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Rashard Mendenhall
Running Back University of Illinois |
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ANALYSIS: While the Lions' biggest needs are at DT and OT, all of the prospects worth taking at this slot are off the board already, and next-tier players like OT Sam Baker and DT Kentwan Balmer would just be too much of a reach here, even for Matt Millen. DE Derrick Harvey could also get some consideration from Detroit, but the guy Millen won't be able to pass up is Illinois running back Rashard Mendenhall. Nobody with a sane mind can expect Detroit to be content going into the season with Tatum Bell as their starting tailback, and Mendenhall represents a colossal upgrade to their running game to compliment their heavy talent at the receiver position. Mendenhall is considered by some (including draft guru Mike Mayock) to be the most complete back in the draft and an even better prospect than Darren McFadden. While he was only the starting back for the Fighting Illini for one season, he dominated and set school season records of 1,681 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 1,999 all-purpose yards. Mendenhall is a pretty big kid at around 225 pounds and can bowl over a lot of defenders, but he can also be fluid and make defenders miss, and has great vision to see open lanes. With the Lions' selection of Mendenhall, Bears fans can look forward to banging their heads against a wall twice a year. |
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| Pick | Team | Player | Drafter | Analysis |
| 1 | Miami Dolphins | Jake Long | McRipper | Details |
| 2 | St. Louis Rams | Chris Long | Chad | Details |
| 3 | Atlanta Falcons | Glenn Dorsey | mas12 | Details |
| 4 | Oakland Raiders | Vernon Gholston | Doctor Chicago | Details |
| 5 | Kansas City Chiefs | Sedrick Ellis | whitebearsox23 | Details |
| 6 | NY Jets | Darren McFadden | DaNate23 | Details |
| 7 | New England Patriots | Leodis McKelvin | tyger1147 | Details |
| 8 | Baltimore Ravens | Matt Ryan | McRipper | Details |
| 9 | Cinncinati Bengals | Keith Rivers | tomas21 | Details |
| 10 | New Orleans Saints | Mike Jenkins | sirus19x | Details |
| 11 | Buffalo Bills | Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie | Chad | Details |
| 12 | Denver Broncos | Ryan Clady | Arctic Bronco | Details |
| 13 | Carolina Panthers | Jeff Otah | DaNate23 | Details |
| 14 | Chicago Bears | Chris williams | tyger1147 | Details |
| 15 | Detroit Lions | Rashard Mendenhall | Doctor Chicago | Details |
See a list of the mock draft participants
The Arizona Cardinals (gillrowdy) are on the clock...