2008 NFL Mock Draft, Version 4

Here is the fourth version of my 2008 NFL Mock Draft. It should not include any players that returned to college for their senior seasons and has an up-to-date selection order (as up-to-date as it can be). Picks 3, 4, and 5 all must be determined by coin flips and will do so within the next three weeks. The final two spots will be determined after the Super Bowl. Be sure to check out the second round mock at the bottom as well. Version 5 will be created after the Super Bowl. Enjoy!

***UPDATE***
I had mistakenly placed a few players that had decided to return to college for their senior seasons in this mock. This has been corrected but altered the Steelers first round selection and shuffled most of the second round. I apologize for the mistake.

Round 1

1 Miami Dolphins 1
Chris Long Defensive End Virginia	Change, change, change. After having LSU DT Glen Dorsey as the number one selection in the first three versions, things have changed. If the Dolphins would like to utilize more of, or only, the 3-4 then Dorsey has no where to play. He is the perfect fit for the 4-3, a la Warren Sapp, but not the 3-4. Enter Howie’s son. Chris Long played, and dominated, in the 3-4 at Virginia for the last four years. He amassed 182 tackles (43 for loss) in his four years as a Cavalier (almost all of them coming in the last three years). Chris is a dominant player that is actually suited for the D that, most likely, Miami will use the most. However, keep an eye out for a possible trade, most likely a team that covets McFadden. Will Also Consider: Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU Jake Long, OT, Michigan Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
2 St. Louis Rams 2
Glenn Dorsey Defensive Tackle LSU	Now what do the Rams do? They obviously don’t need McFadden. Well they could draft the person presumed to be going number one for a long time now. Even though they used their first round selection last year for upgrading the D line (Adam Carriker, 13th overall), they could really make it formidable for the next 5-10 years with this selection. They haven’t had a lot of luck with first round DT’s in the past (see Jimmy Kennedy, 2003; Damione Lewis and Ryan Pickett, 2001) which could scare them away. However this isn’t the same coaching staff or front office so this should be the pack. The Dorsey selection can push Carriker back outside to DE (his position in college) and allow for a dominating inside force of Dorsey and 2007 fifth rounder Clifton Ryan, who was a pleasant surprise last year. Will Also Consider: Jake Long, OT, Michigan Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State Keith Rivers, LB, USC
***3 Oakland Raiders 3***
Darren McFadden Running Back Arkansas	The first two selections may have flip-flopped but not pick three. McFadden is considered the best RB in a very deep class. While RB isn’t the Raiders biggest need, McFadden fits the criteria that owner Al Davis loves: massive potential. With what Adrian Peterson did for Minnesota, teams will be drooling over McFadden. There is a possibility that a team that falls in love with McFadden trades with the Dolphins or Rams for the right to take him. In that case, Glenn Dorsey or Chris Long may fall here and Oakland would love either one of them. Will Also Consider: Jake Long, OT, Michigan Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State ***position may change after coin flip***
***4 Atlanta Falcons 4***
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 Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC ***position may change after coin flip***
***5 Kansas City Chiefs 5***
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 Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas ***position may change after coin flip***
6 New York Jets 6
Vernon Gholston Defensive End Ohio State	It was thought in December that at least one of Rey Maualuga or James Laurinaitis would leave school early and be a Top 10 pick. Whoops. There are no true MLB worthy of a first round pick (Dan Connor will most likely become an OLB in the NFL). What to do with the J-E-T-S? They will most likely go D unless they deem offensive line an area of larger need. I do not. The Jets had only 29 sacks in 2007. That is less than half of what the league leader, and other Meadowlands dweller, accumulated. Gholston was dominant at times for Ohio State. He could play DE or OLB in New York. Gholston was the only college player to register a sack versus Jake Long. Will Also Consider: Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
7 New England Patriots (from San Francisco) 7
Aqib Talib Cornerback Kansas	This was considered a weaker class for CBs, and that was with Malcolm Jenkins in it (now he is back at Ohio State). The Patriots will need DBs once Asante Samuel bolts for more money (they also have four other DBs that are free agents). Young linebackers are also a need but Commander Hoodie and Co. have not shown the willingness to draft any early. If they still had the 32nd overall pick they may have taken one there. Talib and the other Jenkins (no relation) will fight through the combine for the right to be the first CB taken. I give the edge to Talib. Will Also Consider: Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida Dan Connor, LB, Penn State Keith Rivers, LB, USC
8 Baltimore Ravens 8
Brian Brohm Quarterback Louisville	Coach Brian Billick was fired and the John Harbaugh 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
9 Cincinnati Bengals 9
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 Derrick Harvey, DE/OLB, Florida
10 New Orleans Saints 10
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 a bit early for 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)
11 Buffalo Bills 11
DeSean Jackson Wide Receiver California	As much as I’d like to see Dan Connor end up in Buffalo (did I just say that?) it probably won’t happen (unless he slips into round two like Posluszny). Buffalo has steady OLBs in Angelo Crowell and a healthy Posluszny but an upgrade at MLB is needed. Like Posluszny, Connor will most likely have to shift to OLB in the NFL. Not a good fit for the Bills. So who will they consider? Most likely a WR. They need more of a possession guy like Kelly to go with the burner Lee Evans but a second deep threat is also great to have. Jackson, a better prospect than Ted Ginn a year ago, will also upgrade the return game. Will Also Consider: Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma Calais Campbell, DE, Miami
12 Denver Broncos 12
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)
13 Carolina Panthers 13
Sam Baker Offensive Tackle USC	Since John Fox was retained as coach I highly doubt that the Panthers will take a QB in the first round. Fox is on a win now mission and doesn’t have time to groom a QB. Jake Delhomme has great pocket presence and synergy with Steve Smith, something lacking from the Panthers other QBs after Delhomme was injured. Two areas are need are both lines. Baker worked through some injuries in 2007 causing his stock to drop a bit and fall behind Clady as the number two OT. He is still a strong prospect and has a lot of potential. Will Also Consider: Calais Campbell, DE, Miami (Florida) Derrick Harvey, DE/OLB, Florida Kenny Phillips, S, Miami (Florida)
14 Chicago Bears 14
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: Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma Kenny Phillips, S, Miami (Florida)
15 Detroit Lions 15
Calais Campbell Defensive End Miami (Florida)	The Lions need help at DE, OT, CB, and S and have options to choose a player to fill each of those holes here. Campbell had a phenomenal sophomore year in 2006 but was inconsistent in 2007. Like his teammate Kenny Phillips, he could have used his senior year to boost his stock. Some believe he had the potential to be a Top 5 selection. Will Also Consider: Kenny Phillips, S, Miami (Florida) Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh Derrick Harvey, DE/OLB, Florida
16 Arizona Cardinals 16
Derrick Harvey Defensive End/Linebacker Florida	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. Harvey, a DE at Florida, could be wonderful rush LB in the 3-4 which is where the Cardinals seemed to be headed under the tutelage of Head Coach Ken Whisenhunt. Harvey is considered to be a better pro prospect than former teammate Jarvis Moss, who went 17th overall to the Broncos in the 2007 draft. Will Also Consider: Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon Keith Rivers, LB, USC
17 Minnesota Vikings 17
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: Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma Limas Sweed, WR, Texas Reggie Smith, S/CB, Oklahoma
18 Houston Texans 18
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 Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma
19 Philadelphia Eagles 19
Jeff Otah Offensive Tackle Pittsburgh	The Eagles should be looking for 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 but has massive potential. Will Also Consider: Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma Reggie Smith, S/CB, Oklahoma Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy
20 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20
Malcolm Kelly Wide Receiver Oklahoma	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 Kelly was a productive starter the last two seasons for the Sooners. He is a bit slower than DeSean Jackson but runs better routes and catches everything thrown his way. Will Also Consider: Keith Rivers, LB, USC Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
21 Washington Redskins 21
Kentwan Balmer Defensive Tackle North Carolina	Both lines need some work as the incumbent players grow a year older. In my opinion the Redskins overachieved in 2007 and with a new coach and staff in 2008 things could be a bit rocky. Washington needs a playmaking WR and could opt for Texas WR Sweed here or add depth along the o-line with Vanderbilt’s Chris Williams or Mississippi’s Michael Oher. The defensive line also needs work and Balmer is a kid that is shooting up draft boards after a wonderful season this past year. Balmer would be a great fit in the ‘Skins 4-3 and would earn a spot in the rotation immediately. Will Also Consider: Limas Sweed, WR, Texas Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt Quentin Groves, DE/OLB, Auburn
22 Dallas Cowboys (from Cleveland) 22
Limas Sweed Wide Receiver Texas	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. Limas Sweed would be a great addition to an offense already loaded and would be poised to be the #1 in 2-3 years. He and Patrick Crayton are the Cowboys future go-to guys. Will Also Consider: Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt Reggie Smith, S/CB, Oklahoma Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy
23 Seattle Seahawks 23
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 Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College
24 Pittsburgh Steelers 24
Chris Williams Offensive Tackle Vanderbilt	Wow. What is available really does not fit the Steelers needs. They need interior lineman but none are worthy of a first round pick. If they take a tackle such as Williams they could slide Willie Colon into guard. The Steelers will also be searching for big DEs and more o-lineman. Some secondary help is also something to consider. Will Also Consider: Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College Reggie Smith, S/CB, Oklahoma Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy
25 Tennessee Titans 25
Mario Manningham Wide Receiver Michigan	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. Manningham has the skills to become a huge threat in the NFL but he must become more focused and concentrate. However, he is fast and has reliable hands. Will Also Consider: Reggie Smith, S/CB, Oklahoma Early Doucet, WR, LSU James Hardy, WR, Indiana
26 New York Giants 26
Keith Rivers Linebacker USC	The Giants brass would probably be excited if Rivers (or Connor) falls to them. Rivers could take over immediately for Kawika Mitchell or Reggie Torbor. More secondary help is also a possibility. The unit was constantly injured this year and Sam Madison and R.W. McQuarters aren’t getting any younger. Teaming McKelvin or Smith with last years first rounder (Aaron Ross) would be great for the future of the G-Men. Will Also Consider: Ali Highsmith, LB, LSU Dan Connor, LB, Penn State Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy
27 San Diego Chargers 27
Dan Connor Linebacker Penn State	The Chargers need help at MLB and could take Connor and see if he can stand the punishment there. It also isn’t out of the question for them to look RB. This may sound crazy since they have the best back in the game but they are losing Michael Turner to free agency. You saw how much it mattered to have a capable backup in the Divisional Round game versus the Colts. Jones may sneak into the bottom of the first and it wouldn’t shock me if it was the Chargers making the selection (although there will be plenty of decent backups available in round three, when they pick again). Will Also Consider: Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College Pat Sims, DT, Auburn
28 Jacksonville Jaguars 28
Quentin Groves Defensive End/Linebacker Auburn	I previously had the Jags considering linebacker and wide receiver prospects but a few people said that they seem content with their current starters. While you never know what an NFL franchise is thinking, I trust the commenters and will focus somewhere else. Hey, I am not an expert on every team (thanks for the help!). Groves fills a need at DE for the Jaguars and teaming him with Henderson and Stroud could make a strong D stronger. Will Also Consider: Philip Merling, DE, Clemson Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy Pat Sims, DT, Auburn
29 Dallas Cowboys 29
Leodis McKelvin Cornerback Troy	The ‘Boys are back. With a young WR taken they can switch their sights to the secondary. Anthony Henry is inconsistent (and old) opposite Terrence Newman. Dallas is also always looking for a safety to play opposite Roy Williams. Ken Hamlin was able to fill that role admirably in 2007 so they will most likely look CB. McKelvin had a strong 2007 season versus stiff competition. He can also upgrade the Cowboys return game. Here is also a place that Felix Jones could creep into the late first round. Jerry Jones is an Arkansas alum and Dallas is probably going to let Julius Jones walk. Felix is a home run hitter and would be a good complement to Marion Barber III. Will Also Consider: Reggie Smith, S/CB, Oklahoma Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas
30 San Francisco 49ers (from Indianapolis) 30
James Hardy Wide Receiver Indiana	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). Hardy has the tools to be a force in the NFL. He isn’t as fast as you would like but his build (6’ 5”, 218 lbs.) and hands may lead to a big career (if he can keep out of trouble). Terrell Owens, take two? Will Also Consider: Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College Reggie Smith, S/CB, Oklahoma Pat Sims, DT, Auburn
31 Green Bay Packers 31
Reggie Smith Safety/Cornerback Oklahoma	The Packers have made quite the run to the NFC Championship game. It was thought entering 2007 that the Packers still need a RB and another WR. Not anymore. Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, and James Jones provide Green Bay with plenty of weapons for the almighty Brett Favre and Ryan Grant’s running in the second half has possibly dropped the RB need off the chart (they do still have Morency, Jackson, and Wynn). One area of need is secondary, most specifically cornerback. Charles Woodson and Al Harris are on the wrong side of 30. They had strong seasons but in this day and age more cornerbacks is not a bad thing. Smith can play anywhere in the secondary. Will Also Consider: Ali Highsmith, LB, LSU Fred Davis, TE, USC John Carlson, TE, Notre Dame
32 New England Patriots 32
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	Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona
34	St. Louis Rams	Ali Highsmith, LB, LSU
35	Oakland Raiders	Pat Sims, DT, Auburn
36	Atlanta Falcons	Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College
37	Kansas City Chiefs	Early Doucet, WR, LSU
38	New York Jets	Jerod Mayo, LB, Tennessee
39	San Francisco 49ers	Jonathan Hefney, S, Tennessee
40	Baltimore Ravens	Tracy Porter, S/CB, Indiana
41	Cincinnati Bengals	Philip Merling, DE, USC
42	New Orleans Saints	Curtis Lofton, LB, Oklahoma
43	Buffalo Bills	Brandon Flowers, CB, Virginia Tech
44	Denver Broncos	Jonathan Goff, LB, Vanderbilt
45	Carolina Panthers	Lawrence Jackson, DE, USC
46	Chicago Bears	Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas
47	Detroit Lions	Jack Ikegwuonu, CB, Wisconsin
48	Arizona Cardinals	Steve Slaton, RB, West Virginia
49	Minnesota Vikings	Fred Davis, TE, USC
50	Atlanta Falcons (Houston Texans)	Jamaal Charles, RB, Texas
51	Philadelphia Eagles	Marcus Griffin, S, Texas
52	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	Bruce Davis, LB, UCLA
53	Washington Redskins	Branden Albert, OG, Virginia
54	Cleveland Browns	Chris Johnson, RB, East Carolina
55	Seattle Seahawks	John Carlson, TE, Notre Dame
56	Pittsburgh Steelers	Justin King, CB, Penn State
57	Tennessee Titans	Frank Okam, DT, Texas
58	New York Giants	Patrick Lee, CB, Auburn
59	Miami Dolphins (from San Diego Chargers)	Martellus Bennett, TE, Texas A&M
60	Jacksonville Jaguars	Craig Steltz, S, LSU
61	Dallas Cowboys	Jordan Grimes, OG, Purdue
62	Indianapolis Colts	Ray Rice, RB, Rutgers
63	Green Bay Packers	Philip Wheeler, LB, Georgia Tech
64	New England Patriots	Vince Hall, LB, Virginia Tech