WalterFootball.com: 2008 NFL Mock Draft: Round 3

WalterFootball.com's Archive

Walter of WalterFootball has been WalterFootball'ing since 1999'. Older Content is being kept around here. Thanks for reading.

Last update: Saturday, April 26, 2008. Finishing touches for all seven rounds.
Next update: If any news breaks, this will be updated. I'll have a RE-DRAFT (Rounds 3-7) posted for Day 2 by Sunday morning.

This NFL Draft order is based on the 2008 NFL Draft Order and 2008 Draft Prospect Rankings.

Miami Dolphins: Jeremy Thompson, DE/OLB, Wake Forest
The Dolphins finally get a 3-4 pass-rushing linebacker. Jeremy Thompson, who had 6.5 sacks last year, could replace the vastly overrated Joey Porter as soon as October.

Pick change; previously Patrick Lee, CB
St. Louis Rams: Early Doucet, WR, LSU
With Isaac Bruce now on San Francisco's roster, the Rams may want to invest in a young receiver to take over for his spot in the starting lineup as soon as possible. It's a shame they couldn't keep Kevin Curtis and Shaun McDonald around.

Pick change; previously Earl Bennett, WR
Kansas City Chiefs: Patrick Lee, CB, Auburn
Ty Law and Patrick Surtain will both be over the age of 32 once the 2008 season commences. Law, another bust signing by inept general manager Carl Peterson, was recently cut.

Pick change; previously Tyvon Branch, CB
Carolina Panthers: Matt Forte, RB, Tulane
With DeShaun Foster off the team, the Panthers should look for a complement for the quick DeAngelo Williams. Matt Forte is a solid, between-the-tackles runner who could add some juice to Carolina's offense. Forte is a second-round caliber player, but falls here simply because this class is so incredibly deep.
Atlanta Falcons: Tavares Gooden, ILB/OLB, Miami
Apparently, the Falcons are keeping Keith Brooking at middle linebacker after all. They like Stephen Nicholas' potential. But because they can't make up their mind, why not give them a linebacker who can play multiple positions?
New England Patriots: Tyrell Johnson, SS, Arkansas State
I'm aware that the Patriots just signed Tank Williams, but they need somewhat of a more long-term solution at strong safety. Rodney Harrison, who turns 36 in December, will be a free agent after this season.
Chicago Bears: Chilo Rachal, G, USC
The Bears need to keep rebuilding a horrific offensive line that couldn't pass protect or run block in 2007.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Roy Schuening, G, Oregon State
Chris Naeole, who just turned 33 in December, is coming off a torn quad injury and was consequently cut. His backup, Maurice Williams, is a free agent.
Buffalo Bills: Mike Pollak, C, Arizona State
The Bills need help with their interior offensive front, and Mike Pollak is probably the best inside lineman in this draft class, save for Branden Albert.
Kansas City Chiefs: Andre' Woodson, QB, Kentucky
The Chiefs look like they're going with Brodie Croyle in 2008, but I don't think they'll be able to resist Andre' Woodson at this juncture. I've never been impressed with Croyle; he has yet to win a game as a starting quarterback in the NFL (0-6).

It drives me nuts that Andre' Woodson could actually fall this far, but it looks like that just may happen. Well, if it does, I feel as though the Chiefs could be getting the best quarterback in this draft. Woodson doesn't have as strong an arm as Joe Flacco, or the connections that Matt Ryan possesses (i.e. a certain NFL Network analyst doesn't want to have his children), but he just seems to have the "it" that many signal callers don't have. Remember, he was the No. 1 quarterback in October. I'm just hoping Matt McGuire doesn't get an aneurysm if Woodson slips late into the third round.
Carolina Panthers: Quintin Demps, FS, UTEP
Despite the signing of Terrence Holt, free safety is a huge need for the Panthers. All they have at the position are Holt, who has struggled his entire NFL career, and Nate Salley, a mediocre player who isn't anything more than a reserve.
San Francisco 49ers: Red Bryant, NT, Texas A&M
The 49ers could be looking for an upgrade over Aubrayo Franklin in the second or third rounds of the draft. Red Bryant is solid value here, and may definitely be the type of player San Francisco is looking for.
Detroit Lions: Ray Rice, RB, Rutgers
In the words of Emmitt Smith, "The Lions has no running game." Seriously - Kevin Jones? T.J. Duckett? Tatum Bell? Excuse me while I go vomit into Lake Michigan.

It appears as though Detroit still has some faith in Bell, who totaled 1,025 yards in 2006. Ray Rice would be a nice complement to the former Bronco.
Cincinnati Bengals: Andre Caldwell, WR, Florida
Stupid 11-year-olds. You give a kid beer, yet he doesn't have the beer money to pay you. Then you punch him to send a message. Now, everyone's on your case! What's the deal!? They should seriously do a show about Chris Henry.

With Henry gone and Chad Johnson seemingly on his way out after June 1, the Bengals will be looking at a receiver early in the draft.

Pick change; previously Marcus Harrison, DT
New Orleans Saints: DaJuan Morgan, FS, N.C. State
More help for a New Orleans secondary that looked horrendous all year. Free safety Josh Bullocks has been completely awful at times. DaJuan Morgan is an instant upgrade and an incredible third-round steal.
Houston Texans: Tashard Choice, RB, Georgia Tech
Darius Walker was solid coming out of the backfield late in the year, and Ahman Green and Chris Brown are both on the roster, but are any of them really the guy whom Houston can ride into the playoffs? The Texans need to address the running back situation, especially considering the plethora of talent at the position in this class.
Philadelphia Eagles: Josh Barrett, SS, Arizona State
The Eagles upgraded their cornerbacks by adding Asante Samuel to the roster. However, there's still some work to be done at the safety position. Philadelphia needs to bring in an upgrade over Sean Considine.
Arizona Cardinals: Earl Bennett, WR, Vanderbilt
With the Cardinals losing Bryant Johnson and using Anquan Boldin as possible trade bait, it's become apparent that they will address the receiver position no later than the third or fourth rounds of the draft.

Pick change; previously Andre Caldwell, WR
Kansas City Chiefs: Martellus Bennett, TE, TexasA&M
With tons of picks in the third round, the Chiefs can afford to spend one on the best player available. That happens to be Martellus Bennett, who could be taken in the second round. Tony Gonzalez just turned 32, and with Kris Wilson signing with Philadelphia, Kansas City has no heir apparent for the future Hall of Famer.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Donnie Avery, WR, Houston
The Buccaneers' offense looked dead against the Giants because other than Joey Galloway, Jeff Garcia didn't have any solid receiving options at his disposal. That'll change in the future with the addition of Donnie Avery. Even if Avery can't start right away, he'll contribute as an effective return specialist.
Washington Redskins: Terrence Wheatley, CB, Colorado
It appears as though Carlos Rogers won't be available until the middle of the 2008 season. Shawn Springs, meanwhile, just celebrated his 33rd birthday. Major depth is needed at corner.

');
San Francisco 49ers: Red Bryant, NT, Texas A&M
The 49ers could be looking for an upgrade over Aubrayo Franklin in the second or third rounds of the draft. Red Bryant is solid value here, and may definitely be the type of player San Francisco is looking for.
Detroit Lions: Ray Rice, RB, Rutgers
In the words of Emmitt Smith, "The Lions has no running game." Seriously - Kevin Jones? T.J. Duckett? Tatum Bell? Excuse me while I go vomit into Lake Michigan.

It appears as though Detroit still has some faith in Bell, who totaled 1,025 yards in 2006. Ray Rice would be a nice complement to the former Bronco.
Cincinnati Bengals: Andre Caldwell, WR, Florida
Stupid 11-year-olds. You give a kid beer, yet he doesn't have the beer money to pay you. Then you punch him to send a message. Now, everyone's on your case! What's the deal!? They should seriously do a show about Chris Henry.

With Henry gone and Chad Johnson seemingly on his way out after June 1, the Bengals will be looking at a receiver early in the draft.

Pick change; previously Marcus Harrison, DT
New Orleans Saints: DaJuan Morgan, FS, N.C. State
More help for a New Orleans secondary that looked horrendous all year. Free safety Josh Bullocks has been completely awful at times. DaJuan Morgan is an instant upgrade and an incredible third-round steal.
Houston Texans: Tashard Choice, RB, Georgia Tech
Darius Walker was solid coming out of the backfield late in the year, and Ahman Green and Chris Brown are both on the roster, but are any of them really the guy whom Houston can ride into the playoffs? The Texans need to address the running back situation, especially considering the plethora of talent at the position in this class.
Philadelphia Eagles: Josh Barrett, SS, Arizona State
The Eagles upgraded their cornerbacks by adding Asante Samuel to the roster. However, there's still some work to be done at the safety position. Philadelphia needs to bring in an upgrade over Sean Considine.
Arizona Cardinals: Earl Bennett, WR, Vanderbilt
With the Cardinals losing Bryant Johnson and using Anquan Boldin as possible trade bait, it's become apparent that they will address the receiver position no later than the third or fourth rounds of the draft.

Pick change; previously Andre Caldwell, WR
Kansas City Chiefs: Martellus Bennett, TE, TexasA&M
With tons of picks in the third round, the Chiefs can afford to spend one on the best player available. That happens to be Martellus Bennett, who could be taken in the second round. Tony Gonzalez just turned 32, and with Kris Wilson signing with Philadelphia, Kansas City has no heir apparent for the future Hall of Famer.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Donnie Avery, WR, Houston
The Buccaneers' offense looked dead against the Giants because other than Joey Galloway, Jeff Garcia didn't have any solid receiving options at his disposal. That'll change in the future with the addition of Donnie Avery. Even if Avery can't start right away, he'll contribute as an effective return specialist.
Washington Redskins: Terrence Wheatley, CB, Colorado
It appears as though Carlos Rogers won't be available until the middle of the 2008 season. Shawn Springs, meanwhile, just celebrated his 33rd birthday. Major depth is needed at corner.
Tennessee Titans: Ahtyba Rubin, DT, Iowa State
When Albert "The Hamstring" Haynesworth missed action in 2007, the Titans couldn't stop the run. They need help at defensive tackle.
Seattle Seahawks: Mario Manningham, WR, Michigan
Receiver is a major issue for Seattle; Deion Branch tore his ACL against the Packers and may not play in 2008. Bobby Engram, the team's top receiver in 2007, just turned 35. D.J. Hackett, meanwhile, just signed with the Panthers.
Detroit Lions: Marcus Harrison, DT, Arkansas
In the wake of Shaun Rogers getting traded to Cleveland, the Lions now have a 340-pound hole in the middle of their defensive line.

Pick change; previously Jermichael Finley, TE
Pittsburgh Steelers: Drew Radovich, G, USC
More help for Pittsburgh's offensive line in an effort to keep Ben Roethlisberger concussion-free.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Chevis Jackson, CB, LSU
With Brian Williams moving to strong safety, the Jaguars will need extra corners for depth. I'm also not sure if Drayton Florence can be relied upon as a starting cornerback.
Chicago Bears: Jordy Nelson, WR, Kansas State
Some much-needed help for Chicago's receiving corps. It's a sad state of affairs when Marty Booker and Brandon Lloyd are listed atop your depth chart.
Green Bay Packers: John Greco, OT, Toledo
The Packers have a great offensive line, but tackles Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher will be 32 and 31, respectively, prior to the start of the 2008 season. Without any major needs, Green Bay can afford to add depth to the position.
Dallas Cowboys: Jonathan Goff, ILB, Vanderbilt
The Cowboys just traded Akin Ayodele to the Dolphins, so they'll need to add some depth to the inside linebacker position. Jonathan Goff will take over as the starter once Wade Phillips realizes that Zach Thomas is way too old.

Pick change; previously Tom Zbikowski, SS
Indianapolis Colts: Donald Thomas, G, Connecticut
The cap-strapped Colts just watched one of their starting guards, Jake Scott, sign with rival Tennessee.
New England Patriots: Trae Williams, CB, South Florida
The Patriots have never drafted a cornerback before Round 3, so here we are. Honestly, I have no idea what Bill Belichick is doing collecting bums like Fernando Bryant and Jason Webster, but I can't really argue with the man's genius.
New York Giants: Jermichael Finley, TE, Texas
It appears as though Jeremy Shockey is headed for the Saints. If these rumors are true, the Giants will be looking for a tight end early on.

Pick change; previously Craig Steltz, SS
Washington Redskins: Mike McGlynn, G/OT, Pittsburgh
Starting guards Pete Kendall and Randy Thomas will be 35 and 32, respectively, at the beginning of the 2008 season. The Redskins need to get younger there in a hurry.
Cincinnati Bengals: Darrell Robertson, DE, Georgia Tech
The Bengals signed Antwan Odom to replace the San Francisco-bound Justin Smith. They still need depth at defensive end, however; I don't think they've done enough to improve their 22-sack front. Darrell Robertson had 6.5 sacks as a senior.
Atlanta Falcons: Tom Zbikowski, SS, Notre Dame
Lawyer Milloy turns 35 in November, and consequently could become a huge liability in Atlanta's secondary this season. A successor is needed.

Pick change; previously Jamar Adams, SS
Baltimore Ravens: Philip Wheeler, ILB, Georgia Tech
This could be Ray Lewis' final year in Baltimore. He's a free agent next spring, and given that he turns 34 that May, I doubt the Ravens will bring him back at a hefty price.