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TGM Trillionaire
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Philly boy in Cali
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WalterFootball Mock Draft
#1 Miami Dolphins: Chris Long, DE, Virginia
For some of the top selections of this mock, I'm going to list all of the candidates and talk about why each respective team will or won't draft them.
First, however, I want to address the rumor that Dallas is interested in the No. 1 overall pick. It's not happening. If there are rumors that a deal is in the works, it's probably not true. Who would leak something like that to the media? Besides, if the Cowboys really want Darren McFadden, they don't need to move all the way up the draft board. A swap with the Rams would be more likely, though improbable. Dallas would just have to give up too much. The Saints suffered for years after dealing all of their picks for Ricky Williams. It's just not worth it. Moving on...
Glenn Dorsey: I've had Miami selecting Dorsey for months now. I've always stated that just because the Tuna became a Dolphin doesn't mean that the team is going to run a pure 3-4. But what if they want to? Can Dorsey fit into that scheme? He's a really talented player, but he's more of a 4-3 under tackle than a 3-4 nose. If there weren't any other candidates for the top selection, Dorsey would definitely be the guy. But then again, maybe he was surpassed by...
Sedrick Ellis: I really thought about placing Ellis atop my mock. He can play nose in the 3-4 - though he's better off in the 4-3 - which is a position of need the Dolphins must address. He was so dominant in the Senior Bowl, tossing opposing linemen aside as if they were small children. Any team would be lucky to have a beast like Ellis, whom Mike Mayock listed over Dorsey in his defensive tackle rankings. I'd probably have Ellis going first if it wasn't for...
Chris Long: Perhaps the best fit for the Dolphins, as Long can play in any scheme. Long has more experience in the 3-4 than the two aforementioned prospects, and seems like the type of player Bill Parcells would love to have on his squad. Dorsey and Ellis might be more talented, but I don't think you spend a No. 1 overall pick on a guy you're not sure can play in your system.
Everyone Else: Vernon Gholston? Perhaps if he has an incredible Combine. Jake Long has a slim shot, but Dorsey, Ellis and Chris Long are all better options. Jeff Ireland has a history of drafting offensive linemen later rather than sooner. Darren McFadden could go No. 1 if someone trades up, but that's very unlikely.
Matt Ryan? Not much of a chance. Why would the Dolphins pass on Brady Quinn last year for John Beck, and not give Beck a full season as a starter? And I don't think Parcells is planning to be around for a long time, so I'm not sure if he's willing to have the patience to sit through a young quarterback's developmental process. He'll likely pursue a veteran free agent this or next offseason, and draft a signal caller in the later rounds.
#2 St. Louis Rams: Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State
Just a hunch, but I don't think there are too many 2008 NFL Mock Drafts on the internet that have this happening. I've been thinking about this for a while now - I believed that if Vernon Gholston had an incredible Combine, the Rams wouldn't hesitate to take him second, seeing as how defensive end is a much greater need for them than defensive tackle. But why wait? We all know Gholston is going to tear it up in Indianapolis. He's going to run a low 4.5, bench 50,000 pounds and jump so high he'll touch the roof of the RCA Dome. Gholston, a workout warrior, is going to be the star of the Combine.
I was among the first to put Gholston at No. 6 with the Jets, so I'm not afraid to make a bold prediction like this. Assuming Gholston has an incredible showing in Indianapolis, this makes too much sense. St. Louis needs to address its pass rush. Thanks to Leonard Little (who turns 34 in October) missing nine games and James Hall being a bust acquisition, St. Louis didn't have a defensive end with more than two sacks last year. That's just pathetic.
Furthermore, there are rumors that defensive coordinator Jim Haslett wants to switch to a permanent 3-4 (the Rams played the 3-4 in some situations last year). If that's the case, Gholston would be a perfect fit for the Rams' new scheme because he can slide into the pass-rushing linebacker position. Gholston is relentless and will accumulate countless sacks for St. Louis. Remember, while some experts are projecting Jake Long to fall here, Gholston was the only player who befuddled the Michigan tackle during the entire 2007 campaign.
Speaking of Long, he, Sedrick Ellis and Glenn Dorsey obviously are all options here - and all three would look great in a Rams uniform. However, I believe St. Louis will pursue one of the next-tier offensive tackles atop the second round. Dorsey and Ellis are both outstanding, but the two defensive tackles are more 4-3 than 3-4. If the Rams switch to the latter, they'll be screwed if their No. 2 overall selection can't transition into their new system.
#3 Atlanta Falcons: Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
Like the Dolphins, the Falcons have tons of options. Let's review them in a similar manner:
Matt Ryan: A lot of mocks in my 2008 NFL Mock Draft Database have Matt Ryan going to the Falcons. Up until a few weeks ago, I believed he would as well. However, in the wake of Chad Henne and several other quarterbacks looking solid in the Senior Bowl, Atlanta could be targeting one of them in the second round. And if someone like Andre' Woodson slips - which is a very realistic possibility right now - the Falcons can trade both of its second-round picks to trade with a team like the Chargers, who have just one selection in the first four rounds.
Furthermore, I don't consider Ryan as good a prospect as Sedrick Ellis, Glenn Dorsey, Jake Long or Darren McFadden. Running back, offensive tackle and defensive tackle are positions of need for the Falcons. Why would Atlanta take a slightly lesser talent in that case?
And finally, we've seen teams eschew quarterbacks recently. The Browns drafted Joe Thomas instead of Brady Quinn. The Dolphins also passed on Quinn in favor of Ted Ginn. In prior years, Ben Roethlisberger and Aaron Rodgers both slipped. I don't think Ryan goes here. And if he does, imagine how much he'll struggle without any talent around him. Think David Carr in Houston, Tim Couch in Cleveland, etc.
Darren McFadden: Aside from the fact that Atlanta needs a running back as an upgrade over the mediocre Jerious Norwood and the soon-to-be-retired Warrick Dunn, Darren McFadden arguably happens to be the top prospect in this draft class (though some people on TV would disagree - more on that later). He, above anyone else, including Ryan, can revitalize a morbid offense that scored just 16.2 points per game in 2007. I'm sure Arthur Blank noticed what Adrian Peterson did for the Vikings. I have to believe that he thinks McFadden can do the same for his squad. Now all he needs is a solid offensive line and a color-blind quarterback who throws into triple coverage.
Also, remember, Atlanta fans have become frustrated with the Falcons franchise in the wake of the whole Michael Vick ordeal. I'm not a fan of drafting a player just to fill the seats, but if there were ever a situation to do that, this is it. McFadden would bring Atlantans back into the Georgia Dome more than any other player in this class.
As I mentioned two paragraphs above, Mike Mayock and Todd McShay (or Todd McFraud, as Matt McGuire has dubbed him), have expressed their disdain for McFadden. Mayock went as far to say that he wouldn't touch McFadden with a top-20 selection. I respect Mayock's opinions, but the dude needs to lay off the crack pipe on this one. McFadden is the top runner in this class. Unfortunately, the statements Mayock and McShay have made over the past few days may drop his stock just a bit.
Jake Long: Look at what Joe Thomas did for the Browns this year. Falcons fans might worry about Long becoming another Robert Gallery, but top tackles have almost always panned out. Just look at Thomas (another Big Ten tackle) and D'Brickashaw Ferguson over the past few seasons. Long would be a great addition to Atlanta's roster, but in the wake of the Feb. 15 cuts, the team has another position it must address first...
Glenn Dorsey/Sedrick Ellis: Dorsey would be an outstanding option for the Falcons, as they've desperately needed a nose tackle ever since unceremoniously - and according to several teammates, unjustly - cutting Grady Jackson. Atlanta was 26th against the run, and a monstrous defensive lineman would help the team improve immensely in that category. I also wouldn't be shocked if the Falcons took Ellis. I guess we'll see how the two compare at the Combine.
#4 Oakland Raiders: Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
I actually received an e-mail the other day where a reader asked, "Hey, who do you think is going to win the coin toss between Oakland and Atlanta?" Because I don't own a crystal ball or tarot cards, I'd like to defer to Emmitt Smith: "When you look at these coin toss, I think the Falcons will win that coin toss because Oakland are a little banged up right now in their secondary, and Atlanta have the talent to take advantage of that lack of talent."
Sorry, couldn't resist throwing an Emmitt quote in there... but I can understand if you want more Emmitt. I've compiled all of Emmitt's grammatically incorrect quotes from this past year and put them all on one page. Check out the Emmitt Smith Anthology.
But anyway, how should I know who's going to win the toss? If I had to guess, I'd say the Falcons because the NFL loves to screw Al Davis. Roger Goodell will probably swap the official coin with a double-headed coin and force the 180-year-old owner to call tails.
But Davis shouldn't be too upset if he loses. Why? No, Lane Kiffin didn't bring back Davis' stash of adult diapers as revenge for making him resign. Not any hot nurses bringing him pudding either. I'm talking about Sedrick Ellis' inexplicable availability.
I've had Ellis going second for weeks now. Davis loves speed and freakish athletes, and that's what he's going to get with Ellis. Unless he was taking his afternoon nap so he could save his energy for his nocturnal blood-sucking rampages, Davis saw Ellis toss offensive linemen aside as if they were small children at the Senior Bowl. Ellis replaces the retired Warren Sapp.
#5 Kansas City Chiefs: Jake Long, OT, Michigan
Before I move on, I'd like to let you know that my 2008 NFL Free Agents List has been posted, and will be updated based on what happens daily.
Matt Ryan is an option here, but Brodie Croyle is young and has looked semi-decent at times, so maybe the Chiefs will hold off on drafting a quarterback and give their young gun-slinger a year to prove himself. With that in mind, Jake Long is a no-brainer. Kansas City cannot afford to surrender 55 sacks against next year. That will change with Long anchoring the Chiefs' offensive front.
#6 New York Jets: Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
The Jets are sitting in a pretty good position. It's unlikely that Darren McFadden, Chris Long and Vernon Gholston will all be picked in the top five. They can simply take the guy who drops to them.
With Gholston and Long gone, McFadden is the obvious choice. I know the Jets have greater defensive needs, but what are they going to do with all the top guys off the board? Besides, Thomas Jones isn't getting any younger (he turns 30 in August), and while Leon Washington is electrifying, he's not an every-down back. The Jets get their running back of the future here. Besides, we've all seen what an elite runner can do for a team. Adrian Peterson almost single-handedly carried the Vikings into the postseason. I think McFadden can do the same thing for New York.
#7 New England Patriots: Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy State
I can't believe New England is drafting seventh overall just a few months after their conquest for 19-0 came to an unfortunate end. This is like the Suns stealing first-round selections from the Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks every year (and without David Stern rigging the draft too.) It's just not fair.
I recently had Ryan Clady going here, which I still think could happen. However, if Asante Samuel defects for New York as rumored, cornerback will be a much greater need than the right tackle position. Besides, drafting a right tackle in the Top 10 isn't the smartest thing in the world when a player of equal talent fills a need that might be more prominent.
With that in mind, if the Patriots eschew Clady, they'll either draft Leodis McKelvin or move down (the Cowboys would love to trade up if Darren McFadden's still available).
#8 Baltimore Ravens: Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
Tons of options here, including Malcolm Kelly, DeSean Jackson and Mike Jenkins. However, in the wake of Brian Billick getting fired, it's apparent that the Kyle Boller experiment is over. But don't feel bad for Billick - he can now retire to his country house in Vermont with Boller by his side for the rest of his life.
The bottom line is Baltimore seriously needs to upgrade the signal-caller position if it wants to return to the postseason. The best available here is Matt Ryan, thanks to the Falcons picking Darren McFadden.
One thing to keep in mind: If the Eagles trade Donovan McNabb this offseason, it could be to the Ravens. John Harbaugh would love a quarterback he's familiar with, and I'm sure Philadelphia would like to deal McNabb to an AFC squad if anything.
#9 Cincinnati Bengals: Keith Rivers, OLB, USC
The Bengals are in a really difficult spot. In one of my most recent updates, I said they would have to decide between Vernon Gholston and Sedrick Ellis at this juncture. Unfortunately, both guys are long gone in this mock. That leaves Cincinnati with Dan Connor, Keith Rivers, Kenny Phillips, Phillip Merling and any prison inmates the front office falls in love with to choose from.
Phillips is probably the best prospect of the three, but Cincinnati desperately needs help in its front seven.
Rivers makes more sense here. The Bengals were so desperate at linebacker this season, they were scouring through the stands to find people who could play. They had Dhani Jones in the lineup, for crying out loud. The man sells bowties for a living!
#10 New Orleans Saints: Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida
The bad news is the Saints missed the playoffs. The good news is they're in position to draft the defensive back of their choice.
New Orleans' secondary is garbage. The corners can't cover anyone, while free safety Josh Bullocks has been completely awful at times. I previously had Kenny Phillips here, but the Miami free safety has seen his stock slip just a tad. Mike Jenkins, meanwhile, has become a higher-rated prospect. He can only help a defense ranked 30th versus the pass.
#11 Buffalo Bills: Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma
I liked having Keith Rivers go earlier, but I think he passed Dan Connor in the linebacker rankings in the wake of his Senior Bowl. Thus, I was forced to put Rivers at No. 9. I'll admit this is a bit of a reach, but Malcolm Kelly, at 6-4, 217, is a perfect complement to the lightning-quick Lee Evans. Trent Edwards needs a better No. 2 receiver than Peerless Price, Roscoe Parrish and Josh Reed.
With that in mind, Buffalo fans may like this draft more than Rivers/James Hardy. Check my second-round selection for details - I think Bills backers will like that pick.
#12 Denver Broncos: Kenny Phillips, FS, Miami
The Broncos really need help everywhere on defense. With Sedrick Ellis, Keith Rivers and Vernon Gholston all off the board, they'll turn to Kenny Phillips, a play-maker who can pump some life into an archaic secondary. John Lynch, the squad's current free safety, is just a few years away from eating Jell-O thrice a day and purposely dropping things just to watch hot nurses bend over. Even if he comes back for another season, the soon-to-be 37-year-old will see his contract expire after the 2008 campaign.
#13 Carolina Panthers: Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State
Sam Baker fits Carolina's zone-blocking scheme better than Ryan Clady, but the Panthers can't pass on the latter because he's such a better prospect. And I don't think Clady will exactly struggle in Carolina's scheme. Adding Clady, a solid left tackle, would allow the team to move Travelle Wharton inside.
#14 Chicago Bears: Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt
The Bears have major offensive line issues, as John Tait recently celebrated his 33rd birthday, while Fred Miller, a fossilized right tackle, was just cut. That's why it shouldn't shock anyone that Chicago couldn't pass protect (43 sacks) or run block (3.1 yards per carry) last year.
Brian Brohm is an option as the franchise's future signal caller, but the Bears can't possibly pass on a premier offensive tackle like Chris Williams. Look for them to grab a quarterback in Round 2.
#15 Detroit Lions: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, TSU
It's a yearly tradition - eating turkey, falling asleep afterward and watching the Lions give up 40 points before the whole feast starts. Detroit's defense sucks, and it's time for a change.
When the Lions traded Dre Bly away, I thought they'd acquire another reliable corner to take his place. Guess I was wrong. Detroit's secondary is in desperate need of a makeover. Actually, that goes for the entire stop unit; in 2007, the Lions were 23rd versus the run, 31st against the pass, and dead last in yards and points allowed. Other than that, the defense was pretty good.
Can Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie go this high? I don't see why not. He was incredible at the Senior Bowl. He was draped all over opposing receivers. He caused a turnover. He displayed his great tackling ability. He's a tall corner who runs a 4.3. I've talked to some people who believe he could go as high as No. 7 to New England. This is not a reach by any means.
#16 Arizona Cardinals: Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois
Edgerrin James totaled more than 1,200 rushing yards this year, but he's turning 30 in August. How much longer can he possibly hold up? The Cardinals need a young back to take his place soon.
Rashard Mendenhall's not some ordinary "young back." In fact, the NFL Network's Mike Mayock considers him to be a better prospect than Darren McFadden. I don't buy it, but I guess we'll find out once they have a few seasons under their belt. Regardless, the Cardinals could would take a huge step toward finally making the playoffs with Mendenhall running behind Levi Brown.
#17 Minnesota Vikings: Reggie Smith, CB/S, Oklahoma
The Vikings desperately need help at quarterback, safety, receiver and defensive end. Brian Brohm is an option, but the Vikings are a veteran team ready to win now. They need someone with experience under center. As for wide out, I just don't see Brad Childress selecting one in the first round. Defensive end (Derrick Harvey) is a strong option, but I feel as though the Vikings have a greater need, even in the wake of Kenechi Udeze's unfortunate bout with Leukemia.
That leaves us with the safety position. Kenny Phillips is off the board, but Reggie Smith's versatility allows him to play safety, as well as cornerback. Smith could help improve a defense ranked dead last against the pass. Keep in mind Minnesota just cut Dwight Smith, so it could be looking to replace him in the first round.
#18 Houston Texans: Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona
The Texans have done everything in their power to take down the Colts ever since they came into the NFL, and a top-notch corner would certainly help, as they don't really have anything beyond Dunta Robinson, who may actually miss the 2008 season in the wake of the torn ACL and hamstring he suffered in late December.
Derrick Harvey and Calais Campbell are both options here, but Houston's secondary is such a mess I don't see how they pass up on one of the top corners in this draft.
#19 Philadelphia Eagles: Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida
The NFL is a copycat league. The Giants were able to stun the 18-0 Patriots in the Super Bowl because they were able to put immense pressure on Tom Brady. Andy Reid and Jim Johnson undoubtedly saw this, and may want to mimic their divisional rival. They're also well aware that besides Trent Cole, no Eagle had more than five sacks in 2007, and that their defense managed just three sacks on Eli Manning in the two meetings against New York.
With Jevon Kearse and Darren Howard bound to get released, there's a good chance Philadelphia may acquire another defensive end to join Cole, Juqua Thomas and Victor Abiamiri in what should be a stout rotation. Osi Umenyiora dominated the Eagles early in the season for six sacks, and I find it just a bit convenient that Derrick Harvey essentially has the same build.
I also considered DeSean Jackson. The Eagles must acquire a No. 1 receiver and a return specialist, and Jackson would help them in both areas. Aqib Talib is also an option; if Philadelphia takes him, it could move Sheldon Brown to free safety.
#20 Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville
This was tough. I even went to Matt McGuire, an avid Buccaneers fan, for advice. My dilemma: With Brian Brohm dropping into the 20s, does Tampa Bay take its quarterback of the future, or settle for a player that fills a more-pressing need, such as receiver and return specialist (DeSean Jackson)?
Well, what the Buccaneers must acquire on Draft Day is a wide out and a cornerback. Luckily for them, both of those positions are extremely deep in this class. They can get solid players to fill those slots in the second and third rounds. Thus, I think they can afford to select Brohm, a huge bargain at this juncture.
#21 Washington Redskins: Calais Campbell, DE, Miami
First of all, I'd be remiss if I didn't give my condolences to the Taylor family. May Sean rest in peace.
Washington failed to register a single sack the Sunday following Sean's death. Keep in mind that the team was playing a rookie quarterback. Against the Seahawks, the Redskins barely touched Matt Hasselbeck, managing only one sack. They have nothing at defensive end, and they'll be lacking depth at defensive tackle if they lose Ryan Boschetti (free agency) and Cornelius Griffin (potential cap casualty) this offseason. That's why I think it's likely Washington will take the best player available at those positions.
Defensive end just makes too much sense. Like the Eagles, the Redskins will look to copy one of their hated rivals.
#22 Dallas Cowboys: DeSean Jackson, WR/PR, California
This pick is from Cleveland. I had a corner going here earlier, but with all of the top-tier guys off the board, DeSean Jackson becomes the most obvious option. With Terrell Owens and Terry Glenn nearing retirement, and Patrick Crayton doing everything in his power to knock his own team out of the playoffs, Dallas needs help at wide out.
I just received an e-mail from a Cowboys fan who hated this selection. He compared Jackson to Wayne Chrebet because of his small frame. Correct me if I'm wrong, but Chrebet never ran a 4.2. I see Jackson as a better version of Santana Moss. He may not even fall this far.
#23 Pittsburgh Steelers: Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh
So, I was looking through Pittsburgh's stats when I was making my Rams-Steelers pick, and I saw something that made my eyes bulge. Did you know they surrendered 47 sacks last year? OK, maybe now you do, but the fact remains that they even had problems keeping St. Louis out of the backfield. Ben Roethlisberger was sacked four times in the first 20 minutes against the Jaguars. What happened to their offensive line?
Alan Faneca is leaving this offseason, while right tackle Willie Colon is probably more suited to play inside. They can move Colon to left guard, opening a slot at right tackle.
#24 Tennessee Titans: Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
The Titans' receiving corps has killed them all year. Vince Young's drive to set up a potential game-winning field goal against the Colts was thwarted by his own teammate. Brandon Jones, Tennessee's No. 1 wide out, dropped an easy first down in field-goal territory. Against the Broncos on Monday night, it seemed like every single receiver had dozens of drops. And in the playoffs, Tennessee's first two plays resulted in drops. It's a shame Young's talent is going to waste with the garbage the Titans surrounded him with.
#25 Seattle Seahawks: Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon
Shaun Alexander will be 31 by the start of the 2008 season, and he has already shown signs of declining (3.5 yards per carry.) Sometimes it seems like he's more concerned with where the hot-dog vendor is rather than gaining an extra yard after contact. If the Seahawks don't cut Alexander at the end of the year, I'll be shocked, even though he has five more years on his deal. Jonathan Stewart, a pass-catching power back who runs a 4.4, would look great in this offense.
By the way, I received an e-mail from a reader named Tyson who had the following to say: "Why is it that you refer to Shaun Alexander as a 'fat slob?' Usually guys who get the Most Valuable Player award aren't fat slobs. You are losing credibility as soon as you make a comment like that. I like the mock draft I just think its funny that you take a quality guy like Shaun Alexander and make comments like that about him."
My response: "Shaun Alexander won't be starting much longer in the NFL. In fact, I doubt he starts for a good team next year. Alexander used to be great. But ever since he got hurt last year, he looks like he's afraid of getting hit. He's slow to hit the hole and goes down way too easily. Unless he really works hard this offseason, he's done."
Tyson agreed with my response. I just decided to post this for anyone else who doesn't like the fact that I think the 2005 MVP secretly stashes puffy Cheetos inside his helmet.
#26 Jacksonville Jaguars: Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson
The Jaguars prefer extra-large defensive linemen, and they'll get an exceptional one here in Phillip Merling. They need depth at the end position, especially if Bobby McCray (I have Paul Spicer here before instead of McCray; sorry for the confusion) leaves via free agency.
#27 San Diego Chargers: Branden Albert, G, Virginia
San Diego's pick is perhaps the trickiest of the entire draft. No players fitting their needs are worth taking here. And how can they possibly pass up on immense talents like Kentwan Balmer, Quentin Groves, Early Doucet or Felix Jones?
Well, here's what I think is going to happen. I believe the Chargers will trade down - most likely with the Falcons, who may wish to move up to secure Brian Brohm, should he fall. San Diego doesn't pick again until Round 5. It needs to recoup as many selections as possible.
If the Chargers' first pick comes in the middle of the second round, I have to think they'll take Branden Albert to replace an aging Mike Goff. And even if they can't move down, they still may eschew the superior prospects in favor of need. What are they going to do with Balmer, wait around until Luis Castillo gets hurt again? What if that doesn't happen?
#28 Dallas Cowboys: Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas
Cornerback is a huge need, but if someone of Felix Jones' caliber is available - which is plausible, given the depth at the running back position in this class - Dallas won't be able to resist. Julius Jones likely won't be back next year, and the Cowboys clearly don't think Marion Barber can carry the load on his own; otherwise he'd be doing so already instead of starting his first game in the playoffs.
As I said, Dallas must upgrade its corners. Fortunately for them, this class is really deep at that position, so they can grab a solid player in Round 2.
#29 San Francisco 49ers: Kentwan Balmer, DE/DT, North Carolina
I've had Early Doucet going here in my past few updates, but things will definitely be different if Kentwan Balmer makes it to this spot. The 49ers surrendered 22.8 points per game, and were ranked 22nd against both the run and the pass in 2007. Their defensive front was pathetic, so imagine how great a season Patrick Willis could have if he gets enough protection. Enter Balmer, who along with Willis and a solid secondary, can put San Francisco into the top half of the majority of the defensive stat categories.
If Balmer's not here, Quentin Groves and Early Doucet are both options.
#30 Green Bay Packers: Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas
Charles Woodson just turned 31, while Al Harris, who was continuously burnt in the NFC Championship, will be 33 in December. I'd like to see the Packers add some young blood to their cornerbacking corps.
#31 New York Giants: Dan Connor, OLB/MLB, Penn State
Congratulations to the New York Giants. You won the Super Bowl as 12-point underdogs, stopped the first team in NFL history that had a chance of going 19-0, and single-handedly prevented a mass suicide by the 1972 Dolphins.
Now that the Giants are champions, it's a safe bet that Michael Strahan may retire. Assuming he doesn't un-retire for the 5,000th time, the Giants will need a strongside linebacker so Mathias Kiwanuka can slide back to his normal position.
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