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Football - EFS
EFSNews Lg3000 Mock Draft NFL Round 1
1.1 Miami Dolphins DE Chris Long
The Dolphins would love to trade down in this draft but will not get any takers, therefore settling for the safest player to give the big bucks to. Howie's kid will improve the rotation immediately and fill Jason Taylor's big shoes in a couple years.
Other Possibilities:QB Matt Ryan, OT Jake Long
1.2 St Louis Rams Jake Long OT Michigan
With Chris Long off the board, the Rams will look to upgrade their OL, and hopefully get a solid replacement for Orlando Pace. They hope Long will be able to anchor the line for the next 10 years, and immediately turn a weakness into a strength -similar to Joe Thomas' impact with the Browns last year. The Rams' two biggest needs are in the trenches -both OL and DL.
Other possibilities: Glenn Dorsey DT LSU, Sedrick Ellis DT USC
1.3 Atlanta Falcons select Matt Ryan QB
The Falcons will furiously try and deal this pick especially if Ryan is still on the board. Their offense is so putrid it would be foolish to try and plug a rookie QB into this mess and with Harrington the only stop gap, they would have zero choice of keeping Ryan on the bench. Making a deal with the Ravens could make sense but the Bears look the most likely suitor. The Falcons may except less then you would expect to get out of this slot.
1.4. Oakland Raiders RB Darren McFadden Arkansas.
Even though the Raiders have Fargas, Bush, and Rhodes on the team, McFadden is too good to pass up. McFadden is a game breaker and will open up the offense and give the Raiders a shot in the arm offensively.
1.5 Ryan Clady, Offensive Tackle, Boise State.
The Chiefs have two great needs, offensive lineman and quarterback. With Matt Ryan gone the quarterbacks left on the board are not worth the reach. The Chiefs would rather trade down to either obtain a quarterback or Clady later in the draft, however, that will be difficult with Clady slated to be gone in the top 15, if not the top 10. Clady is a great pass protector and natural left tackle. With Brodie Croyle going 0-6 as a starter in 2007, the Chiefs would love to improve their porous offensive line and finally see what production they can get out of Croyle. With an almost completely new starting offensive line in 2008, the Chiefs will pick Clady knowing that he would make an immediate impact on it and anchor it for years to come. Protecting Croyle's blindside is the Chief's biggest need and they're getting the best blindside protector in the draft, which would allow Damion Mcintosh to move to right tackle. However, his run blocking skills are not dominant and it remains to be seen if he could help improve Kansas City's running game to its pre-2007 glory.
Other Possibilities: Leodis McKelvin, Glenn Dorsey, Sedrick Ellis
1.6 Vernon Gholston, De/Olb, Ohio State
With the Jets cutting DE Anthony Clement, they have an immediate need that Gholston can fill. The 6’3” 266 pound combination DE/OLB is just what the Jets need to bolster a defense that has to play the pass happy Patriots twice a year. Most scouts and mocks have Virginia’s Chris Long being the first DE off the board. But Gholston has been moving up ever since his combine performance where he wowed scouts with a 4.58 40 and benched 37 reps. He added a 42” vertical for good measure. That is off the charts for such a big man! Not only can he play D-end, but he can move to outside linebacker and join free agent acquisition Calvin pace in what would be one of the best young linebacking duo’s in the league. He may not come with the pedigree of Long but I believe he will be the better player in the long run. His prototype size, freakish measurable and ability to play two key positions make Gholson a steal with the sixth pick.
Other options…..
Darren McFadden, Rb, Arkansas, probably the Jets first choice should he fall. With Thomas Jones nearing 30 and McFadden projecting to be a true franchise back, this is the obvious choice if he’s available.
Right Tackle?
After drafting D’Brickashaw Ferguson and Nick Mangold two years ago and adding free gaurds Alan Faneca and Damien Woody this year, the Jets may also seek to strengthen the right side of the line. The sixth pick may require too much money to be spent on a right tackle so if option 1a or 1b are gone, the Jets will trade down, add picks and grab RT. T Gosder Cherilus of Boston College would make a nice addition later in the first round.
Pick 1.7 New England Patriots CB Leodis McKelvin Troy State
There is nothing wrong with the Patriots offense, and with Jake Long and Ryan Clady off the board, any temptation to go that route is no longer a real option. The Patriots really wanted Vernon Gholston, but there was no way they could pay the extorition the JETS were offering to allow them to move up... So they play it safe... By losing both Randall Gay and Asante Samuel, they have a void at the corner spot... Leodis McKelvin from Troy State, is the consensus top player at that position. It is not the splash they were hoping for, but he fills a need.
1.8 Baltimore Ravens CB Dominique Rogers-Cromartie Tennessee St.
The Ravens secondary was absolutely brutal in '07. When Samari Rolle and Chris McCallister went down with injuries their lack of depth proved too much to overcome. With no true franchise QB or can't miss receiver in the draft, the Ravens will start to rebuild their secondary. Both Rolle and McCallister are on the wrong side of 30. Back ups Corey Ivy and Frank Walker are no match for receivers like Braylon Edwards, Chad Johnson and Santonio Holmes. Cromartie-Rogers has been moving up the boards since the combine and most have him as the second CB off the board behind only Leodis McKelvin.
Other choices....
The Ravens obviously need a QB. If for some strange reason Matt Ryan falls to them they will certainly take him. They brought Brohm in for a look but the 8th pick would be too early for him. He may be a nice second round selection if he is still available.
The Ravens also could use a stud left tackle with the impending retirement of Jonathan Ogden. They could take a chance on a Jeff Otah from Pittsburgh or Chris Williams of Vanderbilt.
On the defensive side, Keith Rivers of USC could be selected to improve a line backing corp that was uncharacteristically sub par in '07. DE Derrick Harvey, a junior out of Florida would be a nice replacement for an aging Trevor Pryce.
The Ravens have a lot of holes and at the eight spot they will have many players to choose from to fill them
1.9 Cincinnati Bengals DT Glenn Dorsey LSU
Dorsey is the highest rated DT in a very good group this year. He has the size to holdup in the running game and the quickness to rush the passer. If any player is ‘just what the doctor ordered’ for the Bengals this guy is it.
1.10 New Orleans Saints Sedrick Ellis DT USC
Sedrick Ellis is the obvious choice here, being the BPA and meeting one of the greatest team needs. He shined at the Senior Bowl, and his performance spoke volumes. His installment should improve the defense as a whole. His up field penetration capabilities will wreak havoc in backfields, possibly demanding double teams that will free up DEs Smith, Grant, and McCray. Such improvements on the line should produce better defensive numbers for the line and secondary, addressing two areas of concern.
Possiblities:
Mike Jenkins, top corner that could shore up a porous secondary.
Keith Rivers, best linebacker that could be there for the future.
Dan Connor, possibly the best MLB in the draft, also for future. ? Vilma injury.
1.11 Buffalo Bills WR Malcolm Kelly Oklahoma
The Bills need receiver so badly they will probably reach a little to get the top one on their board. Kelly has great size and will fit well across from Lee Evans. Kelly is NFL ready and can step into a starting spot immediately, however his upside is limited.
Other needs: LB Keith Rivers, WR Limas Sweed
1.12 Denver Broncos OT Jeff Otah Pittsburgh
Broncos' Needs:
• Offensive Tackle
• Linebacker
• Defensive Tackle
• Safety
• Runningback
Jeff Otah:
Upside - Plays with a real mean streak. Is a thickly built young man with long arms and has room to get even bigger. Has a terrific hand punch that jars defenders back. Otah will finish a play and go ape-shart until the whistle blows. Comes off the ball quickly and will plant his target to the ground. A true mauler in all senses of the word..... Otah is viewed as a throw back player. A real "big nasty" that will strike fear into his opponent.
Downside - Otah is a better football player than an athlete. Has struggled to stirke down moving defenders at the second level. Had a terrible combine performance that will shy some teams away from him. A JUCO transfer, Otah has only played five years of organized football in his life. As a result, his technique and knowledge of the game are still very raw.
Bottom Line - A TON of upside with this pick! While Otah doesn't have a lot of experience, he is a monster of a man and very quick for his size. He has the potential to fit into the right or left tackle position but is more likely to make a career on the right side. With the loss of Matt Lepsis, multiple questions at guard, and the uncertainty of Ryan Harris, I think the Broncos would be best served in taking a guy who has a shot at being a franchise tackle for the next 10 years plus.
Other considerations:
Rashard Mendenhall, RB -Illinois
Keith Rivers, OLB -U.S.C.
Chris Williams, OT –Vanderbilt
1.13 Carolina Panthers OT Chris Williams Vanderbilt
Williams is a huge man, 6’ 6”, 332 lbs, yet moves extremely well for a man his size. He is the perfect LT to keep DE’s off Jake Delhomme’s back. Williams will need to lose some weight and increase his quickness and flexibility to really succeed in the NFL.
1.14 Chicago Bears LB Jerod Mayo Tenn
The Bears would like to pick up some offensive playmakers since losing Berrian and Muhammad but if the draft were to swing this way, I believe they would go with the highest value. The guy who has been racing up draft boards and would fit in great is Tennessee linebacker Jarod Mayo. He could play outside or even inside along with Urlacher. He is certainly an upgrade over Hunter Hillenmayer.
1.15 Detroit Lions RB Rashard Mendenhall Illinois
Given the recent injury history to Det RB’s this is a no-brainer pick. The Lions must assume that K Jones will not return quickly and need a replacement. Mendenhall has the power to run inside and the speed to get outside. At this time he is woefully inadequate as a pass blocker so that means he will probably not play on 3rd down early in the season.
1.16 Arizona Cardinals CB Mike Jenkins South Florida
The Cardinals will look to address two needs with their first two picks, (and in some order) must take a shutdown corner and true #1 RB.
With some unexpected talent on the board in CB Mike Jenkins and Talib, as well as RB Stewart, this becomes a tougher pick than expected. However, Arizona opts for the best player available, one who was expected to be a top 10 pick - Jenkins.
They feel the combination of Jenkins and a guy like RB Ray Rice in the 2nd will allow them to compete best now and in the future, as opposed to the injured Stewart and a CB like Patrick Lee.
This selection frees up the Cardinals to move Rolle to FS, and the Cardinals will look to find a true #1 RB in the next round. Though Edge can still be effective in a limited role, he can no longer be a primary back.
Other possibilities:
CB Aqib Talib Kansas, RB Jonathan Stewart Oregon, OLB Keith Rivers USC(longshot-possible replacement for Calvin Pace)
1.17 Minnesota Vikings DE Derrick Harvey Florida
Ht: 6'-5" Wt: 270
We here in Minny feel that Derrick Harvey was the best option for our club at this pick. With the condition of Udeze, and James this was an obvious choice for us. Mr. Harvey displays the ability to shore up the RDE position on all downs for our club, as he is a force against the run, and also possesses possible elite pass rushing capabilities. He has shown to be a force against the pass even when not getting the sack by knockdowns, and pressures. We believe Mr. Harvey is the missing piece of this defense that will have it performing on an elite level in '08.
Possiblities:
Brian Brohm, could possibly be a good NFL QB, was the man before Matt emerged.
Kenny Phillips, easily the best safety available to be mentored by Sharper.
Phillip Merling, DE that could be there if Harvey isn't.
1.18 Houston RB Jonathon Stewart Ore
Stewart is that all-around RB that can provide a spark to the Texans offense. The Texans can afford to wait on his recovery from surgery, planning on RB A Green and Brown to handle the load until Stewart is ready-about weeks 4 or 6? One drawback to this pick is the lingering question as to whether this indicates Stewart is injury-prone? That has been the history of Texans RB's during their short history.
Other options with this pick: all the quality LT's were gone when this pick was due, otherwise there would be serious consideration for Otah or Williams. A CB is another possibility, in light of D Robinson's injury- A Talib would be the choice if he was available.
1.19 Philadelphia Eagles LB Keith Rivers USC
High motor talent that should not still be on the board. The Eagles have needs at other positions but this is a "best available player" situation. He would initially play special teams and learn the Will position. If the Eagles did end up with rivers there is a possibility of seeing the hybrid defense that New England made so popular. While Rivers isn't "a play maker" he is the solid presence you need on the weak side to allow your other LB's to raise havoc. He is also an underrated pass rusher who would excel in Jim Johnson's blitz happy defense with the addition of its new corner Asante Samuel.
Other possibilities would be to trade down into the mid 20's and pick up offensive line depth in the form of Brandon Albert G Virginia or a monstrous DE in the form of Caialis Campbell who comes in at 6'7" over 290 lbs. Given the trend in Defences it looks like Philly is building toward a 3-4 set for when Jim Johnson rides into the sunset.
1.20 Tampa Bay Bucs WR DeSean Jackson Cal
The Bucs have had one dependable receiver the past few years: Joey Galloway. And he's getting older than dirt. The rest of the crew is aging right along with him (Ike Hilliard) or have been ineffective (Michael Clayton, Maurice Stovall) or are just filler (Chad Lucas, Mark Jones, and a cast of thousands). The Bucs signed much traveled Antonio Bryant in the off-season, but does anyone expect that knucklehead to be the answer? They'll go looking for the best help they can find in the draft, and if DeSean Jackson drops in their lap…
Jackson is a burner. He turned a 4.31 at the Combine. He has decent height (just under 6 feet), but he's skinny and will have to bulk up in the pros. He'll give the Bucs a good 3rd or 4th receiver this year, provide some return thrills, and be ready for a starring role next year. Think Ted Ginn. By that time, you can stick a fork in Galloway, and hopefully the Bucs will have gathered up a couple more receivers to support him.
Other possibilities at this point include Keith Rivers OB USC, Aqib Talib CB/S KS, and Kentwan Balmer DT NC. The Bucs have lots of holes, mostly from aging of their core players. Rivers would take over for Derrick Brooks, Talib for either the underwhelming Phillip Buchanon or the Tired Tiki Twin, and Balmer would shore up an underwhelming interior defensive line.
1.21 Washington Redskins Devin Thomas, WR Michigan State (6'2"; 219 Lbs; 4.40 - 40)
Having waited patiently for much of the first round, we are really excited to see several players still on the board that can help our team. Of these, the choice here is Devin Thomas. Thomas is a big, physical receiver. He has the ability to break tackles and turn short passes into long gains - a valuable skill in the west coast offense, which we will be transitioning to in '08.
Coming out of nowhere to post 79 receptions, 1,260 yards and 8 touchdowns, as a junior in 2007, Thomas might be considered a one-year wonder. But if you have seen him play, you know that Thomas has the greatest upside of any wide receiver in this draft. Had he stayed in school another year, Thomas likely would have been a top 10 selection in 2009.
Thomas will start out slow; but, by week 8, we expect to have him in the starting line-up. This will allow Antwaan Randle-El to move into the slot where he will be an even more effective weapon.
Of course, there are other ways we could have gone such as...safety. The loss of Sean Taylor would make Kenny Phillips (S-Miami) an interesting pick. With Aqib Talib (CB-Kansas) still on the board, we could have gone cornerback. Carlos Rogers is recovering from a 2007 knee injury and may start this year on the PUP, which makes Talib a possible value and need pick. And, finally, we need a defensive end to add a pass rush opposite Andre Carter; so, Phillip Merling (DE-Clemson) would have also made a great selection.
But, in the end, a talent like Devin Thomas is too rare to pass on. We will happily select him and address other needs later in the draft.
If you want additional details on the Washington Redskins off-season plans, check out my article on EFSNews.com under 2008 Washington Redskins: A Fitting Tribute. EFSNews.com is a great way to gain insight into your favorite teams.
1.22 Dallas Cowboys DB Aqib Talib Kansas
Dallas has two very good corners at present and absolutely nothing behind them. On top of that, the Boyz have a very good strong safety masquerading as a free safety (and quite well mind you - he was a Pro Bowler this year), and a Pro Bowl strong safety who - if measured by his coverage skills - needs to move to IB. There is a possibility of a successor to the FS slot in the wings (Pat Watkins), thereby allowing the FS (Ken Hamlin) to move to SS, and the SS (Roy Williams) to move to another team who covets a hard-hitting, non-covering safety. But depth everywhere is a huge concern.
And, everyone is aging. And, somebody has to cover slot receivers in nickel packages and TE's all the time.
Why not pickup a great tweener CB/S like Aqib Talib? He can learn the ropes doing the nickel package stuff, and as he comes up to speed, the options open up. He can take over for Anthony Henry at one corner, allowing Henry to move to SS, and Hamlin to move to FS. Or, he could do the FS thing himself, leaving Henry at corner. It gives the Boyz options - other than watching the backside of receivers as they sprint to the endzone.
Other possibilities here include: a slight reach to RB Felix Jones, or maybe a trade down 5 or 6 spots. Dallas needs WR help pretty badly but there's nothing in this range at the moment; Dallas will also draft a slasher-type RB somewhere in the first 4 spots.
1.23 Pittsburgh Steelers OG Branden Alberts Virginia
This pick is a perfect fit for the Steelers as a replacement for the recently departed Alan Faneca. There is a possibility that Albert could make the move to tackle down the line, but the Steelers need the help at guard this year. Other possibilities include Gosder Cherilus OT from BC or Anthony Collins OT from Kansas.
1.24 Tennessee Titans DE Phillip Merling Clemson
Titans can’t believe he's still on the board. Get upside and can really get after the quarterback. He will be a force to deal with early in his career. Titans will look for a WR in the 2nd round.
1.25 Seattle Seahawks RB Felix Jones Ark
The Seahawks have a numbers of needs but with this draft being pretty deep in the other positions I see them taking a potential stud at RB. This kids got better each year in college and never really started behind McFadden. He's quick off the edges and it's afraid to hit the hole between the tackles. He's a home run threat everytime he touches the ball. At 5'10" and 207 he could use a little more bulk be he won't be carrying the whole load at the beginning anyway.
1.26 Jacksonville Jaguars DE Calais Campbell Miami
Calais Campbell is a huge man, 6’ 7’’ tall, and with uncommon speed. Campbell had a less than stellar college career, he did not live up to his clippings. Whether or not a fire can be lit under him will determine his success in the NFL.
1.27 San Diego S Kenny Phillips Miami
Phillips is an all round stud. This kid can play coverage and be the big hitter in run support. There isn't much not to like about his game. The Chargers are amazed he made it past Philly and they won't waste much time running to the stage to put in this pick. At 6'2" and 210 he's a massive force and will do his damage all over the field. Seeing that Phillips can honestly play either position at the next level he will find his niche and start right away in SD.
1.28 Dallas Cowboys WR Limas Sweed Texas
OK, so you have a 35-year-old head case at one WR. You have a 34-year-old return-from-reconstructive-knee-surgery at the other WR. Your #3 guy doesn't scare anyone. The scrubs are scrubs, except the QB-turned-WR experiment Isaiah Stanback, who is, well, an experiment.
What would you do?
Yep, pick the best WR available: home-grown Limas Sweed of Texas. He isn't the fastest guy out there (4.46), but he's pretty big and an overall good athlete. He made people at UT forget some guy named Roy Williams (the one that is the WR at DET for the moment) pretty quickly. He's not afraid to go over the middle, a la some guy named T.O. The Boyz can pick up some speed merchant in the later rounds to scare the safeties and let Sweed learn the nitty-gritty crossing stuff from T.O.
Dallas also needs a slasher-type runner, but with Felix Jones now off the board, they'll wait until the 2nd or 3rd to pick up a suitable back there to pair with Marion (the Barbarian) Barber. Other possibilities at this point include WR Early Doucet of LSU, and Sweed's teammate at UT, RB Jamaal Charles. RB Chris Johnson might be a bit of a reach at this point, as would be WRs Andre Caldwell and James Hardy and CB Antoine Cason.
1.29 San Francisco 49ers DT Kentwan Balmer North Carolina
Kentwan will provide some protection for new middle linebacker Dontarrious Thomas, recently acquired from the Vikings. He is the big body NT that the 3-4 defense needs, someone who can keep the OG’s off the LB’s.
1.30 Green Bay Packers CB Tracy Porter IU
This pick is in a prime location to be dealt, most likely GM Ted Thompson will listen to offers if QB Brian Brohm is still on the board here, looking to move down into the top of round 2 and add additional pick in 08 or even and 09 pick.
Assuming that the Packers stay put, they will most likely draft a CB since their two starters- C Woodson and A Harris are 31 and 33 years of age. Porter is physical, has good recovery speed, plays the ball in the air very well and has the size to provide run support. Look for Porter to quickly become the nickel back and ultimately start, perhaps as soon as 09.
Other options are an OT that may drop this far, or a RB (J Stewart?) if he falls this far.
1.31 New England (forfeited….)
1.32 New York Giants NY Giants WR James Hardy Indiana
The G-Men do not have a lot of gaping holes and coming off an improbable Super Bowl victory, they are feeling pretty good about themselves. There defense showed they were up to the task, and although they lost some key guys at both Linebacker and Safety, they have compensated with the free agent signings of Danny Clark and Sammy Knight. As a result, they look to the offensive side of the ball. James Harvey at 6' 6" with the speed to go deep, gives them a young Plaxico Burress look alike. Sinorice Moss has been a bust, and Amani Toomer is on his last legs. Harvey, and last years pick Steve Smith, give Eli a young corps of WRs to keep the passing threat alive for the next several years.
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