What is this? As the title of this page would indicate, this is a backwards version of the 2008 NFL Mock Draft. Everyone has a mock draft and to an extent they all look the same. I made this mock draft with the intention to entertain, but at the same time give you a different idea on how I feel like a draft could shake down with this order. The biggest difference with a mock like this is obviously, teams in the top 10 have many less needs than those that won four or five games. Therefore, this mock draft presents a different dynamic than one with the real draft order.
New York Giants: Jake Long, OT, Michigan
Jake Long would be a huge upgrade over Kareen McKenzie at right tackle and can be an All-Pro there. While Jake Long
is third on my big board, the Giants already have a ton of young talent into their defensive line, unlike the Dolphins.
Therefore they can afford to pass up on Glenn Dorsey as opposed to the Dolphins being unable to pass up on Chris Long.
Green Bay Packers: Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
This pick comes down to Chris Long and Glenn Dorsey, and they take Dorsey because he has a higher ceiling at defensive tackle
than Long does at right defensive end in the 4-3 scheme. Dorsey's value is shown here by the Packers, despite them drafting Justin Harrell
in the first round last year.
San Francisco 49ers: Chris Long, DE/OLB, Virginia
This is an absolute no-brainer pick here. This pass rush with Manny Lawson on the opposite side of the defense would be
lethal. Long is by far the best player on the board and makes so much sense for what the 49ers need to win a Super Bowl.
Dallas Cowboys: Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy State
I know Darren McFadden is on the board, but do you really want to invest this high of a draft pick in a No. 2 running back?
Leodis McKelvin provides much more value as a press-man corner, which is a huge need opposite Terence Newman.
San Diego Chargers: Keith Rivers, ILB, USC
This pick makes the most sense for the Chargers because they need a big difference maker in the middle of the
defense. They have Shaun Phillips and Shawne Merriman, so no need for Vernon Gholston. Not much of a need for a left tackle
with Marcus McNeill. Rivers brings much more range and speed at inside linebacker, and his leadership is welcomed to any
football team he is drafted by.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
The Jaguars' draft history with defensive tackles is pretty good. Sedrick Ellis' value here is immense to a team that needs to replace what they lost in Marcus Stroud, both last season in injury and now with the trade to Buffalo.
Seattle Seahawks: Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
Darren McFadden is a risk because we don't know if he can handle the load, or if he can ever develop as an inside runner. But you
can always draft a complementary back later and then bring in his elite athleticism. He makes a lot of sense for
an offense that desperately needs some "juice."
Tennessee Titans: Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State
Vernon Gholston brings pressure and speed off the edge for this defense. It's too high to draft a receiver, and I think Gholston
is certainly the best player available on the Titans' draft board at this time.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State
Another no-brainer pick. The Steelers draft their franchise left tackle to protect the $100M contract of Ben Roethlisberger.
Dallas Cowboys: Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt
Franchise left tackle again here. Flozell Adams' career is coming to a close, and Chris Williams brings some much needed athleticism
to this offensive line.
Washington Redskins: Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida
Derrick Harvey is prototypical pass rusher off the right side, and the Redskins could really use an elite pass rush in the
grueling NFC East.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
You think Jon Gruden would like to draft Matt Ryan? Easy pick again here; Ryan would open up the passing game and is
a solid fit in the West Coast offense.
Philadelphia Eagles: Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson
The value of the players on the board and the Eagles' needs (WR, LT) don't really match up, except for Phillip Merling. He
might be able to start right away at left end.
Houston Texans: Branden Albert, G/OT, Virginia
Prototypical zone-blocking scheme fit for Branden Albert and outstanding versatility being able to play four positions on
the line. His athleticism and upside makes him a great pick. It's tough to pass up on Rashard Mendenhall, but players like Albert
don't come around very often either. He's the best guard prospect since Steve Hutchinson.
Minnesota Vikings: Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida
Mike Jenkins has solid zone awareness, but he can also stay with receivers on the line because he has quick hips and
nice acceleration.
Arizona Cardinals: Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois
Another simple pick. The Cardinals are desperate for a franchise running back, and Rashard Mendenhall shows the elite second gear and
ability to handle the load to be considered a legit No. 1 back.
Detroit Lions: Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh
Jeff Otah solidifies the right side of the line. I loved his toughness at the combine, performing through an ankle injury
in front of hundreds of coaches and scouts. That said a lot about his character.
Chicago Bears: Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
This offense needs a lot of offense, and you can only do it with one pick at a time. Limas Sweed is the best
player on the board offensively for the Bears.
Carolina Panthers: Kenny Phillips, FS, Miami
The Panthers go again with another Cane (Dan Morgan, Jon Beason), as doing so has done them well in the past in terms of early production.
Big need at free safety, and Phillips' speed and instincts can make him a solid pro there.
Denver Broncos: DeSean Jackson, WR, California
The Broncos get a great deep thread and punt returner, but keep in mind that they could still take him at No. 12 in the real mock.
Buffalo Bills: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee St.
Another pick that could happen in the real Draft. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie fills a need as a shut-down corner. Buffalo runs a Tampa-2/man-scheme hybrid defense rather than just a pure Tampa-2. Therefore, Cromartie's ability to play press-man coverage makes
him a very valuable player for Buffalo.
New Orleans Saints: Kentwan Balmer, DT, UNC
I have Kentwan Balmer in the Saints' draft range as well in my pre-draft analysis at No. 10, so watch out for that shocker pick. Obviously,
Balmer provides better value at No. 22.
Cincinnati Bengals: Trevor Laws, DT, Notre Dame
Trevor Laws is a very active, energetic lineman, and that's exactly what the Bengals need defensively.
Baltimore Ravens: Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville
I thought last year if Brian Brohm came out (and he should have), Cam Cameron would have seriously considered him at No. 9
because of the perfect fit in his offensive system and Brohm's high football intelligence.
New England Patriots: Curtis Lofton, ILB, Oklahoma
A young play-maker is needed in the middle of the Patriots' defense. Curtis Lofton is a perfect fit in the 3-4 with his ability
to take on blockers, great size, instincts, and range in pass coverage for the 3-4 (which is a luxury).
New York Jets: James Hardy, WR, Indiana
The J-E-T-S need a reliable possession target for Kellen Clemens. I'd say at 6-5, James Hardy definitely fits the bill.
Concerns with him are with this effort and work ethic.
Kansas City Chiefs: Carl Nicks, OT, Nebraska
We all know how desperate this team is for offensive linemen. Carl Nicks can play four positions (other than center) so his versatility makes him even more valuable to this offense.
Oakland Raiders: Chris Johnson, RB, Eastern Carolina
When you run a 4.24 40 at the combine, you will undoubtedly attract the attention of Al Davis. This was one of the easiest
picks in my Backwards Mock to make.
Atlanta Falcons: Jerod Mayo, ILB, Tennessee
How much longer is Keith Brooking going to last? They can move him around on this defense and bring in Jerod Mayo, who
Mike Smith will love because he plays the game with a lot of passion and speed.
St. Louis Rams: Early Doucet, WR, LSU
Early Doucet helps this team get younger at receiver and would take a lot of pressure off Steven Jackson.
Miami Dolphins: Dan Connor, ILB, Penn State
Yikes! This would really suck for the Dolphins, but hey, let's remember this isn't real (though it would be really cool).
Dan Connor is the lunchpail type player Parcells loves
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