2008 NFL Draft

SI Staff | Apr 28, 2008

2008 NFL Draft /

2008 NFL Draft

After the combine, the pro days and the speculation, 252 players, ranging from the No. 1 pick to Mr. Irrelevant, get their shot at NFL stardom in the draft.

David Bergman/SI

Radio City Music Hall was the site of its third straight draft, the 44th consecutive year it was held in New York City.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell presided over his second draft, in which the first day was shortened from three rounds to two and the time between first-round picks went from 15 minutes to 10.

The Dolphins were on the clock with the first pick, though they had already taken the drama out of the selection in signing Jake Long on Tuesday.

An offensive tackle out of Michigan, Long signed a five-year deal with 57.75 million, $30 million of it guaranteed.

The Rams followed at No. 2 by taking Virginia defensive end Chris Long (no relation to Jake), though he is the son of Hall of Famer Howie (left).

With Joey Harrington, Byron Leftwich and Chris Redman on the roster, the Falcons tabbed Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan as the face of the franchise with the No. 3 pick.

Despite a stocked backfield, the Raiders couldn't resist two-time Heisman runner-up Darren McFadden at No. 4.

The Chiefs made Glenn Dorsey the fifth pick. The defensive tackle out of LSU won the Outland, Bronko Nagurski and Lott trophies and the Lombardi Award as a senior.

The Jets chose Ohio State defensive end Vernon Gholston with the sixth overall selection. Gholston set a Buckeyes record with 14 sacks as a senior.

Published Apr 28, 2008

SI STAFF