Here it is!
Free agency has really altered the look of the first round and has changed teams' focus as April approaches. A lot of money has exchanged hands on the open market and now it's time for some of the nation's top prospects to cash in on their NFL millions. But where will they end up?
The No. 1 pick has stayed the same, but the second selection has changed, with relative unknown Vernon Gholston, an Ohio State defensive end who would likely play linebacker in the pros, shooting up the board. One QB is in the top three, while another has fallen dramatically down the board. But in a move reminiscent to last year's draft, when the Cleveland Browns traded into the first round to select Brady Quinn, a team trades into the first round to steal a top-rated signal-caller.
This year's draft features over 50 underclassmen, and I project 14 of them to be 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 current mock draft also features 16 offensive players versus 15 defensive players being taking in Round 1. I project the most popular position in the first round to be defensive end.
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: Jake Long
VIDEO: Draft preview of Vernon Gholston
3. Falcons Matt Ryan QB 6-4 228 Boston College Senior
The signing of Michael Turner in Atlanta almost guarantees that the Falcons won't draft Darren McFadden. If the Falcons don't select McFadden, they will look at Sedrick Ellis and Glenn Dorsey to help their defensive line. They will also consider Jake Long, who is still available and would provide the Falcons with a quality OT. But the obvious choice is a QB. It comes down to Matt Ryan and Brian Brohm. I favor Brohm, but Ryan has received all the attention and will be over-drafted by Atlanta.
Previous mock draft selection: Darren McFadden
VIDEO: Draft preview of Matt Ryan
4. Raiders Jake Long OT 6-7 335 Michigan Senior
The retirement of Warren Sapp leaves the door open for the Raiders to select Glenn Dorsey or Sedrick Ellis. But resigning Tommy Kelly allows Oakland to look in a different direction. JaMarcus Russell will start the season as the new starter and giving him protection upfront will help his progression. The selection of Jake Long is the best move for Russell and the Raiders.
Previous mock draft selection: Sedrick Ellis
VIDEO: Draft Preview of Jake Long
5. Chiefs Sedrick Ellis DT 6-0 309 USC Senior
The Chiefs are in a prime spot with the fifth pick and may entertain trade offers, especially with Darren McFadden on the board. The Chiefs have made some interesting cuts on the defensive side of the ball, and their most glaring need is at cornerback. But defensive tackle is also a concern, and with Glenn Dorsey and Sedrick Ellis on the board the Chiefs will decide between the two. K.C. goes with Ellis.
Previous mock draft selection: Matt Ryan
VIDEO: Draft preview of Sedrick Ellis
6. Jets Darren McFadden RB 6-1 211 Arkansas Junior
The Jets have been busy in free agency and have added speed and strength to their defense. This is a great situation for the Jets as they can select the best available player. Adding a wide receiver is ideal, but drafting a WR at this selection is a major reach. Even though adding a RB isn't a top priority, Darren McFadden is a unique player who's too talented to pass up.
Previous mock draft selection: Vernon Gholston
VIDEO: Draft preview of Darren McFadden
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: Aqib Talib
VIDEO: Draft preview of Leodis McKelvin
8. Ravens Aqib Talib CB 6-1 205 Kansas Junior
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. With the Ravens passing on Brian Brohm, he will free fall in the first round. The Ravens choose Aqib Talib over Brohm.
Previous mock draft selection: Brian Brohm
VIDEO: Draft preview of Aqib Talib
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: Leodis McKelvin
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
VIDEO: Draft preview of Ryan Clady
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: Mike Jenkins
VIDEO: Draft preview of Chris Williams
16. Cardinals Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie CB 6-1 180 Tennessee State Senior
The Cardinals haven't been able to do much in free agency due to the massive contract Larry Fitzgerald possesses. But they did manage to sign Travis LaBoy away from Tennessee after they lost Calvin Pace to the Jets. The secondary is a concern and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie is storming up draft boards.
Previous mock draft selection: Keith Rivers
VIDEO: Draft preview of 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: Calais Campbell
VIDEO: Draft preview of Phillip Merling
18. Texans Jonathan Stewart RB 5-10 235 Oregon Junior
The Texans were one of 12 teams that finished the season averaging less than 100 yards per game, and for Houston to compete in its division, it has to have an effective rushing attack. Oregon's Jonathan Stewart is the best RB on the board, and even though Houston has Ahman Green, Stewart adds a physical presence on a Texans team that faces a tough AFC South.
Previous mock draft selection: Same
VIDEO: Draft preview of Jonathan Stewart
19. Eagles Kenny Phillips FS 6-2 208 Miami Junior
The Eagles got one of the best free agents on the market this offseason, cornerback Asante Samuel. They also got a solid pass rusher in Chris Clemons. There is still a need for a playmaking wide receiver and a safety. DeSean Jackson is a possibility at this pick, but Miami's Kenny Phillips fits well in the Eagles defense.
Previous mock draft selection: Lawrence Jackson
VIDEO: Draft preview of Kenny Phillips
20. Buccaneers DeSean Jackson WR 5-9 169 California Junior
The Buccaneers have to address the receiver position with this pick, and it's possible that they look to add a cornerback. Cal's DeSean Jackson doesn't have ideal height, but he's a burner who adds versatility to a team. His speed is a valuable weapon that will allow the Bucs to overlook his size.
Previous mock draft selection: Same
VIDEO: Draft preview of 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 with Kenny Phillips off the board, there isn't another safety worthy of a first-round pick. So the Redskins will address another area of need — wide receiver. Texas' Limas Sweed is a big target who will compliment Santana Moss perfectly.
Previous mock draft selection: Kenny Phillips
VIDEO: Draft preview of Limas Sweed
22. Dolphins(from Cowboys via Browns) Brian Brohm QB 6-3 230 Louisville Senior
****PROJECTED TRADE WITH DALLAS****
In a move reminiscent of what the Cleveland Browns did last year to get Brady Quinn, the Miami Dolphins target Brian Brohm and sneak back into the first round to draft him. Bill Parcells uses his ties with the Cowboys and trades his second- and third-round picks (33rd and 65th overall) to move up and steal Brohm as his future signal caller.
Previous mock draft selection: Limas Sweed
VIDEO: Draft preview of Brian Brohm
23. Steelers Jeff Otah OT 6-6 339 Pitt Senior
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 may reach for a guard at this spot and select Virginia's Branden Albert, but Pitt's Jeff Otah is a better value and provides versatility up front.
Previous mock draft selection: Chris Williams
VIDEO: Draft preview of 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 ex-Titan Jevon Kearse for depth, and adding a young pass rusher like Quentin Groves gives the Titans a future star.
Previous mock draft selection: James Hardy
VIDEO: Draft preview of Quentin Groves
25. Seahawks Kentwan Balmer DT 6-4 308 North Carolina Senior
The Seahawks may look to draft a young TE this year, but after signing Jeb Putzier as a free agent, they can wait until the second or third round. Adding depth at DT is more important. And with Kentwan Balmer available, the Seahawks get a solid run defender.
Previous mock draft selection: Dustin Keller
VIDEO: Draft preview of 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: Quentin Groves
VIDEO: Draft preview of Calais Campbell
27. Chargers Mike Jenkins CB 5-11 200 South Florida Senior
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. But with Mike Jenkins still on the board, this is an easy selection for the Chargers.
Previous mock draft selection: Chris Johnson
VIDEO: Draft preview of Mike Jenkins
28. Cowboys Jamaal Charles RB 5-11 200 Texas Junior
The Cowboys will look to add a weapon on offense with this pick after trading away their first pick to Miami. There are two promising RBs and WRs on the board, and Dallas will decide which one fits best. In a surprise move, the Cowboys pass up Felix Jones for Jamaal Charles.
Previous mock draft selection: Felix Jones
VIDEO: Draft preview of Jamaal Charles
29. 49ers(from Colts) James Hardy WR 6-5 217 Indiana Junior
The Niners have been one of the more active teams in free agency and added some nice veterans with RB DeShaun Foster, WR Isaac Bruce and DE Justin Smith. Even though they added Bruce, he's not the same receiver he was five years ago. With that said, the need for a tall receiver with big-play potential is a priority. Indiana's James Hardy fits well in the Niners offense.
Previous mock draft selection: Devin Thomas
VIDEO: Draft preview of 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 a young corner 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 he'll have the opportunity to learn from two of the best.
Previous mock draft selection: Antonio Rodgers-Cromartie
VIDEO: Draft preview of Antoine Cason
31. Patriots
Selection forfeited
32. Giants Dan Connor OLB 6-3 233 Penn State Senior
The Giants desperately need to add depth at linebacker and defensive tackle. Adding Penn State LB Dan Connor or Notre Dame DT Trevor Laws are two options for the Giants. But in the end, it will be Connor.
Previous mock draft selection: Same
VIDEO: Draft preview of Dan Connor