1. Miami Dolphins - Jake Long - OT - Michigan

Bill Parcells puts his first stamp on the Miami Dolphins by selecting perhaps the safest pick in this year's draft class.  Jake Long is an outstanding, consistent talent who only gave up one sack during his entire collegiate career.  He is a better run-blocker than pass-blocker, but plays with great form and a legit mean streak.  Long was brought in to solidify a shaky offensive line, and block for Ronnie Brown, who, before his ACL injury, was having a great season.  Great pick at number one because of the fact he is the least likely recruit to be a bust.

 2. St. Louis Rams - Chris Long - DE - Virginia

I would have thought that the Rams would have selected Glenn Dorsey here, because they had him higher on their board.  However, with the move of Adam Carriker, their first round pick from last year, to defensive tackle, it was common sense to pair him with the relentless motor of Chris Long.  While his value is more of a pass-rusher than a run-stopper, his motor and leadership will help them improve in that category.

3. Atlanta Falcons - Matt Ryan - QB - BC

Although Dorsey was another option here, the Falcons needed a face for their franchise for years to come, especially with the whole Michael Vick tragedy.  The consensus top choice for quarterbacks this year, Ryan provides the Falcons with much needed leadership and a flawless character.  He could either start right away, or take a few weeks behind DJ Shockley or Chris Redmond.  Unfortunately, for Ryan, his chances to succeed as a successful NFL QB were reduced greatly when he landed in a situation like the current one in Atlanta.

4. Oakland Raiders - Darren McFadden - RB - Arkansas

If you know anything about Al Davis, you know that he likes big, explosive athletes.  McFadden is the epitome of explosiveness.  He will be added to an already crowded backfield in Oakland, who recently re-signed Justin Fargas to a new deal.  However, he will provide second year quarterback JaMarcus Russell with a much needed home run threat, which will open up the field for him to succeed as a passer.  The other option here was Vernon Gholston from OSU, but McFadden is the safer pick and better player.

5. KC Chiefs - Glenn Dorsey - DT - LSU

This is the steal of the draft, even at the fifth pick.  Dorsey was atop most analysts' draft boards.  He is a force on defense and plays with great intensity and a great motor.  Perhaps injury concerns made him drop this far, but he has shown that he can play hurt, and play at a very, very high level hurt.  He will replace Jared Allen as the dominant force on the KC defensive line.

6. NY Jets - VernonGholston - DE/OLB - Ohio State

Gholston separated himself from every other prospect at the NFL Scouting Combine with his awesome display of speed, strength, and explosiveness.  However, he disappeared for too many plays in college.  Gholston will definitely be a boom or bust type of prospect at the professional level. 

7. New Orleans Saints – Sedrick Ellis – DT – USC

A draft day trade that everyone predicted helped the Saints fill a gaping hole in their defense with a great talent.  Ellis was graded very close to Dorsey, making him a sure bet to make an impact immediately in the NFL.  Ellis dominated at the college level while playing against the best competition at USC.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars – Derrick Harvey – DE – Florida

We officially have our first huge reach of the draft.  I do not understand why Jacksonville would trade so much for Harveywhen they could have possibly traded for a proven difference-maker like Jason Taylor from Miami.  I guess you cannot blame Jacksonville for going after their guy no matter what the cost.  They paired Harvey with another raw pass rusher in round two when they selected Quinton Groves

9. Cincinnati Bengals – Keith Rivers – LB – USC

Rivers will be the type of consistent linebacker that the Bengals’ defense needed desperately.  His ceiling is not as high as Jerod Mayo is, for example, but he is athletic and plays with great instincts.  Most of all, he is a player with absolutely no character issues, which is necessary for the Bengals at this point.

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