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With The 7th Pick, In the 2008 NFL Draft, The New England Patriots Select ... |
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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. Well, we are finally down to our final days, and the Draft is tomorrow. I have left my April Mock Draft up to show what I think happens if the Rams take Dorsey. My whole Mock Draft was based on the opinion the Long went First overall, and then Dorsey to the Rams, and Ryan to the Falcons. I no longer think that will happen. It's funny, how the key to understanding the Draft appears to be Adam Carriker. Is he a D-Tackle or a D-End? I have always said that I though Carriker is a Left D-End, so not only is Dorsey the best player, he also fits the Rams needs more. However, I have the most important news you will here on the draft. It may seem slight and silly, but the Rams KNOW where they are playing Carriker next year and we are only speculating. If know where he is playing you know who they are drafting. So you have to read the signs. So here it is, the most important update on this Draft, word out of St Louis is... Second RoundThird Round |
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My Picks: (U)- Unofficial |
Key Needs: |
Team Moves: |
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1. |
Miami |
Jake Long- OT Michigan 6-7, 313 |
F.A. Signings: Key F.A. Loses: |
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The Team: Signed, sealed, and delivered. Jake Long IS the number one pick in the Draft. The Player: Long has terrific hands and feet. He already looks like an NFL LT in his techniques and sets. He blocks with arms extended and punches well with both hands. Then he drives in and grabs shirt with both hands, inside the shoulders (which is NFL legal) and continues shoving violently, and all the while keeping his feet moving, driving, and tapping along for power and balance. He sets his hands in the ready position exactly the way it is coached in the NFL. His footwork is textbook. He does everything the way coaches teach technique. He is clearly one of the most coachable players in this years draft. The more I watch him play the more I think he could be a Left Tackle. He has been compared recently to Jumbo Elliot. Elliot was a power LT who Parcells drafted in the Second Round out of Michigan. He struggled with speed sometimes (but let's be honest here, what LT doesn't struggle with speed sometimes?), but more then made up for it in the Running game. That could be a very apt description of Long, who I consider be the best Run Blocker in the Draft. Plus, he only gave up two Sacks starting for four years at Michigan, I think that amazing stat gets over looked too much. Long doesn't have the classic machinegun feet of a classic LT, but he uses his feet like a tightrope walker to stay in perfect balance. It just never appears that he is out of balance, except when he pulls outside sometimes, and the closer he gets to the left sideline the more uncomfortable he looks. He does have negatives. He doesn't always look smooth moving backwards. His kick-step is good, but not machinegun quick like Chris Williams. But he uses his long arms and great hands perfectly in pass protection to more then make for an imperfect kick-step. And you know, GMs and coach around the league are smiling when they see how mean and nasty he is on the field, and even I was smiling when I saw him interviewed, and he was smiling and laughing as he bragged about how much he enjoyed destroying defenders and driving them into the ground and jumping on top of them;-) 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 backpedal 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 outside 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: Jake Lone makes sense, because he has the least chance to be a complete disaster. Some think, myself included, he can step in and be a Franchise LT for the next 12-15 years. If he can't, he can step in and be a Franchise RT for the next 12-15 years. If for some reason, and we've all seen college OT who can't play Tackle in the Pros, he can step inside and play O-Guard. Second Choice: None | ||||
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2. |
Rams |
Chris Long- DE/OLB Virginia 6-3, 275, 4.71(U) |
Key F.A. Signings:
Key F.A. Loses: |
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The Team: Okay, bad news for Pats fans! Word out of St Louis is that Adam Carriker has bulked up to 315 pounds. That's at least 15 pounds of muscle add this off season (I believe he played at 297 last season). I don't see any other way to read it, other than he is bulking up to play D-Tackle fulltime. Which makes Chris Long the pick. I think this is a mistake. The Rams had a bad Passrush last season, but next seasons pass rush is more contingent on a healthy Little then either Dorsey or Long. They also could Not stop the run up the middle, at all. Dorsey significantly improves the run defense more than Long. Carriker is a better run defender then Long at Left DE, and Dorsey is a better run defender then Carriker at Left DT. Drafting Long over Dorsey weakens the Run Defense at two positions. Plus, I don't believe that adding Long improves the passrush. Right now, as a left D-End I don't think Long is a better passrusher then Carriker, in a few years that maybe different, but for next season, no. Now Carriker maybe a better Interior passrusher than rushing from the DE position. But, with Dorsey bursting through the middle, that makes everybody a better passrusher including Little and Dorsey. Plus, Long and Carriker will be playing out of position. Long is a natural Left D-End, and Carriker is natural Right D-End. It just doesn't make sense to me. But, it's like I always say, the reason there are so many busts in the top ten is because the people who made the decisions that earn them the top ten pick (meaning they are in the bottom ten in the league) are the ones making the top ten pick. For Pats fans this is the first key to watch. If they don't take Chris Long, he just might fall down to the Pats at 7. The only other real stumbling block is K.C. If they trade Jared Allen they may have to take Long at 5. 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. The Reason: The strangest thing lately has been the obsession with Dorsey. When talking about Other Teams, like Oakland and Atlanta, everybody is like, "Dorsey's the Best player in the Draft! If he is there they have to take him!" But when it come to the Rams everybody's like, "Well, I think, huh, Dorsey is good, but-huh, I think they'll take. huh. Chris Long." Well If Dorsey is the best player in the draft at picks 3,4,5, and 7, why isn't he the best player in the Draft at 2? So the Rams for some reason shouldn't take the top rated player or the top rated D-Linemen, they should take the 4th or 5th rated player and the Second rated D-Lineman. The Rams revealed in February that they had Dorsey and Jake Long as their 1-2 Players. I don't think that's changed. Second Choice: Glenn Dorsey DT |
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3. |
Falcons |
Matt Ryan- QB BC 6-5, 230 |
F.A. Signings Key F.A. Loses: |
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The Team: Word out of Atlanta is that they are going to take Matt Ryan, even if Dorsey is on the board. At first, I didn't believe it, but word coming out of Atlanta is that they have no interest in moving up one spot to secure Dorsey. So now I'm really confused, because giving up a 2nd Round Pick to move up one spot to secure Dorsey would be a stupid move. Not only are the Rams planning to pass on Dorsey, but the player they need the most is Ryan, and Rams have no interest at all in Ryan. I expected Atlanta to make the stupid move, and trade up, they won't. Taking Ryan over Dorsey is the only smart thing to do as well. Michael Vick is the face of this Franchise. Getting a legit starting QB is only way this Franchise can move on. If they take Ryan, they will get an A+ in my grade no matter what. You are not really rebuilding, you are floundering, until you get a young QB who can led your Franchise. The Player: 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 Atlanta is they are finally going to do something intelligent. Get the young Franchise QB, who is clutch like Brady, studies film like Manning, and is as solid a citizen as both. Everybody and his brother knows they have Dorsey ranked number one and Matt Ryan Number two. I am baffled they would not take Matt Ryan here. If they skip on Ryan Author Blank again takes his throne as the second worst owner behind AL Davis. Second Choice: Matt Ryan QB |
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4. |
Raiders |
Glenn Dorsey- DT LSU 6-2, 300
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F.A. Signings: Key F.A. Loses: |
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The Team: Word out of Oakland is that they are enamored with Gholston. He has become their number one choose. However, that was before there was a possibility of Dorsey still on the Board. They need help against the interior run and a replacement for Warren Sapp. I saw no way Dorsey last this long. Who would have thought that the Rams would be stupid and the Falcons smart? Davis is the worst Owner in the league, and if he can't see that the one only choice is Dorsey then his Alzheimer's has progressed further then I thought. If Gholston, Chris Long, and Adrian McFadden are still on the board, the Raiders will take Gholston. The Player: Dorsey can display almost inhuman strength sometimes. He can grab onto O-Lineman and shuffle his way sideward until the RB appears, and then throw the O-Linemen aside and crush the RB, like Reggie White. He can burst threw the line with 3-Tcchnique explosion, and just throw the OG to the ground. He reminds me a little of Reggie White, in that he flashes White's Hulk-like strength every now and again, and can just toss an off balance O-Lineman aside like yesterdays trash. Dorsey is not an immovable object in the middle, but he is big, quick and plays under most other players. He get low and shots the gap as well as any D-Linemen ever has. When he stays low, he can drive an O-Lineman 3-5 yards backwards with amazing power and prejudice. He was double-teamed, grabbed, and held on almost every play, but can still made plays. I would like a little more slipperiness out of him. He gets stalemated a little too much, which is a little unfair to say because he gets so much attention from the O-Line. He can shed and really punished the Ball-carrier inside, as well as any D-Tackle who has ever played. 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: Raiders need a Dominate D-Tackle more then anything else in this Draft, period. 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? Vernon Gholston tested as maybe the best athlete in the draft. Chris Long looks like a start in the making. This is one of the toughest calls to make in the Draft. . Second Choice: Chris Long OLB/DE |
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5. |
Chiefs |
Vernon Gholston- OLB/DE Ohio ST 6-3, 267, 4.58, 37 Reps, 42" Vert. |
Key F.A. Signings: Key F.A. Loses: Ty Law CB |
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The Team: Chiefs get lucky and Gholston falls. Word out of Kansas City is that they have a deal worked out with Buffalo to trade up to ten. Taking Gholston here will allow them to still get Clady at 10. Of course, you know, KC will try to screw it all up, they want Harvey, and take him here. This pick is all but assured to be traded. Word out of Kansas City is that they want to come out of the First Round with Derrick Harvey and Ryan Clady. The problem is that KC is notorious for not knowing how to plays the Draft game. They should trade down here, most likely to Baltimore at 8, and trade up from 17 to take Harvey, most to Buffalo. However, KC has been known to zero in on a target they know will be available and take. So don't be surprised to see Derrick Harvey go here. Otherwise, taking a QB here for KC, would not be the worst pick in the world. Though I think this pick goes to Carolina or Baltimore. I am projecting a trade, such as it is. The Chiefs trade down two spots and pick up Clady and the Ravens finally get the QB. Unless they are serious, and take Clady here. I just can't get past the fact that Clady is working out with Will Shield. Shield's should just pick a sign on Clady back saying, "Pick me at 5." Plus there is the old axiom, "It's never a reach if it's a Left Tackle." The Player: Gholston first and foremost, he is a Super-freak. He is a super freaky physical specimen. Solid muscle with great 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 coaches 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: KC did a GREAT jump trading the Captain Drunk Driving himself Jared Allen. Getting a First and two Thirds makes it the steal of the century. Allen is a drunk and a scumbag, and one strike away from being suspended for a year. And you know it is coming, I know of what I speak. He is a drunk, and he will get drunk and driving, and hopefully not kill some one, like Rose, or Kevin, or Mary. Oh wait, they were already killed by drunk drivers. "They were all me friends and they died." Carroll. Second Choice: Derrick Harvey DE |
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6. |
Jets |
Darren McFadden- RB/QB Arkansas 6-2, 210, 4.27(U) |
Key F.A. Signings: Key F.A. Loses: CB Andre Woolfolk |
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The Team: Word out of NY is that they are zeroed in on McFadden. They have been wining and dining him for the past week in NY, and he is now the Number One player on their Draft Board. And it looks like the Raiders have backed off McFadden, and he is all but guaranteed to be the Jets pick. To mean the player that helps this team the most next season is McFadden. Running behind this new O-Line he could be a terror. His blend of size and speed is really wonderful. While he is not Adrian Peterson, he is faster more elusive and will take less career threatening hits then Peterson. And if he get the Corner he is gone. This running game needs help, and if the Raiders pass on McFadden help is coming fast, about 4.27 fast. Thomas Jones averaged only 3.6 YPC, and I don't see him as a starting back anymore. You can blame the O-Line for stinking after Tannenbaum ridiculously traded Pete Kendall for nothing and a bag a beans, but by years end Leon Washington was averaging 5.0 YPC behind the same line. However, he too is not a fulltime starter. The Jets have been talking about trading up for McFadden, which I think makes sense, because otherwise they are in the same position as the Pats, reaching for their top need at CB, Hank Poteat is their starting Right Corner, or over-drafting a position. Calvin Pace and Vernon Gholston play the same position. Now you can argue which plays it better, I would take Gholston over Pace in a heartbeat, but with the money given to Pace, can the Jets offer up another 20 Million in guaranteed money to the Outside Passrushing Gods. They still have the erratic Bryan Thomas and David Bowens to man to other side opposite Pace, they have been inconsistent but have played well for them upon occasion. I like McFadden or Mendenhall here, but I don't think McFadden will fall or they have the guts to take Mendenhall here. And I'm not saying they should take Mendenhall because I hate the jets, I think he is the player that can help this team the most next season. I think he compares very favorable to LaDainian Tomlinson. He has the same size, speed, strength, and receiving abilities as Tomlinson when he came out of college. Plus, he has Tomlinson's great open-field make-you-miss quickness that really separates him from the other backs coming out. And when he showed up at the Combine at 225 pounds, and ran a 3.37, I think he propelled himself into the top ten and maybe even the Elite Eight. The Player: If McFadden reminds me of anyone he reminds me of a faster Marcus Allen. Now, what separated Allen from other backs of his skill level was his amazing toughness. I'm not saying McFadden has his toughness, so very few NFL players do, but when I watch him run he just looks like Allen. Allen was a long lean upright runner, who had this amazing ability to suddenly duck under the pads of an incoming defenders at the last second, and hit him rather then the other way around. It was great to watch, he would be striding along, and bam quicker then you can see he had lowered his shoulder pads right into the defenders gut. McFadden has that same knack for striding along and then bam almost diving into the defender. The comparisons to Reggie Bush are ludicrous. Bush's problem is that he now tries to bounce it outside on every single block. I can't tell you how many times I saw a blocker on his team with inside shade, and the defender holding the edge, and if he just cut inside the blocker he was gone. Instead, he fakes inside and runs right into the defender holding the outside, every single time, and defensive players now know it. If he would just learn to read his blocks he would be a great weapon again. McFadden doesn't bounce it outside on every single block. He will lower his pads and hit the hole where he is suppose to, at least enough to keep the defense honest. Now at Arkansas they ran outside a lot. Duh, with McFadden and Jones in the backfield you want to use that speed to the outside, not pound them into the big fats guys who can't catch them. McFadden reads blocks well, and will lower his pads and hit the hole between the Tackles when he is called to, unlike Bush, who is bouncing himself right outside the league if he continues to not follow his blockers. 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 stronger, shiftier, and quicker, while McFadden has more straight-line speed. Plus, McFadden has no injury concerns. He runs upright in the open field, but does a good jump getting his pads low when he needs to, and is almost miraculously quick at getting his pads low when someone is about to crush him. Incident at night club has hurt his reputation. Was forced to take a Paternity test by an unscrupulous moneygrubber. Neither of these incidents worry me. Also, has fumbled more then makes me comfortable, 23 times in 3 seasons. Two time Doak Walker award winner. Very impressive young man in person. Has the smarts to play QB as well as RB. Articulate and intelligent in interviews. Dealt with the media very well at Combine. Second all time rusher in SEC history with 4,590 yards. Had a very impressive 2,310 all purpose yards and 16 TDs last season at Arkansas. Ran an amazing 4.27 at 211 pounds at the Combine. The Reason: The best player in the Draft at two need position, one RB, and two the Jets are desperate for any kind of Offensive explosion. Second Choice: Rashard Mendenhall RB |
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10. |
Saints |
Sedric Ellis- DT USC 6-2, 310, 5.2 |
F.A. Signings: Key F.A. Loses: |
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The Team: For the first time in the history of my Draft I have projected a trade. This goes against all that I believe in when doing a Mock Draft. Also they fly in the ointment is that word out of New Orleans is that they are saving pick number 40 to send to the Giants for Jeremy Shockey. So how do they resolve that very big stumbling block? So what if we take two 3s to move down, pick number 78, and the Saints Third next year. How about if we go However, is Gholston and Long are gone the Pats are gone as well. They CANNOT take Ellis, period. If they take Ellis then they CANNOT resign Wilfork. If they want to replace Seymour, that is one thing, but how does losing Wilfork help replace Seymour? Stupid. Getting or Rivers or one of the top Corners is Belichick priority. The best case scenario here is that McFadden falls to them, because they already have a deal worked out with Jerry Jones, picks 22 and 28 for this pick if McFadden is on the board. In this scenario the Bengals trade up to 7 and take Ellis, and the Pats take Rivers here at 10. I absolutely hate projecting trades, it only guarantees that you will screw up your Mock, but this makes to much sense for both team to not happen. 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. He 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: The Saints need the most help on their Pass Defense. So how do you help your Pass Defense without drafting a DB, LB, or D-Line. Now, they certainly are not going to draft a D-End, as that position is one of their team strengths. However, their interior D-Line are big, slow, and bulky, and offer little or no passrush. I'm not sure Balmer fits Gary Gibbs defense perfectly. In the end, passing a Corner with the talent of McKelvin, or a Linebacker with the talent of Rivers at 10 would just be foolish. Second Choice: Keith Rivers |
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8. |
Ravens |
Brandon Albert- OG/OT Virginia 6-5, 305 |
Key F.A. Signings:
Key F.A. Loses: Mike Anderson RB Musa Smith RB |
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The Team: The Ravens really need a QB. If Ryan falls here they will be doing Cartwheels in the War Room. They really want to find a Corner to go with their two veterans. Samari Rolle is getting old fast, and McAlister went down with injuries, their defense fell apart. They have no Third Corner worth mentioning. Corey Ivy might be an adequate Forth Corner, but as a starter or Nickel Back he is easily exploited. Still, they also MUST address the O-Tackle situation this off season. If Clady falls and Ryan doesn't I think they take him. The Player: Okay I think I'm finally coming around on this guy. The more I watch him the more I like him. Was recruited as a LT, but with D'Brickashaw Furguson many that spot, he slide over to Left Guard, and made that position his own. He was suppose to move back, but they had another young stud LT Eugene Monroe, so they felt it would be less disruptive to keep Albert at LG. He has very long arms that he uses very well to punch, pop, and keep D-Linemen off balance. Pulled a lot in his role at Virginia, and even pulled on Pass Downs sometimes. Plays better on the run, and can be devastating when pulling and hitting defenders on the move. Looks like a LT plays like a LG. Started all 37 games since he step on the campus as a Freshmen. Was named All-ACC all three years at Virginia. Has the natural feet, athleticism, and Quickness to play Left Tackle. Reminds me of Ruben Brown the old Buffalo O-Guard who played last season in Chicago. Has a large rounded body like him, and very long arms. Looks like an O-Tackle, and most people think he can play O-Tackle, but he is an O-Guard, and it looks like he should be a great one, like Brown. The Reason: I'm not sold on Albert being the second best O-Tackle in the Draft. He started two games at LT last season and played okay. When you are projecting O-Linemen to change positions, normally they move inside where the degree of difficulty is less. When you project an O-Guard to move outside to Left Tackle, you better be real careful. That is a very complicated and difficult move for a player to make. I think Albert is NFL ready to play Left Guard, but Left Tackle? I would be very nervous. However, a team that have grave concerns about an aging Left Tackle, now that I can understand. Albert can start at Left Guard or Right Tackle for this team next season, and be groomed a little slower then most teams to play Left Tackle. This situation is the best thing that could happen to Albert. Ryan would be a huge pick up for this team. There should be a solid O-Tackle in the early Second to help with the constant threat of Ogden retiring. Second Choice: DRC OT |
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9. |
Bengals |
*Rashard Mendenhall- RB Illinois 5-11, 224, 26 Reps |
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. I have criticized their Secondary for years, and then they pick up 3 starting DBs in last years Draft. CB Leon Hall, S Marvin White, and CB Chinedum Ndukwe all were starting by the end of the season and playing well. The loss of Madieu Williams is huge, but I think their Secondary could actually be above average next season! How long has it been since you could say that? I'm not a huge fan of their LBs, but they had four guys on IR last season, and all four could be gone next season. Ahmad Brooks and Lemar Marshal are two of the injured players who they want back, but both are FA. They really need a DE, as they have Robert Geathers on one side and no one on the other. Their DTs are good, Peko has developed into an invaluable player on their D-Line, and Thornton is a team player who gives it his all, but is limited and small for a DT. If Sed Ellis falls to them they will be doing jumping-jacks in the Warroom. That being said, they still needs to go defense early and often. The Player: If he reminds me of any player I would say LaDainian Tomlinson, he is a great blend of speed, power, quickness, and a terrific receiver coming out of the backfield. But, besides Ryan he seems to be the hardest player to figure out where he is going. I think he has top ten talent, but which team needs a RB? Cutback runner who can make a defense that overpursues look foolish. His agility his astounding. His ability to cutback, take a big hit, and retain his balance is something to watch. Can stay on his feet threw multiple hits if he is not wrapped up. Has a knack for spinning off hitters. The more I watch him the more I like him. Has the reputation as a power back, but he has that shake-n-bake make you miss quickness, and he is so fast on the field as well. He was a sight to see in his Bowl game, where Illinois was completely outclassed by USC, except for Mendenhall. He dominated when his team badly beaten in almost every other phase of the game. Has good hands as well. Knows how to get open deep, and make the big game changing play. He is a terrific receiver out of the backfield. Speed and power. This kid can really play, and with excellent his showing in Bowl game he could be a top fifteen pick. He really won me over at Bowl Game. He has great speed and quickness and can really get to the outside, Plus, he has amazing strength and can really break tackles. Some have him listed as 224 pounds. The Reason: The player the Bengals want is Sed Ellis, but in this scenario the Saints hop up over them to number 7 and take Ellis. The player that will help this team the most next season, that is still on the board, is Mendenhall. The Bengals will have to trade up to 5 or 7 to Ellis. There are too many team looking to trade out of the top 7, and too many teams looking to trade up for Ellis for him to make it here. A great RB would give them a terrific Offense and take a lot of pressure off the Chad Johnson-less Offense. I really like Mendenhall and think he has a chance to be a great one. He has a terrific blend of speed, power, and quickness. Second Choice: Sed Ellis DT |
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7. |
Patriots |
Keith Rivers- LB USC 6-3, 235, 4.51, 42", 10"7', 4.38 S.S. |
Key F.A. Signings: WR Sam Aiken TE Marcus Pollard Key F.A. Loses: Donte' Stallworth WR Eugene Wilson S/CB Roosevelt Colvin LB |
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The Team: It's the morning of the Draft, and I have no idea what is going on;-) My eyes are bleary, my fingers hurt, and my brain is exploding with Draft rumors. But, here is what I know. I know the Pats can't make it through the season with the Inside linebackers they have on their roster. There number one priority for next season is acquiring an Inside Linebacker It is starting to look like the worst case scenario is developing, both Long and Gholston are gone. That means the that the Pats are 95% likely to trade down, there is always a 5% chance that no one wants to pay the money this pick. If the Rams take Dorsey, I believe that Long falls to us. Otherwise, it looks like Keith Rivers, Brandon Albert, or McKelvin. I still look at their roster and see a gapping hole at Inside Linebacker. Right now Bruschi and Victor Hobson are their two Inside Linebackers. And then what? Eric Alexander? He started one game two years ago. Junior Seau? Like all forty year old players, he cannot be counted on to return. Adalius Thomas? He was paid big money to make big plays; he proved he could play Inside Linebacker, but he also proved he makes big plays outside not inside. The problem is that Belichick is notorious for holding a grudge, and the O-Line clearly lost them the Super Bowl, and immortality. I think if they stay here there is a better than 50% chance they take Brandon Albert. In this scenario, I have them trading down with New Orleans for picks number 10 and 40. It has been reported that New Orleans offered 10 and 40 to St Louis for pick number 2, so they could get one of the two big D-Tackles. They could easily offer that deal to the Pats, and it would actually be more beneficial to the Saints, because they would be paying significantly less money. Then the Pats could pick up McKelvin or Rivers at 10. In this scenario, Matt Ryan is available, and he to could go to the highest bidder. The Pats know the Carolina will give up their First and Second for Ryan, and if the saints offers their First and Second, maybe more. The money at 7 is manageable. And maybe, just maybe Carolina offers two Firsts, this years and next years. Not unprecedented when it comes to QBs. The Player: Keith Rivers is a tough player to grade. He disappears in games more then I can say I'm honestly comfortable with, but he played on such a talented defense, maybe the most talented defense ever. Sed Ellis, Lawrence Jackson, Terrell Thomas, all three will be taken in the top three rounds of this years draft. Plus, he shared Linebacking duties with Rey Maualuga (if he had come out, I would have bet 15 gallons of ice cream that the Pats would have taken him) and Brian Cushing (who some think is better then Rivers, I don't). Two Linebacker who could be top ten picks in next years Draft. So there were times when all of these players disappeared because of the talented players making plays around them. Athletically Rivers has everything. Good size, 4.5 speed, great feet, and can twist his hips and run with any Tight End or Running Back. Plus, he is an excellent hitter. He is very smart and has good football instincts. He can find the ball in traffic and trash and still make the big hit. He can change direction on a dime. And really plays to his speed on the field. He runs from sideline-to-sideline like a guy with 4.5 speed. He has started his third straight season at WLB, so moving inside will be an adjustment. Though he didn't start a game as a freshman, where he had 25 Tackles, no Sacks, 3 TFL, 1 INT, and 2 PBU, he didn't missed a start since. His Sophomore season, where he became a starter and never left, he had 52 Tackles, 1 Sacks, 3 TFL, 1 INT, and 1 PBU. His Junior season, he had 85 Tackles, 2 Sacks, 7.5 TFL, 2 PBU, 3 FR and 1 FF. Last season, despite playing on maybe the most talented defense ever, he was an All-American, and he had 78 Tackles, no Sacks, 5 TFL, and 4 PBU. At his Pro Day he looked like he was sculpted out of steroids. You may not think he should be a top ten pick, but he sure looked like it physically. He is an extremely hard worker, with all the intangibles we hope are important. Loves the game of football, and it is very important to him. I think this quote is from NFL.com, "He was 1 of 10 semifinalists for the 2007 Butkus Award and 1 of 17 quarterfinalists for the Lott Trophy, as well as an SI.com All-American first team, Pro Football Weekly All-American first team, Walter Camp All-American second team, Phil Steele's All-American third team and Collegefootballnews.com All-American honorable mention pick." He is tough and physical in the Number 55 tradition at USC, which is a sacred number given only to it's top Linebacker recruit. He has experience at all three Linebacker positions 'SC played, and as a Freshman and Sophomore played with his hand down in obvious passing downs. He has shown a knack in pass coverage, and is his super smooth athleticism really shines in coverage. Has tremendous on field versatility. Reminds me of Carl Banks, excellent in run defense, a great hitter, and he is an excellent passrusher, but sis ability to cover is so valuable that he is asked to blitz much less then he should. The Reason: Is simple with pick number 40, the Pats have a lot of versatility in this Draft, and pay less money. New Orleans is desperate to hop over Cincy for Sed Ellis, and Carolina is desperate to hop over the Ravens for Matt Ryan. Desperation has caused a lot of mistakes on Draft Day, and the Pats are poised to take advantage. If the Pats stay here, I think it will be Brandon Albert if he is still on the board. A couple of weeks ago I put up a mock, with the same top seven picks. As all the stars aligned, and all earthly signs pointed to Gholston reaching the Pats, and the Gods of the Outside Linebackers looked down and smiled on us. Last week all the TV and radio monkeys joined my choir, and started chanting "Gholston to the patriots, oh my!". This week, suddenly, out-of-thin-air, the giant double-reinforced-steel battle-door squeaked open, and the great green ogre, Bill Beli-Shriek, stuck his giant green head out of the evil Dungeon door (formally known as the Bunker), ever so slightly and whispered, "We have no interest in Vernon. We want to trade out of seven." Then he quickly ducked his giant green head back into the great evil dungeon, before anyone could video tape him. And the TV and Radio Monkeys started chanting, "Vernon Gholston not that good. The Pats will pass, just like they should." Well, aah-gain, be careful what you believe in March and the beginning of April, when teams are in full espionage mode. The latest chant has me more convinced then ever that Gholston is their man, or do you really believe that the great green ogre Beli-Shriek will tell the truth about his intentions on Draft Day? For more Info on Pats, check out my: Second Choice: Trade Down with N.O. for picks 10 and 40 |
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17. |
Chiefs |
*Ryan Clady- OT Boise ST 6-6, 320
Vernon Gholston- OLB/DE Ohio ST |
Key F.A. Signings: Key F.A. Loses: Ty Law CB |
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The Team: This is the second trade I have every projected. It just make to much since, The Bills crave Devin Thomas and he Cheifs crave Clady. If they take Gholston or Derrick Harvey at 5, they will have to trade up for Clady. Word out of Buffalo is that they have discussed this very trade, and I think it would be beneficial to both teams. The Chiefs give up two 3s, number 66 and Number 82, as the Bills are taking a bit of a risk that Thomas might be gone. Word out of KC is that they want Derrick Harvey, and plan to take him at 5. I just couldn't give them that pick, as I had Derrick Harvey going here to the Vikings. The problem is that I have Harvey going 17 to the Vikings, so how can I have the Chiefs taking Harvey here. It will be a big mistake to take Harvey here. If you have the 17th pick and an two extra Thirds, reported thrown in to the deal as well, you can trade up a few spots to get Harvey. Teams are desperate to trade down in this Draft, and I just don't see Harvey going in the top 14. Baltimore might if they see him as an OLB, I don't. Cincy at 9 might, but Sed Ellis looks like their man at 9, and they will probably trade up to get him. New Orleans? Not a chance. The Bills at 11? No. Denver? Carolina? Chicago? Detroit? I just don't see D-End as a big need for these teams. And if the O-Linemen are gone by Carolina or Chicago, then I think they will all be looking to trade down. The Player: He has risen into the top Eight, given this draft an Elite Eight. His has the best combination of feet, long arms, and quickness in this years Draft. He is seen as the only legit Left Tackle Prospect in the Draft. He has left scouts drooling since he displayed his amazing athleticism for a man the size of a bear, and it looks like he may have danced is way into the top five. The Panthers and Broncos are already trying to trade up to get him, however, I no longer think the Chiefs can pass on him at five. He was so dominate at Boise State, that some teams stopped lining up Passrusher in front of him during obvious passing downs, I don't think there is a bigger complement you can pay to a Left Tackle. Clady physically is as good as it gets, but he hasn't put it all together. He needs some add strength, 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: I just think that KC would be foolish to take Harvey at 5. I also saw an interesting trade where they switch place here with the Bills, so they can get Harvey and the Bills could pick up Devin Thomas here. First Choice: Brain Brohm QB |
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12. |
Broncos |
Jonathon Stuart- RB/KR Oregon 6-1 235 |
F.A. Signings: Key F.A. Loses: |
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The Team: Apparently, they are happy with Ryan Harris, their Third Round pick from last season who has had back surgery already, as their starting Left Tackle. Word out of Denver is that Shanahan is going Running Back here, and it may be Jonathon Stuart. I just think Mendenhall is a superior prospect. I have a hard enough time believing they will take a RB here, other then Mendenhall is just too much for me to swallow right now. Although, Stewart does fit their one-cut power running style a little better then Mendenhall. 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 they have no Left Tackle! They have two returning starts who were injured last season in OC Tom Nalen and OLG Ben Hamilton, and the two young players who took there place and played well, Chris Kuper and Chris Myers, and have excellent depth at interior Line positions. However, there O-Tackles are a mess. They have one O-Tackle on the roster Eric Pears, who played Right Tackle last season, and No Left Tackle! They need to draft two guys who can play LT for next season, one starter and one Swing- Tackle. The Players: Foot surgery could cause Stuart to freefall, especially when you consider the amazing depth at RB in the this years draft. However, the other way to look at it is that he ran a 4.44 and had a 36.5" Vert at 235 pounds, with a stress fracture in his foot. If he fully recovers, how good can he be? However, the history of stress fractures is a 100% recovery. He was one of the top Kick Returners in the country for the past two seasons. is an accomplished receiver out of the backfield. Set an Oregon record for All-Purpose Yards last season with 2,481 Yards. Stuart is a physical freak. He showed up at the Combine at 235 pounds of solid muscle. He runs with great power, amazing balance, and stamina. He showed he can run away from defenders when necessary in his Bowl Game. Split time his first two seasons at Oregon so his bruising running style hasn't worn him out yet. Rushed for 280 times 1,722 yards (a Oregon record), had 14 100 yard+ games, and an impressive 6.2 YPC. He also rushed for 11 TDs, and caught 22 Passes for 145 Yards and 2 more TDs. The Reason: They need an Inside Linebacker so they can shift DJ Williams outside. Safeties are getting very old. They have no Fulltime starter at RB, oh yeah and there star young receiver, Brandon Marshall, came up lame last week. So they have a lot of needs to address. Oh yeah, they have no LT! Passing on a Left Tackle will be impossible. If ever need met player it is Chris Williams to Denver. In fact, you could argue they will choosing solely between Otah or Williams here, the need is that desperate. I have them taking Williams, because besides his short arms, he is the prototype for O-Tackle in their scheme: smart, athletic, finesse blocker, ability to pull, can understand their complicated zone concepts, and oh yeah doesn't mine Cut-Blocking. Stuart is a top ten talent with a bad foot. He is a rare blend of power speed. reports are that his surgery was 100% successful, and he will be ready to go before Training Camp. I think he would compliment Henry wonderfully. Second Choice: Brandon Albert OL |
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13. |
Panthers |
Derrick Harvey- OLB/DE Florida 6-4.5, 271, 4.8, 31 Reps, 28" Vert |
Key F.A. Signings: G Keydrick Vincent | |
