FanNation

First round without Commentary 

Background information....

We decided to do a 3 round Mock Draft involving knowledgable members of FanNation, the call went out to the Draftniks and Night Owls, and these guys responded...

We all get three teams to control all aspects of draft day...

Super Squirrel-Vikings, Cardinals, Giants

Guthrie-Ravens, Cowboys, 49ers

Big Ben68-Redskins, Packers, Chargers

Tracy-Pats, Bengals, Lions

Bigdleech-Steelers, Texans, Raiders

dudeman-Eagles, Buccaneers, Chiefs

BSchwartz-Broncos, Falcons, Jets

Hemogoblin-Browns, Seahawks, Rams

LIFER-Bills, Jaguars, Titans

NCshvDavid-Saints, Panthers (Gets supplemental pick)

IrishR#1-Colts, Bears, Dolphins

And now...ON WITH THE SHOW!!!!

*Disclaimer-The positive analysis came from the members of the draft as they made their picks, any "Devil's Advocate" analysis came from me* 

*ALL ROSTERS ARE FROM FEBRUARY 18*

(Fade in)

Roger Goodell: The 2008 Draftniks NFL Mock Draft is now officially open. The Miami Dolphins are on the clock.

Chris Berman: And with the Commisioner's speech, we are now underway here from thehemogoblin's basement in Oregon. I'm here with, as always, Todd McShay and Mel Kiper Jr.

McShay: It's an honor to be covering this prestigious event Chris. And I will personally pay everyone in America $5 if Matt Ryan doesn't go in the top 3.

Berman: *under breath* I'd take that bet. . . . Mr. Goodell is approaching the podium for the first selection.

Goodell: With the first pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Miami Dophins select, Chris Long, Defensive End, University of Virginia. The Rams are now on the clock.

Berman: Todd, are you surprised?

McShay: Yes, honestly, I thought Matt Ryan would go in this spot, as he is by far the best player in this draft class.

Kiper: Don't give us any of that sh** McShay, the Dolphins may need to cut Taylor due to cap reasons, leaving a spot open for Long to step in and be a stud in orange and green. The defensive tackles that could've been taken here are not good fits for the Dolphins 3-4, and Matt Ryan just sucks. McFadden and Long could've been justifiable, but Long is the best player that fits a major Dolphins need.

McShay: *stands up and charges toward Kiper* How dare you insult Matt Ryan!

Berman: OK, OK, OK! We've got another pick here.

Goodell: With the second pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the St. Louis Rams select, Defensive Tackle Glenn Dorsey, LSU. The Atlanta Falcons are now on the clock.

Berman: As Todd obviously seems to be pissed Matt Ryan is still on the board, we will just get insight from Mel.

Kiper: Todd, the Rams don't need a quarterback, and the Rams defensive line was in shambles last year, even with the drafting of Adam Carriker. The more improved offensive line gives the Rams a better shot at an NFC West title.

Berman: Um...Todd....what are you doing?

McShay: I'm lighting candles in a silent vigil for Matt Ryan.

Berman: Okaaaay. I'm being told we have another pick in.

Goodell: With the third pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons select, Offensive Tackle Jake Long, University of Michigan. The Oakland Raiders are now on the clock.

Berman: Annnnnd, Todd McShay owes everyone in America $5. I hope you have $90,000,000,000,000,000 Todd.

McShay: *pounding head against table* No. No. NO. NOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Kiper: Jake Long is an absolute beast. He destroyed Big Ten defensive ends last year, giving up one sack to another top 10 pick, Vernon Gholston. The Falcons need to rebuild with the offensive line, and Long can be that cornerstone.

Berman: We'll be back after this commercial while we console Todd...

--Comercial break-- 

Berman: And we're back here, and there's an interesting development here. . .besides the fact that Todd McShay is going insane about the Ryan situation, the Raiders are close to running out of time and have made no motion towards the podium.

McShay: Ughhhhhhhhhh....Wait, Double or nothing on the Ryan bet...top 5....

Kiper: I think you've got a deal there Todd, but this Raiders situation is getting interesting, they have five seconds left, and the representatives haven't moved from the table! The Chiefs representatives are already up there with their card, as are the Jets. It's like 2003 all over again!

Berman: And the Raiders time has expired, Commisioner Goodell is at the podium.

Goodell: The Oakland Raiders have run out of time. With the fifth pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs select, Quarterback Matt Ryan, Boston College. The New York Jets are now on the clock.

Berman: Well, Mel, I think we let Todd take analysis on this one.

McShay: Matt Ryan is this year's Brady Quinn. He waited so much longer than he should have to be picked.

Kiper: Todd, he went FOURTH!

McShay: Well, he should've gone first!

Kiper" *under breath* Here comes the man-crush. . . . 

McShay: Matt Ryan is the best quarterback to come out of college since John Elway. He is that good. You think it's a coincidence his teammates nicknamed him "Matty Ice"? No! He's got the entire package an NFL quarterback needs to succeed. He's tall, he's got a strong arm, and he is sooooo cool under pressure.

Berman: Mel?

Kiper: Well, I think that Ryan should not have gone this high.

Berman: OK, well, we have another pick.

Goodell: With the sixth pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the New York Jets select, Running Back Darren McFadden, University of Arkansas. The New England Patriots are on the clock.

Berman: Well, no surprise here, McFadden probablt would've gone fourth, but we still haven't seen any action from the Raiders table. Hey Mel, are those...are those cardboard cutouts? Are there even any real people at the table?

Kiper: No, wait, here they come, they were getting McDonald's...they'd better hurry if they want to get that pick in.

Berman: We have the Patriots pick in now.

Goodell: With the seventh pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots select, Linebacker Keith Rivers, USC. The Baltimore Ravens are now on the clock.

Berman: Possibly a little high for Rivers Todd? Todd? What are you doing Todd?

Kiper: It looks like he's still elated over the Ryan pick. Rivers is a good player, but I think Vernon Gholston may have been the better fit for the Patriots scheme. Of course, you know they wanted James Laurinaitis, but, well....

Berman: I agree with that, and we finally have some action, as the Raiders have just turned their card in, and here comes the Commish.

Goodell: With the "fourth" pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Oakland Raiders select, Cornerback Mike Jenkins, South Florida. The Ravens are still on the clock.

Berman: Whoa.

McShay: Jenkins is a complete beast. He ate up the Big East QBs last season, and will do the same in the AFC in 08. This was the perfect spot for Jenkins to be drafted.

Kiper: Todd, are you insane? Jenkins is a mid-first rounder, and the Raiders don't necessarily need a CB. Sedrick Ellis probably should've gone here, possibly Gholston.

McShay: No. Jenkins is the BEST CB in this class, and has worked his butt off to get to 4th overall.

Berman: We will now take another commerical break.

--Commercial break-- 

Berman: Welcome back to the draft, I'm Chris Berman, and apparently we aren't interesting enough, so the producers decided to bring in Larry the Cable Guy for more analysis.

Larry: It's good to be here Chris.

Kiper: So Todd, when are you gonna pay off your ridiculously large debt to the American people?

McShay: Um...I....don't........have to? Ryan went top 5

Berman: Our producers have looked into this, and McShay's man-crush bet has been cancelled by his double-or-nothing. And we have another pick in.

Goodell: With the eighth pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Baltimore Ravens select, Cornerback Leodis McKelvin, Troy. The Cincinnati Bengals are on the clock.

McShay: I like this pick for the Ravens. McKelvin was a complete stud in the Sun Belt last season. And that will translate into huge success in the NFL/

Larry: Who the hell is Leodis McKelvin? Sounds like a sandwich. The Leodis. $2.99 at Subway.

Berman: Hmmm.....never thought of it like that. Mel?

Kiper: Todd, you have got to be kidding me, seriously, the Ravens have bigger needs elsewhere on defense. Again, Gholston would've been a good fit here, but a guy with potential that hasn't been proven on the big stage?

Berman: Mister Goodell is walking to the podium, let's see what is happening.

Goodell: We have three trades to report, The Lions have sent Shaun McDonald to the Vikings for Troy Williamson and the #73 overall pick.

The Colts have sent Matt Giordano and the #59 overall pick to Atlanta for Jerious Norwood.

The Dolphins have sent Jason Taylor to the Cardinals for Bertrand Berry and the #50 overall pick.

Berman: Interesting trades there, any thoughts guys?

Kiper: I like the trade the Cardinals made, they get a very good veteran defensive end, at a fairly reduced price.

McShay: I think the Vikings just made a great move, they got rid of Williamson, and improved their receiveing corps with a guy who was underutilized in Detroit last season.

Berman: The Commish is back.

Goodell: With the ninth pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals select, Defensive Tackle Sedrick Ellis, USC. The Saints are on the clock.

Berman: Surprise here boys? By the way, I must mention that Larry has gone to lunch, and we won't expect him back.

Kiper: No, I don't think so, the Bengals defense last year was atrocious, and now they bring in a guy who is possibly better than Glenn Dorsey. This is a very good pick for the Bengals.

McShay: Yeah, this is a great pick for the Bengals here. Defense was the spot they needed to improve the most, and Ellis is a force in the middle of the defensive line.

Berman: And another pick is in....

Goodell: With the tenth pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints select, Linebacker Vernon Gholston, Ohio State. The Bills are on the clock.

Berman: Ooooh, you guys thought they'd take a corner here?

Kiper: Yes, but I think that Gholston is a great pick for the Saints instead. They need another guy who can rush the passer, and right now there's no one that really is a top 10 corner left on the board. Great pick by the Saints.

McShay: Mel, what about Antoine Cason here? That would've been a much better pick. Cason would come in to improve one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL in 2007. Gholston may fill a need at linebacker/defensive end, but their secondary was horrendous last year.

Berman: Do you know what time it is? COMMERCIAL TIME!

--Commercial Break--

Berman: Hello again. I'm sitting here with #1 overall pick Chris Long. How does it feel to be the top player chosen in the draft?

Long: Chris, it feels great, I know I'll never be as good of a pro as my dad, but this is just one thing he never did.

Berman: Do you feel any pressure being Howie's son?

Long: No, because even though he's a hall of famer, I think people know already that I'm not him.

Berman: Thanks for your time Chris. We have a new pick in.

Goodell: With the 11th pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills select, Wide receiver Malcolm Kelly, Oklahoma. The Denver Broncos are now on the clock.

Berman: Bit of a surprise here guys, I had Kelly going around the 20-25 slot.

Kiper: Well, Chris, I did too. Kelly is a very good receiver, but he's not a top 15 talent. Buffalo could've upgrade their secondary or their offensive line here.

McShay: The Bills just made a great selection, and I'll tell you why. They need a receiver. They have no one over 6' tall in their corps right now, and DeSeaon Jackson is not the type of receiver they need. Kelly gives Edwards that tall target who can stretch defenses when needed, a perfect complement for Lee Evans.

Berman: After the next pick, we are bringing Chris Mortensen and Ron Jaworski in to discuss who the best quarterback in this year's draft is with Todd McShay, but first, let's get the pick from Goodell.

Goodell: With the 12th pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos select, Offensive tackle Ryan Clady, Boise State. The Panthers are now on the clock.

Berman: Interesting pick here, thoughts Mel?

Kiper: Clady was projected as a top 10 overall pick, and is a very good lineman. The Broncos needed another tackle after Matt Lepsis retired, and Clady fits the bill. Clady will help to protect Cutler's weakside and hopefully limit the fumbles lost by Jay. How he fits in the Broncos scheme? That is to be determined.

Berman: Mort, Jaws, and Man-Crush are now ready for our roundtable about the best quarterback in the draft. Guys....

Mortensen: Thanks Chris, guys, who do you think is the best overall quarterback in the NFL Draft?

Jaworski: I think it's Joe Flacco from Delaware. He showed us at the Senior Bowl that he knows what he's doing and that the FCS school isn't a knock against him. He will be the best quarterback to come out of this class.

McShay: It's gotta be Matt Ryan. No doubt about it. Ryan has a strong arm, great vision, and excellent poise in the pocket. He can bring these teams back from the jaws of defeat, which is why he got nicknamed Matty Ice. The only knock against him is the interceptions, but that was more of the recievers' fault than his.

Mortensen: Well, guys, I think it's Erik Ainge or Chad Henne. Both of them were very good leaders on the football field last year, Ainge has proven to be a solid thrower with a good sense of what's happening around him, while Henne has won at Michigan.

Jaworski: I don't like Ryan, he may have done all of that stuff with sub-par wide-outs, but he didn't step up against the teams he needed to beat. You say he snatched victory from the jaws of defeat, well, several times, he put them into the jaws of defeat.

McShay: Ryan did not put them there, his receivers could not catch. Flacco has no big game experience, barring the loss to App. State, and will not succeed at the NFL level. Yes, we've seen guys like him succeed before, but I don't think Flacco has all the tools necessary to compete big time.

Mortensen: Well Chris, there you have it, back to you guys.

Berman: Thanks guys, Mel, what's your opinion?

Kiper: I would agree with Mort. I think it's Erik Ainge. The guy tore up the SEC, much like Andre Woodson, but Ainge pulled his team through in those big games.

Berman: We've got another pick.

Goodell: With the 13th pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers select, Offensive Lineman Jeff Otah, Pittsburgh. The Bears are on the clock.

Berman: We'll have Todd and Mel's analysis after the break.

--Commercial Break--

Berman: So Todd, what do you think about the Otah pick at 13?

McShay: Well Chris, Carolina has a lot of needs from this draft, and I'm not sure that they fixed the right hole here. Otah is a great lineman, but I think a wide receiver like a Limas Sweed, Early Doucet, or James Hardy would've fit the bill better here.

Kiper: Todd you've got it wrong here, this pick is great for the Panthers, who need to improve their offensive line BEFORE they can focus on anything else. They gave up 33 sacks last year, which isn't bad, but after releasing Mike Wahle, that number would've gone up unless they found another good offensive lineman.

Berman: Pick #14 is in.

Goodell: With the 14th pick in the NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears select, Offensive Lineman Chris Williams, Vanderbilt. The Lions are now on the clock.

Berman: Wow, 3 offensive linemen in a row taken, and 4 in the top 15. Thoughts?

Kiper: The Bears need to improve their offensive line as well, and Williams is just the kid to do it. They have to keep whoever their quarterback is healthy if they want any shot at the division title.

McShay: I like the pick for the Bears, but I think it's very interesting that we've had so many linemen go in the top 15. Don't get me wrong, these players are great, but we still have names like Brian Brohm, DeSean Jackson Aqib Talib, and Derrick Harvey on the board. I would've thought that more teams would've improved the skill positions.

Berman: The Lions pick is in.

Goodell: With the 15th pick in the NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions select, Cornerback Aqib Talib, Kansas. The Cardinals are now on the clock.

Berman: Again, we will have the anaylsis after the break. 

--Commercial Break-- 

Berman: Mel?

Kiper: I like this pick for the Lions were 31st in passing defense last year, ahead of only the Vikings, who at least have a run stuffing defense. Talib was very, very good at Kansas, and he is a very good pro prospect for the Lions.

McShay: I think they should've taken a wide receiver with this pick guys. *laughs*

Berman: *Stares in wonder at horrible joke from McShay*

McShay: But I digress, the Lions biggest need here was to improve that secondary, and Talib is the best corner who is still left on the board.

Berman: Cardinals pick is up.

Goodell: With the 16th pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Arizona Cardinals select, Running Back Rashard Mendenhall, Illinois. The Vikings are on the clock.

Berman: Well, there we have it guys, thoughts? Wait, the Commisioner is back at the podium.

Goodell:  With the 17th pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings select, Defensive End Derrick Harvey, Florida. The Texans are on the clock.

Berman: I guess the Vikings were sure about who they wanted. Analysis about the Mendenhall pick?

McShay: I like the position the Cardinals took, they need to upgrade the running back, especially with Edgerrin James turning 30 this year, but I think Jonathan Stewart from Oregon is the better of the two. He's a physical runner with great vision who finds the holes and gets through them well.

Kiper: I like Mendenhall. I think he could be a better all-around back than Darren McFadden. He can do it all, catch, run, block, and that is exactly what Arizona needs. As to Harvey, with the Udeze situation, the Vikings made a good pick, and the only other option would have been Calais Campbell from Miami, but I think Harvey will end up as the better final product.

McShay: Yeah, I think the Vikes made a good pick as well, possibly Phillip Merling from Clemson should've gone here, but I think Harvey is the better prospect.

Goodell: With the 18th pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Houston Texans select, Running Back Felix Jones, Arkansas. The Philadelphia Eagles are now on the clock.

McShay: Well, Chris has gone to lunch, so we're on our own now Mel, I think this is a great pick as well, as the Texans need someone at Running back, as Ahman Green and Ron Dayne aren't working, but with Mendenhall gone, I actually like Jones better in this situation.

Kiper: I thought you'd say Stewart, but Jones is a great fit for the Texans, who just improved that offense greatly. They don't need to rely solely on Owen Daniels, Andre Johnson, and Matt Schaub for offense, they can actually run the ball now, and Roger is back.

Goodell: With the 19th pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles select, Wide Receiver DeSean Jackson, California. The Buccaneers are now on the clock.

Kiper: Interesting pick here, as apparently there were trade talks between the Browns and Eagles about Derek Anderson, possibly hinting at a QB selection here, but Jackson is a short, speedy wideout, much like a Ted Ginn, but that's not necessarily what the Eagles need, as they already have Reggie Brown. He's also a very skinny guy, so his durability could be an issue in the NFL.

McShay: I like the pick, it gives Donovan McNabb another target to throw to out there, which is one of the biggest things he needs to improve as a quarterback and return to his MVP caliber play.

Goodell: With the 20th pick in the NFL Draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers select, Defensive Tackle Pat Sims, Auburn. The Redskins are on the clock.

McShay: We'll be back with analysis on this, surprise, after the break.

--Commercial Break-- 

McShay: The last pick, Pat Sims from Auburn, is kind of a boom or bust guy, which isn't exactly what the Bucs need right now. I had him projected more towards the 2nd round, so this seemed high to me.

Kiper: We have guys like Kentwan Balmer, Phillip Merling, and Quentin Groves on the board, so it stupefies me that the Bucs would take a chance on a 2nd round prospect.

Goodell: With the 21st pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Washington Redskins select, Offensive Guard Brandon Albert, Virginia. The Cowboys are now on the clock.

Kiper: Now, I like this pick for the Redskins. They need a younger offensive line, and Albert is the best lineman left. Kenny Phillips might have been a good selection here as well, with the Sean Taylor tragedy, but Albert will be a great fit with Washington.

McShay: Yeah, also the injurie that the offensive line is coming back from, their statuses are unknown, and Albert helps to provide a constant, so they have someone if no one else comes back.

Goodell: We have a trade, the Pittsburgh Steelers have sent picks number 53 and 88, William Gay, and Bryant McFadden for the number 30 and 91 picks. 

With the 22nd pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys select, Safety Kenny Phillips, Miami. The Steelers are now on the clock.

Kiper: Good pick here, safety is a need for the Cowboys, and Phillips is the best one in this draft class.

McShay: Phillips will be a complete beast in the NFL and is a steal at pick 22. He rocked the ACC last year, and he will do the same to the NFC East next year.

Goodell: With the 23rd pick in the NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers select, Defensive End Philip Merling, Clemson. The Tennessee Titans are now on the clock.

Kiper: Again, we see a good pick. The Steelers just grabbed arguably the best DE in this class not named Chris Long, improving their already solid defense.

McShay: Ehhh, I'm not so sold on this pick. I think the Steelers could've gone with a cornerback or a defensive tackle here, shore up that defense, yes, but defensive end is not the place they need to do it at.

Goodell: With the 24th pick in the NFL Draft, the Tennessee Titans select, Wide Receiver Limas Sweed, Texas. The Seahawks are now on the clock.

Kiper: This is a great pick for the Titans. We haven't seen the full potential of Vince Young because he had no one to throw to. Now you bring in his old college teammate, who they are sure to have some type of chemistry between each other, only improving one of the best teams in the AFC.

McShay: I like the wide receiver pick, because you're right, they haven't seen Vince with real receivers, but I would've rather gone with Mario Manningham or Early Doucet. Doucet is just like Sweed, but faster, and Manningham is a deep threat that the Titans don't possess right now.

Goodell: With the 25th pick in the NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks select, Running Back Jonathan Stewart, Oregon. The Jaguars are now on the clock.

McShay: The Seahawks biggest need in this draft was running back, and they picked the cream of the remaining crop. Stewart has great vision, great hands, and can hit the hole at full speed. He will be a great replacement for Shaun Alexander.

Kiper: Yes, this is a very good pick for the Seahawks, and Stewart will succeed very well in the NFC West.

--Commercial Break-- 

Goodell: We have two more trades to announce. The Rams have sent Torry Holt, the draft rights to Glenn Dorsey, Corey Chavous, and the #33 overall pick to the Chargers in return for LaDainian Tomlinson and Jamal Williams.

The Broncos trade Domonique Foxworth and Mike Bell to the Browns for the #56 and #87 picks.

With the 26th pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars select, Defensive End Quentin Groves, Auburn. The Chargers are now on the clock.

Berman: I'm back, and WOW! LT moved on Draft Day? That's gotta be surprising for everyone here.

Kiper: Yeah, that's incredible, but what's more incredible is now the Rams have both Steven Jackson and LT to please, and Scott Linehan just got put in an incredibly tough situation.

McShay: I like this Groves pick that just came down for the Jaguars. Groves is one of those DeMarcus Ware type players that's fast enough to move to linebacker if needed, which helps the Jaguars out immensly.

Goodell: With the 27th pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the San Diego Chargers select, Cornerback Antoine Cason, Arizona. The Dallas Cowboys are now on the clock.

Berman: I'm surprised by this too. The Chargers basically put their entire running game on Michael Turner's shoulders. Granted, it's probably too early to go after Chris Johnson or Ray Rice, but does the secondary really need to upgraded?

Kiper: Yes, but Cason has very good hands, and that will benefit both him and Antonio Cromartie. The Chargers drafted Cromartie last year to complement Quentin Jammer and Drayton Florence, but those guys kept getting beat while Cromartie hauled in picks. Cason will come in and force teams to recognize both of the corners before making decisions.

McShay: I agree Mel, but you can't ignore the need for a running back in this spot. It's not worth it to draft Johnson or Rice here, or with their #33 pick they just acquired, but possibly trading with New Orleans at #40 to get back into the first round and pump up that secondary, but Cason is not the best thing the Chargers could've done here.

Goodell: With the 28th pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys select, Wide Receiver Mario Manningham, Michigan. The 49ers are now on the clock.

Kiper: Totally surprising here guys, Dallas already has a very solid receiving corps with Owens and Crayton, but they could've taken Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and really improved that secondary that showed how porous t was last year.

McShay: I totally agree Mel, Wide Receiver is not the most pressing need, and Manningham isn't even the bst one available right now. The Cowboys should have used this pick to go after Dan Connor or Rodgers-Cromartie.

Goodell: With the 29th pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers select, Defensive End Lawrence Jackson, USC. The Steelers are now on the clock.

Berman: Guys, was defensive end the biggest hole for the 49ers right here? Should they have gone after Hardy, Cromartie, or even Dan Connor? Or would offensive line have suited them better?

Kiper: Jackson will bring an edge rusher that can add some pressure to the quarterback, and they already have some other pieces in place on defense, but they really could've used a wide receiver here, and Hardy would've fit in perfectly.

Berman: Todd?

McShay: No comment, I totally agree with Mel.

Goodell: With the 30th pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers select, Linebacker Dan Connor, Penn State. The Giants are now on the clock.

Kiper: This is a great pick for the Steelers. Their linebacking corps is aging, and the Steelers need someone to replenish the talent in that area.

Berman: Todd?

McShay: I'm gonna go get some dinner, Mel's got everything right so far. . . .

Berman: OK. . . .

Goodell: With the 31st and final pick of the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft, the New York Giants select, Cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Tennessee State. That concludes the first round of the NFL Draft.

Berman: Well Mel?

Kiper: It's a very good pick for the Giants here, they have no other real glaring holes, and Rodgers-Cromartie is the best cornerback available in the draft. Great pick for the Giants.

Berman: All of us here at ESPN 12 thank you for watching the first round of the 2008 Draftniks NFL Mock Draft, we hope to see you back for the second round.