Dempsey Dog
02-21-2008, 12:16 PM
It it interesting, but I see a lot of problems. I am not even sure where to start. I do not think Jake Long will fall to 12. If Jonathan Stewart is still available in the 2nd, we would pass to take a receiver with 1 year of Div-1 experience..Anyway, for what it is worth:
PICK TEAM PLAYER POS SCHOOL
1 (1) Dolphins Chris Long DE Va.
The Dolphins desperately want to trade down so they can stockpile prospects, but if they cannot, they will take the draft's most polished player. Long is a perfect fit for the traditional Bill Parcells 3-4.
2 (2) Rams Ryan Clady* T Boise St.
The Rams also want Chris Long, but if he is gone, they will hope to trade down, still get an offensive tackle later and get an extra pick. However, that's probably too bold of a move for their front office, so Clady would be the pick here.
3 (3) Raiders Glenn Dorsey DT LSU
(pick subject to coin flip) The Raiders have their eyes on Arkansas RB Darren McFadden, but with Warren Sapp retiring and them rating Dorsey as the draft's top defender, they will add another big former LSU star, this time to bolster their run stopping.
4 (4) Falcons Darren McFadden* RB Arkansas
(pick subject to coin flip) Everyone expects Falcons to grab a quarterback, but new general manager Thomas Dimitroff will instead make a splash with the dynamic two-time Heisman finalist. Again, here's another team to watch in the trading-down game.
5 (5) Chiefs Matt Ryan QB Boston Coll.
(pick subject to coin flip) The Chiefs may have hinted that Brodie Croyle will be their quarterback of the present and near future, but it will be hard to pass up on the more talented Ryan here.
6 (6) Jets Quentin Groves OLB Auburn
The Jets have struggled with their pass rush in the Eric Mangini era. Groves, a premier athlete who can play either defensive end in a 4-3 or outside linebacker in a 3-4, has all the physical tools to be an impact edge pass rusher.
7 (7) Patriots Mike Jenkins CB South Fla.
(from San Francisco) The Patriots are about to lose Asante Samuel as a free agent, and Ellis Hobbs struggled through an inconsistent season. With a new dire need for a cornerback, Jenkins is the best one on the board.
8 (8) Ravens Brian Brohm QB Louisville
The Ravens can start the post-Brian Billick era by landing the franchise quarterback that Billick never had. Brohm is polished enough to start right away for John Harbaugh and Cam Cameron.
9 (9) Bengals Sedrick Ellis DT USC
The Bengals have struggled to create a pass rush with their front four in recent seasons. Ellis would give them an explosive interior rusher who will consistently make impact plays against both the pass and the run.
10 (10) Saints Keith Rivers OLB USC
Ideally, the Saints would like to draft a cornerback, but Rivers would be a much better value here. He is a premier linebacker who can upgrade their defensive speed while covering and making plays all over the field.
11 (11) Bills Malcolm Kelly* WR Oklahoma
The Bills need to upgrade at wide receiver opposite Lee Evans, and although LSU's Early Doucet might still be on the board, the bigger Kelly is the better complement to the speedster Evans, making life easier for second-year quarterback Trent Edwards.
12 (12) Broncos Jake Long T Michigan
Long can't be categorized as the typical undersized yet very athletic Broncos offensive lineman, but he would bring much-needed toughness and aggressiveness to their front five.
13 (13) Panthers Calais Campbell* DE Miami (FL)
Offensive tackle is no longer a need after the re-signing of Travelle Wharton and the franchise-tagging of Jordan Gross, so the Panthers focus on the edge of their other line, where Campbell can eventually replace aging Mike Rucker.
14 (14) Bears Jeff Otah T Pitt
The Bears must upgrade their offensive line and Otah is a huge tackle with great natural skills. He is a bit raw, but he has the size, strength and athleticism to be special.
15 (15) Lions Leodis McKelvin CB Troy
The Lions' secondary needs much help. Although McKelvin struggled at the Senior Bowl, he has a ton of talent to go with good size and great competitiveness.
16 (16) Cardinals Rashard Mendenhall* RB Illinois
With Edgerrin James slowing down as he approaches 30, the Cardinals can grab Mendenhall, an instant-impact explosive runner who would add a much-needed home-run threat to their power rushing attack.
17 (17) Vikings Chris Williams T Vandy
The Vikings are pretty strong as a run-blocking line, but right tackle was a problem all last season. Williams would solidify that position and could eventually move over to take over for left tackle Bryant McKinnie.
18 (18) Texans Kenny Phillips* S Miami (FL)
With equal concerns at corner and safety, the Texans most likely will take the best defensive back available. Phillips is a fine athlete who can be equally productive in run support and deep coverage.
19 (19) Eagles DaJuan Morgan* S NC State
The Eagles have long been looking for someone to pair with stalwart safety Brian Dawkins. Morgan is a very versatile athlete and playmaker.
20 (20) Buccaneers Early Doucet WR LSU
The Bucs need an impact wide receiver other than aging Joey Galloway, and because former LSU star Michael Clayton doesn't seem to be the answer, they can go back to the Tigers to get the more explosive Doucet.
21 (21) Redskins Phillip Merling* DE Clemson
The Redskins need another pass rusher. Merling, big and strong, can play from either the left or the right edge and excel is a specialized No. 3 as a rookie.
22 (22) Cowboys Andre Caldwell WR Florida
(from Cleveland) The Cowboys may debate between wide receiver and cornerback, but the elusive and big playmaking Caldwell is their best first-round choice.
23 (23) Steelers Pat Sims* DT Auburn
The Steelers remain solid all-around, but they need to address their aging defensive line, especially after Aaron Smith finished the season on IR.
24 (24) Titans DeSean Jackson* WR Cal
The Titans really need to add playmakers around Vince Young, and they also need an impact return specialist to replace Pacman Jones. Jackson would solve both problems.
25 (25) Seahawks Felix Jones* RB Arkansas
The Seahawks should realize that Shaun Alexander isn't the "Great" anymore and that they need to groom a new explosive feature back. Jones didn't get the attention of his college teammate Darren McFadden, but he might turn out to be the better pro back.
26 (26) Jaguars Mario Manningham* WR Michigan
A tough, aggressive defensive would be another first-round option, but the Jaguars could use some more playmakers around David Garrard, who looks like he will be their quarterback for several years to come.
27 (27) Chargers Ray Rice* RB Rutgers
It seems strange the Chargers would draft a player for their best position, but consider that insurance for LaDainian Tomlinson is very important, especially with Michael Turner set to leave as a free agent.
28 (28) Cowboys Reggie Smith* CB Oklahoma
If they indeed grab a top wide receiver such as Andre Caldwell with their first first-round pick, the Cowboys can get this tough, versatile cornerback who can start early in his career and even move to -- and shine at -- safety if needed.
29 (29) 49ers Donnie Avery WR Houston
(from Indianapolis) The 49ers need to give Alex Smith more help. Avery fits the Mike Martz offense to a tee.
30 (30) Packers Martellus Bennett* TE Tex. A&M
Although Donald Lee is a solid workmanlike starting tight end, Bubba Franks has become more of a complementary blocker now. It's never a bad idea to give Brett Favre another weapon for the West Coast passing game.
31 (31) Giants Curtis Lofton* ILB Oklahoma
Because of their lacking outside linebacker depth, the Giants moved end Mathias Kiwanuka back to the second level. Lofton would improve that depth, allowing them to put Kiwanuka back at his natural position and further bolster their NFL-best pass rush.
MOCK DRAFT: ROUND 2
PICK TEAM PLAYER POS SCHOOL
1 (32) Dolphins Beau Bell ILB UNLV
The Dolphins would be shocked if Bell slipped to Round 2, and they would grab him to fill one of the inside linebacker spots in their 3-4 defense. Channing Crowder is a young stud, but the team has a vacancy next to him after releasing Zach Thomas.
2 (33) Rams Vernon Gholston* DE Ohio St.
The Rams want a defensive end, and the super-athletic Gholston could line up opposite Leonard Little. Gholston looks like Tarzan in uniform and will test well during pre-draft workouts.
3 (34) Falcons John Greco G Toledo
(pick subject to coin flip) The tough, ultra-competitive Greco would upgrade Atlanta's line. He is similar to the Pats' Logan Mankins, whom New England drafted while new Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff was the team's director of college scouting.
4 (35) Chiefs Brandon Flowers* CB Va. Tech
(pick subject to coin flip) The Chiefs realize Ty Law is done and Patrick Surtain is close behind him, so they select the underrated Flowers.
5 (36) Jets Athyba Rubin DT Iowa St.
The Jets' 3-4 defense has struggled greatly without a true nose tackle. Rubin gives them a huge man to clog the middle, and his addition would enable New York to trade Dewayne Robertson.
6 (37) Raiders Tony Hills T Texas
(pick subject to coin flip) The Raiders' offensive line improved in '07 but still needs help. Hills is a big, athletic tackle who could start at right tackle early in his career.
7 (38) Ravens Antoine Cason CB Arizona
The Ravens' secondary has two stars in Chris McAlister and Ed Reed, but the team needs a cornerback opposite McAlister to shore up the unit.
8 (39) 49ers Jerod Mayo* ILB Tennessee
Mayo would team with Patrick Willis to give the 49ers two young, athletic linebackers as they continue their transition to the 3-4 scheme.
9 (40) Saints Updated DeJuan Tribble CB Boston Coll.
The Saints need a ton of help at cornerback, particularly because Jason David flopped as a free-agent pickup last offseason. Tribble shows good athleticism and instincts at the position.
10 (41) Bills Terrell Thomas CB USC
Without Nate Clements, the Bills' secondary was up and down in 2007. Thomas is a physical corner who should be a starter early in his career.
11 (42) Broncos Devin Thomas* WR Michigan St.
Javon Walker's time in Denver is all but done, so the Broncos grab Thomas to pair with Brandon Marshall and give the team two big, athletic receivers.
12 (43) Panthers Jonathan Stewart* RB Oregon
With DeShaun Foster likely to be traded or released for salary-cap relief and DeAngelo Williams still somewhat unproven, the Panthers surprise many by taking Stewart, a big, strong back.
13 (44) Bears Lawrence Jackson DE USC
After upgrading the offensive tackle position in Round 1, the Bears fill one of their other primary positions of need -- defensive end -- with Jackson.
14 (45) Lions Jordon Dizon OLB Colorado
The Lions need help at linebacker, and Dizon fits their defense to a "T." He is an elite athlete with the speed to chase down plays all over the field.
15 (46) Bengals Derrick Harvey* DE Florida
The Bengals need a defensive end to help pressure the QB. Harvey is a top athlete, and with a little time to develop, he should become an elite pass rusher.
16 (47) Vikings Limas Sweed WR Texas
The Vikings get lucky, because Sweed's wrist injury causes him to fall to the second round. He should contribute early and eventually start opposite Sidney Rice.
17 (48) Falcons Joe Flacco QB Delaware
(from Houston) After catching heat for passing on Matt Ryan and Brian Brohm in Round 1, Dimitroff is fortunate to pluck Flacco in Round 2. Do not be shocked if Flacco starts for Atlanta at some point during his rookie season.
18 (49) Eagles Gosder Cherilus T Boston Coll.
In an admission that Winston Justice is a major bust, the Eagles grab the huge, athletic Cherilus to eventually replace Jon Runyan or William Thomas.
19 (50) Cardinals Chevis Jackson CB LSU
Arizona has struggled to find productive starting cornerbacks, and Antrel Rolle has not gained the confidence of the coaching staff. Jackson shows good instincts and toughness, and he should challenge for a starting job as a rookie.
20 (51) Redskins Harry Douglas WR Louisville
The Redskins want to implement a West Coast offense. To do so, they need a good No. 3 receiver, and the elusive and fast Douglas fits the bill.
21 (52) Buccaneers Chris Johnson RB E. Carolina
Cadillac Williams' career is in doubt because of a knee injury, and Earnest Graham is just a solid, workman-like back. Thus, the Bucs grab Johnson, a versatile and tremendously athletic back who will contribute early in his career.
22 (53) Steelers Ezra Butler ILB Nevada
The Steelers have concerns at inside linebacker. Butler is athletic and also has the size and strength to be a force at the point of attack.
23 (54) Titans Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie CB Tennessee S
The Titans continue their recent history of drafting cornerbacks who test out tremendously well but have lacked consistent on-field productivity, with the belief their staff can coach up the prospects.
24 (55) Seahawks Fred Davis TE USC
The Seahawks need help at tight end, and Coach Mike Holmgren has shown a willingness to gamble on talented players who may not have a perfect track record off the field -- which is why Davis will slide to the second round despite his talent.
25 (56) Browns Kevin Smith* RB Central Fla.
Although the Browns are desperate for a defensive lineman, there are no elite prospects left at this point. Instead, Cleveland takes Smith, a physical back who will eventually develop into the team's starter.
26 (57) Dolphins King Dunlap T Auburn
(from San Diego) The Dolphins need a ton of help on their offensive line. That will make them willing to gamble on Dunlap, who had a terrible senior season but is without question one of the elite athletes among this year's offensive line prospects.
27 (58) Jaguars Chris Ellis DE Va. Tech
The Jaguars get a pass rusher who fits the mold of the all-out, tremendous competitor they seek on defense. From Day 1, Ellis should contribute by rushing the quarterback.
28 (59) Colts Updated Marcus Harrison DT Arkansas
Harrison has struggled with consistency but has the talent to be a productive starter. Ed Johnson, a rookie free agent, started all 16 games at defensive tackle for the Colts in 2007. To shore up the position, they take Harrison, who has struggled with consistency but has the talent to be a productive starting starter.
29 (60) Packers Shawn Murphy G Utah. St.
The Packers' interior offensive line struggled with inconsistency in 2007. Murphy has the athleticism, strength and competitiveness to start as a rookie.
30 (61) Cowboys Jamaal Charles* RB Texas
With Julius Jones likely to leave in free agency, the Cowboys will be looking for a back to share carries with Marion Barber. Charles' running style would complement Barber's nicely.
31 (62) Patriots Dan Connor OLB Penn State
The Pats' inside linebackers are getting old. Connor could learn from veterans Tedy Bruschi and Junior Seau in 2008 (if both are re-signed as free agents) before moving into a starting role in '09.
32 (63) Giants Updated Thomas DeCoud S Cal
The Giants' safety position was shaky at times in 2007. DeCoud has the physical tools to be good against the run and in pass coverage.
PICK TEAM PLAYER POS SCHOOL
1 (1) Dolphins Chris Long DE Va.
The Dolphins desperately want to trade down so they can stockpile prospects, but if they cannot, they will take the draft's most polished player. Long is a perfect fit for the traditional Bill Parcells 3-4.
2 (2) Rams Ryan Clady* T Boise St.
The Rams also want Chris Long, but if he is gone, they will hope to trade down, still get an offensive tackle later and get an extra pick. However, that's probably too bold of a move for their front office, so Clady would be the pick here.
3 (3) Raiders Glenn Dorsey DT LSU
(pick subject to coin flip) The Raiders have their eyes on Arkansas RB Darren McFadden, but with Warren Sapp retiring and them rating Dorsey as the draft's top defender, they will add another big former LSU star, this time to bolster their run stopping.
4 (4) Falcons Darren McFadden* RB Arkansas
(pick subject to coin flip) Everyone expects Falcons to grab a quarterback, but new general manager Thomas Dimitroff will instead make a splash with the dynamic two-time Heisman finalist. Again, here's another team to watch in the trading-down game.
5 (5) Chiefs Matt Ryan QB Boston Coll.
(pick subject to coin flip) The Chiefs may have hinted that Brodie Croyle will be their quarterback of the present and near future, but it will be hard to pass up on the more talented Ryan here.
6 (6) Jets Quentin Groves OLB Auburn
The Jets have struggled with their pass rush in the Eric Mangini era. Groves, a premier athlete who can play either defensive end in a 4-3 or outside linebacker in a 3-4, has all the physical tools to be an impact edge pass rusher.
7 (7) Patriots Mike Jenkins CB South Fla.
(from San Francisco) The Patriots are about to lose Asante Samuel as a free agent, and Ellis Hobbs struggled through an inconsistent season. With a new dire need for a cornerback, Jenkins is the best one on the board.
8 (8) Ravens Brian Brohm QB Louisville
The Ravens can start the post-Brian Billick era by landing the franchise quarterback that Billick never had. Brohm is polished enough to start right away for John Harbaugh and Cam Cameron.
9 (9) Bengals Sedrick Ellis DT USC
The Bengals have struggled to create a pass rush with their front four in recent seasons. Ellis would give them an explosive interior rusher who will consistently make impact plays against both the pass and the run.
10 (10) Saints Keith Rivers OLB USC
Ideally, the Saints would like to draft a cornerback, but Rivers would be a much better value here. He is a premier linebacker who can upgrade their defensive speed while covering and making plays all over the field.
11 (11) Bills Malcolm Kelly* WR Oklahoma
The Bills need to upgrade at wide receiver opposite Lee Evans, and although LSU's Early Doucet might still be on the board, the bigger Kelly is the better complement to the speedster Evans, making life easier for second-year quarterback Trent Edwards.
12 (12) Broncos Jake Long T Michigan
Long can't be categorized as the typical undersized yet very athletic Broncos offensive lineman, but he would bring much-needed toughness and aggressiveness to their front five.
13 (13) Panthers Calais Campbell* DE Miami (FL)
Offensive tackle is no longer a need after the re-signing of Travelle Wharton and the franchise-tagging of Jordan Gross, so the Panthers focus on the edge of their other line, where Campbell can eventually replace aging Mike Rucker.
14 (14) Bears Jeff Otah T Pitt
The Bears must upgrade their offensive line and Otah is a huge tackle with great natural skills. He is a bit raw, but he has the size, strength and athleticism to be special.
15 (15) Lions Leodis McKelvin CB Troy
The Lions' secondary needs much help. Although McKelvin struggled at the Senior Bowl, he has a ton of talent to go with good size and great competitiveness.
16 (16) Cardinals Rashard Mendenhall* RB Illinois
With Edgerrin James slowing down as he approaches 30, the Cardinals can grab Mendenhall, an instant-impact explosive runner who would add a much-needed home-run threat to their power rushing attack.
17 (17) Vikings Chris Williams T Vandy
The Vikings are pretty strong as a run-blocking line, but right tackle was a problem all last season. Williams would solidify that position and could eventually move over to take over for left tackle Bryant McKinnie.
18 (18) Texans Kenny Phillips* S Miami (FL)
With equal concerns at corner and safety, the Texans most likely will take the best defensive back available. Phillips is a fine athlete who can be equally productive in run support and deep coverage.
19 (19) Eagles DaJuan Morgan* S NC State
The Eagles have long been looking for someone to pair with stalwart safety Brian Dawkins. Morgan is a very versatile athlete and playmaker.
20 (20) Buccaneers Early Doucet WR LSU
The Bucs need an impact wide receiver other than aging Joey Galloway, and because former LSU star Michael Clayton doesn't seem to be the answer, they can go back to the Tigers to get the more explosive Doucet.
21 (21) Redskins Phillip Merling* DE Clemson
The Redskins need another pass rusher. Merling, big and strong, can play from either the left or the right edge and excel is a specialized No. 3 as a rookie.
22 (22) Cowboys Andre Caldwell WR Florida
(from Cleveland) The Cowboys may debate between wide receiver and cornerback, but the elusive and big playmaking Caldwell is their best first-round choice.
23 (23) Steelers Pat Sims* DT Auburn
The Steelers remain solid all-around, but they need to address their aging defensive line, especially after Aaron Smith finished the season on IR.
24 (24) Titans DeSean Jackson* WR Cal
The Titans really need to add playmakers around Vince Young, and they also need an impact return specialist to replace Pacman Jones. Jackson would solve both problems.
25 (25) Seahawks Felix Jones* RB Arkansas
The Seahawks should realize that Shaun Alexander isn't the "Great" anymore and that they need to groom a new explosive feature back. Jones didn't get the attention of his college teammate Darren McFadden, but he might turn out to be the better pro back.
26 (26) Jaguars Mario Manningham* WR Michigan
A tough, aggressive defensive would be another first-round option, but the Jaguars could use some more playmakers around David Garrard, who looks like he will be their quarterback for several years to come.
27 (27) Chargers Ray Rice* RB Rutgers
It seems strange the Chargers would draft a player for their best position, but consider that insurance for LaDainian Tomlinson is very important, especially with Michael Turner set to leave as a free agent.
28 (28) Cowboys Reggie Smith* CB Oklahoma
If they indeed grab a top wide receiver such as Andre Caldwell with their first first-round pick, the Cowboys can get this tough, versatile cornerback who can start early in his career and even move to -- and shine at -- safety if needed.
29 (29) 49ers Donnie Avery WR Houston
(from Indianapolis) The 49ers need to give Alex Smith more help. Avery fits the Mike Martz offense to a tee.
30 (30) Packers Martellus Bennett* TE Tex. A&M
Although Donald Lee is a solid workmanlike starting tight end, Bubba Franks has become more of a complementary blocker now. It's never a bad idea to give Brett Favre another weapon for the West Coast passing game.
31 (31) Giants Curtis Lofton* ILB Oklahoma
Because of their lacking outside linebacker depth, the Giants moved end Mathias Kiwanuka back to the second level. Lofton would improve that depth, allowing them to put Kiwanuka back at his natural position and further bolster their NFL-best pass rush.
MOCK DRAFT: ROUND 2
PICK TEAM PLAYER POS SCHOOL
1 (32) Dolphins Beau Bell ILB UNLV
The Dolphins would be shocked if Bell slipped to Round 2, and they would grab him to fill one of the inside linebacker spots in their 3-4 defense. Channing Crowder is a young stud, but the team has a vacancy next to him after releasing Zach Thomas.
2 (33) Rams Vernon Gholston* DE Ohio St.
The Rams want a defensive end, and the super-athletic Gholston could line up opposite Leonard Little. Gholston looks like Tarzan in uniform and will test well during pre-draft workouts.
3 (34) Falcons John Greco G Toledo
(pick subject to coin flip) The tough, ultra-competitive Greco would upgrade Atlanta's line. He is similar to the Pats' Logan Mankins, whom New England drafted while new Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff was the team's director of college scouting.
4 (35) Chiefs Brandon Flowers* CB Va. Tech
(pick subject to coin flip) The Chiefs realize Ty Law is done and Patrick Surtain is close behind him, so they select the underrated Flowers.
5 (36) Jets Athyba Rubin DT Iowa St.
The Jets' 3-4 defense has struggled greatly without a true nose tackle. Rubin gives them a huge man to clog the middle, and his addition would enable New York to trade Dewayne Robertson.
6 (37) Raiders Tony Hills T Texas
(pick subject to coin flip) The Raiders' offensive line improved in '07 but still needs help. Hills is a big, athletic tackle who could start at right tackle early in his career.
7 (38) Ravens Antoine Cason CB Arizona
The Ravens' secondary has two stars in Chris McAlister and Ed Reed, but the team needs a cornerback opposite McAlister to shore up the unit.
8 (39) 49ers Jerod Mayo* ILB Tennessee
Mayo would team with Patrick Willis to give the 49ers two young, athletic linebackers as they continue their transition to the 3-4 scheme.
9 (40) Saints Updated DeJuan Tribble CB Boston Coll.
The Saints need a ton of help at cornerback, particularly because Jason David flopped as a free-agent pickup last offseason. Tribble shows good athleticism and instincts at the position.
10 (41) Bills Terrell Thomas CB USC
Without Nate Clements, the Bills' secondary was up and down in 2007. Thomas is a physical corner who should be a starter early in his career.
11 (42) Broncos Devin Thomas* WR Michigan St.
Javon Walker's time in Denver is all but done, so the Broncos grab Thomas to pair with Brandon Marshall and give the team two big, athletic receivers.
12 (43) Panthers Jonathan Stewart* RB Oregon
With DeShaun Foster likely to be traded or released for salary-cap relief and DeAngelo Williams still somewhat unproven, the Panthers surprise many by taking Stewart, a big, strong back.
13 (44) Bears Lawrence Jackson DE USC
After upgrading the offensive tackle position in Round 1, the Bears fill one of their other primary positions of need -- defensive end -- with Jackson.
14 (45) Lions Jordon Dizon OLB Colorado
The Lions need help at linebacker, and Dizon fits their defense to a "T." He is an elite athlete with the speed to chase down plays all over the field.
15 (46) Bengals Derrick Harvey* DE Florida
The Bengals need a defensive end to help pressure the QB. Harvey is a top athlete, and with a little time to develop, he should become an elite pass rusher.
16 (47) Vikings Limas Sweed WR Texas
The Vikings get lucky, because Sweed's wrist injury causes him to fall to the second round. He should contribute early and eventually start opposite Sidney Rice.
17 (48) Falcons Joe Flacco QB Delaware
(from Houston) After catching heat for passing on Matt Ryan and Brian Brohm in Round 1, Dimitroff is fortunate to pluck Flacco in Round 2. Do not be shocked if Flacco starts for Atlanta at some point during his rookie season.
18 (49) Eagles Gosder Cherilus T Boston Coll.
In an admission that Winston Justice is a major bust, the Eagles grab the huge, athletic Cherilus to eventually replace Jon Runyan or William Thomas.
19 (50) Cardinals Chevis Jackson CB LSU
Arizona has struggled to find productive starting cornerbacks, and Antrel Rolle has not gained the confidence of the coaching staff. Jackson shows good instincts and toughness, and he should challenge for a starting job as a rookie.
20 (51) Redskins Harry Douglas WR Louisville
The Redskins want to implement a West Coast offense. To do so, they need a good No. 3 receiver, and the elusive and fast Douglas fits the bill.
21 (52) Buccaneers Chris Johnson RB E. Carolina
Cadillac Williams' career is in doubt because of a knee injury, and Earnest Graham is just a solid, workman-like back. Thus, the Bucs grab Johnson, a versatile and tremendously athletic back who will contribute early in his career.
22 (53) Steelers Ezra Butler ILB Nevada
The Steelers have concerns at inside linebacker. Butler is athletic and also has the size and strength to be a force at the point of attack.
23 (54) Titans Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie CB Tennessee S
The Titans continue their recent history of drafting cornerbacks who test out tremendously well but have lacked consistent on-field productivity, with the belief their staff can coach up the prospects.
24 (55) Seahawks Fred Davis TE USC
The Seahawks need help at tight end, and Coach Mike Holmgren has shown a willingness to gamble on talented players who may not have a perfect track record off the field -- which is why Davis will slide to the second round despite his talent.
25 (56) Browns Kevin Smith* RB Central Fla.
Although the Browns are desperate for a defensive lineman, there are no elite prospects left at this point. Instead, Cleveland takes Smith, a physical back who will eventually develop into the team's starter.
26 (57) Dolphins King Dunlap T Auburn
(from San Diego) The Dolphins need a ton of help on their offensive line. That will make them willing to gamble on Dunlap, who had a terrible senior season but is without question one of the elite athletes among this year's offensive line prospects.
27 (58) Jaguars Chris Ellis DE Va. Tech
The Jaguars get a pass rusher who fits the mold of the all-out, tremendous competitor they seek on defense. From Day 1, Ellis should contribute by rushing the quarterback.
28 (59) Colts Updated Marcus Harrison DT Arkansas
Harrison has struggled with consistency but has the talent to be a productive starter. Ed Johnson, a rookie free agent, started all 16 games at defensive tackle for the Colts in 2007. To shore up the position, they take Harrison, who has struggled with consistency but has the talent to be a productive starting starter.
29 (60) Packers Shawn Murphy G Utah. St.
The Packers' interior offensive line struggled with inconsistency in 2007. Murphy has the athleticism, strength and competitiveness to start as a rookie.
30 (61) Cowboys Jamaal Charles* RB Texas
With Julius Jones likely to leave in free agency, the Cowboys will be looking for a back to share carries with Marion Barber. Charles' running style would complement Barber's nicely.
31 (62) Patriots Dan Connor OLB Penn State
The Pats' inside linebackers are getting old. Connor could learn from veterans Tedy Bruschi and Junior Seau in 2008 (if both are re-signed as free agents) before moving into a starting role in '09.
32 (63) Giants Updated Thomas DeCoud S Cal
The Giants' safety position was shaky at times in 2007. DeCoud has the physical tools to be good against the run and in pass coverage.
