Two Round Mock With Analysis
by Josh Gaier
Josh Gaier breaks down the first two round of the 2008 NFL Draft.
1) Miami Dolphins - Jake Long, Offensive Tackle, Michigan
As the draft gets closer and closer, this pick is starting to make the most sense, despite the recent rumblings of Long apparently not wanting to play in South Beach. The Dolphins desperately need to revamp their offense, and going from the inside out would be a good start. Long would provide the Dolphins with a franchise-caliber left tackle who would enter the league with great experience, character, flawless technique and a powerful physical demeanor.
2) St. Louis Rams - Chris Long, Defensive End, Virginia
The Rams lack a consistent pass rush, and they most likely will be forced to make a tough decision between Chris Long and Vernon Gholston. However, in the end, Long’s body of work will be too much to pass over, as he was equally impressive against the run and rushing the passer in college. Long will instantly bolster the Rams’ lackluster pass rush and will be a force against the run.
3) Atlanta Falcons - Glenn Dorsey, Defensive Tackle, Louisiana State
Although the Falcons may flirt with the temptation of Matt Ryan, it appears Dorsey is going to be the pick. New head coach Mike Smith departs from Jacksonville where his defense was so dependent upon having big, penetrating defensive tackles, and Dorsey fits that mould. Dorsey will bring the Falcons a defensive tackle that can rush the passer, has the strength to play stout against the run and is a player with tremendous character.
4) Oakland Raiders - Darren McFadden, Running Back, Arkansas
Owner Al Davis has a knack for falling in love with physical specimens, and pairing a backfield up with last year’s top overall pick, quarterback JaMarcus Russell, and the top running back in this year’s class must tingle Davis’ taste buds. The Raiders offense was rather lethargic last year, and adding a player as explosive as McFadden should be an immediate upgrade, as he’s capable of scoring every time he touches the ball. The Raiders can certainly go a number of directions with this pick, including Chris Long, Glen Dorsey or Vernon Gholston.
5) Kansas City Chiefs - Branden Albert, Offensive Guard/Tackle, Virginia
The Chiefs’ craving for an offensive tackle might force them to pay filet mignon price for a Salisbury steak. Although Albert has slowly risen to the potential of a top 10 pick, he still doesn’t warrant the No. 5 overall pick. Nevertheless, the Chiefs desperately need help along the offensive line, and Albert is a versatile player who can play anywhere with the exception of center.
6) New York Jets - Vernon Gholston, Outside Linebacker, Ohio State
Head coach Eric Mangini is continuing to install the 3-4 defense, and in order to do so needs to continue disposing of the cover-2 players from the Herm Edwards regime. Last year the Jets were equally atrocious against the run and rushing the passer, so Gholston would help fill both those voids. Although Gholston tends to disappear from games, his athletic skills are undeniable as his potential is as high as the sky. Gholston would make an immediate impact for the Jets pass rush as he’d start from outside linebacker from day one.
7) New England Patriots - Keith Rivers, Linebacker, Southern California
The Patriots’ offense is near impeccable, but their linebacker corps needs to inject some youth. Rivers is an athletic machine who has the potential to play any position along the four linebacker positions. Although he needs to refine his pass rushing skills, Rivers is stout against the run and has the speed to stay active in coverage. A top-tier corner would be tempting to the Patriots as well at this pick, but the aging linebackers are a more pressing need. However, knowing the tools of the Patriots, don’t be surprised if they trade down.
Baltimore Ravens - Matt Ryan, Quarterback, Boston College
This would be the dream scenario for the Ravens. After Steve McNair announced his retirement, it made a mole hill feel like a mountain in terms of need at the quarterback position. Ryan would bring to the Ravens a leader, a gun slinger and a player with Tom Brady-like savvy. In other words, he has all the unmeasurable attributes general managers salivate over when selecting their franchise quarterback. The Ravens may be forced to trade up to snatch the former Boston College quarterback, but if all goes well for the Ravens, Ryan will follow the trend of recent top quarterback prospects and plummet his way to number eight.
9) Cincinnati Bengals - Sedrick Ellis, Defensive Tackle, Southern California
Like the previous selection, this would be the dream scenario for the Bengals. Ellis employs quickness, strength, natural pass rushing skills and does a terrific job creating penetration. The Bengals’ defensive woes continue to haunt them year after year, and a large part of that is their ineptness of stopping the run. Thus, Ellis would be a match made in heaven as he has the strength to hold his own in the run game, while at the same time would collapse the pocket when pass rushing.
10) New Orleans Saints - Leodis McKelvin, Cornerback, Troy
Come draft day, the Saints will be crossing their fingers that hometown product Glenn Dorsey, or Senior Bowl stud Sedrick Ellis magically falls to them. However, that doesn’t seem to be a likely scenario. As a consolation prize, the Saints end up with McKelvin - a small-school cornerback with exceptional feet and man skills. The Jason David signing last year hasn’t panned out thus far, and the Saints find themselves extremely vulnerable against the pass. By adding McKelvin, the Saints are hoping to find the next great lockdown, man corner that is so vital to the success of their 4-3 defense.
11) Buffalo Bills - Devin Thomas, Wide Receiver, Michigan State
The Bills will be yearning to trade back, but the trade market appears to be scarce. Over recent weeks, while Malcolm Kelly has continued to drop, Thomas has exponentially risen. Although questions arise about Thomas being a one-year wonder, his physical skills are marvelous. Without a doubt Thomas has the most potential out of all the ‘08 receivers, and the Bills need a player to play opposite Evans and provide sophomore quarterback Trent Edwards another viable target. The Bills also need help at corner, so Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Aqib Talib are potential picks.
12) Denver Broncos - Ryan Clady, Offensive Tackle, Boise State
The Broncos zone-blocking scheme requires them to have quick, agile linemen, and Clady fits that to a T. Although Clady lacks overpowering strength, he atones for it with quickness, athleticism and technique. Collectively, all three are strengths that the Broncos covet in offensive linemen. Despite the Broncos’ biggest need being defensive tackle, with no defensive tackle left worth taking this high the Broncos should turn their attention to either Clady or fellow ‘08 left tackle, Chris Williams.
13) Carolina Panthers - Derrick Harvey, Defensive End, Florida
The Panthers’ lack an end presence opposite Julius Peppers as they are filled with aging vets. After Harvey dazzled in workouts, his stock has skyrocket and he might not even be available at this point. Nonetheless, Harvey knows how to get to the quarterback, and uses his natural athleticism, quickness and closing speed to attack. Also, he has dramatically improved against the run during each of his years at Gainesville. Other options for the Panthers at this pick are Chris Williams, Ryan Clady and Jeff Otah.
14) Chicago Bears - Jeff Otah, Offensive Tackle, Pittsburgh
Chris Williams would be a very intriguing pick, and the Bears might find themselves shuffling between the two up until the pick. However, in the end, the Bears will opt for Otah - a physical mauler who will help the Bears get back to their power-running game. In addition, Otah has a ton of potential as he has all the physical tools to become a complete tackle in the NFL. The Bears could also throw a curveball and select Rashard Mendenhall, but with Cedric Benson still young and the line struggling, expect Lovie Smith to start revamping the trenches.
15) Detroit Lions - Rashard Mendenhall, Running Back, Illinois
The Lions fired Mike Martz in an effort to run the ball more often. With Tatum Bell the only viable option left and him severely lacking a physical running game, Mendenhall seems like the logical pick as he’ll add some stability to the running game. He’ll spark the offense by adding a dynamic running back who can churn out the tough yards, but at the same time can make a player miss and take it the distance. By adding Mendenhall, the Lions would also add some balance to their offense which already includes a solid quad of receivers Roy Williams, Calvin Johnson, Mike Furrey and Shaun McDonald.
16) Arizona Cardinals - Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Cornerback, Tennessee State
Ideally, the Cardinals would like Mendenhall to slip to them. However, if that doesn’t happen the Cardinals will most likely bolster their secondary as it has fragile written all over it. Rodgers-Cromartie is a physical talent that has size, feet, and excellent ball skills. With the Cardinals having leaks all across their back four, Rodgers-Cromartie will have the opportunity to play both cornerback and safety.
17) Minnesota Vikings - Phillip Merling, Defensive End, Clemson
As of now, the Vikings are still talking to the Chiefs about the possibly of acquiring Jared Allen. However, unless the two work a deal out before the draft, defensive end remains the top priority for the purple and gold. Merling is a big defensive end who knows how to rush the passer, but also has the size to contain in the running game. The Vikings could also be in the market for a cornerback with this selection, but defensive end is a much more pressing issue.
18) Houston Texans - Chris Williams, Offensive Tackle, Vanderbilt
The Texans hit the jackpot as they fill both best value and need. To make matters even better for the Texans, Williams is an excellent fit for the zone-blocking scheme that head coach Gary Kubiak runs. In addition, Williams is a quick, agile tackle who has quickly become known as this year’s finesse left tackle. With the defense still needing some tweaking, specifically at the cornerback position, don’t be surprised if the Texans end up selecting a cover-man if the top blockers aren’t available.
19) Philadelphia Eagles - Jerod Mayo, Linebacker, Tennessee
Despite a need at wide receiver, the Eagles have shown the tendency to shy away from drafting one in the first round. In a perfect world, one of the top-tier linemen would fall to them, but that doesn’t appear to be the case. And, with Lito Sheppard’s name dangling in trade rumors with the Bills, cornerback may very well be a pressing need. Nevertheless, Mayo is an extremely athletic linebacker who will be able to play both inside and outside in the Eagles’ 4-3 defense. With Spikes departure, a void opens up and Mayo fills that.
20) Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Mike Jenkins, Cornerback, South Florida
The Bucs end up selecting the homegrown product Mike Jenkins as they look to get younger at corner. Jenkins is a physical corner who can jam at the line and play in both zone and man. He also has good hands and is at his best when facing the quarterback, making him intriguing for the Tampa-2 defense. The Bucs are also looking to add a sparkplug on offense through speed, so speedster DeSean Jackson is a very strong possibility at this pick.
21) Washington Redskins - James Hardy, Wide Receiver, Indiana
Unfortunately for the Redskins, they miss out on all the top defensive ends and are forced to pick against their biggest need in the first round. Although there is no clear-cut No. 2 receiver, Hardy has the size to compliment Santana Moss and the speed to stretch the field. His natural skills are undeniable, but Hardy needs polishing on his route running. Another possible pick here could be Calais Campbell if the Skins decide to reach.
22) Dallas Cowboys - Aqib Talib, Cornerback, Kansas
With their trade with Pacman Jones up in shambles and no clear solution in sight, the Cowboys select Talib and do so with excellent value. The Boys could go a number of directions with his pick, but with their corner rotation thin, Talib is too hard to pass up at this point. However, Arkansas running back Felix Jones and Texas wide receiver Limas Sweed are both intriguing offensive specimens that will excite Jerry Jones and can possibly sway him from drafting defense.
23) Pittsburgh Steelers - Kentwan Balmer, Defensive Tackle, North Carolina
The Steelers could go a number of directions with their selection. The offensive line as a whole could use work, which means Gosder Cherilus could wind up being the pick. Also, wide receiver is a need, but with the depth of the class the Steelers can hold off until the second round. Thus, with the 3-4 defensive end spot still needing an upgrade for the often injured and aging Aaron Smith and Brett Keisel, Balmer seems like the most logical selection. He can immediate earn the starting job and help cement the Steelers a solid 3-4 end rotation.
24) Tennessee Titans - DeSean Jackson, Wide Receiver, California
The Titans have consistently pounded the ball since the Vince Young era began, but that has to change for Young and the Titans to take the next step. As of now, they are filled with a plethora of mediocre receivers and lack a true star who commands attention. By selecting Jackson, the Titans would find themselves a receiver with Olympic-style speed and a tough, reliable receiver who has deceiving traits for his small size. Another option could be a defensive tackle to play alongside Albert Haynesworth or another wide receiver such as Limas Sweed.
25) Seattle Seahawks - Jonathan Stewart, Running Back, Oregon
The Hawks stay in the northwest by selecting Oregon product Jonathan Stewart. With Shawn Alexander’s MVP form a now distant memory and with Maurice Morris nothing but a decent backup, running back could still be used. And, although Julius Jones was signed, he’ll be nothing more than a spell back in Seattle. By adding Stewart, the Hawks would supply a powerful, fast runner who can do it all. It’ll help return this once dominating running game back to the promise land. Other possible selections could be a wide receiver or a tight end who can stretch the field, such as Dustin Keller.
26) Jacksonville Jaguars - Calais Campbell, Defensive End, Miami
Despite a lackluster junior year and mediocre offseason workouts, the Jags end up picking Florida native Calais Campbell. The biggest need for the Jags is across their defensive line, and at this point Campbell is the top available defensive linemen left. He has intriguing size at 6-foot-6, 290 pounds, and could fit in the Jags’ end rotation from day one. Other possible picks include Quentin Groves and Lawrence Jackson, two other defensive end prospects.
27) San Diego Chargers - Gosder Cherilus, Offensive Tackle, Boston College
The Chargers don’t have any glaring needs when you scan across their depth chart. However, right tackle has the most cause for concern. Cherilus is a mauler who is a natural born right tackle. He’s overpowering the run game and has the strength to contain in pass blocking. So, the dream scenario would be for Cherilus to fall to 27, but that’s up in the air. If he’s not available, the Chargers have the luxury of selecting the best player available, even if it means a stud running back to backup left tackle.
28) Dallas Cowboys - Limas Sweed, Wide Receiver, Tennessee
Felix Jones is a tempting pick, and Jerry Jones might be even more inclined to pick him since he herds from Arkansas. However, with the depth at running back in the class the Boys can find themselves a compliment to Barber in the later rounds. By selecting Sweed the Boys fill a need and a future star replacement for the aging Owens. Despite being decimated by injuries, Sweed has a big body, is a fluid athlete, and has terrific hands. He can line up in the slot as a rookie or even challenge Terry Glenn and Patrick Crayton for a starting job.
29) San Francisco 49ers - Malcolm Kelly, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma
Bryant Johnson, without a doubt, should help the adequate 49ers wide receivers and Isaac Bruce will give them what he has left in the tank, but the 49ers still need a wide out. Kelly has fallen from going as high as 11th overall to the bottom of the first round, if not later. Nonetheless, Kelly is a big body that knows how to run routes, get open and catch the ball. By selecting Kelly, the team supplies Alex Smith with three new legitimate targets as he’ll most likely need a good season to avoid being labeled a complete bust. The 49ers can also look at Quentin Groves with this pick as they need a pass rusher opposite Manny Lawson and right tackle Godser Cherilus, if he falls this far.
30) Green Bay Packers - Brandon Flowers, Cornerback, Virginia Tech
The Packers offer a pair of excellent corners, but they lack depth and both their starters are up there in age. By drafting Flowers, the Packers will add youth into a group of seasoned corners. His ability to jam at the line, rarely get beat by receivers and making plays on the ball bode well for the Packers’ scheme. The Packers shocked the league last year and don’t have a ton of needs across their depth chart, so expect some corner to be the pick.
New England Patriots - Forfeited
31) New York Giants - Kenny Phillips, Safety, Miami
The defending Super Bowl champs have needs at both safety and linebacker, but with the lack of depth of this year’s safety class, the Giants will have their choice of the first safety taken in the draft. Phillips is a physical specimen who has all the tools to become the next great Hurricane safety - he fills hard against the run, can play in the box, can play man and has the speed to roam in zone. Phillips offers an immediate upgrade to a weak Giants secondary. Dan Connor is also a very intriguing choice for the Giants at this pick as he offers tremendous value and fills a need.
32) Miami Dolphins - Chad Henne, Quarterback, Michigan
33) St. Louis Rams - Dan Connor, Linebacker, Penn State
34) Atlanta Falcons - Joe Flacco, Quarterback, Delaware
35) Kansas City Chiefs - Antoine Cason, Cornerback, Arizona
36) New York Jets - Curtis Lofton, Inside Linebacker, Oklahoma
37) Atlanta Falcons - Justin King, Cornerback, Penn State
38) Baltimore Ravens - Patrick Lee, Cornerback, Auburn
39) San Francisco 49ers - Quentin Groves, Outside Linebacker, Auburn
40) New Orleans Saints - Dustin Keller, Tight End, Purdue
41) Buffalo Bills - Fred Davis, Tight End, Southern California
42) Denver Broncos- Pat Sims, Defensive Tackle, Auburn
43) Carolina Panthers - Brian Brohm, Quarterback, Louisville
44) Chicago Bears - Felix Jones, Running Back, Arkansas
45) Detroit Lions - Lawrence Jackson, Defensive End, Southern California
46) Cincinnati Bengals - Jordy Nelson, Wide Receiver, Kansas State
47) Minnesota Vikings - Tyrell Johnson, Safety, Arkansas State
48) Atlanta Falcons - Duane Brown, Offensive Tackle, Virginia Tech
49) Philadelphia Eagles - Mario Manningham, Wide Receiver, Michigan
50) Arizona Cardinals - Ray Rice, Running Back, Rutgers
51) Washington Redskins - Cliff Avril, Defensive End, Purdue
52) Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Chris Johnson, Running Back, East Carolina
53) Pittsburgh Steelers - Early Doucet, Wide Receiver, Louisiana State
54) Tennessee Titans - Trevor Laws, Defensive Tackle, Notre Dame
55) Seattle Seahawks - John Carlson, Tight End, Notre Dame
56) Green Bay Packers - Martellus Bennett, Tight End, Texas A&M
57) Miami Dolphins - Charles Godfrey, Cornerback, Iowa
58) Jacksonville Jaguars - Dre Moore, Defensive Tackle, Maryland
59) Indianapolis Colts - Chilo Rachal, Offensive Guard, Southern California
60) Green Bay Packers - Sam Baker, Offensive Tackle, Southern California
61) Dallas Cowboys - Jamaal Charles, Running Back, Texas
62) New England Patriots - Oniel Cousins, Offensive Tackle, UTEP
63) New York Giants - Tavares Gooden, Linebacker, Miami