Teenage Sports Fiends

Well we are still very early into the college football season.  As the season progresses and bowl week approaches expect a mock draft

1) Miami Dolphins: Jake Long OT Michigan

If Bill Parcells does not trade down he will look to improve his offensive line.  That would make Jake Long his man, the 6’7” offensive tackle who is as big as he is athletic would make a great addition to the offensive line and help protect Miami’s quarterback, how ever that may be.  Also, look for Parcells to go QB in the draft.  Joe Flacco or Brian Brohm if available in the second round, seem like excellent options.  They could also go ILB with their second, second round pick, to fill the hole that Zack Thomas left when he escaped to Dallas.

2) St. Louis Rams: Chris Long DE Virginia (Vernon Gholston is a possibility here too)

Since Jake Long is off the board look for the Rams to improve their D-line.  Chris Long is an absolute beast at defensive end and will open up lanes for last years first round pick DE/DT Adam Carriker.  He will also help to rebuild the terrible defense of St. Louis.  Vernon Gholston would also be a viable option as he can play OLB or DE.  His versatility and beastliness would also be great in rebuilding St. Louis’ Defense. 

3) Atlanta Falcons: Matt Ryan QB Boston College

What a year the Atlanta Falcons have had.  Their star Quarterback is now in a federal jail and their head coach quit mid-season for a college position.  So now they are without a quality starting quarterback and a rookie head coach.  They need to make a safe pick that will help bring the franchise out of the darkness and into the light.  They need to draft a leader and a quarterback, which makes Matt Ryan their man.  Ryan possesses a big arm and great accuracy.  He will make a great addition to the Falcons and will help them in what could be a lengthy rebuilding process.

4) Oakland Raiders: Glenn Dorsey DT Louisiana State University

Al Davis has a tough decision to make.  Draft the flashy Running Back Darren McFadden, or the disruptive Defensive Tackle Glenn Dorsey.  Based on recent re-signing of Justin Fargas and with three other quality running backs to add depth I can see no reason to draft another one.  Plus, with the recent retirement of Warren Sapp, the Raiders are forced to deal with his departure.  Glenn Dorsey is just the man to fill that void.  His history of injuries turned out to be nothing to worry about and he will be a great pro. 

 5) Kansas City Chiefs: Vernon Gholston DE Ohio State

I originally had the Chiefs taking an offensive lineman, but with the recent rumors of trade negotiations for star D-linemen Jarred Allen, they will be forced to compensate.  And with their luxury in having a high pick they can go for the very best or second best.  Vernon Gholston as I explained earlier is a versatile beast who can help the Chiefs linebacking core and/or upfront on the Defensive line.  He will turn out to be a great pro.  Let it be known though, that if Matt Ryan falls to them at 5, Coach Edwards may be ready to pull the trigger and land his new franchise QB.

6) New York Jets: Darren McFadden RB Arkansas

The New York Jets wind up extremely lucky in this mock draft as they land the speedy, home-run hitting running back Darren McFadden.  He will make a great addition along side Thomas Jones and bring a spark to the New York Jets offense.  But be warned Jet fans, this is only a mock draft and the Jets organization is known for stupid first round picks. 

7) New England Patriots: Leodis McKelvin CB Troy State

They lost the Superbowl, they lost the perfect season, and now they’ve lost their star cornerback Asaunte Samuels to the Eagles.  They need to draft a player who can fill that void and bring youth to a deteriorating defense.  Leodis McKelvin is the best cornerback of this draft and will be worth every penny.  He is a great pass defender as well as a good run defender and can return punts too.  He is the total package at corner and will make a great addition to the Patriots.  They could also go LB and get Keith Rivers here and expect a lineman to be drafted later in the draft, because clearly there is something wrong after what I saw during the Superbowl. 

8) Baltimore Ravens: Ryan Clady OT Boise State

Unfortunately there is no quarterback besides Matt Ryan that should be drafted at this point, so the Ravens could either trade down or wait to draft a quarterback until the second round.  The Ravens at this point can only hope that Matt Ryan slips to them, but if he doesn’t they should draft a offensive lineman to protect who ever their quarterback will be when the season finally rolls around.  So they will pick Ryan Clady the big tackle out of Boise to help protect their QB and make holes for RB Willis McGahee.

9) Cincinnati Bengals: Sedrick Ellis DT University of Southern California

Sedrick Ellis is an absolute steal at this position.  He was a monster at the senior bowl and he was a beast at USC.  He would help to revitalize a defensive line that is extremely soft up the middle and could make an immediate impact as a rookie.  He also has something that many of the Cincinnati Bengals don’t have, a clean record.  

 10) New Orleans Saints: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie CB Tennessee State University

The Saints had there secondary burned time and time again.  Last years free agent signing of Jason David did nothing to help and now they need a new corner.  Luckily Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie is still available; the excellent cover corner out of Tennessee State would make a great addition.  He can replace Jason David and would make a great tandem along side Michael McKenzie.  If they improve their secondary their defense may be set for next year.  They already had a decent d-line and with the recent acquisitions of Jonathon Vilma and Dan Morgan to aid their linebacking core, the Saints may be just as good as they were when they made their Superbowl run.  They just have to hope no one gets injured like last year.

11) Buffalo Bills: Devin Thomas WR Michigan State

This is turely the hardest team I have had to pick for in this draft.  They need a Wide receiver to compliment Lee Evans, but it may be too early to pick one.  They need a corner back but the two best corners are gone.  They are in a tough position.  They might want to trade down, that way they can still get a quality wide receiver and can get a solid corner too.  But since in this mock draft they can not trade down I have them taking the best wide receiver at this point in the draft Devin Thomas.  This is the third change in wide receiver that I have made for the Bills.  I had Malcolm Kelly and Limas Sweed in my previous mock drafts because of their height (6’4”), but their draft stocks have plummeted.  Malcolm Kelly ran a terrible 40 time and really failed to prove that he is the best receiver in the draft.  Limas Sweed actually had a pretty decent combine but he didn’t prove himself to be the best receiver either.  So that leaves Devin Thomas the 6’2” Spartan from Michigan State whose numbers last year were just too good to pass up.  His 79 receptions in a season broke a school record and his aggressive playing style would be a great fit for head Coach Dick Jauron.  They could also go with CB Mike Jenkins out of USF who would help the Bills secondary that has been hurting ever since Nate Clements left.  If they were to do that, then they could either trade up or hope that Malcolm Kelly or the 6’6” WR James Hardy out of Indiana falls to them.

12) Denver Broncos: Kenny Phillips S Miami

With John Lynch on his way out of Denver the Broncos should start looking for his replacement.  Kenny Phillips is the best safety in the draft and would make a great pick for the Broncos.  He could add depth in his first season while learning under Lynch.  Or he could move over to FS and challenge Nick Ferguson for the starting job from Day 1.  Either way he would be a great acquisition for the Broncos.

13) Carolina Panthers: Keith Rivers OLB University of Southern California

I know that linebacker is not the most important need for the Panthers.  But with Keith Rivers still available at this position in the draft they should take him.  He would bring better play to OLB and combined with rookie sensation Jon Beason would create an incredible linebacking core.  They could also go with OT Jeff Otah or they could wait until the second round.  Expect a TE a RB and possibly a WR to compliment Steve Smith to be drafted by the Panthers too. 

14) Chicago Bears: Jeff Otah OT Pittsburgh

The Bears are a team that has many issues especially on offense.  And all their problems start with the offensive line.  Their line gives no time to their quarterback, whoever that may be, and make no holes for their RB Cedric Benson.  Jeff Otah would be a great addition to the Bears and help create a dominant O-line in Chicago. 

15) Detroit Lions: Michael Jenkins CB University of South Florida

Michael Jenkins will replace Dre’ Bly who departed last year to the Broncos and will help to rebuild the Lions secondary.  He will also make USF history by being their first player to be drafted in the first round.  A d-lineman could be drafted here too.

16) Arizona Cardinals: Jonathon Stewart RB Oregon

I believe that Jonathon Stewart is better than Rashard Mendenhall, even with the toe surgery.  If drafted by the Cardinals he will not be forced to step right into a starting role.  He can learn from Edge for a portion of next season and then create a dominant one-two punch with him, and then eventually become the starting RB once Edge leaves.  He is not a game breaker but has a perfect combination of speed and strength for the pros. Expect a D-lineman to be drafted as well.

17) Minnesota Vikings: Derrick Harvey DE Florida

With their starting DE being diagnosed with Leukemia all they can do is pray for his speedy recovery and attempt to replace him.  Derrick Harvey is a great DE and will make a great addition to the amazing D-line known for its amazing run stopping ability.  However, if they do acquire Jared Allen via trade with the Chiefs expect them to go with a WR like DeSean Jackson from Cal.  Also a QB may be draft by the Vikings later in the draft, depending on their confidence in QB Tavaris Jackson.

18) Houston Texans: Rashard Mendenhall RB Illinois

Ron Dayne is not going to cut it for the Texans.  They got their QB last year, and they’ve established their D-line in the past two drafts.  They need help in the secondary and at RB.  Since the top three corners are gone, and the top safety is gone they should go RB.  Rashard Mendenhall is a steal at this position and he can step right into the starting role.  Quick but Strong, a great pick.

 19) Philadelphia Eagles: Phillip Merling DE Clemson

The Eagles can either trade up to get the first WR available or they can draft a WR here or they draft a DE here.  I have them taking a DE because they need to replace the departed Javon Kearse.  Merling is a solid DE who has great size to compliment his great athleticism.  His seventeen tackles last season for loss will help stop the run and seven sacks last season can help with the pass rush.  He would be a great addition.  Expect them to draft a WR later in the draft, due to the deepness of this class.

20) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: DeSean Jackson WR California

Tampa needs to get young at WR and DeSean Jackson can bring them that youth.  He can learn how to be a great speed receiver under the amazing speed receiver in Joey Galloway and can play in the slot for Gruden until either Hilliard or Galloway retire, which should be sooner than later.

21) Washington Redskins: Brandon Albert OT/OG Virginia

The Redskins suffered many injuries last season, one of those being a major injury to OT Jon Jansen.  Jansen was brought in to replace Derrick Dockery who left via free agency last season.  His injuries were so severe he may never be back at 100%.  They brought in another OT Tom Wade, but he can’t be a long term option.  Thus they should draft Brandon Albert at this spot.  He is a big bruiser who can play ever position on the line except center.  He can start immediately or add some much needed depth his first year.  If they do not go O-lineman expect either a big WR or a Safety to fill in for Sean Taylor, who died tragically last season.  

22) Dallas Cowboys: Aqib Talib CB Kansas

With Anthony Henry closing on retirement the Cowboys need to find his replacement and if nothing else, add some depth.  Talib is a ball hawk; he accumulated 43 passes defended and 13 interceptions over 3 years at Kansas.  He will bring youth to an old secondary in need. 

23) Pittsburgh Steelers: Gosder Cherilus OT Boston College

With the departure of Alan Faneca, the Steelers are forced to find a replacement and it won’t be easy.  They need to find a quality, long-term blocker for Rothlisberger’s blind side and Gosder Cherilus the 6’7” 318 pound offensive tackle from Boston College is just the guy for the job.

24) Tennessee Titans: Limas Sweed WR Texas

Two Texas stars are reacquainted in Tennessee.  Vince Young will love having his former Longhorn star with him in the pros.  Limas Sweed is the perfect compliment for Young.  His 6’4” frame gives him an edge on the jump ball and his great hands allow him to make the acrobatic catches.  He will give Young at least one option in a receiving core that is absolutely terrible.

25) Seattle Seahawks: Fred Davis TE University of Southern California

The Seahawks have been without a solid tight-end since as long as I can remember.  Fred Davis is that solid tight-end.  He fits perfectly into Seattle’s offense since his college team ran a variation of the system.  He has the capabilities to make the amazing catches and yet the ability to put his hand down and block.  He is a great tight-end and will make a great addition to the Seahawks.  

 26) Jacksonville Jaguars: Kentwan Balmer DT North Carolina

After dealing Marcus Stroud to the Bills the Jaguars leave themselves with a gaping hole in the middle of their defensive line.  They will look to plug that hole with the 6’5” 295 pound defensive tackle out of North Carolina.  He has the skills to fill in for Stroud and the power to make an immediate impact.

 27) San Diego Chargers: Dan Connor OLB/ILB Pennsylvania State

The Chargers as you may know have two fantastic linebackers in Phillips and Merriman.  But they run a 3-4 and have two very average inside linebacker.  Look for them to improve that linebacking core with Dan Connor.  Connor is not a speedy linebacker, but he is a smart linebacker.  He holds the record for most tackles in Penn State history and won the 2007 Bednarik Award.  He will make a great impact on the teams Defense.  They could also go O-line or RB here in an attempt to replace back-up Michael Turner.

28) Dallas Cowboys: Felix Jones RB Arkansas

Jerry Jones is in love with Arkansas prospects and Felix Jones is the best available.  He would create a “Thunder and Lightning” type of running style with Marion the Barbarian and enhance Big D’s offense.  He is a quick home run hitting back who can return kicks too.  He would not step in as a three down back, which would be good because even in college he wasn’t a three down back.  Thus every one wins.  They could also go WR in an attempt to find the next TO.

29) San Francisco 49ers: Malcolm Kelly WR Oklahoma

We all know new offensive coordinator Mike Martz is a pass happy play caller.  So the 49ers are going to need some new receiver to fit that offense.  They did a decent job in the off-season getting new wide-receivers, but they never got an impact wide-receiver.  Malcolm Kelly’s draft stock has been plummeting and some don’t even thing he will get picked here.  But, he is a good receiver, no matter how bad he did at the combine and will be able to step into a starting role from day one.  They could go linebacker here, especially if Dan Connor falls to them.

30) Green Bay Packers: Brandon Flowers CB Virginia Tech

Flower’s draft stock has been rising for a while now and has finally reached the first round.  He is a physical corner who can support the run and get in a receivers face, which is what the Packers need.  If you watched the NFC title game, you know what I mean.  Flower’s will compete for a starting job from Day 1 and will probably be the starting nickel back at the beginning of the season.

31) New England Patriots:  NO PICK!!!!!  HAHA

Sorry Bill, no pick for you.
Shouldn’t have been cheating on the Jets.

32) New York Giants: Jerod Mayo OLB Tennessee

The Superbowl winning champion Giants, didn’t expect to be saying that at the beginning of the season, but congratulations.  But like all Superbowl teams, they have their players leave either via free agency or retirement.  The same happened to the Giants.  They lost their starting OLB and S.  Both can be assessed at this point in the draft, but there are no good safeties here.  Therefore they will assess the linebacker position.  Jerod Mayo out of Tennessee is an amazing athlete.  He can drop back in coverage and is an absolute ball hawk.  Averaging 10 tackles per game should prove that.  He will fill in for Kawika Mitchell and prove that he is worth a first round pick.

Other possible 1^st rounders:

Brian Brohm QB Louisville

Mario Manningham WR Michigan

Early Doucet WR Louisiana State University

Dustin Keller TE Purdue

Sam Baker OT University of Southern California

Chris Williams OT Vanderbilt

Calais Campbell DE Miami

Quentin Groves DE Auburn

Charles Godfrey CB Iowa

Antonie Cason CB Arizona

 Explanations for the top 5

Miami: Ryan QB BC

Many other mock drafts have Chris Long going to Miami at number one.  But personally I believe that you can not rebuild a team with a Defensive lineman.  They need a quarterback because I do not think that Beck is their future.  Ryan is the best quarterback in the draft, he is big, he has great accuracy and he will be the quarterback for the Miami Dolphins for years to come if selected.

St. Louis: C. Long DE VA

St. Louis had major trouble on the defensive side of the ball especially on the outside pass rush.  Nothing went right for them.  They need an impact defensive end like Chris Long.  Long is a durable player who can play on the line or as an outside linebacker.  Both positions are needed terribly by the Rams.  Long would bring a spark that has been missing for a while on the St. Louis Rams if he is selected. 

Atlanta: Dorsey DT LSU

Dorsey is the best defensive tackle in this draft.  Since I expect Ryan to go number one to Miami, the Falcons will have to wait till the second round to select a quarterback.  Therefore they have the luxury of picking the best player available, which is Glenn Dorsey.  If selected Dorsey will make a great addition to the defensive line, were he will join last years first round pick, DE Jamaal Anderson. 

Oakland: McFadden RB ARK

I believe that McFadden will have the same impact as Adrian Peterson did on the Vikings a year ago.  He is a superb runner and I think he will make a great addition to the Oakland Raiders.  McFadden and recently re-signed RB Justin Fargas will bring a great one-two punch that will help alleviate the stress put on young quarterback Jamarcus Russell.

Kansas City: J. Long OT MICH

The Chiefs had a problem with their offensive line to say the least.  Larry Johnson couldn't run the ball well and he is an all-star.  They need a talented o-linemen and Jake Long the Offensive Tackle out of Michigan is the best in this draft.  He will have an impact rivaling that of Joe Thomas' in Cleveland last year.  He would make life easier for Larry Johnson and the quarterback, who ever that may be next year if he is selected.  Jake Long is a big guy with quick feet who will be able to make an immediate impact.

New York Jets: Gholston DE OSU

New England: Rivers LB USC

Baltimore: Clady OT BOISE

Cincinnati: Ellis DT USC

New Orleans: McKelvin CB TROY

Buffalo: Sweed WR TEX

Denver: Phillips S MIA

Carolina: Merling DT/DE CLE

Chicago: Kelly WR OKA

Detroit: Jenkins CB UCF

Arizona: Williams OT VANDE

Minnesota: Jackson WR CAL

Houston: Stewart RB OREG

Philadelphia: Harvey DE FLA

Tampa: Brohm QB LOU

Washington: Talib CB KAN

Dallas: Cason CB ARI

Pittsburgh: Otah OT PITT

Tennessee: Sweed WR TEX

Seattle: Mendenhall RB ILL

Jacksonville: Campbell DE MIA

San Diego: Albert OG VA

Dallas: Jones RB ARK

San Francisco: Hardy WR IND

Green Bay: Rodgers-Cromartie CB TSU

New York Giants: Connor LB PENN ST

 With explanations for the top 5