Mock NFL Draft Ed. 3

If the draft goes down this way, the five OT’s selected in the first round would be more than were selected in the last two first rounds combined. I don’t think it is so much that this is a particularly strong Tackle class as that there aren’t a lot of proven difference makers in this draft, and the theory is that taking offensive linemen in the first round is “safe.”

There is almost certainly going to be a major trade either right before, or during, the draft. Either Chad Johnson will get dealt or someone will trade into the top 5 to get McFadden… hell, maybe even both. Until then though, on to scenarios 5 and 6 in the Oakland, Atlanta, Kansas City coin flip round robin…

1. Dolphins: Jake Long, OT, Michigan
No way the Fins don't trade this pick, but I can't predict to whom or if Miami will pull a Twins and turn down too many good deals. Glenn Dorsey doesn't really fit in a 3-4 scheme. I'm not sure that Miami is ready to give up on last year's 2nd round pick John Beck and Chris Long isn't prototypical at either DE or OLB. Miami doesn't need a running back with Ronnie Brown coming back from injury for his third season. That leaves Jake Long as the only remaining top 5 talent.

2. Rams: Chris Long, DE, Virginia
If Jake were still available, he would definitely go here, but he won't be. Chris Long will line up next to last year's 1st round selection DT Adam Carriker as the Rams solidify their defensive front for the next half-decade and beyond.

The next three picks are determined by coin flips. I'll present the way I see the draft going down in the last two scenarios (and by far the cleanest scenarios) in which Kansas City wins the coin flips:

3. Chiefs: Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
Kansas City doesn't appear to be sold on Brody Croyle. He's got Pennington-itis in his throwing arm and couldn't beat out Damon Huard for the starting job. Ryan on the other hand has a cannon and has experience taking a team without a lot of weapons farther than they have any business going.

If Atlanta is next:

4. Falcons: Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
Warrick Dunn is getting long in the tooth and more and more the NFL is becoming a 2 back league. With the top QB off the board, look for the Falcons to grab the explosive Razorback to line up behind probable second round picks Chad Henne out of Michigan or Delaware’s Joe Flacco.

5. Raiders: Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
The Silver and Black needs to replace Warren Sapp and Dorsey is a Sapp clone who fits perfectly in the Raiders defensive system.

If Oakland is next:

4. Raiders: Dorsey

5. Falcons: McFadden

6. Jets: Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State
The Jets would move the 6-3, 255 pounder to rush OLB in their 3-4 scheme and play him like the Willie McGinest or Mike Vrabel type player that Mangini was used to utilizing in New England. As mentioned earlier, anyone who has a shot at McFadden will be shopping the pick.

7. Patriots (from 49ers): Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy
Without a legit playmaker at corner in this year's draft, re-signing Asante Samuel is a must for the Pats. If they can do that, I'd expect them to trade this pick, if not, McKelvin is the top DB on the board and without any first round talent at ILB, I'd expect the Pats to go with the corner from Troy.

8. Ravens: Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville
The Ravens need a quarterback almost as bad as the Falcons. I don't see Brohm as a franchise type guy, but if the Ravens D can rebound and if Willis McGahee can have a solid year, this Louisville product might be able to get them back to the playoffs.

9. Bengals: Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
Chad Johnson wants out. If packaging this pick with Ocho Cinco could yield a top two or three pick as well as some later picks from the Rams, Dolphins, Chiefs or Raiders (I don't see the Falcons passing on Ryan) the Bengals would have to give it serious thought. If there isn't a trade, the Bengals need to spend some serious money getting their defense in shape.

10. Saints: Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida
The Saints really need a linebacker…any linebacker, but there aren't any worthy here, so expect them to go with their second biggest need: replacing 5-8 CB Jason David.

11. Bills: DeSean Jackson, WR/KR, Cal
Lee Evans needs help and Josh Reed is a number three or number four receiver on a contending team. Jackson could step in immediately at the Z for the Bills and also help on kick returns. Toughness is an issue and going from California to Buffalo could be a shock, but Jackson could give this offense the non-quarterback offensive player it needs to challenge for a playoff spot.

12. Broncos: Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State
The Broncos need help all over the O-line. For the first time since I can remember, the Broncos didn't have a 1,000 yard rusher. Clady is a giant who could start at RT or either guard position immediately.

13. Panthers: Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida
The Panthers could use a situational pass rusher next year and Harvey could be groomed to replace aging Mike Rucker.

14. Bears: Sam Baker, OT, USC
Before the Senior Bowl, I'd have said Kentucky QB Andre Woodson here, but Woodson was miserable and probably fell out of first round contention. In fact, he might still be available to the Bears in the middle of the second round. There aren't any other quarterbacks worthy of a first round pick, and the Bears don't need to reach for a running back despite uber-bust Cedric Benson, so I expect they'll use this pick to lock up their bookend of the future.

15. Lions: Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas
What can I say; there aren't any wide receivers to take here. The Lions still haven't replaced Dre Bly, and although I'm not sold on Talib, he's the best of what's left at CB. Of course with Matt Millen, you never know…

16. Cardinals: Calais Campbell, DE, Miami
Arizona needs all kinds of help on D and this unpolished genetic marvel is as good a place to start as any.

17. Vikings: Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma
Tavaris Jackson needs help in the passing game…lots of it. Michigan's Mario Manningham is a possibility here too, but I'll take the bigger Kelly to play opposite Sidney Rice allowing burner Troy Williamson to move into the slot.

18. Texans: Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt
Houston needs help all over the place, but both Panthers OTs coming up on free agency and Williams could play either bookend.

19. Eagles: Mario Manningham, WR, Michigan
Whoever plays QB for Philly next year is going to need help in the passing game. Manningham is a burner and a playmaker, and while he disappeared occasionally at Michigan, he's the best skill position player available.

20. Buccaneers: Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
The run on wide outs continues as Tampa looks to find a playmaker in the passing game in hopes that Cadillac Williams return from injury will allow them to pass on the running backs that would otherwise fit in this area of the first round.

21. Redskins: Kenny Phillips, S, Miami
The Skins will look to another Miami product to replace Sean Taylor's presence in the defensive secondary.

22. Cowboys (from Browns): Jeff Otah, OT, Pitt
Jerry Jones wants McFadden. I don't know why seeing as he's got a Pro Bowl running back in Marion Barber and a change-of-pace burner in Julius Jones… but he does. If he can't trade up, the Cowboys could get younger on the O-line.

23. Steelers: Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson
Neither Brett Keisel nor Nick Eason is a guy you're excited about starting 16+ times per year, and Merling has the ability to make an impact immediately.

24. Titans: Early Doucet, WR, LSU
Doucet doesn't excite me as he has neither elite speed nor size and he has trouble staying healthy but he has great hands and flashes a second gear in space. Vince Young needs a playmaker in the passing game or else his slide from Rookie of the Year to Sophomore Slump may continue into year three.

25. Seahawks: Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois Shaun Alexander looks washed up just 2 years after an MVP season. Maurice Morris is an adequate change-of-pace back but has no business starting. Mendenhall could step in and start immediately, and if Seattle's passing game can maintain the momentum it built late last season, Rashard could put up some serious numbers.

26. Jaguars: Quentin Groves, DE, Auburn Ellis is an obvious value pick here. If he's gone, Groves could be the situational pass rusher the Jags need on third down until he bulks up into a true 4-3 DE.

27. Chargers: Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College This could be where Jonathan Stewart ends up if the Chargers can't re-sign Michael Turner. With Darren Sproles still on the roster and the wealth of running backs slated to come off the board in the second and third rounds, I can't see San Diego matching the money that other teams offer, but at the same time I can't see taking a backup for LDT in the first round when they could upgrade their O-line with a starter at RT.

28. Cowboys: Dan Conner, ILB, Penn State Conner has the size to play inside and the speed to play outside in a 3-4 scheme. Again, this pick could be packaged with the 22nd pick to move up, but if not look for Dallas to improve in the middle.

29. 49ers (from Colts): James Hardy, WR, Indiana Darrell Jackson didn't workout so look for the Niners to go to the draft to find a second receiving option opposite TE Vernon Davis for QB Alex Smith. Hardy isn't a burner, but has the size to be a solid possession receiver and red zone threat.

30. Packers: Fred Davis, TE, USC It's not a huge need, but the other players here aren't among Green Bay's needs. CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie out of Tennessee St. is a hot name, but it takes more than one Senior Bowl week for me to reach to get him at the end of the first round.

31. Patriots: Pick Forfeited

32. Giants: Kentwan Balmer, DT, UNC
Great value pick here for the Super Bowl Champs. OLB is a greater need, but I think Shawn Crable out of Michigan will be available at the end of the second round whereas the quality DTs could be gone before New York picks again.

Mock NFL Draft Ed. 2

So Shaq to Arizona eh? While this should improve the Suns defensively, the Diesel should only be a bit player on this team. Shaq can’t run with Phoenix’s high tempo offense, so unless Steve Nash can run his offense with four on five, Shaq can only be a defensive sub when the Suns decide to go into a more traditional half court game or when they need a defensive stand in the half court late in the game. All in all, I don’t like the trade. Shaq just doesn’t fit in Phoenix.

Curt Schilling’s arm appears to be in trouble. This really doesn’t worry me. Schill was going to be the Sox number three starter at best this year. Remember, he only went 9-8 last year. The Sox don’t need him until October. Curt, get the surgery. Focus on getting healthy for the September/October timeframe so that you can be yourself-one of the most dominant post-season pitchers in history-in time for the playoffs. This will allow Clay Buchholz into the rotation full time, which isn’t a bad thing.

On to scenarios 3 and 4 in the Oakland, Atlanta, Kansas City three way…er…coin flip round robin…

1. Dolphins: Jake Long, OT, Michigan
No way the Fins don’t trade this pick, but I can’t predict to whom or if Miami will pull a Twins and turn down too many good deals. Glenn Dorsey doesn’t really fit in a 3-4 scheme. I’m not sure that Miami is ready to give up on last year’s 2nd round pick John Beck and Chris Long isn’t prototypical at either DE or OLB. Miami doesn’t need a running back with Ronnie Brown coming back from injury for his third season. That leaves Jake Long as the only remaining top 5 talent.

2. Rams: Chris Long, DE, Virginia
If Jake were still available, he would definitely go here, but he won’t be. Chris Long will line up next to last year’s 1st round selection DT Adam Carriker as the Rams solidify their defensive front for the next half-decade and beyond.

The next three picks are determined by coin flips. I’ll present the way I see the draft going down in the last two scenarios next week. Today, I’ll assume Oakland wins the coin flips:

3. Raiders: Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
The Silver and Black needs to replace Warren Sapp and Dorsey is a Sapp clone who fits perfectly in the Raiders defensive system, but Al Davis is nuts and loves his toys. I just can’t see him passing on McFadden

If Atlanta is next:

4. Falcons: Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
The rebuilding from Hurricane Vick starts with a new quarterback. Ryan is a protypical pocket passer with a rocket arm who guided BC as high as number two in the polls without a lot of NFL talent around him, think Tom Brady in the first couple Super Bowls.

5. Chiefs: Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State
The Chiefs are in great position. They would take any of the aforementioned guys and be thankful for the discount, but if KC ends up with the fifth pick and if Darren McFadden is still on the board, expect them to shop it. They need help pretty much everywhere except at running back, and if McFadden is still around, someone will step up to get this pick, and get McFadden on the cheap.

If Kansas City is next:

4. Chiefs: Ryan
Kansas City doesn’t appear to be sold on Brody Croyle. He’s got Pennington-itis in his throwing arm and couldn’t beat out Damon Huard for the starting job. Ryan on the other hand has a cannon and has experience taking a team without a lot of weapons farther than they have any business going.

5. Falcons: Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
Warrick Dunn already qualifies for running back social security. This might be the dream scenario for Arthur Blank. The Falcons could either trade down (Cowboys?) and pick up more picks (not to mention Marion Barber?) or select the best athlete in the Draft at a serious discount.

6. Jets: Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State
The Jets would move the 6-3, 255 pounder to rush OLB in their 3-4 scheme and play him like the Willie McGinest or Mike Vrabel type player that Mangini was used to utilizing in New England. As mentioned earlier, anyone who has a shot at McFadden will be shopping the pick.

7. Patriots (from 49ers): Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy
Without a legit playmaker at corner in this year’s draft, re-signing Asante Samuel is a must for the Pats. If they can do that, I’d expect them to trade this pick, if not, McKelvin is the top DB on the board and without any first round talent at ILB, I’d expect the Pats to go with the corner from Troy.

8. Ravens: Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville
The Ravens need a quarterback almost as bad as the Falcons. I don’t see Brohm as a franchise type guy, but if the Ravens D can rebound and if Willis McGahee can have a solid year, this Louisville product might be able to get them back to the playoffs.

9. Bengals: McFadden (if he’s there) Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC (if not)
Chad Johnson wants out. If packaging this pick with Ocho Cinco could yield a top two or three pick as well as some later picks from the Rams, Dolphins, Chiefs or Raiders (I don’t see the Falcons passing on Ryan) the Bengals would have to give it serious thought. If there isn’t a trade, the Bengals need to spend some serious money getting their defense in shape.

10. Saints: Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida
The Saints really need a linebacker…any linebacker, but there aren’t any worthy here, so expect them to go with their second biggest need: replacing 5-8 CB Jason David.

11. Bills: DeSean Jackson, WR/KR, Cal
Lee Evans needs help and Josh Reed is a number three or number four receiver on a contending team. Jackson could step in immediately at the Z for the Bills and also help on kick returns. Toughness is an issue and going from California to Buffalo could be a shock, but Jackson could give this offense the non-quarterback offensive player it needs to challenge for a playoff spot.

12. Broncos: Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State
The Broncos need help all over the O-line. For the first time since I can remember, the Broncos didn’t have a 1,000 yard rusher. Clady is a giant who could start at RT or either guard position immediately.

13. Panthers: Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida
The Panthers could use a situational pass rusher next year and Harvey could be groomed to replace aging Mike Rucker.

14. Bears: Sam Baker, OT, USC
Before the Senior Bowl, I’d have said Kentucky QB Andre Woodson here, but Woodson was miserable and probably fell out of first round contention. There aren’t any other quarterbacks worthy of a first round pick, the Bears don’t need to reach for a running back despite uber-bust Cedric Benson, so I expect they’ll use this pick to lock up their bookend of the future.

15. Lions: Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas
What can I say; there aren’t any wide receivers to take here. The Lions still haven’t replaced Dre Bly, and although I’m not sold on Talib, he’s the best of what’s left at CB. Of course with Matt Millen, you never know…

16. Cardinals: Calais Campbell, DE, Miami
Arizona needs all kinds of help on D and this unpolished genetic marvel is as good a place to start as any.

17. Vikings: Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma
Tavaris Jackson needs help in the passing game…lots of it. Michigan’s Mario Manningham is a possibility here too, but I’ll take the bigger Kelly to play opposite Sidney Rice allowing burner Troy Williamson to move into the slot.

18. Texans: Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt
Houston needs help all over the place, but both Panthers OTs coming up on free agency and Williams could play either bookend.

19. Eagles: Mario Manningham, WR, Michigan
Whoever plays QB for Philly next year is going to need help in the passing game. Manningham is a burner and a playmaker, and while he tended to disappear occasionally at Michigan, he’s the best skill position player available.

20. Buccaneers: Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
The run on wide outs continues as Tampa looks to find a playmaker in the passing game in hopes that Cadillac Williams return from injury will allow them to pass on the running backs that would otherwise fit in this area of the first round.

21. Redskins: Kenny Phillips, S, Miami
The Skins will look to another Miami product to replace Sean Taylor’s presence in the defensive secondary.

22. Cowboys (from Browns): Jeff Otah, OT, Pitt
Jerry Jones wants McFadden. I don’t know why seeing as he’s got a Pro Bowl running back in Marion Barber and a change-of-pace burner in Julius Jones… but he does. If he can’t trade up, the Cowboys could get younger on the O-line.

23. Steelers: Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson
Neither Brett Keisel nor Nick Eason is a guy you’re excited about starting 16+ times per year, and Merling has the ability to make an impact immediately.

24. Titans: Early Doucet, WR, LSU
Doucet doesn’t excite me as he has neither elite speed nor size and he has trouble staying healthy but he has great hands and flashes a second gear in space. Vince Young needs a playmaker in the passing game or else his slide from Rookie of the Year to Sophomore Slump may continue into year three.

25. Seahawks: Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois
Shaun Alexander looks washed up just 2 years after an MVP season. Maurice Morris is an adequate change-of-pace back but has no business starting. Mendenhall could step in and start immediately, and if Seattle’s passing game can maintain the momentum it built late last season, Rashard could put up some serious numbers.

26. Jaguars: Ellis (if McFadden goes to Cincy) Quentin Groves, DE, Auburn (if not)
Ellis is an obvious value pick here. If he’s gone, Groves could be the situational pass rusher the Jags need on third down until he bulks up into a true 4-3 DE.

27. Chargers: Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College
This could be where Jonathan Stewart ends up if the Chargers can’t re-sign Michael Turner. With Darren Sproles still on the roster and the wealth of running backs slated to come off the board in the second and third rounds, I can’t see San Diego matching the money that other teams offer, but at the same time I can’t see taking a backup for LDT in the first round when they could upgrade their O-line with a starter at RT.

28. Cowboys: Dan Conner, ILB, Penn State
Conner has the size to play inside and the speed to play outside in a 3-4 scheme. Again, this pick could be packaged with the 22nd pick to move up, but if not look for Dallas to improve in the middle.

29. 49ers (from Colts): James Hardy, WR, Indiana
Darrell Jackson didn’t workout so look for the Niners to go to the draft to find a second receiving option opposite TE Vernon Davis for QB Alex Smith. Hardy isn’t a burner, but has the size to be a solid possession receiver and red zone threat.

30. Packers: Fred Davis, TE, USC
It’s not a huge need, but the other players here aren’t among Green Bay’s needs. CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie out of Tennessee St. is a hot name, but it takes more than one Senior Bowl week for me to reach to get him at the end of the first round.

31. Patriots: Pick Forfeited

32. Giants: Kentwan Balmer, DT, UNC
Great value pick here for the Super Bowl Champs. OLB is a greater need, but I think Shawn Crable out of Michigan will be available at the end of the second round whereas the quality DTs could be gone before New York picks again.

NFL Draft Mock 1st Round

Now I know how Yankees fans felt October 21st 2004. This was the first time I’ve been able to get home to Massachusetts for the Super Bowl, so I’m fairly sure that the Pats lost solely because of me. You’re welcome New York. Well after two days of mourning, the Pats are in the ground, the Giants have had their parade and Belichick is back in Foxboro working on next year and the draft. T-minus eight days til pitchers and catchers report.

The original plan was to hold my first round mock draft until this coming weekend, but that was when I expected to be able to write about the Super Bowl without crying in my beer. Since such is not the case, here’s how I see round one going…

1. Dolphins: Jake Long, OT, Michigan
No way the Fins don’t trade this pick, but I can’t predict to whom or if Miami will pull a Twins and turn down too many good deals. Glenn Dorsey doesn’t really fit in a 3-4 scheme. I’m not sure that Miami is ready to give up on last year’s 2nd round pick John Beck and Chris Long isn’t prototypical at either DE or OLB. Miami doesn’t need a running back with Ronnie Brown coming back from injury for his third season. That leaves Jake Long as the only remaining top 5 talent.

2. Rams: Chris Long, DE, Virginia
If Jake were still available, he would definitely go here, but he won’t be. Chris Long will line up next to last year’s 1st round selection DT Adam Carriker as the Rams solidify their defensive front for the next half-decade and beyond.

The next three picks are determined by coin flips, so I’ll present the way I see the draft going down in each of those six scenarios over the next 3 weeks. First I’ll assume Atlanta wins the coin flips:

3. Falcons: Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
The rebuilding from Hurricane Vick starts with a new quarterback. Ryan is a protypical pocket passer with a rocket arm who guided BC as high as number two in the polls without a lot of NFL talent around him, think Tom Brady in the first couple Super Bowls.

If Oakland is next:

4. Raiders: Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
The Silver and Black needs to replace Warren Sapp and Dorsey is a Sapp clone who fits perfectly in the Raiders defensive system.

5. Chiefs: Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State
The Chiefs are in great position. They would take any of the aforementioned guys and be thankful for the discount, but if KC ends up with the fifth pick and if Darren McFadden is still on the board, expect them to shop it. They need help pretty much everywhere except at running back, and if McFadden is still around, someone will step up to get this pick, and get McFadden on the cheap.

If Kansas City is next:
4. Chiefs: Dorsey
Kansas City will line Dorsey up next to last year’s first round pick Tamba Hali and much like the Rams, solidify their D-line for the next 5-10 years.

5. Raiders: Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
This is an Al Davis pick. The Raiders don’t need McFadden, but that’s never stopped Davis from making foolish flashy picks in the past.

6. Jets: Gholston/McFadden
The Jets have to take whoever is available among these guys. If it’s Gholston, the Jets would move the 6-3, 255 pounder to rush OLB in their 3-4 scheme and play him like the Willie McGinest or Mike Vrabel type player that Mangini was used to utilizing in New England. If it’s McFadden look for the Jets to either trade him for Marion Barber and picks or to another team with a greater need at RB (Chicago?) for even more picks. Rest assured, they will not let a weapon like McFadden fall to the Patriots.

7. Patriots (from 49ers): Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy
Without a legit playmaker at corner in this year’s draft, re-signing Asante Samuel is a must for the Pats. If they can do that, I’d expect them to trade this pick, if not, McKelvin is the top DB on the board and without any first round talent at ILB, I’d expect the Pats to go with the corner from Troy.

8. Ravens: Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville
The Ravens need a quarterback almost as bad as the Falcons. I don’t see Brohm as a franchise type guy, but if the Ravens D can rebound and if Willis McGahee can have a solid year, this Louisville product might be able to get them back to the playoffs.

9. Bengals: Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
Chad Johnson wants out. If packaging this pick with Ocho Cinco could yield a top two or three pick as well as some later picks from the Rams, Dolphins, Chiefs or Raiders (I don’t see the Falcons passing on Ryan) the Bengals would have to give it serious thought. If there isn’t a trade, the Bengals need to spend some serious money getting their defense in shape.

10. Saints: Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida
The Saints really need a linebacker…any linebacker, but there aren’t any worthy here, so expect them to go with their second biggest need: replacing 5-8 CB Jason David.

11. Bills: DeSean Jackson, WR/KR, Cal
Lee Evans needs help and Josh Reed is a number three or number four receiver on a contending team. Jackson could step in immediately at the Z for the Bills and also help on kick returns. Toughness is an issue and going from California to Buffalo could be a shock, but Jackson could give this offense the non-quarterback offensive player it needs to challenge for a playoff spot.

12. Broncos: Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State
The Broncos need help all over the O-line. For the first time since I can remember, the Broncos didn’t have a 1,000 yard rusher. Clady is a giant who could start at RT or either guard position immediately.

13. Panthers: Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida
The Panthers could use a situational pass rusher next year and Harvey could be groomed to replace aging Mike Rucker.

14. Bears: Sam Baker, OT, USC
Before the Senior Bowl, I’d have said Kentucky QB Andre Woodson here, but Woodson was miserable and probably fell out of first round contention. There aren’t any other quarterbacks worthy of a first round pick, the Bears don’t need to reach for a running back despite uber-bust Cedric Benson, so I expect they’ll use this pick to lock up their bookend of the future.

15. Lions: Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas
What can I say; there aren’t any wide receivers to take here. The Lions still haven’t replaced Dre Bly, and although I’m not sold on Talib, he’s the best of what’s left at CB. Of course with Matt Millen, you never know…

16. Cardinals: Calais Campbell, DE, Miami
Arizona needs all kinds of help on D and this unpolished genetic marvel is as good a place to start as any.

17. Vikings: Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma
Tavaris Jackson needs help in the passing game…lots of it. Michigan’s Mario Manningham is a possibility here too, but I’ll take the bigger Kelly to play opposite Sidney Rice allowing burner Troy Williamson to move into the slot.

18. Texans: Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt
Houston needs help all over the place, but both Panthers OTs coming up on free agency and Williams could play either bookend.

19. Eagles: Mario Manningham, WR, Michigan
Whoever plays QB for Philly next year is going to need help in the passing game. Manningham is a burner and a playmaker, and while he tended to disappear occasionally at Michigan, he’s the best skill position player available.

20. Buccaneers: Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
The run on wide outs continues as Tampa looks to find a playmaker in the passing game in hopes that Cadillac Williams return from injury will allow them to pass on the running backs that would otherwise fit in this area of the first round.

21. Redskins: Kenny Phillips, S, Miami
The Skins will look to another Miami product to replace Sean Taylor’s presence in the defensive secondary.

22. Cowboys (from Browns): Jeff Otah, OT, Pitt
Jerry Jones wants McFadden. I don’t know why seeing as he’s got a Pro Bowl running back in Marion Barber and a change-of-pace burner in Julius Jones… but he does. If he can’t trade up, the Cowboys could get younger on the O-line.

23. Steelers: Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson
Neither Brett Keisel nor Nick Eason is a guy you’re excited about starting 16+ times per year, and Merling has the ability to make an impact immediately.

24. Titans: Early Doucet, WR, LSU
Doucet doesn’t excite me as he has neither elite speed nor size and he has trouble staying healthy but he has great hands and flashes a second gear in space. Vince Young needs a playmaker in the passing game or else his slide from Rookie of the Year to Sophomore Slump may continue into year three.

25. Seahawks: Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois
Shaun Alexander looks washed up just 2 years after an MVP season. Maurice Morris is an adequate change-of-pace back but has no business starting. Mendenhall could step in and start immediately, and if Seattle’s passing game can maintain the momentum it built late last season, Rashard could put up some serious numbers.

26. Jaguars: Quentin Groves, DE, Auburn
I know, another Jags D-lineman who can’t stay on the field, but Jacksonville let Tom Brady go 26-28 because they couldn’t get to the quarterback. Groves could be the solution as a situational pass rusher early in his career until he bulks up into a true 4-3 DE.

27. Chargers: Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College
This could be where Jonathan Stewart ends up if the Chargers can’t re-sign Michael Turner. With Darren Sproles still on the roster and the wealth of running backs slated to come off the board in the second and third rounds, I can’t see San Diego matching the money that other teams offer, but at the same time I can’t see taking a backup for LDT in the first round when they could upgrade their O-line with a starter at RT.

28. Cowboys: Dan Conner, ILB, Penn State
Conner has the size to play inside and the speed to play outside in a 3-4 scheme. Again, this pick could be packaged with the 22nd pick to move up, but if not look for Dallas to improve in the middle.

29. 49ers (from Colts): James Hardy, WR, Indiana
Darrell Jackson didn’t workout so look for the Niners to go to the draft to find a second receiving option opposite TE Vernon Davis for QB Alex Smith. Hardy isn’t a burner, but has the size to be a solid possession receiver and red zone threat.

30. Packers: Fred Davis, TE, USC
It’s not a huge need, but the other players here aren’t among Green Bay’s needs. CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie out of Tennessee St. is a hot name, but it takes more than one Senior Bowl week for me to reach to get him at the end of the first round.

31. Patriots: Pick Forfeited

32. Giants: Kentwan Balmer, DT, UNC
Great value pick here for the Super Bowl Champs. OLB is a greater need, but I think Shawn Crable out of Michigan will be available at the end of the second round whereas the quality DTs could be gone before New York picks again.

Super Bowl Pick:

Well we’ve reached Super Bowl weekend, and you know what that means: It’s your last chance to double your life savings by betting the farm that my prediction against the spread is dead wrong. Of course since the Titans aren’t in the Super Bowl, you aren’t guaranteed success, but still, the odds are on your side.

Again, Barstool Quarterback Aggregate Positional Rankings will be in order of:

Offense Rank + Defense Rank + Special Teams + Coaching = Total (Rank)

Giants (+12) over Patriots:

Before I get started, did you know that the Patriots have had four different guys lead the team in rushing and seven different guys lead the team in receiving in at least one game this year!? Amazing ball distribution by Brady and Josh McDaniels! How do you stop that? Well I guess 18-0 indicated that no one’s answered that yet. On to the analysis…

Everything points towards the Patriots just rolling over the Giants. Belichick destroys everyone the second time he sees them in a season. Plax Burress hasn’t practiced all week. Jeremy Shockey’s on IR. Vanilla 4 man rush teams (like the Giants and Jacksonville) can’t get to Brady enough to stop the Pats passing attack. The weather is going to be beautiful and we all know what the Pats were doing in fair weather through the first 10 games. I could go on forever, but one thing keeps me coming back to the Giants: we just watched this game last month! The Giants lost by 3 IN FOXBORO! Listen, I still think the Pats will win, and I think it’ll be by more than 3, but we haven’t seen the Pats embarrass anyone since December 9^th when they decided to remind Anthony Smith that he’s, well… Anthony Smith. I keep hoping that Aaron Ross will come out and guarantee victory so that I could feel comfortable with the knowledge that the Pats were about to drop half a hundred on the Giants, but until that happens, I’m going to worry just a little.

BSQ APR:

Giants: 8+9+12+11=40 (12)

Patriots: 1+1+1+1=4 (1)

That’s right the worst team entering the playoffs versus the best. If Vegas had set a line in a Patriots versus Giants Super Bowl after week 16, what would it have been? Twenty-two points…at least?

Let’s do some prop bets!

No Brainers:

Vegas is offering odds on where exactly the total combined points will lie:
64-70: 11/2
71-77: 10/1
78+: 9/1
I would put money on any/all of these. These teams put up 73 combined points in single digit temperatures in windy Foxboro. You think they can’t match that in beautiful Arizona? Especially if they close the roof?

Giants win by 1-6 points: 5/1
Seriously, the Giants do have a chance in this game, but they aren’t going to blow the Pats out. At 5-1 odds, this could make you a nice chunk of change if the Giants pull the upset.

Not for the faint of heart:

Giants total team points: Under 21.5 points (EVEN)
I see this as being a close game, but if the Pats jump out to a 2 or 3 score lead early, this one could get ugly in a hurry, and do you trust Eli to not throw 3 or 4 picks if they put him in an early hole? I’d strongly consider taking this under.

Last score of the game will be a:
Touchdown: (-180)
Field Goal or Safety: (+150)
Knowing Patriots history, you’d think FG for sure, but this isn’t just any Patriots offense. It’s going to take TDs to win this one.

No Turnovers in the game: (+700)
Now this is intriguing. You’ve got to have a set of brass ones to make this bet, but it’s not totally crazy, and the payoff is impressive.

You have a problem. Get therapy:

Total combined points:
0 - 7 Points 60/1
8 - 14 Points 45/1
15 - 21 Points 30/1
22 - 28 Points 20/1
If you bet any of these, you’d better start praying that Brady, Moss and Manning all suffer catastrophic injuries in the first quarter.

First missed field goal will be:
Wide Right: (-105)
Wide Left: (-125)
These are two pretty good kickers, and I don’t see either team settling for many field goals.

Times the telecast cuts to Archie Manning:
Over 4.5 (-170)
Under 4.5 (+130)
I’ll take the under, but seriously, who cares?

Team to win the opening coin toss:
Patriots: (-103)
Giants: (-103)
Uh, it’s a coin toss. You could make this bet with the guy sitting next to you for even money.

How long will it take Jordin Sparks to sing the National Anthem:
Over 1m42s (-120)
Under 1m42s (-110)
Now you’re scaring me, I can’t advocate this kind of bet with a selection of my own.