Friday, April 25, 2008

Todd Lokken NFL Mock Draft from Strategic Fantasy Sports

Even though there will be many changes between now and the beginning of the draft, Todd Lokken, President of Strategic Fantasy Sports takes a look at the top ten picks in this year’s draft.

“Since my first mock draft a couple of weeks ago, Miami went and signed Jake Long, thereby making me look like the fraud,” says Todd Lokken. “I thought no way Bill Parcells makes an offensive lineman the top pick, but I guess you never know”. So, here we are with the draft mock up for this year. Here is a look at the top 10 picks:

1) Miami Dolphins: Jake Long, OT—Michigan. Signed, sealed, delivered. Done.

2) St. Louis Rams: Chris Long, DE—Virginia. “The front office wants Chris Long, the coach wants Glenn Dorsey,” says Lokken. The front office wins.

3) Atlanta Falcons: Glenn Dorsey, DT—LSU. “A few weeks ago this looked like Atlanta might trade out, but with Dorsey there, they will take him,” comments Lokken. Atlanta may have considered trading this pick, but they need Dorsey, and the rumors had Matt Ryan going here. However, they have too much need on defense.

4) Oakland Raiders: Darren McFadden, RB—Arkansas. “While it would be strange for McFadden to fall to number 4, imagine the Raiders with Jamarcus Russell (assuming he gets his act together) and McFadden in the backfield,” says Lokken. The Raiders get the top talent in the draft.

5) Baltimore Ravens (trade with Kansas City): Matt Ryan, QB—Boston College. “Steve McNair retired, and the defense isn’t strong enough anymore win alone. Everyone remembers how even Trent Dilfer, one of the biggest fantasy frauds ever, won a Super Bowl. They need a franchise QB, and Ryan is it,“ says Lokken.

6) New York Jets: Vernon Gholston, DE—Ohio State. Lokken analysis: “The Jets may also try to trade up to get Ryan, as there QB situation is not very good”. They also may try to move up to get McFadden, as they should realize by now what a fraud Thomas Jones is at starting RB. If they can’t trade up, then the Jets will probably take Gholston.

7) New England Patriots: Branden Albert, OT—Virginia. Lokken says, “the Pats don’t need much, but they will be happy to get a young offensive lineman to protect Tom Brady for the next 7 years. Albert fits the bill.”

8) Kansas City Chiefs (trade with Baltimore): Aqib Talib, CB—Kansas. Lokken looks at the Chiefs this way: “The Chiefs need receivers, offensive linemen, and help at the corners. With the Dolphins signing Jake Long, they will be happy to move down”.

9) Cincinnati Bengals: Derrick Harvey, DE—Florida. Lokken analysis: “Cincinnati needs defensive help, especially on the line. Harvey will bring stability to that spot.”

10) New Orleans Saints: Sedrick Ellis, DT—USC. Lokken analysis: “Another team that needs defensive help. The defense let the Saints down in 2007, and to get back to the playoffs, they need to beef up the D. However, one rookie will not make the difference—they do need other players/changes.”

“There is just one day left, and there are two big questions—what will the St. Louis Rams do (as this affects everything else), and where does Matt Ryan wind up”. The expectation is Ryan goes no further than number eight, as there are three teams (New York Jets, Atlanta Falcons, and Baltimore Ravens) who could use a QB. As always, expect many surprises on draft day.

Strategic Fantasy Sports provides fantasy sports analysis and strategy for players of fantasy sports. For more information, contact Todd Lokken at 847.985.8566.

About Todd Lokken:

Todd Lokken publishes articles and reports and provides news, views and information about fantasy sports and at http://www.toddlokken.com or http://toddlokkenblog.blogspot.com/.

This article may be reprinted in full so long as the resource box and the live links are included intact. All rights reserved. Copyright 2008 Strategic Fantasy Sports.