MORE MOCK DRAFTS

1. MIAMI DOLPHINS
CHRIS LONG DE | Virginia |
Make no mistake about it the Dolphins desperately want out of this #1 pick and will do everything they can to trade down but the problem is there might not be much of a market. Their best chance at making a deal would be if Atlanta fell in love with Matt Ryan, which is probably why they are putting it out there that they are looking at the B.C. quarterback as well. Ultimately this pick will come down to Chris Long, Jake Long, Vernon Gholston, Matt Ryan and Sedrick Ellis and I think Howie's boy would get the nod. Not only is Long a perfect fit for Miami's 3-4 scheme but he also possesses the type of intensity and non-stop motor that Bill Parcells covets.

2. ST. LOUIS RAMS
JAKE LONG OT | Michigan |
If Chris Long is available he'd probably be their choice but since he's done they move to Plan B. A big reason for the Rams horrendous 2007 season was injuries along the offensive line and after suffering season-ending injuries two years in a row now Orlando Pace simply cannot be counted on. Jake Long is probably just a notch below where Joe Thomas was as a prospect coming out of college and not only can he be a perennial Pro Bowler at right tackle but he has enough athleticism to get by on the left side as well. Glenn Dorsey will also get a look here but they used a first rounder on Adam Carriker last year and they like Clifton Ryan as well.

3. ATLANTA FALCONS
MATT RYAN QB | Boston College |
Assuming he is still available, which is far from a certainty, Matt Ryan to Atlanta almost makes too much sense not to happen. Many regard Ryan as a franchise signal caller and not only does he have adequate physical tools across the board but his intangibles are top-notch. The Falcons needs a face for their franchise and Matt Ryan can be that guy. If Ryan is off the board Atlanta would most likely turn their attention to Jake Long or Glenn Dorsey, who would both address pressing needs in the trenches. Normally Darren McFadden would be in the mix here as well but his off-the-field issues will probably eliminate him from the equation for Atlanta.

4. OAKLAND RAIDERS
GLENN DORSEY DT | L.S.U. |
It could be hard for Al Davis to pass on Darren McFadden, who is the type of rare athlete he loves, but Justin Fargas played well down the stretch last year and they just signed him to a new contract so they will likely look to address another need. Even before Warren Sapp's retirement defensive tackle was a huge need so they would probably be happy to see Glenn Dorsey still available. Don't rule out Sedrick Ellis here either though because not only do the Raiders have a history of targeting Trojans but he's a better fit for their defensive scheme than Dorsey is and, at least for the time being, the coaching staff has a lot of ties to the Southern Cal program.

5. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
RYAN CLADY OT | Boise St. | What was once a team strength has now become a major liability so Kansas City almost has to take a blocker with this pick as they begin the monumental task of rebuilding their offensive line. In a perfect world Jake Long would fall into their laps but it doesn't look like that is going to happen so just like the Cardinals with Levi Brown a year ago Kansas City reaches for Ryan Clady at #5 overall. Even though this is undeniably a tad bit early for him Clady is the consensus #2 offensive tackle in this draft and a legitimate Top 10-12 overall talent so this wouldn't be the worst thing in the world for the Chiefs. If Long is gone they could try to trade down too.

6. NEW YORK JETS
DARREN MCFADDEN RB | Arkansas |
Running back is far from the Jets most glaring weakness but just like when Adrian Peterson fell into the Vikings laps a year ago he might be too good to pass up at this point. Thomas Jones is a solid starter but he didn't set the world on fire in his first season as a Jet so they could definitely use a playmaker on offense. McFadden drops this far due to a combination of teams needs and off-the-field concerns but there is no denying his talent and he could have the type of impact that Peterson did for someone. Vernon Gholston and Sedrick Ellis are most likely the other two possibilites here but if he is available McFadden will probably be tough to pass up.

7. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (f/SF)
VERNON GHOLSTON DE | Ohio St. |
Cornerback is also going to be a concern if Asante Samuel bolts as a free agent but for the time being linebacker is the Patriots main issue. It is pretty clear that neither Tedy Bruschi or Junior Seau have much left in the tank and there is basically no depth behind them. Sure Mike Vrabel, Rosie Colvin and Adalius Thomas are all capable of playing inside but if one or even two of them make that move it will just create a hole outside, where there is also a severe lack of depth. A physical marvel and fantastic pass rusher, Gholston was a college defensive end but he should be able to make the transition to outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme at the next level.

8. BALTIMORE RAVENS
LEODIS MCKELVIN CB | Troy |
There is no question the Ravens would love for Matt Ryan to fall into their laps but that probably isn't going to happen so they'd have to explore a trade up to get in that sweepstakes. With no other quarterback worthy of this high of a choice Ozzie Newsome turns his attention to the secondary, where they have some issues at cornerback. Chris McAlister is still a great player when he is healthy but injuries to him and the aging Samari Rolle really exposed their lack of depth last year. Leodis McKelvin is the top corner available and he's also a terrific return man which should endear him to head coach John Harbaugh, who has a background in special teams.

9. CINCINNATI BENGALS
PHILLIP MERLING DE | Clemson |
Once again the Bengals defense was horrendous in 2007 so one way or another look for this pick to be devoted to a stud on that side of the ball. One specific area where they could use some help is the defensive line and with Justin Smith leaving as a free agent an end would be a logical choice. Word is Marvin Lewis likes Derrick Harvey so he could be an option here as well but new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer is a proponent of the 3-4 and Phillip Merling would be a better fit for that scheme. Similar in some ways to Trevor Pryce, Merling could play defensive end in either a 4-3 or 3-4 scheme and can also move inside to tackle in passing situations.

10. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
SEDRICK ELLIS DT | USC |
Sedrick Ellis could very easily go in the Top 5 overall and someone might very well trade up for him before he gets to this point but you can be the Saints would jump all over him if he fell this far. Even though New Orleans has some solid players at defensive tackle they lack a true difference maker in the middle so Ellis would be a major upgrade. The cornerback position has been an issue for this franchise for a long time now so they could very well look in that direction here while Keith Rivers could be the impact linebacker they have been searching for. One way or another it's basically a mortal lock that this pick to be used on the best defender available.

11. BUFFALO BILLS
LIMAS SWEED WR | Texas | The Bills could go in a lot of different directions here but ultimately there need for a big wide receiver to compliment Lee Evans stands above the rest. The big knock on Limas Sweed was always his speed but he ran in the low-4.5's at the Scouting Combine and that is plenty fast for a guy who checks in at 6-4 and 215 lbs. What puts Sweed over the top here are his intangibles and a guy with his character and work ethic will fit right in with the blueprint the Bills are following in their efforts to rebuild that franchise. Malcolm Kelly could potentially get in the mix here as well but he will have to run well in workouts to justify all of the hype he has been receiving.

12. DENVER BRONCOS
KEITH RIVERS OLB | USC |
Through all of their defensive struggles in recent years the Broncos have always been able to rely on a great linebacking corps. but now they have issues there too. D.J. Williams will be starting somewhere but that is the only sure-thing right now and there have been reports that Ian Gold is on the trading block. Keith Rivers is the consensus top linebacker in this draft and his ability to play multiple positions, especially in Denver's scheme, just adds to his value. The Broncos still have issues at defensive tackle so they could reach for someone like Kentwan Balmer here and even though there isn't a safety worth this high of a pick that is a concern as well.

13. CAROLINA PANTHERS
RASHARD MENDENHALL RB | Illinois |
Back in their heyday the Panthers rode Stephen Davis and a power running game all the way to the Super Bowl and it looks like John Fox wants to get back to that type of offense. After an up-and-down tensure with the Panthers DeShaun Foster was released and to this point former first round pick DeAngelo Williams has yet to prove he can be the main ball carrier. Rashard Mendenhall really only had one big year in college and then entered the draft after his junior season but at 5-10 and 225 lbs. with 4.45 speed he has everything you look for in a stud NFL running back. Jonathan Stewart is also a possibility since he and Mendenhall carry similar grades.

14. CHICAGO BEARS
JEFF OTAH OT | Pittsburgh |
Most agree that quartback is the Bears biggest problem but it's not like they don't have other positions that need to be addressed as well. Chicago's offensive line is about to undergo a major overhaul and with Fred Miller all but gone there will be a huge hole at right tackle. A JUCO transfer who did not start playing football until his senior year of high school, Otah is still pretty raw but he is coming off of a fantastic senior campaign and has excellent size (6-6, 340) and athleticism. Also, as great as Otah already is he still has a lot of potential. Since Cedric Benson has been such a huge disappointment don't be surprised if they look at a running back here either.

15. DETROIT LIONS
AQIB TALIB CB | Kansas |
I will refrain from making that same old Matt Millen / wide receiver crack... For all of the Lions problems, and there have been plenty, perhaps the biggest has been the secondary. There is very little to get excited about at cornerback and now that Fernando Bryant has been released there might not be a starting-caliber cover guy on the Lions roster. Either Aqib Talib or Mike Jenkins would make sense here but Talib's playmaking skills give him the slight edge and in their Tampa 2 scheme he could be Rod Marinelli's answer to Ronde Barber. The Lions also have major issues along their offensive line so you can't rule out a top right tackle (Jeff Otah?) either.

16. ARIZONA CARDINALS
MIKE JENKINS CB | South Florida |
The Cardinals might actually have one of the better groups of young talent in the league but one position where they need help is cornerback, especially now that Antrel Rolle is making the move to safety. Rod Hood was a pleasant surprise after signing as a free agent but Eric Green hasn't lived up to their expectations and the depth is almost nonexistent. If there is a run on corners early the Cards could be left out in the cold and be forced to address another position such as running back or the defensive line but if Mike Jenkins is still available he'd be a great fit. Nobody is going to call Jenkins a shutdown type but he'd represent a big upgrade for them

17. MINNESOTA VIKINGS
DERRICK HARVEY DE | Florida |
Wide Receiver may be the Vikings biggest need but Brad Childress doesn't believe in addressing that position in the first round so look for them to focus their attention elsewhere with this pick. Defensive end was already a huge concern for Minnesota and that was before it was revealed that Kenechi Udeze would likely miss at least the 2008 season as he battles leukemia. Derrick Harvey has racked up 30 tackles for a loss and 15.5 sacks the past two seasons and he is a better prospect than Jarvis Moss, who went #17 overall last year. Harvey could come off the board as early as the Top 10 overall but if he somehow fell this far he'd be a perfect fit for the Vikings.

18. HOUSTON TEXANS
CHRIS WILLIAMS OT | Vanderbilt |
At the risk of sounding like a broken record the Texans need a left tackle. Sound familiar? It should, because I and every other draftnik out there have been saying it in their mocks for half a decade now. Eventually the law of averages has to work in our favor, right? It goes without saying that neither Ephraim Salaam or Jordan Black are the long-term answer at the position and even if Charles Spencer makes it back from his career-threatening knee injury they plan to move him inside to guard. Chris Williams has a great blend of size and athleticism and would finally give Houston the stud they have been looking for. Cornerback is also a strong possibility here as well.

19. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
DOMINIQUE RODGERS-CROMARTIE CB | Tennessee St. |
Rumors have been circulating that Lito Sheppard might be on the trading block but even if the Eagles do hold onto their Pro Bowl corner they will still need some depth behind him and Sheldon Brown. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie might have as high of an upside as any cover guy in this draft and after the shows he put on at the Senior Bowl and the Scouting Combine he is now a legitimate first round pick. He still needs to bulk up but "D.R.C." is a true playmaker in the secondary with rare athleticism to go along with terrific height, leaping ability and ball skills. In fact, the resemblance to his cousin, Antonio Cromartie, is uncanny. Don't rule out a wide receiver here either.

20. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
KENTWAN BALMER DT | North Carolina |
Last year the Buccaneers finally gave Monte Kiffin some help on defense in the form of Gaines Adams and they would probably be smart to go that route one more time. For many years Tampa had arguably the best set of defensive tackles in the league with Warren Sapp & Booger McFarland but those days are now long gone. Kentwan Balmer is a talented former underachiever who enjoyed a breakout senior campaign and saw his stock rise dramatically. Balmer is the consensus #3 defensive tackle and he could even come off the board earlier than this. Don't rule out Gruden targeting a playmaking wideout like DeSean Jackson, Malcolm Kelly or Mario Manningham either.

21. WASHINGTON REDSKINS
MALCOLM KELLY WR | Oklahoma |
I would venture to guess that most of the mocks you see will have a defensive end here and it's hard to argue with that logic because the Skins could definitely use an impact player opposite Andre Carter. However their lack of a true #1 wideout is just as glaring of a need and while they were ranked in the top ten defensively last year their passing offense was middle of the pack. The Redskins need a receiver with size to compliment Santana Moss and Antwaan Randle El and at 6-4 and 224 lbs. Malcolm Kelly certainly fits that bill. This could just as easily be a pass rusher however there may not be much value left on the board at defensive end by this point in round one.

22. DALLAS COWBOYS (f/CLE)
FELIX JONES RB | Arkansas |
With two first round picks the Cowboys could feel like they are playing with house money to a degree and while everyone assumes that Arkansas alumnus Jerry Jones wants Darren McFadden he might have to settle for another Hog running back. Julius Jones is an unrestricted free agent who is not expected back and Felix Jones would be a perfect replacement, providing some lightning to Marion Barber's thunder. Felix was also an All-American kick returner in college so that would be an added bonus. Cornerback, wide receiver and offensive tackle are possibilities for Dallas as well and they could end up taking the proverbial "best player available" at a position of need.

23. PITTSBURGH STEELERS
BRANDEN ALBERT OG | Virginia |
The Steelers have always been able to hang their hat on a dominant offensive line but they could be preparing to undergo a significant changing of the guard up front. Free agent All-Pro guard Alan Faneca is gone while their left tackle Marvel Smith has battled some injuries in recent years and has just one more year left on his contract so Pittsburgh will probably be in the market for the best offensive lineman available here. Branden Albert, who came out after his junior season, is a guy the casual fan might not know a lot about but he has the ability to play either guard or tackle and should fit somewhere in the late 1st or early 2nd round when Draft Day rolls around.

24. TENNESSEE TITANS
DESEAN JACKSON WR | California | Despite investing draft picks on Brandon Jones, Roydell Williams, Paul Williams and Chris Davis in recent years the Titans still have some big question marks at receiver and they simply have to give Vince Young some weapons to throw to. He may not have the size and bulk that you look for but DeSean Jackson is arguably the most explosive offensive weapon in this draft and he is also a dynamic return specialist to boot. In fact, Jackson shares quite a few similarities with last year's #9 overall pick Ted Ginn, Jr. except he is a much more polished receiver and an even better return man. Antwan Odom and Travis LaBoy are free agents so they may need an end too.

25. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
JONATHAN STEWART RB | Oregon |
It sure looks as though Shaun Alexander may never regain his MVP form and while Maurice Morris is a decent backup the running game got so bad in Seattle this year that Mike Holmgren all but admitted that he gave up on it at one point. Granted they still have a lot of money invested in Alexander but if you recall Holmgren drafted him back in 2000 even though they seemed to be set at the position with Ricky Watters. Jonathan Stewart is a local product who played both his high school and college ball in the Pacific Northwest so this seems like a natural fit. Stewart would also be a nice value choice this late because he is widely regarded to be a legitimate Top 15 talent.

26. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
LAWRENCE JACKSON DE | USC |
Defensive end Bobby McCray is set to become an unrestricted free agent and might not be back while Reggie Hayward is still struggling to regain his pre-injury form so it wouldn't be a surprise to see the Jaguars look in that direction with this pick. There are certainly other defensive ends in this draft who are a bit flashier and might have higher profiles but Lawrence Jackson is just a solid all-around player. Having a fellow USC Trojan in Jack Del Rio at the helm won't hurt Jackson's case with the Jags either. Quentin Groves or Calais Campbell could be possibilities here as well and don't rule out yet another first round wide receiver such as Mario Manningham or James Hardy.

27. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS KENNY PHILLIPS S | Miami (FL) |
Looking at their depth chart it is somewhat difficult to pinpoint many glaring needs for the Chargers. Difficult but not impossible. One area that may be a concern is the secondary, where safety Marlon McCree has been a disappointment and will likely be shown the door. Some feel Kenny Phillips that is not a first round pick but I am quite confident he will reach that level before all is said and done. Phillips did not have the junior year that most were expecting but he is still an excellent prospect with all the tools you look for and and will help carry on the Canes tradition of sending safeties such as Bennie Blades, Ed Reed, Sean Taylor and Brandon Meriweather to the pros.

28. DALLAS COWBOYS
MARIO MANNINGHAM WR | Michigan |
The Cowboys also need a defensive back but Manningham is probably too good to pass up at this point. Jerry Jones has said he is looking for offensive playmakers this offseason and regardless of how fast he ran at the Scouting Combine Manningham has proven to be a terrific deep threat and scored touchdowns at a feverish pace in college. Terry Glenn is nearing the end of the line and Terrell Owens isn't getting any younger either so Manningham could be brought along slowly and eventually team with Patrick Crayton to form the next generation of starting wideouts in the "Big D". Depending on what happens at #22 cornerback or offensive tackle are options too.

29. SAN FRANCISCO 49'ERS (f/IND)
QUENTIN GROVES DE | Auburn |
Picking this low after such an awful season must be a tough pill to swallow but that is reason #1,567,811 why you should think long and hard about trading away those future #1's. What the 49'ers need more than anything is a true impact wide receiver but it's unlikely they'll be able to find a guy like that here and they will probably hope that new offensive coordinator Mike Martz can get more out of the guys they already have on hand. The Niners have to upgrade their pass rush and even though Quentin Groves played defensive end in college he is a fantastic athlete who ran a 4.5 at the Scouting Combine and would be an ideal fit at outside linebacker in their 34 scheme.

30. GREEN BAY PACKERS
REGGIE SMITH DB | Oklahoma |
Al Harris and Charles Woodson are one of the better starting cornerback combos in the league but to say the Packers have little or no depth behind them would be an understatement. Enter Reggie Smith, who played safety earlier in his college career before recently moving to corner in '07 and he could project to either position at the pro level. Smith is physical, has great range and is a real playmaker and you have to think his versatility would be a welcome addition to Green Bay's defensive backfield. With both Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher getting older and battling some injuries the Packers could take a look at an offensive tackle such as Sam Baker here as well.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Selection forfeited as part of punishment for violating league rules.
2008 NFL Mock Draft Links - Other mock drafts from around the web. Always updated.



31. NEW YORK GIANTS
DAN CONNOR OLB | Penn St. |
The G-Men have a few issues at linebacker. Kawika Mitchell and Reggie Torbor are both set to become unrestricted free agents and the Mathias Kiwanuka experiment is still up in the air so you have to believe they will take a long look at a guy like Dan Connor here. The latest product of "Linebacker U", Connor is similar in many ways to Bills 2nd round pick Paul Posluszny in terms of physical tools and intangibles but he might be an even better prospect. The other most plausible option here is probably cornerback, where age is really catching up with Sam Madison and R.W. McQuarters. There have also been some rumors that this pick could be traded for DeAngelo Hall...