Urban Legend
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Below is my mock draft with a brief explanation for each pick. I wanted to wait until the Sooners had their pro day due to the impact on the 1st round with Reggie Smith and Malcom Kelley. I looked at every team's depth chart, thought about the tendancy of that front office's drafting tendancy, the relative value of the players, and the scheme that these teams run. I used a lot of 2nd hand information from other sites to assist me. Feel free to share your opinion.
1. Dolphins –Jake Long OT
Drafting him allows the Dolphins to move Vernon Carey to RT, thus upgrading 2 spots along the offensive line. This is important if they want to see if John Beck can be a franchise QB as he throws the ball to last years 1st rounder Ted Gin and hands the ball off to the former 2nd overall RB Ronnie Brown.
2. Rams-Chris Long DE
Leonard Little is on the downside of his career. James Hall is nothing special. Long is a complete DE that can do it all. He's like a more athlethic versian of Grant Wistrom when he came out.
3. Falcons- Glen Dorsey DT
In my opinion, the next best 2 players on the board are Dorsey and McFadden and the Falcons signed Michael Turner so that leaves Dorsey. He can fill Rod Coleman's spot on the DL. In addition, he provides a marketable personality that can help energize a fan base. It is very rare to see a team get burned on a top 5 QB (no pun intended for Vick fans) and then spend another top 5 QB on another. The only exception to this I can think of is the Bengals taking Carson Palmer after getting burned by Akili Smith and Matt Ryan is no Carson Palmer.
4. Raiders- Darren McFadden RB
Clearly the best player on the board and a player some people feel is the best in the draft.
Dominic Rhodes has well document injury concerns regarding his knee and his shoulders. Lamont Jordan also sustained a back injury early last year, paving the way for Fargas. The
Raiders may cut or trade either or both. Fargas has gotton nicked up as well. McFadden can help lighten his load as well as take the pressure off last years 1st overall pick Jamarcus Russell. (sarcasm on) Besides if Russell gets fat enough where the Raiders have to move him to LT, He can be the Raiders franchise QB. (sarcasm off)
5. Chiefs- Ryan Clady OT
While Matt Ryan would be tempting for them and I have little doubt that Herm Edwards sees a better versian of Chad Pennington in him, I think Clady is the pick. Over the past 5 years, the Chiefs have lost Willie Roaf (retirement--HOFer), John Tait (Bears), Will Shields (retirement-Possible HOFer) and have not made ,imo, a serious valid attempt to replace the massive loss in talent. Taking Clady open up holes for Larry Johnson, who they gave a monster contract to last year, and another year to evaluate Brodie Coyle to see if he can be their Franchise QB.
6. Jets- Vernon Gholston LB
I think Jets take Gholson. The Patriots stuggled in every game that the opposing team was able to significantly pressure Brady. Despite signing Calvin Pace to a free agent contract this year and resigning Bryan Thomas last year, both players have only had success in their respective contract years. Gholston is a monster pass rusher that can play multiple positions.
7. Pats- Sedrick Ellis-DT
Despite having a larger need at CB, the Pats haven't historically taken a CB high in the draft over the past several years. Samuel was a 4th rounder. Eugene Wilson was a 2nd round CB before dominatly playing Safety after they cut Lawyer Milloy. Gay was an undrafted rookie and Ellis Hobbs is a former 3rd rounder. On the contrary, the Pats have taken Ty Warren, Vince Wilfork, Richard Seymour all in the 1st round and Marquisse Hill (RIP) in the 2nd round. Ellis is the best player on the board, IMO, and a great value pick. The fact that the Pats signed LB Victor Hobson who can play in a 3-4 and 4-3, and CB Fernado Bryant helps take some of the pressure off those needs.
8 .Ravens- Matt Ryan QB
I think Matt Ryan is best player on the board at this point. Mcnair has nothing left. Bollar is a bust who after being in the league for 5 years, is as good as he going to get. Troy Smith isn't anything close enough to being an elite QB prospect to provide sole justifcation on passing on Ryan. I think McKelvin is a possibilty if they want to go in another direction as Rolle is a liabilty. Considering that the Ravens hired the Eagles former DB coach to become their head coach, I would not be surprised if that is the route they choose to go but I think Ryan is hands down, the best player on the board and the Ravens don't have anything resembling a franchise QB.
9. Bengals- Keith Rivers-LB
The Bengals had such a shortage of LBs last year that they had to move Robert Geathers, their 40 Million Dollar DE to play LB during the season. They also lost Landon Johnson, who was a productive LB for them last year, to the Panthers in Free Agency. Rivers has outstanding character, and can be a starter from day 1. CB and OT are probably better values here but the Bengals have spend 1st rounders the past 2 years on CB (Leon Hall and Johnathon Joseph) and are fine at the OT position. LB and DE are clearly the biggest needs and I thinkthe combination Rivers is a better prospect than Harvey and the Bengals shortage of LBs, makes Rivers the pick.
10. Saints- Leodis McKelvin CB
DT is probably a bigger need but there's nobody that warrents this pick. David got burned all last year. Mike Mckenzie tore his knee late in the year and we'll have to see how he comes back, when he does. Aaron Glenn is 35 years old. Jason Craft is nothing special and Young is an unknown at this point. McKelvin, is imo, the most nfl ready db and the only serious knock on him is that he doesn't get a lot of picks. I think he compares favorably to Dunta Robinson (CB Texans)
11. Bills- DRC-CB
Since Malcom Kelley ran slow on pro day, the most 2 likely picks are either CB or DE. DRC has the potential to develop into a true number 1 corner, something they lack. At 6'1, he has the height that McGee and Greer lack. Harvey is a possiblity as Schobal is getting up in their in age and Kelsey is nothing special. IMO, DRC is the better prosepect and by signing Mitchell (lb), trading for Stroud (DT), signing Spencer Johnson (DT) and getting Posluszny back from injury, they have already done enough to improve their front 7.
12. Broncos- Chris Williams OT
The Broncos have not addressed finding Lepsis' replacement at all during this offseason. IMO, the best value on the board is at OT and the best pure LT on the board is Chris Williams, Cutler's former Left Tackle from Vandy.
13. Panthers- Derrick Harvey DE
The Panthers were among the bottom in the League in Sacks. Rucker has nothing left in the tank. Brayton isn't exactly an edge rusher.Peppers is entering the final year of his contract and is coming off his worst year. Drafting a Tackle is possible with them moving Wharton back to G but Otah is more of a pure RT and Brandan Albert, despite his great workouts, only played LT for 2 games of his college career. The other Panthers DEs, Charles Johnson and Stanley McGlover did nothing last year.
14. Bears- Jeff Otah OT
Jasmine St. Clair currently their starting RT. That's a disaster waiting to happen. Otah is a pure mauler at Right Tackle and should help open holes for Benson, who did put together a couple of solid games before his season ending injury. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Bears add a RB in the 2nd or 3rd round and go with the 2 headed rushing attack like the Vikes did last year. Mendenall is a possiblity but this draft is very deep at RB and they have a big need at OT.
15. Lions-Richard Mendenall RB
The Lions cut injury prone RB Kevin Jones leaving them with Tatum Bell and Brian Calhoun. Neither one of them have the power and strength of this guy. Their Head Coach, has expressed the desire to get more physical on offense and run the ball more and taking this guy who is a steal at this point, is consistant with that cause.
16. Cardinals- Mike Jenkins CB
Edge has shown he can still carry the load although I wouldn't be surprised to see the Cards add a back later. OL is a possiblity but by moving Rolle to FS, they are very thin at CB. It should be dually noted that Eric Green is playing under his 1 year tender so it's possible they lose him too, at the end of this year.
17. Vikings- Phillip Merling DE
If it wasn't for Merling's sports hernia, I think he would have been a candidate to go the Bengals at 9. Udeze has leukemia. James is injury prone had 1 sack last year. I think Merling is the Best Player on the board and fits their biggest need.
18. Texans- Aqib Talib CB
Despite signing Reeves away from the Cowboys, the Texans are still thin at CB. Dunta Robinson tore his ACL last year and expects to begin this year on the physically unable to perform list. Besides, after taking DT Okoye, and DE Mario Williams, and DT Travis Johnson, it would make sense to take a CB that has the ball skill to take advantage of the pass rush that they create.
19. Eagles- Kenny Phillips S
Brian Dawkins is losing range and is getting older. Considine is best suited for a back-up. Considering the Eagles play in a division featuring Cooley, Shockey, and Whitten as the TEs, taking Phillips would be smart. Reid has also a history of drafting DBs early.
20. Bucs- Limas Sweed WR
Jenkins or Talib is a possiblity but both are off the board. The next biggest need is WR. Galloway and Hilliard are both old. Clayton, outside of his great rookie year, has been a bust. Stovall hasn't shown anything. Gruden consistantly drafts bigger WRs (Jerry Porter, Michael Clayton, Marquise Walker, Maurice Stovall, Lenny Brackens) which is why I think Sweed gets the nod over Desean Jackson.
21. Redskins- Branden Albert OG-OT
Jansen is an outstanding RT but he was hurt for all of last year and he missed the entire season from 3 years ago as well. Depth on the Redskins' OL is a big issue and considering that their coach is the old QB from the Seahawks (since 2001) I think he'll lean towards strengthing the OL because the Seahawks were at their best when they had Jones, Hutschinson, and Chris Terry and he'll want to duplicate having a deep and strong OL here as well.
22. Cowboys- Johnathon Stewart RB
Stewart is a steal at this point. Having the surgery probably cost him a couple of slots but he's an excellent RB that can compliment Marion Barber well. This is a value pick and it fills a secondary need (RB).
23. Steelers-Gosder Cherilus OT
The Steelers O-line wasn't very good last year and this guy can play either tackle spot and keep their 100 million dollar QB upright. The draft is pretty deep in bigger WRs which is why I think they will get 1 later.
24. Titans- Devin Thomas WR
I had 2 major possilities for this pick, Balmer and Devin Thomas. I think after dealing with the physically gifted but underachieving Randy Starks for several years, I think they'll pass on Balmer. They need to get Vince Young some weapons and this WR is real good in the short to intermediate passing game.
25. Seahawks- Dustin Keller TE
When doing this mock draft, I had 2 candidate picks for the Seahawks, DT Balmer and TE Keller. Balmer has great physical tools but is raw. The same is true for Keller but Keller can create mismatches in the passing game and considering this is Holmgrom is retiring at the end of this year, I think he take Keller because the offensive mismatches he can create can make an immediate difference while Balmer is going to require time to develop.
26. Jags- Quentin Groves DE
This is a surprise pick. Del Rio has never been afraid to take changes in the draft (see Matt Jones Pick) and has a strong tendancy to pick Fast, athlethic players early on (Matt Jones and his 4.3 combine time, LT Barnes, RB-- Maurice Jones Drew, DB Reggie Nelson and his 4.3). The Jags need some depth at DE and a guy that can bring some heat and with Groves' 4.5 speed he can do just that which is why I think he gets the nod over Cambell (Maimi DE).
27. Chargers- Dan Connor LB
He can provide depth to the Chargers 3-4 LBs and I wouldn't be surprised if he wins a starting spot. He is a very complete LB that can do everything well. The only thing he really lacks is jaw-dropping athleticism but in the 3-4, he doesn't need it.
28. Cowboys- Desean Jackson WR
Terry Glenn was hurt for almost all of last year and is getting Old. Owens is getting old too. Crayton is nothing special. Jackson is a great value here, and can get open on all 3 levels, in addition to being a great return man. I think CB is also a possiblity for them but
I think Jackson is a better prospect that any CB currently on the board.
29. 49ers- Mario Manningham WR
Bryant Johnson was signed to a 1 year deal. Issac Bruce is ancient. Manningham has similar physical characteristics to Issac Bruce and Tory Holt, who excelled in Martz' passing scheme. I think Manningham is a solid value here as he had a good college career and ran in the low 4.4s on his pro day.
30. Packers- Brandon Flowers CB
Both Charles Woodson and Al Harris are getting old. Flowers excells in man to man and bump and run coverage which is what the Packers play. That is why I think the Packers take him over Cason, because he is better than him at bump and run and is a better tackler.
31. Pats- This pick would have been 32 but the football gods were clearly angered.
32.Giants- Jerod Mayo LB
The Giants lost LBs Reggie Torber and Kawika Mitchell in Free Agency. Mayo can start from day 1. Mayo can go higher but LBs sometimes fall and I think Mayo is the 3rd best. Rivers is the consensous number 1 LB it seems, and Connor has a lot more INTs and sacks than Mayo does. I think he's a steal at this point though.
1. Dolphins –Jake Long OT
Drafting him allows the Dolphins to move Vernon Carey to RT, thus upgrading 2 spots along the offensive line. This is important if they want to see if John Beck can be a franchise QB as he throws the ball to last years 1st rounder Ted Gin and hands the ball off to the former 2nd overall RB Ronnie Brown.
2. Rams-Chris Long DE
Leonard Little is on the downside of his career. James Hall is nothing special. Long is a complete DE that can do it all. He's like a more athlethic versian of Grant Wistrom when he came out.
3. Falcons- Glen Dorsey DT
In my opinion, the next best 2 players on the board are Dorsey and McFadden and the Falcons signed Michael Turner so that leaves Dorsey. He can fill Rod Coleman's spot on the DL. In addition, he provides a marketable personality that can help energize a fan base. It is very rare to see a team get burned on a top 5 QB (no pun intended for Vick fans) and then spend another top 5 QB on another. The only exception to this I can think of is the Bengals taking Carson Palmer after getting burned by Akili Smith and Matt Ryan is no Carson Palmer.
4. Raiders- Darren McFadden RB
Clearly the best player on the board and a player some people feel is the best in the draft.
Dominic Rhodes has well document injury concerns regarding his knee and his shoulders. Lamont Jordan also sustained a back injury early last year, paving the way for Fargas. The
Raiders may cut or trade either or both. Fargas has gotton nicked up as well. McFadden can help lighten his load as well as take the pressure off last years 1st overall pick Jamarcus Russell. (sarcasm on) Besides if Russell gets fat enough where the Raiders have to move him to LT, He can be the Raiders franchise QB. (sarcasm off)
5. Chiefs- Ryan Clady OT
While Matt Ryan would be tempting for them and I have little doubt that Herm Edwards sees a better versian of Chad Pennington in him, I think Clady is the pick. Over the past 5 years, the Chiefs have lost Willie Roaf (retirement--HOFer), John Tait (Bears), Will Shields (retirement-Possible HOFer) and have not made ,imo, a serious valid attempt to replace the massive loss in talent. Taking Clady open up holes for Larry Johnson, who they gave a monster contract to last year, and another year to evaluate Brodie Coyle to see if he can be their Franchise QB.
6. Jets- Vernon Gholston LB
I think Jets take Gholson. The Patriots stuggled in every game that the opposing team was able to significantly pressure Brady. Despite signing Calvin Pace to a free agent contract this year and resigning Bryan Thomas last year, both players have only had success in their respective contract years. Gholston is a monster pass rusher that can play multiple positions.
7. Pats- Sedrick Ellis-DT
Despite having a larger need at CB, the Pats haven't historically taken a CB high in the draft over the past several years. Samuel was a 4th rounder. Eugene Wilson was a 2nd round CB before dominatly playing Safety after they cut Lawyer Milloy. Gay was an undrafted rookie and Ellis Hobbs is a former 3rd rounder. On the contrary, the Pats have taken Ty Warren, Vince Wilfork, Richard Seymour all in the 1st round and Marquisse Hill (RIP) in the 2nd round. Ellis is the best player on the board, IMO, and a great value pick. The fact that the Pats signed LB Victor Hobson who can play in a 3-4 and 4-3, and CB Fernado Bryant helps take some of the pressure off those needs.
8 .Ravens- Matt Ryan QB
I think Matt Ryan is best player on the board at this point. Mcnair has nothing left. Bollar is a bust who after being in the league for 5 years, is as good as he going to get. Troy Smith isn't anything close enough to being an elite QB prospect to provide sole justifcation on passing on Ryan. I think McKelvin is a possibilty if they want to go in another direction as Rolle is a liabilty. Considering that the Ravens hired the Eagles former DB coach to become their head coach, I would not be surprised if that is the route they choose to go but I think Ryan is hands down, the best player on the board and the Ravens don't have anything resembling a franchise QB.
9. Bengals- Keith Rivers-LB
The Bengals had such a shortage of LBs last year that they had to move Robert Geathers, their 40 Million Dollar DE to play LB during the season. They also lost Landon Johnson, who was a productive LB for them last year, to the Panthers in Free Agency. Rivers has outstanding character, and can be a starter from day 1. CB and OT are probably better values here but the Bengals have spend 1st rounders the past 2 years on CB (Leon Hall and Johnathon Joseph) and are fine at the OT position. LB and DE are clearly the biggest needs and I thinkthe combination Rivers is a better prospect than Harvey and the Bengals shortage of LBs, makes Rivers the pick.
10. Saints- Leodis McKelvin CB
DT is probably a bigger need but there's nobody that warrents this pick. David got burned all last year. Mike Mckenzie tore his knee late in the year and we'll have to see how he comes back, when he does. Aaron Glenn is 35 years old. Jason Craft is nothing special and Young is an unknown at this point. McKelvin, is imo, the most nfl ready db and the only serious knock on him is that he doesn't get a lot of picks. I think he compares favorably to Dunta Robinson (CB Texans)
11. Bills- DRC-CB
Since Malcom Kelley ran slow on pro day, the most 2 likely picks are either CB or DE. DRC has the potential to develop into a true number 1 corner, something they lack. At 6'1, he has the height that McGee and Greer lack. Harvey is a possiblity as Schobal is getting up in their in age and Kelsey is nothing special. IMO, DRC is the better prosepect and by signing Mitchell (lb), trading for Stroud (DT), signing Spencer Johnson (DT) and getting Posluszny back from injury, they have already done enough to improve their front 7.
12. Broncos- Chris Williams OT
The Broncos have not addressed finding Lepsis' replacement at all during this offseason. IMO, the best value on the board is at OT and the best pure LT on the board is Chris Williams, Cutler's former Left Tackle from Vandy.
13. Panthers- Derrick Harvey DE
The Panthers were among the bottom in the League in Sacks. Rucker has nothing left in the tank. Brayton isn't exactly an edge rusher.Peppers is entering the final year of his contract and is coming off his worst year. Drafting a Tackle is possible with them moving Wharton back to G but Otah is more of a pure RT and Brandan Albert, despite his great workouts, only played LT for 2 games of his college career. The other Panthers DEs, Charles Johnson and Stanley McGlover did nothing last year.
14. Bears- Jeff Otah OT
Jasmine St. Clair currently their starting RT. That's a disaster waiting to happen. Otah is a pure mauler at Right Tackle and should help open holes for Benson, who did put together a couple of solid games before his season ending injury. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Bears add a RB in the 2nd or 3rd round and go with the 2 headed rushing attack like the Vikes did last year. Mendenall is a possiblity but this draft is very deep at RB and they have a big need at OT.
15. Lions-Richard Mendenall RB
The Lions cut injury prone RB Kevin Jones leaving them with Tatum Bell and Brian Calhoun. Neither one of them have the power and strength of this guy. Their Head Coach, has expressed the desire to get more physical on offense and run the ball more and taking this guy who is a steal at this point, is consistant with that cause.
16. Cardinals- Mike Jenkins CB
Edge has shown he can still carry the load although I wouldn't be surprised to see the Cards add a back later. OL is a possiblity but by moving Rolle to FS, they are very thin at CB. It should be dually noted that Eric Green is playing under his 1 year tender so it's possible they lose him too, at the end of this year.
17. Vikings- Phillip Merling DE
If it wasn't for Merling's sports hernia, I think he would have been a candidate to go the Bengals at 9. Udeze has leukemia. James is injury prone had 1 sack last year. I think Merling is the Best Player on the board and fits their biggest need.
18. Texans- Aqib Talib CB
Despite signing Reeves away from the Cowboys, the Texans are still thin at CB. Dunta Robinson tore his ACL last year and expects to begin this year on the physically unable to perform list. Besides, after taking DT Okoye, and DE Mario Williams, and DT Travis Johnson, it would make sense to take a CB that has the ball skill to take advantage of the pass rush that they create.
19. Eagles- Kenny Phillips S
Brian Dawkins is losing range and is getting older. Considine is best suited for a back-up. Considering the Eagles play in a division featuring Cooley, Shockey, and Whitten as the TEs, taking Phillips would be smart. Reid has also a history of drafting DBs early.
20. Bucs- Limas Sweed WR
Jenkins or Talib is a possiblity but both are off the board. The next biggest need is WR. Galloway and Hilliard are both old. Clayton, outside of his great rookie year, has been a bust. Stovall hasn't shown anything. Gruden consistantly drafts bigger WRs (Jerry Porter, Michael Clayton, Marquise Walker, Maurice Stovall, Lenny Brackens) which is why I think Sweed gets the nod over Desean Jackson.
21. Redskins- Branden Albert OG-OT
Jansen is an outstanding RT but he was hurt for all of last year and he missed the entire season from 3 years ago as well. Depth on the Redskins' OL is a big issue and considering that their coach is the old QB from the Seahawks (since 2001) I think he'll lean towards strengthing the OL because the Seahawks were at their best when they had Jones, Hutschinson, and Chris Terry and he'll want to duplicate having a deep and strong OL here as well.
22. Cowboys- Johnathon Stewart RB
Stewart is a steal at this point. Having the surgery probably cost him a couple of slots but he's an excellent RB that can compliment Marion Barber well. This is a value pick and it fills a secondary need (RB).
23. Steelers-Gosder Cherilus OT
The Steelers O-line wasn't very good last year and this guy can play either tackle spot and keep their 100 million dollar QB upright. The draft is pretty deep in bigger WRs which is why I think they will get 1 later.
24. Titans- Devin Thomas WR
I had 2 major possilities for this pick, Balmer and Devin Thomas. I think after dealing with the physically gifted but underachieving Randy Starks for several years, I think they'll pass on Balmer. They need to get Vince Young some weapons and this WR is real good in the short to intermediate passing game.
25. Seahawks- Dustin Keller TE
When doing this mock draft, I had 2 candidate picks for the Seahawks, DT Balmer and TE Keller. Balmer has great physical tools but is raw. The same is true for Keller but Keller can create mismatches in the passing game and considering this is Holmgrom is retiring at the end of this year, I think he take Keller because the offensive mismatches he can create can make an immediate difference while Balmer is going to require time to develop.
26. Jags- Quentin Groves DE
This is a surprise pick. Del Rio has never been afraid to take changes in the draft (see Matt Jones Pick) and has a strong tendancy to pick Fast, athlethic players early on (Matt Jones and his 4.3 combine time, LT Barnes, RB-- Maurice Jones Drew, DB Reggie Nelson and his 4.3). The Jags need some depth at DE and a guy that can bring some heat and with Groves' 4.5 speed he can do just that which is why I think he gets the nod over Cambell (Maimi DE).
27. Chargers- Dan Connor LB
He can provide depth to the Chargers 3-4 LBs and I wouldn't be surprised if he wins a starting spot. He is a very complete LB that can do everything well. The only thing he really lacks is jaw-dropping athleticism but in the 3-4, he doesn't need it.
28. Cowboys- Desean Jackson WR
Terry Glenn was hurt for almost all of last year and is getting Old. Owens is getting old too. Crayton is nothing special. Jackson is a great value here, and can get open on all 3 levels, in addition to being a great return man. I think CB is also a possiblity for them but
I think Jackson is a better prospect that any CB currently on the board.
29. 49ers- Mario Manningham WR
Bryant Johnson was signed to a 1 year deal. Issac Bruce is ancient. Manningham has similar physical characteristics to Issac Bruce and Tory Holt, who excelled in Martz' passing scheme. I think Manningham is a solid value here as he had a good college career and ran in the low 4.4s on his pro day.
30. Packers- Brandon Flowers CB
Both Charles Woodson and Al Harris are getting old. Flowers excells in man to man and bump and run coverage which is what the Packers play. That is why I think the Packers take him over Cason, because he is better than him at bump and run and is a better tackler.
31. Pats- This pick would have been 32 but the football gods were clearly angered.
32.Giants- Jerod Mayo LB
The Giants lost LBs Reggie Torber and Kawika Mitchell in Free Agency. Mayo can start from day 1. Mayo can go higher but LBs sometimes fall and I think Mayo is the 3rd best. Rivers is the consensous number 1 LB it seems, and Connor has a lot more INTs and sacks than Mayo does. I think he's a steal at this point though.
I don't like some of the picks, but they aren't impossible or even unlikely, so I can't say they won't happen. 
