My Half-Assed NFL Draft Preview

I assure that this would be the least researched, most opinionated, biggest waste of time YCS readers have spent on the NFL Draft. I will wisely be eschewing the temptation of doing a Mock Draft that I would have maybe 5 guys correctly slotted, and instead put myself in the mind of Jerry Angelo to help project the first day (where I can somewhat safely say I may have half a clue of what I'm talking about, at least the same as Jerry).

Pick 14:
Heart: Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois

Head:
A: Trade Down, to accumulate picks (Bears really need early round prospects at RB, WR, and OT). In a trade down, I really USC OT Sam Baker, Indiana WR James Hardy or Louisville QB Brian Brohm in the 20's. Should he slip because of his toe injury, Oregon RB Jonathan Stewart would be a strong pick there also.

B: Stay at 14 and take one of the following players: OT Ryan Clady, Boise State; OT/OG Branden Albert, Virginia; OT Chris Williams, Vanderbilt

Absolutely Avoid: No one I totally hate, but very iffy about Pittsburgh OT Jeff Otah. Really, any position other than OT or RB would be a giant mistake (along with Mendenhall, I really like Stewart and wouldn't mind taking him at 14 if his health checks out).

Pick #46:
Heart: After taking Mendenhall, the Bears take the best offensive tackle on the board. I would love Sam Baker, who will probably be off the board. I am also intrigued by Kansas OT Anthony Collins, although he may be taken already also.

Head: After villing the void at OT, go after Rutgers RB Ray Rice or Tulane RB Matt Forte. Should he slip, Brohm would be a great value here. He has had health concerns, but I really like the upside of LSU WR Early Doucet and would roll the dice because of his potential (Who may develop into the best WR in this draft.

Absolutely Avoid: Michigan WR Mario Manningham (Literally a poor man's version of David Terrell, because we will likely not stiff being a first round pick). To continue to the Michigan trend, I do not like QB Chad Henne either and really do not understand how his draft stock has vaulted in the recent moments. Oklahoma WR Malcolm Kelly has way too many concerns for me to take this high also (slow, ran a 4.7 40, bad knees, questionable attitude).

For a slightly more professional and objective preview of the draft, check out my column at the Sports Bubbler (cheap plug):
2008 NFL Draft Preview

I know my feelings about Matt Ryan would be shared by our resident football expert, so I feel good about that.