It’s just about here, folks. The 2008 NFL Draft is only a few days away. The combine is over with, the pro days are history, and private workouts are winding down. As you read this, teams are making phone calls to try and move up and down the draft and Matt Millen is in a staff meeting trying to make William Clay Ford fall in love with Devin Thomas. I’m excited. I’ve been sitting in my windowless room all week, wearing nothing but my authentic Freeman McNeil jersey from sixth grade, and practicing my boos. Needless to say, I’m ready. Any time you have a minimal clue as to whom the five of the first six teams are taking, you’re in for a good draft.
As a preface, I’ll just state that this mock is meant for the draft as the picks currently stand. Obviously if there are trades then team needs become different and players will move up and down draft boards accordingly. This time around I even added a third round. Why not? These things are a crapshoot anyway. Know of anyone who had Brady Quinn falling to the Browns at 22 last year? If Seattle selects Coastal Carolina’s Jerome Simpson with the 87th pick, then I get to come back here on Monday and tell you that I’m a genius. If not, what do you want? I’m just an amateur who spends forty hours a week scanning documents. I’m playing with house money. So without any further interruption here is my final mock for the 2008 NFL draft. Enjoy!
1. Miami Dolphins - Jake Long. LT. Michigan.Previous Mock - Same.
Version 1.0 - Same.
Its official, Jake Long is the #1 pick in the draft. I hate to be the guy who says “I told you so” but I told you so. Twice. I mean, c’mon, if one of the draft pundits had called this, in January, how many times in how many different articles and podcasts, would you think you’d have to hear about how spot on they were? But since they don’t give out radio shows to guys who spend countless hours outside of their real jobs trying to figure out who will go where, I have to gloat here. Anyways, Jake was the right choice and this pick is the exact reason why the Big Tuna is arguably one of the best talent evaluators in league history.
2. St. Louis Rams - Vernon Gholston. DE/OLB. Ohio State.Previous Mock - Chris Long.
Version 1.0 - Glenn Dorsey.
I know, I know, I nail the first pick and now I think I’m the greatest prognosticator in the history prognosticating so I go out on a limb and say Gholston’s the pick here. Well, if you don’t like it, then go start your own blog. The way I see things, the Rams selected Adam Carriker last year to play DT. If they make the decision to keep him there then Gholston is the pick. If they move him to DE, then it’s Dorsey. Right now it looks like Carriker is staying at DT, making Vernon the selection. Gholston’s potential is far and away above any other defensive lineman and maybe even any other player in this draft. Think Shawne Merriman, minus the cheating or the douchebag celebrations.
3. Matt Ryan. QB. Boston College.Previous Mock - Same.
Version 1.0 - Same.
The only way Ryan doesn’t get selected here is if the Falcons move back into the first round later on to pick up QB there. I however am a firm believer in Matt Ryan. He showed me enough this past year with no talent around him that he is capable of being a franchise guy. If I am the Falcons I can’t see how you pass up on Matt Ryan.
4. Oakland Raiders - Chris Long. DE. Virginia.Previous Mock - Darren McFadden.
Version 1.0 - Darren McFadden.
The Raiders will be left with three great players to choose from. Chris Long has the Raiders bloodline and Al Davis, despite being enamored with McFadden, has to know what this pick will do for his franchise. Not only will this pick sell jerseys and create a buzz in the Bay Area, but the Raiders are getting a tremendous player in the process. Chris Long is going to be a great player for the silver and black for many years to come and could be starring in Broken Arrow 2, circa summer 2021.
5. Kansas City Chiefs - Glenn Dorsey. DT. LSU.
Previous Mock - Ryan Clady.
Version 1.0 - Ryan Clady.
The Chiefs desperately need offensive line help. But Glenn Dorsey is too talented to pass up, especially since they just traded Jared Allen. They can bolster their offensive line with the picks they acquire from the Allen trade, but regardless of what happens there, if the Chiefs are looking at Dorsey, it will be hard for them to pass him up. Another possibility would be to swap picks with the Saints to get more picks without dropping out of the top 10.
6. New York Jets - Darren McFadden. RB. Arkansas.
Previous Mock - Vernon Gholston.
Version 1.0 - Chris Long.
Darren McFadden was an absolute beast in college playing against SEC defenses. It’s no secret that the Jets offense lacks firepower. With McFadden you are getting yourself a workhorse back who is capable of going the distance at any moment. And since when is defending your brother in a fight at a bar a character issue? Also, his mom’s name is Mini Muhammed which has absolutely no bearing here, but still deserves a mention.
7. New England Patriots - Leodis McKelvin. CB. Troy.
Previous Mock - Same.
Version 1.0 - Aqib Talib.
Their defense is aging. They lost Asante Samuel and Randall Gay. So yes they will draft defense in the first round and yes, they will be back for a Super Bowl run in 2008. 18 and 1. 18 and 1. 18 and 1. Sorry.
8. Baltimore Ravens - Ryan Clady. OL. Boise State.
Previous Mock - Malcolm Kelly.
Version 1.0 - Vernon Gholston.
The Ravens are in a tough spot here. If Ryan doesn’t fall to them they are looking at either offensive line or wide receiver, if they can’t trade down. Receiver is a bit of a stretch, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see them pull the trigger. The smart choice is to try replace Ogden and Clady is definitely capable of being a steady tackle in the NFL for the next 10-12 years.
9. Cincinnati Bengals - Sedrick Ellis. DT. USC.
Previous Mock - Glenn Dorsey.
Version 1.0 - 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. However, Ellis falling to them is something that makes all those failed acquisitions ok. Ellis is a terror on the inside and is well worth this selection. Some see him going as high as three to the Falcons, so this is exceptional value at nine.
10. New Orleans Saints - Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. DB. Tenn. St.
Previous Mock - Same.
Version 1.0 - Mike Jenkins.
The Saints are trying to fix their defensive struggles. They recently added Randall Gay and Jon Vilma. Those are steps in the right direction but they still have a little more to go. Rodgers-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 - Derrick Harvey. DE. Florida.
Previous Mock - Limas Sweed.
Version 1.0 - Limas Sweed.
My two previous mocks had the Bills taking a receiver. My problem with that is not one of the receivers in this class has distanced themselves from the pack. Making anyone of them a top 15 selection would be a reach in my opinion. Reaching in the draft has been the Bills M.O. the past couple seasons (Whitner and McCargo). However, I think the Bills will select Harvey being that he is the best pass rusher left and the Bills need someone on the other side of Aaron Schobel.
12. Denver Broncos - Chris Williams. OL. Vanderbilt.
Previous Mock - Sedrick Ellis.
Version 1.0 - Sedrick Ellis.
The Broncos can go in a number of directions. They will hope for a DT to slip to them, but that is an unlikely scenario. That leaves OT and WR as their biggest needs. Chris Williams would step in from day one and become the starter at tackle and helps make the next no name, 14th round running back from Atlanta A&T that Mike Shanahan selects a 1000 yard rusher and a household name.
13. Carolina Panthers - Branden Albert. OL. Virginia.
Previous Mock - Phillip Merling.
Version 1.0 - Sam Baker.
The Panthers grab the drafts high riser in Albert. Albert has risen up boards as of late because of his versatility to play both guard and tackle. Not the sexy pick for the Panthers at 13 but the smart one.
14. Chicago Bears - Keith Rivers. LB. USC.
Previous Mock - Chris Williams.
Version 1.0 - Malcolm Kelly.
This pick may seem crazy, but since the in thing to do if you’re Bears LB is to demand a new contract, a trade or threaten retirement, I’m guessing they go linebacker here. Lance Briggs recently re-upped (and is somehow already upset with his contract), Hunter Hillenmeyer is nothing more than a serviceable player, and Brian Urlacher has a back comparable to Larry Bird. Not to mention, he is coming off of neck surgery. Rivers is an OLB, but could fill the void in the middle if need be.
15. Detroit Lions - Phillip Merling. DE. Clemson.
Previous Mock - Keith Rivers.
Version 1.0 - Jeff Otah.
The Lions need help in multiple areas (I’m going to copy and paste that last sentence and save it on a template for next season). There defensive front four took a big hit when they traded Shaun Rogers to Cleveland. Merling has the potential to be a very good pass rusher and the Lions need all the help they can get up front.
16. Arizona Cardinals - Reshard Mendenhall. RB. Illinois.
Previous Mock - Same.
Version 1.0 - 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. Kansas City Chiefs - Jeff Otah – OT - Pittsburgh.
Previous Mock - Derrick Harvey.
Version 1.0 - DeSean Jackson.
With the Chiefs gaining this pick after trading Jared Allen to the Vikings they finally get much needed offensive line help. Otah is a great value at this spot and the Chiefs now have added a stud D linemen and a possible all pro offensive linemen with their first two picks.
18. Houston Texans - Aqib Talib. DB. Kansas.
Previous Mock - Same.
Version 1.0 - 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 - Jerod Mayo. WR. Tennessee.
Previous Mock - DeSean Jackson.
Version 1.0 - Keith Rivers.
This is almost a no brainer. The Eagles can’t roll out Chris Gocong, Omar Gaither, and Akeem Jordan at linebacker and expect to stop anybody. I honestly believe myself, Shakespeare DiMaggio, and Harvey Bars can be just as productive at linebacker as those three. Mayo would instantly help a linebacker group who, unless you live in denial, is in desperate need of an upgrade. Or there is option of signing the Tirico Suave corp to a one year deal. I think I speak for all of us at TS when I say we will take the league minimum. Harvey even volunteered to lock up the stadium after games.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Mike Jenkins. DB. South Florida.
Previous Mock - Devin Thomas.
Version 1.0 - Kentwan Balmer.
I was a big believer in the Bucs going after a receiver here. Especially since Joey Galloway and Ike Hilliard collect social security, eat dinner at 3 p.m. and get into movies for four dollars. Get it? They’re old. However, Tampa’s need in the secondary is pretty big and Mike Jenkins can play the nickel role early on, eventually passing Phillip Buchanon or even replacing an aging Ronde Barber. Also, Galloway’s couch at home is covered in plastic and Ike Hilliard’s favorite show is Murder, She Wrote. Ok, I’m done. I promise.
21. Washington Redskins - Devin Thomas. WR. Michigan State.
Previous Mock - Kentwan Balmer.
Version 1.0 - Calais Campbell.
The Redskins would probably like to take a defensive lineman here, but with their choice of wide receivers I find it hard to believe they won’t snatch their favorite one, especially after Dan Snyder offered two first round picks and kidney this week trying to get Chad Johnson. Thomas has moved up on draft boards and is arguably the best receiver in this class. Frankly, I’m just amazed that the Redskins have a #1 pick for the first time since the merger.
22. Dallas Cowboys - Limas Sweed. WR. Texas.
Previous Mock - Mike Jenkins.
Version 1.0 - Felix Jones.
The Cowboys will look for their receiver of the future in Sweed. They won’t have to look too far as they select a receiver who played his college ball in the same state. Sweed hasn’t been talked about lately, but make no mistake, this kid can play. He is a sure handed receiver with great size. And say what you want about T.O., but he wouldn’t be a bad guy to learn from for the next couple of years. I mean, even Cris Carter served as a mentor to Randy Moss and Carter was one crack pipe short of being Len Bias. Too harsh? Ok, he was four bong hits away from being Todd Marinovich.
23. Pittsburgh Steelers - Kentwan Balmer. DE. North Carolina.
Previous Mock - Branden Albert.
Version 1.0 - Branden Albert.
The Steelers need to fill the void for the departed Faneca. Balmer however is a better value for the Steelers here. He will look to immediately start opposite Aaron Smith.
24. Tennessee Titans - Dan Connor. LB. Penn State.
Previous Mock - Same.
Version 1.0 - Mario Manningham.
Everyone seems to think the Titans will automatically go receiver here. I think they will turn some heads when they go to the other side of the ball and select 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.
Previous Mock - Same.
Version 1.0 - Fred Davis.
Looking at the Seahawks I don’t see many real needs except at the tight end position. Unless they’re content rolling 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.
Previous Mock - Same.
Version 1.0 - Derrick Harvey.
After dealing Marcus Stroud, the Jaguars have a big 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, increasing his value a bit.
27. San Diego Chargers - Gosder Cherilus. OT. Boston College.
Previous Mock - Jeff Otah.
Version 1.0 - Dan Connor.
The Chargers have the luxury of being able to go in a number of directions here. Running back is a possibility. Cornerback is another. However, I see RT as a more pressing need than the other two I mentioned. A trade with a team trying to get back into round one is also possibility here.
28. Dallas Cowboys - Jonathan Stewart. RB. Oregon.
Previous Mock - Felix Jones.
Version 1.0 - Early Doucet.
Letting Julius Jones go to Seattle 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. Stewart has recently had toe surgery and isn’t ready to come back until training camp. However, he is a tremendous player when healthy and if he didn’t have this injury, would be a lock for the top 15.
29. San Francisco 49ers - Malcolm Kelly. WR. Oklahoma.
Previous Mock - James Hardy.
Version 1.0 - James Hardy.
When Arnaz Battle is your biggest threat at the WR position it’s time for an upgrade. Kelly has fallen because of poor workouts and his public bitching at staff members of Oklahoma. That doesn’t mean he can’t play and Kelly will need a little time to heal up. Once he does I expect him to be the player everyone said he would be leading up to his workouts.
30. Green Bay Packers - Brandon Flowers. CB. Virginia Tech.
Previous Mock - Reggie Smith.
Version 1.0 - Leodis McKelvin.
The Packers are a very young team everywhere except corner. Charles Woodson and Al Harris are starting to get up there in age. Flowers will not have to start right away. Plus, Packers fans will probably be in a post-Favre daze for the next seven years or so 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.Previous Mock - Same.
Version 1.0 - Ali Highsmith.
The Super Bowl Champion New York football Giants also 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. Although none were along their defensive line (which won them a Super Bowl) making the desperation factor to resign them low.
SECOND ROUND
33. Miami Dolphins- Quentin Groves – DE/OLB- Auburn
34. St. Louis Rams- Desean Jackson – WR - California
35. Atlanta Falcons- Sam Baker – OT – USC
36. Kansas City Chiefs- Justin King – DB – Penn State
37. NY Jets – Curtis Lofton – LB - Oklahoma
38. Atlanta Falcons- Patrick Lee – DB - Auburn
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 – James Hardy – WR – Indiana
43. Denver Broncos – Trevor Laws – DT – Notre Dame
44. Carolina Panthers – Felix Jones – RB - Arkansas
45. Chicago Bears – Brian Brohm – QB - Louisville
46. Detroit Lions – Marcus Harrison – DT - Arkansas
47. Cincinnati Bengals – Ali Highsmith – OLB - LSU
48. Minnesota Vikings – Chad Henne – QB - Michigan
49. Atlanta Falcons – Patrick Sims – DT - Auburn
50. Philadelphia Eagles – Mario Manningham – WR - Michigan
51. Arizona Cardinals – Tracy Porter – DB - Indiana
52. Washington Redskins – Lawrence Jackson – DE - USC
53. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Jordy Nelson – WR – Kansas State
54. Pittsburgh Steelers – Chilo Rachal – G - USC
55. Tennessee Titans – Andre Caldwell – WR - Florida
56. Seattle Seahawks – Dejuan Morgan – S – NC State
57. Green Bay Packers – Jon Carlson – TE – Notre Dame
58. Miami Dolphins – Erin Henderson – OLB - Maryland
59. Jacksonville Jaguars – Antoine Cason – DB - Arizona
60. Indianapolis Colts – Dre Moore – DT - Maryland
61. Green Bay Packers – Tyrell Johnson – S – Arkansas State
62. Dallas Cowboys – Reggie Smith – DB - Oklahoma
63. New England Patriots – Ray Rice – RB - Rutgers
64. NY Giants – Xavier Adibi – OLB – Virginia Tech
THIRD ROUND
65. Miami – Early Doucet – WR - LSU
66. St. Louis – Duane Brown – OT – Virginia Tech
67. Kansas City – Anthony Collins – OT -Kansas
68. Carolina (from NYJ) – Charles Godfrey – DB - Iowa
69. Atlanta – Martellus Bennett – TE – Texas A&M
70. New England (from OAK) – Tavares Gooden – LB - Miami
71. Chicago (from SF) – Chris Johnson – RB – East Carolina
72. Jacksonville (from BAL via BUF)- Thomas Decoud – S – California
73. Buffalo – Chevis Jackson – DB - LSU
74. Kansas City (from MIN) – Mike Pollack – C – Arizona State
75. Carolina – Cliff Avril – DE - Purdue
76. San Francisco (from CHI) – Oniel Cousins – G - UTEP
77. Detroit – Jamaal Charles – RB - Texas
78. Cincinnati – Kendall Langford – DE - Hampton
79. New Orleans – Red Bryant – DT – Texas A&M
80. Houston – Matt Forte – RB - Tulane
81. Philadelphia – Roy Scheuning – G – Oregon State
82. Arizona – Darrell Robertson – DE – Georgia Tech
83. Kansas City (from MIN) –Earl Bennett – WR - Vanderbilt
84. Tampa Bay – Andre Fluellen – DT – Florida State
85. Washington – Joshua Barrett – S – Arizona State
86. Tennessee – Jason Jones – DE – Eastern Michigan
87. Seattle – Jerome Simpson – WR – Coastal Carolina
88. Detroit (from CLE) – Tony Hills – OT - Texas
89. Pittsburgh - Lavelle Hawkins – WR - California
90. Jacksonville – Eddie Royal – WR – Virginia Tech
91. Chicago (from SD) –Tom Zbikowski – S – Notre Dame
92. Green Bay – Mike Hart – RB - Michigan
93. Dallas – Steven Justice – C – Wake Forest
94. Indianapolis – Donnie Avery – WR – Houston
95. New England –Bruce Davis – LB - UCLA
96. New York Giants – Terrell Thomas – DB - USC
97. Washington (Comp Pick) – Jeremy Thompson – DE – Wake Forest
98. Cincinnati (Comp Pick) – Jermichael Finley – TE – Texas
99. Atlanta (Comp Pick) – Tony Hills – OL - Texas
100. Baltimore (Comp Pick) - Jordon Dizon – LB - Colorado
