Everyone and their mother comes out with a mock draft. I'm far from a "draft expert" nor pretending to be, I honestly just wanted to get my predictions on paper and see how things end up shaking out. So here it goes. Here is The Pass Rush's 2008 NFL mock draft:
Just a note: I just went off on a tangent, I'll be proof-reading and editing later. So here it goes.
1.) MIAMI DOLPHINS -- CHRIS LONG (DE) -- Knowing Parcells, the Dolphins will go defense. Pressure wins football games, just ask the Giants. Chris Long is their guy. Howie's kid is a lock to be a phenom in the NFL. He had an incredible combine. A 277-pound man who can run a 4.7 -- that's impressive. He also looked sharper in other drills compared to the other defensive players.
2.) ST. LOUIS RAMS -- JAKE LONG (OT) -- The first 4 players to be drafted will be Chris Long, Glen Dorsey, Darren McFadden, and Jake Long. I'm sure that's a lock. Well, maybe Dorsey falls to 5. Walter Football has the Rams reaching for Gholston after Chris Long is taken #1 to fill their need for a DE, but I think they would opt for Chris Long if the Dolphins pass on him; if the Dolphins take Chris Long, the Rams take Jake Long. The Rams need a pass-rusher and a a guy who could prevent just that -- that will and prevent their QB Marc Bulger from getting another concussion. I say they go Jake Long. I don't see Gholston going to the Rams with the 2nd pick. The Browns went for Joe Thomas with the 3rd pick last year, something they don't regret.
3.) ATLANTA FALCONS -- DARREN McFADDEN (RB) -- At #3 I expect the Falcons to with Darren McFadden. Even though they need a QB and help defensive line, McFadden will be too big to pass up -- 4.33 speed: that's faster than Adrian Peterson. They'll always have options at QB in the 2nd round. Brian Brohm would be the next available QB and the Dolphins or Falcons can pick him up in the 2nd round. After that, QBs such as Andre Woodson (clear cut #3 QB in the draft), Chad Henne (who had a great Senior Bowl), and Joe Falco (slow, but great arm) are still available. McFadden looks like a superstar who will immediately give them offense and it also fills a huge need. Warrick Dunn is set to retire and Jerious Norwood is mediocre at best.
4.) OAKLAND RAIDERS -- GLEN DORSEY (DT) -- At #4, the Raiders should have the option of Glen Dorsey or Jake Long. They were a league worst 32nd against the run last year and McFadden is off the board, so they address their need with the perfect DT -- Glen Dorsey. Dorsey would look great in black.
5.) KANSAS CITY CHIEFS -- SEDRICK ELLIS (DT) -- The top 4 are off the board and the Chiefs are pissed: they were really hoping Jake Long to slip to them. I think the Chiefs are going to give Brodie Croyle a shot next year and their set with offensive skill-players (Tony Gonzalez, Larry Johnson, and Dwayne Bowe). The Chiefs could use help on defense. They franchised their amazing DE Jared Allen. They could use help at DT, LB, or CB since they released Ty Law. They have the option Vernon Gholston, but he's suited for a 3-4. They have Allen and Tamba Hali (7.5 sacks and 2 forced fumbles in his 2nd season) -- they're set at DE. I say the Chiefs go for a very talented DT whose stock is rising: Sedrick Ellis out of USC. His freakish athleticism is too much to pass up and he'll fit perfectly on the line with their solid, young DEs.
6.) NEW YORK JETS -- VERNON GHOLSTON (DE) -- One thing I haven't seen on any mock draft is Matt Ryan being drafted by the Jets at #6. The Jets have the option of grabbing the best QB in this year's draft or they can draft a defensive freak -- Vernon Gholston. That would pretty much, propel the remaining QBs in the draft down. Most mock drafts have Ryan going to the Falcons at 3 or to Ravens at 8, but he's a possibility to go to the Jets at 6. Chad Pennington has no arm and the fans are calling for his head, and Kellen Clemens isn't exactly a franchise quarterback. I say there's a good possibility the Jets go with Matt Ryan, but there's a better chance they pass on him too: he's only getting this much recognition because the media has to focus in on a top QB. Ryan isn't ready to go off the board when you have such a deep defensive draft and QB options remain open in the 2nd round. If Ryan drops down the board, they could always trade their remaining picks to the Chargers at 27, who are in dire need of picks, or they could opt for a Brian Brohm or Andre Woodson. Ultimately, Vernon Gholston is too amazing to pass up and fits perfectly in their defensive scheme.
7.) NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS -- MICHAEL JENKINS (CB) -- The Patriots are losing their top CB Asante Samuel so they'll have to address their situation at CB. They could use another linebacker and Gholston would be a good fit for them, but I have the Jets snagged him. Their pick is between a handful of CBs: Leodis McKelvin, Mike Jenkins, Aqib Talib, or Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie. I think it comes down to Jenkins or McKelvin. The senior bowl rose McKelvin's stock, but I still like Michael Jenkins here.
8.) BALTIMORE RAVENS -- MATT RYAN (QB) -- The Ravens need to find their franchise quarterback. They have the defense, they have a few guys who can do something with the ball on offense (McGahee, Heap, Mason), they just don't have a QB. They could use a WR to replace the aging Mason (34), but the WR draft class is deep and they can easily get a solid WR in the 2nd round. The Ravens grab the top QB in the draft at the 8th spot.
9.) CINCINATTI BENGALS -- KEITH RIVERS (OLB) -- Their biggest need is at LB. Last season was a disaster with injuries and lack of depth. Keith Rivers is their guy. He's a freak (see YouTube Video).
10.) NEW ORLEANS SAINTS -- KENNY PHILLIPS (S) -- When you get a safety from Miami they're usually a special player. The Saints are in a bidding war with Philadelphia for Asante Samuel. If they get Samuel, there's a greater chance they take Kenny Phillips in the draft. If not, they could opt to fill a need at corner and take Leodis McKelvin. This may be a reach for Phillips, but I'm hearing the Saints are prepared to outbid Philly for Samuel and Phillips would be the last piece to fix the secondary.
11.) BUFFALO BILLS -- MALCOLM KELLY (WR) -- BUFFALO BILLS -- The Bills could use a WR to compliment Lee Evans. Even though they had a banged up D last year, they held their own, so the more immediate need seems to be WR. Offense has always been a problem for the Bills. They have the running back, they have the lightning-fast WR, they could use another WR like Malcolm Kelly or Limas Sweed to help take the offense to the next level.
12.) DENVER BRONCOS -- DERRICK HARVEY (DE) -- The Broncos have the corners, they used their first- and second-round picks last year to address DE. They released Walker and could use a WR, but they can always grab one later. I would narrow the options to OT Ryan Clady or DE Derrick Harvey. Even though the Broncos drafted DEs last year, Moss got injured and the other isn't to be scene on the depth chart. A DE like Harvey is too much to pass up and he's a better prospect than Jarvis Moss. Even though he's better suited for a 3-4 system, his stock is rising, and he can still play in a 4-3 system.
13.) CAROLINA PANTHERS -- RYAN CLADY (OT) -- The Panthers will be losing an OT and Clady, who is a great prospect, has slid down the board, so they'll snatch him up.
14.) CHICAGO BEARS -- CHRIS WILLIAMS (OT) -- The Bears obviously need a QB, but they need help at OT just as much. There will be QBs available in the 2nd round. Most people agree Chris Williams is the 3rd best OT in the draft.
15.) DETROIT LIONS -- JEFF OTAH (OT) -- Can 3 offensive tackles be picked in row? I doubt it, but they all have OT needs, I wonder how the draft will shake out right about now. You can make a case for Leodis McKelvin, Domique Rodgers-Cromartie,or Aqib Talib, but the Lions desperately need to protect Kitna's blind side: the dude almost got KILLED last year. Jeff Otah is the big body who can offer some protection.
16.) ARIZONA CARDINALS -- PHILLIP MERLING (DE) -- Most people like te Cards to go for a RB. Sure, Edge's days are numbered, but he's still producing and you can grab a RB later. Oregon's Jonathan Stewart is tempting, but the Cards need more help on defense. They could go for a corner Leodis McKelvin, but they drafted Antrelle Rolle with a 1st-round pick a few years ago and went out and got Rod Hood in free agency. The Cards need to to improve their defensive line and Merling is just that guy who can secure it.
17.) MINNESOTA VIKINGS -- LEODIS MCKELVIN (CB) -- They have great run defense. The offensive line and Purple Jesus have been great for them. They could use help a CB or WR to help out the young Sidney Rice since they just traded Troy Williamson. The Vikings could afford to get a WR later. They need to help in the secondary to help out their league-worst passing defense and McKelvin is available.
18.) HOUSTON TEXANS -- JONATHAN STEWART (RB) -- You can make a case for a CB like Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie, Reggie Smith, or Aqib Talib, but a ridiculously talented at RB is still on the board and the Texans have the chance to take him. Houston's run game was average last season. They have aging, injured Ahman Green and fat-ass Ron Dayne, who surprisingly passed the 750-yard mark last season with 773 yards and 6 TDs to boot. With an explosive weapon like Stewart, the Texans offense will be much better. They've drafted to address their front-seven on defense and they (Mario Williams DeMeco Ryans) have been impressive. The Texans add a young playmaker to take the offense to take it to the next level.
19.) PHILADELPHIA EAGLES -- DOMINIQUE RODGERS-CROMARTIE (CB) -- The Eagles had their eyes set on an OT to replace Runyan and Tra Thoma when their time comes to retire, but they may also solve that need by picking up Alen Faneca in free agency and moving another lineman (possibly, Shawn Andrews) over to RT. They could also grab a free agent to help their secondary: they should be able to land either Asante Samuel or Gibril Willson. Unfortunately, the Panthers, Lions, and Bears snatched up the OTs that the Eagles had their eyes on in the first round. The Eagles need another DE to help out Cole, help in the seconday, or a WR. No OTs that Andy wants are on the board. DeSean Jackson is on the board, but Andy Reid is not going to use a first-round pick on WR, especially an undersized one. Andy said defense and getting pressure on the QB is the season's top priority. That limits the Eagles options to DE and CB/S. The Eagles have their choice of Calais Campbell, Aqib Talib, or Dominuque Rodgers-Cromartie. The Eagles could also could stick to their philosophy of an OT and go for Virignia OG Branden Albert. I keep hearing great things about the guy. Although he wants to stay at guard, he can also be move to tackle. The Eagles need to help out Trent Cole. Releases to Jevon Kearse and possibly Darren Howard are on the way. Calais Campbell has freakish size and has the potential to be the next Julius Peppers, but the bad news is he looked awful at the combine and his stock is falling. This guy has "bust" written all over him, so I say he slides down the board. I'm going to throw in a free agency assumption here and say the Eagles miss out on Asante Samuel, but land Gibril Wilson and Alan Faneca. The Eagles could upgrade at CB to add depth when Lito Sheppard gets injured at some point during the season. Eagles fans love Rodgers-Cromartie: a 6'2" cornerback who should be able to match up well against their #1 enemy: Plaxico Burress.
20.) TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS -- DESEAN JACKSON (WR) -- You can make a strong case for a DT since Tampa released 2 defensive linemen and Kentwan Balmer would fit the bill, or CB since they have aging guys at the corner and Talib and Rodgers-Cromartie are available, but they could also address another need: WR. Joey Galloway isn't immortal and Jackson is the speed receiver who can will that void. Ike Hilliard isn't a young guy either. Outside of McFadden, Jackson is the most explosive offensive player in the draft. He may slip further down the draft board because he lacks NFL size (169 lbs.), but the Bucs may also grab him for his kick-returning abilities alone. 4.35 speed is tough to pass up. The Bucs could hope Pat Sims or Trevor Laws falls to them in round 2 to fill their need at DT.
21.) WASHINGTON REDSKINS -- LIMAS SWEED (WR) -- A lot of people have Calais Campbell going to the Redskins, but he had an awful draft and is projected to go in the 2nd round. The Redskins have also made it know they're looking for another receiver to compliment the speed of Santana Moss and Randle El, so Limus Sweed would be a perfect fit here. I would think that the Redskins stick to defense, but there just aren't any players on the board who are whooing them: their defensive options are Kentwan Balmer, Quentin Groves, Aqib Talib, or Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. I think they opt for Limus Sweed -- a big, physical receiver to compliment the speed of Moss and Randle El.
22.) DALLAS COWBOYS -- FELIX JONES (RB) -- Jerry Jones has made it clear he wants Darren McFadden. It'll be interest to see if he's able to trade up to get him, but I doubt it. I think Dallas stays put in this draft. It will be interesting to see what needs Dallas addresses. Julius Jones is gone and they could use a speedy back like Felix Jones to back up Marion Barber. Dallas could use another WR or secondary help. T.O. is in the last year of his contract. Terry Glenn is aging and injured. They locked up Patrick Crayton, but they could use another a guy to sustain that offense. I would say Dallas' options are Felix Jones, Aqib Talib, Dominque-Rodger Cromartie, or Reggie Smith. Dallas tagged Hamlin. Since they couldn't get McFadden, might as well get his back-up, who is also outstanding. Dallas also has 28th pick. With 3 CBs still on the board, they might still be able to get one of them.
23.) PITTSBURGH STEELERS -- BRADEN ALBERT (OG) -- Faneca is taking off and the Steelers need major help on the line. I would say he's ahead of Ghoster Cherilus and Sam Baker.
24.) TENNESEE TITANS -- JAMES HARDY (WR) -- The Titans need to provide Vince Young with some kind of weapon. Even though Fisher loves drafting defense in the first round, I think the Titans address the offense even though you could make a case for a DE since they have 2 DEs set to hit the open market and one of them might not be able to come back, but the top DEs are off the board. You could also make a case for Kentwan Balmer, but I think the Titans give Young something to work with. Unfortunately Kelly, Sweed, and Jackson are off the board. The Titans could go for Early Doucet or James Hardy. The 6'7" Hardy is too much to pass up and he provides a HUGE target for Vince Young.
25.) SEATTLE SEAHAWKS -- RESHARD MENDENHALL (RB) -- Shaun Alexadner is DONE. Time to find his replacement and that replacement is Reshard Mendenhall.
26.) JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS -- KENTWAN BALMER (DE/DT) -- The Jags got their speed receiver (Troy Williamson) from a trade with the Vikings. Knowing Jack Del Rio, they'll go defense -- you never go wrong with defense. They should be looking at another stud to add to their defensive line. Ketwan Balmer is a good fit here.
27.) SAN DIEGO CHARGERS -- TRADED TO CHICAGO -- BRIAN BROHM (QB) -- I think the Chargers try to deal this pick to get more draft choices (I think the Chargers only have a 1st and 6th round pick this year). Most of the top talent is off the board and there is no single position of need the Chargers need to address. Their pretty set on both sides of the ball. QBs are sliding down the board and Miami, Chicago, and Atlanta are all bound to want to get their hands on Brian Brohm. I say somebody gives up some picks (somethign like the 2nd, 4th, and 5th) to grab the #2 QB in the draft, but if the Chargers hang on to it, I say they add another playmaker to their secondary and select like Acib Talib or Reggie Smith. Chicago got their OT Chris Williams in the first round, now they could deal a few picks to the Chargers to get their hands on Brian Brohm so the Dolphins or Falcons don't get him in the 2nd round.
28.) DALLAS COWBOYS -- ACIQ TALIB (CB) -- After taking a RB in the first round to help Barber out, the Cowboys could opt for a WR or bolster the secondary. Improving the secondary is a wise choice and none other than Aqib Talib falls into their hands.
29.) SAN FRANCISCO 49ers -- QUENTIN GROVES (OLB) -- I was going to say the 49ers go WR, but the top talent at WR is off the board, and they could get a guy at WR in the early part of the 2nd round. The 49ers have their eyes set on an OLB to play alongside Patrick Willis. Willis and Groves would be an insane linebacker combo.
30.) GREEN BAY PACKERS -- ANTOINE CASON (CB) -- The Packers corners had a great season, but they're getting up there in years. The Packers offense and font-seven is as good as any in the league. They could add another corner to add depth.
31.) NEW ENGLAND PATIROTS -- FORFEITED -- Because they cheat.
32.) NEW YORK GIANTS -- DAN CONNOR (OLB) -- He's the second best linebacker in the draft. The Giants defensive-line and secondary is solid and their offense has been getting the job done. The Giants can use an upgrade at linebacker and Connor is a perfect fit for the G-Men.
For those wondering what's goin on with The Triple Double, there some server problems. Hopefully, they'll be fixed soon and the site will be back up. Sorry for any inconvenience. Here's something good to read:
For the past five months, the focus of this blog has been to provide weekly football betting advice. For the most part, it has come with good results and I will continue to provide the same weekly in-depth coverage for the 2008 season.
For those who want daily betting advice on the NHL, NBA, or MLB, make sure to check out those sites.
So what the hell am I going to be doing during this 6-month void? Well I'll occasionally put up some football commentary on the more intriguing NFL storylines in the offseason, especially a lot of coverage on the draft, and I'll provide some links to must read articles. Most of my sports-blog reading consists of three sites: With Leather, Awful Announcing, and Sportaphile. I'll also give a lot of credit to Hugging Harold Reynolds and some of the other blogs on the blog roll.
So check back periodically and we'll be back in FULL FORCE in August.
It looks like the Giants line is between +11 and +13. I not taking the game myself because as an Eagles fan, I want the Giants to lose. I do, however, think that the Giants will cover this Sunday. I think the Patriots escape with a 10-point victory. I'm going to go ahead and say that the game will be something like 27-17 or 34-24. Just like the Chargers, just like the Jaguars, and just like most of the teams that the Patriots faced since the Eagles in week 12, the Giants will be able to hang around before Brady closes the game out in the 4th quarter, which is why the Patriots are 1-7 against the spread in their last 8 games. Remember, the Giants only lost by 3 the last time these teams played.
There are a few reasons I wouldn't suggest taking the Patriots spread: Tom Brady says his foot is fine, but others say it contributed to his 3 INTs against the Chargers two weeks ago; Randy Moss has been shut down throughout the playoffs (translates into more short Welker yards that picks up small pieces, but leaves out the big play; that translates into more time off the clock and less chances to cover the 11-13 points); the Giants pass rush has been insane, with Brady on a bum foot, he'll have trouble escaping any pressure; the Giants, to me, are playing just as inspired, if not more, than the Patriots: even though they won last week, they looked nervous, irritated, and even worn down.
There are a few reason why I would be reluctant if you want to take the Giants: Eli has been great, but he does have the occasional piss-poor game; the Patriots will give up a lot of yards between the 20s, but once a team is in the redzone, they buckle down; the Giants still have some injuries in the secondary.
Overall, I think you're better off taking the Giants spread. The Giants aren't going to lay down and should still be in the game in the 4th quarter; I'm expecting a fairytale Brady scoring drive late in the 4th quarter to finally put the game out of reach.
Allegedly, Osi Umenyiora gets his jollies by not only peeing on women, but defacating on them as well. This is just a rumor, but just read this: it's a woman's account of Osi's offer to her. Osi allegedly paid a woman $3,000 if he let him take a deuce on her. Here is the article at With Leather. Here is a what this woman claiming to hook up with Osi had to say:
Now let's talk about Osi Umenyiora of the New York Giants. He does likes it nasty in the bedroom. We hooked up and he had an unusual request. He wanted to pee on me. I
thought it was weird but I did so because he said he it would really
turn him on and he would see me again if I did. Then I spent some time with him nearby while a music video was being
shot at his house!! He wanted me to have sex with him and one of his
brothers at the same time. He also wanted me to try it with another one
of his teammates that was staying there. I said no because I didn't
want to be passed around like that. The next time I was with him he offered me 3 grand if I let him
defecate on me and I said no. He told me to leave and so I did. The
next time he asked and I did and I accepted the 3 grand. And it became
a regular thing. He began flying me to Florida and Atlanta last summer
paying my bills, giving me money for my kids as long as I let him well,
"shit" on me.
Gosh, this is f-ing devastating. Two young, rich, beautiful people
had sex with each other for about two months, culminating in a relaxing
vacation at a Mexican resort. But Jessica's love was too strong -- her
beauty infected the Cowboys' special teams and Patrick Crayton's hands
in a playoff loss to the Giants, and Tony couldn't accept that.
The moral of this story is: you show me a drop-dead gorgeous woman, and
I'll show you a guy who is tired of nailing her. The grass is always
greener…
I just posted that the current Super Bowl line is -12.5. Apparently there has been a lot of movement to the spread. The line opened at Patriots -14 and a lot of the action came in on the Giants +14, this caused the spread to drop to Patriots -13 and then to where it is now at -12.5. The spread may go down to -12. Before I saw the spread, I was going to lean towards picking the Giants spread if they got a bunch of points (13 or more), but I won't personally take the game myself because as described before (that I'm an Eagles fan), I will be hoping that they lose so I don't have to hear it from every Giants fan that I know.
There was about $90 million wagered in Nevada on the Super Bowl last
year, which means there was something like $10 billion bet on it
worldwide. That is greater than the GDP of 73 countries.
As expected, Pinnacle
set the initial line at New England -14, and the over/under at 55. The
early money has clearly been coming in on the Giants, as the line is
now down to 13, and could drop to 12.5 in the near future. The Under is
getting a lot of action as well, and is currently at 54.
The New England money line is -480, and the Giants are +440, putting the Pats at 81.7% to win. Apparently there is always a lot of action on the underdog's money line in the Super Bowl, which makes sense, as people look at their momentum,
saying they're a "team of destiny" and such. It'll be interesting to
see if the NYG line moves down from +440 in the next couple weeks.
Tough break for those who took the Pack. If somebody at the beginning of the season would have said Eli and not Peyton Manning would be in the Super Bowl this year, I would have said they should get checked for psychosis because ELI SUCKS (Reference: Hitler's rant about the Cowboys loss). What a shocker and what a disappointment for those dreaming of a Brady-Favre Super Bowl. I don't want to chear for the Pats in this one, but I'm forced to do so by default even though I HATE the Pats: if the Giants somehow win this thing, as an Eagles fan, it's going to suck -- a lot.
If you missed any of the NFC or AFC Championship games or just want another look at the highlights, here are the quick links to those at NFL.com:
I came across this at Sportaphile: AFC/NFC Championship Thoughts. He kind of calls out LaDanian Tomlinson for not playing. Here is what he had to say:
Why did Ladainian Tomlinson spend the biggest game of his career sulking on the bench?
Deion Sanders expressed my thoughts PERFECTLY during the post game
show. L.T. BETTER need surgery on his knee, because if the injury isn’t
serious enough to warrant an operation he should have been on the
damned field. I have no proof for this claim, but I almost bet he was sitting on the bench crying, thats why he never took his helmet off.
I'm not going to knock L.T. for not playing because he's L.T.: if he's able to go, you know he's going to play. Here is a video of Tomlinson explaining why he decided to sit out. Tomlinson said his sprained MCL is a four-week injury, he just wasn't able to make his cuts, he had no explosion, he felt like his knee was just dragging and it was unstable. He said even if he played, he wouldn't have been effective. LaDainian stated, "A 100% Michael Turner and Darren Sproles is way better than a 50% me." He said the last time he played banged up, it hurt his team.