If you're like me, you cannot resist all of the television and Internet coverage and so-called experts trying to convince everyone (and themselves) that they are the ones who know how the NFL Draft will shake out. And after posting my mock draft on April 5th, I still like to believe that I too can determine team needs and most likely direction they'll take this weekend.
So far, those of us who nailed Jake Long at number one to Miami are a big ol' one for one. But you cannot but help but listen to the scuttlebutt and noise that filters through as teams jockey for position, even if they have no chance of moving. It is said that every team would like to trade down and that each and every front office in the league lie their behinds off this time of year.
So I thought I would give the mock another go. Some picks may change and although I cannot forecast many trades, they are certainly possible. Reading MVN's NFL Source and Draft sections, I can't help but agree and disagree with some of the viewpoints as I am sure there are those who would think I am full of it as well, but I want to change things up from my previous post. The synopsis after each selection will be shorter as we run the hurry-up mock.
1. Miami - Jake Long, OT, Michigan
Chalk one up.
Previous Prediction: same
2. St. Louis - Chris Long, DE, Virginia
I'm thinking that Atlanta may fall victim to the Rams and a little mind game with all they're talk about taking Dorsey. The Rams allowed Adam Carriker to get up to 315 pounds to better withstand the trenches and Clifton Ryan was a fifth round surprise and defensive end is the need there.
Previous Prediction: same
3. Atlanta - Glen Dorsey, DT, LSU
The defensive minded new head coach needs a building block in the middle and the losses from last season remain.
Previous Prediction: same
4. Oakland - Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
LaMont Jordan, Justin Fargas, and Michael Bush would suggest the Raiders look elsewhere. But none are the home run hitter, all have injury issues, and the vision of McFadden and Russell in the backfield has to be to good pass up, not to mention Al Davis' need for speed. Coach Lane Kiffin is talking in the papers about trading down, but since 1996 the Raiders have only traded up.
Previous Prediction: same
5. Kansas City - Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State
The trade of Pro-Bowl defensive end Jared Allen to Minnesota opens up this pick of Gholston and the team would have to believe that Gunther Cunningham can still develop Tank Tyler and Turk McBride. With Minnesota's first rounder (17th), they can address the offensive lineman need.
Previous Prediction: Ryan Clady, OT
6. New York Jets - Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
The recent trade of Dewayne Robertson to Denver opens up a need for an elite defensive tackle although the same question may be posed here; is Ellis a 3-4 nose? This could be a little high for Ellis and a trade down is possible.
Previous Prediction: Vernon Gholston, DE
7. New England - Keith Rivers, LB, USC
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