RBs

1.      RB Adrian Peterson ~ Minnesota Vikings = Entering his 3^rd season, Peterson is the best tailback in football and if he can improve his blocking he will be on the field even more. One of 5 players ever to rush for 3,000+ yards in his first two seasons, expect his first 1800+ yard season this year, he’s only 24 and still has room to improve.

2.      RB Maurice Jones-Drew ~ Jacksonville Jaguars = Jones-Drew had  down year last season rushing the football but posted career bests in receptions (62) and yards (565) while posting 14 total touchdowns, all with a depleted offensive line. With the selections of OT Eugene Monroe & OT Eben Britton, the signing of LT Tra Thomas, and RB Fred Taylor leaving town now is Jones-Drew’s time to shine. Expect 1,300+ yards on the ground with another 13-15 total touchdowns.

3.      RB Matt Forte ~ Chicago Bears = Expect a lot more of the same from one of the most versatile backs in the league. As a rookie last season Forte posted 1,700+ total yards and 12 total touchdowns. With QB Jay Cutler coming in town there will be less attention on him and by all accounts these numbers will improve significantly.

4.      RB DeAngelo Williams ~ Carolina Panthers = Williams hit his 3 year mark in the league last year and showed why he was one of the most decorated college football players in NCAA history while at Memphis. He averaged an amazing 5.5 yards a carry which was Barry Sanders like. He also had 18 rushing touchdowns alone, 20 total. Don’t expect the same touchdown numbers, but something very similar from this explosive, dynamic tailback.

5.      RB Michael Turner ~ Atlanta Falcons = Atlanta’s offense and QB Matt Ryan’s success largely was credited to Turner’s consistency running the football. Matt Ryan will have more freedom in the offense this year which could take some touches away from Turner. Nonetheless, Turner had 1,600+ yards on the ground with a 4.5 average, which was very good. He isn’t a threat in the passing game what so ever (only 6 receptions last season) but will get you plenty of yardage and goal line carries.

6.      RB Marion Barber ~ Dallas Cowboys = Marion the Barbarian would be the most intimidating back in football if it weren’t for RB Brandon Jacobs in N.Y. He battled through injuries last season and if healthy this year, which he should be, could be a guy who gets 15+ touchdowns on the ground alone. His pass catching ability is very underrated as well. He needs to limit his fumbles, but I think being healthy will quell a lot of his doubters.

7.      RB Chris Johnson ~ Tennessee Titans = Johnson is blazing fast and a threat to score every time he touches the football. With his lack of size and the drafting of RB Javon Ringer, don’t expect more than 250 carries, but his average will be stellar like last year (4.9) and his touchdowns (9) should go up a couple as well.

8.      RB Clinton Portis ~ Washington Redskins = “Pops” is still one of the best all-around backs in the NFL. Last season he had 1,700+ total yards and 9 touchdowns. The TD numbers should improve significantly. He will be 28 on September 1^st, so he still has young enough legs to get another couple 1,500+ yard seasons on the ground and 10 plus touchdowns. I expect him to be the force that drives the Redskins team this season.

9.      RB LaDainian Tomlinson ~ San Diego Chargers = LT had a down year last season yet still gained 1,500+ total yards and scored 12 touchdowns. This guy hardly ever fumbles, and I’m not buying he’s fallen off. His work ethic will take him into the hall of fame one day, as well as a 1,400+ year on the ground and at least 15 touchdowns.

10.  RB Steve Slaton ~ Houston Texans = Slaton was a guy who never should’ve slipped in the 2008 NFL Draft. He was an incredible college player who is 5′9″ 203 with some of the best vision there is. He ran for 1,282 yards, caught 50 balls for 377 yards, and 10 total touchdowns in his rookie season. Expect all these numbers to go up this coming season.

Sleepers

1.      RB Rashard Mendenhall ~ Pittsburgh Steelers = This guy seems to be an afterthought for the casual fan after LB Ray Lewis broke his leg early in the year last season with an absolute kill shot. This guy was a horse in college who will get the goal line carries in Pittsburgh, as well as half the carries. At 5′10 225, “Delicious” will have every opportunity to show why he was a first round draft pick in 2008 and I expect him to come through tenfold.

2.      RB Knowshon Moreno ~ Denver Broncos = Under new Head Coach Josh McDaniels running backs will have a major role in the offense. Moreno is going to be used in every way imaginable, and with his versatility, explosiveness, hands, blocking ability, and agility he is not only my pick for OROY, but a 1,300+ total yards and 10+ touchdowns is well within reach for the rookie out of Georgia.

3.      RB Larry Johnson ~ Kansas City Chiefs = Johnson is not much of a sleeper by many accounts, I am putting him on this list just as a reminder not to forget how great of a player he is, especially when happy. He has been quiet lately in his requests for a trade, and with a new QB, Head Coach, GM, and offense, the tailback will be counted on for yards as much as anybody. The new regime in KC could ignite this former back to back 1,700 yard rusher.

4.      RB Michael Bush ~ Oakland Raiders = Bush is 6′1″ 245, and will be the primary goal line back in Oakland’s offense as well as the counterpart to RB Darren McFadden. Bush last season in spot duty had a 4.4 yard average on only 95 carries including a 27 carry 177 yd. 2 TD performance in week 17. His talent could go a long way in the NFL, and Oakland has one of the most dynamic rushing attacks in football, watch out for him and/or McFadden to burst onto the scene next season with a 1,000+ yards on the ground.

2008 Veteran Signings

• Bernard Berrian, WR, (Minnesota Vikings): Signed a 6-year, $43.4 million contract
• Derek Anderson, QB, (Cleveland Browns): Signed a 3-year, $24 million contract
• Ryan Grant, RB, (Green Bay Packers): Signed a 4-year, $20 million contract
• Michael Turner, RB, (Atlanta Falcons): Signed a 6-year, $34.5 million contract
• Flozell Adams, T, (Dallas Cowboys): Signed a 6-year, $43.8 million contract
• Asante Samuel, CB, (Philadelphia Eagles): Signed a 6-year, $57.14 million contract

2008 Rookie Signings

• Jake Long, OT, (Miami Dolphins, 1^st Overall Pick): Signed a 5-year, $57.75 million contract
• Chris Long, DE, (St. Louis Rams, 2^nd Overall Pick): Signed a 6-year, $60 million contract
• Matt Ryan, QB, (Atlanta Falcons, 3^rd Overall Pick): Signed a 6-year, $72 million contract
• Darren McFadden, RB, (Oakland Raiders, 4^th Overall Pick): Signed a 6-year, $60 million contract
• Glenn Dorsey, DT, (Kansas City Chiefs, 5^th Overall Pick): Signed a 5-year, $33 million contract
• Vernon Gholston, LB, (New York Jets, 6^th Overall Pick): Signed a 5-year, $32.5 million contract

After looking these contracts over, it is insanely hard to believe that Jake Long, an unproven NFL tackle is making more than Flozell Adams, a 4-time Pro Bowl veteran tackle. How is Darren McFadden making more than Ryan Grant and Michael Turner both of whom played excellent roles on their respective teams last year?

Seeing as the attendance of rookies at training camp is so vital to the success of the player, it pained some to see 2007 1^st overall draft pick JaMarcus Russell hold out of camp until September 12^th when Russell was signed to a 6-year, $61 million deal with $29 million guaranteed. One cannot help but wonder if the reason why rookies get paid so much up front is to prevent another “JaMarcus Russell hold out.” The NFL owners are not crying poor, so Goodell’s battle is not one of finances but one of fairness. Do not think for one minute that rookies believe that the amount of money being paid to them is sane. In an interview with Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan, he stated: “I’ll take it. I see both sides of the argument but I’m going to take the (current) argument now.”

A great point made by the late Gene Upshaw was that the rookie contracts only help those free agent veterans who are up for new contracts. What Mr. Upshaw means is that, for example, lets jump into the shoes of an 18-year-old girl who is negotiating with her parents about buying a car. The teen, so paradoxically calm, says: “But, Mom! Angie got a BMW and she’s only 16!” This is a perfect parallel to the situation in the NFL. Agents of veteran free agents can go to negotiations armed with the contracts of these rookies. Whew, no wonder why teams these days want to stay clear of early first round picks. As a future NFL agent, I cannot help but disagree with not being able to pay rookies these huge contracts.

Roger Goodell is not wasting any time on this matter so look to see some headlines fairly soon.

1. Miami Dolphins-Jake Long (OT- Michigan)

Long is their guy. Which Long? We shall see. I am going to go with Jake in the week of the draft. The Fins have done some nice things with the offensive line and Jake may be that missing piece. I still believe that Chris is more of a Parcells guy, so it should be an interesting selection.

2. St. Louis Rams- Chris Long (DE- Virginia)

Long is the top defensive lineman in this draft, and with the Rams suspect front 7 this is a no brainer. The Rams will 100% walk away with a Long at the 2^nd pick.

3. Atlanta Falcons- Glenn Dorsey (DT- LSU)

The Atlanta Falcons are in complete disarray, they have no Qb, and a depleted defense. Dorsey is a stud in the middle and the Falcons can still land Flacco or Brohm in round 2.

4. Oakland Raiders- Darren McFadden (RB- Arkansas)

McFadden’s workout numbers were off the charts and everyone knows how the Raiders love speed. This may not be the smartest pick due to the amount of money the Raiders have invested in their backfield, but he is just too impressive to pass up on.

5. Kansas City Chiefs- Ryan Clady (OT- Boise. St)

The Chiefs desperately need help on the offensive line, Clady may be too high for the 5^th pick but considering the massive holes in their line it is worth the reach. If a trade for Jared Allen goes through that will dramatically affect this pick.

6. New York Jets- Vernon Gholston (DE- Ohio St.)

If the Jets can walk away with either Gholston or McFadden, Jets fans should be ecstatic. Gholston has the speed, strength and athleticism to get after the quarterback at the outside linebacker spot in the Jets 3-4 defense.

7. New England Patriots (from SF)- Leodis McKelvin (CB- Troy)

The Patriots secondary has taken a major hit with the lose of Samuel and Randall Gay. McKelvin is the top corner in this draft and can also play a huge role in the return game.

8. Baltimore Ravens- Matt Ryan (QB- Boston College)

This would be the ideal pick for the Ravens. It would finally solidify their Qb position and they wouldn’t have to move up to get their player.

9. Cincinnati Bengals- Sedrick Ellis (DT- USC)

After missing out on Shaun Rogers, Ellis will be their guy to help sure up the middle of their defense. He’s in the mold of a Warren Sapp and should be a huge upgrade to a dismal defensive line.

10. New Orleans Saints- Keith Rivers (LB- USC)

With the acquisitions of Randall Gay and Aaron Glenn, they may be willing to hold off on a corner so early in the draft. At this immediate time, linebacker is probably the bigger need with the uncertainty of Dan Morgan. Rivers is the top outside backer in the draft and possesses all the tools to step into a starting role.

11. Buffalo Bills- Limas Sweed (WR- Texas)

Sweed is the ideal fit for the Bills. They already have homerun threats in Parrish and Evens, and Sweed would give them that tall, physical receiver they definitely lack.

12. Denver Broncos- Branden Albert (OG/OT- Virginia)

Denver’s offensive line took a hit when Lepsis retired. Albert is athletic, agile and very versatile. The Broncos love those type of guys for their offensive system.

13. Carolina Panthers- Derrick Harvey (DE- Florida)

This is going to be one of the more interesting picks in the draft. They can go running back, defensive end or offensive tackle. They did a decent job addressing their offensive line problems through free agency, and there is just too much uncertainty along their defensive line to pass up on Harvey.

14. Chicago Bears- Jeff Otah (OT- Pitt)

The Bears will look to bolster a depleted offensive line. Otah is a mammoth of a man at 6′6 340lbs and has a huge upside at the next level. Running back may also be an option.

15. Detroit Lions- Rashard Mendenhall (RB- Illinois)

Mendenhall is a stud, and who are we kidding…Tatum Bell is not the answer.

16. Arizona Cardinals- Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (CB- Tennessee St.)

While the sun may be setting on Edge, the Cardinals would like to move Rolle to safety and Cromartie’s size and playmaking skills make him a very good pick here at 16.

17. Minnesota Vikings- Phillip Merling (DE- Clemson)

The Vikings boast one of the best defenses in the league, but they just can’t seem to generate any kind of pass rush. Erasmus James and Kenechi Udeze are not the answer at the defensive end positions. Merling has all the intangibles to turn into a fine pass rusher.

18. Houston Texans- Aqib Talib (CB- Kansas)

The secondary has been a constant issue for the Texans. To some, Talib is regarded as the top corner in this draft. While I am not one of those people, I believe that he would be a nice addition to the Texans’ defense.

19. Philadelphia Eagles- Chris Williams (OT- Vanderbilt)

While I believe wide receiver makes the most sense, I am leaning towards the argument they don’t draft receivers in the first round. Williams is a versatile tackle and with the age at the tackle positions, Williams would be a great pick here.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Devin Thomas (WR- Michigan St.)

Joey Galloway is nearing the end of his fabulous career and it is time to look for a playmaker to step in. Thomas has a nice combination of size, speed, and strength.

21. Washington Redskins- James Hardy (WR- Indiana.)

Jason Campbell could certainly use some wide receiver help. Moss is on one side, but Randel-El certainly is not the answer on the other. Hardy is tall, with good speed and can play above every D-back in the league. It would also allow Randel-El to move into the slot.

22. Dallas Cowboys (from Browns)- Mike Jenkins (CB- South Florida)

Assuming the Cowboys don’t get Pacman, Jenkins will be their guy at the cornerback position. He has all the skills to step right into the nickel back role.

23. Pittsburgh Steelers- Gosder Cherilus (OT- Boston College)

With Alan Fanaca gone, the Steelers will be coming into this draft looking to take the best offensive lineman available. At this point, Cherilus is that guy. He has the size and mentality the Steelers love.

24. Tennessee Titans- Desean Jackson (WR- Cal)

I have seen all the talk about the Titans not drafting first round receivers. Well news flash: they really need one. They may have been burned in the past, but the Titans need weapons on offense. While some worry about Jackson’s size, he does have good hands and possesses game-breaking speed.

25. Seattle Seahawks- Kentwan Balmer (DT- North Carolina)

The Seahawks do not really have any absolute need positions and that is why they will go for the highest graded player remaining. Balmer would fit great in their front 7. Balmer is another one of those big, quick tackles who has great agility.

26. Jacksonville Jaguars- Calais Campbell (DE- Miami)

The defensive line has taken a hit with Stroud and Mccray leaving town. Campbell is massive at 6′8 290lbs and has a nice combination of size and athleticism.

27. San Diego Chargers- Jonathon Stewart (RB- Oregon)

The Chargers are another one of those teams with no real holes. Stewart is a steal here. The toe injury, while troublesome, has plenty of time to recover with LT solidified at the starting position.

28. Dallas Cowboys- Felix Jones (RB- Arkansas)

Is wide receiver the bigger need position ? Yes. But there is no way in my opinion Jerry Jones passes up on Arkansas man Felix Jones. With that said, Jones has the speed and homerun capability to be a nice compliment to Marion Barber.

29. San Fransico 49ers- Jerod Mayo (LB- Tennessee)

With Mike Martz coming to town it would be safe to say they will be looking for an offensive weapon. Too bad there isn’t one worth taking. I would say Malcolm Kelly, but with his quad injury, slow 40 and the complaining he’s done, I would have to say Mike Nolan and the 49ers pass.

30. Green Bay Packers- Antoine Cason (CB- Arizona)

The Packers will look to add depth to their secondary and Cason is the best guy on the board here. Cason has good speed and has a good combination of size and instincts. Kenny Phillips is another option.

New England Patriots- Forfeited

31. New York Giants- Kenny Phillips (S- Miami)

This is one of the tougher picks in the draft to predict. I am torn between Dan Connor and Kenny Phillips. Safety is a need position for the Giants, and Phillips could be that typical UM ball-hawking safety. But with the retirement talk of Strahan, linebacker is also a need for the G-men. It comes down to more depth at the linebacking position than at the safety position.

For some more mocks, check out hailRedskins Mock Draft Database or FFToolbox – 2008 NFL Mock Drafts & Prospect Profiles.

]]> http://www.sportsagentblog.com/2008/04/21/schackman%e2%80%99s-2008-nfl-mock-draft-final-version/feed/ 1 http://www.sportsagentblog.com/2008/03/17/schackmans-2008-nfl-mock-draft-part-3/ http://www.sportsagentblog.com/2008/03/17/schackmans-2008-nfl-mock-draft-part-3/#comments Mon, 17 Mar 2008 14:47:10 +0000 Paul Schackman http://www.sportsagentblog.com/?p=1072 This is Mock Draft 3 of 4. To view the previous mock draft click here.

1. Miami Dolphins-Chris Long (DE- Virginia) Long is their guy. Which Long is the real question, but I am going to go with Chris right now. He is a Parcells kind of guy, with a non-stop motor. But they could look at Jake Long for protecting the blind side.

2. St. Louis Rams-Jake Long (OT-Michigan) Long is the top offensive lineman in this draft, and with the Rams injury problems on the O-line and Orlando Pace nearing the end of his career, Long is a very smart pick here. The Rams will 100% walk away with a Long at the 2^nd pick.

3. Atlanta Falcons-Matt Ryan (QB- Boston College) The Atlanta Falcons are in complete disarray, they have no Qb, and more importantly as of now no head coach. Matt Ryan is a big, smart, pure pocket passer who can be the leader of this team for years.

4. Oakland Raiders-Glenn Dorsey (DT- LSU) The Raiders can go O-line or D-line, but with Jake Long off the board, Dorsey is the guy. Dorsey and Tommy Kelly are both active tackles who could have an instant impact for a defense that wasn’t very good. But don’t be surprised if they look to trade this pick away.

5. Kansas City Chiefs-Ryan Clady (OT- Boise.St) The Chiefs were once known for a powerful running game and dominant offensive-line. Not so much these days. While Long is the guy they want, they will need to turn to Clady. Clady will fill the huge void left when Willie Roaf retired. While this may be a little high, they need to draft a solid offensive lineman. Sedrick Ellis may also be a possibility here.

6. New York Jets- Darren McFadden (RB- Arkansas) The Jets had one rushing touchdown last year, and with their revamped offensive line it is time to get a playmaker like McFadden.

7. New England Patriots (from SF)- Vernon Gholston (DE-Ohio.St) Gholston had a monster workout, and would be a great addition to an aging linebacking corp. They just released Colvin so Gholston can step in right away. Cornerback is also a possibility considering they lost Asante Samuel and Randall Gay.

8. Baltimore Ravens- Leodis McKelvin (DB- Troy) This pick can go either way: McKelvin or Ellis. But their secondary was banged up last season and isn’t getting younger, so McKelvin would be a nice nickelback next season before taking over for Samari Rolle.

9. Cincinnati Bengals- Sedrick Ellis (DE- Clemson) After missing out on Shaun Rogers, Ellis will be their guy to help sure up the middle of their defense. He’s in the mold of Warren Sapp and should be a huge upgrade to a dismal defensive line.

10. New Orleans Saints-Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie (CB-Tenn St.) The Saints secondary was a disaster last season and Cromartie is shooting up the draft boards. He has a perfect combination of size and speed. While they did address the secondary with Randall Gay, Cromartie is too good to pass up.

11. Buffalo Bills-Limas Sweed (WR- Texas) Sweed is the ideal fit for the Bills. They already have homerun threats in Parrish and Evens, and Sweed would give them that tall, physical receiver they desperately lack.

12. Denver Broncos- Chris Williams (OT- Vanderbilt) Denver’s offensive line took a hit when Lepsis retired. Williams is that athletic, and agile lineman the Broncos love for their offensive system.

13. Carolina Panthers- Rashard Mendenhall (RB- Illinois) This is going to be one of the more interesting picks in the draft. They can go running back, defense end or offensive tackle. They did a nice job addressing their offensive line problems through free agency and Mendenhall would be a great fit to complement DeAngelo Williams.

14. Chicago Bears- Jeff Otah (OT- Pitt) The Bears will look to bolster a depleted offensive line. Otah is a mammoth of a man at 6′6 340lbs and has a huge upside at the next level. Running back may also be an option.

15. Detroit Lions- Philip Merling (DE- Clemson) The Lions must add bodies on the defensive line, and Merling is a Rod Marinelli type of player. He may not be the pure pass rusher like Harvey, but he is a physical specimen with a non-stop motor.

16. Arizona Cardinals- Aqib Talib (CB- Kansas)W hile the sun may be setting on Edge, the Cardinals would like to move Rolle to safety and Talib’s speed and cover skills makes him a good pick here at 16.

17. Minnesota Vikings- Derrick Harvey (DE- Florida) The Vikings boast one of the best defenses in the league. But they just can’t seem to generate any kind of pass rush. Eramus James and Kenechi Udeze are not the answer at the defensive end position. Harvey has all the intangibles to turn into a fine pass rusher.

18. Houston Texans- Keith Rivers (LB-USC) While some may think the secondary or running back here, Rivers would be a great fit in the Texans defense. He is quick, has good instincts and would be a nice young talent to play next to tackling machine Demeco Ryans.

19. Philadelphia Eagles- Malcolm Kelly (WR- Oklahoma) The Eagles are not going to land Fitzgerald and they must upgrade the wide receiver position. Kelly has great size at 6′4 and he will add that deep threat the Eagles lack.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- DeSean Jackson (WR- Cal) Joey Galloway is nearing the end of his fabulous career and it is time to look for playmakers to step in. While many worry about Jackson’s size, he possesses game-breaking speed. I believe that Jackson could prove to be one of the steals of the draft at this spot.

21. Washington Redskins- Calais Campbell (DE- Miami) Campbell is a physical specimen at 6′8 290lbs. He would be a great upgrade opposite of Andre Carter. Wide receiver is also a possibility.

22. Dallas Cowboys (from Browns)- Mario Manningham (WR-Michigan) The Cowboys will be using this draft to stock up at the skill positions. Wide receiver is a need position for them and Manningham is the best pure receiver on the board.

23. Pittsburgh Steelers- Brandon Albert (OG- Virginia) With Alan Fanaca gone, the Steelers will be coming into this draft looking to take the best offensive lineman available. Albert has great size, athleticism and experience and would be a nice pick to fill the left guard spot.

24. Tennessee Titans- Kentwan Balmer (WR- Indiana) Wide Receiver is certainly a need position but there isn’t a difference maker at pick 24. Balmer would be a nice compliment next to Haynesworth inside.

25. Seattle Seahawks- Fred Davis (TE- USC) While this may be a little high for a tight end, they sorely need one. Davis is the best tight end in this draft regardless of what the combine numbers may suggest.

26. Jacksonville Jaguars- Lawrence Jackson (DE- USC) The defensive line has taken a hit with Stroud and Mccray leaving town. Jackson has a nice combination of size and athleticism, and could be the pass rusher the Jags lack.

27. San Diego Chargers- Gosder Cherilus (OT- Boston College) The Chargers will look at offensive tackle and cornerback and will draft the highest rated player. Cherilus will get the nod here and in time take over the right tackle position.

28. Dallas Cowboys- Mike Jenkins (CB- South Florida) The Cowboys secondary was abused by the Giants in the playoffs and it is time to reload. Jenkins has great speed and cover skills and would be a great selection here at 28. Felix Jones is also a very good possibility.

29. San Fransico 49ers- James Hardy (WR- Indiana) With Mike Martz coming to town it would be safe to say they will be looking for an offensive weapon. Hardy has great size and could be that deep threat that the 49ers sorely lack.

30. Green Bay Packers- Kenny Phillips (S- Miami) The Packers will look to add depth to their secondary and Cason is the best guy on the board here. Cason isn’t the fastest guy out there but has good combination of size and instincts. Linebacker may be another option here.

31. New York Giants- Dan Connor (LB- Penn. St) Connor would be a great fit for this defense and would be the replacement for Kawika Mitchell. The Giants need to add depth and Connor is a very athletic and smart linebacker who smacks.

New England Patriots- Forfeited

For some more mocks, check out hailRedskins Mock Draft Database or FFToolbox – 2008 NFL Mock Drafts & Prospect Profiles.