2008 Mock Draft 2/18/08
By Zachary Best
This is the second Mock Draft for 2008 from ITI, and this one has two rounds! Since I think it is too difficult to predict trades, there are none here. If you have any comments you can leave them at the bottom of the post, and you can grade this as well. Enjoy!
1.
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The Dolphins take Howie Long’s son with the first pick in the draft. Long played in a 3-4 defensive system at Virginia and excelled in it. Bill Parcells looks to implement this defense in Miami, and grabs what he thinks is the best player in the draft.
2.
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Long is the premier franchise tackle in this draft. Orlando Pace’s Hall of Fame career is nearing an end, and the Rams need to find his successor. The Rams offensive line was in shambles last year, and needs to be fixed.
3. Atlanta Falcons –
The Falcons grab a great DT to bolster their defensive line. The team could use a franchise QB, but the talent of Dorsey is too hard to pass up here. He becomes a starter from day one, and will be a force in the middle for Atlanta.
4.
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The Raiders had the 31st worst rushing defense in the NFL. A major reason for that is the play of their interior defensive lineman. Ellis’s stock has shot up because of his performance at the Senior Bowl, and many even now rank him as the best DT in the draft.
5.
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Herm Edwards believes that defense wins Championships, and looks to go that way in the draft. Both Chiefs starting Corner Backs are well into their 30’s, and at the downside of their career. Jenkins is the top rated CB in the draft, and has been drawing interest from many teams. OT is also a huge need for KC, but they could probably trade down to take one later.
6. New York Jets –
This is pretty far for McFadden to slip, but when doing a mock without trades this looks like a spot where he could go. Thomas Jones is a solid football player, but McFadden is a home run hitter the Jets do not have. The Jets simply can not pass up on
.
7. New England Patriots (From
) –
DE Vernon Gholston, Ohio StateThe Patriots saw first hand what a great pass rush can do for you in the Super Bowl. Gholston played DE for the Buckeyes, but New England will convert him to a pass rushing OLB in their 3-4 scheme. All of the Pats linebackers are aging veterans, and this gives them a big time play maker for the future.
8.
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Ozzie Newsome has shot down the Donovan McNabb trade rumor
, and should look to the draft to find a franchise QB. The Ravens still have two veteran QBs in Steve McNair and Kyle Boller to allow
a year or two to develop.
9.
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Marvin Lewis has said that the Bengals could switch to a hybrid 3-4 defense next season. Former first round LB David Pollack may never play football again due to a severe neck injury. Connor had a great showing at the Senior Bowl, and was the winner of the Chuck Bednarik award.
10. New Orleans Saints –
The Saints defense has holes all over, but their secondary is in deep trouble. Their big time free agent Jason David spent most of the year getting burnt, and Mike McKenzie tore his ACL late in the season. Talib is another big talent at CB that has been climbing draft boards.
11.
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WR Malcolm Kelly, OklahomaThe Bills need more offensive weapons. They found their RB in last years draft with Marshawn Lynch, but they need another receiver to compliment Lee Evans. Kelly brings much needed size to the Bills receiving core, and has very good speed as well.
12.
–John Lynch is a great player, but at age 36 you know he is near the end of his career. The Broncos would really like the draft to fall this way, because Phillips is clearly the best Safety in the draft. He may not have Ed Reed or Sean Taylor talent, but he is a very good football player.
13.
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Carolina is the only team in NFL history to start 4 different QBs in one season. Injuries forced them to sign 44 year old Vinny Testaverde. Delhomme will be the starter next season, but Carolina is looking to the future with this pick. They see a franchise QB in
, and simply can not pass him up.
14.
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The Bears Offensive Tackles are getting old, and there is no talented youth behind them. The Bears place a big emphasis on offensive and defensive lines, and this looks to be a great pick for them. Clady is a big physical blocker who could be the team’s franchise Left Tackle.
15.
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I was looking for the best WR prospect here… just kidding Lion’s fans. Detroit needs to focus on having a better offensive line overall. Jon Kitna was getting sacked way too much, the Lions running game needs to improve, and a player like Otah is a step in the right direction. You can have all the WR talent in the world, but without consistent protection it won’t matter.
16.
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Arizona is looking to improve their defense, and they are lacking in the pass rusher department. Bertrand Berry’s career is almost over, and outside of Chike Okeafor there is no big talent at DE on the roster. Harvey is the big time edge rusher that the Cards hope can be a game changer.
17.
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Jackson is a lighting fast receiver who could be a dangerous weapon at the next level. The Vikings seemed to find a good player in Sidney Rice from last years draft, but could use another option to compliment him. Former top pick Troy Williamson is a bust, and seems to be on his way out. DeSean Jackson could be a huge impact player for Tavaris Jackson to throw to.
18. Houston Texans –
RB Rashard Mendenhall, Illinois
The Texans seemed to have made the right choice passing on Reggie Bush for DE Mario Williams, but RB is still a need for this team. Now they may make another controversial decision, by taking Rashard Mendenhall over Jonathan Stewart. In my opinion Mendenhall will be the better pro. Ahman Green is not a long term solution, and neither is Ron Dayne. Mendenhall had a a tremendous Junior year, and is looking to cash in at the NFL level.
19. Philadelphia Eagles –
The Eagles have not given up on Winston Justice, but he is better suited to play his natural position of RT. At LT Tra Thomas is entering the final year of his contract, and will be gone after that. Williams is a big physical LT that will groomed to replace Thomas. CB, DE, and WR are other team needs, but Williams talent is too much to pass up here.
20.
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The Buccaneers took Gaines Adams in last years draft, and snag his college teammate Merling here. Merling will eventually replace the veteran Kevin Carter. This will give Tampa Bay a ferocious DE combo for years.
21.
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The Redskins took a huge blow when Rocky McIntosh blew his knee out last season. London Fletcher played well for Washington, but at his age it is time to add another young player maker. Rivers will be a great addition to strengthen an already pretty good defense.
22.
(From
) –
The Cowboys struck gold when they last drafted a player from Troy in Demarcus Ware. They may find another here in McKelvin. He is not only a tremendous talent at CB, but he is also a great kickoff and punt returner.
23.
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OT Gosder Cherilus, Boston College
The Steelers are probably going to lose a few offensive lineman in Max Starks and Alan Faneca, so they need to look for some good lineman to protect Big Ben. Cherilus could probably be a starter at either tackle spot, and could be a huge upgrade to the offense.
24. Tennessee Titans –
Vince Young needs some weapons to throw to. The Titans have some OK players, but no real big talent outside of Young on the offensive side of the ball. Manningham is a big play receiver who will open up the Tennessee offense.
25. Seattle Seahawks –
Seattle has very little talent at the tight end position. Former first round pick Jerramy Stevens left the team last year, and Marcus Pollard is due to be a free agent. Davis is the best receiving tight end in the draft, and should fit into the West Coast Offense very well.
26. Jacksonville Jaguars –
Bobby McCray is a free agent, and the Jaguars did not get very good production from their ends. Campbell is a massive DE who will not only rush the QB, but will be very stout against the run. Jacksonville’s defense will continue to be one of the hardest in the NFL to run on.
27.
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DT Kentawn Balmer, North Carolina
Jamal Williams is getting older, and when he was injured last year San Diego’s defense suffered. Balmer’s versatility could be huge for San Diego as he could play NT, and DE in their 3-4 defense. The Chargers could have a nice rotation of their defensive lineman to keep guys fresh.
28.
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Terrell Owens and Terry Glenn are getting near the end of their career. Dallas should look for an athletic wide out to be a starter in the near future. Hardy could learn for a year, and then emerge as the teams number one receiver in 2009.
29.
(From
) –
San Fransisco had a down year, but last years first round pick Patrick Willis had a monster year. They can only hope that Reggie Smith can do the same for them at Free Safety. Mark Roman is a black hole on the defense, and Smith will be an instant improvement.
30.
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CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, TSU
Packers starting CBs are both into their 30s, and probably only have a few good years left. Cromartie’s tremendous play in the Senior Bowl, will almost certainly land him in the first round. If he runs well at the combine, he may even rise to a top 15 pick. Green Bay adds valuable depth, and future starter.
FORFEITED FOR CHEATING
31. New York Giants – OT Sam Baker, USC
David Diehl played admirably at LT for the G-Men, but he is probably still best suited to play guard. Baker could really make a good Giants offensive line much better. Protection is the key for Eli Manning to be successful. The Giants could also look to possibly go for a LB or a CB at this spot.
ROUND 2>>
32.
–The Dolphins went defensive line with their first pick, and now they get a premier offensive lineman with their 2nd pick. Albert is a massive guard, who could easily be converted to left tackle in the NFL. He will be a huge addition to the Dolphins running game, and will do an excellent job of protecting QB John Beck.
33.
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The Rams went offensive line with their first pick, and now they focus back on the defensive side of the ball. The Rams could really use another pass rushing defensive end. Jackson wrecks havoc in the backfield, and will be a great boost to the St. Louis defense.
34.
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With Jerry Porter possibly leaving via free agency, Jamarcus Russell needs a go to receiver. Sweed is a very talented receiver for Russell to throw to. Injury concerns, and lack of top end speed have Sweed drop to the 2nd round, but the Raiders have no problems taking him here.
35.
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It’s no secret the Chiefs need offensive lineman. While they passed on one in the first round, the Chiefs make sure to not ignore this glaring need by taking Nicks in the 2nd. He could be a potential franchise LT for KC.
36. New York Jets –
Rumor has it that Laverneous Coles wants out of New York. He is headed toward the downside of his career anyways, so the Jets should look to get a receiver in the draft to be his eventual replacement. Doucet is a great route runner, and has excellent hands. He could pair up nicely with Jerricho Cotchery
37. Atlanta Falcons –
The Falcons would be absolutely thrilled to see Stewart fall this far. Stewart is a first round pick prospect, but I have him falling due to the way the board fell. Stewart put up big time numbers at Oregon, and is destined to be a franchise RB in the NFL. Atlanta is headed to wards the youth movement, and this a big piece to the puzzle for the Falcons.
38.
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WR Devin Thomas, Michigan State
After getting their franchise QB Matt Ryan in round one, the Ravens stay on offense by getting Ryan a receiver to throw to in round 2. Thomas is a very talented receiver with decent size who had great production in his Junior year. It may be time to say goodbye to veteran Derrick Mason.
39.
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Last years first round pick Patrick Willis was the defensive rookie of the year. This year the 49ers bring in a hybrid DE/OLB in Groves who will start at OLB. Groves will be better fit in a 3-4 scheme, because he can use his athleticism more. Allowing him to rush the QB from different places on the field will be a big boost to the Niners D.
40. New Orleans Saints –
The Saints have two free agent tight ends, and could look to add one in the draft. Carlson is a big time prospect who might even go in the late first round. He is a great blocker, and could be a good red zone target in the NFL.
41.
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Tight end is another position the Bills should seriously look at in this years draft. Kevin Everett’s spinal injury appears to be career ending, and Buffalo really has no young talent42.
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The Broncos defense could not stop the run last year. There were many reasons for this, but one major one was the lack of talent at the Defensive tackle position. Heading into the 07′ season the Broncos were signing every DT off the street they could find, and none of them panned out. Sims could probably battle for a starting job right away.
43.
Carolina Panthers –
The Panthers recently parted ways with the often injured MLB Dan Morgan, and now they have to look for a replacement. Wheeler may be a bit undersized, but he is a play maker. He could potentially start from day one, and be a force in the middle of the Panthers defense.
44.
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The Bears are on the hunt for a QB this off season. Rex Grossman has fallen out of favor with the coaching staff, and is headed for free agency. Neither Brian Griese nor Kyle Orton are the answer either. Chicago lands their franchise QB in the draft by taking the very productive Andre Woodson in the 2nd round. He has many questions about his mechanics, but has all the physical tools you look for in an NFL QB.
45.
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The Lions need to have better talent at CB. It is time to give up on Fernando Bryant being a starter in the NFL. He is just simply not good enough, and neither is Travis Fisher. Lee should battle for a starting job as a rookie, and don’t be surprised if he wins it.
46.
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The Bengals defense was atrocious last year. They need help at almost every position. Both of their starting safeties should probably be replaced, and Thomas DeCoud is one of the players to start do so. The Bengals could also use a DT or a DE here.
47.
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Kenechi Udeze sadly has been diagnosed with Leukemia. While his career looks to be over, the Vikings have to find another pass rusher. They went for the big play receiver in the first round, and now they focus on the defense by drafting Robertson.
48. Atlanta Falcons (From Texans) –Everybody knows that Michael Vick is currently in prison, and Joey Harrington is not exactly a championship caliber QB. With Byron Leftwich being cut recently, you can be sure the Falcons are looking to draft a QB.
is a very big QB with a big arm. He will put the Falcons in a new direction.
49. Philadelphia Eagles –
The Eagles linebackers appear to be very strong currently, but veteran Takeo Spikes is in the last year of his contract. Always looking to wards the future, the Birds take the talented Highsmith to be the teams WILL of the future.
50.
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Edgerrin James is coming to the downside of his career, and former 2nd round pick J.J. Arrington has just not worked out in Arizona. With that in mind the Cards turn to the draft, and get a steal in
. Rice will eventually replace James, and be the Cardinals franchise RB.
51.
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The Redskins look to bolster their defense even more by taking a defense end in the 2nd round. The Redskins have a solid defense, but they could use another pass rusher. Outside of Andre Carter the Redskins got very little pressure on the QB from the DE position. Ellis is a solid pick here, and should make Washington’s defense better.
52.
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WR Adarius Bowman, Oklahoma State
Joey Galloway is playing well at an old age, but he can’t keep this up forever. The Bucs get their offense a very physical, big time play making WR. Bowman might sit his first year, but would probably earn the starting role in 2009.
53.
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Pro Bowl guard Alan Faneca is most likely going to leave the Steelers in free agency. Pittsburgh needs to rebuild this once great offensive line, and they are with this draft. Gosder Cherilus could potentially start at RT as a rookie, and Rachal could start at LG. These two will allow the Steelers to get back to what they are known for; running the football down teams throats.
54. Tennessee Titans –
The Titans are so fed up with Pac Man Jones, that they are going to either trade or release him as soon as he is reinstated by the commissioner. With Jones gone the Titans take Porter to fill a big need a CB. Porter is an ideal cover corner who can also return punts.
55. Seattle Seahawks –
There is a lot of speculation that Shawn Alexander is falling out of favor with the Seahawks. After his MVP season in 05 and a huge contract extension, Alexander has been often injured and mediocre. Felix Jones will either light a fire under Alexander or take his job.
56.
–The Browns desperately need a NT. Ted Washington is way past his prime, and Cleveland needs a young stud to replace him with. Bryant is a huge force who will eat up blockers. This position is crucial to having a successful 3-4 defense, and the Browns would be very happy to get Bryant here.
57.
(From
) –
Outside of Will Allen the Dolphins do not have much talent at the CB position. Godfrey is a nice prospect and seems like a logical pick here. He is tall for a corner, he can be very physical, and is a great tackler. Every team Bill Parcells has gone to becomes much better. There will be better days ahead for the Phins.
58.
Jacksonville Jaguars –
CB Brandon Flowers, Virginia Tech
Brian Williams has been just OK for Jacksonville since signing him a few years back, and they could really look to improve at CB. Flowers and Mathis could be a very nice CB tandem on the Jacksonville defense.
59.
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Julius Jones is probably going to leave in free agency, and that gives the Cowboys a need for a second RB. Most good teams in today’s NFL like to use a 2 back system to keep their backs fresh, and keep defenses off balance. Charles will be a great change of pace to Marion Barber.
60.
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TE Martellus Bennett, Texas A&M
The Packers have found a nice receiving tight end in Donald Lee, but Bubba Franks is not getting any younger.
is a very big and physical tight end, who has a lot of upside. Bennett could shoot up draft boards more if he does well at the combine.
61.
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LB Xavier Adibi, Virginia Tech
Adibi seems to be a perfect fit for Tony Dungy’s defense. He is a very fast undersized linebacker who makes a ton of plays. There is a very good chance that Adibi does not even make it this far. If that were the case, the Colts could also look for a DT here.
62. New England Patriots – CB Antoine Cason, Arizona
Asante Samuel is a free agent, and can not be franchised due to a clause in his contract. Based on the money Nate Clements was able to get last off season, you can bet Asante Samuel is looking to cash in a huge pay day. New England has a history of not wanting to “over pay” for players when they reach free agency, so I imagine Samuel will no longer be a Patriot. Cason will be brought in to be his replacement.
63. New York Giants – S Dajaun Morgan, NC State
It appears that S Gibril Wilson will no longer be a Giant, as he is about to enter free agency. The Giants draft Morgan to replace Wilson, and hopefully improve their secondary. Morgan could potentially start as a rookie.
When you work from home, you might need to call all the business cards you have. That is important to arrange conference calls as well. Remember to avoid rental property in any case, to save more.