The BTSC Mock Draft heads towards the homestretch of Week 1 with the New England Patriots' slection at #7. bereadawg offers the selection and I, personally, am a big fan of it. Offenses should get their shots in at Cromartie and the Pats' defense in 2008, but after a year or two with Bellicheck and the Patriots defensive system, there's very little reason to not think Cromartie will aptly replace Asasnte Samuel for a fraction of the cost. As we discussed, he might also be able to play some safety if he fills out his frame some in the early part of his career. Many thanks to bereadawg for the pick and for deciding to join us in a solid way this past week. Don't discount the possibility of him becoming a full-fledged Steelers fan before it's all said and done :) Next up, the Baltimore Ravens, and none other than yours truly, Blitzburgh.
Free agent losses to the Pats secondary make the first round pick an easy choice, although one could argue LB could be the way to go. CB Asante Samuel is souring with Philly, Randall Guy is marching with the Saints, and FS/CB Eugene Wilson is sailing with the Bucs. So the secondary is left without a big playmaker. At LB.....well their OLD, hell some of them were around when dirt was discovered. But the old guys are still the best LBs they got.
I have narrowed my pick down to 3 CBs. Leodis Mckelvin of Troy, Aqib Talib of Kansas, and Dominique Rodger-Cromartie of TSU.
McKelvin 5'11" 190 lbs, Troy: A quick cover-man and return specialist. McKelvin was impressive at both the Senior Bowl and the NFL Combine, and he ranks as the top defensive back in this class.
Rodger-Cromartie 6'1" 185 lbs, Tennessee State: This athletic corner has been a shutdown cover man, but against lesser competition. He answered questions about his ability when he starred during Senior Bowl week.
Talib 6'1" 200 lbs, Kansas: With some development and if he's able to stay as fast as he gains strength, this ball-hawking corner has the talent to become a shutdown cover man in the NFL, and perhaps even a safety if necessary.
So with the 7th pick I am going to take a risk and NOT take the best corner in the draft in terms of current skills, but the one I think has the most potential to evolve and exceed expectations, much like his cousin has in San Diego. I'm selecting Dominique Rodger-Cromartie of TSU as the New England Patriot's 1st Round and 7th overall pick.
BTSC Mock Draft Team Selections
#1 - Miami Dolphins, Darren Mcfadden
#2 - St. Louis Rams, Chris Long
#3 - Atlanta Falcons, Sedrick Ellis
#4 - Oakland Raiders, Vernon Gholston
#5 - Kansas City Chiefs, Jake Long
#6 - New York Jets, Glen Dorsey