K-town
05-04-2006, 07:38 PM
Top 100 prospects for the 2007 NFL draft
Courtesy of NFLDraftScout.com / Special to FOXSports.com
Posted: 20 hours ago
With the 2006 NFL draft in the rearview mirror, it's time to forge ahead and analyze the next crop of top collegiate prospects positioning themselves for a run at the next level. The following is an in-depth look at the top 32 seniors to watch for 2007.
1. Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame: Quinn enters next season nearly as strong a favorite to be drafted No. 1 overall as Reggie Bush was this time last year. The Irish quarterback has the prototype combination of size, arm and the intelligence scouts are looking for. He enters his senior season already Notre Dame's career leader in passing yardage (8,336) and touchdowns passes (58).
2. Quentin Moses, DE, Georgia: Though last season was Moses' first as a starter, he was so productive he very nearly left early for the NFL. The Bulldog defensive end finished second in the SEC with 11.5 sacks and 20.5 tackles for loss. Before last season, Moses had rare opportunities to display his ability while backing up three-time All-American David Pollack. Blessed with instincts and a great first step, expect a monster season from Moses in 2006.
3. Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin: Had it not been for a knee injury against Auburn in the Capital One Bowl, Thomas likely would have forgone his senior season and made himself eligible for the 2006 NFL draft. A former defensive end, the 6-8, 302-pound Thomas has the athleticism and consistency teams are looking for in a first-round tackle.
4. Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson: Over the final month and a half of the 2005 season, there might not have been a more dominant pass rusher than Adams. He had 11.5 tackles for loss, seven sacks and 16 quarterback pressures in the final six games. Adams finished the season with 29 quarterback pressures, 9.5 sacks and 15 tackles for loss to lead Clemson in all three areas. Scouts are excited about his size, burst and long arms. The defensive end actually led the team in passes broken up (9) last season.
5. Drew Stanton, QB, Michigan State: Stanton toyed with the notion of leaving school after his junior season. He certainly has shown the NFL combination of size, athleticism, toughness and arm strength. Scouts would like to see him develop a little more consistency. A likely second-round pick had he entered the 2006 draft, a little refining next season could bump his stock into the high first round.
6. Paul Posluszny, OLB, Penn State: Though the impact made by seniors Michael Robinson, Tamba Hali and Alan Zemaitis on Penn State's turnaround last season cannot be overstated, neither can the force that was Posluszny. He not only won the Butkus Award as the nation's elite linebacker, but also the Chuck Bednarik Award as the nation's top defensive player. His 116 tackles led the team and his consistency became a trademark. Last season he became the first Big Ten student-athlete selected Football Player of the Week (Offense, Defense or Special Teams) three consecutive weeks since the conference began the selections in 1987.
7. Michael Bush, RB, Louisville: Bush is an incredible combination of size, speed and pure athleticism. The 6-2, 248-pound back has amazing athleticism. He spent his senior season in high school playing quarterback after seeing action at running back, wide receiver, defensive back, linebacker and defensive end over his career. Not only did he lead Big East in rushing, but in all-purpose yardage as well. Bush shows shockingly soft hands (48 receptions over his career, 640 yards, 2 TDs).
8. Baraka Atkins, DL, Miami: The versatile Atkins has seen action at both defensive tackle and defensive end for the Hurricanes, and could be on the verge of a breakout campaign. Atkins has 34 starts on his resume entering his senior campaign and leads all returning Hurricanes with 13 career sacks.
9. Justin Blalock, OT, Texas: While Jonathan Scott earned most of the headlines, Texas coaches will tell you that the most talented Longhorn offensive lineman last year was Blalock. Has started all 38 games during his career, all at right tackle. Has earned Big 12 accolades after each of his three seasons.
10. Quinn Pitcock, DT, Ohio State: Bullish defensive tackle whose combination of 6-3, 295-pound frame and rare pure strength make him one of top run defending interior linemen to watch for in the 2007 draft. Pitcock has earned starting action each of the past three seasons, but didn't develop into a full-time starter until last season. Pitcock lacks quickness off the snap and isn't a pass rush threat, but his ability to stand up blockers at the point of attack, locate the ball, shed and make the tackle has scouts interested.
11. H.B. Blades, ILB, Pittsburgh: A two-time first-team All-Big East selection, Blades returns for his senior season as one of the elite defenders in the collegiate ranks. Moving from the strong side to middle linebacker last season, Blades exploded, leading all Big East defenders with 121 tackles and ranking 13th nationally with an average of 11 tackles per game. He certainly has the bloodlines: His father, Bennie, and his uncles Al and Brian, were standouts at the University of Miami and went on to successful careers in the NFL.
12. Tim Crowder, DE, Texas: In a senior class featuring a few explosive, yet undersized pass rushers, Crowder's 6-4, 270-pound frame and strength against the run stands out. Crowder isn't the classic rusher off the edge teams want  he has averaged only four sacks each of the past two seasons. Regardless, Crowder has averaged 48 tackles each of the past two seasons, and while not flashy enough to earn much respect from the media (AP's Honorable Mention Big 12 last year), Big 12 coaches felt differently, voting Crowder first-team Big 12.
13. Kenny Irons, RB, Auburn: Auburn lost Ronnie Brown and Carnell "Cadillac" Williams to the NFL's first round last year. Unfortunately for opposing SEC defenses, Irons quickly stepped into the void and earned first-team all conference honors. A transfer from South Carolina, Irons averaged 5.05 yards per carry while rushing for 1,293 yards and 13 touchdowns. In his first year as the starter, Irons led the SEC with an average of 109.5 rushing yards per game during the regular season. He also paced the conference with 117.6 yards per game (941 total) in SEC games.
14. LaMarr Woodley, DE/OLB, Michigan: With the 3-4 defensive scheme gaining popularity at the NFL level, rush linebackers like Woodley are all the more intriguing to scouts. Woodley, with 20 starts in his 36 career games with the Wolverines, has 141 career tackles to go with 36 tackles for loss and 12 sacks. He has been recognized as a Big Ten honoree after each of the past two season.
15. Leon Hall, CB, Michigan: Hall has been called Michigan's top cornerback since Heisman winner Charles Woodson. A veteran of 37 career games, including 24 starts, Hall has 25 passes broken up and 9 interceptions, both leading all current Wolverines. Hall has earned Big Ten honors after each of the past two seasons and could be in line for All-American honors in 2006.
16. Marcus Thomas, DT, Florida: A starter during each of the past three seasons, Thomas has never posted fewer than 39 tackles or more than 47. NFL scouts love Thomas' 6-3, 290-pound frame, but perhaps because the game seems to come so easy to him, the expectations are that he has the potential to enjoy a truly dominant 2006. Thomas' tackles for loss have risen from 3.5 to 7.5 to 10.5 over the past three seasons, and NFL scouts are already asking Florida coaches about the talented tackle.
17. Levi Brown, OT, Penn State: Though quarterback Michael Robinson certainly was the spark for an surprising Penn State offense last season, one could make the argument that Brown supplied the steel. The 6-5, 325-pound Brown has started 34 of the past 35 games for the Nittany Lions and earned second-team All-America honors last year.
18. LaRon Landry, S, LSU: One of the top defensive backs in the country since he first stepped onto the field for the Bayou Bengals -- earning SEC accolades since his freshman season. He is an athletic, instinctive and incredibly productive free safety who led LSU in tackles in both 2003 and 2004 and enters his senior season with 241 career tackles to go along with 9 interceptions and 18 passes broken up. LaRon is the young brother of 2006 prospect Dawan Landry, a safety from Georgia Tech who was drafted in the fifth round by Baltimore.
19. Jeff Samardzija, WR, Notre Dame: With former New England Patriot offensive coordinator Charlie Weis becoming Notre Dame's head coach and future first-round pick Brady Quinn coming into his own, the table was set for Samardzija to enjoy a breakout 2005. However, no one could have expected his record-breaking 2005. The 6-5, 216-pound receiver broke Irish records for most receiving yards (1,249) and touchdowns (15) in a single season, and tied a 35-year-old record for most receptions (77) first set by Tom Gatewood. Samardzija has rare hand-eye coordination and has shown a knack for making the spectacular reception amid tight coverage. Samardzija will have to prove to NFL scouts that football is important to him, however, as he is also an ace pitcher for the Irish baseball team.
20. Michael Griffin, S, Texas: As they have nearly every year, the Longhorns enter the season with another highly-regarded defensive back. Michael Griffin, a veteran of only 15 starts but with 37 career games played, has already posted staggering numbers. Entering his senior season, Griffin has 238 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, three sacks, four interceptions, 13 pass broken up, five forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries. Griffin has also shown a remarkable ability to time his leap against punts, already blocking a school-record six during his career.
21. Adam Carriker, DE, Nebraska: Though fans outside of the Big 12 might not have noticed, the Blackshirt defense roared back to life last season. Nebraska led the nation with 50 sacks, many due to the pass rushing skills of Carriker, a senior defensive end with NFL size and athleticism. Carriker finished with 9.5 sacks and earned first-team Big 12 accolades.
22. Tom Zbikowski, S, Notre Dame: The third-team All-American finished with 71 tackles and a team-leading five interceptions last season. His instincts and recovery speed set him apart from an otherwise leaky pass Notre Dame pass defense. Like Samardzija, however, NFL teams might have to gauge Zbikowski's passion for football. An accomplished amateur boxer with a 75-15 record in 90 career fights, Zbikowski is currently scheduled to appear in a four-round heavyweight fight in Madison Square Garden on June 10.
23. Brandon Mebane, DT, Cal: With Oregon DT Haloti Ngata moving on to the NFL, Pac-10 fans should shift their focus to Cal's Mebane, who is becoming a similar force at the point of attack. The first-team All Pac-10 defender finished with only 22.5 tackles last season, but 16.5 of those were behind the line of scrimmage, including 7.0 sacks.
24. Kenneth Darby, RB, Alabama: Brodie Croyle took much of the limelight last season, but those close to the Alabama program point to Darby as the offense's most consistent performer. A 1,000-yard rusher each of the past two seasons, Darby will be looked at to carry the load even more with the team breaking in a new quarterback.
25. Steve Breaston, WR, Michigan: While Braylon Edwards and Jason Avant have taken most of the attention in previous seasons, 2006 should be Breaston's coming out party. Breaston has a silky smooth running style and penchant for making the big play in the big game. He has emerged not only as a quality receiver, but also as a big-play return specialist. Breaston joined former Wisconsin standout Nick Davis as the only players in Big Ten history with 1,000 career yards in three different categories (receiving, kick return, punt return).
26. Brandon Meriweather, S, Miami: The latest in a long line of talented Miami defensive backs, Meriweather enters his senior season as one of the elite safeties in the country. A veteran of 19 starts over 40 games, Meriweather has seen action at strong and free safety, and some feel he has the athleticism to eventually move to cornerback. His career numbers include 202 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 17 passes broken up and six interceptions.
27. Rufus Alexander, OLB, Oklahoma: The 6-1, 235-pound Alexander emerged two years ago as Oklahoma's greatest force at linebacker and hasn't looked back. Alexander showed his explosiveness in 2004, registering 74 tackles and causing four fumbles. He emerged as a much more consistent defender in 2005, leading the team with 102 tackles and chipping in 17 tackles for loss and 5.0 sacks. Alexander has earned Big 12 accolades after each of the past two seasons and appears poised to enjoy his best season to date.
28. Patrick Willis, ILB, Mississippi: Perhaps due to Mississippi's 4-8 record last season, too few around the country know of Willis, a 2005 All-American and the nation's leader in average solo tackles per game (9.0). Willis finished last season with 128 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss (-42), three sacks (-28), two caused fumbles, one fumble recovery, three passes defensed, two quarterback pressures and one pass interception. Willis produced despite struggling through a broken middle finger on his right hand, a sprained left knee, a right mid-foot injury and a partial AC joint separation of his right shoulder. He underwent successful surgery to his right foot last December and has been sidelined since, although he is expected to be ready by August.
29. Brian Leonard, RB, Rutgers: So how is a two-time first-team conference selection considered underrated? Two ways. One, the player is a fullback. Two, the prospect in question is a better running back than fullback. Leonard has the frame to play fullback at the next level, but has too much athleticism and versatility in the running and receiving departments to be limited to the traditional lead-blocking fullback position. Leonard has rushed for 2,306 yards in three seasons, sixth best all-time in school's history, and finished last season tied for second in the Big East in receptions per game (4.45).
30. Kyle Young, C, Fresno State: The 6-5, 328-pound Young has been a star for the Bulldogs since emerging as a starter his redshirt freshman season, when he earned Honorable Mention WAC honors. He has earned second- and first-team honors each of the past two seasons, respectively, and head coach Pat Hill considers Young to have the potential to be Fresno's top offensive lineman during his tenure. Remember, Logan Mankins, New England's first-round pick last year, also played for Fresno under Hill...
31. Earl Everett, OLB, Florida: Everett has emerged as one of the SEC's key defenders over the past two seasons. A second-team SEC choice after the 2004 and 2005 seasons, Everett has averaged 73 tackles and four tackles for loss, the most of any Gator during that time. Everett, at 6-2, 232 pounds, has classic size for the position and plays an intense, explosive brand of football that the NFL loves.
32. Daymeion Hughes, CB, Cal: The Pac-10 has a bit of a reputation for being the "pass-happy" conference of the BCS. Hughes was a team-team all conference cornerback in 2005 who held up against several potent passing attacks. Hughes finished with 62 tackles last season and challenged quarterbacks to throw his way. They weren't often successful. The angular corner finished with 12 passes broken up and five interceptions.
NFLDraftScout.com's top 100 prospects for the 2007 NFL Draft
Overall Player Pos. School Ht. Wt. 40-est Proj. Rd.
1 Brady Quinn QB Notre Dame 6-4 230 4.72 1
2 Quentin Moses DE Georgia 6-5 255 4.76 1
3 Joe Thomas OT Wisconsin 6-8 302 4.90 1
4 Gaines Adams DE Clemson 6-5 260 4.76 1
5 Drew Stanton QB Michigan State 6-3 226 4.79 1
6 Paul Posluszny OLB Penn State 6-2 230 4.56 1
7 Michael Bush RB Louisville 6-2 248 4.68 1
8 Baraka Atkins DE Miami 6-4 273 4.87 1
9 Justin Blalock OT Texas 6-4 330 5.30 1
10 Quinn Pitcock DT Ohio State 6-3 298 4.87 1
11 H.B. Blades ILB Pittsburgh 6-0 240 4.63 1
12 Tim Crowder DE Texas 6-4 270 4.73 1
13 Kenny Irons RB Auburn 5-11 202 4.48 1
14 LaMarr Woodley DE Michigan 6-2 274 4.76 1
15 Leon Hall CB Michigan 5-11 195 4.43 1
16 Marcus Thomas DT Florida 6-3 290 5.08 1
17 Levi Brown OT Penn State 6-5 325 5.28 1
18 LaRon Landry FS LSU 6-2 205 4.46 1
19 Jeff Samardzija WR Notre Dame 6-5 216 4.58 1
20 Michael Griffin FS Texas 6-0 205 4.45 1
21 Adam Carriker DE Nebraska 6-6 280 4.89 1
22 Tom Zbikowski SS Notre Dame 5-11 210 4.42 1
23 Brandon Mebane DT California 6-3 305 4.93 1
24 Ken Darby RB Alabama 5-10 205 4.55 1
25 Steve Breaston WR Michigan 6-1 182 4.52 1
26 Brandon Meriweather SS Miami 6-0 190 4.49 1
27 Rufus Alexander OLB Oklahoma 6-1 232 4.53 1
28 Patrick Willis ILB Mississippi 6-2 232 4.65 1
29 Brian Leonard RB Rutgers 6-2 235 4.63 1-2
30 Kyle Young C Fresno State 6-5 328 5.28 1-2
31 Earl Everett OLB Florida 6-2 232 4.59 1-2
32 Daymeion Hughes CB California 6-2 188 4.52 1-2
33 Justin Harrell DT Tennessee 6-4 305 5.09 1-2
34 Victor Abiamiri DE Notre Dame 6-4 260 4.72 1-2
35 Jason Hill WR Washington State 6-1 210 4.53 1-2
36 Jake Long OT Michigan 6-7 330 5.00 1-2
37 Troy Smith QB Ohio State 6-1 208 4.64 1-2
38 Paul Williams WR Fresno State 6-2 212 4.52 1-2
39 Lorenzo Booker RB Florida State 5-11 195 4.46 2
40 Marcus McCauley CB Fresno State 6-1 205 4.53 2
41 DeShawn Wynn RB Florida 5-11 230 4.54 2
42 Doug Free OT Northern Illinois 6-6 305 5.06 2
43 Samson Satele OG Hawaii 6-3 312 4.98 2
44 David Irons CB Auburn 5-10 188 4.46 2
45 Matt Spaeth TE Minnesota 6-6 270 4.88 2
46 Tim Shaw OLB Penn State 6-1 233 4.54 2
47 Mkristo Bruce DE Washington State 6-6 258 4.80 2
48 Aaron Rouse SS Virginia Tech 6-3 220 4.54 2
49 Jordan Palmer QB Texas-El Paso 6-5 232 4.93 2
50 Mike Otto OT Purdue 6-5 302 5.09 2
51 Dan Bazuin DE Central Michigan 6-3 258 4.76 2
52 Marquice Cole CB NorthWestern 5-10 185 4.38 2
53 A.J. Davis CB North Carolina State 5-10 190 4.39 2
54 Courtney Taylor WR Auburn 6-2 202 4.59 2
55 Oscar Lua ILB Southern Cal 6-1 242 4.63 2
56 Anthony Waters ILB Clemson 6-3 242 4.64 2
57 Johnnie Lee Higgins WR Texas-El Paso 6-0 182 4.41 2
58 Josh Gattis FS Wake Forest 6-1 212 4.42 2
59 Ray McDonald DT Florida 6-3 285 4.89 2
60 Jarrett Hicks WR Texas Tech 6-3 210 4.58 2-3
61 Courtney Lewis RB Texas A&M 6-0 208 4.46 2-3
62 John Sullivan C Notre Dame 6-4 302 5.05 2-3
63 Ded Harrington ILB Missouri 6-3 240 4.68 2-3
64 Brian Daniels OG Colorado 6-4 305 5.24 2-3
65 Derek Landri DT Notre Dame 6-3 278 4.93 2-3
66 Clark Harris TE Rutgers 6-6 255 4.84 2-3
67 Prescott Burgess OLB Michigan 6-3 244 4.73 2-3
68 Eric Weddle SS Utah 6-0 202 4.48 2-3
69 Larry McSwain DE UAB 6-1 250 4.69 2-3
70 Marcus Hamilton CB Virginia 6-0 188 4.51 2-3
71 Steve Smith WR Southern Cal 6-0 195 4.55 2-3
72 Arron Sears OT Tennessee 6-4 338 5.28 2-3
73 Andre Caldwell WR Florida 6-1 200 4.43 2-3
74 Jay Alford DT Penn State 6-3 290 4.98 2-3
75 J.D. Nelson FS Oregon 5-11 218 4.65 2-3
76 Tony Hunt RB Penn State 6-2 220 4.57 3
77 Manuel Ramirez OG Texas Tech 6-4 338 5.34 3
78 Kevin McLee ILB West Virginia 6-1 255 4.73 3
79 Kasey Studdard OG Texas 6-3 305 5.23 3
80 Tyler Ecker TE Michigan 6-6 248 4.95 3
81 Jonny Harline TE BYU 6-4 228 4.74 3
82 Ryan Kalil C Southern Cal 6-3 295 4.98 3
83 Brian Smith OLB Missouri 6-4 235 4.65 3
84 Chris Leak QB Florida 6-0 210 4.67 3
85 Zach Catanese SS Arizona State 6-3 225 4.57 3
86 Jordan Hill DT Arizona State 6-2 295 5.03 3
87 Dan Mozes OG West Virginia 6-4 298 5.30 3
88 Desmond Bishop ILB California 6-2 245 4.63 3
89 Brian Robison DE Texas 6-3 275 4.87 3
90 John Talley CB Duke 5-11 185 4.49 3
91 David Clowney WR Virginia Tech 6-1 176 4.37 3
92 Ryan Harris OT Notre Dame 6-5 295 5.02 3
93 Matt Trannon WR Michigan State 6-6 232 4.70 3
94 Robert Herbert FS Colorado State 6-1 196 4.54 3
95 Mike Jones OT Iowa 6-5 305 5.08 3
96 Stephen Nicholas OLB South Florida 6-3 228 4.62 3
97 Jayson Swain WR Tennessee 6-1 205 4.62 3
98 Trevor Laws DT Notre Dame 6-1 295 4.98 3
99 Kevin Kolb QB Houston 6-3 225 4.73 3-4
100 Ramzee Robinson CB Alabama 5-10 192 4.53 3-4
Courtesy of NFLDraftScout.com / Special to FOXSports.com
Posted: 20 hours ago
With the 2006 NFL draft in the rearview mirror, it's time to forge ahead and analyze the next crop of top collegiate prospects positioning themselves for a run at the next level. The following is an in-depth look at the top 32 seniors to watch for 2007.
1. Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame: Quinn enters next season nearly as strong a favorite to be drafted No. 1 overall as Reggie Bush was this time last year. The Irish quarterback has the prototype combination of size, arm and the intelligence scouts are looking for. He enters his senior season already Notre Dame's career leader in passing yardage (8,336) and touchdowns passes (58).
2. Quentin Moses, DE, Georgia: Though last season was Moses' first as a starter, he was so productive he very nearly left early for the NFL. The Bulldog defensive end finished second in the SEC with 11.5 sacks and 20.5 tackles for loss. Before last season, Moses had rare opportunities to display his ability while backing up three-time All-American David Pollack. Blessed with instincts and a great first step, expect a monster season from Moses in 2006.
3. Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin: Had it not been for a knee injury against Auburn in the Capital One Bowl, Thomas likely would have forgone his senior season and made himself eligible for the 2006 NFL draft. A former defensive end, the 6-8, 302-pound Thomas has the athleticism and consistency teams are looking for in a first-round tackle.
4. Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson: Over the final month and a half of the 2005 season, there might not have been a more dominant pass rusher than Adams. He had 11.5 tackles for loss, seven sacks and 16 quarterback pressures in the final six games. Adams finished the season with 29 quarterback pressures, 9.5 sacks and 15 tackles for loss to lead Clemson in all three areas. Scouts are excited about his size, burst and long arms. The defensive end actually led the team in passes broken up (9) last season.
5. Drew Stanton, QB, Michigan State: Stanton toyed with the notion of leaving school after his junior season. He certainly has shown the NFL combination of size, athleticism, toughness and arm strength. Scouts would like to see him develop a little more consistency. A likely second-round pick had he entered the 2006 draft, a little refining next season could bump his stock into the high first round.
6. Paul Posluszny, OLB, Penn State: Though the impact made by seniors Michael Robinson, Tamba Hali and Alan Zemaitis on Penn State's turnaround last season cannot be overstated, neither can the force that was Posluszny. He not only won the Butkus Award as the nation's elite linebacker, but also the Chuck Bednarik Award as the nation's top defensive player. His 116 tackles led the team and his consistency became a trademark. Last season he became the first Big Ten student-athlete selected Football Player of the Week (Offense, Defense or Special Teams) three consecutive weeks since the conference began the selections in 1987.
7. Michael Bush, RB, Louisville: Bush is an incredible combination of size, speed and pure athleticism. The 6-2, 248-pound back has amazing athleticism. He spent his senior season in high school playing quarterback after seeing action at running back, wide receiver, defensive back, linebacker and defensive end over his career. Not only did he lead Big East in rushing, but in all-purpose yardage as well. Bush shows shockingly soft hands (48 receptions over his career, 640 yards, 2 TDs).
8. Baraka Atkins, DL, Miami: The versatile Atkins has seen action at both defensive tackle and defensive end for the Hurricanes, and could be on the verge of a breakout campaign. Atkins has 34 starts on his resume entering his senior campaign and leads all returning Hurricanes with 13 career sacks.
9. Justin Blalock, OT, Texas: While Jonathan Scott earned most of the headlines, Texas coaches will tell you that the most talented Longhorn offensive lineman last year was Blalock. Has started all 38 games during his career, all at right tackle. Has earned Big 12 accolades after each of his three seasons.
10. Quinn Pitcock, DT, Ohio State: Bullish defensive tackle whose combination of 6-3, 295-pound frame and rare pure strength make him one of top run defending interior linemen to watch for in the 2007 draft. Pitcock has earned starting action each of the past three seasons, but didn't develop into a full-time starter until last season. Pitcock lacks quickness off the snap and isn't a pass rush threat, but his ability to stand up blockers at the point of attack, locate the ball, shed and make the tackle has scouts interested.
11. H.B. Blades, ILB, Pittsburgh: A two-time first-team All-Big East selection, Blades returns for his senior season as one of the elite defenders in the collegiate ranks. Moving from the strong side to middle linebacker last season, Blades exploded, leading all Big East defenders with 121 tackles and ranking 13th nationally with an average of 11 tackles per game. He certainly has the bloodlines: His father, Bennie, and his uncles Al and Brian, were standouts at the University of Miami and went on to successful careers in the NFL.
12. Tim Crowder, DE, Texas: In a senior class featuring a few explosive, yet undersized pass rushers, Crowder's 6-4, 270-pound frame and strength against the run stands out. Crowder isn't the classic rusher off the edge teams want  he has averaged only four sacks each of the past two seasons. Regardless, Crowder has averaged 48 tackles each of the past two seasons, and while not flashy enough to earn much respect from the media (AP's Honorable Mention Big 12 last year), Big 12 coaches felt differently, voting Crowder first-team Big 12.
13. Kenny Irons, RB, Auburn: Auburn lost Ronnie Brown and Carnell "Cadillac" Williams to the NFL's first round last year. Unfortunately for opposing SEC defenses, Irons quickly stepped into the void and earned first-team all conference honors. A transfer from South Carolina, Irons averaged 5.05 yards per carry while rushing for 1,293 yards and 13 touchdowns. In his first year as the starter, Irons led the SEC with an average of 109.5 rushing yards per game during the regular season. He also paced the conference with 117.6 yards per game (941 total) in SEC games.
14. LaMarr Woodley, DE/OLB, Michigan: With the 3-4 defensive scheme gaining popularity at the NFL level, rush linebackers like Woodley are all the more intriguing to scouts. Woodley, with 20 starts in his 36 career games with the Wolverines, has 141 career tackles to go with 36 tackles for loss and 12 sacks. He has been recognized as a Big Ten honoree after each of the past two season.
15. Leon Hall, CB, Michigan: Hall has been called Michigan's top cornerback since Heisman winner Charles Woodson. A veteran of 37 career games, including 24 starts, Hall has 25 passes broken up and 9 interceptions, both leading all current Wolverines. Hall has earned Big Ten honors after each of the past two seasons and could be in line for All-American honors in 2006.
16. Marcus Thomas, DT, Florida: A starter during each of the past three seasons, Thomas has never posted fewer than 39 tackles or more than 47. NFL scouts love Thomas' 6-3, 290-pound frame, but perhaps because the game seems to come so easy to him, the expectations are that he has the potential to enjoy a truly dominant 2006. Thomas' tackles for loss have risen from 3.5 to 7.5 to 10.5 over the past three seasons, and NFL scouts are already asking Florida coaches about the talented tackle.
17. Levi Brown, OT, Penn State: Though quarterback Michael Robinson certainly was the spark for an surprising Penn State offense last season, one could make the argument that Brown supplied the steel. The 6-5, 325-pound Brown has started 34 of the past 35 games for the Nittany Lions and earned second-team All-America honors last year.
18. LaRon Landry, S, LSU: One of the top defensive backs in the country since he first stepped onto the field for the Bayou Bengals -- earning SEC accolades since his freshman season. He is an athletic, instinctive and incredibly productive free safety who led LSU in tackles in both 2003 and 2004 and enters his senior season with 241 career tackles to go along with 9 interceptions and 18 passes broken up. LaRon is the young brother of 2006 prospect Dawan Landry, a safety from Georgia Tech who was drafted in the fifth round by Baltimore.
19. Jeff Samardzija, WR, Notre Dame: With former New England Patriot offensive coordinator Charlie Weis becoming Notre Dame's head coach and future first-round pick Brady Quinn coming into his own, the table was set for Samardzija to enjoy a breakout 2005. However, no one could have expected his record-breaking 2005. The 6-5, 216-pound receiver broke Irish records for most receiving yards (1,249) and touchdowns (15) in a single season, and tied a 35-year-old record for most receptions (77) first set by Tom Gatewood. Samardzija has rare hand-eye coordination and has shown a knack for making the spectacular reception amid tight coverage. Samardzija will have to prove to NFL scouts that football is important to him, however, as he is also an ace pitcher for the Irish baseball team.
20. Michael Griffin, S, Texas: As they have nearly every year, the Longhorns enter the season with another highly-regarded defensive back. Michael Griffin, a veteran of only 15 starts but with 37 career games played, has already posted staggering numbers. Entering his senior season, Griffin has 238 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, three sacks, four interceptions, 13 pass broken up, five forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries. Griffin has also shown a remarkable ability to time his leap against punts, already blocking a school-record six during his career.
21. Adam Carriker, DE, Nebraska: Though fans outside of the Big 12 might not have noticed, the Blackshirt defense roared back to life last season. Nebraska led the nation with 50 sacks, many due to the pass rushing skills of Carriker, a senior defensive end with NFL size and athleticism. Carriker finished with 9.5 sacks and earned first-team Big 12 accolades.
22. Tom Zbikowski, S, Notre Dame: The third-team All-American finished with 71 tackles and a team-leading five interceptions last season. His instincts and recovery speed set him apart from an otherwise leaky pass Notre Dame pass defense. Like Samardzija, however, NFL teams might have to gauge Zbikowski's passion for football. An accomplished amateur boxer with a 75-15 record in 90 career fights, Zbikowski is currently scheduled to appear in a four-round heavyweight fight in Madison Square Garden on June 10.
23. Brandon Mebane, DT, Cal: With Oregon DT Haloti Ngata moving on to the NFL, Pac-10 fans should shift their focus to Cal's Mebane, who is becoming a similar force at the point of attack. The first-team All Pac-10 defender finished with only 22.5 tackles last season, but 16.5 of those were behind the line of scrimmage, including 7.0 sacks.
24. Kenneth Darby, RB, Alabama: Brodie Croyle took much of the limelight last season, but those close to the Alabama program point to Darby as the offense's most consistent performer. A 1,000-yard rusher each of the past two seasons, Darby will be looked at to carry the load even more with the team breaking in a new quarterback.
25. Steve Breaston, WR, Michigan: While Braylon Edwards and Jason Avant have taken most of the attention in previous seasons, 2006 should be Breaston's coming out party. Breaston has a silky smooth running style and penchant for making the big play in the big game. He has emerged not only as a quality receiver, but also as a big-play return specialist. Breaston joined former Wisconsin standout Nick Davis as the only players in Big Ten history with 1,000 career yards in three different categories (receiving, kick return, punt return).
26. Brandon Meriweather, S, Miami: The latest in a long line of talented Miami defensive backs, Meriweather enters his senior season as one of the elite safeties in the country. A veteran of 19 starts over 40 games, Meriweather has seen action at strong and free safety, and some feel he has the athleticism to eventually move to cornerback. His career numbers include 202 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 17 passes broken up and six interceptions.
27. Rufus Alexander, OLB, Oklahoma: The 6-1, 235-pound Alexander emerged two years ago as Oklahoma's greatest force at linebacker and hasn't looked back. Alexander showed his explosiveness in 2004, registering 74 tackles and causing four fumbles. He emerged as a much more consistent defender in 2005, leading the team with 102 tackles and chipping in 17 tackles for loss and 5.0 sacks. Alexander has earned Big 12 accolades after each of the past two seasons and appears poised to enjoy his best season to date.
28. Patrick Willis, ILB, Mississippi: Perhaps due to Mississippi's 4-8 record last season, too few around the country know of Willis, a 2005 All-American and the nation's leader in average solo tackles per game (9.0). Willis finished last season with 128 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss (-42), three sacks (-28), two caused fumbles, one fumble recovery, three passes defensed, two quarterback pressures and one pass interception. Willis produced despite struggling through a broken middle finger on his right hand, a sprained left knee, a right mid-foot injury and a partial AC joint separation of his right shoulder. He underwent successful surgery to his right foot last December and has been sidelined since, although he is expected to be ready by August.
29. Brian Leonard, RB, Rutgers: So how is a two-time first-team conference selection considered underrated? Two ways. One, the player is a fullback. Two, the prospect in question is a better running back than fullback. Leonard has the frame to play fullback at the next level, but has too much athleticism and versatility in the running and receiving departments to be limited to the traditional lead-blocking fullback position. Leonard has rushed for 2,306 yards in three seasons, sixth best all-time in school's history, and finished last season tied for second in the Big East in receptions per game (4.45).
30. Kyle Young, C, Fresno State: The 6-5, 328-pound Young has been a star for the Bulldogs since emerging as a starter his redshirt freshman season, when he earned Honorable Mention WAC honors. He has earned second- and first-team honors each of the past two seasons, respectively, and head coach Pat Hill considers Young to have the potential to be Fresno's top offensive lineman during his tenure. Remember, Logan Mankins, New England's first-round pick last year, also played for Fresno under Hill...
31. Earl Everett, OLB, Florida: Everett has emerged as one of the SEC's key defenders over the past two seasons. A second-team SEC choice after the 2004 and 2005 seasons, Everett has averaged 73 tackles and four tackles for loss, the most of any Gator during that time. Everett, at 6-2, 232 pounds, has classic size for the position and plays an intense, explosive brand of football that the NFL loves.
32. Daymeion Hughes, CB, Cal: The Pac-10 has a bit of a reputation for being the "pass-happy" conference of the BCS. Hughes was a team-team all conference cornerback in 2005 who held up against several potent passing attacks. Hughes finished with 62 tackles last season and challenged quarterbacks to throw his way. They weren't often successful. The angular corner finished with 12 passes broken up and five interceptions.
NFLDraftScout.com's top 100 prospects for the 2007 NFL Draft
Overall Player Pos. School Ht. Wt. 40-est Proj. Rd.
1 Brady Quinn QB Notre Dame 6-4 230 4.72 1
2 Quentin Moses DE Georgia 6-5 255 4.76 1
3 Joe Thomas OT Wisconsin 6-8 302 4.90 1
4 Gaines Adams DE Clemson 6-5 260 4.76 1
5 Drew Stanton QB Michigan State 6-3 226 4.79 1
6 Paul Posluszny OLB Penn State 6-2 230 4.56 1
7 Michael Bush RB Louisville 6-2 248 4.68 1
8 Baraka Atkins DE Miami 6-4 273 4.87 1
9 Justin Blalock OT Texas 6-4 330 5.30 1
10 Quinn Pitcock DT Ohio State 6-3 298 4.87 1
11 H.B. Blades ILB Pittsburgh 6-0 240 4.63 1
12 Tim Crowder DE Texas 6-4 270 4.73 1
13 Kenny Irons RB Auburn 5-11 202 4.48 1
14 LaMarr Woodley DE Michigan 6-2 274 4.76 1
15 Leon Hall CB Michigan 5-11 195 4.43 1
16 Marcus Thomas DT Florida 6-3 290 5.08 1
17 Levi Brown OT Penn State 6-5 325 5.28 1
18 LaRon Landry FS LSU 6-2 205 4.46 1
19 Jeff Samardzija WR Notre Dame 6-5 216 4.58 1
20 Michael Griffin FS Texas 6-0 205 4.45 1
21 Adam Carriker DE Nebraska 6-6 280 4.89 1
22 Tom Zbikowski SS Notre Dame 5-11 210 4.42 1
23 Brandon Mebane DT California 6-3 305 4.93 1
24 Ken Darby RB Alabama 5-10 205 4.55 1
25 Steve Breaston WR Michigan 6-1 182 4.52 1
26 Brandon Meriweather SS Miami 6-0 190 4.49 1
27 Rufus Alexander OLB Oklahoma 6-1 232 4.53 1
28 Patrick Willis ILB Mississippi 6-2 232 4.65 1
29 Brian Leonard RB Rutgers 6-2 235 4.63 1-2
30 Kyle Young C Fresno State 6-5 328 5.28 1-2
31 Earl Everett OLB Florida 6-2 232 4.59 1-2
32 Daymeion Hughes CB California 6-2 188 4.52 1-2
33 Justin Harrell DT Tennessee 6-4 305 5.09 1-2
34 Victor Abiamiri DE Notre Dame 6-4 260 4.72 1-2
35 Jason Hill WR Washington State 6-1 210 4.53 1-2
36 Jake Long OT Michigan 6-7 330 5.00 1-2
37 Troy Smith QB Ohio State 6-1 208 4.64 1-2
38 Paul Williams WR Fresno State 6-2 212 4.52 1-2
39 Lorenzo Booker RB Florida State 5-11 195 4.46 2
40 Marcus McCauley CB Fresno State 6-1 205 4.53 2
41 DeShawn Wynn RB Florida 5-11 230 4.54 2
42 Doug Free OT Northern Illinois 6-6 305 5.06 2
43 Samson Satele OG Hawaii 6-3 312 4.98 2
44 David Irons CB Auburn 5-10 188 4.46 2
45 Matt Spaeth TE Minnesota 6-6 270 4.88 2
46 Tim Shaw OLB Penn State 6-1 233 4.54 2
47 Mkristo Bruce DE Washington State 6-6 258 4.80 2
48 Aaron Rouse SS Virginia Tech 6-3 220 4.54 2
49 Jordan Palmer QB Texas-El Paso 6-5 232 4.93 2
50 Mike Otto OT Purdue 6-5 302 5.09 2
51 Dan Bazuin DE Central Michigan 6-3 258 4.76 2
52 Marquice Cole CB NorthWestern 5-10 185 4.38 2
53 A.J. Davis CB North Carolina State 5-10 190 4.39 2
54 Courtney Taylor WR Auburn 6-2 202 4.59 2
55 Oscar Lua ILB Southern Cal 6-1 242 4.63 2
56 Anthony Waters ILB Clemson 6-3 242 4.64 2
57 Johnnie Lee Higgins WR Texas-El Paso 6-0 182 4.41 2
58 Josh Gattis FS Wake Forest 6-1 212 4.42 2
59 Ray McDonald DT Florida 6-3 285 4.89 2
60 Jarrett Hicks WR Texas Tech 6-3 210 4.58 2-3
61 Courtney Lewis RB Texas A&M 6-0 208 4.46 2-3
62 John Sullivan C Notre Dame 6-4 302 5.05 2-3
63 Ded Harrington ILB Missouri 6-3 240 4.68 2-3
64 Brian Daniels OG Colorado 6-4 305 5.24 2-3
65 Derek Landri DT Notre Dame 6-3 278 4.93 2-3
66 Clark Harris TE Rutgers 6-6 255 4.84 2-3
67 Prescott Burgess OLB Michigan 6-3 244 4.73 2-3
68 Eric Weddle SS Utah 6-0 202 4.48 2-3
69 Larry McSwain DE UAB 6-1 250 4.69 2-3
70 Marcus Hamilton CB Virginia 6-0 188 4.51 2-3
71 Steve Smith WR Southern Cal 6-0 195 4.55 2-3
72 Arron Sears OT Tennessee 6-4 338 5.28 2-3
73 Andre Caldwell WR Florida 6-1 200 4.43 2-3
74 Jay Alford DT Penn State 6-3 290 4.98 2-3
75 J.D. Nelson FS Oregon 5-11 218 4.65 2-3
76 Tony Hunt RB Penn State 6-2 220 4.57 3
77 Manuel Ramirez OG Texas Tech 6-4 338 5.34 3
78 Kevin McLee ILB West Virginia 6-1 255 4.73 3
79 Kasey Studdard OG Texas 6-3 305 5.23 3
80 Tyler Ecker TE Michigan 6-6 248 4.95 3
81 Jonny Harline TE BYU 6-4 228 4.74 3
82 Ryan Kalil C Southern Cal 6-3 295 4.98 3
83 Brian Smith OLB Missouri 6-4 235 4.65 3
84 Chris Leak QB Florida 6-0 210 4.67 3
85 Zach Catanese SS Arizona State 6-3 225 4.57 3
86 Jordan Hill DT Arizona State 6-2 295 5.03 3
87 Dan Mozes OG West Virginia 6-4 298 5.30 3
88 Desmond Bishop ILB California 6-2 245 4.63 3
89 Brian Robison DE Texas 6-3 275 4.87 3
90 John Talley CB Duke 5-11 185 4.49 3
91 David Clowney WR Virginia Tech 6-1 176 4.37 3
92 Ryan Harris OT Notre Dame 6-5 295 5.02 3
93 Matt Trannon WR Michigan State 6-6 232 4.70 3
94 Robert Herbert FS Colorado State 6-1 196 4.54 3
95 Mike Jones OT Iowa 6-5 305 5.08 3
96 Stephen Nicholas OLB South Florida 6-3 228 4.62 3
97 Jayson Swain WR Tennessee 6-1 205 4.62 3
98 Trevor Laws DT Notre Dame 6-1 295 4.98 3
99 Kevin Kolb QB Houston 6-3 225 4.73 3-4
100 Ramzee Robinson CB Alabama 5-10 192 4.53 3-4