Well, the 2008 draft will shortly be upon us and my mock is already 1-1...well it wasn't that hard given that Jake Long signed earlier this week with the Dolphins to be the #1 pick. As usual, names are all over draft boards and late movement will cause controversy in a number of first round places.
Virginia offensive lineman Brandon Albert has been rocketing up draft boards and teams believe he can play guard or tackle. Florida DE Derrick Harvey seems to be making a comeback into the top 15 as well.
This mock combines what I believe will happen and what I believe ought to happen. Certainly if I believe something will happen that I think shouldn't, I will articulate, or at least attempt to do so, as we go.
I'm pumped, and I hope you are too!
1. Miami Dolphins (1-15) Needs: OL, DL, DB, WR, RB
Jake Long OT Michigan
Before Bill Parcells put together the staff here Glenn Dorsey seemed like the favorite, now we have learned Jake Long was the Dolphins #1 priority from day one, with Chris Long a close second. Jake Long becomes the highest paid offensive lineman in the game without ever having played a down (What a world it must be).
Long will likely play left tackle for the Dolphins protecting the blindside of whoever it is calling the plays for the 'Phins, more on that in a minute. Long has everything you could ask for from a franchise tackle from a physical standpoint, but he will have to learn quickly how to deal with speed rushers at the NFL level.
Luckily, the AFC East does not have many top-tier outside rushers and Long will certainly benefit from a lighter schedule.
2. St. Louis Rams (3-13) Needs: OT, LB, DB, WR, QB
Glenn Dorsey DT LSU
The Rams could really shake up the top of this draft. The New Orleans Saints desperately would like to get their hands on either Dorsey or USC's Sedrick Ellis and have been talking with the Rams about doing exactly that. The Falcons would love to be able to pass on Matt Ryan, get Dorsey and then take Brian Brohm (Of whom they are particularly fond).
However, the only way that seems likely is if they can get into this second spot. Regardless of who is picking at #2, Glenn Dorsey will almost certainly be the pick. The Rams need an end more than a tackle, but drafting Dorsey would mean they could move last year's first round pick Adam Carriker to his natural end position.
Whichever team lands the top defensive player in the draft will be getting one of the most disruptive forces in college football in recent memory. That’s assuming he can stay healthy.
3. Atlanta Falcons (4-12) Needs: QB, OL, DT, LB, WR, S
Matt Ryan QB Boston College
Matt Ryan is at least third on the list of players the Falcons would prefer to draft here with J.Long and Dorsey topping the list. If the Falcons could convince the Rams to flip flop picks for a third rounder or something similar, the Falcons could land Dorsey and the Rams could get Long, leaving Carriker to play DT.
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