The future is now

Tom Brady will soon be joined by some young, fresh faces. At Boston College, another No. 12 prepares to continue his football career at the professional level. Yes, draft day is quickly approaching, the Patriots and Giants look to shore up their defenses, and the Dolphins will attempt to fill at least some of the ump-teen different holes in the lineup that was only an overtime victory away from an 0-16 season.

The main question on most BC minds, however, is what team Matt Ryan will play for this coming season. Experts have predicted his future team to be anywhere from the Falcons with the No. 3 overall pick or as low as the No. 8, to the Ravens. The general consensus seems to be Atlanta, which has been rattled by distractions and will be looking for a franchise player to reestablish viability in the league. Ryan has been rated as the 10th-best prospect in the draft in

ESPN.com's "Hot 100," and far and away the most promising quarterback available. Many teams will be competing for his services, but the second-tier quarterbacks, such as Delaware's Joe Flacco and Louisville's Brian Brohm, are sufficient consolation prizes.

But Ryan is not going to be the only BC Eagle going pro come draft day. It appears that left tackle Gosder Cherilus may be taken in the late first or early second round, as a premium will be placed on big men up front on both sides of the ball.

The Tennessee Titans at the No. 24 selection could be in the running, although it is conceivable he could join Ryan in Atlanta with the team's early second-round selection. His big arms and large hands could make the transfer from blocking college players to blocking pros a bit easier.

Other players who could hear their names called on the second day of the draft are DeJuan Tribble and Jolonn Dunbar, both of whom could end up as sixth- or seventh-round picks. Size is the biggest adversary for each, but some teams could give them a chance to make the squad. But dozens of other schools will be participating in this year's draft, and this is how the top five are expected to turn out:

1. Miami Dolphins: Jake Long, tackle, Michigan

After officially reaching a contract agreement, the Dolphins have assured the rest of the world that Long is their choice. He will work to protect an inexperienced John Beck while the offense focuses on running the ball with a capable, if not always healthy, Ronnie Brown.

2. St. Louis Rams: Glenn Dorsey, defensive tackle, LSU

The Rams are still a little bit skittish about Dorsey's previously injured knee but can think of no reason to pass on such pure talent. He will help shore up a defense that ranked second-to-last in scoring last season.

3. Atlanta Falcons: Matt Ryan, quarterback, Boston College

Mel Kiper, Jr. says of Ryan, "I put him in the [Philip] Rivers, [Ben] Roethlisberger, [Eli] Manning category." Two of those have already won Super Bowls, and Rivers is in contention every year. Ryan is the soundest pick the Falcons can make to reestablish the beginnings of a relevant franchise.

4. Oakland Raiders: Chris Long, defensive end, Virginia

When the Raiders have the opportunity to upgrade from Tommy Kelly to the best defensive end prospect this year, they have to take it. The son of Hall of Fame member and former Raider Howie Long will follow in his dad's footsteps and anchor the defensive line for years to come.

5. Kansas City Chiefs: Vernon

Gholston, defensive end, Ohio State

The Chiefs are ecstatic that Gholston has fallen this far.

His ability to play at both the defensive end and linebacker positions makes him a double threat that the Chiefs can plug in at either position come the beginning of the season.

Sleepers

Steve Slaton, running back, West Virginia: It is unlikely that Slaton will be selected on the first day, as teams will be concerned about his potential character issues.

He could be a steal in the later rounds if he goes to a no-nonsense coach or general manager like Bill Parcells in Miami.

Patrick Lee, cornerback, Auburn: A fleet-footed cover man with a fast 40-yard dash (4.41), Lee has only been rated as the 15th-best cornerback available. But his size could make him a middle-round pick with the potential to start by November.

Receivers: With such a premium placed on the defensive side of the ball this draft, offense falls by the wayside - the wide receiver position in particular.

Devin Thomas from Michigan State looks to be the best pass catcher on the board, and it is still unlikely he will be considered before the final 10 selections of the first round.

He, Limas Sweed (Texas), and Mario Manningham (Michigan) could all have productive careers at the professional level.

Surprises

Green Bay Packers: With the departure of Brett Favre, the Packers must make a decision as to whether they truly believe Aaron Rodgers is the man to lead their team.

If they are at all unsure, look for Green Bay to take the next available quarterback after Matt Ryan. Brian Brohm from Louisville could be a secure choice for them.

Jonathan Stewart, running back, Oregon: Stewart has been rated as the seventh-best player available in the entire draft by Pro Football Weekly, but there is a chance that he will experience a Brady Quinn-like drop come draft day.

Most teams are too enamored with the speed of Darren McFadden to even think of the versatile Stewart, who could still be sitting after the first 15 selections.

Dallas Cowboys: Owner Jerry Jones loves, loves, loves drafting for talent rather than need. He also has an affinity for his alma mater, Arkansas. So it's very possible that Jones will try to convince the Cowboys to trade up and grab Darren McFadden, even with a Pro Bowl rusher already on the roster in Marion Barber.

The 2008 NFL draft represents a newfound beginning for every team.

For some, unfulfilled Super Bowl aspirations are renewed (see New England), while others are merely looking to return their franchises to respectability (see Miami). This is where your team starts its quest. You better tune in to be a part of it.