2008 NFL Mock Draft v1.0

There are several facets of the NFL Draft for the upcoming year that have yet to be finalized before a realistic mock can be provided.

One decision may wreck many mocks this off-season, and that is Bill Parcells and his decision whether or not to go with his #1 pick, or engage other teams for a trade that garners him multiple draft picks later in the draft.

Aside from Parcells and that pick, there are a number of players who might opt to come out early from college and likely create additional havoc with my entire mock. Rey Mauluaga of USC is one such player. He is as yet undecided, but EVERYONE would want this guy on their team. He is an absolute beast.

But in the interim, and ahead of the final two rounds of the NFL playoffs, here is my initial mock draft for 2008. There will be plenty of changes to come, especially when you note the absence of quarterbacks in the first round of my first mock.



1. Dallas -Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas

A sweetheart deal consumated between Parcells and Jerry Jones allows the 'Boys to snatch Darrell McFadden before anyone else, while giving Parcells the two first round picks from Dallas and other considerations later this draft or next. What's more, those two first rounders could then be parlayed into two possible trade-downs that allow the Tuna and Fish to go deep into the draft and fill many holes immediately.

Also worth considering: Glen Dorsey, DT, LSU

2. St. Louis - Jake Long, OT, Michigan

The Rams still have a powerful offense, but need help along the offensive line as Orlando Pace suffered injuries that kept hiim out of too many games, and that affected the running game. That in turn affected the offensive balance. Securing the O-line helps turn that around, and the Rams focus on the defense for most of the remainder of this draft.

Also worth considering: Chris Long, DE, Virginia

3. Atlanta Falcons - Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College

Unless owner Arthur Blank decides he will dismantle the entire team and build over, the pick is most assuredly a quarterback. And considering the absolutely dismal way he is going about his hiring of a new GM and coach, it seems Blank has this franchise in dire straits. IT almost doesn't matter who is their first pick, because the front-office is in just as bad a shape as the team. Why would Blank keep Rich McKay around, demoting him from GM? Makes little sense. But I digress.

Fundamentally and technically, there is no better QB in the current crop coming out than Matt Ryan. There is a slight chance that, depending on who Blank brings in as GM and coach, the Falcons trade down.

4. Oakland Raiders - Chris Long, DE, Virginia

Just seems like the right fit. The defense has been tough but seemed to slip just a little this year. They will need to find a replacement for the retiring Warren Sapp, but Al Davis and the Raiders couldn't do much better than Chris Long. He certainly is not the "turn the corner" franchise pick, but makes their defense even more formidable than it is currently and for a long time.

Also worth considering: Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State

5. Kansas City Chiefs - Glen Dorsey, DT, LSU

It's the best player available and they can't pass him up. The Chiefs have some more pressing needs, but this allows them to keep games close on defense while bring along a younger, less experienced offensive line and quarterback. They will target the lineman in the coming rounds while looking at the wideout position as well.

Also worth considering: Malcom Jenkins, CB, Ohio State


6. N.Y. Jets - James Laurnaitis, MLB, Ohio State

The Jet faithful are now nearly in a full panic mode as they see McFadden gone. However, it could help bolster the LB corps and the defense. The Jets have so many varied needs that they'll go for who they consider is the best available athlete.

Also worth considering: Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC

7. NE Patriots (from SF) - Derrick Harvey, LB, Florida

The Patriots need to replace their linebackers that have gone just about as far as they can. Since the Jets snagged their probable top LB pick, they take a versatile "tweener" in Junior early-out prospect Derrick Harvey from Florida. His knowledge and skills in the 3-4 is a plus, not to mention his size and speed. At 6-4 he can disrupt the opposing offense with a pass rush and his blocking of passes, and can still drop back in the middle to cover against the pass.

Also worth considering: Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State

8. Baltimore Ravens - Ryan Clady, OT, Boise St.

This is tough for me. The Ravens need a future QB, but I'm not too certain that Woodson or Brohm are the QB's needed to place your hopes on. And I'm not to certain a new coach wants to bet his career on one either. The strength is their defense and they can use help in the secondary with a quick, hard-hitting CB. There are potential FA quarterbacks out there and Troy Smith didn't look too bad in the games he started. And since a new coach has a few years to work with, he may opt to wait one year and see what transpires at quarterback. To do all of that, he needs to reinforce the offensive line.

Also worth considering: DeSean Jackson, WR, Cal

9. Cincinnati Bengals - Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC

The entire defense needs work and they might as well start in the middle of the D-line and work their way back. Ellis is quick and creates disruption up the middle and into the backfield. Anchoring the D-line and working into the LB corps in the next two rounds should be the route the Bengals take.

Also worth considering: Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State


10. New Orleans Saints - Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio St.

This will be the selection that could begin to turn the franchise into serious contenders for years. The offense is nearly 100% tricked out. The defense has gaping holes. This will give them a versatile player who can rush off the edge, or drop back to help as an extra backer. Other than a top corner, this pick is an absolute must if the Saints have a shot at Gholston.

Also worth considering: If Gholston is available? No one. If not, Kenny Phillips, S, Miami

11. Buffalo Bills - Malcom Kelly, WR, Oklahoma

The Bills need defensive players, but they also need a big wideout on the outside to take pressure of Lee Evans and give the QB the ability to stretch the opposing defenses. They also need a WR with good size to help snag those jump balls in the red zone. Combine this with the running of Lynch, and it could set the Bills up for a very potent offense and allow their own defense to get more rest between series.

Also worth considering: Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas


12. Denver Broncos - Kenny Phillips, S, Miami

The Broncos could go in one of many directions in this position. They need some added depth at offensive line, the tackle position on defense, the secondary and even wide receiver. With Rod Smith retiring and Javon Walker yapping about wanting to be traded, the receiver position just might supplant the need for a defensive pick.

Also worth considering: Adarius Bowman, WR, Oklahoma State


13. Carolina Panthers - Sam Baker, OT, USC

There are developments with regard to the ability of Jake DelHomme to return and be productive that will ultimately impact how Carolina uses this selection. Assuming Jake is back and able to play, this pick by the Panthers could be used to pick up someone who can excel at zone blocking run by the Carolina offensive line.

Also worth considering: Lawrence Jackson, DE, USC


14. Chicago Bears - Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon

The Bears drafting QB's is like a person mired in quicksand. The more they move around to get in a better position, the further they sink. They have a valuable full-time backup and "manager" in Kyle Orton. He's not Peyton Manning or Tony Romo, but he can give them enough consistency and stability short term to allow Chicago to focus on what really is ailing them: a running game. The Bears screwed up royally letting Thomas Jones go a year ago, and they MUST have a running game, not another unproven rookie QB.

Also worth considering: Chris Johnson, RB, East Carolina



15. Detroit Lions - Calais Campbell, DE, Miami

If the Lions could just stop someone through the air, and get more pressure on the opposing QB, Jon Kitna may not have to throw the rock 55+ times a game. Which keeps him from throwing the attendant 4 interceptions. Calais Campbell - or even Quentin Groves here - could provide that help. Or at least get them started in the right direction. Lord knows they can't draft another wide receiver. Can they?

Also worth considering: Reggie Smith, CB, Oklahoma


16. Arizona Cardinals - Lawrence Jackson, DE, USC

The Cards are pretty stout against the run on defense, but they need to get better in the secondary and it would be a huge shot in the arm to also increase pressure off the edge at DE. Best athlete available here, with Arizona filling the opposite need next round. There is also the possibility the do a pick and trade with someone else down the line.

Also worth considering: Quentin Groves, DE, Auburn


17. Minnesota Vikings - DeSean Jackson, WR, California

The Vikes are primed to make a run at several division titles in the NFC North. In the first round I think the question will come down to whether they'd be better off finalizing their defense with a monster at DE, or to go with a speedy wideout who can catch the ball. They had good production from Sidney Rice after he became comfortable with the offense, and another young, explosive wideout could have this offense set for years. Both are critical and there are quite a few good wideouts available, although it's not a lock that Jackson is still here at this point in the draft.

Also worth considering: Devin Thomas,WR, Michigan State


18. Houston Texans - Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas

One of three available RB's will most surely get nabbed by Houston. They need a runner as Ron Dayne and Ahman Green proved not to be the answer. With a solid running attack and help on the offensive line, the Texans could become extremely difficult to handle. Defensively they are already making great strides, and with both Matt Schaub and Sage Rosenfel giving Houston excellent depth at QB, this draft could prove to be the one that gets them into serious playoff contention.

Also worth considering: Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt



19. Philadelphia Eagles - Keith Rivers, LB, USC

Before anyone asks, no, Donovan McNabb isn't going anywhere. The Eagles have to shore up the middle of their defense, but are also going to target a wideout in the early rounds. With Bowman and Jackson both gone at this point, they need to go with the best available at a needed position. Rivers should help in that area right away as a guy with a non-stop motor and one who can fly sideline to sideline.

Also worth considering: Early Doucet, WR, LSU



20-Tampa Bay - Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan St.

The Bucs need added firepower in the receiving corps and Devin Thomas will make a solid impact. He's tough, sturdy, doesn't mind getting dirty and has good hands. Could be the sleeper of all the wideouts coming out of college this year.

Also worth considering: Eric Henderson, LB, Maryland


21. Washington Redskins - Mike Jenkins, CB, Ohio State

With the loss of Shawn Taylor, the Redskins need to replenish their depth in the secondary. They also need a serious pass rushing defensive end. With no one really available at this pick in the latter area, they go with Jenkins, enabling the Skins to be able to shift around the secondary.

Also worth considering: Limas Sweed, WR, Texas

22. Miami Dolphins (from Dallas via Cleveland) - Trades down

Here is the first of two potential picks that Bill Parcells and the Dolphins will look to trade away in order to pick up multiple draft choices in later rounds. Perhaps from a team like Minnesota who has a 2nd round pick and two third round selections, but wants to move up to target someone they feel adds immediate value.

23. Pittsburgh Steelers - Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh

Local collegian for the Panthers stays in the area and fills an immediate need for the Steelers. Alan Faneca will not be back and Marvel Smith has had problems. Will the Steelers move him to the left side and help keep Big Ben from being blindsided, or help clear holes inside for Parker and Davenport? This pick may resolve those questions.

Also worth considering: Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi


24. Tennessee Titans - Limas Sweed, WR, Texas

The Titans need am explosive wideout that gives Young more targets and keeps defenses from stacking the box against the run. Conventional wisdom has it that Limas Sweed is reunited with Vince Young and becomes his "go-to" receiver. Depending on what Coach Fisher decides upon review of the combine results in Indy, he might opt to with Early Doucet or Sweed.

Also worth considering: Early Doucet, WR, LSU



25. Seattle Seahawks - Fred Davis, TE, USC

The Hawks need a young TE that can give Hasslebeck more weapons to choose from. Aside from the offensive line, there is no extremely glaring weakness on this team. Marcus Pollard has filled in admirably, but the Seahawks need a TE that can also be a threat downfield. Having Pollard act as tutor through his rookie season would be incredibly helpful and allow Seattle to increase its potential offensively.

Also worth considering: Eric Young, OG, Tennessee


26. N.Y Giants - Ali Highsmith, LB, LSU

The G-men are coming together defensively in the new scheme put together this year. But they do need to add some depth and young blood at linebacker and Ali Highsmith gives them just that.

Also worth considering: Frank Okam, DT, Texas


27. San Diego Chargers - Dan Connor, LB, Penn State

The Chargers are one of the better positioned teams in the NFL as far as needs and depth are concerned. If any one area might be able to use some depth it may be at linebacker. Shaun Phillips is a standout, but the Chargers can use some additional support for flexibility.

Also worth considering: Antoine Case, CB, Arizona



28. Jacksonville Jaguars - Early Doucet, WR, LSU

The Jaguars are a big, big team. Even their receivers. But the 6-0, 200 pound Doucet could give them the speedy slot receiver they do not have right now, thus giving defenses more to worry about. The Indianapolis combine could help determine the rise or fall of Doucet, but presently he is around a 4.4 in the 40. If he slashes some time off that he could jump tremendously. Slower, and he may fall to the second round.

Also worth considering: Shawn Crable, OLB, Michigan



29. Green Bay Packers - Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois

The Packers may get the opportunity to shrug off a selection at running back with the emergence of Ryan Grant late in the '07 season. However, the depth issue is still there. Should Green Bay consider the cupboard "half bare", they'll gladly snatch up a running back with extremely good potential.

Also worth considering: Martellus Bennett, TE, Texas A&M


30. San Francisco (from Indy) - Eric Young, OG, Tennessee

They need some immediate help on the O-Line and at wideout. They also need a pass rusher at defensive end. They look to get one of each in the in this draft and add depth on defense. They could also snag a QB and then work a trade if no one has taken Woodsen or Brohm to this point.

Also worth considering: Wallace Gilberry, DE, Alabama


31. Miami (from Dallas) Trades down



32. Forfeited by New England