2008 Mock Draft Number 1

1. Miami Dolphins – DT Glen Dorsey – LSU

I was inclined to put DT Sedrick Ellis here after reading on Phin Panatic that the coaching staff was enamored with him during the Senior Bowl this week. Being as though this draft will not take any trades into account, the Phins will take Dorsey. Dorsey has the potential to become a dominant tackle in either a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme. Elite DT’s do not come around that often.

Scouts Inc Draft Grade – 98

2. St. Louis Rams – LT Jake Long – Michigan

This was a tough choice between the two Long’s, Jake and DE Chris Long (Howie’s kid) from the University of Virginia. Marc Bulger can not be a successful QB with a weak line. His lack of mobility neccesitates good pass protection. Long has the size and strength to be an elite LT. He lacks great mobility, but with his superior technique and strength, he should be able to compensate.

Scouts Inc Draft Grade – 97

3. Atlanta Falcons – DT Sedrick Ellis – USC

Ellis, the 2nd DT already taken off the board, could be dominant in new Head Coach Mike Smith’s system. Smith has been used to a powerful defensive line in Jacksonville, and I think will want to implement an equally imposing force in Atlanta. With Rod Coleman, and Ellis at the tackle spots, and last years’ 1st round pick Jamaal Anderson and John Abraham at the ends, the Falcons have a dominant front four.

Scouts Inc Draft Grade – 97

4. Oakland Raiders – DE Chris Long – University of Virginia

Seems like a no brainer here, given Howie Long’s career with the Raiders, and the stats that his son put up in college. Long was 3rd in the country this season with 14 sacks, and had 21 tackles for loss, tied for 10th in the nation. He lacks top end speed (4.8 range) but makes up for it with superior technique, instict and ridiculous strength. Plethora of moves off the edges.

Scouts Inc Draft Grade – 98

5. Kansas City Chiefs – OT Jeffrey Otah – Pitt

While this admittedly might be a bit of a reach, there is generally one offensive lineman every year that climbs up the boards. Otah is a giant at 6’6″, 340lbs and is super agile for a man of that size. Chris Terry, Damian McIntosh and Kyle Turley are not the real long term answers. The Chiefs have always been linked to good offensive lines, and they need to get back to those ways if they want to start winning again.

Scouts Inc Draft Grade – 91

6. New York Jets – DE/LB Vernon Gholston – Ohio State

The Jets have a big need at multiple spots on D. CB, ILB, OLB, DE are all areas of need. The Jets need to produce some more pass rush out of the OLB spot in their 3-4 sets. Victor Hobson and Bryan Thomas totaled 4.5 sacks between the two of them. Gholston would probably be able to beat those totals by himself. If Gholston can keep that 40 time in the 4.60-4.70 range, he would make a lot sense for the Jets.

Scouts Inc Draft Grade – 96

7. New England Patriots (From 49ers) – CB Aqib Talib – Kansas

With the probably departure of CB Asante Samuel, the Pats will be in need of another CB. Talib is a super versatile player who even caught 8 passes on offense, 4 for touchdowns. He has outstanding size at 6’1.5″ and 200 lbs. Talib has great speed, and amazing hands and leaping ability.

Scouts Inc Draft Grade – 94

8. Baltimore Ravens – CB Michael Jenkins – USF

The Baltimore Ravens ended the season with Corey Ivey and Derrick Martin starting at CB. That will not get it done in the NFL, especially in a division with Carson Palmer, Ben Roethlisberger and Derrick Anderson. Jenkins has prototypical size for a CB at 6’0″ 200 lbs. He shows ideal toughness and recovery speed. His footwork might not be top notch, but good coaching could change that. He is a Rex Ryan and Baltimore Ravens type of nasty player.

Scounts Inc Draft Grade – 95

9. Cincinnati Bengals – RB Darren McFadden – Arkansas

People might think it crazy for McFadden to drop this low, but many people thought the same thing about Adrian Peterson last season. This would be a steal for the Bengals at this point in the draft. McFadden has excellent vision, balance, and speed. He should be a premier NFL RB as long as his big size and upright running do not get him injured. Kenny Watson looked like a solid player last season, but McFadden would be an upgrade over both him and Rudi Johnson.

Scouts Inc Draft Grade – 99

10. New Orleans Saints – CB Leodis McKelvin – Troy

The Saints DB’s are below average at best. Mike McKenzie shows flashes of being an above average CB, but every time I watch him, I am less than impressed. Jason David is just not very good. The Saints could also use a LB or a DT, but the talent pool available is not worth it at this spot. McKelvin has the chance to be a shutdown CB. He has elite speed (4.35 range) and adequate size (5’10”). At worst, McKelvin provides them an elite return man.

Scounts Inc Draft Grade – 90

11. Buffalo Bills – WR Malcolm Kelly – Oklahoma

The Bills should be a team on the rise next season. They have a lot of solid young starters all over the field, but one area of pressing need for them is at the WR spot. Lee Evans is a great down the field threat, and Roscoe Parris presents the same game breaking speed. They need a beast at the WR spot though, one who can go over the middle, make catches, and open up what could be a solid offense next season. At almost 6’4″ and 220 lbs, with a 40 time in the 4.5 range, Kelly will bring just that to the table.

Scouts Inc Draft Grade – 95

12. Denver Broncos – OT Ryan Clady – Boise State

This might be the ideal scenario for the Broncos. With two tackles off the board, the Broncs are lucky to get the guy who might the best overall fit for them in Clady. Clady’s strength will improve in an NFL style atmosphere, and he is ideal for a zone blocking scheme such as the one that the Broncos use. He is very athletic and should end up being a real solid player for Denver for the next decade.

Scouts Inc Draft Grade – 96

13. Carolina Panthers – QB Matt Ryan – Boston College

Finally, a QB off the board. While it might be tough for the braintrust in Carolina to go with a young QB being as though there jobs are probably on the line this season, passing on Ryan here would be foolish. Ryan is a smart QB and should do a good job of reading NFL defenses. Puts solid touch on the ball, and has adequate mobility for an NFL QB.

Scouts Inc Draft Grade – 97

14. Chicago Bears – QB Andre Woodson – Kentucky

Todd McShay of Scouts Inc may sum it up best. “Teams will be concerned about Woodson’s occasional lapses in decision-making and lack of mobility, but he possesses the size, arm strength and accuracy as a passer to develop into a good starter in the NFL. The Bears will likely consider themselves fortunate if Woodson falls to them at pick No. 14 overall, given the quarterback issues that have plagued the team in recent seasons.”

Scouts Inc Draft Grade – 94

15. Detroit Lions – S Kenny Phillips – Miami

The Lions ranked last in the league in points allowed per game, and yards allowed per game, and ranked 31st in passing defense. Besides a consistent pass rush, the most important factor in the Tampa 2 is the play of the safeties. Both Kenoy Kennedy and Gerald Alexander are solid, neither has Phillips potential. Phillips is certainly the best safety in this years draft. Maybe no more natural athlete in this years draft.

Scouts Inc Draft Grade – 95

16. Arizona Cardinals – RB Jonathan Stewart – Oregon

While the Cards might have more pressing issues at CB and G, there are no players available here that make sense. Also have to take into consideration that Alan Faneca seems like a lock to leave Pittsburgh, and head to ‘Zona. Steward could provide a nice change of pace for Edge, and eventually be his long term replacement. He is a patient runner who knows how to set up blocks, and if Zona does end up picking up Faneca, the line has a chance to be real good.

Scouts Inc Draft Grade – 93

17. Minnesota Vikings – WR Desean Jackson – California

In my non profesional opinion, QB is a huge need for this team, as Tavaris Jackson just does not look like a good QB to me. Being as though the team spent a 2nd round pick on him two years ago, I feel obligated to find him an offensive weapon at WR. Jackson is fast, and if Tavaris ever decides to morph into a real NFL QB, the Jackson to Jackson combo could be a deadly one. If Desean runs a sub 4.30 40 yard dash at the combine, he will be long gone by now.

Scouts Inc Draft Grade – 96

18. Houston Texans – OT Chris Williams – Vanderbilt

The Texans and Gary Kubiak are doing a good job of adding good draft picks to a core of a team that is vastly improved from two years ago. They still need a lot of help on the Oline though. Ehpraim Salaam is not the answer at LT. Has solid mobility and could fit well in Kubiak’s scheme.

Scouts Inc Draft Grade – 90

19. Philadelphia Eagles – OT Sam Baker – USC

Wiston Justice is lazy, fat, and sucks. Thomas, and Runyan are a combined age of 456. A team with issues at T, and that loves to take lineman, can not pass on steal at this point in the draft. He is an ideal fit in the system that Philly uses, and personally as a Bucs fan, I will be very jealous if the board plays out like this. He could start immediately.

Scouts Inc Draft Grade – 95

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – WR James Hardy – Indiana

This was a really tough pick for me. We have two main areas of need in my opinion, at WR, and at CB. No CB’s are worth taking here. That left me with a list of about 4 receivers to choose from. James Hardy, Mario Manningham, Limas Sweed, Early Doucet. Hardy presents the most upside. Dude is freakish sized at about 6’6″. His lack of top end speed scares me as I start to think of Mike Williams and Dwayne Jarrett. Hardy is much lighter than either of those guys though. Plaxico Buress? If he can run in the 4.5 range at the combine, I will be sold.

2007 Stats – 79 rec., 1125 yards, 16 TDs

Scouts Inc Draft Grade – 92

21. Washington Redskins – DT Kentwan Balmer – UNC

Balmer is a player who has shot up some mock draft boards in the last two months. A breakout season will do that for guys who have the natural, physical ability to be good dominant players in the NFL. Protypical size for a DT in the Cover 2 style scheme. Could be a little undersized to play in Greg Williams scheme, but it appears as though he is on his way out anyway.
Scouts Inc Draft Grade – 93

22. Dallas Cowboys (From Browns) – WR Mario Manningham – Michigan

Personally, I think the ‘Boys would be better served with a competent safety or CB in this spot, but none warrant consideration. I know Boys fans love Roy Williams, but to me, he is an undersized linebacker playing out of position. They move to another area of need at WR. Manningham has the tools to be an excellent player. He possesses an awesome set of hands, and if he can run a sub 4.5 40 at the combine, should be a very good pick for Dallas.

Scouts Inc Draft Grade – 93

23. Seattle Seahawks – RB Rashard Mendenahll – Illinois

Let’s face it, Shaun Alexander is a pussy, and doesn’t have the sack to be a good RB anymore. He shies away from hits at any chance he can get. Maurice Morris is competent, but Mendenhall and Morris would form a solid backfield. He had a great junior season at Illinois running for 1600 yards and 17 TD’s. His 200+ yard game against the Trojans in the Rose Bowl shouldn’t hurt his stock either!

Scouts Inc Draft Grade – 94

24. Pittsburgh Steelers – G Chilo Rachal – USC

This to me seems like one of the few locks of the first round if things were to play out right. The big name tackles are off the board, so they go with the next biggest area of need, G. Alan Faneca is gone, and they will need a replacement for him, as none exists on the current roster. This guy is a freaking beast at 6’6″ 340 lbs. He should be able to step in immediately and be productive.

Scouts Inc Draft Grade – 62???

25. Tennessee Titans – WR Limas Sweed – Texas

If the Titans do not find some competent receivers for Vince Young, they shouldn’t expect much more than what they saw this year from here on out. A players’ athletic ability can only take them so far when they have no weapons to rely on. Sweed had an injury plagued season, but still has the tools to warrant a 1st round selection. At 6’4″, 220lbs and a sub 4.5 40 yard dash, Vince Young should be ecstatic.

Scouts Inc Draft Grade – 94

26. New York Giants – RB Felix Jones – Arkansas

The emergence of Ahmad Bradshaw could change this selection, but the Giants really need a homerun threat to pair up with Brandon Jacobs in the backfield. Jones can bring them just that. There is a school of talking heads and prognosticators that think Jones could be a better NFL player than the much more heralded McFadden. Jones averaged a ridiculous 8.7 yards a carry this season for the Razorbacks.

Scouts Inc Draft Grade – 91

27. San Diego Chargers – MLB Dan Connor – Penn State

The Chargers go into the draft in an enviable position; they simply do not have many holes. One glaring one, in my opinion, is at MLB. Connor is very Penn Stateish, plain and boring, but has the size and build to be a productive 3-4 MLB. He plays hard and mean, and reads plays very well. Should be able to step in and push Wilhelm or Cooper for a starting spot.

Scouts Inc Draft Grade – 93

28. Jacksonville Jaguars – DE Phillip Merling – Clemson

If the Draft Board plays out like this, the Jags would probably be thrilled. They could use some help on the edge in the pass rush, and there are a few worthy candidates still available. Derrick Harvey, Merling, and Quentin Groves will all warrant consideration. Since Merlin has been shooting up the draft boards lately, while the other have been falling, I’ll take the same route. A good combine will be essential for Merling as he is not a flashy player.

Scouts Inc Draft Grade – 86

29. Green Bay Packers – LB Keith Rivers – USC

Another team with not a lot of holes to fill, the Packers go defense and pick up a very underated player in my opinion. Rivers looks like he has the build to pick up some extra weight, and essentially be able to play any LB position, besides a rush LB in a 3-4. Ideally he seems like a Sam LB in a 4-3 scheme, and the Pack could use an upgrade at that very spot. Rivers, Hawk and Barnett would give them maybe the most feared LB corp in the league.

Scouts Inc Draft Grade – 94

30. Dallas Cowboys – DE/OLB Quentin Groves – Georgia

I think Dallas would love for one of the RB’s to be around still, especially Felix Jones. Jerry is an Arkansas Alumn, and Jones seems like a perfect fit with the departure of Julius Jones all but written in stone. Jerry is not afraid to make moves up or down draft boards, so in all likelihood, if there isn’t a RB here, they move up to get one, or move down and pick up more picks. No trades in this mock though, so I went with one of the best available players left. Groves could excel in a 3-4 scheme as a rush linebacker. He has elite speed, and explodes off the line. He would be a great value pick this late. You can never have enough LB’s in a 3-4.

Scouts Inc Draft Grade – 90

31. San Francisco 49ers (From Colts) – Calais Cambell – Miami

Regardless of whether or not Bryant Young retires this year or next, the Niners still need to have a replacement ready, which they do not appear to have currently on their roster. Campbell is a perfect 3-4 end. He is gigantic at almost 6’8″ and 280lbs. Campbell is solid against the run and the pass and should start immediately for the Niners. This team has a lot of holes to fill, and could go a number of ways. I was tempted to take Brohm here, because Alex Smith sucks, but Nolan would not do that to Smith.

Scouts Inc Draft Grade – 93

32. FORFEITED