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Now that the NFL Draft is over, the 2008 Iapprovedthismessage Mock Draft is now up for review. Scroll down to see how accurate our projections ended up being.

The players that we projected are written below each team’s name in bold with the actual selections noted directly above. The other players that we thought each team would be thinking about drafting were listed further down. Iapprovedthismessage’s ideal selections were noted as well.

1. Miami Dolphins

- Actual Selection: Jake Long (OT, Michigan)

Jake Long (OT, Michigan) <— Iapprovedthismessage.com selection

• Chris Long (DE, Virginia)
• Matt Ryan (QB, Boston College)
• Glenn Dorsey (DT, LSU)

Bill Parcells and Miami may not even like being in this position because no player in this year’s draft is really worth top-pick money. However, their best selection here is Jake Long. The Dolphins ranked in the lower-third in both pass protection and run blocking last season and if John Beck is going to be the QB going forward, it would be helpful to have a guy like Long protecting Beck’s blind side. While Chris Long and Matt Ryan are possibilities, O-line is a bigger need right now.

2. St. Louis Rams

- Actual Selection: Chris Long (DE, Virginia)

Chris Long (DE, Virginia)

• Glenn Dorsey (DT, LSU) <— Iapprovedthismessage.com selection
• Jake Long (DE, Virginia)

Basically, this pick is a toss up between Chris Long and Glenn Dorsey and it wouldn’t be surprising if they went one way or the other. St. Louis could use help at any area of their defense and while Chris Long would bring some versatility to their pass rush, Glenn Dorsey would be far more influential in stopping the run. Offensive line is also a pressing need for the Rams, so in the unlikely scenario that the Dolphins wouldn’t select Jake Long, St. Louis would take him off the board in a heartbeat.

3. Atlanta Falcons

- Actual Selection: Matt Ryan (QB, Boston College)

Matt Ryan (QB, Boston College)

• Glenn Dorsey (DT, LSU) <— Iapprovedthismessage.com selection
• Chris Long (DE, Virginia)
• Darren McFadden

Unless Atlanta feels comfortable with either Byron Leftwich, Chris Redman, or Joey Harrington as their quarterback of the future , Ryan seems to be the sensible selection at #3. However, the Falcons ranked 28th last year in defending the run and may select Dorsey if he’s still on the board.

4. Oakland Raiders

- Actual Selection: Darren McFadden (RB, Arkansas)

Darren McFadden (RB, Arkansas)

• Chris Long (DE, Virginia)
• Glenn Dorsey (DT, LSU) <— Iapprovedthismessage.com selection

Justin Fargas ran fairly well behind the Raiders’ improved offensive line last season, but the rest of their crowded backfield is comprised of mediocre-at-best backs. And remember, they picked Michael Bush out of Louisville last season in the first round. While McFadden will bring some much-needed explosiveness to the Raiders’ offense, Oakland has several other needs that they should look to address, most notably their defensive front. However, reports say that Al Davis is infatuated with McFadden so expect him to go at #4.

5. Kansas City Chiefs

- Actual Selection: Glenn Dorsey (DT, LSU)

Glenn Dorsey (DT, LSU) <— Iapprovedthismessage.com selection

• Branden Albert (OT/G, Virginia)
• Matt Ryan (QB, Boston College)
• Sedrick Ellis (DT, USC)

Kansas City’s defensive front actually ranked in the top half of the league last year in pass rush as well as defending the run. And while their biggest need is offensive line, it’s difficult to see them passing up on Dorsey this late in the draft. If Dorsey is off the board at this point, expect them to take Branden Albert. Taking Albert here may be a little premature so trading down wouldn’t be out of the question for the Chiefs.

6. New York Jets

- Actual Selection: Vernon Gholston (DE/OLB, Ohio St.)

Vernon Gholston (DE/OLB, Ohio St.) <— Iapprovedthismessage.com selection

• Darren McFadden (RB, Arkansas)
• Matt Ryan (QB, Boston College)

The Jets were worst in the league last season at defending the run so if McFadden’s off the board, New York will likely select Vernon Gholston. Although #6 may be a little high for Gholston, the Jets like the versatility he would bring to their 3-4 scheme since he could fill in at either outside linebacker or defensive end.

7. New England Patriots

- Actual Selection (#10): Jerod Mayo (LB, USC)

Sedrick Ellis (DT, USC) <— Iapprovedthismessage.com selection

• Vernon Gholston (DE/OLB, Ohio St.)
• Keith Rivers (LB, USC)
• Branden Albert (OT/G, Virginia)
• Leodis McKelvin (CB, Troy)

This is a tough spot for the Patriots here because there aren’t any valuable players of need at this point in the draft. Mostly, the Patriots need an upgrade to their defensive front and at corner, but it’s probably too early to draft McKelvin or Rivers. If Gholston is off the board, look for the Pats to trade down. If they had to take somebody they’d probably take Ellis because he presents the most value at this point in the draft.

8. Baltimore Ravens

- Actual Selection (#19): Joe Flacco (QB, Deleware)

Branden Albert (OT/G, Virginia) <— Iapprovedthismessage.com selection

• Matt Ryan (QB, Boston College)
• Sedrick Ellis (DT, USC)
• Vernon Gholston (DE/OLB, Ohio St.)
• Branden Albert (OT/G, Virginia)
• Leodis McKelvin (CB, Troy)
• Aqib Talib (CB, Kansas)

It’s entirely possible that Matt Ryan could fall this far, and if he does, the Ravens decision will be made easy. If Ryan is off the board, however, Baltimore has a slew of options. The most sensible selection would be OT Branden Albert to provide replacement for Jonathon Ogden when he finally decides to hang it up. Even if Ogden remains in the league for a couple more years, the Ravens have serious issues at offensive line as they ranked 27th in run blocking and 22nd in pass protection. Sedrick Ellis would be a valuable selection here and it wouldn’t be surprising if Baltimore tries to upgrade at corner either.

9. Cincinatti Bengals

- Actual Selection: Keith Rivers (LB, USC)

Keith Rivers (OLB, USC) <— Iapprovedthismessage.com selection

• Sedrick Ellis (DT, USC)
• Derrick Harvey (DE, Florida)
• Ryan Clady (OT, Boise St.)

It’s been reported that Cincinatti really likes Sedrick Ellis and they may even trade up to make sure they get him. If they can’t trade up then they should still look to pick the most valuable defensive player on the board, which is Keith Rivers. OT Ryan Clady is a valuable selection at this point in the draft, but the Bengals protect Carson Palmer extremely well and ranked in the top half of the league in run blocking last season so O-line isn’t really an area of need.

10. New Orleans Saints

- Actual Selection (#7): Sedrick Ellis (DT, USC)

Leodis McKelvin (CB, Troy) <— Iapprovedthismessage.com selection

• Sedrick Ellis (DT, USC)
• Keith Rivers (OLB, USC)
• Mike Jenkins (CB, South Florida)
• Aqib Talib (CB, Kansas)
• Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (CB, Tennessee St.)

The Saints ranked worst in the league last season at defending the pass, so obviously they need a corner or safety early in the draft. However, they, like Cincinatti, might trade up for a chance at Sedrick Ellis. If they end up drafting at #10, it would make sense for them to choose one of the top four corners (McKelvin, Jenkins, Talib, or Rodgers-Cromartie). Some may argue, however, that #10 may be too early to draft any of the top four corners.

11. Buffalo Bills

- Actual Selection: Leodis Mckelvin (CB, Troy)

Devin Thomas (WR, Michigan State)

• Derrick Harvey (DE, Florida) <— Iapprovedthismessage.com selection
• Leodis McKelvin (CB, Troy)
• Mike Jenkins (CB, South Florida)
• Aqib Talib (CB, Kansas)
• Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (CB, Tennessee State)

Bills Wide Receiver Lee Evans went from 82 catches in 2006 to just 55 in ‘07, so the Bills would like to draft a tall, fast receiver to draw some attention away from him. However, the Bills ranked 31st in rushing the passer as well as 25th in run-blocking last season, so there are other needs that they should look to address first. In drafting Thomas, Buffalo is also taking a huge risk on a receiver that, according to some analysts, may have been just a one-year wonder at Michigan State. Nonetheless, Thomas could bring some much-needed explosiveness to the Bills’ passing game.

12. Denver Broncos

- Actual Selection: Ryan Clady (OT, Boise St.)

Ryan Clady (OT, Boise St.)

• Jeff Otah (OT, Pittsburgh)
• Chris Williams (OT, Vanderbilt)
• Rashard Mendenhall (RB, Illinois)
• Jerod Mayo (LB, USC) <— Iapprovedthismessage.com selection

Everyone is talking about how Denver needs an offensive tackle at this selection, but the Broncos ranked in the top half of the league in run blocking as well as pass protection last season, so O-line is not a primary need. It would be wise for them to draft someone on the defensive front since they ranked 27th in the league at defending the run last season. However, after Ellis and Dorsey, there aren’t any Defensive tackles of considerable value at #12. Look for Denver to either trade up, down, or select the best offensive tackle available – whether they really need one this early or not.

13. Carolina Panthers

- Actual Selection: Jonathon Stewart (RB, Oregon)

Derrick Harvey (DE, Florida) <— Iapprovedthismessage.com selection

• Jeff Otah (OT, Pittsburgh)
• Ryan Clady (OT, Boise St.)
• Chris Williams (OT, Vanderbilt)
• Rashard Mendenhall (RB, Illinois)

Now that Deshaun Foster has moved to the 49ers, Carolina is left with just Deangelo Williams and LeBrandon Toefield in its backfield. While Deshaun Foster was terrible last year (55th out of 56 in FO’s DPAR), Deangelo Williams actually ran fairly well. Mendenhall would make some sense at this point in the draft as he would be a fairly decent complement to Williams. However, the Panthers ranked 30th in the league in rushing the passer last season and could use a solid defensive end as a security blanket for newly-signed Tyler Brayton and Julius Peppers, who is in the final year of his contract.

14. Chicago Bears

- Actual Selection: Chris Williams (OT, Vanderbilt)

Chris Williams (OT, Vanderbilt) <— Iapprovedthismessage.com selection

• Jeff Otah (OT, Pittsburgh)
• Ryan Clady (OT, Boise St.)
• Rashard Mendenhall (RB, Illinois)

It’s now evident that Chicago drafted, and traded, the wrong running back. But while Cedric Benson and Adrian Peterson ranked 54th and 50th in running back DPAR respectively last season, it didn’t help that they had to run behind the third worst O-line in the league. As evidenced by their 7-9 record last year, when the Bears have to rely on Rex Grossman to win games, it’s not pretty. As a result, Chicago will either pick Mendenhall or the best available OT at #14. Keep in mind, Seattle just released Shaun Alexander.

15. Detroit Lions

- Actual Selection (#17): Gosder Cherilus (OT, BC)

Rashard Mendenhall (HB, Illinois) <— Iapprovedthismessage.com selection

• Derrick Harvey (DE, Florida)
• Jeff Otah (OT, Pittsburgh)
• Chris Williams (OT, Vanderbilt)
• Ryan Clady (OT, Boise St.)
• Mike Jenkins (CB, South Florida)
• Aqib Talib (CB, Kansas)
• Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (CB, Tennessee St.)

Detroit can go in a number of directions here, but now that Mike Martz is gone, Detroit will be able to run the ball as they please. Look for Detroit to embrace this fact and draft Rashard Mendenhall if he’s still available. However, Detroit ranked 32nd and 26th respectively in run blocking the last two seasons, so unless the Lions grab some O-line talent before the season, don’t expect for Mendenhall to set any rushing records.

16. Arizona Cardinals

- Actual Selection: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (CB, Tennessee St.)

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (CB, Tennessee St.)  <— Iapprovedthismessage.com selection

• Leodis McKelvin (CB, Troy)
• Mike Jenkins (CB, South Florida)
• Aqib Talib (CB, Kansas)
• Kenny Phillips (S, Miami)
• Felix Jones (RB, Arkansas)
• Jonathon Stewart (RB, Oregon)
• Rashard Mendenhall (RB, Illinois)

Arizona ranked below average in defending the run and the pass last season, so they could use all the help they can get on defense. However, they could also use another back to split carries with an aging and, pretty average, Edgerrin James. If Mendenhall is still on the board, it would be likely that he’d go at 16. If not, look for them to draft the best available defensive player since Felix Jones or Jonathon Stewart would be somewhat of a reach at this point.

17. Kansas City Chiefs (Traded from Minnesota 4/23)

- Actual Selection (#15): Branden Albert (OT/G, Virginia)

Phillip Merling (DE, Clemson) <— Iapprovedthismessage.com selection

• Derrick Harvey (DE, Florida
• Mike Jenkins (CB, South Florida)
• Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (CB, Tennessee St.)
• Leodis McKelvin (CB, Troy)
• Aqib Talib (CB, Kansas)

This Minnesota-Kansas City trade complicates things a bit because it’s unclear why Kansas City wanted this pick bad enough to trade 2008 sack-leader Jared Allen for it. Trading to this position specifically would set them up to draft DE Phillip Merling out of Clemson to replace Allen, while using the other picks they’ve received to establish more depth at O-line, corner, and defensive tackle. But if they can somehow get Chris Long at #5, they obviously won’t need Merling. This trade also increases the chance that the Redskins will trade their #21 pick, especially if Devin Thomas is picked early.

 18. Houston Texans

- Actual Selection: Duane Brown (OT, Virginia Tech)

Mike Jenkins (CB, South Florida) <— Iapprovedthismessage.com selection

• Kentwan Balmer (DT, North Carolina)
• Aqib Talib (CB, Kansas)
• Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (CB, Tennessee St.)
• Leodis McKelvin (CB, Troy)

Houston ranked 27th in the league at defending the pass last season, so they would love for one of the top four corners to last this long. But the Texans were also towards the bottom of the league in pass rush as well as defending the run last season so a defensive tackle here wouldn’t hurt either. In the likely scenario that Mckelvin, Talib, Rodgers-Cromartie, or Jenkins are still on the board, look for them to go that direction. If not, they may try to trade down or draft Kentwan Balmer out of UNC.

19. Philadelphia Eagles

- Actual Selection: Traded Out of the First Round

Kenny Phillips (S, Miami) <— Iapprovedthismessage.com selection

• Jerod Mayo (LB, USC)
• Devin Thomas (WR, Michigan St.)

If Michigan State’s Devin Thomas is still on the board at #19, it’s very likely that Philadelphia will take him. The Eagles don’t need any help on either line and their only need on defense is adding a little more depth at linebacker as well as a SS to play alongside Brian Dawkins. If Jerod Mayo’s still on the board, Philadelphia will take him. Safety Kenny Phillips would be a reach at this point in the draft, but Philly may be stuck with him as their only legitimate option.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

- Actual Selection: Aqib Talib (CB, Kansas)

Aqib Talib (CB, Kansas) <— Iapprovedthismessage.com selection

• Devin Thomas (WR, Michigan St.)
• Desean Jackson (WR, California)
• James Hardy (WR, Indiana)
• Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (CB, Tennessee St.)
• Leodis McKelvin (CB, Troy)
• Mike Jenkins (CB, South Florida)

While Joey Galloway is still doing well at 36 years of age, he’s not getting any younger, so the Bucs would be wise to select the best available receiver at this point. They would love for Devin Thomas to last this long, but if he’s off the board, they could go with either Desean Jackson out of California or James Hardy out of Indiana. While Tampa Bay ranked 4th in defending the pass last season, they could still use a little depth at corner, and If one of the top four corners lasts this long, any of them would be of great value at this point in the first round.

21. Washington Redskins

- Actual Selection: Traded out of First Round

Limas Sweed (WR, Michigan State) <— Iapprovedthismessage.com selection

• Devin Thomas (WR, Michigan State) 
• Phillip Merling (DE, Clemson)
• James Hardy (WR, Indiana)
• Limas Sweed (WR, Texas)

Priority one for the Redskins (whether it needs to be or not) is to draft a tall, fast receiver. If Devin Thomas is still on the board at this point, expect the ‘Skins to take him. If not, they have their sights set on Philip Merling to improve their 26th ranked pass rush. As we’ve already pointed out, the Minnesota-Kansas City trade may have ruined Washington’s chances at drafting Merlin at #21 because, unless Chris Long falls to the Chiefs at #5, they’ll probably be looking to replace recently-traded Jared Allen at DE. If Merling and Thomas are off the board at this point, expect the Redskins to try and trade down.

22. Dallas Cowboys

- Actual Selection: Felix Jones (RB, Arkansas)

Felix Jones (RB, Arkansas)

You can put this one in the books. Unless Dallas trades this pick in an attempt to draft Darren McFadden on draft day, they’re going with Felix Jones. After the departure of HB Julius Jones, the Cowboys are looking for someone to compliment Marion Barber. But while Felix is a reach at this point in the draft to begin with, he wouldn’t even be a great compliment to Barber. However, Felix is from Arkansas and it’s been reported that Jerry Jones has his heart set on him, so don’t expect anything surprising at #22.

23. Pittsburgh Steelers

- Actual Selection: Rashard Mendenhall (RB, Illinois)

Jeff Otah (OT, Pittsburgh) <— Iapprovedthismessage.com selection

• Malcolm Kelly (WR, Oklahoma)
• James Hardy (WR, Indiana)
• Desean Jackson (WR, California)
• Kentwan Balmer (DT, North Carolina)
• Gosder Cherilus (OT, Boston College)

Offensive line has to be a top priority for the ‘05 Super Bowl Champs. Not only did they rank 31st in pass protection and 19th in run-blocking, but they lost their best OT, Alan Faneca, to the Jets. While Ben Roethlisberger may be the best in the league at dealing with pressure, Pittsburgh has to draft an Offensive tackle early in this draft. Don’t expect Otah to fall this far but if he’s still on the board, it would make a lot of sense for the Steelers to draft him at #23. In the likely scenario that Otah is gone, look for Pittsburgh to pick either OT Gosder Cherilus or DT Kentwan Balmer.

24. Tennessee Titans

- Actual Selection: Chris Johnson (RB, East Carolina)

Desean Jackson (WR, California) <— Iapprovedthismessage.com selection

• Kentwan Balmer (DT, Boston College)
• Limas Sweed (WR, Texas
• James Hardy (WR, Indiana)
• Malcolm Kelly (WR, Oklahoma)

While Vince Young certainly hasn’t impressed anyone thus far, he hasn’t had a lot of great offensive talent around him. The main complaint on Young is that he doesn’t throw downfield well. However, that may have something to do with the fact that, while the Titans have tall receivers, they don’t have any overly explosive ones. Desean Jackson would help this cause as he may be the most explosive receiver in this year’s draft. Although defensive tackle isn’t really a need for the Titans, Kentwan Balmer is also an option here as he and Albert Haynesworth would combine to be the best tackle duo in the NFL.  

25. Seattle Seahawks

- Actual Selection (#28): Lawrence Jackson (DE, USC)

Dustin Keller (TE, Purdue) <— Iapprovedthismessage.com selection

• Limas Sweed (WR, Texas
• James Hardy (WR, Indiana)
• Malcolm Kelly (WR, Oklahoma)
• Desean Jackson (WR, California)

If you’ve ever seen clips of Dustin Keller, you’d probably be able to confirm that he is definitely first round talent. He has decent size as well as rare breakaway speed for a tight end. Seattle seems to be the best candidate at this point because of their recently failed attempts (Jerramy Stevens) to add a good pass-catching tight end. The Seahawks also have a secondary need for a wide receiver as Bobby Engram, who lead the team in catches last season, is 35 years old. Also, Deion Branch may be still recovering from his ACL tear in Seattle’s playoff loss to Green Bay.

26. Jacksonville Jaguars

- Actual Selection (#8): Derrick Harvey (DE, Florida)

Calais Campbell (DE, Miami)  

• Kentwan Balmer (DT, North Carolina)
• Gosder Cherilus (OT, Boston College) <— Iapprovedthismessage.com selection
• Kenny Phillips (S, Miami)

It’s difficult to find any real immediate needs for the Jags, but they’ll probably look to address their defensive front since they ranked 24th at stopping the run last season. Look for them to either draft the best available defensive lineman or possibly an offensive lineman since they were just average at pass protection and run-blocking last season. Safety Kenny Phillips is an outside shot for the Jags at #26 as well.

27. San Diego Chargers

- Actual Selection: Antoine Cason (CB, Arizona) 

Gosder Cherilus (OT, Boston College) <— Iapprovedthismessage.com selection

• Dan Conner (ILB, Penn St.)
• Jonothan Stewart (RB, Oregon)
• Brandon Flowers (CB, Virginia Tech)

As much success that San Diego has running the ball each year, they actually rank slightly below average at run-blocking, which shows how good LT actually is. Although some mock drafts have Oregon back Jonathon Stewart going here to replace Michael Turner, that would be an awfully high draft pick for a guy who will only average about 4-5 carries per game. Look for them to go with OT Gosder Cherilus at #27 or possibly Penn St. inside-linebacker Dan Conner.

28. Dallas Cowboys

- Actual Selection (#25): Mike Jenkins (CB, South Florida)

James Hardy (WR, Indiana) 

• Limas Sweed (WR, Texas)
• Malcolm Kelly (WR, Oklahoma)
• Desean Jackson (WR, California)
• Brandon Flowers (CB, Virginia Tech) <— Iapprovedthismessage.com selection
• Jonathon Stewart (RB, Oregon)

The Cowboys love their skill players, and it looks like they’ll fill their second first-round pick with another one. Since Pacman Jones hasn’t actually been reinstated yet, it might be wise to take Virgina Tech corner Brandon Flowers here as an insurance policy. But don’t count on that happening. Instead look for Dallas to select the best available receiver at #28.

29. San Francisco 49ers

- Actual Selection: Kentwan Balmer (DT, North Carolina)

Malcolm Kelly (WR, Oklahoma)

• Jerod Mayo (LB, USC)
• Limas Sweed (WR, Texas)
• James Hardy (WR, Indiana)
• Gosder Cherilus (OT, Boston College)
• Mario Manningham (WR, Michigan)
• Sam Baker (OT, USC)  <— Iapprovedthismessage.com selection

Out of all the fan bases that should fear their team’s future the most, it’s the 49ers, since newly-signed Offensive Coordinator Mike Martz may have Alex Smith (49% completion percentage last season) throwing nearly 70% of the time. Although San Francisco was worst in the league last season at pass protection, look for them to go with the best available receiver . If Gosder Cherilus is still on the board, nobody in the 49ers organization should consult with Mike Martz before selecting at #29.

30. Green Bay Packers

- Actual Selection: Traded Out of the First Round

Brandon Flowers (CB, Virginia Tech) <— Iapprovedthismessage.com selection

• Kenny Phillips (S, Miami)

As evidenced by the Packers-Giants NFC Championship Game last season Al Harris and Charles Woodson are no longer top shutdown-corners in the NFL. For this reason, look for Green Bay to address their secondary by selecting either CB Brandon Flowers or S Kenny Phillips with this pick. They could also use help on their offensive line, but there aren’t any of considerable value at #30.

31. New England Patriots

The Patriots forfeit this pick

32. New York Giants

- Actual Selection: Kenny Phillips (S, Miami)

Kenny Phillips (S, Miami) <— Iapprovedthismessage.com selection

• Tyrell Johnson (S, Arkansas St.)
• Dan Conner (ILB, Penn St.)

After losing Gibril Wilson to free agency, it would be expected that the Defending Super Bowl Champs will select a safety with this pick. It also wouldn’t be out of the question to select Linebacker Dan Conner out of Penn St.