[CBFF] Never too early for a mock draft

Thu Dec 6 13:29:04 MST 2007

Never too early!  :)  

-----Original Message-----
From: cbff-bounces at chicagobearsfanforum.com
[mailto:cbff-bounces at chicagobearsfanforum.com] On Behalf Of Kenny Claxton
Sent: Thursday, December 06, 2007 2:06 PM
To: post at chicagobearsfanforum.com
Subject: Re: [CBFF] Never too early for a mock draft

Much too early for a mock draft.

On 12/6/07, Jerry Madsen <jerrywm at gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Underclassmen dominate first mock draft
>
> By Todd McShay
> Scouts Inc.
> (Archive)
> Insider
>
> Updated: December 6, 2007, 1:54 PM ET
>
> In the first of many mock drafts to come, a few things jumped out. The
> first is that New England, which was forced to forfeit its 32nd pick,
> made out just fine by having San Francisco's pick, which the Pats
> received in a draft-day trade last April and right now is the second
> overall. That means there will be high drama; Bill Belichick and Co.
> will have to decide whether to take Darren McFadden or trade down as
> the Patriots look to continue their run of great drafts.
>
> Another thing is the abundance of underclassmen here (they're the ones
> with the * next to their name). Just to be clear, we never promote
> juniors leaving early, but it's a fact of life that they do. So
> instead of ignoring it, we add those players who belong in the first
> round. Obviously, there are lot of decisions to be made between now
> and Jan. 15 -- the early entry deadline -- as the process goes on and
> players officially declare their intentions, we'll adjust the mock
> draft accordingly. But for now, 16 of the 31 picks are underclassmen.
>
> A couple other notes:
>
> LSU's Glenn Dorsey would become the first defensive tackle selected
> No. 1 overall since Cincinnati took Dan Wilkinson first in 1994.
>
> A case of mock draft vs. my personal rankings jumps out with Atlanta
> taking Brian Brohm. I think Boston College's Matt Ryan is the best QB
> prospect, but Atlanta would take Brohm based on his ties with his
> former coach at Louisville Bobby Petrino.
>
> Finally, while Atlanta and St. Louis and Oakland and Kansas City would
> flip a coin to determine their slot based on being tied in record and
> opponents winning percentage, the players they are projected to take
> wouldn't change.
>
> Remember, this is the first of many mock drafts and things will change
> as we move closer to the 2008 draft, but if the draft were today,
> here's how it would shake out.
>
> NFL Mock Draft
>
> 1. Miami Dolphins
> Current record: 0-12
> Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: OT, OG, DT
> Projected pick: Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
> One of the Dolphins' top priorities is to upgrade the talent level
> along the offensive and defensive lines with an injection of youth.
> Dorsey played most of the second half of the season with a minor knee
> injury and a back injury and was still the most disruptive defensive
> tackle in the country. He should be ready to contribute immediately in
> the NFL.
>
> 2. New England Patriots (from 3-9 San Francisco)
> Current record: 12-0
> Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: ILB, CB, OLB
> Projected pick: Darren McFadden*, RB, Arkansas
> This hardly seems fair. The league's best team lands the draft's top
> talent -- or strikes another lucrative draft-day deal for him. Both
> McFadden and Laurence Maroney split carries in college. A two-back
> rotation would make both last longer, not to mention the possibilities
> for an offense already overloaded with talent.
>
> 3. New York Jets
> Current record: 3-9
> Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: WR, NT, ILB
> Projected pick: James Laurinaitis*, ILB, Ohio State
>
> There simply is not a wide receiver to get excited about with the
> third overall pick and USC DT Sedrick Ellis is not a good fit as a
> two-gap NT in this scheme. McFadden should be the pick, if he falls to
> the Jets, but in this scenario, Laurinaitis makes the most sense. He
> would solidify the linebacker corps next to another young talent in
> David Harris (2nd round pick in '07). Michigan OT Jake Long is a
> possibility, as well.
>
> 4. Atlanta Falcons
> Current record: 3-9
> Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: QB, OL, DT
> Projected pick: Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville
> It almost makes too much sense. The Falcons, in desperate need of a
> franchise quarterback in the wake of the Michael Vick mess, use their
> first-round selection on a signal-caller who played for current
> Atlanta head coach Bobby Petrino at Louisville from 2004-06.
>
> 5. St. Louis Rams
> Current record: 3-9
> Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: OT, CB, DE
> Projected pick: Jake Long, OT, Michigan
> The season-ending injury to perennial Pro Bowl tackle Orlando Pace and
> the Rams' overall poor play along the offensive line this season make
> Long a real possibility with this pick. He is unquestionably the most
> dominant offensive-line prospect in the 2008 class.
>
> 6. Cincinnati Bengals
> Current record: 4-8
> Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: DT, LB, OT
> Projected pick: Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
> It would be tough to pass on DE Chris Long, but the Bengals have a
> much bigger need for interior help. Ellis is a quick, tough and
> relentless defensive tackle. He has the potential to disrupt plays in
> the backfield while occupying blocks, which would make the Bengals'
> entire front-seven better.
>
> 7. Oakland Raiders
> Current record: 4-8
> Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: OL, WR, DL
> Projected pick: Chris Long, DE, Virginia
> Outside of McFadden, there isn't a player I value more in the 2008
> class than Chris Long. He plays the game with rare passion and nearly
> flawless technique. In addition to controlling blockers as a 3-4 end
> in college, Long also disengages from blocks and makes big play after
> big play. The fact that he finished the regular season with 14 sacks
> playing in that scheme tells you all you need to know about his talent
> and motor. Raider Nation would certainly welcome another Long with
> open arms.
>
> 8. Kansas City Chiefs
> Current record: 4-8
> Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: OL, WR, CB
> Projected pick: Ryan Clady*, OT, Boise State
> Clady only makes sense here if Chiefs QB Brodie Croyle makes strides
> during the final few weeks of the season. If not, QB Matt Ryan would
> have to be a possibility with this pick. Clady is still improving his
> strength but he possesses impressive feet to go along with his
> enormous wingspan.
>
> 9. Baltimore Ravens
> Current record: 4-8
> Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: QB, CB, LB
> Projected pick: Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
> Ryan is the top quarterback prospect in the 2008 class. In this
> scenario, the Ravens would send a thank-you letter to the Falcons and
> gladly take Ryan with the ninth overall selection.
>
> 10. New Orleans Saints
> Current record: 5-7
> Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: MLB, TE, DT
> Projected pick: Keith Rivers, LB, USC
> This is a bit high for Rivers, but the Saints need linebacker help and
> could fall in love with his leadership and tempo. Rivers could
> possibly play inside in the NFL, but his more natural fit is on the
> weakside. Regardless, he is a first-round talent with very good
> instincts, quickness and tackling skills.
>
> 11. Houston Texans
> Current record: 5-7
> Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: DB, OG, RB
> Projected pick: Malcolm Jenkins*, DB, Ohio State
> Jenkins spends most of his time in soft-zone coverage at both corner
> and safety at Ohio State. It's unlikely he will ever emerge as a
> shutdown man-to-man cover corner in the NFL, but Jenkins is a ball
> hawk with excellent size and straight-line speed. His versatility
> could help solidify the Texans' secondary.
>
> 12. Denver Broncos
> Current record: 5-7
> Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: OL, DT, S
> Projected pick: Kenny Phillips*, S, Miami (Fla.)
> Phillips had a substandard season, and it would say a lot about his
> character if he returns to Miami for his senior season and take on a
> leadership role. On the flip side, Phillips is likely to be the top
> safety selected if he bolts school early for the 2008 draft. Denver is
> aging at the position, making it one of Phillips' potential
> first-round landing spots. His speed and athleticism would be a good
> complement to the Broncos' existing group of comparatively slow-footed
> tough guys.
>
> 13. Carolina Panthers
> Current record: 5-7
> Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: QB, WR, DE
> Projected pick: Andre Woodson, QB, Kentucky
> Woodson has the size, arm strength and accuracy as a passer to develop
> into a good starter in the NFL. Some teams will be concerned about his
> occasional lapses in decision-making and lack of mobility. However, I
> would consider the Panthers fortunate if Woodson drops to them at No.
> 13 overall. In this scenario, Woodson would be the third and final
> quarterback off the board in the first round, leaving the Bears to
> adjust their plans quickly.
>
> 14. Chicago Bears
> Current record: 5-7
> Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: QB, OT, S
>
> Projected pick: Mike Jenkins, DB, South Florida
> If the team can't get one of the top three quarterbacks, it likely
> will look for help along the offensive line and at safety. Jenkins
> plays mostly corner at South Florida but he may be a better fit at
> free safety in the NFL. Regardless, Jenkins has excellent speed and
> ball skills for his size. He has shown much better discipline and
> technique as a senior, which is why he is shooting up many NFL draft
> boards.
>
> 15. Philadelphia Eagles
> Current record: 5-7
> Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: OT, S, WR
> Projected pick: DeSean Jackson*, WR, Cal
> Sam Baker would be a possibility, but will the Eagles really take
> another USC tackle considering Winston Justice's struggles thus far?
> >From my vantage point, Jackson would be tough to pass on here if he
> leaves following a disappointing junior season at Cal. Sure, critics
> will attack Jackson for being lean and struggling to stay healthy. But
> none of his injuries project to have long-term ramifications. Plus,
> he's a better pure wide receiver than Ted Ginn Jr. (picked by Miami
> No. 10 overall in 2007) and Jackson is just as explosive in the return
> game.
>
> 16. Washington Redskins
> Current record: 5-7
> Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: WR, DE, S
> Projected pick: Derrick Harvey*, DE, Florida
> Harvey could use another season in Gainesville to improve his bulk and
> strength, but don't count on him returning. The 6-foot-4, 255-pound
> junior notched 17.5 sacks the past two seasons and will wow scouts
> with his speed and athleticism during workouts. Harvey could upgrade
> the Redskins' perimeter pass rush immediately.
>
> 17. Arizona Cardinals
> Current record: 6-6
> Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: OT, DT, RB
> Projected pick: Sam Baker, OT, USC
> Baker has the feet and balance of a future Pro Bowl left tackle.
> Unfortunately, he is neither aggressive nor strong enough to start in
> the NFL right now. Depending on how many underclassmen come out,
> Arizona could have more to choose from with this pick -- at both the
> offensive and defensive tackle positions.
>
> 18. Buffalo Bills
> Current record: 6-6
> Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: TE, CB, OLB
> Projected pick: Ali Highsmith, LB, LSU
> Paul Posluszny, Buffalo's second-round pick in 2007, showed lots of
> promise prior to his season-ending injury. The Bills, however, could
> still use help at the position even if Posluszny returns to form.
> Cornerback and tight end are bigger needs, but Highsmith is rated
> higher than the next-best prospect at either position. Highsmith
> possesses the athleticism and speed to emerge as a playmaking starter
> in the NFL, but only if his bulk and recognition skills improve.
>
> 19. Minnesota Vikings
> Current record: 6-6
> Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: DE, S, C
> Projected pick: Calais Campbell*, DE, Miami (Fla.)
> Yes, it's true. The Vikings are really in the market for another
> first-round defensive end. Campbell is first-round material despite
> failing to live up to expectations in 2007. Sure, he could improve his
> stock to the top-10 range by returning to school and maximizing his
> talents as a senior. Though something tells me an athletic 6-7,
> 285-pound end with 4.7-speed and 17 sacks the past two seasons won't
> slip far -- even if he's not fully developed.
>
> 20. Detroit Lions
> Current record: 6-6
> Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: OT, CB, TE
> Projected pick: Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh
> It looks like the Lions will be selecting outside of the top 10 for
> the first time since 2001. Now the trick is to find quality players
> this far down the line. Otah is a late-rising prospect from Nigeria
> with quick feet for such a massive frame. Otah will take some time to
> develop but he might be worth the wait.
>
> 21. Dallas Cowboys (from 7-5 Cleveland)
> Current record: 11-1
> Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: S, OT, WR
> Projected pick: Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
> Sweed is the most naturally gifted receiver in the 2008 class if
> healthy. Unfortunately, the homegrown product's senior season was cut
> short by a wrist injury. Although durability is a concern, some team
> could get a steal in the bottom-half of the first round if Sweed
> returns to form as expected. Owner Jerry Jones has never been one to
> shy away from risks.
>
> 22. Tennessee Titans
> Current record: 7-5
> Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: WR, DT, CB
> Projected pick: Malcolm Kelly*, WR, Oklahoma
> The Titans need to surround franchise quarterback Vince Young with
> better perimeter weapons. Young may be forced to befriend a Sooner if
> his former teammate, Sweed, is off the board. Kelly could use another
> season of polishing but word out of Norman is the 6-4, 220-pound
> glider will take his chances in the upcoming NFL draft.
>
> 23. San Diego Chargers
> Current record: 7-5
> Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: ILB, DL, RB
> Projected pick: Rey Maualuga*, ILB, USC
> Maualuga is finishing strong as a junior. He publicly stated he plans
> on returning to Southern California next fall, but Maualuga wouldn't
> be the first to renege on such a promise. A strong showing at the
> combine could catapult the 250-pound middle linebacker into the
> top-half of the first round.
>
> 24. Seattle Seahawks
> Current record: 8-4
> Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: OL, S, TE
> Projected pick: Jonathan Stewart*, RB, Oregon
> The Seahawks have some tough questions to ponder at the running back
> position in the upcoming offseason. Will Shaun Alexander return to
> form? Can Maurice Morris be the full-time load-carrier if not? Stewart
> has yet to indicate his intentions but it wouldn't be a bit surprising
> if he followed QB Dennis Dixon out of Eugene. Stewart has the
> versatility, power and burst to thrive in coach Mike Holmgren's
> system.
>
> 25. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
> Current record: 8-4
> Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: OT, CB, OLB
> Projected pick: Aqib Talib*, DB, Kansas
> Talib is a versatile athlete with the size, toughness and ball skills
> to fit well in the Tampa 2. Who knows, maybe coach Jon Gruden would
> get him some time at wide receiver like Mark Mangino did at Kansas.
>
> 26. New York Giants
> Current record: 8-4
> Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: OLB, OT, DB
> Projected pick: Dan Connor, LB, Penn State
> Connor is a bit overrated, but the Giants would be getting a solid
> value on him at No. 26 overall. Connor moved inside to middle
> linebacker as a senior but it seems his better fit in the NFL will be
> at the Will (weakside linebacker) position.
>
> 27. Jacksonville Jaguars
> Current record: 8-4
> Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: WR, OLB, S
> Projected pick: Vernon Gholston*, DE/OLB, Ohio State
> This would have to be worst-case scenario for Gholston, who has 21.5
> sacks the past two seasons, including eight in his last four outings.
> Gholston is a bit undersized but he is powerfully built with
> above-average speed. The Jaguars would jump at the opportunity to
> select the junior here, even if end is not a top priority.
>
> 28. Pittsburgh Steelers
> Current record: 9-3
> Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: OL, WR, S
> Projected pick: Michael Oher*, OT, Mississippi
> The Steelers should use this picks to upgrade their offensive line.
> Oher is reportedly on the fence in regards to staying in school or
> turning pro. Should he leave early, Oher has all the physical tools a
> team looks for in a potential starting left tackle. He comes with some
> baggage, though, and his technique still needs polishing.
>
> 29. Green Bay Packers
> Current record: 10-2
> Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: RB, S, OL
> Projected pick: Felix Jones*, RB, Arkansas
> Ryan Grant has been a nice story this season but the Packers can't
> count on him as its premier back moving forward. The verdict is still
> out on rookie Brandon Jackson, who has failed to meet expectations so
> far. A proven veteran would be ideal but Jones has proven capable of
> contributing as a complementary weapon. He brings world-class speed to
> the table as a runner, receiver and return specialist.
>
> San Francisco 49ers (from 10-2 Indianapolis)
> Current record: 3-9
> Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: WR, OL, S
> Projected pick: Early Doucet, WR, LSU
> Obviously, the 49ers would like to have that No. 2 pick back from the
> Patriots, but they'll have to make due with the 30th pick. Doucet has
> been bothered by a nagging groin injury, which prevented him from
> emerging as a reliable No. 1 weapon at LSU this fall. But a couple
> fast 40 times and a big week at the Senior Bowl could help affirm his
> big-play potential for NFL decision-makers.
>
> 31. Dallas Cowboys
> Current record: 11-1
> Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: S, OT, WR
> Projected pick: Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College
> The Cowboys can use this pick to bolster their offensive line depth
> after selecting a wide receiver (Sweed) earlier in the round. Cherilus
> has struggled in his first year on the left side and in a new system.
> A team patient enough to rebuild his confidence -- which probably
> includes moving him back to ROT -- could reap the rewards.
>
> New England Patriots
> Current record: 12-0
> Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: ILB, CB, OLB
> Projected pick: Pick forfeited.
>
> Todd McShay is the director of college football scouting for Scouts
> Inc. He has been evaluating prospects for the NFL draft since 1998.
>
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