NFL Draft: Mock Draft, Picks 1-10

This draft preview is under the assumption that there will be no trades made by teams trying to get into the top 10.  I know that most likely won't happen, but you could write for days on what potential trades could be come draft day.

#1 Overall Pick- Miami Dolphins

Glenn Dorsey-DT-LSU

The Miami Dolphins allowed 188 passing yards per game on defense last year, which is mediocre.  They also allowed 153.5 rushing yards per game, which is horrendous.  When Tony Sparano was brought in by Bill Parcells to coach the Dolphins this offseason, he brought defensive line coach Kacy Rodgers along with him from Dallas.  In four out of five seasons as defensive line coach in Dallas, the Cowboys were in the top five in run defense.  Look for the Dolphins to replace an aged Keith Traylor with Glenn Dorsey at the DT spot for 2008, and look for the Dolphins' run defense to improve mightily in 2008 as well. 

#2 Overall Pick- St. Louis Rams

Jake Long-OT-Michigan

Lack of depth and overall talent on the offensive line has been a weakness of the Rams the last two seasons, and they need to look into addressing that need at some point in this draft.  Quarterback Marc Bulger was sacked 37 times last year on just 378 dropbacks, and was held out of games when he could have played just to keep him from getting killed.  With the depth at offensive tackle in this draft, the Rams could look to go somewhere other than offensive line, but the Rams need a blue chip stud on the line that will play right tackle next season and fill Orlando Pace's left tackle spot down the road. 

#3 Overall Pick- Atlanta Falcons

Matt Ryan-QB-Boston College

In the aftermath in what has been one of the most embarressing offseasons for any franchise, the Falcons are looking to re-invent their football team.  What better way to start than by drafting who is considered by many to be the only franchise quarterback in the draft.  The Falcons need to move past Mike Vick at this point, and be proactive in changing the image and focus of the franchise. 

#4 Overall Pick- Oakland Raiders

Chris Long-DE-Virginia

The Oakland Raiders are going to get very lucky that a player the caliber of Chris Long could fall to them at #4.  If he isn't there, I believe this pick will be Darren McFadden, but I don't think Long will be taken in the top 3.  No doubt, Long is a tremendous talent, and to me is the pass rushing of Patrick Kerney and the force against the run of Kyle Vanden Bosch in one body, but I think he will fall to the Raiders at #4, and even Al Davis can't miss this one.

#5 Overall Pick- Kansas City Chiefs

Sedrick Ellis-DT-USC

The Chiefs have gotten little production at the DT spot for the last few seasons, and could really use an athlete like Sedrick Ellis to compliment the outside pass rush from Jared Allen and Tamba Hali.  They have a young guy from N.C. State that I like in Tank Tyler, and if you put Sedrick Ellis next to him, you could get that production you have been seeking from the defensive tackle position if you're the Chiefs.

#6 Overall Pick- New York Jets

Vernon Gholston-DE/OLB-Ohio State

The Jets have made big moves to improve their offensive and defensive lines this offseason.  On the o-line, Alan Faneca and Damien Woody were brought in to line up next to D-Brickashaw Ferguson, Nick Mangold and Brandon Moore.  That will be a formidable line that will create quite a few running lanes.  On defense, the Jets traded for Kris Jenkins to play the middle of the 3-4 scheme.  If Jenkins can stay healthy, he will be a stabilizing force on the Jets' defensive line.  As for linebacker, New York traded away Jonathan Vilma, who wasn't a good fit in the 3-4 scheme and also brought in Calvin Pace, who will start at outside linebacker.  Eric Barton and last year's rookie standout David Harris will play in the middle, and adding a force off the edge at the other outside linebacker spot like Vernon Gholston will make the Jets a very good defense in '08.

#7 Overall Pick- New England ( from San Francisco )

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie-CB-Tennessee State

If you look at the Patriots' biggest needs, the almost unanimous popular opinion is cornerback and/or linebacker.  The Pats lost Asante Samuel, Randall Gay and Eugene Wilson to free agency, so their biggest need would appear to be in the secondary.  Rodgers-Cromartie is the best corner in this year's draft in my opinion, so the 18-1 New England Patriots will sure up their secondary with the #7 pick in the draft.

#8 Overall Pick- Baltimore Ravens

 Jeff Otah-OT-Pittsburgh

With Jonathan Ogden getting older, the Ravens should look for a replacement early to make sure they lock up a future franchise left tackle.  Being similar in physical stature, the Ravens will select Jeff Otah to play right tackle now, and left tackle in the future.

#9 Overall Pick- Cincinnati Bengals

Phillip Merling-DE-Clemson

The Bengals need help at every defensive position on the field, but most importantly they need a pass rush.  With Vernon Gholston gone, the Bengals select another solid pass rush threat in Clemson's Phillip Merling.

#10 Overall Pick- New Orleans Saints

Kenny Phillips-S-Miami ( Florida )

It seems a little early to draft Phillips here, but the Saints need alot of secondary help.  They brought in Randall Gay earlier in the offseason, who is primarily a nickel corner.  Drafting Phillips gives the Saints a back-end threat that fits the mold of an Ed Reed, Sean Taylor or Brandon Meriweather.  Phillips could be the next athletic, smart safety to come out of Miami and make a big impact in the NFL.