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Thoughts from the Dark Side
My very first NFL Mock Draft, please be nice Raider Nation
Well, to continue our mock draft project here at Thoughts from the Dark Side, I decided it was time that I tried my hand at a mock draft. I have been writing on the Raiders for three years, and had always enlisted help come draft time. This year, it has been fun reading all the mocks that you guys have sent in. I have read all the others over as I posted them, but didn’t let them influence my opinion. If I only get one of my choices right, I hope its my choice for the Oakland Raiders.
I would like to thank the site NFL draft 101 as they were a great source of information. Any ridiculous picks are solely my faul, not theirs. Now let me put on my Mel Kiper, Jr hair and get to work making a mockery of the NFL Draft.
Miami Dolphins-Vernon Gholston OLB/DE Ohio State- Bill Parcells is a nuts and bolts kind of guy. He builds his teams around the big guys on offense and a stifling defense. His greatest success was his two Lombardis with the New York Giants, and he did it with that formula. He probably wants to trade out of number one, but with the financial obligations that come with the curse of the number one overall pick, he likely will not find any takers. Visions of Lawrence Taylor, the REAL LT, ravaging quarterbacks fill Parcells’s head tempting him to take Vernon Gholston. He is torn between Gholston and Jake Long, as he knows he has to protect his quarterback. Being a defensive guy, he takes Gholston.
St Louis Rams-Jake Long OT, Michigan- The Rams are a team that was ravaged and decimated by injuries last year. Marc Bulger is not getting any younger, and Trent Green, whom they recently signed, is one concussion away from becoming vegetation. They take a good hard look at Matt Ryan to become an heir apparent, but decide that the pick can be better used in protecting the quarterbacks they do have and draft Long.
Atlanta Falcons-Matt Ryan QB, Boston College- What don’t the Atlanta Falcons need? They need a bit of everything, except that they feel they got their running back with Michael Turner. After the Michael Vick and Bobby Petrino fiascos, the Falcons desperately need a new face of their franchise. They have a new general manager and head coach, and no franchise quarterback. Matt Ryan has to be their pick, or the scene among the fans will be reminiscent of the Ted Ginn, JR pick last year by the ‘Fins.
Oakland Raiders-Chris Long DE, UVA- Al Davis jumps all over this pick. In fact, he hangs up on his friend Jerry Jones who was working on a deal to trade up, so Davis can make the pick. At the press conference announcing the signing, Davis drones on about Chris Long only occasionally calling him Howie. Davis also offers Howie Long an opportunity to come to camp to try out so they could be the first father and son to play on the same team, which Howie politely declines.
Kansas City Chiefs-Ryan Clady OT, Boise State- With the retirement in the last couple of years of all pro offensive linemen Will Shields and Willie Roaf, the Cheifs go with the need pick here. Mel Kiper, Jr blasts them for “reaching” and says something only semi-comprehensible about who the Chiefs should have picked.
New York Jets-Darren McFadden RB, Arkansas- McFadden goes one pick ahead of where Adrian Peterson went last year. The Jets traded for Thomas Jones last year, but are enamored with McFadden’s big play ability and the fact that he has a stronger arm than Chad Pennington.
New England Patriots-Leodis McKelvin CB, Troy- Before the Patriots pick, the camera will zoom in on Glenn Dorsey sitting in the green room, and Mike Mayock will start talking about his free-fall. The Pats go for need and get McKelvin to replace Asante Samuel, and need a replacement. Bellichick will laugh in the post draft news conference saying, “some punishment, huh?”
Baltimore Ravens- DeSean Jackson WR, Cal- In a move that sends Mel Kiper, Jr rambling and his famed hair falling out of place, the Ravens draft DeSean Jackson from Cal. The Ravens were disappointed that Matt Ryan didn’t fall to them, but they feel that Jackson will be a consistent deep threat for the quarterback they will take in the second round. They need a playmaker on the offensive side of the ball, and feel that Jackson will be that shot in the arm for them.
Cincinnati Bengals- Sedrick Ellis DT, USC- The camera flashes on the falling Glenn Dorsey, and the talking heads ramble on about how he should finally come off the board. The Bengals, after having scouted the prison leagues, and discussed the possibility of Adam Sandler, because he looked good in a prison football movie, hand in the card for Sed Ellis. They pick Ellis over Dorsey because of the injury concerns.
New Orleans Saints- Keith Rivers OLB, USC- Rivers becomes the second Trojan in a row to come off the board. This is a need and value pick and Rivers is a highly rated linebacker, and the Saints linebackers not named Jonathan Vilma are a who’s who of who’s THAT?
Buffalo Bills- Limas Sweed WR, Texas- The camera zooms in on Dorsey who is plunging down the draft board. The Bills select Sweed to be a big possession receiver to take pressure off Lee Evans and give QB Edwards a sturdy move the chains target. In a video that later surfaces on youtube, Mel Kiper, Jr is caught saying, “These F—ers are just picking to make me look bad. I know more about the draft than all of them combined, morons.”
Denver Broncos- Glenn Dorsey DT, LSU- Madison Square Garden, who has by now adopted Dorsey, erupts in cheers when his name is called. The Broncos have been weak along the defensive line and are ecstatic to get a player of his caliber.
Carolina Panthers- Brian Brohm QB, Louisville- The Panther need a receiver, but the top two are gone. The Panthers need offensive line help, as well. The Panthers pick Brohm because their quarterback situation is in flux with the injuries and digression of Jake Delhomme. The Panthers brought Vinnie Testaverde out of retirement to start last year, they need a quarterback of the future.
Chicago Bears- Rashard Mendenhall RB, Illinois- The Bears have opted to stick with Rex Grossman for another year, despite him having more ups and downs than Ron Jeremy in his film career. In order for the Bears to have any offense, they need a running game. They look far and wide, and pick the guy from right next door.
Detroit Lions- Christopher Williams OT, Vanderbilt- For the first time in history, Matt Millen has a pick outside of the top 10. Since he is outside of the top 10, he moves away from picking a wide receiver and decides to give Jon Kitna some protection.
Arizona Cardinals- Dominique Rogers-Cromarte CB, Tennessee State- The Cards have more weapons on offense than most third world armies, but they still can’t seem to get over the hump. They need a corner and grab one.
Minnesota Vikings- Derrick Harvey DE, Florida- Minnesota’s defensive line is top flight against the run, but they need help with their pass rush. With the addition of a pass rusher that d-line becomes scary good.
Houston Texans- Jonathan Stewart RB, Oregon- Ron Dayne only looks good against the Oakland Raiders, and they need a running back who can do it against the rest of the league. Stewart is going to be a pounder for them.
Philadelphia Eagles- Branden Albert OG, Virginia- The Eagles line is getting up there in age, and Albert will inject some youth. Someone needs to protect Donovan McNabb from those crazed Philly fans.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Felix Jones RB, Arkansas- With the Cadillac spending a lot of time in the shop, the Bucs for the second time grab a running back who is coming out the same year as a backfield mate. (Williams came out with Cedric Benson.)
Washington Redskins- Kenny Phillips S, Miami- the ‘Skins need to replace the late Sean Taylor. Phillips will be an enforcer in the ‘Skins defensive backfield.
Dallas Cowboys- Early Doucet WR, LSU- Jerry Jones has a Texas size fit when Jones fell off the board to the Bucs, but he grabs Doucet to have a young wide receiver to pair with Terrell Owns. The Cowboys are a team that is very close to being elite. It would not surprise me to see them move up in the draft to get that one piece they may need.
Pittsburgh Seelers- Jeffery Otah OT, Pitt- The Steelers need to reinforce their line which has gone downhill since Ken Whizenhunt left for Arizona. They save Otah money on moving.
Tennessee Titans- Malcom Kelly WR, Oklahoma-Vince Young needs a weapon so the Titans can start to figure whether or not he was worth the third pick a couple of years ago. Kelly will give young a downfield big play threat. If VY continues to suck, the Titans will know that he is the problem.
Seattle Seahawks- Trevor Laws DT, Notre Dame- The Seahawks go for the best player available as they don’t have any glaring needs. Laws will help shore up their interior run defense. They should be still favored to win their division as they look to be the only NFL quality team in the NFC West once again.
Jacksonville Jaguars- Quentin Groves DE, Auburn- The Jags were bounced from the playoffs last season because they could not pressure Tom Brady. Groves is the best pass rusher left on the board.
San Diego Chargers- Phillip Merling DE, Clemson- The Charger team is basically stacked. Their biggest weakness is the head coach they have stalking the sidelines. They take Merling as the best player available.
Dallas Cowboys (redux)- Mike Jenkins CB, South Florida- The Cowboys need some help in the defensive backfield. They pick him over Talib because Jenkins is the more polished of the two.
San Francisco 49ers- Dan Connor ILB, Penn State- The Niners have to be kicking themselves for giving up such a high pick to the Pats last season. They have more holes than a truck load of swiss cheese. They get Connor to pair with Patrick Willis to shore up the middle of their 34 linebacking corps.
Green Bay Packers- Aquib Talib CB, Kansas- The Packers have all the pieces together to continue their run, if Aaron Rodgers can play well. They pick up Talib for his return skills and to challenge Woodson and Harris.
New England Patriots- With this pick they acquired video tape on all their opponents in violation of the rules.
New York Giants- Erin Henderson OLB, Maryland- The Giants took some hits along the defense losing guys after the Super Bowl. Henderson is a raw prospect, but can rush the passer or play the run. He will fit in well in the G-Men’s attacking defense.
That was mostly painless, and yes I know that was a horrid photoshop. Its all in fun.
Our mocks are listed in the hailredskins mock draft database.
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on Thursday, April 17th, 2008 at 11:27 pm and is filed under 2008 Raiders Offseason, 2008 NFL Draft.
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41 Responses to “My very first NFL Mock Draft, please be nice Raider Nation”
April 17th, 2008 at 11:35 pm
[…] First Mock Draft Thoughts from the Dark Side | MVN - an Oakland Raiders blog » Blog Archive » My very first NFL Mock … Guys, this is the first mock I have ever tried to put together… Some feedback would be […]
April 18th, 2008 at 1:11 am
Well
If C Long makes it to #4, then he really does have to be the pick. I think the only WR that will be taken in the top 12 will be Ocho Cinco. Al’s has done wilder things in the past! I’m just sayin.,…..
Good Mock Patrick
Al’s Mandate is McFadden!!
OakFoSho
April 18th, 2008 at 1:21 am
You know what, I do like Chris Long a lot and I would be happy taking him.
But I don’t know…. if Dorsey is there then I think it might be the pick to go for. He is a leader amongst the Defense and can you imagine him being led by the Dark Side.
It is nice to have four options. Dorsey, C. Long, Gholston, and Ellis. We can use any of them.
April 18th, 2008 at 1:29 am
I have never claimed to be a draft guru… just kind of made it up as I went along.
April 18th, 2008 at 3:10 am
I’d take any of them! It think if I was doing the drafting though I’d not care about so many picks. I’d figure out who was the 1 or 2 players I truly wanted and trade trade trade to get them building the team a piece at a time. Of course my scouting better be up to par to do it!
Just Win Baby!
April 18th, 2008 at 3:34 am
Don’t even try to say that was your first Mock! Ron Jeremy, Pennington and Kiper Jr. Ha!
Oh and thanks for speaking well of Stewart! Anyone know the situation on Moffit out of S.Fla. I realize my Ducks left them for dead in the bowl game but isn’t he some big named linebacker?
Just Win Baby!
April 18th, 2008 at 3:46 am
I’ll hit the Maryland or District of Columbia “Power Ball” Lottery, before Glen Dorsey tumbles all the way down to 12. Teams 5 through 11 will have been complete and utter “Morons” should your scenario materialize. The entire staff of the Broncos will actually go out and play the lottery; given that their luck is so hot. No pun’ intended.
April 18th, 2008 at 5:06 am
MAN I’d hate to see DORSEY fall to the Denver Suckos… I don’t want to see him twice a year…
Hope your wrong about him but the rest sound good.
I know your just guessing dude but in reality… Aren’t we all!!
RAIDER NATION BABY!!!
CAN-YOU-FEEEEEELL-IT!!!!!!!
April 18th, 2008 at 5:09 am
Snoopy,
I would love to see the Broncos draft a hybrid of Ryan Leaf and Maurice Clarett.
April 18th, 2008 at 5:22 am
I think its all down to ghoulston and ryan and where they go. I hope they both get picked from 1-3 then we’ll have a great dilemma. I’m sure we’d take Long if he was there but i’m really hoping for Dorsey (who is so not going to fall) or a decent rade down. Altho god forbid with Cinn for 85. More like Dallas;altho that has all gone quiet. Thouhg it might all pick up again if packman is off the table.
UK Raider nation rocks!
April 18th, 2008 at 5:44 am
Dorsey won’t go to the broncos at #12 cuz he’ll kill us for years and theres a lot of other teams that would take him in heartbeat. He’ll be a top 4 pick EASILY. I really believe Dorsey is the premier player in this draft based on his disruptive force in the backfield.
Even though Chris Long would be a emotional pick, you saw what happened last time we picked a DE with a “high-end motor” *cough tyler cough brayton*.
Desean jackson would be LUCKY to get picked in the first round. Baltimore will go with a corner instead
Sweed will be lucky to go in the first round as well. Buffalo needs Dline help more importantly
Brohm wont go that high unless carolina is really enamored with him and their picks they really wanted are off the board, look for a trade down there if thats the case.
Brandon Albert will be a top 10 pick. He’s a complete monster. Look for the pats to land him, because as you’ve seen, you can plug anyone into the pats secondary cuz all they run is zone. BeliCHEAT will want to protect brady.
And finally, about the one team that MATTERS:
the Raiders would love if Dorsey fell to them, and if not, then Gholston or a trade down and take Ellis
April 18th, 2008 at 5:54 am
Here is what an expert said about C Long;
Bottom line: Chris Long does not show the burst to get to the quarterback off the edge on third downs, he is light and narrow-framed to play inside and he has little experience from a rush LB role. As a result, any 3-4 team that drafts him in the top 10 to be a 3-4 outside ’backer would be making a projection, which is usually a very scary proposition to make at any position in the draft’s top 10, given the investment that the selections require.
I think we should go with Dmac, Dorsey, or Gholston.
April 18th, 2008 at 6:08 am
Here is what an expert said about C Long;
Bottom line: Chris Long does not show the burst to get to the quarterback off the edge on third downs, he is light and narrow-framed to play inside and he has little experience from a rush LB role. As a result, any 3-4 team that drafts him in the top 10 to be a 3-4 outside ’backer would be making a projection, which is usually a very scary proposition to make at any position in the draft’s top 10, given the investment that the selections require.
C Long might be overrated. I’d go for DMac or Dorsey.
April 18th, 2008 at 6:13 am
Here is what an expert said about C Long;
Bottom line: Chris Long does not show the burst to get to the quarterback off the edge on third downs, he is light and narrow-framed to play inside and he has little experience from a rush LB role. As a result, any 3-4 team that drafts him in the top 10 to be a 3-4 outside ’backer would be making a projection, which is usually a very scary proposition to make at any position in the draft’s top 10, given the investment that the selections require.
C Long is a bit overrated in my view. I’d pick DMac or Dorsey instead.
April 18th, 2008 at 6:16 am
Here is what an expert said about C Long;
Bottom line: Chris Long does not show the burst to get to the quarterback off the edge on third downs, he is light and narrow-framed to play inside and he has little experience from a rush LB role. As a result, any 3-4 team that drafts him in the top 10 to be a 3-4 outside ’backer would be making a projection, which is usually a very scary proposition to make at any position in the draft’s top 10, given the investment that the selections require.
April 18th, 2008 at 7:07 am
What did a expert say about C Long? (just joking)
Williams RB team mate drafted the same year was R Brown to Miami. Both played for Auburn. I do like the Raven’s taking O (its about time) I just think they go RB not WR. Also Dorsey is the best player in this draft, he is head and shoulders better then C Long, V Gholston, J Long, and M Ryan. I still can not see C Long in any other uniform besides THE SILVER AND BLACK!
April 18th, 2008 at 7:13 am
Airforce Raider…are you in an echo chamber? I had the same feeling about C. Long when I saw him play, he was not dominate enough.
April 18th, 2008 at 7:15 am
If J. Long and G. Dorsey are not there, trade with the Patriots and draft Brandon Albert.
April 18th, 2008 at 7:16 am
Yes i so hope long is actually gone by the time we get there as i think he is a reach for us. Gholston does not have the heart and McF is glitter we dont need.
Dorsey is it or a really ggod trade getting deveral decnet players.
4.15 pm; home soon and then out for beer and curry…
UK raider nation rocks!
April 18th, 2008 at 7:16 am
OakFoSho is now offically down with Chris Long. Welcome to the club bro.
April 18th, 2008 at 7:23 am
There is no way Dorsey falls to the Donkos. Boy would that suck. If he is there at 4 we have to take him.
April 18th, 2008 at 7:23 am
I like your mock draft but i don’t think Ellis will drop down so far. Also, Gholston is good but Miami seems to be giving more attention to Jake Long. I hope the Raiders pick up either Chris Long, Gholston, or Ellis.
April 18th, 2008 at 7:41 am
Patrick,
For a rookie prognosticator…heckuva job!
I think you’ll do just as well as Kiper does, which is about 3 out of 32 picks. Time for you to get paid my friend.
April 18th, 2008 at 8:14 am
Dorsey at #12?
No.
April 18th, 2008 at 8:26 am
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April 18th, 2008 at 8:33 am
Thank you Patrick for not drafting D. McFadden at #4. And for whatever the reason is I feel more comfortable drafting G. Dorsey or V. Gholston at #4 instead of C. Long.Is like I’ve been saying, I just think is a lot of pressure for a young man to step in his hall of fame dad shoes. However if we draft him hopefully he becomes a stud and I am dead wrong.
April 18th, 2008 at 8:38 am
Good start but I have to agree that if Dorsey is there, the Raiders should take him. I’m hearing that the upside potential for Chris Long is not that great and what you see now is what you will get — that translates to a burst out of the gate and then a fizzle out (e.g., Tyler Brayton …just what Ryan stated)
Get someone to clog the middle, Dorsey or Ellis
April 18th, 2008 at 10:35 am
Bill,
If you paid any attention at all you would know I have always been down for C. Long, it just I don’t think he will be there at #4. Thus…..
Al’s Mandate is McFadden!!
OakFoSho
April 18th, 2008 at 11:21 am
CLong is the real deal. Doubled all day, yes he was against inferior comp, but he has all the technique in the world with his primary duty being to stop the run, he still managed 14 sacks! We’re the Raiders, we’re not a conventional team. We get Clong if we had the first pick, period. He was on ESPN talking about teams he visited and kept talking about how he loved the Raiders. C Long is number #1 on the Rams board (from what I hear) so If he doesn’t go #1 I would bet he won’t be there past two. I just really don’t think Atlanta will take a risk on Ryan. They’re getting Dorsey, Long or Long. Your Gholston pick is interesting though because If J Long doesn’t give in Gholston is the second guy they’re targeting and people are saying he’s a perfect fit for their system, plus you’ll probably get him for cheaper. Oline or Dline for us baby!!!
April 18th, 2008 at 11:28 am
I can’t believe what I’m hearing - I figured Raider Nation would be clamoring for the Silver & Black to trade for Chad Johnson AND draft McFadden somehow…yet these are intelligent answers.
Oakland should take Matt Ryan - just so he won’t be there when the Chiefs draft next.
(Pausing for the “We already have JaMarcus Russell, you f-ing idiot!” comments)
Go Chiefs -
RB
April 18th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
Now way Dorsey drops to #12. If he does we will never be able to run on Denver again. He will haunt us for 10 years and 20 games. Bad rollout on your first mock of the year. Brohem won’t go before 25 and Doucet and Kelly are no longer first round picks. Kelly maybe a third. Trevor Laws isn’t going in the first either. And I almost fell out of my chair when you had desaun Jackson going #8 to the Ravens. Make pretend this never happend and get Jerrod Mayo and Cromartie in the top 20
April 18th, 2008 at 12:14 pm
hahaha sorry dude but i dont think the Ravens take DeSean Jackson and i think your crazy if you think Dorsey falls to Denver if he does then we’ll be fucked he’ll make us regret for not picking him for at least 10 years!
April 18th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
Your worried abouy Dorsey falling to Dungver @ # 12
It won’t happen. I’m more worrie about DMAC being taken by the SQAW’s,who draft right behind us. Larry
“The Fairy” Johnson is getting up there in years,plus coming of a serious injury. If DMAC is there,they will take a very long look at him. I don’t like the idea of them shoving him down our throats,for the next 10 -
12 years.
April 18th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
Ryan,
The Falcons should do your dirty work on Ryan.
Haywood,
If the Chiefs don’t do anything with their line, we won’t have anything to worry about.
(Assuming of course we fix our run defense and don’t have a repeat of the Kobly Smith embarrassment.
April 18th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
im gonna be easy on you but come on, Glen Dorsey falling all the way down there??? no way
April 18th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
Everyone has an opinion about what the the Raiders should do, but I feel Al is ready to do something big, it’s the super bowl for AL. I think Burgess, Huff, Warren, Higgins, Route, Washington are going to be used as bait to save some money, and acquire some picks, don’t be surprised if we get McFadden and “85″ and worry about the other holes later. Remember we arent expected to go to the Super Bowl next year, we can address the needs in next years draft, and take the freaks now while there available, can you imagine 85 clowin in Oakland, the Raider nation would love it.
April 18th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
Nice draft but
there is no way Dorsey is falling out of the top 5
he will not get passed the falcons
then baltimore will get Ryan
April 18th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
and a lot of the low end picks are reaches, you got some 2nd and 3rd rounders going in the first like
Dan connor
Philip Merling
Eric Henderson
AND
TREVOR LAWS he will be lucky if he gets drafted in the 3rd more of a 4th rounder but no way in the first
April 18th, 2008 at 6:30 pm
Ryan
I notice that Jared Allen is on the trading block. We all know that two draft picks are better than having the best defensive end in football. I like Carl Peterson’s logic, he’s two beers away from a one year suspension. When he ends up with a team that will pay him what he’s worth, he can buy a limo with a full time driver. Jared, we will miss you. On behalf of JaMarcus and the Raider Nation, Thank you Carl.
April 18th, 2008 at 9:22 pm
Gotta say i don’t agree with most of the picks, but loved your funny commentary and reasons for your picks. Keep up with the good work!
and GO RAIDERS!
April 20th, 2008 at 9:02 pm
I don’t think Dorsey will fall to the ponies. Who really knows for sure how this draft will turn out? Final week.
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