2008 NFL Draft

[jive1]

The 2008 NFL Draft is fast approaching.

A thread for discussing draft prospects, wishlists for your team, mock drafts, and anything pertaining to the 2008 NFL draft.

[jive1]

For the Bears, I'm hoping for a LT or RB in the first round. I would love to trade down for an extra 2nd rounder, as I see depth in the RB position this year.

Getting Ryan Clady would be great for #14, but I doubt he will be there. If McFadden dropped to #14, I would love the Bears to take him. But once again, I doubt he drops that far. Which leaves Rashard Mendenhall as a quality prospect, and I would have no problem with drafting him either. What he lacks in experience, he makes up for with a high ceiling.

But, if we trade down, I see a bunch of prospects that can fill needs in the later rounds. I like RBs Matt Forte or Kevin Smith, WRs Malcolm Kelly, Devin Thomas, Mario Manningham or Carl Simpson, OT - Sam Baker or Godser Cherilus, OG Chilo Rachal or Branden Albert, and S Quentin Demps. Jerry Angelo usually hits big in the middle rounds, and I can see some impact players coming out of there.

It looks like a deep draft for RB and OT. I like the prospects coming out in those positions. QB doesn't look as deep, and I wouldn't want the Bears to take an early round pick on a QB. I think they might still be able to get a quality QB like Henne or Brohm in the 2nd or 3rd round, or guys like Flacco and Woodson in later rounds.

[dangnewt]

The word on the Pats is still cornerbacks and linebackers and the perennial "will or won't they trade down for more picks."

I'll also be watching to see where BC's Matt Ryan goes. Perhaps someone will trade up for him?

[jazzbo]

We're two picks in. Anybody watching this?

[sssmmike]

Run DMC!

[jazzbo]

The Raiders feel that there will be great success running the ball with McFadden, Fargas, Rhodes, Bush, and Jordan. Of course, their offensive line is not very good, and they can't really stop the run ...

I really feel like Dorsey would have been a better pick. They have a great, (although it was better without Hall), secondary. Improving their run defense with Dorsey would have been a strong move. Supporting Russell with more offensive line help later in the draft would then have allowed him to mature and gain confidence. It's my opinion that Bush and Fargas could have been a great combination.

[Adam Barkley]

By grabbing Ugoh last year the Colts start with the 59th pick. Makes for an even more boring day of non-sports.

[Adam Barkley]

I absolutely love the short time allotments. If they'd make them 5 minutes or less I might actually watch this boring non-event they try to make into one.

[sssmmike]

Originally Posted by jazzbo

The Raiders feel that there will be great success running the ball with McFadden, Fargas, Rhodes, Bush, and Jordan. Of course, their offensive line is not very good, and they can't really stop the run ...

I really feel like Dorsey would have been a better pick. They have a great, (although it was better without Hall), secondary. Improving their run defense with Dorsey would have been a strong move. Supporting Russell with more offensive line help later in the draft would then have allowed him to mature and gain confidence. It's my opinion that Bush and Fargas could have been a great combination.

The only thing I agree with you on, is the rushing D (sorta).

They did sign a sure tackler in Wilson to play safety, and Kelly is moving inside to play UT (a better fit for him imo). Sure they could have drafted Dorsey, but imagine all the money they would have invested on young DT's... It is possible this is the year the defense will become a very solid unit. And c'mon, Hall is a way better DB than Fabian Washington or Routt.

The offensive line actually improved a bit in 2007 under a new coach. I agree that they're no where near a stellar o-line, but it may not be far off. Remember, the Raiders had the 6th best rushing attack last season, with back-ups. I'm excited to see the backfield of Darren McFadden and Michael Bush over the next 5 seasons.

If you're a Raider fan, you gotta be at least little excited about the pick.. imo of course.

[sssmmike]

Originally Posted by Adam Barkley

I absolutely love the short time allotments. If they'd make them 5 minutes or less I might actually watch this boring non-event they try to make into one.

+1 to that.

[Brad Barker]

i watched the entire first round. (what am i going to do, study for finals???)

i hope that the raiders get some offensive lineman to help protect their big investments, russell and mcfadden.


oh, why was no one picking offensive guards? it was just tackle, tackle, tackle. i don't get it.

[Adam Barkley]

Originally Posted by Brad Barker

i watched the entire first round. (what am i going to do, study for finals???)

i hope that the raiders get some offensive lineman to help protect their big investments, russell and mcfadden.


oh, why was no one picking offensive guards? it was just tackle, tackle, tackle. i don't get it.

The Colts picked a center that they intend to convert to guard until Saturday leaves.

[Mental Octopus]

looked like most teams drafted very well.

i think i was most surprised to see the Ravens move up to get Flacco like that.

[Kelly Lee]

Originally Posted by Adam Barkley

The Colts picked a center that they intend to convert to guard until Saturday leaves.

That pic actually has me a little concerned. Is Jeff going to pull a Tarik? I know, probably not. However, I still can't help that the thought is there.

[Brad Barker]

Originally Posted by Mental Octopus

looked like most teams drafted very well.

i think i was most surprised to see the Ravens move up to get Flacco like that.

except the titans.

[Adam Barkley]

Originally Posted by Kelly Lee

That pic actually has me a little concerned. Is Jeff going to pull a Tarik? I know, probably not. However, I still can't help that the thought is there.

I doubt it, Saturday is still in the prime of his career and the anchor on the line. Protection calls would be a nightmare without him.

So far a center, LB/DE, and a TE. Polian always confuses me with his picks, but he is the master.

I see the need for OL depth, but LB and TE are positions that are pretty deep in my estimation. Clark just got inked for another 6 I believe.

Oh well, I Polian I trust.

[Jared Lash]

I'm not super enthused with the 49ers draft, but I don't hate it either. While most SF fans wanted to see a WR drafted, I really didn't see anybody that had true #1 potential.

That said, I don't understand why they didn't look for an OLB to improve their pass rush. Quentin Groves was a guy I liked, but he tumbled a good deal, so maybe there are more flaws to his game/character than I realized.

Of course, who they draft is less important than the job Mike Martz can do in one year. An upswing in offense and maybe this team is headed in the right direction finally. Another floundering season and Nolan & Co can pack their bags and Niners fans can look forward to another era of "rebuilding".

[Kelly Lee]

Originally Posted by Adam Barkley

I doubt it, Saturday is still in the prime of his career and the anchor on the line. Protection calls would be a nightmare without him.

I know. I just can't help but be concerned.

So far a center, LB/DE, and a TE. Polian always confuses me with his picks, but he is the master.

I see the need for OL depth, but LB and TE are positions that are pretty deep in my estimation. Clark just got inked for another 6 I believe.

Oh well, I Polian I trust.

In Polian we trust...YEP!

[MJ5150]

John Clayton put my Steelers down as one of the big winners on draft day.

Grabbing a couple big name playmakers will make the fans excited, but I'm not so sure on Mendenhall. Sweed I can see. Then again, I don't have another name I wanted in the first round.

-Mike

[cheezewiz]

I haven't decided on the Packers draft. I was a bit surprised that their first pick was a WR. That was one area they are pretty much set as long as Koren Robinson doesn't relapse. I guess it all remains to be seen.