-Round 1
1. Miami Dolphins: OT Jake Long, Michigan
2. St. Louis Rams: DE Chris Long, Virginia
3. Atlanta Falcons: DT Glenn Dorsey, Louisiana St.
4. Oakland Raiders: RB Darren McFadden, Arkansas
5. Kansas City Chiefs: OT Ryan Clady, Boise St.
6. New York Jets: LB Vernon Gholston, Ohio St.
7. New England Patriots (f/SF): LB Keith Rivers, Southern California
8. Baltimore Ravens: CB Leodis McKelvin, Troy
9. Cincinnati Bengals: DT Sedrick Ellis, Southern California
10. New Orleans Saints: CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Tenn St.
11. Buffalo Bills: WR Devin Thomas, Michigan St.
12. Denver Broncos: OT Chris Williams, Vanderbilt
13. Carolina Panthers: OT Jeff Otah, Pittsburgh
14. Chicago Bears: QB Matt Ryan, Boston College
15. Detroit Lions: RB Rashard Mendenhall, Illinois
16. Arizona Cardinals: CB Mike Jenkins, South Florida
17. Minnesota Vikings: DE Derrick Harvey, Florida
18. Houston Texans: CB Aqib Talib, Kansas
19. Philadelphia Eagles: S Kenny Phillips, Miami
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: QB Brian Brohm, Louisville
21. Washington Redskins: DE Phillip Merling, Clemson
22. Dallas Cowboys(f/Cle): RB Felix Jones, Arkansas
23. Pittsburgh Steelers: OG Brandon Albert, Virginia
24. Tennessee Titans: WR Limas Sweed, Texas
25. Seattle Seahawks: RB Jonathan Stewart, Oregon
26. Jacksonville Jaguars: DE Calais Campbell, Miami
27. San Diego Chargers: OT Gosder Cherilus, Boston College
28. Dallas Cowboys: WR DeSean Jackson, California
29. San Francisco 49ers (f/Ind): LB Quentin Groves, Auburn
30. Green Bay Packers: CB Antoine Cason, Arizona
31. New York Giants: LB Dan Connor, Penn St.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
2008 Mock Draft
Labels: Senior Bowl, NFL, NFL Draft
2008 nfl draft,
mock draft,
nfl,
nfl draft,
picks
Monday, April 14, 2008
Safeties: By The Ranks
With safety being one of the deepest positions in this years draft, that means there will be mixed feelings or different rankings for each safety going into the draft. Lets now delve into some of the safeties that interest yours truly going into the draft:
1. SS Kenny Phillips, Miami (FL)
In terms of overall ability, you won't find a more balanced safety then Kenny Phillips. Good tackler, better speed then most of the other top safeties, and above all else, Phillips is one of the smartest safeties from this class. At one point was considered to be a possible top 10 caliber player, however, was over analyzed and didn't have fantastic workouts. Phillips is one of the best safeties in terms of stepping up and helping in run support, but will bite on many fakes at the same time. Is following in the footsteps of other former Miami safeties, such as; Ed Reed, Bennie Blades, Sean Taylor, and Brandon Meriweather. Overall the most complete safety in the draft and should be the first safety selected.
2. SS DaJuan Morgan, North Carolina St.
Doesn't have the measurables that Kenny Phillips has, but overall is similar in terms of physical attributes and what he brings to the table as a possible NFL safety. Is a little undersized, and only truly has one year of being the full time starter, but may have more potential then Phillips. Morgan may be raw, but he tracks the ball well, and offers good coverage abilities as well. He is also a dominant special teams player that will make an immediate impact in that respect. Definitely warrants consideration between rounds one and two.
3. FS Reggie Smith, Oklahoma
Reggie Smith at this point is going to be considered the top free safety and overall offers more versatility then any other safety in the top half of the draft, with the ability to play cornerback as well as free safety, and do it well. Very strong for a defensive back, and can easily out muscle even the strongest of receivers for the ball in mid air. A fringe player that could go anywhere from mid round one, to mid second round. Has considerable potential, and is more polished then most safeties coming out of the draft.
4. SS Tom Zbikowski, Notre Dame
Zbikowski is by far one of the (if not the) toughest player in the draft of any position. He is never intimidated and a fighter on the field. Will always give you 100% even. Measures up and delivers devastating hits on occasion, however, he has very minimal coverage ability and shouldn't be depended on in man to man by any means. Very strong and athletic. Uncanny ability to focus as he never steps on the field with the intention to make friends. His coverage ability hurts his stock in a large way and is naturally disliked by many because he is an alma matter of Notre Dame, but could be a great NFL safety.
5. FS Josh Barrett, Arizona St.
Barrett would have likely been picked higher then he will be this year had he come out last season, as he was benched for a portion of his senior campaign, and still managed a respectable 38 tackles, 7 passes broken up, and an interception. Has unbelievable potential based off measurables alone (6'2, 223 lbs.), and combined with his football IQ and overall ability in coverage and tackling ability, could be a steal if taken after round 2. Has the swagger and charisma of a true leader that showed at the combine quite clearly, he is a natural leader on the field as well. A scary thing to note, is that Barrett had also ran a 4.35 official 40 yard dash, which is astounding for someone of his size.
6. FS Jonathan Hefney, Tennessee
Another prospect that could have gone in round 1 if he had been consistent. Hefney is only 5'8 but plays like he is much taller, as he rarely misses a tackle, and has very good leaping ability to boot. Similar in so many ways to 2007 NFL defensive MVP Bob Sanders of the Indianapolis Colts. Hefney has versatility that some think make him a tweener, however, he plays with a big heart, and is very athletic for his size and could surprise everyone who called him "too small."
7. FS Thomas DeCoud, California
Thomas DeCoud (pronounced Day-kood) has fantastic athleticism that should get him picked generally high based off of that alone, but he can really lay the lumber as well. Has experience at both cornerback, and safety. He had a huge senior season with 116 tackles and should be regarded as one of the top senior safeties available in the first three rounds.
8. SS Craig Steltz, Louisiana St.
Steltz came through for his LSU Tigers with a massive senior season, posting 101 tackles, breaking up 7 passes, and picking off 6 passes as well. Was major cog in the overall defensive play by the Tigers top defense in college football as his sure tackling and solid work ethic make him a guy that many teams will target in the mid rounds of the draft. Unfortunately he isn't a great overall athlete and has seemed to have peaked in terms of physical appearance, but his high motor and is a very strong and dominant special teamer at and should make an immediate impact there at the very least. "Surfer Boy" 's (as deemed by his teammates) hard work this past season should earn him a selection within the first 4 rounds.
9. FS Tyrell Johnson, Arkansas St.
His name is hurt by the fact he was a player that never got recognition to great extent's as he plays in the Sun Belt conference, but has very good production and was a 4 year starter that has earned the right to be drafted at a decent spot this year. Smart safety that has good ball skills, and his best ability may be his leaping skills. Able to fight off some, but not all, receivers for the ball in flight. Not the best tackler, but still above-average. Somewhat of a liability in man to man coverage, but can make his share of plays. Hard workers are always valued in the mid rounds of the draft and Marcellous Tyrell Johnson should be no difference.
10. FS Marcus Griffin, Texas
Yes, the third "Griffin" prospect from Texas' secondary in as many years. Marcus is probably the least touted of the three, but still possesses very high upside and should be taken no later then round 5 at the absolute latest. The twin of Tennessee safety (and former 1st round pick) Michael Griffin, has the type of intangibles that every free safety needs, however, he just doesn't have the overall athleticism/ability to project as a pro-bowl caliber player, but will still help as a special teamer at the very least. Could surprise and be a solid starter for many years if he can continue to be a ball-hawk and consistently be a sure tackler from a position that doesn't usually produce many sure tacklers.
Honorable Mentions:
-SS David Roach, Texas-Christian
-FS Pig Brown, Missouri
-SS Chris Horton, California-Los Angeles
-SS Jamie Silva, Boston College
-SS DJ Wolfe, Oklahoma
1. SS Kenny Phillips, Miami (FL)
In terms of overall ability, you won't find a more balanced safety then Kenny Phillips. Good tackler, better speed then most of the other top safeties, and above all else, Phillips is one of the smartest safeties from this class. At one point was considered to be a possible top 10 caliber player, however, was over analyzed and didn't have fantastic workouts. Phillips is one of the best safeties in terms of stepping up and helping in run support, but will bite on many fakes at the same time. Is following in the footsteps of other former Miami safeties, such as; Ed Reed, Bennie Blades, Sean Taylor, and Brandon Meriweather. Overall the most complete safety in the draft and should be the first safety selected.
2. SS DaJuan Morgan, North Carolina St.
Doesn't have the measurables that Kenny Phillips has, but overall is similar in terms of physical attributes and what he brings to the table as a possible NFL safety. Is a little undersized, and only truly has one year of being the full time starter, but may have more potential then Phillips. Morgan may be raw, but he tracks the ball well, and offers good coverage abilities as well. He is also a dominant special teams player that will make an immediate impact in that respect. Definitely warrants consideration between rounds one and two.
3. FS Reggie Smith, Oklahoma
Reggie Smith at this point is going to be considered the top free safety and overall offers more versatility then any other safety in the top half of the draft, with the ability to play cornerback as well as free safety, and do it well. Very strong for a defensive back, and can easily out muscle even the strongest of receivers for the ball in mid air. A fringe player that could go anywhere from mid round one, to mid second round. Has considerable potential, and is more polished then most safeties coming out of the draft.
4. SS Tom Zbikowski, Notre Dame
Zbikowski is by far one of the (if not the) toughest player in the draft of any position. He is never intimidated and a fighter on the field. Will always give you 100% even. Measures up and delivers devastating hits on occasion, however, he has very minimal coverage ability and shouldn't be depended on in man to man by any means. Very strong and athletic. Uncanny ability to focus as he never steps on the field with the intention to make friends. His coverage ability hurts his stock in a large way and is naturally disliked by many because he is an alma matter of Notre Dame, but could be a great NFL safety.
5. FS Josh Barrett, Arizona St.
Barrett would have likely been picked higher then he will be this year had he come out last season, as he was benched for a portion of his senior campaign, and still managed a respectable 38 tackles, 7 passes broken up, and an interception. Has unbelievable potential based off measurables alone (6'2, 223 lbs.), and combined with his football IQ and overall ability in coverage and tackling ability, could be a steal if taken after round 2. Has the swagger and charisma of a true leader that showed at the combine quite clearly, he is a natural leader on the field as well. A scary thing to note, is that Barrett had also ran a 4.35 official 40 yard dash, which is astounding for someone of his size.
6. FS Jonathan Hefney, Tennessee
Another prospect that could have gone in round 1 if he had been consistent. Hefney is only 5'8 but plays like he is much taller, as he rarely misses a tackle, and has very good leaping ability to boot. Similar in so many ways to 2007 NFL defensive MVP Bob Sanders of the Indianapolis Colts. Hefney has versatility that some think make him a tweener, however, he plays with a big heart, and is very athletic for his size and could surprise everyone who called him "too small."
7. FS Thomas DeCoud, California
Thomas DeCoud (pronounced Day-kood) has fantastic athleticism that should get him picked generally high based off of that alone, but he can really lay the lumber as well. Has experience at both cornerback, and safety. He had a huge senior season with 116 tackles and should be regarded as one of the top senior safeties available in the first three rounds.
8. SS Craig Steltz, Louisiana St.
Steltz came through for his LSU Tigers with a massive senior season, posting 101 tackles, breaking up 7 passes, and picking off 6 passes as well. Was major cog in the overall defensive play by the Tigers top defense in college football as his sure tackling and solid work ethic make him a guy that many teams will target in the mid rounds of the draft. Unfortunately he isn't a great overall athlete and has seemed to have peaked in terms of physical appearance, but his high motor and is a very strong and dominant special teamer at and should make an immediate impact there at the very least. "Surfer Boy" 's (as deemed by his teammates) hard work this past season should earn him a selection within the first 4 rounds.
9. FS Tyrell Johnson, Arkansas St.
His name is hurt by the fact he was a player that never got recognition to great extent's as he plays in the Sun Belt conference, but has very good production and was a 4 year starter that has earned the right to be drafted at a decent spot this year. Smart safety that has good ball skills, and his best ability may be his leaping skills. Able to fight off some, but not all, receivers for the ball in flight. Not the best tackler, but still above-average. Somewhat of a liability in man to man coverage, but can make his share of plays. Hard workers are always valued in the mid rounds of the draft and Marcellous Tyrell Johnson should be no difference.
10. FS Marcus Griffin, Texas
Yes, the third "Griffin" prospect from Texas' secondary in as many years. Marcus is probably the least touted of the three, but still possesses very high upside and should be taken no later then round 5 at the absolute latest. The twin of Tennessee safety (and former 1st round pick) Michael Griffin, has the type of intangibles that every free safety needs, however, he just doesn't have the overall athleticism/ability to project as a pro-bowl caliber player, but will still help as a special teamer at the very least. Could surprise and be a solid starter for many years if he can continue to be a ball-hawk and consistently be a sure tackler from a position that doesn't usually produce many sure tacklers.
Honorable Mentions:
-SS David Roach, Texas-Christian
-FS Pig Brown, Missouri
-SS Chris Horton, California-Los Angeles
-SS Jamie Silva, Boston College
-SS DJ Wolfe, Oklahoma
Labels: Senior Bowl, NFL, NFL Draft
free safety,
nfl,
nfl draft,
safety,
strong safety
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