With God on our side...

Today one of the coolest things happened to me. My Dad, who happens to be a United Methodist Minister, took part in the "Blessing of the Balls" sponsored by WMGK radio in Philly. Last week the radio station recieved my Dad's name from a listener. The producer of the morning show called my Dad and asked him if he would be interested in coming down the morning before the Openning Game to Bless the Game Balls. My Dad, being a huge Phillies fan was thrilled. This morning around 8:40 AM my Dad was able to Bless the Game balls for the Phillies. Quick disclaimer... he blessed the first dozen balls to be used, so they were not the ones that were used when the Phillies lost. However, I think this may just be a small step on the Road to the World Championship... ok so maybe thats a stretch. But its nice to dream (or pray)!

And So It Begins...

One game, one blown opportunity. The Phillies dreadful pitching, specifically the bullpen, has already lost a game. 0-1. Brett Myers was rather unspectacular as well, surrendering 4 runs (3 earned) and walking and hitting two. The offense was decent, scoring 6 runs. Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins each had a home run. But, like the pitching, the defense was awful. Jimmy Rollins and Carlos Ruiz each had an error. Overall a bad opening day for a team hoping to win 100 games according to Jimmy Rollins and challenge for the World Series. One down 161 to go. It's a long season but hopefully this isn't an omen of things to come. What better way to get the season back on track than sending Cole Hamels to the mound?

2008 MLB Predictions

Though the 2008 regular season has technically commenced, a majority of openers will be played today starting at 1:05pm EDT when the Toronto Blue Jays visit the New York Yankees and the Kansas City Royals travel to Detroit to take on the Tigers. The Blue Jays/Yankees game will be the last home opener in Yankee Stadium history.

Fans and the media tend to believe there are a few dominant teams in baseball this year (Red Sox, Tigers, Mets). This seems to be the thought every year. My how quickly we forget. While the Sawx did win it all last year and were thought by many to be the best team, there were many surprises in 2007. Seriously, how many people had the Diamondbacks winning the N.L. West and the Rockies storming back to claim the N.L. Wild Card and then make the World Series? Maybe 2% of the population, maybe less? I think the same will happen this year. There will be one or two dark horse teams that no one thinks can go anywhere but they will challenge for a division championship...or even a World Series. To show you what I'm thinking, here are my 2008 MLB Predictions:

AMERICAN LEAGUE
East
Boston Red Sox
New York Yankees
Tampa Bay Rays
Toronto Blue Jays
Baltimore Orioles

Central
Detroit Tigers
Cleveland Indians (Wild Card)
Minnesota Twins
Chicago White Sox
Kansas City Royals

West
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Texas Rangers
Seattle Mariners
Oakland Athletics


NATIONAL LEAGUE
East
New York Mets
Philadelphia Phillies (Wild Card)
Atlanta Braves
Washington Nationals
Florida Marlins

Central
Chicago Cubs
Milwaukee Brewers
Cincinnati Reds
St. Louis Cardinals
Pittsburgh Pirates
Houston Astros

West
Los Angeles Dodgers
Arizona Diamondbacks
Colorado Rockies
San Diego Padres
San Francisco Giants

BEST CHANCE TO CHOKE
American league
Los Angelese Angels of Anaheim

National League
New York Mets

SLEEPERS
American League
Texas Rangers

National League
Cincinnati Reds


AWARDS
Rookie of the Year - American League
Clay Bucholz, SP, Boston Red Sox
Another Possibility - Evan Longoria, 3B, Tampa Bay Rays

Rookie of the Year - National League
Joey Votto, 1B, Cincinnati Reds
Another Possibility - Jay Bruce, OF, Cincinnati Reds

Cy Young - American League
Justin Verlander, SP, Detroit Tigers
Another Possibility - Erik Bedard, SP, Seattle Mariners

Cy Young - National League
Johan Santana, SP, New York Mets
Another Possibility - Brandon Webb, SP, Arizona Diamondbacks

Most Valuable Player - American League
Miguel Cabrera, 3B, Detroit Tigers
Another Possibility - Grady Sizemore, CF, Cleveland Indians

Most Valuable Player - National League
Chase Utley, 2B, Philadelphia Phillies
Another Possibility - David Wright, 3B, New York Mets

So there it is. Let me clarify some picks. I think the Red Sox will run away with the A.L. East and have it tied up by mid-September. The A.L. Central is the best division in baseball. The Tigers and Indians are my favorites but I would not count out the White Sox or the Twins. The A.L. West is kind of dreadful (like the N.L. Central). The Angels are clearly the best team but that isn't saying too much. I think the Rangers will start to gel nicely and could make some noise if their pitching staff is worked out and performs. In the N.L., the East and West have at least three teams capable of winning the division. I think the Mets will rebound from last year and squeak by both the Phillies and the Braves. I don't think the Mets win the division by more than three games and I expect one through three in the East to be separated by no more than five games. Like the A.L. West, the N.L. Central has one strong team in the Cubs who should take the division. I see the Brewers regressing slightly in 2008 allowing the Reds - my most improved team - and Cardinals to challenge for second in the Central. Out West I see an Andruw Jones renaissance, coupled with great play from youngsters Ethier, Kemp, Loney, and LaRoche (once he is healthy), that propels the Dodgers to the division crown. However the Diamondbacks, with the best pitching staff in the majors, will always be lurking. The Rockies will drop back down to earth in 2008 and the Padres just can't muster any offense and ruin Jake Peavy's chances at the Cy Young.

So apparently I don't have any faith in the Phillies either. Well that's not true. I really believe that they will push the Mets all year and it wouldn't surprise me if the Phillies are in first for a large portion of the summer. But unfortunately I think the Phillies pitching is too weak to win a second straight N.L. East championship. But they will make the playoffs! Yay wild card! Also, I think the Braves are being overvalued. They are talented but not as much as some of the "experts" say. At least, in my opinion. It should be a GREAT seven months. Welcome back baseball, welcome back.

Sports Fountainhead Blogger Pool - Standings (After Elite 8)

After Elite 8
1st: Eric Wertz - 40 correct, 20 wrong (92 points)
2nd: Tom Sabbatelli - 42 correct, 18 wrong (91 points)
3rd: Jonathan Donati - 40 correct, 20 wrong (86 points)
4th: Justin Raffauf - 38 correct, 22 wrong (81 points)
5th: Joey Mays - 34 correct, 26 wrong (60 points)

For the first time ever all 4 #1 seeds reach the Final Four. This is of course great for all the bloggers since each of us have a #1 winning it all. These standings will still change a lot since the next round is worth 16 points/game correct and the championship is worth 32 points for a correct prediction. Stay tuned.

Sports Fountainhead Blogger Pool - Standings (After Sweet 16)

After Sweet 16
1st: Eric Wertz - 37 correct, 19 wrong (68 points)
2nd: Tom Sabbatelli - 39 correct, 17 wrong (67 points)
3rd: Jonathan Donati - 37 correct, 19 wrong (62 points)
4th: Justin Raffauf - 35 correct, 21 wrong (57 points)
5th: Joey Mays - 33 correct, 23 wrong (52 points)

Point distribution: 1 point/winner round one, 2 points/winner round two, 4 points/winner Sweet 16, 8 points/winner Elite Eight, 16 points/winner Final Four, 32 points/winner National Champion.

Each blogger still has their National Champion in the Elite Eight so anyone can come out on top. As a reminder, Eric and Tom chose North Carolina, Jonathan and Justin took Kansas, and Joey went with UCLA.

"Experts" Have No Faith in Phillies

Call off the 2008 MLB regualr season. No need for the 162 game schedule that is about to start on Monday. We already know who is going to win each division thanks to the "experts" at ESPN. With baseball about to begin (finally), hopes are high for teams across the nation. These hopes are shattered quickly by "experts" at newspapers and large media conglomerates such as ESPN. The resident baseball experts there (Jayson Stark, Tim Kurkjian, Buster Olney, Keith Law, and Steve Phillips) have all posted there predictions on each MLB team. People in Philadelphia should feel sick. After a year that the entire city will remember (so will New York), four of the five experts predict the Phillies will miss the playoffs and finish third in the NL East. Only Tim Kurkjian has the Phillies in second place in the NL East. I couldn't find a mention of a wild card berth. So after a year that brought unimaginable ecstasy to the City of Brotherly Love, why so much doubt when the team is, relatively speaking, unchanged?

The Phillies have lost Aaron Rowand, Michael Bourn, Chris Roberson, Jon Lieber, Kyle Lohse, Freddy garcia, Antonio Alfonseca, and Jose Mesa. Rowand was the biggest contributor of the bunch with Bourn a close second. Lohse performed admirably down the stretch after he was acquired but was asking for way too much money to be brought back. To fill in the voids created by those departures, the Phillies acquired Geoff Jenkins, So Taguchi, Eric Bruntlett, Kris Benson, Brad Lidge, Chad Durbin, Travis Blakley, Pedro Feliz, and Chris Snelling. Shane Victorino will be sliding to center field full time in 2008 with a platoon of recently added Geoff Jenkins and the sturdy Jayson Werth in right field. Lieber/Garcia and Lohse are being replaced by moving Brett Myers back to the rotation from closer (where former Astro Brad Lidge will eventually call home) and by either Durbin or Benson.

The Phillies won 89 games in 2007, one more than the Mets, and won the NL East title for the first time since 1993...I was 8 the last time the Phillies were a champion of some sort. Wow. Anyway, the additions seem to at least balance the subtractions. So a team that won 89 games last year will struggle to do so this year? According to the "experts", yes. Only Tim Kurkjian has the Phillies winning more games in 2008 (91). Keith Law administers a low blow with a Phillies win total of only 83. Ouch.

With some added punch at third (and better defense, too!) in Pedro Feliz and a guy with more range in center (yes I am serious) I don't see the Phillies regressing much. The rotation looks to be the same, talent wise. Myers, Cole Hamels, Jamie Moyer, Kyle Kendrick, and either Adam Eaton (God no), J.D. or Chad Durbin, or Travis Blakley will be the main rotation. It's nice to know that we have many options for replacements when the inevitable injury occurs. They may not be amazing replacements. Mostly spare parts. But there are serviceable arms available.

The bullpen is shaping up as well. J.C. Romero and Tom Gordon return. Ryan Madson is back from injury. Brad Lidge was brought in to fill the void left by Myers. Unfortunately he is already injured and unavailable until the second week of the season. The bullpen should perform as well as they did last year.

It is all about the start for the Phillies. For the last few years the teams has started very poor (3-11 in 2007). They usually play their best ball from June-August. But in order to topple the Mets and hold off the Braves the Phillies must shoot out of the gate and never look back.

I will withhold my prediction for the Phillies until I post my 2008 MLB Predictions Monday morning. Let's just say the experts won't agree.

Sports Fountainhead Blogger Pool - Standings (After Round 2)

After Round 2
1st: Tom Sabbatelli - 33 correct, 15 wrong
2nd: Jonathan Donati - 32 correct, 16 wrong
3rd: Justin Raffauf - 31 correct, 17 wrong
4th: Eric Wertz - 30 correct, 18 wrong
5th: Joey Mays - 29 correct, 19 wrong

So there has been some movement but remains anyone's game. Each place is separated by only one. Should be an interesting Sweet 16!

Sports Fountainhead Blogger Pool - Standings (After Round 1)

After Round 1
1st Place: Tom Sabbatelli - 23 correct, 9 wrong
T-2nd Place: Jonathan Donati - 22 correct, 10 wrong
T-2nd Place: Joey Mays - 22 correct, 10 wrong
4th Place: Justin Raffauf - 21 correct, 11 wrong
5th Place: Eric Wertz - 20 correct, 12 wrong

So it is still anyone's game. First and last are separated by only three games. Standings will be updated Monday morning.

Sports Fountainhead Blogger Pool - Brackets

The bloggers have all filled out their brackets for the 2008 NCAA Men's Tournament. Here they are (click on each to enlarge):

J Mays

Steely McDonati
JRAFF
E (1)
E (2)TAS

After each round I will update the standings of the bloggers. Good luck and may the best man win.

UPDATE: E has requested that we use a different bracket than the original listed. I have uploaded his second bracket as well.

Pryor to OSU

Top rated QB recruit, and spoiled brat Terrelle Pryor announced that he will be attending Ohio State today. Yet another top PA talent thumbs his nose at the Nittany Lions for one of our top 2 rivals. Looks like PSU football will be mediocre for at least another 4 years.

Yankees/Rays saga

I know I'm a little late on this but I was on vacation last week with minimal computer access so forgive me. As I'm sure many of you saw, there was a nice little scuffle between the Yanks and Rays last week after a hard slide by my boy, Shelley Duncan (as an aside, I used to work at a 'food institution' that I will not name and Shelley Duncan came in once and I chatted with him for a little...he was playing for the Trenton Thunder at the time and a lot of the players there lived around the place I worked at and came in).

All the tension started a few days before the Duncan slide because no name Rays minor leaguer Elliot Johnson crashed into no name Yankees minor leaguer Francisco Crivelli, breaking the wrist of the young Yankees catcher. Now, just as Rays manager Joe Maddon said, it was a "hardball" play and it was not a dirty play at all. I just wanted to make that clear. However, I do believe that Yankees manager Joe Girardi was also correct in saying that the play was "uncalled for." To put it in perspective, the play occurred in the top of the ninth and the Rays were already winning. Bowling over a catcher in a clean, yet dangerous play is completely unnecessary. Players routinely get hurt during such plays and spring training is not the time for that.

The two teams played a few days later and this all went down. The game actually began with a Yankee pitcher being ejected after hitting a Ray but that was a little lame...even the Ray batter said he didn't think the pitcher was throwing at him. However, it was a later even that got things started. After a hit down the line, Shelley Duncan tried to stretch a single into a double and slid into second with a cleat in the air, nearly hitting Rays infielder, Akinori Iwamura in the groin. After doing that, Rays outfielder Johnny Gomes came flying in trying to take out Duncan and the whole scrum ensued. Now, Duncan to this day stands by the fact that the slide was clean. While I understand his point (he said he was going to the glove to knock the ball out), it was obviously done with a little bit of malicious intent. And I don't have a problem with that.

Go Shelley!

He was sticking up for his own guy who was subject to an unnecessarily rough play days earlier. I don't blame him at all for telling the Rays that wasn't cool. The teams are division rivals and if you think the other guy was out of line, you tell them. It's not like Duncan was trying to ninja kick the guy with his metal cleats to destroy Iwamura's leg...he was trying to give him a nice little clip to send a message. Elliot Johnson presumably ruined a Yankee prospect's season (and perhaps career) by engaging in an unnecessary dangerous play. While I understand some people might consider Duncan's slide to be bush league, Elliot Johnson deciding to bowl over a catcher during spring training is flat out bulls***. I look forward to a tense season series with the Rays. They're actually somewhat decent this year so a little spice to the rivalry will be nice, especially since half of Tampa is Yankee fans.

How Sweet It Is...Henne to Dolphins?

Will Chad Henne soon call South Florida home? Find out on April 26th.

I scour many Dolphins websites and the local Miami/South Florida newspapers trying to catch up on a team I am always disconnected from. It's hard to be tied to a team and living so far away from the organization and the rest of the fan base. But I maintain my loyalty, never wavering, despite their recent dismal results.

One of the ways I try to deal with the distance is by always knowing what is happening, through the newspapers and websites. Come draft time, I always know the team needs and the best prospects available. I have been watching the NFL Draft since 1995...I was 10. Recently, I started creating my own mock. I did so for the 2007 draft but did not have a means to show it to the public. Now that have this blog I can show it and have 6 times so far for the 2008 draft. My personal accuracy for 2007 was over 25%. You may scoff at that but I am proud to say that I predicted 1 in 4 first round picks correctly. After all, I am an amateur and have done very little film study. I don't get paid to do this so I can't invest 8+ hours a day on it (although I wish I did and could).

When it comes time for the Dolphins to draft, I know a few things will happen:

1. They will trade away draft picks for crappy or washed up veterans (A.J. Feeley, Trent Green).
2. They will need a QB and either won't take one or will take the wrong one (the jury is still out on John Beck).
3. They will not take any player that I have grown to like, whether he be a Penn State graduate or a player from Wilson High School (Kerry Collins & John Gilmore who, coincidentally, fulfill both criteria here).

Number one should be done for now. The new regime of Parcells, Ireland, and Sparano will not do stupid draft pick deals. Yes, they already traded a pick this year and next year for Ferguson. But it was a swap of 6th rounders this year and a 6th rounder next year. Not too big a deal. Number two will be addressed this year, most likely between rounds two and four. Is it possible that number three will be fulfilled in 2008 as well? According to a recent South Florida Sun-Sentinel Dolphins beat writer blog it is a distinct possibility.

Based on the level of interest the Dolphins have shown in Flacco and Henne I fully believe the Dolphins will end up with one of these two quarterbacks with one of their second round selections...

WHAT!?!? Sweeeeet. Not only would selecting Chad Henne fulfill items two and three on that draft list, I FREAKIN' PLAYED FOOTBALL WITH HIM...FOR 8 YEARS! I would actually know a Miami Dolphin.

I want this to happen. Not only because I've played football with him and because he is from Wilson. I honestly think he is going to be a better pro player than uber overrated Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco. In my opinion, Brian Brohm, Chad Henne, and Josh Johnson (yeah, who?) will be the best 3 QBs from the 2008 draft. You heard it here first.

Conference tournament predictions: Southland

All tournament games in Katy, TX

FIRST ROUND
1 Stephen F. Austin
8 Texas San Antonio

4 Southeastern Louisiana
5 Northwestern State

3 Sam Houston State
6 McNeese State

2 Lamar
7 Texas Arlington

SEMIFINALS
1 Stephen F. Austin
4 Southeastern Louisiana

2 Lamar
3 Sam Houston State

CHAMPIONSHIP (Sunday 3/16 on ESPN2):
1 Stephen F. Austin
3 Sam Houston State

Watch out for SFA in the Big Dance, as they knocked off Oklahoma on the road earlier this season.

Conference tournament predictions: SEC

This conference is Tennessee, and a lot of mediocrity after it. The SEC is right down there with the Big Ten as the worst of the major conferences.

All tournament games in Atlanta, GA

FIRST ROUND
W4 LSU
E5 South Carolina

E3 Vanderbilt
W6 Auburn

E4 Florida
W5 Alabama

W3 Ole Miss
E6 Georgia

QUARTERFINALS
E1 Tennessee
W4 LSU

W2 Arkansas
E3 Vanderbilt

W1 Mississippi State
E4 Florida

E2 Kentucky
W3 Ole Miss

SEMIFINALS
E1 Tennessee
E3 Vanderbilt

W1 Mississippi State
W3 Ole Miss

CHAMPIONSHIP (Sunday 3/16 on CBS):
E1 Tennessee
W1 Mississippi State

Conference tournament predictions: Big 12

Another 1 seed could be for grabs, if Texas or Kansas can win this tourney.

All tournament games in Kansas City, MO

FIRST ROUND
8 Texas Tech
9 Oklahoma State

5 Baylor
12 Colorado

6 Texas A&M
11 Iowa State

7 Nebraska
10 Missouri

QUARTERFINALS
1 Texas
8 Texas Tech

4 Oklahoma
5 Baylor

3 Kansas State
6 Texas A&M

2 Kansas
10 Missouri

SEMIFINALS
1 Texas
4 Oklahoma

2 Kansas
6 Texas A&M

CHAMPIONSHIP (Sunday 3/16 on ESPN)
1 Texas
2 Kansas

Conference tournament predictions: Big Ten

Since this is a "Penn State" blog, I'll dabble on the Nittany Lions chances. I hate to say this because it implies that I accept mediocrity as a fan, but in my opinion PSU basketball has done a tremendous job this season. What started out as a season with a lot of potential and promise, on a team that seemed to finally be coming together and have the potential to win some games in the Big Ten. They started off 2-0 in conference play, both wins on the road, which is unheard of for this program. They had a tough loss at home to Minnesota, but then in the next game against Wisconsin team superhero Geary Claxton busted up his knee and was out for the season. After that game (which we lost by 25) I don't think I was the only PSU fan that believed we wouldn't win another Big Ten game. Instead, we won 5. The going was tough right after the injury, as the Lions dropped four straight, all in convincing fashion. But on February 2, at home against the top 10 Michigan State Spartans, it all came together. The team started playing together, they were working hard, they were realizing that they had talent too, not just Geary. And yes, they drew a lot of fouls in that game. A lot. Of fouls. But you could sense a transformation, and after the students rushed the court celebrating an 85-76 victory, you could sense that the team had a future even without Geary. The team would win their final 4 home games after that, including a win over Top 25 Indiana just last weekend. They finished with a 7-11 record in the Big Ten and a 15-15 record overall. Nothing to brag about certainly, nothing that will get them into postseason play, but that is better than any fan would have predicted after Claxton went down. The best part? Towards the end of the year, 4 of 5 starters were first year players. Everybody's sticking around, so they'll only get better. So maybe, perhaps, maybe, Penn State will have something to cheer about in the spring (other than THON) starting next year.

That said, I don't think they get past Illinois in the first round. We've beaten the Illini the first two meetings, but both were very close games. That tells me that the third may not go our way.

All tournament games in Indianapolis, IN

FIRST ROUND
8 Iowa
9 Michigan

6 Minnesota
11 Northwestern

7 Penn State
10 Illinois

QUARTERFINALS
1 Wisconsin
8 Iowa

4 Michigan State
5 Ohio State

3 Indiana
6 Minnesota

2 Purdue
10 Illinois

SEMIFINALS
1 Wisconsin
4 Michigan State

2 Purdue
3 Indiana

CHAMPIONSHIP (Sunday 3/16 on CBS):
1 Wisconsin
3 Indiana

Conference tournament predictions: ACC

The winner of this tournament, if it's North Carolina and Duke, will likely be a strong candidate for a #1 seed in the East. Which would mean they would get to play all NCAA Tournament games in the state of NC before the Final Four. As for the rest, there are a number of bubble teams in this bracket, including VA Tech, Miami, and Maryland. They all would like to win a couple of games so they can breathe easier on Sunday.

All tournament games in Charlotte, NC

FIRST ROUND
8 Wake Forest
9 Florida State

5 Miami FL
12 NC State

6 Maryland
11 Boston College

7 Georgia Tech
10 Virginia

QUARTERFINALS
1 North Carolina
9 Florida State

4 Virginia Tech
5 Miami FL

3 Clemson
6 Maryland

2 Duke
10 Virginia

SEMIFINALS
1 North Carolina
4 Virginia Tech

2 Duke
3 Clemson

CHAMPIONSHIP (Sunday 3/16 on ESPN):
1 North Carolina
2 Duke

Conference tournament predictions: Status report

Since this is the last day that conference tournaments begin, it's a good time to see how correct my projections have been to this point.

Tournaments completed by Wednesday 3/12

ATLANTIC SUN
Predicted champ: Belmont
Actual champ: Belmont
Record: 6-1

BIG SKY
Predicted champ: Portland State
Actual champ: Portland State
Record: 4-1

BIG SOUTH
Predicted champ: Winthrop
Actual champ: Winthrop
Record: 7-0

CAA
Predicted champ: George Mason
Actual champ: George Mason
Record: 8-3

HORIZON
Predicted champ: Butler
Actual champ: Butler
Record: 8-1

MAAC
Predicted champ: Siena
Actual champ: Siena
Record: 7-2

MISSOURI VALLEY
Predicted champ: Drake
Actual champ: Drake
Record: 8-1

NORTHEAST
Predicted champ: Robert Morris
Actual champ: Mount St. Mary's
Record: 4-3

OHIO VALLEY
Predicted champ: Austin Peay
Actual champ: Austin Peay
Record: 6-1

SOUTHERN
Predicted champ: Davidson
Actual champ: Davidson
Record: 7-3

SUMMIT
Predicted champ: Oral Roberts
Actual champ: Oral Roberts
Record: 6-1

SUN BELT
Predicted champ: Western Kentucky
Actual champ: Western Kentucky
Record: 6-1*
*Posted predictions after opening round

WEST COAST
Predicted champ: Gonzaga
Actual champ: San Diego*
Record: 5-2
*Tournament was played on San Diego's home court, despite them being the 3 seed. Congrats to the Toreros, but you can't convince that they would have beaten Gonzaga and Saint Mary's back to back anywhere else.

OVERALL
Champions: 11-2
All games: 82-20

So yeah, either the tournaments are very predictable or I'm starting to know way too much about college basketball. We'll see what happens through the big conference tournaments this weekend.

Beaver Stadium: bigger than The Big House...eventually...and for only two years

Beaver Stadium will officially become the largest stadium in the United States soon when Michigan removes regular seating. You can read the article from the Centre Daily Times for more details, but basically UM doesn't have enough handicap seating. Therefore, they must remove some regular seating to adjust. The final seat count? 106,201 for The Big House and 107,282, per the Associated Press. This is to be put into effect immediately and The Big House will have more handicap seating for the 2008 season. Beaver Stadium will not hold the title of Biggest Stadium in the Country for long, however. Michigan is already underway with a large construction duty that is increasing the size of The Big House by at least 5,000 seats. The renovations are expected to be completed by the start of the 2010 season. Hmmm...I think it is time for Penn State to make Beaver Stadium a bit bigger.

2008 NFL Mock Draft, Version 6.0 (now with THREE rounds)

It has been two months since I last created a mock draft. A lot has changed in those eight weeks. We had the overkill on analysis at the combine and a few of the University's Pro Day workouts for the prospects. Players have become better or worse prospects. I will update my mock draft two more times prior to the draft on April 26th. Version 7 should be released in early April while Version 8 will be released just a few days prior to the draft. I will also be live blogging while I watch the draft. Expect predictions and analysis all day on Saturday. The 2008 NFL Draft starts at 3pm on Saturday, April 26th. Without further ado...

1 Miami Dolphins 1
Jake Long Offensive Tackle Michigan	The Dolphins biggest weakness is currently the offensive line. They released starting RT L.J. Shelton and backups Anthony Alabi and Joe Toledo. Vernon Carey is underrated at LT but may be best suited for the right side, where he can show off his stronger run blocking abilities. Jake Long is a poor man’s Joe Thomas. Thomas graded higher in almost all categories last year than Long did this year. Each OT is a monster. With the Dolphins large need along the o-line and the fact that Jason Taylor is still a Dolphin, Jake is the pick over Chris. If Taylor and/or Joey Porter is traded/released, then Chris will more than likely be the pick. I do not see the Dolphins taking Matt Ryan. Ryan is completely overhyped and his play in the weak ACC does not stand out. He is benefiting from an extremely weak class of QBs, in terms of first round potential. This is a solid mid-round class, where as many as seven QBs could be taken between round two and five. Ryan may be the best of the bunch but he still is not worthy of a Top 20 pick, let alone the number one. Will Also Consider: Chris Long, DE/LB, Virginia Vernon Gholston, DE/LB, Ohio State Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
2 St. Louis Rams 2
Chris Long Defensive End Virginia	Chris Long falls to the Rams and they are more than happy to take him. Long is a bit undersized to play DE in a 3-4 so he is a perfect fit for the Rams 4-3. With 2007 first rounder Adam Carriker inside at DT, teamed with 2007 fifth round selection Clifton Ryan, and now Long on the outside, the Rams have a young and formidable defensive line. Long may start as a rookie and will certainly be in the DE rotation with Leonard Little and James Hall. One of the prominent DT’s could go here, allowing Carriker to move back to DE, his position at Nebraska. Will Also Consider: Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State
3 Atlanta Falcons 3
Matt Ryan Quarterback Boston College	Despite my dislike of Matt Ryan, some team will be foolish enough to take Ryan in the Top 10. And he will set the franchise back five years. It seems more and more likely that it will be the Falcons. The current QBs on Atlanta’s roster are Joey Harrington, Chris Redman, and D.J. Shockley. Mike Vick is in prison and Byron Leftwich was released and is still a free agent. If they take Ryan he should sit on the bench for at least the first 8-10 games. By then the Falcons may have won two games and it is time to see what Ryan can do. The best case scenario would be Ryan sitting the whole year. But can a franchise be trusted to Harrington and Redman? Perhaps for one more year. Then it is Ryan’s team in 2009. Will Also Consider: Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State
4 Oakland Raiders 4
Glenn Dorsey Defensive Tackle LSU	The Raiders are an interesting pick because no one really knows what Al Davis is thinking…ever. Dorsey and McFadden are arguably the most talented prospects in the 2008 draft and neither has been selected. Until now. Both most likely will not slip past the Raiders. In terms of need, the Raiders should go DT. Warren Sapp has retired and Tommy Kelly, who was just signed to a very lucrative contract, is returning from an ACL tear. The Raiders defense struggled in 2007 after being one of the best in 2006. They had a rough time stopping the run. Dorsey can help immediately (as long as he stays healthy). This pick could easily be McFadden since we know Al Davis loves the physical specimens. Teaming McFadden with Russell would give the Raiders a very young offensive core and could be dangerous to stop in the next year or two. But the Raiders have Justin Fargas (recently re-signed), LaMont Jordan, Dominic Rhodes, and Michael Bush. Rhodes just renegotiated his deal so he is unlikely to be released before the draft. Jordan could be but that still leaves three capable backs. Will Also Consider: Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC Vernon Gholston, DE/LB, Ohio State
5 Kansas City Chiefs 5
Leodis McKelvin Cornerback Troy State	The kid from Troy State has been shooting up draft boards after amazing performances at the Senior Bowl and the Combine. As teams continue to evaluate prospects and watch more film, McKelvin will continue to rise and I wouldn’t be shocked if he went as highs as five. The Chiefs are poised to release veteran Ty Law and need some youthful CBs. The bonus you get with McKelvin is a dynamite return specialist as well. This pick really kills two birds with one stone and gives the Chiefs a playmaker in their secondary. The Chiefs desperately need offensive linemen but this draft is stocked with quality OTs. Why stretch and get one here when you can get a solid one at the top of round two? Will Also Consider: Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt
6 New York Jets 6
Vernon Gholston Defensive End/Linebacker Ohio State	The Jets are a bit of a mystery due to their recent splurging in the free agent pool. They filled one of their OLB positions with Calvin Pace. They acquired a nose tackle (Kris Jenkins) and added to more cogs to their offensive line (Alan Faneca and Damien Woody). They could use more offensive line help, primarily at RG and another young tackle. But the FA signings let them look elsewhere for the time being. And it isn’t at RB. The Jets have Thomas Jones, Leon Washington, as well as Jesse Chatman (another FA signee). This probably means no McFadden. So where do the Jets turn? Honestly I think it means a trade, most likely with Cincinnati (Sedrick Ellis) or Dallas (Darren McFadden). But I won’t be doing any trades here so the Jets must pick. And they’ll take Gholston to solidify their LB corps in their 3-4. Will Also Consider: Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
7 New England Patriots (from San Francisco) 7
Darren McFadden Running Back Arkansas	If a team were to trade up with the Jets and Gholston falls to seven I don’t think the Patriots will hesitate to snag the man from Ohio State. Or if the Jets don’t trade with a team looking to grab McFadden look for a bunch of teams (Dallas, Detroit, Houston) to be calling the Patriots to move up and grab him...which is what I am technically having here. Even though the Patriots grabbing McFadden and keeping him would piss off the rest of the NFL, the Patriots actually have needs to fill (primarily at linebacker and cornerback). McFadden is simply trade bait; he could bring in Dallas' two first rounders or at least a first and a second from someone. Will Also Consider: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tenn. State Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida 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 but no QBs are available here. 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 Rodgers-Cromartie or Talib. Will Also Consider: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tenn. State Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
9 Cincinnati Bengals 9
Sedrick Ellis Defensive Tackle USC	A player that Cincinnati has been rumored to love actually falls to them?!?! I don’t know if Ellis will fall this far but, if he did, the Bengals would be happy. They have a plethora of needs on defense with the losses of DE Justin Smith (49ers), S Madieu Williams (Vikings), and LB Landon Johnson (Panthers). Plus they weren’t very good to begin with on defense. Ellis would fill a big hole at DT. Even if they trade for or sign Dewayne Robertson form the Jets, Ellis would still be a great pick. This pick will be for the D…so should their second round selection. Will Also Consider: Keith Rivers, LB, USC Derrick Harvey, DE/LB, Florida Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson
10 New Orleans Saints 10
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie Cornerback Tennessee State	So the Saints drastically underachieved as I assumed they would. Their defense was atrocious in 2007 and did not give their offense any help at all. They have brought in two new MLBs (trade for Jonathan Vilma, signed FA Dan Morgan) which should improve a dreadful run defense. They have no glaring needs for a DE. They could use a DT such as Kentwan Balmer but the organization may feel burned from the disaster that was Johnathan Sullivan. LB Keith Rivers or CBs Talib could also be the choice but DRC is rising up draft boards just like McKelvin. Even though the Saints have signed free agent CBs the past two offseasons (Jason David in 2007 and Randall Gay in 2008) neither truly fits New Orleans’ scheme and are nothing more than a good number two AT BEST. Both probably are nickel or dimebacks. DRC is a great value here. Will Also Consider: Keith Rivers, LB, USC Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina
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. Keith Rivers is a big option here but the recent signing of Kawika Mitchell lessens the need. Will Also Consider: Keith Rivers, LB, USC Derrick Harvey, DE/LB, Florida Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson
12 Denver Broncos 12
Chris Williams Offensive Tackle Vanderbilt	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 at Sedrick Ellis. At 12 they will not. At 12 they could go a number of ways with a LB or some offensive line help. Williams is the best value at this juncture and will immediately play in 2008. Rivers is a storng alternative but the Broncos really need a stud MLB not another OLB. Will Also Consider: Keith Rivers, LB, USC Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh Derrick Harvey, DE/LB, Florida
13 Carolina Panthers 13
Kentwan Balmer Defensive Tackle North Carolina	The Panthers need an heir apparent to the aging Jake Delhomme but with Coach John Fox back for at least one more year the Panthers can, and will, wait to grab him. The Panthers need some help along the defensive line and in the secondary. With the trade of Kris Jenkins to the Jets, there is a huge void at DT. Ma’ake Kemoeatu and Damione Lewis are only slightly above average and have reached their peak. A youthful player is needed and Balmer has the talent to sufficiently replace Jenkins. The end positions could use some addressing with the loss of Mike Rucker but the Panthers signed Tyler Brayton and are high on the potential of Charles Johnson. Despite his awful year in 2007, Julius Peppers is still a force. Will Also Consider: Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh Kenny Phillips, S, Miami (Florida) Derrick Harvey, DE/LB, Florida
14 Chicago Bears 14
Jeff Otah Offensive Tackle Pittsburgh	Rex Grossman and Kyle Orton were resigned meaning that the bears will not be taking a QB in round one. The Bears biggest need is along the offensive line. The starters are getting older and they played very inconsistently in 2007. Fred Miller was released so there is a hole at tackle. Otah is a bit raw but most likely start immediately. Some experts think the Bears will take another RB to challenge Cedric Benson. I think that is a waste. Not many RBs should be taken early and this draft is deep. If the Bears really want to take another back, do so in round three where you could get great value in Ray Rice or Mike Hart. Will Also Consider: Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon Branden Albert, OG, Virginia Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois
15 Detroit Lions 15
Keith Rivers Linebacker USC	The Lions addressed some of their secondary needs by acquiring Leigh Bodden in the Shaun Rogers trade and signing former Buccaneer Brian Kelly. They may be able to pass with these additions for now. They should add a young CB but could do that in round two. The Lions should focus on their defensive front seven. The loss of Shaun Rogers will hurt. Linebacker depth is also a question with Boss Bailey in Denver and Teddy Lehman in Tampa Bay. Keith Rivers would look great opposite Ernie Sims and give the Lions a great LB duo. If they can snag the oft-injured Al Wilson from free agency, they could have a nice trip on their hands. Will Also Consider: Derrick Harvey, DE/LB, Florida Kenny Phillips, S, Miami (Florida) Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson
16 Arizona Cardinals 16
Derrick Harvey Defensive End/Linebacker Florida	The Cardinals are a 3-4 team now and just lost two linebackers (starter Calvin Pace and backup Daryl Blackstock). They could really use a replacement. Derrick Harvey is an ideal rush OLB candidate and would fit Arizona’s scheme perfectly. Harvey is considered a netter prospect than former Gator teammate Jarvis Moss was a year ago. Will Also Consider: Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas
17 Minnesota Vikings 17
Phillip Merling Defensive End Clemson	With the signing of Bernard Berrian and Madieu Williams the Vikings have eliminated to areas of need at WR and S. Sure they could use some depth but I would be surprised if they used a day one pick on those positions. After numerous first round picks on Des they may go that way again. Kenechi Udeze, Ray Edwards, and Erasmus James all have potential but none have provided the constant pass rush the Vikings need. What makes matters worse is James is always injured and Udeze is fighting cancer. Merling has slowly risen up boards and could go even higher in April. Will Also Consider: Calais Campbell, DE, Miami (Florida) Limas Sweed, WR, Texas Kenny Phillips, S, Miami (Florida)
18 Houston Texans 18
Rashard Mendenhall Running Back Illinois	Some draft analysts are saying tha Mendenhall has significantly closed the gap on Darren McFadden and is just as good a prospect. I don’t know about that. He has cemented himself in the first round but I don’t know if he is better than Darren. The Texans have lacked a great running game since Domanick Williams’ (formerly Davis) strong season in 2004. Mendenhall has great combination of speed and size and could do wonders for Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson. The Texans may be on the cusp of breaking .500 and a solid running game could do it for them. However, the need for secondary help could trump Mendenhall. In this nock Talib is still available so the Texans may want to grab him since Dunta Robinson may not be back until mid-season…if at all (due to his ACL tear). Will Also Consider: Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida DeSean Jackson, WR, California Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
19 Philadelphia Eagles 19
DeSean Jackson Wide Receiver California	The Eagles should be looking for replacements for Jon Runyan and William ‘Tra’ Thomas but there are no candidates left worthy of the 19th pick. Despite Andy Reid's obsession with big men in the early rounds, he should grab a receiver here. Jackson is a more polished receiver than Ted Ginn was a year ago (9th to Miami). Jackson fills the need for more playmakers on offense, something Donovan McNabb craves. Will Also Consider: Calais Campbell, DE, Miami (Florida) Limas Sweed, WR, Texas Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State
20 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20
Limas Sweed Wide Receiver Texas	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 could really provide Garcia with a reliable target. Sweed could be eased in to the offense while Galloway and Hilliard stick around for another year or two. The Buccaneers defense is starting to show signs of age. Brian Kelly is gone and Derrick Brooks will be 35 at the start of the 2008 season. Perhaps a replacement is in order? Dan Connor would make a fantastic WLB in the Bucs Tampa-2 scheme. He could learn from Brooks and be poised to take over within the next one or two years. He could also spell Brooks and June at SLB. Barrett Ruud is cemented inside and Connor could make a great young LB tandem. Will Also Consider: Calais Campbell, DE, Miami (Florida) Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida Dan Connor, LB, Penn State
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. The offensive tackle prospects capable of going in the first are gone, save for Sam Baker. Durability questions and not working out at the combine have hurt his stock and he may slide into round two. The only other o-line option is guard Branden Albert. Will Also Consider: Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State Kenny Phillips, S, Miami (Florida) Branden Albert, OG, Virginia
22 Dallas Cowboys (from Cleveland) 22
Mike Jenkins Cornerback South Florida	The Cowboys will be looking for some secondary help. Terence Newman is a great number one but Anthony Henry is declining and may be better suited as a nickelback or safety. Jenkins probably doesn't fall this far in April. He has the shut down skills that some teams love. Jenkins would allow Henry to be primarily a nickelback and help solidify the Cowboys weakness in '07, pass coverage. Will Also Consider: Branden Albert, OG, Virginia Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State
23 Pittsburgh Steelers 23
Branden Albert Offensive Guard Virginia	The Steelers will be searching for offensive line help. Unfortunately for them a lot of teams are. The premiere OTs are gone by pick 23 so they look to the interior where the just lost stalwart Alan Faneca. Albert has been slowly on the rise and may squeak into the first round. Pittsburgh is his best chance. The Steelers may take as many as three o-linemen in the 2008 draft. Will Also Consider: Sam Baker, OT, USC Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas
24 Tennessee Titans 24
Mario Manningham Wide Receiver Michigan	Surrounding Vince Young with weapons is a necessity. Manningham provides a vertical threat, something currently missing in Tennessee. Roydell Williams and Brandon Jones are being asked to do too much. They are adequate 2nd and 3rd receivers but not a huge threat. Manningham can be. He needs some fine tuning but with the right coaching he could thrive. Jeff Fisher is a coach that can bring the best our of his players. Will Also Consider: Sam Baker, OT, USC Pat Sims, DT, Auburn Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State
25 Seattle Seahawks 25
Devin Thomas Wide Receiver Michigan State	Bye bye Shaun. With the signing of T.J. Duckett and Julius Jones, Alexander’s days in Seattle may be numbered. What a huge difference two years makes. At this time in 2006 the Seahawks were thinking of a second trip to the Super Bowl behind their feature back. Unfortunately Shaun was injured for basically all of 2006 and really did nothing in 2007. He looked slow and hesitant. Duckett and Jones have been brought in and Shaun’s days are numbered. Perhaps the smart move here would be to draft Alexander’s long term replacement. After all, Duckett is on his 4th team in four years and Jones couldn’t beat out Marion Barber. They don’t seem to be more than two year stopgaps. But I think Seattle’s management will wait another year to actually grab a rookie feature back…even though drafting home grown talent Jonathan Stewart is what the fans want. Deion Branch hasn’t done a lot for Matt Hasselbeck. D.J. Hackett is a free agent and Bobby Engram is a great slot WR but not much else. Adding Thomas would give this offense a shot in the arm. A trio of Branch, Thomas, and Engram would do wonders for Hasselbeck and the new running game of Duckett and Jones. Will Also Consider: Kenny Phillips, S, Miami (Florida) Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College Sam Baker, OT, USC
26 Jacksonville Jaguars 26
Quentin Groves Defensive End Auburn	The Jaguars really don’t have any glaring weaknesses. They have stocked the WR position with the additions of Troy Williamson and Jerry Porter. They re-signed Maurice Williams. The defensive front seven may be the weak spot. I am told the Jaguars are high on their young LBs so they’ll pass on Dan Connor, though they will still consider him. They traded Marcus Stroud but signed Jimmy Kennedy. Kennedy is a rotational guy and never lived up to his first round status (Rams, 2003). That’s why the Jaguars could reach and grab Auburn’s Pat Sims. Rotating Henderson, Kennedy, Sims, and Meier would keep them all fresh and active. But Jacksonville has bigger needs at DE, where they recently lost Bobby McCray (Saints). Paul Spicer is aging and Reggie Hayward is injury prone. Groves would be a young pass rusher capable of taking over full time in 2009. Also I think, if Stewart fell this far, every team would consider him. The Jaguars have a great ground game with Jones-Drew and Taylor but Taylor is aging and Jones-Drew is not an every down back. A complement will be needed soon. Not necessarily this year but if a talent like Stewart falls this far you have to consider him. Will Also Consider: Pat Sims, DT, Auburn Dan Connor, LB, Penn State Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon
27 San Diego Chargers 27
Pat Sims Defensive Tackle Auburn	The Charges don’t have any glaring needs. Depth is an issue however. Jamal Williams is aging and there aren’t any suitable replacements. There is little depth at DE as well. I have them selecting Sims, who is a DT, but the Chargers will move him to DE in their 3-4. Olshansky and Castillo, both DTs in college as well, usually do not make it through an entire 16 game season plus playoffs. Adding Sims at DE adds quality depth. The Chargers really need an ILB for their scheme but no one available fits. Connor is undersized. Their best bet is to snag Jerod Mayo or Curtis Lofton in round two...but they don't pick again until round five. Based on their needs and the few picks they have, San Diego is a good candidate to trade down to a team that wants to secure Brian Brohm (Baltimore? Carolina? Chicago?). San Diego needs more picks. Will Also Consider: Kenny Phillips, S, Miami (Florida) Sam Baker, OT, USC Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College
28 Dallas Cowboys 28
Jonathan Stewart Running Back Oregon	Here is evidence that you do not always have to panic and trade draft picks to fill a need. Who would have guessed that Stewart is available this late? Stewart fits quite well for the Cowboys. He is a string more powerful finesse runner and will fill the spot vacated by Julius Jones. Marion Barber has never carried the full load so why would he start now? Plus, Barber is a bruiser which will wear him down quickly. Stewart provides the home run threat Jerry Jones craves. It is like a match made in heaven…at a discounted rate! Will Also Consider: Sam Baker, OT, USC Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College James Hardy, WR, Indiana
29 San Francisco 49ers (from Indianapolis) 29
James Hardy Wide Receiver Indiana	San Francisco has no young WR threats. They have old ones that are overrated (Darrell Jackson, Isaac Bruce), but no young ones. Someone like James Hardy could do wonders for Alex Smith. The coaching staff must keep Hardy down to earth and force him to behave. That shouldn’t be a problem for Nolan, especially with Isaac Bruce around. If Hardy can control himself and become a student of the game he could be as great as Chad Johnson and Terrell Owens. Will Also Consider: Sam Baker, OT, USC Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College Kenny Phillips, S, Miami (Florida)
30 Green Bay Packers 30
Aqib Talib Cornerback Kansas	The CBs seem to be sliding a little, which makes teams like the Cowboys and now the Packers extremely happy. Talib can learn from two premiere, albeit old, shutdown corners. Talib will be a nickelback as a rookie but provide needed depth and security for the future. The Packers have very few glaring weaknesses so if a team, say Baltimore or Chicago, wants to trade back into round one to grab Brohm, they should contact the Packers. The Packers will also look into replacing Brady Poppinga with Connor or find a replacement for their aging OTs. Will Also Consider: Sam Baker, OT, USC Dan Connor, LB, Penn State Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville
31 New England Patriots 31
Forfeited	This selection has been forfeited by the Patriots as a consequence for taping signals of the New York Jets. Will Also Consider: Matt Walsh Not Cheating Next Time Additional Order of Hoodies
32 New York Giants 32
Dan Connor Linebacker Penn State	I still can’t believe the Giants beat the Patriots. Wow. Anyway, the Giants have holes to fill on their defense with the defections of Reggie Torbor (Miami) and Kawika Mitchell (Buffalo). They also could use more secondary help. The addition of Sammy Knight alleviates the need to grab Kenny Phillips. Connor will step in and start at WLB immediately. Will Also Consider: Kenny Phillips, S, Miami Florida Jerod Mayo, LB, Tennessee Brandon Flowers, CB, Virginia Tech

ROUND 2

Pick	Team	Player, Position, College
33	Miami Dolphins	Kenny Phillips, S, Miami (Florida)
34	St. Louis Rams	Brandon Flowers, CB, Virginia Tech
35	Oakland Raiders	Sam Baker, OT, USC
36	Kansas City Chiefs	Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College
37	New York Jets	Fred Davis, TE, USC
38	Atlanta Falcons	Carl Nicks, OT, Nebraska
39	Baltimore Ravens	Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville
40	San Francisco 49ers	Jerod Mayo, LB, Tennessee
41	New Orleans Saints	Trevor Laws, DT, Notre Dame
42	Buffalo Bills	Tracy Porter, CB, Indiana
43	Denver Broncos	Curtis Lofton, LB, Oklahoma
44	Carolina Panthers	Lawrence Jackson, DE, USC
45	Chicago Bears	Joe Flacco, QB, Delaware
46	Detroit Lions	Cliff Avril, DE, Purdue
47	Cincinnati Bengals	Erin Henderson, LB, Maryland
48	Minnesota Vikings	Dustin Keller, TE, Purdue
49	Atlanta Falcons (from Houston)	Reggie Smith, S/CB, Oklahoma
50	Philadelphia Eagles	Early Doucet, WR, LSU
51	Arizona Cardinals	Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas
52	Washington Redskins	Chilo Rachal, OG, USC
53	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona
54	Pittsburgh Steelers	Anthony Collins, OT, Kansas
55	Tennessee Titans	Mike Pollak, C, Arizona State
56	Seattle Seahawks	John Carlson, TE, Notre Dame
57	Green Bay Packers (from Cleveland)	Ali Highsmith, LB, LSU
58	Miami Dolphins (from San Diego)	Chad Henne, QB, Michigan
59	Jacksonville Jaguars	DeJuan Morgan, S, North Carolina State
60	Indianapolis Colts	Roy Schuening, OG, Oregon State
61	Green Bay Packers	Duane Brown, OT, Virginia Tech
62	Dallas Cowboys	Andre Caldwell, WR, Florida
63	New England Patriots	Darrell Robertson, DE/LB, Georgia Tech
64	New York Giants	Chevis Jackson, CB, LSU
ROUND 3
65	Miami Dolphins	Patrick Lee, CB, Auburn
66	St. Louis Rams	Tavares Gooden, LB, Miami (Florida)
67	Kansas City Chiefs	Steve Justice, C, Wake Forest
68	Carolina Panthers (from NY Jets)	Thomas DeCoud, S, California
69	Atlanta Falcons	Tony Hills, OT, Texas
70	New England Patriots (from Oakland)	Charles Godfrey, CB, Iowa
71	San Francisco 49ers	Chris Ellis, DE/OLB, Virginia Tech
72	Jacksonville Jaguars (from Baltimore via Buffalo)	Marcus Harrison, DT, Arkansas
73	Buffalo Bills	Xavier Adibi, LB, Virginia Tech
74	Minnesota Vikings (from Denver)	Andre Woodson, QB, Kentucky
75	Carolina Panthers	Heath Benedict, OG, Newberry
76	Chicago Bears	John Sullivan, C, Notre Dame
77	Detroit Lions	Jamaal Charles, RB, Texas
78	Cincinnati Bengals	Marcus Griffin, S, Texas
79	New Orleans Saints	Jermichael Finley, TE, Texas
80	Houston Texans	Justin King, CB, Penn State
81	Philadelphia Eagles	Jason Jones, DE, Eastern Michigan
82	Arizona Cardinals	Terrell Thomas, CB, USC
83	Minnesota Vikings	Lavelle Hawkins, WR, California
84	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	John David Booty, QB, USC
85	Washington Redskins	Earl Bennett, WR, Vanderbilt
86	Tennessee Titans	Letroy Guion, DT, Florida State
87	Seattle Seahawks	Dre Moore, DT, Maryland
88	Detroit Lions (from Cleveland)	Jack Williams, CB, Kent State
89	Pittsburgh Steelers	Red Bryant, DT, Texas A&M
90	Jacksonville Jaguars	Mike McGlynn, OG, Pittsburgh
91	Chicago Bears (from San Diego)	Ray Rice, RB, Rutgers
92	Green Bay Packers	Martellus Bennett, TE, Texas A&M
93	Dallas Cowboys	John Greco, OT, Toledo
94	Indianapolis Colts	Jordy Nelson, WR, Kansas State
95	New England Patriots	Chris Johnson, RB, East Carolina
96	New York Giants	Eddie Royal, WR, Virginia Tech