Last year's Hashmarks Mock Draft release party took place in the trendy Uptown section of downtown Dallas. This year's event remains in the initial planning stages, but you'll be happy to know we just landed a corporate sponsor.
Since several of you live outside Dallas County, here's a look at the first mock draft of 2008. As always, the information in this mock draft has been independently gathered, so any resemblance to the 17 mock drafts I just reviewed is purely coincidental. Picks 11-20 will be posted by noon ET and 21-31 by 2 p.m. ET. Now, let's get to it:
With the first pick in the NFL draft, the Miami Dolphins select Chris Long, defensive end from Virginia. The Dolphins are doing their due diligence on Matt Ryan, but they believe that Long is much more of a sure thing. Expect for something to "leak" about the Dolphins love for Darren McFadden any day now. They'd still love to trade out of this pick.
2. Rams-Jake Long, OT, Michigan, I know for a fact that the Rams are in love with Ohio State DE/LB Vernon Gholston, but not enough to take him here. Former offensive line coach Tony Sparano might make a strong push for selecting the Michigan Long, and it wouldn't be a bad choice. I just think GM Jeff Ireland and his mentor Bill Parcells think too highly of C. Long to pass on him.
3. Falcons-Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College, At least one prominent writer at ESPN.com is trying to convince me the Falcons will pass on Ryan, but that's hard to believe. He's the best quarterback in the draft and it's an obvious need for the battered franchise. That said, the Ravens are praying for the Falcons to get a wild hair and select USC defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis. Sorry Ozzie, it's not going to happen.
4. Raiders-Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC, The aforementioned Ellis has moved past LSU's Glenn Dorsey on most draft boards. "You can't take your eyes off him on film," an AFC scout told Hashmarks. And don't forget about head coach Lane Kiffin's knowledge of Ellis. We know how much Al Davis loves speed, so don't completely rule out McFadden.
5. Chiefs-Vernon Gholston, DE/LB, Ohio State, He just ran a 4.58 40 at Pro Day and had a ridiculous 42-inch vertical. His stock is hotter than ever right now. Did I mention that the Rams are infatuated with this kid?
6. Jets-Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas, The Jets can't believe he's still here. He and Thomas Jones immediately become one of the most potent duos in the league running behind what should be a much-improved offensive line.
7. Patriots-Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy, This kid will remind Patriots fans of Asante Samuel with his gambling style. The Cardinals would do anything to take him at No. 16, but that's not going to work out. He's the first cornerback off the board because he's a major threat in the return game. Ran a 4.38 at the combine and it doesn't hurt his cause that Troy alums such as DeMarcus Ware and Osi Umenyiora have been so successful.
8. Ravens-Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville, You won't find this on any other mock drafts, but sometimes a man must go it alone. Here's my promise to you: We'll nail this pick. Now, I may change players, but I'm guaranteeing the No. 8 pick.
9. Bengals-Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU, Cincinnati may be so shocked to see him, they accidentally take Keith Rivers. But the Bengals will hopefully realize that Dorsey's a steal here.
10. Saints-Keith Rivers, OLB, USC, I think the Saints should take Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie here, but I'm hearing they've fallen for Rivers' versatility. He can play inside or outside linebacker and he even has the athleticism to drop back and play safety at times.
Find the rest of the first round here and here.
