1.) Miami Dolphins Jake Long- OT Michigan - The Miami Dolphins have alrerady spent their number one pick on offensive tackle Jake Long. With him in the linup, they will finally have the wall at left tackle they've been hoping for. Long gave up one sack in 2007, and had only one penalty. Very smart move by Bill Parcells to rebuild this franchise with a pro-bowl talent on the offensive line. Now we can put to end all of the stupid rumors of the Dallas Cowboys trading up in the first round to grab Darren McFadden, and all the rumors of Miami refusing to pick so they can move down slots, saving money in the process.
2.) St. Louis Rams
Chris Long- DE Virginia
- Many predicted the St. Louis Rams to be last years "sleeper team", but injuries made sure that didn't happen. For a while now, the Rams have been trying to beef up their defensive line to create pressure on the quarterback. Last year Adam Carriker was drafted, but that's not enough. If they do draft Chris Long, they would be able to keep Carriker inside and create a capable Top 10 defensive line. Leonard Little will also need a replacement soon. The Rams would also love Jake Long here, but with him being off the board they'll be able to conentrate more on the unit that has haunted them the past five seasons; defense.
3.) Atlanta Falcons
Matt Ryan- QB Boston College
- I orignally had the Falcons selecting Darren McFadden with this pick, but with the recent signing of running back Michael Turner it seems highly unlikely now. Atlanta recently released Byron Leftwich and Joey Harrington, leaving a gaping hole and quarterback. If they don't sign/draft anyone, who will possibly start? D.J Shockley? Something needs to be done. I don't see anyway they can pass up on the whole franchise quarterback in the draft here. The only other player worth taking here, is already gone the pick before. Ryan will be an instant upgrade over anyone on the roster.
4.) Oakland Raiders
Vernon Gholston- DE/OLB Ohio State
- With the first major shock of the draft will be the Raiders passing up on Darren McFadden. Gholston has been boosting up draft boards recently, and some even say he shows many traits to Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor. Oakland has shown they want to upgrade their defense by adding people such as DeAngelo Hall, so a player of Gholstons potential would make a lot of sense here. Also, Chris Clemons is on his way to Philadelphia, so a replacement is needed.
5.) Kansas City Cheifs
Glenn Dorsey- DT LSU
- The Cheifs are in a great spot here. Either way, a top star from the draft will fall into their laps, and in this case it's Glenn Dorsey. They may not even draft him. This would be a perfect spot to trade down and get more picks to fill more needs. I just don't see Dorsey falling all the way to nine. The same goes for Sedrick Ellis. These top two tackles should be off the board in the top 6-8, just for the main fact some team will trade up. Either way, I have the Cheifs taking him for now. That is bound to change though.
6.) New York Jets
Darren McFadden- RB Arkansas
- Adrian Peterson part two. Remember all of those teams last year that passed on AD, and had to watch him rush for 1300 yards in only 14 games? Well, it may just happen this year. McFadden is 2008's "must draft" player. Yes, the Jets already have Thomas Jones and Leon Washington, but think how much better they would be with a player in the backfield who could possibly score on every touch? New York should erupt on draft day if McFadden falls this far, because this is a "must take" scenario.
7.) New England Patriots
Leodis McKelvin- CB Troy State
- New England's defense needs to get younger fast. Their linebackers are old, Richard Seymour has a history of injurie, and Rodney Harrison is near retirement. After watching Ellis Hobbs in the Super Bowl, I just had to switch this pick. They will need to upgrade at cornerback threw the draft, and selecting the upcoming star from Troy State is a start. Also, Asante Samuel left for Philadelphia, you can almost guarantee this pick will be on a cornerback.
8.) Baltimore Ravens
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie- CB TSU
- Like Kansas City, Baltimore is also in a great spot. A top player is most likely to fall in their lap, and they also have the option to trade down for more picks. It will be very hard to pass up on Ellis at this spot, but the Ravens have many more needs right now. At this point, Baltimore is unhappy quarterback Matt Ryan didn't fall to them, but should be pleased another young star is availble to fill a huge need on their defense. Rodgers-Cromartie has shot up draft boards after a great combine, and would be able to fill in for Samari Rolle and Chris McAllister then they retire. Considered maybe the best cornerback in the draft, Cromartie has the skills to be just as good as his brother Antonio.
9.) Cincinatti Bengals
Derrick Harvey- DE Florida
- Once again, the Bengals defense was horrid. They should just draft defense with every pick for the next 5 years. They just lost their top pass rusher to the 49ers, so they will need someone to replace him. Even though Smith had just two sacks in 2007, he was the leader of their defense and he will be missed. Without him, they will have no leader on defense. Harvey has the skills of all pro Dwight Freeny, and would be able to supply some pressure on the opposing quarterback. Linebacker is another option, but with the return of Odell Thurman possibly, along with a possbile return of David Pollack, they should address defensive end. If this situation were true, it would be a coin flip between Harvey and Sedrick Ellis, but in the end I think they go with the dominate pass rusher.
10.) New Orleans Saints
Sedrick Ellis- DT USC
- The Saints might as well get on their needs and thank god that somehow, someway, Sedrick Ellis was able to fall to them at the #10 pick. Mel Kipers draft board has him the fifth rated most talented player in the draft, so you know they'll be getting an extremely talented player. The Saints defense has held them back the last couple of seasons, and by plugging Ellis into the middle of the defenseive line they'll be able to do more things on defense. Either way here they would have selected the best defensive player on the board. Ellis is probably one of the most underrated players in the Top 10.
11.) Buffalo Bills
Mike Jenkins- CB South Florida
- The Bills have really loaded up on defense this Free Agency, they will continue to build on the unit threw the draft. Countless times, the Bills have stated they will take the best remaining cornerback at pick number eleven, so they really have two choices. Here they will sit and have to chose between Mike Jenkins and Aqib Talib. Talib is taller out of the two, but has been accused many times of being too slow. Mike Jenkins is a play maker and would give Buffalo it's first shot at replacing lock down corner Nate Clements.
12.) Denver Broncos
Keith Rivers- OLB USC
- It's amazing how bad the Broncos defense was last season. You think with such stars as Champ Baily, John Lynch, and D.J Williams they'd have some success. However, that just isnt the case. Although offensive line has become a big issue lately with the retirement of Matt Lepsis, they must take a defensive player here. They're lucky Rivers falls heres, because after him there is a big gap in talent. Rivers would be a huge boost in the linebacking core.
13.) Carolina Panthers
Ryan Clady- OT Boise State
- We all know the quarterback troubles the Panthers had last season, but the offensive line didn't help much. Clady is the next emerging tackle in the draft and would be a good choice here. He has the talent to go in the top five, but due to other team needs, he has luckily fell to Carolina. If the offensive line is not addressed, they might as well give up on 2008. They also have some defensive issues, but they can be put aside for now.
14.) Chicago Bears
Branden Albert- G Virginia
- Chicago should really use this pick on an offensive tackle, but since guard Brandon Albert has fallen to them, it seems like a must take. Albert has sky rocketed up draft boards recently. Think Steve Hutchinson material. He would be a major upgrade on the offensive line, and would instantly become the best player on their line. He has what every team wants on the line; playing with a large mean streak and running over opponents. A future star in this league for sure.
15.) Detroit Lions
Rashard Mendenhall- RB Illinois
- Tatum Bell had the guts to state he would "have more than 1300 yards" this up and coming season. If I were the Lions organization, I wouldn't beleive him. Mendenhall has been the sexy pick to go early in this draft, and the Lions, barring trade, should be the first to bite. He even has been said to be the "real" best running back coming out of this draft. He'll surely give the Lions offense another ounce of fire pire. I for one am a huge Mendenhall fan, and think he will indeed be the best runner of the 2008 Draft.
16.) Arizona Cardinals
Devin Thomas- WR Michigan State
- Looking at the Cardinals roster, their isn't many glaring needs at any positions. Right here though, is where I see the first real semi shocker in the Draft. The Cardinals really don't need a wide receiver, but with Bryant Johnson leaving for San Francisco, they'd love to have a target behind Fitzgerald and Boldin. In fact, Anquan Boldins future still remains uncertain with him being a free agent soon, so this could be insurance if he leaves. Thomas could possibly be a star in the slot for the Cards.
17.) Kansas City Chiefs
Chris Williams- OT Vanderbilt
- The Chiefs grabbed another first round pick due to shipping defensive end Jared Allen to Minnesota. By getting this, it seems obvious they'll use it by drafting an offensive linemen. Kansas City once had an elite offensive line, but now it is in shambles. What they could really use is an elite left tackle to protect Brodie Croyle/Damon Huards blind side. Chris Williams is the closest to that, and would definally be an upgrade over almost everybody on the line. Look for them to continue drafting more linemen throughout the draft. They have six picks in the first three rounds, and possibly half of that will be used rebuilding the offensive line.
18.) Houston Texans
Aqib Talib- CB Kansas
- The Texans defensive backfield took a major blow last season when star corner back Dunta Robinson tore his ACL and hamstring, putting his 2008 season in jepordy. Chances are if running back Rashard Mendenhall doesn't fall to them, they'll likely use this pick on a corner back. Talib is the big physical corner Houston needs as insurance. Wide receiver or offensive tackle are also options for them here.
19.) Philadelphia Eagles
Limas Sweed- WR Texas
- A big reason why Donovan McNabb has been at times unsuccessful is because of the lack of a big time wide receiver. Reggie Brown was drafted to be that guy, but it looks as if he'll never be a true number one. Kevin Curtis was also brought in last season, but he is only known for being a big threat playing in the slot. So what does that all mean? Try and draft a true numer one. Limas Sweed seems to be the most NFL ready out of any wide receiver in this years draft, and he would play the perfect role as a pocession receiver for Philadelphia.
20.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DeSean Jackson- WR California
- For the past few seasons, wide receiver Joey Galloway has been Tampa Bays big play threat at wide receiver. With his days winding down, they'll need another game breaker to come in and take his spot. Jackson's resume is just that, but his risk is quite high. People are saying he's the next bust at receiver, but it would be very difficult to pass on the reward for this player. On any play, this guy can break it deep for the score. He'll also be a help in the return game for a team who has one kick return in franchise history.
21.) Washington Redskins
Kentwan Balmer- DT North Carolina
- The Redskins can go several ways with this pick. A game breaker at wide receiver would make sense, as well as a dominate pass rusher, but I see them looking elsewhere. Even though they won't go end here, I see them still trying to rebuild the defensive line. There is not many end's worth taking here, but there is a tackle who would surely be an upgrade. Balmer is a pass rushing specialist from the middle, and could also clog the middle stopping the run, two major issues the Redskins have.
22.) Dallas Cowboys (From Cleveland)
Jonathan Stewart- RB Oregon
- We all realize Marion Barber is a stud, but if the Cowboys organization was smart they'd give him a true split back once Julius Jones leaves this off-season. They wouldn't want him to turn out like Larry Johnson or Eddie George. Stewart would be bring "lightning" to complement Barbers thunder on offense. Many are concerned about his pre draft surgery, but Dallas is a good spot to take a risk here and there. This is also a take the best player availble situation, due to so little needs on the roster.
23.) Pittsburgh Steelers
Jeff Otah- OT Pittsburgh
I think quarterback Ben Rothlisberger can agree that the offensive line should be addressed first in the draft. Big Ben was sacked 47 times in 2007, and 49 times last season. Coach Mike Tomlin even stated "We've gotta get better in that area...it's a glaring issue...it's about getting the ball out of the quarterbacks hands...and receivers recognizing hot reads". Why not bring in the local boy? Otah is a monstrous tackle who would be an instant upgrade on the line over Max Starks or Marvel Smith. It also doesn't help that Alan Faneca was just lost to Free Agency, just another read to address the offensive line.
24.) Tennessee Titans
James Hardy- WR Indiana
- Talk about a team in desperate need of a wide receiver. Yes, they did draft Paul Williams and Chris Davis last season, but that really didnt help much. When Brandon Jones is your number one, you may want to seek else where. They need help now. Vince Young had no help in the passing game this season, and his stats faltered because of it. Maybe he'd be able to "just win games" if he had receiver worth talking about. If this is not their choice, look for them to go defensive end. Antwan Odom and Travis LaBoy are on other teams, so a replacement is needed.
25.) Seattle Seahawks
Lawrence Jackson- DE USC
- The Seahawks are not in a good spot here. They have very few needs, and with the needs they do have it would be too early to go in the position. Look at them to trade down in the draft. If not, I can see them grabbing an end to add depth the the defensive line. Darryl Tapp's play at end is being questioned, and he is better coming on during 3rd down plays. Jackson would be the pure pass rusher they're looking for to go along with Patrick Kerney.
26.) Jacksonville Jaguars
Quentin Groves- DE/OLB Auburn
- Here is another team I can see trading down in the draft, with exactly the same reasons as Seattle. Either way if they don't, defensive end seems like a top need as of now. Paul Spicer is too old, and Reggie Hayward get's injured too often, so Groves seems like a logical addition to add some much needed help at end. Even though Jacksonville doesn't use the 3-4 schem Groves is best suited in, he is still talented enough to plug in as a constant play aty end other than linebacker.
27.) San Diego Chargers
Gosder Cherilus- OT Boston College-
- The Chargers don't have a pick after this until the 5th round, so don't be shocked if they trade down. If not, it's obvious they'll need some value with this pick. They don't have many holes on the roster, but a little problem may be the struggles on the offensive line last season. Marcus McNeil after a great rookie season, but seemed to have an off sophomore year. Shane Olivea was also very below average. Someone to start at right tackle would be solid for their only pick on the first day. Cherilus is massive and has the mean streak the Chargers are looking for.
28.) Dallas Cowboys
Antoine Cason- CB Arizona
- Towards the end of the year, Dallas was attacked threw the air and it pretty much led to their downfall. Both Terrence Newman and Anthony Henry will be in their 30's, and their is not much depth behind them. Cason is climbing up draft boards and would be a great compliment to Neman. With this being the Cowboys second pick, don't be suprised if they trade up or down. Dallas just pulled the trigger for Pacman Jones, but he still may not play in 2008. Cason is an upgrade either way.
29.) San Francisco 49ers (From Indianapolis)
Dan Connor- OLB Penn Sate
- Last season, the 49ers were considered off-season champions when they beefed up their secondary. What happened? The secondary was a let down due to bad front seven play. A team using the 3-4 scheme that can't pressure the quarterback won't go far. With their late first round pick, something should be done to improve the unit. Dan Connor along side Patrick Willis along with Manny Lawson will be one of the best linebacking crews in the league for quite some time. Connor has that tough gritty edge which makes him a tackling pro. Wide receiver is also smart here. Isaac Bruce and Bryant Johnson aren't exactly world beaters.
30.) Green Bay Packers
Brandon Flowers- CB Virginia Tech
-It was quite sickening if you were a Packers fan watching Eli Manning throw all over their secondary. Al Harris is a top notch corner, but he was lit up in the NFC Championship game by Plaxco Burress. Charles Woodson also didn't seem to recover after getting truck sticked by Brandon Jacobs. Even if they're still pro bowl corners, their is not much depth behind them. With no real glaring needs for the Packers at the moment, they can afford to spend their first pick on a corner. Flowers should play well in the nickel spot, and make the Packers defense that much tougher to move the ball against. Green Bay is praying though he doesn't turn out as another Ahmad Caroll.
New England Patriots Forfeited The Patriots forfeited this pick to the events of Spy Gate Week 1 against the New York Jets. 31.) New York Giants
Kenny Phillips- S Miami
Free agency wasn't so nice to the New York Giants, considering they lost both of their outside linebackers. and their starting safety. Gibirl Wilson was one of the top players at his position and will be hard to be replaced. The Giants should give Kenny Phillips a shot. Why not? Before the combine, Phillips was considered to be a top ten pick in the draft. With no real big needs heading into draft day, Giant fans should be thrilled they get a player with sky high potential. Corner back and line backer are also options, but Phillips has beats all of the options at this point.
Go to Round: 1 2 3 4 5
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