We’re still several months from April’s main event, the NFL Draft, but if you want a temporary fix for your draft cravings, look no further than than the top five projected picks.

Mid-December and already talking about the draft. Got to love the NFL, right?

1. Miami Dolphins - Glenn Dorsey - DT - LSU

Picking number one overall, it makes sense that the Dolphins will take one of the best players available in the draft: Dorsey. They don’t need McFadden here, or he would likely be the pick. And while an argument can clearly be made for Jake Long, it’s not clear whether the team’s offensive line is in dire need. Dorsey, meanwhile, is a playmaker on defense, the type of player Miami would be wise to invest in.

2. St. Louis Rams - Jake Long - OT - Michigan

Assuming they don’t trade this pick (something that is likely) to someone who wants Darren McFadden, the Rams will likely use this pick to improve the offensive line. Jake Long is the man who can make it happen. After a year filled with disappointment — and injuries, especially Orlando Pace — the Rams should invest this pick in an offensive lineman who has immediate impact and long term potential.

3. New York Jets - Darren McFadden - RB - Arkansas

Once again, this is a pick that is dependent on how St. Louis handles the second overall selection. If they choose to trade it, the Jets don’t have this opportunity. But if McFadden falls to third overall, there’s no doubt the Jets will use the pick to secure him. Thomas Jones hasn’t worked out and McFadden brings amazing talent to the table as arguably the best prospect in the draft — perhaps even better than Adrian Peterson was last year.

4. Atlanta Falcons - Matt Ryan - QB - Boston College

The Falcons have plenty of needs, but they can start filling them with a franchise quarterback. Matt Ryan has intangibles — the word Tom Brady made popular back in the day — and he’s the consensus number one quarterback in the draft. And with Bobby Petrino sliding out of town, there won’t be any pressure on the team to draft Brian Brohm.

5. New England Patriots (from SF) - Vernon Gholston - DE/LB hybrid - Ohio St.

It’s honestly not fair that a team that goes undefeated (at this point) gets a top five pick with even greater potential depending on how the 49ers close the season. How the Patriots use it, however, will be interesting. The team’s greatest need is at linebacker, but no one in the draft is really worth a pick this high. Enter Vernon Gholston, a speedy defensive end (he runs a 4.6 40) who can also adjust to linebacker and fill what might be the only “need” New England really has.

Also, keep an eye on Randy Moss and Donte Stallworth. Both may be headed elsewhere after the season.

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This post is tagged 2008, 2008 NFL Draft, 2008 NFL Mock Draft, Features, Mock, Mock Draft, Mocks, NFL Draft