2008 Mock Draft

• Already a done deal. Long signed a 5 year, $57.75 million contract with $30 million guaranteed. They did that to avoid a holdout because everyone knows that the Dolphins will need him at the beginning of training camp. GM Jeff Ireland said “Jake was our guy from the beginning…there wasn’t a whole lot of debate.” That’s surprising considering they don’t have someone like Tom Brady as their QB.

• A great safe pick for the Rams. Long is a well rounded defender that had a tremendous senior season at Virginia. He had 79 tackles, 14 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and an interception that was returned for 25 yards. The Rams had better look to improve on their offense before good ole’ dad, Howie, starts knocking the team on Fox.

3. Atlanta Falcons – QB Matt Ryan, Boston College

• The Falcons will look to arguably the draft’s best QB to regain their balance after the Michael Vick situation. Ryan has impressive college stats, but we all know that doesn’t automatically translate into a successful NFL career. Should Ryan go to Atlanta, fans should not expect immediate marks in the win column. Afterall, the team is recovering from a traumatic 2007 season.

• Dorsey could easily be a top 3 pick, but other teams might fear his persistent injury problem. He played through the nagging injuries during his senior season recording 110 tackles and 6 sacks. The Raiders bulked up their offense in the off-season by adding Javon Walker, so now they will look to Dorsey to make a big impact on their defensive game.

• The Chiefs need help in all areas, but selecting an RB like McFadden would result in an immediate improvement. He is big, has three years of quality college experience, and will be able to take pressure off of Croyle’s passing game.

6. New York Jets – DT Sedrick Ellis, USC

• Ellis is a powerful defender that can get a great jump off the ball. He stays on his feet to make big plays which is exactly what the Jets need.

• The Pats could use him as an inside or outside linebacker. But wait, why should they add even more versatility to their team? Like the Pats, Richards is very consistent, and will play every down at 100%

• Will most likely be a work in progress, but he is big and has tremendous athletic ability. It has been said that he has trouble with top speed rushers.

• McKelvin is the type of player that will be either extremely successful in the NFL, or have the likes of Randy Moss and Marvin Harrison torch him every time. He gambles on the big plays and relies purely on his athleticism, but with a few years of experience, look for him to be a top CB in the league.

10. New Orleans Saints – CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Tennessee State

• With a little weight training he could turn out to be an outstanding cover man. During his senior season, he recorded 37 tackles, and 2 interceptions both returned for touchdowns.

• Gholston has great pursuit skills and could play DE or outside linebacker. It has been said that he is inconsistent at times, but he still managed 14 sacks last season.

• Clady would be a great addition to the Broncos lineup. He could protect Jay Cutler’s blindspot with his large wingspan and strong hands that force rushers outside of the pocket. Receivers Brandon Marshall, Brandon Stokley, and Darrell Jackson should reap the benefits. With major improvements in the Broncos defense during the off-season, adding Clady would only makes sense because of the struggling offense in 2007. Who remembers this score: 41-3?

13. Carolina Panthers – RB Jonathan Stewart, Oregon

• The Panthers are in the market for a strong back, and Stewart has the ability to start his first season because of his speed, power, and cutting abilities.

• Otah is an unpolished player that often plays too high, but he is a powerful blocker.

• With 32 tackles and 4.5 sacks during the 2007 season, Harvey knows how to use his long arms to separate from blockers and get to the QB.

• Can run inside and outside very well which would compliment Edgerrin James, and the rest of the Cardinals talented offense.

• Can be a little slow off the snap, but has a thick lower body and good footwork.

18. Houston Texans – DE Calais, Campbell, Miami-FL

• Good defender against the run, and constantly puts pressure on the QB. The Texans need someone like Campbell to add some stability to the defense.

• Impressive stats from the 2007 season: 41 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 12 pass breakups.

• Started every single game at Arizona, and ran a 4.45 at the Combine. He will allow Tampa Bay to play numerous defensive schemes.

• Broke is wrist during his senior season at Texas, but he is an incredible blocking receiver which will help Portis and the Skins’ running game.

• Jones backed up Darren McFadden, and in three seasons rushed for 2,956 yards and 20 TDs on 386 carries. Not bad for a back-up, and Jerry Jones would love for him to do the same behind Marion Barber.

• He is hangs in the pocket and deals well with adversity, but durability is a concern here. He would benefit as Ben Roethlisberger’s understudy.

24. Tennessee Titans – WR Devin Thomas, Michigan State

• Makes the tough catches in a crowd, and would be a great target for Vince Young.

25. Seattle Seahawks – CB Brandon Flowers, Virginia Tech

• He may be an undersized corner, but he recorded 86 tackles and 5 interceptions including one returned for a TD in his senior season alone.

26. Jacksonville Jaguars – WR DeSean Jackson, California

• A very versatile and explosive player, but needs to add some size in the weight room. Impressive 2007 season with 65 catches, 762 receiving yards, 6 receiving TDs, 11 carries, 132 rushing yards, and 1 rushing TD.

• The Broncos had better watch out if the Chargers end up with Groves. He reads plays very well and has great closing speed.

• He should fit well into the Boys’ defensive scheme with reliable tackling skills, but he needs to improve upon his consistency. Can play at any secondary spot.

• Converted to TE from the wide receiver position, so he will need to add some size to become a big time TE in the NFL.

• Talib can play in man or zone coverage, and has turned in some big plays at Kansas. He will need to work on his tackling ability especially for those cold Sundays in Green Bay.

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• The defending Super Bowl champs will look for a great special teams performer, and Morgan is it. It also helps that Morgan plays all over the field and can finish plays on defense.