2008 NFL Mock Draft 3.0

nflmocks — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 21:09:23 +0000

Team

1st Round

1. Miami Dolphins – DE Chris Long, Virgina

Brian over at Phin Phanatic thinks it will be Chris Long or they will trade down. For now, I am going to side with Brian, but I still think that trading down is the Dolphin’s best option. (side note: Matt Ryan is moving up on the board, and Parcells and Co. will have to decide if Beck is their guy)

2. St. Louis Rams – OT Jake Long, Michigan

The Rams would love to add to their defense, but I think they will want to protect their investments on the offensive side of the ball after last season.

3. Atlanta Falcons* – RB Darren McFadden, Arkansas

I had Matt Ryan as the pick, but changed it at the last second to McFadden. I just don’t see him making it past the third pick. Also the Falcons need a superstar name like Reggie Bush to put the Ron Mexico era behind them.

4. Oakland Raiders* – DT Glenn Dorsey, LSU

The Raiders get a gift at the four spot. Dorsey slips his way to them and they are happy to add to a defensive line that struggled last season.

5. Kansas City Chiefs* – QB Matt Ryan, Boston College

The Chiefs would really like for Jake Long to drop to them. If they can move up to the fourth pick after the coin flip, then they will have a better shot at getting him. I think if it plays out this way, they can’t pass on a franchise-type QB.

6. New York Jets – DE Vernon Gholston, Ohio St.

The Jets get the second best DE in the draft. He is a playmaker and could end up being better than Long.

7. New England Patriots (From 49ers) – CB Leodis McKelvin, Troy

The Patriots are stacked at every other position so why not go get Asante Samuel’s replacement. They don’t need to reach for a LB because they will get an old vet like Zach Thomas to fill that role.

8. Baltimore Ravens – DT Sedrick Ellis, USC

Ellis is rising up the boards and I wouldn’t be shocked if he went as high as the fourth overall pick. I think the Ravens could add to their defense with the best player left. Then in the second round they could go after a QB like Joe Flacco.

9. Cincinnati Bengals – LB Keith Rivers, USC

This unit was so depleted they were signing people off the street to play LB last season. Rivers is the obvious choice unless they make some moves during the offseason. Could Lance Briggs be the answer at LB?

10. New Orleans Saints – CB Aqib Talib, Kansas

How times have changed! Talib has floated around the 20th pick in my earlier mocks, but I think he is moving up. Jenkins would be another option, but Talib is a bit bigger and only .01 slower than Jenkins.

11. Buffalo Bills – WR Malcolm Kelly, Oklahoma

I know DeSean Jackson is suppose to be the first WR picked, but they don’t need another speed guy. Kelly is four inches taller and would be a great compliment to Evan. A nice addition to an emerging offense.

12. Denver Broncos – FS Kenny Phillips, Miami

Man, this was a hard pick. I am still not sure I am 100% sold on it, but the Broncos don’t want to reach for Balmer or another DT, so they go with the best defensive player available.

13. Carolina Panthers – DE Derrick Harvey, Florida

The Panthers were one of the worst teams at rushing the passer last season. They could go LB, OL, or S here, but I think they go with a pass rusher to try and help Peppers.

14. Chicago Bears – OT Ryan Clady, Boise State

The Bears get the second biggest gift in the draft and get the second best overall OT in the draft as well.

15. Detroit Lions – CB Mike Jenkins, South Florida

Matt Millen might not even be able to screw this pick up. Although, DeSean Jackson is still on the board. Hold your breath, Lions fans.

16. Arizona Cardinals – RB Rashard Mendenhall, Illinois

Others might like Jonathan Stewart better, but I think Mendenhall has all the tools to become a great RB. He is almost like a younger Edge, and the two would give them a great combo.

17. Minnesota Vikings – CB/S Reggie Smith, Oklahoma

The Vikings just released S Dwight Smith and could look to replace him with a much younger one. The best thing about Smith, and reason why I think he could be picked higher, is that he can play CB and S.

18. Houston Texans – RB Jonathan Stewart, Oregon

The Texans RB by committee hasn’t worked for the past two years — I think Kubiak is sick of it. He goes out and gets one of the top three RBs in the draft. My brother over at Arrowhead Addict thinks that Stewart could be THE BEST RB in this class. We’ll see.

19. Philadelphia Eagles – OT Chris Williams, Vanderbilt

Williams’ stock is rising and the Eagles need major help on their offensive line. This would be a great pick for the Eagles.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – WR DeSean Jackson, Cal

The Bucs would have to consider taking Brohm with this pick. However, they were in the playoffs last season and I know Gruden doesn’t have the patience to wait for a young QB. Jackson is a solid pick and maybe even a steal in the 20s.

21. Washington Redskins – DE Calais Campbell, Miami

The Redskins could easily go with a WR here, but the class is very deep and they can fill that need in the second round. Campbell is one of the best DEs left, and will be a good addition for the Skins.

22. Dallas Cowboys (From Browns) – RB Felix Jones, Arkansas

The Cowboys pull the trigger on Jones with their first pick because I believe they fear that the Seahawks would try to take him. The draft class is deep with CBs, so they will use their second pick on one.

23. Pittsburgh Steelers – OT Jeff Otah, Pittsburgh

This would be an ideal pick for both parties. The Steelers could start retooling their OL, and with a local product.

24. Tennessee Titans – WR Limas Sweed, Texas

The Titans want to continue to help VY to become a top NFL QB. What better way to help him and his confidence then by giving him a fellow Longhorn at wideout.

25. Seattle Seahawks – QB Brian Brohm, Louisville

Now, I know ~~some~~ most people will think I am crazy, but Hassleback isn’t a young guy and their isn’t a RB out there to pick at this spot. Holmgram could give his predecessor a nice gift, but I could also see the Seahawks trading back with someone who wants Brohm.

26. Jacksonville Jaguars – DE Phillip Merling, Clemson

The Jaguars will add the final piece to give them one of the best DL in the business. Adding Merling to Henderson and Stroud is scary!

27. San Diego Chargers – OLB/MLB Dan Conner, Penn State

The Chargers have a ton of options here. They could go WR, DT, or OL. I think they will want to add to their defense, and Conner is the best LB available.

28. Dallas Cowboys – CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, TSU

The Cowboys get their corner and can now focus on other needs. Cromartie is rising and would be a nice pick late in the first round.

29. San Francisco 49ers (From Colts) - DT Kentwan Balmer, UNC

The 49ers could go with a WR here, but they can’t pass on Balmer if he is still on the board. Winning Championships starts with great line play.

30. Green Bay Packers – CB Antoine Cason, Arizona

The Packers need to start thinking about life after Woodson and Harris.

FORFEITED

31. New York Giants – WR Mario Manningham, Michigan

The Giants could go WR, DB, or even DE if Strahan considers retirement. Mannigham would be a nice present to Eli for winning the SB.

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2008 NFL Mock Draft 3.0