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

I bleed Sooner red

17. Jacksonville Jaguars- Chris Long Sr. Defensive End Virginia
Son of Fox broadcaster Howie Long, this year Chris will prove he is more than a famous offspring. Chris will be overshadowed in the ACC with Calais Campbell, but he could put up similar stats with his quick pass rush and footwork. The Jaguars could also use an immediate third corner and future starter or strong side linebacker and of course a wide receiver.
Others considered: Malcolm Jenkins, Xavier Adibi, Early Doucet

18. Cincinnati Bengals- Xavier Adibi Sr. Outside Linebacker Virginia Tech
The Bengals continue to shore up the defense with Adibi here at 18. Xavier is a great pass rusher on the outside, which would help the Bengals immensely. Justin Smith leaving is also a possibility, so they could go defensive end. The tackles are getting old as well, but Whitworth should be able to replace at least one of them.
Others considered: Kenny Phillips, Lawrence Jackson, Martin Rucker

19. Tennessee Titans- Rey Maulaluga Jr. Inside Linebacker USC
Rey is considered to be the top junior linebacker along with Laurinaitis. Rey is not as consistent, and is a little too over eager to make the big play. However, he is still a big and fast linebacker that can stop the run very well. A big hitter along with Bulluck is what the team needs. Tennessee also needs better wide out depth, but with plenty of second round options, they can take a chance on waiting.
Others considered: Early Doucet, Adarius Bowman, Lawrence Jackson

20. New York Giants- Barry Richardson Sr. Offensive Tackle Clemson
Yet another offensive lineman taken in the first round. This is with good reasoning though, as this could be the best offensive line class of all time. Richardson has great size and quick feet. He has started since his freshman year at left tackle, and could take over immediately to protect Eli Manning. I contemplated linebacker as well, but I am not sure if Cushing or Highsmith belongs here, along with running back. I think Jacobs should prove to be versatile enough.
Others considered: Brian Cushing, Ali Highsmith, Jonathan Stewart

21. Denver Broncos- Kenny Phillips Jr. Safety Miami Fl.
Finally a safety taken. The safety class in 2008 is extremely weak, especially amongst seniors. Phillips can play both free and strong safety, and he should continue the Miami secondary tradition.
Others considered: Early Doucet, Brian Cushing, Adarius Bowman

22. Dallas Cowboys- Early Doucet Sr. Wide Receiver LSU
Another offensive weapon around Tony Romo for the Cowboys in the first round, Doucet a former quarterback himself is a agile wide out with good hands. He is still learning the position, but should prove to be a sturdy wideout behind Owens and Glenn in his first year. I don’t think Jerry Jones could be any happier with how this first round turned out for him.
Others considered: Malcolm Jenkins, Adarius Bowman, Limas Sweed

23. Kansas City Chiefs- Alex Boone Jr. Offensive Tackle Ohio State
The Chiefs put themselves in a predicament this year. They could have taken Staley last year and waited to get a good WR in free agency this year or in the draft. Now they have to wait to get a second tier offensive lineman. Boone is certainly talented, but no where near as polished as Long, Baker, etc.
Others considered: Malcolm Jenkins, Andre Woodson, Ali Highsmith

24. Seattle Seahawks- Andre Woodson Sr. Quarterback Kentucky
In a surprising move, the Seahawks take a quarterback for the future. They do have Seneca Wallace, but I don’t see him as a quarterback that can play every week. He isn’t big enough and doesn’t have quite the accuracy needed in that offense. Hasselbeck will be 32 this upcoming season. Woodson’s potential is too much to pass up at 24.
Others considered: Shannon Tevaga, Jonathan Stewart, Lawrence Jackson

25. New York Jets- Derrick Harvey Jr. Defensive End Florida
Finally a team that needs a pass rushing linebacker in the 3-4. Harvey is a tremendous value here at 25. He could prove to be a top 10 selection come April next year. Harvey has tremendous quickness and great size for an OLB in the 3-4. Will be this year’s Shawne Merriman
Others considered: Frank Okam, Brian Cushing, Quentin Groves

26. Philadelphia Eagles- Malcolm Jenkins Jr. Cornerback Ohio State
The Eagles traded out of the first round because Brandon Meriweather was taken by New England. This year’s safety class is much weaker. Jenkins provides versatility and can take over if either Sheppard or Brown departs. I could see the Eagles taking a tight end in case they don’t resign Smith.
Others considered: Martin Rucker, Lawrence Jackson, Michael Hamlin

27. New Orleans Saints- Simeon Castille Sr. Cornerback Alabama
I believe it’s well known that Fred Thomas has had his off days. The Saints got a steal in Usama Young last year, but they still need more depth. I believe Castille will be a top 3 cornerback this year. He doesn’t have quite the speed of King or Jenkins, but has great coverage ability and will shut down receivers in the SEC this year.
Others considered: Ali Highsmith, Frank Okam, Brian Cushing

28. New England Patriots- Ali Highsmith Sr. Outside Linebacker LSU
As mentioned earlier, Teddy Bruschi is expected to retire. Highsmith doesn’t have the height desired, but is certainly a playmaker. He will play behind Dorsey and Tyson Jackson on LSU’s D-line this year so he will have plenty of opportunities to make plays.
Others considered: Brian Cushing, Frank Okam, Ezra Butler

29. Baltimore Ravens- Dwight Lowery Sr. Cornerback San Jose State
Another under the radar player that has the statistics to back up his first round selection, Lowery is an extremely quick corner with great coverage ability. Both McAllister and Rolle are past 30, and are on their last few years. Lowery could learn behind two of the best corners of the last decade, and then take over in a few years.
Others considered: Chad Henne, Ezra Butler, Brian Cushing

30. San Diego Chargers- Jonathan Stewart Jr. Running back Oregon
An insurance pick here for San Diego because I expect Michael Turner to be gone after this season. Darren Sproles is a great returner, but is not the future running back there after Tomlinson leaves. Stewart is still very young, and can learn behind the best back in the league. Jamal Williams will be 32 this year, so I was close to taking Frank Okam. But Williams still has plenty left for a few more years.
Others considered: Frank Okam, Jonathan Goff, Terrell Thomas

31. Chicago Bears- Shannon Tevaga Sr. Offensive Guard UCLA
With the money guards make in free agency, teams are realizing how important guards are. Tevaga could be the first true guard taken if Will Arnold can’t prove to come back from an injury in 2006. Beekman and Tevaga could prove to be a formidable due at guard for Chicago. They could take a chance at another tackle, but so many have been taken so far that they would be getting a second tier tackle.
Others considered: Kirk Barton, Michael Hamlin, Chad Henne

32. San Francisco 49ers- Frank Okam Sr. Defensive Tackle Texas
Okam has the ability to be a 3-4 DT or DE, but with his size is perfect for DT. He could replace Bryant Young at DE his rookie year, and then take over at DT soon after. A true number one wideout is also a strong possibility, but Okam is hard to pass up, especially at his position and need for the 49ers.
Others considered: Adarius Bowman, Michael Hamlin, Limas Sweed

igman1832

I think if the Lions picked 2nd again and their running game struggles I think McFadden would be the pick.I think Jones would be cut/traded.

RipTheJacker

Why would the lions take a QB when they drafted Drew Stanton in the 2nd round this year?

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Not a Stanton fan. Plus he won't play this year

RipTheJacker

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(I bleed Sooner red @ Aug 18th ) [snapback]2076868[/snapback]</div>Doesnt matter, they still used a high pick on him which means they like him, and i doubt they would give up on him after one year, especially one where he doesnt even get a chance to play

reminds me of the vikings this year, everyone kept saying they would take Quinn because no one believed in T. Jackson even though he was a 2nd rounder last year

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I bleed Sooner red

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(igman1832 @ Aug 18th ) [snapback]2076862[/snapback]</div>I like Calhoun's potential, plus like I mentioned, quite a few good RB's on free agent market next year.

I bleed Sooner red

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(RipTheJacker @ Aug 18th ) [snapback]2076869[/snapback]</div>Those are two different situations though. Jackson played as a rookie, and moved ahead of Johnson on the depth chart. Stanton will be on IR all year and won't start taking snaps until next year. Brohm is a lot better prospect than Quinn. Plus this is just based on the 2007 draft order. I don't expect Detroit to be in the running for either Brohm or McFadden. I like the RB free agent market as well.

igman1832

Calhoun may not even make the team....especially if Jones is ready for the season...which it sounds like he may be.

igman1832

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(I bleed Sooner red @ Aug 18th ) [snapback]2076868[/snapback]</div>Martz is in love with Stanton.I still think the Lions made a mistake on passing on POZ to deal down and take Stanton.