2008 NFL Mock Draft

In years past, I've tried to liven up my NFL mock draft pieces with clever openings, entertaining anecdotes, and tongue-in-cheek humor. Primarily, this has been done in an effort to pander to those in the Internet-surfing public that find the subject of the draft "boring." And, while I am shocked that anybody could consider such a critical component of the NFL season anything less than absolutely riveting, I have played the game and thus softened the institutional-like rigidity of the typical mock draft in my annual contribution to that subject.

Well, that trend ends here and now. After much introspection, I've made a personal commitment to my mock draft this time around, and adding any fluff or otherwise nonessential musings to this story would compromise the integrity of my intended purpose: to provide you, the reader, with the most accurate, most well thought-out mock draft you'll find this side of Mel Kiper, Jr. and the folks at Scouts, Inc.

On that note, read on for my 2008 NFL mock draft...

1. Miami Dolphins: OT JAKE LONG, MICHIGAN — As a loyal Dol-fan for over two decades, I poured over all my sources in hopes of finding some tidbit of info that would indicate Miami's desire to select the "sexy" prospect: a lightning-quick halfback or a cannon-armed signal caller. Unfortunately for me and all you other Dolphin fans out there, I found no such evidence. Fortunately for the team, however, Jake Long is an easy No. 1 selection to be made for the betterment of the franchise's near and long term future.

(Wildcard — Matt Ryan may have impressed Bill Parcels and Company enough to have them make him their top pick, but if he did, they're not showing their cards at all.)

2. St. Louis Rams: DE CHRIS LONG, VIRGINIA — While many of the mock drafts you see out there have Miami looking to select Virginia's pass rusher extraordinaire, he doesn't translate well into the 3-4 scheme the Dolphins prefer, so they are likely to pass on him, much to the Rams' delight. The team is starved for a edge-rushing threat and Long fits this bill perfectly.

(Wildcard — If Miami passes on Jake Long, look for St. Louis to snatch him up to be the eventual replacement for Orlando Pace.)

3. Atlanta Falcons: DE VERNON GHOLSTON, OHIO STATE — With a glaring need along the o-line, the Falcons would love Jake Long to still be on the board; however, there is little chance of that scenario playing out. The team's second biggest area of need is QB, but Matt Ryan just doesn't grade out that high and I get the feeling that the Falcons' management isn't big on his intangibles. While the team would love to trade down to find a more appropriate slot to pick a round one QB, there will be no takers, so the team will reach for their next biggest area of need and grab the pass rusher their defense lacked in '07 in Gholston.

(Wildcard — Another spot where Ryan may well go, the more intriguing possibility is for Atlanta to trade down with a Dallas or a Carolina so they can be in a better spot to draft QB Brian Brohm, who I suspect is the passer they covet.)

4. Oakland Raiders: TRADE TO DALLAS COWBOYS — Jerry Jones's affinity for Razorback runner Darren McFadden has been very well-publicized. Oakland has a great deal of needs and openings to fill on both sides of the ball. A trade here works very well both logistically and practically; look for Dallas to ship their two first round picks and the contract of S Roy Williams — who has fallen out of favor with the new Cowboy coaching staff — to California for this pick as Jones will get his man.

Dallas Cowboys: RB DARREN McFADDEN, ARKANSAS

(Wildcard — Glenn Dorsey may well prove too much of a draw for Al Davis to ignore, especially with his ex-teammate JaMarcus Russell singing his praises in those Oakland pre-draft meetings.)

5. Kansas City Chiefs: OT RYAN CLADY, BOSTON COLLEGE — I'll be shocked if this pick doesn't go as I suspect it will. KC is desperate to shore up an offensive line that has been decimated by injuries, retirements, and free agent losses in recent years. With Long off the board, Clady is a suitable option and will fit in nicely for Herm Edwards' squad.

(Wildcard — If McFadden somehow falls this far, KC will pick him, simply because of his upside and value.)

6. New York Jets: DT GLENN DORSEY, LSU. I hate the Jets — There, got that out of the way. Now, on to the pick. With needs all along the defensive front seven, the team will be tickled to see a top two talent sitting on the board with this pick at a position of true need. Glenn Dorsey is a playmaker at defensive tackle and brings lots of versatility and attitude to a unit lacking any sign of those things a year ago. With the injury concerns a thing of the past for Dorsey (having answered most concerns in his workouts), New York won't hesitate to grab the mature, hard-working run stuffer.

(Wildcard — Since there is no way McFadden would get past KC if he falls that far at all, the Jets may try to move up into Atlanta's slot to pick the dynamic runner.)

7. New England Patriots: CB DOMINIQUE ROGERS-CROMARTIE, TENNESSEE ST — As unfair as it is for the authors of the first undefeated regular season in 25 years to have a top-10 pick in the draft following that season, such is the lot of the New England Patriots. Savvy moves and brilliant risks have paid off big time for the league's most successful team this decade and stealing this pick from the 49ers is just another in a long line of perfectly executed decisions by the Patriots' brain trust. With only one real position of need to fill and only one real top-10 option at that position, this pick is a relatively easy call.

(Wildcard — Trading down is a real option for New England as they are a rare top-10 draft participant with no dire need.)

8. Baltimore Ravens: QB MATT RYAN, BOSTON COLLEGE —I won't bore you with any details here. They need a QB, there's a good one on the board who just happens to grade out to a 8th, 9th, or 10th choice in the first round. Can you say "slam dunk?"

(Wildcard — I really can't see Baltimore not picking Ryan, but if he is off the board, look for the team to reach for a linebacker like USC's Keith Rivers.)

9. Cincinnati Bengals: WR MALCOLM KELLY, OKLAHOMA — With the ever-vocal Chad Johnson still flip-flopping on his intentions for the '08 campaign coupled with the recent, well-deserved release of ne'er-do-well receiver/career criminal Chris Henry, the Bengals are going to be looking very hard for a receiving option either in free agency or through the draft. My crystal ball tells me they won't find one on the market (mainly because few want to be within 2,000 feet of this team's legal troubles and inner-turmoil). While Cincy may look to move up a few picks to grab Dorsey should he slip a bit, the better bet is that the team will stay put and grab the top receiver on their draft board.

(Wildcard — If the Chad Johnson situation loses some of its venom in the days leading up to the draft, look for Cincy to put the full-court press on the teams in front of them in hopes of moving up to grab Dorsey.)

10. New Orleans Saints: DT SEDRIC ELLIS, USC — Rounding out the top 10, New Orleans would love to have Kelly slip to them so they could build some depth on an offense that is one more solid receiving option away from being truly dominant. But if he is off the board, don't look for the Saints to reach for one of the lesser receiving talents and rather expect them to try to solidify a defense that did get exploited quite often in '07. While CB Leodis McKelvin would be another player high on the team's wish list, especially considering the need they have in their defensive backfield, look for New Orleans to grab the best available player rather than reaching for a player at a slightly more needed position.

(Wildcard — If Malcolm Kelly remains on the board, NO will go after the playmaking receiver.)

11. Buffalo Bills: DE DERRICK HARVEY, FLORIDA — Buffalo must find someone to put pressure on the opposing quarterback. It is true that they could use fortifying at both CB and WR, however, the primary need is a disruptive force on that defensive line, and Harvey is as disruptive as they come.

(Wildcard — With those needs at CB and WR and no real safe option on the board at this spot, look for Buffalo to possibly trade down a half dozen picks or so.)

12. Denver Broncos: RB FELIX JONES, ARKANSAS — While this move does not fit the model we've come to know from Mike Shanahan and Co., the winds of change have been blowing in Denver and this move makes sense. Jones has sky-high potential and would be able to start immediately to take some pressure off their passing game. I like this pick, though I must admit it will surprise me if they go through with it.

(Wildcard — OT Gosder Cherilus of Boston College is an attractive option for a team looking to get younger along their offensive line. While he doesn't fit their typical mold, he may prove too attractive an upside to pass up.)

13. Carolina Panthers: OT GOSDER CHERILUS, BOSTON COLLEGE — The mammoth Cherilus has flown up draft boards of late, and Carolina could use his versatility in their offense. While the knock on Gosder has been his tendency to hold, his workouts have been very impressive and he is admittedly much more comfortable as a RT than a LT, which makes him a nice fit in Carolina.

(Wildcard — This may be QB Brian Brohm's landing spot, but I just can't see Carolina reaching for a QB unless they are totally enamored with his skill set.)

14. Chicago Bears: LB KEITH RIVERS, USC — You can never have too much defense, and the trademark speed of the Bears' linebacking corps has very obviously started to slip a bit. Rivers would be a boon for their 'backers, as he brings tenacious aggression to the mix and would help give a breather to some of their aging veterans, potentially helping their productivity immensely.

(Wildcard — If RB Felix Jones does remain on the board longer than I suspect he will, Chicago may go after him and look to deal Ced Benson.)

15. Detroit Lions: DE CALAIS CAMPBELL, MIAMI — While the draw of one of the receivers here certainly will loom large in Millen's mind, Campbell makes sense. To be fair, the 2007 draft was a solid one for the franchise which perhaps signifies that their brain trust has finally turned the corner and knows what direction they are steering the ship.

(Wildcard — Progress or not, I would be remiss not to plant the seed; Michigan State's Devin Thomas is a WR that has explosive ability and is a local draw.)

16. Arizona Cardinals: CB LEODIS McKELVIN, TROY — The Cardinals would be ecstatic to see McKelvin still on the board when their name is called in round one; he is a solid cover man who played in a similar scheme at Troy as Arizona runs in the pros. I feel he is a bit overrated, but my vote doesn't count.

(Wildcard — 'Zona is another team that would love RB Jones to still be around right about here. If he is, they'll snatch him up and look to deal Edgerrin James for a pick or two later on day one.)

17. Minnesota Vikings: DE PHILLIP MERLONG, CLEMSON — The Vikes may go CB (Antoine Cason, Mike Jenkins) or WR (James Hardy, Devin Thomas), but Merlong fills a need that the Vikes may see as the single reason they couldn't take a bigger step towards success in 2007.

(Wildcard — Any of the afore-mentioned CB or WR position players, with Indiana's Hardy being the most likely candidate should they go that route.)

18. Houston Texans: CB ANTOINE CASON, ARIZONA — I'm a huge Cason guy. He is a dynamic athlete that will contribute in many phases, a la Antonio Cromartie. Houston has quietly been targeting this kid since they knew where they'd be picking a few months back and would be quite disappointed if he was snatched up earlier.

(Wildcard — If CBs go early and often, which is an unlikely but possible scenario, look for the Texans to grab their offensive tackle in the form of Cherilus or Pitt's Jeff Otah.)

19. Philadelphia Eagles: TRADE TO ATLANTA FALCONS — Trades are always tough to predict, but if the draft plays out as I have it going, this one just makes all kinds of sense. Philly needs to fill a few more spots than they typically do, so extra picks would be a start to satisfying that plan. Atlanta has one very obvious need after their earlier round one pick and the extra picks in round two to make a play at a guy that I feel Arthur Blank has had one eye on since they hired this kid's coach (who has since abandoned the disaster he helped create) a year ago. I would anticipate this move bringing the Eagles the sixth and 17th picks of round two.

Atlanta Falcons: QB BRIAN BROHM, LOUISVILLE

(Wildcard — If Philly stays put and picks right here, I would strongly suspect WR Devin Thomas would be their guy.)

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: RB RASHARD MENDENHALL, ILLINOIS — Questions abound over the status of RB Cadillac Williams, and Ernest Graham is not the answer, though he filled in admirably in '07. Mendenhall is a nice player; he has the versatility to help out in the short passing game (a big plus as seen through the eyes of Jon Gruden) and the durability to handle a substantial workload as a runner.

(Wildcard — Like many of the other teams picking right around here, there is good value at the receiver position, and Indiana's James Hardy would give this offense a dimension they lack in the form of a big, tough, possession-style receiver.)

21. Washington Redskins: WR JAMES HARDY, INDIANA — With the shift to more of a West Coast style of offense, the 'Skins need a larger possession guy to complement Santana Moss and Antwan Randle El. Hardy, at 6'6", 220 lbs. is a load, and is relatively quick for a man with his strength. His only question mark is his hands, which have been inconsistent at times. Still, he is a great fit in Washington.

(Wildcard — Kansas's Aqib Talib may be brought in and moved to safety, to fill the spot opened by the tragic death of Sean Taylor.)

22. Dallas Cowboys: TRADE TO OAKLAND RAIDERS — As part of the trade that moved the Cowboys into the No. 4 slot, Oakland will take this pick along with Dallas' other first round selection. Albert fills a need and is the best OG on the board.

Oakland Raiders: OG BRANDEN ALBERT, VIRGINIA

(Wildcard — If Dallas does not deal for a top-five pick, look for the Cowboys to move up six or seven spots in an effort to land Arkansas' other back, Felix Jones.)

23. Pittsburgh Steelers: OT JEFF OTAH, PITTSBURGH — Otah makes sense. He bullies opponents in the running game, plays smart, and fills a need for the Steelers. Factor in the team's familiarity with him having been able to scout him each Pitt home game, and this may well be the easiest call on the board.

(Wildcard — There is the very real possibility that Otah will be gone by this pick, in which case I'd suspect Pittsburgh will move into the second round via a trade of some sort.)

24. Tennessee Titans: CB MIKE JENKINS, SOUTH FLORIDA — Don't doubt for one second that Vince Young won't be begging for Limas Sweed with this pick — and be equally assured that the Titan front office will put some serious thought into that idea — however, with the future of Pacman Jones still up in the air and their obvious lack of talent in the defensive backfield, Jenkins fits the bill here and would step into their starting lineup immediately.

(Wildcard — I've already implied what the other path may be in Texas' playmaking WR and ex-VY target Limas Sweed.)

25. Seattle Seahawks: TRADE TO KANSAS CITY CHIEFS — With the first round winding down, look for several deals to be made, primarily involving those teams who may have overachieved in 2007 and are looking to stockpile picks. Seattle will look to get KC's No. 4 pick in round two, along with a third-rounder in 2009.

Kansas City Chiefs: CB AQIB TALIB, KANSAS — Having handled their need along the o-line, KC will try to move here to pick one of the remaining first round talent CBs.

(Wildcard — Another team may look to trade in here to get their hands on either OT Sam Baker from USC or one of the remaining WR talents. In either event, I'd be shocked if Seattle did not move out of this pick.)

26. Jacksonville Jaguars: TRADE TO ST. LOUIS RAMS — Jacksonville has needs at WR and CB, and there are some players on the board here that would fill that need, but St. Louis will be pushing hard to move into this part of round one and the Jags can stand to pickup the second and fourth round picks St. Louis will likely be offering.

St. Louis Rams: OT CHRIS WILLIAMS, VANDERBILT — With another OT prospect, Sam Baker, also on the board, look for St. Louis to opt for Williams, who hasn't suffered through the injuries that have plagued Baker.

(Wildcard — Jacksonville may see fit to stay right here and draft Devin Thomas at WR.)

27. San Diego Chargers: RB JONATHON STEWART, OREGON — The Chargers are a good team and really will only be looking to get deeper through this draft. Moving down may be an option, but RB Jonathon Stewart would be a good project to stash on their bench, especially considering the departure of Michael Turner. This move gives them back some of the depth they love to have, and also provides the flexibility to shop either Stewart or current backup Darren Sproles should the need present itself.

(Wildcard — Sam Baker may go right here if San Diego opts to add depth along their offensive front.)

28. Dallas Cowboys: TRADE TO OAKLAND RAIDERS — Part two of the McFadden move, Oakland will use this pick to get the receiver they need to help the development of Jamarcus Russell along.

Oakland Raiders: WR DEVIN THOMAS, MICHIGAN STATE

(Wildcard — I would be shocked to see Dallas not trade this pick to some interested party. However, if they do draft here, there isn't much doubt in my mind that they'd go for LB Jerod Mayo of Tennessee.)

29. San Francisco 49ers: TRADE to TENNESSEE TITANS — San Fran will be very excited up until the point where Oakland (or whomever else trades into Dallas's 28th slot) selects Devin Thomas, who is the player they have hoped to have fall in their laps. Once that occurs, they will pull the trigger on a deal they had set up with the Titans, sending a second day pick in either '08 or '09 to Tennessee along with this pick in return for Tennessee's second and fifth picks from this draft and a second rounder from '09.

Tennessee Titans: WR LIMAS SWEED, TEXAS — In an act of graciousness to appease VY for passing on Limas Sweed a few picks earlier, Jeff Fisher will move up to grab him here.

(Wildcard — San Francisco may see enough out of Sweed to make him their pick.)

30. Green Bay Packers: TE DUSTIN KELLER, PURDUE — Donald Lee had a nice season as Green Bay's No. 1 tight end option in 2007, but Donald Lee is not a top option moving forward and is better served as a secondary guy. Dustin Keller brings an attractive combination of speed and size to the position and will give Aaron Rogers an immediate seam-splitting threat on offense.

(Wildcard — I don't see any other options here, unless Keller is taken earlier. If that happens, than they may reach for the injury-prone Josh Barrett, a safety out of Arizona State with lots of upside.)

31. New England Patriots: PICK FORFEITED (Spy Gate)

32. New York Giants: LB JEROD MAYO, TENNESSEE — The defending champs are actually quite fortunate to have Mayo available in this spot. He is a hard-hitter and a smart playmaker and will fit in nicely with the Giants' team approach.

(Wildcard — If Mayo is gone by the time they pick, the champs will likely trade down or grab some depth from the remaining options at OT or OG.)