First-round mock draft: Long climbing

by CHRIS STEUBER, Scout.com

Updated: April 9, 2008, 8:27 AM EST 95 comments

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• Get more on the draft at Scout.com
• Q&A: Brian Brohm, Pt. 1 | Pt. 2
• Position previews: Quarterbacks
• Running backs | Wide receivers
• Tight ends | Tackles | Guards, Centers
• Defensive ends | Defensive tackles
• Outside linebackers | Inside LBs
• Cornerbacks | Safeties
• Complete NFL Draft, free-agency coverage

With free agency dwindling down, the NFL Draft takes center stage. Prospects are conducting their Pro Days and trying to position themselves better as we make our way into April. Compared to my last mock draft, there have been some changes, but as a whole it has a similar feel.

One of the players I had projected in the top 10 has fallen a bit, but will still be selected in the top 20. I'm still projecting a trade to occur late in the first round for one of the Dallas Cowboys first-round picks. The team trading up has changed, but the player selected remains the same.

My current mock draft features 14 underclassmen being selected in the first round. There are 31 picks in the first round this year due to the Patriots forfeiting their own selection in light of the Spygate scandal. My first round mock draft also features 15 defensive players vs. 16 offensive players being selected.

I project the most popular position in the first round to be defensive end.

Want more? You can continue with Scout.com's 2nd-round mock draft right here.

MOCK DRAFT: Round 1
Pick	Team	Player	Pos.	Height	Weight	School	Class
1.	Dolphins	Chris Long	DE	6-3	272	Virginia	Senior
The Dolphins acquired two defensive tackles this offseason — Randy Starks and Jason Ferguson — to add stability up front. But with the talk of Miami and DE Jason Taylor going their separate ways, the addition of a young DE makes sense. If Miami doesn't trade out of the top spot, look for them to select Chris Long as their defensive playmaker. Previous mock draft selection: Same VIDEO: Draft Preview of Chris Long
2.	Rams	Vernon Gholston	DE	6-3	266	Ohio State	Junior
The Rams have had a quiet offseason so far and haven't made much noise. The only interesting development was the release of last year's free agent pickup DE James Hall. St. Louis has to upgrade their O-Line and the signing of Jacob Bell and the return of Orlando Pace will help. With Jake Long available he will be enticing, but Vernon Gholston gives the Rams the explosive defender they need to apply pressure on the QB. Previous mock draft selection: Same VIDEO: Draft preview of Vernon Gholston
3.	Falcons	Jake Long	OT	6-7	315	Michgan	Senior
The signing of Michael Turner in Atlanta guarantees that the Falcons won't draft Darren McFadden. If the Falcons don't select McFadden, they will look at adding a quarterback with Matt Ryan on the board. Sedrick Ellis and Glenn Dorsey are also options to help their defensive line. But adding an offensive tackle like Jake Long, who can start for the next 12 to 15 years, is too much to pass up for the Falcons. Previous mock draft selection: Matt Ryan VIDEO: Draft Preview of Jake Long
4.	Raiders	Darren McFadden	RB	6-1	211	Arkansas	Senior
The retirement of Warren Sapp leaves the door open for the Raiders to select Glenn Dorsey or Sedrick Ellis. The Raiders may select Dorsey and give JaMarcus Russell a familiar face in the locker room, but Ellis has out-shined Dorsey this offseason. With that said, the intrigue of drafting a game-breaker like Darren McFadden is too much for Oakland to pass up. And even though they don't necessarily need a RB, they will select McFadden for his explosiveness. Previous mock draft selection: Jake Long VIDEO: Draft preview of Darren McFadden
5.	Chiefs	Matt Ryan	QB	6-4	228	Boston College	Senior
The Chiefs are in a tough spot. They have to decide between adding a cornerback like Leodis McKelvin or Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, a defensive tackle in Glenn Dorsey, or reaching for an offensive tackle like Ryan Clady or Chris Williams. But with value on the board in Matt Ryan, the Chiefs give Brodie Croyle some competition in camp and make him earn a starting job. Previous mock draft selection: Sedrick Ellis VIDEO: Draft preview of Matt Ryan
6.	Jets	Sedrick Ellis	DT	6-0	309	USC	Senior
The Jets have been busy in free agency and have added speed and strength to their defense. The Jets traded for Kris Jenkins this offseason and are looking to trade Dewayne Robertson before the draft. But with Jenkins' injury history, the Jets may look to add a young DT. USC's Sedrick Ellis is a player they can build their D-Line around for years to come. Previous mock draft selection: Darren McFadden VIDEO: Draft preview of Sedrick Ellis
7.	Patriots(from 49ers)	Leodis McKelvin	CB	5-10	186	Troy	Senior
Losing Asante Samuel and Randall Gay this offseason makes cornerback the No. 1 priority for the Patriots. Troy's Leodis McKelvin plays a similar style to Samuel and also provides New England with a quality return man on special teams. Previous mock draft selection: Same VIDEO: Draft preview of Leodis McKelvin
8.	Ravens	Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie	CB	6-1	180	Tennessee St.	Senior
The Ravens have to identify a franchise quarterback and add some stability behind center, but adding a playmaker in the secondary is exactly what the Ravens need. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie has seen his stock skyrocket over the last month and will ultimately land in the top 10 with the Ravens. Previous mock draft selection: Aqib Talib VIDEO: Draft preview of Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
9.	Bengals	Glenn Dorsey	DT	6-1	297	LSU	Senior
The Bengals desperately need help on defense, especially at linebacker and defensive tackle. Cincinnati lost Justin Smith during free agency, but they added former Titans DE Antwan Odom. With Glenn Dorsey on the board, this is an easy pick for Cincy. Previous mock draft selection: Same VIDEO: Draft preview of Glenn Dorsey
10.	Saints	Keith Rivers	OLB	6-3	237	USC	Senior
The Saints added help in the secondary with the addition of Randall Gay and added a solid linebacker in Jonathan Vilma. There are a few options on the board for New Orleans, but with USC's Keith Rivers available, he adds experience and solid play to the Saints defense. Previous mock draft selection: Same VIDEO: Draft preview of Keith Rivers
11.	Bills	Malcolm Kelly	WR	6-4	224	Oklahoma	Junior
There is talk that the Bills are interested in signing a free agent WR, but if that doesn't pan out, the Bills have to find a big target to pair with Lee Evans. Oklahoma's Malcolm Kelly makes the most sense and gives Trent Edwards another option on offense. Previous mock draft selection: Same VIDEO: Draft preview of Malcolm Kelly
12.	Broncos	Ryan Clady	OT	6-6	320	Boise State	Junior
The Broncos have done a good job with Jay Cutler's development, but giving him a quality tackle to grow with makes sense. Ryan Clady may move up in the draft as we make our way towards April, but I still believe he will be available for Denver. Previous mock draft selection: Same
13.	Panthers	Derrick Harvey	DE	6-4	271	Florida	Junior
The Panthers will look to upgrade the offensive and defensive line in the first round. Carolina signed Tyler Brayton to add depth up front, but the Panthers have to add a pure pass rusher to help Julius Peppers rebound from a difficult year. Florida's Derrick Harvey fits Carolina's need. Previous mock draft selection: Same VIDEO: Draft preview of Derrick Harvey
14.	Bears	Rashard Mendenhall	RB	5-10	225	Illinois	Junior
After losing Bernard Berrian and Muhsin Muhammad this offseason, the Bears turned to one of their former players, Marty Booker, to help the offense. It's possible that Chicago drafts a WR at this selection, but there is a lot of talent at the RB position available. With concerns surrounding Cedric Benson, drafting local product Rashard Mendenhall will help the Bears woeful running game. Previous mock draft selection: Same VIDEO: Draft preview of Rashard Mendenhall
15.	Lions	Chris Williams	OT	6-6	317	Vanderbilt	Senior
The Lions have done a good job revamping their secondary in free agency and will concentrate on another area in the draft. It's almost certain they won't draft a wide receiver, but they should look to address an area on offense. Adding a quality OT will go a long way in helping the offense be more efficient, and Vanderbilt's Chris Williams is exactly what they need. Previous mock draft selection: Same
16.	Cardinals	Aqib Talib	CB	6-1	205	Kansas	Junior
The Cardinals didn't make much of an impact this offseason since they were handcuffed by Larry Fitzgerald's contract. But they've recently worked out a longterm deal with the WR. Arizona signed Travis LaBoy away from Tennessee and will look to upgrade their secondary in the first round. The Cardinals are happy to see playmaking Aqib Talib fall into their lap. Previous mock draft selection: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
17.	Vikings	Phillip Merling	DE	6-4	270	Clemson	Junior
The Vikings were able to get sign Bernard Berrian this offseason to help the progression of Tarvaris Jackson. But the most glaring need resides at defensive end. Clemson's Phillip Merling is one of the best all around DEs in the draft and is a perfect fit for the Vikings. Previous mock draft selection: Same VIDEO: Draft preview of Phillip Merling
18.	Texans	Jeff Otah	OT	6-6	339	Pittsburgh	Senior
The Texans will consider Oregon RB Jonathan Stewart with this pick, but after his toe surgery, Houston will wait to add a RB in the second round and bolster their offensive line. With Pitt's Jeff Otah still on the board, the Texans act quickly and select the massive lineman. Previous mock draft selection: Jonathan Stewart VIDEO: Draft preview of Jeff Otah
19.	Eagles	DeSean Jackson	WR	5-9	169	California	Junior
The Eagles signed one of the top free agents on the market this off-season in Asante Samuel. But adding a safety in the draft like Kenny Phillips is a possibility. The Eagles have been unable to find the playmaker Donovan McNabb has been asking for and they still haven't addressed their need for a return man. Cal's DeSean Jackson answers both of those questions and gives the Eagles instant offense on two levels. Previous mock draft selection: Kenny Phillips VIDEO: Draft preview of DeSean Jackson
20.	Buccaneers	Devin Thomas	WR	6-2	215	Michigan St.	Junior
The Buccaneers have to address the receiver position with this pick, and it's possible that they'll look to add a cornerback. With DeSean Jackson off the board, the pick will be between Limas Sweed and Devin Thomas. Thomas is rising quickly, and the Bucs add a big-play threat who can stretch the field. Previous mock draft selection: DeSean Jackson
21.	Redskins	Limas Sweed	WR	6-4	215	Texas	Senior
The Redskins could use a safety, especially with the loss of Sean Taylor. But they decide to pass on Kenny Phillips to address their need for a receiver. Texas' Limas Sweed is a big target who will compliment Santana Moss perfectly. Previous mock draft selection: Same VIDEO: Draft preview of Limas Sweed
22.	Cowboys(from Browns)	Mike Jenkins	CB	5-11	200	South Florida	Senior
The Cowboys lost two cornerbacks in free agency, Jacques Reeves and Nathan Jones, so adding depth in the secondary is a must. South Florida's Mike Jenkins provides Dallas with a quality cover corner that they can build their secondary around. Previous mock draft selection: Brian Brohm (Projected trade with Miami) VIDEO: Draft preview of Mike Jenkins
23.	Steelers	Branden Albert	OG	6-6	309	Virginia	Junior
Losing Alan Faneca is a tough pill to swallow, but the Steelers will have to move on and find depth on the O-Line. The Steelers were hoping for one of the top tackles to fall to them, but they will turn to the best guard in the draft, Virginia's Branden Albert. Previous mock draft selection: Jeff Otah
24.	Titans	Quentin Groves	DE	6-3	259	Auburn	Senior
The Titans have to find a wide receiver who can help Vince Young develop as a QB. But after losing Antwan Odom and Travis LaBoy, depth at DE is a must. The Titans signed Jevon Kearse to help the pass rush, but he's not what he used to be. So adding a young pass rusher like Quentin Groves gives the Titans a future star. Previous mock draft selection: Same VIDEO: Draft preview of Quentin Groves
25.	Seahawks	Dustin Keller	TE	6-2	242	Purdue	Senior
The Seahawks haven't drafted a tight end since 2002, and that was used on Jerramy Stevens in the first round. Stevens was a major disappointment and never lived up to his potential. USC's Fred Davis is a possibility and is considered the best TE in the draft, but Purdue's Dustin Keller showed scouts his skills and athleticism at the Combine and has been the most consistent tight end in college football over the last two seasons. Previous mock draft selection: Kentwan Balmer
26.	Jaguars	Calais Campbell	DE	6-8	290	Miami	Junior
The loss of Bobby McCray and Marcus Stroud are huge losses on defense and will force the Jaguars to upgrade in the draft. There are a couple of possibilities for Jacksonville at this spot — Miami's Calais Campbell and USC's Lawrence Jackson. Campbell's potential wins out over the steady Jackson. Previous mock draft selection: Same VIDEO: Draft preview of Calais Campbell
27.	Chargers	Jonathan Stewart	RB	5-10	235	Oregon	Junior
The Chargers are in a situation to draft the best available player, and they can go in many directions. San Diego may look to add depth at cornerback after losing Drayton Florence in free agency. They could also draft a young RB to backup LaDainian Tomlinson. Previous mock draft selection: Mike Jenkins VIDEO: Draft preview of Jonathan Stewart
28.	Falcons(projected trade with Dallas)	Brian Brohm	QB	6-3	230	Louisville	Senior
The Falcons passed on Matt Ryan with their first pick and decided to take Jake Long to add stability on the O-Line. In my previous mock draft, I projected the Dolphins to trade up with the Cowboys at the 22nd overall selection, but now I foresee the Falcons trading up with the Cowboys at this pick to grab Brian Brohm. Atlanta gives up one of their second-round selections (48th overall) and third-round selection (68th overall) in the trade. The Falcons copy the Browns' plan from last year and get a franchise OT and QB in the first round. Previous mock draft selection: Jamaal Charles VIDEO: Draft preview of Brian Brohm
29.	49ers(from Colts)	Gosder Cherilus	OT	6-7	314	Boston College	Senior
The Niners have been one of the more active teams in free agency and added some nice veterans — RB DeShaun Foster, WRs Isaac Bruce and Bryant Johnson and DE Justin Smith. Adding another receiver isn't as much of a priority at this point, but protecting Alex Smith is a must. Selecting Joe Staley last year was huge, but adding Gosder Cherilus this season gives the Niners two young bookends to build around. Previous mock draft selection: James Hardy
30.	Packers	Antoine Cason	CB	6-0	191	Arizona	Senior
The Packers are another team that can draft the best player available. They have a solid nucleus all around, but adding help in the secondary makes sense. Charles Woodson and Al Harris are getting older, so drafting a young CB will be beneficial down the road. Arizona's Antoine Cason is a polished corner with excellent skills and will have the opportunity to learn from two of the best. Previous mock draft selection: Same
31.	Patriots
Selection forfeited
32.	Giants	Kenny Phillips	FS	6-2	212	Miami	Junior
The Giants desperately need to add depth at linebacker and in the secondary. Adding Penn State LB Dan Connor is a possibility as is Tennessee's Jerod Mayo, but with Miami's Kenny Phillips still available, he replaces the recently departed Gibril Wilson. Previous mock draft selection: Dan Connor VIDEO: Draft preview of Kenny Phillips

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