Draft Analysis Picks 1-10

1) Jake Long to the Dolphins
It happened before the draft and is a smart and safe choice. I didn't predict it, but I can definitely see why. The Dolphins get a high character guy and an instant starter. Pencil him in and leave him for years.

2) Chris Long to the Rams
With Jake Long gone it was left to a choice between Chris Long and Dorsey. The DE need is strong and now the Rams have it filled with the standout. Long doesn't have to convert to LB and can be a pure Defensive End. Two white DL for the Rams in consecutive years, interesting.

3) Matt Ryan to the Falcons
Well, they did it. I am pleased they did. He was needed as a face and QB for the rebuilding Falcons and despite Dorsey and the talk he was the guy, I have to believe Ryan maybe was the guy all along. A sound pick and it will be interested to see whether he is thrown into the fire immediately.

4) Darren McFadden to the Raiders
Al Davis's love of speed players led to this pick. Not a need at all for the Raiders, but look for them to deal one of their backs today. With Dorsey also on the board here this would have been a real tough decision for the Raiders, but it will be interesting in Oakland.

5) Glen Dorsey to the Chiefs
Great pick by the Chiefs. DL was a need and they were fortunate to have Dorsey fall to them. They may have considered Gholston here, but Dorsey is an instant every down contributor. Look for the Chiefs to go OL with their next first rounder.

6) Vernon Gholston to the Jets.
All of their other targets are gone and Gholston fits need and value here. The Jets get an explosive pass rusher off the edge to play opposite Calvin Pace. With McFadden and Ryan off the boardl, this was the clear pick, although Ellis could have been possible.

7) Saints trade up to get Sedrick Ellis
They wanted a DT. They traded up 3 picks to get him. The Saints dealt their 10th overall pick and a 3rd rounder to get the Patriots selection using it on the DT from USC. Another instant contributor and a player the Saints need to get to where they need to be.

8) Jaguars trade up for Derek Harvey
Wow! What a huge move. To go up 18 places took 3 other picks to get them there, but the Jags need at DE was enormous and the value with Harvey is there, an every down DE. They may have sacrificed some depth, with the loss of picks, but you can't fault the Jags motives. Baltimore moves out because they couldn't get Ryan, and I see them using the Jags pick on the next QB off the board, Brohm or Henne.

9) Keith Rivers to the Bengals
The defense needed work and it was going to be a USC guy. With Ellis off the board, it was LB Keith RIvers who will be a good fit and high character player for Marvin Lewis.

10) Jerod Mayo to the Patriots
No denying the Patriots LB need, but Mayo was a late climber and perhaps a reach at 10, however the Patriots do this drafting thing well. Mayo will fit perfectly inside for the Pats and make them younger and faster on D.