411's NFL Round Up 4.16.08: Hall of Fame, Mock Draft 7.0, More

Posted by Emmett Wilks on 04.16.2008

What current NFL players are Hall of Fame worthy? Plus, a look at news from around the NFL and Mock Draft 7.0

Greeting one and all. We are officially 10 days away from the 2008 NFL Draft, and we still have 4 or 5 guys who could go number 1. The big news in Dolphin land was the meetings with the agents for Michigan tackle Jake Long and Ohio State DE/LB Vernon Gholston. This still does not eliminate the potential of Virginia's Chris Long or LSU's Glenn Dorsey from getting into the mix, but the smart money seems to be on Jake Long right now. But since I am not smart, I'll still say that Chris Long will get the top spot. More on that later. Now, onto the Round Up.


QUICK NOTES


The very busy off-season of the New York Jets continued with the signing safety Kerry Rhodes to a 5 year, $33 million deal, with $20 million guaranteed. The Jets have dropped A LOT of money this off-season, are will be expecting immediate results from head coach Eric Mangini. I rarely say this about coaches, but, in his third year and despite a question mark at QB, the Jets need to do some winning now.

Adam "Pacman" Jones will officially be applying for reinstatement today. The oft-arrested Titans has a very good chance of getting back in. With all of his six arrests situations settled, I think it would be hard for commissioner Roger Goodell to keep him from reinstatement. A deal with Dallas, who has been the biggest suitor of Pacman, could be done before the draft.

Best free agent signing of the week goes to Kansas City for signing KR BJ Sams. Too many teams were flirting with the notion that the KR in not a critical position, KC being one of those teams, and it cost them games last year. Returning is vital part of the game and cannot be understated. Good pick up for KC.

There will be two very happy ball clubs later in first or early second round this year. That is where University of Miami DE Calais Campbell and safety Kenny Phillips will fall, depending on which teams jump at them. Here were two guys thought to be top 15 picks heading into last season, and fell due to their teams poor performances. Both of these guys are smart, motivated, and tough players. My bet is the Phillips will be one of the big steals of the first round this year.

I think people are making too much of Malcom Kelly's tirade earlier this week. The Oklahoma wide out, who I have at the top of the draft class for his position, came back from a variety of leg injuries to run a sub-standard 4.63 forty. Kelly was asked to run on the slow field turf track for scouts (a common NFL playing surface) and was not happy with his coaches and others when interviewed later. Did he come off as a bit of whiner? Yes. Should he kept his mouth shut? Absolutely. Is he still the best WR in this years draft? Definitely. He remains a top 15 pick despite the immature rant.

Let's just stop the speculation here. Brett Favre is not going to be coming back this or any season. He made the right decision for himself and for his family and won't be rescinding ever. All the inaccurate stories surrounding this are getting tiresome, and I hope Brett can shut up as well and enjoy the riches you earned through your long and magical career.

Denver QB Jay Cutler's public criticism of problem child WR Brandon Marshall was right on to me. Though criticized publicly by John Elway for not keeping to private (IRONY!), Cutler made to correct decision to reel in a teammate who is getting out of line. Often times the most public spectacle has the greatest effect, and Marshall knows what his teammate feels, and so does the public. The whole key is not to over use the public call out. The more rare it is, the more effective it is.


WHO'S RIDING TO CANTON?

With Brett Favre off in the sunset, and greats like Marshall Faulk, Jerry Rice, Deion Sanders, Will Shields, Willie Roaf, Cris Carter, and Emmitt Smith waiting their turns for the NFL Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, I got to thinking who are our HOF players right now. All of the NFL players were to stop playing right now, who would be in, on the fence, and not at all. And who out there is still just a few years away. Some big issues are raised here though. The big one is with the Wide Receivers. Numbers are continually escalating with offensive players due to greater restrictions with defenders, so you cannot just look at numbers but also impact. With defenders, presence means a great deal. Not reputation, but presence. Sometimes a player just being on the field helps the team, especially when offenses run/throw away from that guy, so that makes a bigger difference today. Here's what I got for now…

Sure fire, 1st Ballot Hall of Famers

Peyton Manning QB- Indianapolis Colts (1998)

One of the two great quarterbacks of this generation, he is on pace to break all of Favre's records. Right now though, he is still Canton worthy, with over 41,000 yards passing and 300 TD's, he is in. No doubt, no questions.

Tom Brady QB- New England Patriots (2000)

Not too much else can be said about him and Manning that hasn't already been said. Three rings, with possible more to come, a record setting season that may not be touched for years, and the best winner of his generation. The numbers may not be as staggering as Manning (26,000 passing, 197 TD's), but he cannot be denied as one of the all-timers.

Larry Allen OL- Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers (1995)

Though age has diminished his game somewhat, he is still the most dominating lineman of the last twenty years. 11 Pro Bowls, 7 time All-Pro, he dominated the line of scrimmage with more brute strength and ferocity than any one before. Starting his career at right tackle, he moved over to the left tackle slot for three seasons until 1999, when he started at left guard, where is the best to ever play, period. Also, won a Super Bowl ring his rookie year, which never hurts.

Junior Seau LB- San Diego Charger, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots (1991)

Whenever I want to show my children what it means to be a football player, I will simply get out a tape of Junior Seau. 12 straight Pro Bowl selections. 12! 7 time All-Pro, he played on every down of every game like it was his last. Came within a few minutes of grabbing a ring this year with New England.

Ray Lewis LB- Baltimore Ravens (1996)

I really hate the anti-Lewis backlash that came in the middle of this decade. Much of it was predicated on jealousy from people calling him the "best ever." While he may not hold that distinction, he is without a doubt the best LB of this decade and one of the best ever. How quickly people forget the Ray Lewis of 1999 to 2003. No front seven player was more feared by opposing defenses than he was. Two time defensive player of the year winner. Once in 2000 (along with a Super Bowl win and MVP award) and again in 2003, when the Ravens switched to the 3-4, not an easy transition for a Mike linebacker.


Johnathan Ogden LT- Baltimore Ravens (1996)

Maybe the best first round double pick ever (congrats GM Ozzie Newsome), Ogden was the biggest, best, and smartest tackle of the last decade. His pure athleticism was unmatched at the most difficult offensive line position. Though recent troubles with speed rushers like Dwight Freeney have become noticed, he was the they premier tackle of the generation.

Randy Moss Minnesota Vikings, Oakland Raiders, New England Patriots (1998)

At this time last year, he was a fence rider. But this last season was just that transcendent. Flat out, no one, and I mean NO ONE has ever played in the NFL with this kind of athleticism. 12,193 yards, 124 career TD's. When on, he could not and can not be defended.

Walter Jones Seattle Seahawks (1995)

Along with Ogden, the most dominate tackle of the era. Some have placed him above Ogden, but I don't. Jones is the better overall athlete, but Ogden was the more complete lineman. Nonetheless, a sure fire first ballot player.

Tony Gonzalez TE- Kansas City Chiefs (1997)

The leader of the tight end revolution that has transformed the position into a "go to guy" spot for the offense. 9 Pro Bowls and 8 All-Pro selections, with more TD's (66) and receptions (816) then any other tight end in NFL history.

Hall of Fame, but waiting a few years

Terrell Owens San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys (1996)

The top guy who could sneak into the higher class of players if he wants to. But this is based on if the league ended right now, so here he sits. An athlete without comparison, he is fearless, tough, and can shake anyone. While never an off field problem, he has been a locker room migraine for two teams and a terrible teammate. But he is also the 2nd most dominating wide out of the last 10 years.

Brian Dawkins Safety- Philadelphia Eagles (1996)

The leagues premier safety for years, Dawkins played for bad teams (3-13 1998 Eagles) and great teams (12-4 2002 Eagles and 13-3 2004 squad) and dominated always. 6-time Pro Bowler and 5 All-Pros, he is in, but no championship may hurt. Also, the HOF is funny with secondary guys. Very few get in on the first ballot, but rest assured, this man will be enshrined.

Orlando Pace LT- St. Louis Rams (1997)

The first pick of the 1997 Draft, Pace lived up to and even exceeded expectations with his violent, vicious play. The Greatest Show on Turf Rams of 1999-2002 simply do not exist without him at the left tackle spot. Injuries late in the career are the only thing holding him down, but definitely a Hall of Famer.

Michael Strahan DE- New York Giants (1993)

I know I will catch some flack for this one, but he just doesn't have that undeniable 1st ballot feel for me. Didn't bloom until his 5th NFL season in 1997, and didn't become a dominating force until later, he may be more a product of longevity and not getting hurt that pure greatness. But he will have a place in the Hall.

Marvin Harrison WR- Indianapolis Colts (1996)

Some receivers make their quarterbacks look better (Jerry Rice and Steve Young). Some quarterbacks make their wide receivers better (Tom Brady with EVERYONE before this season) and some are perfect complements to one another. Like Troy Aikman and Michael Irvin, Peyton Manning and Marvin Harrison just fit right together. Part of the incomparable WR class of 1996, Harrison has been the most consistent of all those great players.

Adam Vinitari Kicker- New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts

The greatest playoff kicker ever. Four Super Bowl rings, three game winning field goal kicks in those games, and one unforgettable night in the snows of New England in 2002. Being a kicker does hurt, but he belongs enshrined with the greats.



BORDERLINERS
These are guys with nearly complete careers, but still big question marks.

Donovan McNabb QB- Philadelphia Eagles (1999)

The leader of the Eagles since late in 1999, McNabb has had a very difficult road. 5 Pro Bowls and throwing to sub-par receivers for 4 of those years is impressive, but his inconsistencies and injuries have been glaring as of late. However, he did orchestrate form 2000-2004 11-5, 11-5, 12-4, 12-4, 13-3 records for the Eagles. But it just doesn't seem like enough.

Warrick Dunn RB- Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Atlanta Falcons, Tampa Bay (1997)

One of 23 men in the 10,000 rushing yards club, he was always consistent and steady in his 11 NFL seasons. But the substance never had a lot of style, and the substance never helped make any of his teams legitimate contenders. He sits on the fence.

Zach Thomas LB- Miami Dolphins (1996)

Kind of the sentimental pick for me here. The consistent team leader and effort guy, Thomas became a Pro Bowl caliber player by sheer force of will and heart. Unfortunately, he may still only be a borderline guy.


ALMOST THERE, BUT NOT QUITE

These guys are players who are on track to be sure fire or likely Hall of Famers, but still don't have the stats/longevity to make the cut just yet. I also made the minimum of 6 NFL seasons, which left out guys like Carson Palmer, Ben Rothlisberger, and Kevin Williams.

LaDanian Tomlinson RB- San Diego Chargers (2001)

The best non QB in the NFL today. He already has NFL single season TD mark of 31, 6 All-Pros, 5 Pro Bowls, and an ESPY. Oh wait, who cares about the last one. He just needs a few more years, just two or three, and he is a first ballot guy.

Brian Urlacher LB- Chicago Bears (2000)

The prototypical LB of this century, Urlacher has a Rookie of the Year (2000) and a Defensive player of the Year (2005) under his belt. But the portfolio is just not complete to warrant the Hall just yet, but like LT, he'll be there soon.

Brian Westbrook RB- Philadelphia Eagles (2002)

Has just recently become the Big Man in Philly, but his playmaking ability and receiving skill put him in elite company. The numbers are good, but it's the aforementioned presence and impact that puts him here.

Ed Reed Safety- Baltimore Ravens (2002)

The definition of game breaking defender. 8 touchdowns, with 3 off blocked punts, Reed is currently the best safety in the NFL. Longevity will be the key here. Just a few more seasons of his sensational play, and he can book a trip to Canton.

Steve Hutchinson LG- Seattle Seahawks and Minnesota Vikings (2001)


Alan Faneca LG- Pittsburg Steelers and New York Jets (1998)

The two premier interior lineman of the generation, these two have 12 Pro Bowls between them. Like all the guys in this section, I think they need just a little more time, but not much more. They are the elites of the NFL at guard.



MOCK DRAFT 7.0

1. MIAMI DOLPHINS
Chris Long DE, Virginia 6-3, 266 lbs.
Don't believe the Jake Long hype. This is C. Long's spot here. The Fins need nearly an entire new D, and the O-line is far from good, but not god awful for now. He is the man on top.

2. St. Louis Rams
Jake Long OT, Michigan 6-7, 309 lbs.
Moves up this week for no other reason than left tackle is just more important the DT. There is a very good position to take an excellent player here.

3. Atlanta Falcons
Matt Ryan QB, Boston College 6-5, 221 lbs.
I know that Dorsey is here, but you don't win without a QB. Here is your potential franchise guy here. A defensive lineman is a great benefit, but QB's make the points happen.

4. Oakland Raiders
Darren McFadden Arkansas RB, 6-2, 212 lbs
They too will gamble away Dorsey for the dynamic ball carrier. He remains the likely Rookie of the Year.

5. Kansas City Chiefs
Glenn Dorsey LSU DT, 6-1 310 lbs.

Kansa fans will rejoice at this gift. Though Kansas has had a rough patch with down lineman (Ryan Sims anyone) Dorsey is about as sure fire a guy in the draft as anyone.

6. New York Jets
Vernon Gholtson Ohio State LB/DE, 6-4, 255
The shocking thing is, this guy still has an outside chance of taking the first overall pick.

7. New England Patriots
Derek Harvey DE Florida 6-4, 258 lbs.
Two seasons ago, Richard Seymour was the best defensive lineman in football. In last years post season, he had 0 sacks, and 0 pressures. Harvey could compete for playing time right away (though is still small for a 3-4 end).

8. Baltimore Ravens
Leodis McKelvin CB Troy, 5-11, 186 lbs
No tackle worth the pick here, despite Mel Kipers love affair with Brenden Albert, I could see a trade down occurring for someone wanting Keith Rivers or Sedrick Ellis. McKelvin is my top CB, so he gets picked here.

9. Cincinnati Bengals
Sedrick Ellis USC DT, 6-1, 308 lbs.
A player getting lost in the shuffle of the top 10. Still can't see him jumping over Dorsey, but he will not be leaving the top 10.

10. New Orleans Saints.
Keith Rivers LB USC, 6-3 235 lbs
Major difference maker at USC, could be opening day starter for a host of NFL teams.

11. Buffalo Bills
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie CB Tennessee State, 6-2 180 lbs
Rodger-Cromartie has HUGE upside. Perhaps the drafts best overall athlete, he could provide a game-breaker on defense that New Orleans hasn't seen in ages.

12. Denver Broncos
Ryan Clady OT Boise State, 6-6 317 lbs
They just have to go defense here, but Clady is tough to pass on. Though their history of finding talent on the lines late is well documented, I don't see a front seven defender worth the pick here.

13. Carolina Panthers
Limas Sweed WR Texas, 6-4 216 lbs
Sweed is my 2nd best WR, but jumps ahead of Malcolm Kelly due to his immaturity. Sweed is a big, red zone player that would be a great complent to Steve Smith.

14. Chicago Bears
Rashard Mendenhall RB Illinois, 5-11 225 lbs

Has looked stellar at combine workouts. May be taken sooner, but if available here, will not get past Chicago. Running backs will be in again this season after Adrian Peterson showed once again what a shot in the arm a young RB can be for a team.

15. Detroit Lions
Aqib Talib CB Kansas, 6-2 197 lbs
The holes are more numerous than once thought. Talib could be a huge boost to the pass defense that was sub par last year, ranking 29th in the pass. Phillip Merling is also a good thought here.

16. Arizona Cardinals
Phillip Merling DE Clemson, 6-4, 275 lbs.
Can't really see him falling this far, but if he does, a gift for the Cardinals for letting Calvin Pace get away. Jonathan Stewart would certainly be the other choice here.

17. Minnesota Vikings
Mario Manningham WR Michigan, 6-0 190 lbs
A nice addition to an offense needed to help is burgeoning QB Tarvis Jackson.


18. Houston Texans
Jonathan Stewart RB Oregon, 5-11 235 lbs
Running backs are the best shot of adrenaline a team can get with rookies, and Stewart could provide that with a team needing a breakout season

19. Philadelphia Eagles
Branden Albert G Virginia, 6-6 309 lbs.
The reality for the Eagles is Jon Runyan and William Thomas will not be there past this season. Andy Reid Seems to want Shawn Andrews at tackle, which would make Albert an ideal pick to solidify the O-line.

20.Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Joe Flacco QB Deleware, 6-6 232 lbs.
He still sits here, but I feel less comfortable about it every day. We could really see the draft with only one QB in the first round if he falls. Astonishing.

21.Washington Redskins
Malcolm Kelly WR Oklahoma, 6-4 200 lbs
Immaturity at his Pro Day may have cost him here. Rest assured, he won't fall much further than this. Could be another playmaker the Skins have searched have failed to grab with Brandon Lloyd and Antwan Randel-El

22.Dallas Cowboys
DeSean Jackson WR California, 6-0 170 lbs
A new toy for Tony Romo to play with. Dallas has all the pieces now, Jackson could be a spark the feather that tips the scale.

23. Pittsburg Steelers
Devin Thomas WR Michigan St. 6-2 215 lbs.
One of the drafts most interesting prospects, Thomas has moved up into Top 15 in some mock drafts. He remains my 3rd WR, but Pittsburg won't be complaining.

24 Tennessee Titans
Mike Jenkins CB South Florida, 6-0 200lbs.
Solid South Florida corner would be a very positive addition to Titans secondary

25. Seattle Seahawks
Jeff Otah OL Pittsburg, 6-6 340 lbs.
You can never be too strong at the O-line. Albert is a beast of a tackle and could start at the RT spot and reenergize an O-line still reeling from the loss of Steve Hutchinson.

26. Jacksonville Jaguars
Quentin Groves DE Auburn , 6-3 245 lbs
Tough SOB is a perfect fit for coach Jack Del Rio. Offense is squared away, now defense gets a nice boost.

27. San Diego Charger
Kentwan Balmer DT North Carolina, 6-5 310 lbs.
The Giants proved not so subtly that you can never have enough down lineman in your rotation. Balmer would be a solid nose guard player for a team who already has all the pieces they need.

28. Dallas Cowboys
Dan Connor LB Penn State, 6-2 195
Dallas needs a boost at the LB position, and Connor is the best player here. He will likely need adjusting to NFL game, but relentless motor will make immediate impact on special teams if nothing else.

29. San Francisco From Indianapolis
Calais Campbell DE Miami, 6-7 290 lbs.
Campbell would be well suited in a 3-4 scheme. Offense is the most major concern for San Fran, but it never Campbell could be an enticing prospect for Mike Nolan.

30. Green Bay Packer
Fred Davis TE USC, 6-4 245 lbs
Davis is still my top TE, but Dustin Keller isn't far behind. Both viable options here with not tackles worth the pick at this spot.

31. New England Patriots
PICK FORFEITED

32. New York Giants
Kenny Phillips S Miami, 6-0 201 lbs.
A great addition for the Champs. Phillips is a leader and great hitter. Not in the same class as Miami alums Ed Reed or Sean Taylor but a solid ball player.

That'll do for this week. Be sure to drop a comment or criticism below. Until next week.