Second Draft of My Mock Draft

1. Miami Dolphins: Chris Long DE Virginia

It’s no secret that the Dolphins are looking to shop their first overall pick, but it does not seem that there will be any takers. So now the organization must decide what position they need to shore up the most. They could look to the impressive Matt Ryan considering that all they have is John Beck. They could draft Jake Long and have a sound offensive line. They could also draft a DT to take care of the middle of the DL. I think all of these are viable options, but I feel that Chris Long is the hands down best pick for Miami at this point for a few reasons. First, no one was worst against the run than Miami last year and if nothing else Chris Long’s constant motor would help Miami stop hemorrhaging rushing yards. Second, Jason Taylor staying in Miami means Long would operate on the same side with Joey Porter and that combination could lead to a veritable sack fest. Third, Long was upset with himself when he preformed phenomenally at the combine and that type of perfectionism could only benefit Miami. For those reasons and his phenomenal combine, it seems like a no-brainer for Miami to select the Virginia DE.

2. St. Louis Rams: Verhnon Gholston DE/OLB Ohio State

The Rams have two needs that have to be addressed in the first two rounds of the draft. One is Offensive Line the other is the Defensive Line. It would make complete sense for the Rams to draft Jake Long and provide some much needed depth to the O-line. However, the amount of talent for the DL in the early second round is not as great as the talent for the O-line. Also, Orlando Pace and Alex Barron provide “stability” making O-line a secondary need. So I have the Rams selecting the talented Gholston first and therefore an OT second. I initially had the Rams taking Sedrick Ellis so that Carrkier could move back to end, but if the Rams move to a 3-4 Carriker could be the perfect end. Gholston has destroyed every workout he has come up to and would make a phenomenal pass-rushing OLB in a 3-4.

3. Atlanta Falcons: Jake Long OT Michigan

Atlanta signed Burner Turner and so it is highly unlikely that they will go after McFadden. Atlanta wants to accomplish two things offensively. First, foster a power running game. Second, protect the QB. Jake Long will go a long way towards accomplishing both of those goals. Many mock drafts have Matt Ryan going here, but while I like Matt Ryan I think the signing of Redman fosters “stability” and with him the Falcons can pursue a very deep quarterback class in the second round. Also, if Matt Ryan freefalls in the draft I could see the Falcons trading some of their many picks to move up and grab him.

4. Oakland Raiders: Sedrick Ellis DT USC

The Raiders will most likely look to trade this pick as they have gone on a ridiculous spending spree. However, I don’t mock with trades so, I have the Raiders taking Ellis. Ellis is a dominant player who can really help this defense. If they move Tommy Kelly to the inside, then the Raiders can put Ellis in the rotation with Warren and have a pretty sound D-Line. See my previous post for why they shouldn’t take McFadden.

5. Kansas City: Ryan Clady OT Boise State

Herm Edwards has stated that offense is a priority for the draft, which makes sense considering that the Chiefs were near the bottom in almost every offensive stat. I would say that if McFadden falls here, it might be worthwhile for them to trade the pick to the highest bidder, but if that falls through working on their abysmal offensive line would make perfect sense. Clady is the next best thing to Jake Long as far the O-line goes, so it makes sense to go after him here. They could be tempted to take Dorsey here, but the offense must be a priority.

6. New York Jets: Darren McFadden HB Arkansas

The Jets have been very aggressive in the off-season giving themselves a very impressive offensive line. Now if they draft McFadden and have him in a tandem with Thomas Jones, the Jets could very well be a contender again. Having McFadden takes stress off of every position on the offense. Thomas Jones will run better being part of a tandem, whichever quarterback plays will have a strong running game to back them up, and McFadden is a back that requires very little blocking. Needless to say Run DMC would make this Jets offense very dangerous.

7. New England Patriots: Leodis Mcklevin CB Troy

Had Laurinitus entered he would have been the hands down pick for the Pats, but he did not and the Patriots are faced with drafting elsewhere. Asante Samuel and Randall Gay have both left for “Greener” pastures and so CB seems to be the pressing need, even if they sign Ty Law. Mcklevin can help make an immediate impact on an almost perfect team.

8. Baltimore Ravens: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie CB Tennessee St.

Matt Ryan is still on the board and this causes the Ravens to look through their options at QB. Steve Mcnair feels he still has it, despite his performance against the Steelers on Monday Night. Kyle Boller has shown competency if not dynamic play. Troy Smith has shown that he can run the offense and can only improve. So, there is “stability” at QB. Plus, if Matt Ryan has fallen this far, chances are that a good QB will be available in the 2^nd round. So, the Ravens look at providing their aging, injury prone CB crew with some depth and youth. However, the Ravens are not copping out in the least. DRC seems to be just as much of a playmaker as his relative in San Diego and will help revitalize a fearsome defensive unit.

9. Cincinnati Bengals: Glenn Dorsey DT LSU

The Bengals are thrilled that this dynamic player has fallen to them. Dorsey was a standout LSU DT who was looking like the best player in the draft class. His absence from the combine and injury reports could potentially lead to him dropping this far, but I would be surprised if he fell any further considering Cincinnati’s horrible defense. Now, if Thurman gets his suspension lifted and Pollack decides he can play (although I wish he wouldn’t) that Cincinnati defense can have the powerful front seven it has been working on.

10. New Orleans Saints: Mike Jenkins CB USF

The Saints had a mediocre run defense that was hurt by their 30^th ranked pass defense. Even though they signed Randall Gay they should still look to add talented depth at the CB position and Mike Jenkins, with a 4.38 and a 34 in. vertical, can at times appear to be the best CB in this draft class. The Saints would be ecstatic to see the USF man fall to them.

11. Buffalo Bills: Limas Sweed WR Texas

It seems obvious that the Bills need a large, talented receiver to help their young QB and take some coverage away from the dynamic Lee Evans Limas Sweed is 6’4’’ 216lbs seems to fit the bill (pun intended) in Buffalo. Malcolm Kelly has been picked by most, but his refusal to participate in the combine or the pro day could hurt his position.

12. Denver Broncos: Chris Williams OT Vanderbilt

Matt Liepsis has retired and why not grab Williams who formerly blocked for Jay Cutler. I could see them going elsewhere in this draft, possibly going after a defensive player. The OT depth is considerable in this draft and the Broncos did draft OT Ryan Harris in the 3^rd last year to possibly take over this role. Denver has already signed Boss Bailey so the need at linebacker isn’t great making Chris Williams a viable choice.

13. Carolina Panthers: Jeff Otah OT Pittsburgh

I previously had the Panthers taking Kenny Philips, but the signing of Terrence Holt means that a safety can be pursued later on in the draft. For now the Panthers look to sign a tackle so that Wharton can be moved to the inside. The Panthers line being solid would go a long way towards helping the running game and protect Delhomme.

14. Chicago Bears: Matt Ryan QB Boston College

When Jeff Otah was available here previously I had the Bears grab him, but now he isn’t and so the Bears have two choices. Go after a receiver or take the Boston College QB here. Previously I stated that Orton meant that the Bears have stability and could pursue a QB later in the draft. However, with the offensive line talent off the board and the receiver talent lackluster, the Bears will look to add Matt Ryan. Orton can run the team while Ryan learns the ins and outs. Ryan can then turn a mediocre offense into a great one and will be a great QB for the Bears for a long time.

15. Detroit Lions: Rashard Mendenhall RB Illinois

Jon Kitna got sacked 51 times and the Lions had the 31^st worst rushing game. However, these stats could be misleading considering the nature of the Mike Martz offense. This could mean offense may not be a priority, especially considering the Lions had one of the worst defenses in the league. If the Lions had not gone after Leigh Bodden and Brian Kelly I would say corner should be a priority, but it no longer is. Then, Kevin Jones was fired so it would appear that the Lions may be after a dynamic half back and Mendenhall is just that. Mendenhall has the running and pass catching ability to really help improve the offense.

16. Arizona Cardinals: Keith Rivers OLB USC

Arizona lost Blaystock and Pace, thus there is a considerable void at outside linebacker. I could also see a running back here. I had Jonathan Stewart going here until his surgery. So now the Cardinals look to repair their weakened linebacker corp.

17. Minnesota Vikings: Derrick Harvey DE Florida

Minnesota was rather aggressive in free agency and was probably upset that Kearse decided to return to Music City. However, acquiring Bernard Berrian makes WR less important in the first round. The Vikings did have the best rush defense, but paradoxically the worst pass defense. I look at the talent the Vikings have in the secondary and am doubly confused. It just seemed that they were unable to make any plays in that respect and so I’ll call this season a fluke for the Vikings defense. So, with Udeze departing because of his leukemia the Vikings should pursue a dynamic DE and Harvey with his 30 plus tackles for loss and 15.5 sacks in two seasons fits the bill perfectly.

18. Houston Texans: Aqib Talib CB Kansas

I don’t know that the Texans will pursue corner with their first round pick considering they overpaid Reeves. However, a good secondary is necessary The Texans have been pretty smart so far with their drafting. They stay away from flash and go with substance. Talib is a good corner and can provide depth to a very weak secondary.

19. Philadelphia Eagles: Devin Thomas WR Michigan State

Philly was a pretty good team last year, they are just in the most competitive division in the NFL. When Mcnabb is healthy, he is pure magic. His main problem was him being sacked so much…44 times. That could be an offensive line problem, it could be a problem with receivers getting open, or it could be a Mcnabb problem. The only reason I have them going after Devin Thomas is that Philly was so aggressive in going for a receiver. Desean Jackson is still on the board, but Philly already has a speed demon in Kevin Curtis, so the big receiver could be very helpful. He can be a release valve for Mcnabb when he is in trouble. Devin Thomas may just be the best receiver in this class and the Eagles would love to land him.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Desean Jackson WR Cal

Tama Bay has stated that they like all of the players in this draft and are happy to take anyone. This complicates things considerably. Any player could come off the board. However, I say they go after Desean Jackson. He can make an immediate impact on the field and eventually will replace Joey Galloway as Tampa Bay’s deep threat.

21. Washington Redskins: Calais Campbell DE Miami

The Redskins have actually been very smart thus far in the off-season and it’s amazing. For once, the Skins might actually build through the draft! If they do, it would be wise to put some youth into the defensive line and give Andre Carter a partner on the Dline. They could also go after an offensive lineman considering that at times it looked like Portis was running into a brick wall. They could also go receiver, but the D-line is priority.

22. Dallas Cowboys: James Hardy WR Indiana

The Cowboys have two picks in the first round and need a running back, wide receiver, and a cornerback. I have them going for James Hardy here because before they get to pick again, they have the receiver needy Titans going. The Titans would love to draft James Hardy, a big target, who can get open easily, for their scrambling QB. So, the Cowboys have to draft him now if they want him. Hardy is a big receiver who could benefit greatly from the advice (such as it is) of the sizeable Terrell Owens.

23. Pittsburgh Steelers: Branden Albert G Virginia

I have been looking forward to this pick for two years. For two years I have said the Steelers should go after a good offensive lineman in the draft. I can’t really complain though. Santonio Holmes was a great pickup. No good lineman was available in the 2007 first round so Lawrence Timmons made sense. It was cruel fate though to see our second round pick come up with Ryan Kahlil, the versatile center from USC, on the board only to see Lamar Woodley come off. I was upset, but it seems that Woodley will be a good player so once again I cannot complain. Signing Hartwig will probably move Mahan to guard, but remember that Hartwig has been hurt. If he goes down Mahan will have to return to center. Plus, I have my hesitations about Mahan in the first place. Albert will bring dynamic youth that will force everyone on the line to step up.

24. Tennessee Titans: Malcolm Kelly WR Oklahoma

The Titans need to open up their offense. Running Lendale White up the middle and the occasional play action pass does not make an NFL offense (clearly). Vince Young was used to running multiple receiver formations in Texas, but when you don’t have receivers, multiple receiver formations are tough. Vince Young desperately needs WR talent. Malcolm Kelly was hailed as the best receiver in the draft before he refused to participate in the combine and the OU pro day. At this point Malcolm Kelly will be a steal for the Titans and with their running game and Alge Crumpler, the Titans may make another playoff run.

25. Seattle Seahawks: Kentwan Balmer DT North Carolina

I have heard rumors that the Seahawks would like to draft an OT to be the eventual replacement for Walter Jones, but Gosder Cherilius is the only OT that has first round value. So, the Seahawks take a look and DT. Kerney dominated offensive lines with a mediocre interior crew. DT is the only weak point in this tenacious defense so the Seahawks look to land Balmer and make their defense one of the most imposing in the NFL.

26. Jacksonville Jaguars: Quentin Groves DE/OLB Auburn

The Jaguars have a very talented team. There only weak point would be DE. Hayward, even though he was hurt, did not perform very well. Not to mention the fact that McCray is now a Saint. So the Jags look to pick up the versatile Groves. The Jags did suffer some linebacker injuries so it would seem that Groves could help in that respect as well. Groves would be the Renaissance man this Jacksonville Defense could use to get it through another season healthy enough to make another serious playoff run.

27. San Diego Chargers: Brandon Flowers CB Virginia Tech

The Chargers have considerable depth in their skilled positions. They will be looking for the best player available here. Brandon Flowers will be a valuable corner to take the place of Florence in San Diego. If San Diego feels that they are good with their corners (one being Paul Oliver a potential first rounder if he hadn’t failed at UGA). If they don’t draft corner look for them to pick off a lineman defensive or offensive.

28. Dallas Cowboys: Felix Jones RB Arkansas

See the Cowboys previous pick for background. Dallas needs a change in pace back for Marion the Barbarian. Jones can do just that and help the return game as well. I could also see the Cowboys going after a corner and pursuing Chris Johnson.

29. San Francisco 49ers: Gosder Cherilius OT Boston College

The 49ers had the worst offense in the league…a far cry from better days. San Fran took Joe Staley last year and still had 55 sacks. Now Larry Allen and Justin Smiley are gone. The 49ers line could be worse off than before (hard to believe). San Fran desperately needs an offensive lineman and will be willing to take the best one available.

30. Green Bay Packers: Reggie Smith DB Oklahoma

Woodson and Al Harris play well, but are also aged. Al Harris looked desperate against Burress in the playoff game. Will Blackmon is not the ideal nickel back. Nick Collins had gotten hurt for part of the season. Reggie Smith was a safety who moved to corner recently, and played well. He is projected to be a great prospect at either position in the NFL. Reggie Smith could provide a good secondary with the depth it needs, not to mention a future. Reggie Smith is very physical and no one press covers like Al Harris. Smith can immediately help the Pack defense and learn from two of the premier corners in the league.

31. New York Giants: Dan Connor ILB Penn State

With Mitchell gone the Giants have a void at LB and pick one of the best linebacker prospects out of Linebacker U. Posluszny , had he not gotten hurt, was looking to be a major player in Buffalo and the Giants should expect the same from Dan Connor. Connor can immediately fill the void that Mitchell has left in the G-Men.