NFL Mock Draft #3 - Sportsbook.com Edition

NFL: Final Mock Draft

Note: It was just announced minutes ago that Miami and Jake Long have agreed on a contract, so take that for what its worth, looks to me like Long goes #1 to Miami in the 2008 NFL Draft though....

Diehard football fans are counting the hours until Saturday’s NFL draft, and there’s plenty of excitement with no clear-cut number one pick and many teams looking to make trades.

Sportsbook.com is releasing a mock draft based on the consensus of its writers. And if you’re looking for more action on the big day, see our wide array of NFL Draft Wagers. Or you can check out our Mini Mock Draft contest where you can get a 200% Win Bonus.

1) Miami Dolphins – Vernon Gholston, Ohio State, DE/OLB

Miami General Manager, Jeff Ireland slipped up by telling the media they would be selecting a defensive player. Gholston fits a need and has incredible upside. Ghoulston is currently 3-1 to go first.

2) St. Louis Rams – Glenn Dorsey, LSU, DT

St. Louis has talked trade with New Orleans, but the assumption is they will hold onto the pick. Dorsey answered all questions about his health with a solid Pro Day. At 7-1, there is definite value for Dorsey going #2.

3) Atlanta Falcons – Jake Long, Michigan, OT

Boston College’s Matt Ryan would help fill the void left by Michael Vick, but the Falcons may wait until Round 2 to get a quarterback. Long will vastly improve the blocking for whoever is behind center. Long being drafted OVER pick 1.5 currently pays out at +130.

4) Oakland Raiders – Darren McFadden, Arkansas, RB

Oakland is always a Wild Card because no one ever knows what owner Al Davis is thinking. McFadden may not be a bruiser at running back, but his speed and burst make him an elite prospect. At 5-2, McFadden going #4 poses decent odds.

5) Kansas City Chiefs – Matt Ryan, Boston College, QB

The Chiefs are shopping defensive end, Jared Allen so Chris Long could be their pick. However, Brodie Croyle is clearly not the long term answer at quarterback. Being selected UNDER 7.5 pays out at -130.

6) New York Jets – Chris Long, Virginia, DE/OLB

The Jets would love to see McFadden fall to them but Long is also a coveted player. Long has a non-stop motor and he would play outside linebacker in the Jets’ 3-4 defense. If Long falls this low, the Over (3.5) will cash at +200.

7) New England Patriots – Keith Rivers, USC, LB

The Patriots could trade down but Rivers would also be a solid pick here. Rivers would likely play inside in their 3-4 defense allowing Adalius Thomas to play outside where he’s more productive. The TOTAL number of PAC-10 1st rounders is set at 4.5.

8) Baltimore Ravens – Leodis McKelvin, Troy, CB

Baltimore will be jumping up and down if Matt Ryan falls to them, but it looks like they might need to trade up. McKelvin is the top cornerback and would be a good consolation prize. The talented corner pays 50-1 if his name is called first.

9) Cincinnati Bengals – Sedrick Ellis, USC, DT

Cincinnati knows they will never be a contender without improving their defense. Ellis is a dream pick for the Bengals who would not have to trade up to get this explosive lineman. Ellis will pay at +650 if drafted ahead of Dorsey.

10) New Orleans Saints – Mike Jenkins, South Florida, CB

A defensive lineman is top priority for New Orleans and they still have designs on landing Dorsey or Ellis. With both gone though, they decide to take the best available cornerback in Jenkins.

11) Buffalo Bills – Devin Thomas, Michigan State, WR

There’s not one standout wide receiver in this draft although four could go in the first round. Thomas has moved to the top of most team’s receiver lists and he’s the selection here. The TOTAL number of Big 10 players in the 1st Round is locked in at 4.5.

12) Denver Broncos – Ryan Clady, Boise State, OT

Denver is another team that needs to shore up the defensive line, but offensive line is also a priority and Clady provides a lot of value at this draft slot. Clady would pay off at a generous 50-1 if picked #1 overall.

13) Carolina Panthers – Derrick Harvey, Florida, DE

Julius Peppers had just 2.5 sacks last year and is a free agent at the end of the season. Harvey is rising on most draft boards and can make an immediate impact rushing the passer. If the SEC has the most players picked in Round 1, the bettor will cash at 5-2.

14) Chicago Bears – Branden Albert, Virginia, OT/G

The Bears need an offensive tackle in the worst way, and while Albert was mainly a guard in college, he has the skills needed to move to the outside. The TOTAL number of ACC players drafted in the 1st round is 6.5.

15) Detroit Lions – Rashard Mendenhall, Illinois, RB

Derrick Harvey will likely be the pick if he’s available but that’s unlikely. Mendenhall gets the slight edge over Oregon’s Jonathan Stewart due to Stewart’s lingering turf toe issues. The O/U on where he’ll be picked is set at 15.5.

16) Arizona Cardinals – Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Tenn. St, CB

This would make a run of corners with three already taken in the first 16 picks, and Rodgers-Cromartie may have the most raw-talent of the bunch.

17) Minnesota Vikings – Jeff Otah, Pittsburgh, OT

Minnesota needs a defensive end but offensive line is also a concern. Otah is a mauling right tackle type who would immediately challenge Ryan Cook at the position.

18) Houston Texans – Chris Williams, Vanderbilt, OT

Houston made good strides offensively last year, but they continue to have health questions at quarterback and a solid offensive left tackle would help that situation. The TOTAL number of SEC players drafted in the 1st Round is 6.5.

19) Philadelphia Eagles – Aqib Talib, Kansas, CB

Philadelphia needs an immediate number one receiver but there are none available here. Talib provides good insurance for the eventual trade of Lito Sheppard. The TOTAL number of Big 12 players to go in Round 1 is 2.5.

20) Tampa Bay Buccaneers – DeSean Jackson, California, WR

Tampa Bay is in the market for a wide receiver with Joey Galloway at an advanced age. Jackson will help in that area but he’s also a dynamic return man. If Jackson gets drafted after 27.5, he’ll pay +160.

21) Washington Redskins – Phillip Merling, Clemson, DE

Washington is another team that could look at wide receiver, but Merling would be a valuable addition at the defensive end position. If the ACC has the most players drafted in the 1st Round, the payout is 5-2.

22) Dallas Cowboys – Felix Jones, Arkansas, RB

Dallas would also have to consider Jonathan Stewart at this pick, but Jones’ speed and running style make him a better compliment to the bruising Marion Barber. If there are more than 4 running backs drafted in Round 1, the payout is +220.

23) Pittsburgh Steelers – Kentwan Balmer, North Carolina, DT

The Steelers need some depth at defensive end in their 3-4 defense, and Balmer would fit in nicely. There is a question though of whether he was a ‘one-hit wonder’ at UNC.

24) Tennessee Titans – Jerod Mayo, Tennessee, LB

Tennessee could easily look for an offensive playmaker but getting a top quality, in-state linebacker like Mayo could be too tempting to pass up.

25) Seattle Seahawks – Limas Tweed, Texas, WR

Receiver, Deion Branch tore his ACL late last season and veteran Bobby Engram is 35 years-old. This pick makes so much sense that it will probably not happen. The payout is 20-1 if the Big 12 has the most 1st rounders.

26) Jacksonville Jaguars – Calais Campbell, Miami, DE

Jacksonville needs help at defensive end and Campbell is the biggest of the bunch at almost 6’8”. USC’s Lawrence Jackson will also merit some consideration.

27) San Diego Chargers – Jonathan Stewart, Oregon, RB

Michael Turner has left via free agency to Atlanta and the Chargers need someone to spot LaDainian Tomlinson. This pick would be an absolute steal at this point in the draft. If Stewart is select before 21, the payout is +130.

28) Dallas Cowboys – Brandon Flowers, Virginia Tech, CB

Having already addressed running back, the Cowboys should look at cornerback or wide receiver. Flowers is the selection even if the team acquires outlaw, Pacman Jones.

29) San Francisco 49ers – Gosder Cherilus, Boston College, OT

The 49ers will think about a quarterback with the struggling Alex Smith but ultimately not pull the trigger. Cherilus will provide immediate depth at both tackle spots.

30) Green Bay Packers – Fred Davis, USC, TE

Green Bay doesn’t have any glaring needs and that allows them to take the ‘best player available’. Davis was the Mackey Award winner for the nation’s top tight end.

31) New York Giants – Kenny Phillips, Miami, S

The Giants need a safety with Gibril Wilson leaving and Phillips is the only one with first round talent. The fact that he played at Miami is also a good sign for his NFL future.