Mock Drafts

Eddie Griffin’s Updated Mock Draft

The NFL Draft is less than a week away, and I’ll be updating my mock draft within the next day or two to include a third round, but for now, you can still check out my current mock.

Here are the first 10 picks.

1. MIA: Jake Long, OT, Michigan
The Dolphins have started negotiations with both Jake Long and Vernon Gholston (the latter may or may not be true, depending on which sources you want to believe), and with offensive line being a more pressing need for Miami than defensive end/rush linebacker, the edge goes to Long to be the #1 pick.

2. STL: Chris Long, DE, Virginia
Whether or not the news that the Dolphins have started talks with the other Long and with Gholston knocks Chris Long out of contention for #1 is unknown at this point, but if he doesn’t go #1, the Rams would be crazy to not snap him up at #2.

3. ATL: Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
Dorsey’s stock has retained its top-five status after dropping for a little while, and with Jake Long off of the board, the Falcons would likely choose between Dorsey and Matt Ryan. They can trade up and get Brian Brohm late in the first, so they could go ahead and take Dorsey here. How smart of a decision that is will depend on if he stays healthy.

4. OAK: Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio St.
The Raiders need to beef up their pass rush to give Derrick Burgess a partner in crime, and Gholston, if he doesn’t go #1 or #2, will be a great fit across from Burgess in the 4-3.

5. KC: Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy
Could they go for Matt Ryan? It’s possible, but taking Ryan Clady would be a smarter thing to do. An even smarter thing to do would be to take McKelvin, who would bring youth and loads of talent to their secondary.

6. NYJ: Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
Thomas Jones averaged only 3.6 yards per carry, and he’s turning 30 in August. Leon Washington is one of the league’s best kick returners, but is he starting material? If McFadden’s here, there’s no way the Jets pass on him.

7. NE: Ryan Clady, OT, Boise St.
With the Pats having addressed corner and linebacker in free agency, those two areas aren’t as much of a priority now. But, after Tom Brady took a beating in the Super Bowl, taking Clady at this juncture would be a very, very good idea.

8. BAL: Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
There’s a chance, albeit a small one, that the Ravens pass on Matt Ryan for another option. However, as much as they reportedly love him, it’s hard to see that happening.

9. CIN: Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
I have Ellis rated higher than Dorsey, but Dorsey is a better fit for the Falcons than Ellis may be, and Ellis is a better fit for the Bengals than Dorsey would be.

10. NO: Keith Rivers, LB, USC
Even after signing Jonathan Vilma, the Saints need more linebackers, and Rivers would be a immediate starter in the Big Easy. He solidified his top-10 status with an excellent Pro Day.

Want to see the rest? Check out all 63 picks of the first two rounds at FFToolbox.

I’m also updating all of the prospect positional rankings, so check those out at NFL Draft HQ.

Related posts on The Red Zone Report

• 2008 NFL Draft First Round Questions: Picks 1-8 (1)
• Thursday Blog Roundup: Deciphering draft possibilities (0)
• Five storylines to follow in the 2008 NFL season (3)
• Eddie Griffin’s 2009 Mock (Rough) Draft (6)
• 2008 NFL Draft Winners: Chiefs and Dolphins take big steps towards rebuilding (3)