7:55 P.M. - We’re going to conclude our live blog for the first day with Philadelphia finally getting their wide receiver/kick returner. Enjoy the rest of the draft.

7:42 P.M. - Philly on the clock for the third time today. Expecting either Carl Nicks, Anthony Collins, or DeSean Jackson here…

7:39 P.M. - Chad Henne just ripped apart the Rams organization in an interview with ESPN, saying that the Rams were going to trade up ahead of the Dolphins and take Henne with the 29th pick. Henne and Brohm have to be coming off the board soon, they’re way too talented to be on the board for this long.

7:37 P.M. - Cincinnati has a lot of different directions where they could go with this pick; WR, RB, OT, DT, or even DE.

7:31 P.M. - Matt Forte over Ray Rice? Doesn’t make much sense unless the Bears were scared off by how many times Rice carried the ball in his past years.

7:28 P.M. - Bears should go either Brohm or Henne here. Wouldn’t be surprising to then see Calais Campbell go to the Lions, and somebody like Pat Sims or Marcus Harrison to the Bengals.

7:25 P.M. - Philly deals their second pick to the Vikings.

7:17 P.M - The Bills look brilliant passing up a wide receiver in the first round, and now drafting James Hardy in the second round. He’s going to be that big target that Trent Edwards will look to in the red zone. Solid draft by the Bills so far going with Leodis McKelvin and James Hardy. Denver on the clock.

7:07 P.M. - San Francisco goes out and gets Chilo Rachal to upgrade the line. Solid pick by them after going with Kentwan Balmer in the first. They’re definitely upgrading their team building from the inside-out, which is the way you have to win in today’s game.

6:56 P.M. - Curtis Lofton to the Falcons. If I’m a Falcons fan, I would have preferred another Sooner in Reggie Smith.

6:52 P.M. - Jordy Nelson, arguably the most productive wide receiver in this class, will become a nice new target for new quarterback Aaron Rogers.

6:47 P.M. - The Chiefs got a fantastic pick in Brandon Flowers here. I’m loving the Chiefs draft so far. They are really setting themselves up well for the future.

6:45 P.M. - Donnie Avery becomes the first wide receiver off the board. What!?! Donnie Avery!?! Lets get serious here. Malcolm Kelly, Devin Thomas, Limas Sweed, DeSean Jackson, and Donnie Avery is better than all of them? This might not be the best wide receiver class , but you can’t try to say Avery is the best one on the board.

6:43 P.M. - Took a bit of a break from the live blogging but I’m back to discover that the Jets have moved up for Dustin Keller, and the Cowboys have traded up for Mike Jenkins. Dolphins also got a good value in Phillip Merling Read the rest of this entry »

1. Miami Dolphins — Jake Long, Michigan (OT)
Already signed. In my opinion, Tony Sparano wanted to show he has a voice in what this team does and it is not Parcells that calls all the shots. Long should play a major role in bringing the Dolphins out of football mediocrity. They seem to have an offensive line to move forward with.

2. St. Louis Rams — Chris Long, Virginia (DE)
The Rams have the easiest job in the draft. They simply just take whichever Long the Dolphins elect to pass on. They could use an upgrade at either position, so it shouldn’t be a problem for them taking either one. Selecting Chris Long would allow the Rams to put together their defensive line for the future, with himself and Adam Carriker at defensive tackle.

3. Atlanta Falcons — Glenn Dorsey, Louisiana State (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 — Matt Ryan, Boston College (QB)
By trading Jared Allen, the Chiefs appear to be entering a rebuilding phase. Brodie Croyle didn’t get it done last season with weapons such Dwayne Bowe, Larry Johnson, and Tony Gonzalez. Matt Ryan has established himself as the top quarterback in this draft class. Additionally, the Chiefs sent a fleet of coaches to view Matt Ryan practice at his pro-day. The team could address other needs with the picks they got from the Vikings in the Jared Allen trade. This pick just makes sense all around.

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 2007 rush offense.

7. New England Patriots — Brendan Albert, Virginia (OT/OG)
The Patriots offensive line struggled in the Super Bowl last season to contain the Giants defensive line. Ultimately, this is what prevented the team from finishing a historic 19-0. Brendan Albert is not going to carry a big price tag with him being the seventh pick. He won’t demand nearly as much money as Sedrick Ellis or Leodis McKelvin. Also, the Patriots should try to eventually move Matt Light to the guard position. He is much more suited for that position, and drafting Albert would be the first step in making that transition.

8. Baltimore Ravens — Leodis McKelvin, Troy (CB)
Matt Ryan would be the preferred pick here for the Ravens, but unfortunately for them he is off the board at this point. They will now look to upgrade their defense, specifically their aging cornerback corps. Chris McAllister and Samari Rolle are both on the wrong side of 30, and their is little depth behind the two.

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. Keith Rivers might be possible here, but Ellis is a much better value.

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)
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 and Malcolm Kelly’s health. 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. Originally this was considered to be a reach, but Devin Thomas has really done some work to improve upon his draft stock.

12. Denver Broncos — Ryan Clady, Boise State (OT)
After Matt Lepsis unexpectedly announced his retirement, it opened up a big whole at left tackle for the Broncos. Clady is the best available offensive tackle at this spot, and he really is a good value for the Broncos here with the twelfth pick. Drafting a running back is a possibility, but the Broncos know who to draft when it comes in terms of running backs, and it doesn’t necessarily have to be in the first round.

13. Carolina Panthers — Derrick Harvey, Florida (DE)
Julius Peppers did not live up to expectations in 2007, and the Panthers really could use another defensive end after the retirement of Mike Rucker. Not much else to say here other than Harvey, with his athleticism, should flourish on the other side of Peppers.

14. Chicago Bears — Jeff Otah, Pittsburgh (OT)
Offensive tackle is 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 — Rashard Mendenhall, Illinois (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. Mendenhall is a fantastic back who would be an upgrade over what the team has. The Lions 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 »

We’re going to start wrapping up our pre-draft coverage as the draft is only a few short days away. The final mock draft will be put out tomorrow night, so be sure to check back either that night or Saturday morning for our updated mock. Below is the final position rankings for this year.

Just a few short notes before I get to them. Right now, I’m thinking that the guys over at WalterFootball.com hit the nail on the head with the Rams pick. This is a smokescreen if I ever saw one. There’s a number of teams that would love to jump to the second pick, and I’m not sure if the Rams are all that happy with the second pick. They have needs across the board, and it wouldn’t surprise me to see them slid down the draft board a little bit to pick up an addition pick(s). This pick determines the entire draft, but as of right now I’m thinking this is a smokescreen. Then again, my opinion on this pick could change tomorrow at this time. That is how ridiculous the draft has been to this point.

So which teams would be interested in trading up? The New Orleans Saints for one, would try and secure one of the elite defensive tackles. The list doesn’t end there. I would also expect the New York Jets to make some noise and try to land one of the picks ahead of the Raiders. There is an extremely possible scenario out there in which the Jets would be in an uncomfortable position at number six (2 - C. Long, 3 - Dorsey, 4 - McFadden, 5 - Gholston). The only reason the Jets shouldn’t be active in trying to acquire the Saints pick, would be that if they feel the Chiefs would either (A) trade down to a team that wants Matt Ryan or (B) take Matt Ryan themselves. Another potential suitor for the second pick would be the Baltimore Ravens, but I’m not sure if they want to give up a lot of picks while having the premium of paying quarterback money to a top three pick.

And now onto the position rankings:

Quarterback (Class Grade: B+)

1. Matt Ryan, Boston College
2. Joe Flacco, Delaware
3. Brian Brohm, Louisville
4. Chad Henne, Michigan
5. John David Booty, Southern California
6. Josh Johnson, San Diego
7. Erik Ainge, Tennessee
8. Andre’ Woodson, Kentucky
9. Dennis Dixon, Oregon
10. Kevin O’Connell, San Diego State
Read the rest of this entry »

These rankings are FINAL. Our last mock draft will be released on Friday, April 25th. Probably that night some time. I’m debating about whether or not to do a live blog during the draft, so let me know if you would like to have one. Also, on Thursday, I’ll be putting out the last position rankings to reflect the top 100 that is seen below. Once again, this is the last time we will be during a top 100 board before the draft, these rankings are FINAL.

1. Chris Long, Virginia (DE)
2. Glenn Dorsey, LSU (DT)
3. Matt Ryan, Boston College (QB)
4. Darren McFadden, Arkansas (RB)
5. Vernon Gholston, Ohio State (DE/OLB)
6. Jake Long, Michigan (OT)
7. Sedrick Ellis, USC (DT)
8. Ryan Clady, Boise State (OT)
9. Keith Rivers, USC (LB)
10. Brendan Albert, Virginia (OG/OT)
11. Leodis McKelvin, Troy (CB/KR)
12. Mike Jenkins, South Florida (CB)
13. Rashard Mendenhall, Illinois (RB)
14. Devin Thomas, Michigan State (WR/KR)
15. Chris Williams, Vanderbilt (OT)
16. Dominique Rogers-Cromartie, Tennessee State (CB)
17. Jeff Otah, Pittsburgh (OT)
18. Derrick Harvey, Florida (DE)
19. Jonathan Stewart, Oregon (RB)
20. Jerod Mayo, Tennessee (ILB)
21. Felix Jones, Arkansas (RB/KR)
22. Phillip Merling, Clemson (DE)
23. Aqib Talib, Kansas (CB)
24. Kenny Phillips, Miami (S)
25. Brandon Flowers, Virginia Tech (CB)
26. Quentin Groves, Auburn (DE/OLB)
27. Joe Flacco, Delaware (QB)
28. Kentwan Balmer, North Carolina (DT)
29. Limas Sweed, Texas (WR)
30. Reggie Smith, Oklahoma (DB)
31. Brian Brohm, Louisville (QB)
32. Dan Connor, Penn State (ILB)
33. Justin King, Penn State (CB)
34. DaJuan Morgan, North Carolina State (S)
35. Gosder Cherilus, Boston College (OT)
36. Tyrell Johnson, Arkansas State (S)
37. Malcolm Kelly, Oklahoma (WR)
38. Trevor Laws, Notre Dame (DT)
39. Calais Campbell, Miami (DE)
40. DeSean Jackson, California (WR/KR)
41. Sam Baker, USC (OT)
42. Dustin Keller, Purdue (TE)
43. Tracy Porter, Indiana (CB)
44. Carl Nicks, Nebraska (OT/OG)
45. Chris Johnson, East Carolina (RB)
46. Lawrence Jackson, USC (DE)
47. James Hardy, Indiana (WR)
48. Chad Henne, Michigan (QB)
49. Chris Ellis, Virginia Tech (DE)
50. Cliff Avril, Purdue (DE/OLB)

51. Anthony Collins, Kansas (OT)
52. Curtis Lofton, Oklahoma (ILB)
53. Pat Sims, Auburn (DT)
54. Xavier Adibi, Virginia Tech (OLB)
55. Marcus Harrison, Arkansas (DT)
56. Mario Manningham, Michigan (WR)
57. Ray Rice, Rutgers (RB)
58. Chilo Rachal, USC (OG)
59. Patrick Lee, Auburn (CB)
60. Duane Brown, Virginia Tech (OT)
61. Jeremy Zuttah, Rutgers (OG/OT)
62. Charles Godfrey, Iowa (CB/S)
63. Jordy Nelson, Kansas State (WR)
64. Ali Highsmith, LSU (OLB)
65. Fred Davis, USC (TE)
66. Ahtyba Rubin, Iowa State (DT)
67. DeMario Pressley, North Carolina State (DT)
68. Erin Henderson, Maryland (OLB)
69. Antoine Cason, Arizona (CB/KR)
70. Tavares Gooden, Miami (OLB)
71. Roy Schuening, Oregon State (OG)
72. Early Doucet, LSU (WR)
73. Jason Jones, Eastern Michigan (DE)
74. Geno Hayes, Florida State (ILB)
75. Andre Caldwell, Florida (WR)
76. Josh Barrett, Arizona State (S)
77. Beau Bell, UNLV (ILB)
78. Martellus Bennett, Texas A & M (TE)
79. Jamaal Charles, Texas (RB)
80. Eric Young, Tennessee (OG)
81. Jack Ikegwuonu, Wisconsin (CB)
82. Chevis Jackson, LSU (CB)
83. Marcus Griffin, Texas (S)
84. Oniel Cousins, UTEP (OT)
85. Red Bryant, Texas A & M (DT)
86. John David Booty, USC (QB)
87. John Carlson, Notre Dame (TE)
88. John Greco, Toledo (OG)
89. Jordon Dizon, Colorado (OLB)
90. Mike Pollak, Arizona State (C)
91. Eddie Royal, Virginia Tech (WR)
92. Jermichael Finley, Texas (TE)
93. Earl Bennett, Vanderbilt (WR)
94. Thomas DeCoud, California (S)
95. Wesley Woodyard, Kentucky (OLB)
96. Craig Steltz, LSU (S)
97. Donnie Avery, Houston (WR)
98. Frank Okam, Texas (DT)
99. John Sullivan, Notre Dame (C/OG)
100. Dre Moore, Maryland (DT)

The draft is only a couple weeks away, as we will start to reveal updated position rankings as the stock of prospects rise and fall. As many have already noticed, we’ve done away explanations for the second and third round of our latest mock draft. This is because we want to keep the mock updated as much as possible as the draft nears, writing explanations for the second and third rounds only take up time. If you are concerned with who we have your favorite team drafting, please comment on the mock and I will provide an explanation via comment. The following is the latest rankings for the offensive players for the draft:

Quarterback (Class Grade: B+)

1. Matt Ryan, Boston College
2. Brian Brohm, Louisville
3. Joe Flacco, Delaware
4. Chad Henne, Michigan
5. John David Booty, Southern California
6. Andre’ Woodson, Kentucky
7. Erik Ainge, Tennessee
8. Dennis Dixon, Oregon
9. Josh Johnson, San Diego
10. Kevin O’Connell, San Diego State

Read the rest of this entry »

1. Miami Dolphins — Jake Long, Michigan (OT)
Currently, it appears the Dolphins will go after either Jake Long, Vernon Gholston, or Chris Long. For whatever reason, there are some that are speculating that Chris Long will not be the top pick in this draft. To be perfectly blunt, Jake Long does fit a bigger need for the Dolphins at this point. In my opinion, Tony Sparano wants to show he has a voice in what this team does and it is not Parcells that calls all the shots. He could do so by convincing upper management to go after an offensive tackle. This pick is far from being set in stone, but right now I’m feeling Jake Long will be the top guy off the board. Don’t be surprised to see this top position change to either Vernon Gholston or Chris Long in the coming days to the draft.

2. St. Louis Rams — Chris Long, Virginia (DE)
The Rams have the easiest job in the draft. They simply just take whichever Long the Dolphins elect to pass on. They could use an upgrade at either position, so it shouldn’t be a problem for them taking either one. The problem would arise if the Dolphins go after Vernon Gholston, in which case the Rams would have to put themselves in the Dolphins position and decide to pick either Chris or Jake Long. Selecting Chris Long would allow the Rams to put together their defensive line for the future, with himself and Adam Carriker at defensive tackle.

3. Atlanta Falcons — Glenn Dorsey, Louisiana State (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 2007 rush offense.

7. New England Patriots — Keith Rivers, Southern California (ILB)
Keith Rivers has been flying up draft boards recently, and he it now looks like a good chance he could very well be suiting up for the Patriots. Rivers has the versatility to play any of the linebacker positions for the Patriots, but would be appealing to them providing depth at the middle linebacker position. During the off-season, the Patriots went out and got Fernando Bryant and Jason Webster. The team drafted Brandon Meriweather last year, who does have some potential to play cornerback. Additionally, the Patriots have a history of developing cornerbacks. They drafted Asante Samuel in the forth round to develop him into a Pro-Bowl cornerback, and current starter Ellis Hobbs got drafted in the third round. It wouldn’t be too suprising to see the Patriots get Rivers here in the first, in a relatively weak outside linebacker corps then grab a corner in the second or third.

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. Keith Rivers might be possible here, but Ellis is a much better value.

10. New Orleans Saints — Leodis McKelvin, Troy (CB)
Everybody saw what happens (via Eagles game late last year) when Mike McKenzie goes down. The Saints have to avoid that happening in the future by acquiring better corners. McKelvin has the ability to be a true shut-down corner in the NFL, a role he flourished in at Troy. Leodis McKelvin had a strong performance at the Senior Bowl practices. They went out to get Aaron Glenn and Randall Gay, but the team could still use an upgrade at the cornerback spot. New Orleans would much rather have Keith Rivers in this spot, or Sedrick Ellis, but they would have to settle on a corner.

11. Buffalo Bills — Devin Thomas, Michigan State (WR)
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 and Malcolm Kelly’s health. 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. Originally this was considered to be a reach, but Devin Thomas has really done some work to improve upon his draft stock.

12. Denver Broncos — Brendan Albert, Virginia (OT/OG)
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. It’s safe to say that the Broncos will use this pick in order to upgrade their offensive line. Brendan Albert has been rising, fast, up a lot of draft boards. He has a chance to go to Buffalo one pick above this, and even a shot at going to Cincinnati at the ninth spot. He has the versatility to play any position along the offensive line with the exception of center, and will prove to be very valuable because of that. He has long arms and will be a great pass blocker at the next level.

13. Carolina Panthers — Chris Williams, Vanderbilt (OT)
Carolina re-signed Travelle Wharton this past off-season, but he will figure to be a guard in the Panthers’ offensive plans for the future. Jordan Gross received the franchise tag this past off-season, so he will become an unrestricted free agent after next season. The Panthers have a promising offensive line, but Jeremy Bridges can be upgraded at the right tackle spot. Williams could be a good pass blocker at the next level, pairing him along with Jordan Gross could give the Panthers two tackles to move forward with in the future.

14. Chicago Bears — Jeff Otah, Pittsburgh (OT)
Offensive tackle is 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 — Jerod Mayo, Tennessee (ILB)
Detroit has tried to go after a number of different inside linebackers in the past two seasons. They’ve inquired about Jonathan Vilma a few months ago, and they’ve tried to lure Al Wilson to the team in recent years. All attempts have failed, and now the Lions seem to be content with settling for Jerod Mayo. Read the rest of this entry »