gets the nod. Not only is Long a perfect fit for Miami's 3-4 scheme but he also brings the type of intensity and non-stop motor that "The Tuna" covets.
2. ST. LOUIS RAMS
GLENN DORSEY DT | L.S.U. | Scouting Report
This is a tough spot for the Rams since the value on the board does not necessarily match their greatest needs but at this point defensive line looks like the best option. Chris Long may be a better fit but it is hard to classify Glenn Dorsey as a consolation prize because many consider him to be the top senior prospect in this draft. La'Roi Glover won't be around much longer and even though Clifford Ryan played well as a rookie it would probably be difficult to justify passing on a talent like Dorsey because of him. Moving last year's #1 Adam Carriker back outside to end is even a possibility.
3. ATLANTA FALCONS
MATT RYAN QB | Boston College | Scouting Report
Sure the case could be made for Jake Long or even Darren McFadden here but you have to believe the Falcons will be looking for a top signal caller to build around with this pick. There's still some debate as to whether or not Matt Ryan is a franchise guy but he is the consensus top quarterback available which means he will likely go very high. Maybe even a little higher than he should. In terms of physical tools Ryan is at least adequate across the board but where he separates himself from the pack are with his intangibles, which are top-notch. They don't call him "Matty Ice" for nothing.
4. OAKLAND RAIDERS
DARREN MCFADDEN RB | Arkansas | Scouting Report
With the retirement of Warren Sapp defensive tackle has become perhaps their #1 need so Glenn Dorsey or even Sedrick Ellis might make the most sense here but it is hard to imagine Al Davis passing on a rare talent like "D-Mac". Justin Fargas came on late in the year but he'll be an unrestricted free agent and with both LaMont Jordan and Dominic Rhodes on their way out there's a lot of uncertainty at running back. He may not be quite as good as Adrian Peterson but McFadden is awfully close which is why he will be almost universally rated as the top overall player in the '08 NFL Draft.
5. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
JAKE LONG OT | Michigan | Scouting Report
This would be a dream scenario for the Chiefs because Jake Long is the player they would probably take if they had the #1 overall pick. Since Willie Roaf and Will Shields retired the Chiefs offensive line has really gone downhill and what was once a team strength has now become a liability. For a team with a young quarterback that relies on a strong run game that is troubling and it is a big reason why they are selecting this high. Jake Long is probably just a notch below Joe Thomas as a prospect coming out of college but he is better than Levi Brown was and should be an instant starter.
6. NEW YORK JETS
VERNON GHOLSTON DE | Ohio St. | Scouting Report
Thanks to a meaningless win in Week 17 the Jets dropped from the #3 overall pick all the way down to #6 which probably takes them out of the running for Chris Long, Jake Long and Darren McFadden. With their three most likely targets already off the board Eric Mangini might turn his attention to Vernon Gholston in hopes that he can become the Jets very own version of Willie McGinest. A physical marvel and fantastic pass rusher, Gholston played defensive end for the Buckeyes but should be able to make the successful transition to outside linebacker in a 34 scheme at the pro level.
7. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (f/SF)
MIKE JENKINS CB | South Florida | Scouting Report
Most assume that the Patriots selecting in the Top 10 is a case of the rich getting richer but that may not be the case. Asante Samuel, who has developed into one of the premier cornerbacks in the league, is set to become an unrestricted free agent and per the terms of a previous deal the Patriots gave up the right to franchise him. That means they will be forced to either shell out a Nate Clements-esque $80 million contract, which seems unlikely, or lose him. Nobody is going to confuse Mike Jenkins for Deion Sanders but he's the #1 senior cover guy available and the Pats need him.
8. BALTIMORE RAVENS
BRIAN BROHM QB | Louisville | Scouting Report
When you really think about it the Ravens are not all that bad of a team and with a little better play from the quarterback position they may even be able to compete for a playoff spot next year. It looks like Steve McNair is cooked and Kyle Boller still isn't the answer so it is time to bring in a long-term answer at the position. Brian Brohm's somewhat of a polarizing prospect who people seem to either love or hate but even though there are question marks with him he is probably the most logical option for Baltimore at this point. If Matt Ryan were still available he would likely get the edge.
9. CINCINNATI BENGALS
SEDRICK ELLIS DT | USC | Scouting Report
Once again the Bengals defense was horrendous in '07 so one way or another look for this pick to be devoted to a stud on that side of the ball. One specific area where they could use an upgrade is the interior of their defensive line since John Thornton has seen better days and Sedrick Ellis would provide an ideal compliment to Domata Peko. An added bonus with Ellis is that he is a high-character guy, something Cincy apparently has a shortage of. Ellis could also very easily be long gone by this point and if that's the case they might turn their attention to a linebacker like Keith Rivers.
10. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
KEITH RIVERS OLB | USC | Scouting Report
Legend has it that before Reggie Bush fell into their laps the Saints were preparing to take A.J. Hawk with the #2 overall pick in '06 so they have obviously been looking for help at linebacker for quite some time now. The New Orleans linebacking depth chart is littered with journeymen and veterans who are past their prime so they take this opportunity to grab the best this draft has to offer. Keith Rivers has nice speed, is very athletic and is versatile enough to play either the weakside or the middle for the Saints. Cornerback is another area that they could look to address with this pick.
11. BUFFALO BILLS
LIMAS SWEED WR | Texas | Scouting Report
The Bills could go in a lot of different directions here but their offense really needs a shot in the arm and Limas Sweed is exactly what the doctor ordered. Outside of Lee Evans the Bills really don't have another starting caliber wideout on their roster and guys like Peerless Price, Roscoe Parrish and Josh Reed don't offer much in the way of size. Needless to say at 6-5 and 220 lbs. with better speed than he's given credit for Sweed would be a welcomed change of pace in Buffalo and could provide them with a perfect compliment to Evans. They may also look for a linebacker or a corner here.
12. DENVER BRONCOS
KENNY PHILLIPS S | Miami (FL) | Scouting Report
With the unexpected retirement of Matt Lepsis a left tackle such as Ryan Clady may draw some consideration here but defense remains the biggest problem in the Mile High City. John Lynch has had a terrific career but he is nearing the end of the road and beyond him there isn't too much to get excited about at safety so it may be time to secure the future of the position. Kenny Phillips did not have the junior year most were expecting but he is still an excellent prospect who will help carry on the Canes tradition of sending safeties like Bennie Blades, Ed Reed and Sean Taylor to the NFL.
Mendenhall lasted until #25. No Michael Oher in the 1st round. TRADE UP! Our #2, a 4th and Javon Walker to the Niners for #30. I like the idea of picking up both Phillips and Oher in the first round and it really wouldn't cost too much. Always the chance he lasts to our pick in the 2nd anyhow though... and there's a good chance that if he doesn't, somebody like Pat Sims, Frank Okam, or Chris Williams will.
http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/sub/mockdraft.html
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. MIAMI DOLPHINS
CHRIS LONG DE | Virginia | Scouting Report
Odds are Bill Parcells will try to trade down but the question is will anyone want to move up? Not only would it be costly in terms of draft picks but then they will have to worry about negotiating a huge, #1 overall pick contract as well. If they stay put the Dolphins will likely be zeroing in on three players: Chris Long, Glenn Dorsey and Jake Long. Knowing Parcells the smart money is certainly on defense and in a photo finish Howie's boy gets the nod. Not only is Long a perfect fit for Miami's 3-4 scheme but he also brings the type of intensity and non-stop motor that "The Tuna" covets.
2. ST. LOUIS RAMS
GLENN DORSEY DT | L.S.U. | Scouting Report
This is a tough spot for the Rams since the value on the board does not necessarily match their greatest needs but at this point defensive line looks like the best option. Chris Long may be a better fit but it is hard to classify Glenn Dorsey as a consolation prize because many consider him to be the top senior prospect in this draft. La'Roi Glover won't be around much longer and even though Clifford Ryan played well as a rookie it would probably be difficult to justify passing on a talent like Dorsey because of him. Moving last year's #1 Adam Carriker back outside to end is even a possibility.
3. ATLANTA FALCONS
MATT RYAN QB | Boston College | Scouting Report
Sure the case could be made for Jake Long or even Darren McFadden here but you have to believe the Falcons will be looking for a top signal caller to build around with this pick. There's still some debate as to whether or not Matt Ryan is a franchise guy but he is the consensus top quarterback available which means he will likely go very high. Maybe even a little higher than he should. In terms of physical tools Ryan is at least adequate across the board but where he separates himself from the pack are with his intangibles, which are top-notch. They don't call him "Matty Ice" for nothing.
4. OAKLAND RAIDERS
DARREN MCFADDEN RB | Arkansas | Scouting Report
With the retirement of Warren Sapp defensive tackle has become perhaps their #1 need so Glenn Dorsey or even Sedrick Ellis might make the most sense here but it is hard to imagine Al Davis passing on a rare talent like "D-Mac". Justin Fargas came on late in the year but he'll be an unrestricted free agent and with both LaMont Jordan and Dominic Rhodes on their way out there's a lot of uncertainty at running back. He may not be quite as good as Adrian Peterson but McFadden is awfully close which is why he will be almost universally rated as the top overall player in the '08 NFL Draft.
5. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
JAKE LONG OT | Michigan | Scouting Report
This would be a dream scenario for the Chiefs because Jake Long is the player they would probably take if they had the #1 overall pick. Since Willie Roaf and Will Shields retired the Chiefs offensive line has really gone downhill and what was once a team strength has now become a liability. For a team with a young quarterback that relies on a strong run game that is troubling and it is a big reason why they are selecting this high. Jake Long is probably just a notch below Joe Thomas as a prospect coming out of college but he is better than Levi Brown was and should be an instant starter.
6. NEW YORK JETS
VERNON GHOLSTON DE | Ohio St. | Scouting Report
Thanks to a meaningless win in Week 17 the Jets dropped from the #3 overall pick all the way down to #6 which probably takes them out of the running for Chris Long, Jake Long and Darren McFadden. With their three most likely targets already off the board Eric Mangini might turn his attention to Vernon Gholston in hopes that he can become the Jets very own version of Willie McGinest. A physical marvel and fantastic pass rusher, Gholston played defensive end for the Buckeyes but should be able to make the successful transition to outside linebacker in a 34 scheme at the pro level.
7. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (f/SF)
MIKE JENKINS CB | South Florida | Scouting Report
Most assume that the Patriots selecting in the Top 10 is a case of the rich getting richer but that may not be the case. Asante Samuel, who has developed into one of the premier cornerbacks in the league, is set to become an unrestricted free agent and per the terms of a previous deal the Patriots gave up the right to franchise him. That means they will be forced to either shell out a Nate Clements-esque $80 million contract, which seems unlikely, or lose him. Nobody is going to confuse Mike Jenkins for Deion Sanders but he's the #1 senior cover guy available and the Pats need him.
8. BALTIMORE RAVENS
BRIAN BROHM QB | Louisville | Scouting Report
When you really think about it the Ravens are not all that bad of a team and with a little better play from the quarterback position they may even be able to compete for a playoff spot next year. It looks like Steve McNair is cooked and Kyle Boller still isn't the answer so it is time to bring in a long-term answer at the position. Brian Brohm's somewhat of a polarizing prospect who people seem to either love or hate but even though there are question marks with him he is probably the most logical option for Baltimore at this point. If Matt Ryan were still available he would likely get the edge.
9. CINCINNATI BENGALS
SEDRICK ELLIS DT | USC | Scouting Report
Once again the Bengals defense was horrendous in '07 so one way or another look for this pick to be devoted to a stud on that side of the ball. One specific area where they could use an upgrade is the interior of their defensive line since John Thornton has seen better days and Sedrick Ellis would provide an ideal compliment to Domata Peko. An added bonus with Ellis is that he is a high-character guy, something Cincy apparently has a shortage of. Ellis could also very easily be long gone by this point and if that's the case they might turn their attention to a linebacker like Keith Rivers.
10. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
KEITH RIVERS OLB | USC | Scouting Report
Legend has it that before Reggie Bush fell into their laps the Saints were preparing to take A.J. Hawk with the #2 overall pick in '06 so they have obviously been looking for help at linebacker for quite some time now. The New Orleans linebacking depth chart is littered with journeymen and veterans who are past their prime so they take this opportunity to grab the best this draft has to offer. Keith Rivers has nice speed, is very athletic and is versatile enough to play either the weakside or the middle for the Saints. Cornerback is another area that they could look to address with this pick.
11. BUFFALO BILLS
LIMAS SWEED WR | Texas | Scouting Report
The Bills could go in a lot of different directions here but their offense really needs a shot in the arm and Limas Sweed is exactly what the doctor ordered. Outside of Lee Evans the Bills really don't have another starting caliber wideout on their roster and guys like Peerless Price, Roscoe Parrish and Josh Reed don't offer much in the way of size. Needless to say at 6-5 and 220 lbs. with better speed than he's given credit for Sweed would be a welcomed change of pace in Buffalo and could provide them with a perfect compliment to Evans. They may also look for a linebacker or a corner here.
12. DENVER BRONCOS
KENNY PHILLIPS S | Miami (FL) | Scouting Report
With the unexpected retirement of Matt Lepsis a left tackle such as Ryan Clady may draw some consideration here but defense remains the biggest problem in the Mile High City. John Lynch has had a terrific career but he is nearing the end of the road and beyond him there isn't too much to get excited about at safety so it may be time to secure the future of the position. Kenny Phillips did not have the junior year most were expecting but he is still an excellent prospect who will help carry on the Canes tradition of sending safeties like Bennie Blades, Ed Reed and Sean Taylor to the NFL.
Mendenhall lasted until #25. No Michael Oher in the 1st round. TRADE UP! Our #2, a 4th and Javon Walker to the Niners for #30. I like the idea of picking up both Phillips and Oher in the first round and it really wouldn't cost too much. Always the chance he lasts to our pick in the 2nd anyhow though... and there's a good chance that if he doesn't, somebody like Pat Sims, Frank Okam, or Chris Williams will.
http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/sub/mockdraft.html