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1. Miami Dolphins-Jake Long OT Michigan
Miami has already agreed on a huge contract with Jake Long to make him the highest paid OL in the league. While Long projected by some scouts as a RT in the league, Miami intends to make him a LT and for good reason. Long is the most complete OT in this draft and should improve his quickness against speed rushers. This was the smartest and best pick the Miami Dolphins could have made.
2. St. Louis Rams-Chris Long DE Virginia
After taking Adam Carriker in last years first round, St. Louis cannot resist the temptation in taking another high motor DL. Carriker has bulked up to around 319 so he is probably set at DT which makes the need for Dorsey here a little smaller. Long is a great prospect who can play the run well and rusher the passer. He teamed with Carriker could make for a fearsome DL. Sprinkle in Leonard Little flying off the edge from the other side and Scott Linehan may save his job yet.
3. Atlanta Falcons-Glenn Dorsey DT LSU
Atlanta gets its wish and has one of the two lineman fall to it in Glenn Dorsey. Atlanta struggled last year against the run and Dorsey style of play will fit in well with what new HC Mike Smith asks of his defensive line. He should help to keep blockers away from sack artist John Abraham and help to have 2nd year pro and last years 1st Round pick DE Jamaal Anderson to grow some more after a disappointing rookie season. Dorsey will be asked to use his penetration ability to disrupt opposing teams running games and to bring pressure up the middle.
4. Oakland Raiders-Darren McFadden RB Arkansas
I know the pick doesn’t make any logical sense, but then again most of what the Raiders do, doesn’t make sense (my apologies to Raiders Nation). McFadden is the biggest playmaker in this draft and goes to an offense with no playmakers. They do have an issue at RB with newly extended Justin Fargas, Dominic Rhodes, LaMont Jordan, and last years 4th Round pick Micheal Bush, but none of those guys have the ability of Darren McFadden. McFadden can also split out wide and play a little WR if need be. Al Davis will lobby hard for this pick and while Lane Kiffin may not like it, I think this is where they end up going.
5. Kansas City Chiefs-Brandon Albert OT Virginia
While I don’t know that I like the move of Albert to the outside, Kansas City really needs help on the OL. Many people think that with the loss of Jared Allen they will go with Vernon Gholston here, but Im not so convinced. Albert is probably the 2nd best OL in the draft and with his versatility the Chiefs will be ok if he doesn’t work out at OT, but you don’t take OG’s this high.
6. New York Jets –Vernon Gholston DE/LB Ohio State
The Jets are happy that one of their two guys fell to them in Vernon Gholston. They love Gholston’s speed off the edge and the athletic ability he brings to them as a stand up LB. While there is a lot of boom-bust risk here in this pick, the Jets are willing to risk it. Gholston will fit right in to replace Hobson who left the Jets for the Patriots this off-season.
7. New England Patriots-Sedrick Ellis DT USC
New England needs to get a little younger along the DL and Ellis makes the perfect sense as a 3-4 DE. While he may have timed slow at the combine he plays much quicker. Ellis is a beast when being blocked one on one and have a arsenal of moves which allow him to get past offensive linemen. He’ll have the chance here to learn from three of the best in the business in Richard Seymour, Ty Warren, and Vince Wilfork on how to refine his game and become the best he can be.
8. Baltimore Ravens-Matt Ryan QB Boston College
The shocker of the draft! Well…ok…not really. Baltimore takes the guy they are praying falls to them in Matt Ryan. They need a replacement for Steve McNair and anybody who thinks Kyle Boller or Troy Smith is going to do the job even remotely well needs to be laughed at. Ryan will bring his gunslinger mentality to Baltimore to work with TE Todd Heap and develop a good connection with him. Combine that with the solid running of Willis McGahee behind him and you got yourself a solid system to slide into.
9. Cincinnati Bengals-Keith Rivers LB USC
With the retirement of David Pollack, Keith Rivers makes perfect sense here. He has the versatility to play inside or out. Rivers brings a very athletic intense style of play the Bengals and should fit in nicely. Best of all he is not a character risk what so ever and should start from Day 1.
10. New Orleans Saints-Leodis McKelvin CB Troy
The sleeper prospect out of Troy made big waves at the Senior Bowl this season and is a duel threat with his punt return ability. While the Saints already have McKenzie and Gay at CB they can slowly bring McKelvin along and allow him to learn slowly while utilizing his punt return ability.
11. Buffalo Bills-Dominique Rodgers-Croamartie CB Tennessee State
This pick makes too much sense for the Bills. They have an obvious need at CB and DRC is the ideal pick to fill that. He has the size and speed to match up with any WR in the league and if his skill level translates like it did at the FCS level, you have a shut down corner on your hands. Buffalo will need to bring him along as slowly as they can though, he will be making a big jump for FCS to the NFL and may take some time, but if the Senior Bowl is any indication, the kid will adjust quickly.
12. Denver Broncos-Chris Williams OT Vanderbilt
With Denver’s Zone Blocking Scheme, they have to take both athletic and intelligent lineman. So that’s why Vanderbilt’s Chris Williams makes perfect sense here. He nearly aced the Wonderlic test and can really move for an OT. Under the Shannahan system he should be able to really flourish and continue the Denver trend of blocking for 1000 yard rushers.
13. Carolina Panthers-Rashad Mendenhall RB Illinois
With the release of DeSean Foster this past offseason, Carolina made one thing absolutely clear; its time for DeAngelo Williams to get the starting spot light. However there is concern over whether Williams can become a full time RB in this league and by taking Mendenhall, Carolina puts those fears to bed. While they could also be intrigued by DE Derrick Harvey here, I think they try and shore their running game first.
14. Chicago Bears-Ryan Clady OT Boise State
I think Chicago was really hoping Mendenhall would fall to them but since he didn’t they’ll do the next best thing to improve their running game and take Clady. Clady is a big OT who is athletic and really excels at sealing off the edge for his back to spring free to the outside. Cedric Benson was a big time disappointment this past season and hopefully some improved blocking will help him regain form.
15. Detroit Lions-Jeff Otah OT Pittsburgh
Detroit is tempted to go with Jonathan Stewart here but his injury concerns make them shy away. Instead they choose another OT this time out of Pittsburgh in Jeff Otah. Otah should help to keep Kitna upright this season and give him time to find Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson down the field. Also Clady provides them with a young tackle to groom to protect future QB Drew Stanton’s blind side.
16. Arizona Cardinals-Mike Jenkins CB South Florida
With the move of Antrel Rolle to FS, the Cardinals need to bring in a CB to replace him. Mike Jenkins is a playmaker on the corner who has good size and speed and is not afraid to be physical. While he does have some character concerns which will have scared some teams away Jenkins has shown to be a hard worker at South Florida and a top skilled CB.
17. Kansas City Chiefs-Derrick Harvey DE Florida
This years big fall is unfortunately Derrick Harvey from Florida. Harvey is an extremely talents pass rusher who worked this pre draft season to get bigger and stronger. While he may lost a little speed he is still lightning quick and get to the passer. Kansas takes him to replace Jared Allen at DE.
18. Houston Texans-Jonathan Stewart RB Oregon
Jonathan Stewart probably would of gone a little higher has it not been for his March surgery. However Houston is glad he fell to them. Houston relied on UDFA RB Darius Walker towards the end of last year to carry the load. Stewart is a powerful runner with good speed who should really help out the Texans.
19. Philadelphia Eagles-Devin Thomas WR Michigan State
The first WR off the board goes to the Eagles and Donovan McNabb. Thomas is a rare WR who has some incredible RAC ability. He also has great return ability and has good speed. The comments about him being a one year wonder however are overstated Thomas was a beast at the JUCO level and never got consistent time till this year at Michigan State.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Aqib Talib CB Kansas
With the loss of Brian Kelly, Tampa looks to playmaker Aqib Talib here to replace him. Talib has good size and skill but is still rough around the edges. He is very confident in himself and will need to probably be taken down a peg or two by Jon Gruden. However when on his game Talib is a potential shut down corner with big play potential.
21. Washington Redskins-Phillip Merling DE Clemson
The Redskins DL is getting a little long in the tooth and with Phillip Merliong sitting there at 21, I don’t see how they can pass. Merling provides a good solid pass rush along with the ability to make big plays in the backfield against the running game. Merling should be able to come in from Day 1 and contribute.
22. Dallas Cowboys-Limas Sweed WR Texas
Cowboys stay at home and take a local kid to add to the arsenal. Sweed is maybe the most polished WR in this class but he needs to make sure his wrist becomes full healthy for Dallas. But with Terry Glenn and Terrell Owens getting older they need another WR with Patrick Crayton to begin to develop.
23. Pittsburgh Steelers-Jerrod Mayo LB Tennessee
Pittsburgh needs to find a LB to add some energy to their team. Mayo is that guy and he is all over teams draft boards. Some say he is going too high here, others say too low. Either way Mayo can play outside or inside and can make plays sideline to sideline.
24. Tennessee Titans-DeSean Jackson WR Cal
Vince Young needs a dynamic playmaker on this offense and here he is in DeSean Jackson. There is no doubt that Jackson can make plays whether that’s in the return game or the passing game. The question is how much of a liability will his size be at the next level. Young should be able to use Jackson as a deep threat and on trick plays.
25. Seattle Seahawks-Gosder Cherilus OT Boston College
Seattle needs to begin to retool their line and they do so by taking the big OT who kept top prospect Matt Ryan upright all season. Cherilus excels at run blocking and is quick enough to get to the 2nd level and really clear a path for new running back Julius Jones. If Cherilus could become a little more aggressive Seattle could have a franchise tackle on their hands.
26. Jacksonville Jaguars-Kentwan Balmer DT North Carolina
Balmer was pretty much an enigma up until this year at North Carolina where he really came into his own. He has good penetration skills and can really hit a seam in the OL and break through. He is inconsistent though but with his size, strength, and athleticism he could develop into a very good DT prospect.
27. San Diego Chargers-Dan Connor LB Penn State
San Diego needs to find a tackling machine for the middle of their defense and Dan Connor is the perfect fit. He has great size and pedigree for the position and his technique is nearly flawless. Connor is also like a 2nd coach on the field and is not afraid to make the defensive calls or adjust the defense when needed.
28. Dallas Cowboys-Felix Jones RB Arkansas
With the loss of Julius Jones to Seattle in Free Agency, Dallas has a need to bring in another tailback to share the load with Marion Barber III. Felix Jones is the ideal back for that kind of situation because he runs hard, is strong and he is used to being in a split carries system. Jones has excellent speed from the tailback spot and is a good receiving option.
29. San Francisco 49ers-James Hardy WR Indiana
San Francisco needs to find some kind of a consistent target for QB Alex Smith and hopefully that is what James Hardy is. Hardy has great size at 6’5, and good hands. He is still raw and will allow his routes to get a little sloppy if he’s not getting the ball. It does appear as though his part character problems are behind him and that he has matured some.
30. Green Bay Packers-Antoine Cason CB Arizona
Both Charles Woodson and Al Harris wont be around for forever so taking Cason here makes a lot of sense. Cason is an experience CB at the collegiate level and a playmaker also. He has good size, and decent speed for his position along with good ball skills and leaping ability. He’ll probably need some time to make the adjustment but should end up one day as a starting CB.
31. New York Giants-Reggie Smith CB/S Oklahoma
The reigning Super Bowl champs really don’t have a lot to improve on. But they could use a little more skill in their secondary. The reason the Reggie Smith pick here makes sense is due to his versatility and ability to play either the CB or the S position on the field. He will likely be a S at first but Im of the opinion that he could one day be a very good CB.
Miami has already agreed on a huge contract with Jake Long to make him the highest paid OL in the league. While Long projected by some scouts as a RT in the league, Miami intends to make him a LT and for good reason. Long is the most complete OT in this draft and should improve his quickness against speed rushers. This was the smartest and best pick the Miami Dolphins could have made.
2. St. Louis Rams-Chris Long DE Virginia
After taking Adam Carriker in last years first round, St. Louis cannot resist the temptation in taking another high motor DL. Carriker has bulked up to around 319 so he is probably set at DT which makes the need for Dorsey here a little smaller. Long is a great prospect who can play the run well and rusher the passer. He teamed with Carriker could make for a fearsome DL. Sprinkle in Leonard Little flying off the edge from the other side and Scott Linehan may save his job yet.
3. Atlanta Falcons-Glenn Dorsey DT LSU
Atlanta gets its wish and has one of the two lineman fall to it in Glenn Dorsey. Atlanta struggled last year against the run and Dorsey style of play will fit in well with what new HC Mike Smith asks of his defensive line. He should help to keep blockers away from sack artist John Abraham and help to have 2nd year pro and last years 1st Round pick DE Jamaal Anderson to grow some more after a disappointing rookie season. Dorsey will be asked to use his penetration ability to disrupt opposing teams running games and to bring pressure up the middle.
4. Oakland Raiders-Darren McFadden RB Arkansas
I know the pick doesn’t make any logical sense, but then again most of what the Raiders do, doesn’t make sense (my apologies to Raiders Nation). McFadden is the biggest playmaker in this draft and goes to an offense with no playmakers. They do have an issue at RB with newly extended Justin Fargas, Dominic Rhodes, LaMont Jordan, and last years 4th Round pick Micheal Bush, but none of those guys have the ability of Darren McFadden. McFadden can also split out wide and play a little WR if need be. Al Davis will lobby hard for this pick and while Lane Kiffin may not like it, I think this is where they end up going.
5. Kansas City Chiefs-Brandon Albert OT Virginia
While I don’t know that I like the move of Albert to the outside, Kansas City really needs help on the OL. Many people think that with the loss of Jared Allen they will go with Vernon Gholston here, but Im not so convinced. Albert is probably the 2nd best OL in the draft and with his versatility the Chiefs will be ok if he doesn’t work out at OT, but you don’t take OG’s this high.
6. New York Jets –Vernon Gholston DE/LB Ohio State
The Jets are happy that one of their two guys fell to them in Vernon Gholston. They love Gholston’s speed off the edge and the athletic ability he brings to them as a stand up LB. While there is a lot of boom-bust risk here in this pick, the Jets are willing to risk it. Gholston will fit right in to replace Hobson who left the Jets for the Patriots this off-season.
7. New England Patriots-Sedrick Ellis DT USC
New England needs to get a little younger along the DL and Ellis makes the perfect sense as a 3-4 DE. While he may have timed slow at the combine he plays much quicker. Ellis is a beast when being blocked one on one and have a arsenal of moves which allow him to get past offensive linemen. He’ll have the chance here to learn from three of the best in the business in Richard Seymour, Ty Warren, and Vince Wilfork on how to refine his game and become the best he can be.
8. Baltimore Ravens-Matt Ryan QB Boston College
The shocker of the draft! Well…ok…not really. Baltimore takes the guy they are praying falls to them in Matt Ryan. They need a replacement for Steve McNair and anybody who thinks Kyle Boller or Troy Smith is going to do the job even remotely well needs to be laughed at. Ryan will bring his gunslinger mentality to Baltimore to work with TE Todd Heap and develop a good connection with him. Combine that with the solid running of Willis McGahee behind him and you got yourself a solid system to slide into.
9. Cincinnati Bengals-Keith Rivers LB USC
With the retirement of David Pollack, Keith Rivers makes perfect sense here. He has the versatility to play inside or out. Rivers brings a very athletic intense style of play the Bengals and should fit in nicely. Best of all he is not a character risk what so ever and should start from Day 1.
10. New Orleans Saints-Leodis McKelvin CB Troy
The sleeper prospect out of Troy made big waves at the Senior Bowl this season and is a duel threat with his punt return ability. While the Saints already have McKenzie and Gay at CB they can slowly bring McKelvin along and allow him to learn slowly while utilizing his punt return ability.
11. Buffalo Bills-Dominique Rodgers-Croamartie CB Tennessee State
This pick makes too much sense for the Bills. They have an obvious need at CB and DRC is the ideal pick to fill that. He has the size and speed to match up with any WR in the league and if his skill level translates like it did at the FCS level, you have a shut down corner on your hands. Buffalo will need to bring him along as slowly as they can though, he will be making a big jump for FCS to the NFL and may take some time, but if the Senior Bowl is any indication, the kid will adjust quickly.
12. Denver Broncos-Chris Williams OT Vanderbilt
With Denver’s Zone Blocking Scheme, they have to take both athletic and intelligent lineman. So that’s why Vanderbilt’s Chris Williams makes perfect sense here. He nearly aced the Wonderlic test and can really move for an OT. Under the Shannahan system he should be able to really flourish and continue the Denver trend of blocking for 1000 yard rushers.
13. Carolina Panthers-Rashad Mendenhall RB Illinois
With the release of DeSean Foster this past offseason, Carolina made one thing absolutely clear; its time for DeAngelo Williams to get the starting spot light. However there is concern over whether Williams can become a full time RB in this league and by taking Mendenhall, Carolina puts those fears to bed. While they could also be intrigued by DE Derrick Harvey here, I think they try and shore their running game first.
14. Chicago Bears-Ryan Clady OT Boise State
I think Chicago was really hoping Mendenhall would fall to them but since he didn’t they’ll do the next best thing to improve their running game and take Clady. Clady is a big OT who is athletic and really excels at sealing off the edge for his back to spring free to the outside. Cedric Benson was a big time disappointment this past season and hopefully some improved blocking will help him regain form.
15. Detroit Lions-Jeff Otah OT Pittsburgh
Detroit is tempted to go with Jonathan Stewart here but his injury concerns make them shy away. Instead they choose another OT this time out of Pittsburgh in Jeff Otah. Otah should help to keep Kitna upright this season and give him time to find Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson down the field. Also Clady provides them with a young tackle to groom to protect future QB Drew Stanton’s blind side.
16. Arizona Cardinals-Mike Jenkins CB South Florida
With the move of Antrel Rolle to FS, the Cardinals need to bring in a CB to replace him. Mike Jenkins is a playmaker on the corner who has good size and speed and is not afraid to be physical. While he does have some character concerns which will have scared some teams away Jenkins has shown to be a hard worker at South Florida and a top skilled CB.
17. Kansas City Chiefs-Derrick Harvey DE Florida
This years big fall is unfortunately Derrick Harvey from Florida. Harvey is an extremely talents pass rusher who worked this pre draft season to get bigger and stronger. While he may lost a little speed he is still lightning quick and get to the passer. Kansas takes him to replace Jared Allen at DE.
18. Houston Texans-Jonathan Stewart RB Oregon
Jonathan Stewart probably would of gone a little higher has it not been for his March surgery. However Houston is glad he fell to them. Houston relied on UDFA RB Darius Walker towards the end of last year to carry the load. Stewart is a powerful runner with good speed who should really help out the Texans.
19. Philadelphia Eagles-Devin Thomas WR Michigan State
The first WR off the board goes to the Eagles and Donovan McNabb. Thomas is a rare WR who has some incredible RAC ability. He also has great return ability and has good speed. The comments about him being a one year wonder however are overstated Thomas was a beast at the JUCO level and never got consistent time till this year at Michigan State.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Aqib Talib CB Kansas
With the loss of Brian Kelly, Tampa looks to playmaker Aqib Talib here to replace him. Talib has good size and skill but is still rough around the edges. He is very confident in himself and will need to probably be taken down a peg or two by Jon Gruden. However when on his game Talib is a potential shut down corner with big play potential.
21. Washington Redskins-Phillip Merling DE Clemson
The Redskins DL is getting a little long in the tooth and with Phillip Merliong sitting there at 21, I don’t see how they can pass. Merling provides a good solid pass rush along with the ability to make big plays in the backfield against the running game. Merling should be able to come in from Day 1 and contribute.
22. Dallas Cowboys-Limas Sweed WR Texas
Cowboys stay at home and take a local kid to add to the arsenal. Sweed is maybe the most polished WR in this class but he needs to make sure his wrist becomes full healthy for Dallas. But with Terry Glenn and Terrell Owens getting older they need another WR with Patrick Crayton to begin to develop.
23. Pittsburgh Steelers-Jerrod Mayo LB Tennessee
Pittsburgh needs to find a LB to add some energy to their team. Mayo is that guy and he is all over teams draft boards. Some say he is going too high here, others say too low. Either way Mayo can play outside or inside and can make plays sideline to sideline.
24. Tennessee Titans-DeSean Jackson WR Cal
Vince Young needs a dynamic playmaker on this offense and here he is in DeSean Jackson. There is no doubt that Jackson can make plays whether that’s in the return game or the passing game. The question is how much of a liability will his size be at the next level. Young should be able to use Jackson as a deep threat and on trick plays.
25. Seattle Seahawks-Gosder Cherilus OT Boston College
Seattle needs to begin to retool their line and they do so by taking the big OT who kept top prospect Matt Ryan upright all season. Cherilus excels at run blocking and is quick enough to get to the 2nd level and really clear a path for new running back Julius Jones. If Cherilus could become a little more aggressive Seattle could have a franchise tackle on their hands.
26. Jacksonville Jaguars-Kentwan Balmer DT North Carolina
Balmer was pretty much an enigma up until this year at North Carolina where he really came into his own. He has good penetration skills and can really hit a seam in the OL and break through. He is inconsistent though but with his size, strength, and athleticism he could develop into a very good DT prospect.
27. San Diego Chargers-Dan Connor LB Penn State
San Diego needs to find a tackling machine for the middle of their defense and Dan Connor is the perfect fit. He has great size and pedigree for the position and his technique is nearly flawless. Connor is also like a 2nd coach on the field and is not afraid to make the defensive calls or adjust the defense when needed.
28. Dallas Cowboys-Felix Jones RB Arkansas
With the loss of Julius Jones to Seattle in Free Agency, Dallas has a need to bring in another tailback to share the load with Marion Barber III. Felix Jones is the ideal back for that kind of situation because he runs hard, is strong and he is used to being in a split carries system. Jones has excellent speed from the tailback spot and is a good receiving option.
29. San Francisco 49ers-James Hardy WR Indiana
San Francisco needs to find some kind of a consistent target for QB Alex Smith and hopefully that is what James Hardy is. Hardy has great size at 6’5, and good hands. He is still raw and will allow his routes to get a little sloppy if he’s not getting the ball. It does appear as though his part character problems are behind him and that he has matured some.
30. Green Bay Packers-Antoine Cason CB Arizona
Both Charles Woodson and Al Harris wont be around for forever so taking Cason here makes a lot of sense. Cason is an experience CB at the collegiate level and a playmaker also. He has good size, and decent speed for his position along with good ball skills and leaping ability. He’ll probably need some time to make the adjustment but should end up one day as a starting CB.
31. New York Giants-Reggie Smith CB/S Oklahoma
The reigning Super Bowl champs really don’t have a lot to improve on. But they could use a little more skill in their secondary. The reason the Reggie Smith pick here makes sense is due to his versatility and ability to play either the CB or the S position on the field. He will likely be a S at first but Im of the opinion that he could one day be a very good CB.
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