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2008 NFL Draft Mock Draft
By Pete Fiutak

With the Scouting Combine and free agency period starting to kick in, it's time to start predicting and projecting where the top pro prospects will go. What does every team need? Along with the projections are the three players who make the most sense for each draft slot, within reason.

1. Miami Dolphins - Matt Ryan, QB Boston College
The Dolphins need a ton of new talent and might try to trade down and get several picks, but that's if Bill Parcells is more desperate to win now rather than build a foundation. The team needs a quarterback and can either hope to snag a Colt Brennan or Joe Flacco later on, pray for John Beck to pan out, or go with Matt Ryan.
Three Biggest Needs: QB, OT, DT
The Three Players Who Make The Most Sense: 1) Matt Ryan, QB Boston College; 2) Jake Long, OT Michigan; 3) Glenn Dorsey, DT LSU

2. St. Louis Rams - Chris Long, DE Virginia
It might be tough to sell the fan base on yet another high pick on a defensive lineman, but if Long pans out and is as good as advertised, it'll fill a glaring need for a consistent pass rusher. Addressing the offensive tackle needs will have to be done later on.
Three Biggest Needs: DE, OL, WR
The Three Players Who Make The Most Sense: 1) Jake Long, OT Michigan, 2) Chris Long, DE Virginia, 3) Ryan Clady, OT Boise State

3. Atlanta Falcons - Glenn Dorsey, DT LSU
Do the Falcons try to trade up to get Matt Ryan, stand pat and take Brian Brohm, or try to trade down? If Dorsey falls here, the choice might be made for them. The team needs high-character players, and Dorsey certainly fits.
Three Biggest Needs: QB, DT, OT
The Three Players Who Make The Most Sense: 1) Matt Ryan, QB Boston College, 2) Brian Brohm, QB Louisville, 3) Glenn Dorsey, DT LSU

4. Oakland Raiders - Darren McFadden, RB Arkansas
McFadden isn't a need pick, but Al Davis does like his wow factor. The better move would be to take one of the top offensive tackles, save a little bit of money, and protect the team's franchise, JaMarcus Russell, for the next several years.
Three Biggest Needs: OT, DT, DE
The Three Players Who Make The Most Sense: 1) Jake Long, OT Michigan, 2) Ryan Clady, OT Boise State, 3) Glenn Dorsey, DT LSU

5. Kansas City Chiefs - Jake Long, OT Michigan
The Chiefs have plenty of big needs, and they'll have to take a quarterback at some point, but this might be too high for Brian Brohm. Jake Long or Ryan Clady is the must pick for a line that needs rebuilding.
Three Biggest Needs: QB, OT, CB
The Three Players Who Make The Most Sense: 1) Jake Long, OT Michigan, 2) Ryan Clady, OT Boise State, 3) Brian Brohm, QB Louisville

6. New York Jets - Vernon Gholston, DE Ohio State
Gholston fits the scheme and could be versatile enough to use in several spots. He might not be the best player available here, but he'll go high in a light year for dangerous pass rushers. The Jets would like to go with a pure linebacker or receiver, but there isn't one worthy of the six.
Three Biggest Needs: LB, DT, WR
The Three Players Who Make The Most Sense: 1) Keith Rivers, LB USC, 2) Sedrick Ellis, DT USC, 3) Malcolm Kelly, WR Oklahoma

7. New England Patriots (from San Francisco) - Mike Jenkins, CB South Florida
It would be nice if Gholston slips this far if the Pats think the former Buckeye star can be a hybrid of outside linebacker and end, but with corner help needed even without the Asante Samuel factor kicking in, getting a player like Mike Jenkins or Troy's Leodis McKelvin will be a must.
Three Biggest Needs: CB, LB, RB
The Three Players Who Make The Most Sense: 1) Mike Jenkins, CB South Florida, 2) Leodis McKelvin, CB Troy, 3) Vernon Gholston, DE Ohio State

8. Baltimore Ravens - Sedrick Ellis, DT USC
Baltimore is the biggest wild card of the early first round with several glaring holes to fill. A franchise quarterback would be nice, a lockdown corner is a must, and another inside presence on the defensive line would be nice. If the Ravens don't trade down, it'll likely be a war room battle with USC's Sedrick Ellis and the top corner on the board, either South Florida's Mike Jenkins or Troy's Leodis McKelvin, being considered.
Three Biggest Needs: QB, CB, OT
The Three Players Who Make The Most Sense: 1) Brian Brohm, QB Louisville, 2) Mike Jenkins, CB South Florida, 3) Leodis McKelvin, CB Troy

9. Cincinnati Bengals - Derrick Harvey, DE Florida
The Bengals will hope for Sedrick Ellis to start sliding, and could give some serious thought to one of the top offensive tackles on the board, but Harvey is the pass rusher they would've liked to have taken last year. Don't rule out an attempt to trade down.
Three Biggest Needs: DT, DE, OT
The Three Players Who Make The Most Sense: 1) Sedrick Ellis, DT USC, 2) Derrick Harvey, DE Florida, 3) Kentwan Balmer, DT North Carolina

10. New Orleans Saints - Leodis McKelvin, CB Troy
It's not like there are a slew of top linebacker talent in the first round, and Keith Rivers is a specimen who would be step one in upgrading the defense's biggest problem. Top corners Leodis McKelvin and Mike Jenkins, if available, will also be considered, and help for the interior could also be addressed.
Three Biggest Needs: LB, CB, DT
The Three Players Who Make The Most Sense: 1) Keith Rivers, LB USC, 2) Kentwan Balmer, DT North Carolina, 3) Mike Jenkins, CB South Florida

11. Buffalo Bills - Malcolm Kelly, WR Oklahoma
There's plenty of gabbing going around about the Bills trying to upgrade the receiving corps. That could come later (Lee Evans is better than you think). Beefing up the defense is a bigger problem needing a good tackle, help for the linebacking corps, and a lock-down corner. It could be Leodis McKelvin or Mike Jenkins, if either are available.
Three Biggest Needs: CB, WR, LB
The Three Players Who Make The Most Sense: 1) Mike Jenkins, CB South Florida, 2) Leodis McKelvin, CB Troy, 3) Keith Rivers, LB USC

12. Denver Broncos - Ryan Clady, OT Boise State
Don't discount the possibility of a receiver if the team doesn't believe in Javon Walker anymore. Jay Cutler could use some more weapons. There will still be decent receiver prospects in the second and third rounds, but a chance at getting centerpiece offensive tackle who can move, like Ryan Clady, can't be passed up.
Three Biggest Needs: OT, OG, DT
The Three Players Who Make The Most Sense: 1) Ryan Clady, OT Boise State, 2) Chris Williams, OT Vanderbilt, 3) Kentwan Balmer, DT North Carolina

13. Carolina Panthers - Jeff Otah, OT Pitt
While Otah wouldn't be a good fit for the Denver offense, he'd be an instant starter for Carolina. Brian Brohm will be tempting, but the Panthers can likely get Andre Woodson, Joe Flacco, or Chad Henne in the second round. The team needs to rebuild the offensive foundation first.
Three Biggest Needs: QB, OT, DE
The Three Players Who Make The Most Sense: 1) Ryan Clady, OT Boise State, 2) Jeff Otah, OT Pitt, 3) Brian Brohm, QB Louisville

14. Chicago Bears - Kentwan Balmer, DT North Carolina
What do you get for the team that needs everything? There's no NFL-caliber starting quarterback, if Bernard Berrian is gone, there isn't a No. 2 receiver, much less a No. 1, there isn't a true left tackle, Cedric Benson is a mega-bust, and the defensive line needs reinforcements. The Bears always start with the defense, and it begins with another big tackle to take the heat off Tommie Harris.
Three Biggest Needs: OT, WR, QB
The Three Players Who Make The Most Sense: 1) Kentwan Balmer, DT North Carolina, 2) Brian Brohm, QB Louisville, 3) Rashad Mendenhall, RB Illinois

15. Detroit Lions - Aqib Talib, CB Kansas
Offensive tackle will be considered, a defensive end would be nice, but getting more help for the secondary is vital with the best corner or safety going off the board. The hope will be for Leodis McKelvin or Mike Jenkins to fall this far, but it's probably not going to happen. Talib's versatility will make him a nice pickup somewhere in the top 20.
Three Biggest Needs: CB, OT, S
The Three Players Who Make The Most Sense: 1) Kenny Phillips, S Miami, 2) Aqib Talib, CB Kansas, 3) Jeff Otah, OT Pitt

16. Arizona Cardinals - Jonathan Stewart, RB Oregon
A top corner is a must, an athletic linebacker would be nice, but more firepower for the offense will be the main focus with either Jonathan Stewart or Rashard Mendenhall being groomed as the main back now that Edge James is wearing down.
Three Biggest Needs: CB, RB, LB
The Three Players Who Make The Most Sense: 1) Aqib Talib, CB Kansas, 2) Rashard Mendenhall, RB Illinois, 3) Jonathan Stewart, RB Oregon

17. Minnesota Vikings - Mario Manningham, WR Michigan
Is this the 13th straight year the Vikings are looking for receiver help? Troy Williamson and Sidney Rice are fine, but neither is an NFL No. 1. If Brian Brohm is still on the board, the Tarvaris Jackson experience should come to an abrupt end, but that makes too much sense. With Kenechi Udeze's tragic illness, defensive end suddenly becomes a need as well.
Three Biggest Needs: DE, WR, QB
The Three Players Who Make The Most Sense: 1) Brian Brohm, QB Louisville, 2) Calais Campbell, DE Miami, 3) Phillip Merling, DE Clemson

18. Houston Texans - Rashard Mendenhall, RB Illinois
Assuming the top corners are off the board, a running back going here could be the biggest slam dunk of the draft. Assume Rashard Mendenhall or Jonathan Stewart, whichever one is still available, will be quickly snapped up to become the main man from day one. Ron Dayne and Ahman Green need to be replaced. Watch out for Felix Jones, who might be the best fit for the Texan offense.
Three Biggest Needs: RB, CB, S
The Three Players Who Make The Most Sense: 1) Rashard Mendenhall, RB Illinois, 2) Jonathan Stewart, RB Oregon, 3) Felix Jones, RB Arkansas

19. Philadelphia Eagles - Phillip Merling, DE Clemson
The Eagles might have their choice of several good receivers still on the board, and an offensive tackle would be nice, but getting more pass rushing help will be too attractive to pass up. Merling is a less risky pick than Miami's Calais Campbell.
Three Biggest Needs: WR, DE, OL
The Three Players Who Make The Most Sense: 1) Calais Campbell, DE Miami, 2) Phillip Merling, DE Clemson, 3) Mario Manningham, WR Michigan

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Brian Brohm, QB Louisville
There's actually discussion about going after Rex Grossman to add to Jon Gruden's collection of mediocre quarterbacks. A passer isn't an immediate need, but Jeff Garcia doesn't have much left in the tank and there isn't a top-shelf quarterback to build around. If Brohm manages to last this long, he's be a steal, getting a year to groom behind Garcia. If not, a No. 2 receiver to play on the other side of Joey Galloway could be a lock.
Three Biggest Needs: WR, OT, CB
The Three Players Who Make The Most Sense: 1) Brian Brohm, QB Louisville, 2) Mario Manningham, WR Michigan, 3) Malcolm Kelly, WR Oklahoma

21. Washington Redskins - Calais Campbell, DE Miami
Several wide receivers will be very tempting, especially with a burgeoning QB in Jason Campbell needing pieces to play with, but new head coach Bill Cowher, uh, wait, it's not 2009 yet, uh, Jim Zorn, needs more defensive help. A more polished pass rusher like Phillip Merling or Auburn's Quentin Groves will be in the running.
Three Biggest Needs: WR, DE, OT
The Three Players Who Make The Most Sense: 1) Mario Manningham, WR Michigan, 2) Calais Campbell, DE Miami, 3) Phillip Merling, DE Clemson

22. Dallas Cowboys (from Cleveland) - DeSean Jackson, WR California
It'll be interesting to see how Dallas plays its two first round draft picks. Does it take a chance that a receiver it wants falls to 28? Will the two picks be given away to move up to take Darren McFadden? Will Jerry Jones go after a top tackle to protect the franchise, Tony Romo, here, or at 28? Mr. Simpson also needs more targets.
Three Biggest Needs: WR, OT, CB
The Three Players Who Make The Most Sense: 1) Mario Manningham, WR Michigan, 2) Malcolm Kelly, WR Oklahoma, 3) Sam Baker, OT USC

23. Pittsburgh Steelers - Sam Baker, OT USC
Offensive line, offensive line, offensive line. The Steelers should have their pick of decent tackles, and Virginia's Brandon Albert could be a great pick considering his versatility and potential to play inside or out. Pitt's Jeff Otah could certainly stay at home if he lasts this long.
Three Biggest Needs: OT, OG, RB
The Three Players Who Make The Most Sense: 1) Sam Baker, OT USC, 2) Chris Williams, OT Vanderbilt, 3) Jeff Otah, OT Pitt

24. Tennessee Titans - Fred Davis, TE USC
The Titans have to give Vince Young a chance. A slew of receivers, Limas Sweed of Texas, Michigan's Mario Manningham, Cal's DeSean Jackson, and Oklahoma's Malcolm Kelly would be considered if any are still on the board (assume at least three are gone), so taking the best tight end on the board to give Young a reliable safety valve could help.
Three Biggest Needs: WR, TE, CB
The Three Players Who Make The Most Sense: 1) Fred Davis, TE USC, 2) Mario Manningham, WR Michigan, 3) Malcolm Kelly, WR Oklahoma

25. Seattle Seahawks - Felix Jones, RB Arkansas
There's still a little life left in Shaun Alexander, but not too much. At the very least, the high-octane Seahawk offense, which abandoned the run during a stretch last season out of need, has to bring in a speed back. Getting more offensive tackle help is a must at some point, and beefing up the defensive line will be addressed at some point.
Three Biggest Needs: DT, RB, OT
The Three Players Who Make The Most Sense: 1) Felix Jones, RB Arkansas, 2) Kentwan Balmer, DT North Carolina, 3) Sam Baker, OT USC

26. Jacksonville Jaguars - Kenny Phillips, S Miami
Phillips, the best safety in the draft, isn't likely to slide any further than this. It might be a tough sell to take another first round wide receiver prospect, and there likely won't be any impact pass rushers worthy of going here, outside of possibly Auburn's Quentin Groves.
Three Biggest Needs: WR, S, DE
The Three Players Who Make The Most Sense: 1) Kenny Phillips, S MIami, 2) Early Doucet, WR LSU 3) Quentin Groves, DE Auburn

27. Sam Diego Chargers - Chris Williams, OT Vanderbilt
In a great position to upgrade and strengthen, more than needing to fill any glaring holes, the Chargers will likely get bigger up front. Kentwan Balmer is gone if he lasts this long, but the more likely decision will be between a few offensive tackle prospects. Don't discount the possibility of going with a running back, if they think Michael Turner is gone, or with a receiver to give Phil Rivers more to work with.
Three Biggest Needs: OT, DT, OG
The Three Players Who Make The Most Sense: 1) Kentwan Balmer, DT North Carolina, 2) Chris Williams, OT Vanderbilt, 3) Gosder Cherlius, OT Boston College

28. Dallas Cowboys - Gosder Cherilus, OT Boston College
If Dallas can't move up, it'll likely go with the need pick at the 22 and the best player available pick at 28. If it goes for need, the best offensive tackle still on the board will likely be taken.
Three Biggest Needs: WR, OT, CB
The Three Players Who Make The Most Sense: 1) Chris Williams, OT Vanderbilt, 2) Gosder Cherlius, OT Boston College, 3) Early Doucet, WR LSU

29. San Francisco 49ers - Early Doucet, WR LSU
The offense needs more receivers, more help for Alex Smith, and more difference makers. Doucet isn't the top receiver prospect, but he might be the fastest. An offensive tackle would be a luxury, and a defense end will have to be taken at some point. The best receiver available can't be passed up.
Three Biggest Needs: WR, OT, DE
The Three Players Who Make The Most Sense: 1) Early Doucet, WR LSU, 2) Limas Sweed, WR Texas, 3) James Hardy, WR Indiana

30. Green Bay Packers - John Carlson, TE Notre Dame
The Packers need secondary help and could use another offensive tackle to throw in the rotation. Considering this is Brett Favre's last hurrah, more targets to keep the offense moving could be the call to make another big run at a title. Even so, don't discount the possibility of mortgaging the future, at least a little bit, to move up to snag one of the top corners.
Three Biggest Needs: S, TE, OT
The Three Players Who Make The Most Sense: 1) Fred David, TE USC, 2) John Carlson, TE Notre Dame, 3) Patrick Lee, CB Auburn

31. New England Patriots - No Soup For You
Naughty, naughty. The Pats lose this pick thanks to Spygate.

32. New York Giants - Keith Rivers, LB USC
In a rough year for linebackers, there's no way, no how Rivers will last this long, and it would be a dream come true for a Giant D that could use help on the outside. Oklahoma's Curtis Lofton could slip in here.
Three Biggest Needs: LB, S, OT
The Three Players Who Make The Most Sense: 1) Keith Rivers, LB USC, 2) Gosder Cherlius, OT Boston College, 3) Curtis Lofton, LB Oklahoma

[packerboy]

I don't agree with the Packers pick. We could pick up a TE in round 2-3 (Finley from Texas?) and if DRC is still on the board, we should pounce, the kids' a playmaker. There are probably better bump and run corners avaliable but you can't pass on a talent like this.

Also, S is not really a spot of worry I don't think. Rouse may unseat Nick Collins as FS and Collins could go to CB. Atari Bigby played better towards the end of the season.

[Crowned]

Sam Baker or Otah should fit fine for us.

[Jammin Jaguar]

The Three Players Who Make The Most Sense: 1) Kenny Phillips, S MIami, 2) Early Doucet, WR LSU 3) Quentin Groves, DE Auburn

I'd rearrange this to 1) Quentin Groves, 2) Kenny Phillips, 3) Early Doucet.

I don't think we'll go S if the first round, or a WR... I think it should be locked on a DE.

[Underground Dyer]

A defensive tackle for the Bears?!! This guy is out of his mind!!

[SteveRobWhatever]

Well...outside of Tommie Harris...what do the Bears have at that spot? They just let go of Darwin Walker and Jamie Kennedy isn't the answer there.

I saw what he chose as the Titans needs and was surprised to see CB instead of OG. We have a solid set of CB's in Nick Harper and Cortland Finnegan. The Titans might be losing both starting OG's though (Benji Olsen to retirement, Jacob Bell to free agency). That is a major weakness I think the Titans need to address in the draft.

[Flaxe1]

Agreed with you on this one Packerboy. I'd definitely take a CB in the first round and then maybe a TE/OLB in the second and third line. I think there'd be more than enough good tight ends lefts toward the bottom of the second round.

[KJ3]

another mendenhall vote...at least the guy said "if the top corners are off the board"

mendenhall may very well be our pick, and i would be ecstatic, i just can't see our secondary being passed over...well...you know what i mean...

[dolphindude13]

Yet another mock without Limas Sweed going in the 1st round! Wow, I'd be shocked if that happened and would love Miami to take him if indeed this did happen with the 33rd pick. I love the guy and he would fit nicely opposite of Tedd Ginn Jr.

[King Norse]

I don't understand why so many people have Baltimore picking up a DT when they have arguably one of the best NT in Gregg and a huge, immense space eater in Ngata.

Also, "to fill many glaring needs" (or something along those lines). Where are they? A franchise QB or at least an effective one (which they may already have on their roster, it just isnt obvious yet) and a shut down corner to replace the aging rolle/mcalister, aoart from that, this team is set.

IMO they go corner to fill a glaring need,providing one of them pushes their stock up into a definite top 10 pick. At the moment, I'd say McKelvin and Jenkins need a solid combine to ensure that they get picked that early.