04/23 — If you’ve been to our homepage recently, you’ve noticed our Coors Light Draft 2008 Countdown. We’re technically still three days out but as the seconds tick down, I’m thinking maybe we should just remove the word “Countdown” because the draft has already started.

And if you’re a Jets fan, you have to be pumped because only four teams are scheduled to select in front of the Green & White on Saturday. The Dolphins, who owned the No. 1 pick, signed Michigan T Jake Long Tuesday to a reported five-year deal worth $57.75 million, which includes $30 million in guaranteed money.

Then Tuesday evening, the Kansas City Chiefs traded DE Jared Allen to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for a 2008 first-round selection (No. 17 overall) and two third-round selections (Nos. 73 and 82). Kansas City, which at No. 5 currently sits one spot ahead of the Green & White, has six selections among the draft’s first 100 picks.

And how do these two moves affect the Jets? Obviously J.Long has been removed from their big board and the Chiefs’ outlook could change.

Many pundits had previously suggested that KC, a team in need of tackle help on the O-line, might seriously consider Virginia’s Branden Albert or Boise State’s Ryan Clady with that fifth pick.

But you have to think that’s highly unlikely now, considering the Chiefs just moved a pass rusher in Allen, who takes his league-leading 15.5 sacks to the Vikes, and added that 17th overall selection. They could go defense early and address the O-line later because they’ll have the ability to package picks and move up again or perhaps even grab Albert or Clady when they select again at 17.

In fact, I’d be shocked if the Chiefs went with an offensive lineman at No. 5. And if they don’t love who’s sitting there at five, could they look to move down and add even more picks?

With anticipation building heading into the weekend, I want to know what you’re predictions for what will happen from 2-6. (Feel free to include trades but let’s keep this realistic.) Here are a couple of my observations ...

1. Miami — Jake Long, T, Michigan:

The Parcells era begins with the big LT. He’ll make his NFL debut vs. the Jets down in South Florida on Sept. 7. "Jake was our guy from the beginning,'' said Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland. "I don't make it a habit of telling you what is on our board, but Jake Long was on the top of our board for a long time."

2. St. Louis

Unless the Rams are sending tremendous smokescreens, they’re likely to decide between Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU and Chris Long, DE/OLB, Virginia. While the Saints are said to be interested in both Dorsey and Sedrick Ellis, DT, Southern Cal, they’d have to blow the Rams away to move up to that coveted second slot. “It'd be hard to replace what we'd be able to draft by moving back, even if you could fulfill some needs on your team with extra picks,” said Rams head coach Scott Linehan. We’d be surprised if Dorsey isn’t the guy.

3. Atlanta

Is this a one-horse race? Do the Falcons have their eyes set on Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College? They need a quarterback but there are other options if Ryan isn’t their guy. The outfit formerly known as the Dirty Birds also owns the 34th, 37th and 48th selections and either Chad Henne, QB, Michigan, Joe Flacco, QB, Delaware or Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville could be viewed as a better fit. We know ATL will draft a passer, we just don’t know when. Thomas Dimitroff, in his first year as Falcons GM, knows he has plenty of holes to fill and may want to see what he can get here.

Interestingly, the Atlanta Journal Constitution has a poll on its Website about which player the Falcons should select. The results were surprising with 1,631 voters favoring Dorsey, 398 liking Ryan and 283 casting votes for Chris Long. We don’t think Dorsey’s around here, so look for the Falcons to move if they can. Real Football, who provides expert analysis for newyorkjets.com, reported today that the Ravens, Chiefs and Bears are all interested in moving up.

4. Oakland

Most pundits think the Raiders will select amongst the following trio: Vernon Gholston, DE/OLB, Ohio State, Chris Long, DE/OLB, Virginia and Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas. Raiders head coach Lane Kiffin said “running back is really not a need for us” but McFadden might be the best athlete in the draft and Run DMC figures to tempt Al Davis. If they go defense, Gholston is a gifted athlete and Long has all the qualities you could want in a player. Your guess is as good as mine on the Silver & Black.

5. Kansas City

As discussed above, the Chiefs have increased their weekend flexibility but had to unload a defensive star in the process. If Ryan’s on the board here, they’d have to take a long look at the BC product. Does Allen’s departure mean the 4-3 Chiefs would like Gholston or Long in their system?

6. New York Jets

If the second and third overall selections are indeed Dorsey and Ryan, then at least one part of the Gholston–Long–McFadden trifecta will be available here. Gholston and Long would be good fits at OLB in the 3-4 and McFadden has game-changing ability. The Jets, who have assembled a terrific personnel staff, always could trade down and stockpile picks. And remember they traded up twice last spring in order to get both CB Darrelle Revis and LB David Harris.

I can’t speak for you guys, but I’m ready to go to the Jets Draft Day Party Saturday, grab a cold beverage and watch this thing unfold.