I bleed Sooner red

2008 Mock Draft Version 1.0

2007 NFL Draft order

1. Oakland Raiders- Jake Long Sr. Offensive Tackle Michigan
The consensus here should be RB Darren McFadden. However, the Raiders traded for Lamont Jordan two years ago, signed Dominic Rhodes, and drafted Michael Bush (who might not play in 2007). With all those running backs, and a very thin offensive line, Long is a great pick. He can take over for Barry Sims from day one.
Others considered: Darren McFadden, Sam Baker, Calais Campbell

2. Detroit Lions- Brian Brohm Sr. Quarterback Louisville
Another pick that could go to McFadden, but I think with a good RB free agent class and weak QB free agents, the Lions go with Brohm here. Kitna doesn’t have too many years left, 2007 will be his eleventh season. Brohm could spend a year under Kitna like Palmer in Cincinnati, and then retire.
Others considered: Darren McFadden, Sam Baker, Antoine Cason

3. Dallas Cowboys- Darren McFadden Jr. Running Back Arkansas
Considered to be the best prospect in this draft, McFadden could fall out of the top spot just due to lack of need like Calvin Johnson last year. But he is certainly worth the top selection. Dallas would be ecstatic if this happened with the trade from Cleveland a year ago. Dallas could part ways with Julius Jones with this move.
Others considered: Desean Jackson, Sam Baker, Antoine Cason

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Antoine Cason Sr. Cornerback Arizona
Both Ronde Barber and Brian Kelly are past their prime now. Cason will be the top cornerback barring a major year by Simeon Castille, Justin King, or Malcolm Jenkins. Derrick Brooks might retire this year, but Quincy Black should be able to replace him there. If Brohm is available, Gruden might take him, but Tampa Bay expects to being lower this year in the draft.
Others considered: Desean Jackson, Sam Baker, Glenn Dorsey

5. Arizona Cardinals- Glenn Dorsey Sr. Defensive Tackle LSU
With the Cardinals change to the 3-4, they need a big end that can take on the run but pass rush as well. Dorsey fits in as a great 4-3 DT or 3-4 DE. He has a great burst for his size with 3 sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss in 2006.
Others considered: Calais Campbell, Derrick Harvey, Jonathan Stewart

6. Washington Redskins- Calais Campbell Jr. Defensive End Miami Fl.
Campbell here would be ideal for Washington. The Redskins had one of the worst defensive lines in football in 2006, with little quarterback pressure the entire year. Campbell has amazing speed for his size, and compares to Julius Peppers. He could prove to be a steal at the sixth selection.
Others considered: Sam Baker, Desean Jackson, Sedrick Ellis

7. Minnesota Vikings- Desean Jackson Jr. Wide Receiver California
With such little depth here, Tarvaris Jackson might be put on the hot seat too quickly. It should prove tough for him to show he is indeed the quarterback of the future in Minnesota. Jackson will be this year’s Ted Ginn, but with no Calvin Johnson, could be the first WR taken. A premiere tackle is also needed on offense.
Others considered: Sam Baker, Early Doucet, Justin King

8. Atlanta Falcons- Sam Baker Sr. Offensive Tackle USC
This might seem like the most surprising pick to readers. However, if Brohm were off the table, the quarterback class drops off quite a bit to Henne, Ryan, and Woodson. Current tackle Wayne Gandy was drafted by the Rams; of Los Angeles. Right tackle Todd Weiner is also past his tenth year in the league. Baker could take over for Gandy immediately.
Others considered: Andre Woodson, Jonathan Stewart, Dan Connor

9. Miami Dolphins- Michael Oher Jr. Offensive Guard Ole Miss
After Dolphin fans screamed for a quarterback last year, they will be disappointed again this year. Oher is my number one rated guard, but if he were to be drafted by Miami, would play at tackle. He can certainly play tackle in the NFL, he is very versatile. The Dolphins currently have a OG at LT right now in Vernon Carey. This selection could allow Carey to move back to guard.
Others considered: Gosder Cherilus, Kenny Phillips, Andre Woodson

10. Houston Texans- Dan Connor Sr. Outside Linebacker Penn State
A running back was hard to pass up here, but Ahman Green could prove to be worthy of another year. Plus the running back depth drops off significantly after McFadden. Houston can still get Hart, Choice, or Patrick in the second round. Connor would be a great addition to the linebacker corps and might start from day one.
Others considered: Jonathan Stewart, Gosder Cherilus, Justin King

11. New England Patriots- Justin King Jr. Cornerback Penn State
Two Nittany Lions in a row, in what could be a surprising selection for New England, who is notorious for throwing in cornerbacks that aren’t that well known. King is too versatile of an athlete not to take at 11. I struggled with taking a linebacker, because Bruschi is expected to retire, and Vrabel is on his last legs. I feel with King’s athleticism and return ability to team with Welker would be a great value selection.
Others considered: Keith Rivers, Frank Okam, Xavier Adibi

12. Buffalo Bills- Keith Rivers Sr. Outside Linebacker USC
The Bills are rather deep at quite a few positions. Linebacker and wide receiver could use some help. The current linebacker corps has a few undersized outside backers, and Rivers is a big and quick beast. He can rush the passer, and also is good in coverage. Teamed with Posluszny, they would form a tough duo to stop with their good pass rush and inside presence.
Others considered: Early Doucet, Xavier Adibi, Malcolm Jenkins

13. St. Louis Rams- James Laurinaitis Jr. Outside Linebacker Ohio State
Laurinaitis plays inside linebacker at Ohio State, but is quick enough to play both in the NFL. The Rams need more help on the outside, so they would move him there. He is big, but has a quick burst similar to A.J. Hawk. The Rams could also use a pass rusher at defensive end or even a replacement for Isaac Bruce. But with newly signed Drew Bennett and Dante Hall, they can wait a year and shore up the defense this year.
Others considered: Rey Maulaluga, Chris Long, Early Doucet

14. Carolina Panthers- Gosder Cherilus Sr. Offensive Tackle Boston College
While he is not my third rated offensive tackle, the Panthers take the safe pick here with Cherilus over Heath Benedict. Gosder has great size and quick feet. He has the body to put on a little more weight, but he shouldn’t have to. He can backup at both left and right tackle, but is more suited for left tackle, and should take over in 2008.
Others considered: Will Arnold, Kenny Phillips, Frank Okam

15. Pittsburgh Steelers- Will Arnold Sr. Offensive Guard LSU
An immediate replacement for departing Alan Faneca, and Arnold has the ability to also play some tackle. He is definitely best suited for guard though. Pittsburgh seems to have found their two future linebackers to replace the elders in Farrior and Foote. Coach Tomlin and company might take Frank Okam, but he is more suited at 3-4 DT. Ellis is the next best 3-4 DE candidate, but he is a fringe first rounder.
Others considered: Frank Okam, Heath Benedict, Malcolm Jenkins

16. Green Bay Packers- Heath Benedict Sr. Offensive Tackle Newberry College
A true sleeper who is actually well known by scouts, Heath started his career at Tennessee but transferred to Newberry. No behavior problems to speak of, and is spoken very highly of by coaches. Benedict could have declared in 2007, but decided to return because he was a fringe first day selection. I believe he will show his potential this year. Sixteen is probably way too high for a non division one player, but scouts will love his size and athleticism, and he is one of the five best offensive linemen in this draft.
Others considered: Chris Long, Chad Henne, Kenny Phillips