Updated Friday, Apr. 18, 2008.
PFW draft analyst Nolan Nawrocki
Here is our current forecast of how the first round will shake out (juniors are denoted by an asterisk):
1. Miami Dolphins - OLT Jake Long, Michigan
At the top of the Dolphins' three-man wish list.
2. St. Louis Rams - DE Chris Long, Virginia
Will be a very good pro for a long time and give new executive V.P. of player personnel Billy Devaney comfort that he will not miss on his first pick.
3. Atlanta Falcons - DT Glenn Dorsey, LSU
Will give Falcons' current quarterbacks a shot and keep the pressure off the passer they draft.
4. Oakland Raiders - DE Vernon Gholston, Ohio State*
Michael Bush's emergence diminishes need for another back.
5. Kansas City Chiefs - DE Derrick Harvey, Florida*
With Jared Allen on his way out and two ends already off the board, adding a pass rusher becomes a priority.
6. New York Jets - RB Darren McFadden, Arkansas*
Need a big-play back with Thomas Jones on his last legs.
7. New England Patriots (from San Francisco) - CB Leodis McKelvin, Troy
Have a pressing need to fill following Asante Samuel's departure.
8. Baltimore Ravens - QB Matt Ryan, Boston College
Ravens do cartwheels when Ryan falls to them following Steve McNair's retirement.
9. Cincinnati Bengals - DT Sedrick Ellis, USC
Inability to plug the middle has been a big problem.
10. New Orleans - CB Mike Jenkins, South Florida
Saints love speed and could be forced to fill a big need if they cannot move up to land a defensive tackle.
11. Buffalo Bills - WLB Keith Rivers, USC
With little depth at linebacker, Bills will be drawn to Rivers' intangibles.
12. Denver Broncos - OT Ryan Clady, Boise State*
Allows Jay Cutler to take more five-step drops.
13. Carolina Panthers - OT Branden Albert, Virginia*
Athleticism, strength and versatility help keep Jake Delhomme healthy.
14. Chicago Bears - OT Jeff Otah, Pittsburgh
Has the size, strength and power that fits the Bears' power running game.
15. Detroit Lions - RB Jonathan Stewart, Oregon*
With no proven bell cow on the roster, Lions must take a hard look at their backfield.
16. Arizona Cardinals - CB Dominic Rodgers-Cromartie
Has the athletic ability and ball skills to become a great corner.
17. Minnesota Vikings - OT Gosder Cherilus, Boston College
Whether the Chiefs or Vikings are picking here, they could use more help at right tackle.
18. Houston Texans - OT Chris Williams, Vanderbilt
Has the foot quickness and athleticism ideally suited for Alex Gibbs's zone-blocking scheme.
19. Philadelphia Eagles - WR Devin Thomas, Michigan State*
A big playmaker could open up the offense and support the growth of Kevin Kolb.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - RB Rashard Mendenhall, Illinois*
Have too many questions in the backfield not to load up with another runner.
21. Washington Redskins - DE Phillip Merling, Clemson*
Could help inside on third downs and bring more size to Greg Blache's defensive line.
22. Dallas Cowboys (from Cleveland) - RB Felix Jones, Arkansas*
An ideal speed complement to Marion Barber.
23. Pittsburgh Steelers - DT Kentwan Balmer, North Carolina
Too big, strong and athletic to last much longer.
24. Tennessee Titans - OT Sam Baker, USC
With both tackles set to hit free agency and after losing Jacob Bell, Titans must beef up O-line.
25. Seattle Seahawks - TE John Carlson, Notre Dame
Does not stand out in any area but is a very safe pick.
26. Jacksonville Jaguars - LB Jerod Mayo, Tennessee*
Need to find a replacement for the oft-injured Mike Peterson.
27. San Diego Chargers - S Kenny Phillips, Miami (Fla.)*
Has the size, smarts and experience to contribute readily at a position of need.
28. Dallas Cowboys - WR DeSean Jackson, California*
Jerry Jones has never valued character and is easily enamored with speed.
29. San Francisco 49ers (from Indianapolis) - S DaJuan Morgan, North Carolina State*
Size, toughness and striking ability could upgrade Niners' secondary.
30. Green Bay Packers - QB Brian Brohm, Louisville
Need to find insurance for an injury-prone Aaron Rodgers.
- New England Patriots - Pick forfeited.
31. New York Giants - CB Brandon Flowers, Virginia Tech*
Lack of foot speed will not keep Flowers from contributing early.
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