motife
03-19-2008, 04:18 PM
* Asterisk denotes underclassman
The one noticeable change on this week's Top 25 Big Board is the absence of Oregon running back Jonathan Stewart. Ranked No. 16 last week, Stewart dropped off the board because he had surgery on March 10 for a turf toe injury that's going to sideline him for four to six months. Stewart, who might not be ready for the start of training camp, should slip to the second round of next month's draft.
Oregon running back Jonathan Stewart might not be ready for training camp after surgery to correct a turf toe injury.
1. *Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas (6-foot-1, 208) | Previous: Same
The reasons for his dynamic performances throughout his career are excellent vision, very good balance, game-breaking speed and a passion for the game.
2. Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College (6-4, 223) | Previous: Same
He has the size and arm to wow the NFL brass during testing.
3. Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU (6-2, 292) | Previous: Same
Disruptive force along the interior. If there is one nonskill position player fans should watch, it's Dorsey: He always makes plays or opens up space for his teammates.
4. Chris Long, DE, Virginia (6-4, 282) | Previous: Same
A 3-4 defensive end with great bloodlines who understands leverage and uses his hands as well as any D-lineman in the country.
5. Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC (6-1, 297) | Previous: Same
Tampa Bay Bucs-style DT with superior quickness and a nonstop motor.
6. *Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio St. (6-3, 262) | Previous: Same
He took his play to a new level in 2007, showcasing the explosiveness to overpower offensive tackles at the point of attack. Gholston also has excellent closing speed, as evidenced by the 14 sacks he registered. He also has the versatility to play with his hand off the ground.
7. Jake Long, OT, Michigan (6-6, 320) | Previous: Same
Top-drawer left- or right-tackle prospect.
8. *Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State (6-5, 320) | Previous: Same
An excellent left-tackle prospect with athletic ability and solid technique that will make him a great blindside protector in the NFL.
9. *Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson (6-4½, 272) | Previous: Same
An underrated standout, Merling might not be as flashy as former teammate Gaines Adams (the fourth pick in last year's draft), but you can make the argument that Merling is a more complete player.
10. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee St. (6-1½, 183) | Previous: Same
After enjoying a stellar career at the Division I-AA level, Rodgers-Cromartie stood out against the big boys at the Senior Bowl practices, then wowed over the NFL brass at the combine. He has the height, athleticism, recovery speed and ball skills to be an outstanding cornerback in the NFL.
11. *Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois (5-10, 224) | Previous: Same
Authoritative runner with a major league burst through the hole. Mendenhall's hard-charging style makes him difficult to get to the ground.
12. Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt (6-5½, 318) | Previous: Same
Top-drawer talent, possessing superior athleticism and good feet to neutralize outside pass-rushers.
13. Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy (5-10½, 185) | Previous: Same
Not only is McKelvin a very good cover man with superior recovery ability and the aggressiveness (he runs in the 4.38 range) to get the job done in run support, he also has made a name for himself as the top return man in the entire nation. He stood out this past season in games against the likes of Arkansas, Florida, Oklahoma State and Georgia. With his speed and versatility, McKelvin will bring great value to a football team.
14. *Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas (5-11, 202) | Previous: Same
Tremendously explosive and versatile, Jones gained a whopping 8.7 yards per carry this past season, while also excelling as a kickoff returner, gaining nearly 30 yards per return.
15. *Jerod Mayo, LB, Tennessee (6-1½, 233) | Previous: Same
Fast, athletic and tremendously instinctive. Mayo is a form tackler who leaves a lasting impression when he arrives on the scene. In 2007, May led the Vols with 140 tackles and was second on the team with 8½ tackles behind the line of scrimmage.
16. Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh (6-5, 339) | Previous: 17
Light on his feet for a huge bookend, Otah is still developing. He played only one year in high school and two at the junior college level. He also played basketball in junior college and is a tremendous athlete. His upside and potential will excite offensive-line coaches in the NFL.
17. Keith Rivers, LB, USC (6-3, 233) | Previous: 18
He has the skill set to become a super blue-chipper. Rivers isn't spectacular, but he's a solid all-around player.
18. *Branden Albert, OG, Virginia (6-6, 310) | Previous: 19
A three-year starter for Al Groh, Albert also has the potential to operate as an offensive tackle in the NFL. Albert really commands attention by blocking in space and getting to the second level. In 2007, I saw Albert routinely deliver crushing blows on the move, showing agility and athleticism rarely seen in a player of his size.
19. *Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida (6-3, 250) | Previous: 24
A battle-tested SEC veteran with that quick twitch you look for in a pass-rusher. Harvey started slowly in 2007, but came on in the latter half of the season, finishing with 8½ sacks and 17 tackles for loss.
20. Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina (6-4, 298) | Previous: 22
Unbelievably talented player who had a breakout season in 2007.
21. *Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas (6-1, 193) | Previous: 20
A game-changing cover corner who had 11 interceptions the past two seasons. Talib has outstanding recovery speed and tremendous leaping ability. He also showed his versatility by catching eight passes (four for touchdowns) on offense.
22. *Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma (6-3½, 219) | Previous: 21
He has the combination of size and speed that NFL teams covet, plus great hands; he's also a tremendous competitor.
23. *Chilo Rachal, OG, USC (6-6¼, 339) | Previous: Same
He has tremendous size and plays with a defensive mentality. Rachal can match the speed and power of defensive ends he faces, which is why he has so much upside at the next level.
24. *DeSean Jackson, WR, California (5-11, 168) | Previous: 25
Exciting wideout and returner with very good natural pass-receiving skills. Jackson has excellent speed and is a terrific open-field runner.
25. Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State (6-1½, 215) | Previous: Unranked
The very definition of a one-year wonder. After catching just six passes in 2006, Thomas had 79 receptions for 1,260 yards and eight TDs in 2007. He also averaged 29 yards on kickoff returns. Thomas has good size and ran a 4.4 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL combine. He can run after catch, but also has the size to break tackles in open field.
DROPPED
*Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon (5-10, 233) | Previous: 16
A strong and athletic, big running back who displays tremendous patience with the way he sets up his blocks.
The one noticeable change on this week's Top 25 Big Board is the absence of Oregon running back Jonathan Stewart. Ranked No. 16 last week, Stewart dropped off the board because he had surgery on March 10 for a turf toe injury that's going to sideline him for four to six months. Stewart, who might not be ready for the start of training camp, should slip to the second round of next month's draft.
Oregon running back Jonathan Stewart might not be ready for training camp after surgery to correct a turf toe injury.
1. *Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas (6-foot-1, 208) | Previous: Same
The reasons for his dynamic performances throughout his career are excellent vision, very good balance, game-breaking speed and a passion for the game.
2. Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College (6-4, 223) | Previous: Same
He has the size and arm to wow the NFL brass during testing.
3. Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU (6-2, 292) | Previous: Same
Disruptive force along the interior. If there is one nonskill position player fans should watch, it's Dorsey: He always makes plays or opens up space for his teammates.
4. Chris Long, DE, Virginia (6-4, 282) | Previous: Same
A 3-4 defensive end with great bloodlines who understands leverage and uses his hands as well as any D-lineman in the country.
5. Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC (6-1, 297) | Previous: Same
Tampa Bay Bucs-style DT with superior quickness and a nonstop motor.
6. *Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio St. (6-3, 262) | Previous: Same
He took his play to a new level in 2007, showcasing the explosiveness to overpower offensive tackles at the point of attack. Gholston also has excellent closing speed, as evidenced by the 14 sacks he registered. He also has the versatility to play with his hand off the ground.
7. Jake Long, OT, Michigan (6-6, 320) | Previous: Same
Top-drawer left- or right-tackle prospect.
8. *Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State (6-5, 320) | Previous: Same
An excellent left-tackle prospect with athletic ability and solid technique that will make him a great blindside protector in the NFL.
9. *Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson (6-4½, 272) | Previous: Same
An underrated standout, Merling might not be as flashy as former teammate Gaines Adams (the fourth pick in last year's draft), but you can make the argument that Merling is a more complete player.
10. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee St. (6-1½, 183) | Previous: Same
After enjoying a stellar career at the Division I-AA level, Rodgers-Cromartie stood out against the big boys at the Senior Bowl practices, then wowed over the NFL brass at the combine. He has the height, athleticism, recovery speed and ball skills to be an outstanding cornerback in the NFL.
11. *Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois (5-10, 224) | Previous: Same
Authoritative runner with a major league burst through the hole. Mendenhall's hard-charging style makes him difficult to get to the ground.
12. Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt (6-5½, 318) | Previous: Same
Top-drawer talent, possessing superior athleticism and good feet to neutralize outside pass-rushers.
13. Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy (5-10½, 185) | Previous: Same
Not only is McKelvin a very good cover man with superior recovery ability and the aggressiveness (he runs in the 4.38 range) to get the job done in run support, he also has made a name for himself as the top return man in the entire nation. He stood out this past season in games against the likes of Arkansas, Florida, Oklahoma State and Georgia. With his speed and versatility, McKelvin will bring great value to a football team.
14. *Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas (5-11, 202) | Previous: Same
Tremendously explosive and versatile, Jones gained a whopping 8.7 yards per carry this past season, while also excelling as a kickoff returner, gaining nearly 30 yards per return.
15. *Jerod Mayo, LB, Tennessee (6-1½, 233) | Previous: Same
Fast, athletic and tremendously instinctive. Mayo is a form tackler who leaves a lasting impression when he arrives on the scene. In 2007, May led the Vols with 140 tackles and was second on the team with 8½ tackles behind the line of scrimmage.
16. Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh (6-5, 339) | Previous: 17
Light on his feet for a huge bookend, Otah is still developing. He played only one year in high school and two at the junior college level. He also played basketball in junior college and is a tremendous athlete. His upside and potential will excite offensive-line coaches in the NFL.
17. Keith Rivers, LB, USC (6-3, 233) | Previous: 18
He has the skill set to become a super blue-chipper. Rivers isn't spectacular, but he's a solid all-around player.
18. *Branden Albert, OG, Virginia (6-6, 310) | Previous: 19
A three-year starter for Al Groh, Albert also has the potential to operate as an offensive tackle in the NFL. Albert really commands attention by blocking in space and getting to the second level. In 2007, I saw Albert routinely deliver crushing blows on the move, showing agility and athleticism rarely seen in a player of his size.
19. *Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida (6-3, 250) | Previous: 24
A battle-tested SEC veteran with that quick twitch you look for in a pass-rusher. Harvey started slowly in 2007, but came on in the latter half of the season, finishing with 8½ sacks and 17 tackles for loss.
20. Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina (6-4, 298) | Previous: 22
Unbelievably talented player who had a breakout season in 2007.
21. *Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas (6-1, 193) | Previous: 20
A game-changing cover corner who had 11 interceptions the past two seasons. Talib has outstanding recovery speed and tremendous leaping ability. He also showed his versatility by catching eight passes (four for touchdowns) on offense.
22. *Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma (6-3½, 219) | Previous: 21
He has the combination of size and speed that NFL teams covet, plus great hands; he's also a tremendous competitor.
23. *Chilo Rachal, OG, USC (6-6¼, 339) | Previous: Same
He has tremendous size and plays with a defensive mentality. Rachal can match the speed and power of defensive ends he faces, which is why he has so much upside at the next level.
24. *DeSean Jackson, WR, California (5-11, 168) | Previous: 25
Exciting wideout and returner with very good natural pass-receiving skills. Jackson has excellent speed and is a terrific open-field runner.
25. Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State (6-1½, 215) | Previous: Unranked
The very definition of a one-year wonder. After catching just six passes in 2006, Thomas had 79 receptions for 1,260 yards and eight TDs in 2007. He also averaged 29 yards on kickoff returns. Thomas has good size and ran a 4.4 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL combine. He can run after catch, but also has the size to break tackles in open field.
DROPPED
*Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon (5-10, 233) | Previous: 16
A strong and athletic, big running back who displays tremendous patience with the way he sets up his blocks.