2008 NFL Mock Draft, An Early Look
By Eric Rose
5/2/07


Abromowitz's Draft Bures' Draft Dietzler's Draft
Barduson's Draft
Rose's Draft

Now that the 2007 NFL Draft is over, it's time to look at next year's draft. This 2008 NFL Mock Draft is based on the same draft order as the 2007 draft and is for your amusement as the 2008 draft is still a year away.

1.  Oakland- Darren McFadden (Junior), RB, Arkansas: He’s an explosive player who can change a game in just one play. If he stays healthy, he should come out as a junior. He can be easily compared backs such as Reggie Bush and Warrick Dunn.

2.  Detroit- Mike Hart, RB, Michigan: If Hart continues his success in college, many scouts will project him to be at the top of the draft. He’s fast, strong and runs with power. Although he is running behind Jake Long and a line that is returning all seniors, Hart is destine for the NFL.

3.  Dallas from Cleveland- Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville: Deciding to come back for his senior year might have been the best decision Brohm has ever made. The 2007 Draft was not one that benefited the quarterbacks. Coming out next year will solidify Brohm as a top 10 pick. 

4.  Tampa Bay- DeSean Jackson (Junior), WR, California: With his speed and versatility, Jackson is exactly what the NFL scouts are looking for. He has shown that he can catch the ball and also return kicks. He lead the nation in kick returns for TD’s with 4, and also scored 9 receiving TD’s. Think Ted Ginn Jr. with better hands.

5.  Arizona- Jake Long, OT, Michigan: Jake Long might be the player in the 2008 draft to make an immediate impact on the team that drafts him. At 6’7”, 315 lbs., Long is a strong tackle with good feet that can improve the line on almost any team. 

6.  Washington- Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU: At 6’2”, 300 lbs, Dorsey is a very strong defensive tackle that can stop the run inside, and also rush the passer. As long as his senior numbers are equal to that of his junior year’s numbers, he’ll be a top pick in the 08’ draft.

7.  Minnesota- Quentin Groves, DE, Auburn: The quick, agile, Groves is a great pass rusher that can change the flow of any game. He’s not your average 300+ pound defensive end, but his speed and footwork makes up for it.

8.  Houston- Colt Brennan, QB, Hawaii: Brennan has broken almost every record possible in college. He led the country in both total offense (4,455 yards) and total touchdowns thrown (58) in 2006. Brennan is a winner and decided to stay in college to win. What NFL team doesn’t want a kid like this?

9.  Miami- Dan Connor, LB, Penn State: Another linebacker from LU (linebacker university) is going to make it big in the NFL. Dan Connor has the size, speed and awareness to make it in the league. He’s a little taller version of Zach Thomas.

10.  Atlanta- Mario Manningham (Junior), WR, Michigan: Manningham is the type of receiver that can be used in the slot, or as a return man. Not a big receiver, at just 6’, Manningham has the speed and big game ability to succeed in the NFL.

11.  New England- Sam Baker, OT, USC: Being 6’5” 305 lbs, Sam Baker is a 2-time All-American first teamer. He’s one of the top offensive lineman in the nation. Playing both tackle and guard helps Baker’s chances getting drafted early.

12.  Buffalo- Chad Henne, QB, Michigan: Henne is by far the most experienced quarterback in the draft. He was a 4 year started at Michigan and played with current NFL player Braylon Edwards. Henne is comparable to that of Tom Brady, 3 time super bowl champion and former Michigan quarterback.

13.  St. Louis- Antoine Cason, DB, Arizona: Possibly the best defensive back in the draft, Cason is a lock down corner. His vision and reaction make him a great cover corner at the collegiate level. Look for those attributes to help him when he turns pro.

14.  Carolina: Jonathan Hefney, DB, Tennessee: Playing corner for only 1 year may hinder Hefney’s progress in the NFL. Some teams may want to draft him as a safety as his hitting ability is not a question.

15.  Pittsburgh- James Laurinaitis (Junior), LB, Ohio State: Laurinaitis isn’t quite A.J. Hawk, but he’s probably going to amount to more than Andy Katzenmoyer did. He led the stingy buckeye defense in tackles and has great field vision. Plus, his dad’s “The Animal.”

16.  Green Bay- Steve Slaton (Junior), RB, West Virginia: Slaton is one of the quickest and allusive backs in the 08’ draft. He’s smart and a leader on the Mountaineers offensive unit. Slaton averaged 7 yards a rush and 13 yards a reception while scoring 37 touchdowns the past 2 years.


17.  Jacksonville- Marcus Monk (Junior), WR, Arkansas: Monk is a big, physical receiver that likes to use his hands and leaping ability to go up and catch the ball. If given the chance (meaning a qb that can throw), Monk should be an explosive wide out.  

18.  Cincinnati- Cedrick Ellis, DT, USC: Although he doesn’t have NFL size, he’s a run stopper who plays with aggression and determination. Ellis should go sometime within the first round.

19.  Tennessee- D.J. Hall (Junior), WR, Alabama: Hall led the Crimson Tide in catches, receiving yards, and touchdowns in 2006. His on field presence and 6’3” stature makes him a nice mid-first round pick.

20.  N.Y. Giants- Ray Rice (Junior), RB, Rutgers: Rice had a break out season for the Scarlet Knights in 2006, recording 20 rushing touchdowns. He’s got the NFL speed and mentality, but the scouts may be concerned about the lack of receptions out of the backfield.

21.  Denver- Limas Sweed, WR, Texas: Sweed is big, fast, and athletic at 6’5” 219. He used his body and athleticism to get the ball at it’s highest point. He should make a great receiver in the NFL, much like that of T.O.

22.  Dallas- Phillip Wheeler, LB, Georgia Tech: Although he’s not a very big linebacker, Wheeler has tremendous athleticism and play-making ability. He should turn some heads in the 08’ draft.

23.  Kansas City- Malcolm Jenkins (Junior), DB, Ohio State: Jenkins is a hard hitting, speedy corner that has the cover ability of the NFL. He’s the best corner on a very good Buckeye defensive backfield.

24.  Seattle;- Jordan Grimes, G, Purdue: Grimes is the leader on a stingy offensive line at Purdue that only allowed just 9 sacks all season in 2006.

25.  N.Y. Jets- Vince Hall (Junior), LB, Virginia Tech: He’s a tough, play-maker who’s got a nose for the ball. He brings a good football IQ every time he steps on the field.

26.  Philadelphia- Bruce Davis, DE, UCLA: Bruce Davis is a leader on and off the field. His undersize for a defensive end is made up by his quickness and motivation.

27.  New Orleans- Aqib Talib (Junior), DB, Kansas: Talib is a physical corner who likes to hit people. He’s got the speed to close gaps fast and make the big play. If he breaks out like expected, in 2007, Talib should enter the draft following his redshirt sophomore year.

28.  New England- Jonathon Goff, LB, Vanderbilt: Goff is definitely the linebacker type. He’s got the body, strength and speed to make it in the NFL. He’s a determined man who want to succeed. He’ll do just that.

29.  Baltimore- Brandon Rodd, G, Arizona St.: Rodd is a solid lineman that is very versatile. He can play wither guard or tackle. He’s a very smart player and student and has started in every game in his career.

30.  San Diego- Harry Douglas (Junior), WR, Louisville: With lightening speed, this 5’11” junior might make it in the NFL as a punt/kickoff return specialist. Don’t count him out as a receiving threat because he has proven that he can make the big plays.

31.  Chicago- Yvenson Bernard, RB, Oregon State: A powerful runner with deceptive speed, Bernard is a back who gets stronger as the game progresses. He’s a good receiver out of the backfield making him a possible first rounder.

32.  Indianapolis- Frank Okam (Junior), DT, Texas: Okam is a strong and explosive player who has rapidly grown into one of the nation’s top defensive lineman. If he continues to improve, he should become quite dominant.