JAN 11 - 2008

1) Time to boost stock

Collegians declaring for the draft are straight to work to improve their draft stock. For some, it is appearance in post-season all-star bowls - Senior Bowl, Hula Bowl, East-West Shrine Game. For others, it is off to training institutes to work on 40 times etc.

2) Draft Preview - RB's

This year's RB class is loaded. Admittedly there are a bunch of juniors in this group (some of whom I will mention although they are yet to declare), but plenty of options. I think 4 or 5 may even go in the first round, with perhaps 10 by the end of the 3rd. Oakland, Jets, Packers, Cowboys, Seahawks and Cardinals are among the teams with needs at RB and all should find someone very pleasing. Top players (in my order) McFadden, F Jones, Stewart, Mendenhall, Smith, Slaton, Hart.

3) Speaking of the Draft - Mock Draft #1

A nice and early piece of reading for you. There are some names on here that are yet to officially declare. If they don't declare, I will make the required changes in the second update at the end of the month. NB. The late picks will of course be impacted by the Superbowl teams. Enjoy.

3POINTSTANCE Mock Draft 1 – 10 Jan

1. Miami Dolphins – Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU

Dolphins would consider trading down if they had the right offer, but Dorsey is the pick of they remain.

2. St. Louis Rams – Jake Long, OL, Michigan

Time to find a replacement for Orlando Pace. Meeet Jake Long.

t3. Atlanta Falcons – Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College

QB is the biggest need for the Falcons and at #3 they have their choice between Ryan and Brohm. Falcons would probably do anything to get Louisville out of the mind after Petrino so go with the BC QB.

t4. Oakland Raiders – Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas

The Raiders came into the season strong at the position with Lamont Jordan, Dominic Rhodes and Justin Fargas. By season’s end Fargas had 1000 yards. Imagine what McFadded could compile.

t5. Kansas City Chiefs – Sam Baker, OL, USC

Needs all over the place for the Chiefs. Offensive line is definitely very high on the list.

6. New York Jets – Chris Long, DE, UVA

Long is definitely better than a few players above him, but needs dictated some picks. Now Long goes perfectly into a 3-4 scheme and will be huge for the Jets.

7. New England Patriots – James Laurinitis, LB, OSU

Doesn’t seem fair to have the Patriots go undefeated and then give them a top 10 pick. Laurinitis is the choice as the Pats try to bring some youth into the aging unit.

8. Baltimore Ravens – Brian Brohm, QB, UL

Whoever the new coach is, will want a QB. Brohm is the choice and the match of Best player and need.

9. Cincinnati Bengals – Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC

The Bengals need some more help on Defense, and DT has been a weak position.

10. New Orleans Saints – Mike Jenkins, CB, USF

Defense is where the holes are for the Saints. Cornerback is a primary need and the Saints can get the top CB in the draft.

11. Buffalo Bills – Keith Rivers, LB, USC

Two LB is the first round in consecutive years. But desperately needed to improve the team.

12. Denver Broncos – Kenny Phillips, S, Miami

John Lynch is on the way out and the Broncos need a playmaker. Phillips will be the guy.

13. Carolina Panthers – Malcolm Jenkins, CB, OSU

Panthers would seriously consider one of the Top 3 QB’s here, but in this mock, they go for a top CB to add to the unit.

14. Chicago Bears – Andre Woodson, QB, UK

Bears still looking for a franchise QB. Woodson is the man for them and should be a great pick.

15. Detroit Lions – Calais Campbell, DE, Miami

Pass rush is needed for the Lions who must improve their pass defense. A CB is also a possibility, but it is hard to ignore an athlete this good.

16. Arizona Cardinals – Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas

Unsure if they will keep Edge around with his cap number, the Cards need a viable alternative. Felix Jones was the ‘other’ back at Arkansas, but he will still be a top pro and in a Whisenhunt system should start as a rookie.

17. Minnesota Vikings – Limas Sweed, WR, Texas

If one of the big 3 QB’s are available and the Vikikngs decide Tarvaris Jackson isn’t their solution a QB might be the pick, but apart from that, the Vikes need some receiving help to work with their run game.

18. Houston Texans – Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma

Put him opposite Andre Johnson and the Texans start to improve. Any of the top WR would work here.

19. Philadelphia Eagles – Early Doucet, WR, LSU

The Eagles need to have more WR options and Doucet is polished.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Dan Connor, LB, Penn State

The Bucs are a hard team to predict when drafting. Don’t be surprised to see an OL or WR here.

21. Washington Redskins – Vernon Gholston, DE, OSU

The Redskins need some speed on the DL and Gholston is a pass-rushing machine.

22. Dallas Cowboys – Mario Manningham, WR, Michigan

Terry Glenn and TO are getting old and have had their injury problems. Add the explosive big play ability of Manningham and Romo is happy.

23. Pittsburgh Steelers – Ryan Clady, OL, Boise St

The aging Steelers OLine struggled this past season as evidenced by the Jags domination. Time to bring in some youth.

24. Tennessee Titans – Derrick Harvey, DE, UF

WR could also be an option here, but a first round pass rusher should add plenty to the Titans.

*25. Seattle Seahawks – Jonathon Stewart, RB, Oregon

Shaun Alexander isn’t the same as he was a couple of years ago. Behind him there isn’t much. The Seahawks stay in the Pacific Northwest to get the Oregon standout.

*26. New York Giants – Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas

Talib can step straight into RW McQuarters shoes. Corner and return man.

*27. San Diego Chargers - Ali Highsmith, LB, LSU

Not too many huge needs for the Chargers. More speed and athleticism would help greatly and Highsmith fits the bill as an inside guy in the 3-4.

*28. Jacksonville Jaguars – Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona

With so many passing teams doing the rounds, a 3^rd CB is needed for the Jags behind Mathis and Williams. Cason was highly productive at Arizona.

*29. Green Bay Packers - Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois

They were lucky to uncover Ryan Grant last year, but there is always the need for more in the backfield. Mendenhall would be a tremendous asset.

*30. San Francisco 49'ers– Alex Boone, OL, OSU

Still too many sacks for the Niners. Time to sure it up on OL. A WR could also be an option here.

*31. Dallas Cowboys – Kevin Smith, RB, UCF

Julius Jones will be gone and the Cowboys will be hoping to have another back to work in tandem with Marion Barber.

*32 New England Patriots – Pick forfeited due to Spygate