1st Round Mock Draft

[GridIronKing34]

Feel free to leave me your thoughts about this mock, did this for the Dolphins site I normally post at, but figured I'd post it here since this is one of the sites I lurk at every now and then. Hope you guys enjoy.

1. Miami Dolphins: Chris Long, DE, Virginia
--Bill Parcells loves his linebackers and having a son of a hall of fame defensive end only sweetens the pot. You'll see Chris Long playing outside linebacker in the Dolphins 3-4 defense next to Joey Porter. I would imagine Jason Taylor would be sent packing for a first day draft pick on draft day.

2. St Louis Rams: Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
--The Rams need help on defense and bringing in the best player in the draft will do so. Dorsey will wreck havoc in the middle and push Adam Carriker outside as the team's defensive end.

3. Atlanta Falcons: Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
--The Falcons brought in Michael Turner to help aid the development of their new quarterback... Matt Ryan. The Falcons have a lot of work ahead of them and adding a franchise quarterback is merely the start for the Falcons.

4. Oakland Raiders: Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
--The Raiders' Al Davis loves the sexy pick, so who does he select? The best running back on the board who draws comparisons to Adrian Peterson. Darren McFadden will look to join JaMarcus Russell in the journey to return Oakland to the Super Bowl.

5. Kansas City Chiefs: Jake Long, OT, Michigan
--This is the Chiefs dream come true to see Jake Long fall to them. Jake Long will lead the Chiefs woeful offensive line by starting at tackle while giving Larry Johnson the chance to redeem himself.

6. New York Jets: Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State
--The Jets brought in Calvin Pace, but that's definitely not enough. New York could use a top notch pass rushing linebacker that Pace can compliment. Gholston fits that bill without question and he'll look to become the Shawn Merriman in New Jersey, er New York!

7. New England Patriots: Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy
--This is just a slap in the face with New England getting a top tend pick. They lost Asante Samuel to the Philadelphia Eagles in free agency, but they had very little worries. The Patriots grab the best cornerback in this year's deep draft class in McKelvin. He'll start next to Hobbs as the team's number one cornerback, pushing Hobbs back to that secondary role.

8. Baltimore Ravens: Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State
--The Ravens have a few options here, but they'll look to reshore their offensive line with Ryan Clady. Clady is athletic enough to play the left tackle position so he could wind up replacing All-Pro Jonathan Ogden.

9. Cincinnati Bengals: Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
--The Bengals need another defensive tackle to help aid their rush defense. Not a single DT on the Bengals roster has shown much so the Bengals will draft Ellis to start on defense and help improve their mediocre run defense.

10. New Orleans Saints: Keith Rivers, LB, USC
--The Saints spent a lot of money on cornerbacks in the likes of Jason David, Randal Gay, and drafting Usama Young in the third round the past year. They added Jonathan Vilma as well, but they aren't quite done yet. Rivers will look to start on the outside as the Saints continue to bring themselves back up to their 2006 NFC Championship run.

11. Buffalo Bills: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee State
--The Bills need help at wide receiver and cornerback, but the 11th overall pick isn't exactly the place to be reaching for a wide receiver when there isn't a clear-cut number one option. Instead, they draft Rodgers-Cromartie who looks to replace former cornerback, Nate Clement, as their shutdown cornerback.

12. Denver Broncos: Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh
--The Broncos definitely didn't expect their starting left tackle in Matt Lepsis to retire so that gives them a new hole to fill. Jeff Otah will come to Denver with some big shoes to fill. He'll likely get to know Jay Cutler pretty well for the next ten years, hopefully better than Brandon Marshall.

13. Carolina Panthers: Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida
--The Panthers could really use another pass-rushing threat to complement Julius Peppers. This could also lead to Peppers' exit out of Carolina, but this selection will likely lead to one of the top pass rushing duos in the NFL.

14. Chicago Bears: Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt
--The Bears offensive line is atrocious, and quote old... There's no way around that. Chris Williams will arrive in Chicago to help improve the run game and maybe even the pass game. Benson can succeed in the NFL if his offensive line makes holes for him run through. The addition of Williams should help that.

15. Detroit Lions: Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois
--The Lions need a running back in their offensive system after drafting wide receivers every year it seems. They have their quarterback of the future in Drew Stanton with some solid receivers in Calvin Johnson, Roy Williams, and Shaun McDonald. All they need is a good running back and they'll have a great offense to boot. Mendenhall will do so for the Lions as he'll replace Kevin Jones as the team's starting running back.

16. Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon
--Let's face it, Edgerrin James hasn't really don't much for Arizona and with Arizona's players, you'd think he'd have a big effect. The Cardinals are like the Lions, but with higher expectations. Expect them to draft "The Edge's" replacement in Jonthan Stewart.

17. Minnesota Vikings: Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson
--We could go either two direcitons here for Minnesota, either wide receiver or defensive end. With Phillip Merling on the board, it's too hard to pass him up. Merling will provide what the Vikings' past defensive ends haven't been able to, a solid player rushing from the outside.

18. Houston Texans: Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida
--The Texans could use an offensive tackle, but there's no need to reach for one in Gosder Cherilus or Sam Baker. They'll take the best cornerback on the board in Mike Jenkins. Dunta Robinson is coming off an injury and you can't trust him in that fact. Worst case scenario, they have three good cornerbacks in Robinson, Bennett, and Jenkins.

19. Philadelphia Eagles: Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma
--The first wide receiver goes off the board as Philadelphia looks to give Donovan McNabb (Or Kevin Kolb) a solid target not named Terrell Owens. Both Reggie Brown and Kevin Curtis are good receivers, but they aren't that go-to-guy. Drafting Kelly will give the Eagles one of the top up and coming receiver corp. in the league.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State
--The Buccaneers could use a few positions here, but Jon Gruden won't want to give up a chance to piece together a raw talent like Devin Thomas. Devin Thomas may not be the number one guy in his first year, but he'll give the Buccaneers a go-to-guy for the future as we all know Joey Galloway has one year in the tank, maybe two if we're lucky.

21. Washington Redskins: Kenny Phillips, S, Miami
--Unfortunately the Redskins safety position didn't need to be addressed six months ago, but with the tragic passing of Sean Taylor, the free safety position needs to be addressed. The Redskins will bring in another safety from "The U" in Kenny Phillips. He'll look to fill Sean Taylor's shoes as a player and leader, which will be very hard to do.

22. Dallas Cowboys: Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas
--Jerry Jones wants the other Arkansas running back in Darren McFadden, but he'll have to settle with his partner in crime. Felix Jones is a quick and shifty back that will complement Marion Barber to the point Cowboy fans will be saying "Julius Jones who?"

23. Pittsburgh Steelers: Branden Albert, OG, Virginia
--Some draft gurus have Albert rising, but I think he'll stay exactly where many have him, at the 23rd overall selection. With the loss of Al Faneca, the Steelers are going to need a replacement. Albert is perfect for that role as he's the number one guard in this years draft class and should be able to fill in for the aging Al Faneca.

24. Tennessee Titans: Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
--The Tennessee Titans would love a top tier wide receiver and they'll get one in Vince Young's college teammate in Limas Sweed. The fact that Young and Sweed have some built in chemistry from Texas is merely a bonus as the Titans look to give Young some more weapons to work with as guys like Roydell Williams and Justin Gage just aren't cutting it.

25. Seattle Seahawks: Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina
--The Seahawks could use a few players here, but Balmer is definitely the likely choice. The Seahawks have a solid defensive tackle rotation, but they could use a legit starter. Balmer will fix up that Seattle defensive line and be a starter for years to come.

26. Jacksonville Jaguars: Calais Campbell, DE, Miami
--The Jaguars could use a solid defensive end, as Paul Spicer is their only good starting defensive end. Hayward hasn't that he can stay healthy for a reason in Jacksonville and they don't have much more to offer. Campbell will look to help fill the void and leave Hayward as a situational pass rusher.

27. San Diego Chargers: Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas
--The Chargers weren't expecting Talib to fall this far, but looks to me they found their replacement for Drayton Florence. Talib will likely be the team's nickelback with the chance to go up the ranks. The nice thing with San Diego is that he won't have a load of pressure like he would with other teams.

28. Dallas Cowboys: DeSean Jackson, WR, California
--The Cowboys probably weren't expecting to draft DeSean Jackson here, but with Terry Glenn's health up in the air, they'll need a speedster to complement Terrell Owens. Although Owens only has a few years left, he has shown no signs of slowing down and Jackson will look to be that number two option, leaving Crayton in the slot.

29. San Francisco 49ers: Quentin Groves, DE, Auburn
--Seems like this is what everyone thinks that San Francisco will look to address. That defense hasn't really shown much, even with the additions of Nate Clements and Michael Lewis. With a pass rusher like Quentin Groves, it'll take the pressure off Clements and rookie linebacker Patrick Willis. Groves will look to make an instant impact for the 49ers just like another rookie for San Francisco.

30. Green Bay Packers: Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona
--The Packers cornerbacks aren't getting any younger in Charles Woodson and Al Harris, adding Antoine Cason will bring some youth to the secondary. The Packers have a relatively young front seven and adding Cason will help as the Packers look to be built for the present and the future. Cason will look to be the team's nickelback as he is slowly worked into the starting line up.

31. New England Patriots (Forfeited)
--Selection forfeited.

32. New York Giants: Dan Connor, LB, Penn State
--The Giants could go many of ways here, but after losing the likes of KaWika Mitchell and Reggie Torbor, they could use a new linebacker. Dan Connor is the best linebacker in the draft other than Keith Rivers. Connor will look to start at the team's weakside linebacker position and try to help the Giants return to the Super Bowl in 2008-2009.

[Broncojef]

Otah...yeah thanks, not so much. This is the second draft I've seen with us taking him. I'd rather have Williams or Albert before him really and could go for Mendenhall as a feature back before Otah as well.

[Bronx33]

How about clady for a replacement for lepsis i like guys with a mean streak.

[Houshyamama]

Trade Down! Trade Down!

[Bigdawg26]

I agree lets trade down and get a later first and third round pick

[GridIronKing34]

You guys realize that trading down in the first round is a much harder task than just saying "Hey let's trade down," right?

I mean really, I can see why some of you like Williams over Otah and I respect that. But it's too hard to predict who will trade down and that's why very few respectable mock drafts have trades within them. Sure, I'd love the Dolphins to trade down and pick up Gholston or Jake Long, but I don't know if that'll be very likely.

[SoDak Bronco]

Otah will be a right tackle...we need a left tackle, draft Clady or Williams...

[bowtown]

Otah will be a right tackle...we need a left tackle, draft Clady or Williams...

Disagree. We have three guys on our roster who have been successful at either a college or pro level at LT and absolutley no one who has played or been decent at RT. Not saying Otah is the man we need, but we need a RT way more than we ned a LT.

[SoCalBronco]

You guys realize that trading down in the first round is a much harder task than just saying "Hey let's trade down," right?



No one is claiming that we can just click our fingers and *poof* we've traded down. It involves certain things to make it more attractive for teams moving up. Obviously, first and foremost we would have to forego the premium (over and above chart value) that is usually given up by the team looking to move up and that's fine. We'd also prolly have to give up a little bit of additional value as well and that is acceptable as well. If we can't move though...we can't move....I would not mind Chris Williams at all at 12, that would be a very solid selection, but I would prefer to stock up on some more draft choices in the 2-4 area if possible and move down a bit and still snag a guy like Sam Baker somewhat below where we are now. We can do it, it just involves giving up some value.

[wabbit]

It takes considerable effort to think through 32 selections of the draft with the insight you've given as well.

Thanks for the effort, although personally, I'm on board with Chris Williams or Ryan Clady.

No matter. Good job.

[Drek]

You guys realize that trading down in the first round is a much harder task than just saying "Hey let's trade down," right?

I mean really, I can see why some of you like Williams over Otah and I respect that. But it's too hard to predict who will trade down and that's why very few respectable mock drafts have trades within them. Sure, I'd love the Dolphins to trade down and pick up Gholston or Jake Long, but I don't know if that'll be very likely.

Overall its pretty solid, but you're going to get torched on here.

Otah:
1. Doesn't fit the mold of Broncos LTs
2. Would be competing with Harris, Pears, and Kuper for a starting job. The first two are true to the bone LTs, the third could probably play either (I think he'd be a better RT) but his OT experience is at LT. Shanahan has already said that Kuper will go into camp as the starting LT too.

Also, trading down is an entirely different game from #12 as it is from #1. There's a huge sticking point where teams view the #1 pick as gigantic value now, even though when you consider what kind of money you give the guy and how it hits your cap it really is not. But there's a stigma attached where moving the #1 overall pick is supposed to bring huge rewards.

For us its pretty realistic if another team wants to leapfrog someone in the 13-18 range, for Mendenhall, Brohm, one of the OTs, etc.. This is because unlike trading up to #1 where you have to give up basically a whole draft worth of value a team could simply offer a middle of the 1st selection along with a future 1st or even a late 2nd/early 3rd if they're already high enough and be able to jump up. Thats where teams move in the draft, between spots 10-20.

I agree though, trying to predict trades in a mock is stupid, none of us are sitting in draft war rooms or having a GM's cell phone tapped, we have no idea what kind of discussions are going on.

As for the Dolphins, you guys should be pumped about getting Chris Long. He'll be a stud in the 3-4. He can play basically any position in your front seven and he's ready to go. He could add wins to your team in '08.

[Atlas]

Legwold said Denver was looking at this kid.

Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina
--The Seahawks could use a few players here, but Balmer is definitely the likely choice. The Seahawks have a solid defensive tackle rotation, but they could use a legit starter. Balmer will fix up that Seattle defensive line and be a starter for years to come.

[eddie mac]

Legwold said Denver was looking at this kid.

Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina
--The Seahawks could use a few players here, but Balmer is definitely the likely choice. The Seahawks have a solid defensive tackle rotation, but they could use a legit starter. Balmer will fix up that Seattle defensive line and be a starter for years to come.

Well if we're looking at him for pick 12 someone needs shot.

[Atlas]

Well if we're looking at him for pick 12 someone needs shot.

I don't know what difference it makes. If Denver thinks he is going to be great you better grab him early. If you try to trade down how far down do you go? And when you do that other teams now will be able to trade ahead of you if they want the same player. He might be the best player in the draft nobody knows, and if a team believes he is a difference maker you better grab him if you can when you can. I think that should be a general rule of every front office., If you think a guy is undervalued and could be great you better be weary of trading down for him.

[ohiobronco2]

Anymore, I really don't know. I just wish the draft was here already. All of this is making my brain hurt :D . If the front office thinks that Ryan Harris can man the LT position (I think he needs to put on a little weight, get stronger and hopefully his back is healthy) then we need to look at other O line positions with our first pick. In this instance a trade down would be ideal because we would be able to pick up a solid RT in Cherilus (SP?) and another pick in the 3rd. Albert was the guy I was originally targeting in a trade down, but it seems as though his stock is on the rise. As long as we address OT and DT in the first day, I'll be happy. I really think that we should think about trading future picks to acquire more picks in this draft. I just don't think I see the same talent in next years draft in the middle rounds. Sure there is a lot of first round talent most likely coming out next year, but beyond that it looks like there isn't much left.

[Killericon]

14. Chicago Bears: Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt
--The Bears offensive line is atrocious, and quote old... There's no way around that. Chris Williams will arrive in Chicago to help improve the run game and maybe even the pass game. Benson can succeed in the NFL if his offensive line makes holes for him run through. The addition of Williams should help that.


My understanding was the Williams' strength was in his pass-blocking...?

[RocBronc]

You guys realize that trading down in the first round is a much harder task than just saying "Hey let's trade down," right?

Not really... Trading down and getting good value is what's difficult... I don't mean to be obvious but I for one don't understand why more teams aren't willing to trade down even if they don't get a great deal, esp. when top picks get so much money.

[Killericon]

Not really... Trading down and getting good value is what's difficult... I don't mean to be obvious but I for one don't understand why more teams aren't willing to trade down even if they don't get a great deal, esp. when top picks get so much money.

I sincerely doubt that you have ever been a part of the process that teams go through on draft day, and as such, I don't think you should be making declarative statements about the difficulty of certain aspects of said process. Same goes for everyone. Saying things like "Trading down is hard" and whatnot is silly. New England didn't have a hard time doing it last year...Neither did Dallas. I think that while we(collectively, unless Pat Bowlen really is Pat Bowlen :) ) have never been involved in making decisions on draft day for an NFL team, we can safely look back at years past and say, with confidence, that 99% of all blanket statements are wrong(Anyone catch the irony there?). Drafts, from year to year, are too different to notice many significant patterns or rules emerge.

Having said that, I think that trading down this year will be difficult, if the top 10 plays out like people are predicting it to...But when does that ever happen?

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

Disagree. We have three guys on our roster who have been successful at either a college or pro level at LT and absolutley no one who has played or been decent at RT. Not saying Otah is the man we need, but we need a RT way more than we ned a LT.

Wrong - Broncs have no one on the roster who has been more than marginal in the NFL at LT. College career means nothing.

[Atlas]

Wrong - Broncs have no one on the roster who has been more than marginal in the NFL at LT. College career means nothing.

Your opinion means nothing too. I mean you have no idea how good any of the O- lineman are going to be. I'll bet you have never even seen Harris play. The coaches have. Almost everyday.

[Paladin]

Your opinion means nothing too. I mean you have no idea how good any of the O- lineman are going to be. I'll bet you have never even seen Harris play. The coaches have. Almost everyday.

AGREED.

Therein lies the point. So many of our brethren hereon make many pontifical declarations of biblical proportions without much personal visual experience of the players involved. If Harris gives up one sack in the first exhibition game, someone is going to gleefully yell out "SEE? I TOLD YOU SO!!!" I certainly do not know if Harris can play LT, but the coaches have just a bit more of an inkling than I and I'm gonna trust them.

That does not preclude the possibility of a Williams or a Clady - or even Otah - and I really don't have a lot of faith in the whole "value" argument. If the Broncos take a WR or RB or one of the OTs, I'm down for it because almost any position where a 12 fits is going to be an upgrade except at QB or TE IMO.

For all the crappy KO returns and Punt returns, anything to improve those areas can help the Broncos win more games, screw "Value". Jackson may not be the favored pick here, but he could help win games. Right out of the box, too. Personally, I think Mendenhall would be a great pick at 12. He would also be a player right out of the box.

Clady, Williams, or Otah or even Balmer would take a few games to learn how to play in the league. Nothing wrong with that because they would improve, always a hopeful sign. But I don't know what the Broncos think about the team beyond what few scraps we get now and then - the Harris statements, for example - so I doubt anyone here has the real scoop on what's gonna happen.

So, I am going to "trust" - and later verify - the Harris stuff and go with Mendenhall or Jackson as my first pick prediction.

[GridIronKing34]

Overall its pretty solid, but you're going to get torched on here.

Otah:
1. Doesn't fit the mold of Broncos LTs
2. Would be competing with Harris, Pears, and Kuper for a starting job. The first two are true to the bone LTs, the third could probably play either (I think he'd be a better RT) but his OT experience is at LT. Shanahan has already said that Kuper will go into camp as the starting LT too.

Also, trading down is an entirely different game from #12 as it is from #1. There's a huge sticking point where teams view the #1 pick as gigantic value now, even though when you consider what kind of money you give the guy and how it hits your cap it really is not. But there's a stigma attached where moving the #1 overall pick is supposed to bring huge rewards.

For us its pretty realistic if another team wants to leapfrog someone in the 13-18 range, for Mendenhall, Brohm, one of the OTs, etc.. This is because unlike trading up to #1 where you have to give up basically a whole draft worth of value a team could simply offer a middle of the 1st selection along with a future 1st or even a late 2nd/early 3rd if they're already high enough and be able to jump up. Thats where teams move in the draft, between spots 10-20.

I agree though, trying to predict trades in a mock is stupid, none of us are sitting in draft war rooms or having a GM's cell phone tapped, we have no idea what kind of discussions are going on.

As for the Dolphins, you guys should be pumped about getting Chris Long. He'll be a stud in the 3-4. He can play basically any position in your front seven and he's ready to go. He could add wins to your team in '08.

Thanks and I understand that. I've posted this at a few boards that I lurk at and I've always had people complain about their pick. There's no possible way to make everyone happy. I considered swapping Williams and Otah, but I preferred to be safe and take the higher rated one. I don't know the Broncos as well as most of you and I realize this, I spend most of my day talking about the Dolphins. Either or, I tried to create an accurate first round mock when these "experts" like Mayock and Kiper Jr. are just throwing crap out there to get looks. Nonetheless, I created a pretty solid conversation so the point of posting it didn't go to waste.

[mattob14]

Every year we hear about how teams want to move down and there are a lack of buyers in the market. Then we see trades like Denver's move up last year and Cleveland, SF, and Indy giving up future 1sts to add additional picks. Once we get to draft day, I do think there will be opportunities to trade back, if that's the route we want to go. A few possibilities:

Chicago- They'll be looking for o-line help and may be afraid Denver and Carolina will grab OT's in front of them.

Minnesota- They need a pass-rushing DE and Harvey would be nice fit. He'll probably be gone by #17 though and I don't know that Merling has the pass-rush ability they're looking for. They've got our 3rd this year, so they've got an extra pick to move.

Houston- Another team needing a LT and it's almost certain that players like Otah, Clady, and Williams will be gone by #18. The relationships between the FO's could help facilitate a trade. Of course, we've heard this the last two years too.

Philadelphia- There were reports floating around that they were looking to move up for an LT as well. Similar to Houston and Chicago, they'll need to jump a few teams to get it done though.

Dallas- We're not getting both of those #1's, but if they're targeting a CB in the 1st, I could see them moving one of their firsts with their 2nd for #12. They'd still be able to address RB or WR with their other first.

That's 5 teams out of the next 10 picks that could be trade partners. Obviously not all of these teams will be looking to move up on draft day, but it only takes 1. In all of these cases, we could add a 3rd and possibly another mid-rounder or a future pick. I think guys like Jonathan Stewart, DeSean Jackson, Kenny Phillips, Devin Thomas, Kentwan Balmer, Gosder Cherilus or Sam Baker all become more attractive picks later on in round 1.

[drail 24 48]

I'd say trade down!!! I really want a OL, but not to pick one and end up like Foster. If not either of those go after mendenhall and get rid of travis henry. I cant deal with any more stories about the guy

[BroncoBuff]

For some reason Otah reminds me of George Foster ... I don't want him.

Did anybody see where Kiper updated his mock, and we're taking Keith Rivers? Doesn't he pay any attention to offseason moves? We have three young LBs all making starter money now ...

[Atlas]

Desean Jackson will be long gone before the #28 pick.

[Inkana7]

Desean Jackson will be long gone before the #28 pick.

I don't know why, but he will.

[GridIronKing34]

Desean Jackson will be long gone before the #28 pick.

They said Brady Quinn would be long gone before #9 too, but look how that turned out. Every draft someone falls further than they should... I have Jackson being that guy.

[Bravo]

Judging from the last two drafts where Denver took multi persons for the same position, it just might be that Shanny thinks with the return of the old Lg and C, he may have enought talent on the OL to pass on the first round. Consentrate on the DL with the first two picks. There is some really good stuff out there in the way of DTsfor the early pickers. It would solve our problem for the future.

[wabbit]

The Brandon Marshall idiocy may've changed things, but up until that moment, the pririties of this draft were going to be DT/OT.

You have to believe there is some immediate concern now at WR, although the Broncos have had about as much luck at drafting WR's early as they have with CBs & OTs...so it remains to be seen what chances they're willing to take.

If one of the elite DTs falls, there is a chance Denver would forsake the WR worries & consider moving up a few spots, but I can't see that happening for an OT no matter what...excepting Jake Long, but that just isn't going to happen.

What that tells me is that OT would be the choice if, and only if Denver is stuck at 12 & players like Clady, Williams & Otah were staring us in the face without any other top options at DT or WR.

There's also this lingering belief among some who would know that Denver has become enamored with LB Keith Rivers.

There's a good reason Mel Kiper has chanced up his mock to have Denver taking Rivers at 12, he's hearing from his sources here.

[Bronx33]

I just hope brandon doesn't get overwhelmed with negative press (yes i understand) he brought it on himself but the press is ruthless and could force brandon out and lower his production while he is here. Hopefully brandon pulls his head out of his butt and realize what a great job he has and the situation he could become part of (down the road) the best thing he could do is stay out of trouble and focus on football. Iam sure shannahan is holding his hand thru all of this to keep him focused.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

Your opinion means nothing too. I mean you have no idea how good any of the O- lineman are going to be. I'll bet you have never even seen Harris play. The coaches have. Almost everyday.


I saw almost every game he played in college and saw him get destroyed by guys like Anthony Spencer and and Lamarr Woodley, not to mention super stars like Dallas Startz and no names from Navy. I watched the coaching staff only play him for two plays from scrimmage last year even with the pathetic OT play they had last year. One was on a goal line play with Lepsis lining up as an eligible receiver (during which Harris was pushed right back into Cutler's face). The only other time is when Pears had to come out because of an injury TO and went back in one play later looking like a drunken sailor stumbing out of a bar.

[Houshyamama]

You guys realize that trading down in the first round is a much harder task than just saying "Hey let's trade down," right?

I mean really, I can see why some of you like Williams over Otah and I respect that. But it's too hard to predict who will trade down and that's why very few respectable mock drafts have trades within them. Sure, I'd love the Dolphins to trade down and pick up Gholston or Jake Long, but I don't know if that'll be very likely.

I'm not saying you should predict it, looks like a good mock to me. Just saying I hope we trade down.

[NFLBRONCO]

This is the first draft without Ted we have no idea what the draft thought is. We might be conservative and not wheel and deal like we have lately. I'm hoping to trade down but, expecting more that we stay put. I wonder how different this draft will be trade wise on 10 min clock vs 15. Will more trades be setup before draft then ever before.

[chaz]

There's also this lingering belief among some who would know that Denver has become enamored with LB Keith Rivers.

There's a good reason Mel Kiper has chanced up his mock to have Denver taking Rivers at 12, he's hearing from his sources here.

Can he play MLB or would this keep DJ in the middle?

[wabbit]

Can he play MLB or would this keep DJ in the middle?

No, he's not, which makes the whole thing all the more puzzling.

[bcbronc]

No, he's not, which makes the whole thing all the more puzzling.

probably the annual shanny smokescreen.

[eddie mac]

No, he's not, which makes the whole thing all the more puzzling.

If the info Kiper's been getting is authentic then it means one of two things.

1. DJ is staying in the middle and Niko was brought in for depth/special teams and wont get a decent shot at MLB.

2. They think DJ is going to walk into FA and not re-sign here, hence the replacement at WLB in 2009 in Rivers.

Either way taking a LB at 12 is like putting a paper-mache wall up against a tidal wave.

[jutang]

Drafting a LB who will get gobbled up by guards with the non-existing DTs, moving DJ to safety or kicker since he's too natural for a WLB, and making lots of people here scratch their heads on draft day.

I thought Sunquist was fired??

[wabbit]

There's nothing at all absolute about this chatter folks. The draft is three weeks away & the Bronco staff is just now agreeing to a draft direction.

I would imagine the team is no-where close to settling on a single player, although, if it were remotely feasible...which it's just not, I believe the team would bend heaven & earth to land OT Jake Long.

There will be a short list of targeted players & Rivers may very well be among them, but not necessarily the top choice...all the while the door is wide open for trades and moves right up to, and including draft day.

[SoCalBronco]

If the info Kiper's been getting is authentic then it means one of two things.

1. DJ is staying in the middle and Niko was brought in for depth/special teams and wont get a decent shot at MLB.

2. They think DJ is going to walk into FA and not re-sign here, hence the replacement at WLB in 2009 in Rivers.

Either way taking a LB at 12 is like putting a paper-mache wall up against a tidal wave.

Well we already know it can't be No. 1 because Shanny has already said he is moving back outside. No. 2 is a possibility. I'd throw up if we took Rivers.

[chrisp]

I'd throw up if we took Rivers.

Is that becuase you don't rate Rivers or just because we're taking a 'backer in the first as opposed to a position of greater need?

If Roberston comes in and Thomas stays out of jail, add in a decent 4th-6th round DT perhaps and maybe, just maybe our D-line is better than last year so going in another direction in the draft is vaguely somewhere near justifiable...

However, now that we've brought in two pretty serviceable vets to accompany DJ I'd like to see what those guys can do and just draft a developmental prospect in the later rounds.

Despite all that I would still join you in the retching if our #1 pick goes on any position not featuring the word 'tackle'

(and no I do not mean 'whatever position Ian Gold used to play' by that statement...)

[mattob14]

Desean Jackson will be long gone before the #28 pick.

Actually, I think that's where Mayock has him in his latest mock. I still don't see it happening, but I'm sure that's probably where this pick came from.

[GridIronKing34]

Actually, I think that's where Mayock has him in his latest mock. I still don't see it happening, but I'm sure that's probably where this pick came from.

No, this pick didn't come from Mayock. I think Mayock is a babbling moron who doesn't deserve the TV he gets. He's one of those "throw crap out there and see what happens" type of guys. I think Jackson will fall because teams will be looking for that big possession guy in Sweed, Thomas, and Kelly. It wouldn't surprise me if Dallas took Kelly at #22 in that mock and left Tennessee with Jackson at #24, hoping that Felix Jones would fall to them at #28. I just don't think they'll take that chance, that's my opinion. Jackson's stock has fallen due to the fact that he's came into the Combine at 169 pounds. The market seems to value the big possession guys this year. I didn't copy another mock and just make it super similar to that. You may find similarities between my mock and other "expert" mocks, but you'll always have that. Saying that I probably got the Jackson pick from Mayock is simply insulting, it's telling me that you think that I don't think for myself and merely go off "experts" mocks.

[GridIronKing34]

Well we already know it can't be No. 1 because Shanny has already said he is moving back outside. No. 2 is a possibility. I'd throw up if we took Rivers.

Ever heard of a smokescreen? You can't believe anything these coaches say at this time of the year, bud.

The Broncos would think long and hard about taking Rivers if he fell to them at #12. Believe me, Rivers is an extreme talent and I compare him to Lance Briggs. I think he'll do very well in the NFL, at least a solid starter.

[Cito Pelon]

No one is claiming that we can just click our fingers and *poof* we've traded down. It involves certain things to make it more attractive for teams moving up. Obviously, first and foremost we would have to forego the premium (over and above chart value) that is usually given up by the team looking to move up and that's fine. We'd also prolly have to give up a little bit of additional value as well and that is acceptable as well. If we can't move though...we can't move....I would not mind Chris Williams at all at 12, that would be a very solid selection, but I would prefer to stock up on some more draft choices in the 2-4 area if possible and move down a bit and still snag a guy like Sam Baker somewhat below where we are now. We can do it, it just involves giving up some value.

Trading down will be more difficult this year also because the selection time per team in the first round is less this year. I'm ok with trading down and still acquiring Baker. Denver has a lot of options other than trading down from 12, though. Those 5ths, 6ths, 7ths can be translated into a 3d/4th with the third round being moved to the second day. There's still 2009 picks to trade also to move up in combo with the 5ths, 6ths, 7ths. It's gonna be interesting to see the draft strategies with all the changes in the draft structure. Seems like 3d rounders are gonna get a lot of attention since teams have overnight to make deals and research.

[Cito Pelon]

If the info Kiper's been getting is authentic then it means one of two things.

1. DJ is staying in the middle and Niko was brought in for depth/special teams and wont get a decent shot at MLB.

2. They think DJ is going to walk into FA and not re-sign here, hence the replacement at WLB in 2009 in Rivers.

Either way taking a LB at 12 is like putting a paper-mache wall up against a tidal wave.

Denver won't draft Rivers at 12.

[BroncoBuff]

Denver won't draft Rivers at 12.
Of course not, thanks Cito.

Doesn't Kiper pay attention? We just signed TWO young, starter-quality free agent LBs ...

[Kaylore]

Of course not, thanks Cito.

Doesn't Kiper pay attention? We just signed TWO young, starter-quality free agent LBs ...

I REALLY hope you two are right. Rivers seems like just the kind of athletic, work out warrior, skill-less player that benefited from better players around him that Shanahan will take. The injury history and everything.

[bcbronc]

I REALLY hope you two are right. Rivers seems like just the kind of athletic, work out warrior, skill-less player that benefited from better players around him that Shanahan will take. The injury history and everything.

Shanny's done pretty well with first round linebackers though. if Rivers was BPA he could keep DJ inside.

[mattob14]

No, this pick didn't come from Mayock. I think Mayock is a babbling moron who doesn't deserve the TV he gets. He's one of those "throw crap out there and see what happens" type of guys. I think Jackson will fall because teams will be looking for that big possession guy in Sweed, Thomas, and Kelly. It wouldn't surprise me if Dallas took Kelly at #22 in that mock and left Tennessee with Jackson at #24, hoping that Felix Jones would fall to them at #28. I just don't think they'll take that chance, that's my opinion. Jackson's stock has fallen due to the fact that he's came into the Combine at 169 pounds. The market seems to value the big possession guys this year. I didn't copy another mock and just make it super similar to that. You may find similarities between my mock and other "expert" mocks, but you'll always have that. Saying that I probably got the Jackson pick from Mayock is simply insulting, it's telling me that you think that I don't think for myself and merely go off "experts" mocks.

No offense meant, I was just stating this isn't the first time I'd seen that pick at #28. Most of the fan mocks we see borrow at least somewhat from the "experts". It's not that I think you're copying him, it's just another source of information that people use to try and judge current value of players. If DeSean's value has fallen to the point he may be available at #28, Dallas makes a lot of sense. Most mocks from Mayock, etc. aren't original in that they rely on their "sources", however credible they may be, and the mocks of others are no different. Nice work on the mock and no need to take offense to the comment.

[Mediator12]

No, this pick didn't come from Mayock. I think Mayock is a babbling moron who doesn't deserve the TV he gets. He's one of those "throw crap out there and see what happens" type of guys. I think Jackson will fall because teams will be looking for that big possession guy in Sweed, Thomas, and Kelly. It wouldn't surprise me if Dallas took Kelly at #22 in that mock and left Tennessee with Jackson at #24, hoping that Felix Jones would fall to them at #28. I just don't think they'll take that chance, that's my opinion. Jackson's stock has fallen due to the fact that he's came into the Combine at 169 pounds. The market seems to value the big possession guys this year. I didn't copy another mock and just make it super similar to that. You may find similarities between my mock and other "expert" mocks, but you'll always have that. Saying that I probably got the Jackson pick from Mayock is simply insulting, it's telling me that you think that I don't think for myself and merely go off "experts" mocks.


Nothing personal GridIronKing, but do you have unlimited access to coaches tape, College coaches, NFL Scouts and GM's, and even the elite talent themselves? If not, you mocking someone that has that kind of actual ability to make an informed decision about prospects outside of ESPN style game film alone is a little over the top. Simply say that you did not follow anyone else's Mock and move on.

As for your opinion of Jackson, people are forgetting how teams value players in the NFL draft. The highest rated players can play and adapt their game to any System. Marvin Harrison is that type of smaller Flanker, DeSean Jackson is not. At Best, he is going to have to be a SE on a non-WCO offense team. That makes him a non scheme fit for PHI and TB who otherwise might want him on his talent there. Jackson has talent, but he does not have the skillset to play for every team and that will make him much less of a value even though he is a solid PR.

I just do not see where he is going to play right away either, even for a WR talent starved team. He has a solid skillset, but not as any every down Player iMHO and he needs alot of work to get there.

[Requiem]

First off, Keith Rivers doesn't have an injury history. If we're going to say he does, then there would be hundreds of players each year in the draft that have an "injury history" if one surgery constitutes as such. Secondly, Rivers could play MIKE.

[GridIronKing34]

Nothing personal GridIronKing, but do you have unlimited access to coaches tape, College coaches, NFL Scouts and GM's, and even the elite talent themselves? If not, you mocking someone that has that kind of actual ability to make an informed decision about prospects outside of ESPN style game film alone is a little over the top. Simply say that you did not follow anyone else's Mock and move on.

As for your opinion of Jackson, people are forgetting how teams value players in the NFL draft. The highest rated players can play and adapt their game to any System. Marvin Harrison is that type of smaller Flanker, DeSean Jackson is not. At Best, he is going to have to be a SE on a non-WCO offense team. That makes him a non scheme fit for PHI and TB who otherwise might want him on his talent there. Jackson has talent, but he does not have the skillset to play for every team and that will make him much less of a value even though he is a solid PR.

I just do not see where he is going to play right away either, even for a WR talent starved team. He has a solid skillset, but not as any every down Player iMHO and he needs alot of work to get there.

None taken. But with the knowledge I do have (not saying I have a lot or anything) I can form my own opinion. An opinion could come from a lot of knowledge or very little, it doesn't really matter. Granted, I look at the more well-known experts mocks such as Mel Kiper, Mel Kiper Jr., Scott Wright, and what not. I'm very good friends with a guy who has his own draft site which is one of the more well known ones. He's very reliable and I learn a bit from him, reliable enough to be invited to the Senior Bowl and what not. I've put a decent amount of work into this and when someone draws a conclusion that I basically copied the Jackson pick from the Mayock mock, it upsets me mainly because I've actually never even seen Mayock's mock. I think Mayock is one of those guys who throws out a few picks that seem a little out of place. Sure he hits on a few of them, but he misses on a lot. Everyone does, I'm not hating on him for that, it's just he seems to do that simply for publicity. To each his own though, I do this type of stuff out of enjoyment and I highly doubt I'll ever have a career with it.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

Maylock, like Kiper and the commercial draft sites continually change their picks and attempt to create some controversy. It creates ratings and web traffic which is how they get paid.