Steuber's 2008 NFL Mock Draft

NFL Draft Analyst Chris Steuber has put together his first 2008 NFL mock draft. Take a look at his early projections of who teams will select next April. And then watch for his updates through draft day.

I know we’re still more than six months away from the NFL Draft, and the NFL is about to kick off Week 9 of the regular season, but the draft has become a 365 days a year discussion.

One team that didn’t think they’d be in a position to obtain the first selection in the 2008 draft is the St. Louis Rams. Looking at the Rams roster before the season started, I thought they’d be a Super Bowl contender, especially in a mediocre NFC. Injuries have really hurt the Rams this season, and if they end up holding the first pick at season’s end, it’ll give them an opportunity to address some major needs.

It’s early, but it’s always fun to see where top draft eligible players from the collegiate ranks might end up. With that being said, enjoy my first mock draft of the season and let me know your thoughts. If you have any questions about my mock draft, you can email me.

Pick	Team	Pos.	Player	College	Class	Ht.	Wt.
1		OT	Jake Long	Michigan	Sr.	6-7	320
It’s obvious that the Rams need offensive line help. With Orlando Pace’s future uncertain, the Rams have to identify a player they can build their line around. Michigan’s Jake Long is the best available.
2		DT	Glenn Dorsey	LSU	Sr.	6-2	300
An aging defensive line needs a steady defender that can make plays inside. Dorsey fits well into the Miami defensive scheme.
3		DE	Chris Long	Virginia	Sr.	6-5	285
The Jets may look to upgrade their offense, but their defense needs an instant impact player. Long's ability to defend the run and rush the passer will help the Jets’ defense tremendously.
4		QB	Brian Brohm	Louisville	Sr.	6-4	225
Brohm’s former head coach Bobby Petrino needs a new field general. Why not bring in a familiar face?
5	from 49ers	RB	Darren McFadden	Arkansas	Jr.	6-2	205
The rich get richer, as the Patriots steal one of the most dynamic players in the country, Arkansas' Darren McFadden. McFadden and Laurence Maroney give the Patriots the most dangerous backfield in the NFL.
6		DE	Calais Campbell	Miami	Jr.	6-8	285
The Raiders are building their defense the right way - through the draft. Adding a potentially dominant pass rusher like Campbell only makes Derrick Burgess that much better on the opposite side.
7		QB	Matt Ryan	Boston College	Sr.	6-5	220
The Tarvaris Jackson project in Minnesota may be over, and selecting a franchise quarterback is vital. Matt Ryan gives the Vikings the leadership they need on offense.
8		MLB	James Laurinaitis	Ohio State	Jr.	6-3	240
Cincinnati has been cursed at the linebacker position in the past, but the selection of Laurinaitis is redemption for the Bengals.
9		OT	Gosder Cherilus	Boston College	Sr.	6-7	319
The Texans finally have their franchise quarterback in Matt Schaub. Now it's time to protect Schaub with a dominant tackle. Cherilus provides Houston with a versatile blocker who can protect Schaub's blind side.
10		QB	Andre Woodson	Kentucky	Sr.	6-5	230
It's obvious that the Bears major need is to find a quarterback for the future. Rex Grossman is clearly not the answer, so enter Kentucky's Andre Woodson.
11		S	Kenny Phillips	Miami	Jr.	6-2	210
The Eagles put a high value on offensive and defensive lineman, as well as defensive backs. Miami's Kenny Phillips fits a need in the Eagles secondary from day one, especially if Brian Dawkins decides to retire.
12		CB	Malcolm Jenkins	Ohio State	Jr.	6-1	208
The Saints have to upgrade their defense. They could use help at linebacker and in the secondary. Their biggest need is at cornerback, and Jenkins gives the Saints the lock down corner they need.
13		DT	Frank Okam	Texas	Sr.	6-5	320
This may be a bit of a reach for Okam, but Denver has to improve their run defense, and the best way to improve is to add a huge DT on your defensive front. Okam takes a lot off of the Broncos linebackers.
14		OT	Sam Baker	USC	Sr.	6-5	305
Cherilus would have been the better option at this point for the Bills, but with Baker still on the board, he gives Buffalo an immediate starter on the O-Line.
15		DE	Quentin Groves	Auburn	Sr.	6-3	254
Arizona has to improve their defense and get more pressure on the quarterback. Groves is a versatile defender who can play linebacker or defensive end for the Cardinals.
16		WR	DeSean Jackson	California	Jr.	6-0	172
The Buccaneers have to add a playmaker on offense. With Joey Galloway in his mid-thirties, adding a dynamic player like DeSean Jackson, who can impact the game on offense and special teams, makes sense.
17		DT	Sedrick Ellis	USC	Sr.	6-1	285
Adding a quality defensive tackle up front, who can get penetration against the opposition, is a major need for Washington. USC's Sedrick Ellis fits the need and is an excellent selection at this point.
18		RB	Jonathan Stewart	Oregon	Jr.	5-11	230
The Seahawks drafted Shaun Alexander in 2000, as Ricky Watters' eventual replacement. With Alexander turning 30 this year, it may be time to think about his successor. Oregon's Jonathan Stewart is the perfect protégé for Alexander.
19		OLB	Keith Rivers	USC	Sr.	6-3	220
When you play a 3 - 4 defense, you can never have too many linebackers. Adding Rivers to the Chargers’ defense makes things more difficult for the opposition.
20		OT	Ryan Clady	Boise State	Jr.	6-6	317
The Chiefs are still searching to find a replacement for Willie Roaf, and adding the massive Clady to their line is a step in the right direction.
21	from Browns	DB	Reggie Smith	Oklahoma	Jr.	6-0	196
Roy Williams and Ken Hamlin are big hitters, but they couldn't cover a high school receiver. Oklahoma's versatile defender Reggie Smith can play corner or safety and gives the Cowboys options.
22		DT	Kentwan Balmer	North Carolina	Sr.	6-5	295
Injuries and inconsistent play at defensive tackle lead the Panthers to select local talent Kentwan Balmer.
23		CB	Antoine Cason	Arizona	Sr.	6-0	185
The Ravens are always looking to add depth and youth in the secondary. Adding Cason to the mix gives Baltimore a solid cover corner for their future. The last time the Ravens drafted a corner from Arizona was Chris McAlister in 1999.
24		WR	Early Doucet	LSU	Sr.	6-1	210
Tennessee has to give Vince Young a go-to-guy, and adding a sure handed receiver like Early Doucet fits that need.
25		OG	Herman Johnson	LSU	Jr.	6-7	356
It seems likely that long-time Steelers guard Alan Faneca will leave Pittsburgh at season’s end. Finding a replacement may be tough, but LSU”s Herman Johnson is a big, physical lineman that’s versatile enough to play inside or out.
26		WR	Adarius Bowman	Oklahoma State	Sr.	6-4	220
The Jaguars have had inconsistent play from their receivers and have been disappointed with a couple of their former first round selections (Reggie Williams and Matt   Jones). Adding OSU's Adarius Bowman gives the Jags a dangerous deep threat with natural physical gifts.
27		CB	Mike Jenkins	South Florida	Sr.	6-0	197
The Lions have a horrendous pass defense and a lot of that has to do with the players they have in the secondary. Selecting a player with excellent cover corner skills is a must, and USF's Mike Jenkins is a great start.
28		OLB	Dan Connor	Penn State	Sr.	6-3	233
The Giants defense is playing very well this season, but there are some areas that they need to address for the future. The biggest concern is at linebacker. Penn State's Dan Connor is an excellent choice at this pick.
29		RB	Steve Slaton	West Virginia	Jr.	5-10	190
Surprise, surprise, the Packers are off to a tremendous start. Their defense is playing great and their offense has been solid. Imagine if they only had a running game. West Virginia's Steve Slaton has game breaking ability and adds a lot to the Packers’ offense.
30		DE	Derrick Harvey	Florida	Jr.	6-4	262
The Cowboys run a 3-4 defense and are always looking to add pass rushers. Florida's Derrick Harvey has a lot of potential and can play at linebacker or defensive end for Dallas.
31	from Colts	WR	Lavelle Hawkins	California	Sr.	5-11	185
The Niners have to find a way to get their franchise quarterback Alex Smith a legitimate deep threat. Cal's Lavelle Hawkins has excellent speed and hands and gives Smith what he needs.
32	PATRIOTS SELECTION FORFEITED