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'Beat Writers' Mock Draft'


MonkeyOne
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Thought this might be of interest to someone, SI have hosted a draft where picks where made by beat writers. There are a few odd moments (Rams: "don't be shocked by the addition of McFadden" :wacko: ), but it's the first mock i've read that both wasn't already mentioned on the huddle and had a Bucs pick which wasn't strange.

 

:D

 

No easy way to c/p the results in here i'm afraid.

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No easy way to c/p the results in here i'm afraid.

Are you sure? :wacko:

1 MIA OT Jake Long Michigan Sr. 6-7 309

Harvey Fialkov is the Dolphins beat writer for the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. For more coverage on Miami's draft, click here.

 

I can't go wrong with this one as the 'Long' wait ended four days early after the Dolphins locked up the No. 1 pick by signing Michigan tackle Jake Long to a five-year deal worth $57.75 million, including $30 million guaranteed. The 6-7, 315-pound Long is expected to be the franchise's cornerstone left tackle they haven't had since Richmond Webb bolted eight seasons ago. With coach Tony Sparano being a long-time o-line coach, and Dolphins czar Bill Parcells both believing in building teams from the inside out this was a no-brainer. One of Tuna's favorite all-time players was a 6-7 left tackle from Michigan named Jumbo Elliott. Sound familiar?

 

FANNATION COMMENT: It's kinda boring to take an offensive lineman No. 1, but I know there isn't a Peyton Manning in this draft. Hopefully, Parcells knows what he's doing. -- John317

 

 

2 STL DE Chris Long Virginia Sr. 6-3 266

Howard Balzer is a St. Louis-based writer for The Sports Xchange.

 

Now the Rams know they have the choice of Long, Glenn Dorsey, Darren McFadden or Vernon Gholston. A trade is in play with a team that wants to ensure they get Dorsey or McFadden, but don't be shocked by the addition of McFadden, especially with Steven Jackson entering the final year of his contract. Gholston's athletic ability will be tempting as will Dorsey's excellence, but in the end, the Rams go with the safest pick in the draft at one of their neediest positions.

 

FANNATION COMMENT: It is all about risk and reward. They should have taken Dorsey even with all the questions, he could be an impact player on the defense. -- C Note

 

 

 

3 ATL DT Glenn Dorsey LSU Sr. 6-1 310

Steve Wyche is the Falcons beat writer for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. For more coverage on Atlanta's draft, click here.

 

Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff is past the angst of the Rams taking his most coveted prospect. There is some temptation for BC QB Matt Ryan here but Dorsey is the anchor defensive-minded head coach Mike Smith wants to build upon. Injury concerns have been pooh-poohed by Dimitroff from Day 1. Dorsey immediately replaces departed starter Rod Coleman and helps protect MLB Keith Brooking and boosts production of second-year DE Jamaal Anderson.

 

FANNATION COMMENT: Falcons need to be disciplined and pick up a strong DT in Glenn Dorsey. Just as Warren Sapp proved with the Buccaneers in the AFC South, your leader and the face of your franchise doesn't need to be your QB. -- esseydo

 

 

 

4 OAK RB Darren McFadden Arkansas Jr. 6-2 212

Steve Corkran is the Raiders beat writer for the Contra Costa Times. For more coverage on Oakland's draft, click here.

 

Raiders managing general partner Al Davis bucks conventional wisdom by drafting the best player available and not the best player at the position of greatest need. Davis, as usual, just can't get past the speed and wow factors. Adding McFadden gives the Raiders, perhaps, the most-talented player from this year's draft class. However, it also gives coach Lane Kiffin a crowded backfield and, therefore, a major problem to resolve. McFadden joins a backfield that includes Justin Fargas, Dominic Rhodes, LaMont Jordan and Michael Bush -- the team's fourth-round pick last season. Something has to give. The Raiders just became a more exciting team, though not necessarily a better one.

 

FANNATION COMMENT: Al Davis is an idiot. He drafted Micheal Bush last draft. They still have Fargas, Rhodes, and Lamont Jordan. All backs are capable of a 1300 yd season. He would be DUMB to take another RB, unless he want to deal him. -- Goodell: We Want A CB

 

 

 

5 KCC OT Ryan Clady Boise State Jr. 6-6 317

Adam Teicher is the Chiefs beat writer for the Kansas City Star. For more coverage on Kansas City's draft, click here.

 

Gholston and Ryan are both temptations, but the offensive line is the Chiefs' most glaring weakness, so they address it here by taking the best tackle not named Long. Wednesday's trade of Jared Allen to the Vikings gives the Chiefs an extra draft choice in the first round (No. 17) so look for them to find Allen's replacement at defensive end in a dozen picks.

 

FANNATION COMMENT: If I'm Carl Peterson at #5, and Dorsey and both of the Longs are off of the board, I take 5-10 percent below market value for that pick and trade down since there isn't a great fit for their program. -- MIZZOU GOT SCREWED

 

 

 

6 NYJ QB Matt Ryan Boston College Sr. 6-5 221

Tom Rock covers the NFL for Newsday. For more coverage on the NY Jets' draft, click here.

 

Watching the Raiders take McFadden, the player the Jets covet most, is one of the reasons they may be itching to climb ahead of Oakland. Here they'll take their second choice and it's not a bad one. Having Ryan in the mix will give them a chance to actively shop veteran Chad Pennington and provide them with a backup plan in case Kellen Clemens doesn't improve from a mediocre 2007. Worst-case scenario two years from now, Clemens is a bonafide starter and the Jets still have Ryan with a strong resale value to dangle in front of other QB-starved teams.

 

FANNATION COMMENT: Ryan Clady may have been who the Jets were looking at to fill a hole on the offensive line. There are no WRs worth taking this high, so I would trade down. -- [tcat75]

 

 

 

7 NEP DE/LB Vernon Gholston Ohio State Jr. 6-4 255

John Tomase is the Patriots beat writer for the Boston Herald. For more coverage on New England's draft, click here.

 

Bill Belichick and Co. had to take a linebacker before the fifth round one of these years, and Gholston is the perfect guy. The 6-3, 266-pounder started his Buckeyes career as a linebacker, moved to defensive end, and finished as a drop end, which means he has experience with some of the coverage aspects the Patriots seek in their outside linebackers. While the learning curve in New England's 3-4 is steep, Gholston has already spent summers working out with fellow Ohio State grad Mike Vrabel, so he's got a head start.

 

FANNATION COMMENT: New England takes Gholston, since they can afford to take the chance on his mediocre game tape, and lots of solid corners are available later on. Their linebacking corps is old, and Gholston could even fit in the rotation as a defensive end, helping their pass-rush in a division where opposing o-lines (with Long and Faneca joining the Dolphins and Jets) just got loads better. -- theditm

 

 

 

8 BAL CB Leodis McKelvin Troy State Sr. 5-11 186

Aaron Wilson is the Ravens beat writer for the Carroll County Times. For more coverage on Baltimore's draft, click here.

 

Although disappointed that they were unable to immediately end their quest for a franchise quarterback since Ryan is off the draft board, after exploring trade-back scenarios with the New Orleans Saints regarding USC defensive lineman Sedrick Ellis, the Ravens stay true to their board and land one of the fastest-rising prospects. With cornerbacks Chris McAlister and Samari Rolle up in years and recovering from injuries and illness last season, respectively, the Ravens need an influx of talent at this critical position. McKelvin lacks ideal size, but has 4.38 speed, a competitive streak, sound character and rare return skills with eight career kick returns for touchdowns. He could develop into a shutdown cornerback, and his special-teams ability is a bonus attribute for new coach John Harbaugh.

 

FANNATION COMMENT: With Ryan off the board, Baltimore needs to trade down as it is too early to take one of the three second tier-QBs in the draft. If they do not trade down, they need to take either Rivers or Ellis out of USC to help replace aging parts on the once-vaunted Ravens D. -- colts86

 

 

 

9 CIN DE Sedrick Ellis USC Sr. 6-0 308

Kevin Goheen is a freelance NFL writer who covered the Bengals for six seasons for the now-defunct Cincinnati Post.

 

The Bengals spent their last two first-round picks on CBs (Johnathan Joseph in '06 and Leon Hall in '07) and now address the front line of a defense that has finished in the bottom six of the league four of the five seasons Marvin Lewis has been at the helm. Ellis should help immediately in providing push up the middle. The Chad Johnson fiasco and release of Chris Henry leaves Cincinnati with a need at WR but the No. 9 pick is not the spot to fill that hole. The offense was a disappointment in 2007 but has talent in-house to improve. That kind of talent level doesn't exist on the defensive roster.

 

FANNATION COMMENT: Cincy selects Sedrick Ellis in the first stone cold lock since Miami's selection of Jake Long. -- Punt Pass & A**

 

 

 

10 NOS LB Keith Rivers USC Sr. 6-3 236

Sheldon Mickles is the Saints beat writer for the Baton Rouge Advocate. For more coverage of New Orleans' draft, click here.

 

The Saints would have loved to have had a shot at Dorsey or Ellis, but they still come out OK. They've been looking for a fast, aggressive linebacker long before Sean Payton and defensive coordinator Gary Gibbs arrived in 2006, and they finally get their guy. Scott Fujita is a solid starter on the strong side and they traded for middle 'backer Jonathan Vilma and then signed Dan Morgan for the weak side to try and upgrade the league's 26th-ranked defense. But they need insurance (especially if Morgan continues to have injury problems) and the 240-pound Rivers, who ran the 40 in 4.58 seconds at his pro day, gives them some options for the future since he plays all three linebacking positions. Being the latest in a long line of star USC linebackers doesn't hurt, either.

 

FANNATION COMMENT: Rivers is probably the right pick here, but with Ellis and Dorsey off the board and the rumored trade for Shockey, look for the Saints to trade down and add picks and still get a quality CB later in round 1 or in early round 2. -- LSURay

 

 

11 BUF WR Devin Thomas Michigan State Jr. 6-2 217

Mark Gaughan is the Bills beat writer for the Buffalo News. For more coverage of Buffalo's draft, click here.

 

The Bills' two biggest needs are at wide receiver and cornerback. The top cornerback (McKelvin) is gone. The top wideout is Thomas. Last season Buffalo ranked 30th on offense and 30th in passing yards. Their offense has been mostly painful to watch this entire decade. They have no one right now to start on the outside opposite Lee Evans. Thomas is a big threat who fills a glaring need.

 

FANNATION COMMENT: Mike Jenkins or Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie are the only picks that make sense here for Buffalo. They can focus on the Offensive side of the football rounds 2-4, where we have 4 picks. -- Goodell ... CB

 

 

 

12 DEN OT Chris Williams Vanderbilt Sr. 6-5 318

Mike Klis is the Broncos beat writer for the Denver Post. For more coverage of Denver's draft, click here.

 

B-o-o-o-r-r-i-n-g! Before making this pick, the Goodmans -- dad Jim and son Jeff, who are assuming right-hand command of the Broncos' draft following the ouster of GM Ted Sundquist -- put in calls to Detroit at No. 15, Houston at No. 18 and Dallas at No. 22 in hopes of trading down. The Broncos like Williams, but don't necessarily believe he's worthy of No. 12 money. Taking Williams was a tough call over Branden Albert, the left tackle/offensive guard from Virginia whose stock supposedly had risen in recent weeks. But reuniting Williams on the blindside of former college teammate Jay Cutler was irresistible. The Broncos also bypass coveted Oregon running back Jonathan Stewart, bringing relief to Travis Henry and The Henry-ettes.

 

FANNATION COMMENT: The Broncos don't need to make a big splash unless they can legitimately move up and get Sedrick Ellis, otherwise staying put and picking williams or moving backwards is the right thing to do. -- eeseydo

 

 

 

13 CAR DE Derrick Harvey Florida Jr. 6-4 271

Stan Olson is the Panthers beat writer for the Charlotte Observer. For more coverage of Carolina's draft, click here.

 

The Panthers are faced with an embarrassment of riches at this point. For all the talk that they will take an OT, my guess is they go for a rush end after offering a defensive front that had no one with more than 3.5 sacks last season. And the best DE available is Florida's Harvey, who seems good enough to step into the hole left with the retirement of Mike Rucker. Carolina needs someone to jumpstart a front four that has been fading in recent years, and the 6-4, 271-pound Harvey is the bet here. Don't rule out an RB at this spot, with Jonathan Stewart and Rashard Mendenhall still available. DeAngelo Williams will need some help. If they were to pick an OL, they like Jeff Otah and Branden Albert.

 

FANNATION COMMENT: Having watched Harvey do damage throughout the SEC, he is exactly what the Panthers need on the defensive line. Maybe he will wake up Julius Peppers. -- John317

 

 

 

14 CHI OT/LB Jeff Otah Pittsburgh Sr. 6-6 339

Bob Legere is the Bears beat writer for the Arlington Heights (Ill.) Daily Herald. For more coverage of Chicago's draft, click here.

 

Coach Lovie Smith was ridiculed much of last season for insisting the Bears get off the bus running the football, especially when they finished No. 32 in average gain per rush and No. 30 in rushing yards. They would like hometown favorite RB Rashard Mendenhall from Illinois, but they must improve an o-line that was poor last season and has since lost two starters (RT Fred Miller, who was released and LG Ruben Brown, who was not offered a contract). Albert might receive some consideration, but Otah is more of the smash-mouth type player they want for the running game, and he has great upside. They're confident he can start at RT right now and believe he can eventually handle the left tackle spot.

 

FANNATION COMMENT: The Bears need a tackle like Jeff Otah. He is big and mean and could start at right tackle immediately and hopefully move to left tackle later on in the season and move John Tait back to his original position at right. -- FatBearsSuperFan

 

 

 

15 DET LB Jerod Mayo Tennessee Jr. 6-2 230

Mike O'Hara is the Lions beat writer for the Detroit News. For more coverage of Detroit's draft, click here.

 

You could hear hearts crack in the Lions' draft compound when the Panthers took Harvey. That's whom the Lions' targeted at No. 15. They want to look to defense, but consider other options. They've had nine first-round draft picks since 2000 and eight have been used on offense -- one quarterback, one running back, two tackles and four wide receivers. The exception was 2006, when Rod Marinelli took linebacker Ernie Sims in his first year as head coach. Sims is the only first-round pick starting on the Lions' defense. Marinelli wants fresh legs and more talent on defense. With Harvey off the board, the choices are a running back, trading down or staying put and going for defense. The Lions like Mayo. He can play inside or outside.

 

FANNATION COMMENT: Mayo is projected as an early 2nd round pick, but when you've got a guy you like, you don't gamble and the Lions are high on Mayo. Mayo and Sims make a great start to the new "Detroit Duece" (formerly the Tampa 2). They will use their 2nd round pick to fill the spot in the backfield. -- jrefenes

 

 

 

16 ARZ RB Rashard Mendenhall Illinois Jr. 5-11 225

Scott Bordow covers the Cardinals for the East Valley Tribune. For more coverage of Arizona's draft, click here.

 

With the move of Antrel Rolle to free safety, Arizona needs a cornerback and will be tempted by Kansas' Aqib Talib and Tennessee State corner Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. But the Cardinals desperately need some gamebreakers on offense. Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald are not protypical deep threats, and running back Edgerrin James can't turn a 6-yard gain into a 60-yard touchdown. Mendenhall would give the Cardinals a potential home-run hitter and possibly lead to the club trading James or releasing him before training camp.

 

FANNATION COMMENT: If Mike Jenkins is still on board Arizona has to take him. He is the best cure for a horrible secondary. -- note

 

 

 

17 KCC DE Phillip Merling Clemson Jr. 6-4 275

Adam Teicher is the Chiefs beat writer for the Kansas City Star. For more coverage on Kansas City's draft, click here.

 

The Chiefs gambled a quality defensive end would be available here and it paid off. Merling might not pick up right where Jared Allen left off, but it's a good start. Kansas City leaves the first round with two players -- Clady and Merling -- who should start from day one.

 

FANNATION COMMENT: I think the Chiefs should flip-flop and take a defensive end at No. 5 and then come back and draft an offensive lineman at No. 17. Makes more sense. -- ArrowHead11

 

 

 

18 TEX OT Branden Albert Virginia Jr. 6-7 317

Megan Manfull is the Texans beat writer for the Houston Chronicle. For more coverage of Houston's draft, click here.

 

The Texans have had problems at left tackle since they drafted Tony Boselli with the No. 1 overall pick in the expansion draft. They thought they drafted their "future" at left tackle two years ago when they selected Charles Spencer in the third round. He suffered a serious knee injury two starts into his career and is still trying to make a comeback. If Albert is available here, it would be hard for the Texans to look anywhere else. They are determined to finally solve their offensive line woes and each of those tackles fit well into the zone blocking system Alex Gibbs is implementing.

 

FANNATION COMMENT: The Texans shouldn't plan on Albert slipping to them. But if he does, great pick! -- Corpus B

 

 

 

19 PHI CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie Tennessee State Sr. 6-2 181

Reuben Frank is the Eagles beat writer for Calkins Media and a contributor to SI.com. For more coverage of Philadelphia's draft, click here.

 

As desperate as the Eagles are for a wide receiver for the present and an offensive tackle for the future, it's just not their nature to reach at a position of need. The Eagles consider nickel corner a 12th starting position, and with the anticipated departure of Lito Sheppard, Rodgers-Cromartie provides speed and playmaking alongside veteran corners Sheldon Brown and Asante Samuel. Rodgers-Cromartie also injects immediate hope into a lifeless return game that was among the NFL's worst in 2007. He gets the nod over Mike Jenkins on a character tiebreaker.

 

FANNATION COMMENT: The Eagles already have too many corners....so they draft another one? -- The Ram

 

 

 

20 TBB CB Mike Jenkins South Florida Sr. 6-0 200

Rick Stroud and Steve Holder are the Bucs beat writers for the St. Petersburg Times. For more coverage of Tampa Bay's draft, click here.

 

This will look like a homer move, but this isn't about taking the hometown kid. Jenkins' body of work at USF is what the Bucs want at cornerback -- a player who is equally proficient playing man-to-man or zone coverage. With Brian Kelly now in Detroit and Ronde Barber having recently turned 33, they could become very thin very quickly at cornerback. The Bucs are in dire need of help in the return game, which is something Jenkins offers. The Bucs need help at receiver, too, but there will be options available in the second round as well.

 

FANNATION COMMENT: Tampa Bay needs a wide receiver because Joey Galloway's age will eventually catch up to him. They also could go after a cornerback where they need some youth eventually. -- C Note

 

 

21 WAS WR Malcom Kelly Oklahoma Jr. 6-4 217

David Elfin is the Redskins beat writer for the Washington Times. For more coverage of Washington's draft, click here.

 

Washington, after being weirdly quiet during free agency, is in unusual territory with nine picks, its most since 2002. And the Redskins haven't had their first pick in the first round below the top 10 since 2002. They probably would have liked to pick Merling or Albert because seven of their starting offensive and defensive linemen are at least 30. Instead, they'll grab Kelly, the big receiver that new coach Jim Zorn, needs to properly run his offense,ignoring his recent slow 40 times and petulant comments.

 

FANNATION COMMENT: Honestly this is a can't win situation for The 'Skins. Half the fanbase is demanding a DE and the other half is demanding a WR. No matter what happens half of 'Skins Nation will be unhappy. -- jasonpike00

 

 

 

22 DAL CB Aqib Talib Kansas Jr. 6-2 193

Clarence Hill is a Cowboys beat writer for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. For more coverage of Dallas' draft, click here.

 

The Cowboys must get a corner in the first round to go alongside (and possibly provide insurance for) recently-acquired Pacman Jones. The Cowboys lost two cornerbacks in free agency and have no experienced depth behind starters Anthony Henry and Terence Newman. And considering both of those players were hurt much of last year they need a cornerback who they can count on to make an immediate contribution. The Cowboys will look running back as well. Felix Jones and Jonathan Stewart are huge considerations.

 

FANNATION COMMENT: Most people have Felix Jones pegged in this spot, I think it is a smoke screen. Jerry will pick up Jonathan Stewart who can take a back seat to marion barber for a year, doing spot duty then make it a two man competition in 2009. -- eessydo

 

 

 

23 PIT RB Jonathan Stewart Oregon Jr. 5-10 235

Ed Bouchette is the Steelers beat writer for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. For more coverage of Pittsburgh's draft, click here.

 

Pittsburgh has not drafted a running back in the first OR second rounds since Tim Worley in 1989. That draft drought ends here. Although they do not expect him to slip to No. 23, the Steelers will snap up the big, powerful runner they need to get the tough inside yards to go with Fast Willie Parker's home runs. Pittsburgh lost several late leads last season because it could not grind it out; Stewart will change that, and also make a so-so line better. They also believe his toe will be plenty healed before the season begins.

 

FANNATION COMMENT: Running back? The Steelers might be better off taking a lineman to replace Alan Faneca. One man's opinion. -- Lou War

 

 

 

24 TEN RB Felix Jones Arkansas Jr. 6-0 200

Paul Kuharsky covers the NFL for the Tennessean. For more coverage of Tennessee's draft, click here.

 

While the attention has been on receivers, the Titans need for dynamic playmakers on offense extends beyond the position. While Limas Sweed, and maybe DeSean Jackson, will get a look here, the Titans decide the better value is at running back. In his first turn as offensive coordinator, Mike Heimerdinger liked to get some catches for his backs. Jones will complement a power running attack headed by LenDale White (second round 2006) and Chris Henry (second round 2007), giving the Titans a new look as well as an option in the return game.

 

FANNATION COMMENT: I can see the Tennessee headlines now, "How Sweed It Is." VY and Limas are together again, and things are "Rosey" in Tennessee. -- Punt Pass & Kick A**

 

 

 

25 SEA DE Lawrence Jackson USC Sr. 6-4 261

Scott M. Johnson is the Seahawks beat writer for the Everett (Wash.) Daily Herald. For more coverage of Seattle's draft, click here.

 

With plenty of areas to address, especially on special teams, the Seahawks would prefer to trade down a few spots and add some mid-round picks. With no takers, Seattle uses the best-player-available philosophy at No. 25. An aging offense takes backseat to a defensive line that could use depth. Jackson can play immediately and could push Darryl Tapp for a starting spot at right end by midseason. Team president Tim Ruskell knows defense, so he gambles that a top-flight tight end, running back and/or receiver might be available in Round 2 and beyond.

 

FANNATION COMMENT: It may not be conventional thinking but to me, the Seahawks need to get Hasselbeck another weapon at wide receiver. Mabye Hardy from Indiana? -- ReignKing

 

 

 

26 JAX DE Pat Sims Auburn Sr. 6-2 310

Jeff Elliott covers the Jaguars for the Florida Times-Union. For more coverage of Jacksonville's draft, click here.

 

The Jaguars use nine minutes and 55 second before selecting Sims as they were on the phone with the Dolphins attempting to put together a deal where they would package their pick at No. 26, oft-criticized wide receiver Matt Jones and one of their three fifth-round picks this year in exchange for Jason Taylor. The Dolphins wouldn't budge. The Jaguars wanted a quality DE in the worst way and after failing to get one in free agency, passing on Jared Allen because of the price and failing to get Merling or Jackson whom they had targeted all along, they settled for Sims to help replace the traded Marcus Stroud. Some felt Calais Campbell would be the better choice here, but the Jaguars were concerned about numerous other tall DEs who had failed and at the last minute, got cold feet on Campbell and went with the safer pick in Sims.

 

FANNATION COMMENT: Jacksonville will be giddy if Gosder Cherilus falls to them. Great value, great pick, sighs of relief from the JAX faithful. -- eessydo

 

 

 

27 SDC OT Gosder Cherilus Boston College Sr. 6-6 315

Jay Paris is the Chargers beat writer for the North County Times. For more coverage of San Diego's draft, click here.

 

With the Chargers returning the bulk of their starters from a team which advanced to last season's AFC Championship Game, there wasn't a frontline position needing to be filled. But the Chargers are thin at offensive tackle with former starter Shane Olivea being released in the offseason after losing his spot to Jeromey Clary. But with just six NFL starts at right tackle on Clary's resume and no viable backups on the roster, the Chargers draft Cherilus to supply depth and possibly push Clary for a starting role. The team also has depth concerns at defensive line, cornerback and running back, but the lack of players at such a critical spot for a high-octane offense was just too important to overlook.

 

 

 

28 DAL RB Jamaal Charles Texas Jr. 6-1 205

Clarence Hill is a Cowboys beat writer for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. For more coverage of Dallas' draft, click here.

 

This is a spot where the Cowboys will most likely look to trade down, especially if the board goes like it has today. Owner Jerry Jones said he will not reach for a prospect and believes he will get calls from other teams looking to get up into the first round, especailly those looking to take a quarterback. The Cowboys would have taken Felix Jones here if he were available and although they also have needs at receiver they need someone to contribute immediately. History says receivers don't have the big first-year impact. Charles or Chris Johnson could fill need the need at running back and provide a complement to starter Marion Barber.

 

FANNATION COMMENT: I see Dallas trying to trade the 28th pick for Arizona's Aquan Boldin. If that doesn't work, I hardly can see them taking Jamaal Charles. Charles is a 2nd round player. -- tcat75

 

 

 

29 SFO WR DeSean Jackson California Jr. 6-0 169

Kevin Lynch is the 49ers beat writer for SFGate.com. For more coverage of San Francisco's draft, click here.

 

Jackson visited the team facility and the 49ers have long been interested in him. His return abilities and deep speed fulfill two needs. The 49ers hope defenses will have to devote safety help to his side because if he gets behind a cornerback it's a touchdown. Drawing the safety could open the running game for Frank Gore and allow room for tight end Vernon Davis to function underneath.

 

 

 

30 GNB CB Antoine Cason Arizona Sr. 6-0 185

Greg Bedard is a Packers beat writer for the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. For more coverage of Green Bay's draft, click here.

 

Well, since trying to predict who Packers GM Ted Thompson will draft is akin to figuring out your wife's thought process, this is a tall task. Thompson took DT Justin Harrell last year when he already had 34 linemen. This year, conventional wisdom says the Packers need a cornerback to start replacing 30-somethings Al Harris and Charles Woodson. Or a quarterback since some guy named Brett Favre retired leaving Aaron Rodgers, the anti-Ironman, all by his lonesome. Thompson, after trying desperately to trade down, will buck his outside-the-box thinking and go with Cason, who has the physical cover skills needed in the Packers' scheme.

 

 

 

31 Pick forfeited -- -- -- -- --

The Patriots lost this pick as their penalty for the Week 1 Spygate episode

 

 

32 NYG S Kenny Phillips Miami Jr. 6-2 211

Ralph Vacchiano is the Giants beat writer for the New York Daily News. For more coverage of the NY Giants' draft, click here.

 

There aren't many holes on the Super Bowl champs, but safety is the biggest and most obvious one since they lost Gibril Wilson to the Raiders. They did sign veteran Sammy Knight, but they?d be just a stop-gap player. There only other safeties are up-and-down James Butler and Michael Johnson, a raw talent heading into his second year. They?re looking for a young safety prospect to groom for the future. And defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo absolutely loves the potential of Phillips, a speedy, smart playmaker who could fill the role that he watched Brian Dawkins fill in Philadelphia for years.

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