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NFL Draft guru Daniel Mogollon explains his logic for the first two rounds of the 2008 NFL Draft.
ROUND 1
1. Miami (1-15): OT, Jake Long, Michigan: Even though he has a history of waiting until later in the draft to select offensive linemen, the Tuna does like them big and believes in winning the battles along the line of scrimmage.
2. St. Louis (3-13): DE, Chris Long, Virginia: After drafting Adam Carriker in ‘07, the Rams continue to address their needs along the defensive line, giving them two building blocks for the future. Like Carriker, Long is a versatile talent.
3. Atlanta (4-12): DT, Glenn Dorsey, LSU: Atlanta doesn’t have the…um guts to draft “Matty Ice” and goes with the “safer” pick in big daddy Dorsey out of LSU. The former Bayou Bengal will be a difference maker as long as he stays healthy.
4. Oakland (4-12): RB, Darren McFadden, Arkansas: Throwing team needs out the window—Al Davis goes with the sexy pick in big play back D-Mac. Run DMC should take some pressure and attention off JaMarcus Russell.
5. Kansas City (4-12): OT, Ryan Clady, Boise St.: So desperate for an offensive tackle, the Chiefs give us the first reach of the first round. Clady has talent and potential, but is no sure thing by any means—but desperate times…
6. New York Jets (4-12): QB, Matt Ryan, Boston College: With most of their immediate needs addressed via free agency, the Jets pull the trigger on Matt Ryan and draft their quarterback of the future…maybe even the present.
7. New England (from San Francisco): DE/OLB, Vernon Gholston, Ohio St.: This former Buckeye is just what the doctor ordered for an aging defense. An explosive talent who will fit in either the 3-4 or 4-3 defensive alignments.
8. Baltimore (5-11): CB, Leodis McKelvin, Troy: With Clady, Ryan and Gholston all going off the board right before their eyes, the Ravens address another team need—Samari Rolle is well past his prime and Chris McAllister isn’t getting any younger.
9. Cincinnati (7-9): DT, Sedrick Ellis, USC: The Bengals could not be more ecstatic that this Man of Troy slips to them at number nine. They have lacked an impact interior linemen for years and Ellis could be that penetrating force.
10. New Orleans (7-9): OLB, Keith Rivers, USC: Another Trojan goes off the board, as the Saints must address a porous defense. Rivers should step in from day one and be their top linebacker, using his speed to thrive on the carpet.
11. Buffalo (7-9): CB, Dominique Rogers-Cromartie: Neither Terrence McGee or Jabari Greer is a No. 1 corner, so Buffalo goes with lockdown cover man DRC, whose ball skills and running ability makes him a playmaker as well.
12. Denver (7-9): MLB, Jerod Mayo, Tennessee: They are set on the outside, but Niko Koutouvides is the man in the middle heading into draft day. Mayo is the speedy sideline-to-sideline tackling machine this franchise craves.
13. Carolina (7-9): OT, Jeff Otah, Pittsburgh: Whether it be to keep Jake Delhomme upright or to reconfirm a commitment to the running game, tackle is a position of need. Otah should step in at right tackle, with the potential to play left tackle.
14. Chicago (7-9): RB, Rashard Mendenhall, Illinois: After the failures of top ten picks Curtis Enis and Chris Benson, they finally get it right in the Windy City. Mendenhall is the kind of physical bruising runner, Chicagoans will love.
15. Detroit (7-9): DE, Derrick Harvey, Florida: Devoid of an impact pass rusher, the Lions go with this former Gator, an impressive athlete, hoping he is as successful as their 2006 first round pick from the Sunshine State, Ernie Sims.
16. Arizona (8-8): CB, Mike Jenkins, South Florida: With Antrel Rolle having made the move to safety, Arizona gets maybe the best value of the first round. Jenkins is the top corner and he fills a team need—a starter from day one.
17. Minnesota (8-8): OT, Chris Williams, Vanderbilt: Harvey and Jenkins would have been great picks, but with both off the board the Vikings look to bolster their offensive line and are more than happy to “settle” for Mr. Williams.
18. Houston (8-8): OG/OT, Branden Albert, Virginia: With needs across the entire offensive line, the Texans take the highest rated guard, Albert out of UVA, who many believe could be a left tackle down the road. Solid pick with upside.
19. Philadelphia (8-8): WR, Devin Thomas, Michigan St.: Still searching for their number one receiver the Eagles hope they have finally found their man in this former Spartan. Thomas possesses the size and speed to be a special player.
20. Tampa Bay (9-7): WR, Malcolm Kelly, Oklahoma: The run on receivers is on, as Jon Gruden picks up the big and long wide out from Norman. With the best hands in the draft, Kelly is an ideal fit for the Bucs West Coast Offense.
21. Washington (9-7): DE, Phillip Merling, Clemson: Don’t be surprised if this pick ends up being shipped to Cincy for Chad Johnson. Assuming the ‘Skins keep the pick they go with the Clemson end—assuming Merling shows he’s healthy.
22. Dallas (from Cleveland): CB, Aqib Talib, Kansas: With his playmaking ability, the native Texan Talib, is too good for Jerry Jones to pass up. As we know, Jones is not scared off easily…especially when a talented individual is involved.
23. Pittsburgh (10-6): OT, Gosder Cherilus, Boston College: The Steelers certainly will address the offensive line with this pick and with Albert off the board they go to the tackle from Boston College, who is NFL ready to play right tackle.
24. Tennessee (10-6): DT, Pat Sims, Auburn: They could go in several directions here: wide receiver or corner, but with those two of the deeper positions, they address their need at defensive tackle with this Auburn product.
25. Seattle (10-6): RB, Jonathan Stewart, Oregon: The Seahawks are enticed by the talented local product. Because of their depth, Stewart is not needed from day one, but they will envision the former Duck as their feature back as soon as 2009.
26. Jacksonville (11-5): DT, Trevor Laws, Notre Dame: A win now team, the Jags look to add someone who can contribute right away. Laws is a high energy, polished performer who will step in for the departed Marcus Stroud.
27. San Diego (11-5): OT, Sam Baker, USC: His faults are well known, but the Chargers will feel they are confident they know what they are getting in the four-year starter from So-Cal. With left tackle solidified, Baker is a fit as a right tackle.
28. Dallas (13-3): WR, Mario Manningham, Michigan: For the second time in seven picks, Dallas throws caution to the wind and is too intrigued by the potential of Super Mario lining up across from T.O. to pass up this Michigan Man.
29. San Francisco (from Indianapolis): OLB, Gary Guyton, Georgia Tech: Before lighting up the NFL Scouting Combine, Guyton stood out at the Senior Bowl under the watchful eye of Mike Singletary, the same formula that led to Patrick Willis.
30. Green Bay (13-3): TE, Dustin Keller, Purdue: The Bubba Franks Era is over and Donald Lee is not the long term solution, so the Pack address the tight end position and provide new starter Aaron Rogers with an early X-Mas present.
* New England (16-0): Pick Forfeited *
31. New York Giants (10-6): CB, Antoine Cason, Arizona: Despite beating Tom Brady and Randy Moss in the Super Bowl, corner is a position of need, with Cason a perfect fit. He is experienced and appears ready to contribute.
ROUND 2
32. Dolphins: WR, Limas Sweed, Texas: With Ted Ginn on one side, the Phins will need a big receiver to play opposite the burner.
33. Rams: OT, Anthony Collins, Kansas: Since they missed out on Jake Long, they find their tackle of the future here.
34. Raiders: OT, Carl Nicks, Nebraska: He impressed the staff enough at the Senior Bowl to overlook issues.
35. Chiefs: CB, Brandon Flowers, Virginia Tech: Herm Edwards loves physical corners who are strong tacklers.
36. Jets: ILB, Curtis Lofton, Oklahoma: He lacks ideal speed, but has the bulk to play inside in the 3-4.
37. Falcons: QB, Brian Brohm, Louisville: Once upon a time it was assumed he would go to Hotlanta in round one.
38. Ravens: QB Chad Henne, Michigan: We shouldn’t be surprised Jim Harbough’s brother goes with a Michigan QB.
39. 49ers: WR, Andre Caldwell, Florida: Niners staff put the ball in his hands to win the Senior Bowl.
40. Saints: CB, Tracy Porter, Indiana: The former Hoosier is a pure lockdown cover corner.
41. Bills: WR, Early Doucet, LSU: They need someone to start opposite Lee Evans not named Josh Reed.
42. Broncos: DE, Lawrence Jackson, USC: The Broncos simply go with their highest rated D-Lineman on their board.
43. Panthers: DE, Calais Campbell, Miami: Seeing a drop off at this position, the Panthers address their need at end.
44. Bears: QB, Joe Flacco, Delaware: He has the strong arm to throw fastballs that can cut through the Soldier Field wind.
45. Lions: ILB, Dan Conner, Penn St.: Too much value here for the Lions to pass up on the Penn St. product.
46. Bengals: ILB, Tavares Gooden, Miami: Continuing to build up the middle, Gooden will flourish.
47. Vikings: DE, Quentin Groves, Auburn: Looking for speed off the edge, they scoop up this physical specimen.
48. Falcons (from Texans): TE, Fred Davis, USC: Looking to replace Alge Crumpler they go with the John Mackey Award winner.
49. Eagles: OLB, Erin Henderson, Maryland: With no one established, the Eagles address the linebacker position.
50. Cardinals: RB, Chris Johnson, East Carolina: An ideal change of pace back, with the upside to start down the road.
51. Redskins: WR, James Hardy, Indiana: The Indiana product brings size to a diminutive unit.
52. Buccaneers: DT, Dre Moore, Maryland: His penetrating skills is too enticing for the Bucs to ignore.
53. Steelers: DE, Kentwan Balmer, North Carolina: The college tackle, seems to have the skill set to play 3-4 end.
54. Titans: WR, DeSean Jackson, Cal: Another offensive weapon to go with Vince Young and a return man to boot.
55. Seahawks: TE, Martellus Bennett, Texas A & M: Passing up a tight end in round one, the Seahawks pick up their man in round two.
56. Packers (from Browns): CB/S, Reggie Smith, Oklahoma: The former Sooner will fit one of their DB needs.
57. Dolphins (from Chargers): OG, Chilo Rachal, USC: Did I mention Parcels likes them big?
58. Jaguars: CB, Justin King, Penn St.: They need someone to groom opposite Rashean Mathis.
59. Colts: DE/OLB, Cliff Avril, Purdue: Indy goes with the best player on the board in the pass rushing Boilermaker.
60. Packers: OT, Duane Brown, Virginia Tech: He brings tremendous upside, a long-term answer at left tackle.
61. Cowboys: RB, Felix Jones, Arkansas: So excited, Jerry Jones run the card up to the podium himself.
62. Patriots: CB, Antwaun Molden, Eastern Kentucky: Yet another shrewd choice by Mr. Bill and the Pats.
63. Giants: FS, Kenny Phillips, Miami: The Big Blue continue to rebuild their secondary, understanding their weakness.
ROUND 3 STEALS
1) RB, Jamaal Charles, Texas
2) TE, Jermichael Finley, Texas
3) RB, Matthew Forte, Tulane
4) FS, DeJuan Morgan, North Carolina St.
5) RB, Ray Rice, Rutgers
6) OLB, Phillip Wheeler, Georgia Tech
7) TE, Martin Rucker, Missouri
8) RB, Jalen Parmele, Toledo
9) C, Mike Pollack, Arizona St.
10) OT, Oniel Cousins, UTEP
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