1. Miami Dolphins — Glenn Dorsey, Louisiana State (DT)
Now with Parcells in the front office, it could very well mean building from the defensive side of the ball first. Plus with Ronnie Brown and Jesse Chatman already in the backfield, it makes it a lot easier to stay away from taking McFadden. John Beck is deserving of another year at starting quarterback considering the poor supporting cast that surrounded him. Chris Long’s name will be brought up, but it will come down to what Glenn Dorsey does at the combine to determine if he can play in a 3-4. I’m giving him the benefit of the doubt for now, but if it doesn’t look like he’ll be suited for a 3-4 this pick could easy belong to Chris Long.

2. St. Louis Rams — Chris Long, Virginia (DE)
The Rams occasionally use a 3-4 defensive scheme, and Long’s versatility allows him to play as an end in the 4-3 or the 3-4. St. Louis acquired James Hall last year, but it’s obvious they need somebody else on the other side of Leonard Little to generate pass rush. Long in my mind is one of the best pure defensive ends we have seen come out in a while.

*3. Atlanta Falcons — Matt Ryan, Boston College (QB)
Originally this was Andre’ Woodson’s spot, but his performance at the combine set him back along the draft ranks significantly. In my opinion, Ryan does not have the talent of a top three prospect, more along the lines of a top ten prospect, but the Falcons’ need for a quarterback is overwhelming. He has all the tools to make it at the next level, and with Atlanta starting over with a new coach it makes perfect sense to select a quarterback.

*4. Oakland Raiders — Darren McFadden, Arkansas (RB)
Justin Fargas had an outstanding year, but he’s a free agent this season, add that Dominic Rhodes is a free agent after the 2008 season, and LaMont Jordan’s time in Oakland seems limited. A combination of McFadden and JaMarcus Russell in Oakland’s backfield could be the key to success in their future. Definitely would expect this to be Oakland’s pick regardless of what happens during the coin flip tiebreaker.

*5. Kansas City Chiefs — Jake Long, Michigan (OT)
A franchise left tackle is needed for the Chiefs to start having success again in the NFL. Two or three years ago, the Chiefs’ offense was nearly unstoppable due in large part to their offensive line. Croyle might not be the quarterback of the future, but in the second round the Chiefs should have the opportunity to take either Chad Henne, Joe Flacco, or Andre’ Woodson if they choose to do so.

6. New York Jets — Sedrick Ellis, Southern California (DT)
Dewayne Robertson is a free agent, and Sedrick Ellis is a perfect fit in the 3-4 either as an end or as a nose tackle. Ellis is disruptive in the backfield, and he could be a part of a good young defense for the future of the Jets which will contain Kerry Rhodes and Darrelle Rivis. Another possibility here is Vernon Gholston from Ohio State.

7. New England Patriots — Vernon Gholston, Ohio State (DE/OLB)
And the rich get richer. Gholston will be perfect for the Patriots as Vrabal, Seau, and Bruschi near the end of their careers. After Laurinatis decided not to declare, it was widely assumed that the Patriots would reach for a defensive back, now with the Jets picking Ellis they can allow Gholston to fall into their lap.

8. Baltimore Ravens — Brian Brohm, Louisville (QB)
Nobody needs points more than the Ravens do, and Brian Brohm is the right man to put at quarterback when that is considered. Matt Ryan might be the better prospect, but Brohm can light up the scoreboard, and that’s something the Ravens love to hear. The Ravens quarterback situation has been abysmal for quite some time now, and with a new coach coming in this should be one of his first priorities.

9. Cincinnati Bengals — Keith Rivers, Southern California (OLB)
Keith Rivers is something that is going to have an impressive combine, this coming after he impressed everybody following the week of practices at the Senior Bowl. The Bengals have to take the best defensive player on the board, except if it appears to be a cornerback. Madieu Williams is going to become a free agent, so Kenny Phillips is a real possibility here. In addition, with the type of season Rudi Johnson had, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Jonathan Stewart raise his draft stock and be considered for this selection.

10. New Orleans Saints — Mike Jenkins, South Florida (CB)
Everybody saw what happens (via Eagles game late last year) when Mike McKenzie goes down. The Saints have to avoid that happening in the future by acquiring better corners. Jenkins has the ability to be a true shut-down corner in the NFL, a role he flourished in at South Florida. Even after a strong performance by Leodis McKelvin in the Senior Bowl practices, him not playing in the game really allowed Mike Jenkins to place a strong hold on the top corner spot.

11. Buffalo Bills — Leodis McKelvin, Troy (CB)
McKelvin had an impressive Senior Bowl week which really put him on the map. Buffalo hasn’t quite made up for the loss of Nate Clements to San Francisco last season, they ranked 29th in the league in pass defense. While he was from a small school, McKelvin still possesses all the qualities that you look for in an NFL corner. Besides, Troy has produced some recent good defensive players in Osi Umenyiora and DeMarcus Ware.

12. Denver Broncos — Ryan Clady, Boise State (OT)
After Matt Lepsis unexpectedly announced his retirement, it opened up a big whole at left tackle for the Broncos. Clady is the best available offensive tackle at this spot, and he really is a good value for the Broncos here with the twelfth pick. Drafting a running back is a possibility, but the Broncos know who to draft when it comes in terms of running backs, and it doesn’t necessarily have to be in the first round.

13. Carolina Panthers — Kenny Phillips, Miami (S)
Carolina certainly has the ability to upgrade at the safety position with this draft. Adding a safety could significantly upgrade any defense. Phillips comes equipped with athleticism, and adding that to an already potent could be dangerous in 2008. Add the fact that Jake Delhomme will be returning to the team next year and the Panthers could be surprise team in 2008.

14. Chicago Bears — Jeff Otah, Pittsburgh (OT) (Edit-2/17)
Quarterback has been a pressing need for the Bears for quite some time now, but it appears that they should be able to get somebody talented in the second round (or later in the draft for that matter) with their selection. Bolstering their offensive line could be a huge benefit to the Bears for the future, as it will improve their quarterback situation as well as the play of Cedric Benson. Originally had Sam Baker here, but I feel that Otah will prove to be the better prospect.

15. Detroit Lions — Aqib Talib, Kansas (CB)
Detroit is another team in search for a franchise quarterback, but their defense is still horrible, last in the league in the points category. Additionally, and more importantly, the Lions ranked second to last in pass defense. Their main priority at this point should be to add the best defensive back on the board, which is the ball-hawk Aqib Talib here. At this point it’s easier to say when a player lacks athletic ability, but Talib’s can’t go unnoticed (yes, he was playing receiver on that play, goes to show you how polished his ball skills are).

16. Arizona Cardinals — Jonathan Stewart, Oregon (RB)
Edgerrin James’ days as a Cardinal appear to be numbered, and his replacement should be thought of for the near future. Jonathan Stewart could potentially be the best running back to come out of this class, as I think his running style should very well translate into the NFL. Defense and offensive line are also priorities, however with Baker off the board I don’t think the Cardinals will go with a defensive guy over Stewart. It’s easy to be impressed with what Jonathan Stewart brings to the table, and I have to say he’s impressed me.

17. Minnesota Vikings — DeSean Jackson, California (WR)
Adds another wide receiver to complement Sidney Rice in the passing game. Quarterback continues to be a concern, and if there’s an opportunity to move ahead of the Bears at 14 then I feel the Vikings will take full advantage of that. Otherwise, a quarterback with a big arm such as Joe Flacco should be available to them in the second round. Adding Jackson to the offense will provide the Vikings with two very capable weapons to build upon in the future.

18. Houston Texans — Felix Jones, Arkansas (RB)
The Texans rush offense struggled even with the addition of Ahmad Green this past season. Adding Felix Jones gives the Texans a player who can take the ball to the end zone every time he touches the ball. He has lightning quick speed and averaged just about 9 yards per carry this past season at Arkansas, he’s also a threat to score in the return game.

19. Philadelphia Eagles — Calais Campbell, Miami (DE)
Philadelphia will not draft a wide receiver in the first round, especially considering that DeSean Jackson is the only one that fits their need to stretch the field. Instead, the Eagles like investing money in the defensive secondary or defensive line. Jevon Kearse didn’t do enough to save his position on the team this past season, only starting in 8 games. Campbell has an impressive 6′8″ frame which will be intriguing to the Eagles. Don’t be surprised if the Eagles, a team that loves to trade up, tries to move up about ten spots to acquire either Aqib Talib, Mike Jenkins, or Leodis McKelvin.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Ali Highsmith, Louisiana State (OLB)
Ali Highsmith impressed me ever since the National Championship game, including during Senior Bowl practices. Derrick Brooks is going to be 35-years old by the time training camp starts this year, and one can’t help but wonder how much left he has in the tank. With Highsmith’s athleticism and ability to cover the pass, I think he can flourish in a Cover 2 scheme.

21. Washington Redskins — Derrick Harvey, Florida (DE)
In need of another defensive end since last year, Harvey will take some pressure off of Andre Carter–who quietly had an impressive year (10.5 sacks). If you haven’t seen him play yet, just watch a tape of the National Championship game two years ago. Harvey was all over the place, finishing the game with 3 sacks. Wide receiver is an option here, but I can’t see the Redskins shelling out anymore money for a wide receiver in the first round.

22. Dallas Cowboys — Limas Sweed, Texas (WR)
Dallas is in need of young a wide receiver to provide Tony Romo with a target years after the Terrell Owens and Terry Glenn era. Sweed is a local kid that really undermined his draft stock by limiting himself in practice during the Senior Bowl practices because of an injury that nagged him throughout the whole year at Texas. He’s far too talented to be left out of the first round though.

23. Pittsburgh Steelers — Sam Baker, Southern California (OT) (Edit- 2/17)
Baker would be a nice addition here considering it would be easy to upgrade Willie Colon on the right side of the offensive line, and that Alan Faneca might be leaving Pittsburgh during free agency. That being said, it might be in the best interest of Pittsburgh to upgrade their offensive line. Baker would be a nice fit here because he could play guard at the next level. He’s fundamentally polished, and has the quickness to pull out on run plays that is looked upon in a guard.

24. Seattle Seahawks — Rashard Mendenhall, Illinois (RB)
Shaun Alexander has been steadily on the decline recently, dropping his yards per carry from 5.1 per carry in 2005 to a mere 3.5 per carry this past season. Mendenhall has a flimsy hold on the forth running back spot for now. With impressive showings at the combine, guys like Chris Johnson or Jamaal Charles could potentially overtake Mendenhall.

25. Tennessee Titans — James Hardy, Indiana (WR)
James Hardy had the potential to be something special at the next level. I’m intrigued by what he can do on the field, with his height at 6′5″. He has long strides and is going to be one of the players I feel will blossom into a star in the right situation. With his size he could become a big target for Vince Young in the future.

26. Jacksonville Jaguars — Lawrence Jackson, Southern California (DE)
The Jaguars defense lacks a dominate defensive end. Jackson is being overlooked at this stage of the draft process, as his numbers are pretty impressive for his career over at USC. Over 30 sacks for his career, including 10.5 sacks this season.

27. San Diego Chargers — Kentwan Balmer, North Carolina (DT)
Another pick based on the age of the player currently occupying the position of the draftee. Jamal Williams doesn’t seem to have many years left as a nose tackle in the NFL, and Kentwan Balmer could definitely step in and replace him whenever that day comes. He stands at 6′5″, nearly 300 pounds and definitely has the physical make-up to play nose tackle in the league.

28. Dallas Cowboys — Antoine Cason, Arizona (CB)
Dallas with their second pick will go secondary, and few were better over the course of the season than Cason. He’s a terrific corner that should add depth to the Dallas secondary, possibly allowing Anthony Henry to make the transition to safety in time.

29. San Francisco 49ers — Quentin Groves, Auburn (OLB/DE)
Quentin Groves is the perfect player to play the outside linebacker position in a 3-4 defensive scheme. Personally, I feel that Groves will improve his draft stock during the combine and flash his uncanny athleticism to elevate himself into the top twenty. Until he does that however, this seems like a suitable spot for him.

30. Green Bay Packers — Dominique Rogers-Cromartie, Tennessee State (CB)
The age of the corners in Charles Woodson and Al Harris, it makes me think that the Pack will go for secondary help here. Nobody impressed us more during the Senior Bowl than Dominique Rogers-Cromartie from Tennessee State. Right now this might look like a bit high for him, but his play at the cornerback position today was unmatched throughout the game. He displayed terrific ball skills by picking off Joe Flacco, as well as the ability to come up and make a hit. Could be a steal for a team.

31. New England Patroits — N/A

Pick was stripped by the NFL as part punishment for violation of league rules.

32. New York Giants — Dan Connor, Penn State (OLB/ILB)
Selecting Dan Connor in the first round would absolutely complete what an amazing run it has been for the Giants since we’ve entered 2008. It would be truly amazing to make one of the more impressive runs in the NFL in recent memory, with still the ability to grab one of the nations best linebackers from their own backyard in Happy Valley.

First Round | Second Round