Boston Sports Buzz Mock Draft, Picks 1-10
As we approach the 2008 NFL Draft, we're going to give you, the draft fans, our projected top 10 picks. There's a high probability that 2 or more of these teams (including our beloved Patriots) will trade out of the top 10 (and there's an even higher probability that none of us will come close to approaching 100% correctness with our top 10 predictions)... so, for all intents and purposes, we'll assume each team holds on to their respective pick. On to the predictions:
Boston Sports Buzz:
1, Miami Dolphins: Jake Long, OT Michigan
There was early speculation that Parcells would take Matt Ryan, but the Dolphins seem content with 2007 second round pick John Beck as their QB of the future, so Ryan falls to the Falcons (and possibly the Ravens)... plus, we're kind of cheating with this prediction because the Dolphins already agreed to terms with Long on Tuesday.
2, St. Louis Rams: Chris Long, DE Virginia
St. Louis' defense finished among the league's worst in yards (341.1) and points (27.4) allowed per game. Long won't right the ship on his own, but his addition will certainly help. Taking Long as opposed to Glenn Dorsey will allow 2007 first rounder Adam Carriker to remain at LT, as well.
3, Atlanta Falcons: Matt Ryan, QB Boston College
Ryan is unanimously considered the top quarterback in the draft; the Falcons need a franchise quarterback so they can finally turn the page on the Michael Vick era; what's not to like? It's hard to pass on Dorsey, especially considering the Falcons' significant defensive troubles (355.5 yards and 25.9 points allowed per game), but I think the Falcons address their glaring QB need here.
4, Oakland Raiders: Darren McFadden, RB Arkansas
Coach Lane Kiffin says the Raiders don't need yet another RB in addition to Justin Fargas, Dominic Rhodes, Lamont Jordan and Michael Bush, but if owner Al Davis loves anything, it's tracksuits, contradicting his coaches and speedy skill-position players. So maybe the tracksuit thing might not be applicable here, but man, he rocks those things like they're going out of style... McFadden is the clear choice, at least in Al Davis' mind.
5, Kansas City Chiefs: Glenn Dorsey, DT LSU
Due to the decline of their offensive line, I initially had KC taking either Ryan Clady or Branden Albert, who's been flying up many people's boards lately. Now that they've traded away DE Jared Allen, they'll grab either Dorsey, Chris Long (if he's still available), or Vernon Gholston to replace his production on the line... plus they'll have the newly acquired 17th overall pick to address their o-line needs.
6, New Jork Jets: Vernon Gholston, DE/OLB Ohio State
McFadden is a possibility if he slides to them and they may even trade up to get him (in fact, they've reportedly met with him 3 times in the past month), but Gholston is a great value at 6 and fills a need at OLB in the 3-4 scheme. Mike Maycok says he's a "Shawn Merriman clone;" what team wouldn't want the next Merriman?
7, New England Patriots: Keith Rivers, LB USC
The Pats rarely use high picks on linebackers, but they could presumably spend the 7th overall pick on Rivers because 1) they still need a starting ILB and 2) the free agent crop is pretty thin. I'd rather have Gholston and bump him from DE to OLB in the 3-4, but settling on Rivers would hardly be equivalent to receiving a consolation prize. That being said, I strongly doubt they hold on to this pick, depending on what players are available and which teams express interest in trading up to get to 7.
8, Baltimore Ravens: Sedrick Ellis, DT USC
This pick falls under the "take the best player that's available" category. The Ravens are praying that Ryan somehow slips out of the top 7 but I doubt that happens, so Ellis becomes the pick by default (and it could be argued that their d-line could use an injection of youth). There are some solid QB options behind Ryan that should be around for the Ravens' 38th overall pick, so they can take Ellis here and snag a QB in Round 2.
9, Cincinatti Bengals: Branden Albert, OT/G Virginia
Albert is being taken as high as 5th in some noteworthy mock drafts. The Redskins like him but would likely have to trade up from their current spot (21st overall) to grab him. The Bengals would be happy with Albert or Clady in my view.
10, New Orleans Saints: Leodis McKelvin CB Troy
The Saints could still use another corner in spite of their acquisition of former Patriot Randall Gay. There's so much debate over who the top CB in this year's draft is that I was seriously considering just typing the words "BEST CORNERBACK AVAILABLE" next to the Saints' name. I think they'll select McKelvin, although this pick could easily be spent on fellow corners Mike Jenkins, Agib Talib, or Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.
You A Bad Mang:
1. Miami Dolphins: Jake Long, OT Michigan
Pretty easy considering they already signed him to a contract. With Long at LT, Justin Smiley at guard and Vernon Carey moving to his natural RT position, the Dolphins' line may be respectable next season. Long may struggle a little at first, but he is too talented to not become a good NFL player.
2. St. Louis Rams: Chris Long, DE Virginia
The other Long is also a beast. He is smart, quick and relentless and should provide some help pressuring the QB. Also, with his blood line, you can't really go wrong. Along with Adam Carriker, the DT the Rams took in the first round last year, Long will become the face of a hard working, overachieving defense.
3. Atlanta Falcons: Glenn Dorsey, DT LSU
Dorsey will come in and immediately help a Falcons defense that really struggled last year. He is easily the best defensive tackle in the draft this year and may even be looked at with the Rams' pick at #2. The other option here is Matt Ryan, but I think Ryan is getting over-hyped.
4. Oakland Raiders: Darren McFadden, RB Arkansas
The only real pick that the Raiders will probably even consider here. McFadden is the most electrifying prospect there is, and along with JaMarcus Russell, will help make the Raiders offense an explosive one. The only real question here is character as he supposedly has fathered two kids already.
5. Kansas City Chiefs: Branden Albert, OT/G Virginia
Albert played guard most of his career at Virginia but has really turned some heads at workouts with his athleticism and is rising up most draft boards. He would probably turn into a left tackle for the Chiefs, who are in desperate need of an upgrade to their offensive and defensive lines.
6. New York Jets: Vernon Gholston, DE/OLB Ohio State
Gholston would provide another pass rushing threat to the Jets, who are overhauling their entire team. I have heard a couple rumors of them coveting Chris Long and/or Glenn Dorsey and trying to move up to second or third to get one of them. Either way, tough loss for the Pats not getting Gholston.
7. New England Patriots: Keith Rivers, LB USC
Rivers could come in and play right away for us. Joining Bruschi and Hobson on the inside, Rivers would solidify the our aging linebacker corps. I think they either try to trade up or down here (down especially if Matt Ryan falls because there are plenty of teams that want him). Another possibility is an offensive lineman because our o-line got embarrassed in the Superbowl, if you remember correctly.
8. Baltimore Ravens: Matt Ryan, QB Boston College
This is a dream come true for the Ravens; they could not ask for anyone else to fall to them. Ryan could come right in and make an impact, especially with Steve McNair retiring and Jonathan Ogden protecting his blind side.
9. Cincinnati Bengals: Sedrick Ellis, DT USC
This may not be their most pressing need, but Ellis can really play. He knows the game well and could end up being a potential steal for the Bengals here. Along with his ability to play the run, Ellis will be able to pressure the QB up the middle, something that can really bother some of the league's passers.
10. New Orleans Saints: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB Tennessee State
The Saints have quite a few needs, but I think they will draft Rodgers-Cromartie here. He is a phenomenal athlete and he can be taught on the fly the techniques he lacks after playing at a smaller school with lower level competition. He is a boom or bust pick, but I feel with all the injuries the Saints had last year, they can take a gamble on a guy who could turn out to be a real star.
Manny Ortez:
1. Miami Dolphins: Jake Long, OT Michigan
Jake Long is simply a dominant force on the line. It doesn't matter if the guy across from him is 6-5, 315 or 6-1, 285, Long's approach is simple: overpower him. Long can create gaps even Vince Wilfork could fit through and will give John Beck more time than he knows what to do with. Plus, the Dolphins just agreed to a contract with him yesterday, so that helps.
2. St. Louis Rams: Chris Long, DE Virginia
The Rams need help basically everywhere you look. Long is a good fit outside for the Rams because that is where they need the most LB help. He can rush the passer (relentlessly) and also play the run. Long has the perfect attitude for a DE (play 'til the whistle) and tries to get involved in every single play.
3. Atlanta Falcons: Matt Ryan, QB Boston College
I remember Atlanta used to have a good QB, but I can't remember his name... whatever happened to that guy? Anyway, Matt Ryan is the quintessential all-around QB a team would want to build around. He has a decent arm, good decision-making skills and can control an offense well. That's all the praise I can give him, as I am a BU man.
4. Oakland Raiders: Darren McFadden, RB Arkansas
Even though the Raiders just re-signed Justin Fargas, I think D Mac is just too talented to let slip. He is considered by many to be the best player in the entire draft and has proven that he can do it all. McFadden has great speed, athleticism, vision... great everything. He can even be a threat in the passing game.
5. Kansas City Chiefs: Branden Albert, OT/G Virginia
With the recent trade of Jared Allen, the Chiefs will look to rebuild through the draft this year as they now have 13 picks in total. Branden Albert is a great place to start. He has the ability to play every position on the O-line and is a great blocker in the run game... and with Brodie Croyle and Damon Huard at QB, running the ball is just about all they like to do in Kansas City.
6. New York Jets: Glenn Dorsey, DT LSU
Glenn Dorsey is another one of those players who you can't pass on at this spot, he's just too talented. However, reports have been coming out for weeks that Dorsey's injury-prone career is a significant cause for concern for many teams and that sentiment will only grow as draft day approaches. Therefore, there's a chance he'll continue to slide down draft boards and he may even fall further than 6.
7. New England Patriots: Vernon Gholston, DE/OLB Ohio State
Do you ever feel like the Patriots just know something the rest of the league doesn't? I mean, even though some might consider last season a bust because they didn't win the big one, they still won 18 out of 19 games, and now they have the 7th overall pick? And this is legal? Anyway, I'm hoping Gholston falls to the Pats and there's a chance he could. He's a hybrid player who could switch to OLB and is an excellent pass rusher, but he needs to work on dropping back to play zone.
8. Baltimore Ravens: Leodis McKelvin, CB Troy
The Baltimore defense will only get scarier with the addition of Leodis McKelvin. McKelvin has good size and is a great play maker. He is very good man-to-man and also has great hands. An overlooked part of his game is his return skills.
9. Cincinnati Bengals: Sedrick Ellis, DT USC
Let's face it: the only way Cincy can win these days is if they bludgeon their opponents offensively, so they'd certainly like to upgrade the defense. Taking Sedrick Ellis would be a big step in the right direction. Sedrick is quick and strong, which is always a welcomed combination.
10. New Orleans Saints: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB Tennessee State
Dominique is everything you want in a CB. He has great size, long arms, good speed and great instincts. The Saints could certainly use such a player, especially at one of their biggest need positions. Cromartie has good agility and is a very underrated kick returner.
Boston Sports Buzz:
1, Miami Dolphins: Jake Long, OT Michigan
There was early speculation that Parcells would take Matt Ryan, but the Dolphins seem content with 2007 second round pick John Beck as their QB of the future, so Ryan falls to the Falcons (and possibly the Ravens)... plus, we're kind of cheating with this prediction because the Dolphins already agreed to terms with Long on Tuesday.
2, St. Louis Rams: Chris Long, DE Virginia
St. Louis' defense finished among the league's worst in yards (341.1) and points (27.4) allowed per game. Long won't right the ship on his own, but his addition will certainly help. Taking Long as opposed to Glenn Dorsey will allow 2007 first rounder Adam Carriker to remain at LT, as well.
3, Atlanta Falcons: Matt Ryan, QB Boston College
Ryan is unanimously considered the top quarterback in the draft; the Falcons need a franchise quarterback so they can finally turn the page on the Michael Vick era; what's not to like? It's hard to pass on Dorsey, especially considering the Falcons' significant defensive troubles (355.5 yards and 25.9 points allowed per game), but I think the Falcons address their glaring QB need here.
4, Oakland Raiders: Darren McFadden, RB Arkansas
Coach Lane Kiffin says the Raiders don't need yet another RB in addition to Justin Fargas, Dominic Rhodes, Lamont Jordan and Michael Bush, but if owner Al Davis loves anything, it's tracksuits, contradicting his coaches and speedy skill-position players. So maybe the tracksuit thing might not be applicable here, but man, he rocks those things like they're going out of style... McFadden is the clear choice, at least in Al Davis' mind.
5, Kansas City Chiefs: Glenn Dorsey, DT LSU
Due to the decline of their offensive line, I initially had KC taking either Ryan Clady or Branden Albert, who's been flying up many people's boards lately. Now that they've traded away DE Jared Allen, they'll grab either Dorsey, Chris Long (if he's still available), or Vernon Gholston to replace his production on the line... plus they'll have the newly acquired 17th overall pick to address their o-line needs.
6, New Jork Jets: Vernon Gholston, DE/OLB Ohio State
McFadden is a possibility if he slides to them and they may even trade up to get him (in fact, they've reportedly met with him 3 times in the past month), but Gholston is a great value at 6 and fills a need at OLB in the 3-4 scheme. Mike Maycok says he's a "Shawn Merriman clone;" what team wouldn't want the next Merriman?
7, New England Patriots: Keith Rivers, LB USC
The Pats rarely use high picks on linebackers, but they could presumably spend the 7th overall pick on Rivers because 1) they still need a starting ILB and 2) the free agent crop is pretty thin. I'd rather have Gholston and bump him from DE to OLB in the 3-4, but settling on Rivers would hardly be equivalent to receiving a consolation prize. That being said, I strongly doubt they hold on to this pick, depending on what players are available and which teams express interest in trading up to get to 7.
8, Baltimore Ravens: Sedrick Ellis, DT USC
This pick falls under the "take the best player that's available" category. The Ravens are praying that Ryan somehow slips out of the top 7 but I doubt that happens, so Ellis becomes the pick by default (and it could be argued that their d-line could use an injection of youth). There are some solid QB options behind Ryan that should be around for the Ravens' 38th overall pick, so they can take Ellis here and snag a QB in Round 2.
9, Cincinatti Bengals: Branden Albert, OT/G Virginia
Albert is being taken as high as 5th in some noteworthy mock drafts. The Redskins like him but would likely have to trade up from their current spot (21st overall) to grab him. The Bengals would be happy with Albert or Clady in my view.
10, New Orleans Saints: Leodis McKelvin CB Troy
The Saints could still use another corner in spite of their acquisition of former Patriot Randall Gay. There's so much debate over who the top CB in this year's draft is that I was seriously considering just typing the words "BEST CORNERBACK AVAILABLE" next to the Saints' name. I think they'll select McKelvin, although this pick could easily be spent on fellow corners Mike Jenkins, Agib Talib, or Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.
You A Bad Mang:
1. Miami Dolphins: Jake Long, OT Michigan
Pretty easy considering they already signed him to a contract. With Long at LT, Justin Smiley at guard and Vernon Carey moving to his natural RT position, the Dolphins' line may be respectable next season. Long may struggle a little at first, but he is too talented to not become a good NFL player.
2. St. Louis Rams: Chris Long, DE Virginia
The other Long is also a beast. He is smart, quick and relentless and should provide some help pressuring the QB. Also, with his blood line, you can't really go wrong. Along with Adam Carriker, the DT the Rams took in the first round last year, Long will become the face of a hard working, overachieving defense.
3. Atlanta Falcons: Glenn Dorsey, DT LSU
Dorsey will come in and immediately help a Falcons defense that really struggled last year. He is easily the best defensive tackle in the draft this year and may even be looked at with the Rams' pick at #2. The other option here is Matt Ryan, but I think Ryan is getting over-hyped.
4. Oakland Raiders: Darren McFadden, RB Arkansas
The only real pick that the Raiders will probably even consider here. McFadden is the most electrifying prospect there is, and along with JaMarcus Russell, will help make the Raiders offense an explosive one. The only real question here is character as he supposedly has fathered two kids already.
5. Kansas City Chiefs: Branden Albert, OT/G Virginia
Albert played guard most of his career at Virginia but has really turned some heads at workouts with his athleticism and is rising up most draft boards. He would probably turn into a left tackle for the Chiefs, who are in desperate need of an upgrade to their offensive and defensive lines.
6. New York Jets: Vernon Gholston, DE/OLB Ohio State
Gholston would provide another pass rushing threat to the Jets, who are overhauling their entire team. I have heard a couple rumors of them coveting Chris Long and/or Glenn Dorsey and trying to move up to second or third to get one of them. Either way, tough loss for the Pats not getting Gholston.
7. New England Patriots: Keith Rivers, LB USC
Rivers could come in and play right away for us. Joining Bruschi and Hobson on the inside, Rivers would solidify the our aging linebacker corps. I think they either try to trade up or down here (down especially if Matt Ryan falls because there are plenty of teams that want him). Another possibility is an offensive lineman because our o-line got embarrassed in the Superbowl, if you remember correctly.
8. Baltimore Ravens: Matt Ryan, QB Boston College
This is a dream come true for the Ravens; they could not ask for anyone else to fall to them. Ryan could come right in and make an impact, especially with Steve McNair retiring and Jonathan Ogden protecting his blind side.
9. Cincinnati Bengals: Sedrick Ellis, DT USC
This may not be their most pressing need, but Ellis can really play. He knows the game well and could end up being a potential steal for the Bengals here. Along with his ability to play the run, Ellis will be able to pressure the QB up the middle, something that can really bother some of the league's passers.
10. New Orleans Saints: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB Tennessee State
The Saints have quite a few needs, but I think they will draft Rodgers-Cromartie here. He is a phenomenal athlete and he can be taught on the fly the techniques he lacks after playing at a smaller school with lower level competition. He is a boom or bust pick, but I feel with all the injuries the Saints had last year, they can take a gamble on a guy who could turn out to be a real star.
Manny Ortez:
1. Miami Dolphins: Jake Long, OT Michigan
Jake Long is simply a dominant force on the line. It doesn't matter if the guy across from him is 6-5, 315 or 6-1, 285, Long's approach is simple: overpower him. Long can create gaps even Vince Wilfork could fit through and will give John Beck more time than he knows what to do with. Plus, the Dolphins just agreed to a contract with him yesterday, so that helps.
2. St. Louis Rams: Chris Long, DE Virginia
The Rams need help basically everywhere you look. Long is a good fit outside for the Rams because that is where they need the most LB help. He can rush the passer (relentlessly) and also play the run. Long has the perfect attitude for a DE (play 'til the whistle) and tries to get involved in every single play.
3. Atlanta Falcons: Matt Ryan, QB Boston College
I remember Atlanta used to have a good QB, but I can't remember his name... whatever happened to that guy? Anyway, Matt Ryan is the quintessential all-around QB a team would want to build around. He has a decent arm, good decision-making skills and can control an offense well. That's all the praise I can give him, as I am a BU man.
4. Oakland Raiders: Darren McFadden, RB Arkansas
Even though the Raiders just re-signed Justin Fargas, I think D Mac is just too talented to let slip. He is considered by many to be the best player in the entire draft and has proven that he can do it all. McFadden has great speed, athleticism, vision... great everything. He can even be a threat in the passing game.
5. Kansas City Chiefs: Branden Albert, OT/G Virginia
With the recent trade of Jared Allen, the Chiefs will look to rebuild through the draft this year as they now have 13 picks in total. Branden Albert is a great place to start. He has the ability to play every position on the O-line and is a great blocker in the run game... and with Brodie Croyle and Damon Huard at QB, running the ball is just about all they like to do in Kansas City.
6. New York Jets: Glenn Dorsey, DT LSU
Glenn Dorsey is another one of those players who you can't pass on at this spot, he's just too talented. However, reports have been coming out for weeks that Dorsey's injury-prone career is a significant cause for concern for many teams and that sentiment will only grow as draft day approaches. Therefore, there's a chance he'll continue to slide down draft boards and he may even fall further than 6.
7. New England Patriots: Vernon Gholston, DE/OLB Ohio State
Do you ever feel like the Patriots just know something the rest of the league doesn't? I mean, even though some might consider last season a bust because they didn't win the big one, they still won 18 out of 19 games, and now they have the 7th overall pick? And this is legal? Anyway, I'm hoping Gholston falls to the Pats and there's a chance he could. He's a hybrid player who could switch to OLB and is an excellent pass rusher, but he needs to work on dropping back to play zone.
8. Baltimore Ravens: Leodis McKelvin, CB Troy
The Baltimore defense will only get scarier with the addition of Leodis McKelvin. McKelvin has good size and is a great play maker. He is very good man-to-man and also has great hands. An overlooked part of his game is his return skills.
9. Cincinnati Bengals: Sedrick Ellis, DT USC
Let's face it: the only way Cincy can win these days is if they bludgeon their opponents offensively, so they'd certainly like to upgrade the defense. Taking Sedrick Ellis would be a big step in the right direction. Sedrick is quick and strong, which is always a welcomed combination.
10. New Orleans Saints: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB Tennessee State
Dominique is everything you want in a CB. He has great size, long arms, good speed and great instincts. The Saints could certainly use such a player, especially at one of their biggest need positions. Cromartie has good agility and is a very underrated kick returner.
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