Monday, March 10, 2008 by Michael Keller
6. New York Jets
With the players that I have being selected
before, this is going to be Vernon Gholston. He had an outstanding
combine. And the Jets need that hybrid DE/LB to play in their 3-4. Just
like the chargers have in Shawn Merriman. Not comparing those 2 just
yet, but that's the position Gholston would play. Will be a linebacker,
but will rush the passer far more than he will drop into coverage. Got
the only sack all season long against Jake Long last season, proving
how good he can be. If McFadden is still around, then they may pick him
instead, since Thomas Jones has a lot of wear and tear for a running
back. But I obviously believe McFadden will be taken by this point,
leaving them with Gholston.
Projected Pick: Vernon Gholston - DE/LB - Ohio State
7. New England Patriots (via San Francisco)
Simply
put, they have to pick a cornerback. Ellis Hobbs was exposed in the
playoffs and super bowl as being mediocre at best. Now, their only good
cornerback from last season, Asante Samuel, is gone. So this comes down
to Aqib Talib, Leodis McKelvin, Dominique Rodgers - Cromartie, and Mike
Jenkins in my opinion. Of those 4, I believe it then comes down to
McKelvin and Cromartie. Those 2 seem to have seperated themselves
lately. Cromartie was the star of both the Senior Bowl and Combine and
has been shooting up draft boards of late. But I don't honestly believe
he has quite jumped McKelvin as the top corner in the draft. So, I
think it's still McKelvin, but if he stumbles at all, or Cromartie has
another outstanding workout at his pro day, then this could change to
him. right now it's almost 51/49 in favor of McKelvin.
Projected Pick: Leodis McKelvin - CB - Troy
8. Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore
has a few needs. Cornerback and Quarterback are really the biggest 2.
There isn't a QB worth taking here, so that's out the window. So if
they just draft on need, they will pick a corner, probably Cromartie.
That being said, Sedrick Ellis is very intriguing at this point. He's
probably in the top 4 or 5 players on everyone's draft board, but with
the needs of the teams picking before, he has fallen down and is still
available. So now this is between Ellis and Cromartie. I think with how
Cromartie has come on lately, they feel he has a chance to be a
shutdown corner in the NFL and can step in immediately and play with
McAlister. Rolle isn't bad, but he's getting older and quite frankly at
this point needs to be no more than a nickel corner. I think they will
probably pick Cromartie but that it is a 55/45 split between him and
Ellis.
Projected Pick: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie - CB - Tennessee State
9. Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati
needs help all over their defense. Along the line, linebacker, and in
the secondary. If Sedrick Ellis is still available, there is no chance
they pass on him. If he's not there, then they probably go with either
Keith Rivers, or one of the many cornerbacks available. If Ellis is
gone, then either Cromartie or McKelvin would be available, but I still
think it's Rivers. But if Ellis is here, there shouldn't be any
hesitation at all.
Projected Pick: Sedrick Ellis - DT - USC
10. New Orleans Saints
This
is another team who just flat out needs help on defense. They just
signed Randall Gay and traded for Johnathon Vilma, but they still have
to look for some more help. If McKelvin, Cromartie, or Ellis are still
available I think one of them is the pick. But with all three gone,
that makes things a little more blurry. I would say this comes down 3
people. Phillip Merling, Keith Rivers, or Aqib Talib. I think ideally
they want to pick a corner, but are worried it's early for Talib. I do
think they come to their senses, and pick a corner, which they still do
need, even after the signing of Gay. Talib, I think, will be a very
good corner in the NFL. Didn't turn his hips well during his workouts,
but did much better with that while he was at Kansas. Has good height
and pretty good closing speed.
Projected Pick: Aqib Talib - CB - Kansas
Michael Keller is the author of the highest rated, most viewed mock draft on MyMockDraft at the moment. He recently contributed his Five Most Overrated and Underrated Players in the 2008 NFL Draft.
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