1. Miami Dolphins: Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
The Miami Dolphins are an all around team that has had some serious struggles this year with both offense and defense alike. I believe that if their was a top tier receiver in this NFL draft they would have to go that route, but there isn’t one. The only other way I see them going is in drafting either Jake Long or Chris Long in the NFL Draft. Jake Long is a very good O Lineman but that is one of the strongest parts of the Dolphins Team. 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: Chris Long, DE, Virginia
The St. Louis Rams have a couple ways to go in this situation. First of all they can go with an OT which is probably their biggest need because Pace is continually getting injured. Secondly they can improve the interior with Sedrick Ellis who has jumped to the top 5 in a lot of recent drafts. However, I have them taking the best player available because they got Carriker last year for a DT they take a DE to help build their defense around with Chris Long. Long is both a leader and a run stopper as well as someone who pressures the QB.
3. Atlanta Falcons: Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
I previously have had the Falcons taking Matt Ryan in this situation to deal with their QB issues. However, because some QB’s have shown to do well in the Senior bowl (Henne, Flacco and John David Booty) Atlanta can pass on Matt Ryan and take Darren McFadden a player they can build their team around. Another Idea for them would be to trade down and get a good receiver or take one of the top tier QB’s later in the draft. McFadden is the most sought after player in this draft so look for teams to attempt to trade up if he is not gone after the first couple selections.
4. Oakland Raiders: Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
The Raiders drafted their QB last year and Al Davis may have been looking to snag the McFadden in this slot but he is one away from doing so. So instead of getting a flashy player like Davis is very fond of he goes with the best available player for his team needs. He needs someone to step in and replace Warren Sapp on the defensive side of the ball because their defense struggled more this year then they have in the passed. Look for the Raiders to also look for play makers at receiver and running back as well if any of them have outstanding numbers in the combine. But all in all Ellis is the best selection here because some people even have him going first overall ousting Chris Long and Glenn Dorsey.
5. Kansas City Chiefs: Jake Long, OT, Michigan
If this happens and Jake Long slips past the Rams and the Raiders look for the Kansas City Chiefs to jump on him as fast as they can. The Chiefs struggled to get the ball moving on the ground early in the year and they need to protect whoever is going to be calling the plays for them. Another choice here would be one of the top tier QB’s such as Matt Ryan or Brian Brohm. However, I think that they will either try to get a QB in the second round or let Brodie Croyle have a shot at it. So Jake Long is almost a definite choice in this situation because it is a perfect fit for the Chiefs team needs.
6. New York Jets: Vernon Gholston, DE/OLB
In the NFL Draft the Jets need to improve their team as an overall team. I had previously said that WR would be the best move for the Jets in the NFL Draft but Kellen Clemens has come around and is a much better QB then Pennington. I don’t think that he will be the long term solution for this team but he is a temporary replacement for the next couple years. Even though the Jets recently acquired Thomas Jones he is getting older and isn’t a great running back. However, Leon Washington is a playmaker and there really isn’t a good enough RB available for the Jets to take in this situation. Look for the Jets then to jump on the best pass rushing end available. In this situation Gholston has proven to be a great pass rusher and can also back up and fill the OLB position as well.
7. New England Patriots(49ers): Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida
I previously had the Patriots taking Laurinaitis in this situation but he is going back to school for another year. So instead of improving the Linebacker crew now the Patriots wait to do that in later rounds and improve their secondary. Asante Samuel looks like he is going to be leaving in 2008 unless he wants to take a pay cut and stay with the Patriots. So the Patriots take the top rated CB in the draft and are happy about picking so high when they are in the Super Bowl.
8. Baltimore Ravens: Desean Jackson, WR, California
I don’t love this pick for Baltimore but I don’t think the best pick for Baltimore is a QB. Everyone else has Brian Brohm or Andre Woodson going in this pick. Another pick could be Malcolm Kelly because he is a big receiver that can catch the short yardage pass. Also I think Troy Smith has been playing ok and managing the game pretty well. Therefore I think that Desean Jackson could be the right choice in this situation because he is a similar player to Ted Ginn Jr. and Troy Smith had a lot of success with Ted Ginn Jr.
9. Cincinnati Bengals: Kenny Phillips, FS, Miami
The Bengals Offense has some of the best personnel out of almost any other team in the league other than the Patriots probably. However, their defense is a different story and they need to improve it greatly. The Bengals have to decide who will best complement the rest of their defense and who will best help. Here I have them taking the best player available to help their defense. Some other choices would be the best linebacker or Defensive lineman available but I like Phillips here because he is proven and I think will be very successful in the NFL.
10. New Orleans Saints: Leodis McKlevin, CB, Troy State
The New Orleans Saints picked up their offense in the latter part of the year making a run for the playoffs. The part of their team that kept them out of the playoffs was not their offense but their defense mainly the secondary. The Saints defense has been horrendous at times and not able to cover receivers in the safety or corner positions. The best selection for them here is the best CB available. Leodis McKlevin from Troy State isn’t the biggest name in the 2008 Draft but he is a freak athlete who can immediately step in and start at CB for the New Orleans Saints.
11. Buffalo Bills: Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma
The NFL Draft has not been the best for the Bills in past years. I liked their draft last year and thought they made some good decisions to improve their offense and defense alike. Look for the Bills to give their new QB Edwards another offensive weapon. The key to this pick is having someone that can score in the redzone therefore they need to be over 5′10". Another pick I like for the Bills most likely in the second round is Davis out of USC. He is the number one TE in the Draft and if they can get him then they will have 2 Red Zone threats in Kelly and Davis and therefore I think they become an over 500 team and be even more in the playoff race. Furthermore, I think that these guys will also be a big help for Trent Edwards in being a starter in the NFL.
12. Denver Broncos: Keith Rivers, OLB, USC
Denver lost it this year and did absolutely nothing to what they were projected to do. Their defense and offense alike sucked and they need to improve a lot of different situations. In this situation Ryan Clady could be a good pick to help continue their offensive lines success and their run game. However, the Broncos go with Keith Rivers the best available defensive player that will be able to immediately help the Broncos Defense as a whole.
13. Carolina Panthers: Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville
The Panthers don’t really have a signal caller so a possible selection would be one of the best QB’s available. In this situation I previously had them selecting Ryan Clady who is looking to be a good OT. But instead Brohm is there selection because of their QB problems throughout the system and the questions with Jake’s future.
14. Chicago Bears: Matt Ryan, QB, BC
The Chicago Bears have struggled all year as well with their QB situation. They have one of the best weapons in the league if not the best with Devin Hester. Secondly, the Bears also need some other offensive weapons such as O-Line, RB’s, and WR’s. Their offense pretty much is their special teams but I say they take a strong confident QB in Matt Ryan here. If Ryan falls this far this would be a steal for the Bears because he is a big QB that has a lot of talent.
15. Detroit Lions: Antoine Cason, CB, AZ
The Lions have multiple problems mostly on the defensive side of the ball. Look for the Lions to pick the best defensive back available in this situation. I think Cason is the best CB available here and they will choose him to help improve the secondary. However, the Lions may look at the board and see Sam Baker still available and pick him up in order to protect the signal caller and help with the run that they can’t get going.
16. Arizona Cardinals: Calais Campbell, DE, Miami
The Cardinals need to help their defense because they have struggled on defense. This may be a stretch for Campbell but with his 6′8" frame and ability to get to the QB look for him to go here. The Cardinals also could look for someone to share time with the Edge here as well as improve their secondary with someone like Reggie Smith.
17. Minnesota Vikings: Andre Woodson, QB, Kentucky
The Vikings Defense has been very good this year and has been able to help win them a lot of games. Their offensive line has been spectacular at times and we all know that Adrian Peterson is amazing as well. So the Vikings either need to replace Receivers in this draft or the QB. At the end of the year Sydney Rice started to step up and make some plays for the Vikings and they still have Troy Williamson the bust from a couple years ago. So I think the Vikings take Woodson if he is still available. Tavaris Jackson had a couple good games but mostly struggled the entire season. Look for Woodson to be a QB that is a big Pocket passer for the most part but has the experience to manage a game and also win the big game as shown against LSU.
18. Houston Texans: Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon
Jonathan Stewart ending the season ok but not as strong as he was when he had his dual threat Dennis Dixon. Look for Stewart to be a power RB in the NFL similar style to a Shaun Alexander because of his combination of size and speed. Overall the Texans have a pretty decent offense but not really a strong RB. So look for them to take RB or a defensive need other than DE because Mario Williams stepped it up this year!
19. Philadelphia Eagles: Sam Baker, OT, USC
The Eagles didn’t do a poor job at run blocking this year and they did a very good job blocking for screens. However, if they want to keep Mcnabb healthy or Kolb then they better protect the QB when they are trying to throw the ball. The Eagles let up sack after sack in the G MEN game and they need to do something to counter this weakness. Another choice here would be Otah or Cherilus but I am not sure if they are as athletic as Baker or as experienced.
20. Tampa Bay Bucs: Mario Manningham, WR, MI
The Bucs receivers played very well this year but they are very very old. Look for the Bucs to take the best WR available in this slot. I am not sure but Manningham has played very well lately so look for him to go mid to late first round. Also look at prospects like Early Doucet, Limas Sweed, and Adarius Bowman in this slot.
21. Washington Redskins: Dan Connor, LB, Penn State
I am continually trying to decide if Connor is going to end up in the first round or not. He is considered a very strong physical LB like most LB’s from Penn State. However I think he would be a great fit for the over the hill LB’s on the Patriots but I don’t think he will go top 10 and I don’t think the Patriots are going to use such a high pick on a LB. Look for Connor to come in and out of the first round and if a team sees a good fit for him to take him. I think the skins also need a defensive end to put more pressure on the opposing QB but Connor can take over a starting spot and free some the Redskins to move around some of their players and find the best mix and match situation.
22. Dallas Cowboys: Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas
The Cowboys most likely are letting go Jones this year because his contract is up. Secondly Felix Jones played with McFadden in college and is used to running in a dual back system. Jones is a very fast receiver and is a top 5 RB in the 2008 NFL Draft. Look for the cowboys to either take the best available RB here or the best available DB.
23. Pittsburgh Steelers: Ryan Clady, OT, Boise St.
The Steelers need some more strength at their line for protection and run alike so look for them to take the best O-Lineman here. The Steelers then decide to take Ryan Clady who is potentially a top 15 pick but somehow drops to the Steelers to fulfill one of their top needs. I have gone back and forth with Clady and Baker but I have Baker finishing ahead of Clady in this draft though I am not sure who is a better overall Offensive Linemen.
24. Tennessee Titans: Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
I think that the Tennessee Titans have to take the best tall receiver available at their first round pick. In this situation Doucet and Hardy both might be better overall receivers but Sweed has played with Vince before so they go with Sweed. Another pick I would like in this situation would be James Hardy from Indiana because of the big target he can give Vince. Also some other considerations in this spot might be a good CB but the depth of receivers is much better in this draft and I believe if they don’t give Vince some viable weapons the Titans will not make the playoffs especially if they don’t sign Haynesworth.
25. Seattle Seahawks: Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Ill
Rashard Mendenhall is the top rated RB at this time in the draft. It goes McFadden, Stewart and then Jones in my perspective. Shaun Alexander and Morris are decent backs but Alexander is too old and he is tripping over his own feet rather than actually getting tackled. So the Seattle Seahawks end up taking a receiver so they can let Alexander go on his way and Morris and Mendenhall can spilt time.
26. Jacksonville Jaguars: Early Doucet, WR, LSU
Early came into the season as one of the top WR in the NCAA. Now he has dropped a bit but is still an exceptional receiver who is first round material. Look for the Jags to take the best possible receiver they can get because they don’t really have any real good receivers. The Jaguars can be a great team with a couple of new offensive weapons in the receiving slot.
27. San Diego Chargers: Pat Sims*, DT, AU
The Chargers gave up the most rushing yards in a single game to Adrian Peterson. Therefore, look for them to take a big DT to help stop this run. Sims is not only over 300 lbs but he can also run a sub 5 second 40 yard dash. This guy is just a junior and he is declared to the NFL. Look for this guy to be similar to Amobi Okoye because of his size and speed.
28. Dallas Cowboys: Reggie Smith, CB/S, OU
Everyone knows the Cowboys Defense is their weakness so they need to use at least one of their picks to help improve it. Their are a top tier team but they need to improve their secondary and Reggie Smith could come in and do this right away. If they get good quality with their earlier draft pick the Cowboys may take a CB/S their and take the best RB available here. Depending on their first pick they have to pick the best CB or Safety here. The Cowboys need to get at least one defensive player in the first round and most likely a WR or RB with the other.
29. San Francisco 49ers(Colts): James Hardy, WR, IU
The 49ers offense was very weak this year and solely relied on Frank Gore to carry the team. Alex Smith needs some more weapons to work with and James Hardy is the perfect player to draft to help a QB move forward in the passing game. Hardy is a very tall receiver with great hands.
30. Green Bay Packers: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, TSU
The Packers corners are both over 30 years old. The receivers are young and Favre is young at heart so the Packers decide to draft a CB to add some youth to their team. Overall this team will be good in the future with a young receiving group and a good backup QB for the future. Cromartie is ranked pretty high on a lot of draft boards so he is a good pick this late in the draft for the young powerful Packers.
31. New York Giants: Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida
I previously had a CB going in this slot because the Giants Secondary is aging and they need to improve it in the first three rounds. However, I think that if Derrick Harvey falls this far then the Giants should look into taking him because he is a perfect fit for their Defensive scheme. The Giants love to put pressure on the opposing QB and that is Harvey’s specialty. Also another fit in this situation could be Quentin Groves the very good DE from Auburn. Strahan is old and almost retired this year so look for them to get a specialist in this spot to help Strahan and then address the secondary and a receiver in the next 2 rounds.
32. New England Patriots: Forfeited
Other Potential First Round Picks:
Jeff Otah, OT, Pitt
Quentin Groves, DE, Auburn
Kentwan Balmer, DT, UNC
Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt
Aqib Talib, CB, KU
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