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The NFL Draft has everyone's eyes glued to their televisions, as the highly anticipated round has ended with a lot of surprises and moves made by teams to get the players they want.

Needs have been one of the primary motivators this year, being considered more important than the ratings of a certain player in a specific position.

The teams have shown that no matter what the data say, it's how the players fit into the system and existing situation that is the key determinant of the teams.

With that in mind, here's some of the news, coverage, picks and commentary on the NFL Draft for the weekend:

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Snap Judgments: Need, speed dominate first day of NFL draft Story Highlights

Eight trades highlighted a frenetically-paced first round

Musings, observations and the occasional insight as we put a wrap on the marquee day of the NFL's annual pick-fest, from our vantage point of deep in the heart of Texas....

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In a draft Long on talent, Jake and Chris go 1-2

Thanks to the work done in advance by the Miami Dolphins, the opening hour of the 2008 NFL Draft provided little drama. As expected, Miami selected former University of Michigan offensive tackle Jake Long with the first pick in Saturday's draft, merely formalizing what had been a foregone conclusion for the better part of a week before things got interesting with the following four selections.

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A pick-by-pick analysis of the 2008 NFL draft's first round:

1. Miami Dolphins - OT Jake Long. The Dolphins took the safe route with this pick. The selection makes sense because the team can ill afford to make a mistake. Plus, second-year QB John Beck needs somebody to protect his blind side.

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Pick-by-pick analysis of the 2008 NFL draft's second round:

1. (32) Miami Dolphins - DE Phillip Merling. The Dolphins passed on DE Chris Long at No. 1 overall and then got lucky that Merling's hernia surgery caused him to slide to them at the top of the second round. Merling was the second-best defensive end in the draft. He fits into what Miami boss Bill Parcells wants to do in Miami because he has the versatility to play end in a 4-3 or a 3-4 defense.

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A pick-by-pick analysis of the 2008 NFL draft's third round:
 
1. (64) Detroit Lions - RB Kevin Smith. The Lions trade up to grab the strong and powerful Smith. He will provide the physical inside rushing presence Lions coach Rod Marinelli desperately seeks. He will surprise many with his contributions catching the ball out of the backfield.