Jake Long atop latest mock draft; QB Ryan falls to No. 3

Originally Published: April 1, 2008

Jake Long is No. 1 in Todd McShay's latest mock draft, dropping Matt Ryan to No. 3 overall.

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By Todd McShay
Scouts Inc.
Archive

While Miami taking QB Matt Ryan with the No. 1 pick cannot be ruled out completely, it does seem to be more of a long shot than a probability at this point. So, after months of sticking with Ryan at No. 1, I finally have shuffled the top of my mock draft.

In addition, a couple of weeks spent on the road visiting with NFL coaches and scouts at various pro days has provided some interesting perspectives on a few potential first-round curveballs. While trades are not included in these mock drafts, I do expect several to take place. The Patriots could kick things off at No. 7, where they are hoping a top talent like Ryan or DT Sedrick Ellis falls in order to generate greater interest.

Also, while I still have Ryan as the only quarterback in the first round, there's speculation that one or more teams might trade back into the bottom of the round to secure their favorite from the next-best trio of Chad Henne, Brian Brohm and Joe Flacco. Of the three, Henne seems to be moving up the draft boards the fastest. The more time coaches spend with the four-year starer from Michigan, the more they fall in love with his confidence and overall intangibles.

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