Expect Bears to hold that line
Bears general manager Jerry Angelo always has placed a premium on drafting linemen early -- on both sides of the ball -- and that will be a common theme league-wide this weekend.
Linemen are expected to be selected with more than half of the first 15-20 picks; the first round could see 15 linemen chosen.
Thanks to a massive infusion of juniors, what would have been a weak draft class is now an above-average group. Nearly half of Saturday's first-round picks will be players who left school early.
The Miami Dolphins will make Michigan offensive tackle Jake Long the first overall pick now that they've signed him to a five-year, $57.75 million deal that includes $30 million in guaranteed money.
Long, of course, won't be the only big guy to get big bucks This draft is especially deep and talented at offensive tackle and defensive end. At least five offensive tackles will be first-round picks and up to six defensive ends could be tabbed, although some, like Ohio State's Vernon Gholston, could wind up playing outside linebacker in 3-4 defensive schemes.
Cornerbacks and running backs also will be well represented in the first round, with as many as four of each coming off the board. There is good depth at both positions.
"There's been a lot said about the (offensive) tackle position in particular, the defensive line position, particularly defensive ends, and the corner position," Angelo said. "Those are probably -- along with running backs, at least in the top tier -- where you'll see your special players."
The Kansas City Chiefs and the Dallas Cowboys should be major players in the first round, since they're the only teams with two picks, barring late trades.
The Chiefs need help on both lines after dealing Pro Bowl defensive end Jared Allen to the Minnesota Vikings for the 17th overall pick and two third-rounders. Combined with their own first-rounder, the fifth overall pick, the Chiefs have plenty of opportunities to start a successful rebuilding program.
The Cowboys own the 22nd and 28th overall picks, which they could package in a trade to move into the top half of the first round.
On Wednesday they agreed in principle with the Tennessee Titans to swap a fourth-round pick for cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones, who was suspended by the league last season after a few arrests and off-field incidents. That acquisition may or may not alter the Cowboys' draft strategy.
2008 Mock NFL Draft
Bob LeGere's first-round predictions for Saturday's NFL Draft:
1. Dolphins -- OT Jake Long, Michigan A huge cornerstone on which to rebuild the offense
2. Rams -- DE Chris Long, Virginia The surest thing in an area of extreme need
3. Falcons -- DT Glenn Dorsey, LSU New D-minded coach Mike Smith gets his anchor
4. Raiders -- RB Darren McFadden, Arkansas * Owner Al Davis can't resist tremendous talent
5. Chiefs -- OT Ryan Clady, Boise State * Maybe a reach but OL is a mess; QB Ryan possible
6. Jets -- QB Matt Ryan, Boston College Can't argue with pick but Gholston makes sense, too
7. Patriots -- DE Vernon Gholston, Ohio State * Pass-rush terror could make an instant impact
8. Ravens -- CB Leodis McKelvin, Troy Their CB's are old; added bonus is K return ability
9. Bengals -- DT Sedrick Ellis, USC Helps solve biggest concern with defensive front 7
10. Saints -- LB Keith Rivers, USC Need defensive help in back 7 so CB is possible
11. Bills -- WR Devin Thomas, Michigan State One-year wonder may add much-needed firepower
12. Broncos -- OT Chris Williams, Vandy Resumes role as QB Jay Cutler's blind-side protector
13. Panthers -- DE Derrick Harvey, Florida * Reinforcement for once-great d-line that has eroded
14. Bears -- OT Jeff Otah, Pittsburgh Big, physical and perhaps athletic enough for OLT
15. Lions -- RB Rashard Mendenhall, Illinois * Defense is bigger need but can't pass on value
16. Cardinals -- OL Branden Albert, Virginia * Would love to grab Mendenhall if he falls to them
17. Chiefs -- DE Phillip Merling, Clemson * Replacement for traded sack master Jared Allen
18. Texans -- RB Jonathan Stewart, Oregon * Toe injury could make them opt for OL help instead
19. Eagles -- CB D. Rodgers-Cromartie, Tennessee Would pass on needed WR if he lasts this long
20. Bucs -- WR Limas Sweed, Texas All the tools to upgrade old/unreliable WR corps
21. Redskins -- WR Malcolm Kelly, Oklahoma * Tremendous talent despite mediocre speed
22. Cowboys -- RB Felix Jones, Arkansas* Settle for Razorbacks' No. 2 runner
23. Steelers -- OT Gosder Cherilus, Boston College Desperate need; best available OL left on the board
24. Titans -- DE Lawrence Jackson, USC Stock has been on the rise; could start from Day One
25. Seahawks -- DT Kentwan Balmer, N. Carolina He's the stout force in the middle they need
26. Jaguars -- DE Calais Campbell, Miami * Has the big, physical presence they're seeking
27. Chargers -- LB Jerod Mayo, Tennessee * Can afford to take best athlete available, and he is
28. Cowboys -- CB Mike Jenkins, South Florida Tremendous talent slips due to character concerns
29. 49ers -- WR DeSean Jackson, California * Could be a great thing in a tiny, big-play package
30. Packers -- CB Brandon Flowers * Green Bay corners aren't getting any younger
31. Pats -- forfeited Bill Belichick's Spygate caper cost them this choice
32. Giants -- S Tyrell Johnson, Arkansas State Secondary is definitely not Super Bowl caliber
* Denotes junior in college
At www.dailyherald.com: Archives of Bob LeGere's 8-part NFL draft series with Top 10 rankings by position
Draft coverage
NFL draft: Saturday and Sunday from New York
TV: ESPN with first pick at 2 p.m. and predraft coverage starting at 10 a.m. Saturday. Sunday draft begins at 9 a.m.
Bears' selections
1st RD: 14th 6th RD: 175
2nd RD: 44th 7th RD: 222
3rd RD: 70th 7th RD: 243
3rd RD: 90th 7th RD: 247
4th RD: 110 7th RD: 248
5th RD: 142