2008 NFL Mock Draft

Now, I know that the Browns don’t have a first-round pick, but Phil Savage, as diligent as ever, is looking to get back into the first round.

In the upcoming days and weeks, I will look at possible trade opportunities, including players that would fit all warm and snuggly into the Browns’ plans.

What do you think? What kind of trade possibilities are out there for the Browns? Who would you like to see them go after?

1.

Miami Dolphins – DT Glenn Dorsey, LSU

The Dolphins certainly have problems in all facets of the game, so this simply becomes the pick of the best player out there. Dorsey is being touted as one of the best defensive prospects in a long time, so it becomes an obvious choice.

2.

St. Louis Rams – OT Jake Long, Michigan

To keep the high-powered offense at full steam, the Rams will need an eventual replacement for Orlando Pace. While he may not project to have as great an impact as Joe Thomas right away, he may come close to that.

3. Atlanta Falcons – QB Matt Ryan, Boston College

The position is a glaring need for the Falcons, and there isn’t much to choose from beyond Ryan, André Woodson, and Brian Brohm.

4. Oakland Raiders – DE Chris Long, Virginia

Al Davis loves high-profiled players, and Darren McFadden certainly fits that bill, but Oakland was the second-worst team in the league against the run. RB Justin Fargas also rushed for over 1,000 yards in 2007 and the team is looking to bring him back.

5

. Kansas City Chiefs – OT Ryan Clady, Boise State

Simply put, the Chiefs gave up 55 sacks in 2007, the worst in the AFC. Some solid offensive line help will make Brodie Croyle seem just a little bit better to some.

6. New York Jets – RB Darren McFadden, Arkansas

There is a big emphasis being put on “character” nowadays, and McFadden seems to be proving his is less-than-ideal. He’s got a tremendous amount of talent and upside, and I do think he can drop this far. As the best player available, there is simply no other option for the Jets.

7

.

New England Patriots (From 49ers) – CB Mike Jenkins, South Florida

Many assume the Pats to upgrade at this position, and it would be worth a top-10 pick in doing so. Other mocks have New England going with a linebacker, but with James Laurinaitis staying at Ohio State, I think they go with a corner.

8. Baltimore Ravens – QB Brian Brohm, Louisville

The Kyle Boller experiment should be at a merciful end and Troy Smith is definitely not the answer. They need a fresh look at quarterback and Brohm brings plenty of experience.

9.

Cincinnati Bengals – DE Vernon Gholston, Ohio State

How foolish it would be to waste this pick on a player who doesn’t play defense. Gholston would make an immediate impact (just about anyone would) – the option of trading Chad Johnson for more defensive help sits there as well.

10.

New Orleans Saints – S Kenny Phillips, Miami (FL)

A team terrible against the pass could use more secondary help. With Phillips, the Saints will get just that.

11. Buffalo Bills – WR Malcolm Kelly, Oklahoma

The Bills are building a prolific offense with Trent Edwards and Marshawn Lynch, but need a solid #2 receiver behind Lee Evans.

12. Denver Broncos – DT Sedrick Ellis, USC

They could use a wide receiver, but could benefit more from some defensive help as teams were imposing their will on the Broncos this season. Ellis will make an immediate impact as a strong pass rusher.

13. Carolina Panthers – DE Derrick Harvey, Florida

There are many, many holes on this team, and the quarterback position will remain a glaring need. However, the focus should be on defense first, at least for the Panthers.

14.

Chicago Bears – QB André

Woodson, Kentucky

They need one in the worst way, and Woodson arguably has the biggest upside of any quarterback in the draft.

15. Detroit Lions

– OT Michael Oher, Ole Miss

Giving up 54 sacks is unacceptable; after this pick, Kitna can probably make his “10 win” prediction with a little more confidence. Just a little. Very little.

16. Arizona Cardinals – OLB Keith Rivers, USC

Without Malcolm Jenkins in the draft, the Cardinals can address their need at linebacker.

17. Minnesota Vikings – DE Calais Campbell, Miami (FL)

Sure, the Vikings could use a wide receiver, but Campbell could help propel the Vikings defense to the next level.

18. Houston Texans – OT Sam Baker, USC

He can fulfill the glaring need for a left tackle, helping to build a blossoming Texans offense.

19. Philadelphia Eagles – OT Jeff Otah, Pittsburgh

The offensive line is aging and Jon Runyan appears to be retiring. The offense still needs its playmakers, but shoring up the line is important.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – WR Limas Sweed, Texas

A solid defense now needs cornerstones for its counterpart. The Bucs boast an older corps of receivers and can afford to go younger in this department. His size gives him big play ability, something Tampa has been lacking.

21. Washington Redskins – WR DeSean Jackson, California

An all-around great athlete that cannot be passed up. At this point in the draft he would be a steal and can also help the Redskins as a return man.

22.

Dallas Cowboys (from Browns

) – CB Aqib Talib, Kansas

The Cowboys can afford to take the risk with an extra pick and while flashier players are still available at this point, this would be one of the few upgrades Dallas needs to make.

23. Pittsburgh Steelers – OT Gosder Cherilus, Boston College

He’s a work-in-progress, but after potentially losing Alan Faneca and Max Starks to free agency, the offensive line will become a concern.

24. Tennessee Titans – WR Mario Manningham, Michigan

As Vince Young matures, he will desperately need weapons to throw to.

25. Seattle Seahawks- RB Jonathan Stewart, Oregon

This would be a steal if he actually fell this far, but with Shaun Alexander getting older and frequently injured, a two-back system in Seattle would definitely pay off. It takes the pressure off Alexander and, hopefully, keeps him healthy with less carries.

26. New York Giants – OLB Dan Connor, Penn State

The Giants need secondary help, but Connor is possibly a better prospect than Paul Posluszny was at this point.

27. Jacksonville Jaguars – WR Early Doucet, LSU

He’s not the best prospect, but the current receivers for the Jags haven’t necessarily turned out as planned. It would be wise to bite the bullet and go with a receiver – again.

29. Dallas Cowboys

– RB Felix Jones, Arkansas

The two-back system works, and the Cowboys are likely to be without Julius Jones next season.

30. San Francisco 49ers (from Colts) – S Reggie Smith, Oklahoma

The 49ers are in need of a #1 receiver, but could also use a defensive back as versatile as Smith.

31.

Green Bay Packers

– CB Leodis McKelvin, Troy

The corners are aging in Green Bay; now is the time to start ushering in the youth.

32. FORFEITED

If they win the Super Bowl, I’m wondering that somehow this won’t matter much to them.