March Mock Draft # 11 - 21

Here is my predictions and analysis for the middle third of the 2008 Draft.Based on needs addressed in free agency and those still remaining, and of course, the most glaring areas of concern for each team. Next time will be picks 1 - 10.

11. Buffalo Bills – Domique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee St.
For the first time since around December, I don't have Malcolm Kelly in this slot. Kelly's stock has tumbled due to his inability to workout and questions about his speed. DeSean Jackson would be intriguing, but he is too similar to Lee Evans, and the Bills like its return man in Roscoe Parrish. The Bills instead go after another position of need and draft its shutdown cornerback. At 6-2, Rodgers-Cromartie has the size to match any receiver, but also 4.33 speed to hang with any receiver. His knack has always been his small school status, but with strong workouts and a great Senior Bowl, he has proved his ability.

12. Denver Broncos – Ryan Clady, OT, Boise St.
With the retirement of Matt Lepsis, the left tackle position now seems vulnerable, and with Ryan Clady still on the board, this pick makes sense. At 6-6, 320 lbs, Clady is the ideal LT, and actually has a higher ceiling than Jake Long. Jake Long is more NFL ready, but I see Clady as having the better NFL career down the road. DT Kentwan Balmer or even WR DeSean Jackson is a possibility, but Clady is better value here if he even lasts to #12.

13. Carolina Panthers – Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt
Both tackles were resigned by the Panthers, but with the departure of guard Mike Wahle, the Panthers may move Travelle Wharton inside creating a vacancy at the tackle position. Williams' stock has climbed up the draft boards, and now looks to be the third tackle off the board. DE Phillip Merling is also a possibility, but after last season, Jake Delhomme's health has to be priority #1.

14. Chicago Bears – Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh
Grossman is out of Chicago, actually he just signed a one year deal. But, I don’t see the Bears wanting to draft another first round quarterback. I think the Bears will focus on protecting that quarterback, and the massive Otah (6-6. 340) is a great way to do that. DeSean Jackson is tempting with the departure of Bernard Berrian, but no receiver can get a ball if the quarterback doesn't have time to throw it to him.

15. Detroit Lions – Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois
The Lions in the last week have gotten CBs Leigh Bodden and Brian Kelly. Neither CB is going to fool you for the shutdown cornerback that each team covets, but both are solid and allow the Lions to pursue other positions. The Lions were finalist in the Julius Jones' sweepstakes, but lost out to Seattle, and the lost may be a blessing in disguise with the chance to get Mendenhall. There is no hiding that Matt Millen likes to draft offensive playmakers, well that is Mendenhall, only he uses his skills with his feet than his hands.


16. Arizona Cardinals ­– Aqib Talib, CB, Kanas
With the Cardinals moving Antrel Rolle to safety there is now a hole at the CB position. With Edgerrin James' best years behind him, drafting Jonathan Stewart would make sense, but the Cards can get a solid RB in the 2nd round. Aqib Talib may lack explosive speed, but makes up with his size and playmaking ability. Always a threat to make an interception and go the other way.

17. Minnesota Vikings – Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson
The Vikings already had a need at defensive end before the news broke that Kenechi Udeze had cancer, but now that need is much greater. Our prayers are with Udeze and his family. Merling brings speed, size, and athleticism where he could be the premier sackmaster the Vikings have yet to find. Merling seems to be surpassing Derrick Harvey as the third best DE in the draft. Even without Udeze's cancer, the defensive end need was still there.

18. Houston Texans – Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon
Houston just signed RB Chris Brown, which actually makes this pick that much more possible. Stewart just had surgery and with his timetable set for around July, the Texans have insurance with Brown. The Texans still need that stud RB to complement Schaub and Andre Johnson. Stewart has the great combination of size and speed the Texans are looking for. With a solid back, the Texans should be able to improve after a successful season. CB Mike Jenkins is another option.

19. Philadelphia Eagles – DeSean Jackson, WR, California
Well the Eagles got its stud CB in free agency with Asante Samuel and helped with its DE rotation by signing Chris Clemons to a five year contract. With that, the Eagles are able to help its offense and draft the athletic playmaker in Jackson. He may be only 5'9, but if you watch any game film, you know the talent this guy has. The Eagles have decent receivers in Reggie Brown and Kevin Curtis, but lacks the deep threat that Jackson can be.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma
Joey Galloway seems to have found the fountain of youth and never ages, but the Buccaneers lack a young playmaker on the otherside and eventually become the #1. Michael Clayton was suppose to be that guy, but the only thing good about Michael Clayton lately has been the movie. Malcolm Kelly's stock has slipped recently, but with a strong workout April 9, Kelly should improve his stock. His 6'4 frame is very enticing.