2008 NFL Mock Draft

Everyone and their mother comes out with a mock draft.  I’m far from a “draft expert” nor pretending to be, I honestly just wanted to get my predictions on paper and see how things end up shaking out.  So here it goes.  Here is The Pass Rush’s 2008 NFL mock draft:

Just a note: I just went off on a tangent, I’ll be proof-reading and editing later.  So here it goes.

1.) MIAMI DOLPHINS — CHRIS LONG (DE) — Knowing Parcells, the Dolphins will go defense.  Pressure wins football games, just ask the Giants.  Chris Long is their guy.  Howie’s kid is a lock to be a phenom in the NFL. He had an incredible combine.  A 277-pound man who can run a 4.7 — that’s impressive.  He also looked sharper in other drills compared to the other defensive players.

2.) ST. LOUIS RAMS — JAKE LONG (OT) — The first 4 players to be drafted will be Chris Long, Glen Dorsey, Darren McFadden, and Jake Long.  I’m sure that’s a lock.  Well, maybe Dorsey falls to 5.  Walter Football has the Rams reaching for Gholston after Chris Long is taken #1 to fill their need for a DE, but I think they would opt for Chris Long if the Dolphins pass on him; if the Dolphins take Chris Long, the Rams take Jake Long.  The Rams need a pass-rusher and a a guy who could prevent just that — that will  and prevent their QB Marc Bulger from getting another concussion.  I say they go Jake Long.  I don’t see Gholston going to the Rams with the 2nd pick.  The Browns went for Joe Thomas with the 3rd pick last year, something they don’t regret.

3.) ATLANTA FALCONS — DARREN McFADDEN (RB) — At #3 I expect the Falcons to with Darren McFadden.  Even though they need a QB and help defensive line, McFadden will be too big to pass up — 4.33 speed: that’s faster than Adrian Peterson.  They’ll always have options at QB in the 2nd round.  Brian Brohm would be the next available QB and the Dolphins or Falcons can pick him up in the 2nd round.  After that, QBs such as Andre Woodson (clear cut #3 QB in the draft), Chad Henne (who had a great Senior Bowl), and Joe Falco (slow, but great arm) are still available.   McFadden looks like a superstar who will immediately give them offense and it also fills a huge need.  Warrick Dunn is set to retire and Jerious Norwood is mediocre at best.

4.) OAKLAND RAIDERS — GLEN DORSEY (DT) — At #4, the Raiders should have the option of Glen Dorsey or Jake Long.  They were a league worst 32nd against the run last year and McFadden is off the board, so they address their need with the perfect DT — Glen Dorsey.   Dorsey would look great in black.

5.) KANSAS CITY CHIEFS — SEDRICK ELLIS (DT) — The top 4 are off the board and the Chiefs are pissed: they were really hoping Jake Long to slip to them.  I think the Chiefs are going to give Brodie Croyle a shot next year and their set with offensive skill-players (Tony Gonzalez, Larry Johnson, and Dwayne Bowe).  The Chiefs could use help on defense.  They franchised their amazing DE Jared Allen.  They could use help at DT, LB, or CB since they released Ty Law.  They have the option Vernon Gholston, but he’s suited for a 3-4.    They have Allen and Tamba Hali (7.5 sacks and 2 forced fumbles in his 2nd season) — they’re set at DE.  I say the Chiefs go for a very talented DT whose stock is rising: Sedrick Ellis out of USC.  His freakish athleticism is too much to pass up and he’ll fit perfectly on the line with their solid, young DEs.

6.) NEW YORK JETS — VERNON GHOLSTON (DE) — One thing I haven’t seen on any mock draft is Matt Ryan being drafted by the Jets at #6.  The Jets have the option of grabbing the best QB in this year’s draft or they can draft a defensive freak — Vernon Gholston.  That would pretty much, propel the remaining QBs in the draft down.  Most mock drafts have Ryan going to the Falcons at 3 or to Ravens at 8, but he’s a possibility to go to the Jets at 6.  Chad Pennington has no arm and the fans are calling for his head, and Kellen Clemens isn’t exactly a franchise quarterback.  I say there’s a good possibility the Jets go with Matt Ryan, but there’s a better chance they pass on him too: he’s only getting this much recognition because the media has to focus in on a top QB.  Ryan isn’t ready to go off the board when you have such a deep defensive draft and QB options remain open in the 2nd round.  If Ryan drops down the board, they could always trade their remaining picks to the Chargers at 27, who are in dire need of picks, or they could opt for a Brian Brohm or Andre Woodson.  Ultimately, Vernon Gholston is too amazing to pass up and fits perfectly in their defensive scheme.

7.) NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS — MICHAEL JENKINS (CB) — The Patriots are losing their top CB Asante Samuel so they’ll have to address their situation at CB.  They could use another linebacker and Gholston would be a good fit for them, but I have the Jets snagged him.  Their pick is between a handful of CBs: Leodis McKelvin, Mike Jenkins, Aqib Talib, or Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie.  I think it comes down to Jenkins or McKelvin.  The senior bowl rose McKelvin’s stock, but I still like Michael Jenkins here.

8.) BALTIMORE RAVENS — MATT RYAN (QB) — The Ravens need to find their franchise quarterback.  They have the defense, they have a few guys who can do something with the ball on offense (McGahee, Heap, Mason), they just don’t have a QB.  They could use a WR to replace the aging Mason (34), but the WR draft class is deep and they can easily get a solid WR in the 2nd round.  The Ravens grab the top QB in the draft at the 8th spot.

9.) CINCINATTI BENGALS — KEITH RIVERS (OLB) —  Their biggest need is at LB.  Last season was a disaster with injuries and lack of depth.  Keith Rivers is their guy.  He’s a freak (see YouTube Video).

10.) NEW ORLEANS SAINTS — KENNY PHILLIPS (S) — When you get a safety from Miami they’re usually a special player.  The Saints are in a bidding war with Philadelphia for Asante Samuel.  If they get Samuel, there’s a greater chance they take Kenny Phillips in the draft.  If not, they could opt to fill a need at corner and take Leodis McKelvin.  This may be a reach for Phillips, but I’m hearing the Saints are prepared to outbid Philly for Samuel and Phillips would be the last piece to fix the secondary.

11.) BUFFALO BILLS —  MALCOLM KELLY (WR) — BUFFALO BILLS — The Bills could use a WR to compliment Lee Evans.  Even though they had a banged up D last year, they held their own, so the more immediate need seems to be WR.  Offense has always been a problem for the Bills. They have the running back, they have the lightning-fast WR, they could use another WR like Malcolm Kelly or Limas Sweed to help take the offense to the next level.

12.) DENVER BRONCOS — DERRICK HARVEY (DE) — The Broncos have the corners, they used their first- and second-round picks last year to address DE.  They released Walker and could use a WR, but they can always grab one later.   I would narrow the options to OT Ryan Clady or DE Derrick Harvey.  Even though the Broncos drafted DEs last year, Moss got injured and the other isn’t to be scene on the depth chart. A DE like Harvey is too much to pass up and he’s a better prospect than Jarvis Moss.  Even though he’s better suited for a 3-4 system, his stock is rising, and he can still play in a 4-3 system.  The Denver Broncos are well known for their strategies on the pitch, just like many of us when playing poker games.

13.) CAROLINA PANTHERS — RYAN CLADY (OT) — The Panthers will be losing an OT and Clady, who is a great prospect, has slid down the board, so they’ll snatch him up.

14.) CHICAGO BEARS — CHRIS WILLIAMS (OT) — The Bears obviously need a QB, but they need help at OT just as much.  There will be QBs available in the 2nd round.  Most people agree Chris Williams is the 3rd best OT in the draft.

15.) DETROIT LIONS — JEFF OTAH (OT) — Can 3 offensive tackles be picked in  row?  I doubt it, but they all have OT needs, I wonder how the draft will shake out right about now.  You can make a case for Leodis McKelvin, Domique Rodgers-Cromartie,or Aqib Talib, but the Lions desperately need to protect Kitna’s blind side: the dude almost got KILLED last year.  Jeff Otah is the big body who can offer some protection.

16.) ARIZONA CARDINALS — PHILLIP MERLING (DE) — Most people like te Cards to go for a RB.  Sure, Edge’s days are numbered, but he’s still producing and you can grab a RB later.  Oregon’s Jonathan Stewart is tempting, but the Cards need more help on defense.  They could go for a corner Leodis McKelvin, but they drafted Antrelle Rolle with a 1st-round pick a few years ago and went out and got Rod Hood in free agency.  The Cards need to to improve their defensive line and Merling is just that guy who can secure it.

17.) MINNESOTA VIKINGS — LEODIS MCKELVIN (CB) — They have great run defense.  The offensive line and Purple Jesus have been great for them.  They could use help a CB or WR to help out the young Sidney Rice since they just traded Troy Williamson.  The Vikings could afford to get a WR later.  They need to help in the secondary to help out their league-worst passing defense and McKelvin is available.

18.) HOUSTON TEXANS — JONATHAN STEWART (RB) —  You can make a case for a CB like Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie, Reggie Smith, or Aqib Talib, but a ridiculously talented at RB is still on the board and the Texans have the chance to take him.  Houston’s run game was average last season.  They have aging, injured Ahman Green and fat-ass Ron Dayne, who surprisingly passed the 750-yard mark last season with 773 yards and 6 TDs to boot.  With an explosive weapon like Stewart, the Texans offense will be much better.  They’ve drafted to address their front-seven on defense and they (Mario Williams DeMeco Ryans) have been impressive.  The Texans add a young playmaker to take the offense to take it to the next level.

19.) PHILADELPHIA EAGLES — DOMINIQUE RODGERS-CROMARTIE (CB) —  The Eagles had their eyes set on an OT to replace Runyan and Tra Thoma when their time comes to retire, but they may also solve that need by picking up Alen Faneca in free agency and moving another lineman (possibly, Shawn Andrews) over to RT.  They could also grab a free agent to help their secondary: they should be able to land either Asante Samuel or Gibril Willson.  Unfortunately, the Panthers, Lions, and Bears snatched up the OTs that the Eagles had their eyes on in the first round.  The Eagles need another DE to help out Cole, help in the seconday, or a WR.  No OTs that Andy wants are on the board.  DeSean Jackson  is on the board, but Andy Reid is not going to use a first-round pick on WR, especially an undersized one.  Andy said defense and getting pressure on the QB is the season’s top priority.  That limits the Eagles options to DE and CB/S.  The Eagles have their choice of Calais Campbell, Aqib Talib, or Dominuque Rodgers-Cromartie.  The Eagles could also could stick to their philosophy of an OT and go for Virignia OG Branden Albert.  I keep hearing great things about the guy.  Although he wants to stay at guard, he can also be move to tackle.  The Eagles need to help out Trent Cole.  Releases to Jevon Kearse and possibly Darren Howard are on the way.  Calais Campbell has freakish size and has the potential to be the next Julius Peppers, but the bad news is he looked awful at the combine and his stock is falling.  This guy has “bust” written all over him, so I say he slides down the board.  I’m going to throw in a free agency assumption here and say the Eagles miss out on Asante Samuel, but land Gibril Wilson and Alan Faneca.  The Eagles could upgrade at CB to add depth when Lito Sheppard gets injured at some point during the season.  Eagles fans love Rodgers-Cromartie: a 6’2″ cornerback who should be able to match up well against their #1 enemy: Plaxico Burress.

20.) TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS — DESEAN JACKSON (WR) — You can make a strong case for a DT since Tampa released 2 defensive linemen and Kentwan Balmer would fit the bill, or CB since they have aging guys at the corner and Talib and Rodgers-Cromartie are available, but they could also address another need: WR.  Joey Galloway isn’t immortal and Jackson is the speed receiver who can will that void.  Ike Hilliard isn’t a young guy either.  Outside of McFadden, Jackson is the most explosive offensive player in the draft.  He may slip further down the draft board because he lacks NFL size (169 lbs.), but the Bucs may also grab him for his kick-returning abilities alone.  4.35 speed is tough to pass up.  The Bucs could hope Pat Sims or Trevor Laws falls to them in round 2 to fill their need at DT.

21.) WASHINGTON REDSKINS — LIMAS SWEED (WR)  —  A lot of people have Calais Campbell going to the Redskins, but he had an awful draft and is projected to go in the 2nd round.  The Redskins have also made it know they’re looking for another receiver to compliment the speed of Santana Moss and Randle El, so Limus Sweed would be a perfect fit here.  I would think that the Redskins stick to defense, but there just aren’t any players on the board who are whooing them: their defensive options are Kentwan Balmer, Quentin Groves, Aqib Talib, or Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.  I think they opt for Limus Sweed — a big, physical receiver to compliment the speed of Moss and Randle El.

22.) DALLAS COWBOYS — FELIX JONES (RB) — Jerry Jones has made it clear he wants Darren McFadden.  It’ll be interest to see if he’s able to trade up to get him, but I doubt it.  I think Dallas stays put in this draft.  It will be interesting to see what needs Dallas addresses.  Julius Jones is gone and they could use a speedy back like Felix Jones to back up Marion Barber.  Dallas could use another WR or secondary help.  T.O. is in the last year of his contract.  Terry Glenn is aging and injured.  They locked up Patrick Crayton, but they could use another a guy to sustain that offense.  I would say Dallas’ options are Felix Jones, Aqib Talib, Dominque-Rodger Cromartie, or Reggie Smith.  Dallas tagged Hamlin.  Since they couldn’t get McFadden, might as well get his back-up, who is also outstanding.  Dallas also has 28th pick.  With 3 CBs still on the board, they might still be able to get one of them.

23.) PITTSBURGH STEELERS — BRADEN ALBERT (OG) — Faneca is taking off and the Steelers need major help on the line.  I would say he’s ahead of Ghoster Cherilus and Sam Baker.

24.) TENNESEE TITANS — JAMES HARDY (WR) —  The Titans need to provide Vince Young with some kind of weapon.  Even though Fisher loves drafting defense in the first round, I think the Titans address the offense even though you could make a case for a DE since they have 2 DEs set to hit the open market and one of them might not be able to come back, but the top DEs are off the board.  You could also make a case for Kentwan Balmer, but I think the Titans give Young something to work with.  Unfortunately Kelly, Sweed, and Jackson are off the board.  The Titans could go for Early Doucet or James Hardy.  The 6’7″ Hardy is too much to pass up and he provides a HUGE target for Vince Young.

25.) SEATTLE SEAHAWKS — RESHARD MENDENHALL (RB) — Shaun Alexadner is DONE.  Time to find his replacement and that replacement is Reshard Mendenhall.

26.) JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS — KENTWAN BALMER (DE/DT) — The Jags got their speed receiver (Troy Williamson) from a trade with the Vikings.  Knowing Jack Del Rio, they’ll go defense — you never go wrong with defense.  They should be looking at another stud to add to their defensive line.  Ketwan Balmer is  a good fit here.

27.) SAN DIEGO CHARGERS — TRADED TO CHICAGO — BRIAN BROHM (QB) — I think the Chargers try to deal this pick to get more draft choices (I think the Chargers only have a 1st and 6th round pick this year).  Most of the top talent is off the board and there is no single position of need the Chargers need to address.  Their pretty set on both sides of the ball.  QBs are sliding down the board and Miami, Chicago, and Atlanta are all bound to want to get their hands on Brian Brohm.  I say somebody gives up some picks (somethign like the 2nd, 4th, and 5th) to grab the #2 QB in the draft, but if the Chargers hang on to it, I say they add another playmaker to their secondary and select like Acib Talib or Reggie Smith.  Chicago got their OT Chris Williams in the first round, now they could deal a few picks to the Chargers to get their hands on Brian Brohm so the Dolphins or Falcons don’t get him in the 2nd round.

28.) DALLAS COWBOYS — ACIQ TALIB (CB) — After taking a RB in the first round to help Barber out, the Cowboys could opt for a WR or bolster the secondary.  Improving the secondary is a wise choice and none other than Aqib Talib falls into their hands.

29.)  SAN FRANCISCO 49ers — QUENTIN GROVES (OLB) — I was going to say the 49ers go WR, but the top talent at WR is off the board, and they could get a guy at WR in the early part of the 2nd round.  The 49ers have their eyes set on an OLB to play alongside Patrick Willis.  Willis and Groves would be an insane linebacker combo.

30.) GREEN BAY PACKERS — ANTOINE CASON (CB) —  The Packers corners had a great season, but they’re getting up there in years.  The Packers offense and font-seven is as good as any in the league.  They could add another corner to add depth.

31.) NEW ENGLAND PATIROTS — FORFEITED — Because they cheat.

32.) NEW YORK GIANTS — DAN CONNOR (OLB) — He’s the second best linebacker in the draft.  The Giants defensive-line and secondary is solid and their offense has been getting the job done.  The Giants can use an upgrade at linebacker and Connor is a perfect fit for the G-Men.