The Official NFL Draft Thread
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Scouts Inc.'s pick-by-pick first-round analysis
Scouts Inc. will be putting every first-round pick under the microscope and offering up analysis on every player and team.
Talent evaluators Gary Horton, Keith Kidd, Steve Muench and Kevin Weidl will break down each players skill set and how every selection will fit in with his new team.
1. Miami Dolphins
The pick: Jake Long, OT, Michigan
What he brings: Long's not the best overall player on the board, but the Dolphins needed a left tackle. Some people say he's a better fit on the right side, but we disagree. He's fundamentally sound enough in pass protection to be a capable blind-side protector from Day 1, and while he's certainly not as athletic as Joe Thomas -- Cleveland's first-round pick a year ago -- Long is a better run blocker than Thomas was coming out of college. Long can play a similar role to the one Jumbo Elliot played with Bill Parcells with the Giants in the 1980s. A lot has been made of Ohio State DE Vernon Gholston beating Long for a sack last season, but Gholston did not dominate the matchup and freshman QB Ryan Mallet held the ball far too long. Long has simply been a model of consistency during his college career.
How he fits: This was easily the safest pick the Dolphins could make. They get a franchise left tackle who stabilizes the offensive line for years. The Dolphins can now move LT Vernon Carey to the right side and insert offseason addition Justin Smiley at right guard. Carey is a versatile player who fits better on the right side than left side in our opinion. Also, the Dolphins have a good young center in Samson Satele. By taking Long this offensive line, which gave up 25 sacks over the final six games of last season, instantly improves. On top of that, he's already signed and under contract.
2. St. Louis Rams
The pick: Chris Long, DE, Virginia
What he brings: Long doesn't have elite size or as much upside as the aforementioned Gholston, but, he's a tough run defend and a relentless pass-rusher, who has good but not great speed. He also does an excellent job of using his hands to control blockers. He's capable of stepping in and making an immediate impact because he's so fundamentally sound, as you would expect from the son of Hall of Famer Howie Long.
How he fits: Even though there was some debate over Long and LSU DT Glenn Dorsey, Long makes a lot of sense. He allows the Rams to keep last year's first-rounder, Adam Carriker, on the inside. Long is a versatile pass-rusher who defensive coordinator Jim Haslett can use in his schemes as a DE or DT in sub packages. The Rams will be able to pressure four and drop seven on the backend, while incorporating a lot of zone-blitz pressures. With Long pressuring from the right side teams won't be able to set protection schemes towards LDE Leonard Little, and Long's presence also allows speedy DE James Hall to get on the field as a defensive tackle, which gives them four effective rushers in sub.
3. Atlanta Falcons
The pick: Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
What he brings: Matt Ryan doesn't have the arm strength of a JaMarcus Russell, and he isn't a dynamic open-field runner, but he is clearly the most NFL-ready quarterback in this year's draft class. He has better-than-average arm strength, he's accurate and he understands the game. A lot has been made of the amount of interceptions he threw during his senior season at Boston College, but it's important to remember that he didn't have a strong receiving corps and that BC put the ball in the air far more often in 2007 than in year's past.
How he fits: Teams can't win in this league without a quarterback, which is clearly what Atlanta was thinking when they took Ryan at No. 3. This team needed a franchise QB and hopefully Ryan can bring this team back to respectability. Offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey is going to build schemes around RBs Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood, which will take pressure off the quarterback. Ryan played in a pro system at Boston College and he has the ability to make all the throws. Ryan has a chance to win the starting job right away based upon the Falcons' current roster. This team has some pieces in place, but the offensive line is still a major concern.
4. Oakland Raiders
The pick: Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
What he brings: Although we think defensive line is a bigger need, and Glenn Dorsey is still out there, this is still a very good pick for Oakland. It appears the Raiders have good depth at running back but McFadden gives them the big-play threat they lack at the position. He's quick around the corner and he shows rare speed when he gets into the open field. Obviously, McFadden has been compared to Adrian Peterson a lot. Critics are correct to point out that McFadden isn't as powerful of a runner as Peterson is. But this weakness has been overstated; McFadden is still a tough runner who can pick up yards after contact.
How he fits: Raiders owner Al Davis doesn't shy away form big, fast, explosive athletes, which is why McFadden was taken at No. 4. He is a good fit for this offense based on his explosive running style and he can score every time he has the ball in his hands. Even though the running game was bright spot in Oakland last year, McFadden makes them even better and will help take pressure off young QB JaMarcus. By taking McFadden, the Raiders have to make a decision with RBs Dominic Rhodes or LaMont Jordan in the near future and they could even move either running back in the later rounds. First and foremost, the Raiders need to get McFadden signed and avoid the kind of prolonged holdout Russell went through last season.
5. Kansas City Chiefs
The pick: Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
What he brings: The thought was that Kansas City would address the defensive end and offensive tackle positions with its two first-round picks. However, the Chiefs need help at defensive tackle and they have to be excited that Glenn Dorsey fell. Dorsey lacks elite size, but he is on the shorter side and his ability to get under offensive linemen allows him to control the point of attack. It's also noteworthy that he plays with an excellent motor for a big guy. Chances are his stock dropped some because of concerns stemming from a leg injury. But it doesn't look like the injury is a serious concern -- it caused him to miss one half of one game in college -- and he should be healthy for training camp.
How he fits: The Chiefs finished the season with the 28th ranked defense against the run. Dorsey improves the interior of this defense dramatically, especially against the AFC West teams that like to hit you in the mouth with the running game. Chiefs are very excited to be able to draft this dominating defensive tackle. He will allow the Chiefs to use their upfield, attacking schemes against the run, which will also take pressure off the backend. The Chiefs have taken some major hits in the offseason and hopefully this pick will get the team and its fans back on track. But this team still has a long ways to go in our opinion.
6. New York Jets
The pick: Vernon Gholston, DE/OLB, Ohio State
What he brings: No prospect at this or any other position in the draft has more upside than Gholston. The 6-foot-3, 266-pound defensive end ran a 4.67 40-yard dash, and showed excellent upper-body strength at the NFL scouting combine. He's also athletic enough to move to outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. However, he is a boom-or-bust prospect, especially this early. He's just not as consistent on film as a player with his talents should be.
How he fits: This is an interesting pick because the Jets signed Calvin Pace this offseason. The perfect fit for New York went No. 4, but Gholston is a tremendous pass-rusher who is very explosive. The Jets had trouble creating pressure last season and Gholston will help create pressure off the edge. His motor does not run consistently and he is a true boom-or-bust candidate based on our projections. Head coach Eric Mangini loves versatile athletes who allow them to create mismatches and Gholston does that. He comes in with the ability to rush the passer, but he is going to have to learn how to play on his feet as a linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. At Ohio State he traditionally played in a three-point stance and the transition may take some time.
7. New Orleans Saints (from S.F. through N.E.)
The pick: Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
What he brings: Sedrick Ellis isn't ranked quite as high as Dorsey on our board. But, make no mistake about it, Ellis is an excellent pick here. New Orleans is ecstatic it was able to move up to get him. He doesn't have elite size or top-end speed, but he more quick than fast and he excels at getting into gaps to disrupt plays in the backfield. He also shows rare athletic ability for a player of his size. This allows him to make plays while scraping down the line of scrimmage. Although Ellis doesn't have great closing speed, he has the ability to drive interior blockers into the quarterback.
How he fits: The Saints have one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL and they needed to get better on defense. The key for any defense is being strong up the middle and Ellis gives them the interior force they have lacked in recent years. DTs Brian Young and Hollis Thomas are getting up there in years, and the Saints needed to get better and younger at the position. Ellis brings them a powerful rusher, which helps them in sub and will help them put pressure on the quarterback. He brings them a powerful rusher and a disruptive player versus the run. He is relentless with a great motor and he loves to play football. Ellis will make an impact right away.
Scouts Inc. will be putting every first-round pick under the microscope and offering up analysis on every player and team.
Talent evaluators Gary Horton, Keith Kidd, Steve Muench and Kevin Weidl will break down each players skill set and how every selection will fit in with his new team.
1. Miami Dolphins
The pick: Jake Long, OT, Michigan
What he brings: Long's not the best overall player on the board, but the Dolphins needed a left tackle. Some people say he's a better fit on the right side, but we disagree. He's fundamentally sound enough in pass protection to be a capable blind-side protector from Day 1, and while he's certainly not as athletic as Joe Thomas -- Cleveland's first-round pick a year ago -- Long is a better run blocker than Thomas was coming out of college. Long can play a similar role to the one Jumbo Elliot played with Bill Parcells with the Giants in the 1980s. A lot has been made of Ohio State DE Vernon Gholston beating Long for a sack last season, but Gholston did not dominate the matchup and freshman QB Ryan Mallet held the ball far too long. Long has simply been a model of consistency during his college career.
How he fits: This was easily the safest pick the Dolphins could make. They get a franchise left tackle who stabilizes the offensive line for years. The Dolphins can now move LT Vernon Carey to the right side and insert offseason addition Justin Smiley at right guard. Carey is a versatile player who fits better on the right side than left side in our opinion. Also, the Dolphins have a good young center in Samson Satele. By taking Long this offensive line, which gave up 25 sacks over the final six games of last season, instantly improves. On top of that, he's already signed and under contract.
2. St. Louis Rams
The pick: Chris Long, DE, Virginia
What he brings: Long doesn't have elite size or as much upside as the aforementioned Gholston, but, he's a tough run defend and a relentless pass-rusher, who has good but not great speed. He also does an excellent job of using his hands to control blockers. He's capable of stepping in and making an immediate impact because he's so fundamentally sound, as you would expect from the son of Hall of Famer Howie Long.
How he fits: Even though there was some debate over Long and LSU DT Glenn Dorsey, Long makes a lot of sense. He allows the Rams to keep last year's first-rounder, Adam Carriker, on the inside. Long is a versatile pass-rusher who defensive coordinator Jim Haslett can use in his schemes as a DE or DT in sub packages. The Rams will be able to pressure four and drop seven on the backend, while incorporating a lot of zone-blitz pressures. With Long pressuring from the right side teams won't be able to set protection schemes towards LDE Leonard Little, and Long's presence also allows speedy DE James Hall to get on the field as a defensive tackle, which gives them four effective rushers in sub.
3. Atlanta Falcons
The pick: Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
What he brings: Matt Ryan doesn't have the arm strength of a JaMarcus Russell, and he isn't a dynamic open-field runner, but he is clearly the most NFL-ready quarterback in this year's draft class. He has better-than-average arm strength, he's accurate and he understands the game. A lot has been made of the amount of interceptions he threw during his senior season at Boston College, but it's important to remember that he didn't have a strong receiving corps and that BC put the ball in the air far more often in 2007 than in year's past.
How he fits: Teams can't win in this league without a quarterback, which is clearly what Atlanta was thinking when they took Ryan at No. 3. This team needed a franchise QB and hopefully Ryan can bring this team back to respectability. Offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey is going to build schemes around RBs Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood, which will take pressure off the quarterback. Ryan played in a pro system at Boston College and he has the ability to make all the throws. Ryan has a chance to win the starting job right away based upon the Falcons' current roster. This team has some pieces in place, but the offensive line is still a major concern.
4. Oakland Raiders
The pick: Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
What he brings: Although we think defensive line is a bigger need, and Glenn Dorsey is still out there, this is still a very good pick for Oakland. It appears the Raiders have good depth at running back but McFadden gives them the big-play threat they lack at the position. He's quick around the corner and he shows rare speed when he gets into the open field. Obviously, McFadden has been compared to Adrian Peterson a lot. Critics are correct to point out that McFadden isn't as powerful of a runner as Peterson is. But this weakness has been overstated; McFadden is still a tough runner who can pick up yards after contact.
How he fits: Raiders owner Al Davis doesn't shy away form big, fast, explosive athletes, which is why McFadden was taken at No. 4. He is a good fit for this offense based on his explosive running style and he can score every time he has the ball in his hands. Even though the running game was bright spot in Oakland last year, McFadden makes them even better and will help take pressure off young QB JaMarcus. By taking McFadden, the Raiders have to make a decision with RBs Dominic Rhodes or LaMont Jordan in the near future and they could even move either running back in the later rounds. First and foremost, the Raiders need to get McFadden signed and avoid the kind of prolonged holdout Russell went through last season.
5. Kansas City Chiefs
The pick: Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
What he brings: The thought was that Kansas City would address the defensive end and offensive tackle positions with its two first-round picks. However, the Chiefs need help at defensive tackle and they have to be excited that Glenn Dorsey fell. Dorsey lacks elite size, but he is on the shorter side and his ability to get under offensive linemen allows him to control the point of attack. It's also noteworthy that he plays with an excellent motor for a big guy. Chances are his stock dropped some because of concerns stemming from a leg injury. But it doesn't look like the injury is a serious concern -- it caused him to miss one half of one game in college -- and he should be healthy for training camp.
How he fits: The Chiefs finished the season with the 28th ranked defense against the run. Dorsey improves the interior of this defense dramatically, especially against the AFC West teams that like to hit you in the mouth with the running game. Chiefs are very excited to be able to draft this dominating defensive tackle. He will allow the Chiefs to use their upfield, attacking schemes against the run, which will also take pressure off the backend. The Chiefs have taken some major hits in the offseason and hopefully this pick will get the team and its fans back on track. But this team still has a long ways to go in our opinion.
6. New York Jets
The pick: Vernon Gholston, DE/OLB, Ohio State
What he brings: No prospect at this or any other position in the draft has more upside than Gholston. The 6-foot-3, 266-pound defensive end ran a 4.67 40-yard dash, and showed excellent upper-body strength at the NFL scouting combine. He's also athletic enough to move to outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. However, he is a boom-or-bust prospect, especially this early. He's just not as consistent on film as a player with his talents should be.
How he fits: This is an interesting pick because the Jets signed Calvin Pace this offseason. The perfect fit for New York went No. 4, but Gholston is a tremendous pass-rusher who is very explosive. The Jets had trouble creating pressure last season and Gholston will help create pressure off the edge. His motor does not run consistently and he is a true boom-or-bust candidate based on our projections. Head coach Eric Mangini loves versatile athletes who allow them to create mismatches and Gholston does that. He comes in with the ability to rush the passer, but he is going to have to learn how to play on his feet as a linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. At Ohio State he traditionally played in a three-point stance and the transition may take some time.
7. New Orleans Saints (from S.F. through N.E.)
The pick: Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
What he brings: Sedrick Ellis isn't ranked quite as high as Dorsey on our board. But, make no mistake about it, Ellis is an excellent pick here. New Orleans is ecstatic it was able to move up to get him. He doesn't have elite size or top-end speed, but he more quick than fast and he excels at getting into gaps to disrupt plays in the backfield. He also shows rare athletic ability for a player of his size. This allows him to make plays while scraping down the line of scrimmage. Although Ellis doesn't have great closing speed, he has the ability to drive interior blockers into the quarterback.
How he fits: The Saints have one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL and they needed to get better on defense. The key for any defense is being strong up the middle and Ellis gives them the interior force they have lacked in recent years. DTs Brian Young and Hollis Thomas are getting up there in years, and the Saints needed to get better and younger at the position. Ellis brings them a powerful rusher, which helps them in sub and will help them put pressure on the quarterback. He brings them a powerful rusher and a disruptive player versus the run. He is relentless with a great motor and he loves to play football. Ellis will make an impact right away.
