Welcome to the first annual Niners Nation Mock Draft.  I enlisted the help of some of our fellow community members to begin coming up with our official mock draft for 2008.  I split up the teams between everybody as follows:

wjackalope - Dolphins, Broncos, Steelers
jtoj - Rams, Panthers, Titans
Braekneck- Falcons, Bears, Seahawks
wader251 - Raiders, Lions, Jaguars
Hitchcock - Chiefs, Cardinals, Chargers
cheno - Jets, Vikings, Cowboys (pick #2)
jfainsf49 - Patriots, Texans, Packers
noava22    Ravens - Eagles, Giants
illini49er - Bengals, Buccaneers
Sourdoughsam69 - Saints, Redskins
GB - Bills, Cowboys (pick #1)
Me - 49ers

I'm going to slowly post the picks as they come, hopefully several each day.  At some point I'll move this to the front page to get a little more reaction to it, and then settle it back in as as the top diary as the draft goes on.  Feel free to provide your thoughts on the players and who you think the team will take.

1. Miami Dolphins (wjackalope)
With the 1st overall selection, the Miami Dolphins select Chris Long, DE, Virginia

Now I know what you're thinking - I only made this pick because I too went to Virginia and I'm being a total homer.  That's only partially true.  Here's why I think the Dolphins will make this pick:

Parcells is now in charge and he's a defensive guy. The team is a mess all over, and it's clear they have a lot of needs, and the D Line is just one place to start.  While they might be tempted to take Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College, or even Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas, it's likely they'll start with the defense and hope Ronnie Brown gets healthy and one of their young QBs develops.  They also might look for a QB sleeper later in the draft.

So once we establish that they're going for defense we have to decide who it will be.  For a while it really looked like a toss up between Long and Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU.  I believe they will go with Long and here's why:

Long played at Virginia, where he ran the 3-4 a lot more that Dorsey did at LSU (as far as I know).  Parcells is likely to look for guys who can play the 3-4, and Long has the experience necessary.  Not only that, but Long was coached by Al Groh, a Parcells protege who served as his Defensive Coordinator for quite some time.  I would imagine that Parcells must trust the coaching Long received and is comfortable that he will be able to transition well to the next level.  Long also had a very good combine, which boosted his stock just enough to give him an edge over
Dorsey.  Finally, Dorsey's health has recently been called into serious question, and I don't think the Dolphins risk the huge money it will take to sign the #1 pick on a guy with that kind of injury history.  Oh, and Long's dad was also a pretty good NFL player, so maybe that helps him a little.

St. Louis Rams (jtoj)
With the second overall pick, the St. Louis Rams select Jake Long, OT, Michigan

Because the other Long was taken with the first pick of the draft, the Rams have a decision to make with this pick. Having draft a DE in last year's draft, the Rams have the option to take another Defensive Linemen, Dorsey, or take care of the injury-plagued offensive line. Long has been compared to Joe Thomas as far as dominating at the collegiate level. I've watched a lot of Big Ten football, but I would still put Long slightly under Thomas as far as raw skill. However, that being said, Long will still be a great player as long (pun) as he doesn't blow a couple knees out early on in his career; he is that type of prospect.

Another intriguing option here is Vernon Gholston, the Ohio State DL-men. But he is a reach at the 2 spot. This is why I could see the Rams trading the pick, but other than the Cowboy's love for McFadden, I don't see any takers for such a high pick. So, to finish up, it's a classic decision with need vs. talent. And I see the Rams going with the safe side of that argument and taking Long at #2 and fixing their much-maligned/injured offensive line. Plus, they need someone to replace Pace in the future.

3. Atlanta Falcons (braekneck)
With the third overall selection, the Atlanta Falcons select Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College.

Jake Long was gone so the Falcons had to take the best player available at their biggest need because we all know Chris Redman is not the answer at QB.

4. Oakland Raiders (wader251)
With the fourth overall selection, the Oakland Raider select Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas.

Let me start by saying the Raiders would be crazy to pick at this spot. They have several needs most notably at WR and OL. However, with a deep class of WRs and the lack of a sure fire number 1 WR (a la Calvin Johnson). It isn't worth picking one here. As for OL this is a relatively deep class with a large drop off after Jake Long. If Dallas has as much interest in McFadden as Jerry Jones lets on I think the Raiders would be crazy to not trade this pick for one of Dallas' first picks (remember Dallas has two) and some additional picks this year. It would be likely that by moving to one of the Dallas Picks the Raiders could get a WR or OL and pay significantly less money for him.

All that said, if the Raiders do pick at #4 I think it comes down to two players. Glen Dorsey or McFadden. McFadden may very well be the best player available in the draft, and the Raiders did resign Justin Fargas this off season and have a slew of veterans to back him up. However, given the success of Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor in Minnesota I think the blueprint is laid out for having two strong RB. As for Dorsey, his medical issues have him sliding down draft boards. On top of that, the Raiders just spent a lot of money on DT Tommy (hands up and give me all your money) Kelly. Spending the kind of money it would take to sign the #4 pick on another DT seems unlikely.

In the end I an taking McFadden because he is the best available player and it gives the Raiders leverage if they don't get a trade done at their pick to revisit it when Dallas uses both of its picks. Sort of the way the Chargers picked Eli Manning then turned around and traded him to SD. This way the Raiders can change the terms of a deal with Dallas depending on how they rate the players available when Dallas picks.

5. Kansas City Chiefs (Hitchcock)
With the fifth overall selection, the Kansas City Chiefs select Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State.

With Jake Long off the board, the Kansas City Chiefs will reach for the next best thing: Ryan Clady, OT Boise State. They’ll stop and take a look at DT Glen Dorsey, who is probably more deserving of a top five pick, but injury concerns and a more immediate need on the offensive line will rule him out. They’ll also look to trade down, but with the more intriguing trade targets (Matt Ryan and McFadden) gone, there is unlikely to be anyone willing to move up.

Ryan Clady may be a bit of a reach at #5, but he is generally regarded as the second best tackle prospect in the draft and the Chiefs desperately need help on the O-line. Last year, the Chiefs gave up 55 sacks, tied with the 49ers for most in the NFL. They weren’t much better in run blocking, ranking second to last in adjusted line yards (3.61 according to FootballOutsiders.com). The Chiefs are committed to starting young QB Brodie Croyle next year and will need to find the right players to protect him.

Ryan Clady is 6’6 and 317 lbs. Last year, he started all 13 games at left tackle for Boise State. He missed the combine due a strained pectoral muscle, but had his Pro Day yesterday (Monday, March 3) where he was reported to have displayed tremendous athleticism. The Chiefs, in particular, were quoted as saying that his workout was indeed "impressive." The Pro Day was highly attended, with at least 30 teams sending representatives. Clady is only a junior and his stock continues to rise. He believes, and many agree, that he is the top tackle prospect in the draft as he is a more pure, prototypical left tackle than Jake Long. It is possible, but unlikely, that the Chiefs will pass on Clady, as he fits their biggest need and will likely be selected in the top 15 regardless.

6. New York Jets (cheno)
With the sixth overall selection, the New York Jets select Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida.

Many here have been liking a running back at this spot, such as Illinois' Rashard Mendenhall. However, I'm personally a fan of the platoon the Jets have going with the young Leon Washington, who averaged five yards a carry last season, and Thomas Jones, who has the ability to carry the load as a starter. The free agent signings of Alan Faneca and Damien Woody has helped out the offensive line immensely, while trading for pro bowl nose tackle Kris Jenkins helps out there.

So I feel that the hole the Jets need to fill the most is at the cornerback position. They only have four on the roster at the moment, and the quality isn't really there. They did sign Andre Woolfolk, but he didn't play last year due to injuries, so it's unwise to rely too heavily on his contributions. Jenkins had a 4.38 second dash, and has gathered a reputation for being a great athlete that is a lockdown in coverage.

With such an active offseason for the Jets, Jenkins will bring them one step closer to building a complete defense.

7. New England Patriots (jfainsf49)
With the seventh overall selection, the New England Patriots select Keith Rivers, LB, Southern California.

The Patriots offense really only has to replace Donte Stallworth, other than that they are good to go.

Their defense isn't too shabby either. But I do think they focus on defense with their first round pick. That is if they don't trade out of the pick, which wouldn't surprise me one bit.

I think they focus on defense because of one word. That word is OLD. Well, at least their linebackers are old. Not sure if Seau is coming back or not? And Brucshi, well, isn't that the guy that had a heart attack not too long ago? Nevertheless, the lb corp needs an upgrade and that is why they will choose Keith Rivers with the 7th pick.

8. Baltimore Ravens (noava22)
With the eighth overall selection, the Baltimore Ravens select Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy State.

This choice was very tough. The Ravens are in a bind, with their top two needs ( QB - Matt Ryan, T - Long, Clady) off the board. Drafting the next two guys would be kind of a reach (Brian Brohm, Louisville or Chris Williams, Vanderbuilt), so the Ravens have to turn to an area of just as immediate - but less obvious - need.

The Ravens defense ranked 31st in the NFL against #2 receivers, strongly suggesting that outside of their primary corner, their secondary needs a lot of help. Leodis McKelvin is the consensus #1 corner, and with him still on the board, its a choice between him and Dominique Cromartie-Rogers. Drafting Williams here, though, wouldn't be too big of a reach, though.

The thing is, this is a rather pivotal spot - I could see the Ravens definitely trading down from here. With Glenn Dorsey and Sedrick Ellis still on the board, I could see any number of teams wanting to trade up. I could also see them sending this pick to Philadelphia in a package for Donovan McNabb, in which case one of the aforementioned DTs would be plucked off the board by the Eagles.

9. Cincinnati Bengals(Illini49er)
With the ninth overall selection, the Cincinnati Bengals select Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC

The Bengals defense was horrible last year. Their defensive line is in need of help. Losing Justin Smith hurt, but the addition of DE Antwan Odom offsets it somewhat. If Odom wasn't signed, the pick could have been Vernon Gholston or Derrick Harvey. There are quality DE prospects available in round 2 that the Bengals might still look at.

Defensive tackle is a deperate need for the Bengals. Two failed trades for Shaun Rogers and Dwayne Robertson underscore the need for a DT. Glenn Dorsey is tempting at this pick, but with his injury history, he seems like too much of a risk, especially with Ellis available. Ellis is an active player with a nose for the ball. He has both the strength to holdthe point of attack and bull rush for penetration and the quickness to split a center/guard double team.

The other tempting pick at this point for the Bengals is RB Rashard Mendenhall. (no it's not an Illinois homer pick) With Rudi Johnson, Chris Perry, and Kenny Irons all returning from injuries, there are questions about the running game.

10. New Orleans Saints (Sourdoughsam69)
With the tenth selection, the Saints select Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee State.

I had the Saints picking McKlevins or Rivers but they were both taken. I can't believe Glenn Dorsey has fallen out of the top 10. I was considering picking he due to his crazy potential, but the need of a CB is just to much for the Big Easy. Mike MacKenzie is a fine CB but Randal Gay is not the answer as a number two and later number one. If the Saints want to compete for years to come, they need a shutdown corner like Rodgers-Cromartie.

But why him? Why not Talib who had a monster conclusion to his college football career with 2 INTs versus Vtech, an impressive combine, and overall just great success at Kansas? Well, Rodgers-Cromartie has proved that all his success in college was not due to cupcake WRs. He had a huge senior bowl and dazzled the scouts with a 4.44 40, which was an improvement from the 4.51 he ran at the begining on the year. At 6'2, 185 pounds, he has shown to be the most athletic CB in the draft. Like the other Cromartie in the NFL, he shows shades of Primetime with his elusiveness and explosion, which earn his praise. He plays ball most like Reshean Mantis and will racks up some serious INTs in the NFL. He is a pure cover corner and is excellent at jumping routes and taking away the inside routes. Though he does not have the recover speed of McKlevins, I'd still consider it one of his strengths. He will be best in the red zone with his high vertical leap, 6'2 height, and extreme agility. He will thrive in the saints 4-3/cover 2 hybrid defense, for he is probably the best zone corner in the draft.

His greatest weakness is his mediocre tackling ability. Rodgers-Cromartie is also not the biggest fan of contact and will not sell himself for big hits. He also has a rep for trying to jump routes and sometimes getting burned deep due to it. But hey, Asante Sammuals does that all the time and he would not have gotten that contract if he was a bum. You don't want this guy if you like to press a lot, but he is not half bad at bump and run, which is why I think the Saints are a good fit. And FYI, he has never mist a start due to injury, has good work ethics, and high confidence, but not cocky. Overall, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie is a great pick for the Saints due to his great coverage ability, and blazing speed.

11. Buffalo Bills (GB)
With the eleventh pick, the Buffalo Bills select James Hardy, WR, Indiana This was a tough choice between Hardy and Malcolm Kelly. They both fit the Bills need for a big receiver perfectly, and they are similar prospects. In my latest mock draft I have the Bills picking Kelly. However, I was impressed by Hardy at the combine, and he really moved up my big board. Although both are only average route runners, Hardy has a superior release off the line, and he has good hands, although they are no match for Kelly's. I'm sure Bills fans would be content with either player.

12. Denver Broncos(wjackalope)
With the twelfth pick, the Denver Broncos select Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU.

The Broncos would be elated if Dorsey slid to them all the at #12. Let's face it, a lot of people see Dorsey as one of the top 3 players in this draft, regardless of his injury history. While Chris Long might go #1, unless the Fins do get Matt Ryan, I think Dorsey is still the second DT off the board, probably before Sedrick Ellis, but that's what makes the draft so intriguing isn't it? The Broncos have needs at DT, OL, Safety, and LB, with RB and WR as lower needs. Most mock drafts have Dorsey and Ellis gone at this point and have the Broncos taking someone like Chris Williams or Keith Rivers, or of course Ryan Clady if he's on the board. But not in our draft, in our draft they get the big bad run stuffing quarterback chasing beast Glenn Dorsey, stress fracture and all. Ok so maybe he's not gonna rack up 10 sacks a year but he'll clog the lanes and make the Broncos run defense a lot better, an area where they were very weak last year.

13. Carolina Panthers(jtoj)
With the thirteenth pick, the Carolina Panthers select Kenny Phillips, S, Miami.

Having re-signed Wharton and placed the franchise tag on Gross, the offensive line isn't a glaring need as it once was. Another good option here is QB Brian Brohm, but with Jake Delhomme and Matt Moore still on the roster, it seems as if they will wait until the later rounds to see what pans out. DeShaun Foster and DeAngelo Willliams made a fine one-two punch. Having lost Foster though, the Panthers may want to take a power back like Rashard Mendenhall or Jonathan Stewart. But, like their QB situation, they may be gambling that one of these picks falls to their next second-round pick or just trust DeAngelo Williams with the full-time, full-back starting duties. With Both Ellis and Dorsey taken, I don't see Carolina really reaching here and taking Balmer or Sims to replace the recently-departed Kris Jenkins. Also, with Keith Rivers taken, the Panthers will have another reach pick if they want the next best linebacker, Dan Connor.

Now, on to Phillips. Stealing Chris Harris from the Bears last season, one of the safety spots is firm and occupied by a very good player. However, putting a career backup at the other spot doesn't mean they'll both pan out. This is where Phillips comes in. Losing Mike Minter to ailing knees, the Panthers need a guy to step up and be the next big hitter on the team for years to come. Phillips has the raw skill and huge learning curve to go right in there and compete -- we saw this last year with Landry and Meriwether. Phillips also comes from a long line of great Hurricane safeties, so you know what you're getting.

14. Chicago Bears(braekneck)
With the fourteenth pick, the Chicago Bears select Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon.

The Bears trade pick #13 to the SF 49ers for...

Jeff Ulbrich and with the 13th pick the 49ers select Vernon Gholston.

Well, back to reality. The Cedrick Benson era has finally come to a close as his paltry 3.4 yards per carry just isn't getting it done. Especially when your QB is Rex Grossman. So with the 13th pick the Chicago Bears select Jonathan Stewart (although it would have been cute for the Bears to have selected local boy Rashard Mendenhall but they didn't).

15. Detroit Lions (Fooch)
With the fifteenth pick, the Detroit Lions select Mike Williams, Charles Rogers....just kidding. The Lions select Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas.

In my very brief look at the Lions, the general consensus is that they could really use some help in their secondary. Football Outsiders had them ranked 30th against the pass. Talib brings size and speed that would really benefit the Lions at this point.

16. Arizona Cardinals (Hitchcock)
With the sixteenth pick, the Arizona Cardinals select Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State.

It is very unlikely that Vernon Gholston would drop this far, but if he does, the Arizona Cardinals would snatch him up in a second. An impressive combination of size (6’4, 264 lbs.) and speed, with enough versatility to play OLB in a 3-4 or DE in a 4-3, Gholston promises to be one of the top defensive players in the draft. In 2007, he had an outstanding senior season at Ohio State amassing 14 sacks in 13 games – a school record. Even more impressive was his game against school rival Michigan and top pick nominee Jake Long, where Gholston repeatedly disrupted the offensive gameplan and recorded 3 sacks. I highly recommend you check out the links Braekneck posted in the comments below as they demonstrate excellently the sort of influence Gholston can have on a game.

If Vernon Gholston had not dropped, the Cardinals would likely have drafted RB Rashard Mendenhall (Illinois) to eventually replace aging Edgerrin James. This team has a lot of young talent and, assuming QB Matt Leinart improves enough to handle starting duties, could surprise a lot of teams next year. They’re moving Antrel Rolle to safety so they might also consider CBs Aqib Talib (Kansas) or Antoine Cason (Arizona). I also expect the stock of OTs Jeff Otah (Pittsburgh) and Chris Williams (Vanderbilt) to rise in the coming weeks and would not be surprised to see the Cardinals take another offensive lineman to complement last year’s pick, Levi Brown.

17. Minnesota Vikings (cheno)
With the seventeenth pick, the Minnesota Vikings select Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma.

Quite simply, the Vikings need to do something with their passing game. They have a gift with their running game, but can't take advantage of it with Tavaris Jackson and only one legitimate receiving threat (Sidney Rice). So they need to really improve the quarterback and wide receiver spot. I think this is too high to go for Brian Brohm, so trading down is a real option. That way they might be able to get Brohm and a receiver like Desean Jackson. But if Malcolm Kelly were to really fall down this far, he's too much of a talent to ever pass up.

18. Houston Texans (jfainsf49)
With the 18th overall pick, the Houston Texans select Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois.

Seeing how the Texans have drafted defense with their last two first round picks, I feel they will focus on the other side of the line with their 2008 first round pick. When I take a look at the offense, this is what I see. Matt Schaub might just be the answer at quarterback. He has a go to guy in Andre Johnson. They have proven that they can strike from anywhere on the field if given the chance.

It's really about finding a guy that can backup Ahman Green, and possibly start if Green goes down again with an injury. Green has been in the league for ten years. Now is time they start looking for his possible successor. Besides, the kid's name sounds kind of like Rush-hard. That's good enough for me!

19. Philadelphia Eagles (noava22)
With the 19th pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles select Philip Merling, DE, Clemson.

Andy Reid has a penchant to take lineman with his first pick, and after getting pummeled by the Giants D-Line all season, Reid might be putting an emphasis on pass rush this offseason. After losing "The Freak" to free agency, with a talented guy falling this far in the draft, the Eagles would love nothing more than to snatch him off the board.

This pick also has trade potential, as teams might trade up for Chris Williams.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Illini49er)
With their first round pick, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers select Limas Sweed, WR, Texas.

The Bucs top two receivers are: Joey Galloway, 13 years experience and Ike Hilliard, 11 years experience. They aren't getting any younger. Their 3rd receiver is Michael Clayton, their first round pick from 2004. After a good rookie year, he has disappeared. His averages the last 3 seasons: 29 catches, 343 yards and he has one touchdown TOTAL for the last 3 seasons. DeSean Jackson's speed is tempting at this spot, but at 5-9 169, he is just too small to be a number one receiver in the NFL. Whoever the Bucs take with this pick will most likely be the number one receiver in a couple seasons.

21. Washington Redskins (Sourdoughsam69)
With the 21st pick, the Washington Redskins select Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida.

Editor's Analysis - Coming off an explosive rebirth by Andre Carter, Harvey would give the Redskins another great pass rush threat coming off 31 sacks in the last two season.

22. Dallas Cowboys (from CLE) (GB)
With the 22nd pick, the Dallas Cowboys select Reggie Smith, CB, Oklahoma.

Editor's Note - I suppose Anthony Henry is getting up there in age and Smith could give them a great guy opposite Newman.

23. Pittsburgh Steelers (wjackalope)
With the 23rd pick, the Pittsburgh Steelers select Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt.

There's no question that the Steelers need help on the offensive line. They had some serious trouble there last season and then were hit by the loss of Alan Faneca. It's probably too early in the draft to pick a guard, so they'll go with the best tackle available. It's a little bit of a toss up after Jake Long and Ryan Clady, with most people seeing Chris Williams and Jeff Otah as the 2nd tier at the position. It looks to me like Williams is rated a bit higher on most boards, but truthfully we'll know in about 3 years which one was the better pick. Either way the Steelers look to get a solid OT. Maybe they go with Otah because he's from Pitt, and would be the hometown pick. I'll take Williams, because, um... oh I got it - he was playing in the SEC which to me is a higher level of competition than the Big East, so I trust it a little more.

The Tennessee Titans are on the clock...