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With The 7th Pick, In the 2008 NFL Draft, The New England Patriots Select ... |
Click Here For My Main Pagewith links to my Pats Draft Blog and Player Ratings.Click here for an interesting Contrasting pre-Combine look at the 2008 Mock Draft. For more Info on Pats, check out my: Patriots Draft Blog and Player Ratings. |
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Team |
My Picks: (U)- Unofficial |
Top Needs: |
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1. |
Miami |
Chris Long- DE/OLB Virginia 6-3, 275, 4.71(U)
Matt Ryan- QB BC 6-5, 230 |
F.A. Signings: Key F.A. Loses: |
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The Team: Word out of Miami is that Parcells has Chris Long as the top rated player on his board, but he sees Ryan as the top need for his team. They face a huge dilemma by not taking Ryan, and compound last years disastrous decision to not take Brady Quinn, there are no QBs around for them to grab. Rumors are a tough thing this time of the year, usually the info you gather in February is pretty accurate, but anything you hear in March and the beginning of April is bull, then in the last couple weeks leading up to the draft honest info starts to show again. Right now Parcells has all but admitted he will not take Matt Ryan. Come Proday that might change. In the end, for right now, Parcells defense needs a top pass rusher or two from the Outside to really work. Now "Open for business." Of course they are, having the Number One Pick in the draft. The Number One pick in the Draft is no longer a Bone, it's a make or break disaster waiting to happen. Two players in the NFL have received over 29 million in guarantees in the NFL. One is Payton Manning after he established himself as the best Statistical QB in the League, Brady is the best QB, period. The other? JaMarcus Russell, last years Number One Pick. The third? Whoever is taken with this pick. This pick is so cost prohibitive that if anybody in the top ten offers them their First and Second Round pick only, they should jump all over it and call it a steal. They need to get younger on defense, and are you listening Tuna, a Quarterback. The Player: Long had an absolutely great Combine, and looks like he has solidify himself as maybe the top player in the draft. Demonstrating his great combination of size, strength, and speed. Long is a terrific football player who can play D-End in a 3-4. Long looks like a great hybrid player in a 3-4, and he can play in the 4-3. Had amazing Senior season. Acquiring 14 sacks, 75 Total Tackles, and 19 TFL as a 5-Technigue D-End playing in a 3-4 is unheard of! Relentless, and I mean Relentless passrusher. In his Bowl Game against Texas Tech, Tech throw the ball 69 times! Long rushed relentlessly on nearly ever single pass, he dropped back into a coverage a few times and was on the bench for a few plays in the First Half. Amazingly, he got the most pressure in the Forth Quarter where he got his hands on Harrell at least twice and almost sacked him twice, but he lost he balance and was falling down and wasn't able to hold on. That is the definition of relentless. His coach Al Groh said (and I'm paraphrasing because I did not write the quote down), (He is) "afraid Long might wear down as a D-End in the NFL, and that his most natural position would be as a Mike Vrabel-type OLB." Oh yeah he also said, and I quote, "Clearly, there's no better player in college football than Chris Long. He performs like a star but doesn't act like a star." Sounds like a Patriot to me. First-Team All-America by the American Football Coaches Association. First-Team All-Atlantic Coast Conference. Matt Ryan has all the measurables that teams want at QB. He reminds me of Matt Hasselbeck, only he is far more advanced now then Matt was when he came out of BC. Would you take Matt Hasselbeck with this pick if he was a Rookie? He is super tough and smart. As intelligence becomes more and more important each year, I think Ryan has a shot at number one. Loves to hang out after practice and do film work with coaches, an absolute must to succeed as a QB now-a-days. His coaches and teammates rave about him. Plus I have heard Draftnic raving about the Pro-Style Coaching that Brain Brohm has received? And while he has received Pro-Style coaching, Ryan was coached by Pro Coach, Jags was Offensive Coordinator in Green Bay for three seasons. So while Brohm played in a Pro-Style Offense, Ryan played in a Pro Offense last season. He is the most NFL ready QB in this Draft. Miami will live to regret passing on Ryan. The Reason: Word out of Miami is that they will not take Ryan Number One, which explains why they are "open for business". Miami cannot move forward as a franchise without a QB of the quality of Matt Ryan to be the face of the organization. Not acquiring Ryan will be another huge mistake for this franchise that will set this franchise back years, like not taking Brady Quinn in last years draft. But with Parcells and a Defensive Coordinator as their new Head Coach, taking Long will be to much of a temptation. Second Choice: Matt Ryan QB | ||||
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2. |
Rams |
Jake Long- OT Michigan 6-7, 320 |
Key F.A. Signings:
Key F.A. Loses: |
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The Team: Their defense is a mess, in particular their D-Line. Taking Jake Long here is a HUGE temptation. I see Long as more as a RT, and he can play RT here, and step over to the Left as Pace Deteriorates. However, Dorsey is the top rated player by most everybody in this draft, and if Miami goes QB the Rams have to take him. The Player: The Reason: Little needs help. He was the only NFL caliber D-Lineman on the Rams last season. Dorsey is the top rated player in the draft. The Rams are sitting pretty, there two biggest needs are at D-Tackle and O-Tackle. They will just sit here and Dorsey or Long, whomever falls to them. Second Choice: Chris Long DE |
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3. |
Falcons |
Glenn Dorsey- DT LSU 6-2, 300 |
F.A. Signings Key F.A. Loses: |
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The Team: If there is one team that needs a QB more than Miami, it is the Falcons. If Ryan slips past Miami they will gladly gobble him up here. The question is can they take Brohm this early? With Jake Long still on the board it may be tough to take Brohm. The Player: Dorsey is not an immovable object in the middle, but he is big, quick and plays under most other players. He gets low and shots the gap as well as any D-Linemen ever has. The Reason: Falcons, even more than Miami needs to take the top rated QB in the Draft. If Draft goes as expected, and Miami takes Dorsey, then they will be sitting pretty here waiting for Ryan. Otherwise they are big trouble. Can they take Brian Brohm here? Can they work out a deal with Miami to get the top pick and secure Ryan? If Miami takes a QB, like I think they have to, then they may have to take Brohm. However, Chris Long is such a good prospect that I think they can afford to take him here, and grab Henne or Flacco in the Second Round. Second Choice: Chris Long DE |
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4. |
Raiders |
Sedric Ellis- DT USC 6-2, 292, 5.2 |
F.A. Signings: Key F.A. Loses: |
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The Team: The Raiders are a hard team to figure. They usually go with the best athlete available. When you invest nearly 30 Million in guaranteed money in a young QB, you really need to spend a few drafts getting him help so he can be in the best position to succeed. This teams future rests on JaMarcus Russell's rather strong arm. The Player: Ellis has the abilities to develop into a superior 3-technique DT. However, he played a lot of read-and-react at USC, and I think he can play in any scheme. Has exceptionally long arms that he uses exceptionally well to keep blockers of his body. The more I watch him play the more I like his game, and the more I think he can play in any scheme. Played on the Nose a lot in USC hybrid scheme, and absorbed a lot of double teams. He would often line up directly on the Center and two-gap. And, when he was unleashed he shot through the gap like a buckshot through balsawood. The Reason: Davis is known to take the fastest athlete available speed is what defines McFadden on the field. However, how would you like to replace Warren Sapp with Sed Ellis? I think that is a significant upgrade. The reason is simple, I just think Ellis really fits into this Defense well. They need a smaller 3-Technique player. Second Choice: Darren McFadden RB |
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5. |
Chiefs |
Key F.A. Signings: Key F.A. Loses: Ty Law CB |
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The Team: Chiefs must get at least one Offensive Tackle in this draft. Damion McIntosh was unimpressive. If Jake Long slides down it will be an easy pick, I love McFadden, but is there a spot for him before this pick? The Player: Monster run blocker. Huge man who makes D-Ends look small and weak. I think Long can step in at Right Tackle where he is better suited. Long has great size, strength and toughness, but I question his feet. If you can't dance you can't play LT in the NFL;-) Looks fierce, graceful, and natural when moving forward into defenders. Can block multiple players on running downs. Is the strongest run blocker in the draft. Can collapse an entire D-Line by driving the D-End into the D-Tackle. Does not look natural moving backwards, his back petal is not what one would call elegant. Loses all grace when pass blocking. Quicker then he looks, and is never off balance. Doesn't look natural when he pulls to the outside, and struggle the further out he goes. When he moves off the line straight, he is a wonder to behold. He can punch the D-End and still rush straight forward and eliminate the middle Linebacker or Safety. He is so big and strong, and when he gets his giants mitts on a defender, they are defeated. Doesn't look natural moving backwards. However, he does get back faster then it looks, there appears to be a bit of a hop in his kick-slide, and he uses his long arms and gigantic strong hands well. Only gave up 1 Sack in his super impressive Senior season. The Reason: Best player available, and the Chiefs top need. The Chiefs could actually use two OTs. Oher is a natural Left Tackle, though he may take a year or two to develop. Damion McIntosh may have to hold the fort for a season, and let Long gain experience and technique. Long has the ability to play Left or Right Tackle, but I think the speed rushes will cause him trouble. Still, he did only give up one sack last season. Second Choice: Brain Brohm QB |
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6. |
Jets |
Darren McFadden- RB/QB Arkansas 6-2, 217, 4.27(U) |
Key F.A. Signings: Key F.A. Loses: |
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The Team: The Jets fell completely apart this season. The Player: McFadden is a super fast slick RB. His instincts and intelligence are amazing. I think he is the second best player in this draft. But, I also think the comparisons to Adrian Peterson are weak. McFadden looks and runs nothing like Peterson. Peterson is shiftier and quicker, while McFadden has more straight-line speed. Plus, McFadden has injury concerns. Play with great lean and keeps his pads low when running up the middle. The Reason: The Jets need lots of help on both sides of the ball, but McFadden is the type of Back who can change an entire Offense. Plus, keeping him out of the Patriots hands is a significant bonus. Second Choice: Chris Long DE/OLB |
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7. |
Patriots |
Vernon Gholston- OLB/DE Ohio ST 6-4, 255, 4.5 |
Key F.A. Signings: Key F.A. Loses: Donte' Stallworth WR Eugene Wilson S/CB Roosevelt Colvin LB |
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The Team: This is a near impossible pick to figure out. The Pats biggest problem, is that right now this is a 6 Player Draft. There is a clear and distinct difference between the top 6 players and the next 6-7 players, and it looks like Their needs are at Linebacker and, it is appearing more and more, Cornerback. The good news is that if Assante leaves, there is good depth at the top of the Draft. The bad news is that as the price of top ten picks rises and rises, the ability to trade a top ten pick lessons and lessons. If any team, from 10 to 16 offers them a their First and their Second, they should jump all over it like a monkey on a trampoline. Taking Connor, Rivers, McKelvin or Jenkins would not be very palatable at Seven. But, trading down to 10-16 and still picking up one of the four would be a boon, especially if Connors or Rivers slips down, because I think their will be some excellent Corners taken in the Second Round: Patrick Lee, Antoine Cason, Aqib Talib, Reggie Smith, Terrell Thomas, Tracy Porter, Chevis Jackson, Simeon Castille, and Jack Ikegwuonu, all of these players have a chance to be taken in the Second Round. Having an early or early- mid Second Round pick might put you in position to grab Lee, Cason, Talib, or Smith. It will certainly put you in position to grab one of the remaining 5 Corners I just listed. So the problem remains, if they are trapped at Seven, do they take a Linebacker? I like their O-line as much as anyone, but after the O-Lines abject failure in the Super Bowl, can the Pats pass on Jake Long if he falls? I don't think they can. Longs' best position in the NFL looks to be Right Tackle, and he would fit on that line very well. However, Now that it's Combine time the pure athletes will rise, and there is no better pure athlete then Vernon Gholston. If they stick here at Seven, and none of the top Six drop to them, I believe they will take Gholston. January Opinions: I feel like an idiot doing a mock draft now! I don't know what the Patriots needs are, how can I possibly pretend to know the needs of the other 31 teams? There are too many important members of the back seven who all may be gone next season: Asante Samuel, Eugene Wilson, Junior Seau, Chad Scott, Tedy Bruschi, Randall Gay, .... Plus, Rodney Harrison, Randy Moss, and Donte' Stallworth. . The Patriots are facing several defections from key players. This pick will be decided on where these defections occur. If both Seau and Bruschi retire they will have a hard time passing on a Linebacker. We all know Belichick keeps refusing to draft Linebackers, and loves to take D-Linemen. So, If the Pats think Gholston can play OLB in their 3-4 scheme he could easily be a Patriots next season. If Assante, Gay, and Wilson are all gone then Drafting a Corner becomes more then a top priority, and you could easily see Jenkins taken by the Pats. The Player: Gholston first and foremost is a Super-freak. He is a super freaky physical specimen. Solid muscle with great size and speed. He may hop into the top five come Combine week. Where football players drop and athletic freaks rise. But he is not just a Combine freak, he has the production, attitude, and experience coach crave as well. His problem is that his best position in the NFL, right now, is Left D-End, in fact he looks to me like a bigger faster Robert Mathis. But, like Mathis, the question is can he hold the point as a Left D-End in the NFL, and like Mathis, the answer appears to be no. He excels at moving forward. Had 13 sacks to tie Vrabel's single season record, and had a Sack in his Bowl game giving him a total of 14 Sacks for the season, he also had, 37 Tackles and 15.5 TFL. Played the "Leo" position last season, similar to what McGinest used to do. He played Right Outside Linebacker in 3-4 and R-End in 4-3, and dropped back in coverage as Ohio States "Drop-End". But, he does not look natural moving backwards. Has experience moving backwards in coverage, as he was recruited as a Linebacker from High School and played the "Leo" position where he was asked to stand up and put and put his hand on the ground, but he loses his natural grace and aggressiveness whenever he is dropping back. He is not Carl Banks, though he does have some LT in him, in that, when he is moving forward towards the QB he plays with great speed, aggressiveness, and grace. When he shifted to LB, he played on both sides, but still looked more comfortable on the Left side. Has experience covering the RB out of the backfield. Doesn't look natural setting the edge, as he always wants to be attacking the QB. He keeps peeking and moving up field rather then holding the edge and preventing the RB from getting to the outside. He could really learn a lot about Run-Responsibilities from Vrabel, who sets the edge as well as any LB in the NFL. Left D-End looks like is natural position, which is important to figure out when you are talking about a Hybrid player. Blast off the line like the Space Shuttle, and soar around the Right Tackle. Plus, he has a quick inside move when the RT backs up too much. A player you want moving forward. Looks like the best athlete on the field when he is moving forward, but his natural grace and speed dissipates the more he back pedals. Has all the physical tools to play Outside Linebacker in a 3-4, but he will take more time to adjust to that position, as he does not look as comfortable when he is standing up, and appears to be thinking too much and not reacting. Second team All-American Big-10 D-Linemen of the year. Gholston is tight wired physical specimen. He will be flying up the charts as coaches and GMs see him up close. Great explosion and speed. If he runs in a sub-4.5 like some people are saying, he will be a Patriot. Already a polished passrusher. Not a great Run-Defender, but his initial burst is a wonder to behold. He blasts off the line like a rocket. Gholston will be a top seven talent come Combine time, and looks like he could be a Dwight Freeney in the making. He looks like a passrushing force waiting to attack. The Reason: I think Gholston can be the passrushing foundation for any team that takes him. In a 3-4 defense where his versatility and freakish physical gifts can be exploited to there fullest... he would be just scary! If they take him, it will force Thomas to stay Inside, and have Bruschi and Thomas (and Seau?) Inside with Vrabel, Colvin and Gholston outside. But, I think Gholston is a perennial Pro-bowler in the making, Outside, and the Pats need help inside, and Connor would be a force at Inside Linebacker on this team for a long time. For more Info on Pats, check out my: Patriots Draft Blog. Second Choice: Trade Down |
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8. |
Ravens |
Brian Brohm- QB Louisville 6-2, 223 |
Key F.A. Signings:
Key F.A. Loses: |
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The Team: The Ravens really need a QB. If Ryan or Brohm fall here they will be doing Cartwheels in the War Room. They also MUST address the O-Tackle situation this off season. With Jason Garret as the new Head Coach, they will be looking towards the Offense, his specialty. The Player: Brohm was a top five player at midseason, and has dropped a little. He is a little undersized, but seems to have everything else. Has a solid arm. But, most importantly he has the brain and the willingness to study that QBs need now-a-days. Reminds me of slightly taller Drew Brees, he gets by with accuracy and smarts. The Reason: Ryan and Brohm are gone, and I'm not a fan Woodson whose elongated delivery is so slow I just can't see him succeeding in the NFL. The constant threat of Ogden retiring has to be addressed. Second Choice: Ryan Clady OT |
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9. |
Bengals |
Keith Rivers- LB USC 6-3, 235 |
Key F.A. Signings:
Key F.A. Loses: |
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The Team: I thought there top need last season was LB and Corner, but there Corners have played better than I expected. That being said, they still needs to go defense early and often. The Player: Some like him and some don't, but he always played well when I watched him. Not always spectacular, but plays fast and consistent. May be the most athletic LB in this years Draft. How much money did he make as at the Senior Bowl? If he goes here, 2, 3 million? Great Athlete. Runs fast and plays fast. Showed good strength and toughness at Senior Bowl, which is exactly what he needed to do. Can play any Linebacker position. Very similar to Junior Seau, only he lacks some of Junior's manic intensity. Read what Offense is doing better and better, and has really improved in that aspect. Extends his arms well, to keep blocks off his body, and can shed with consistency. Made a lot of money at the Senior Bowl, where he displays his superior athleticism. Most now have him as the top Linebacker in the draft. The Reason: I think Rivers is the best athlete at the LB position in the Draft. Plus, he's the best player available on the side of the ball the the Bengals need the most help. They have the worst Linebackers in the League. For whatever reason the entire back Seven of this team has been dismantled. So a LB/DE would be a natural pick here. Second Choice: Dan Connor LB |
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10. |
Saints |
Dan Connor- LB Penn ST 6-1, 220 |
F.A. Signings: Key F.A. Loses: |
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The Team: The Saints top need appears to be at LB and Corner. The Player: Connors has great instincts, toughness, and production. If he can play in a system with big DT in front of him he could be a tackling machine. I have become a big Dan Connor fan. He is a guided missile on the field. He is faster and more physical then Paul Posluszny. He has fantastic instincts and intelligence. He is a terrific tackler, and a fantastic athlete. What sets him apart is his ability to read what the offense is doing, and break on the ball with amazing speed and accuracy. I recorded his Bowl Game, and focused in on him through the whole game. What impressed me most was a few plays. The first was a swing pass off to his left, he was lined up in the middle, read the play, swiveled his hips and exploded in a straight line to the right sideline and some how got in on the tackle, amazing speed, just a great display of great football instincts. The other, was three times in the first half, he was lined up in the middle, in his extra low stance, and right before the snap he stood up. You could see him staring into the backfield. He took a single step forward to get a better look, then turned and ran to his left like a guided missile, BEFORE the snap. Obviously, he saw something on tape, like when the RB is in his stance, and is suppose to run behind the Right Tackle, he moves his left foot forward to get a better plant, or something alone those lines, because all three times he took off before the snap and split the Right Guard and the Right Tackle and met the RB just as he tried to run through that hole, just a great display of great football intelligence. He acts with impressive decisiveness. I love the way he plants and turns and gets to full speed in one or two steps. He has great feet and hips and turns and runs like a safety, and unfortunately that is my main concern, he looks like a safety on the field. Also, while his backpedal is effective, he moves backwards in coverage with great speed, it is spastic and ugly. Instead of switching feet in a quick backpedal, he spastically hops backwards with both feet hopping up-and-down at the same time, and looks like a Mexican jumping bean. The funny part is that he gets back into position with amazing speed and quickness, and is really exceptional in coverage, it just looks horrible awkward. But (okay here's the big but), he just looks SOOOO Small on the field. I would be shock if he is over 6-1 225 pounds. I did notice when he is in his two point stance he gets very low, lower then any other player on the field. So maybe he just plays with exceptional knee bend and with an extraordinarily low base. I have already said, if he is 0ver 6-2 and over 230 pounds the Pats should take him. He showed up at the Senior Bowl at 6-2.75 and 233 pounds. I am saying right here and now he the Pats should take him. He uses great arms extension to hold off blockers, and really knows how to keep them off his body. He uses a number of moves to slip blockers. He has the speed to run around blocker as well, but he still does a good job of physically taking on blocks. He is also an excellent blitzer who knows how to find the hole and burst through it. The Reason: The Saints need help on Defense, and a Linebacker and a Corner should be there top two picks. Second Choice: Leodis McKelvin |
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11. |
Bills |
Leodis McKelvin- CB/PR Troy 5-10.5, 190 |
F.A. Signings: Key F.A. Loses: |
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The Team: Nate Clemons is gone, and nobody has come close to replacing him. They need a Corner, or a passrusher to help the secondary. And Buffalo has a long history of focusing in on a Corner and taking him in the First Round. Still, taking a LB here, might help this defense more then a Corner. The Player: The thing I like about McKelvin is that he backpedals like a panther waiting to bounce. I have never seen a more intimidating Backpedal. In fact, I have never seen an intimidating backpedal until the Senior Bowl Practices, where McKelvin was the best Defensive player on the field in practice, and yes, I watched Sed Ellis power-rush his way into the top five. I just don’t think I have ever been so impressed with a player at the Senior Bowl before. He is the best Corner I have ever seen positioning himself between the snap and the throw. He has that unique ability to see the WR, and watch the QB. And, when the QB winds up too throw to his side, he attacks the ball like a panther bouncing on a dead duck. Unfortunately, he also has hands like a panther. His complete inability to catch the ball will cause him some trouble. He should also do well at the Combine, where Corners tend to go in direct relation to their Forty times. The more I watch McKelvin, the more I think he will be a #1 in the new NFL, where touching a WR is a worse crime then Video Taping;-) He dominates the man he is covering, without ever really touching him. It is amazing to see. He backpedals so perfectly and always keeps himself in position to make a play on the ball, but rarely puts his hand on the man. Being a physical Corner in college is not necessarily a positive in the NFL. Being a Corner who can consistently completely cover a WR without any contact is worth his weight in salary cap space. Terrific man to man cover skills. Has great feet and hips. Can break on the ball quicker then anyone in this years Draft. Makes plays on EVERY ball in his area, Amazing. Seemed to be the only guy who could cover Andre Caldwell at the Senior Bowl. Plays Off-Man better then any Corner I've every seen at the Senior Bowl. But, has horrible hands. Looks like Ronnie "Stone hands" Lippet. Couldn't catch a cold in a blizzard. But, he just makes plays on every ball thrown his way. During Senior Bowl practice he must have gotten his hands on ten straight passes and didn't catch one. Has the talent to led the league in Passes Defensed, and not have a single Interception, Amazing. The Reason: The Bills have gaping hole in the Secondary that needs to be filled. But, the Secondary has played a little better then I expected. McKelvin could step in and start on this team next season. Plus, when your in the same division as the Pats, taking a CB is never a bad decision;-) Second Choice: Mike Jenkins CB |
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12. |
Broncos |
*Ryan Clady- OT Boise ST 6-5, 320 |
F.A. Signings: Key F.A. Loses: |
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The Team: I still the the Broncos top need is Linebacker, and I can't see them passing on River or Connors. I hate projecting the Broncos to take an O-Linemen in the First Round, as they tend to get by with no-name O-Linemen, but who are these guys on their O-Line? But, word out of Denver is they are concerned about the O-Line depth. They have a strong history of acquiring good O-Linemen later in the Draft, who they can turn into excellent Linemen in their system. So it's tough to give them a O-Linemen here, but Clady is just too good for them to pass on. The Players: Clady physically is as good as it gets, but he hasn't put it all together. He needs some coaching and technique work, and he could be as good as any linemen in this years draft. Has long arms and quick feet, just needs to consistently put the two together. Physically he is huge and towered over D-Ends in his conference. He has excellent feet, and there is little doubt he can play LT in NFL. The Reason: They need an Inside Linebacker so they can shift DJ Williams outside. Can they pass on Ryan Clady? Safeties are getting very old, and Phillips is the top rated player Safety in the Draft, but he is dropping like cowboy bucked-off a wild bronco. Clady is the top rated Offensive player left on the board. I don't think Clady will be able to step in at Left Tackle next season, but I think he could play Right Tackle next season as he develops. In a year or two he will be an excellent Left Tackle. Second Choice: Keith Rivers LB |
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13. |
Panthers |
*Michael Oher- OLT Mississippi 6-6, 340 |
Key F.A. Signings: Key F.A. Loses: |
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The Team: I had Safety as their top need in last years draft, and they have done nothing to disprove that opinion. However, word out of Carolina is that they are focusing on Linemen, both Defensive and Offensive. So you have to think if Oher or Clady are still on the board they will grab him. The Player: The Panthers need a young LT to help their QB. Oher will step right in at Left Tackle, though he may not be ready. He was the top high school linemen of his class. He has great feet, and can dance with any bear. Dominated verse LSU. Despite HUGE size can play low and gains leverage. He has the feet, size, and athleticism to play Left tackle in the NFL. When he is on, he destroys D-Linemen. His biggest negative is experience. Having only started two seasons in high school, and two seasons at Mississippi. The Reason: Everybody has Woodson going here. This may finally be the year to get a young QB to develop. This could be the best situation for Woodson as he would have two or three seasons to develop behind veteran QBs. However, word out of Carolina is that they are locked on drafting an O-Linemen or a D-linemen. And grabbing a LT prospect, so they can move Gross back to the right side, is a priority. Second Choice: Ryan Clady OT |
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14. |
Bears |
Andre Woodson- QB Kentucky 6-3, 225 |
F.A. Signings and Trades:
Key F.A. Loses:
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The Team: Bears must take a QB if one of the top three reach them. Otherwise they must get help for the QBs they have. Pats could be interesting trading partner here, especially if Brohm is sill on the board at 7. However, I just get the feeling they are going to take a O-Tackle here. The Pick: Has excellent size and athleticism. When he is in rhythm, he is as good as any QB in the Nation; 3-seps throw, 5-steps throw, and he is as smooth and accurate as any QB in the nation. But, when his First option is covered and he has to think, he is too slow to throw. Plus, he is not good in the pocket, and pressure up the middle disables him and destroys his accuracy. Seems to play better as the game goes on and has delivered in the clutch. I just question his delivery, which is SO slow. It is an elongated delivery that takes too long and will hurt his progress in the NFL. When he has time and an empty pocket, he can throw it deep and accurate. But, when he doesn't have time to wind up he can be wildly inaccurate. Runs hot and cold with accuracy, but usually plays better as the game goes on. I don't think he is deserving of a First Round Pick. In fact, I think I would take Flacco over him right now. He lacks natural quickness in a position that thinking, acting, and reacting quickly is paramount. But, he does have an impressive arm strength and production. So you have to think a team will take a shot at him in the First Round. The Reason: If you don't know why the Bears need a QB you should stop watching the NFL. Second Choice: Any QB |
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15. |
Lions |
Mike Jenkins- CB S. Florida 6, 198 |
F.A. Signings: Key F.A. Loses: |
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The Team: I still see Backus as a Right Tackle, and Foster has not played well. Developing the O-Line would really help this Offense. However, word out of Detroit is that Marinelli wants not one but two Corners in this draft. He wants to replace both his Number One and Number Two Corners. They have been paying particular attention to Jenkins and McKelvin, and if one of those two drops here they will spring on him up quicker then, well, a lion on a wounded gazelle. The Player: Jenkins has been pushed into the background. I have him rated third now (I don’t have my new Player ratings up yet, because I am trying to get to 95, the Pats final pick on Day One, or is it Day Two now;-) He has everything you want in a Corner, except pure straight-line speed. He has excellent quickness, excellent hips that allow him to turn and run without any wasted motion, and natural instincts to play the ball when it is in the air. Plus, he does a great job of jamming receivers and disrupting their routes. He will need to run in the 4.4s, because both McKelvin and Cromartie look like sub-4.4 guys. Unfortunately, most consider him more of a 4.5 guy, so the Combine will be more important to him the then other two. You also have climbing up his back Aqib Talib, who many think will is a 4.45 guy, and Antoine Cason, who could run a sub-4.4 and hop over both of them. This would be an ideal situation for both team and player, as Jenkins is looking to start and Detroit is looking for a starting Corner. Rose from Second day pick to First Round with terrific season for South Florida. A really physical Corner who can Bump and Run receivers off their routes as well as any Corner in this years draft. Has very good hips. Better in press then backing off. Needs to go to team that plays aggressive press coverage like the Pats, Jags, or Texans. Has been flying under the radar as he didn't attend Senior Bowl, but if he runs a 4.4 or under he should be a lock as a top fifteen pick. The Reason: I would have guessed the Lions would probably prefer one of the top O-tackles to drop into their laps, but word out of Detroit is they are going Corner here, and Jenkins looks like he will develop into a consistant starting Corner. If there is one thing this team needs it is consistency. Second Choice: Aqib Talib CB |
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16. |
Cardinals |
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie- CB Tennessee ST 6'1, 185 |
F.A. Trades:
Key F.A. Loses: |
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The Team: The Cardinals have a lot of needs. This pick will tell a lot about the Defense next season. If they are going to continue there ascension from Loserville, they will need to help the defense. The Player: Similar to his brother, he has everything physically, but lacks experience. Plays the ball in the air like a WR. Is very tall with long arms and can leap like cougar snatching a pheasant out of the air. Cannot be thrown over. Can cover large receiver. Is bone thin and looks brittle, but should he was tough and can tackle with the best of them at the Senior Bowl. Has enough quickness and the superior closing speed to make up for a lot of mistakes. Made a fortune at the Senior Bowl. He will be a First Round pick. The only question left is his forty time at the Combine, and speed is not an issue with him. Showed he more than belonged at a higher level of competition at the Senior Bowl. The Reason: If they can find a top flight Cornerback this defense could really be something. This is very early for Cromartie, but he is a better prospect now then he brother was at this time, and his brother was taken 19th overall. Plus, he is a track guy and should have no problem running a sub-4.4 at the Combine, where he can then just sit back in the zone and watch the GMs rush after him. Second Choice: Derrick Harvey OLB/DE |
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17. |
Vikings |
Derrick Harvey- OLB/DE Florida 6-4 294 |
Key F.A. Signings: Key Loses: |
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The Team: The Vikings Top needs are in the passing game and at Defensive End. The now have a dominate Running game, if they could put together a consistent Passing game they could have a great Offense. The Player: Harvey is a passrushing machine. He is a great athlete, who I think can play Outside in a 3-4. In fact, if the Pats trade down, he is one player I would like to see at OLB in our Defense. The Reason: I just think the Vikings will be looking for a DE, WR or OT. But, there defense is loaded with big guys who can dominate the middle. If you put a pure speed rusher on the Outside, this defense could be something. Harvey will give up ground in the running game, but he can sure pressure the QB. First Choice: DeSean Jackson WR |
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18. |
Texans |
Jonathon Stuart- RB Oregon 6-1 230 |
Key F.A. Signings: Key F.A. Loses:
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The Team: Houston needs another press Corner to make this defense Playoff worthy, or some help for Schaub. The Player: Big, bruising, power back who can wear a defense out. Has more speed then I thought, and won't get caught from behind. Looks like he is in Stephen Jackson's class. The Reason: Jenkins would give them as good a pair of Corners as any team, in a few years. But, a great RB would give them a terrific Offense and take a lot of pressure off Matt Schaub. Second Choice: DeSean Jackson WR |
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19. |
Eagles |
Kentwan Balmer- DT North Carolina 6-5, 305 |
F.A. Signings : Key F.A. Loses: | |
