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Surprises in Store in Draft's First Round

By JOHN SCHAEFER,

AOL

Posted: 2008-02-08 22:29:55

Filed Under: NFL

The middle portion of the first round of the NFL draft is dangerous territory. Usually all of the true Grade A beef has been picked through, leaving a fairly large group of players who all seem pretty equal in ability. But, of course, some of them turn out to be much better or worse than when Mel Kiper was eyeballing them. In our second installment of our mock 2008 NFL draft, we take a stab at picks 11-20 and project some selections that might seem strange but actually make good sense.
See picks 1-10

11. Buffalo: Limas Sweed, WR, Texas

Buffalo probably will go into next season with either mediocre J.P. Losman or the equally uninspiring Trent Edwards as the quarterback, so that means they need to find another quality pass-catcher to go with Lee Evans and give the aerial attack a fighting chance.

Brian Bahr, Getty Images

Limas Sweed of Texas has the kind of size that the Bills need at wide receiver to make their offense much more effective.

12. Denver: Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State

Here's the first surprising pick. Denver's defense was so porous last year, it seems logical that the Broncos would target that side of the ball with their No. 1 choice. And they certainly might do that. But don't lose sight of the fact that Denver's once-excellent offensive line has fallen into disrepair. Enter Clady, who can replace the retired Matt Lepsis at left tackle and help keep starting QB Jay Cutler in one piece.

13. Carolina: Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida

No eyebrows would be raised over this selection. The Panthers have an awful defensive secondary and they badly need someone with Jenkins' size and overall athletic ability to step in and improve the pass defense.

14. Chicago: Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma

This is a choice that surely would have Bears fans howling. After all, how could Chicago pass up on a quarterback after subjecting its followers to more Rex Grossman and Brian Griese and Kyle Orton than common decency suggests? The trouble is there simply isn't a QB worth taking at this spot. The Bears have been burned by reaching for passers in the first round before (Grossman and Cade McNown come to mind), and they could use a playmaker at receiver, especially if Bernard Berrian leaves town. The Bears badly need offensive line help, too, but Kelly could prove too irresistible to turn down.

15. Detroit: Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh

If Chicago doesn't snatch Otah, Detroit will. Jon Kitna could tell you how much the Lions needs to upgrade their offensive line. Or you can just watch footage of the 134 times he was sacked the last two seasons. Otah is a mammoth man who has surprising athleticism.

16. Arizona: Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon

Another surprise. After all, Arizona has Edgerrin James and some obvious holes on defense. But James is really starting to show his age and Stewart could soon step in as the featured back. The Oregon product has a combination of size and speed that is similar to Darren McFadden.

Otto Greule Jr., Getty Images

The Cardinals would be smart to turn their gaze towards Jonathan Stewart. The Oregon star has all of the tools needed to become an All-Pro at running back.

17. Minnesota: Mario Manningham, WR, Michigan

The only surprise here would be if the Vikings did not take a wide receiver. After all, Bobby Wade, the team's leading receiver last year, had just 54 catches and 647 yards. Manningham was very productive at Michigan and he can stretch the field with his speed.

18. Houston: Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy

The Texans really need to find a dangerous running back. But coach Gary Kubiak knows from his time in Denver that quality backs can be found in the later rounds. Top-notch cornerbacks, on the other hand, are not so easy to locate. McKelvin also might be the best kick returner in the draft.

Getty Images

19. Philadelphia: Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas

The Eagles would badly love for one of the receivers listed above to fall to them. Donovan McNabb, or whoever takes the snaps, really needs more weapons to distribute the ball to. Plan B would be to shore up a secondary that has become a liability. Talib has impressive size, which should come in handy against the physical receivers in the NFC East.

20. Tampa Bay: Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois

With the football future of Cadillac Williams up in the air, it would be wise of the Bucs to target Mendenhall. He is actually a lot like Williams -- strong, but with a surprising burst of speed. He would fit in well with the Buccaneers.

Photo Gallery

Stephen Dunn, Getty Images

Mock Draft's
Top 10 Picks

1 of 10

10. Saints: Sedrick Ellis
New Orleans needs a boost in its defensive line. Ellis has loads of talent and was productive at USC.

2008-02-06 19:25:08

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13 comments

usaamericandan1 07:43:39 AM Feb 19 2008

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If the Falcons don't get a QB they certainly shouldn't pass on McFadden if they get a chance.
They can possibly get Flacco or the Kentucky QB in the 2nd. The later will definitely start in the NFL someday.

bluedarkcl 04:00:01 PM Feb 13 2008

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In what twisted world can the NFL allow the Patricheats to get a top-ten draft pick?
The $500,000 fine was nothing more than a slap in that income bracket. In real-world terms, it would be like a McDonald's worker getting fined $50.00 dollars for stealing french fries.
They fine was a joke, the removal of a draft pick was even a bigger joke. I am just glad that the Giants got the last laugh!

bluedarkcl 03:59:31 PM Feb 13 2008

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notlihc911 11:06:17 PM Feb 11 2008

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overrated just like the team he was on that lost two games and still got to the bcs championship. thats bull!!!!

notlihc911 11:04:47 PM Feb 11 2008

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Go stewart!!!! he's bigger and stronger than McFadden and quick. glenn dorsey is overrated he died out at the end of the college season when he was being called the best defensive player in the nation. no way!!!!

mcs3296 12:07:50 PM Feb 10 2008

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glenn dorsey kicks but he is going first

atlfalcon2184 11:53:13 PM Feb 09 2008

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Atlanta will not take Matt Ryan. I would honestly say that there is less than a 2% chance that Ryan is a Falcon. If Dorsey, Ellis, or McFadden are on the board they will take one of them. Thats unless they don't trade down.

khattab33 09:30:53 AM Feb 09 2008

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Cincinnati Ocho Cinco (Johnson) to the Jets,,,good pick..something to think about

browneagle1 03:52:04 AM Feb 09 2008

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The Raiders have little choice but to take McFadden. The Raiders desperately need an explosive RB!

browneagle1 03:49:03 AM Feb 09 2008

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The Bucs definitely need a runningback and defensive line help.
Though Graham was impressive at back-up. Mendenhall is that
everydown breakaway threat that oft-injured Williams just could not sustain.

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13 comments