DraftHistory.com

-->

DraftHistory.com is the premier site for historical information on the NFL Pro Football College Draft. Submit articles, suggestions for improvement and errata to: Chris Malumphy at cmalumphy@earthlink.net. This site is best viewed using a Mozilla based browser such as Firefox or Netscape.

For DraftHistory.com news feeds, point your news aggregator to: RSS 1.0 | RSS 2.0 | Atom

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Underclassmen Make Significant Contribution to 2008 NFL Draft

Underclassmen garnered four of the top ten spots in the 2008 NFL Draft. Premier underclassmen included running back Darren McFadden drafted in the number four spot by the Raiders, defensive end Vernon Gholston taken with the sixth pick by the Jets, defensive end Derrick Harvey chosen with the eighth pick by the Jaguars and linebacker Jerod Mayo picked tenth by the Patriots.

Overall, 56 players sought early eligibility with 43 underclassmen being drafted including 12 in the 1st round, 11 in the 2nd round, 10 in the 3rd round, three in the 4th round, three in the 5th round, one in the 6th round and three in the 7th round. All the drafted underclassmen had been juniors except for sophomore tight end Jermichael Finley drafted from Texas in the 3rd round by the Packers.

Arkansas Razorbacks Darren McFadden and Felix Jones were not only the fifth set of college running back teammates ever to be drafted in the first round the same year, but also the first set ever to do so as underclassmen.

Underclassmen Selected in 2008 NFL Draft
Round	Pick	Player	Name	Team	Position	College	Class
1	4	4	Darren McFadden	Raiders	RB	Arkansas	Junior
1	6	6	Vernon Gholston	Jets	DE	Ohio State	Junior
1	8	8	Derrick Harvey	Jaguars	DE	Florida	Junior
1	10	10	Jerod Mayo	Patriots	LB	Tennessee	Junior
1	12	12	Ryan Clady	Broncos	T	Boise State	Junior
1	13	13	Jonathan Stewart	Panthers	RB	Oregon	Junior
1	15	15	Branden Albert	Chiefs	G	Virginia	Junior
1	17	17	Kevin Smith	Cowboys	RB	Texas A&M	Junior
1	20	20	Aqib Talib	Buccaneers	DB	Kansas	Junior
1	22	22	Felix Jones	Cowboys	WR	Arkansas	Junior
1	23	23	Rashard Mendenhall	Steelers	RB	Illinois	Junior
1	31	31	Kenny Phillips	Giants	DB	Miami (FL)	Junior
2	1	32	Phillip Merling	Dolphins	DE	Clemson	Junior
2	3	34	Devin Thomas	Redskins	WR	Michigan State	Junior
2	4	35	Brandon Flowers	Chiefs	DB	Virginia Tech	Junior
2	6	37	Curtis Lofton	Falcons	LB	Oklahoma	Junior
2	8	39	Chilo Rachal	49ers	G	USC	Junior
2	10	41	James Hardy	Bills	WR	Indiana	Junior
2	18	49	DeSean Jackson	Eagles	WR	California	Junior
2	19	50	Calais Campbell	Cardinals	DE	Miami (FL)	Junior
2	20	51	Malcolm Kelly	Redskins	WR	Oklahoma	Junior
2	24	55	Ray Rice	Ravens	RB	Rutgers	Junior
2	30	61	Martellus Bennett	Cowboys	TE	Texas A&M	Junior
3	1	64	Kevin Smith	Lions	RB	Central Florida	Junior
3	7	70	Earl Bennett	Bears	WR	Vanderbilt	Junior
3	10	73	Jamaal Charles	Chiefs	RB	Texas	Junior
3	12	75	Reggie Smith	49ers	DB	Oklahoma	Junior
3	14	77	Pat Sims	Bengals	DT	Auburn	Junior
3	22	78	Reggie Smith	Broncos	DB	Kansas	Junior
3	19	82	DaJuan Morgan	Chiefs	DB	North Carolina State	Junior
3	26	89	Steve Slaton	Texans	RB	West Virginia	Junior
3	28	91	Jermichael Finley	Packers	TE	Texas	Sophomore
3	32	95	Mario Manningham	Giants	WR	Michigan	Junior
4	2	101	Justin King	Rams	DB	Penn State	Junior
4	13	112	Anthony Collins	Bengals	T	Kansas	Junior
4	32	131	Jack Ikegwuonu	Eagles	DB	Wisconsin	Junior
5	8	143	Orlando Scandrick	Cowboys	DB	Boise State	Junior
5	17	152	Letroy Guion	Vikings	DT	Florida State	Junior
5	25	160	Josh Johnson	Buccaneers	LB	San Diego	Junior
6	9	175	Geno Hayes	Buccaneers	LB	Florida State	Junior
7	17	185	Kevin Smith	Raiders	RB	UCLA	Junior
7	30	237	Adrian Arrington	Saints	WR	Michigan	Junior
7	39	246	Mario Urrutia	Bengals	WR	Louisville	Junior
Undrafted Underclassmen
Round	Pick	Player	Name	Team	Position	College	Class
			Xavier Lee		QB	Florida State	Junior
			Davone Bess		WR	Hawaii	Junior
			Ryan Grice-Mullen		WR	Hawaii	Junior
			Selwyn Lymon		WR	Purdue	Junior
			Sean Penix		WR	Arkansas	Junior
			Darius Reynaud		WR	West Virginia	Junior
			Franklin Dunbar		T	Middle Tennessee	Junior
			L.J. Anderson		G	Central Florida	Junior
			Johnny Dingle		DE	West Virginia	Junior
			Jeremy Geathers		DE	Nevada-Las Vegas	Junior
			Erin Henderson		LB	Maryland	Junior
			Lamar Myles		LB	Louisville	Junior
			Demario Bobo		DB	Mississippi State	Junior

Posted by Chris Malumphy on 04/29 at 11:58 PM
(0) Comments • Permalink

USA Today

Mendenhall's arrival gives Steelers dynamic duo

Death penalty will not be sought in Sean Taylor case

Chicago makes Gould NFL's highest paid kicker

Matt Walsh to meet with Goodell, Specter on Tuesday

Bengals' oft-injured Perry looks ready to go

Kearse's 'chip' has become 'boulder'

Mother's Day holds special meaning for Titans' Bulluck

Stiff Ray Lewis test for Joe Flacco at Ravens minicamp

Tempers flare for Harbaugh's Ravens at minicamp

Packers release wideout Koren Robinson

ESPN

Paolantonio: Goodell's Spygate responsibility

Waived by Bills, Everett free to seek disability pay

Report: Harrison denies role in shooting to Colts

Ditka, Sayers to detail retired player benefits plan

Redskins' Taylor slaying suspects won't face death

Report: Raiders to add pass-rusher Spires to D

Pro Bowl kicker Gould inks 5-year deal with Bears

Chargers sign long-snapper Binn to four-year deal

Cocaine case dropped against Broncos DT Thomas

Report: New witness account backs Benson's claim

Sports Illustrated

Peter King: Steelers' Tomlin tells grads to dream big

Matt Walsh ready to meet with Goodell, Specter

Death penalty won't be sought in Taylor murder

Chargers' 14-year vet signs new 4-year deal

Kicker Gould signs through '13

T.O. stars alongside Flavor Flav in sitcom debut

Rams' Holt: May join brother as Panther in 2010

Broncos DT Thomas has drug charges dropped

Author says O.J. killed wife while high on weed

McFadden makes fast impression at first camp

Monday, April 28, 2008

2008 NFL Draft Team-by-Team Analysis

2008 NFL Draft by Team
49ers 5-11 .313 PTS 219 PA 364
Round	Pick	Player	Name	Position	College
1	29	29	Kentwan Ballmer	DT	North Carolina
2	8	39	Chilo Rachal	G	USC
3	12	75	Reggie Smith	DB	Oklahoma
4	8	107	Cody Wallace	C	Texas A&M
6	8	174	Josh Morgan	WR	Virginia Tech
The 49ers entered last season with high hopes after surprising many in 2006 and making a big splash in free agency. But in 2007 they were pathetic on offense and below average on defense. DT Kentwan Ballmer should help solidify the middle of the defense. G Chilo Rachal, an underclassmen, was a projected 3rd or 4th rounder selected early in round two. He does have a good upside, but might have benefited by another year in school. The team failed to add a playmaker at any spot. It must be dreaming that last year never happened. Things don't look good for San Fran.
Bears 7-9 .438 PTS 334 PA 348
Round	Pick	Player	Name	Position	College
1	14	14	Chris Williams	T	Vanderbilt
2	13	44	Matt Forte	RB	Tulane
3	7	70	Earl Bennett	WR	Vanderbilt
3	27	90	Marcus Harrison	DT	Arkansas
4	21	120	Craig Steltz	DB	LSU
5	7	142	Zack Bowman	DB	Nebraska
5	23	158	Kellen Davis	TE	Michigan State
7	1	208	Ervin Baldwin	DE	Michigan State
7	15	222	Chester Adams	G	Georgia
7	36	243	Joey LaRocque	LB	Oregon State
7	40	247	Kirk Barton	T	Ohio State
7	41	248	Marcus Monk	WR	Arkansas
The Bears had tons of picks, but didn't address their biggest need--quarterback. T Chris Williams should help the pass protection, but is not as good at run blocking. RB Matt Forte has the potential to keep Cedric Benson on the sidelines for good, but he didn't play against top flight competition and is only a season removed from a serious injury. The Bears had a lot of picks, but not much quality.
Bengals 7-9 .438 PTS 380 PA 385
Round	Pick	Player	Name	Position	College
1	9	9	Keith Rivers	LB	USC
2	15	46	Jerome Simpson	WR	Coastal Carolina
3	14	77	Pat Sims	DT	Auburn
3	34	97	Andre Caldwell	WR	Florida
4	13	112	Anthony Collins	T	Kansas
5	10	145	Jason Shirley	DT	Fresno State
6	11	177	Corey Lynch	DB	Appalachian State
6	41	207	Matt Sherry	TE	Villanova
7	37	244	Angelo Craig	LB	Cincinnati
7	39	246	Mario Urrutia	WR	Louisville
The Bengals were above average on offense and below average on defense in 2007. Offensively, the team could have been explosive, if not for a few head cases at wide receiver. The coaches and front office continually shoot the franchise in the foot by who they select and how they treat players in general. LB Keith Rivers is highly rated but WR Jerome Simpson may be a reach. WR Andre Caldwell could be better. Simpson or Caldwell will need to replace the departed Chris Henry. The other may need to fill Chad Johnson's shoes. DT Pat Sims could help.
Bills 7-9 .438 PTS 252 PA 354
Round	Pick	Player	Name	Position	College
1	11	11	Leotis McKelvin	DB	Troy State
2	10	41	James Hardy	WR	Indiana
3	9	72	Chris Ellis	DE	Virginia Tech
4	15	114	Reggie Corner	DB	Akron
4	33	132	Derek Fine	TE	Kansas
5	12	147	Alvin Bowen	LB	Iowa State
6	13	179	Xavier Omon	RB	Northwest Missouri State
7	12	219	Demetrius Bell	T	Northwestern State
7	17	224	Steve Johnson	WR	Kentucky
7	44	251	Kennard Cox	DB	Pittsburgh
The Bills are a funny team. They almost got to .500 despite putting only 252 points on the board and having a below average defense. Then they draft a cornerback number one. McKelvin might be good, but this is a team that needs real football players on the line and more playmakers on offense. WR James Hardy might be good enough to help distract attention away from Lee Evans and give Trent Edwards another target.
Broncos 7-9 .438 PTS 320 PA 409
Round	Pick	Player	Name	Position	College
1	12	12	Ryan Clady	T	Boise State
2	11	42	Eddie Royal	WR	Virginia Tech
4	9	108	Kory Lichtensteiger	C	Bowling Green
4	20	119	Jack Williams	DB	Kent State
5	4	139	Ryan Torain	RB	Arizona State
5	13	148	Carlton Powell	DT	Virginia Tech
6	17	183	Spencer Larsen	LB	Arizona
7	13	220	Joshua Barrett	DB	Arizona State
7	20	227	Peyton Hillis	RB	Arkansas
The Broncos were below average on offense in 2007 and poor on defense. First round tackles Ryan Clady should help. However, the team needs some major infusions on the defensive side of the ball too.
Browns 10-6 .625 PTS 402 PA 382
Round	Pick	Player	Name	Position	College
4	5	104	Beau Bell	LB	Nevada-Las Vegas
4	12	111	Martin Rucker	TE	Missouri
6	24	190	Ahtyba Rubin	DT	Iowa State
6	25	191	Paul Hubbard	WR	Wisconsin
7	24	231	Alex Hall	DE	St. Augustine's
The Browns were the feel good story of 2007. The offense put points on the board, especially early in the season, but the defense was below average. General Manager Phil Savage attacked the need to plug the defensive line through trades sending his second and third round picks to the Lions and Packers for defensive line veterans Shaun Rodgers and Cory Williams. LB Beau Bell is expected challenge the Browns middle linebackers Andre Davis and D'qwell Jackson, who underwhelm. The selection of TE Martin Rucker is a bet that tight ends Kellen Winslow and Steve Heiden won't make it through the season uninjured. The team should have invested one of its picks in a quarterback who could fill the number two role if/when they decide to trade Derek Anderson or Brady Quinn.
Buccaneers 9-7 .563 PTS 334 PA 270
Round	Pick	Player	Name	Position	College
1	20	20	Aqib Talib	DB	Kansas
2	27	58	Dexter Jackson	WR	Appalachian State
3	20	83	Jeremy Zuttah	G	Rutgers
4	16	115	Dre Moore	DT	Maryland
5	25	160	Josh Johnson	QB	San Diego
6	9	175	Geno Hayes	LB	Florida State
7	31	238	Cory Boyd	RB	South Carolina
The Buccaneers had a good defense, but only average offense in 2007. They really could use some playmakers. Instead, they drafted a defensive back who Pro Football Weekly said was likely to be overdrafted. WR Dexter Jackson could add some excitement, but he is on the small side. QB Josh Johnson had some amazing college statistics playing at a small school including 113 touchdown passes and only 15 interceptions, but is said to need several years to develop.
Cardinals 8-8 .500 PTS 404 PA 399
Round	Pick	Player	Name	Position	College
1	16	16	Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie	DB	Tennessee State
2	19	50	Calais Campbell	DE	Miami (FL)
3	18	81	Early Doucet	WR	LSU
4	17	116	Kenny Iwebema	DE	Iowa
5	14	149	Timothy Hightower	RB	Richmond
6	19	185	Christopher Harrington	DE	Texas A&M
7	18	225	Brandon Keith	T	Northern Iowa
Throughout the years, the Cardinals often seem to have good drafts, only to underperform consistently on the field. They did reach .500 ball under new coach Ken Whisenhunt in 2007 however, and had a strong offense despite switching back and forth between quarterbacks Matt Leinart and Kurt Warner. The defense was nearly as pourous as the offense was prolific, however, so the additions of DB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and DE Calais Campbell should help. LSU wide receiver Early Doucet could also make a contribution.
Chargers 11-5 .688 PTS 412 PA 284
Round	Pick	Player	Name	Position	College
1	27	27	Antoine Cason	DB	Arizona
3	6	69	Jacob Hester	RB	LSU
5	31	166	Marcus Thomas	RB	Texas-El Paso
6	26	192	DeJuan Tribble	DB	Boston College
7	27	234	Corey Clark	T	Texas A&M
The Chargers drafted defensive backs and running backs with their top four picks. RB Jacob Hester will be expected to fill the shoes of the departed Micheal Turner. DB Antoine Cason may be asked to fill a nagging hole at safety, even though he was a cornerback in college. The Chargers played well in 2007 under Norv Turner, although not as good when Marty Schottenheimer led the team in 2006. This could be the beginning of a downward spiral, the slow steady kind.
Chiefs 4-12 .250 PTS 226 PA 335
Round	Pick	Player	Name	Position	College
1	5	5	Glenn Dorsey	DT	LSU
1	15	15	Branden Albert	G	Virginia
2	4	35	Brandon Flowers	DB	Virginia Tech
3	10	73	Jamaal Charles	RB	Texas
3	13	76	Brad Cottam	TE	Tennessee
3	19	82	DeJuan Morgan	DB	North Carolina State
4	6	105	William Franklin	WR	Missouri
5	5	140	Brandon Carr	DB	Grand Valley State
6	4	170	Barry Richardson	T	Clemson
6	16	182	Kevin Robinson	WR	Utah State
7	3	210	Brian Johnston	DE	Gardner-Webb
7	32	239	Mike Merritt	TE	Central Florida
The Chiefs entered the draft as one of the worst teams in football. Despite making some good choices, they still have a mighty long way to go to get out of the cellar. DT Glenn Dorsey will be outstanding. College guard Branden Albert will be asked to play tackle in the pros. DB Brandon Flowers is said to be big and physical but lacking in top speed. RB Jamaal Charles could be a help. But coach Herm Edwards wanted as many as eight new starters from this draft. It is tough to get that many out of any draft, no matter how good you pick.
Colts 13-3 .813 PTS 450 PA 262
Round	Pick	Player	Name	Position	College
2	28	59	Mike Pollak	C	Arizona State
3	30	93	Philip Wheeler	LB	Georgia Tech
4	28	127	Jacob Tamme	TE	Kentucky
5	26	161	Marcus Howard	LB	Georgia
6	30	196	Tom Santi	TE	Virginia
6	35	201	Steven Justice	C	Wake Forest
6	36	202	Mike Hart	RB	Michigan
6	39	205	Pierre Garcon	WR	Mount Union
7	29	236	Jamey Richard	C	Buffalo
The Colts try to fill a hole here and a hole there before anything truly bad happens. Mike Pollak will add depth to the offensive line and eventually challenge for a starter's role. Michigan RB Mike Hart is a respected college player who may have difficulty matching his past success in the pros, but he is on a team that will use him intelligently.
Cowboys 13-3 .813 PTS 455 PA 325
Round	Pick	Player	Name	Position	College
1	22	22	Felix Jones	RB	Arkansas
1	25	25	Mike Jenkins	DB	South Florida
2	30	61	Martellus Bennett	TE	Texas A&M
4	23	122	Tashard Choice	RB	Georgia Tech
5	8	143	Orlando Scandrick	DB	Boise State
6	1	167	Erik Walden	DE	Middle Tennessee State
The Cowboys dealt up and down throughout the draft and came up with two running backs and a defensive back who could help. RB Felix Jones just had to be taken by another former Razorback Jones, Jerry. He will do well sharing running back duties with Marion Barber. Tashard Choice was also a good use of a fourth rounder. DB Mike Jenkins is highly regarded by some, and considered to be a potential bust by others.
Dolphins 1-15 .063 PTS 267 PA 437
Round	Pick	Player	Name	Position	College
1	1	1	Jake Long	T	Michigan
2	1	32	Phillip Merling	DE	Clemson
2	26	57	Chad Henne	QB	Michigan
3	3	66	Kendall Langford	DE	Hampton
4	11	110	Shawn Murphy	G	Utah State
6	10	176	Jalen Parmele	RB	Toledo
6	29	195	Donald Thomas	G	Connecticut
6	38	204	Lex Hilliard	RB	Montana
7	38	245	Lionel Dotson	DT	Arizona
The Dolphins made a good start at righting a ship that had seriously gone under. T Jake Long will bulldoze through defenses for running backs Ronnie Brown and, perhaps once again, Ricky Williams. Phillip Merling should make a solid contribution on defense. QB Chad Henne is a worthwhile use of a late second round pick for a team with a dire need at quarterback. DE Kendall Langford is raw, but with good potential.
Eagles 8-8 .500 PTS 336 PA 300
Round	Pick	Player	Name	Position	College
2	16	47	Trevor Laws	DT	Notre Dame
2	18	49	DeSean Jackson	WR	California
3	17	80	Bryan Smith	DE	McNeese State
4	10	109	Michael McGlynn	G	Pittsburgh
4	18	117	Quintin Demps	DB	Texas-El Paso
4	32	131	Jack Ikegwuonu	DB	Wisconsin
6	18	184	Michael Gibson	G	California
6	34	200	Joe Mays	LB	North Dakota State
6	37	203	Andrew Studebaker	DE	Wheaton
7	23	230	King Dunlap	T	Auburn
The Eagles were snakebit in 2007. They had a good defense, and their offense was o.k. But this is a team that appears to be in descent. After trading out of the first round, the team has to hope that second round picks DT Trevor Laws and WR DeSean Jackson make an impact.
Falcons 4-12 .250 PTS 259 PA 414
Round	Pick	Player	Name	Position	College
1	3	3	Matt Ryan	QB	Boston College
1	21	21	Sam Baker	T	USC
2	6	37	Curtis Lofton	LB	Oklahoma
3	5	68	Chevis Jackson	DB	LSU
3	21	84	Harry Douglas	WR	Louisville
3	35	98	Thomas DeCoud	DB	California
5	3	138	Robert James	LB	Arizona State
5	19	154	Kroy Biermann	LB	Montana
6	6	172	Thomas Brown	RB	Georgia
7	5	212	Wilrey Fontenot	DB	Arizona
7	25	232	Keith Zinger	TE	LSU
QB Michael Vick is now history in Atlanta. The selection of QB Matt Ryan is a gamble, but a sound one. The team is absolutely desperate for a quarterback after mistakingly trading Matt Schaub shortly before Vick imploded. The selection of T Sam Baker may have been a reach, but the Falcons need to protect their new quarterback. Don't look for much good to happen in 2008 in Atlanta. The Falcons just hope that they are headed in the right direction now.
Giants 10-6 .625 PTS 373 PA 351
Round	Pick	Player	Name	Position	College
1	31	31	Kenny Phillips	DB	Miami (FL)
2	32	63	Terrell Thomas	DB	USC
3	32	95	Mario Manningham	WR	Michigan
4	24	123	Bryan Kehl	LB	Brigham Young
5	30	165	Jonathan Goff	LB	Vanderbilt
6	32	198	Andre' Woodson	QB	Kentucky
6	33	199	Robert Henderson	DE	Southern Mississippi
How can one of the top safeties and one of the top wide receivers fall into the hands of the defending Super Bowl champions? I don't know either. But the Giants will need all the help they can get. They really didn't play all that well last year until near the end of the season. Their offense was a little above average, and their defense was average at best. Of course then the playoffs started the Giants were golden. QB Andre' Woodson was an interesting pick. He certainly won't challenge Eli Manning and he doesn't appear to be a "slash" back. But a career as a number two isn't all that bad either, if he makes the cut.
Jaguars 11-5 .688 PTS 411 PA 304
Round	Pick	Player	Name	Position	College
1	8	8	Derrick Harvey	DE	Florida
2	21	52	Quentin Groves	DE	Auburn
5	20	155	Thomas Williams	LB	USC
5	24	159	Trae Williams	DB	South Florida
7	6	213	Chauncey Washington	RB	USC
The Jaguars traded to move up 18 spots in the draft to get DE Derrick Harvey to provide an outside rush. They also drafted DE Quentin Groves, LB Thomas Williams and DB Trae Williams. This by a team that only allowed 304 points in 2007.
Jets 4-12 .250 PTS 268 PA 355
Round	Pick	Player	Name	Position	College
1	6	6	Vernon Gholston	DE	Ohio State
1	30	30	Dustin Keller	TE	Purdue
4	14	113	Dwight Lowery	DB	San Jose State
5	27	162	Erik Ainge	QB	Tennessee
6	5	171	Marcus Henry	WR	Kansas
7	4	211	Nate Garner	T	Arkansas
The Jets pleasantly surprised in 2006 and grandly disappointed in 2007. Their defense is average. Their offense was pathetic. They did not add a much needed quarterback or running back. Oh wait, they did select QB Erik Ainge, but no draftnik has given him much chance for success. The Jets did take DE Vernon Gholston, a workout warrior with good pass-rushing potential. The man-genius better hope it works out.
Lions 7-9 .438 PTS 346 PA 444
Round	Pick	Player	Name	Position	College
1	17	17	Gosder Cherilus	T	Boston College
2	14	45	Jordon Dizon	LB	Colorado
3	1	64	Kevin Smith	RB	Central Florida
3	24	87	Andre Fluellen	DT	Florida State
3	29	92	Cliff Avril	DE	Purdue
5	1	136	Kenneth Moore	WR	Wake Forest
5	11	146	Jerome Felton	RB	Furman
7	9	216	Landon Cohen	DT	Ohio
7	11	218	Caleb Campbell	DB	Army
Why bother talking about a Matt Millen draft. We already know the outcome. The Lions did show some improvement in 2007 and had a decent shot at Jon Kitna's prediction of 10 victories until, as usual, everything fell apart. Offensive coordinator Mike Martz was sent packing so the team will be in transition yet again. The defense allowed a whopping 444 points. But luckily for Lions fans, they didn't draft another wide receiver until the fifth round. Tackle Gosder Cherilus gets mixed reviews. RB Kevin Smith will be given all the opportunity in the world. Linebacker Jordon Dizon may have been a reach.
Packers 13-3 .813 PTS 435 PA 291
Round	Pick	Player	Name	Position	College
2	5	36	Jordy Nelson	WR	Kansas State
2	25	56	Brian Brohm	QB	Louisville
2	29	60	Patrick Lee	DB	Auburn
3	28	91	Jermichael Finley	TE	Texas
4	3	102	Jeremy Thompson	DE	Wake Forest
4	36	135	Josh Sitton	T	Central Florida
5	15	150	Breno Giacomini	T	Louisville
7	2	209	Matt Flynn	QB	LSU
7	10	217	Brett Swain	WR	San Diego State
The Packers have a tradition of drafting, developing and trading quarterbacks during the Brett Favre years (Matt Hasselbeck, Aaron Brooks, et al). But drafting both Brian Brohm and Matt Flynn seems to indicate something more may be going on here. Either they really, really want to let Favre know he needs to stay retired, or they don't have much faith in Rodgers, or most likely of all, they drafted Brohm so the Bears, Lions and Vikings wouldn't get him so they could eventually trade him elsewhere while developing Flynn to be Rodgers understudy. After scoring 435 points in 2007, I don't see why they needed to draft another wide receiver in 2008. Maybe Jordy Nelson will change my mind. Jermichael Finley is raw, but with potential, at tight end. DB Patrick Lee could help.
Panthers 7-9 .438 PTS 267 PA 347
Round	Pick	Player	Name	Position	College
1	13	13	Jonathan Stewart	RB	Oregon
1	19	19	Jeff Otah	T	Pittsburgh
3	4	67	Charles Godfrey	DB	Iowa
3	11	74	Dan Connor	LB	Penn State
5	6	141	Gary Barnidge	TE	Louisville
6	15	181	Nick Hayden	DT	Wisconsin
7	14	221	Hilee Taylor	LB	North Carolina
7	34	241	Geoff Schwartz	T	Oregon
7	43	250	Mackenzy Bernadeau	G	Bentley
The Panthers did an outstanding job rebuilding their running game by drafting RB Jonathan Stewart and T Jeff Otah. They also got a decent player in LB Dan Connor. But this is a team that could also use some competition at quarterback and it didn't take a stab at it.
Patriots 16-0 1.000 PTS 589 PA 274
Round	Pick	Player	Name	Position	College
1	10	10	Jerod Mayo	LB	Tennessee
2	31	62	Terrence Wheatley	DB	Colorado
3	15	78	Shawn Crable	LB	Michigan
3	31	94	Kevin O'Connell	QB	San Diego State
4	30	129	Jonathan Wilhite	DB	Auburn
5	18	153	Matt Slater	WR	UCLA
6	31	197	Bo Ruud	LB	Nebraska
The Patriots got out of spygate too easy. Sure they forfeited a first round choice, but the NFL should have taken the 7th pick of the draft away from them, not the 31st. After some trades, the Patriots took LB Jerod Mayo who should help. LB Shawn Crable might also be of use. DB Terrence Wheatley might have been a reach, but they say he has speed and intelligence. QB Kevin O'Connell has some upside and can learn from a master.
Raiders 4-12 .250 PTS 283 PA 398
Round	Pick	Player	Name	Position	College
1	4	4	Darren McFadden	RB	Arkansas
4	1	100	Tyvon Branch	DB	Connecticut
4	26	125	Arman Shields	WR	Richmond
6	3	169	Trevor Scott	DE	Buffalo
7	19	226	Chaz Schilens	WR	San Diego State
The Raiders broke the Jets hearts when they took RB Darren McFadden. Of course, everybody knew they would, so what were the Jets and their fans thinking. If the Raiders get anything else out of this draft it will be a bonus. But McFadden may be worth an entire draft by himself.
Rams 3-13 .188 PTS 263 PA 438
Round	Pick	Player	Name	Position	College
1	2	2	Chris Long	DE	Virginia
2	2	33	Donnie Avery	WR	Houston
3	2	65	John Greco	T	Toledo
4	2	101	Justin King	DB	Penn State
4	29	128	Keenan Burton	WR	Kentucky
5	22	157	Roy Schuening	G	Oregon State
7	21	228	Chris Chamberlain	LB	Tulsa
7	45	252	David Vobora	LB	Idaho
The Rams need an awful lot of improvement to turn things around. DE Chris Long is a step in the right direction. Using the second pick on a wide receiver who played in a college spread offense probably is not. Tackle John Greco may need to play guard in the pros.
Ravens 5-11 .313 PTS 275 PA 384
Round	Pick	Player	Name	Position	College
1	18	18	Joe Flacco	QB	Delaware
2	24	55	Ray Rice	RB	Rutgers
3	8	71	Tavares Gooden	LB	Miami (FL)
3	23	86	Tom Zbikowski	DB	Notre Dame
3	36	99	Oniel Cousins	G	Texas-El Paso
4	7	106	Marcus Smith	WR	New Mexico
4	34	133	David Hale	T	Weber State
6	40	206	Haruki Nakamura	DB	Cincinnati
7	8	215	Justin Harper	WR	Virginia Tech
7	33	240	Allen Patrick	RB	Oklahoma
The Ravens traded down, and then partially back up, to grab QB Joe Flacco, he of the big arm and little experience, from Delaware, who couldn't beat out Tyler Palko when both played at Pitt. Flacco could be good, but we'll have to wait and see. RB Ray Rice was successful at Rutgers, but he is on the small side. The Ravens added additional toughness to their defense, as if they needed it, by drafting Golden-Glove Boxer and DB Tom Zbikowski. But did you notice that the Ravens allowed a surprising 384 points in 2007. Perhaps the Ray Lewis led defense has seen its better days.
Redskins 9-7 .563 PTS 334 PA 310
Round	Pick	Player	Name	Position	College
2	3	34	Devin Thomas	WR	Michigan State
2	17	48	Fred Davis	TE	USC
2	20	51	Malcom Kelly	WR	Oklahoma
3	33	96	Chad Rinehart	G	Northern Iowa
4	25	124	Justin Tryon	DB	Arizona State
6	2	168	Durant Brooks	P	Georgia Tech
6	14	180	Kareem Moore	DB	Nicholls State
6	20	186	Colt Brennan	QB	Hawaii
7	35	242	Rob Jackson	DE	Kansas State
7	42	249	Christopher Horton	DB	UCLA
Finally tiring of smurfs, the Redskins set out to get some bigger receivers and picked up three including wide receivers Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly and tight end Fred Davis. Jason Campbell and Todd Collins have to be happy about that. Maybe Clinton Portis is too. QB Colt Brennan was a worthwhile use of a late round pick, especially since Collins is no longer a youthful backup. Frankly, one of the many teams with greater quarterback needs than the Redskins should have taken a flyer on Brennan.
Saints 7-9 .438 PTS 379 PA 388
Round	Pick	Player	Name	Position	College
1	7	7	Sedrick Ellis	DT	USC
2	9	40	Tracy Porter	DB	Indiana
5	9	144	DeMario Pressley	DT	North Carolina State
5	29	164	Carl Nicks	T	Nebraska
6	12	178	Taylor Mehlhaff	K	Wisconsin
7	30	237	Adrian Arrington	WR	Michigan
DT Sedrick Ellis can make a big contribution to plugging the center of the Saints' defensive line. DB Tracy Porter could help.
Seahawks 10-6 .625 PTS 393 PA 291
Round	Pick	Player	Name	Position	College
1	28	28	Lawrence Jackson	DE	USC
2	7	38	John Carlson	TE	Notre Dame
4	22	121	Red Bryant	DT	Texas A&M
5	28	163	Owen Schmitt	RB	West Virginia
6	23	189	Tyler Schmitt	C	San Diego State
7	26	233	Justin Forsett	RB	California
7	28	235	Brandon Coutu	K	Georgia
The Seahawks like DE Lawrence Jackson. TE John Carlson regressed during his senior year at Notre Dame but has potential.
Steelers 10-6 .625 PTS 393 PTS 269
Round	Pick	Player	Name	Position	College
1	23	23	Rashard Mendenhall	RB	Illinois
2	22	53	Limas Sweed	WR	Texas
3	25	88	Bruce Davis	LB	UCLA
4	31	130	Tony Hills	T	Texas
5	21	156	Dennis Dixon	QB	Oregon
6	22	188	Mike Humpal	LB	Iowa
6	28	194	Ryan Mundy	DB	West Virginia
The Steelers scored 393 points in 2007, but added a lot to their offense in the draft starting with RB Rashard Mendenhall who will take a big burden off the overworked Willie Parker. Limas Sweed is the type of big receiver the Steelers like. And, they acquired another "slash" type player in QB Dennis Dixon who will follow in the footsteps of Kordell Stewart and Antwan Randle-El.
Texans 8-8 .500 PTS 379 PA 384
Round	Pick	Player	Name	Position	College
1	26	26	Duane Brown	T	Virginia Tech
3	16	79	Antwaun Molden	DB	Eastern Kentucky
3	26	89	Steve Slaton	RB	West Virginia
4	19	118	Xavier Adibi	LB	Virginia Tech
5	16	151	Frank Okam	DT	Texas
6	7	173	Dominique Barber	DB	Minnesota
7	16	223	Alex Brink	QB	Washington State
The Texans are slowly building a strong team, but it is doubtful that the 2008 draft will get them over the hump. Tackle Duane Brown may have been a reach. Then the Texans didn't have a pick until the third round and where they took DB Antwaun Molden and RB Steve Slaton. Both are positions of need. It will be interesting to see if these players, who have potential, can fill those slots.
Titans 10-6 .625 PTS 301 PA 297
Round	Pick	Player	Name	Position	College
1	24	24	Chris Johnson	RB	East Carolina
2	23	54	Jason Jones	DE	Eastern Michigan
3	22	85	Craig Stevens	TE	California
4	4	103	William Hayes	DE	Winston-Salem State
4	27	126	Lavelle Hawkins	WR	California
4	35	134	Stanford Keglar	LB	Purdue
7	22	229	Cary Williams	DB	Washburn
The Titans have to take some of the pressure off Vince Young. Tennessee was a solid 10-6 last year, but they only scored four more points than they allowed. Young is their only playmaker on offense. RB Chris Johnson has the speed that could change that, but his selection was somewhat a reach. The team has too many holes overall to be a consistent winner in double figures. DE Jason Jones could be a factor, but some thought he was a third round choice at best.
Vikings 8-8 .500 PTS 365 PA 311
Round	Pick	Player	Name	Position	College
2	12	43	Tyrell Johnson	DB	Arkansas State
5	2	137	John David Booty	QB	USC
5	17	152	Letroy Guion	DT	Florida State
6	21	187	John Sullivan	C	Notre Dame
6	27	193	Jaymar Johnson	WR	Jackson State
The Vikings didn't have a pick until the second round and then not again until the fifth. DB Tyrell Johnson was considered among the top safety prospects, but perhaps a third or fourth round choice. John David Booty was the sixth quarterback selected. Still, he might have a chance to challenge in Minnesota.

Posted by Chris Malumphy on 04/28 at 10:42 PM
(0) Comments • Permalink