As promised, here are the top picks in the 2008 draft and a quick, mini mock draft. Because there are seven teams with 7-9 records and I can’t verify the order because of the league’s tricky tiebreakers (though I am almost positive the Bengals will pick ninth), we’ll do a top eight instead of a top 10:

1. Dolphins — LSU DT Glenn Dorsey: Bill Parcells knows the value of building up teams from the line of scrimmage out. Sure, he’ll need a quarterback, but he’s just as likely to go the veteran route there. Dorsey represents a dominant three-technique.
2. Rams — Michigan OT Jake Long: This doesn’t appear to be a perfect fit unless Orlando Pace’s injury is very serious or he chooses to retire, which has been rumored. Long would be an instant starter at left tackle, and though he might not have Pace’s upside, he’s as solid an OLT prospect as there has been since — gulp — Robert Gallery. Then again …
3. Falcons — Arkansas RB Darren McFadden: I know Warrick Dunn says he could return next year and wants to leave on a higher note. And I think Jerrious Norwodd has some good upside. And normally, I would be against taking a back this high, even one of McFadden’s potential. But for a first-time Falcons GM, this is a slam-dunk of sorts. You’re taking a guy who will come in and account for at least 1,000 yards from scrimmage and add some excitement to a hurting franchise.
4. Raiders — USC DT Sedrick Ellis: It’s not a stretch to think that Lane Kiffin would endorse an SC kid, but of course that matters little when Al Davis signs your checks. Even in his ancient state, Davis knows that the D-line needs retooling and could get a quick fix from this talented run stuffer and interior rusher.
5. Chiefs — Boise State OT Ryan Clady: If there’s a team that knows the value of a good offensive line, it’s the Chiefs, who need some major help up front. Clady could play either OT spot and be a Day One starter for a club that went from one of the best rushing groups to one of the league’s worst.
6. Jets — Virginia DE Chris Long: This appears to be a great fit for the Jets, who crave an impact guy up front. The Mangenius could envision Long as a 3-4 end, playing several techniques on the line in four-man fronts and even standing up on occasion. Long and David Harris would be a nice 1-2 punch on the right side.
7. Patriots (from the 49ers) — Ohio State DE-OLB Vernon Gholston: I also could see a trade down if some team came calling for Matt Ryan perhaps. The Patriots are among the busiest teams on Draft Day and don’t like paying large bonuses. But Gholston is exactly the kind of guy — like Long — whose versatility would be ideal with a multiple-front team such as the Patriots. Some people project Gholston to rush linebacker, where the Patriots are a bit long in the tooth.
8. Ravens — Boston College QB Matt Ryan: Quarterbacks tend to go a little higher than they should, and this is a classic example. I like Ryan a good deal, but I am not sure he’ll ever be a special NFL quarterback. He makes good, quick decisions and can read and diagnose well. He doesn’t panic and has some leadership characteristics. But can Ryan make all the throws? Will he be too systematic and check down as much as he does at BC? I just get the feeling we’re seeing a totally unsexy quarterback here, like a Chad Pennington.

And if I knew for sure that the Bengals had the ninth pick, I’d probably say Ohio State LB James Laurinaitis as my gut choice. We’ll find out soon. The order, that is, not the actual picks. Those we wait four months for.