NFL Mock Drafts are B.S.

by Bodog Sportsbook | Apr 9 2008

The NFL draft has become the jewel of the NFL offseason. It’s a marquee event that’s exploded in popularity due in large part to the fan support on the internet. People started to post their own mock drafts in order to discuss what they thought teams should do each year with other NFL fans. Of course, it’s all based on speculation and gossip, which is probably part of its appeal. Since the beginning of time, people have loved to sit around and bullshit. Just talk about “what ifs” and “how abouts.” “What if Han Solo fought Capt. Kirk?”  “Who would you invite to your celebrity dinner?” “What if I stuck this in there?” Mock drafts are the same type of bullshitting that goes on between friends, and that’s the main reason they continue to grow in popularity.

When Bodog Live offers odds on April 26 during the 2008 NFL draft, no one will really know what the teams are thinking. Not the books, not the fans, and especially not the supposed “Draft Gurus” like Mel Kiper, Jr. or Mike Mayock. But like every good argument, in the end, somebody has to be right. The Miami Dolphins have the first overall pick in the draft and with no clear-cut No. 1 prospect, anyone has about as much chance of being able to predict the actual draft pick as the so-called “experts.” Miami’s pick could realistically go in about five different ways. Each potential pick has strong arguments for and against him.

Matt Ryan – QB - Boston College
Miami is still in turmoil at the most important position and have been desperate to find that franchise signal-caller. Matt Ryan has shown at Boston College that he’s a leader on the field and off it. He will stand in the pocket and has the patience and ability to make a play when the game is on the line. After smugly deciding not to play at the senior bowl and not throwing at the combine, he received lukewarm reviews about his pro day. He has a similar grade to the one Brady Quinn was given last year, who slid past the Dolphins at the ninth pick due to accuracy issues. Why would they take a similar player with a higher pick? Especially one with the douchebag nickname of…<shudder> “Matty Ice.”

Chris Long – OLB/DE – Virginia
This is the most popular choice for the Dolphins. Long has great pedigree, a non-stop motor, and elite character… Terrific. He almost sounds too good to be true, kind of like the fat free Big Mac or monkey butlers. Drafted by the Dolphins, he’d likely stand up and play linebacker in the 3-4 defense, unless they feel he can push DE Matt Roth out of the starting lineup. There are some questions about his ability to drop back into coverage consistently. Not to mention, LB is one of the only positions where the Dolphins have talent and depth. Coach Tony Sparano is reported to have said that this pick will be at least a 40-play-a-game guy. Are those snaps even available at LB? Probably not, unless they end up trading “Twinkle Toes” Taylor.

Jake Long – OT – Michigan
The Dolphins only have three real starters projected on the offensive line. Tackle Vernon Carey, promising young center Samson Satele, and newly acquired guard Justin Smiley. Jake Long is a monster. He destroyed Big Ten D-linemen his senior year, only surrendering one sack. Highly intelligent with good character, he is projected to be one of the safest prospects in this draft class. He isn’t graded as high as Joe Thomas was last year, as he’s not as athletic as blue chip left tackles should be. They could keep Carey on the left and draft Long to play right tackle, but it’s unlikely anyone would draft a right tackle with the No. 1 pick. In the deepest draft in recent memory for offensive line talent, that spot in the lineup can be filled later rounds.

Vernon Gholston – OLB/DE – Ohio State
Every team in the league could use a player with this much upside. He could change games by ripping into the backfield much the way Shawn Merriman did for the Chargers, except without the steroids and shame. Gholston’s combine numbers were ridiculous. The problem is that production in the weight room is a lot different than production on the field. The weirdly negative term “workout warrior” has been said when NFL GMs look at this player - although it does seem much better than other terms they might have used, like “Lazy Turd” or “The Ass-man.” At an already stacked linebacker position, the Dolphins would have to see something really special. Like, Lawrence Taylor special.

Glenn Dorsey – DT – LSU
All season long Glenn Dorsey has been mentioned with Darren McFadden as the best players in the draft. The Dolphins have had a need for youth and explosiveness at defensive tackle for longer than that. Everyone is sure that Dorsey will tear up the NFL like a dress on prom night. The only question marks seem to be medical and system related. Will he face durability issues throughout his career and can he be as dominant as a nose tackle in the 3-4 defense? People seem to think he is fine health-wise, but many believe he won’t project well as the nose in the 3-4 that Miami is expected to run. Combine that with the additions of DTs Jason Ferguson and Randy Starks, and there just doesn’t seem to be too much interest. Strangely, also like prom night.

It’s hard to know which prospect the Dolphins or the other NFL teams will select, but with all the “what ifs” and “how abouts” bullshitting going on - someone will be right. The NFL draft is coming on April 26 and is sure to be full of anticipation, drama and intrigue. Study your favorite mock drafts and bet with Bodog Live during the 2008 NFL draft. Experience all of the draft day excitement, bullshit with friends and make your picks live as each team goes on the clock.

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