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With anticipation reaching a fever pitch for the first annual Pancake Blocks Mock draft, it was inevitable the first pick would get leaked out. Sources indicate that Scott L., choosing for the Dolphins, will take Chris Long. They reportedly wanted to trade, but that's not allowed. Not exactly the Mario Williams breaking at 10PM on a Friday night, but interesting stuff nonetheless.

Okay, Scott himself is the source. The clamor to get this thing has risen, and I aim to please. Scott's reasons for the pick are after the jump. The Rams, headed by our very own Evan Silva, are on the clock and will choose Wednesday.

The Phins at #1 are going to go with Chris Long.

If we are committing 35M, We are going to go with who we feel is the safest choice. We are counting on Chris Long to be a Pro Bowl type player here for 10 years.

I also think this frees up a potential Jason Taylor to the Jags trade for the #26 pick – which would be a nice spot for still quality O Linemen on the board.

Not at all tempted to go Matt Ryan here- no chance he gets 35 Million guaranteed. And there are other QBs we feel will be there in round 2 who are better value.


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Pancake Blocks Mock Draft: Pick No. 2
My sources tell me that the Rams hoped Chris Long would fall to them with the second pick, but that doesn't mean they will give up on improving their pass rush. Rotoworld news maven Evan Silva will do the honors for the Rams.

The St. Louis Rams (should) select Glenn Dorsey, from Louisiana State University.

Best Player Available. The Rams can kick 2007 first-round choice Adam Carriker out to left defensive end to shore up their woes against the run. Undersized Leonard Little has long played out of position on that side. He can now use his quick first step and up-field speed versus taller, less mobile left tackles in the division like Walter Jones and Levi Brown. Little should be able to beat inexperienced Niners LT Joe Staley as well. Vernon Gholston and Jake Long both received consideration here, but the Rams can get a tackle later on in a draft loaded at the position. With Big O back, it's simply not near as needy a position. And Gholston isn't as proven a player as Dorsey. Dorsey has potential to be the next Warren Sapp.

2008 Pancake Blocks Mock Draft.

1. Miami Dolphins (Scott L.) - Chris Long
2. St. Louis Rams (Evan Silva) - Glenn Dorsey

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Arthur Blank and the Falcons have a long road ahead of them. Not only do they need to rebuild their team after the unfortunate debacle of Michael Vick, they need to rebuild the relationship with the fans and season ticket holders. They made a great start by addressing the running back situation in free agency landing the highly coveted Michael Turner. It would be wise to continue to change the face of the organization and there’s no better position to do so than at quarterback.

While new head coach Mike Smith would probably prefer to spend the first round pick on a safer defensive option, owner Arthur Blank needs a bankable star, and one that will hopefully make the city of Atlanta forget the star that fell. With the 3rd selection in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons will select QB Matt Ryan of Boston College.

2008 Pancake Blocks Mock Draft

1. Miami Dolphins (Scott L.) - Chris Long
2. St. Louis Rams (Evan Silva) - Glenn Dorsey
3. Atlanta Falcons (Troy Hill) - Matt Ryan

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Pancake Blocks Mock Draft: Pick No. 4
Oakland seems like the first flashpoint of this year's draft. Al Davis could go a lot of ways here, and it will affect how the rest of the top-ten falls. Longtime friend of the program Stephen G has the honors.

With the #4 selection in the 2008 NFL draft the Oakland Raiders select: JAKE LONG, OT, Michigan

Possibly overused terms already, but simply put, Jake Long is the best player available and more importantly the SAFEST BET of all the top 5 picks (including Chris Long). Jake Long will be a franchise left tackle in the NFL for the next decade plus. He rates out on par or better than top 2007 Browns rookie Joe Thomas who was a resounding success last season.

Darren McFadden & Vernon Gholston were definite considerations due to their considerable upside, but both had question marks (McFadden - off field issues, Gholston - position/tweener and measureables more than production). Bottom line, McFadden would have been the sexy pick to excite Raider Nation for the short term but not the correct pick if the Raiders ever plan to surface above mediocrity.

The Raiders haven't had a franchise LT since Art Shell. And the protection of 2007 1st overall draft pick QB JaMarcus Russell is of utmost importance. Add in the offseason re-signing of free agent RB revelation Justin Fargas (1,000+ rushing yards in the new one-cut zone blocking scheme), the quality depth at RB (Rhodes, Michael Bush, etc.), and Jake Long is the obvious choice at #4.

2008 Pancake Blocks Mock Draft

1. Miami Dolphins (Scott L.) - Chris Long
2. St. Louis Rams (Evan Silva) - Glenn Dorsey
3. Atlanta Falcons (Troy Hill) - Matt Ryan
4. Oakland Raiders (Stephen G.) - Jake Long

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Pancake Blocks Mock Draft: Pick No. 5
The fifth pick of our Mock draft creates the first shocker. It wouldn't be the first time the Chiefs surprised many with a first-round running back pick.

The Chiefs were hoping the Jake Long would fall to 5 but with the Raiders selecting him just ahead the Chiefs would try and trade out. Without a trade the Chiefs pull off the first shock of the draft and take Darren McFadden...

Obviously RB is a position of strength already, but with no LT, QB or CB that has value at this point the Chiefs throw everyone a curve. LJ is coming off surgery on his foot and KC and Herm love to run the ball. Herm could run the ball 600 times this season with pair like LJ and McFadden. KC would then target OL help in the 2nd and 3rd round. Herm would have visions of the Vikings amazing backfield last season and have an even better pair.

LJ is better then Chester Taylor and McFadden is better then AP. Also with King Carl's (shout out to PFT) comments on McFadden at the combine this pick is also a real possibility. Also KC would solidify the RB position for another 7 years; remember they had Priest Holmes when they selected LJ. And that worked out beautifully. LJ will be 29 this November and already has 1200 touches on his body and has had his ypc drop each of the last 3 years. Obviously some won’t agree but I think this is the best direction for the Chiefs and leave us with Croyle, Bowe and McFadden to grow together.

2008 Pancake Blocks Mock Draft

1. Miami Dolphins (Scott L.) - Chris Long
2. St. Louis Rams (Evan Silva) - Glenn Dorsey
3. Atlanta Falcons (Troy Hill) - Matt Ryan
4. Oakland Raiders (Stephen G.) - Jake Long
5. Kansas City Chiefs (Jeremy S.) - Darren McFadden

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Pancake Blocks Mock Draft: Pick No. 6
Our last pick showed that if you are going to be a GM, you better be ready to take some heat for your pick. I'll say this: coming out of college, Darren McFadden and Adrian Peterson's profiles weren't so different. McFadden could be the best playmaker in this draft, and the Chiefs sure need playmakers. I'm not saying the Chiefs would make the move, but that's not what this draft is about. Anyhow, let's move on to the Jets, surprised to be drafting so high in year two of the Tangini era. The writing is courtesy of John B.

WOW. All I have to say is wow. I wasn't sure if this was just my eyes playing tricks on me, as I spent the day shooting with Travis Pastrana in the desert getting ready for the Navy Moto X World Championships on ESPN/ESPN April 12th and 13th (plug plug plug).

Thank You to KC for taking McFadden and causing me to make a pick I really did not want to make. You can't pass up McFadden, but with all that money invested in Thomas Jones, I'd rather wait, take a back later (Ray Rice?) and take the man I really want - Vernon Gholston DE/OLB from THE Ohio State University.

He's got the measurables and he'll fit in great with Mangini's defense.

Now, on the other hand, if some team wants to move into the 6, I'd much rather trade for more picks, move back, and grab a playmaking wide receiver (i.e. Limas Sweed?). But that may be there when we pick in the 2nd round anyhow.

2008 Pancake Blocks Mock Draft

1. Miami Dolphins (Scott L.) - Chris Long
2. St. Louis Rams (Evan Silva) - Glenn Dorsey
3. Atlanta Falcons (Troy Hill) - Matt Ryan
4. Oakland Raiders (Stephen G.) - Jake Long
5. Kansas City Chiefs (Jeremy S.) - Darren McFadden
6. New York Jets (John B.) - Vernon Gholston

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Pancake Blocks Mock Draft: Pick No. 7
I've enjoyed letting you guys do the heavy lifting for the Mock Draft thus far, but the Patriots pick is all mine. With the seventh pick, I'm going to select Sedrick Ellis, defensive tackle out of USC. Let's explain this thing in bullets.


As a Patriots fan, I honestly don't get worked up over who they pick. And I can no longer be surprised by them. It's not that I'm disinterested, it's that I trust Bill Belichick and Scott Pioli know a lot more than me. Not every pick is going to work out, of course, but I trust their judgement.


The Pancake Block commenters were in agreement that Gholston was a no-brainer to the Jets. I'm not so sure. Does every 3-4 team need a great OLB? Sure. But outstanding defensive linemen are even more important. And they are more valuable in the free agency era.

If Ellis and Gholston are on the board, it wouldn't surprise me at all if the Jets took Ellis. They are still thin on the line, and he has the flexibility to play either position in a 3-4. This is just a hunch, but I think Ellis has the consistent production and love for the game that the Jets and Patriots look for. They are less impressed with workouts.


That brings us to the Patriots. I think they will find a way to trade down to take a cornerback, one way or another. But if they can't, Ellis provides the best value.

Defensive line is an area of strength for the Patriots, but you can never have too many great linemen. The Patriots shocked the draft by taking Vince Wilfork in 2004, the third straight first-round they took a lineman. That worked out pretty well. It's now been four years, and I don't think it's so crazy to replenish their talent at the position for the future. Ellis can make the entire rotation better in 2008, and grow into stardom slowly like Ty Warren. The Patriots make their decisions with the long view in mind, and Ellis provides the best value on this board.

2008 Pancake Blocks Mock Draft

1. Miami Dolphins (Scott L.) - Chris Long
2. St. Louis Rams (Evan Silva) - Glenn Dorsey
3. Atlanta Falcons (Troy Hill) - Matt Ryan
4. Oakland Raiders (Stephen G.) - Jake Long
5. Kansas City Chiefs (Jeremy S.) - Darren McFadden
6. New York Jets (John B.) - Vernon Gholston
7. New England Patriots (Gregg R.) - Sedrick Ellis

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Pancake Blocks Mock Draft: Pick No. 8
A lot of people have Baltimore pining for a quarterback, which they should be. There are some indications, though, that they view Troy Smith as a legitimate contender to start. If not this year, then soon, even if he's a fallback plan. Here is Ryan F with the Ravens pick.

If at #4, Matt Ryan is still on the board, I think there is a very good possibility the Ravens try to trade up and grab that pick. But, seeing he's already off the board, I think the Ravens have to go CB here. I like Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, but I don't think he really fits his system. To me it's between Aqib Talib and Leodis McKelvin. And, seeing as how I'm just not so sure about Talib yet.... With the 8th pick in the 2008 Draft, the Baltimore Ravens select Leodis McKelvin.

2008 Pancake Blocks Mock Draft

1. Miami Dolphins (Scott L.) - Chris Long
2. St. Louis Rams (Evan Silva) - Glenn Dorsey
3. Atlanta Falcons (Troy Hill) - Matt Ryan
4. Oakland Raiders (Stephen G.) - Jake Long
5. Kansas City Chiefs (Jeremy S.) - Darren McFadden
6. New York Jets (John B.) - Vernon Gholston
7. New England Patriots (Gregg R.) - Sedrick Ellis
8. Baltimore Ravens (Ryan F.) - Leodis McKelvin

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Pancake Blocks Mock Draft: Pick No. 9
Jacob C. has the honors for the next pick.

With the 9th pick in the 2008 NFL draft, the Cincinnati Bengals should select: OT Ryan Clady from Boise St.

Many agree that the biggest need for the Cincinnati Bengals is on the defensive side of the ball.
Specifically,a run stopping DT. With Glenn Dorsey and Sedrick Ellis off the board, the remaining top defensive player that the Bengals would likely consider is OLB Keith Rivers from USC. However, the Bengals have a bevy of linebackers and may find some answers on defense with the possible return of David Pollack and Odell Thurman.

What Bengals owner Mike Brown really cares most about is putting butts in seats and lining his own pockets (no GM and having the leagues smallest scouting dept are examples of his lack of commitment). As we all know, having a high powered offense will do that. As a result, protecting Carson Palmer is of utmost importance. Willie Anderson is in the twilight his career and Levi Jones has battled injuries of late.
The addition of Ryan Clady will help offset concerns about the fading strength at the tackle position, and help solidify the offensive line.


2008 Pancake Blocks Mock Draft

1. Miami Dolphins (Scott L.) - Chris Long
2. St. Louis Rams (Evan Silva) - Glenn Dorsey
3. Atlanta Falcons (Troy Hill) - Matt Ryan
4. Oakland Raiders (Stephen G.) - Jake Long
5. Kansas City Chiefs (Jeremy S.) - Darren McFadden
6. New York Jets (John B.) - Vernon Gholston
7. New England Patriots (Gregg R.) - Sedrick Ellis
8. Baltimore Ravens (Ryan F.) - Leodis McKelvin
9. Cincinnati Bengals (Jacob C.) - Ryan Clady

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Pancake Blocks Mock Draft: Pick No. 10
Scott K. has the honors with our tenth pick. He's writing from my favorite town in the country- New Orleans. Sorry about slowing the pace of the draft down the last two days. We'll go three picks today. So James, you are up and TC get ready

With no real holes on offense to fill worthy of a high pick, this pick has to be on the defensive side of the ball. With the premier defenders gone, the Saints have to decide between a quality linebacker, a pass rush specialist, or a cornerback work in progress. A trade down is a possibility, but impossible to predict. With the Saints signing of Bobby McCrary, Randall Gay, Aaron Glenn, and eventual trade for Lito Sheppard (fingers crossed), it makes this pick fairly easy.

This pick will produce immediate dividends unlike a cornerback and turn a weakness from last year into a perceived strength. It's not a sexy pick, but it's the right pick and gives the Saints their best linebacker corps since the Dome Patrol. Who Dat!

With the 10th pick, the New Orleans Saints select, linebacker from Southern California, Keith Rivers.

New Orleans is back and better than ever. Visit NOLA!

2008 Pancake Blocks Mock Draft

1. Miami Dolphins (Scott L.) - Chris Long
2. St. Louis Rams (Evan Silva) - Glenn Dorsey
3. Atlanta Falcons (Troy Hill) - Matt Ryan
4. Oakland Raiders (Stephen G.) - Jake Long
5. Kansas City Chiefs (Jeremy S.) - Darren McFadden
6. New York Jets (John B.) - Vernon Gholston
7. New England Patriots (Gregg R.) - Sedrick Ellis
8. Baltimore Ravens (Ryan F.) - Leodis McKelvin
9. Cincinnati Bengals (Jacob C.) - Ryan Clady

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