Dave Ryan breaks down the first two rounds and gives his analysis for each pick.

By Dave Ryan

1^st Round

The negotiations have already started, and it looks like Michigan’s Jake Long is the guy that Miami’s brass appears to be zeroing in on. With what is essentially another first round pick (#32) in their back pocket, the Dolphins can sit back and take the best player available with their next selection knowing that they have the best offensive tackle in the draft already in tow.

Remaining Needs: QB, DE, LB, CB, S

1. St. Louis Rams-Chris Long-DE-Virginia

Locked in at number one on these weekly mocks for a while now, Chris Long doesn’t figure to slip too far if he isn’t Miami’s guy at the top slot. The Rams lack the ability to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and Long’s relentless motor should give them a great building block on their defensive line.

Remaining Needs: WR, OG, OT, LB, CB

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

With three second round picks, the Falcons can go after Ryan here and still manage to address plenty of needs later in the draft. Ryan has the pedigree of an NFL starting quarterback, and would start almost immediately for the Falcons next year.

Remaining Needs: TE, OT, DT, CB, S

1. Oakland Raiders-Darren McFadden-RB-Arkansas

Move over Justin Fargas, McFadden is the most talented player available in this draft and would excel in a Raiders uniform next season. The Raiders are supposedly in love with both McFadden and Vernon Gholston, but another flashy offensive toy like McFadden should prove to be too hard for Al Davis to ignore.

Remaining Needs: WR, OT, LB

1. Kansas City Chiefs-Ryan Clady-OT-Boise State

The Chiefs have to be upset that they didn’t end up with Jake Long here, but Ryan Clady is the next best guy by default. This is about as high as Clady’s rising stock can take him come draft day, but on a basis of need, offensive line is the only position that the Chiefs should be looking at here.

Remaining Needs: QB, OG, DT, CB

1. New York Jets-Vernon Gholston-DE-Ohio State

While he has the talent to be considered among the top players selected this year, the Jets might find themselves in a position to take Ohio State’s Vernon Gholston, a player who many consider to be the top pass rusher available in the draft. Gholston’s athleticism allows for him to do some special things on the football field, and the Jets could add a dangerous threat on defense if Gholston is their guy.

Remaining Needs: QB, RB, CB, S

1. New England Patriots-Glen Dorsey-DT-LSU

The Patriots don’t appear to be hinging on this pick in an effort to save their future like so many other teams before them might be this year, so we could very well see New England go with the best player available on the board. At this point, with a top five talent like Glen Dorsey still hanging around, the Pats might decide that they don’t want to let him drop any further.

Remaining Needs: RB, OT, LB, CB

1. Baltimore Ravens-Leodis McKelvin-CB-Troy

Even though they won’t be landing Matt Ryan with this selection, the Ravens can fill a major need by getting a top cornerback like Leodis McKelvin here. McKelvin probably has the most value out of any of the corners in this class due to his top notch return skills, and he should electrify fans in Baltimore the moment he steps on the field.

Remaining Needs: QB, OT, DT

1. Cincinnati Bengals-Sedrick Ellis-DT-USC

While it might be tempting to look at a running back like Rashard Mendenhall here, the Bengals have a serious lack of presence on the interior of their defensive line. Southern Cal’s Sedrick Ellis has just as much NFL potential as fellow classmate Glen Dorsey, and Cincinnati would be foolish to let him pass them by.

Remaining Needs: RB, TE, DE, LB, S

1. New Orleans Saints-Keith Rivers-LB-USC

Impressing many at USC’s recent Pro Day, linebacker Keith Rivers doesn’t figure to be sticking around much longer if the Saints decided to go a different direction with this pick. As the consensus top linebacker in the draft, New Orleans would be getting a guy who can step up next year and get on the field right away and make a major impact in the process.

Remaining Needs: RB, WR, TE, DT, CB

1. Buffalo Bills-Mike Jenkins-CB-South Florida

With shutdown corners set to fly off the board, the Bills can get more value out of this year’s draft by going with a corner in round one and a receiver in round two. Jenkins would not only start from day one in Buffalo, but he should eventually develop into the best overall cornerback in this entire class.

Remaining Needs: WR, TE, DT, S

1. Denver Broncos-Branden Albert-OG-Virginia

Due to a weak receiver class, the Broncos should be able to get a versatile lineman like Virginia’s Branden Albert here and still get a respectable #2 receiver in the second round. Albert can fill in at both guard and tackle for the Broncos, and he’s a good enough athlete to excel in their zone blocking scheme over time.

Remaining Needs: WR, OT, DT, LB

1. Carolina Panthers-Derrick Harvey-DE-Florida

A pass rushing threat to team with Julius Peppers is clearly an intriguing option for the Panthers here, even if they are enticed by the option of drafting Louisville’s Brian Brohm. Harvey has all the makings of a franchise defensive end, while still filling a major need for the Panthers.

Remaining Needs: QB, WR, DT, CB, S

1. Chicago Bears-Brian Brohm-QB-Louisville

The charade has gone on long enough; it’s time for the Bears to get serious about their horrible quarterback situation. Brian Brohm has just as much upside as Matt Ryan does, and he should be able to open the season as the starting quarterback for Chicago.

Remaining Needs: RB, WR, OG, OT, S

1. Detroit Lions-Rashard Mendenhall-RB-Illinois

The city of Detroit has been desperately craving a franchise back since the Barry Sanders-Era ended, and Mendenhall has the talent to start immediately. With offensive weapons like Calvin Johnson and Roy Williams, the addition of Mendenhall would instantly give the Lions one of the more explosive offenses in the conference.

Remaining Needs: QB, OT, DT, DE, LB

1. Arizona Cardinals-Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie-CB-Tennessee State

Even with questions about Edgerrin James’ durability, the Cardinals can’t make the mistake of ignoring a cornerback with this first round pick. Cromartie could potentially be gone much earlier, but the Cardinals would be foolish to not take the next best cornerback in line if he’s not available.

Remaining Needs: RB, OT, LB, S

1. Minnesota Vikings-Jeff Otah-OT-Pittsburgh

With a poor track record on their first round defensive ends over the past few years, the Vikings should opt to look for a future starter at the right tackle position on their offensive line. Jeff Otah is a great option to fill that role, and he could have plenty of success blocking for Adrian Peterson for the next few years in Minnesota.

Remaining Needs: QB, DE, CB, S

1. Houston Texans-Jonathan Stewart-RB-Oregon

Don’t let Houston’s signing of ex-Titan Chris Brown fool you, the Texans still desperately need to upgrade the running back position this year in the draft. If Stewart is on the board here then there isn’t another pick the Texans could make that would be more beneficial to their team for the long run.

Remaining Needs: OT, CB, S

1. Philadelphia Eagles-Reggie Smith-S-Oklahoma

Aside from Brian Dawkins, the Eagles are looking to be pretty thin at safety for next year. Reggie Smith’s ability to play any position in the secondary would be a major plus for the Eagles, and he should certainly be here when the Eagles make this selection.

Remaining Needs: WR, OT, DE, LB

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Antoine Cason-CB-Arizona

The loss of cornerback Brian Kelly to free agency opens up a hole in the Tampa Bay secondary, and there isn’t a corner that projects to be a better fit for the Bucs than Arizona’s Antoine Cason. The extremely underrated Cason is another guy who could end up flying off the board much earlier, but the Bucs would wind up with a major steal if he’s still available when they make this pick.

Remaining Needs: QB, WR, OT, DT

 

1. Washington Redskins-Kenny Phillips-S-Miami

The sudden death of Pro Bowler Sean Taylor unfortunately opens up a hole at the safety position in Washington, and going with a top 20 talent like Kenny Phillips in the first round might prove to be their smartest move. Philips has the instincts to eventually develop into one of the better players at the position in the NFL, and would thrive alongside current safety LaRon Landry.

Remaining Needs: WR, OG, OT, DE

1. Dallas Cowboys-Limas Sweed-WR-Texas

Never afraid to go with an in-state product, Jerry Jones wouldn’t surprise anyone if he pulled the trigger on Texas’ Limas Sweed here. Sweed has the size and athletic ability to stretch the field alongside Terrell Owens, and would add another weapon to the already loaded Dallas offensive set.

Remaining Needs: RB, OT, DE, CB

1. Pittsburgh Steelers-Chris Williams-OT-Vanderbilt

With so many of the top corners already taken, the Steelers can focus on getting the best offensive lineman available here. Chris Williams is still ranked as a top five offensive tackle in this draft, so Pittsburgh would be getting a ton of value by grabbing him here.

Remaining Needs: WR, OG, DE, LB, CB

1. Tennessee Titans-DeSean Jackson-WR-California

With plenty of options to choose from at the receiver position, the Titans should opt for a speedy game-changer like Jackson to give Vince Young his first serious deep threat. Jackson is also a dynamic special teamer, and would give the Titans a top notch return man capable of filling Pacman Jones’ shoes without much of a dropoff.

Remaining Needs: OG, DE, LB, CB

1. Seattle Seahawks-Aqib Talib-CB-Kansas

Even with his recent character concerns, Aqib Talib is unquestionably one of the most talented players at the cornerback position in this draft. Talib would add plenty of grit and toughness to a secondary that certainly can use an upgrade.

Remaining Needs: WR, TE, OG, DT

1. Jacksonville Jaguars-Phillip Merling-DE-Clemson

Potential options at safety like Kenny Philips and Reggie Smith are long gone, so the Jaguars would be wise to get a speedy edge rusher like Phillip Merling. Jacksonville remains thin on their defensive line, so it wouldn’t surprise anyone to see Merling at the very least compete for a starting role next season.

Remaining Needs: QB, LB, CB, S

1. San Diego Chargers-Gosder Cherilius-OT-Boston College

Last year’s second round pick Marcus McNeill has been a pleasant surprise, but the Chargers remain unbelievably weak in terms of depth on their offensive line. Cherilius would be great value at this point in the first round, and he could play a major role at the right tackle position next year for San Diego.

Remaining Needs: RB, LB, DE, CB, S

1. Dallas Cowboys-Felix Jones-RB-Arkansas

Even though the Cowboys should probably go with a defensive back here, Felix Jones still being on the board could force Dallas to ignore needs altogether to grab another explosive offensive weapon. Felix Jones would be a dangerous threat alongside Marion Barber in the Cowboys backfield next season, and he might just wind up being one of the bigger steals when we look back on this draft class in a couple years.

Remaining Needs: OT, DE, CB

1. San Francisco 49ers-Jerod Mayo-LB-Tennessee

It’s strange to think that the second ranked linebacker in any draft might drop to the 29^th pick, but Mayo might not fit in any better than he would with San Francisco. If he’s there, the 49ers would end up with a perfect compliment to Patrick Willis at linebacker and end up creating one heck of a duo at the position.

Remaining Needs: RB, WR, OG, S

1. Green Bay Packers-Justin King-CB-Penn State

Adding another corner to add some depth behind starters Al Harris and Charles Woodson is a move that the Packers should seriously consider on draft day. Although a record number of cornerbacks are set to be drafted in the first round, Justin King still represents early second round talent and isn’t seen as that much of a reach at all for Green Bay in this situation.

Remaining Needs: QB, RB, OT, DT, LB

1. New York Giants-Shawn Crable-LB-Michigan

The Giants have proven to be extremely effective with their defensive rotation, but they still aren’t very deep at the linebacker position. Michigan’s ultra athletic Shawn Crable might seem like a reach at this point, but he possesses the raw tools to eventually be a dangerous player if the Giants are patient with him.

Remaining Needs: OT, CB, S

2^nd Round

1. Miami Dolphins-Dan Connor-LB-Penn State

With Connor and Jake Long, Bill Parcells has himself two potential Pro Bowlers on the either side of the ball. Connor is a ferocious sideline-to-sideline tackler, and he could easily be the face of the Dolphins defense for years to come.

Remaining Needs: QB, OT, CB, S

1. St. Louis Rams-Malcolm Kelly-WR-Oklahoma

One of the benefits of the Rams having so many holes on their roster is that they can pick up a potential stud like Malcolm Kelly this early in the round two. Kelly probably won’t slip this far even though his speed has foolishly come into question as of late, but it’s always possible with such a weak crop of wide receivers this year.

Remaining Needs: OG, DE, LB, CB

1. Atlanta Falcons-Kentwan Balmer-DT-North Carolina

With three second round picks at their disposal, the Falcons can go a variety of ways in terms of filling out their roster. Defensive tackle is surely one of those positions they are going to be looking for in this round, and grabbing North Carolina’s Kentwan Balmer might be a great value at the top of the second round like this.

Remaining Needs: TE, OT, CB, S

1. Kansas City Chiefs-Chad Henne-QB-Michigan

Brodie Croyle hasn’t quite blown people away when he’s had opportunities under center in the past, so the Chiefs might be wise to look at a quarterback here in the second round. Chad Henne has the poise and arm strength to eventually be successful in the NFL, and he would compete right away with Croyle for the starting job.

Remaining Needs: OG, DT, CB

1. New York Jets-Terrell Thomas-CB-USC

If cornerback isn’t the direction with their sixth overall pick, then the Jets need to be looking towards the position here in the second round. Many of the top prospects at defensive back have been selected, but USC’s Terrell Thomas is a proven player who should develop into a reliable starter down the road.

Remaining Needs: QB, RB, S

1. Atlanta Falcons-Quentin Groves-DE-Auburn

While not necessarily filling a major need, Auburn’s Quentin Groves would be a welcome addition to a somewhat lackluster Atlanta pass rush. Groves has the speed to make an impact at any point in a game, and he would team with fellow rookie Kentwan Balmer to give the Falcons some impressive building blocks on their defensive line.

Remaining Needs: TE, OT, CB, S

1. Baltimore Ravens-Joe Flacco-QB-Delaware

Assuming they were holding their breath to see if Matt Ryan would fall to them at the eighth pick, the Ravens should still be able to draft a top four quarterback when they make this selection. Delaware’s Joe Flacco clearly has the arm strength to play in the league, and Baltimore might not be able to pass him up knowing how desperate they are to finally fix their quarterback situation.

Remaining Needs: OT, DT

1. San Francisco 49ers-DaJuan Morgan-S-North Carolina State

Grabbing talented linebacker Jerod Mayo in the first round should provide to be beneficial for the 49ers, and San Francisco can beef up their defense even more with the addition of DaJuan Morgan here. He has been rising up draft boards as of late, and Morgan projects to be a very good starting free safety at the NFL level.

Remaining Needs: RB, WR, OG

1. New Orleans Saints-Earl Bennett-WR-Vanderbilt

After using their first rounder on another new defensive player, the Saints should use this pick to upgrade their offense. A durable running back still would remain a need, but if the Saints can get a first round talent like Earl Bennett here then it would give franchise quarterback Drew Brees another viable option in the passing game.

Remaining Needs: RB, TE, DT, CB

1. Buffalo Bills-James Hardy-WR-Indiana

Waiting until the second round to draft a receiver should pay off for the Bills this year, and Indiana’s James Hardy is an ideal fit here. Hardy has the size to be a major presence in the redzone, which is a major plus for a team that hardly has any size at the position to begin with.

Remaining Needs: TE, DT, S

1. Denver Broncos-Devin Thomas-WR-Michigan State

By waiting until the second round, the Broncos are still able to add a playmaker at the receiver position to play alongside starter Brandon Marshall. Devin Thomas might fly off the board much earlier even though he remains unproven, but the Broncos should still be able to get a receiver of his caliber here in the second.

Remaining Needs: OT, DT, LB

1. Carolina Panthers-Tyrell Johnson-S-Arkansas State

With poor luck on grabbing a quarterback to this point in the draft, the Panthers can keep on stockpiling defensive players to fill out the holes in their roster. Arkansas State’s Tyrell Johnson looks to not only be one of the fastest players at his position, but he appears to be the only small school player available that can step in and contribute as a starter right away.

Remaining Needs: QB, WR, DT, CB

1. Chicago Bears-Sam Baker-OT-USC

If the Bears do indeed go with Brian Brohm with their first round pick, then offensive line needs to be the major focus here in the second. Sam Baker probably has no business sliding this far, but if he does, the Bears would most definitely not let him drop any further.

Remaining Needs: RB, WR, OG, S

1. Detroit Lions-Calais Campbell-DE-Miami

Now that the running back situation is taken care of, the Lions need to look for a defensive lineman who can get to the quarterback. Calais Campbell was once mentioned as a top 20 pick before posting slower than expected combine numbers, but he would still represent a great value with loads of potential for the Lions here in the middle of the second round.

Remaining Needs: QB, OT, DT, LB

1. Cincinnati Bengals-Xavier Adibi-LB-Virginia Tech

As a prototypical weak-side linebacker, Adibi will probably end up going much higher than people will expecting on draft day. Cincinnati appears to be an ideal destination if he’s still available, and then the Bengals can turn their focus towards adding help on the offense side of the ball in the later rounds.

Remaining Needs: RB, TE, DE, S

1. Minnesota Vikings-Lawrence Jackson-DE-USC

Since the Vikings didn’t go with a major need like defensive end with their first round pick, it almost forces their hand into locking onto the position here in the second round. Lawrence Jackson might project mainly as a 3-4 defensive end, but he looks to have the talent to be able to excel in whatever scheme that is put in front of him, which is obviously a great thing for the Vikings.

Remaining Needs: QB, CB, S

1. Atlanta Falcons-Tracy Porter-CB-Indiana

The loss of star cornerback DeAngelo Hall expectedly leaves the Falcons pretty thin in the secondary. With both previous second round picks being used to upgrade the defensive line, Atlanta can focus solely on the cornerback position with their final pick of this round. Indiana’s Tracy Porter has flown under the radar a bit, but he would make for great value being Atlanta’s fourth pick so far in the draft.

Remaining Needs: TE, OT, S

1. Philadelphia Eagles-Chris Johnson-RB-ECU

By landing a versatile defensive back like Reggie Smith in the first round, it allows for the Eagles to make a non-conventional pick like Chris Johnson here in the second. Johnson would be able to spell Brian Westbrook at times on offense, along with providing a major spark on special teams.

Remaining Needs: WR, OT, DE, LB

1. Arizona Cardinals-Cliff Avril-LB-Purdue

Alongside the cornerback position, linebacker remains one of the most pressing needs for the Cardinals entering this summer. Purdue’s Cliff Avril is a tough-nosed player who would give Arizona a major upgrade at linebacker, along with given them an option at defensive end if they plan on using him there.

Remaining Needs: RB, OT, S

1. Washington Redskins-Carl Nicks-OT-Nebraska

The Redskins are desperate for offensive line help, and a run blocker like Carl Nicks could still be available when they make this pick. With the safety position already taken care of, Nicks would be a smart addition for a team that relies so heavily on their rushing attack.

Remaining Needs: WR, OG, DE

 

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Mario Manningham-WR-Michigan

With a major need like cornerback already addressed in the first, the Bucs can afford to take a chance on a potential playmaker like Mario Manningham. Although his stock has plummeted lately, Manningham has the skill to develop into an excellent #2 receiver and would be a steal this late in the second round.

Remaining Needs: QB, OT, DT

1. Pittsburgh Steelers-Brandon Flowers-CB-Virginia Tech

By getting Chris Williams to help on the offensive line, the Steelers should be able to go after a nickel corner for next season with this pick. Brandon Flowers has a very high upside for a player in the mid to late second round, and he could wind up being a very important part of Pittsburgh’s defense in no-time.

Remaining Needs: WR, OG, DE, LB

1. Tennessee Titans-Chris Ellis-DE-Virginia Tech

Even with Jevon Kearse back in town, the Titans can’t ignore the fact that they probably need to look at the defensive end position at least once in this draft. Chris Ellis is a defensive end that doesn’t really have a whole lot of weaknesses, and he’s seen as a very safe pick if the Titans were to look in his direction with this choice.

Remaining Needs: OG, LB, CB

1. Seattle Seahawks-Martin Rucker-TE-Missouri

Since hardly any teams appear ready to use high draft picks on a tight end this year, this might just be as far as the #1 tight end on the board drops in 2008. Seattle is a perfect place for the super athletic Rucker, and he fills one of their most pressing needs here with this pick.

Remaining Needs: WR, OG, DT

1. Green Bay Packers-Curtis Lofton-LB-Oklahoma

While it wouldn’t be out of the realm of possibilities for the Packers to package both of their second round picks in an effort to move up into the first round, they might just be better off staying put and filling out their roster instead. Curtis Lofton is a seasoned linebacker who would give Green Bay another sure tackler, along with giving the Packers a little more depth at a somewhat thin position.

Remaining Needs: QB, RB, DT

1. Miami Dolphins-Frank Okam-DT-Texas

With this pick being what amounts to an extra selection for the Dolphins; it makes sense for them to use it on a player with an extremely high upside. Texas defensive tackle Frank Okam is clearly a project by NFL standards, but his strength and overall athletic ability teamed with his massive size make him extremely intriguing at this point in the draft.

Remaining Needs: QB, OT, CB, S

1. Jacksonville Jaguars-Thomas DeCoud-S-California

Jacksonville’s first round pick a year ago was used on current safety Reggie Nelson, so it makes sense for them not to look at the position again until at least the second round this year. With most of the impact safeties set to fly off the board in the next twenty picks or so, the Jaguars should grab a potential starter in Thomas DeCoud here and pair him with Nelson in the secondary.

Remaining Needs: QB, LB, CB

1. Indianapolis Colts-Trevor Laws-DT-Notre Dame

With only one pick in the first two rounds of the draft this year, the Colts are still in a pretty decent position to grab a potential starter on either side of the ball. With defensive tackle being their main need, drafting a guy like Notre Dame’s Trevor Laws makes sense because he could sit for a year and eventually develop into a reliable starter on Indy’s defensive line.

Remaining Needs: WR, OG, LB

1. Green Bay Packers-Anthony Collins-OT-Kansas

With three picks in the first two rounds, the Packers most certainly need to make sure they snatch at least one offensive lineman with one of those selections. Collins, who grades out as an early second round pick, could be a steal if he’s still on the board here.

Remaining Needs: QB, RB, DT

1. Dallas Cowboys-Charles Godfrey-CB-Iowa

Waiting this long to grab a cornerback might not be in the best interests of the Cowboys, but it can pay off when a cornerback as talented as Charles Godfrey is still on the board. Iowa’s speedy corner might go much higher come draft day, but he probably won’t drop much further if he’s on the board when Dallas makes this pick.

Remaining Needs: OT, DE

1. New England Patriots-Dwight Lowery-CB-San Jose State

If the Patriots manage to wind up with Glen Dorsey in the first round, then cornerback appears to be the right direction to go in with this pick. A zone coverage specialist, San Jose State’s Dwight Lowery has the playmaking ability to surprise a ton of people if he’s put in the right system.

Remaining Needs: RB, OT, LB

1. New York Giants-Josh Barrett-S-Arizona State

Knowing that safety was a need that could’ve potentially been taken care of in the first round, the Giants would not likely let this pick pass without upgrading their secondary. With a great blend of size and speed, Josh Barrett has the tools to make an instant impact on defense for the Giants next year.

Remaining Needs: OT, CB

 

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