TBR’s First Annual 2008 NFL Mock Draft (Picks 13-16)
We’re back for Day 4 of our 2008 Mock Draft and by the end of the day we’ll be more than halfway through. So far so good, no trades and no team has reached outside of their basic needs. But we have a long way to go so let’s get rollin’.
The Carolina Panthers are on the clock…
1. 
What do the Panthers need?
- Defensive End
- Running Back
- Wide Receiver
- Safety
- Offensive Tackle
What will they do?
The sudden decision not to bring back former Pro Bowl defensive end Mike Rucker coupled with the Kris Jenkins trade to the New York Jets makes the defensive line a priority for the Panthers. It’s hard to believe that 5 seasons ago this was a team that nearly won the Super Bowl. They have injuries and poor performances gives this team the look of a perenial bottom dweller. Even their franchise player Julius Peppers is looking to play elsewhere.
The Panthers also have to address their quarterback issue because Jake Delhomme is a shell of himself and about as brittle as one, DeAngelo Williams will finally get to be the feature back since the exile of DeShawn Foster. Other than the defensive line the Panthers are also thin at wideout, where Steve Smith is looking to get back on track and on the offensive line where they’re juggling players around but hoping to find someone in the draft or free agency.
The Pick: The Panthers have to address the defense in order to have a chance. Coach John Fox sees it that way as the threat of losing Peppers next season looms. Florida DE. Derrick Harvey is the player to bring in. Harvey, a natural pass rusher is explosive off of the line and is adequate against the run.
14. 
What do the Bears need?
- Quarterback
- Offensive Tackle
- Linebacker
- Wide Receiver
- Quarterback
What will they do?
Not only did the Bears tell Rex Grossman that he’s the starting quarterback next season, they backed it up with 1-year $3 million deal. To say that Grossman singlehandedly did in the Bears season wouldn’t be fair, it also wouldn’t be too far from the truth.
The only weakness more glaring than Grossman was the offense’s inability to run the ball. Most teams have one or the other –the Bears had neither and the team was forced to look to its defense and special teams to keep them in the game. Losing wide receiver Bernard Berrian leaves the Bears without a deep threat other than Devin Hester. They need to prepare for the possible departure of linebacker of Lance Briggs who signed for a one-year deal in March.
The Pick: Vanderbilt offensive tackle Chris Williams is a sound player who should be able to come in and start immediately. His 6′6″ 320 lb. frame may not cure Grossman’s ails as a subpar quarterback but it may keep him upright a little more this season, and he will certainly help the running game.
15. 
What do the Lions need?
- Running Back
- Defensive End
- Middle Linebacker
- Offensive Tackle
- Cornerback
What will they do?
The Lions looked like they were going to turn the corner last season; they did actually turn the corner, only to find a wall on the other side. They have a boat load of talent but just can’t seem to put it together. The release of Kevin Jones leads to my thinking that the Lions are going to go take a shot at a running back with their first pick. The really like Rashard Mendenhall and Jonathan Stewart is impressive but Felix Jones may be the faster and more explosive of the three –either way it’s an upgrade. The right side of the offensive line needs a makeover also.
The Lions will address their cornerback need by dealing wide receiver to Philadelphia for cornerback Lito Sheppard, Williams is talented and the teams best player. Calvin Johnson is the future at this position where the Lions are deep and talented.
The Pick: In a down to the wire selection, the Lions take Rashard Mendenhall out of Illinois. Despite his knack for fumbling the ball, the Lions staff feels that this is something that can be corrected.
16. 
What do the Cardinals need?
- Defensive End
- Running Back
- Defensive Tackle
- Linebacker
What will they do?
Edgerrin James is one of my favorite players and people in the NFL, but it’s hard for me to say that he hasn’t been a disappointment since joining the Cardinals three seasons ago. He’s approaching 30, and the Cardinals are looking for his potential successor. Injuries and age have taken their toll on the defensive line, while depth at linebacker is thin.
The Pick: The Cardinals will take Oregon’s Jonathan Stewart with the 16th pick. Stewart is a power back who follows his blockers to daylight. Has proven hands and can be a safety valve, is above average in pass protection and had proven durability.
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April 17th, 2008 at 8:55 pm
Yo Ron, you are doing a great job with these. Good work.
Oh…E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!!!!!!!
April 17th, 2008 at 9:13 pm
Thanks, More on the Eagles tomorrow.
April 17th, 2008 at 9:37 pm
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