Matt Stafford Looks to be The Choice

With the draft only a few days away the Lions new GM, Martin Mayhew, has said the club plans to have the top pick in the draft signed by the time their pick is announced. That pick clearly appears to be Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford. The two sides are said to be close to finalizing a deal.

It is also rumored that the Lions might already have a deal in place with linebacker and fan favorite Aaron Curry out of Wake Forest. Curry has stated publically that he will take a smaller contract than last years top overall pick, Jake Long of the Miami Dolphins.

It should be noted that the agent for Stafford is Tom Condon, not the easiest agent n the world to deal with so until the contract is signed in ink nothing is for sure.

But for now Lions fans must begin to accept that Matthew Stafford will indeed be the pick as Detroit now has claims to its "quarterback of the future". The future, howver, will not start immediately as Stafford will most like sit behind veteran Dante Culpepper who was impressive in the teams latest minicamp.

The strong armed junior quarterback stands 6'2" and 225 pounds. He compiled a 27-7 college record and ranks among the schools all-time leaders in passing yards (7,731) and passing touchdowns (51). Stafford won all three bowl games he played in and has been on the national radar after being ranked the top prep passer in the country by rivals.com after a stellar career with Highland Park in the Dallas area. He lead his high school team to their first championship since 1957, the same year the Lions won their last championshiop and at the same high school Lions Hall-of-Fame quarterback Bobby Layne (and running back Doak Walker) played for.

Stafford has a quick release and will immediately have one of the strongest arms in the NFL. He is, however, questioned about his decision making and less than ideal accuracy.

Regardless, it is time for Lions fans to start accepting reality even if they are gun shy after Harrington, Ware, Long, etc...

NFL Scouting Combine to Kickoff Next Week

Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis will be the home to the NFL Scouting Combine to kick off next week, February 18-24. More than 600 NFL personnel will be on hand to evaluate the prospect performing a number of test including the 40-yard dash, bench press, 3-cone drill, vertical jump, and various position specific drills.

Combine Schedule:
Saturday, Feb. 21
Group 1 (OL, SPECIALISTS), Group 2 (OL), Group 3 (TE)

Sunday, Feb. 22
Group 4 (QB, WR), Group 5 (QB, WR), Group 6 (RB)

Monday, Feb. 23
Group 7 (DL), Group 8 (DL), Group 9 (LB)

Tuesday, Feb. 24
Group 10 (DB), Group 11 (DB)

Lions have 1st and 20th picks in draft (for now)

The Lions had already clinched the top spot in the 2009 draft, the real question is where their second pick would wind up. With the Cowboys loss to the Eagles, the pick sits at number 20 and works out like this:

You have San Diego 8-8 at #16 followed by the 9-7 Jets, Bears, Bucs, Cowboys and Cards for spots 17-21.

The Cards, being a playoff team, will go last out of this group so they get #21.

The winning % of opponents for the other teams shake out:

17. New York Jets (9-7) .471
18. Chicago Bears (9-7) .475
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7) .480
20. Dallas Cowboys (9-7) .498

The pick can move up one (19th overall) if the Chargers make it to the Super Bowl.

So we are pretty much assured of pick #20, if the Cowboys would have won yesterday we would have been looking at pick #22 since they would have had the same record as the Vikings but Minn would have had the stronger SOS at .503

The full draft order as of today, pending playoff results, looks like this:

1. Detroit Lions (0-16) .559 strength of schedule
2. St. Louis Rams (2-14) .533
3. Kansas City Chiefs (2-14) .537
4. Seattle Seahawks (4-12) .498
5. Cleveland Browns (4-12) .572
6. Cincinnati Bengals (4-11-1) .533
7. Oakland Raiders (5-11) .520
8. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11) .537
9. Green Bay Packers (6-10) .504
10. San Francisco 49ers (7-9) .447
11. Buffalo Bills (7-9) .453
12. Denver Broncos (8-8) .457
13. Washington Redskins (8-8) .479
14. New Orleans Saints (8-8) .496
15. Houston Texans (8-8) .518
16. San Diego Chargers (8-8) .516
17. New York Jets (9-7) .471
18. Chicago Bears (9-7) .475
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7) .480
20. Dallas Cowboys (9-7) .498 - traded to Detroit
21. Arizona Cardinals (9-7) .486
22. Philadelphia Eagles (9-6-1) .514
23. Minnesota Vikings (10-6) .504
24. New England Patriots (11-5) .480
25. Atlanta Falcons (11-5) .459
26. Miami Dolphins (11-5) .461
27. Baltimore Ravens (11-5) .521
28. Carolina Panthers (12-4) .488 - traded to Philadelphia
29. Indianapolis Colts (12-4) .498
30. New York Giants (12-4) .502
31. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4) .525
32. Tennessee Titans (13-3) .459

M2K's "Last Minute Final Offering" 3 Rounder with Trades

ROUND ONE


1 Dolphins OT Jake Long

2 Rams DE Chris Long

3 Falcons DT Glenn Dorsey

4 Raiders RB Darren McFadden

5 Chiefs DE Vernon Gholston

6 NY Jets QB Matt Ryan

******Projected Trade*******
Bengals trade 9 and 77 to Patriots for 7 and 129

7 Bengals(SF) DT Sedrick Ellis

8 Ravens OT Ryan Clady

9 Patriots (CIN) LB Keith Rivers

******Projected Trade*******
Panthers trade 13 and 74 to Saints for 10 and 146

10 Panthers (NO) DE Derrick Harvey

11 Bills CB Leodis McKelvin

12 Broncos OG Branden Albert

13 Saints (CAR) CB Dominique Rogers-Cromartie

14 Bears OT Chris Williams

******Projected Trade*******
Texans trade 18 and 79 to Lions for 15 and 144

15 Texans (DET) RB Rashard Mendenhall

16 Cardinals RB Jonathan Stewart

17 Chiefs OT Jeff Otah

18 Lions (HOU) LB Jerod Mayo

19 Eagles WR Devin Thomas

20 Buccaneers CB Michael Jenkins

21 Redskins DE Phillip Merling

22 Cowboys RB Felix Jones

23 Steelers DE Calais Campbell

24 Titans WR Limas Sweed

25 Seahawks DT Kentwan Balmer

******Projected Trade*******
Falcons trade 37, 68 and 103 to Jaguars for 26 and 89

26 Falcons (JAX) QB Brian Brohm

27 Chargers OT Gosder Cherilus

28 Cowboys WR James Hardy

29 49ers LB Quentin Groves

30 Packers CB Aqib Talib

NA Patriots Forfeited

******Projected Trade*******
Ravens trade 38 and 106 to Giants for 31

31 Ravens(NYG) QB Joe Flacco


ROUND TWO


32. Dolphins CB Brandon Flowers

33. Rams WR DeSean Jackson

34. Falcons OT Sam Baker

35. Chiefs CB Antoine Cason

36. Jets LB Dan Connor

37. Jaguars(ATL) DE Lawrence Jackson

38. Giants(BAL) FS Kenny Phillips

39. 49ers LB Curtis Lofton

40. Saints DT Trevor Laws

41. Bills WR Jordy Nelson

42. Broncos DB Reggie Smith

43. Panthers RB Jamaal Charles

45. Bears RB Chris Johnson

46. Lions OT Duane Brown

47. Bengals WR Earl Bennett

48. Vikings WR Early Doucet

49. Falcons CB Tracy Porter

50. Eagles LB Xavier Adibi

51. Cardinals FS Marcellous Johnson

52. Redskins WR Mario Manningham

53. Buccaneers DE Jason Jones

54. Steelers OG Chilo Rachal

55. Titans DT Pat Sims

55. Seahawks TE Dustin Keller

56. Packers TE Fred Davis

57. Dolphins QB Chad Henne

58. Jaguars OT Carl Nicks

59. Colts LB Erin Henderson

60. Packers RB Ray Rice

61. Cowboys CB Justin King

62. Patriots RB Matt Forte’

63. Giants OG Jeremy Zuttah


ROUND THREE


64. Dolphins LB Phillip Wheeler

65. Rams FS DaJuan Morgan

66. Chiefs QB Andre Woodson

67. Panthers OT Anthony Collins

68. Jaguars(ATL) WR Andre Caldwell

69. Patriots CB Antwaun Moulden

70. Bears DT Dre Moore

71. Jaguars LB Shawn Crable

72. Bills TE Martellus Bennett

73. Chiefs OG Oniel Cousins

74. Saints (CAR) LB Geno Hayes

75. 49ers OC Mike Pollack

76. Lions DE Jeremy Thompson

77. Patriots (CIN) OT Geoff Schwartz

78. Saints SS Josh Barrett

79. Lions (HOU) CB Tyvon Branch

80. Eagles OT John Greco

81. Cardinals LB Cliff Avril

82. Chiefs WR Will Franklin

83. Buccaneers WR Malcolm Kelly

84. Redskins CB Charles Godfrey

85. Titans LB Beau Bell

86. Seahawks FS Thomas DeCoud

87. Lions RB Kevin Smith

88. Steelers CB Patrick Lee

89. Falcons(JAX) WR Eddie Royal

90. Bears SS Tom Zbikowski

91. Packers OT Mike McGlynn

92. Cowboys OG Roy Schuenninng

93. Colts DT Red Bryant

94. Patriots CB Terrell Thomas

95. Giants LB Marcus Howard

96. Redskins FS Quentin Demps

97. Bengals DE Chris Ellis

98. Falcons TE Brad Cottam

99. Ravens CB Orlando Scandrick

M2K's "One Month to Draft" 2 Round Mock Draft

2008 NFL Draft Mock
1 Dolphins DE Vernon Gholston Ohio State
Despite the fact that Miami desperately needs a quarterback, there is none available with the top overall pick. There are really only three players that should be strongly considered here, Gholston and the Longs. With their hybrid 3-4 system, I see Gholston getting the nod as the OLB opposite Jason Taylor, with the ability to drop into a DE role with a four man front. Though Chris Long has shown through workouts that he can perform well as an OLB in the 3-4, Gholston has the better overall athleticism.
Options: OT Jake Long, DE Chris Long

2 Rams DE Chris Long Virginia
The Rams won’t exactly consider Chris Long a consolation prize here. While Gholston may have put up astounding Combine and workout numbers, Long was a prolific pass rusher playing defensive end in the Cavaliers’ 3-4 defense. He has the quickness and frame to make the move to the same position in a 4-3, and the Rams really need a solid pass rusher.
Options: OT Jake Long, DT Sedrick Ellis, DT Glenn Dorsey

3 Falcons OT Jake Long Michigan
Like the Dolphins, the Falcons really need a QB. However, Matt Ryan doesn’t carry value here, and there will be good QB’s available in rounds two and three. The Falcons really need to better protect whoever is under center, and need someone to open holes for high-priced free agent running back Michael Turner. DT is a possibility, but Jake Long is a rare specimen and fills a huge need for the “Dirty Birds”.
Options: QB Matt Ryan, DT Sedrick Ellis, CB Leodis McKelvin

4 Raiders RB Darren McFadden Arkansas
Al Davis doesn’t follow any true rules when drafting players, other than one: go with the speed. McFadden can be this years version of Adrian Peterson. Though Justin Fargas was re-signed and did fairly well, everyone knows he’s not in the same league (technically he is) as McFadden. The Raiders could go with Ellis or Dorsey to replace Warren Sapp, but that would make too much sense for Davis.
Options: DT Glenn Dorsey, OT Ryan Clady

5 Chiefs DT Sedrick Ellis USC
Should the Chiefs gamble on Glenn Dorsey, or do they reach for a prospect? Their offensive line is in shambles, so moving down to get some value and taking Ryan Clady with a later pick makes sense. But all the trade bait players are off the board other than Ellis, and he does fill a need. Though just a small reach here, Sedrick could ultimately be a better NFL player than Dorsey.
Options: DT Glenn Dorsey, CB Leodis McKelvin, OT Ryan Clady

6 NY Jets CB Leodis McKelvin Troy
The Jets would be crying at this spot if they lost out on all the players taken before in this mock. McFadden, Gholston or Chris Long would be highly desirable. However the Jets also need to upgrade their secondary as well. McKelvin is a reach here, but he could start from day one on the Jets defense opposite Darrelle Revis. Andre Woolfolk was signed, but is not starting material in the NFL.
Options: DT Glenn Dorsey, CB Dominique Cromartie, LB Keith Rivers

7 Patroits (SF) CB Dominique Cromartie Tennessee State
It wouldn’t surprise me to see the Patriots find a way to move down and collect a few picks, but they may have very few takers. Rogers-Cromartie is perhaps the best pure talent at his position, but his small school roots could scare some. It won’t scare the Pats, who know talent when they see it, and typically draft it.
Options: CB Michael Jenkins, LB Keith Rivers, RB Reshard Mendenhall

8 Ravens QB Matt Ryan Boston College
The Ravens really need a quarterback, and though he may not be worth a top ten pick, Ryan is the best available by a long shot. The Ravens would be wise to try and trade down, as the next few teams have no needs at the position. However, should they be stuck with the pick, getting a new QB has to be the call.
Options: CB Michael Jenkins, OT Ryan Clady, DT Glenn Dorsey

9 Bengals DT Glenn Dorsey LSU
The Bengals landed free agent Darryl Blackstock, but that doesn’t mean they still don’t have linebacker needs. However, they still have to shore up their front four, and the will take what could end up being the best player in this draft. Recent medical issues aside, Dorsey is a disruptive force to contend with.
Options: LB Keith Rivers, DE Derrick Harvey, DE Phillip Merling

10 Saints CB Michael Jenkins South Florida
What does it say about college cornerbacks when the top three off the draft board this year are from “second tier” colleges? Jenkins is a big corner who has excellent speed and quickness. His zone skills need some work, as does his tackling. There are some character concerns as well, but that won’t prevent the Saints from taking him here.
Options: LB Keith Rivers, OT Ryan Clady

11 Bills LB Keith Rivers USC
The Bills could use a big wide out with possession skills or a cover corner. Since no receiver is worth this pick and the best corners are off the board, the Bills take the best defensive player available in Rivers. He can play any linebacking spot, and will become a starter before the ink dries on his contract.
Options: OT Ryan Clady, WR Devin Smith, DE Derrick Harvey

12 Broncos OT Ryan Clady Boise State
The Broncos would be thrilled if Clady fell to them here. Denver needs a replacement for Matt Lepsis, and Clady has the talent to start immediately. The Broncos need some help at safety, and they always seem to need defensive line help, but the offensive line is what needs to be addressed here.
Options: DE Derrick Harvey, DE Phillip Merling, WR Devin Smith

13 Panthers DE Phillip Merling Clemson
Carolina has stated that they would be willing to use their first round pick on a running back, and I for one don’t think they are kidding. If Mendenhall falls here, the Panthers may take him. But, I think the Panthers realize they need to get Julius Peppers some help, and will take Merling here to do just that.
Options: DE Derrick Harvey, RB Reshard Mendenhall, OT Chris Williams

14 Bears OT Chris Williams Vanderbilt
The Bears have to address some issues on offense; quarterback, running back and the offensive line have needs. Is Rex Grossman really their man behind center? Is Cedric Benson officially a bust? Who will replace Fred Miller? That last question is the one that will be answered with this pick.
Options: RB Reshard Mendenhall, WR Devin Smith, QB Brian Brohm

15 Lions DE Derrick Harvey Florida
The Lions have some desperate needs on their defense. A pass rusher, a middle linebacker and overall depth at just about every spot. Although he may not have put up great workout numbers, Harvey has proven his ability to get to the quarterback against top level college competition. The Lions need to get a replacement for the released bust known as Kalimba Edwards.
Options: RB Reshard Mendenhall, OT Jeff Otah

16 Cardinals RB Reshard Mendenhall Illinois
Edgerrin James may have seen his last game in a Cards uniform. Mendenhall represents a great value here, as many see him as a top ten player. He put up impressive numbers at his workouts, and game tapes show that he can translate that onto the football field.
Options: DE Quentin Groves, CB Aqib Talib

17 Vikings WR Devin Smith Michigan State
The Vikings would have loved an opportunity to land one of the top defensive ends, but miss out. They have a desperate need at wide receiver as well, and Smith has all the tools to be the answer to their desires.
Options: QB Brian Brohm, WR Devin Smith, WR DeSean Jackson

18 Texans CB Aqib Talib Kansas
Talib isn’t a value here by any stretch, but he fills a tremendous need. Houston can get a quality runner in round three, but likely not a corner of Talib’s caliber. Talib can also serve as a return specialist and has shown himself to be a smart and versatile player. He could start immediately.
Options: OT Jeff Otah, DE Quentin Groves

19 Eagles WR DeSean Jackson California
Andy Reid loves to take linemen on the first day, but he needs to address his skill positions now. Jackson is a flyer who can make great catches and has NFL skills now. It is likely that Jackson won’t start immediately, but that could change by mid-season.
Options: OT Jeff Otah, FS Kenny Phillips

20 Buccaneers QB Brian Brohm Louisville
The Bucs need to take care of their QB position before Gruden loses this team. Chris Simms is unlikely to start for them again, and Brian Griese is a stop gap. They need to get a future signal caller and leader out of this draft, and Brohm may turn out better than more highly touted Matt Ryan as an NFL starter.
Options: WR James Hardy, RB Jonathan Stewart

21 Redskins FS Kenny Phillips Miami, FL
Washington could use some help along their offensive and defensive fronts, but they also need to get someone to replace Sean Taylor. Phillips has good range and ball skills, and is the best player to try and fill the shoes of a player lost well before his time.
Options: WR James Hardy, DE Quentin Groves

22 Cowboys WR James Hardy Indiana
Jerry Jones knows that Terry Glenn should not be a starter now, and he needs someone to start opposite TO. Hardy is a big target with surprising speed and would take some heat off Owens in the Cowboys downfield offense.
Options: RB Felix Jones, OG Branden Albert

23 Steelers OT Jeff Otah Pittsburgh
The Steelers have been able to retain Max Starks, and even picked up an interior lineman to boot. With their offensive line set, the Steelers can look to other areas for fixing. Or will they? Starks will still be a free agent next year, and it is likely that Pittsburgh will look at Otah as an eventual replacement.
Options: CB Antoine Cason, OG Branden Albert

24 Titans WR Malcolm Kelly Oklahoma
The Titans need to land a wide receiver to help out their franchise quarterback. Kelly has slipped due to some questionable workouts, but scouts are wowed by his college performances and will judge him on that more than anything else.
Options: LB Jerod Mayo, OG Branden Albert

25 Seahawks OG Branden Albert Virginia
The Seahawks have had a solid free agency period. They’ve locked up Marcus Trufant long-term, and have strong depth at running back now, allowing themselves to shed Shaun Alexander soon. What is left? Finding a replacement for the hole left by Steve Hutchinson two seasons ago.
Options: DE Quentin Groves, DT Pat Sims

26 Jaguars DE Quentin Groves Auburn
The Jaguars are said to be interested in moving up to possibly land Phillip Merling or Derrick Harvey. If they fail in their attempt, they could go with Groves, who is faster than those two but lacks their strength. Since they need linebackers as well, it wouldn’t surprise to see Groves line up their for Del Rio either.
Options: DT Pat Sims, OT Sam Baker

27 Chargers OT Gosder Cherilus Boston College
San Diego recently released Shane Olivea, and they need to replace him. Sam Baker is a thought, but Cherilus seems to be a better overall athlete and was impressive at the Senior Bowl, as well as at his workouts. Minor character issues aside, Cherilus is the safer pick.
Options: WR Limas Sweed, CB Antoine Cason

28 Cowboys RB Felix Jones Arkansas
The Cowboys let Julius Jones walk, so they replace him with another Jones, who happens to be from the same school that owner Jerry Jones is an alumni of. Keeping up with the Joneses? Felix is an underappreciated talent who would have been a starter anywhere else in the country except Arkansas.
Options: CB Antoine Cason, OT Sam Baker

29 49ers (IND) LB Jerod Mayo Tennessee
The ‘niners got Mike Martz to design their offense, and then went out and signed Isaac Bruce and Bryant Johnson has their targets for the passing game. So, they can elect to use this pick on the other side of the ball, and use it to take someone to line up next to defensive ROY Patrick Willis, now that Derek Smith is done.
Options: OT Sam Baker, WR Limas Sweed

30 Packers RB Jonathan Stewart
Is anybody really buying the fact that the Packers think Ryan Grant, DeShawn Wynn or Brandon Jackson are the answer for this team out of the backfield? Stewart is a strong all-purpose back that the team will now have to rely upon with Brett Favre retiring.
Options: OT Sam Baker, CB Antoine Cason


31 Patriots Forfeited

32 Giants LB Dan Connor Penn State
The Super Bowl champs have some holes to fill on their roster after losing two starters at linebacker and another at free safety. The Giants have a decision to make and elect to go with a player who is versatile enough to play inside or outside for them.
Options: DB Reggie Smith, OT Sam Baker

Round 2
33. Dolphins QB Chad Henne Michigan
Parcells needs to get the future offensive leader for this team out of this pick.

34. Rams OT Sam Baker USC
Orlando Pace can’t play forever, last season proved that fact. Time for his replacement to be taken.

35. Falcons CB Antoine Cason Arizona
With DeAngelo Hall shipped to RaiderNation, the Falcons have to get a top notch cover man here.

36. Chiefs CB Tracy Porter Indiana
The Chiefs have no starting quality corner on their roster as of now. This pick helps take care of that.

37. Jets DE Calais Campbell Miami, Fla
Campbell falls after sub-par workouts, but he’s perfect as a DE in the 3-4 defense and Mangini knows it.

38. Falcons QB Joe Flacco Delaware
Finally, the Falcons make their pick to replace Mike Vick behind center, and Flacco could be very good.

39. Ravens OT Carl Nicks Nebraska
The Ravens know they have to replace Odgen, and Nicks is too good a talent to pass on here.

40. 49ers WR Earl Doucet LSU
While they may have signed some veterans, the 49ers still lack quality at the receiver spot.

41. Saints DT Pat Sims Auburn
He was more productive than Glenn Dorsey the second half of the season. Enough said.

42. Bills DB Reggie Smith Oklahoma
Some teams see him as a safety, others as a corner in the NFL. Buffalo wants him as a corner.

43. Broncos WR Earl Bennett Vanderbilt
A familiar face for Jay Cutler to throw to, and he fills a big need for Denver as well.

44. Panthers RB Jamaal Charles Texas
With DeShaun Foster gone, the Panthers want a partner for DeAngelo Williams.

45. Bears QB Andre Woodson Kentucky
Honestly, how much longer before the Bears figure this one out?

46. Lions ILB Curtis Lofton Oklahoma
Though he won’t start the season in the middle, he’ll end up there by season’s end.

47. Bengals OLB Erin Henderson Maryland
The Bengals are ALWAYS looking for linebacking help. When healthy, he’s a beast.

48. Vikings DE Lawrence Jackson USC
The Vikings still need to get someone who can effectively rush the passer.

49. Falcons OT Anthony Collins Kansas
New RB, new QB, now the Falcons need someone to protect them.

50. Eagles DE Chris Ellis Virginia
Jevon Kearse was released so the team needs quality and depth at the ends.

51. Cardinals CB Terrell Thomas USC
With Antrel Rolle moved to safety, the Cards need to find another starter at the corner.

52. Redskins DT Trevor Laws Notre Dame
The Redskins need someone who can get to the quarterback. Laws is quick and strong inside.

53. Buccaneers WR Mario Manningham Michigan
Just how much longer can the Bucs rely on Joey Galloway as a starter?

54. Steelers CB Justin King Penn State
The Steelers need to get some secondary help and do that with the speedy Justin King here.

55. Titans RB Chris Johnson East Carolina
Johnson will pair with Lendale White to form another “Thunder and Lightning” duo.

56. Seahawks TE Fred Davis USC
The Seahawks have to get a good tight end for their offensive, and Davis is it.

57. Packers DT Kentwan Balmer UNC
After trading away Corey Williams, the Packers will need someone to fill his spot.

58. Dolphins WR Andre Caldwell Florida
He could pair with Ted Ginn to form one of the fastest starting set of wideouts ever.

59. Jaguars OT Duane Brown Virginia Tech
Jacksonville needs to add some depth and quality to their starting offensive line.

60. Colts OLB Xavier Adibi Virginia Tech
Indianapolis likes speed on defense, and Adibi could start immediately on the strong side.

61. Packers TE Martin Rucker Missouri
With Bubba Franks gone, the Packers need to get a reliable big target for Aaron Rogers.

62. Cowboys OG Chilo Rachal USC
They’ve never really adequately replaced All-World guard Larry Allen.

63. Patriots ILB Philip Wheeler Georgia Tech
Youth infusion at inside linebacker is the Pats primary need and area of focus here.

64. Giants FS DaJuan Morgan North Carolina State
Gibril Wilson left for Oakland, so the G-men need to get themselves a starter here.

All-Michigan Colleges 2008 NFL Draft Team

I thought it would be interesting to put together a team made up of only Michigan college 2008 NFL draft prospects. As you can probably guess our team is dominated by Michigan (7 starters, 3 reserves) and Michigan State (6 starters, 4 reserves). Also represented are Western Michigan (2 starters, 1 reserve), Eastern Michigan (1 starter, 1 reserve), Central Michigan (1 starter), Ferris State (1 starter), and Wayne State (1 starter). Lacking are solid prospects at the defensive tackle position and at one of the cornerback spots, both of which I didn't include any prospects.

The top five state of Michigan college NFL draft prospects would be:

1) OT - Jake Long, Michigan
2) WR - Devin Thomas, Michigan State
3) WR - Mario Manningham, Michigan
4) QB - Chad Henne, Michigan
5) DE - Jason Jones, Eastern Michigan

Jake Long looks to be a top five player taken and is the clear cut top prospect in the state of Michigan. The wide receiver spot is lead by the only two Juniors, Devin Thomas and Mario Manningham, and their rankings are interchangeable. Quarterback Chad Henne and little known Jason Jones out of Eastern are both likely first day picks.

Below is the All-Michigan Colleges 2008 NFL draft team. Each players name links to his official college bio and I have included my projected round for each player I expect to be drafted after his height and weight statistics.

OFFENSE:

QB – Chad Henne, Michigan (6’2”, 224) RD 2
RB – Mike Hart, Michigan (5’9”, 196) RD 4
FB – Jehuu Caulcrick, Michigan State (6’0”, 260) RD 4
WR – Devin Thomas, JR. Michigan State (6’2”, 214) RD 2
WR – Mario Manningham, JR. Michigan (6’0”, 186) RD 2
TE – Kellen Davis, Michigan State (6’6”, 254) RD 5
OT – Jake Long, Michigan (6’7”, 313) RD 1
G – James Blair, Western Michigan (6’4”, 334) RD 7
C – Robbie Krutilla, Western Michigan (6’3”, 314) RD 6
G – Adam Kraus, Michigan (6’6”, 296) RD 3
OT – Mike Gyetvai, Michigan State (6’7”, 307) UFA

DEFENSE:

DE – Jason Jones, Eastern Michigan (6’5”, 247) RD 3
DE – Kurt Hout, Ferris State (6’2”, 276) RD 7
OLB – Shawn Crable, Michigan (6’5”, 241) RD 4
MLB – Red Keith, Central Michigan (5’11”, 242) RD 7
OLB – SirDarean Adams, Michigan State (6’0”, 230) RD 6
S – Jamar Adams, Michigan (6’2”, 210) RD 4
S – Nehemiah Warrick, Michigan State (6’1”, 208) UFA
CB – Nile Legania, Wayne State (5’10”, 185) RD 6

RESERVES:

RB – Mark Bonds, Western Michigan (5’10”, 219) UFA
WR – Adrian Arrington, Michigan (6’3”, 195) RD 5
G – Khalid Walton, Eastern Michigan (6’3”, 310) UFA
C – John Masters, Michigan State (6’4”, 288) RD 7
DE – Jonal Saint-Dic, Michigan State (6’1”, 255) UFA
DE – Ervin Baldwin, Michigan State (6’2”, 270) UFA
OLB – Chris Graham, Michigan (5’11”, 225) RD 7
ILB – Kaleb Thornhill, Michigan State (6’1”, 240) UFA
S – Brandent Englemon, Michigan (5’11”, 200) UFA

NFL Scouting Combine Invitees

The NFL Scouting Combine will be held February 20 - 26, 2008 in Indianapolis at the RCA Dome. Participants are determined annually by a Selection Committee. The Directors of both National and BLESTO scouting services, which combined represent twenty-six NFL teams, are joined by members of various NFL player personnel departments to form the committee.

Below is a list of all the invites listed alphabetically by name, school, and position (Michigan college players are in bold):

Abdullah, Husain - Washington St FS
Adams, Jamar - Michigan SS
Adibi, Xavier - Virginia Tech OLB
Ainge, Erik - Tennessee QB
Albert, Branden - Virginia OG
Allen, Steve - West Texas A&M ILB
Alridge, Anthony - Houston RB
Amendola, Daniel - Texas Tech WR
Arrington, Adrian - Michigan WR
Avery, Donnie - Houston WR
Avril, Clifford - Purdue DE
Baker, Samuel - Southern Cal OT
Balmer, Kentwan - North Carolina DT
Barber, Dominique - Minnesota FS
Barnidge, Gary - Louisville TE
Barrett, Joshua - Arizona St SS
Barton, Kirk - Ohio St OT
Bell, Demetrius - Northwestern St OT
Bell, James - UNLB ILB
Benedict, Heath - Newberry OT
Bennett, Earl - Vanderbilt WR
Bennett, Martellus - Texas A&M TE
Bernard, Yvenson - Oregon St RB
Bess, Davone - Hawaii WR
Biermann, Kroy - Montana DE
Bishop, Adam - Nevada TE
Blair, James - Western Michigan OT
Blake, Tommy - Texas Christian DE
Blythe, Todd - Iowa St WR
Bonner, Brian - Texas Christian SS
Booker, Barry - Virginia Tech DT
Booty, John David - Southern Cal QB
Bowen, Alvin - Iowa St OLB
Bowman, Adarius - Oklahoma St WR
Bowman, Zackary - Nebraska CB
Boyd, Cory - South Carolina RB
Bradford, Mark - Stanford RB
Branch, Tyvon - Connecticut CB
Breazell, Brandon - UCLA WR
Brennan, Colt - Hawaii QB
Brink, David - Washington St QB
Brohm, Brian - Louisville QB
Brooks, Durant - Georgia Tech PK
Brown, Duane - Virginia Tech OT
Brown, Thomas - Georgia RB
Brown, Titus - Mississippi St DE
Brown, Travis - New Mexico WR
Bryant, Dorien - Purdue WR
Bryant, Joseph - Texas A&M DT
Bugg, Timothy - Indiana LS
Burton, Keenan - Kentucky WR
Butler, Ezra - Nevada-Reno OLB
Caldwell, Andre - Florida WR
Campbell, Calais - Miami, FL DE
Campbell, Caleb - Army SS
Carlson, John - Notre Dame TE
Carmody Iv, Arthur - Louisville PK
Cason, Antoine - Arizona CB
Castille, Simeon - Alabama CB
Caulcrick, Jehuu - Michigan St RB
Charles, Jamaal - Texas RB
Cherilus, Gosder - Boston Col OT
Choice, Tashard - Georgia Tech RB
Clady, Ryan - Boise State OT
Clark, Corey - Texas A&M OT
Clark, Devin - New Mexico OT
Clermond, Jocelin - Pittsburgh DE
Collins, Anthony - Kansas OT
Connor, Dan - Penn St ILB
Cottam, Brad - Tennessee TE
Cousins, Oniel - UTEP OT
Crable, Shawn - Michigan DE
Craig, Angelo - Cincinnati DE
Crummey, Andrew - Maryland OG
Davis, Bruce - UCLA DE
Davis, Frederick - Southern Cal TE
Davis, Kellen - Michigan St TE
Dawson, Calvin - Louisiana-Monroe RB
Decoud, Thomas - Cal-Berkeley FS
Demps, Quintin - UTEP FS
Dingle, Johnny - West Virginia DE
Dixon, Dennis - Oregon QB
Dixon, Marcus - Hampton DE
Dizon, Jordon - Colorado OLB
Dorsey, Glenn - Louisiana St DT
Dotson, Lionel - Arizona DT
Doucet Iii, Early - Louisiana St WR
Douglas Iv, Harry - Louisville WR
Dragosavich, Mike - North Dakota St PK
Dunbar, Franklin - Middle Tennessee OT
Dunbar, Jo-Lonn - Boston Col ILB
Dunlap, King - Auburn OT
Ellis, Christopher - Virginia Tech DE
Ellis, Sedrick - Southern Cal NT
Fagg, De’cody - Florida St WR
Felton, Jerome - Furman FB
Felton, Robert - Arkansas OG
Fine, Derek - Kansas TE
Finley, Jermichael - Texas TE
Finley, Joe Jon - Oklahoma TE
Flacco, Joseph - Delaware QB
Flowers, Brandon - Virginia Tech CB
Fluellen, Andre - Florida St DT
Flynn, Matthew - Louisiana St QB
Fontenot, Wilrey - Arizona CB
Forsett, Justin - Cal-Berkeley RB
Forte, Matthew - Tulane RB
Franklin, William - Missouri WR
Garcon, Pierre - Mt Union WR
Gatewood, Curtis - Vanderbilt DE
Geathers, Jeremy - UNLV DE
Gholston, Vernon - Ohio State DE
Giacomini, Breno - Louisville OT
Gibson, Michael - Cal-Berkeley OT
Gilberry, Wallace - Alabama DE
Godfrey, Charles - Iowa CB
Goff, Jonathan - Vanderbilt ILB
Gooden, Tavares - Miami-FL ILB
Grant, Larry - Ohio St OLB
Grant, Michael - Arkansas FS
Greco, John - Toledo OT
Green-Ellis, - Benjarvus Mississippi RB
Grice-Mullen, Ryan - Hawaii WR
Griffin, Marcus - Texas FS
Groves, Quentin - Auburn DE
Guion, Letroy - Florida State DT
Guyton, Gary - Georgia Tech OLB
Hale, David - Weber St OT
Hall, Martinez - Alabama WR
Hall, Vincent - Virginia Tech ILB
Hardy, James - Indiana WR
Harper, Justin - Virginia Tech WR
Harrington, Christopher - Texas A&M DE
Harrison, Marcus - Arkansas DT
Hart, Leon - Michigan RB
Harvey, Derrick - Florida DE
Hawkins, Lavelle - Cal-Berkeley WR
Hayden, Nicholas - Wisconsin DT
Hayes, Geno - Florida State OLB
Haynos, Joseph - Maryland TE
Hefney, Jonathan - Tennessee FS
Henderson, Erin - Maryland OLB
Henderson, Michael - Georgia WR
Henne, Chad - Michigan QB
Henry, Marcus - Kansas WR
Hester, Jacob - Louisiana St FB
Highsmith, Arlington - Louisiana St OLB
Hilliard, Lex - Montana RB
Hillis, Peyton - Arkansas HB
Hills, Tony - Texas OT
Holmes, Louis - Arizona DE
Horton, Christopher - UCLA SS
Howard, Marcus - Georgia DE
Hubbard, Paul - Wisconsin WR
Humpal, Mike - Iowa OLB
Ikegwuonu, Jack - Wisconsin CB
Iwebema, Kenny - Iowa DE
Jackson, Chevis - Louisiana St CB
Jackson, Desean - California WR
Jackson, Dexter - Appalachian St WR
Jackson, Lawrence - Southern Cal DE
James, Robert - Arizona St OLB
Jenkins, Darnell - Miami-Fl WR
Jenkins, Mike - South Florida CB
Johnson, Chris - East Carolina RB
Johnson, Curtis Clark - Atlanta DE
Johnson, Jaymar - Jackson St WR
Johnson, Joshua - San Diego QB
Johnson, Marcellous - Arkansas St SS
Johnson, Steve - Kentucky WR
Jones, Felix - Arkansas RB
Jones, Jason - Eastern Michigan DT
Justice, Steven - Wake Forest C
Kapanui, Kolomona - West Texas A&M TE
Keglar, Stanford - Purdue OLB
Kehl, Bryan - Brigham Young OLB
Keith, Brandon - Northern Iowa OT
Keller, Dustin - Purdue TE
Keller, Sam - Nebraska QB
Kelly, Malcolm - Oklahoma WR
Keyes Ii, Dennis - UCLA FS
King, Justin - Penn State CB
Langford, Kendall - Hampton DE
Larsen, Spencer - Arizona ILB
Larson, Andrew - Cal-Berkeley PK
Laws, Trevor - Notre Dame DE
Lee, Patrick - Auburn CB
Leman, Jeremy - Illinois ILB
Lichtensteiger, Kory - Bowling Green C
Little, Rafael - Kentucky RB
Lofton, Curtis - Oklahoma ILB
Long, Christopher - Virginia DE
Long, Jake - Michigan OT
Longest, Richard - St Xavier PK
Lowery, Dwight - San Jose St CB
Lumpkin, Kregg - Georgia RB
Manningham, Mario - Michigan WR
Mapp, Durell - North Carolina OLB
Mattison, Bryan - Iowa DE
Mayo, Jerod - Tennessee ILB
Mcbride, Shaheer - Delaware St WR
Mcclain, Jameel - Syracuse ILB
Mcclinton, James - Kansas DT
Mcduffie, Christopher - Clemson OG
Mcfadden, Darren - Arkansas RB
Mcglynn, Michael - Pittsburgh OT
Mckelvin, Leodi s - Troy CB
Mckinney, Justin - Kansas St CB
Mcrae, Kalvin - Ohio RB
Mehlhaff, Taylor - Wisconsin PK
Mendenhall, Rashard - Illinois RB
Merling, Phillip - Clemson DE
Moffitt, Ben - South Florida ILB
Molden, Antwaun - Eastern Kentucky CB
Monk, Marcus - Arkansas WR
Moore, Evan - Stanford WR
Moore, Kenneth - Wake Forest WR
Moore, Marchondray - Maryland DT
Morelli, Anthony - Penn St QB
Morgan, Dajuan - North Carolina State FS
Morgan, Josh - Virginia Polytech Inst, WR
Morris, Bernard - Marshall QB
Murphy, Shawn - Utah St OG
Nelson, Jordy - Kansas St WR
Nicks, Carl - Nebraska OT
O’connell, Kevin - San Diego St QB
Octavien, Steve - Nebraska OLB
Okam, Frank - Texas DT
Oliver, Adamm - Georgia Tech DE
Omon, Archibong - Northwest Missouri St RB
Ortiz, Chase - Texas Christian DE
Ostrander, Thomas - Stanford QB
Otah, Jeffrey - Pittsburgh OT
Parker, Dorian - Virginia Tech FS
Parmele, Jalen - Toledo RB
Patrick, Allen - Oklahoma RB
Paysinger, Brian - Oregon WR
Phillips, Kenny - Miami, FL FS
Pittman, Billy - Texas WR
Pittman, Kirston - Louisiana St DE
Pollak, Mike - Arizona St C
Polumbus, Tyler - Colorado OT
Porter, Tracy - Indiana CB
Powell Jr, Carlton - Virginia Tech DT
Pressley, De Mario - North Carolina St DT
Purify, Maurice - Nebraska WR
Rachal, Chilo - Southern California OG
Radovich, Andrew - Southern Cal OT
Reyer, Tim - Kansas St PT
Reynaud, Darius - West Virginia WR
Rice, Ray - Rutgers RB
Richard, Jameson - Buffalo C
Richardson, Barry - Clemson OT
Richardson, Matterral - Arkansas CB
Rinehart, Chad - Northern Iowa OT
Rivers, Jason - Hawaii WR
Rivers, Keith - Southern Cal OLB
Roach, David - Texas Christian FS
Robertson, Darrell - Georgia Tech DE
Robinson, Kevin - Utah St WR
Robinson, William - San Diego St OT
Rodgers-Cromartie, Dominique - Tennessee State CB
Royal, William - Virginia Tech WR
Rubin, Ahtyba - Iowa St NT
Rucker, Martin - Missouri TE
Ryan, Matthew - Boston Col QB
Sam, Lorne - UTEP WR
Santi, Michael - Virginia TE
Savage, Dantrell - Oklahoma St RB
Scandrick, Orlando - Boise State CB
Schmitt, Owen - West Virginia FB
Schmitt, Tyler - San Diego St LS
Schuening, Roy - Oregon St OG
Schwartz, Geoffrey - Oregon OT
Serna, Alexis - Oregon St PK
Sharpe, Glenn - Miami- FL CB
Shields, Arman - Richmond WR
Silva, James - Boston Col FS
Simpson, Chad - Morgan St RB
Simpson, Jerome - Coastal Carolina WR
Sims, Patrick - Auburn DT
Slaton, Steve - West Virginia RB
Smith, Bryan - McNeese St DE
Smith, Dorian - Oregon St DE
Smith, Kevin - Central Florida RB
Smith, Marcus - New Mexico WR
Smith, Paul - Tulsa QB
Smith, Reggie - Oklahoma CB
Smith, Taj - Syracuse WR
Sosa, Pedro - Rutgers OT
Spanos, Matt - Southern Cal C
Steltz, Craig - Louisiana St SS
Stevens, Craig - Cal-Berkeley TE
Stewart, Carl - Auburn FB
Stewart, Jonathan - Oregon RB
Strong, Darrell - Pittsburgh TE
Sullivan, John - Notre Dame C
Sumrall, Brandon - Southern Mississippi CB
Sweed, Limas - Texas WR
Tafralis, Adam - San Jose St QB
Talib, Aqib - Kansas CB
Tamme, Jacob - Kentucky TE
Terrell, Darnell - Missouri CB
Thomas, Devin - Michigan State WR
Thomas, Donald - Connecticut OG
Thomas, Marcus - UTEP RB
Thomas, Terrell - Southern Cal CB
Thompson, Jeremy - Wake Forest DE
Tolson Iv, Owen - Army PT
Torain, Ryan - Arizona St RB
Tribble, Dejuan - Boston Col CB
Tryon, Justin - Arizona St CB
Urrutia, Mario - Louisville WR
Vobora, David - Idaho OLB
Walker, Marcus - Oklahoma CB
Wallace, Cody - Texas A&M C
Warrick, Nehemiah - Michigan St FS
Washington, Chauncey - Southern Cal RB
Watkins, Nick - Clemson OLB
West, Joe - UTEP WR
Wheatley, Terrence - Colorado CB
Wheeler, Philip - Georgia Tech ILB
Wilhite, Jonathan - Auburn CB
Williams, Christopher - Vanderbilt OT
Williams, Jack - Kent St CB
Williams, Thomas - Southern Cal ILB
Williams, Trae - South Florida CB
Wolfe, Dj - Oklahoma SS
Woodson Jr, Andre - Kentucky QB
Woodyard Jr, Wesley - Kentucky OLB
Wright, Kyle - Miami-FL QB
Young, Eric - Tennessee OT
Zbikowski, Thomas - Notre Dame FS
Zenon, Jonathan - Louisiana St CB
Zuttah, Jeremy - Rutgers OT

Invitees will be evaluated in the following:

- 40 yard dash
- Bench press (225lb repetitions)
- Vertical jump
- Broad jump
- 20 yard shuttle
- 3 cone drill
- 60-yard shuttle
- Position-specific drills
- Interviews
- Physical measurements
- Injury evaluation
- Drug screen
- The Cybex test
- The Wonderlic Test