2008 Draft - The Final Mock Draft

The 2008 NFL Draft is almost here. Before all the fun gets started, here's the final CFN Mock Draft taking into account all the latest rumors, information and disinformation.

2008 NFL Draft

Mock Draft - FINAL

By Pete Fiutak

And here we go putting them on the chopping block just hours before the fun starts up with the final mock draft. No need to watch on Saturday; here's what's going to happen. Now go out and spend some time with the family, catch up on some light reading, or go see Forgetting Sarah Marshall again.

1. Miami Dolphins - Jake Long, DT Miami
Bill Parcells has his building block to began the task of bringing back the once-proud franchise. Let the second guessing begin. Glenn Dorsey would've been a good piece of the puzzle, too. Woe to the history of the Dolphins if Matt Ryan really does turn out to be good.
Three Biggest Needs: QB, OT, DT
Most Likely Second Option Depending On How The Draft Goes: Would've been Glenn Dorsey, DT LSU

By Pete Fiutak

Never Mind The Bollocks ...
Screw hip snap, body lean, and all the rest of the garbage everyone spews at this time of year. These are the 31 best pro prospects entering the 2008 NFL Draft..

1. Glenn Dorsey, DT LSU 
2. Vernon Gholston, DE Ohio State
3. Jake Long, OT Michigan
4. Chris Long, DE Virginia 
5. Ryan Clady, OT Boise State 
6. Rashard Mendenhall, RB Illinois
7. Darren McFadden, RB Arkansas 
8. Sedrick Ellis, DT USC
9. Jonathan Stewart, RB Oregon 
10. Phillip Merling, DE Clemson
11. Branden Albert, OG/OT Virginia
12. Matt Ryan, QB Boston College  
13. Brian Brohm, QB Louisville 
14. Felix Jones, RB Arkansas
15. Chad Henne, QB Michigan
16. Chris Williams, OT Vanderbilt 
17. Trevor Laws, DT Notre Dame 
18. Kenny Phillips, SS Miami
19. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB Tennessee State
20. Keith Rivers, OLB USC 
21. Mike Jenkins, CB South Florida 
22. Tyrell Johnson, SS Arkansas State 
23. Jeff Otah, OT Pitt
24. Jamaal Charles, RB Texas 
25. DaJuan Morgan, FS NC State
26. Leodis McKelvin, CB Troy
27. Derrick Harvey, DE Florida 
28. Malcolm Kelly, WR Oklahoma
29. Ray Rice, RB Rutgers 
30. James Hardy, WR Indiana
31. Devin Thomas, WR Michigan State 

2. St. Louis Rams - Glenn Dorsey, DT LSU 
MIGHT TRADE PICK  The Rams will do just about anything to move out of this pick with a slew of good players high in the draft to fulfill their needs. They'd love to move down to around the five and get a Chris Long or a Sedrick Ellis, but no one will want to pay the price.
Three Biggest Needs: DE, OL, WR
Most Likely Second Option Depending On How The Draft Goes: Chris Long, DE Virginia

3. Atlanta Falcons - Matt Ryan, QB Boston College
Atlanta needs to start completely fresh. While there are better players on the board and wouldn't mind trading up to get Dorsey or down to get a package to rebuild with taking Ryan would give the franchise a new personality to build around.
Three Biggest Needs: QB, DT, OT
Most Likely Second Option Depending On How The Draft Goes: Sedrick Ellis, DT USC

4. Oakland Raiders - Darren McFadden, RB Arkansas
Al Davis is all about splash and all about offensive explosion. It doesn't get more splashy or explosive than McFadden. While getting Chris Long would keep things in the family, McFadden is a perfect fit for the Raider franchise.
Three Biggest Needs: OT, DT, DE
Most Likely Second Option Depending On How The Draft Goes: Chris Long, DE Virginia

5. Kansas City Chiefs - Chris Long, DE Virginia  
After trading away Jared Allen, defensive end suddenly becomes a glaring need. If Long is snapped up before the five, then fine. There will be other end prospects when the Chiefs pick again at the 17. Long would be a dream pick here, but going offensive tackle is a possibility if the defensive end is gone.
Three Biggest Needs: DE, QB, OT
Most Likely Second Option Depending On How The Draft Goes: Ryan Clady, OT Boise State

6. New York Jets - Vernon Gholston, DE Ohio State
There's no better fit in the draft than Gholston for the New York defensive scheme. The Jets would be more than happy to take any of the five players likely to be drafted higher if they slide. Getting tackle help would also be nice after dumping Dewayne Robertson on Denver.
Three Biggest Needs: LB, DT, WR
Most Likely Second Option Depending On How The Draft Goes: Sedrick Ellis, DT USC

7. New England Patriots (from San Francisco) - Keith Rivers, LB USC     
MIGHT TRADE PICK  This is way, way too high for Rivers, even though he's the only first round linebacker prospect in the draft and the Patriots need to get younger in the linebacking corps in a big hurry. If the Pats can't trade down, which it'll dry to do, and if they can't trade up to upgrade the pick for someone like Gholston or Long, Rivers becomes the pick that fits.
Three Biggest Needs: CB, LB, RB
Most Likely Second Option Depending On How The Draft Goes: Mike Jenkins, CB South Florida

8. Baltimore Ravens - Mike Jenkins, CB South Florida    
MIGHT TRADE PICK  The Ravens need Matt Ryan here, but will try to trade out and hope for Brian Brohm or Chad Henne to be around later. If neither works out, upgrading the offensive line would be nice, and jumping on any one of the tackles is a possibility, grabbing the best corner available also makes sense.
Three Biggest Needs: QB, CB, OT
Most Likely Second Option Depending On How The Draft Goes: Matt Ryan, QB Boston College

9. Cincinnati Bengals - Sedrick Ellis, DT USC 
MIGHT TRADE PICK  Watch out for other teams to try to sneak ahead of the Bengals to shag Ellis first. A defensive tackle like Ellis would be nice, if he freefalls this far, but with Justin Smith gone, a pass rusher might be more of a priority. Cincy is in a great spot with several prospects at several positions to choose from to fill a big need.
Three Biggest Needs: DT, DE, OT
Most Likely Second Option Depending On How The Draft Goes: Derrick Harvey, DE Florida

10. New Orleans Saints - Leodis McKelvin, CB Troy
MIGHT TRADE PICK  The Saints need a linebacker. There won't be one worth the spot. They also need a corner, there will be plenty to choose from, and they need a tackle. In their dream world they can move up to get Dorsey, and might try for Ellis. If not, getting one of the top corners wouldn't be a bad consolation prize.
Three Biggest Needs: LB, CB, DT
Most Likely Second Option Depending On How The Draft Goes: Mike Jenkins, CB South Florida

11. Buffalo Bills - Devin Thomas, WR Michigan State
Going corner here could be a must. The Bills want a top-shelf receiver and are reportedly willing to overdraft Thomas at this spot. It's unlikely anyone will want to trade up here unless one of the truly big names is in a freefall, in which case the Bills would likely gobble him up.
Three Biggest Needs: CB, WR, LB
Most Likely Second Option Depending On How The Draft Goes: Leodis McKelvin, CB Troy

12. Denver Broncos - Jonathan Stewart, RB Oregon 
All the talk about taking a tackle might be a smoke-screen. Denver and Mike Shanahan want a top-shelf running back to work with after trying to get by on the cheap, at least when it comes to the draft, when it came time to get a back. Toe, schmoe; Stewart will be fine.
Three Biggest Needs: OT, OG, DT
Most Likely Second Option Depending On How The Draft Goes: Chris Williams, OT Vanderbilt

13. Carolina Panthers - Derrick Harvey, DE Florida 
A quarterback would be nice, but the Panthers will go that route in the second round. Taking Harvey here is a must, but the offensive tackles will look very inviting.
Three Biggest Needs: QB, OT, DE
Most Likely Second Option Depending On How The Draft Goes: Jeff Otah, OT Pitt

14. Chicago Bears - Ryan Clady, OT Boise State  
The Bears will have their pick of offensive tackles. While Jeff Otah and Chris Williams will be in the discussion, Clady fits the team a bit better with his combination of size, which is Otah, and athleticism, which is Williams.
Three Biggest Needs: OT, WR, QB
Most Likely Second Option Depending On How The Draft Goes: Jeff Otah, OT Pitt

15. Detroit Lions - Rashard Mendenhall, RB Illinois  
Kevin Jones simply can't be counted on for a 16-game season. The Lions will get good value here wherever the draft goes. They could use and end and an offensive tackle, too, so they can go with the best player available and fill a need.
Three Biggest Needs: RB, OT, S
Most Likely Second Option Depending On How The Draft Goes: Derrick Harvey, DE Florida

16. Arizona Cardinals - Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB Tennessee State 
Secondary help is a must. While the Cardinals might be hoping for Rashard Mendenhall or Jonathan Stewart to fall here, taking the rising speeders, Rodgers-Cromartie, would fill an immediate need.
Three Biggest Needs: CB, RB, LB
Most Likely Second Option Depending On How The Draft Goes: Leodis McKelvin, CB Troy

17. Kansas City Chiefs (from Minnesota) - Jeff Otah, OT Pitt    
KC needs a quarterback, but likely won't have a shot at Matt Ryan at the five, so it'll likely take care of its defensive line needs first and then wait for the best offensive tackle available at the 17 with Minnesota's pick in the Jared Allen trade. Otah fits the team's running game better than Chris Williams.
Three Biggest Needs: QB, OT, CB  
Most Likely Second Option Depending On How The Draft Goes: Chris Williams, OT Vanderbilt

18. Houston Texans - Branden Albert, OG/OT Virginia
Call this the value pick. The Texans would love it if Jonathan Stewart or Rashard Mendenhall fell here, and could probably go corner if Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie or Leodis McKelvin is still around. More likely than not, Albert will be gone before here, but he's not the tackle many think he might be, and top 15 money is a lot to pay for a guard.
Three Biggest Needs: RB, CB, S
Most Likely Second Option Depending On How The Draft Goes: Aqib Talib, CB Kansas

19. Philadelphia Eagles - Aqib Talib, CB Kansas  
Assuming Lito Sheppard really is gone, the Eagles needs a No. 2 corner to go on the other side of Asante Samuel. Talib should blossom as a running mate and would be a near-perfect fit here. If Sheppard is bluffing, the Eagles will give a long look at the receivers.
Three Biggest Needs: WR, DE, OL
Most Likely Second Option Depending On How The Draft Goes: James Hardy, WR Indiana

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - James Hardy, WR Indiana
It's a perfect case of a need being met by the strength of this part of the draft. The Bucs should have their choice of receivers and will be in a war room battle up until the end. Hardy has been the high-riser over the last few weeks.
Three Biggest Needs: WR, OT, CB
Most Likely Second Option Depending On How The Draft Goes: Limas Sweed, WR Texas

21. Washington Redskins - Limas Sweed, WR Texas   
The Redskins aren't going to get Chad Johnson. Phillip Merling and Lawrence Jackson will be tempting, but Sweed might be the target Jason Campbell needs to progress.
Three Biggest Needs: WR, DE, OT
Most Likely Second Option Depending On How The Draft Goes: Phillip Merling, DE Clemson

22. Dallas Cowboys (from Cleveland) - Felix Jones, RB Arkansas
MIGHT TRADE PICK  Pacman should help the corner issue so the Cowboys can upgrade the skill players. Jones already proved he can be a great running mate and would be devastating next to Marion Barber. Jerry Jones can't take the chance that the Arkansas star won't be taken in the next four picks and would need to get him here.
Three Biggest Needs: WR, OT, CB
Most Likely Second Option Depending On How The Draft Goes: DeSean Jackson, WR California

23. Pittsburgh Steelers - Phillip Merling, DE Clemson    
Vanderbilt OT Chris Williams would be very tempting if he's still around here, but Merling is almost too perfect for the Steeler 3-4 scheme as a down lineman. He's not going to ever be an outside linebacker.
Three Biggest Needs: OT, OG, RB
Most Likely Second Option Depending On How The Draft Goes: Chris Williams, OT Vanderbilt

24. Tennessee Titans - DeSean Jackson, WR California
The Titans will have  huge decision to make if DT Kentwan Balmer is on the board. The defense could use a bit of a boost, but the offense has to find more weapons for Vince Young to play with. Jackson might not be a number one target, but he would certainly add a boost of excitement and would help the return game.
Three Biggest Needs: WR, DT, CB
Most Likely Second Option Depending On How The Draft Goes: Kentwan Balmer, DT North Carolina

25. Seattle Seahawks - Dustin Keller, TE Purdue
In a dream world, Jonathan Stewart falls here. Ketwan Balmer makes sense, but the offense also needs an upgrade at tight end. Keller would start from day one.
Three Biggest Needs: DT, RB, OT
Most Likely Second Option Depending On How The Draft Goes: Kentwan Balmer, DT North Carolina

26. Jacksonville Jaguars - Lawrence Jackson, DE USC    
The Jags will go with the best defensive lineman available, even though they desperately need a receiver. They can get a pass catcher in the second round, but they can't get an end like Jackson.
Three Biggest Needs: WR, S, DE
Most Likely Second Option Depending On How The Draft Goes: Kentwan Balmer, DT North Carolina

27. Sam Diego Chargers - Chris Williams, OT Vanderbilt   
The Chargers would rush the pick up to the board if the athletic Williams is still on the board here. Boston College's Gosder Cherilus wouldn't be a bad second option.
Three Biggest Needs: OT, DT, OG
Most Likely Second Option Depending On How The Draft Goes: Gosder Cherilus, OT Boston College

28. Dallas Cowboys - Malcolm Kelly, WR Oklahoma  
MIGHT TRADE PICK   DeSean Jackson is the one the Cowboys want, but they'll go with the best receiver available if they go somewhere else with the 22. Watch out for a package deal to get out of both spots to move way up.
Three Biggest Needs: WR, OT, CB
Most Likely Second Option Depending On How The Draft Goes: DeSean Jackson, WR California

29. San Francisco 49ers (from Indianapolis) - Gosder Cherilus, OT Boston College
A receiver like Mario Manningham would be tempting, but Cherilus fills a more pressing need. He'd be an instant starter and would be terrific value here.
Three Biggest Needs: WR, OT, DE
Most Likely Second Option Depending On How The Draft Goes: Malcolm Kelly, WR Oklahoma

30. Green Bay Packers - Tyrell Johnson, S Arkansas State
Johnson has replaced Kenny Phillips as the top safety on many draft boards. The Packers would love it if a top corner could slide this far, and it would be a reach to take a Tracy Porter or Brandon Flowers here.
Three Biggest Needs: S, TE, OT
Most Likely Second Option Depending On How The Draft Goes: Kenny Phillips, S Miami

31. New England Patriots - No Soup For You  
Naughty, naughty. The Pats lose this pick thanks to Spygate.

32. New York Giants - Quentin Groves, DE/LB Auburn
Like the Giants need yet another tweener pass rusher. They could use a true outside linebacker and might go for one of the mid-range receivers, but Groves can be plugged in somewhere on the outside and turned loose in the rotation. It's never a bad thing to get reinforcements for what got you to the top of the mountain.
Three Biggest Needs: LB, S, OT
Most Likely Second Option Depending On How The Draft Goes: Tyrell Johnson, S Arkansas State