2008 NFL Mock Draft – Updated February 22nd

1. QB Matt Ryan, Boston College – The cornerstone of any franchise is the quarterback, and the Dolphins don’t have anyone worth mentioning right now. Spending a number-one pick though on Matt Ryan? It’s a big risk, but he has the potential to make it pay off.

2. DE Chris Long, Virginia – Defense is a priority with the Rams and Long is quickly ascending all draft charts. He could easily end up being the number-one pick

3. RB Darren McFadden, Arkansas – No quarterback and Warrick Dunn continues to age like the rest of us humans. There needs to be a cornerstone here somewhere, and running backs tend to adapt quickly to the NFL. Never mind his character issues.

4. DT Glenn Dorsey, LSU – Many thought (including me) that he was a lock for the number-one pick. However, the stocks of a lot of players continues to rise while his remains fairly stagnant, thanks to his injury history.

5. OT Jake Long, Michigan – 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.  Long is pretty much a steal at number five.

6. DT  Sedrick Ellis, USC – Here is an example of a player who simply continues to rise on many draft boards. Played on arguably the best team in the country against the best competition and dominated. It looks like he will make a smooth transition to the NFL.

7. (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. With Asante Samuel leaving, it would be wise to go young and attempt to fill that hole now.

8. DE Vernon Gholston, Ohio State – That fearsome defense just isn’t what it used to be. Gholston and his ridiculous biceps will help retool the Ravens’ D.

9. OLB Keith Rivers, USC – How foolish it would be to waste this pick on a player who doesn’t play defense. With Gholston going to Baltimore, the Bengals shift their focus to another glaring hole on the defense. This isn’t their first option, but they’ll take anyone that can improve that train wreck.

10. CB Aqib Talib, Kansas – A team terrible against the pass could use more secondary help. With Talib, the Saints will get just that.

11. WR Malcolm Kelly, Oklahoma – The Bills are attempting to build a prolific offense with Trent Edwards and Marshawn Lynch, but need a solid #2 receiver behind Lee Evans.

12. OT Ryan Clady, Boise State – The Broncos have become known for having an offensive line that operates smoother than any other unit in the league.  They need to upgrade to keep it that way.  It wouldn’t be much of a surprise to see Clady fall this far, considering the teams that desperately need offensive line help do not fall until later in the first round.

13. QB Brian Brohm, Louisville – The Panthers have many, many holes, but the most important to address is quarterback.  Whatever will they do without Vinny Testaverde?!  They can’t pass up Brohm’s experience and potential.

14. OT Jeff Otah, Pittsburgh – With Brohm chosen, there really is no quarterback to choose that is worthy of a first-round pick.

15. OT Chris Williams, Vanderbilt – 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. OT Michael Oher, Ole Miss – The Cardinals could obviously improve on both sides of the ball, but I say they work on protecting the quarterback first, considering how fragile Matt Leinart is.

17. DE Derrick Harvey, Florida – Sure, the Vikings could use a wide receiver, but Harvey could help propel the Vikings defense to the next level.

18. OT Sam Baker, USC – He can fulfill the glaring need for a left tackle, helping to build a blossoming Texans offense.

19. WR DeSean Jackson, California – I had the Eagles originally opting for an offensive lineman, but then I realized they had no one receiving.

20. 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. DE Calais Campbell, Miami (Fl) – Like any player, he has his flaws but he is 6-8, 280 lbs.  That size is going to help – a lot.  And by a lot I mean a ton.  A crap load, if you will.

22. CB Leodis McKelvin, Troy – 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. OT Gosder Cherilus, Boston College – He’s a work-in-progress, but with offseason changes and the perils of free agency, upgrading the offensive line has become a priority.

24. WR Mario Manningham, Michigan – As Vince Young matures (and figures out that quarterbacks are supposed to throw the ball and do it well), he will desperately need weapons to throw to.

25. RB Jonathan Stewart, Oregon – This would be a steal if he actually fell this far (I still think he is going to), 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. WR James Hardy, Indiana – Everyone is keen on his size, which has helped him become a potential first-round pick.  Obviously, 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.

27. DT Kentwan Balmer, UNC – Not many needs for the Chargers, but can definitely upgrade on the D-line, especially with Luis Castillo and his injury troubles.

28. RB Rashard Mendenhall, Illinois – The two-back system has proven that it works, and there is a good chance the Cowboys will be left with only one before the draft begins.

29. DE Phillip Merling, Clemson – The 49ers are in need of a #1 receiver, but could also build upon a defense with Patrick Willis as its cornerstone.

30. S Kenny Phillips, Miami (Fl) – The secondary is aging in Green Bay; now is the time to start ushering in the youth.

31. FORFEITED – The capital letters makes it seem more menacing.

32. OLB Dan Connor, Penn State – The Giants need secondary help, but Connor is possibly a better prospect than Paul Posluszny was at this point.