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The Ultimate Source for your Ph.D. in Pigskin |
| 2008 NFL Mock Draft,
version 3.0 One week before the big day, and we're hearing about possible trade scenarios, some even involving teams in the top ten. Obviously, they vary in probability of actually happening. First, New Orleans may be trying to get into the top five to get home grown Glenn Dorsey (highly unlikely with what they'd have to give up). Second, the Jets may be looking to broker a deal with the Raiders to make sure they get Darren McFadden (possible, but I don't see why they'd do it - they'll still be able to get him at six). Next, Cincinnati may want to swap with New England to make sure they can add Sedrick Ellis (this would be a good idea because the longer Ellis slips, especially with the lack of dominant defensive tackles in this draft, the more chance that someone's going to beat the Bengals to the punch). Of course, that wouldn't hurt Bill Belichick's feelings in the least bit . He's been pretty up front about wanting to trade down because he knows he'll still be able to get Keith Rivers as long as he stays ahead of New Orleans. That's just what I'm hearing in the top ten. Never mind what's being said about the rest of the first round or the impact of possible deals involving Chad Johnson, Anquan Boldin, Jason Taylor, or a host of other veterans. As the week goes on, check back to read about any further gossip involving your favorite team and how it may affect the draft. Click here for version 1.0 and here for 2.0.
Changed pick denoted by an
*. |
| 1 |  |
Miami |
Jake Long Michigan Offensive Tackle |
At 6'7" and 313 pounds, he'll solidify the running game in Miami - a staple in every Bill Parcells' team. |
| 2 |  |
St. Louis | Chris Long Virginia Defensive End |
The Rams were hoping that the other Long would be here, but a pass rushing end is in dire need as well. |
| 3 |
 |
Atlanta | Glenn Dorsey* LSU Defensive Tackle |
Unlike many owners, Arthur Blank will let his football people make the decision. As much as he wants Ryan, Dorsey will win over new GM Thomas Dimitroff. |
| 4 |  |
Oakland | Vernon Gholston* Ohio State Defensive End |
Al Davis' is a "measurables" guy, and Gholston is the perfect speciman. |
| 5 |  |
Kansas City | Branden Albert* Virginia Offensive Tackle |
Albert's versatility and athleticism are too much for the Chiefs to pass up as they begin to rebuild their offensive line. |
| 6 |  |
New York Jets | Darren McFadden* Arkansas Running Back |
Two years ago, Jets fans were hoping that Reggie Bush would fall to them. This year, they get Reggie 2.0. |
| 7 |  |
New England | Keith Rivers USC Linebacker |
The popular belief is a cornerback here, but Belichick and company don't put much stock in the position. Rivers fills a big need. |
| 8 |  |
Baltimore | Matt Ryan* Boston College Quarterback |
Especially after Steve McNair's sudden retirement this week, this comes as a pleasant surprise. |
| 9 |  |
Cincinnati | Sedrick Ellis USC Defensive Tackle |
Basically, any defensive player will help the Bengals, and getting Ellis in this slot is a steal. |
| 10 |  |
New Orleans | Leodis McKelvin Troy Cornerback |
Like the Bengals, the Saints need a defensive overhaul, and the secondary is a good place to start. |
| 11 |  |
Buffalo | Devin Thomas Michigan State Wide Receiver |
The Bills are always a wild-card, so don't be surprised if Derrick Harvey's the pick. |
| 12 |  |
Denver | Ryan Clady Boise State Offensive Tackle |
Clady is a gifted athlete for his size, which will suit him well in Denver's patented zone-blocking scheme. |
| 13 |  |
Carolina | Chris Williams Vanderbilt Offensive Tackle |
The Panthers' brass jumps for joy when a tackle of Williams' caliber falls to them at this pick. |
| 14 |  |
Chicago | Jeff Otah* Pittsburgh Offensive Tackle |
The Bears are torn on this one - Otah or the local kid - Rashard Mendenhall. Otah's a brawler who fits Chicago's offensive style. |
| 15 |  |
Detroit | Rashard Mendenhall Illinois Running Back |
Chicago's loss is the Lion's gain. Like Vince Young being dissed by Houston, will Rashard make the Bears' pay for years to come? |
| 16 |  |
Arizona | Jonathan Stewart* Oregon Running Back |
Don't be surprised if local kid, Antoine Cason of Arizona, goes here. Stewart is too valuable to ignore at 16. |
| 17 |  |
Minnesota | Derrick Harvey Florida Defensive End |
Believe it or not, the Vikings are still looking for a defensive lineman who can get to the quarterback. |
| 18 |  |
Houston | Dominick
Rodgers-Cromartie* Tennessee State Cornerback |
I've swapped DRC and Stewart between the Texans and Cardinals twice now. I'm just surprised that either will be this low. |
| 19 |  |
Philadelphia | Limas Sweed Texas Wide Receiver |
Donovan McNabb will be doing cartwheels after getting the best overall receiver in the draft. |
| 20 |  |
Tampa Bay | Mike Jenkins South Florida Cornerback |
Finally, a local kid who stays local. Jenkins will be a ready replacement for the aging Ronde Barber. |
| 21 |  |
Washington | Calais Campbell Miami Defensive End |
Campbell is a physical specimen, but has never been able to live up to the potential. A surprise pick could be James Hardy out of Indiana. |
| 22 |  |
Dallas | Aqib Talib Kansas Cornerback |
This pick is contingent upon the Pacman Jones' situation. If they complete the trade, look for the Cowboys to select the best receiver available. |
| 23 |  |
Pittsburgh | Gosder Cherilus Boston College Offensive Tackle |
The Steelers' strategy going into this year's draft: o-line, o-line, and more o-line. |
| 24 |  |
Tennessee | DeSean Jackson California Wide Receiver |
Maybe Albert Haynesworth will be happy after Mike Reinfeldt supplies Vince Young with a potent wideout. |
| 25 |  |
Seattle | Dustin Keller Purdue Tight End |
Many scouts argue that he had the best combine performance overall. He'll be the best receiving threat for the Seahawks as soon as he steps on the field. |
| 26 |  |
Jacksonville | Lawrence Jackson USC Defensive End |
The offseason losses on the defensive line make it a priority. Kentwan Balmer may be a possibility here as well. |
| 27 |  |
San Diego | Sam Baker USC Offensive Tackle |
The Chargers could use another bookend tackle to complement Marcus McNeill and Baker can play both sides. |
| 28 | |
Dallas | Felix Jones Arkansas Running Back |
It may not be the Razorback he was hoping for, but Jerry Jones gets one nonetheless. Think of all the money he'll save replacing one Jones with another. |
| 29 |  |
San Francisco | James Hardy Indiana Wide Receiver |
Hardy's speed (4.47 40-yard dash) for a receiver over 6'5" is impressive. Ten years from now, he'll be one of the best players to come out of this draft. |
| 30 |  |
Green Bay | Antoine Cason Arizona Cornerback |
Cason's ranking has fluctuated between the mid-first to late-second round. The Packers need cornerback depth and are happy to take him off the board. |
| 31 |  |
New England | Forfeited | Given the chance, I wonder if Bill Belichick would have done things differently. |
| 32 |
 |
New York Giants | Kenny Phillips Miami Safety |
While they were able to mask their bad secondary with a great pass rush this year, Michael Strahan is getting older and more help is needed back there. |
