NFL.com: Vic Carucci's Mock Draft

Thought I would post this, because it's got some pretty interesting picks.

Team Pick Analysis http://www.nfl.com/static/site/img/t...logo-50x50.gif



1. Miami Dolphins http://static.nfl.com/static/content...g_headshot.jpg
Chris Long, DE, Virginia It wouldn't be a shock to see the Dolphins go with a quarterback because their new decision-makers, led by Bill Parcells, could easily decide they need someone better than John Beck. But is that someone Boston College's Matt Ryan, the presumptive top quarterback in the draft? For now, that's not entirely clear because Ryan didn't throw at the NFL Scouting Combine or play in the Senior Bowl. In the meantime, Long looks to be as safe as any player who could be chosen in this spot. He's one of the most complete and NFL-ready defensive ends to emerge from the college ranks. He had a tremendous performance at the combine. He also has extremely high character.

Team Pick Analysis http://www.nfl.com/static/site/img/t...logo-50x50.gif



2. St. Louis Rams http://static.nfl.com/static/content...g_headshot.jpg
Jake Long, OT, Michigan After last year's 3-13 finish, the Rams have plenty of holes to fill. If the Dolphins pass on Chris Long, the Rams might very well grab him here. Otherwise, they figure to address their biggest problem area, the offensive line, which lost three starters (including tackle Orlando Pace) to season-ending injuries in 2007. Jake Long could very well be this year's Joe Thomas, who made the Pro Bowl as a rookie. Long had a dominant collegiate career. He has an excellent combination of size, strength, and athleticism, all of which resulted in a highly impressive showing at the combine.


Team Pick Analysis http://www.nfl.com/static/site/img/t...logo-50x50.gif



3. Atlanta Falcons http://static.nfl.com/static/content...n_headshot.jpg
Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College This pick might be higher than new general manager Thomas Dimitroff wants to use on a quarterback. However, it does allow the organization to hit the reset button on what has been a disaster at the position.


Team Pick Analysis http://www.nfl.com/static/site/img/t...logo-50x50.gif



4. Oakland Raiders http://static.nfl.com/static/content...y_headshot.jpg
Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU The retirement of Warren Sapp creates a gap in the middle of the Raiders' defense that Dorsey should fill nicely. First, though, the Raiders will need to be satisfied that there are no lingering problems with Dorsey's tibia stress fracture that he said dates back to the summer of his junior season.


Team Pick Analysis http://www.nfl.com/static/site/img/t...logo-50x50.gif



5. Kansas City Chiefs http://static.nfl.com/static/content...b_headshot.jpg
Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas The Chiefs could go with Ryan, if he's available, but they insist they are happy with incumbent starter Brodie Croyle and expect him to make major strides with new offensive coordinator Chan Gailey. They are desperate for help at cornerback, and Talib has the talent to make an immediate impact.


Team Pick Analysis http://www.nfl.com/static/site/img/t...logo-50x50.gif



6. N.Y. Jets http://static.nfl.com/static/content...n_headshot.jpg
Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas McFadden is probably the best player in the draft and too good to fall out of the top five. But the needs of clubs currently in those spots should cause him to fall to the Jets, whose offense could use an infusion of McFadden's world-class speed and game-breaking skills.


Team Pick Analysis http://www.nfl.com/static/site/img/t...logo-50x50.gif



7. New England (From S.F.) http://static.nfl.com/static/content...s_headshot.jpg
Quentin Groves, OLB, Auburn The Patriots' aging linebacking corps is in need of some youth. It isn't easy finding collegiate players to fit their 3-4 scheme because most college teams use a 4-3. Groves, who already made a successful conversion from defensive end to outside linebacker in college, looks to have the versatility and athleticism to be effective rushing the passer and playing coverage.


Team Pick Analysis http://www.nfl.com/static/site/img/t...logo-50x50.gif



8. Baltimore Ravens http://static.nfl.com/static/content...s_headshot.jpg
Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida With Pro Bowl starters Chris McAlister and Samari Rolle finishing last season on the injured-reserve list and their limited depth at the position, it makes sense for the Ravens to find another good cornerback.


Team Pick Analysis http://www.nfl.com/static/site/img/t...logo-50x50.gif



9. Cincinnati Bengals http://static.nfl.com/static/content...n_headshot.jpg
Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State The free-agent loss of Justin Smith leaves an opening that Gholston, an exceptionally talented and versatile defensive end, should fill nicely. The Bengals would be thrilled if the man who had 22½ sacks for the Buckeyes the past two seasons was still available at this point.


Team Pick Analysis http://www.nfl.com/static/site/img/t...logo-50x50.gif



10. New Orleans Saints http://static.nfl.com/static/content...s_headshot.jpg
Keith Rivers, OLB, USC Cornerback is a larger need, and the Saints would have a hard time passing on Talib or Jenkins. But Rivers is an excellent value, providing considerable speed and playmaking their front seven desperately needs.


Team Pick Analysis http://www.nfl.com/static/site/img/t...logo-50x50.gif



11. Buffalo Bills http://static.nfl.com/static/content...y_headshot.jpg
Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma The Bills need a big, athletic complement to Lee Evans. Although a quadriceps injury prevented the 6-foot-4 Kelly from participating in combine drills, he looks to be the right choice to help bring much-needed improvement for their passing game.


Team Pick Analysis http://www.nfl.com/static/site/img/t...logo-50x50.gif



12. Denver Broncos http://static.nfl.com/static/content...n_headshot.jpg
DeSean Jackson, WR, California Jackson gives the Broncos a playmaker they desperately need as a receiver and kick returner.


Team Pick Analysis http://www.nfl.com/static/site/img/t...logo-50x50.gif



13. Carolina Panthers http://static.nfl.com/static/content...y_headshot.jpg
Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State The Panthers would be happy to fill a crying need with one of the better tackles in a draft that has exceptional depth at the position.


Team Pick Analysis http://www.nfl.com/static/site/img/t...logo-50x50.gif



14. Chicago Bears http://static.nfl.com/static/content...s_headshot.jpg
Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt Williams has the talent the Bears need to significantly help in their efforts to upgrade their offensive line.


Team Pick Analysis http://www.nfl.com/static/site/img/t...logo-50x50.gif



15. Detroit Lions http://static.nfl.com/static/content...h_headshot.jpg
Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh The Lions would prefer a cornerback, but they'll have a hard time resisting the chance to take advantage of the exceptional depth at offensive tackle, another need area. Otah's skills are a little raw, but he has excellent size (6-5, 339 pounds) and athletic ability.


Team Pick Analysis http://www.nfl.com/static/site/img/t...logo-50x50.gif



16. Arizona Cardinals http://static.nfl.com/static/content...l_headshot.jpg
Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois The Cardinals need a big-play running back to consistently provide the balance Ken Wisenhunt wants to incorporate in his offense. Edgerrin James, 29, is getting too old to be that player anymore.


Team Pick Analysis http://www.nfl.com/static/site/img/t...logo-50x50.gif



17. Minnesota Vikings http://static.nfl.com/static/content...y_headshot.jpg
Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida With Erasmus James still bothered by knee trouble and Kenechi Udeze undergoing treatment for leukemia, the Vikings need an edge rusher who can make an immediate impact.


Team Pick Analysis http://www.nfl.com/static/site/img/t...logo-50x50.gif



18. Houston Texans http://static.nfl.com/static/content...e_headshot.jpg
Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee State The Texans need a feature running back (and Oregon's Jonathan Stewart will be a strong consideration), but they need a cornerback more. Rodgers-Cromartie's monster performance at the combine has caused his draft stock to soar. It also doesn't hurt that he is a cousin to one of the best corners in the NFL, Antonio Cromartie.


Team Pick Analysis http://www.nfl.com/static/site/img/t...logo-50x50.gif



19. Philadelphia Eagles http://static.nfl.com/static/content...s_headshot.jpg
Kenny Phillips, S, Miami Phillips' athleticism and ability to be as effective against the run as he is in coverage make him a nice complement to Brian Dawkins.


Team Pick Analysis http://www.nfl.com/static/site/img/t...logo-50x50.gif



20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers http://static.nfl.com/static/content...m_headshot.jpg
Mario Manningham, WR, Michigan The Buccaneers need playmakers, and Manningham gives them a good one. They also could use some help for their offensive line, but Jon Gruden is likely to go with a receiver first.


Team Pick Analysis http://www.nfl.com/static/site/img/t...logo-50x50.gif



21. Washington Redskins http://static.nfl.com/static/content...l_headshot.jpg
Calais Campbell, DE, Miami The Redskins want an infusion of youth on their defensive line. Campbell, who is entering the draft as a junior, figures to provide plenty of explosiveness as a pass rusher.


Team Pick Analysis http://www.nfl.com/static/site/img/t...logo-50x50.gif



22. Dallas Cowboys (From Cleveland) http://static.nfl.com/static/content...n_headshot.jpg
Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy McKelvin's combination of size and skill allows the Cowboys to sufficiently address a pressing need.


Team Pick Analysis http://www.nfl.com/static/site/img/t...logo-50x50.gif



23. Pittsburgh Steelers http://static.nfl.com/static/content...t_headshot.jpg
Branden Albert, OG, Virginia Not a whole lot to analyze here. Alan Faneca is gone, so the Steelers replace him with another player who fits their big, physical prototype for an offensive lineman.


Team Pick Analysis http://www.nfl.com/static/site/img/t...logo-50x50.gif



24. Tennessee Titans http://static.nfl.com/static/content...d_headshot.jpg
Limas Sweed, WR, Texas The Titans want to give quarterback Vince Young more weapons, and his former Longhorn teammate would give him a big, athletic target.


Team Pick Analysis http://www.nfl.com/static/site/img/t...logo-50x50.gif



25. Seattle Seahawks http://static.nfl.com/static/content...t_headshot.jpg
Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon Shaun Alexander's best days are well behind him and Maurice Morris is a better spot player than starter. Stewart has the strength and explosiveness to upgrade the position.


Team Pick Analysis http://www.nfl.com/static/site/img/t...logo-50x50.gif



26. Jacksonville Jaguars http://static.nfl.com/static/content...g_headshot.jpg
Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson Merling is more of a complete end than his former college teammate, Tampa Bay's Gaines Adams, but he should give the Jaguars' pass rush a much-needed boost.


Team Pick Analysis http://www.nfl.com/static/site/img/t...logo-50x50.gif



27. San Diego Chargers http://static.nfl.com/static/content...s_headshot.jpg
Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College Cherilus' draft stock has been climbing steadily since his impressive performance at the Senior Bowl. He seems to have what it takes to be a good replacement for Shane Olivea, who was released.


Team Pick Analysis http://www.nfl.com/static/site/img/t...logo-50x50.gif



28. Dallas Cowboys
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Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas Jones might not be the Arkansas running back the Cowboys hoped to get, but trading up to land McFadden is too costly, both in terms of draft picks and guaranteed dollars for the more prominent Razorback. The Cowboys won't be disappointed with the other one, though. He should make an immediate impact as a runner and pass-catcher.


Team Pick Analysis http://www.nfl.com/static/site/img/t...logo-50x50.gif



29. San Francisco ***** (From Indianapolis) http://static.nfl.com/static/content...s_headshot.jpg
Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State Thomas, who excels in run-after-catch ability, is the sort of playmaker new offensive coordinator Mike Martz needs in his mission to get the most out of his pass-happy scheme.


Team Pick Analysis http://www.nfl.com/static/site/img/t...logo-50x50.gif



30. Green Bay Packers http://static.nfl.com/static/content...s_headshot.jpg
Fred Davis, TE, USC With Aaron Rodgers taking over the offense now that Brett Favre has retired, he is going to want to throw to a big-play tight end, a role Davis should fill quite nicely.


Team Pick Analysis http://www.nfl.com/static/site/img/t...logo-50x50.gif



31. New York Giants http://static.nfl.com/static/content...r_headshot.jpg
Dan Connor, OLB, Penn State The Giants would like to move outside linebacker Mathias Kiwanuka back to defensive end, his natural position. Connor would allow them to do so while adding a smart, hard-working, competitive player Tom Coughlin loves on his team.

Calais Campbell at 21 despite his horrendous combine?

Talib at no. 5 and Groves with the Pats pick are the two that stand out to me.

I hope something changes with the Dolphins between now and the draft,I really want Chris Long,I think he will make an immediate impact for us.

Interesting... how very interesting...

And by that I mean bunk, because he forgot Sedrick Ellis exists. Somehow, someway he has Sedrick Ellis slipping from the first round. Guess we could pick him up in the second then.

I think Gholston would be picked up by New England as well.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tomahawk247

Calais Campbell at 21 despite his horrendous combine?

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To the Redskins... they'll recognize his name and take him based on that alone. Screw scouting of players, that's their motto.

I hope we get Chris myself. However, I would not be to upset with Jack Long. The guy is a beast!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by TekeRam

To the Redskins... they'll recognize his name and take him based on that alone. Screw scouting of players, that's their motto.

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Well in all fairness the Redskins attempt to trade away all their picks before draft day anyway, so they probably don't even have a scouting department.

I don't know about Jake Long there. I would rather have Gholston than J Long right now.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by TekeRam

Interesting... how very interesting...

And by that I mean bunk, because he forgot Sedrick Ellis exists. Somehow, someway he has Sedrick Ellis slipping from the first round. Guess we could pick him up in the second then.

I think Gholston would be picked up by New England as well.

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wow...I didn't even catch that.


P.S. I just read from Kiper somewhere that he has spoken to a few sources, and none seem to have concerns regarding Dorsey's injuries. Take that as you may, but I think he'll be right up there come draft day.

Gholston will never make it past darth hoodie.

ramming speed to all

general counsel

I'd give it a D

Ewww....I'd be ok if we got Jake, but I don't think an OL should be wasted with the 2nd pick of the draft. That's just my opinion.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 39thebeast

I'd give it a D

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Yeah it is one of the weaker mocks I've seen.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by RamsFanLSUMan

Ewww....I'd be ok if we got Jake, but I don't think an OL should be wasted with the 2nd pick of the draft. That's just my opinion.

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Picking an offensive lineman with the 2nd pick is a waste? Left tackle is probably the 2nd most important position on the field (behind QB).