NFL Draft opens Saturday

NEW YORK, April 25 (UPI) -- The NFL Draft begins Saturday with all the suspense concerning the No. 1 pick having been wiped out by Miami's signing of offensive tackle Jake Long.

First-round trades have been forecast during the days leading up to the draft, but barring any moves at the top of the selection process, Miami will be followed by St. Louis, Atlanta, Oakland and Kansas City.

Kansas City moved into the No. 5 slot through a trade with Minnesota and the Chiefs now own two first-round choices.

Having won only one game in 2007, the Dolphins need help throughout. Under the guidance of new front-office boss Bill Parcells, however, the Dolphins decided to keep the No. 1 pick and take Long -- a product of the University of Michigan who will be the first offensive tackle taken at the top of the draft since Orlando Pace went to St. Louis in 1997.

The only other offensive tackle taken at No. 1 since the draft started in 1936 was Ron Yary, who was chosen by Minnesota in 1968.

The draft will begin at 3 p.m. EDT with only two rounds scheduled to be concluded Saturday. The remaining five rounds will be conducted Sunday.