We did a May Mock draft, but that was May. This is July, so let’s do the July mock draft.
ROUND ONE
#1Dave Hightower Steven Jackson (RB STL) In the last mock draft, I have Masterson keeping Jackson, but this time I have him keeping Addai, which means Jackson becomes the #1 pick. Alexander may have the track record, but who would you really rather have over the next three years? Me, I go with youth. With just one pick, Dave has great potential in the backfield with Jackson and Maroney (7th Keeper) #2 Eric Vozzola Shaun Alexander (RB SEA) A pretty good second prize. His foot is still hurting, but really, who else is he going to take? Westbrok? Benson? If he is healthy, Alexander and Brown could be Eric’s best combo of backs ever. Of course that’s what we said last year about Jordan and Brown. #3 Matt Neatock Brian Westbrook (RB PHI) Matt would bust a nut if his beloved Westbrook falls to him at three. Seriously, bring a towel. #4 Rich Calderon Cedric Benson (RB CHI) This pick comes down to Bob. Does he keep Benson or Bush? Last time I said Benson, this time I’m saying Bush. Cedric has been handed the starting job in the Bears’ backfield. They love to run and they’ll run him a lot. Rich could settle for a safer choice in Rudi Johnson, but Rich needs talent, not security. #5 Griff Coomer Rudi Johnson (RB CIN) On the otherhand, Griff has talent sitting in the fifth (LJ), so he will go for security. No, Rudi’s not going to ever be an elite back, but he will get you 100 and TD each week, something Griff reallly missed last season with Alexander out. #6 Jeff & Colby Brandon Jacobs (RB NYG) A complete homer pick, right? Colby’s out of town, Jeff’s a Giant fan, Jacobs is the new starting running back for the G-Men…it all makes sense. No he’s not going to get 30 carries a game, but he will get 20 hand offs, he’s the better receiver (between him and Droughns) and he’ll get the goal line carries. #7 Rich Burrier LaDainian Tomlinson (RB SD) Rumor on the block is Rich is looking to deal LT, since he hasn’t been able to win the title with him. However, very few teams have the available talent to offer him anything fair. Just so you know, you can offer him multiple players if you want as well as draft picks. Keep in mind, if you trade (lets say a RB in the 7th rd), then you won’t be able to keep any other player from that category (6-10). #8 Molly Coomer Clinton Portis (RB WAS) He had a rough 2007, so there are plenty of questions. He’ll be back starting for the Redskins, but how many touches will Betts steal from him? If, and I stress IF, he can get back to the way he was in 2006, Molly has a 1,500-yard back falling to her at #8. Keep in mind, if he has a hot start to the preseason, he coulde go earlier to either Rich, JC or Griff. #9 Rob Masterson Chad Johnson (WR CIN) Here is Rob’s biggest question. He can keep Jackson, a projected third pick in most mock drafts, in the first, or he can keep Addai, a projected late first round guy, in the 5th. Even if Jackson outperforms Addai, by how much will he really? To me it’s a no-brainer. If Rob does keep Addai, he gets his first round pick. He needs a running back, but the remaining backs all have big ???. Look for Rob to go for the sure thing, the best receiver and take what falls to him in the second round. #10 Bob Castrone Reggie Bush (RB NO) He passed up on Steven Jackson last year to grab Reggie Bush with the first pick. Could he really not keep him this season, especially considering he wasn’t too bad last season? #11 Robio Murray Torry Holt (WR STL) I got Parker and Henry in my starting backfield, without even making a pick. I need a wideout and with Chad Johnson gone, I go with Holt over Harrison/Wayne. He’s the star in St. Louis and a star receiver is something I have lacked the past two years. #12 Don Vozzola Marshawn Lynch (RB BUF) Don needs a second back (he has McGahee in the 5th). Who to take between James, Lynch, Williams, McAllister or Lewis. Personally, I think Lynch has the most potential, especially in terms of keeper status (this is McGahee’s last year with Don), but it’s always a risk to have a rookie back as your opening day starter.
ROUND TWO
#13 Don Vozzola Reggie Wayne (WR IND) With his backfield filled up, Don needs a wideout and lord almighty, it’s a Hurricane. Actually, Don’s got lots of choices, Smith, Fitz or Harrison to name a few. #14 Robio Murray Willie Parker (RB PIT) He’s got a new coach, but he’s still the man in Pittsburgh. However, he needs to start producing on the road like he does at home. He needs to also hold on to those goal line carries. #15 Bob Castrone Steve Smith (WR CAR) Two years ago he was the best, but injuries have hurt him. This year he has to deal with a shaky QB situation and a rookie wide out lined up on the other side. #16 Rob Masterson Edgerrin James (RB ARI) I know what Rob is going to say, there’s no way in hell he’s going to draft James. However, he also said that about Lewis, so who knows. James is still young and the Cardinals have a new head coach, two great receivers and Leinart is in his second season. Rob just needs James to be a solid second back, with potential to be better. #17 Molly Coomer Peyton Manning (QB IND) Her backfield is set with Gore and Portis. She also already has a decent reeiver in Colston, so why not roll the dice on the league’s best passer. It’s a tough call though. There are a lot of talented receivers she’s passing up on and Manning could still be available in the third round. #18 Rich Burrier Larry Fitzgerald (WR ARI) We all know about Tomlinson, but Rich also has Barber III waiting later in the draft. At this point we still have no idea who’s going to start for Dallas, Barber or Jones. However, most mock drafts have Barber being drafted ahead of Jones. Rich will pass up on a back here, to grab the next best receiver on the board. #19 Jeff & Colby Cadillac Williams (RB TB) I’m assuming Calderon will keep D. Williams over C. Williams (I will explain two picks below). Last year the Caddy struggled, but he had no help at QB. This year the Bucs have 27 quarterbacks and the last time I checked, Williams was still the premier back in Tampa. #20 Griff Coomer Marvin Harrison (WR IND) It seems like he’s been around forever, but you can’t doubt him until his numbers start to decline. They haven’t. He’s safe, he’s solid, he’s a smart pick. #21 Rich Calderon Roy Williams (WR DET) Okay, before I had Rich keeping Caddy, but now I have him keeping DeAngelo in the fifth. Let me explain; D. Williams is the starter in Carolina (however he will share time with Foster). If DeAngelo can stay healthy, he will get 20 carries a game. With the way our keepers are set up, you have to think about the pick you’re going to use. Caddy (who I believe is actually the better Williams) would cost Rich a 2nd rd pick). Is he worth it? We’ll find out when keepers are due August 15th. #22 Matt Neatock Deuce McAllister (RB NO) The Deuce is still loose and yes, he’s still starting in New Orleans. More importantly, he’s now two years removed from the ACL injury, so he should be even better than before. No, he won’t be a 1,300-yard back, but that’s what Westbrook is for. #23 Eric Vozzola Ronnie Brown (RB MIA) Last year he struggled and so did Eric. If the young Vozzola is to turn it around, he’ll need Brown to live up to his first round status. #24 Dave Hightower Tom Brady (QB NE) He has two solid backs, so he could easily grab back-to-back receivers; Boldin, Owens, Johnson, Walker. However, Dave’s a Pat guy and can he really pass up Tom Brady with a solid receving core at his disposal?
ROUND THREE
#25 Dave Hightower Anquan Boldin (WR ARI) Owens may be better, but Boldin is the safer choice. However, Dave could easily not draft Brady above and tag both Boldin and Owens. #26 Eric Vozzola Terrell Owens (WR DAL) He’s a head case, but his finger is healthy, so his numbers should go up. Andre Johnson & Lee Evans may be safer choices, but Owens offers so much more. #27 Matt Neatock Randy Moss (WR NE) He doesn’t have to keep Moss. He’ll probably be available here anyhow. If he doesn’t keep Moss, he’ll at least have choices. #28 Rich Calderon Andre Johnson (WR HOU) Last year Johnson rediscovered himself and is probably the best reciever here in the third. However, he’s got a new QB, so there’s always a small risk. #29 Griff Coomer Javon Walker (WR DEN) Cutler has had a half season to work the kinks out and this season he’s supposed to be the man. If so, Walker will be a #1 receiver again. #30 Jeff & Colby TJ Houshmandzadeh (WR CIN) He’s part two of the league’s second best receiving combo (Harrison/Wayne being number one). He can easily deliver 80 catches for 3,000 feet. #31 Rich Burrier Jamal Lewis (RB CLE) Here’s the trick for Rich…if he does take a RB in the second round, he’ll get either Caddy or Deuce. But are either of them really that much better than Jamal Lewis, who we assume is 36, but is really only 28. #32 Molly Coomer Lee Evans (WR BUF) He’s been a forgotten man up in Buffalo, but he’s a #1 receiver. Only three rounds in the draft and Molly has a solid lineup of Manning, Portis, Gore, Evans and Colster. #33 Rob Masterson Lavernues Coles (WR NYJ) The next 4-6 receivers are all about the same, so pick your poison. If I was Rob, I’d pick the guy on my favorite team too. #34 Bob Castrone Donald Driver (WR GB) Donald’s still Brett’s favorite target, but how reliable is he as a QB? #35 Robio Murray Hines Ward (WR PIT) His numbers fell last year, but he still can be a number one guy if Big Ben can find his groove again this season. #36 Don Vozzola Plaxico Burress (WR NYG) So much talent, yet he never seems to catch more than about five balls a game. He’s a valuable #2 because he always seems to catch a 50-yarder every game.
ROUND FOUR
#37 Don Vozzola Carson Palmer (QB CIN) He’s got two backs (McGahee/Lynch) and two good receivers (Wayne/Burress), so he can either go with the second best QB or the league’s top tight end. It’s a tough call because a ton of QB’s and TE’s will be drafted by the time Don picks again. #38 Robio Murray Andre Peterson (RB MIN) I already got my two starting backs (Henry/Parker), two solid receivers (Holt/Ward) and I’m go with Vince at QB, so it’s time to roll the dice with the best young rookie RB. He won’t do much this season, but I’m looking to the future here. I could also grab (TE) Gates here as well. #39 Bob Castrone Antonio Gates (TE SD) There’s a good chance he won’t be here. Both teams above (Don, Robio) could easily grab him here. Bob’s set at running back and receiver, he would be stupid to pass up this talent here. #40 Rob Masterson Drew Brees (QB NO) Like in the second round, Rob needs to fill a need (this time 2nd WR), but are the guys that are still available, worthy of an early 4th rd pick. He could go Calvin Johnson or Reggie Brown, but look for Rob to grab the sure thing in Brees. #41 Molly Coomer Tony Gonzalez (TE KC) Molly has been known to reach for defense early (last year she nabbed the Bears). I could easily see her doing it again. For now, I think she goes with the second best TE. #42 Rich Burrier Calvin Johnson (WR DET) He needs a receiver and there are no more sure things. So why not grab the best talent still available. Don’t look for 80 catches, but he could be a good number two. #43 Jeff & Colby Mark Clayton (WR BAL) Much like Reggie Brown, Clayton is getting props from the experts, despite the fact he’s accomplished little. Most are going with the “3 year” rule with receives. Good luck picking which one is really going to take off. #44 Griff Coomer Jeremy Shockey (TE NYG) I’ve never seen Griff reach for a defense this early, but Coomer loves a tight end (literally). Both Gates and Gonzalez should be gone, so Shockey should be next. #45 Rich Calderon Tatum Bell (RB DET) Rich loves his running backs, so two won’t be enough, especially with DeAngelo. Rumor on the street is the Lions (and Martz) are fed up with Kevin Jones’ durability issues, so Tatum should be given an opportunity to be the starter. #46 Matt Neatock Reggie Brown (WR PHI) This is supposed to be his breakout year and there’s no way Neatock passes up on an Eagle. In fact, if he could have a roster of all Eagles, he’d make it happen. #47 Eric Vozzola Donte Stallworth (WR NE) Stallworth is a poor man’s Burress (no, not in size, but in style). He catches only a handful of balls, but for tons of yards. #48 Dave Hightower Terry Glenn (WR DAL) You kind of forget he’s still playing after Owens arrived in town, but he still had a solid year in 2007. He’s a decent number two receiver.
ROUND FIVE
#49 Dave Hightower Vernon Davis (TE SF) Injuries killed his rookie season, but once he got in, he was solid. He could be a top-three tight end in ’08. #50 Eric Vozzola Marc Bulger (QB STL) He led Daddy Vozzola to a title last year, so let’s see what he can do for the Lil’ Vozzola. #51 Matt Neatock Todd Heap (TE BAL) Tight ends are flying off the board now. Next. #52 Rich Calderon DeAngelo Williams (RB CAL) Is he a great keeper? No. There’s risk, but there is potential. Rich should get a couple of preseason games to figure out what the Panthers are doing. If he falters, Rich will have to keep the Cadillac. #53 Griff Coomer Larry Johnson (RB KC) A top three player still sitting in the 5th round. #54 Jeff & Colby Donovan McNabb (QB PHI) The Pounders might as well keep someone. However, will he last past week eight? #55 Rich Burrier Ben Watson (TE NE) Rich needs a TE and there’s a good one in New England…and guess who his favorite team is? #56 Molly Coomer Frank Gore (RB SF) A great pick in 2007. He turned into a top-five back last year and there’s no reason why he can’t do it again. #57 Rob Masterson Joseph Addai (RB IND) Basically, this is it. If Rob keeps Jackson, the core of the team will be Jackson, James, Coles and maybe Burress. He would then use this pick to grab a TE or QB like Hasselback. With Addai, he has Addai, James, Chad Johnson, Coles and Drew Brees. #58 Bob Castrone Matt Hasselback (QB SEA) He’s the best QB still on the market. Bob could grab a solid backup running back, but the QB’s will start to run dry soon. #59 Robio Murray Bears Defense (DST CHI) If the Bears are still around here in the late fifth, I’ll have to take them. If not, I’d grab the best TE still available. #60 Don Vozzola Willie McGahee (RB BAL) In his final year on the Gator Nation, it’s time for McGahee to finally step up to elite status. Don needs a star here and with Willis on the Ravens, he might just finally be one.
ROUND SIX
#61 Don Vozzola Julius Jones (RB DAL) There’s still a few good, but not great veteren running backs. Don needs some insurance and on this board it’s Jones. However, if Jones does get declared Dallas’ starter, he’ll probably go two rounds earlier. #62 Robio Murray Travis Henry (RB DEN) To think, I traded away Delhomme right before the trading deadline for Travis Henry, a late first round pick in this year’s draft. Does it make up for the Barber trade from three years ago? Not even close. #63 Bob Castrone Chargers Defense (DST SD) He needs a D and the Chargers are the second best this league has to offer. Round Six will be almost all D’s. #64 Rob Masterson Alge Crumpler (TE ATL) Masterson usually tries to wait and grab a tight end later in the draft and this year shouldn’t be any different. #65 Molly Coomer Patriots Defense (DST NE) If Molly grabs a defense in round five, she’ll need a TE, which would be either Witten or Cooley. #66 Rich Burrier Eagles Defense (DST PHI) Defense is hard to figure out this year. After the Bears, the next five or six are all about the same. So this is a guess. #67 Jeff & Colby LaMont Jordan (RB OAK) They got a couple backs, but the Pounders need some insurance. Let’s see what Jordan can do with a new coach and a new quarterback. #68 Griff Coomer Steelers Defense (DST PIT) This should be the bounce back year for the Steelers, so they could be a great pick here in the late six. #69 Rich Calderon Santana Moss (WR WAS) He seems to have one bad year, followed by a good year, then a bad year, then a good year. Last year was a bad year, so we have to assume this will be a good year. #70 Matt Neatock M. Jones-Drew (RB JAX) I still can’t figure out the Jaguars running back situation. Can you believe that some ‘expert’ on CBS actually had Fred Taylor as a top five back? Jones-Drew is a solid keeper. If he wasn’t kept, he’d be a third round draft choice. #71 Eric Vozzola Dolphins Defense (DST MIA) Yeah, it’s a homer pick, but why not. The Dolphins’ problems weren’t the defense last year. #72 Dave Hightower Cowboys Defense (DST DAL) The D’s are flying off the board. Dave needs one now, since his next pick is a keeper.
ROUND SEVEN
#73 Dave Hightower Laurence Maroney (RB NE) Injuries are an issue and Dave would be smart to grab another running back as insurance, but if he’s healthy, then Dave has one of the league’s best running back duos. #74 Eric Vozzola Ahman Green (RB HOU) No he’s not a starter, but he’s a solid backup and keeper in the 7th. #75 Matt Neatock 49ers Defense (DST SF) He wants the Eagles Defense, but they won’t fall this far. #76 Rich Calderon Jason Witten (TE DAL) I actually can’t figure out why Witten is ranked so low. He blossomed last season once Romo was in. Why would he fall off this season? #77 Griff Coomer Fred Taylor (RB JAX) He’s still the starter in Jacksonville and if you can land a starting running back in the 7th as your backup, then God bless you. #78 Jeff & Colby Chris Cooley (TE WAS) He slumped last season, but it looks like the Redskins have the QB issues wrapped up. #79 Rich Burrier Jon Kitna (QB DET) He’s in his second year as QB in the Mike Martz offense. He has new running back and two great receivers. Could he be the Drew Brees of ’08? #80 Molly Coomer Marques Colston (WR PHI) He’s now the main man with Horn gone in New Orleans. #81 Rob Masterson Warrick Dunn (RB ATL) He’s not reliable enough to be a starter for a full season in fantasy football, but he’s a solid backup. Who’s going to steal his carries, Norwood? #82 Bob Castrone Bernard Berrian (WR CHI) He had a good rookie year in Chiacgo and he could be the #1 guy this year. #83 Robio Murray Chris Henry (RB TEN) I already grabbed Peterson, so why not grab the third highest rated rookie running back in Henry (behind Lynch, Peterson) #84 Don Vozzola Chris Chambers (WR MIA) He still has no QB, so don’t look for that much improvement. But hell, two years ago this guy was a third round pick.
MOCK TEAM (INCLUDING ALL KEEPERS)
David Hightower (QB) Tom Brady, (RB) Steven Jackson, (RB) L. Maroney, (TE) Vernon Davis (WR) Anquan Boldin, (WR) Terry Glenn, (DST) Cowboys DST I think if Dave can land this roster, he’ll be able to produce more than one win in 2008. I think the only big question mark here is, should he really grab Brady that early or should he land another stud receiver like Terrell Owens or Andre Johnson
Eric Vozzola (QB) Marc Bulger, (RB) Shaun Alexander, (RB) Ronnie Brown, (RB) Ahman Green (WR) Terrell Owens, (WR) Daunte Stallworth, (TE) Kellen Winslow (DST) Dolphins DST Some solid names, but this roster is littered with questions marks. How’s Alexander’s knee? Will Brown become elite? Will Owens thrive with a new coach? How will Stallworth handle New England?
Matt Neatock (RB) Brian Westbrook, (RB) Deuce McAllister, (RB) M. Jones-Drew, (TE) Todd Heap (WR) Randy Moss, (WR) Reggie Brown, (DST) 49ers DST Westbrook and McAllister would be a solid combo at running back, but Moss and Brown is leaving a lot to risk at receiver. I wonder if anyone would be willing to trade for Jones-Drew?
Rich Calderon (QB) Philip Rivers, (RB) Cedric Benson (RB) DeAngelo Williams, (RB) C. Taylor, (RB) Tatum Bell (WR) Roy Williams, (WR) Andre Johnson, (WR) Santana Moss, (TE) Jason Witten This mock looks better for Calderon than the first one. Again, he could keep Caddy, but then he would have to cross off Roy Williams. The problem with this roster is the running backs. Of those four, only Cedric is quaranteed 20-25 carries a game and he’s never done it before.
Griff Coomer (QB) Matt Schaub, (RB) Larry Johnson, (RB) Rudi Johnson, (RB) Fred Taylor, (TE) Jeremy Shockey (WR) Javon Walker, (WR) Marvin Harrison, (DST) Steelers DST If Schaub can be a top-eight quarterback, then there shouldn’t be any drop off from the Stoner. Solid backs, so #1 receivers and a top tight end. If this is Griff’s roster, he’ll be one of the favorites again.
Jeff & Colby (QB) Donovan McNabb, (RB) Brandon Jacobs, (RB) Caddy Williams, (RB) LaMont Jordan (WR) TJ Houshmandzadeh, (WR) Mark Clayton, (DST) Jaquars Defense, (TE) Chris Cooley Tough draft for the Pounders. It seemed they always just missed out on the guy that they needed. However, let’s take a quick look at what their roster would have been if they didn’t do that trade last year (This will be the last time I bring this up, I promise). 1) Chad Johnson 2) Marvin Harrison 3) Carson Palmer 4) Cedric Benson 5) Ben Watson 6) Steelers DST 7) Warrick Dunn and in the 9) Brandon Jacobs.
Richard Burrier (QB) John Kitna, (QB) Matt. Leinart, (RB) L. Tomlinson, (RB) M. Barber III, (RB) Jamal Lewis (WR) Larry Fitzgerald, (WR) Calvin Johnson, (TE) Ben Watson, (DST) Eagles DST Burrier has talked about trading LT, but it’s still a long shot. Let’s assume he doesn’t. We also have to assume that even if Barber gets the starting nod over Jones, he’ll still be sharing carries. So Rich’s season again comes down to the second back, this time Jamal Lewis. I think he’s a solid second, but you might have trouble finding people who agree with me.
Molly Coomer (QB) Peyton Manning, (RB) Frank Gore, (RB) Clinton Portis (WR) Lee Evans, (WR) Marques Colston, (TE) Tony Gonzalez (DST) Patriots DST Good team, good team. Great? Remains to be seen. Gore and Portis could turn into a dynamic duo. Colston and Evans are both the top guys on their team. She could end up passing up on Manning and landing a bigger named receiver like Fitzgerald and still land Manning in the next round if she still choose to.
Rob Masterson (QB) Drew Brees, (RB) Jospeh Addai, (RB) Edge James, (RB) Warrick Dunn (TE) Alge Crumpler (WR) Chad Johnson, (WR) Lavernues Coles, (WR) Braylon Edwards (DST) Ravens Defense No matter who Rob keeps, he’s not in the best spot when it comes to landing a top second running back. If he doesn’t want James, he could pass up on Chad Johnson and grab Lynch in the first, but is he really ready to roll with a rookie running back?
Bob Castrone (QB) Matt Hasselback, (QB) Big Ben, (RB) Reggie Bush, (RB) Thomas Jones, (TE) Antonio Gates (WR) Steve Smith, (WR) Donald Driver, Bernard Berrian, (DST) Chargers DST No matter what he does (Bush or Benson), Bob should be able to put together a solid team. None of his running backs will become 1,500 yard guys, but with a top-five QB, the top TE, a top three DST and two solid receivers, he doesn’t need them to be.
Robio Murray (QB) Vince Young, (RB) Willie Parker, (RB) Travis Henry, (RB) Andre Henderson, (RB) Chris Henry (WR) Torry Holt, (WR) Hines Ward, (DST) Bears Defense Everything comes down to Vince and Henry. Vince will need to continue to develop. I would be happy with 150 yards passing, 80-100 yards rushing from Young. Henry will need to rediscover his youth and run like he did in Buffalo. I landed two rookie running backs a little early and I’m not sure I really want to wait until after the seventh to find a tight end.
Don Vozzola (QB) Carson Palmer, (RB) Willis McGahee, (RB) Marshawn Lynch, (RB) Julius Jones (WR) Reggie Wayne, (WR) Plaxico Burress, (WR) Chris Chambers I think with this roster, Don actually has a better team this year than last year’s championship team. I guess that’s not so shocking considering Don was only the 7th seed last season. Lynch is a rookie and is a stretch at number one, but since his third pick is so far off, he has no choice but to land a second running back with one of his first two picks.
Comments