Posted by ESPN.com's Matt Mosley
The countdown has begun. Only three more days until...my final mock draft. On Friday morning at 8 a.m., the final edition will appear on a gigantic screen in Times Square. But for a sneak peek, drop by P.J. Clarke's on the Upper East Side on Thursday at 10 p.m.
As I put the finishing touches on the Hash Mock, I'm reaching out to scouts, general managers and coaches across the league. After sifting through all the lies, I'm now prepared to tell you that the Atlanta Falcons will not select quarterback Matt Ryan at No. 3. I know that's what Mark Bradley wants, but it's not going to happen. Here's what one of the league's top scouts told me last night:
"The Falcons are too scared to take Matt Ryan," he said. "There's absolutely no way they take him because of the risk involved."
I warned the scout that Peter King said otherwise, but he stuck to his guns. So where does this leave Ryan? Well, you heard Mel Kiper Jr. say that he'll walk off the set and not return if Ryan slips out of the top eight. Maybe that's because Kiper was once a Ravens season-ticket holder and still roots for the team. Todd McShay will be rushed to the set if Kiper actually leaves.
I'm sure Baltimore would love to have Ryan, but he has to get by Kansas City and the Jets first. I could see the Chiefs passing on him and taking Chris Long (if Jared Allen is traded) or Branden Albert. I'm not sure the Jets would be able to pass on Ryan, although they'd certainly test the waters to see what the Ravens were willing to give up.
This has a chance to be one of the most exciting drafts in years because there's still not a clear-cut favorite at the top of the draft. My gut (and a text message) tells me the Dolphins will reach a deal with offensive tackle Jake Long on Friday. The Rams will take Glenn Dorsey second overall and then the Falcons will take Chris Long. The Raiders will select Darren McFadden, the Chiefs, Albert and the Jets will go with either Ryan or Vernon Gholston. The Patriots will take USC linebacker Keith Rivers and the Ravens will pray that Ryan slips to them.
OK, I have to save some of this for Friday. Thanks for your support.
