In the Trenches: 2007 week eight

Games Reviewed
Indianapolis Colts (31) at Carolina Panthers (7)
Pittsburgh Steelers (24) at Cincinnati Bengals (13)
Washington Redskins (7) at New England Patriots (52)

Unfortunately there were only three NFL Replay games for week eight. But at least I got my first look at the Carolina Panthers, and overall the line play was pretty good, especially at right tackle where no one had a below average Blocker Rating.

Blocker Ratings
Note: Players in green had above average Blocker Ratings; players in brown were below average.

Left Tackle

For the third time (out of three 2007 season games reviewed so far) Matt Light puts up an above average BR. I'm surprised he has done so well, though I expect his play will drop off later in the season. I still say Chris Samuels is one of the best left tackles in the game, and definitely one of the most fun to watch, even though his 8.57 BR on the season so far ranks only ninth (and no, I'm not a Redskins fan). Levi Jones looked off on his game and was most ineffective with his run blocking (6.75 RBR). Charlie Johnson struggled in both pass and run blocking and easily had the worst game of any of this week's linemen.

Left Guard

Finally, I got to review a game in which Logan Mankins looked like one of the NFL's top guards. Unfortunately for Jets fans, Alan Faneca was once again less effective than the average left guard; on the other hand, he should still be about nine plays per game better than Adrien Clarke. For Jets fans keeping score at home here are the relevant 2007 BRs so far: Pete Kendall, 8.64 BR (242 plays); Faneca, 8.29 BR (161 plays); Clarke, 7.39 BR (95 plays).

Center

As bad as Mahan looked the first time I reviewed one of his games, he has been decent the second two times. Really all of the centers this week were just that: decent, average. Except for Dan Koppen who, like his Patriot linemates, dominated the Redskins defensive front.

Right Guard

Including Super Bowl XLII, I've now reviewed four Patriots games, and in each game Stephen Neal has outperformed Logan Mankins. Neal doesn't have the same ability at pulling that Mankins does, but he seems to be stronger at the point of attack and more effective with blocks at the second level. Bobbie Williams had a relatively mistake-free game, but despite having the highest BR of the week, "steady" and "solid" seem like more apt descriptions of his game than "dominant" or even "great."

Right Tackle

The only below-average right tackle this week was New England's Ryan O'Callaghan who is not listed above because he was only in for six plays. Stacy Andrews, who had looked awful at left guard early in the year, did very well in both pass and run blocking. Nick Kaczur, like teammate Matt Light, continues to surprise. Willie Colon is shaping up to be the Steelers' top offensive lineman. Though I don't chart it due to the extra time it would take, I'd say that Todd Wade had the most double-team help of any of these other tackles and is definitely playing at a level a notch or two below all of them.

In the Trenches: 2007 week seven

Games Reviewed
Arizona Cardinals (19) at Washington Redskins (21)
Baltimore Ravens (14) at Buffalo Bills (19)
Tennessee Titans (38) at Houston Texans (36)
Chicago Bears (19) at Philadelphia Eagles (16)
Pittsburgh Steelers (28) at Denver Broncos (31)

Blocker Ratings
Note: Players in green had above average Blocker Ratings; players in brown were below average.

Left Tackle

Though he made some rookie blunders, Baltimore's Jared Gaither was way more impressive than Arizona's more heralded rookie, Levi Brown, who was a definite step down from starter Mike Gandy. Jason Peters once again scored surprisingly low; he had a lopsided game, doing very well in pass protection (9.32 PBR) but not so much in the running game (7.12 RBR).

Left Guard

Alan Faneca looked much better against the Broncos than he had against the Cardinals, but it still wasn't a stellar game. Jason Brown continues to perform well and is now the highest rated left guard on the season. Chester Pitts's rating is artificially high: in the NFL Replay version of the Titans-Texans game, three or four Texans three-and-outs were cut out, leaving the Texans with only five running plays to review; pass blocker ratings are higher than run blocker ratings, and left guards (along with centers) have the biggest difference (seven tenths).

Center

Re: Mike Flanagan, see the comment on Chester Pitts above. Even with a good game against the Eagles, Olin Kreutz is still below average for the season. I've seen enough of Kevin Mawae now to say he's still one of the top centers in the league. Mike Pucillo rebounded from his awful week-six appearance, turning in a serviceable game. Melvin Fowler had a great game against the Broncos and a decent game against the Colts, but struggled noticeably against the Ravens.

Right Guard

The list of the top-rated guards (left or right) for the 2007 season now goes like this: Leonard Davis, Cowboys (9.39 BR, 147 plays), Shawn Andrews, Eagles (9.29 BR, 63 plays), Chris Snee, Giants (9.23 BR, 162 plays). Yes, they're all in the NFC East; and unsung Giant lineman Rich Seubert is fifth (behind Jason Brown) with a 9.04 BR.

Right Tackle

Marshal Yanda just keeps having good games, as does David Stewart. They're the second and sixth rated right tackles so far on the season.

In the Trenches: 2007 week six

Games Reviewed
Oakland Raiders (14) at San Diego Chargers (28)
Washington Redskins (14) at Green Bay Packers (17)
New England Patriots (48) at Dallas Cowboys (27)
Miami Dolphins (31) at Cleveland Browns (41)
Minnesota Vikings (34) at Chicago Bears (31)

Blocker Ratings
Note: Players in green had above average Blocker Ratings; players in brown were below average.

Left Tackle

None of the left tackles had poor weeks, though it was disappointing to see favorites Chris Samuels, Joe Thomas, and Chad Clifton on the wrong side of average. Each struggled in the run game but did well in pass protection, as did Bryant McKinnie, Barry Sims, and Flozell Adams, who still managed an above-average BR in what was likely his worst performance of the season. Meanwhile, Vernon Carey, with three games reviewed, is having one of the best seasons of any tackle so far.

Left Guard

This is the third time I've reviewed a New England game, including the Super Bowl and 2007 week one (which used my earlier rating system which tended to yield higher scores) and Logan Mankins has yet to turn in a noticeably above-average game. On the other hand, since NFL Replay isn't given to showing blow outs, his best games probably aren't going to be considered here. Dielman and Hutchinson appear right where you would expect them to. Dielman is one of only two left guards with a BR over 9 so far this season (the other is New York Giant Rich Seubert, while Baltimore's Jason Brown is only a couple hundredths off).

Center

Casey Rabach left the game with a groin injury and there was a huge drop off for Washington when Mike Pucillo stepped in. Of the centers with at least 50 reviewed plays so far, Rabach has the second best BR (9.18) behind Denver's Tom Nalen (9.2). Andre Gurode struggled mightily with Vince Wilfork and the middle of that early-season Patriot defense. Olin Kreutz, going against those tough Minnesota defensive tackles, rebounded nicely from his rough week-five performance against Green Bay. San Diego's Nick Hardwick had a BR of 10, but only had six plays rated before leaving the game with an injury.

Right Guard

Dallas owner Jerry Jones received a lot of criticism when he signed Leonard Davis to a big contract last off-season, but it sure looks like it was worth it. Last week I noted that the Giants' Chris Snee might be the best guard in the league these days, so I'll just note now that Snee's 9.23 BR is second best among all guards. First is Davis with a 9.39 BR. Rex Hadnot had a nice game, which is a good reminder that you can't judge a player based off of one game. Cooper Carlisle, on the other hand, looked a lot worse than he had in week two; although, the guys on the San Diego defensive line in 2007 were a tougher match-up than the ones playing for Denver.

Right Tackle

This is becoming a theme: this is the third time a Dolphins' game has been included in these weekly ratings and each time the opposing right tackle—in this case the Browns' duo of Kevin Shaffer and Ryan Tucker—has rated the highest of any right tackle that week. Consider also that in week one the opposing right tackle (for most of the game) was Washington's Stephon Heyer who this week looked miserable against the Packers. The sometimes maligned Nick Kaczur had a good game against the aggressive Dallas pass rush. He has been the best right tackle in the 2007 games reviewed thus far, posting a 8.97 BR. Another player who had a decent week six, the even more maligned L.J. Shelton, is second best with an 8.81 BR.

2009 NFL Mock Draft - alpha version

This exercise is pretty high up there on the utterly pointless scale. Last year's alpha mock named a whopping eleven of the eventual thirty-one first round picks. Oh well. All in good fun.

1. Kansas City Chiefs
Cullen Harper, QB, Clemson

2. Atlanta Falcons
Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech

3. San Francisco 49ers
Matt Stafford, QB, Georgia

4. Chicago Bears
Curtis Painter, QB, Purdue

5. Oakland Raiders
Percy Harvin, WR, Florida

6. St. Louis Rams
Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi

7. Detroit Lions
Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech

8. Baltimore Ravens
Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois

9. Philadelphia Eagles (from Carolina Panthers)
Ciron Black, OT, LSU

10. Arizona Cardinals
Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia

11. Miami Dolphins
Al Woods, DT, LSU

12. Houston Texans
George Selvie, DE, South Florida

13. Buffalo Bills
Brian Cushing, LB, USC

14. Tennessee Titans
Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland

15. Pittsburgh Steelers
Fili Moala, DT, USC

16. Cincinnati Bengals
Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State

17. New York Jets
LeSean McCoy, RB, Pittsburgh

18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Andre Smith, OT, Alabama

19. Washington Redskins
Myron Rolle, S, Florida State

20. Minnesota Vikings
Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia

21. New York Giants
Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas

22. Philadelphia Eagles
Aaron Kelly, WR, Clemson

23. Cleveland Browns
Mike Mickens, CB, Cincinnati

24. Green Bay Packers
Alex Boone, OT, Ohio State

25. Denver Broncos
James Davis, RB, Clemson

26. Jacksonville Jaguars
Brandon Spikes, MLB, Florida

27. Seattle Seahawks
Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State

28. New Orleans Saints
Greg Middleton, DE, Indiana

29. New England Patriots
Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU

30. San Diego Chargers
Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC

31. Dallas Cowboys
Herman Johnson, G, LSU

32. Indianapolis Colts
Demetrius Byrd, WR, LSU

In the Trenches: 2007 week five

Games Reviewed
New York Jets (24) at New York Giants (35)
Miami Dolphins (19) at Houston Texans (22)
Atlanta Falcons (13) at Tennessee Titans (20)
Chicago Bears (27) at Green Bay Packers (20)
Dallas Cowboys (25) at Buffalo Bills (24)

Blocker Ratings
Note: Players in green had above average Blocker Ratings; players in brown were below average.

Left Tackle

Unlike in week one, Ferguson matched his reputation for being a weak run blocker (6.52 RBR), but he exceled in the passing game (9.22 PBR). Jason Peters struggled against DeMarcus Ware and Chris Canty. Chad Clifton's play at times looked uncharacteristically uninspired.

Left Guard

Chester Pitts had a strong game against Miami's poor interior line. Justin Blalock played as poorly as any linemen I've seen in the games reviewed thus far. Or, he held that distinction until Falcons reserve tackle Renardo Foster entered the game.

Center

Rex Hadnot moved to center later in the game and only saw 18 snaps there. Had he had more snaps he almost certainly wouldn't have had the best BR of the centers this week. Olin Kreutz was surprisingly ineffective, not just in the power run game but in getting out and making blocks at the second level as well.

Right Guard

I knew he was good, but Chris Snee might be the best guard in football. Leonard Davis was once again impressive. Anthony Alabi only had 18 plays, but did well when he was in there. Roberto Garza didn't start out so bad but really seemed to wear down as the game wore on.

Right Tackle

Two Dolphins games have showed up so far and both times the right tackles have played very, very well against them. If there were an opponent adjustment, Eric Winston wouldn't be at the top. Mark Tauscher rebounded from a sub-par game the prior week and his play at times was dominating in this contest which the Packers should have won.

How my mock draft fared

Even though I flubbed the Darren McFadden to the Raiders pick (which I had been projecting in most of my mocks leading up to the draft, but for some reason I suddenly started to believe Lane Kiffin), I scored a 47 using The Huddle Report's scoring method (1 point for each player correctly placed in round. 2 additional points for players matched to correct teams that pick them.) And according to The Huddle Report's mock draft scorecard that 47 is better than any of the mocks they officially scored. Better than Gosselin, Kiper, McShay, Dr. Z, you name it.

And so? That and a dollar will get me a donut.

2008 NFL Draft "Redo" (part 2)

The first part of this draft redo was posted last night.

Miami Dolphins
Quick hit: If Bill Parcells believes Jake Long was a better pick for the Dolphins than Chris Long, who am I to argue? I'll defer to Miami's Executive Vice President of Football Operations on this one.

Actual Draft
Round 1 (1): Jake Long, OT, Michigan
Round 2 (32): Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson
Round 2 (57): Chad Henne, QB, Michigan
Round 3 (66): Kendall Langford, DE, Hampton
Round 4 (110): Shawn Murphy, G, Utah State
Round 6 (176): Jalen Parmele, RB, Toledo
Round 6 (195): Donald Thomas, G, Connecticut
Round 6 (204): Lex Hilliard, RB, Montana
Round 7 (245): Lionel Dotson, DT, Arizona

Draft Redo
Round 1 (1): Jake Long, OT, Michigan
Round 2 (32): Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson
Round 2 (57): Chad Henne, QB, Michigan
Round 3 (66): Jeremy Zuttah, G/C, Rutgers
Round 4 (110): Martin Rucker, TE, Missouri
Round 6 (176): Ahtyba Rubin, NT, Iowa State
Round 6 (195): Donald Thomas, G, Connecticut
Round 6 (204): Cory Boyd, RB, South Carolina
Round 7 (245): Lionel Dotson, DT, Arizona

Minnesota Vikings
Quick hit: Two main things held the Vikings back last year: inconsistent quarterback play and the lack of a consistent pass rush from their front four. Tarvaris Jackson still has upside, so the Vikings can reasonably hope for improved quarterback play, and the addition of Jared Allen should go a long way toward generating a sufficient pass rush.

Actual Draft
Round 2 (43): Tyrell Johnson, S, Arkansas State
Round 5 (137): John David Booty, QB, Southern California
Round 5 (152): Letroy Guion, DT, Florida State
Round 6 (187): John Sullivan, C, Notre Dame
Round 6 (196): Jaymar Johnson, WR, Jackson State

Draft Redo
Round 2 (43): Tyrell Johnson, S, Arkansas State
Round 5 (137): John David Booty, QB, Southern California
Round 5 (152): Kellen Davis, TE, Michigan State
Round 6 (187): John Sullivan, C, Notre Dame
Round 6 (196): Jaymar Johnson, WR, Jackson State

New England Patriots
Quick hit: ESPN.com's instant draft analysis noted that “Mayo isn't quite as instinctive as Rivers.” I disagree strongly with that. Mayo's instincts might not be perfect, but he's better than Rivers in that department, which is why I don't think Rivers would have been a good fit at ILB in a 3-4 scheme.

Actual Draft
Round 1 (10): Jerod Mayo, ILB, Tennessee
Round 2 (62): Terrance Wheatley, CB, Colorado
Round 3 (78): Shawn Crable, OLB, Michigan
Round 3 (94): Kevin O'Connell, QB, San Diego State
Round 4 (129): Jonathan Wilhite, CB, Auburn
Round 5 (153): Matt Slater , WR, UCLA
Round 6 (197): Bo Ruud, ILB, Nebraska

Draft Redo
Round 1 (10): Jerod Mayo, ILB, Tennessee
Round 2 (62): Charles Godfrey, CB, Iowa
Round 3 (78): Shawn Crable, OLB, Michigan
Round 3 (94): Tyvon Branch, S, Connecticut
Round 4 (129): Jonathan Wilhite, CB, Auburn
Round 5 (153): Erik Ainge, QB, Tennessee
Round 6 (197): Bo Ruud, ILB, Nebraska

New Orleans Saints
Quick hit: The trade up for Sedrick Ellis was a great move that will pay major dividends for the Saints' defense in 2008. And I had Tracy Porter rated higher than most did, so of course I love that pick.

Actual Draft
Round 1 (7): Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
Round 2 (40): Tracy Porter, CB, Indiana
Round 5 (144): DeMario Pressley, DT, North Carolina St.
Round 5 (164): Carl Nicks, OT, Nebraska
Round 6 (178): Taylor Mehlhaff, K, Wisconsin
Round 7 (237): Adrian Arrington, WR, Michigan

Draft Redo
Round 1 (7): Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
Round 2 (40): Tracy Porter, CB, Indiana
Round 5 (144): Kellen Davis, TE, Michigan State
Round 5 (164): Carl Nicks, OT, Nebraska
Round 6 (178): Taylor Mehlhaff, K, Wisconsin
Round 7 (237): Adrian Arrington, WR, Michigan

New York Giants
Quick hit: I like what the Super Bowl champs did in the odd rounds, but don't agree very much with their picks in the even rounds.

Actual Draft
Round 1 (31): Kenny Phillips, S, Miami
Round 2 (63): Terrell Thomas, CB, USC
Round 3 (95): Mario Manningham, WR, Michigan
Round 4 (123): Bryan Kehl, LB, BYU
Round 5 (165): Jonathan Goff, MLB, Vanderbilt
Round 6 (198): Andre' Woodson, QB, Kentucky
Round 6 (199): Robert Henderson, DE, Southern Miss

Draft Redo
Round 1 (31): Kenny Phillips, S, Miami
Round 2 (63): Dan Connor, LB, Penn State
Round 3 (95): Andre Caldwell, WR, Florida
Round 4 (123): Trae Williams, CB, South Florida
Round 5 (165): Jonathan Goff, MLB, Vanderbilt
Round 6 (198): Andre' Woodson, QB, Kentucky
Round 6 (199): Brandon Keith, OT, Northern Iowa

New York Jets
Quick hit: I typically have liked the Jets' drafts the past few years, but I'm feeling luke warm about this one. In fact, I'm undoing the trade up to get Dustin Keller—I just don't value one-dimensional tight end prospects that much.

Actual Draft
Round 1 (6): Vernon Gholston, DE/LB, Ohio State
Round 1 (30): Dustin Keller, TE, Purdue
Round 4 (113): Dwight Lowery, CB, San Jose State
Round 5 (162): Erik Ainge, QB, Tennessee
Round 6 (171): Marcus Henry, WR, Kansas
Round 7 (211): Nate Garner, OT, Arkansas

Draft Redo
Round 1 (6): Vernon Gholston, DE/LB, Ohio State
Round 2 (36): Tyrell Johnson, S, Arkansas State
Round 4 (102): Lavelle Hawkins, WR, California
Round 4 (113): Dwight Lowery, CB, San Jose State
Round 6 (171): Cory Boyd, RB, South Carolina
Round 7 (211): Chris Brown, FB/TE, Tennessee

Oakland Raiders
Quick hit: Given the money that the Raiders put into re-signing Tommy Kelly, and given the question marks in Vernon Gholston's game, Darren McFadden really was a good value pick. Fargas's contract was not expensive and Lamont Jordan has not been able to stay healthy since signing with Oakland.

Actual Draft
Round 1 (4): Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
Round 4 (100): Tyvon Branch, CB/S, Connecticut
Round 4 (125): Arman Shields, WR, Richmond
Round 6 (169): Trevor Scott, DE, Buffalo
Round 7 (226): Chaz Schilens, WR, San Diego State

Draft Redo
Round 1 (4): Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
Round 4 (100): Jeremy Thompson, DE, Wake Forest
Round 4 (125): Lavelle Hawkins, WR, California
Round 6 (169): Josh Barrett, S, Arizona State
Round 7 (226): Peyton Hillis, FB, Arkansas

Philadelphia Eagles
Quick hit: Not a whole lot that I would have done the same here once you get beyond the great Trevor Laws pick.

Actual Draft
Round 2 (47): Trevor Laws, DT, Notre Dame
Round 2 (49): DeSean Jackson, WR, California
Round 3 (80): Bryan Smith, LB, McNeese State
Round 4 (109): Mike McGlynn, G, Pittsburgh
Round 4 (117): Quintin Demps, S, UTEP
Round 4 (131): Jack Ikegwuonu, CB, Wisconsin
Round 6 (184): Michael Gibson, G, California
Round 6 (200): Joe Mays, LB, North Dakota State
Round 6 (203): Andrew Studebaker, DE, Wheaton
Round 7 (230): King Dunlap, T, Auburn

Draft Redo
Round 2 (47): Trevor Laws, DT, Notre Dame
Round 2 (49): Earl Bennett, WR, Vanderbilt
Round 3 (80): Andre Caldwell, WR, Florida
Round 4 (109): Martin Rucker, TE, Missouri
Round 4 (117): Xavier Adibi, LB, Virginia Tech
Round 4 (131): Jack Ikegwuonu, CB, Wisconsin
Round 6 (184): John Sullivan, C, Notre Dame
Round 6 (200): Joe Mays, LB, North Dakota State
Round 6 (203): Matt Sherry, TE, Villanova
Round 7 (230): Darrell Robertson, DE, Georgia Tech

Pittsburgh Steelers
Quick hit: With all of the top offensive linemen off the board, Pittsburgh definitely did the right thing in selecting Mendenhall, who should be one of the league's top running back within a few years.

Actual Draft
Round 1 (23): Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois
Round 2 (53): Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
Round 3 (88): Bruce Davis, OLB, UCLA
Round 4 (130): Tony Hills, OT, Texas
Round 5 (156): Dennis Dixon, QB, Oregon
Round 6 (188): Mike Humphal, ILB, Iowa
Round 6 (194): Ryan Mundy, FS, West Virginia

Draft Redo
Round 1 (23): Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois
Round 2 (53): Jason Jones, DE, Eastern Michigan
Round 3 (88): Bruce Davis, OLB, UCLA
Round 4 (130): Tony Hills, OT, Texas
Round 5 (156): Jonathan Goff, ILB, Vanderbilt
Round 6 (188): Donald Thomas, G, Connecticut
Round 6 (194): Steve Johnson, WR, Kentucky

San Diego Chargers
Quick hit: The Chargers have no real holes. Only a couple of starting jobs will even be contested. Obviously that's because they've drafted so well in recent years. So there's no need to change any of their picks, right?

Actual Draft
Round 1 (27): Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona
Round 3 (69): Jacob Hester, FB, LSU
Round 5 (166): Marcus Thomas, RB, UTEP
Round 6 (192): DeJuan Tribble, CB, Boston College
Round 7 (234): Corey Clark, OT, Texas A&M

Draft Redo
Round 1 (27): Tracy Porter, CB, Indiana
Round 3 (69): Brad Cottam, TE, Tennessee
Round 5 (166): Ahtyba Rubin, NT, Iowa State
Round 6 (192): Cory Boyd, RB, South Carolina
Round 7 (234): Chris Brown, FB/TE, Tennessee

San Francisco 49ers
Quick hit: Balmer will help bolster the defensive line, but I can't get behind the other picks they made.

Actual Draft
Round 1 (29): Kentwan Balmer, DT/DE, North Carolina
Round 2 (39): Chilo Racal, G, USC
Round 3 (75): Reggie Smith, DB, Oklahoma
Round 4 (107): Cody Wallace, C, Texas A&M
Round 6 (174): Josh Morgan, WR, Virginia Tech
Round 7 (214): Larry Grant, LB, Ohio State

Draft Redo
Round 1 (29): Kentwan Balmer, DT/DE, North Carolina
Round 2 (39): Tyrell Johnson, S, Arkansas State
Round 3 (75): Jeremy Zuttah, G/C, Rutgers
Round 4 (107): Lavelle Hawkins, WR, California
Round 6 (174): Donald Thomas, G, Connecticut
Round 7 (214): Cory Boyd, RB, South Carolina

Seattle Seahawks
Quick hit: GM Tim Ruskell typically does a good job and seems to have done so again this year, though I'm much lower on Red Bryant than most others are.

Actual Draft
Round 1 (28): Lawrence Jackson, DE, Southern Cal
Round 2 (38): John Carlson, TE, Notre Dame
Round 4 (121): Red Bryant, DT, Texas A&M
Round 5 (163): Owen Schmitt, FB, West Virginia
Round 6 (189): Tyler Schmitt, LS, San Diego State
Round 7 (233): Justin Forsett, RB, California
Round 7 (235): Brandon Coutu, K, Georgia

Draft Redo
Round 1 (28): Trevor Laws, DT, Notre Dame
Round 2 (38): John Carlson, TE, Notre Dame
Round 4 (121): Lavelle Hawkins, WR, California
Round 5 (163): Owen Schmitt, FB, West Virginia
Round 6 (189): Tyler Schmitt, LS, San Diego State
Round 7 (233): Marcus Monk, WR, Arkansas
Round 7 (235): Eric Foster, DE, Rutgers

St. Louis Rams
Quick hit: Chris Long's my overall top player in the draft. And I think Greco could be a good pro with a chance to make it at tackle though most see him as a guard. Decent picks in every round, although I think selecting Avery in the second round was an awful move.

Actual Draft
Round 1 (2): Chris Long, DE, Virginia
Round 2 (33): Donnie Avery, WR, Houston
Round 3 (65): John Greco, OT, Toledo
Round 4 (101): Justin King, CB, Penn State
Round 4 (128): Keenan Burton, WR, Kentucky
Round 5 (157): Roy Schuening, OG, Oregon St.
Round 7 (228): Chris Chamberlain, DB, Tulsa
Round 7 (252): David Vobora, OLB, Idaho

Draft Redo
Round 1 (2): Chris Long, DE, Virginia
Round 2 (33): Curtis Lofton, MLB, Oklahoma
Round 3 (65): John Greco, OT, Toledo
Round 4 (101): Lavelle Hawkins, WR, California
Round 4 (128): Jonathan Wilhite, CB, Auburn
Round 5 (157): Kellen Davis, TE, Michigan State
Round 7 (228): Cory Boyd, RB, South Carolina
Round 7 (252): David Roach, S, TCU

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Quick hit: Although I'm not quite sure about taking a cover two corner in round one, Talib is a playmaker when he gets his hands on the ball, so I can get behind that. And I love the rest of the draft, though that won't keep me from making a few changes.

Actual Draft
Round 1 (20): Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas
Round 2 (58): Dexter Jackson, WR, Appalachian State
Round 3 (83): Jeremy Zuttah, G, Rutgers
Round 4 (115): Dre Moore, DT, Maryland
Round 5 (160): Josh Johnson, QB, San Diego
Round 5 (175): Geno Hayes, ILB, Florida State
Round 7 (238): Cory Boyd, RB, South Carolina

Draft Redo
Round 1 (20): Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas
Round 2 (58): Earl Bennett, WR, Vanderbilt
Round 3 (83): Jeremy Zuttah, G, Rutgers
Round 4 (115): Dre Moore, DT, Maryland
Round 5 (160): Marcus Howard, DE, Georgia
Round 6 (175): Cory Boyd, RB, South Carolina
Round 7 (238): Marcus Monk, WR, Arkansas

Tennessee Titans
Quick hit: Tennessee selected a couple of my favorite prospects, namely Jason Jones and Lavelle Hawkins, but the first round is too high to draft a back like Chris Johnson.

Actual Draft
Round 1 (24): Chris Johnson, RB, East Carolina
Round 2 (54): Jason Jones, DT/DE, Eastern Michigan
Round 3 (85): Craig Stevens, TE, California
Round 4 (103): William Hayes, DE, Western Michigan
Round 4 (126): Lavelle Hawkins, WR, California
Round 4 (134): Stanford Keglar, OLB, Stanford
Round 7 (229): Cary Williams, CB, Washburn

Draft Redo
Round 1 (24): Brandon Flowers, CB, Virginia Tech
Round 2 (54): Jason Jones, DT/DE, Eastern Michigan
Round 3 (85): Cliff Avril, DE, Purdue
Round 4 (103): Martin Rucker, TE, Missouri
Round 4 (126): Lavelle Hawkins, WR, California
Round 4 (134): Jonathan Goff, MLB, Vanderbilt
Round 7 (229): Cory Boyd, RB, South Carolina

Washington Redskins
Quick hit: When the consensus top receiver in the draft falls to the second round you have to take him. But when another top receiver is still available seventeen picks later that doesn't mean you have to take him, too.

Actual Draft
Round 2 (34): Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State
Round 2 (48): Fred Davis, TE, Southern Cal
Round 2 (51): Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma
Round 3 (96): Chad Rinehart, G, Northern Iowa
Round 4 (124): Justin Tryon, CB, Arizona State
Round 6 (168): Durant Brooks, P, Georgia Tech
Round 6 (180): Kareem Moore, S, Nicholls State
Round 6 (186): Colt Brennan, QB, Hawaii
Round 7 (242): Rob Jackson, DE, Kansas State
Round 7 (249): Christopher Horton, S, UCLA

Draft Redo
Round 2 (34): Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State
Round 2 (48): Jason Jones, DE/DT, Eastern Michigan
Round 2 (51): Charles Godfrey, CB, Iowa
Round 3 (96): Oneil Cousins, OT/G, UTEP
Round 4 (124): Martin Rucker, TE, Missouri
Round 6 (168): Durant Brooks, P, Georgia Tech
Round 6 (180): Ahtyba Rubin, DT, Iowa State
Round 6 (186): Andre’ Woodson, QB, Kentucky
Round 7 (242): Marcus Monk, WR, Arkansas
Round 7 (249): David Roach, S, TCU

2008 NFL Draft "Redo" (part 1)

Instead of engaging in the absurd (but nonetheless fun) process of grading the teams on their drafts a day later, I'm going to pit myself against the GMs and redo their drafts. In five years, I can look back and see what an idiot I am, er, I mean, which of us did better.
  I'm going to mostly stick with whatever trades the teams made. There will be a couple of exceptions, such as Atlanta trading two second round picks and a fourth to Washington for the 21st overall pick (I don't see the value at a position of need for Atlanta at that high of a pick, especially since I view Sam Baker as more of a guard or right tackle prospect).
  Also, since the teams have a lot more information on most of the guys that go in the last couple of rounds, I might tend to stick with the prospects they selected there unless I have a strong feeling about the pick.
  The other thing is that a lot of the same names will probably appear throughout, since I'm not redoing all of the GMs' work at the same time; obviously the prospects I most like and see as having the most value at various points in the draft are going to be “selected” more often.
  Names in bold are “matches” between my picks and a team's actual pick.

Arizona Cardinals
Quick hit: Love the DRC pick, in a close call over Illinois running back Rashard Mendenhall.

Actual Draft
Round 1 (16): Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee St
Round 2 (50): Calais Campbell, DE, Miami
Round 3 (81): Early Doucet, WR, LSU
Round 4 (116): Kenny Iwebema, DE, Iowa
Round 5 (149): Timothy Hightower, RB, Richmond
Round 6 (185): Christopher Harrington, DE, Texas A&M
Round 7 (225): Brandon Keith, OT, Northern Iowa

Draft Redo
Round 1 (16): Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee St
Round 2 (50): Jason Jones, DE/DT, Eastern Michigan
Round 3 (81): Cliff Avril, OLB/DE, Purdue
Round 4 (116): Lavelle Hawkins, WR, California
Round 5 (149): Kellen Davis, TE, Michigan State
Round 6 (185): Cory Boyd, RB, South Carolina
Round 7 (225): Brandon Keith, OT, Northern Iowa

Atlanta Falcons
Quick hit: Would have tried to find a way to trade down from the third pick to land Vanderbilt offensive tackle Chris Williams, rather than trade up to the twenty-first pick for Sam Baker. Also, I never would have signed Michael Turner (at least not for the kind of money he got), so a trade up into the late first round would have been to snatch Illinois running back Rashard Mendenhall.

Actual Draft
Round 1 (3): Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
Round 1 (21): Sam Baker, OT, Southern California
Round 2 (37): Curtis Lofton, MLB, Oklahoma
Round 3 (68): Chevis Jackson, CB, LSU
Round 3 (84): Harry Douglas, WR, Louisville
Round 3 (98): Thomas DeCoud, S, California
Round 5 (138): Robert James, LB, Arizona State
Round 5 (154): Kroy Bierman, MLB, Montana
Round 6 (172): Thomas Brown, RB, Georgia
Round 7 (212): Wilrey Fontenot, CB, Arizona
Round 7 (232): Keith Zinger, TE, LSU

Draft Redo
Round 1 (3): Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
Round 2 (34): Brandon Flowers, CB, Virginia Tech
Round 2 (37): Curtis Lofton, MLB, Oklahoma
Round 2 (48): Chad Henne, QB, Michigan
Round 3 (68): Earl Bennett, WR, Vanderbilt
Round 3 (98): Anthony Collins, OT, Kansas
Round 4 (103): Martin Rucker, TE, Missouri
Round 5 (138): Marcus Howard, DE, Georgia
Round 6 (172): Jaymar Johnson, WR, Jackson State
Round 7 (212): Josh Barrett, S, Arizona State
Round 7 (232): Cory Boyd, RB, South Carolina

Baltimore Ravens
Quick hit: In hindsight it certainly appears that the Ravens traded up higher than they needed to to land Joe Flacco. But you couldn't have known that at the time, and at the very least, I think they needed to get ahead of Miami at the top of round two. The earlier trade down with Jacksonville was a wonderful move.

Actual Draft
Round 1 (18): Joe Flacco, QB, Delaware
Round 2 (55): Ray Rice, RB, Rutgers
Round 3 (71): Tavares Gooden, LB, Miami
Round 3 (86): Tom Zbikowski, S, Notre Dame
Round 3 (99): Oniel Cousins, G, UTEP
Round 4 (106): Marcus Smith, WR, New Mexico
Round 4 (133): David Hale, OT, Weber State
Round 6 (206): Haruki Nakamura, S, Cincinnati
Round 7 (215): Justin Harper, WR, Virginia Tech
Round 7 (240): Allen Patrick, RB, Oklahoma

Draft Redo
Round 1 (18): Joe Flacco, QB, Delaware
Round 2 (55): Ray Rice, RB, Rutgers
Round 3 (71): Tavares Gooden, LB, Miami
Round 3 (86): Andre Caldwell, WR, Florida
Round 3 (99): Anthony Collins, OT, Kansas
Round 4 (106): Lavelle Hawkins, WR, California
Round 4 (133): Trae Williams, CB, South Florida
Round 6 (206): Haruki Nakamura, S, Cincinnati
Round 7 (215): Josh Barrett, S, Arizona State
Round 7 (240): Fernando Velasco, G/C, Georgia

Buffalo Bills
Quick hit: In terms of quality prospects filling needs, Buffalo's first two picks were as good as any team not selecting twice in the first round.

Actual Draft
Round 1 (11): Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy
Round 2 (41): James Hardy, WR, Indiana
Round 3 (72): Chris Ellis, DE, Virginia Tech
Round 4 (114): Reggie Corner, CB, Akron
Round 4 (132): Derek Fine, TE, Kansas
Round 5 (147): Alvin Bowen, LB, Iowa State
Round 6 (179): Xavier Omon, RB, NW Missouri State
Round 7 (219): Demetrius Bell, OT, Northwestern State
Round 7 (224): Steve Johnson, WR, Kentucky
Round 7 (251): Kennard Cox, CB, Pittsburgh

Draft Redo
Round 1 (11): Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy
Round 2 (41): James Hardy, WR, Indiana
Round 3 (72): Cliff Avril, DE, Purdue
Round 4 (114): Xavier Adibi, LB, Virginia Tech
Round 4 (132): Kellen Davis, TE, Michigan State
Round 5 (147): Marcus Howard, DE, Georgia
Round 6 (179): Cory Boyd, RB, South Carolina
Round 7 (219): Brandon Keith, OT, Northern Iowa
Round 7 (224): Steve Johnson, WR, Kentucky
Round 7 (251): Erin Henderson, LB, Maryland

Carolina Panthers
Quick hit: Panthers received exceptional value with their third round picks, and trading up to land Otah with the nineteenth pick wasn't a bad move either. There's no way, though, that I would have taken Stewart over Mendenhall.

Actual Draft
Round 1 (13): Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon
Round 1 (19): Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh
Round 3 (67): Charles Godfrey, CB/S, Iowa
Round 3 (74): Dan Connor, LB, Penn State
Round 5 (141): Gary Barnidge, TE, Louisville
Round 6 (181): Nick Hayden, DT, Wisconsin
Round 7 (221): Hilee Taylor, DE/OLB, UNC
Round 7 (241): Jeff Schwartz, G, Oregon
Round 7 (250): Mackenzy Bernadeau, G, Bentley

Draft Redo
Round 1 (13): Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt
Round 1 (19): Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois
Round 3 (67): Charles Godfrey, CB/S, Iowa
Round 3 (74): Dan Connor, LB, Penn State
Round 5 (141): Kellen Davis, TE, Michigan State
Round 6 (181): John Sullivan, C, Notre Dame
Round 7 (221): Brandon Keith, OT, Northern Iowa
Round 7 (241): Marcus Monk, WR, Arkansas
Round 7 (250): Eric Foster, DE, Rutgers

Chicago Bears
Quick hit: If you're reading this through you can probably tell I love some of these picks: Williams, Bennett, and Davis are some of my favorite prospects. And the Bears added great value with Harrison, Bowman, and Monk. But a couple of big mistakes stand out: selecting Forte over Chad Henne and going with safety Craig Steltz in round 4.

Actual Draft
Round 1 (14): Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt
Round 2 (44): Matt Forte, RB, Tulane
Round 3 (70): Earl Bennett, WR, Vanderbilt
Round 3 (90): Marcus Harrison, DT, Arkansas
Round 4 (120): Craig Steltz, S, LSU
Round 5 (142): Zack Bowman, CB, Nebraska
Round 5 (158): Kellen Davis, TE, Michigan State
Round 7 (208): Ervin Baldwin, DE, Michigan State
Round 7 (222): Chester Adams, G, Georgia
Round 7 (243): Joey LaRocque, LB, Oregon State
Round 7 (247): Kirk Barton, OT, Ohio State
Round 7 (248): Marcus Monk, WR, Arkansas

Draft Redo
Round 1 (14): Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt
Round 2 (44): Chad Henne, QB, Michigan
Round 3 (70): Earl Bennett, WR, Vanderbilt
Round 3 (90): Marcus Harrison, DT, Arkansas
Round 4 (120): Lavelle Hawkins, WR, California
Round 5 (142): Zack Bowman, CB, Nebraska
Round 5 (158): Kellen Davis, TE, Michigan State
Round 7 (208): Cory Boyd, RB, South Carolina
Round 7 (222): Chester Adams, G, Georgia
Round 7 (243): David Roach, S, TCU
Round 7 (247): Eric Foster, DE, Rutgers
Round 7 (248): Marcus Monk, WR, Arkansas

Cincinnati Bengals
Quick hit: My mock draft was not a raging success, but there was at least one nail hit squarely on the head: “The Saints will find a way to leap frog the Bengals—whether it means trading with the Chiefs or the Patriots—and snatch Sedrick Ellis from them.” The Bengals should have traded up to prevent that from happening, but, as I also noted in my mock: “the stingy Bengals won't dare do anything as adventurous as that.” They blew it even further by not taking Trevor Laws in the second, but recovered with some fine picks on day two.

Actual Draft
Round 1 (9): Keith Rivers, LB, Southern Cal
Round 2 (46): Jerome Simpson, WR, Coastal Carolina
Round 3 (77): Pat Sims, DT, Auburn
Round 3 (97): Andre Caldwell, WR, Florida
Round 4 (112): Anthony Collins, OT, Kansas
Round 5 (145): Jason Shirley, DT, Fresno State
Round 6 (177): Corey Lynch, S, Appalachian State
Round 6 (207): Matt Sherry, TE, Villanova
Round 7 (244): Angelo Craig, OLB, Cincinnati
Round 7 (196): Mario Urrutia, WR, Louisville

Draft Redo
Round 1 (9): Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois
Round 2 (46): Trevor Laws, DT, Notre Dame
Round 3 (77): Cliff Avril, DE/OLB, Purdue
Round 3 (97): Andre Caldwell, WR, Florida
Round 4 (112): Anthony Collins, OT, Kansas
Round 5 (145): Kellen Davis, TE, Michigan State
Round 6 (177): Ahtyba Rubin, DT, Iowa State
Round 6 (207): Matt Sherry, TE, Villanova
Round 7 (244): Angelo Craig, OLB, Cincinnati
Round 7 (196): Danny Amendola, WR, Texas Tech

Cleveland Browns
Quick hit: Given the limited picks they had, the Browns did pretty well for themselves. I wouldn't have traded up for Beau Bell, but it's not a bad move; I view Jonathan Goff as the safer pick, but Bell can reasonably be said to have a higher ceiling.

Actual Draft
Round 4 (104): Beau Bell, ILB, UNLV
Round 4 (111): Martin Rucker, TE, Missouri
Round 6 (190): Ahtyba Rubin, DT, Iowa State
Round 6 (191): Paul Hubbard, WR, Wisconsin
Round 7 (231): Alex Hall, OLB, St. Augustine's

Draft Redo
Round 4 (104): Jonathan Goff, ILB, Vanderbilt
Round 4 (111): Martin Rucker, TE, Missouri
Round 6 (190): Ahtyba Rubin, DT, Iowa State
Round 6 (191): Cory Boyd, RB, South Carolina
Round 7 (231): Alex Hall, OLB, St. Augustine's

Dallas Cowboys
Quick hit: The toughest call in the entire draft might have been Dallas's regarding which running back to take with the twenty-second pick. Do you take the most complete running back available, Rashard Mendenhall? Or do you go with the more complementary piece to Marion Barber, Felix Jones, with the added benefit that it doesn't create a “carries controversy” with the media and in the locker room?

Actual Draft
Round 1 (22): Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas
Round 1 (25): Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida
Round 2 (61): Martellus Bennett, TE, Texas A&M
Round 4 (122): Tashard Choice, RB, Georgia Tech
Round 5 (143): Orlando Scandrick, CB, Boise State
Round 6 (167): Erik Walden, OLB, Middle Tennessee St

Draft Redo
Round 1 (22): Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas
Round 1 (25): Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida
Round 2 (61): Earl Bennett, WR, Vanderbilt
Round 4 (122): Kellen Davis, TE, Michigan State
Round 5 (143): Marcus Howard, OLB, Georgia
Round 6 (167): Cory Boyd, RB, South Carolina

Denver Broncos
Quick hit: The Broncos did a good job of filling many of their roster holes via free agency. The offensive line was the one glaring area they needed to address.

Actual Draft
Round 1 (12): Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State
Round 2 (42): Eddie Royal, WR, Virginia Tech
Round 4 (108): Kory Lichtensteiger, C, Bowling Green
Round 4 (119): Jack Williams, CB, Kent
Round 5 (139): Ryan Torain, RB, Arizona State
Round 5(148): Carlton Powell, DT, Virginia Tech
Round 6 (183): Spencer Larsen, LB, Arizona
Round 7 (220): Josh Barrett, S, Arizona State
Round 7 (227): Peyton Hills, FB, Arkansas

Draft Redo
Round 1 (12): Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt
Round 2 (42): Mike Pollak, C, Arizona State
Round 4 (108): Lavelle Hawkins, WR, California
Round 4 (119): Jack Williams, CB, Kent
Round 5 (139): Kellen Davis, TE, Michigan State
Round 5(148): Ahtyba Rubin, DT, Iowa State
Round 6 (183): Spencer Larsen, LB, Arizona
Round 7 (220): Josh Barrett, S, Arizona State
Round 7 (227): Peyton Hills, FB, Arkansas

Detroit Lions
Quick hit: I don't understand selecting Gosder Cherilus with Jeff Otah still on the board, but you have to like Millen's logic of taking the tackle first and then grabbing the running back later. I'm not crazy about the Dizon pick, but I can't fault him too much, because with Mayo off the board there wasn't a lot in the way of potential cover two middle linebackers.

Actual Draft
Round 1 (17): Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College
Round 2 (45): Jordan Dizon, LB, Colorado
Round 3 (64): Kevin Smith, RB, Central Florida
Round 3 (87): Andre Fluellen, DT, Florida State
Round 3 (92): Cliff Avril, DE, Purdue
Round 5 (136): Kenneth Moore, WR, Wake Forest
Round 5 (146): Jerome Felton, FB, Furman
Round 7 (216): Landon Cohen, DE, Ohio
Round 7 (218): Caleb Campbell, S, Army

Draft Redo
Round 1 (17): Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh
Round 2 (45): Trevor Laws, DT, Notre Dame
Round 3 (64): Kevin Smith, RB, Central Florida
Round 3 (87): Phillip Wheeler, MLB, Georgia Tech
Round 3 (92): Cliff Avril, DE, Purdue
Round 5 (136): Kellen Davis, TE, Michigan State
Round 5 (146): Roy Schuening, G, Oregon State
Round 7 (216): Erin Henderson, LB, Maryland
Round 7 (218): Caleb Campbell, S, Army

Green Bay Packers
Quick hit: The Packers don't generally make too many mistakes in the draft, but it's not like they're the Colts, right?

Actual Draft
Round 2 (36): Jordy Nelson, WR, Kansas State
Round 2 (56): Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville
Round 2 (60): Patrick Lee, CB, Auburn
Round 3 (91): Jermichael Finley, TE, Texas
Round 4 (102): Jeremy Thompson, DE, Wake Forest
Round 4 (135): Josh Sitton, OT, Central Florida
Round 5 (150): Breno Giacomini, OT, Louisville
Round 7 (209): Matt Flynn, QB, LSU
Round 7 (217): Brett Swain, WR, San Diego State

Draft Redo
Round 2 (36): Tracy Porter, CB, Indiana
Round 2 (56): Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville
Round 2 (60): Patrick Lee, CB, Auburn
Round 3 (91): Anthony Collins, OT, Kansas
Round 4 (102): Jeremy Thompson, DE, Wake Forest
Round 4 (135): Kellen Davis, TE, Michigan State
Round 5 (150): Roy Schuening, G, Oregon State
Round 7 (209): Josh Barrett, S, Arizona State
Round 7 (217): Adrian Arrington, WR, Michigan

Houston Texans
Quick hit: Houston's selection of Duane Brown was considered a reach by some, but I had him as the fourth best tackle prospect in the draft, and given the run on tackles (including some I had rated much below him, i.e., Gosder Cherilus), it was a perfectly reasonable move.

Actual Draft
Round 1 (26): Duane Brown, OT, Virginia Tech
Round 3 (79): Antwaun Molden, CB, Eastern Kentucky
Round 3 (89): Steve Slaton, RB, West Virginia
Round 4 (118): Xavier Adibi, LB, Virginia Tech
Round 5 (151): Frank Okam, DT, University of Texas
Round 6 (173): Dominque Barber, SS, Minnesota
Round 7 (223): Alex Brink, QB, Washington State

Draft Redo
Round 1 (26): Duane Brown, OT, Virginia Tech
Round 3 (79): Antwaun Molden, CB, Eastern Kentucky
Round 3 (89): Jeremy Thompson, DE, Wake Forest
Round 4 (118): Xavier Adibi, LB, Virginia Tech
Round 5 (151): Marcus Howard, DE, Georgia
Round 6 (173): Ahtyba Rubin, DT, Iowa State
Round 7 (223): Cory Boyd, RB, South Carolina

Indianapolis Colts
Quick hit: The Colts entire starting lineup last year consisted of players they drafted. Yeah, so I won't be challenging them on too many picks. Nevermind that getting Marcus Howard in the fifth round was one of the biggest steals of this draft.

Actual Draft
Round 2 (59): Mike Pollak, C, Arizona State
Round 3 (93): Phillip Wheeler, LB, Georgia Tech
Round 4 (127): Jacob Tamme, TE, Kentucky
Round 5 (161): Marcus Howard, DE, Georgia
Round 6 (196): Tom Santi, TE, Virginia
Round 6 (201): Steve Justice, C, Wake Forest
Round 6 (202): Mike Hart, RB, Michigan
Round 6 (205): Pierre Garcon, WR, Mount Union
Round 7 (236): Jamey Richard, C, Buffalo

Draft Redo
Round 2 (59): Mike Pollak, C, Arizona State
Round 3 (93): Phillip Wheeler, LB, Georgia Tech
Round 4 (127): Kellen Davis, TE, Michigan State
Round 5 (161): Marcus Howard, DE, Georgia
Round 6 (196): Cory Boyd, RB, South Carolina
Round 6 (201): Steve Justice, C, Wake Forest
Round 6 (202): Matt Sherry, TE, Villanova
Round 6 (205): Pierre Garcon, WR, Mount Union
Round 7 (236): Rodney Van, CB, UCLA

Jacksonville Jaguars
Quick hit: The Jags put most of their effort into moving way up in round one in order to take defensive end Derrick Harvey. They took another end in round two, making it clear that improving their pass rush was their one and only priority in this draft. Given the overall talent level of this team, and the wide receivers they added during free agency, I can't argue too much with their reasoning.

Actual Draft
Round 1 (8): Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida
Round 2 (52): Quentin Groves, DE, Auburn
Round 5 (155): Thomas Williams, OLB, USC
Round 5 (159): Trae Williams, CB, South Florida
Round 7 (213): Chauncey Washington, RB, USC

Draft Redo
Round 1 (8): Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida
Round 2 (52): Patrick Lee, CB, Auburn
Round 5 (155): Marcus Howard, DE, Georgia
Round 5 (159): Trae Williams, CB, South Florida
Round 7 (213): Cory Boyd, RB, South Carolina

Kansas City Chiefs
Quick hit: Some teams are able to go best player available with each pick because they're so stocked with talent. The Chiefs were in the even more rare position of being able to go best player available because they needed starters at just about every position other than running back and tight end, and even those positions lacked quality reservers.

Actual Draft
Round 1 (5): Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
Round 1 (15): Branden Albert, G, Virginia
Round 2 (35): Brandon Flowers, CB, Virginia Tech
Round 3 (73): Jamaal Charles, RB, Texas
Round 3 (76): Brad Cottam, TE, Tennessee
Round 3 (82): DaJuan Morgan, S, North Carolina State
Round 4 (105): Will Franklin, WR, Missouri
Round 6 (170): Barry Richardson, OT, Clemson
Round 6 (182): Kevin Robinson, WR, Utah State
Round 7 (210): Brian Johnston, DE, Gardner-Webb
Round 7 (239): Mike Merrit, TE, Central Florida

Draft Redo
Round 1 (5): Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
Round 1 (15): Branden Albert, T/G, Virginia
Round 2 (35): Brandon Flowers, CB, Virginia Tech
Round 3 (73): Jeremy Zuttah, G/C, Rutgers
Round 3 (76): Brad Cottam, TE, Tennessee
Round 3 (82): Cliff Avril, DE, Purdue
Round 4 (105): Lavelle Hawkins, WR, California
Round 6 (170): Cory Boyd, RB, South Carolina
Round 6 (182): Spencer Larsen, LB, Arizona
Round 7 (210): Marcus Monk, WR, Arkansas
Round 7 (239): Eric Foster, DE, Rutgers

2008 NFL Mock Draft

By the time my head hit the pillow last night I was regretting some of the changes I made at the top of the draft. Putting some picks back the way I had them and tweaking other picks one last time . . .

1. Miami Dolphins
Jake Long, OT, Michigan
I guess I changed the pick to Jake Long just in time.

2. St. Louis Rams
Chris Long, DE, Virginia
I still say Chris Long is the best prospect in the draft, and definitely the safest pick for a team shelling out top-five dollars.

3. Atlanta Falcons
Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
I don't buy the talk about the Falcons being more interested, now, in Matt Ryan than in Glenn Dorsey.

4. Oakland Raiders
Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio St.
McFadden has to be awfully tempting for Al Davis, but the Oakland roster is sorely lacking in defensive ends. I also believe the Raider coaches loved coaching Sedrick Ellis at the Senior Bowl, so I wouldn't be surprised if they selected him. But, again, they really need an end more than a tackle.

5. Kansas City Chiefs
Branden Albert, G/OT, Virginia
The Chiefs only have one defensive end on the roster, but with Chris Long and Gholston off the board, the Chiefs try desperately to trade down. If they can't, or even if they can, Albert holds the most value at a position of great need for KC.

6. New York Jets
Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
Run DMC returns to New York City.

7. New England Patriots (from San Francisco 49ers)
Derrick Harvey, DE/OLB, Florida
I've had Harvey as a top-seven pick since mid-January, can't bail on it now.

8. Baltimore Ravens
Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
Steve McNair's retirement makes this even more of a no-brainer, but then again I would have thought Brady Quinn a no-brainer for Miami once he fell to them last year.

9. Cincinnati Bengals
Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois
They should move up to ensure they get Sedrick Ellis, but the stolid Bengals won't dare do anything as adventurous as that, so they lose out on the best fit for their team.

10. New Orleans Saints
Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
The Saints will find a way to leap frog the Bengals—whether it means trading with the Chiefs or the Patriots—and snatch Ellis from them.

11. Buffalo Bills
Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy
Wide receiver and a pass rushing defensive end may be Buffalo's biggest needs, but the value at this point in this draft is in offensive linemen, running backs, and cornerback.

12. Denver Broncos
Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State
I'm not nearly as high on Clady as most draftniks are, but he could be a good fit in Denver's zone-blocking scheme.

13. Carolina Panthers
Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh
The Panthers need to rebuild their offensive line to help keep Jake Delhomme healthy and Matt Moore on the sidelines for another season or two, where he can be brought along slowly the way Tony Romo was in Dallas.

14. Chicago Bears
Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt
With Mendenhall off the board, the Bears select the second-best left tackle in this year's draft.

15. Detroit Lions
Jerod Mayo, LB, Tennessee
With the top offensive linemen all off the board, the Lions make the smart choice: running backs such as Jonathan Stewart can be acquired through various means, but middle linebackers with the athleticism to excel in the Tampa Two defense are few and far between.

16. Arizona Cardinals
Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida
Roderick Hood may be underrated, but 2005 first-rounder Antrel Rolle has been a bit of a bust at corner and will be moving to free safety. The other starter, Eric Green, has played inconsistently as well. Jonathan Stewart, having slipped past the Lions, would get strong consideration here as well.

17. Kansas City Chiefs (from Minnesota Vikings)
Keith Rivers, OLB, USC
As I said before, the Chiefs only have one true defensive end on their roster, so Philip Merling would make a lot of sense here. But it would be tough for the Chiefs to pass over a top-ten rated player like Rivers.

18. Houston Texans
Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon
New offensive line coach Alex Gibbs prefers to select lower round linemen and coach them up, so I'm skeptical of the conventional wisdom that has the Texans selecting an offensive tackle here. If the board falls similar to this, expect the selection to be Stewart, DRC, or Keith Rivers.

19. Philadelphia Eagles
Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State
So maybe McNabb does get the big-play receiver he's looking for.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas
Talib is most suited to being a zone corner. While this might be a tad high to be taking a corner for a cover two team, Talib also brings value in the return game and could eventually contribute as a receiver as once upon a time Deon Sanders did.

21. Washington Redskins
Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson
Beyond Andre Carter and Phillip Daniels, the Redskins have a whole lot of nothing at defensive end.

22. Dallas Cowboys (from Cleveland Browns)
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee State
Someone has to fall, and this time it's DRC. Some how I doubt this will actually happen. I'm sure if there were another day left before the draft it would be somebody else sliding a dozen or more picks from where they've been expected to go.

23. Pittsburgh Steelers
Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina
Balmer fits the prototype for a 3-4 end, and the Steelers need an infusion of young talent at that position.

24. Tennessee Titans
DeSean Jackson, WR, California
A speedy target for Vince Young, the Titans will be hoping Jackson can stretch the field as a receiver and shorten it as a punt returner.

25. Seattle Seahawks
James Hardy, WR, Indiana
I wouldn't be surprised if Seattle GM Tim Ruskell went out and "reached" for a defensive tackle like Trevor Laws or an offensive lineman like Sam Baker: guys who are rated lower than their production warrants purely because of measurables.

26. San Diego Chargers
Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College
In San Diego, Cherilus will immediately get a chance to compete for the starting right tackle job.

27. Jacksonville Jaguars
Tyrell Johnson, S, Arkansas State
While it's true that Jaguars just used a first=round pick for a safety last year (Reggie Nelson), Gerald Sensabaugh is currently pencilled in as the starter at strong safety, and there's only one other safety on the roster. Tyrell Johnson would be a better complement to Nelson than would Kenny Phillips.

28. Dallas Cowboys
Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas
Jones's quickness and ability to bounce the play outside for a big gain would be a fine complement to Marion Barber's punishing style. Jones would also help settle a kick return game that was terribly inconsistent last year.

29. Green Bay Packers
Dustin Keller, TE, Purdue
The Packers have few needs, but an upgrade at tight end is perhaps their biggest.

30. San Francisco 49ers (from Indianapolis Colts)
Quentin Groves, DE/OLB, Auburn
2006 first-rounder Manny Lawson hasn't contributed to the pass rush as expected (partly due to injuries). By selecting Groves, the 49ers might be able to move Lawson, who has shown more all-around game than pure pass rushing ability, inside next to last year's first-rounder Patrick Willis.

31. New York Giants
Kenny Phillips, S, Miami
The University of Miami's streak of first-round picks continues, but just barely. The Giants signed 32-year-old free-agent safety Sammy Knight, but they need a long-term replacement for Gibril Wilson and an immediate upgrade over James Butler/Michael Johnson.

2008 NFL Mock Draft

ROUND ONE

Since one of the two projected trades from my previous mock actually panned out, I'm going to stick to my guns and keep the second projected trade (Dallas's 22nd pick to Detroit for Roy Williams) in this mock.

1. Miami Dolphins
Jake Long, OT, Michigan
I guess I changed the pick to Jake Long just in time.

2. St. Louis Rams
Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
I still consider Chris Long the best prospect in the draft, so of course I would take him, but I'm not the Rams.

3. Atlanta Falcons
Branden Albert, G/OT, Virginia
It seems unlikely that Albert goes this high, but I don't think the Falcons take Matt Ryan. And they don't need a DE or a RB, but they do need offensive linemen. If at all possible they will trade down, unless Dorsey is still on the board.

4. Oakland Raiders
Chris Long, DE/OLB, Virginia
What can make Al Davis pass up DMac? Why, Son-of-Howie, of course.

5. Kansas City Chiefs
Vernon Gholston, DE/OLB, Ohio St.
With Jake Long off the board, the Chiefs quickly find Jared Allen's replacement.

6. New York Jets
Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
Some call it fate.

7. New England Patriots (from San Francisco 49ers)
Derrick Harvey, DE/OLB, Florida
I've had Harvey as a top-seven pick since mid-January, I can't bail on it now.

8. Baltimore Ravens
Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
Steve McNair's retirement makes this even more of a no-brainer, but then again I would have thought Brady Quinn a no-brainer for Miami once he fell to them last year.

9. Cincinnati Bengals
Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
Ellis is the best remaining player on the board and he fills a need for the Bengals. Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer will love seeing a disruptive tackle like Ellis added to his new defense.

10. New Orleans Saints
Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy
Even though the Saints added Randall Gay, their other new CB addition Aaron Glenn will soon be 36. Mike McKenzie is 32 and coming off an injury. Jason David isn't going to get better. And 2007 third-rounder Usama Young is a work in progress.

11. Buffalo Bills
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee State
Wide receiver and a pass rushing defensive end may be Buffalo's biggest needs, but the value at this point in this draft is in offensive linemen, running backs, and DRC.

12. Denver Broncos
Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State
I'm not nearly as high on Clady as most draftniks are, but he could be a good fit in Denver's zone-blocking scheme.

13. Carolina Panthers
Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh
The Panthers need to rebuild their offensive line to help keep Jake Delhomme healthy and Matt Moore on the sidelines for another season or two, where he can be brought along slowly the way Tony Romo was in Dallas.

14. Chicago Bears
Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois
With the top offensive linemen off the board, the Bears nab an elite running back prospect and look forward to the post-Cedric Benson era. Mendenhall is the kind of elite runner who is actually worth a first-round pick: the kind of back whose presence can help the passing game by forcing eight in the box.

15. Detroit Lions
Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon
If I were in Matt Millen's place I would opt for Vanderbilt tackle, Chris Williams. The Lions are reportedly considering Jerod Mayo, and if they could trade down and pick him up that would be some solid draft maneuvering on Millen's part. Unfortunately, if the Lions can't move, I think they blow it and take Stewart.

16. Arizona Cardinals
Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida
Roderick Hood may be underrated, but 2005 first-rounder Antrel Rolle has been a bit of a bust at corner and will be moving to free safety. The other starter, Eric Green, has played inconsistently as well.

17. Kansas City Chiefs (from Minnesota Vikings)
Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt
Merrily, the Chiefs pickup their left tackle of the future after all.

18. Houston Texans
Keith Rivers, OLB, USC
New offensive line coach Alex Gibbs prefers to select lower round linemen and coach them up, so I'm skeptical of the conventional wisdom that has the Texans selecting an offensive tackle here. If the board falls like this, look for the Texans to bolster their linebacking corps.

19. Philadelphia Eagles
Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State
So maybe McNabb does get the big-play receiver he's looking for.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina
I want to put Aqib Talib here, but I'm not sure a Tampa-two team should be using their first-round pick on a cornerback. They definitely can use some new blood at wide receiver (don't count on Antonio Bryant, anything he gives the Bucs, assuming it's not grief, should be considered a bonus), as well as another pass rusher to team with 2007 first-rounder Gaines Adams. But the Bucs are thin at defensive tackle and could use an infusion of young talent there, too.

21. Washington Redskins
Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson
Beyond Andre Carter and Phillip Daniels, the Redskins have a whole lot of nothing at defensive end.

PROJECTED TRADE: Dallas trades the 22nd pick to Detroit for Roy Williams.
22. Detroit Lions (from Cleveland Browns via Dallas Cowboys)
Jerod Mayo, LB, Tennessee
Word is that the Cowboys would want to use the 28th pick for any potential player deals and use the 22nd pick for Felix Jones. But if they're going to deal with Detroit, it's probably going to be so the Lions can pickup a guy they covet a bunch, such as Mayo. In that case, waiting till pick 28 probably would mean that Detroit loses their guy (see next pick).

23. Pittsburgh Steelers
Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College
Mayo would have to get serious consideration if he's still on the board. I previously had cornerback Aqib Talib here, but I think his character flags would keep the highly image-conscious Steelers away. So what do the Steelers need more than anything else? Offensive linemen.

24. Tennessee Titans
DeSean Jackson, WR, California
A speedy target for Vince Young, the Titans will be hoping Jackson can stretch the field as a receiver and shorten it as a punt returner.

25. Seattle Seahawks
James Hardy, WR, Indiana
I wouldn't be surprised if Seattle GM Tim Ruskell went out and "reached" for a defensive tackle like Trevor Laws or an offensive lineman like Sam Baker: guys who are rated lower than their production warrants purely because of measurables.

26. San Diego Chargers
Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas
What to get the team that has just about everything? How about the higest-rated player available?

27. Jacksonville Jaguars
Brandon Flowers, CB, Virginia Tech
Free agent-signing Drayton Florence isn't nearly enough to stabilize the Jags' secondary which is lacking in talent beyond Rashean Mathis and 2007 first-rounder Reggie Nelson. Flowers' physical style of play is a perfect fit for the Jacksonville defense.

28. Dallas Cowboys
Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas
The Cowboys' gamble to deal the 22nd pick instead of the 28th pays off, as Felix Jones is still on the board. Jones's quickness and ability to bounce the play outside for a big gain would be a fine complement to Marion Barber's punishing style. Jones would also help settle a kick return game that was terribly inconsistent last year.

29. Green Bay Packers
Dustin Keller, TE, Purdue
The Packers have few needs, but an upgrade at tight end is perhaps their biggest.

30. San Francisco 49ers (from Indianapolis Colts)
Quentin Groves, DE/OLB, Auburn
2006 first-rounder Manny Lawson hasn't contributed to the pass rush as expected (partly due to injuries). By selecting Groves, the 49ers might be able to move Lawson, who has shown more all-around game than pure pass rushing ability, inside next to last year's first-rounder Patrick Willis.

31. New York Giants
Kenny Phillips, S, Miami
The University of Miami's streak of first-round picks continues, but just barely. The Giants signed 32-year-old free-agent safety Sammy Knight, but they need a long-term replacement for Gibril Wilson and an immediate upgrade over James Butler/Michael Johnson.

2008 NFL Draft position rankings

Here are my final position rankings. Not too many changes, though safeties get shaken up a bit. It's really tough to judge DBs without game film since the TV cameras often leave them out of the picture. I've dropped Carl Nicks only because of character concerns. And I continue to keep South Carolina running back Cory Boyd higher than anyone else has him ranked because I believe his character concerns are squarely behind him. He's vastly underrated in that he's arguably the most game-ready three-down back in the draft, when you consider not just his good hands, which a number of backs have, but also his ability to stay in and block, and block well.

OFFENSE
Quarterbak
1. Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville
2. Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
3. Joe Flacco, QB, Delaware
4. Chad Henne, QB, Michigan
5. Erik Ainge, QB, Tennessee
6. Josh Johnson, QB, San Diego
7. John David Booty, QB, USC
8. Andre’ Woodson, QB, Kentucky
9. Dennis Dixon, QB, Oregon
10. Adam Tafralis, QB, San Jose State
11. Paul Smith, QB, Tulsa
12. Colt Brennan, QB, Hawaii
13. Matt Flynn, QB, LSU
14. Sam Keller, QB, Nebraska
15. Kevin O'Connell, QB, San Diego State

Running Back
1. Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
2. Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois
3. Cory Boyd, RB, South Carolina
4. Ray Rice, RB, Rutgers
5. Kevin Smith, RB, Central Florida
6. Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas
7. Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon
8. Jamaal Charles, RB, Texas
9. Thomas Brown, RB, Georgia
10. Tashard Choice, RB, Georgia Tech
11. Matt Forte, RB, Tulane
12. Justin Forsett, RB, California
13. Mike Hart, RB, Michigan
14. Chris Johnson, RB, East Carolina
15. Steve Slaton, RB, West Virginia
16. BenJarvus Green-Ellis, RB, Mississippi
17. Adrian Smith, RB, Bethel College
18. Xavier Omon, RB, NW Missouri State
19. Allen Patrick, RB, Oklahoma
20. Chauncey Washington, RB, USC
21. Anthony Alridge, RB, Houston
22. Dantrell Savage, RB, Oklahoma State
23. Marcus Thomas, RB, UTEP
24. Ryan Torain, RB, Arizona State
25. Tim Hightower, RB, Richmond

Fullback
1. Owen Schmitt, FB, West Virginia
2. Peyton Hillis, FB, Arkansas
3. Jerome Felton, FB, Furman
4. Chris Brown, TE, Tennessee
5. Carl Stewart, FB, Auburn
6. Jacob Hester, FB, LSU
7. Mike Cox, FB, Georgia Tech
8. Julius Crosslin, FB, Oklahoma State
9. Jed Collins, FB, Washington State
10. Brandon McAnderson, RB, Kansas
11. Rolly Lumbala, FB, Idaho
12. Marcel Reece, FB, Washington
13. Jehuu Caulcrick, FB, Michigan State
14. Jason Goode, FB, Maryland
15. Justin Valentin, FB, Minnesota

Wide Receiver
1. Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State
2. Earl Bennett, WR, Vanderbilt
3. James Hardy, WR, Indiana
4. Lavelle Hawkins, WR, California
5. Andre Caldwell, WR, Florida
6. Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma
7. Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
8. Mario Manningham, WR, Michigan
9. Eddie Royal, WR, Virginia Tech
10. Harry Douglas, WR, Louisville
11. Jordy Nelson, WR, Kansas State
12. DeSean Jackson, WR, California
13. Marcus Monk, WR, Arkansas
14. Adrian Arrington, WR, Michigan
15. Will Franklin, WR, Missouri
16. Early Doucet, WR, LSU
17. Dexter Jackson, WR, Appalachian State
18. Steve Johnson, WR, Kentucky
19. Jaymar Johnson, WR, Jackson State
20. Danny Amendola, WR, Texas Tech
21. Keenan Burton, WR, Kentucky
22. Jerome Simpson, WR, Coastal Carolina
23. Donnie Avery, WR, Houston
24. Pierre Garcon, WR, Mount Union
25. Darius Reynaud, WR, West Virginia
26. Josh Morgan, WR, Viginia Tech
27. Adarius Bowman, WR, Oklahoma State
28. Jason Rivers, WR, Hawaii
29. Taj Smith, WR, Syracuse
30. Justin Harper, WR, Viginia Tech
30. Arman Shields, WR, Richmond

Tight End
1. John Carlson, TE, Notre Dame
2. Martin Rucker, TE, Missouri
3. Kellen Davis, TE, Michigan State
4. Dustin Keller, TE, Purdue
5. Fred Davis, TE, USC
6. Brad Cottam, TE, Tennessee
7. Jacob Tamme, TE, Kentucky
8. Craig Stevens, TE, California
9. Darrell Strong, TE, Pittsburgh
10. Martellus Bennett, TE, Texas A&M
11. Jermichael Finley, TE, Texas
12. Joey Haynos, TE, Maryland
13. Matt Sherry, TE, Villanova
14. Gary Barnidge, TE, Louisville
15. Tom Santi, TE, Virginia
16. Mike Peterson, TE, NW Missouri State
17. Derek Fine, TE, Kansas
18. Cole Bennett, TE, Auburn
19. Adam Bishop, TE, Nevada
20. Kolomoma Kapanui, TE, West Texas A&M

Offensive Tackle
1. Jake Long, OT, Michigan
2. Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt
3. Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh
4. Duane Brown, OT, Virginia Tech
5. Anthony Collins, OT, Kansas
6. Carl Nicks, OT, Nebraska
7. Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State
8. Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College
9. John Greco, OT, Toledo
10. Oneil Cousins, OT, UTEP
11. Tony Hills, OT, Texas
12. Brandon Keith, OT, Northern Iowa
13. Barry Richardson, OT, Clemson
14. Kirk Barton, OT, Ohio State
15. David Hale, OT, Weber St.

Offensive Guard
1. Branden Albert, G, Virginia
2. Sam Baker, OT, USC
3. Jeremy Zuttah, OT/C, Rutgers
4. Eric Young, G, Tennessee
5. Roy Schuening, G, Oregon State
6. Drew Radovich, G, USC
7. Chilo Rachal, G, USC
8. Donald Thomas, G, Connecticut
9. Chad Rinehart, G, Northern Iowa
10. Chris McDuffie, G, Clemson
11. Will Arnold, G, LSU
12. Chester Adams, G, Georgia
13. Robert Felton, G, Arkansas
14. Mike McGlynn, G, Pittsburgh
15. Andrew Crummey, G, Maryland
16. John Booker, G, San Jose State
17. Shannon Tevaga, G, UCLA
18. Justin Britt, G, Alabama
19. Kerry Brown, G, Appalachian State
20. Adam Kraus, G, Michigan

Center
1. Mike Pollak, C, Arizona State
2. John Sullivan, C, Notre Dame
3. Fernando Velasco, C, Georgia
4. Steve Justice, C, Wake Forest
5. Cody Wallace, C, Texas A&M
6. Kory Lichtensteiger, C, Bowling Green
7. Eric Scott, C, Kentucky
8. Adam Spieker, C, Missouri
9. Drew Miller, G, Florida
10. Matt Spanos, C, USC

DEFENSE
Defensive End
1. Chris Long, DE, Virginia
2. Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida
3. Jason Jones, DE, Eastern Michigan
4. Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State
5. Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson
6. Cliff Avril, DE, Purdue
7. Jeremy Thompson, DE, Wake Forest
8. Quentin Groves, DE, Auburn
9. Calais Campbell, DE, Miami
10. Lawrence Jackson, DE, USC
11. Chris Ellis, DE, Virginia Tech
12. Kendall Langford, DE, Hampton
13. Darrell Robertson, DE, Georgia Tech
14. Eric Foster, DE, Rutgers
15. Xavier Mitchell, DE, Tennessee
16. Rob Jackson, DE, Kansas State
17. Titus Brown, DE, Mississippi State
18. Wallace Gilberry, DE, Alabama
19. Marcus Dixon, DT, Hampton
20. Angelo Craig, DE, Cincinnati

Defensive Tackle
1. Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
2. Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
3. Trevor Laws, DT, Notre Dame
4. Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina
5. Marcus Harrison, DT, Arkansas
6. Ahtyba Rubin, DT, Iowa State
7. Dre Moore, DT, Maryland
8. DeMario Pressley, DT, North Carolina State
9. Pat Sims, DT, Auburn
10. Andre Fluellen, DT, Florida State
11. Lorenzo Williams, DT, Missouri
12. Frank Morton, DT, Tulane
13. Red Bryant, DT, Texas A&M
14. Nick Hayden, DT, Wisconsin
15. Frank Okam, DT, Texas
16. Letroy Guion, DT, Florida State
17. Jason Shirley, DT, Fresno State
18. George Chukwu, DT, Rice
19. Maurice Murray, DT, New Mexico St
20. Josh Thompson, DT, Auburn

Outside Linebacker
1. Keith Rivers, LB, USC
2. Xavier Adibi, LB, Virginia Tech
3. Dan Connor, LB, Penn State
4. Erin Henderson, LB, Maryland
5. Marcus Howard, DE, Georgia
6. Tavares Gooden, LB, Miami
7. Wesley Woodyard, LB, Kentucky
8. Shawn Crable, DE, Michigan
9. Jordon Dizon, LB, Colorado
10. Ezra Butler, LB, Nevada
11. Ali Highsmith, LB, LSU
12. Bruce Davis, DE, UCLA
13. Gary Guyton, LB, Georgia Tech
14. Stanford Kegler, LB, Purdue
15. Steven Octavien, OLB, Nebraska
16. Vince Redd, DE, Liberty
17. Robert Killebrew, LB, Texas
18. Jameel McClain, DE, Syracuse
19. Chase Ortiz, DE, TCU
20. Geno Hayes, LB, Florida State

Middle Linebacker
1. Curtis Lofton, LB, Oklahoma
2. Jerod Mayo, LB, Tennessee
3. Jonathan Goff, LB, Vanderbilt
4. Spencer Larsen, LB, Arizona
5. Phillip Wheeler, LB, Georgia Tech
6. Jolonn Dunbar, LB, Boston College
7. Rodrick Johnson, LB, Oklahoma State
8. Danny Lansanah, LB, Connecticut
9. Vince Hall, LB, Virginia Tech
10. Beau Bell, LB, UNLV
11. Ben Moffitt, LB, South Florida
12. Anthony Hoke, LB, Cincinnati
13. J Leman, LB, Illinois
14. Joe Mays, LB, North Dakota State
15. Steve Allen, LB, West Texas A&M

Cornerback
1. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee State
2. Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy
3. Brandon Flowers, CB, Virginia Tech
4. Tracy Porter, CB, Indiana
5. Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida
6. Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas
7. Patrick Lee, CB, Auburn
8. Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona
9. Charles Godfrey, CB, Iowa
10. Antwaun Molden, CB, Eastern Kentucky
11. Justin King, CB, Penn State
12. Trae Williams, CB, South Florida
13. Dwight Lowery, CB, San Jose State
14. Terrell Thomas, CB, USC
15. Zach Bowman, CB, Nebraska
16. Tyvon Branch, CB, Connecticut
17. Jonathan Wilhite, CB, Auburn
18. Chevis Jackson, CB, LSU
19. Rodney Van, CB, UCLA
20. Jack Williams, CB, Kent State
21. Jack Ikegwuonu, CB, Wisconsin
22. Orlando Scandrick, CB, Boise St.
23. Justin Tryon, CB, Arizona State
24. Terrance Wheatley, CB, Colorado
25. Brandon Carr, CB, Grand Valley State
26. Trey Brown, CB, UCLA
27. Darnell Terrell, CB, Missouri
28. Marcus Walker, CB, Oklahoma
29. Simeon Castille, CB, Alabama
30. Matterral Richardson, CB, Arkansas

Safety
1. Tyrell Johnson, SS, Arkansas State
2. Kenny Phillips, SS, Miami
3. Josh Barrett, SS, Arizona State
4. David Roach, SS, TCU
5. Thomas DeCoud, FS, California
6. DaJuan Morgan, FS, North Carolina State
7. Jamie Silva, SS, Boston College
8. Marcus Griffin, FS, Texas
9. Tom Zbikowski, SS, Notre Dame
10. Reggie Smith, FS, Oklahoma
11. Jamar Adams, SS, Michigan
12. Dominique Barber, FS, Minnesota
13. Caleb Campbell, SS, Army
14. Quintin Demps, SS, UTEP
15. Michael Hinton, CB, Mankato State
16. D.J. Parker, FS, Virginia Tech
17. Jonathan Hefney, CB, Tennessee
18. Michael Grant, FS, Arkansas
19. Craig Steltz, SS, LSU
20. Nehemiah Warrick, SS, Michigan State