NFL Draft 2008

ST. LOUIS RAMS

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Round 1, Pick 2 (2) Chris Long DE 6'4" 275 Virginia
Pick Analysis:For the second straight year, the Rams go with a defensive lineman in the first round. Long played as a true freshman in 2004 and started 37 games over the past three years at Virginia. His best traits are strength and a quick first step. He will be used as an edge rusher in the 4-3 scheme employed by the Rams.

Round 2, Pick 2 (33) Donnie Avery WR 5'11" 186 Houston
Pick Analysis:Few had Avery as their No. 1 wide receiver, but Scott Linehan loves speed. Avery ran really fast at his pro day (4.34) after a slower time at the combine because he was dealing with an injury. He should be a good fit for the system in St. Louis.

Round 3, Pick 2 (65) John Greco OT 6'5" 320 Toledo
Pick Analysis:The Rams are looking to get more physical up front, and in Greco they get a guy with a lot of potential. He performed really well at the Senior Bowl. He's somewhat under the radar, coming from a smaller school, but has shown solid promise.

Round 4, Pick 2 (101) Justin King CB 5'11" 192 Penn State
Pick Analysis:King is probably the fastest corner remaining and is a good value at this point in the draft. He'll probably play as a nickelback at in St. Louis.

Round 4, Pick 29 (128) (From Packers) Keenan Burton WR 6'1" 200 Kentucky
Pick Analysis:Burton is a fast player and has good size. His measurables are strong and he was productive at Kentucky. The Rams are known for producing good receivers and Burton has a chance to join the list.

Round 5, Pick 22 (157) (From Titans through Redskins) Roy Schuening OG 6'4" 308 Oregon State
Pick Analysis:Schuening made 50 college starts, but played most of this year with pneumonia and couldn't shake it, going in and out of IVs. He did not play particularly well against Sedrick Ellis, but had a good career at Oregon State and is a very solid player.

Round 7, Pick 21 (228) (From Redskins) Chris Chamberlain DB 6'2" 226 Tulsa
Pick Analysis:Tulsa had a large crowd at its pro day because of quarterback Paul Smith. However, Chamberlin was the guy who ended up wowing scouts with his incredible workout. His measurables and skills are impressive. He has a chance to compete for a roster spot and should be a good special teams player.

Round 7, Pick 45 (252) (Compensatory selection) David Vobora OLB 6'1" 236 Idaho
Pick Analysis:Vobora projects as a linebacker. He had a great workout and fits at the will position. He could find a place in the league based on his talent and athleticism.

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TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

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Round 1, Pick 20 (20) Aqib Talib CB 6'1" 202 Kansas
Pick Analysis:Looking to get younger in their secondary, and finally considering what life may be like without Ronde Barber, the Bucs goes with Talib. At 6-foot-1, Talib is a physical corner who will compete for a starting spot now that Brian Kelly has left for Detroit.

Round 2, Pick 27 (58) (From Jaguars) Dexter Jackson KR 5'10" 182 Appalachian State
Pick Analysis:Jackson is an excellent return man with tremendous speed, a 4.33 in the 40. He didn't catch a lot of passes at Appalachian State, but that's because they are not a passing offense. He has the ability to make big plays. He averaged 16.8-yards on 110 receptions.

Round 3, Pick 20 (83) Jeremy Zuttah OG 6'4" 303 Rutgers
Pick Analysis:Versatility is the key here as the Buccaneers add depth to their offensive line. Zuttah played tackle in college but he is a possiblity at both guard and center in the pros.

Round 4, Pick 16 (115) (From Dolphins through Bears) Dre Moore DT 6'4" 305 Maryland
Pick Analysis:Moore is a guy who is comfortable in either the 3-4, or 4-3. He is strong and fast and is a very appealing value at this point in the draft. He also has a mean streak and can play tough in the trenches. His size and strength make him a force at the tackle position.

Round 5, Pick 25 (160) (From Chargers through Patriots) Josh Johnson QB 6'3" 198 San Diego
Pick Analysis:The Bucs have a lot of quarterbacks on their roster, but you pull the trigger anytime you have a chance to take one who can develop into a potential starter. He's not a great passer, but has excellent athleticism for a quarterback and is a good scrambler.

Round 6, Pick 9 (175) (From Bears) Geno Hayes ILB 6'1" 226 Florida State
Pick Analysis:The 6-1, 235 pound linebacker has great speed and quickness and is a reliable tackler. He can play inside or outside in the NFL and is a great hitter. He lacks some coverage skills.

Round 7, Pick 31 (238) (From Patriots) Cory Boyd RB 6'1" 213 South Carolina
Pick Analysis:Boyd is a very good receiver coming out of the backfield. He has solid hands and is also effective on draws. He matured during his senior year and ran pretty well in his workouts. Boyd is shifty and changes directions well.

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TENNESSEE TITANS

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Round 1, Pick 24 (24) Chris Johnson RB 5'11" 197 East Carolina
Pick Analysis:Some have compared Johnson to Reggie Bush. He had the fastest 40-yard dash at the combine at 4.24 seconds. He's most effective in packages where you split him out wide or get him in space because of his tremendous speed. He'll be a compliment to the power-rushing style of LenDale White in Tennessee.

Round 2, Pick 23 (54) Jason Jones DE 6'5" 273 Eastern Michigan
Pick Analysis:The Titans need to replace Antwan Odom at the right defensive end position, which is likely where a guy like Jones fits in. Whether he can start right away will be determined in training camp, as his play this past season tended to be somewhat inconsistent. With Albert Haynesworth and Kyle Vanden Bosch, Jones will get a lot of one-on-one opportunities.

Round 3, Pick 22 (85) Craig Stevens TE 6'3" 254 California
Pick Analysis:Stevens is one of, if not the best blocking tight end in the draft - a guy who lives in the weight room. He hasn't caught many passes but nobody has questioned his hands. He's going to be asked to protect Vince Young and he's going to run block a lot. His style is similar to Anthony Becht. He is a decent underneath receiver but not suited to go deep.

Round 4, Pick 4 (103) (From Falcons through Redskins) William Hayes DL 6'2" 258 Winston-Salem State
Pick Analysis:Hayes is a bit of a surprise at this point in the draft, but the Titans have a need at defensive end after having lost Antwan Odom to the Bengals in free agency.

Round 4, Pick 27 (126) (From Cowboys) Lavelle Hawkins WR 5'11" 187 California
Pick Analysis:Hawkins has experienced big games at California. He does not possess exceptional speed, but was outstanding at the Senior Bowl. Even though his physical numbers are not real strong, he's an example of a player who plays much faster than he works out.

Round 4, Pick 35 (134) (Compensatory selection) Stanford Keglar OLB 6'2" 239 Purdue
Pick Analysis:Keglar will be a good special teams player. He had phenomenal numbers in the workouts, including a 4.55 40 and a great vertical. He started three years at Purdue and also has very good size. He could be a sleeper and holds great value at this point in the draft given his measurables and athletic ability. His toughness is one possible question mark.

Round 7, Pick 22 (229) Cary Williams CB 6'1" 185 Washburn
Pick Analysis:Williams originally played at Fordham before transferring to Washburn. He was discovered at the Kansas Pro Day and worked out very well. His measurables are strong and he played from Day one at Fordham. He also has size at 6-foot-1.

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WASHINGTON REDSKINS

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Round 2, Pick 3 (34) (From Raiders through Falcons) Devin Thomas WR 6'2" 215 Michigan State
Pick Analysis:The Redskins traded back and still got the top wide receiver on their board. Thomas has great athletic ability, but really only put up big numbers one year in college. He'll have a chance to get immediate playing time in Washington.

Round 2, Pick 17 (48) (From Texans through Falcons) Fred Davis TE 6'4" 248 Southern Cal
Pick Analysisavis gives the Redskins a solid one-two punch at tight with starter Chris Cooley. Washington decided to add depth at the position because Davis' hands and his ability to separate were too good to pass up. He started 23 games over the past two years.

Round 2, Pick 20 (51) Malcolm Kelly WR 6'4" 218 Oklahoma
Pick Analysis:The Redskins use a second draft pick on a wide receiver in the round. Kelly is similar in size to Devin Thomas and gives the team a lot of young talent to work with. It appears Washington will wait to address its other needs.

Round 3, Pick 33 (96) (Compensatory selection) Chad Rinehart OT 6'5" 320 Northern Iowa
Pick Analysis:Rinehart was very impressive at the Senior Bowl and has good strength. He's able to pull and moves well for a guy his size. He may have potential to play tackle as well, but has not played against strong competition so he will need some time to develop. He gives the Redskins depth on the offensive line with a chance to grow into a starter.

Round 4, Pick 25 (124) (From Titans) Justin Tryon CB 5'9" 190 Arizona State
Pick Analysis:Tryon has good feet and is able to change direction well. He could be a nickel cornerback. While Tyron is undersized, he's a good fit for Washington's scheme.

Round 6, Pick 2 (168) (From Rams ) Durant Brooks P 6'0" 204 Georgia Tech
Pick Analysis:Brooks was the top-rated punter in the draft. He has a strong leg, averaging 45.1 yards per punt.

Round 6, Pick 14 (180) (From Broncos through Rams) Kareem Moore DB 5'11" 213 Nicholls State
Pick Analysis:Every year there's one guy that comes out of the Southland Conference and Moore may be that guy this year. He worked out extremely well at his pro day and has strong measurables. He's a safety who runs well and will help fill a void for the Redskins. He is a special teams demon.

Round 6, Pick 20 (186) Colt Brennan QB 6'3" 205 Hawaii
Pick Analysis:Brennan saw his stock fall after a disappointing combine performance and is small at quarterback given the prototypical size at the position in the NFL. Was prolific in June Jones' run-and-shoot scheme at Hawaii, but needs to prove he is not a system quarterback. Lacks arm strength, but has moxie and toughness.

Round 7, Pick 35 (242) (Compensatory selection) Rob Jackson DE 6'4" 259 Kansas State
Pick Analysis:Jackson is a good pass rusher with limited run-stopping abilities. He has decent speed and burst from the outside and a good value this late in the draft.

Round 7, Pick 42 (249) (Compensatory selection) Chris Horton FS 6'0" 212 UCLA
Pick Analysis:Horton is a solid prospect with potential based on his athleticism. He gives the Redskins another safety to add to the roster in an area of need since the death of Sean Taylor and the decision not to re-sign Pierson Prioleau in the offseason.

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wow, really good stuff RX_Sith

 

Packers drafting two QB's... interesting.

 

OT x3
OLB x2
ILB
CB
FS
WR
DT

So the Eagles, in their draft day wisdom, draft THREE OTs. Granted, their main guys are probably only a year or two away from being replaced. And Winston Justice has either got to prove last years embarrassment serving as Osi's doorman on the way to McNabb was a fluke (granted, his first start and he had NO help, but still) so they're trying to address this soon to be need on the O-line.
The LB position has been lackluster when it comes to drafting with Reid and Co. But it looks like once again, he's trying to work out a rotation. More likely, these gents will be special teams
CB will be a question. If Lito's dealt, then they have two good corners, then blech. The guy they chose won't be ready to go until next year, however. So they've not addressed immediate need.
They appear to have semi-addressed the issue of FS. Dawkins wasn't as dominant as he's been. He does probably have another season in him, so now is the time to groom his successor.
DT isn't that much of a need with the Birds, but Andy loves his big linemen, so there we are.
And now, despite the begging of the fans, McNabb coming out and pleading, Westbrook publicly pleading, out of the entire draft, the Eagles pick ONE receiver. Now, the WC offense the Birds run is supposedly quite complex, so there'd be a learning curve regardless. But one WR, undersized but speedy, isn't that much of an upgrade. He's a great upgrade to punts and kick returns, and I'll be VERY happy to eat my words if he becomes anywhere near as good as Steve Smith whom some compared him to, but the Eagles did not address the glaring need they have here in the draft. Whether they will do so in free agency, I have no idea.

 

Lank, I agree with your analysis except for the following areas.

One: Even if the Eagles trade Sheppard, the Eagles are fine at corner. They have Brown and Samuels. Desario Hanson is also a good backup/nickelback. He has played well for them the past couple of years in relief for injured Sheppard or Brown.

Two: DeSean Jackson will be a good pick and worth a 2nd rounder, if he can give them a homerun threat on special teams and becomes a great return man ala Hester. It doesn't matter if he can't make a difference at receiver. If he can flip the field by returning kicks, he will be well worth the draft pick. In my opinion, him developing into a good receiver is gravy.

 

Yeah, I could see one, and I like the Brohm pick, but two. Could be a sign that Thompson and McCarthy aren't convinced of Rodgers' ability to stay healthy. All in all, though, I thought GB had a good draft. I would have liked to see maybe another DB somewhere in there, but it was a good dolid draft class for them. Like I said earlier, they got some guys who can help create better depth for the team short term, and maybe a couple of long term starters.

 

Frankly, I'm more curious as to why we drafted two WRs...that's one of the best and deepest positions on our team. One I can understand, but two has me scratching my head. At least one of those picks could have gone toward a position that we're far thinner in.

 

Hanson's not bad, SLR, but depth is something the Birds are short of there.

And like I said, I'll eat my words gladly if Jackson proves to be a good WR. If he does as you hope and keeps the fields short for the Eagles, then all the better. But they still need a good WR to pair Curtis off with, so he can be used ala Wes Welker, where he's most effective.

 

Jackson will be a good pick if he just improves their return game and gives them the homerun threat they haven't had in many years. Being a good WR is gravy.

The Eagles aren't done making moves. They are going to use Lito Sheppard and some of the additional draft picks they got in next years draft to get Roy Williams or Anquan Boldin.

 

Totally disappointed in the Titans picks. I hear the University of Phoenix and maybe ITT Tech has some linebackers available.

 

Well most of them are Jets fans. Most New Yorkers wouldn't know football if it cleated them in the face.

-sj loves kevin spacey

 

NFL Draft Grades
(from yahoo.com)

NFC EAST

Dallas Cowboys
Picks: RB Felix Jones, DB Mike Jenkins, TE Martellus Bennett, RB Tashard Choice, DB Orlando Scandrick, DL Erik Walden
Positives: Jones, Jenkins, Choice
Negative: No young wide receiver to develop.
Bottom line: B+. Only six picks, but Jones and Jenkins are solid picks. However, taking Jones over Rashard Mendenhall because he was used to playing a backup role makes no sense. That doesn?t make Felix a bad pick, it just links him forever to Mendenhall. Jenkins can return kicks and gives great insurance at cornerback for Pacman Jones. The addition of Pacman also counts, and Dallas doesn?t have a lot invested for the talent level. Bennett is intriguing and Choice could be a steal in the fourth round.

New York Giants
Picks: DB Kenny Phillips, DB Terrell Thomas, WR Mario Manningham, LB Bryan Kehl, LB Jonathan Goff, QB André Woodson, DE Robert Henderson
Positives: Phillips, Manningham, Woodson
Negative: No picks for tackle depth.
Bottom line:B. A solid class from top to bottom. Phillips, Kehl and Woodson have a boatload of upside. Manningham could be a tremendous value pick in the third round. Whatever you want to say about his lack of speed or smarts (reportedly scored very low on the Wonderlic test administered at the NFL scouting combine), he consistently produced on the biggest of stages at the college level. But keeping him from becoming a character issue might be tough in New York. Woodson?s mechanics and decision-making translate into a major project over the next several years, but he?s got a lot of tools to keep the Giants invested.

Philadelphia Eagles
Picks: DL Trevor Laws, WR DeSean Jackson, DL Bryan Smith, OL Mike McGlynn, DB Quintin Demps, DB Jack Ikegwuonu, OL Mike Gibson, LB Joe Mays, DL Andrew Studebaker, OL King Dunlap
Positives: Jackson, Ikegwuonu
Negative: No tackle until the seventh round.
Bottom line: C+. The 10 picks touched on all the major needs, but the class doesn?t have the ?wow? factor. It?s a little reminiscent of the 2004 draft that went 10 deep but didn?t produce much. However, Philadelphia?s fleecing of Carolina for the 19th pick will produce future dividends. Jackson is explosive and a potential steal in the second round. Ikegwuonu has a lot of talent and could move over to safety when he recovers from his knee injury. McGlynn could move to tackle and Dunlap could make the team because of his size.

Washington Redskins
Picks: WR Devin Thomas, TE Fred Davis, WR Malcolm Kelly, OL Chad Rinehart, DB Justin Tryon, P Durant Brooks, DB Kareem Moore, QB Colt Brennan, DL Rob Jackson, DB Chris Horton
Positives: Thomas, Davis, Kelly, Brooks
Negative: Defensive end not addressed until the seventh round.
Bottom line:A. Ten overall picks with lots of potential from top to bottom. The two wideouts slipped a little and could all end up providing great value. Thomas and Kelly could develop into quality big targets, and an AFC scout told Yahoo! Sports in February that Davis was the best overall talent at tight end in this draft. The punter need was addressed with the best one the college game had to offer in Brooks. Brennan is an intriguing pick late in the sixth round. A lot of potential starters in this draft.

NFC NORTH

Chicago Bears
Picks: OL Chris Williams, RB Matt Forte, WR Earl Bennett, DL Marcus Harrison, DB Craig Steltz, DB Zack Bowman, TE Kellen Davis, DL Ervin Baldwin, OL Chester Adams, LB Joey LaRocque, OL Kirk Barton, WR Marcus Monk
Positives: Williams, Forte
Negative: No quarterback to groom.
Bottom line: C. There are lots of bodies to look at with 12 total picks, but five of them were seventh-rounders. Williams is a decent offensive line prospect, but Jeff Otah or Branden Albert might have been better choices. Forte could be a solid second-round pick, but he has something to prove. The Bears passed on two marquee quarterbacks (Brian Brohm and Chad Henne) to pick Forte, which could come back to haunt them. Davis and Baldwin have a lot of raw potential and co

 

RX, I completely disagree with your assessment about the Eagles 2004 draft. The Eagles got 2 pro bowlers out of that draft: Shawn Andrews and Trent Cole.

 

That totally goes against the team's drafting philosophy. They look for a running back who didn't have a great college career but ran a really fast 40 at the combine and draft him. And then they have monkeys throw darts to get the rest of their picks.

 

You won't be disappointed by Craig Stevens or Lavelle Hawkins (who is a real steal in the 4th round).

 

i say it's a wait and see game, as there's really nothing set in stone at this point. seriously, any one of those truly "great picks" could end up a bust, or injured and never being the same.

besides, we won't truly know what each team has until at least two seasons are gone.

:snoopy

 

Anger rising...

 

NFL Draft Grades.

Here is another draft grade site that has graded the NFL Draft totally different than the main sites.

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Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins hit a home run with their first 3 picks of the draft. They also made a great deal before the draft started when they acquired Akin Ayodele and Anthony Fasano for a 4th round pick. It was a very good first year for Parcells and company, but it is a bit of a head scratcher why the drafted two running backs late.
FINAL GRADE: B+

St. Louis Rams
The Rams made the right call by taking Chris Long at no. 2 overall, as Carriker is better suited to play inside. They reached badly when they made Donnie Avery the first receiver off the board. They rebounded nicely with two day 2 steals; Justin King in the 4th and Roy Schuening in the 5th.
FINAL GRADE: B-

Atlanta Falcons
They took Matt Ryan over Glenn Dorsey which will be a move that will be closely monitored over the years. They got the offensive lineman they need in Sam Baker, and Curtis Lofton was a solid second round choice. They nailed the 3rd round with 3 solid picks of Chevis Jackson, Harry Douglas, and Thomas DeCoud. They also landed a big time sleeper running back Thomas Brown in the 6th.
FINAL GRADE: B

Oakland Raiders
It looks like Al Davis got his way with the selection of Darren McFadden. Dorsey made more sense and would have had a huge impact on a defense that couldn't stop the run. Their best pick came in round 4 when they took CB, Tyvon Branch. the rest of their draft was a total misery.
FINAL GRADE: C-

Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs had one of the best drafts of the weekend. Glenn Dorsey, Branden Albert, and Brandon Flowers will all be starters in their rookie seasons and each has the potential to be amazing. Jamaal Charles, Brad Cottam, and DaJuan Morgan were all great values in the 3rd, and 6th round pick Brian Johnston is someone to keep an eye on. Overall a very excellent draft by the Chiefs, even though they ignored upgrading the quarterback position.
FINAL GRADE: A+

New York Jets
Vernon Gholston was a great pick as he and Pace will form one heck of a pass rushing combination. They got a nice play maker when they traded up and got Dustin Keller at the end of round 1. Erik Ainge was a nice pick up in the 5th, but the rest of their draft was unspectacular at best.
FINAL GRADE: B

San Francisco 49ers
The 9ers were focused to get better in the trenches as 4 of their first 5 picks were offensive or defensive lineman. Reggie Smith was a great value in the third, but it's a bit perplexing why they waited until round 6 to draft a wide receiver.
FINAL GRADE: B-

Baltimore Ravens
It's debatable whether or not they took him too high, but Joe Flacco was a good choice as their signal caller of the future. Their next 4 picks were excellent as Rice, Gooden, Zbikowski, and Cousins should all contribute very early in their rookie seasons. The Ravens first draft under the John Harbaugh regime was a huge success.
FINAL GRADE: B

Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals were wise to use their first pick on the defensive side of the ball with OLB Keith Rivers. He will give that defense a much needed spark. The Bengals then were maybe preparing for life without 85 as they landed a couple of nice receivers in Simpson and Caldwell. Pat Sims was a great pick in the third, and Anthony Collins was a steal in the 4th. The only question mark was why they would take a guy like Jason Shirley who has some serious character concerns, when they are already known for having a lot of dysfunctional players.
FINAL GRADE: B

New Orleans Saints
The Saints were wise to trade up and get Sedrick Ellis. He gives them the penetrating defensive tackle they have craved for years. Tracy Porter was an excellent 2nd round pick who could have gone in the end of round 1. The rest of their draft was very solid with the highlights being Carl Nicks in the 5th, and WR Adrian Arrington in the 7th.
FINAL GRADE: B+

Buffalo Bills
The Bills nailed their first two picks with McKelvi

 

I'm digging the Saints 2008 draft, especially if you include Jonathan Vilma as our 4th rounder.

 

Raiders should have drafted glen dorsey or chris long if he was still available, not McFadden.
i'm dissapionted.