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Ahhh Duuude… NFL DRAFT PREVIEW!!!
By Allock of the Week | March 31, 2008
April is just about here, and while for many it brings the excitement of a new season of MLB, for others it also signals one of the biggest days of the NFL season – the College Entry Draft. On April 26th and 27th, over 300 college football players will have their name called from the podium to see where their playing careers will continue, and countless more will have to earn their spot via the free agency route. From the end of the bowl season through the days preceeding the draft, these athletes will run, jump, bench press and answer hundreds of questions for prospective employers trying to prove their worthiness of being selected by their team. With that being said, let’s look at a few of the top prospects in this upcoming draft, and where they may end up for the 16 Sundays of the NFL regular season:
QB – Matt Ryan, Boston College
While this year’s draft doesn’t have a stud signal caller, Ryan may be the closest thing to it. The 2007 ACC Player of the Year lead his team to 11 wins this year and has all the skills that teams look for in a starting QB. While he has the potential to go as high as number one overall to Miami, I see him going in the fifth spot to the Kansas City Chiefs, who are in desperate need of a QB who can take some pressure off of All-Pro RB Larry Johnson.
(Also keep your eyes on…Joe Flacco – Delaware. Some say he might be the next coming of Ben Roethlisberger)
RB – Darren McFadden, Arkansas
The junior RB from Arkansas is clearly the most talented player in this draft and after posting eye-popping numbers at the scouting combine (including a 40 time in the 4.3 range), there isn’t a team in the league who couldn’t use a game breaker like him. McFadden is often compared to last year’s Rookie of the Year, Adrian Peterson, but McFadden is clearly the better outside runner, while Peterson is tougher between the tackles. Since Miami is sticking with Ronnie Brown at RB, I believe McFadden could go as high as number three overall to the Falcons, but I think (and hope) that he’ll fall to number six to the New York Jets.
(Also keep your eyes on…Jonathan Stewart – Oregon. He just had toe surgery and will be out for a while, but he will be a steal should he slip to the end of the first round)
WR – Malcolm Kelly, Oklahoma
Blessed with great size and speed, Kelly looks to be the best prospect of this year’s class. He’s posted some very good numbers in his three years in Norman, but probably would’ve benefited from returning for his senior year to refine his route running. In addition, because of lingering injuries, Kelly has been unable to run for scouts so he is a risky selection. I see him going to the Buffalo Bills with the eleventh pick – they need a receiver opposite Lee Evans who has some size to him.
(Also keep your eyes on…Mario Manningham – Michigan. While he’s not an unknown prospect, he might be the most polished of them all)
OT – Jake Long, Michigan
This two-time First Team All-American has been an anchor on the left side of the Wolverine o-line for the past two seasons after spending the first two on the right side. He will be an immediate starter in this league and should have the same first year success as fellow Big Ten alum Joe Thomas, Cleveland’s first round pick from last season. While Miami might want to trade down a few spots to snag him, it’s more likely that he’ll be gone to St. Louis at two or Atlanta at three since no one is biting at the trade offers Miami is suggesting.
(Also keep your eye on…Ryan Clady – Boise State. Can play either side and should be an immediate starter in this league)
DT – Glenn Dorsey, LSU
This guy has a chance to be the next Warren Sapp or he’ll end up as the next Dwayne Robertson. He’s unblockable one-on-one and has the strength and speed to cause havoc in any opposing backfield. On the flip side of the coin, he’s bone-on-bone in one of his knees and that could lead to him being the next Steve Emtman. He had a great showing at LSU’s Pro Day and pretty much solidified his stock in the top ten. Don’t be surprised if Oakland takes him in the fourth spot.
(Also keep your eyes on…Pat Sims – Auburn. His size, strength and motor will make him an impact player in this league)
DE – Chris Long, Virginia
Hall of Famer Howie Long’s son has been the talk of the town in recent weeks as the safest number one overall pick. He’s got a motor that just doesn’t quit and plays with a level of tenacity that few others possess. While he didn’t show his pass rushing abilities until his senior season, he’s clearly the draft prospect who is least likely to turn into a bust. Miami would be foolish not to put him on the opposite side of Jason Taylor, but with all their needs, he may end sliding a spot or two. Either way, he won’t be on the board after the first five picks of the draft.
(Also keep your eyes on…Derrick Harvey – Florida. This guy practically lived in OSU’s backfield two years ago in the National Championship game, he’s a better prospect that his teammate from two years ago and current Broncos end, Jarvis Moss)
LB – Dan Connor, Penn State University
The latest graduate of Linebacker U has a chance to be one of the very best of them all. He leaves Happy Valley as PSU’s all-time leader in tackles, passing his former teammate Paul Posluszny. He has the ability to play inside or outside and will probably begin his career on the outside and special teams. This isn’t a very deep draft for linebackers, but Connor is well coached, and is an above-average athlete. Lots of mock drafts have him going to the Giants at 31, but don’t be surprised if a team like Pittsburgh doesn’t take him off the board earlier.
(Also keep your eyes on…Jordan Dizon – Colorado. All this guy did was make plays…and he’ll continue it on the next level)
DB – Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Tennessee State
Dominique who you might be asking yourself…well if the last name sounds familiar, he is a cousin of Chargers All-Pro Antonio Cromartie. This Cromartie is a small school star who has great speed and leaping ability to go with his above average size for a cornerback. He is also a star on special teams having returned kicks and punts during his time in college. The big question may be whether he can play with the talent level of the pros, but with the physical skills he has, it’s going to fun watching him try. Don’t be surprised if the Pats use the seventh pick on him and give him some time to develop.
(Also keep your eyes on…Mike Jenkins – South Florida. Big talent but his 2007 arrest might raise red flags with the character police…)
Topics: NFL Football |