Guys like Albert Elias give me hope.  Albert also went to a school with one of the biggest athletic programs in the nation.  In fact, his school is an SEC rival of my own.  He completed his undergraduate degree at LSU and also went to law school.  Since graduating, Elias has used his connection to LSU to his favor.  He and his company, Elias Sports Management, currently represent 11 NFL active players who are from his alma mater.  Jarvis Green is probably his most popular client.

Now, if only Tim Tebow were reading this post…

(Albert and his client, Herman Johnson, are pictured below)

1.      St. Louis – QB Sam Bradford ~ Oklahoma = The Rams could go ahead and get their quarterback of the future with the first overall pick. Bradford might have been the top pick had he come out in 2009, so it’s pretty much safe to say he’s the frontrunner for #1 overall in 2010.

2.      Cincinnati – DE Carlos Dunlap ~ Florida = At 6′6″ 290, Dunlap reminds many of Mario Williams coming out of college. He is just scratching the surface of his potential and in the SEC last year as a sophomore he posted 9.5 sacks & 13.5 TFL.

3.      Detroit – OT Russell Okung ~ Oklahoma State = Detroit passed up on a left tackle in this year’s draft and will have to address this position if they could get Okung here who is a potential franchise tackle in the making.

4.      Cleveland – S Eric Berry ~ Tennessee = Best player on the board who could come in and start right away for Cleveland. Berry is a 1^st team All-American, SEC defensive player of the year, and lead the nation in interceptions, all as a true sophomore. He also runs the 40 yard dash in 4.30 seconds and could easily play corner.

5.      Oakland – S Taylor Mays ~ USC = Al Davis won’t be able to pass up on this 6′3″ 230 freakish athlete who was timed at 4.32 at USC, did 26 reps of 225 and posted a 41 inch vertical. Imagine what he’ll do at next year’s combine.

6.      Kansas City – WR Arrelious Benn ~ Illinois = I thought Kansas City should’ve taken WR Michael Crabtree to give Head Coach Todd Haley dual threats at receiver, so Benn is the next best thing and will enable the team to have a guy who is a threat to score every time he touches the ball.

7.      Denver – DT Gerald McCoy ~ Oklahoma = Denver will need a guy who can control the middle or play end. McCoy could have been a top 20 pick in this year’s draft and will surely be a top 10 pick next year barring an injury.

8.      Tampa Bay – DE Everson Griffin ~ USC = In high school at 6′4″ 270, this guy ran a 4.46 40 yard dash which is just scary. As a freshman he became the first defensive lineman to start at USC in 21 years. He will be a junior next year.

9.      Jacksonville – CB Joe Haden ~ Florida = Haden has been quoted as “the most conditioned player on the entire Gator team” and can almost bench 400 pounds at only 190 lbs. He also has a 38+ inch vertical and he’s 5′11″.

10.   San Francisco – OLB Sergio Kindle ~ Texas = Kindle is one of the most talented linebackers to ever attend Texas and has been compared to LB Derrick Johnson. He may or may not slip because of a DUI that he got in 2007.

11.  Seattle – OT Bryan Baluga ~ Iowa = Baluga is another near prototype lineman to come out of Iowa. He is very athletic having played guard in his career as well as tackle. Seattle could get their eventual replacement for LT Walter Jones at pick 11 which would be impossible to pass up on.

12.  Green Bay – CB Trevard Lindley ~ Kentucky = Green Bay will have starting corners who are both well into their 30’s after this season, and Lindley could come in and compete for CB’s Will Blackmon & Tramon Williams for a starting role.

13.  Washington – DT Ndamukong Suh ~ Nebraska = An absolute monster in the middle, Suh last season became the first defensive lineman to lead the Cornhuskers in tackles since 1973. At 6′4″ 300 he has an amazing combination of strength and speed.

14.  Arizona – WR Dez Bryant ~ Oklahoma State = Assuming the Cardinals are eventually going to get rid of WR Anquan Boldin and not grant him a rich contract, Bryant could come in and give them great playmaking ability. At 6′2″ 210 he has great size, and had 87 catches 1,480 yards, and 19 touchdowns last year as a sophomore.

15.  Buffalo – TE Jermaine Gresham ~ Oklahoma = Gresham could’ve been a top 15 pick this year and I was very surprised he returned. At 6′6″ 261 he has incredible size, to go along with very good speed and a deep basketball background.

16.  New York Jets – DT/NT Terrence Cody ~ Alabama = Current NT Kris Jenkins will be 31 after next season and has already had a list of injury problems. Cody is 6′5″ 365 lbs. and can dunk a basketball at his current weight. Not only that, he moves incredibly well and can absolutely manhandle people. A player who requires a double team every time.

17.  Houston – OLB/DE Greg Hardy ~ Ole Miss = Houston may have another bigger need elsewhere, but Hardy is one of my top prospects heading into next season, he is an absolute terror off the edge, and is so athletic Ole Miss lines him up at wide receiver in the red zone.

18.  San Diego – OT Ciron Black ~ LSU = Another potential franchise tackle in the NFL, Black almost declared for the draft last year but decided to stay for his senior season. At 6′5″ 320, Black has started 40 consecutive games for LSU and is a two time 2^nd team All-SEC selection.

19.  Miami – ILB Brandon Spikes ~ Florida = Spikes could come in and team with ILB Channing Crowder to give them a scary combination in the middle. Spikes is a huge hitter who flat out makes plays for a defense.

20.  Seattle (from Denver) – RB Jahvid Best ~ California = Best is one of the most electrifying players in the nation, similar to RB Noel Devine from West Virginia. He will find himself drafted in the 1^st or 2^nd round somewhere next year if he declares.

21.  Atlanta – OT Trent Williams ~ Oklahoma = Trent Williams is an extremely athletic, big (6′5″300) tackle who could play right or left for Atlanta.

22.  Baltimore – OLB George Selvie ~ USF = Baltimore could add another 3-4 outside backer to give some insurance behind LB Terrell Suggs or start opposite him. Selvie is one of the most productive & consistent players in the nation.

23.  Minnesota – QB Tim Tebow ~ Florida = The Vikings don’t have an answer at quarterback and would be lucky to get Tebow here. After having one of the greatest careers in college football history, Tebow will work on his mechanics and be a player any NFL general manager would want on their team.

24.  New York Giants – ILB Rolando McClain ~ Alabama = LB Antonio Pierce isn’t getting any younger and McClain is a monster hitter who is 6′4″ 255 and was a 1^st team All-SEC selection last year.

25.  Indianapolis – CB Javier Arenas ~ Alabama = At 5′9″ 200 lbs., Arenas is built like a small house and not only is a solid cover guy, is one of the best return men in the nation.

26.  San Francisco(from Carolina) – DT Marvin Austin ~ North Carolina = The 49ers aren’t strong at defensive tackle and Austin is another very athletic, talented defensive lineman to come out of UNC.

27.  New Orleans – TE Rob Gronkowski ~ Arizona = I won’t be surprised if TE Jeremy Shockey wears out his welcome in New Orleans after another injury filled year. Gronkowski is one of the most talented tight ends in the entire country and is 6′6″ 265.

28.  Dallas – WR Brandon LaFell ~ LSU = Getting rid of T.O. will prove to be a smart move, but his on the field production won’t be replaced by WR Patrick Crayton or WR Miles Austin. LaFell is a guy who could really come into his own this year and get drafted much higher.

29.  Tennessee – RB Jonathan Dwyer ~ Georgia Tech = Tennessee could try and trade RB LenDale White as they were rumored to have been trying to do on draft day. The 6′0″ 235 lb ACC player of the year would be a great replacement.

30.  Pittsburgh – S Major Wright ~ Florida = Wright could be the heir apparent to S Ryan Clark, teaming with all-pro S Troy Polamalu this would be a dynamic pair well into the future.

31.  New England – C Kristofer O’Dowd ~ USC = The first freshman to start at center in USC history. O’Dowd is an imposing, powerful center who could really excel in the NFL right away.

32.  Philadelphia – DE Greg Romeus ~ Pittsburgh = Philadelphia values the offensive and defensive line extremely high in the draft, so expect them to add depth here and take the best player.

Fringe 1^st rounder’s – QB Colt McCoy, RB Joe McKnight, RB C.J. Spillar, RB LaGarrette Blount, WR Damien Williams, TE Dennis Pita, OT Adam Ulatowski, OT Sam Young, CB Ras-I Dowling, DT Lawrence Marsh, OLB/DE Jerry Hughes, DE Eric Noorwood, OLB Sean Witherspoon, OLB Rennie Curran, S Earl Thomas

For some more mocks, check out DC Pro Sports Report and NFL Draft Dog

-Stafford is the only player that makes sense here for the Lions. As crazy as it sounds the Lions do have some weapons on offense, now they need a long term signal caller.

2. St. Louis Rams: Jason Smith (OT, Baylor)

-With Orlando Pace’s career soon coming to an end, and Andre Smith’s situation Smith is the favorite at left tackle.

3. Kansas City Chiefs: Aaron Curry (LB, Wake Forest)

-Curry is an absolute stud and would be a huge upgrade to a very young defense. Not only can play the middle or outside linebacker, he also makes the most sense for the Chiefs.

4. Seattle Seahawks: B.J Raji (DT, Boston College)

Raji may have been this pick regardless, but with the recent signing of T.J Houshmandzadeh I believe we can pencil this in now. Let’s not forget they lost defensive tackle Rocky Bernard.

5. Cleveland Browns: Brian Orakpo (DE, Texas)

-While the Browns were one of the biggest disappointments last season, they have an offense that has the potential to put up a lot of points. With that said they’ll be looking for a defensive upgrade. Orakpo is the best pass-rusher in this draft and an absolute specimen.

6. Cincinnati Bengals: Eugene Monroe ( OT, Virginia)

-There was a point not so long ago when the tackle position was a strength of the Bengals. Well that’s no longer the case. Keeping Carson Palmer healthy is priority number 1.

7. Oakland Raiders: Michael Crabtree (WR, Texas Tech)

-While Crabtree may be a question mark, he’s a playmaker and someone Al Davis just can’t pass up on. Maybe this offense will finally be able to move the football.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jeremy Maclin (WR, Missouri)

-While the Jags have one of the top running games in the NFL, they sorely miss a playmaking wide receiver. Not only can Maclin help the offense, but he would also improve their special teams.

9. Green Bay Packers: Everette Brown (DE, Florida St.)

-With the Packers transitioning to the 3-4 the Packers will be looking to add defensive playmakers that can fit into both the 3-4 or 4-3 defense. Brown is versatile and a very good outside pass-rusher.

10. San Francisco 49ers: Michael Oher (OT, Ole Miss)

-This pick can go in a few directions, but I’m pretty sure quarterback won’t be the selection. Oher is a versatile tackle who would fit in perfectly opposite left tackle Joe Staley.

11. Buffalo Bills: Aaron Maybin ( DE, Penn St.)

-Maybe isn’t the ideal pick here for the Bills but with some questions along the defensive line it makes sense. He should be able to step in as a pass-rush specialist.

12. Denver Broncos: Tyson Jackson (DE, LSU)

-This is without a doubt the wild card pick of the first round. With a new head coach, a new defensive coordinator, and a new defensive scheme the Broncos can go in numerous directions. They can go defensive end, outside linebacker, or middle linebacker. With that said, Jackson is not only the best player available, but an ideal fit at the defensive end spot.

13. Washington Redskins: Andre Smith (OT, Alabama)

-Jon Jansen and Chris Samuels are nearing the end of their careers and its time to add some depth along their offensive line. While Smith may have made a bonehead decision at the combine, he is still one of the top lineman in the draft and could sure up the tackle position for years to come.

14. New Orleans Saints: Malcolm Jenkins (CB, Ohio St.)

-Drafting Jenkins could go a long way in trying to sure up a horrid secondary. Jenkins is versatile and could step in at corner or safety. He’s big, athletic and has the ball-hawking skills the Saints sorely lack.

15. Houston Texans: Clay Matthews (LB, USC)

-The Texans have sured up their defensive line and now it’s time to patch up the rest of their defense. Matthews has been screaming up draft boards with his versatility and motor. Of the three USC linebackers he may be the most complete.

16. San Diego Chargers: Rey Maualuga (LB, USC)

-The Chargers defense was not their typical defense of the past. While losing Merriman was a huge set back, adding a big, mean body in the middle like Maualuga could go a long way to bringing back that smash mouth style defense.

17. New York Jets: Darrius Heyward-Bey (WR, Maryland)

-This is one of the more difficult selections in this draft. While they currently don’t have a viable quarterback option, I believe they will sign a vet or even see Brett Ratliff win the job. The Jets defense is loaded and its time to add weapons on offense. Heyward-Bey, has size and tremendous speed, he could go a long way to helping out whoever the quarterback is.

18. Chicago Bears: Vontae Davis (CB, Illinois)

-The Bears seemed to take a step back from their physical, intimidating defense of the past. Davis is big, strong and plays the run well. He should be the perfect fit in the Bears secondary.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mark Sanchez (QB, USC)

-I’m sorry but I’m not sold on Luke McCown or Josh Johnson, both dubbed quarterbacks of the future. Sanchez has the accuracy and poise needed to run the Bucs offense. Plus he’s a great value pick here at 19.

20. Detroit Lions: Percy Harvin (WR, Florida)

-The Lions got their quaterback, now its time to add some weapons. Harvin will fit right in at the slot position and is a game-breaker in every sense of the word.

21. Philadelphia Eagles: Chris Wells (RB, Ohio St.)

-The Eagles will be thrilled if Wells falls to them. Not only is he the best back in the draft, the Eagles sorely need that bruising running back to take pressure off of Brian Westbrook.

22. Minnesota Vikings: Peria Jerry (DT, Ole Miss)

-The Vikings really don’t seem to have any glaring needs, at least that can be addressed with the 22^nd pick. Jerry could be a nice rotational player on their line, plus there are still legal issues with the both Williams’ tackles.

23. New England Patriots: Brian Cushing (LB, USC)

-Cushing would be a great pickup for the depleted Patriots defense. Their linebackers aren’t getting any younger and Cushing is a perfect fit in a 3-4 defense.

24. Atlanta Falcons: Brandon Pettigrew (TE, Okla St.)

-To my surprise the Falcons come into this draft in great shape. The Falcons can go defensive tackle, safety or tight end. Pettigrew is the best tight end in this draft and would be a nice upgrade for the young Matt Ryan.

25. Miami Dolphins: Robert Ayers (DE, Tennessee)

-While the Dolphins were another pleasant surprise I believe they will look to add another versatile defensive lineman. Ayers could line up outside or play with his hand to the ground.

26. Baltimore: Alphonso Smith (CB, Wake Forest)

-The Ravens secondary has been banged up the past few seasons and it looks like they will be without both McAlister and Samari Rolle. Smith is the best corner remaining, and makes a ton of sense for the Ravens.

27. Indianapolis: Hakim Nicks (WR, UNC)

-With Harrison out, adding another receiver would be a good move. Not only Nicks big, but he’s fast too. Peyton would surely be able to take advantage of such a weapon.

28. Philadelphia: Eben Britton (OT, Arizona)

-The Eagles find themselves in the same situation as the Redskins at this pick. Runyan and Tra Thomas are aging fast and it won’t be long until the Eagles will need to replace them.

29. New York Giants: James Laurinitis (LB, Ohio St.)

-This is actually quite the lovely situation for the Gmen. Not only did they add two defensive tackles, but they also added a very athletic linebacker in Michael Boley. Laurinitis, is not only the value pick, but a pick that also completes the defense.

30. Tennessee: Darius Butler (CB, UCONN)

-The Titans don’t necessarily need a cornerback, but he’s the best players available and someone that should be able to find himself in nickel and dime situation.

31. Arizona: Knowshon Moreno (RB, Georgia)

-I think it’s fair to say Edge has talked his way out of Arizona. With that said Moreno makes a ton of sense here at 31. He’s a strong, flashy runner who when teaming with Hightower and Arrington would make a nice little trio. I would even go as far as saying as he’s an upgrade over James.

32. Pittsburgh: Alex Mack (C, Cal)

-Yes, the Steelers are Super Bowl champs, but they really need to sure up that offensive line. Mack is the top center in this draft and would be the first step to improving a decent offensive line.

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

At AthleticFrame.com, an individual looking for a great wall-piece or an athletic program interested in purchasing in volume will find three different types of frames.  There is the Fanfare Sports Frame, Dynasty Sports Frame, and Legacy Sports Frame. The Fanfare Sports Frame is the most basic and least expensive, option.  It is a 12″x14″ frame with a black moulding and a small school logo below the main picture.  The Dynasty Sports Frame (Dynasty = brilliant name choice!) is a large step up from the Fanfare.  It is much cleaner looking, includes a brief history of the school, has a better quality logo, but has the same type moulding.  It has slightly larger dimensions as well.  My suggestion is to pay the extra money and go for the Legacy Sports Frame and choose the Encore mahogany moulding.  At 17″x29″ it is quite large and honestly, gorgeous.  There are two information panels that may be customized with the school’s athletic program history, summary of a winning season, season stats, fight song, etc.

Church Hill Classics was nice enough to send me two frames to review: the Fanfare Sports Frame and Legacy Sports Frame.  If they were not so beautiful, I would probably burn them (I was sent one for South Carolina and Louisiana State University…two of UF’s rivals).  The Fanfare Sports Frame (pictured right) dons the crimson and black of South Carolina University.  To be quite honest, I was not as blown away by this particular product as I was by the Legacy.  The frame was of high quality, and is quite beautiful, but sitting next to the Legacy Sports Frame, it gets lost in the shuffle.  Whatever is lacking in the Fanfare Sports Frame is made up, and then some, with AthleticFrame.com’s Legacy Sports Frame.

Check out the LSU Legacy Sports Frame that I received in the mail (pictured left).  Take a look at the gloss cherry finish and black accents that make the frame stand out in any setting.  As previously noted, I am not an LSU fan, but I can assure you that this item will make a perfect gift to someone who is.  Most NCAA football and basketball programs can be applied to the frame.  I can only imagine how beautiful it would look in orange and blue.

I also prefer the center image in the Legacy Sports Frame over that of the Fanfare, but those images are entirely customizable by the purchasing customer.  Instead of a stadium, you have the option of inserting a player photo, game tickets, pieces of uniforms, etc.  It truly is a gift that lasts forever.

You can feel confident when purchasing from AthleticFrame.com.  The website is a subsidiary of DiplomaFrame.com, which is the leading producer of diploma frames and has been in business for over seventeen years.  Some reasons to purchase an athletic frame are, as a player gift, MVP gift, donor gift, coach award, sports banquet item, and stadium concession product.  If you decide to purchase one, go ahead and take a picture of it and link to it in the comments section.

If you are interested in having your product reviewed on this website, please contact us for further information.

For Immediate Release

ROBERT LARA STAYS TRUE TO HIS COLORS
Becomes the First Drafted Player in the 2008 MLB Class to Sign with Dynasty

HOLLYWOOD, FL – July 1, 2008, Robert Lara, a 6′2 205 lbs pitcher out of University of Central Florida has signed with Dynasty Athlete Representation, LLC.  Lara was selected in the 19th round by the San Diego Padres in the 2008 MLB Amateur Draft and is currently playing for the Arizona League affiliate.  Through five games with the club, Lara is batting .500 with a home-run and six RBIs.  In his very first at bat with the Padres, he smacked a home-run.

Robert Lara was destined to be a Dynasty client.  He graduated from Nova High School, which is the same school that Dynasty CEO, Darren Heitner, attended.  At Nova, Lara led the school to a state title in 2005, a team that was ranked No. 1 nationally in the final USA Today poll.  He shed the green and gold jersey of Nova High only to come back to his roots and don the proud colors of Dynasty.

Lara was drafted in the 17th round of the 2005 MLB Draft by the Minnesota Twins.  He opted to decline signing and spent a couple of years playing at LSU before transferring to UCF for his junior year.  Robert was selected to the Johnny Bench Award Watch List due to his strong catch and throw skills along with his consistency in putting up good at-bats.  He now joins the San Diego Padres organization and is excited about what the future has in store.

More information about Dynasty Athlete Representation or Robert Lara: www.dynastyreps.com

Darren Heitner 954.558.6999 dheitner@dynastyreps.com

###

• Barry Bonds has a Blackberry that works. If you are an MLB GM, he will wait for your call, even if it comes midway through the 2008 season [Bonds: 'I'm not going to retire'].
• DeAngelo Hall is going from one troubled team to another, but will surely enjoy his paycheck [Source: After trade to Raiders, Hall to get seven-year, $70 million deal].
• Unlike Hall, Les Miles decided to stick around his old team (albeit a much better team), and signed a new deal to coach LSU at a price of at least $3.751 million a year for 5 years [LSU, Miles agree on restructured five-year deal].
• Add the GM of the Cleveland Indians to the vocal sports community backing Obama [Showing support for Obama].
• Right alongside Scott Boras, Drew Rosenhaus is constantly covered by the media [Rosenhaus helps clients get dream and green].
• Leigh Steinberg continues his mission to make the world more green [Meet Minneapolis Names Leigh Steinberg Keynote Speaker for Annual Meeting].
• Interested in finding out where the AP Top 25 college basketball teams’ coaches publicly donate their money? [Top 25 BB coaches donate to… more hoops.]

This week’s featured post is Paul Schackman’s 3rd installment of his 2008 NFL Mock Draft. You can find it on the right hand column by clicking Featured.

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.