Possible First Overall Pick - The Sleepers

As Bill Parcells said in his opening press conference, they will not pay attention to mock drafts or listen to any supposed experts in trying to determine who to select number one. This opens the possibility of a surprise player that most people would believe would be picked later. Here are a few who could fit that bill.

Darren McFadden (RB, Arkansas)

At the end of they day, McFadden is the best player in the draft. You can also argue that he plays the 2nd most important position on offense, perhaps even the entire team. Running Backs handle the ball a lot and even though you can find them seemingly everywhere, they are very valuable, especially if you have one with the god given extraordinary talent that Darren has. The affect that Adrian Peterson had on the Vikings offense is fresh in the minds of everyone, and this is a copycat league. Whenever a player breaks out as a superstar, teams look for the next "that guy." Keep in mind that many people have said and continue to say that McFadden is better that Peterson. We can talk all day about Miami's RB's and how it's not really a need, but so many times the top few picks are based on best player available, not need. There is also a possibility that the 'Phins could "hijack" McFadden by taking him and trying to trade him. Obviously Dallas is interested, but keep an eye on Atlanta. If they are picking and Matt Ryan and Darren McFadden are off the board, they are in big trouble. They could panic and offer a good trade.

Vernon Gholston (DE/OLB, Ohio St.)

He is an interesting prospect. He played DE in the 4-3 at Ohio St. He is projected as one of those DE/OLB hybrids that depending on the system could play either position. To be honest, in the 3-4 the Dolphins are likely to run, he seems like a great option at OLB. He has the big size and good speed that Parcells likes, plus hes from a big time college program. He is a great pass rusher which is important with the possibility of not having Jason Taylor. In fact, if he is selected then Jason Taylor would probably be traded later in the draft if he hasn't been already.

Sedrick Ellis (DT, USC)

In case you didn't notice, I wrote an extended post about Ellis over at Phin Phanatic. You chould check it out here. To be short, he had a great Senior Bowl and is shooting up the draft boards. He seems more ready to play NT than Glenn Dorsey, which makes him a likely pick if we are going for an interior lineman. The closer we get, the more I like Sedrick Ellis and wouldn't be surprised if we pick him.