Draft Eve..The Night Before The Draft

Here we are less than 24hrs. away from the draft (the equivalent of Xmas Day for NFL GM, Coaches and Owners) and there is still a lot left to be determined.
It’s funny how taking Jake Long has now caused more questions than answers for the top six teams. Had the Dolphins selected Chris Long then it was pretty much a forgone conclusion the rest of the top six would have gone the following way:

• Miami—Chris Long


• St. Louis—Jake Long


• Atlanta—Glenn Dorsey


• Oakland—Darren McFadden


• Kansas City---Matt Ryan


• NY Jets----Vernon Gholston
  
  Now it could go any combo of the following:
  
  
• Miami—Jake Long


• St. Louis—Glenn Dorsey or Chris Long


• Atlanta—Matt Ryan or Glenn Dorsey


• Oakland---Vernon Gholston, Darren McFadden or Chris Long


• Kansas City—Chris Long, Vernon Gholston or Matt Ryan


• NY Jets---Darren McFadden—Matt Ryan or Vernon Gholston
  
  

Amazing how one surprise move (Miami drafting Jake Long) could change some many lives and draft plans.

Some thoughts on trades or pending trades leading up to the draft.

Dallas and Pacman….Interesting that Jerry would go as high as a #4 when he was the only team in the running. At least it appears he’s covered his bases by guaranteeing getting the same round pick next back from the Titans if Pacman stays suspended. Granted now with the reports it’s still not finalized who knows what happens there.

Hates off to the Chiefs for moving Jared Allen. He wasn’t happy, made a lot of money and had a few questionable things happen over the past few seasons that made him expendable. They can now load up with the extra picks and hopefully replace him someone like Chris Long who isn’t a character risk.

Dewayne Robertson headed to Denver….Hmmm the Broncos taking someone else’s defensive line castoff. Haven’t we heard this before? Robertson is a huge underachiever but hopefully gets his game together with a fresh start in Denver.

Leave it to the NFL to fix one problem (change the time between first round picks to 10 minutes) but then create a new one by moving the most anticipated day for NFL fans from 12 PM EST to 3PM EST. Why!!!!! Let’s hope Commissioner Goodall realizes his error and settles at 1PM EST (12PM EST) for the 2009 NFL Draft. I will be very interested to see what the rating look like for this year’s draft as I’m betting they will be down from the past years.

My suggestions to our fearless Commissioner regarding the draft are:

Start allowing the draft to rotate cities (why allow NY City fans the only change to attend the event).
Change the start time to 1PM EST
Seriously consider moving the draft to early March (before free agency starts). No one can ever provide a legit answer to why it’s held so late in April.

Did you ever wonder why?

Anyone ever wonder why football guys say such things as “the draft is a crap shoot”, “it takes some luck to build a winning team”, and “the draft is an inexact science” but then someone needs to explain Bill Parcells, Mike Holmgren, Tom Coughlin, Dick Vermeil, Jimmy Johnson, Marty Schottenheimer and Dan Reeves to me. Coaches who went to different teams built them up and got them to the playoffs and many to the Super Bowl.

What should be said instead is “NFL owners are sometimes to cheap to hire the best guys in the business and cut corners with only average coaches” and “heck we just buy Kiper’s book and use that instead of our scouting”.

A few predictions sure to go wrong tomorrow:

1. Dallas will trade down from the #28 pick in the first round with either Baltimore, Atlanta or Miami and get a second round and fourth round pick in 2008 and a pick next year. Moving out of round 1 will save Dallas money and with so many WRs still on the board they can get the guy they want.
2. Washington will trade with someone to get out of the first round
3. Chris Long might just be this year’s Brady Quinn although I think it’s more likely he’ll be Matt Leinart and fall to the bottom of the top 10.
4. None of the WRs (Boldin, Chad or Roy Williams) will be traded.
5. Jeremy Shockey will be a Saint by the end of the weekend (an oxymoron like Jumbo Shrimp)
6. Lito Sheppard will be traded. Eagles would love to ship him the AFC
7. 1st round will take way longer than it should
8. Kiper and McShay will argue worse than a divorced couple
9. Jason Taylor will get traded to Jacksonville or Tampa Bay
10. As soon as the Packers pick comes up Brett Favre will be mentioned.
11. Devin Thomas will be a Buffalo Bill by 5:30 EST
12. Giants will draft as if Michael Strahan is retired.
13. Mario Manningham and Vince Young will never appear on Jeopardy.
14. Al Davis will have a white jump suit on tomorrow.
15. Saints won’t trade into the #2 pick.
16. Everyone on both ESPN and NFL Network will stick up for the Patriots and Belichick as if someone was accusing a family member of a crime.
    

Well it's almost that time. Check back over the weekend as I'll adding my reviews and comments from the action each day. Feel free to post your thoughts or send me an email.

It's Draft Time!!!!!

Seven Round Mock Draft

I know most people think it’s a little silly to do a first round mock, and crazy to try anything larger than that. Well, call me crazy, but over the past six days I’ve plotted, scratched, changed and edited a full seven round mock draft for my, and hopefully, your enjoyment. With each selection I had to weigh how I would select if I were that team, what the team should do and what it will likely do before entering a name as their selection. There are several picks I don’t agree with completely but I know the teams, and the guys in charge don’t always do the smart move, instead they go for the “WOW” pick. With all that said, take a look and feel free to email me at Patrick@footballdialogue.com any comments, questions or views on the great weekend ahead of us. It’s Draft Time!!!!

UPDATED TO INCLUDE JARED ALLEN TRADE AND PACMAN JONES TRADE.

ROUND ONE

1- 1- 1 Miami: Jake Long OT Michigan…..Should go Chris Long here as Chris is the lowest risk in the draft but Jake is a nice selection overall and should help the line immediately.

1- 2- 2 St. Louis: Chris Long DE Virginia….Great character guy who will be face of the franchise for years to come and give the defense a great identity.

1- 3- 3 Atlanta: Glenn Dorsey DT LSU…..If I were making the selection I would go QB here and hope it would help erase the image of the franchise. With Dorsey’s past injuries and everything it’s a risk to go this high. With that said if healthy he’s the next Warren Sapp.

1- 4- 4 Oakland: Darren McFadden RB Arkansas…No way the Raiders should take McFadden with the stable of tailbacks they have but when has Al ever done what he should do.

1- 5- 5 Kansas City: Leodis McKelvin CB Troy….Everyone and their brother has the Chiefs taking a tackle here but I hope Carl Peterson is smart enough to see by grabbing McKelvin they get a shut down corner and a kick returner/special teams player they’ve be lacking since Dante Hall.

1- 6- 6 New York Jets: Vernon Gholston DE Ohio State..Smart,safe pick for this team which needs to improve the overall talent on it. Gholston should start and become a force early for the Jets.

1- 7- 7 New England from San Francisco: Keith Rivers OLB USC…While everyone and their brother will tell you the Patriots don’t draft linebackers in round one I think the time has come for that to change and Rivers is a day one starter for them.

1- 8- 8 Baltimore: Matt Ryan QB Boston College..McNair is gone and the Ravens need a new leader for their offense. Ryan is a safe, smart pick that should contend for rookie of the year.

1- 9- 9 Cincinnati: Sedrick Ellis DT USC….Ellis can be plugged in the middle of the d- line and create some serious pocket pressure.

1-10-10 New Orleans: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie CB Tennessee State…Want a DT but will settle for this small school standout.

1-11-11 Buffalo: Devin Thomas WR Michigan State…A little high for a wide receiver but if they stay here Thomas is the ideal fit with the smaller guys on the roster at WR.

1-12-12 Denver: Ryan Clady OT Boise State…Need to address the tackle spot and 12 is a much safer spot to roll the dice on Clady than a top 5 selection.

1-13-13 Carolina: Rashard Mendenhall RB Illinois…Need a feature back and some thing Mendenhall is the best in the draft.

1-14-14 Chicago: Chris Williams OT Vanderbilt…Improved O-Line will do wonders for the Bears offense.

1-15-15 Detroit: Derrick Harvey DE Florida…May look tailback but hard to pass up Harvey at 15.

1-16-16 Arizona: Quentin Groves DE/OLB Auburn…Perfect fit for the defensive scheme the Cards want to be running in the desert.

1-17-17 Kansas City (from Minnesota): Phillip Merling DE Clemson….Great replacement for Jared Allen.

1-18-18 Houston: Jonathan Stewart RB Oregon…Green experiment failed so now they need to invest a pick on Stewart who is recovery from toe surgery.

1-19-19 Philadelphia: Branden Albert OG Virginia…While the ESPN boys have him pegged for the top five I think it’s too trendy for a guy who has played limit at tackle. He’s a better fit for a team like Philly who can slowly transition him to tackle while getting him time at guard early in his career.

1-20-20 Tampa Bay: Limas Sweed WR Texas..Big wideout that the Bucs need who slides a little due to some injury concerns.

1-21-21 Washington: James Hardy WR Indiana....Skins would like to trade down but if they stay here the selection of Hardy is easy. He’s a beast who can start off as their #3 receiver and move into a starting role in 2009.

1-22-22 Dallas from Cleveland: Felix Jones RB Arkansas….The Cowboys need a running back who is OK playing second fiddle to a star back but will give a 110% and even help out on special teams. Welcome to town Felix..

1-23-23 Pittsburgh: Jeff Otah OT Pittsburgh…Desperately need to add the offensive lineman and Otah will be a favorite early on for his blue collar style.

1-24-24 Tennessee: DeSean Jackson WR California…Vince Young needs weapons to take the next step and the talented Jackson gives them a legit #1 in the Steve Smith mold.

1-25-25 Seattle: Kentwan Balmer DT North Carolina…..Need a run stopper in the middle and Balmer is a great bargain at this point in round one.

1-26-26 Jacksonville: Calais Campbell DE Miami (Fla.)…Jags always looking to upgrade the line and Campbell is a freak of nature that will make passing to his side a very difficult concept for opposing quarterbacks.

1-27-27 San Diego: Mike Jenkins CB South Florida…..A little lower than Jenkins will likely go but will be a great replacement for Drayton Florence and initially a great nickel corner.

1-28-28 Dallas: Antoine Cason CB Arizona….Dallas three needs are CB, WR, and RB. They got Flex at 22 and now the best bargain is Cason who is a significant upgrade over J. Reeves. Cason will eventually replace Henry as a starter on the one side.

1-29-29 San Francisco (from Indianapolis): Andre Caldwell WR Florida….Perfect fit to the scheme that Martz will be installing in San Fran. Caldwell was MVP of the Senior Bowl and is a strong route runner who should contend for a starting role early in the season.

1-30-30 Green Bay: Aqib Talib CB Kansas…Some character and judgment questions lower his standing but if they can keep him on the right track he will be a huge impact to the Packers defense.

1-31-31 New York Giants: Kenny Phillips S Miami (Fla.) With recent Super Bowl defections the Giants need to retool the secondary and Phillips is a future Pro Bowl player in waiting. Grabbing him this late is an enormous steal.

ROUND TWO

2- 1-32 Miami: Dan Connor ILB Penn State… This team needs an upgrade just about everywhere and getting Connor for the defense is a great steal

2- 2-33 St. Louis: Gosder Cherilus OT Boston College…Eventually replacement for Orlando Pace and a likely starter for the next 12 years.

2- 3-34 Atlanta (from Oakland): Brian Brohm QB Louisville…Great fall back to passing on Ryan.

2- 4-35 Kansas City: Sam Baker OT USC….Day 1 starter.

2- 5-36 New York Jets: Early Doucet WR LSU…Likely day 1 starter who may push Coles for top receiver on the team.

2- 6-37 Atlanta: Dustin Keller TE Purdue….Crumpler’s replacement.

2- 7-38 Baltimore: Brandon Flowers CB Virginia Tech…Should start by the end of the year.

2-8-39 San Francisco: Jerod Mayo ILB Tennessee….Constantly looking to add to the linebacker core.

2- 9-40 New Orleans: Pat Sims DT Auburn….Unable to move up they get Sims for the middle

2-10-41 Buffalo: Martellus Bennett TE Texas A&M…Came out early and will likely be a favorite target of Trent Edwards.

2-11-42 Denver: Trevor Laws DT Notre Dame..Solid addition to the constantly changing defensive line.

2-12-43 Carolina: Joe Flacco QB Delaware….Will be groomed to be long term answer at QB.

2-13-44 Chicago: Malcolm Kelly WR Oklahoma…..Due to some poor workouts slide down the charts but would be a great steal at this point.

2-14-45 Detroit: Jamaal Charles RB Texas….Should start by opening day.

2-15-46 Cincinnati: Fred Davis TE USC

2-16-47 Minnesota: Chad Henne QB Michigan….Likely QB of the future once they realize Jackson was a mistake at QB.

2-17-48 Atlanta (from Houston): Anthony Collins OT Kansas

2-18-49 Philadelphia: Lawrence Jackson DE USC….Should take the Kearse snaps this year and eventually be a starter for Jim Johnson’s defense.

2-19-50 Arizona: Justin King CB Penn State

2-20-51 Washington: Cliff Avril OLB Purdue. A little earlier than some have projected but could be something special with a little pro coaching.

2-21-52 Tampa Bay: Dre Moore DT Maryland…After playoff loss it’s obviously they need to get bigger in the middle of the defense.

2-22-53 Pittsburgh: Roy Schuening OG Oregon State…Day 1 starter replacing Alan Faneca on the line.

2-23-54 Tennessee: Chris Johnson RB East Carolina…Speed back to go with the portly Lendale White.

2-24-55 Seattle: John Carlson TE Notre Dame….Great hands and a perfect receiving TE the Seahawks need.

2-25-56 Green Bay (from Cleveland): Mike McGlynn OG Pittsburgh.

2-26-57 Miami (from San Diego): Brad Cottam TE Tennessee..Huge target that should be great around the goal line for the Dolphins….if they get near it this year.

2-27-58 Jacksonville: DaJuan Morgan S North Carolina State….Should team with Reggie Nelson for year’s to come.

2-28-59 Indianapolis: Darrell Robertston DE Georgia Tech..Could always use help rushing the passer.

2-29-60 Green Bay: Carl Nicks OT Nebraska…Help for the line.

2-30-61 Dallas: Mario Manningham WR Michigan…Reports say poor support unit for Mario but in Dallas should get the chance to grow as the likely #3 before assuming a starting role down the road.

2-31-62 New England: Curtis Lofton ILB Oklahoma…More LB help.

2-32-63 New York Giants: Reggie Smith CB Oklahoma…Giants were burned during the season by their secondary. Smith is a talent who should help immediately.

ROUND THREE

3- 1-64 Miami: Earl Bennett WR Vanderbilt..Steal and great route runner.

3- 2-65 St. Louis: Mike Pollak C Arizona State..Keeping addressing the line.

3- 3-66 Kansas City: Chilo Rachal OG USC….Another starter from day 1.

3- 4-67 Carolina (from New York Jets): Duane Brown OT Virginia Tech

3- 5-68 Atlanta: Eddie Royal WR Virginia Tech….Special teams return man and 3 or 4th receiver next season.

3- 6-69 New England (from Oakland): Ray Rice RB Rutgers…Great addition who gives them depth behind Maroney and would work well with him too.

3- 7-70 Chicago (from San Francisco): Tashard Choice RB Georgia Tech….Need to get Benson help before determining if Cedric needs to be replaced.

3- 8-71 Jacksonville (from Baltimore through Buffalo): Terrell Thomas CB USC

3- 9-72 Buffalo: Xavier Adibi OLB Virginia Tech

3-10-73 Kansas City (from Minnesota via Denver): Jerome Simpson WR Coastal Carolina

3-11-74 Carolina: Kendall Langford DE Hampton..Will push Peppers to either step up or leave.

3-12-75 San Francisco (from Chicago): John Greco OT Toledo

3-13-76 Detroit: Tracy Porter CB Indiana

3-14-77 Cincinnati: Tavares Gooden ILB Miami (Fla.)….They need linebacking help and Gooden is a talented player who likely will push for playing time early.

3-15-78 New Orleans: Jermichael Finley TE Texas…Another weapon for Drew.

3-16-79 Houston: Antwaun Molden CB Eastern Kentucky…Always need corner help especially when they realize the mistake Reeves was.

3-17-80 Philadelphia: Donnie Avery WR Houston..Homerun threat that will have the chance to hook up again with Kolb.

3-18-81 Arizona: Kevin Smith RB Central Florida..Eventual replacement for Edgerrin James.

3-19-82 Kansas City (from Minnesota): John Sullivan C Notre Dame...Likely day one starter next to two guys from USC. That should be interesting.

3-20-83 Tampa Bay: Charles Godfrey CB Iowa

3-21-84 Washington: Jeremy Thompson DE Wake Forest..help with the pass rush which is desperately needed.

3-22-85 Tennessee: Steve Justice C Wake Forest

3-23-86 Seattle: Jordy Nelson WR Kansas State

3-24-87 Detroit (from Cleveland): Erin Henderson OLB Maryland…Great steal at this point.

3-25-88 Pittsburgh: Matt Forte’ RB Tulane…Need a shot of talent behind Parker who when he went down took the playoff chances with him.

3-26-89 Jacksonville: Red Bryant DT Texas A&M..Great replacement for Marcus Stroud.

3-27-90 Chicago (from San Diego): Andre Woodson QB Kentucky..QB of the future? Worth a shot.

3-28-91 Green Bay: Shawn Crable OLB Michigan

3-29-92 Dallas: John David Booty QB USC..Perfect selection as will be given the chance to be #3 in 2008 then replace the 40 year old Brad Johnson as the #2 man in 2009.

3-30-93 Indianapolis: Jonathan Goff ILB Vanderbilt….More defensive help.

3-31-94 New England: Chevis Jackson CB LSU

3-32-95 New York Giants: Marcus Howard OLB Georgia..replenish the depth.

3-33-96 Washington (Compensatory Selection): Quintin Demps FS UTEP..allow Landry to go back to SS.

3-34-97 Cincinnati (Compensatory Selection): Will Franklin WR Missouri..Bengals need WR help with Henry gone and Chad looking to leave.

3-35-98 Atlanta (Compensatory Selection): Tyrell Johnson SS Arkansas State

3-36-99 Baltimore (Compensatory Selection): Tony Hills OT Texas

ROUND FOUR

4- 1-100 Miami: Tyvon Branch CB Connecticut
4- 2-101 St. Louis: Josh Johnson QB San Diego. Prospect to sit and learn for at least 2 maybe 3 years.
4- 3-102 New York Jets: Bruce Davis OLB UCLA
4- 4-103 Atlanta: Ezra Butler OLB Nevada
4- 5-104 Oakland: Ahtyba Rubin DT Iowa State…Help replace Sapp’s retirement.
4- 6-105 Kansas City: Geno Hayes OLB Florida State
4- 7-106 Baltimore: Johnny Dingle DE West Virginia
4- 8-107 San Francisco: Jason Jones DE Eastern Michigan..Great steal at this point.
4- 9-108 Denver: Ali Highsmith OLB LSU…Perfect fit for Broncos scheme.
4-10-109 Carolina: DeMario Pressley DT North Carolina State
4-11-110 Chicago: Tom Zbikowski SS Notre Dame

4-12-111 Detroit: Eric Young OG Tennessee
4-13-112 Cincinnati: Chris Ellis DE Virginia Tech
4-14-113 New York Jets (from New Orleans): Oniel Cousins OT UTEP
4-15-114 Buffalo: Patrick Lee CB Auburn
4-16-115 Philadelphia: Bryan Kehl OLB BYU
4-17-116 Arizona: Andre Fluellen DT Florida State
4-18-117 Minnesota: Josh Barrett SS Arizona State

4-19-118 Houston: Wesley Woodyard OLB Kentucky
4-20-119 Denver (from Washington): Steve Slaton RB West Virginia
4-21-120 Tampa Bay: Kellen Davis TE Michigan State…Another weapon for Gruden to play with.
4-22-121 Seattle: Craig Steltz SS LSU
4-23-122 Cleveland: Phillip Wheeler ILB Georgia Tech…Finally a pick and Wheeler is a steal at this point.
4-24-123 Pittsburgh: Dexter Jackson WR Appalachian State…HR threat that will get time to develop.
4-25-124 Tennessee: Beau Bell ILB UNLV
4-26- San Diego Exercised in Supplemental Draft
4-27-125 Jacksonville: Donald Thomas OG Connecticut
4-28-126 Tennessee (from Dallas): Dwight Lowery CB San Jose State..Help recover from the Pacman mistake.
4-29-127 Indianapolis: Kirk Barton OT Ohio State….Always need depth at offensive line.
4-30-128 Green Bay: Erik Ainge QB Tennessee…Depth behind Rodgers who has a lot of experience in college.
4-31-129 New England: Simeon Castille S Alabama
4-32-130 New York Giants: Martin Rucker TE Missouri….Make trading Shockey a little easier.
4-33-131 Philadelphia (Compensatory Selection): Thomas DeCoud FS California
4-34-132 Buffalo (Compensatory Selection): Mike Hart RB Michigan..When Marshawn Lynch went down the Bills struggled. Hart is a great #2 back to team with Lynch.
4-35-133 Baltimore (Compensatory Selection): Marcus Griffin FS Texas
4-36-134 Tennessee (Compensatory Selection): Marcus Harrison DT Arkansas
4-37-135 Green Bay (Compensatory Selection): Paul Hubbard WR Wisconsin

Round 5

5- 1-136 Kansas City (from Miami): Lavelle Hawkins WR California
5- 2-137 St. Louis: Jamar Adams SS Michigan
5- 3-138 Atlanta: Frank Okam DT Texas..A beast for the middle of the line.
5- 4-139 Denver (from Oakland): Darius Reynaud WR West Virginia
5- 5-140 Kansas City: Kevin O’Connell QB San Diego State
5- 6-141 Carolina (from New York Jets): Harry Douglas WR Louisville
5- 7- San Francisco Forfeited
5- 8- Baltimore Exercised in Supplemental Draft
5- 9-142 Chicago (from Carolina): Carlton Powell DT Virginia Tech
5-10-143 Jacksonville (from Chicago through Buffalo): Jeremy Zuttah OT Rutgers
5-11-144 Detroit: Jo-Lonn Dunbar ILB Boston College
5-12-145 Cincinnati: Jordon Dizon OLB Colorado
5-13-146 New Orleans: Breno Giacomini OT Louisville
5-14-147 Buffalo: Doug Legursky C Marshall
5-15-148 Denver: Durant Brooks P Georgia Tech
5-16-149 Arizona: Brandon Keith OT Northern Iowa
5-17-150 Minnesota: Trae Williams CB South Florida
5-18-151 Houston: Robert Felton OG Arkansas
5-19-152 Philadelphia: Allen Patrick RB Oklahoma
5-20-153 Tampa Bay: Owen Schmitt FB West Virginia
5-21-154 Washington: Jack Williams CB Kent State
5-22-155 Cleveland: DeJaun Tribble CB Boston College
5-23-156 Pittsburgh: Brian Johnston DE Gardner-Webb
5-24-157 Tennessee: Arman Shields WR Richmond
5-25-158 Jacksonville (from Seattle): Gary Guyton OLB Georgia Tech
5-26-159 Jacksonville: Tommy Blake DE TCU…At this point worth a shot.
5-27-160 San Diego: Vince Hall ILB Virginia Tech
5-28-161 Indianapolis: Thomas Brown RB Georgia
5-29-162 Green Bay: Chris Harrington DE Texas A&M
5-30-163 Dallas: Cody Wallace C Texas A&M
5-31-164 New England: Craig Stevens TE California
5-32-165 New York Giants: King Dunlap OT Auburn..Worth a roll of the dice at this point.
5-33-166 San Diego (Compensatory Selection): Barry Richardson OT Clemson

Rounds Six and Seven

ROUND SIX

6- 1-167 Dallas from Miami: Keilen Dykes DT West Virginia
6- 2-168 St. Louis: D.J. Hall WR Alabama
6- 3-169 Oakland: Thaddeus Coleman OT Mississippi Valley State
6- 4-170 Kansas City: Peyton Hillis FB Arkansas
6- 5-171 New York Jets: Jack Ikegwuonu CB Wisconsin
6- 6-172 Atlanta: Chauncey Washington RB USC
6- 7-173 Baltimore: Ben Moffitt ILB South Florida
6- 8-174 San Francisco: Drew Radovich OG USC
6- 9-175 Chicago: David Vobora OLB Idaho
6-10-176 Detroit: Colt Brennan QB Hawaii
6-11-177 Cincinnati: Jamie Silva SS Boston College
6-12-178 New Orleans: Jonathan Hefney FS Tennessee
6-13-179 Buffalo: Nick Hayden DT Wisconsin
6-14-180 St. Louis (from Denver): Orlando Scandrick CB Boise State
6-15-181 Carolina: Corey Lynch FS Appalachian State
6-16-182 Kansas City (from Minnesota) : Jacob Tamme TE Kentucky
6-17-183 Denver (from Houston): Kenny Iwebema DE Iowa
6-18-184 Philadelphia: Spencer Larsen ILB Arizona
6-19-185 Arizona: Kennan Burton WR Kentucky
6-20-186 Washington: Kory Lichtensteiger C/G Bowling Green
6-21-187 Minnesota (from Kansas City from Tampa Bay): Stanford Keglar OLB Purdue
6-22-188 Pittsburgh: Jamey Richard C Buffalo
6-23-189 Seattle (from Tennessee): Trevor Scott DE Buffalo
6-24-190 Cleveland (from Seattle): Marcus Monk WR Arkansas
6-25-191 Philadelphia (from Cleveland): Lionel Dotson DT Arizona
6-26-192 San Diego: Jacob Hester FB LSU
6-27-193 Minnesota (from Jacksonville): Pedro Sosa OT Rutgers
6-28-194 New York Giants from Green Bay): Kenneth Moore WR Wake Forest
6-29-195 Miami (from Dallas): Chris McDuffie OG Clemson
6-30-196 Indianapolis: Adrian Arrington WR Michigan
6-31-197 New England: Pierre Garcon WR Mount Union
6-32-198 New York Giants: Wallace Gilberry DE Alabama
6-33-199 New York Giants (Compensatory Selection): Dennis Dixon QB Oregon
6-34-200 Philadelphia (Compensatory Selection): Dorien Bryant WR Purdue
6-35-201 Indianapolis (Compensatory Selection): Tyson Devree TE Colorado
6-36-202 Indianapolis (Compensatory Selection): Letroy Guion DT Florida State
6-37-203 Philadelphia (Compensatory Selection): Michael Grant CB Arkansas
6-38-204 Miami (Compensatory Selection): David Roach FS TCU
6-39-205 Indianapolis (Compensatory Selection): Chad Rinehart OG Northern Iowa
6-40-206 Baltimore (Compensatory Selection): Larry Grant OLB Ohio State
6-41-207 Cincinnati (Compensatory Selection): Terrence Wheatley CB Colorado

ROUND SEVEN

7- 1-208 Miami: Darnell Terrell CB Missouri
7- 2-209 Minnesota from St. Louis: Rudolph Hardie DE Howard
7- 3-210 Kansas City: Taylor Mehlhaff K Wisconsin
7- 4-211 New York Jets: Caleb Campbell SS Army
7- 5-212 Atlanta: Justin Tryon CB Arizona State
7- 6-213 Oakland: D.J. Wolfe SS Oklahoma
7- 7-214 San Francisco: D.J. Parker FS Virginia Tech
7- 8-215 Baltimore: Marcus Richardson OLB Troy
7- 9-216 Detroit: Joey Haynos TE Maryland
7-10-217 St. Louis (from Cincinnati): Vincent Redd OLB Liberty
7-11-218 New Orleans: Eric Foster DE Rutgers
7-12-219 Buffalo: Chase Ortiz DE TCU
7-13-220 Denver: Dominique Barber FS Minnesota
7-14-221 Carolina: Josh Morgan WR Virginia Tech
7-15-222 Chicago: Mike Gibson OG California
7-16-223 Houston: Chris Horton SS UCLA
7-17-224 Buffalo (from Philadelphia): Matt Flynn QB LSU
7-18-225 Arizona: Corey Clark OT Texas A&M
7-19-226 Oakland (from Minnesota through New York Jets): Louis Holmes DE Arizona
7-20-227 Denver (from Tampa Bay): Art Carmody K Louisville
7-21-228 Washington: Devin Clark OT New Mexico
7-22-229 Tennessee: Andrew Crummey OG Maryland
7-23-230 Philadelphia (from Seattle): Carl Stewart FB Auburn
7-24-231 Cleveland: Justin Forsett RB California
7-25-232 Atlanta (from Pittsburgh): Eric Foster DE Rutgers
7-26-233 Seattle (from Jacksonville): Bernard Morris QB Marshall
7-27-234 San Diego: George Chukwu DT Rice
7-28-235 Dallas: Rodrick Johnson ILB Oklahoma State
7-29-236 Indianapolis: Curtis Johnson OLB Clark Atlanta
7-30-237 Green Bay: Corey Boyd RB South Carolina
7-31-238 New England: Tyler Polumbus OT Colorado
7-32-239 Kansas City (from New York Giants): Hussain Abdullah FS Washington State
7-33-240 Baltimore (Compensatory Selection): Garry Barnidge TE Louisville
7-34-241 Carolina (Compensatory Selection): Mackenzy Bernadeau OG Bentley
7-35-242 Washington (Compensatory Selection): Adarius Bowman WR Oklahoma State
7-36-243 Chicago (Compensatory Selection): Dantrell Savage RB Oklahoma State
7-37-244 Cincinnati (Compensatory Selection): Fernando Velasco C Georgia
7-38-245 Miami (Compensatory Selection): Paul Smith QB Tulsa..the next Tony Romo?
7-39-246 Cincinnati (Compensatory Selection): David Hale OT Weber State
7-40-247 Chicago (Compensatory Selection): Barry Booker DT Virginia Tech
7-41-248 Chicago (Compensatory Selection): Marcus Smith WR New Mexico
7-42-249 Washington (Compensatory Selection): Jeremy Geathers DE UNLV
7-43-250 Carolina (Compensatory Selection): Mike Dragosavich P North Dakota State
7-44-251 Buffalo (Compensatory Selection): Mario Urrutia WR Louisville
7-45-252 St. Louis (Compensatory Selection): Maurice Murray DT New Mexico State

Jo-Lonn Dunbar Interview

Here is a little about the talented OLB from Boston College via Syracuse, New York.

What do you think of when you read some scouting services compare you with Seahawks’ Lofa Tatupu?

It’s a great honor to be compared to that guy because he’s great player. I definitely see some comparisons with our games and I hope I can improve as fast as he did.

What was your best memory from your days in college?

Just playing in the ACC Championship game. It was a milestone but wish we could have won it. It was an honor to play.

What was your greatest victory while in college?

The first VT game when we won in overtime. It was definitely a heartfelt game from both teams but we came out on the winning side.

Who is the best player you’ve faced while in college?

Brady Quinn

What makes me stand out from most linebackers is?

My desire because I really love to play the game. Some players play because they have talent but I play with more than that. It’s about making daily sacrifices and this is what sets me aside.

My greatest motivation in college was?

My mother. She’s been my heart and soul all of my life. I cherish everything about her. She’s my influence and my world.

The part of my game that I take the most pride in is?

I would say all the behind the scenes work like the practice and the film work… all the work you don’t see on Saturdays.

The part of my game that will need the most work in the NFL is?

My pass rush and hand placement,

What do you do when you want to relax and get away from football?

Besides watching HGTV – I go to the movies and I’ve been roller skating with my mom because she loves it. I also take my little cousins.

In a perfect world who is on the other line come NFL Draft day saying they are about to select you?

Oh man… it would be any team at all.

My advice to players entering college this year would be?

Stay out of trouble and work hard.

Describe yourself in a few words?

Hardworking, intelligent, tough, competitive and a football player.


If you want to read more about Jo-Lonn Dunbar check him out at NFL.com

A Snapshot of Va Tech DT--Carlton Powell

When was your breakthrough moment as a college player?

My first start against Florida A&M.

What was your greatest victory while in college?

This last ACC Championship.

What player do you feel is poised for a breakout season next year on your team?

TB---Jahre Cheeseman

Finish the following sentence. My college stats fail to show…

My total impact on the game.

The part of my game that I take the most pride in is?

Wearing down opposing offenses.

The part of my game that will need the most work in the NFL is?

My pass rushing and hand techniques.

What do you do when you want to relax and get away from football?

Sit back and watch some TV – take my mind off things and listen to music.

The NFL players I’m most similar to is?

Kris Jenkins

The NFL player I can’t wait to face is?

Peyton Manning

In a perfect world who is on the other line come NFL Draft day saying they are about to select you?

Miami Dolphins

My advice to players entering college this year would be?

Have your goals set, stay focused and stay out of trouble.

The best thing about Chesapeake, Va (his hometown)?

Peaceful and quiet

Describe yourself in a few words?

Strong willed, intelligent, proud

Learn more about Carlton Powell

Dustin Keller Interview

No player performed better or help themselves more at the Combine that Purdue’s Dustin Keller. He was without a doubt one of the top “hot” names after that process was done and is now considered a first day lock. Check out a snapshot of what he had to say:

Who was your favorite NFL team/player growing up?

Being from Indiana my favorite team growing up was the Indianapolis Colts

With such strong family ties to Purdue University (mother, grandmother, grandfather, great grandfather and brothers all attended Purdue) did you feel extra pressure to perform at the school?

No, not really. I was just put in a great position to show my talents in the area I grew up, there may have been extra pressure on me but I never felt that way.

If you had your choice would you rather go to a team that was building for a title run or a team already poised for one?

Either way is a good situation. If I go to a team that is building I could know that I am a huge part of them trying to turn a program around. At the same time it wouldn't hurt to go to a team that has already established itself.

What do you think when you read things such as Todd McShay saying "while he never will be a good in-line blocker, Keller displays the speed, hands, athleticism and leaping ability of a true difference-maker in the NFL passing game. "?

That is a great motivator, I haven't stepped foot on the field wearing a NFL jersey and there are people already saying what I can and can't do. I can't wait to prove these people wrong.

What do you do to relax when you want to get away from football?

I like to just relax at home and watch movies, I collect DVD's so I have a pretty thick selection.

Was there anything that surprised you about the combine or your pro day?

Yeah, the interview process wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be. The interviews were pretty much me telling the coaches about myself family and talking football, so t was pretty cool. Another thing that surprised me was how excited people were about my combine performance, I didn’t think I performed nearly as well as I could have.

What are your plans for draft day (big party, small get together, home alone)?

For draft day I will have a small get together in the press box suites in Ross-Ade Stadium (Purdue's Stadium) for m family and a few friends.

Check out more on Dustin at www.dustin-keller.com

A Conversation with Wisconsin’s Taylor Mehlhaff

What do you think of the comparison by some scouting services to John Kasay?

I actually don’t know a whole lot about Kasay other than he is left-footed so we are similar in that respect. I do know he’s had a great career.

What was your best memory from your days in college?

When we beat Michigan in a night game my sophomore year. It was just cool at Camp Randall at night with the atmosphere and the crowd was really pumped...

Where was your favorite place to kick in the Big Ten? Favorite Stadium?

Ohio State because there is so much tradition there and the stadium is awesome! The stands go straight up and the place seats 105,000 fans. Just an awesome place!

What makes me stand out from most kickers is?

I think my athleticism and being mentally tough.

Does calling a timeout by an opposing defense bother kickers or is it just a waste of time?

I think it’s just a waste of time. It actually gives kickers more time to read the wind, line up the hash marks, look at what you’re doing and think about a good kick going through your mind.

The part of my game that I take the most pride in is?

My kickoffs

What do you do when you want to relax and get away from football?

If it’s nice out I like to hang around the lake.

What is the best football book or movie you’ve ever read or watched?

I love Varsity Blues.

In a perfect world who is on the other line come NFL Draft day saying they are about to select you?

Any team.

Describe yourself in a few words?

Very determined and great work ethic


Any pre-game traditions of note?

Not really. I just get focused by listening to my I pod.

Justin Beaver Interview (D3: Offensive Player of the Year)

What are your official size, weight and 40 yard dash time?
5’8” 193lbs 4.41-4.45

When was your breakthrough moment as a college player?
My sophomore year 2005 when I broke the DIII record for yards in a season with 2420 and went to a National Title.

What was your best memory from your days in college?
This past season when we won the DIII National Title!

What was your greatest victory while in college?
It’s hard to chose one because there have been so many big wins. I would say beating a great Mary Hardin Baylor team along with being Mt. Union a team who gave up less than 25 yards per game the whole season. (We rushed for over 250 against them)

Who is the best player you’ve faced while in college?
Besides the great players we had on our team I would have to say Jarrell Freeman a linebacker from Mary Hardin Baylor

My greatest motivation in college was?
Being successful to honor my father who I had lost going in to my senior year of High School.

The part of my game that I take the most pride in is?
My preparation in the off season as well as trying to outwork every player I play with and against.

What do you do when you want to relax and get away from football?
I enjoy hanging out with family and friends watching sports on television or attending them live.

What is the best football book you’ve read?
Friday Night Lights or the Junction Boys


In a perfect world who is on the other line come NFL Draft day saying they are about to select you?
To be honest it really doesn’t matter. I would be extremely happy playing for any team that is willing to let me show them I have the ability to play and help make them better.

Who was your favorite player/team growing up?
Growing up I could sit in front of the TV all day and watch Barry Sanders. With that being said you would think my favorite team would be the lions but my dad loved the bears and like any youngster I mocked everything he did.

My advice to players entering college this year would be?
Hard work always pays off. I’m a strong believer in the philosophy that you get out of football whatever you put into it.

If you could play any other position what would it be?
Other than wanting to play every special team I am given a chance to play I feel that I have great hands, quickness, and love to hit people so playing some slot receiver would be fun

Describe yourself in a few words?
I only need one word “heart”

What one thing that you would want pro scouts to know about you that they might not be able to get from just watching film?

I’m extremely dedicated to anything that I do. I have a 3.5 GPA; have been named the player of the year in division III, along with many other accomplishments. Whoever makes that call on draft day will not be disappointed!!

Learn more about Justin Beaver

Another Lost Sunday - A Jets Fan Tale

Will this be the season? Can we win this week? Hope abounds upon us every summer when teams get to training camp. This is not a unique feeling for Jet fans. Every fan has vision of the late January game where we may be we could win the big one. As a Jets fan, the cynicism sets in pretty early. We already know we do not have a chance to win it all. We just do not know how the season will play out and what this year’s disappointment will be. Could it be an injury? Could it be a bad play, a bad call, or just lack of talent? Could it be we were good all year and miss a field goal in the playoffs? One way or another we have answered, yes to each of these questions. Through out my years this is how the football season has gone for a Jets fan.

When I was a kid, Sunday was my single mother’s only day off, so she would plop me in front of the television and let the NFL act as my babysitter. At the time, I did not understand all the rules of the game, but would still sit transfixed, my mind analyzing the patterns of movement. I do not know when I decided, but the Jets have always been my favorite football team. My father was also a Jets fan, and I likely adopted them as my favorite team to lessen the distance between us.

Like the host of this site, Pat, my earliest Super Bowl Memory is that of the Raiders and Eagles. I rooted for the Eagles because of their green and white team uniforms, which were similar to my beloved Jets.

I would also spend the occasional Sunday at my father’s house cheering for the Jet’s with him. The most memorable game I watched with him had to be the 1986 Dan Marino/Ken Obrien Shoot out. The final score 51-45 in overtime. The joy of that game still lives with me today. That was one of only a very few early highlights as a fan of the Jets.

If I could sum up my long-term relationship with the Jets, it would be one of weekly heartbreak. Each year, the Jets give me just enough hope to keep me watching, with that faint whisper that maybe this year could be the big one. And, every year without fail, the Jets break my heart, often getting “this close” to winning that crucial playoff game, only to blow it in the end.

To further understand my dysfunctional relationship with the Jets, you also have to take into account the other famous New York Team: the Giants. Growing up in New York, you are either a Jets or a Giants fan. Often, there is some overlap in the fan alliances, and you root for the Mets and Jets, or Yankees and Giants. These alliances can make or break friendships, turning neighbor against neighbor in a yearlong frenzy of smack talk.

I believe the difference between a Giants fan and a Jets fan comes down to age. The Giants have been around longer than the Jets, so some New York fans have had season tickets since the before I was even alive. This is your standard “Andy Rooney” type who goes to every game. The Jets fan base is considerably younger. The Jets have not accomplished anything significant in a long time, and old fans have given up their season tickets. However, as Jet fans we still holding out hope for that one great year.

I have a group of friends who are Jets season ticket holders, and while I have never purchased season tickets myself, I have had occasion to attend a few games. One weekend, there will be terrible weather during an even worse season, and one of my friends will offer me their seat. At the games I do attend, there are always diehard fans who insist “there are only eight of these games a year,” and imply that you are less of a fan if you let a little thing like weather or a losing season keep you from your seat.

The Jets failure to win the big games makes New Yorkers regard them as the Giants’ uncoordinated little brother. Around 1986, after the Jets had been in Giants stadium for a couple of years and the Giants won the first of three super bowls is when this started to become evident. Of course, the Giants 2008 Superbowl victory solidified the Jets status as merely second best. The inner conflict I felt as I watched as the Jets mortal enemy (Patriots), Bill Belichek (former HC of the NYJ) compete for a Super Bowl and for the Giants to win yet another Superbowl. Congratulations, Big Brother!

A few years ago, after another particularly tough autumn Sunday evening, I heard the perfect comment about the Jets as a franchise. As I lay in my bed listening to sports radio the over night radio personality who is an even longer suffering Jets fan, only because he is older than I am. I was anxious to hear his comments of another forgettable loss.
“Do not let your kids grow up to be Jets Fans,” his voice warned. “If you love your children, you will not saddle them with this weekly heartbreak.” He went on and on with the analogies and the list of failures was endless.

A couple of years later, it looked like the Jets were turning it around, and I called and asked that same radio personality if he still felt that way. He backed off on his earlier comments, but he would likely be back to agreeing with his statements after this past dismal season.

One of my biggest complaints over the years would be while watching a game I would see a highlight of a previous Jet doing something big for another team. The Aaron Glenn’s, the Kyle Brady’s and even the Hugh Douglas’s of the world. They leave here and play for ten more years, or at least it seems that way to me. The reason this has happened is because the Jets would have a bad year, change coaches and this or that player would not become a priority of the new staff. The player in question does not fit our system.

This previous complaint is not only specific to the Jets. There are so many coaching changes that this happens quite often in the NFL. When a player does not fit your new coaches system, they clean house and have 20 or more new players on their roster. The coaches of today are very stubborn in their control of every detail. Changing their philosophy is not an option to them. To the ordinary fan, we say why don’t we try this or that. Like run a 4-3 instead of a 3-4 if you do not have the NT or the Linebackers to run this system. I am sorry this player does not fit your system, but your job as a coach is to make the best of the players you have. If you do not have the players to run a system, run a system that will help your players succeed.

The draft is a month away, and the hope is starting to creep in. Will all these off-season moves pay off, will we get a big time player in the draft? Who will start this year Chad or Kellen? As the months go on I will try and put these events into words for your enjoyment.

Stories to look forward to.
I will try and explain the Philadelphia sports fan from an outsiders perspective. Since I moved to Philadelphia a year ago the attitude and hunger for a title is evident.
Fantasy sports has become huge in the past ten years. I have some inside knowledge to this phenomenon as I have become quite fantasy scout.
The system coach, and lack of desire to adapt to the players he has.

Erin Henderson Interview

The NFL better look out as E.J.'s little brother is on his way and is ready to make his mark. Erin was able to give us a snapshot of what he's all about and let us learn a little behind the scenes info on this future NFL star.

What advice has your brother, E.J. Henderson, told you about what to expect when you move to the NFL?

The biggest thing that EJ told me was to be prepared for a whole different tempo and speed of the game. He said that the speed of the college game does not even begin to compare to the NFL.

What was your best memory from your days in college?

My best memory would have to be my interception return for a touchdown against Virgina my sophomore year. It was crazy because my brother had caught one the week before for the same amount of yards and everything. He was actually at that game and I remember coming over to him on the sidelines and getting a little chest bump before I had to go back on the field. I should have celebrated a little bit better though. I always told myself I wouldn’t do a great celebration if I scored but I was just tired and looking to get back on the sideline.

What player on the Terrapins do you feel is poised for a breakout season next year on your team?


I think they are a couple of guys the country should keep their eye on. on defense we have Kevin Barnes, Chase Bullock, and Dave Phillistin. The big names on offense should be Darrius Heyward-Bey and Scott Burley.

Who is the best player you’ve faced while in college?

The best player I faced was probably Matt Ryan. Although we beat them (had to put that in there) he made some plays and passes that most quarterbacks would not even think about attempting. the thing that i was really most impressed with was his poise though. No matter what we did nothing ever seemed to bother him.

My opponents would say the best part of my game is….

My ability to make blockers miss when they think they have me dead to rights. I think they would also mention my instincts and ability to find the ball carrier.

Finish the following sentence. My college stats fail to show… My college stats fail to show that I played through several injuries my last year at umd. I played with some injuries that most guys in my position would have set out for. However, the most impressive thing in my eyes is that I was still able to play the game at a high level and continue to help my team.

The type of NFL defense I’d fit best in would be?

I think I fit well in any scheme. While at UMD I only played WILL linebacker but I was comfortable with the responsibilities and assignments for all three lb spots which means I know what is required both mentally and physically. I believe that I am more than capable of playing all three. It is just going to be a matter of what the team needs may be.

What do you do when you want to relax and get away from football?

We have a very nice basement in our house with a pool table, poker table, ping pong table, and 72 inch TV so I usually just invite some friends over and hang out. I have had quite a bit of free time here recently (something I never had while in college) so I have started reading some good books.

What is the best football book or movie you’ve ever read or watched?

That’s a tough question there are a couple that I think are good. When it’s all said and done though I would have to say Remember The Titans is my favorite. The fact that it is based on a true story and the message that it delivers makes it a great movie.

In a perfect world who is on the other line come NFL Draft day saying they are about to select you?

When you are younger you think about those things and you say I would love to play for the Dallas Cowboys or the Pittsburgh Steelers or whatever team it may be. Now that it is actually here I am just so excited that I have an opportunity to play the game I love for a living that it honestly does not matter. All I am hoping for is an opportunity to go in and compete for some playing time on both defense and special teams.

My advice to players entering college this year would be?

Get off to a good start academically and prepare to humble yourself. If you get off to a slow start in school you will never be able to dig yourself out of that hole. Start off well then by the time you are actually playing you will have a little more wiggle room. Now, you are back at the bottom of the totem pole and nobody cares what you did in high school. Everybody was the man where they come from which is why they are all there and veterans are not going to want to deal with you if you are arrogant or cocky. So go in humble, stay humble, and it will make your time in college that much easier.

Describe yourself in a few words? I am a genuine, fun loving, outgoing person who enjoys being around people and meeting new individuals.however on the field that is not Erin. That is my alter ego (so please do not hold that against me).

Check out more about Erin at www.terpenh1.com

Joey Haynos Interview

If someone six foot eight wants to share a little about themselves such as Maryland, tight end Joey Haynos who am I to pass up that chance. Joe is the kind of player everyone roots for when they learn about him. Take a look on what I was able to learn about him.

What do you think when you hear scouting services compare you with NFL player Ben Utecht? It’s a compliment. He’s a great player.

When was your breakthrough moment as a college player? In the West Virginia game my junior year - I had 8 catches and a TD.

What was your greatest victory while in college? We beat Clemson down at Clemson and came back on a 2 minute drive to kick a last second field goal.

Who is the best player you’ve faced while in college?
Lawrence Timmons – OLB Florida State

Finish the following sentence. My college stats fail to show…how much of a threat I can be in the red zone.

The part of my game that I take the most pride in is?
My receiving.

The type of NFL offense I’d fit best in would be?
I really don’t know.

What do you do when you want to relax and get away from football?
Usually hang out with my friends or just watch TV.

What is the best football movie you’ve ever watched?
I like Friday Night Lights.

In a perfect world who is on the other line come NFL Draft day saying they are about to select you?
The Redskins

My advice to players entering college this year would be?
Just work hard, no matter how far down in the depth chart you are. You can always work your way up to the starting spot.

How did you come to select the University of Maryland?
It was close and it gave me an opportunity to play in the ACC.

Any pre-game traditions of note?
Nope