With a new mock draft comes new rankings. Instead of having a different number of players ranked for each position, for example we had 12 wide receivers ranked last time, but only four guards, we’re going to do the top five at each position. These rankings are a combination of talent, and where the player is projected to be drafted. Also note, if there’s a position in parenthesis, it indicates another position the player would be able to play at the next level.

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Updated: March 27, 2008; updated following the tragic death of Heath Benedict, R.I.P.

1. Miami Dolphins — Chris Long, Virginia (DE/OLB)
John Beck should be given another chance at this starting job, considering the lack of talent he had around him last season; thus eliminating the possibility of going with Matt Ryan. This is not going to be an easy decision for the Dolphins, but it looks right now that they will go into the season with Beck and McCown, then reevaluate the position next season. Additionally, if Parcells isn’t pleased with the quarterback position going into the draft, the gap between Matt Ryan and then someone like Joe Flacco, isn’t as great as say the difference between Chris Long and Quentin Groves. Miami will look to move this pick, there’s certainly other guys down the draft board they could use to address their needs. However, if the pick isn’t moved then I’d expect it to be Chris Long’s spot.

2. St. Louis Rams — Jake Long, Michigan (OT)
Jake Long really appeared to have won over most of the NFL with his strong performance at the combine. He put up 37 reps of 225 lbs., clearly solidifying himself as the top offensive tackle in this draft class. Orlando Pace’s days in a Rams uniform may very well be numbered due to injuries, and Alex Barron needs to prove to the NFL that he could avoid penalties. The Rams would, without a doubt, love to have Chris Long at this spot, pairing him with Adam Carriker for a promising defensive line. However, they would have no problem settling with Jake Long. This is an impressive offensive tackle class, but it’s not to the point where someone can pass up Jake Long in order to grab a tackle in the second round. Jake Long’s shot at going at the top has increased over the past few days, but the Rams will take the Long that the Dolphins don’t.

3. Atlanta Falcons — Glenn Dorsey, LSU (DT)
The Falcons desperately need a franchise quarterback, and by putting Glenn Dorsey here it doesn’t necessarily mean that I feel Joey Harrington is the future in Atlanta. However, coach Mike Smith is a defensive guy and probably would prefer to rebuild from the defensive side of the ball first. Adding Glenn Dorsey to a line already with John Abraham and Jamaal Anderson would allow them to put a tremendous amount of pressure on the backfield. There are other quarterbacks in this draft class, and with multiple picks in the second round the Falcons have the opportunity to trade back into the end of the first round to secure picking a quarterback that will fall this year (happens all the time) in Brian Brohm.

4. Oakland Raiders — Vernon Gholston, Ohio State (DE/OLB)
Vernon Gholston flew up the draft boards after his incredible combine performance. The Raiders already have a lot of money put into the defensive line with Tommy Kelly’s $50 million contract but that shouldn’t stop them from taking a defensive end as good as Gholston, who is also versatile enough to play outside linebacker. The Raiders will look to replace rising pass rusher Chris Clemons with Gholston at the number four spot.

5. Kansas City Chiefs — Ryan Clady, Boise State (OT)
Certainly not the preferred pick by the Chiefs coaching staff, that would belong to Jake Long, but the Chiefs need to rebuild their offensive line in the worst way that they can’t afford to hold out until the second round. The comparisons to Levi Brown will be echoed throughout the whole draft process, as the team that picked them at five had to reach a little bit because of the pressing need. The offensive line class is deep, but the Chiefs would still prefer to add Clady over somebody like Sedrick Ellis or Leodis McKelvin, though they aren’t out of the picture here at number five.

6. New York Jets — Darren McFadden, Arkansas (RB)
The Jets were simply not good at any phase of the game last year. Both their offense and defense had major holes. They have addressed their offensive line and defense tackle problems through free agency and trades. Although they signed Calvin Pace to a big contract, the Jets would still love to take a physical specimen like Gholston. With Gholston off the board the Jets add the most explosive player in the draft to the NFL’s most nonexplosive offense. They seem to be following the Vikings strategy of signing a top offensive guard and then drafting the best running back. They even signed the Vikings former fullback in Tony Richardson. With the selection of Darren McFadden, the Jets hope that their 2008 rush offense looks a lot like the Vikings 07 rush offense.

7. New England Patriots (f/SF) — Leodis McKelvin, Troy (CB)
Addressing their need for a cornerback after Asante Samuel left remains to be a concern for the New England Patriots. Leodis McKelvin has overtaken Mike Jenkins in our opinion for the top cornerback spot, but it should be noted that can change at any time. McKelvin could become the shut-down corner that Ellis Hobbs will have trouble becoming, and filling the hole in that defense that was left by Asante Samuel. This transition won’t happen overnight, but McKelvin will prove in time to be a great addition for the Patriots.

8. Baltimore Ravens — Matt Ryan, Boston College (QB)
In recent years there has been a trend of quarterbacks falling in the draft like Aaron Rodgers and Brady Quinn. While it has been said that Matt Ryan is only rated this high because there are no other top quarterbacks, he still is a top ten talent with a team that desperately needs quarterback help. Although you could argue that cornerback is a need, it is not even close to the quarterback position in terms of need. The Chiefs did send many scouts to Ryan’s pro day at Boston College so don’t be shocked if they take Ryan before Baltimore has the chance to. The Ravens do have a good running game and receiving weapons with Derrick Mason and Todd Heap. If they had a good quarterback this could be a scary offense in time, which is why they select Matt Ryan.

9. Cincinnati Bengals — Sedrick Ellis, USC (DT)
Sedrick Ellis falling to the Bengals here would be a dream come true for Bengals fans. It’s obvious the team needs a defensive tackle after their deal for Shaun Rogers fell through. They can’t possibly go into the season trying to tell their fans that they’re satisfied with the group of defensive tackles they have. The only person that the Bengals would like to have more at this spot would be a big pass rusher such as Vernon Gholston.

10. New Orleans Saints — Keith Rivers, USC (OLB)
The Saints letdown season could be blamed entirely on the defense. They have already improved with the acquisitions of Dan Morgan, Jonathan Vilma, Randall Gay, and Bobby McCray. The new linebackers however are both inside backers, and the Saints would jump at the chance to round out their linebacker corps with the outside backer from USC. Not only does Rivers fill a big hole for the Saints, he is also the best available defensive player.

11. Buffalo Bills — Devin Thomas, Michigan State (WR)
Buffalo always seems to reach for the guy they want every year. Donte Whitner and John McCargo are both classic examples. This is no exception. Devin Thomas is the one wide receiver in the first round range that didn’t go into the pre-draft workouts and leave with question marks. DeSean Jackson’s speed is continuously questioned, as is Limas Sweed’s health. Malcolm Kelly has not even worked out yet, making me believe that Devin Thomas could become the Bills 2008 version of Donte Whitner; somebody they reach for a little farther down the draft board, but he will fill a need and turn into a good player. This kid is the real deal. He only had one good year, sure, but I remind you that year was with a first-year head coach in Mark Dantonio that figured out how to use him.

12. Denver Broncos — Chris Williams, Vanderbilt (OT)
Jay Cutler is a good quarterback, but was pressured so much last year it was hard for him to be effective. The retirement of Matt Lepsis does not help this issue. The Broncos reunite Cutler with his college teammate at Vanderbilt with their selection of Chris Williams. Williams has the size (6-6, 315 lbs) to be a starting tackle and should protect Cutler’s blind side for years to come.

13. Carolina Panthers — Rashard Mendenhall, Illinois (RB)
Not sure if the Panthers will feel comfortable entering the season with DeAngelo Williams as the featured back, considering that mainly everybody in the league has the potential to give the ball to two guys in the backfield. The decision to pick a runner here is easier than most people think, but a few weeks ago the decision came down to Jonathan Stewart or Mendenhall. Considering that Jonathan Stewart recently had surgery, it’s going to bring about some unneeded injury question marks that will unfairly impact his once rising draft stock, and put Mendenhall over him definitively. The knock on Mendenhall is that he only performed at a high level for one year. Prior to this past season, Mendenhall only had 858 yards running the ball in two seasons.

14. Chicago Bears — Jeff Otah, Pittsburgh (OT)
With offensive tackle being a high area of need right now it is very possible for four tackles to come off the board within the first 15 picks. The Bears were terrible on offense. Nobody needs Ron Jaworski to tell them that. Although Rex Grossman is an all around terrible quarterback, the Bears for some reason think that he is the answer at quarterback. Cedric Benson has not lived up to the expectations of being a top 5 pick but the Bears have so much money invested in him that they will be forced to give him another chance before drafting another running back. This leaves tackle as the position to be upgraded and Chicago takes the last of the top tier tackles.

15. Detroit Lions — Jonathan Stewart, Oregon (RB)
Detroit needs to consider investing in a back for the future and now might be the time to do it in a strong running back class, particularly toward the top. Jonathan Stewart is a fantastic back who would be an upgrade over what the team has. The key would be not to rush him back from the surgery he just had, which may be a little difficult for the Lions considering the state of their running back position with Brian Calhoun, a guy I liked coming out of Wisconsin, only having 54 total rushing yards in his career, and Tatum Bell, who missed 11 games last year. The Lions addressed the cornerback spot by adding a number of guys this off-season, and it still seems a bit high to reach for Kentwan Balmer. Read the rest of this entry »

Our next mock update, 3.07, will be uploaded to the website sometime in the next week. The mock draft will contain at least two rounds, possibly three. Anyway, stay tuned…

Last Updated: March 1, 2008

1. Miami Dolphins — Chris Long, Virginia (DE)
It was becoming dangerously close to being Matt Ryan’s spot at the top of the draft. The signing of Josh McCown, paired with the rumored release/trade of Jason Taylor is what helped prevent Ryan from becoming the pick here. John Beck should be given another chance at this starting job, considering the lack of talent he had around him last season. This is not going to be an easy decision for the Dolphins, but it looks right now that they will go into the season with Beck and McCown, then reevaluate the position next season. Additionally, if Parcells isn’t pleased with the quarterback position going into the draft, the gap between Matt Ryan and then someone like Joe Flacco, isn’t as great as say the difference between Chris Long and Quentin Groves. Chris Long has everything you have as far as a defensive player is concerned, and that will make passing on Ryan a bit easier.

2. St. Louis Rams — Jake Long, Michigan (OT)
Jake Long really appeared to have won over most of the NFL with his strong performance at the NFL Scouting Combine. He put up 37 reps of 225 lbs., clearly solidifying himself as the top offensive tackle in this draft class. Orlando Pace’s days in a Rams uniform may very well be numbered due to injuries, and Alex Barron needs to prove to the NFL that he could avoid penalties. The Rams would, without a doubt, love to have Chris Long at this spot, pairing him with Adam Carriker for a promising defensive line, but they would have no problem settling with Jake Long. This is an impressive offensive tackle class, but it’s not to the point where someone can pass up Jake Long in order to grab a tackle in the second round. A trade down with a team like the Jets is really not out of the picture at this point for the Rams if they want a defensive end.

3. Atlanta Falcons — Matt Ryan, Boston College (QB)
Ryan does not have the talent of a top three prospect, more along the lines of a top ten prospect, but the Falcons need for a quarterback is overwhelming. He has all the tools to make it at the next level, and with Atlanta starting over with a new coach it makes perfect sense to select a quarterback. There’s no question that he loves the game of football, and that he will do everything in his power to better himself as a passer at the next level, which makes him an easy choice for Atlanta, needing a leader at the quarterback position. He will be successful at the next level because of his desire to better himself, but I’m not sure about the clear talent difference between himself and guys like Chad Henne or Joe Flacco.

4. Oakland Raiders — Darren McFadden, Arkansas (RB)
If there’s one thing that Al Davis loves more than a big arm, then it’s speed. After McFadden’s stunning forty, it’s safe to say at this point that if he’s on the board for Oakland, then he’s is as good as in silver and black. A combination of McFadden and JaMarcus Russell in Oakland’s backfield could be the key to success in their future. McFadden will carry some character issues with him to the NFL, but it probably will not influence the Raiders decision, a team that has taken a chance on Randy Moss, Jerry Porter, and Warren Sapp in recent years.

5. Kansas City Chiefs — Glenn Dorsey, LSU (DT)
This isn’t the Chiefs biggest need at this point, that would belong to the offensive line. However, I remind you again, this is a deep class for offensive tackles, and if you’re not getting Jake Long then it really doesn’t matter as long as you’re selecting somebody within reason. Glenn Dorsey hurt his draft stock a bit at the NFL Scouting Combine, but it should be noted that Sedrick Ellis really didn’t do anything to help his draft stock either. The Chiefs, by adding a defensive tackle like Dorsey, could really make their defensive line a force for years to come, with Tamba Hali, Jared Allen, and now Dorsey.

6. New York Jets — Vernon Gholston, Ohio State (DE/OLB)
Following the Jets acquisition of Kris Jenkins, it’s unlikely that they’ll go the route of picking Sedrick Ellis here. That being said, Vernon Gholston would give the Jets the edge pass rusher that they need. Bryan Thomas and Victor Hobson are both upgradeable, as both combined for just 4.5 sacks playing in that edge pash rusher mold. Vernon Gholston is a physical specimen that really impressed NFL teams over at the combine. I’d say at this point the only way the Jets don’t take Gholston is if Jake Long or Darren McFadden fall down to the sixth pick.

7. New England Patriots (f/SF) — Mike Jenkins, USF (CB)
New England traditionally doesn’t do a lot to improve their linebackers through the draft. The Patriots typically build their linebacker depth through the free agent market, by signing veteran players. The loss of Asante Samuel will cause the Patriots to definitely take the best corner available to them with their top pick. They love to develop defensive backs and turn them into all-pro type players. Lastly, anyone who feels that the Patriots should take Ryan Clady really should reflect back on the entire NFL season, not just the Super Bowl. The Patriots offensive line played outstanding football the whole season, and just didn’t play well against the best defense line in football, as if nobody else had problems with the Giants after December.

8. Baltimore Ravens — Brian Brohm, Louisville (QB)
Nobody needs points more than the Ravens do, and Brian Brohm is the right man to put at quarterback when that is considered. Matt Ryan might be the better prospect, but Brohm can light up the scoreboard, and that’s something the Ravens love to hear. The Ravens quarterback situation has been abysmal for quite some time now, and with a new coach coming in this should be one of his first priorities. It would be intriguing to see the Ravens go after a cornerback with their first pick, but they’ve been messing around way too much with their quarterback situation, and might have even wasted an era in which their defense was one of the most dominate in the NFL.

9. Cincinnati Bengals — Sedrick Ellis, USC (DT)
Sedrick Ellis falling to the Bengals here would be a dream come true for Bengals fans. It’s obvious the team needs a defensive tackle after their deal for Shaun Rogers fell through. They can’t possibly go into the season trying to tell their fans that they’re satisfied with their defensive tackle core. The only person that the Bengals would like to have more at this spot would be a big pass rusher such as Vernon Gholston.

10. New Orleans Saints — Leodis McKelvin, Troy (CB)
After losing out on Asante Samuel in free agency, there’s no question that the Saints have to secure one of the top cornerbacks in this draft class, being Jenkins, McKelvin, Aqib Talib, or Dominique Rogers-Cromartie. New Orleans made a great move by bringing in Jonathan Vilma, but with some good cornerbacks added to the mix their defense could be on the cusp of being considered to be one of the best in the NFC, with the caliber of defensive ends they bring to the table on Sunday. McKelvin comes from a small school, but don’t let that fool you. DeMarcus Ware and Osi Umenyiora are both products of Troy.
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Just a little heads up, we’re in the process of completing our sixth mock draft of the year, one that will definitely include atr least two or three rounds. The mock draft is taking into account the recent NFL Scouting Combine as well as the moves by teams in free agency. All I’m going to say at this point is that the top pick is not Glenn Dorsey as it has been in most of our previous mock drafts. Stay tuned.