draft2008matt

Last update: Friday, April 25, 2008. Next Update: 2009 Mock Coming Soon.
GO TO WALT’S 2008 NFL MOCK DRAFT| GO TO MATT’S SECOND ROUND| MATT’S ROUND 3
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Miami Dolphins: Jake Long, OT, Michigan
Jake Long makes a lot of sense from a needs standpoint. He does fill the spot at left tackle, then you can move Vernon Carey to … let me stop right here. Jake Long is not an elite left tackle. He doesn’t have the feet. He doesn’t have the explosive athleticism to recover in pass protection.

Great attitude? Check. Great run blocker? Check.

Chris Long had a great attitude and leadership as well, and you don’t draft a run blocker No. 1 overall. You just don’t do it. Jake Long is closer to Tony Mandarich than Orlando Pace, period. He will struggle with speed. Watch every highlight you have seen of Jake Long. Look whom he is going up against: Michigan State, Notre Dame, Purdue (did not line up against Cliff Avril), Northwestern, and when he did play Ohio State, Vernon Gholson ate his lunch for four quarters (I watched the entire game tape. That one sack did not tell the entire story).

Good to know Jake Long can block that elite Big Ten speed. Joe Thomas was one heck of an athlete, and a player I gave a five-star elite grade. The competition didn’t tell the whole story because he has the tools of an elite left tackle.
St. Louis Rams: Chris Long, DE/OLB, Virginia
It comes down to Glenn Dorsey vs. Chris Long here, and Long is simply the better football player. The Rams’ defensive line is better built to run the 3-4 right now than the 4-3. Long brings the elite intangibles, work ethic, character and leadership that the Dolphins will regret passing on for a very long time.

I’m sick of hearing that this player doesn’t have much upside. That is knocking him for having a high motor and textbook technique, saying he can’t get better. Long is a fluid athlete; his dad played in the Hall of Fame. Can’t get much more “upside” than the Hall.

Check out Matt McGuire’s Pre-Draft Analysis – St. Louis Rams for a detailed look at all the prospects the Rams are considering.
Atlanta Falcons: Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
The Falcons could very well have had Glenn Dorsey No. 1 on their draft board and then he falls to this spot! Absolute steal and exactly what Mike Smith wants on his defense. Best defensive tackle prospect since Warren Sapp. Elite DTs are RARE, and that is the entire reason why you pass up on Matt Ryan at No. 3.

Check out Matt McGuire’s Pre-Draft Analysis – Atlanta Falcons for a detailed look at all the prospects the Falcons are considering.
Oakland Raiders: Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
I said previously that the Justin Fargas signing locked up no need for running back in Oakland. Well, what I didn’t consider was that Lamont Jordan will likely be cut to make room for Darren McFadden and his 4.27 unofficial run at the combine.

Yeah, when Al Davis saw it, it was like McFadden blazed a trail like in “Back to the Future” (when the Raiders used to be good and Al Davis was still very old).

Check out Matt McGuire’s Pre-Draft Analysis – Oakland Raiders for a detailed look at all the prospects the Raiders are considering.
Kansas City Chiefs: Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
Best Value Available with this pick. The Chiefs will likely move Turk McBride into the starting lineup at defensive end, which is part of the reason why I think they traded Jared Allen.

Sedrick Ellis will be every bit of the player that Ryan Sims wasn’t because of his high motor and game awareness. What happened to the hype Sedrick had after the Senior Bowl? What exactly did he do to lower his stock? Ridiculous. There’s a reason he is No. 3 on my Top 50 Big Board.

Check out Matt McGuire’s Pre-Draft Analysis – Kansas City Chiefs for a detailed look at all the prospects the Chiefs are considering.
New York Jets: Vernon Gholston, DE/OLB, Ohio State
The only more perfect fit for the Jets would be Chris Long, but he seems like the clear favorite to go to the Rams. Vernon Gholston brings speed off the edge, and he will make Jake Long’s career a nightmare in Miami like he did at Michigan.

Check out Matt McGuire’s Pre-Draft Analysis – New York Jets for a detailed look at all the prospects the Jets are considering.
New England Patriots: Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy State
The Patriots had three Pro Bowlers on the offensive line, which played great for 18 games last year. Drafting Branden Albert doesn’t make much sense with the huge need at press corner. Leodis McKelvin is the best one in the draft, and he dominated competition at the Senior Bowl (with impressive game tape which separates himself from Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie).

Check out Matt McGuire’s Pre-Draft Analysis – New England Patriots for a detailed look at all the prospects the Patriots are considering.
Baltimore Ravens: Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
If the Ravens are going to get back to respectability on offense, they’ll need a quarterback. The question is it Matt Ryan or a second-tier quarterback? Remember, Cam Cameron chose the latter last year by passing on Brady Quinn for John Beck. I think Brian Brohm is a great fit in his offense because Cameron loves precision passing (which is why he passed on Quinn for Beck). Brohm is very similar to Beck.

Don’t be shocked if the Ravens take a corner here, then trade up high into the very low first round or high second to acquire a Brohm, Joe Flacco or Chad Henne.

Quinn fell to No. 17 in my mock draft last year to Jacksonville and people called me crazy. This is a shady pick. Ryan will be on the board, but what will the Ravens do? This is the most intriguing pick in the first round to me thus far.

Check out Matt McGuire’s Pre-Draft Analysis – Baltimore Ravens for a detailed look at all the prospects the Ravens are considering.
Cincinnati Bengals: Keith Rivers, OLB, USC
Keith Rivers can play WILL, MIKE or SAM. He is tough and fast, and he plays the game the way it was meant to be played. We simply can’t say that about the Bengals’ defense.

Check out Matt McGuire’s Pre-Draft Analysis – Cincinnati Bengals for a detailed look at all the prospects the Bengals are considering.
New Orleans Saints: Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina
The shocker pick starts around here, and I want to be the one to call it. There is no athleticism for the Saints at defensive tackle. Kentwan Balmer makes much more sense than one would think. Another possibility at this spot could be Kenny Phillips.

For more on my thoughts as to why the Saints will not draft a cornerback at No. 10, read my 2008 NFL Draft X-Factors.

Check out Matt McGuire’s Pre-Draft Analysis – New Orleans Saints for a detailed look at all the prospects the Saints are considering.
Buffalo Bills: Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida
I’ve been selling the Bills taking Phillip Merling or Derrick Harvey at No. 11 more than anyone in the world, but I do think there is the possibility for them to go corner. Lucky Buffalo (how often do you say that?), the cornerback who best fits their defense is on the board for them here. Mike Jenkins can play zone or press-man coverage, and the Bills run both, so this pick is in a lot of ways outstanding for my sleeper team in the AFC.

Check out Matt McGuire’s Pre-Draft Analysis – Buffalo Bills for a detailed look at all the prospects the Bills are considering.
Denver Broncos: Branden Albert, G, Virginia
Mike Shanahan has wet dreams about linemen like Branden Albert. Extremely versatile. Extremely athletic. Great frame to bulk up in the weight room. Possibly not a more perfect fit for the Broncos in the first round.

Check out Matt McGuire’s Pre-Draft Analysis – Denver Broncos for a detailed look at all the prospects the Broncos are considering.
Carolina Panthers: Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson
Julius Peppers is a free agent in 2009, so the Panthers might want some insurance in case they don’t franchise him or sign him to a long-term deal. Phillip Merling is the big, athletic end they love (Mike Rucker, Peppers) and should give this defense some more energy off the edge in the Patrick Kerney mold.

Check out Matt McGuire’s Pre-Draft Analysis – Carolina Panthers for a detailed look at all the prospects the Panthers are considering.
Chicago Bears: Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State
The best left tackle drops to No. 14, and the Bears sprint with their 4×6 to Roger Goodell for the pick.

Check out Matt McGuire’s Pre-Draft Analysis – Chicago Bears for a detailed look at all the prospects the Bears are considering.
Detroit Lions: Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois
The Lions need a workhorse back who will make the offensive line look better than what it is. Rashard Mendenhall can do this with his cutting ability, vision and second gear.

Check out Matt McGuire’s Pre-Draft Analysis – Detroit Lions for a detailed look at all the prospects the Lions are considering.
Arizona Cardinals: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, TSU
Corner is quite possibly the Cardinals’ biggest need, and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie brings the outstanding speed and height that can make him a No. 1 corner in the NFL. Antrel Rolle was a bust at corner, but he might revive his career at safety. It could be a new day in Arizona with this pick. Cromartie just might be “the guy.”

Check out Matt McGuire’s Pre-Draft Analysis – Arizona Cardinals for a detailed look at all the prospects the Cardinals are considering.
Kansas City Chiefs: Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh
Herm Edwards loves big linemen, and Jeff Otah’s toughness at the Combine really impressed me. He competed in all drills on a sprained ankle. He’s not the most athletic, but he is strong and nasty. Otah should be an elite right tackle in the NFL.

Check out Matt McGuire’s Pre-Draft Analysis – Minnesota Vikings for a detailed look at all the prospects the Vikings are considering.
Houston Texans: Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
I say no to Jonathan Stewart here because the Texans can get a very good running back in the third round, but I can’t say that about a possession receiver. Sweed would be a great complement to Andre Johnson. He reminds me of Vincent Jackson.

Check out Matt McGuire’s Pre-Draft Analysis – Houston Texans for a detailed look at all the prospects the Texans are considering.
Philadelphia Eagles: DeSean Jackson, WR, California
Someone please get Andy Reid some speed. DeSean Jackson brings plenty of it combined with great hands and route running, which is vital for his offense. His dynamic as a punt returner gives this team a much better chance of winning their division this year and in the future.

Check out Matt McGuire’s Pre-Draft Analysis – Philadelphia Eagles for a detailed look at all the prospects the Eagles are considering.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida
The Buccaneers are a team with no glaring needs, so they want to emphasize Best Value Available. Mike Jenkins is a great fit in the Tampa-2, but he is a good cover corner as well and that’s something Monte Kiffin wants to run more of. Kiffin has previously raved about Jenkins. Tampa needs to continue to get younger on defense, and it all starts at cornerback in this draft.

Check out Matt McGuire’s Pre-Draft Analysis – Tampa Bay Buccaneers for a detailed look at all the prospects the Buccaneers are considering.

Matt was a guest on PewterKrew.com. Check out his thoughts on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Draft Plans.
Washington Redskins: James Hardy, WR, Indiana
Give Jason Campbell a reliable weapon, please. It’s getting ridiculous. James Trash is a more appropriate name. This has been a problem area for the Skins for a long time, going back to the bust that was Rod Gardner.

Check out Matt McGuire’s Pre-Draft Analysis – Washington Redskins for a detailed look at all the prospects the Redskins are considering.
Dallas Cowboys: Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State
Terrell Owens and Terry Glenn might not have much left in the tank, which makes wideout a must position to address in the first round.

Check out Matt McGuire’s Pre-Draft Analysis – Dallas Cowboys for a detailed look at all the prospects the Cowboys are considering.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt
In order to maximize Big Ben’s effectiveness, the Steelers need to give him better pass protection. Chris Williams is regarded as a tough, athletic left tackle prospect, but he has slightly short arms, which worries me.

Check out Matt McGuire’s Pre-Draft Analysis – Pittsburgh Steelers for a detailed look at all the prospects the Steelers are considering.
Tennessee Titans: Jerod Mayo, ILB, Tennessee
Pretty funny that nothing could be happening and your stock goes up, but apparently that’s the case with Jerod Mayo. All the first-tier wideouts are off the board, so the Titans look at their second-biggest need which is inside linebacker. Third pick in a row where a college player stays in-state, but it’s just coincidence. All three fit the schemes of the teams they are going to. Mayo lays the wood when he hits and he has a lot of range at this position.

Check out Matt McGuire’s Pre-Draft Analysis – Tennessee Titans for a detailed look at all the prospects the Titans are considering.
Seattle Seahawks: Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon
Julius Jones isn’t capable of being a top running back in this league, but Jonathan Stewart certainly is. He is a great runner between the tackles, but then again he was a part of that horizontal spread offense in Oregon which could have possibility overrated his ability (if it did then I don’t think so by much).

Check out Matt McGuire’s Pre-Draft Analysis – Seattle Seahawks for a detailed look at all the prospects the Seahawks are considering.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Pat Sims, DT, Auburn
The Jaguars need to get back to nasty tackles who stuff the run and give interior linemen fits. They traded away the injury-riddled Marcus Stroud to Buffalo, and consequently need another starter next to John Henderson. Pat Sims has an extremely high upside, but he doesn’t have a lot of expierence.

Check out Matt McGuire’s Pre-Draft Analysis – Jacksonville Jaguars for a detailed look at all the prospects the Jaguars are considering.
San Diego Chargers: Carl Nicks, OT, Nebraska
Carl Nicks is the prototype right tackle because of his huge body and mauling attidue, but don’t cliche him into being poor in pass protection. He has fluid hips and quick feet; he made the Senior Bowl look much easier than it should have been.

Check out Matt McGuire’s Pre-Draft Analysis – San Diego Chargers for a detailed look at all the prospects the Chargers are considering.
Dallas Cowboys: Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas
Aqib Talib would be the perfect complement to Terence Newman because he is more of a ballhawk. He is going to create turnovers, and he doesn’t have to go up against the speedy receiver (which is Newman’s job).

Jerry Jones has taken chances in the past. Why not on a player who got tested positive for marijuana in college? He traded for Pacman Jones, right?
San Francisco 49ers: Curtis Lofton, ILB, Oklahoma
Just because the Niners made an outstanding selection in Patrick Willis last year at No. 11 doesn’t mean they are done with this position. In terms of value and fit within the scheme, Curtis Lofton makes a lot of sense. He will give Willis more freedom because he will do a better job with gap assignments in the 3-4. He is tough, and a big hitter.

Check out Matt McGuire’s Pre-Draft Analysis – San Francisco 49ers for a detailed look at all the prospects the 49ers are considering.
Green Bay Packers: Lawrence Jackson, DE, USC
Lawrence Jackson would be a solid complement opposite Aaron Kampan. Lawrence Jackson is an extremely well-rounded player who will enjoy a long career, but will never be a “star.” Well, you’re not going to find many of those stars at No. 30 anyways, and the Packers continue to invest in the defensive line. Smart play in my book.

Check out Matt McGuire’s Pre-Draft Analysis – Green Bay Packers for a detailed look at all the prospects the Packers are considering.
New York Giants: Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona
Corey Webster had a great run in the playoffs, but Jerry Reese might want to get back to reality. Antoine Cason is a lot like Aaron Ross because he is a tough leader who possesses the love for the game that I love to see in a prospect. Don’t overlook his athleticism; I think he should excel against possession receivers with his physical play.

Check out Matt McGuire’s Pre-Draft Analysis – New York Giants for a detailed look at all the prospects the Giants are considering.