Since my last mock, the bulk of the free agency period has come and gone, thus changing the specific needs listed last time. The combine is also in our rear view mirror as the only workouts left for draft eligible players is their Pro Days. So without any further interruption here is my newly updated mock draft.
1. Miami Dolphins – Jake Long. LT. Michigan.
Needs: (LB, DB, WR, DT, QB).
Previous Mock – Same.
I still believe the Fins will try to deal this pick. However I just don’t see them getting the value they would want in return forcing Miami to stay at this spot. With no clear cut #1 selection, I believe the Dolphins go with the safer choice in Jake Long. The other Long, Chris, is a fantastic player, but when your shelling out over 30 million in guarantees you must be as close to certain to getting guaranteed results. Matt Ryan could move into this spot if he wows at his Pro Day, but right now I would take the LT from Michigan who gave up one sack in 4 years.
2. St. Louis Rams – Chris Long. DE. Virginia.
Needs: (WR, OG, DE, LB).
Previous Mock – Glenn Dorsey.
Pre-combine, Chris Long was considered a top 10 selection but a slight reach in the top three. Post combine, he left teams drooling over Howie’s kid. He put in quite a performance and has cemented himself in the top five.
3. Matt Ryan. QB. Boston College.
Needs: (QB, RB, WR, S, DT).
Previous Mock – Same.
Prior to all things dog-fighting the Falcons were a perennial playoff team. Now they’re one of, if not the biggest rebuilding projects in the league. Well, there’s no better place to start then at QB. I think Matt Ryan is a special player. Some would disagree but I don’t think anything else needs to be said about who the Falcons are selecting.
4. Oakland Raiders – Darren McFadden. RB. Arkansas.
Needs: (RB, WR, DL).
Previous Mock – Same.
I see the Raiders moving out of this spot, especially if McFadden is still on the board, although as I had mentioned with Miami, I don’t know exactly who they are going to trade with, because that would make me a mock draft professional and not some guy who scans documents for a living. If the Raiders do stay here I am not sure they can pass up on McFadden, especially with the latest rumors that Al Davis is enamored with him. Although RB is probably there least needed position, McFadden is a special player with a ton of baggage and off the field problems. He is a match made in heaven for the Raiders.
5. Kansas City Chiefs – Ryan Clady. OT. Boise State.
Needs: (LB, DB, WR, DT, QB).
Previous Mock – Same.
Herman Edwards is on pace to ruin yet another football team. (I wonder if clock management coach Dick Curl, who’s sole job is to tell Herm when to call timeouts will keep his job after Herm gets fired). However, he does understand that blocking is very important and will select Clady to help bolster a line that will block for Brodie Croyle, I mean Damon Huard, I mean Brodie Croyle, I mean Damon Huard, I mean Brodie Croyle, no really Damon Huard, or perhaps third stringer Tyler Thigpen.
6. New York Jets – Vernon Gholston. OLB. Ohio State.
Needs: (QB, DL, OL, LB, CB).
Previous Mock – Chris Long.
The Jets are another team I see looking to trade out. They went free agent shopping and did a nice job filling major holes, of which they had a ton. Defensive back and receiver are currently the Jets biggest needs and fulfilling one of those here would be a bit of a reach. However, if they stay at six, I’d go with Gholston. He had a monster combine and has really become a dark horse in this draft to the point where I can honestly see Gholston going #1 overall based on potential and physical skills. Do I see that happening? Not really, but I am just saying I wouldn’t be shocked if he did. As the Super Bowl Champion NY Giants proved you could never have too many players that can rush the passer. And I believe the last time the Jets had double digit sacks from one guy, they were still in the AFL.
7. New England Patriots – Leodis McKelvin. CB. Troy.
Needs: (LB, DB).
Previous Mock – Aqib Talib.
Their defense is aging. They lost Asante Samuel and Randall Gay. Yes, they will draft defense in the first round. Yes, they will be back for a Super Bowl run in 2008. Yes, the phrase 18-1 is still bringing a small, spiteful smile to my face.
8. Baltimore Ravens – Malcolm Kelly. WR. Oklahoma.
Needs: (QB, OL, LB, DB, DL)
Previous Mock – Vernon Gholston.
The Ravens are entering a new regime following the departure, nice way of saying ‘firing’, of Brian Billick. There defense isn’t getting any younger, but it still is at the top of the league. Offensively they are a wreck. I think Kelly is the best WR in this draft. He has tremendous size, speed, and hands.
9. Cincinnati Bengals – Glenn Dorsey. LT. LSU.
Needs: (OL, DL, TE, LB).
Previous Mock – Kenny Phillips.
The Bengals tried to trade for Shaun Rogers and failed. They tried trading for Dewayne Robertson and came up with the same result. Dorsey falling to them is something that makes all those failed acquisitions ok. Dorsey’s stock has fallen recently due to his injury history, but he will definitely help the Bengals defensive problems.
10. New Orleans Saints – Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. DB. Tenn. St.
Needs: (WR, DB, S, TE).
Previous Mock – Mike Jenkins.
The Saints are trying to fix their defensive struggles. They recently added Randall Gay and Jon Vilma. Although it is a step in the right direction they still have a little more to go. Cromartie is a small school kid with a ton of ability. His questions about covering better talent were answered when he had a great Senior Bowl. He impressed everyone at the combine with his blazing speed and vertical. I recently heard a quote from a talent evaluator about Cromartie that I believe to be true. “If Cromartie were wearing a Michigan or USC helmet at the Senior Bowl and not a Tennessee State helmet, he would be a top 5 pick.”
11. Buffalo Bills – Limas Sweed. WR. Texas.
Needs: (OL, WR, TE).
Previous Mock – Same.
The Bills will look to help out the QB of the future Trent Edwards. I believe the Bills have Kelly atop their board at the WR position but being that he is gone here, I see them selecting Sweed. The only real separation between Kelly and Sweed is that Sweed’s wrist is still not at 100%. Sweed is the perfect complement to Lee Evans being he is 6 foot 4 with great hands. DeSean Jackson is another option, but unless you want to feature two six-feet-on-their-tippy-toes receivers, Sweed is the better choice.
12. Denver Broncos – Sedrick Ellis. DT. USC.
Needs: (DL, S, OL).
Previous Mock – Same.
I honestly believe I could run for a 125 yards on the Broncos. They are weak up front and need a ton of help stopping the run. They have the corners and there LBs are solid. If they sure up the D-line, we are looking at a scary unit. Ellis shouldn’t slip this far but the Broncos are happy he does.
13. Carolina Panthers – Phillip Merling. DE. Clemson.
Needs: (QB, WR, TE, S, OL).
Previous Mock – Sam Baker.
The Panthers will address there need on defense. Derrick Harvey or Keith Rivers are other likely possibilities, but I think they go with Merling here. He will be a perfect complement to Julius Peppers, that is, if Peppers is still in a Carolina uniform next season.
14. Chicago Bears – Chris Williams. OL. Vanderbilt.
Needs: (RB, WR, S).
Previous Mock – Malcolm Kelly.
A lot of people have the Bears pegged for an offensive skills player at this spot, but I see offensive line being a need to address first. Williams is arguably the second best linemen in the draft and the Bears are looking at a steal at this spot.
15. Detroit Lions – Keith Rivers. LB. USC.
Needs: (OL, DB, LB, DL, TE).
Previous Mock – Jeff Otah.
The Lions need a ton of help. Some experts see them going running back here because of the recent cut of Kevin Jones. I disagree with them at this point in time because there are still rumors that he would be brought back, just at a lower rate. I see them trying to bolster up their defense as much as possible. Rivers is the highest ranked LB in the draft and paired up with Ernie Sims you’re looking at a scary LB core.
16. Arizona Cardinals – Reshard Mendenhall. RB. Illinois.
Needs: (OL, DB, DL, RB).
Previous Mock – Same.
It’s been a tremendous run for Edge and he may have one or two decent years left in the tank. But with the NFL being the copycat league it is, I see the Cardinals using a two back system. Mendenhall is a big powerful back who answered all the questions at the combine about his speed. He posted a 4.45 forty time and put up 26 bench reps. This pick could very well be the steal of the draft.
17. Minnesota Vikings – Derrick Harvey. DE. Florida.
Needs: (DL, WR, TE, LB, S, QB).
Previous Mock – DeSean Jackson.
With the recent signing of Bernard Berrian, the Vikings can find their number one receiver in another round, since Berrian isn’t a true #1. With the recent news about Kenechi Udeze’s leukemia and Erasmus James’s knee problems, the Vikings desperately need help at the defensive end spot. Harvey moved himself into the middle part of the first round with his combine performance and will give the Vikings the much needed pass rusher coming off the edge. Now if they could only find a QB.
18. Houston Texans – Aqib Talib. DB. Kansas.
Needs: (RB, DB, OL).
Previous Mock – Jonathan Stewart.
I believe the Texans want to select a running back here, but with Mendenhall gone and Jonathan Stewart’s recent news regarding his toe surgery, which will keep him out 4-6 months, there is no RB worthy of this pick. The Texans next big need is at the cornerback spot. Talib is a talented player that would look good paired up next to Dunta Robinson.
19. Philadelphia Eagles – Desean Jackson. WR. California.
Needs: (LB, WR, OL, DL).
Previous Mock – Keith Rivers.
Jackson is without question the fastest receiver in this draft. He has blazing speed and will provide you with a threat in the return game as well. The only knock on him would be his height. The Eagles could go elsewhere but I think he is too good for them to pass up here. Plus it helps to move Kevin Curtis into the slot which, as a white guy, is his more natural position.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Devin Thomas. WR. Michigan State.
Needs: (DL, WR, RB).
Previous Mock – Kentwan Balmer.
I think it is safe to say the Bucs have the oldest 1-2 receiver combo in the league in Galloway and Hilliard. Michael Clayton is three years removed from his outstanding rookie season in which he caught 80 passes for 7 touchdowns. Since then he has amassed 87 grabs and one touchdown in three seasons (yet you know someone in your fantasy league will draft this guy as a sleeper). Maurice Stovall isn’t a legit threat, just ask anyone who watched him play at Notre Dame. Thomas is a big receiver at 6 foot 2 and 218 lbs. He clocked in a 4.4 at the combine. He will fit in nicely with the Bucs offense and there 22 average-at-best QB’s.
21. Washington Redskins – Kentwan Balmer. DT. North Carolina.
Needs: (DL, WR, S).
Previous Mock – Calais Campbell.
Defensive line needs to be addressed by the Redskins. In my last mock, I had Calais Campbell going to the Skins but considering his forty time was slower than those of most Kenyan marathon runners, his stock has fallen a bit. Balmer had trouble staying healthy but when on the field he is a disruptive player on the inside.
22. Dallas Cowboys – Mike Jenkins. DB. South Florida.
Needs: (WR, RB, DB).
Previous Mock – Felix Jones.
The Cowboys have two picks in the first round so a lot of people have them looking to package them to move up in the draft. It, of course, is a possibility but right now I don’t see them moving up. Jenkins should not have fallen this far in the draft and will immediately be snatched up by Jerry Jones. Although this pick is the right one, it doesn’t help Jenkins that his safety help (Roy Williams) will be non-existent.
23. Pittsburgh Steelers – Branden Albert. OG. Virgnia.
Needs: (OG, DE).
Previous Mock – Same.
This right now seems too easy. The only need that will come about is the open spot at left guard. The 6 foot 7 Albert will fit in nicely in Pittsburgh. Especially at $7 million a year cheaper then Faneca.
24. Tennessee Titans – Dan Conner. LB. Penn State.
Needs: (WR, TE, OL, DB).
Previous Mock – Mario Manningham.
The Titans will hope for one of the receivers to fall to them. If that doesn’t happen I see them going defense. Dan Conner is a solid football player which is typical coming from Linebacker U. His only knock would be his size which isn’t ideal, but people said the same thing about Zach Thomas.
25. Seattle Seahawks – Dustin Keller. TE. Purdue.
Needs: (TE, DT, RB).
Previous Mock – Fred Davis.
Looking at the Seahawks I don’t see many real needs except at the tight end position. Unless they want to roll out Jeb Putzier as their starter, Keller is the way to go. Keller moved passed Fred Davis as the #1 tight end in the draft after his insane combine results.
26. Jacksonville Jaguars – Calais Campbell. DL. Miami.
Needs: (DE, S, OL).
Previous Mock – Derrick Harvey.
With the recent trade of Marcus Stroud, the Jaguars have an even bigger hole along the defensive line. Campbell is obviously not a burner (5.03 forty), but his size more than makes up for his lack of speed. He can be used at either the defensive end or tackle spots.
27. San Diego Chargers – Jeff Otah. OT. Pittsburgh.
Needs: (DB, ILB).
Previous Mock – Dan Connor.
The Chargers are another team without a serious need. I think they go with the best available linemen on the board. Otah is without question the best player left and happens to be a perfect fit for the Chargers at right tackle.
28. Dallas Cowboys – Felix Jones. RB. Arkansas.
Needs: (WR, RB, DB).
Previous Mock – Early Doucet.
Not re-signing Julius Jones combined with the comments that they don’t want Marion Barber carrying a full load lead me to believe the Cowboys will look to go RB early. Felix Jones was one hell of a player at Arkansas. He would have started for just about every other school in the country. His only problem is he went to the same school as Darren McFadden. I still stand by my original comments, saying “Gun to my head, Jones will have better career numbers then McFadden.”
29. San Francisco 49ers – James Hardy. WR. Indiana.
Needs: (WR, OL, DL).
Previous Mock – Same.
When Arnaz Battle is your biggest threat at the WR position, it’s time for an upgrade. Hardy is my favorite receiver coming out of the draft this year. He is big, tall (6 foot 5) and will provide Alex Smith with the big target he so desperately needs. Now the only question left is can this pick make TE Vernon Davis look like he actually wants to play football. Bottom line, the 49ers need to get Smith some help.
30. Green Bay Packers – Reggie Smith. DB. Oklahoma.
Needs: (DB, LB, OL).
Previous Mock – Leodis McKelvin.
The Packers are a very young team except at corner. Charles Woodson and Al Harris are starting to get up there in age. Smith will not have to start right away. Plus, Packers fans will need a good seven years to get over the retirement of Brett Favre, giving him enough time to develop and eventually take over a starting spot.
31. New England Patriots – Forfeited.
Needs: (sound engineer, boom mic operator, key grip)
32. New York Giants – Kenny Phillips. S. Miami.Needs: (LB, WR, S, CB).
Previous Mock – Ali Highsmith.
The Super Bowl Champion New York football Giants have the luxury of selecting the best player available. Phillips wasn’t spectacular at the combine, but he is still a good player and the best safety available in the draft. The Giants lost a couple starters to free agency following their Super Bowl win, including safety Gibril Wilson. Although none were along their defensive line (which won them a Super Bowl) making the desperation factor to resign them low. LB Jared Mayo could be another possibility here.
SECOND ROUND
33. Miami Dolphins – Quentin Groves – DE/OLB- Auburn
34. St. Louis Rams – Jerod Mayo- OLB- Tennessee
35. Oakland Raiders – Sam Baker – OT – USC
36. Kansas City Chiefs – Brandon Flowers – DB – Virginia Tech
37. NY Jets – Mario Manningham – WR- Michigan
38. Atlanta Falcons – Gosder Cherilus – OT- Boston College
39. Baltimore Ravens – Joe Flacco – QB- Delaware
40. San Francisco 49ers – Carl Nicks – OT – Nebraska
41. New Orleans Saints – Fred Davis-TE- USC
42. Buffalo Bills – John Carlson –TE-Notre Dame
43. Denver Broncos – Chilo Rachal – G – USC
44. Carolina Panthers – Brian Brohm –QB- Louisville
45. Chicago Bears – Chad Henne – QB – Michigan
46. Detroit Lions – Pat Sims – DT – Auburn
47. Cincinnati Bengals – Ali Highsmith – OLB – LSU
48. Minnesota Vikings – Early Doucet – WR – LSU
49. Atlanta Falcons – Trevor Laws – DT – Notre Dame
50. Philadelphia Eagles – Curtis Lofton – LB – Oklahoma
51. Arizona Cardinals – Tracy Porter – DB – Indiana
52. Washington Redskins – Lawrence Jackson – DE – USC
53. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Antoine Cason – DB – Arizona
54. Pittsburgh Steelers – Mike Pollak – C – Arizona State
55. Tennessee Titans – Andre Caldwell – WR – Florida
56. Seattle Seahawks – Anthony Collins – OT – Kansas
57. Green Bay Packers – Jermichael Finley-TE-Texas
58. Miami Dolphins – Erin Henderson – OLB – Maryland
59. Jacksonville Jaguars – Patrick Lee – DB – Auburn
60. Indianapolis Colts – Xavier Adibi – OLB – Virginia Tech
61. Green Bay Packers – Dejuan Morgan – S – North Carolina St.
62. Dallas Cowboys – Earl Bennett – WR – Vanderbilt
63. New England Patriots – Ray Rice – RB – Rutgers
64. NY Giants – Jordy Nelson – WR – Kansas State
