The Phinisher's Draft

Okay, if the welcome isn't worn out yet I'll share my draft. This isn't a mock, because I don't think they'll do it this way, but instead it is the way I'd run the draft.

Will such audacity every cease?

Round 1

1st Overall - Jake Long, OT Michigan

Honestly and sincerely, I love this pick. Ronnie and Ricky have a shot at a big year. John Beck will have a chance to breath a little before every snap and we should be able to score some points.

Additional First Rounder?

I wouldn’t trade JT. I would keep him and let him finish his career with class. A trade to another team and still no Super Bowl will hurt his Hall Of Fame potential.

If it did happen though, say because JT wants out badly, and the first rounder was offered up, then I’d select…

One of these three players, in this order of availability: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB Tennessee St.; Quentin Groves, OLB Auburn; Kenny Phillips, S Miami.

Rodgers-Cromartie will probably be gone too early for any pick we’d get for Taylor so Groves would be the guy. If Groves was gone then I’d upgrade the safety position with the local guy. I’m not sold with how that position will go this year.

Round 2

Pick 32 – Curtis Lofton, ILB Oklahoma

This is my mark it down player. I truly believe Lofton has a Zach Thomas-like career ahead of him. He makes plays and tackles better than anyone in the draft. And he tackles hard too. Torbor is just a stopgap and Crowder is a better “Sam” backer than he is “Mike.”

I do appreciate Little Nicky's belief in drafting Travares Gooden later on. After all he has the best line out of anyone in the 7th Floor Crew.

Pick 57 – Chilo Rachal, OG USC

Like I pointed out yesterday, this character is big, quick and real nasty. The Dolphins offensive line would be embarrassingly good with the additions of Long and Rachal.

Ricky and Ronnie would both love thousand yard seasons.

I think that’d be just fine too.

Round 3

Pick 64 – Tracy Porter, CB Indiana

Or the best available CB. If Rodgers-Cromartie is on board because of a trade involving Taylor, then I’d take either Cliff Avril, DE Purdue or John Carlson, TE Notre Dame. In that order.

Plain and simple: We need a tight end of quality. Not necessarily a pro bowler, but one of quality.

Round 4

Pick 100 – One Of These Three: Frank Okam, DT/NT Texas; Craig Steltz, S LSU; Brad Cottam, TE Tennessee.

In that order.

Okam has a lazy reputation but the Tuna and Company can fire him up. He has more upside than anyone in the draft at this point and can be a true force for years to come. He also could be a complete bust. With Jason Ferguson coming off an injury and Paul Soliai still a raw talent, Okam may be able to plug in and play right away. He has Pro Bowl potential.

I like safeties. Good make for an enjoyable viewing experience. Steltz can run and hit and I personally believe is one of the most underrated players in the draft. Steltz could surprise a lot of scouts.

Fifth Round

I’d draft Cam Cameron here. See if the guy has any juice left in the old slinger.

Can't you hear the cheerleaders yelling, "Cammy! Cammy!"

Sixth Round, etc.

Best Available In This Order: OT, QB, RB, TE, S, DT

What you guys think. Go easy on the Curtis Lofton pick. I’m sensitive about it.

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