USO36
04-28-2008, 01:32 PM
PICK TEAM NAME POS SCHOOL
1 (1) Miami Dolphins Jake Long OT Michigan
The buzz: The Dolphins signed the huge tackle days before the draft. Long will couple with Vernon Carey to form a physical tackle tandem. The Dolphins had major needs along the offensive line, and this allows them to focus on skill positions and pass rushers through the rest of the draft. Quarterback and wide receiver are now priorities.
2 (2) St Louis Rams Chris Long DE Virginia
The buzz: Long is one of the most developed defenders to enter the NFL in years and is probably the safest selection in the entire draft. He has very good athleticism and intangibles. The Rams will now focus on offensive tackle and wide receiver.
3 (3) Atlanta Falcons Matt Ryan QB Boston College
The buzz: Ryan combines the strong arm, fine technique and surprisingly good mobility to become an early NFL starter - possibly as a rookie. He is one of the premier prospects in this class. They selected Ryan over Glenn Dorsey as the new face of their organization.
4 (4) Oakland Raiders Darren McFadden RB Arkansas
The buzz: He’s a big, tough, versatile back who can become an NFL star and make an impact as a rookie. He’s the top running back in a deep class. Despite depth at running back, Al Davis couldn't pass up the former Arkansas star.
5 (5) Kansas City Chiefs Glenn Dorsey DT LSU
The buzz: This highly developed prospect has the potential to be a Pro Bowl defender early in his career. Dorsey is one of the best prospects in this draft, and he "slid" to fifth.
6 (6) New York Jets Vernon Gholston DE Ohio State
The buzz: Jets add another outside pass rusher to go with Calvin Pace. They have fortified the offensive line and defensive front seven with this pick and free agents.
7 (7) New Orleans Saints
(from New England) Sedrick Ellis DT USC
The buzz: The Saints moved up from No. 10 to select the outstanding defensive lineman from USC. Speculation was the Bengals liked Ellis at No. 9. An excellent all-around package, Ellis combines the production and instincts to become a fine starter as a rookie in the NFL.
8 (8) Jacksonville Jaguars
(from Baltimore) Derrick Harvey DE Florida
The buzz: The Jaguars trade up with Baltimore to get the home-state standout. In Harvey, the Jaguars get the off-the-edge pass rusher they have been craving. The Ravens received a total of four picks in this deal, including the Jags' first, two thirds and a fourth.
9 (9) Cincinnati Bengals Keith Rivers OLB USC
The buzz: Rivers has the speed and athletic ability to start as a rookie and eventually be a Pro Bowl performer.
10 (10) New England Patriots
(from New Orleans) Jerod Mayo ILB Tennessee
The buzz: Mayo is a fine prospect who could earn a starting grade in a short time after he settles into a pro set. Has the versatility and talent to start at a few positions in a 4-3 defense early in his career. He is a prospect who has come on like gangbusters and should get better with refinement of his excellent skill set. With Rivers off the board, the Patriots took the next best linebacker and added a third-round pick in the process.
11 (11) Buffalo Bills Leodis McKelvin CB Troy
The buzz: With the Ravens and Saints passing on corners, the Bills had their choice of defenders. McKelvin showed up big at the Senior Bowl and gives them another fine return man as well.
12 (12) Denver Broncos Ryan Clady OT Boise State
The buzz: Clady is a solid prospect with the size and growth potential to become a premier left tackle in time. He fits the Denver scheme very well.
13 (13) Carolina Panthers Jonathan Stewart RB Oregon
The buzz: The Panthers have needed a franchise back the past several years and there are many evaluators that graded Stewart as one of the top two backs available. His turf toe surgery should not effect him heading into training camp. The biggest reason the Panthers opted for Stewart over others - including Rashard Mendenhall - is that Stewart graded out much higher as a receiver out of the backfield.
14 (14) Chicago Bears Chris Williams OT Vanderbilt
The buzz: Williams provides the Bears offensive line with a much needed infusion of athleticism. He should slot in at left tackle and allow John Tait to go back to the right side.
15 (15) Kansas City Chiefs
(from Detroit) Branden Albert OG Virginia
The buzz: Albert is a durable blue-chip prospect with very good fundamentals and the level of development to start as a rookie. His athleticism, discipline and work ethic should help him compete immediately at the NFL level. The Chiefs have now nailed down two of the top linemen in the draft.
16 (16) Arizona Cardinals Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie CB Tennessee St.
The buzz: Cardinals get a mild surprise with Rodgers-Cromartie was still on the board. He is rated by most as the best cover corner in the draft.
17 (17) Detroit Lions
(from Kansas City) Gosder Cherilus OT Boston College
The buzz: The Lions fill a need by drafting a young offensive tackle that has played on both sides of the line. He seems much better prepared to play on the right side at the NFL level.
18 (18) Baltimore Ravens
(from Houston) Joe Flacco QB Delaware
The buzz: The Ravens dealt back up to select their quarterback of choice. There may have been some concern the Eagles could have been willing to drop back and allow someone like Miami to deal up to acquire Flacco. The former Delaware quarterback could develop into the gem of this fine quarterback class. He has great arm strength and is capable of being a huge surprise over time.
19 (19) Carolina Panthers
(from Philadelphia) Jeff Otah OT Pittsburgh
The buzz: Otah is a guy that fits a obvious need, and by taking Stewart and this massive offensive tackle the Panthers' ground attack should be equal or better than at any time in recent memory.
20 (20) Tampa Bay Buccaneers Aqib Talib CB Kansas
The buzz: A little bit of a surprise choice in terms of name, but not position. Talib gives them a bigger, potentially more physical corner which plays into their system. If his ball skills and consistency catch up to his raw tools, they got a great complement to Ronde Barber. Taking Talib here likely takes them out of the mix to trade for Eagles CB Lito Sheppard.
21 (21) Atlanta Falcons
(from Washington) Sam Baker OT USC
The buzz: This is a bit of a reach here. Baker did not seem like he was going to be taken in the next few picks. However, the Falcons fill a void along the offensive line. Baker can potentially play either tackle or guard for them.
22 (22) Dallas Cowboys
(from Cleveland) Felix Jones RB Arkansas
The buzz: "Bash and Flash" could now be the new nickname for the Cowboys backfield. Dallas adds a speedy, change-of-pace runner to pair with Marion Barber. Jones also becomes the first Arkansas player the Cowboys have drafted since Jerry Jones took ownership of the team.
23 (23) Pittsburgh Steelers Rashard Mendenhall RB Illinois
The buzz: Mendenhall will complement the outside, slashing style of Willie Parker and prevent the ground game from coming to a screaching halt like it did last year when Parker was injured.
24 (24) Tennessee Titans Chris Johnson RB East Carolina
The buzz: Johnson has an intriguing upside and should be able to contribute as a change-of-pace runner, a third-down back and as a kick returner. His speed should be a good complement to LenDale White's power out of the backfied.
25 (25) Dallas Cowboys
(from Seattle) Mike Jenkins CB South Florida
The buzz: Jenkins has good skills and picks up schemes easily. He is best suited for a cover-2 scheme, where he can be an early starter or nickel corner in that coverage.
26 (26) Houston Texans
(from Ravens) Duane Brown OT Virginia Tech
The buzz: The Texans made a good trade back at first, but the worst case scenarios occured over the last eight picks. Many of the guys they would have wanted came off the board. Brown is an athletic left tackle, but a guy most graded as a third-round pick.
27 (27) San Diego Chargers Antoine Cason CB Arizona
The buzz: The Chargers get lucky based on the recent run of offensive linemen and running backs. They grabbed a perfect complement to Antonio Cromartie. Cason has fine ball skills, is a willing tackler, but is not great in man coverage.
28 (28) Seattle Seahawks
(from Dallas) Lawrence Jackson DE USC
The buzz: The Seahawks had needs at both defensive end and defensive tackle, so taking Jackson is a solid choice here after moving back with the Cowboys. Jackson can increase their pass rush and play several spots.
29 (29) San Francisco 49ers
(from Indianapolis) Kentwan Balmer DT North Carolina
The buzz: Balmer is an athletic, mobile tackle with the talent to become a Pro Bowler if he’s able to be a more consistent performer. Frank Coyle of www.draftinsiders.com had Balmer rated the No. 3 defensive tackle in the class.
30 (30) New York Jets
(from Green Bay) Dustin Keller TE Purdue
The buzz: Last time the Jets took a tight end in the first round was the infamous Johnny Mitchell selection. Keller had the best workouts of any tight end available and provides the team with a legitimate threat in the middle of the field.
31 (31) New York Giants Kenny Phillips FS Miami-FL
The buzz: Phillips is one of the best safeties in a very thin class. The Giants lost Gibril Wilson in the offseason, and the G-Men hope Phillips can help fill the void.
1 (1) Miami Dolphins Jake Long OT Michigan
The buzz: The Dolphins signed the huge tackle days before the draft. Long will couple with Vernon Carey to form a physical tackle tandem. The Dolphins had major needs along the offensive line, and this allows them to focus on skill positions and pass rushers through the rest of the draft. Quarterback and wide receiver are now priorities.
2 (2) St Louis Rams Chris Long DE Virginia
The buzz: Long is one of the most developed defenders to enter the NFL in years and is probably the safest selection in the entire draft. He has very good athleticism and intangibles. The Rams will now focus on offensive tackle and wide receiver.
3 (3) Atlanta Falcons Matt Ryan QB Boston College
The buzz: Ryan combines the strong arm, fine technique and surprisingly good mobility to become an early NFL starter - possibly as a rookie. He is one of the premier prospects in this class. They selected Ryan over Glenn Dorsey as the new face of their organization.
4 (4) Oakland Raiders Darren McFadden RB Arkansas
The buzz: He’s a big, tough, versatile back who can become an NFL star and make an impact as a rookie. He’s the top running back in a deep class. Despite depth at running back, Al Davis couldn't pass up the former Arkansas star.
5 (5) Kansas City Chiefs Glenn Dorsey DT LSU
The buzz: This highly developed prospect has the potential to be a Pro Bowl defender early in his career. Dorsey is one of the best prospects in this draft, and he "slid" to fifth.
6 (6) New York Jets Vernon Gholston DE Ohio State
The buzz: Jets add another outside pass rusher to go with Calvin Pace. They have fortified the offensive line and defensive front seven with this pick and free agents.
7 (7) New Orleans Saints
(from New England) Sedrick Ellis DT USC
The buzz: The Saints moved up from No. 10 to select the outstanding defensive lineman from USC. Speculation was the Bengals liked Ellis at No. 9. An excellent all-around package, Ellis combines the production and instincts to become a fine starter as a rookie in the NFL.
8 (8) Jacksonville Jaguars
(from Baltimore) Derrick Harvey DE Florida
The buzz: The Jaguars trade up with Baltimore to get the home-state standout. In Harvey, the Jaguars get the off-the-edge pass rusher they have been craving. The Ravens received a total of four picks in this deal, including the Jags' first, two thirds and a fourth.
9 (9) Cincinnati Bengals Keith Rivers OLB USC
The buzz: Rivers has the speed and athletic ability to start as a rookie and eventually be a Pro Bowl performer.
10 (10) New England Patriots
(from New Orleans) Jerod Mayo ILB Tennessee
The buzz: Mayo is a fine prospect who could earn a starting grade in a short time after he settles into a pro set. Has the versatility and talent to start at a few positions in a 4-3 defense early in his career. He is a prospect who has come on like gangbusters and should get better with refinement of his excellent skill set. With Rivers off the board, the Patriots took the next best linebacker and added a third-round pick in the process.
11 (11) Buffalo Bills Leodis McKelvin CB Troy
The buzz: With the Ravens and Saints passing on corners, the Bills had their choice of defenders. McKelvin showed up big at the Senior Bowl and gives them another fine return man as well.
12 (12) Denver Broncos Ryan Clady OT Boise State
The buzz: Clady is a solid prospect with the size and growth potential to become a premier left tackle in time. He fits the Denver scheme very well.
13 (13) Carolina Panthers Jonathan Stewart RB Oregon
The buzz: The Panthers have needed a franchise back the past several years and there are many evaluators that graded Stewart as one of the top two backs available. His turf toe surgery should not effect him heading into training camp. The biggest reason the Panthers opted for Stewart over others - including Rashard Mendenhall - is that Stewart graded out much higher as a receiver out of the backfield.
14 (14) Chicago Bears Chris Williams OT Vanderbilt
The buzz: Williams provides the Bears offensive line with a much needed infusion of athleticism. He should slot in at left tackle and allow John Tait to go back to the right side.
15 (15) Kansas City Chiefs
(from Detroit) Branden Albert OG Virginia
The buzz: Albert is a durable blue-chip prospect with very good fundamentals and the level of development to start as a rookie. His athleticism, discipline and work ethic should help him compete immediately at the NFL level. The Chiefs have now nailed down two of the top linemen in the draft.
16 (16) Arizona Cardinals Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie CB Tennessee St.
The buzz: Cardinals get a mild surprise with Rodgers-Cromartie was still on the board. He is rated by most as the best cover corner in the draft.
17 (17) Detroit Lions
(from Kansas City) Gosder Cherilus OT Boston College
The buzz: The Lions fill a need by drafting a young offensive tackle that has played on both sides of the line. He seems much better prepared to play on the right side at the NFL level.
18 (18) Baltimore Ravens
(from Houston) Joe Flacco QB Delaware
The buzz: The Ravens dealt back up to select their quarterback of choice. There may have been some concern the Eagles could have been willing to drop back and allow someone like Miami to deal up to acquire Flacco. The former Delaware quarterback could develop into the gem of this fine quarterback class. He has great arm strength and is capable of being a huge surprise over time.
19 (19) Carolina Panthers
(from Philadelphia) Jeff Otah OT Pittsburgh
The buzz: Otah is a guy that fits a obvious need, and by taking Stewart and this massive offensive tackle the Panthers' ground attack should be equal or better than at any time in recent memory.
20 (20) Tampa Bay Buccaneers Aqib Talib CB Kansas
The buzz: A little bit of a surprise choice in terms of name, but not position. Talib gives them a bigger, potentially more physical corner which plays into their system. If his ball skills and consistency catch up to his raw tools, they got a great complement to Ronde Barber. Taking Talib here likely takes them out of the mix to trade for Eagles CB Lito Sheppard.
21 (21) Atlanta Falcons
(from Washington) Sam Baker OT USC
The buzz: This is a bit of a reach here. Baker did not seem like he was going to be taken in the next few picks. However, the Falcons fill a void along the offensive line. Baker can potentially play either tackle or guard for them.
22 (22) Dallas Cowboys
(from Cleveland) Felix Jones RB Arkansas
The buzz: "Bash and Flash" could now be the new nickname for the Cowboys backfield. Dallas adds a speedy, change-of-pace runner to pair with Marion Barber. Jones also becomes the first Arkansas player the Cowboys have drafted since Jerry Jones took ownership of the team.
23 (23) Pittsburgh Steelers Rashard Mendenhall RB Illinois
The buzz: Mendenhall will complement the outside, slashing style of Willie Parker and prevent the ground game from coming to a screaching halt like it did last year when Parker was injured.
24 (24) Tennessee Titans Chris Johnson RB East Carolina
The buzz: Johnson has an intriguing upside and should be able to contribute as a change-of-pace runner, a third-down back and as a kick returner. His speed should be a good complement to LenDale White's power out of the backfied.
25 (25) Dallas Cowboys
(from Seattle) Mike Jenkins CB South Florida
The buzz: Jenkins has good skills and picks up schemes easily. He is best suited for a cover-2 scheme, where he can be an early starter or nickel corner in that coverage.
26 (26) Houston Texans
(from Ravens) Duane Brown OT Virginia Tech
The buzz: The Texans made a good trade back at first, but the worst case scenarios occured over the last eight picks. Many of the guys they would have wanted came off the board. Brown is an athletic left tackle, but a guy most graded as a third-round pick.
27 (27) San Diego Chargers Antoine Cason CB Arizona
The buzz: The Chargers get lucky based on the recent run of offensive linemen and running backs. They grabbed a perfect complement to Antonio Cromartie. Cason has fine ball skills, is a willing tackler, but is not great in man coverage.
28 (28) Seattle Seahawks
(from Dallas) Lawrence Jackson DE USC
The buzz: The Seahawks had needs at both defensive end and defensive tackle, so taking Jackson is a solid choice here after moving back with the Cowboys. Jackson can increase their pass rush and play several spots.
29 (29) San Francisco 49ers
(from Indianapolis) Kentwan Balmer DT North Carolina
The buzz: Balmer is an athletic, mobile tackle with the talent to become a Pro Bowler if he’s able to be a more consistent performer. Frank Coyle of www.draftinsiders.com had Balmer rated the No. 3 defensive tackle in the class.
30 (30) New York Jets
(from Green Bay) Dustin Keller TE Purdue
The buzz: Last time the Jets took a tight end in the first round was the infamous Johnny Mitchell selection. Keller had the best workouts of any tight end available and provides the team with a legitimate threat in the middle of the field.
31 (31) New York Giants Kenny Phillips FS Miami-FL
The buzz: Phillips is one of the best safeties in a very thin class. The Giants lost Gibril Wilson in the offseason, and the G-Men hope Phillips can help fill the void.