Fantasy Sports Outlook

The deadline for underclassmen to declare for the NFL draft has come and
gone. Now that we know who’s staying and who’s going, it’s time for
Scouts Inc.’s second mock draft. My first-round projection features 13
juniors, including No. 1 overall prospect Darren McFadden, who is not
the No. 1 overall pick despite being far and away the best pro prospect
available this year. The top two picks in this version of the mock
draft are defensive linemen and an offensive lineman comes in at No. 5
overall. Furthermore, those three are among a group of 12 linemen from
both sides of the ball who project as first-rounders. Much will change
between now and the draft in April, but here is how I see things
shaking down at this early juncture:
Note: * denotes underclassman; ** denotes teams that will decide draft
order by coin flip; *** denotes teams that could change position
depending on playoff results

1. Miami Dolphins

Record: 1-15
Scouts Inc.’s biggest needs: MLB, OT, G, DT, CB, QB
Projected pick: Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
Dorsey’s dominant performance against Ohio State in the BCS title game
was a not-so-subtle reminder of his rare abilities. The 6-foot-1,
310-pounder was back to his disruptive ways thanks to a nearly
five-week layoff that allowed him to rest a nagging knee injury
originally suffered on a cheap shot in the Auburn game. That said, Bill
Parcells, the Dolphins new VP of football operations, will make
decisions on coaches, schemes and veteran personnel between now and the
draft that could steer the team in a different direction. Dorsey is
strong enough to adjust to a 3-4 defensive scheme, but it wouldn’t play
to his strengths as a penetrating interior force. It wouldn’t be cost
effective for Miami to spend No. 1 money on an interior lineman in that
defensive scheme, either, so OT Jake Long and DE Chris Long are also
options. Stay tuned.

2. St. Louis Rams

Record: 3-13
Scouts Inc.’s biggest needs: CB, DE, G, OT, OLB
Projected pick: Chris Long, DE, Virginia
The season-ending injury to perennial Pro Bowl OT Orlando Pace and the
Rams’ overall poor play along the offensive line this season make OT
Jake Long a possibility with this pick. But assuming Pace returns to
form in 2008, the Rams have a much bigger need along the interior of
their offensive line, which can be addressed in free agency or in later
rounds. Don’t be surprised if St. Louis goes with the other Long here;
Chris is not a prototypical edge rusher but is still a dominant
playmaker with rare versatility and a motor that never quits. The Rams
could solidify their defensive line for years to come by following 2007
first-round DT Adam Carriker with Long this season.

3. Atlanta Falcons**

Record: 4-12
Scouts Inc.’s three biggest needs: QB, OT, DT, RB, S
Projected pick: Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
This match is a no-brainer as far as I’m concerned. Ryan is the
clear-cut No. 1 quarterback prospect in the 2008 class. In addition to
solidifying the future of the all-important position for the Falcons,
Ryan has the intangibles and character to help the franchise rebuild
its tarnished image.

4. Oakland Raiders**

Record: 4-12
Scouts Inc.’s three biggest needs: OT, DT, WR, DE, RB
Projected pick: Darren McFadden*, RB, Arkansas
Running back isn’t quite a pressing need, but McFadden is a rare talent
and an unbelievable value if he slips to the Raiders here. If the team
isn’t high on McFadden, though, Oakland could use this pick to fill a
hole along the offensive or defensive lines. It should also be noted
that the Raiders are financially strapped and will not want to dish out
top-five money one year after selecting QB JaMarcus Russell with the
top overall pick. So, if McFadden is still on the board, don’t count
out the possibility of a blockbuster trade by owner Al Davis. Cowboys
owner Jerry Jones, an Arkansas alum, would certainly listen to offers.

5. Kansas City Chiefs**

Record: 4-12
Scouts Inc.’s three biggest needs: OT, DE, C, WR, CB
Projected pick: Jake Long, OT, Michigan
Quarterback is still a question mark, but the Chiefs’ No. 1 priority
this offseason should be solidifying their offensive front. Long is
unquestionably the most dominant offensive lineman in the 2008 class
and could help Kansas City achieve that goal in a hurry. He has the
versatility to play either right or left tackle, and his combination of
size, technique, athletic ability and a mean streak would improve the
Chiefs’ line almost immediately.

6. New York Jets

Record: 4-12
Scouts Inc.’s three biggest needs: WR, NT, ILB, G, OLB
Projected pick: Vernon Gholston*, DE, Ohio State
This seems a bit high right now for Gholston, who flashes top-10 talent
in many games (see: three sacks against Michigan) but disappears in too
many others. Don’t be surprised, however, if he works his way into the
top-10 mix by the time April rolls around. Gholston is the best
edge-rushing prospect in the class and we all know the premium NFL
teams place on those players. He would be an excellent addition at rush
linebacker for a Jets defense that is in need of some perimeter heat
out of its 3-4 front.

7. New England Patriots (from 5-11 San Francisco)

Record: 16-0
Scouts Inc.’s three biggest needs: ILB, CB, OLB, OL depth
Projected pick: Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida
The Patriots would like to inject some youth at inside linebacker, but
there isn’t a player at that position worth selecting this high now
that James Laurinaitis (Ohio State) and Rey Maualuga (USC) are both
returning to school next fall. The next priority is to find a
replacement for CB Asante Samuel, a free agent who can’t be franchised
for a second consecutive year, and Jenkins is currently the top-rated
cornerback in a weak 2008 crop. His combination of size, speed and
athleticism is outstanding and his recognition skills improved each
season. Jenkins also brings versatility to the table; he can play some
safety and also chip in on returns.

8. Baltimore Ravens

Record: 5-11
Scouts Inc.’s three biggest needs: CB, QB, OLB, DE, OT
Projected pick: Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville
Baltimore hopes this pick puts an end to its seemingly endless search
for a franchise quarterback. There’s no such thing as a "can’t-miss"
prospect in the NFL draft, especially at quarterback, and although
Brohm is hardly an exception to the rule, he does possess the size,
accuracy, pocket presence, intelligence and work ethic to thrive at the
next level.

9. Cincinnati Bengals

Record: 7-9
Scouts Inc.’s three biggest needs: DT, LB, OT, DE, TE
Projected pick: Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
The Bengals have a big need for help along the interior of the defense
and Ellis is a quick, tough and relentless defensive tackle. He has the
potential to disrupt plays in the backfield with his explosive first
step and can occupy blockers, which would make the Bengals’ entire
front seven better.

10. New Orleans Saints

Record: 7-9
Scouts Inc.’s three biggest needs: CB, DT, MLB, TE, OLB
Projected pick: Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina
This is admittedly a bit of a reach, but unfortunately for the Saints
this appears to be the area where the elite talent pool runs dry.
Laurinaitis and CB Malcolm Jenkins returning to Ohio State could end up
affecting the Saints more than any other team in the draft. Cornerback
and defensive tackle are New Orleans’ biggest need areas and Balmer is
the best available prospect at either position. Although Balmer flashes
top-10 potential at times, he also could turn out to be another bust in
the mold of Jonathan Sullivan, who New Orleans selected sixth overall
in 2003 but traded away in 2006 after he failed to live up to his
potential.

11. Buffalo Bills

Record: 7-9
Scouts Inc.’s biggest needs: TE, CB, WR, LB, DT
Projected pick: DeSean Jackson*, WR, California
Jackson could join forces with former Cal teammate and current Bills RB
Marshawn Lynch to give Buffalo one of the most exciting young offensive
skill groups in the NFL. Jackson still has room to improve as a
route-runner and he must get stronger in order to endure a 16-game NFL
schedule. Much like Ted Ginn Jr. (No. 9 overall to Miami last season),
however, Jackson’s home run ability after the catch, on vertical routes
and returning punts will be too tempting for a team with a top-15 draft
pick to pass on.

12. Denver Broncos

Record: 7-9
Scouts Inc.’s biggest needs: OT, DT, S, MLB, G
Projected pick: Ryan Clady*, OT, Boise State
Clady is still improving his strength but he possesses impressive feet
to go along with his enormous wingspan and huge frame. He would be an
ideal fit in Denver’s zone-blocking scheme.

13. Carolina Panthers

Record: 7-9
Scouts Inc.’s biggest needs: QB, WR, DE, OLB, OT
Projected pick: Calais Campbell*, DE, Miami
It would be tough to pass on a potential future franchise quarterback
in Andre’ Woodson, but I get the sense that coach John Fox is more
worried about the immediate future. Instead of drafting a young
signal-caller who will need time to develop, look for the Panthers to
bring in veteran competition for Matt Moore, who showed some signs of
potential late in the season. Drafting an end like Campbell, who could
make an immediate contribution, seems more prudent for Fox; Mike Rucker
is expected to retire and Julius Peppers disappeared in 2007.

14. Chicago Bears

Record: 7-9
Scouts Inc.’s biggest needs: QB, OT, DT, G, RB
Projected pick: Andre’ Woodson, QB, Kentucky
Teams will be concerned about Woodson’s occasional lapses in
decision-making and lack of mobility, but he possesses the size, arm
strength and accuracy as a passer to develop into a good starter in the
NFL. The Bears will likely consider themselves fortunate if Woodson
falls to them at pick No. 14 overall, given the quarterback issues that
have plagued the team in recent seasons.

15. Detroit Lions

Record: 7-9
Scouts Inc.’s biggest needs: OT, G, CB, S, DE
Projected pick: Aqib Talib*, CB, Kansas
The Lions will be selecting outside of the top 10 for the first time
since 2001 and the trick is to find quality players this far down the
line. The Lions’ secondary is undermanned and would welcome the
services of Talib; he is a versatile, fluid athlete with excellent size
and ball skills. His elite athleticism was on display when returned an
interception 100 yards for a touchdown this season, and Talib also saw
some snaps on offense.

16. Arizona Cardinals

Record: 8-8
Scouts Inc.’s biggest needs: OLB, CB, TE, RB, DE
Projected pick: Jonathan Stewart*, RB, Oregon
The Cardinals have more pressing needs on the other side of the ball –
like defensive tackle and cornerback — but there isn’t a player
available at either position who is as valuable as Stewart. He has the
speed to provide a big-play element that is missing in the Cardinals’
rushing attack while splitting carries with Edgerrin James early in his
career. Stewart also could offer a boost as a kickoff returner.

17. Minnesota Vikings

Record: 8-8
Scouts Inc.’s biggest needs: DE, WR, S, QB, TE
Projected pick: Derrick Harvey*, DE, Florida
Believe it or not, Minnesota is still in the market for a pass-rushing
defensive end despite investing recent back-to-back first-round picks
in Kenechi Udeze (2004) and Erasmus James (2005). Harvey isn’t quite as
explosive as former teammate Jarvis Moss (first round to Denver last
season), but he is more naturally athletic and if groomed properly
should become a more complete player in the NFL.

18. Houston Texans

Record: 5-7
Scouts Inc.’s biggest needs: CB, G, WR, S, OT
Projected pick: Kenny Phillips*, S, Miami
The Texans boast arguably the best young defensive line in the NFL
thanks to former first-round picks DE Mario Williams (2006) and DT
Amobi Okoye (2007), and now they need a ball hawk in the secondary who
can capitalize when that line forces bad throws from opposing
quarterbacks. Phillips could be the right man for the job. He needs
good coaching to improve his consistency, but there isn’t a defensive
back in this year’s class who can stack up with Phillips’ overall blend
of natural physical tools.

19. Philadelphia Eagles

Record: 9-7
Scouts Inc.’s biggest needs: OT, S, WR, LB, TE
Projected pick: Malcolm Kelly*, WR, Oklahoma
Current Eagles OTs Jon Runyan and William Thomas aren’t getting any
younger, so Jeffrey Otah (Pittsburgh) and Michael Oher (Mississippi)
are possibilities here. However, the Eagles are still in search of a
big-play threat at wide receiver and Kelly could finally be the answer.
Unlike most big receivers, he’s a smooth route-runner who knows how to
separate from man-to-man coverage. Kelly also might have the strongest
hands of any receiver in this year’s class.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Record: 9-7
Scouts Inc.’s biggest needs: OT, WR OLB, CB, QB
Projected pick: Sam Baker, OT, USC
Cornerback is also an area of need but Baker would be a steal this late
in the first round. He suffered through an injury-plagued senior season
and he still needs to get stronger, but no tackle in the 2008 is better
equipped athletically to step in immediately and improve the
pass-blocking situation for coach Jon Gruden’s West Coast offense.

21. Washington Redskins

Record: 9-7
Scouts Inc.’s biggest needs: WR, DE, S, OT, CB
Projected pick: Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
The Redskins’ top priority this offseason is to add a playmaking
receiver to the roster. There projects to be a run of wide receivers in
the bottom half of the first round before the shallow talent pool dries
up and if the Redskins don’t get involved here they’re likely to get
shut out of the wide receiver market. Sweed could become one of the
steals of this year’s draft; he possesses top-10 talent but will no
doubt be undervalued due to a wrist injury that cut short his senior
season but should have no long-term affects on his pass-catching
ability.

22. Dallas Cowboys (from 10-6 Cleveland)

Record: 13-3
Scouts Inc.’s biggest needs: CB, WR, OT, ILB, RB
Projected pick: Mario Manningham*, WR, Michigan
Manningham is an underrated talent who could be special at the next
level if he keeps his head on straight. With his good deep speed it
wouldn’t take Manningham long to take over Terry Glenn’s role in the
Dallas offense as the vertical threat opposite Terrell Owens. However,
Manningham needs to get stronger in order to deal with physical press
coverage.

23. Pittsburgh Steelers

Record: 10-6
Scouts Inc.’s biggest needs: OT. C, DE, G, RB
Projected pick: Jeffrey Otah, OT, Pittsburgh
The Steelers could use two of their first three picks on offensive
linemen. They have bigger holes to fill inside at center and guard, but
with his combination of size and skills Otah is far and away the best
lineman available in this scenario. G Roy Schuening (Oregon State) and
C John Sullivan (Notre Dame) could also become Steelers in later rounds.

24. Tennessee Titans

Record: 10-6
Scouts Inc.’s biggest needs: WR, CB, TE, WR, OL
Projected pick: Early Doucet, WR, LSU
Considering the Pacman Jones fallout, it wouldn’t be surprising to see
Tennessee pass on the more naturally gifted James Hardy, who has
off-field baggage. The Titans need to draft a legitimate weapon for QB
Vince Young to target in the passing game, and although Doucet battled
injury during his senior season, has the quickness and playmaking
ability to help Young.

25. Seattle Seahawks

Record: 10-6
Scouts Inc.’s biggest needs: OT, DT, RB, TE, G
Projected pick: Rashard Mendenhall*, RB, Illinois
It is unlikely that current Seahawks RB Shaun Alexander will ever
return to his 2005 MVP form, and Maurice Morris has proven to be most
effective in a complementary role. This year’s crop of running backs is
unusually deep, but Seattle might not want to wait; Mendenhall is an
underrated receiver, has limited wear on his tires and is coming off a
very impressive showing against the speedy USC defense in the Rose Bowl.

26. New York Giants***

Record: 10-6
Scouts Inc.’s biggest needs: OLB, CB, S, OT, DT
Projected pick: Keith Rivers, OLB, USC
The Giants are in need of a legitimate upgrade at linebacker and Rivers
is instinctive and athletic enough to contribute immediately on the
weak side. Arkansas RB Felix Jones is another possibility here; his
world-class speed makes him an ideal complement to current Giants power
back Brandon Jacobs. Jones also can add value as a big-play threat as a
receiver and in the return game, so keep an eye on this selection.

27. Jacksonville Jaguars

Record: 11-5
Scouts Inc.’s biggest needs: WR, DE, SS, CB
Projected pick: Quentin Groves, DE, Auburn
The Jaguars should use this pick on the best available pass-rusher.
Although Groves struggled through an injury-riddled senior season,
there isn’t an edge rusher in the 2008 class with better top-end speed.
His stock is likely to soar following what should be impressive
showings at the combine and individual workouts.

28. San Diego Chargers***

Record: 11-5
Scouts Inc.’s biggest needs: G, OT, NT, FB, RB
Projected pick: Dan Connor, MLB, Penn State
Connor is a versatile prospect who spent most of his collegiate career
at outside linebacker before moving inside as a senior. Similar to
former teammate Paul Posluszny (second round to Buffalo last season),
Connor is a bit overrated at this early point in the draft process.
Regardless, he’s athletic and tough enough to warrant late-first round
consideration from a team like the Chargers, who are in need of an
upgrade at inside linebacker.

29. Dallas Cowboys

Record: 13-3
Scouts Inc.’s biggest needs: CB, WR, OT, ILB, RB
Projected pick: Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy
After nabbing a vertical threat at wide receiver five picks earlier in
the person of Manningham, Dallas can take a chance on a potential
shutdown cornerback in McKelvin. He has excellent speed and can also be
a contributor in the return game, and McKelvin held his own against
big-time competition this season.

30. San Francisco 49ers (from 13-3 Indianapolis)

Record: 5-11
Scouts Inc.’s biggest needs: WR, OT, OLB, DE, QB
Projected pick: James Hardy*, WR, Indiana
The 49ers need a playmaker at wide receiver to take the attention away
from TE Vernon Davis and some pressure off QB Alex Smith. And although
Hardy comes with some baggage and he needs some polishing, no receiver
in this class possesses a more imposing combination of size and natural
athleticism.

31. Green Bay Packers***

Record: 13-3
Scouts Inc.’s biggest needs: OT, S, CB, TE, P
Projected pick: Fred Davis, TE, USC
Former first-round pick Bubba Franks never developed into a
difference-maker in the passing game and his career is on the steady
decline. Davis emerged as the Trojans’ go-to-receiver with 62
receptions as a senior, finally getting a chance to showcase his
outstanding athletic ability. Packers QB Brett Favre would certainly
welcome the addition of a tight end like Davis, who can stretch the
seam and generate yards after the catch.

32. New England Patriots***

Record: 16-0
Scouts Inc.’s three biggest needs: ILB, CB, OLB, OL depth
Projected pick: Pick forfeited.
The Patriots forfeit this pick as part of the penalty handed down for illegally taping Jets coaches from the sideline in Week 1.

Todd McShay is the director of college football scouting for Scouts
Inc. He has been evaluating prospects for the NFL draft since 1998.