The First 6 picks of the 2008 NFL draft are....

[Hawg73]

Here's how I see the early part of first round breaking down:

1. Miami -- Chris Long DE

Their new head coach gave a PC the other day and when asked who he would be selecting said "It would have to be somebody that can really help your defense", then blushed because he realized he really blew it and tried to cover up.

Long fits the mold of a Parcellian defender, is considered a safe, mature pick and Jason Taylor is going to be traded before the season. This is going to be their guy.

2. St. Louis -- Jake Long OT

This is practically a lock. I'd be shocked if Jake is available and the Rams chose anybody else. Marc Bulger keeps getting killed and RT Alex Barron has been terrible after being a high pick for them. This Long is also a can't-miss prospect and can take over at LT once he gets his feet wet and Orlando Pace mercifully retires.

3. Atlanta -- Matt Ryan QB

A mild shocker, because they could also take Glenn Dorsey -- another safe guy, but they take a mild risk due to the Mike Vick factor. Falcons owner Arthur Blank had about a dozen people in to personally scout Ryan and as an owner who definitely needs a franchise face for his team after the Vick debacle decides to exert a strong influence and inadvertantly screws up the Pats in the process. QBs don't grow on trees and Ryan looks to be one of those heady guys that can thrive in situations where many others cannot. Plus, you don't have to worry about him killing dogs and then lying about it.

4. Oakland -- Glenn Dorsey DT

I believe the Raiders have been blowing smoke where Darren McFadden is concerned and their most glaring need meets a guy that can clearly answer that need. They didn't expect him to be there, but Atlanta's curveball is to their benefit. For once the Raiders do the sensible thing. Damn them.

5. Kansas City Chiefs -- Ryan Clady OT

Gholston is staring right at them, but they already have Derrick Johnson at SLB so he is clearly not an option. KC considers trading down a few spots and picking up an extra choice from Gholston suitors, but with Baltimore and Cincy sporting a big need for OTs at 8 & 9, they are reluctant to miss out on Clady or even Jeff Otah and so do what they have to do and turn down all offers.

One interesting scenario would have the Patriots moving up to 5 to grab Gholston not only because he should be a fine player in their system, but because they would totally f#$k with the Jets by doing so. I do consider this a decent possibility and imagining the reaction in NY should this happen is pure fun.

6. NY Jets -- Vernon Gholston OLB

The Jets really need a NT but aren't sure if Sedrick Ellis would be a DeWayne Robertson clone. He isn't, but they are too spooked to pick him. They find a guy to pair with steady David Harris to build a formidable LB corps for the next decade and the pick is cheered wildly by the notoriously whiny Jet faithful.

7. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS - ???

The nightmare has come true. The first 6 picks could not have worked out any worse for us and the Pats need to maximize value or take the best guy available.

What do you do?

[ParanoidPatriot]

The long (no pun, yes it its) awaited Hawg mock.:rockon:

I just read at another site that Mia and J.Long are very close to a contract. The report says that the Fins have not talked to any other player.

So, I wanted to bring that up in case you wanted to change your mock.

Edit:NBCSports.com's Tom Curran reports the Dolphins are nearing a contract agreement with Michigan OT Jake Long.

[EasyBigFella*]

Here's how I see the early part of first round breaking down:

1. Miami -- Chris Long DE

Their new head coach gave a PC the other day and when asked who he would be selecting said "It would have to be somebody that can really help your defense", then blushed because he realized he really blew it and tried to cover up.

Long fits the mold of a Parcellian defender, is considered a safe, mature pick and Jason Taylor is going to be traded before the season. This is going to be their guy.

2. St. Louis -- Jake Long OT

This is practically a lock. I'd be shocked if Jake is available and the Rams chose anybody else. Marc Bulger keeps getting killed and RT Alex Barron has been terrible after being a high pick for them. This Long is also a can't-miss prospect and can take over at LT once he gets his feet wet and Orlando Pace mercifully retires.

3. Atlanta -- Matt Ryan QB

A mild shocker, because they could also take Glenn Dorsey -- another safe guy, but they take a mild risk due to the Mike Vick factor. Falcons owner Arthur Blank had about a dozen people in to personally scout Ryan and as an owner who definitely needs a franchise face for his team after the Vick debacle decides to exert a strong influence and inadvertantly screws up the Pats in the process. QBs don't grow on trees and Ryan looks to be one of those heady guys that can thrive in situations where many others cannot. Plus, you don't have to worry about him killing dogs and then lying about it.

4. Oakland -- Glenn Dorsey DT

I believe the Raiders have been blowing smoke where Darren McFadden is concerned and their most glaring need meets a guy that can clearly answer that need. They didn't expect him to be there, but Atlanta's curveball is to their benefit. For once the Raiders do the sensible thing. Damn them.

5. Kansas City Chiefs -- Ryan Clady OT

Gholston is staring right at them, but they already have Derrick Johnson at SLB so he is clearly not an option. KC considers trading down a few spots and picking up an extra choice from Gholston suitors, but with Baltimore and Cincy sporting a big need for OTs at 8 & 9, they are reluctant to miss out on Clady or even Jeff Otah and so do what they have to do and turn down all offers.

One interesting scenario would have the Patriots moving up to 5 to grab Gholston not only because he should be a fine player in their system, but because they would totally f#$k with the Jets by doing so. I do consider this a decent possibility and imagining the reaction in NY should this happen is pure fun.

6. NY Jets -- Vernon Gholston OLB

The Jets really need a NT but aren't sure if Sedrick Ellis would be a DeWayne Robertson clone. He isn't, but they are too spooked to pick him. They find a guy to pair with steady David Harris to build a formidable LB corps for the next decade and the pick is cheered wildly by the notoriously whiny Jet faithful.

7. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS - ???

The nightmare has come true. The first 6 picks could not have worked out any worse for us and the Pats need to maximize value or take the best guy available.

What do you do?

I think if that happened, a lot of teams (Dallas) would be calling to trade for the right to McFadden.

[Dwight Schrute]

I personally don't see this mock as a disaster as much as you do Hawg.

With Ellis and McFadden drawing raves I think there will still be at least 2 teams to pit against each other to gather an extra 2nd or 3rd and still select Rivers or Harvey (or any other ILB they have rated high) or whoever they really want at CB in a more preferable salary slot.

I think it would play out fine. It would just be better if Ryan were available still for more suitors.

[Hawg73]

The long (no pun, yes it its) awaited Hawg mock.:rockon:

I just read at another site that Mia and J.Long are very close to a contract. The report says that the Fins have not talked to any other player.

So, I wanted to bring that up in case you wanted to change your mock.

I knew about that, but don't believe it. The Dolphins have certainly talked to other players. They'd be crazy not too.

Their OTs are no great shakes, but are serviceable enough. They have more pressing needs and I think Chris will be their man.

I also believe if they do pass on this guy it will be for Matt Ryan, but I stand by this mock. It isn't the one I will do for the Pats later in the week, but I don't think I've seen a mock come out quite this way at the top and it seems more logical to me than other scenario I've yet seen.

I welcome any criticism/comments anyone would like to impart about these picks etc.

[Hawg73]

I think if that happened, a lot of teams (Dallas) would be calling to trade for the right to McFadden.

That's probably the most obvious one and Dallas has got two 1sts, so stay tuned. I would think 22 or 28 would be a good spot for us value-wise.

[Dwight Schrute]

We're all aware of the interest/man-crush Dallas appears to have with McFadden.

Who else is reported to have a strong interest in him?

We'd definitely need a truly interested team to pit against Dallas to score both those first rounders IMO.

[ParanoidPatriot]

Here's how I see the early part of first round breaking down:

1. Miami -- Chris Long DE

Their new head coach gave a PC the other day and when asked who he would be selecting said "It would have to be somebody that can really help your defense", then blushed because he realized he really blew it and tried to cover up.

Long fits the mold of a Parcellian defender, is considered a safe, mature pick and Jason Taylor is going to be traded before the season. This is going to be their guy.

2. St. Louis -- Jake Long OT

This is practically a lock. I'd be shocked if Jake is available and the Rams chose anybody else. Marc Bulger keeps getting killed and RT Alex Barron has been terrible after being a high pick for them. This Long is also a can't-miss prospect and can take over at LT once he gets his feet wet and Orlando Pace mercifully retires.

3. Atlanta -- Matt Ryan QB

A mild shocker, because they could also take Glenn Dorsey -- another safe guy, but they take a mild risk due to the Mike Vick factor. Falcons owner Arthur Blank had about a dozen people in to personally scout Ryan and as an owner who definitely needs a franchise face for his team after the Vick debacle decides to exert a strong influence and inadvertantly screws up the Pats in the process. QBs don't grow on trees and Ryan looks to be one of those heady guys that can thrive in situations where many others cannot. Plus, you don't have to worry about him killing dogs and then lying about it.

4. Oakland -- Glenn Dorsey DT

I believe the Raiders have been blowing smoke where Darren McFadden is concerned and their most glaring need meets a guy that can clearly answer that need. They didn't expect him to be there, but Atlanta's curveball is to their benefit. For once the Raiders do the sensible thing. Damn them.

5. Kansas City Chiefs -- Ryan Clady OT

Gholston is staring right at them, but they already have Derrick Johnson at SLB so he is clearly not an option. KC considers trading down a few spots and picking up an extra choice from Gholston suitors, but with Baltimore and Cincy sporting a big need for OTs at 8 & 9, they are reluctant to miss out on Clady or even Jeff Otah and so do what they have to do and turn down all offers.

One interesting scenario would have the Patriots moving up to 5 to grab Gholston not only because he should be a fine player in their system, but because they would totally f#$k with the Jets by doing so. I do consider this a decent possibility and imagining the reaction in NY should this happen is pure fun.

6. NY Jets -- Vernon Gholston OLB

The Jets really need a NT but aren't sure if Sedrick Ellis would be a DeWayne Robertson clone. He isn't, but they are too spooked to pick him. They find a guy to pair with steady David Harris to build a formidable LB corps for the next decade and the pick is cheered wildly by the notoriously whiny Jet faithful.

7. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS - ???

The nightmare has come true. The first 6 picks could not have worked out any worse for us and the Pats need to maximize value or take the best guy available.

What do you do?

If we stay at #7 and the draft fall the way yo have outlined then Keith Rivers is really the only logical pick.

[EasyBigFella*]

That's probably the most obvious one and Dallas has got two 1sts, so stay tuned. I would think 22 or 28 would be a good spot for us value-wise.

Grab a corner and a LB (plus the extra bonus of watching Goodell's head explode as the Pats get two first rounders afterall).

[bmooney54]

That's probably the most obvious one and Dallas has got two 1sts, so stay tuned. I would think 22 or 28 would be a good spot for us value-wise.
What do you think of the Pats taking Dustin Keller-TE (Purdue) if they trade down into the late 20's? We know Bill likes him some tight ends.

[Hawg73]

What do you think of the Pats taking Dustin Keller-TE (Purdue) if they trade down into the late 20's? We know Bill likes him some tight ends.

I don't know.....I can say that I was pretty impressed by Keller at the combine and think he is the most athletic TE in this draft, and can really catch, but he doesn't seem like much of a blocker at his weight and i would have to think they would be looking for cruching blocker type to perform a quasi-Kyle Brady role, but.......Keller looks like he might be one of those rare downfield/seam guys.

I don't think they go after him, but I wouldn't laugh at the idea. Maybe Keller turns out to be one of those Antonio Gates type of guys.

[patsin°°]

look solid to me hawg

[Wandering Athol]

That scenario screams for a trade down to somewhere in the 9-15 range, where the Pats could choose between whomever is still available amongst Rivers, McKelvin, Albert, or (gasp) even Stewart. Although, given your presumptions, the Chiefs would make a very likely candidate for the Pats to trade up with and snatch Gholston, IF they themselves don't have need of a DE because of a possible Allen deal.

[thomas144]

I would be thrilled if they had a chance to draft Darren McFadden. I don't understand why any Patriots fan would not be excited about the idea of a star running back on that offense. Zowie.

I would not be surprised if they traded the pick, and I trust their judgment, but getting McFadden would be a no-brainer, although I doubt they will have the chance.

Basically the way I look at it, if Matt Ryan is chosen in the top 6 (which I doubt), then the Patriots will get a really good player, at some position.

More likely that Matt Ryan is not chosen and then the Patriots entertain offers for the seventh pick from teams looking to get Matt Ryan before the Ravens do.

[EasyBigFella*]

I would be thrilled if they had a chance to draft Darren McFadden. I don't understand why any Patriots fan would not be excited about the idea of a star running back on that offense. Zowie.

I would not be surprised if they traded the pick, and I trust their judgment, but getting McFadden would be a no-brainer, although I doubt they will have the chance.

Basically the way I look at it, if Matt Ryan is chosen in the top 6 (which I doubt), then the Patriots will get a really good player, at some position.

More likely that Matt Ryan is not chosen and then the Patriots entertain offers for the seventh pick from teams looking to get Matt Ryan before the Ravens do.

Carolina would love a shot at Ryan. If he falls to 7, BB could have some great trade options to pick from.

[ParanoidPatriot]

Sorry Hawg. But it's not too late to change your mock.

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/8060536#

[Hawg73]

Sorry Hawg. But it's not too late to change your mock.

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/8060536#

Ahhh, ferget it.

The problem with having an opinion on the draft is that they are often wrong. Mine are wrong more often than the guys that know what they are doing, but I'm not ashamed to have figured the Dolphins were gaming on people a little in the face of evidence to the contrary. This early signing of an OT must be a case of Joe Thomas syndrome. The safest possible pick isn't always the one that helps you most in the long run, but Jake is going to be a great player, so.....I can't say they are dumb for doing it.

I'll give their new coach whatshisname some style points for sneaky behavior though. He supposedly blushed during a press conference the other day when he "mistakenly" mentioned that the Fins first pick "had to be able to help their defense. "

Maybe he meant help keep them off the field.

:shrug:

It really doesn't change my entire line of reasoning, but the Rams won't be able to get their tackle at 2, but their second biggest need is at DE, so we'll just swap the first two players and see how the rest of it goes. If St. L picks Chris and Atlanta takes Ryan then I'll feel slightly redeemed. ;)

I always thought Chris Long was more of a 4-3 DE than linebacker anyhow.

[ParanoidPatriot]

Ahhh, ferget it.

The problem with having an opinion on the draft is that they are often wrong. Mine are wrong more often than the guys that know what they are doing, but I'm not ashamed to have figured the Dolphins were gaming on people a little in the face of evidence to the contrary. This early signing of an OT must be a case of Joe Thomas syndrome. The safest possible pick isn't always the one that helps you most in the long run, but Jake is going to be a great player, so.....I can't say they are dumb for doing it.

I'll give their new coach whatshisname some style points for sneaky behavior though. He supposedly blushed during a press conference the other day when he "mistakenly" mentioned that the Fins first pick "had to be able to help their defense. "

Maybe he meant help keep them off the field.

:shrug:

It really doesn't change my entire line of reasoning, but the Rams won't be able to get their tackle at 2, but their second biggest need is at DE, so we'll just swap the first two players and see how the rest of it goes. If St. L picks Chris and Atlanta takes Ryan then I'll feel slightly redeemed. ;)

I always thought Chris Long was more of a 4-3 DE than linebacker anyhow.

You are a member of a very large club of which I belong.ROFL

[Wandering Athol]

I don't think it'll happen because of his contractual demands, but could you imagine Dallas swapping Barber (who'd have to sign an extension) and their #22 overall for the rights to draft McFadden?

Golden Gopher powers activate! Form of two 1,000-yard rushers!

And then the Pats could use the 22nd pick on a CB at a reasonable cost.

[O.Z.O.]

I don't think it'll happen because of his contractual demands, but could you imagine Dallas swapping Barber (who'd have to sign an extension) and their #22 overall for the rights to draft McFadden?

Golden Gopher powers activate! Form of two 1,000-yard rushers!

And then the Pats could use the 22nd pick on a CB at a reasonable cost.


while I absolutely drool over the thought of a Maroney/Barber backfield, I'd really rather not turn into the '02-'06 Colts and just try to beat everybody by out scoring them. The defense needs some serious attention

[grog]

while I absolutely drool over the thought of a Maroney/Barber backfield, I'd really rather not turn into the '02-'06 Colts and just try to beat everybody by out scoring them. The defense needs some serious attention

That's why the CB or ILB at pick 22

[gomezcat]

Hawg, I picked Ryan for Miami in the Patsfans mock, so I am in no position to criticise. I saw his intangibles and thought they should take him. I have to admit that the last thing I would have predicted was Jake Long with #1.

[Hawg73]

Hawg, I picked Ryan for Miami in the Patsfans mock, so I am in no position to criticise. I saw his intangibles and thought they should take him. I have to admit that the last thing I would have predicted was Jake Long with #1.

Well, Jake was alwasy a possibility, but based on checking around a LOT of people that get paid for their opinion thought Chris Long was a likely target for Miami and I wouldn't be shocked if they get some criticism for the pick, based on the fact that their current OTs don't suck quite as much as the rest of that team, but it is what it is.

I happen to think Ryan might have been a very good selection for them, because based on what I've seen of the guy-- John Beck is not much of a QB, but I suppose you have to give him two full years to pronouce him the winner of the J.P. Losman wasted draft pick for a QB award or not.

I think what it came down to is that OTs are easier to project as NFL players than most other positions and they wanted to make sure they didn't just blow the overall No. 1. Ryan and Chris Long are probably riskier and maybe better for their future, but it'll take years to figure out the real answer to that question.

[thomas144]

I think what it came down to is that OTs are easier to project as NFL players than most other positions and they wanted to make sure they didn't just blow the overall No. 1. Ryan and Chris Long are probably riskier and maybe better for their future, but it'll take years to figure out the real answer to that question.

It's also quite possible that they didn't feel they could sign the defensive players they were supposed to be talking to.

[Box_O_Rocks]

Here's how I see the early part of first round breaking down:

1. Miami -- Chris Long DE
2. St. Louis -- Jake Long OT
3. Atlanta -- Matt Ryan QB
4. Oakland -- Glenn Dorsey DT
5. Kansas City Chiefs -- Ryan Clady OT
6. NY Jets -- Vernon Gholston OLB
7. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS - ???

The nightmare has come true. The first 6 picks could not have worked out any worse for us and the Pats need to maximize value or take the best guy available.

What do you do?Okay Hawgie, factoring in your swap of Jake and Chris now that Miami has made their pick, I have to ask, "what your worry?" :huh:

NE is sitting in the catbird seat with the #2 (or 1b) DT on the board, Sedrick Ellis. Cincy, NO, Buffalo, Carolina, Chicago, Detroit...there is no shortage of trade partners for Ellis. The next 'sure thing' DT in the draft is Trevor Laws (given the one year wonder concerns around Kentwan Balmer), someone who needs a top DT could very well decide to 'over pay' just to get their man. I'll take this mock scenerio in a heartbeat. :thumb:

[king of kings]

My mock Draft is
#1 jake long michigan
#2 Glenn Dorsey from LSU
#3 Matt Ryan BC
#4 Chris long VA
#5 Veron Ghoston OSU
#6 MCfadden ARK
#7 Rivers USC