By Dave Ryan

1. Miami Dolphins-Chris Long-DE-Virginia

Bye, bye Jason Taylor, hello Chris Long. Is there really anyone out there who doubts Bill Parcells’ penchant for snatching up players that fit his “mold”? The looming trade of Jason Taylor opens up a big time hole at defensive end, and there’s a very high probability that Chris Long is the guy to replace him in Miami.

Last Week’s Pick (2/22): Chris Long-DE-Virginia

 

 

1. St. Louis Rams-Jake Long-OT-Michigan

Probably a bit of a no-brainer at this point considering the 6’8 Long is the best offensive lineman in this draft and the Rams have been anemic at best at protecting the quarterback in recent years. Long should prove to be everything people are expecting him to be, and will anchor a revived St. Louis line for years to come.

Last Week’s Pick (2/22): Jake Long-OT-Michigan

 

 

1. Atlanta Falcons-Matt Ryan-QB-Boston College

The six year deal that free agent Michael Turner signed with Atlanta on Sunday pretty much solidified that Darren McFadden will not be going to the Falcons with this pick, but that doesn’t mean you should completely rule out the possibility of a trade here. The Falcons will ultimately decide to address their woeful quarterback situation, even if it means taking Matt Ryan six or seven picks before he should be coming off the board.

Last Week’s Pick (2/22): Darren McFadden-RB-Arkansas

 

 

1. Oakland Raiders-Darren McFadden-RB-Arkansas

The Raiders are known for being a team that gravitates towards the flashier side when looking for potential prospects, and when McFadden slips to them at the fourth pick they will have a big time decision to make: Do they want to attempt to hold strong with Justin Fargas and LaMont Jordan in their backfield, or go for the gold by drafting one of the single best tailback prospects we’ve seen in the last decade? Let’s hope they make the right decision.

Last Week’s Pick (2/22): Ryan Clady-OT-Boise State

 

 

1. Kansas City Chiefs-Glen Dorsey-DT-LSU

It’s probably not their biggest need, but the Chiefs can’t pass up taking a player who has been considered by many to be the best overall player in this class. Dorsey would solidify the middle of the Chiefs defensive line for years, and also team with fellow youngster Tank Tyler to form the most devastating “all you can eat buffet” tandem in the league.

Last Week’s Pick (2/22): Glen Dorsey-DT-LSU

 

 

1. New York Jets-Keith Rivers-LB-USC

This is where things start to get interesting. The Jets have a number of different options at their disposal here including defensive linemen Vernon Gholston and Sedrick Ellis, but a linebacker like Rivers makes the most sense with Jonathan Vilma no longer on the roster. In such a weak linebacker class, the Jets could hit a home run here with the selection of the ultra athletic Rivers out of Southern Cal.

Last Week’s Pick (2/22): Vernon Gholston-DE-Ohio State

 

 

1. New England Patriots-Vernon Gholston-DE-Ohio State

Even though cornerbacks Randall Gay and Asante Samuel will both be suiting up for different teams next season, the Patriots are still in a prime position to select the best player available with the seventh pick in the draft. Ohio State’s monster at defensive end, Vernon Gholston, is New England’s best choice in this scenario, and gives them a pass rusher who has the versatility to play in any defensive set.

Last Week’s Pick (2/22): Keith Rivers-LB-USC

 

 

1. Baltimore Ravens-Antoine Cason-CB-Arizona

The duo of Samari Rolle and Chris McAllister looks to be slowing down quicker than Ravens management would like, so it’s clear that cornerback is one of the most glaring needs for Baltimore this offseason. With Matt Ryan already off the board, Ravens’ brass goes with the safe pick here and not only addresses a need, but they grab the best corner that the draft has to offer in the process.

Last Week’s Pick (2/22): Matt Ryan-QB-Boston College

 

 

1. Cincinnati Bengals-Rashard Mendenhall-RB-Illinois

As unfortunate it might be as a fellow Michigan fan, it’s painfully obvious that the Chris Perry project isn’t going to materialize any time soon in Cincy. Throw in Rudi Johnson’s increasing age and decreasing durability, and the running back position starts to look at little bit hazy for next season. This is a perfect time for the Bengals to invest in their future, and Mendenhall could play a huge role the second he steps on the field in a Bengals’ uniform.

Last Week’s Pick (2/22): Derrick Harvey-DE-Florida

 

 

1. New Orleans Saints-Sedrick Ellis-DT-USC

The signing of Randall Gay out of New England coupled with a steal of a trade to land linebacker Jonathan Vilma gives the Saints two more defensive playmakers to build around. A bit unexpected to see Ellis drop to them at #10, New Orleans makes the smart choice and snatches him up to shore up their own lackluster line play.

Last Week’s Pick (2/22): Mike Jenkins-CB-South Florida

 

 

1. Buffalo Bills-Limas Sweed-WR-Texas

Now that the Bills have acquired the rock that is Marcus Stroud to man their defensive line, it’s looking more and more like Buffalo is set to upgrade their offense with this pick. Sweed has the size and athletic ability to be the first receiver off the board, and would make a nice red-zone target for developing quarterback Trent Edwards to have at his disposal.

Last Week’s Pick (2/22): Limas Sweed-WR-Texas

 

 

1. Denver Broncos-Malcolm Kelly-WR-Oklahoma

Oft-injured big play threat Javon Walker is left searching for his third team in the last four years after being cut by the club a few days ago, a move that now opens the door for the Broncos to upgrade their currently depleted receiving corps. If last year’s breakout star Brandon Marshall is indeed a “Baby Terrell Owens” like so many have already dubbed him, then Kelly’s comparison as a “Plaxico Burress clone” might just be enough to leave an everlasting smile on quarterback Jay Cutler’s face.

Last Week’s Pick (2/22): Sedrick Ellis-DT-USC

 

 

1. Carolina Panthers-Brian Brohm-QB-Louisville

Another choice from last week’s mock that just makes too much sense to alter. Brohm would bring a big time arm and plenty of poise in the pocket to a Carolina offense that appears to lack any serious direction for the future. Plus, how great would it be to see Matt Ryan and Brohm facing off as divisional rivals for the next eight years? Gotta love it.

Last Week’s Pick (2/22): Brian Brohm-QB-Louisville

 

 

1. Chicago Bears-Ryan Clady-OT-Boise State

It’s almost inevitable that the offensive tackle position will be more coveted come draft day than we feel like it should be right now, but hey, that’s just how things usually work out. If Jake Long is the unanimous #1 tackle prospect, then Ryan Clady out of Boise State is a near unanimous number two. Sure, the odds are great that some team will feel like paying Clady like a top six or seven pick (ala Levi Brown last year), but this spot is a more realistic representation of where Clady should be coming off the board.

Last Week’s Pick (2/22): Branden Albert-G-Virginia

 

 

1. Detroit Lions-Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie-CB-Tennessee State

After years and years of failed draft choices, Matt Millen’s supposed draft strategy of taking the most highly touted player out of the biggest college at the position he doesn’t need might need a bit of a retooling phase. So by my calculations, the polar opposite of that is to draft a guy from a tiny, lesser known college who has only started to receive his hype recently, as opposed to being touted by the media for most of his career. It’s a complete shame that the entire Ford family has no clue about what the NFL Draft actually is, but hey, that’s why they have Millen in the first place, right?

Last Week’s Pick (2/22): Antoine Cason-CB-Arizona

 

 

1. Arizona Cardinals-Derrick Harvey-DE-Florida

Hopefully there’s at least one person in the entire Cardinals’ organization that has the ability to look back into the past and remind everyone about the whole J.J. Arrington experiment that took place a few years back. Even though he was an early second round pick rather than a mid first rounder, Arrington’s descension into mediocrity is well documented (Heck, I even drafted him onto my fantasy team when he was a rookie for pete’s sake!). As enticing as Jonathan Stewart might be here for Zona, the Cardinals have bigger needs and the defensive end position is a great place to start.

Last Week’s Pick (2/22): Rashard Mendenhall-RB-Illinois

 

 

1. Minnesota Vikings-Calais Campbell-DE-Miami

You’ve really got to be impressed with what the Vikings are doing so far this offseason. Their two biggest holes have been addressed via free agency (Bernard Berrian-WR, Madieu Williams-S), leaving them with a great opportunity to snag a potential star with this selection. Even though the Vikings have invested plenty of time and money on the defensive end position multiple times in the past with mixed results, the 6’8 Campbell is flying under the radar and could finally create some semblance of a pass rush in Minneapolis next season.

Last Week’s Pick (2/22): Kenny Phillips-S-Miami

 

 

1. Houston Texans-Jonathan Stewart-RB-Oregon

Anyone who thought Houston’s attempt at solving their running back by committee situation ended with the signing of Ahman Green last summer is absolutely delusional (or works for the Houston Texans). The 2008 NFL Draft is loaded with elite level running back talent, along with being filled of plenty of teams that look to be scared to draft a running back in the first round. So that makes this selection all that much easier. Stewart would not only excel in a zone blocking scheme, but he’d be a legit rookie of the year contender along with Darren McFadden and Limas Sweed.

Last Week’s Pick (2/22): Jonathan Stewart-RB-Oregon

 

 

1. Philadelphia Eagles-Jeff Otah-OT-Pittsburgh

The signing of Asante Samuel was the one big splash for the Eagles in free agency, and it’s somewhat difficult to pinpoint exactly what direction the club will go in with this pick. The one thing we do know is that we can expect Philly to ignore the quarterback position after surprising everyone with Kevin Kolb last year. With that said, getting a little more insurance for the big guy under center might turn out to be the wisest decision to make here, especially with Malcolm Kelly and Limas Sweed already off the board.

Last Week’s Pick (2/22): Malcolm Kelly-WR-Oklahoma

 

 

1. Tampa Bay Bucs-Frank Okam-DT-Texas

There doesn’t seem to be any more discrepancy among potential draftees this year than with that of Texas defensive tackle Frank Okam. Some have considered him as a late second or maybe third round prospect, while others (wink, wink) see him as a ridiculous combination of size, speed and strength at the defensive tackle position. If the Bucs are actually content with their underachieving rotation on the inside, then it’s clear that they aren’t paying enough attention.

Last Week’s Pick (2/22): Jeff Otah-OT-Pittsburgh

 

 

1. Washington Redskins-Kenny Phillips-S-Miami

As much as we’ve all tried to avoid slotting Phillips to the Redskins to “replace” the late Sean Taylor at safety, it makes too much sense to ignore at this point. The comparisons are going to pop up all over the place due to them both being ex-Miami players at the same position, so we’re going to just roll with it and hope that Phillips can make the type of impact Taylor once did on a game to game basis.

Last Week’s Pick (2/22): Calais Campbell-DE-Miami

 

 

1. Dallas Cowboys-Leodis McKelvin-CB-Troy

Rising up draft boards due to a stellar combine performance, Leodis McKelvin has rekindled thoughts of DeMarcus Ware’s rise to prominence four years ago. Obviously they are both products from the same college, but McKelvin and Ware both greatly increased their draft stock almost solely because of their individual workouts. The Cowboys need more depth at the cornerback position, so using this pick to grab a potential playmaker on defense is definitely the right move.

Last Week’s Pick (2/22): Jamaal Charles-RB-Texas

 

 

1. Pittsburgh Steelers-Mike Jenkins-CB-South Florida

For the sake of the 22 teams picking before the Steelers, Mike Jenkins really has no business dropping this far. If he does however, then the Steelers would be foolish to overlook his combination of size and speed. He fits their physical style of play, and would make people forget all about the pick the Steelers used on Bryant McFadden a few years back.

Last Week’s Pick (2/22): Aqib Talib-CB-Kansas

 

 

1. Tennessee Titans-Aqib Talib-CB-Kansas

Whether they were deserving of a playoff berth or not, the Titans made things happen last year because of their play on defensive side of the ball alone. Whether you are a Pacman Jones fan or not, it’s time to face the facts and simply move on in terms of the cornerback position. Talib isn’t the physical specimen that some of his peers might be, but his size and instincts in zone coverage are hard to match, and should assure that he comes off the board around this time.

Last Week’s Pick (2/22): Mario Manningham-WR-Michigan

 

 

1. Seattle Seahawks-Branden Albert-G-Virginia

As the top offensive guard in the draft, Branden Albert has to start getting prepared to see his name popping up in a wide range of draft positions. Some consider Albert a mild first rounder stuck in a lackluster class at guard, but regardless, the Seahawks would be ecstatic to see him drop into their lap considering their need for a dominant inside force on their offensive line. Albert has the size and athletic ability to start almost immediately in Seattle, but only time will tell on how well he adjusts to the NFL game.

Last Week’s Pick (2/22): Frank Okam-DT-Texas

 

 

1. Jacksonville Jaguars-Ali Highsmith-LB-LSU

After failed attempts to find a star at receiver, the Jaguars decided to aggressively pursue the position this offseason. Unfortunately, a trade for Troy Williamson and a six year, $30 million contract given to Jerry Porter don’t appear to be moves that will push the Jaguars further into the playoffs. In essence, that means it should be back to the basics for the Jacksonville management. The Jags have uncovered some elite talent on defense in recent years due to their excellent scouting staff, and Highsmith could be another one of those “gems” due to his relentless pursuit of ball carriers.

Last Week’s Pick (2/22): Mario Manningham-WR-Michigan

 

 

1. San Diego Chargers-Quentin Groves-DE/LB-Auburn

More of a luxury pick than a direct need, the Chargers could be one heck of a scary opponent on defense with Groves running around at full speed. Coupled with Pro Bowl rusher Shawne Merriman, Auburn’s versatile defensive end would bring another hefty dose of athletic ability to what is already one of the best defenses in the league. Groves also holds plenty of value as a linebacker, and could very well find himself as a starter in San Diego’s 3-4 defense sooner rather than later.

Last Week’s Pick (2/22): Ali Highsmith-LB-LSU

 

 

1. Dallas Cowboys-Jamaal Charles-RB-Texas

If the Cowboys do in fact draft a corner with their 22^nd pick, then this selection will most likely be used to grab the best player available. Ironically, a glaring hole at running back is about to open up in Dallas if Julius Jones skips town, which would allow Jerry Jones to grab whatever big time tailback falls to him at this slot. Charles is a speedy in-state product as well, and would mesh well with the bruising running style that current starter Marion Barber puts on display.

Last Week’s Pick (2/22): Reggie Smith-CB-Oklahoma

 

 

1. San Francisco 49ers-Chris Williams-OT-Vanderbilt

Although this seems like an ideal spot for Arkansas’ Felix Jones to make an appearance, the 49ers just signed the injury prone DeShaun Foster to handle their backup running back position this past weekend. That still leaves San Francisco with a bunch of underachieving offensive linemen on their roster. Chris Williams is another huge tackle (are there any small offensive tackles out there anyway?) to fly off the board, giving Mike Nolan’s crew another big body to protect his stable of hall of fame quarterbacks like Chris Weinke and Trent Dilfer.

Last Week’s Pick (2/22): Sam Baker-OT-USC

 

 

1. Green Bay Packers-Shawn Crable-LB-Michigan

Unless Brady Poppinga is about to take the world by storm, it appears that the Packers could use a strong-side linebacker. There are plenty of names that come to mind, but the raw, yet extremely athletic Shawn Crable might be the most intriguing when looking at what the Packers are trying to do. As many know, Crable is expected to take a little bit of time to develop, but his physical tools make it very likely that he’ll eventually turn into a very good NFL linebacker with solid coaching.

Last Week’s Pick (2/22): Dan Connor-LB-Penn State

 

 

1. New York Giants-Dan Connor-LB-Penn State

Even though they might not have been entirely prepared to lose two linebackers (Reggie Torbor and Kawika Mitchell) to free agency, the defending Super Bowl champs can reload quickly with the selection of the talented Dan Connor to signal the end of the first round. Connor should be able to play both on the inside and at outside linebacker as well from time to time, which gives the Giants even more flexibility on the defensive side of the ball.

Last Week’s Pick (2/22): Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie-CB-Tennessee State

 

 

 

Stock Watch:

Going Up:

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie-CB-Tennessee State (+16)

Antoine Cason-CB-Arizona (+7)

Rashard Mendenhall-RB-Illinois (+7)

Malcolm Kelly-WR-Oklahoma (+7)

Matt Ryan-QB-Boston College (+5)

Sedrick Ellis-DT-USC (+5)

Frank Okam-DT-Texas (+5)

Calais Campbell-DE-Miami (+4)

Keith Rivers-LB-USC (+1)

Jeff Otah-OT-Pittsburgh (+1)

Ali Highsmith-LB-LSU (+1)

 

Going Down:

Mike Jenkins-CB-South Florida (-13)

Branden Albert-G-Virginia (-11)

Ryan Clady-OT-Boise State (-10)

Derrick Harvey-DE-Florida (-7)

Jamaal Charles-RB-Texas (-6)

Kenny Phillips-S-Miami (-4)

Darren McFadden-RB-Arkansas (-1)

Vernon Gholston-DE-Ohio State (-1)

Dan Connor-LB-Penn State (-1)

 

Added this Week:

Leodis McKelvin-CB-Troy

Quentin Groves-DE-Auburn

Chris Williams-OT-Vanderbilt

Shawn Crable-LB-Michigan

 

Dropped Out this Week:

DeSean Jackson-WR-California

Mario Manningham-WR-Michigan

Reggie Smith-CB-Oklahoma

Sam Baker-OT-USC

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