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2008 NFL Draft First Round Questions: Picks 17-24
For several of the teams picking 17th through 24th, last season ended early in the playoffs or just shy, so the first round of the draft presents the opportunity to nab a player at a key position that will help them turn 2007’s disappointments into celebrations in 2008.
After breaking down the first 16 picks, we resume with #17, and the Minnesota Vikings, who may or may not need a quarterback in the first couple of rounds.
17. Minnesota Vikings: This is where things get a little interesting. The Vikings don’t really seem to be in the market for a QB in the first round, because they want to give 2006 second-rounder Tarvaris Jackson as much of a chance to succeed as possible, so you can rule out them taking Brian Brohm, right? Right?
While taking a Henne or Flacco in round 2, or John David Booty or Erik Ainge in round 3, might be more of a likely scenario, they should address the defensive line with the 17th pick. Their pass rush was pretty pedestrian in 2007, and given that Kenechi Udeze’s status for 2008 and beyond is uncertain due to his far, far more important medical issues (well wishes are with Kenechi), going for a QB-hungry end will offer them the opportunity of going for Phillip Merling or Quentin Groves, who would be perfect fits at ends in the Vikes’ defense.
My Choice: Quentin Groves, DE, Auburn
Secondary Choice: Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville
18. Houston Texans: The Texans have made strides in Gary Kubiak’s first two seasons, going 6-10 and 8-8. To really give themselves a chance to compete with the Colts, Jaguars, and Titans from start to finish and contend for that elusive winning record and playoff berth, there are a number of needs that can be addressed with pick #18.
Cornerback Dunta Robinson is sure to miss time in the 2008 season, and that takes away their best defensive back. Jacques Reeves, who was signed in free agency, is a solid player and can make plays from time to time, but he gets burned a little too often, otherwise he still might be in Dallas. I have Mike Jenkins still being available at this point, and if he is, the Texans shouldn’t pass on him.
Could running back still be a possibility, even after Chris Brown was signed? Certainly, but if there are any area that I think they should address on offense, it’s offensive line, where they could go for a Jeff Otah or Gosder Cherilus, as they don’t have any picks in the second. Receiver wouldn’t be a surprise, because the offense took a big hit when Andre Johnson missed seven games, but they’d be better off waiting until round 3 or 4, where they could get a Dexter Jackson, Harry Douglas, or Will Franklin.
My Choice: Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida
Secondary Choice: Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon
19. Philadelphia Eagles: Donovan McNabb wants the Eagles to give him big-play targets, and judging by the number of posts I see by Eagles fans on Yardbarker about receivers, they want the same thing.
But, they could go another direction on offense, to the line. If you’re on your behind too much, it doesn’t matter if you have Randy Moss streaking down the middle of the field. There will be a lot of options at receiver in round 2, so if Jeff Otah is still on the board at #19, then there’ll be a lot to think about.
Devin Thomas, DeSean Jackson, or Limas Sweed? All three have big playmaking ability, but I’ll go with Thomas, with his mix of size and blazing speed, and the fact that he’s still a relatively unpolished prospect with star potential.
My Choice: Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan St.
Secondary Choice: Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Bucs don’t have a lot of pressing needs, but the signs point to them going offense in the first round.
They don’t need a new QB right now, but thinking ahead to the future, if Brian Brohm is there at #20, he’ll be tough to pass up, even though he wouldn’t likely have to hit the field immediately. Jon Gruden has said he wants to get a QB in the first round at some point in time, so he could very well get his wish.
But, in all likelihood, they’ll go for a playmaker, and DeSean Jackson fits that bill. He’s a little small, but so is Steve Smith, and that hasn’t stopped him from being a Pro Bowl receiver.
My Choice: DeSean Jackson, WR, Cal
Secondary Choice: Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville
21. Washington Redskins: The Redskins were a great story at the end of last season, rallying to make the playoffs after the death of Sean Taylor. Now, they’ve got a new coach and some holes to fill if they want to compete in what will be a loaded NFC East.
Jason Campbell has his #1 in Santana Moss, but he needs a big, athletic receiver to beef up the offense’s big-play ability. So, Malcolm Kelly could be a possibility, along with Limas Sweed or James Hardy.
But, if Phillip Merling is still on the board at #21, it’d be hard to pass on him. Andre Carter had a big season last year, with 10.5 sacks, and putting Merling opposite him would do wonders for the Redskins’ pass rush. Merling isn’t a finished product as of yet, but when he is, he could be a double-digit sack man himself.
My Choice: Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson
Secondary Choice: Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma
22. Dallas Cowboys: While some continue to speculate about whether or not the Cowboys will try to trade up for Darren McFadden (they shouldn’t, and they won’t), Jerry Jones and Co. should be busy narrowing down their options for the #22 and #28 picks.
There are three positions Dallas can address with those two picks: corner, running back, and wide receiver. Aqib Talib is a possibility at #22 or #28, but they could wait until the second, where Patrick Lee or Reggie Smith could still be there at the bottom of the second. Smith might be the most appealing because he could immediately provide depth at corner and eventually be a starter there, or make a move to safety at some point. I have them taking a running back at #28, so that need will be filled up with the other first-round pick.
Looking both at the present and the future, the Cowboys could take a receiver, not only as a potential future #1 guy, but to push for the #2 spot this year or next. Indiana’s James Hardy has great size and athleticism, and showed at the combine that he has excellent speed as well to give Tony Romo yet another big-time target to throw to.
My Choice: James Hardy, WR, Indiana
Secondary Choice: Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas
23. Pittsburgh Steelers: Despite a very productive season on offense, Pittsburgh’s offensive line was a weakness last season, giving up 47 sacks. The line got weaker in the off-season, when its best lineman, guard Alan Faneca, signed a big contract with the Jets.
Virginia’s Branden Albert is the top guard on the board, and the big junior would be an excellent pickup for the Steelers because he could also play tackle in the NFL. However, he likely won’t be on the board at #23 because of how far he’s risen lately, and in that case, there are two options there. If Otah hasn’t been nabbed at #14 or #19, then he’ll be staying in Pittsburgh.
My Choice: Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh
Secondary Choice: Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College
24. Tennessee Titans: While the Titans had a top-10 defense last season, the same can’t be said for the offense, as Vince Young had 17 interceptions and only nine touchdown passes, and while the rushing game had one of the highest yardage totals in the league (2,109 yards), that was more a product of running it so much (a league-most 543 times) as opposed to be
Lendale White ran for 1,110 yards, and Vince Young can be counted to be another running threat, but after the release of Chris Brown, is it a certainty that second-year back Chris Henry will be the #2 back? Going for the likes of Jamaal Charles/Felix Jones/Chris Johnson would be a long-shot, but it’s possible.
The biggest priority on offense is receiver, as VY needs some playmakers. He made quite a few of those with Limas Sweed during his time at Texas, and I think a reunion is in the cards.
If they don’t want to go offense, North Carolina’s Kentwan Balmer could be a possibility. They’ll have to pay Albert Haynesworth or let him go sooner or later, and signing Balmer would give them depth, in case he gets hurt again, and a successor if Haynesworth leaves after 2008. Balmer could also fit in at end, as even though they brought Jevon Kearse back to the Music City, there’s no telling if he can reproduce his old form.
My Choice: Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
Secondary Choice: Kentwan Balmer, DT/DE, North Carolina
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i found out that the titans love chris johnson ,and, he will be a dangerous weapon with lendale “thunder white” ,oh johnson will be the zipper according to lebdale white.