While Dominic Perilli is working hard on the next release of his 2010 NFL Mock Draft, I figured that I would start to take a look at the players he has listed, by position, and see what agents they have signed to help them with preparations for the draft.  Many players will change their agents at least once leading up to the draft; it’s just the nature of the beast known as the NFL.  Let’s start with the sexiest position on the field: The QBs.

The round and pick number below is based on Dominic’s November 21, 2009 NFL Mock Draft update.

First Round

8. Jimmy Clausen (Notre Dame) – Pro Tect Management

9. Sam Bradford (Oklahoma) – Creative Artists Agency (CAA)

Second Round

39. Tony Pike (Cincinnati) – Rep 1 Sports

42. Tim Tebow (Florida) – Athletic Resource Management (ARM)

Third Round

70. Levi Brown (Troy) – JL Sports

92. Dan LeFevour (Central Michigan) – Not yet selected

I recently covered Pro Tect Management and its principal, Gary Wichard.  He would definitely enjoy having his QB off of the board before any other QB.

Nothing surprising about CAA having a high profile QB client.

Rep 1 Sports represents another quarterback you have heard of: Ben Roethlisberger.  Roethlisberger played at Miami University in Ohio.  Cincinnati is close by.

Jimmy Sexton and ARM were able to sneak in and sign Timmy Tebow.  It is known that Tebow was not interviewing or talking to any agents prior to graduating.  The guy played by the rules.  He could use the help of Sexton, who represents Rex Ryan (NY Jets Head Coach), Brian Schottenheimer (NY Jets Offensive Coordinator), Bill Parcells (Miami Dolphins Exec VP of Football), Tony Sparano (Miami Dolphins Head Coach), Jim Schwartz (Detroit Lions Head Coach), and Brian Daboll (Cleveland Browns Offensive Coordinator).

Joe Linta of JL Sports had his client Joe Flacco signed with the Ravens before training camp so that he could compete for the starting job, which he eventually won.  Flacco has turned into a solid quarterback, leading his team to the playoffs this year.  Flacco went to a school not known for producing QBs.  When is the last time you heard of a QB from Troy making it in professional football?

Any thoughts on who Dan LeFevour signs with?  His best wide-receiver, Antonio Brown (who just finished his Junior year) just signed with Drew Rosenhaus.  Will LeFevour join his #1 playmaker?

I’m sure that the news about the New York Jets‘ benching safety Kerry Rhodes is old at this point. However, a new story has surfaced in the midst of his changing position to pine pony. When Rhodes signed his contract with the Jets, the signing bonus and base salary were apparently only guaranteed for an injury, not skill. What this means is that since Rhodes is benched, it is becoming increasingly likely that the Jets will cut him. If they do that, Rhodes is out $4.78 million.

• Signing Bonus = $2 million
• Base Salary = $2.78 million

Do not think for one second that Rhodes is the victim here. His lackluster play is far from acceptable. Many have noticed that he is not putting in the 110% that he should. I feel that this is a good thing on the Jets’ part. There is nothing worse than a player who plays poorly and still gets paid what he would if he were playing normally. It is unfair to the other players and unfair to the team.

First Round

1. St. Louis Rams – Ndamukong Suh – DT – Nebraska (Maximum Sports)

The Rams need a boost somewhere on the field this season. Ndamukong Suh is possibly one of the best defensive line prospects to enter the draft since Warren Sapp. He penetrates the backfield and gets a boatload of TFLs. He will be a solid fit in St. Louis.

2. Detroit Lions – Gerald McCoy – DT – Oklahoma (CAA/Kelli Masters Mgmt)

McCoy’s stock seemed to drop a bit after the combine but I think he is still a playmaker and worthy of the number 2 spot.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Eric Berry – S – Tennessee (Allegiant Atheletic Agency)

The Bucs have an up-and-coming defense and can really use a showstopper like Eric Berry. Berry is an extremely instinctive player and is really physical. Sabby Piscitelli just isn’t cutting it for TB. Berry is a solid pick at 3 overall.

4. Washington Redskins – Sam Bradford – QB – Oklahoma (CAA)

Believe it or not, Jason Campbell is done in Washington. He is very inconsistent and failed to spark the ‘Skins. The Redskins are going to have to pick the best quarterback in the draft. And in their mind, Bradford is him.

5. Kansas City Chiefs – Russell Okung – OT – Oklahoma State (All-Pro Sports)

The Chiefs just can’t afford to pass up on Okung at this spot. He has held the number one OT spot for a while and it’s for a reason.

6. Seattle Seahawks – Bryan Bulaga – OT – Iowa (CAA)

With Walter Jones pretty much done in Seattle, Bulaga will come in to be a solid pass protector.

7. Cleveland Browns – Derrick Morgan – DE – Georgia Tech (Universal Sports)

The move of Wimbley to Oakland has this choice making more and more sense. Derrick Morgan is an extremely effective pass-rusher who will solidify the Browns’ defensive front.

8. Oakland Raiders – Anthony Davis – OT – Rutgers (320 Sports)

With Derrick Morgan going to the Browns at 7, the Raiders have to go with their next best option which is Anthony Davis. Davis will give the Raiders the anchor that they need on the offensive line to put their quarterback in a position to be successful.

9. Buffalo Bills – Mike Iupati – OG – Idaho (Rep 1 Sports)

With Richie Incognito gone, the Bills have a void at guard (even though Incog was there for a short term). Mike Iupati is an effective run blocker and pass protector.

10. Jacksonville Jaguars – Earl Thomas – S – Texas (Athletes First)

Jacksonville needs an instinctive player in the secondary and Earl Thomas is just that. He has a huge range and has coveted eyes for the football.

11. Denver Broncos (from Chicago) – Rolano McClain – LB – Alabama (ProFiles)

Rolando McClain is a beast of a linebacker. He will work well with the Broncos in an already talented linebacking corps. Very vocal team leader who will fire up the defense. It makes me shiver thinking of McClain and Dawkins on the same D.

12. Miami Dolphins – Dez Bryant – WR – Oklahoma State (Maximum Sports)

Chad Henne needs a nice big target to throw to. Dez Bryant is a beastly specimen of a wide receiver and will do a great job in Miami.

13. San Francisco 49ers – Trent Williams – OT – Oklahoma (Maximum Sports)

The 49ers need all the help they can get on the offensive line and Trent Williams is next on my offensive tackle rankings.

14. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver) – C.J. Spiller – RB – Clemson (Pro Tect Mgmt)

The Seahawks need an every down running back since the black hole of turf swallowed Shaun Alexander a few years back. Spiller is an animal and could’ve started in the NFL in his senior year.

15. New York Giants – Brandon Spikes – LB – Florida (Watson Sports Agency)

Brandon Spikes has been criticized for his lateral speed but Antonio Pierce really didn’t have any either. Spikes is tough and physical; great fit for the Gmen.

16. Tennessee Titans – Joe Haden – CB – Florida (DSI Sports)

Joe Haden silenced his critics at his Pro Day when he ran a sub-4.5 40-yard dash. Haden has excellent mechanics and is a great cover corner.

17. San Francisco 49ers (from Carolina) – Jason Pierre-Paul – DE – USF (Rosenhaus Sports)

Pierre-Paul is a freak of nature and is high on every team’s draft board. I’m convinced he can dominate as either a DE or 3-4 OLB.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers – Bruce Campbell – OT – Maryland (Rosenhaus Sports)

Bruce Campbell is a monster of an offensive tackle and he is diesel and quick. The Steelers will be very happy if they take Campbell.

19. Atlanta Falcons – Sean Weatherspoon – OLB – Missouri (Athletes First)

Sean Weatherspoon, in my mind, is the best outside linebacker in the draft and the Falcons can’t afford to miss out on this opportunity.

20. Houston Texans – Jahvid Best – RB – California (Impact Sports)

The Texans have been having some problems running the football as of late. Steve Slaton, in my opinion, still should be the every-down back in Houston. However, he needs someone to come in and relieve the pressure once and a while.

21. Cincinnati Bengals – Jermaine Gresham – TE – Oklahoma (CAA)

Since signing Matt Jones, it looks as though the Bengals have secured a solid number 2 wideout. Tight end is the one position that Cincy really struggles with. Gresham is a very good TE and will prove to be an important part of the Bengals offense.

22. New England Patriots – Golden Tate – WR – Notre Dame (FAAM)

New England failed to give Tom Brady enough reliable targets this past season. Golden Tate is very instinctive and plays the position well. Look for him to flourish in NE.

23. Green Bay Packers – Maurkice Pouncey – C – Florida (BEST)

The Packers need that strong force in the middle of the offensive line to give Ryan Grant some running lanes. Maurkice Pouncey is a physical C/OG who can provide the leverage the Packers need on the offensive line.

24. Philadelphia Eagles – Brandon Graham – DE – Michigan (BEST)

Brandon Graham is unstoppable. This guy is strong and has an extremely high motor to tear up slow offensive tackles. Him along side Trent Cole will be deadly.

25. Baltimore Ravens – Kyle Wilson – CB – Boise State (BEST)

With the acquisition of Anquan Boldin, the Ravens can mark WR off their high draft needs. Kyle Wilson is the best CB in the draft along with Joe Haden.

26. Arizona Cardinals – Taylor Mays – S – USC (Pro Tect Mgmt)

Taylor Mays is a beast. He ran a 4.40 at the combine and weighs 230 pounds. Although he misses tackles here and there, he could work on that and be dominant.

27. Dallas Cowboys – Sergio Kindle – OLB – Texas (BEST)

Sergio Kindle dropped out from my number one OLB spot but he is still a number one contender. The Cowboys could use a guy like him.

28. San Diego Chargers – Carlos Dunlap – DE – Florida (FAAM)

Dunlap’s stock dropped after the combine. He looked a bit small and doesn’t seem to have the drive to succeed as much as the others. However, I think it is appropriate for him to be drafted at this position.

29. New York Jets – Everson Griffen – DE – USC (Pro Tect Mgmt)

The Jets need to get a bit more rush on the quarterback and Everson Griffen will be able to provide for them the talent that they need. I’d like to see them take a CB at this spot but I feel like that position is deep enough for them to grab one in a later round.

30. Minnesota Vikings – Devin McCourty – CB – Rutgers (PlayersRep)

This pick is a wild card and may have to do with how the Vikings approach the draft. Do they pick a QB if Favre leaves? Do they need to better address the safety position? As of right now, it looks like CB is next and McCourty is next on my rankings.

31. Indianapolis Colts – Dan Williams – DT – Tennesee (FAAM)
This may be the steal of the first round. Dan Williams is an insane defensive tackle. He never stops and his motor is intensely high and the Colts need a replacement for Raheem Brock.

32. New Orleans Saints – Chad Jones – S – LSU (Alliance Mgmt)

Second Round

33. St. Louis Rams – Colt McCoy – QB – Texas (Athletes First)

34. Detroit Lions – Charles Brown – OT – USC (Premiere Sports)

35. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Jared Odrick – DT – Penn State (All-Pro Sports)

36. Washington Redskins – Selvish Capers – OT – WVU (PlayersRep)

37. Kansas City Chiefs – Brian Price – DT – UCLA (4th and 9 Sports)

38. San Diego Chargers (from Seattle) – Ryan Mathews – RB – Fresno State (Sun West Sports)

39. Cleveland Browns – Jimmy Clausen – QB – Notre Dame (Pro Tect Mgmt)

40. Oakland Raiders – Corey Wootton – DE – Northwestern (Priority Sports)

41. Buffalo Bills – Demaryius Thomas – WR – Georgia Tech (FAAM)

42. New England Patriots (from Jacksonville Jaguars) – Jonathan Dwyer – Georgia Tech (Dow, Lohnes LLC)

43. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from Chicago) – Arrelious Benn – WR – Illinois (Pro Tect Mgmt)

44. Miami Dolphins – Navorro Bowman – LB – Penn State (Rosenhaus Sports)

45. San Francisco 49ers – Reshad Jones – S – Georgia (BEST)

46. Denver Broncos – Terrence Cody – DT – Alabama (Corporate Athletic Mgmt)

47. New York Giants – Morgan Burnett – S – Michigan (Universal Sports)

48. New England Patriots (from Tennessee) – Kareem Jackson – CB – Alabama (Impact Sports)

49. Carolina Panthers – Greg Hardy – DE – Ole Miss (GAME)

50. Pittsburgh Steelers – Anthony Dixon – RB – Mississippi State (BC Sports)

51. Kansas City Chiefs (from Atlanta) – Rob Gronkowski – TE – Arizona (Rosenhaus Sports)

52. Houston Texans – Perrish Cox – CB – Oklahoma State (Willis & Woy Sports Group)

53. Cincinnati Bengals – Mike Johnson – OG – Alabama (ProFiles)

54. New England Patriots – Jared Veldheer – OT – Hillsdale (Priority Sports)

55. Green Bay Packers – Charles Scott – RB – LSU (SportStars)

56. Philadelphia Eagles – Myron Rolle – S – Florida State (Steinberg Sports)

57. Baltimore Ravens – Jon Asamoah – OG – Illinois (Lock, Metz, Malinovic)

58. Arizona Cardinals – Sean Lee – ILB – Penn State (Priority Sports)

59. Dallas Cowboys – Nate Allen – S – USF (FAAM)

60. Seattle Seahawks (from San Diego) – Eric Decker – WR – Minnesota (FAAM)

61. New York Jets – Brandon LaFell – WR – LSU (E. Overstreet Sports)

62. Minnesota Vikings – Jarrett Brown – QB – WVU (Rosenhaus Sports)

63. Indianapolis Colts – Larry Asante – S – Nebraska (Select Sports Group)

64. New Orleans Saints – Aaron Hernandez – TE – Florida (Athletes First)

Third Round

65. St. Louis Rams – Garrett Graham – TE – Wisconsin (Athletes First)

66. Detroit Lions – Darrell Stuckey – S – Kansas (DeBartolo Sports)

67. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Mitch Petrus – OG – Arkansas (SportStars)

68. Kansas City Chiefs – Rennie Curran – OLB – Georgia (Priority Sports)

69. Oakland Raiders – Jevan Snead – QB – Ole Miss (Select Sports Group)

70. Philadelphia Eagles (from Seattle) – Montario Hardesty – RB – Tennessee (Impact Sports)

71. Cleveland Browns – Amari Spievey – CB – Iowa (PlayersRep)

72. Buffalo Bills – Dan LeFevour – QB – Central Michigan (ProFiles)

73. Miami Dolphins – Jimmy Graham – TE – Miami (FL) (Athletic Resource Mgmt)

74. Jacksonville Jaguars – Tim Tebow – QB – Florida (Athletic Resource Mgmt)

75. Chicago Bears – Barry Church – S – Toledo (Rep 1 Sports)

76. New York Giants – Arthur Jones – DT – Syracuse (Lock, Metz, Malinovic)

77. Tennessee Titans – Jerry Hughes – DE – TCU (CAA)

78. Carolina Panthers – Taylor Price – WR – Ohio (BTI Sports)

79. San Francisco 49ers – Zane Beadles – OG – Utah (Rep 1 Sports)

80. Denver Broncos – LeGarrette Blount – RB – Oregon (Gaylord Sports)

81. Houston Texans – Shawn Lauvao – OG – Arizona State (Athletes First)

82. Pittsburgh Steelers – Brandon Ghee – CB – Wake Forest (Octagon)

83. Atlanta Falcons – Patrick Robinson – CB – Florida State (Universal Sports)

84. Cincinnati Bengals – Major Wright – S – Florida (Impact Sports)

85. Cleveland Browns (from Oakland via New England) – Eric Norwood – OLB – S. Carolina (FAAM)

86. Green Bay Packers – Tyson Alualu – DT – California (Priority Sports)

87. Philadelphia Eagles – A.J. Edds – LB – Iowa (JB Sports)

88. Arizona Cardinals (from Baltimore) – Danario Alexander – WR – Missouri (Select Sports Group)

89. Arizona Cardinals – Jason Fox – OT – Miami (Rosenhaus Sports)

91. Dallas Cowboys – Ciron Black – OT – LSU (Athletic Resource Mgmt)

92. San Diego Chargers – John Jerry – OT – Ole Miss (BC Sports)

93. Cleveland Browns (from New York Jets) – Marty Gilyard – WR – Cincinnati (PlayersRep)

94. Minnesota Vikings – Thomas Austin – OG – Clemson (N/A)

95. Indianapolis Colts – Chris Cook – CB – Virginia (Enter-Sports)

96. New Orleans Saints – Rodrick Muckelroy – OLB – Texas (Select Sports Group)

Fourth Round

97. St. Louis Rams – Dezmon Briscoe – WR – Kansas (Premier Sports)

98. Detroit Lions – Toby Gerhart – RB – Stanford (Athletes First)

99. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Dominique Franks – CB – Oklahoma (Octagon)

100. Kansas City Chiefs – Jordan Shipley – WR – Texas (ProFiles)

101. Washington Redskins – Stafon Johnson – RB – USC (Rosenhaus Sports)

102. Seattle Seahawks – John Skelton – QB – Fordham (Schwartz & Feinsod)

103. Cleveland Browns – Ed Dickson – TE – Oregon (The NOVO Agency)

104. Oakland Raiders – Trevard Lindley – CB – Kentucky (GAME)

105. Buffalo Bills – Geno Atkins – DT – Georgia (ProFiles)

106. Jacksonville Jaguars – Pat Angerer – ILB – Iowa (JB Sports)

107. Chicago Bears – Syd’Quan Thompson – CB – California (Octagon)

108. Miami Dolphins – Ricky Sapp – DE – Clemson (Impact Sports)

109. Tennessee Titans – Anthony McCoy – TE – USC (Priority Sports)

110. Carolina Panthers – Robert Johnson – S – Utah (N/A)

111. San Francisco 49ers – Tony Pike – QB – Cincinnati (Rep 1 Sports)

112. Denver Broncos – Matt Tennent – C – Boston College (Athletes First)

113. New York Giants – Javier Arenas – CB – Alabama (All-Pro Sports)

114. Pittsburgh Steelers – Zac Robinson – QB – Oregon State (Athletes First)

115. Atlanta Falcons – Mike Williams – WR – Syracuse (Enter-Sports)

116. Houston Texans – Kurt Coleman – S – Ohio State (The Institute for Players)

117. New England Patriots – Dennis Pitta – TE – BYU (Athletes First)

118. Cincinnati Bengals – Jacoby Ford – WR – Clemson (FAAM)

119. Philadelphia Eagles – Jeff Byers – OG – USC (Ascent Sports)

120. Green Bay Packers – Jerome Murphy – CB – South Florida (Rosenhaus Sports)

121. Arizona Cardinals (from Baltimore) – Andrew Quarless – TE – Penn State (All-Pro Sports)

122. New York Jets (from Arizona) – Sergio Render – OG – Virginia Tech (N/A)

123. Dallas Cowboys – Akwasi Owusu-Ansah – CB – Indiana (PA) (PlayersRep)

125. San Diego Chargers – Walter Thurmond III – CB – Oregon (BEST)

126. Seattle Seahawks (from Philadelphia via New York Jets) – Tony Moeaki – TE – Iowa (JB Sports)

127. Minnesota Vikings – Lindsey Witten – DE – Connecticut (NC Sports)

128. Indianapolis Colts – Lamaar Houston – DT – Texas (Willis & Woy Sports Group)

129. New Orleans Saints – Alex Carrington – DE – Arkansas State (Maximum Sports)

For some more mocks, check out DC Pro Sports Report, hailRedskins.com Mock Draft Database, & NFL Draft Dog

Yesterday, Shonn Greene signed a 4-year deal with the New York Jets.  I am not a Jets fan and never followed the former Iowa RB closely, so why am I even bringing this up?  It’s because I also happened to come across an excellent post yesterday, concerning the structuring of NFL player contracts for those selected in Day 2 of the draft (rounds 3-7).  Shonn fits that category, as he was selected in the 3rd round of the 2009 NFL Draft, even though many expected the Doak Award Award winner to be off the boards a day earlier.

Anyway, Greene’s 4-year deal is unsurprising.  According to J.I. Halsell, who wrote the post linked to above, the Jets are one of twenty-five NFL teams who give their Day 2 draftees 4-year contracts.  The other seven teams, offer their Day 2 draft picks 3-year contracts.  It’s good to know which teams offer which types of contracts if you plan on representing any players who have a chance of going rounds 3-7.  Halsell notes the following teams as being the 3-year offerors: Arizona, Baltimore, Detroit, Kansas City, New Orleans, Pittsburgh, and Saint Louis.

Halsell goes on to talk about salary escalators in the last year of rookie contracts, and how they differ depending on if it is a 3-year or 4-year contract.  This is an area where the agent and team can negotiate terms.  Keep these things in mind as you start to see more and more Day 2 players signed to their respective teams.

The New York Jets and rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez (#2 QB to be drafted in ‘09) agreed to terms on a 5-year $50.5 million contract. Here are some previous “2nd drafted QBs” dating back to 2005 and their respective contracts:

• 2008 – Joe Flacco (5-year, $11.9 million)
• 2007 – Brady Quinn (5-year, $9.25 million)
• 2006 – Matt Leinart (6-year, $50.8 million)
• 2005 – Aaron Rodgers (6-year, $65 million)

This contract will make Sanchez the highest-paid New York Jet in organization history.

The time of year when Brett Favre declares he’s not done playing and wants to come back after announcing his retirement and proclaiming that he’s officially finished for yet another time.

So from now until the Favre soap opera ends, we will hear countless reports of Favre’s decision making process and read numerous articles about who wants him and who thinks he should go away—and there will be no shortage of drama, tears, and hurtful words, just like on day time TV.

Favre’s indecisiveness during his so-called “retirements” have become almost as famous as his legendary arm, but maybe his inability to make up his mind is what has led to all those interceptions.

Favre’s passion for the game and competitiveness are unrivaled. Can he still play for some team out there? Probably. But, should he continually jerk around fans and teams every off-season because his arm hurt a little after playing a grueling 16-game schedule that didn’t end with what he wanted (a Super Bowl ring), but now feels miraculously better, as if time has magical powers to make a sore arm feel better after you don’t use it for a while?

New York’s release of Favre opens the door for a rendezvous in Minnesota. The Vikings could definitely use a quarterback, and that is where Favre wanted to end up last year. But one year of Favre didn’t save the Jets. It brought the team to a mediocre 9-7 season, going 1-4 in the team’s final five games as Favre tossed nine interceptions and only two touchdown passes.

It led to running back Thomas Jones’ comments that Favre should have been benched in those last few games. So what exactly does Minnesota think they would get that they can’t get from Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels?

Favre is, without a doubt, one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game and he does deserve a chance to come back and play if he so chooses, but either don’t retire prematurely or quietly make up your mind and let us know when you have a solid decision.

Favre, though, has never shied away from the spotlight. He loves talking to the media. And maybe that’s the problem. It seems that every summer there have been two constants; Favre’s thinking comeback and someone’s taking steroids.

Yes, there have been plenty of stars who felt their careers weren’t over and went somewhere unfamiliar to continue playing, like Joe Montana, Emmitt Smith, and Jerry Rice, but there’s a time when it’s just better to say goodbye. Favre has nothing left to prove and the longer he drags his playing career out, the less he will be remembered for what he did on the field with the Packers, and more for the sagas that followed each season at the end of his career.

It’s time to move on.

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

• Alvin Keels and Joel Segal got DeAngelo Hall $54 million ($22.5 million guaranteed) in a 6-year deal with the Redskins.
• The Redskins have already spent a lot not only on Hall, but also on Albert Haynesworth.  Chad Speck got his client a 7-year deal worth a maximum of $115 million if he remains with the team all 7 years and meets all performance bonus clauses ($41 million is guaranteed, including $32 million in the first 13-months of the contract).  Is there still a salary cap in the NFL?  At least the Skins don’t have to worry about Jason Taylor taking money away from the cap (he was released).
• If he knew about this website, Sage Rosenfels would be a fan of our Shabbat Shalom: Friday Wrap-Up.  For the time being, he will be counting his money that the Minnesota Vikings offered him.  Rick Smith got his client a 2-year deal worth $9 million.  Not bad for a guy who does not have the starting job wrapped up in Minnesota.
• Kenneth Vierra did not instruct his client, Chris Kemoeatu, to sign with whatever team presented the most money to his client.  Instead, Kemoeatu accepted a $20 million, 5-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers (including $6 million guaranteed), and passed up a bigger offer from the New York Jets.
• Will Cedric Benson be the starting RB for the Cincinnati Bengals?  Who knows?  What we do know is that Eugene Parker was able to get Benson a 2-year, $7 million deal.
• The Bengals also agreed to terms with Laveranues Coles.  Roosevelt Barnes is happy to see his client join Ocho Cinco.  Barnes also helped structure the 4-year, $28 million contract.
• No one will be competing for the starting inside linebacker position on the Baltimore Ravens.  Ray Lewis tested the free-agent market and did not like what he saw.  Or maybe he just loves being a Raven.  He re-signed with the team, while teammate, Bart Scott, signed with the Jets.
• And last, but not least, some guy that goes by T.O. signed with the Buffalo Bills.  Terrell Owens and his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, accepted a 1-year, $6.5 million deal.  It is a little bit colder in Buffalo than Dallas.

(Also check out Thorn’s Big Board)

Round 1

1. Detroit – QB Matthew Stafford ~ Georgia = If the Lions feel that Stafford is the best player in the draft then they need to do everything they can to get a deal done and draft the kid. I’ve said it before, Stafford’s inconsistency and tendency to disappear in certain situations scares me a little bit. What can’t be ignored is his ability to make every throw on the football field, his great size, and smarts. From all the interviews I’ve seen he comes off as very level headed yet intelligent, which is something you need in a quarterback. I say take the chance on the lineman and lower your chances of a bust, but if they can reach a contract agreement with Stafford he’s the pick.

Agency Representation = CAA

2. St. Louis – OT Jason Smith ~ Baylor = Unless the Rams have another franchise left tackle there hiding somewhere, they have a huge hole at the most critical line position (especially for a right handed quarterback). Smith is a “new wave” tackle with incredible athleticism and strength. He also plays with a vengeance and can really dominate people. With the departure of OT Orlando Pace, the only question is if it’s going to be Smith or Eugene Monroe.

Agency Representation = CAA

3. Kansas City – WR Michael Crabtree ~ Texas Tech = The loss of a big time receiving threat TE Tony Gonzalez further enhances their need for weapons in the passing game. Head Coach Todd Haley was very successful with two dynamic receivers in Arizona and WR Michael Crabtree is a lot like what Haley had in Arizona with WR Larry Fitzgerald. Paired with WR Dwayne Bowe, this could be all the Chiefs need for the next 5-8 years as far as receivers go. Passing up on maybe the safest pick in the draft LB Aaron Curry will be difficult, but selecting a LB better suited for a 4-3 this high is a slight reach no matter how good he is.

Agency Representation = Maximum Sports

4. Seattle -.OT Eugene Monroe ~ Virginia = Seattle could select the best player on the board here (Crabtree) but they may feel like they did enough this off-season to address the receiver position for another year. Eugene has come from a school rich in tradition, he has great size (6′5″ 309), and has a solid all around skill set. With future hall of famer LT Walter Jones to learn from, the chance to start at right tackle for a year, and an excellent system for his pass blocking skills to shine, this would be a very smart pick for the Seahawks.

Agency Representation = 320 Sports

5. Cleveland – LB Aaron Curry ~ Wake Forest = Cleveland could go Orakpo or Raji here, but if Curry slips to them they would be very tempted to pick him up. Curry is regarded as the safest pick in the draft as well as the best overall prospect. He could form arguably the best duo in the league at middle linebacker with ILB D’Qwell Jackson while also lining up outside and rushing the passer. He certainly has the athleticism to do so.

Agency Representation = Octagon

6. Cincinnati – OT/OG Andre Smith ~ Alabama = The Bengals have to protect their franchise quarterback Carson Palmer and develop some kind of running game. Big Andre can come in and start at right tackle, leaving LT Levi Jones one more shot at playing left. Andre was the best lineman in college football last year so getting him here would be a great draft pick by Cincinnati. At 6′4″ 335, Smith is the definition of a mauler and will open up some serious lanes in the running game.

Agency Representation = GMG Football

7. Oakland -  DE Brian Orakpo ~ Texas = Oakland is a very hard team to predict because of owner Al Davis’s infatuation with measurables. Orakpo not only has very impressive measurables, he is the top prospect on the board. I really think if the draft plays out this way, the Raiders should go ahead and take Orakpo. The 2008 unanimous 1^st team All-American was stellar last year for the Longhorns. At 6′4″ 263, Orakpo posted a 38.5 inch vertical, 31 reps of 225, and a 4.70 40 at the combine. All these things I’m sure have impressed owner Al Davis, and Head Coach Tom Cable, being a former offensive line coach, will want to take the guy who can get after the quarterback. WR Jeremy Maclin is another strong possibility here.

Agency Representation = CAA

8. Jacksonville - DT/NT B.J. Raji ~ Boston College = This is something I have rarely seen among mock drafts but makes way too much sense to not be considered seriously. The Jaguars were at their best when they had TWO dominant defensive tackles anchoring the defensive side of the ball. Right now DT John Henderson is 30 years old and wearing down and DT Rob Meier isn’t scaring anybody. The Jaguars were around Raji at the Senior Bowl and they know what he can do. With the reporting signing of WR Torry Holt, the only receiver I can see them taking here is WR Michael Crabtree, if he happened to fall this far. Raji would elevate their entire defense, especially being alongside DT John Henderson.

Agency Representation = Athletes First

9. Green Bay -  OLB/DE Aaron Maybin ~ Penn State = The Packers made the switch to the 3-4 this past off-season and only have one player who can adequately fill the role as a pass rusher (Aaron Kampman). Kampman is nearly 30 years old and much better suited for the 4-3, so selecting Maybin here makes a lot of sense. Maybin can absolutely fly off the football and is demon like when he gets around the edge. Defensive Coordinator Dom Capers is known to run a very aggressive form of the 3-4, and with Maybin to turn lose in passing situations he can do exactly that.

Agency Representation = Blue Equity (unconfirmed)

10. San Francisco – QB Mark Sanchez ~ USC = I have made it known how I feel about Sanchez, he left a sweet taste in everybody’s mouth with his dismantling of Penn State’s secondary in his last game in college. That image has taken him far and he was very wise to declare for the draft. What San Fran would be getting with this guy is someone who already has a huge fan base in California which in this economy is definitely a factor. Aside from that he has all the makings of a great quarterback in the pros (size, arm strength, accuracy). I just am not sold on someone who started only one full season of college football.

Agency Representation = Athletes First

11. Buffalo -.DE/OLB Everette Brown ~ Florida State = The Bills have their top DE Aaron Schobal coming off a serious injury and he will be 32 years old by the time the 2009 season starts. Aside from him they have two lunch pail guys (DE’s Chris Kelsay & Ryan Denney) who are mainly just run stoppers. Brown gives them a serious boost in athleticism at defensive end, and could elevate the defense into the top half of the NFL. This opportunity will be too tempting to pass up if Brown is here.

Agency Representation = JL Sports

12. Denver - CB/S Malcolm Jenkins ~ Ohio State = When you look at Denver’s depth chart, no position besides defensive line has less depth than the secondary (with Raji, Brown, and Maybin gone none of the guys remaining merit the 12^th pick in my opinion) CB Champ Bailey is still a top two corner in football, yet he is 30 years old. We signed free agent CB Andre Goodman from Miami which was smart, but aside from these two it’s a bunch of no names. At safety we have 35 year old Brian Dawkins (who I love) & S Renaldo Hill (a 30 year old we signed from Miami as well). Jenkins is the best player left on the board and he can play either corner or safety for Denver, which makes him extremely valuable.

Agency Representation = CAA

13. Washington – LB Brian Cushing ~ USC = The Redskins are all of a sudden in need of linebackers after cutting LB Marcus Washington and DE/OLB Jason Taylor. Cushing is someone who could fill the role of outside linebacker while also being able to provide a pass rush. The signing of such a dominant force in the middle of the defense (DT Albert Haynesworth) will only enhance everyone’s play around him, especially those rushing the passer.

Agency Representation = CAA

14. New Orleans – CB Vontae Davis ~ Illinois = The Saints haven’t struck gold at corner in ages. Right now they have a whole bunch of second and third corners. Vontae has the ability to develop into a legit number 1. Questions about his character could cause him to slide down a few picks but I don’t see the Saints passing up on a guy who under the right circumstances could become an elite playmaker in the secondary.

Agency Representation = FAAM

15. Houston – RB Chris “Beanie” Wells ~ Ohio State = Houston is one of the few teams left in the NFL that does not have a dynamic second running back. RB Steve Slaton is an undersized guy who relies on his speed and quickness to get his yards; by adding Wells you add a whole new dimension to the running game which will boost an already potent offense.

Agency Representation = DeBartolo Sports

16. San Diego – DE Tyson Jackson ~ LSU = San Diego lost DE Igor Olshansky to the Cowboys and now need to replace a key cog in their 3-4 defense. Jackson is a guy many view as the ideal 3-4 end. He also provides very nice value at this position in the draft; Tyson could go as high as twelve to Denver.

Agency Representation = Maximum Sports

17. New York Jets - WR Jeremy Maclin ~ Missouri = The Jets could really use some speed in their receiving core with the loss of WR Laveranues Coles (Maclin ran a 4.43 40 at his pro day). The Jets also are really weak at receiver with only WR Jerricho Cotchery being proven. Cotchery is much more of a possession receiver as well so picking Maclin here makes a ton of sense. Maclin was one of the biggest playmakers in college football history as well. (Maclin gained 2,776 total yards as a freshman which is a NCAA record then as a sophomore he topped that and gained 2,833 total yards)

Agency Representation = CAA

18. Denver – LB Rey Maualuga ~ USC = Denver dealt their franchise quarterback and now it’s time to move on. Here they would be getting another leader for their defense to go with CB Champ Bailey. With the move to the 3-4, Denver needs a big, strong, hard hitting linebacker smack in the middle of the defense. Maualuga if not anything else, will bring great intensity and the all important intimidation factor that Denver has been lacking since MLB Al Wilson’s departure.

Agency Representation = Premier Sports

19. Tampa Bay – WR Percy Harvin ~ Florida = In Tampa under 32 year old head coach Raheem Morris, Harvin could really thrive. Despite being arguably the biggest playmaker in the draft he may fall this far due to a brief injury history and character concerns. It has been said he doesn’t get along with just anybody, but I have a feeling he would get along great with such a young head coach. Tampa is in need of some speed in their receiving core, and team period, so Harvin could sure help with that.

Agency Representation = Blue Equity

20. Detroit – OT Michael Oher ~ Ole Miss = The Lions are essentially building a new football team, so they must start from the inside. Oher has one of the greatest stories of anybody in the draft with his difficult upbringing, so you know he has the will power to succeed in the league. Aside from that, he was the best offensive lineman at the Senior Bowl,  his run blocking skills excellent and he has a very strong lower body. He may be a better fit at right tackle in the NFL, but is a legit top 20 pick regardless of which side he plays.

Agency Representation = BC Sports

21. Philadelphia – RB Knowshon Moreno ~ Georgia = The Eagles made a terrific move by trading for franchise left tackle Jason Peters. Philly has now one of the better offensive lines in the entire NFL, assuming OG Shawn Andrews comes back healthy. There is no better way to unleash your offensive line on somebody than running the football. With RB Brian Westbrook at the dreaded 30 year old mark, you can potentially get the steal of the draft here. Moreno didn’t blaze the 40 times, so it has caused him to slip in a lot of people’s minds. Turn on the film and you will see one of the most explosive, agile tailbacks to come along in years.

Agency Representation = CAA

22. Minnesota – C Alex Mack ~ Cal = By losing a franchise center in Matt Birk they just gained another to solidify them as having one of the best offensive lines in football.

Agency Representation = N/A

23. New England - LB Larry English ~ Northern Illinois = The Patriots would love to have a player like Larry English. He relies on his work ethic to get by, not just his skill set and athletic ability. He not only has these things, he seems to be in the right place at the right time on the football field which is a signal of a great football player. Head Coach Bill Belichick could put him in the best possible positions to make plays, giving him the right situation to go to as a rookie, which is critical to ANY rookie’s success.

Agency Representation = FAAM

24. Atlanta – LB Clay Matthews ~ USC = Atlanta cut both their starting outside linebackers this past off-season so OLB will be of high priority coming into the draft. Matthews although not very experienced, has great size, good speed, very good athleticism, and a rich NFL bloodline. He was a walk-on at USC and worked himself into a everyday contributor and eventually a starter. GM Thomas Dimitroff could fall in love with him and snatch him up here.

Agency Representation = Athletes First

25. Miami – CB Darius Butler ~ Connecticut = Miami doesn’t have a corner with shutdown capabilities so they will be looking hard for someone who can fill that role. Butler although only 5′9″ 185, has tremendous athletic ability. He ran a 4.38 40 and posted a 43 inch vertical at the combine. People have fallen in love with Butler, and with the AFC East’s strength of receivers, the Dolphins could feel inclined to take him.

Agency Representation = Rosenhaus Sports

26. Baltimore – TE Brandon Pettigrew ~ Oklahoma State = The Ravens don’t take very many chances when it comes to the draft. They take the best players who fit their scheme. Pettigrew is the best prospect on the board and would fit beautifully in the smash mouth offense in Baltimore. He can catch, block, and use his body very well to screen defenders. He also would be surrounded by some great leadership in Baltimore which will really help his development.

Agency Representation = Octagon

27. Colts – DT Peria Jerry ~ Ole Miss = The Colts are a team that likes quick, penetrating defensive tackles who fit the 3 technique to a tee. Jerry is exactly that type of prospect, and coming into Indianapolis he would have the opportunity to start right away.

Agency Representation = BC Sports

28. Bills – OT Eben Britton ~ Arizona = In trading away your franchise left tackle your entire offensive line takes a giant hit. This pick would soften that blow tremendously with Britton’s ability to come in and play either left or right tackle. QB Trent Edwards is going to need time to get the ball to newly acquired WR Terrell Owens. Britton is 6′6″ 310, and is equally stout vs. the run & pass.

Agency Representation = CAA

29. Giants – WR Darrius Heyward-Bey ~ Maryland = The Giants gave up on WR Plexico Burress and released him, making receiver a major need. Bey is much faster than Plex, (he ran a 4.30 40 yard dash at the combine) but he needs to work on his route running. His potential to be a big time down the field threat, paired with the huge need at receiver make Bey a likely choice here.

Agency Representation = CAA

30. Titans – WR Hakeem Nicks ~ North Carolina = Tennessee hasn’t had a receiver who they could go to on a consistent basis in years. WR Justin Gage is solid, and they recently signed WR Nate Washington from Pittsburgh. Nicks has far more talent than both of these guys, some of the best hands in the draft, and he is very physical which fits the Titans offense to a tee.

Agency Representation = All-Pro Sports

31. Cardinals – DE Robert Ayers ~ Tennessee = Arizona lost DE Antonio Smith to the Texans this off-season so they have a hole in their rotation. Ayers is an upgrade over Smith. At 6′3″ 272, Ayers is more than big and strong enough to hold up against the run. What makes him so intriguing is his ability to get around the corner and sack the quarterback. DE Bertrand Berry won’t be there much longer either, so Ayers fits a need and is the best player on the board.

Agency Representation = Eastern Athletic Svcs

32. Steelers – DT/DE Ziggy Hood ~ Missouri = Pittsburgh needs some depth on their defensive line. All three starters are over 30, and if one of them got injured (which happened last season) having a guy with Hood’s ability will only make their defense that much better. At 6′3″ 298, he has the ideal size for a 3-4 end and is stout at the point of attack.

Agency Representation = Octagon

Round 2

33. Lions – OG/C Max Unger ~ Oregon = Detroit continues to build their offensive line with the versatile Unger. He can come in and bring with him a solid all-around lineman who can be just as effective at guard as center. Detroit’s offensive line is among the worst in the league, so this pick not only has good value, but fills an important need.

Agency Representation = Yee and Dubin

34. Patriots – CB Alphonso Smith ~ Wake Forest = New England signed veteran CB Shawn Springs as well as CB Leigh Bodden, so Smith can come in and battle with these two and CB Ellis Hobbs for a starting role. This would give the Patriots excellent depth at a position they usually don’t have that at. Smith is the ACC’s all-time leader in interceptions and has great instincts.

Agency Representation = Rosenhaus Sports

35. Rams – QB Josh Freeman ~ Kansas = Marc Bulger has gotten hurt a lot lately, and with a new coaching staff, the Rams may want their own guy to develop.  Plus, Freeman can sit for a year or two in development. With his huge arm and ideal size, any new regime could feel like they would develop him into something special.

Agency Representation = CAA

36. Browns – RB Donald Brown ~ Connecticut = The Browns are in desperate need of some youth at the tailback position. Brown can come in and offer a change of pace from Jamal Lewis, bringing with him great quickness/acceleration, excellent toughness, great character and a high work ethic. In the city of Cleveland Brown would be well received and he could be very similar to RB Matt Forte in Chicago.

Agency Representation = Athletes First

37. Seahawks – LB Clint Sintim ~ Virginia = Seattle has a huge hole at linebacker now that they traded LB Julian Peterson to the Lions. Sintim can soften the blow of losing such a good player while providing a stout defender against the run. Sintim also can rush the passer because of his 3-4 background.

Agency Representation = ProFiles

38. Bengals – S Louis Delmas ~ Western Michigan = The Bengals cut starter Dexter Jackson, and have virtually a bunch of no names at safety. Delmas can come in and start right away while providing some leadership. He also will be stout versus the run, something the Bengals desperately need from their safeties.

Agency Representation = Rosenhaus Sports

39. Jaguars – OT William Beatty ~ Connecticut = The Jaguars season fell apart due to their injuries along the offensive line. They also have a laundry list of free agents across the line, so Beatty would fill their biggest need as well as providing a potential star at the position down the road. Beatty also has a strong veteran leader to learn from in newly acquired LT Tra Thomas.

Agency Representation = Perennial Sports

40. Raiders – WR Kenny Britt ~ Rutgers = One of Oakland’s biggest needs is to get a receiver for former #1 overall pick QB JaMarcus Russell. Britt is a big, physical receiver who isn’t afraid to go across the middle. He can play right away in Oakland, and work on his route running with WR Javon Walker. JaMarcus loves to throw in the middle of the field, so Britt should see a lot of balls his rookie year.

Agency Representation = FAAM

41. Packers – NT Ron Brace ~ Boston College = Brace will give them a giant plug in the middle of the line that they need with switching over to the 3-4 defense. Teamed with NT Ryan Pickett they now can more effectively make the transition.

Agency Representation = PlayersRep

42. Bills – LB James Laurinaitis ~ Ohio State = The Bills would most likely move James to the outside although they could move LB Paul Posluszny to the outside due to him being smaller than Laurinaitis, either way would give them a stout linebacking core. This is a huge slide for Laurinaitis but between skipping the Senior Bowl and not doing well at the combine, it is very possible.

Agency Representation = CAA

43. 49ers – DE/OLB Michael Johnson ~ Georgia Tech = This is a huge slide for Johnson, based on just his size/speed & athleticism he would have been drafted in the first round. This is the NFL, and his inconsistencies in college are very alarming. He could be best suited for a 3-4 OLB despite being 6′7″. In San Francisco he would have plenty of discipline, leadership around him, and the chance to contribute right away.

Agency Representation = Klass Sports

44. Dolphins – CB D.J. Moore ~ Vanderbilt = Miami will be in play for a corner either at this pick or their first rounder. This would be great value picking up Moore here. The Dolphins needs help in their secondary especially since CB Andre Goodman bolted for Denver.

Agency Representation = DeBartolo Sports

45. Giants – OLB/DE Tyrone McKenzie ~ USF = The Giants love stacking up on pass rushers and rightly so. They have had some serious injuries to key starters on the defensive line, so McKenzie can soften the blow of a potential injury while also having great potential to develop into a 10 sack player in the NFL. McKenzie’s explosion off the ball is up there with the best in the draft.

Agency Representation = Impact Sports

46. Texans – DE Paul Krugar ~ Utah = Krugar has potential to develop into the same type of player Patrick Kerney was with Atlanta. Houston recently signed Antonio Smith from Arizona, but teams love having a solid rotation at all positions especially guys who rush the passer. Krugar can allow Defensive Coordinator Frank Bush Jr. to move more guys around while having a more dynamic rotation.

Agency Representation = DEC Mgmt

47. Patriots – S Patrick Chung ~ Oregon = The Patriots have the aging Rodney Harrison who needs to be replaced. The team re-signed James Sanders, but Chung can come in alongside the rangier Brandon Merriweather and provide more of a presence in the deep half of the field, similar to a Rodney Harrison type. Chung is also versatile and can be used in many ways under Bill Bellichick.

Agency Representation = Octagon

48. Broncos – LB Connor Barwin ~ Cincinnati = Connor is exactly the player Denver needs for their newly installed 3-4 defense. Barwin lit the combine on fire displaying supreme athleticism. He can come in and give Denver a very nice trio of rush linebackers with Jarvin Moss & Elvis Dumervill.

Agency Representation = XAM Sports

49. Bears – WR Brian Robiskie ~ Ohio State = The Bears could go defense because the unit is getting up in age, but with the addition of QB Jay Cutler they need to give him another weapon. Robiskie is a guy who does everything well and could really help the transition from Denver to Chicago for Cutler.

Agency Representation = Blue Equity

50. Browns – DT/DE Jarron Gilbert ~ San Jose State = The Browns need a 4^th man for their defensive line rotation. Gilbert can come in and relieve not only NT Shaun Rogers, but DE’s Shaun Smith & Corey Williams. I wouldn’t be surprised if Gilbert took Smith’s job either. This is a big athletic kid who can afford to add another 10-15 pounds to his 288 lb. frame.

Agency Representation = Sun West Sports

51. Cowboys – S William Moore ~ Missouri = Dallas has a major need at safety. They released former first rounder S Roy Williams, and Ken Hamlin is close to retiring. Moore is a guy who could easily leapfrog some of these other safeties and come off the board first, he has great size (6′0″ 224) and great instincts. He didn’t perform up to expectations all the time in college, so the Cowboys may need to be patient with him, but could reap the benefits later.

Agency Representation = Octagon

52. Jets – RB LeSean McCoy ~ Pittsburgh = I can’t see the Jets passing on McCoy if he were to fall this far. Starting RB Thomas Jones is now the dreaded age of 30, and he already has appeared to be wearing down. Throw in the fact that he is skipping mini-camps because of a contract situation, it makes matters worse. I don’t expect Jones to be there much longer at all, and McCoy is one of the most talented running backs in the entire draft. Paired with RB Leon Washington you can have one of the more dangerous duos in the league.

Agency Representation = Rosenhaus Sports

53. Eagles – CB Coye Francies ~ San Jose State = After trading Lito Sheppard to the Jets, Philly needs a nickel corner. There is a lot to like about Francies. He is 6′0″ 188, an extremely fluid athlete, physical, and strong. He put up 24 reps of 225 at the combine to put to rest the people who doubt his strength. That is enough for me to give him a solid 2^nd round grade.

Agency Representation = Octagon

54. Vikings – CB/S Sean Smith ~ Utah = The Vikings could use another corner to come in and compete for a starting or nickel spot. Smith isn’t just any corner either; he is 6′4″ and can play safety too. Smith is a guy who could very easily go earlier in the round, but I am a little wary of 6′4″ corners (Lenny Walls). Safety would be a better fit in my opinion.

Agency Representation = DEC Mgmt

55. Falcons – DT Alex Magee ~ Purdue = Atlanta needs a big athletic defensive tackle as much as anybody in the league. Grady Jackson bolted for Detroit so there is a need for a run stuffer in the middle. Magee is 6′3″ 298 and has good quickness off the ball and can move really well for a man his size.  He can form a nice duo alongside 4 year pro Jonathan Babineaux.

Agency Representation = Maximum Sports

56. Dolphins – OG Kraig Urbik ~ Wisconsin = Miami could use a big, strong lineman with great technique on the inside. Urbik can come in and start right away and he is the prototype lineman for a Bill Parcels football team.

Agency Representation = All-Pro Sports

57. Ravens – QB/WR Pat White ~ West Virginia = White was one of the most productive players in college football history. He was a winner, and used his intangibles & speed to produce in college. These traits have the making of someone GM Ozzie Newsome would draft. Even though the team has QB Troy Smith already there, White can play more receiver, while allowing them to run the wildcat to perfection.

Agency Representation = Athletes First

58. Patriots – OG Andy Levitre ~ Oregon State = New England along with about 75% of teams could use more depth along their offensive line. Levitre is a guy who played tackle in college so he will be able to supplement more than one position for the Pats. He played pretty well at guard when I saw him at the Senior Bowl and has impressed many scouts since.

Agency Representation = Domann & Pittman

59. Panthers – CB Jairus Byrd ~ Oregon = Carolina cut starting CB Ken Lucas and now are very thin at corner. Byrd is a legitimate second round prospect who has great size (5′10″ 207) and is a big-time playmaker. He is second all-time in Oregon’s history with 17 interceptions. This first team All-Pac 10 guy can compete for a starting spot in Carolina and give them a special teams threat to go with it.

Agency Representation = Maximum Sports

60. Giants – S Rashad Johnson ~ Alabama = The Giants lost S James Butler in the off-season and need a replacement. Johnson would compliment rangy, big hitting S Kenny Phillips well because of his leadership and coverage ability.

Agency Representation = Athletic Resource Mgmt

61. Colts – C Eric Wood ~ Louisville = With veteran C Jeff Saturday being 34 by next season as well as an unrestricted free agent, this will soften the blow if they decide to let Saturday walk. Wood is another high character, high motor guy with great technique who can be the type of leader the Colts need from the center position.

Agency Representation = Athletes First

62. Titans – TE Shawn Nelson ~ Southern Miss = Tennessee would love to get a tight end to develop behind the 28 year old Bo Scaife. Nelson can add another dimension to the Titans offense. He is still raw but the reward for this selection could be huge. He would have time to play second fiddle for a year or two and work on his blocking, before stepping into the starting role.

Agency Representation = Blue Equity

63. Cardinals – RB Mike Goodson ~ Texas A&M = Arizona needs some insurance at the tailback spot with veteran Edgerrain James on his last legs. Teamed with RB Tim Hightower, Goodson can provide the speed Hightower lacks. People will like the fact that Goodson didn’t get many carries in college so he most likely won’t break down anytime soon.

Agency Representation = MS World LLC

64. Steelers – OT Phil Loadholt ~ Oklahoma = Pittsburgh lost LT Marvel Smith to the 49ers so they will be looking for a starting caliber tackle to come in opposite T Max Starks. Loadholt is a very intriguing prospect at 6′8″ 343 pounds and under the right coaching, could develop into a solid starter in the league.

Agency Representation = Premier Sports

Round 3

65. Lions – WR Mohamad Massaquoi ~ Georgia = Massaquoi has shot up the draft boards ever since the college season ended. He had a very productive senior season at Georgia and has the rep of being hard working and a great teammate. Adding Matthew Stafford’s favorite target from college wouldn’t be a bad idea, especially considering how weak the Lions are at receiver aside from superstar WR Calvin Johnson.

Agency Representation = Ayrault Sports Agency

66. Rams – TE Jared Cook ~ South Carolina = St. Louis has the aging TE Randy McMichael as their starter. Cook can come in and battle for a starting spot, while bringing with him speed that wasn’t there with McMichael. This is a great pick for value as well as depth.

Agency Representation = Domann & Pittman

67. Chiefs – TE Chase Coffman ~ Missouri = The Chiefs traded away their pro bowl tight end Tony Gonzalez, so Coffman could come in and provide a similar red zone threat being 6′6″ 266. He would be given the chance to start and Head Coach Todd Haley’s offense fits Coffman well.

Agency Representation = CAA

68. Seahawks – CB/S Sherrod Martin ~ Troy = Seattle will be very tempted to select someone with as much versatility as Martin. New Head Coach Jim Mora Jr. is a former secondary coach who would love to bring in Martin who was a fantastic player at Troy. His best fit is most likely at safety and with the aging S Brian Russell there, they can have a solid replacement with this pick.

Agency Representation = Enter-Sports

69. Cowboys – OG Duke Robinson ~ Oklahoma = Dallas needs to get younger on the offensive line and owner Jerry Jones loves the inside guys to be able to run block which is Robinson’s specialty. He has great size and strength and fills a need for the Cowboys.

Agency Representation = Impact Sports

70. Bengals – RB Shonn Greene ~ Iowa = Cincinnati hasn’t had a quality tailback since RB Rudy Johnson left. Greene is a guy with a low center of gravity, excellent balance, and very good strength (23 reps of 225). He also ran a 4.55 in the 40 yard dash at his pro day and posted a 39.5 inch vertical. Greene also was the only running back in college football last year to run for at least 100 yards in every game, a testament to his durability.

Agency Representation = Octagon

71. Raiders – WR Ramses Barden ~ Cal-Poly = Oakland needs a replacement for departed WR Ronald Curry. Barden is 6′6″ 229 and ran a 4.51 at his pro day which is something the Raiders I’m sure love. Barden needs to improve his route running, but at least in Oakland he will get a chance to start.

Agency Representation = Octagon

72. Jaguars – CB Victor “Macho” Harris ~ Virginia Tech = Macho is one of my favorite players this year because of his incredible instincts and amazing quickness. Macho ran a 3.98 short shuttle at the combine which ranked second overall. At 5′11″ 198 he has good size as well. With the 4.46 40 yard dash he ran at his pro day he has solidified himself going at worst, in the third round. The Jaguars need more depth at corner especially after the disaster CB Drayton Florence was for them last season.

Agency Representation = Octagon

73. Packers – TE Cornelius Ingram ~ Florida = Green Bay could use more of a receiving threat at the tight end position. Current TE Donald Lee is a solid all-around player, but Ingram is much more talented catching the football. Ingram also ran a 4.68 in the 40 yard dash at the combine. He will give QB Aaron Rodgers another weapon in the middle of the field and could develop into a player that suggests he should’ve been drafted much higher than the 3^rd round.

Agency Representation = Rosenhaus Sports

74. 49ers – OLB Lawrence Sidbury Jr. ~ Richmond = San Francisco would like to form a solid trio of pass rushers for their 3-4 defense. Adding Sidbury would give them a guy with great burst off the line of scrimmage. Sidbury ran a 4.64 in the 40 at the combine and posted 28 reps of 225 on the bench press which was surprising because he has been known as strictly a pass rusher.

Agency Representation = SportsStars

75. Bills – TE James Casey ~ Rice = Buffalo doesn’t have a legitimate starting tight end anywhere on the roster. Casey flew under the radar in his collegiate career playing for Rice but is one of the more talented receiving tight ends in the entire draft. He is more like a big receiver at 6′3″ 246 pounds but Casey also is a very talented baseball player as well (he was drafted in the 7^th round in 2003 by the White Sox) and can add another dimension to Buffalo’s new look offense.

Agency Representation = Select Sports Group

76. Jets – DT Roy Miller ~ Texas =  Miller would be a nice fit as a 3-4 end or nose tackle in Rex Ryan’s scheme because of a few reasons. First, he was extremely productive in his four year career at Texas even earning defensive MVP of the 2009 Fiesta Bowl. At 6′1″ 310 pounds Miller threw up 36 reps of 225 and posted a very impressive 36 inch vertical.

Agency Representation = Priority Sports

77. Texans – CB Kevin Barnes ~ Maryland = Houston doesn’t have good depth at corner. Barnes has increased his stock dramatically with his 4.45 at his pro day and 41 inch vertical. He also posted the fastest short shuttle time out of anybody at the combine (3.96). At 6′0″ 190 pounds he has the measurables to be special. He also has shown he can deliver the big hit which is a rare commodity for a corner.

Agency Representation = FAAM

78. Chargers – OT Jamon Meredith ~ South Carolina = San Diego needs to have more depth at tackle so if/when an injury occurs they aren’t in such a rough position like they were so often last year. Meredith is a player who is balanced in pass pro as well as run blocking and has great value here in the 3^rd.

Agency Representation = ProFiles

79. Broncos – S Chip Vaughn ~ Wake Forest = Denver needs all the help they can get in their secondary, especially for the future. Vaughn often was overshadowed in college because of LB Aaron Curry & CB Alphonso Smith, but he can make an impact somewhere in the NFL. He is 6′1″ 226 and really loves to hit. Not being a liability in coverage would be his only issue, but he certainly would have the right veterans and coaches around him to get him up to speed to the NFL game.

Agency Representation = Goal Line Sports

80. Redskins – OT Fenuki Tupou ~ Oregon = Washington desperately needs depth at tackle. If they don’t trade up to select OT Eugene Monroe or if they don’t reach and take OT Michael Oher with their first round pick they will have to address it here. Tupou is my highest rated tackle available and can come in and compete for a starting spot. He is 6′6″ 310 and extremely powerful.

Agency Representation = Octagon

81. Bucs – DT Sen’Derrick Marks ~ Auburn = Tampa Bay is aging up front and needs to add an inside presence who can get penetration for their defense to be effective. Marks is known for his quickness and burst, so this active tackle prospect would fit nicely in Tampa Bay.

Agency Representation = Enter-Sports

82. Lions – LB Darry Beckwith ~ LSU = Detroit needs a middle linebacker to take LB Jordan Dizon’s spot. He is way too small, and Beckwith is 6′0″ 242. He was often overshadowed playing around so much NFL talent at LSU but was very consistent and solid against the run. Detroit’s current linebackers aren’t known for their run stopping abilities so Beckwith fits nicely.

Agency Representation = Athletic Resource Mgmt

83. Packers – OT Gerald Cadogan ~ Penn State = Green Bay has two 30+ year old tackles and just like every NFL team they need depth. Cadogan has been solid ever since taking over for former 1^st round pick Levi Brown. He has the potential to play some guard as well so his versatility gives him the nod here.

Agency Representation = XAM Sports

84. Broncos – DT/DE Mitch King ~ Iowa = With the move to the 3-4, defensive lineman became even more critical. King is a high motor, lunch pail type of player who will bring plenty of intensity to the defense. At 6′2″ 280, he has great size for an end spot. King also was extremely hard to block at the Senior Bowl, and was a two time first team All-Big 10 selection at Iowa as well as a four year starter.

Agency Representation = Eastern Athletic Services

85. Eagles – TE Travis Beckum ~ Wisconsin = Eagles have a young TE who showed promise last year in TE Brent Celek yet they did lose TE L.J. Smith so they will be looking for depth. Beckum is a very talented receiving tight end and wouldn’t have to start right away in Philly which could benefit him very much as a rookie.

Agency Representation = Maximum Sports

86. Vikings – WR Juaquin Inglesias ~ Oklahoma = Minnesota needs a third receiver behind starters Sidney Rice & Bernard Berrian. Inglesias has lead Oklahoma in receptions & receiving yards the past two seasons yet still flew under the radar. He is 6′1″ 210 and gets by in his intangibles. He runs very crisp routes and has underrated hands.

Agency Representation = Allegiant Mgmt

87. Dolphins - NT Sammie Lee Hill ~ Stillman = Miami has the aging NT Jason Ferguson and would love to add depth not only at nose tackle but defensive end. Hill is 6′4″ 326 and dominated the small school ranks. Miami would like to bring in someone of this size and athleticism to groom for a starting role in the future.

Agency Representation = Goal Line Sports

88. Ravens - ILB Jasper Brinkley ~ South Carolina = Baltimore lost starting ILB Bart Scott to the Jets in free agency and could have his replacement in Brinkley. A former JUCO transfer, Brinkley is blessed with great size (6′2″ 252) and has the power to go with it. He would be learning from the best and could be special in Baltimore’s scheme.

Agency Representation = SportStars

89. Patriots – DT/DE Ricky Jean-Francois ~ LSU = It is almost a given that New England will trade one of their second or third rounder’s but if they are here and Francois is on the board it will be very hard for New England to pass him up. Jean-Francois was an underachiever at LSU, but has a whole lot of talent. At 6′3″ 295, he fits perfectly into the 3-4 and has versatility that New England covets.

Agency Representation = Athletes First

90. Falcons – OLB Marcus Freeman ~ Ohio State = Atlanta cleaned house this off-season at linebacker cutting both their starting outside linebackers. Freeman has been one of the most underrated, yet productive (he had more solo tackles than LB James Laurinaitis over the past 2 seasons) linebackers in the nation. He has struggled with minor injuries throughout his career in college but showed at the Senior Bowl against top competition he’s no slouch. This fills a huge need for the Falcons, and could be another great draft pick by GM Thomas Dimitroff.

Agency Representation = DeBartolo Sports

91. Giants – RB Andre Brown ~ N.C. State = The Giants are going to have to replace RB Derrick Ward and the 1,025 yards that he gained last season. RB Brandon Jacobs is the most powerful running back in the league, and RB Ahmad Bradshaw is a just a very good scat back. RB Andre Brown had a brilliant Senior Bowl performance (he was a beast in practice) and he had a stellar combine as well (4.49 40 yard dash, 24 reps of 225, 37 inch vertical). Brown is one of my favorite players in the draft as well.

Agency Representation = Enter-Sports

92. Colts – OLB Kaluka Maiava ~ USC = Indianapolis loves undersized linebackers, and Maiava is said to be a “poor man’s Lofa Tatupu” who was hardly mentioned at USC with all the big names surrounding him. At 5′11″ 229, Maiava gets by with his ability to find the ball and show off his football IQ. The Colts need a smart, instinctive linebacker to add to the mix.

Agency Representation = Priority Sports

93. Panthers – DT Fili Moala ~ USC = Carolina let DT Darwin Walker go in free agency and really need a guy to come in and compete for a starting job. Moala is 6′4″ 305 and can really move well for being 300+ pounds.

Agency Representation = Premier Sports

94. Titans – ILB Jason Phillips ~ TCU = Tennessee doesn’t have much of a presence in the middle of their defense and Phillips is one of the more underrated prospects in the entire draft. He suffered a recent injury so that is why he may slide a little bit. Phillips has one of the biggest motors of any linebacker in this class and good size as well (6′1″ 240).

Agency Representation = Schlegel Woy

95. Cardinals – LB Cody Brown ~ Connecticut = Arizona plays a hybrid version of the 4-3 with a lot of 3-4 mixed in. Brown is the best prospect available here regardless of position. He showed at the Senior Bowl that he can compete with top notch talent and could eventually replace LB Chike Okafor in Arizona.

Agency Representation = PlayersRep Sports

96. Steelers – WR Derrick Williams ~ Penn State = Pittsburgh lost slot receiver Nate Washington to the Titans in free agency. WR Limas Sweed is expected to fill that role, but he is much more of a possession receiver. Williams at the very least could take over as the kick/punt returner for Pittsburgh and provide a deep threat that Washington used to be for the Steelers. It doesn’t hurt that Williams would be well received from the hometown fans either.

Agency Representation = Blue Equity

97. Patriots – ILB Scott McKillop ~ Pittsburgh = One word describes McKillop and that is a “gamer”. He won’t wow anybody with his measurables but he is rich in the intangible department. The Patriots are going to need a replacement very soon for ILB Tedy Bruschi and McKillop resembles him very much.

Agency Representation = Athletes First

98. Bengals – C Antoine Caldwell ~ Alabama = Cincinnati has major needs on the offensive line to include center. 32 year old starter Bobbie Williams has been a trooper for the team but they need to get younger and better at the position. Caldwell was rock solid for Alabama and can be an anchor in the NFL. He just needs to gradually cut down on the mental lapses that he sometimes has, because physically he has it all.

Agency Representation = Eastern Athletic Services

99. Bears – DT Terrance Taylor ~ Michigan = The Bears are aging at some key positions on defense to include safety and corner. Aside from DT Tommie Harris (who is having trouble staying healthy himself as of late) they are extremely weak at defensive tackle. Taylor is a big, very strong body that can help plug up the middle and let LB’s Brian Urlacher & LB Lance Briggs roam free.

Agency Representation = Octagon

100. Giants – ILB/OLB Dannell Ellerbe ~ Georgia = This is a value pick more than anything, yet with ILB Antonio Pierce’s apparent decline it could pay dividends in a couple seasons. Ellerbe fought through nagging injuries last year in Athens, but the year before he was stellar. Ellerbe could be a flash in the pan, or he could just have had an unfortunate year. His talent will be worth the risk of a third round pick.

Agency Representation = Law ofcs of James Williams

Fringe 3^rd Rounder’s = C A.Q. Shipley – Penn State, RB Javon Ringer – Michigan State (3.98 short shuttle), CB Mike Parson – Ohio, CB Asher Allen – Georgia, OLB Jason Williams – Western Illinois (4.43 40, 39 inch vertical, 26 reps of 225 at 6′1″ 241), WR Austin Collie – BYU (great hands), OT Troy Kropog – Tulane, RB Rashad Jennings – Liberty (6′1″ 234, 29 reps of 225), OLB Gerald McRath -Southern Miss, OG Trevor Canfield – Cincinnati, S Michael Hamlin – Clemson, S Chris Clemons – Clemson, CB Mike Mickens – Cincinnati, OLB Zack Follett – California, NT Chris Baker – Hampton, ILB Worrell Williams – California (brother of Broncos LB D.J. Williams), OT Augustus Parrish – Kent State, DE Kyle Moore – USC, DE/DT Will Johnson – Michigan (47 reps of 225), OT Sebastian Vollmer – Houston, CB Donald Washington – Ohio State (43 inch vertical),  OT T.J. Lang – Eastern Michigan, S Darcel McBath – Texas Tech, WR Mike Wallace – Mississippi (4.33 40), WR Aaron Kelly – Clemson, DE Brandon Williams – Texas Tech, RB Kory Sheets – Purdue, Brooks Foster – North Carolina (27 reps of 225), OG/OT Herman Johnson, RB Andrew Johnson – Akron (Dynasty Client)

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