2008 NFL Mock Draft, Version 5.0

Here is my most recent mock draft complete with a second round. The only draft positions left to be determined are 3 through 5, which will be done by coin flip within the next two weeks. There have been a few shakeups, most notably at the QB position.

1 Miami Dolphins 1
Chris Long Defensive End Virginia	There have been some grumblings that the Dolphins are still deciding whether or not to use the 3-4. I think this is bogus. They have been gradually merging to a 3-4 for the past three years and Bill Parcells has always favored it. New head coach Tony Sparano has been around it in Dallas for the past five seasons. The Dolphins will be using a 3-4 and with that said the pick has to be Chris Long. Glenn Dorsey is not big enough to play nose tackle in the 3-4. Unless the team plans on shifting him to end (why would you when Long already plays the position?), Dorsey will not be in Miami. The Dolphins have already let it be known that they’d be willing to deal the number one pick. Will any team want it? It is doubtful. 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	With Miami passing on Dorsey the Rams have a chance to solidify their defensive line for many years to come. They selected Adam Carriker in the first round last year and promptly shifted him from DE to DT. With the acquisition of Dorsey the Rams can decide whether or not to keep Carriker inside or move him back to End. With the emergence of DT Clifton Ryan (5th Round, 2007) and the addition of Dorsey, St. Louis can trot out a line of Leonard Little, Glenn Dorsey, Clifton Ryan, and Adam Carriker. 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	What is Al Davis thinking? He wants to fire Lane Kiffin? After one season? That is crazy. Anyway the Raiders will take McFadden, who 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 DeSean Jackson, WR, Cal Sam Baker, OT, 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. I would actually be willing to bet that the Patriots trade this pick for team that is interested in Sedrick Ellis, whose stock continues to rise. Perhaps Cincinnati, New Orleans, or Denver could be trade partners? Will Also Consider: Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida Dan Connor, LB, Penn State Keith Rivers, LB, USC
8 Baltimore Ravens 8
Ryan Clady Offensive Tackle Boise State	The Ravens signed Kyle Boller to a one year extension last season and is back, along with the healing Steve McNair, for 2008. Troy Smith is a project but showed a ray of hope at the end of this past season. New coach John Harbaugh may want to start fresh and grab Brian Brohm here but a few experts feel that Matt Ryan may be the only QB selected in round one this year. I previously had Brohm here but have gone in another direction this time. While the Ravens have invested many draft picks in recent years in the offensive line, none had the potential of Clady. Clady could push Adam Terry as the starting RT this year and then slide over to LT whenever Jonathan Ogden decides to retire. Some secondary help is also needed and they could grab Jenkins. Will Also Consider: Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida Sam Baker, OT, USC Keith Rivers, LB, USC
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 and is quite a steal. 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
Malcolm Kelly Wide Receiver Oklahoma	The Bills need a possession receiver to pair with speedster Lee Evans. They can grab him in Malcolm Kelly. Kelly was a huge presence for redshirt freshman QB Sam Bradford at Oklahoma this year and can do the same for the tandem of J.P. Losman and Trent Edwards. If either QB develops into a reliable starter then the Bills have the makings of a solid offense. Will Also Consider: DeSean Jackson, WR, California Calais Campbell, DE, Miami Derrick Harvey, DE/OLB, Florida
12 Denver Broncos 12
Kenny Phillips Safety Miami (Florida)	Mike Shanahan never shies away from draft day deals and it wouldn’t surprise me to see him call New England about the seventh pick. At that slot they’d have a chance a Sedrick Ellis. At 12 they will not. Here they could go a number of ways with a LB or some offensive line help. However Phillips has the same amount of potential as his predecessors from Miami and could become a playmaker for the Broncos. Will Also Consider: Keith Rivers, LB, USC Dan Connor, LB, Penn State Sam Baker, OT, USC
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 Keith Rivers, LB, USC
14 Chicago Bears 14
Brian Brohm Quarterback Louisville	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. Brohm was the consensus number one QB entering 2007. After an average season he has fallen behind Ryan. The Bears would be crazy not to select a QB somewhere early in the draft. There could be a slew of prospects in round two, including Andre Woodson, Chad Henne, Joe Flacco, and John David Booty, but Brohm possesses better all around talent. Will Also Consider: Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh
15 Detroit Lions 15
Keith Rivers Linebacker USC	The Lions desperately need secondary help but unfortunately no prospects currently warrant the 15th pick. McKelvin may make his way up that far after his combine workouts but as of now he is a late first round selection. The Lions can choose Rivers and pair him with 2006 first rounder Ernie Sims to create a dynamic OLB duo. There will be plenty of secondary help available in round two. Will Also Consider: Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh Dan Connor, LB, Penn State Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy
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 Dan Connor, LB, Penn State
17 Minnesota Vikings 17
DeSean Jackson Wide Receiver California	Unable to rectify their dismal secondary here, the Vikings can work at creating a dangerous offense (after they find a QB of course). Jackson can help stretch the field allowing even more running room for Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor. He will also upgrade the return game. Jackson is a better prospect than Ted Ginn was, who was selected 9th overall last year. Will Also Consider: Calais Campbell, DE, Miami (Florida) Limas Sweed, WR, Texas Quentin Groves, DE/OLB, Auburn
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 Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
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: Limas Sweed, WR, Oklahoma Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy Dan Connor, LB, Penn State
20 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20
Limas Sweed 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 Sweed was a productive starter for Texas when he wasn’t injured. He is a bit slower than DeSean Jackson but runs better routes and is a threat in the red zone based on his size (6’4”, 219 lbs). Will Also Consider: Dan Connor, LB, Penn State Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy
21 Washington Redskins 21
Calais Campbell Defensive End Miami (Florida)	The Redskins need some help along both lines and at WR. The best value at this juncture lies with Campbell. He had a wonderful sophomore season in 2006 but regressed slightly this past year. If a team can unleash his true potential he could become a dominant DE. If Kelly, Jackson, or Sweed fall here it may be hard to overlook them. Will Also Consider: Mario Manningham, WR, Michigan Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt Quentin Groves, DE/OLB, Auburn
22 Dallas Cowboys (from Cleveland) 22
Leodis McKelvin Cornerback Troy	The Cowboys will have many options with this first pick since they have second one in another seven selections. The biggest areas of need in Dallas are CB, S, OT, and WR. McKelvin can immediately become the nickelback and could challenge, or supplant, Anthony Henry (who may be moved to safety). McKelvin could also upgrade the kick return game. Will Also Consider: Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt Mario Manningham, WR, Michigan James Hardy, WR, Indiana
23 Pittsburgh Steelers 23
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 Quentin Groves, DE/OLB, Auburn Philip Merling, DE, Clemson
24 Tennessee Titans 24
Mario Manningham Wide Receiver Michigan	Surrounding Vince Young with weapons is a necessity. Manningham provides a vertical threat as well as a reliable red zone target. If a coaching staff can really get him fired up he could be a difference maker. The Titans will have a huge hole to fill if Albert Haynesworth leaves in free agency. Will Also Consider: Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College Early Doucet, WR, LSU
25 Seattle Seahawks 25
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: Fred Davis, TE, USC Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina
26 San Diego Chargers 26
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 Quentin Groves, DE/OLB, Auburn
27 Jacksonville Jaguars 27
Quentin Groves Defensive End Auburn	The Jaguars are in desperate need of DE help. Bobby McCray is a free agent and Reggie Hayward never fully recovered from multiple injuries. Groves could start immediately and solidify a line that already features perennial Pro Bowlers John Henderson and Marcus Stroud. Will Also Consider: Philip Merling, DE, Clemson Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College Pat Sims, DT, Auburn
28 Green Bay Packers 28
Ali Highsmith Linebacker LSU	Green Bay has a wonderful young core that will be dominant for as long as Brett Favre stays around. He has one ore two more years left in him. The Packers could really use some secondary help since Charles Woodson and Al Harris are on the wrong side of 30. No stud cornerbacks or safeties remain so they can shift their attention to offensive line depth or another linebacker. Ali Highsmith had a great year for the National Champions and could push Brady Poppinga for a starting OLB spot next to Nick Barnett and A.J. Hawk. Will Also Consider: Reggie Smith, S/CB, Oklahoma Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College John Carlson, TE, Notre Dame
29 Dallas Cowboys 29
James Hardy Wide Receiver Indiana	The ‘Boys are back. A young WR is a necessity with T.O. aging and the health of Terry Glenn in question. Hardy is a big play WR. He 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? Maybe. He could learn from the master this way. A tandem of Hardy and Crayton in the future would do well. Will Also Consider: Reggie Smith, S/CB, Oklahoma Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas
30 San Francisco 49ers (from Indianapolis) 30
Early Doucet Wide Receiver LSU	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 WR and the best prospects are already gone (Jackson, Kelly, Sweed). Doucet is a speedster. He is a bit undersized and had problems staying healthy in 2007 but he possesses sure hands and can stretch the field vertically, something that should please Frank Gore. Will Also Consider: Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College Reggie Smith, S/CB, Oklahoma Andre Woodson, QB, Kentucky
31 New York Giants 31
Kentwan Balmer Defensive Tackle North Carolina	Who honestly thought the G-Men would be playing in Super Bowl XLII? How about after they started 0-2 and surrendered almost 100 points? Didn’t think so. The team gelled well and will give the Cheatriots a tough time in Glendale. The team has a few weaknesses in the secondary but, again, no prospects are worthy of going here. The team could take a flier on Balmer who has flashed boatloads of potential only to disappear later. Putting a disruptive force in the middle will allow Umenyiora and Tuck even more time to attack opposing QBs. Will Also Consider: Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College Pat Sims, DT, Auburn Reggie Smith, S/CB, Oklahoma
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	Chilo Rachal, OG, USC
35	Oakland Raiders	Pat Sims, DT, Auburn
36	Atlanta Falcons	Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas
37	Kansas City Chiefs	Philip Merling, DE, Clemson
38	New York Jets	Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College
39	San Francisco 49ers	Reggie Smith, S/CB, Oklahoma
40	Baltimore Ravens	Andre Woodson, QB, Kentucky
41	Cincinnati Bengals	Lawrence Jackson, DE, USC
42	New Orleans Saints	Jerod Mayo, LB, Tennessee
43	Buffalo Bills	Tracy Porter, CB, Indiana
44	Denver Broncos	Curtis Lofton, LB, Oklahoma
45	Carolina Panthers	Chad Henne, QB, Michigan
46	Chicago Bears	Jonathan Hefney, S, Tennessee
47	Detroit Lions	Brandon Flowers, CB, Virginia Tech
48	Arizona Cardinals	Steve Slaton, RB, West Virginia
49	Minnesota Vikings	Joe Flacco, QB, Delaware
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	Pittsburgh Steelers	Justin King, CB, Penn State
56	Tennessee Titans	Patrick Lee, CB, Auburn
57	Seattle Seahawks	John Carlson, TE, Notre Dame
58	Miami Dolphins (from San Diego Chargers)	Frank Okam, DT, Texas
59	Jacksonville Jaguars	Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee State
60	Green Bay Packers	Trae Williams, CB, South Florida
61	Dallas Cowboys	Jordan Grimes, OG, Purdue
62	Indianapolis Colts	Ray Rice, RB, Rutgers
63	New York Giants	Thomas DeCoud, S, California
64	New England Patriots	Vince Hall, LB, Virginia Tech