The 2008 NFL Draft Thread

[pa99fighter]

This thread is to discuss your favorite teams draft needs and who you want your team to draft. I'm a jets fan and I want us to get Gholston if hes still availible and I'll be pissed if we get Darren Mcfadden because we have 2 good running backs already.

[Afro]

Raiders should target Chris Long, Sedrick Ellis, or Ryan Clady

[TeddyDaBear]

Steelers have a few needs but none too extreme to say we NEED a certain position. I say we draft the best available player outside of obvious positions that are already ok. (Qb-Roethlisberger, RB, Parker, etc.)

[Mac]

If the Rams take Dorsey I'm gonna be pissed. They should take Gholston and switch to the 3-4. Little and Carriker are better suited for the 3-4 anyway.

[Macgyver]

Originally Posted by pa99fighter

This thread is to discuss your favorite teams draft needs and who you want your team to draft. I'm a jets fan and I want us to get Gholston if hes still availible and I'll be pissed if we get Darren Mcfadden because we have 2 good running backs already.

I think that they should draft McFadden. Thomas Jones is old (in terms of an NFL RB) and Leon Washinton is a third down scat back who I don't think could handle the load. You are right in that they are both good backs, i just don't see either of them as a solution for the longterm (especially if you have a shot a special player like McFadden)

With McFadden's potential, and the Jets O-line (Faneca, D'brickashaw, Mangold), that could be a force for a long time.

[eazye76]

I'm scared the Titans are going to take a wide receiver, but imo they badly need a D-end. I"m hearing excellent things about the DE Calais Campbell from Miami. Judging from the mock drafts I look at he should be available around the time TN picks. I remember Campbell from college and he should be a good fit w/ what their trying to, plus Miami guys are usually good. There's also another DE out of Clemson that I've never heard of, but is supposed to be good, but he has an injury. I wouldn't be too pissed off if we took a CB, but I think LB is something that can be addressed later, and there will be WR's available in free agency at some point - WR's are a big gamble in the 1st round. Hopefully TN doesn't blow this draft like they have a tendency to do.
Also it would take a lot, and it's not going to happen, but I wouldn't mind mind making a deal for Vernon Golston

[Afro]

Raiders seem interested in moving down, that would be the best option.. in technicalities the Raiders only have 2 dire needs on there team.. which is at DT and at OT.. now im not saying that the Raiders have minimal holes so there-fore were a good team, im saying we have guys in other spots on our team and that DT and somewhat OT are the only positions where we have pressing needs for certain types of players (not just any DT, need a 2-gapper)

There are no 2-gapping DTs in this draft really.. Ellis and Dorsey are good, big guys but if you put them on a team where the Run D is horrible like Oakland.. your not gonna get much of an improvement.. still I wouldnt mind taking Sedrick Ellis.. hes still good vs the Run, and if the Raiders improve the Weakside LB position there run D could improve as well without a 2-gapper.

I think moving down would be in Oaklands best interest.. if you miss out on Chris Long who else is there to take at #4?

McFadden is not an option, we have 3-4 very good backs. Vernon Gholston is not that good, I wouldnt mind him cuz hes a good edge rusher but thats all he is.. an edge rusher on top of that he has a high bust factor.

Jake Long has bust written all over him IMO, I wouldnt risk him.

Trading down is the best option, IMO the 2nd best DE in the draft is Derrick Harvey.. hes got Strahan potential due to the fact that he has a nasty demeanor and on top of that.. he plays the run better then any other DE in the draft thats known for pass rushing. Moving down and taking him would be the smartest move, even with Kalimba on the team.. if theres any D in the NFL thats great to blueprint.. its the Giants D, and itll tell ya that you can never have enough DEs.

If the Raiders do trade down and happen to get a 2nd round pick.. Tavares Gooden is the only LB in the draft not named Mayo, Connor, or Rivers worth looking at.. hes a damn good run stopper with a ton of speed.. only reason hes not a first rounder is lack of production, never reached his college potential.. hes the fastest LB in the draft, yet I believe his total # of sacks in 3 years of playing at Miami was 1 lol.. not many INTs either.. but a ton of tackles.. still hes a player like many Miami guys who will outperform there college resume at the next level IE: Leon Williams and Jon Beason. I think a lot of NFL scouts know that the coaching situ at The U is such a mess right now that these players are more talented then there stats show.

Cliff Avril is more talented then Gooden, but too much of a tweener

Erin Henderson is also more talented, but very injury prone and bad in coverage

At OT.. Jeff Otah and Ryan Clady will prolly got in the Top 10-15 range, Clady should be the first OT taken if it wasnt for Longs hype.. Clady has rare physique and athletism at OT.. with the right coach he'd be a multi-time pro bowler.

Near the 2nd end of the first round.. I like Chris Williams and Gosder Cherilus.. Gosder has the nasty demeanor plus rare size for an OT.

Outside of that, the 3rd round would be a filler spot in the draft.. if the Raiders get another 2nd round pick for Fabian or through trading down.. Dre Moore is an amazingly versitile D-linemen who can play anywhere on the DL and would be a great pick.. not a great run defender although he isnt a stiff there either but in reality

if the Raiders throw in Dre Moore with guys like Tommy Kelly, Gerrard Warren, and William Joseph.. thats a lot of pass rushing and physicalness at the DT position then having guys like Burgess, Edwards, and Harvey outside of that.. cant really go wrong on the DL. Plus Jay Richardson can play anywhere on the DL and hes stout vs the run.

Outside of that the Raiders dont need much else, Huff will play at FS and do well.. Gibril is holding down the SS spot.. we obviously dont need a Middle or SLB lol we got two guys who would make the pro bowl if there were an extra spot or two available.

CBs obviously not a need.. the only thing left needing an answer is Russell living up to his draft position, Walker staying healthy and playing like a #1 WR.. and Michael Bush emerging as the starter we drafted him to be.

If everything comes together plus a good draft.. Raiders should win a minimum of 6 games this year, and make the playoffs by 2009.

[azur_dog]

You know Afro you make a good run down of the Raiders needs, but no way in hell does al davis not pick Darren McFadden. The man is old and senile and is running that frachise into the ground.

[Palma]

Originally Posted by azur_dog

You know Afro you make a good run down of the Raiders needs, but no way in hell does al davis not pick Darren McFadden. The man is old and senile and is running that frachise into the ground.

I think Al is over paying top dollar for another rookie. I think he'll trade their number one pick for a troubled talented receiver or he'll trade it for more draft picks.

[Afro]

Has anyone read the articles about Kiffin and Al? McFadden isnt getting picked, Kiffin already said he wont take him and him and Al are on the same page right now.