If they don't get an offensive lineman with their first pick they definitely have to get one here. In fact, they have even looked into trading up to ensure they get the tackle they so desperately need. Kansas City's strength used to be their offensive line but it is now in absolute shambles and they probably need to bring in at least two blockers early on in this draft. For a long time now there has been talk about how the Chiefs, and specifically Herm Edwards, really liked Jeff Otah so if he fell this far they would be elated. He is just the type of huge, mauling right tackle they want.
Alternate Option: Branden Albert / Ryan Clady
These two offensive linemen would be possible targets if they traded up.
Alternate Option: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie / Aqib Talib
Corner is also a major need but the only way this happens is if they get a offensive tackle earlier.
Alternate Option: Phillip Merling
If they don't replace Jared Allen with their first pick they could grab a defensive end here.
The Texans are hoping a left tackle falls to them and Chris Williams is the guy they are reportedly targeting. It goes without saying that neither Ephraim Salaam or Jordan Black are the long-term answer at the position and even if Charles Spencer makes it back from his career-threatening knee injury they plan to move him inside to guard. Chris Williams has a great blend of size and athleticism and would finally give Houston the stud they have been looking for literally since day one. Could this finally be the year the Texans prove mockers right by taking a left tackle? I think so!
Alternate Option: Mike Jenkins / Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie / Aqib Talib
If they don't select an offensive tackle here then a top cornerback is said to be next on their wish list. Dunta Robinson is still recovering from a career-threatening injury and even though Jacques Reeves was signed as a free agent he is not starting material. At the very least they need depth.
Alternate Option: Jonathan Stewart / Rashard Mendenhall
A long-shot, but it's not like Ahman Green / Chris Brown / Darius Walker are anything special.
Philly would prefer to land an offensive lineman in round one but since all of the top guys are already off the board they turn their attention elsewhere. Even before the signing of Asante Samuel there were rumors circulating that Lito Sheppard was on the trading block and it now looks like a virtual certainty that he will be dealt, which means the Eagles will need to bring in another cornerback. Aqib Talib has some big character concerns but he is a great athlete with a rare size / speed ratio and word is the Iggles have some interest in him if they were to go with a corner in round one.
Alternate Option: Branden Albert / Ryan Clady / Jeff Otah / Chris Williams
More than anything else the Eagles want an offensive lineman in round one but they may have to trade up to get one. William Thomas and Jon Runyan are nearing the end of their careers and Winston Justice is a question mark after his horrendous performance against the Giants last year.
Alternate Option: Mike Jenkins / Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
Two more options at corner in case Talib is gone of if they wanted to look elsewhere.
Alternate Option: Devin Thomas
Donovan McNabb asked for a playmaker so if they want to appease him Thomas would do it.
Alternate Option: Kenny Phillips
They could definitely use a top young safety but Phillips would be a bit of a reach.
There is a chance that Devin Thomas could be long gone by this point but if he is still available the Bucs may have a hard time passing him up. There is no question that Tampa Bay needs a young playmaker at wideout (Joey Galloway is going to be 37-years-old for goodness sake) and Thomas is a perfect fit for Jon Gruden's offense due to his ability to take a short pass and turn it into a big gain. Thomas was just a one-year wonder for the Spartans and is still raw but he has a ton of upside and is almost a lock to be the first wide receiver off the board in this year. This is a nice fit.
Alternate Option: DeSean Jackson / Donnie Avery
Two other wideouts that Tampa has been linked to. Avery could be this year's big shocker.
Alternate Option: Mike Jenkins / Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie / Aqib Talib
Brian Kelly is gone and Ronde Barber is getting old so an infusion of talent is needed at corner.
Alternate Option: Kentwan Balmer
Probably a long-shot but they could certainly use an upgrade at defensive tackle.
They need a replacement for Phillip Daniels, who is 35-years-old, and the Redskins have shown a lot of interest in Phillip Merling. Had he not been hampered by injuries throughout the draft process Merling might have been a Top 10 pick so to get him here would represent nice value. Merling may not be the flashiest player or the best pass rusher but he's a good all-around defensive end with a great motor. This isn't a sexy pick, which worries me because that's certainly not Dan Snyder's style, but in the end Merling's the best fit for Washington when it comes to both talent and need.
Alternate Option: Calais Campbell
When Campbell had his breakout season in 2006 (20.5 TFL, 10.5 Sacks) his defensive line coach with the Canes was John Palermo, who now happens to hold that same position in Washington.
Alternate Option: Malcolm Kelly
If Devin Thomas is available he will get strong consideration as well but he should be long gone. Malcolm Kelly would be a significant reach here because you don't really see wideouts with 4.68 speed go in round one. With that said Washington has shown a lot of interest in Kelly and they are certainly looking at him, although it is most likely for their second round pick and not this one.
After losing nickel back Jacques Reeves, who actually started 13 games for them last year, as a free agent the Cowboys already precarious depth situation has now reached critical levels. Sure they traded for Pacman Jones but he hasn't even been reinstated yet and it's not like he can be depended on anyway. Dallas was probably looking to go with Felix Jones here but they can't believe their eyes when they see Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie still on the board. DRC could be the 2nd or 3rd corner off the board so he may not last this long but if he does he will be an absolute steal.
Alternate Option: Felix Jones
Barring a top talent like Rodgers-Cromartie falling into their laps this guy would be their target.
Alternate Option: Mike Jenkins
Rumored to be the #2 rated cornerback on the Dallas draft board.
Alternate Option: Aqib Talib
If he dropped this far you can be sure Jerry Jones won't be scared off by his character issues.
The Steelers have always been able to hang their hat on a dominant offensive line but they could be preparing to undergo a significant changing of the guard up front. Free agent All-Pro guard Alan Faneca is gone while their left tackle Marvel Smith has battled some injuries in recent years and has just one more year left on his contract so Pittsburgh will probably be in the market for the best offensive lineman available. Gosder Cherilus is a big, prototypical right tackle and bringing him into the fold would allow the Steelers to move Willie Colon inside to guard, which is his natural position.
Alternate Option: Kentwan Balmer
They need some depth along their defensive line and Balmer could play defensive end in a 3-4 and then move inside to tackle if they ever make that switch to Mike Tomlin's Tampa 2 scheme.
Alternate Option: Quentin Groves
Clark Haggans left as a free agent and this guy is a perfect fit at OLB in their 3-4 scheme.
Alternate Option: Limas Sweed / James Hardy
Ben Roethlisberger has asked for a big target like he had as a rookie with Plaxico Burress.
Alternate Option: Defensive Back
They have some solid corners but lack a true stud. Free safety might be a concern as well.
A lot of people will have a wide receiver here and that is certainly a possibility but don't overlook their issues along the defensive line. Both Antwan Odom and Travis LaBoy bolted as free agents and even though they signed Javon Kearse it has been a long time since he's been a good, productive player. Calais Campbell is coming off a poor junior year and he didn't work out real well but he's a rare physical specimen with a ton of upside and the Titans really know how to get the most out of talented underachievers. Campbell is huge a risk but probably a worthwhile one at this point.
Alternate Option: Phillip Merling / Quentin Groves / Lawrence Jackson
A few other first round possibilities they might consider at defensive end.
Alternate Option: Kentwan Balmer
Randy Starks left as a free agent and Albert Haynesworth is not yet signed to a long-term deal.
Alternate Option: Limas Sweed / James Hardy / DeSean Jackson
Despite investing draft picks on Brandon Jones, Roydell Williams, Paul Williams and Chris Davis in recent years the Titans still have some big question marks at receiver and they simply must give Vince Young some weapons. Something tells me they will once again wait for a wideout though.
Alternate Option: Chris Johnson
The fastest player in this draft and they are considering him as a compliment to LenDale White.
This might come as a bit of a surprise to some but the Seahawks have always put a big emphasis on their defensive line and they have some question marks inside at tackle right now. Last year's 3rd rounder Brandon Mebane looks like a keeper but Marcus Tubbs has been a huge bust and Rocky Bernard was recently arrested so at the very least they need some depth and quite possibly a starter. Kentwan Balmer might be an underachiever but there is no denying his talent and he is clearly the #3 defensive tackle available and after him there is a pretty big drop-off at the position.
Alternate Option: Dustin Keller
The Seahawks desperately need a tight end for their offense and Keller is the top guy available, although he'd be a reach here. Keller isn't a great blocker either, which would not bode well for him in Mike Holmgren's offense, and there should be value at tight end in the 2nd & 3rd rounds.
Alternate Option: Sam Baker
Walter Jones is getting up there in years so it may be time to start grooming a replacement and in the meantime Baker could provide invaluable depth at left tackle, right tackle and even guard.
Alternate Option: Trade
There have been strong indications that Seattle would prefer to dump out of this pick.
Defensive end Bobby McCray already left as a free agent this offseason and Reggie Hayward is still struggling to regain his pre-injury form so it would definitely make a lot of sense for the Jaguars to target a pass rusher with this pick. Quentin Groves may be undersized and inconsistent but there aren't many better pure pass rushers in this draft so providing his heart issue checked out okay he should be a late first round pick. There are other defensive ends that the Jags could select here but they are a team that covets speed and Groves ran a 4.57 forty at the Scouting Combine.
Alternate Option: Kentwan Balmer
After trading away Marcus Stroud the Jaguars greatest need is inside at defensive tackle, where they have little beyond John Henderson. Needless to say if Balmer is here they will consider him.
Alternate Option: Phillip Merling / Calais Campbell / Lawrence Jackson
If Groves is gone or if they want to go with a different defensive end these are the other options.
Looking at their depth chart it is somewhat difficult to pinpoint many glaring needs for the Chargers. Difficult but not impossible. After losing Drayton Florence as a free agent the Chargers will need to bring in some quality depth in the secondary and they apparently really like Brandon Flowers. Despite his lack of size and timed speed many still regard Flowers as a potential late first round pick and his physical style of play should make him a nice fit for San Diego's defense behind Quentin Jammer and Antonio Cromartie. On tape many feel Flowers is one of the top corners in this draft.
Alternate Option: Felix Jones / Chris Johnson
Either one of these guys would be a nice replacement for Michael Turner as Tomlinson's backup.
Alternate Option: Sam Baker / Duane Brown
Shane Olivea was cut and Jeromey Clary may or may not be the long-term answer at right tackle.
Alternate Option: Trade
They don't have a 2nd, 3rd or 4th round pick so they may want to move down and rectify that.
I know this is unoriginal but the reason everyone has the Cowboys taking Jones in their mocks is it just makes so much sense. With two first round picks the Cowboys could feel like they are playing with house money to a degree and while everyone assumes that Arkansas alumnus Jerry Jones wants Darren McFadden he might have to settle for another Hog running back. Julius Jones signed with the Seahawks as a unrestricted free agent and whether they take him at #22 or #28 Felix Jones would just be a perfect replacement, providing some lightning to Marion Barber's thunder.
Alternate Option: Brandon Flowers / Antoine Cason
If Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie had not slipped to them at #22 I would have had them taking Flowers here because they really do like him. Dallas is also said to have Cason rated very high.
Alternate Option: Trade
Word is the Cowboys would be open to moving this choice if they could acquire a handful of draft picks or perhaps a top veteran wide receiver such as Roy Williams or, dare I say, Chad Johnson.
Alternate Option: DeSean Jackson
Terry Glenn is almost done and this is the type of flashy prospect that will catch the eye of Jones.
My surprise pick of round one. The Niners have a ton of needs but they are going to be looking for an offensive lineman very early and I've been told that Brown is a strong possibility for them, either here or at #39. If they don't grab him in round one I don't think he'd make it to their next pick and they probably realize that too, which is why they pull the trigger here. A former tight end, Brown is a fantastic athlete with experience at both left and right tackle and in the last month before the draft he has been flying up draft boards all around the league. I am out on a limb with this one...
Alternate Option: Sam Baker
The other possibility if they want to go with an offensive tackle.
Alternate Option: Curtis Lofton
They like this guy a lot and he and Patrick Willis would be quite the combo inside.
Alternate Option: Quentin Groves
They could use another pass rusher and Tully Banta-Cain has disappointed.
Alternate Option: Kentwan Balmer
Outside of Justin Smith there isn't much to get excited about on their defensive line.
Alternate Option: Limas Sweed / DeSean Jackson
Pretty good value if they want to give Alex Smith and Mike Martz some weapons to work with.
Safety is not necessarily their most glaring weakness but neither was defensive tackle last year and they still selected Justin Harrell. Ted Thompson is all about value when it comes to the draft and you can make the case that Kenny Phillips is the best player left on the board. Phillips did not have the type of big junior year most were expecting but he is still an excellent prospect with all the tools you look for and he would be a major upgrade over Atari Bigby. The Hurricanes do a terrific job when it comes to sending safeties to the NFL and Phillips should help carry on that tradition.
Alternate Option: Brandon Flowers / Antoine Cason / Justin King
Both Al Harris and Charles Woodson are getting older and there is little or no depth to speak of.
Alternate Option: Dustin Keller / John Carlson
Keller is the top tight end available but they also really like John Carlson.
Alternate Option: Trade
The Packers Draft Day M.O. in recent years has been trading down to stockpile picks.
Alternate Option: Brian Brohm
I was real close to putting Brohm here, even though I think it would be the biggest mistake they could possibly make. On the other hand he does represent a good value and not only is Aaron Rodgers still an unproven commodity but durability has been a pretty big issue with him as well.
The secondary is a big issue for the Giants so they may just be looking for the best defensive back available here. Sammy Knight was brought in to replace Gibril Wilson, who left as a free agent, but he is just a stop-gap and even though Michael Johnson showed some potential as a rookie he also blew too many assignments and can't be considered a long-term starter at this point. Tyrell Johnson didn't get much publicity until very late in the draft process but his stock got hot at just the right time and he could sneak into the latter part of round one. Some have him rated as the #1 safety.
Alternate Option: Kenny Phillips
If both Phillips and Johnson are available here it could be a toss-up.
Alternate Option: Jerod Mayo / Dan Connor
Kawika Mitchell left, Mathias Kiwanuka may eventually move back to DE and the depth is shaky.
Alternate Option: Cornerback
Aaron Ross is a keeper but Madison / McQuarters are ancient and Corey Webster is inconsistent.
Alternate Option: Limas Sweed / James Hardy
Plaxico Burress plays such a key role in their offense but he always seems to be hurt lately.
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Updated April 25, 2008
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