Since free agency began in the 1970′s, the trend for rising contracts has skyrocketed.  In addition, there has been a continuous push towards defining sports as big business.  Just think about the deals we’ve witnessed in this past year.  C.C. Sabathia signed a 7-year, $161 million contract with the New York Yankees, who also opened their new $1.5 billion stadium in the Bronx.  This latter fact wouldn’t be as disheartening, until you remember that the New York taxpayers are picking up the tab during one of the worst recessions in American history.  A year ago we saw the Dolphins give their #1 draft pick Jake Long a 5-year, $57.75 million contract.  A player who had never stepped foot on a pro field became the highest paid offensive linemen in the NFL.  No need for more examples of the huge deals that have already been made amidst this economic crisis.

So where does this bring us?  What’s the state of affairs now?  Both the New York Yankees and the New York Mets overestimated their ability to sell high-priced seats in the newly christened Yankee Stadium and Citi Field.  Keep in mind that some of the seats in the New Yankee Stadium exceed $2,500, so who’s surprised that they aren’t filled for every game?  Both owners have now decided that they will review their ticket prices and possibly make changes.  Likewise, ticket sales are down in many places, and many teams are coming up with new, creative ways to sell seats.  The Detroit Pistons are clearly feeling the wrath of the economy, as they struggled to sell tickets for Friday night’s playoff game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.  Tickets were found on Stubhub for as low as $11, and the team’s front office even sent e-mails to Cavs season ticket holders offering tickets to those who want to make the 4 hour drive.  But the business of sports is not in a complete decline; in fact, it’s becoming increasingly impossible to make a general statement about the effect of this economic downturn on the industry.  Don Garber, MLS commissioner, said that the league’s law firm had canceled its season tickets at Yankee Stadium.  However, the large sports law firm Proskaeur Rose actually upgraded from a 20-game package to a full season ticket package in the new stadium.  Furthermore, while the housing construction industry may be in utter disarray, the Florida Marlins plan for a new $600 million stadium was just approved.

And what about the players that make these games possible?  The week leading up to this past weekend’s NFL draft hasn’t shown us that spending is down.  The Detroit Lions and the agents for Georgia QB Matthew Stafford were in talks all week to reach a deal before the draft.  Stafford was inked to a 6-year $72 million ($47 million guaranteed) which greatly exceeds Jake Long’s contract.  So the money may be getting out of hand, especially considering we are in an economic crisis.  As a future agent, these probably aren’t the words I should be saying, but it’s probably true.  But where do we place the blame?  Jeff MacGregor, senior writer for ESPN.com and ESPN the Magazine, infers that the fans are just as, if not more, responsible than those within the industry:

“Most of the men and women I’ve met over the years in professional sports would gladly go on playing their games for much less than they’re being paid now…Rather it is the market, reflecting the madness of the individuals who constitute it, that determines the relative value of that calling, whether to be a linebacker or golfer or shortstop. The athlete (and the agent and the owner) just operate within the market we allow them to create.”

At least we know that many players will take less money if the economy forces teams to do so, but probably not without a fight.  We have seen previous examples of extremely unselfish players who opted for lower contracts, despite the current trend for ever-increasing contracts.  Before the 2007 NBA season, Tim Duncan took less money so that the Spurs could create a winning team.  So maybe there’s some hope.  At least we can sleep knowing that not all athletes are only in it for the money.  For most great athletes, it’s about the game…they’ve already made enough money.  As fans we should feel lucky that it hasn’t reached the point where the money is the only factor for most players.  Imagine if the USA basketball team had to revert to using college players for the next Olympics competition.  As for sports in general, this industry may be feeling the effects of the economic crisis, but you can count on it returning to its normal form when the economy rebounds.  The Yankees will continue spending, the Marlins will still probably offer two-fer ticket deals in their new stadium, and most fans will watch ESPN waiting to hear about that next big contract with a mixed response of amazement, excitement, and disgust.  Hopefully I will be negotiating it.

“This is the Business We Chose” from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

Being a casualty of the economy myself, I know how hard it is to find a job, let alone one that pays well. While athletes are still making their millions, we may see in the near future that the size of the contracts decrease. Rule of thumb seems to be contracts get bigger and bigger, but that may all change. The next draft will be that of the NFL draft, and I believe those prospects entering the 2009 NFL draft and the agents representing them will soon realize the dollars may not be there like in the past.

In the ’08 draft we saw number 1 pick Jake Long sign a 5 year $57.75 million contract, making him the richest offensive lineman in the NFL. We also saw Matt Ryan sign a 6 year $72 million contract with $34.75 million in guarantees. Those numbers are staggering in any economy. With the Lions most likely landing the number one pick it will be very interesting what kind of money they are willing to spend. Let’s not forget that Detroit has been hit hard during this economic downturn.

When it’s signing endorsement deals, free agents, draft picks, or in the Yankees and Mets cases filling brand new stadiums, things as we know it in the sporting world has most certainly changed. It’s now just a matter of how long will this last.

Sports and the Economy from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

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.

NFL Rookie Contracts: Fair Or Not? from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

“The owners allowed the agents to beat their rear ends,” Mortensen said Wednesday on Mike and Mike In The Morning.  Mortensen went to proclaim, “The rookie salary cap issue is a brilliant public relations stunt by the NFL. It’s not like owners will take care of veterans if rookies had a cap. There’s $400M available now for that. Why should rookies like Jake Long and Matt Ryan be punished? Owners are asking to be saved because agents beat them in negotiations.”  He is clearly calling out the managers for starting this issue and helping it progress and only now complaining about it.

Chris later talks about how he believes these college players deserve the money they are making in the NFL because they proved their worth by playing and dominating college football.  He claims that because football is more physically demanding than basketball and baseball it forces the athletes to go through several years of college in preparation for the NFL.  NBA and MLB lottery picks usually do not stay in college for as long as the NFL’s top picks.

Although I see his logic, I believe that all sports are physically challenging in different ways and that the top picks in each sport have worked hard to reach the level they are at.  There is always going to be picks that do not pan out the way the teams hoped they would, but that is athletics.  If the kid is picked in the top five or ten in the draft and the team spends millions on him, you can bet that same team did their homework and knows everything about the kid, from his jump shot to his first kiss.  Or at least I’d hope they know a lot about the athlete they are drafting.

I believe that these athletes, even the one and done college players, deserve every penny that they are signing for.  These athletes have trained their entire life for this moment, and with one play can get injured and lose all that they have worked for.  The athletes deserve the guaranteed money in their contracts and some (like LeBron, Adrian Peterson and many others) have made a huge impact on their teams and actually deserve the large salaries they have received.

Although we watch these stars on T.V. and it may seem like only a game, this is their life and their jobs.  They have to support themselves and their families just like individuals who work in an office or teach at universities.   These athletes can only play their sports for so many years (10-15 at the most), unlike someone who can work as a teacher or businessman for 30-40 years, and as we know, these athletes often make poor financial decisions (Gambling With Your Career).  There are also many others looking to help these athletes lose their money effectively.  According to the Toronto Star, filing for bankruptcy is a tradition for NBA players, as 60% go broke five years after they retire.  This shows,that not only do these athletes need the money but also they need to find agents to help manage the millions that they are now earning.

I believe that rookie salaries are extremely high right now especially when compare them to the wages veterans who have played in the league and proved themselves for many years receive.  However, do not blame the rookies for having great “ambassadors of quam” to represent them.  Blame the managers and people in the front office for not paying you (veterans) higher salaries.  These veterans should talk to their agents and put pressure on them and the teams they represent.

“The Owners Allowed The Agents To Beat Their Rear Ends.” from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

Sports Agents

• Formation Group is trying to take a page out of IMG, Octagon, and WMG’s book [New football trend: players to lend their wages back to clubs].
• Hawaii agents take notice! [Hawaii Athlete Agent Law Takes Effect July 1]

Baseball

• Interesting read on what has happened to some of the cast of Moneyball [Where Are They Now? Moneyball].

Basketball

• Was death of Len Bias an indictment of an entire system rife with hypocrisy, or merely a poor decision by a young man who should have known better?  Read this! [The Day Innocence Died - E-Ticket]
• Sonny Vaccaro vs. the NCAA.  My money is on Sonny (enjoy the rhyme?) [The New Republic Profiles Sonny Vaccaro].

Football

• When you win the Super Bowl, even the right-guards get paid a healthy salary [Snee signs $43.5M deal as Giants keep young offensive line together].
• Will a threatened action by Congress make the NFL and NFLPA start caring more about their retired players? [Congress invokes antitrust].
• Roger Goodell is not fond of Jake Long’s contract [Goodell on rookie pay: 'There's something wrong'].

Hockey

• NHL Salary Cap will be $56.7 million for the 2008-09 season. Teams must spend at least $40.7 million on their players, though [NHL salary cap set for 2008-09 season].

Golf

• Win a tournament, think your on top of the world, and move from a small agency to a behemoth [Anthony Kim lands with IMG].
• NY based model and talent agency, Wilhelmina, will market 7 of the finest LPGA golfers as the W7.  Check out one of the girls who make up the 7 below.

Shabbat Shalom: Friday Wrap-Up from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

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.

Schackman’s 2008 NFL Mock Draft (Final Version) from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

This is where things get interesting, if Jake Long and the Dolphins can not agree on a deal, it can send a ripple throughout the top 10. This is where Mr. Tom Condon will really work for his money, literally. If the two sides can not reach an agreement it will almost eliminate the chances of his client, Jake Long, going number 1, and the Dolphins will then turn their attention to Chris Long and Vernon Gholston.

If Jake Long does not sign this deal, he is making a huge mistake. Let’s assume he doesn’t sign. I believe the number 1 pick will then be Vernon Gholston. In most mock drafts people believe Gholston is going anywhere between 4-7. The money at number 1 will be far greater than that of picks 4-7. I do believe the Dolphins will contact Chris Long before Gholston, but he won’t jump on the opportunity as fast as Gholston. Chris Long knows if he doesn’t go 1, he’ll go 2. Gholston just has a lot more to gain by taking the Dolphins offer than Chris Long.

Back to big Jake. If he doesn’t take the Dolphins deal there is a realistic chance he drops to number 5, which will cost him millions. In the end I believe Condon and Long get the deal done, making Jake Long the number 1 pick.

First To Sign, Is The Winner from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

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.

Schackman’s 2008 NFL Mock Draft (Part 3) from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules