Thursday, March 20, 2008

NFL Draft '08 - New Top 25

Go to www.draftinsiders.com for New Top 50 Pro Prospects

Ahead of the Curve

Top 25 Pro Prospects for the NFL Draft ’08

* underclassmen Rating - March 18 - Post NFL Combine ‘08

1. Matt Ryan - QB - 6’4” 220 lbs. - Boston College
Savvy pocket QB retains his top ranking in this talented class since last fall. He looks to impress at his pro day throwing the ball to be the #1 overall prospect this April.

2. Chris Long - DE - 6’5” 285 lbs. - Virginia
Athletic senior ‘tweener defender had an impact workout at the NFL Combine and is the safest selection in this draft class.

3. Glenn Dorsey - DT - 6’2” 300 lbs. - LSU
Explosive senior tackle was a dominant force over the ’07 season but must answer leg injury questions at his pro day later this month.

4. Jake Long - OT - 6’7” 320 lbs. - Michigan
Physical senior tackle is one of the most developed prospects in this class and completed a fine NFL Combine workout to guarantee a top ten selection.

5. * Vernon Gholston - DE - 6’4” 260 lbs. - Ohio St
Fast junior ‘tweener defender had a very strong NFL Combine workout plus the big play ability to a pro difference maker as a sack artist.

6. Sedrick Ellis - DT - 6’2” 295 lbs. - Southern Cal
Cat like senior tackle is a major inside force who impressed at every stage of the scouting process.

7. * Darren McFadden - RB - 6’1” 220 lbs. - Arkansas
Fast junior tailback had a strong workout at the NFL Combine and is an early NFL starter as a pro.

8. Leodis McKelvin - CB - 5’11” 190 lbs. - Troy University
Quick cover man and return specialist was impressive at both the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine to rank as the top defensive back in this class.

9. Keith Rivers - LB - 6’3” 220 lbs. - Southern Cal
Athletic senior outside linebacker displays well developed talent and is ready to start early as a pro.

10. Mike Jenkins - CB - 5’10” 200 lbs. - South Florida
Athletic cornerback finished an impressive season and postseason with a strong NFL Combine workout.

11. * Ryan Clady - OT - 6’6” 310 lbs. - Boise St
Nimble junior left tackle had a strong pro day after sitting out the NFL Combine.

12. * Rashard Mendenhall - RB - 5’11” 215 lbs. - Illinois
Athletic junior tailback has the complete package to be a rookie workhorse feature back.

13. * Derrick Harvey - DE - 6’4” 245 lbs. - Florida
Fast junior edge rusher puts consistent outside pressure on the passer to change games in one play.

14. Chris Williams - OT - 6’5” 310 lbs. - Vanderbilt
Huge mobile senior tackle has developed nicely and graded out high vs top SEC talent and finished with another strong performance in the postseason.

15. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie - CB - 6’1” 185 lbs. - Tennessee St
Athletic small college corner was a shutdown cover man at the lower level and had the most impressive postseason at both the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine weeks.

16. Brian Brohm - QB - 6’4” 225 lbs. - Louisville
Slick throwing pocket passer needs a strong pro day throwing the ball to solidify a first round grade.

17. Antoine Cason -CB - 6’1” 185 lbs.- Arizona
Tough senior cornerback is a savvy cover man who answered all the key questions with a strong workout at the NFL Combine.

18. * Phillip Merling - DE - 6’5” 270 lbs.- Clemson
Powerful junior defender has been a big play performer over his short career but did not workout at the NFL Combine and needs to impress at a late workout.

19. * Calais Campbell - DE - 6’7” 280 lbs. - Miami
Huge junior defensive end has the athletic package to be a first round prospect and gave a good effort at the NFL Combine.

20. Jeff Otah - OT - 6’6” 320 lbs. - Pittsburgh
Huge mobile senior tackle combines good short area footwork and the physical package to start as a pro but he failed to impress at the NFL Combine.

21. * DeSean Jackson - WR - 5’11” 170 lbs. - California
Explosive all-purpose playmaker is a big play weapon that backed up his athleticism with a strong workout at the NFL Combine and pro day.

22. Quentin Groves - DE - 6’4” 255 lbs. - Auburn
Athletic senior pass rusher finished with a strong ’07 season and impressed further at NFL Combine to move into the first round.

23. * Kenny Phillips - FS - 6’1” 205 lbs. - Miami
Smooth athletic junior safety is a fluid defender with well developed skills for the pro game but his average ’07 season and good NFL Combine makes him a first round bubble prospect.

24. * Branden Albert - OG - 6’6” 335 lbs. - Virginia
Huge junior guard has the prototypical talent for the inside and is moving up the charts quickly off a big NFL Combine performance and some late scouting work.

25. * Malcolm Kelly - WR - 6’3” 210 lbs. - Oklahoma
Big athletic junior receiver is a good playmaker with the package to become a top NFL receiver but his final workout will probably determine his draft position.

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