Warden's Draft World

Updated:   4/26/2008

Final Mock Draft 

Round 1:

1.   MIAMI DOLPHINS   -   Jake Long, OT, Michigan
   

   The Dolphins have reportedly been in negotiations with Jake Long.  They will still likely will negotiate with other prospects like Vernon Gholston and Chris Long, but Jake Long was the first prospect they contacted and some in the media have reported that the attention has been paid almost exclusively to him.  Note:  Jake Long signs meaning 1/1 so far!

2. ST. LOUIS RAMS   -   Chris Long, DE, Virginia
   

   With this pick, the Rams are likely to go with Jake Long if available or  a defensive lineman.  With Parcells and the Dolphins selecting Jake Long, the Rams are happy to take Chris Long.  The sack totals of the Rams' defensive ends last season was pathetic, so you can be sure that Chris Long would be a welcome addition.  Plus, Jim Haslett likes the 3-4 defense, and the Rams played it at times towards the end of the season.  Long gives them the versatility to stay in the 4-3 or convert to the 3-4.  Scheme and durability make Long the pick over Dorsey.

3. ATLANTA FALCONS   -   Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
   

   Mike Smith is a defensive mind who is used to having big bodies in the middle of his defensive line (John Henderson and Marcus Stroud).  He takes Dorsey in an attempt to emulate his old Jaguar defenses.  From the sound of things, this pick will be either Dorsey or Matt Ryan (if the Rams take Dorsey).

4. OAKLAND RAIDERS   -   Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
   

   Al Davis loves the freak athletes, and Vernon Gholston and Darren McFadden fit that bill.  The speculation emerging from Oakland this week before the draft is that Davis loves McFadden.  The smart football pick would arguably be Gholston over McFadden.  They lost an 8 sack pass rushing specialist in free agency to the Eagles (Chris Clemons) and they resigned 1,000 yard rusher Justin Fargas.  But Davis isn't accustomed to making the smart football decision- expect him to fall in love with McFadden.

5. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS   -   Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State
   

   The Chiefs just traded Jared Allen, so you'd think that they would be happy to see Chris Long or Vernon Gholston drop to them here.  Then they can take advantage of the depth of the offensive tackles with the #17 pick from the Vikings.  But expect this pick to be a defensive end or an offensive lineman.

6. NEW YORK JETS   -   Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida   

   Derrick Harvey could be an explosive edge rusher in the 3-4.  And don't underestimate the animosity and games that have been going on between the Jets and Patriots.  Maybe the Jets think an additional benefit to taking Harvey is that he's high on New England's draft board?

7. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS   -   Branden Albert, OL, Virginia
   

   The surprise pick of the top-10.  Many expect the Pats to address a secondary that got ravaged in free agency, but rumors have it that Belichick and the Pats don't like taking cornerbacks this high.  Branden Albert brings versatility, and Stephen Neal could be easily upgraded at right guard.  Classic Patriots draft pick.

8. BALTIMORE RAVENS   -   Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
   

   The Ravens would be ecstatic to see the Falcons pass on Matt Ryan, because that really increases the chances of him falling.  They pounce on the opportunity to land what has become the unanimous #1 quarterback in the draft.  Rumors are circulating that the Ravens are going to go all-out to get Ryan, so this could perhaps come in some type of trade-up.

9. CINCINATTI BENGALS   -   Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
   

   Sedrick Ellis would be a great fit for this struggling defense and has very good value here.  Marvin Lewis being a defensive mind would likely jump all over this pick.  On a side note, why didn't the Bengals accept that trade from the Redskins for Chad Johnson?!

10. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS   -   Keith Rivers, LB, USC

    The New Orleans Saints are reportedly feverishly trying to trade up to nab hometown hero Glenn Dorsey, including dangling Jammal Brown as trade bait.  It won't happen, and the cost of moving up that much becomes too excessive.  They settle for Keith Rivers to upgrade an average set of outside linebackers.

11. BUFFALO BILLS   -   Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy
    

    The Buffalo Bills desperately need a solid cornerback.  They were the 29th ranked pass defense and are still trying to put the pieces together after Nate Clements fled to San Francisco.  

12. DENVER BRONCOS   -   Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt
    

    Matt Lepsis retired and left a hole at left tackle, which could influence the Broncos to grab an offensive tackle here to protect Jay Cutler's blind side.  Chris Williams' edges guys like Ryan Clady and Jeff Otah in terms of athleticism, quickness and fitting into the Denver system.

13. CAROLINA PANTHERS   -   Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State

    Carolina's offensive line has been riddled with injuries and has otherwise been the achilles heel of the offense.  Clady could be considered a steal here, as he often times is projected to go #5 to the Chiefs.

14. CHICAGO BEARS   -   Jeff Otah, OT, Vanderbilt

    Chicago has a ton of needs, and should really consider going after a franchise quarterback.  But Bears ownership has been traditionally cheap, and if they can find any reason to avoid giving a 1st round quarterback a big contract, expect them to take it and run.  The Bears have to go offense with this pick, and Jeff Otah is the best player available over any quarterbacks or wide receivers.

15. DETROIT LIONS   -   Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois

    They reportedly have lusted after Derrick Harvey, but he will likely be gone as many teams have feigned major interest in him.  Rod Marinelli opts to take a running back to start to play the "right way", offensively and defensively, post-Martz.  A stud running back would be a major catalyst for that.

16. ARIZONA CARDINALS   -   Dominic Cromartie-Rodgers, CB, Tenn. State

    The Cardinals appear set on moving Antrel Rolle to safety where he belongs, creating a need at cornerback.  Dominic Cromartie-Rodgers has seemed to be cut from a different cloth from the moment he stepped on the field with the D1 stars during senior bowl week and beyond.

17. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS   -   Mike Jenkins, CB, USF 

    The Chiefs are reportedly trying to put together packages to move up and address whatever need they didn't fill (defensive end or offensive tackle).  They landed a defensive end with their #5, so they'll be looking for an offensive tackle with this pick.  Unforunately, none are available so they go BPA and nab cornerback Mike Jenkins.  Fortunately, they can take advantage of the depth of the offensive tackle class with their later picks.

18. HOUSTON TEXANS   -   Aqib Taliq, CB, Kansas

    The Texans have a lot of needs, but the secondary is chief among them.  Aqib Taliq is one of the best corners in the draft in terms of production and athleticism, but some off-field issues enable the Texans to land him here.

19. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES   -   Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State

    The Eagles have a tendency to not take wideouts in the 1st round, but they dropped so much money in free agency on the likes of Asante Samuel and Chris Clemons.  Donavon McNabb has called for playmakers and nothing has happened.  This causes Philly to break their trend and grab Devin Thomas, who has become the seemingly unanimous best receiver in the draft as well as a great fit for the west coast offense.  However, expect a ton of activity from the Eagles on draft day... they are still pedaling Lito Sheppard hard, and are looking for a veteran wide receiver.  This pick very well could get traded for a guy like Anquan Boldin or Chad Johnson.

20. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS   -   Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville

    Jon Gruden is the mad scientist of quarterbacks.  He won't pass up on Brian Brohm at this stage of the 1st round.  Jeff Garcia is a nice stopgap, but he got exposed in the playoffs.  Brohm steps in as a quality succesor, and finally the quarterback situation of the Bucs appears stable.  Brohm reportedly lit it up at his pro day and Gruden took notice.

21. WASHINGTON REDSKINS   -   Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson

    The Redskins could really use a defensive end opposite Andre Carter, as the cupboard after him is pretty bare.  Derrick Harvey has been soaring up draft boards which will likely increase the value of Phillip Merling in the middle and latter stages of the 1st round.  Calais Campbell could also be the pick here if the Redskins are scared off by Merling's injuries and lack of explosive pass rushing ability.  But this is another team that could be expected to try to deal their pick.

22. DALLAS COWBOYS   -   DeSean Jackson, WR, Cal   

    Many have the Cowboys grabbing a running back with one of their 1st round picks, but they have Marion Barber III and they could easily get partner in the two-back system for him in the later rounds.  Ed Werder has speculated that they Cowboys would like to deal one of their two 1st rounders for a veteran receiver like Anquan Boldin or Roy Williams.  But if not, their desire to add a speed receiver to complement T.O. drives them to select DeSean Jackson here.

23. PITTSBURGH STEELERS   -   Kenny Phillips, S, Miami

    The Steelers always do a great job of drafting, and here they add Kenny Phillips, who hosted a private workout for the Steelers a couple of weeks ago.  Many in the organization have had nightmares of Anthony Smith getting burned repeatedly by Tom Brady and the Patriots.  Troy Polamalu has trouble staying healthy, but when he's in the game he's one of the most game-changing safeties in the league.  Kenny Phillips and Troy Polamalu would be a scary duo.  Be sure to read my blog entry on the draft stock of Phillips.

24. TENNESSEE TITANS   -   Limas Sweed, WR, Texas

    The Tennessee Titans receivers embarrassed themselves with their littany of dropped balls, making Vince Young's job at quarterback even more difficult.  They'd love for Limas Sweed drop here to revisit the Young-Sweed Texas Longhorn battery.

25. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS   -   Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon

    The run game has been exposed without Steve Hutchinson and Shaun Alexander has been released.  The Seahawks signed Julius Jones and TJ Duckett, but they probably can't get it done long-term.  They add a premier talent in Jonathan Stewart, who many view as the best pure runner in the draft.  Their depth at running back allows Stewart to get healthy at a safe pace as he recovers from toe surgery.

26. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS   -   Calais Campbell, DE, Miami

    The Jaguars have a tons of needs along the defensive line... they traded Marcus Stroud and watched Bobby McCray walk in free agency.  To be certain, they will be looking to address a spot on the defensive line.  The debate at this spot would be a defensive end in Calais Campbell or a defensive tackle in Kentwan Balmer.  Adding Campbell would add more balance to the line with John Henderson.

27. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS   -   Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College

    Shane Olivea recently getting cut opens up the door for the Chargers to take a right tackle.  There should some solid options on the table at this point at the Chargers go ahead and grab Gosder Cherilus from the top of that list.

28. DALLAS COWBOYS   -   Brandon Flowers, CB, Virginia Tech

    The Cowboys really lacked depth with their cornerbacks, and that was before losing Jacques Reeves in free agency.  They acquired Pacman Jones, but Dallas is reportedly entering the draft with the approach that they are expecting nothing from him.

29. SAN FRANCISCO 49ers   -   Kentwan Balmer, DL, North Carolina

    The 49ers could use pass rushing outside linebacker so Quentin Groves could be an oustanding pick here.  But most teams appear to have Kentwan Balmer rated higher, and Groves probably has a better chance of falling to #39.

30. GREEN BAY PACKERS   -   Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona

    The Packers already have to absorb the loss of Brett Favre (maybe).  The last thing they need is to suffer additionally from the decline of aging corners.  Both their starters, Al Harris and Charles Woodson, are on the wrong side of 30, and they have very little depth after them.  Antoine Cason is the best pick of the available cornerbacks, so he is the pick.  But expect them to feverishly attempt to trade out of this spot like only Ted Thompson could.

31. NEW YORK GIANTS   -   Jerod Mayo, LB, Tennessee

    The Super Bowl Champion New York Giants add talent and depth to their linebackers here with Jerod Mayo, who's stock has really been soaring lately and has been projected in the teens in some mocks.