NFL Draft 2008 – Round 1 #19 – Carolina Panthers – OT Jeff Otah (via Philadelphia Eagles)

The Eagles are on the clock. The ESPN gang is yapping about quarterbacks but the Eagles just took one in the 2nd round last year. Is a trade in the offing?

We’re two hours, ten minutes into the draft at already 18 guys gone. That’s fantastic for me as a fan of the Cowboys, who have the 22nd pick, but it’s hard to live blog at this speed!

The Eagles have traded the pick to the Carolina Panthers. The speculation is that they’re after Jeff Otah, the last stud offensive linemen, or one of the remaining quarterbacks.

Otah it is!

Scouts, Inc.: 19th

Strengths: Is a massive, mauling right tackle type. Has a huge frame with very long arms (35.3 inches). Not a great athlete but does play with good balance. He has a massive base. Will get low and uproot DL. Does an excellent job of anchoring versus the bull rush. Shows very good overall strength. Rarely loses a battle once he is locked on. Will drive his legs and create a new line of scrimmage as a run blocker. Still learning technique but is intelligent and continues to improve with more experience and coaching.

Weaknesses: Below average athlete. The more space he’s in the less effective he becomes. Lacks ideal initial quickness out of his stance and struggles to get set in time versus speed edge rushers. Struggles to reach the second level as a run blocker. Will have trouble hitting moving targets in space. Hands are smaller than ideal (9.2 inches).

Overall: Otah was born in Nigeria, came to the United States when he was seven years old and did not play organized football until his senior season of high school. He attended Valley Forge (Pa.) Military College in his first two years out of high school (2004-’05), making 17 consecutive starts at left tackle. He also averaged nearly 19 points and 12 rebounds for the Valley Forge basketball team. Otah transferred to Pitt in 2006 and made an immediate impact, starting all 24 games of his junior and senior seasons with the Panthers. He was an All-Big East first team selection in 2007. The Nigerian-born Otah lacks ideal playing experience and is still unpolished. While he is not a great athlete, he is not as slow as his combine workout numbers might indicate, as he participated despite an ankle injury. Otah is a massive mauler with the size, power and short-area quickness to develop into a good starting right tackle in the NFL, which is why we grade him as a mid-to-late first round prospect.

Rick Gosselin: 16th

Mel Kiper: 12th

A great value at the spot, presuming they didn’t give up too much in the trade. But it’s unusual to move up to take a tackle.

NFL Draft 2008 – Round 1 #18 – Baltimore Ravens – QB Joe Flacco (via Houston Texans)

The Baltimore Ravens moved up and grabbed QB Joe Flacco of Delaware, which is much higher than he was expected to go.

Scouts, Inc.: 29th

(6’6″, 236, 4.86)

Strengths: Tall enough to scan the field from within the pocket, he has excellent field vision and generally finds the open man given enough time. Has a strong arm, can fit the ball into tight spaces can make all the throws. Shows a good over-the-top release and can get rid of the ball quickly. Shows excellent pocket presence, possesses adequate athletic ability and instinctively sidesteps the rush while keeping his eyes downfield in order to find the open receiver. Is accurate, knows how to change velocities and can lead receivers when throwing underneath. Though lacks ideal elusiveness and isn’t very explosive possesses good top-end speed for size and flashes the ability to pick up yards with feet when nothing is available downfield. Shows good poise, is a leader on the field and doesn’t get rattled in pressure.

Weaknesses: Played in a shotgun heavy system at Delaware. Struggled with quarterback-center exchange early in week of Senior Bowl practice. Footwork is inconsistent on drops, needs to learn to read defensive coverage while dropping and can take too long to get set. Puts too much faith in arm strength at times and doesn’t always take what the defense gives him. Locks onto receivers too much and throws into coverage at times. Played at a small school and there are concerns about ability to make jump to the NFL level.

Overall: Flacco attended Pitt his first two seasons (2003- 04), where he was redshirted in ’03 and played in just three games as a backup in ’04. He joined Delaware in August 2005, but he didn’t see any action that fall. He started all 11 games in 2006, completing 264 passes on 417 attempts (63.3 percent) for 18 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. As a senior, he played and started in 15 games, passing for 331 completions on 521 attempts for 4,263 yards, 23 touchdowns and only five interceptions for a 144.91 passer rating. Flacco also scored four rushing TDs. Although he started his collegiate career at Pittsburgh, the bulk of Flacco’s production came at Delaware against a lower level of competition. So there are questions about his ability to adjust to the speed and complexities of NFL defenses. He also lacks experience working under center, so he has much to learn when it comes to his footwork and reading a defense while dropping. However, there’s no question he has the natural ability to make the leap. Flacco shares a lot of the same qualities with Ben Roethlisberger. He is deceptively mobile, throws well on the run and has arguably the strongest arm of any signal caller in the 2008 class. Also, of the six quarterbacks at this year’s Senior Bowl, Flacco showed the most improvement from the beginning to the end of the week. It was important for the small school product to prove he can hang with the big boys and Flacco did just that. Don’t be surprised if he comes off the 2008 draft board in the second-to-third round range.

Rick Gosselin: 37th

Mel Kiper: 24th

Flacco is supposed to have the tools necessary to star in the NFL. I’m just not sure why trade up this high to get him.

NFL Draft 2008 – Round 1 #17 – Detroit Lions – Gosder Cherilus

Having traded down once, the Lions didn’t take much time to make their pick: Tackle Gosder Cherilus of Boston College.

Scouts, Inc.: 31st

Strengths: Has a massive frame and good feet for his size. His arms (36.2 inches) and hands (11.6 inches) are enormous. Plays with a mean streak. Is big enough to engulf defenders if he’s in position, can wear them down over the course of a game and has the frame to add even more weight. Won’t take many false steps, is efficient and generally gets into sound position. Drives legs once in position, shows above-average lower body strength and is a powerful run blocker that can get movement in short-yardage situations. Plays with good motor, stays under control when gets into space and is an effective downfield blocker. Efficiently gets into pass set and uses long arms to ride pass rushers past the pocket. Moves feet well for size, stays balanced and flashes the ability to counter double moves. Keeps head up, shows good awareness and can pick up the blitz as well as line stunts.

Weaknesses: Plays entirely too high. Has quick feet for his size and good overall strength but both can be compromised by his marginal leverage. Though he gets good hand placement and rarely loses battle once locked on to the defender, he doesn’t deliver a powerful initial punch. While big enough to hold ground most of the time, he bends at the waist rather than the knees and powerful bull rushers should have some success pushing back into the pocket.

Overall: Cherilus redshirted in 2003, had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee in March 2003, and then went on to start every game in his playing career at Boston College. In his first three seasons (2004-06), he made 37 consecutive starts at right tackle. As a senior, he moved to left tackle and started all 14 games. Gosder needs to work on staying lower to the ground and he appears to be a better fit at right tackle than left tackle. Regardless, Cherilus is a four-year starter who possesses a very good overall talent, including a massive frame, quick feet for his size and a mean streak to finish off blocks. He projects as a late-first or early second-round pick in the 2008 NFL Draft.

Rick Gosselin: 26th

Mel Kiper: 31st

This certainly looks like a reach but this is a copycat league and there has been an unprecedented run on linemen in this draft.

NFL Draft 2008 – Round 1 #16 – Arizona Cardinals – Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie

The Arizona Cardinals are on the clock and – what do you know — there have already been 15 picks made. Their 8-8 record, perfect mediocrity, was their best in a decade.

I absolutely despise this annoying Under Armour commercial that has run 500 times already.

They’re taking their time, not having made a choice with 2 minutes to go. Are they looking to trade? Or just having trouble deciding?

The pick is in: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee State.

Scouts, Inc.: 19th

Strengths: Possesses above average height with outstanding hip-fluidity for his frame and is also one of the fastest corners in this class. He has great feet and plays with good balance. Displays better technique than most small-school corners, especially in terms of his hands in press-technique. Gets decent knee bend in backpedal, explodes out of his pedal and shows exceptional closing burst. Is tall and can compete for jump balls. Can make up a lot of ground when the ball is in the air and will use long arms (32 ¾) to knock passes away when caught in a trail position. Reads quarterback’s eyes, aggressive and jumps routes. Has good ball skills, is a playmaker in coverage and flashes the ability to pick up big chunks of yards after turnovers. Can contribute on special teams as a kick blocker (eight in his career) and a kick returner (6 TD returns) in the NFL.

Weaknesses: Played at a small school and there is some concern about ability to make the jump to the NFL. There are concerns regarding his toughness, as well. Does not support the run as aggressively as we would like to see and he must improve his efficiency as an open-field tackler. Does not possess great upper body strength, doesn’t always use hands well and can take too long to shed blocks. Doesn’t have great bulk for frame and bigger receivers will have some success shielding him from the ball. He has soft hands and will time his jumps well when he sees the ball but it occasionally takes him too long to find the ball in the air  particularly with his back turned covering the nine-route.

Overall: Rogers-Cromartie played in all of a possible 44 games during his Tennessee State career, making 38 consecutive starts (mostly at left cornerback) to close out his career. In his first three seasons (2004-’06), he recorded 121 tackles (six for losses), nine interceptions, 14 pass breakups and three touchdown returns (two picks and one fumble). As a senior in 2007, he had 37 tackles (two for losses), two interceptions (both returned for touchdowns) and 11 pass breakups. Rogers-Cromartie also was a versatile special teams standout, occasionally appeared on offense and competed on the Tigers’ track team. For his career, he had eight blocked kicks, 14 special teams tackles, averaged 23.9 yards on 36 kickoff returns and 7.3 yards on six punt returns, and scored a total of six touchdowns. An ankle sprain kept him from competing in the OVC Outdoor Track Championships in 2007. Bottom line: Rodgers-Cromartie is a playmaker who possesses a good blend of height and burst. However, he is a small-school prospect and he doesn’t have elite size or speed raising concerns about his ability to compete at the NFL level. Cromartie, cousin of Chargers’ standout CB Antonio Cromartie (first-round pick in 2006), has been one of the fastest rising prospects during the postseason draft process. He dominated his small school level of competition but his stock didn’t begin to soar until he made his mark as one of the top playmakers at the Senior Bowl. Some scouts project him as a better fit at free safety but Rodgers-Cromartie displays outstanding feet and hip-fluidity for his size, which is why we think he’s capable of playing cornerback fulltime in the NFL. Running the fourth-fastest 40-yard dash time of all the defensive backs at the combine doesn’t hurt his case, either. Rodgers-Cromartie ranks among the top-three cornerback prospects in the 2008 class and he also has upside as a kick return man, which is why we expect him to be selected in the top-20 picks overall.

Rick Gosselin: 12th

The three top cornerbacks in this draft all should go in the top 20 of the first round and all offer different looks. Mike Jenkins of South Florida is the safe pick. He’s the most polished of the three corners. A three-year starter in the Big East, he’s an instant starter in the NFL. Leodis McKelvin of Troy is the most physical of the three and the best kick returner in the draft. But he has the worst hands of the three, with only four career interceptions. Rodgers-Cromartie is the farthest away from an NFL field, because he didn’t see the quality quarterbacks and wideouts at Tennessee State that Jenkins and McKelvin saw. But two years from now he may be the best of the bunch. He’s the fastest, most athletic corner on this board and an elite playmaker, with 11 interceptions and five TDs.

Mel Kiper: 13th

After enjoying a stellar career at the Division I-AA level, Rodgers-Cromartie stood out against the big boys at the Senior Bowl practices, then wowed the NFL brass at the combine. He has the height, athleticism, recovery speed and ball skills to be an outstanding cornerback in the NFL.

A great pick here. The Cards benefited from the run on linemen and got one of the best athletes in the draft.

NFL Draft 2008 – Round 1 #15 – Kansas City – Branden Albert (via Detroit Lions)

The Lions are up. Could they take yet another wide receiver? Almost certainly not, as there isn’t a consensus stud worth taking at the position.

The ESPN boys think they might be eager to trade down.

With less than 3 minutes left on the clock, they got the Kansas City Chiefs to bite. They take Branden Albert, the outstanding offensive guard from Virginia.

Scouts, Inc.: 12th

(6’5″, 309, 5.169) | VIRGINIA

Strengths: Is tall and thickly built. Also has long arms and big hands. Shows a quick first, takes proper angles to assignments and gets into position quickly. Plays with a mean streak and drives legs once locked onto the defender. Has very good initial quickness for his size. Shows above-average range and can pull around the edge. Shows smooth footwork getting into pass sets and shuffles feet to stay in front of defenders. Gets adequate hand placement and extends arms once in position. Keeps head up, shows good awareness and can adjust to line stunts as well as blitzes. Never missed a game because of an injury and is durable.

Weaknesses: Does not have overwhelming power and doesn’t knock many defenders back with initial punch. Plays too high at times and is going to have problems driving two-gap defenders off the ball. Runs well on a straight line but has some trouble hitting the moving target. Doesn’t get great knee bend in pass sets and can get pushed back into the pocket. Appears to take plays off at times and may lack ideal endurance at this point.

Overall: Albert started all 37 of Virginia’s games during his three-year career (2005-07), including two at offensive tackle in 2007. He allowed just one sack and received an All-ACC honorable mention in 2006. He was a first-team All-ACC selection in ’07. Bottom line: Albert needs to improve his power at the point of attack and learn to get under defenders’ pads. He also is a bit inconsistent when it comes to hitting the moving target as a second level run blocker. However, he is a massive guard with very good short-area quickness and tenacity. He could possibly move to ROT in the NFL but we think he fits best inside at guard, where he should quickly develop into an upper-echelon starter. He could be the top interior offensive lineman selected in 2008 draft  no later than the second round.

Rick Gosselin: 18th

Mel Kiper: 8th

Nothing sexy here but good value for the spot. And Brody Croyle can certainly use better blocking.

NFL Draft 2008 – Round 1 #14 – Chicago Bears – Chris Williams

The Chicago Bears are about to make their pick and the ESPN gang are all talking running back, with Reshard Mendenhall the obvious name. They most obviously need a quarterback, but there’s not anything like this value on the board at that position.

Instead, the Bears continue the run on defensive linemen with Chris Williams out of Vandy.

Scouts, Inc.: 10th

Strengths: Possesses a massive frame; is tall with good bulk, adequate arm length (33.5) and big hands (10). Displays very good overall mobility for his size, including quickness in his pass pro set. Does a very good job of using his long arms to ride pass rushers wide while he’s still getting set. Displays great footwork and gets excellent hand placement. While he may not jar defenders at the point of contact, he can lock on and then sustain his blocks. He can engulf bigger defenders once he’s in position and engaged. Displays versatility with experience at guard and tackle. He has been durable throughout his career.

Weaknesses: Still too much of a finesse player. Lacks explosive upper-body power. Does not jar defenders at the point of attack. Lacks the base and lower body power to drive defenders off the line of scrimmage in the run game.

Overall: Williams redshirted in 2003 and was ineligible in 2004, when he changed majors and didn’t qualify to play football under Vanderbilt’s stringent academic standards. In his first active season (2005), he appeared in 11 games and started the final nine at left guard, also taking game reps at left tackle. Williams moved to left tackle for good as a junior, starting all 24 games at the position over his final two seasons (2006-’07). Williams is a left tackle prospect with great feet but a bit too much finesse to his game at this point. He lacks ideal upper-body strength, which was confirmed in only 21 reps on the bench press. He also lacks ideal physicality. However, Williams possesses very good mobility for his big frame and he typically can overcome below-average strength by using excellent technique and positioning. Thanks to a productive senior season, followed by excellent showings at the Senior Bowl and combine; Williams has built tremendous momentum heading into the 2008 draft. He should be one of the top-five offensive linemen selected  likely in the middle of the first round.

Rick Gosselin: 20th

Mel Kiper: 11th

Good value with the pick.

NFL Draft 2008 – Round 1 #13 – Carolina Panthers – RB Jonathan Stewart

The Carolina Panthers are on the clock.

But they’re wasting no time: They took RB Jonathan Stewart of Oregon.

(5’10″, 235, 4.48) | OREGON

Strengths: Is a compactly built back with excellent body control. Shifty and quick; he runs low to the ground and has good change-of-direction skills. Shows very good initial quickness and also displays a second-gear when he gets through the line of scrimmage. Has made significant strides in terms of vision and patience as a runner throughout his career. Displays reliable hands as a receiver. Gets up the field quickly after the catch and can be a huge weapon when he catches the ball on the run in space. Has size and strength to anchor (when in position) versus blitzing linebacker in pass pro. Displays excellent potential as a kick return specialist and was one of the nation’s best when allowed to spend time in that facet of the game.

Weaknesses: Durability is a big concern. Has battled injuries throughout his career. Always seems to be nicked. Has limited experience carrying the full load. He’s compactly built and strong, but he’s not a power back. He doesn’t look to initiate contact much and he will run out of bounds instead of lowering his shoulder for extra yards on occasion. He goes down a bit too easily at times, as well. Not overly physical as a blocker. Still has room to improve in terms of awareness as a pass blocker. Will take some poor angles and doesn’t always appear to be confident in his assignment.

Overall: Even as a freshman reserve in 2005, Stewart was able to make his mark, scoring nine touchdowns on just 72 touches as a runner, receiver and kickoff returner. Despite injuries, he played 13 games in 2006 and ran for 981 yards and 10 TDs. He also had 20 receptions for 144 yards and another score. In 2007, his first season as Oregon’s feature back, Stewart established new school single-season marks in rushing yards (1,722) and all-purpose yards (2,481), leading the Pac-10 in both categories. He finished his junior season with 13 total touchdowns, adding 145 receiving yards on 22 catches. In three seasons, he averaged 28.7 yards and scored two TDs on kickoff returns. Stewart has battled durability issues throughout his career, but he also has shown toughness playing through several injuries. If he can avoid the injury bug at the next level, Stewart has a chance to emerge as one of the premier playmakers at the running back position. He is a compact runner with an outstanding combination of quickness, vision, body control and open-field burst. He also brings versatility to the table with soft hands as a receiver and an outstanding collegiate resume returning kicks. Stewart should be one of the top-three running backs selected in the 2008 NFL draft  likely in the mid-to-late portion of the first round.

Scouts, Inc.:

Rick Gosselin: 17th

Mel Kiper: 21st

The numbers are all over the place because Stewart had an injury and is recovering. Presuming he’s healthy, though, this is a solid pick. He’s projected to be an awesome NFL running back.

NFL Draft 2008 – Round 1 #12 – Denver Broncos – Ryan Clady

The Denver Broncos have selected tackle Ryan Clady of Boise State.

The draft is zipping along. We’re an hour an 23 minutes into this and through 12th picks. I think two players had been taken by this point last year.

Scouts, Inc.: 14th

6’6″, 309, 5.15

Strengths: Displays excellent initial quickness and overall agility for his size. Very effective pulling and getting out on second-level as a run blocker. Gets adequate hand placement and has above-average balance. Can seal the edge when asked to reach defenders lined up over outside shoulder. Gets set quickly in pass pro. Has very little trouble with speed rushers. Can mirror and slide versus double moves. A natural knee bender. Extends long arms once in position and can ride edge rushers past the pocket when he gets his hands on them. Plays under control and appears comfortable when left on an island. Gets into defenders legs when goes low and is an effective cut blocker. Works from the snap until the whistle and looks to throw blocks downfield.

Weaknesses: Does not show great lower body strength and is going to have problems driving defenders off the ball in short-yardage situations. Lacks ideal explosiveness, hasn’t learned how to roll hips into blocks and fails to knock many defenders back at the point of attack. Occasionally will get beat by inside quickness. Needs to learn to set while staying more balanced. Can be overaggressive, lunges a little too much and is vulnerable to push-pull moves. While shows adequate awareness in pass protection and helps out when nothing comes to him, over commits at times and has some problems picking up delayed blitzes. Big enough to hold ground but bends at the waist rather than the knees and is going to have some problems holding ground working against NFL caliber bull rushers. Can get jumpy when defenders start jumping around before the snap and he’s vulnerable to false starts.

Overall: Clady redshirted in 2004. In his first active season at Boise State (2005), he made 11 starts at right tackle. In 2006 he moved to left tackle, where he was the starter in all 26 games over the next two seasons. He was a second team All-America selection in 2007. Like a lot of young offensive linemen, Clady needs to get stronger and sharpen his technique. However, he clearly has the frame, quickness, agility and work ethic to quickly develop into a quality starter at left tackle in the NFL. Clady projects as a mid-first round pick, as a result.

Rick Gosselin: 9th

Mel Kiper: 9th

A nice, safe pick.

NFL Draft 2008 – Round 1 #11 – Buffalo Bills – Leodis McKelvin

The Buffalo Bills are on the clock and they’ve obviously got quite a few needs.

They’re not wasting much time. They take Leodis McKelvin of Troy, the consensus best corner in the draft.

Scouts, Inc.: 9th

Strengths: Is a fluid, smooth and explosive athlete. Displays very quick feet and leverage in-and-out of pedal. Shows good technique and footwork in coverage. Explodes out of his pedal and typically gets a very good jump on the ball. He displays outstanding quick-twitch athleticism and change-of-direction skills. Can keep with quicker WR’s on double moves and also shows the hip-fluidity and closing burst to turn and run with faster receivers on vertical routes. Is one of the elite PR prospects in the 2008 class. One of his three touchdown returns in 2007 came versus Big 12 opponent Oklahoma State. The 74-yard scamper (14:10 remaining in the 2nd quarter) shows the type of vision and breakaway speed he possesses.

Weaknesses: Is a finesse cover corner. Does not like to support the run and will avoid contact if at all possible. Plays a lot of man-off coverage and needs to improve his ability to press WR’s at the line of scrimmage. Bigger WR’s usually can dictate their routes. Despite outstanding experience in the return game, he displays marginal ball skills. He knocks down too many passes he should pick off. Fights the ball too much as a PR, as well. Really needs to improve his hands in order to reach full potential on defense and in the return game in the NFL.

Overall: McKelvin arrived at Troy in 2004 and immediately contributed as a kick return specialist and reserve cornerback. He didn’t start in his first two seasons (2004-’05), but he played 23 games and had 47 tackles (including one sack), six pass breakups and an interception (which he returned 71 yards for a touchdown). Over his final two seasons (2006-’07), he started all 25 games at left cornerback for the Trojans, recording 126 tackles (3.5 for losses), five forced fumbles, three interceptions and 16 pass breakups. For his career, McKelvin also had 112 punt returns for 1,471 yards (13.1 average) and seven TDs, plus 99 kickoff returns for 2,346 yards (23.7 average) and another score. He suffered a left shoulder sprain during the offseason in 2005 and underwent surgery for a right ankle fracture in 2006, but he missed no games as a result of the injuries. McKelvin is still a work in progress at cornerback and he will never be an overly physical defender. In addition, he needs to improve his ball skills in order to maximize his enormous potential as a playmaker with the ball in his hand. However, McKelvin is one of the fastest and most fluid cornerbacks in the 2008 class. He’s also the second-most dangerous punt return specialist behind Cal’s DeSean Jackson, which should propel him into the top half of the first round.

Rick Gosselin: 11th

Mel Kiper: 19th

Once again, Kiper is the outlier. This looks like a solid pick to me.