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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. |
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Team |
My Picks: (U)- Unofficial |
Key Needs: |
Team Moves: |
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64. |
Miami |
Pat Sims- NT Auburn 6-4 330, 5.2
Jake Long- OT Michigan
Joe Flacco- QB Delaware
Jordy Nelson- WR Kansas |
F.A. Signings: Key F.A. Loses: |
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The Team: In Parcell's defense you need a good Nose tackle to really make it work. Right now it looks like Paul Soliai is their only Nose. Now I liked him in last years Draft, but if the last regime was frustrated by his work ethic, or lack there of, how do you think Parcells will react? The Player: Has exceptional size and exceptional interior quickness. Can not just hold the double team, but has the size, strength, and quickness to split the double team consistently like Ted Washington used to do. Has some boom and bust in him, as he hasn't learned how to control his weight, is a bit of a one hit wonder, and has a history of immaturity. 2005 DNP- do to discipline issues. 2006 16 Tackles, 5 TFL, 3 Sacks. 2007 37 Tackles, 11.5 TFL, 4.5 Sacks. Has a lot of problems in 2005. However, by all accounts he has turned his life around and was considered a team leader and one of the hardest working players on the team. A player I am rooting for, as I hope he continues his redemption. We all need a little redemption in our lives. The Reason: They could go a lot of directions here. However, if a viable Nose Tackle Prospect is still on the board I think they take him, and Sims certainly looks like a NT. Second Choice: Red Bryant DT | ||||
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65. |
Rams |
Andre Caldwell- WR Florida 5-11, 190, 4.31 (U)
Chris Long- DE/OLB
Anthony Collins- OT Kansas |
Key F.A. Signings:
Key F.A. Loses: |
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The Team: The Rams WR position, a strength for so long is really showing some serious holes. Isaac Bruce is gone, and Terry Holt has old aching knees. The Player: Caldwell is a Fifth Year Senior. He is track guy playing WR. But, he does have good hands and runs routes well. He has speed and explosion on the field, and can separate from anyone. Last season was his best season, where he had 56 Receptions for 761 Yards and 7 TDs. Destroyed every Cornerback they put in front of him at the Senior Bowl, except McKelvin. Got open deep for 30, 40 and 50 yard bombs at will. had one of the most impressive displays at WR in Senior Bowl history. Was not as uncoverable in the game, and Florida receivers scare the cramp out of me. The Reason: Rams need help at Wide Receiver, and they have always loved those speed guys. Caldwell was inconsistent in college, but was the best WR at the Senior Bowl, and his game is pure speed. Second Choice: Terrell Thomas CB/S |
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66. |
(Chiefs to) Bills |
*Reggie Smith- CB/FS Oklahoma 6' 193, 4.6
Curtis Lofton- ILB Oklahoma 6' 235, 4.6
Devin Thomas- WR/KR Michigan ST |
F.A. Signings: Key F.A. Loses: |
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The Team: They will have to be looking for a DB here. If Smith is on the board he is a steal for the Cheifs or the Bills The Player: Terrific athlete who sometimes looks like he can do anything he wants on the field. I believe his complete disappearance in postseason and predraft workouts, and then running a 4.6, will cause him to drop out of the First Round, and maybe into the Third Round. Had terrific production last season. He had 78 Tackles, 3 INTs, and 11 PBU. Reminds me of Ty Law. When Law came out he had everything except speed. He spent his first three seasons, and really his whole career, working on his speed. He used to workout at a Track school every off season to work strictly on his running technique. Smith really needs to do the same thing. Dedicate his life to work on his speed, or he will have to move to Safety. When you shun all the Pre-Draft workouts and then run a 4.6 you might find yourself on Day Two pretty fast. He is big and not so fast. Is he a Corner or a Safety? He is a bit of a Tweener. I think he fits better as a Safety in the Pros, but has the skills and athleticism to play Corner in the NFL, if he can just increase his speed. The Reason: The Bills need a Nickel Corner and hopefully a young starter in the making. Chiefs are almost as bad in the Secondary as they are on the O-Line. They need help at Nickel Corner, an eventual replacement for their old CBs, and a Safety, all three roles can be filled by Smith. Second Choice: Terrell Thomas CB/S |
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67. |
Panthers |
Andre Woodson- QB Kentucky 6-5, 225
Brandon Albert- OG/OT Virginia
Dre Moore- DT Maryland |
Key F.A. Signings: G Keydrick Vincent Key F.A. Loses: |
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The Team: If they don't get a QB in Round One or Two they have to one here. The Player: Has excellent size, but is not the niftiest athlete. When he is in rhythm, he is as good as any QB in the Nation; 3-steps throw, 5-steps throw, 7-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. When he can step up into he pocket he is exceptional and accurate. 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. Reminds of Drew Bledsoe in all the worst ways. The Reason: Quickness. What separates him from the top QB prospects is quickness. He must make quicker decisions and get rid of the ball quicker. He did some amazing things in college, and if can learn to throw the ball quicker he could be a very good Pro. Second Choice: John David Booty QB |
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68. |
Falcons |
Red Bryant- DT Texas A&M
Matt Ryan- QB BC
Trevor Law- DT Notre Dame
*Kenny Phillips- FS Miami
Sam Baker- OG/OT USC |
F.A. Signings Key F.A. Loses: |
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The Team: I really think they need to replace both D-Tackles. If they get an Under Tackle like Trevor Law, they will still need to get a NT to play next to him. Their Secondary is in shambles and a Safety or Corner here would not hurt. The Player: Mountain of a man, who has great strength and is really difficult to move. Some question his commitment. Will need time to mature and work on conditioning. Showed great strength and meanness at the Senior Bowl, but did not show that consistently at A&M. The Reason: Word out of Atlanta is that Dimitroff wants to "build from the inside-out". Red Bryant may define Inside Player. Second Choice: Josh Barrett SS |
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69. |
Patriots |
John Carlson- TE Notre Dame 6-5 2/8, 252, 4.67, 35.5"
Keith Rivers- LB USC
Charles Godfrey- CB/S Iowa |
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: Okay so they grabbed Gholston and Godfrey to help their aging LBs and Secondary. The biggest need here is Tight End. Ben Watson is your starting TE, and his contract is coming do. Kyle Brady is gone. David Thomas is now your starting H-Back, and he has proven nothing, other then he is skilled at getting injured. The Player: He is currently vastly underrated, as he was sick at the Combine and his underrated athleticism wilted away with the fever from some unnamed virus. Not a flashing TE, but a solid player who just gets it done at TE. Good blend of blocking and receiving. Production slipped last season without Brady Quinn at QB, so you have to look at Junior tape to see what he can do. Last season he had 40 Receptions for 372 Yards and 3 TDs., and averaged 9.3 YPC. His Junior year he had 47 Receptions for 634 Yards and 4 TDs, and averaged 13.5 YPC. He has good speed and long arms and can stretch out and catch the ball with his hands. Gives good effort as a blocker, but is still more of a get in the way mirror blocker. Needs to add strength. He is a smart character guy, and that used to attract the Patriots attention. He has already graduated, his farther is a football coach, and he is a very hard worker, and he comes already prepared in the Charlie Weis/Josh McDaniel's Offense. Reminds me of Christian Furia. The Reason: Tight End will be a strong priory in this Draft. Carlson has extensive experience in the Pats Offensive system. He has dropped because of a mysterious virus that robbed him of 10-15 pounds of muscle. But, he showed up at his Proday looking jacked and tight skinned again. He would be a steal for the Patriots in the Third Round, and probably start next season at H-Back. For more Info on Pats, check out my: Patriots Draft Blog. Second Choice: John Greco OL |
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70. |
Bears |
Donnie Avery- WR Houston 5-11 1/8, 192, 4.33, 36" 10'2"
*Chris Williams- OT Vanderbilt
Brain Brohm- QB Louisville |
F.A. Signings: WR Marty Booker Key F.A. Loses: WR Muhsin Muhammad |
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The Team: Bears need to replace Bernard Berrian's speed at WR. The Pick: A quick hiccup and he's gone. Has the speed that scares Defenses. Reminds me of a stronger built David Patton. Doesn't cut as well as you would like for a shorter receiver, but he knows how to get open deep as well any WR in this Draft. Had a great senior season, caught 91 balls for 1,456 yards and 7 TDs. Returns Kicks as well. Played in a spread offense that doesn't always translate well to the NFL. Earned a starting position at Senior Bowl. Not the most physical WR. Can be jammed at line of scrimmage, but if the CB misses, he is gone. Plays with his timed speed. The Reason: A player who has the talent to be a good one. Lack of height and physicality may cause him to drop out of the Second Round. But man, he can really get open deep. Second Choice: Duane Brown OLT |
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71. |
Jaguars |
Duane Brown- OT Virginia Tech 6-4 1/8 315, 5.07
Phillip Merling- DE Clemson
DeJaun Morgan- S North Carolina ST |
Key F.A. Signings: Key F.A. Loses: |
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The Team: I'm having a tough time figuring this team out. I think they will go O-Line here, but their is not much left to choose from. The Player: Above average athlete for an O-Linemen. Showed he had the feet and long arms at the Combine that teams want in their Left tackles. Was recruited to Virginia Tech as a TE. I always like LT prospects who played TE, because they always have the exceptional athleticism needed to play the position, and they always seem to work out. He needs to add weight, strength, and technique. He is not ready to step in, but in two or three years he could be a Wayne Gandy type LT. The Reason: Hard team to figure. But, it sure looks like they need a Left Tackle. Second Choice: Cliff Avril OLB/DE |
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72. |
Bills |
Wesley Woodyard- LB Kentucky 6' 3/8, 228, 4.51
Devin Thomas- WR/KR Michigan ST
Curtis Lofton- ILB Oklahoma
*Reggie Smith- CB/FS Oklahoma |
F.A. Signings: Key F.A. Loses: |
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The Team: I just think they will be looking for a Linebacker early. The Player: I'm not a big fan of undersized LB, as the Pats are always looking for big guys in Belichick's 3-4. But I think this guy can play in our system. Pound-for-Pound he is the strongest guy in the this draft. His functional strength is amazing. Plus, he is exceptionally smart, and wants to improve more then any other player in this years Draft. He gets it. He understands he doesn't know everything and seeks out coaching. Won over Mike Singletary at the Senior Bowl. What better recommendation can you have then that? Terrific football player. A freak. The more I watch him the more I like him. Is very light, but plays with amazing strength. Has very long arms that he uses to take on blocker with expertise. To see him tackle though RB, TE, and FBs is amazing. Made to play in a Tampa Two. Great production, has has three straight 100 Tackle seasons in the SEC. Over the past 3 seasons he has 361 Tackles, 25 TFL, 6.5 Sacks, 13 PBU, and 2 INTs. The Reason: I think Woodyard may be the most underrated player in the Draft. Second Choice: Brad Cottam TE |
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73. |
Chiefs |
Jeremy Zuttah- OC/OG/OT Rutgers
*Ryan Clady- OT Boise ST
Derrick Harvey- OLB/DE Florida
Patrick Lee- CB Auburn |
Key F.A. Signings: Key F.A. Loses: Ty Law CB |
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The Team: The Chiefs need a lot help on the O-Line and a young Center/O-Guard would be a boon. The Player: An O-Tackle in college who cannot play Tackle in the Pros. Most GMs now see his a Center, though he has no experience. Others see him as a guy who can transition flawlessly to guard. He didn't let up a Sack last season, and he tested as one of the top athletes at O-Line in the Draft. The Reason: Zuttah is an interesting prospect who tested out as the most athletic O-Linemen in the Draft. First Choice: Josh Barrett |
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74. |
Panthers |
Tyrell Johnson- S Arkansas ST 5-11 7/8, 202, 4.5, 27 Reps, 39", 10'7" 4.42 SS
Brandon Albert- OG/OT Virginia
Dre Moore- DT Maryland
Andre Woodson- QB Kentucky |
Key F.A. Signings: G Keydrick Vincent Key F.A. Loses: |
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The Team: I have been calling for the Panthers to Draft a Safety for three years. The Player: A familiar player in this Draft, a Strong Safety who looks like a FS. But, he showed he had good strength when he benched 225 27 times at the Combine to lead all DBs. Is very aggressive, and always want to be moving forward. Likes to play in the box, and has excellent instincts verse the Run. Needs to work on ball skills. Looks better moving forward. Reads the run quickly and really attacks the line of scrimmage quickly, can look like Bob Sanders sometimes. Doesn't move off block well, and look real bad real fast when a blocker gets his mitts on him.. The Reason: Johnson is really flying up the charts. After his phenomenal showing at the Combine, many GMs are looking at the tapes again, and see a very aggressive run stuffing Strong Safety, with enough speed and athleticism to play in the passing game. Second Choice: Red Bryant DT |
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75. |
49ers |
Ahtyba Rubin- NT Iowa St 6-2 5/8, 313, 5.2, 34 Reps
Quentin Groves- DE Auburn
Oniel Cousins- OG/OT UTEP |
F.A. Signings: Key F.A. Loses: |
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The Team: They need a QB more then anything else. However, NT is always a concern. The Player: Small school prospect who made a lot of money at the Senior Bowl. Great strength and power, when he stays low. With leverage, he can hold point against the double team. He has long arms that uses to keep blockers off his body very well. Has a funny head-and-shoulder shimmy shake that he uses to fake out the O-Lineman. Not just brute force. Has excellent quickness. Smart, and can string together moves. Rips to his left one play, then fakes left and bulls to the right. Almost like basketball moves. However, he does not always play consistent low, and when he gets high he can be easily stalemated. Wasn't as good a player in college as he showed at Senior Bowl, where he got too high too often, and was stalemated too much. He seemed to really take to the Pro coaching. The more I watch him the more I like him. He just looks like a natural instinctive Nose Tackle. The Reason: I honestly believe that Rubin will develop into a top notch Nose Tackle. Second Choice: Ray Rice RB |
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76. |
Lions |
Ray Rice- RB Rutgers 5-8, 199, 4.47, 39.5", 10'1", 4.17 S.S. 6.96 3C.D.
*Jeff Otah- OLT Pittsburgh
Calais Campbell- DE/DT Miami |
F.A. Signings: Key F.A. Loses: RB Kevin Jones |
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The Team: Detroit has to get a starting Running Back and may have to take Ray Rice in the Second Round. The Player: Terrific college RB who will have to prove his size isn't a detriment in the Pros. Ultra quick and ultra-productive. Looked very good at the Combine, and played his best game of the season during Rutgers's Bowl Game. Okay, in three seasons at in college he rushed 910 times for 4,926 Yards and 49 TDs. Plus he caught 37 passes for 334 yards and 1 TD. That is a lot of production. He runs with a low base and is good at hiding behind blockers and then bursting past defenders. Has terrific balance and rare quickness. Most show he can be a full time back and not just a third Down Back. The Reason: Kevin Jones and D.J. Duckett are gone. Second Choice: Chad Reinhart OG/OT |
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77. |
Bengals |
Marcus Harrison- DT Arkansas 6-2 3/4, 312, 5.2, 29", 9' LJ, 4.54 S.S
*Rashard Mendenhall- RB Illinois
Early Doucet- WR LSU |
Key F.A. Signings: Key F.A. Loses: |
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The Team: Bengals have a lot of needs, but I'm starting to think RB might be their top need. Rudi Johnson averaged 2.7 YPC, and big bruising power backs usually have short lives in the NFL. You have to question how much he has left. Kenny Watson has proved nothing, and Kenny Irons has only proved that he can continue to get injured like he did in college. The Player: Has good speed and quickness for a man of his size. Has off field issues that should drop him into the Third Round. Needs to play lower. Still gives up leverage to easily. He has huge thighs and a bubble butt, and can really anchor when he gets low. When he sinks in low, he can dominate with strength and power. He had a great senior season and really looked like an early prospect. He had 76 Tackles, 6.5 TFL, and 1.5 Sacks, he also batted down 10 passes. A buyer beware player, who has had two knee injuries and a drug arrest in the past 2 years. The Reason: Bengal's need a RB to help keep Carson Palmer stay healthy. They need as least two WRs, and possibly three if Chad leaves. Don't be surprised if they go WR again here. They must DT who can stop the Run, as best they can. Harrison is a First Round talent physically, and an Undrafted Free Agent mentally. Second Choice: Eddie Royal WR |
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78. |
(Saints to) Patriots |
Cliff Avril- OLB/DE Purdue 6-2 3/4, 251, 4.5 (U), 36.5" 13 Reps, 4.31 S.S.
John Carlson- TE Notre Dame 6-5 2/8, 252, 4.67, 35.5"
Keith Rivers- LB USC
Charles Godfrey- CB/S Iowa |
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: The Pats have a luxury pick here, and can afford to take risk here. Avril is an overrated Combine Warrior. He has extremely little production for a player of his measurables. The good news is that he played both D-End and Outside Linebacker, which may have contributed to his problems. Switching back and forth seemed o confuse him more than help him. He will be places at a single position, and be left to learn behind Vrabel. Vrabel wore down so badly after Colvin got injured, that he didn't have a single sack in the Post Season, hat is unacceptable. I think Avril will have a good chance to develop into a good player if he spells Vrabel, and allows him to rest a little. He needs to learn how to play a specific position in a specific system if he is going to turn his amazing physical talents into production. Then you have Thomas and Pierre Woods on the right side, and word out of New England is that Belichick really likes Woods and thinks he is ready to get some snaps in their base defense. Avril, minimally should be a Special Teams maven, and I think to expect more from him his rookie season is ridicules. The Player: Still more promise then production. Has a great burst off the line and can harass QBs, but doesn't seal the deal. Has long arms that he uses well. However, for one of the most athletic OLB/DE passrushers he has a series lack of production: 2004 5 Sacks 3 TFL, 2005 0 Sacks 2.5 TFL, 2006 84 Tackles 6 Sacks 15 TFL, 41 Tackles 6.5 Sacks 15 TFL. The Reason: Avril is still more promise then production and maybe a little undersized to play D-End. However, the Pats need someone to rush the passer from the right side to take some pressure off Vrabel and Thomas. Their D-Line is still dominant against the run, but really struggled to apply any Passrush late in the season. Having Avril replace him on obvious passing downs could really help this defense. The Saints heave really helped their defense, and now must address the gaping hole right in the center of the line. Second Choice: Brad Cottam TE |
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79. |
Texans |
Jerome Simpson- WR Costal Carolina 6-1 3/4 199
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie- CB Tennessee ST |
Key F.A. Signings: Chris Brown RB Key F.A. Loses: |
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The Team: Houston needs another D-End who can rush the passer. The Player: Really rose up the charts with a nice showing at the Combine. Has a terrific blend of size and speed. He has big hands that he uses to snap the ball out of the air. Reminds of of last years Third Round pick by Houston Jacoby Jones, who looked like he was going to be the answer across from André Johnson before he hurt his shoulder. The Reason: Really rose up the charts with a nice showing at the Combine. Has a terrific blend of size and speed. He has big hands that he uses to snap the ball out of the air. Reminds of of last years Third Round Jacoby Jones, who looked like he was going to be the answer across from André Johnson before he hurt his shoulder. So they hit big last year with a small school WR in the 3rd, so why not try to hit it again this year. Second Choice: Tashard Choice RB |
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80. |
Eagles |
Dexter Jackson- WR Appalachian ST 5-9¼, 179, 4.27, 30.5" 4.15 S.S., 11 Reps
*Jerod Mayo- LB Tennessee
*James Hardy- WR Indiana |
F.A. Signings : Key F.A. Loses: |
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The Team: Eagles have to start thinking about the impossible, the enviable decline of the great Brain Dawkins. But first, getting another homerun hitter for McNabb should be a priority. The Play | ||||
