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It seems like myself and Mel Kiper are about the only Draftniks that have Clemson defensive end Phillip Merling ranked as a first round NFL Draft Prospect. As of 31 January 2008 Kiper has him ranked 11th on his big board and I have him rated as a first round NFL Draft prospect on my Draft Value Board. Since he is a recently declared junior maybe the scouts haven’t had a chance to go back and look at his game film yet.

Regardless of the reason, I predict by the end of the NFL Scouting Combine Merling will be widely regarded as a first round talent. Merling was forecast as a second-round pick by the NFL underclassmen advisory committee. But he (Merling) believes he could move into the first round with a good showing at the NFL Scouting Combine. I agree, Merling has all the tangibles you look for in an NFL prospect, nice size at 6.4 ½ and 276 pounds and very nice athletic ability. Reportedly, he decided to turn pro partly because he has a child, and also because his mother is struggling financially.

Merling was a two way player and a tight end at Fork Union Military Academy (2004) before joining the Clemson Tigers, he had 38 catches for 647 yards and five touchdowns; he added five sacks, 51 tackles, and eight pass breakups as a defensive end. He was the 18th ranked tight end in the nation according to SuperPrep, the 20th ranked tight end by Scout.com and was rated as the 25th best prep player in the nation by Rivals.com.

Merling has been extremely productive on the football field and has the entire repertoire of pass rushing moves. At close to 280 pounds he also has the girth to hold up against the run. The other thing that makes him attractive to the NFL is his size and strength will allow him to play end in either a 34 or a 43 defense. It’s not even out of the question to convert him to outside linebacker. Greg Ellis made the transition for the Dallas Cowboys and both players have almost identical size and abilities, Merling might even be a little quicker than Ellis.

Once he got to Clemson (2005) he quickly adapted to playing defensive end exclusively; he was awarded the 12th Man Award for the defense as a rookie and received second-team freshman All-America honors as a defensive end by Rivals.com. He played 271 snaps, fifth among Clemson freshmen and second among first-year freshmen.

As a sophomore (2006) he played behind eventual first round pick (#4 Tampa Bay Bucs) Gaines Adams, but played in all 13 games. He totaled 46 tackles, third-most among defensive linemen and was ninth on the team in tackles. Clemson's defense was rated in the top-16 nationally among division 1 defenses. Merling had 10 tackles for loss, second-most on the team behind Gaines Adams and finished the season strong with at least four tackles in each of the last six contests. He had 30 of his 46 tackles during the last six games and finished the season with five tackles along with a tackle for loss against Kentucky in the Music City Bowl.

This season (2007) as a junior he elevated his play even further. He led Clemson in tackles for loss with 17 and quarterback sacks with seven. He was instrumental to the Tigers’ top 10 national ranking in scoring and total defense. Merling recorded 78 tackles to rank fourth on the team, first among defensive linemen. He was named ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week three times, more than any other ACC player. It marked the first time since 2001 that a Clemson player was named ACC Player of the Week three times. On 17 November 2007 in a game against Boston College (BC), Merling registered six tackles, including two sacks for 22 yards. He also was credited with three quarterback pressures on the night, and drew two holding calls against the BC offensive line. In 67 defensive snaps, Merling graded at 88 percent as the Clemson defense held the Eagles to just 60 yards rushing. He dominated a quality BC offensive line and is expected to do the same in the NFL.

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Here is a nice looking mock draft from Daryl Breault. Daryl is a Columnist for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and a senior writer for NFL Draft Dog.com

1. Miami Dolphins- Matt Ryan QB

Dolphins need a franchise QB and everything about the team is in a state of flux so why not start over with a fresh QB and put some weapons around him.

2. St. Louis Rams- Glenn Dorsey DT

This will be the Rams only chance to get a game changing DT, they can pick up def. ends and lineman in later rounds. Dorsey is the player who can finally take the pressure off of Leonard Little.

3. Oakland Raiders- Darren McFadden RB

I think this is a case of Al Davis trying to hit the home run. While he would be great in the Silver and Black, the Raiders have so many needs that they might be better served taking Jake Long, Chris Long or a wideout like DeSean Jackson.

4. Atlanta Falcons- Jake Long OT

The Falcons lack talent at multiple positions. They missed out on Ryan, who they desperately need while McFadden would have been another excellent selection for them. New Coach Mike Smith seems like a tough-minded guy, so getting tougher in the trenches may be the way they go.

5. Kansas City Chiefs- Ryan Clady OT

The Chiefs need a major overhaul along the o-line and most likely will target Jake Long hoping he slips to them. If not, they might have to reach for someone like Clady who is currently the second highest rated lineman.

6. New York Jets- Chris Long DE

This scenario couldn’t have gone better for Jets fans. Long is a prototype 3-4 def. end and a playmaker that the Jets lacked last season. Mangini needs to start finding pieces for that defense and Long would be one heck of a way to start.

7. New England Patriots- Dan Connor LB

Connor can play inside and outside and is the versatile, sound linebacker that they prefer. They need an infusion of youth at the position and while it’s said they will go linebacker every year, they could add an impact linebacker this time and I think that pushes them towards taking a LB.

8. Baltimore Ravens- Antoine Cason CB

Due to suspect speed, Cason’s stock is low right now. When he works out and proves everyone wrong, I see him shooting back up draft boards as he is the most experienced corner available this year. QB is the flashy pick for Baltimore, but the Ravens have to look at replacing both Chris McAllister and Samari Rolle.

9. Cincinnati Bengals- Sedrick Ellis DT

Defense is the name of the game for Cincy this spring. They have a long ways to go as a team still and getting a playmaker is of utmost importance for them. Ellis is an immediate starter and a candidate for DROY.

10. New Orleans Saints- Kenny Phillips S

New Orleans nearly jumps for joy at getting a chance to take Phillips. Their pass defense was horrible, but then, so was the rest of their defense. Keith Rivers could be the pick too.

11. Buffalo Bills- Fred Davis TE

Davis is smooth and Buffalo is seriously lacking at this position. This is high for Davis but he fills a need for the Bills. They can pick up a receiver later and use multiple picks on defense where they can unearth gems in later rounds.

12. Denver Broncos- Vernon Gholston DE

After trying for years to solve their d.line issues, they nab a solid Buckeye who could be a real star. Gholston would get every opportunity to dominate and is a real steal at this point.

13. Carolina Panthers- Keith Rivers LB

By passing on him, the Broncos did the Panthers a huge favor in gift-wrapping Rivers for them. Rivers would team with Jon Beason to make a formidable duo at linebacker while the Panthers can fill holes in alter rounds. They don’t really lack at any one position except safety.

14. Chicago Bears- Brian Brohm QB

If the Bears have their choice of QB at this position they should thank the football Gods. They may decide to go with a veteran option but there isn’t much available in that area. Brohm may be able to start rather quickly for them. Don’t be surprise if they get back to their roots and draft defense in an effort to recapture the glory.

15. Detroit Lions- Mike Jenkins CB

The secondary in Detroit is porous at best. Jenkins would have to be the number 1 corner because the Lions don’t have much else. Look for a run on defense now that Mike Martz is gone.

16. Arizona Cardinals- Quentin Groves DE/OLB

The pieces are coming together for the Cardinals but they have a long way to go still. This is a team that always seems so close but just can’t get over the hump. They need a pass rusher and Groves is the best available.

17. Minnesota Vikings- Limas Sweed WR

If Tarvaris Jackson is the man, then he needs more weapons. Sweed could be a number 1 receiver for them right away as he is a chain mover they desperately lack. They can fill out their pass rush needs in later rounds.

18. Houston Texans- Jeff Otah OT

Still trying to fill out their off. Line after all these years is pathetic, its high time they start to add some talent up front. Matt Schaub looks like he might be injury prone so protecting him will be very important going into next season. Adding an explosive playmaker is an option as well.

19. Philadelphia Eagles- DeSean Jackson WR

For a team that missed the play-offs they don’t have many needs. They would be making a huge mistake in going away from McNabb, they need to keep him happy and add some more explosiveness to the offense. Jackson would be perfect in their scheme, he is dangerous after the catch.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Sam Baker OT

Baker would help along an o-line that had its up and downs last year. They need another wideout but that position is deep this class. Adding Baker would move Petitgout over to his more natural right side.

21. Washington Redskins- Derrick Harvey DE/OLB

Washington is really shaking things up what with the retirement of Joe Gibbs. They should have promoted one of their coordinators to keep some stability, but that would make sense and they just wouldn’t be the Redskins if they didn’t try to get it ‘just right’ every spring. Harvey is an overrated pass rusher who could step up next to Andre Carter.

22. Dallas Cowboys- Ray Rice RB

The kid may be small but he is a home run hitter who would be the flash to Marion Barber’s bang. Rice isn’t rated this high but he should be. Dallas can afford to swing for the fences since the have another 1st round pick.

23. Pittsburgh Steelers- Kentwan Balmer DT

It is still unclear if the Steelers will switch to a 4-3 or stay with the 3-4 so picking up Balmer would be a smart pick as he is versatile enough to hold up in both positions. Continuing to draft players like Balmer will give the Steelers the ability to play multiple schemes, a chameleon defense much like New Englands.

24. Tennessee Titans- Malcolm Kelly WR

They need playmakers, steady guys who can catch the ball. Badly.

25. Seattle Seahawks- Jonathon Stewart RB

Stewart isn’t perfect for their scheme, but he would be a nice tandem with Maurice Morris. Shaun Alexander is done and with the way he mailed it in last year, I’d be surprised to see him come back. The Seahawks are few pieces from returning to the big stage.

26. Jacksonville Jaguars- Mario Manningham WR

Stretching the field will be paramount for the Jags to continue their dominance on the ground. Teams have the Jags passing game figured out and David Gerrard can carry them only so far, eventually, he will need someone who can consistently help him out (i.e. catch the damn ball!). Another team that’s very close to playing in a Super Bowl.

27. San Diego Chargers- Aqib Talib CB

San Diego will need playmakers in the secondary to continue to keep pace with the Colts and New England. Cromartie and Jammer are a great pair, but you need three corners and two top safeties to properly attack the Colts and Pats.

28. Dallas Cowboys- Reggie Smith CB/S

A versatile piece for their secondary. Ken Hamlin is not a great fit at free safety and Smith could replace him or move outside and replace Anthony Henry. Hitting on their two picks could put the Boys over the top.

29. San Francisco 49ers- Early Doucet WR

The 49ers shot their wad last year to no avail and they’re paying for it this year with picking at the bottom of the round despite finishing 5-11. They spent a boatload of money and have major holes left to fill. Doucet is only a start.

30. Green Bay Packers- Carl Nicks OT

Green Bay could use some size and power along their o-line. Nicks could be afford time to get comfortable before taking over at either left or right tackle. He is a prospect on the rise and a team picking late, a la Packers, could be greatly rewarded.

31. New York Giants- Leodis McKelvin CB

The NFL has turned into a passing league and the market for corners will be bullish. McKelvin could be a solid nickel corner to start while providing an upgrade at returner.

Updated 14 January 2008


The underclassmen that have declared for the 2008 NFL Draft.



RB Darren McFadden, 6' 1" 218, Arkansas
OT Ryan Clady, 6-5, 320, Boise State
DE Vernon Gholston, 6' 3" 268, Ohio State
WR Mario Manningham, 6' 0" 189, Michigan
WR DeSean Jackson, 5' 11" 170, California
TE Martellus Bennett, 6-6, 255, Texas A&M
RB Jonathan Stewart, 5' 10" 220, Oregon
CB Reggie Smith 6' 1" 202, Oklahoma
CB Aqib Talib, 6-1, 205, Kansas
RB Jamaal Charles, 6-0, 200, Texas
RB Kevin Smith, 6-1, 212, Central Florida
OLB Derrick Harvey, 6-5, 250, Florida
S Kenny Phillips , 6-1, 205, Miami
LB Curtis Lofton, 6' 0" 238, Oklahoma
LB Erin Henderson, 6-3, 238, Maryland
RB Felix Jones, 5' 11" 202, Arkansas
RB Rashard Mendenhal, 5' 11" 224, Illinois
WR Malcolm Kelly, 6' 4" 218, Oklahoma
RB Steve Slaton, 5' 9" 202, West Virginia
DE Calais Campbell, 6-6, 280, Miami
WR James Hardy, 6-6, 220, Indiana
LB Geno Hayes, 6' 1" 218, Florida State
CB Brandon Flowers, 5-9, 180, Virginia Tech
RB Ray Rice, 5' 8" 200, Rutgers
DT Pat Sims, 6' 3" 305, Auburn
DE Phillip Merling, 6' 4" 272, Clemson
WR Devin Thomas, 6-1, 215, Michigan State
OG Chilo Rachal, 6' 4" 308, USC
WR Earl Bennett,6' 0" 208, Vanderbilt
CB Justin King, 5' 10" 188, Penn State
WR Adrian Arrington, 6' 2" 190, Michigan
CB Jake Ikegwuono, 6-0, 200, Wisconsin
OT Anthony Collins, 6-5, 310, Kansas
WR Davonne Bess, 5-10, 195, Hawaii
WR Darius Reynaud, West Virginia
OG Branden Albert, 6-6, 336, Virginia
WR Mario Urruttia, 6-6, 220, Louisville
TE Jermichael Finley, 6-5, 240, Texas
TE Cornelius Ingram , 6-4, 235, Florida
DE Jonathan Dingle, 6-3, 275, West Virginia
WR Ryan Grice-Mullins, 5' 10" 178, Hawaii
OT Franklin Dunbar, 6-5, 345, Middle Tennessee State
S DaJuan Morgan,6' 0" 202, North Carolina State
QB/WR Xavier Lee, 6' 4" 238, Florida State
WR Taj Smith, 6-0, 190, Syracuse
WR James Banks, 6-2, 205, Carson-Newman
CB Orlando Scandrick, 5' 10" 192, Boise State
DT Letroy Guion, 6' 4" 296, FSU
LB Lamar Myles, 6' 0" 220, Louisville

Bill Parcells shakes up the 2008 NFL Draft in a trade with his old friend Jerry Jones. Of course this trade is only a fantasy that I have laid out in the 2 January 2008 update to my 2008 NFL Mock Draft.

The trade does make a lot of sense to both teams though and Jerry Jones is known as a wheeler and dealer in the NFL Draft. The Dolphins desperately need more quality players and the Cowboys will be thin at running back after Julius Jones leaves via free agency. Jones has not been impressive and Marion Barber is more of a power back with marginal speed. So the question is what will it take to get the first overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft? Probably both first rounders and a 3rd either this year or next and maybe even a 4th or 5th draft pick thrown in somewhere to boot. I doubt Jerry Jones will want to give up any players, but if he did, a player like Special teams standout Keith Davis might be good trade bait.

So back to the updated Mock Draft. This NFL Draft order is getting close to being set so it's getting easier and easier to come up with an accurate mock draft, if there was such a thing. I took the liberty to include some of the top juniors that might enter the draft early. I included Darren McFadden, Malcolm Jenkins, Derrick Harvey, Vernon Gholston, Mario Manningham, James Laurinaitis, Ryan Clady, Kenny Phillips, Rey Maualuga and Reggie Smith. I left off Calais Campbell from Miami, I think he had a down year and might be well advised to return for his senior year.

Illiniois RB Rashard Mendenhall is another talented junior that I left off. He had an excellent performance in the Rose Bowl in a losing cause. The Illini got crushed by USC 49-17, but Mendenhall rushed 17 times for 155 yards and 1 touchdown. He had a 9.1 yards per carry average in the game. I think Mendenhall would be advised to stay in school for his senior year, he has nice size at 5' 11" 224 pounds, but if he comes out this year he will be competing against a deep group of running backs. If he waits until next year he could be the second running back selected behind Central Florida's 2008 Heisman Trophy Candidate Kevin Smith.

I also left off two top quarterbacks in Andre Woodson and Colt Brennan. I think the Bears might draft Woodson, if not he could slip into round two. I like Hawaii QB Colt Brennan, but he needed a big game against Georgia in the Sugar Bowl and Georgia destroyed the Rainbows 41-10. I am not blaming the loss entirely on Brennan, because his offensive line was thoroughly manhandled, but he will definitely need to adjust to a much faster game in the NFL than what he is used to playing. Given time to develop though Brennan could be a 2nd or 3rd round steal.

A few players that are working their way into the early rounds due to great post season performances are Purdue tight end Dustin Keller, Houston wide receiver Donnie Avery, Michigan QB Chad Henne, Oregon running back James Stewart, USC tight end Fred Davis, East Carolina RB Chris Johnson, and West Virgina safety and defensive end Eric Wicks and Johnny Dingle, respectively.