The 2008 NFL Draft seems to be one of the most in depth of the last decade. Looking down the board through the first round, many teams are looking at the players that make the best possible fits within their system. All 32 teams will look for the player that can possibly help lead their team to Super Bowl 43.
As the Draft begins this weekend, Clock Sports staff writers Michael Kashtan and Jon Young are going to discuss the top eight most interesting teams and their needs for the upcoming season. Hopefully their picks will be closest to the draft choices that are going to be selected in New York on April 26-27.
Kashtan: The Miami Dolphins hold the first pick in the 2008 NFL draft. As far as the Dolphins go, they have holes in every position, but the number one pick should go to Jake Long from Michigan, who has been dominant on the offensive line. The only problem with this pick is the Dolphins need to fill in so many holes that really any of the top ten draft choices would do, but Long seems to be the best fit for the Dolphins.
Young: The Atlanta Falcons are in desperate need of a quarterback in lieu of the Mike Vick’s relocation to the Penal League. The first person that comes to mind is Matt Ryan. The Boston College QB is the kind of player you can build a franchise around, and his aggressive nature in the pocket will suit head coach Mike Smith’s aggressive attitude as a former defensive coordinator.
Kashtan: The Oakland Raiders are on the clock at number four in the draft. The Raiders have a lot of holes to fill on their team, especially finding a good receiver to fit with newly acquired Javon Walker, which can be found in the later rounds. If Arkansas running back Darren McFadden is still there at number four, they must acquire him to help out with the offense. With exceptional skill at his position, the Raiders can’t pass on McFadden despite his off the field problems.
Young: The Baltimore Ravens are in a very interesting situation with Steve McNair recently retiring and an aging defense they can go a number of ways. But I think that they are going the direction of a QB. My pick is Chad Henne of Michigan, with his strong arm and pocket presence he is a prefect fit. He will learn to read defenses, and has a good offensive line to protect him, which includes future Hall of Famer Jonathan Ogden.
Kashtan: The New England Patriots dominated the NFL last year and came so close to going 19-0 for the first time in history. Looking at New England for this year, it seems like the defense is the biggest need for this franchise to continue to be dominating in the NFL. Clearly The Pats have to pick Vernon Gholston, the linebacker from Ohio State, if he drops to them at pick number seven. If the Pats are not lucky enough, they have a desperate need for a cornerback because of the loss of Asante Samuel to the Eagles. Leodis McKelvin of Troy or even Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie of Tennessee State seem to be the best fit. The Pats season lives up to the old saying, offense wins games, and defense wins championships.
Young: Da’ Bears are on da’ clock. Chicago had a down year with their defense not pulling as much weight as they did two years ago, when they went to the Super Bowl. But they are in serious need for some offensive firepower and it begins with the guy making the reads. With their position at 14 in the draft they still have a good selection of QB’s. They include Brian Brohm of Louisville, Joe Flacco of Delaware, and possibly John David Booty of USC. My gut tells me to go with Brohm because he is ready for the pros after playing at Louisville. Another thing they could do is take a late round gamble on Colt Brennan of Hawaii and develop him. But for the time being the Bears will take Brohm.
Kashtan: The Washington Redskins had one of the most difficult tragedies any team has to go through with free safety Sean Taylor dying at the age of 24 this past season. With Kenny Phillips most likely available at number 21, the Redskins need to establish the free safety position once again. Phillips, who has been compared to the hard-hitting free safety Taylor, would be an exceptional pick at number 21.
This year’s draft should be a very interesting one, to say the least. With so many talented players at every position almost anything is possible. Being selected doesn’t guarantee playing time and is not a quick fix to teams problems. Only time will tell the impact these players will have for their respective teams.
Oh, and look out for PSU backup quarterback/Clock sports editor Dave Dyer as a possible free agent acquisition as a practice squad QB.