First Round 2008 NFL Mock Draft: Picks 15-17

April is just around the corner, which means that the NFL Draft is fast approaching. With players having been closely examined at the Senior Bowl and fast on their way to being poked and prodded at the NFL Combine, I thought there is no better thing to do than see where these players are possibly headed at this point in the drafting process.

Here are my projected picks for teams 15-17:

15. Detroit Lions - Sam Baker (OT), USC - He is 6'5" and 312 pounds, and has great feet. He will be an excellent pass blocker in the NFL because of his long arms and ability to set quickly. He could be a better run blocker, but if he gets stronger, he'll be able to fix that part of his game up in a matter of time. The Detroit Lions certainly need all the help they can get on the offensive line. They had Jon Kitna on his back far too often last season and could use some consistency from one of their tackle positions going forward. With Mike Martz moving on, the offensive line is going to be learning a whole new system, which will give Baker a chance to work his way into the starting lineup early on in his career. However, with Detroit coaches headed in the direction of a more run-oriented offense, Baker's will have to show he can improve as a run blocker before they will put him on the field.

16. Arizona Cardinals - Chris Williams (OT), Vanderbilt - Don't sleep on what I would like to call the next "Big Cat" Williams. At 6'6", 315 pounds, he certainly has the size, and he is good natural athlete with enough quickness to be a good pass protector on the next level. He is very strong and versatile, so he could play guard in the NFL if need be. The Cardinals need help up and down their line of scrimmage, so a versatile player like Williams would be the perfect fit for a team that hasn't drafted an early lineman since the OG Leonard Davis.

17. Minnesota Vikings - DeSean Jackson (WR), California - There are going to be many teams in the middle of draft who want Jackson's services. The Minnesota Vikings will probably be the team to get him if they get their veteran quarterback before the draft. Jackson has great speed and has been clocked at a 4.33 40-yard dash. We all saw his playmaking ability last season. He is an excellent runner after he gets the ball in his hands, and it doesn't matter if we're talking about a pass reception or fielding a punt, Jackson is about as electrifying as they come.