Last Updated: 02/17/09 - Rob Rang, 02/17/09 - Chad Reuter, 02/17/09
Clicking player name will open profile in a new window. * - Underclassman Round 1Round 2Round 3Mock Draft: Rob Rang
I guess Jeff Ireland's "Freudian slip" about wanting a defensive leader in his pre-draft conference was just another smokescreen…or a contract negotiation play. Left tackle Jake Long officially signed his deal to become the first overall selection. He'll finally fill the spot vacated by Richmond Webb some time ago. Previous:Vernon Gholston
Dorsey's explosiveness inside makes him a nice complement to last year's first pick, Adam Carriker. Those two should fill the middle for quite some time. Chris Long would fill in across from Leonard Little very well and Vernon Gholston's athleticism and speed off the edge are also very tempting. The Rams are in a perfect position to get trade offers, and they just might take advantage teams wanting any of the top five remaining prospects: C. Long, Dorsey, Gholston, Matt Ryan, and Darren McFadden. Previous:Glenn Dorsey
The question for the Falcons is whether to take the high-character, prototypically-sized, solid quarterback in Ryan or wait to see who's available in the early second round. They may need to package two of their three 2nds to get the guy they want down there, however, so they might not want to take the chance. They need all of the players they can get. The departure of Roderick Coleman leaves a hole in the middle for the Falcons, and Dorsey is more than capable of filling it if the Rams take Chris Long. Vernon Gholston's also in the mix here because of his freakish athleticism. Previous:Matt Ryan
Justin Fargas is a nice back, but I doubt Davis will ignore the speed and playmaking ability of McFadden. Some teams wonder if he can handle the rigors of a full NFL season, but certainly he's a terror with the ball in his hands. But didn't we say that about Reggie Bush a couple of years ago? He could be in for a long fall if OAK and the NYJ pass on him…maybe to Carolina, Detroit or Chicago in the mid-first or all the way to Dallas at #22. If Chris Long isn't around to follow in dad's Oakland footsteps, then Vernon Gholston is choice 2B. But could former USC man talk Davis into taking Trojan star Sed Ellis to fill Warren Sapp's shoes, even after giving all that money to Tommy Kelly? Previous:Chris Long
The trade of DE Jared Allen makes this a natural fit…but KC's one of the fulcrums of the top ten. GM Carl Peterson and Herm Edwards may package two or three of their six top 100 picks to trade up to #2 and get their guy, Matt Ryan…but they'd love not to have to. Brodie Croyle's play last year did not inspire much enthusiasm. An LT like Branden Albert, Ryan Clady, or Chris Williams may also be on their minds, as Damion McIntosh is not a long-term option. The Chiefs may trade down so another team can draft Vernon Gholston, Sedrick Ellis or Derrick Harvey. Maybe it's the Patriots, Saints, or Ravens? Previous:Jake Long
Getting a bit long in the tooth at linebacker (and sending away Rosevelt Colvin), the versatile Rivers could be brought in to play inside or outside. Derrick Harvey is getting looks as a 3-4 outside 'backer, and could be a fine one for the Patriots. Losing Asante Samuel and Randall Gay means Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Mike Jenkins and Leodis McKelvin are also under consideration… (even with Jason Webster, Lew Sanders, and Fernando Bryant in the fold). The gap between the top three corners is not large. There's also talk about picking DT Sedrick Ellis here, calling him the best player available. The Patriots would like to get out of this spot, and may get the chance to do so. If a team wants to get to Ellis or Derrick Harvey, that is, or if Darren McFadden or Matt Ryan falls here. Previous:Keith Rivers
The Ravens never really replaced the pass-rushing skills of Adalius Thomas, and Harvey has the potential to do that. The Ravens need some young talent at corner behind Rolle and McAlister. DRC, Jenkins, and McKelvin are all worthwhile selections at that position. OT Clady, Williams, and Albert are the other favorites here, but the Ravens already have Adam Terry and Jared Gaither waiting to play and could find another tackle later for depth later in the draft. Matt Ryan may fall here if Atlanta or Kansas City don't take him...and they are very interested in moving up to get him. If that doesn't work out, then they'll wait until the second round to get competition for former Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith as the team's future QB. Previous:Derrick Harvey
After trades for Shaun Rogers and DeWayne Robertson fell through, the Bengals rely on Ellis to be the playmaker they need in the middle. He made up for a disappointing Combine with a fantastic pro day, which made teams remember how dominant he was during Senior Bowl practices. Rivers would upgrade their linebackers, which may need real help as injury and consistency questions surround most of the returning group. Defensive end Derrick Harvey is also a consideration if Ellis is not around. The release of Chris Henry opens the door for a receiver like Devin Thomas, as well...but only if Ellis is gone. Previous:Sedrick Ellis
Signing Randall Gay may have eliminated the need for a corner this early, but Mike McKenzie's injury, Jason David's poor play, and the value at the position keep the talented Leodis McKelvin, Mike Jenkins, or DRC in the mix. The Saints could also use McKelvin's return ability. Keith Rivers is the favorite second choice here to help shore up the front seven. They're also looking to trade up to get the coveted Ellis, but the price may be too high. Previous:Leodis McKelvin
Nate Clements' departure last year left the team without size at the cornerback spot so Jenkins, DRC, or McKelvin could get the call. DRC's athleticism and potential may rank him above the others for some teams. Look for the Bills to move down out of this pick… Receiver may be the team's biggest need, so Devin Thomas is in play. But he's not great value here, so the team may wait to see if a tall, strong complement to Lee Evans is available later in the draft. Previous:Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
The retirement of Matt Lepsis leaves a huge hole to fill. Clady's size and athleticism makes him a great fit for their zone-blocking scheme. He even plays with the attitude that the Broncos like in their offensive linemen. Chris Williams or Branden Albert would be next in line to play LT, and either could handle the job. The receiver group may also come into play here because of the release of Javon Walker. Keary Colbert's nice and all, but he's not the threat that Thomas could be. Talk about moving D.J. Williams back outside would make Jerod Mayo an intriguing selection here. Previous:Ryan Clady
It's very likely the Panthers will pick a tackle at this point, then move Jordan Gross and Travelle Wharton around to put their best five OL on the field. Albert, Clady, Jeff Otah, and Chris Williams are all possibilities. Kenny Phillips immediately fills their need at free safety, but he's not the best value here. Tyler Brayton signed as a potential starter opposite Julius Peppers, but Derrick Harvey has a lot of potential as a pass-rusher. DeAngelo Williams is a good running back but the Panthers haven't ruled out a talent like Rashard Mendenhall or Jonathan Stewart at this pick. Again, teams are looking for that dynamic duo carrying the ball. Previous:Branden Albert
If the Bears think that John Tait fits well on the left side, then Otah's size and athleticism gets him the first shot at taking over for RT Fred Miller. Chris WIlliams or Ryan Clady would be nice left tackle prospects, if they want to move John Tait across the line. The loss of Bernard Berrian and Mushin Muhammad puts receiver near the top of the need list, but Thomas may not be quite enough value to use this pick on him. Hometown hero Rashard Mendenhall could stay in-state to help the Bears' poor running game. Adrian Peterson (no, not that one) is a very good complementary back, and Ced Benson's on his way out. But they could pick a back up later in a deep draft at that position. Or maybe they'll figure out that Rex Grossman vs. Kyle Orton is not the QB competition a playoff team should have...but probably not. They'll wait to see if any promising QBs fall to them in the second or third rounds. Previous:Jeff Otah
Mayo's moved up draft boards since the Combine due to his athleticism and hard hitting, two things the Lions need in their mike 'backer. His visit to Detroit went well, which may have sealed the deal. Desperately in need of pass rush help, they would love a talent like Harvey to be available here. RBs Mendenhall and Stewart may be too strong to pass up, especially considering their injury issues with the released Kevin Jones. And George Foster is not likely to get any better this year, so Jeff Otah is also on the Lions' radar. Previous:Jerod Mayo
Edgerrin James needs help in the backfield and Mendenhall will most certainly give it. They could select Jonathan Stewart, despite the toe injury, if Mendenhall is gone, but if one of the top three corners here they will likely go in that direction. The Cards could use a safety and a number three receiver, but Kenny Phillips won't be top value here and the receiver can come later. Previous:Rashard Mendenhall
KC may move this pick to get QB Matt Ryan. Otherwise, finding help at either offensive tackle position with whoever is available should be the gameplan. If they don't get Chris Long at #5, then they may to fill Allen's spot with Philip Merling. A corner like Jenkins or DRC to replace Ty Law would be nice, as would a receiver in Thomas or Sweed. If they miss out on Ryan early, one of those second-tier QBs (Chad Henne, Joe Flacco, or Brian Brohm) could tempt them here, as well. Previous:Philip Merling
Ahman Green has not stayed healthy in recent years and Chris Brown has likely replaced Ron Dayne...but he's not a feature back. So the Texans could invest in another back like Mendenhall or Stewart. If Chris Williams is available, they'll pick him because Ephraim Salaam is not a long-term answer at left tackle, and Charles Spencer's injuries are troublesome. They need to protect their investment in QB Matt Schaub. A corner is a possibility, because of Dunta Robinson's injury...signing Jacques Reeves really isn't a great fix. Previous:Chris Williams
Merling or Lawrence Jackson are potential options for the Eagles since they like to pick on the lines in the first round and need to get Trent Cole some help up front...especially since they released Jevon Kearse. The Eagles offense also needs a big play threat. DeSean Jackson's that threat plus a potential Devin Hester-type boost in the return game. Now that Lito Sheppard's on the trading block, one of the top three corners could easily be selected here. Phillips would complement Brian Dawkins in the defensive backfield because the veteran is now most effective around the line of scrimmage. Jerod Mayo could fill a need at outside or middle linebacker for the Eagles D, as well, playing whichever spot Omar Gaither does not occupy. Previous:DeSean Jackson
Losing a nice zone corner like Brian Kelly gives Tampa Bay the incentive to find another...Jenkins' physical play and ball skills make him a natural fit in their scheme. If he's not there, then Brandon Flowers could be a sleeper pick here because he would flourish in the Tampa 2. The Bucs' best receiver (Joey Galloway) turns 37 next season…so Thomas, Jackson, or Limas Sweed would be younger up-and-comers to help him out. Previous:Mike Jenkins
New coach Jim Zorn would love to get a receiver like Thomas or Limas Sweed to help the development of Jason CAmpbell and so Clinton Portis and the running game can be more effective. Merling or Lawrence Jackson would be next in line as the full-sized pass rushers the team desires. Kenny Phillips could have the uneviable task of following in fellow "U" safety Sean Taylor's footsteps. Previous:Devin Thomas
Jackson's the speedy complement to T.O. that the team needs, as well as an exciting punt return option. Marion Barber's a free agent after this year and every team wants two backs, so Jonathan Stewart or even a speedy Jamaal Charles/Felix Jones could be the pick. They would love for one of the top three corners to be here so teams won't be able to stay away from Terence Newman so often. The Cowboys may try to package their two #1's to get a top ten pick...at least that's what most teams' value charts project they'd get. But they should be able to meet two of their higher needs with these later selections. Previous:Jonathan Stewart
How about getting some size (other than "Big Ben") to work with Santonio Holmes and Hines Ward? Gosder Cherilus is another potential pick at this point unless the Steelers are happy with Willie Colon and Max Starks on the right side. Corner is a concern for them, as well, so they could take a chance on Antoine Cason, Brandon Flowers, Aqib Talib, or Justin King. They're not stacked at free safety (despite what Ryan Clark and mouthy Anthony Smith may think), so Kenny Phillips could be a perfect complement to Troy Polamalu. Previous:Limas Sweed
Vince Young needs real help on offense (no disrespect meant to the returning Justin McCareins), so Hardy, Sweed or Jackson could be that big-play guy. DEs Travis LaBoy and Antwan Odom left as free agents, so the Titans may look to grab Lawrence Jackson. Balmer's athleticism would go nicely beside Albert Haynesworth (if he ever shows up to practice) inside. The Pac Man Jones saga could push them towards a corner like Cason, Talib, Flowers, or King. Previous:Kentwan Balmer
Getting some strength in the middle of the Seahawks defense could go a long way to improving their 2007 championship chances. Balmer can be a very good pass rusher and run-stopper. Marcus Pollard's playoff foibles are still fresh on the team's mind...so athletic TE Dustin Keller and blocker/receiver John Carlson will be considered at this pick. Manningham or Hardy will be tempting to Coach Holmgren and the offensive staff, as well. The erratic play of Daryl Tapp may bring Lawrence Jackson into the picture. Previous:Dustin Keller
Bolstering the pass rush is crucial for the Jags, as well, so if a top defensive end like Merling or Jackson is available they'll jump on him. Balmer could be the pick here if the Jags like their ability to clog the middle a la the departed Marcus Stroud. It's possible they'll look at Kenny Phillips to replace Sammy Knight, but they picked Reggie Nelson in the first last year. Previous:Lawrence Jackson
Letting Shane Olivea go makes a solid prospect like Cherilus look really good…he should play better on the right side than he did on the left last season at BC. With Drayton Florence a free agent and Antonio Cromartie taking over that starting spot, the Chargers may be looking for a third corner. Marlon McCree is gone, so Phillips could be picked to step in at free safety. RB Michael Turner's departure could push them towards a backt, but the value at the position may help them wait until Sunday…and they only have one pick in the first three rounds right now, so they really need this pick to contribute quickly. So if ATL doesn't take Ryan at #3, will they want to replenish the Chargers' second round pick (plus more) via trade? Previous:Gosder Cherilus
Yes, the Cowboys traded for Pacman Jones. But can they really count on him? Talib's potential as a number two corner across from Terence Newman makes him good value. If they choose not to get a RB with their earlier pick, then the speedster underclassmen Felix Jones and Jamaal Charles are next in line here...but one of those guys could be around in the second round because of the RB depth. The lack of reliable WRs outside of T.O. really hurt Dallas in their playoff loss, and Terry Glenn's injury history is not good. If Hardy is around, or they like Malcolm Kelly's size-if not his speed-then they could go in that direction. Previous:James Hardy
Patrick Willis and Connor would make quite a duo inside, with Willis getting more of a chance to make plays behind the line of scrimmage. Quentin Groves could also fill a spot outside in the Niners' 3-4, but his heart surgery may keep him out of the first. If Cherilus is available, the Niners may select him and move second-year man Joe Staley to the left side to take over for Jonas Jennings. Alex Smith and Mike Martz would love to see a big play player like Manningham or Hardy open up the offense because Bryant Johnson, Isaac Bruce, Arnaz Battle, and Jason Hill are not a murderer's row on the outside. And Frank Gore would like having more room to run. One of those late first/early second round corners could really help their depth, as well. Like the other teams in this part of the first round, the Niners would love to move down into the early second and pick up more selections. Previous:Dan Connor
Phillips would fill a void left by Gibril Wilson…Michael Johnson flashed as a rookie, but the Giants look like to increase the competition. Arkansas State safety Tyrell Johnson worked out with the Giants, so he's a possibility here. Pat Sims could be picked to shore up the defensive tackle depth. Corners Flowers, Cason, Talib or King could provide depth behind Corey Webster and Aaron Ross. And if one of the top receivers is available, then they could get a nice #3 behind Burress and Toomer. Previous:Kenny Phillips
Phillips would fill a void left by Gibril Wilson…Michael Johnson flashed as a rookie, but the Giants look like to increase the competition. Arkansas State safety Tyrell Johnson worked out with the Giants, so he's a possibility here. Pat Sims could be picked to shore up the defensive tackle depth. Corners Flowers, Cason, Talib or King could provide depth behind Corey Webster and Aaron Ross. And if one of the top receivers is available, then they could get a nice #3 behind Burress and Toomer. Previous:Kenny Phillips
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I guess Jeff Ireland's "Freudian slip" about wanting a defensive leader in his pre-draft conference was just another smokescreen…or a contract negotiation play. Left tackle Jake Long officially signed his deal to become the first overall selection. He'll finally fill the spot vacated by Richmond Webb some time ago. 
Dorsey's explosiveness inside makes him a nice complement to last year's first pick, Adam Carriker. Those two should fill the middle for quite some time. Chris Long would fill in across from Leonard Little very well and Vernon Gholston's athleticism and speed off the edge are also very tempting. The Rams are in a perfect position to get trade offers, and they just might take advantage teams wanting any of the top five remaining prospects: C. Long, Dorsey, Gholston, Matt Ryan, and Darren McFadden. 
The question for the Falcons is whether to take the high-character, prototypically-sized, solid quarterback in Ryan or wait to see who's available in the early second round. They may need to package two of their three 2nds to get the guy they want down there, however, so they might not want to take the chance. They need all of the players they can get. The departure of Roderick Coleman leaves a hole in the middle for the Falcons, and Dorsey is more than capable of filling it if the Rams take Chris Long. Vernon Gholston's also in the mix here because of his freakish athleticism. 
Justin Fargas is a nice back, but I doubt Davis will ignore the speed and playmaking ability of McFadden. Some teams wonder if he can handle the rigors of a full NFL season, but certainly he's a terror with the ball in his hands. But didn't we say that about Reggie Bush a couple of years ago? He could be in for a long fall if OAK and the NYJ pass on him…maybe to Carolina, Detroit or Chicago in the mid-first or all the way to Dallas at #22. If Chris Long isn't around to follow in dad's Oakland footsteps, then Vernon Gholston is choice 2B. But could former USC man talk Davis into taking Trojan star Sed Ellis to fill Warren Sapp's shoes, even after giving all that money to Tommy Kelly? 
The trade of DE Jared Allen makes this a natural fit…but KC's one of the fulcrums of the top ten. GM Carl Peterson and Herm Edwards may package two or three of their six top 100 picks to trade up to #2 and get their guy, Matt Ryan…but they'd love not to have to. Brodie Croyle's play last year did not inspire much enthusiasm. An LT like Branden Albert, Ryan Clady, or Chris Williams may also be on their minds, as Damion McIntosh is not a long-term option. The Chiefs may trade down so another team can draft Vernon Gholston, Sedrick Ellis or Derrick Harvey. Maybe it's the Patriots, Saints, or Ravens? 
Getting a bit long in the tooth at linebacker (and sending away Rosevelt Colvin), the versatile Rivers could be brought in to play inside or outside. Derrick Harvey is getting looks as a 3-4 outside 'backer, and could be a fine one for the Patriots. Losing Asante Samuel and Randall Gay means Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Mike Jenkins and Leodis McKelvin are also under consideration… (even with Jason Webster, Lew Sanders, and Fernando Bryant in the fold). The gap between the top three corners is not large. There's also talk about picking DT Sedrick Ellis here, calling him the best player available. The Patriots would like to get out of this spot, and may get the chance to do so. If a team wants to get to Ellis or Derrick Harvey, that is, or if Darren McFadden or Matt Ryan falls here. 
The Ravens never really replaced the pass-rushing skills of Adalius Thomas, and Harvey has the potential to do that. The Ravens need some young talent at corner behind Rolle and McAlister. DRC, Jenkins, and McKelvin are all worthwhile selections at that position. OT Clady, Williams, and Albert are the other favorites here, but the Ravens already have Adam Terry and Jared Gaither waiting to play and could find another tackle later for depth later in the draft. Matt Ryan may fall here if Atlanta or Kansas City don't take him...and they are very interested in moving up to get him. If that doesn't work out, then they'll wait until the second round to get competition for former Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith as the team's future QB. 
After trades for Shaun Rogers and DeWayne Robertson fell through, the Bengals rely on Ellis to be the playmaker they need in the middle. He made up for a disappointing Combine with a fantastic pro day, which made teams remember how dominant he was during Senior Bowl practices. Rivers would upgrade their linebackers, which may need real help as injury and consistency questions surround most of the returning group. Defensive end Derrick Harvey is also a consideration if Ellis is not around. The release of Chris Henry opens the door for a receiver like Devin Thomas, as well...but only if Ellis is gone. 
Signing Randall Gay may have eliminated the need for a corner this early, but Mike McKenzie's injury, Jason David's poor play, and the value at the position keep the talented Leodis McKelvin, Mike Jenkins, or DRC in the mix. The Saints could also use McKelvin's return ability. Keith Rivers is the favorite second choice here to help shore up the front seven. They're also looking to trade up to get the coveted Ellis, but the price may be too high. 
Nate Clements' departure last year left the team without size at the cornerback spot so Jenkins, DRC, or McKelvin could get the call. DRC's athleticism and potential may rank him above the others for some teams. Look for the Bills to move down out of this pick… Receiver may be the team's biggest need, so Devin Thomas is in play. But he's not great value here, so the team may wait to see if a tall, strong complement to Lee Evans is available later in the draft. 
The retirement of Matt Lepsis leaves a huge hole to fill. Clady's size and athleticism makes him a great fit for their zone-blocking scheme. He even plays with the attitude that the Broncos like in their offensive linemen. Chris Williams or Branden Albert would be next in line to play LT, and either could handle the job. The receiver group may also come into play here because of the release of Javon Walker. Keary Colbert's nice and all, but he's not the threat that Thomas could be. Talk about moving D.J. Williams back outside would make Jerod Mayo an intriguing selection here. 
It's very likely the Panthers will pick a tackle at this point, then move Jordan Gross and Travelle Wharton around to put their best five OL on the field. Albert, Clady, Jeff Otah, and Chris Williams are all possibilities. Kenny Phillips immediately fills their need at free safety, but he's not the best value here. Tyler Brayton signed as a potential starter opposite Julius Peppers, but Derrick Harvey has a lot of potential as a pass-rusher. DeAngelo Williams is a good running back but the Panthers haven't ruled out a talent like Rashard Mendenhall or Jonathan Stewart at this pick. Again, teams are looking for that dynamic duo carrying the ball. 
If the Bears think that John Tait fits well on the left side, then Otah's size and athleticism gets him the first shot at taking over for RT Fred Miller. Chris WIlliams or Ryan Clady would be nice left tackle prospects, if they want to move John Tait across the line. The loss of Bernard Berrian and Mushin Muhammad puts receiver near the top of the need list, but Thomas may not be quite enough value to use this pick on him. Hometown hero Rashard Mendenhall could stay in-state to help the Bears' poor running game. Adrian Peterson (no, not that one) is a very good complementary back, and Ced Benson's on his way out. But they could pick a back up later in a deep draft at that position. Or maybe they'll figure out that Rex Grossman vs. Kyle Orton is not the QB competition a playoff team should have...but probably not. They'll wait to see if any promising QBs fall to them in the second or third rounds. 
Mayo's moved up draft boards since the Combine due to his athleticism and hard hitting, two things the Lions need in their mike 'backer. His visit to Detroit went well, which may have sealed the deal. Desperately in need of pass rush help, they would love a talent like Harvey to be available here. RBs Mendenhall and Stewart may be too strong to pass up, especially considering their injury issues with the released Kevin Jones. And George Foster is not likely to get any better this year, so Jeff Otah is also on the Lions' radar. 
Edgerrin James needs help in the backfield and Mendenhall will most certainly give it. They could select Jonathan Stewart, despite the toe injury, if Mendenhall is gone, but if one of the top three corners here they will likely go in that direction. The Cards could use a safety and a number three receiver, but Kenny Phillips won't be top value here and the receiver can come later. 
KC may move this pick to get QB Matt Ryan. Otherwise, finding help at either offensive tackle position with whoever is available should be the gameplan. If they don't get Chris Long at #5, then they may to fill Allen's spot with Philip Merling. A corner like Jenkins or DRC to replace Ty Law would be nice, as would a receiver in Thomas or Sweed. If they miss out on Ryan early, one of those second-tier QBs (Chad Henne, Joe Flacco, or Brian Brohm) could tempt them here, as well. 
Ahman Green has not stayed healthy in recent years and Chris Brown has likely replaced Ron Dayne...but he's not a feature back. So the Texans could invest in another back like Mendenhall or Stewart. If Chris Williams is available, they'll pick him because Ephraim Salaam is not a long-term answer at left tackle, and Charles Spencer's injuries are troublesome. They need to protect their investment in QB Matt Schaub. A corner is a possibility, because of Dunta Robinson's injury...signing Jacques Reeves really isn't a great fix. 
Merling or Lawrence Jackson are potential options for the Eagles since they like to pick on the lines in the first round and need to get Trent Cole some help up front...especially since they released Jevon Kearse. The Eagles offense also needs a big play threat. DeSean Jackson's that threat plus a potential Devin Hester-type boost in the return game. Now that Lito Sheppard's on the trading block, one of the top three corners could easily be selected here. Phillips would complement Brian Dawkins in the defensive backfield because the veteran is now most effective around the line of scrimmage. Jerod Mayo could fill a need at outside or middle linebacker for the Eagles D, as well, playing whichever spot Omar Gaither does not occupy. 
Losing a nice zone corner like Brian Kelly gives Tampa Bay the incentive to find another...Jenkins' physical play and ball skills make him a natural fit in their scheme. If he's not there, then Brandon Flowers could be a sleeper pick here because he would flourish in the Tampa 2. The Bucs' best receiver (Joey Galloway) turns 37 next season…so Thomas, Jackson, or Limas Sweed would be younger up-and-comers to help him out. 
New coach Jim Zorn would love to get a receiver like Thomas or Limas Sweed to help the development of Jason CAmpbell and so Clinton Portis and the running game can be more effective. Merling or Lawrence Jackson would be next in line as the full-sized pass rushers the team desires. Kenny Phillips could have the uneviable task of following in fellow "U" safety Sean Taylor's footsteps. 
Jackson's the speedy complement to T.O. that the team needs, as well as an exciting punt return option. Marion Barber's a free agent after this year and every team wants two backs, so Jonathan Stewart or even a speedy Jamaal Charles/Felix Jones could be the pick. They would love for one of the top three corners to be here so teams won't be able to stay away from Terence Newman so often. The Cowboys may try to package their two #1's to get a top ten pick...at least that's what most teams' value charts project they'd get. But they should be able to meet two of their higher needs with these later selections. 
How about getting some size (other than "Big Ben") to work with Santonio Holmes and Hines Ward? Gosder Cherilus is another potential pick at this point unless the Steelers are happy with Willie Colon and Max Starks on the right side. Corner is a concern for them, as well, so they could take a chance on Antoine Cason, Brandon Flowers, Aqib Talib, or Justin King. They're not stacked at free safety (despite what Ryan Clark and mouthy Anthony Smith may think), so Kenny Phillips could be a perfect complement to Troy Polamalu. 
Vince Young needs real help on offense (no disrespect meant to the returning Justin McCareins), so Hardy, Sweed or Jackson could be that big-play guy. DEs Travis LaBoy and Antwan Odom left as free agents, so the Titans may look to grab Lawrence Jackson. Balmer's athleticism would go nicely beside Albert Haynesworth (if he ever shows up to practice) inside. The Pac Man Jones saga could push them towards a corner like Cason, Talib, Flowers, or King. 
Getting some strength in the middle of the Seahawks defense could go a long way to improving their 2007 championship chances. Balmer can be a very good pass rusher and run-stopper. Marcus Pollard's playoff foibles are still fresh on the team's mind...so athletic TE Dustin Keller and blocker/receiver John Carlson will be considered at this pick. Manningham or Hardy will be tempting to Coach Holmgren and the offensive staff, as well. The erratic play of Daryl Tapp may bring Lawrence Jackson into the picture. 
Bolstering the pass rush is crucial for the Jags, as well, so if a top defensive end like Merling or Jackson is available they'll jump on him. Balmer could be the pick here if the Jags like their ability to clog the middle a la the departed Marcus Stroud. It's possible they'll look at Kenny Phillips to replace Sammy Knight, but they picked Reggie Nelson in the first last year. 
Letting Shane Olivea go makes a solid prospect like Cherilus look really good…he should play better on the right side than he did on the left last season at BC. With Drayton Florence a free agent and Antonio Cromartie taking over that starting spot, the Chargers may be looking for a third corner. Marlon McCree is gone, so Phillips could be picked to step in at free safety. RB Michael Turner's departure could push them towards a backt, but the value at the position may help them wait until Sunday…and they only have one pick in the first three rounds right now, so they really need this pick to contribute quickly. So if ATL doesn't take Ryan at #3, will they want to replenish the Chargers' second round pick (plus more) via trade? 
Yes, the Cowboys traded for Pacman Jones. But can they really count on him? Talib's potential as a number two corner across from Terence Newman makes him good value. If they choose not to get a RB with their earlier pick, then the speedster underclassmen Felix Jones and Jamaal Charles are next in line here...but one of those guys could be around in the second round because of the RB depth. The lack of reliable WRs outside of T.O. really hurt Dallas in their playoff loss, and Terry Glenn's injury history is not good. If Hardy is around, or they like Malcolm Kelly's size-if not his speed-then they could go in that direction. 
Patrick Willis and Connor would make quite a duo inside, with Willis getting more of a chance to make plays behind the line of scrimmage. Quentin Groves could also fill a spot outside in the Niners' 3-4, but his heart surgery may keep him out of the first. If Cherilus is available, the Niners may select him and move second-year man Joe Staley to the left side to take over for Jonas Jennings. Alex Smith and Mike Martz would love to see a big play player like Manningham or Hardy open up the offense because Bryant Johnson, Isaac Bruce, Arnaz Battle, and Jason Hill are not a murderer's row on the outside. And Frank Gore would like having more room to run. One of those late first/early second round corners could really help their depth, as well. Like the other teams in this part of the first round, the Niners would love to move down into the early second and pick up more selections. 
Phillips would fill a void left by Gibril Wilson…Michael Johnson flashed as a rookie, but the Giants look like to increase the competition. Arkansas State safety Tyrell Johnson worked out with the Giants, so he's a possibility here. Pat Sims could be picked to shore up the defensive tackle depth. Corners Flowers, Cason, Talib or King could provide depth behind Corey Webster and Aaron Ross. And if one of the top receivers is available, then they could get a nice #3 behind Burress and Toomer.