NFL Draft Revisions: Re-Drafting Matt Ryan and the 2008 Class
In the NFL draft, there are no second chances.
The Oakland Raiders will pay for their JaMarcus Russell mistake for a decade, while the Atlanta Falcons will be rewarded for their selection of Matt Ryan.
But what if we could go back in time and do it all over again? How would NFL teams draft if they had a second chance at the 2008 NFL draft class?
The 2008 class was one of the strongest in recent memory. This is the class that produced Matt Ryan, Jake Long and Chris Johnson—three of the best players in the NFL today.
Here's our take on the 2008 NFL draft, the second time around.
1. Miami Dolphins
1 of 32
Original Pick
OT Jake Long, Michigan
New Pick
QB Matt Ryan, Boston College
It is hard to argue with the Dolphins original pick of Jake Long. One of the best left tackles in the game, Long looks like a perennial All-Pro tackle.
What the Dolphins are missing though is a quarterback. While Long is elite at his position, it is easier to draft a franchise left tackle in Rounds 2-7. All-Pro quarterbacks are drafted in Round 1 (with the exception of Tom Brady, who is a freak).
Matt Ryan is, in our estimation, the best young quarterback in football. The Dolphins road back to contending is much shorter with "Matty Ice" under center.
2. St. Louis Rams
2 of 32
Original Pick
DE Chris Long, Virginia
New Pick
OT Jake Long, Michigan
The Rams like what they got in Chris Long, but he is far from the dominant player they expected him to be when drafting him No. 2 overall.
Jake Long, as mentioned before, has become one of the best left tackles in football. Who knows what might have been with Marc Bulger in St. Louis if he had Jake Long blocking for him the last two years of his stay there?
The Rams waited three long years before finding a viable replacement for Orlando Pace at left tackle in Rodger Saffold. If they addressed this need in 2008, they could move Saffold to right tackle and have one of the elite offensive lines in football.
3. Atlanta Falcons
3 of 32
Original Pick
QB Matt Ryan, Boston College
New Pick
QB Joe Flacco, Delaware
With Ryan off the board at No. 1 overall in our re-draft, the Falcons must look for a franchise quarterback to replace the hole left by Michael Vick in our hypothetical offseason.
Flacco is the next best thing. He is a proven quarterback, has taken the Ravens to the playoffs and has an unlimited ceiling. While Matt Ryan gets the attention, Joe Flacco is quietly emerging as one of the best young passers in the game.
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4. Oakland Raiders
4 of 32
Original Pick
RB Darren McFadden, Arkansas
New Pick
RB Chris Johnson, East Carolina
In the 2008 NFL draft, the Raiders wanted to find a running back to carry the load and power their offense for the next 10 years. It is also worth noting that at this point, they still believed in JaMarcus Russell at quarterback.
In Darren McFadden, the Raiders have an emerging talent at running back. They could have had the NFL's best running back though.
Chris Johnson was an offseason monster before the '08 draft with an amazing showing at the Senior Bowl and NFL scouting combine. Looking back at this draft, we're actually shocked that Al Davis, who loves speed, didn't draft the fastest player to ever run at the combine.
5. Kansas City Chiefs
5 of 32
Original Pick
DT Glenn Dorsey, LSU
New Pick
OT Ryan Clady, Boise State
Glenn Dorsey was rated as our No. 3 player in this draft, behind only Matt Ryan and Jake Long. A dominating defensive tackle at LSU, Dorsey struggled to find his groove in the Chiefs' 3-4 defense after playing as a three-technique tackle in LSU's 40-style defensive line.
A good player today, Dorsey has yet to become a force on the defensive line.
Some might remember that many had Clady rated higher than Jake Long as the draft got closer. The Chiefs eventually found Branden Albert in the 2009 draft as their franchise left tackle.
Given a chance to do it again, they would rather have Pro Bowler Ryan Clady.
6. New York Jets
6 of 32
Original Pick
OLB Vernon Gholston, Ohio State
New Pick
DE Chris Long, Virginia
The Jets' pick of Vernon Gholston has to go down as one of the worst draft picks of all time. In three seasons, Gholston had zero sacks, leading to his eventual release by the Jets.
Chris Long has not been a dominating player, but he also played the first two years in a scheme that did not maximize his talents.
Playing in a 3-4 defense with the Jets, Long would be able to use his rare strength-speed combination to become one of the better defensive ends in football.
7. New Orleans Saints
7 of 32
Original Pick
DT Sedrick Ellis, USC
New Pick
DT Glenn Dorsey, LSU
The hot topic before the 2008 NFL draft was which defensive tackle New Orleans would draft with the sixth pick.
Many knew they had Glenn Dorsey rated higher than Ellis, but the Chiefs surprised everyone by drafting him before New Orleans had a chance.
In a second take at the first round, the Saints would love the opportunity to draft the penetrating defensive tackle that Glenn Dorsey could have been in a conventional 4-3 scheme.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars
8 of 32
Original Pick
DE Derrick Harvey, Florida
New Pick
CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Tennessee State
The Jaguars made a selection thinking they had found their bookend pass rusher for the next decade. Instead, they drafted a player who has produced eight sacks in three years.
Looking at the Jacksonville roster today, it is obvious the team should have been drafting for help in a secondary that is among the worst in the NFL. Pass rushers can be found in free agency and later rounds.
Pro Bowl cornerbacks like DRC are drafted early.
9. Cincinnati Bengals
9 of 32
Original Pick
LB Keith Rivers, USC
New Pick
DT Sedrick Ellis, USC
The Bengals found a nice player in outside linebacker Keith Rivers. A dominating linebacker from the beginning of his rookie season, Rivers received one vote for Defensive Rookie of the Year after appearing in only seven games.
Then it all kind of fell apart.
Rivers 2009 and 2010 seasons were average. While starting 28 games over the next two seasons after his rookie campaign, Rivers only generated two sacks and one interception, and averaged 75 tackles per season.
Not what you would expect from a top-ten pick.
Ellis has not been a Pro Bowler either, but he has been more consistent and fills a more immediate need for the Bengals in 2008 and the future.
10. New England Patriots
10 of 32
Original Pick
LB Jerod Mayo, Tennessee
New Pick
LB Jerod Mayo, Tennessee
If it's not broke, don't fix it.
Mayo went on to become the Defensive Rookie of the Year and is the leader of a young Patriots defense. Bill Belichick and co. struck gold with Mayo with the 10th pick overall.
11. Buffalo Bills
11 of 32
Original Pick
CB Leodis McKelvin, Troy
New Pick
CB Mike Jenkins, South Florida
The Bills were openly tracking cornerbacks leading up to the 2008 NFL draft. Unfortunately, as we fast forward three years, this is still a weak spot on their roster.
Leodis McKelvin was the top cornerback on almost every board before the draft but has been just average in the NFL.
What the Bills did not know was that a Pro Bowl cornerback was sitting on the board in Mike Jenkins (and in the real 2008 draft, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie).
Jenkins rotated with Orlando Scandrick as a rookie before securing a starting spot and Pro Bowl selection in 2009.
12. Denver Broncos
12 of 32
Original Pick
OT Ryan Clady, Boise State
New Pick
LB Keith Rivers, USC
The Broncos would love to find Ryan Clady still on the board in this re-draft. That's not going to happen though.
Rivers would fit nicely in the Broncos' current 4-3 scheme opposite D.J. Williams. His ability to rush the passer and drop back in coverage makes him a very solid, if not spectactular, linebacker.
13. Carolina Panthers
13 of 32
Original Pick
RB Jonathan Stewart, Oregon
New Pick
RB Rashard Mendenhall, Illinois
The Panthers had the right idea in drafting a running back with their first of two picks in Round 1. Stewart has been a very good player, but we simply like Rashard Mendenhall more.
The Panthers today are a team with holes at almost every position. Drafting Mendenhall here and focusing on key positions like offensive tackle with their second pick would have made the most sense.
14. Chicago Bears
14 of 32
Original Pick
OT Chris Williams, Vanderbilt
New Pick
WR DeSean Jackson, California
Is it safe to call Chris Williams a bust now?
Williams was drafted to be the left tackle of the future in Chicago, but injuries have kept him off the field for most of his young career.
In Jackson, the Bears would have secured a true No. 1 receiver for Kyle Orton or Jay Cutler to work with.
Looking at the Bears' roster today, their two biggest needs are still at wide receiver and left tackle. Drafting Jackson over Williams in 2008 would erase the need at receiver.
15. Kansas City Chiefs
15 of 32
Original Pick
OT Branden Albert, Virginia
New Pick
RB Jamaal Charles, Texas
The Chiefs picked up their franchise left tackle with pick No. 5 in our re-draft, erasing the need to pick Branden Albert again here.
Instead, the Chiefs duplicate a pick they made in Round 3 of this draft and grab running back Jamaal Charles.
Charles has become the best offensive player for the Chiefs and is a large part of their resurgence and AFC West championship in 2010.
They cannot afford to let him slip by them here.
16. Arizona Cardinals
16 of 32
Original Pick
CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Tennessee State
New Pick
CB Aqib Talib, Kansas
The Cardinals would be happy to find Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie on the board for them again in our re-draft. DRC has outplayed his draft stock though, and was picked up at No. 8 by Jacksonville.
The consolation is that Arizona can still find a Pro Bowl-caliber cornerback on the board with Aqib Talib.
Talib has been solid—and underrated—for the Buccaneers. Some off-field issues might hurt his stock in a re-draft, but based on 2008 information, he is a safe pick for Arizona.
17. Detroit Lions
17 of 32
Original Pick
OT Gosder Cherilus, Boston College
New Pick
OT Jeff Otah, Pittsburgh
The Lions definitely needed an offensive tackle with their first-round pick in 2008. The goal was to find a dominating run-blocker at right tackle to pair with Jeff Backus to give Detroit a balanced line.
Cherilus has been a starter at right tackle, but he's inconsistent. He has also not been the strong run-blocker that the team projected him to be.
On the board, Detroit finds a dominant, run-blocking right tackle in Jeff Otah. On a better team, Otah would receive the recognition he deserves.
18. Baltimore Ravens
18 of 32
Original Pick
QB Joe Flacco, Delaware
New Pick
RB Darren McFadden, Arkansas
The Ravens have it tough in our re-draft. With Joe Flacco going off the board at pick No. 3 and no other talent at quarterback worthy of the No. 18 pick, the Ravens are going to their board and drafting the best available player.
McFadden does fill a need, as this was before the Ravens had Ray Rice on the roster.
It's interesting to look back and see how the Ravens landing a steal like Joe Flacco in the middle of the first round completely changed their future.
19. Carolina Panthers
19 of 32
Original Pick
OT Jeff Otah, Pittsburgh
New Pick
OT Branden Albert, Virginia
Branden Albert has played well at left tackle for the Kansas City Chiefs, but we feel he would be even better as a right tackle.
Carolina would be happy to re-draft Jeff Otah again here, but the Detroit Lions beat them to the punch.
Albert has value as a left tackle, guard or right tackle for the Panthers.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
20 of 32
Original Pick
CB Aqib Talib, Kansas
New Pick
CB Antoine Cason, Arizona
The Buccaneers entered the 2008 NFL draft with a need for a shutdown cornerback to pair with veteran Ronde Barber. In Round 1, they found their guy in Aqib Talib.
If the 2008 NFL draft were re-done, as we are doing here, Talib would be off the board. Tampa would be happy to find its new selection, Antoine Cason.
Cason was slow to develop into a starter for the Chargers, but played very well in his one season as a starter.
21. Atlanta Falcons
21 of 32
Original Pick
OT Sam Baker, USC
New Pick
OT Duane Brown, Virginia Tech
The Falcons No. 1 need after finding a franchise quarterback in the 2008 NFL draft was to find a left tackle who could protect him.
In Sam Baker, many thought the Falcons had that player. Baker started off strong, but has yet to develop into the premier left tackle he could be.
Duane Brown, on the other hand, started off terribly, giving up 11.5 sacks in his rookie season. Brown has gotten better each season and fits well in a mobile system like Atlanta runs.
He's still giving up about one sack every two games, but even this is better than Baker's 11.5 sacks given up in 2010.
22. Dallas Cowboys
22 of 32
Original Pick
RB Felix Jones, Arkansas
New Pick
OG Carl Nicks, Nebraska
The Cowboys drafted Felix Jones largely because Jerry Jones went to Arkansas and loves fast running backs. They had Marion Barber on the roster and would add Tashard Choice as a fourth-round pick in this very draft.
Felix Jones was a luxury pick and filled no needs.
Carl Nicks, however, would be a premier starter at guard for the Cowboys today. Dallas overpaid for Kyle Kosier, who has been average at left guard. Nicks would be a Pro Bowler in Dallas.
23. Pittsburgh Steelers
23 of 32
Original Pick
RB Rashard Mendenhall, Illinois
New Pick
OT Sam Baker, USC
The Steelers original selection of Rashard Mendenhall proved to be a smart one for the future of the Steelers. With Mendenhall off the board, the Steelers can focus on a need they have had to fill for the past five years at left tackle.
Baker has been hot and cold in his NFL career. As a rookie and second-year player, he was brilliant. His 2010 season was a disaster.
The Steelers need at offensive tackle has them banking on the hope that Baker will rebound from a miserable 2010 season.
24. Tennessee Titans
24 of 32
Original Pick
RB Chris Johnson, East Carolina
New Pick
QB Chad Henne, Michigan
The Titans struck gold by drafting Chris Johnson at the end of the first round. Johnson has become the best running back in the NFL in three short seasons.
With Johnson long gone on the re-drafted board, the Titans look to fill a position that Vince Young ruined.
Chad Henne's career has been up and down, but he shows potential. Given time to learn behind Kerry Collins, he would have a better start to a career with a lot of promise.
25. Dallas Cowboys
25 of 32
Original Pick
CB Mike Jenkins, South Florida
New Pick
RB Jonathan Stewart, Oregon
The Cowboys wisely picked up Mike Jenkins with pick No. 25 in the original 2008 NFL draft.
In our second-chance draft, the Cowboys pick up Jonathan Stewart, a bruising runner with the speed to break a defense.
Dallas had previously drafted Felix Jones with pick No. 22, so there is a belief in their scouting department that a running back is needed. Stewart is just the better option.
26. Houston Texans
26 of 32
Original Pick
OT Duane Brown, Virginia Tech
New Pick
FS Kenny Phillips, Miami (FL)
The Texans' need at left tackle caused them to reach for Duane Brown, who has turned out to be a nice pickup at tackle for an offensive juggernaut.
With Brown off the board, the Texans can focus on drafting for a need that is still present on the team: free safety.
Phillips is one of the most athletic free safeties in the NFL. His range and playmaking skills make him a dangerous player in the pass-happy AFC South.
27. San Diego Chargers
27 of 32
Original Pick
CB Antoine Cason, Arizona
New Pick
DE Calais Campbell, Miami (FL)
The Chargers are deep at cornerback even today. In 2008, they had a need at cornerback, but not so much to draft a cornerback again if the top players are off the board.
Where the Chargers do have a need still is at defensive end. Calais Campbell has played very well in Arizona and would excel in the Chargers' aggressive 3-4 scheme.
28. Seattle Seahawks
28 of 32
Original Pick
DE Lawrence Jackson, USC
New Pick
TE Jermichael Finley, Texas
The Seahawks love athletic tight ends, and no player in this class is better than Finley. With an athletic tight end like Finley, the Seattle offense could explode.
Lawrence Jackson has been a disappointment thus far and was traded to the Detroit Lions before the 2010 season in exchange for a sixth-round pick.
29. San Franscisco 49ers
29 of 32
Original Pick
DE Kentwan Balmer, North Carolina
New Pick
QB Matt Flynn, LSU
Who would have thought that one-year wonder Kentwan Balmer would be a bust in the NFL?
Oh, yeah. Many people thought that one-year wonder Kentwan Balmer would be a bust in the NFL.
Balmer was quickly traded to Seattle after injuring his shoulder in 2009 and then refusing to report to camp in San Francisco the following August.
Matt Flynn is a reach here. He's started one game in three years behind Aaron Rodgers, but he was good enough for the team to ship off second-round pick Brian Brohm.
Flynn would fill a huge need at quarterback in San Francisco. In fact, the 49ers may even trade for Flynn this offseason.
30. New York Jets
30 of 32
Original Pick
TE Dustin Keller, Purdue
New Pick
TE Dustin Keller, Purdue
This is only the second team we have re-drafting the same player. That says a lot for how far off NFL teams were in evaluating talent in 2008.
Keller has been good for the Jets, but he also shows a lot of potential for the future. New York loves having this big body for Mark Sanchez to rely on when the protection breaks down.
31. New England Patriots
31 of 32
Oops...this is the pick the New England Patriots forfeited after SpyGate.
32. New York Giants
32 of 32
Original Pick
FS Kenny Phillips, Miami (FL)
New Pick
RB Matt Forte, Tulane
The Giants entered the 2008 offseason coming off an improbable win over the previously undefeated New England Patriots in the Super Bowl, but they had many needs on the roster to address.
One such need was at running back. Brandon Jacobs was proving himself as a running back, but the team had no one who could catch out of the backfield or kill a defense with speed and moves.
Matt Forte is that player. He has been a workhorse for the Bears and would be a featured player in the Giants offense today.
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