Top 9

[DDOGG]

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.

Previous mock pick: Chris Long

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.

Previous mock pick: Jake Long

Team Pick Analysis

3. Atlanta Falcons

Glenn Dorsey

DT, LSU The Falcons need a quarterback, but this seems far too high to select anyone at the position in this draft. Dorsey's dominance should go a long way in allowing Mike Smith's defense-first mentality take hold. First, though, the Falcons 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.

Previous mock pick: Matt Ryan

Team Pick Analysis

4. Oakland Raiders

Darren McFadden

RB, Arkansas McFadden is probably the best player in the draft. Although the Raiders would have to take a long look at Dorsey if he were still available, they would have a hard time resisting an infusion of McFadden's world-class speed and game-breaking skills.

Previous mock pick: Glenn Dorsey

Team Pick Analysis

5. Kansas City Chiefs

Ryan Clady

OT, Boise State The Chiefs could easily go with Matt 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 on the offensive line and at cornerback.

Previous mock pick: Aqib Talib

Team Pick Analysis

6. New York Jets

Vernon Gholston

DE, Ohio State Eric Mangini is desperate to put some teeth into his pass rush. Gholston, an exceptionally talented and versatile defensive end who had 22 ½ sacks for the Buckeyes the past two seasons, should fill nicely into the Jets' front.

Previous mock pick: Darren McFadden

Team Pick Analysis

7. New England Patriots (From San Francisco)

Leodis McKelvin

CB, Troy After losing Asante Samuel and Randall Gay, the Patriots have little choice but to rebuild themselves at cornerback.

Previous mock pick: Quentin Groves

Team Pick Analysis

8. Baltimore Ravens

Matt Ryan

QB, Boston College This could be a reach, although the Ravens do need to a quarterback to lead them in the post-Brian Billick era. Cornerback also is a distinct possibility here.

Previous mock pick: Mike Jenkins

Team Pick Analysis

9. Cincinnati Bengals

Sedrick Ellis

DT, USC Ellis adds a big, strong, athletic force that the middle of the Bengals' defense needs.

Previous mock pick: Vernon Gholston

[Bengals44]

I am seeing Ellis going to the Bengals more and more in mock drafts, I still do not feel that he will be there at 9, but will be elated if he is (provided we pick him that is)...

[bryce40]

I am seeing Ellis going to the Bengals more and more in mock drafts, I still do not feel that he will be there at 9, but will be elated if he is (provided we pick him that is)...

Knowing the Bengals; they'll pick a QB at 9.

[HoosierCat]

Just to give credit where it's due, this is from Carucci's second mock on nfl.com.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d8...mp;confirm=true

His 1st one was such a joke I find it hard to take his analysis seriously.

[agreen_112]

If Sedrick Ellis is there at #9 we'll take him for sure... I'd like to get the Best LB available, but I don't think there is a Patrick Willis type this year. #9 is a tough spot... I don't look for us to have another pick in the top 10 for several more years, so we need to make this pick one of the smartest picks since we selected Carson... I say if McFadden is there, you have grab 'em and let Zimmer work his magic.

[bryce40]

If Sedrick Ellis is there at #9 we'll take him for sure... I'd like to get the Best LB available, but I don't think there is a Patrick Willis type this year. #9 is a tough spot... I don't look for us to have another pick in the top 10 for several more years, so we need to make this pick one of the smartest picks since we selected Carson... I say if McFadden is there, you have grab 'em and let Zimmer work his magic.

Only if you can trade McFadden for alot. He will NOT be the player in the pros, that he was in college.

[PhunkE1]

If Sedrick Ellis is there at #9 we'll take him for sure... I'd like to get the Best LB available, but I don't think there is a Patrick Willis type this year. #9 is a tough spot... I don't look for us to have another pick in the top 10 for several more years, so we need to make this pick one of the smartest picks since we selected Carson... I say if McFadden is there, you have grab 'em and let Zimmer work his magic.

Only if you can trade McFadden for alot. He will NOT be the player in the pros, that he was in college.

I totallay agree, MObengalfan. McFadden is going to be a good, not great back. He's not an everydown back. Personally, I like Rashard Mendenhall better.

I could see us getting Ellis if the Pats don't take him. I could also see Balt. stealing him from us if they aren't sold on Matt Ryan.