summond822
01-26-2008, 08:02 PM
Like the title says, this is my first mock draft ever. I tried to detail how I came to my decisions, and if that doesn't make sense in some cases then just ask and I would be happy to reply. Constructive critisicm is appreciated, and I would definately prefer for people not to say "that pick sucks, give us ___." Explain why so I can improve the mock in the future. Moving on:
1. Miami – Chris Long, DE, Virgina
The more I think about this pick, the more I like it. I mean Long has it alla non-stop motor, the ability to get after the QB, and not to mention he has some alright bloodlines *cough*. As with almost everyone else, I believe that Miami goes with Long first, however I would not be surprised to see this pick traded.
2. St. Louis – Jake Long, OT, Michigan
Since the Seahawks play the Rams twice a year, I get to see them a little more than I would like to. Offensively, they are set at all the skill positions. They need help along either line, and if you don’t believe me check out their sack totals and sacks allowed against the Seahawks the last two years. I think that their o-line needs more help however, so I believe that they go that route and start grooming Orlando Pace’s replacement or start him at RT right away.
3. Oakland – Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
I know, this is a shocker, Ellis going over Dorsey. However, I wouldn’t underestimate the USC ties that Kiffin has, or the fact that Ellis came into the Senior Bowl @ 305 which IMO shot him way up draft boards. Dorsey has had more media attention, but I can’t help but think that given the choice between two guys who are about the same weight-wise and have both had highly successful careers, that Oakland sticks with the more familiar kid in Ellis.
NOTE: If Kiffin is gone, I don’t think that Oakland goes with Ellis, but with Dorsey.
4. Atlanta – Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
I am one of those people who believe that Atlanta doesn’t have as big of a QB problem as many make it out to be. Plus, with the way that Redman lit up the Hawks D, it is hard for me to find fault there. Ultimately I believe that they go with the BPA and get a new face to their franchise, with what should be a popular pick. Even if Norwood comes on next year, I have trouble believing that he is a franchise back and would be better served if he shared carries with McFadden
5. Kansas City – Glen Dorsey, DT, LSU
Kansas City gets to address one of their needs, although it probably isn’t the one that they want, but with Long off the board, they have little choice unless they decided to reach for Clady. Getting Dorsey solidifies their line for the foreseeable future and would add a dominant d-lineman who can get penetration.
6. New York Jets – Vernon Ghoulston, DE, Ohio State
We all know that Mangini has been trying to build a 3-4, but I would say that he hasn’t quite finished acquiring all the pieces yet. Ghoulston is your prototypical DE/OLB tweener and I believe that Mangini will find it hard to pass on such a physical freak, even if for no better reason that to stop the Patriots from getting him.
7. New England – Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy
This pick got a lot tougher when Laurinitis didn’t declare for the draft. I don’t see the Patriots hanging onto this pick, but since I’m not projecting trades I had to give them a CB as there is no way that the Patriots retain Samuel and they have little depth at that position. I debated McKelvin, Cason, and Jenkins here. None of them have the ball skills of Samuel, so they may address their depth with more than one pick in the secondary later on and I can see them taking a player like Chevis Jackson later on, but for the moment, I have to think that McKelvin is the pick.
8. Baltimore – Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
Baltimore is a tough team for me to pick. My first thoughts are LB and CB as they are aging at those positions. With McKelvin off the board, and seeing as how their depth at corner is pretty thin I was inclined to give them Jenkins. Then, I thought about what happened when Ray Lewis went out and suddenly Connor and Rivers are in the mix. QB was also an option, even though they have the “Troy Smith Experiment” going on there. Ultimately, I think that they take Ryan even with Smith on board because in Ryan they get a guy who has most of the tangibles and intangibles to succeed, whereas in Smith they have a guy with mostly intangibles, plus the new coaching staff may not like Smith. I’ll be the first to admit that this is a reach for a QB and I believe that Smith should get a shot, but new coaching staff usually means new QB, especially when there isn’t an established one on the roster.
9. Cincinatti – Keith Rivers, LB, USC
Oh Cincy…how you have disappointed once again. This pick was fairly easy for me as the Bengals have absolutely no depth at LB and never know when the next one is going to end up in prison or suspended by the league. Both Keith Rivers and Dan Connor would suit their needs, and they both have so much going for them. Rivers has played for a national championship team, Connor is from the “LB U”. Rivers wore the legendary 55 jersey, Connor just won the best LB award. Ultimately, I give the spot to Rivers because I believe that he has more upside than Connor.
10. New Orleans – Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida
Lets face it, the Saints secondary has sucked it up, and they still haven’t found someone to play opposite of Mackenzie. Mike Jenkins is a solid player who fills a need, and in the process becomes the highest drafted player in USF history.
11. Buffalo – Dan Connor, LB, Penn St.
It would be nice if the Bills could give Trent Edwards another target to complement Evans, but unless they trade down, I don’t see them taking a WR in the first. I was tempted to give them Connor, but they drafted Pousluzney last year. With Kenny Philips still on the board that was an interesting thought, but they need more help in stopping the run. Even though I didn’t want to do it, I had to give them Connor as there are no DL on the board worthy of this pick, and by drafting Connor they can improve both their run and pass (hopefully) defenses.
12. Denver – Kenny Phillips, S, Miami
Denver is in an interesting dilemma, they have a system where they believe that anybody can run the ball for 1,000 yards in. However, their o-line has just not been up to it lately. Another option is Kenny Philips, and with an aging secondary, including John Lynch a year or two away from retirement, I just can’t see them passing on such an exceptional talent if he actually falls this far in the draft.
13. Carolina – Ryan Clady, OL, Boise State
What am I supposed to do with Carolina…they have problems all over the place. My first thought was to give them Malcom Kelly, as there were no defensive players worthy of this pick. With Clady falling this far it was an interesting debate, but I think that if your going to have a one player passing attack, you should at least have another option to take away the double teams from Steve Smith. Ultimately I believe that they have to settle (ha) for Clady as he solidifies an o-line that surrendered 33 sacks this last year.
14. Chicago – Jeff Otah, OL, Pitt
Well this sucks for Chicago. Clady almost fell into their laps, and I was really tempted to give Carolina Kelly. Now the question falls on where is the Bear’s most pressing need and does the available talent match it? I don’t think so, as I believe that their biggest need is a DT to replace Tank Johnson. Unless they take a flier on Frank Okam, I see this pick going to solidfy their pretty weak offense. I was tempted by Woodson here, as I don’t think much of Brohm or Brennan, but I believe that Woodson is going to fall through the first, so the bears should be able to pick him up later if they are as high on him as their fans are. This may be a bit early for him, but I can easily see them taking Jeff Otah to help cut down on those 43 sacks last year. That just might fix their QB problem too.
15. Detroit – Antione Cason, CB, Arizona
Detroit has needs just about everywhere on the defensive side of the ball. I can also see them taking a QB to start grooming behind Kitna, as he is definitely not getting any younger (BTW Kitna, are you going to guarantee the superbowl next year?) I see them taking a CB at this spot though because that is where I believe that the value is the highest. They just happen to get the Thorpe award winner and a 4 year starter in the Pac 10.
16. Arizona – Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida
I know that Arizona fans probably want Jonathan Stewart or Mendenhall here, but I don’t see them taking a RB when I believe that Whisenhunt thinks that Edge can still be effective. I believe that Arizona has more problems on the defensive side of the ball, where all they have is Adrian Wilson. If Connor is still on the board, I can see him coming off right here. Another o-lineman to solidify their line and keep building it would be a good option, but ultimately this pick has to be a defensive one. What better way than to get a pass rusher in Harvey.
17. Minnesota – Reggie Smith, S, Okalahoma
Minnesota is set on their o- and d-lines. If they do have a problem, it’s that they don’t generate a pass rush on d, and they have an ineffective QB. I don’t think they are going to give up on Jackson yet, however, I can see them addressing their pass defense with a pass rusher or a corner. I honestly don’t think that Talib is worthy of this pick, so I go with Smith, who will learn under Sharper and eventually replace him.
18. Houston – Malcom Kelly, WR, Okalahoma
What to do with Houston…I’m tempted to give them Stewart, but I don’t think that the coaching staff down there believes in drafting a RB this high when they have a Denver state of mind where anyone can run for 1000 yards. Ultimately I believe that they give Schaub another target to go across from Johnson, and in doing so don’t have to worry about him being out for over half the season.
19. Philadelphia – Calais Campbell, DE, Miami
Talib is an option here, but I just don’t see it. I was thinking DeSean Jackson, but I believe that Philly could easily pick up a guy like Donnie Avery later on. Ultimately, I was down to Merling and Campbell. Campbell is more of a risk, but his upside is through the roof and he could easily become a pro bowler.
20. Tampa Bay – DeSean Jackson, WR, California
This pick was easy for me. Joey Galloway is a great receiver, but he is getting up there in years and could retire at any time. Also, Ike Hilliard is not getting any younger. In Jackson they get an explosive playmaker who will make an immediate impact returning kicks and has the ability to stretch the field.
21. Washington – Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
Sweed and Washington are a perfect fit. Washington needs a big WR who can go up and get jump balls. They don’t need a small WR to stretch the field, they already have that. Sweed will be a perfect compliment to the receivers they already have and will be able to work out of the slot until he is fully ready.
22. Dallas – Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas
I know that I said that I didn’t think that Talib would go in the first, but Dallas is thin at corner. They do have two good ones, but the depth there is a big reason why that team didn’t do so well in the playoffs. I believe that Dallas scoops him up here because they don’t believe that he would make it past the teams between here and where they pick again.
23. Pittsburgh – Sam Baker, OL, USC
With Faneca likely gone, the Steelers could use an o-lineman to add depth, even if he returns next season. Their defense has been solid in previous years, but without Polamalu, they had some issues. I believe that they will take a S in later rounds for added depth, but in the first they have to take Baker or Cherilus. I’m leaning towards Baker. Another option here is Quentin Groves, a tweener who would be able to play either 3-4 OLB or 4-3 end, whichever Tomlin settles on. Ultimately they add depth at o-line though, especially if Faneca leaves.
24. Tennessee – Early Douchet, WR, LSU
Haynesworth may be leaving, Young doesn’t have a good target at WR to throw to. “Pac Man” may never get back in the league. So many holes, so little time. Ultimately I have to think that the Titans continue their maturing process on offense by giving Vince Young a big target to throw to in Early Douchet. I was very tempted to give them Adarius Bowman, but I think that Tennessee sticks with the kid from the SEC.
25. Seattle – Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon
First of all, even if the Seahawks can’t manage to get rid of Alexander something has got to give in the running game. Stewart is a local kid with game-breaking ability and he runs hard! If Stewart is not on the board here, I am inclined to think that they still fix the problem that is their running game, but I can’t see them taking Mendenhall. Cherilus would be the other option here or a playmaking TE such as Carlson or Bennett, but I suspect that at one of them will be available in the second or third rounds.
26. San Diego – Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina
San Diego is one of those teams that has very few needs. Their defense is strong, but they do have some depth issues (except at CB). They could use another TE or WR, because until Chambers and Jackson stepped up in the playoffs, Gates was their only option. I don’t think that Okam is worthy of this pick anymore, so I have to go with the big guy Kentwan Balmer to add depth to their DL and perhaps give Phillips a few plays off once in a while. Also possible: trading out of the first to get picks in the second and third, since they don’t pick again until the fourth.
27. Jacksonville – Philip Merling, DE, Clemson
I don’t even know where to start with Jacksonville. I don’t believe that the talent here matches up with their needs. I wanted to give them a player in the secondary, but I just can’t see the remaining S or CB being worthy of this pick. A pass rushing DE would help, but I’m not sure if Merling is worthy of this pick.
28. San Francisco – Gosder Cherilus, OL, Boston College
Even with SF being a division rival they baffle me. Are they going to give up on Smith? Would they take Brohm or Woodson here? If they do give up on Smith though I find it hard to see them taking either one of those guys. I think that Brennan caught Martz’s eye at the senior bowl and they take a chance on him later in the draft. They have to improve their o-line since it is definitely getting older. A WR isn’t out of the question, but I don’t think that they go that direction in the first when they have WR’s that should flourish under Martz. Another though is to go with Steve Justice, since I’m not sure how they are at center. Maybe with this pick, the line will be able to make sure Smith doesn’t get his shoulder separated by a Seahawks defender on the third play was it…
29. Dallas Cowboys – Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois
With Rashard Mendenhall falling this far, I can’t help but give him to the Cowboys. This pick will ultimately depend on whether or not they bring back Jones. If they do, I doubt they go RB here, but I don’t have them bringing back Jones.
30. Green Bay – Justin King, CB, Penn St.
I gave serious consideration to the corner’s available here, but I don’t think that the value at corner that’s left is worthy of this pick. They may take a flier on Patrick Lee or Justin King, but I don’t see that happening. Ali Highsmith was definetly worth a thought, and he would improve their already young core of LB’s. Felix Jones gets a thought here because I’m not a big believer of Ryan Grant’s even after he ran for 200 yards against the Seahawks. Ultimately, I have to give thim Justin King, just because he runs faster than Lee.
31. New York Giants – Patrick Lee, CB, Auburn
The giants have needs at S, CB, and DT. I’m not quite sure that the value left on the board matches any of those positions. With Jones still on the board here, they have to be tempted to draft him, but that pick is probably not worth that when they have two RB’s already who are both pretty good I can’t see it happening. Is Patrick Lee or Thomas DeCeod worth this pick? I think that the best player that fits their needs is Lee, but DeCeod is right there as well. Okam is not worth this pick.
32. New England - Forfieted
1. Miami – Chris Long, DE, Virgina
The more I think about this pick, the more I like it. I mean Long has it alla non-stop motor, the ability to get after the QB, and not to mention he has some alright bloodlines *cough*. As with almost everyone else, I believe that Miami goes with Long first, however I would not be surprised to see this pick traded.
2. St. Louis – Jake Long, OT, Michigan
Since the Seahawks play the Rams twice a year, I get to see them a little more than I would like to. Offensively, they are set at all the skill positions. They need help along either line, and if you don’t believe me check out their sack totals and sacks allowed against the Seahawks the last two years. I think that their o-line needs more help however, so I believe that they go that route and start grooming Orlando Pace’s replacement or start him at RT right away.
3. Oakland – Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
I know, this is a shocker, Ellis going over Dorsey. However, I wouldn’t underestimate the USC ties that Kiffin has, or the fact that Ellis came into the Senior Bowl @ 305 which IMO shot him way up draft boards. Dorsey has had more media attention, but I can’t help but think that given the choice between two guys who are about the same weight-wise and have both had highly successful careers, that Oakland sticks with the more familiar kid in Ellis.
NOTE: If Kiffin is gone, I don’t think that Oakland goes with Ellis, but with Dorsey.
4. Atlanta – Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
I am one of those people who believe that Atlanta doesn’t have as big of a QB problem as many make it out to be. Plus, with the way that Redman lit up the Hawks D, it is hard for me to find fault there. Ultimately I believe that they go with the BPA and get a new face to their franchise, with what should be a popular pick. Even if Norwood comes on next year, I have trouble believing that he is a franchise back and would be better served if he shared carries with McFadden
5. Kansas City – Glen Dorsey, DT, LSU
Kansas City gets to address one of their needs, although it probably isn’t the one that they want, but with Long off the board, they have little choice unless they decided to reach for Clady. Getting Dorsey solidifies their line for the foreseeable future and would add a dominant d-lineman who can get penetration.
6. New York Jets – Vernon Ghoulston, DE, Ohio State
We all know that Mangini has been trying to build a 3-4, but I would say that he hasn’t quite finished acquiring all the pieces yet. Ghoulston is your prototypical DE/OLB tweener and I believe that Mangini will find it hard to pass on such a physical freak, even if for no better reason that to stop the Patriots from getting him.
7. New England – Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy
This pick got a lot tougher when Laurinitis didn’t declare for the draft. I don’t see the Patriots hanging onto this pick, but since I’m not projecting trades I had to give them a CB as there is no way that the Patriots retain Samuel and they have little depth at that position. I debated McKelvin, Cason, and Jenkins here. None of them have the ball skills of Samuel, so they may address their depth with more than one pick in the secondary later on and I can see them taking a player like Chevis Jackson later on, but for the moment, I have to think that McKelvin is the pick.
8. Baltimore – Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
Baltimore is a tough team for me to pick. My first thoughts are LB and CB as they are aging at those positions. With McKelvin off the board, and seeing as how their depth at corner is pretty thin I was inclined to give them Jenkins. Then, I thought about what happened when Ray Lewis went out and suddenly Connor and Rivers are in the mix. QB was also an option, even though they have the “Troy Smith Experiment” going on there. Ultimately, I think that they take Ryan even with Smith on board because in Ryan they get a guy who has most of the tangibles and intangibles to succeed, whereas in Smith they have a guy with mostly intangibles, plus the new coaching staff may not like Smith. I’ll be the first to admit that this is a reach for a QB and I believe that Smith should get a shot, but new coaching staff usually means new QB, especially when there isn’t an established one on the roster.
9. Cincinatti – Keith Rivers, LB, USC
Oh Cincy…how you have disappointed once again. This pick was fairly easy for me as the Bengals have absolutely no depth at LB and never know when the next one is going to end up in prison or suspended by the league. Both Keith Rivers and Dan Connor would suit their needs, and they both have so much going for them. Rivers has played for a national championship team, Connor is from the “LB U”. Rivers wore the legendary 55 jersey, Connor just won the best LB award. Ultimately, I give the spot to Rivers because I believe that he has more upside than Connor.
10. New Orleans – Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida
Lets face it, the Saints secondary has sucked it up, and they still haven’t found someone to play opposite of Mackenzie. Mike Jenkins is a solid player who fills a need, and in the process becomes the highest drafted player in USF history.
11. Buffalo – Dan Connor, LB, Penn St.
It would be nice if the Bills could give Trent Edwards another target to complement Evans, but unless they trade down, I don’t see them taking a WR in the first. I was tempted to give them Connor, but they drafted Pousluzney last year. With Kenny Philips still on the board that was an interesting thought, but they need more help in stopping the run. Even though I didn’t want to do it, I had to give them Connor as there are no DL on the board worthy of this pick, and by drafting Connor they can improve both their run and pass (hopefully) defenses.
12. Denver – Kenny Phillips, S, Miami
Denver is in an interesting dilemma, they have a system where they believe that anybody can run the ball for 1,000 yards in. However, their o-line has just not been up to it lately. Another option is Kenny Philips, and with an aging secondary, including John Lynch a year or two away from retirement, I just can’t see them passing on such an exceptional talent if he actually falls this far in the draft.
13. Carolina – Ryan Clady, OL, Boise State
What am I supposed to do with Carolina…they have problems all over the place. My first thought was to give them Malcom Kelly, as there were no defensive players worthy of this pick. With Clady falling this far it was an interesting debate, but I think that if your going to have a one player passing attack, you should at least have another option to take away the double teams from Steve Smith. Ultimately I believe that they have to settle (ha) for Clady as he solidifies an o-line that surrendered 33 sacks this last year.
14. Chicago – Jeff Otah, OL, Pitt
Well this sucks for Chicago. Clady almost fell into their laps, and I was really tempted to give Carolina Kelly. Now the question falls on where is the Bear’s most pressing need and does the available talent match it? I don’t think so, as I believe that their biggest need is a DT to replace Tank Johnson. Unless they take a flier on Frank Okam, I see this pick going to solidfy their pretty weak offense. I was tempted by Woodson here, as I don’t think much of Brohm or Brennan, but I believe that Woodson is going to fall through the first, so the bears should be able to pick him up later if they are as high on him as their fans are. This may be a bit early for him, but I can easily see them taking Jeff Otah to help cut down on those 43 sacks last year. That just might fix their QB problem too.
15. Detroit – Antione Cason, CB, Arizona
Detroit has needs just about everywhere on the defensive side of the ball. I can also see them taking a QB to start grooming behind Kitna, as he is definitely not getting any younger (BTW Kitna, are you going to guarantee the superbowl next year?) I see them taking a CB at this spot though because that is where I believe that the value is the highest. They just happen to get the Thorpe award winner and a 4 year starter in the Pac 10.
16. Arizona – Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida
I know that Arizona fans probably want Jonathan Stewart or Mendenhall here, but I don’t see them taking a RB when I believe that Whisenhunt thinks that Edge can still be effective. I believe that Arizona has more problems on the defensive side of the ball, where all they have is Adrian Wilson. If Connor is still on the board, I can see him coming off right here. Another o-lineman to solidify their line and keep building it would be a good option, but ultimately this pick has to be a defensive one. What better way than to get a pass rusher in Harvey.
17. Minnesota – Reggie Smith, S, Okalahoma
Minnesota is set on their o- and d-lines. If they do have a problem, it’s that they don’t generate a pass rush on d, and they have an ineffective QB. I don’t think they are going to give up on Jackson yet, however, I can see them addressing their pass defense with a pass rusher or a corner. I honestly don’t think that Talib is worthy of this pick, so I go with Smith, who will learn under Sharper and eventually replace him.
18. Houston – Malcom Kelly, WR, Okalahoma
What to do with Houston…I’m tempted to give them Stewart, but I don’t think that the coaching staff down there believes in drafting a RB this high when they have a Denver state of mind where anyone can run for 1000 yards. Ultimately I believe that they give Schaub another target to go across from Johnson, and in doing so don’t have to worry about him being out for over half the season.
19. Philadelphia – Calais Campbell, DE, Miami
Talib is an option here, but I just don’t see it. I was thinking DeSean Jackson, but I believe that Philly could easily pick up a guy like Donnie Avery later on. Ultimately, I was down to Merling and Campbell. Campbell is more of a risk, but his upside is through the roof and he could easily become a pro bowler.
20. Tampa Bay – DeSean Jackson, WR, California
This pick was easy for me. Joey Galloway is a great receiver, but he is getting up there in years and could retire at any time. Also, Ike Hilliard is not getting any younger. In Jackson they get an explosive playmaker who will make an immediate impact returning kicks and has the ability to stretch the field.
21. Washington – Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
Sweed and Washington are a perfect fit. Washington needs a big WR who can go up and get jump balls. They don’t need a small WR to stretch the field, they already have that. Sweed will be a perfect compliment to the receivers they already have and will be able to work out of the slot until he is fully ready.
22. Dallas – Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas
I know that I said that I didn’t think that Talib would go in the first, but Dallas is thin at corner. They do have two good ones, but the depth there is a big reason why that team didn’t do so well in the playoffs. I believe that Dallas scoops him up here because they don’t believe that he would make it past the teams between here and where they pick again.
23. Pittsburgh – Sam Baker, OL, USC
With Faneca likely gone, the Steelers could use an o-lineman to add depth, even if he returns next season. Their defense has been solid in previous years, but without Polamalu, they had some issues. I believe that they will take a S in later rounds for added depth, but in the first they have to take Baker or Cherilus. I’m leaning towards Baker. Another option here is Quentin Groves, a tweener who would be able to play either 3-4 OLB or 4-3 end, whichever Tomlin settles on. Ultimately they add depth at o-line though, especially if Faneca leaves.
24. Tennessee – Early Douchet, WR, LSU
Haynesworth may be leaving, Young doesn’t have a good target at WR to throw to. “Pac Man” may never get back in the league. So many holes, so little time. Ultimately I have to think that the Titans continue their maturing process on offense by giving Vince Young a big target to throw to in Early Douchet. I was very tempted to give them Adarius Bowman, but I think that Tennessee sticks with the kid from the SEC.
25. Seattle – Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon
First of all, even if the Seahawks can’t manage to get rid of Alexander something has got to give in the running game. Stewart is a local kid with game-breaking ability and he runs hard! If Stewart is not on the board here, I am inclined to think that they still fix the problem that is their running game, but I can’t see them taking Mendenhall. Cherilus would be the other option here or a playmaking TE such as Carlson or Bennett, but I suspect that at one of them will be available in the second or third rounds.
26. San Diego – Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina
San Diego is one of those teams that has very few needs. Their defense is strong, but they do have some depth issues (except at CB). They could use another TE or WR, because until Chambers and Jackson stepped up in the playoffs, Gates was their only option. I don’t think that Okam is worthy of this pick anymore, so I have to go with the big guy Kentwan Balmer to add depth to their DL and perhaps give Phillips a few plays off once in a while. Also possible: trading out of the first to get picks in the second and third, since they don’t pick again until the fourth.
27. Jacksonville – Philip Merling, DE, Clemson
I don’t even know where to start with Jacksonville. I don’t believe that the talent here matches up with their needs. I wanted to give them a player in the secondary, but I just can’t see the remaining S or CB being worthy of this pick. A pass rushing DE would help, but I’m not sure if Merling is worthy of this pick.
28. San Francisco – Gosder Cherilus, OL, Boston College
Even with SF being a division rival they baffle me. Are they going to give up on Smith? Would they take Brohm or Woodson here? If they do give up on Smith though I find it hard to see them taking either one of those guys. I think that Brennan caught Martz’s eye at the senior bowl and they take a chance on him later in the draft. They have to improve their o-line since it is definitely getting older. A WR isn’t out of the question, but I don’t think that they go that direction in the first when they have WR’s that should flourish under Martz. Another though is to go with Steve Justice, since I’m not sure how they are at center. Maybe with this pick, the line will be able to make sure Smith doesn’t get his shoulder separated by a Seahawks defender on the third play was it…
29. Dallas Cowboys – Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois
With Rashard Mendenhall falling this far, I can’t help but give him to the Cowboys. This pick will ultimately depend on whether or not they bring back Jones. If they do, I doubt they go RB here, but I don’t have them bringing back Jones.
30. Green Bay – Justin King, CB, Penn St.
I gave serious consideration to the corner’s available here, but I don’t think that the value at corner that’s left is worthy of this pick. They may take a flier on Patrick Lee or Justin King, but I don’t see that happening. Ali Highsmith was definetly worth a thought, and he would improve their already young core of LB’s. Felix Jones gets a thought here because I’m not a big believer of Ryan Grant’s even after he ran for 200 yards against the Seahawks. Ultimately, I have to give thim Justin King, just because he runs faster than Lee.
31. New York Giants – Patrick Lee, CB, Auburn
The giants have needs at S, CB, and DT. I’m not quite sure that the value left on the board matches any of those positions. With Jones still on the board here, they have to be tempted to draft him, but that pick is probably not worth that when they have two RB’s already who are both pretty good I can’t see it happening. Is Patrick Lee or Thomas DeCeod worth this pick? I think that the best player that fits their needs is Lee, but DeCeod is right there as well. Okam is not worth this pick.
32. New England - Forfieted