SuperKevin
01-15-2008, 01:37 AM
Here is a kickass 3 round mock from DChess and myself. The picks were combined effort.
Round One
1. Miami Dolphins-Chris Long DE Virginia
It's probably a guarentee that the Dolphins will run a 3-4 defense under Bill Parcells and Chris Long has four years of experience playing in a NFL style 3-4 defense while someone like Glenn Dorsey would have to adjust to a new role. It's also hard to argue the fact that Bill Parcells has a very good relationship with Chris Long's former coach at Virginia, Al Groh.
2. St. Louis Rams- Vernon Gholston DE Ohio State
It's hard not to take Glenn Dorsey here but looking at the Rams roster, they appear to have some solid young talent at DT in Adam Carriker, Clifton Ryan, and Claude Wroten. Then you have to notice that both starting DEs are over 30 years old and are coming off of down years. Vernon Gholston is going to be a combine superstar who's combination of speed and power could be too much for a team that struggled getting to the QB as much as the Rams did,to pass up.
3. Atlanta Falcons- Glenn Dorsey DT LSU
Three defensive linemen in a row? Believe it. The Atlanta Falcons finished 26th in the NFL in rushing defense this year and adding arguably the best interior lineman in the draft is always a good way to fix that. Putting Dorsey on the line should also help last years top pick, Jamaal Anderson impove his numbers in 2008 as he no longer becomes the focal point of opposing blockers. This running back class is deep enough that the Falcons can somehow pass on Darren McFadden and find a talented runner to pair with Jerious Norwood later in the draft.
4. Oakland Raiders- Sedrick Ellis DT Southern California
Warren Sapp has retired from a defensive unit that was 31st in the league in rushing defense so it seems only natural to replace him with a guy like Sedrick Ellis, who is essentially a younger Warren Sapp. It's hard to argue that Al Davis and Lane Kiffin would pass up on the familiar player in Ellis, especially since he has the potential to be even better than Glenn Dorsey.
5. Kansas City Chiefs- Jake Long OT Michigan
Really a no-brainer here. Jake Long has the talent to be the number one overall selection and if a run oriented team like the Kansas City Chiefs have the opportunity to take him at 5, they would be fools not to take him. The Chiefs' offense was slowed by the combination of an injury to Larry Johnson and poor offensive line play so getting their franchise LT here would be amazing for this franchise.
6. New York Jets- Darren McFadden RB Arkansas
Probably the most talented player in the draft and the Jets manage to take him really as BPA at 6 overall. The Jets finished 2007 ranked 19th in rushing offense and starter Thomas Jones only had one touchdown with and average of 3.6 yards a carry. The success of the two back system in recent years definately makes this a possibility if the Jets aren't able to trade down. The Jets now get a playmaker here that they can turn into the next big marketable star in New York City.
7. New England Patriots (via San Fransisco)- Mike Jenkins CB South Florida
The Patriots are actually screwed for once with the decisions of Malcolm Jenkins and James Laurinaitis to return to school. The Patriots are now forced to reach a bit to fill their needs. However, there has never been a team more comfortable with reaching on a draft pick than the Patriots, who reach to draft Mike Jenkins. Mike Jenkins, has now moved into the #1 CB spot on most draft boards and should be an excellent replacement for Asante Samuel should he leave in Free Agency.
8. Baltimore Ravens- Matt Ryan QB Boston College
Troy Smith may have ended the season on a positive note but there is an entirely new coaching staff coming in that may choose to start fresh with their own quarterback. If that's the case, Matt Ryan is an excellent QB with all the potential to come in an start right away. The only other player we could consider giving the Ravens here is Jonathan Stewart to pair with Willis McGahee in a 2 back system but we feel they have too big of a need at QB to invest a top 10 pick on a RB here.
9. Cincinnati Bengals- Ryan Clady OT Boise State
If I had to find one thing to blame for the Bengals piss poor season it'd have to be the running game. Bringing in a quality OT in Ryan Clady should help them get the blocking needed to improve their run game. Clady has the athleticism to play LT in the pros but we feel he's probably going to be more successful at RT which is perfect becasue starting RT Willie Anderson is going to be 33 years old at the start of the season.
10. New Orleans Saints-Keith Rivers OLB Southern California
Ok, thanks to a deep linebacker class that's weak at the top, the Saints are forced to reach a bit for Keith Rivers. It's not a horrible decision given the absolute mess their linebacker corps is in at the moment. Rivers will be instant playmaker and leader to their defense that they are currently missing.
11. Buffalo Bills-Malcolm Kelly WR Oklahoma
The Bills defense played surprisingly well during an injury plagued 2007 season but the offense really took a step back. The passing game never really got into a rhythm and adding a talented WR like Malcolm Kelly would make things a hell of a lot easier on Trent Edwards in his second season. Kelly is a tall WR with surprising speed that would be an excellent compliment to Lee Evans.
12. Denver Broncos- Kentwan Balmer DT North Carolina
At this stage of the draft process, Balmer at 12 is a MAJOR reach but he is a player that has the potential to go this high with a strong Senior Bowl week and Combine. He's one of the most intriguing prospects in the draft and it's hard to argue that the Broncos and their 30th ranked run defense couldn't use him on the defensive line.
13. Carolina Panthers- Kenny Phillips S Miami
While one could argue that no team had less stability at quarterback than the Carolina Panthers, this team ultimately has way too much money tied up in the quarterback position to give another quarterback first round money. They also should be able to get a healthy Jake Delhomme back in 2008 so all is not lost. With that said, safety is a weak spot for the Panthers and kenny Phillips is a playmaker who can contribute at either safety position.
14. Chicago Bears- Brian Brohm QB Louisville
For the last few years, the Chicago Bears have had to suffer through poor decision making and weak accuracy from the quarterback position. Drafting Brian Brohm should hopefully put an end to that and give the Bears the best quarterback they've had in years.
15. Detroit Lions- Jeff Otah OT Pittsburgh
The running game was horrible ranked 31st in the league but with the depth at RB in this years draft, I think they can afford to wait a bit to take a RB. They did however, also give up 54 sacks this year so bringing in a stud OT like Otah is probably their best move. With Otah they get a guy who can play either OT spot and protect the QB as well as pave the way for the running game to improve.
16. Arizona Cardinals- Rashad Mendenhall RB Illinois
The Arizona Cardinals struggled on the ground finishing up ranked 29th in the NFL in rushing offense. Add to that the fact that Edgerrin James is turning 30 this year and you have an obvious need at running back. We ultimately decided to go with Mendenhall over Stewart here because we feel his ability to be a factor in the passing game will help the development of Matt Leinart as well.
17. Minnesota Vikings- Leodis McKelvin CB Troy
The Vikings were dead last in the NFL in pass defense this year. McKelvin is a small school guy who is shooting up draft boards with his potential. A good Senior Bowl week and Combine would justify him being drafted in the top 20. Should immediately contribute either as a starter or as the nickle back.
18. Houston Texans- Aqib Talib CB Kansas
The Texans were 25th in the NFL in pass defense in 2007. Aqib Talib is a tall playmaking cornerback to pair with Dunta Robinson to help improve a very weak secondary in Houston. Talib's major weakness, matching up with speed WRs, is hardly exploited in the AFC South.
19. Philadelphia Eagles- Calais Campbell DE Miami
DEs Jevon Kearse and Darren Howard are getting old and are on the decline so bringing in Calais Campbell would be an excellent move for the Eagles. At 19, he provides excellent value and has the size and speed to be an every down DE along with an improving Trent Cole.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Michael Oher OT Mississippi
The Buccaneers are fairly thin and weak at OT and Michael Oher is by far a huge upgrade over the guys they already have. Oher would step into the starting lineup immediately and hopefully help Cadillac Williams get his career back on track.
21. Washington Redskins- Derrick Harvey DE Florida
The Redskins have lacked a real presence on the edge for years and they finally decide to do something about it early in the draft. Derrick Harvey is a pure pass rusher who should instantly help the Redskins defense in a division dominated by solid passing attacks.
22. Dallas Cowboys (via Cleveland)- Felix Jones RB Arkansas
Dallas' offense has thrived with the success of the 2 RB system they run. It allows their RBs to stay fresh late in games. With that said, I feel Julius Jones is likely not to be back with the team next year and a replacement RB will be needed. They already have a power back in Marion Barber III so drafting a speedy home run threat like Felix Jones makes a lot of sense. Jones also can contribute as a KR.
23. Seattle Seahawks- Jonathan Stewart RB Oregon
This is a fairly trendy pick in mock drafts these days. Shaun Alexander isn't getting any younger or healthier and Jonathan Stewart is a local product that would be a marketing dream in Seattle. He would probably sit behind Alexander for a year before taking over as the starter full time in his second year.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers- Sam Baker OT Southern California
The Steelers need help on the offensive line, especially in pass protection. Ben Roethlisberger was sacked way too many times this year. Drafting Sam Baker to play LT and moving Marvel Smith to his natural spot at RT seems to make the most sense here.
25. Tennessee Titans- Limas Sweed WR Texas
Granted there may be a few WRs available with more potential than Limas Sweed but there are few that are as ready to contribute immediatly as Sweed is. Sweed is a big bodied WR who can be used all over the field and has great hands. Sweed was a great WR for Vince Young at Texas and I don't see why he can't be a great target for him in the NFL as well.
26. New York Giants- Antoine Cason CB Arizona
The Giants decided to make it back to back Thorpe Award winners in the 1st round by drafting Antoine Cason. Cason is a strong leader with excellent cover skills and hands. He should be an immediate contributor to the Giants' weak secondary, especially in the pass heavy NFC East.
27. San Diego Chargers- Gosder Cherilus OT Boston College
The Chargers offensive line has really been disappointing this season after having an amazing year in 2006. RT Shane Olivea lost his job early so there is need for a RT and Gosder Cherlius is the best available. He is a solid blocker with a mean streak that will be welcome in San Diego. Cherilus should help keep Ladanian Tomlinson from being routinely hit at the line of scrimmage.
28. Jacksonville Jaguars- Phillip Merling DE Clemson
The Jaguars already have a ton of size at DT, now they decide to add some size outside by drafting Phillip Merling at DE. Merling is a big athletic DE with the size to be a great run stuffer and the speed to constantly be in the backfield. He should be a huge upgrade at DE for the Jags.
29. Dallas Cowboys- Jack Ikegwuonwu CB Wisconsin
I've mentioned it a few times so far that the NFC East is a strong passing division so it's only logial that the Cowboys should address their issues in the secondary. Jack Ikegwuonwu is a big playmer at CB with the excellent man coverage skills that the Cowboys are currently lacking. He'd be an immediate starter over Jaque Reeves.
30. San Francisco 49ers (via Indianapolis)- James Hardy WR Indiana
The 49ers haven't had a true #1 WR since Terrell Owens was in town and while James Hardy might not be a guarenteed #1 WR he's pretty close. His size and speed will be a welcome addition to a 49ers team that struggled to get anything done in the air. Alex Smith might finally have his go to red zone WR he's been missing in his young career.
31. Green Bay Packers- Charles Godfrey CB Iowa
The Packers surprisingly have very little needs considering they weren't expected to be very good this year. One position of need you could make an argument for is CB where both starters are over 30 years old. Charles Godfrey is a player who really broke out in 2007 and has one of the best combinations of size and speed in the draft. He could learn a lot for playing under Al Harris and Charles Woodson.
32. Forfeited because the Patriots cheat
Round 2
33. Miami Dolphins- Adarrius Bowman WR Oklahoma State
If Miami wants John Beck to succeed they will need to surround him with some more alent. Bowman is a big WR who provides excellent balance to the speed of Ted Ginn Jr.
34. St. Louis Rams- Chris Williams OT Vanderbilt
Injuries at RB may have been a major reason why the Rams had a horrible rushing attack this year but injuries to the OL were just as devastating. Chris Williams is an athletic OT that will provide excellent depth at either tackle spot as well as provide the ability to start if needed.
35. Atlanta Falcons- Andre Woodson QB Kentucky
Wow. Atlanta passes on taking a quarterback of the future in round one and still manages to get first round talent early in round 2. Andre Woodson, despite his slow release, is a huge steal here in the 2nd round for Atlanta.
36. Oakland Raiders- Mario Manningham WR Michigan
Oakland has done a great job at getting talented young players on defense so now it's time to start on offense. As of now, JaMarcus Russell doesn't have a go to WR and Mario Manningham could be that guy, especially if he runs that rumored sub 4.4 40 yard dash.
37. Kansas City Chiefs- Pat Sims DT Auburn
Will Kansas City freak out to see another DT named Sims? Not oncethey see that Pat Sims is the real deal. Excellent blend of size and athleticism at DT and should be a starter from day one in Kansas City.
38. New York Jets- Fred Davis TE Southern California
Another pick on offense for the Jets that are doing whatever they can to get New York interested in Jets football again. Davis is exactly the guy the Jets need at TE to strecth opposing defense and provide a reliable target for whoever they play at quarterback in 2008.
39. San Francisco 49ers- Dre Moore DT/DE Maryland
The 49ers need some help along the defensive line, especially with Bryant Young retiring. Dre Moore is an athletic DT that has the ability to play DE in the 3-4 defense in a role similar to Luis Castillo in San Diego.
40. Baltimore Ravens- Brandon Flowers CB Virginia Tech
The Ravens are going into 2008 with Chris McAllister, who is in his 30s, and an epileptic Samari Rolle as their starting CBs. Bringing Brandon Flowers in here would be an excellent depth move and give them a young player who can start in a year or two.
41. Cincinatti Bengals- Dan Connor OLB Penn State
Dan Connor has fallen a bit in this mock draft but the Bengals have HUGE needs at OLB and Dan Connor would be a perfect fit in Marvin Lewis' defense. Should be an immediate starter and draft day steal here in the 2nd round.
42. New Orleans Saints- Curtis Lofton MLB Oklahoma
The Saints take a linebacker for the second pick in a row with Oklahmoa MLB Curtis Lofton. Lofton is a tackling machine that will be a solid presnce in the middle of the field. We feel his upside is around the same as Demeco Ryans' which isn't too bad for the Saints.
43. Buffalo Bills- Erin Henderson OLB Maryland
The Bills defense really stepped up when players went out with injuries this year but they could still use some help at OLB. Henderson is a sound tackler that provides moderate big play potential who should be able to contribute immediately.
44. Denver Broncos- Ali Highsmith OLB LSU
The Broncos were horrible at run defense in 2007 and they need to improve if they want to contain guys in their division like LT and Larry Johnson. Ali Highsmith is a tackling machine with strong leadership skills who should be able to start from the beginning for the Broncos.
45. Carolina Panthers- Martellus Bennett TE Texas A&M
The Panthers have lacked a quality TE on offense since Wesley Walls retired several years ago. Martellus Bennett is a huge target who has the size and speed to create mismatches on offense.
46. Chicago Bears- Jamaal Charles RB Texas
Anyone else notice that the Bears went to the Super Bowl with the two back set but when they got rid of Thomas Jones, they dropped to 30th in the NFL in rushing offense? Bringing in Charles continues to add speed to a dangerous bears offense, making an excellent 2 back set with fellow Longhorn Cedric Benson.
47. Detroit Lions- Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie CB Tennesee St.
The Lions really need playmakers in the secondary and Cromartie has excellent size and speed at CB. He's a small school player that really has a shot at making a huge impact.
48. Arizona Cardinals- Patrick Lee CB Auburn
Lee is a prospect that wasn't on many radars at the beginning of the year but had a strong senior year and has emerged as one of the top senior CBs in the draft. He has good size and speed.
49. Minnesota Vikings- Quentin Groves DE Auburn
The Vikings have one of the worst pass defenses in the league and a lot of it has to do with poor pass rush. Groves is a nightmare on the edge who should fix any and all pass rush issues the Vikings have.
50. Atlanta Falcons(via Houston)- Anthony Collins OT Kansas
The Falcons really could use a new LT with the ZBS no longer in effect in Atlanta. Anthony Collins is a player we feel has solid LT potential and should be good value here in the middle of round 2. he could have been a 1st rounder in 2009 so the Falcons might as well take him here at a reduced salary.
51. Philadelphia Eagles- Jarod Mayo MLB Tennessee
The Eagles have some needs at MLB and Jarod Mayo is an absolute steal this late in the 2nd round. Mayo should be able to compete for the starting spot as a rookie.
Round One
1. Miami Dolphins-Chris Long DE Virginia
It's probably a guarentee that the Dolphins will run a 3-4 defense under Bill Parcells and Chris Long has four years of experience playing in a NFL style 3-4 defense while someone like Glenn Dorsey would have to adjust to a new role. It's also hard to argue the fact that Bill Parcells has a very good relationship with Chris Long's former coach at Virginia, Al Groh.
2. St. Louis Rams- Vernon Gholston DE Ohio State
It's hard not to take Glenn Dorsey here but looking at the Rams roster, they appear to have some solid young talent at DT in Adam Carriker, Clifton Ryan, and Claude Wroten. Then you have to notice that both starting DEs are over 30 years old and are coming off of down years. Vernon Gholston is going to be a combine superstar who's combination of speed and power could be too much for a team that struggled getting to the QB as much as the Rams did,to pass up.
3. Atlanta Falcons- Glenn Dorsey DT LSU
Three defensive linemen in a row? Believe it. The Atlanta Falcons finished 26th in the NFL in rushing defense this year and adding arguably the best interior lineman in the draft is always a good way to fix that. Putting Dorsey on the line should also help last years top pick, Jamaal Anderson impove his numbers in 2008 as he no longer becomes the focal point of opposing blockers. This running back class is deep enough that the Falcons can somehow pass on Darren McFadden and find a talented runner to pair with Jerious Norwood later in the draft.
4. Oakland Raiders- Sedrick Ellis DT Southern California
Warren Sapp has retired from a defensive unit that was 31st in the league in rushing defense so it seems only natural to replace him with a guy like Sedrick Ellis, who is essentially a younger Warren Sapp. It's hard to argue that Al Davis and Lane Kiffin would pass up on the familiar player in Ellis, especially since he has the potential to be even better than Glenn Dorsey.
5. Kansas City Chiefs- Jake Long OT Michigan
Really a no-brainer here. Jake Long has the talent to be the number one overall selection and if a run oriented team like the Kansas City Chiefs have the opportunity to take him at 5, they would be fools not to take him. The Chiefs' offense was slowed by the combination of an injury to Larry Johnson and poor offensive line play so getting their franchise LT here would be amazing for this franchise.
6. New York Jets- Darren McFadden RB Arkansas
Probably the most talented player in the draft and the Jets manage to take him really as BPA at 6 overall. The Jets finished 2007 ranked 19th in rushing offense and starter Thomas Jones only had one touchdown with and average of 3.6 yards a carry. The success of the two back system in recent years definately makes this a possibility if the Jets aren't able to trade down. The Jets now get a playmaker here that they can turn into the next big marketable star in New York City.
7. New England Patriots (via San Fransisco)- Mike Jenkins CB South Florida
The Patriots are actually screwed for once with the decisions of Malcolm Jenkins and James Laurinaitis to return to school. The Patriots are now forced to reach a bit to fill their needs. However, there has never been a team more comfortable with reaching on a draft pick than the Patriots, who reach to draft Mike Jenkins. Mike Jenkins, has now moved into the #1 CB spot on most draft boards and should be an excellent replacement for Asante Samuel should he leave in Free Agency.
8. Baltimore Ravens- Matt Ryan QB Boston College
Troy Smith may have ended the season on a positive note but there is an entirely new coaching staff coming in that may choose to start fresh with their own quarterback. If that's the case, Matt Ryan is an excellent QB with all the potential to come in an start right away. The only other player we could consider giving the Ravens here is Jonathan Stewart to pair with Willis McGahee in a 2 back system but we feel they have too big of a need at QB to invest a top 10 pick on a RB here.
9. Cincinnati Bengals- Ryan Clady OT Boise State
If I had to find one thing to blame for the Bengals piss poor season it'd have to be the running game. Bringing in a quality OT in Ryan Clady should help them get the blocking needed to improve their run game. Clady has the athleticism to play LT in the pros but we feel he's probably going to be more successful at RT which is perfect becasue starting RT Willie Anderson is going to be 33 years old at the start of the season.
10. New Orleans Saints-Keith Rivers OLB Southern California
Ok, thanks to a deep linebacker class that's weak at the top, the Saints are forced to reach a bit for Keith Rivers. It's not a horrible decision given the absolute mess their linebacker corps is in at the moment. Rivers will be instant playmaker and leader to their defense that they are currently missing.
11. Buffalo Bills-Malcolm Kelly WR Oklahoma
The Bills defense played surprisingly well during an injury plagued 2007 season but the offense really took a step back. The passing game never really got into a rhythm and adding a talented WR like Malcolm Kelly would make things a hell of a lot easier on Trent Edwards in his second season. Kelly is a tall WR with surprising speed that would be an excellent compliment to Lee Evans.
12. Denver Broncos- Kentwan Balmer DT North Carolina
At this stage of the draft process, Balmer at 12 is a MAJOR reach but he is a player that has the potential to go this high with a strong Senior Bowl week and Combine. He's one of the most intriguing prospects in the draft and it's hard to argue that the Broncos and their 30th ranked run defense couldn't use him on the defensive line.
13. Carolina Panthers- Kenny Phillips S Miami
While one could argue that no team had less stability at quarterback than the Carolina Panthers, this team ultimately has way too much money tied up in the quarterback position to give another quarterback first round money. They also should be able to get a healthy Jake Delhomme back in 2008 so all is not lost. With that said, safety is a weak spot for the Panthers and kenny Phillips is a playmaker who can contribute at either safety position.
14. Chicago Bears- Brian Brohm QB Louisville
For the last few years, the Chicago Bears have had to suffer through poor decision making and weak accuracy from the quarterback position. Drafting Brian Brohm should hopefully put an end to that and give the Bears the best quarterback they've had in years.
15. Detroit Lions- Jeff Otah OT Pittsburgh
The running game was horrible ranked 31st in the league but with the depth at RB in this years draft, I think they can afford to wait a bit to take a RB. They did however, also give up 54 sacks this year so bringing in a stud OT like Otah is probably their best move. With Otah they get a guy who can play either OT spot and protect the QB as well as pave the way for the running game to improve.
16. Arizona Cardinals- Rashad Mendenhall RB Illinois
The Arizona Cardinals struggled on the ground finishing up ranked 29th in the NFL in rushing offense. Add to that the fact that Edgerrin James is turning 30 this year and you have an obvious need at running back. We ultimately decided to go with Mendenhall over Stewart here because we feel his ability to be a factor in the passing game will help the development of Matt Leinart as well.
17. Minnesota Vikings- Leodis McKelvin CB Troy
The Vikings were dead last in the NFL in pass defense this year. McKelvin is a small school guy who is shooting up draft boards with his potential. A good Senior Bowl week and Combine would justify him being drafted in the top 20. Should immediately contribute either as a starter or as the nickle back.
18. Houston Texans- Aqib Talib CB Kansas
The Texans were 25th in the NFL in pass defense in 2007. Aqib Talib is a tall playmaking cornerback to pair with Dunta Robinson to help improve a very weak secondary in Houston. Talib's major weakness, matching up with speed WRs, is hardly exploited in the AFC South.
19. Philadelphia Eagles- Calais Campbell DE Miami
DEs Jevon Kearse and Darren Howard are getting old and are on the decline so bringing in Calais Campbell would be an excellent move for the Eagles. At 19, he provides excellent value and has the size and speed to be an every down DE along with an improving Trent Cole.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Michael Oher OT Mississippi
The Buccaneers are fairly thin and weak at OT and Michael Oher is by far a huge upgrade over the guys they already have. Oher would step into the starting lineup immediately and hopefully help Cadillac Williams get his career back on track.
21. Washington Redskins- Derrick Harvey DE Florida
The Redskins have lacked a real presence on the edge for years and they finally decide to do something about it early in the draft. Derrick Harvey is a pure pass rusher who should instantly help the Redskins defense in a division dominated by solid passing attacks.
22. Dallas Cowboys (via Cleveland)- Felix Jones RB Arkansas
Dallas' offense has thrived with the success of the 2 RB system they run. It allows their RBs to stay fresh late in games. With that said, I feel Julius Jones is likely not to be back with the team next year and a replacement RB will be needed. They already have a power back in Marion Barber III so drafting a speedy home run threat like Felix Jones makes a lot of sense. Jones also can contribute as a KR.
23. Seattle Seahawks- Jonathan Stewart RB Oregon
This is a fairly trendy pick in mock drafts these days. Shaun Alexander isn't getting any younger or healthier and Jonathan Stewart is a local product that would be a marketing dream in Seattle. He would probably sit behind Alexander for a year before taking over as the starter full time in his second year.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers- Sam Baker OT Southern California
The Steelers need help on the offensive line, especially in pass protection. Ben Roethlisberger was sacked way too many times this year. Drafting Sam Baker to play LT and moving Marvel Smith to his natural spot at RT seems to make the most sense here.
25. Tennessee Titans- Limas Sweed WR Texas
Granted there may be a few WRs available with more potential than Limas Sweed but there are few that are as ready to contribute immediatly as Sweed is. Sweed is a big bodied WR who can be used all over the field and has great hands. Sweed was a great WR for Vince Young at Texas and I don't see why he can't be a great target for him in the NFL as well.
26. New York Giants- Antoine Cason CB Arizona
The Giants decided to make it back to back Thorpe Award winners in the 1st round by drafting Antoine Cason. Cason is a strong leader with excellent cover skills and hands. He should be an immediate contributor to the Giants' weak secondary, especially in the pass heavy NFC East.
27. San Diego Chargers- Gosder Cherilus OT Boston College
The Chargers offensive line has really been disappointing this season after having an amazing year in 2006. RT Shane Olivea lost his job early so there is need for a RT and Gosder Cherlius is the best available. He is a solid blocker with a mean streak that will be welcome in San Diego. Cherilus should help keep Ladanian Tomlinson from being routinely hit at the line of scrimmage.
28. Jacksonville Jaguars- Phillip Merling DE Clemson
The Jaguars already have a ton of size at DT, now they decide to add some size outside by drafting Phillip Merling at DE. Merling is a big athletic DE with the size to be a great run stuffer and the speed to constantly be in the backfield. He should be a huge upgrade at DE for the Jags.
29. Dallas Cowboys- Jack Ikegwuonwu CB Wisconsin
I've mentioned it a few times so far that the NFC East is a strong passing division so it's only logial that the Cowboys should address their issues in the secondary. Jack Ikegwuonwu is a big playmer at CB with the excellent man coverage skills that the Cowboys are currently lacking. He'd be an immediate starter over Jaque Reeves.
30. San Francisco 49ers (via Indianapolis)- James Hardy WR Indiana
The 49ers haven't had a true #1 WR since Terrell Owens was in town and while James Hardy might not be a guarenteed #1 WR he's pretty close. His size and speed will be a welcome addition to a 49ers team that struggled to get anything done in the air. Alex Smith might finally have his go to red zone WR he's been missing in his young career.
31. Green Bay Packers- Charles Godfrey CB Iowa
The Packers surprisingly have very little needs considering they weren't expected to be very good this year. One position of need you could make an argument for is CB where both starters are over 30 years old. Charles Godfrey is a player who really broke out in 2007 and has one of the best combinations of size and speed in the draft. He could learn a lot for playing under Al Harris and Charles Woodson.
32. Forfeited because the Patriots cheat
Round 2
33. Miami Dolphins- Adarrius Bowman WR Oklahoma State
If Miami wants John Beck to succeed they will need to surround him with some more alent. Bowman is a big WR who provides excellent balance to the speed of Ted Ginn Jr.
34. St. Louis Rams- Chris Williams OT Vanderbilt
Injuries at RB may have been a major reason why the Rams had a horrible rushing attack this year but injuries to the OL were just as devastating. Chris Williams is an athletic OT that will provide excellent depth at either tackle spot as well as provide the ability to start if needed.
35. Atlanta Falcons- Andre Woodson QB Kentucky
Wow. Atlanta passes on taking a quarterback of the future in round one and still manages to get first round talent early in round 2. Andre Woodson, despite his slow release, is a huge steal here in the 2nd round for Atlanta.
36. Oakland Raiders- Mario Manningham WR Michigan
Oakland has done a great job at getting talented young players on defense so now it's time to start on offense. As of now, JaMarcus Russell doesn't have a go to WR and Mario Manningham could be that guy, especially if he runs that rumored sub 4.4 40 yard dash.
37. Kansas City Chiefs- Pat Sims DT Auburn
Will Kansas City freak out to see another DT named Sims? Not oncethey see that Pat Sims is the real deal. Excellent blend of size and athleticism at DT and should be a starter from day one in Kansas City.
38. New York Jets- Fred Davis TE Southern California
Another pick on offense for the Jets that are doing whatever they can to get New York interested in Jets football again. Davis is exactly the guy the Jets need at TE to strecth opposing defense and provide a reliable target for whoever they play at quarterback in 2008.
39. San Francisco 49ers- Dre Moore DT/DE Maryland
The 49ers need some help along the defensive line, especially with Bryant Young retiring. Dre Moore is an athletic DT that has the ability to play DE in the 3-4 defense in a role similar to Luis Castillo in San Diego.
40. Baltimore Ravens- Brandon Flowers CB Virginia Tech
The Ravens are going into 2008 with Chris McAllister, who is in his 30s, and an epileptic Samari Rolle as their starting CBs. Bringing Brandon Flowers in here would be an excellent depth move and give them a young player who can start in a year or two.
41. Cincinatti Bengals- Dan Connor OLB Penn State
Dan Connor has fallen a bit in this mock draft but the Bengals have HUGE needs at OLB and Dan Connor would be a perfect fit in Marvin Lewis' defense. Should be an immediate starter and draft day steal here in the 2nd round.
42. New Orleans Saints- Curtis Lofton MLB Oklahoma
The Saints take a linebacker for the second pick in a row with Oklahmoa MLB Curtis Lofton. Lofton is a tackling machine that will be a solid presnce in the middle of the field. We feel his upside is around the same as Demeco Ryans' which isn't too bad for the Saints.
43. Buffalo Bills- Erin Henderson OLB Maryland
The Bills defense really stepped up when players went out with injuries this year but they could still use some help at OLB. Henderson is a sound tackler that provides moderate big play potential who should be able to contribute immediately.
44. Denver Broncos- Ali Highsmith OLB LSU
The Broncos were horrible at run defense in 2007 and they need to improve if they want to contain guys in their division like LT and Larry Johnson. Ali Highsmith is a tackling machine with strong leadership skills who should be able to start from the beginning for the Broncos.
45. Carolina Panthers- Martellus Bennett TE Texas A&M
The Panthers have lacked a quality TE on offense since Wesley Walls retired several years ago. Martellus Bennett is a huge target who has the size and speed to create mismatches on offense.
46. Chicago Bears- Jamaal Charles RB Texas
Anyone else notice that the Bears went to the Super Bowl with the two back set but when they got rid of Thomas Jones, they dropped to 30th in the NFL in rushing offense? Bringing in Charles continues to add speed to a dangerous bears offense, making an excellent 2 back set with fellow Longhorn Cedric Benson.
47. Detroit Lions- Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie CB Tennesee St.
The Lions really need playmakers in the secondary and Cromartie has excellent size and speed at CB. He's a small school player that really has a shot at making a huge impact.
48. Arizona Cardinals- Patrick Lee CB Auburn
Lee is a prospect that wasn't on many radars at the beginning of the year but had a strong senior year and has emerged as one of the top senior CBs in the draft. He has good size and speed.
49. Minnesota Vikings- Quentin Groves DE Auburn
The Vikings have one of the worst pass defenses in the league and a lot of it has to do with poor pass rush. Groves is a nightmare on the edge who should fix any and all pass rush issues the Vikings have.
50. Atlanta Falcons(via Houston)- Anthony Collins OT Kansas
The Falcons really could use a new LT with the ZBS no longer in effect in Atlanta. Anthony Collins is a player we feel has solid LT potential and should be good value here in the middle of round 2. he could have been a 1st rounder in 2009 so the Falcons might as well take him here at a reduced salary.
51. Philadelphia Eagles- Jarod Mayo MLB Tennessee
The Eagles have some needs at MLB and Jarod Mayo is an absolute steal this late in the 2nd round. Mayo should be able to compete for the starting spot as a rookie.