2008 NFL Mock Draft

The Miami Dolphins are a good all-around team, but they’ve come up against some serious struggles this year with both offense and defense.  If there were a top tier receiver in the NFL Draft, I believe they would have to go that route—but, of course, there isn’t one.  

I see them going for either Jake Long or Chris Long.  

Jake Long is a very good offensive lineman—but the Dolphins are already strong here.  Dorsey has had some injury problems this year, so if they decide they want to go with a safer pick Chris Long has the leadership skills and talent to be a top tier defensive end like his father, Howie Long.  

Either way, the Dolphins need to build through the NFL Draft if they want to progress as a team.

2. St. Louis Rams: Jake Long, OT, Michigan

The St. Louis Rams were expected to perform much more skillfully this season than they did.  There were a couple of injuries throughout the year that hurt them, but all in all they just couldn’t win games in the fourth quarter.  

Look for the Rams to improve their offensive line here in order to eventually replace the oft-injured Orlando Pace.  Long, a very good offensive lineman from Michigan, gets the job done every play.

However, the Rams could potentially trade down to someone looking to get Darren McFadden and then take a WR to replace the aging Isaac Bruce.  

These guys could be good next year; they have the talent.  If they get things clicking, look for them to turn things around and make the playoffs.

 3. Atlanta Falcons: Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College

The Falcons organization has faced some hard times this year, what with Vick’s arrest and the newly acquired coach’s abandonment of the team.  

I predict they’ll take a quarterback in this draft.  Matt Ryan seems to be the first QB up for consideration in 2008.  At Boston College he demonstrated both arm strength and intelligence.

However, if Jake Long is still available I think you’ll see that the Falcons will take a good look at him—they desperately need to improve the O-Line.  

If Bobby Petrino were still with the Falcons, I would say they’d pick Brohm.  But I think Ryan is the better choice in this situation.  

Lastly, McFadden is also a possible choice here because Warrick Dunn is getting old.   But then again, they still have a young Norwood, who seems to be the future of their RBs.

4. Oakland Raiders: Chris Long, DE, Virginia

This season the Oakland Raiders’ concerns ranged from QB to O-Line to wide receivers.  I would say that their offense was the main problem, but the defense did struggle as well.  

The Raiders have a lot of needs to meet, although they did satisfy a QB requirement in last year’s draft, picking up Russell.  Look for the Raiders to draft the best available player in this slot because they really do need the best players they can get.  

McFadden and Long could also be taken here, and the Raiders must improve their defense.  Chris Long has been a leader in Virginia this year and is an outstanding defensive end.  

Look for Long to come in and make an impact on the defense right away.  He will be a much sought after player in this 2008 NFL Draft.

5. Kansas City Chiefs: Sam Baker, OT, USC

It is said that Ryan Clady out of Boise State is the top OT, but I believe Sam Baker to be a better overall player, even after his surgery.  Look for Baker and Clady both to be in the top 15—they are good players with experience at big programs.  

The Chiefs also could go either the McFadden route or pursue a QB.  But in the end, they must improve their offensive line to help starter Larry Johnson.

6. New York Jets: Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas

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