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Top 300 Prospects for the 2008 NFL Draft April 20, 2008
By Joseph B. Coaty

The following list is whom I consider to be the top 300 prospects for the 2008 NFL Draft as of April 20, 2008. This list is in no way a prediction of where I think players will be drafted. The list is simply a ranking of players with regards as to how I think they will eventually perform in the NFL.
NOTE: For players with two positions listed, the first position listed is the position that player played at during the 2007 season, the second position listed is the position I currently project that player to play in the NFL.

1. Darren McFadden/RB/Arkansas (*)
2. Glenn Dorsey/DT/Louisiana State
3. Chris Long/DE/Virginia
4. Vernon Gholston/DE-OLB/Ohio State (*)
5. Sedrick Ellis/DT/Southern California
6. Jonathan Stewart/RB/Oregon (*)
7. Jake Long/OT/Michigan
8. Rashard Mendenhall/RB/Illinois (*)
9. Branden Albert/OG/Virginia (*)
10. Keith Rivers/OLB/Southern California

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PACKERDRAFT 2008 CORNERBACK
By Jerry Gilbert

The Green Bay Packer cornerback situation is well known to Packer fans. Al Harris, age 33, and Charles Woodson, only 31 have to be rated one of the best starting tandem in the NFL. However, last year, as in previous years, the nickel cornerback was not nearly as effective. Jarrett Bush began the season, but as the year went on, a total unknown named Tramon Williams stepped in and, after a brief learning experience, he brought solid play to the position. Also in the mix for next season is the best athlete of the group, Will Blackmon, but Blackmon has, over the last two seasons, has spent more time recovering from injuries than playing. He needs to show the world that he can stay healthy.

Even if the starters were not candidates to hit the point of diminishing ability in the next couple of years, it would be a good idea to add a potential starter to this mix. Because they are both over 30, the addition of at least one new cornerback is a high priority for the upcoming draft. Fortunately, there are a number of former collegians who could fit in.

While watching the Senior Bowl, I became a huge fan of Dominique Rogers-Cromartie 6-2 184 Tennessee State. Some of my evaluation may have come from the last name. I was a huge fan of Antonio Cromartie two years ago. He was drafted by San Diego 13 picks after Green Bay selected A.J. Hawk, and Cromartie became a star. The younger Cromartie is his cousin, and the knock on this outstanding athlete was his small college background. At the Senior Bowl, he easily covered all the big name receivers, stepped up and tackled big running backs and made game changing interceptions. At the Combine, he was the fastest and the most impressive competitor. Unfortunately, Cromartie will be gone long before the Packers select at number 30, unless General Manager Ted Thompson breaks a career long tradition and trades up in the first round. Watch for flying pigs if that happens.

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PACKERDRAFT 2008 OFFENSIVE LINE
By Jerry Gilbert

When Packer fans discuss the play of the offensive line of the Green Bay Packers, the dominant theme is usually the deficiency in run blocking. A second issue is the age of the tackles. Discussed less often is the fact that the young guards and center improved so much last season as pass blockers that the empty backfield became a key part of the offense. This is the same group of linemen who needed help from backs and tight ends on nearly every pass play a year earlier. Before anyone gives up on this young line, the great progress between 2006 and 2007 in pass protection must be recognized. It should provide a reason to believe that they can improve significantly in the running game next season. The success of Ryan Grant in the second half of last season was partly due to improved run blocking by these players.

Nevertheless, the offensive line could use another player or two to compete at guard and tackle. The ideal candidate could compete immediately at left guard and offer the potential to be a starting left tackle in a couple of years. Any guard who can pass block but also drive back large bodies with his strength would also be welcome. Fortunately, the 2008 NFL Draft presents a number of talented offensive linemen including several who could potentially fit in at either guard or tackle.

As the first round comes to a close, the biggest names such as Jake Long and Chris Williams will be gone, but a number of highly touted candidates, such as Boston College right tackle Gosder Cherilus and USC left tackle Sam Baker, will remain. Baker 6-5 309 USC is a player who might fit in. The stalwart left tackle on a great Trojan unit, Baker was All American for 3 seasons despite playing through some injuries. He was rated the best pass blocker at the Senior Bowl. At his size, Baker could be good fit at guard with the very real potential to return to his college position. Nevertheless, the offensive line talent pool is deeper than the first round, and General manager Ted Thompson will probably decide to wait till later to draft a lineman.

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PACKERDRAFT 2008 RUNNING BACKS
By Jerry Gilbert

Facing a number of questions about the running back position, Green Bay Packer General Manager Ted Thompson is likely to consider drafting a ball carrier, probably in the second day of the NFL Draft.

By every measure, Ryan Grant arrived in 2007 as a quality NFL running back. Playing a significant role in only nine games, Grant achieved a rushing average of 5.1 yards and a total of nearly 1000. However, he has been a starter for less than one complete season, and he could be injured at any time. Who can replace him if he falters or is injured is the first question the Packers face.

The second issue is whether any of the other tailbacks on the current roster can be an adequate replacement. The leading candidate is the second round selection from last year, Brandon Jackson, who started poorly but appeared to be coming on as the season ended. If the coaching staff has lost confidence that Jackson is good enough to start, the selection this year could be in the early rounds.

Among the other candidates, there is some potential, but there is nothing close to a sure thing. Vernand Morrency was a serious candidate to start last season, but due to some combination of the new system and nagging injuries, Morrency was nothing more than a spot player. DeShawn Wynn was the starter for a couple of games before being injured. Wynn has adequate talent, but has not maximized that talent since high school. He could be a factor, but only if he can prove to be consistent and durable.

PACKERDRAFT 2008 TIGHT ENDS
Jerry Gilbert

Following what looked to be a breakout season, Green Bay Packer tight end, Donald Lee, is being counted on to anchor the position for years to come. On the other hand, veteran Bubba Franks was released, which leaves the team, that likes to feature 2 tight ends, with no proven support nor an adequate back up for Lee. Unless a free agent surprise emerges, we can expect the Packers to attempt to draft a tight end in the early rounds. Fortunately, a number of candidates will be available.

The top prospect all season set the single season reception record for USC and received the Mackey Award as the top tight end in the nation. However, Fred Davis was steady but not outstanding at the Senior Bowl and has not distinguished himself in post-season workouts. At both the Combine and his pro day, Davis was unable to catch the ball on a consistent basis and his route running was a disappointment. As a college player Davis, 6-3 255, was both an adequate blocker and an elusive down field threat as a receiver. However, some scouts are not convinced that he will be as effective against better athletes on defense in the NFL. Probably still a first round selection based on college production, Davis does not seem to be a good value for the Packers at pick 30. However, should he drop into the second round, they might consider him.

PACKERS DRAFT 2008 QUARTERBACKS
Jerry Gilbert

The retirement of Brett Favre will have a huge effect on the offseason plans of the Green Bay Packers. Had he continued to play, they may have added a young quarterback in the 2008 NFL Draft, but drafting a quarterback was not a necessity. Now it is. With only Aaron Rodgers to play quarterback, and he has a history of being injured, the Packers ideally would like both a veteran who is ready to start if needed. The draft should provide a rookie who might develop into a starter in the future.

That plan has some problems. Today, many NFL teams do not even feature one decent quarterback, which means an excess of veteran talent from which to choose will not be out there. Drew Bledsoe and Vinnie Testaverde could have jobs in the league if they wanted to play. Moreover, there could be a timing issue. The best option may not become available until after the draft as each team settles on its quarterback rotation. Tampa Bay , for example has 5 or 6 veterans under contract. In this unsettled situation, the Packers team may be compelled to draft a young quarterback with the potential to play as a rookie, if necessary. The selection of a first or second round quarterback is not out of the question.

Top 300 Prospects for the 2008 NFL Draft March 10th, 2008
Joseph Coaty

The following list is whom I consider to be the top 300 prospects for the 2008 NFL Draft as of March 10, 2008. This list is in no way a prediction of where I think players will be drafted. The list is simply a ranking of players with regards as to how I think they will eventually perform in the NFL.

NOTE:For players with two positions listed, the first position listed is the position that player played at during the 2007 season, the second position listed is the position I currently project that player to play in the NFL.

(*) = denotes underclassman

1. Darren McFadden/RB/Arkansas (*)

2. Chris Long/DE/Virginia

3. Glenn Dorsey/DT/Louisiana State

4. Sedrick Ellis/DT/Southern California

5. Vernon Gholston/DE-OLB/Ohio State (*)

6. Jonathan Stewart/RB/Oregon (*)

7. Jake Long/OT/Michigan

8. Kenny Phillips/S/Miami, Fl (*)

9. Rashard Mendenhall/RB/Illinois (*)

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2008 NFL Mock Draft February 16, 2008
Joseph Coaty

Note: Draft order is indicative of the order on February 16, 2008. Trades already completed by NFL teams are reflected in this draft order. A few projected trades have been included as well.

Note: The New England Patriots forfeited their first round pick (#31 overall) by illegally videotaping opponent's signals from the sidelines.

(*) = denotes underclassman

Round One:

1. Miami Dolphins Chris Long/DE/Virginia

Quarterbacks have been the first overall pick in six of the last seven drafts, so there is a good chance the Dolphins could select Boston College's Matt Ryan with this pick. But Bill Parcells was known as a defensive guru as a coach, so I expect him to start off the Dolphin's rebuilding process with a potential franchise defender in Chris Long.

2. St. Louis Rams Glenn Dorsey/DT/Louisiana State

The popular thought is that the Rams will take Michigan offensive tackle Jake Long with this pick. The Rams offensive line was a mess in 2007, but their defense didn't fare that much better (21^st in total defense). La'Roi Glover is up there in age, and nose tackle Adam Carriker may be better off at another position along the line. I think Dorsey grades slightly higher than Jake Long at this point in time, so I have the Rams selecting Dorsey in this mock. It's also worth noting that the Rams should have an opportunity to select a quality offensive tackle prospect at the beginning of the second round (USC's Sam Baker, Boston College's Gosder Cherilus, Kansas' Anthony Collins).

COULD NOT HAPPEN TO A MORE DESERVING GUY
Jerry Gilbert

On e of the big stories leading up to Super Bowl involved Randy Moss, who is thought by many Packer Fans to be the important player that Packer General Manger Ted Turner let get away last Spring. It has always been my belief that Randy Moss always wanted to go to New England. He encouraged the Green Bay possibility only to improve his bargaining position.

There was plenty of evidence for my point of view in the spring and by running his mouth in January, Randy Moss confirmed it. Last Spring we knew that Moss had been very unhappy in Oakland, and his lackadaisical approach to the 2006 season proved it.

His play was so bad that some suggested that his skills had deteriorated and that he was past his prime. The fact that no one offered a draft choice as high as the second round shows the effect that his performance in Oakland had on how he was perceived. Remember also, that Moss had a lucrative contract still in effect with the Raiders. Any new team had to make a deal with Oakland and another deal with Randy, and as he said, and as is true with most veterans changing teams, one of the key factors in choosing a new team is whether that team appears to be a contender for the Super Bowl. With New England in the picture, there was no way that Moss would accept an equivalent or even slightly better deal from Green Bay.

Top 300 Prospects for the 2008 NFL Draft
Joseph B. Coaty

The following list is whom I consider to be the top 300 prospects for the 2008 NFL Draft as of February 5, 2008. This list is in no way a prediction of where I think players will be drafted. The list is simply a ranking of players with regards as to how I think they will eventually perform in the NFL.

NOTE: For players with two positions listed, the first position listed is the position that player played at during the 2007 season, the second position listed is the position I currently project that player to play in the NFL.

(*) = denotes underclassman. List assembled by Joseph B. Coaty.

1. Darren McFadden/RB/Arkansas (*)
2. Glenn Dorsey/DT/Louisiana State
3. Chris Long/DE/Virginia
4. Sedrick Ellis/DT/Southern California
5. Vernon Gholston/DE-OLB/Ohio State (*)
6. Jonathan Stewart/RB/Oregon (*)
7. Jake Long/OT/Michigan
8. Kenny Phillips/S/Miami, Fl (*)
9. Rashard Mendenhall/RB/Illinois (*)
10. Ryan Clady/OT/Boise State (*)
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THE STORIES WE WILL NOT BE HEARING
Jerry Gilbert

When the New York Giants defeated the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night, the journalists who cover the National Football League were deprived of many of the stories they were expecting to develop. An NFC championship in Dallas may not have turned out to be a better game, but the canned story lines, which were all there for the telling, will now be largely left untold in the mainstream media.

First among these is the question of whether fate or some other otherworldly influence has decreed that Brett Favre cannot win in Texas Stadium. Obviously, the story will continue until he does win a game, but an objective analysis is needed. I am ready to be corrected, but I believe I watched every game, and none of them were classified as an upset. Dallas was always the better team. Brett Favre has lost playoff games to an inferior team. Atlanta in the cold and Philadelphia with 4th and 26 come to mind. However, in Dallas the better team won.

This season could have presented the exception. For the midseason encounter, the Packers were without, arguably, their best cornerback, Charles Woodson, and their best pass rusher Kabeer Gbaja Biamila. Add to that the fact that Al Harris played his worst game of the season, and the nickel corner position was in disarray as Jarret Bush proved to be not up to the challenge. The result was a defense that could not stop the Dallas passing attack. Fast forward to next week. None of the listed defensive problems from the first game should part of the contest, and the entire defense is playing better than it did against Dallas.

NOT THERE YET PACKERS LOSE NFC CHAMPIONSHIP
Jerry Gilbert

One day after the Green Bay Packers came within one under thrown pass of winning the NFC Championship, I am over the shock and gloom, and objectivity has almost returned.

The comparison to the victorious New York Giants exposes the limitations of the Packer team. The Giants featured three veteran playmakers on offense and many on defense. They managed a balanced offensive attack while Green Bay was limited, by a combination of defense and weather, to short and intermediate passes. Ultimately, Eli Manning, Plaxico Burris and Amani Toomer made enough plays to beat the Packers. The Packer offense was one play or one defensive stop short of finishing the job.

In general, the Packer defense played pretty well except for untimely penalties. They mostly controlled the run, and on occasion pressured the passer. Manning completed some passes that no cornerback could have stopped. Those passes need to be tipped at the line, or the quarterback needs to be too hurried to make a good throw. The touchdown run by Ahmad Bradshaw, which was nullified by a borderline holding call, is another concern. The Packer defense was not quite up to the challenge.

Special teams were another mixed bag. There were two fine returns, but the coverage team was only fair. The Giants also had a couple of successful g runbacks. Mason Crosby was solid when called upon, but Punter John Ryan, who learned to kick in Canada, had nothing to offer in the frigid conditions. A net win on special teams could have made the difference.

IT IS ALL IN THE TIMING PACKERS 42 SEAHAWKS 20
Jerry Gilbert

Think back to the first game against the Minnesota Vikings on September 30. Late in the game, the Green Bay Packers were leading and just needed to run out the clock. Reserve running back Ryan Grant entered the game and promptly fumbled away the easy victory. Fortunately, the defense held, and victory was secured, but Ryan Grant found himself on the far end of the bench. A week later, rookie receiver James Jones fumbled twice and he too was benched. Flash forward to the playoff game on Saturday, and two fumbles by Ryan Grant in the first four minutes. Many of his teammates, including quarterback Brett Favre, rushed over to tell him they still believed in him. Coach McCarthy said he never even considered yanking his star running back.

It was a question of timing. Grant's fumbles occurred after many games in which he had shown himself to be a dependable ball carrier. Everything he had shown in practice and on the field said that the problem would be corrected. The fumbles also occurred so early in the game, that a group of confident players could still have good reasons to believe that they could come back and win the game. Fifty-six minute of playing time remained, and the Packers had not yet begun to fight.