Stillers.com - Pittsburgh Steelers News and Analysis The home of die-hard Pittsburgh Steelers fans: About Us Contact Us
 
Mock Draft, V2.0 by Steel Haven
Sunday, Apr 20, 2008
 

Round 1

  1. Miami Dolphins

    OT Jake Long, Michigan

    Signed, sealed and delivered. Avoiding a prolonged holdout should allow Long to step in immediately on the left side. Vernon Carey will move to the left side where he is better suited.
    • Needs: OT, QB, CB, WR, OG, LB
    .
  2. St. Louis Rams

    DE Chris Long, Virginia

    Long is a skilled, high motor team leader that never quits on a play. Selecting him over Dorsey allows Adam Carriker to stay inside.
    • Needs: DE, OT, WR, DT, CB, OG
    • Other Options: DT G Dorsey, trade down
    .
  3. Atlanta Falcons

    QB Matt Ryan, Boston College

    Tough choice between a franchise QB and a dominant DT. New coach Mike Smith would likely prefer Dorsey. Owner Arthur Blank undoubtedly wants Ryan. A face for the franchise to help ease the pain of the Vick debacle.
    • Needs: QB, OT, DT, TE, CB, DE
    • Other Options: DT G Dorsey
    .
  4. Oakland Raiders

    RB Darren McFadden, Arkansas

    Dorsey and Gholston both fill bigger needs and make more sense. Especially given that they have no second or third round pick. Al Davis reportedly wants McFadden.
    • Needs: DE, OT, DT, OLB, WR, C
    • Hope might be available: DE C Long
    • Other Options: DT G Dorsey, DE V Gholston, trade down
    .
  5. Kansas City Chiefs

    DT Glenn Dorsey, LSU

    Don't have to reach for an offensive lineman after moving Jared Allen for a first rounder. There are worse ideas for a rebuilding team than staying put to take a top talent even though he doesn't fill their most pressing need. Moving down for Harvey or an offensive lineman is another possibility. The Bengals and Saints would have to be salavating at the thought of adding Dorsey.
    • Needs: OT, G/C, DE, DT, CB, WR
    • Hope might be available: DE C Long
    • Other Options: T/G B Albert, DE V Gholston, trade down
    .
  6. New York Jets

    DE Vernon Gholston, Ohio St

    Can sit tight and take the top remaining offensive or defensive playmaker. Might try to move up for McFadden or Ryan. Unlikely to succeed.
    • Needs: WR, CB, FS, ILB, OLB, QB
    • Hope might be available: RB D McFadden, QB M Ryan
    • Other Options: trade up
    .
  7. New England Patriots (from San Fransisco)

    DT Sedrick Ellis - USC

    The Bill Belichick and Scott Pioli way is best player over immediate need. Ellis dominated at the Senior Bowl and continued to impress in individual workouts. Richard Seymour is aging and can't stay healthy. Both he and Vince Wilfork could be free agents after the season. The Bengals or Saints could move up to this spot if Ellis remains. Patriots could also move up for Long.
    • Needs: CB, ILB, OLB, OT, SS, G/C
    • Hope might be available: OLB V Gholston, OLB C Long
    • Other Options: OL B Albert, LB D Harvey, LB J Mayo, CB L McKelvin, trade up/down
    .
  8. Baltimore Ravens

    T/G Branden Albert, Virginia

    Insurance in case Jonathon Ogden retires. Albert can also play inside if Ogden returns. Supposedly strongly interested in Ryan and Henne. Not in a position to get either without a trade.
    • Needs: QB, OT, CB, LB, WR, OG
    • Hope might be available: QB M Ryan
    • Other Options: QB C Henne, CB L McKelvin, trade up/down
    .
  9. Cincinnati Bengals

    RB Rashard Mendenhall, Illinois

    A curveball with Ellis off the board. Have failed to find the future replacement for Rudi Johnson despite repeatedly using second round picks on runningbacks.
    • Needs: DT, WR, OLB, FS, CB, RB
    • Hope might be available: DT S Ellis
    • Other Options: CB L McKelvin, LB K Rivers, trade up
    .
  10. New Orleans Saints

    CB Leodis McElvin, Troy

    Signed Randall Gay to help the 30th ranked pass defense. He is not enough.
    • Needs: CB, DT, OLB, DE, C, TE
    • Hope might be available: DT S Ellis
    • Other Options: DT K Balmer, LB K Rivers, trade up
    .
  11. Buffalo Bills

    WR Devin Thomas, Michigan St

    Have not been afraid to reach to fill a need in the past. Thomas provides a big, skilled target opposite Lee Evans to help further the development of Trent Edwards.
    • Needs: WR, CB, TE, FS, OLB, DE
    • Hope might be available: CB L McKelvin
    • Other Options: CB D Rodgers-Cromartie
    .
  12. Denver Broncos

    OT Ryan Clady, Boise St

    Looking for a LT due to the retirement of Matt Lepsis.
    • Needs: OT, FS, LB, WR, RB, DT
    • Hope might be available: G/T B Albert
    • Other Options: LB K Rivers, RB J Stewart
    .
  13. Carolina Panthers

    DE/OLB Derrick Harvey, Florida

    Speed rusher to replace Mike Rucker opposite Julius Peppers. Could also take a tackle and move Travell Wharton to guard.
    • Needs: DE, OT, QB, DT, FS, RB
    • Hope might be available: OT R Clady, RB R Mendenhall
    • Other Options: RB J Stewart, OT C Williams, trade up for M Ryan
    .
  14. Chicago Bears

    RB Jonathan Stewart, Oregon

    Cedric Benson is a bust. The passing game is in shambles. Stewart provides the best short term fix for the offense and GM Jerry Angelo needs to win now after last season's debacle.
    • Needs: QB, OT, OG, RB, WR, S
    • Hope might be available: OT R Clady, RB R Mendenhall
    • Other Options: OT J Otah, OT C Williams
    .
  15. Detroit Lions

    LB Jerod Mayo, Tennessee

    Much needed running mate for Ernie Sims. Could play inside or replace Boss Bailey on the strong side.
    • Needs: RB, OT, LB, DE, TE, DT
    • Hope might be available: DE D Harvey, RB J Stewart
    • Other Options: LB K Rivers, OT C Williams
    .
  16. Arizona Cardinals

    CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Tennessee St

    Allows Antrel Rolle to move to safety.
    • Needs: CB, RB, OLB, DE, FS, OT
    • Hope might be available: RB J Stewart
    • Other Options: LB K Rivers
    .
  17. Kansas City Chiefs

    OT Chris Williams, Vanderbilt

    Best case scenario. Trade of Jared Allen works out perfectly if the Chiefs can draft Dorsey and Williams in the first round.
    • Hope might be available: no one in particular
    • Other Options: OT J Otah
    .
  18. Houston Texans

    LB Keith Rivers, USC

    Too good to let slip any further.
    • Needs: LT, S, OLB, CB, DE, C
    • Hope might be available: OT C Williams
    • Other Options: CB M Jenkins, OT J Otah
    .
  19. Philadelphia Eagles

    OT Jeff Otah, Pittsburgh

    Prefer taking linemen over skill position players in the first round.
    • Needs: OT, WR, S, LB, DE, TE
    • Hope might be available: OT C Williams
    • Other Options: OT G Cherilus, WR J Hardy, DE P Merling
    .
  20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

    CB Mike Jenkins, South Florida

    Insurance in case Eugene Wilson's transition from safety to corner doesn't work out.
    • Needs: WR, CB, DT, OT, DE, QB
    • Hope might be available: OT J Otah
    • Other Options: DT K Balmer, WR J Hardy
    .
  21. Washington Redskins

    WR James Hardy, Indiana

    Gamble on an unpolished receiver with tremendous size that would be the perfect compliment to Santana Moss and Antwan Randle El.
    • Needs: DE, WR, FS, DT, OT, CB
    • Hope might be available: no one in particular
    • Other Options: DT K Balmer, DE P Merling, S K Phillips
    .
  22. Dallas Cowboys (from Cleveland)

    RB Felix Jones, Arkansas

    Speedy compliment to Marion Barber III.
    • Needs: WR, RB, S, OT, NT, CB
    • Hope might be available: WR J Hardy
    • Other Options: WR D Jackson, S K Phillips
    .
  23. Pittsburgh Steelers

    OT Gosder Cherilus - Boston College

    Immediate need over top value. Cherilus is a four year starter that struggled on the left side as a senior after dominating for three years on the right side. Drafting him would allow Willie Colon to move inside and make Max Starks a very highly paid backup for a season. Have shown some interest in Phillips perhaps hoping to trade down with the Giants. A team with which they have always had a good working relationship.
    • Needs: OT, DL, WR, OG, FS, OLB
    • Hope might be available: WR J Hardy, LB J Mayo, RB J Stewart
    • Other Options: DE K Balmer, OLB Q Groves, S K Phillips, trade down
    .
  24. Tennessee Titans

    DE Phillip Merling, Clemson

    Lost both Antwan Odom and Travis LaBoy to free agency. Merling is a wild card that came out early and was not able to work out til late in the process due to a sports hernia.
    • Needs: DE, DT, WR, CB, LB, RB
    • Hope might be available: WR J Hardy, LB J Mayo
    • Other Options: DT K Balmer, WR D Jackson, CB A Talib
    .
  25. Seattle Seahawks

    TE Dustin Keller, Purdue

    Accomplished pass receiver is the perfect fit for the west coast offense.
    • Needs: TE, RB, WR, OT, DT, OG
    • Hope might be available: RB F Jones, RB J Stewart
    • Other Options: WR D Jackson
    .
  26. Jacksonville Jaguars

    DT Kentwan Balmer, North Carolina

    Need to address the defensive line after losing Marcus Stroud and Bobby McCray.
    • Needs: DE, DT, SS, LT, OG, LB
    • Hope might be available: DE P Merling
    • Other Options: DE C Campbell
    .
  27. San Diego Chargers

    CB Aqib Talib, Kansas

    Loss of Drayton Florence leaves them thin at corner. Talib drops due to lack of blazing speed.
    • Needs: OT, OG, S, CB, RB, ILB
    • Hope might be available: OT G Cherilus, RB F Jones
    • Other Options: RB C Johnson, S K Phillips
    .
  28. Dallas Cowboys

    WR Desean Jackson, California

    Rail thin speed merchant should also help in the return game. Jackson's explosiveness will be hard to ignore at this juncture. His off the field problems shouldn't be much of a concern to a team willing to take on Pacman Jones.
    • Hope might be available: CB A Talib
    • Other Options: S K Phillips, WR L Sweed
    .
  29. San Francisco 49ers (from Indianapolis)

    WR Limas Sweed, Texas

    Big receiver to hopefully help facilitate the development of Alex Smith.
    • Needs: OLB, WR, OT, OG, CB, FS
    • Hope might be available: CB A Talib
    • Other Options: OLB Q Groves, S K Phillips
    .
  30. Green Bay Packers

    QB Brian Brohm, Louisville

    Probably wouldn't mind dealing this pick for someone that wants to move up for Brohm or Henne. Staying put and taking Brohm is a real possibility given the inability of Aaron Rodgers to stay healthy in limited playing time.
    • Needs: CB, OT, S, TE, QB, RB
    • Hope might be available: TE D Keller, CB A Talib
    • Other Options: TE F Davis, CB B Flowers, S B Phillips
    .
  31. New England Patriots

    Forfeited
    .
  32. New York Giants

    S Kenny Phillips, Miami, Fla

    Replacement for Gibril Wilson. Will be interesting to see if Phillips is supplanted by Johnson as the first safety off the board.
    • Needs: S, LB, CB, WR, DE, OT
    • Hope might be available: LB J Mayo, WR L Sweed, CB A Talib
    • Other Options: CB B Flowers, WR M Kelly, LB C Lofton

Round 2

  1. Miami Dolphins - QB Chad Henne, Michigan
    Might have to trade into the bottom of the first round to secure his services.
  2. St. Louis Rams - WR Malcolm Kelly, Oklahoma
    Bruce is gone. Holt and Bennett are aging and can't stay healthy.
  3. Atlanta Falcons (from Oak) - CB Brandon Flowers, Virginia Tech
    Makes up for lack of top speed with instincts. The antithesis of Hall.
  4. Kansas City Chiefs - CB Antoine Cason, Arizona St
    Solid cover-2 prospect that ran faster than expected.
  5. New York Jets - S Tyrell Johnson, Arkansas St
    Fast rising small school prospect could come off the board before Phillips.
  6. Atlanta Falcons - OT Sam Baker, USC
    Tackle must be addressed after release of Gandy.
  7. Baltimore Ravens - QB Joe Flacco, Delaware
    Said to prefer Ryan or Henne because they are perceived to be more ready to play.
  8. San Fransisco 49ers - OLB/DE Quentin Groves, Auburn
    A good fit for the 3-4.
  9. New Orleans Saints - LB Curtis Lofton, Oklahoma
    Trying to trade this pick for Shockey.
  10. Buffalo Bills - CB Justin King, Penn St
    Still looking for a replacement for Clements.
  11. Denver Broncos - RB Chris Johnson, East Carolina
    Offense needs to add explosiveness.
  12. Carolina Panthers - OT Anthony Collins, Kansas
    Would allow Wharton to move to OG.
  13. Chicago Bears - WR Donnie Avery, Houston
    Speed for an offense sorely lacking playmakers.
  14. Detroit Lions - RB Jamal Charles, Texas
    Release of Jones and firing of Martz makes RB a major need.
  15. Cincinnati Bengals - LB Dan Connor, Penn St
    Solid citizen and tackling machine. .
  16. Minnesota Vikings

    OT Duane Brown, Virginia Tech

    Solved their biggest need by dealing for Jared Allen.
    • Needs: OT, QB, SS, TE, CB, WR
    .
  17. Atlanta (from Hou) - TE Fred Davis, USC
    Replacement for Crumpler.
  18. Philadelphia Eagles - WR Jordy Nelson, Kansas St
    Big receiver that fits the scheme.
  19. Arizona Cardinals - RB Ray Rice, Rutgers
    James isn't getting any younger.
  20. Washington Redskins - DE Calais Campbell, Miami, Fla
    Consider him in the first round. Thrilled he falls into their laps in the second round.
  21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - WR Eddie Royal, Virginia Tech
    Speed for an aging receiver corps. .
  22. Pittsburgh Steelers

    OLB/DE Cliff Avril, Purdue

    Another in a long line of 3-4 outside linebacker prospects from Purdue. Wasn’t just an edge rusher in college. Also has some experience at linebacker dropping into coverage. Drafting him means sticking with the 3-4 and admiting that Lawrence Timmons is best suited inside in that scheme.
    • Other Options: S/CB C Godfrey, OLB J Jones, C M Pollak, CB T Porter, RB K Smith
    .
  23. Tennessee Titans - DT Marcus Harrison, Arkansas
    Interior anchor to line up next to Haynesworth.
  24. Seattle Seahawks - RB Kevin Smith, Central Florida
    Need to find help for Jones after release of Alexander.
  25. Green Bay Packers (from Cle) - CB Tracy Porter, Indiana
    Harris and Woodson aren't getting any younger.
  26. Miami Dolphins (from SD) - CB Patrick Lee, Auburn
    Cover corner to compliment the more physical Allen and Lehman.
  27. Jacksonville Jaguars - DE Lawrence Jackson, USC
    Spicer and Hayward are pedestrian at best. .
  28. Indianapolis Colts

    OG Chilo Rachal, USC

    Need a starter after losing Jake Scott to free agency.
    • Needs: OG, LB, DE, TE, DT, RB
    .
  29. Green Bay Packers - TE Martellus Bennett. Texas A&M
    High upside pass catcher to pair with Lee.
  30. Dallas Cowboys - S DeJuan Morgan, North Carolina St
    Coverage ability will be a welcome addition.
  31. New England Patriots - OLB/DE Jason Jones, Eastern Michigan
    Linebacker corps needs an infusion of youth.
  32. New York Giants - ILB Brian Kehl, BYU
    Lost Mitchell and Torbor to free agency.

Round 3

  1. Miami Dolphins - WR Andre Caldwell, Florida
    Need to add more talent to a depth chart topped by Ginn, Wilford and Hagan.
  2. St. Louis Rams - CB/S Charles Godfrey, Iowa
    High upside project that will need time to develop.
  3. Kansas City Chiefs - C Mike Pollak, Arizona St
    Should be able to beat out Niswanger.
  4. Carolina Panthers (from NYJ) - RB Matt Forte, Tulane
    Looking for depth behind Williams.
  5. Atlanta Falcons - DT Trevor Laws, Notre Dame
    Active interior defender that plays better than his measurables.
  6. New England Patriots (from Oak) - ILB Tavares Gooden, Miami, Fla
    Second LB in a span of eight picks.
  7. Chicago Bears (from SF) - G/T Oneil Cousins, UTEP
    Versatility a plus for line that needs help across the board.
  8. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Bal/Buf) - S/CB Reggie Smith, Oklahoma
    Dropping due to lack of top speed.
  9. Buffalo Bills - TE John Carlson, Notre Dame
    Production from the TE position has long been a problem in Buffalo.
  10. Kansas City Chiefs (from Den/Min) - DE Jeremy Thompson, Wake Forest
    Take the replacement for Allen a little later than expected.
  11. Carolina Panthers - DT Dre' Moore, Maryland
    Trade of Jenkins leaves a hole in the interior defensive line.
  12. San Fransisco 49ers (from Chi) - G/T John Greco, Toledo
    Replacement for Smiley.
  13. Detroit Lions - DE Chris Ellis, Virginia Tech
    Edge rusher for Marinelli's defense.
  14. Cincinnati Bengals - WR Earl Bennett, Vanderbilt
    Finally cut ties with Henry.
  15. New Orleans Saints - DT Red Bryant, Texas Tech
    Should be able to crack the rotation with Young and Thomas.
  16. Houston Texans - CB Terrell Thomas, USC
    Insurance in case Robinson is not ready to start the season.
  17. Philadelphia Eagles - CB Orlando Scandrick, Boise St
    Hoping to move Sheppard.
  18. Arizona Cardinals - DE Kendall Langford, Hampton
    3-4 end prospect with upside.
  19. Kansas City Chiefs (from Min) - WR Early Doucet, LSU
    Joins former college teamate Bowe.
  20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - DT Pat Sims, Auburn
    Neither Hovan nor Haye are top run stuffers.
  21. Washington Redskins - S/CB Tyvon Branch, UConn
    Physical corner that could also transition to free safety.
  22. Tennessee Titans - OLB Xavier Adibi, Virginia Tech
    Nice value pick as Adibi drops due to lack of size.
  23. Seattle Seahawks - WR Mario Manningham, Michigan
    Few have had as bad a post season as Manningham.
  24. Detroit Lions (from Cle) - TE Brad Cottam, Tennessee
    High upside mult-purpose TE for an offense that is expected to be more balanced. .
  25. Pittsburgh Steelers

    WR Jerome Simpson, Coastal Carolina

    Has good size, long arms, big hands and excellent straight line speed. His times in the short shuttle and 3-cone drill leave something to be desired. With Ward and Holmes on the roster that is OK. Simpson's role would be to stretch the field and out jump smaller defensive backs on deep patterns. He seems well suited for that role.
    • Other Options: NT R Bryant, OLB S Crable, DE D Moore, DE K Langford
    .
  26. Jacksonville Jaguars - OG Jeremy Zuttah, Rutgers
    Need depth after releasing Naeole.
  27. Chicago Bears (from SD) - QB John David Booty, USC
    Searching for consistency at QB.
  28. Green Bay Packers - LB Jordan Dizon, Colorado
    Competition for Poppinga and Chillar.
  29. Dallas Cowboys - OT Carl Nicks, Nebraska
    Another young tackle to add to Free, Marten and McQuistan.
  30. Indianapolis Colts - TE Craig Stevens, California
    Like to use multiple TE sets.
  31. New England Patriots - CB Chevis Jackson, LSU
    Finally get around to addressing their biggest need.
  32. New York Giants - WR Keenan Burton, Kentucky
    Burress and Toomer are both over 30.
  33. Washington Redskins (comp) - DT Andre Fluellen, Florida St
    Looking for a better option next to Griffin.
  34. Cincinnati Bengals (comp) - Ahtyba Rubin, Iowa St
    Need to find help for Peko inside.
  35. Atlanta Falcons (comp) - WR Dexter Jackson, Appalachian St
    Horn isn't getting any younger and Jenkins is unlikely to ever develop.
  36. Baltimore Ravens (comp) - RB Steve Slaton, West Virginia
    Speed behind McGahee.
4 (123) Pittsburgh Steelers

CB Antwaun Molden, Eastern Kentucky

Measurables could get him picked higher. Transfer from Akron. Fluid, natural athlete with lousy hands. Ike Taylor is a pretty good comparison.
  • Other Options: OLB M Howard, CB C Jackson, LB P Wheeler
5 (156) Pittsburgh Steelers

OG James Blair, Western Michigan

Tough and physical. Stout at the point of attack with long arms. Not overly athletic. Drafting him and Cherilus would signal a return to a more physical style.
  • Other Options: OG K Brown, OLB C Johnson, C C Wallace
6 (188) Pittsburgh Steelers

DE Keilen Dykes, West Virginia

Four year starter that provides immediate depth. Lacks the athletic upside of recent second day defensive line draftees McBean, Orien Harris and Shaun Nua. Size and experience make him less of a risk.
  • Other Options: WR D Bess, QB D Dixon, WR P Garcon, QB A Morelli, WR M Urrutia



 

Copyright © Stillers.com, 1999-2008