Started this before the Senior Bowl week. Finished the first two rounds by Tuesday finished third round today.
2008 NFL Draft
1. Miami Dolphins - Matt Ryan - QB - Boston College
Bill Parcells showed how ruthless he can be when he fired first year HC Cam Cameron, and after soon to be 27 year old QB John Beck showed next to no hope that he will improve, and the saying that all rebuilding jobs start with the Quarterback, don't be surprised Parcells opts to draft a new signal caller with the first pick.
2. St. Louis Rams - Chris Long - DE - Virginia
Not one defensive end on the Rams notched up more than 2 sacks all year, and with starters such as Leonard Little hitting 33 this year, adding a top pass rusher is vital to the Rams future
3. Atlanta Falcons - Glenn Dorsey - DT - LSU
Atlanta's run defense went to the dogs last year even despite coming up against garbage like Aaron Stecker and DeShaun Foster, and with Grady Jackson also departing they will need to find a young run stuffer to replace him.
4. Oakland Raiders - Darren McFadden - RB - Arkansas
A potential backfield of Russell and McFadden is too good to pass up for a franchise who has been in the doldrums for quite a while now.
5. Kansas City Chiefs - Jake Long - OT - Michigan
The Chiefs allowed the joint most sacks in the league last year and had the worst running yards per carry in the league, if the Chiefs want to make the most of what is left of Larry Johnson and try and make something out of Brodie Croyle upgrading the O-Line should be by far their top priority.
6. New York Jets - Vernon Gholston - DE/OLB - Ohio State
Aside from their 7 sacks against the Steelers over the course the Jets had a horrible time getting to the Quarterback. Gholston could potentially give the Jets a Shaun Merriman type presence.
7. New England Patriots - Kenny Philips - FS - Miami (Fl.)
With no CB or RB worth the seventh overall pick the Pats should opt to select Philips. Although New England selected a safety with their first selection last year and have another young starter in James Sanders, Philips is so athletic that he could be used as a corner and a possible long term replacement for Asante Samuels.
8. Baltimore Ravens - Andre Woodson - QB - Kentucky
The Ravens simply cannot continue with their QB by committee like last season.
9. Cincinnati Bengals - Sedric Ellis - DT - USC
The Bengals D-Line needs totally revamped, Sedric Ellis would be a good guy to start the rebuilding job around.
10. New Orleans Saints - Mike Jenkins - CB - South Florida
The Saints ended the year with the 3rd worst pass defense and their only remotely talented corner Mike McKenzie is now 31 and has a torn ACL.
11. Buffalo Bills - Keith Rivers - OLB - USC
With so much depth at wideout in this class the Bills can opt to address that in round 2, however there isn't as much depth at linebacker so it would be a wise time to snag Keith Rivers to replace Keith Ellison at the weak-side.
12. Denver Broncos - Malcolm Kelly - WR - Oklahoma
With Javon Walker likely on his way the Broncos will be on the lookout for a replacement, a potential duo of Malcolm Kelly and Brandon Marshall along with an improving Jay Cutler could be a dangerous passing game for years to come.
13. Carolina Panthers - Ryan Clady - OT - Boise State
With two starters on their offensive line out of contract the Panthers will need to replenish their offensive line.
14. Chicago Bears - Brian Brohm - QB - Louisville
Although the Bears last two first round QBs have been busts, regardless the Bears simply cannot continue with what they currently have at QB.
15. Detroit Lions - Jeff Otah - OT - Pittsburgh
The Lions had an awful time protecting Jon Kitna, and if they could even remotely protect him, then their passing game would quite likely be ripping teams to shreds.
16. Arizona Cardinals - Jonathan Stewart - RB - Oregon
Edgerrin James averaged a horrible 3.8 yards per carry last year and he is almost at the end of his career. Also with the amount of teams passing on corners the Cardinals can still pick up a decent one later on in the draft.
17. Minnesota Vikings - Reggie Smith - CB/S - Oklahoma
The Vikings pass defense was horrible again last season and having invested quite a bit of money at DE, they should look to upgrade the secondary and get a top player to play alongside Darren Sharper.
18. Houston Texans - Rashard Mendenhall - RB - Illinois
If the Texans could run the ball reasonably well with an average back in Ron Dayne I dare to think what they could do with a guy like Mendenhall, who's playmaking presence could also avert some attention from Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson.
19. Philadelphia Eagles - DeShaun Jackson - WR/KR - California
The Philly offense is made up of number 2 receivers and really lacks a playmaker in the passing game. Jackson is the type of guy who could stretch the field and make good use of Donovan McNabb's big arm, which he hasn't been able to use as of late due to the poor receivers on the field.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Limas Sweed - WR - Texas
Outside of an ageing and likely soon to be gone Joey Galloway, the Buccs have next to nothing at wide receiver.
21. Washington Redskins - James Hardy - WR - Indiana
The Redskins receivers are all small and quick, adding Hardy here would add a new dimension to their offense, and also a good number 2 option which they seem to be lacking.
22. Dallas Cowboys (f/CLE) - Leodis McKelvin - CB - Troy
Outside of Terrence Newman the Cowboys are lacking in quality at CB, which was evident during Newman's time out injured.
23. Pittsburgh Steelers - Sam Baker - OT - USC
The Steelers gave up a whopping 47 sacks last year and with Alan Faneca likely to depart and right tackle Willie Colon likely to move inside to replace him the Steelers will need to find a new starter at Right Tackle.
24. Tennessee Titans - Early Doucet - WR - LSU
To go to the next level the Titans are going to have to upgrade on the likes of Eric Moulds and Brandon Jones.
25. Seattle Seahawks - Felix Jones - RB - Arkansas
Shaun Alexander has been terrible recently, and theres no signs of that changing, time to look to the future by drafting a new back.
26. Jacksonville Jaguars - Mario Manningham - WR - Michigan
The Jaguars comfortably made the play-offs yet their leading receiver had only 518 yards.
27. San Diego Chargers - Dan Connor - ILB/OLB - Penn. State
The Chargers experiment of promoting the backups wasn't a great success, and now they'll have to invest real money there to improve the situation.
28. Dallas Cowboys - Adarius Bowman - WR - Oklahoma State
We saw in the Divisional Play-Offs how much the Cowboys lack a proper number 2 wideout
29. San Francisco 49ers (f/IND) - Pat Sims - DT - Auburn
The 49ers ranked in the twenties against the run, and also in the twenties sack wise. Sims would be the big space eater who could draw double teams to open up better pass rushing for the Niners
30. Green Bay Packers - Aqib Talib - CB - Kansas
With Al Harris and Charles Woodson beginning to age, The Pack will be looking for a quality young corner to groom for the first to fall.
31. New York Giants - Kentwan Balmer - DT - North Carolina
With Michael Strahan likely to retire soon the Giants will look to replenish the depth on their defensive line and Balmer fits the bill for the Giants, as he can play either DE or DT which is ideal for their four man rush.
Round 2
1. Miami Dolphins - Derrick Harvey - DE/OLB - Florida
With Jason Taylor coming to the end of his career, finding a premier pass rusher to replace him should be a priority
2. St. Louis Rams - Erin Henderson - OLB - Maryland
Tha Rams have had severe problems with linebackers staying healthy.
3. Atlanta Falcons - Chris Williams - OT - Vanderbilt
The Falcons offensive line was shambolic in 2007 allowing the 7th most sacks in the league and blocking for the 26th ranked run attack.
4. Oakland Raiders - Calais Campbell - DE - Miami (Fl.)
The Raiders have been looking for a quality pass rusher opposite Derek Burgess for a while now, Campbell falling here would be great for the Raiders.
5. Kansas City Chiefs - Antoine Cason - CB - Arizona
Much like the Packers, the Chiefs starters are starting to age, except they aren't as good. Talib would likely be a popular one with the fans as well
6. New York Jets - Gosder Cherilus - OT - Boston College
The Jets could do with strengthening the right side of their O-Line, after investing so much in the left and giving up the leagues 4th most sacks
7. San Francisco 49ers - Quentin Groves - DE/OLB - Auburn
With Bryant Young retiring and no decent pass rushers of note, the 49ers will need to address this
8. Baltimore Ravens - Jack Ikegwuonu - CB - Wisconsin
The Ravens are starting to age on defense, particularly at the CB position. They'll need to replenish that in the draft
9. Cincinnati Bengals - Lawrence Jackson - DE - USC
The Bengals woeful defense managed the least sacks in the league, and with starter Justin Smith a free-agent they should definitely look to bring in some fresh faces here
10. New Orleans Saints - Ali Highsmith - OLB - LSU
The Saints got by with a bunch of average journeyman at LB in 2006, however its been a much different story this year as they have been found out.
11. Buffalo Bills - Tracy Porter - CB - Indiana
While Terrence McGee emerged in 2007, adding a quality option opposite him would not hurt. The Bills were also riddled with injuries here as well last season, so at least adding depth should be a priority
12. Denver Broncos - Curtis Lofton - ILB - Oklahoma
Denver finishing 30th against the run also coincided with the departure of Al Wilson who is yet to be replaced.
13. Carolina Panthers - Philip Merling - DE - Clemson
While it could be argued that safety is a bigger need, there is not enough value for it here, and the Panthers will wait on Charles Johnson to develop, Carolina were also second last in sacks in the league and Mike Rucker is done, this is too good a pick to pass up
14. Chicago Bears - Carl Nicks - OT - Nebraska
Chicago couldn't run the ball at all and as if their group of Quarterback's around good even when they had time on the ball, they had little in 2007 and as a result, the Bears offense was atrocious
15. Detroit Lions - Justin King - CB - Penn. State
The Lions officially ranked 31st against the pass, in reality they were last because teams passed on Minnesota so much to avoid running against them.
16. Arizona Cardinals - Brandon Flowers - CB - Virginia Tech
While Rod Hood stepped up as a starter last year Antrell Rolle was very inconsistent and Eric Green simply not good enough.
17. Minnesota Vikings - Devin Thomas - WR - Michigan State
While Sidney Rice looks very promising and scrubs such as Bobby Wade and Robert Ferguson stepped it up towards the end of the year, long term the Vikings if they want Tarvaris Jackson to continue to develop are going to have to surround him with better weapons, and a better passing game will make Adrian Peterson much more dangerous than he already is.
18. Atlanta Falcons (f/HOU) - Kevin Smith - RB - Central Florida
With Warrick Dunn starting to get to the end of his career the Falcons should be looking for a young power back to come in to compliment Jerious Norwood.
19. Philadelphia Eagles - Fred Davis - TE - USC
LJ Smith is gone and he was garbage last season anyway.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Patrick Lee - CB - Auburn
Ronde Barber and Brian Kelly won't be around forever, so Tampa will need a replacement ready for one of them
21. Washington Redskins - Dre Moore - DT - Maryland
While Cornellius Griffin has been solid, Washington could still use some more talent alongside him.
22. Cleveland Browns - Frank Okam - NT - Texas
Ted Washington should retire this off-season and Erron Kelley not up to the required standards, Cleveland will surely be looking to bolster their 27th ranked run defense
23. Pittsburgh Steelers - Charles Godfrey - CB - Iowa
DeShea Townsend is 32 and has yet to be sup-planted with other recent second round picks Bryant McFadden and Ike Taylor, at the same time this would give the Steelers a nice CB trio for the future
24. Tennessee Titans - Jerod Mayo - ILB - Tennessee
One of the main reasons the Titans went to the divisional round and no more is because the team is filled with a lot of cheap project players. This is the case at MLB with the undrafted Ryan Fowler as the starter.
25. Seattle Seahawks - Martellus Bennett - TE - Texas A&M
While Jerramy Stevens was a nuisance off the field, and releasing him was the right thing, the Seahawks need a better option long and even short term than Marcus Pollard
26. Jacksonville Jaguars - Chris Ellis - DE - Virginia Tech
With sack leader Paul Spicer a free-agent this off-season the Jaguars should be on the lookout for someone to replace him
27. Miami Dolphins (f/SD) - Terrell Thomas - CB - USC
When a rookie QB throws for 4 TDs against you (Trent Edwards), you know you need to upgrade your secondary.
28. Dallas Cowboys - Jamaal Charles - RB - Texas
With Julius Jones a free-agent the Cowboys will be looking to bring in a quick back to compliment Marion Barber
29. Indianapolis Colts - Roy Schuening - OG - Oregon State
Indy's Interior O-Line is on the verge of collapsing in free-agency, they'll need to replenish that
30. Green Bay Packers - John Carlson - TE - Notre Dame
Whether Donald Lee can play as good long term and under Aaron Rodgers instead of an on-fire-Favre is unknown.
31. New York Giants - DJ Hall - WR - Alabama
Amani Toomer has had serious problems with drops this year and will soon be finished. Hall is the perfect compliment to the smaller niftier receivers the Giants have such as Steve Smith and Sinorice Moss
32. New England Patriots - Jonathan Goff - ILB - Vanderbilt
The Pats are in such a strong position that they can afford to pick talent in the second round and still groom them for a few years
Round 3
1. Miami Dolphins - Lavelle Hawkins - WR - California
Miami have little depth and quality at receiver, adding first day talent at receiver is something that should be of serious consideration
2. St. Louis Rams - Anthony Collins - OT - Kansas
The Rams O-Line got manhandled in 2007 and with former anchorman Orlando Pace at the end of the road, they should be looking for a long term replacement
3. Atlanta Falcons - Chad Henne - QB - Michigan
Henne is a great leader, and has a tremendous arm which compliments guys like Laurent Robinson and Roddy White who can stretch the field.
4. New England Patriots (f/OAK) - Earl Bennett - WR - Vanderbilt
With Donte Stallworth a free-agent, the Pats will want to continue to replenish the talent on their roster
5. Kansas City Chiefs - Donnie Avery - WR - Houston
While still not the finished article, the Chiefs have little at WR in terms of quality outwith Dwayne Bowe, and would also give them a small speedster to stretch the field
6. New York Jets - Red Bryant - NT - Texas A&M
One of the reasons the Jets were so poor in 2007 was because they didn't even have a proper nose tackle.
7. San Francisco 49ers - Barry Richardson - OT - Clemson
The 49ers gave up the joint most sacks in the league last season, and with the anchor of the line, Larry Allen retiring a replacement will need to be found. Former LT Barry Richardson could drafted to play the LG position.
8. Buffalo Bills (f/BAL) - Martin Rucker - TE - Missouri
Robert Royal simply isn't good enough and Kevin Everett has much more important things outside of football to contend with right now.
9. Cincinnati Bengals - Xavier Adibi - OLB - Virginia Tech
The Bengals linebacking corpse was so desimated they had to sign guys like Dhani Jones off the street.
10. New Orleans Saints - Vince Hall - ILB - Virginia Tech
Vince Hall - ILB - Virginia Tech
If you look at all good defenses in the NFL they all have good field generals the Saints defense doesn't.
11. Buffalo Bills - Keenan Burton - WR - Kentucky
Buffalo has one receiver over 6ft, Sam Aiken who I'm not sure has even been on the field this season. Not forgetting their receiving options outside of Lee Evans are garbage
12. Minnesota Vikings (f/DEN) - Dustin Keller - TE - Purdue
Visanthe Shiancoe showed he wasn't good enough as a starter last year, and the rest of the Vikes TEs are more or less additional offensive linemen.
13. Carolina Panthers - DeJuan Morgan - S - North Carolina State
The Panthers will need a long term replacement for the now retired Mike Minter
14. Chicago Bears - Thomas DeCoud - S - California
The Bears gave up the 2nd most amount runs over 20 yards in the league, adding a better safety versus the run should help address that.
15. Detroit Lions - Corey McKeon - ILB - Nebraska
Paris Lenon is possibly the worst starting ILB in the league, McKeon's speed makes him a good fit for the cover 2
16. Arizona Cardinals - Harry Douglas - WR - Louisville
With Bryant Johnson a free-agent the Cardinals will be looking to find a new slot receiver to replace him.
17. Minnesota Vikings - Tony Hills - OT - Texas
The Vikings have been operating with a former center at right tackle for the last year, the Vikings are 13th in sacks allowed with a monster left side O-Line, do the math.
18. Houston Texans - Tim Zbikowski - S - Notre Dame
While the Texans are improving their situation at safety is still as bad as it was this time a year ago.
19. Philadelphia Eagles - Heath Benedict - OT - Newberry
While one game does not determine a players ability the Eagles are going to need a backup plan if Winston Justice does not work out long-term
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - John David Booty - QB - USC
Jeff Garcia isn't going to be around forever and Chris Simms is not the future.
21. Washington Redskins - Brandon Albert - G - Virginia
Pete Kendall is not going to be around much longer, the Redskins will need a young replacement at the ready.
22. Cleveland Browns - Shawn Crable - DE/OLB - Michigan
Willie McGinest is now 36 and you have to question how much longer hes going to be able to play at the required level to start in the NFL.
23. Pittsburgh Steelers - Marcus Monk - WR - Arkansas
A bit of a reach however this would be a new dimension to a Steelers offense whos tallest receiver is only 6 ft 1.
24. Tennessee Titans - Marcus Harrison - DT - Arkansas
Presuming Albert Haynesworth is franchised, he will likely only be around for another year.
25. Seattle Seahawks - Drew Radovich - G - USC
Chris Gray may retire, and if not is on his last legs anyway
26. Jacksonville Jaguars - Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie - CB - Tennessee State
The Jags depth at CB is starting to age, and no one really stood either at cornerback in 2007, some extra competition wouldn't be any harm
27. Chicago Bears (f/SD) - Andre Caldwell - WR - Florida
Outwith Bernard Berrian the Bears receivers were atrocious last year.
28. Dallas Cowboys - Craig Steltz - S - LSU
Ken Hamlin is a free-agent and may head elsewhere during free-agency
29. Indianapolis Colts - Kerry Brown - G - Appalachian State
The Colts will need to find more than one guard to replenish the O-Line during the draft
30. Green Bay Packers - Eddie Royal - WR/KR - Virginia Tech
If theres one area the Packers could possibly noticeably improve at its returning the ball
31. New York Giants - Trae Williams - CB - South Florida
RW McQuarters will likely be cut, Sam Madison will only get worse and theres no guarantee Corey Webster will keep up his recent good performances to next season.
32. New England Patriots - Chris Johnson - RB - East Carolina
Johnson's blazing speed makes him a perfect compliment to Laurence Maroney
2008 NFL Draft
1. Miami Dolphins - Matt Ryan - QB - Boston College
Bill Parcells showed how ruthless he can be when he fired first year HC Cam Cameron, and after soon to be 27 year old QB John Beck showed next to no hope that he will improve, and the saying that all rebuilding jobs start with the Quarterback, don't be surprised Parcells opts to draft a new signal caller with the first pick.
2. St. Louis Rams - Chris Long - DE - Virginia
Not one defensive end on the Rams notched up more than 2 sacks all year, and with starters such as Leonard Little hitting 33 this year, adding a top pass rusher is vital to the Rams future
3. Atlanta Falcons - Glenn Dorsey - DT - LSU
Atlanta's run defense went to the dogs last year even despite coming up against garbage like Aaron Stecker and DeShaun Foster, and with Grady Jackson also departing they will need to find a young run stuffer to replace him.
4. Oakland Raiders - Darren McFadden - RB - Arkansas
A potential backfield of Russell and McFadden is too good to pass up for a franchise who has been in the doldrums for quite a while now.
5. Kansas City Chiefs - Jake Long - OT - Michigan
The Chiefs allowed the joint most sacks in the league last year and had the worst running yards per carry in the league, if the Chiefs want to make the most of what is left of Larry Johnson and try and make something out of Brodie Croyle upgrading the O-Line should be by far their top priority.
6. New York Jets - Vernon Gholston - DE/OLB - Ohio State
Aside from their 7 sacks against the Steelers over the course the Jets had a horrible time getting to the Quarterback. Gholston could potentially give the Jets a Shaun Merriman type presence.
7. New England Patriots - Kenny Philips - FS - Miami (Fl.)
With no CB or RB worth the seventh overall pick the Pats should opt to select Philips. Although New England selected a safety with their first selection last year and have another young starter in James Sanders, Philips is so athletic that he could be used as a corner and a possible long term replacement for Asante Samuels.
8. Baltimore Ravens - Andre Woodson - QB - Kentucky
The Ravens simply cannot continue with their QB by committee like last season.
9. Cincinnati Bengals - Sedric Ellis - DT - USC
The Bengals D-Line needs totally revamped, Sedric Ellis would be a good guy to start the rebuilding job around.
10. New Orleans Saints - Mike Jenkins - CB - South Florida
The Saints ended the year with the 3rd worst pass defense and their only remotely talented corner Mike McKenzie is now 31 and has a torn ACL.
11. Buffalo Bills - Keith Rivers - OLB - USC
With so much depth at wideout in this class the Bills can opt to address that in round 2, however there isn't as much depth at linebacker so it would be a wise time to snag Keith Rivers to replace Keith Ellison at the weak-side.
12. Denver Broncos - Malcolm Kelly - WR - Oklahoma
With Javon Walker likely on his way the Broncos will be on the lookout for a replacement, a potential duo of Malcolm Kelly and Brandon Marshall along with an improving Jay Cutler could be a dangerous passing game for years to come.
13. Carolina Panthers - Ryan Clady - OT - Boise State
With two starters on their offensive line out of contract the Panthers will need to replenish their offensive line.
14. Chicago Bears - Brian Brohm - QB - Louisville
Although the Bears last two first round QBs have been busts, regardless the Bears simply cannot continue with what they currently have at QB.
15. Detroit Lions - Jeff Otah - OT - Pittsburgh
The Lions had an awful time protecting Jon Kitna, and if they could even remotely protect him, then their passing game would quite likely be ripping teams to shreds.
16. Arizona Cardinals - Jonathan Stewart - RB - Oregon
Edgerrin James averaged a horrible 3.8 yards per carry last year and he is almost at the end of his career. Also with the amount of teams passing on corners the Cardinals can still pick up a decent one later on in the draft.
17. Minnesota Vikings - Reggie Smith - CB/S - Oklahoma
The Vikings pass defense was horrible again last season and having invested quite a bit of money at DE, they should look to upgrade the secondary and get a top player to play alongside Darren Sharper.
18. Houston Texans - Rashard Mendenhall - RB - Illinois
If the Texans could run the ball reasonably well with an average back in Ron Dayne I dare to think what they could do with a guy like Mendenhall, who's playmaking presence could also avert some attention from Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson.
19. Philadelphia Eagles - DeShaun Jackson - WR/KR - California
The Philly offense is made up of number 2 receivers and really lacks a playmaker in the passing game. Jackson is the type of guy who could stretch the field and make good use of Donovan McNabb's big arm, which he hasn't been able to use as of late due to the poor receivers on the field.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Limas Sweed - WR - Texas
Outside of an ageing and likely soon to be gone Joey Galloway, the Buccs have next to nothing at wide receiver.
21. Washington Redskins - James Hardy - WR - Indiana
The Redskins receivers are all small and quick, adding Hardy here would add a new dimension to their offense, and also a good number 2 option which they seem to be lacking.
22. Dallas Cowboys (f/CLE) - Leodis McKelvin - CB - Troy
Outside of Terrence Newman the Cowboys are lacking in quality at CB, which was evident during Newman's time out injured.
23. Pittsburgh Steelers - Sam Baker - OT - USC
The Steelers gave up a whopping 47 sacks last year and with Alan Faneca likely to depart and right tackle Willie Colon likely to move inside to replace him the Steelers will need to find a new starter at Right Tackle.
24. Tennessee Titans - Early Doucet - WR - LSU
To go to the next level the Titans are going to have to upgrade on the likes of Eric Moulds and Brandon Jones.
25. Seattle Seahawks - Felix Jones - RB - Arkansas
Shaun Alexander has been terrible recently, and theres no signs of that changing, time to look to the future by drafting a new back.
26. Jacksonville Jaguars - Mario Manningham - WR - Michigan
The Jaguars comfortably made the play-offs yet their leading receiver had only 518 yards.
27. San Diego Chargers - Dan Connor - ILB/OLB - Penn. State
The Chargers experiment of promoting the backups wasn't a great success, and now they'll have to invest real money there to improve the situation.
28. Dallas Cowboys - Adarius Bowman - WR - Oklahoma State
We saw in the Divisional Play-Offs how much the Cowboys lack a proper number 2 wideout
29. San Francisco 49ers (f/IND) - Pat Sims - DT - Auburn
The 49ers ranked in the twenties against the run, and also in the twenties sack wise. Sims would be the big space eater who could draw double teams to open up better pass rushing for the Niners
30. Green Bay Packers - Aqib Talib - CB - Kansas
With Al Harris and Charles Woodson beginning to age, The Pack will be looking for a quality young corner to groom for the first to fall.
31. New York Giants - Kentwan Balmer - DT - North Carolina
With Michael Strahan likely to retire soon the Giants will look to replenish the depth on their defensive line and Balmer fits the bill for the Giants, as he can play either DE or DT which is ideal for their four man rush.
Round 2
1. Miami Dolphins - Derrick Harvey - DE/OLB - Florida
With Jason Taylor coming to the end of his career, finding a premier pass rusher to replace him should be a priority
2. St. Louis Rams - Erin Henderson - OLB - Maryland
Tha Rams have had severe problems with linebackers staying healthy.
3. Atlanta Falcons - Chris Williams - OT - Vanderbilt
The Falcons offensive line was shambolic in 2007 allowing the 7th most sacks in the league and blocking for the 26th ranked run attack.
4. Oakland Raiders - Calais Campbell - DE - Miami (Fl.)
The Raiders have been looking for a quality pass rusher opposite Derek Burgess for a while now, Campbell falling here would be great for the Raiders.
5. Kansas City Chiefs - Antoine Cason - CB - Arizona
Much like the Packers, the Chiefs starters are starting to age, except they aren't as good. Talib would likely be a popular one with the fans as well
6. New York Jets - Gosder Cherilus - OT - Boston College
The Jets could do with strengthening the right side of their O-Line, after investing so much in the left and giving up the leagues 4th most sacks
7. San Francisco 49ers - Quentin Groves - DE/OLB - Auburn
With Bryant Young retiring and no decent pass rushers of note, the 49ers will need to address this
8. Baltimore Ravens - Jack Ikegwuonu - CB - Wisconsin
The Ravens are starting to age on defense, particularly at the CB position. They'll need to replenish that in the draft
9. Cincinnati Bengals - Lawrence Jackson - DE - USC
The Bengals woeful defense managed the least sacks in the league, and with starter Justin Smith a free-agent they should definitely look to bring in some fresh faces here
10. New Orleans Saints - Ali Highsmith - OLB - LSU
The Saints got by with a bunch of average journeyman at LB in 2006, however its been a much different story this year as they have been found out.
11. Buffalo Bills - Tracy Porter - CB - Indiana
While Terrence McGee emerged in 2007, adding a quality option opposite him would not hurt. The Bills were also riddled with injuries here as well last season, so at least adding depth should be a priority
12. Denver Broncos - Curtis Lofton - ILB - Oklahoma
Denver finishing 30th against the run also coincided with the departure of Al Wilson who is yet to be replaced.
13. Carolina Panthers - Philip Merling - DE - Clemson
While it could be argued that safety is a bigger need, there is not enough value for it here, and the Panthers will wait on Charles Johnson to develop, Carolina were also second last in sacks in the league and Mike Rucker is done, this is too good a pick to pass up
14. Chicago Bears - Carl Nicks - OT - Nebraska
Chicago couldn't run the ball at all and as if their group of Quarterback's around good even when they had time on the ball, they had little in 2007 and as a result, the Bears offense was atrocious
15. Detroit Lions - Justin King - CB - Penn. State
The Lions officially ranked 31st against the pass, in reality they were last because teams passed on Minnesota so much to avoid running against them.
16. Arizona Cardinals - Brandon Flowers - CB - Virginia Tech
While Rod Hood stepped up as a starter last year Antrell Rolle was very inconsistent and Eric Green simply not good enough.
17. Minnesota Vikings - Devin Thomas - WR - Michigan State
While Sidney Rice looks very promising and scrubs such as Bobby Wade and Robert Ferguson stepped it up towards the end of the year, long term the Vikings if they want Tarvaris Jackson to continue to develop are going to have to surround him with better weapons, and a better passing game will make Adrian Peterson much more dangerous than he already is.
18. Atlanta Falcons (f/HOU) - Kevin Smith - RB - Central Florida
With Warrick Dunn starting to get to the end of his career the Falcons should be looking for a young power back to come in to compliment Jerious Norwood.
19. Philadelphia Eagles - Fred Davis - TE - USC
LJ Smith is gone and he was garbage last season anyway.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Patrick Lee - CB - Auburn
Ronde Barber and Brian Kelly won't be around forever, so Tampa will need a replacement ready for one of them
21. Washington Redskins - Dre Moore - DT - Maryland
While Cornellius Griffin has been solid, Washington could still use some more talent alongside him.
22. Cleveland Browns - Frank Okam - NT - Texas
Ted Washington should retire this off-season and Erron Kelley not up to the required standards, Cleveland will surely be looking to bolster their 27th ranked run defense
23. Pittsburgh Steelers - Charles Godfrey - CB - Iowa
DeShea Townsend is 32 and has yet to be sup-planted with other recent second round picks Bryant McFadden and Ike Taylor, at the same time this would give the Steelers a nice CB trio for the future
24. Tennessee Titans - Jerod Mayo - ILB - Tennessee
One of the main reasons the Titans went to the divisional round and no more is because the team is filled with a lot of cheap project players. This is the case at MLB with the undrafted Ryan Fowler as the starter.
25. Seattle Seahawks - Martellus Bennett - TE - Texas A&M
While Jerramy Stevens was a nuisance off the field, and releasing him was the right thing, the Seahawks need a better option long and even short term than Marcus Pollard
26. Jacksonville Jaguars - Chris Ellis - DE - Virginia Tech
With sack leader Paul Spicer a free-agent this off-season the Jaguars should be on the lookout for someone to replace him
27. Miami Dolphins (f/SD) - Terrell Thomas - CB - USC
When a rookie QB throws for 4 TDs against you (Trent Edwards), you know you need to upgrade your secondary.
28. Dallas Cowboys - Jamaal Charles - RB - Texas
With Julius Jones a free-agent the Cowboys will be looking to bring in a quick back to compliment Marion Barber
29. Indianapolis Colts - Roy Schuening - OG - Oregon State
Indy's Interior O-Line is on the verge of collapsing in free-agency, they'll need to replenish that
30. Green Bay Packers - John Carlson - TE - Notre Dame
Whether Donald Lee can play as good long term and under Aaron Rodgers instead of an on-fire-Favre is unknown.
31. New York Giants - DJ Hall - WR - Alabama
Amani Toomer has had serious problems with drops this year and will soon be finished. Hall is the perfect compliment to the smaller niftier receivers the Giants have such as Steve Smith and Sinorice Moss
32. New England Patriots - Jonathan Goff - ILB - Vanderbilt
The Pats are in such a strong position that they can afford to pick talent in the second round and still groom them for a few years
Round 3
1. Miami Dolphins - Lavelle Hawkins - WR - California
Miami have little depth and quality at receiver, adding first day talent at receiver is something that should be of serious consideration
2. St. Louis Rams - Anthony Collins - OT - Kansas
The Rams O-Line got manhandled in 2007 and with former anchorman Orlando Pace at the end of the road, they should be looking for a long term replacement
3. Atlanta Falcons - Chad Henne - QB - Michigan
Henne is a great leader, and has a tremendous arm which compliments guys like Laurent Robinson and Roddy White who can stretch the field.
4. New England Patriots (f/OAK) - Earl Bennett - WR - Vanderbilt
With Donte Stallworth a free-agent, the Pats will want to continue to replenish the talent on their roster
5. Kansas City Chiefs - Donnie Avery - WR - Houston
While still not the finished article, the Chiefs have little at WR in terms of quality outwith Dwayne Bowe, and would also give them a small speedster to stretch the field
6. New York Jets - Red Bryant - NT - Texas A&M
One of the reasons the Jets were so poor in 2007 was because they didn't even have a proper nose tackle.
7. San Francisco 49ers - Barry Richardson - OT - Clemson
The 49ers gave up the joint most sacks in the league last season, and with the anchor of the line, Larry Allen retiring a replacement will need to be found. Former LT Barry Richardson could drafted to play the LG position.
8. Buffalo Bills (f/BAL) - Martin Rucker - TE - Missouri
Robert Royal simply isn't good enough and Kevin Everett has much more important things outside of football to contend with right now.
9. Cincinnati Bengals - Xavier Adibi - OLB - Virginia Tech
The Bengals linebacking corpse was so desimated they had to sign guys like Dhani Jones off the street.
10. New Orleans Saints - Vince Hall - ILB - Virginia Tech
Vince Hall - ILB - Virginia Tech
If you look at all good defenses in the NFL they all have good field generals the Saints defense doesn't.
11. Buffalo Bills - Keenan Burton - WR - Kentucky
Buffalo has one receiver over 6ft, Sam Aiken who I'm not sure has even been on the field this season. Not forgetting their receiving options outside of Lee Evans are garbage
12. Minnesota Vikings (f/DEN) - Dustin Keller - TE - Purdue
Visanthe Shiancoe showed he wasn't good enough as a starter last year, and the rest of the Vikes TEs are more or less additional offensive linemen.
13. Carolina Panthers - DeJuan Morgan - S - North Carolina State
The Panthers will need a long term replacement for the now retired Mike Minter
14. Chicago Bears - Thomas DeCoud - S - California
The Bears gave up the 2nd most amount runs over 20 yards in the league, adding a better safety versus the run should help address that.
15. Detroit Lions - Corey McKeon - ILB - Nebraska
Paris Lenon is possibly the worst starting ILB in the league, McKeon's speed makes him a good fit for the cover 2
16. Arizona Cardinals - Harry Douglas - WR - Louisville
With Bryant Johnson a free-agent the Cardinals will be looking to find a new slot receiver to replace him.
17. Minnesota Vikings - Tony Hills - OT - Texas
The Vikings have been operating with a former center at right tackle for the last year, the Vikings are 13th in sacks allowed with a monster left side O-Line, do the math.
18. Houston Texans - Tim Zbikowski - S - Notre Dame
While the Texans are improving their situation at safety is still as bad as it was this time a year ago.
19. Philadelphia Eagles - Heath Benedict - OT - Newberry
While one game does not determine a players ability the Eagles are going to need a backup plan if Winston Justice does not work out long-term
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - John David Booty - QB - USC
Jeff Garcia isn't going to be around forever and Chris Simms is not the future.
21. Washington Redskins - Brandon Albert - G - Virginia
Pete Kendall is not going to be around much longer, the Redskins will need a young replacement at the ready.
22. Cleveland Browns - Shawn Crable - DE/OLB - Michigan
Willie McGinest is now 36 and you have to question how much longer hes going to be able to play at the required level to start in the NFL.
23. Pittsburgh Steelers - Marcus Monk - WR - Arkansas
A bit of a reach however this would be a new dimension to a Steelers offense whos tallest receiver is only 6 ft 1.
24. Tennessee Titans - Marcus Harrison - DT - Arkansas
Presuming Albert Haynesworth is franchised, he will likely only be around for another year.
25. Seattle Seahawks - Drew Radovich - G - USC
Chris Gray may retire, and if not is on his last legs anyway
26. Jacksonville Jaguars - Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie - CB - Tennessee State
The Jags depth at CB is starting to age, and no one really stood either at cornerback in 2007, some extra competition wouldn't be any harm
27. Chicago Bears (f/SD) - Andre Caldwell - WR - Florida
Outwith Bernard Berrian the Bears receivers were atrocious last year.
28. Dallas Cowboys - Craig Steltz - S - LSU
Ken Hamlin is a free-agent and may head elsewhere during free-agency
29. Indianapolis Colts - Kerry Brown - G - Appalachian State
The Colts will need to find more than one guard to replenish the O-Line during the draft
30. Green Bay Packers - Eddie Royal - WR/KR - Virginia Tech
If theres one area the Packers could possibly noticeably improve at its returning the ball
31. New York Giants - Trae Williams - CB - South Florida
RW McQuarters will likely be cut, Sam Madison will only get worse and theres no guarantee Corey Webster will keep up his recent good performances to next season.
32. New England Patriots - Chris Johnson - RB - East Carolina
Johnson's blazing speed makes him a perfect compliment to Laurence Maroney
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