PFW's Mock Draft (Nolan Nawrocki)

SRW · Apr 11, 2008

Demand for pass rushers could shape top 10

The way we hear it, several trades are very likely to occur in the first round, and they could create a run on defensive pass rushers rather than offensive tackles. While we do not project any trades, the effects of them are taken into consideration in this mock draft, beginning with the Chiefs. The Giants' success in the Super Bowl will only encourage decision makers to upgrade their defensive lines, and the way it stands now, there's a very good chance that five defensive linemen will be selected in the top 10.
An asterisk (*) denotes an underclassman.

1. Miami Dolphins OLT Jake Long, Michigan
The safest pick in the draft, the Dolphins will not go wrong with the behemoth from Michigan.

2. St. Louis Rams DT Glenn Dorsey, LSU
With rookie DTs Clifton Ryan and Adam Carriker performing well last season, the Rams have a bigger need at defensive end. Vernon Gholston could prove to be the best fit and the biggest difference maker, but he may not be as ready from Day One as Chris Long. The Rams are still doing their homework, with the Dolphins breaking their hearts by pursuing Jake Long. All that appears certain is that St. Louis will draft a defensive lineman. However, until the Rams doctors get a closer look at Dorsey in his upcoming two-day visit at the facility, a decision will not be made. Dorsey currently carries the most interest from the Rams brass, but with Carriker having finished the season at the three-technique position, Rams coaches need to figure out a plan before proceeding. Adding Dorsey could create a glut inside and leave the edges devoid of speed. Vernon Gholston could make a late run.

3. Atlanta Falcons QB Matt Ryan, Boston College
With Long and Dorsey off the board, the decision becomes easy for new Falcons bossman Thomas Dimitroff. He may just have to package a pick or two to get back into the first round to make sure he can land more protection for his future franchise quarterback.

4. Oakland Raiders RB Darren McFadden, Arkansas*
Al Davis cannot help himself, and he could be faced with a bit of a dilemma if Vernon Gholston remains on the board. However, with character not being a factor in his decision, the Raiders owner will side with the big-play weapon who will put fans in the seats, best help the enormous investment he made in JaMarcus Russell and make the most immediate impact.

5. Kansas City Chiefs DE Vernon Gholston, Ohio State*
This pick may not make a lot of sense on the surface, but with the Chiefs involved in trade talks, do not be surprised if they add the drafts most physically impressive specimen to their defensive line. Despite a more pressing need at cornerback, Herm Edwards is a defensive-minded coach who knows championships are won with a fierce pass rush.

6. New York Jets OLB Chris Long, Virginia
Drafting a projection in the top 10 is a risky proposition, regardless of how safe of a pick Chris Long would appear to be. After the Jets blocked the Dolphins from signing ex-Cardinals free-agent OLB Calvin Pace, Long could finally give the Jets the pieces they have lacked in the 3-4 front to bring pressure on defense. Al Grohs recommendation should carry a lot of weight in New York, and Longs versatility is a big plus. Nonetheless, it could be very difficult to pass on a power back like Jonathan Stewart, especially with McFadden already off the board.

7. New England Patriots (from San Francisco) DE Derrick Harvey, Florida*
Harvey is a power pass rusher with enough of a frame to beef up and bolster the Patriots defensive line. He looked much more impressive at his pro day than he did at the Combine in LB drills. The big question facing the Patriots is whether Harvey is smart enough to handle learning a new game plan every week.

8. Baltimore Ravens CB Leodis McKelvin, Troy
The Ravens are a prime candidate to trade down, but if forced to stay put, the drafts top cornerback will be too difficult to pass up.

9. Cincinnati Bengals DT Sedrick Ellis, USC
Being able to acquire Jets DT Dewayne Robertson could still change the Bengals outlook, but it appears unlikely at this point, and Ellis provides the youth needed in the middle.

10. New Orleans Saints RB Jonathan Stewart, Oregon*
GM Mickey Loomis graduated from Oregon and is well aware of Stewarts rare talent. The Saints did not get the production out of the backfield that Loomis had hoped from Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush, and McAllister could easily be sent packing. Loomis has shown in the past, when he drafted McAllister in the first round while Ricky Williams was on the roster, how much he values the RB position. Sean Payton believes in drafting value, and that could make it difficult to pass Stewart at this spot.

11. Buffalo Bills WR Devin Thomas, Michigan State*
Thomas one year of production makes teams nervous about drafting him too high. However, the Bills need to find a complement for Lee Evans and another target to support the growth of Trent Edwards. Thomas, at this point, could look better than any of the cornerbacks.

12. Denver Broncos OLT Chris Williams, Vanderbilt
With Jay Cutler having played with Chris Williams for two years at Vanderbilt and Mike Shanahan wanting to protect his investment in Cutler, Williams could climb ahead of Ryan Clady in the draft order.

13. Carolina Panthers OLT-OG Branden Albert, Virginia*
Albert is smart, explosive and versatile and could step into the starting lineup immediately at left tackle, upgrade the offensive line and swap spots with Travelle Wharton if he struggles initially.

14. Chicago Bears OLT Ryan Clady, Boise State*
The Bears have a glaring need on the offensive line and will have to consider their options between Jeff Otah and Ryan Clady if Clady slides. Otah better fits the Bears power running game.

15. Detroit Lions LB Jerod Mayo, Tennessee*
To make the Tampa-2 defense go, a linebacker with great range is critical, and Mayo could add the Derrick Brooks element to the Lions "D."

16. Arizona Cardinals RB Rashad Mendenhall, Illinois*
After questionably passing on Adrian Peterson a year ago, the Cardinals need to find a young back to replace the aging Edgerrin James, and Mendenhall looks more attractive at this point than the best cornerback.

17. Minnesota Vikings OT Jeff Otah, Pittsburgh
With Bryant McKinnie facing legal trouble and the ORT position having been an area of weakness, Otah could step in immediately and add an element of power to pave more holes for the NFLs most exciting runner.

18. Houston Texans CB Dominic Rodgers-Cromartie, Tennessee State
With a run having taken place on offensive tackles, the Texans will be forced to look at their need at cornerback, where they struggled to stay healthy a year ago.

19. Philadelphia Eagles WR Limas Sweed, Texas
A prime candidate to trade up and secure a left tackle of the future, the Eagles also need to find more playmakers for Donovan McNabb, and Sweeds combination of size, work habits and big-play ability could be very attractive at this spot, especially with Jon Gruden drafting next and facing a very similar predicament with a very similar West Coast offense.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers CB Mike Jenkins, South Florida
The Buccaneers are looking to be more creative on defense and need a cornerback who can man-cover. Gruden and Bruce Allen have shown they will sacrifice character for elite talent.

21. Washington Redskins DE Phillip Merling, Clemson*
Merling has the size and motor desired in the Redskins defense and could be more attractive than the slow-footed Calais Campbell at this point.

22. Dallas Cowboys (from Cleveland) RB Felix Jones, Arkansas*
Jerry Jones mission is to support the growth of his quarterback, and Felix Jones should definitely take some pressure off Romo. Despite not having been featured as a pass catcher, Jones catches the ball very well.

23. Pittsburgh Steelers OT Gosder Cherilus, Boston College
The Steelers have always been and will continue to be a smashmouth blocking team, and Cherilus fits very well with what they want to establish.

24. Tennessee Titans DT Kentwan Balmer, North Carolina
Any general manager who gives Albert Haynesworth a multiyear megadeal is asking to be fired, and the Titans have to be prepared to replace the mercurial defensive tackle. DL coach Jim Washburn has shown he can get the most out of underachievers.

25. Seattle Seahawks TE Dustin Keller, Purdue
Keller could become a playmaking weapon in Mike Holmgrens spread offense, capable of lining up in the slot and making plays all over the field.

26. Jacksonville Jaguars DE Calais Campbell, Miami (Fla.)*
Jack Del Rio has been successful with big men who do not always test the greatest. Campbells upside will keep teams interested late in the first round.

27. San Diego Chargers LB Keith Rivers, USC
The Chargers are not likely to remain in this position and could deal the pick to a team looking to move up to land a quarterback or offensive tackle. Not having picks in the next three rounds, they could be best-served moving down. However, if they stay put, they will recognize Rivers value and not hesitate to pull the trigger.

28. Dallas Cowboys CB Aqib Talib, Kansas*
Jerry Jones has shown he is willing to give second and third chances to troubled players, and Talibs size, swagger and athletic ability will be attractive to the owner, as could his ability to dabble on offense.

29. San Francisco (from Indianapolis) ILB Curtis Lofton, Oklahoma*
Pairing Lofton with Patrick Willis could secure the middle of the Niners' defense and give them one of the best LB groups in the NFL at a position that could not be more important in a 3-4 front.

30. Green Bay Packers OG-OT Sam Baker, USC
Baker could step in at guard from Day One a la the Patriots Logan Mankins, fill a pressing need and be groomed to take over on the edge, although his lack of arm length could make him best-suited inside.

New England Patriots Pick forfeited.

31. New York Giants CB Brandon Flowers, Virginia Tech*
Most teams were disappointed at the Combine when Flowers ran poorly. The Giants, holding the last pick in the first round, will be more pleased that a good football player is falling to them.

Click to expand...

P16 · Apr 12, 2008

No way in hell the saints take Stewart, but besides that it looks good.

Crowned · Apr 12, 2008

If we can't land Albert I wouldn't be mad at the Cherilus pick.

mike oxlong · Apr 12, 2008

this guy is drunk

K Train · Apr 12, 2008

mustve been his first one

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PFW's Mock Draft (Nolan Nawrocki)

SRW Ex-World's Worst Site Admin

P16 posting while intoxicated

Crowned Doesn't give a shit.

mike oxlong The Voice Of Reason

K Train Do You Honeycutt?

Log in or Sign up

PFW's Mock Draft (Nolan Nawrocki)

SRW Ex-World's Worst Site Admin

P16 posting while intoxicated

Crowned Doesn't give a shit.

mike oxlong The Voice Of Reason

K Train Do You Honeycutt?

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