Draft Scout - Prep to Pro - College Football thru the NFL Draft, Since 2001

2008 ROUND 1

ROUND	TEAM	POSITION	COLLEGE

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TEAM	PICK	OVR PICK	PLAYER	POS	COLLEGE	TRADE NOTES
	1	1	Jake Long	OT	Michigan
Draft Scout Says: The decision to take an offensive tackle rather than a pass rusher was counter to the strategy that Bill Parcells has utilized throughout his Hall of Fame career. Citing the historic success of drafting offensive linemen in the first round, however, the Dolphins added arguably the draft's safest prospect and filled their biggest need.
	2	2	Chris Long	DE	Virginia
Draft Scout Says: The Rams ultimately decided on Long over Glenn Dorsey and Vernon Gholston because in Long, the team received the best combination of immediate impact potential, team need and, most important (considering the financial ramifications of a top two pick), safety. With the Rams generating only 5.5 sacks from their ends last season, they made the right choice.
	3	3	Matt Ryan	QB	Boston College
Draft Scout Says: There isn't a team in the league that needed a fresh face to the franchise more than the Atlanta Falcons, and in adding Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan, the Falcons certainly did so. Ryan's passion, poise, and toughness will soon make him a fan favorite and productive NFL quarterback.
	4	4	*Darren McFadden	RB	Arkansas
Draft Scout Says: Despite spending millions on their defense this off-season, Raiders' head coach Lane Kiffin voiced his opinion that the team still needed help along the defensive line. In selecting Darren McFadden over Glenn Dorsey, this appears to be a pick handed down by Al Davis, who understandably loves the explosive potential of a JaMarcus Russell-McFadden backfield.
	5	5	Glenn Dorsey	DT	LSU
Draft Scout Says: The Chiefs had targeted pass rusher Vernon Gholston, but with Dorsey shockingly still on the board, GM Carl Peterson instead addressed the middle of the line. Considering the running games throughout the AFC West, the Chiefs made the correct choice in taking this run-stuffing presence. With 12 other picks spread throughout the draft, expect a focus next on the offensive line.
	6	6	*Vernon Gholston	DE	Ohio State
Draft Scout Says: The addition of free agent Calvin Pace was certain to help the Jets' pass rush. In pairing him with the explosive Gholston, the Jets are taking a page from their cross-town counter-part, Giants and looking to attack their rival Patriots (and every other team in the league) by attacking the quarterback.
	7	7	Sedrick Ellis	DT	Southern Cal	(From Patriots who acquired pick and 4th-round pick in 2007 draft from 49ers for 1st-round pick in 2007 draft, April 28, 2007.)
Draft Scout Says: In trading up for Sedrick Ellis, the Saints filled not only their biggest need, but did so at a position of value considering that Ellis, if a few inches taller, would have been in contention for the top pick of the draft. Blessed with a rare combination of quickness, strength, and intensity Ellis may lack Glenn Dorsey's high profile, but he is actually a safer pick.
	8	8	*Derrick Harvey	DE	Florida	(From Ravens)
Draft Scout Says: Like the Saints a pick earlier, the Jaguars aggressively traded up to fill their area of greatest need with Harvey. Harvey, 6-5, 270 pounds has rare burst off the snap to complement the size the Jaguars have inside already. The trade could prove just as helpful for the Ravens. Not only do they acquire the extra picks needed to makeover this franchise in new head coach John Harbaugh's vision, the Ravens are in position to add a quarterback at a point of value in the late first round.
	9	9	Keith Rivers	OLB	Southern Cal
Draft Scout Says: While the Bengals would have preferred defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis fall to them, his former USC teammate Keith Rivers is a heckuva consolation prize. Rivers combination of instincts, size, and athletic ability gives Marvin Lewis the dynamic front seven defender he's lacked throughout his tenure in Cincinnati.
	10	10	*Jerod Mayo	ILB	Tennessee	(From Saints)
Draft Scout Says: The first real surprise of the draft came with the Patriots taking linebacker Jerod Mayo. Inside linebacker was arguably the Patriots biggest area of concern, considering the age of Tedy Bruschi and potential retirement of Junior Seau. Mayo is certainly a bit of a reach, but with the Denver Broncos at #12 and Detroit Lions at #15 also thought to be quite high on the versatile linebacker, Mayo's stock was on the rise.
	11	11	Leodis McKelvin	CB	Troy
Draft Scout Says: With clear needs at both cornerback and wide receiver, the Bills took the player of better value in McKelvin. As you'd hope for a relatively "small school" cornerback drafted this high, McKelvin was a dominant performer in the Sun Belt Conference, but emerged as the draft's top corner with a strong performance throughout the week of practice at the Senior Bowl. The draft's most dynamic kick returner, McKelvin will be expected to play opposite Terrence McGee on defense and may replace him on special teams.
	12	12	*Ryan Clady	OT	Boise State
Draft Scout Says: With only two offensive tackles on the roster, the Broncos were expected to focus up front at some point in the draft, though not necessarily in the first round. Clady was just too good of a fit for the Broncos at #12, considering his athleticism and experience in the zone blocking scheme preferred at both Boise State and Denver.
	13	13	*Jonathan Stewart	RB	Oregon
Draft Scout Says: With wide receiver Steve Smith the only true weapon on Carolina's offense, it was imperative that the club improved their running game. While an offensive tackle also made sense, Stewart -- the most physical back in the draft -- can come in and make a more immediate impact. Considering that some have questioned how secure John Fox is as the Panthers' head coach, complementing speed back DeAngelo Williams with Stewart's downhill physicality is an excellent choice.
	14	14	Chris Williams	OT	Vanderbilt
Draft Scout Says: With only two offensive tackles on the roster the Bears were ecstatic to have their choice between Virginia's Branden Albert and Williams with the 14th pick. Williams, a pure left tackle, offers more immediate help for an offensive front needing youth and athleticism.
	15	15	*Branden Albert	OG	Virginia	(From Lions)
Draft Scout Says: In trading up with Detroit the Chiefs addressed their greatest area of concern in adding Albert, among the most athletic and versatile offensive linemen in the draft. With the team also having holes inside at guard and center, expect the Chiefs to continue to focus on the offensive line throughout the draft.
	16	16	Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie	CB	Tennessee State
Draft Scout Says: For the Cardinals to overtake Seattle in the NFC West, they need to be able to slow down the Seahawks' passing game. In terms of the combination of pure athleticism and size, Rodgers-Cromartie may be the best cornerback in this draft. Ranked as a first round pick by NFLDraftScout.com since August, the rest of the scouting world caught up when "DRC" was among the Senior Bowl's most impressive performers.
	17	17	Gosder Cherilus	OT	Boston College	(From Chiefs who acquired pick, two 3rds, and a 6th round pick in 2008 draft with Vikings in exchange for DE Jared Allen and a 6th round pick, April 23, 2008.)
Draft Scout Says: The Lions may have been surprised to see Tennessee linebacker Jerod Mayo taken ahead of them, but they regrouped quickly in dropping down a few spots, adding to their picks in the 3rd and 5th round, and still addressing their longtime greatest need -- the offensive line. Cherilus lacks the footwork to play at left tackle, but his size and physicality makes him a perfect candidate for right tackle.
	18	18	Joe Flacco	QB	Delaware	(From Texans)
Draft Scout Says: One of the few real surprises of the first round came with the Ravens trading up to grab Flacco with the 18th pick. There is no denying Flacco's size, arm strength, and upside. However, for a team likely currently operating with only passers Kyle Boller and Troy Smith on the roster, the pick was a surprising one. Flacco has upside, but he is viewed by most teams as significantly rawer than Michigan's Chad Henne and Louisville's Brian Brohm.
	19	19	Jeff Otah	OT	Pittsburgh	(From Eagles)
Draft Scout Says: With Jonathan Stewart already acquired, the Panthers took their next step towards improving their running game with by aggressively trading back into the first round for Otah. Otah, rawer than the other first round linemen due to his only playing organized football for five years, nevertheless has spectacular upside. While he played left tackle at Pitt, Otah will slide in at right tackle for Carolina.
	20	20	*Aqib Talib	CB	Kansas
Draft Scout Says: There is no denying Aqib Talib's talent, but considering the fact that he's admitted to failing four drug tests during his time at Kansas, the Bucs are taking a considerable gamble with this pick. Bruce Allen and Jon Gruden have shown a willingness to roll the dice with character concerns in the past and do so here. On the field, Talib's size and instincts make him a great fit for the Tampa Two scheme.
	21	21	Sam Baker	OT	Southern Cal	(From Redskins)
Draft Scout Says: Throughout Atlanta's recently completed mini-camp, Pat McCoy, an undrafted free agent with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2006, lined up at the all-important left tackle position. With a significant drop-off after Baker the Falcons were forced to trade up and, ultimately, reach a bit to assure securing a legitimate talent to protect Matt Ryan's blindside.
	22	22	*Felix Jones	RB	Arkansas	(Cowboys acquired pick and 2nd-round pick in 2007 draft from Browns for 1st-round pick in 2007 draft, April 28, 2007.)
Draft Scout Says: Dallas had been forecasted by many to take Jones with this pick. Illinois' Rashard Mendenhall remaining on the board, however, created some discussion within the Dallas draft room. Jones is the better fit for Dallas' needs, however, considering his experience in a rotation system and kick return abilities.
	23	23	*Rashard Mendenhall	RB	Illinois
Draft Scout Says: Willie Parker couldn't have imagined that in finishing the season as the AFC's second leading rusher with 1,316 yards, he'd see the Steelers take a running back in the first round. The Steelers, however, likely couldn't have imagined that Mendenhall would fall all the way to #23 -- though the former Illini back was rumored to be slipping. The combination of both Parker and Mendenhall gives the Steelers a spectacular 1-2 punch at running back.
	24	24	Chris Johnson	RB	East Carolina
Draft Scout Says: Chris Johnson had been skyrocketing up the board in the weeks previous to the draft. While the Titans certainly need help for Vince Young at wide receiver, the biggest need was pure speed. Johnson has that -- turning in the fastest 40 time recorded by the Combine this year (4.24). In averaging over 227 all-purpose yards a game in 2007, Johnson can help the Titans as a runner, receiver, and returner.
	25	25	Mike Jenkins	CB	South Florida	(From Seahawks)
Draft Scout Says: With Pacman Jones traded for, but not guaranteed to be re-instated, the Cowboys entered the draft looking to address a lack of depth at defensive back. With the versatile Jenkins, who has experience at both cornerback and free safety, Dallas has the option of using Jenkins at whatever position they feel he fits best. The Cowboys elected to trade up as San Diego was rumored to be high on Jenkins, as well.
	26	26	Duane Brown	OT	Virginia Tech	(From Jaguars through Ravens)
Draft Scout Says: When Kevin Colbert, the Pittsburgh Steelers Personnel Director told the media at the Combine that this was the best offensive tackle class he'd ever seen, he wasn't exaggerating. In selecting Duane Brown with the 26th pick, the Texans took the 7th offensive tackle of the first round -- a number that hasn't been matched in modern history.
	27	27	Antoine Cason	CB	Arizona
Draft Scout Says: With the versatile Mike Jenkins off the board, the Chargers went with a similarly versatile prospect in Cason. While Cason played cornerback throughout his career, his lack of prototype speed makes him a potential fit at free safety, as well. A four year standout for the Wildcats, Cason lacks the eye-popping athleticism of some of the draft's earlier DBs, but is viewed by many as a surer prospect.
	28	28	Lawrence Jackson	DE	Southern Cal	(From Cowboys)
Draft Scout Says: In trading down and acquiring two second day picks, the Seahawks still were able to add one of the players they targeted initially in Jackson. While Jackson does not have elite burst off the edge, he is a strong run defender and plays with tenacity and technique. For a team as concerned with durability and character as the Seahawks, Jackson -- a four year starter at USC, who didn't need to play at the Senior Bowl, but did anyway -- makes a lot of sense.
	29	29	Kentwan Balmer	DT	North Carolina	(49ers acquired pick and 4th-round pick in 2007 draft from Colts for 2nd-round pick in 2007 draft, April 28, 2007.)
Draft Scout Says: The 49ers clearly need help at wide receiver and had to strongly consider the position, but with ascending defensive tackle Kentwan Balmer still on the board, he was simply too much value to pass up at this point in the draft. Balmer, a collegiate defensive tackle, will slide outside to play end for San Francisco.
	30	30	Dustin Keller	TE	Purdue	(From Packers)
Draft Scout Says: The story of the first round -- the exclusion of all wide receivers -- was enhanced with the Jets trading back into the first round and selecting the only pass catcher of the top 31 picks with tight end Dustin Keller. Keller, at 6-2, 240 pounds is more of a receiver than a traditional tight end, but is a tough matchup for linebackers and safeties and should provide the Jets with a dynamic threat down the seam.
	31	31	*Kenny Phillips	FS	Miami
Draft Scout Says: The Giants finished a historic first round with their selection of safety, Kenny Phillips. The final team to ignore the wide receiver position in the first round, instead the Giants focused on Phillips, a versatile playmaker capable of filling the hole left by free agent defection Gibril Wilson.
	31	31				(Patriots forfeited pick as part of league discipline for illegally videotaping opponents' defensive signals.)