Mel Kiper: Mock Draft (Albert #5 overall)

[dfbovey]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/draft08/columns/story?columnist=kiper_jr_mel&page=kipermock080401

Look for Parcells to draft lineman with No. 1 overall pick

Jr.

By Mel Kiper Jr.

ESPN.com

(Archive)

Updated: April 1, 2008

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For the third time in as many mock drafts, I'm projecting someone new to go No. 1 overall. My initial mock draft had LSU DT Glenn Dorsey going first, then I had Virginia DE Chris Long going No. 1.

Now it's Michigan OT Jake Long's turn to reside atop the draft board.

But whether it's Dorsey, Chris Long or Jake Long, one thing's for certain: Miami executive vice president of football operations Bill Parcells wants to take a lineman with the No. 1 overall pick. Also, the one word you can expect to hear a lot leading up to the draft is sign-ability. All indications are Parcells will draft the player who he can sign and get into camp.

2008 NFL Draft Preview

How does Mel Kiper Jr.'s latest mock draft compare with Todd McShay's first-round projections? To read McShay's latest mock draft, click here.

Two other notable changes from my last mock draft deal with the emergence of Virginia offensive lineman Branden Albert and Boston College QB Matt Ryan.

Albert was a guard at Virginia, but he did play two games at left tackle. His individual workouts have been phenomenal and Albert has convinced teams he can play left tackle in the NFL. I have him going No. 5 to the Chiefs, and they aren't going to draft him that high to play guard.

As for Ryan, if Miami, Atlanta and Kansas City all pass on this year's No. 1 quarterback prospect, the Baltimore Ravens would love to see him on the board when it's their turn to pick. One thing to watch on draft day: I'm hearing if the Falcons pass on Ryan, they might try and trade back into the first round (Atlanta owns two second-round picks) in an attempt to get Delaware QB Joe Flacco.

The three new names appearing on my mock draft are: Purdue TE Dustin Keller; USC DE Lawrence Jackson; and Arkansas St. safety Tyrell Johnson. Oklahoma WR Malcolm Kelly and Miami's Calais Campbell and Kenny Phillips dropped out of the first round.

My final mock draft will appear on the eve of the NFL draft, April 25.

* denotes underclassman

Kiper's First-Round Projection

No. Team Player School

1 Miami Dolphins Jake Long, OT Michigan

2 St. Louis Rams Chris Long, DE Virginia

3 Atlanta Falcons Glenn Dorsey, DT LSU

4 Oakland Raiders *Darren McFadden, RB Arkansas

5 Kansas City Chiefs *Branden Albert, OT/G Virginia

6 New York Jets *Vernon Gholston, DE Ohio St.

7 New England Patriots (from SF) Aqib Talib, CB Kansas

8 Baltimore Ravens Matt Ryan, QB Boston College

9 Cincinnati Bengals Sedrick Ellis, DT USC

10 New Orleans Saints Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB Tennessee St.

11 Buffalo Bills *Derrick Harvey, DE Florida

12 Denver Broncos Keith Rivers, LB USC

13 Carolina Panthers *Ryan Clady, OT Boise St.

14 Chicago Bears Chris Williams, OT Vanderbilt

15 Detroit Lions *Rashard Mendenhall, RB Illinois

16 Arizona Cardinals Leodis McKelvin, CB Troy

17 Minnesota Vikings *Phillip Merling, DE Clemson

18 Houston Texans *Jonathan Stewart, RB Oregon

19 Philadelphia Eagles Jeff Otah, OT Pittsburgh

20 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Mike Jenkins, CB South Florida

21 Washington Redskins *Devin Thomas, WR Michigan St.

22 Dallas Cowboys (from CLE) *Felix Jones, RB Arkansas

23 Pittsburgh Steelers Kentwan Balmer, DT North Carolina

24 Tennessee Titans *DeSean Jackson, WR California

25 Seattle Seahawks Dustin Keller, TE Purdue

26 Jacksonville Jaguars Lawrence Jackson, DE USC

27 San Diego Chargers Gosder Cherilus, OT Boston College

28 Dallas Cowboys *Justin King, CB Penn St.

29 San Francisco 49ers (from IND) Jerod Mayo, LB Tennessee

30 Green Bay Packers *Brandon Flowers, CB Virginia Tech

31 New England Patriots Forfeited pick

32 New York Giants Tyrell Johnson, S Arkansas St.

Click here to send a question to Mel Kiper for possible use on ESPNEWS.

[dfbovey]

This is something that I've been thinking for the past few weeks. With the greater emphasis that's being placed on guards in free agency these days it's only a matter of time before that bleeds into the draft as well. If Albert is as good as everyone has been saying then there is no way he'll be around with the #21 pick in the draft. First time I've seen it reflected in a mock.

[dfbovey]

McShay's for comparison:

Jake Long atop latest mock draft; QB Ryan falls to No. 3

McShay

By Todd McShay

Scouts Inc.

(Archive)

Insider

Updated: April 1, 2008

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While Miami taking QB Matt Ryan with the No. 1 pick cannot be ruled out completely, it does seem to be more of a long shot than a probability at this point. So, after months of sticking with Ryan at No. 1, I finally have shuffled the top of my mock draft.

Under Review So how has the draft changed through the months? Look back at Scouts Inc.'s Todd McShay's previous mock drafts. Insider

• Mock 5

• Mock 4

• Mock 3

• Mock 2

• Mock 1

In addition, a couple of weeks spent on the road visiting with NFL coaches and scouts at various pro days has provided some interesting perspectives on a few potential first-round curveballs. While trades are not included in these mock drafts, I do expect several to take place. The Patriots could kick things off at No. 7, where they are hoping a top talent like Ryan or DT Sedrick Ellis falls in order to generate greater interest.

Also, while I still have Ryan as the only quarterback in the first round, there's speculation that one or more teams might trade back into the bottom of the round to secure their favorite from the next-best trio of Chad Henne, Brian Brohm and Joe Flacco. Of the three, Henne seems to be moving up the draft boards the fastest. The more time coaches spend with the four-year starer from Michigan, the more they fall in love with his confidence and overall intangibles.

Keeping those things in mind, here's my best stab at how Round 1 will unfold followed by a brief projection for Round 2:

1. Miami Dolphins -- Jake Long, OT, Michigan

Record: 1-15 | Needs: CB, OT, WR, QB, G

Previous mock selection: Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College

While I have DE Chris Long graded slightly higher, Jake Long makes the most sense here. I'm still a firm believer that Jake Long will be an upper-echelon starting left tackle in the NFL. With the addition of G Justin Smiley and current Miami OT Vernon Carey back at his natural position on the right side, the Dolphins would finally solidify their offensive line and give QB John Beck and RB Ronnie Brown far greater chances for success.

2. St. Louis Rams -- Chris Long, DE, Virginia

Record: 3-13 | Needs: DE, WR, C, G, OLB, OT

Previous mock selection: Same

There's a lot of buzz regarding Jake Long going to the Rams at No. 2, but that's assuming Chris Long is the Dolphins' choice with the top selection. In this scenario, the Rams would have a tough choice between Chris Long and DT Glenn Dorsey. Both players are worthy of the pick, but Long is a safer one for an organization that has fared far better drafting college defensive ends than it has tackles. Long is not a prototypical edge rusher, but he's a disruptive force with rare versatility and a motor that never quits.

3. Atlanta Falcons -- Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College

Record: 4-12 | Needs: QB, DT, OT, G, TE

Previous mock selection: Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU

Ryan should be the Falcons' selection, and there's speculation that owner Arthur Blank agrees, for obvious reasons. Ryan is a franchise quarterback prospect with rare intangibles, which is something the Falcons desperately need. However, newly hired GM Tom Dimitroff brings with him the Patriots' mind set of building a foundation along the offensive and defensive lines via the draft, so if Ryan and Dorsey both are available, it won't be an easy choice.

4. Oakland Raiders -- Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas

Record: 4-12 | Needs: DE, OL, DT, WR, SLB

Previous mock selection: Sedrick Ellis, DE, USC

While their financial sense and player evaluations certainly can be questioned, the Raiders have in fact addressed many needs during the offseason, which frees them to go in any number of directions with this pick. Word has it that owner Al Davis is infatuated with McFadden's home run speed. Shocking, right? Regardless of his reasoning, it's hard to argue against taking the draft's most talented prospect with the fourth overall pick. Getting McFadden signed and into camp, on the other hand, could be an interesting process.

5. Kansas City Chiefs -- Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU

Record: 4-12 | Needs: OT, CB, G, WR, QB, RB

Previous mock selection: Jake Long, OT, Michigan

Jake Long has to be priority No. 1 for the Chiefs, but don't expect them to reach for a different offensive tackle with this pick if he is off the board. Dorsey is the type of impact defensive tackle the franchise has been missing for years. If Kansas City goes with Dorsey here, it can select an offensive tackle the caliber of USC's Sam Baker early in Round 2.

6. New York Jets -- Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State

Record: 4-12 | Needs: DE, CB, WR, FS, ILB, RB

Projected pick: Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas

Arguments can be made for and against Gholston. After studying him on film, I think he is a bit of an overrated player who disappears from games far too often. However, recent workout times have sent his draft stock soaring, and I hear from reliable sources that the organization is infatuated with him.

7. N.E. Patriots (from 5-11 S.F.) -- Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy

Record: 16-0 | Needs: ILB, CB, OLB, ROT, G, S

Previous mock selection: Vernon Gholston, OLB/DE, Ohio State

I am convinced the Patriots will trade out of this spot. For starters, coach Bill Belichick and GM Scott Pioli have made 25 draft-weekend trades since taking over eight years ago. Secondly, the team is in desperate need of secondary help, but there isn't a defensive back in this class worth selecting in the top 10. McKelvin is the most likely fit at corner, but only if the team moves down at least a few spots. And New England has been known to take value over need in the past, so DT Sedrick Ellis is a possibility here, too.

8. Baltimore Ravens -- Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State

Record: 5-11 | Needs: QB, CB, LOT, OLB, DE, ILB

Previous mock selection: Same

The Ravens are one of the wild-card teams in the top 10. They, too, are a team that likes to take the best available talent even if he doesn't fit a need, so if DT Sedrick Ellis falls this far, he is a definite possibility. I have Clady graded higher than any corner in this class, though, and he possesses the combo of size and feet to potentially take over for perennial Pro Bowler Jonathan Ogden.

9. Cincinnati Bengals -- Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC

Record: 7-9 | Needs: DT, LB, TE, C, S, DE

Previous mock selection: Keith Rivers, OLB, USC

The team is starving for a playmaking defensive tackle, and Ellis, who notched 58 tackles and 8.5 sacks as a senior, is one of only two elite prospects at the position. While it's highly unlikely he will fall to the ninth pick, I do hear the Bengals and Saints are among a handful of teams considering trading up for Ellis and/or DT Glenn Dorsey, depending on how the top of the board unfolds.

10. New Orleans Saints -- Keith Rivers, OLB, USC

Record: 6-9 | Needs: CB, DT, ROT, S, TE, LB, WR

Previous mock selection: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee St.

If the Saints don't trade up for a defensive tackle (Sedrick Ellis or Glenn Dorsey), they are likely to bypass their need at cornerback to select the draft's top linebacker prospect, Rivers.

11. Buffalo Bills -- Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma

Record: 7-9 | Needs: WR, TE, CB, DE, FS, OT, OG

Previous mock selection: Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy

This might be a bit of a reach for Kelly, but I am hearing the Bills will take him this high as long as he checks out physically during his on-campus workout April 9. Kelly is the type of big receiver the Bills need to add to their roster as a complement to Lee Evans. He is unusually fluid for a bigger wideout, and he might have the strongest hands of any player in the 2008 draft. However, if the team is not convinced of Kelly's long-term durability, it likely will use this selection on a cornerback, such as Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.

12. Denver Broncos -- Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh

Record: 7-9 | Needs: DT, OT, WR, MLB, OL, CB/RS

Previous mock selection: Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt

The Broncos ranked 28th in points allowed and 30th versus the run last year, which explains the free-agent additions of SLB Boss Bailey, S Marquand Manuel and S Marlon McCree. Finding an upgrade at defensive tackle is the next priority. Unfortunately for Denver, Glenn Dorsey and Sedrick Ellis are off the board, and it's too early to take the next best option, Kentwan Balmer. At least the team can use the pick to solidify its offensive line with Otah. Then it can target a DT like Auburn's Pat Sims in Round 2.

13. Carolina Panthers -- Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida

Record: 7-9 | Needs: ROT, FS, TE, RB, DE

Previous mock selection: Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh

Solidifying the offensive line with OT Chris Williams is a possibility. However, Harvey is flying up teams' draft boards following a superb on-campus workout, and the Panthers need a young insurance policy at the position. Carolina signed free agent Tyler Brayton, but Julius Peppers, who is entering the final year of his contract, is coming off his worst season as a pro, and aging veteran Mike Rucker is contemplating retirement.

14. Chicago Bears -- Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt

Record: 7-9 | Needs: OT, QB, RB, WR, G

Previous mock selection: Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois

The Bears have to consider Mendenhall, who would provide a level of toughness their ground game lacked with Cedric Benson as the primary ball carrier in 2007. However, upgrading the offensive line is an even greater priority. If they can land Williams, one of the top tackles, with pick No. 14, the Bears can shift their focus to finding a good running back value in the later rounds. Oregon's Jonathan Stewart and Tulane's Matt Forte are examples of the type of talent the team will find in the second and third rounds, respectively.

15. Detroit Lions -- Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois

Record: 7-9 | Needs: RB, DE, OT, LB, DT

Projected pick: Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida

With Harvey and the top four offensive tackles off the board, it will be far easier for the Lions to pull the trigger on the draft's second-rated running back. The Lions want to become more physical on the offensives side of the ball, and Mendenhall has the ideal blend of size, power and burst to help achieve that initiative -- certainly more so than current RBs Tatum Bell and Brian Calhoun.

16. Arizona Cardinals -- Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Tennessee St.

Record: 8-8 | Needs: CB, FS, RB, LOT, WR, DB

Previous mock selection: Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas

The team wants to land a complement to current starting RB Edgerrin James early in this year's draft. However, turf-toe surgery has knocked Jonathan Stewart to at least the bottom of this round, and it's too early to reach for Felix Jones. The good news is that the 2008 running back crop is deep, so the smart play is to grab one of the premier defensive backs before that well dries up. Rodgers-Cromartie has been one of the fastest rising prospects during the postseason, and the Cardinals will be thrilled if he's available at pick No. 18. The small-school product stood up to the big boys at the Senior Bowl and then wowed scouts a few weeks later with one of the smoothest workouts of any DB at the combine.

17. Minnesota Vikings -- Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida

Record: 8-8 | Needs: DE, QB, OT, CB, WR

Previous mock selection: Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson

The team has bigger needs, but don't expect it to reach for a slipping player like Merling. While I can't speak for the Vikings and their board, Jenkins is the best player available in my opinion, and his services certainly can be put to use in their defensive secondary. Jenkins possesses the speed and athleticism to frequently hold up on an island in coverage. He could immediately add depth as a nickel corner behind Antoine Winfield and Cedric Griffin before eventually pushing for a starting job a year or two down the line.

18. Houston Texans -- Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas

Record: 8-8 | Needs: CB, LOT, RB, DE, S, G, C

Previous mock selection: Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon

Houston has spent its past five first-round picks on the defensive side of the ball, and the team easily could make it six in a row by drafting a cornerback like Talib. While his feet and decision-making skills still need polishing, he is a versatile playmaker with outstanding size and speed for the position.

19. Philadelphia Eagles -- Branden Albert, G, Virginia

Record: 8-8 | Needs: WR, S, LB, OT, G, DE

Previous mock selection: Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma

The Eagles have steered clear of first-round receivers since the Freddie "Millions" Mitchell fiasco, and there isn't one worth drafting here if Kelly is off the board. Coach Andy Reid is known for drafting linemen in the first round, and his tackles are aging. Albert is massive, with good feet and a finisher's mentality, and while most of his experience is at guard, he has the frame to try out tackle in the NFL, should the Eagles so choose. That will depend in part, though, on where Shawn Andrews lands.

20. T.B. Buccaneers -- Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State

Record: 9-7 | Needs: WR, LOT, QB, CB, DT, RS

Previous mock selection: DeSean Jackson, WR, California

Coach John Gruden is looking for another pass-catching weapon in his version of the West Coast offense, and Thomas' run-after-catch skills make him an ideal match. Thomas also can help upgrade the Bucs' spotty return game.

21. Washington Redskins -- Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson

Record: 9-7 | Needs: WR, S, DE, OT, CB, G, C

Previous mock selection: Limas Sweed, WR, Texas

The Redskins' top priority is to add a big, playmaking receiver. But with Malcolm Kelly and Devin Thomas off the board, expect them to address that need later in the draft. In the meantime, they could either take a chance on Merling, who is dropping due to a recently discovered sports hernia, or fill the void at safety by taking the only potential first-rounder this class has to offer, Kenny Phillips. When healthy, Merling has an outstanding combination of size, quickness and power, which would make him a good fit in a rotation with veteran Phillip Daniels at left end.

22. Dallas Cowboys (from 10-6 CLE) -- DeSean Jackson, WR, California

Record: 13-3 | Needs: WR, CB, RB, G, C, QB, NT

Previous mock selection: Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida

Sure, Jackson has limitations at 5-foot-10 and 169 pounds. But he's the fastest and most dangerous open-field weapon this class has to offer. In addition to his big-play potential in the return game, Jackson could become a nice complementary weapon for QB Tony Romo sits to pee opposite Terrell Owens.

23. Pittsburgh Steelers -- Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College

Record: 10-6 | Needs: DE, OT, WR, G, FS

Previous mock selection: Branden Albert, G, Virginia

The Steelers are expected to invest multiple draft picks in offensive linemen. Cherilus is a right tackle prospect who struggled a bit on the left side as a senior, which is something the Steelers have to consider. Regardless, he has good feet for his size, and he's experienced enough to start at one of the tackle spots as a rookie.

24. Tennessee Titans -- Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina

Record: 10-6 | Needs: WR, DE, DT, CB, OLB

Previous mock selection: Same

QB Vince Young still needs lots of polishing as a passer. In all fairness, though, he needs at least one perimeter pass-catching weapon -- and no, Justin McCareins does not count. The last time Tennessee drafted a receiver in the first two rounds, however, was in 2003 (Tyrone Calico, Round 2), and the team hasn't spent a first-round selection on a wideout since Kevin Dyson in 1998. That's why the top available defensive lineman is the best bet.

25. Seattle Seahawks -- Dustin Keller, TE, Purdue

Record: 10-6 | Needs: TE, DT, WR, OL, RB

Previous mock selection: Same

Keller and USC's Fred Davis are neck and neck atop the tight end board. Davis is a bigger, more complete prospect with very good overall athleticism, but Keller takes it to another level in terms of overall explosiveness. Keller will never be a good in-line blocker, but very few H-backs display his potential to create mismatches in the passing game. Seattle is looking for a playmaker at that position, so don't be surprised if Keller sneaks off the board late in Round 1.

26. Jacksonville Jaguars -- Calais Campbell, DE, Miami

Record: 11-5 | Needs: DE, DT, SS, OT, CB, WR

Previous mock selection: Same

The Jaguars hope they addressed their wide receiver issues in free agency with the additions of Jerry Porter and Troy Williamson, which leaves the defensive line as the top draft priority. Campbell still is very raw, but his combination of size and athletic ability will be tough to pass on late in the first round.

27. San Diego Chargers -- Dan Connor, ILB, Penn State

Record: 11-5 | Needs: ROT, S, RB, NT, CB

Previous mock selection: Brandon Flowers, CB, Virginia Tech

Offensive tackle is the Chargers' biggest need, but there isn't one of value available in this scenario. San Diego is one of the few teams with the luxury to draft the best available athlete, and since there isn't a good tackle value still on the board, Connor becomes a very attractive option. He can fit well at one of the inside linebacker spots in the Chargers' 3-4 scheme and should eventually become an upgrade over current starter Stephen Cooper, who led the team in tackles in 2007 but has physical limitations.

28. Dallas Cowboys -- Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas

Record: 13-3 | Needs: WR, CB, RB, G, C, QB, NT

Previous mock selection: Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State

It doesn't sound like owner Jerry Jones will pursue a deal to move up for Darren McFadden, which is wise. However, he could settle for Arkansas' other first-round running back prospect, Jones, whose breakaway speed (along with his versatility as a receiver and return specialist) makes him a good complement to Marion Barber, a more physical runner.

29. San Francisco 49ers (from 13-3 IND) -- Limas Sweed, WR, Texas

Record: 5-11 | Needs: ROT, OLB, WR, OL, QB, CB

Previous mock selection: Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College

Wide receiver is not as much of a need with Isaac Bruce and Bryant Johnson both on the roster, but there simply isn't a right tackle worth reaching for at this point. The team recently cut veteran WR Darrell Jackson, and it still needs weapons to help stretch the field. Sweed could emerge as a steal late in the first round if his wrist fully heals as expected.

30. Green Bay Packers -- Brandon Flowers, CB, Virginia Tech

Record: 13-3 | Needs: CB, S, OT, TE, QB

Previous mock selection: Kenny Phillips, S. Miami

The Packers' biggest need is at cornerback, which is why they would choose Flowers over Phillips. Flowers is a much better corner than his 40 time indicates, and he should emerge as a solid starter in a couple of years. He's savvy and tough enough to contribute right away as a sub-package DB.

31. New England Patriots -- Pick forfeited

Record: 16-0 | Needs: ILB, CB, OLB, OL depth

Previous mock selection: Same

The Patriots lost this pick as part of the penalty handed down for illegally taping Jets coaches from the sideline in Week 1.

32. New York Giants -- Jerod Mayo, OLB, Tennessee

Record: 10-6 | Needs: S, OLB, CB, WR, G, T, DT

Previous mock selection: Same

The Giants are in need of a legitimate upgrade at linebacker, and Mayo possesses just the type of athleticism and versatility to find a contributing niche within this unit.

Round 2

Team Player Position School

33. Miami Dolphins Chad Henne QB Michigan

34. St. Louis Rams Mario Manningham WR Michigan

35. Atlanta Falcons (From Oakland) Pat Sims DT Auburn

36. Kansas City Chiefs Sam Baker OT USC

37. N.Y. Jets Jonathan Stewart RB Oregon

38. Atlanta Falcons Antoine Cason CB Arizona

39. Baltimore Ravens Joe Flacco QB Delaware

40. San Francisco 49ers Anthony Collins OT Kansas

41. New Orleans Saints Kenny Phillips S Miami (Fla.)

42. Buffalo Bills Tracy Porter CB Indiana

43. Denver Broncos James Hardy WR Indiana

44. Carolina Panthers Brian Brohm QB Louisville

45. Chicago Bears Ray Rice RB Rutgers

46. Detroit Lions Cliff Avril DE Purdue

47. Cincinnati Bengals Fred Davis TE USC

48. Minnesota Vikings Lawrence Jackson DE USC

49. Atlanta Falcons (From Houston) Chilo Rachal G USC

50. Philadelphia Eagles Early Doucet WR LSU

51. Arizona Cardinals Jamaal Charles RB Texas

52. Washington Redskins Jordy Nelson WR Kansas State

53. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Justin King CB Penn State

54. Pittsburgh Steelers Marcus Harrison DT Arkansas

55. Tennessee Titans Andre Caldwell WR Florida

56. Seattle Seahawks Trevor Laws DT Notre Dame

57. Green Bay Packers (From Cleveland) Duane Brown OT Virginia Tech

58. Miami Dolphins (From San Diego) Reggie Smith CB Oklahoma

59. Jacksonville Jaguars Patrick Lee CB Auburn

60. Indianapolis Colts Quentin Groves DE Auburn

61. Green Bay Packers John Carlson TE Notre Dame

62. Dallas Cowboys Mike Pollak C Arizona State

63. New England Patriots Curtis Lofton ILB Oklahoma

64. N.Y. Giants Tyrell Johnson S Arkansas State

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

[TaylorPainTrain]

I saw on McShay's draft, he has Branden Albert going to the Eagles at #19. This doesn't mean much, but some of the Philly sports-talk guys are saying the same thing. Regardless, it seems very likely Albert won't be available when we pick at #21.

Edit: dfb - you beat me to it!

[DiscoBob]

This is something that I've been thinking for the past few weeks. With the greater emphasis that's being placed on guards in free agency these days it's only a matter of time before that bleeds into the draft as well. If Albert is as good as everyone has been saying then there is no way he'll be around with the #21 pick in the draft. First time I've seen it reflected in a mock.

You may be right - of course that would also justify the Skins picking him if he was available at #21. A potential all-pro guard that could fill in at Tackle when needed (or maybe permanently).

He could be our backup OG and OT on day one. If he won the starting OG job, then we would have P. Kendall backing up OG, with the possibility of sliding Alberts to Tackle if a Tackle goes down. It could potentially bring some stability to our OL.

:2cents:

[dfbovey]

If he's there, I wouldn't have a problem at all taking Albert. I'm all for drafting the BPA and crossing needs off the list as they go.

[Soup]

I was hoping that albert wouldn't get noise so the skins would dfaft him. When this whole thing started I heard he would go early 2nd round and I was hoping maybe he would stay in the 2nd. But I wouldn't mind if the skins picked him up. The guy is huge and he's very raw and will only get better under bugel.

[elkabong82]

We'd take Cherilus or Balmer before we'd take Devin Thomas.

[chrisxcore]

I've seemed to like Kiper's mocks so far, for the most part.

I don't recall him changing them so much though, in years past. I guess that's just the way it is this year.

[Jimbo]

Wow, the man-love for BA is spreading like wildfire.

It's hard to say what the Fins will do but you gotta protect the QB so Jake Long makes a lot of sense to me. He could lock down the left side for years. Still, Tuna loves his Defensive players so I still think they trade down or take "sonofHowie".

[nightbird]

If Atlanta really wants Flacco, I'd be happy to take their 2nd round picks for #21.

Coming away with James Hardy, Kentwan Balmer, and Tracy Porter all in the 2nd round.

Sweetness.

[gutlead74]

52. Washington Redskins Jordy Nelson WR Kansas State

like this pick!!!!!!!!!!!

[gutlead74]

Cherilus not a bad idea if Albert is gone

[Truant]

Awful stuff all around. I hope both of these mocks are far off.

[LeoDC]

Lol, man Im kinda hoing we dont draft WR 1st rnd, closer we get to the draft

[gutlead74]

Lol, man Im kinda hoing we dont draft WR 1st rnd, closer we get to the draft

none of them seem worth it:2cents:

[superozman]

THIS IS WHY MOCK DRAFTS ARE SO STUPID! He has no clue, so he does 10 differnent ones, with 7 different people going first (he's up to 3...) - then when one out of those 7 gets picked he can say he had it right - its so sad people can make money off of this - even more so a life (Mel), unreal....

I HATE THE OFFSEASON! i'm lcuky i like baseball, I have that - who's ready for them G-Girls?

[DCdangerous]

Hey. What if we could get Ryan Clark back? Say Brandon Albert is available at #21. Well Pittsburgh needs someone to fill in the void left by Alan Faneca. And yet there are rumors that Seattle (#22) wants him too. For our #21, Pittsburgh gives up #23, a third round pick, and Ryan Clark. Maybe that is too much, but we could fill that need for FS when Landry is at SS.

[Jesus, Mary & Joe Gibbs]

I'd take Devin Thomas...

[gutlead74]

I'd take Devin Thomas...

really havent seen alot of him, his physical tools are intriging though. you by chance have any footage?

[mwj473]

Hey. What if we could get Ryan Clark back? Say Brandon Albert is available at #21. Well Pittsburgh needs someone to fill in the void left by Alan Faneca. And yet there are rumors that Seattle (#22) wants him too. For our #21, Pittsburgh gives up #23, a third round pick, and Ryan Clark. Maybe that is too much, but we could fill that need for FS when Landry is at SS.

Pittsburgh picks before Seattle, why would they need to try and trade up?

Pittsburgh picks at #23

Seattle picks at #25

[westcoasthog]

Am I taking crazy pills or did Vinny not say he wants a DT to collapse the pocket not a DE? Why do these "experts" keep insisting we are going for a DE?!?! I hope we trade out of 21 for a 2nd and a 1st for next year!

[mistertim]

really havent seen alot of him, his physical tools are intriging though. you by chance have any footage?

Has the physical tools. Very raw though. JUCO transfer who only had one season with any production whatsoever...and then declared. Sort of risky as a 1st round pick.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=AHbkz0IMIeA

[Califan007 The Constipated]

Hey. What if we could get Ryan Clark back? Say Brandon Albert is available at #21. Well Pittsburgh needs someone to fill in the void left by Alan Faneca. And yet there are rumors that Seattle (#22) wants him too. For our #21, Pittsburgh gives up #23, a third round pick, and Ryan Clark. Maybe that is too much, but we could fill that need for FS when Landry is at SS.

I think Dallas picks #22, not Seattle...

[RDSKNfaithfull]

I didn't think he would make it too us :doh: The way Guards are getting paid now the smartest thing to do is draft them. Albert is the 2nd best Offensive lineman in the draft. I think he might be a top 10pick but I'm pretty sure he won't get past Andy Reid unless Andy takes Otah or somebody similar :whoknows:

Everybody wants the next Shawn Andrews.