Mock draft: Are Dolphins thinking Long and hard at No. 1?
By Vic Carucci | NFL.com
Team Pick Analysis
1. Miami Dolphins
Chris Long, DE, Virginia It wouldn't be a shock to see the Dolphins go with a quarterback because their new decision-makers, led by Bill Parcells, could easily decide they need someone better than John Beck. But is that someone Boston College's Matt Ryan, the presumptive top quarterback in the draft? For now, that's not entirely clear because Ryan didn't throw at the NFL Scouting Combine or play in the Senior Bowl. In the meantime, Long looks to be as safe as any player who could be chosen in this spot. He's one of the most complete and NFL-ready defensive ends to emerge from the college ranks. He had a tremendous performance at the combine. He also has extremely high character.
Team Pick Analysis
2. St. Louis Rams
Jake Long, OT, Michigan After last year's 3-13 finish, the Rams have plenty of holes to fill. If the Dolphins pass on Chris Long, the Rams might very well grab him here. Otherwise, they figure to address their biggest problem area, the offensive line, which lost three starters (including tackle Orlando Pace) to season-ending injuries in 2007. Jake Long could very well be this year's Joe Thomas, who made the Pro Bowl as a rookie. Long had a dominant collegiate career. He has an excellent combination of size, strength, and athleticism, all of which resulted in a highly impressive showing at the combine.
Team Pick Analysis
3. Atlanta Falcons
Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College This pick might be higher than new general manager Thomas Dimitroff wants to use on a quarterback. However, it does allow the organization to hit the reset button on what has been a disaster at the position.
Team Pick Analysis
4. Oakland Raiders
Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU The retirement of Warren Sapp creates a gap in the middle of the Raiders' defense that Dorsey should fill nicely. First, though, the Raiders will need to be satisfied that there are no lingering problems with Dorsey's tibia stress fracture that he said dates back to the summer of his junior season.
Team Pick Analysis
5. Kansas City Chiefs
Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas The Chiefs could go with Ryan, if he's available, but they insist they are happy with incumbent starter Brodie Croyle and expect him to make major strides with new offensive coordinator Chan Gailey. They are desperate for help at cornerback, and Talib has the talent to make an immediate impact.
Team Pick Analysis
6. N.Y. Jets
Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas McFadden is probably the best player in the draft and too good to fall out of the top five. But the needs of clubs currently in those spots should cause him to fall to the Jets, whose offense could use an infusion of McFadden's world-class speed and game-breaking skills.
Team Pick Analysis
7. New England (From S.F.)
Quentin Groves, OLB, Auburn The Patriots' aging linebacking corps is in need of some youth. It isn't easy finding collegiate players to fit their 3-4 scheme because most college teams use a 4-3. Groves, who already made a successful conversion from defensive end to outside linebacker in college, looks to have the versatility and athleticism to be effective rushing the passer and playing coverage.
Team Pick Analysis
8. Baltimore Ravens
Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida With Pro Bowl starters Chris McAlister and Samari Rolle finishing last season on the injured-reserve list and their limited depth at the position, it makes sense for the Ravens to find another good cornerback.
Team Pick Analysis
9. Cincinnati Bengals
Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State The free-agent loss of Justin Smith leaves an opening that Gholston, an exceptionally talented and versatile defensive end, should fill nicely. The Bengals would be thrilled if the man who had 22½ sacks for the Buckeyes the past two seasons was still available at this point.
Team Pick Analysis
10. New Orleans Saints
Keith Rivers, OLB, USC Cornerback is a larger need, and the Saints would have a hard time passing on Talib or Jenkins. But Rivers is an excellent value, providing considerable speed and playmaking their front seven desperately needs.
Team Pick Analysis
11. Buffalo Bills
Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma The Bills need a big, athletic complement to Lee Evans. Although a quadriceps injury prevented the 6-foot-4 Kelly from participating in combine drills, he looks to be the right choice to help bring much-needed improvement for their passing game.
Team Pick Analysis
12. Denver Broncos
DeSean Jackson, WR, California Jackson gives the Broncos a playmaker they desperately need as a receiver and kick returner.
Team Pick Analysis
13. Carolina Panthers
Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State The Panthers would be happy to fill a crying need with one of the better tackles in a draft that has exceptional depth at the position.
Team Pick Analysis
14. Chicago Bears
Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt Williams has the talent the Bears need to significantly help in their efforts to upgrade their offensive line.
Team Pick Analysis
15. Detroit Lions
Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh The Lions would prefer a cornerback, but they'll have a hard time resisting the chance to take advantage of the exceptional depth at offensive tackle, another need area. Otah's skills are a little raw, but he has excellent size (6-5, 339 pounds) and athletic ability.
Team Pick Analysis
16. Arizona Cardinals
Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois The Cardinals need a big-play running back to consistently provide the balance Ken Wisenhunt wants to incorporate in his offense. Edgerrin James, 29, is getting too old to be that player anymore.
Team Pick Analysis
17. Minnesota Vikings
Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida With Erasmus James still bothered by knee trouble and Kenechi Udeze undergoing treatment for leukemia, the Vikings need an edge rusher who can make an immediate impact.
Team Pick Analysis
18. Houston Texans
Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee State The Texans need a feature running back (and Oregon's Jonathan Stewart will be a strong consideration), but they need a cornerback more. Rodgers-Cromartie's monster performance at the combine has caused his draft stock to soar. It also doesn't hurt that he is a cousin to one of the best corners in the NFL, Antonio Cromartie.
Team Pick Analysis
19. Philadelphia Eagles
Kenny Phillips, S, Miami Phillips' athleticism and ability to be as effective against the run as he is in coverage make him a nice complement to Brian Dawkins.
Team Pick Analysis
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Mario Manningham, WR, Michigan The Buccaneers need playmakers, and Manningham gives them a good one. They also could use some help for their offensive line, but Jon Gruden is likely to go with a receiver first.
Team Pick Analysis
21. Washington Redskins
Calais Campbell, DE, Miami The Redskins want an infusion of youth on their defensive line. Campbell, who is entering the draft as a junior, figures to provide plenty of explosiveness as a pass rusher.
Team Pick Analysis
22. Dallas Cowboys (From Cleveland)
Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy McKelvin's combination of size and skill allows the Cowboys to sufficiently address a pressing need.
Team Pick Analysis
23. Pittsburgh Steelers
Branden Albert, OG, Virginia Not a whole lot to analyze here. Alan Faneca is gone, so the Steelers replace him with another player who fits their big, physical prototype for an offensive lineman.
Team Pick Analysis
24. Tennessee Titans
Limas Sweed, WR, Texas The Titans want to give quarterback Vince Young more weapons, and his former Longhorn teammate would give him a big, athletic target.
Team Pick Analysis
25. Seattle Seahawks
Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon Shaun Alexander's best days are well behind him and Maurice Morris is a better spot player than starter. Stewart has the strength and explosiveness to upgrade the position.
Team Pick Analysis
26. Jacksonville Jaguars
Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson Merling is more of a complete end than his former college teammate, Tampa Bay's Gaines Adams, but he should give the Jaguars' pass rush a much-needed boost.
Team Pick Analysis
27. San Diego Chargers
Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College Cherilus' draft stock has been climbing steadily since his impressive performance at the Senior Bowl. He seems to have what it takes to be a good replacement for Shane Olivea, who was released.
Team Pick Analysis
28. Dallas Cowboys
Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas Jones might not be the Arkansas running back the Cowboys hoped to get, but trading up to land McFadden is too costly, both in terms of draft picks and guaranteed dollars for the more prominent Razorback. The Cowboys won't be disappointed with the other one, though. He should make an immediate impact as a runner and pass-catcher.
Team Pick Analysis
29. San Francisco 49ers (From Indianapolis)
Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State Thomas, who excels in run-after-catch ability, is the sort of playmaker new offensive coordinator Mike Martz needs in his mission to get the most out of his pass-happy scheme.
Team Pick Analysis
30. Green Bay Packers
Fred Davis, TE, USC With Aaron Rodgers taking over the offense now that Brett Favre has retired, he is going to want to throw to a big-play tight end, a role Davis should fill quite nicely.
Team Pick Analysis
31. New York Giants
Dan Connor, OLB, Penn State The Giants would like to move outside linebacker Mathias Kiwanuka back to defensive end, his natural position. Connor would allow them to do so while adding a smart, hard-working, competitive player Tom Coughlin loves on his team.
Team Pick Analysis
1. Miami Dolphins
Chris Long, DE, Virginia It wouldn't be a shock to see the Dolphins go with a quarterback because their new decision-makers, led by Bill Parcells, could easily decide they need someone better than John Beck. But is that someone Boston College's Matt Ryan, the presumptive top quarterback in the draft? For now, that's not entirely clear because Ryan didn't throw at the NFL Scouting Combine or play in the Senior Bowl. In the meantime, Long looks to be as safe as any player who could be chosen in this spot. He's one of the most complete and NFL-ready defensive ends to emerge from the college ranks. He had a tremendous performance at the combine. He also has extremely high character.
Team Pick Analysis
2. St. Louis Rams
Jake Long, OT, Michigan After last year's 3-13 finish, the Rams have plenty of holes to fill. If the Dolphins pass on Chris Long, the Rams might very well grab him here. Otherwise, they figure to address their biggest problem area, the offensive line, which lost three starters (including tackle Orlando Pace) to season-ending injuries in 2007. Jake Long could very well be this year's Joe Thomas, who made the Pro Bowl as a rookie. Long had a dominant collegiate career. He has an excellent combination of size, strength, and athleticism, all of which resulted in a highly impressive showing at the combine.
Team Pick Analysis
3. Atlanta Falcons
Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College This pick might be higher than new general manager Thomas Dimitroff wants to use on a quarterback. However, it does allow the organization to hit the reset button on what has been a disaster at the position.
Team Pick Analysis
4. Oakland Raiders
Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU The retirement of Warren Sapp creates a gap in the middle of the Raiders' defense that Dorsey should fill nicely. First, though, the Raiders will need to be satisfied that there are no lingering problems with Dorsey's tibia stress fracture that he said dates back to the summer of his junior season.
Team Pick Analysis
5. Kansas City Chiefs
Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas The Chiefs could go with Ryan, if he's available, but they insist they are happy with incumbent starter Brodie Croyle and expect him to make major strides with new offensive coordinator Chan Gailey. They are desperate for help at cornerback, and Talib has the talent to make an immediate impact.
Team Pick Analysis
6. N.Y. Jets
Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas McFadden is probably the best player in the draft and too good to fall out of the top five. But the needs of clubs currently in those spots should cause him to fall to the Jets, whose offense could use an infusion of McFadden's world-class speed and game-breaking skills.
Team Pick Analysis
7. New England (From S.F.)
Quentin Groves, OLB, Auburn The Patriots' aging linebacking corps is in need of some youth. It isn't easy finding collegiate players to fit their 3-4 scheme because most college teams use a 4-3. Groves, who already made a successful conversion from defensive end to outside linebacker in college, looks to have the versatility and athleticism to be effective rushing the passer and playing coverage.
Team Pick Analysis
8. Baltimore Ravens
Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida With Pro Bowl starters Chris McAlister and Samari Rolle finishing last season on the injured-reserve list and their limited depth at the position, it makes sense for the Ravens to find another good cornerback.
Team Pick Analysis
9. Cincinnati Bengals
Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State The free-agent loss of Justin Smith leaves an opening that Gholston, an exceptionally talented and versatile defensive end, should fill nicely. The Bengals would be thrilled if the man who had 22½ sacks for the Buckeyes the past two seasons was still available at this point.
Team Pick Analysis
10. New Orleans Saints
Keith Rivers, OLB, USC Cornerback is a larger need, and the Saints would have a hard time passing on Talib or Jenkins. But Rivers is an excellent value, providing considerable speed and playmaking their front seven desperately needs.
Team Pick Analysis
11. Buffalo Bills
Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma The Bills need a big, athletic complement to Lee Evans. Although a quadriceps injury prevented the 6-foot-4 Kelly from participating in combine drills, he looks to be the right choice to help bring much-needed improvement for their passing game.
Team Pick Analysis
12. Denver Broncos
DeSean Jackson, WR, California Jackson gives the Broncos a playmaker they desperately need as a receiver and kick returner.
Team Pick Analysis
13. Carolina Panthers
Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State The Panthers would be happy to fill a crying need with one of the better tackles in a draft that has exceptional depth at the position.
Team Pick Analysis
14. Chicago Bears
Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt Williams has the talent the Bears need to significantly help in their efforts to upgrade their offensive line.
Team Pick Analysis
15. Detroit Lions
Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh The Lions would prefer a cornerback, but they'll have a hard time resisting the chance to take advantage of the exceptional depth at offensive tackle, another need area. Otah's skills are a little raw, but he has excellent size (6-5, 339 pounds) and athletic ability.
Team Pick Analysis
16. Arizona Cardinals
Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois The Cardinals need a big-play running back to consistently provide the balance Ken Wisenhunt wants to incorporate in his offense. Edgerrin James, 29, is getting too old to be that player anymore.
Team Pick Analysis
17. Minnesota Vikings
Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida With Erasmus James still bothered by knee trouble and Kenechi Udeze undergoing treatment for leukemia, the Vikings need an edge rusher who can make an immediate impact.
Team Pick Analysis
18. Houston Texans
Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee State The Texans need a feature running back (and Oregon's Jonathan Stewart will be a strong consideration), but they need a cornerback more. Rodgers-Cromartie's monster performance at the combine has caused his draft stock to soar. It also doesn't hurt that he is a cousin to one of the best corners in the NFL, Antonio Cromartie.
Team Pick Analysis
19. Philadelphia Eagles
Kenny Phillips, S, Miami Phillips' athleticism and ability to be as effective against the run as he is in coverage make him a nice complement to Brian Dawkins.
Team Pick Analysis
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Mario Manningham, WR, Michigan The Buccaneers need playmakers, and Manningham gives them a good one. They also could use some help for their offensive line, but Jon Gruden is likely to go with a receiver first.
Team Pick Analysis
21. Washington Redskins
Calais Campbell, DE, Miami The Redskins want an infusion of youth on their defensive line. Campbell, who is entering the draft as a junior, figures to provide plenty of explosiveness as a pass rusher.
Team Pick Analysis
22. Dallas Cowboys (From Cleveland)
Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy McKelvin's combination of size and skill allows the Cowboys to sufficiently address a pressing need.
Team Pick Analysis
23. Pittsburgh Steelers
Branden Albert, OG, Virginia Not a whole lot to analyze here. Alan Faneca is gone, so the Steelers replace him with another player who fits their big, physical prototype for an offensive lineman.
Team Pick Analysis
24. Tennessee Titans
Limas Sweed, WR, Texas The Titans want to give quarterback Vince Young more weapons, and his former Longhorn teammate would give him a big, athletic target.
Team Pick Analysis
25. Seattle Seahawks
Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon Shaun Alexander's best days are well behind him and Maurice Morris is a better spot player than starter. Stewart has the strength and explosiveness to upgrade the position.
Team Pick Analysis
26. Jacksonville Jaguars
Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson Merling is more of a complete end than his former college teammate, Tampa Bay's Gaines Adams, but he should give the Jaguars' pass rush a much-needed boost.
Team Pick Analysis
27. San Diego Chargers
Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College Cherilus' draft stock has been climbing steadily since his impressive performance at the Senior Bowl. He seems to have what it takes to be a good replacement for Shane Olivea, who was released.
Team Pick Analysis
28. Dallas Cowboys
Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas Jones might not be the Arkansas running back the Cowboys hoped to get, but trading up to land McFadden is too costly, both in terms of draft picks and guaranteed dollars for the more prominent Razorback. The Cowboys won't be disappointed with the other one, though. He should make an immediate impact as a runner and pass-catcher.
Team Pick Analysis
29. San Francisco 49ers (From Indianapolis)
Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State Thomas, who excels in run-after-catch ability, is the sort of playmaker new offensive coordinator Mike Martz needs in his mission to get the most out of his pass-happy scheme.
Team Pick Analysis
30. Green Bay Packers
Fred Davis, TE, USC With Aaron Rodgers taking over the offense now that Brett Favre has retired, he is going to want to throw to a big-play tight end, a role Davis should fill quite nicely.
Team Pick Analysis
31. New York Giants
Dan Connor, OLB, Penn State The Giants would like to move outside linebacker Mathias Kiwanuka back to defensive end, his natural position. Connor would allow them to do so while adding a smart, hard-working, competitive player Tom Coughlin loves on his team.
