2008 NFL Mock Draft, Version 3.5: Now With a 2nd Round!

Sorry about the weird formatting. I am still trying to figure out the best way to present this. Anyway, the selections haven't changed in this update. I have added a brief commentary and who each team will also consider besides the player they choose. The order at the bottom of the draft is still a guess until we know who is in the the Super Bowl. Look for Version 4, with new selections, by January 22nd. Version will have the correct draft order (minus the picks requiring coin flips) and only underclassmen that officially declared (they must do so by 1/15).

Round 1

Glen Dorsey Defensive Tackle LSU	Dorsey, Darren McFadden, and Chris Long are in a dogfight to be deemed the best prospect in the draft. Many consider it to be McFadden. Dorsey and Long can be as much a game changer as McFadden. Looking at the Dolphins needs, Dorsey and Long are much better options. Dorsey can fill a gaping hole at DT. However, he is more suited for a 4-3 defense. The Dolphins have been running a hybrid 4-3/3-4 the past 3 years under Dom Capers but now he is gone. Parcells is known to endorse the 3-4 and you can expect Miami to become mostly a 3-4 team. Chris Long has played in the 3-4 at Virginia and would fit nicely but I just don’t see the Fins passing on Dorsey, whose talent and size will intrigue the Tuna. There is also a strong possibility Miami will deal this pick for a team desperate for McFadden (Dallas?). Will Also Consider: Chris Long, DE, Virginia Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas Jake Long, OT, Michigan
Chris Long Defensive End Virginia	The Rams are pretty much set offensively. They do not need Matt Ryan, despite Marc Bulger’s down year (Bulger signed a lucrative extension this past summer). No chance they take McFadden since they have Steven Jackson. That leaves two big options: Long or Long. Chris or Jake. In an earlier mock I had the Rams take Jake Long to help rebuild their offensive line, which was decimated by injuries and inexperienced play in 2007. They drafted OT Alex Barron in 2005 (19th overall) and do still have Orlando Pace. Drafting Jake Long here would be for depth and the future. If Pace doesn’t retire this year, he could in 2009. However, if the Rams think Pace will be around for 2+ years the other Long should be the pick. Leonard Little isn’t getting younger and their other DE, James Hall, is more a situational pass rusher. Long was brought up in the 3-4 but could easily play in the 4-3 next to last years 1st rounder Adam Carriker (who the Rams moved from DE to DT). Will Also Consider: Jake Long, OT, Michigan James Laurinaitis, LB, Ohio State Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
Darren McFadden Running Back Arkansas	Even though RB is not the Raiders biggest need, Al Davis is impressed by raw physical specimens. Enter McFadden. Team him with JaMarcus Russell and the Raiders have something building on offense. If Lane Kiffin and Co. spurn Davis and go for need they will look for offensive and defensive line help. If Chris Long falls here, wouldn’t it be great for them to snatch up the son of a Raider legend? Will Also Consider: Jake Long, OT, Michigan Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State
Matt Ryan Quarterback Boston College	The Falcons organization is in shambles after the Vick saga and the Petrino debacle. Whoever the new coach is will need a QB to groom. It was thought to be Brian Brohm but a sub par ’07 season from him and the departure of Petrino take some substance away from this. For a good portion of the 2007 college season Ryan was a Heisman hopeful. He was the Eagles offense and with the right help at the next level Ryan could become a star. Will Also Consider: Jake Long, OT, Michigan Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville
Jake Long Offensive Tackle Michigan	The Chiefs need a QB but Herm Edwards will give Brodie Croyle another shot in ’08. A glaring area of need is offensive line. The team hasn’t recovered from the retirements of Will Shields and Willie Roaf over the last few years. When Shields and Roaf teamed with stalwart Brian Waters, Kansas City had a dominating line. It is time to rebuild it. Jake Long is the best OT available in the 2008 Draft. Will Also Consider: Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State
James Laurinaitis Linebacker Ohio State	This pick was a difficult one. Who the Jets really need (Glen Dorsey, Chris Long) will be gone. They could go offensive line here but the defense has bigger holes. Teaming Laurinaitis with David Harris (2nd rounder in ’07) will give the Jets a young, dynamic MLB core for years to come. Of course, this would only happen if Jonathan Vilma is dealt. Vilma is a better fit as an MLB in the 4-3. Perhaps a trade to Denver and reuniting him with former Hurricanes teammate D.J. Williams (and bumping Williams back to OLB)? Will Also Consider: Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
Malcolm Jenkins Cornerback Ohio State	The Patriots are one of the hardest teams to predict a selection for. For the last three or four years “experts” have predicted the Patriots to take a DB or LB. They finally did so in 2007 selecting S Brandon Meriweather from ‘Da U’. Will they finally succumb and take an LB? Well a lot of people thought it would be Laurinaitis. In this scenario he is gone. What do the Patriots do? Take a DB of course! New England has five DBs set to be free agents, including Asante Samuel who cannot be franchised in 2008. The junior from Ohio State would be a safe pick, especially if Samuel bolts for more money. As usual, don’t be shocked if New England trades this pick for more picks later in the draft or for picks in 2009. Will Also Consider: Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida Dan Connor, LB, Penn State Keith Rivers, LB, USC
Brian Brohm Quarterback Louisville	Coach Brian Billick was fired and the new regime will want to start fresh at QB. Kyle Boller is not the answer and Steve McNair showed his age and many years of wear-and-tear in 2007. With Ryan gone the Ravens can select Brohm who, entering the 2007 season, was the #1 QB prospect. Will Also Consider: Andre Woodson, QB, Kentucky Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State
Sedrick Ellis Defensive Tackle USC	Cincinnati players were well behaved (well, for them) in 2007 with no arrests during the season. Cue the slow clap. Unfortunately the team looked awful. More specifically the defense looked awful. They need help at almost every position outside of CB (where they drafted Johnathan Joseph in 2006 and Leon Hall in 2007). At this juncture Sedrick Ellis is the best defensive player available. This pick should be a DT, DE, or LB. Will Also Consider: Dan Connor, LB, Penn State Keith Rivers, LB, USC Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State
Mike Jenkins Cornerback South Florida	New Orleans gave up 24.2 points/game (25th) and 245.2 passing yards/game (30th) in 2007. They have a strong offense (one that will be stronger with the return of Deuce McAllister) but a poor defense, not unlike Cincinnati. Their defensive line is steady but their linebackers and secondary are suspect. Mike McKenzie is old and Fred Thomas was continually beat in 2006. Jason David was brought in to demote Thomas to a nickel role. Unfortunately, Jason David was the new Fred Thomas in 2007. Someone to play opposite of McKenzie, and eventually supplant him, is a necessity. This is really early for the other Jenkins but he is the second best CB in the 2008 pool. Will Also Consider: Dan Connor, LB, Penn State Keith Rivers, LB, USC Kenny Phillips, S, Miami (Florida)
Dan Connor Linebacker Penn State	This would be great. Buffalo, in dire need of a LB to play opposite 2007 2nd rounder Paul Posluszny and Angelo Crowell, could land another Penn State standout. Buffalo’s biggest need is a possession WR to play opposite Lee Evans but this is way too early for Limas Sweed or Malcolm Kelly, both late 1st rounders. Connor is considered a better prospect than Posluszny was just a year ago. Buffalo will have a wide range of options at this point so taking Connor here is remote. But it’d be sweet. Will Also Consider: Keith Rivers, LB, USC Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State Calais Campbell, DE, Miami
Ryan Clady Offensive Tackle Boise State	The Broncos are aging along the offensive line and have no real standouts outside of injured C Tom Nalen (who is old anyway). Clady has risen up draft boards throughout the season and may now be the second best offensive linemen in the 2008 draft. Denver will also be looking linebacker and safety but the best value lies with Clady, who goes from Broncos to Broncos. Will Also Consider: Keith Rivers, LB, USC Sam Baker, OT, USC Kenny Phillips, S, Miami (Florida)
Vernon Gholston Defensive End Ohio State	The Panthers were a different team offensively with Jake Delhomme at QB. He is expected to fully recover from injury. A QB would be nice but Delhomme is still effective and Carolina could wait another year to draft his successor. The once dominant defense has taken steps backward since strong seasons in 2003 & 2005. Kris Jenkins never returned to form after numerous injuries since 2004. Mike Rucker is aging and Gholston looked dominant at times for the Buckeyes this year. Gholston had his best game versus the top rated tackle in this year’s draft. Will Also Consider: Sam Baker, OT, USC Kenny Phillips, S, Miami (Florida) Calais Campbell, DE, Miami (Florida)
Andre Woodson Quarterback Kentucky	Rex Grossman and Brian Griese are so unpredictable and sporadic that it cost the Bears dearly this year. Though Grossman has expressed interest in returning the Bears should only do so if he is to be the backup. Before the 2007 season Woodson wowed scouts with his raw ability and was thought to be the second best QB in this draft. Well he has dropped to third after the emergence of Ryan. But Woodson will more than likely hear his name called before the 20th selection. Woodson may help to resurrect an anemic offense and bring a proud franchise back to the top, where they were in 2006. Will Also Consider: Sam Baker, OT, USC Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois DeSean Jackson, WR, California
Sam Baker Offensive Tackle USC	The Lions need to upgrade their offensive line and can do so with a few different prospects. After the 2006 season Baker was considered a Top 5 for the 2008 Draft. His play tailed off slightly in 2007 and the emergence of others has dropped him to the mid- to late-1st round. Outside of the big men up front Detroit could also use an upgrade at DE, LB, and S. Will Also Consider: Calais Campbell, DE, Miami (Florida) Keith Rivers, LB, USC Kenny Phillips, S, Miami (Florida)
Keith Rivers Linebacker USC	Arizona is losing two of its starting LBs to free agency so at least one replacement is necessary if Calvin Pace or Karlos Dansby aren’t resigned. Rivers was a standout at what has recently been the best college football program in the nation. Rivers would instantly fill a void and be a playmaker on D. The only downside is that former Coach Ken Whisenhunt is transferring to a hybrid 3-4 and Rivers played in the 4-3 for the Trojans. Will Also Consider: Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon Calais Campbell, DE, Miami (Florida)
Kenny Phillips Safety Miami (Florida)	The Vikings had the best rushing defense in the NFL last year. They also had the worst pass defense. Phillips, once thought to be a Top 10 talent, had a mediocre season for the Hurricanes and has seen his stock drop a bit. The Vikings would love for one of the QBs to drop here but someone that could help rectify their pass D is also a necessity. A WR isn’t out of the question either. Will Also Consider: DeSean Jackson, WR, California Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma Reggie Smith, S/CB, Oklahoma
Rashard Mendenhall Running Back Illinois	I don’t know whether to believe the hype surrounding Mendenhall. I watched him play a few times and wasn’t knocked over by his skill set. Sure he had a great junior season but will it be enough? Does he have the speed to produce in the NFL? The combine and campus workouts will prove a little more but I think the jury is still out on him. However, the Texans need a featured back and after McFadden the talent pool drops. Mendenhall or Jonathan Stewart will most likely be the second back selected. Will Also Consider: Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh DeSean Jackson, WR, California
Jeff Otah Offensive Tackle Pittsburgh	The Eagles should be looking for a replacements for Jon Runyan and William ‘Tra’ Thomas. They could find one in Jeff Otah, a rising prospect from Pitt. After the performance of Winston Justice versus the Giants earlier this year the organization must realize that someone to groom is needed. Otah is that guy. He had a great year for the Panthers and may challenge Baker and Clady as the second lineman off the board. He is a mid- to late-1st round talent. Will Also Consider: DeSean Jackson, WR, California Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma
DeSean Jackson Wide Receiver California	Michael Clayton had a phenomenal season as a rookie. Too bad that was in 2004. He was brought back to earth with injuries and inconsistent play over the last three seasons and is now the Buccaneers third WR. Their starters, Joey Galloway and Ike Hilliard, though still productive, are on the wrong side of 30. Some new blood is needed and Jackson is the most dynamic WR in the draft. He is a better prospect than Ted Ginn was in 2007. Will Also Consider: Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
Calais Campbell Defensive End Miami (Florida)	The Redskins have gone through a season of ups and downs. Making the playoffs was a pleasant surprise for the franchise. To assure this happens again the Redskins must find a reliable possession receiver, and improve their offensive line (mostly depth) and their pass rush. Washington finished in the middle of the pack with 33.0 sacks in 2007 (20 behind the 1st place Giants). Someone to rush the passer opposite Andre Carter (10.5 sacks in 2007) would do wonders. Campbell, like teammate Kenny Phillips, had a down year for ‘Da U’ but has loads of potential. Will Also Consider: Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma Limas Sweed, WR, Texas Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt
Malcolm Kelly Wide Receiver Oklahoma	Dallas is armed with two 1st round picks thanks to the Browns pursuit of Brady Quinn last year. This is the pick Dallas obtained from Cleveland. Three areas of need for the Cowboys: WR, Offensive Line, and Secondary. These aren’t glaring needs. They need more depth at these positions and must get younger. While T.O. had a wonderful year and TE Jason Witten is among the league’s elite the Cowboys lack a young option to groom to replace T.O. when he leaves (or erupts). Terry Glenn was injured the entire year as well. Malcolm Kelly would be a great addition to an offense already loaded and would be poised to be the #1 in 2-3 years. Will Also Consider: Limas Sweed, WR, Texas Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt Reggie Smith, S/CB, Oklahoma
Jonathan Stewart Running Back Oregon	Shaun Alexander went from arguably the best back in the league in 2005 to an injured mess. Sub par seasons in 2006 and 2007 now have the Seahawks organization skeptical that he can regain his form. And he is now over 30, a bad omen for a rebound. I do not believe Alexander has completely lost it so drafting his heir apparent now would be brilliant. Stewart could be eased into the starting role over the next season or two (much like Ricky Watters did for Shaun). Will Also Consider: Reggie Smith, S/CB, Oklahoma Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi
Chris Williams Offensive Tackle Vanderbilt	I’m not completely sold on this pick because I don’t know much about Williams. I know the Steelers need more offensive line help, especially since Alan Faneca is leaving. Williams could step in for Willie Colon, who may be better suited at guard. They could also go secondary here although there aren’t many 1st round prospects remaining at CB or S (if any). Will Also Consider: Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi Duke Robinson, OG, Oklahoma Reggie Smith, S/CB, Oklahoma
Limas Sweed Wide Receiver Texas	The Titans passed on WRs in last years draft and it hurt them at times this year. They need to surround VY with weapons to keep teams honest. LenDale White showed some promise at times but there really is no go to receiver. Sweed was a former teammate of Young at Texas and can provide a reliable target in the passing game. If Albert Haynesworth bolts during free agency then DT becomes a huge need. Will Also Consider: Reggie Smith, S/CB, Oklahoma Early Doucet, WR, LSU Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina
Reggie Smith Safety/Cornerback Oklahoma	The Giants would love for Rivers or Connor to fall here but that is unlikely. The Giants had the best pass rush in the NFL in 2007 but could improve at LB and in the secondary. Smith is durable and interchangeable. He may be a bit raw but has the speed and size to become a standout DB. This pick may come under fire after the G-men selected CB Aaron Ross in last years 1st round. However, as the Patriots proved this year with their lethal passing game, you can never have too many good DBs. Will Also Consider: Ali Highsmith, LB, LSU Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas
Derrick Harvey Defensive End/Linebacker Florida	What would be ideal for San Diego is for Laurinaitis to fall to them here. Doubtful. They need an inside linebacker and Laurinaitis may be the only one worthy of a 1st round pick (Connor played MLB this year but is more suited as a WLB in the NFL; Rey Maualuga, LB, USC has decided to return to school). With Laurinaitis gone the Chargers will be out of luck. With their dynamic 3-4 they could take a shot on Derrick Harvey, a hybrid DE/OLB and a fierce pass rusher. He could spell Castillo, Olshansky, Merriman, or Phillips. Obviously Harvey would be more of a luxury but he is the best player still available. Will Also Consider: Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina Quentin Groves, DE/OLB, Auburn
Early Doucet Wide Receiver LSU	David Garrard was a pleasant surprise for the Jags this year. If they could only solve the Colts they could become an elite team. One way to do that is to match them toe to toe with fire power. The Jacksonville receivers have not lived up to expectations (Reggie Williams, Matt Jones, etc.). Doucet is a speedster and can stretch a defense, great for a team that loves the power running game. His presence alone could make the DBs back off the line of scrimmage. Will Also Consider: Ali Highsmith, LB, LSU Quentin Groves, DE/OLB, Auburn Mario Manningham, WR, Michigan
Ali Highsmith Linebacker LSU	Prior to the 2007 season Green Bay needed a RB. They tried many options (Brandon Jackson, Vernand Morency, etc.) until they stopped on Ryan Grant. Grant had a great second half and will be the starter in 2008. There seems to be no need to waste a 1st round pick on the likes of Felix Jones, Mike Hart, or Chris Johnson with his emergence. This frees the Packers to address another area such as LB. Will Also Consider: Erin Henderson, LB, Maryland Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi Duke Robinson, OG, Oklahoma
Mario Manningham Wide Receiver Michigan	The 49ers acquired this pick from the Colts during the 2007 draft. Bet they wish they had their original pick back (as does the rest of the NFL). But here they are. The 49ers need a big play WR and the best prospects are already gone (Jackson, Kelly, Sweed). Manningham is a bigger version of Doucet. He runs good routes but at times becomes invisible and his work ethic has been questioned. Will Also Consider: Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi Duke Robinson, OG, Oklahoma Marcus Griffin, S, Texas
Michael Oher Offensive Tackle Mississippi	With their second selection in the 1st round the Cowboys will continue their search for depth. After snagging a WR the will turn to the offensive line. Oher has recently declared his eligibility and is a fringe 1st round prospect. It is a strong possibility that the Cowboys string their two selections together to move into the Top 5, perhaps to grab McFadden depending on what plays out. Will Also Consider: Duke Robinson, OG, Oklahoma Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU
Forfeited	This selection has been forfeited by the Patriots as a consequence for taping signals of the New York Jets. Will Also Consider: Not Cheating Next Time Additional Order of Hoodies Gisele Bundchen

Round 2

Pick	Team	Player, Position, College
33	Miami Dolphins	Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas
34	St. Louis Rams	Phil Loadholt, OT, Oklahoma
35	Oakland Raiders	Adarius Bowman, WR, Oklahoma State
36	Atlanta Falcons	Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas
37	Kansas City Chiefs	James Hardy, WR, Indiana
38	New York Jets	Duke Robinson, OG, Oklahoma
39	San Francisco 49ers	Tracy Porter, S/CB, Indiana
40	Baltimore Ravens	Quentin Groves, DE/OLB, Auburn
41	Cincinnati Bengals	Xavier Adibi, LB, Virginia Tech
42	New Orleans Saints	Jonathan Hefney, S, Tennessee
43	Buffalo Bills	Fred Davis, TE, USC
44	Denver Broncos	Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina
45	Carolina Panthers	Joe Flacco, QB, Delaware
46	Chicago Bears	Jamaal Charles, RB, Texas
47	Detroit Lions	Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona
48	Arizona Cardinals	Jake Ikegwuonu, CB, Wisconsin
49	Minnesota Vikings	Alex Mack, C, California
50	Atlanta Falcons (from Houston Texans)	Alex Boone, OT, Ohio State
51	Philadelphia Eagles	Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State
52	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	DeJuan Tribble, CB, Boston College
53	Washington Redskins	Harry Douglas, WR, Louisville
54	Cleveland Browns	Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee St.
55	Seattle Seahawks	John Carlson, TE, Notre Dame
56	Pittsburgh Steelers	Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy
57	Tennessee Titans	Andre Fluellen, DT, Florida State
58	New York Giants	Shawn Crable, LB, Michigan
59	Miami Dolphins (from San Diego Chargers)	Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU
60	Jacksonville Jaguars	Erin Henderson, LB, Maryland
61	Green Bay Packers	Barry Richardson, OT, Clemson
62	Indianapolis Colts	Dwight Lowery, CB, San Jose St.
63	Dallas Cowboys	Mike Hart, RB, Michigan
64	New England Patriots	Phillip Wheeler, LB, Georgia Tech