LATEST NFL NEWS FREE AGENT SIGNINGS AND RELEASES

Keyaron Fox, LB (Pit.)

Fox signed a one-year contract Wednesday with the Pittsburgh Steelers that will pay him the minimum salary of $605,000 for a four-year veteran.
Fox played the past four seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs after being drafted in the third round in 2004. He's expected to be a backup linebacker and play on special teams, the same role he filled for the Chiefs.

Drew Carter, WR (Car.)

The Raiders and Carter agreed to terms on a contract Wednesday.
Carter joins Pro Bowl receiver Javon Walker as new Raiders receivers as the team tries to surround quarterback JaMarcus Russell with more big-play options. Carter's agent, Joel Segal, confirmed the deal, which had not been announced by the Raiders. Terms weren't immediately available. Carter set career highs last season with 38 catches for 517 yards and four touchdowns for the Carolina Panthers.

Blaine Saipaia, G (Det.)

The Lions released Saipaia on Wednesday.
The 6-3, 315-pound Saipaia is a five-year NFL veteran. He served as a backup center, guard and tackle in two seasons with Detroit.

Travis Fisher, CB (Det.)

The Lions re-signed Fisher to a three-year contract Wednesday.
The 5-foot-10-inch, 189-pound Fisher is entering his seventh NFL season and his second with the Lions. Last season, he had he had a career-high 85 tackles, 66 of them solo. He also made two interceptions.

Dave Rayner, K (SD.)

Rayner signed a one-year contract with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday.
Rayner, a three-year veteran, made 15 of 22 field goals for the Kansas City Chiefs last year. He is 41-for-58 in his career. The Dolphins already have kicker Jay Feely, who was third in the NFL in field-goal accuracy last year, making 21 of 23. Rayner's could make the team as a kickoff specialist, his role with Indianapolis as a rookie in 2005.

Justin McCareins, WR (Ten.)

The Tennessee Titans have agreed to terms with McCareins, bringing him back to where he started his career.
The Titans drafted McCareins in 2001 and traded him to the New York Jets in 2004 for a second-round draft pick that year. McCareins started each game his first two seasons with New York but totaled only 13 starts over the past two seasons with 42 combined catches in that time. He was cut by the Jets earlier this month. Tennessee is trying to improve an offense that managed just nine touchdowns passing last season.

Nick Barnett, LB (GB.)

Barnett has reached a plea bargain related to a disturbance at an Appleton bar last June.
Barnett's attorney Avi Berk says Barnett has pleaded no contest to one misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct in a deferred prosecution agreement. Berk says Barnett must be on good behavior until July 1 for a judge to accept the deal. If Barnett behaves, the misdemeanor count will be amended to an ordinance violation punishable by a fine and a second misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct will be dismissed.

Dwayne Jarrett, WR (Car.)

Police records show Jarrett's blood-alcohol level was .12 when he was arrested on a driving while impaired charge, above North Carolina's legal limit of .08. The 21-year-old was arrested early Tuesday in the Charlotte suburb of Mint Hill after police said he crossed the center line and ran a red light.
Mecklenburg County court spokesman Charles Keller said Jarrett's blood-alcohol reading was in a police document delivered to the court Wednesday. A hearing involving Jarrett was continued until April 11. The second-round pick from Southern California failed to crack the starting lineup last season and was held to six catches for 73 yards and no touchdowns.

Joey Harrington, QB (Atl.)

The Atlanta Falcons re-signed Harrington only one week after cutting the six-year veteran. Harrington signed a new two-year deal on Wednesday. Terms were not released. He had signed a two-year, $6 million deal last year.
The 29-year-old started 10 games last season, but returns as the possible backup to Chris Redman, who ended the season as the starter and also recently signed a two-year contract.

Steve Gleason, S (NO.)

Gleason, a scrappy special teams favorite who cemented his place in New Orleans Saints lore with a blocked punt during the Louisiana Superdome's reopening following Hurricane Katrina, has decided to retire.
Gleason, a free-agent, spent 2007 on injured reserve after having microfracture surgery on his right knee. "The time's right. I'm getting married. I can walk away with my health," said Gleason, who turns 31 this month. "I want to be active and adventurous when I'm 80 years old. If football was all I had in my life, I probably could play three or four more years. Who knows?"

Chuck Darby, DT (Det.)

The Detroit signed Darby to a three-year deal Tuesday, nearly a week after agreeing to terms with the defensive tackle.
Detroit hopes the seven-year veteran can help fill the void left by trading Shaun Rogers to Cleveland. Darby played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2001-04, when Detroit coach Rod Marinelli coached their defensive line. He was with the Seattle Seahawks the past three seasons, starting six games last season before going on injured reserve with a knee injury.

Larry Fitzgerald, WR (Ari.)

Fitzgerald and the Cardinals agreed to a new $40 million, four-year contract.
It includes $30 million in guaranteed money. The Cardinals wanted to renegotiate Fitzgerald's incentive-laden rookie contract because he had reached many of the benchmarks and was to receive $14.6 million in 2008 and just under $17.4 million in 2009. Fitzgerald, a one-time ballboy for the Minnesota Vikings, led the NFC in receptions with 100 last season for 1,409 yards and 10 touchdowns, earning his second Pro Bowl bid in four seasons.

Justin Hartwig, C (Car.)

The Panthers released Hartwig on Tuesday.
The move, which clears about $2 million in salary-cap space, came after the coaching staff decided Ryan Kalil would replace Hartwig as the starter in 2008. While Hartwig started 15 games last season before missing the finale with a knee injury, the Panthers planned on Kalil being the long-term answer at center.

Randy Moss, WR (NE.)

A woman who obtained a restraining order earlier this year in a domestic violence case against Moss wants the case dismissed, court records show.
The restraining order had required the All-Pro wide receiver to stay at least 500 feet from the woman. Moss, 31, denied he harmed Rachelle Washington as she claimed at her Florida home on Jan. 6, or that he prevented her from seeking medical attention. Moss did acknowledge there was an ``accident'' involving Washington, but would not be more specific.

Dwayne Jarrett, WR (Car.)

Jarrett was arrested and charged with driving while impaired on Tuesday.
The Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office said Jarrett was pulled over in Charlotte at 3 a.m. Tuesday. He was released on $1,000 bond. The team called what happened "unacceptable'' and said the Panthers were still gathering information. Jarrett was Carolina's second-round pick last year, but struggled as a rookie. He failed to crack the starting lineup and was held to six catches for 73 yards and no touchdowns.

Darryl Blackstock, LB (Cin.)

The Bengals agreed to terms on a one-year contract Monday with the unrestricted free agent Blackstock.
The 6-foot-4, 244-pound Blackstock has 44 career tackles and four sacks in 46 games with the Arizona Cardinals, who chose him in the third round of the 2005 draft. He had 21 tackles and three sacks last season.

Warrick Dunn, RB (TB.)

Dunn signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday, returning to the team he played for during his first five NFL seasons.
Dunn, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, spent the past six seasons with Atlanta, where he became the franchise's third-leading rusher with 5,979 rushing yards. Last season, he became the 22nd player in NFL history to surpass 10,000 yards rushing. Dunn, who played for Tampa Bay from 1997-2001, still ranks third on the Buccaneers' career rushing list with 4,200 rushing yards.

Antonio Bryant, WR (TB.)

Bryant signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday.
Bryant was a second-round draft pick by the Dallas Cowboys in 2002 then moved to the Cleveland Browns in 2004 and San Francisco 49ers in 2006. He has 250 receptions for 3,837 yards and 19 touchdowns.

Julius Jones, RB (Sea.)

The Seattle Seahawks signed Jones to a multiyear contract on Monday.
Jones is the second running back the Seahawks have added in the past week to go along with former Lion T.J. Duckett. Seattle has Jones, Duckett, former MVP Shaun Alexander and backup Maurice Morris under contract for the 2008 season. Jones has spent all four of his seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, but lost playing time to Marion Barber last season. Jones' best season came in 2006 when he rushed for 1,084 yards.

Eric Johnson, TE (NO.)

Johnson agreed to a one-year contract to return to the New Orleans Saints on Monday. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Johnson played 14 games for New Orleans last season, catching 48 passes for 378 yards and two touchdowns.

Rex Hadnot, C (Cle.)

The Cleveland Browns added depth up front by signing Hadnot to a two-year contract on Monday.
The 26-year-old Hadnot was originally drafted by the Dolphins in the sixth round of the 2004 draft. Hadnot made 55 starts the past four years with the Dolphins.

Trent Green, QB (StL.)

Green, who ended last season on injured reserve after his second concussion in 13 months, agreed to terms on a three-year contract with the St. Louis Rams on Monday.
In his second stint with the Rams, Green will be the backup behind Marc Bulger. He was supposed to be the starter in 1999 before a preseason knee surgery paved the way for Kurt Warner, who led the Rams to their first Super Bowl victory. Green was released by the Dolphins last month.

Ben Troupe, TE (TB.)

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed Troupe on Monday.
Troupe played for the Tennessee Titans the past four seasons, starting 29 times. He had 106 receptions for 1,056 yards and seven touchdowns. Troupe was a second-round draft pick by the Titans in 2004.

Glenn Earl, S (Hou.)

The Houston Texans re-signed Earl on Monday.
Earl missed last season after fracturing his foot in the exhibition opener. A fourth-round pick in 2004, Earl has appeared in 37 games with 31 starts for Houston. He started 15 games at strong safety in 2006 and had 70 tackles, two sacks and an interception.

Mark Bruener, TE (Hou.)

The Houston Texans re-signed Bruener on Monday.
Bruener, a 13-year veteran, appeared in 14 games with one start for Houston last season. The blocking tight end joined the Texans in 2004 after playing for Pittsburgh his first nine seasons.

George Foster, T (Det.)

The Lions re-signed offensive tackle George Foster to a one-year contract.
Foster lost his job as a starting tackle last year in Detroit after starting nine games the previous year.

Brian Kelly, CB (Det.)

The Detroit Lions and Kelly agreed on a three-year deal Monday.
Kelly earned experience playing Detroit's version of the ``Tampa Two'' defense after getting drafted in 1998 by the Buccaneers. Kelly, who helped the Buccaneers win the Super Bowl, started four games last year and played in only two the previous season.

Courtney Anderson, TE (Buf.)

The Buffalo Bills signed Anderson on Monday to a two-year deal.
The 6-foot-6, 270-pound Anderson, who met with the team last week, has started 28 of 43 NFL games in the previous four seasons. He has 62 catches 763 yards and six touchdowns. He played in four games last season without a reception for Detroit and Atlanta. Anderson will be competing with holdover starter Robert Royal, as the Bills reintroduce the tight end position this season under new offensive coordinator Turk Schonert.

Jake Scott, G (Ten.)

Scott agreed to terms on a multiyear contract with the Tennessee Titans on Monday. Terms of the deal were not immediately disclosed.
The unrestricted free agent played for the Indianapolis Colts the past four seasons, starting 57 games, including a current streak of 55 straight. All but for of his starts came at right guard. Scott has eight career playoff starts, including the Colts' Super Bowl win in 2006. He was the fifth-round pick of the Colts in the 2004 NFL draft.

Jesse Chatman, RB (NYJ.)

The Jets signed free-agent running back Jesse Chatman to a one-year deal Sunday.
Chatman, out of football in 2006, ran for a career-high 515 yards and a touchdown for Miami last season and caught 27 passes for 161 yards. The signing, first reported by the Palm Beach Post, gives the Jets depth at the running back position with Thomas Jones and Leon Washington already on the team. Chatman, 28, worked with Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer when the two were with the San Diego Chargers a few years ago.

Marlon McCree, S (Den.)

The Broncos signed free agent safeties Marquand Manuel and Marlon McCree on Sunday to provide competition for holdovers John Lynch and Hamza Abdullah.
The Broncos will be the fifth team for McCree, who started the last two seasons for San Diego and is entering his eighth season. He has also played for Carolina, Houston and Jacksonville, which selected him in the seventh round of the 2001 draft after an outstanding career at Kentucky. McCree has played in 106 NFL games, including 84 starts, and owns 16 career interceptions in the regular season. He's picked off three passes in seven postseason games.

Marquand Manuel, S (Den.)

The Broncos signed free agent safeties Marquand Manuel and Marlon McCree on Sunday to provide competition for holdovers John Lynch and Hamza Abdullah.
The Broncos will be Manuel's fifth team. He played for Carolina last season and has also played for Green Bay, Seattle and Cincinnati, which chose him in the sixth round of the 2002 draft out of Florida. He's played in 91 regular-season games and made four starts in the playoffs, including the Super Bowl following the 2005 season while with the Seahawks.

Aaron Rodgers, QB (GB.)

Rodgers has a message for Green Bay Packers fans. "I'm not Brett Favre," he said Saturday. "And if they're wanting me to be the next Brett Favre, I'm not going to be him. I'm Aaron Rodgers. That's who I am."
The Packers' first-round pick in 2005 has thrown a grand total of 59 passes in seven career games. But he played well when called on in a game at Dallas in November, and will be surrounded by young talent next season.

Billy Miller, TE (NO.)

The Saints re-signed Miller on Friday.
Miller, 6-foot-3 and 252 pounds, is an eight-year veteran and has been with the Saints since 2006. He has 155 career receptions for 1,669 yards and nine touchdowns. The signing gives the Saints two proven tight ends in Miller and Mark Campbell, who spent last season on injured reserve.

Andre Frazier, LB (Pit.)

The Steelers signed Frazier to a one-year contract Friday, a week after declining to tender him a contract for $927,000.
Frazier played eight games for the Steelers last season, all on special teams. The former University of Cincinnati player was cut by the Steelers in 2006, when he hooked on with the Bengals for part of the season, and again last year before returning to the Steelers.

Rock Cartwright, RB (Was.)

Cartwright and the Washington Redskins agreed to a $3 million, three-year contract Friday that keeps the free agent with the only NFL team he's played for.
Cartwright has played six NFL seasons since the Redskins drafted him out of Kansas State in 2002. Over his career, he has 146 carries for 647 yards, along with 31 catches for 320 yards - but he had only two runs for zero yards and no receptions last season. He has a career average of 23.9 yards on kickoffs. The deal includes a $300,000 signing bonus for Cartwright, whose 25.8-yard average on kickoff returns ranked second in the NFC last season.

Simon Fraser, DE (Atl.)

Fraser signed with the Falcons on Friday.
Fraser (6-6, 300), had 54 tackles and 4.5 sacks - all in 2006 - the last three seasons with Cleveland. He played in 16 games but made only one start last season, when he made 14 tackles.

Rashad Moore, DT (Atl.)

The Falcons signed Moore on Friday.
Moore (6-3, 325) has 88 career tackles and three sacks in four seasons. He was a sixth-round draft pick from Tennessee by Seattle in 2003. After two seasons with the Seahawks he was claimed off waivers by the New York Jets in 2006 before joining the New England Patriots last season. He played in only one game with the Patriots.

Kindal Moorehead, DT (Atl.)

The Falcons signed Moorehead on Friday.
Moorehead, who played the last five years with Southeast Division rival Carolina, has 138 tackles and nine sacks in 75 career games. Moorehead (6-foot-2, 285 pounds) is a former Alabama standout has played in all 16 games each of the past two years, but he made only one start in that span. He set his career high with five sacks in 2005 and had two last season.

Dan Morgan, LB (NO.)

Morgan signed with the Saints on Wednesday. A team spokesman confirmed the signing but did not disclose the terms of the contract. Morgan's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, did not want to discuss the contract with the media, a person answering the phone in his office said Friday.

The 29-year-old Morgan, made the Pro Bowl after the 2004 season but was sidelined by serious injuries for most of the past two seasons before his release from Carolina. Last season, he played only three games because of an Achilles' tendon injury. The year before, a concussion forced him to miss all but one game.

LATEST MOCK DRAFT BOARD

1. Miami Dolphins-OT Jake Long, Michigan
One of the main reasons Bill Parcells left the Dallas Cowboys’ organization was because of the uncertainty in the Cowboys’ offensive line. It has been said and it is known that Bill Parcells is a defensive guy, but I think he realizes the importance of the offensive line too. Jake Long is the best left tackle to offer in this draft and don’t think Bill Parcells will hesitate to go with him as the first pick.

2. St. Louis Rams-DE Chris Long, Virginia
This pick becomes very interesting for the Rams if Long goes first overall. On one hand Chris Long would be a great fit for the Rams and allow Carriker to stay put. On the other hand Dorsey is the better player available and would be too hard to pass up on. In this situation I think Long is the better choice.

3. Atlanta Falcons-RB Darren McFadden, ArkansasQuarterback is probably the bigger need for Atlanta but a player like Darren McFadden may be too hard for the organization to pass up on.

4. Oakland Raiders-DT Glenn Dorsey, LSU
Oakland might be hoping for Darren McFadden or Chris Long in this situation but Glenn Dorsey falling to the fourth spot may be even better than that. With Warren Sapp retiring DT becomes a big need for the Raiders and Dorsey would be a nice fit.

5. Kansas City Chiefs-QB Matt Ryan, Boston CollegeThe Chiefs invested a pick a Brodie Croyle but from watching him play I am not sure the Chiefs believe he is the answer. Ryan is the best quarterback available in this draft and reminds me a little bit of a former Chief named Trent Green.

6. New York Jets-DT Sedrick Ellis, USC
Ellis could be a nice fit for the Jets’ 3-4 scheme.

7. New England Patriots-OLB Vernon GholstonNew England’s linebackers are aging and with a top ten pick, Gholston would give the Patriots depth and an eventual replacement for the outside linebacker position.

8. Baltimore Ravens-QB Brian Brohm, Louisville
In my opinion it’s a shame that former Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith won’t get a chance to start in Baltimore but with a new coaching staff in place that’s what’s going to happen. Brohm is a top quarterback in this draft and is an excellent choice to start over with at the quarterback position.

9. Cincinnati Bengals-CB Leodis McKelvin, Troy State

Cincinnati has to get better on defense and one of the areas on defense that needs improvement is coverage. McKelvin has good size, speed, and strength for a cornerback.

10. New Orleans Saints-OLB Keith Rivers, USC
The Saints still don’t have a good group of linebackers. Rivers is fast and athletic and would be a pick well spent for Sean Payton.

11. Buffalo Bills-WR DeSean Jackson, CaliforniaEvans and Parrish are good wide receivers for the Bills but it there group would be complete if Parrish could move to the slot and their number one receiver was six feet tall.

12. Denver Broncos-DE Derrick Harvey, Florida
The Broncos have a lot of question marks on the defensive line and Harvey could give them some options.

13. Carolina Panthers-S Kenny Phillips, Miami
Carolina is in need of another playmaker in the secondary. Phillips will add to the tradition of great safeties that played for Miami.

14. Chicago Bears-OT Ryan Clady, Boise State
Before the Bears upgrade at quarterback…. okay never mind, that is the first thing they need to do because Rex Grossman is terrible, but there isn’t a quarterback worth taking here so a guy like Clady would be a good pick to help solidify the offensive line.

15. Detroit Lions-CB Mike Jenkins, South Florida
The Lions could go a number of different routes here because quite frankly they need to fill a number of positions before they become true contenders. In this situation though Mike Jenkins would be a really solid pick and fills maybe their biggest hole, which is in the secondary.

16. Arizona Cardinals-RB Jonathan Stewart, Oregon
Stewart is a back with good size and speed for a big man. Edge is on the down slope of his career and a change is needed in Arizona.

17. Minnesota Vikings-OT Jeff Otah, Pittsburgh
The Vikings offensive line is great, no doubt about it, but the final piece to the puzzle is right tackle. A guy like Jeff Otah would be a nice fit and could really put the Vikings over the top on the offensive side of the ball especially with rookie sensation Arian Peterson running wild in the backfield.

18. Houston Texans-RB Rashard Mendenhall, Illinois
Houston really needs a playmaker at running back. Heck they need another playmaker not named Andre Johnson anywhere else on the team. Mendenhall shows great potential at a very young age and could end up being a steal being picked at 18.

19. Philadelphia Eagles-WR Malcolm Kelly, Oklahoma
It’s time to get McNabb or Kolb or whoever is the quarterback in Philly a go-to-guy. That guy here is Malcolm Kelly.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-CB Aqib Talib, Kansas
The Bucs have had a great secondary for years, but Barber is getting up there in age and it’s not too late to find a suitable replacement. Talib has great size for a corner and the ability to leap in the air and fight for the ball.

21. Washington Redskins-OG Branden Albert, Virginia
Jim Zorn is in and he has an offensive mind. Protecting Campbell should be at the top of his priority list.

22. Dallas Cowboys-RB Felix Jones, Arkansas
One Jones out, another Jones in; Marion Barber proved to be the better back once and for all and should have a starting spot guaranteed next year for the Cowboys. But as good as Barber is, Dallas still needs a back that can take it 70 yards down the field and spell Marion “The Barbarian.”

23. Pittsburgh Steelers-LB Dan Connor, Penn State
The Steelers’ linebackers are aging, and Dan Connor would be a nice fit.

24. Tennessee Titans-WR Limas Sweed, Texas
It would be quite the connection to have Vince Young tossing it up to Limas Sweed; two Texans moving on up to Tennessee.

25. Seattle Seahawks-S Reggie Smith, Oklahoma
Ever since Ken Hamlin left Seattle there has been a void in the Seahawks’ secondary. Smith is they guy to change that.

26. Jacksonville Jaguars-DE Calais Campbell, Miami (FL)
Campbell is a physical specimen and with McCray being an unrestricted free agent a replacement will most likelybe needed.

27. San Diego Chargers-WR Mario Manningham, Michigan
It certainly doesn’t hurt to have another big play wide out for Rivers to throw to.

28. Dallas Cowboys-CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Tennessee St.
Behind Newman and Henry there isn’t much to speak of in the Cowboys’ secondary.

29. San Francisco 49ers-OLB Quentin Groves, Auburn
The Niners are still trying to build up that 3-4 defense, and you can never have enough linebackers in that scheme.

30. Green Bay Packers-TE John Carlson, Notre Dame
Franks isn’t what he once was at the tight end position, and though Lee is solid it wouldn’t be a bad idea to add someone with as much potential as Carlson does.

31. New York Giants-DE Phillip Merling, Clemson
The Giants are going to Disney World and there is a chance Michael Strahan might stay there.

2008 MOCK DRAFT 2nd ROUND

32. MIAMI DOLPHINS
Gosder Cherilus OT | Boston College | Scouting Report
New coach Tony Sparano's a former offensive lineman so he'll appreciate this stud right tackle.


33. ST. LOUIS RAMS
Calais Campbell DE | Miami (FL) | Scouting Report
Leonard Little is getting older now and James Hall certainly isn't anything to write home about.


34. OAKLAND RAIDERS
James Hardy WR | Indiana | Scouting Report
JaMarcus Russell needs some weapons to work with and this guy has great size / athleticism.


35. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Patrick Lee CB | Auburn | Scouting Report
It is almost the end of the line for Ty Law and Patrick Surtain so they need a top young corner.


36. NEW YORK JETS
Carl Nicks OT | Nebraska | Scouting Report
They need a right tackle and his former coach Bill Callahan now handles the Jets offensive line.


37. ATLANTA FALCONS
Sam Baker OT | USC | Scouting Report
Wayne Gandy is finished and you could make a case for o-line being their greatest weakness.


38. BALTIMORE RAVENS
Brian Brohm QB | Louisville | Scouting Report
He could still go in the first round but the Ravens would be only too happy to select him here.


39. SAN FRANCISCO 49'ERS
Early Doucet WR | L.S.U. | Scouting Report
They desperately need offensive playmakers and this guy is a great fit for Mike Martz's system.


40. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Brandon Flowers CB | Virginia Tech | Scouting Report
They need a corner badly and this is a physical cover guy who is a perfect fit for their system.


41. BUFFALO BILLS
Fred Davis TE | USC | Scouting Report
The Bills need to give their passing game a shot in the arm and Davis is a nice receiving threat.


42. DENVER BRONCOS
Pat Sims DT | Auburn | Scouting Report
Defensive tackle has been a big problem for years so they go back to the well one more time.


43. CAROLINA PANTHERS
DaJuan Morgan S | North Carolina St. | Scouting Report
It looks like Chris Harris is the real deal but they'll still have to find an upgrade alongside him.


44. CHICAGO BEARS
Joe Flacco QB | Delaware | Scouting Report
Has all of the physical tools that you look for including a big-time arm to cut through that wind.


45. DETROIT LIONS
Jerod Mayo ILB | Tennessee | Scouting Report
Rod Marinelli is looking for a true Tampa 2 linebacker and this guy could be the next Al Wilson.


46. CINCINNATI BENGALS
Erin Henderson OLB | Maryland | Scouting Report
Cincy has four linebackers that'll be unrestricted free agents this offseason. Need I say more?


47. MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Devin Thomas WR | Michigan St. | Scouting Report
They may sign a wideout in free agency but for the time being that is a glaring need for them.



48. ATLANTA FALCONS (f/HOU)
Trevor Laws DT | Notre Dame | Scouting Report
They need a defensive tackle and this guy is productive with a fantastic motor and intangibles.


49. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Lavelle Hawkins WR | California | Scouting Report
Donovan McNabb has publicly pleaded for playmakers and this guy is a terrific vertical threat.


50 ARIZONA CARDINALS
Chris Johnson RB | East Carolina | Scouting Report
The fastest player in the '08 Draft (4.24) would provide an ideal compliment to Edgerrin James.


51. WASHINGTON REDSKINS
Tracy Porter CB | Indiana | Scouting Report
Carlos Rogers is coming off a knee injury, Shawn Springs might be cut and the depth is lacking.


52. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Andre Caldwell WR | Florida | Scouting Report
Joey Galloway is still productive but they will probably need to bring in a top young playmaker.


53. PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Earl Bennett WR | Vanderbilt | Scouting Report
Ben Roethlisberger wants another weapon and this guy would fit in well with Ward & Holmes.


54. TENNESSEE TITANS
Chilo Rachal OG | USC | Scouting Report
It sounds like Benji Olson may be done and Jacob Bell's going to be an unrestricted free agent.


55. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Dustin Keller TE | Purdue | Scouting Report
Marcus Pollard is merely a stop-gap and this guy is the best pass catching tight end available.


56. CLEVELAND BROWNS
Red Bryant DT | Texas A&M | Scouting Report
They need a space-eating nose tackle and at 6-4 / 318 pounds this guy can get the job done.


57. MIAMI DOLPHINS (f/SD)
Curtis Lofton ILB | Oklahoma | Scouting Report
Zach Thomas was sent packing so the Dolphins will need a thumper like this inside in their 3-4.


58. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
Donnie Avery WR | Houston | Scouting Report
Matt Jones is as good as gone, Ernest Wilford is a free agent and they need a vertical threat.


59. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
Oniel Cousins OT | U.T.E.P. | Scouting Report
Excellent athlete who has played guard as insurance for free agents Jake Scott and Ryan Lilja.


60. GREEN BAY PACKERS
John Carlson TE | Notre Dame | Scouting Report
Bubba Franks was a cap casualty so they will be searching for someone to backup Donald Lee.


61. DALLAS COWBOYS
Justin King CB | Penn St. | Scouting Report
Anthony Henry might eventually move to safety and in the meantime they need a better nickel.


62. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
Antoine Cason CB | Arizona | Scouting Report
Asante Samuel will probably bolt as a free agent so this is a playmaking corner to replace him.


63. NEW YORK GIANTS
Charles Godfrey CB | Iowa | Scouting Report
Outside of last year's top pick Aaron Ross the G-Men may not have any long-term cornerbacks.

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...

NFL TEAM NEEDS

Arizona Cardinals
Depth Chart

1. Cornerback: Eric Green and Rod Hood are nothing to write home about and Antrel Rolle could be moving to safety in the near future. If/when that happens they would be lacking both quality and depth.
2. Defensive End: Darnell Dockett is a perfect fit at defensive end in their 3-4 scheme but the Cards could still use an upgrade opposite him where Antonio Smith is, at best, merely an average NFL starter.
3. Running Back: Edgerrin James is nearing that dreaded 30 year old mark and has a lot of miles on his tires but even assuming that he can stay both healthy and productive a better backup is needed.


Atlanta Falcons

1. Quarterback: Neither Joey Harrington or Byron Leftwich are the long-term answer and even though Chris Redman played admirably late in the year this franchise needs a signal caller in the worst way.
2. Offensive Tackle: It certainly looks like Wayne Gandy's days are numbered and there is little or no depth to speak of at either tackle position, or really anywhere along the offensive line for that matter.
3. Running Back: Warrick Dunn might be finished in the ATL and for one reason or another (i.e. health/lack of a real opportunity) Jerious Norwood hasn't yet proven to be an every-down runner in the pros.




Baltimore Ravens


1. Quarterback: Even if he could manage to stay healthy the days of Steve McNair being a top signal caller are long gone. Meanwhile Kyle Boller has shown time and time again that he's not the answer.
2. Cornerback: Chris McAlister has battled injuries and Samari Rolle is getting older and he also battled injuries and a illness. Even more disturbing is their extreme lack of depth beyond those two starters.
3. Defensive Line: Trevor Pryce is still playing well but that will not last forever and there really isn't much depth to speak of behind the starters at either defensive end position or nose tackle Kelly Gregg.


Buffalo Bills


1. Wide Receiver: This is a team in desperate need of some size at wideout. Lee Evans, Peerless Price, Roscoe Parrish & Josh Reed are all under 6-feet tall so it's time to add a big guy to complement them.
2. Tight End: Robert Royal is not going to strike fear in the hearts of many defenses, especially in the passing game, and a great way to improve a young offense that lacks explosiveness is to add a top TE
3. Cornerback: The Bills not only lost a shutdown corner when Nate Clements bolted as a free agent a year ago but their overall depth behind Terrence McGee also took a major hit so they could use help.


Carolina Panthers


1. Offensive Tackle: Both Jordan Gross and Travelle Wharton are set to become unrestricted free agents and odds are at least one of them will not be back in '08 so they'll be in the market for a starter.
2. Safety: Chris Harris turned out to be a steal and is solid at one spot but Deke Cooper is more of a backup and could be upgraded. There really isn't a whole lot of depth to speak of at safety either...
3. Quarterback: Jake Delhomme is coming off a serious injury and had been on shaky ground before that. Meanwhile David Carr was a huge flop and Matt Moore is still unproven and more of a #2 or 3.


Chicago Bears


1. Quarterback: Is there any doubt that this is #1? For years now the Bears have had issues under center and it may have cost them a Super Bowl. It's time to find a long-term solution once and for all.
2. Offensive Tackle: Fred Miller has played his last down in a Bears uniform so a starter is needed at right tackle and with John Tait also getting up there in years depth is going to become an issue as well.
3. Offensive Guard: Reuben Brown's seen better days and is a free agent so unless they are real confident that either Terrence Metcalf or Josh Beekman can start at left guard they have a major problem.


Cincinnati Bengals


1. Defensive Tackle: Domata Peko's developed into a solid starter and is still improving but John Thornton's best days are behind him and the same can be said for their top backup Bryan Robinson too.
2. Outside Linebacker: Landon Johnson, Caleb Miller, Dhani Jones and Lemar Marshall are all set to become unrestricted free agents this offseason. That's four free agent linebackers. Need I say more?
3. Defensive End: Robert Geathers has really been a nice surprise and is entrenched on one side but franchise player Justin Smith is a free agent and it looks as though he'll be allowed to leave this time.


Cleveland Browns


1. Defensive Tackle: One of the keys to any good 3-4 defense is a top nose tackle in the middle and the Browns don't have one unless you want to count 39-year-old Ted Washington, who's a free agent.
2. Defensive End: They have some solid guys like Robaire & Shaun Smith and Orpheus Roye but still lack a difference maker and Romeo Crennel is still looking for his very own version of Richard Seymour.
3. Outside Linebacker: Kamerion Wimbley is one of the best pass rushing linebackers in the league but Willie McGinest is nearing the end of the line and it's probably time to start grooming a successor.





Dallas Cowboys


1. Cornerback: Jacques Reeves was picked on often in 2007 and is a free agent to boot. At the absolute least Dallas needs an upgrade in the nickel that they can groom to eventually start down the line.
2. Wide Receiver: Patrick Crayton emerged and he was locked up long-term but Terrell Owens is getting older and Terry Glenn may be just about finished so they could use a young, speedy deep threat.
3. Running Back: Julius Jones is a free agent who is not expected back and even though Marion Barber will do fine as the starter he is unproven to a degree and they need someone to complement him.


Denver Broncos


1. Defensive Tackle: The Sam Adams experiment was a huge bust and to say that there is almost nothing beyond last years 4th round pick Marcus Thomas would likely qualify as a major understatement.
2. Safety: John Lynch is nearing the end of his great career and he will have to be replaced soon. Meanwhile neither Hamza Abdullah or Nick Ferguson have proved that they are the answer alongside him.
3. Offensive Tackle: With the somewhat unexpected retirement of Matt Lepsis left tackle could be a concern if Ryan Harris is not up to the job. Even if he is though depth now becomes a problem as well.


Detroit Lions


1. Cornerback: After you get past Fernando Bryant there might not be another starting-caliber corner on the roster so after using early round picks on safeties in recent years it is time to find a cover guy.
2. Offensive Tackle: George Foster was a massive disappointment and things got so bad that Damien Woody, a natural guard / center, was actually seeing action at right tackle by the end of the season.
3. Tight End: Dan Campbell would be okay in a backup role but as a starter he leaves something to be desired so they should be in the market for someone who can be more of weapon in the pass game.


Green Bay Packers


1. Cornerback: Al Harris and Charles Woodson are about as good of a starting duo as there is in the league but there is essentially nothing behind them and that lack of depth is a pretty major issue.
2. Safety: Despite investing a number of draft picks on the position in recent years they still have issues alongside Nick Collins and the fact that Atari Bigby was starting for them in 2007 speaks volumes.
3. Linebacker: Nick Barnett and A.J. Hawk are two of the very best youngsters at their positions but Brady Poppinga is merely average on the strongside and there really isn't too much depth to speak of.


Houston Texans


1. Safety: This team hasn't had a top safety since its inception and now it looks like Von Hutchins, Will Demps, Michael Boulware, Glenn Earl and Jason Simmons are all set to hit the market this off-season.
2. Cornerback: Dunta Robinson is coming off a career-threatening injury and won't be ready for the start of the '08 season and even when he does come back their lack of depth will still be a problem.
3. Offensive Tackle: From the broken record department: Houston still doesn't have a stud left tackle and you have to think they will eventually want to address that long-standing problem. You'd think.


Indianapolis Colts


1. Offensive Guard: Both Ryan Lilja and Jake Scott are free agents and it looks like at least one of them, if not both, will be allowed to leave so if nothing else the depth is gonna need to be replenished.
2. Linebacker: As expected Freddy Keiaho stepped in for Cato June and Indy didn't miss a beat but they could probably use an upgrade on the other side and their overall depth is still pretty questionable.
3. Defensive End: Dwight Freeney's season-ending injury exposed their lack of depth to a degree so after fortifying the middle with Ed Johnson & Quinn Pitcock last year it is time to do the same outside.


Jacksonville Jaguars


1. Defensive End: Bobby McCray is going to be an unrestricted free agent and probably won't be brought back while Reggie Hayward is still trying to regain his pre-injury form so a pass rusher is needed.
2. Wide Receiver: It appears as though charter member of Jack Del Rio's doghouse Matt Jones' days in Jacksonville are numbered and Ernest Wilford is also a free agent so they have issues at wideout.
3. Safety: After selecting Reggie Nelson in round one last year they are set at free safety but Gerald Sensabaugh is more than likely not the answer alongside him while Sammy Knight was just a stop-gap.


Kansas City Chiefs


1. Offensive Line: What had been a team strength for many years has now become their greatest weakness. It's not easy to replace guys like Willie Roaf and Will Shields and they certainly proved that.
2. Cornerback: Both Ty Law and Patrick Surtain are really beginning to show signs of their advanced age and undrafted free agents like Benny Sapp, Tyron Brackenridge & Dimitri Patterson provide depth.
3. Wide Receiver: It looks like they definitely found a keeper with Dwayne Bowe a year ago but Eddie Kennison has seen better days and to say that they lack depth would be quite the understatement.


Miami Dolphins


1. Defensive Tackle: Keith Traylor was released and neither Steve Fifita or Paul Soliai will be the long-term answer so they will have to find someone to handle that critical nose tackle position in their 3-4.
2. Inside Linebacker: Zach Thomas is now winding down toward the end of his career and will be 35-years-old next season but even if that weren't the case he's a bad fit for a "Parcells Style" defense.
3. Offensive Tackle: Left tackle Vernon Carey is better suited to be playing on the other side and his best fit might even be inside while L.J. Shelton and his top backup at right tackle were shown the door.


Minnesota Vikings


1. Wide Receiver: It looks like they have found at least one keeper in Sidney Rice but Bobby Wade would be better as a #3 option and Troy Williamson will likely be playing for someone else next season.
2. Defensive End: Erasmus James has been a big bust and Kenechi Udeze is solid but nothing special so despite using two #1 picks on defensive ends they are still in search of a true impact pass rusher.
3. Safety: He may be getting up there in years yet Darren Sharper is still solid but Dwight Smith keeps getting into off-the-field trouble and both backups, Mike Doss and Tank Williams, will be free agents.


New England Patriots


1. Linebacker: Tedy Bruschi and Junior Seau could both be riding off into the sunset. Meanwhile all of their starting linebackers are at least 30-years-old and there is really no quality depth to speak of.
2. Cornerback: Asante Samuel will be a unrestricted free agent and cannot be franchised so unless the Patriots are willing to give him a $80+ million contract (don't count on it) he is more than likely gone.
3. Offensive Tackle: Matt Light is solid at left tackle but certainly not special while Nick Kaczur has been just a marginal starter in the NFL and was exposed at times throughout the season and playoffs.


New Orleans Saints


1. Cornerback: For years this position has been an issue yet they refuse to address it. The signing of Jason David didn't work out as planned so they still need to bring in help opposite Mike McKenzie.
2. Middle Linebacker: Mark Simoneau is just average at best and word has it that the Saints were getting ready to take AJ Hawk with the #2 overall pick back in 06 before Reggie Bush fell into their laps.
3. Defensive Tackle: Brian Young, Hollis Thomas & Kendrick Clancy are all okay but there is not an impact player among them and it is probably time to bring in a difference maker in the middle of the line.


New York Giants


1. Outside Linebacker: Kawika Mitchell was just a stop-gap and he's a free agent again while the Mathias Kiwanuka experiment is still up in the air and he may even be moving back to defensive end.
2. Cornerback: Aaron Ross is a keeper but Sam Madison and R.W. McQuarters are nearing the end of their career and even though he showed improvement Corey Webster's still somewhat of an enigma.
3. Safety: Gibril Wilson is a free agent, James Butler blew a lot of assignments last year and they basically just have a bunch of late rounds picks and undrafted free agents littering their depth chart.


New York Jets


1. Nose Tackle: Dewayne Robertson has done an admirable job but he has been playing out of position at nose tackle in a 3-4 so they're going to have to add a run stuffer in the middle of the "D".
2. Outside Linebacker: Bryan Thomas took a step backwards in '07 and Victor Hobson is a free agent who isn't expected back so they need to bring in a true stud pass rusher to be their Willie McGinest.
3. Offensive Line: Anthony Clement is just an average starter at right tackle and they really had nothing but trouble at left guard since trading away Pete Kendall following an ugly contract dispute.


Oakland Raiders


1. Defensive Tackle: Terdell Sands failed to live up to expectations after signing a new contract and now that Warren Sapp has retired this position has become just that much more of a pressing concern.
2. Offensive Tackle: Barry Sims was okay and Mario Henderson is the future on the left side but Cornell Green is a free agent and the team was most likely going to be searching for an upgrade anyway.
3. Running Back: It sure looks like both LaMont Jordan and Dominic Rhodes might be shown the door this offseason and even though he played really well down the stretch Justin Fargas is a free agent.


Philadelphia Eagles


1. Cornerback: Lito Sheppard and Sheldon Brown are a very solid set of starters but there's no depth to speak of since they're pretty down on William James so an infusion of young talent is necessary.
2. Wide Receiver: Reggie Brown's a nice #2 target but Kevin Curtis is probably better suited for a #3 role like he played with the Rams. They can get by with this group but they could also use a stud #1.
3. Offensive Line: William Thomas and Jon Runyan are nearing the end of the road and after his disastrous performance against Osi Umenyiora this season who knows if Winston Justice is still a factor.


Pittsburgh Steelers


1. Offensive Guard: Alan Faneca is one of the best in the business but he's an unrestricted free agent and it doesn't look like he will be back next season since their contract negotiations have been rocky.
2. Offensive Tackle: Willie Colon was okay in his first year at right tackle but he may be a better fit inside. Meanwhile Max Starks is an unrestricted free agent and Marvel Smith could bolt next offseason.
3. Defensive Back: If Anthony Smith isn't the long-term answer at free safety then that is a problem area and they could probably use a top cornerback as well since Ike Taylor has disappointed at times.


San Diego Chargers


1. Safety: Marlon McCree has been a disappointment and won't be back in 2008 and Clinton Hart is more of a backup so they'll have to bring in someone to team with Eric Weddle next year and beyond.
2. Defensive Line: They are fine when it comes to the starters but Luis Castillo has had a lot of trouble staying healthy and there is no depth behind Jamal Williams so if he gets hurt they're in big trouble.
3. Offensive Line: Right tackle Shane Olivea took a step backwards in 2007 and was actually benched for Jeromey Clary, who is not the answer, and right guard Mike Goff won't be around for much longer.


San Francisco 49'ers


1. Wide Receiver: Darrell Jackson didn't live up to all of those high expectations, Ashley Lelie was basically a non-factor and 3rd round pick Jason Hill played in just five games and caught one ball all year.
2. Defensive Line: The great Bryant Young has hung up his cleats and now they don't really have a standout at either defensive end or tackle, which could definitely spell trouble in a scheme like theirs.
3. Outside Linebacker: Manny Lawson is still coming along but Tully Banta-Cain did not have nearly the type of impact they anticipated after signing on as a free agent and another pass rusher is needed.


Seattle Seahawks


1. Tight End: Marcus Pollard is a free agent but he was just a stop gap anyway so they will need to bring in someone who can be an effective blocker as well as a dynamic weapon in the passing game.
2. Running Back: Shaun Alexander might never be the same again and Maurice Morris is merely a backup so it is probably time to look towards the future, like they did in '00 when they chose Alexander.
3. Offensive Line: Right tackle Sean Locklear is set to hit the open market and Ray Willis may not be ready to replace him. Right guard Chris Gray is going to be 38-years-old and he may be done as well.




St. Louis Rams


1. Defensive End: Leonard Little will turn 34-years-old during the '08 season and he is starting to wear down while James Hall is just a average starter and can certainly be upgraded on the other side.
2. Offensive Line: Two years in a row now Orlando Pace has gone down with season-ending injuries, Alex Barron is best suited for the right side and there are still a ton of question marks on the interior.
3. Wide Receiver: Isaac Bruce can't play forever so it's time to start building some quality depth beyond Torry Holt and Drew Bennett for the day that he leaves, which will likely be sooner rather than later.


Tampa Bay Buccaneers


1. Defensive Tackle: The days of Warren Sapp & Booger McFarland wreaking havoc in the middle are long gone and now they've been replaced by Chris Hovan & Jovan Haye. It just isn't quite the same.
2. Wide Receiver: Joey Galloway is still pretty productive but he is going to be 37-years-old next season and beyond him there is not too much to get excited about. Sorry Ike Hilliard and Maurice Stovall.
3. Cornerback: Ronde Barber is not getting any younger, Brian Kelly is going to be a unrestricted free agent and there is no depth outside of Phillip Buchanon so it's high time for an infusion of youth.


Tennessee Titans


1. Wide Receiver: They have used quite a few mid-round picks on wideouts in recent drafts but the results have been mixed (at best) so it is probably time to finally give Vince Young that true #1 target.
2. Defensive Line: Both Antwan Odom and Travis LaBoy are free agents at end and Albert Haynesworth might hit the open market as well but even if he is re-signed they still need some depth inside.
3. Tight End: Ben Troupe is going to hit the open market and might not be brought back, which leaves only Bo Scaife and he's more of an H-Back. At the absolute least they'll have to bring in some depth.


Washington Redskins


1. Defensive End: Andre Carter has turned out to be a real good free agent signing and he's racking up sacks but Phillip Daniels is 35 years old and there is basically little or no quality depth to speak of.
2. Wide Receivers: Starters Santana Moss and Antwaan Randle El are both listed at under 5-10 so it might be a good idea to bring in a bigger, more physical wideout to play alongside/complement them.
3. Defensive Back: Shawn Springs may be a cap casualty which will create depth issues at cornerback while the unfortunate and tragic death of Pro Bowler Sean Taylor created some questions at safety.

2008 MOCK DRAFT

1. Miami Dolphins
Chris Long
DE, Virginia It wouldn't be a shock to see the Dolphins go with a quarterback because their new decision-makers, led by Bill Parcells, could easily decide they need someone better than John Beck. But is that someone Boston College's Matt Ryan, the presumptive top quarterback in the draft? For now, that's not entirely clear because Ryan didn't throw at the NFL Scouting Combine or play in the Senior Bowl. In the meantime, Long looks to be as safe as any player who could be chosen in this spot. He's one of the most complete and NFL-ready defensive ends to emerge from the college ranks. He had a tremendous performance at the combine. He also has extremely high character.

Previous mock pick: Chris Long




2. St. Louis Rams
Jake Long
OT, Michigan After last year's 3-13 finish, the Rams have plenty of holes to fill. If the Dolphins pass on Chris Long, the Rams might very well grab him here. Otherwise, they figure to address their biggest problem area, the offensive line, which lost three starters (including tackle Orlando Pace) to season-ending injuries in 2007. Jake Long could very well be this year's Joe Thomas, who made the Pro Bowl as a rookie. Long had a dominant collegiate career. He has an excellent combination of size, strength, and athleticism, all of which resulted in a highly impressive showing at the combine.

Previous mock pick: Jake Long




3. Atlanta Falcons
Glenn Dorsey
DT, LSU The Falcons need a quarterback, but this seems far too high to select anyone at the position in this draft. Dorsey's dominance should go a long way in allowing Mike Smith's defense-first mentality take hold. First, though, the Falcons will need to be satisfied that there are no lingering problems with Dorsey's tibia stress fracture that he said dates back to the summer of his junior season.

Previous mock pick: Matt Ryan




4. Oakland Raiders
Darren McFadden
RB, Arkansas McFadden is probably the best player in the draft. Although the Raiders would have to take a long look at Dorsey if he were still available, they would have a hard time resisting an infusion of McFadden's world-class speed and game-breaking skills.

Previous mock pick: Glenn Dorsey




5. Kansas City Chiefs
Ryan Clady
OT, Boise State The Chiefs could easily go with Matt Ryan, if he's available, but they insist they are happy with incumbent starter Brodie Croyle and expect him to make major strides with new offensive coordinator Chan Gailey. They are desperate for help on the offensive line and at cornerback.

Previous mock pick: Aqib Talib




6. New York Jets
Vernon Gholston
DE, Ohio State Eric Mangini is desperate to put some teeth into his pass rush. Gholston, an exceptionally talented and versatile defensive end who had 22 ½ sacks for the Buckeyes the past two seasons, should fill nicely into the Jets' front.

Previous mock pick: Darren McFadden




7. New England Patriots (From San Francisco)
Leodis McKelvin
CB, Troy After losing Asante Samuel and Randall Gay, the Patriots have little choice but to rebuild themselves at cornerback.

Previous mock pick: Quentin Groves




8. Baltimore Ravens
Matt Ryan
QB, Boston College This could be a reach, although the Ravens do need to a quarterback to lead them in the post-Brian Billick era. Cornerback also is a distinct possibility here.

Previous mock pick: Mike Jenkins




9. Cincinnati Bengals
Sedrick Ellis
DT, USC Ellis adds a big, strong, athletic force that the middle of the Bengals' defense needs.

Previous mock pick: Vernon Gholston




10. New Orleans Saints
Dominique
Rodgers-Cromartie
CB, Tennessee St. Rodgers-Cromartie's monster performance at the combine has caused his draft stock to soar, and the Saints just might be willing to take a little bit of a gamble on this small-college prospect. It also doesn't hurt that he is a cousin to one of the best corners in the NFL, Antonio Cromartie.

Previous mock pick: Keith Rivers




11. Buffalo Bills
Malcolm Kelly
WR, Oklahoma The Bills need a big, athletic complement to Lee Evans. Although a quadriceps injury prevented the 6-foot-4 Kelly from participating in combine drills, he looks to be the right choice to help bring much-needed improvement for their passing game.

Previous mock pick: Malcolm Kelly




12. Denver Broncos
Chris Williams
OT, Vanderbilt The Broncos' offseason shopping addressed a variety of defensive needs and wide receiver. That would seem to make offensive tackle an obvious spot for this pick. And who better to protect Jay Cutler's blind side than the man who once did so for him in college?

Previous mock pick: DeSean Jackson




13. Carolina Panthers
Keith Rivers
LB, USC The Panthers would be happy to fill a crying need with one of the better tackles in a draft that has exceptional depth at the position.

Previous mock pick: Ryan Clady




14. Chicago Bears
Jeff Otah
OT, Pittsburgh Otah's skills are a little raw, but he has excellent size (6-5, 339 pounds) and athletic ability.

Previous mock pick: Chris Williams




15. Detroit Lions
Mike Jenkins
CB, South Florida Picking up Leigh Bodden from Cleveland was a first step in fixing the Lions' cornerback problems. Adding Jenkins is another one.

Previous mock pick: Jeff Otah




16. Arizona Cardinals
Rashard Mendenhall
RB, Illinois The Cardinals need a big-play running back to consistently provide the balance Ken Wisenhunt wants to incorporate in his offense. Edgerrin James, 29, is getting too old to be that player anymore.

Previous mock pick: Rashard Mendenhall




17. Minnesota Vikings
Derrick Harvey
DE, Florida With Erasmus James still bothered by knee trouble and Kenechi Udeze undergoing treatment for leukemia, the Vikings need an edge rusher who can make an immediate impact.

Previous mock pick: Derrick Harvey




18. Houston Texans
Jonathan Stewart
RB, Oregon The Texans need a feature running back, and Stewart should fit that role nicely.

Previous mock pick: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie




19. Philadelphia Eagles
Kenny Phillips
S, Miami Phillips' athleticism and ability to be as effective against the run as he is in coverage make him a nice complement to Brian Dawkins.

Previous mock pick: Kenny Phillips




20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DeSean Jackson
WR, California The Buccaneers need playmakers, and Jackson gives them a good one. They also could use some help for their offensive line, but Jon Gruden is likely to go with a receiver first.

Previous mock pick: Mario Manningham




21. Washington Redskins
Calais Campbell
DE, Miami The Redskins want an infusion of youth on their defensive line. Campbell, who is entering the draft as a junior, figures to provide plenty of explosiveness as a pass rusher.

Previous mock pick: Calais Campbell




22. Dallas Cowboys (From Cleveland)
Justin King
CB, Penn State King's speed and athleticism provide a very workable foundation for the Cowboys to utilize at a position of need.

Previous mock pick: Leodis McKelvin




23. Pittsburgh Steelers
Branden Albert
G, Virginia Not a whole lot to analyze here. Alan Faneca is gone, so the Steelers replace him with another player who fits their big, physical prototype for an offensive lineman.

Previous mock pick: Branden Albert



24. Tennessee Titans
Limas Sweed
WR, Texas The Titans want to give quarterback Vince Young more weapons, and his former Longhorn teammate would give him a big, athletic target.

Previous mock pick: Limas Sweed



25. Seattle Seahawks
Devin Thomas
WR, Michigan State The acquisition of Julius Jones takes care of the Seahawks' running back need. Now, they can focus on getting another high-impact target for Matt Hasselbeck.

Previous mock pick: Jonathan Stewart




26. Jacksonville Jaguars
Phillip Merling
DE, Clemson Merling is more of a complete end than his former college teammate, Tampa Bay's Gaines Adams, but he should give the Jaguars' pass rush a much-needed boost.

Previous mock pick: Phillip Merling




27. San Diego Chargers
Brandon Flowers
CB, Virginia Tech It will be difficult to fill needs this low in the draft because the risk of reaching figures to be so much greater. But the Chargers would seem to be making a solid choice with Flowers.

Previous mock pick: Gosder Cherilus




28. Dallas Cowboys
Felix Jones
RB, Arkansas Jones might not be the Arkansas running back the Cowboys hoped to get, but trading up to land McFadden is too costly, both in terms of draft picks and guaranteed dollars for the more prominent Razorback. The Cowboys won't be disappointed with the other one, though. He should make an immediate impact as a runner and pass-catcher.

Previous mock pick: Felix Jones



29. San Francisco 49ers (From Indianapolis)
Gosder Cherilus
OT, Boston College Cherilus' draft stock has been climbing steadily since his impressive performance in the Senior Bowl, where the 49ers' coaches saw him first-hand.

Previous mock pick: Devin Thomas >




30. Green Bay Packers
Jerod Mayo
LB, Tennessee The Packers are likely to use this pick to address the team's future rather than trying to fill an immediate need. They could easily go with an offensive tackle if a good one happens to fall this far. Linebacker and cornerback are also possibilities.

Previous mock pick: Fred Davis




31. New York Giants
Dan Connor
OLB, Penn State The Giants would like to move outside linebacker Mathias Kiwanuka back to defensive end, his natural position. Connor would allow them to do so while adding a smart, hard-working, competitive player Tom Coughlin loves on his team.

Previous mock pick: Dan Connor