2008 NFL Mock Draft: Who's No. 1?

Here is another guy I will be shocked to see fall this far down draft boards. Stewart is a well-built back with speed and quick feet. The Texans will look even smarter now for passing on Reggie Bush for Mario Williams if they are able to scoop up Stewart at 18.

Houston currently has Ron Dayne (slow), Ahman Green (beat up), and Darius Walker (promising, but a bit slow for an every down back) on the roster at running back. The selection of Stewart should be the move for the Texans here.

19. Philadelphia Eagles—Keith Rivers, LB, Philadelphia

The Eagles need to surround their starting quarterback with more weapons. Kevin Curtis can stretch the field, but he is not a No. 1 receiver. They are probably hoping that DeSean Jackson or Mario Manningham will still be around when they pick at 19, but the Eagles organization usually sticks to their draft board and selects the best player available regardless of need.

In this case, that is USC linebacker Keith Rivers, who should provide the Eagles with depth on the weak side. Limas Sweed is also an option here, but his injury problems should cause the Eagles to search elsewhere for a big time receiver.

Isn't Randy Moss a free agent?

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers—Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina

Tampa, for better part of a decade, has been known for their defense. Coach Jon Gruden's defense last year was the main reason for the Bucs push into the playoffs.

The selection of Balmer should solidify Tampa's run defense even more, and he should continue to follow in the footsteps of great Buccaneer DTs. Balmer is a strong, athletic d-tackle who enjoyed a breakout 2007 season for the Tar Heels. If they can keep him motivated and coach him up, he could be a force in the middle for years to come.

21. Washington Redskins—Philip Merling, DE, Clemson

Merling is an enormous defensive end with the quickness to get to the passer. With the departure of defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, the Redskins can no longer rely on his scheme in order to be successful on the defensive side of the ball. Williams got the most out his players and I think the Redskins are going to miss him more than they think.

The Redskins are going to have to gravitate towards player with talent and instincts, and Merling fits that mold. Offensive tackle Jeff Otah could also be an option for the Redskins, but right now Merling is the pick.

22. Dallas Cowboys—Limas Sweed, WR, Texas

Terrell Owens and Terry Glenn are getting up there in years. The Cowboys could use a receiver they can groom and possibly even spell one of the two in case of injury. Owens is still an elite receiver and Glenn has the best hands of any receiver right now in the NFL, but both have had their share of injuries last season.

Sweed, who was also injured for most of 2007, is a bit of a health risk, but, like Owens and Glenn, when he is healthy he is dangerous. I actually have Sweed ranked as my  No. 2 receiver overall behind DeSean Jackson, but his wrist injury will cause some teams to back off and Sweed to go sliding down draft boards.

23. Pittsburgh Steelers—Chilo Rachal, OG, USC

Alan Faneca is a free agent and the notoriously frugal Steelers will not give him the money he will command on the open market. Rachal is the No. 1 rated guard on most draft boards and should be able to fill in nicely and make the departure of Faneca sting a little less.

Virginia's OG Branden Albert could be another option for the Steelers who historically replace star players who leave in free agency through the draft.

24. Tennessee Titans—Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida

The Titans ultimately would like to select a playmaker to help Vince Young in the passing game, but they may have to trade up to get the guy they want. With that said, DEs Antwan Odom and Travis LaBoy are free agents and unless they re-sign them (I imagine Odom will be re-signed) they will need to replace them through the draft.

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