nfl draft countdown Top 32

[Cbz40]

Scott Wright's Top 32 Players for the 2006 NFL Draft
Player Class Position School
1. Matt Leinart SR QB Southern Cal
Could have gone #1 overall in 2005 and is the frontrunner again.
2. D'Brickashaw Ferguson SR OT Virginia
A franchise left tackle with amazing athleticism and nimble feet.
3. Reggie Bush JR RB Southern Cal
You won't find a more explosive, dynamic playmaker in the country.
4. A.J. Hawk SR OLB Ohio St.
Standout who is seemingly all over the field and in on every play.
5. Mario Williams JR DE North Carolina St.
Might ultimately be the best DE prospect since Julius Peppers in '02.
6. Jimmy Williams SR CB Virginia Tech
Former safety who has an ideal combo of size, speed and athleticism.
7. Marcedes Lewis SR TE U.C.L.A.
Extremely athletic and has the tools to be a major offensive weapon.
8. Mathias Kiwanuka SR DE Boston College
A tall, rangy sack artist with excellent athleticism and production.
9. Chad Greenway SR OLB Iowa
Skills have drawn some favorable comparisons to Brian Urlacher.
10. DeAngelo Williams SR RB Memphis
Productive player who is far and away the best senior at his position.
11. Haloti Ngata JR DT Oregon
Has the physical tools to rank right up there with the best in the draft.
12. Ahmad Brooks JR LB Virginia
Could potentially be the best to come along at his position in years.
13. Eric Winston SR OT Miami (FL)
Still recovering from a knee injury but has the talent to rank higher.
14. Omar Jacobs JR QB Bowling Green
Unorthodox delivery concerns you but he has all the other tools.
15. DeMeco Ryans SR OLB Alabama
Great player who gets lost in the shuffle with so many great LB's.
16. Santonio Holmes JR WR Ohio St.
Polished WR who is a big play threat but also does the little things.
17. Laurence Maroney JR RB Minnesota
Extremely productive and a threat to go the distance at any time.
18. Chad Jackson JR WR Florida
Finally playing up to his potential and emerging as a future star.
19. Vince Young JR QB Texas
Has all the physical tools in the world but is very raw as a passer.
20. Ernie Sims JR OLB Florida St.
Has drawn comparisons to another undersized Nole, Derrick Brooks.
21. LaRon Landry JR S L.S.U.
Has experience at both FS and SS and is a guy who can do it all.
22. Jesse Mahelona SR DT Tennessee
All this guy does is make plays in the Vols opponents backfields.
23. Jonathan Scott SR OT Texas
A prototypical left tackle prospect who still has a lot of upside.
24. D'Qwell Jackson SR ILB Maryland
Playmaker who is always around the ball and is super productive.
25. Michael Huff SR S Texas
A ballhawk in the secondary with experience at both S and CB.
26. Rodrique Wright SR DT Texas
Battled injuries as a junior but has the talent to be chosen earlier.
27. Leonard Pope JR TE Georgia
At 6-7 and 250 lbs. they just don't make many with this guys tools.
28. Thomas Howard SR OLB U.T.E.P.
One of the fastest, most athletic linebackers you will ever see.
29. Darryn Colledge SR OT Boise St.
Hails from North Pole, Alaska and is already a premier pass blocker.
30. Claude Wroten SR DT L.S.U.
Could end up being a better prospect than Marcus Spears was in '05.
31. Bobby Carpenter SR OLB Ohio St.
Doesn't get the attention he deserves but this guy is a great player.
32. Marcus McNeill SR OT Auburn

http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/sub/rankings.html

 

[k19]

2 more for ya pops.......

Scouts Inc.'s Top 32
RANK NAME POS CLASS SCHOOL PREV
1. Reggie Bush RB JR USC 1
2. Matt Leinart QB SR USC 2
3. A.J. Hawk OLB SR Ohio State 4
4. D'Brickashaw Ferguson OT SR Virginia 3
5. Mario Williams DE JR N.C. State 7
6. Jimmy Williams DC SR Virginia Tech 5
7. DeAngelo Williams RB SR Memphis 6
8. Mathias Kiwanuka DE SR Boston College 8
9. Laurence Maroney RB JR Minnesota 10
10. Vince Young QB JR Texas 11
11. Demeco Ryans OLB SR Alabama 9
12. Brady Quinn QB JR Notre Dame 13
13. A.J. Nicholson OLB SR Florida State 14
14. Santonio Holmes WR JR Ohio State 19
15. Joe Thomas OT JR Wisconsin 18
16. Tamba Hali DE SR Penn State 12
17. Gabe Watson DT SR Michigan NR
18. Marcedes Lewis TE SR UCLA 17
19. Chad Greenway OLB SR Iowa 21
20. Haloti Ngata DT JR Oregon 24
21. Marcus Vick QB JR Virginia Tech NR
22. Vernon Davis TE JR Maryland 20
23. Claude Wroten DT SR LSU 22
24. Drew Stanton QB JR Michigan State 25
25. Chad Jackson WR JR Florida 15
26. Michael Huff DB SR Texas 31
27. Quentin Moses DE JR Georgia 32
28. Paul Posluszny OLB JR Penn State 23
29. Kamerion Wimbley DE SR Florida State 27
30. Devin Hester DC/RS JR Miami-FL NR
31. Rodrique Wright DT SR Texas 26
32. Eric Winston OT SR Miami-FL 16

Updated: Nov. 1, 2005, 6:13 PM ET



Big Board starting to show consistencyBy Mel Kiper Jr.
Special to ESPN Insider
Archive

A trend has developed in the last two weeks on the Top 25 Big Board. After a number of weeks with significant changes, the board has taken a distinct form of late, with only one new player jumping into the top 25 for the first time this year.

That player is Michigan wide receiver Jason Avant. He has been productive, consistent and shows the ability to make highlight-reel catches. The key to whether Avant is a first-round pick in the 2006 draft will boil down to his 40-yard dash time.

Another Wolverine, defensive tackle Gabe Watson, has been in and out of the top 25 board all season. Blessed with superior physical ability, Watson's play on the field doesn't always wow you. However, he's coming off a solid effort against Iowa last Saturday, recording six tackles and two sacks.

This past week, nearly all of the top 25 prospects on the board came through with strong performances. Memphis running back DeAngelo Williams continues to post eye-catching rushing totals, even though he's running behind a mediocre offensive line. Against East Carolina, Williams accounted for 226 rushing yards, carrying the ball a career-high 39 times. That's the fourth time this season he's picked up over 200 yards in a game. Williams leads the nation in rushing, averaging 187 yards per game.

Louisville defensive end Elvis Dumervil continues to harass opposing quarterbacks on a regular basis. Last week against Cincinnati, he recorded six tackles, three sacks, two hurries and also forced a fumble. This brings Dumervil's season total to 19 sacks and eight forced fumbles.

Alabama's DeMeco Ryans led the Crimson Tide with 11 tackles in their hard fought 6-3 win over Tennesseee. In that game, Ryans also recovered a fumble and came away with an interception. UTEP's underrated outside linebacker Thomas Howard had two tackles behind the line of scrimmage and a sack in the Miners' victory over Marshall.

Texas needed a strong effort from its secondary against the pass-happy Texas Tech Red Raiders. Longhorns safety Michael Huff delivered a big-time performance, finishing with 13 tackles and broke up three passes. Remember, Huff figures to be a cornerback at the next level, which is why he's going to be in the first-round mix next April.



The entire Big Board:






He may not be the front-runner for the Heisman, but Matt Leinart remains the top senior prospect on the big board.1. Matt Leinart, QB, USC (6-foot-4, 225 pounds) | previous rank: same
His arm strength has improved since last season, and he is throwing the ball better. Leinart might not repeat as the Heisman Trophy winner, but he makes plays when he has to. He should remain at the top of the draft board.


2. A.J. Hawk, LB, Ohio State (6-1½, 242) | previous rank: same
The top defensive player in the senior class. An instinctive player and a sure tackler, Hawk has racked up a team-leading 75 tackles (38 solo) this season. He knows which angles to take to the ball and finds his way through traffic very well.


3. DeMeco Ryans, OLB, Alabama (6-1½, 235) | previous rank: same
He was the SEC Defensive Player of the Week after his performance against Tennessee. Ryans leads the Crimson Tide in tackles (52) and tackles for loss (9).


4. DeAngelo Williams, RB, Memphis (5-9, 215) | previous rank: same
Leads the nation in rushing yards per game despite not playing behind one of the best offensive lines. Could very well be a top-10 pick.


5. D'Brickashaw Ferguson, OT, Virginia (6-5½, 295) | previous rank: same
Back from a knee injury and still remains the top offensive lineman on the board.


6. A.J. Nicholson, OLB, Florida State (6-2, 235) | previous rank: same
Florida State's best defensive player. Nicholson leads the Seminoles with 55 tackles (31 solo).


7. Jimmy Williams, CB, Virginia Tech (6-2½, 207) | previous rank: same
Gives the Hokies a shutdown cornerback who can lock up the opposing team's top receiver. He eliminates one side of the field. A former safety who moved to corner before the 2004 season.


8. Mathias Kiwanuka, DE, Boston College (6-5½, 260) | previous rank: same
Cleared to play Thursday night at Virginia Tech after missing last week's game with ankle and leg injuries.


9. Chad Greenway, LB, Iowa (6-2½, 244) | previous rank: same
Has become one of the top-flight linebackers in the nation in the last two years. A smart player with great physical skills, Greenway knows how to find the ball and can go all over the field to get to it.


10. Tamba Hali, DE, Penn State (6-3, 267) | previous rank: same
Been at the top of his game all year. Hali's the best player on one of the best defenses in the country. A natural pass rusher who leads the Nittany Lions in tackles for loss (9½) and sacks (7).


11. Ryan O'Callaghan, OT, California (6-6½, 340) | previous rank: same
Very tough, he played through a broken wrist for most of 2004. Prototype left tackle at the next level.


12. Claude Wroten, DT, LSU (6-2, 293) | previous rank: same
Solid, reliable and gives LSU consistent play every week.


13. Michael Huff, DB, Texas (6-1, 205) | previous rank: same
Athletic and instinctive, he has shown the versatility to play cornerback or safety at the next level.


14. Marcedes Lewis, TE, UCLA (6-6, 258) | previous rank: same
Has legit 4.5 speed and a perfect frame for the position. Leads the Bruins in receptions, yards and touchdowns.


15. Thomas Howard, LB, UTEP (6-2½, 233) | previous rank: same
Has come a long way since his days as a walk-on defensive back. Howard is a gifted athlete with 4.4 speed -- UTEP's best defensive player -- and he covers the field from sideline to sideline.


16. Derek Hagan, WR, Arizona State (6-1½, 203) | previous week: same
A precise route runner who will come into the NFL in 2006 with a great understanding of what is expected to be an immediate contributor.


17. Joe Klopfenstein, TE, Colorado (6-5½, 247) | previous rank: same
Provides Colorado's offense an ideal target in the hook zones and has the speed necessary to stretch the deep middle.


18. Elvis Dumervil, DE, Louisville (6-0, 256) | previous rank: 19
Feared and disruptive sack artist. Has at least two sacks in five games this season and leads the nation with 19 sacks. Reminds me of the Colts Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis.


19. Abdul Hodge, LB, Iowa (6-0½, 230) | previous rank: 24
Tremendously consistent for the Hawkeyes. He's reliable and will get you at least 10 tackles a game. In 2004, he had 116 total tackles. He plays great within the framework of Iowa's defensive structure, and is always where he should be on the field.


20. Kamerion Wimbley, DE, Florida State (6-4, 255) | previous rank: same
Excellent outside pass rusher who is quick off the edge. Wimbley is having a very productive senior season.


21. Hank Baskett, WR, New Mexico (6-4, 220) | previous rank: 25
Big, strong receiver who creates mismatches with the cornerbacks he goes up against at the college level.




Scott Boehm/Getty Images
Jason Avant has first-round potential with his productivity and athleticism.22. Jason Avant, WR, Michigan (6-1, 213) | previous rank: unranked
Might not be a No. 1 receiver in the NFL, but will be a reliable second or third option. Has shown in recent weeks the ability to make the tough catch.


23. Tye Hill, CB, Clemson (5-9½, 181) | previous rank: same
Having an excellent season. Hill is not especially big, but he has long arms, phenomenal speed and great confidence. He has few peers at the corner position. The only concern is his size.


24. Leon Washington, RB, Florida State (5-9, 202) | previous rank: 18
Great leg strength and ability to shed arm tackles. If he didn't split time in the backfield with Lorenzo Booker, Washington would receive more attention nationwide.


25. Gabe Watson, DT, Michigan (6-3½, 330) | previous rank: unranked
One of the most difficult players to evaluate so far in 2005. He is physically gifted but inconsistent. He flashes first-round ability, but he needs to be more of a factor for the entire four quarters.



DROPPED
DeMario Minter, CB, Georgia (6-0, 198) | previous rank: 21
Phsyically gifted with ideal size and great recovery speed. Minter has ideal computer numbers for NFL. Tied for the team-lead with four pass breakups. Would be 26th on the boad if it extended that far. There is very little difference between Minter and Tye Hill.


Eric Winston, OT, Miami (6-7½, 315) | previous rank: 22
A left tackle for the Hurricanes, he could move to the right side in the NFL. Winston had a slow start this season against Florida State and Clemson but has played well in the Hurricanes' last two games.


Mel's Hot Juniors
Quarterback
Brady Quinn, Notre Dame
Vince Young, Texas
Drew Stanton, Michigan State
Marcus Vick, Virginia Tech
Jordan Palmer, UTEP


Running back
Reggie Bush, USC
Laurence Maroney, Minnesota
LenDale White, USC
Brian Calhoun, Wisconsin
Michael Bush, Louisville


Wide receiver
Santonio Holmes, Ohio State
Steve Smith, USC
Courtney Taylor, Auburn
Chad Jackson, Florida
Jeff Samardzija, Notre Dame


Tight end
Vernon Davis, Maryland
Anthony Fasano, Notre Dame
Leonard Pope, Georgia
Clark Harris, Rutgers
Ben Patrick, Duke


Offensive line
Joe Thomas (LT), Wisconsin
Winston Justice (RT), USC
Justin Blalock (RT), Texas
Doug Free (LT), Northern Illinois
Levi Brown (LT), Penn State


Defensive line
Mario Williams (DE), NC State
Haloti Ngata (DT), Oregon
Quentin Moses (DE), Georgia
Ray Edwards (DE), Purdue
Gaines Adams (DE), Clemson


Linebacker
Paul Posluszny, Penn State
Ahmad Brooks, Virginia
Ernie Sims, Florida State
Rufus Alexander, Oklahoma
Patrick Willis, Ole Miss


Defensive back
Devin Hester (CB), Miami
Ashton Youboty (CB), Ohio State
Darnell Bing (SS), USC
LaRon Landry (FS), LSU
Bernard Pollard (S), Purdue


Place-Kickers
Mason Crosby, Colorado
Justin Medlock, UCLA
Kyle Schlicher, Iowa
Andrew Wellock, E. Michigan
John Deraney, NC State


Punters
Daniel Sepuleveda, Baylor
Adam Graessle, Pittsburgh
Brandon Fields, Michigan St.
Michael Gibson, Memphis
Adam Podlesh, Maryland

Enjoy

 

[Danny White]

Wish list:

Scott Wright's Top 32 Players for the 2006 NFL Draft

11. Haloti Ngata JR DT Oregon
Has the physical tools to rank right up there with the best in the draft.
12. Ahmad Brooks JR LB Virginia
Could potentially be the best to come along at his position in years.
16. Santonio Holmes JR WR Ohio St.
Polished WR who is a big play threat but also does the little things.
24. D'Qwell Jackson SR ILB Maryland
Playmaker who is always around the ball and is super productive.

 

[jbsg02]

Wish list:

Jimmy Williams (FS)
LaRon Landry
Michael Huff
Johnathan Scott

My main concerns for the next draft are Safety and O-Line. If a great WR comes along I wouldn't pass on him. I also like Brady Quinn, chances are he stays at ND another year though.

 

[Yeagermeister]

I don't think I need to say who is on my wish list

 

[Cbz40]

Wish list:

Good wish list.......

 

[Cbz40]

I rerally like this guy....

A.J. Hawk, LB, Ohio State (6-1½, 242) | The top defensive player in the senior class. An instinctive player and a sure tackler, Hawk has racked up a team-leading 75 tackles (38 solo) this season. He knows which angles to take to the ball and finds his way through traffic very well.

 

[jay cee]

I rerally like this guy....

A.J. Hawk, LB, Ohio State (6-1½, 242) | The top defensive player in the senior class. An instinctive player and a sure tackler, Hawk has racked up a team-leading 75 tackles (38 solo) this season. He knows which angles to take to the ball and finds his way through traffic very well.

Is Hawk and inside or outside backer? They did not list any sacks, so I am assuming that he does not blitz a lot.

 

[Cbz40]

Is Hawk and inside or outside backer? They did not list any sacks, so I am assuming that he does not blitz a lot.

Ht: 6-1 Wt: 240
Position: LB
Projected as: OLB
Date of Birth: 1/6/1984
Class: Senior
High School: Centerville HS
(Centerville, OH)
College: Ohio State



Biography:
2004 - Ohio State:
Won First Team All-Big Ten honors in 2004 after posting a team-high 141 tackles (79 solo), one sack, eight TFL, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and two interceptions. Had 20 tackles against Wisconsin, a season high for both Hawk and the team. Had a terrific sideline interception against Michigan State to seal the game for OSU. Will be a candidate for national postseason honors in 2005, including the Butkus Award.

2003 - Ohio State:
Hawk was the team's best linebacker as he led the squad with 106 tackles (52 solo, 13 TFL) and also had four sacks. He was selected as a first team All-Big Ten performer by both the coaches and the media. Look for Hawk to gain further recognition over the next two years of his career as he will likely be a candidate for All America honors.

2002 - Ohio State:
Hawk solidified himself as a linebacker of the future as he was a valuable contributer immediately. He had 26 tackles, 3.5 TFL, 1/2 a sack, and 2 INTs, including one returned for a TD.
HIGH SCHOOL/PERSONAL: Hawk was rated as one of Ohio's top 15 overall prospects and may have been overshadowed by fellow instate LB prospects Bobby Carpenter and Mike D'Andrea, but he was the most productive LB in the state during his career, racking up 583 career tackles and winning All Ohio honors three times. He gained an offer from OSU after putting on an impressive performance at 2001 Senior Advanced Camp. He chose the Buckeyes over Penn State.

Majoring in criminology.

 

[lzppjb]

Huff is a true Free Safety. Very fast, cornerback coverage skills and a ball hawk.

 

[Cbz40]

Huff is a true Free Safety. Very fast, cornerback coverage skills and a ball hawk.

I would love to see Huff a Cowboy

 

[Sitting Bull]

Good thread idea, Cbz40. Never too early for Version 1.0 of my 2006 Cowboys Mock Draft:

First Round: Bobby Carpenter, LB, Ohio State- I'm projecting any and every "son of a former player/coach" as a future Cowboy until Parcells stops picking them. This one's a no-brainer.

Second Round: Joe Klopfenstein, TE, Colorado- I watched this moose leave everything on the field even as the Buffs got rolled by Texas. He'll win the Mackey award and he sounds like a guy Parcells would draft.

Third Round: Dwayne Slay, FS, Texas Tech- Monster-sized FS (6,3, 215) who covers very well. After watching him dominate last night, did some research and found out he's also a feared headhunter on special teams. Money.

Fourth Round: Jovon Bouknight, WR, Wyoming- My big sleeper. Exciting playmaker flying under the radar in the putrid Mountain West conference. Former HS QB, deadly on reverses, puts up biggest numbers against major-school competition. Excellent kick returner and appears to be a very solid character. Sounds like Crayton and could be a similar find.

 

[Nors]

Carpenter is a big LB - Second rounder thought.

Pope is a physical specimen at TE.....

 

[Cbz40]

Writeup by Pete Fiutak

Who is Michael Huff? ... It's never a bad thing to have too many athletic defensive backs, and it's even better when you have defensive backs versatile enough to play several positions. That's what the Texas coaching staff likes to do with its DBs giving the stars some time at safety first before putting them on the corner island to face everyone's top receivers. San Diego Charger millionaire Quentin Jammer was the best example becoming an All-America corner after spending time as a big hitting safety.

The transition isn't going to be so easy for 6-1, 200-pound junior Michael Huff. Handling the corner job isn't the issue, but moving him from safety, where he's so valuable, is. Playing strong safety last year, he made 66 tackles and two interceptions showing the strength by becoming an intimidating hitter and the speed and athleticism to be deadly in coverage. When he gets the ball in his hands, it's all over as all four of his career interceptions have been returned for touchdowns.

A few years ago it was Jammer who was star of the secondary. Last year it was Nathan Vasher. Now it'll be Huff's time to shine as an All-Big XII caliber player no matter where he ends up. If he plays safety, he'll combine with budding star Phillip Geiggar to form one of the nation's deadliest tandems. If he plays corner, his size and speed will take out just about everyone's number one receiver. No matter where he plays, it'll be every quarterback's first priority to make sure they know where number seven is first.
Huff's best game so far was ... in the 2002 50-20 win over Texas A&M. Huff solidified his place on Freshman All-America teams with his best game of the year making a career-high 11 tackles with a tackle for loss against the Aggies. He also picked off a pass and took it for a touchdown.

Why you should care about Michael Huff ... He hasn't received a ton of press, but he has as much talent and ability as any defensive back in the country. While Phillip Geiggar is certainly a strong player, Huff is going to have to be a leader of a relatively young Longhorn secondary. If he comes through with another big season, he'll have the option to leave early and become very rich at either corner or safety at the next level.

Positives about Huff ... Obviously his versatility. It's a luxury to have a player as big as Huff is at corner much less to have one that athletic at safety. He's a good one-on-one open-field hitter able make the big stick when needed. It's always scary for opposing offensive coordinators when they have to think about a defensive back that scored on all four career interceptions. He's fast running a 10.46 in the 100 meters in high school.

Negatives about Huff ... Is he a jack-of-all-trades, master of none? There are some players that are natural corners and others who need time to learn the job. Quentin Jammer was able to simply outslug his way against college receivers, but he struggled out of the gate in the NFL when he was going up against players as physical as he was. Huff was a bit more comfortable right away at corner playing mostly there as a redshirt freshman, but pro scouts are going to wonder where to play him and where he fits in best.

A cool thing about Huff that you probably didn't know ... His nickname is Huff Daddy.

Career statistics
2003: 66 tackles, four tackles for loss, six broken up passes, two interceptions, two touchdowns
2002: 70 tackles, ten tackles for loss, ten broken up passes, two interceptions, two touchdowns

Thanks to Texas for all the tidbits