Yep, heres my mock of the top ten. I don't expect too much to change in the closing week barring any trades.
1. Miami Dolphins - Jake Long, OT, Michigan - The two sides are said to be in contract negotiations already. However, this is the only piece of information that has been leaked out of Miami. Therefor, it possibly be a ploy to drive the price down on Chris Long. I think they actually draft Chris Long and trade Jason Taylor on draft day. For now, I'll stay away from the what if game.
2. St. Louis Rams - Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU - Dorsey allows Adam Carriker to move back to end where he is more effective. Even if Jake Long is available I believe this pick will be either Chris Long or Dorsey.
3. Atlanta Falcons - Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College - The Falcons select 3rd, 34th, 37th & 48th. Here, they can draft a franchise qb that can sit half-whole season, depending on Harrington&Redman's play, and address other needs with their 2nd rounders. If Chris Long goes one & Dorsey goes two I think the Falcons pass on Ryan to take Jake Long. JL would help protect their young qb taken in the 2nd & help get a return on their investment Michael 'burner' Turner.
4. Oakland Raiders - Chris Long, DE, Virginia - Money is tied up in Fargas/Jordan, but more importantly the coaching staff think very highly of Michael Bush, who would have gone higher in last years draft if it were not for injury concerns. He seems to be recovered. Chris Long will help an already formidable pass rush and is versitile to contribute in pass coverage.
5. Kansas City Chiefs - Branden Albert, OT/G, Virginia - With Jake off the board, Albert will be their pick and carry the expectations of improving a spotty o-line unit. Albert, was stuck behind D'Brick Ferg who went to the Jets 4th overall. Then, when they were going to move him to tackle, he entered way late, so to avoid growing pains they left him at guard. Scouts rate Albert as the 2nd OT ahead of Ryan Clady at the position.
6. New York Jets - Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas - NYJ attempted to move up from4 to 2 with the Saints to acquire Reggie Bush. They failed so they brought in Thomas Jones. Jones is a solid back but has mileage and isn't capable of the home run threat anymore. McFadden working off of Jones behind one of the best o-lines in the league, will take tremendous pressure off of their young qb Kellen Clemens.
7. New England Patriots - Vernon Gholston, DE/OLB, Ohio State - With Ellis on the board a trade is possible. However, youth is needed and Gholston is a quality talent, when he's not taking plays off. The Patriots organization will have no problem getting effort from VG and he'll be an immediate impact player on the field. Corner is speculated here, but NE's scheme asks a lot from de/olb position more than it does from cb, so Patriots will have no problem plugging in a corner acquired later in the draft.
8. Baltimore Ravens - Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy - Ellis is on the board and offers the top value, but Ngata was drafted in the 1st round and is solid. Ryan Clady could be an option with Ogden in his twilight, but speaking with a lot of Ravens fans and following my divisional foe, they will take the top rated corner here. That is unless Matt Ryan slips this far, but if Ryan is available at 7, another team will trade w/Pats to leap frog Baltimore. There's no way Baltimore ends up with Matt Ryan in this draft. Sorry.
9. Cincinnati Bengals - Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC - The Bengals ranked dead last in the league in sacks with only 22. Chiefs' Jared Allen had 15.5 & Mario Williams of the Texans had 14.5. Ellis is the lock pick of the draft if he's available. If not, OT Ryan Clady will be the pick. Stacy Andrews isn't locked up longterm & Willie Anderson is entering the twilight of his career. In this Carson Palmer Era, protection is always welcomed. Clady will also help improve a running game that fizzled last year.
10. New Orleans Saints - Keith Rivers, OLB, USC - A corner is a possibility here, however Keith Rivers offers the greatest value here and would be an immediate upgrade on NO's linebacking unit.
