2008 NFL Draft Team-by-Team Grades

NFC East
New York – B {Kenny Phillips (1), Mario Manningham (3), Andre Woodson (6)}
For the second year in a row Jerry Reese and the Giants walk away with high grades. The Giants landed two potential impact players (Phillips and Manningham) and a possible backup QB in Andre Woodson.
Philadelphia – D {Trevor Laws (2), DeSean Jackson (2)}
Philadelphia’s first mistake was trading out of the first round. DeSean Jackson is undersized and didn’t live up to expectations last season at Cal.
Dallas – A {Felix Jones (1), Mike Jenkins (1)}
The Boys’ had two first round picks and made them both count. Adding Felix Jones gives Dallas the perfect compliment to Marion Barber and the addition of Mike Jenkins solidifies a secondary that just acquired Pac Man Jones.
Washington – B+ {Devin Thomas (2), Fred Davis (2), Malcolm Kelly (2), Colt Brennan (6)}
After trading out of the first round, Washington went to work in round two. Devin Thomas, Malcolm Kelly and Fred Davis have tremendous upside and will help Washington transition to their new spread attack.

NFC North
Chicago – B {Chris Williams (1), Earl Bennett (3), Craig Steltz (4), Markus Monk (7)}
Chicago made shrewd pick after shrewd pick all weekend. Bennett could develop into the best slot receiver in the entire draft and Steltz will be a perfect fit in Chicago’s secondary.
Green Bay – D {Jordy Nelson (2), Brian Brohm (2), Patrick Lee (2), JerMichael Finely (3)}
I’m not a fan of Green Bay’s picks. They made Jordy Nelson the 1st wide receiver off the board? Then they took Brian Brohm? I’m sure there are more than a few confused Packer fans trying to figure this out.
Minnesota – D {Tyrell Johnson (2), John David Booty (50)}
Minnesota traded away their first-round pick for Jared Allen, leaving them with only one pick in the first four rounds. At the end of the day, Tyrell Johnson might be the only player from this group to make the team this summer.
Detroit – C {Gosder Cherilus (1), Kevin Smith (3), Caleb Cambell (7)}
Matt Millen needed to have a good draft more than anybody in the business this weekend. He steered clear of drafting another WR and pieced together some good picks. Millen’s track record is questionable to say the least, so we’ll have to wait and see if this class turns out to be anything more than just average.

NFC South
New Orleans – B+ {Sedrick Ellis (1), Tracey Porter (2), Adrian Arrington (7)}
Sean Payton’s #1 objective was to walk away with a stud DT. Trading up into New England’s spot was a brilliant maneuver by Payton, who now has the anchor he needed to properly run their 3-4 scheme.
Carolina – B+ {Jonathan Stewart (1), Jeff Otah (1), Dan Connor (3)}
John Fox and his staff made things happen. After securing Jonathan Stewart they moved back into the first round to get Jeff Otah. Franchise running back and starting left tackle – done and done! Not to mention Dan Connor, a projected first round LB, who they drafted in the third round. Job well done!
Atlanta – C {Matt Ryan (1), Sam Baker (1)}
Both first round picks are questionable. Ryan could be a Pro Bowler, but could be a bust. Then they moved back into the first round and reached for USC OT Sam Baker. With 11 picks, Atlanta’s draft looks more like quantity over quality.
Tampa Bay – B- {Aqib Talib (1), Dexter Jackson (2), Geno Hayes (6)}
The NFC South drafted well and Tampa Bay was no exception. Aqib Talib is a perfect cover 2 corner and I love the Dexter Jackson pick. Jackson was on a National Championship Div 1AA team and was one of the biggest weapons the sub-division had to offer.

NFC WEST
Seattle – D {Lawrence Jackson (1), John Carlson (2)}
Seattle needed a tight end in the worst way. They failed to pull off a trade for Jeremy Shockey and then missed out on the two best TE’s in the draft. Seattle fans: What’s worse – the refs in SB XL or this year’s draft class? It’s close!
St. Louis – B+ {Chris Long (1), Justin King (4)}
How can you not like St. Louis’ draft? Chris Long transforms that line into one of the most formidable in the league. They made five picks in the first four rounds, highlighted by stealing Justin King in the 4th.
San Francisco – D {Kentwan Balmer (1)}
Kentwan Balmer better be a big part of the Niner defense or else this draft was a complete disaster.
Arizona – A {Dominque-Rodgers Cromartie (1), Calias Campbell (2), Early Doucet (3), Timothy Highwater (6)}
Add a tremendous draft class to the list of things coach Ken Whisenhunt is doing right in Arizona. This class could easily yield two starters on both sides of the ball.

AFC East
New England – B+ {Jerod Mayo (1), Terrance Wheatley (2), Shawn Crable (3), Kevin O’Connell (3), Matt Slater (5)}
This class does not include the impact player you would have hoped for with a top-ten pick; but it does include two solid LB’s, 1 potential backup QB, 1 project CB and a kick return weapon. Believe it or not, Belichick did all of this without cheating!
New York – B {Vernon Gholston (1), Dustin Keller (1), Erick Ainge (5)}
The jury is still out on Vernon Gholston, but I suspect the Jets are drooling over having him and Calvin Pace coming off the edge of their 3-4. The Jets were critized for trading back into round 1 for Dustin Keller. Keller is a walking match-up problem for opposing defenses and it won’t take long for Jet fans to see why Mangini and Tannenbaum made this move.
Buffalo – B+ {Leodis McKelvin (1), James Hardy (2), Reggie Corner (4)}
People (like myself) thought Buffalo would take Devin Thomas with their 11th overall pick. Instead they grabbed McKelvin and still got the WR they were looking for in round two. Shrewd picks by the Buffalo front office should pay dividends down the road for the Bills.
Miami – A {Jake Long (1), Phillip Merling (2), Chad Henne (2)}
Long is the most sure-fire, can’t-miss prospect in the draft. Parcells liked Merling and Henne for a reason, so Dolphin fans should expect good things from them as well.

AFC North
Baltimore – A {Joe Flacco (1), Ray Rice (2), Tom Zbikowski (3)}
The Raven had 10 picks with seven in the first four rounds. Factor in that they probably drafted their QB of the future, RB of the future and next starting safety to play along side Ed Reed and you have quite a draft. Ozzie Newsome hit this one way out of the ballpark.
Cincinnati – C {Keith Rivers (1), Andre Caldwell (4)}
Marvin Lewis appears to be navigating a sinking ship. This draft class won’t help. Keith Rivers is the most boring top-ten pick selected and the rest of their decisions leave a lot to be desired.
Pittsburgh – B+ {Rashard Mendenhall (1), Limas Sweed (2), Dennis Dixon (5)}
The Steelers were thrilled to see Mendenhall there at 23. Big Ben asked the front office for a big WR and they listened; Limas Sweed could easily become a prolific weapon in their new pass-happy attack. Dennis Dixon might have won the Heisman if not for a late-season injury….is he the new Slash?
Cleveland – F {Beau Bell (4), Martin Ricker (4)}
Cleveland basically sat this draft out, having only 5 picks and zero in the first three rounds. That’s the cost of moving up in the draft, which they did last year for Brady Quinn.

AFC South
Indianapolis – C {Mike Pollak (2), Phillip Wheeler (3)}
Indy needs to be healthy next season more than anything else. With five picks in the 6th and 7th rounds, Tony Dungy and company were trying to pluck late round gems.
Tennessee – C+ {Chris Johnson (1), Lavelle Hawkins (4)}
The Titans really needed to get Vince Young some help at WR and ultimately waited until round four before addressing the position. They are very excited about Chris Johnson from ECU, but they reached by making him a first round pick.
Jacksonville – B {Derrick Harvey (1), Quentin Groves (2)}
How did Jacksonville do? Well, they decided not to make a last-minute trade for Jason Taylor, but they did walk away with two of the best DE’s in the draft. Depends on how you look at it.
Houston – C {Duane Brown (1), Steve Slaton (3)}
I’m always confused when teams trade up in the first round to grab players who are not first-round talents. That’s what I think Houston did by trading up for Duane Brown. He was probably the 7th or 8th rated offensive lineman in the draft. So why make such a strong push? After a few good drafts in succession, this one is tough to judge at this point.

AFC West
San Diego - D {Antoine Cason (1)}
The Chargers are stacked and were simply drafting for need. They added some depth, but with only five picks, this crop of incomers features Cason and little else.
Kansas City – A+ {Glenn Dorsey (1), Branden Albert (1), Brandon Flowers (2), Jamal Charles (3)}
By far and away the Chiefs had the best draft in the league. The fact that they were prepared to take Albert with the fifth pick and grabbed him at 17 shows how nicely things worked out for KC. They get Dorsey and Albert! Add in Brandon Flowers and Jamal Charles and chalk this draft up as a huge success.
Denver – C {Ryan Clady (1), Eddie Royal (2)}
Denver had their choice of OT and went with the highly touted Clady from Boise St. With so many OT’s to choose from, Denver will have to wait and see if they made the right pick.
Oakland – A {Darren McFadden (1), Tyron Branch (4)}
The Raider only had five picks, but when Darren McFadden is one of the five picks the draft class automatically becomes an A!

2008 Nick G Sports Banter NFL Mock Draft

1 - Miami Dolphins – Jake Long (OT, Michigan)
The simplest mock pick of all-time. Bill Parcells zeroed in on his man and then made him the highest paid offensive lineman in the NFL. His record 5 yr, $57.75 million dollar contract includes $30 million guaranteed. The real drama begins with the next pick.

2 – St. Louis Rams – Glenn Dorsey (DT, LSU)
Internally the Rams are split on what to do. The personnel department favors Chris Long, but head coach Scott Linehan wants Glenn Dorsey. If the right offer comes along St. Louis could easily trade down, if not, expect coach Linehan to get his guy. After taking Adam Carriker last season, this pick will give St. Louis one of the youngest and most talented d-lines in football.

3 – Atlanta Falcons – Matt Ryan (QB, Boston College)
With the third overall pick the Atlanta Falcons have options. A call will be made to St. Louis to see what it would take to move up one spot and select Dorsey. If the price is too steep they will probably listen to offers from other teams looking to move up. In the absence of a trade partner, Matt Ryan will become Atlanta’s new signal caller. With Dorsey off the board Michael Vick’s job is officially gone.

4 – Oakland Raiders – Vernon Gholston (LB, Ohio State)
Al Davis had always been one of the most unpredictable guys in the NFL so this pick shouldn’t surprise people. Davis has apparently fallen in love with the physical specimen that is Vernon Gholston. The resigning of Justin Fargas and the confidence in youngster Michael Bush will help Davis resist the urge to draft Darren McFadden. You can already hear the Jet fans in Radio City going crazy…J-E-T-S Jets, Jets, Jets!!!

5 – Kansas City Chiefs – Chris Long (DE, Virginia)
Kansas City didn’t expect this! They thought Chris Long would be “long” gone by this point. This development will force them to put their offensive line concerns on the back burner. Jared Allen’s replacement will be the high-octane sack master from Virginia.

6 – New York Jets – Darren McFadden (RB, Arkansas)
Aside from Broadway Joe’s shining moment forty years ago, Jet fans have mostly experienced misery. From the Heidi Bowl to the Marino spike, bad draft picks to the Rich Kotite era, Jet fans have had little to cheer about. Things are about to change if Darren McFadden is still on the board.

7 – New Orleans Saints (from New England, from San Francisco) – Sedrick Ellis (DT, USC)
Sean Payton is in the middle of doing what was previously thought to be impossible, he is turning the New Orleans Saints into a winner. The process continues this weekend as the Saints are prepared to be active. They are currently trying to work out a trade for disgruntled tight end Jeremy Shockey and they will also be the most likely candidate to trade spots with New England. The Patriots could use a few things but it would be too expensive to address them here. They will have no problem finding a dancing partner in New Orleans. The Saints are in desperate need for a DT to anchor their 3-4 scheme and will do everything possible to make that player Ellis.

8 – Baltimore Ravens – Brian Brohm (QB, Louisville)
The Baltimore Ravens quarterback situation has been awful ever since their 2000 Super Bowl victory. Reports claim that they don’t see much of a difference between Matt Ryan and Brian Brohm. Most feel that Brohm is a late first/early second round prospect, but if Baltimore is convinced he’s as good as Ryan they won’t hesitate. This pick would turn the draft upside down and it is more likely than people think.

9 – Cincinnati Bengals – Keith Rivers (OLB, USC)
Marvin Lewis is officially on the hot seat in Cincinnati as things are getting out of control. Chad Johnson is the least of his concerns heading into the draft, as the Bengals have fielded some of the league’s worst defenses over the past two seasons. New defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer (formerly of Atlanta and Dallas) will petition hard to use this pick on his side of the ball. If they fail to move up for Ellis, Zimmer should still get his wish and add this big-time athlete to his unit.

10 – New England Patriots (from Cincinnati) – Branden Albert (G, Virginia)
One thing is for sure, Bill Belicheck will draft a good football player. The problem becomes trying to figure out whom? They will already be happy to have moved down and will now look to address a weakness (if they actually have one after going 18-1). They would probably like to get their hands on Rivers if he drops. Outside of that it would seem likely for them to address their offensive line. It proved to be their weakness in the Super Bowl XLII loss. Albert would immediately push either Stephen Neal or Nick Kaczur for the starting spot and add depth to an already good unit.

11 – Buffalo Bills – Devin Thomas (WR, Michigan State)
Quick Note: I flew to Buffalo this past season for the Bills/Cowboys Monday Night thriller. It was my second time up there for a game (went to a Bills/Patriots game in 1998 during college). Upstate New Yorkers are into their football and they create a great atmosphere to watch a game.. Fans should make a point to check this place out.

As for the pick, it should be WR, WR, WR, WR. Buffalo feels confident that Trent Edwards is their man and now it’s time to get him a weapon. They will have their choice of any wide receiver in the draft and most likely settle on Devin Thomas. Thomas has elevated to the top of a pretty deep wide receiver class. It is hard imagine Buffalo doing anything else.

12 – Denver Broncos – Chris Williams (OT, Vanderbilt)
Most people predict a run on CB’s at some point in the first round, but first there will be a run on offensive lineman. There are six first-round prospects in this group and with only two gone the cupboard is still full. Denver has their choice of either Ryan Clady, Chris Williams or Jeff Otah. Reports suggest they are leaning towards Williams because his mobility and athleticism should fit their zone-blocking scheme nicely. Clady might be rated slightly higher, but Williams makes more sense for Denver.

13 – Carolina Panthers – Ryan Clady (OT, Boise State)
The sudden retirement of Mike Rucker immediately puts Derrick Harvey on Carolina’s radar. This will be a tough choice for John Fox and company, but I suspect strengthening the offensive line with Clady will ultimately make the most sense.

14 – Chicago Bears – Jeff Otah (OT, Pittsburgh)
The Bears are fed up with Cedric Benson and Rashard Mendenhall would give their offense the spark it desperately needs. Even though it looks like a perfect match, I think Chicago will follow suit and upgrade their offensive line before addressing other needs. The quality of running available when they pick again will be a much better than the prospects remaining at tackle.

15 – Detroit Lions – Derrick Harvey (DE, Florida)
Detroit would love to unleash a pass rushing presence on the NFC North and Derrick Harvey would be great value at this spot. Obviously Rashard Mendenhall is an option along with Jonathan Stewart of Oregon. Then again, Matt Millen could always decide to take another wide receiver!

16 – Arizona Cardinals – Leodis McKelvin (CB, Troy)
One of Arizona’s biggest needs coming into the draft was cornerback, so they are thrilled to have the privilege of taking the first one off the board. It should be McKelvin from tiny Troy University in Alabama. McKelvin is a double-threat CB, bringing both solid cover skills and dynamic return skills with him to the next level. Troy recently produced DeMarcus Ware and I’m sure the Cardinals will be pleased with its latest product.

17 – Kansas City Chiefs (from Minnesota) – Dominique-Rodgers Cromartie (CB, Tennessee State)
Kansas City gets this pick from the Vikings as part of the Jared Allen trade and should look to improve their secondary. Ty Law’s return is a question mark and he’s old to begin with. Kansas City would get a player versatile enough to eventually play safety, but will arrive at camp looking to win a starting CB job. Chris Long and DRC should set Kansas City’s defense up nicely for year’s to come.

18 – Houston Texans – Rashard Mendenhall (RB, Illinios)
Let’s review: Reggie Bush has been decent in his first two professional season, while Mario Williams is becoming a bonafide beast. The #1 overall pick from two years ago has 18.5 sacks in his young career. The Texans don’t look so stupid anymore, do they! Houston is now ready to address running back and will be extremely pleased to see Rashard Mendenhall still on the board.

19 – Philadelphia Eagles – Mike Jenkins (CB, South Florida)
Andy Reid hates drafting wide receivers and will again take a pass here. Instead, he will do what he’s good at and pick a good defensive player. The Eagles hit the jack-pot by prying Asante Samuel from New England, but may end up losing Lito Sheppard in the near future. Some say Mike Jenkins is the best corner in the draft and Philly will love the chance to add another top-flight cover man to their arsenal.

20 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers – James Hardy (WR, Indiana)
Joey Galloway and Ike Hilliard are a combined 68 years old, so getting young at wide receiver will be a top priority for the Bucs. James Hardy is a hit or miss prospect in my eyes, but his size (6-6, 220 lbs) and collegiate production (36 TD’s in three years) probably makes him the next receiver off the board.

21 – Washington Redskins – Phillip Merling (DE, Clemson)
The Skins made an unsuccessful push for Chad Johnson and would love if either Devin Thomas or James Hardy fell to them here. If not Phillip Merling should be their guy. Reports suggest Washington is in love with this player and he fills one of their glaring off season needs.

22 – Dallas Cowboys – Felix Jones (RB, Arkansas)
If Felix Jones was the primary back at a different school he would have been a top-ten pick. Instead, he split the backfield with Darren McFadden and still made All-American and 1st team All-SEC. His blinding speed would be the perfect compliment to Marion Barber and give the Cowboys a serious upgrade from the departed Julius Jones.

23 – Pittsburgh Steelers – Gosder Cherilus (OT, Boston College)
Taking the sixth offensive lineman only 23 picks into the draft will not excite Steeler fans. Even though they would love to go wide receiver here, protecting Big Ben is the more important task. Cherilus is the only first round prospect left on the board at this position and Pittsburgh has no choice but to make him a Steeler.

24 – Tennessee Titans – DeSean Jackson (WR, California)
DeSean Jackson was originally projected at the clear-cut #1 wide receiver entering the draft prior to the college season. A mediocre junior year saw his stock fall and his top-ten potential vanish. Still a first round talent, Tennessee will take a chance on his big-play ability while drastically improving their return game in the process.

25 – Seattle Seahawks – Fred Davis (TE, USC)
The Seahawks have been looking for a top-flight tight end throughout the entire Mike Holmgren era. As he enters his final year in Seattle, the task of finally securing a tight end will take center stage this weekend. Seattle has contacted the Giants about trading for Jeremy Shockey, but if that doesn’t get done expect Holmgren to grab the USC standout with his final 1st round pick as Seahawks coach.

26 – Jacksonville Jaguars – Kentwan Balmer (DT, UNC)
Jacksonville’s stout defense has suffered some major blows this off season. Marcus Shroud (traded to Buffalo), Sammy Knight (NYG), and Bobby McCray (Saints) have all left town. Jacksonville will probably use most of their early picks on that side of the ball, starting with the selection of Balmer to replace Shroud.

27 – San Diego Chargers – Jonathan Stewart (RB, Oregon)
The Chargers had a good thing going the past few years at running back with LaDainian Tomlinson and Michael Turner in their backfield. On a team with very few needs the free agent departure of Turner to Atlanta makes running back their first order of business. With Jonathan Stewart still on the board this pick is easy, and their 1-2 punch is restored.

28 – Dallas Cowboys – Aqib Talib (CB, Kansas)
The Cowboys figured they would be deciding between Antoine Cason and Brandon Flowers at this point in the round. The fact that one of the big-four corners fell in their lap will make Jerry Jones a very happy man. Adding Pac Man Jones and a 1st round corner to a secondary that already features Terrance Newman and Anthony Henry should makes this unit borderline elite.

29 – San Francisco 49ers – Limas Sweed (WR, Texas)
After making Alex Smith the #1 pick in the 2005 draft he will be given every opportunity to show he can become the man in San Fran. With the 29th pick, the Niners will hope Smith’s learning curve is reduced by the addition of the massively talented Sweed.

30 – Green Bay Packers – Brandon Flowers (CB, Virginia Tech)
There was a show on the NFL Network not too long ago that argued for Brandon Flowers as the top CB in this draft. After watching him on film it’s easy to see him developing into a pro bowl player. Green Bay will make Flowers the fifth corner to come off the board, and they might be getting the best.


New England Patriots – FORFEITED
Quietly Bill Belichick is furious about this whole situation. The NFL made him forfeit this pick because of the Spy Gate scandal, which went along with the biggest fine in league history. With players like Jerod Mayo, Quentin Groves, Dan Connor and Kenny Phillips still available, Belichick and Scott Pioli will be cursing under their breath in the Pat’s War Room on Saturday.

31 – New York Giants – Jerod Mayo (LB, Tennessee)
If Mayo is still on the board the Giants will throw a party. This kid’s stock has been rising for weeks and many feel he will ultimately turn out to be one of the best defensive players taken in the entire draft. After losing both starting safeties and two linebackers from their SB defense, Mayo will ease the blow of their recent defects, as they look to defend their crown in 2009.

2008 NFL Draft Preview

What will Bill Parcells do with the #1 pick?

Shortly after 3pm on April 26th NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will walk up to the podium at Radio City Music Hall and put the ‘Big Tuna’, I mean the Miami Dolphins, on the clock. Bill Parcells is a draft day magician, but he hasn’t been forced to operate from the top spot since selecting Drew Bledsoe #1 overall at the 1993 draft. Times have certainly changed since then as this year’s #1 pick is slated to make over $30 million in guaranteed money. That said, Parcells would love to trade out of this spot and stock pile picks; however it’s highly unlikely that another team will relieve him of the burden. The #1 overall pick has become the equivalent of an NFL mine field – one wrong step and your franchise can explode! However, with Parcells behind the wheel, the Dolphins should be safe. Supposedly the Tuna poured over hours of tape on Matt Ryan before deciding he wasn’t worth the pick. It is also widely understood that Parcells has decided to pass on LSU stud DT Glenn Dorsey because of a combination of off-the-field problems and injury concerns. That leaves Miami deciding between Jake Long, Chris Long and possibly Vernon Gholston. The Dolphins will negotiate with all of them leading up to the draft. Unless a contract is reached with one of these guys prior to the draft, expect Parcells to keep everyone guessing before finally settling on Jake Long, the prototypical left tackle from Michigan. Thirty million dollars later the rebuilding project is officially underway on South Beach.

Is Vernon Gholston worthy of a top-five pick?

Every year there are those players who skyrocket up draft boards after the combine, only to climb a little higher after their school’s pro day. Vernon Gholston, outside linebacker from Ohio State, is a classic example. After having one of the best combine visits in years, Gholston followed that up with an even better performance at Ohio State’s pro day. In an NFL world where teams will give their right arm for a speed-rushing outside linebacker, Gholston’s stock has risen so high that the Miami Dolphins are now considering using the #1 pick on him. His ascent up the board has teams thinking he may be the next DeMarcus Ware or Shawn Merriman. So the question becomes: Has Vernon Gholston’s stock exceeded his actual worth? Will he be a player who will make the $20-$30 million-dollar investment worth the risk? From what I’ve seen the answer is clear – no. If this answer surprises you, then hear me out. Before the NFL combine and the Ohio State pro day, Gholston was projected as a mid-first-round pick. As teams scour this draft class for the next big-time pass rusher, Gholston’s pair of tremendous workouts have seemingly elevated him to top-five status in the eyes of many. Though he was a productive player at Ohio State, he was far from dominant. In fact, Gholston was a down right ghost on the field at times for Ohio State. As a senior he had 14 sacks in 13 games, but seven of those came against Wisconsin and Michigan. Think back to the National Championship game...do you remember Gholston making an impact? If you’re having trouble remembering Gholston’s performance, it may be because he was invisible that night, as LSU put up 38 points on Ohio State’s defense. At over $20 million in guaranteed cash, teams better be convinced that Vernon Gholston is more than just a guy who looked good with his shirt off at the combine; he better look good in pads on Sundays.

How good is Matt Ryan?

Selecting a quarterback at the top of the NFL draft is one of the biggest guessing games in all of sports. There were scouts who thought Ryan Leaf was a better prospect than Peyton Manning. Dan Marino was the fifth quarterback drafted in 1984, after the likes of Todd Blackledge and Tony Eason. Then there’s Alex Smith, David Carr and Joey Harrington, all recent top-three picks who have disappointed greatly. Picking a quarterback at the top of the draft is a crap shoot to say the least. For every Carson Palmer there’s a Rick Mirer. This year all of the hype surrounds Matt Ryan from Boston College. Like all who have come before him, he has the size and arm strength to suggest he can play in the NFL. Yet I honestly have no idea how good he will be. I’m the same guy who thought David Green (Georgia, 2005) was going to be an All-Pro, and he’s currently buried on the Seahawk practice squad. Predicting how well a quarterback will play at the next level is nearly an impossible task. Tom Brady wasn’t picked until the 7th round! Tony Romo went completely undrafted! You have better odds in Vegas throwing all of your money on black at the Roulette table than you do at predicting how good Matt Ryan will be in the NFL. One indication that Ryan might be rated too high is the fact that Bill Parcells reportedly spent hours evaluating every snap Ryan took at BC before concluding he wasn’t worth selecting with the Dolphins #1 pick. Atlanta and Baltimore will surely have a lot to think about between now and Saturday afternoon.

Where will Darren McFadden be calling home?

If you want to learn a little bit about how good Darren McFadden is, or you just need a quick refresher, simply go to You Tube and search ‘Darren McFadden highlight reel’. Then sit back and enjoy 9 minutes and 58 seconds of craziness. It will become obvious that he’s the total package and clear-cut grand prize of the 2008 NFL Draft. As Saturday afternoon quickly approaches the Darren McFadden sweepstakes is officially underway. How far will he fall? Will a team trade up for him? Will Al Davis grab him at four? Will he fall to the Jets at six? In 48 hours all of these questions will have answers, and Darren McFadden will have a new home.

A year ago Adrian Peterson fell all the way to seven and the Vikings walked away with the steal of the draft. This year a similar scenario is likely to unfold. Miami already made Jake Long the highest paid offensive lineman in the NFL. St. Louis has Steven Jackson. Atlanta lured Michael Turner away from San Diego, giving him 30 million plus in the process. That brings us to the Silver & Black…the Black Hole…the Oakland Raiders. Al Davis is as unpredictable as they come, and will be on the clock with the forth pick in the draft. We can only assume he’s fascinated with McFadden’s ability and is salivating just thinking about JaMarcus Russell and McFadden in the same backfield. Yet, if you listen to the ‘experts’, they will tell you that the Raiders are also in love with Glenn Dorsey. They will also tell you that Al Davis is strongly considering Raider-legend Howie Long’s son, Chris Long. And the latest report has Al Davis completely enamored with the speed of Ohio State LB/DE Vernon Gholston. Good luck trying to figure out what name will on the Raider’s card because it’s anybody’s guess. New York Jet fans will be hanging on every word that comes out of Roger Goodell’s mouth as he reveals the Raider pick. And if it starts with anything other than “The Raiders select Darr….”, then the place will explode! Kansas City, picking at five, is no obstacle unless they considering trading out of the spot. Deafening chants of J-E-T-S will engulf Radio City Music Hall. Expect one of the craziest scenes the NFL draft has ever seen if Roger Goodell says the following: “With the sixth pick in the 2008 NFL Draft the New York Jets select Darren McFadden, running back, Arkansas.” In 48 hours we will have all the answers.