Scouts Inc Mock from 2/5/2008

[sebman2112]

Note: * denotes underclassman; ** denotes teams that will decide draft order by coin flip at NFL combine

1. Miami Dolphins -- Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
Record: 1-15 | Needs: OT, DL, ILB, CB, QB
Previous mock selection: Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU

2. St. Louis Rams -- Chris Long, DE, Virginia
Record: 3-13 | Needs: DE, G/OT, CB, OLB, WR
Previous mock selection: Same

3. Atlanta Falcons** -- Darren McFadden*, RB, Arkansas
Record: 4-12 | Needs: QB, OT, DT, RB, S
Previous mock selection: Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College

4. Oakland Raiders** -- Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
Record: 4-12 | Needs: OT, DT, WR, DE, RB
Previous mock selection: Darren McFadden*, RB, Arkansas

5. Kansas City Chiefs** -- Jake Long, OT, Michigan
Record: 4-12 | Needs: OT, DE, C, WR, CB
Previous mock selection: Same

6. New York Jets -- Vernon Gholston*, DE, Ohio State
Record: 4-12 | Needs: WR, NT, OLB, ILB, G
Projected pick: Same
This could be a bit of a reach for Gholston, who flashes top-10 talent in some games (three sacks against Michigan this season) but disappears in too many others. However, don't be surprised if he works his way into the top 10 simply because this year's crop of elite edge rushers does not meet the level of demand. That said, Gholston is one of the premier pass-rushing prospects in the 2008 class, and he would be the right fit as a rush linebacker in the Jets' 3-4 scheme.

7. N.E. Patriots (from 5-11 San Francisco) -- Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy
Record: 18-1 | Needs: ILB, CB, OLB, OL depth
Previous mock selection: Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida
The Patriots would like to inject some youth at inside linebacker, but there isn't a player worth selecting this high, with USC's Rey Maualuga and Ohio State's James Laurinaitis both returning to school in the fall. The next priority is to find a replacement for Asante Samuel, a free agent who can't be franchised for a second consecutive year. McKelvin currently is the top-rated cornerback in a 2008 crop that is deep but lacks elite talent atop the board. As always, look for the Patriots to shop this pick heavily.

8. Baltimore Ravens -- Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
Record: 5-11 | Needs: CB, QB, OLB, LOT, DT
Previous mock selection: Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville


9. Cincinnati Bengals -- Derrick Harvey*, DE, Florida
Record: 7-9 | Needs: DT, LB, OT, DE, TE
Previous mock selection: Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC

10. New Orleans Saints -- Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida
Record: 7-9 | Needs: CB, MLB, DT, OLB, TE
Previous mock selection: Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina

11. Buffalo Bills -- Malcolm Kelly*, WR, Oklahoma
Record: 7-9 | Needs: WR, CB, TE, LB, DT
Previous mock selection: DeSean Jackson*, WR, California

12. Denver Broncos -- Ryan Clady*, OT, Boise State
Record: 7-9 | Needs: OT, DT, S, MLB, G
Previous mock selection: Same

13. Carolina Panthers -- Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt
Record: 7-9 | Needs: QB, DE, OT, WR, OLB
Previous mock selection: Calais Campbell*, DE, Miami

14. Chicago Bears -- Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville
Record: 7-9 | Needs: QB, LOT, DT, G, RB
Previous mock selection: Andre' Woodson, QB, Kentucky

15. Detroit Lions -- Aqib Talib*, CB, Kansas
Record: 7-9 | Needs: ROT, G, CB, S, DE
Projected pick: Same

16. Arizona Cardinals -- Rashard Mendenhall*, RB, Illinois
Record: 8-8 | Needs: CB, OLB, TE, RB, DE
Previous mock selection: Jonathan Stewart*, RB, Oregon

17. Minnesota Vikings -- DeSean Jackson*, WR/RS, California
Record: 8-8 | Needs: DE, WR, S, QB, TE
Previous mock selection: Derrick Harvey*, DE, Florida

18. Houston Texans -- Jonathan Stewart*, RB, Oregon
Record: 8-8 | Needs: CB, RB, WR, S, LOT, G

19. Philadelphia Eagles -- Calais Campbell*, DE, Miami
Record: 8-8 | Needs: WR, TE, DE, OT/G, S, LB
Previous mock selection: Malcolm Kelly*, WR, Oklahoma

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- Mario Manningham*, WR, Michigan
Record: 9-7 | Needs: WR, OT, OLB, CB, QB
Previous mock selection: Sam Baker, OT, USC

21. Washington Redskins -- Phillip Merling*, DE, Clemson
Record: 9-7 | Needs: WR, DE, S, OT, CB
Previous mock selection: Limas Sweed, WR, Texas

22. Dallas Cowboys (from 10-6 Cleveland) -- Sam Baker, OT, USC
Record: 13-3 | Needs: CB, WR, OT, RB, ILB
Previous mock selection: Mario Manningham*, WR, Michigan

23. Pittsburgh Steelers -- Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh
Record: 10-6 | Needs: OT, C, DE (3-4), G, RB
Previous mock selection: Same

24. Tennessee Titans -- Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
Record: 10-6 | Needs: WR, CB, TE, WR, OL
Previous mock selection: Early Doucet, WR, LSU

25. Seattle Seahawks -- Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina
Record: 10-6 | Needs: ROT, DT, RB, TE, G
Previous mock selection: Rashard Mendenhall*, RB, Illinois

26. Jacksonville Jaguars -- Early Doucet, WR, LSU
Record: 11-5 | Needs: WR, DE, SS, CB
Previous mock selection: Quentin Groves, DE, Auburn

27. San Diego Chargers -- Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College
Record: 11-5 | Needs: RG/ROT, NT, FB, RB
Previous mock selection: Dan Connor, MLB, Penn State

28. Dallas Cowboys -- Felix Jones*, RB, Arkansas
Record: 13-3 | Needs: CB, WR, OT, ILB, RB
Previous mock selection: Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy

29. S.F. 49ers (from 13-3 Indianapolis) -- James Hardy*, WR, Indiana
Record: 5-11 | Needs: WR, OT, OLB, DE, QB
Previous mock selection: Same

30. Green Bay Packers -- Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tenn. St.
Record: 13-3 | Needs: CB, OT, S, TE, PT
Previous mock selection: Fred Davis, TE, USC

31. N.E. Patriots -- Pick forfeited

32. New York Giants -- Keith Rivers, OLB, USC
Record: 10-6 | Needs: OLB, CB, S, OT, DT
Previous mock selection: Same

Todd McShay is the director of college football scouting for Scouts Inc. He has been evaluating prospects for the NFL draft since 1998.

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft08/insider/columns/story?columnist=mcshay_todd&id=3231292

He's got McKelvin making quite the jump in just the past week, or so...

 

[WhiZa]

This is basically how I see the first 6 picks going. I'm not sold on McKelvin, but it wouldn't be a surprise either.

 

[dryheat44]

If that's how the first six go, Belichick's phone will be ringing off the hook with people looking to trade up for Ellis.

 

[Seels]

If that's how the first six go, Belichick's phone will be ringing off the hook with people looking to trade up for Ellis.

That's a really good point, and he's likely gone to Baltimore at 8 if he falls, and definitely gone by Cincinatti's pick. I'd love to trade 5-10 picks down and get a 3rd rounder out of it.

 

[everlong]

Mike Mayotte also loves McKelvin and said all he needs is a decent 40 time and he's in the top ten. He says he has amazing change of direction and is a ball hawk, two things the Patriots like. I've read elsewhere that he's not a ball hawk however. Obviously I didn't catch any of their games this year but it's amazing how you can get such opposing views on guys.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

That's a really good point, and he's likely gone to Baltimore at 8 if he falls, and definitely gone by Cincinatti's pick. I'd love to trade 5-10 picks down and get a 3rd rounder out of it.

Going by the draft chart, 7 to 12 is worth a second rounder. If it's a sellers' market, I think they get more than just an extra third.

 

[nittanylions52]

I just don't see Sedrick Ellis falling at this point. I believe a lot of people now consider Ellis to be the #1 DT in the draft. Depends on the combine, of course. Then again, the only pick that I really can't see happening is the Matt Ryan pick. With so many players that are that good (Ellis, Dorsey, both Longs), I don't see how Miami could reach for Matt Ryan. They might need a QB, but Beck deserves more than however many starts he got this year (wasn't it less than half a season?).

 

[ayjackson]

Denver would likely love Ellis, if they don't address DT in FA. Depending on what we do in FA, I think I'd take their 4th rounder and Dominique Foxworth (they don't have a third). Of course, if the phones light up, we could get a second rounder from someone.

 

[chowder]

Mike Mayotte also loves McKelvin and said all he needs is a decent 40 time and he's in the top ten. He says he has amazing change of direction and is a ball hawk, two things the Patriots like. I've read elsewhere that he's not a ball hawk however. Obviously I didn't catch any of their games this year but it's amazing how you can get such opposing views on guys.

That depends on your definition of a ball hawk. I consider a ball hawk to be someone who gets alot of picks, and the one big thing that people criticize him for is not getting alot of interceptions. However, he provides great coverage skills and seems to always be in a position to break up a pass, so if that's your definition of a ball hawk then he certainly qualifies. For me, if he had more interceptions then he would be a complete corner who would be definitely worth the #7. Right now, i'll wait and see how he performs in the Combine and then reassess his value.

 

[Ochmed Jones]

I would have no hesitation to taking Ellis at #7.

If St. Louis takes C Long over Dorsey or Ellis at #2, someone in the St.Louis front office needs to be canned. Carriker was abused inside last season, he needs to be on the outside.

 

[sebman2112]

That depends on your definition of a ball hawk. I consider a ball hawk to be someone who gets alot of picks, and the one big thing that people criticize him for is not getting alot of interceptions. However, he provides great coverage skills and seems to always be in a position to break up a pass, so if that's your definition of a ball hawk then he certainly qualifies. For me, if he had more interceptions then he would be a complete corner who would be definitely worth the #7. Right now, i'll wait and see how he performs in the Combine and then reassess his value.

Exactly. McKelvin's got the same problem Asante used to have, he'll get his hands on a number of balls, but he can't make the pick. Maybe he'd be able to develop his hands and turn into a true ball hawk, but someone actually being able to develop their hands is never guaranteed.

For everlong, it's Mike Mayock not "Mayotte".

 

[tjones7]

Exactly. McKelvin's got the same problem Asante used to have, he'll get his hands on a number of balls, but he can't make the pick. Maybe he'd be able to develop his hands and turn into a true ball hawk, but someone actually being able to develop their hands is never guaranteed.

For everlong, it's Mike Mayock not "Mayotte".

A little immature but i can't stop laughing

 

[DaBruinz]

I don't see McKelvin being a Pats type CB. Especially if his 3-cone and 20 yard shuttle numbers aren't great.

He supposedly doesn't play up to his timed speeds. He supposedly doesn't have great recognition skills either.

I think that Talib or Cason followed by Cromartie would be Pats picks.

 

[patsfaninpittsburgh]

Are any of these CB guys real #7 pick talent?

Also, given the cap (sign Samuel/cut Colvin vs keep Colvin/set Samuel walk) and talent in this year's draft, is there a LB or CB that rates seventh pick talent and money?

Also, how far is the drop to our second and our first third round?

 

[Seels]

Depends on what you consider an LB. There is a lot of CB talent but none really distinguishes itself out from anyone else. As far as LB, Rivers will probably be the highest natural LB taken, but he's probably going in the 15-30 range.

If you consider Gholston / Chris Long LB's as well, one of the two of them should be there at 7, with it obviously likely being Gholston.

 

[VJCPatriot]

If McKelvin doesn't project to be a Champ Bailey type corner, then I don't think you pay him #7 pick money. Heck you could probably sign Asante for #7 pick money. If you don't rate McKelvin as the next Bailey or Cromartie, then I say trade down to the 10-12 range and pick up another pick. Aqib Talib is a guy who interests me because of his freakish athleticism. His official 40 time is not yet known though. But he's a big threat defender who can match up with big receivers.

 

[Remix 6]

If McKelvin doesn't project to be a Champ Bailey type corner, then I don't think you pay him #7 pick money. Heck you could probably sign Asante for #7 pick money. If you don't rate McKelvin as the next Bailey or Cromartie, then I say trade down to the 10-12 range and pick up another pick. Aqib Talib is a guy who interests me because of his freakish athleticism. His official 40 time is not yet known though. But he's a big threat defender who can match up with big receivers.

well Bailey ran like a 4.28 or something coming in league and hes 2-3 inches taller however..McKelvin has the type of gameplay ability minus the hands. Hes very quick, fast and reacts but ..hits his hands as hes ready to pick 6 it.

he tackles very well like Bailey as well. Cromartie is just he best athlete in NFL right now and no 1 can really compare. McKelvin is good at recognition..sticking with his man..zone..physical. I think he can develop to be like Champ Bailey because he'll get the 60+ tackles if given opportunity and if he once he gets work on his hands..hes capable of 10 INTs

lol @ Talib and his freakish athleticism. Freakish is running a 4.3, having a 40 inch vertical and very quick, explosive. hes not. Hes got the height..hes got good hands but hes not very fast..gets beat deep too often. hes not freakish AT ALL

 

[KevinFaulk-33]

Who do you think is the best CB of this draft?

 

[VJCPatriot]

well Bailey ran like a 4.28 or something coming in league and hes 2-3 inches taller however..McKelvin has the type of gameplay ability minus the hands. Hes very quick, fast and reacts but ..hits his hands as hes ready to pick 6 it.

he tackles very well like Bailey as well. Cromartie is just he best athlete in NFL right now and no 1 can really compare. McKelvin is good at recognition..sticking with his man..zone..physical. I think he can develop to be like Champ Bailey because he'll get the 60+ tackles if given opportunity and if he once he gets work on his hands..hes capable of 10 INTs

lol @ Talib and his freakish athleticism. Freakish is running a 4.3, having a 40 inch vertical and very quick, explosive. hes not. Hes got the height..hes got good hands but hes not very fast..gets beat deep too often. hes not freakish AT ALL

Go ahead and laugh. Talib is athletic the way TO is athletic imo. Talib is an actual ballhawk, he doesn't let balls bounce off his hands like they are in cement, like your man McKelvin.
Honestly I don't see any CB in this draft worth the #7 pick. I see plenty of good CBs that could be considered in the #11-21 range though.

One CB that could be intriguing is Rodgers-Cromartie, either in the late 1st or early 2nd. He seemed to practice well and didn't get beat often. I like his size at 6-2 as well. I'm getting tired of drafting midgets that will get beat one on one vs the taller receivers that are becoming the new trend in the NFL today. (See Hobbs vs Buress, SB 42).

http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/scoutingreports/cb/dominiquerodgerscromartie.html

 

[sebman2112]

Go ahead and laugh. Talib is athletic the way TO is athletic imo. Talib is an actual ballhawk, he doesn't let balls bounce off his hands like they are in cement, like your man McKelvin.
Honestly I don't see any CB in this draft worth the #7 pick. I see plenty of good CBs that could be considered in the #11-21 range though.

One CB that could be intriguing is Rodgers-Cromartie, either in the late 1st or early 2nd. He seemed to practice well and didn't get beat often. I like his size at 6-2 as well. I'm getting tired of drafting midgets that will get beat one on one vs the taller receivers that are becoming the new trend in the NFL today. (See Hobbs vs Buress, SB 42).

http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/scoutingreports/cb/dominiquerodgerscromartie.html

Hobbs didn't get beat or picked on against Burress because of his height. Also, Plaxico cought a mere two passes the entire game.