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Alright guys here are all the picks exactly as they will happen tomorrow.
1. Miami Dolphins - T Jake Long, Michigan
Call it a hunch, but I think Miami will take Jake Long. Honestly, the pick makes sense when you look at what Miami has on their O-line.
2. Atlanta Falcons (trade with St. Louis) - DT Glenn Dorsey, LSU
I can't see the Falcons or the Rams not doing this. The Falcons are paranoid that the Rams will take Dorsey and the Rams would be fine with Long and certainly wouldn't mind the extra pick. I'm not sure Dorsey is worth trading up for but if Matt Ryan is their other option, it's worth it.
3. St. Louis Rams (trade with Atlanta) - DE Chris Long, Virginia
The Rams are happy. They fill their biggest need short of offensive line and get an extra draft pick. Chris Long will be an immediate upgrade on their d-line
4. New Orleans Saints (trade with Oakland) - DT Sedrick Ellis, USC
New Orleans wants to trade up to land Dorsey or Ellis and Oakland today made it clear they are open to trading down. This makes sense for both teams as the Saints fill a huge need and the Raiders can fill their biggest needs with much more value later on.
5. Kansas City Chiefs - G Branden Albert, Virginia
While Albert may be a bit of a reach here, I am now convinced the Chiefs will address the offensive line with this pick if both Ellis and Dorsey are gone. I disagree with this pick. I think Vernon Gholston would be the better selection and is the better athlete. However, the Chiefs need offensive line help and they aren't going to gamble on Jeff Otah falling to #17. Albert is a solid offensive lineman with the versatility to play all along the line.
6. New York Jets - RB Darren McFadden, Arkansas
The Jets are sitting pretty. Because the Raiders have moved out of the top 5, both Darren McFadden and Vernon Gholston have fallen to them. While Gholston would be the better choice, I don't think the Jets (who have spent a lot of money on defense in the offseason) will be able to resist the playmaking ability of McFadden.
7. New England Patriots - DE Vernon Gholston, Ohio State
First of all, let me address the Patriots possibly trading up for Vernon Gholston. It isn't going to happen. Outside of the fact that it goes against all recent Patriots draft philosophy, it's not worth it to them. If Gholston goes earlier, they are reportedly high on Keith Rivers and Branden Albert and there is no way all three are gone before they pick. That said, the Patriots are absolutely thrilled Gholston falls to them at #7 and they waste no time making the best prospect on my board their top choice.
8. Baltimore Ravens - QB Matt Ryan, Boston College
The Ravens should select cornerback Leodis McKelvin with this pick but they won't. Leaks from NFL sources have suggested that if Matt Ryan is still on the board at #8, the Ravens will make him the top quarterback in the draft. I personally think Ozzie Newsome will regret this but I hope I'm wrong. Matt Ryan seems like a great guy and I hope he does well in the NFL.
9. Cincinnati Bengals - LB Keith Rivers, USC
The Bengals will also consider Derrick Harvey here but I don't think they will be able to pass up Keith Rivers. Rivers is the most talented linebacker in the draft and the Bengals need talent all over their front seven.
10. Oakland Raiders (trade with New Orleans) - DE Derrick Harvey, Florida
This trade works out great for Oakland. They will likely end up with extra draft picks or possibly players and they fill a huge need with Derrick Harvey. Will Harvey go this high? A few months ago it seemed impossible but his draft stock has risen quite a bit and Oakland being here makes it much more likely. If the Bengals choose Harvey, the Raiders could take Rivers. Combined with Howard and Morrison, Rivers would make a mean set of linebackers for the Raiders.
11. Buffalo Bills - CB Leodis McKelvin, Troy
In my previous mock I had Buffalo trading out of this pick for Lito Sheppard but reports say this won't happen. Buffalo isn't sweating it though. They'll take their wide receiver in the second round. Meanwhile, they are absolutely ecstatic that McKelvin falls to them at #11.
12. Denver Broncos - T Ryan Clady, Boise State
Ryan Clady has said that he would be the best zone-blocking scheme tackle so it only makes sense that he would go to the team that invented it. Clady will be a huge help on the Denver offensive line. Mendenhall is also an option here but Shanahan doesn't tend to draft running backs this early.
13. Carolina Panthers - T Chris Williams, Vanderbilt
Chris Williams will be an obvious upgrade on the Panthers O-line. They would ideally like Derrick Harvey here, but due to trades in front of them he's off the board.
14. Chicago Bears - RB Rashard Mendenhall, Illinois
The Bears could be looking at Jeff Otah here but a lot of NFL scouts consider him a project and the Bears want to win now. I'm not convinced that Cedric Benson is a bust due to how bad their O-line was but I think the Bears are convinced. Regardless, Rashard Mendenhall should share carries with Benson keeping both fresh.
15. Detroit Lions - LB Jerod Mayo, Tennessee
The Lions want Rashard Mendenhall. He's gone. Derrick Harvey. Gone. Keith Rivers. Gone. The first team that really gets screwed due to the trades ahead of them will still come out alright. Rumor is they are high on Jerod Mayo and they will make the biggest reach yet in the first round and take him based on how much they like him. I personally think this is a really bad decision but remember that Matt Millen is running things.
16. Arizona Cardinals - CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Tennessee State
I said in my last mock that Arizona couldn't take anything but a corner here. There is no way Rodgers-Cromartie makes it past #16 unless he dies between now and tomorrow. The Cardinals are absolutely stoked that he falls this far.
17. Kansas City Chiefs - DE Phillip Merling, Clemson
The Chiefs get the defensive end they need to replace the disgruntled Jared Allen. They are lucky that Matt Millen is an idiot and chose to forego Merling with the 15th pick.
18. Houston Texans - CB Mike Jenkins, South Florida
In my last mock, I had the Texans taking Jonathan Stewart but with Mike Jenkins falling to them I don't think they will pass him up. Dunta Robinson probably won't be ready for 2008 so they need serious help at cornerback.
19. Philadelphia Eagles - T Jeff Otah, Pittsburgh
The Eagles also benefit from Matt Millen's stupidity. Otah falls to them at #19 and they will more than happily take him. Wide receiver is also a need but I think they can work out a trade for either Johnson, Williams, or Boldin. If not, they will probably get an extra second round pick for Lito Sheppard.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - WR DeSean Jackson, California
Brohm or Jackson? Brian Brohm is 2nd in a weak class of quarterbacks and Tampa Bay doesn't have an immediate need at QB. DeSean Jackson fills the Bucs' needs of playmaking wideout and return specialist exceedingly well and therefore the Buccaneers will make him the first wide receiver selected.
21. Washington Redskins - WR Devin Thomas, Michigan State
The Redskins are absolutely ecstatic that Devin Thomas falls to them at #21. I still suspect that the Redskins won't have this pick when all the wheeling and dealing of draft day settles down. With three great wideouts possibly being traded, I have to think Snyder will come up with one.
22. Dallas Cowboys - WR Limas Sweed, Texas
Terrell Owens and Terry Glenn are getting old and Patrick Crayton is overrated with way too much ego. Point is, Dallas needs a receiver to inject some youth at the position. Sweed is the best left on the board.
23. Pittsburgh Steelers - T Gosder Cherilus, Boston College
Jonathan Stewart is a possibility here but the Steelers need an offensive lineman so Cherilus gets the upper hand.
24. Tennessee Titans - WR James Hardy, Indiana
James Hardy finally provides Vince Young with a solid target at wide receiver. Any receiver drafted in this slot should start immediately.
25. Seattle Seahawks - DT Kentwan Balmer
Despite Jonathan Stewart still being on the board, the Seahawks take Kentwan Balmer due to need. Balmer will be a solid addition to their defensive line.
26. Jacksonville Jaguars - DE Quentin Groves, Auburn
The Jaguars don't really get value for their pick here but they need defensive line help and Groves is the best on the board.
27. San Diego Chargers - T Sam Baker, USC
Atlanta would love to trade up here for Brian Brohm but they probably give up most of their reasonable trade ammo to move up one spot for Dorsey at #2. A deal could still go down but if not, the Chargers are stuck taking Sam Baker.
28. Dallas Cowboys - RB Jonathan Stewart, Oregon
Dallas is ecstatic that Stewart falls to them here at #28. Stewart's power running will complement Marion Barber quite well.
29. San Francisco 49ers - WR Early Doucet, LSU
Doucet becomes a first round pick because the 49ers can't address any of their other needs at this spot. Malcolm Kelly could and may very well be the choice but San Francisco would be stupid to pick him. They don't need a possession receiver. They need someone with star potential and Doucet better fits the bill.
30. Green Bay Packers - CB Aqib Talib, Kansas
The Packers are very happy Talib falls to them at #30. Talib will add youth and reefer to their defensive backfield.
31. New York Giants - S Kenny Phillips, Miami
Many of you explained on my last mock why Tyrell Johnson shouldn't be the pick here over Phillips. I explained that it was a tossup in my mind but since popular opinion seems to favor Phillips he is now the pick.
That's it. Read/Review/Hate
1. Miami Dolphins - T Jake Long, Michigan
Call it a hunch, but I think Miami will take Jake Long. Honestly, the pick makes sense when you look at what Miami has on their O-line.
2. Atlanta Falcons (trade with St. Louis) - DT Glenn Dorsey, LSU
I can't see the Falcons or the Rams not doing this. The Falcons are paranoid that the Rams will take Dorsey and the Rams would be fine with Long and certainly wouldn't mind the extra pick. I'm not sure Dorsey is worth trading up for but if Matt Ryan is their other option, it's worth it.
3. St. Louis Rams (trade with Atlanta) - DE Chris Long, Virginia
The Rams are happy. They fill their biggest need short of offensive line and get an extra draft pick. Chris Long will be an immediate upgrade on their d-line
4. New Orleans Saints (trade with Oakland) - DT Sedrick Ellis, USC
New Orleans wants to trade up to land Dorsey or Ellis and Oakland today made it clear they are open to trading down. This makes sense for both teams as the Saints fill a huge need and the Raiders can fill their biggest needs with much more value later on.
5. Kansas City Chiefs - G Branden Albert, Virginia
While Albert may be a bit of a reach here, I am now convinced the Chiefs will address the offensive line with this pick if both Ellis and Dorsey are gone. I disagree with this pick. I think Vernon Gholston would be the better selection and is the better athlete. However, the Chiefs need offensive line help and they aren't going to gamble on Jeff Otah falling to #17. Albert is a solid offensive lineman with the versatility to play all along the line.
6. New York Jets - RB Darren McFadden, Arkansas
The Jets are sitting pretty. Because the Raiders have moved out of the top 5, both Darren McFadden and Vernon Gholston have fallen to them. While Gholston would be the better choice, I don't think the Jets (who have spent a lot of money on defense in the offseason) will be able to resist the playmaking ability of McFadden.
7. New England Patriots - DE Vernon Gholston, Ohio State
First of all, let me address the Patriots possibly trading up for Vernon Gholston. It isn't going to happen. Outside of the fact that it goes against all recent Patriots draft philosophy, it's not worth it to them. If Gholston goes earlier, they are reportedly high on Keith Rivers and Branden Albert and there is no way all three are gone before they pick. That said, the Patriots are absolutely thrilled Gholston falls to them at #7 and they waste no time making the best prospect on my board their top choice.
8. Baltimore Ravens - QB Matt Ryan, Boston College
The Ravens should select cornerback Leodis McKelvin with this pick but they won't. Leaks from NFL sources have suggested that if Matt Ryan is still on the board at #8, the Ravens will make him the top quarterback in the draft. I personally think Ozzie Newsome will regret this but I hope I'm wrong. Matt Ryan seems like a great guy and I hope he does well in the NFL.
9. Cincinnati Bengals - LB Keith Rivers, USC
The Bengals will also consider Derrick Harvey here but I don't think they will be able to pass up Keith Rivers. Rivers is the most talented linebacker in the draft and the Bengals need talent all over their front seven.
10. Oakland Raiders (trade with New Orleans) - DE Derrick Harvey, Florida
This trade works out great for Oakland. They will likely end up with extra draft picks or possibly players and they fill a huge need with Derrick Harvey. Will Harvey go this high? A few months ago it seemed impossible but his draft stock has risen quite a bit and Oakland being here makes it much more likely. If the Bengals choose Harvey, the Raiders could take Rivers. Combined with Howard and Morrison, Rivers would make a mean set of linebackers for the Raiders.
11. Buffalo Bills - CB Leodis McKelvin, Troy
In my previous mock I had Buffalo trading out of this pick for Lito Sheppard but reports say this won't happen. Buffalo isn't sweating it though. They'll take their wide receiver in the second round. Meanwhile, they are absolutely ecstatic that McKelvin falls to them at #11.
12. Denver Broncos - T Ryan Clady, Boise State
Ryan Clady has said that he would be the best zone-blocking scheme tackle so it only makes sense that he would go to the team that invented it. Clady will be a huge help on the Denver offensive line. Mendenhall is also an option here but Shanahan doesn't tend to draft running backs this early.
13. Carolina Panthers - T Chris Williams, Vanderbilt
Chris Williams will be an obvious upgrade on the Panthers O-line. They would ideally like Derrick Harvey here, but due to trades in front of them he's off the board.
14. Chicago Bears - RB Rashard Mendenhall, Illinois
The Bears could be looking at Jeff Otah here but a lot of NFL scouts consider him a project and the Bears want to win now. I'm not convinced that Cedric Benson is a bust due to how bad their O-line was but I think the Bears are convinced. Regardless, Rashard Mendenhall should share carries with Benson keeping both fresh.
15. Detroit Lions - LB Jerod Mayo, Tennessee
The Lions want Rashard Mendenhall. He's gone. Derrick Harvey. Gone. Keith Rivers. Gone. The first team that really gets screwed due to the trades ahead of them will still come out alright. Rumor is they are high on Jerod Mayo and they will make the biggest reach yet in the first round and take him based on how much they like him. I personally think this is a really bad decision but remember that Matt Millen is running things.
16. Arizona Cardinals - CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Tennessee State
I said in my last mock that Arizona couldn't take anything but a corner here. There is no way Rodgers-Cromartie makes it past #16 unless he dies between now and tomorrow. The Cardinals are absolutely stoked that he falls this far.
17. Kansas City Chiefs - DE Phillip Merling, Clemson
The Chiefs get the defensive end they need to replace the disgruntled Jared Allen. They are lucky that Matt Millen is an idiot and chose to forego Merling with the 15th pick.
18. Houston Texans - CB Mike Jenkins, South Florida
In my last mock, I had the Texans taking Jonathan Stewart but with Mike Jenkins falling to them I don't think they will pass him up. Dunta Robinson probably won't be ready for 2008 so they need serious help at cornerback.
19. Philadelphia Eagles - T Jeff Otah, Pittsburgh
The Eagles also benefit from Matt Millen's stupidity. Otah falls to them at #19 and they will more than happily take him. Wide receiver is also a need but I think they can work out a trade for either Johnson, Williams, or Boldin. If not, they will probably get an extra second round pick for Lito Sheppard.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - WR DeSean Jackson, California
Brohm or Jackson? Brian Brohm is 2nd in a weak class of quarterbacks and Tampa Bay doesn't have an immediate need at QB. DeSean Jackson fills the Bucs' needs of playmaking wideout and return specialist exceedingly well and therefore the Buccaneers will make him the first wide receiver selected.
21. Washington Redskins - WR Devin Thomas, Michigan State
The Redskins are absolutely ecstatic that Devin Thomas falls to them at #21. I still suspect that the Redskins won't have this pick when all the wheeling and dealing of draft day settles down. With three great wideouts possibly being traded, I have to think Snyder will come up with one.
22. Dallas Cowboys - WR Limas Sweed, Texas
Terrell Owens and Terry Glenn are getting old and Patrick Crayton is overrated with way too much ego. Point is, Dallas needs a receiver to inject some youth at the position. Sweed is the best left on the board.
23. Pittsburgh Steelers - T Gosder Cherilus, Boston College
Jonathan Stewart is a possibility here but the Steelers need an offensive lineman so Cherilus gets the upper hand.
24. Tennessee Titans - WR James Hardy, Indiana
James Hardy finally provides Vince Young with a solid target at wide receiver. Any receiver drafted in this slot should start immediately.
25. Seattle Seahawks - DT Kentwan Balmer
Despite Jonathan Stewart still being on the board, the Seahawks take Kentwan Balmer due to need. Balmer will be a solid addition to their defensive line.
26. Jacksonville Jaguars - DE Quentin Groves, Auburn
The Jaguars don't really get value for their pick here but they need defensive line help and Groves is the best on the board.
27. San Diego Chargers - T Sam Baker, USC
Atlanta would love to trade up here for Brian Brohm but they probably give up most of their reasonable trade ammo to move up one spot for Dorsey at #2. A deal could still go down but if not, the Chargers are stuck taking Sam Baker.
28. Dallas Cowboys - RB Jonathan Stewart, Oregon
Dallas is ecstatic that Stewart falls to them here at #28. Stewart's power running will complement Marion Barber quite well.
29. San Francisco 49ers - WR Early Doucet, LSU
Doucet becomes a first round pick because the 49ers can't address any of their other needs at this spot. Malcolm Kelly could and may very well be the choice but San Francisco would be stupid to pick him. They don't need a possession receiver. They need someone with star potential and Doucet better fits the bill.
30. Green Bay Packers - CB Aqib Talib, Kansas
The Packers are very happy Talib falls to them at #30. Talib will add youth and reefer to their defensive backfield.
31. New York Giants - S Kenny Phillips, Miami
Many of you explained on my last mock why Tyrell Johnson shouldn't be the pick here over Phillips. I explained that it was a tossup in my mind but since popular opinion seems to favor Phillips he is now the pick.
That's it. Read/Review/Hate
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