2008 NFL Draft Recap

MIA: Jake Long, OT, Michigan
The Dolphins decided to upgrade its offensive line instead of going for the franchise QB in Matt Ryan. There's no question that Jake Long is a special player, but with so many more pressing needs (skill players at DE, DT, WR, DB, DE and QB) it's hard to be impressed with his selection.

STL: Chris Long, DE, Virginia
As soon as Jake Long signed with Miami, the Rams were torn between the Virginia product and DT Glenn Dorsey. In the end, Chris Long may become the draft's best player. A difference maker, Long can change a game plan by himself.

ATL: Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
With the selection of Ryan, the Falcons officially ended the Michael Vick era. Ryan is the top QB in this draft and should become a solid, if not spectacular, starter for a franchise in need of stable leadership at the position.

OAK: Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
Despite having four running backs on the roster, the Raiders were not able to pass on the super talented McFadden. He is now the most talented RB in the roster. A true home run threat, McFadden should pair with last year's first round pick QB Russell, to form the cornerstone of a vigorous offensive unit.

KC: Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
The Chiefs selected the most impact ready player in this year's draft. The big and powerful LSU product is in the same class of Warren Sapp and should make the same impact during his rookie season.

NYJ: Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State
The Jets continue their history of reaching. There's no question Gholston is a special talent, but his not an impact player for a team looking to make the playoffs this year.

NE: Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
New Orleans moved from 10 to 7 in order to grab the other outstanding DL (Dorsey being the best). The Saints are a decent defense away from being a playoff team every year and Ellis should become the cornerstone of that unit.

JAX: Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida
The Jaguars gave up too much for a player with such a high burst-bust potential. Harvey has the potential to become a great player, but there are many ifs in this proposition. A gamble.

CIN: Keith Rivers, LB, USC
The Bengals landed the draft's best linebacker. Rivers could become the team's best LB within his rookie campaign.

NE: Jerod Mayo, LB, Tennessee
The Patriots were looking for defensive playmakers, but they reached for Mayo. The Tennessee star is a well rounder linebacker who could become an instant starter, but he was viewed as a possible late first or even second rounder. A reach as the tenth overall pick.

BUF: Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy
The Bills felt there was no wide receiver that merited the 11th pick, so they decided to go for the highest rated CB available. The Troy product needs more seasoning and better coaching, but he does have the ability to become an elite CB within a couple of years.

DEN: Ryan Clady, OT, Boise St.
Clady is a great pick for Denver. They could had gone with a RB, but they were in need of help along a depleted O-line and Clady brings athleticism to the unit.

CAR: Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon
The Panthers grabbed the draft's best RB and in doing so, they solidify an area of need since 2005. Carolina must have been very impressed with Stewart performance during the season because they ignored the recently developed injury-prone rumor.

CHI: Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt
With Stewart gone, the Bears settle with the second best OL, Williams. He should slide into the left tackle position where he could become a fixture for years.

KC: Branden Albert, OL, Virginia
With this added pick, the Chiefs tried to solidify its most pressing area, the offensive line. Albert and Otah were the two best available O-linemen. After them, there is a clear drop-off in talent. Albert should become an anchor for KC's O-line.

ARI: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee State
The Cardinals had a chance to improve their team for this year, instead, they drafted for the future. Rodgers-Cromartie is a great physical talent, but there are questions regarding his desire. Not the pick you expect for a team that has not make the playoffs in ten years.