1. Miami Dolphins - Chris Long, Virginia, DE
The Miami Dolphins need help all over the place. Drafting Chris Long will help shore up their terrible defense and allow them to get over Jason Taylor departure if they decide to trade him.
2. St. Louis Rams - Jake Long, Michigan, OT
The Rams draft Jake Long, their future pillar at Left Tackle. They will probably play him at Right Tackle until future hall of famer Orlando Pace level of play declines considerably.
3. Atlanta Falcons - Matt Ryan, Boston College, QB
Now that the Falcons have addressed the running back position by adding Michael Turner, drafting the talented quarterback from Boston College will bring instant excitement to Falcons ' fans.
4. Oakland Raiders - Darren McFadden*, Arkansas, RB
Despite the late surge by incumbent Justin Fargas, the Raiders will not pass on the playmaker that is Darren McFadden, a worthy Al Davis pick.
5. Kansas City Chiefs - Ryan Clady, Boise State, OT
Kansas City is in desperate need to upgrade their offensive line. Drafting Clady will go a long way toward that goal.
6. New York Jets - Vernon Gholston*, Ohio State, DE
The Jets drafts Vernon Gholston, a prototypical pass rushing LB/DE hybrid who will bring a much needed attitude to the 3-4 scheme used by the Jets.
7. New England Patriots (SF) - Dan Connor, Penn State, MLB
This might seem like a reach but let's look at it this way. The heady, high motor linebacker from Penn State is exactly the type of player Bill Belichick loves to have on his complex defense.
8. Baltimore Ravens - Leodis McKelvin, Troy, CB
The Ravens weep when the Falcons pick their man Matt Ryan. Baltimore address their next position of need which is cornerback given the loss of production by starter Chris McAlister and Samari Rolle. McKelvin who has put up excellent numbers at the combine will look the part in the veteran Ravens D.
9. Cincinnati Bengals - Keith Rivers, USC, OLB
Having shored up their defensive line by trading to acquire DT DeWayne Robertson from the Jets, the Bengals turn to their next position of need at Outside Linebacker. Keith Rivers will be able to come in and make an instant impact for the consistently porous Cincinnati defense. Running back is also a possibility given the horrible production by Rudi Johnson and company. However, the LB crew looks more in distress in my opinion.
10. New Orleans Saints - Sedrick Ellis, USC, DT
The Saints feel lucky having Sedrick Ellis fall into their lap. The Defensive Tackle will help improve one of the worst defense in the league by providing pass rushing abilities from the interior of the line. Ellis has an excellent burst, great power, and is a highly decorated college player.
11. Buffalo Bills - Limas Sweed, Texas, WR
Buffalo draft Limas Sweed, a big target with very good speed, who will be able to complement Lee Evans.
12. Denver Broncos - Glenn Dorsey, LSU, DT
Denver fills a position of great need by adding Glenn Dorsey, an outstanding interior line playmaker who has been extremely productive during his career.
13. Carolina Panthers - Brian Brohm, Louisville, QB
The Panthers have to address the QB situation which has been a mess for the last couple years. They go with Brian Brohm, the product from Louisville, who was considered the best QB prospect coming into the college football season, but who has faded a little bit since.
14. Chicago Bears - Rashard Mendenhall, Illinois, RB
The Bears draft the powerful running back from Illinois to help take off the load from the clueless Rex Grossman. The Bears are obviously disappointed with Cedric Benson lack of production and I think it's time to move on.
15. Detroit Lions - Mike Jenkins, South Florida, CB
The Lions have released veteran CB Fernando Bryant. Mike Jenkins, an outstanding man-to-man corner, with a great season for USF under his belt, will be an upgrade.
16. Arizona Cardinals - Antoine Cason, Arizona, CB
The Cardinals have a big hole at CB across from Antrel Rolle. Antoine Cason has been a consistently outstanding performer on the collegiate level, and is arguably the most complete CB in the draft.
17. Minnesota Vikings - Derrick Harvey, Florida, DE
The Vikings can't believe their luck and address an area of great need by drafting Derrick Harvey, a defensive end from the University of Florida. Harvey is stout against the run, and also a solid pass rusher, and will fill the void left by Kenechi Udeze very capably
18. Houston Texans - Jonathan Stewart, Oregon, RB
The Texans are in dire need of a rushing game, and drafting the big and powerful back from the University of Oregon will provide them with one. A no-brainer...
19. Philadelphia Eagles - DeSean Jackson, California, WR
The Eagles draft the nifty WR/KR DeSean Jackson who will provide them with a jolt much like Devin Hester has done for the pathetic Bears' offense. He will definitely benefits from Devin Hester breakout season, despite his relatively limited upside and size concern.
20. Tampa Bay Bucs - Mario Manningham*, Michigan, WR
Joey Galloway is not getting any younger and neither is Ike Hilliard. Manningham will provide the Bucs with a playmaker who can take it the distance every time he runs a route.
21. Washington Redskins - Kenny Phillips, Miami (FL), FS
Losing Sean Taylor was a human tragedy, but it also left the team without a capable replacement. Drafting his successor from the same school, the Redskins will have a solid replacement who will be able to roam centerfield much like Sean used to do. Solid in coverage, outstanding in run support and blessed with great size, Phillips will fill in honorably for Taylor.
22. Dallas Cowboys (CLE)- Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Tennessee State, CB
Dallas address their nickel corner position with the young corner from Tennessee State. Rodgers-Cromartie helped his stock tremendously at the combine and is a legitimate first round pick.
23. Pittsburgh Steelers - Aqib Talib, Kansas, CB
The Steelers draft Talib, a talented corner who needs to work on his footwork and improve his discipline as he gambles too much and gets burned by mediocre competition at times.
24. Tennessee Titans - Malcolm Kelly, Oklahoma, WR
The Titans beleaguered wideout crew gets some relief with the addition of Kelly, a lanky receiver from Oklahoma, who will provide Vince Young with a sure-handed big target in the red zone.
25. Seattle Seahawks - Frank Okam, Texas, DT
The Seahawks draft Okam to shore up their mediocre run defense. Okam is stout against the run, and has a very good burst off the snap which allows him to disrupt opposing offenses.
26. Jacksonville Jaguars - Quentin Groves, Auburn, DE
The Jaguars provided David Garrard with Jerry Porter and Troy Williamson. Now they address their gaping holes at defensive end by drafting the speedy Groves, out of Auburn.
27. San Diego Chargers - Branden Albert, Virginia, OG
The Chargers use this pick to get some depth along the Offensive Line. Albert will be able to provide starting competition to the undermanned Right Tackle Spot.
28. Dallas Cowboys - Felix Jones, Arkansas, RB
The Cowboys draft #2 of their two-headed monster who will be able to complement Marion Barber nicely. The speedy Jones is a threat to take it all the way and will be accustomed to sharing the workload with another talented running back.
29. San Francisco 49ers (IND)- Jeff Otah, Pittsburgh, OT
San Francisco needs to shore up their horrible offensive line. Alex Smith is taking a beating, and the beefy Otah might be able to reduce the amount of time Smith spends on his back.
30. Green Bay Packers - Shawn Crable, Michigan, LB
Green Bay adds a talented outside linebacker to their feared linebacker crew. Crable, a LB with good range will solidify the Packers defense.
31. New England Patriots - (forfeit)
32. New York Giants - Xavier Adibi, Virginia Tech, OLB
The Giants, fresh off their gutsy Super Bowl win, lost two of their linebackers and are in dire need at the position. Xavier Adibi, a high motor and high character player, was a very solid linebacker at the college level with excellent credentials. Often around the ball, and an excellent athlete, he will be a great fit for the Giants defense.
The Miami Dolphins need help all over the place. Drafting Chris Long will help shore up their terrible defense and allow them to get over Jason Taylor departure if they decide to trade him.
2. St. Louis Rams - Jake Long, Michigan, OT
The Rams draft Jake Long, their future pillar at Left Tackle. They will probably play him at Right Tackle until future hall of famer Orlando Pace level of play declines considerably.
3. Atlanta Falcons - Matt Ryan, Boston College, QB
Now that the Falcons have addressed the running back position by adding Michael Turner, drafting the talented quarterback from Boston College will bring instant excitement to Falcons ' fans.
4. Oakland Raiders - Darren McFadden*, Arkansas, RB
Despite the late surge by incumbent Justin Fargas, the Raiders will not pass on the playmaker that is Darren McFadden, a worthy Al Davis pick.
5. Kansas City Chiefs - Ryan Clady, Boise State, OT
Kansas City is in desperate need to upgrade their offensive line. Drafting Clady will go a long way toward that goal.
6. New York Jets - Vernon Gholston*, Ohio State, DE
The Jets drafts Vernon Gholston, a prototypical pass rushing LB/DE hybrid who will bring a much needed attitude to the 3-4 scheme used by the Jets.
7. New England Patriots (SF) - Dan Connor, Penn State, MLB
This might seem like a reach but let's look at it this way. The heady, high motor linebacker from Penn State is exactly the type of player Bill Belichick loves to have on his complex defense.
8. Baltimore Ravens - Leodis McKelvin, Troy, CB
The Ravens weep when the Falcons pick their man Matt Ryan. Baltimore address their next position of need which is cornerback given the loss of production by starter Chris McAlister and Samari Rolle. McKelvin who has put up excellent numbers at the combine will look the part in the veteran Ravens D.
9. Cincinnati Bengals - Keith Rivers, USC, OLB
Having shored up their defensive line by trading to acquire DT DeWayne Robertson from the Jets, the Bengals turn to their next position of need at Outside Linebacker. Keith Rivers will be able to come in and make an instant impact for the consistently porous Cincinnati defense. Running back is also a possibility given the horrible production by Rudi Johnson and company. However, the LB crew looks more in distress in my opinion.
10. New Orleans Saints - Sedrick Ellis, USC, DT
The Saints feel lucky having Sedrick Ellis fall into their lap. The Defensive Tackle will help improve one of the worst defense in the league by providing pass rushing abilities from the interior of the line. Ellis has an excellent burst, great power, and is a highly decorated college player.
11. Buffalo Bills - Limas Sweed, Texas, WR
Buffalo draft Limas Sweed, a big target with very good speed, who will be able to complement Lee Evans.
12. Denver Broncos - Glenn Dorsey, LSU, DT
Denver fills a position of great need by adding Glenn Dorsey, an outstanding interior line playmaker who has been extremely productive during his career.
13. Carolina Panthers - Brian Brohm, Louisville, QB
The Panthers have to address the QB situation which has been a mess for the last couple years. They go with Brian Brohm, the product from Louisville, who was considered the best QB prospect coming into the college football season, but who has faded a little bit since.
14. Chicago Bears - Rashard Mendenhall, Illinois, RB
The Bears draft the powerful running back from Illinois to help take off the load from the clueless Rex Grossman. The Bears are obviously disappointed with Cedric Benson lack of production and I think it's time to move on.
15. Detroit Lions - Mike Jenkins, South Florida, CB
The Lions have released veteran CB Fernando Bryant. Mike Jenkins, an outstanding man-to-man corner, with a great season for USF under his belt, will be an upgrade.
16. Arizona Cardinals - Antoine Cason, Arizona, CB
The Cardinals have a big hole at CB across from Antrel Rolle. Antoine Cason has been a consistently outstanding performer on the collegiate level, and is arguably the most complete CB in the draft.
17. Minnesota Vikings - Derrick Harvey, Florida, DE
The Vikings can't believe their luck and address an area of great need by drafting Derrick Harvey, a defensive end from the University of Florida. Harvey is stout against the run, and also a solid pass rusher, and will fill the void left by Kenechi Udeze very capably
18. Houston Texans - Jonathan Stewart, Oregon, RB
The Texans are in dire need of a rushing game, and drafting the big and powerful back from the University of Oregon will provide them with one. A no-brainer...
19. Philadelphia Eagles - DeSean Jackson, California, WR
The Eagles draft the nifty WR/KR DeSean Jackson who will provide them with a jolt much like Devin Hester has done for the pathetic Bears' offense. He will definitely benefits from Devin Hester breakout season, despite his relatively limited upside and size concern.
20. Tampa Bay Bucs - Mario Manningham*, Michigan, WR
Joey Galloway is not getting any younger and neither is Ike Hilliard. Manningham will provide the Bucs with a playmaker who can take it the distance every time he runs a route.
21. Washington Redskins - Kenny Phillips, Miami (FL), FS
Losing Sean Taylor was a human tragedy, but it also left the team without a capable replacement. Drafting his successor from the same school, the Redskins will have a solid replacement who will be able to roam centerfield much like Sean used to do. Solid in coverage, outstanding in run support and blessed with great size, Phillips will fill in honorably for Taylor.
22. Dallas Cowboys (CLE)- Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Tennessee State, CB
Dallas address their nickel corner position with the young corner from Tennessee State. Rodgers-Cromartie helped his stock tremendously at the combine and is a legitimate first round pick.
23. Pittsburgh Steelers - Aqib Talib, Kansas, CB
The Steelers draft Talib, a talented corner who needs to work on his footwork and improve his discipline as he gambles too much and gets burned by mediocre competition at times.
24. Tennessee Titans - Malcolm Kelly, Oklahoma, WR
The Titans beleaguered wideout crew gets some relief with the addition of Kelly, a lanky receiver from Oklahoma, who will provide Vince Young with a sure-handed big target in the red zone.
25. Seattle Seahawks - Frank Okam, Texas, DT
The Seahawks draft Okam to shore up their mediocre run defense. Okam is stout against the run, and has a very good burst off the snap which allows him to disrupt opposing offenses.
26. Jacksonville Jaguars - Quentin Groves, Auburn, DE
The Jaguars provided David Garrard with Jerry Porter and Troy Williamson. Now they address their gaping holes at defensive end by drafting the speedy Groves, out of Auburn.
27. San Diego Chargers - Branden Albert, Virginia, OG
The Chargers use this pick to get some depth along the Offensive Line. Albert will be able to provide starting competition to the undermanned Right Tackle Spot.
28. Dallas Cowboys - Felix Jones, Arkansas, RB
The Cowboys draft #2 of their two-headed monster who will be able to complement Marion Barber nicely. The speedy Jones is a threat to take it all the way and will be accustomed to sharing the workload with another talented running back.
29. San Francisco 49ers (IND)- Jeff Otah, Pittsburgh, OT
San Francisco needs to shore up their horrible offensive line. Alex Smith is taking a beating, and the beefy Otah might be able to reduce the amount of time Smith spends on his back.
30. Green Bay Packers - Shawn Crable, Michigan, LB
Green Bay adds a talented outside linebacker to their feared linebacker crew. Crable, a LB with good range will solidify the Packers defense.
31. New England Patriots - (forfeit)
32. New York Giants - Xavier Adibi, Virginia Tech, OLB
The Giants, fresh off their gutsy Super Bowl win, lost two of their linebackers and are in dire need at the position. Xavier Adibi, a high motor and high character player, was a very solid linebacker at the college level with excellent credentials. Often around the ball, and an excellent athlete, he will be a great fit for the Giants defense.
Comments
I can see the Pats taking a CB, I believe I had them Antoine Cason in my previous mock draft. However, I think they might also go with Vernon Gholston, as they have released Rosevelt Colvin recently. Most definitely, losing the 31st pick where they could have realistically taken Connor, is very disappointing for the Pats.
I have Dorsey below Ellis simply because he hasn't performed at the NFL Combine, and he is somewhat of an injury concern so I downgraded his value to take this into account. If he performs as expected at his pro-day he will most likely end up in the top 5.
Harvey could easily be taken by anyone before Minny. However it can of fell that way given overall team needs, and how the draft plays out in my mock draft. IMO Harvey will probably go in the middle of the first round so the Vikings will have a good shot at him
The Vikings main need will be DE or WR. Having a new FS in Madieu Williams really helps. I would still love getting Kenny Phillips who is very good in run support. To be honest, Darren Sharper doesn't fit the scheme well and having his replacement in Phillips would be a solid move for the Vikings.
And like you say, still plenty of time with the Pro days coming and lots of players who will rise and fall.
Thanks