M2K's Post-Declaration Mock
Here you are Draftniks. My second mock of the early season. Please leave comments, and do try to make them nice.
1 Dolphins DT Glenn Dorsey LSU
The Dolphins took John Beck, so QB shouldn’t be a need here despite his questionable showings as a starter. Jake Long could be considered, as he would be an upgrade at left tackle. No other players would really be considered here or are of value. I would suspect Miami would strongly consider a trade down, since they have tremendous needs at many spots. However, if they do pick here, having a disruptive force like Dorsey is something they really can’t pass on.
2 Rams DE Chris Long Virginia
Jake Long will get strong consideration, but in the end the Rams won’t be able to pass on a talent like the “Son of Howie”. Though he played in a 3-4 scheme in college, Long showed remarkable ability to get to the quarterback despite being constantly double teamed. He will make a clean transition to a 4-3 DE in the pros, and be a force to reckon with.
3 Falcons QB Matt Ryan Boston College
The Mike Vick era, and saga, are over. Time to move on and getting a franchise QB under center is what the Falcons need to do. Matt Ryan is a natural leader with charisma who has all the physical skills to back it up . Though he may not be as naturally athletic as Woodson or have the career Brohm has had, Ryan is definitely at the top of this years QB class in the draft. But is he worth the pick here?
4 Raiders RB Darren McFadden USC
The Raiders should really take Sedrick Ellis here, but Al Davis can’t pass up a big name. McFadden would give the team a marquee player for the fans to fill the stands for, as well as give them a very deep running back corps.
5 Chiefs OT Jake Long Michigan
The Chiefs have major needs along the offensive line, and getting a player like Jake Long would go a long way in filling those needs. Long has the arm span and feet to be a successful pass blocker, but has the power and demeanor to but a road grader for the Chiefs running game as well.
6 NY Jets DT Sedrick Ellis USC
The Jets would love to get Chris Long, but they would happily settle for Sedrick Ellis here. Ellis has the tools to play defensive end in a 3-4 alignment, and could end up being a dominating force from that spot for the Jets. Some may think quarterback here, but I don’t think the Jets have given up on Kellen Clemens.
7 Patroits (SF) LB Vernon Gholston Ohio State
What the Patriots really want is an inside linebacker or cornerback, but they usually always take the best talent available that fills something of a need. Gholston would excel as an outside linebacker in the Patriots 3-4 scheme, and would be the eventual replacement for one of their aging players.
8 Ravens QB Brian Brohm Louisville
Steve McNair is done, and Kyle Boller is too inconsistent to be successful in the long run. Between Brohm and Woodson, Brohm is closer to the finished product so the new coach in town will likely go with this pick. With Jon Ogden retiring, the Ravens would strongly consider Ryan Clady, but getting a franchise QB needs to be the focus here.
9 Bengals LB Keith Rivers USC
It seems like Marvin Lewis has drafted thirty linebackers the past three years. Now that they are beginning to take character into account, the Bengals should be pretty comfortable with this pick. Rivers has the speed to play outside, and the size to play inside. In all likelihood he’ll patrol the weakside for the Bengals.
10 Saints CB Michael Jenkins South Florida
With Rivers off the board, the Saints reach somewhat to get a shutdown corner with Michael Jenkins. Jason David was a big flop, and Mike McKenzie can’t play forever. Michael Jenkins has prototype size and speed and would instantly upgrade the secondary for what amounts to a pretty mediocre unit.
11 Bills DE Calais Campbell Miami, FLA
With no one on the board that fills an outstanding need, the Bills take a quality pass rusher to put into their defensive end rotation. Campbell is huge and would be a force in both the pass rush and run stopping areas of the Bills defense. They could even move him inside on passing downs with his strength.
12 Broncos OT Ryan Clady Boise State
The Broncos would be thrilled if Clady fell to them here. Denver needs a replacement for the retired Matt Lepsis, and Clady has the talent to start immediately. Though Kenny Phillips would be a big temptation, Mike Shanahan knows that keeping Jay Cutler upright and on the field is the key to this teams future.
13 Panthers FS Kenny Phillips Miami, FLA
Carolina rejoices in being able to make this pick. Phillips is far and away the cream of the crop amongst safeties, and that spot is the Panthers biggest hole to fill. Phillips has the speed to cover slot receivers, and is a natural tackling machine in support of the run defense.
14 Bears QB Andre Woodson Kentucky
The Bears need to make a hard decision; is Grossman the guy? The answer is no, and they understand that. Brian Griese didn’t get the job done, and few feel Kyle Orton has the tools to be a starter in the NFL. Woodson has a rocket arm and will benefit from a year of learning while Rex leads the Bears in 2008.
15 Lions LB Dan Connor Penn State
Dan Connor is considered to be a better prospect than Paul Posluzny was last season, and “Puzz” was playing at a high level when he was injured and had to be put on the IR list in Buffalo. The Lions have a big need at the Mike spot, and Connor would be a good fit for this Tampa Two defense.
16 Cardinals RB Rashard Mendenhall Illinois
Word out of the desert is that Edge is likely to be released. Mendenhall is a special talent that this offense would love to have as a part of it. Upgrades along the offensive line and in the secondary are tempting, but Mendenhall is a do-it-all back that will be a day one starter in Arizona.
17 Vikings WR Limas Sweed Texas
The quarterback position is what needs to be upgraded, but the Vikings miss out on the Big Three of this draft. That said, wide out is still a unit needing a top talent. Enter Limas Sweed, despite his wrist injury. Sweed has excellent size and speed and was probably ready to turn pro in 2006.
18 Texans OT Chris Williams Vanderbilt
The Texans have been searching for that special left tackle forever, it seems. Williams has great feet and a long wing span which will help keep the defense at bay. Now that Houston has their franchise quarterback, they need to protect him in earnest. Williams is a step in that direction.
19 Eagles DE Derrick Harvey Florida
The Eagles could go a number of ways here, but they need to upgrade their defensive line. Harvey needs to add some bulk to take his A-game to the NFL, but the natural talent is without question. Derrick will help solidify the pass rush in Philly for years to come, and allow the Eagles to platoon Jevon Kearse more.
20 Buccaneers WR DeSean Jackson California
The Bucs can’t continue with the receiving personnel they have. Galloway is a remarkable receiver for his age, but that won’t last. Jackson has decent size, but has shown great quickness and the speed to beat the defense deep. He would be a great addition to this offense.
21 Redskins OT Jeff Otah Pittsburgh
Jeff Otah is a raw talent, but he has the most upside of any offensive tackle in this draft. He will be groomed at right tackle, but could eventually move over to the left side if Chris Samuels leaves the ‘skins. Otah needs to control his weight, but despite his bulk he moves extremely well.
22 Cowboys (Cle)CB Antoine Cason Arizona
The Dallas Cowboys have few weak spots, but cornerback is one of them. Terrance Newman is 30 years old, and Anthony Henry is a marginal starter. It’s high time for them to use a pick on a player who can step in and produce right away. Cason has questionable straight line speed, but makes up for it with his instincts and athletic skills.
23 Steelers OT Sam Baker USC
The Steelers will probably lose Max Starks in free agency. Should they not fill that void via free agency, they will likely use this pick to fill that spot. Sam Baker has some issues, which leads to his slide down the first round, but his talent is unquestionable.
24 Titans CB Aqib Talib Kansas
Though the Titans really need a wide receiver to stretch the field, this draft has plenty of depth at that position. The Titans also need to shed themselves of Adam “Pac-man” Jones, who apparently has not learned his lesson about staying away from trouble. Talib is a playmaker who would give them good depth and possibly an immediate starter to replace Jones.
25 Seahawks TE Martellus Bennett Texas A&M
If the Seahawks lose Marcus Trufant to free agency, they could go with a cornerback here to try and replace him. However, the Seahawks are lacking a tight end who can split the safeties deep and open up the field underneath. Bennett has an excellent size/speed combo that the Seattle fans would love to see.
26 NY Giants CB Terrell Thomas USC
The Giants got a boost from their first round pick last year, cornerback Aaron Ross, for their defense. Sam Madison is aging, and RW McQuarters is better as a nickel or dime coverage back. Thomas has great skills and could be a solid contributor immediately. There is some character concerns to look at, but if he interviews and performs well at the Combines, he could rise even higher in the draft.
27 Jaguars DE Quentin Groves Auburn
The Jaguars have few holes to fill, but getting another good pass rusher is definitely on their list. Paul Spicer came up big this past season, but the Jags still need to have another dedicated pass rusher in their arsenal. A defensive tackle would be a strong consideration, but none are available that are of value here.
28 Chargers RB Felix Jones Arkansas
The Chargers have needs at inside linebacker, but no prospect of value is on the board at this point. Without a second, third or fourth round pick, San Diego has to make the right choice. I suspect they will try to trade down, but if not they would take the best player available and LT’s eventual heir.
29 Cowboys WR Malcolm Kelly Oklahoma
Terry Glenn and Terrell Owens are not getting any younger, and their bodies have shown signs of wear and tear. Malcolm Kelly is a big, fast receiver in the mold of a TO, and the Cowboys would love to have him on their roster. If Kelly falls this far, the pick is a no-brainer.
30 49ers (IND) WR Adarius Bowman Oklahoma State
The 49ers have brought in Mike Martz to lead their offense, and that means passing the ball. The current group of receivers in the Bay are average at best. Bowman would give Alex Smith a big receiver with speed and a legitimate number one wideout to throw to.
31 Packers RB Jonathan Stewart Oregon
The Packers may feel that Ryan Grant and Brandon Jackson are just fine for their offense, but they need to face reality. They got by this season, but if Brett Favre leaves their rushing game becomes priority one to stop for any defense. Getting a franchise back like Jonathan Stewart is the way to build up this team in the coming years of Brett AD.
1 Dolphins DT Glenn Dorsey LSU
The Dolphins took John Beck, so QB shouldn’t be a need here despite his questionable showings as a starter. Jake Long could be considered, as he would be an upgrade at left tackle. No other players would really be considered here or are of value. I would suspect Miami would strongly consider a trade down, since they have tremendous needs at many spots. However, if they do pick here, having a disruptive force like Dorsey is something they really can’t pass on.
2 Rams DE Chris Long Virginia
Jake Long will get strong consideration, but in the end the Rams won’t be able to pass on a talent like the “Son of Howie”. Though he played in a 3-4 scheme in college, Long showed remarkable ability to get to the quarterback despite being constantly double teamed. He will make a clean transition to a 4-3 DE in the pros, and be a force to reckon with.
3 Falcons QB Matt Ryan Boston College
The Mike Vick era, and saga, are over. Time to move on and getting a franchise QB under center is what the Falcons need to do. Matt Ryan is a natural leader with charisma who has all the physical skills to back it up . Though he may not be as naturally athletic as Woodson or have the career Brohm has had, Ryan is definitely at the top of this years QB class in the draft. But is he worth the pick here?
4 Raiders RB Darren McFadden USC
The Raiders should really take Sedrick Ellis here, but Al Davis can’t pass up a big name. McFadden would give the team a marquee player for the fans to fill the stands for, as well as give them a very deep running back corps.
5 Chiefs OT Jake Long Michigan
The Chiefs have major needs along the offensive line, and getting a player like Jake Long would go a long way in filling those needs. Long has the arm span and feet to be a successful pass blocker, but has the power and demeanor to but a road grader for the Chiefs running game as well.
6 NY Jets DT Sedrick Ellis USC
The Jets would love to get Chris Long, but they would happily settle for Sedrick Ellis here. Ellis has the tools to play defensive end in a 3-4 alignment, and could end up being a dominating force from that spot for the Jets. Some may think quarterback here, but I don’t think the Jets have given up on Kellen Clemens.
7 Patroits (SF) LB Vernon Gholston Ohio State
What the Patriots really want is an inside linebacker or cornerback, but they usually always take the best talent available that fills something of a need. Gholston would excel as an outside linebacker in the Patriots 3-4 scheme, and would be the eventual replacement for one of their aging players.
8 Ravens QB Brian Brohm Louisville
Steve McNair is done, and Kyle Boller is too inconsistent to be successful in the long run. Between Brohm and Woodson, Brohm is closer to the finished product so the new coach in town will likely go with this pick. With Jon Ogden retiring, the Ravens would strongly consider Ryan Clady, but getting a franchise QB needs to be the focus here.
9 Bengals LB Keith Rivers USC
It seems like Marvin Lewis has drafted thirty linebackers the past three years. Now that they are beginning to take character into account, the Bengals should be pretty comfortable with this pick. Rivers has the speed to play outside, and the size to play inside. In all likelihood he’ll patrol the weakside for the Bengals.
10 Saints CB Michael Jenkins South Florida
With Rivers off the board, the Saints reach somewhat to get a shutdown corner with Michael Jenkins. Jason David was a big flop, and Mike McKenzie can’t play forever. Michael Jenkins has prototype size and speed and would instantly upgrade the secondary for what amounts to a pretty mediocre unit.
11 Bills DE Calais Campbell Miami, FLA
With no one on the board that fills an outstanding need, the Bills take a quality pass rusher to put into their defensive end rotation. Campbell is huge and would be a force in both the pass rush and run stopping areas of the Bills defense. They could even move him inside on passing downs with his strength.
12 Broncos OT Ryan Clady Boise State
The Broncos would be thrilled if Clady fell to them here. Denver needs a replacement for the retired Matt Lepsis, and Clady has the talent to start immediately. Though Kenny Phillips would be a big temptation, Mike Shanahan knows that keeping Jay Cutler upright and on the field is the key to this teams future.
13 Panthers FS Kenny Phillips Miami, FLA
Carolina rejoices in being able to make this pick. Phillips is far and away the cream of the crop amongst safeties, and that spot is the Panthers biggest hole to fill. Phillips has the speed to cover slot receivers, and is a natural tackling machine in support of the run defense.
14 Bears QB Andre Woodson Kentucky
The Bears need to make a hard decision; is Grossman the guy? The answer is no, and they understand that. Brian Griese didn’t get the job done, and few feel Kyle Orton has the tools to be a starter in the NFL. Woodson has a rocket arm and will benefit from a year of learning while Rex leads the Bears in 2008.
15 Lions LB Dan Connor Penn State
Dan Connor is considered to be a better prospect than Paul Posluzny was last season, and “Puzz” was playing at a high level when he was injured and had to be put on the IR list in Buffalo. The Lions have a big need at the Mike spot, and Connor would be a good fit for this Tampa Two defense.
16 Cardinals RB Rashard Mendenhall Illinois
Word out of the desert is that Edge is likely to be released. Mendenhall is a special talent that this offense would love to have as a part of it. Upgrades along the offensive line and in the secondary are tempting, but Mendenhall is a do-it-all back that will be a day one starter in Arizona.
17 Vikings WR Limas Sweed Texas
The quarterback position is what needs to be upgraded, but the Vikings miss out on the Big Three of this draft. That said, wide out is still a unit needing a top talent. Enter Limas Sweed, despite his wrist injury. Sweed has excellent size and speed and was probably ready to turn pro in 2006.
18 Texans OT Chris Williams Vanderbilt
The Texans have been searching for that special left tackle forever, it seems. Williams has great feet and a long wing span which will help keep the defense at bay. Now that Houston has their franchise quarterback, they need to protect him in earnest. Williams is a step in that direction.
19 Eagles DE Derrick Harvey Florida
The Eagles could go a number of ways here, but they need to upgrade their defensive line. Harvey needs to add some bulk to take his A-game to the NFL, but the natural talent is without question. Derrick will help solidify the pass rush in Philly for years to come, and allow the Eagles to platoon Jevon Kearse more.
20 Buccaneers WR DeSean Jackson California
The Bucs can’t continue with the receiving personnel they have. Galloway is a remarkable receiver for his age, but that won’t last. Jackson has decent size, but has shown great quickness and the speed to beat the defense deep. He would be a great addition to this offense.
21 Redskins OT Jeff Otah Pittsburgh
Jeff Otah is a raw talent, but he has the most upside of any offensive tackle in this draft. He will be groomed at right tackle, but could eventually move over to the left side if Chris Samuels leaves the ‘skins. Otah needs to control his weight, but despite his bulk he moves extremely well.
22 Cowboys (Cle)CB Antoine Cason Arizona
The Dallas Cowboys have few weak spots, but cornerback is one of them. Terrance Newman is 30 years old, and Anthony Henry is a marginal starter. It’s high time for them to use a pick on a player who can step in and produce right away. Cason has questionable straight line speed, but makes up for it with his instincts and athletic skills.
23 Steelers OT Sam Baker USC
The Steelers will probably lose Max Starks in free agency. Should they not fill that void via free agency, they will likely use this pick to fill that spot. Sam Baker has some issues, which leads to his slide down the first round, but his talent is unquestionable.
24 Titans CB Aqib Talib Kansas
Though the Titans really need a wide receiver to stretch the field, this draft has plenty of depth at that position. The Titans also need to shed themselves of Adam “Pac-man” Jones, who apparently has not learned his lesson about staying away from trouble. Talib is a playmaker who would give them good depth and possibly an immediate starter to replace Jones.
25 Seahawks TE Martellus Bennett Texas A&M
If the Seahawks lose Marcus Trufant to free agency, they could go with a cornerback here to try and replace him. However, the Seahawks are lacking a tight end who can split the safeties deep and open up the field underneath. Bennett has an excellent size/speed combo that the Seattle fans would love to see.
26 NY Giants CB Terrell Thomas USC
The Giants got a boost from their first round pick last year, cornerback Aaron Ross, for their defense. Sam Madison is aging, and RW McQuarters is better as a nickel or dime coverage back. Thomas has great skills and could be a solid contributor immediately. There is some character concerns to look at, but if he interviews and performs well at the Combines, he could rise even higher in the draft.
27 Jaguars DE Quentin Groves Auburn
The Jaguars have few holes to fill, but getting another good pass rusher is definitely on their list. Paul Spicer came up big this past season, but the Jags still need to have another dedicated pass rusher in their arsenal. A defensive tackle would be a strong consideration, but none are available that are of value here.
28 Chargers RB Felix Jones Arkansas
The Chargers have needs at inside linebacker, but no prospect of value is on the board at this point. Without a second, third or fourth round pick, San Diego has to make the right choice. I suspect they will try to trade down, but if not they would take the best player available and LT’s eventual heir.
29 Cowboys WR Malcolm Kelly Oklahoma
Terry Glenn and Terrell Owens are not getting any younger, and their bodies have shown signs of wear and tear. Malcolm Kelly is a big, fast receiver in the mold of a TO, and the Cowboys would love to have him on their roster. If Kelly falls this far, the pick is a no-brainer.
30 49ers (IND) WR Adarius Bowman Oklahoma State
The 49ers have brought in Mike Martz to lead their offense, and that means passing the ball. The current group of receivers in the Bay are average at best. Bowman would give Alex Smith a big receiver with speed and a legitimate number one wideout to throw to.
31 Packers RB Jonathan Stewart Oregon
The Packers may feel that Ryan Grant and Brandon Jackson are just fine for their offense, but they need to face reality. They got by this season, but if Brett Favre leaves their rushing game becomes priority one to stop for any defense. Getting a franchise back like Jonathan Stewart is the way to build up this team in the coming years of Brett AD.
posted by Mike @ 1:25 PM
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Tuesday was the last day underclassmen could declare for the NFL Draft, and more than 40 early entrants have declared. Players have 72 hours to withdraw their names. The list of early entrants into the 2008 NFL draft in alphabetical order are:
There will be a lot of defensive talent on display tonight for the BCS Nationa Championship Game between LSU and Ohio State. So much talent in fact, that four players on the field tonight have a chance to be selected before the Lions pick at number 15. Let's take a look at the players to keep an eye on this evening an make some notes before the 2008 NFL draft.
