NFL Mock Draft
Published 12:23 am Saturday, April 26, 2008
The Herald’s pro football writer, Scott M. Johnson, picks the first round of the NFL draft, which begins at noon today. Rounds 1 and 2 continue through tonight. Rounds 3 through 7 will take place Sunday.
1) MIAMI T Jake Long, Michigan. Thanks to the Big Tuna, the prized catch of this draft is lacking the usual suspense.
2) ST. LOUIS DE Chris Long, Virginia. Seahawks fans cursed the Raiders’ Howie Long; now they get to boo his son.
3) ATLANTA DT Glenn Dorsey, LSU. Some people think Dorsey is the prize of the draft; Falcons certainly could use help.
4) OAKLAND RB Darren McFadden, Arkansas. Fargas was good last year, but McFadden could be great.
5) KANSAS CITY QB Matt Ryan, Boston College. Team in transition could use a building block, and Ryan’s that guy.
6) NEW YORK JETS DE Vernon Gholston, Ohio State. Jets like hybrid pass rushers, and they also like keeping rival Pats from picking them.
7) NEW ENGLAND LB Keith Rivers, USC. Aging linebacking corps needs youth infusion.
8) BALTIMORE CB Leodis McKelvin, Troy. Ravens could also be tempted by the thought of finding T Jonathan Ogden’s replacement.
9) CINCINNATI DT Sedrick Ellis, USC. Bengals need defensive help almost as much as they need a muzzle for Chad Johnson.
10) NEW ORLEANS CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Tennessee State. Mike McKenzie’s dreads are getting grey, while Jason David was a disappointment.
11) BUFFALO WR Devin Thomas, Michigan State. Bills take the top receiver, and who that is seems to be anyone’s guess.
12) DENVER T Ryan Clady, Boise State. Broncos can’t pass on second-best tackle of tackle-rich draft; can he cut block?
13) CAROLINA DE Phillip Merling, Clemson. Retirement of Mike Rucker leaves huge hole on defensive front.
14) CHICAGO WR Malcolm Kelly, Oklahoma. Bears looking to rebuild receiving corps after Muhammad and Berrian took off.
15) DETROIT DE Derrick Harvey, Florida. Speed rusher adds extra dimension to Lions’ young defense.
16) ARIZONA T Branden Albert, Virginia. Cards have their pick of tackles: Albert, Chris Williams or Jeff Otah.
17) KANSAS CITY T Chris Williams, Vanderbilt. Chiefs need someone to protect new QB Ryan’s blind side.
18) HOUSTON LB Jerod Mayo, Tennessee. Texans are quietly building a solid defense, and Mayo should help.
19) PHILADELPHIA RB Rashard Mendenhall, Illinois. Brian Westbrook isn’t finished yet, but he could certainly use some help.
20) TAMPA BAY T Jeff Otah, Pitt. If he falls this far, Otah will be perfect fit for Bucs’ struggling offense.
21) WASHINGTON WR Limas Sweed, Texas. Redskins tried to get Chad Johnson and Anquan Boldin, but they’ll settle for big rookie.
22) DALLAS RB Felix Jones, Arkansas. Would complement Marion Barber … if he can prove to be reliable receiver.
23) PITTSBURGH RB Jonathan Stewart, Oregon. Seahawks wouldn’t mind if local product slid a few more spots.
24) TENNESSEE WR DeSean Jackson, Cal. Titans give Vince Young a big-time weapon with small-time build.
25) SEAHAWKS DE Lawrence Jackson, USC. Looking to trade down, Seahawks decide instead to build depth on D-line.
26) JACKSONVILLE CB Mike Jenkins, South Florida. Some people think Jenkins is the best corner in the entire draft.
27) SAN DIEGO RB Jamaal Charles, Texas. L.T.’s backup quickly grows tired of new nickname: Jamaal “The Burner” Charles
28) DALLAS T Gosder Cherilus, Boston College. Once broke up a bar fight; Cowboys should put his locker between T.O. and Pacman.
29) SAN FRANCISCO DE Kentwan Balmer, North Carolina. ‘Tweener should be a good fit for the 49ers’ 3-4 scheme.
30) GREEN BAY CB Aqib Talib, Kansas. Could end up being the steal of the draft … if he can keep his nose clean.
31) NEW YORK GIANTS S Kenny Phillips, Miami. Super Bowl champs prevent end to nine-year streak of safeties in Round 1.
