Recapping Day One of the 2008 NFL Draft

The temptation is to hand out draft grades right now, or compile a list of the best and worst draft picks, but I'm not going to do that.

Sure, it'd be easy to rip on the St. Louis Rams for making Donnie Avery the top wide receiver selected, but I'm not going to do that. I actually think it was a pretty good pick. He's got game-breaking speed and could make an immediate impact as a kick returner. I don't know if he'll be the next Joshua Cribbs, but anyone who can run a 4.3-40 on a bum hamstring could be dangerous in that department.

The one team I would knock is the Detroit Lions. I don't understand why, if you're targeting an offensive tackle, you pass on Branden Albert by trading down two spots, and then take Gosder Cherilus over Jeff Otah.

I just don't get it, and apparently, neither does Matt Millen.

NFL Draft News and Notes

The New England Patriots hope linebacker Jerod Mayo will be a stalwart on the inside of their 3-4 defense. With their six picks today, the Patriots could target any number of positions.

Buffalo hopes that by adding cornerback Leodis McKelvin in the first round, they'll be more competitive against the New England Patriots.

New York Jets head coach Eric Mangini and general manager Mike Tannenbaum feel that 1st round pick Vernon Gholston can give their pass rush a boost. Jets fans in attendace booed the decision by the Jets to move back into the first round to draft tight end Dustin Keller.

The Miami Dolphins were surprised to see that quarterback Chad Henne was still available with the 57th pick. Dolphins offensive linemen Vernon Carey and Justin Smiley say that it's going to take some for their offensive line to come together.

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall compares himself to LaDainian Tomlinson. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin on his team's first two picks in 2008: "There are two schools of thought to protect a quarterback. You can get linemen, or you can get him weapons."

Tony Grossi of the Cleveland Plain-Dealer breaks down what the Cleveland Browns need and what's left when they start making picks today.

Linebacker Keith Rivers will help upgrade the Cincinnati Bengals defense, but the Bengals ignored their biggest draft need on Saturday. Rivers is excited to be a Bengal.

Delaware quarterback Joe Flacco is the future of the Baltimore Ravens, and Rick Maese writes that what the Ravens do next will determine whether or not Flacco follows in Kyle Boller's failed footsteps.

Indianapolis Colts president Bill Polian says they had targeted center/guard Mike Pollak the whole time. Pollak will compete for the starting right guard job.

Perhaps wanting to demonstrate their eagerness to improve their pass rush, the Jacksonville Jaguars traded up in each round to draft a pass rusher. There's a strong Gator presence on the Jaguars roster.

Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson described himself as "a faster Brian Westbrook". The Titans have plenty of needs and picks today.

The Houston Texans were targeting tackle Duane Brown all along. Texans' offensive line coach Alex Gibbs played a big role in the selection of Brown.

After the San Diego Chargers were unable to trade down, they used their first round pick on cornerback Antoine Cason.

Denver Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan says 1st round pick Ryan Clady "will start at left offensive tackle" from Day One. Is Shanahan going with the safe pick a sign that he's lost his nerve?

Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey has too much upside for the Chiefs to pass on him. Not even in his "wildest dreams" did Chiefs vice president of player personnel Bill Kuharich did he think the Chiefs would be able to get Dorsey and Branden Albert. Despite the picks on Saturday, "Big Sexy" thinks the Chiefs will be making a run at 0-16 in 2008.

The Oakland Raiders told Darren McFadden on Friday that if he were available at the 4th pick, he was their guy. Raiders running back coach Tom Rathman has already helped McFadden with his fumbling problem.

Jean-Jacques Taylor of the Dallas Morning News writes that you don't use a 1st round pick on a complementary player. The Cowboys and Titans expect the NFL to approve the Pacman Jones trade today. By trading up to draft Mike Jenkins, the Cowboys believe they upgraded their cornerback position.

The New York Giants like safety Kenny Phillips size, speed and versatility. New York's second round pick, USC cornerback Terrell Thomas, also has some versatility. New Orleans, Tampa Bay and Seattle showed interested in trading for Jeremy Shockey.

Washington Redskins head coach Jim Zorn "wouldn't have predicted" that the Redskins would draft three pass-catchers with their first three picks. On Saturday, the Redskins didn't address their biggest need.

Carolina offering their 2009 1st round pick in exchange for the 19th pick was too good for the Philadelphia Eagles to turn down. Running back Lorenzo Booker was surprised to learn he'd been traded to the Eagles.

Green Bay Packers general manager Ted Thompson opted to take his chances in the 2nd round. Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson thinks his football speed is faster than his timed speed. The Packers are quick to point out that they drafted quarterback Brian Brohm to back-up Aaron Rodgers.

Minnesota Vikings head coach Brad Childress said that safety Tyrell Johnson was the 17th player overall on their draft board. The new Vikings defensive line got together at the Vikings' draft party last night.

Drew Sharp of the Detroit Free Press writes that it makes no sense for Roy Williams to still be a Detroit Lion. Drafting an offensive lineman makes sense, writes Michael Rosenberg.

Chris Williams could be the Chicago Bears starting left tackle this year. Matt Forte, the Bears' second round pick, could also press for a starting job.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Jon Gruden isn't worried about 1st round pick Aqib Talib's past marijuana use. As for second round wide receiver Dexter Jackson, Gruden said that he's a "quick-strike guy".

The New Orleans Saints had both Glenn Dorsey and Sedrick Ellis rated in their Top 6. Saints second round cornerback Tracy Porter is looking to come in and show why he considered himself a first round pick.

The Carolina Panthers hope running back Jonathan Stewart can be the engine for their ball control offense, writes Charles Chandler. Offensive tackle Jeff Otah will be given a shot to start at right tackle.

Quarterback Matt Ryan is "pumped" to be an Atlanta Falcon. Terence Moore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution writes that the selection of Ryan "was far from brilliant". Tackle Sam Baker had a feeling he would end up in Atlanta.

A determination to bolster its pass rush is what motivated the Seattle Seahawks to take defensive end Lawrence Jackson in the first round. The Seahawks' second round pick, tight end John Carlson, is over the parasite that hampered his workouts in January and February.

The Arizona Cardinals were attracted to cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie's natural play-making ability. For the first time since 2002, the Cardinals used their top two picks on defense.

San Francisco 49ers head coach Mike Nolan is excited about both of the 49ers draft picks on Saturday. "Both will be impact players on our roster. We're confident of that. We got two players of need." Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee gives the 49ers Day One picks a "B" grade.

St. Louis Rams head coach Scott Linehan has already named Chris Long the team's starting right defensive end. After listening to the Rams press conference, Bernie Miklasz isn't sure if the Rams wanted to draft Long or take him to the prom. The Rams hope wide receiver Donnie Avery will help their return game.