We here at Zoneblitz intended to have a mock draft posted long ago. Everybody and their brothers and sisters do them these days so being an NFL blog without one left our site looking a bit naked.

That said, we stared at the draft lists forever this offseason and had a really hard time putting the pieces in place. We’re not kidding ourselves into thinking this mock is going to be any better than anyone else’s. Hell, we think it’s probably worse than a lot (Matt Ryan falling to #20?  Not likely–some team would trade up for him).

In fact, we think they are called mock drafts because that is what people who don’t do them should do to those who waste their time on this futility – mock them. Mercilessly.

So let us have it. Who did we leave out of round one? Who shouldn’t be in round one? What would you do with your team’s pick? Let’s hear it.

1. Miami Dolphins: T Jake Long

We had something written about how this was the right move, blah blah blah.  And then they went and did it early.  Nice job, Bill. 

2. St. Louis Rams: DE Chris Long

The Rams biggest need is defensive end, and while they would have liked to have had their choice of the Long’s, they grab the only guy that makes a lot of sense, and hope that he’s half the player his dad was—and twice the actor.

Other possibilities: Trade down, Vernon Gholston, Glenn Dorsey

3. Atlanta Falcons: DT Glenn Dorsey

Injury concerns have caused Dorsey’s status to fluctuate wildly over the last few weeks but many of the “experts” project him as the best player in the draft. The Falcons have many problems including the absence of an NFL-quality quarterback. But with this year’s QB class being less than stellar the Falcons assume they can take one in the second or third round while instead picking the high-upside defensive tackle as the next new face and cornerstone of their defense.

Other possibilities: Matt Ryan, Vernon Gholston, Darren McFadden, Sedrick Ellis

4. Oakland Raiders: DE/OLB Vernon Gholston

So just who in the hell is the crazy old bastard going to take?  Your guess is as good as ours.  In fact, we wouldn’t be shocked if Davis didn’t get his pick in on time, due to falling asleep or just wanting something else to complain about.  In reality, I have to believe that Davis would love a crack at Howie’s kid—but, with him off the board, Davis will either go best player on the board (McFadden), or the best defender on the board (Gholston).   Frankly, nothing would surprise us here—even Davis doing something completely off his rocker, like drafting a QB again.

Other possibilities: Darren McFadden, Sedrick Ellis, Keith Rivers

5. Kansas City Chiefs: T Ryan Clady

In a perfect world the Chiefs jump at either Jake Long or Glenn Dorsey to fill a need on either side of the line. With Dorsey and the Longs gone the choices become less obvious. But Will Shields and Willie Roaf both retired in recent years and what was left of the Chiefs offensive line was, well, less than Shields and Roaf had provided for years. So while it seems Clady might not be worth the fifth pick in the draft – his Wonderlic scores were low and scouts are questioning his passion for the game, according to Pro Football Weekly – he at least provides a competent fill-in at left tackle that might help Larry Johnson stay healthy and start busting off some long runs again. And he’ll be the first ever first-round pick out of Boise State, for whatever stupid trivia that will be worth.

Other possibilities: Sedrick Ellis, Darren McFadden, Matt Ryan

6. New York Jets: RB Darren McFadden

As discussed, the Jets have greater needs than RB, but see McFadden falling in their laps at #6 similar to Adrian Peterson falling to the Vikings at #7 last year.  Thomas Jones isn’t a spring chicken and wasn’t spectacular in rushing for 1,100 yards in 2007, and Leon Washington is nice change of pace back, but won’t ever be ‘The Guy.’  Oh, and there are rumors that the Patriots want McFadden at #7, which almost guarantees that the Jets won’t let him slide.

Other possibilities: Sedrick Ellis, Keith Rivers, Jeff Otah

7. New England Patriots (via San Francisco 49ers): CB Leodis McKelvin

Despite going undefeated during the 2007 regular season the Patriots showed some weakness on defense, especially late in the year when aging linebackers wore down. The team has also lost defensive backs Eugene Wilson, Asante Samuel, and Randall Gay in free agency so they’ll be looking for help in the back eight. They consider Keith Rivers, who is a good blitzer and the top pure linebacker on the board. But in the end the defensive backs are a notch above the linebackers in this year’s class, and McKelvin, with his explosive punt return ability, jumps slightly ahead of the competition for this selection. He becomes a starter for the Pats in week one.

Other possibilities: Keith Rivers, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Mike Jenkins

8. Baltimore Ravens: T Jeff Otah

Ozzie Newsome is the man making the final decisions, and although he isn’t 100% convinced that Troy Smith will be the man, he doesn’t want to take his replacement in year two, especially with so many other holes to fill.  Rather, protecting Kyle Boller, Troy Smith and/or whatever QB they take later on day 1 will be the first step—Otah isn’t the guy they wanted, but he’ll step in and compete at one of the tackle spots if he comes in to camp on time, and allow for competition on both sides.

Other possibilities: Matt Ryan, Keith Rivers, Kenny Phillips

9. Cincinnati Bengals: DT Sedrick Ellis

A team that two years ago was on the rise has slumped again due to injuries, aging and the drafting of hooligans. With Chris Henry cut after proving himself more interested in catching some tail than catching footballs and Chad Johnson trying to whine his way out of town, wide receiver could be the pick here. But nobody at that position has stuck out enough to be worthy of the ninth overall selection. D-tackle Sedrick Ellis, however, for awhile looked to be overtaking Glenn Dorsey for the top honors at his position. Dorsey appears to have reclaimed that spot, but Ellis won’t wait long for a call on Saturday. The Bengals take him with plans for addressing the wideout spot in the second round.

Other possibilities: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Keith Rivers, Aqib Talib, Mike Jenkins

10. New Orleans Saints: CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie

The Saints have been shoring up their D-Backs, but they still have a long way to go.  Rodgers-Cromartie goes a long way towards doing that.

Other possibilities: Aqib Talib, Mike Jenkins, Keith Rivers

11. Buffalo Bills: OT/OG Branden Albert

Buffalo desperately needs a receiver to go alongside Lee Evans. Actually, they need a receiver to push Evans, as he is the world’s most inconsistent wideout. But the team also needs help on the O-line and Albert’s stock has been rising due to his versatility. Word is the Eagles might be looking to trade up for him. In that case the Bills could shoot for a receiver. But Albert immediately upgrades their line and improves the chances that Marshawn Lynch reaches his potential in the years to come as well.

Other possibilities: Devin Thomas, Derrick Harvey, Limas Sweed, Chris Williams

12. Denver Broncos: LB Keith Rivers

The debate here comes down to Rivers and Kenny Phillips—Rivers being the better player, safety being the bigger need.  Of course, Mike Shannahan has never been too concerned in the past about doing his own thing—which is one of the reasons he’s probably finally starting to feel some heat.  He goes the safer route, and grabs Rivers.

Other possibilities: Kenny Phillips, Derrick Harvey, Kentwan Balmer

13. Carolina Panthers: RB Jonathan Stewart

The Panthers dumped DeShaun Foster this offseason and there is growing consensus that DeAngelo Williams isn’t an every down back. Even if he is, most teams are going to running back-by-committee approaches and Stewart will be a fantastic counter to Williams’ breakaway abilities. Stewart is described as a bowling ball who has solid blocking skills and decent at catching the football. He had toe surgery but is expected to be ready for camp. And if the Panthers nab him he’ll challenge for playing time right away.

Other possibilities: Derrick Harvey, Chris Williams, Devin Thomas

14. Chicago Bears: T Chris Williams

With so many holes, the Bears decide to try to shore up a spot that could help all of the skill positions—the offensive line.  Hometown kid Rashard Mendenhall is given consideration, as is Limas Sweed, but the Bears hope that the addition of a lineman can help Cedric Benson improve his game, and hopefully allow Rex Grossman or Kyle Orton to have enough time to make better decisions.

Other possibilities: Matt Ryan, Limas Sweed, Rashard Mendenhall, Devin Thomas

15. Detroit Lions: RB Rashard Mendenhall

This pick is as much a no-brainer as any in the draft. The Lions jettisoned Kevin Jones and lost T.J. Duckett as a free agent leaving the team with … Tatum Bell and Brian Calhoun? Mendenhall played a huge role in turning around the Illinois football program. He’s a physical runner between the tackles and he has some burst. He becomes the next in a line of runners that have attempted to follow in the footsteps of Barry Sanders, who must have cursed the team when he left.

Other possibilities: Jerod Mayo, Derrick Harvey, Kentwan Balmer, any Wide Receiver on the board

16. Arizona Cardinals: CB Aqib Talib

The Cardinals would have liked to have seen Rivers drop, or even had a chance at Mendenhall.  They have a difficult time passing on Derrick Harvey, but don’t feel he’s a good fit for the 3-4 defense.  Given their propensity to at times draft for need (and desire to save cash) rather than top talent on the board, lesser options at OLB/DE are considered as well, but in the end, the move of Antrell Rolle to safety necessitates help at corner.

Other possibilities: Derrick Harvey, Kentwan Balmer, Felix Jones, Calais Campbell

17. Kansas City Chiefs (via Minnesota Vikings): DE Derrick Harvey

The Chiefs traded away Jared Allen to get this pick and they immediately replace him with the near-consensus best pure defensive end in the draft. The Chiefs have many needs and would like to add a young corner to eventually replace Ty Law or Patrick Surtain as well. But the pass defense starts upfront and Harvey gives the Chiefs much of what they just traded away.

Other possibilities: Phillip Merling, Kenny Phillips, Mike Jenkins

18. Houston Texans: T Gosder Cherilus

The Texans desperately want a RB, but aren’t willing to reach for Felix Jones, who would give them four guys not suited to be a #1, assuming Ron Dayne is returning.  So, they’ll try to help out the rushing game by adding a blocker upfront—which will also help the passing game.

Other possibilities: Matt Ryan, Felix Jones, Devin Thomas, Limas Sweed

19. Philadelphia Eagles: OLB Jerod Mayo

This is one of the tougher picks to project. They really want Branden Albert but he’s gone. Donovan McNabb has been asking for years for a top-notch wide receiver. The team could also use some help on both lines and at linebacker. And they could use another running back to complement Brian Westbrook. OLB Jerod Mayo has been moving up boards for the last few weeks due to his combination of size, speed and athletic ability. He’s an unfinished product but has tons of potential and the Eagles will happily take him as a consolation prize.

Other possibilities: Devin Thomas, Limas Sweed, Felix Jones, Phillip Merling

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: QB Matt Ryan

And Matt Ryan finally falls off the board.  The Bucs have bigger need than QB, but even Jon Gruden realizes he can’t keep going with veteran retreads forever.

Other possibilities: Devin Thomas, Limas Sweed, Phillip Merling

21. Washington Redskins: WR Devin Thomas

The Redskins allegedly offered this pick and next year’s number one for Bengals wideout Chad Johnson. They were turned down. But it shows they know they need to add weapons for QB Jason Campbell. Devin Thomas from Michigan State ran the 40 in 4.4 and is a skilled receiver after the catch. The Redskins are shocked that Thomas, the top receiver on many teams’ boards, has fallen 21 slots. They currently have Santana Moss and … right, Antwaan Randle-El. Thomas only had one great year in college but it was enough to become the first wide receiver off the board.

Other possibilities: Limas Sweed, Phillip Merling, Limas Sweed, Malcolm Kelly

22. Dallas Cowboys (via Cleveland Browns): RB Felix Jones

Jerry has a Jones for Jones—and it’s not just the last name.  It’s also the college he went to.  Jones couldn’t pull the trigger on moving up for McFadden, but he gets his Razorback at #22.  Always good to pick players based on your alma mater.

Other possibilities: None

23. Pittsburgh Steelers: DT Kentwan Balmer

There’s talk that Mike Tomlin wants to switch to a 4-3 defense. But the team’s current personnel dictates a 3-4 package. Balmer is the perfect pick for the Steelers because he can play DE in a 3-4, then move inside to his more natural spot at tackle if and when the change takes place. Balmer had a great senior year then played well at the Senior Bowl. He’s got great upside and while he needs to get stronger he’s agile and athletic.

Other possibilities: Mike Jenkins, Phillip Merling, Kenny Phillips

24. Tennessee Titans: WR Limas Sweed

The Titans have needed help at WR since before Vince Young came to town, and Sweed helps bring it.  Though not timed fast at the combine, the Titans think he plays faster than he times, and know he has big play ability.

Other possibilities: Malcolm Kelly, Mario Manningham, Phillip Merling

25. Seattle Seahawks: S Kenny Phillips

Seattle has needed a tight end for years but there isn’t a first-round worthy one on the board. Both lines could use some shoring up. But the remaining players at those spots either have question marks or are more second round types as well. So to the defensive backfield, Brian Russell struggled some in 2007 and he’s more of a journeyman anyway. Kenny Phillips is one of the best players left on the board and he provides an instant upgrade covering the run.

Other possibilities: Mike Jenkins, Dustin Keller, Sam Baker, Phillip Merling

26. Jacksonville Jaguars: DE Phillip Merling

The Jags will roll the dice with Matt Jones, Reggie Williams, Jerry Porter and Troy Williamson at WR, and instead focus on shoring up their suddenly porous defensive line.  Merling will be a work in progress as a pass rusher, but should hopefully step in and be able to produce from the get go.

Other possibilities: Sam Baker, Malcolm Kelly, Mario Manningham, DeSean Jackson

27. San Diego Chargers: CB Mike Jenkins

San Diego has two good corners in Quentin Jammer and Antonio Cromartie but the Chargers lost Drayton Florence to Jacksonville during free agency. If the Chargers had any desperate needs they would try to fill them but they look pretty solid at the moment. So they go with Jenkins, who many think is worthy of a pick in the early half of round one. He fills the nickel slot and gives San Diego some depth.

Other possibilities: Sam Baker, DeSean Jackson

28. Dallas Cowboys: T Sam Baker

Jerry Jones knows that he can always find a guy like Chris Henry to play WR for 8 games before being suspended if he needs help there, so he opts to further fortify the line with the solid LT from USC.

Other possibilities: Malcolm Kelly, Mario Manningham, Brian Brohm

29. San Francisco 49ers (via Indianapolis Colts): WR DeSean Jackson

The 49ers wide receiver options improved somewhat with the signing of Isaac Bruce from St. Louis, but he’s on his last legs. The team needs a long-term option to team with Arnaz Battle and DeSean Jackson has the explosiveness to be that guy. He’s the most hit-or-miss of the first-round wideouts, but his upside is high enough where the team can’t ignore his presence at this spot. He’ll spread the field, provide Alex Smith with another weapon and possibly free up Vernon Davis to make more plays as well.

Other possibilities: Brian Brohm, Mario Manningham, Malcolm Kelly, Dan Connor, Quentin Groves

30. Green Bay Packers: QB Brian Brohm

Aaron Rodgers has actually played well in the limited time he’s seen the field, and we’re happy for him—but he’s never played a full 16 games.  Hell, I don’t think he’s even played a full NFL game without getting hurt.  So the Packers can’t be too comfortable—they’re worried enough that they have brought Daunte Culpepper in for looksee.  So they figure they might as well grab Brohm, who worst case can play the Rodgers role for the next couple of seasons, and in the best case will be able to step in when the weight of Brett Favre’s shadow crushes Rodgers like a grape.

Other possibilities:  Dan Connor, Quentin Groves, Patrick Lee, Calais Campbell 

31. Kids, it doesn’t pay to cheat.  Unless you’re already holding the #7 pick overall from a previous trade.  Then you can cheat all you want, as long as your owner has deep pockets.

32. New York Giants: LB Dan Connor

The Giants could use a safety to replace Gibril Wilson and probably a wide receiver to eventually replace the ageless Amani Toomer. But Dan Connor sits here on the board as the highest ranked inside linebacker on many people’s boards. He was highly productive in college and figures to have an opportunity to learn the pro game on a team whose defense really gelled at the end of 2007.

Other possibilities: Brandon Flowers, Antoine Cason, Tyrell Johnson, Malcolm Kelly, Mario Manningham, Early Doucet, James Hardy