Yes, it is that time of the year again. As some of my readers know, I am an NFL draft junkie. While my main focus of life is on the effect of environmental toxins on health, sometimes you need a diversion to retain focus and the National Football League Draft is one of my favorites. Being a Jet and 49er fan, way too often, unfortunately, they draft early.

Predicting the draft is strangely futile as you never can guess which team will pick which player but it is fun for me to try even though I never have gotten it right. Today I pick numbers 1 – 10.

1 – Miami Dolphins – Jake Long OT Michigan – The way to build a team is to start at the lines, both offensive and defensive. This guy is huge (6’7”/315 lbs) and extremely talented. This pick may last up here for a while unless the Dolphins trade down.

2 – St. Louis Rams – Glenn Dorsey DT LSU – This would give the Rams a formidable defensive front for many years to go after drafting Adam Carriker last year.

3 – Atlanta Falcons – Matt Ryan QB Boston College – Given that Mike Vick is in jail, they need a franchise quarterback and this guy been rated as the best one available.

4 – Oakland Raiders – Chris Long DE Virginia – His dad Howie played for the Raiders, now the son adds his mark to a team desperate to become better defensively.

5 – Kansas City Chiefs – Vernon Gholsten DE Ohio State – The Chiefs let out a groan when Jake Long was picked as O-Line is where they need help. Gholsten was the Big Ten defensive player of the year and could be a great one.

6 – New York Jets – Sedrick Ellis DE USC – This guy fits into the 3-4 defensive scheme but having Darren McFaden still available may be too tempting to pass up.

7 – New England Patriots – Darren McFadden RB Arkansas – The Patriots would be crazy to pass up a runner with this guys talent.

8 – Baltimore Ravens – Leodis McKelvin CB Troy State – This is a need pick but a good one. McKelvin has all the tools and the speed to be a major impact for the Ravens secondary.9 – Cincinnati Bengals – Derrick Harvey DE Florida – They need help defensively and he is one of the best at the position available.

10 – New Orleans Saints – Mike Jenkins CB South Florida – They were burned in the secondary last year and this guy can close that hole.