dbair1967
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Obviously deserves an immense amount of credit for building our great teams of the 60's and 70's, then sadly lost his touch (or his brain) and was a major reason we went down the tubes in the mid to late 80's because of repeated bad drafts from 78 onward...look who he has at #4 here, and some of the others...geez, will be interesting to see how accurate this plays out...
Tier One (1-10)
Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
Had a very good workout on campus on March 26. ... Started three games as a true freshman in 2004. ... His best traits are outstanding agility and a great effort. ... Has very long arms -- 34 5/8 inches.
Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
Had a very good workout on campus on April 2. ... Played as a true freshman in 2004 (no starts). ... Best traits are exceptional strength and great instincts. ... Good arm length -- 32 1/8 inches.
Vernon Gholston, , DE, Ohio State:
Was impressive at the combine and at his pro-day workout. ... Played as a freshman in 2004; redshirted in 2005 with a broken left hand. ... Best trait is his overall athletic ability. ... Good arm length -- 34 inches. ... Has more sacks than any Division I player over last two seasons (23).
Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida
Had a very good campus workout on March 18. ... Redshirted in 2004 and did not start until 2007, but he was the defensive MVP two years ago in Florida's BCS win over Ohio State. ... Best traits are overall athletic ability and a quick first step. ... Long arms -- 35½ inches. ... Note: Could slide down to Tier Two.
Chris Long, DE, Virginia
Had a very good workout in DE drills at the combine, and then worked out as a LB on campus on March 18. ... Played as a true freshman in 2004 and started 37 games over the past three years. ... Best traits are strength and a quick first step. ... As a high school senior, he won a YMCA slam dunk contest.
Jake Long, OT, Michigan
Had a very good campus workout on March 14. ... Redshirted in 2003 and has started 40 games over the past four years (missing seven games in 2005). ... Best traits are work ethic, power, toughness. ... Very long arms -- 37 inches.
Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
Started nine games as a true freshman in 2005 and 26 games over the last two seasons. ... Best traits are acceleration and upper body strength. ... Note: In SEC annals, his production as a true freshman was on par with Herschel Walker's.
Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy
Played but did not start as a true freshman in 2004. ... Started 36 games over the next three years. ... Has big hands. ... Best traits are quick feet and good closing ability. ... Returned seven kicks for touchdowns. ... Note: Could slide down to Tier Two.
Keith Rivers, LB, USC
After not working out at the combine following arthroscopic ankle surgery, he had an outstanding workout at USC's pro day on April 2. ... Had a 42-inch vertical jump. ... Played as a true freshman in 2004 and started 36 games over the next three seasons. ... Best traits are versatility and good linebacker instincts.
Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
Redshirted in 2003 and started 32 games over the past four years. ... Best traits are outstanding football character, leadership and intelligence (he was a two-time captain for BC). ... Note: Could slide down to Tier Two
Tier Two (11-21)
Branden Albert, G/T, Virginia
Went to Hargrave Military Academy in 2004 and then started every game for Virginia the next three years (35 games at left guard, two at left tackle). ... Has very long arms -- 35½ inches. ... Best trait is overall athletic ability. ... Has not played a lot of football (only two years of high school). ... Note: Could move up into Tier One.
Kentwan Balmer, DL, North Carolina
Improved his 40 time from the combine to his campus pro day (running a 5.12 40). ... Played but did not start as a true freshman in 2004, then started 22 games over the next three years. ... Best traits are strength and quickness for the position. ... Has long arms -- 33¼ inches.
Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville
Played but did not start as a true freshman in 2004, then started 33 games in his final three seasons. ... Had a very good pro-day workout on March 24. ... Best traits are knowledge of the game and competitiveness. Note: Could slide down to Tier Three.
Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State
Was a defensive lineman when he arrived at Boise State. ... Redshirted in 2004 as he switched to OL, then started 32 games over the past three years -- 26 at left tackle. ... Best traits are great feet and long arms (36¾ inches). ... Note: Could move up into Tier One.
Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh
Born in Nigeria, came to the U.S. at age 7. ... Played two years at Valley Forge Military Academy (2004-05) and then started 24 games the last two years at Pitt. ... Best traits are strength and toughness. ... Has long arms (35 3/8 inches). ... Note: Could move up into Tier One.
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee State
Ran an impressive 4.33 40-yard dash at the combine and a 6.74 cone drill (tied for tops among cornerbacks). ... Arrived at Tennessee State in 2004 and started every game (44) in the four years he was there. ... Best traits are speed and quickness for the position.
Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon
Stewart ran a 4.46 40 at the combine and is very strong for a RB. ... Played as a true freshman and started one game in 2005, then started 22 games over next two seasons. ... Also an outstanding kick returner. ... Best traits are quickness and strength. ... Note: Recovering from toe surgery, which teams must take into account.
Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
Had a 37-inch vertical jump at Texas' pro day and he's got long arms for a receiver (33 3/8 inches). ... Redshirted in 2003 and then started 39 straight games until sidelined with a wrist injury in the Iowa State game midway through last season. ... Best traits are leaping ability to make catches and a burst of speed after the catch. ... Note: Could slide down to Tier Three.
Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State
Has long arms (32 7/8 inches) and big hands. ... Played two years in junior college at Coffeyville (Kansas), then started one game at Michigan State in 2006 and 12 games in 2007. ... Set a Big Ten record for kickoff returns, and his return skills help his draft status. ... Best trait is great speed/size combination for the position. ... Note: Could slide down to Tier Three.
Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt
Redshirted in 2003 and did not play in 2004. ... Was undersized when he first arrived at Vanderbilt. ... Best trait are good feet and balance for pass protection -- well-suited to play left tackle.
Tier Three (21-30)
Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College
Born in Haiti, moved to U.S. at age 14. ... Redshirted in 2003 and then started 51 consecutive games over the next four years -- 37 at right tackle, 14 at left tackle. ... Had a more difficult time at left tackle. ... Best traits are very long arms (36¼ inches) and very big hands. ...Note: Could slide down to Tier Three.
Quentin Groves, DE/LB, Auburn
Redshirted in 2003; played but did not start in 2004, then started 20 games over next two seasons. ... Tied for the school record with 26 sacks. ... Best traits are speed and quickness for his position. ... Note: Could slide down to Tier Three.
James Hardy, WR, Indiana
Redshirted in 2004 and then started 33 games over the past three seasons. ... Was a starter on the basketball team but gave it up for football. ... Scored 36 TDs in three seasons. ... Best traits are height (6-foot-5 3/8) and hands.
DeSean Jackson, WR, California
Started 10 games in 2005 as a true freshman and then another 23 over the next two seasons. ... Was a record-setting punt returner in the Pac-10. ... Best traits are great quickness and hands. ... Note: Could slide down to Tier Three due to size (5-9 7/8, 167).
Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida
Started three games as a true freshman in 2004 and has started 37 games the past three years. Best traits are quickness and man-to-man cover skills.
Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas
Started two games as a true freshman in 2005 and nine games the last two seasons -- mostly at wide receiver. ... Very good kickoff return specialist (he has four return TDs in three years). ... Best traits are outstanding quickness and running ability. ... Note: He averaged one play of 20-plus yards for every nine touches.
Jerod Mayo, LB, Tennessee
Had an impressive 40½-inch vertical jump at his pro day on March 13. ... Redshirted in 2004, started one game in 2005 and then had 25 starts in 2006-07. ... Best traits are competitiveness and production. ... Note: Could move up into Tier Two.
Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson
Does not have pre-draft test numbers as he is recovering from a sports hernia. ... Played as a true freshman in 2005 and started 26 games over the past two seasons. ... Best traits are competitiveness and quick first step. ... Note: Will try to work out in days leading up to draft and could move up into Tier Two.
Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois
Played but did not start as a freshman in 2005, started one game in 2006 and then started 13 games in 2007. ... Had only 126 carries prior to the 2007 season. ... Best trait is his strength to break tackles. ... Note: Could move up into Tier Two.
Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas
Has long arms (33 inches). ... Redshirted in 2004, then started 32 games over the next three years. ... Best traits are his height (6-0¾) and athletic ability for the position. ... Note: Could move up into Tier Two if teams overlook some off-field issues.
Tier Four (31-40)
Calais Campbell, DE, Miami (Fla.)
Redshirted in 2004; started 25 games in 2006-07. ... Did not play as well in '07 as he did in '06 but that might have been because he had a new defensive line coach in '07. ... Best traits are size and athletic ability.
Jamaal Charles, RB, Texas
Played as a true freshman in 2005, starting three games. ... Started 13 games in 2007 and gained 1,619 yards, including one game against Nebraska in which he ran for 216 yards in the fourth quarter. ... Best traits are speed and outside running ability.
Joe Flacco, QB, Delaware
Originally attended Pittsburgh, where he redshirted in 2003 and played in three games in '04 before transferring to Delaware. Started 26 games in 2006-07. ... Best traits are height (6-6 3/8), arm strength, and ability to avoid interceptions (threw just five in 521 attempts in '07). ... Note: Could move up into Tier Three.
Chad Henne, QB, Michigan
Started 12 games as a true freshman in 2004 and finished his career with 47 starts. ... All-time Michigan leader in TD passes (87), yards (9,715) and completions (828). ... Best traits are mental toughness, accuracy and experience. ... Note: Could move up into Tier Three.
Lawrence Jackson, DE/LB, USC
Redshirted in 2003 and then started 51 games over the next four years. ... Has long arms (34 1/8 inches). ... Best traits are strength, pass-rush ability, and the ability to play in space.
Chris Johnson, RB, East Carolina
Started seven games as a true freshman in 2004 and started every game when healthy the next three years. ... Had 408 all-purpose yards in a bowl game against Boise State. ... Ran a 4.29 40 at the combine, fastest among all participants. ... Best traits are speed, all-around running ability, catching the football and returning kicks.
Curtis Lofton, LB, Oklahoma
Played as a true freshman in 2005. ... Started 14 games in 2007, playing both strong side and middle linebacker. ... Best traits are competitiveness and strength.
Kenny Phillips, S, Miami (Fla.)
Started 11 games as a true freshman in 2005 and started 22 more games over the past two seasons. ... Best position might be free safety. ... Had seven interceptions in three seasons. ... Best trait is coverage ability.
Pat Sims, DT, Auburn
Redshirted in 2004 and quit the team in 2005. The fact that they let him return means they probably knew he was very good. ... Started 13 games in 2007, his only year as a starter. ... Best traits are quickness and athletic ability.
Jeremy Thompson, DE/LB, Wake Forest
Has long arms (35 3/8 inches). ... Had an outstanding cone drill (6.97) at the combine. ... Started three games as a true freshman in 2004 and was a regular starter the next three years when healthy. ... Had an 86-yard interception return, the second-longest in school history. ... Best traits are quickness, speed and long arms. ... Note: Could slide down to Tier Five.
Tier Five (41-50)
John Carlson, TE, Notre Dame
Redshirted in 2003 and played fullback in 2004. ... Started 23 games at tight end over the past two seasons. ... Best traits are good hands and quickness in his release off the line.
Dan Connor, LB, Penn State
Started four games as a true freshman in 2004, then started at both middle and outside linebacker over the last three seasons. ... Had a very good cone drill (6.78). ... Best traits are productivity and competitiveness.
Fred Davis, TE, USC
Played as a true freshman in 2004, first as a wideout and then moving to tight end. ... Started 23 games over the past two years. ... Has long arms (33 inches). ... Best traits are good hands as a receiver and the ability to separate. ... Note: Could move up into Tier Four.
Brandon Flowers, CB, Virginiai Tech
Started 27 games over the past two seasons. ... Had a good cone drill (6.72). ... Plays the game faster than his times speed (best 40 time in pre-draft workouts was 4.55). ... Best traits are good instincts and physical play.
Marcus Harrison, DT, Arkansas
Went to prep school before attending Arkansas, and then became the first position player to start his first game as a freshman for the Razorbacks in 22 years. ... Started 34 games in four years. ... Best traits are quickness and long arms (34 3/8 inches). ... Note: Could move up into Tier Four.
Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma
Started seven games as a true freshman and 26 games over the last two seasons. ... Oklahoma coaches speak highly of Kelly as a person, but the team that drafts him needs to understand that he will not run very fast. ... Best traits are long arms (34½ inches) and very strong hands to catch the ball.
Patrick Lee, CB, Auburn
Redshirted in 2003; became a starter in 2005 but was replaced midway through the season; started 13 games in 2007 and showed improvement every game. ... Good special teams player. ... Best traits are physicality at the corner position and man-to-man coverage skills.
Jordy Nelson, WR, Kansas State
Originally a defensive back, he redshirted in 2003 and did not play in 2004. ... Started playing wide receiver in 2005 and caught 122 passes in '07. ... Won four events at Kansas state track meet -- 100, 200, and 400 meters, and long jump. ... Best traits are good hands and speed in pads (because of his strength). ... Note: Could move up into Tier Four.
Mike Pollak, OT, Arizona State
Has started 36 games during his career at ASU. ... Smart, understands the game. ... Might not be able to start at guard on a regular basis, but he's a good long-snapper. ... Best traits are quickness and athletic ability for the position.
Chilo Rachal, G, USC
Redshirted in 2004 and started 22 games the last two seasons. ... If he learns to use his feet, he could be a Pro Bowl guard. ... Best traits are strength, toughness, competitiveness
Tier Six (51-60): Clifford Avril, DE/LB, Purdue; Sam Baker, OL, USC; Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona; Bryan Kehl, LB, BYU; Dustin Keller, TE, Purdue; Justin King, CB, Penn State; Trevor Laws, DL, Notre Dame; Mario Manningham, WR, Michigan; Tracy Porter, CB, Indiana; Ray Rice, RB, Rutgers.
Tier Seven (61-70): Tyvon Branch, CB, Connecticut; Duane Brown, OL, Virginia Tech; Oniel Cousins, OL, UTEP; Tavares Gooden, LB, Miami (Fla.); Dexter Jackson, WR/KR, Appalachian State; Tyrell Johnson, S, Arkansas State; Jason Jones, DL, Eastern Michigan; DaJuan Morgan, S, N.C. State; Kevin Smith, RB, Central Florida; Terrence Wheatley, CB, Colorado.
Tier Eight (71-80): Donnie Avery, WR, Houston; Martellus Bennett, TE, Texas A&M; Tashard Choice, RB, Georgia Tech; Brad Cottam, TE, Tennessee; Jordon Dizon, LB, Colorado; Matthew Forte, RB, Tulane; Dre Moore, DL, Maryland; Eddie Royal, WR/KR, Virginia Tech; Terrell Thomas, CB, USC; Jeremy Zuttah, G, Rutgers.
Tier Nine (81-90): Earl Bennett, WR, Vanderbilt; Andre Caldwell, WR, Florida; Anthonty Collins, OL, Kansas; Early Doucet, WR, LSU; Andre Fluellen, DL, Florida State; Charles Godfrey, CB, Iowa; John Greco, OL, Toledo; Erin Henderson, LB, Maryland; Mike McGlynn, OT, Pittsburgh; Reggie Smith, S, Oklahoma.
Tier 10 (91-100): Josha Barrett, S, Arizona State; Shawn Crable, DE/LB, Michigan; Thomas DeCoud, S, California; Chris Ellis, DE/LB, Virginia Tech; Stanford Keglar, LB, Purdue; Josh Morgan, WR, Virginia Tech; Carl Nicks, OL, Nebraska; Steve Slaton, RB, West Virginia; Craig Stevens, TE, California; Tom Zbikowski, S, Notre Dame.
Tier One (1-10)
Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
Had a very good workout on campus on March 26. ... Started three games as a true freshman in 2004. ... His best traits are outstanding agility and a great effort. ... Has very long arms -- 34 5/8 inches.
Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
Had a very good workout on campus on April 2. ... Played as a true freshman in 2004 (no starts). ... Best traits are exceptional strength and great instincts. ... Good arm length -- 32 1/8 inches.
Vernon Gholston, , DE, Ohio State:
Was impressive at the combine and at his pro-day workout. ... Played as a freshman in 2004; redshirted in 2005 with a broken left hand. ... Best trait is his overall athletic ability. ... Good arm length -- 34 inches. ... Has more sacks than any Division I player over last two seasons (23).
Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida
Had a very good campus workout on March 18. ... Redshirted in 2004 and did not start until 2007, but he was the defensive MVP two years ago in Florida's BCS win over Ohio State. ... Best traits are overall athletic ability and a quick first step. ... Long arms -- 35½ inches. ... Note: Could slide down to Tier Two.
Chris Long, DE, Virginia
Had a very good workout in DE drills at the combine, and then worked out as a LB on campus on March 18. ... Played as a true freshman in 2004 and started 37 games over the past three years. ... Best traits are strength and a quick first step. ... As a high school senior, he won a YMCA slam dunk contest.
Jake Long, OT, Michigan
Had a very good campus workout on March 14. ... Redshirted in 2003 and has started 40 games over the past four years (missing seven games in 2005). ... Best traits are work ethic, power, toughness. ... Very long arms -- 37 inches.
Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
Started nine games as a true freshman in 2005 and 26 games over the last two seasons. ... Best traits are acceleration and upper body strength. ... Note: In SEC annals, his production as a true freshman was on par with Herschel Walker's.
Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy
Played but did not start as a true freshman in 2004. ... Started 36 games over the next three years. ... Has big hands. ... Best traits are quick feet and good closing ability. ... Returned seven kicks for touchdowns. ... Note: Could slide down to Tier Two.
Keith Rivers, LB, USC
After not working out at the combine following arthroscopic ankle surgery, he had an outstanding workout at USC's pro day on April 2. ... Had a 42-inch vertical jump. ... Played as a true freshman in 2004 and started 36 games over the next three seasons. ... Best traits are versatility and good linebacker instincts.
Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
Redshirted in 2003 and started 32 games over the past four years. ... Best traits are outstanding football character, leadership and intelligence (he was a two-time captain for BC). ... Note: Could slide down to Tier Two
Tier Two (11-21)
Branden Albert, G/T, Virginia
Went to Hargrave Military Academy in 2004 and then started every game for Virginia the next three years (35 games at left guard, two at left tackle). ... Has very long arms -- 35½ inches. ... Best trait is overall athletic ability. ... Has not played a lot of football (only two years of high school). ... Note: Could move up into Tier One.
Kentwan Balmer, DL, North Carolina
Improved his 40 time from the combine to his campus pro day (running a 5.12 40). ... Played but did not start as a true freshman in 2004, then started 22 games over the next three years. ... Best traits are strength and quickness for the position. ... Has long arms -- 33¼ inches.
Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville
Played but did not start as a true freshman in 2004, then started 33 games in his final three seasons. ... Had a very good pro-day workout on March 24. ... Best traits are knowledge of the game and competitiveness. Note: Could slide down to Tier Three.
Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State
Was a defensive lineman when he arrived at Boise State. ... Redshirted in 2004 as he switched to OL, then started 32 games over the past three years -- 26 at left tackle. ... Best traits are great feet and long arms (36¾ inches). ... Note: Could move up into Tier One.
Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh
Born in Nigeria, came to the U.S. at age 7. ... Played two years at Valley Forge Military Academy (2004-05) and then started 24 games the last two years at Pitt. ... Best traits are strength and toughness. ... Has long arms (35 3/8 inches). ... Note: Could move up into Tier One.
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee State
Ran an impressive 4.33 40-yard dash at the combine and a 6.74 cone drill (tied for tops among cornerbacks). ... Arrived at Tennessee State in 2004 and started every game (44) in the four years he was there. ... Best traits are speed and quickness for the position.
Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon
Stewart ran a 4.46 40 at the combine and is very strong for a RB. ... Played as a true freshman and started one game in 2005, then started 22 games over next two seasons. ... Also an outstanding kick returner. ... Best traits are quickness and strength. ... Note: Recovering from toe surgery, which teams must take into account.
Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
Had a 37-inch vertical jump at Texas' pro day and he's got long arms for a receiver (33 3/8 inches). ... Redshirted in 2003 and then started 39 straight games until sidelined with a wrist injury in the Iowa State game midway through last season. ... Best traits are leaping ability to make catches and a burst of speed after the catch. ... Note: Could slide down to Tier Three.
Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State
Has long arms (32 7/8 inches) and big hands. ... Played two years in junior college at Coffeyville (Kansas), then started one game at Michigan State in 2006 and 12 games in 2007. ... Set a Big Ten record for kickoff returns, and his return skills help his draft status. ... Best trait is great speed/size combination for the position. ... Note: Could slide down to Tier Three.
Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt
Redshirted in 2003 and did not play in 2004. ... Was undersized when he first arrived at Vanderbilt. ... Best trait are good feet and balance for pass protection -- well-suited to play left tackle.
Tier Three (21-30)
Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College
Born in Haiti, moved to U.S. at age 14. ... Redshirted in 2003 and then started 51 consecutive games over the next four years -- 37 at right tackle, 14 at left tackle. ... Had a more difficult time at left tackle. ... Best traits are very long arms (36¼ inches) and very big hands. ...Note: Could slide down to Tier Three.
Quentin Groves, DE/LB, Auburn
Redshirted in 2003; played but did not start in 2004, then started 20 games over next two seasons. ... Tied for the school record with 26 sacks. ... Best traits are speed and quickness for his position. ... Note: Could slide down to Tier Three.
James Hardy, WR, Indiana
Redshirted in 2004 and then started 33 games over the past three seasons. ... Was a starter on the basketball team but gave it up for football. ... Scored 36 TDs in three seasons. ... Best traits are height (6-foot-5 3/8) and hands.
DeSean Jackson, WR, California
Started 10 games in 2005 as a true freshman and then another 23 over the next two seasons. ... Was a record-setting punt returner in the Pac-10. ... Best traits are great quickness and hands. ... Note: Could slide down to Tier Three due to size (5-9 7/8, 167).
Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida
Started three games as a true freshman in 2004 and has started 37 games the past three years. Best traits are quickness and man-to-man cover skills.
Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas
Started two games as a true freshman in 2005 and nine games the last two seasons -- mostly at wide receiver. ... Very good kickoff return specialist (he has four return TDs in three years). ... Best traits are outstanding quickness and running ability. ... Note: He averaged one play of 20-plus yards for every nine touches.
Jerod Mayo, LB, Tennessee
Had an impressive 40½-inch vertical jump at his pro day on March 13. ... Redshirted in 2004, started one game in 2005 and then had 25 starts in 2006-07. ... Best traits are competitiveness and production. ... Note: Could move up into Tier Two.
Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson
Does not have pre-draft test numbers as he is recovering from a sports hernia. ... Played as a true freshman in 2005 and started 26 games over the past two seasons. ... Best traits are competitiveness and quick first step. ... Note: Will try to work out in days leading up to draft and could move up into Tier Two.
Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois
Played but did not start as a freshman in 2005, started one game in 2006 and then started 13 games in 2007. ... Had only 126 carries prior to the 2007 season. ... Best trait is his strength to break tackles. ... Note: Could move up into Tier Two.
Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas
Has long arms (33 inches). ... Redshirted in 2004, then started 32 games over the next three years. ... Best traits are his height (6-0¾) and athletic ability for the position. ... Note: Could move up into Tier Two if teams overlook some off-field issues.
Tier Four (31-40)
Calais Campbell, DE, Miami (Fla.)
Redshirted in 2004; started 25 games in 2006-07. ... Did not play as well in '07 as he did in '06 but that might have been because he had a new defensive line coach in '07. ... Best traits are size and athletic ability.
Jamaal Charles, RB, Texas
Played as a true freshman in 2005, starting three games. ... Started 13 games in 2007 and gained 1,619 yards, including one game against Nebraska in which he ran for 216 yards in the fourth quarter. ... Best traits are speed and outside running ability.
Joe Flacco, QB, Delaware
Originally attended Pittsburgh, where he redshirted in 2003 and played in three games in '04 before transferring to Delaware. Started 26 games in 2006-07. ... Best traits are height (6-6 3/8), arm strength, and ability to avoid interceptions (threw just five in 521 attempts in '07). ... Note: Could move up into Tier Three.
Chad Henne, QB, Michigan
Started 12 games as a true freshman in 2004 and finished his career with 47 starts. ... All-time Michigan leader in TD passes (87), yards (9,715) and completions (828). ... Best traits are mental toughness, accuracy and experience. ... Note: Could move up into Tier Three.
Lawrence Jackson, DE/LB, USC
Redshirted in 2003 and then started 51 games over the next four years. ... Has long arms (34 1/8 inches). ... Best traits are strength, pass-rush ability, and the ability to play in space.
Chris Johnson, RB, East Carolina
Started seven games as a true freshman in 2004 and started every game when healthy the next three years. ... Had 408 all-purpose yards in a bowl game against Boise State. ... Ran a 4.29 40 at the combine, fastest among all participants. ... Best traits are speed, all-around running ability, catching the football and returning kicks.
Curtis Lofton, LB, Oklahoma
Played as a true freshman in 2005. ... Started 14 games in 2007, playing both strong side and middle linebacker. ... Best traits are competitiveness and strength.
Kenny Phillips, S, Miami (Fla.)
Started 11 games as a true freshman in 2005 and started 22 more games over the past two seasons. ... Best position might be free safety. ... Had seven interceptions in three seasons. ... Best trait is coverage ability.
Pat Sims, DT, Auburn
Redshirted in 2004 and quit the team in 2005. The fact that they let him return means they probably knew he was very good. ... Started 13 games in 2007, his only year as a starter. ... Best traits are quickness and athletic ability.
Jeremy Thompson, DE/LB, Wake Forest
Has long arms (35 3/8 inches). ... Had an outstanding cone drill (6.97) at the combine. ... Started three games as a true freshman in 2004 and was a regular starter the next three years when healthy. ... Had an 86-yard interception return, the second-longest in school history. ... Best traits are quickness, speed and long arms. ... Note: Could slide down to Tier Five.
Tier Five (41-50)
John Carlson, TE, Notre Dame
Redshirted in 2003 and played fullback in 2004. ... Started 23 games at tight end over the past two seasons. ... Best traits are good hands and quickness in his release off the line.
Dan Connor, LB, Penn State
Started four games as a true freshman in 2004, then started at both middle and outside linebacker over the last three seasons. ... Had a very good cone drill (6.78). ... Best traits are productivity and competitiveness.
Fred Davis, TE, USC
Played as a true freshman in 2004, first as a wideout and then moving to tight end. ... Started 23 games over the past two years. ... Has long arms (33 inches). ... Best traits are good hands as a receiver and the ability to separate. ... Note: Could move up into Tier Four.
Brandon Flowers, CB, Virginiai Tech
Started 27 games over the past two seasons. ... Had a good cone drill (6.72). ... Plays the game faster than his times speed (best 40 time in pre-draft workouts was 4.55). ... Best traits are good instincts and physical play.
Marcus Harrison, DT, Arkansas
Went to prep school before attending Arkansas, and then became the first position player to start his first game as a freshman for the Razorbacks in 22 years. ... Started 34 games in four years. ... Best traits are quickness and long arms (34 3/8 inches). ... Note: Could move up into Tier Four.
Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma
Started seven games as a true freshman and 26 games over the last two seasons. ... Oklahoma coaches speak highly of Kelly as a person, but the team that drafts him needs to understand that he will not run very fast. ... Best traits are long arms (34½ inches) and very strong hands to catch the ball.
Patrick Lee, CB, Auburn
Redshirted in 2003; became a starter in 2005 but was replaced midway through the season; started 13 games in 2007 and showed improvement every game. ... Good special teams player. ... Best traits are physicality at the corner position and man-to-man coverage skills.
Jordy Nelson, WR, Kansas State
Originally a defensive back, he redshirted in 2003 and did not play in 2004. ... Started playing wide receiver in 2005 and caught 122 passes in '07. ... Won four events at Kansas state track meet -- 100, 200, and 400 meters, and long jump. ... Best traits are good hands and speed in pads (because of his strength). ... Note: Could move up into Tier Four.
Mike Pollak, OT, Arizona State
Has started 36 games during his career at ASU. ... Smart, understands the game. ... Might not be able to start at guard on a regular basis, but he's a good long-snapper. ... Best traits are quickness and athletic ability for the position.
Chilo Rachal, G, USC
Redshirted in 2004 and started 22 games the last two seasons. ... If he learns to use his feet, he could be a Pro Bowl guard. ... Best traits are strength, toughness, competitiveness
Tier Six (51-60): Clifford Avril, DE/LB, Purdue; Sam Baker, OL, USC; Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona; Bryan Kehl, LB, BYU; Dustin Keller, TE, Purdue; Justin King, CB, Penn State; Trevor Laws, DL, Notre Dame; Mario Manningham, WR, Michigan; Tracy Porter, CB, Indiana; Ray Rice, RB, Rutgers.
Tier Seven (61-70): Tyvon Branch, CB, Connecticut; Duane Brown, OL, Virginia Tech; Oniel Cousins, OL, UTEP; Tavares Gooden, LB, Miami (Fla.); Dexter Jackson, WR/KR, Appalachian State; Tyrell Johnson, S, Arkansas State; Jason Jones, DL, Eastern Michigan; DaJuan Morgan, S, N.C. State; Kevin Smith, RB, Central Florida; Terrence Wheatley, CB, Colorado.
Tier Eight (71-80): Donnie Avery, WR, Houston; Martellus Bennett, TE, Texas A&M; Tashard Choice, RB, Georgia Tech; Brad Cottam, TE, Tennessee; Jordon Dizon, LB, Colorado; Matthew Forte, RB, Tulane; Dre Moore, DL, Maryland; Eddie Royal, WR/KR, Virginia Tech; Terrell Thomas, CB, USC; Jeremy Zuttah, G, Rutgers.
Tier Nine (81-90): Earl Bennett, WR, Vanderbilt; Andre Caldwell, WR, Florida; Anthonty Collins, OL, Kansas; Early Doucet, WR, LSU; Andre Fluellen, DL, Florida State; Charles Godfrey, CB, Iowa; John Greco, OL, Toledo; Erin Henderson, LB, Maryland; Mike McGlynn, OT, Pittsburgh; Reggie Smith, S, Oklahoma.
Tier 10 (91-100): Josha Barrett, S, Arizona State; Shawn Crable, DE/LB, Michigan; Thomas DeCoud, S, California; Chris Ellis, DE/LB, Virginia Tech; Stanford Keglar, LB, Purdue; Josh Morgan, WR, Virginia Tech; Carl Nicks, OL, Nebraska; Steve Slaton, RB, West Virginia; Craig Stevens, TE, California; Tom Zbikowski, S, Notre Dame.
