TOP 50 PROSPECTS
Meet the men of the 2007 Draft...
THE MEN OF THE 2007 DRAFT. WHO ARE THEY, WHERE do they come from and what can they bring to NFL teams? From Russell, Johnson, Thomas and Quinn to H.B. Blades, our ranking of the Top 50 players from around the nation that will likely find a new home in the big league on April 28th...
FORECASTER RANKING - Top 50
1 JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU
In just his third full season, Russell almost doubled his production in touchdown passes. That outlines the major strides this massive prospect made as a junior, and he capped it off by outplaying fellow top QB prospect Brady Quinn in the Sugar Bowl. Blessed with great size and a powerful arm, Russell is also a very accurate marksman, finishing third in the nation in passer rating. That helped him win the Manning Award as college football's top quarterback, again over Quinn. While mobile, Russell mostly likes staying in the pocket and can throw the deep ball as well and as accurately as anyone. He may be a few years away from prime time, but his upside is as big as his frame.
2 Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech
The Biletnikoff Award winner as the nation's top wide receiver, Johnson has done nothing but succeed since he stepped onto a college field. Before being named the NCAA's top target this season as a junior, Johnson was named an All-American as a super-soph and the ACC's Freshman of the Year. Much of his success is thanks to his superb size, length, and hands. He can simply dominate smaller defenders, and routinely makes highlight-type catches. The only question marks are his pure closing speed and possibly his overall focus. That said, he had a huge season in 2006 and seems the clear-cut top wideout in the draft.
3 Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin
The Outland Trophy winner as the nation's top interior lineman, Thomas has the athleticism and quickness of a tight end in a jumbo-sized frame. He has all the makings of a future Pro Bowl offensive lineman. Thomas played only three seasons as a tackle in college, having converted from both tight end and defensive end. That fact he excelled at the latter two positions is testament to his natural physical gifts and pure football instincts. He has a rare quickness and overall mobility for a player 6-8 and 300-plus pounds, and he's also a very sound technician. The one red flag is a torn ACL he suffered last year. The top offensive lineman talent in the draft.
4 Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame
The reigning Johnny Unitas Golden Arm award-winner (as best senior QB) and Maxwell winner (for best college player), Quinn has excellent size, a superb arm, great instincts, and fine leadership qualities. The fact he has been groomed by former NFL assistant coach Charlie Weis also helps, and Quinn has shown marked improvement all four years at Notre Dame, where he set several of that school's passing records. He didn't quite live up to all the hype in his final season, but he came close. He's not the most athletically-gifted QB prospect in the draft, but Quinn certainly has all the makings of a top-tier NFL passer. The next Ben Roethlisberger?
5 Ted Ginn Jr., WR, Ohio State
Few players in the draft can do as much on the football field as Ted Ginn Jr. While not terribly prolific as a wide receiver, Ginn was nonetheless very productive catching the football in his three years as a Buckeye. He is also a constant threat to score when returning the ball on punts and kicks), and showed he can rush the pigskin effectively (although that part of his game wasn't showcased as much in his junior year). Ginn is still relatively raw for a pro prospect, but his jets are something special. Few prospects, if any, have as much pure speed as Ginn, whose versatility and physical gifts could lead to a position change depending on where he lands.
6 Jamaal Anderson, DE, Arkansas
An All-SEC First-Teamer as a junior in 2006, Anderson has all the ingredients of a top defensive line prospect. While he only served as a college starter for roughly a season-and-a-half, Anderson was dominant when given the chance to shine. He posted 13.5 sacks in 14 games this season, but also has a real nose for the ball and great overall instincts and anticipation. He is the type of player who can dominate coming off the edge, but he also picks up the run and does all the little things to win (forcing fumbles, blocking punts, etc.). His lack of experience makes him somewhat of a project, but Anderson has star potential.
7 Amobi Okoye, DT, Louisville
Already a dominating force in the Big East, Okoye is still growing in every way. Still only 19 years old and having played four full years of college ball, he has a rare combination of experience at the highest level and yet-untapped upside. He's still getting bigger and stronger, and showed in his final two years at Louisville that he is starting to master his craft. His combination of superb quickness, sheer mass, and a non-stop motor make him a top prospect, and his experience only helps. He was an All-Big Eight First-Teamer and a Second-Team All-American. An elite talent.
8 Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson
An Associated Press First-Team All-American, Adams is an explosive pure pass-rusher. He can get into the backfield as well as any end in the college game, thanks to a combination of intense drive and superb off-the-snap explosion. He has great one-on-one instincts and never seems to take a down off, and his speed and intensity can unnerve quarterbacks. Adams earned his dues in college by working hard after red-shirting, and he improved markedly every year he played. His lack of bulk and single-mindedness in getting to the quarterback mean he will have lots to work on both physically and fundamentally, but he seems to have the work ethic to excel in the NFL.
9 Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma
A big, strong tailback, Peterson may be the top backfield prospect in the draft. He scored double-digit rushing touchdowns in each of his three seasons as a Sooner, and when healthy and focused (as he was as a freshman), Peterson can be dominant back. He averaged well over five yards per carry his entire college career. That said, his ball-carrying production actually declined in each of his final two seasons with the Sooners (although he did show improvement as a receiver) due to injury and disciplinary issues. Peterson needs to show he can stay on the field to successfully take the next step.
10 Daymeion Hughes, CB, California
A consensus First-Team All-American and the winner of the 2006 Lott Trophy as college fooball's top high-character defender, Hughes may be the most accomplished corner in the draft. He improved dramatically as a junior and even more as a senior, showing the ability to play both strong coverage and to agressively pick his spots for interceptions. Smart, hard-working, and blessed with a nose for the ball, the only major question mark for Hughes is his pure speed. He doesn't seem to have elite jets or quickness, and that may mean a position change in the pros.
11 Alan Branch, DT, Michigan
An All-Big Ten First Teamer, Branch is widely considered the finest defensive tackle prospect available in the draft. Massive, mobile, quick, and intense, he has only one full college season under his belt as a defensive tackle. He was dominant at times in that role, but proved as a freshman and sophomore he can also play the end. Branch's combination of raw size and great feet make him capable of excelling in any defensive set-up. He also has supreme field awareness, which allows him to do the little things that help his team win. Branch possesses all the tools to be an above-average pro.
12 Leon Hall, CB, Michigan
An accomplished defensive back, Hall really blossomed in his final two years as a Wolverine. His football instincts and fundamentals are top-notch, and he's always making smart plays on the field. A master of taking good angles and anticipation, he reads exceptionally well and goes all out to finish the play, whether it's tackling his man, breaking up passes, or picking off the ball. His physical tools are not elite, but he gets the most out of them. That said, a lack of top-tier size and speed may make him more suited to zone schemes in the NFL rather than man-to-man coverage.
13 Dwayne Jarrett, WR, USC
Big, strong, and very sure-handed, Jarrett is coming off being named MVP of the Rose Bowl. His 203-yard receiving performance there served notice that he remains one of the top wideout prospects in football. He earned All-Pac Ten First Team honors for his fine 2006 season, but it wasn't quite as dominant as some expected. Still, in just three seasons at USC he caught 216 passes, the most in school history. His size and hands are special, and he's very quick for a guy with his frame. The only issue is Jarrett's pure closing speed, which may have him used as more of a possession target in the NFL.
14 Marshawn Lynch, RB, California
The Pac-10's Offensive Player of the Year, Lynch is an explosive multi-purpose back who got better in all three seasons at Cal. He enjoyed a First Team All-American season this year, piling up the yardage and carrying his team. Lynch is a powerful back who also is more quick than fast, capable of finding holes and powering through them. He's also sure-handed and a very good receiver. There may be questions about his character, as a former girlfriend accused Lynch of domestic violence and sexual assault, but those charges have been dismissed.
15 Reggie Nelson, S, Florida
An Associated Press First-Team All-American and First-Team All-SEC selection, Nelson is a superb blend of skill and intensity at the safety position. He's a big hitter but also a ball-hawk, regularly making impressive plays on both his man and the football. He's also a do-it-all force on the field, capable of excelling as a returner and a special teams ace. His size and speed are solid if not elite, but what really sets Nelson apart is his nose for the ball ability to read the action. A fairly serious knee injury at the end of his 2005 season may be a minor red flag.
16 Levi Brown, OT, Penn State
Somewhat underrated and possessing major upside, Brown is a bit of a late bloomer. He didn't dominate early on in his career at Penn State, possibly because he was converted from the defensive line. Blessed with excellent size and mobility for his position, Brown came on strong late in college career and was a two-time Second Team All-American. He was always a top run protector but dramatically improved his pass protection in 2006, showing the ability to keep up with speed rushers off the edge. He's also a smart, high-character type with leadership potential. Knee problems were a concern (albeit a somewhat minor one) for him at times during college.
17 LaRon Landry, S, LSU
A First-Team All-American, Landry is an accomplished, intense, and polished defender. Blessed with excellent size and a great head for the game, he's a very versatile defensive back. Landry has played everywhere in the secondary during his time at LSU, and has done it with smarts and confidence. A big-play guy, Landry is known for his big hits and occasional big interceptions. He takes good angles, makes good reads, and is always around the action. The only questions surround his pure speed and athleticism, but he's not sub-par in either area. Landry has all the makings of a top-tier pro.
18 Jarvis Moss, DE, Florida
Somewhat of a late bloomer, Moss came on strong in his sophomore year and was even better as a junior. Very tall, very athletic, and very talented, he was a key player for the Gators in their run this year to the national title. Explosive off the edge, Moss can simply terrorize quarterbacks. In his junior season he did a much better job of reading the action and picking up the run, and he's quick enough to adjust in space and recover. He also excels as a special-teamer, and showed a flair for using his excellent frame and reach to block punts. Moss' rare combination of size and explosiveness make him the type who may be even better as a pro than he was in college.
19 Lawrence Timmons, OLB, Florida State
Timmons has a real nose for the ball. In 2006 he piled up 18 tackles for losses, and 79 bring-downs overall in 13 games. Blessed with good size and excellent raw athleticism, Timmons really goes after the ball and whomever happens to be carrying it. His extremely high motor and aggressiveness make him a constant threat to get into the backfield, and he's relentless in tracking down his man and finishing his tackles. He was a bit of a late bloomer due to being stuck behind some very talented other linebackers at State, but this lights-out hitter is a top prospect.
20 Adam Carriker, DE, Nebraska
An intriguing combination of size, power, and mobility, Carriker is a two-time All-Big 12 First-Teamer. Blessed with power to spare and a passion to succeed, he battles on every play and can dominate smaller opponents. While not a classic speed rusher, Carriker has enough quickness and technique to get into the backfield and bring down the quarterback. He excels at picking up the run. Carriker's biggest asset is a versatility and well-roundedness that makes him a good fit anywhere on the defensive line (including at outside linebacker in a 3-4 set-up). Ankle injuries earlier are a minor concern, but his overall package makes him a good bet for NFL success.
21 Darrelle Revis, CB, Pittsburgh
An All-Big East First Teamer two years running, Revis is a very accomplished cornerback even for a junior. While not jaw-dropping in one particular area, Revis is nonetheless quite possibly the most complete defensive back available in the draft. A very good athlete with good size and speed, Revis gets the most out of his above-average physical gifts to simply make plays. He's an aggressive and physical cover corner who is equally adept in man-to-man, zone, and run protection. Revis also has excellent ball skills, which make him a constant threat to score when he does go for the pick and also help him excel as a punt returner. A superb overall prospect.
22 Paul Posluszny, LB, Penn State
The Bednarik Trophy winner as the nation's top defender in 2006 and the Butkus winner in 2005 as top linebacker, Posluszny is one of college football's most accomplished linebackers ever. This First-Team All-American posted over 100 tackles in each of the past three seasons, a testament to his intensity, consistency, and focus. While not an elite athlete, he's a very solid one and possesses enough raw speed and quickness to make it at the next level. A fairly serious knee injury last year is cause for some concern, but Posluszny is didn't let it slow him down. Few players have a better work ethic, a higher motor, or better pure leadership skills than Posluszny.
23 Dwayne Bowe, WR, LSU
LSU's all-time leader in touchdowns, Bowe is nevertheless a bit of a late bloomer. He didn't play much football in high school but caught on late and then found his way to LSU. There, Bowe improved dramatically in each of his four seasons. While not a jaw-dropping athlete, he's extremely fluid and has a superb frame for the NFL game. He's one of those receivers whose game is more about the jump ball than going deep, and he makes up for a lack of explosive jets with excellent leaping and great reach. He projects as a top-tier possession target in the NFL.
24 Michael Griffin, S, Texas
A Second-Team All-American, Griffin had a very productive career at Texas. While he's able to make the big interception and has good return skills when he does, Griffin is foremost a lights-out hitter. His rare combination of intensity and above-average overall athleticism allow him to constantly be around the action, where he's often the guy making the play. Griffin also showed a lot of versatility as a Longhorn, playing several positions in the secondary and setting the Texas record for most blocked punts in a season (4). He may be even better as a pro than he was in college.
25 Sidney Rice, WR, South Carolina
An All-SEC Second-Teamer, Rice was extremely productive in just two full seasons of action for SC. He posted two straight seasons of over 1,000 yards receiving, and in those two campaigns he set the Gamecocks' school record for most 100-yard receiving games (11). Rice is the type of receiver scouts drool over, possessing a great combination of physical gifts (size, fluidity, great hands, very good speed, and leaping ability). The only knocks against him are a lack of experience and doubts about his breakaway speed. Nevertheless, Rice is an elite NFL receiving prospect.
26 Charles Johnson, DE, Georgia
An All-SEC Second-Teamer, Johnson is an intriguing defensive line prospect. While he was only a full-time starter for one year at Georgia, in it he showed he is a very well-rounded end. He has the quickness, instincts, and power of a top-tier NFL lineman. Johnson is very good at reading plays and anticipating where the ball will be, showing a knack for both getting into the backfield and picking up the run. While not terribly tall or blessed with jaw-dropping closing speed, he's by no means small or slow. He might be able to play several positions along the D-line as a pro.
27 Ryan Kalil, C, USC
A two-time All-Pac-10 First-Teamer, Kalil is an accomplished and talented center. He has been dominant at times and always successful against some very tough competition. Kalil has displayed all the qualities needed for a top pro center: power, efficiency, technique, and the ability to anchor the line and protect the quarterback. While not a supreme physical specimen, Kalil has enough raw size to be able to add more muscle without losing too much of his passable mobility. He also comes by his ability honestly, as the son of former pro center Frank Kalil.
28 DeMarcus Tyler, DT, North Carolina State
An AP All-ACC First-Teamer, Tyler is also known as 'Tank' for his combination of raw size and power. Physically there are few defensive tackle prospects who boast his rare mix of power, quickness, and size for the position. Tyler is the latest product of the NC State defensive lineman factory that produced last year's NFL No.1 draft pick Mario Williams as well as Manny Lawson and John McCargo. Like those three, Tyler is a supreme physical specimen who can also play the game. There are questions about his conditioning and work ethic, but otherwise he's a stud prospect.
29 Robert Meachem, WR, Tennessee
A consensus All-American, Meachem is a bit of a late bloomer. His college career at Tennessee got off to a slow start after he missed the 2003 season with a knee injury, and he didn't have a big year numbers-wise until 2006. Still, this year he really made a splash. Dominant at times, Meachem is a very slick, sneaky-quick target with explosive after-burners. He makes deft moves then gets maximum yardage after the catch. His lack of experience as a starter means he has more work to do with fundamentals, but Meachem has potential for stardom if he keeps working.
30 Arron Sears, OG, Tennessee
An All-ACC First Teamer and a Second-Team All-American, Sears is an accomplished, polished, and highly versatile offensive lineman. He played every line position except center in his time with the Vols, and played them all well. Sears has no discernible weakness as an offensive lineman, bringing very good size, power, mass, skills, and effort on every play. He's also a leader on his team with a solid work ethic. The only question mark is how well his game will translate to the NFL, since he's not really a beast and doesn't have a set position on the line.
31 Aaron Ross, CB, Texas
The Thorpe Award winner as the nation's top defensive back, Ross had an excellent season for the Longhorns. Yet despite that accolade, Ross remains one of the top sleepers in the draft. He started only one season for Texas even though he played for them for four seasons. Why? Because there were always more-heralded players around like Michael Huff and Tarell Brown. Regardless, Ross showed how great he can be if given a chance to play. He has all the qualities NFL teams look for in a cornerback prospect, from size to fluidity to recovery speed to toughness. He also excels as a retuner on special teams.
32 LaMarr Woodley, LB, Michigan
As this year's winner of both the Hendricks Award (for the nation's top defensive end) and Lombardi Award (as top lineman), Woodley was a dominant defender in college. Playing both end and outside linebacker for Michigan, he showed a talent for getting into the backfield, finding the ball, and delivering rattling hits. Woodley's also a very hard worker and an intense on-field presence who will never take a play off. While Woodley has the goods to be a solid pro his size and speed are not elite so he might need to be on a team where he can play outside linebacker.
33 Justin Blalock, OG, Texas
A unanimous First-Team All-American, Blalock is a highly successful and experienced blocker. He played at a high level throughout his college career and was a regular starter for most of it, helping Texas to the national championship in 2005. Blalock has an appealing combination of raw size, power, mobility, and aggressiveness for a lineman. He's the type who wants to flatten his man, and he often has the power and skill to do it. He's not a supreme athlete, so he needs to do a better job of taking angles. Still, Blalock has the drive and raw tools to be a top-tier NFL guard.
34 Patrick Willis, LB, Ole Miss
As the recipient of the Butkus Award (given to the nation's top linebacker), Willis is obviously a gamer. Blessed with good size, excellent speed, and top-notch overall athletic ability, he is what teams are looking for in an inside linebacker prospect. Even better, Willis makes ample use of his physical tools with outstanding effort, heart, guts, and commitment. He's the type of guy who will play hurt and will do whatever his team needs him to do to win. Willis also has outstanding character and leadership abilities. He's the type of player who can lead a defense.
35 Greg Olsen, TE, Miami
An All-ACC First-Teamer, Olsen is generally regarded as the top tight end prospect in the draft. While he didn't have a prolific career playing for Miami, Olsen showed enough in his limited time to impress most scouts. Olsen is still a little raw, but he has the frame, athleticism, hands, and instincts to eventually be a starter in the NFL. His tendency to get injured is a bit concerning, but it hasn't been a major problem. He needs to work on his fundamentals and on bulking up, but if he stays focused and finds himself on the right team, Olsen might be a future star.
36 Buster Davis, LB, Florida State
A First-Team All-American, Davis showed major improvement in all four of his college seasons. Despite his small stature, he's a big-play guy who is always making plays. Davis makes up for his lack of top size or speed by using angles, smarts, and extra effort to anticipate and get to the ball. While his speed is questionable his quickness and overall athleticism is not, and Davis does have exceptional power and strength. Blessed with a high motor and superb intangibles, he has what it takes to make it at the next level.
37 Ben Grubbs, C, Auburn
An All-America Second-Teamer, Grubbs is just scratching the surface of his potential. A converted defensive lineman and tight end, he obviously has above-average athleticism and mobility for his current position. He's very active and quick for a guy with his sheer mass, and Grubbs showed in his final two seasons with Auburn that he has the football IQ to continue growing as a lineman. All that said, he's still fairly raw and will need some time to develop as a technician. On the right patient team, however, he may blossom into a a very good NFL offensive lineman.
38 Quentin Moses, DE, Georgia
A Third-Team All-American, Moses is one of the top pure athletes in the draft. Blessed with excellent size, quickness, and explosiveness, Moses is a very good edge rusher who can burst into the backfield and terrorize quarterbacks. He enjoyed a breakout season as a junior, but somewhat disappointed as a senior for the Bulldogs. Moses also needs a lot of refinement and isn't great against the run, meaning he'll need to bulk up and round out his game. He is a supremely good athlete, but must prove he can take the next step.
39 Anthony Spencer, LB, Purdue
A First-Team All-Big Ten selection, Spencer was also voted Purdue's top MVP in 2006. While always a top-tier athlete and hard worker, Spencer didn't really shine until his senior season. He showed remarkable improvement in 2006, piling up sacks (10.5) and tackles (93). Spencer is a little undersized to be a dominant defensive end in the NFL, but his tackling ability showed he may be an ideal fit for a 3-4 system or for a move to linebacker. He certainly has the drive, smarts, and the physical tools to make the move.
40 Zach Miller, TE, Arizona State
A smart, talented, productive tight end, Miller is almost a complete package for an NFL tight end prospect. He posted three excellent campaigns with the Sun Devils, emerging as one of the most consistent and accomplished tight ends in college football. Big, quick, and very fundamentally sound, Miller finds openings and has fantastic hands. He was also named to several all-academic teams during his time at State. He was somewhat injury-prone (although it didn't stop his production) an dis still quite raw, but Miller is one of the elite tight end prospects in the draft.
41 Jon Beason, OLB, Miami
Like many players who come out of Miami, Beason is a phenomenal athlete who is somewhat underrated. He started his career with the Hurricanes as a fullback and had some early injury problems, but once he locked in as a linebacker he really excelled. Somewhat undersized, Beason neverthless is very strong and fast, and is a lights-out hitter. He can get into the backfield but is more of a read-the-play, hit-the-runner type. He also has the drive and focus to keep improving despite his limited size. A true sleeper.
42 Troy Smith, QB, Ohio State
The reigning Heisman Trophy winner, Smith is the most accomplished 2006 quarterback in the draft. He also copped the AP Player of the Year, Walter Camp Award (for best player), and O'Brien Award (for the nation's top QB). So why isn't he ranked higher? Height is probably the biggest issue, as he's roughly 6-feet. The other issues are some off-court troubles and his lack of long-term accomplishment. All that said, Smith had a phenomenal 2006 season and brings a fine combination of mobiility and accuracy for an NFL QB prospect. He is also a smart and still-improving player, so he could be a real steal on draft day for the right team.
43 Michael Bush, RB, Louisville
If Bush had declared for the draft a year ago, he would likely have been a much more sought-after player. He was dominant during the 2005 season, setting a Louisville record for rushing touchdowns (23) and was then named an All-Big East First Teamer. He looked to build on that in 2006, but a broken leg in the Cardinals' opener saw him miss the entire season. Bush is a rare mix of size and speed, and he's also a very capable receiver and blocker. If he can prove his leg isn't an issue, he has the raw tools to eventually be an above average NFL running back.
44 Eric Weddle, S, Utah
An All-America Second-Teamer, Weddle is simply a great football player. He was a standout from his rookie season with the Utes, showing a knack for making plays and being able to anticipate the action. While not a jaw-dropping athlete, he's still very quick and sneaky-fast, possessing an underrated athleticism. Weddle showed the ability to excel at both safety and cornerback, and displayed the football IQ to always make the right play. He also returned kicks for Utah on occasion. Weddle is the type of player who can be a leader at the next level.
45 Stewart Bradley, OLB, Nebraska
An AP Honorable Mention for the All-Big 12 team, Bradley's 2006 was all the more impressive considering his 2005. The big linebacker tore his ACL then, but showed as a senior that he hasn't really missed a beat. Bradley is big, well-rounded defender who has the size and mobility to play several positions. He is also very smart player who can drop back into pass coverage as well as he tracks down runners. Bradley's biggest challenge is to prove he's fast enough to excel in the NFL. He wasn't an elite athlete before his injury, and needs to prove he has some wheels.
46 Josh Wilson, CB, Maryland
Wilson can flat-out burn. There are fewer players in this draft with better jets than the Terps' cornerback and returner, who also ran on the Maryland track team. Some might see Wilson only for his speed, but he's also a very physical defender who does a very good job in coverage. He's more of a pure cover corner than a guy who looks for pick-offs, but he has potential to develop the latter skill more. Wilson is still a little raw, but his fantastic speed and excellent instincts make him a high-upside prospect on both defense and special teams.
47 Rufus Alexander, OLB, Oklahoma
The Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, Alexander was a First-Team All-American as a senior. He led the Sooners in tackles two straight years, a testament to his work ethic and consistency. Alexander brings a rare blend of intensity and athleticism to his position, showing the ability to make plays all over the field. He's a tackling machine who makes good reads and then delivers punishing hits, often leading to fumbles. Alexander isn't the biggest guy at his position, but has the raw talent to be a very good pro defender.
48 Manuel Ramirez, OG, Texas Tech
An outstanding run blocker, Ramirez can really plow the field. One of the most powerful players in the draft, he can reportedly bench-press 550 pounds and he uses that strength to occasionally steamroll defenders. While not as hyped as some of the other guards in the draft, Ramirez has the bulk, power, and surprising quickness to be very successful at the NFL level. He is also an underrated pass defender who gets a great lock and shows good adjustment. He could use a little work on his technique, but could be a very useful blocker soon in the right system.
49 Brandon Siler, ILB, Florida
An All-SEC Second-Team honoree and Third-Team All-American, Siler is a very accomplished linebacker for a junior. He was very good right out of the gate for the Gators, earning SEC Freshman of the Year accolades in 2004. Siler stayed equally productive the following two seasons, emerging as a consistent big hitter who can intimidate at times in run defense. He is a real ball-hawk who likes to line up his targets, but that makes him a bit single-minded sometimes. He's not very fluid or quick, and that can lead him to miss some plays in pass coverage. Siler is a very solid prospect, if not an elite one.
50 H.B. Blades, LB, Pittsburgh
A First-Team All-American, Blades has been one of college football's most productive linebackers for several years. Blades has a true nose for the ball, and uses a high level of skill, passion, and power to finish his tackles. He's also a high-character type and extremely hard worker who comes by his football talent naturally, being the son of former All-Pro Bennie Blades. The younger Blades is a versatile and high-motor defender, and while he's not blessed with elite physical tools, he gets to most out of themn elite athlete before his injury, and needs to prove he has some wheels.


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