ESPN MOCK DRAFT

[CobraVerde]

its that time again...

NFL Mock Draft

1. Miami Dolphins

Current record: 0-12

Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: OT, OG, DT

Projected pick: Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU

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

2. New England Patriots (from 3-9 San Francisco)

Current record: 12-0

Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: ILB, CB, OLB

Projected pick: Darren McFadden*, RB, Arkansas

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

3. New York Jets

Current record: 3-9

Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: WR, NT, ILB

Projected pick: James Laurinaitis*, ILB, Ohio State

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

4. Atlanta Falcons

Current record: 3-9

Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: QB, OL, DT

Projected pick: Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville

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

5. St. Louis Rams

Current record: 3-9

Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: OT, CB, DE

Projected pick: Jake Long, OT, Michigan

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

6. Cincinnati Bengals

Current record: 4-8

Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: DT, LB, OT

Projected pick: Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC

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

7. Oakland Raiders

Current record: 4-8

Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: OL, WR, DL

Projected pick: Chris Long, DE, Virginia

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

8. Kansas City Chiefs

Current record: 4-8

Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: OL, WR, CB

Projected pick: Ryan Clady*, OT, Boise State

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

9. Baltimore Ravens

Current record: 4-8

Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: QB, CB, LB

Projected pick: Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College

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

10. New Orleans Saints

Current record: 5-7

Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: MLB, TE, DT

Projected pick: Keith Rivers, LB, USC

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

[CobraVerde]

11. Houston Texans

Current record: 5-7

Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: DB, OG, RB

Projected pick: Malcolm Jenkins*, DB, Ohio State

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

12. Denver Broncos

Current record: 5-7

Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: OL, DT, S

Projected pick: Kenny Phillips*, S, Miami (Fla.)

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

13. Carolina Panthers

Current record: 5-7

Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: QB, WR, DE

Projected pick: Andre Woodson, QB, Kentucky

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

14. Chicago Bears

Current record: 5-7

Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: QB, OT, S

Projected pick: Mike Jenkins, DB, South Florida

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

15. Philadelphia Eagles

Current record: 5-7

Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: OT, S, WR

Projected pick: DeSean Jackson*, WR, Cal

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

16. Washington Redskins

Current record: 5-7

Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: WR, DE, S

Projected pick: Derrick Harvey*, DE, Florida

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

17. Arizona Cardinals

Current record: 6-6

Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: OT, DT, RB

Projected pick: Sam Baker, OT, USC

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

18. Buffalo Bills

Current record: 6-6

Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: TE, CB, OLB

Projected pick: Ali Highsmith, LB, LSU

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

19. Minnesota Vikings

Current record: 6-6

Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: DE, S, C

Projected pick: Calais Campbell*, DE, Miami (Fla.)

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

20. Detroit Lions

Current record: 6-6

Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: OT, CB, TE

Projected pick: Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh

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

[RSJ]

McFadden is the same type of runner as Maroney. The only way that pick makes sense is if NE gets rid of Maroney or is sick of his act. A ILB makes very little sense for the Jets.

[CobraVerde]

21. Dallas Cowboys (from 7-5 Cleveland)

Current record: 11-1

Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: S, OT, WR

Projected pick: Limas Sweed, WR, Texas

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

22. Tennessee Titans

Current record: 7-5

Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: WR, DT, CB

Projected pick: Malcolm Kelly*, WR, Oklahoma

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

23. San Diego Chargers

Current record: 7-5

Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: ILB, DL, RB

Projected pick: Rey Maualuga*, ILB, USC

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

24. Seattle Seahawks

Current record: 8-4

Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: OL, S, TE

Projected pick: Jonathan Stewart*, RB, Oregon

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

25. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Current record: 8-4

Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: OT, CB, OLB

Projected pick: Aqib Talib*, DB, Kansas

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

26. New York Giants

Current record: 8-4

Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: OLB, OT, DB

Projected pick: Dan Connor, LB, Penn State

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

27. Jacksonville Jaguars

Current record: 8-4

Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: WR, OLB, S

Projected pick: Vernon Gholston*, DE/OLB, Ohio State

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

28. Pittsburgh Steelers

Current record: 9-3

Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: OL, WR, S

Projected pick: Michael Oher*, OT, Mississippi

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

29. Green Bay Packers

Current record: 10-2

Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: RB, S, OL

Projected pick: Felix Jones*, RB, Arkansas

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

San Francisco 49ers (from 10-2 Indianapolis)

Current record: 3-9

Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: WR, OL, S

Projected pick: Early Doucet, WR, LSU

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

[CobraVerde]

31. Dallas Cowboys

Current record: 11-1

Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: S, OT, WR

Projected pick: Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College

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

New England Patriots

Current record: 12-0

Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: ILB, CB, OLB

Projected pick: Pick forfeited.

[Blackout]

the patriots will pick someone to replace their senior citizen linebacker core

[Sperm Edwards]

If that's going to be our pick (and if we aren't able to trade down), might as well not go to the podium for at least half an hour and save ourselves $10M in cap space (including $5M up front). Just don't go up there. You don't give #8-12 talent the money/contract of a #3 talent.

Don't get me wrong - I think he is a GREAT fit for us. But #3 is pretty high for an ILB.

[LionelRichie]

If that's going to be our pick (and if we aren't able to trade down), might as well not go to the podium for at least half an hour and save ourselves $10M in cap space (including $5M up front). Just don't go up there. You don't give #8-12 talent the money/contract of a #3 talent.

Don't get me wrong - I think he is a GREAT fit for us. But #3 is pretty high for an ILB.

that scenario is great for the jets - pick ahead of the falcons. if the falcons want brohm they should have to pony up an extra pick to move up and get him.

lauranitis would great i just hope the jets can add picks and move down to get him.

[rillo]

Mock drafts are a joke...way to early to tell.

[drago]

If that's going to be our pick (and if we aren't able to trade down), might as well not go to the podium for at least half an hour and save ourselves $10M in cap space (including $5M up front). Just don't go up there. You don't give #8-12 talent the money/contract of a #3 talent.

Don't get me wrong - I think he is a GREAT fit for us. But #3 is pretty high for an ILB.

if we were that desperate to move down, we'd at least exchange firsts and get a 2nd...anything but do what the vikes did and not get the pick in.

although i see your point.

[Sperm Edwards]

if we were that desperate to move down, we'd at least exchange firsts and get a 2nd...anything but do what the vikes did and not get the pick in.

although i see your point.

I don't think the Vikes did it on purpose. But it was funny to watch.

Sure, if no one was willing to give up any picks to move up, I'd sit there & let the picks go by. I thought the same thing for SF when they burned the #1 pick on Alex Smith. If there's no clear-cut player to take there? Let some other dumbass team shell out a $20-25M signing bonus on him.

The trick is in the PR in saying that it was done on purpose -- that whatever player you eventually took was the same player you were going to take at #3 & no one would trade up. Lots of luck escaping media criticism with that, though.

[AVM]

This mock lost all credibility when i read "There simply is not a wide receiver to get excited about with the third overall pick"

Why pick a Wideout with a top 3 pick when it may be the least of our concerns right now. Even if LC and Cotch werent all that great, how does WR take precident over the OL/DL? A LB wouldn't be a horrible pick, and I'd understand not taking Long since we just spent 2 1st rounders on lineman year before last, but even suggesting we should take a WR a #3 overall is ludacris.

[drago]

I don't think the Vikes did it on purpose. But it was funny to watch.

Sure, if no one was willing to give up any picks to move up, I'd sit there & let the picks go by. I thought the same thing for SF when they burned the #1 pick on Alex Smith. If there's no clear-cut player to take there? Let some other dumbass team shell out a $20-25M signing bonus on him.

The trick is in the PR in saying that it was done on purpose -- that whatever player you eventually took was the same player you were going to take at #3 & no one would trade up. Lots of luck escaping media criticism with that, though.

I wouldn't be that surprised to see something like this happen. At somepoint (maybe this draft) teams will realize the talent from #1 isn't that different from the talent at #9. If teams start sliding, as you mention, on purpose, do the Patriots then shell out #1 pick dollars for their pick?

I don't think they would. I believe the pats would be entitled to offer 'second overall' pick dollars. It will be interesting to say the least, but i could see some drastic changes being made with these so called 'top level' talents.

[Irish Jet]

That is pathetic. I see WR as one of our stronger positions if Coles and Cotchery are healthy, they are a top tandem. That is way too high to pick a MLB, which again isn't exactly out most dire position. Couldn't see us passing on Long TBH considering McFadden is gone.

[Sperm Edwards]

I wouldn't be that surprised to see something like this happen. At somepoint (maybe this draft) teams will realize the talent from #1 isn't that different from the talent at #9. If teams start sliding, as you mention, on purpose, do the Patriots then shell out #1 pick dollars for their pick?

I don't think they would. I believe the pats would be entitled to offer 'second overall' pick dollars. It will be interesting to say the least, but i could see some drastic changes being made with these so called 'top level' talents.

It would be interesting to see what happened, if nothing else. I think that even if some other team slid on purpose, the #3 player selected would likely still get #3 selection money. What would be funny is if say WE slid on purpose to #7 and took Laurinaitis -- stating that we would have selected him at #3 but didn't want to pay #3 money. I wonder if Laurinaitis' agent would have him hold out for #3 money. Doubtful but one never knows.

[drago]

That is pathetic. I see WR as one of our stronger positions if Coles and Cotchery are healthy, they are a top tandem. That is way too high to pick a MLB, which again isn't exactly out most dire position. Couldn't see us passing on Long TBH considering McFadden is gone.

have you seen cotchery lately? I'm hoping it was because of his broken finger, but he can't catch for his life. So far he looks like a one year wonder, and i hope i am so very very wrong.

[CoachTsurfing]

Mock drafts are a joke...way to early to tell.

This one is a joke.

[Irish Jet]

have you seen cotchery lately? I'm hoping it was because of his broken finger, but he can't catch for his life. So far he looks like a one year wonder, and i hope i am so very very wrong.

He's not a one year wonder, that's for damn sure. he's still a very good #2 IMO and personally I can't help but believe that it is the finger injury causing the drops. Earlier in the season he looked excellent. IMO he can still become a pro-bowl player in this league and I mean that. I do agree that we need to address the #3 WR spot but in no way does that justify it being our "primary need".

[124]

So according to ESPN.com, WR is the Jets' #1 need? Granted, the Jets do need a 3rd wideout for 2008 and beyond, and maybe that man could be Chansi Stuckey, but they cannot sit around and gamble on him. And, is ESPN telling me that DeSean Jackson isn't a Wide Receiver to get excited about? Seriously?

[jack48]

That is pathetic. I see WR as one of our stronger positions if Coles and Cotchery are healthy, they are a top tandem. That is way too high to pick a MLB, which again isn't exactly out most dire position. Couldn't see us passing on Long TBH considering McFadden is gone.

I disagree. I think WR is a huge need. Cotchery is really a slot receiver, and we replaced Pennington so we could throw the ball downfield. We need someone to go down there and catch those throws.. Now, if there is no top five talent WR I agree, we cannot draft one there. And I don't always like trading down. But then we must do something in FA.

[124]

Draft Quentin Groves! 34 OLB pass rush specialist.

[jack48]

have you seen cotchery lately? I'm hoping it was because of his broken finger, but he can't catch for his life. So far he looks like a one year wonder, and i hope i am so very very wrong.

No, I think he has trouble separating from good corners. He got number one attention when Coles was out and got shut down. He is better suited to the slot, IMHO

[jack48]

So according to ESPN.com, WR is the Jets' #1 need? Granted, the Jets do need a 3rd wideout for 2008 and beyond, and maybe that man could be Chansi Stuckey, but they cannot sit around and gamble on him. And, is ESPN telling me that DeSean Jackson isn't a Wide Receiver to get excited about? Seriously?

All the best teams now have really good wideouts, and they are all throwing the heck out of the ball. DBs are at a tremendous disadvantage with the refereeing. We can thank Peyton Manning for that. the crybaby Colts complained abo;ut the Pats, who now beat the Colts with a dose of their own medicine.

[KINGDIRK]

Ive started seeing a few mock drafts. All them have SF ahead of the Jets. Does anyone know how the draft order tie breakers work. I believe its strenght of schedule.

[drago]

So according to ESPN.com, WR is the Jets' #1 need? Granted, the Jets do need a 3rd wideout for 2008 and beyond, and maybe that man could be Chansi Stuckey, but they cannot sit around and gamble on him. And, is ESPN telling me that DeSean Jackson isn't a Wide Receiver to get excited about? Seriously?

WALLACE WRIGHT! I'm tellin you, he's good. He caught everything away from his body, covered the ball up. Jetcane said he looked equally as impressive training camp. If stuckey is better than Wright, than we will be sitting pretty if coles ever leaves us.

With Coles staying, and healthy? This should be a very decent offense.

disclaimer: assuming Leon starts

No, I think he has trouble separating from good corners. He got number one attention when Coles was out and got shut down. He is better suited to the slot, IMHO

I agree withthat, i hope you're wrong though.

[SenorGato]

I'd rather draft Vernon Gholston than anyone else in the first right now.

[Thai Jet]

31. Dallas Cowboys

Current record: 11-1

Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: S, OT, WR

Projected pick: Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College

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

New England Patriots

Current record: 12-0

Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: ILB, CB, OLB

Projected pick: Pick forfeited FOR CHEATING

Fixed it !!