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OFF - SEASON
Free Agents:
QB:
Rex Grossman signs with San Francisco
Josh McCown signs with New York Giants
Cleo Lemon re-signs with Miami
RB:
Michael Turner signs with Cleveland
Fred Taylor re-signs with Jacksonville
Jamal Lewis re-signs with Cleveland
Julius Jones signs with Green Bay
Lamont Jordan signs with Chicago (Rhodes and Jordan aren't free-agents, but they've been told they have no future in Oakland and will be cut)
Dominic Rhodes signs with San Francisco
Chris Brown signs with Dallas
WR:
Bernard Berrian signs with Oakland
Patrick Crayton re-signs with Dallas
Bryant Johnson signs with Philadelphia
Randy Moss re-signs with New England
Donte Stallworth signs with Tennessee
DJ Hackett re-signs with Seattle
Andre Davis re-signs with Houston
TE:
LJ Smith signs with Cinicinnati
Eric Johnson re-signs with New Orleans
Ben Troupe signs with New York Jets
O-Line:
Reuben Brown re-signs with Chicago
Alan Faneca signs with Arizona
Ryan Lilja signs with Kansas City
Jake Scott signs with New York Jets
Trai Essexs re-signs with Pittsburgh
Max Starks signs with Oakland
D-Line:
Jared Allen franchised by Kansas City
Justin Smith signs with Jacksonville
Albert Haynesworth franchised by Tennessee
Tommy Kelley re-signs with Oakland
Mike Rucker re-signs with Carolina
LB:
Lance Briggs signs with Indianapolis
Karlos Dansby franchised by Arizona
Terrell Suggs franchised by Baltimore
Tedy Bruschi re-signs with New England
Demorrio Williams signs with Houston
Boss Bailey signs with New Orleans
Kawika Mitchell re-signs with New York Giants
CB:
Asante Samuels signs with New York Giants
Nhamdi Asomugha signs with Miami
Drayton Florence signs with Detroit
Dominique Foxworth re-signs with Denver
Randall Gay re-signs with New England
S:
Bob Sanders franchised by Indianapolis
Gibril Wilson signs with Carolina
Mike Doss signs with Miami
Ken Hamlin re-signs with Dallas
K:
Rob Bironas signs with New York Giants
Scott Player re-signs with Arizona
Todd Sauerbrun re-signs with Denver
OFF-SEASON TRADES:
Chicago trades its 1st round selection and a 3rd round selection to Cleveland in exchange for QB Derek Anderson
Cincinnati trades its 3rd round selection to Miami for DE Jason Taylor
Kansas City trades its 5th round selection to Miami for WR Marty Booker
Chicago trades its 4th round selection to Oakland in exchange for WR Jerry Porter
New York Jets trade their 2nd round selections obtained from Tampa Bay and Detroit to San Diego in exchange for their 1st round selection.
Detroit trades a 2nd to the New York Jets in exchange for MLB Jonathan Vilma
Tampa Bay trades its 2nd round selection to the New York Jets in exchange for DT Dewayne Robertson
Oakland trades its 1st and 2nd round selections to New England for their 1st round selection
2008 NFL MOCK DRAFT (Selection order copied from gbnreport.com)
1. Miami Dolphins - Glenn Dorsey - DT - LSU
The Dolphins run defense is ranked dead last, Dorsey helps address that problem and gives them someone to build their defense around.
2. Oakland Raiders (f/NE) - Darren McFadden - RB - Arkansas
The Raiders trade up to snag Darren McFadden and form a backfield which could terrorize NFL defenses for years to come. The pick is also great mentally for McFadden and Russell who will have less pressure on either of them individually to perform and New England get the deal to move down they were looking for.
3. St. Louis Rams - Jake Long - OT - Michigan
Orlando Pace is just about done and the Rams QBs have been thrown around like ragdolls all season.
4. Atlanta Falcons - Matt Ryan - QB - Boston College
The Falcons simply cannot continue with a bunch of mediocre journeymen and they grab the top QB on the board to address their woes.
5. New York Jets - Chris Long - DE - Virginia
The Jets rank 27th in Sacks and they grab a guy who can get it done in the 3-4 in Chris Long.
6. Kansas City Chiefs - Malcolm Jenkins - CB - Ohio State
Ty Law and Patrick Surtain are on their last legs, and with Jake Long off the board and Brodie Croyle showing a glimer of potential the Chiefs opt to address the secondary.
7. New England Patriots - James Laurinaitis - MLB - Ohio State
The Pats could really use an injection of youth at linebacker and there is no better choice for there in this draft than James Laurinaitis.
8. Baltimore Ravens - Andre Woodson - QB - Kentucky
The Ravens simply cannot continue with the QB by committee of Boller, McNair and the undersized Troy Smith.
9. Cincinnati Bengals - Sedric Ellis - DT - USC
The Bengals front seven is atrocious, and Ellis is a player with great character who they could rebuilt their awful front seven around.
10. Carolina Panthers - Brian Brohm - QB - Louisville
The Panthers backups have field to take advantage of opportunities and Jake Delhomme is getting on and can't stay healthy.
11. Cleveland Browns (f/CHI) - Calais Campbell - DE - Miami (Fl.)
The Browns pass defense ranks 30th and their defensive line consists of rotational guys and backups. Calais Campbell could add a playmaking presence to a lacklustre front 3.
12. Philadelphia Eagles - Kenny Philips - FS - Miami (Fl.)
Brian Dawkins is past his best, and the Eagles didn't get the opportunity to replace him last year.
13. Arizona Cardinals - Derrick Harvey - OLB - Florida
The Cardinals grab an impact pass rusher for their new 3-4.
14. New Orleans Saints - Aqib Talib - CB - Kansas
The Saints secondary is a mess and is the reason why they rank 29th against the pass, also the only bright spark (Mike McKenzie) is 31 this year so an upgrade is extremely neccessary.
15. Houston Texans - Jonathan Stewart - RB - Oregon
The Texans run game has been predictable and stagnant under Ron Dayne and Ahman Green. Some young blood here and a playmaking presence to avert some attention from Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson would help a lot
16. Denver Broncos - Dan Connor - LB - Penn. State
The Broncos run defense is ranked 29th and has lacked a good field general since the departure of Al Wilson. Connor fills the void here.
17. Detroit Lions - Sam Baker - OT - USC
The Lions have the worst offensive line in the league, so addressing their Offensive Line early in the draft is a high priority. Sam Baker is an excellent pass blocker and can only help give a turnover prone Jon Kitna some much needed extra time on the ball.
18. Washington Redskins - Vernon Gholston - DE - Ohio State
The one thing that has really hurt Washington these last few years is a poor pass rush. The Skins rank 24th in passing defense, and also rank in the same position in interceptions, selecting Gholston would help the Skins improve their turnover ratio on defense.
19. Tennessee Titans - Malcolm Kelly - WR - Oklahoma
Even after signing Donte Stallworth, the Titans receiving core is so poor that they opt to upgrade it again in the 1st round of the draft.
20. Buffalo Bills - James Hardy - WR - Indiana
The Bills lack a number 2 wideout and their tallest receiver is the non-existent Sam Aiken at 6 ft 2. Hardy provides a good compliment to the Bills other small speedy receivers.
21. Minnesota Vikings - Reggie Smith - CB/S - Oklahoma
With the lack of depth at safety in this draft the Vikings opt to address safety early in the form of the versatile Smith to help a league worst pass defense.
22. Dallas Cowboys - Deshaun Jackson - WR - California
With Terry Glenn old and crippled and Patrick Crayton better off in the slot, the Cowboys add another playmaker to their offense and help Tony Romo and co. become even more dangerous. Jackson can also contribute in the run game.
23. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Early Doucet - WR - LSU
Ike Hilliard is not a great number 2 and is ageing. Maurice Stovall and Michael Clayton are lacklustre to say the least as well.
24. New York Jets (f/SD) - Ryan Clady - OT - Boise State
Thomas Jones has had a hard time running the ball this year, and the only way they can make their investment of a 2nd round pick in him worthwhile is if they upgrade the offensive line.
25. Seattle Seahawks - Rashard Mendenhall - RB - Illinois
Shaun Alexanders production and health has dramatically declined since he appeared on the cover of Madden '07 and is 31 this year. Despite his reputation as one of the top backs from the last few years in the league, and Maurice Morris proving an able backup, Seattle needs a replacement for the long term for Alexander and possibly even right now as well.
26. Pittsburgh Steelers - Michael Oher - OG/T - Ole Miss
A straight replacement for Alan Faneca
27. New York Giants - Gosder Cherilus - OT - Boston College
The Giants could use an upgrade on the left side of the offensive line now and in the long term, particularly in pass protection. Gosder Cherilus helped protect this years top quarterback in the draft so comes with a proven reputation.
28. Jacksonville Jaguars - Adarius Bowman - WR - Oklahoma State
While Reggie Williams showed improvement last season, outside of him there isn't any reliable options in the passing game
29. Green Bay Packers - Mike Jenkins - CB - South Florida
Al Harris and Charles Woodson are solid, but getting on and the Packers lack depth outside of them which was evident in the defeat to Dallas.
30. San Francisco 49ers (f/IND) - Quentin Groves - DE - Auburn
The 49ers have struggled forcing the opposition into making turnovers, and that is one of many reasons why they have been awful this season.
31. Dallas Cowboys - Antoine Cason - CB - Arizona
The Cowboys struggled without Terrence Newman at the start of the season, and adding a quality option opposite him wouldn't be a bad thing.
ROUND 2
1. Miami Dolphins - Tyson Jackson - DE - LSU
Miami will need to replace Jason Taylor and teaming up old team-mates Jackson and Dorsey in the pros could provide the Dolphins with a potent partnership for years to come.
2. San Francisco 49ers - Mario Manningham - WR - Michigan
The 49ers receivers have hands of stone and don't provide anything out of the ordinary.
3. St. Louis Rams - Lawrence Jackson - DE - USC
Not one of the Rams defensive ends has any more than a measly 2.5 sacks.
4. Atlanta Falcons - Jeff Otah - OT - Pittsburgh
Atlanta are 4th in sacks allowed and Otah is a perfect fit for the Zone Blocking scheme. They are also going to need to provide Matt Ryan with good protection if he is to succeed.
5. New York Jets - Frank Okam - NT - Texas
The Jets were ranked third last against the run due to running a 3-4 with no proper nose tackle. They finally get their essential NT here in Okam.
6. Kansas City Chiefs - Phil Loadholt - OT - Oklahoma
The Chiefs rank 2nd in sacks allowed and last in average yards per carry, an upgrade is a must on the offensive line.
7. New England Patriots (f/OAK) - Dejuan Tribble - CB - Boston College
Tribble replaces the departing Asante Samuels
8. Baltimore Ravens - Jack Ikegwuonu - CB Wisconsin
Samari Rolle and Chris McAllister are on their last legs and its vital Baltimore looks to replace them ASAP.
9. Cincinnati Bengals - Keith Rivers - OLB - USC
The Bengals linebacking corpose is so bad they've had to sign scrubs like Dhani Jones to try and even make it mediocre.
10. Carolina Panthers - Chris Ellis - DE - Virginia Tech
The Panthers are dead last in sacks recorded and could do with an upgrade over an ageing Mike Rucker.
11. Chicago Bears - Tony Hills - OT - Texas
The Bears can't run the ball and their Quarterbacks as lacklustre as they were in 2007 spent a lot of time on their back. The Bears could also do with an injection of youth at Tackle.
12. Philadelphia Eagles - Fred Davis - TE - USC
With LJ Smith departing, Matt Schobel being flat out garbage and Brent Celek unproven, adding a TE early on in the draft would make sense.
13. Arizona Cardinals - Felix Jones - RB - Central Florida
Edgerrin James is now in his thirties and is averaging 3.6 yards per carry, so Arizona will need to look for an upgrade in the running game.
14. New Orleans Saints - Dre Moore - DT - Maryland
15. Atlanta Falcons (f/HOU) - Kevin Smith - RB - Central Florida
Atlanta's running game ranks 26th and Warrick Dunn is only getting older. If Matt Ryan is to become a decent NFL QB then he'll need a solid running game to help him out.
16. Denver Broncos - Pat Sims - DT - Auburn
Sims provides the Broncos with the big run stuffer than can help their stagnant run defense.
17. San Diego Chargers (f/NYJ via DET) - Red Bryant - DT - Texas A&M
Jamal Williams is beginning to feel the effects of age.
18. Washington Redskins - Duke Robinson - OG - Oklahoma
Pete Kendall was only brung in short term, the Redskins will need to plan for his inevitable retirement.
19. Tennessee Titans - Vince Hall - MLB - Virginia Tech
The Titans don't have a true starter at this position. Ryan Fowler is typical of the many cheap projects starting on the Titans, and like the rest his time is up.
20. Buffalo Bills - Ali Highsmith - OLB - LSU
The Bills continue rebuilding their linebacking corpse which was decimated in the 2007 off-season.
21. Minnesota Vikings - DJ Hall - WR - Alabama
To help Tarvarvis Jackson develop their going need someone else for him to throw to besides Sidney Rice.
22. Cleveland Browns - Limas Sweed - WR - Texas
Outside of Braylon Edwards, the Browns receiving core is very average.
23. San Diego Chargers (f/NYJ via TB) - Jonathan Goff - MLB - Vanderbilt
The Chargers didn't adequately address the departures of Randall Godfrey and Donnie Edwards, and instead took the cheap option of promoting the backups which hasn't worked.
24. Miami Dolphins (f/SD) - Earl Bennett - WR - Vanderbilt
Outside of Ted Ginn and the lacklusture Derek Hagan I'm not sure Miami has any other receivers at all on their depth chart.
25. Seattle Seahawks - Martin Rucker - TE - Missouri
The Seahawks simply can't continue with the ancient Marcus Pollard as starter.
26. Pittsburgh Steelers - Terrell Thomas - CB - USC
While the Steelers have spent a couple of 2nd round picks here in recent years, no one has managed to beat out 32 year old Deshea Townsend, so they'll need a quality option lined up here.
27. New York Giants - Jonathan Hefney - FS - Tennessee
With Gibril Wilson departing and the Giants safeties comprising of undrafted free agents and low round draft picks, its high time they invested a bit heavier at the position.
28. Jacksonville Jaguars - Craig Steltz - SS - LSU
While Reggie Nelson has been a solid aquisition, Sammy Knight is garbage.
29. Green Bay Packers - Barry Richardson - OT - Clemson
Right Tackle Mark Tauscher is 30 years old now and they'll need someone ready to replace him.
30. Indianapolis Colts - Chris Williams - OT - Vanderbilt
The Colts will need to re-plenish an O-Line ripped apart by free-agency if they wish to still be contenders.
31. Dallas Cowboys - Ray Rice - RB - Rutgers
With any pressing needs they had addressed, Dallas opts to go BPA.
32. New England Patriots - Justin King - CB - Penn State
The Pats have went against their usual trend of signing/drafting high character players with the recent additions of Randy Moss and Brandon Merriweather and the Pats lack some depth here with only 3 guys on the depth chart.
ROUND 3
1. Miami Dolphins - Dwight Lowery - CB - San Jose State
The Dolphins partially addressed their secondary by signing Nhamdi Asomugha, but there is still room for improvement. Jason Allen looks like a bust and Will Allen is average at best.
2. San Francisco 49ers - Alex Mack - C - California
The 49ers O-Line has given up the third most sacks in the league and has the 29th ranked rush attack.
3. St. Louis Rams - Tom Zbikowski - SS - Notre Dame
Corey Chavous is over the hill, and hasn't even managed a single interception this year.
4. Atlanta Falcons - Paul Hubbard - WR - Wisconsin
The Falcons receivers drop far too many passes and a big possession receiver would make for a good safety valve for Matt Ryan.
5. New York Jets - Keenan Burton - WR - Kentucky
Justin McCareins single handedly cost the Jets against the Ravens early in the season with two key 4th quarter drops in the red zone.
6. Kansas City Chiefs - Titus Brown - DE - Mississippi State
With Jared Allen only like to stick around short term the Chiefs will need someone ready to take over.
7. New England Patriots (f/OAK) - Lavelle Hawkins - WR - California
With Donte Stallworth gone the Pats re-plenish the depth chart with the addition of Hawkins
8. Buffalo Bills (f/BAL) - John Carlson - TE - Notre Dame
While Carlson did not perform as well as he did in his junior year he should still be able to make an impact on the Bills who flat out 'suck' at Tight End.
9. Miami Dolphins (f/CIN) - Jacob Tamme - TE - Kentucky
David Martin and Justin Peele are typical reasons why Miami were so bad. Second stringers getting too much time on the field.
10. Carolina Panthers - Xavier Adibi - OLB - Virgina Tech
The Panthers linebackers have combined for an awful 3.5 sacks.
11. Cleveland Browns (f/CHI) - Jason Shirley - NT - Fresno State
The Browns rank 28th against the run so an improvement at nose tackle should be on the list of needs.
12. Philadelphia Eagles - Chevis Jackson - CB - LSU
The Eagles as of today (12/14) have the least amount of interceptions in the league, improving the competition at cornerback should be a priority this off-season.
13. Arizona Cardinals - Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie - CB - Tennessee State
Like the Eagles the Cardinals have an average group of corners and wouldn't need to look far for an upgrade over Eric Green or Antrell Rolle.
14. New Orleans Saints - Beau Bell - MLB - UNLV
One of the reasons the Saints have been so poor on defense in 2007 is their poor group of linebackers.
15. Houston Texans - Josh Barrett - SS - Arizona State
The Texans have a horrible group of safeties and like the Giants have been using a lot of low round draft picks and some cheap (lacklustre) veterans.
16. Minnesota Vikings (f/DEN) - Demario Pressley - DT - NC State
Pat Williams isn't going to be around forever, so the Vikings will need to have a replacement ready. Pressley has had trouble with injuries, if he can sit out and rest himself for a couple of years and get back into shape he could make an impact.
17. Detroit Lions - Chris Johnson - RB - East Carolina
Johnson is a great back for the Martz offense, due to his excellent pass catching skills.
18. Washington Redskins - Jaison Williams - WR - Oregon
Santana Moss has been even more inconsistent than usual and the rest of the Redskins receivers are number 3 and 4 receivers.
19. Tennessee Titans - Dustin Keller - TE - Purdue
Bo Scaife drops too many balls and Ben Troupe has bolted as a free agent.
20. Buffalo Bills - Brandon Flowers - CB - Virginia Tech
The Bills have had several problems at this position with injuries, so stocking up on some depth at corner should be a priority.
21. Minnesota Vikings - Corey McKeon - ILB - Nebraska
Dontarrious Thomas could leave as a free-agent in 2009 and across the whole linebacking corpse depth is quite sparse.
22. Cleveland Browns - Chris Harrington - DE/OLB - Texas A&M
Willie McGinest is now in his late thirties and Antwaan Peek is a third down guy at best.
23. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Colt Brennan - QB - Hawaii
Jeff Garcia is at the tail end of his career and Tampa needs a long term option. Colt Brennan has plenty of experience in the west coast offense so this makes him a likely candidate to end up in Tampa.
24. Chicago Bears (f/SD) - Jordy Nelson - WR - Kansas State
Muhsin Muhammad is just about done, and Bernard Berrian is a free-agent so the Bears will need to upgrade at wide receiver.
25. Seattle Seahawks - Drew Radovich - OG - USC
Chris Gray may well retire this off-season, so finding a replacement for him whether he retires or not should be of importantance. Drew Radovich has started every game this year for USC at left guard and coming from a top program like USC he certainly fits the bill.
26. Pittsburgh Steelers - Steve Slaton - RB - West Virginia
If Pittsburgh want to avoid Willie Parker retiring early due to taking too much of the load then they'll need a decent backup to take pressure off him, which Najeh Davenport is not.
27. New York Giants - Marcus Monk - WR - Arkansas
Amani Toomer is likely to retire soon and outside of Plaxico Burress the Giants have mostly small slot like receivers. Monk would also help out in the redzone where the Giants have more often than not in recent times left with Field Goals instead of Touchdowns.
28. Jacksonville Jaguars - Tracy Porter - CB - Indiana
Now that any glaring needs have been addressed, Jacksonville can look to making depth picks to improve the competition on the team
29. Green Bay Packers - Travis Beckum - TE - Wisconsin
Whether Donald Lee was a product of Brett Favre stepping up or not we don't know, but also Bubba Franks is past it and Beckum has the potential to surpass Lee.
30. Indianapolis Colts - Eric Young - OT/G - Tennessee
Like last round the Colts continue to rebuild their offensive line ravaged by free agency.
31. Dallas Cowboys - Eric Ainge - QB - Tennessee
The Cowboys have 39 year old Brad Johnson backing up Tony Romo, adding a quality young backup here would not be a bad idea. If Ainge shows potential he could also possibly net Dallas some extra draft picks in years to come ala Matt Schaub.
32. New England Patriots - Tashard Choice - RB - Georgia Tech
Laurence Mauroney has been average running the ball this year and at times struggles to stay healthy. Sammy Morris has also had problems staying healthy and Kevin Faulk is a third down back.
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I've left out Maualuga and Cushing since there was an article in the LA Times that they stated they would stay at school. I've also left out redshirt sophmores (well I think I've left out most).
Free Agents:
QB:
Rex Grossman signs with San Francisco
Josh McCown signs with New York Giants
Cleo Lemon re-signs with Miami
RB:
Michael Turner signs with Cleveland
Fred Taylor re-signs with Jacksonville
Jamal Lewis re-signs with Cleveland
Julius Jones signs with Green Bay
Lamont Jordan signs with Chicago (Rhodes and Jordan aren't free-agents, but they've been told they have no future in Oakland and will be cut)
Dominic Rhodes signs with San Francisco
Chris Brown signs with Dallas
WR:
Bernard Berrian signs with Oakland
Patrick Crayton re-signs with Dallas
Bryant Johnson signs with Philadelphia
Randy Moss re-signs with New England
Donte Stallworth signs with Tennessee
DJ Hackett re-signs with Seattle
Andre Davis re-signs with Houston
TE:
LJ Smith signs with Cinicinnati
Eric Johnson re-signs with New Orleans
Ben Troupe signs with New York Jets
O-Line:
Reuben Brown re-signs with Chicago
Alan Faneca signs with Arizona
Ryan Lilja signs with Kansas City
Jake Scott signs with New York Jets
Trai Essexs re-signs with Pittsburgh
Max Starks signs with Oakland
D-Line:
Jared Allen franchised by Kansas City
Justin Smith signs with Jacksonville
Albert Haynesworth franchised by Tennessee
Tommy Kelley re-signs with Oakland
Mike Rucker re-signs with Carolina
LB:
Lance Briggs signs with Indianapolis
Karlos Dansby franchised by Arizona
Terrell Suggs franchised by Baltimore
Tedy Bruschi re-signs with New England
Demorrio Williams signs with Houston
Boss Bailey signs with New Orleans
Kawika Mitchell re-signs with New York Giants
CB:
Asante Samuels signs with New York Giants
Nhamdi Asomugha signs with Miami
Drayton Florence signs with Detroit
Dominique Foxworth re-signs with Denver
Randall Gay re-signs with New England
S:
Bob Sanders franchised by Indianapolis
Gibril Wilson signs with Carolina
Mike Doss signs with Miami
Ken Hamlin re-signs with Dallas
K:
Rob Bironas signs with New York Giants
Scott Player re-signs with Arizona
Todd Sauerbrun re-signs with Denver
OFF-SEASON TRADES:
Chicago trades its 1st round selection and a 3rd round selection to Cleveland in exchange for QB Derek Anderson
Cincinnati trades its 3rd round selection to Miami for DE Jason Taylor
Kansas City trades its 5th round selection to Miami for WR Marty Booker
Chicago trades its 4th round selection to Oakland in exchange for WR Jerry Porter
New York Jets trade their 2nd round selections obtained from Tampa Bay and Detroit to San Diego in exchange for their 1st round selection.
Detroit trades a 2nd to the New York Jets in exchange for MLB Jonathan Vilma
Tampa Bay trades its 2nd round selection to the New York Jets in exchange for DT Dewayne Robertson
Oakland trades its 1st and 2nd round selections to New England for their 1st round selection
2008 NFL MOCK DRAFT (Selection order copied from gbnreport.com)
1. Miami Dolphins - Glenn Dorsey - DT - LSU
The Dolphins run defense is ranked dead last, Dorsey helps address that problem and gives them someone to build their defense around.
2. Oakland Raiders (f/NE) - Darren McFadden - RB - Arkansas
The Raiders trade up to snag Darren McFadden and form a backfield which could terrorize NFL defenses for years to come. The pick is also great mentally for McFadden and Russell who will have less pressure on either of them individually to perform and New England get the deal to move down they were looking for.
3. St. Louis Rams - Jake Long - OT - Michigan
Orlando Pace is just about done and the Rams QBs have been thrown around like ragdolls all season.
4. Atlanta Falcons - Matt Ryan - QB - Boston College
The Falcons simply cannot continue with a bunch of mediocre journeymen and they grab the top QB on the board to address their woes.
5. New York Jets - Chris Long - DE - Virginia
The Jets rank 27th in Sacks and they grab a guy who can get it done in the 3-4 in Chris Long.
6. Kansas City Chiefs - Malcolm Jenkins - CB - Ohio State
Ty Law and Patrick Surtain are on their last legs, and with Jake Long off the board and Brodie Croyle showing a glimer of potential the Chiefs opt to address the secondary.
7. New England Patriots - James Laurinaitis - MLB - Ohio State
The Pats could really use an injection of youth at linebacker and there is no better choice for there in this draft than James Laurinaitis.
8. Baltimore Ravens - Andre Woodson - QB - Kentucky
The Ravens simply cannot continue with the QB by committee of Boller, McNair and the undersized Troy Smith.
9. Cincinnati Bengals - Sedric Ellis - DT - USC
The Bengals front seven is atrocious, and Ellis is a player with great character who they could rebuilt their awful front seven around.
10. Carolina Panthers - Brian Brohm - QB - Louisville
The Panthers backups have field to take advantage of opportunities and Jake Delhomme is getting on and can't stay healthy.
11. Cleveland Browns (f/CHI) - Calais Campbell - DE - Miami (Fl.)
The Browns pass defense ranks 30th and their defensive line consists of rotational guys and backups. Calais Campbell could add a playmaking presence to a lacklustre front 3.
12. Philadelphia Eagles - Kenny Philips - FS - Miami (Fl.)
Brian Dawkins is past his best, and the Eagles didn't get the opportunity to replace him last year.
13. Arizona Cardinals - Derrick Harvey - OLB - Florida
The Cardinals grab an impact pass rusher for their new 3-4.
14. New Orleans Saints - Aqib Talib - CB - Kansas
The Saints secondary is a mess and is the reason why they rank 29th against the pass, also the only bright spark (Mike McKenzie) is 31 this year so an upgrade is extremely neccessary.
15. Houston Texans - Jonathan Stewart - RB - Oregon
The Texans run game has been predictable and stagnant under Ron Dayne and Ahman Green. Some young blood here and a playmaking presence to avert some attention from Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson would help a lot
16. Denver Broncos - Dan Connor - LB - Penn. State
The Broncos run defense is ranked 29th and has lacked a good field general since the departure of Al Wilson. Connor fills the void here.
17. Detroit Lions - Sam Baker - OT - USC
The Lions have the worst offensive line in the league, so addressing their Offensive Line early in the draft is a high priority. Sam Baker is an excellent pass blocker and can only help give a turnover prone Jon Kitna some much needed extra time on the ball.
18. Washington Redskins - Vernon Gholston - DE - Ohio State
The one thing that has really hurt Washington these last few years is a poor pass rush. The Skins rank 24th in passing defense, and also rank in the same position in interceptions, selecting Gholston would help the Skins improve their turnover ratio on defense.
19. Tennessee Titans - Malcolm Kelly - WR - Oklahoma
Even after signing Donte Stallworth, the Titans receiving core is so poor that they opt to upgrade it again in the 1st round of the draft.
20. Buffalo Bills - James Hardy - WR - Indiana
The Bills lack a number 2 wideout and their tallest receiver is the non-existent Sam Aiken at 6 ft 2. Hardy provides a good compliment to the Bills other small speedy receivers.
21. Minnesota Vikings - Reggie Smith - CB/S - Oklahoma
With the lack of depth at safety in this draft the Vikings opt to address safety early in the form of the versatile Smith to help a league worst pass defense.
22. Dallas Cowboys - Deshaun Jackson - WR - California
With Terry Glenn old and crippled and Patrick Crayton better off in the slot, the Cowboys add another playmaker to their offense and help Tony Romo and co. become even more dangerous. Jackson can also contribute in the run game.
23. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Early Doucet - WR - LSU
Ike Hilliard is not a great number 2 and is ageing. Maurice Stovall and Michael Clayton are lacklustre to say the least as well.
24. New York Jets (f/SD) - Ryan Clady - OT - Boise State
Thomas Jones has had a hard time running the ball this year, and the only way they can make their investment of a 2nd round pick in him worthwhile is if they upgrade the offensive line.
25. Seattle Seahawks - Rashard Mendenhall - RB - Illinois
Shaun Alexanders production and health has dramatically declined since he appeared on the cover of Madden '07 and is 31 this year. Despite his reputation as one of the top backs from the last few years in the league, and Maurice Morris proving an able backup, Seattle needs a replacement for the long term for Alexander and possibly even right now as well.
26. Pittsburgh Steelers - Michael Oher - OG/T - Ole Miss
A straight replacement for Alan Faneca
27. New York Giants - Gosder Cherilus - OT - Boston College
The Giants could use an upgrade on the left side of the offensive line now and in the long term, particularly in pass protection. Gosder Cherilus helped protect this years top quarterback in the draft so comes with a proven reputation.
28. Jacksonville Jaguars - Adarius Bowman - WR - Oklahoma State
While Reggie Williams showed improvement last season, outside of him there isn't any reliable options in the passing game
29. Green Bay Packers - Mike Jenkins - CB - South Florida
Al Harris and Charles Woodson are solid, but getting on and the Packers lack depth outside of them which was evident in the defeat to Dallas.
30. San Francisco 49ers (f/IND) - Quentin Groves - DE - Auburn
The 49ers have struggled forcing the opposition into making turnovers, and that is one of many reasons why they have been awful this season.
31. Dallas Cowboys - Antoine Cason - CB - Arizona
The Cowboys struggled without Terrence Newman at the start of the season, and adding a quality option opposite him wouldn't be a bad thing.
ROUND 2
1. Miami Dolphins - Tyson Jackson - DE - LSU
Miami will need to replace Jason Taylor and teaming up old team-mates Jackson and Dorsey in the pros could provide the Dolphins with a potent partnership for years to come.
2. San Francisco 49ers - Mario Manningham - WR - Michigan
The 49ers receivers have hands of stone and don't provide anything out of the ordinary.
3. St. Louis Rams - Lawrence Jackson - DE - USC
Not one of the Rams defensive ends has any more than a measly 2.5 sacks.
4. Atlanta Falcons - Jeff Otah - OT - Pittsburgh
Atlanta are 4th in sacks allowed and Otah is a perfect fit for the Zone Blocking scheme. They are also going to need to provide Matt Ryan with good protection if he is to succeed.
5. New York Jets - Frank Okam - NT - Texas
The Jets were ranked third last against the run due to running a 3-4 with no proper nose tackle. They finally get their essential NT here in Okam.
6. Kansas City Chiefs - Phil Loadholt - OT - Oklahoma
The Chiefs rank 2nd in sacks allowed and last in average yards per carry, an upgrade is a must on the offensive line.
7. New England Patriots (f/OAK) - Dejuan Tribble - CB - Boston College
Tribble replaces the departing Asante Samuels
8. Baltimore Ravens - Jack Ikegwuonu - CB Wisconsin
Samari Rolle and Chris McAllister are on their last legs and its vital Baltimore looks to replace them ASAP.
9. Cincinnati Bengals - Keith Rivers - OLB - USC
The Bengals linebacking corpose is so bad they've had to sign scrubs like Dhani Jones to try and even make it mediocre.
10. Carolina Panthers - Chris Ellis - DE - Virginia Tech
The Panthers are dead last in sacks recorded and could do with an upgrade over an ageing Mike Rucker.
11. Chicago Bears - Tony Hills - OT - Texas
The Bears can't run the ball and their Quarterbacks as lacklustre as they were in 2007 spent a lot of time on their back. The Bears could also do with an injection of youth at Tackle.
12. Philadelphia Eagles - Fred Davis - TE - USC
With LJ Smith departing, Matt Schobel being flat out garbage and Brent Celek unproven, adding a TE early on in the draft would make sense.
13. Arizona Cardinals - Felix Jones - RB - Central Florida
Edgerrin James is now in his thirties and is averaging 3.6 yards per carry, so Arizona will need to look for an upgrade in the running game.
14. New Orleans Saints - Dre Moore - DT - Maryland
15. Atlanta Falcons (f/HOU) - Kevin Smith - RB - Central Florida
Atlanta's running game ranks 26th and Warrick Dunn is only getting older. If Matt Ryan is to become a decent NFL QB then he'll need a solid running game to help him out.
16. Denver Broncos - Pat Sims - DT - Auburn
Sims provides the Broncos with the big run stuffer than can help their stagnant run defense.
17. San Diego Chargers (f/NYJ via DET) - Red Bryant - DT - Texas A&M
Jamal Williams is beginning to feel the effects of age.
18. Washington Redskins - Duke Robinson - OG - Oklahoma
Pete Kendall was only brung in short term, the Redskins will need to plan for his inevitable retirement.
19. Tennessee Titans - Vince Hall - MLB - Virginia Tech
The Titans don't have a true starter at this position. Ryan Fowler is typical of the many cheap projects starting on the Titans, and like the rest his time is up.
20. Buffalo Bills - Ali Highsmith - OLB - LSU
The Bills continue rebuilding their linebacking corpse which was decimated in the 2007 off-season.
21. Minnesota Vikings - DJ Hall - WR - Alabama
To help Tarvarvis Jackson develop their going need someone else for him to throw to besides Sidney Rice.
22. Cleveland Browns - Limas Sweed - WR - Texas
Outside of Braylon Edwards, the Browns receiving core is very average.
23. San Diego Chargers (f/NYJ via TB) - Jonathan Goff - MLB - Vanderbilt
The Chargers didn't adequately address the departures of Randall Godfrey and Donnie Edwards, and instead took the cheap option of promoting the backups which hasn't worked.
24. Miami Dolphins (f/SD) - Earl Bennett - WR - Vanderbilt
Outside of Ted Ginn and the lacklusture Derek Hagan I'm not sure Miami has any other receivers at all on their depth chart.
25. Seattle Seahawks - Martin Rucker - TE - Missouri
The Seahawks simply can't continue with the ancient Marcus Pollard as starter.
26. Pittsburgh Steelers - Terrell Thomas - CB - USC
While the Steelers have spent a couple of 2nd round picks here in recent years, no one has managed to beat out 32 year old Deshea Townsend, so they'll need a quality option lined up here.
27. New York Giants - Jonathan Hefney - FS - Tennessee
With Gibril Wilson departing and the Giants safeties comprising of undrafted free agents and low round draft picks, its high time they invested a bit heavier at the position.
28. Jacksonville Jaguars - Craig Steltz - SS - LSU
While Reggie Nelson has been a solid aquisition, Sammy Knight is garbage.
29. Green Bay Packers - Barry Richardson - OT - Clemson
Right Tackle Mark Tauscher is 30 years old now and they'll need someone ready to replace him.
30. Indianapolis Colts - Chris Williams - OT - Vanderbilt
The Colts will need to re-plenish an O-Line ripped apart by free-agency if they wish to still be contenders.
31. Dallas Cowboys - Ray Rice - RB - Rutgers
With any pressing needs they had addressed, Dallas opts to go BPA.
32. New England Patriots - Justin King - CB - Penn State
The Pats have went against their usual trend of signing/drafting high character players with the recent additions of Randy Moss and Brandon Merriweather and the Pats lack some depth here with only 3 guys on the depth chart.
ROUND 3
1. Miami Dolphins - Dwight Lowery - CB - San Jose State
The Dolphins partially addressed their secondary by signing Nhamdi Asomugha, but there is still room for improvement. Jason Allen looks like a bust and Will Allen is average at best.
2. San Francisco 49ers - Alex Mack - C - California
The 49ers O-Line has given up the third most sacks in the league and has the 29th ranked rush attack.
3. St. Louis Rams - Tom Zbikowski - SS - Notre Dame
Corey Chavous is over the hill, and hasn't even managed a single interception this year.
4. Atlanta Falcons - Paul Hubbard - WR - Wisconsin
The Falcons receivers drop far too many passes and a big possession receiver would make for a good safety valve for Matt Ryan.
5. New York Jets - Keenan Burton - WR - Kentucky
Justin McCareins single handedly cost the Jets against the Ravens early in the season with two key 4th quarter drops in the red zone.
6. Kansas City Chiefs - Titus Brown - DE - Mississippi State
With Jared Allen only like to stick around short term the Chiefs will need someone ready to take over.
7. New England Patriots (f/OAK) - Lavelle Hawkins - WR - California
With Donte Stallworth gone the Pats re-plenish the depth chart with the addition of Hawkins
8. Buffalo Bills (f/BAL) - John Carlson - TE - Notre Dame
While Carlson did not perform as well as he did in his junior year he should still be able to make an impact on the Bills who flat out 'suck' at Tight End.
9. Miami Dolphins (f/CIN) - Jacob Tamme - TE - Kentucky
David Martin and Justin Peele are typical reasons why Miami were so bad. Second stringers getting too much time on the field.
10. Carolina Panthers - Xavier Adibi - OLB - Virgina Tech
The Panthers linebackers have combined for an awful 3.5 sacks.
11. Cleveland Browns (f/CHI) - Jason Shirley - NT - Fresno State
The Browns rank 28th against the run so an improvement at nose tackle should be on the list of needs.
12. Philadelphia Eagles - Chevis Jackson - CB - LSU
The Eagles as of today (12/14) have the least amount of interceptions in the league, improving the competition at cornerback should be a priority this off-season.
13. Arizona Cardinals - Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie - CB - Tennessee State
Like the Eagles the Cardinals have an average group of corners and wouldn't need to look far for an upgrade over Eric Green or Antrell Rolle.
14. New Orleans Saints - Beau Bell - MLB - UNLV
One of the reasons the Saints have been so poor on defense in 2007 is their poor group of linebackers.
15. Houston Texans - Josh Barrett - SS - Arizona State
The Texans have a horrible group of safeties and like the Giants have been using a lot of low round draft picks and some cheap (lacklustre) veterans.
16. Minnesota Vikings (f/DEN) - Demario Pressley - DT - NC State
Pat Williams isn't going to be around forever, so the Vikings will need to have a replacement ready. Pressley has had trouble with injuries, if he can sit out and rest himself for a couple of years and get back into shape he could make an impact.
17. Detroit Lions - Chris Johnson - RB - East Carolina
Johnson is a great back for the Martz offense, due to his excellent pass catching skills.
18. Washington Redskins - Jaison Williams - WR - Oregon
Santana Moss has been even more inconsistent than usual and the rest of the Redskins receivers are number 3 and 4 receivers.
19. Tennessee Titans - Dustin Keller - TE - Purdue
Bo Scaife drops too many balls and Ben Troupe has bolted as a free agent.
20. Buffalo Bills - Brandon Flowers - CB - Virginia Tech
The Bills have had several problems at this position with injuries, so stocking up on some depth at corner should be a priority.
21. Minnesota Vikings - Corey McKeon - ILB - Nebraska
Dontarrious Thomas could leave as a free-agent in 2009 and across the whole linebacking corpse depth is quite sparse.
22. Cleveland Browns - Chris Harrington - DE/OLB - Texas A&M
Willie McGinest is now in his late thirties and Antwaan Peek is a third down guy at best.
23. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Colt Brennan - QB - Hawaii
Jeff Garcia is at the tail end of his career and Tampa needs a long term option. Colt Brennan has plenty of experience in the west coast offense so this makes him a likely candidate to end up in Tampa.
24. Chicago Bears (f/SD) - Jordy Nelson - WR - Kansas State
Muhsin Muhammad is just about done, and Bernard Berrian is a free-agent so the Bears will need to upgrade at wide receiver.
25. Seattle Seahawks - Drew Radovich - OG - USC
Chris Gray may well retire this off-season, so finding a replacement for him whether he retires or not should be of importantance. Drew Radovich has started every game this year for USC at left guard and coming from a top program like USC he certainly fits the bill.
26. Pittsburgh Steelers - Steve Slaton - RB - West Virginia
If Pittsburgh want to avoid Willie Parker retiring early due to taking too much of the load then they'll need a decent backup to take pressure off him, which Najeh Davenport is not.
27. New York Giants - Marcus Monk - WR - Arkansas
Amani Toomer is likely to retire soon and outside of Plaxico Burress the Giants have mostly small slot like receivers. Monk would also help out in the redzone where the Giants have more often than not in recent times left with Field Goals instead of Touchdowns.
28. Jacksonville Jaguars - Tracy Porter - CB - Indiana
Now that any glaring needs have been addressed, Jacksonville can look to making depth picks to improve the competition on the team
29. Green Bay Packers - Travis Beckum - TE - Wisconsin
Whether Donald Lee was a product of Brett Favre stepping up or not we don't know, but also Bubba Franks is past it and Beckum has the potential to surpass Lee.
30. Indianapolis Colts - Eric Young - OT/G - Tennessee
Like last round the Colts continue to rebuild their offensive line ravaged by free agency.
31. Dallas Cowboys - Eric Ainge - QB - Tennessee
The Cowboys have 39 year old Brad Johnson backing up Tony Romo, adding a quality young backup here would not be a bad idea. If Ainge shows potential he could also possibly net Dallas some extra draft picks in years to come ala Matt Schaub.
32. New England Patriots - Tashard Choice - RB - Georgia Tech
Laurence Mauroney has been average running the ball this year and at times struggles to stay healthy. Sammy Morris has also had problems staying healthy and Kevin Faulk is a third down back.
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I've left out Maualuga and Cushing since there was an article in the LA Times that they stated they would stay at school. I've also left out redshirt sophmores (well I think I've left out most).
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