Scout First-Round Mock Draft UPDATED: 4/16

There is nothing more uncertain in sports than the NFL Draft, and one thing seems to be clear, Michigan OT Jake Long will be the No. 1 selection. He may end up in Miami or another city who covets the massive tackle, but Scout.com's NFL Draft Analyst Chris Steuber updates his first-round mock draft with a shake-up in the top five.

My previous mock draft, which I released on April 9th, was conducted prior to Malcolm Kelly's poor Pro Day performance. That performance has caused some changes and tweaks throughout the first round. There have been some adjustments in the top-ten, as a new prospect, Jake Long, has been declared the new No. 1 pick overall and another, Branden Albert - who's stock is skyrocketing - debuts in my top-ten.

My current mock draft features 17 underclassmen and 14 seniors being selected in the first round. There are 31 picks in the first round this year due to the Patriots forfeiting their own selection in light of the Spygate scandal. My first round mock draft also features 16 defensive players versus 15 offensive players being selected.

If you have any questions about my mock draft, email me by clicking on this link.

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Round 1 | Round 2

No.	Team	Pos.	Name	College	Class	Ht.	Wt.
1		OT	Jake Long	Michigan	Sr.	6-7	315
Although I don't agree with this selection, and I think the Dolphins should select Chris Long, it appears that Miami is leaning towards selecting Michigan OT Jake Long. I think Jake will be a good pro, but the situation isn't ideal for an instant impact.
Previous Mock Draft Selection: Chris Long
2		DE	Chris Long	Virginia	Sr.	6-3	272
With Chris Long, Vernon Gholston and Glenn Dorsey on the board, the Rams have a tough decision to make. St. Louis will go back and forth between the three players, but in the end, Long is an ideal fit in the Rams defense.
Previous Mock Draft Selection: Vernon Gholston
3		DT	Glenn Dorsey	LSU	Sr.	6-1	297
Will the Falcons draft Glenn Dorsey or opt for a potential franchise QB in Matt Ryan? Personally, I don't think Ryan is the best QB in the class (Brian Brohm is the best QB) and isn't worth a top-three selection. Atlanta is loaded with draft picks in the first two rounds and will add a QB in round two and select Dorsey at this selection.
Previous Mock Draft Selection: Jake Long
4		DE	Vernon Gholston	Ohio State	Jr.	6-3	266
The Raiders will most likely receive phone calls from other teams looking to trade up and draft Darren McFadden or Matt Ryan. But, if the Raiders decide to keep the pick, Ohio State's Vernon Gholston is the kind of athletic defender who can have an impact on a promising Raiders defense.
Previous Mock Draft Selection: Glenn Dorsey
5		QB	Matt Ryan	Boston College	Sr.	6-4	228
The Chiefs will also receive phone calls from teams looking to select Darren McFadden and Matt Ryan. It's possible that the Chiefs trade down and acquire an extra selection, but if they decide to trade the pick or keep it, this seems to be the spot where Matt Ryan will come off the board.
Previous Mock Draft Selection: Same
6		RB	Darren McFadden	Arkansas	Jr.	6-1	211
The Jets don't necessarily need a running back - they have a major need for a game breaking receiver - but with Darren McFadden falling into their lap, they can't turn down the potential impact he would bring to their offense.
Previous Mock Draft Selection: Same
7	from 49ers	G/OT	Branden Albert	Virginia	Jr.	6-6	309
The Patriots will look at Keith Rivers to add youth to the linebacker core, Leodis McKelvin to help with the loss of Asante Samuel and Randall Gay, but you can never pass on a versatile lineman who can help a prolific offense now and in the future. Virginia's Branden Albert primarily played guard in college, but he translates well as a tackle in the NFL. He’s rising quickly up draft charts, and is a surprise selection for New England.
Previous Mock Draft Selection: Leodis McKelvin
8		CB	Leodis McKelvin	Troy	Sr.	5-10	186
The Ravens could be one of those teams that try to move up in the draft and select Matt Ryan, but if they fail, they will look to upgrade at CB. Troy's Leodis McKelvin is a quality cover corner with great potential.
Previous Mock Draft Selection: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
9		DT	Sedrick Ellis	USC	Sr.	6-0	309
The Bengals desperately need help on defense, especially at linebacker and defensive tackle. USC's LB Keith Rivers had a great performance at his Pro Day and solidified himself as a top-ten pick, but the Bengals have to get a push up the middle and another Trojan, Sedrick Ellis, will provide it.
Previous Mock Draft Selection: Same
10		LB	Keith Rivers	USC	Sr.	6-2	241
The Saints added help in the secondary with the addition of Randall Gay and added two veteran linebackers, Dan Morgan and Jonathan Vilma. There are a few options on the board for New Orleans, but like I said, RIvers is a top-ten pick and ends up with the Saints.
Previous Mock Draft Selection: Same
11		CB	Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie	Tennessee State	Sr.	6-1	180
The Bills have to find a big wideout to compliment Lee Evans, but with Malcolm Kelly disappointing at his Pro Day and Devin Thomas being a reach at this position, the Bills will concentrate on another area. Upgrading the secondary is another priority and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie has made a name for himself this offseason and ends up with the Bills.
Previous Mock Draft Selection: Malcolm Kelly
12		OT	Ryan Clady	Boise State	Jr.	6-6	320
The Broncos biggest need is along the offensive line. There is a chance that Boise State OT Ryan Clady will be gone by this selection, but if he's available, the Broncos won't hesitate to make the selection.
Previous Mock Draft Selection: Same
13		DE	Derrick Harvey	Florida	Jr.	6-4	271
The Panthers will look to upgrade the offensive and defensive line, as well as entertain the thought of selecting a RB. The need for a pass rushing DE opposite Julius Peppers overrules any other priorities, and Florida's Derrick Harvey is exactly what the Panthers need.
Previous Mock Draft Selection: Same
14		OT	Chris Williams	Vanderbilt	Sr.	6-6	317
The Bears have some areas of concern, such as quarterback and running back, but mostly on the offensive line. Illinois RB Rashard Mendenhall is intriguing and is a major possibility, but Vanderbilt OT Chris Williams provides the Bears with the outside presence they need on the O-Line.
Previous Mock Draft Selection: Rashard Mendenhall
15		RB	Rashard Mendenhall	Illinois	Jr.	5-10	225
The Lions are desperate for a RB who can challenge for a starting position immediately. With Rashard Mendenhall falling to this spot, the Lions hope the Fighting Illini star can improve on the Lions dismal 80.5 YPG on the ground.
Previous Mock Draft Selection: Chris Williams
16		CB	Mike Jenkins	South Florida	Sr.	5-11	200
Arizona will consider drafting a running back at this selection, but with Mendenhall off the board they will focus on upgrading their secondary. The Cardinals will consider Kansas' Aqib Talib, but with some off the field concerns, Arizona will turn to the savvy Mike Jenkins.
Previous Mock Draft Selection: Aqib Talib
17		DE	Phillip Merling	Clemson	Jr.	6-4	270
The most glaring need for the Vikings resides at defensive end. Despite having sports hernia surgery, Clemson's Phillip Merling is one of the best all around DEs in the draft and is a perfect fit for the Vikings.
Previous Mock Draft Selection: Same
18		CB	Aqib Talib	Kansas	Jr.	6-1	205
The closer we get to the draft, I'm sure the Texans will keep an eye on Oregon RB Jonathan Stewart and his progress after toe surgery. Stewart is a possibility, but with a need in the secondary, the Texans decide to bring in Aqib Talib; a playmaker with great ball skills who can turn defense into offense on any given play.
Previous Mock Draft Selection: Branden Albert
19		OT	Jeff Otah	Pittsburgh	Sr.	6-6	339
The Eagles are a team that could draft the best available player, as they don't have many glaring needs. They could use a big play wide receiver, and Devin Thomas and DeSean Jackson fit that need. But the Eagles have two aging OTs, Jon Runyan and Tra Thomas, and drafting a young player like Jeff Otah is a move the Eagles will most likely make.
Previous Mock Draft Selection: Same
20		WR	Devin Thomas	Michigan State	Jr.	6-2	215
The Buccaneers have to address the receiver position with this pick, and it's possible that they’ll look to add a cornerback. The pick will be between DeSean Jackson and Devin Thomas. This will be a tough decision, but Thomas' upside as a receiver is much greater than Jackson's.
Previous Mock Draft Selection: DeSean Jackson
21		WR	Limas Sweed	Texas	Sr.	6-4	215
The Redskins could use a safety, especially with the loss of Sean Taylor. But they decide to pass on Kenny Phillips to address their need for a receiver. With Devin Thomas off the board, look for the Redskins to draft Texas' Limas Sweed, even though he's had wrist problems this past year.
Previous Mock Draft Selection: Devin Thomas
22	from Browns	RB	Felix Jones	Arkansas	Jr.	5-10	207
The Cowboys main priority is to find a quality cover corner who can develop into a quality starter for years to come. But with the top CBs off the board, the Cowboys will add a compliment to Marion Barber in the backfield. Dallas selects Arkansas' Felix Jones.
Previous Mock Draft Selection: Mike Jenkins
23		OT	Gosder Cherilus	Boston College	Sr.	6-7	314
Losing Alan Faneca is a tough pill to swallow, but the Steelers will have to move on and find depth on the O-Line. The top tackles are off the board along with the top guard, Branden Albert. So, the Steelers select a durable, reliable tackle in BC's Gosder Cherilus.
Previous Mock Draft Selection: Same
24		WR	DeSean Jackson	California	Jr.	5-9	169
The Titans lost Antwan Odom and Travis LaBoy in free agency and adding depth at DE is a must. With the top pass rushing DEs off the board, the Titans decide to give Vince Young a playmaker he can work with, Cal's DeSean Jackson, who will also compete with the recently added Chris Carr as the team's return specialist.
Previous Mock Draft Selection: Limas Sweed
25		WR	Malcolm Kelly	Oklahoma	Jr.	6-4	224
The Seahawks haven't drafted a tight end in the first round since 2002, and they may be tempted to select Dustin Keller this year. But, Seattle also has a need for a DT and a WR. Malcolm Kelly's horrible showing at his Pro Day may benefit the Seahawks as they select the draft's best WR, who will have something to prove this season.
Previous Mock Draft Selection: Trevor Laws
26		DE	Calais Campbell	Miami	Jr.	6-8	290
The loss of Bobby McCray and Marcus Stroud are huge losses on defense and will force the Jaguars to upgrade in the draft. There are a few possibilities for Jacksonville at this spot — Miami's Calais Campbell, UNC's Kentwan Balmer and Notre Dame's Trevor Laws. Campbell's potential wins out over Balmer and Laws.
Previous Mock Draft Selection: Same
27		RB	Jonathan Stewart	Oregon	Jr.	5-10	235
The Chargers are in a situation to draft the best available player, and they can go in many directions. But the one direction they should go in is adding a running back. LaDainian Tomlinson is still the best in the business, but how many more years will he play at a top level? Michael Turner signed with Atlanta, and the Chargers can't rely on Darren Sproles to be their backup running back. Oregon's Jonathan Stewart falls to the Chargers due to his recent toe surgery.
Previous Mock Draft Selection: Same
28		CB	Brandon Flowers	Virginia Tech	Jr.	5-10	189
The Cowboys added a RB with their first selection and will either select a WR or CB with this pick. Indiana's James Hardy or Michigan's Mario Manningham are possibilities, but the physical nature and ball skills of Brandon Flowers provides the Cowboys with a legitimate playmaker.
Previous Mock Draft Selection: Felix Jones
29	from Colts	LB	Jerod Mayo	Tennessee	Jr.	6-1	242
The Niners added a few veteran wide receivers this offseason, so drafting a first round WR isn't necessary. The Niners struck gold with Patrick Willis last season and will continue to upgrade their linebacker core with the versatile Jerod Mayo.
Previous Mock Draft Selection: Dan Connor
30		TE	Dustin Keller	Purdue	Sr.	6-2	242
Green Bay is another team that can draft the best player available. They have a solid nucleus all around, but adding help in the secondary makes sense. Miami FS Kenny Phillips is a possibility, but Purdue's athletic TE Dustin Keller available, the Packers decide to give Aaron Rodgers another offensive weapon.
Previous Mock Draft Selection: Same
	PATRIOTS SELECTION FORFEITED - (16 - 0)