2008 NFL Draft Thread

[PoopyfaceMcGee]

Yep.  Either that or farging with you is nearly as fun as playing "how many nickels can be put in a bag hanging from rjs246's scrotum before it tears apart?"

BTW, the answer is 37.

[ice grillin you]

dont waste my time zealout

[PoopyfaceMcGee]

The 38th one was a bad scene.  Good thing his ladyfriend has medical training.

[rjs246]

So how was the wedding you two?

[ice grillin you]

todd mcshays first espn insider mock mock....

1. Miami Dolphins
Current record: 0-12
Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: OT, OG, DT
Projected pick: Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU

One of the Dolphins' top priorities is to upgrade the talent level along the offensive and defensive lines with an injection of youth. Dorsey played most of the second half of the season with a minor knee injury and a back injury and was still the most disruptive defensive tackle in the country. He should be ready to contribute immediately in the NFL.

2. New England Patriots (from 3-9 San Francisco)
Current record: 12-0
Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: ILB, CB, OLB
Projected pick: Darren McFadden*, RB, Arkansas

This hardly seems fair. The league's best team lands the draft's top talent -- or strikes another lucrative draft-day deal for him. Both McFadden and Laurence Maroney split carries in college. A two-back rotation would make both last longer, not to mention the possibilities for an offense already overloaded with talent.

3. New York Jets
Current record: 3-9
Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: WR, NT, ILB
Projected pick: James Laurinaitis*, ILB, Ohio State

There simply is not a wide receiver to get excited about with the third overall pick and USC DT Sedrick Ellis is not a good fit as a two-gap NT in this scheme. McFadden should be the pick, if he falls to the Jets, but in this scenario, Laurinaitis makes the most sense. He would solidify the linebacker corps next to another young talent in David Harris (2nd round pick in '07). Michigan OT Jake Long is a possibility, as well.

4. Atlanta Falcons
Current record: 3-9
Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: QB, OL, DT
Projected pick: Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville

It almost makes too much sense. The Falcons, in desperate need of a franchise quarterback in the wake of the Michael Vick mess, use their first-round selection on a signal-caller who played for current Atlanta head coach Bobby Petrino at Louisville from 2004-06.

5. St. Louis Rams
Current record: 3-9
Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: OT, CB, DE
Projected pick: Jake Long, OT, Michigan

The season-ending injury to perennial Pro Bowl tackle Orlando Pace and the Rams' overall poor play along the offensive line this season make Long a real possibility with this pick. He is unquestionably the most dominant offensive-line prospect in the 2008 class.

6. Cincinnati Bengals
Current record: 4-8
Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: DT, LB, OT
Projected pick: Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC

It would be tough to pass on DE Chris Long, but the Bengals have a much bigger need for interior help. Ellis is a quick, tough and relentless defensive tackle. He has the potential to disrupt plays in the backfield while occupying blocks, which would make the Bengals' entire front-seven better.

7. Oakland Raiders
Current record: 4-8
Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: OL, WR, DL
Projected pick: Chris Long, DE, Virginia

Outside of McFadden, there isn't a player I value more in the 2008 class than Chris Long. He plays the game with rare passion and nearly flawless technique. In addition to controlling blockers as a 3-4 end in college, Long also disengages from blocks and makes big play after big play. The fact that he finished the regular season with 14 sacks playing in that scheme tells you all you need to know about his talent and motor. Raider Nation would certainly welcome another Long with open arms.

8. Kansas City Chiefs
Current record: 4-8
Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: OL, WR, CB
Projected pick: Ryan Clady*, OT, Boise State

Clady only makes sense here if Chiefs QB Brodie Croyle makes strides during the final few weeks of the season. If not, QB Matt Ryan would have to be a possibility with this pick. Clady is still improving his strength but he possesses impressive feet to go along with his enormous wingspan.

9. Baltimore Ravens
Current record: 4-8
Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: QB, CB, LB
Projected pick: Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College

Ryan is the top quarterback prospect in the 2008 class. In this scenario, the Ravens would send a thank-you letter to the Falcons and gladly take Ryan with the ninth overall selection.

10. New Orleans Saints
Current record: 5-7
Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: MLB, TE, DT
Projected pick: Keith Rivers, LB, USC

This is a bit high for Rivers, but the Saints need linebacker help and could fall in love with his leadership and tempo. Rivers could possibly play inside in the NFL, but his more natural fit is on the weakside. Regardless, he is a first-round talent with very good instincts, quickness and tackling skills.

11. Houston Texans
Current record: 5-7
Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: DB, OG, RB
Projected pick: Malcolm Jenkins*, DB, Ohio State

Jenkins spends most of his time in soft-zone coverage at both corner and safety at Ohio State. It's unlikely he will ever emerge as a shutdown man-to-man cover corner in the NFL, but Jenkins is a ball hawk with excellent size and straight-line speed. His versatility could help solidify the Texans' secondary.

12. Denver Broncos
Current record: 5-7
Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: OL, DT, S
Projected pick: Kenny Phillips*, S, Miami (Fla.)

Phillips had a substandard season, and it would say a lot about his character if he returns to Miami for his senior season and take on a leadership role. On the flip side, Phillips is likely to be the top safety selected if he bolts school early for the 2008 draft. Denver is aging at the position, making it one of Phillips' potential first-round landing spots. His speed and athleticism would be a good complement to the Broncos' existing group of comparatively slow-footed tough guys.

13. Carolina Panthers
Current record: 5-7
Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: QB, WR, DE
Projected pick: Andre Woodson, QB, Kentucky

Woodson has the size, arm strength and accuracy as a passer to develop into a good starter in the NFL. Some teams will be concerned about his occasional lapses in decision-making and lack of mobility. However, I would consider the Panthers fortunate if Woodson drops to them at No. 13 overall. In this scenario, Woodson would be the third and final quarterback off the board in the first round, leaving the Bears to adjust their plans quickly.

14. Chicago Bears
Current record: 5-7
Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: QB, OT, S

Projected pick: Mike Jenkins, DB, South Florida
If the team can't get one of the top three quarterbacks, it likely will look for help along the offensive line and at safety. Jenkins plays mostly corner at South Florida but he may be a better fit at free safety in the NFL. Regardless, Jenkins has excellent speed and ball skills for his size. He has shown much better discipline and technique as a senior, which is why he is shooting up many NFL draft boards.


15. Philadelphia Eagles
Current record: 5-7
Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: OT, S, WR
Projected pick: DeSean Jackson*, WR, Cal

Sam Baker would be a possibility, but will the Eagles really take another USC tackle considering Winston Justice's struggles thus far? From my vantage point, Jackson would be tough to pass on here if he leaves following a disappointing junior season at Cal. Sure, critics will attack Jackson for being lean and struggling to stay healthy. But none of his injuries project to have long-term ramifications. Plus, he's a better pure wide receiver than Ted Ginn Jr. (picked by Miami No. 10 overall in 2007) and Jackson is just as explosive in the return game.

[ice grillin you]

16. Washington taterskins
Current record: 5-7
Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: WR, DE, S
Projected pick: Derrick Harvey*, DE, Florida

Harvey could use another season in Gainesville to improve his bulk and strength, but don't count on him returning. The 6-foot-4, 255-pound junior notched 17.5 sacks the past two seasons and will wow scouts with his speed and athleticism during workouts. Harvey could upgrade the taterskins' perimeter pass rush immediately.

17. Arizona Cardinals
Current record: 6-6
Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: OT, DT, RB
Projected pick: Sam Baker, OT, USC

Baker has the feet and balance of a future Pro Bowl left tackle. Unfortunately, he is neither aggressive nor strong enough to start in the NFL right now. Depending on how many come out, Arizona could have more to choose from with this pick -- at both the offensive and defensive tackle positions.

18. Buffalo Bills
Current record: 6-6
Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: TE, CB, OLB
Projected pick: Ali Highsmith, LB, LSU

Paul Posluszny, Buffalo's second-round pick in 2007, showed lots of promise prior to his season-ending injury. The Bills, however, could still use help at the position even if Posluszny returns to form. Cornerback and tight end are bigger needs, but Highsmith is rated higher than the next-best prospect at either position. Highsmith possesses the athleticism and speed to emerge as a playmaking starter in the NFL, but only if his bulk and recognition skills improve.

19. Minnesota Vikings
Current record: 6-6
Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: DE, S, C
Projected pick: Calais Campbell*, DE, Miami (Fla.)

Yes, it's true. The Vikings are really in the market for another first-round defensive end. Campbell is first-round material despite failing to live up to expectations in 2007. Sure, he could improve his stock to the top-10 range by returning to school and maximizing his talents as a senior. Though something tells me an athletic 6-7, 285-pound end with 4.7-speed and 17 sacks the past two seasons won't slip far -- even if he's not fully developed.

20. Detroit Lions
Current record: 6-6
Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: OT, CB, TE
Projected pick: Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh

It looks like the Lions will be selecting outside of the top 10 for the first time since 2001. Now the trick is to find quality players this far down the line. Otah is a late-rising prospect from Nigeria with quick feet for such a massive frame. Otah will take some time to develop but he might be worth the wait.

21. Dallas Cowboys (from 7-5 Cleveland)
Current record: 11-1
Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: S, OT, WR
Projected pick: Limas Sweed, WR, Texas

Sweed is the most naturally gifted receiver in the 2008 class if healthy. Unfortunately, the homegrown product's senior season was cut short by a wrist injury. Although durability is a concern, some team could get a steal in the bottom-half of the first round if Sweed returns to form as expected. Owner Jerry Jones has never been one to shy away from risks.

22. Tennessee Titans
Current record: 7-5
Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: WR, DT, CB
Projected pick: Malcolm Kelly*, WR, Oklahoma

The Titans need to surround franchise quarterback Vince Young with better perimeter weapons. Young may be forced to befriend a Sooner if his former teammate, Sweed, is off the board. Kelly could use another season of polishing but word out of Norman is the 6-4, 220-pound glider will take his chances in the upcoming NFL draft.

23. San Diego Chargers
Current record: 7-5
Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: ILB, DL, RB
Projected pick: Rey Maualuga*, ILB, USC

Maualuga is finishing strong as a junior. He publicly stated he plans on returning to Southern California next fall, but Maualuga wouldn't be the first to renege on such a promise. A strong showing at the combine could catapult the 250-pound middle linebacker into the top-half of the first round.

24. Seattle Seahawks
Current record: 8-4
Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: OL, S, TE
Projected pick: Jonathan Stewart*, RB, Oregon

The Seahawks have some tough questions to ponder at the running back position in the upcoming offseason. Will Shaun Alexander return to form? Can Maurice Morris be the full-time load-carrier if not? Stewart has yet to indicate his intentions but it wouldn't be a bit surprising if he followed QB Dennis Dixon out of Eugene. Stewart has the versatility, power and burst to thrive in coach Mike Holmgren's system.

25. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Current record: 8-4
Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: OT, CB, OLB
Projected pick: Aqib Talib*, DB, Kansas

Talib is a versatile athlete with the size, toughness and ball skills to fit well in the Tampa 2. Who knows, maybe coach Jon Gruden would get him some time at wide receiver like Mark Mangino did at Kansas.

26. New York Giants
Current record: 8-4
Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: OLB, OT, DB
Projected pick: Dan Connor, LB, Penn State

Connor is a bit overrated, but the Giants would be getting a solid value on him at No. 26 overall. Connor moved inside to middle linebacker as a senior but it seems his better fit in the NFL will be at the Will (weakside linebacker) position.

27. Jacksonville Jaguars
Current record: 8-4
Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: WR, OLB, S
Projected pick: Vernon Gholston*, DE/OLB, Ohio State

This would have to be worst-case scenario for Gholston, who has 21.5 sacks the past two seasons, including eight in his last four outings. Gholston is a bit undersized but he is powerfully built with above-average speed. The Jaguars would jump at the opportunity to select the junior here, even if end is not a top priority.

28. Pittsburgh Steelers
Current record: 9-3
Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: OL, WR, S
Projected pick: Michael Oher*, OT, Mississippi

The Steelers should use this picks to upgrade their offensive line. Oher is reportedly on the fence in regards to staying in school or turning pro. Should he leave early, Oher has all the physical tools a team looks for in a potential starting left tackle. He comes with some baggage, though, and his technique still needs polishing.

29. Green Bay Packers
Current record: 10-2
Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: RB, S, OL
Projected pick: Felix Jones*, RB, Arkansas

Ryan Grant has been a nice story this season but the Packers can't count on him as its premier back moving forward. The verdict is still out on rookie Brandon Jackson, who has failed to meet expectations so far. A proven veteran would be ideal but Jones has proven capable of contributing as a complementary weapon. He brings world-class speed to the table as a runner, receiver and return specialist.

30. San Francisco 49ers (from 10-2 Indianapolis)
Current record: 3-9
Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: WR, OL, S
Projected pick: Early Doucet, WR, LSU

Obviously, the 49ers would like to have that No. 2 pick back from the Patriots, but they'll have to make due with the 30th pick. Doucet has been bothered by a nagging groin injury, which prevented him from emerging as a reliable No. 1 weapon at LSU this fall. But a couple fast 40 times and a big week at the Senior Bowl could help affirm his big-play potential for NFL decision-makers.

31. Dallas Cowboys
Current record: 11-1
Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: S, OT, WR
Projected pick: Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College

The Cowboys can use this pick to bolster their offensive line depth after selecting a wide receiver (Sweed) earlier in the round. Cherilus has struggled in his first year on the left side and in a new system. A team patient enough to rebuild his confidence -- which probably includes moving him back to ROT -- could reap the rewards.

[PoopyfaceMcGee]

I think Jackson will be off the board by the time the Eagles pick.  Dammit.

BTW, that Highsmith kid at LSU is all over the field.

[ice grillin you]

its december
you have no idea where jackson is gonna be picked
none of us really do
in fact you had no idea who jackson was two weeks ago
so just stop it

[PoopyfaceMcGee]

By April, you won't even want Jackson anymore.

[BigEd76]

2008 NFL Draft Order
(After week 14)

01 - Miami
02 - New England (from SF) 
03 - St. Louis
04 - Atlanta
05 - N.Y. Jets
06 - Kansas City
07 - Oakland
08 - Baltimore
09 - Cincinnati
10 - Carolina
11 - Chicago
12 - EAGLES
13 - Arizona
14 - New Orleans
15 - Houston
16 - Denver
17 - Detroit
18 - Washington
19 - Tennessee
20 - Buffalo
21 - Minnesota
22 - Dallas (from CLE)
23 - Tampa Bay
24 - San Diego
25 - Seattle
26 - Pittsburgh
27 - N.Y. Giants
28 - Jacksonville
29 - Green Bay
30 - San Francisco (from IND)
31 - Dallas

[Feva]

Damn shame that the Eagles are plowing straight towards a 5-11 season and aren't even sitting in the top 10.

[Eagaholic]

Maybe they can pick up a real good place kicker.

[BigEd76]

Draft King mock, 12/5/07
01 DOLPHINS = Glenn Dorsey (LSU DT)
02 PATRIOTS (from SF) = Darren McFadden (Arkansas RB*) 
03 FALCONS = Brian Brohm (Louisville QB)
04 RAMS = Jake Long (Michigan OT)
05 JETS = Chris Long (Virginia DE)
06 BENGALS = Sedrick Ellis (USC DT)
07 CHIEFS = Sam Baker (USC OT)
08 RAIDERS = Calais Campbell (Miami DE*)
09 RAVENS = Andre' Woodson (Kentucky QB)
10 SAINTS = Mike Jenkins (South Florida CB)
11 TEXANS = Felix Jones (Arkansas RB*)
12 BRONCOS = James Laurinaitis (Ohio State LB*)
13 PANTHERS = Kenny Phillips (Miami S*)
14 BEARS = Matt Ryan (Boston College QB)
15 EAGLES = Vernon Gholston (Ohio State DE*)
16 taterskinS = Quentin Groves (Auburn DE)
17 CARDINALS = Dan Connor (Penn State LB)
18 BILLS = Malcolm Jenkins (Ohio State CB*)
19 VIKINGS = Keith Rivers (USC LB)
20 LIONS = Terrell Thomas (USC CB)
21 COWBOYS (from CLE) = Limas Sweed (Texas WR)
22 TITANS = Malcolm Kelly (Oklahoma WR*)
23 CHARGERS = Ali Highsmith (LSU LB)
24 SEAHAWKS = DeSean Jackson (California WR/KR*)
25 BUCCANEERS = Reggie Smith (Oklahoma CB*)
26 GIANTS = Ryan Clady (Boise State OT*)
27 JAGUARS =  Aqib Talib (Kansas CB*)
28 STEELERS = Jeff Otah (Pittsburgh OT)
29 PACKERS = Jonathan Stewart (Oregon RB*)
30 49ERS (from IND) = Andre Caldwell (Florida WR)
31 COWBOYS = Kentwan Balmer (North Carolina DT)


Great Blue North mock, 12/6/07
01 DOLPHINS = Glenn Dorsey (LSU DT)
02 PATRIOTS (from SF) = Darren McFadden (Arkansas RB*)
03 FALCONS = Brian Brohm (Louisville QB)
04 JETS = Chris Long (Virginia DE)
05 RAMS = Jake Long (Michigan OT)
06 BENGALS = Sedrick Ellis (USC DT)
07 RAIDERS = Rashard Mendenhall (Illinois RB*)
08 CHIEFS = Malcolm Jenkins (Ohio State CB*)
09 RAVENS = Andre' Woodson (Kentucky QB)
10 SAINTS = Kenny Phillips (Miami S*)
11 TEXANS = Kevin Smith (Central Florida RB*)
12 BRONCOS = Dan Connor (Penn State LB)
13 PANTHERS = Matt Ryan (Boston College QB)
14 BEARS = Ryan Clady (Boise State OT*)
15 EAGLES = Vernon Gholston (Ohio State DE*)
16 taterskinS = Derrick Harvey (Florida DE*)
17 CARDINALS = Calais Campbell (Miami DE*)
18 BILLS = James Laurinaitis (Ohio State LB*)
19 VIKINGS = Mike Jenkins (South Florida CB)
20 LIONS = Phil Loadholt (Oklahoma OT*)
21 COWBOYS (from CLE) = Adarius Bowman (Oklahoma State WR)
22 TITANS = Malcolm Kelly (Oklahoma WR*)
23 CHARGERS = Earl Bennett (Vanderbilt WR*)
24 SEAHAWKS = Ray Rice (Rutgers RB*)
25 BUCCANEERS = Keith Rivers (USC LB)
26 GIANTS = Reggie Smith (Oklahoma CB*)
27 JAGUARS = Quentin Groves (Auburn DE)
28 STEELERS = Duke Robinson (Oklahoma OG*)
29 PACKERS = Michael Oher (Mississippi OT*)
30 49ERS (from IND) = James Hardy (Indiana WR**)
31 COWBOYS = Aqib Talib (Kansas CB*)

* = junior
** = 3rd-year sophomore

[Dillen]

I'm almost 100% sure Hardy was a 3rd year sophomore last year. This is his 3rd year of playing college football so he'd be a junior or RS junior. No more double asterixises for you ed.

[BigEd76]

2008 NFL Draft Order
(After week 15)

01 - Miami
02 - St. Louis
03 - N.Y. Jets
04 - Atlanta
05 - New England (from SF)
06 - Baltimore
07 - Kansas City
08 - Oakland
09 - Cincinnati
10 - Chicago
11 - Arizona
12 - Denver
13 - Carolina
14 - Detroit
15 - EAGLES
16 - New Orleans
17 - Buffalo
18 - Houston
19 - Washington
20 - Tennessee
21 - Minnesota
22 - Seattle
23 - Dallas (from CLE)
24 - Pittsburgh
25 - Tampa Bay
26 - N.Y. Giants
27 - San Diego
28 - Jacksonville
29 - Green Bay
30 - San Francisco (from IND)
31 - Dallas