Mock Draft #1 - 10

Here is my predictions and analysis for the first 10 picks of the 2008 Draft.Based on needs addressed in free agency and those still remaining, and of course, the most glaring areas of concern for each team.

1. Miami Dolphins – Chris Long, DE, Virginia
If the Dolphins stay at this position there would be only three players I feel as value here: Darren McFadden, Glenn Dorsey, and Chris Long. With Ronnie Brown as your franchise back and needs elsewhere, McFadden is out, and that comes down to the defensive lineman. For the Dolphins, a team that will utilize a 3-4 defensive scheme, Chris Long is perfect. Glenn Dorsey is a beast in the inside, but his transition to a nose in a 3-4 is questionable. Actually, I see Sedrick Ellis as more of a possibility than Dorsey. But, if the Dolphins do stay at #1, which I know they will try to trade out, Long should be the pick. Long was dominant as an end in a 3-4, which is an extremely difficult position to succeed at. 3-4 defensive schemes need three talented men up front to be successful, and Long is certainly a strong start.

2. St. Louis Rams – Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State
First off, my buddy Walter Cherepinsky has been saying for months that the Rams would select Gholston. I was a little hesitant because of the Rams' struggles at offensive line, but with the signing of G Jacob Bell and hopefully a fully healthy Orlando Pace back, the Rams will be able to help a struggling defensive line. Leonard Little is going to be 34, and James Hall was released. Gholston would be an immediate upgrade, and if Jim Haslett does indeed switch the defense to a 3-4, Gholston can play OLB. The depth at offensive tackle, also allows the Rams to pursue one in the second round.

3. Atlanta Falcons – Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
This pick should have Matt Ryan's name all over it, but with the likeliness of Brian Brohm, Joe Flacco, or Andre Woodson sitting atop round two, the Falcons can instead get the big and athletic Dorsey, who many draft experts consider the top prospect in the draft. Atlanta owns three 2nd round picks and could easily move back in the 2nd round to get its quarterback if it so wishes. Dorsey is too good to pass up. The Falcons have signed some free agent DTs this offseason, but far from starting/big name material. As long as Dorsey has fully recovered from his injury, I think this pick makes better sense than drafting Ryan. Ryan is a solid quarterback, but many scouts believe really has yet to differentiate himself from the other quarterbacks in the draft. Dorsey is the top DT in years. OT Jake Long would also make sense, but the talent at the offensive tackle affords the Falcons to find one later in the draft.

4. Oakland Raiders – Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
Defensive tackle may be more of a pressing need and with Sedrick Ellis still available it would make sense, but Al Davis' moves don't always make sense. Plus, Davis gave starting DT Tommy Kelly an outrageous salary already. Davis loves speed and McFadden certainly has it. Even though, they resigned Justin Fargas, Davis is not shy of drafting the BPA. McFadden and JaMarcus Russell would create a nice offensive backfield. When you are picking #4, you are far more than just one player than the playoffs, and Al Davis knows that, so why not invest in a guy that will bring fans to the game and make for an exciting offense.

5. Kansas City Chiefs – Jake Long, OT, Michigan
I don't think the Chiefs would ever think of a situation where both Jake Long and Matt Ryan are available at #5, but that is the case. With Brodie Croyle as the quarterback of the future for now, and the Chiefs desperately needing offensive tackle help and Jake Long available, this pick is a no brainer and a dream pick for the Chiefs.

6. New York Jets – Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy
With Vernon Gholston and Darren McFadden off the board, the Jets instead find a cornerback to go opposite last year's first round pick Darrelle Revis Besides Revis, the Jets really lack depth at the CB position. Justin Miller is better suited as a special teamer than a starting cornerback and is still coming back from a knee injury. The Jets were interested in Asante Samuel (as one everyone else), so they want another cornerback. Sedrick Ellis is another possibility to add depth at NT, but McKelvin would create a nice tandem with Revis.

7. New England Patriots (from SF) – Derrick Harvey, DE/OLB, Florida
Asante Samuel is now filthy rich in Philadelphia and with that cornerback is one of a few positions where the Pats could possibly have a need to fill. However, with the depth at cornerback and the Pats now infamous for not giving big paydays to cornerback, I believe the Pats go with plan B if Vernon Gholston is unavailable and go with Harvey, a very similar player who will take the position vacated by released OLB Roosevelt Colvin. The Pats are usually known for not drafting young LBs, but have shown interested in Harvey whose stock is rising.

8. Baltimore Ravens – Matt Ryan, QB, Boston
The quarterback position is in disarray and with Matt Ryan still on the board (highly possible if the Falcons pass on him) then I think this pick is a no brainer. Coach Harbaugh would immediately have his franchise quarterback, a position the Ravens have lacked. If Ryan is off the board, look for the Ravens to go after a cornerback, such as Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, where its two corners are aging and both coming off injuries.

9. Cincinnati Bengals – Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
Well the Bengals thought they had their big DT with the Shaun Rodgers trade and then the Dewayne Robertson trade however both trades backfired and the Bengals are still looking for that DT. If Ellis drops to #9 the Bengals won't hesitate to take him. Not only does he fill a need, but at #9 his value is way too good to pass up. With the signing of Antwan Odom, DE is no longer a need, and if Ellis is off the board, look for the Bengals to take OLB Keith Rivers.

10. New Orleans Saints – Keith Rivers, OLB, USC
The biggest weakness for the Saints is obviously the cornerback, but the Saints just signed free agent Randall Gay and the top 2 CBs are already off the board. The Saints just traded for Jonathan Vilma and the addition of of Rivers would be a huge upgrade to its linebacking corps. Aqib Talib and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie are tempting, but with the depth at CB, the Saints can get one in the 2nd round. Rivers is the best LB in the draft and after him and Dan Connor there is a drop off.
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