TEAM NEEDS TEAM | www.profootballweekly.com POSITION RANKINGS POSITION | NOLAN NAWROCKI By AND THE EDITORS OF PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY MOCK DRAFT MOCK | 85 0 71486 02417

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PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY l 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW By NOLAN NAWROCKI T T ,” WITH . channel THE WAY WE HEAR IT THE WAY “ MOCK DRAFT. NFL Draft in the APRIL 1-25: , Schedule is subject to change.

Q&A WITH PFW’S NOLAN NAWROCKI. Q&A NOTE: DRAFT VALUE DEPTH CHART. VALUE DRAFT DRAFT-RELATED FEATURE. DRAFT-RELATED

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Become a Become a UPDATED DRAFT RANKINGS BY POSITION. UPDATED OF POSITION. DRAFT RANKINGS REGARDLESS UPDATED TEAM’S DRAFT. OF EACH EVALUATION DRAFT RANKINGS BY POSITION. DRAFT RANKINGS REGARDLESS OF POSITION. DRAFT RANKINGS REGARDLESS OF ALSO, CHECK OUT OUR DRAFT BLOG AT: ALSO, CHECK OUT OUR DRAFT BLOG AT: INDIVIDUAL WORKOUT RESULTS FROM NFL SCOUTING COMBINE. NFL FROM RESULTS WORKOUT INDIVIDUAL DAILY, TUESDAY THROUGH THROUGH FRIDAY TUESDAY DAILY, beginning April 1 and continuing through the post-draft analysis. beginning April 1 and continuing through OUR DRAFT COVERAGE WILL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: OUR DRAFT COVERAGE

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DRAFT EXPER DRAFT EXPER For the 10th consecutive year, Pro Football Weekly’s staff, led by personnel Weekly’s Pro Football For the 10th consecutive year, HOT DRAFT RUMORS, WORKOUT RESULTS AND WHAT THE SCOUTS ARE SAYING. THE WHAT AND RESULTS WORKOUT RUMORS, DRAFT HOT APRIL 23: APRIL 24: APRIL 28: WEDNESDAYS, APRIL 9-23: WEDNESDAYS, APRIL 26: APRIL 11-25, AND SATURDAY, FRIDAYS, APRIL 11: APRIL 7-21: MONDAYS, APRIL 8-22: TUESDAYS, APRIL 7: APRIL 10: IFC AD Draft Mag 3/5/08 11:09 AM Page 192 AA BESTBEST SELLER!SELLER! GET THE COMPANION PUBLICATION TO THE 2008 Draft Preview, PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY’S BEST-SELLING

20082008 DraftDraft GuideGuide. Besides being packed with scouting reports on 350-plus NFL prospects, the 2008 Draft Guide has numerous features, including: • Learn what motivates LSU star DT . • Arkansas RB Darren McFadden is ready to run over the NFL. • Expanded fantasy football section, previewing the ’08 rookies. • How Ohio State’s morphed into a likely top-10 pick. • Looking ahead: the top prospects for 2009. • Each NFL team’s top five areas of need. • Q&A with Virginia DE . • Sleeper watch.

Don’tDon’t missmiss out.out. Pro Football Weekly’s 2008 Draft Guide isis onon salesale atat newsstandsnewsstands and bookstores around thethe country.country. Or, you can purchase a copy at PFWstore.com or by calling 1-800-FOOTBALL ((1-800-366-8225). Pro Football Weekly — ‘The Authority on Pro Football’ COVER PG MASTHEAD 3/5/08 2:43 PM Page 1

2008

BY NOLAN NAWROCKI AND THE EDITORS OF PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

PFW STAFF CREATORS & FOUNDERS Arthur Arkush, Robert Drazkowski and Joel Buchsbaum

Publisher/Editor Hub Arkush Editor-in-chief Keith Schleiden Art director Bob Peters Managing editor Mike Holbrook Executive editors Dan Arkush Neil Warner Senior editors Nolan Nawrocki Eric Edholm Mike Wilkening Associate editors Matt Sohn Dan Parr Production assistant Matt Quinnan Editorial assistants Billy Wellner Matt Duffy

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Copyright 2008 by Pro Football Weekly 302 Saunders Road, Suite 100 Riverwoods, Illinois 60015 Phone: (847) 940-1100 TABLE OF CONTENTS 3/5/08 2:44 PM Page 2

2 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW TABLETABLE OFOF CONTENTSCONTENTS 2008 draft overview ...... 4 SCOUTING REPORTS ...... 6 RUNNING BACKS ...... 18 WIDE RECEIVERS...... 39 TIGHT ENDS ...... 64 OFFENSIVE LINEMEN ...... 73 DEFENSIVE LINEMEN ...... 96 ...... 121 DEFENSIVE BACKS ...... 142 SPECIALISTS...... 169 NFL teams’ 2008 draft needs ...... 172 Mock draft ...... 187 Player printout: Draft rankings by position...... 188 Player rankings regardless of position ...... 195

SPORTPICS Glossary ...... 196 Chris Long Alphabetical player index...... 198

Because the deadline for information contained in Pro Football Weekly’s 30th annual Draft Preview was March 5, some of the information may have changed by the time you read this book. Player reports include analysis and workouts up to and including the Indianapolis Scouting Combine. Many players did not work out at the Combine and, instead, were planning individual workouts in late March or early April. Also, the draft needs of the 32 NFL clubs were being altered dramatically by free agency almost daily as we went to press, and the free-agent signing period continues well past the draft. Comprehensive updates on the 2008 draft, including late-breaking player printouts, will be featured in PFW’s exclusive draft-preview issue, scheduled to go to press March 30, as well as online at ProFootballWeekly.com. The final ratings will be printed in the post-draft issue of Pro Football Weekly. All players in this book were rated by NFL standards, which are the highest standards in the world. Almost all were exceptional players and athletes on the collegiate level. All 40-yard-dash times are the most accurate averages we could come up with and are curved to take into account the type of running surface. Heights and weights are the latest verified figures we could obtain, except in the few cases where they are estimated. Almost every player who ran poorly at the Combine will be retimed and retested and has the scouts’ respect for working out there. Those who were not injured and did not work out lost points in many teams’ estimations. To get the maximum information value out of the Draft Preview, don’t forget to refer to the glossary on page 196 if you run across unfamiliar terms in the player reports. We would like to thank the college coaches, sports information directors and NFL teams who have been so helpful in compiling this book. Without their assistance — in the form of media guides, videotapes, pho- tographs, etc. — this project wouldn’t have been possible. Not to be forgotten is the late Joel Buchsbaum, whose incredible work ethic and pure dedication to the game of football have been the heart and soul of this book since its inception in 1979. — the editors of Pro Football Weekly

Read comments on each of the early-round picks DraftDraft Day shortly after they are

chosen, and see a WHO’S updatesupdates real-time list of picks NO.1? ???? as they are made. onon thethe At the conclusion of

TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE the draft, we’ll have WebWeb round-by-round and team-by-team lists. www.profootballweekly.com

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4 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW DRAFTDRAFT OVERVIEWOVERVIEW

his year’s draft does not feature a true marquee talent the way the past two have, but after a massive early entrance of

juniors the overall depth improved significantly. Headlining SPORTPICS are three seniors: QB Matt Ryan, Michigan OLT Jake Long and LSU DT Glenn Dorsey. TRyan is a potential franchise whose impressive stature and strong, accurate arm are perhaps even surpassed by his phenomenal intangibles — namely pocket presence, toughness, leadership, intelligence and poise. Long is built like a redwood, yet is deceptively athletic and arguably has been the most dominant offensive lineman in over the past two seasons. Dorsey, a 300-pound dancing bear, is one of the most dominant run defenders in college football in the past decade. Ohio State’s Vernon Gholston and Virgnia’s Chris Long both possess superior pass- ability and could project to rush line- backer. Gholston is a freakish talent who showed he could take over games when he wanted to. Long dominated with a very pol- Matt Ryan l BOSTON COLLEGE ished repertoire of pass-rush moves. Both have top-10 talent and lead what is a strong, deep DE class. The DT crop is much weaker overall. Their offensive counterparts — interior O-linemen — are even more difficult to find this year, espe- cially at center. On the edges, however, there is quality and depth with as many as six tackles capable of fitting into the first round. Juniors top the RB class. Arkansas’ Darren McFadden is the most special athlete of the skill group but he also has some of the biggest concerns, with a bad case of fumblitis and too many off-field dis- tractions weighing him down. Oregon’s might be the most well-rounded back in the draft. Illinois’ gives the class three legitimate workhorses. There is no special talent at receiver or . The WR class is one of the slowest in some time. There’s some depth at tight end. The QB class falls off after Ryan and might not feature another first- rounder. , with strong help from juniors and the emergence of some small-school talent, has turned out to be solid. It is a much weaker year at safety, however, in a group that would have been abysmal if not for the early entry of two juniors, Miami (Fla.)’s and North Carolina State’s DaJuan Morgan.

QUARTERBACKS — Matt Ryan really Andre’ Woodson and San Diego’s Josh Johnson emerged as a senior and separated himself from could be three years from contributing, but both the rest of an average overall class. He is are very physically talented, albeit different, extremely intelligent, has a great understanding with Woodson being strictly a pocket passer and of the game and has demonstrated the toughness Johnson doing his best work on the move. and prerequisite intangibles to become great. He USC’s and Tennessee’s Erik is well versed in a pro-style , makes good Ainge have athletic bloodlines and come from decisions, gets rid of the ball quickly and thrives high-profile programs but have yet to take the under pressure. Most impressive about his career next step in their development. was how he played with a broken bone in his RUNNING BACKS — Enhanced by the addition foot for most of his junior season and willed a of seven talented juniors, the RB crop is both team with very average talent around him to vic- strong and deep and likely will feature four first- tory as a senior. Michigan’s and round picks. Oregon junior Jonathan Stewart is Louisville’s Brian Brohm are both very experi- 235 pounds of muscle and power and the most enced field generals. Henne is the tougher of the complete back in the draft. Stewart also boasts two and fits the traditional mold of UM quarter- good hands and blocking ability. Arkansas junior backs — big, strong-armed and instinctive. Darren McFadden is supremely gifted in the Brohm might be the most prolific passer in the mold of Eric Dickerson, but he must overcome a class but could be limited by injuries and aver- slew of off-field concerns that might not keep DRAFT OVERVIEW age arm strength. Delaware’s has the him from winning Rookie of the Year honors but strongest arm but must transition to playing could make his success very short-lived. Illinois against far better competition. ’s junior Rashard Mendenhall is built like a tank

www.profootballweekly.com OVERVIEW 3/5/087:28PMPage5 could bedraftedtoplayoutside. has OLT toolswith greatfeetandagility also projected asthetopguard, , looked most comfortableasajunior. Virginia’s wherehe likely will bebestontherightside, College’s GosderCherilushasOLT traitsbut though.Boston on theleftsideinpros, similar toUSC’s SamBaker. Bothcouldlineup solid inpassprotectionbut short-armedandsoft, Vanderbilt’s Chris Williams isvery athleticand although LongandOtahplaywithmorepower. urally athleticandlongest-armedofthegroup, tial franchiselefttackles.Cladyisthemostnat- Clady andPittsburgh’s —threepoten- BoiseState’s Ryan by Michigan’s Jake Long, return specialists. fly andarebest-suitedasspaceplayers and EastCarolina’s ChrisJohnsoncanflat-out JamaalCharles could becomesolidpros. Texas’ Choice andRutgersbowling ballRayRiceall Georgia Tech’ssupercompetitive Tashard Forté, Tulane’s hard-charging Matt enough speed, instinctsand kick returner. Blendingpower, runs. Jonesalsopossesseshome-runabilityasa but ismoreversatile andmademoreNFL-type was overshadowed byMcFadden at Arkansas be abellcow ifhewants. SpeedsterFelixJones and blendstremendouspower andspeed.Hecan size but must prove hecanstayhealthy. a gargantuan passcatcherandisathleticforhis down asareceiver. Tennessee’s BradCottamis the bestblocker ofthegroupandaloadtobring short oncharacter. California’s CraigStevens is draft. USC’s FredDavis isathleticallygiftedbut might bethebestall-aroundtightendin capability. Texas A&M’s MartellusBennett althoughKeller possessesmorebig-play ers, reliable underneaththreatsandexcellent work- Keller andNotreDame’s JohnCarlson arevery class doesfeaturesomedepth.Purdue’s Dustin tial. son allcanburn andbringexciting returnpoten- Caldwell and Appalachian State’s Dexter Jack- ’s Andre run hard.Cal’s DeSeanJackson, Early Doucetbothcatchtheballvery welland issues. KansasState’s JordyNelsonandLSU’s pack but must overcome characterandoff-field Manningham isastalentedany receiver inthe can stayfocused.Michigan’s Mario one-yearwonder loadedwithupside ifhe bound, muscle- State’s isanexplosive, capable ofdominatingintheredzone.Michigan complementarypossessionreceivers handed, Indiana’s JamesHardybothprojectassure- andOklahoma’s MalcolmKelly and downfield, senior LimasSweedisabigbodywhocanget classladenwithjuniors. Texas OFFENSIVE LINEMEN TIGHT ENDS WIDE RECEIVERS eodo lt aet the TE — Devoid ofelitetalent, — — The cropisheadlined Size rulesthetopofa 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW . Florida StatejuniorGenoHayesandColorado’s includingVirginiaTech’s , group, but talented weak-side’backers roundsoutthe Boilermakers have before. A slew ofundersized asmany former three-point stancetostandingup, hopestomake the transitionfrom brother E.J.’s successonthenext level. Purdue’s hopestoreplicatehis limbed outside’backer, along- side. MarylandjuniorErinHenderson, couldplaybothinsideandout- leading tackler, U’s all-time State’s DanConnor, dous instinctsandfliesaroundthefield. Penn hastremen- but heplaysfast, sarily lookthepart, doesn’t neces- meanwhile, homa’s CurtisLofton, machine ontheweaksideinpros.Okla- looks thepartandshoulddevelop intoatackling thetopoutside’backer, USC’s , theLBcorpsasawhole lacksstarpower. side, impact. the sizeandpass-rushabilitytomake anearly and Miami(Fla.)’s CalaisCampbellallpossess Clemson’s PhillipMerling da’s DerrickHarvey, could bethesafestpickinentiredraft.Flori- Chris LongismorepolishedandNFL-ready but Virginia’s most talentedplayerinthedraft, OhioState’s Vernon Gholstonmightbethe side, very weakinteriorclassintermsofdepth.Out- USC’s stoutNTSedrickEllisheadlinewhatisa GlennDorsey and nating LSU“3-technique” much strongeroutsidethanitisinside.Domi- linemen inthefirst round.Depthandqualityis and couldfeatureasmany aseightdefensive thisyear’s classisrichatthetop junior presence, average safetycrop. headavery Carolina State’s DaJuanMorgan, Miami (Fla.)’s Kenny Phillipsand North juniors, instinctive cover-2 corners. A pairofpromising sledgehammer BrandonFlowers willfit as junior Reggie Smithand Virginia Tech junior bringing greatversatility. Oklahoma of , cerns. Auburn’s Patrick Leecouldfit inany type both superbathleteswithseriouscharactercon- are da’s Mike JenkinsandKansas’ too.SouthFlori- boast explosive returnability, appeared tobeaclasslackingelitetalent.Both have emerged fromwhatinitially martie, and Tennessee State’s DominiqueRodgers-Cro- Troy’s LeodisMcKelvin school CBprospects, reign atthetopofanathleticclass. Two small- Jackson possessdynamicreturnability. the topkicker. LeodisMcKelvin andDeSean is talentedbut relatively unknown, Hauschka, top punter. NorthCarolinaState’s Steven isthe recipientoftheRayGuy Award, Brooks, LINEBACKERS DEFENSIVE LINEMEN SPECIALISTS DEFENSIVE BACKS — — Georgia Tech’s Durant www.profootballweekly.com Salvaged bydepthontheout- — Speedandquickness — Boostedbyastrong 5 DRAFT OVERVIEW DRAFT OVERVIEW QBs 2008 LO 3/5/08 2:46 PM Page 6

6 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW QUARTERBACKSQUARTERBACKS BRUCE L. SCHWARTZMAN

PFW’S TOP 10 1. MATT RYAN 2. Chad Henne 3. Brian Brohm 4. Joe Flacco 5. Andre’ Woodson 6. John David Booty 7. Erik Ainge 8. Josh Johnson 9. Kevin O’Connell

QUARTERBACKS 10.

EDITOR’S NOTE: record 17 with nine . Returned to start 5-of-8 games in which he E — Height, weight and speed are estimated. played in ’05, rotating with senior Rick Clausen e — Only the 40-yard-dash time is estimated. and finishing with 66-145-737-5-7 (45.5). In On all positions, 40-yard-dash times are curved ’06, he started 12-of-13 games, missing the to take conditions into account. For instance, a 4.4 Arkansas contest with a sprained ankle, amass- 40 on a very fast rubber track would be recorded as ing 233-348-2,989-19-9 (67.0). Tore the menis- a 4.52, while a 4.6 on slow grass would be logged cus in his right knee while weightlifting in as a 4.5. March of ’07 and had surgery later in the month to remove the torn cartilage. Recovered from the knee injury and managed to start all 14 games, QB ERIK AINGE despite breaking the pinky on his throwing hand 1 (6-5 ⁄2, 225, 5.04) TENNESSEE prior to the season opener, and finished with Notes: Uncle, Danny Ainge, played 14 sea- 325-519-3,522-31-10 (62.6). Was named South sons in the NBA (1981-95) and currently serves team offensive MVP in the after as executive director of basketball operations for leading a last-minute drive for the win. the Boston Celtics. Father, Doug, is a basketball Positives: Very good height. Scans the field, coach at Linfield College. Erik was named Ore- finds open receivers and can throw with touch. Is gon Gatorade Player of the Year after racking up smart. Understands the game and can process a 3,078 passing yards, 24 touchdowns and eight playbook quickly. Distributes the ball well in the interceptions as a high school senior. Also let- short-passing game. tered in basketball and baseball. Started 6-of-9 Negatives: Tends to throw the ball with a games in which he played as a true freshman in loose wobble and lines too many throws that 2004, overtaking Brent Schaffer by the fourth could use touch — too many balls come out of game of the season before succumbing to a sea- his hand with a downward trajectory and get bat- son-ending shoulder injury against Notre Dame. ted. Inconsistent ball placement. Has a thin Completed 109-of-198 pass attempts (55.1 per- lower body and has been dinged up a lot cent) for 1,452 yards and a school-freshman- throughout his career. Limited mobility and ath-

www.profootballweekly.com QBs 2008LO3/5/082:46PMPage7 throwing forthreescoresthisyearvs.Illinois. after Bowl careerrecordwithseven touchdowns, 2,361-23-10 (63.2)ontheseasonandsetaRose the gamedespiteinjury. Amassed 215-340- throwing handvs.Stanford.Managed tofinish contests afterbreakingthemiddlefinger onhis missingthree games inwhichheplayed’07, by aMichigandefensesince’99.Startedall10 and his391passingyardswerethemostgiven up Rose Bowl recordwithfourtouchdown passes throwing 269-436-3,347-29-9(61.7). Tied a recovered intimetostartall13games, captain, herniated diskthatrequiredsurgery. As ateam almost allofspringpracticein’06becausea three touchdowns andtwo interceptions.Missed Leinart in’05andtossed27-42-327(64.3)with behind current Arizona CardinalsQBMatt practice andredshirted. Appeared in10games tained abruisedright(throwing) elbow in’04fall wrist andsittingoutthefinal two games.Sus- cent) for90yardsbeforesuffering abroken left completing7-of-14 passes (50.0per- man in’03, Saw limiteddutyinfive gamesasatruefresh- Graduated afullyearearlyfromhighschool. dents fromkindergarten through12thgrade. on highschoolteamsifthehousesstu- rule thatallows junior-high studentstocompete seventh-grader because ofuniqueLouisianastate David playedhighschoolvarsity footballasa LSU (1997-99)and Valdosta State(2001).John was awidereceiver at Abram, (’02). Brother, (1999-2000) andwiththeCleveland Browns before moving ontoplayquarterbackatLSU minor leaguesfortheFloridaMarlins(1994-98) playedinthe Josh, Mississippi State.Brother, Louisiana Tech and quarterback at Arkansas, ically toever reachhispotential. games. Needstogetstrongermentallyandphys- pitcher whocangetateamthroughcouple stick asacareerbackupandbesolidrelief ing jobover agrueling16-gameseason.Could questionable toughnesstoholddown aprostart- senior but remainsastreaky performerwith play throughinjury. physical toughness—doesnotlike tobehitor who willforcetheball.Questionablementaland rattled underpressure.Hurrieddecision-maker deep accuracy —lackstouchandcangetvery with accuracy onthemove andshows marginal leticism toescapetherush.Strugglesthrow (6-2 QB gles toconnectonthedeepball. Average field Does notthrow withziporvelocity andstrug- velocity whenheison the move rollingout. in thepocket andtheballtendstoflutterlose Fine short-to-intermediateaccuracy. poise inthepocket. Getsridoftheballquickly. and delivery. Nicetimingandtouch.Shows Summary: Negatives: Positives: Notes: JOHN DAVID BOOTY 3 ⁄ 8 , 218,4.92)USC oc’ o.Fte,Jhn,played Johnny, A coach’s son.Father, Good mechanics—solidfootwork Average athlete.Notnifty-footed Made considerablestridesasa 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW Heisman Trophyvoting. downs responsible(146)andfinished third in marks fortouchdown passes(131)andtouch- 510-4,343-38-17 (70.4)andsettheNCAAcareer contest withasprainedrightankle. Totaled 359- missingtheCharlestonSouthern played in’07, phy voting. Started 11-of-12gamesinwhichhe American (AP).FinishedsixthinHeisman Tro- Offensive Playerofthe Year and athird-team All- fourth quarterinsixgames.Namedthe’06 WAC WAC recordsand25schoolrecords.Satoutthe 10 (186.0). Broke ortied16NCAArecords, (93) andpass-efficiency rating inasingleseason TD passesinaseason(58)andtwo seasons touchdowns. Broke theNCAArecordformost times for366yards(4.3-yardaverage) andfive 406-559-5,549-58-12 (72.6)andrushing86 tossing TD passes.Startedall14gamesin’06, Led thecountryintotaloffense (4,455yards)and tions. Tied orbroke 11Hawaii football records. 35touchdowns and 13intercep- 4,301 yards, completing 350-of-515passes(68.0percent)for ferred toHawaii andstarted10-of-12games, hetrans- Community College (Calif.).In’05, hetransferredtoSaddleback Colorado. That fall, four yearsprobationandwas dismissed from 60hoursofcommunityserviceand days injail, on bothfelony countsandsentencedtoseven assaulting her. Plednotguiltybut was convicted into afemalestudent’s dormroomandsexually sure charges afterallegedly walking uninvited misdemeanor sexual assaultandindecentexpo- on felony burglary andtrespassingcharges and hewas arrested the ’03season.InFebruary’04, whereheredshirtedduring attended Colorado, Attended Worcester Polytechin2002.Originally ltrwn oin often releasestheballlow al throwing motion, significant learningcurve. Hasanunconvention- him tomake NFL-typereadsandwillrequirea one-readoffense thatdidnotrequire simplified, like towork intheweightroom.Playedavery (6-2 QB time toadapttheprogame. lot ofpredeterminedreads.Couldtake some he was throughouthiscollege careerandgiven a he issurroundedbyastrongsupportingcastlike ate accuracy todevelop intoanaverage starterif passer withenougharmandshort-to-intermedi- to thegame. playbook andmustlearntoapplyhimselfmore sions. Will requiresometimetograspanNFL into coverage andmake somequestionabledeci- forcestheball receivers. Locksontoreceivers, vision —makes half-field readsandmissesopen production. accuracy andhitreceivers instride.Outstanding escaping pressure.Canthrow withtouchand on therunandfromawkward positions while Summary: Notes: Negatives: Positives: 3 ⁄ 8 , 207,4.75e)HAWAII Also letteredinbasketball asaprep. Quick-triggered andagiletothrow Well-coached Westrhythm Coast Has avery leanbuild anddoesnot www.profootballweekly.com 7 QUARTERBACKS QUARTERBACKS QBs 2008 LO 3/5/08 2:46 PM Page 8

8 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW and has too many balls batted down. Throws the ball with a loose wobble and has marginal deep accuracy. Has not faced elite competition and struggled when he did (see bowl game vs. Geor- gia). Character and work habits are questionable. Summary: Went from 185 pounds at the Senior Bowl to 207 at the Combine, raising red flags. Has excelled in a system tailor-made to his talents but does not have the mental makeup, toughness or intangibles desired to achieve at the pro level. QB 1 (6-2 ⁄4, 211, 5.0) WASHINGTON STATE Notes: Has already graduated. Also lettered in baseball in high school. Redshirted in 2003. Started the final 5-of-11 games in ’04 as an injury replacement and completed 97-of-194 passes (50.0 percent) for 1,305 yards, seven touchdowns

and five interceptions. Started all 11 games in BRUCE L. SCHWARTZMAN ’05, tossing 205-358-2,891-24-13 (57.3). Started Brian Brohm l LOUISVILLE all 12 games in ’06, completing 241-396-2,899- QUARTERBACKS 19-10 (60.9). Underwent postseason arthroscopic draft and also lettered in basketball as a prep. As surgery on his left ankle, but he is now fully a true freshman in ’04, backed up Carolina Pan- recovered. Voted team captain in ’07. Started all thers ’05 fourth-round pick Stefan LeFors, 12 games in ’07 and totaled 303-499-3,792-26-15 appearing in 11-of-12 games and completing 66- (60.7) to rank first in school history and fourth in of-98 attempts (67.3 percent) for 819 yards, six Pac-10 history in passing yards. touchdowns and two interceptions. Started all 10 Positives: Very smart. Knows where to go games he played in ’05, missing the final two with the ball and can keep his cool under duress. contests after tearing the anterior cruciate liga- Solid decision-maker. Carries the ball high on ment in his right knee against Syracuse. Posted the shelf and can get rid of it quickly underneath. 207-301-2,883-19-5 (68.8) and ranked second in Shows some athleticism to escape pressure. Has the nation in passing efficiency en route to Big been very durable — has not missed any time in QUARTERBACKS three and half years as starter. East Offensive Player of the Year honors (coach- Negatives: Thin and has a lanky frame with es). Returned from the knee injury in ’06 to start small hands. Average size and arm strength. Has all 11 games in which he played, missing starts to wind up to throw it deep and accuracy suffers against Kansas State and Middle Tennessee State the farther he has to throw it. Will throw the ball after tearing ligaments in his right thumb against up for grabs and force it into coverage. Needs Miami (Fla.) and undergoing surgery. Is double- space to operate and too often throws off the jointed and did not have a problem gripping the mark when the pocket is not clean. Struggles to ball. Finished throwing 199-313-3,049-16-5 create on the move. (63.6). Underwent surgery on his left (non-throw- Summary: A smart dink-and-dunk passer with ing) labrum in January of ’07 but returned in time limited physical tools. Could make a living hold- to participate in spring practice. Started all 12 ing a clipboard. games in the fall and finished with 308-473- 4,024-30-12 (65.1), setting the school single-sea- QB BRIAN BROHM son record for passes. 7 (6-2 ⁄8, 230, 4.85) LOUISVILLE Positives: Very experienced and has a good Notes: Father, Oscar, and brothers, Greg and understanding of the game. Good football intel- Jeff, also played football at Louisville. Jeff ligence — has played in multiple offenses and played two seasons for the has shown he can handle checks and audibles. (1996-97) and currently serves as the QB coach Very determined with great work habits. Stands and passing-game coordinator for the Cardinals. in the pocket, keeps his shoulders squared and Greg is Louisville’s director of football opera- has shown he can read the field and work tions. Brian was named USA Today Offensive through progressions. Sees the field well and can Player of the Year, Gatorade Player of the Year, hasten his delivery when needed. Can throw Parade All-American and Kentucky’s Mr. Foot- with touch and take pace off the ball. Plays with ball as a high school senior. Also won three state awareness. Very quietly competitive. football titles, set the state record for completion Negatives: Average athlete — struggles to percentage (65.2 percent) and finished second in sidestep the rush and consequently has been state history in career passing yards (10,579) and injured frequently throughout his career. Arm career touchdowns (119). Selected by the Col- strength is just OK — has to really wind up to orado Rockies in the 49th round of the 2004 MLB chuck it deep. Throws with little hip snap, power

www.profootballweekly.com QBs 2008LO3/5/082:46PMPage9 bility isaconcern. sure well. Average toughness.Long-termdura- ry target. Average accuracy. Doesnotfeelpres- see thefield wellandoftenbird-dogshisprima- resulting intoomany sacks.Doesnot elongated, the balltoolonganddelivery isabitslow and arm strengthtothrow deep. Tends toholdon struggles tothrow theballwithvelocity. Lacks smart enoughtomanageagame. some moxieintwo-minute situations and is ly onthree-andfive-step drops.Hasshown pocket andfind openthrowing lanes.Setsquick- pressed intoactionearly. ing toomuch.Couldbemostsuccessfulifnot leadership stylecouldmake ateamregret invest- limitedescapabilityand tion. Hisinjuryhistory, could becomeasolidstarterwithgoodprotec- andhe team toconsiderhiminthefirst round, gence andexperience willtemptaQB-needy prove wrongevery teamthatpassedhim.Intelli- is thetypeofcompetitorwhowillbust histailto to live uptothebillingofafirst-round pickbut ronment withlow expectations. Couldstruggle andhecouldbebestenteringanenvi- on staff, demanding environment withhisolderbrothers Individuality hasbeenquashed inanoverly considerable issuegiven hislackofmobility. lower leg injury. Long-termdurabilityremainsa engaging leader. commandingor the pocket. Isnotavocal, especiallywhenheisforcedtomove in ment, too many battedballs.Inconsistentballplace- and hasalow releasepointthat hasresultedin tendstodrop theball or velocity. Hasshortarms, (6-1 QB trol thesymptoms. muscles inthebody. Musttake medicinetocon- results inweaknessoftheskeletal orvoluntary aneuromuscularconditionthat nia Gravis, 13 (59.5)ontheseason.Suffers fromMyasthe- vs. MississippiState. Totaled 188-316-2,080-9- Mexico Stateafterbeingdemotedtheweekprior comingoff thebenchvs.New games in’07, 271-2,198-14-9 (60.1percent).Started12-of-13 (coaches) honorsin’06aftercompleting163- Conference second-team All-Southeastern due toillness.Startedall13gamesandearned 2,324-15-8 (57.8).Satoutvs. Western Kentucky tossing177-306- tions. Started11gamesin’05, fourtouchdowns andtwo intercep- 357 yards, completing 22-of-34passes(64.7percent)for 2003. Saw backupdutyinseven gamesin’04, practice andspringworkouts. Redshirtedin team inDecemberandparticipatedthebowl wherehewas a standoutpitcher. Joinedthe ball, year starter. Also letteredinbasketball andbase- a career.687completionpercentageasfour- Summary: Negatives: Summary: Positives: Notes: BRANDON COX 1 ⁄ 2 , 204,4.81)AUBURN Set an Alabama prepstaterecordwith Is fairly athletictomove aroundthe Is short.Hasavery frailframeand Missed theSeniorBowl torest a A functionalcollege quarterback 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW issues couldlimitthesouthpaw’s chance. accuracy neededattheprolevel. Durability instinctsand armstrength, who lacksthesize, oriao hpKly carryingtheoffense. coordinator ChipKelly, decision-maker asaseniorundernew offensive a pro-styleoffense. Showed improvement asa patience andconsiderablegrooming toadapt (6-3 QB-ATH pursuits. charge leader. Couldbedistractedby baseball take- frame thatlacksbulk. Notavery vocal, coming off aseriouskneeinjurywithnarrow rely onhisarmstrength.Durabilityisaconcern work istooinconsistentandhehasatendency to be madewithouthaving toreadthefield. Foot- fied offense thanallowed forquickdecisionsto range. Aims theball.Operatedanoverly simpli- off theballandfires athighvelocity fromshort receivers work fortheball.Doesnottake pace anticipation areconsistentlyoff —makes his through pain.Quietlycompetitive. and eludetherush.Istoughwillplay on themove. Outstandingquicknesstosidestep Really sellsplay-actionandisalegitimate threat loose armtoflicktheballdownfield with ease. and canthrow fromavariety ofangles.Hasa ridoftheballquickly gets a compactdelivery, 2,136-20-4 (67.7)andrushed105-583-9(5.6). the kneefinally gave way. Passed for172-254- before to playthefollowing weekvs. Arizona, aged tofinish the Arizona Statecontestandtried ciate ligamentsustainedvs. Arizona State.Man- final threecontestswithatornleftanteriorcru- missingthe games inwhichheplayed’07, minor-league affiliate inOrlando.Startedall10 spending thesummertrainingwithBraves’ Braves inthefifth roundofthe’07MLBdraft, summer afterbeingdraftedbythe Atlanta the season.Didnotwork outatOregon inthe backup BradyLeafforthefinal two gamesof but hewas pulledinfavor of 2,143-12-14 (61.2), which heplayedin’06andcompiled197-322- and onetouchdown. Started11-of-12gamesin rushed 49timesfor143yards(2.9-yardaverage) six touchdowns andthreeinterceptions four gamesandfinished with69-104-777(66.3), entering thegame.Returnedtostartnext and sustainedaconcussionfoursnapsafter replaced aninjuredClemensagainst Arizona and rushing10-timesfor40yards.In’05, 6-of-15 passattempts(40.0percent)for73yards completing the New Kellen Clemens, York Jets’ Appeared in6-of-11gamesthatseasonbehind enrollment atOregon untilthewinterof’04. the 2003MLBdraft.Consequentlydelayed nati Redsasanoutfielder inthe20throundof also letteredinbaseball.SelectedbytheCincin- 5,951 yardsand79touchdowns asaprepand Summary: Negatives: Positives: Parade Notes: 1 ⁄ 4 , 195,4.6e)OREGON DENNIS DIXON aua,fluid-moving athlete.Has Natural, Is very slight-framed. Timing and Raw passerwhowillrequire All-American whothrew for www.profootballweekly.com 9 QUARTERBACKS QUARTERBACKS QBs 2008 LO 3/5/08 2:46 PM Page 10

10 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW Dixon’s running ability could open up the pass- quick-triggered decision-maker. Average antici- ing game and ease his maturation. Has enough pation. Is stationary in the pocket and shows lit- tools to develop if he continues to work at the tle athleticism to move his feet and avoid the craft. Needs more time in the weight room. rush. Can be flustered by pressure and be late to feel it. Marginal accuracy on the move. Too QB TYLER DONOVAN often closes his front foot when he steps into his 3 (5-11 ⁄4, 188, 4.77) WISCONSIN throws and his ball placement is erratic. Could Notes: Also lettered in basketball and base- need some adjustment time to taking snaps from ball as a prep. Redshirted in 2003. Appeared in under center. Not overly confident. five games in ’04 and completed 2-of-3 passes Summary: A big, traditional, rifle-armed (66.7 percent) for seven yards and rushed 11 pocket passer who could take some time to adapt times for 117 yards (10.6-yard average). Saw to an NFL-style offense where he has to look off action in three games in ’05, tossing 3-6-49 receivers and fit the ball into tight windows. (50.0) and one touchdown and carrying 5-30 Showed steady improvement as a senior and per- (6.0) and one touchdown. Started 2-of-7 games formed well at the Senior Bowl but is still a work in ’06 and completed 37-58-564-4 (63.8) and in progress. Could develop into a good pro as two interceptions and rushed 25-55-0 (2.2). long as he has time to throw. Started all 13 games in ’07 and finished with 193-333-2,607-17-11 (58.0). QB MATT FLYNN 1 Positives: Very tough. Plays through pain. (6-2 ⁄4, 231, 4.8) LSU Solid character. Good intangibles. Is very agile Notes: Played four games with a broken foot on his feet to move around the pocket and find as a high school senior. Redshirted in 2003. Saw QUARTERBACKS open throwing lanes. Can create with his feet. limited action as a reserve in ’04, completing 4- Plays smart. of-10 passes (40 percent) for 99 yards and one Negatives: Is too small in stature and will touchdown. In ’05, started 1-of-13 games, com- struggle to see the field in the pros. Does not pleting 27-of-48 passes (56.3) for 457 yards with throw with much velocity. Average field vision. seven touchdowns and one . Too often is forced to throw the ball up for grabs. Replaced an injured JaMarcus Russell in the Summary: A winner who will always be Peach Bowl against ninth-ranked Miami (Fla.) dogged for his lack of size and arm strength, and connected on 13-22-196-2-0 (59.1) and Donovan would be best in a heavy play-action rushed five times for 39 yards (7.8-yard average) offense where he could be used on the move, en route to a 40-3 victory. Backed up Russell in rolling out and on bootlegs. Could fight for a job ’06 and completed 12-20-133-2-1 (60.0) and in a camp. rushed 13-86-1 (6.6). Started all 12 games in QUARTERBACKS which he played in ’07, missing the Middle Ten- QB JOE FLACCO nessee State contest with a right ankle injury and 3 (6-6 ⁄8, 236, 4.85) DELAWARE the SEC championship game vs. Tennessee with Notes: Father, Stephen, played football and an injury to his right (throwing) shoulder. Fin- baseball at the University of Pennsylvania. Joe ished with 202-359-2,407-21-11 (56.3). finished as the fourth-ranked career passing Positives: Good athlete with a solid build. yards leader in South Jersey prep history and Solid intangibles — works hard and takes the also lettered in baseball. Enrolled at game seriously. Is tough and will play through and redshirted in 2003. Played 3-of-12 games in pain. Quick set-up and delivery. Throws with ’04 and completed 1-of-4 passes (25 percent) for touch and can drop the ball in the bucket. Has 11 yards. Transferred to Delaware in ’05 to get some scrambling ability to escape pressure when more playing time and sat out the season after he feels it. Has shown he can captain a two- not obtaining a scholarship release from Pitts- minute drive and commanded fourth-quarter burgh. Took over as the starter in all 11 games in come-from-behind victories vs. Florida, Auburn ’06, completing 264-417-2,783-18-10 (63.3) and Alabama. Very experienced holder on kicks. and rushing for five touchdowns. Earned Colo- Negatives: Very raw. Shows little presence in nial Athletic Association co-Offensive Player of the pocket and is not instinctive. Late to feel the Year honors after starting all 15 games in ’07 pressure and takes too many sacks. Has small and compiling 331-521-4,263-23-5 (63.5) and hands. Average accuracy and ball placement. setting school single-season record for passing Lacks zip and velocity. Too often makes his yards and career mark for completion percent- receivers work for the ball. Struggles to make age (63.4). plays on the move once he brings down the ball. Positives: Looks the part with excellent Average decision-maker. Has a low release point height. Has a cannon arm and can really spin the and too many balls are batted down. ball with velocity, even off balance and from his Summary: Development was stalled behind back foot. Can laser the ball into small windows. JaMarcus Russell until his senior season, when Is smart and has improved as a decision-maker. he was slowed by a high right ankle sprain for Negatives: Has faced marginal competition. much of the year. A winner with the toughness, Too often locks on receivers and waits for them intelligence and athleticism to continue develop- to uncover before throwing — is not a confident, ing, Flynn simply lacks the desired experience to

www.profootballweekly.com QBs 2008LO3/5/082:46PMPage11 Chad Henne (6-2 QB mold. Couldbeasolidbackup. run anNFLoffense. Hasclearphysicaltoolsto commands respectinthehuddle.Goodon-field arm andanover-the-top release.Hasmoxieand yards (9,715)andtouchdown passes(87). passing career leaderincompletions(828), 1,938-17-9 (58.3).Finishedastheschool’s sone shotbeforegametime. Totaled 162-278- or beingabletothrow untilhereceived acorti- vs. Wisconsin andOhioStateafternotpracticing and whenhesprainedhisankle, Michigan State, Missed theMinnesotagamebut returnedvs. returned torallythe Wolverines tovictory. tookacortisoneshotand against Illinois, Oregon. Separatedhisright(throwing) shoulder contests witharightkneesprainsustainedvs. missingtheNotreDameandPennState in ’07, (61.9). Startedall10gamesinwhichheplayed throwing 203-328-2,508-22-8 games in’06, ing 223-382-2,526-23-8(58.4).Startedall13 toss- against Texas. Startedall12gamesin’05, a RoseBowl-record-tying fourtouchdowns highlightedby touchdowns and12interceptions, 25 attempts (60.2percent)for2,743yards, Leach in1975).Completed240-of-399pass start theseasonopener(theotherwas Rick the secondtruefreshmaninschoolhistoryto prep. Startedall12gamesin2004andbecame Year. Also letteredinbasketball andtrackasa Positives: Notes: CHAD HENNE 7 ⁄ 8 , 230,4.94)MICHIGAN Pennsylvania GatoradePlayer ofthe l Has astrongbuild withavery good MICHIGAN 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW

LES BENTLEY ’07 andpassed258-361-3,175-28-7(71.5). carried 91-382-6(4.2).Startedall14gamesin ’06 andtossed121-196-1,721-15-4(61.7) age) andonetouchdown. Startedall13gamesin rushed ninetimesfor102yards(11.3-yardaver- three touchdowns andnointerceptions 15-of-20 passes(75.0percent)for288yardsand completing Played fourgamesinreserve in’05, games. Transferred toSIUandredshirtedin’04. scholarship in2003andaveraged 1.7pointsin23 Attended Western Kentucky onabasketball Too oftendoesnotsethisfeettothrow andhis ing hisreceivers afterthecatch. Average athlete. limit- tendency tonosedive andtoooftenislow, and takes timetogetridoftheball.Ballhasa Average armstrength.Hasanelongatedrelease and sustainadrive. Shows someinstinctstokeep thesticksmoving pick uppositive yardageandknows whentorun. field general.Shows enoughfootquicknessto shows someimprovisational skills.Impressive strides asadecision-maker asasenior and can throw withaccuracy onthemove. Took big his teammates.Moves aroundfairly welland working. Takes thegameseriouslyandcanrally (6-2 QB were notpressedintoactionimmediately. good coachingandwould highlybenefit ifhe defense gives him.Couldtake bigstrideswith he reallyworks atitandlearnstotake whatthe flashes ofgreatnessandcouldbeaterrific proif Hennehasshown strongdropbackpasser, A big, settledown andreaddefenses. a decision-maker, through multipleinjuries.Stillneedstogrow as never abletodevelop arhythmasheplayed inwhichhewas career untilhisseniorseason, quarterback. Was very durablethroughouthis intangibles andtoughnessdesiredinastarting Henneisawinnerwiththearmstrength, injury, who playedmostofhisseniorseasonthrough too streaky. Lostallfourgamesvs.OhioState. inconsistent throughouthiscareerandhasbeen many unnecessarysacks. Accuracy hasbeentoo plays whenthepocket breaksdown. Takes too shoulders andthrow theball. Struggles tocreate inconsistent. Needsacleanpocket tosquarehis Varies hismechanicstoomuchanddelivery is gles totake paceoff theballfromcloserange. ball toolong.Notagreattouchpasserandstrug- receivers andhasatendency tohangonthe willmisssomeopen have greatfield vision, much andforcetheballintocoverage. Doesnot trytodotoo footed toavoid therush. Will press, with accuracy andzipit. Very experienced. and physicallytough.Canthrow thedeepball able passionforthegameandisvery mentally presence. Goodintangibles.Hasanunquestion- Negatives: Summary: Negatives: Positives: Notes: NICK HILL 5 ⁄ 8 , 214,4.84)SOUTHERNILLINOIS Also letteredinbasketball asaprep. Good intangibles.Smartandhard- Is notascramblerorvery quick- Has notfaced greatcompetition. An incrediblytoughcompetitor www.profootballweekly.com 11 QUARTERBACKS QUARTERBACKS QBs 2008 LO 3/5/08 2:46 PM Page 12

12 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW release point is inconsistent. maker who is considerably further in his devel- Summary: Solid southpaw with a knack for opment at this stage of his career than Vikings taking what the defense gives him with his arm 2006 second-rounder . Might or feet. Did not play in a sophisticated NFL-style have made a mint at the East-West Shrine game, offense and will require some patience but has when he fared well against better competition. shown enough toughness and the intangibles to Could take a few years to digest an NFL play- continue developing. book, but could be very effective in a West Coast offense and develop into a dynamic starter. Has QB JOSH JOHNSON as much upside as any passer in the draft. 3 (6-2 ⁄4, 213, 4.55) SAN DIEGO Notes: Did not play as a high school junior QB SAM KELLER 5 because of a fractured right ankle. Also lettered (6-3 ⁄8, 241, 5.02) NEBRASKA in basketball and track as a prep. Saw limited Notes: Father, Mike, played linebacker at action in eight games as a true freshman in 2004, Michigan and was selected by the Dallas Cow- completing 12-of-22 passes (54.5 percent) for boys in the third round of the 1972 NFL draft, 135 yards and one interception. Started all 12 playing one season. Father has held positions in games in ’05 and tossed 260-371-3,256 (70.1) NFL management and helped form the now- and 36 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Also defunct XFL. Sam also lettered in basketball as a rushed 86 times for 376 yards (4.4-yard average) prep. Began college career at Arizona State. and four touchdowns and earned Pioneer Foot- Appeared in six games as a true freshman in ball League North Division Player of the Year 2003 and completed 23-of-43 passes (53.5 per- accolades. Started all 12 games in ’06, throwing cent) for 247 yards, one touchdown and one QUARTERBACKS 246-371-3,320-34-5 (66.3) and carrying 107- interception. Continued backing up Oakland 720-11 (6.7). Led Division I-AA in total offense Raiders’ 2005 third-round choice Andrew Walter (336.7 yards per game), total passing yards in ’04, passing 42-71-606-5-1 (59.2). In ’05, (3,320), passing efficiency (169.0) and points started the first seven games and passed 155-264- responsible (24.33 per game) en route to PFL 2,165-20-9 (58.7), throwing four TDs in each of Offensive Player of the Year honors. Started all the first four games, including 35-56-461-4-0 10 games in which he played in ’07, missing the (62.5) against LSU, before tearing ligaments in season opener vs. Azusa Pacific for violation of his right thumb against Oregon and being team rules. Passed for 206-301-2,988-43-1 shelved for the season. In ’06 spring practice, he (68.4), finishing first in Football Championship competed with Rudy Carpenter (the nation’s QB Series in total offense (371.4), passing efficiency efficiency leader in ’05) and lost the starting job. (198.3) and points responsible for (27.4). Also Transferred to Nebraska and sat out the season in QUARTERBACKS set the NCAA career passing efficiency rating accordance with NCAA regulations. Named the record (176.68) and finished third in Walter Pay- Cornhuskers’ Offensive Scout Team MVP. Was ton Award voting as the top player in FCS. Was cited for disturbing the peace in March of ’07 named the MVP of the East-West Shrine game. after a woman reportedly reached a parking spot Positives: Dominated Division I-AA/FCS before him. According to the woman who filed level of competition. Has played in a pro-style the complaint, Keller got out of his car, began offense under Jim Harbaugh. Outstanding quick- screaming profanities and threw a plastic cup at ness to easily escape the rush. Very quick release the victim’s car. Keller left the area and was later and can alter his release to deliver the ball effec- cited by police. Started all nine games in which tively. Outstanding improvisational skills. he played in ’07, missing the final three contests Shows impressive body control. Throws with of the season with a left shoulder injury and great accuracy on the move and shows the poise, totaled 205-325-2,422-14-10 (63.1). awareness and wherewithal to keep his eyes Positives: Has good size and a solid build. downfield scanning the field to create plays. Has played in multiple pro-style offenses under Good field vision. Smart and hardworking. Dirk Koetter and Bill Callahan and has a solid Makes good decisions and takes very good care understanding of the game. Has NFL bloodlines. of the ball. Continually comes through in the Negatives: Has an elongated windup and clutch and has performed well under pressure. snap-off delivery and pushes the ball. Marginal Very confident team leader. Is coachable and has arm strength. Does not put much zip on the ball a passion for the game. Has been very durable. and his passes tend to float. Very inconsistent Negatives: Lacks bulk and is too wiry. Has footwork — tends to overstride and his accuracy not faced much in the way of competition and suffers as a result. Makes questionable deci- his statistics are grossly inflated from facing sions. Too often forces and sprays the ball. Arro- unsophisticated defenses. Does not throw a tight gant, thinks he is better than he is and could rub spiral and could learn to throw with more touch coaches the wrong way. Lacks desirable intangi- from short distances. Too often does not set his bles for the QB position. Not physically tough. feet to throw even when he has time to do so. Injury history is a concern — has never been Comes from a rough part of Oakland and could able to stay healthy. be dragged down by hangers-on. Summary: Looked very average at the East- Summary: A very athletic, quick-footed play- West Shrine game and has few redeeming quali-

www.profootballweekly.com QBs 2008LO3/5/082:46PMPage13 on.Satdal1 ae n’5 connectingon downs. Startedall12gamesin’05, 331 yards(2.3-yardaverage) and two touch- and sixinterceptionsrushing 144 timesfor 10touchdowns (51.4 percent)for1,926yards, completing149-of-290 passes freshman in’04, shirted in2003.Startedall12gamesasaredshirt basketball and trackasaprep.Red- in baseball, Dolphins and Washington Redskins. Also lettered offensive linemanfrom1990-2000fortheMiami ure itout. will requirealotofpatienceandmightnever fig- back. Physicallyhastheabilitytobemoldedbut TE prospectbut islightyearsaway asaquarter- er. Couldwarrant achanceasdevelopmental Florida Stateoffensive coordinatorJimboFish- of acceptingthemove totightendsuggestedby take zipoff theballwhenneeded. Rifles theballfromshortrangeanddoesnot sion-maker. Consistentlythrows off themark. ondary receivers. Forces theball.Marginal deci- Locks ontoreceivers andstrugglestofind sec- of anNFLoffense. Doesnotseethefield well. raw. Couldstruggletohandlethe complexities and hasnever beena full-timestarter. very Very, (6-4, 235,4.7E)FLORIDA STATE QB-ATH chance inacamp. ties toexcite NFLcoaches.Couldwarrant a (6-3, 206,4.65e)IOWA STATE QB-WR-ATH Has goodarmstrength.NFLbloodlines. buy timeandcreateplayswithhisfeet. pocket, Has scramblingabilityandcanmove aroundthe of academicpolicy. pended fortwo midseasongamesforaviolation (52.0) passingand43-97(2.3)rushing. Was sus- his own ineffectiveness. Totaled 66-124-972-5-5 before againrelinquishingthestartingjobdueto replacement foranineffective Weatherford 3-of-4 gamesinwhichheplayed’07asa also rushed23timesfor84yards(3.6).Started of theseason.Passed 62-121-885-7-5(51.2)and reclaimed oncehealthyforthefinal threegames ajob Weatherford an injured Weatherford, of-8 gamesinwhichheplayed’06placeof throwing 27-57-466-3-1(47.4).Started3- ’05, seven gamesbackingupDrew Weatherford in touchdowns (98).Redshirtedin ’04. Appeared in completions(594)and for passingyards(9,082), 13 rushingtouchdowns. SetFlorida staterecords tions. Also amassed461yardsonthegroundand 33touchdowns and10intercep- 3,075 yards, 188-of-304 passattempts(61.8percent)for completing Mr. Football asahighschoolsenior, Chiefs (1976-77).Xavier was namedFlorida’s played defensive tacklefortheKansasCity Willie, linebacker fortheSeminoles.Father, Summary: Negatives: Positives: Notes: Notes: nl,KihSm,was an All-Pro Keith Sims, Uncle, afbohr nhn el,plays Anthony Kelly, Half-brother, BRET MEYER Outstanding size.Naturalathlete. Decided toenterthedraftinstead Struggled toholdthestartingjob (Junior) 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW ished with152-255-1,747-10-9(59.6). benched infavor offreshmanChrisSmelley. Fin- Did notplayinthreecontestsafterbeing for missingtoomany summer-school classes. er vs.Louisiana-Lafayette duetoasuspension missingtheseasonopen- which heplayedin’07, 6 (66.8)ontheseason.Started6-of-8gamesin final fourgames.Completed135-202-1,789-10- onlytoreclaimthestartingspotfor Newton, man inabar. Was suspendedandrelieved by being charged withsimpleassault forpunchinga startedthefirst two gamesbefore (59.0). In’06, andfinished with186-315-2,370-17-12 sprain, missing the Auburn contestwithahighankle interceptions. Started11-of-12gamesin’05, onetouchdown andthree percent) for86yards, in ’04andcompleted9-of-22passattempts(40.9 11 gamesinbackuprolebehindSyvelle Newton the pros. Meyer couldwarrant somelooksasareceiver in QB (6-3 QB (6-2 accuracy onthemove. break down whenthrowing ontherunandloses Takes toomany unnecessarysacks.Mechanics through progressions. Too oftenforcestheball. decision-maker. Getsjitteryanddoesnotgo takes toolongtogetridoftheball. Average escapability inthepocket. ethic. Istoughandcantake ahit.Shows some eev satu rsmni 04 completing reserve asatruefreshman in2004, basketball. Appeared in5-of-11games and 57touchdowns asaprep. Also letteredin Team afterrecording5,255career passingyards price toearnanNFLjob. career but mustprove heiswillingtopaythe sync withreceivers. ing andanticipation—toooftenlooksoutof poise. Average decision-maker. Inconsistenttim- Gets rattledtooeasilyanddoesnotplaywith committed tohiscraft.Marginal intangibles. extras necessaryatthequarterbackposition.Not strength. the rush.Shows nicetouchandsolidarm move aroundthepocket wellenoughtoescape offense (10,422).Started48consecutive games. ISU leaderincareer TD passes(50)andtotal passed for233-382-2,151-9-13(61.0). All-time 439-6 (3.2).Startedall12gamesin’07and 211-374-2,546-12-12 (56.4)andrushing137- throwing 410-1 (3.1).Startedall12gamesin’06, 227-368-2,876-19-10 (61.7)andcarrying133- Summary: Negatives: Positives: Notes: Summary: Negatives: Positives: Notes: BLAKE MITCHELL ANTHONY MORELLI 5 3 ⁄ ⁄ 8 4 , 231,5.09)PENNSTATE , 219,4.75e)SOUTHCAROLINA Named to Redshirted in2003. Appeared in5-of- Has nicesizeandathleticism.Can Showed somepotentialearlyinhis A betterathletethanquarterback, Good-sized athlete.Goodwork Not aworker anddoesnotdothe Does notfeelpressurewelland www.profootballweekly.com USA Today Top 25Supreme 13 QUARTERBACKS QUARTERBACKS QBs 2008 LO 3/5/08 2:46 PM Page 14

14 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW 5-of-13 passes (38.5 percent) for 45 yards and skills on the move. Has enough arm strength. one interception. Saw action in 6-of-11 games in Can throw with touch. Good competitor. ’05 behind San Francisco 49ers ’06 fourth-round Negatives: Lacks poise in the pocket. Has a pick Michael Robinson and completed 13-20- tendency to pull down the ball at first flash of 155-1-0 (65.0). In ’06, started all 13 games and coverage. Marginal decision-maker — too often completed 208-386-2,424-11-8 (53.9). Sus- throws into coverage. Makes his receivers work tained a concussion vs. Wisconsin but returned hard for the ball. Uses too much touch, and his the following week. Started all 13 games in ’07 accuracy diminishes the farther he has to throw. and threw 234-402-2,651-19-10 (58.2), setting Average accuracy. Nittany Lions single-season records for comple- Summary: Former walk-on who has had to tions and pass attempts. Is the only Penn State fight for the starting job every year and has signalcaller to pass for more than 2,000 yards shown gradual improvement. Opened some eyes twice in a career. at the East-West Shrine game and could warrant Positives: Has outstanding size and a very a chance to develop as a quarterback. strong arm. Can get rid of the ball quickly when needed and is capable of making every throw. QB KEVIN O’CONNELL Negatives: Gets rattled too easily and misses (6-5, 225, 4.64) SAN DIEGO STATE open receivers too often. Does not play with Notes: Posted 1,950 passing yards and 19 much awareness, holds on to the ball and panics. touchdowns as a high school senior after missing Forces the ball in coverage. Does not throw with part of his junior year with injury. Also lettered balance in his feet, and his throws tend to sail. in basketball. Redshirted in 2003. Started the Struggles to throw with accuracy deep or on the final 5-of-11 games over incumbent Matt Dlu- QUARTERBACKS move. Footwork needs considerable work. Has golecki in ’04 after leading the Aztecs to a struggled in high-pressure situations and has not fourth-quarter rally against Colorado State. shown the mental toughness desired at the posi- Completed 115-of-236 pass attempts (48.7 per- tion. Not elusive against the rush. Needs to cent) for 1,328 yards, nine touchdowns and nine become more of a student of the game. interceptions. Started all 12 games in ’05 and Summary: A very erratic, strong-armed pock- totaled 233-375-2,663-19-12 (62.1), including a et passer who has struggled to handle pressure 33-51-421-3-1 (64.7) performance in the season throughout his career and has not shown the finale against Hawaii. In ’06, tore ligaments in poise needed to play on a big stage. Has the size his right thumb in the season opener against and arm strength to stick on an NFL roster but UTEP. Underwent surgery and returned to start may never be more than a backup at best and the final 4-of-5 games, registering 59-101-635- might have to fight to hold a roster spot if he 3-5 (58.4). Beat out Kevin Craft in spring prac- QUARTERBACKS does not correct his footwork and learn to work tice and earned the starting nod for ’07. Started at his craft. all 12 games, recording 257-439-3,063-15-8 (58.5) and rushing 134 times for 426 yards (3.2- QB-WR BERNARD MORRIS yard average) and 11 touchdowns, leading the (6-3, 223, 4.74) MARSHALL team in rushing. Finished as the school’s career Notes: Also lettered in basketball and base- leader in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns ball as a prep. Originally an invited walk-on. by a quarterback. Redshirted in 2003. Saw limited action at both Positives: Has good length to see the field and quarterback and wide receiver in three games in moves very well for his size. Smart and compet- ’04, attempting one pass and rushing five times itive. Can throw the ball with zip and really spin for 21 yards (4.2-yard average). Was arrested it. Fine accuracy. Has good footwork in the midseason for striking a woman with a beer bot- pocket. Can throw with accuracy on the run. tle at a nightclub. Pleaded guilty to misdemeanor Solid character. Has become more of a leader battery and was given 12 months probation. and has shown continued improvement as a Took over the starting job in the second game in decision-maker under the tutelage of Chuck ’05 and started 6-of-9 games in which he played, Long. Well-respected leader. completing 114-of-216 passes (52.8 percent) for Negatives: Too streaky. Tends to spray the 1,121 yards, six touchdowns and six intercep- ball and is not a very controlled, accurate passer. tions and rushing 75-264-4 (3.5). Missed three Has a long delivery and takes longer than he contests with turf toe on his left foot. Started all should to release the ball. Not a quick-triggered 11 games in which he played in ’06, tossing 116- decision-maker. Relies too much on his 188-1,346-8-12 (61.7) and carrying 82-324-2 receivers — throws too much to areas and will (4.0), missing the East Carolina contest with a hang the ball in the air. Has been dinged up a lot sprained right ankle. Started 11-of-12 games in throughout his career. Did not face great compe- which he played in ’07, entering the New Hamp- tition. shire contest just prior to halftime after sitting Summary: Has all the physical tools to devel- out with a toe injury. Threw for 253-398-3,149- op, but mechanics will require more work to cor- 17-10 (63.6) and rushed 130-488-4 (3.8). rect accuracy deficiencies. Carried the offense as Positives: Good athlete. Can buy extra time a senior with a weak supporting cast and flashed with his feet and shows some improvisational the arm strength and athleticism at the East-West

www.profootballweekly.com QBs 2008LO3/5/082:46PMPage15 chances. subsequent lossofhisstartingjobcouldlimit rhythm withaweaksupportingcast.Seizureand rant achancebut was never abletoestablisha Lacks greatarmstrength. receivers adjusttotheball. Average accuracy. inconsistent withballplacement—makes his too longanddoesnotseethefield well.Istoo ed careerexperience. Tends toholdontheball offense. standing ofthegame.Playedinapro-style and character. Very smartandhasanunder- tough andcantake ahit.Solidleadershiptraits 130-229-1,422-7-3 (56.8). for theremainderofseasonandfinished with game. Backed upsophomore Tavita Pritchard prior totheUSCcontestknocked himoutofthat of theseasonbeforeaseizuresuffered theweek includingthefirst fourgames he playedin’07, 918-3-5 (45.6).Started5-of-8gamesinwhich injured Edwards in’06andthrew for72-158- of-10 gamesinwhichheplayedplaceofthe tossing 39-67-529-1-1(58.2).Startedthefinal 5- 2007 third-roundpick in’05, Appeared insixgamesbehindBuffalo Bills fourtouchdowns andtwo interceptions. yards, ed 56-of-126passes(44.4percent)for914 2003. Started1-of-6gamesin’04andcomplet- also letteredinbaseballasaprep.Redshirted Stanford trackandfield team(1966-71). T.C. (6-2 QB Coast offense. in developing apasser. Couldfit bestin a West Shrine gametoexcite acoachingstaff interested (6-4 QB tions andmost400-yardpassinggames. Earned andsetschoolcareermarksincomple- downs, completions andtouch- ference inpassingyards, season recordsandledthe Atlantic Coast Con- 388-654-4,507-31-19 (59.3).Setschool single- amassing the season.Startedall14gamesin’07, (245.5 ypg).Hadsurgery immediatelyfollowing (2.5) andleadingtheconferenceinpassingyards 427-2,942-15-10 (61.6)andrushing51-128-4 completing 263- ed all12contestsafterward, but start- 2006, foot vs. Virginia Tech onOct.12, game vs.Buffalo afterbreakingaboneinhisleft yard average) andfive touchdowns. Missedthe (62.1) andrushed37timesfor94yards(2.5- cial teams.Connectedon121-195-1,514-8-5 ’05 asaquarterbackandplayedinall12onspe- and threeinterceptions.Started5-of-10gamesin two touchdowns (49.3 percent)for350yards, completing35-of-71passes 4 gamesin’04, ball asaprep.Redshirtedin2003.Started1-of- Summary: Negatives: Positives: Notes: Notes: MATT RYAN THOMAS “T.C.” OSTRANDER 3 1 ⁄ ⁄ 8 4 , 227,4.9e)STANFORD , 228,4.94)BOSTON COLLEGE Also letteredinbasketball andbase- ahr ln,was amemberofthe Clint, Father, Good size.Hasacleanrelease.Is Has showed enoughabilitytowar- Durability isabigconcern.Limit- 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW Matt Ryan very worthy ofthefirst overall pick. in theprosanddevelop intoaProBowl passer. Is be abletodothesameinarelatively shorttime team withvery littletalentaroundhim.Should pressure crystallizedasaseniorandcarried Day One.Decision-makingandabilitytohandle mental makeup tostepintoastartinglineupfrom intelligenceandescapability. Hasthe intangibles, accuracy, franchise quarterback—toughness, (6-0 QB often doesnotseetheshort-holeplugger. and willhangsomedeepballsintheair. Too not have acannonarmtothrow off hisbackfoot chances fitting theballintotightcoverage. Does to dotoomuchandwilltake somehigh-risk vated toachieve. when needed.Extremelycompetitive andmoti- stepped upincriticalsituationsandmadeplays presence andrelateswelltoteammates.Has when protectionbreaksdown. Cangetridofthe ability tomove outsidethepocket andimprovise knows whentotake paceoff theball.Shows the throw. Canthrow withtouchandvelocity and pocket. Hasgoodarmstrengthtomake every quickness. Shows theability tobuy timeinthe Very mentallyandphysicallytough.Goodfoot competitor. Hasprototypesize.Goodflexibility. leader. Gooddecision-maker. Fieryon-field Excellent footballintelligence. Very accountable for thegameandworks very hardathiscraft. in hiscareerasastarter. States). The two-time electedcaptainwas 25-7 Manning Award (bestquarterbackintheUnited most outstandingseniorquarterback)andthe Johnny UnitasGolden Arm Award (nation’s andwon the ACC Playerofthe Year honors, completing 272-of-425passes(64.0 percent)for Redshirted in2003.Startedall13 games in’04, baseball andtrackfield asaprep. basketball, four-year starterinhighschool. Also letteredin Negatives: Positives: Notes: Summary: RICKY SANTOS 3 ⁄ 8 , 209,5.09)NEWHAMPSHIRE Threw 77 TD passesinhis careerasa l BOSTON COLLEGE Terrific intangibles.Hasapassion Not avery elusive scrambler. Tries Has alltheattributes desiredina www.profootballweekly.com

BRUCE L. SCHWARTZMAN Has aneasygoing unnecessary sacks. well. Takesfew very pressure very, poise andhandles Plays withterrific cy andaccuracy. field withconsisten- Makes throws tothe find openreceivers. lookoff defensive backsand sions, through progres- injuries. Canread play through Has proven hewill called upontodoso. ball quicklywhen 15 QUARTERBACKS QUARTERBACKS QBs 2008 LO 3/5/08 2:46 PM Page 16

16 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW 3,318 yards, 31 touchdowns and 10 intercep- touchdowns (47), and fourth in passing efficien- tions and rushing 125 times for 283 yards (2.5- cy (159.8). Set school and conference single- yard average) and one touchdown. Beat Rutgers season records for passing yards, total offense, in his first-ever game as a starter and threw five and touchdown passes. Set school career records touchdowns. Rewrote the UNH record books in for total offense, passing yards and touchdown ’05, tossing 38-55-538-6-1 vs. Villanova and passes, and established the NCAA mark for 301-429-3,797-39-9 (70.2) in 13 starts for the most consecutive 300-yard passing games (14). season while carrying 119-505-8 (4.2). Com- Positives: Shows very good awareness in the pleted 25-of-26 passes vs. Northeastern for an pocket. Can move around the pocket and shows NCAA record for completion percentage in a some ability to create plays. Solid character. game (96.2 percent). Started all 13 games in ’06, Strong work ethic. Very confident. Has a great tossing 293-432-3,125-29-7 (67.8) and rushing understanding of the game. Very determined. 149-378-12 (2.5). Awarded the Walter Payton Coach’s son. Very smart. Reads the field and Award, the Football Championship Series Heis- knows where to go with the ball. Feels pressure man Trophy equivalent. Voted team co-captain and can elude the rush. Good short-to-intermedi- and started 11 games in ’07, missing the Iona ate accuracy. Can throw with touch. Sneaky ath- contest with a right (throwing) shoulder injury letic. Can get rid of the ball quickly. Very suffered the week prior vs. Delaware. Finished durable. Good football temperament. with 256-350-2,972-24-7 (73.1) en route to Negatives: Very slight-framed with marginal Football Championship Series All-America height and does not look the part. Lacks the arm (AP) and co-Colonial Athletic Association strength to fit the ball into tight windows. Offensive Player of the Year honors, and a fifth- Struggles the farther he has to throw. Has a QUARTERBACKS place finish in Walter Payton Award (best FCS frame that is not built to withstand contact. offensive player) voting. Led the conference in Summary: An undersized West Coast, rhythm passing efficiency (163.1) and total offense passer in the mold of Jeff Garcia, Smith could be (292.3) and finished third in FCS history in forced to take a long road to the NFL and spend career touchdown passes (123), passing yards time in a developmental league before he is (13,212) and total offense (14,621). given the chance he has shown he deserves. Has Positives: Shows nice touch and anticipation. few notable physical traits but is a good football Can get rid of the ball quickly and hasten his player who knows how to play the game and delivery when needed. Very competitive on the makes the most of his opportunities. field and even-tempered off it. Vocal leader. Nice intangibles. QB-TE ADAM TAFRALIS 1 Negatives: Does not look the part. Is short and (6-1 ⁄8, 221, 4.84) SAN JOSE STATE QUARTERBACKS will struggle to find open throwing lanes in the Notes: Father, Gregg, was ranked among the pros. Lacks arm strength. Lacks the foot quick- top 10 shot-putters in the world for seven years by ness to move around in the pocket and will Track & Field News. Adam also lettered in bas- struggle to see the field in the pros. Has worked ketball and track and field, placing in the top out of the shotgun and will need to adjust to tak- three in the discus (182 feet, 1 inch) and shot put 3 ing snaps under center. Has small hands. (59 feet, 7 ⁄4 inches) at the California high school Summary: A very productive, four-year championship as a senior. Did not attend school starter who has shined vs. marginal competition, in 2002, choosing to stay home to work. Signed Santos did little to distinguish himself at the with San Jose State and redshirted in ’03. Started Hula Bowl and will always struggle to overcome 3-of-9 games in which he played in ’04, complet- his size deficiencies. ing 29-of-65 pass attempts (44.6 percent) for 432 yards, two touchdowns and one interception and QB PAUL SMITH rushed for two touchdowns. Started 8-of-11 1 (6-1 ⁄4, 208, 4.97) TULSA games in ’05 and tossed 142-286-1,810-11-10 Notes: Married. Coached by his father as a (49.7). Started all 13 games in ’06, throwing 181- prep, Paul set the Oklahoma state record with 276-2,284-21-7 (65.6), setting the school record 9,574 career passing yards. Also lettered in base- for completion percentage. Started all 12 games ball in high school. Played in eight games as a in ’07, passing 251-400-3,022-18-11 (62.8) and true freshman in 2003, completing 21-of-34 setting the school single-season record for 300- passes (61.3 percent) for 297 yards, one touch- yard passing games (seven), and career marks for down and one interception. Redshirted in ’04. completions (603), total offense (8,117) and pass- Started all 13 games in ’05, tossing 227-364- ing yards (7,548). Also became the first quarter- 2,847-20-6 (62.4) and also rushed for six touch- back in Spartans history to complete at least 60 downs. Started all 13 games in ’06 and threw percent of his passes in more than one season. 233-350-2,727-15-9 (66.6) and rushed for eight Positives: Shows some run strength and is touchdowns. Started all 13 games in ’07, totaling competitive. Stands in the pocket and will deliv- 327-544-5,065-47-19 (60.1) en route to Confer- er. Excellent work habits. Has a passion for the ence USA Offensive Player of the Year (coach- game. Good career production. Solid character. es) honors. Finished second in the nation in total Negatives: Too short. Marginal athlete and offense (370.3), passing yards (5,065) and decision-maker. Struggles to avoid the rush. Aver-

www.profootballweekly.com QBs 2008LO3/5/082:46PMPage17 and LSU. asheshowed hecould dovs.Louisville deficits, under pressureandrallyhisteamfrombig lected andhasshown theabilitytokeep hispoise Improving decision-maker. Isvery calmandcol- good touch.Canzipitlongdistancesonarope. and delivery and spins avery tightspiral. Very easily. Hasgoodarmstrengthwithafluidstroke the balldownfield rific size.Canflick chances. but alackofathleticismwilllimithis him alive, Combine. Passion andwork habitscouldkeep position andworked outasatightendatthe too longandisnotaconfident decision-maker. shots. Hasalongdelivery. Holdsontotheball has tothrow anddoesnottake alotofdownfield age armstrength.Losesaccuracy thefarther he (6-4, 229,4.88)KENTUCKY QB tion (325). without anintercep- tive completions record forconsecu- Also settheNCAA were intercepted). his passattempts (only two percentof interception ratio career recordfor and theconference for TD passes(79) school careermark passes. Setthe ference single-seasonrecordsfortouchdown yards andtouchdowns. Settheschoolandcon- led theSoutheasternConferenceincompletions, amassing327-518-3,709-40-11(63.1)and ’07, Player byhisteammates.Startedall13gamesin 3,515-31-7 (63.0). Was voted Most Valuable all 13gamesin’06andcompleted264-419- tossing146-253-1,644-6-6(57.7).Started ’05, and oneinterception.Startedall11gamesin two touchdowns (61.4 percent)for492yards, completing54-of-88passes he playedin’04, shirted in2003.Started1-of-7gameswhich lettered inbasketball andtrackasaprep.Red- sequently lived inGermany andHawaii. Also offense. Takes timetobuild arhythm.Not a for audiblesandwilltake sometimetograspan to buy timewithhisfeet.Lookstothesideline age athleticabilityandmarginal footquickness space tothrow andtoooftenaimstheball. Aver- ball. Will forcetheballintocoverage. Requires sary sacks.Needstodoabetterjobsecuringthe Holds ontotheballtoolongandtakes unnecce- wherehedropstheballdown tothrow. the top, exaggerated releasewithahitchat Has along, mary target andislatetolocateopenreceivers. Summary: Negatives: Positives: Notes: ANDRE’ WOODSON Grew upinamilitaryfamily andcon- Has ter- Has very marginal toolsfortheQB Has atendency tobird-doghispri-

BRUCE L. SCHWARTZMAN Andre Woodson 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW l KENTUCKY tionable. Forces theballtoomuchintocoverage. adjustments anddecision-makinghasbeenques- when underduress.Strugglestomake proper eyes dropinsteadofcontinuingtolookdownfield offensive lineandhasbecomegun-shy—letshis sure. Hastaken abeatingbehindanaverage dle live bullets andnotbeenabletohandlepres- move aroundthepocket. lessly andmake allthethrows. Isagileenoughto air. Goodarmstrength.Canslingtherockeffort- and willstandoutinindividual workouts against game. Solidcharacter. Looksthepartphysically (6-3 QB book. success willhingeonhisabilitytoabsorbaplay- require significant patienceandhislong-term delivery willalways handcuff anoffense. Will but lackofescapabilityandlong ly simplified, Began totake strideswhentheoffense was over- always allow defenderstoprey onhispasses. and needtimetobegroomed.Longdelivery will vocal leader. Finished with141-241-1,747-12-14(58.5). the seasonwithabootonhisinjuredleftankle. but playedthefinal threegamesof the starter, the secondquartervs.Oklahomaandremained suffered vs.FloridaState.Overtook Freemanby ankle andsprainedtendonbehindhisleftknee North CarolinaStatecontestwithasprainedleft andmissingthe season openervs.Marshall, servingasthebackupin he playedin’07, Kirby Freeman.Started9-of-10gamesinwhich ited inpracticeandunseatedasthestarterby band onhisleftkneeinfall camp. Was very lim- remainder oftheseason. Was wearinganelastic before undergoing surgery andsittingoutthe against Virginia Tech andplayedoutthegame 1,655-8-7 (60.8).Suffered abroken rightthumb throwing 152-250- first ninegamesof’06, interceptions. Voted teamcaptainandstartedthe 307-2,403 (58.6)with18touchdowns and10 tossing 180- yards. Startedall12gamesin’05, Completed 5-of-9passes(55.6percent)for30 tices afteranallergic reactiontoabeesting. sprained leftankleandalsomissingbowl prac- missingfive gamestoa limited actionin’04, accolades asaprep.Redshirtedin2003.Saw Year and National HighSchoolFootball Playerofthe with goodcoaching. could bere-trainedoutofmany ofhisbadhabits Is sorelyinneedofcoachingcontinuity and and enoughathleticismtocontinue developing. armstrength early inhiscareerandhasthesize, coaching staff. Looked like hemightblossom where therehasbeenarevolving dooronthe never beenabletogetcomfortableinaprogram Summary: Positives: Notes: Summary: Negatives: KYLE WRIGHT 3 ⁄ 8 , 218,4.89)MIAMI(FLA.) Earned USA Today Will take timetoabsorbanoffense Is smartandcanarticulatethe A naturallygiftedtalentwhohas Lacks poise.Hasstruggledtohan- Parade www.profootballweekly.com All-America second-team l-mrc,Gatorade All-America, 17 QUARTERBACKS QUARTERBACKS RBs 2008 LO 3/5/08 2:47 PM Page 18

18 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW RUNNINGRUNNING BACKSBACKS KWR

PFW’S TOP 10 1. JONATHAN STEWART 2. Darren McFadden 3. Rashard Mendenhall 4. 5. 6. Matt Forté 7. Tashard Choice 8. 9. Chris Johnson 10. Kevin Smith

RB LANCE BALL ner with limited speed and burst, but he could (5-9, 219, 4.6e) MARYLAND compete for a job in a zone-blocking scheme. Notes: Also lettered in baseball and track as a prep. Redshirted in 2003. Appeared in four RB 3 games at in ’04, rushing four times (5-8 ⁄8, 204, 4.87) OREGON STATE Notes: First name is pronounced “EVAN-

RUNNING BACKS for one yard and was slowed by a knee injury. Started 4-of-11 games in ’05, carrying 189-903- son.” Also lettered in baseball as a prep and was 6 (4.8-yard average) and catching 18 passes for selected as an outfielder by the Minnesota Twins 153 yards (8.5). Started 11-of-13 games in ’06 in the 33rd round of the 2003 MLB draft. Red- but split carries with Keon Lattimore and carried shirted in 2003. Appeared in 10-of-12 games in 174-815-8 (4.7) and caught 11-60-0 (5.5). Start- ’04 and returned 13 punts for 79 yards (6.1-yard average) and five kickoffs for 91 yards (18.2). ed the final 4-of-13 games in ’07 after Lattimore Started all 11 games in ’05, rushing 299 times suffered a hamstring injury, and rushed 182-768- for 1,321 yards (4.4) and 13 touchdowns and 12 (4.2) and caught 18-88-0 (4.9). catching 37 passes for 316 yards (8.5) and one Positives: Shows some run strength and touchdown. Started 13-of-14 games in ’06, miss- vision. Reads blocks and can run through arm ing the USC contest with a sprained right ankle tackles. Will dip his shoulder and keep his legs and carrying 296-1,307-12 (4.4) and receiving churning. Very good weight-room strength. 43-276-1 (6.4). Started all 11 games in which he Team player. played in ’07, missing the USC contest with a Negatives: Is short, tight in the hips and a bit left shoulder injury and the Oregon contest after straight-linish. Not overly strong, fast or power- injuring his right knee in the first half vs. Wash- ful and does not break a lot of tackles. Has aver- ington State the week prior and undergoing age elusiveness. Lacks top-end acceleration to arthroscopic surgery. Carried 275-1,214-13 (4.4) hit the corner. Cradle-catcher. Limited in pass and grabbed 36-179-1 (5.0) to finish second in protection. Has not played on special teams. Has school history and sixth in Pac-10 history in never been a full-time starter and did not seize career rushing yards. the job when he had opportunities. Not a grinder. Positives: Nice run vision and instincts. Can Summary: Patient, controlled, cut-back run- sidestep a few tacklers in the open field. Has big,

www.profootballweekly.com RBs 2008LO3/5/082:47PMPage19 respond welltohardcoaching.Could doabetter had morethan180carriesinaseason. Doesnot a question.Hasnever carriedafullworkload or andhischaracterwillalways be ble off thefield, not overly elusive. Hasrepeatedly runintotrou- and runsabittall.Lackstop-endspeedis up tocompeteonspecialteams. healthy inalandofgiants.Hasthementalmake- desired inalittlebackandcouldstruggletostay runner wholacksthesuddennessandcreativity home-run speed. Terrible 40-timeatCombine. create. Hasvery littlereturnexperience. Lacks not stringmany moves together. Strugglesto too easilygetsturned.Notnifty-footedanddoes inside. Doesnotkeep hisshoulderssquaredand holes whenheseesthem.Lacksthepower torun ters toomuchanddoesnothave thespeedtohit team captain. acter. Hasapassionforthegame. Twice elected career production. Willing blocker. Greatchar- reliable handsandcatchestheballwell.Good (6-0 RB ball. Physicalblocker. ball incrunchtime.Hassolidhandstosnatchthe vision andcut-backability. Wants tocarrythe arm tackles.Playsphysical.Goodruninstincts, run balance.Churnshislegs andtearsthrough through contact.Hasastrongstiff-arm. Good quickly andwilldrophisshoulderrun 36-405-1 (11.3). carrying180-903-9(5.0)andreceiving in ’07, returned kicks4-64(16.0).Startedall12games caught35-406-2(11.6)and 164-823-8 (5.0), Atlantic contestwithanankleinjury. Rushed missingtheFlorida played inarotation’06, Returned tostart7-of-12gamesinwhichhe no formalcharges wereever broughtforward. but thestudent’s tireswerefoundslashed, tion, two hoursaftertheverbal confronta- reports, if adebtwas notsettled. According topolice cartires threatened toslashoneofthestudents’ ly abused a pairofuniversity studentsand slashing oftiresonavehicle. Allegedly verbal- September forpossibleinvolvement inthe department policy. Also was investigated that son foranon-academicviolationofathletic for nineyards. Was suspendedforthe’05sea- receiving 35-347-1(9.9)andreturningonekick carrying62-309-3(5.0)and games inthefall, and summerschool.Returnedtostart9-of-11 of alackattendanceatoffseason workouts in teamactivities inthesummerof’04because one touchdown. Was barredfromparticipating and catching11passesfor145yards(13.2) yards (4.0-yardaverage) andthreetouchdowns Year recognitionafterrushing58timesfor232 man in2003andearnedteam’s Freshmanofthe Summary: Negatives: Negatives: Positives: Notes: 1 ⁄ 2 , 213,4.56)SOUTHCAROLINA Played inall11gamesasatruefresh- ushr,getsthroughthehole Runs hard, og,udrie,overachieving undersized, Tough, Thin andtightinthelower body Not quicktothehole.Pitter-pat- 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW ing worker. Competeshard.Raw passprotector. and plow inshort-yardagesituations.Outstand- power topushthepile.Canslamthroughline best inazonescheme. Boyd couldbe run over thanarounddefenders, tary back. A one-cutslasherwhowould rather and visiontodevelop intoasolidcomplemen- instincts shoulder andshows therun strength, out ontheopposition.Playswithachiphis his lifeandrunslike heistakinghisfrustration job ofsustaininginpassprotection. (6-0 RB (5-8 RB school’s all-timeleaderinrushingandscoring. points and all-purposeyardsfinished asthe touchdowns, ference inrushingyards, Player ofthe Year honorsafterleadingthecon- State Athletic ConferenceEasternDivision and kicks12-255-0(21.3).EarnedPennsylvania 8-84-0 (10.5)andreturningpunts6-79-0(13.2) catching high 257rushingyardsvs.Millersville, highlightedbyacareer- ing 244-1,435-23(5.9), rush- teammates andstartedall10gamesin’07, health lateintheyear. Voted teamcaptainbyhis through injuryasajuniorandwas notatfull (4.7) andreceiving 12-250-0(12.5).Battled carrying213-1,003-12 ed 8-of-10gamesplayed, he was limitedbyastrainedleftkneeandstart- game (188.3)andsecondinrushing TDs. In’06, (18.5). Ranked first inD-IIrushingyardsper touchdowns (11.4)andreturningpunts4-74 catching20-229andtwo ing 316-2,260-32(7.2), rush- yards (37.2).Startingall12gamesin’05, 79 yards(7.9)andfourkickreturnsfor149 10punt returnsfor receptions for79yards(7.2), 11 yards and16touchdowns (7.3-yardaverage), racking up135carriesfor991 freshman in2004, Bloomsburg. Appeared inall10gamesasatrue improve hisSAT scorebeforecommittingto attended KiskiPrepSchoolinPennsylvania to nally signedwithRutgersasaprepbut instead PIAA Pennsylvania Class4A statetitle.Origi- downs asahighschoolsenior enroutetothe downs andcatching16passesfor150yards 875 yards(5.1-yardaverage) andeight touch- rushing172times for as atruefreshmanin2004, have achance. who willhave tomake itonspecialteams to size ofanNFLplaybook. receiver orreturner. Couldbechallengedbythe in theopenfield. Hasbeenlittle-usedasa him opentopunishment.Notelusive orcreative corner inthepros.Runstootallanditwillleave Lacks footspeedandwillstruggletoreachthe Summary: Notes: Notes: Summary: Negatives: Positives: JAMAR BRITTINGHAM THOMAS BROWN 1 3 ⁄ ⁄ 2 8 , 208,4.69)BLOOMSBURG (PA.) , 204,4.56)GEORGIA Started 3-of-11gamesatrunningback Rushed for2,575yardsand30touch- Has overcome alotofadversity in iernblne strengthand Nice runbalance, Has faced marginal competition. tog onil insiderunner downhill, Strong, www.profootballweekly.com 19 RUNNING BACKS RUNNING BACKS RBs 2008 LO 3/5/08 2:47 PM Page 20

20 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW (9.4). Started 12 games in ’05, missing Week whiffs too much in pass protection. Marginal Three vs. Louisiana-Monroe with an injury, car- weight-room strength. Needs to learn what it rying 147-736-4 (5.0) and snagging 6-67 (11.2). means to work. Not tough. Also threw one pass for a score. Started the first Summary: Best trait is his ability to catch the five games of the ’06 season and played in two ball. Has some value as a pass catcher. Could more, gaining 62-256-1 (4.1) and grabbing 7-71 compete in a camp. (10.1). Also returned 15 kicks for 379 yards (24.3) and one TD on a long of 99 yards vs. RB JEHUU CAULCRICK Tennessee. Tore the anterior cruciate ligament in (6-0, 254, 4.71) MICHIGAN STATE his right knee in the second half of the Vander- Notes: Born in Liberia and moved to New bilt game and missed the remainder of the sea- York after his father, who was running for pres- son. Returned from the knee injury to start 7-of- ident, was assassinated. Set Western New York 10 games in which he played in ’07, missing prep career rushing yards record with 6,559 three midseason contests but still returning earli- yards and also lettered in track and field, win- er than projected from a broken collarbone that ning the Class C/D shot put title with a throw of 3 he might have played with vs. Tennessee. 54-8 ⁄4. Redshirted in 2003 at linebacker. Moved Rushed 148-779-10 (5.3), caught 10-84-2 (8.4) to the backfield and played in 11-of-12 games in and returned kicks 15-333-0 (22.2). ’04, rushing 113 times for 619 yards and five Positives: Rocked up with muscle and very touchdowns (5.5-yard average) and catching two strong pound-for-pound. Runs with good passes for 27 yards (13.5). Started 1-of-11 strength, balance and toughness. Good run games in ’05 and carried 89-478-7 (5.4) and instincts. Shows some shiftiness. Plays through caught 5-53-0 (10.6). In ’06, started 6-of-11 injury. Unselfish team player. Dependable games in which he played, replacing the injured hands. Competitive blocker. Has kickoff return over a four-game stretch, rushing experience. 108-426-6 (3.9) and grabbing 15-123-1 (8.2). Negatives: Lacks size and top-end burst. Is Started 5-of-13 games in ’07, rushing 222-872- RUNNING BACKS tightly wound. Does not get great knee exten- 21 (3.9) and receiving 5-36-0 (7.2). Led the Big sion. Durability is an issue and could continue to Ten and set the school’s single-season record for be an issue given his hard-charging running rushing touchdowns. style. Lacks breakaway speed as a returner. Positives: Very big-boned and naturally thick. Summary: Stood out at the East-West Shrine Shows some natural athleticism. Is fairly light game for his run strength and tenacity. Is not as on his feet for his size. Will drop his shoulder big or as fast as teams would like and could and run through contact. Is a load to bring down struggle to stay healthy in a full-time role. How- and can be effective moving the pile in short- ever, he has shown he is tough enough to run yardage/goal-line situations. between the tackles and could be a solid backup. Negatives: Too tight-hipped and slow to change direction. Struggles to sink his hips — RB ANDRE CALLENDER runs too tall. Average speed. Can be tracked 5 (5-10 ⁄8, 193, 4.65e) BOSTON COLLEGE down too easily. Does not block with leverage or Notes: Also lettered in track (100-meter high power. Has had difficulty controlling his weight hurdles) as a prep. Played in 10 games as a red- and it will tend to fluctuate. Marginal weight- RUNNING BACKS shirt freshman in 2004, starting one and rushing room strength. 138 times for a team-leading 637 yards (4.6-yard Summary: Best chance will likely come as a average) and two touchdowns and catching 16 fullback, where he could add value as a short- passes for 118 yards (7.4). Missed two games yardage runner. with a groin injury. Played in all 12 games as part of a RB rotation in ’05, carrying 142-708-3 RB JAMAAL CHARLES (5.0) and catching 22-141 (6.4). Returned two (5-11, 200, 4.41) TEXAS kicks for 54 yards (27.0). Saw action in all 13 Notes: Brother, ShanDerrick, played football games in ’06, rushing 146-633-3 (4.3) and snag- at SMU (2000), and cousin Graylin Johnson ging 24-238 (9.9) as a receiver. Also returned played for the Longhorns (1989-90). Jamaal also two kickoffs for 50 yards (25.0). Started all 14 lettered in track as a prep and won the Texas 5A games in ’07 and rushed 218-989-9 (4.5), state championships as a senior in the 100-meter grabbed 76-720-4 (9.5) and returned kicks 6- hurdles (13.69) and 300m hurdles (36.03), both 117-0 (19.5). Led the team in rushing and tops in the nation. As a high school sophomore, receiving and set the school’s single-season won the bronze medal in the 400m hurdles record for receptions. (51.48) at the ’03 World Youth Championships. Positives: Shows some vision to pick and As a member of the university track and field slide. Sees the cut-back. Adjusts well to the ball. team, placed second in the 100m (10.32) at the Negatives: Only a one-year starter. Lacks bulk Big 12 Indoor Championships. On the gridiron, and run strength. Takes time to accelerate and started 3-of-13 games in which he played as a shows no burst. Lacks power and is not a - true freshman in ’05 in a rotation with Selvin breaker. Shows little wiggle or quickness. Tends Young and . Registered 119 car- to catch with his body. Marginal blocker — ries for 878 yards (7.3-yard average) and 11

www.profootballweekly.com RBs 2008LO3/5/082:47PMPage21 Virginia Tech contestafterundergoing right missingthe 12 gamesinwhichheplayed’07, season andwas limitedinthespring.Startedall hadsurgery following the knee lateintheyear, tinued toplaywithatornmeniscus inhisleft the Atlantic CoastConferenceinrushing.Con- registering 297-1,534-12(5.0)tolead 14 games, fourth-round choiceP.J. Danielsandstartedall hereplacedBaltimoreRavens ’06 6 (4.4).In’06, andracked up117-513- startingone, 12 games, from hismother’s footinjury. Saw actioninall to extenuating family circumstances deriving but hedid nothave tositouttheseasondue ’05, hamstring injury. Transferred toGeorgia Tech in .Missedthreegameswithaleft buried onthedepthchartbehind reserve role, 22 carriesfor100yards(5.0-yardaverage) ina tallied Oklahoma in2003andredshirted.In’04, (2002-05) aftergoingundrafted.Enrolledat whoplayedfortheBuffalo Bills Joe Burns, alongside apower back. pace backandkickreturner. Would fit best change-of- being morethanacomplementary, between thetacklescouldkeep himfromever but inabilitytosecurethefootballandrun est, Inconsistent effort andawareness asablocker. strong orpowerful anddoesnotfinish runs. les andlikes tobounceoutsidetoomuch.Not pounding. Lacksrunstrengthbetweenthetack- a junior. Isnarrow-framed andnotbuilt totake a rity isamajorquestion—fumbled11timesas instead ofholdingithighandtightballsecu- tribute immediately asakickoff returner. the fourthquarter. Hastop-endspeedtocon- as hedidvs.NebraskaandOklahomaStatein ability andhasshown hecouldtake over games, through traffic andslipdefenders.Hasbig-play back ability. Goodagilityandfootwork toweave ity topullaway oncehehitstheclear. Nicecut- yards percarry. second amongbackswithatleast150carriesin rushing andtouchdowns andfinished 199-0 (11.7)ontheseason.LedBig12in fourth quartervs.OklahomaState.Caught17- racked up125yardsandfourtouchdowns inthe yards ofwhichcameinthefourthquarter. Also 216 highlighted by290yardsvs.Nebraska, carrying258-1,619-18(6.3), 13 gamesin’07, leadingtheteaminrushing.Startedall the air, (5.3) onthegroundand18-183-1(10.2)through State contestwithsoreness. Totaled 156-831-7 missingtheSamHouston in’06, games inwhichheplayedarotationwith yards behind . Started1-of-12 yards percarryandfinishing secondinrushing leadingtheteamin (11.2) andtwo touchdowns, touchdowns andcaught14passes for157yards (5-10 RB Summary: Negatives: Positives: Notes: TASHARD CHOICE 1 ⁄ 2 , 215,4.51)GEORGIA TECH Cousin offormer Yellow Jackets RB Can flat-outflyandshows theabil- Rare speedwillattractearlyinter- Has atendency toflagtheball 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW Unselfish team player. Very willingblocker. personality tobringtogetheralocker room. from coachesandteammateshasamagnetic Has awarrior’s mentality. Will commandrespect ural leader. Very toughandwillplaywithpain. ter competitionandrespondstoachallenge.Nat- arm. Hascontinuallyrisentotheoccasionvs.bet- and runoutofarmtackles.Flashesastrongstiff Good instinctsandvision. Will initiatecontact mination andplayswithachiponhisshoulder. his size.Runswithasenseofurgency anddeter- seasons. GraduatedinDecember. to rushforatleast1,000yardsinconsecutive utive seasonsandthefirst backinschoolhistory tory toleadtheconferenceinrushingconsec- carry. Becameonlythesixthplayerin ACC his- league inrushingandranked secondinyardsper caught14-107-0(7.6)and ledthe 10 (5.3), in thefirst quartervs. Army. Carried261-1,379- knee surgery onOct.23fromaninjurysustained (6-0 FB can stayhealthy. starting lineupandbecomeavery goodproifhe willhisway intothe could beasolidbackup, but tape. Mightnotmake animmediateimpact, make himabetterprothanhegradesouton leadership abilityareoff thechartsandwill work ethicand toughness, his competitiveness, dency tocatchwithhisbody. Does notmake many tacklersmiss.Hasaten- end speedandburst. Doesnotpushthepile. style. Doesnothave greatbalance.Lackstop- stay healthywithhishard-charging running had multipleshoulderinjuries. career production.Durabilityisaconcern —has Straight-ahead runner. Rigidrouterunner. Poor er orhitontherise.Lackspopandpower. ish. Doesnotrunhisfeetoncontactasablock- Not fluidoragile. Tight-hipped andstraight-lin- Very goodwork ethic. Catches theballoutsidehisframeandisreliable. and caninitiatecontactonthesecondlevel. rushed 6-48-0(8.0)andcaught12-92-0(7.7). and giving way tomultiple-receiver sets, in ’07, sion. Started10-of-13gamesinwhichheplayed 1 (10.6).MissedtheDuke gamewithaconcus- to three-WRandtwo-TE setsandcatching 5-53- giving way (5.5). Started9-of-13gamesin’06, and finished with13receptionsfor72yards the Yellow Jackets employed three-receiver sets, missingtwo startswhen 10-of-12 gamesin’05, times for15yards(3.8-yardaverage). Started carryingfour limited actionin2004asareserve, er andhasgoodenoughhands to warrant a pretty but usuallygetsthejobdoneasablock- Summary: Negatives: Positives: Summary: Negatives: Positives: Notes: MIKE COX 1 ⁄ 4 , 259,4.85e)GEORGIA TECH Also playedlinebacker asaprep.Saw Fiery competitor. Playsbiggerthan Has goodmass.Locateshistarget a oseilpyia ris but Has nospecialphysicaltraits, Has abadbody. Too heavy-legged. Is undersizedandhasstruggledto Is notflashyanddoeslook www.profootballweekly.com 21 RUNNING BACKS RUNNING BACKS RBs 2008 LO 3/5/08 2:47 PM Page 22

22 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW chance. Could struggle to stay healthy. hits. Lacks outside speed and a second gear. Summary: Opened some eyes at the Texas vs. RB CALVIN DAWSON the Nation all-star game and showed enough run 1 (5-8 ⁄2, 199, 4.54) LOUISIANA-MONROE skills to warrant bringing to camp. Notes: Appeared in all 11 games as a true freshman in 2004, rushing 35 times for 98 yards FB 5 (2.8-yard average) and catching one pass for 33 (5-11 ⁄8, 241, 4.79) FURMAN yards. Also returned two kickoffs for 43 yards Notes: Took the ACT in seventh grade as part (21.5). Played in all 11 games in ’05, splitting of Duke University’s talent search program and time as the starter. Carried 134-656-7 (4.9), scored well enough to qualify for college courses, caught 21-130 (6.2) and returned kicks 4-85-0 eventually amassing 19 college credits between (21.3). Started 7-of-12 games in which he seventh and 11th grade. Started the final 7-of-13 played in ’06, carrying 213-1,210-11 (5.7), games ahead of two seniors as a true freshman in catching 21-155-0 (7.4) and returning kicks 12- ’04 and finished with 66 carries for 300 yards and 268-0 (22.3). Rushed 26-179-3 vs. Kentucky 10 touchdowns (4.5-yard average) and five recep- and 19-128-0 vs. Arkansas. Started all 12 games tions for 51 yards (10.2). Started all 14 games in in ’07, carrying 281-1,414-12 (5.0), grabbing ’05, carrying 182-951-18 (5.2) and receiving 18- 29-262-0 (9.0) and returning kicks 3-82-0 (27.3) 144 and two TDs (8.0), and ranked second in the to lead the Sun Belt Conference in rushing yards Southern Conference in scoring with 124 points. and touchdowns. Finished as the school’s career Played most of the season with a broken finger. In rushing yards and rushing touchdowns leader. ’06, started 11-of-12 games, missing the Positives: Shows the foot quickness and bal- Appalachian State contest with a right high ankle ance to make the first defender miss. Sets up his sprain, rushing 162-711-23 (4.4), catching 13-85 moves and shows nice elusiveness and short- (6.5) and establishing the school single-season area burst. Good vision. Can bob and weave record for points (140). Had arthroscopic surgery through traffic and runs hard for his size. Very on his left knee after the season and was limited RUNNING BACKS good strength pound-for-pound and will drop his in the spring. Recovered in time to start all 11 shoulder to fight for extra yardage (even if he games in ’07, carrying 165-705-12 (4.3) and does not pick up much). Has stepped up vs. bet- catching 11-59-1 (5.4). Finished as the school’s ter competition. Has big mitts and catches the all-time leader in points (408) and rushing touch- ball well. Solid character. Is creative enough to downs (63) and ranks second in Southern Confer- contribute as a kickoff returner. Vocal leader. ence history in scoring. Negatives: Lacks size, run strength and power Positives: Looks the part. Has good run skills, to run inside. Not physical and seldom barrels vision and balance for as big as he is and will through any tackles. Does not have a top gear to deliver a blow. Shows strength between the tack- pull away in the clear. les and can power his way through traffic. Summary: Size limitations will keep him Strong short-yardage runner. Is agile enough to from being more than a change-of-pace back, initiate contact on the second level and fit on but he has enough elusiveness and burst to con- linebackers. Shows good awareness taking tribute on third downs and could make a roster as blockers to the hole. Is smart and learns quickly. a kickoff returner. Negatives: Not a punishing blocker and too RUNNING BACKS often looks disinterested in dirty work. Misses RB ALLEN ERVIN blocking assignments. Not overly powerful. 3 (5-10 ⁄4, 226, 4.6e) LAMBUTH Thinks he is better than he is and makes too Notes: Played in six games as a true freshman many excuses. Has faced marginal competition. as a , collecting 10 tackles. Puts the ball on the ground too much. Has not Moved to running back in ’05 and played in two played on any special teams and has a prima games with eight carries for 12 yards (1.5-yard donna attitude. averaged) before suffering a turf toe injury and Summary: Showed improved effort as a redshirting. Came back to play in eight games in blocker at the East-West Shrine game and pos- ’06, rushing 86-426 with three touchdowns, sesses the strength, agility and run skills to con- catching 14 passes for 137 yards (9.8) and tribute with the ball in his hands but still must adding 327 in return yards before tearing his prove he is more than a big fish in a small pond. right rotator cuff in the next-to-last game. Played Could fit best as a one-back. in 11 games in ’07, leading the NAIA in all-pur- pose yards per game (215.5). Rushed 220-1,295- RB JUSTIN FORSETT 14 (5.9), caught 9-107-1 (11.9) and totaled 968 (5-8, 194, 4.55e) CALIFORNIA yards in returns. Notes: Father is a minister and coach. Justin Positives: Very well put together. Runs hard rushed for nearly 5,000 yards and 63 touchdowns and shows nice balance to keep his feet after in his final two seasons in high school. Also let- contact. Can break arm tackles and will fight for tered in basketball and track as a prep. Saw action extra yardage. Good production. as a reserve running back and a gunner on the Negatives: Has faced low-level competition. team in 11 games as a true freshman, rush- Not quick-footed or elusive and takes direct ing seven times for 34 yards (4.9-yard average)

www.profootballweekly.com RBs 2008LO3/5/082:47PMPage23 ry forsingle-seasonrushingperformances. and ranksseventh inNCAA histo- points scored, rushingtouchdowns and nation inrushingyards, UAB andMemphis.Finishedsecondinthe and200-yardefforts vs. Army, AA) andSMU, yard performancesvs.SoutheasternLouisiana(I- returned onekickfor11yards.Recorded300- 32-282-0 (8.8)asareceiver and on theground, amassing361-2,127-23(5.9) 12 gamesinthefall, but recovered tostartall ing ’07springpractice, and posteriorcruciateligament. Was limiteddur- the final threecontestswithatornleftmeniscus but missed (5.3) andsnagging28-360-2(12.9), rushing163-859-8 the first nine gamesin’06, 655-4 (3.9)andgrabbed23-163-1(7.1).Started Started 6-of-11gamesin’05andcarried169- passes for180yards(9.0)andtwo touchdowns. average) andfourtouchdowns andcatching20 rushing140timesfor624yards(4.5-yard 2004, prep. Started3-of-11gamesasatruefreshmanin McNeese State.Mattalsoletteredintrackasa playsfootballat Bryan, Wave in1977.Brother, third downs. game. Couldfind aroleonspecialteamsand hedoesnothave greattraitsforthepro ever, asked andgetsthemostoutofhisability. How- Forsett hasdoneeverything hehasbeen for, conference inrushingtouchdowns. andledthePacific-10 receiving 22-202-0(9.2), rushing304-1,543-15(5.1)and games in’07, and for163totalyardsinthegame.Startedall13 Oregon afterMarshawn Lynch leftwithaninjury Rushed for115yardsinthefourthquartervs. receiving 11-111(10.1)andonetouchdown. compiling119-626-4(5.3)on thegroundand ’06, vs. New Mexico State. Started1-of-13gamesin kicks for70yards(17.5).Rushed253 catchingseven passes for68yards(9.7)andalsoreturningfour carrying132-999-6(7.6), ’05, les onspecialteams.Started3-of-12gamesin the endzoneforatouchdown and hadthreetack- and onetouchdown. Recovered ablocked puntin (6-1 RB-FB the tacklesandfollows hisblocks.Shows good return experience. overwhelmed inpassprotection.Haslimited run speed.Seldomusedasareceiver. Looks speed andisnotfast orexplosive. Lackshome- play physical.Notoverly elusive. Hasbuild-up game andworks hardtoimprove. er. Hasbeenvery durable.Smart.Studiesthe tributed on special teamsasagunnerandreturn- the gameseriously. Strongcharacter. Hascon- tackles. Hasbighands.Goodproduction. Takes er. Playshardandwillrunoutofsomeankle quick lateralcutsandstringafew moves togeth- Nice bodycontrolandbalance.Canmake some Positives: Notes: Summary: Negatives: Positives: 3 ⁄ 8 , 217,4.47) TULANE MATT FORTÉ ahr ee captained theGreen Gene, Father, Is instinctive andrunsdecisively. Solidly built. Runshardbetween Is smallanddoesnotrunstrongor The typeofbackyouwant toroot 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW thrown ball.Lacksbreakaway speed. tightness inhishipsandstrugglestoadjustthe sustaining blocksinpassprotection.Shows some Could doabetterjobofstayingonhisfeetand sive anddoesnotstringmany moves together. and canbeslow toreachthe perimeter. Notelu- like thatoftheBroncosorPackers. runner whocouldfit mostideallyinasystem stretch-zone physical orinstinctive. A strong, but Green-Ellisis notquiteastough, Barber, blance toCowboys 2005fourth-rounderMarion (5-8 RB (5-10 RB work ethic. Tough andcompetitive. game. Reliablehands. Willing blocker. Great feet forhissize.Goodinstinctsandfeelthe Always falls forward. Issurprisinglylightonhis drop hispadsanddrive througharmtackles. tackler missinthehole.Runsdecisively andcan feet tosidestepthefirst defenderandmake a showing willelevate draftstock. SolidCombine best inazone-blockingscheme. team withamoreelusive scatbackandwould fit become asolidcomplementarypower backfora ability todevelop intoaworkhorse. Could Has shown hecouldcarryanoffense andhasthe and toughnesstobeeffective runninginside. instincts one-cutrunnerwiththevision, upright, aertuhon 24,consecutive 100-yard career touchdowns (204), take sometimetodigestanNFLplaybook. and isseldomusedinthepassinggame.Could break alotoftackles.Hastwo skilletsfor hands runwithgreatauthorityor ate alotofpower, a creative runner. Short-stepper. Does notgener- and willmisssomeopenholes.Not of blockers, runningintothebacks Makes somehastyreads, in passprotectionanddeliver ablow. positive yardage.Has thestrengthtobeeffective bouncesoff tacklersandwillfight for to theline, yardage inchunks.Keeps his shoulderssquared good leanandusuallyfalls forward. Canpickup ried 230-1,137-6(4.9)andcaught2-25-0(12.5). 43-0 (5.4).Startedall12gamesin’07andcar- rushing234-1,000-7(4.3)andcatching8- in ’06, of NCAAtransferrules.Started11-of-12games in ’05tobecloserhomeandsatoutbecause snagged 14-80-0(5.7). Transferred toOleMiss games in’04andcarried231-794-5(3.4) (11.2) andonetouchdown. Playedinall11 downs andcatching15passesfor168yards 938 yards(4.2-yardaverage) andseven touch- rushing225timesfor a truefreshmanin2003, Enrolled atIndianaandstarted3-of-12gamesas Summary: Negatives: Notes: Summary: Negatives: Positives: Notes: MIKE HART B 7 ⁄ 8 5 , 206,4.76)MICHIGAN EN ⁄ 8 , 219,4.64)MISSISSIPPI JARVUS GREEN-ELLIS Holds nationalhighschoolrecords for Also letteredintrackasaprep. Very goodsize.Runshardwith Runs tall. Takes timetobuild speed Scouts sayhebearssomeresem- i,srn,hard-charging, strong, A big, Has avery tightlower body. www.profootballweekly.com 23 RUNNING BACKS RUNNING BACKS RBs 2008 LO 3/5/08 2:47 PM Page 24

24 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW rushing games (47), career 100-yard rushing ed 1-of-13 games in ’04 and carried 25-114-2 games (47) and career points (1,246). Rushed (4.6) and caught 11-63-2 (5.7). Started 11-of-13 935 times for 11,232 yards (12.0-yard average) games at fullback (seven) and running back in his prep career. Also lettered in basketball and (four) in ’06, giving way to three-WR and two- made five steals per game. Started 8-of-12 TE sets on multiple occasions, running 94-440- games as a true freshman in 2004, carrying 282 6 (4.7) and grabbing 35-269-3 (7.7). Started all times for 1,455 yards (5.2) and nine touchdowns 14 games in ’07 at running back, and carried and catching 26 passes for 237 yards (9.1) and 225-1,103-12 (4.9) and caught 14-106-1 (7.6). one touchdown. Named Big Ten Freshman of Positives: Can dip his pads and crease tacklers. the Year after leading the conference in rushing. Nice run strength. Tough and physical and runs Started all eight games in which he played in with a bulldozer mentality. Runs hard after the ’05, missing four contests with minor hamstring catch and gets upfield fast. Very determined. and ankle injuries, and rushed 150-662-4 (4.4) Takes good care of the ball. Has been very durable and grabbed 16-154-1 (9.6). Started all 13 and has played on every special-teams unit. Very games in ’06, rushing 318-1,562-14 (4.9) and solid character. Outstanding work ethic. snagging 17-125-0 (7.4). Did not play in the Negatives: Only knows one speed and lacks spring after having offseason shoulder surgery. a top gear. Average lateral quickness. Not a A team captain, he started all 10 games in which quick-cutter. Does not generate a lot of power he played in ’07, missing three of the final six through his hips and struggles to sink and contests of the season with a sprained right ankle change direction. Does not throw his body suffered in the first half vs. Purdue. Amassed around as a blocker. 265-1,361-14 (5.1) on the ground and 8-50-0 Summary: Jack-of-all-trades, master of none. (6.3) as a receiver, and led the Big Ten in rush- Gets what is blocked for him but lacks power ing yards per game. Finished as the school’s all- inside and burst and acceleration to the perimeter. time leader in rushing yards (5,040), attempts Has lined up at fullback and in some one-back (1,015) and rushing yards per game (117.2). sets and could bring value as a utility back and for RUNNING BACKS Positives: Has a thick build and runs low to a long time on special teams. Could be a luxury the ground. Can pick and slide and runs very pick similar to Rams 2007 second-rounder Brian decisively. Very tough and hard-nosed. Shows Leonard for a team with a plan to use him. very good lower-body strength for his size and runs with balance. Good inside vision and quick- RB 1 ness. Very determined and will fight for extra (6-0 ⁄8, 226, 4.62) RICHMOND yardage. Takes exceptional care of the football. Notes: Also earned varsity letters in basket- Good hands — catches the ball well outside his ball and track as a prep. Played in all 11 games frame. Outstanding career production. Very solid as a true freshman in 2004, carrying the ball 58 in pass protection. Sees the blitz and will step up times for 161 yards. Also caught 19 passes for to take on defenders. Intensely competitive and 158 yards and returned two kickoffs, one for 30 has a swagger. yards vs. William & Mary. Started 9-of-13 Negatives: Lacks size, and his body began to games in ’05, rushing 142-777-9 and catching break down as a senior. Does not have the top 21-163-0. Had three 100-plus-yard rushing gear to pull away. Not elusive and does not make games. Started all 11 games in ’06, carrying RUNNING BACKS a lot of tacklers miss. Can be tracked down eas- 177-850-7 and catching 34-269-2. Exploded as a ily from behind. Takes time to accelerate and get senior in ’07, starting all 14 games and setting outside. Has been dinged up and missed time school records with 337-1,991-20 rushing. with injuries. Added 32-228-3 receiving. Summary: Size, toughness, run strength and Positives: Has good size and strength, runs instincts are reminiscent of an incredibly poor hard downhill and can power through tacklers. man’s Emmitt Smith, although not nearly as lat- Attacks the line of scrimmage and fights for erally quick or elusive. Has taken an inordinate extra yardage. Shows nice run vision to pick and amount of carries already for an undersized back slide and is instinctive finding holes. Drives his and durability could become more of an issue. If legs and is strong between the tackles. Has a feel Hart can withstand a pounding, however, he is for the game. Good competitor. Very solid char- reliable enough in all phases of the game to earn acter. Elected team captain. Solid production. a starting job. Has been durable. Negatives: Production is inflated from facing FB-RB JACOB HESTER marginal competition at Football Championship 5 (5-10 ⁄8, 226, 4.62) LSU Series level. Lacks burst to the perimeter and is Notes: Married. Distant cousin of Pittsburgh not a great athlete. Not elusive in the open field Steelers Hall of Fame QB Terry Bradshaw. Was and does not have finishing speed. Inconsistent named Louisiana Class 5A Offensive MVP as a catcher. Put the ball on the ground too much ear- high school junior. Started 1-of-12 games as a lier in his career. true freshman in 2004, rushing 20 times for 123 Summary: Ran hard in the Texas vs. the yards (6.2-yard average) and catching two pass- Nation all-star game and has the strength, es for 21 yards (10.5) and one touchdown. Start- instincts and inside running ability to compete

www.profootballweekly.com RBs 2008LO3/5/082:47PMPage25 g uis makingfive tacklesandreturning16 age duties, receptions. Also handledpunt-returnand cover- and catching38-402-4(10.6)tolead theteamin carrying65-315-3 (4.8) fullback/H-back in’05, weeks aftertheinjury. Started9-of-11gamesat but hereturned toplayagainstGeorgia onlythree and L3vertebrates againstFlorida(Week Five), L2 fracture ofthetransverse processesoftheL1, to beoutforatleast6-8weeksaftersuffering a seven kicksfor128yards(18.3).Hewas thought yards (8.1)andtwo touchdowns. Also returned and sixtouchdowns andcatching12ballsfor97 rushing 63timesfor240yards(3.8-yardaverage) playingin10gamesand true freshmanin2004, senior. Lined upatbothtailbackandfullbackasa 2,631 yardsand29touchdowns asahighschool physical toolstoimprove. Has shown promiseasablocker andhasthe to contribute asaone-backorathleticfullback. toughnessandversatility showing therunskills, ing injuryandreturnedtoformasasenior, injury asajunior. cern following his Achilles’ factor inthereceiving game.Durabilityisacon- marginal competition.Hasnot beenmuchofa tion anddoesnoteludedefenders.Hasfaced Good careerproduction. ond level. Haslong arms toreachandextend. pass protectionandattacksdefendersonthesec- al catcher. Very willingblocker —squaresupin good bodyleanandusuallyfalls forward. Natur- runswith blocks develop. Has goodstrength, presses thelineandshows nicepatienceletting and isathleticforhissize.Runshardinside, (5-11 RB-FB be alimitingfactor. but alackoffootspeedcouldalways for ajob, (6-0 FB yards. finished secondinschoolhistoryrushing 1,134-16 (4.7)andgrabbed15-119-0(7.9) surgery foraninjuredthumb. Rushed241- missing theIdahoStatecontestafterundergoing to startall11gamesinwhichheplayed’07, tendon.Returned ’06 duetoatornleft Achilles’ the Year) finalist consideration.Redshirtedin Walter Payton Award (I-AAOffensive Playerof 11-144 (13.1)andtwo touchdowns enrouteto carrying249-1,322-12(5.3)andcatching ’05, receiving 22-211(9.6).Startedall12gamesin carrying190-972-17(5.1)and games in’04, nine passesfor117yards(13.0).Started4-of-14 yard average) andfive touchdowns andcaught played. Rushed125timesfor590yards(4.7- but was activated andstarted1-of-12gameshe a prep. Was supposedtoredshirtthe2003season Summary: Negatives: Positives: Notes: oe:Parade Notes: 3 ⁄ 4 1 , 240,4.66)ARKANSAS ⁄ 8 , 231,4.69)MONTANA Also letteredintrackandwrestlingas Responded fromacareer-threaten- Has goodmusculatureandmass Lacks speedforthetailbackposi- All-American whorushedfor 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW ly hisbesttraits. consistently playedtoosoft.Hishandsareclear- power asablocker infouryearscollege and Senior Bowl but never showed alotofpopand time withinjuries. er. Durabilityisaquestion—hasmissedsome defenders missandhasbeenaverage asareturn- production. Lackspower. Notelusive tomake strength asablocker. Turns upfield quicklyafterthecatch.Flashes and isasolidrouterunner. Goodconcentration. receiver outofthebackfield. Linesupintheslot adjust totheballwellandisvery efficient asa (5-11, 197,4.29)EASTCAROLINA ATH-RB-WR-KR eetosb unn ak(2) touchdowns receptions byarunningback(125), including yards (2,960)andeightcareerrecords, pointsscored(144)andall-purpose touchdowns, school single-seasonrecordsincluding rushing Boise StateintheHawaii Bowl. Setseven all-purpose yardswiththe408-yardeffort vs. tively. respec- Settheall-timeNCAAbowl recordfor 153return), 32receiving, (223 rushing, 95return)andBoiseState 12receiving, ing, pair of408-yardgamesvs.Memphis(301rush- includinga lighted byfive 200-plus-yardgames, high- (28.0). Ledthenationinall-purposeyards, 528-6 (14.3)andreturningkicks36-1,009-1 grabbing37- rushing236-1,423-17(6.0), ’07, injury vs. West Virginia. Startedall13gamesin Did notplayvs. Virginia aftersuffering aturftoe 482 (23.0)andonetouchdown onkickreturns. 21-176-0 (8.4)throughtheairandreturning21- ing 78-314-4(4.0)onthegroundwhilesnagging gain- neck surgery. Started5-of-12gamesin’06, spring of’06whilerehabbingfromoffseason Fumbled onlyonceinhisfirst two years.Satout (10.2) andreturning21-459(21.9)onkickoffs. carrying 176-684-6(3.9)andreceiving 35-356-2 765 yards(20.7).Startedall11gamesin’05, two touchdowns. Also returned37kickoffs for and catching32passesfor236yards(7.4) yards (4.2-yardaverage) andfive touchdowns, rushing134timesforateam-leading561 2004, games atrunningbackasatruefreshmanin Carolina asawidereceiver. Started7-of-11 meters asapreptrackathlete.SignedwithEast running back. school single-seasonrecordforreceptionsbya receiving andreceiving touchdowns andsetthe and grabbed49-537-5(11.0).Ledtheteamin andrushed62-347-2(5.6) multiple-receiver sets, giving way to games inwhichheplayed’07, eight puntsfor92yards(11.5).Started9-of-13 caught19-159-0(8.4)andfielded the ground, walking forseveral days.Gained13-57-1(4.4)on to adeepthighbruisethatprevented himfrom missingfourgamesearlyintheseasondue in ’06, punts for165yards(10.3).Started9-of-10games Summary: Negatives: Positives: Notes: Timed at10.38secondsinthe100 Looked aggressive blockingatthe ace h alntrly can Catches theballnaturally, Lacks confidence. Average career CHRIS JOHNSON www.profootballweekly.com 25 RUNNING BACKS RUNNING BACKS RBs 2008 LO 3/5/08 2:47 PM Page 26

26 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW (44) and all-purpose yards (6,993). together. Is not easy to hit squarely. Has a knack Positives: Has rare speed and can pull away for finding creases. Shows top burst and acceler- from the pack when he finds a crease. Runs hard. ation. Is patient finding lanes in the kickoff- Shows game-breaking speed as a kickoff return- return game and accelerates in a blink when he er. Outstanding overall production. Can adjust sees daylight. Exceptional lateral quickness. well to the thrown ball and catches cleanly away Very competitive. from his body. Has lined up in the slot and has Negatives: Thinly built and not built to with- the vertical speed to create separation. Has big- stand heavy contact or carry the workload. Dura- play capability. bility could be a concern. Averaged only 10.2 Negatives: Durability always will be an issue carries and is not a bellcow. Lacks the strength to given his running style. Runs too tall and stiff- consistently run between the tackles. Needs to hipped and struggles to sink his hips and gener- improve as a blocker. Was not featured in the ate any power. Dips his head on contact and is passing game and did not return punts. not a physical runner. Average running strength. Summary: A dynamic space player with quick- Has very, very small hands. Marginal blocker. cutting ability and elusiveness to contribute Production was inflated from having faced Con- immediately in a complementary role. Did not ference USA competition. Has not returned play in an offense that features backs in the pass- punts. Could take time to digest a playbook. ing game but has caught the ball well when he Summary: Is not built to withstand contact had opportunities and shows terrific instincts and between the tackles and is at his best when he is traffic burst as a kickoff returner. Could make an in space. Could bring instant returns in the kick- immediate impact in the pros and be a game- off-return game and contribute in the receiving breaking complement to a power back. game. Toughness, intelligence and upright run- ning style always will be limiting factors that RB RODNEY KINLAW 1 keep him from reaching his potential. Those (5-9 ⁄8, 197, 4.5e) PENN STATE who get caught up in his speed and do not have Notes: Nephew of Courtney Brown. Was a RUNNING BACKS a definitive plan for how to use him could be finalist for South Carolina’s Mr. Football award burned. A fast, zone runner in a similar mold to as a high school senior. Suffered a torn anterior Falcons RB Jerious Norwood, Johnson never cruciate ligament in his right knee during a mid- will be an every-down back and is at his best September practice his freshman year in 2003. when he is in space. Had surgery on the knee and was granted a med- ical redshirt. Played in all 11 games in 2004, car- RB FELIX JONES (Junior) rying 23 times for 93 yards. Led the Lions with 1 (5-10 ⁄8, 207, 4.51) ARKANSAS 10 kickoff returns for 198 yards. Played in seven Notes: Suffered a broken ankle as a high games in ’05, including each of the last five. school junior but recovered to compile 2,282 Rushed 16-34-2 and caught one pass for three rushing yards and 48 touchdowns as a senior. yards. Also had 8-237 (29.6-yard average) on Started 2-of-11 games in which he played as a kickoff returns. Played in all 13 games in ’06 as true freshman in 2005, carrying 99 times for 626 the top reserve behind third- yards (6.3-yard average) and three touchdowns, rounder Tony Hunt. Had 39-199-0 rushing, 1-5- grabbing eight passes for 100 yards (12.5) and 0 receiving and 9-174-0 (19.3) returning kicks. RUNNING BACKS returning 17 kicks for 543 yards (31.9) and one Graduated in May 2007 with a degree in labor touchdown. Tied with teammate Darren McFad- and industrial relations. Is working on a second den for tops in the in degree, in sociology. Started 9-of-13 games in yards per carry and ranked second in the country ’07, rushing 243-1,362-10, catching 21-128-0 in yards per return. Started 6-of-14 games in and returning one kick for 18 yards. Left the which he played in ’06 at flanker (four) and run- Alamo Bowl with a rib injury but did return. ning back (two). Rushed 154-1,168-6 (7.6), Positives: Runs hard downhill and attacks the caught 15-107-3 (7.1) and returned kicks 23-554- line of scrimmage. Good feet and agility to 1 (24.1). Led the nation (amongst backs with at quickly plant and redirect. Can jump out of cuts least 100 carries) in yards per carry, and ranked and shows the ability to make the first defender second in the SEC in rushing. Started 3-of-13 miss. Surprisingly strong for his size. Shows games in which he played in ’07 at flanker. Car- good vision and is instinctive finding creases. ried 133-1,162-11 (8.7), caught 16-176-0 (11.0) Good play speed. Tough and will play through and returned kicks 22-652-2 (29.6). Led the injury. Reliable catcher. Has kickoff-return nation in yards per carry (amongst backs with at experience. Competitiveness shows up on tape. least 100 carries) and ranked fourth in kick-return Negatives: Only a one-year starter. Lacks bulk average. Also became the school’s all-time leader strength and is not built to withstand heavy con- in kickoff-return yardage (1,749) and tied former tact. Durability could be a consideration. Not Tennessee WR Willie Gault for the conference powerful. Does not string moves together. Needs record for kick-return touchdowns (four). to take better care of the ball. Still raw in pass Positives: Very natural athlete. Runs decisive- protection and as a route runner. Lacks home- ly and has excellent feet. Shows the run run speed. instincts, vision and balance to string moves Summary: Emerged as the starter as a senior

www.profootballweekly.com RBs 2008LO3/5/082:47PMPage27 be restricting. toughnessandvisionwillalways ited footspeed, but hislim- run skillstocontendforaNo.3job, injuries. Marginal production. catch. Average blocker. Hasbeenslowed by catch withhisbodyandisnotcreative afterthe tendsto time togetdownhill. Hassmallhands, gets whatisblocked forhim. Takes toomuch Shows littlecreativity orelusiveness andonly a physicalrunner. Lacksspeedtotheperimeter. good worker. HasNFLbloodlines. make onecutandgo.Emotionalleader. Very (5-10 RB and provide depthonanNFLroster. one-cut slasherwhocouldbeasolidroleplayer late intheseasonandfinished theyearstrong. A most ofhisopportunities.Showed improvement after Austin Scottwas suspendedandmadethe (6-0 RB (3.8) rushingand21-95-0(4.5)receiving. thereafter withBall.Finished213-805-13 test withahamstringinjuryandsplittingtime missingtheBostonCollege con- played in’07, Started thefirst 9-of-12gamesinwhichhe 160-743-3 (4.6)andgrabbed20-210(10.5). andrushed splittingcarrieswithLanceBall, ’06, weight by20pounds.Started2-of-13gamesin right shoulderandalsolowered hisplaying (1.2). Missed’06springpracticetorehabthe 181-3 (3.1)andcaughtfourballsforfive yards surgery onthesamerightshoulder. Carried58- played in’05but missedthreeconteststohave (2.1-yard average). Started2-of-8gameshe rushingseven timesfor15yards five games, dislocated rightshoulder. Returnedtoplayin in ’04andmissedthefirst fourcontestswitha and fourtouchdowns. Transferred toMaryland Academy (Va.) in2003andrushedfor425yards in highschool. Attended Hargrave Military Ray Lewis. Also letteredinbasketball andtrack lead blocker for All-American Steve Baylark. startingseven atfullback as 13 gamesin’06, rest oftheseasonasamedicalredshirt. Playedin on first carryofnineyardsanddidnotplay the 2005.Injuredknee with MinutemenonSept.1, avg.). Transferred toUMassandmade debut ing andreturned12kickoffs 186yards(15.5 5-61-1 receiv- Ended upwith28-117-2rushing, startingthefirst two. Played in10games’04, down andcaughtfourpassesfor14yards. carried 45timesfor150yardsandonetouch- playedinsixgameswithtwo startsand 2003, cut hisfirst two years. As atruefreshmanin Connecticut. Attended University ofConnecti- state championbasketball playerasaprep in Summary: Negatives: Positives: Notes: Notes: MATT LAWRENCE KEON LATTIMORE 3 ⁄ 8 5 , 210,4.52)MASSACHUSETTS ⁄ 8 , 228,4.55e)MARYLAND Half-brother isBaltimoreRavens LB Also anall-statetriple-jumperand Excellent size.Naturalathlete.Can Does notplaytohissizeandis a nuhsz,athleticismand Has enoughsize, 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW tion inazonescheme. shows thecut-backabilitytowarrant considera- but wherehelinedupasajunior, at fullback, (5-8 RB-KR from behind.Notapowerful tackle-breaker. tion. Lacksgreatspeedandcanbetracked down Too wiryandthin-framedforthefullbackposi- agile blocker. through smallspaces. A willing, Shows somewiggletogetthrough traffic andfit ethic. Playssmartandunderstandsthegame. on linebackers atthesecondlevel. Goodwork the field. Naturalcatcher. Shows theagilitytofit ty. Nicebalance.Canmake sharpcutsandgetup vision andrunsdecisively. Goodcut-backabili- games in’07. 30 yards.Gained100yardsormorein10-of-13 receiving 17-69-0andreturning onekickoff for rushing 318-1,585-16, games attailbackin’07, 5-146-0 (29.2)returningkicks.Startedall13 14-109-0receiving and Had 34-174-2rushing, es agilityandshort-areaburst toelude ness, receiving. with atleast2,000yardsrushingand 1,000yards school historyandfourthinconference history yards (5,343)andbecamethefirst playerin Southeastern Conferencehistoryinall-purpose and returned punts19-127-0(6.7).Rankssixthin grabbed42-347-1(8.3), 1,013-3 (5.3), left kneeduringtheSeniorBowl. Rushed190- fered asprainedmedialcollateralligamentinhis half vs. Vanderbilt withabackinjury. Also suf- restricted movement inhiskneeandthesecond midseason contestswithadeepthighbruisethat missingthree games inwhichheplayed’07, on thekneeduringoffseason. Startedall10 14-317 (22.6)andunderwentasecondsurgery snagged31- 392-2 (12.6)andreturnedkicks1-23punts carried140-673-3(5.0), season, tests afteraggravating theleftmeniscus.On but missedfourmidseasoncon- played in’06, Recovered tostart7-of-9gamesinwhichhe undergoing surgery forbothinjuries. summer, then torethemeniscusinhisleftknee cated rightwristduring’06springpracticeand pose yardsagainst Vanderbilt. Sustainedadislo- highlightedby372all-pur- punts 21-355(16.9), 0 (9.8)andreturningkicks3-133-1(44.3) catching46-449- rushing197-1,045-9(5.3), ’05, punts for55yards(9.2).Startedall11gamesin returned threekicksfor13yards(4.3)andsix for 136yards(11.3)andonetouchdown. Also age) andonetouchdown andcatching12passes carrying 53timesfor265yards(5.0-yardaver- 9 gamesinwhichheplayedasatruefreshman, of 2004.Recovered intimetostartthefinal 3-of- school seniorandunderwentsurgery in August Tore themeniscusinhisrightkneeasahigh Summary: Negatives: Positives: Positives: Notes: 3 ⁄ 4 , 194,4.5e)KENTUCKY RAFAEL LITTLE Also letteredinbasketball asaprep. Good athletewiththefootquick- Not bigortoughenoughtolineup Shows someruninstinctsand Has faced average competition. www.profootballweekly.com 27 RUNNING BACKS RUNNING BACKS RBs 2008 LO 3/5/08 2:47 PM Page 28

28 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW defenders. Natural receiver. Shows nice vision Positives: Very good size. Looks the part and and instincts as a returner. Very good career pro- is very well built. Can pick and slide and shows duction. nice vision to see the cut-back lanes and find Negatives: Lack of size and durability issues creases inside. Runs hard downhill and can drive are concerns. Has struggled to stay healthy. Not the pile. Has good hands. Gives effort as a block- a worker. Shows too much wasted movement er and shows the toughness to take on defensive and pitter-patters in the hole. Does not run with linemen. Plays smart. Solid character. any power. Marginal run strength to run inside. Negatives: Only shows one gear. Lacks speed Likes to bounce everything outside. to the perimeter and the quickness to shake Summary: Has a chance to stick as a third- defenders. Not overly powerful. Marginal pro- down, change-of-pace back and punt returner duction. but is not overly sudden or elusive for a little Summary: Got lost in a very talented back- back and has not been able to stay healthy field but has the size, run strength and inside throughout his career. running ability to warrant a chance. Does every- thing well enough to be tried at fullback in a FB ROLLY LUMBALA West Coast offense, where he could bring added 3 (6-0 ⁄4, 253, 4.78) IDAHO value as a pass catcher and short-yardage runner. Notes: Native of Canada. Started 2-of-12 games in 2004 as a true freshman, rushing 141 FB-RB BRANDON McANDERSON 1 times for 614 yards and six touchdowns (4.4- (5-10 ⁄4, 234, 4.6e) KANSAS yard average) and recording six receptions for Notes: Also lettered in basketball and track as 40 yards (6.7). In ’05, started 6-of-12 games, a prep. Redshirted in 2003. Played in all 11 carrying 128-472-1 (3.7) and catching 22-217-2 games in ’04, carrying three times for four yards (9.9) as part of a four-back contingent. Played all (1.3-yard average) and one touchdown. Started 12 games as a reserve in ’06 and rushed 21-95-2 2-of-12 games in a rotation in ’05 and carried (4.5). Started 2-of-12 games in which he played 22-102-1 (4.6) and caught three passes for 40 RUNNING BACKS in ’07 at tight end, carrying 1-2-0 and grabbing yards (13.3), earning Most Improved Offensive 8-67-0 (8.4). Player recognition. In ’06, started 1-of-12 games Positives: Good size. Versatile and has lined and rushed 31-122-5 (3.9) and grabbed 6-70-0 up wherever he has been needed. Unselfish team (11.7). Also returned four kicks for 80 yards player. Solid character. Great work ethic. Self- (20.0). Earned the team’s top special-teams made. Gives good effort. Willing blocker. player award. Started 11-of-13 games in which Negatives: Average athlete. Limited run skills, he played in ’07, rushing 190-1,125-16 (5.9) and vision, instincts and burst. Raw route runner. receiving 21-213-0 (10.1), ranking second in the Summary: Nondescript role player who could Big 12 in rushing touchdowns and third in rush- add a body in camp for his blocking ability. ing yards. Likely will draw most interest from the CFL. Positives: Has sheer mass. Shows some vision and run instincts. Surprisingly light on his feet RB-FB KREGG LUMPKIN for as big as he is. Has stood out in coverage on 1 (5-11 ⁄2, 226, 4.72) GEORGIA special teams. Notes: Parade All-American. Also lettered in Negatives: Has a bad body. Marginal func- RUNNING BACKS track as a prep. Missed the first two games of the tional speed. Lacks power and tackle-breaking 2003 season with a hamstring injury but went on ability for as big as he is. Not strong or explo- to play in the last 12 games as a true freshman sive. Does not block with authority or throw his and started in the Capital One Bowl vs. Purdue. body around like a fullback needs to be able to Rushed 112 times for 523 yards (4.7-yard aver- do. Not physical. age) and six touchdowns and caught 14 balls for Summary: Big, soft-bodied, plodding single 93 yards (6.6) and one touchdown. Suffered a back with enough run instincts and mass to get torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee on the job done in a zone scheme at the college the first day of preseason practices and redshirt- level. Will have to make it on special teams in the ed during the ’04 season. Returned to play in all pros, learn what it means to work in the weight 13 games in ’05, gaining 66-335-3 (5.1) and room and transition to fullback to earn a job. catching 5-12-0 (2.4). Started 9-of-13 games after Thomas Brown was injured in ’06, carrying RB DARREN McFADDEN (Junior) 1 162-798-6 (4.9) and snagging 17-116-1 (6.8). (6-1 ⁄4, 211, 4.36) ARKANSAS Appeared in six games in ’07, missing two Notes: Parade All-American as a prep. The early-season contests after breaking his right Associated Press Freshman of the Year, honor- thumb in the season opener vs. Oklahoma State able mention All-American and first-team All- and undergoing surgery, and missed the final Southeastern Conference as a true freshman in four regular-season games with a torn lateral 2005. Started 9-of-11 games. Broke the meniscus and a sprained posterior lateral com- Arkansas freshman rushing record after carrying plex suffered vs. Vanderbilt that also required 176 times for 1,113 yards (6.3-yard average) and surgery. Finished with 12-44-0 (3.7) on the 11 touchdowns and catching 14 passes for 52 ground and 2-13-0 (6.5) as a receiver. yards (3.7). Also returned 12 kicks for 348 yards

www.profootballweekly.com RBs 2008LO3/5/082:47PMPage29 Darren McFadden (2,433). Finishedastheschool’s all-timeleader single-season markforall-purposeyards single-season rushingrecordandtheconference (19.8) andthrew 6-11-123-4-0.Settheschool returnedkicks16-316-0 grabbed 21-164-1(7.8), with 325rushingyardsvs.SouthCarolina, tyinganSECsingle-gamerecord 1,830-16 (5.6), ning back(12)andflanker (1).Rushed325- Madre Hill.Startedall13gamesin’07atrun- surpassing most rushingyardsinaseason, America honors.Broke the Arkansas recordfor Smith ofOhioState.Earnedfirst-team (AP) All- ished secondinHeisman Trophy voting to Troy more toreceive theDoak Walker Award andfin- his orarelative’s car. Becamethefirst sopho- McFadden confrontedmentryingtostealeither involved inafight outsideaLittleRockclub. left toesuffered in August whenMcFadden was opener afterhaving surgery onadislocatedbig down withalongof92yards. Missedtheseason Returned kickoffs 10-262(26.2)andonetouch- formation. “Wildcat” interception in Arkansas’ threetouchdowns andone passes for69yards, and onetouchdown. Also completed7-of-9 284-1,714-14 (5.8)andcatching11-149(13.5) rushing Walker. Started13-of-14 gamesin’06, withtheotherbeingHerschel season intheSEC, one oftwo freshmentosurpass1,000yardsina of thenation’s toprundefensesatthetime.Only whenheran31-190-2(6.1)againstone Georgia, (29.0) withalongof81.Bestgamecameagainst l ARKANSAS 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW

SPORTPICS Appears destinedtobreakateam’s heart and field andcouldkeep himfromstayingonit. characteristic ofhislackdiscipline off the Fumbling problemsareamajorconcern thatare him fromever realizinghisimmensepotential. Off-field distractionsandhangers-oncouldkeep better make sureithasdoneitsduediligence. ter. Any teamwhoconsidersdraftinghimearly physical talentandhigh-risk(personal)charac- tions off thefield. concern —willnever beabletoescapedistrac- very pressing hand. Personalcharacterisavery, himself. Almost always carriestheballinhisleft the field asajuniorandseemedtobeprotecting does nothave greatvision.Didnotleave itallon tle usedasareceiver. Will misssomeholesand asked todoinmany pro-styleoffenses. Was lit- and didnotrundownhill theway hewillbe where hetookdirectsnapsfromthequarterback quently usedoutofaspreadshotgunformation goes down tooeasilywitharmtackles. Was fre- not sinkhishipseasilytochangedirectionand lower bodyandsometightnessinhiships.Does football. Istop-heavy. Runsuprightwithathin second halfvs. Alabama. asked. Hasshown hecantake over games—see sion forthegameanddoeseverything heis apas- ball character—hasanauraonthefield, career TD tosses).Goodversatility. Solidfoot- accurate throwing halfback-optionpasses(seven through contact.Catchestheballwellandis down defenses. Will diphis shoulderanddrive he goesby. Canruninsideoroutsideandwear accelerate withthetypeofspeedyoucanfeelas defense. Canstickhisfootinthegroundand acceleration totake thecornerandoutruna will deliver ablow. Shows theexplosion and a strongupperbodyandpowerful stiff-arm and threat toscoreevery time hefinds acrease.Has any otherrunnerinthecountry. morethan fumbled 23timesthepastthreeyears, eventually was clearedofallwrongdoing.Has but aviolationofNCAArules, sion ofavehicle, investigated inlate2007fortheillegal posses- involved inthepastyearandahalf. Was also second altercationinwhichMcFadden hasbeen by policeoncehecalmeddown. This was the but was released behavior incitingtheincident,” he was agitatedandwas provoking aggressive hewas handcuffed “because to apolicereport, altercation ataLittleRockpianobar. According 2008foran released withoutcharges onJan.10, ond consecutive season. Was handcuffed but er Award (nation’s toprunningback)forasec- er ofthe aswelltheDoak YearWalk- Award, andwon the Walter CampPlay- secutive season, ond inHeisman Trophy voting forasecondcon- placedsec- All-America (AP)first-team honors, (4,590) behindonlyHerschel Walker. Earned ond inSEChistorycareerrushingyards in rushingandall-purposeyardsrankssec- Summary: Negatives: Positives: A boom-or-bust prospectwithelite Has big-playcapabilityandisa Needs totake bettercareofthe www.profootballweekly.com 29 RUNNING BACKS RUNNING BACKS RBs 2008 LO 3/5/08 2:47 PM Page 30

30 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW could ultimately cost a decision-maker his job if too much is invested in him. RB KALVIN McRAE 1 (5-9 ⁄8, 203, 4.76) OHIO Notes: Also lettered in wrestling and track as a prep. Started 8-of-11 games as a true freshman in 2004, giving way to three-receiver sets and racking up 142 carries for 559 yards and four touchdowns (3.9-yard average) and 13 recep- tions for 172 yards and two touchdowns (13.2). In ’05, started all 11 games and rushed 209- 1,153-7 (5.5) and caught 13-97-0 (7.5), high- lighted by 200-yard rushing outputs against Kent State, Ball State and Buffalo. Started all 14 games in ’06 and carried 258-1,252-15 (4.9) and caught 29-280-1 (9.7). Started all 12 games in ’07, rushing 294-1,434-19 (4.9), including a 207-yard effort vs. Bowling Green, and receiv- ing 29-275-1 (9.5). Set school single-season records for rushing yards (1,434) and rushing touchdowns (19), and school career marks for

rushing yards (4,398), all-purpose yards (5,248) SPORTPICS and career touchdowns (49). Rashard Mendenhall l ILLINOIS Positives: Has a compact build and shows some inside running strength to break out of arm tack- RUNNING BACKS les and fight for positive yardage. Runs his legs on Shows good vision and sees the cut-back lane. contact. Competes hard. Two-time team captain. Can pick and slide and weave through traffic. Willing blocker. Dependable hands catcher. Shows the speed to kick it into another gear and Negatives: Is short and not overly athletic or pull away. Has soft hands and adjusts well to the elusive for his size. Runs narrow-based. Does ball. Has big-play capability. Very productive. not run with good balance and goes down too Negatives: Played in a spread-option offense easy. Has struggled vs. better competition and where linemen took very wide splits, he had needs space to create. Has put the ball on the lanes to run through and rarely was coming out ground too much. Lacks true power. of the I-formation downhill. Does not run with Summary: Not flashy in any way, but is a good pad level or pick up much yardage after tough, compact back with some run skills. Will contact. Not an overly creative runner who have to make a mark in special-teams coverage makes many tacklers miss. Gears down to cut. to stick on a roster. Runs top-heavy, takes too many direct hits and could wear down. Does not have great balance RB RASHARD MENDENHALL (Junior) and falls forward and gets tripped up too easily. RUNNING BACKS 1 (5-10 ⁄8, 225, 4.46) ILLINOIS Not a great competitor. Was immature and did Notes: Also lettered in track as a prep. Played not make an immediate impact upon his arrival. in 10-of-11 games as a true freshman in 2005 as Suspect ball security early in career. one of two reserves behind the New Orleans Summary: Scouts have compared him to Her- Saints’ Pierre Thomas. Carried 48 times for 218 schel Walker because of his straight-linish run- yards (4.5-yard average) and caught 13 passes for ning style and very impressive physical condi- 82 yards (6.3) and two touchdowns. Started 1-of- tion. Has sheer strength and speed and looks like 12 games in which he played behind Thomas in an absolute phenom, but must prove that he ’06, carrying 78-640 (8.2) and five touchdowns, wants to be great. Really stood out in the Rose and led the Big Ten in yards per carry, but was Bowl against a very talented USC defense and plagued by fumbling problems. Also caught 12- showed he could be a workhorse. 164-1 (13.7). Started all 13 games in ’07, amass- ing 262-1,681-17 (6.4) rushing and 34-318-2 RB (Junior) 1 (9.4) receiving. Led the Big Ten in rushing and (6-3 ⁄2, 230, 4.55 E) GRACELAND (IOWA) ranked first in the conference in yards per carry Notes: The native of Brampton, Ontario and second in rushing touchdowns. Ranked sixth attracted the attention of U.S. colleges when he nationally in rushing. Also set school single-sea- ran for 308 yards and two touchdowns to lead son records for rushing, rushing touchdowns and Canada past the U.S. in the 2005 NFL Global all-purpose yards (1,999). Junior Championship game. Signed a letter of Positives: Very thickly built and looks every intent with Rutgers but was declared academi- bit the part. Is layered with muscle on top of mus- cally ineligible and ended up enrolling at North cle. Attacks the perimeter and can break through Dakota State College of Science. Played in 10 arm tackles. Has good leg drive after contact. games as a freshman in 2005, carrying 221 times

www.profootballweekly.com RBs 2008LO3/5/082:47PMPage31 don Jacobsandthepurephysicaltoolstodevelop. similar frametoGiants2005fourth-rounderBran- with considerableupsidetofurtherexplore. Hasa Does notalways runaslow asheshould. get trippeduplow andisalittlestraight-linish. lers miss.Notinitiallyquickorexplosive. Will sider bulking upandmoving tofullback. and couldblockcatchwellenoughtocon- herunshardenoughinside tailback. However, out hiscareerandhasshown very littleupsideat to anNFLplaybook. age work ethic.Couldtake sometimetoadjust blinders on.Notanaturalhands-catcher. Aver- Tightly wound. Missessomeholesandrunswith Is tooeasilychaseddown fromthebackside. pick uptoughyardage. some power insideandcanpushthepile short-yardage situations through armtackles.Findscreases.Effective in a loadoncehegetsheadofsteam.Runs push thepileandspeedtopullaway. Canbe very low-level competition.Shows thepower to Baker. Turns 23in April. on Sept.22.Carried41-170-1thenext weekvs. vs. Avila University including a99-yard TD run, best gamewas a23-235-4rushingperformance, His average). Hadsix100-yardrushinggames. seven kickoff returns for180yards(25.7-yard 168-993-16 andcaught11-147-1. Also had forced himtomissthefinal threegames.Rushed the first seven gamesbeforearightkneeinjury Graceland University (Iowa) in’07andplayed sohewenttoNAIA’s NCAA Division Iball, 78. Stillwas academicallyineligibletoplay rushing89-622-6andcatching5- games in’06, had threereceptionsfor14yards.Playedinsix for 1,100yardswithseven touchdowns. Also (5-10 RB-FB (6-1 FB-RB Redshirted in2003.Started5-of-13 gamesin 2 (14.1)receiving. and totaling87-450-2(5.2)rushing13-183- splittingrepswithButlerBenton, played in’07, downs (4.4).Started3-of-13gamesinwhichhe finishing with162-709andfourtouch- games, Five in’06andstartedeightofthefinal nine back spasms.Emerged asthe starterin Week four-RB contingent.Missedtwo gameswith topsamongstthe 297 yards(4.8-yardaverage), rushing62timesfor Cracked therotationin’05, games andmissingonewithaleftfootinjury. playingin11-of-12 cial-teams performerin’04, Summary: Negatives: Negatives: Positives: Notes: Positives: Notes: Summary: 1 ⁄ 8 3 , 220,4.69)CINCINNATI ⁄ 4 , 228,4.63)NORTHWEST MISSOURISTATE GREG MOORE Also letteredinbasketball asaprep. Redshirted in2003.Primarilyaspe- Has raresizeandstandsoutagainst Has goodsize.Runshard.Shows Has playedinarotationthrough- Has nolongspeed.Limitedburst. Not elusive andmakes few tack- Intriguing small-schoolprospect 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW 560 yards(28.0)andonetouchdown. and onetouchdown andreturning20kicksfor grabbing17-157(9.2) rying 276-1,511-14(5.5), car- 128 yards(8.0).Startedall12games in’07, ing 207-1,170-8(5.5)andcatching16passesfor rush- 64-294-3 (4.6).Startedall12gamesin’06, andcarrying contest withasprainedrightankle, missingtheNorthernIllinois of-12 gamesin’05, average) andthreetouchdowns. Appeared in11- rushing42timesfor183yards(4.4-yard in 2004, a prep.Playedinninegamesastruefreshman (5-11 RB work. ShouldbeabletocompeteforaNo.3job. tured environment with astrongsupportnet- football asanoutlet. Would bebestinastruc- come alotofadversity inhislifeandsought fared wellagainstbettercompetition. Has over- at the Texas vs.theNationall-stargameand feet underhimandstrugglestosustain. doesnotkeep his blocker —getssomebadfits, ly andcandoabetterjobprotectingit. Very raw many moves together. Carriestheballtooloose- quick changingdirectionanddoesnotstring accelerate. Doesnothave greatbalance.Not not suddeninhismovement. Takes timeto the outside.Getstracked down tooeasilyandis not greatandhewillbouncetoomany runsto marginal Division IIcompetition.Hisvisionis four-year starter. ball easily. Gives effort toblock.Experienced build withoutstanding overall size.Catchesthe ing yardsinallfourseasons. player inNCAAhistorywithatleast1,500rush- third inscoringD-IIhistory. Becamethefirst 7,000 careerrushingyards(7,073)andranks as thesecondplayerinD-IIhistorywithatleast career andpostseasonrushingrecords.Finished andalloftheschool’s season, and scoring, tured 32oftheschool’s 34recordsforrushing Little All-America (AP)first-team honors.Cap- route toMIAAOffensive Playerofthe Year and D-II inrushingyardsandtouchdowns en State intheDivision IIplayoff semifinals. Led Chadron Stateand292yardsvs.Grand Valley including309yardsvs. grabbed 29-164-1(5.7), in ’07andrushed370-2,337-37(6.3) and caught17-172-2(10.1).Startedall14games with abroken rib. Carried343-1,518-22(4.4) missingtwo late-seasoncontests played in’06, 30-224-2 (7.5).Startedall13gamesinwhichhe carrying309-1,643-14(5.3)andsnagging in ’05, ors. Started13-of-14gamesinwhichheplayed hon- first-team collegiate AthleticsAssociation touchdown enrouteto All-Mid-America Inter- passes for122yards(8.7-yardaverage) andone average) and19touchdowns andcatching14 rushing249timesfor1,575yards(6.3-yard ’04, Summary: Negatives: Positives: Positives: Notes: 1 ⁄ 2 , 224,4.53) TOLEDO Also letteredinbasketball andtrackas Showed somenaturalruninstincts Production isinflatedfromfacing a hc,well-proportioned Has athick, Naturally athletic.Cansift www.profootballweekly.com 31 RUNNING BACKS RUNNING BACKS RBs 2008 LO 3/5/08 2:47 PM Page 32

32 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW through traffic, stay on his feet and find some RB LOUIS RANKIN 5 open running lanes. Charges hard with nice leg (6-0 ⁄8, 200, 4.5e) WASHINGTON drive and will slam inside. Solid football char- Notes: His uncle, Webster Slaughter, is a for- acter. Takes great care of his body. Tries hard as mer NFL receiver (1986-98). Compiled 2,245 a blocker. rushing yards and 34 touchdowns as a high Negatives: Not a physical tackle-breaker, gets school senior and was a finalist for California’s turned and goes down too easy. Does not keep Mr. Football award. Also lettered in basketball his shoulders squared to the line. Shows average and track. Redshirted in 2003 and received burst and play speed with little acceleration out offensive scout-team MVP recognition. of his cuts. Makes few tacklers miss. Pad level Appeared in 8-of-11 games as a reserve in ’04 tends to rise. Not used much as a receiver. and had nine carries for 35 yards (3.9-yard aver- Summary: Has the measurables and intriguing age) and returned 10 kicks for 230 yards (23.0). athleticism but does not play to his ability. A big, Started the first seven games of ’05 and rushed strong, one-speed, gear-down runner with 104-485-1 (4.7) and caught six passes for 54 enough run strength to compete for a No. 3 job. yards (9.0) before a turf toe injury in his left foot Will need at least a few years to develop but prematurely ended his season. Started 2-of-12 could contribute on special teams and fight for a games in ’06 and carried 142-666-4 (4.7) and roster spot. received 13-75-0 (5.8). Started all 13 games in ’07, rushing 233-1,294-6 (5.6), highlighted by RB 255 yards vs. Stanford and 224 yards vs. Cali- 3 (6-0 ⁄4, 198, 4.5e) OKLAHOMA fornia. Caught 20-126-2 (6.3) and also returned Notes: Enrolled at Independence (Kan.) Com- 40 kicks for 976 yards (24.4-yard average) and munity College from 2003-04, redshirting his one touchdown. sophomore campaign with a broken fibula. Positives: Takes long strides and covers Transferred to Oklahoma in ’05 and converted ground quickly. Plants hard and gets upfield fast. from defensive back to running back, playing in

RUNNING BACKS Can eat up ground quickly and accelerate when 11-of-12 games and rushing 25 times for 136 he finds a seam. Good production. Has NFL yards (5.5-yard average) and two touchdowns. bloodlines. Shows a burst and nice vision as a Started 5-of-12 games in which he played in ’06, kickoff returner. replacing the injured Adrian Peterson, and Negatives: Lacks run strength and power to totaled 169-761-4 (4.5), highlighted by a 32- run inside. Turns his shoulders upon contact and 173-1 (5.4) outing against Texas A&M. Started is not tough or physical. Too leggy and struggles all 13 games in which he played in ’07, missing to change direction quickly and elude defenders. the season opener vs. North Texas with a Limited effort as a blocker — lacks base sprained right ankle and split reps with DeMar- strength. Too streaky. Picks his spots and disap- co Murray until the redshirt freshman suffered a pears for stretches. Average competitor. Plays season-ending dislocated kneecap. Rushed 173- too lazy. Can catch with his hands but will let the 1,009-8 (5.8), recorded 10 receptions for 56 ball get into his body. yards (5.6) and one touchdown and returned six Summary: Could make a team as a kickoff kicks for 185 yards (30.8). Suffered a knee returner and No. 3 back. sprain in late January while participating in the RUNNING BACKS East-West Shrine game. RB RAY RICE (Junior) Positives: Has very little body fat and is natu- (5-8, 199, 4.47) RUTGERS rally athletic. Presses the line and gets to and Notes: Also lettered in basketball as a prep. through the hole quickly when a seam shows. Started all 12 games as a true freshman in 2005, Plays with intensity. Shows the speed to pull rushing 195 times for 1,120 yards (5.7-yard away. average) and five touchdowns and catching eight Negatives: Is narrow-hipped with a medium passes for 65 yards (8.1), highlighted by a 27- build and is not housed to support his hard-run- 217-0 (8.0) outing against Connecticut. In ’06, ning style. Has been dinged up too much and he placed third in Maxwell Award voting as col- will struggle to stay healthy. Marginal career lege football’s player of the year after starting all production. Not naturally instinctive, does not 13 games and rushing 335-1,894-20 (5.4) and have great vision or innately find holes. Could receiving 4-30-0 (7.5), including a 39-225-1 take some time to digest a playbook and is best (5.8) rushing performance against Pittsburgh. when his responsibilities are kept simple. Rarely Finished second nationally and set a Big East used as a receiver and is very raw in this area. Conference record in rushing yards. Ranked sec- Limited blocker. ond in the nation in rushing touchdowns and Summary: Is not big, instinctive or durable became just the third player in school history enough to be a front-line starter but has stood out with back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons. on special teams and could make it as a core spe- Started all 13 games in ’07, amassing 380- cial-teamer and backup runner. Fits best in a 2,012-24 (5.3) on the ground, highlighted by 243 zone-running system where he runs a lot of yards vs. Army and 280 vs. Ball State, and had stretch-zone plays and can stick a foot in the dirt 25-239-1 (9.6) receiving. Ranked second in the and get upfield. country in rushing touchdowns and third in rush-

www.profootballweekly.com RBs 2008LO3/5/082:47PMPage33 ginal runstrengthbetweenthetackles. Too often athlete foraslittleheis.Hasno power. Mar- tary power-type ofrole. contribute readily intheprosacomplemen- heshouldbeableto fast asteamswould like, althoughnotas instinctive andproductive and, the lineandattacksdefenses.He’s tough, isaggressive attacking Ricerunsvery hard, ner, duction asareceiver. Limitedreturnexperience. cuts. Doesnotshow atopgear. Very limitedpro- changing directionormakingmultiplelateral ly andcanbecaughtfrombehind.Notfluid (shoulders). Isnotablazerorvery quickinitial- career anddurabilityneedstobeconsidered production. pass protectionandwillingtoface up.Excellent decisive. Picksupyardageinchunks.Isalert ond-level quickness to sidestepdefenders. Very Possesses greatvisionintheholeandsec- through traffic. Very tough.Greatbodystrength. Does notgodown easy. Very goodbalance and canplow throughtacklers andkeep hisfeet. keeps hislegs churning tackles. Hasstronghips, the groundwithastrongbaseandshakes off arm yards inconsecutive seasons. consecutive seasonsandtorushforatleast1,500 first playertoleadtheconferenceinrushing history incareerrushingyards. Also becamethe pose yards(5,260).RankssecondinBigEast ranks secondinpointsscored(300)andall-pur- yards (4,926)andrushingtouchdowns (49)and team honors.Setschoolcareerrecordsforrush ing yardsenrouteto All-America (AP)second- (5-8 RB have achanceaskickoff returner. Tough andcompetitive. Goodworker. Could the dirtandgo. Very productive despitehissize. catch. Quickasahiccup.Canstickhisfootin well andshows theabilitytoeludeafter accelerate away fromthepack.Catches theball tacklers. Shows theabilitytocreateinspaceand burst. Shows anicespinmove andcansidestep (5.7) andcaught27-259-2(9.6). andcarried223-1,272-9 and abdominalstrains, Florida Atlantic and Troy contestswithgroin missingthe 11 gamesinwhichheplayed’07, caught eightpassesfor48yards(6.0).Startedall (6.5-yard average) andeighttouchdowns and ment. Finishedwith126carriesfor820yards son withastrainedleftmedialcollateralliga- despite missingthefirst two contestsofthesea- tostartthefinal 5-of-13games Hamilton, sophomoreMike overtook theincumbent, more. Transferred toOklahomaStatein’06and yards asafreshmanand1,249sopho- rushingfor800 Community College in2004-05, Summary: Negatives: Positives: Negatives: Positives: Notes: DANTRELL SAVAGE 1 ⁄ 4 , 187,4.59)OKLAHOMASTATE Enrolled atMississippiGulfCoast odfe,quicknessandshort-area Good feet, Very compactlybuilt. Runslow to tog bowling-ball-type ofrun- A strong, Has hadalotofcarriesinhisshort Simply toosmallandnotagreat 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW if hecanhandlereturningkicks. sized spaceplayerwhocouldbringaddedvalue uncover andcreateafterthecatch. An under- wherehecouldusehissuddennessto in theslot, er. given hislackofsize.Overwhelmed asablock- anissue andalways willbe, Durability hasbeen, shoulders squaredtothelineofscrimmage. gets turnedandtwistedstrugglestokeep his is given hisrigidity. cies, could always behinderedleverage deficien- looked like the nailinsteadofthehammerand aged atthepointandknocked around. Too often consistentlygettingout-lever- ter competition, Bowl andhaddifficulty matchingupagainstbet- asked regularly toisolateonlinebackers. not playinapro-styleoffense inwhichhewas ond level. Doesnoteasilyadjusttotheball.Did Struggles toadjustmoving targets onthesec- calves. Runsuprightwithahighpadlevel. alongtorsoandsmooth body withshortarms, weight-room strengthtothefield. Hasabad Very tightlywound. Strugglestotranslate his character. Hardworking. durable andwillfight throughinjuries.Solid football. Solidspecial-teamscontributor. Very straight-line speedforhissize. Takes care ofthe runs hardupthefield afterthecatch. Very good Goes tothewhistle.Catchesballeasilyand roll. Caninitiatecontactonthesecondlevel. pile. Tough. Flashesexplosive power andhip returned 16kickoffs for404yards (25.3)and ing 16timesfor89yards(5.6-yard average) and rush- ed in2004.Played10-of-12games in’05, ed theUniversity ofSouthFloridaandredshirt- (6-2, 247,4.79) WEST VIRGINIA FB (5-8 RS-RB and grabbing12-121-1(10.1). rushing47-272-4 (5.8) which heplayedin’07, against Georgia Tech. Started12-of-13gamesin replacement forSteve SlatonintheGatorBowl 109-2 (8.4)rushingperformanceasaninjury highlightedbya13- and receiving 12-91-1(7.6), various formationsandcarrying65-351-7(5.4) againgiving way to ed 6-of-13gamesin’06, performer inthewinterworkout program.Start- received theIronMountaineer Award asthetop and caughteightpassesfor76yards(9.5). Also andrushed48-380-2(7.9) multiple-receiver sets, giving way to ’04. Started4-of-12gamesin’05, Transferred to West Virginia andredshirtedin downs andcaughttwo passesfor10yards(5.0). 1,063 yards(5.5-yardaverage) andfive touch- true freshmanin2003andrushed193timesfor Summary: Summary: Negatives: Positives: Notes: Notes: OWEN SCHMITT 5 ⁄ 8 , 216,4.42)MORGANSTATE CHAD SIMPSON Also letteredintrackasaprep. Attend- Attended Wisconsin-River Falls asa Strong runnerwhocanpushthe Best chancecouldcomelinedup Too oftenlatetotheblockpoint. Really struggledattheSenior www.profootballweekly.com 33 RUNNING BACKS RUNNING BACKS RBs 2008 LO 3/5/08 2:47 PM Page 34

34 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW one touchdown, highlighted by a 94-yard TD (50). Sustained a leg injury in the first quarter of return in an upset win against Louisville. Trans- the 2008 vs. Oklahoma and was ferred to Morgan State in ’06 and started 6-of-11 unable to return. games, carrying 147-795-9 (5.4), catching six Positives: Can accelerate in a blink and pos- passes for 13 yards (2.2) and returning kicks 14- sesses great top-end speed. Gets through the 310-0 (22.1). Started all 11 games in ’07, rush- hole quickly and could make defenders miss in ing 276-1,402-14 (5.1), receiving 9-201-1 (22.3) the open field. Can score every time he touches and returning kicks 7-175-0 (25.0). Set the the ball. Outstanding production. school single-season rushing record and led the Negatives: Is rail thin and not built to with- Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference in rushing and stand a pounding. Takes himself out of games scoring en route to MEAC Offensive Player of and is not much of a competitor. Does not run the Year honors. with any strength or power and thinks he is bet- Positives: Looked like he’s moving at a dif- ter than he is. Has a prima donna attitude and ferent speed against average competition and requires high maintenance. Played in a spread- shows good burst and acceleration. Very strong option offense and was not asked to run between pound for pound. Is athletic and can string some the tackles. Most of his production came moving moves together and dodge tacklers with hard laterally on the edges, and he is only effective in cuts. Runs hard, stays on his feet through traffic space. Often went untouched at the line of and can slip off tacklers. Very determined. scrimmage and didn’t have to be overly elusive. Negatives: Has hard hands, catches with his Was rarely asked to pass-block and has not body and is seldom used in the passing game. proven to be an every-down back. Durability has Flags the ball. Disinterested blocker. Will need been suspect. time to digest a playbook. Summary: A soft-running system player who Summary: Could take some time to develop is best in space, Slaton could fit a dynamic, but has a chance to compete for a third-down, change-of-pace, situational-type role and brings change-of-pace and return job if he continues to most value on third downs. Could be overdraft- RUNNING BACKS work on catching the ball. Bulked up and per- ed on hype but still has a lot to prove and could formed well at Combine. disrupt chemistry in a locker room. RB (Junior) RB ADRAIN SMITH 1 1 (5-9 ⁄8, 197, 4.49) WEST VIRGINIA (5-9 ⁄8, 218, 4.66) BETHEL COLLEGE (TENN.) Notes: Registered more than 6,000 career Notes: Started 10 games as a true freshman in rushing yards and 73 touchdowns as a prep and 2004, recording 145 carries for 963 yards and also lettered in track. Started 7-of-10 games in eight touchdowns (6.6) and 13 receptions for 114 which he played as a true freshman in 2005, yards and one touchdown (8.8). Missed a game earning Big East Rookie of the Year recognition. with a sprained ankle. In ’05, started all 11 con- Amassed 205 carries for 1,128 yards and 17 tests, rushing 165-1,139-8 (6.9) and catching 13- touchdowns (5.5-yard average) and 12 recep- 179-4 (13.8). Started 12 games in ’06, carrying tions for 95 yards and two touchdowns (7.9). 193-1,538-22 (7.9) and catching 8-147-1 (18.4). Posted 31-188-5 (6.1) and 3-20-1 (6.7) in a Started 9-of-13 games in ’07, splitting time with triple-overtime victory against Louisville, tying Terrance Bell, and rushed 218-1,635-28 (7.5) RUNNING BACKS a conference single-game record for TDs (six). and received 14-200-0 (14.3). Finished second in Also racked up 26-204-3 (7.8) against Georgia, NAIA in scoring per game (13.1) and receiving setting the Sugar Bowl record for rushing yards NAIA All-America first-team honors for the sec- and was given the Iron Mountaineer Award as ond straight year. Set the school single-season the top performer in the winter workout pro- and career (5,275) rushing records and the sin- gram. Started all 13 games in ’06, although he gle-season mark for points scored (170). was hampered by a right wrist injury throughout Positives: Has a sturdy, strong build and has the season. Compiled 248-1,744-16 (7.0) and stayed healthy while shouldering a heavy work- caught 27-360-2 (13.3), including 21-195-2 load. Fine run instincts and vision. Stands out at (9.2) against Maryland and 23-215-2 (9.2) and the lowest level of competition and has the abil- 6-130-2 (21.7) against Pittsburgh. Set the school ity to keep his pads down and run through tack- single-season record for rushing yards, ranking lers. Nice contact balance. Very willing in pass first nationally in yards per carry amongst run- protection. Has big hands and protects the ball. ning backs with at least 200 carries. Also placed Lines up outside and catches it easily. Solid fourth in voting. Recovered work ethic and character. from an in-season left elbow injury that numbed Negatives: Lacks foot speed for the pro level his hand and was responsible for his late-season and shows little burst in his step. Will struggle to fumbling woes. Underwent surgery in January to get to the perimeter. have a pin set in the right wrist and consequent- Summary: Flashed some run skills and vision ly missed spring practice to recover. Started all at the Texas vs. the Nation all-star game but still 13 games in ’07, carrying 211-1,051-17 (5.0) must prove he is more than a big fish in a little and catching 26-350-1 (13.5). Finished as the pond. Should warrant a chance to compete for a school’s all-time leader in rushing touchdowns job.

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2008 DRAFT PREVIEW 35 RB KEVIN SMITH (Junior) reel runs, but snap to snap, he could struggle to 1 (6-1 ⁄8, 217, 4.58) CENTRAL FLORIDA handle the inside running game of the pro game Notes: Started the final 11-of-13 games in because of his average run strength and lanky which he played as a true freshman in 2005, body structure. overtaking incumbent Dontavius Wilcox in Week Three. Rushed 249 times for 1,178 yards FB CARL STEWART (4.7-yard average) and nine touchdowns, high- (6-1, 230, 4.69) AUBURN lighted by 209 yards in the Hawaii Bowl vs. Notes: Also competed in the decathlon and Nevada. Also caught eight passes for 44 yards sprints for the track team as a prep. Redshirted in (5.5). Set the school’s single-season rushing 2003. Saw action in all 13 games in ’04, rushing record for freshmen. Started all nine games in 39 times for 184 yards (4.7-yard average) and which he played in ’06, missing the South Flori- two touchdowns and catching six balls for 99 da contest for disciplinary reasons and the final yards (16.5). Played in nine games in ’05, carry- two games of the season with a shoulder injury ing for 42-151-2 (3.6) and catching 6-60 (10.0). suffered vs. Memphis. Also left in the third quar- Started 6-of-12 games in ’06, gaining 27-98-3 ter vs. Marshall and did not return with an undis- (3.6) on the ground and snagging 13-239 (18.4) closed injury. Finished with 206-934-7 (4.5) on and two touchdowns. Graduated before the sea- the ground and 23-158 (6.9) receiving. Started son. Started 5-of-13 games in which he played in all 14 games in ’07 but left in the fourth quarter ’07, carrying 20-49-2 (2.5) and catching 14-214- vs. Louisiana-Lafayette with a shoulder injury 0 (15.3). and a tweaked groin. Carried 450-2,567-29 (5.7) Positives: Shows nice peripheral blocking and grabbed 24-242 (10.1) and one touchdown. vision to find lanes and lead backs through the Compiled 200-plus-yard rushing performances hole. Moves well for his size with long arms and vs. North Carolina State (217), Louisiana- gets good fits on the second level. Natural catch- Lafayette (223), UTEP (219) and Tulsa (284), er — adjusts to the ball. Can pick up tough yardage in confined spaces. Is alert to pick up

plus a single-game school record 320 yards vs. RUNNING BACKS UAB. Led the nation in rushing yards and touch- the blitz. Has a good football temperament. downs and set the Conference USA single-sea- Good competitor. Solid character. Unselfish son rushing touchdowns record en route to C- team leader. USA Offensive Player of the Year honors. Fin- Negatives: Needs to add some bulk and bulk ished as the school’s all-time leader in rushing mass and get stronger. Is not powerful and could yards (4,679), rushing touchdowns (45), TDs do a better job of finishing blocks. Shows some scored (46) and all-purpose yards (5,123). Ranks tightness in his movement. Does not run his feet first in NCAA single-season history in carries on contact. Lack of overall size has contributed and second in rushing yards behind Barry to a lot of minor injuries — knee, back and calf Sanders’s 2,628 in 1988, and became only the — and could always be dinged up. 13th player in D-I history to amass at least 2,000 Summary: Has enough run skills, vision and single-season rushing yards. speed to warrant some looks in one-back sets Positives: Very competitive. Shows good run and could factor into the short-running game. instincts, vision and patience. Outstanding cut- Has a special-teams mentality and should be back ability. Has a feel for angles and where able to factor readily in that area. tacklers are coming from and reacts quickly to RUNNING BACKS what he sees. Has a knack for finding creases. RB-KR JONATHAN STEWART (Junior) 1 Has deceptive speed — covers a lot of ground (5-10 ⁄4, 235, 4.47) OREGON with long strides. Can string some moves togeth- Notes: Named Parade All-American, er seamlessly, plant and go. Has sure, reliable Gatorade Player of the Year and USA Today All- hands. Gives effort as a blocker. Outstanding USA after amassing 204 carries for 2,301 yards production. (11.3-yard average) and 32 touchdowns as a Negatives: Is thin-framed, lacks bulk and bulk high school senior. Finished prep career as strength and struggles to drive through contact Washington’s all-time leading rusher with 7,755 and push a pile. Runs too tall and takes too many yards. Added 95 TDs despite breaking his ankle hits. Is not overly elusive or initially quick and as a sophomore. Also lettered in track, anchoring takes some time to build speed. Lacks top gear the state champion 4x100-meter relay team and and burst. Has been asked to shoulder an awful- finished second in the 100 meters (11.17 sec- ly big load and was overworked as a junior with onds). Started 1-of-10 games in which he played 450 carries — could be vulnerable to an early as a true freshman in 2005, rushing 53-188-6 breakdown. Is not physical and can be intimidat- (3.5), catching seven passes for 45 yards (6.4) ed by a very physical front. Production is gross- and one touchdown and returning 12 kicks for ly inflated from facing lesser competition. 404 yards (33.7) and two touchdowns, leading Summary: Vision, instincts and cut-back abil- the nation in kick-return average. Returned kicks ity could make him most ideally suited for a 83 yards and 97 yards for scores against Mon- zone-running game. If teams evaluated his flash- tana and Oregon State, respectively. Started 10- es, he might look like a future Pro Bowler. Has of-13 games in ’06 but was hampered all season put together an impressive display of highlight- by a sprained ankle suffered in the season open-

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36 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW er against Stanford and bruised ribs sustained against Portland State. Carried 183-981-10 (5.4), grabbed 20-144-1 (7.2) and returned kicks 23-646-0 (28.1), ranking sixth nationally in kick-return average. Started 12-of-13 games in which he played in ’07, amassing 280-1,722-11 (6.2) on the ground, highlighted by 251 yards vs. Washington and a Sun Bowl-record 253 yards vs. South Florida. Also gained 22-145-2 (6.6) receiving and returned kicks 23-614-0 (26.7). Ranked first in the Pacific-10 and fifth national- ly in rush yards. Also set school single-season records for rushing yards, all-purpose yards (2,481) and 100-yard games (14). Positives: Is sculpted like a Greek god with a very thick musculature and looks like he was made to be a bellcow back. Very, very strong with good power and snap in his hips. Has unbe- lievably strong hips and incredibly strong bal- ance on contact. Carries his pads well and can power through tackles. Shows good vision to see cut-back lanes and fight through traffic and can accelerate when he finds daylight and finish runs. Is surprisingly agile for as compact as he is. Can move the pile and pick up tough yards inside. Drives through contact. Very tough and SPORTPICS RUNNING BACKS Jonathan Stewart will play through pain. Faces up defenders in l OREGON pass protection and has the stoutness to stick to his blocks and anchor. Catches the ball easily. returned 16 kicks for 376 yards (23.5). Under- Very solid character. went postseason surgery for a shoulder injury Negatives: Ran out of a spread-option offense and sat out ’06 spring practice to recover. That in which he often received the ball moving later- June, was arrested and charged with third-degree ally instead of downhill like he will be asked to assault after punching a man with whom his girl- do in the pros. Short-stepper who does not open friend was arguing. Was sentenced to communi- up his stride and does not appear sudden, quick ty service, paid a $500 fine and was suspended or capable of running away from defenders. from the team for the summer. Returned to start Does not string a lot of moves together. Shows 12-of-13 games in ’06, despite then suffering a some tightness in his movement. Has had a num- late-season dislocated shoulder and rushed 193- ber of foot and ankle injuries and sheer girth 1,063-7 (5.5), caught 6-34 (5.7) and returned could continue to put stress on his lower extrem- kicks 2-38 yards (19.0). Also did not start ities. RUNNING BACKS against Nebraska because of fumbling issues. Summary: The most complete back in the Started 11-of-12 games in which he played in draft, Stewart could be misevaluated because of ’07, missing midseason contests vs. Oklahoma the spread offense in which he played and his deceptive, short-stepping style. But he is a load and Texas Tech with a sprained ankle suffered to tackle, possessing a unique blend of speed, vs. Nebraska. Rushed 186-1,039-12 (5.6), power and strength and should be able to make including 281 yards and four touchdowns vs. an immediate impact in the pros the way he did Arkansas, both Cotton Bowl records. Also in college. A very safe pick with -cal- grabbed 7-68-1 (9.7). iber talent. Could easily fit into the top 10 and be Positives: Runs very hard and has a low cen- the first back drafted. ter of gravity and good balance to power through some arm tackles. Shows enough speed to attack RB TONY TEMPLE the perimeter. Tough. 3 (5-8 ⁄8, 201, 4.55e) MISSOURI Negatives: Too tightly wound. Not elusive Notes: Rushed for 5,295 yards and 85 touch- and takes some big hits that he struggles to downs as a prep and also lettered in track. Came avoid. Has struggled to hold on to the ball. Had out of redshirt as a true freshman in 2004 to play big lanes to run through. Can be tracked down one game, rushing six times for 13 yards (2.2- from behind. Thinks he is better than he is. Not yard average), but missed the rest of the season a great worker. Is not big or built to withstand a with minor ankle and shoulder injuries. Started lot of contact and has suffered ankle and shoul- 2-of-10 games in which he played in ’05, miss- der injuries on both sides. Not a great athlete. ing two contests with a sprained left ankle, and Lacks the top-end speed and acceleration to be carried 81-437 (5.4) and three touchdowns and effective as a returner. Average career produc- caught 16 passes for 70 yards (4.4). Also tion. Has not factored into the passing game and

www.profootballweekly.com RBs 2008LO3/5/082:47PMPage37 track. Appeared in10-of-12gamesasa true school senior. Also letteredinbasketball and yard average) andthreetouchdowns asahigh downs and10receptionsfor350yards(35.0- amassing 3,573rushingyardsand 47touch- euiyise,arealllegitimate concerns. security issues, aswell asball- elusiveness anddurability, size, but hislackof ton Bowl andrunningvery hard, outplayingDarrenMcFadden intheCot- senior, (5-9, 214,4.59)NORTH TEXAS RB has asmallcatchingradius. (6-0 RB giving achance. competition. Hasenoughstrengthtoconsider coaching staff andgettingshutdown bybetter having beenslowed byinjuryandanew cess, man but hassincestruggledtosustainhissuc- creativity afterthecatch. age handsandislatetoturnupfield. Shows little stand outinany area. Average blocker. Hasaver- powerful orfast anddoesnot not overly big, injuries. Doesnotlike toplaythroughpain.Is cally ormentallytoughandistoobotheredby physical ashedidearlierincareer. Notphysi- home-run speed.Doesnotrunashardor will follow hisblockers. Goodpatience. ground. Shows somevisiontopickandslide Good weight-roomstrength.Runslow tothe all-purpose yards(3,670). ry incareerrushingyards(3,496)andthird kicks 2-39(19.5).Rankssecondinschoolhisto- caught16-37-0(2.3)andreturned 666-8 (5.9), andrushed112- test withahamstringinjury, missingtheSMUcon- which heplayedin’07, caught 11-32-0(2.9).Startedall11gamesin games in’06andcarried181-787-2(3.7) kicks for52yards(26.0).Started11-of-12 Totaled 89-361-0(4.1)andalsoreturnedtwo missing threegameswithahamstringinjury. backingupCobbsand 8-of-11 gamesin’05, Sun BeltConferencePlayerofthe Year. Played 291-4 (10.4)showing againstIdaho. Also earned (7.7) performanceagainstColoradoanda28- highlightedbya32-247-2 200-yard games(six), (11.3) andsettheNCAAfreshmanrecordfor ranked fifth inscoringaverage game (180.1), age). LedallofDivision Iinrushingyardsper caught threepassesfor14yards(4.7-yardaver- yards and17touchdowns (6.3-yard average) and Patrick Cobbsandrushed285timesfor1,801 injury replacementfortheMiamiDolphins’ which heplayedasatruefreshmanin2004an powerlifting andtrack.Started9-of-11gamesin 75 touchdowns asaprepand alsoletteredin Summary: Summary: Negatives: Positives: Notes: Notes: MARCUS THOMAS JAMARIO THOMAS 1 ⁄ 4 , 213,4.61)UTEP Rushed formorethan4,600yardsand Named a Showed somebig-timeflashes asa Good strengthandmusculature. Emerged onthesceneasafresh- Not aburner anddoesnotpossess Parade All-American after 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW and lackstheburst tobemorethanaNo.3. runsupright unheralded programbut ishigh-cut, become moreconsistentsustainingasablocker. da andcanbecontained.Hassmallhands.Could a stacked box. Was shutdown byCentralFlori- gle tomake adefendermissintheholeandbeat and acceleration.Doesnotplayfast. Canstrug- does herunwithalotofpower. Average burst nor straight-linish andslow tochangedirection, areas. Solidshort-yardagerunner. Solidworker. short-passing game.Hasafeelforfinding open Catches theballwitheaseandfactors intothe ward. Flashessomeagilitytosidestep atackler. decisive whenthey appear. Usuallyfalls for- waits forlanestouncover andis with patience, and 20-268-2(13.4)asareceiver. Finished with227-1,166-16(5.1)ontheground to purchasetextbooks onhisuniversity account. rule —heallowed anon-scholarship teammate because ofsuspensionforviolatinganNCAA missing theseasonopenervs.New Mexico Started all11gamesinwhichheplayed’07, 156-513-5 (3.3)andgrabbed39-242-1(6.2). Marshall contestwithabroken finger andrushed missingthe games inwhichheplayed’06, four kicksfor65yards(16.2).Started10-of-11 caught 32-440(13.8)andthree TDs andreturned games. Carried149-791(5.3)andfive TDs, returning toactionandstartingthefinal 6-of-11 shirt duetodepthattheRBpositionbefore openedtheseason onared- yards (2.3).In’05, yards (3.9)andcatchingthreepassesforseven rushing37timesfor145 freshman in2004, (6-0 RB competes andworks hard. and receiving skills. Takes thegame seriously, his way throughtacklesinside.Hasgoodhands and canripoff some30-yardruns.Canpower fight forextra yardage.Picksupyardsinchunks and grabbed7-100-2(14.3)ontheseason. injury inmid-October. Rushed110-553-5(5.0) toe) vs. Washington. Underwentsurgery forthe son-ending Lisfrancinjury(fracturenearhisbig beforesuffering asea- knee andankleinjuries, missing theSanDiego Statecontestwith in ’07, touchdowns. Startedsixofthe first seven games catching 18passesfor205yards(11.3)andthree (5.5-yard average) andseven touchdowns and rushing223timesfor1,229yards games in’06, ASU thatsummer. Startedthefinal 8-of-13 Butler C.C.inthespringof’06andenrolledat Nebraska RBKenny Wilson. Graduatedfrom with injuryandsplittingcarriescurrent missingfourgames yards and12 TDs in’05, seeinglimitedduty. Ranfor816 (Kan.) in2004, a prep. Attended ButlerCommunityCollege Summary: Negatives: Positives: Negatives: Positives: Notes: 3 ⁄ 8 , 222,4.71)ARIZONASTATE Also letteredinbasketball andtrackas Looks thepart.Runshardandwill Has goodsizeandstrength.Runs Has flown undertheradarinan Not patient.Missessomeholes Not anelusive runner—abit www.profootballweekly.com 37 RUNNING BACKS RUNNING BACKS RBs 2008 LO 3/5/08 2:47 PM Page 38

38 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW and will run up the backs of blockers. Struggles downs and grabbing nine passes for 93 yards to find lanes if they do not uncover. Lacks burst (10.3). Was slowed in November by a strained and top-end speed to break away. Not elusive in knee. Started the final 11-of-12 games in which space and leaves his body vulnerable to take he played in ’07 after sophomore C.J. Gable suf- some big hits. Only takes what the defense gives fered a season-ending groin injury. Rushed 195- him. Not alert to pick up the linebacker blitz and 969-10 (5.0), highlighted by a 221-yard effort will need work in pass protection. Could be slow vs. California and caught 7-59-2 (8.4). to assimilate a playbook. Durability is a concern Positives: Has good size. Shows some strength coming off Lisfranc surgery. Poor 40 showing at and power to stay on his feet after contact. the Combine. Negatives: Body looks like it has not seen a Summary: Size, strength and inside running weight room. Really struggled to convert some ability could give him a shot as a complementary short-yardage situations (see Stanford) and does power back if he could handle digesting the not play with the power his size suggests. Not complexity of an NFL offense and stay healthy. quick, elusive or explosive and shows little bounce in his feet or suddenness out of his RB BOBBY WASHINGTON breaks. Needs to be more patient and let plays 1 (6-0 ⁄4, 216, 4.59) EASTERN KENTUCKY unfold. Could take better care of the football. Notes: Cousin, Derrick Gibson, was selected Career weight fluctuation and work ethic are out of Florida State by the Raiders in the first concerns. Has seldom been used in the passing round of the 2001 NFL draft. Parade All-Amer- game. Falls off too many blocks. Has a history of ican rushed for 5,695 yards and 61 touchdowns ankle, knee and hamstring injuries. Could be in prep career and was part of a 4x100-meter challenged by a complex NFL offense. relay team that placed second in state of Florida. Summary: Dropped considerable weight as a Initially signed with Miami (Fla.) out of high senior and showed renewed commitment to the school but asked to be released from his scholar- game following an injury-riddled career. Moved ship and enrolled at North Carolina State. In two better than expected at the Senior Bowl and RUNNING BACKS seasons there, he compiled 65 carries for 185 could bring value as an inside runner but has yards and three touchdowns (2.8-yard average) some lingering concerns that always could be and nine receptions for 48 yards (5.3). Trans- restricting. ferred to Eastern Kentucky in ’06 and played in reserve for all 11 games, carrying 116-534-4 RB ALBERT YOUNG 1 (4.6) and catching 18-159-2 (8.8). Started 6-of- (5-8 ⁄8, 207, 4.6e) IOWA 12 games in which he played in ’07, splitting Notes: Ended his prep career as the all-time reps with senior Mark Dunn. Finished with 172- leading rusher in South New Jersey with 5,411 1,025-11 (6.0) rushing, 26-257-2 (9.9) receiving yards despite missing a few games in his junior and returned nine kicks for 270 yards (30.0) and year with a sprained medial collateral ligament. one touchdown. Redshirted in 2003 after breaking his fibula in Positives: Very good size. Shows run strength preseason camp. Saw action in two games in and power to break tackles and pick up positive ’04, starting one and carrying 27 times for 92 yardage. Catches the ball well. Has NFL blood- yards (3.4-yard average) and two touchdowns lines. and catching two passes for 22 yards (11.0) RUNNING BACKS Negatives: Not an innately instinctual runner. before ending his season by tearing the anterior Relies too much on natural athleticism and has cruciate ligament in his right knee and having not applied himself. Does not like to do the surgery. Started 11-of-12 games in ’05 and extras it takes to be great. Disinterested in block- rushed 249-1,334-8 (5.4) to lead the Big Ten in ing. Has not faced great competition. Shows lit- rushing. Hauled in 24-244 (10.2) as a receiver. tle elusiveness. Will take time to learn a play- Started 11-of-13 games in ’06, missing Weeks book. Six and Seven due to a strained left MCL, rush- Summary: Has some natural tools with which ing 178-803-7 (4.5) and catching 30-225-1 (7.5). to work, but a lack of discipline could be his Started all 12 games in ’07 and carried 206-968- undoing at the professional level. Has earned the 6 (4.7) and grabbed 23-212-1 (9.2). underachiever label and will struggle to escape Positives: Is naturally strong, built low to the from it. ground and shows the ability to pick and slide. Negatives: Too short and tightly wound. Not RB fast or overly shifty. Lacks burst and explosion. 3 (5-11 ⁄8, 211, 4.6e) USC Is not a fluid mover. Takes what the defense Notes: Also lettered in soccer and track as a gives him and picks up little else. Does not have prep. Played in seven games as a true freshman elite speed to pull away. Has not contributed in in 2003, missing six games with a stress fracture the return game. Not a consistent catcher. Dura- in his right ankle and rushed 19 times for 65 bility is suspect. yards (3.4-yard average) and caught one pass for Summary: Best season came as a sophomore, six yards. Redshirted in ’04 and sat out in ’05 when he appeared to run more decisively and because of academics. Started 4-of-13 games in competitively than he has the past two years. ’06, rushing 157-744 (4.7) with nine touch- Could warrant a chance in a camp.

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2008 DRAFT PREVIEW 39 WIDEWIDE RECEIVERSRECEIVERS JAMES D. SMITH

PFW’S TOP 10 1. 2. Devin Thomas 3. 4. 5. James Hardy 6. 7. 8. DeSean Jackson 9. 10. Dexter Jackson

WR-RB-RS ANTHONY ALRIDGE at 170 pounds and lacks the bulk to run inside. (5-9, 170, 4.39) HOUSTON Not overly elusive changing direction or stringing Notes: Preacher’s son. Redshirted as a true moves together. Raw, inexperienced route runner. freshman in 2003. Was not enrolled in school in Summary: Explosive playmaker with good ’04 as a result of academics. Returned in ’05 to value as a space player and . start 6-of-12 games at wide receiver and record- Could be very effective on the perimeter running ed 13 receptions for 295 yards and three touch- reverses and specialty plays and giving offenses downs (22.7-yard average), along with nine car- a big-play threat on third downs. Durability ries for 39 yards (4.3). Started 4-of-14 games at remains the biggest question. wide receiver (two) and running back (two) and also returned kicks in ’06. Caught 19-274-1 WR-PR DANNY AMENDOLA 1 2 (14.1) and rushed 95-959-8 (10.1), leading the (5-10 ⁄ , 183, 4.69) TEXAS TECH WIDE RECEIVERS nation in yards per carry, and returned kicks 27- Notes: Father is a football coach. Appeared in 603 (22.3). Started 12-of-13 games in ’07 at run- all 12 games as a true freshman in 2004, com- ning back (11) and quarterback (one), coming piling 13 receptions for 119 yards (9.2-yard off the bench only against Alabama when the average) and one touchdown. Also returned 29 team opened in a four-receiver set. Rushed 259- punts for 371 yards (12.8) and one touchdown 1,597-14 (6.2), caught 42-428-5 (10.2) and and eight kickoffs for 149 yards (18.6). Started returned kickoffs 9-233-0 (25.9). 8-of-12 games in ’05 in a rotation with L.A. Positives: Has rare speed and can flat-out fly. Reed and Shannon Woods in the Red Raiders’ Is electric with the ball in his hands. Superfast in four-WR sets, grabbing 34-395-3 (11.6) and space — outstanding burst and acceleration. returning punts 32-313-0 (9.8) and kickoffs 9- Takes angles away from defenders and can hit a 141-0 (15.7). In ’06, started 11-of-13 games, crease in a blink. Is a threat to score every time catching 48-487-5 (10.1) and returning punts 41- he touches the ball. Catches the ball well. Very 377-0 (9.2). Started all 13 games in ’07, catching competitive. 109-1,245-6 (11.4) and returning punts 14-222 Negatives: Has a frail build with marginal run (15.9). Ranked fourth in the nation in receptions. strength to break tackles. Will wear down easily Positives: Is quick-footed and can get in and

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40 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW out of routes. Shows the toughness to cross the tion. Has had multiple off-field incidents. middle. Will go up and attack the ball in the air. Summary: Joined the mass exodus of offen- Shifty, runs low to the ground and can make sive talent at Michigan before sharp cuts with the ball in his hands. Plays smart, retooled the offense. Finished the season strong, works through zones and shows a good feel for but still lacks the functional speed, football coverages. Nice run balance. Gets upfield fast as smarts and maturity desired at the pro level and a punt returner. Gives good effort as a blocker. could take time to adjust. Solid possession Solid character. Has been very durable despite receiver. Chose not to work out at the Combine. marginal size. Outstanding production. Negatives: Too small. Has small hands and WR JABARI ARTHUR 1 very short arms and even when he goes up to get (6-3 ⁄4, 227, 4.6e) AKRON the ball, it can be easily batted away because of Notes: Name is pronounced Ja-BARRY. Foot- his lack of wingspan and reach. Lacks bulk. ball captain of Team Canada as a junior in high Average athlete. Lacks vertical speed. Not school and also lettered in track as a prep. Red- explosive with the ball in his hands. Does not shirted in 2003. Started 2-of-9 games in ’04 at have great run strength to pop through tackles. wide receiver, missing the Central Florida and Ran poor 40-time at Combine. Ball State contests with a separated left shoulder Summary: A short, quicker-than-fast, sure- and also saw action in reserve at quarterback. handed slot receiver and punt returner with great Recorded 23 receptions for 270 yards (11.7-yard toughness and competitiveness. Will likely have average) and also completed 3-of-6 passes (50 to make it as a returner and has the intangibles percent) for 12 yards. In ’05, appeared exclu- and work habits to gain the trust of coaches and sively at wide receiver and started 1-of-12 work his way into the receiver rotation. games, missing the Ball State game with a con- cussion. Caught 30-482 (16.1) and three touch- WR ADRIAN ARRINGTON (Junior) downs, including a Motor City Bowl-record 180 7 (6-2 ⁄8, 203, 4.65e) MICHIGAN receiving yards with two TDs on six receptions. Notes: Named Iowa Gatorade Player of the Started 10-of-12 games in ’06 and caught 45- Year as a high school senior. Also lettered in bas- 730-4 (16.2). Underwent postseason surgery for ketball and track. Appeared in 8-of-12 games a fracture in his left foot and sat out of spring WIDE RECEIVERS behind NFL draftees Braylon Edwards, Jason practice. Recovered to start all 12 games in ’07 Avant and Steve Breaston as a true freshman in and grabbed 86-1,171-10 (13.6), highlighted by 2004 and caught 2-12-0 (6.0). Redshirted in ’05 a school single-game record 15 receptions for after breaking his right ankle on a kickoff in the 223 yards. Was selected sixth overall by the Cal- season opener against Northern Illinois. In ’06, gary Stampeders in the ’07 Canadian Football started 4-of-13 games in three-WR sets and as League draft. an injury replacement for Mario Manningham, Positives: Has outstanding size. Competes for grabbing 40-544-8 (13.6). In October ’06, was the ball in traffic. Works hard and caught the ball arraigned on domestic violence charges after an more consistently as a senior. Solid character. argument with his girlfriend in which he alleged- Negatives: Has short arms. Takes long strides ly pushed her out of her own vehicle and drove and is not sudden or quick into his routes. Has away, leaving scratches on her hand. Charges build-up speed. Runs upright and does not sell were dismissed because his girlfriend refused to his routes. Not elusive after the catch. Not the show up for a pretrial conference. In ’07, was physical blocker that would be expected for as suspended by head coach Lloyd Carr for unspec- big as he is. Has faced average competition. ified reasons and barred from all team activities, Summary: Took strides as a senior and per- including spring practice. After allegedly run- formed well at the Hula Bowl, where he had ning the stadium steps for 60 consecutive days game highs with five catches for 88 yards. Can

WIDE RECEIVERS as part of his punishment, was allowed to return create some mismatches with his size and could to team functions. Started all 13 games in ’07 compete for a job as a possession-type, “Z” and tallied 67-882-8 (13.2). receiver in a West Coast offense. Positives: Good body length. Can run through arm tackles. Has spring in his legs, times his WR jumps well and will snag the jump ball. Has a (5-11, 192, 4.46) HOUSTON knack for making difficult, diving and one-hand- Notes: Redshirted as a true freshman in 2003. ed grabs. Above-average blocker. Started all 11 games and returned kicks and Negatives: Too thinly built. Long strider. punts in ’04, compiling 18 receptions for 293 Inconsistent hands. Too often lets the ball into yards and two touchdowns (16.3-yard average), his chest rather than catching with his hands. 18 kickoff returns for 343 yards (19.1) and three Not explosive off the line. Shows no accelera- punt returns for 28 yards (9.3). Started 10-of-12 tion. Lacks vertical speed. Is upright and rigid as games in ’05, catching 44-588-5 (15.6). In ’06, a route runner and cannot separate against tight started 12-of-14 games, giving way to a two- man coverage. Does not care for the weight back set against Southern Mississippi, grabbing room and is not much of a blocker. Must prove 57-852-5 (14.9) and returning kickoffs 6-113-0 that domestic-violence incident was an aberra- (18.8). Started 12-of-13 games in ’07, giving

www.profootballweekly.com WRs 2008LO3/5/082:48PMPage41 far fromafinished product. but is immense physicaltalentandwork habits, will notgetoutofthesecondroundgiven open andsecuretheballtocreatewithit.Likely but hecouldstruggletoget touches theball, burst tobeamajor-league threatevery timehe ing curve couldbesteep.Hasthepurespeedand routes attheSeniorBowl andshowed hislearn- ages. Softblocker. could take timetolearnhow todiagnosecover- a lotofNFL-typeroutesinspreadoffense and tested catchesinacrowd. Was notasked torun ily alteredbytraffic andstrugglestomake con- clutches theball.Inconsistentcatcher. Istooeas- highpointing itintheair. Too oftendouble- ball intohisbody. Waits ontheballinsteadof routed andhemmedbypresscoverage. Letsthe not strongorphysicaloff thelineandcanbere- Overaged andwillbe a 26-year-old rookie. movement. Not aconsistenthandscatcher. eral quickness.Shows sometightnessinhis or elusive afterthecatchandshows average lat- durable. Hardworking. Solidcharacter. Hasbeenvery acceleration tobeaneffective kickoff returner. the ballover hisshoulder. Shows theburst and Runs hardandshows sometoughness. Cantrack ers afterthecatch—youcanfeelhisspeed. with theballinhishands. Will blow pastdefend- siveness toslipthejam.Issuddenandexplosive cally withease.Shows thequickness andelu- fast. Moves very fluidlyandcanseparateverti- smart andhasgoodinstinctsfortheposition. yardage. Goodwork ethicandcharacter. Is strength afterthecatchandwillfight forpositive well inacrowd andcompetes.Shows somerun work throughzonesandfind softspots.Catches catcher withgoodhand-eye coordination.Can offs 15-424-1(28.3). corralling 91-1,456-7(16.0)andreturningkick- and way toatwo-back setvs. Texas Southern, (6-0 WR 61-698-3 (11.4). games inwhichheplayed’07andsnagged 3-of-4 passesfor44yards.Started9-of-12 snagging68-603-8(8.9)andcompleting in ’06, pleted apassforfouryards.Startedall13games and rushingfourtimesforyards. Also com- 25-293 (11.7-yardaverage) andtwo touchdowns catching six yards.Startedall11gamesin’05, Appeared in11gamesandgrabbedonepassfor converted fromquarterbacktowidereceiver. a rightfielder. Signed with Troy in’04andwas spendingthreeyearsintheorganization as draft, go Cubsinthefifth roundofthe2000MLB baseball asaprepandwas draftedbytheChica- Summary: Negatives: Negatives: Positives: Positives: Notes: 1 GARY BANKS ⁄ 2 , 196,4.61) TROY Married withachild. Also letteredin Nice sizeandathleticism.Reliable Has rarespeedandcovers ground Lacks vertical speed.Is notquick Thin-framed andhigh-hipped.Is Looked incrediblyraw running 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW role. with achancetocompeteforpossession-type be drawn backtothegame. Chose baseballfirst outofhighschoolandcould mitted tothegamewarrant achance. Needs toshow thathehasmaturedandiscom- terback whostoodoutvs.lessercompetition. decisions off thefield. Overaged. Hasmadetoomany questionable Not ablazer. Hasfaced marginal competition. movement skillstosidestepdefenders. shortburst andslippery Has therunvision, der. Shows goodquicknessand body control. punts 29-156-0(5.4). rushing3-15(5.0)andreturning 370-6 (16.8), catching 22- team. Startedall11gamesin’07, but permittedtojointhe take abreathalyzertest, speedingandrefusalto and charged withDUI, was arrested tionary agreement.InFebruary’07, Newman in’06ontheconditionsofaproba- mic eligibilityrequirements.ReturnedtoCarson Saint Francis(Indiana)but didnotmeetacade- guidelines. Attempted toenrollatUniversity of the fall of’05but didnotplayduetotransfer winter of’05. Transferred toCarson-Newman in inthe Franklin(Ind.)College, sion IIIschool, dismissal fromtheuniversity. EnrolledataDivi- resultingin sample andfailed aseconddrugtest, submittedadilutedurine inDecember, Finally, cus duringpracticeandredshirtedtheseason. suffered atornrightmenis- lations. That August, consumption ofalcoholandnoiseordinancevio- the first threegamesoftheseasonforunderage earnedasuspensionfor athletics center. InJuly, altercation withafemalestudentatuniversity suspended during’04springpracticeforaverbal and returnedsixpuntsfor38yards(6.3). Was two timesfor15yards(7.5)andonetouchdown rushed (14.8-yard average) andsixtouchdowns, practice. Grabbed42receptionsfor621yards of thePeachBowl vs.Clemsonforbeinglateto but was suspendedforthefirst half games in’03, sitioned towidereceiver andstarted5-of-13 yards (54.8percent)andtwo touchdowns. Tran- back. Completed17-of-31passattemptsfor277 played asatruefreshmanin2002atquarter- Tennessee andstarted1-of-8gamesinwhichhe Also letteredinbasketball andtrack.Enrolledat Indiana’s Mr. Football asahighschoolsenior. Played quarterbackasaprepandwas named (6-2, 202,4.62)CARSON-NEWMAN(TENN.) WR (5-11 WR refeha n20,corralling79receptions true freshmanin2005, Started 7-of-11gamesinwhichhe playedasa Summary: Summary: Negatives: Positives: Notes: Notes: JAMES BANKS 1 ⁄ 2 , 209,4.51) VANDERBILT Also letteredinbasketball asaprep. Will turn25yearsoldin August. Tracks theballwellover hisshoul- Naturally athleticconverted quar- Well-built converted quarterback Does notcatchtheballcleanly. www.profootballweekly.com (Junior) 41 WIDE RECEIVERS WIDE RECEIVERS WRs 2008 LO 3/5/08 2:48 PM Page 42

42 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW for 876 yards (11.1-yard average) and nine pass-oriented, spread offense. Used almost touchdowns. Also returned 12 punts for 76 yards exclusively on short dump-offs and out routes. (6.3) and 19 kickoffs for 405 yards (21.3). Start- Character needs further evaluation — spent 15 ed all 12 games in ’06, grabbing 82-1,146-6 months in a juvenile detention center in 2003. (14.0) and returning punts 8-33 (4.1). Started all Summary: Has been extremely productive in a 12 games in ’07, amassing 75-830-5 (11.1) as a pass-proficient offense and could contend for a receiver and 5-72 (14.4) as a punt returner. Fin- spot as a slot receiver. Could take some time to ished as the Southeastern Conference’s career adapt to an NFL offense and learn how to run a leader in receptions (236) and is the only player full route tree. Poor 40-time will affect his draft in conference history with at least 75 receptions status. in multiple seasons. Positives: Is well-defined with good muscula- WR DARRELL BLACKMAN 1 ture. Shows good short-area quickness. Has very (5-10 ⁄2, 207, 4.55e) NORTH CAROLINA STATE good hands and shows great concentration in Notes: Parade first-team All-American who traffic. Makes some difficult, acrobatic catches. recorded 6,775 career rushing yards and 70 Shows good body control and ball skills. Runs touchdowns as a prep. Also lettered in basket- strong — can rip through arm tackles and side- ball. Committed to N.C. State in the spring of step tacklers. Adjusts well to poor throws and 2003 but enrolled at Hargrave Military Academy tracks the ball well in the air. Outstanding pro- (Va.) in the fall. Transferred to N.C. State in ’04 duction. as a running back and started 1-of-10 games in Negatives: Does not play fast or come off the which he played, missing the Wake Forest con- line with explosion. Struggles to beat the jam vs. test with an AC (shoulder) separation. Rushed physical press coverage (see Auburn). Lacks 50-206-1 (4.1), caught nine passes for 90 yards vertical playing speed. Gives up some break (10.0) and returned 12 punts for 214 yards and points. Does not show great functional playing one touchdown (17.8). Led the Atlantic Coast speed and most of his catches are contested. Conference and ranked third nationally in punt- Could polish his route running and will need to return average. Started 5-of-12 games in a rota- become a more crafty route runner. tion with Toney Baker and Andre Brown in ’05, Summary: Was used heavily on a lot of slants, carrying 46-203-2 (4.4), catching 15-151-1 and WIDE RECEIVERS bubble screens and in the short-passing game returning punts 21-122-0 (5.8) and kickoffs 20- where he could use his run-after-the-catch abili- 582-0 (29.1). Led the ACC and ranked sixth ty to make plays. Has continually produced with nationally in kickoff-return average. In ’06 an average supporting cast and shows the spring practice, he converted to wide receiver strength, quickness and run instincts to be effec- and started 8-of-11 games, missing time with a tive after the catch. Would fit best in a West knee sprain sustained against Southern Miss. Coast offense working underneath zones. Rushed 12-47-0 (3.9), caught 27-358-2 (13.3), returned punts 24-206-1 (8.6) and kickoffs WR DAVONE BESS (Junior) (28.9), leading the ACC in kickoff-return aver- 7 (5-9 ⁄8, 194, 4.76) HAWAII age. Started all 12 games in ’07, snagging 41- Notes: Also lettered in basketball and base- 593-1 (14.5), and returning punts 26-322-0 ball as a prep. Originally signed with Oregon (12.4) and kickoffs 31-697-1 (22.5) State, but was arrested weeks after his high Positives: Is thickly built and shows some school graduation when stolen goods were run-after-the-catch ability. Runs hard and shows found in his car. Sentenced to 15 months in a nice vision and toughness with the ball in his juvenile detention center. Enrolled at Hawaii in hands. Is not intimidated crossing the middle 2005 and started all 12 games at the “Y” spot, and works back to the ball. Good contact bal- amassing 89 receptions for 1,124 yards (12.6- ance. Competes hard.

WIDE RECEIVERS yard average) and 14 touchdowns and returning Negatives: Inconsistent catcher. Not a pol- two punts for three yards. Started all 14 games in ished route runner and is not quick to beat the ’06, grabbing 96-1,220-15 (12.7) and returning jam. Takes short, choppy strides. Tries to be punts 5-83-0 (16.6). Started all 13 games in ’07, overly creative and is not very fluid. Does not snaring 108-1,266-12 (11.7) and returning punts have big-time speed to threaten vertically. Not a 18-175-0 (9.7). great worker. Positives: Has a solid, well-defined frame and Summary: Raw converted running back who good lower-body strength. Quick and agile. showed some natural run instincts and balance Good balance in his feet. Runs with a low center returning a kick in the Texas vs. the Nation all- of gravity and shows good run strength after the star game. Could make it as a return specialist catch. Has returned punts. and compete for time in the slot. Negatives: Does not play fast and struggles to separate. Not strong or physical off the line of WR TODD BLYTHE 7 scrimmage. Does not run a lot of NFL routes and (6-4 ⁄8, 214, 4.68) IOWA STATE too often drifts. Double-catches and drops too Notes: Father, Jim, was a catcher in the San many catchable balls. Struggles to track the deep Francisco Giants’ farm system. Todd also let- ball. Production is inflated from playing in a tered in basketball and track as a prep. Redshirt-

www.profootballweekly.com WRs 2008LO3/5/082:48PMPage43 physical blockingforasbighe is. Findstrou- stride. Cradlecatcher. Would expect tobemore catches arecontested.Doesnot open uphis sudden andstrugglestoseparate. Mostofhis and bend.Strugglestoadjustthe low ball.Not tightly wound andleggy. Marginal flexibility with nostandoutqualitiesfortheprogame. Limited afterthecatch. Average blocker. not comeoutofhisbreakswithany suddenness. pros. Strugglestoadjustthelow ball.Does struggle toseparatevs.mancoverage inthe build-up speed. Letstheballintohisbody. Will jammed tooeasily. Notquickorsudden.Has with shortarms.Doesnotplayphysicalandgets crowd. Solidcareerproduction. and competitive anduseshisbigframewellina deceptive stride.Canhighpointtheball.Istough (15.0). ed all12gamesin’07andgrabbed52-779-5 catching34-484-8(14.2).Start- a viralinfection, ’06 andmissedthreegameslateintheyearwith bing 51-1,000-9(19.6).Startedninegamesin grab- later inthefall. Startedall12gamesin’05, in theoffseason andreturned to playfive months hadsurgery ate ligamentduringspringpractice, a puntvs.Kansas.Injuredhisleftanteriorcruci- a school-recordninetouchdowns. Also blocked 39 passesfor833yards(21.4-yardaverage) and snagging ed in2003.Startedall12games’04, (6-2 WR Strong blocker. extra yardage. Very competitive. Works hard. catch andwilldiphisshoulderfight for contact andtake ahit.Getsupfield fast afterthe between defendersandgetopen.Cancatchon fight off thejam.Shows theawareness tofit physical runnerwiththeball.Usespower to sight) onFeb. 2. had elective Lasiksurgery (tocorrecthiseye- not fullyparticipateattheCombinebecausehe Kansas. Finishedwith67-1,006-8(15.0).Did by CB Aqib Talib inthesecondquartervs. after sustainingarightkneeinjuryontackle late-season contestsvs.BaylorandOklahoma missingtwo games inwhichheplayed’07, amassing 60-1,181-12(19.7).Startedall11 fer regulations. Startedall13gamesin’06, out theseasonincompliancewithNCAAtrans- Transferred toOklahomaStatein’05andsat although charges wereeventually dropped. ing anOctoberarrestformarijuanapossession, and eventually dismissed fromtheteamfollow- tering 18-329-3(18.3)beforebeingsuspended regis- (18.1). Playedthefirst sixgamesof’04, grabbing10-181-2 and started2-of-12games, Mr. Football. Attended NorthCarolinain2003 Summary: Negatives: Positives: Negatives: Positives: Notes: 7 ⁄ 8 , 223,4.76)OKLAHOMASTATE Twice named Tennessee’s Class2A Very goodsizeandisastrong Too thinandhasaganglybuild Excellent height.Hasalong, A solidcollege footballplayer Unrefined routerunner—too 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW limiting factors. deficiencies andoff-field trangressionscouldbe speed hislimitedflexibility, ability. However, could take advantage ofhisrun-after-the-catch crossing routesina West Coastoffense where he gets goingandwould bemosteffective onshort will affect hisdraftstatus. ble off thefield. Poor40-timeattheCombine (6-1 WR (6-0 WR chance. get onthefield. Measurablescouldgive hima prospect withmarginal production. Struggledto experience. Lacks functionalplayspeed.Limitedreturn speed. 53-1 (17.7)receiving. ’06. Appeared in11games’07andtallied3- passes for79yards(26.3)andonetouchdown in (21.5-yard average) in’05andgrabbedthree returnedfourkickoffs for86yards gridiron, onships in2005andfifth (10.52)in’07.Onthe in the100m(10.31)atBig12Champi- finished seventh ber oftheuniversity trackteam, Olympics titleinthe200m(21.59). As amem- andcapturedaJunior 4x400m relaytitles, ning state400-meter(48.20seconds)and long speedandranpoorlyatthe Combine. (see USCgame). tion amidsttraffic. Hasproducedunderpressure the poorlythrown ball.Shows goodconcentra- Makes somedifficult catchesandadjustswellto reliablehands.Goodleapingability. very big, most valuable player. then-second-ranked USC.NamedCardinal’s including thegame-winningtouchdown tostun of-12 gamesin’07andcaught51-642-3(12.6), right footandredshirtingtheseason.Started9- (11.1) beforesuffering atorn ligamentinhis first two gamesin’06andamassed10-111-1 andgrabbed37-609-6(16.5).Startedthe injury, missing theUCLAcontestwitharightankle one touchdown. Started9-of-10 gamesin’05, snagging34-482 (14.2)and all 11gamesin’04, receiver inschoolhistory. Startedatflanker in becomingthemostprolific freshman average), and caught37passesfor587yards(15.9-yard final 8-of-11gamesasatruefreshmanin’03 startedthe centrate onfootball.Onthegridiron, Cardinal from2003-04but lefttheteamtocon- hair whileatStanford.Playedbasketball forthe Had aconditionthatledtohimlosingallofhis Summary: Summary: Negatives: Positives: Notes: Negatives: Positives: Notes: 3 3 GREG BRACEY MARK BRADFORD ⁄ ⁄ 4 4 , 201,4.32)MISSOURI , 211,4.74)STANFORD loltee ntaka rp win- Also letteredintrackasaprep, Also letteredinbasketball asaprep. Very goodsizewithlongarmsand Has goodsizeandworld-class Very raw routerunner. Nottough. Not explosive off theline.Hasno Can bealoadtotackleoncehe Very raw height-weight-speed www.profootballweekly.com 43 WIDE RECEIVERS WIDE RECEIVERS WRs 2008 LO 3/5/08 2:48 PM Page 44

44 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW Struggles to beat man coverage and almost McCoy. Nabbed 22-336-5 (15.3). Missed the everything he catches is contested. Average body season opener vs. Western Carolina due to a sus- control. Is not a sharp route runner. Average pension for an unspecified violation of team blocker. rules. Summary: Has been a solid possession receiv- Positives: Good length. Will extend and catch er when he is healthy, but has been dinged up a the ball in stride and get up the field fast. lot throughout his career and durability will be a Negatives: Has a choppy stride and is too hurdle that must be proven in the pros. tight in the hips. Lacks strength and struggles to beat the jam. Not quick or sudden and lacks top- WR BRANDON BREAZELL end speed. Marginal work ethic. Too streaky and 5 (5-11 ⁄8, 160, 4.47) UCLA moody. Thinks he is better than he is. Notes: Also lettered in baseball, basketball, Summary: Best season came as a junior under and track as a prep. Started in 1-of-11 games in the previous coaching staff. Lost his starting job which he played as a true freshman in 2004 at due to a lack of discipline under Nick Saban and flanker and registered two receptions for 15 might never be disciplined enough to handle the yards (7.5-yard average). Appeared in all 12 pro game. games in ’05 and snagged 24-297 (12.4) and four touchdowns. Also returned two onside WR TRAVIS BROWN 1 kicks for 87 yards (43.5) and two touchdowns in (6-2 ⁄8, 202, 4.68) NEW MEXICO the Sun Bowl vs. Northwestern. Started 10-of- Notes: Also lettered in basketball and track as 13 games in ’06 at flanker, grabbing 21-389-4 a prep. Started 2-of-9 games as a true freshman (18.5) and returning kickoffs 1-19-0. Suffered a in 2004 and caught seven passes for 49 yards partially torn right posterior cruciate ligament (7.0-yard average). Started 10-of-11 games in during spring drills. Did not require surgery, but which he played in ’05, giving way to a two-TE sat out the duration of the spring. Recovered to set, snagging 35-245-2 (7.0) and rushing 20 start 10-of-13 games in ’07, giving way to two- times for 153 yards (7.7) and one touchdown. TE sets and catching 51-810-4 (15.9) and also Started 12-of-13 games in ’06 and grabbed 64- rushing 11 times for 47 yards (4.3). Suffered a 867-4 (13.5), but he did three times in concussion and broken teeth in a collision vs. the New Mexico Bowl against San Jose State. WIDE RECEIVERS Brigham Young. Suffered multiple rib contu- Started all 13 games in ’07, compiling 76-1,031- sions vs. Washington State and missed the sec- 6 (13.6). ond half. Positives: Has good length with long arms Positives: Shows surprising toughness, can and big, soft hands. Good body control and con- take a hit and hold onto the ball. Works back to centration. Attacks the ball in the air. Has a the quarterback and will go up to get it. Shows knack for finding soft spots in coverage. Plays enough burst to separate. Shows some vision with good awareness and can dot the “i” on the and elusiveness on reverses. Sets up defensive sideline. Is tough and very durable — has not backs and is able to get a step on defenders. missed any time to injuries. Gives effort as a Negatives: Is narrow-framed, paper-thin and blocker. struggled to add weight. Does not come off the Negatives: Very lean. Lacks strength. Is not a line hard and looks hunchbacked and pigeon- blazer and does not show the quickness to shake toed. Has zero run strength and gets pinballed man coverage. Shows no burst or second gear. when he touches the ball. Weak blocker. Does little after the catch. Summary: Has flashed some big-play ability Summary: A better football player than ath- and could compete for a job outside the num- lete, Brown could develop into a solid posses- bers, but his body is not made to withstand the sion receiver and factor in the short-passing punishment delivered in the NFL and durability game. Bulked up and tested poorly at the Com-

WIDE RECEIVERS could always be an issue. bine. WR KEITH BROWN WR-RS 1 3 (6-2 ⁄2, 203, 4.48) ALABAMA (5-9 ⁄4, 174, 4.54) PURDUE Notes: Started 2-of-10 games in which he Notes: Also lettered in basketball and track as played as a true freshman in 2004, missing two a prep. Originally signed with Boston College in with injuries (concussion) and catching 17 pass- 2003 but instead attended Fork Union (Va.) Mil- es for 295 yards (17.4-yard average) and a TD. itary Academy and caught 30 passes including Started 10 games in ’05, missing the Utah State nine touchdowns. Signed with Purdue in ’04 and game with injury and catching 34-642-4 (18.9). started 1-of-12 games, grabbing 38 passes for Started eight games in ’06 and grabbed 44-590- 584 yards (15.4-yard average) and three touch- 3 (13.4), sitting out vs. Tennessee and Florida downs and rushing seven times for 85 yards International after straining his right medial col- (12.1) and one touchdown. Also returned six lateral ligament and re-injuring it vs. LSU. Also kickoffs for 128 yards (21.3) and seven punts for carried the ball six times for 45 yards (7.5). 32 yards (4.6). Started 9-of-11 games in ’05, Started 1-of-12 games in which he played in ’07, snagging 80-960-4 (12.0) and carrying 21-101-3 backing up D.J. Hall and sophomore Mike (4.8). Also returned kickoffs 21-500 (23.8) and

www.profootballweekly.com WRs 2008LO3/5/082:48PMPage45 man’s game. too early. A smallmanwhoplaysinabig production couldblindateamintodraftinghim effective asaslotreceiver. Impressive overall tive asacatcherand lacksthetoughnesstobe but istooselec- some value inthereturngame, plays whenhetouchestheballandcouldbring and talkstoomuch. ginal work habits. Thinks heisbetterthan the ballaway fromhisbody. Softblocker. Mar- the ballcleanlyasareturnerandtoooftenflags to take bettercareofthefootball.Doesnotfield fic anddoesnotlike tocatchinacrowd. Needs down tooeasyoncontact.Isintimidatedbytraf- not aneliteathlete.Lacksrunstrengthandgoes many ballsandlosesconcentrationintraffic. Is built towithstand contact.Nottough.Dropstoo ativity asareturner. skills. Shows goodupfield burst andsomecre- and slitherthroughzones.Goodmovement field awareness tofind openareasincoverage ty tomake thefirst defendermiss.Shows good odo,andall-purposeyards(2,121). Woodson, surpassingRod for kickoff-return yards(1,007), 1,007-2 (28.0).Setschoolsingle-seasonrecords returned punts15-93-0(6.2)andkickoffs 36- secutive season. Also rushed14-85-0(6.1), lead theBig Ten inreceptionsforathirdcon- andgrabbing87-936-8(10.8)to set vs.Iowa, giving way toatwo-TE 12-of-13 gamesin’07, and returningkickoffs 25-490-0(19.6).Started carrying19-150-2(7.9) ging 88-1,068-6(12.1), snag- the victim.Started13-of-14gamesin’06, tion topayingmorethan$500inrestitution inaddi- tenced towork five daysonaroadcrew, to helpafriend.Pleadedguiltyandwas sen- man’s noseduringafight inwhichhestepped charged withdisorderlyconductafterbreakinga was arrestedand Northwestern. InJanuary’06, one touchdown —a95-yardreturnagainst (5-10 WR 106-0 (6.6). catching 70-789-4(11.3)andreturning punts16- team captainandstartedall12games in’07, (9.3) andreturnedpunts13-72-0 (5.5). Voted with anankleinjury. Finishedwith60-558-1 missingthe Arizona Stategame played in’06, sprain. Started10-of-11gamesinwhichhe out therestofseasonwithahighankle but hesat and returningpunts17-232-1(13.6), grabbing30-357-2(11.9) seven gamesin’05, (11.5) andtwo touchdowns. Startedthefirst touchdown. Also returned34puntsfor 391yards passes for318yards(9.1-yardaverage) andone catching35 games asatruefreshmanin2004, soccer andbaseballasaprep.Started7-of-11 gon State.Michaelalsoletteredinbasketball, Summary: Negatives: Positives: Positives: Notes: MICHAEL BUMPUS 1 ⁄ 2 , 190,4.6E) WASHINGTON STATE osn ar,played football atOre- Larry, Cousin, sqik agileandshows theabili- Is quick, Quick andagile.Isinstinctive and ey very undersizedandisnot Very, Has shown theabilitytomake 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW ing routes.Couldexcel in aNo.3-typeroleon Coast receiver runningalotofunderneathcross- (6-0 WR-KR Size-speed deficiencies willlimithischances. hands andzoneawareness tobattleforajob. diate possessionreceiver withgoodenough to cutandisnotarefined routerunner. Struggles toseparate.Hasnolongburst. Gathers blocker.production. Verycareer good ball andrunshardafterthecatch.Competitive quickness toeludetacklerswhenhetouchesthe cuts. Catchestheballintraffic. Shows some adjustswelltotheballandmakes sharp aware, able. the air. Marginal blocker. Durabilityisquestion- Does nottrackthedeepballwellorattackitin Drops toomany catchableballs.Cradlecatcher. late tocomeoutofbreaks.Strugglesseparate. runner. Shows littleburst orgearchangeandis workout numberstothefield. Notacrisproute catches iscontested.Doesnottranslatehis speed toseparateandnearlyeverything he Bowl. quently declinedaninvitation totheSenior the kneefollowing thebowl gameandconse- 50 returns).Underwentarthroscopicsurgery on career kickoff-return average (25.6—minimum first inSoutheasternConferencehistory (24.3) returningkickoffs ontheseason.Ranks lied 66-741-9(11.2)asareceiver and28-679-0 managedtoplay. yet Tal- swelling intheknee, and was doubtfulfortheMusicCityBowl with through asprainedanklemostoftheseason, knee ligamentsuffered vs. Florida. Played the MississippiStatecontestwithasprained missing all 12gamesinwhichheplayed’07, and returningkickoffs 31-765-1(24.7).Started snagging77-1,036-12(13.5) 13 gamesin’06, a reserve. Electedteamcaptainandstartedall but hereturnedtoplayouttheseasonas games, broken rightfootin Week Two andmissedfour returning 5-183(36.6)onkickoffs. Suffered a grabbing24-365-2(15.2)and he playedin’05, medical redshirt.Started2-of-7gamesinwhich yards (29.3)beforereceiving aseason-ending 13-0 (6.5)andreturningthreekickoffs for88 catching2- still playedinthefirst two games, broken leftwristbeforetheseasonopener but suffered a average) andtwo touchdowns. In’04, catching 20passesfor221yards(11.1-yard ed 5-of-12gamesasatruefreshmanin2003, ability. Will competein a crowd. Haskickoff-return game andshows somecreativity withtheball. athleticism. Iseffective intheshort-passing physique. Goodleapingabilityandnatural Summary: Negatives: Notes: Summary: Negatives: Positives: 1 ⁄ 2 , 201,4.49)KENTUCKY Also letteredintrackasaprep.Start- og,uslih short-to-interme- unselfish, Tough, Has very longarmsandasolid Could competeforajobas West Undersized. Notfast orexplosive. Cannot beatcoverages. Lacksthe www.profootballweekly.com 45 WIDE RECEIVERS WIDE RECEIVERS WRs 2008 LO 3/5/08 2:48 PM Page 46

46 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW team with some talented receivers that will draw kickoff return. Not a physical blocker. coverage away from him. Summary: Has shown explosive playmaking ability, consistently separated at the Senior Bowl WR-KR ANDRE “BUBBA” CALDWELL and willed his way into the endzone for the 1 (6-0 ⁄4, 204, 4.39) FLORIDA game-winning TD. Was surrounded by a strong Notes: Brother, Reche, was drafted in the supporting cast as a senior in a spread offense second round by the Chargers in 2002 (48th and very quietly became the school’s all-time overall) and now plays for the Redskins. Andre leading catcher. Has the speed and big-play was a Parade All-American. Saw action in all capability and the versatility to contribute at 13 games as a true freshman in ’03, catching 19 flanker, split end or as a return specialist. Has passes for 174 yards (9.2-yard average) and starter potential if he can stay healthy. returning 22 kickoffs for 454 yards (20.6). Started all 12 games in ’04, plucking 43-689 WR PATRICK CARTER 5 (16.0) and three touchdowns and returning 11- (6-2 ⁄8, 200, 4.44) LOUISVILLE 174 (15.8) on kickoffs. Also scored on a 61- Notes: Brother, Tim, was drafted by the New yard reverse vs. Arkansas. Started the first three York Giants in the second round of the 2002 games of ’05 before breaking his right leg in NFL draft. Also lettered in track, anchoring the the second half vs. Tennessee. Caught 10-148 2003 Florida state championship 4x100-meter (14.8) and returned kickoffs 4-124 (31.0). Also relay team as a high school senior. Enrolled at rushed five times for 64 yards and one touch- Georgia Tech in ’04 as a reserve quarterback and down. Received a medical redshirt for the ’05 also returned 26 punts for 219 yards (8.4-yard season. Was present for an incident in which average). Sat out in ’05 after transferring to guns purchased by then-Gators teammate Dee Louisville. Converted to wide receiver in ’06 Webb were fired into an adjacent apartment in and started 4-of-9 games in which he played in Feb. ’06. Started 9-of-14 games in ’06 at wide three-WR sets, missing four games with a receiver (Florida started several games with sprained left ankle and finishing with five recep- multiple-TE sets), catching 57-577-6 (10.1) tions for 68 yards (13.6). Also returned 18 punts and rushing 21-102-1 (4.9). Also threw a five- for 107 yards (5.9-yard average) and completed yard TD pass in the Southeastern Conference one pass for a 21-yard TD. Started 1-of-11 WIDE RECEIVERS title game. Did not return kicks during the ’06 games in ’07 and caught 26-396-5 (15.2). season. Named a team captain and started all 11 Positives: Has good length with long arms games in which he played in ’07, missing the and very good straight-line speed. Has NFL Tennessee and Mississippi contests with a bloodlines. sprained right medial collateral ligament suf- Negatives: Raw route runner. Struggles to fered in the third quarter vs. Troy. Grabbed 56- sink his hips and come in and out of breaks. 761-7 (13.6) and rushed 12-58-1 (4.8). Finished Does not play physical and struggles to beat as the school’s career leader in receptions press coverage. Suspect hands. Not a worker. (185). Also participated in track in the spring of Summary: Raw height-weight-speed prospect ’07 and competed in the Southeastern Confer- who struggled to crack the . Pure ence 100-meter championships (10.74 sec- speed could give him a chance to develop. onds). Positives: Is well-defined with great size and WR JOE COWAN 1 long arms. Very natural athlete. Has rare explo- (6-3 ⁄2, 220, 4.6 E) UCLA sive speed. Shows the ability to create when he Notes: Father, Joe, played quarterback at touches the ball and can take flat passes the dis- Washington from 1980-82. The younger Cowan tance. Is effective on reverses and shows the top- also was a prep standout in track in sprint and end speed to take the corner. Can separate with hurdle events. Saw action in 11 games as a true

WIDE RECEIVERS speed and tracks the ball well downfield. Is freshman in 2003 and caught seven passes for 31 quick, sudden and shows an explosive top gear. yards (4.4-yard average) and one touchdown. Gets in and out of routes cleanly. Good strength. Appeared in all 12 games in ’04, catching 13- Competes for the ball in traffic. Is instinctive and 228-1 (17.5). Broke into the starting lineup in aware. Outstanding career production. Has NFL ’05, and in 12 starts, he caught 35-469-3 (13.4). pedigree. Injured the posterior cruciate ligament in his Negatives: Is not a strong runner and does not right knee in practice on Aug. 8, 2006 and red- break a lot of tackles. Does not have great run shirted. Started 10-of-12 games at split end in vision or run-after-the-catch ability. Inconsistent ’07, grabbing 29-405-3 (14.0). hands catcher — lets the ball into his body. Is Positives: Good size. Can adjust to the ball. not very elusive once he gets moving in a Goes up for the ball in a crowd. Gives effort as a straight line and shows some tightness in his blocker. Has a passion for the game. Works hard. hips. Has an angular build and could be more Negatives: Too tight and mechanical. Takes susceptible to further injury at the high speeds long strides and lacks burst and acceleration. he reaches. Not a dynamic returner. Has been Not physically strong. Gathers to cut. Very lim- slowed by injuries and was not used as a return- ited after the catch. Not a physical blocker. er following the broken leg he suffered on a Summary: Big overachiever with a chance to

www.profootballweekly.com WRs 2008LO3/5/082:48PMPage47 Never distinguishedhimselfasareturner. ing talentandnotasked tobeagame-changer. his bestwhenheissurroundedbyalotofreceiv- but isat instincts tobeafactor afterthecatch, durability. Almost playstoonice. slowed byinjuriesandhasnotbeenamodelof being given every chancetodoso. Has been never beenaNo.1 receiver incollege despite sive. Strugglestobeatpress-mancoverage. Has tracked down frombehindandisnotoverly elu- end speedtostretchthefield vertically. Canbe quickly. Roundsoutofhisbreaks.Lacksthetop- tall anddoesnotcomeinoutofbreaks Has struggledtoaddbulk andgetstronger. Runs acter. es. Solidblocker. Very goodworker. Goodchar- run instinctswhenhetouchestheballonrevers- find openingsincoverage. Shows somenatural Plays smartwithgoodfield awareness andcan sharp-cutting abilitytosidestepadefender. for theballinacrowd. Shows thequicknessand ness towork acrossthemiddle.Competeshard ball andhasvery goodhands.Shows thetough- (6-0 WR on specialteams. contribute asafifth receiver intheredzoneand (5-11 WR 525-5 (9.2)toleadtheteaminreceptions. son gameswithagroininjuryandsnaring57- missingfourearly-sea- which heplayedin’07, for 202yards(16.8).Started9-of-10gamesin rushed8-59-2(7.4)andreturned12kicks (13.1), multiple-WR setsin’06andtallied59-772-8 sprained rightankle.Started5-of-13gamesin 389-5 (15.0).MissedthePeachBowl witha ’07 first-round pickCraigDavis andnabbed26- splittingtimewithSanDiego Chargers (one), spot spot(five) and“Z” he playedatthe“X” hestarted6-of-12gamesinwhich downs. In’05, receptions for257yards(14.3)andtwo touch- as partofafour-WR setagainst Troy. Totaled 18 games asatruefreshmanin2004atflanker and prep. Also letteredinbasketball. Started3-of-12 Today caught 70-1,265-6(18.1)andrushed 7-49-0 7-142 (20.3).Startedall13games in’06and rushed6-37(6.2)andreturnedkickoffs (16.9), injured MarioUrrutiaandcaught 27-457-2 replacing an Started 5-of-12gamesin’05, and returningninekickoffs for193yards(21.4). rushingonetimefora65-yardtouchdown age), grabbing five passesfor43yards(8.6-yardaver- Played 12gamesasatruefreshmanin2004, a highschoolseniorandalsoletteredinbaseball. 4.5assistsand3.0stealsas 3.0rebounds, points, Summary: Negatives: Positives: Notes: Notes: 1 EARLY DOUCET ⁄ 8 1 , 209,4.56)LSU ⁄ 4 , 176,4.56)LOUISVILLE All-America second-teamhonorsasa Earned aktalsadu,averaged 20.5 Basketball standout, Has asolidbuild. Works backtothe a h ie toughnessandrun Has thesize, Has shortarmsandsmallhands. Parade All-America and 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW USA tion difficulties. impediment andcouldhave somecommunica- drops toomany easypasses. Hasaspeech line. Notablazer. Double-catchestheball and down tocutandlackssuddenness.Slow off the itive blocker. Goodwork ethic. and hasproducedintheclutch. Tough. Compet- game-winning TD vs.BostonCollege asajunior Makes sometoughcatchesintraffic. Caughtthe game andhasnicerunstrengthafterthecatch. musculature. Playsphysicalintheshort-passing totaling 45-375-3(8.3). a sprainedanklesuffered vs.EastCarolinaand missingthe Virginia contestwith played in’07, Recovered tostart10-of-11gamesinwhichhe missed partsoftheoffseason andfall workouts. went postseasonarthroscopickneesurgery and 12 gamesandracked up30-392-4(13.1).Under- hestarted10-of- surgery aftertheseason.In’06, 4-41-0 (10.3)andunderwentadditionalknee collecting practice. Played8-of-12gamesin’05, surgery inJanuaryandrehabbed duringspring underwent ment inapickupbasketball game, hetorehisanteriorcruciateliga- December ’04, receptions for116yards(19.3-yardaverage). In Washington was suspendedandtotaledsix true freshmanin2004afterjuniorRichard high schoolsenior. Started3-of-11gamesasa eightreboundsandfourassistsasa 20.4 points, (6-0 WR he hasnever stoodout inthisarea. and agilitytocontribute asareturner. However, andhehasthequickness mark onspecialteams, body built for theNFL.Couldhave tomake his ative afterthecatch. line anddoesnotplayfast. Notelusive orcre- control toadjusttheball.Notexplosive off the routes oncontact.Lacksstrengthandgreatbody erage andcanbetooeasilyknocked off his NFL. Strugglesagainsttightmanandpresscov- time dealingwiththesizeandphysicalityof hands andisnotacleancatcher. Will have ahard body maygive way atthenext level. Hastiny ner. Isvery diminutive andslight-framed—his Has beendurabledespitehislackofsize. works hardtoimprove. Haspunt-returnability. hasapassionforthegameand injuries. Issmart, dle andwillsacrifice hisbody. Playsthrough ball wellover hisshoulder. Runsacrossthemid- Catches extremely wellonthemove. Tracks the 1-16-0. caught 71-1,159-7(16.3)andreturnedkickoffs and right ankleinjurysuffered vs. Syracuse, missingtwo early-seasoncontestswitha ’07, (7.0). Startedall10gamesinwhichheplayed Summary: Negatives: Positives: Summary: Negatives: Positives: Notes: 3 JOHN DUNLAP ⁄ 4 , 216,4.51)NORTH CAROLINA STATE loltee nbsebl,averaging Also letteredinbasketball, Tough andwillbattlefortheball. Not apolishedrouterunner. Gears Thickly built withwell-defined Not acrisporpolishedrouterun- Is rail-thinanddoesnothave a Still raw asareceiver but has www.profootballweekly.com 47 WIDE RECEIVERS WIDE RECEIVERS WRs 2008 LO 3/5/08 2:48 PM Page 48

48 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW enough size, toughness and desire to compete stay healthy. for a job and has the makeup to make it on spe- Summary: Has good size and enough athleti- cial teams. cism to warrant a look as a possession receiver. Suffered a serious knee injury at the Combine WR CLYDE EDWARDS and has a history of injuries that could knock 1 (5-9 ⁄2, 179, 4.55e) GRAMBLING STATE him off many teams’ draft boards. Notes: Started 7-of-11 games as a true fresh- man in 2004, grabbing 30 passes for 608 yards WR WILLIAM FRANKLIN 1 (20.3-yard average) and four touchdowns. Start- (6-0 ⁄2, 214, 4.39) MISSOURI ed 7-of-12 games in ’05 and caught 54-1,015-10 Notes: Uncle, Darnay Scott, was a second- (18.8). In ’06, started 10-of-11 games and round pick of the in 1994, recorded 56-789-11 (14.1). Started all 12 games playing wide receiver for the Bengals (1994-99, in ’07 and caught 57-804-12 (14.1), carried 10 2001) and (2002). William also times for 37 yards (3.7) and one touchdown, lettered in basketball as a prep. Played all 11 returned four punts for 49 yards (12.3) and games as a true freshman in ’04 and caught six returned 10 kickoffs for 211 yards (21.1). Fin- passes for 174 yards (29.0-yard average) and ished as the school’s career leader in receptions, two touchdowns. Started 11-of-12 games in ’05, receiving yards and touchdowns. giving way to a two-TE set against Nebraska and Positives: Is quick off the line and shows the grabbing 40-413-2 (10.3). Started the first 11 ability to get down the field on open releases. games in ’06 and totaled 48-829-6 (17.3) before Shows nice body control to adjust to the ball. a torn right labrum ended his season. Changed Works hard. Very smart. his jersey number to No. 2 in spring ball after Negatives: Lacks size and strength to fend off wearing No. 3 his first three years. The change the jam and beat press coverage. Gets knocked was made to honor the memory of Broncos RB off step easily. Not a true blazer. Has marginal Damien Nash, a former Missouri teammate who run strength and goes down too easy. passed away suddenly in February of ’07. Start- Summary: Shows some big-play ability and ed all 14 games in ’07 at the “X” spot and burst when he touches the ball, but size, strength snagged 49-709-4 (14.5). and speed deficiencies could be limiting. Ticket Positives: Has excellent straight-line speed. WIDE RECEIVERS will have to come as a returner. Very naturally athletic. Very smooth mover with great body control and leaping ability. Shows the WR De’CODY FAGG top gear to get over the top and pull away from 1 (6-1 ⁄4, 211, 4.66) FLORIDA STATE . Flashes big-play ability when he Notes: Florida’s Class 2A Player of the Year touches the ball and can create. as a prep. Spent one semester at Hargrave Mili- Negatives: Does not play to timed speed and tary Academy (Va.) in 2003, but his season was is not a crafty route runner. Not very tough. Can cut short with a broken right leg, and he red- be slowed by physical press coverage. Does not shirted. Enrolled at Florida State in the spring of attack the ball in the air and only shows flashes ’04 but sustained a left knee injury that required of his immense natural ability. Goes down too arthroscopic surgery. Recovered to play in six easy after the catch. Could struggle to diagnose games and record six receptions for 53 yards coverages and digest an NFL playbook. Does (8.8-yard average). In ’05, started 5-of-10 not run a full route tree. Not an aggressive games in which he played as an injury replace- blocker. ment for Steelers ’06 third-round pick Willie Summary: Will require some time and Reid and when the team employed four-receiv- patience to contribute, but could excel if his er sets, snagging 35-404 and one TD (11.5). responsibilities are kept simple. He has the Suffered a grade II shoulder separation vs. Vir- explosive vertical speed to stretch the field and

WIDE RECEIVERS ginia but returned two games later at Clemson. open the short-passing game. Outstanding Com- In ’06, started 10-of-11 games in which he bine performance could elevate his draft status. played, missing two games with a high left ankle sprain sustained vs. Boston College and WR PIERRE GARCON 7 totaled 37-439-1 (11.9). Started 11-of-13 games (5-11 ⁄8, 210, 4.46) MOUNT UNION in ’07, giving way to Greg Carr vs. Alabama Notes: Name is pronounced gar-SONE. and North Carolina State, and grabbed 54-758- Member of the 2006 Outdoor National Champi- 5 (14.0). on 4x100-meter relay team. Attended Norwich Positives: Good length. Goes up for the ball University (Vermont) as a true freshman in 2004 and can snag it out of the air and catch outside and appeared in 10 games, grabbing 44 recep- his frame. tions for 1,017 yards (23.1-yard average) and 13 Negatives: Not a crisp route runner. Lacks touchdowns. Transferred to Mount Union in ’05 quickness, burst and agility and gets stuck on the and started 10-of-12 games in which he played, line. Inconsistent hands — drops too many balls. missing three contests with a broken bone in his Plays at one speed and shows no gear change. right leg. Caught 68-1,196-16 (17.6) and Limited run-after-the-catch skills. Marginal returned 10 kickoffs for 241 yards (24.1) and blocker for his size. Long-levered and cannot one TD. Started all 15 games in ’06 and cor-

www.profootballweekly.com WRs 2008LO3/5/082:48PMPage49 teams andbegroomedasareceiver. sure. Hasthetoughnesstoearnajobonspecial in thepostseasonashehasreceived moreexpo- well attheCombineandhisstockhasascended he returnedapuntfor62yards.Performedvery when at the Texas vs.theNationall-stargame, and reallycompetedagainstbettercompetition been dingedupabit. quick. Hasfaced marginal competition.Has how torunroutesandsetupdefenders.Notvery balls. Notexplosive off theline.Stilllearning ment andstrugglestoadjustpoorlythrown production. Goodworker. the boxandplayswithconfidence. Goodcareer takes prideinblocking. Will bangdefenders in der andfight throughtacklers.Playstoughand ability. Nicecontactbalance. Will diphisshoul- the ballwellunderneathinstride.Goodleaping strength andfunctionalplayingspeed.Catches and kickoffs 5-99-0(19.8). andreturnedpunts7-51-0(7.3) 11-61-2 (5.5), rushed hurt in2006.Grabbed67-955-14(14.3), aggravating awristinjurythatoriginallywas Ohio Northerncontestlateintheseasonafterre- missingthe games inwhichheplayed’07, returned kickoffs 5-151-0(30.2).Startedall14 for 106yards(15.1)andtwo touchdowns and rushedseven times ralled 67-1,212-17(18.1), (6-1 WR (5-10, 187,4.56)HAWAII WR to competeforajob. er yearinschoolbut shows enoughathleticism to separateinthepros. diagnose coverages anduncover. Couldstruggle tree andwilltake sometimetolearnhow to catches arecontested.Doesnotrunafullroute a greatathlete.Lackstopspeed.Mostofhis and alsoletteredinbasketball. Didnotstartthe games becauseofinjuryasahigh schoolsenior production. and make someacrobaticgrabs.Oustanding defender miss.Cancontorthisbodyintheair siveness inspaceandcouldmake thefirst amassing 106-1,372-12(12.9). 46-770-11 (16.7).Startedall13gamesin’07, season contestswithasprainedankle. Tallied ing way totwo-back setsandmissingfourmid- giv- ed 9-of-10gamesinwhichheplayed’06, times for18yards(9.0)andatouchdown. Start- average) and12touchdowns andrushingtwo ing 85receptionsfor1,228yards(14.4-yard snar- 11-of-12 gamesinwhichheplayed’05, Summary: Negatives: Positives: Summary: Notes: Negatives: Positives: Notes: 7 D.J. HALL RYAN GRICE-MULLEN ⁄ 8 , 193,4.61)ALABAMA Redshirted in2004.Startedthefinal First nameisMartinez.Missed two Would have benefited fromanoth- Shows somequicknessandelu- Stood outattheDivision IIIlevel Shows sometightnessinhismove- Undersized andthinlyframed.Not Very competitive. Hasgood (Junior) 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW (6-5 WR it. Tested poorlyattheCombine. show thatheiscommittedtothegamemake produced somebigplaysintheclutchbut must body thatcouldbevulnerabletoinjury. dinged upalotthroughouthiscareerandhas undisciplined andnotagreatworker. Hasbeen the jam.Shows somelapsesinconcentration.Is his hipsorsellrouteshard.Strugglestobeat physical. Uprightrouterunner. Doesnotdrop not overly elusive afterthecatch.Doesnotplay with anunderdeveloped body. Tight-hipped and blocker. clutch. Very goodcareerproduction. Willing to createafterthecatch.Hasproducedin ball wellover hishead.Shows somequickness well totheballover hisshoulderandcatchesthe record two 1,000-plus-yardseasons. Tennessee. Becamethefirst Alabama receiver to a schoolsingle-gamerecord13receptionsvs. highlightedby Finished with67-1,005-6(15.0), Louisiana-Monroe foraviolationofteamrules. but was suspendedforthefirst-half vs. giving way toatwo-TE setvs. Vanderbilt, ’07, because ofacademics.Started11-of-13gamesin sons. Was suspendedfortheCottonBowl opener in’06vs.Hawaii fordisciplinaryrea- six timesfor48yards(8.0).Missedtheseason seven kickoffs for139yards(19.9)andrushed season recordforreceiving yards. Also returned 1,056-5 (17.0)in’06.Setan Alabama single- when hegrabbed48-676-5(14.1).Snagged62- freshman. Ledtheteaminreceiving in’05, yards (10.9-yardaverage) anda TD asatrue games andfinished with17catchesfor186 opener in2004but startedthefinal 10-of-11 hands andbalance.Difficult todefendinthered with 36career TDs. amassed 79-1,125-16(14.2).Seta schoolrecord Michigan State.Startedall13games in’07and including a6-83-4(13.8)performanceagainst ed tothearrest.Finishedwith51-722-10(14.2), unspecified personalreasonsapparentlyunrelat- was suspendedfortwo early-seasongamesfor but 10-of-10 gamesinwhichheplayed’06, ticipated inapretrialdiversion program.Started her neck. The charges weredroppedafterhepar- torn andshehadmarksonthesidebackof thegirlfriend’s shirtwas arrived atthescene, his girlfriendandinfant son. When thepolice reporting ofacrimewhenheallegedly attacked with domesticbatteryandinterferingthe was arrestedandcharged downs. InMay’06, 893 yards(14.6-yardaverage) and10touch- games in’05andregistered 61receptionsfor 23 gamesinwhichheplayed.Started10-of-11 starting3-of- played basketball fortheHoosiers, Summary: Negatives: Positives: Positives: Notes: 3 JAMES HARDY ⁄ 8 , 217,4.54)INDIANA a o.Rdhre n20,but Has ason.Redshirtedin2004, Natural athletewithraresize.Good Good heightandreach. Adjusts Too lanky andhighcut. Too lean a u,catchandconsistently Can run, www.profootballweekly.com (Junior) 49 WIDE RECEIVERS WIDE RECEIVERS WRs 2008 LO 3/5/08 2:48 PM Page 50

50 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW zone. Very agile for his size. Makes some acro- possession receiver drop. batic, circus catches and can slide to the ground to catch the low ball. Adjusts to the ball very WR-KR LAVELLE HAWKINS well above his head, plucking it out of the air. (5-11, 187, 4.58) CALIFORNIA Outstanding career production. Notes: Parade All-American in high school. Negatives: Not a blazer. Shows too many con- Signed with LSU and enrolled there in the centration lapses. Not as physical off the line as spring of 2004 before transferring to City Col- his size would suggest. Not a disciplined route lege of San Francisco. Played in seven games at runner. Knows how gifted he is and takes advan- CCSF in ’04, catching 23 passes for 525 yards tage of it. Too inconsistent. Struggled to produce (22.8-yard average) and four touchdowns and against better competition (see Illinois and Wis- returning nine punts for 135 yards (15.0). Trans- consin games). Cannot transition in and out of ferred to Cal in ’05 and missed the season open- his breaks quickly and accelerate away from er while fulfilling NCAA transfer requirements. tight press coverage. Lacks concentration and Started 3-of-9 games in ’05, grabbing 18-171-1 makes easy drops (see Oklahoma State). Is still (9.5) and returning kickoffs 7-129 (18.4). Suf- young and immature. fered a midseason ankle sprain that continued to Summary: Has shown some signs of matur- nag him until the finale, but he played through ing, but still has a long way to go before he it. Started 5-of-13 games in ’06, hauling in 46- grows up and learns to be a pro. Rare size could 705-5 (15.3). Started 4-of-13 games in ’07, create matchup problems, but has shown he can working primarily out of the slot in three- be slowed against physical press coverage and receiver sets. Caught 72-872-6 (12.1), including needs to become a more crafty route runner to 9-192-2 vs. Oregon State, and returned kickoffs uncover vs. NFL-caliber competition. 42-922-1 (22.0). Positives: Shows some savvy as a route run- WR JUSTIN HARPER ner to come free from coverage and is willing to 1 (6-3 ⁄2, 213, 4.61) VIRGINIA TECH do the dirty work across the middle. Attacks the Notes: Attended Hargrave Military Academy ball in the air and can adjust to poorly thrown (Va.) in 2003. Enrolled at Virginia Tech in Janu- balls. Knows how to work through coverages ary of ’04 and played in 11 games in the fall, and find open areas. Shows surprising contact WIDE RECEIVERS catching five passes for 84 yards (16.8-yard balance given lack of size. Solid production. Has average) and one touchdown. Played all 13 return ability. games in ’05 and snagged 16-295-1 (18.4). Negatives: Not physical and lacks running Started 2-of-13 games in ’06, grabbing 21-324- strength after the catch. Struggles to separate 1 (15.4). Was reportedly involved in an alterca- against man coverage and does not have the top tion with a man at a Blacksburg nightclub that gear to get vertical. Inconsistent hands catcher. led to gunshots being fired into the apartment he Tends to cradle and break stride to catch and shared with Macho Harris. Started 8-of-14 drops too many easy catches. Has too many con- games he played in ’07 at split end (three) — but centration lapses. Is high-cut, runs upright and was overtaken by — and in multi- gears down to cut. Has short arms. Is not a great ple-receiver sets (five). Gave way to two-TE and leaper. Not very creative in the open field. two-back sets to open the six games in which he Turned teams off in interviews and ran slower did not start. Snared 41-635-5 (15.5) and than expected at the Combine. returned two punts for 127 yards (63.5) and a Summary: Consistently showed up at the touchdown. Senior Bowl, making some clutch catches on a Positives: Very good body length and catch- big stage and showing the ability to gain a step ing radius. Highpoints the ball and can pluck it on defenders. Ran a lot of slants, drags and in out of the air with his long arms and soft hands. cuts in college and became a dependable under-

WIDE RECEIVERS Comes in and out of breaks and runs fine routes. neath target. Could contribute in the slot and as Has sneaky speed. Good body control. Shields a kickoff returner. defenders from the ball. Good ball skills and can make difficult grabs. Good sideline awareness. WR MARCUS HENRY 5 Has been very durable. (6-3 ⁄8, 207, 4.57) KANSAS Negatives: Played in a rotation and was not Notes: Nicknamed “Mute.” Also lettered in even a full-time starter for one year. Has a hoops basketball and track as a prep. Appeared in 10 mentality on the field and does not like to be hit. games as a true freshman in 2004, snagging Not quick, elusive or strong after the catch and eight receptions for 85 yards (10.6-yard aver- breaks few tackles. Not a precise route runner age). Started 6-of-11 games in which he played and gathers to cut. Not a blazer — most of his in ’05 and grabbed 17-183-0 (10.8). In ’06, start- catches are contested. Not a physical blocker. ed 10-of-12 games, finishing with 25-316-3 Can be demonstrative when he does not get the (12.6). Started all 13 games in ’07 and caught ball and shows some selfishness. 54-1,014-10 (18.8), highlighted by an 8-199-3 Summary: Looked very average at the East- performance vs. Oklahoma State. West Shrine game and dropped more balls than Positives: Has very good height and reach scouts would like to see a big, smooth-moving with long arms. Deceptive long stride. Field fast

www.profootballweekly.com WRs 2008LO3/5/082:48PMPage51 who willhave tomake itinthereturngame. is. tact. Very arrogantandthinksheisbetterthan very thin-framedandstrugglestocatchoncon- contribute. the sizeanddependabilitytomake arosterand running alotofcrossinganddragrouteshas Lacks strengthandisnotaphysicalblocker. suddenness. Shows littlewiggle afterthecatch. burner. Lacksgreatseparationquicknessand very durable. and outsidehisframe. Works hardandhasbeen ments totheball.Catchesballinhishands Uses hissizewellandmakes somegreatadjust- Shows thetoughnesstowork acrossthemiddle. quicker thanheappearsmakingquickcuts. fluidand and carrieshispadswell.Smooth, (6-3, 206,4.55e)DUQUESNE WR (5-10 WR ginal competition. Average routerunner. Not Competes hard. defenders andrunaway fromdefensive backs. leaping ability. Shows somequicknessto elude played in’07andcompiled54-668-9(12.4). season. Started9-of-10gamesinwhichhe separated rightshoulderformostofhisjunior racking up61-1,070-16(17.5).Playedwitha (23.3). Returnedin’06andstartedall10games, broke collarboneagain.Finishedwith12-280-1 Fordham. Returnedtooearlyfromtheinjuryand ’05 byabroken collarbonesuffered against (16.5-yard average). Limitedtothreestartsin receptions for577yardsandseven touchdowns starting 6-of-10gamesandamassing35 in 2004, partial qualifier in2003.Saw immediateaction Takes theballoutofair. and catchestheballwellover hisshoulder. instincts. Shows enoughspeedtogetdownfield 441-0 (20.0)andpunts14-277(16.3) Grabbed 24-456-4whilereturningkickoffs 22- vious gameagainstCentralConnecticut. game withashoulderinjurysuffered inthepre- missingtheDuquesne in whichheplayed’07, a TD. Also rushed3-21-1.Startedallninegames yards (24.5)and28puntsfor203(7.3) returning20kickoffs for490 23-341-4 (14.8), grabbing Started atflanker all11gamesin’06, season aftertransferringbacktoRobertMorris. (15.5-yard average) andtwo TDs. Satoutthe’05 in 2004andcaught24passesfor373yards school but transferred totheUniversity of Akron Summary: Summary: Negatives: Negatives: Positives: Notes: Negatives: Positives: Notes: BRUCE HOCKER MARIO HINES 1 ⁄ 2 , 175,4.5E)ROBERT MORRIS Engaged tobemarried.Satoutasa Attended RobertMorrisoutofhigh Good sizewithlongarmsandgood A latebloomerwhowas effective Has faced marginal competition.Is Shows somequicknessandrun uc,drig undersizedplayer darting, Quick, Takes longstridesandisnota Narrow-framed. Hasfaced mar- (Junior) 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW her cardwithoutpermission.Charges have since girlfriend accusedhimofmaking a purchaseon on amisdemeanorcreditcardfraud charge. Ex- totaled 13-197-0(15.2). Was arrestedinJune’06 1-of-11 gamesinwhichheplayed in’05and (18.2-yard average) andfive touchdowns. Started games in’04andcaught27passesfor491yards Tech andredshirtedin’03.Started12-of-13 Military Academy in2002.Enrolledat Virginia er inhighschool. Attended Fork Union(Va.) (6-2 WR (5-11 WR the progame. but hasfew notablequalitiestotranslate tion, and hisdurabilityneedstobeevaluated. ed blocker. Hasmissedsometimewithinjuries the ballandmakes someeasydrops.Disinterest- physical afterthecatch.Runsbeforehecatches quick inandoutofbreaks.Notvery strongor smarts andversatility willaddtohisvalue. team nottothinkthey couldfix hishands.Size, Shrine gameandistoobigathleticfora senior. Very average careerproduction. Missed considerabletimewithakneeinjuryas breaks andisnotnaturalsinkinghiships. scrimmage. Shows littleburst inandoutof hands. Isnotablazerorquickoff thelineof blocker. Solidcharacter. and learnedmultiplepositions.Soliddownfield after thecatch.Stoodoutvs.Michigan.Issmart climb theladdertocatch.Shows somestrength the ball.Shows goodboundaryawareness. Will in traffic andcompetefortheball. Works backto Solid routerunner. Shows thetoughnesstocatch ished with14-305-0(21.8). collateral ligamentsustainedvs.UNLV. Fin- missing five gameswithasprained rightmedial ed alleightgamesinwhichheplayed’07, (16.5-yard average) andfive touchdowns. Start- grabbing38-627 Started all13gamesin’06, recordingonecatchforfouryards. two seasons, man in’03. Appeared in14gamesover thenext walked onandredshirtedasatruefresh- iron, Junior NationalChampionships.Onthegrid- placed secondinthelongjumpat’04U.S. 2004. Also capturedatriplejumptitleand relay titlesattheBig Ten Championshipsin outdoorlongjumpand400-meter long jump, hewon theindoor consin trackandfield team, as ahighschoolsenior. As amemberofthe Wis- Track andFieldJuniorOlympicChampionships won long-jumpandtriple-jumptitlesattheUSA long-jump andtriple-jumpchampionalso prep andwas atwo-time ColoradoClass4A Summary: Summary: Negatives: Positives: Notes: Notes: 3 PAUL HUBBARD JOSH HYMAN ⁄ 4 3 , 221,4.56) WISCONSIN ⁄ 8 , 194, 4.56) VIRGINIA TECH 194, , Earned All-America honorsasasprint- Competed exclusively intrackasa Had asolidweekattheEast-West Very goodsizewithlongarms. Has excelled vs.lessercompeti- Has ofhistoryinconsistent www.profootballweekly.com 51 WIDE RECEIVERS WIDE RECEIVERS WRs 2008 LO 3/5/08 2:48 PM Page 52

52 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW been dropped due to a lack of evidence. Sat out spring practice after undergoing right rotator cuff surgery. Played in 12-of-13 games in ’06, but was suspended for the Boston College contest after being arrested on a DUI. Totaled 16-111-0 (6.9) on the season. In April ’07, pleaded no-con- test to the DUI charge and was sentenced to 350 hours of community service and had his license suspended for one year. Started 3-of-14 games in ’07, serving primarily as a reserve at flanker behind . Caught 26-343-1 (13.2). Will be a 25-year-old rookie. Postitives: Is athletic. Nice instincts and awareness to uncover. Shows some elusiveness to shake defenders in the open field. Negatives: Takes short, choppy strides. Lacks great speed and is not used a lot vertically. Struggles to separate. Does not use his hands well to fight off the jam. Overaged. Question- able character. Summary: Small slot receiver who could war- rant a chance to compete in a camp. Age and character will be limiting factors. WR DeSEAN JACKSON (Junior) 3 (5-9 ⁄4, 169, 4.39) CALIFORNIA Notes: Brother, Byron, was a member of the ’ developmental squad (1992- 93). Parade All-American. U.S. Army All-Amer- WIDE RECEIVERS ican Bowl MVP after he gained 145 yards receiv- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA ing and one touchdown and threw a 45-yard TD DeSean Jackson CALIFORNIA pass. A top baseball prospect as a prep. Started l 10-of-11 games in which he played in 2005, catching 38 balls for 601 yards (15.8-yard aver- and pull away from the pack. Possesses big-play age) and seven touchdowns and returning one ability. punt for 49 yards and a score. Sidelined vs. Negatives: Is short, narrow-framed and has Washington State with a shoulder injury. Started struggled to add weight. Very vulnerable to all 13 games in ’06, receiving 59-1,060-9 (18.0) injury and will struggle to stay healthy. Gets and returning 25-455-4 (18.2) on punts with a jammed too easily at the line of scrimmage and long of 95 yards. Earned first-team All-America is not quick into his routes. Marginal run status as a punt returner. Started 10-of-12 games strength. Limited kickoff-return experience. in which he played in ’07, giving way to a two- Very average blocker. Long-term durability is a TE set vs. Oregon and sitting out the first quarter serious concern given the high speeds he travels of the Armed Forces Bowl vs. Air Force for a at and his lack of bulk. Immature. Not a great violation of team rules. Missed the Stanford con- worker. Difficult to manage. Talks too much and test with a right thigh contusion suffered in the thinks he is better than he is. first half vs. Washington — was forced to leave Summary: Should be able to make an imme-

WIDE RECEIVERS the game and sit out practice the bye week lead- diate impact as a punt returner, develop further ing up to the Stanford game. Also suffered a as a kickoff returner and bring electric speed to sprained left thumb in the season opener vs. Ten- the outside. However, he is a very small man nessee — thumb popped out of the socket, but playing a big man’s game and could struggle was popped back in. Forced to wear a cast over with the physicality of NFL defensive backs as a the thumb during practice and heavy tape during receiver. Durability, toughness, maturity and games, resulting in uncharacteristic dropped work ethic are all issues that need to be evaluat- passes. Corralled 65-762-6 (11.7) and returned ed closely and could affect his draft status. punts 12-129-1 (10.8). Holds the Pacific-10 record for career punt-return touchdowns (six). WR-RS DEXTER JACKSON 1 Positives: Is explosive and can flat-out fly. (5-9 ⁄2, 182, 4.38) APPALACHIAN STATE Eats cushion quickly and can get on top of Notes: Saw action in 11 games as a true fresh- defensive backs. Makes some acrobatic, diving man in 2004, making 17 catches for 239 yards grabs and easily tracks the deep ball. Shows (14.1-yard average) and one touchdown and great vision, follows his blockers and can make returning 22 kickoffs for 394 yards (17.9). In ’05, sharp cuts through traffic and find daylight. started 7-of-14 games in which he played in three- Knows how to set up blocks. Can reverse field and four-WR sets, racking up 30-449-5 (15.0) and

www.profootballweekly.com WRs 2008LO3/5/082:48PMPage53 an immediateimpactasapuntreturner. he cancompetewiththebigboys. Couldmake is clearlyvery physicallygiftedandhasshown but of opportunitiesinaspread-optionoffense, other receiver atthe Combine.Didnotgetalot the SeniorBowl beforeclockingfaster thanany forming wellintheEast-West Shrinegameand Soft blocker. ly. Doesnottracktheballwellover hisshoulder. the ballintohisbodyanddoesnotcatchitclean- hands. Inconsistentcatcherwhotoooftenlets a hit. Adjusts topoorlythrown balls.Shows through zonesandcancatchoncontact andtake across themiddleandcatchin traffic. Works come toughness towork insideofcoverage, and returnedpunts34-223-0(6.6). five timesfor74yards(14.8) andonetouchdown 92-2 inanupsetvictoryatMichigan. Also rushed highlightedby 3- and grabbed30-688-8(22.9), touchdowns (12.3).Started8-of-15gamesin’07 470-3 (14.2)andreturningpunts30-369withtwo catching33- (8.4). Started9-of-15gamesin’06, returning kickoffs 11-189(17.2)andpunts29-245 (5-9 WR and leave defendersintheirtracks. exciting returnpotential—cancutonadime character. Vocal leader. Works hard.Shows big-time competition(seeMichigan).Good hit. Very agileafterthecatch.Hassteppedupvs. Shows greatagilityandthetoughness totake a hands wellatthelineandworks touncover. useshis Has thequicknesstoescapejam, playmaking abilitywhenhetouchestheball. ing teamMVPhonors. earn- 5-95-0 (19.0)andkickoffs 8-136-0(17.0), rushing11-53-0(4.8)andreturningpunts (20.0), grabbing31-619-2 (three) andsplitend(five), games inthefall inarotationatbothflanker due tounspecified reasons.Started8-of-12 2006. Didnotparticipatein’07springpractice medical redshirtyear. GraduatedinDecember ment thatrequiredsurgery andresultedina suffering atornrightposterior collateralliga- (14.1) andreturnedkickoffs 2-42(21.0)before first three gamesof’06andcaught13-183 175 (21.9)andpunts8-64-0(8.0).Startedthe Caught 25-242-2(9.7)andreturnedkickoffs 8- missing two contestswithanankleinjury. 14-191 (13.6).Playedin10-of-12games’05, caught 21-230-1(11.0)andreturnedkickoffs yards (20.2).Started2-of-12gamesin’04and touchdown andreturning10kickoffs for202 passes for20yards(6.7-yardaverage) anda catchingthree games asatruefreshmanin’03, enroll untilthefollowing year. Playedinall13 signed withMiami(Fla.)in2002but didnot touchdowns asahighschoolsenior. Originally Summary: Negatives: Positives: Positives: Notes: 1 DARNELL JENKINS ⁄ 4 , 187,4.56)MIAMI(FLA.) Scored five special-teams return Fights off theline.Shows some a eysrn otesn per- Had avery strongpostseason, Can flat-outflyandhasshown Very smallandhasvery small 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW stay focused. team. Couldbeatoughslotreceiver ifhecan playing withanaverage quarterbackonabad centration asaseniorandstillcompeteddespite him. Average work habits. Trouble seemstofollow shake acaseofthedrops. Too undisciplined. speed. Hasaverage handsandhasstruggledto step ondefenders.Hasreturnexperience. through traffic. Shows enoughspeedtogeta some shake andbake afterthecatchandweaves Texas vs.theNationall-stargame. and performedwellvs.bettercompetitionatthe versatile playmaker attheDivision I-AAlevel product withsomeuntappedpotential. Was a not faced greatcompetition.Marginal blocker. zone coverage. Notoverly elusive tocreate.Has catch. Coulddoabetterjobfinding softspotsin his body. Gatherstocutandbreaksstride to lane. Hasreturnability. competitive speedto pullaway whenhegetsa make thefirst defendermissandshows good quick off theline.Shows somequicknessto low ballandcanmake somediving grabs.Is der. Goodsidelineawareness. Adjusts welltothe ments totheballandcantrackitover hisshoul- pound forpound. Tough. Makes goodadjust- (5-11 WR-RS (6-1 WR 9-152-0 (16.9). and returningpunts24-231-1(9.6)kickoffs rushing6-15-0(2.5) catching 36-613-7(17.0), 19-241-1 (12.7).Startedall12gamesin’07, and returnedkickoffs 8-116-0(14.5)andpunts carried4-63-0(15.8) caught 30-527-2(17.6), 2-52-0 (26.0).Startedall11gamesin’06and (22.0) andonetouchdown andreturningkickoffs rushingtwicefor44yards and onetouchdown, catching22passesfor285yards(13.0) ment, ’05 beforetearinghisleftmedialcollateralliga- yards (15.8-yardaverage). Startedsixgamesin returningfourkicksfor63 freshman in2004, 2003. Saw limitedactioninthreegamesasatrue n 01011 1.)rciig includingthe ing 60-1,041-13(17.4)receiving, giving way to two-back setsandamass- in ’07, ralling 12-159-1(13.2).Started8-of-13 games cor- tucky in’06andplayed in all13games, caught 73-1,060-12(14.5). Transferred toKen- (19.0-yard average) andsixtouchdowns. In’04, man in2003andcaught32passesfor607yards Attended ChabotCollege (Calif.)asatruefresh- junior year. Also letteredinbasketball asaprep. school didnotoffer varsity footballuntilhis Summary: Negatives: Summary: Negatives: Positives: Notes: Notes: 7 STEVE JOHNSON ⁄ 8 1 , 210,4.59)KENTUCKY ⁄ 8 , 177,4.53)JACKSON STATE JAYMAR JOHNSON Is marriedwithadaughter. Hishigh Married. Was apartialqualifier in Is well-sculptedandvery strong Showed improved focusandcon- Not aneliteathlete.Catcheswith Lacks playstrengthandvertical a,udrie,small-school undersized, Raw, www.profootballweekly.com 53 WIDE RECEIVERS WIDE RECEIVERS WRs 2008 LO 3/5/08 2:49 PM Page 54

54 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW game-winning TD receptions vs. Louisville and two touchdowns. Started 13-of-14 games in ’06 then-No. 1 LSU. Led the Southeastern Confer- and caught 62-993-10 (16.0). Suffered a torn ence in receiving yards and touchdowns. Earned meniscus in the Fiesta Bowl, underwent offsea- Wildcats’ most improved offensive player hon- son knee surgery and sat out ’07 spring practice. ors, as voted on by the coaching staff. Returned to start 13-of-14 games in ’07, but suf- Positives: Has good size, long arms and big fered a hip pointer vs. Oklahoma State and was hands. Can adjust to the ball in the air and track limited to one series in the Fiesta Bowl vs. West it in the air. Has upside. Virginia by a deep thigh bruise. Finished with Negatives: Raw route runner. Not quick in 49-821-9 (16.8). and out of breaks. Only played two years of high Positives: Creates mismatches with tremen- school football and does not have great instincts dous size and wingspan. Goes up to attack the for the position. Is tight in the upper body and ball in the air and has strong hands. Eats ground runs too upright. Not very tough or physical. with his long strides. Moves very naturally. Summary: Matured as a senior, when he Works back to the ball and competes hard for it. emerged as Andre Woodson’s go-to guy as a Good body control. Can adjust to poorly thrown senior and consistently produced in the clutch. balls behind him and haul in the ball without Has some upside to continue developing but will breaking stride. Adjusts well to the low ball. require considerable molding. Outstanding hands and catching radius. Good feet. Will cross the middle, take a hit and hold WR ROBERT JORDAN onto it. Shows good strength after the catch to 5 (5-10 ⁄8, 162, 4.62) CALIFORNIA shake the first defender. Willing and strong Notes: Cousin is former Cal RB Marshawn blocker. Lynch, the ’ 2007 first-round pick. Negatives: Too streaky and inconsistent — Missed three games with a broken left ankle in started junior season strong but could not sustain his senior year of high school. Planned to red- shirt in 2004 but ended up starting five of the final eight games due to injuries throughout the receiver corps, catching 29 passes for 332 yards (11.4) and two touchdowns. Caught 7-116-1 in WIDE RECEIVERS his first start vs. Arizona State. Missed Washing- ton State game in ’05 due to a right collarbone injury and the Sacramento State opener because of a team suspension. Did start 8-of-10 games, hauling in 34-455-4 (14.2). Suspension resulted from an arrest on Feb. 27, 2005 in which Jordan and teammate Bernard Hicks were stopped by university police for not wearing seat belts. Hicks was arrested for possessing several bags of marijuana, while Jordan was arrested for pos- session of a concealed weapon — reportedly not a gun but an ornamental dagger that he wore around his neck. Started all 12 games in ’06, catching 43-511-4 (11.9). Started 11-of-13 games in ’07, grabbing 65-762-6 (11.7). Positives: Shows polish as a route runner and gets in and out of his breaks. Field fast. Shows good awareness working through zones and

WIDE RECEIVERS knows how to get open. Willingly enters traffic and keeps concentration. Gives effort to block. Negatives: Too thin with very marginal strength. Not a blazer. Not strong after the catch and does not break tacklers. Has struggled to pack on weight. Limited upside. Is fragile and durability is a pressing concern. Is rough around the edges. Summary: A solid college football player who simply lacks the traits needed to play and stay healthy at the pro level. WR MALCOLM KELLY (Junior) 3 (6-3 ⁄4, 224, 4.55e) OKLAHOMA Notes: Started 7-of-11 games in which he

played as a true freshman in 2005, catching 33 JAMES D. SMITH passes for 471 yards (14.3-yard average) and Malcolm Kelly l OKLAHOMA

www.profootballweekly.com WRs 2008LO3/5/082:49PMPage55 eefrajbi apa n“”receiver. pete forajobincampasan“X” outside-the-numbersleaperwhocouldcom- cal, reward pickwithbust potential. a consistentlyhighlevel. A high-risk/high- team playertoreachhispotentialandperformat what itmeanstowork andbecomemoreofa hemust learn the short-passinggame.However, of double-teamsasajuniorandhelpedopenup Kelly drew alot hand strengthandbodycontrol, be difficult tomanage. shape andoverweight attheCombineandcould absorb anNFLplaybook.Showed upoutof what itmeanstowork. Couldtake sometimeto ed whenhedoesnotgettheball.Needstolearn catch ashissizewould indicate.Canbefrustrat- and outofhisbreaks.Notasstrongafterthe ness inhislower bodyandisnot quickgettingin age whenit’s rolledhisway. Shows sometight- success. Notaburner. Strugglestoescapecover- (5-11 WR (6-3, 189,4.44)MIAMI(FLA.) WR and willstruggletobeatthejaminpros. after thecatch. Very frail.Nottoughorphysical Marginal burst outofhisbreaks.Doesnot create high-cut andleggy andshows nosuddenness. Can winsomejumpballs. defensive backstosleep withhislongstrides. arms. Hasdeceptive playingspeedandcanlull foot injury. Finishedwith15-238-1(15.9). Georgia Tech andFloridaStatecontestswitha tion atbothflanker andsplitend.Missedthe 7-of-9 gamesinwhichheplayed’07arota- grabbing38-584-4(15.4).Started games in’06, snagged 15-204-2(13.6).Started10-of-13 and the Virginia contestwithatoeinjury, missing of-11 gamesinwhichheplayed’05, yard average) andfourtouchdowns. Started1- 2004 andcaught17passesfor349yards(20.5- he started8-of-11gamesasatruefreshmanin in the60-meterhurdles(7.79).Ongridiron, school recordatthe ACC IndoorChampionships heplacedsecondandseta dles (13.79).In’07, pionships andwas secondinthe110-meterhur- 2006 Atlantic CoastConferenceOutdoorCham- the 400-meterhurdles(51.83seconds)at Leggett placed first in the university trackteam, and (1976-85). As amemberof L.A.Rams a tightendfortheHoustonOilers, games asatruefreshmanin2005 and caught27 Parade also letteredinbasketball asaprep.Named playingnineNFLseasons.Mario 49ers in1982, and asecond-roundpickoftheSan Francisco America offensive linemanforthe Wolverines Summary: Summary: Negatives: Notes: Positives: Notes: MARIO MANNINGHAM LANCE LEGGETT 3 ⁄ 4 , 181,4.62)MICHIGAN All-America infootball.Started3-of-12 ihsho oc,Mk abr was Mike Barber, High schoolcoach, osn ub ai,was an All- BubbaParis, Cousin, Has goodheightandvery long oglme,pni-hn verti- pencil-thin, A long-limbed, Drops asmany ashecatches. Too Blessed withtremendoussize, (Junior) 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW season inschoolhistory(behind only Braylon Recorded thesecondmostproductive receiving also rushed19timesfor119 yards (6.3). team rules.Corralled72-1,174-12 (16.3)and the EasternMichigancontestfor a violationof but was suspendedfor which heplayedin’07, prescribed Vicodin. Startedall12gamesin ningham hadsurgery onJan. 8andhadbeen Michigan’s teamphysicianverified thatMan- for possessionofacontrolledsubstanceafter session. Was cleared ofpossiblefelony charge pos- small amountofmarijuanainhisfriends’ more inasuitcasethetrunkofcarplus Vicodin inManningham’s pockets andacouple police foundacouple500-milligramtabletsof was arrestedfollowing atraffic stopafter 25, another kneesurgery inJanuary2007.On April ment. Finishedwith38-703-9(18.5).Had torn rightmeniscusandmedialcollateralliga- after undergoing surgery torepairapartially missingthreemidseasoncontests played in’06, touchdowns. Started9-of-10gamesinwhichhe balls for433yards(16.0-yardaverage) andsix Mario Manningham l www.profootballweekly.com MICHIGAN

LES BENTLEY 55 WIDE RECEIVERS WIDE RECEIVERS WRs 2008 LO 3/5/08 2:49 PM Page 56

56 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW Edwards, 1,330 in ’04). Named as one of three to fight for a job. finalists for the Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s top receiver. WR 1 Positives: Has sleek movement skills and can (6-4 ⁄4, 222, 4.63) ARKANSAS swim off the jam, make himself skinny and work Notes: Valedictorian of his high school class. around defenders. Is quick into his routes and Also lettered in basketball. Played all 11 games can separate with sharp cuts and double moves. in 2004 and caught 37 passes for 569 yards Shows the competitive speed to gain a step on (15.4-yard average) and six touchdowns. Was defenders, tracks the ball extremely well and supposed to play on the Arkansas basketball adjusts to its flight. Has great body control, team as well, but he was held out due to a shoul- makes some very acrobatic adjustments in the der injury from football. Started all 11 games in air and highpoints the ball. Is quick-footed and ’05 and grabbed 35-476-7 (13.6). Started all 14 elusive and flashes the ability to turn a short games in ’06 and hauled in 50-962-11 (19.2). slant into a huge gain. Wants the ball in crunch Suffered a right knee injury during an Aug. 9, time and makes plays when it counts (see Michi- 2007 practice when hit from behind by S gan State). Michael Grant. Initially diagnosed with a bone Negatives: Too thinly built and almost bruise, and an MRI the next day was negative. appears knock-kneed. Shows marginal run During an Aug. 13 surgery, doctors discovered strength and does not run through contact. Takes the extent of the injury — a small tear in the pos- some choppy steps out of his breaks. Rounds his terior horn of the lateral meniscus and an articu- cuts on slants and leaves break points open for lar cartilage fracture of the lateral femoral defensive backs. Shows some untimely lapses in condyle. Underwent a second surgical procedure concentration (see Ohio State). Not a great prac- on Aug. 28 to remove two pieces of cartilage tice player and will talk too much. Can grate on beneath the right meniscus that had moved and a coach and will need to be monitored. Moody were causing pain. Rehabbed and missed the and immature. Durability could be an issue first half of the ’07 season, but managed to start given his lack of bulk. 5-of-7 games in which he played. Finished with Summary: Needs to get a little bigger and 16-144-3 (9.0). stronger to fend off injuries, and his lack of Positives: Excellent height and body length to WIDE RECEIVERS timed speed at the Combine could turn off some post up smaller defensive backs. Can catch in a teams seeking blazers. However, he is field fast crowd. Good boundary awareness. Great charac- and when he sets his mind to a task, he has ter. shown he can make an impact. Could be difficult Negatives: High-cut. Long strider. Not sud- to coach like too many of the good receivers in den or quick. Comes off the ball lethargically the game today, but has potential to become a and can be jammed. Not strong or physical. No. 1 receiver if he stays focused. Does not pop out of breaks or play with any explosion. Limited after the catch. Could not run WR SHAHEER McBRIDE away from anyone and moved like an 80-year- 1 (6-1 ⁄2, 205, 4.67) DELAWARE STATE old man with arthritis during his senior season. Notes: Also lettered in basketball as a prep. Jammed clear out of bounds against South Car- Redshirted in 2003 to concentrate on academics. olina. Questionable mental toughness. Knee Started all 11 games in ’04 and registered 46 injury needs to be re-evaluated. receptions for 849 yards and seven touchdowns Summary: Showed some rust at the Combine (18.5-yard average). Started all 11 games in ’05 but caught the ball consistently after playing and caught 50-720-6 (14.4). Started all 11 games very little as a senior. Could have benefited from in ’06, snaring 55-852-11 (15.5) and rushing taking a medical redshirt and another year in seven times for 58 yards (8.4). Started all 12 school where he would have a chance to prove

WIDE RECEIVERS games in ’07, catching 50-586-9 and returning himself. Could battle for a job as an outside-the- punts 17-122-0. numbers possession receiver. Positives: Very competitive. Fights off the line and battles for the ball. Plays faster than WR EVAN MOORE timed speed. Good length to extend and catch (6-6, 233, 4.79) STANFORD outside his frame. Makes some athletic adjust- Notes: Earned a degree in political science ments to the ball. Very good career production. and is working toward a master’s in sociology. Negatives: Not a polished route runner — Also lettered in basketball and averaged 24.3 rounds out of his breaks and is not sudden or points, 12.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists as a high quick. Lacks separation speed. Has faced mar- school senior. Played basketball for the Cardinal ginal competition. Does not create with the from 2003-04, but left to concentrate on football. ball. Could add bulk and get stronger. Average On the gridiron, saw action in six games as a true blocker. freshman in ’03 but missed the final three con- Summary: A better football player than ath- tests with shoulder and ankle injuries suffered lete, McBride has been challenged by inconsis- against Arizona State. Totaled eight catches for tency under center and still produced at a high 150 yards (18.8-yard average) and one touch- level. Has the toughness and competitiveness down. Started all 11 games in ’04 and caught 39-

www.profootballweekly.com WRs 2008LO3/5/082:49PMPage57 ceptible toinjuryintightquarters. receiver andhislong limbscouldbemoresus- tightendbut could not stayhealthyat “move” to separate. get startedandisnotquickorsudden.Struggles has never beenableto stay healthy. Takes timeto stands thegame.Goodworker. be physicalasablocker. Very smartandunder- ly thrown balls. Wins jumpballswithsize.Can Can plucktheballoutofairandcatchpoor- athlete forhissize.Goodhand-eye coordination. ly biggerrolesbecauseofhisconsistency and special teamsandfind away toearnincreasing- contribute rightaway but willmake amarkon versatility willearnhim arosterspot.Maynot catching 39-481-1(12.3). 14-242-3 (17.3).Started9-of-12gamesin’07, foot but returnedtostart5-of-8gamesandgrab the ’06seasonwithastressfractureinhisright redshirting. Then missedthefirst fourgamesof fering aseason-endingdislocatedrighthipand season andregistered 3-66-1(22.0)beforesuf- 616-6 (15.8).Startedthefirst gameofthe’05 (5-10 WR Not aphysicalblocker. burner. Coulddo a betterjobofsellingroutes. speed tostretchthefield vertically andisnota return ability. Greatcharacter. plays breakdown. Very goodworker. Haspunt- erage andwillkeep working togetopenwhen instincts afterthecatch.Hasagoodfeelforcov- fast asheneedsto.Shows goodstrengthandrun balance. Shows competitive speedandrunsas concentration throughtraffic. Goodagilityand hands. Works backtotheballandshows good player whowillplayany rolehecan. Very good 355-1 (10.4)andkickoffs 10-172-0(17.2). rushed 44-316-3(7.2)andreturnedpunts34- star andcurrentRams WR Torry Holt(88). Also surpassingex-North CarolinaState receptions, Coast Conferencesingle-seasonrecordfor Boston College andNavy). Setthe Atlantic record formostreceptionsinagame(15vs. twicetyingtheschool Snared 98-1,011-5(10.3), vs. Virginia). receiver (12)andquarterback (one, 130 yards(13.0).Startedall13gamesin’07at and two touchdowns andreturned10puntsfor rushed105timesfor507yards(4.8) 314-1 (9.8), Andrews andKevin Harrisin’06.Caught32- (five) asaninjuryreplacementforMicah games atwidereceiver (seven) andrunningback 127 (15.9)andonetouchdown. Started12-of-14 of-7 gamesinwhichheplayedandcorralled8- started1- grabbed onepassforsixyards.In’05, games in’04byasprainedrightfootand Summary: Negatives: Positives: Summary: Negatives: Positives: Notes: KENNETH MOORE 3 ⁄ 4 , 195,4.51) WAKE FOREST Redshirted in2003.Limitedtofive Has raresizewithlongarms.Good May warrant looksasanH-backor Great versatility. Unselfish team Seems tobeinjuredevery yearand Has smallhands.Lackstop-end ogns,competitiveness and Toughness, 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW West Coastoffense. clearly hasbeenfrustrated.Couldfit wellina of thebestreceiving corpsinthecountryandhe been limitedduetoplayinginarotationone Morgan’s opportunitieshave strong runskills, when hewants to. on thefield. Lacksconcentration.Onlyblocks hands. Too selfish —shows badbodylanguage when hedoesnotgettheball.Hasinconsistent Loafs onthebacksideandcanbedemonstrative not show greattop-endspeedoracceleration. back totheballandgives upbreakpoints.Does contributor intheshort-passinggame. ability tohandlepressure.Couldbecomeasolid air. Hasreturnability. leaping abilityandcanadjusttotheballin power throughsecuredtackles.Shows good in traffic. Runswithstrengthandpower andcan ball withapowerful stride. Very tough.Catches athlete withgoodmuscularity. Comesoff the (6-0 WR (6-2 WR offs 16-276-0(17.2). receptions. Also returnedpunts1-12-0andkick- leadingtheteamin caught 46-552-5(12.0), Started 11-of-14gamesin’07atsplitendand ished theseasonwith33-448-4(13.6)receiving. pepper spray. Returnedfromsuspensionandfin- to submitarrestandwas subduedbyablastof if heweregoingtoassaultthedriver. Herefused thenopenedthedriver’s dooras dow ofatruck, report sayshepunchedatthedriver’s sidewin- conduct andobstructionofjustice. The police after beingarrestedandcharged withdisorderly was suspendedfortheGeorgia Tech contest but 11-of-12 gamesinwhichheplayed’06, yards (22.5)andonepuntfor17yards.Started 4 (16.8)andalsoreturnedtwo kickoffs for 45 snagging28-471- Started 1-of-13gamesin’05, (23.1-yard average) andthreetouchdowns. catching15passesfor346yards games in’04, fifth metatarsal inhisleftfoot.Started1-of-12 underwent surgery inthepreseasonforabroken 2003. Enrolledat Virginia Tech in’04and Attended Fork Union(Va.) Military Academy in touchdowns (14.9-yardaverage). Started9-of-13 grabbing 45receptionsfor669yards andeight wide receiver andstartedall11gamesin’05, play in’04asadefensive back.Converted to to beacoach.Redshirtedin2003 anddidnot meters (10.63)and200(21.64). Aspires ting theClass3Adivision recordsinthe100 400metersandlongjumpset- 200 meters, Kansas Class3Astatetitlesinthe100meters, winningthe tered inbasketball andtrack, Summary: Negatives: Positives: Notes: Notes: 1 5 JOSH MORGAN JORDY NELSON ⁄ ⁄ 4 8 , 219,4.54) VIRGINIA TECH , 217,4.54)KANSASSTATE Played quarterbackasaprep. Also let- Also letteredinbasketball asaprep. ok h at elbit natural Looks thepart. Well-built, Lacks discipline.Doesnotwork Clearly physicallygiftedwith www.profootballweekly.com 57 WIDE RECEIVERS WIDE RECEIVERS WRs 2008 LO 3/5/08 2:49 PM Page 58

58 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW games in ’06 and caught 39-547-1 (14.0) despite Does not show great awareness. Jump catcher being limited by a left posterior collateral liga- who likes to cradle the ball. Inconsistent hands. ment strain. Started all 12 games in ’07, snaring Limited after the catch. Soft blocker. 122-1,606-11 and returning five punts for 264 Summary: Worked mostly in the short-pass- yards (52.8) and two touchdowns. Ranked sec- ing game as a possession-type receiver other ond nationally in receptions and yards. Set than an 85-yard TD catch vs. Michigan on a school records for most receptions in a game (15 blown coverage. Serious knee injury could be vs. Missouri State and Fresno State) and most difficult to overcome. receiving yards in a game (214 vs. Iowa State). Positives: Excellent size, thickly built. Natur- WR 1 al hands catcher. Great competitive speed. Cre- (6-3 ⁄8, 224, 4.62) NEBRASKA ates positive yardage after the catch. Good run Notes: Is the uncle of former Colorado RB balance, strength and instincts. Shows great Bobby Purify. Enrolled at City College of San toughness by working across the field. Very pro- Francisco in 2004-05, compiling 92 receptions ductive in converting third downs. Shows good for 1,762 yards and 30 touchdowns (19.2-yard cut-back ability and short-area burst. Elusive in average) over the two seasons and earned offen- the open field and can turn a short catch into a sive MVP honors in the California junior-col- long run. Tracks the ball well over his shoulder. lege championship game in defeat. Also partici- Shows a lot of upside as a punt returner and pro- pated in basketball. Transferred to Nebraska in duced when he got the chance — scored on two ’06 and started 5-of-14 games — three at the of his five return opportunities as a senior. Out- “X” spot and two at the “Y” spot — catching 34- standing production. Has enough speed to make 630-7 (18.5). Was arrested on May 5, 2007 and defenders respect him down the field. Very solid charged with two counts of assault, failure to character. Very durable and plays through pain. comply, resisting arrest and trespassing. Was Negatives: Not a blazer and lacks explosive accused of hitting a bouncer who had denied speed. Does not run a full route tree and has not him entrance to a bar several times and then shown he can get in and out of routes and set up striking the man’s girlfriend. When police defenders the way he will need to do in the pros. arrived on the scene, Purify resisted being hand- Not a great blocker. cuffed and it took four officers to subdue him. WIDE RECEIVERS Summary: Consistently produced big plays in On June 8, was stopped for speeding and then the clutch and emerged as a legitimate receiving arrested on suspicion of driving under the influ- threat as a senior. Has the size, dependable ence. Blood-alcohol content was tested at 0.138 hands and fearlessness to be very good on third percent. Was suspended from the team indefi- downs and showed the potential to contribute as nitely. In July, he agreed to plead no contest as a returner. Strong Senior Bowl and Combine part of a deal with prosecutors that gave him one performances should only add to his value. year of probation and fines totaling $1,250 and ordered him not to enter a bar or any other busi- WR BRIAN PAYSINGER ness that primarily sells alcohol. Was reinstated 5 (6-1 ⁄8, 206, 4.59) OREGON to the team but was suspended for the season Notes: Redshirted in 2003. Appeared in 8-of- opener vs. Nevada and ordered to attend drug 11 games in ’04 and grabbed two passes for 27 and alcohol counseling as a result of the offsea- yards (13.5-yard average). Suffered a torn right son DUI. Started 4-of-11 games in which he medial collateral ligament in an August ’05 played at the “Z” (three) spot and in a three- practice but recovered in time to appear in the receiver set (one). Caught 57-814-9 (14.2) and final 9-of-12 games. Finished with 6-70 (11.7) twice tied a school single-game record for TD receiving and rushed two times for 13 yards receptions (three vs. Kansas and Colorado). (6.5) and one touchdown. Started 12-of-13 Positives: Has a big, strong frame. Physical at

WIDE RECEIVERS games in ’06 and caught 34-451 (13.3) and three the line. Knows how to use his body as a shield touchdowns and carried 7-77-0 (11.0). Started 3- on underneath routes. Attacks the ball in the air of-4 games in which he played in ’07, snagging and can win battles there. Nice body control to 9-165-2 (18.3) and rushing 3-25-0 (8.3), but suf- adjust to the ball. Can make difficult one-hand- fered a very serious right knee injury when his ed grabs and fight in the red zone. Good com- cleats got caught in the grass while he was get- petitor. ting tackled during a practice leading up to the Negatives: Lacks speed and is not fluid, agile Stanford contest. Tore the ACL, MCL and PCL or explosive. Very average quickness to escape ligaments in the knee and underwent season- the jam. Not a clean route runner. Average run ending surgery. balance — does not pick up his feet or open up Positives: Has good length and looks the part. his stride and trips up too easily — and is too Shows enough speed and quickness. Plays phys- heavy-footed. Too inconsistent catching the ball. ical and has the toughness to hold on to the ball Most of his catches are contested. Shows little after contact. burst after the catch and goes down more easily Negatives: Has had multiple knee injuries and than a man his size should. Braces to get hit. Dis- faces a career-threatening type of situation. Not tinterested blocker. Too straight-linish and strug- quick or sudden. Lacks polish as a route runner. gles to change direction and redirect. Weight has

www.profootballweekly.com WRs 2008LO3/5/082:49PMPage59 ing blocker. Hasbeenvery durable. will- off theline.Catchesballeasily. Tough, of packs.Nicestrengthtobeatthe jamandget open field andcansidesteptacklersspinout Good runbalance.Shows aniceburst inthe ability andshows someelusiveness withtheball. offs 8-211-0(26.4). rushed11-103-1(9.4)andreturnedkick- (11.5), shoulder injuryvs.Maryland.Caught64-733-12 East CarolinaandSouthFloridaaftersuffering a ing way tofreshman WR BrandonHoganvs. giv- touchdown. Started11-of-13games in’07, returned kickoffs 30-813yards(27.1)andone 2 (13.3)andrushed14-221-0(15.8). Also Started all13gamesin’06andsnagged39-520- kickoffs for102yards(25.5-yardaverage). average) andonetouchdown. Also returned four and carryingninetimesfor86yards(9.6-yard yards (9.9-yardaverage) andfive touchdowns catching30passesfor297 all 12gamesin’05, Redshirted asapartialqualifier in’04.Started (5-8 WR fluctuated. Characterisaconcern. (5-9 WR-RS hitches andcouldcompeteforajobincamp. heavily on alotofbubble screensandshort blocker. Notoverly fast. the jamandgetoff thelinecleanly. Very weak tion withlittlemusclemass.Strugglestobeat been nicked up.Long-termdurabilityisaques- very smartandhardworking. air. Shows someelusiveness afterthecatch.Is enough bodycontroltoadjusttheballin the ’07IvyLeagueoutdoor100meters(10.75). as championin’07(6.85). Also placedfifth in meter crown (6.85seconds)in’06andrepeated capturedtheindoor60- of theBrown trackteam, returning kickoffs 18-482-0(26.8). As amember grabbing55-978-4(17.8)and games in’07, ing five puntsfor177yards(35.4). Startedall10 rushing threetimesfor17yards(3.7)andreturn- catching 45-654andfourtouchdowns (14.5), position. Returnedtostartall10gamesin’06, (11.1). Didnotplayin’05duetodepthatthe 2004 andregistered 16receptionsfor178yards games inwhichheplayedasatruefreshman started4-of-6 for atouchdown. Onthegridiron, passandrush return, his highschooltoreceive, States whenhewas oneyearold.Onlyplayerin mismatch problemsifhecanstayoutoftrouble. quarterback. Histerrific sizecouldcreatesome the seasonvery strongwithamorecompetent Negatives: Positives: Summary: Negatives: Positives: Notes: Summary: Notes: 1 3 PAUL RAYMOND ⁄ ⁄ 4 4 , 201,4.52) WEST VIRGINIA , 180,4.49)BROWN DARIUS REYNAUD Born inHaitibut moved totheUnited Also letteredintrackhighschool. Is fairly quickandagileshows Flashes someexplosive big-play Too short. Very undersizedandhas Short. Notapolishedrouterunner, Inconsistent catcherwhofinished Small andplayssmall.Isused (Junior) 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW back spasms.Caught92-1,174-13(12.8). missingtheIdahocontestwith he playedin’07, Hawaii Bowl. Started11-of-12gamesinwhich receiving performancevs. Arizona Stateinthe (16.4). SetaNCAAbowl recordwitha308-yard 12-of-14 gamesandgrabbing72-1,178-10 starting academics. ReturnedtoHawaii in’06, it. Didnotplayduringthe’05seasonbecauseof ankle injuryintheoffseason andhadsurgery on community college. Suffered aseriousright ly ineligibleinthespringof’05andattendeda snagging 80-973-7(12.2).Declaredacademical- five touchdowns. Startedall13gamesin’04, 44 ballsfor512yards(11.6-yardaverage) and catching of-11 gamesasatruefreshmanin2003, and 200-meterchampionasasenior. Started5- high schoolandwas theHawaii state100-meter tal slotreceiver. will have tomake itasareturner. Developmen- but isstillvery raw asareceiver and the ball, elusiveness tobeathreatwhenever he touches about routerunning. uncover throughzonesandhasalottolearn just runstospots.Notinstinctive oraware to does notsetupdefensive backsandtoooften TDs. Returned13kickoffs for326yards (25.1) returned 17puntsfor382yards(22.5) andtwo (13.7-yard average) andthreetouchdowns. Also 2004 andregistered 44receptions for602yards Redshirted in2003.Started3-of-11 gamesin ing theCaliforniastatefinals inthetriplejump. reach- lettered inbasketball andtrackasaprep, serves astheCBcoachatUtahState.Kevin also football at Washington Stateandcurrently (6-1 WR (5-11 WR-RS the progame. andhecouldtake sometimetoadjust cleanly, continue tolimithisabilitygetoff theline game. Speeddeficiency andslenderframecould asheshowed attheEast-West Shrine sistent, playing inaspreadoffense andhandsareincon- knows theballisnotcominghisway. one speed.Canloafonthebacksidewhenhe rate andtakes timetoaccelerate.Onlyplaysat Does notmake sharpcuts.Lacksspeedtosepa- fend off thejam.Notarefined route runner. into hisbody. Very leanandlacksstrength to hard onthefield. Competitive blocker. cal. Hasapassionforthegameandcompetes Plays withachiponhisshoulder. Canbephysi- track itover hisshoulder. Nicebodycontrol. radius. Adjusts welltotheballinflightandcan go uptogettheballandhasawidecatching Summary: Notes: Notes: Summary: Negatives: Positives: 1 JASON RIVERS ⁄ 4 1 , 200,4.62)HAWAII ⁄ 2 , 202,4.74)UTAH STATE KEVIN ROBINSON Also letteredinbasketball andtrackin le rte,Jh uhn,played JohnRushing, Older brother, Good heightandarmlength. Will a h ucns,runbalanceand Has thequickness, Inconsistent catcher. Letstheball Production isoverinflated from www.profootballweekly.com 59 WIDE RECEIVERS WIDE RECEIVERS WRs 2008 LO 3/5/08 2:49 PM Page 60

60 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW and one touchdown. Started 9-of-11 games in and keeps working to get open. Adjusts well to ’05, giving way to two-TE sets, and caught 43- the ball. Solid character. Very good weight-room 661-8 (15.4) and rushed 13 times for 91 yards worker. Has a passion for the game. (7.0) and one touchdown. Returned punts 27- Negatives: Has average size and does not 270-1 (10.0) and kickoffs 23-498-0 (21.7). In have the frame to get bigger. Not a strong runner ’06, started 9-of-12 games, catching 36-582-5 and does not power through tackles or like to be (16.2), carrying 6-35-0 (5.8) and returning punts hit. Can get stuck on the line when he is not 14-74-0 (5.3) and kickoffs 31-641-0 (20.7). given a free release. Drops his share of catchable Started 11-of-12 games in ’07, catching 55-640- balls. Not a strong blocker. Questionable mental 5 (11.6), running 16-39-0 (2.4) and returning toughness. Tweaked his hamstring at the Senior punts 20-378-1 and kickoffs 43-1,260-3. Holds Bowl and tends to pull himself out of competi- the NCAA career record for all-purpose yards tion if he is not 100 percent and everything is not per play (16.2). perfect. Has a bit of a track mentality. Positives: Good run instincts and vision to Summary: Was underutilized amidst a talent- find seams. Is nifty and quick enough to set up ed group of a receivers in college, but has big- moves. Competes for the ball in a crowd and play capabilities as a slot receiver and as a return responds under pressure. Very good awareness. specialist. Will tease scouts with his speed, Fields the ball cleanly, gets upfield and helps set strength and return ability, but may never be up his blockers. Good game-day competitor. great as a receiver. Negatives: Average athlete. Not quick- twitched or explosive. Shows little burst to get WR LORNE SAM 3 up the seam and does not play fast. Production is (6-2 ⁄8, 220, 4.62) UTEP inflated from facing marginal competition. Notes: Brother, P.K, played for the New Eng- Lacks run strength. Not overly elusive after the land Patriots (2004) and (2006). catch. Gets hemmed too easily at the line. Lacks Lorne played quarterback as a prep. Attended long speed and acceleration. Could struggle to Florida State in 2002 and redshirted with a sepa- absorb a playbook. rated right shoulder. Appeared in 24 games over Summary: Clutch game-day performer who the next two seasons and recorded 10 receptions put his return skills on display at the East-West for 173 yards (17.3-yard average). In April of WIDE RECEIVERS Shrine game, when he scored his ninth career ’05, fractured his left foot and underwent TD return. Lacks ideal speed, burst and func- surgery. Later that spring, transferred to UTEP tional playing strength to be effective as a and sat out the season in compliance with NCAA receiver and will have to make it as a return spe- transfer regulations. Started 1-of-8 games in cialist. Added 14 pounds and ran poorly at the which he played in ’06 and also saw time at quar- Combine. terback, but missed four contests after spraining his knee against Tulane. Caught 12-172 (14.3), WR-RS EDDIE ROYAL rushed 16 times for 91 yards (5.7) and one touch- 5 (5-9 ⁄8, 184, 4.45) VIRGINIA TECH down and completed 1-of-6 pass attempts (16.7 Notes: Started 11-of-13 games as a true fresh- percent) for 41 yards and one touchdown. man in 2004, snagging a team-leading 28 passes Showed his versatility in ’07 as he totaled 60- for 470 yards (16.8-yard average) and three 372-3 rushing, 42-589-1 receiving and 12-19- touchdowns and rushing once for 11 yards and a 144-2 and two interceptions passing while start- score. Also returned 12 kickoffs for 346 yards ing in all 10 games in which he played. Missed (28.8) and 25 punts for 274 yards (11.0). Missed two games with a high ankle sprain. the spring of ’05 with compartment syndrome, a Positives: Big-framed and naturally strong condition in which the muscle becomes too big with good athleticism. Is agile for his size. Can for the sheath surrounding it, in his left leg and win jump balls with size and leaping ability.

WIDE RECEIVERS had surgery to correct the problem. Returned to Good competitor. Very smart and understands start all 13 games at flanker in ’05 and grabbed the game. 27-315-2 (11.7) and rushed 10-79-1 (7.9). Also Negatives: Needs to learn how to drive off the returned kickoffs 14-283 (20.9) and punts 32- ball, come out of breaks and sell routes. Lacks 263 (8.2). Started 9-of-13 games in ’06, grab- blazing speed to separate deep and breakaway bing 31-497-3 (16.0) and rushing 5-24-0 (4.8). speed after the catch. Not an overly strong run- Returned kickoffs 19-431 (22.7) and punts 23- ner. Has small hands and is not a natural hands 304 (13.2) and one touchdown. Started 11-of-13 catcher. Has a history of injuries. games at flanker in ’07, as he racked up 33-496- Summary: Very big, versatile athlete who 4 (15.0) receiving and 8-116 (14.5) rushing. He could compete for a job as a possession-type also returned kickoffs 14-316-0 (22.6) and punts receiver. Developmental project. 31-455-2 (14.7). Positives: Incredibly strong pound for pound WR ARMAN SHIELDS 3 and physically tough. Will catch in traffic and (6-0 ⁄4, 194, 4.42) RICHMOND work inside. Very good short-area quickness and Notes: Also lettered in track and field in high burst. Makes sharp cuts and possesses home-run school. Redshirted in 2003. Started 3-of-10 speed. Plays smart. Has a good feel for zones games in which he played in ’04, catching 30

www.profootballweekly.com WRs 2008LO3/5/082:49PMPage61 and needstogetstronger. Hasfaced marginal expected inthe40at Combine. Furman). Greatwork ethic. Timed betterthan vs. bettercompetition(see Appalachian State, Very competitive. Played bigingamesand sity andalotofconfidence. Catchesoncontact. control andin-airadjustments.Playswithinten- and makes someunbelievable grabs. Greatbody ing ability. Cancatchanything in hisvicinity concentration andballskills.Outstandingleap- out oftheairhighabove defenders.Excellent like clockwork. Skiesfortheballandcantake it arms andmakes difficult one-handedgrabslook receiving and2-22(11.0)rushing. totaling41-697-11 (17.0) ed all11gamesin’07, November contest.Start- at theendofteams’ obscenities attheCharlestonSouthernsideline manded bytheconferenceforallegedly yelling ’06 andcaught61-1,077-16(17.7). Was repri- the topof WR groupinmostagilitydrills. finishing at incredibly wellinCombinetesting, but isfield fast andperformed hands catcher, his sizeandbodylengthisnotanatural ativity afterthecatch better jobtrackingthedeepball.Limitedcre- up breakpoints.Hasbuild-up speed.Coulddoa dle catchinsteadofattackingtheballandgives senior anddidnotgettoshow alot. Tends tocra- petitive blocker. backs withnods. Adjusts welltotheball.Com- savvy asa routerunnersettingupdefensive after thecatchandisvery quick.Shows some ness andtoughnessacrossthemiddle.Canrun son with14-125-0(8.9)receiving. but lastedonlyoneseries.Finishedthesea- 20, ed tocomebackagainstRhodeIslandonOct. game andallofthenext fourcontests. Attempt- against Northeasternandmissedmostofthat ate ligamentinhisleftkneethenext week thentoretheposteriorcruci- against Vanderbilt, Caught 12-107-0inthe’07seasonopener (11.9). Missedtheseasonfinale duetoinjury. in whichheplayed’06andcaught54-643-5 grabbing 62-842-4(13.6).Startedall10games four touchdowns. Startedall13gamesin’05, passes for320yards(10.7-yardaverage) and (6-1 WR honors inthehighjump(6feet8 earning All-Big South field fortheChanticleers, 33-527-9 (16.0). Also competedintrackand andcaught missingtimewithturftoe, 11 games, hestarted6-of- caught 26-419-8(16.1).In’05, ed all11gamesasatruefreshmanin2004and that won theNorthCarolinaClass2Atitle.Start- was amemberofthe4x400-meterrelayteam long jump(23-3 Negatives: Positives: Summary: Negatives: Positives: Notes: 3 ⁄ 4 , 199,4.45)COASTAL CAROLINA Lettered inbasketball andtrack a uehns incrediblylong Has hugehands, Shows somebig-playexplosive- Needs todoabetterjobofusing Slight-framed. Was dingedupasa eysedr lacksmusclemass Very slender, 1 ⁄ 2 ). Started10-of-12gamesin 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW 3 ⁄ 4 inches) and type role. possession- tribute readilyinacomplementary, producer onthefield andshouldbeabletocon- istic easydropsattheCombinebut was aclutch attention ofevaluators. Madesomeuncharacter- hands andballskillsondisplaycaughtthe whenheputhisexceptional West Shrinegame, encouraging positioncoach. Growth would bestbefosteredbyasupportive, special teamsandbegroomedasareceiver. Smith shouldbeabletocontribute readilyon catches. Doesnotrespondwelltohardcoaching. many ballsintohisbodyanddropssomeeasy sive backs.Lackselite top-endspeed.Letstoo run routes.Doesnotknow how tosetupdefen- West Conference. Very raw. Stilllearninghow to ested inblocking. many breaks.Isnotaburner. Appears disinter- competition. Runslazyroutesandroundsoff too (6-1 WR (6-0 WR to him.Playswithintensity. of adversity inhislifeandthegameisimportant return ability. Goodworker. Hasovercome a lot coming down thefield asagunner. Haskickoff- stride. Physicalblocker. Hasshown toughness keep defendersoff balance.Catchestheballin 10-34-1 andreturningkickoffs 28-653(23.3). rushing catching91-1,125-4, 13 gamesin’07, and returningkickoffs 18-335(18.6).Startedall rushing7-22-0(3.1) catching 53-859-9(16.2), offs 7-133(19.0).Started12-of-13gamesin’06, carried23-124-2(5.4)andreturnedkick- (9.3), Appeared inall11games’05andcaught6-56 100 meters(10.91seconds)and200(21.76). competedinthe track andfield teamin2005, 232 yards(15.5). As amemberoftheuniversity and two touchdowns andreturning15kicksfor rushing14timesfor146yards(10.3) average), catching threepassesfor33yards(11.0-yard receiver in2003.Playedall12games’04, shirted andconverted fromtailbacktowide after thecatch. cism toadjusttheballandgets upfield fast all 12gamesin’07andcaught44-822-5 (18.7). ing aseason-endingcollarbonefracture.Started beforesuffer- grabbing12-227-3(18.9), games, Syracuse in’06andappearedthefirst four average) and16touchdowns. Transferred to totaled 95receptionsfor1,670yards(17.6-yard Bakersfield (Calif.)College from2004-05 and Also letteredinbasketball asaprep.Enrolled at Summary: Summary: Negatives: Positives: Notes: Negatives: Positives: Notes: 3 3 MARCUS SMITH ⁄ ⁄ 8 8 , 221,4.56)NEWMEXICO , 187,4.63)SYRACUSE Also letteredintrackasaprep.Red- Will turn25yearsoldinSeptember. Can accelerateoutofhisbreaksand Has OKsize.Shows someathleti- May have madeamintattheEast- Only aone-yearstarter. Average tog physicalandwell-built, Strong, Was nottestedintheMountain (Junior) www.profootballweekly.com 61 WIDE RECEIVERS WIDE RECEIVERS WRs 2008 LO 3/5/08 2:49 PM Page 62

62 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW production. Very thinly built and does not play mage and can beat physical press coverage. strong or physical. Lacks speed and foot quick- Shows sideline awareness. Tracks the deep ball ness and is raw as a route runner. Overaged. Not well over his shoulder and can adjust to the ball. built to withstand contact. Trouble has seemed to Good concentration. Can make the one-handed follow him. grab. Eats up a lot Summary: Could warrant a look in a camp. of ground with his long strides. Has WR LUKE SWAN consistently pro-

3 JAMES D. SMITH (5-11 ⁄4, 192, 4.62) WISCONSIN duced big plays in Notes: Also lettered in basketball, baseball the clutch. Excel- and track as a prep. Walked on and redshirted in lent work ethic — 2003. Appeared in nine games over the next two is very driven. seasons but did not record a reception. Started Negatives: Not a 10-of-13 games in ’06 and caught 35 passes for sudden starter. 595 yards (17.0-yard average) and five touch- Could do a better downs. Earned a scholarship. Started six games job of using his in ’07 before tearing his hamstring against Illi- size to post up nois on Oct. 6. He finished with 25-451-2 (18.0) defenders and exert receiving and 5-37 (7.4) returning punts. his will on defend- Positives: Plays with a good tempo and great ers. Relies on his energy. Gives great effort. Smart and instinctive. athletic ability too Finds openings in coverage. Goes up for the ball much. Not creative and adjusts well to it. Good quickness and after the catch and Limas Sweed l TEXAS change of direction. Plays faster than he times. will not elude Great work ethic. many defenders in the open field. Lacks confi- Negatives: Shows no suddenness or strength dence. and cannot get off press coverage. Gets re-rout- Summary: Tried competing through a wrist ed to the sideline and struggles to work through injury during the season before having surgery the front line. Picks up no yardage after the and was not fully recovered at the Senior Bowl WIDE RECEIVERS catch. Not physical. Does not have the frame to when he returned. When healthy earlier in his get much bigger. Marginal effectiveness as a career, he showed that he could be a clutch big- blocker. Marginal return skills. play performer. Does not realize how good he Summary: Good college football player with could be and works incredibly hard at his craft. marginal traits for the pro game. A classic over- If he continues to make strides in the pros like he achiever with enough toughness to compete for did in college, he could be a legitimate No. 1 a job as a inside-the-numbers, third-down pos- receiver. session receiver. WR DEVIN THOMAS 7 WR LIMAS SWEED (6-1 ⁄8, 216, 4.42) MICHIGAN STATE 7 (6-3 ⁄8, 215, 4.54) TEXAS Notes: Attended Coffeyville (Kan.) Commu- Notes: Scored on 31-of-72 career receptions nity College from 2004-05. Tallied 33 receptions (43 percent) in high school. Also lettered in bas- for 674 yards (20.4-yard average) and five ketball and track, finishing fourth in the Texas touchdowns and returned three punts for 92 Class 4A state meet in the 110-meter hurdles yards (30.7) and 15 kickoffs for 339 yards (22.6) (14.10 seconds). Redshirted in 2003. Started 7- as a redshirt freshman in ’05. Transferred to of-11 games in which he played at split end in Michigan State in ’06 and started 1-of-10 games ’04, posting 23 receptions for 253 yards (11.4). in which he played in a five-WR set vs. Indiana.

WIDE RECEIVERS Started all 13 games in ’05 and totaled 36-545 Grabbed 6-90-1 (15.0) and returned punts 1-17 (15.1) and five touchdowns. In ’06, started all 13 on the season. Started 12-of-13 games in ’07 at games and grabbed 46-801-12 (17.4). Broke the “Z” spot, giving way to a two-TE set vs. WR ’ single-season Notre Dame. Caught 79-1,260-8 (15.9), rushed school record by catching a TD pass in seven 27 times for 177 yards (6.6), and returned punts straight games. Wore a protective cast in fall ’07 7-18-0 (2.6) and kickoffs 39-1,135-0 (29.1). Led camp to protect a sprained left wrist. After start- the Big Ten in receiving yards, set the confer- ing the first six games, re-injured that wrist ence single-season record for kickoff-return against Iowa State and only finished with 19- yards and the school single-season record for 306-3 receiving. receptions. Positives: Plays faster than timed speed. Very Positives: Exceptional size-speed ratio. Has naturally athletic. Possesses excellent size, very great size and looks the part, with a muscled-up good vertical speed and the leaping ability to physique and big hands. Will catch the ball in take the ball away from defenders. Can catch in traffic and is strong after the catch. Has a nose a crowd and is strong-handed. Good body con- for the endzone. Shows big-play capability. Can trol. Can pluck the ball in a crowd and make beat physical press coverage and separate with acrobatic catches. Powers off the line of scrim- speed. Was used extensively on reverses and

www.profootballweekly.com WRs 2008LO3/5/082:49PMPage63 possession receiver ina West Coastoffense. up andmove inside. Couldcompeteforajobas junior tapebeforetoeinjury. Mayhave tobulk receiver andneedstobeevaluated based on much timeinthedoghouse. size. Notdisciplinedinhisplayandspenttoo to separate.Notaphysicalblocker atallforhis catch. Onlyshows onespeedandlacksthegear stride tocatch.Picksuplittleyardageafterthe es show upinplay. Inconsistentcatcher. Breaks runner. Lacksdisciplineandconcentrationlaps- out ofhisbreaks. Too straight-linish.Raw route Has build-up speedandisnotquickorsudden duction. take shortgainsthedistance.Solidcareer pro- competitive speedandhasshown theabilityto Shows somerunstrengthafterthecatch.Good Can power off thelineandoutmuscledefenders. focused. playbook. Hasalotofupsideifhecanstay time todevelop into asareceiver andabsorba a kickoff returnerasarookiebut mayneedsome under anew coachingstaff. Couldcontribute as big-time playmaker andstrongkickoff returner Thomas emerged asa with major-league speed, wound andabitstraight-linish. adjust toanNFLplaybook.Isabittightly herky-jerky inhisroutes.Couldtake timeto slants. Doesnotmake sharpcutsandisabit route treeandwas usedalotonshortdigsand still learningthegame.Hasnothadtorunafull receiving. games duetotheinjury. Finishedwith35-501-3 withtwo starts.Missedtwo midseason games, ging turftoeinjuryin’07andplayedjust10 catching58-973-6. Was hamperedbyanag- ’06, seven touchdowns. Started11-of-13gamesin passes for797yards(21.7-yardaverage) and catching37 games inwhichheplayed’05, closed. Redshirtedin2004.Started5-of-11 althoughnatureofdiscipline was undis- school, disciplined bythen-coachBobbyPetrinoandthe officer andothersatthepicnic. Was presumably bumping intothearresting also resistedarrest, officer’s armaway andcursedathim.Urrutia Urrutia pushedthe officer asked himtoleave, alarmed participantsatapicnic. When apolice after beinginvolved inaheatedargument that menacing apoliceofficer anddisorderlyconduct 2004andcharged with Was arrestedonJuly24, selection inKentucky asaseniorinhighschool. his feetthroughtraffic. burst returningkicksandgoodbalancekeeping standing production.Shows a goodshort-area end-arounds andhasnaturalrunskills.Out- (6-5 WR/H-back Summary: Negatives: Summary: Positives: Negatives: Notes: 3 ⁄ 8 , 232,4.64)LOUISVILLE Associated Pressfirst-team all-state Has excellent sizewithlongarms. An intimidatingphysicalspecimen Is built morelike an H-backthana Only aone-yearstarter. Israw and Struggles tobeatpresscoverage. 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW before thelightcomeson. developmental prospect but stillhasaways togo physical aswould expect forhissize. make naturaladjustmentstotheball.Notas natural catcher. A bittightlywound anddoesnot speed tobreakaway. Inconsistenthands—nota northe Shows littlecreativity afterthecatch, press off smallerdefenders.Notfield fast. too muchinsteadofusinghisnaturalstrengthto and comeoutofroutes.Getshungupontheline runner andneedstolearnhow tosinkhiships the linewithpower. ished with41-734-6(17.9)receiving. (18.4). Started11-of-12gamesin’07andfin- offensive alignmentsandposted27-496-3 giving way tovarious started 9-of-12games, games in’05andtotaled19-246-2(12.9).In’06, to concentrateonacademics.Started5-of-12 average) andtwo touchdowns. Redshirtedin’04 snatching sixreceptionsfor42yards(7.0-yard which heplayedasatruefreshmanin’03, tial qualifier in2002.Started1-of-9games basketball andtrackasaprep.Satoutpar- playedintheNBA. Joealsoletteredin West, (6-1 WR (6-3 WR upside worth developing. across themiddle.Hasintelligence and whereheshows thetoughnesstocatch neath, upside. crowd. Shows somestrengthafterthecatch.Has with leansandnods.Fightsfortheballina hands welltofendoff thejam.Sellshisroutes practices. Getsintoroutesquicklyanduseshis ing atthe Texas vs.theNationall-stargame long arms.Smartandrespondedwelltocoach- and thelasttwo becauseofasprainedankle. the first two gamesbecauseofeligibilityissues catching 32-425-1(13.3).Missed senior on’07, der surgery but returnedtostartsixgames asa 36-554-5 (15.4).Underwentpostseasonshoul- ration andtornrightlabrumfinished with missingonecontestwithan AC jointsepa- ’06, seven touchdowns. Started10-of-11gamesin catching 42passesfor629yards(15.0)and Lane College in’05andstartedall10games, play footballduetoacademics. Transferred to but hedidnot and Alabama Statefrom2001-04, blocker. Has faced marginal competition. Average and doesnothave thetop-endburst toseparate. working backtoit.Lacksgreatvertical speed points opentotheballandcoulddoabetterjob Summary: Negatives: Positives: Notes: Summary: Negatives: Positives: Notes: 1 5 JOE WEST ED WILLIAMS ⁄ ⁄ 8 8 , 213,4.56)UTEP , 206,4.52)LANE(TENN.) Attended University of West Alabama osn ogWs,aduce Mark uncle, and DougWest, Cousin, Good sizeandstrengthtocomeoff Has goodbodylengthwithvery Measurables willdraw interestasa Is mosteffective working under- Not aburner. Stillraw asaroute Gears down tocut.Leaves break www.profootballweekly.com 63 WIDE RECEIVERS WIDE RECEIVERS TEs 2008 LO 3/5/08 2:50 PM Page 64

64 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW TIGHTTIGHT ENDSENDS SPORTPICS

PFW’S TOP 10 1. 2. Martellus Bennett 3. John Carlson 4. 5. Craig Stevens 6. Brad Cottam 7. Martin Rucker 8. 9. Jermichael Finley 10.

TE/H-back ANDREW ATCHISON stick on a roster if he commits himself to the 3 (6-5 ⁄8, 247, 4.76) WILLIAM & MARY weight room and continues working on his craft. Notes: Also lettered in baseball and basketball as a prep. Did not play sports as a true freshman TE/H-back 5 in 2003. Played baseball for the Tribe in ’04. (6-5 ⁄8, 243, 4.66) LOUISVILLE Walked on to the football team in ’05 and Notes: Also lettered in basketball as a prep. appeared in four games. Started 5-of-11 games Started 2-of-12 games at H-back as a 210-pound in two-TE sets in ’06 and caught 12 passes for true freshman in 2004 and posted seven recep- 183 yards (15.2-yard average) and two touch- tions for 85 yards (12.1-yard average) and four downs. Received the Winter Warrior Award as touchdowns. Started 7-of-11 games in a rotation the player most dedicated to offseason condi- in ’05, finishing with 17-240-2 (14.1). Missed tioning. Started all 11 games in ’07 and grabbed the Florida Atlantic game with a sprained right 34-475-6 (14.0). ankle. In ’06, started 12-of-13 games at tight end Positives: Competes for the ball in a crowd and caught 31-511-4 (16.5). Started 10-of-12 and can snag the ball out of the air. Can reach a games in which he played in ’07, snagging 53- moving target. Very dedicated and determined. 655-7 (12.4). Smart — learns quickly. Plays through pain. Positives: Lines up all over the field. Has very

TIGHT ENDS Negatives: Does not play to his timed speed. dependable hands and really competes in a Not quick, sudden or very sharp as a route run- crowd. Shows very good concentration and is ner. Has faced marginal competition and did not unfazed by oncoming traffic. Tough. Turns distinguish himself at the East-West Shrine upfield quickly after the catch. Will sacrifice his game. Not elusive after the catch. Lacks base body, take a hit and hold on to the ball. strength and power to block in-line. Gets in too Negatives: Lacks bulk and bulk strength. A bit many stalemates. Needs to get bigger and tight in his movement and does not show speed 1 stronger. Only a 1 ⁄2-year starter. to separate vs. man coverage. Runs upright, does Summary: Lean, limber, developmental not sink his hips and is slow to come out of prospect whose baseball interests have gotten in breaks. Has some difficulty beating the jam at the way of his physical maturity. Has a chance to the line of scrimmage. Not a strong runner —

www.profootballweekly.com TEs 2008LO3/5/082:50PMPage65 and shows theabilitytosustainblocksin-line and flexibility. Linesupin-lineandintheslot feet andadjustseasilytotheball. Goodagility isvery lightonhis and longarms.Moves fluidly, be abletocontribute fairly readily. ditioning program.Shouldearnarosterspotand spends moretimeinanNFLstrength-and-con- target whoshouldimprove asablocker ashe to sustain. Weight hastendedtofluctuate. arms anddoesnotgetgoodextension. Struggles gets knocked off routestooeasily. Hasshort (6-6 TE (6-4 TE in acamp. a doorandallow himanopportunitytocompete Durability couldbeaconcern. Poor production.Getsnothingafterthecatch. tough orphysical.Getsragdolledandcontrolled. strength andfunctionalplayingstrength.Not athlete. Limitedspeed.Lacksweight-room Solid character. 13 gamesin’07andcaught11-108-0(9.8). surgery. Grantedamedicalredshirt.Startedall his rightanklethatrequiredseason-ending games in’06beforesuffering abroken bonein sets andhauledin9-107-2(11.9).Started2-of-3 games in’05whenthe Tigers openedintwo-TE Conference championshipgame.Started4-of-12 touchdown vs. Tennessee intheSoutheastern and recovering afumbleintheendzonefor a grabbing1-6-0 Started 1-of-13gamesin’04, yards (11.0-yardaverage) andonetouchdown. catchingsixpassesfor66 freshman in2003, high school.Started1-of-11gamesasatrue (12.0). andtallied49-587-4 with sprainedankles, missingtheNebraskacontest played in’07, 3 (13.1).Started6-of-12gamesinwhichhe Started all13gamesin’06andcaught38-497- yards (9.0-yardaverage) andthreetouchdowns. Joey Thomas. Recorded18receptionsfor162 splittingtimewithBoone Stutzand man in’05, of-11 gamesinwhichheplayedasatruefresh- started5- to focusonfootball.Onthegridiron, reserve duringthe’06-07season.Quitteam andonlyfourgames asa the 2005-06season, basketball teamduring a reserve forthe Aggies’ jected asafirst-round pick.Played25gamesas draft andenter Texas A&M afternotbeingpro- draft outofhighschoolbut electedtoforgo the rebounds. Consideredenteringthe2005NBA averaging 23pointsand8.2 basketball asaprep, man withthe Aggies. Martellusalsoletteredin Summary: Positives: Notes: Summary: Negatives: Positives: Notes: MARTELLUS BENNETT COLE BENNETT 1 1 ⁄ ⁄ 8 8 , 259,4.72) TEXAS A&M , 246,4.83)AUBURN Also letteredinbasketball andtrackin rte,Mcal isadefensive line- Michael, Brother, Very naturalathletewithbighands Smart andunderstandsthegame. Senior Bowl exposure mightopen A very safeshort-to-intermediate Only aone-yearstarter. Average (Junior) 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW becoming thetypeofproheiscapablebeing. about hiswork ethiccouldrestricthimfrom selfishness andconcerns lack ofdiscipline, but his athletic asany passcatcherinthedraft, need monitoring. great teamplayer. High-maintenanceandwill like towork. Too immature.Notpunctual.a ture. Reliesonhisnaturalabilityanddoesnot the next level. Comesoff asarrogantandimma- runner. Will struggletoseparatewithspeedat Too oftenislateoff theball.Notapolishedroute with hishands.Loadedupside. some power. Cancontrolandsteerdefenders the catchbut willalsoturnupfield andrunwith air. Flashestheagilitytosidesteptacklersafter and onthemove. Canplucktheballoutof (6-2, 248,4.8e) WYOMING TE/H-back/FB (6-4 TE and earnashotonspecialteams. tightend warrant looksasafullbackor“move” off blocksanddoesnotconsistentlyfinish. and doesnotplayfast. Notagreatathlete. Falls hands andisnotelusive. Raw asarouterunner competition. Doeslittlewiththeballinhis Has contributed onevery special-teamsunit. Takes thegameseriouslyandworks hardatit. as ablocker. Runshardupfield afterthecatch. andhassome versatility. Isaggressive the move, games in’07andcaught32-296-2(9.3). a shoulderstinger. Recovered tostartall12 his rightshoulder. Was limitedinfall practiceby son surgery foraBankartlesion (labrumtear)in registering 18-146-2(8.1).Underwentpostsea- giving way toamultiple-receiver setand games, started11-of-12 totaling 7-72-2(10.3).In’06, giving way tothree-WRsetsand games in’05, average) andtwo touchdowns. Started5-of-11 grabbed seven receptions for39yards(5.6-yard football. Started1-of-12gamesin’04and Enrolled at Wyoming in2003but didnotplay put asajuniorandthediscussenior. titles asaprep. Also won statetitlesintheshot Won back-to-back Wyoming statewrestling team co-captainandstartedall13 games in’07, injury andtallying11-129-1(11.7). Voted a missingfourgameswithahip back —in’06, he played—two attightendandthreefull- with 7-48-1(6.9).Started5-of-9games inwhich finishing 11 gamesinwhichheplayed’05, one touchdown (8.5-yardaverage). Started1-of- in ’04andcaughttwo passesfor17yards and Redshirted in2003. Appeared in10-of-12games a defensive linemanasahighschoolsenior. Summary: Negatives: Summary: Negatives: Positives: Notes: Notes: ADAM BISHOP 7 ⁄ 8 , 248,5.02)NEVADA Last nameispronounced“BET-churt.” Recorded aschool-record17sacksas ie paloe h il,oftenon Lines upallover thefield, WADE BETSCHART Is very physicallygiftedandisas Limited overachiever whocould Not ablazer. Lackssuddenness. Undersized. Hasfaced average www.profootballweekly.com 65 TIGHT ENDS TIGHT ENDS TEs 2008 LO 3/5/08 2:50 PM Page 66

66 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW catching 14-223-7 (15.9). that caused him to lose 17 pounds in eight days. Positives: Gives good effort and flashes the Already has graduated. initial quickness to get positioning at the snap. Positives: Well built with long arms and good Very smart and learns quickly. Tough. Has some athleticism. Gets off the line quickly, can beat the versatility and has long-snapping ability. Good jam and get into his routes. Diagnoses coverages, competitor. setttles into zones and can find soft spots in cov- Negatives: Has short arms, small hands and erage. Natural catcher. Can extend outside his lacks bulk. Too thinly built and stiff and gets frame, pluck the ball out of the air and make dif- knocked off the line and jammed. Too often late ficult catches in traffic. Good concentration. Will off the ball. Mechanical mover. Does not play drop his shoulder and fight fast and struggles to get down the field. Lacks for extra yardage after the functional strength. Does not have great instincts catch. Sustains blocks and for the game. Very limited production. mirrors his man. Very smart Summary: Has physical limitations that could and competitive. Excellent make it difficult to match up at the pro level, but worker. Coach’s son — has smarts, intangibles and long-snapping ability BRUCE L. SCHWARTZMAN a good feel for the game could give him a chance. and will be able to digest an NFL playbook quickly. H-back/FB CHRIS BROWN Negatives: Not an elite 1 (6-0 ⁄2, 249, 4.8e) TENNESSEE athlete. Does not have great burst or short-area Notes: Also lettered in basketball as a prep, John Carlson l averaging 17 points and 12 rebounds. Started 3- NOTRE DAME quickness to separate. of-12 games at tight end as a true freshman in Lacks bulk and plays a bit 2004 and registered six receptions for 74 yards narrow-based as a blocker. Not nasty and does (12.3-yard average) and one touchdown. In ’05, not drive defenders into the ground. Average started 10-of-11 games, giving way to a three- anchor strength. Plays with little power. Could WR set against Mississippi and tallied 14-141-0 improve in pass protection. (10.1). Had shoulder surgery in the spring. Start- Summary: Decided to return to school for his ed all 13 games in ’06 and grabbed 31-239-1 senior season and was handicapped by a weak

TIGHT ENDS (7.7). Started all 14 games in ’07 and snagged supporting cast and a revolving door at quarter- 41-282-6 (6.9). back. Evaluators who do not revisit junior tape Positives: Is versatile — lines up at fullback, could underevaluate him and not give him the in the slot and on the line. Has reliable hands and credit he deserves. A better pass catcher than catches naturally outside his frame. blocker at this stage in his career, Carlson has Negatives: Too short. Lacks strength. Average the smarts, intelligence and work ethic to devel- competitor. Does not pay attention to detail. op into a very solid all-around prospect. Com- Rounds off his routes. Does not play with aware- bine performance raised concerns about speed. ness or see the blitz. Marginal blocker. Does not play to the whistle. Does not finish. Limited run H-back/FB JED COLLINS 5 skills after the catch. (6-1 ⁄8, 254, 4.85e) WASHINGTON STATE Summary: Classic underachiever with few Notes: Father, Mike, and brother, Jake, both redeemable qualities. Best chance will come as a played basketball at Seattle University, and his pass-catching fullback. brother, Lenny, played basketball at Cornell. Saw time in 11 games at tight end and fullback as a TE JOHN CARLSON true freshman in 2004 and caught three passes 1 (6-5 ⁄8, 251, 4.88) NOTRE DAME for 51 yards (17.0) and rushed once for three Notes: Also lettered in tennis and basketball yards. Also played middle linebacker, posting as a prep, earning McDonald’s preseason All- four tackles and one fumble recovery. Appeared America honors as a senior. Redshirted in 2003 primarily on special teams in all 11 games in ’05, but did play two games for the Irish basketball carrying the ball once for three yards. Started 4- team. Started 2-of-12 games at fullback in ’04 of-12 games as an injury replacement at tight end and compiled six receptions for 31 yards (5.2- in ’06, catching 22-306 (13.9) and three touch- yard average). Started 6-of-12 games in multiple downs and rushing 5-5 with two TDs. Recorded

TIGHT ENDS TE sets in ’05 alongside Dallas Cowboys 2006 13 tackles. Started all 12 games in ’07, grabbing second-round pick , finishing 52-512-3 (9.8), rushing 3-3-0, returning a punt with 7-56 (8.0) and one touchdown. In ’06, start- for 18 yards and notching 12 tackles on special ed 11-of-13 games, missing two contests with a teams. Has two documented concussions dating right medial collateral sprain suffered against back to high school. Air Force, and recorded 47-634-4 (13.5). Also Positives: Adjusts well to the thrown ball, named as one of three finalists for the John catches outside his frame and can snag the ball Mackey Award (nation’s top tight end). Started out of the air. Competitive blocker. Plays with all 12 games in ’07 as one of four team captains confidence. Solid worker. Has contributed on and grabbed 40-372-3 (9.3). Was forced to with- special teams and is solid in coverage. draw from the Senior Bowl because of a virus Negatives: Lacks ideal length and functional

www.profootballweekly.com TEs 2008LO3/5/082:50PMPage67 back. Besttraitishisabilitytocatchtheball. ty tosustainfit asaclassiclead-blockingfull- special teams.Doesnotshow the thumporabili- er andwillhave tomake itasanH-backandon momentum togenerateany movement asablock- back thanatightend.Needsanangleand West Shrinegameandlooked morelike afull- touched theballinshort-yardagesituations. quickness orpower andruns small whenhehas — toostiff andstraight-linish. Shows nolateral strength afterthecatch. Very marginal runskills and notapolishedrouterunner. Marginal run move andstrugglestosustain. Too tightlywound strength toblockin-line.Falls off blocksonthe (6-3, 255,4.65e)USC TE (6-7 TE touchdowns. Started10-of-13gamesin’06, tight endandgrabbed13-145(11.2) andtwo yard average). Started3-of-13games in ’05at catchingfourpasses for30yards(7.5- 2004, receiver andtightendasatruefreshmanin high school.Playedinninegamesatwide play withleverage. the weightroomandasablocker andlearn to healthy. Stillmustmake considerablegainsin length couldmake itdifficult forhimtostay but aleanbuild andrare and hasalotofupside, senior seasontoinjury. Intangiblesarestrong out asapasscatcheraftermissingmostofhis standing Bowl andmadesomeimpressive grabs, after thecatch. blocker. Letstheballintohisbody. Notelusive and playwithabetterbasebalanceas stronger trolled tooeasily. Needstogetbigger, is notanaccomplishedblocker. Canbecon- and works hardtoimprove. the secondlevel. Very smartandhardworking easily totheball.Canfit uponlinebackers on Good bodycontrol.Solidrouterunner. Adjusts field tocreatesomeseparation.Fluidmover. accelerate andgetasteponlinebackers upthe agile forastallheis.Canopenhisstride, beat thejamandgetintohisroutesquickly. Is and agiantwingspan.Canswimoff theline, Chris Brown. Finishedwith5-125-1receiving. 5 gamesinwhichheplayedtwo-TE sets with ing an August scrimmage.Startedthefinal 4-of- ’07 seasonwithabroken leftwristsuffered dur- 14-182 (13.0).Missedthefirst ninegamesofthe primarilyasablocker andnabbed games in’06, 34 yards(17.0-yardaverage). Started6-of-13 postingtwo receptionsfor games from2003-05, ketball andbaseballasaprep. Appeared inthree tight endwiththe Vols. Bradalsoletteredinbas- Summary: Notes: Summary: Negatives: Positives: Notes: FRED DAVIS BRAD COTTAM 1 ⁄ 2 , 270,4.71) TENNESSEE Also letteredinbasketball andtrackin led rdae.Bohr ef isa Jeff, Already graduated.Brother, Excellent lengthwithlongarms Caught theballwellatEast- Lacks bulk andbulk strengthand Appeared athleticattheSenior 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW esna eesv n,rcrigsxtcls 2 recordingsixtackles, season atdefensive end, 32-513-6 (16.0). Also saw snapsthroughoutthe multiple-receiver setvs.Pittsburgh andtotaling giving way toa Started 12-of-13gamesin’07, finishing with 12-125-1(10.4). final three games, on 18monthsofprobationandreinstatedforthe 2006. Was placed an off-campus partyonOct.6, charged withaggravated assaultforanincidentat and was suspendedfourgamesafterbeing started6-of-8games 2 (8.1-yardaverage). In’06, ’05 aspartoftwo-TE setsandrecorded15-122- one passfor29yards.Started4-of-11gamesin games asatruefreshmanin2004andgrabbed the Spartansin1995.Kellen appearedin11 career. Lackspower anddoesnotdrive defend- consistently hasunderachieved throughouthis natural athlete.Hasbeenvery durable. radius. Hasgoodleapingability. Outstanding erful base.Greatbodylengthandcatching wideshouldersandapow- muscular definition, tackles forlossandtwo sacks. (6-6 TE with toomuchofareceiver’s mentality. bring themostvalue asapasscatcher. Stillplays he mightrequiresomepatienceinthepros. Will senior yearforhimtoreallyemerge atUSCand but ittookuntilhis develop intoagreat pro, hecould up andbecomeamorewillingblocker, be monitored. runner afterthecatch.Isimmatureandneedsto secure thefootballoncontact.Notanelusive some hesitationenteringtraffic anddoesnot burst orexplosiveness outofhisbreaks.Shows Takes choppy stepsanddoesnotshow great linebackers onthesecondlevel. Notafinisher. might never reachhis potential.Strugglestoseal hedoesnotshow muchdesireand this area, of becomingasolidblocker andshows flashesin overall play. Although heisphysicallycapable Comes off theballlateandlacksdisciplineinhis of attackanddoesnotconsistentlyfinish blocks. physically. Notaggressive orstrongatthepoint and getintheway. Excellentproduction. quickly afterthecatch.Canwall off defenders the difficult catch. Turns hisshouldersupfield extend outsidehisframeandmake thrown balls, against mancoverage. Canadjusttopoorly movement skills.Shows theabilitytoseparate in theslotwithhissizeandathleticism.Good trol toadjusttheball.Cancreatemismatches Has naturalreceiving skillsand goodbodycon- build andlongarms.Stillhasroomtogetbigger. Award winnerasthenation’s toptight end. Trojans inreceptions. Was voted theMackey amassing62-881-8(14.2)andleadingthe ’07, grabbing 38-352-3(9.3).Startedall13gamesin Negatives: Summary: Negatives: Positives: Positives: Notes: KELLEN DAVIS 1 ⁄ 2 , 262,4.63)MICHIGANSTATE afbohr ohFemn playedfor JoshFreeman, Half-brother, ok h atwt hc,solid Looks thepartwithathick, a i oesrcue good Has abigbonestructure, fh ol tyfcsd toughen If hecouldstayfocused, Does notplaytohispotentialand Does notplaytoughlyorvery www.profootballweekly.com 1 ⁄ 2 67 TIGHT ENDS TIGHT ENDS TEs 2008 LO 3/5/08 2:50 PM Page 68

68 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW ers off the ball. pass protection. Can flip his hips quickly and Summary: Is not nearly the blocker that Sea- shows the agility to take the edge from defensive hawks 2002 first-rounder was, ends. Solid career production. Has a lot of upside. even though he shows the ability to block when Negatives: Narrow-framed and lacks girth. he wants to. Possesses the physical capability to Plays with too much finesse and needs to spend dominate and worked out well at the Combine more time in the weight room and get stronger. but has gone through the motions all of his career Not a polished route runner, rounds off his and thus far has failed to live up to his potential. breaks and drifts out of routes. Does not sell his A classic boom-or-bust pick, Davis will require routes. Lacks functional strength. Does not run tough coaching and a lot of attention. through contact. Could be distracted too easily. Ran slower-than-expected 40-time at Combine. TE/H-back Summary: Would have benefited from the 5 (6-2 ⁄8, 251, 4.84) KANSAS physical development and maturity he would Notes: Named scout team Offensive Player of have received from another year in school. Is the Year in 2003. Started 1-of-11 games in ’04 naturally athletic and could contribute as a pass and nabbed two receptions for 16 yards (8.0- catcher and develop into a fine blocker, but is yard average). In ’05, emerged to start all 12 still very raw and will require a lot of coaching. games, catching 22-244 and one touchdown. Started 10-of-12 games in ’06, giving way to TE JOE JON FINLEY 1 three-WR sets against Nebraska and Baylor, and (6-6 ⁄4, 254, 4.75e) OKLAHOMA compiled 28-355-5 (12.7). Started 10-of-13 Notes: Coached by his father as a prep. Also games in ’07, giving way to multiple-receiver lettered in track and field (100-meter hurdles). sets and recording 46-394-4 (8.6). Redshirted in 2003. Played in 12-of-13 games in Positives: Effective blocking on the move as a ’04, notching seven receptions for 94 yards lead blocker and on the second level. Plays (13.4-yard average) and one touchdown. Started smart, shows good awareness and can quickly 2-of-11 games in which he played in ’05 and locate his target. Works to finish blocks. Natural caught 13-150-2 (11.5). In ’06, started all 14 hands catcher. Very competitive. Blue-collar games, grabbing 19-241-3 (12.7). Started 13-of- worker. Tough. Plays through injuries and con- 14 games in ’07, registering 23-290-4 (12.6).

TIGHT ENDS tributes on special teams. Very durable and has Positives: Very good size. Gives effort as a not missed any time throughout his career. blocker. Reliable short-to-intermediate receiver. Negatives: Not a great athlete. Not a refined Caught the ball surprisingly well at the East- route runner. Lacks speed to get down the field. West Shrine game and plucked the ball out of the Not creative after the catch and goes down easi- air. Good worker. Smart and dependable. ly after contact. Lacks the girth to be effective Coach’s son. in-line and could be outmatched by size. Negatives: Shows some tightness in his move- Summary: Reliable underneath target who ment and is not very fluid. Too straight-linish. Not could bring value as a blocker on the move. Is not a sudden mover. Does not extend easily and catch flashy but is a very solid, unselfish player who the ball outside his frame — not a great athlete will do the little things that make a team better. and only picks up what is there after the catch. Struggles to engage moving targets on the second TE JERMICHAEL FINLEY (Sophomore) level and on the perimeter. Will bend at the waist, 1 (6-4 ⁄2, 243, 4.85) TEXAS lose his feet and struggle to sustain. Plays too nar- Notes: Set school career records for receptions row-based with marginal leg strength. (316), receiving yards (2,217) and touchdown Summary: Scrappy, self-made player who catches (30) as a prep. Also lettered in basketball, was overshadowed among a very strong support- averaging 24 points and 20 rebounds as a high ing cast and never featured in the passing game. school senior. Redshirted as a true freshman in Did show promise at the East-West Shrine game 2005. Started 4-of-13 games in ’06 in two-TE and does everything well enough to develop into sets and primarily backed up Neale Tweedie. a solid No. 2. Caught 31 passes for 372 yards (13.0) and three touchdowns. Started all 13 games in ’07, regis- TE 5 tering 45-575-2 (12.8), highlighted by a 4-149-1 (6-7 ⁄8, 259, 4.93) MARYLAND

TIGHT ENDS performance vs. Oklahoma. Entering the draft as Notes: Also lettered in basketball as a prep. a redshirt sophomore. Has two children. Walked on and redshirted in 2003. Appeared in Positives: Quick-twitch athlete with the speed eight games in ’04 in two-TE blocking situa- to get downfield. Flashes big-play capabilities. tions. Saw action in nine games in ’05 as a Adjusts well to poorly thrown and low passes, reserve tight end behind Vernon Davis and showing good body control while contorting in caught one pass for three yards and a touch- the air and can make difficult grabs. Has the down. Started 6-of-13 games in ’06, snagging speed to run away from linebackers. Has per- 37-369-3 (10.0). Started 6-of-13 games in ’07 as formed well against better competition. Shows part of two-TE sets but was elevated to starter surprising strength as a blocker for as light as he down the stretch after junior Dan Gronkowski is. Can lock on and sustain. Shows awareness in suffered a medial collateral ligament injury.

www.profootballweekly.com TEs 2008LO3/5/082:50PMPage69 er. Smart andhardworking. Very solid character. the ballandcatchiteasily. Gives effort asablock- the mentaltoughnesstobattleforarosterspot. prevent himfromever excelling asablocker. Has ward bodytypeandleverage deficiencies could and contributed intheshort-passinggame. Awk- aligned inthewingoff theball intwo-TE sets a chance. to draw theinterestofaclubandcouldwarrant ness fortheprogamebut hasenoughathleticism route runner. Marginal competitiveness. drop toomany catchableballs.Notarefined concentration. Doesnotlike togethitand will in thisarea. Will getragdolledin-line.Shaky ness. Doesnotlike toblockandgives littleeffort many excuses. Lacksmentalandphysicaltough- Attended USCin2001andredshirted. Withdrew get upthefield. Goodleapingability. ture. Flashestheabilitytothreatenseamand Stony Brookandfinishing with17-133-1(7.8). with abroken boneinhisrighthandsuffered vs. missingfourmidseasongames he playedin’07, two touchdowns. Started2-of-7gamesinwhich passes for304yards(12.2-yardaverage) and catching25 in ’05.Started8-of-14games’06, at Youngstown Stateandredshirtedasawalk-on but heonlyserved sixmonths.Enrolled prison, guilty andwas sentencedtothreeyears in probation forthepriorassaultcharge. Pleaded a studentandstolehiswallet. This violatedhis second degree afterheandateammateassaulted this timewas charged withfelony robberyinthe hewas arrestedagainand Bowl. InMayof’04, but thenreinstatedpriortotheFiesta versity, year. Was consequentlysuspendedbytheuni- Pleaded guiltyandwas putonprobationforone pushing hisgirlfriend.Spentthreedaysinjail. engaging inafight withtwo malestudentsand assault anddisorderlyconductcharges after negligent season andconvicted onassault, man in2003. Was arrestedinOctoberofthat games primarilyonspecialteamsasatruefresh- Totaled 30-318-0(10.6). (6-3 TE (6-3 TE struggles togetpositioningandsustain. with theballinhishands. Average blocker — little yardageafterthecatchandisnotstrong of hisbreaksorfluidasarouterunner. Creates line andtakes timetoaccelerate.Notsuddenout leverage andcanbeoverpowered. Isslow off the arms. Playstootall. Too tightlywound. Loses Summary: Negatives: Positives: Negatives: Positives: Notes: Notes: Summary: KOLO KAPANUI LOUIS IRIZARRY 3 7 ⁄ ⁄ 8 8 , 254,4.7e) YOUNGSTOWN STATE , 271,5.11) WEST TEXAS A&M Attended OhioStateandplayedeight Also letteredinbasketball asaprep. Has exceptional size.Canadjustto Good athletewithnicemuscula- ak h er,desireandtough- Lacks theheart, Self-made overachiever whooften Character isaconcern.Makes too Has anelongatedtorsowithshort 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW looks toocontentgettingintheway asablocker. nagging injuries.Doesnotplaytohissizeand age production.Hasbeenslowed bytoomany tion. Overaged. Lacksmentaltoughness. Aver- absorb aplaybook.Hasfaced average competi- Not agreatpracticeplayer. Couldtake timeto runner. Doesnothave agoodfeelforthegame. Saw actionin10-of-11gamesasareserve in’05, passes for102yards(20.4)andtwo touchdowns. catchingfive 9 gamesinwhichheplayed’04, from widereceiver to tightendandstarted1-of- onship asasenior. Redshirtedin2003.Moved capturing thestatehigh-jumpchampi- prep, senior. Also letteredinbasketball andtrackasa adding22touchdowns asahighschool age), 113 receptionsand1,804yards(16.0-yardaver- Dustin setIndianastatesingle-seasonrecordsof andgrandfather playedfootballatPurdue. State, tacklers andpressoff theline. hard afterthecatch.Isphysicaltopower through strength. Catchestheballextremely well.Runs 12 gamesin’07andgrabbed39-481-7(12.3). games withkneeandquadinjuries.Startedall average) andtwo touchdowns. Missedthree catching 26passesfor286yards(11.0-yard Texas A&M in’06andplayedeightgames, attend schoolfrom2004-05.Enrolledat West ing 14gamesover thetwo seasons.Didnot play- Camino College (Calif.)in2002and’03, from USCbecauseofacademicsandattendedEl (6-2, 242,4.57)PURDUE TE/H-back would requireconsiderabledevelopment. many holesinhisgametowarrant draftingand can bewhenhetouchestheballbut hastoo ability totake shortcatchesthedistance. Will on hisroutesthroughcontact.Has shown the balance inhisfeetandgoodbodycontrol tostay short-passing game.Moves fluidly. Shows good smooth stridesandcanrunbylinebackers inthe takes batic grab. Accelerates quickly off theline, ball intheair. Canelevate andmake theacro- out ontape—playswithsomefire. Attacks the with goodfootspeed.Competitiveness stands Dustin Keller Positives: Summary: Negatives: Notes: DUSTIN KELLER Father playedbasketball atMorehead l Will impresswithhow physicalhe PURDUE Lacks speed.Isnotanastuteroute Has excellent sizeandnatural www.profootballweekly.com BRUCE L. SCHWARTZMAN following theseason. surgery ontheshoulder right shoulderinjury. Had despite playingwitha ing 68-881-7(13.0) compil- 13 gamesin’07, 771-4 (13.8).Startedall er setsandcatching56- giving way tofour-receiv- 12-of-14 gamesin’06, 13-128-3 (9.8).Started right ankleandtotaling contest withasprained missing theMinnesota Positives: Very athletic 69 TIGHT ENDS TIGHT ENDS TEs 2008 LO 3/5/08 2:50 PM Page 70

70 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW fight for the tough yards, dropping his shoulder 614-6 (12.8). Started 14-of-15 games in ’06, and bowling over would-be tacklers. Very active grabbing 38-536-5 (14.1). Team captain. Started blocker and will work to sustain. Well-condi- all 13 games in which he played in ’07, missing tioned athlete — lives in the weight room. Great the Missouri Western contest with an injury and work ethic. finishing with 44-706-5 (16.0). Negatives: Lacks size and girth to control Positives: Moves well in a straight line and defenders at the point of attack and is not effec- shows some creativity with the ball in his hands. tive as an in-line blocker. Not an every-down Works hard, gives good effort and is coachable. player. Does not shoot his hands with authority. Negatives: Does not have a great feel for the Plays short-armed, does not extend and lock out. game. Takes time to process what he sees and Lacks functional strength and does not always does not have great instincts for the position. convert his weight-room strength to the field. Tight in the hips. Can be late to release off the Not very elusive. Was not used a lot vertically. line and gets re-routed. Does not track the ball Summary: A converted receiver who could be well over his shoulder. Has short arms and is not very effective in a situational type of role where a consistent hands catcher. Not a polished route he could line up in the slot and create on the runner and will take time to learn how to read move but is not a throwaway as a blocker and coverages. Technique needs a lot of refinement does compete well enough to be functional in as a blocker. Will be a 25-year-old rookie. this area. Outstanding Combine performance Summary: Undersized, “move” tight end who will elevate his draft stock. has brought value in the short-passing game. Speed will command some interest but is still a H-back/TE BRAD LISTORTI very raw developmental project. 3 (6-2 ⁄8, 251, 4.7e) MASSACHUSETTS Notes: Also lettered in basketball as a prep. TE MARTIN RUCKER 7 Attended Rutgers and redshirted in 2003. (6-4 ⁄8, 251, 4.63) MISSOURI Appeared in 15 games, primarily on special Notes: Father, Martin Sr., is a member of the teams, over the next two seasons while backing House of Representatives in Missouri and broth- up Clark Harris. Missed two games in ’05 with a er, Mike, was an All-American defensive line- sprained right knee. Transferred to Massachu- man at Nebraska and currently plays for the Car-

TIGHT ENDS setts to see more action and started all 15 games olina Panthers. Martin Jr. suffered a broken left in ’06, registering 38 receptions for 604 yards leg in high school. Redshirted in 2003. Under- (15.9-yard average) and three touchdowns. Sat went surgery for a torn right labrum in the spring out the first 12 games of the ’07 season with a of ’04 but returned to start all 11 games and back injury. Caught 1-4-1 in the final game of snagged 19 passes for 263 yards (13.8-yard the year. average) and four touchdowns. Started all 12 Positives: Has good speed and shows some games in ’05 and caught 47-567-1 (12.1). Start- athleticism and body control to make difficult ed all 13 games in ’06, grabbing 53-511-5 (9.6). catches. Has reliable hands. Started all 14 games in ’07 and amassed 84-834- Negatives: Disinterested blocker with margin- 8 (9.9), leading the team and all of the nation’s al leg strength, base and balance. Gets dominat- tight ends in receptions. ed at the point of attack. Whiffs and falls off Positives: Natural athlete with a big frame and blocks. Too top-heavy. Needs to improve lower- very long arms. Good movement skills. Can sep- body strength. Durability has been an issue and arate vs. man coverage. Shows good body con- could continue to be given his finesse style. trol to adjust to the ball. Is instinctive and has a Summary: A complete liability as a blocker, knack for finding open areas when a play breaks Listorti flashed some big-play capability as a down. Is smart and plays with awareness. Has junior before missing almost his entire senior good instincts for the position. Has NFL blood- season. Receiving skills give him a chance. lines. Negatives: Does not factor into the blocking TE MIKE PETERSON game — not physical, plays too tall and lacks 1 (6-2 ⁄4, 247, 4.66) NORTHWEST MISSOURI STATE functional strength. Not strong at the point of Notes: Is working toward a Master’s degree. attack. Not explosive off the line into his routes. Also lettered in baseball and track as a prep. Inconsistent hands. Will short-arm the ball and

TIGHT ENDS Attended Des Moines Area Community College turn upfield before he catches it, losing concen- and played baseball in 2001. Moved on to Iowa tration. Does not create after the catch. Has a Western Community College from 2002-03 but sense of entitlement having come from a very did not play football. Transferred to Northwest successful family and must learn what it really Missouri State and walked on to the football means to work. team in ’04, playing all 12 games in reserve. Summary: Is used like a receiver and cannot Caught three passes for 55 yards (18.3-yard be expected to factor into the blocking game. average) and one touchdown and returned two Does not have great run-after-the-catch ability or kickoffs for 24 yards (12.0). Earned a scholar- toughness and needs to become a better student ship and started 11-of-13 games in ’05, missing of the game. Could fit as an H-back and be lined two contests with a broken jaw and tallying 48- up in the slot.

www.profootballweekly.com TEs 2008LO3/5/082:50PMPage71 (6-3 TE (6-3 TE (6-3 TE bring value inthelaterounds. Santicould A betterfootballplayerthanathlete, the intangiblestomake arosterandcontribute. defenders off theball. powerful orstrongtocreatemuchpushknock create withtheballinhishands.Notoverly route runner. Average body control. Doesnot Does notplayfast orshow muchcraftinessasa Very durable. Quietly competitive. Goodfootballcharacter. hit. Works hard.Hasapassionforthegame. catches intraffic andwilldeliver andcantake a and settleintoopenareas.Makes sometough hands well.Knows how towork throughzones level andgetsgoodfits onlinebackers. Useshis Jonathan Stupar. Grabbed36-418-3(11.6). primarilyintwo-TE setswith he playedin’07, team captainandstarted8-of-12gamesinwhich shoulder andposted29-253-1(8.7).Nameda ly inthefinal two contestsbecauseofasore playingsparing- Started 10-of-12gamesin’06, ’05 andregistered 19-358(18.8)andtwo TDs. he playedattightend(six)andfullback(one)in yard average). Started7-of-11gamesinwhich and totaled13receptionsfor155yards(11.9- 2004 (two asafullbackandonetightend) Started 3-of-12gamesasatruefreshmanin Olympics. Craigbroke hisleftankleinfinal medal inthepolevault inthe1984Summer athleticism towarrant achance. Nation all-stargamebut hasenoughspeedand dominate vs.lessercompetition. and isnotacrisporsavvy routerunner. Didnot adjusting totheball.Roundsoutofhisbreaks tionable toughness.Shows sometightnesswhen strength. Doesnotplaystrongorphysical.Ques- block. straight linetogetdown thefield. Gives effort to ’07 andsnared37-461-5(12.5). ’05. Voted teamcaptain.Startedall11gamesin on bothshouldersaftertearinghislabrumsin seven andcaught19-249-1 (13.1).Hadsurgery starting downs. Playedinall11games’06, haulingin25-275(11.0)andthree touch- ’05, yards (9.3-yardaverage). Startedall11gamesin catching eightpassesfor74 a backuptightend, shirted in2003. Appeared insixgames’04as Summary: Negatives: Positives: Notes: Notes: Summary: Negatives: Positives: Notes: CRAIG STEVENS 1 3 1 ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ 2 4 8 , 254,4.64)CALIFORNIA , 250,4.73) VILLANOVA , 250,4.82) VIRGINIA Also letteredingolfasaprep.Red- Also letteredinbaseballasaprep. osn ieTly won asilver Mike Tully, Cousin, Solid blocker. Works tothesecond Is athleticandmoves wellina Solid all-aroundprospectwithall Lacks speedtogetdown theseam. Looked raw atthe Texas vs.the Narrow-framed andlacksbulk 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW catching theball. tight endinthepros.Mustcontinuetowork on be abletocontribute readilyasaNo.2blocking blocker attheEast-West Shrinegameandshould and inconsistentasapasscatcher. Stoodoutasa as ablocker atCalandisstillunderdeveloped Is notaniftyorelusive runnerafterthecatch. build-up speed andtakes timetogetintoroutes. good shareofdrops.Hasalaboringreleasewith great extension. Tends tocradle-catchandhasa Ran surprisinglywellattheCombine. ethic. Solidcharacter. Hasbeenvery durable. the catchandwilldrophisshoulder. Greatwork work. Will finish blocks.Initiatescontactafter bigger defenders.Goodhanduse.Solidfoot- hips around.Hasthestrengthtoanchoragainst canrunhisfeetoncontactandwork his blocks, line ofscrimmage.Playsphysical.Getsinto isstrongatthepointandcancontrol tough, (6-3, 245,4.89e)NORTH CAROLINA STATE TE l 3gms corralling17-204-3(12.0). all 13games, offensive teamcaptainagainin’07andstarted (joining formerQB Aaron Rodgers).Namedthe of onlytwo juniorstoever receive thedistinction one ed teamcaptainbyJeff Tedford asajunior, Tennessee andsatoutthewholegame. Appoint- a concussionontheopeningkickoff vs. haulingin17-239-1(14.1).Suffered five games, withCalopeninginthree-receiver setsin in ’06, catching 13-165-2(12.7).Started7-of-13games one touchdown. Startedall12gamesin’05, four passesfor61yards(15.3-yardaverage) and catching offense. Started1-of-12gamesin’04, was namedtheScout Team Playerofthe Year on game inhighschool.Redshirted2003and how toblock. sive anddoesnotplayphysical.Needstolearn speed tobeatmancoverage. Notstrongorexplo- shows somerunstrengthand toughness. ing ofthegame.Gives effort asablocker and behind him.Issmartandhasagoodunderstand- cult catches.Candigoutthelow ballandreach ity toadjustandcontorthisbodymake diffi- catching36-452-1. tight endin’07, passes for68yards.Started10-of-12gamesat games oftheseasonasatightend.Caughtfour play forthreegamesbeforeplayingthelastsix thendidn’t first three gamesofthe’06season, Florida.Startedatquarterbackthe over South includingthebowl win posting a5-1record, over thestartingQBjobatmidseasonin’05, Georgia Tech gameswithakneesprain. Took quarterback in’04.MissedtheClemsonand in 2003.Saw actioninseven gamesasabackup school quarterbackinPennsylvania. Redshirted Summary: Negatives: Positives: Notes: Summary: Negatives: Positives: MARCUS STONE A Very naturalhands.Shows the abil- Spent alotoftimehoninghiscraft Parade a od solidbuild. Plays Has agood, Converted quarterbackwithvery Not agreatathlete.Doesnotget Only aone-yearstarter. Lacks www.profootballweekly.com All-American asahigh 71 TIGHT ENDS TIGHT ENDS TEs 2008 LO 3/5/08 2:50 PM Page 72

72 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW good body control and natural athleticism. Still and shows toughness working across the mid- very raw but could develop into a solid dle. Can turn and catch the ball naturally on prospect. the move. Understands blocking angles and will work to the second level. Has a passion TE DARRELL STRONG for the game. Solid production. Has NFL (6-4, 268, 4.83) PITTSBURGH bloodlines. Notes: Also lettered in basketball and track Negatives: Limited athlete. Too tightly wound and field as a prep. Started 1-of-12 games as a and mechanical in his movement. Rounds out of receiver in a four-WR set as a true freshman in his breaks and struggles to separate. Lacks burst 2004. Caught four passes for 58 yards (14.5- off the line. Takes long strides, shows no accel- yard average). Moved to tight end and started eration and shows no creativity after the catch. 2-of-11 games in ’05, grabbing 16-226 (14.1) Not a powerful blocker. and one touchdown. Started 4-of-10 games in Summary: Medical status could limit his which he played in ’06 but was suspended two chances, but toughness and work habits could games for an obscene gesture he made toward open a door. Could contribute in the short-pass- South Florida fans. Finished with 15-171-3 ing game and as a blocker well enough to fight (11.4) and also threw a 30-yard TD pass on a for a roster spot. trick play. Cited for criminal mischief and harassment in May ’07 after an altercation in TE/H-back JACOB TAMME 1 which he pushed his ex-girlfriend during an (6-3 ⁄2, 236, 4.61) KENTUCKY argument. Was subject to unspecified internal Notes: Married. Graduated in three years and disciplinary measures by the university. Started is working toward a Master’s Degree in business 3-of-12 games in ’07 in two-TE sets, losing his administration. Also lettered in basketball and starting job early in the year and finishing with baseball in high school. Redshirted as a wide 29-328-3 (11.3). receiver in 2003. Started 3-of-11 games in ’04, Positives: Looks the part physically with long moving to tight end in the season finale and arms and an athletic build. Has a big body to grabbing 16 passes for 161 yards (10.1-yard post up defenders. average) and two touchdowns. Started 10-of-11 Negatives: Was not a full-time starter. Does games at tight end in ’05, snagging 29-251-1

TIGHT ENDS not play with passion. Does not play on any spe- (8.7) and blocking two punts on special teams. cial teams. Is not quick in and out of breaks and Underwent postseason surgery after tearing the cannot make adjustments to the ball. Tends to labrum in both shoulders. Started 10-of-13 short-arm passes across the middle. Plays soft. games in ’06, grabbing 32-386-2 (12.1). Also Very limited after the catch. Does not like to was holder on FG attempts and PATs and has block. Too often looks complacent, going worked as a deep-snapper. Started all 13 games through the motions. Too undisciplined. Ques- in ’07, totaling 56-619-6 (11.1). tionable character. Positives: Good athlete. Runs smooth routes. Summary: Has the physical ability to play Quick enough to separate against linebackers. with the big boys but lacks the mental makeup to Shows the ability to stretch the seam and get ver- make it. Career underachiever who needs to tical. Nice body control. Good concentration. Is grow up fast to have a chance. slippery off the jam and sells his routes. Can extend outside his frame and pluck the ball. TE JONATHAN STUPAR Runs hard upfield after the catch. Has made big 1 (6-3 ⁄8, 250, 4.85e) VIRGINIA plays in big games. As a blocker, can get out to Notes: Father, Steve, played football at Penn the second level. Has learned multiple positions State in 1979. Uncle, Jeff Hostetler, played 12 and is extremely smart. Great character. Good NFL seasons and led the to vic- work ethic. tory over the Buffalo Bills in XXV. Negatives: Has thin shoulders, lacks bulk and Jonathan also lettered in basketball as a prep. is not naturally big. Play small with little Redshirted in 2003. Was limited to two games in strength. Not explosive off the line. Deficient in- ’04 after breaking a foot in training camp and line blocker. Can be fazed by contact and drop then re-aggravating the injury. Finished with 1- the ball in a crowd. Has small hands and a frame 13-0. Was diagnosed with Wolfe Parkinson White that cannot get much bigger. Plays too narrow-

TIGHT ENDS Syndrome, a sometimes fatal condition that caus- based. Not physical and could struggle beating es the heart to beat irregularly, and underwent a the jam at the next level. Has had some shoulder potentially fatal corrective surgery. Less than injuries and long-term durability could come three months later was able to participate in ’05 into question given his lack of bulk. spring practice. Started 8-of-11 games in which Summary: Reminds some scouts of Dallas he played in the fall of ’05, primarily in two-TE Clark because of his pure speed, intelligence, sets. Compiled 24-319-1 (13.3). Started 9-of-12 lack of toughness and baby face but is not games in ’06 in a rotation with Tom Santi and nearly as big, quick or athletic. Could be used recorded 15-112-0 (7.5). Started 10-of-13 games in a similar situational type, move role where in ’07, grabbing 40-359-2 (9.0). he is not asked to contribute much as a block- Positives: Catches the ball well in traffic er.

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2008 DRAFT PREVIEW 73 OFFENSIVEOFFENSIVE LINEMENLINEMEN SPORTPICS

PFW’S TOP 10 1. JAKE LONG 2. 3. Jeffrey Otah 4. Branden Albert 5. Chris Williams 6. 7. Sam Baker 8. 9. 10.

ORG-ORT sity as a senior. Best chance in the pros will 1 (6-4 ⁄8, 323, 5.29) GEORGIA come at right guard, where he is most suited to Notes: Goes by the nickname “Big Cheese.” use his natural power and looked more comfort- Also lettered in basketball. Saw action in nine able as a junior. Brings versatility to be an emer- games in 2004 as a true freshman reserve line- gency right tackle, but could be exposed on the man and special-teamer. Played in all 13 games edge and will require chip help. as a backup guard in ’05. Started 11 games at right guard in ’06, missing two games late in the OLG-OLT BRANDEN ALBERT (Junior) 5 season with a high left ankle sprain. Started all (6-5 ⁄8, 309, 5.19) VIRGINIA 12 games in which he played at right tackle in Notes: Didn’t begin playing football until his ’07, missing the Western Carolina game early in junior year of high school. Was a basketball the season with a shoulder injury. Served as a standout before deciding to give the gridiron a team captain. try. Spent 2004 season at Hargrave Military Positives: Big-bodied with a strong, thick Academy (Va.). Was named to the Atlantic Coast trunk. Is athletic and light on his feet. Can shuf- Conference All-Freshman Team in ’05, and fle and slide and cut off the wide rush. Has good allowed only one sack in ’06 as a sophomore. weight-room strength and power. Shows the Has started every game his college career, as he strength to anchor and hold his ground — not started his first 24 at left guard, then started 11 at easily moved. left guard and two at left tackle in place of Negatives: Not a finisher. Average agility. On injured starter Eugene Monroe in ’07. Also the ground too much. Loses leverage and does served as a captain during ’06 and ’07 seasons. not use his natural strength. Bends too much at Positives: Extremely athletic. Very natural the waist and gets overextended. Does not show athlete with incredibly long arms and a giant snap in his punch. Does too much catching and, wingspan. Great balance. Plays on his feet and is as a result, really struggles to sustain. Late react- rarely on the ground. Sends linebackers flying

ing to the blitz. Not much of a worker. Does not when on the move and can generate great power OFFENSIVE LINEMEN play with passion or nastiness. through his punch. Explosive mover. Shows Summary: Moved to right tackle out of neces- good awareness in pass protection. Can pull and

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74 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW decision against Southern Miss and Marshall. Got into the game at UAB. Started the last four games, including the Conference USA champi- onship game and the Liberty Bowl. Positives: Understands the game and plays with awareness. Locates the blitz and can play off blocks. Moves his feet well to pull and trap. Negatives: Lacks bulk and bulk strength. Plays too upright and short-armed. Does not play with power or strength and too easily gets controlled. Legs go dead on contact. Struggles to sustain and falls off blocks. Needs to learn how to finish and play with more aggression. Summary: Soft positional blocker who should have stayed in school. Could compete for a ros- ter spot. OLT SAM BAKER 5 (6-4 ⁄8, 309, 5.2e) USC Notes: Father, David, is the commissioner of the and formerly played basketball professionally in Europe. Brother, Ben, was an offensive lineman at Duke. Sam also competed in track as a prep. Redshirted in 2003. Kicked outside from offensive guard to left tackle and started all 13 games in ’04. Start- SPORTPICS Branden Albert VIRGINIA ed all 26 games at left tackle over the next two l seasons. Underwent arthroscopic surgery to remove loose cartilage in his left knee prior to trap and is very light on his feet. Can adjust on spring of ’07. Started 10 games at left tackle in the second and third levels and fit on linebackers ’07 after missing three contests with a strained or defensive backs. Effective cut blocker. Strong hamstring. Named three-time first-team All- down blocker. Is versatile and lined up at left American while at USC, only the third Trojan tackle for two games and showed improvement ever to do so (joining Richard Wood and Matt from one week to the next. Well-respected, two- Leinart). Surrendered just one sack in his college time team captain. Only played two years of career. Did not work out at the Combine due to high school and has a high ceiling. a left MCL sprain. Negatives: Plays too upright and can lose Positives: Naturally athletic and plays with OFFENSIVE LINEMEN leverage. Will take some plays off and can do a balance. Can steer and control defenders. Shows better job of sustaining. Could improve weight- the agility to run downfield and pick up second- room strength and get stronger. Footwork in pass and third-level defenders. Quick and agile. sets could use refinement. Does not generate a Maintains good positioning and can mirror his lot of movement off the ball. Could play more man. Solid technician. Will run his feet on con- stout inside and could do a better job of keeping tact. Sets quickly in pass protection and can cut his hands inside. off the rush. Runs defenders wide of the pocket. Summary: Has a rare blend of size and ath- Good enough anchor strength. Can pull and leticism and has shown the ability to play at strike a moving target. Very competitive. Solid either left guard or tackle. Overall versatility and character. upside could drive up his value, especially for Negatives: Has short arms and does not play teams who have stacked him on the outside. Is with great leverage. Too passive. Not a great still fairly raw but could dominate if he contin- bender. Uses too much finesse. Not a glass-eater. ues to get stronger and becomes more of a tech- Does not attempt to bury defenders. Does not nician. Most natural position could wind up generate a lot of movement. Can be driven into being left tackle. the hole. Not physical or aggressive. Does not play strong or explosive. Can be beaten off the ORG L.J. ANDERSON (Junior) snap. (6-3, 295, 5.3 E) CENTRAL FLORIDA Summary: May not be as physical, long- Notes: Redshirted in 2004. Did not play in the armed or powerful as teams desire, but he has ’05 season opener at South Carolina, then start- been a four-year starter, does not get beat a lot ed the last 12 games at right guard. Appeared in and generally finds a way to get the job done. A all 12 contests in ’06, starting 10 games at right big, finesse, passive pass protector, Baker has

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN guard. Appeared in 12-of-14 games in ’07, start- been a model of consistency on the left side. Will ing 11 times at right guard. Started the first never be great in the run game but will start 10 seven games then did not play due to a coach’s years in the league and be solid.

www.profootballweekly.com OLs 2008LO3/5/082:51PMPage75 ment thatoccursfaster inside. gamesandmove- enough toadjustthestunts, wherehehashelponeachside.Issmart guard, on therightsideandlikely projectstoright athleticismandfinishing strengthdesired ness, helacksthefootquick- compete hard.However, will doeverything he cantoimprove anddoes he the part. The gameisvery importanttohim, started. Notconfident. attached toatrailerhitchandtakes timetoget and power. Too top-heavy. Moves like heis the field and lacksfunctionalplayingstrength Struggles toconvert hisweight-roomstrengthto Does notplaywithbalance.Notafinisher. struggles toanchor. Marginal footquickness. to handlespeed.Lackslower-body strength and Average athlete. Bendsatthewaist andstruggles legged andspendstoomuchtimeontheground. to him. Vocal teamcaptainandleader. sustain. Goodworker. Football isvery important shuffle and alert andsensestheblitz.Canslide, was weanedonaweight-liftingmachine.Plays aflatstomachandlongarms.Lookslike he ture, (6-4 ORG-ORT (6-5, 303,5.29)NORTHWESTERN STATE (LA.) OLT right kneescoped. Did notwork outattheCombineafterhaving his hestartedall13gamesagainatrighttackle. ’07, startedall13games. A teamcaptainin In ’06, ciate ligamenttearsuffered againstPennState. missing threecontestswitharightanteriorcru- Started 7-of-9gamesinwhichheplayed’05, overtaking incumbent Tim Schafer. ORT spot, Eventually startedthefinal 7-of-12gamesatthe compete forajobwhilerecovering fromsurgery. hewas unableto surgery. In’04springpractice, left shoulderinjuryinpracticethatrequired ball career. Redshirtedin2003andsuffered a would like toteachandcoachfollowing hisfoot- sity. Kirkalsoletteredinbasketball asaprepand odfo ucns,agilityandbalance.Pos- good footquickness, games atthesamespotin’07. started all11gamesin’06.He started all11 le forloss.Moved tooffensive lefttackleand game andsecuring11tacklesone-halftack- playingone ball teamasadefensive endin’05, hetriedoutforandmadethefoot- the gridiron, basketball in’07toconcentrateontheNFL. On played bothsportsfrom2005-06.Didnotplay exclusively playedbasketball from2003-04and ball team.EnrolledatNorthwesternStateand ball asaprep.Highschooldidnothave afoot- him growing up.Demetriusletteredinbasket- 19 seasonsintheNBA but hadnocontactwith Summary: Negatives: Positives: Notes: Positives: Notes: 3 DEMETRIUS BELL ⁄ 8 , 310,5.3e)OHIOSTATE KIRK BARTON ilgclfte,Kr aoe played KarlMalone, Biological father, Father playedfootballatOhioUniver- Very well-built withgoodmuscula- Has aframetogrow into.Shows Has achiseledphysiqueandlooks Too tightlywound. Playsstraight- 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW finesse zonescheme. has developmental potential. Would bebestina plays. Stillvery raw mentallyandphysicallybut because ofhow uprightand narrow-based he er whowillalways have problemswithleverage the quarterback. Does notplaywithleverage andgetswalked to aware. Shows marginal strengthandpower. redirect. Playstoosmall.Notinstinctive or upright. Strugglestohitamoving target and ball player. Lacksbulk. Too angular. Playstoo narrow-waisted andbuilt like abasket- hipped, times attheCombineandplaysvery soft.High- (6-4 OT (6-3 OLG space. Hasathleticbloodlines. sesses naturalathleticismtomove andwork in boom. marginal playerontape.Muchmorebust than Looks like asolidprospectonpaperbut isa and didnotstandoutvs.average competition. whelmed andovermatched attheSeniorBowl collar workout warrior wholooked over- his careeranddurabilitycouldbeaconcern. hard coaching.Hasbeendingedupthroughout thoughout college anddoesnotrespondwellto sudden outofhisstance.Hasbeencoddled cally ormentallytough.Notinitiallyquick competition andstruggledagainstit.Notphysi- gles toanchor. Hasfaced marginal Division II Lacks lower-body strengthandmass strug- work —crosseshisfeetandcanbebulled. ity towork tothesecondlevel. Moves wellinastraightlineandshows theabil- ankle. the final threegamesafterinjuringhisright but missed Started thefirst eightgamesin’07, phy astheconference’s topoffensive lineman. ’06 andwas presentedtheJacobsBlocking Tro- which heplayedin’05.Startedall12games games atrighttackle.Started6-of-8in Transferred toNewberry in’04andstartedall11 right elbow surgery anddidnotplayin’03. redshirted in2002.Underwentarthroscopic and soccerasaprep. Attended Tennessee and sidelined himfortheyear. Two-time elected before akneeinjurysuffered againstC.W. Post Started thefirst sixgamesatleftguardin’07 Offensive Lineman ofthe Year recognition. Moved tothe OLG spotin’06andearned earned All-Northeast 10first-team honors. when he true freshmanin2004andall10’05, a prep.Startedall11gamesatlefttackleas Summary: Negatives: Summary: Negatives: Positives: Notes: Notes: HEATH BENEDICT 7 3 ⁄ ⁄ 4 8 , 292,5.32)BENTLEYCOLLEGE(MASS.) , 326,5.09)NEWBERRY (S.C.) Also letteredintrackandbasketball as loltee nbsbl,basketball Also letteredinbaseball, al ier underpowered block- linear, A tall, efmd,mnfcue,white- manufactured, Self-made, Plays toosoft.Inconsistentfoot- Good weight-roomnumbers. Only bench-pressed225nine www.profootballweekly.com 75 OFFENSIVE LINEMEN OFFENSIVE LINEMEN OLs 2008 LO 3/5/08 2:51 PM Page 76

76 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW team captain. finish blocks and play with more intensity. Not Positives: Has a big, solid frame and very big instinctive and does not play with awareness. hands. Moves well and plays with natural bend. Summary: Developmental project with Has quick feet. Can pull and adjust in space. enough size, athleticism and strength to consid- Shows the ability to recover and can slide and cut er developing. off the rush. Shows enough anchor strength to hold his ground in pass protection. Plays with aware- OG JOHN BOOKER 5 ness. Versatile and has lined up at left tackle. (6-3 ⁄8, 311, 5.45e) SAN JOSE STATE Negatives: Lacks functional playing strength Notes: Also lettered in track and field in high and does not consistently dominate the way he school. Started the final 3-of-9 games in which should against Division II competition. Not he played at left guard as a true freshman in explosive driving defenders off the ball. Too 2004. Moved to right guard and started all 24 much of a catcher. Does not use his hands very games over the next two seasons. Moved to tack- well. Has short arms for the OT position. le in ’07, where he started the first game on the Summary: A versatile small-school prospect left side, then missed the second game with an who looks the part and has the physical tools to upper-body injury before coming back to start compete for a starting job if he can stay healthy. the next nine. In the 10th game, which was “Senior Night,” Booker, a captain, gave up his ORT-ORG JAMES BLAIR right to start in favor of a teammate who had (6-3, 323, 5.32) WESTERN MICHIGAN been a reserve all season. Notes: Redshirted in 2003 and converted from Positives: Good overall mass. Has some ver- to offensive tackle. Appeared in satility — has lined up at tackle and guard. Has nine games as a reserve in ’04. Started 5-of-10 long arms and big hands. Good weight-room games in which he played in ’05. Broke his right strength. Smart and has a feel for the game. foot in the summer but was ready to play in time Tough. Flashes good punch strength. Solid char- for the season. Started 10-of-13 games in ’06 at acter. Very durable. right tackle, missing two contests with a broken Negatives: Does not play with any pop or left hand. He returned to form in ’07, starting all power. Average foot quickness and lateral agili- 12 games at right tackle. ty to slide and cut off the rush. Not a finisher. Is Positives: Has sheer mass and raw, natural late to reach the second level and get down the strength to stand his ground and hold the fort. field. Lunges, overextends and bends at the waist Does not look to start fights but will finish them too much. and shows some nastiness. Flashes pop and Summary: Try-hard, limited athlete with power in his hands. Can knock defenders off the enough size, strength, smarts and strength of ball. Good anchor strength. Very tough. character to compete for a job. Only chance will Negatives: Limited short-area explosion and come in a phone booth, where he is not asked to lateral quickness to shuffle and slide. Struggles go very far. to recover if he gets out of position. Lunges, OFFENSIVE LINEMEN overextends and is susceptible to inside moves. OT 1 Can be late to counter and react to movement (6-4 ⁄8, 315, 5.09) VIRGINIA TECH and reach a moving target. Notes: Also lettered in basketball as a prep. Summary: Has the size, strength and football Redshirted as a tight end in 2003. Appeared in temperament to contribute on the inside, but all 13 games in ’04, catching three passes for 64 could be challenged on the perimeter. yards (21.3-yard average) and a touchdown. Converted to right tackle two weeks prior to the ORG-ORT SHANNON BOATMAN ’05 season opener and started all 13 games. 5 (6-5 ⁄8, 316, 5.25e) FLORIDA STATE Started all 13 games in ’06. Moved to left tackle Notes: Enrolled at Tyler (Texas) Junior Col- in ’07 and started all 14 games. lege in 2003 and redshirted. Started all 11 games Positives: Very naturally athletic with long in ’04 and again in ’05 and was highly recruited arms and some straight-line speed and quick- after earning junior-college All-America honors. ness. Can bend at his knees, slide his feet and Transferred to Florida State in ’06 and started play with balance in his feet (even if he does not 12-of-13 games at right tackle, missing the consistently do it). Can pull and get out to the North Carolina State game with a bruised right second level. shin. He played in all 13 games in ’07, starting Negatives: Plays soft with no pop or power. 10: six at right tackle, four at right guard. Not stout. Lacks strength. Takes poor angles and Positives: Naturally strong and well-propor- consistently struggled with edge speed. Margin- tioned with good arm length. Is athletic enough al technician — too often opens his shoulders to move his feet and mirror his man. Flashes and gets beaten across his face. Bends at the some pop in his punch. Shows enough lead in waist, gets overextended, leans and pushes. Car- his pants to hold his ground. ries his hands too low and does not strike with

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN Negatives: Does not use his hands well or authority. Is late off the ball and late to redirect. play physical. Marginal footwork. Lacks func- Not instinctive or aware. Really struggled vs. tional playing strength. Needs to learn how to better competition (see LSU and Clemson).

www.profootballweekly.com OLs 2008LO3/5/082:51PMPage77 boys. coaching beforeheisreadytoplaywiththebig OL prospectstotheNFLandwillneedalotof comes fromaprogramthathasgraduatedfew heisraw, learn how toplaythegame.However, ness todevelop intoasolidlefttackleifhecan arm lengthandfootquick- has thenaturalbend, physical toolsandconvinced evaluators thathe the Combineforhisnaturalathleticismand who stoodoutattheEast-West Shrinegameand a zone-blockingscheme. power andpullingabilitytofit in the quickness, and loseconcentrationtooeasily. wider baseandbetterbalance.Canbemoody to thelineinpassprotection.Couldplaywitha around andneedstokeep hisshoulderssquared on thesecondlevel. Short-armed. Canbetossed against bettercompetition. Stood outvs.Michiganandperformedwell has goodagilitytoleadoutinfrontofscreens. multiple defendersdown thefield inspace and mage. Gooddownfield blocker —caneliminate and playsontheothersideoflinescrim- Plays hardandcompetes.Flashesgoodstrength work tothesecondlevel andfit onlinebackers. more timeintheweightroom. Plays tallanddragshisfeet.Needstospend (6-4 OG-OT (6-5 OG elie h R pti 0,startingall13 Reclaimed theORT spotin’06, sprain. Returnedfortheseason finale. derailed forthreegamesbyahigh rightankle seven gamesatrighttacklein’05but was against Army andSouthFlorida.Started the first starting blocker intwo-TE setsinall12games, in ’04asaninjuryreplacementandworked asa tackle. Converted fromrighttackletotightend Glenn Jr. redshirtedin2003asa250-pound 82) andthe Tampa BayBuccaneers(1983-84). spending nineseasonswithCincinnati(1976- the 1976NFLdraftbyCincinnatiBengals, was selected inthesecondroundof Bujnoch Sr., Glenn because ofhissize-18feet.Father, whenhewas young Nicknamed “Digger” senior. All-America first-team honors(media)asa Football ChampionshipSeries(Division I-AA) Offensive Linemanofthe Year) asajuniorand ning theJacobs Trophy (Southern Conference win- guard over eachofthenext threeseasons, 2004 atleftguard.Startedall15games games inwhichheplayedasatruefreshman shotput championshipasaprep.Started4-of-8 Tech. Kerry placed fourthintheGeorgia state Summary: Negatives: Summary: Notes: Positives: Notes: KERRY BROWN 1 3 ⁄ ⁄ 8 8 , 287,5.16)CINCINNATI , 305,5.24)APPALACHIAN STATE GLENN Last namepronounced“Booj-knock.” Father playedbasketball atGeorgia Has goodmovement skillsandcan Inconsistent performerwhoflashes Could doabetterjobofsustaining An athleticconverted tightend “DIGGER” BUJNOCH 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW work habitscouldgive himachance. difficult toholdarosterspot. Toughness and backing upatonlyonepositionandmakingit possibly limiting himto could always befactors, into hisbody. Doesnotplaywithpower. athlete. Playsshort-armedandletsdefenders competition. Lacksanchorstrength. Average ethic. weight-room strength. Very durable.Goodwork with fine balance. Tough andfeisty. Good around andwall off defenders.Playsonhisfeet swinghiships second level. Canwork anedge, the quicknesstopullandtrapwork tothe and monster11 eliminate defendersoncehegets hismassive blocks andcollapsedefenders.Can clingtoand with power andshows the abilitytofinish run (6-0 C-OG (6-6 OT warrant ashotatcenterifhegetsstronger. the edgesandpower desired inside.Could compete forajob. Lacksthearmlengthidealfor work habitsandgritto with theintelligence, blocks. waist andfalls off blocks.Doesnotfinish struggles tomatchupagainstsize.Bendsatthe to addbulk. Doesnotplaywithany power and bloodlines. to mirrorhismaninpassprotection.HasNFL awareness andseestheblitz.Moves wellenough started all13games. wherehe games. Moved tolefttacklein’07, started all11gamesthere. ’06. Moved tocenterinthespringof’07and guard. Startedall11gamesagainatleftguardin left guard.Startedall11gamesin’05at offensive lineandstartedthefinal sixgamesat into the2004seasonduetoinjuriesalong any wrongdoing. the exit andasked himtoleave. Was clearedof published reportssayhecarriedaparticipantto when 2007, in aBostonsportsbaronJuly1, cited inapolicereportafterbreakingupfight school recordforconsecutive startswith51. Was settinga spring. Startedall14gamesin’07, Marten graduated.Electedteamcaptaininthe OLT positioninthespringof’07afterJames starting37consecutive games.Moved tothe ’06, ’05and Started every gameatrighttacklein’04, ball andtrackasaprep.Redshirtedin2003. States whenhewas 14. Also letteredinbasket- Summary: Negatives: Summary: Negatives: Positives: Positives: Notes: Positives: Notes: GOSDER CHERILUS 3 3 ⁄ ⁄ 4 8 , 318,5.15e)PORTLAND STATE , 314,5.19)BOSTON COLLEGE BRENNEN CARVALHO Born inHaitiandmoved totheUnited Released fromhisredshirtsixgames Smart andhardworking. Playswith Plays withnaturalleverage. Shows Has incrediblylong36 Has shortarmsandhasstruggled Lack ofheightandarmlength nepwrd wall-off blocker Underpowered, Too short.Hasfaced marginal 3 ⁄ 4 -inch hands.Isbuilt toplay www.profootballweekly.com 1 ⁄ 4 -inch arms 77 OFFENSIVE LINEMEN OFFENSIVE LINEMEN OLs 2008 LO 3/5/08 2:51 PM Page 78

78 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW plete his workouts. 3 Positives: Has rare arm length — 36 ⁄4 inches. Very naturally athletic and light on his feet. Quick to kickslide. Outstanding movement skills. Sets quickly in pass protection. Shows good footwork, impressive balance and natural knee bend. Quick enough to hook defensive ends. Plays with some pop and shows good upper-body strength to latch on and lock out. Flashes some nastiness. Can mirror defenders and recover easily against counter moves. Has a giant wingspan and has shown enough strength to pick off two defenders. Very agile working to the second level. Has the frame to bulk up and carry more weight. Negatives: Has not consistently faced elite competition in the Western Athletic Conference and struggled some vs. better opponents. Plays with too much finesse. Not powerful or overly physical. Can be late out of his stance and strug- gle to handle the wide rush. Can do a better job of handling stunts and helping with an inside punch. Could improve anchor strength to better handle power. Still growing into his body. Immature and will need to be managed closely. Summary: Started the season very slowly and BRUCE L. SCHWARTZMAN Gosder Cherilus BOSTON COLLEGE showed gradual improvement throughout the l year. Will need to spend more time in the weight room and get stronger. However, he is very nat- hands on them. Shows the agility to pull and ural in his movement and the game looks easy work up the field. Has an edge and flashes a for him. A converted defensive tackle with a ton mean streak. Practices hard and takes the game of untapped potential, Clady possesses excep- seriously. tional athletic ability, foot quickness and arm Negatives: Struggled with the transition to the length to effortlessly recover and could easily left side as a senior. Will panic with new infor- overcome his lack of natural instincts for the mation and can take too long to process and position because he is so physically gifted. Must react to movement. Looked overwhelmed and stay focused to become great. unaware against the blitz. Not a great knee ben- OFFENSIVE LINEMEN der and does not show great lateral agility. Often ORG-ORT COREY CLARK 3 blocks out of a two-point stance and will play (6-5 ⁄8, 310, 5.36) TEXAS A&M too tall. Does not finish consistently. Will cross Notes: Redshirted in 2003. Appeared in four his feet against upfield pass rushers and foot- games at strong-side tackle in ’04. Started all 37 work is unrefined. games at strong-side tackle over his last three Summary: Will need to learn how to kickslide seasons. and will require some patience on the left side, Positives: Good mass. Can lean on defenders but has all the physical ability to play on either and seal off running lanes. Good work ethic. side once he becomes more comfortable with his Competes hard. footwork and technique. Can start at right tackle Negatives: Limited athletically. Heavy-foot- from Day One and develop into a great pro once ed. Average technician. Does not play with any he gets acclimated with the playbook. Has explosion or knock anyone off the ball. Lacks played in man- and zone-blocking schemes and functional strength. Lets his hands go high and looked best coming off the ball flat-backed and wide of the target and needs to do a better job of driving defenders off the ball from the right side keeping them inside and learning to control as a junior. defenders. Struggles with speed and quickness. Does not play tough or nasty. OT RYAN CLADY (Junior) Summary: Good-sized, short-area zone block- 1 (6-6 ⁄8, 309, 5.1e) BOISE STATE er whose best chance in the pros could come Notes: Recruited very lightly as a defensive from moving inside. tackle out of high school. Redshirted in 2004. Moved to right tackle in ’05 and started 11-of-13 ORG-ORT DEVIN CLARK 5 games. Moved to left tackle in ’06 and started all (6-3 ⁄8, 305, 5.37) NEW MEXICO

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN 13 games. Started all 13 games at left tackle in Notes: Placed fourth in the 2006 National ’07 for the second straight year. Strained a pec- Junior Weightlifting Championships in the plus- toral muscle at the Combine and did not com- 105-kilogram weight class. Attended Scottsdale

www.profootballweekly.com OLs 2008LO3/5/082:51PMPage79 some extra repstograspan offense. any force.Strugglesto redirect. Couldneed than hestrikes. Doesnotcomeoff the ballwith moves. Usestoo muchfinesse. Catchesmore Generates nopush.Struggleswithquickcounter anchor andspendstoomuchtimeontheground. strugglesto pants. Lackslower-body strength, and playsthroughinjuries. mass. Very goodweight-roomstrength.Istough the season. notstartingvs.SacramentoStateearlyin tackle, ’07 seasonandstarted12-of-13gamesatright bilize thejoint.Returnedtofullhealthfor severe anklesprain thatrequiredsurgery tosta- Missed ’07springpracticeaftersuffering a forcing Robert Turner backtorightguard. ing thefinal 12-of-13gamesatrighttackleand start- ’06 andqualified academicallyinthefall, Transferred toNew Mexico inthesummerof (Ariz.) CommunityCollege from2004-05. Ryan Clady Summary: Negatives: Positives: l BOISE STATE Very goodoverall sizeandbody Has abadbodywithnoleadinhis i,ntrlysrn,short-area naturallystrong, Big, 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW zone blocker withachancetocompeteforjob. ited upside. whichaffects hisconditioning.Lim- bad knees, and letsblitzersleakthroughthe line. Hastwo strength. Struggleswithquickness andspeed Lacks weight-roomstrengthandfunctionalplay (6-5, 298,5.35e) WISCONSIN C ter. Tough. ground. Versatile andhasplayedguardcen- Works wellintandems.Cananchorandhold tion inbothknees. center in’07.Hasexperienced patellarsubluxa- 13 gamesin’06atcenter. Startedall14gamesat ed 1-of-12gamesin’05atleftguard.Startedall ed in2003. Appeared infive gamesin’04. Start- wrestling andtrackfield asaprep.Redshirt- nois (1973-75). Also letteredinbasketball, MARCUS COLEMAN Summary: Negatives: Positives: Notes: ahr oe,playedfootballatIlli- Roger, Father, Good sizeandcompetitiveness. Does notplaystrongorphysical. Overall durabilitycould limit www.profootballweekly.com

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80 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW chances, but he does possess enough size, versa- his shoulders, swings his hips and opens the gate tility and toughness to warrant a look if he pass- too often. Could have a difficult time adjusting es medically. to a new playbook. Did not begin playing foot- ball until his sophomore year of high school, and OLT ANTHONY COLLINS (Junior) his instincts for the game are very green. Could (6-5, 317, 5.56) KANSAS struggle mentally to handle the speed of the pro Notes: Redshirted in 2004, where he worked game on the left side. as a member of the scout team defense before Summary: Raw, athletic, long-armed prospect being moved to the offensive side of the ball who has the upside to develop but has yet to prior to the ’05 season. Played in eight games, show the overall consistency desired and was starting one, on the offensive line in ’05. In ’06, benched for not being able to handle six protec- he started all 12 games at right tackle. Moved to tions as a junior. Has the physical tools to play left tackle in the spring of ’07 and started 11-of- on either side, but still could use another year of 12 games at the OLT spot in the fall, missing the grooming before he is ready. first series of the Toledo game due to discipli- nary reasons and missing the Iowa State game OG-C ANDREW CRUMMEY 5 with a right ankle sprain. (6-4 ⁄8, 2999, 5.41) MARYLAND Positives: Shows some snap on contact and Notes: Also lettered in wrestling and track in looks to roll his hips. Can knock his man off high school. Redshirted in 2003. Started 5-of-10 stride, maul and lock up defenders. Flashes games in which he played at right guard in ’04 some nastiness. Naturally athletic with long and started all 11 games in ’05. Started all 12 arms. Can get into blocks and seal defenders. games in which he played in ’06, missing the Shows above-average recovery ability. Plays Middle Tennessee State contest with a strained with balance, is generally on his feet and shows left hamstring. Sat out much of the spring with the ability to anchor. an ankle injury. Started the first six games of ’07 Negatives: Not physically dominant and does at right guard, but suffered a broken left fibula not finish many blocks. Plays too tall. Lacks and missed five games in the middle of the sea- great foot quickness on his kickslide and cutting son, returning to start the final two games. off the rush. Inconsistent footwork. Too often Positives: Has a thick lower body with good lunges, overextends and falls off blocks. Too weight-room strength. Shows the ability to tight in the hips. Plays too upright, easily loses anchor. Solid run blocker. Takes good angles on leverage and struggles to sustain. Struggles with the second level and can eliminate linebackers. inside counter moves, twists and stunts. Does Uses his hands well to steer and control defend- not show great awareness against the blitz and ers. Very smart. Sees the blitz. will let defenders run by him untouched. Lacks Negatives: Average athlete with marginal foot pop in his punch. Not an explosive drive blocker quickness and agility. Not a natural bender or and generates little movement in the run game. fluid mover. Plays too tall. Does not show great Struggles to sustain. Immature, egotistical and functional strength and gets stood up too much. OFFENSIVE LINEMEN has an inflated opinion of his ability. Gives up ground in pass protection. Could add Summary: Is more easily slipped in the run bulk and do a better job of sinking his hips. Too game than the pass and plays with enough tightly wound. Not a powerful puncher. Could toughness and competitiveness to battle. Could do a better job of finishing blocks. Is coming off have benefited from another year in school — injury. needs to mature. Combine workout was very Summary: Returned from injury to perform in average. the East-West Shrine game and has some versa- tility, but he did not stand out in the game or OG ONIEL COUSINS work out at the Combine because of a left ankle 3 (6-3 ⁄4, 308, 5.17) UTEP injury and needs to return to full health. Not Notes: Also lettered in basketball. Redshirted quick or flashy but is efficient in a phone booth as a defensive tackle in 2003. Limited to two and usually gets the job done. games in ’04 by a broken wrist. Converted to offensive tackle in ’05 and appeared in eight C KYLE DeVAN 1 games. Started the first 8-of-12 games at left (6-1 ⁄4, 301, 5.3e) OREGON STATE tackle in ’06, missing the final four contests Notes: Also lettered in wrestling, compiling a because of a wrist injury. Moved back to the 39-1 record as a high school senior en route to right side and won the ORT job in camp, starting the California state 275-pound title and served all 12 games there in ’07. as class president his sophomore year. Redshirt- Positives: Natural athlete with a giant frame ed in 2003 and saw action in all 12 games in ’04. and very long arms. Shows the strength to battle Started all 38 games at center over the next three and compete and flashes the ability to dominate seasons. vs. lesser competition. Can steer defenders once Positives: Gets into blocks and can pull in

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN he gets his hands on them. Is loaded with upside. space. Can play with leverage. Is smart and Negatives: Does not play strong and could do aware. a better job of finishing blocks. Very raw. Turns Negatives: Has short arms, slow hands and

www.profootballweekly.com OLs 2008LO3/5/082:51PMPage81 35 and reachcaneasilysteer andcontrol defenders inpassprotection.Has rare wingspan Very agileforhissize.Caneffortlessly mirror strong andathletic.Hasgoodfoot quickness. and armlengthtocompeteinthepros. hold weight. lacksgirthandstrugglesto Not naturallybig, physical. Strugglestosustain.Doesnotfinish. moving target. Too stiff andoverly tight.Not twitch orany poporstrength.Strugglestohita marginal footquickness.Doesnotplaywith (6-8 OLT (6-4 OG-OT ’07. starting 6-of-10gamesinwhichheplayed lone senioroffensive lineman.Dunlapendedup even thoughDunlapwas the reclaimed hisspot, he three contests. When Pughreturnedtohealth, Dunlap backintothestartinglineupfornext forcing whowas injuredtwo gameslater, Pugh, two. Hethenlosthisspottotruefreshman Ryan but anelbow injurysidelinedhimforthenext Started thefirst threegamesin’07atlefttackle, le. Startedall13gamesin’06atlefttackle. teams. Started1-of-11gamesin’05atlefttack- mostlyonspecial Played in13games’04, Baltimore Colts.King V redshirtedin2003. in thefifth round ofthe1969NFLdraftby played footballat Tennessee Stateandwas taken force himtomove inside. but lackoffootquickness could not betaught, school. Hassomeraw physicalabilitythatcan- could have benefited fromanotheryearin but financial reasonstosupporthissickmother, the ball. thump asarunblocker toknockdefendersoff and doesnotplaywithstrengthorshow any body. Playstooinconsistently. Notaggressive — hastoomuchbabyfat. Very softintheupper strength. athleticismand long arms.Shows enoughsize, Long whenmatchedupagainsthim.Hasvery team honors. ’07 andearned All-Sun BeltConferencefirst- throughout. Startedall12gamesatlefttacklein left tackleafterasolidspringandkept hisjob games in’06.Enteredtheseasonasstarting Raiders offensive linemantoplayandstartall13 startingthelastfive. Was theonlyBlue in ’05, academic requirements.Playedinall11games title. Satoutasafreshmanin2004duetoNCAA senior afterleadinghighschoolteamtoastate 1 Summary: Positives: Notes: Summary: Negatives: Positives: Notes: ⁄ 2 1 3 -inch armsandlooksthepart. Naturally ⁄ ⁄ 4 2 , 310,5.28)AUBURN , 327,5.64)MIDDLE TENNESSEE FRANKLIN DUNBAR Voted Georgia Class4Aall-stateasa a w hlrn ahr KingIV, Has two children.Father, Has anenormousframewithlong Fared wellvs. Virginia DEChris Has very questionableathleticism Has abadbodywithsoftbuild Declared forthedraftearly (Junior) 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW Team player. Flashes someexplosion off theball.Isversatile. level andinitiatecontact.Canpulltrap. defenders. Agile enoughtogetthesecond power. Useshishandswelltostrike andcontrol a charge. Shows surprisingstrengthtohandle Solid anchorinpassprotection.Cansitandstop awareness. Shows theabilitytosustainblocks. drive somedefendersoff theball.Playswith arms. Canbendhiskneesandmove hisfeetand two atlefttackle). (10 atrightguard, the jobin Week Two. Startedall12gamesin’07 of ’06andstarted13-of-14gamesafterwinning season. Moved backtorightguardinthespring tallying45knockdown blocksonthe le in’05, time atguard.Startedall11gamesrighttack- tackle (one)andright(four). Also saw of-9 gamesinwhichheplayed’04atleft price tocompete. trenches. Mustshow thatheiswillingtopaythe his overall passionandtoughnesstoplayinthe out attheCombineandquestionsremainabout stature. Pulledhisrighthamstringwhileworking ously considerdespitevery impressive physical up but has not beenconsistentenoughtoseri- considerable interestandcouldbeasolidback- desire. Hastheraw physicaltraitstostillwarrant answer questionsabouthistoughnessand sustain hisstartingjobasaseniorandmust footwork tendtobelazy. muscled. Notafinisher. Handplacementand handle power andcanbewalked backandout- too uprightandbendsatthewaist. Strugglesto gets controlledtooeasily. Softpuncher. Plays to work. Doesnotplaystrongorphysicaland getting byandhasnotfigured outwhatitmeans physically ormentallytough. Too contentjust learn quickly. ing targets inspace.Hasthementalaptitudeto ance andbodycoordination.Canadjusttomov- defenders andrecover withhislength.Goodbal- (6-3 ORG-ORT Needs tospendmoretimeinthe weightroom the edgesandathleticismdesired atcenter. he lacksthefootquicknessdesiredon However, line andversatility could behisgreatesttrait. dence. moving target. Notagreatworker. Lacksconfi- Plays toooutofcontrolandstrugglestohita tact andfall off blocks. Average bodycontrol. Plays tootallandwilllockhiskneesaftercon- gles tohandlespeed. Will lungeandwhiff. body anddoesnotalways bringhisfeet.Strug- stride. Tends torelytoomuchonhisupper Takes choppy stepsanddoesnotopen up his has never seenaweightroom. Average athlete. Positives: Summary: Negatives: Summary: Negatives: Notes: 5 ⁄ 8 , 315,5.54)ARKANSAS ROBERT FELTON Redshirted in2003.Startedthefinal 5- Has aframetodevelop withlong Mountain ofamanwhocouldnot Not anaileater. Playstoosoft.Not Has playedevery positiononthe Has abadbodythatlookslike it www.profootballweekly.com 81 OFFENSIVE LINEMEN OFFENSIVE LINEMEN OLs 2008 LO 3/5/08 2:51 PM Page 82

82 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW and get stronger to develop into more of a power the season at tight end. Started all 12 games at player. right tackle in ’07. Was disciplined by the team after flipping off the Kentucky crowd prior to the ORG-ORT MIKE FLADELL Cardinals’ game against their intrastate rival. 1 (6-6 ⁄8, 326, 5.4e) RUTGERS Positives: Has a frame to bulk up and get Notes: Also lettered in track and field, win- stronger. Shows some strength and the agility to ning the 2002 New York Public Schools Athletic shuffle and slide in pass protection. Is quick into League discus championship and the indoor and blocks and moves well for his size. Flashes some outdoor shotput championship as a prep. nastiness. Competes hard and takes the game Entered the program at 370 pounds and redshirt- seriously. Very good worker. Team player. ed in 2003. Saw action in one game in ’04. Start- Responds to hard coaching. ed 3-of-11 games in which he played at left Negatives: Only a one-year starter. Very lim- guard in ’05 as an injury replacement for Jeremy ited pop and explosion. Narrow-framed and Zuttah. Started all 13 games at left guard in ’06. needs to add bulk and get stronger, especially in Started all 13 games at left guard in ’07. the upper body. Lacks in-line anchor strength. Positives: Outstanding size. Has a solid frame Falls off blocks and is on the ground a lot. Aver- with very long arms and nice anchor strength in age arm length for as tall as he is. Has a tenden- pass protection. Naturally strong. Is alert to the cy to rise out of his stance and play too tall. Is blitz and quick to recognize it. Solid worker. late to reach second-level defenders. Very durable. Summary: Raw developmental project who Negatives: Average athlete. Limited foot lacks the arm length, anchor strength, power and quickness. Too stiff and tightly wound. Does not leverage ideal for the front line, but did move play with leverage and lacks pop and power. around well and appear athletic at the Combine Does not easily adjust to movement and strug- and has some upside. gles with speed. Summary: A big, strong foot-pounder who ORT-OLG MIKE GIBSON 1 lined up inside in college but projects best to (6-3 ⁄2, 305, 5.31) CALIFORNIA right tackle in the pros, where he could better Notes: Two-time All-League first-teamer at use his long arms and anchor strength to lock out Solano Community College (Calif.). Enrolled at and protect the edge. However, he does not have Berkeley prior to the 2006 season and was a the foot quickness desired in a front-line player. backup right tackle to starter Scott Smith. Start- ed 9-of-13 games after Smith went down with an ORT NATE GARNER injury. Played his entire junior season with a left 1 (6-6 ⁄8, 334, 5.5e) ARKANSAS shoulder injury suffered in fall camp. Had Notes: Redshirted in 2003. Appeared in five surgery following the season and was very limit- games in ’04. Saw action in all 11 games in ’05 ed in the spring. Started 12 games in ’07, miss- on special teams and as a reserve right tackle. ing the Armed Forces Bowl with a concussion. Started 1-of-8 games in which he played in ’06 Positives: Shows some snap off the ball as a OFFENSIVE LINEMEN at right guard, but lost his starting job to Robert run blocker and will shoot his hands and get into Felton following the season opener and played blocks. Is strong, can get in the way, latch on and strictly as a reserve. Kicked outside and started sustain in-line. Good strength. Good worker. all 13 games in ’07 at right tackle. Has a passion for the game. Tough and will play Positives: Has outstanding size. Plays with through injuries. Will look to finish blocks. strength and can control defenders. Works to the Negatives: Has a soft build. Marginal foot- whistle and tries to finish blocks. work — used shuffle-and-slide technique Negatives: Only a one-year starter. Too stiff instead of kicksliding to cut off the rush. Lunges and tightly wound. Plods in space. Does not run and falls off too many blocks. Was exposed in his feet consistently and spends too much time one-on-one drills at the East-West Shrine game, on the ground. Does not play with much bend or struggling to handle speed and quickness and leverage. Heavy-footed and slow to redirect. did not look as natural inside. Lacks second- Summary: Came on strong down the stretch level quickness to cut off linebackers. Poor foot- and showed improvement late in the year. Could work. Plays too narrow-based, lunges and winds warrant developing. up on the ground a lot more than he should. Summary: Overmatched college left tackle ORT who could project inside or to right tackle in the 1 (6-7 ⁄8, 303, 5.24) LOUISVILLE pros. Is not an elite athlete for the OLT position Notes: Also lettered in basketball as a prep. and will need to correct his footwork to stay on Saw action in 12 games as a true freshman in 2004 an island. Could be best inside, even though he at tight end and offensive tackle. In ’05, appeared struggled there at the East-West Shrine game. exclusively at tight end and tallied three recep- tions for 16 yards (5.3-yard average) and one ORG-ORT 3 OFFENSIVE LINEMEN touchdown. Started 2-of-13 games in ’06, opening (6-4 ⁄4, 305, 5.34) TOLEDO at left tackle against Kansas State and Middle Notes: Also lettered in basketball as a prep. Tennessee State and also backing up throughout Redshirted in 2003. Started all 13 games at right

www.profootballweekly.com OLs 2008LO3/5/082:51PMPage83 lodmgdteprna ev,resulting ina also damagedtheperonealnerve, lateral collateralligamentinhis left kneeand knee injuryinthe Texas statesemifinals. Tore the high schoolseniorbeforesuffering aserious 15 passesfor275yards(18.3-yard average) asa and strength. balance right tacklebecauseofhistoughness, but hecouldbevery functionalinsideorat side, always precludehimfromplayingontheleft Lack ofarmlengthandgreatathleticismcould has elevated hisstatustothemiddlerounds. and hasbeenastrongpostseasonperformerwho West Shrinegamethanhedidon Toledo tape heavy-legged. Strugglestohitamoving target. the insidevulnerable.Playstooupright. Too because ofhislackfootquicknessandleaves feet andcutthemoff. Getscaughtoversetting rushers runthecircleandstrugglestomove his and windsupontheground.Letsaverage pass on him.Strugglestoanchor. Lungestoomuch hands ondefendersbeforethey gettheirhands keep upwithhishands.Strugglestoget Does notfollow uphisinitial punch. Feetcannot cally andlacksthefootspeedtohandleedge. a backinjury. too rigidandstiff andcouldalways belimitedby but heplays ed attheEast-West Shrinegame, onship Series(Division I-AA)level andcompet- could affect draftstatus. great finisher. Isoveraged andinjuryhistory and coulddoabetterjobofanchoring.Not not anaturalbender. Lackslower-body strength ethic. whistle. Flashespopandpower. Solidwork shadow hisman.Competeshardandplaystothe playing withaherniateddisk. (coaches) All-Big Sky honorsasajuniordespite earningfirst-team three seasons(2005-07), ed all33gamesattheORT spotover thenext games inwhichheplayedatrighttackle.Start- Returned toschoolin’04andstarted8-of-9 in 2001. Was onamissionfrom2002-03. okr mr,passionateandvery durable. worker. Smart, drive blocker. Goodbodystrength.Excellent shows asecondsurge intherungame.Solid Shows power andpopinhispunch.Istough defenders. Goodhandstrength.Solidtechnician. Shows goodstrengthwhen helatchesonto spot over thenext threeseasons. tackle in’04.Startedall38gamesattheOLT (6-5 OT (6-5 OT Summary: Summary: Negatives: Positives: Negatives: Positives: oe:Parade Notes: Notes: DAVID HALE TONY HILLS 1 3 ⁄ ⁄ 4 8 , 309,5.3e) TEXAS , 314,5.29) WEBER STATE Married. Satoutasapartialqualifier Good sizeandagility. Canslideand Impressed scoutsmoreattheEast- Stood outattheFootball Champi- Plays toouprightandrigidis a hr rs islimitedathleti- Has shortarms, a hc,square-cutbody. Has athick, All-America tightendcaught 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW the pressureplaceduponitandwillgodead. hisfootcannotwithstand being heavily spatted, despite andattimeswhenhesetsplants, foot, play. Doesnothave fullmotorskillsinhisleft andlingeringeffects stillshow upinhis career, condition inhighschoolthatnearlyendedhis closely —hashadacareer-threatening dropfoot body strength.Durabilityneedstobeexamined and strugglestoanchorvs.mass.Shows little leverage orpower not playwithexplosiveness, one-on-one. Doesnothave alead anchor and be knocked backward. Strugglestohandlesize gles fitting upandsustainingdown thefield. Can Could improve his upper-body strength.Strug- not have aframetosupportmuchmore weight. Can becontrolledbymassive space-eaters.Does blocker. Lacksnaturalgirthandbulk strength. (6-3 C ance. gets outinspaceandpulls.Playswithnicebal- athleticism andbodylength.Canmotorwhenhe through pain. sion forthegame.Excellentwork ethic.Plays smart. Very durable.Solidcharacter. Hasapas- to punchandrecoil.Flashesameanstreak.Plays ness. Keeps hishandsinsideandusesthemwell good cut-off angles.Goodsnap-and-stepquick- on linebackers. Very agile inspaceandtakes pull andtrapwork tothesecondlevel andfit team (AssociatedPress)honorsin’06and’07. earning All-Atlantic CoastConferencefirst- games atcenterover thenext threeseasons, marily onspecialteamsin’04.Startedall37 Redshirted in2003.Playedall11gamespri- can stayhealthy. as anOLT prospectandcouldcontribute ifhe bodyandarmlengthtowarrant interest the size, but hehas draft statusandplayingperformance, 10. Didnotwork outattheCombine. final two becauseofleftfibula fractureonNov. missingthe Started thefirst 11gamesin’07, injury. Startedall13gamesatlefttacklein’06. Missouri andOklahomacontestswithanelbow missingthe action in11-of-13games’05, Lions 2006fifth-round pickJonathanScott.Saw backingupDetroit seven gamesatlefttackle, from tightendtooffensive tackle. Appeared in rehabbing. Finallyenrolledin’04andconverted but insteadspenttheyear enroll at Texas in2003, regained feelingafterasecondsurgery. Didnot his leftfootafteraninitialsurgery but finally walking normallyagain. Was notabletomove mightprevent himfrom known as“dropfoot” and was toldbydoctorsthatthiscondition use awheelchaironhisrecruitingtripto Texas complete lossoffeelingintheleftfoot.Hadto Positives: Negatives: Positives: Notes: Summary: Negatives: 3 ⁄ 8 , 293,5.27) WAKE FOREST Also letteredinwrestlingasaprep. odfe,baseandbalance.Can Good feet, Natural bender. Hassomenatural Durability issuescouldaffect his Plays withtoomuchfinesse. Does Not astrongorpowerful run www.profootballweekly.com 83 OFFENSIVE LINEMEN OFFENSIVE LINEMEN OLs 2008 LO 3/5/08 2:51 PM Page 84

84 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW teammate Chad Rinehart and has more natural athleticism and pro potential. Could stick on the right side as a guard or tackle. OG ADAM KRAUS 3 (6-5 ⁄4, 295, 5.4e) MICHIGAN Notes: Also lettered in basketball. Redshirted as a tight end in 2003. Moved to the offensive line in ’04 and played three games as a reserve at right and left guard. Started 9-of-10 games in which he played in ’05 — eight at center and one at right guard — and also saw time at left guard. Missed the Indiana and Ohio State contests with a shoulder injury. Started all 13 games at left guard in ’06. Started all 13 games again in ’07, the first eight at left guard, the last five at center. Positives: Tough battler. Will play hurt. Versa- tile and has lined up at center and guard. Gets in the way and can maintain positioning. Negatives: Limited athlete. Average lateral quickness and change of direction. Not a natural bender. Does not play with a sense of urgency. Not strong or powerful. Gets knocked off the ball and struggles to anchor and sustain blocks. Will let defenders leak through on the blitz. Summary: Really struggled at the East-West Steve Justice Shrine game, but has enough size, Big Ten expe- l WAKE FOREST rience and versatility to warrant a chance as a utility swing backup. struggles to keep his feet stuck in the ground. Summary: Would be best in a slide-protection C 1 move scheme where he could use his clean foot- (6-1 ⁄4, 323, 5.25e) MARSHALL work and athleticism to his strengths. Lack of Notes: Set three West Virginia high school bulk and power could create some problems. weightlifting records and also lettered in track and field. Played in all 12 games as a true fresh- ORG-ORT man in 2004. Started all 11 games in ’05 — 10 1 (6-5 ⁄4, 343, 5.29) NORTHERN IOWA at center and one at right guard. Started all 12 Notes: Highly rated player in the state of games in ’06 and all 11 in ’07. Named team cap- OFFENSIVE LINEMEN Oklahoma as a prep. Attended Northeastern tain as a junior and senior. Oklahoma A&M College in 2004 and was Positives: Can get into blocks quickly and named second-team NJCAA All-American. moves well in a straight line. Keeps head on a Transferred to University of Oklahoma in ’05, swivel and plays with nice instincts and sees the but did not see action and left after the grand- blitz. Good upper-body strength. Great intangi- mother who raised him passed away. Transferred bles and work ethic. Self-motivated. Plays to Northern Iowa in ’06 and played in seven through injuries. games, starting twice. Missed four games with a Negatives: Has very short arms. Too top- bone bruise in his right knee. Started the first 11 heavy and tight-hipped. Lacks lower-body games at right tackle in ’07, helping the Panthers strength, plays too upright with average knee to a perfect 11-0 regular season and a No. 1 bend and struggles to anchor when he is covered ranking at the Football Championship Series up. Can be walked back. Struggles to strike a level. Did not play in the last two regular-season moving target in space. games as a result of a coaching decision to rest Summary: Flashed some strength at the Hula star players. Strained his left hamstring while Bowl, but his lack of arm strength and agility running the 40 at the Combine and did not finish will limit his chances. his workout. Positives: Good size with long arms and can C-OG 1 lock out and keep defenders at bay. Plays with (6-2 ⁄4, 298, 5.34) BOWLING GREEN balance and is usually on his feet. Can work to Notes: Married with one child. Also lettered the second level and generate some movement. in basketball and track as a prep. Redshirted in Negatives: Lacks great lower-body strength. 2003. Started all 12 games in ’04 and all 11 Not a great bender. Not quick to shuffle and slide games in ’05 at guard. Started all 12 games in

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN and cut off the outside rush. Could use some extra ’06 at center. Played the last month of the season reps. Mental toughness has been questioned. with a left shoulder injury suffered vs. Temple Summary: Stands out more than highly touted and had surgery following the season. Two-time

www.profootballweekly.com OLs 2008LO3/5/082:51PMPage85 of thetarget. Lacksgreatsize.Has shortarms. hand placement—handswillgohighandwide on themove andcannotrecover. Inconsistent and playoutofcontrol—toooftenoverextends gle withspeedinthepros.Canbeoveraggressive sustain andrecover againstquickness. Will strug- Not agreatathleteandstrugglestoconsistently injury in’04anddidnotplay. Appeared atguard Excellent character. Goodwork ethic. Versatile. dem withguards.Goodshort-snappingability. Plays hard.Gives greateffort. Works wellintan- whistle andkeeps working topickoff defenders. defenders attheline. Tough —battlestothe nastiness andworks tofinish. Canstalemate space. Runshisfeetoncontact.Flashessome blocking. Shows theabilityto pullandmove in angles andiseffective walling off andzone a tearinhisrightlabrum(shoulder). ter. Attended theCombinebut didnotliftdueto team captain.Startedall13gamesin’07atcen- (6-3 OG and enoughquicknesstobeefficient. balance but heshows theinstincts, restricting, powering andhislackofarmlengthcouldbe draft statusandavailability. Notstrongorover- due toshoulderinjuryanditcouldaffect his Jake Long Positives: Notes: Summary: Negatives: MATTY LINDNER 1 ⁄ 2 , 295,5.25E) TEXAS CHRISTIAN Redshirted in2003.Suffered awrist l MICHIGAN Plays withawareness. Takes sharp Is expected tobeoutfourmonths Has faced marginal competition. 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW tude ofinjuriesandhasstruggledtostayhealthy. Inconsistent handplacement.Hashadamulti- power. Getsquestionablefits onthesecondlevel. erate apush.Doesnotplaywithstrengthor strength andanchortoholdhisgroundgen- gets bouncedaround.Marginal lower-body with somevinegar. Solidworker. latch on.Shows somepopin hishands.Plays with ananklesprain. missingtheNew Mexico game played in’07, rehabilitate. Startedall12gamesinwhichhe vs. NorthernIllinoisandsatoutinthespringto anterior cruciateligamentinthePoinsettiaBowl right (six)andleftguard(seven) in’06. Tore his in 10-of-12games’05.Startedall13at (6-7, 313,5.24)MICHIGAN OLT chance. but hehasenoughstrengthtowarrant a chances, wrestler. Hisinjuryhistorycouldlimithis achiever withthe body ofaprofessional first seven games.Returnedtostartthefinal 4- lower leftleg. Underwent surgery andsatoutthe summer practicewhentwo teammatesfellonhis tackle in’04.Suffered aseriousinjuryin’05 games atrighttackleandalsosaw timeatleft ball. Redshirtedin2003.Startedthefinal 10 Positives: Summary: Negatives: Notes: JAKE LONG Also letteredinbasketball andbase- Average athlete.Playstoolightand Battles forpositioningandcan eymsldu,toughover- Very muscled-up, www.profootballweekly.com

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86 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW of-5 games at right tackle. Dropped 20 pounds in game. Projects inside from the ORT position and the offseason and improved his agility. Named could battle for a roster spot. team captain and started all 13 games at left tackle in ’06 and ’07 en route to Big Ten Line- OLG CHRIS McDUFFIE 1 man of the Year accolades both years. (6-4 ⁄8, 330, 5.2e) CLEMSON Positives: Has excellent size with a flat stom- Notes: Attended Hargrave Military Academy ach. Has been effective in a zone- or man-block- (Va.) following high school. Redshirted at Clem- ing scheme. Generates power in the run game son in 2003. Arrested in July 2004 and charged and can knock defenders off the ball. Very tough with two felony counts — possession of mari- and nasty. Plays with intent to hurt the opposi- juana with intent to distribute and possession of tion and can bury defenders. Comes off the ball marijuana with intent to distribute within prox- flat-backed and drives defenders. Very good fin- imity of a school. Was suspended from the team. isher. Extremely smart, hardworking and Entered pre-trial intervention program and was instinctive and has a great feel for the game. Sets reinstated and suspended for ’04 season opener. quickly in pass protection and plays alert. Has Played in 10 games as a backup defensive tack- very good anchor strength. Excellent worker. le, recording 12 tackles. In ’05, saw action in 11 Vocal leader. games on special teams and six on the offensive Negatives: Does not look as effortless in pass side of the ball at guard and tackle. Played in all protection in the fourth quarter as some elite left 13 games in ’06 as a reserve guard, starting the tackles. Could do a better job of locking out and last five when OLG Roman Fry went down with using his arm length to keep defenders off his an injury. Started 11 of the 12 games in which he frame. Could more consistently punch and played in ’07 at left guard, missing the Duke reload. Does not show great recovery speed vs. game with a left ankle sprain. Played the last few elite speed (see Ohio State). Can overset and be games with a torn ligament in his left elbow and susceptible to inside counter moves. played with a cast on his left arm in the Chick- Summary: Proved he was a better athlete than fil-A Bowl. Did not work out at the Combine many expected at the Combine, when he moved because of a left quad strain. with relative ease in positional drills. Could be Positives: Has natural size, girth and strength. most naturally suited on the right side because of Will fight and scrap in close quarters and play to his toughness, nastiness and angry disposition. the whistle. Shows enough quickness to get to However, he has all the athleticism he needs to the second level and locate defenders. Shows anchor the left side and become an exceptional solid anchor strength. Runs his feet on contact pro. Would be best in a base-blocking scheme and can create a push. Will play through injuries. like the one the Wolverines ran as a sophomore, Negatives: Average arm length. Is not quick when he cleared huge running lanes. A perenni- into blocks and too often is late off the ball. Plays al Pro Bowl tackle who instantly upgrades an too upright and could do a better job of dropping offensive line. his hips. Not a natural knee-bender and plays too upright and hunched back, not generating much OFFENSIVE LINEMEN ORG CHARLES MANU power. Too top-heavy. Marginal punch. Lacks 1 (6-2 ⁄2, 304, 5.3e) NEVADA discipline and needs to take the game more seri- Notes: Married and has three children. ously and learn to control his weight. Enrolled at Feather River College (Calif.) in Summary: Strong battler who could develop 2003 and lined up at . Broke his into a solid player if he could commit himself to ankle in the first game, missed the rest of the sea- the game and stay healthy. son and was granted a medical redshirt. Moved to nose tackle in ’04 and started 10-of-11 games. OL MIKE McGLYNN 1 Transferred to Nevada in ’05 and flipped sides of (6-4 ⁄4, 311, 5.41) PITTSBURGH the ball, starting the final 8-of-10 games in which Notes: Married. Also lettered in baseball as a he played at right guard. Moved to strong-side prep. Redshirted in 2003. Started 8-of-12 games tackle and started all 13 games in ’06. Started all at right tackle in ’04. Started all 23 games at right 12 games at strong-side guard in ’07. tackle and served as the short-snapper on field Positives: Solid mass. Shows some strength to goals and extra points in ’05 and ’06. Underwent lean on defenders and wall off. Can drop his postseason surgery for a torn left labrum and sat hips, anchor and hold his ground. Flashes some out ’07 spring practice to recover. Moved to right strength in his hands. Has played through guard as a senior for the first three games but injuries. kicked back outside to the ORT position for the Negatives: Marginal athlete. Appears out of final nine after struggling outside. shape with questionable stamina. Struggles to Positives: Plays with aggression and shows a move his feet and too often falls off blocks. Not mean streak. Hunts down defenders. Shows the a finisher. Spends too much time on the ground. power to collapse defenders down-blocking. Has Struggled with quickness at the East-West an explosive punch and shocks defenders. Plays

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN Shrine game. with a street fighter’s mentality. Very tough and Summary: Heavy-footed, short-area zone competitive. Moves surprisingly well for his blocker with limited athleticism for the pro size. Shows good awareness. Can swing his hips

www.profootballweekly.com OLs 2008LO3/5/082:51PMPage87 power andgetsknocked aroundtooeasily. Nota will draw theinterestofteams. from teamsatthecenterposition.Histoughness Shrine gameandisgettingmoreseriouslooks but performedwellattheEast-West the inside, guard andcenter. Didnothave agreatyearon having linedupattackle, where ontheline, falls off. Will lungeandlosebalance. gles tosustainonthesecondlevel andtoooften handle speedandquicknessoff theball.Strug- started. Rumbleswhenheruns.Strugglesto Not agreatfootathleteandcanbeslow toget duties. everywhere ontheline.Handlesshort-snapping played throughinjury. Isversatile andplayed defensive ends.Hasapassionforthegame. backers. Flashestheabilitytoreachandseal around andgenerallyinitiatecontactonline- (6-4 ORT (6-5 ORT get intheway andneutralizedefenders. very longarmsandbighands.Can tioned frame, games in’07atrighttackle. a shoulderinjuryofhisown. Startedall13 but hemissedtime infall campwith rotator cuff, Charles Myleswas lostfortheseasonwith atorn tain in’06.Move totherightsidein’07after required arthroscopicsurgery. Voted ateamcap- State andIndianawitharightankleinjurythat missingstartsagainstMichigan at lefttackle, starting lineupin’06andstarted10-of-12games season duetotransferrules.Steppedintothe ing time. Transferred toIllinois andsatoutthe before leaving theteamin’05toseekmoreplay- action in4-of-13gamesasareserve tacklein’04 Redshirted atOklahomain2003.Saw limited as aprepandalsoletteredintrackfield. in thestatebyIllinoisCoaches Association effort tocompeteforajob. quick-footed. awareness andislatetoadjust totheblitz.Not strike withpower. Marginal bender. Shows little edge speed.Carrieshishandslow anddoesnot baby fat. Marginal athlete.Strugglestohandle Flashes somestrength. overall size.Competesandgives goodeffort. 13 gamesagainattheORT spot in’07. ed all14gamesatrighttacklein’06.Started sive linemanandon special teamsin’05.Start- in ’04.Playedall12gamesasareserve offen- Redshirted in2003.Didnotseeany gameaction Summary: Negatives: Negatives: Positives: Notes: Summary: Negatives: Positives: Notes: 1 1 ⁄ ⁄ AKIM MILLINGTON CARLTON MEDDER 4 2 , 309,5.4e)ILLINOIS , 316,5.5e)FLORIDA Named theMostOutstandingLineman Threw shotputanddiscus as aprep. Has longarmsandbighands.Good Looks thepartwithawell-propor- Size prospectwithenoughsizeand Has abadbody. Playstooupright. Has theversatility toplayany- Has abadbodywithtoomuch Does notplaywithstrengthor 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW Started all12gamesin’07atrightguard. against FloridaInternational.Graduatedin’06. contest afterparticipatinginanon-field brawl missingtheDuke played atrightguardin’06, as areserve. Startedall12gamesinwhichhe camp but returnedtoplayinthefinal five games in ’04.Suffered ashoulderinjury in’05summer six gamesasaninjuryreplacementatrightguard emergency tackle. toughness. Haslinedupoutsideandcouldbean ators attheEast-West Shrinepracticesforhis catching noticefromevalu- tenacity asasenior, ing hishandsandpunchingwithpower. and inexperienced. Candoabetterjobofreplac- Western Athletic Conference.Stillrelatively raw continue toimprove. Hasbeenvery durable. blitz. Very smartandhardworking andshould scrap. Showed improved awareness againstthe sack asasenior. Playshardandwillfight and and balanceinpassprotection—didnotallow a quickly andcangetpositioning.Goodagility frame. Flashesastrongpunch.Getsintoblocks to acamp. adjust tomoving targets. Durabilityisaconcern. strength. Too limitedathletically. Strugglesto adjust tospeedoff theedge. Lacks upper-body natural bender. Hasstiff anklesandislateto defensive tackletotheoffensive line. Trans- New Mexico Statein2004andconverted froma guard in’07andstartedall12gamesagain. 12 gamesatlefttackle.Moved insidetoleft Transferred toUtahStatein’06andstartedall Attended DixieStateCollege ofUtahin2005. Spent 2002-04inBrazilonareligiousmission. 2001 andstarted3-of-12gamesatdefensive end. Attended RicksCollege (now BYU-Idaho)in (6-4 ORG-C (6-4 OLT (6-3 OLG as aswinginteriorbackup. his athleticlimitations.Couldcompeteforajob strength ofcharacterandwork ethictooutplay explosion. and falls off blocks.Doesnotplaywithpopor tion inspace.Playstootallwithlittlekneebend body. Strugglestohitamoving target andfunc- ability topull. Flashes somenastiness.Shows enoughathletic Summary: Negatives: Summary: Positives: Summary: Negatives: Positives: Notes: Notes: Notes: 3 7 7 CARL NICKS ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ SHAWN MURPHY 8 8 8 , 325,5.33)MIAMI(FLA.) , 341,5.26)NEBRASKA , 320,5.39)UTAH STATE DERRICK MORSE Will turn25yearsoldinDecember. Redshirted in2003.Startedthefinal Married withonechild.Enrolled at og,smartandvery competitive. Tough, Has thephysicaltoolstobeinvited Bulked upandplayedwithmore Faced marginal competitioninthe a oi,well-proportioned Has asolid, Very limitedathletewithabad Tough overachiever withthe www.profootballweekly.com 87 OFFENSIVE LINEMEN OFFENSIVE LINEMEN OLs 2008 LO 3/5/08 2:51 PM Page 88

88 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW ferred to Hartnell College (Calif.) in ’05. Trans- ferred to Nebraska in ’06 and started 2-of-11 games in which he played at right tackle. Moved to left tackle and started 11-of-12 games in ’07. Positives: Very gifted big man with outstand- ing arm length and natural movement skills. Has left tackle feet, agility and athleticism. Sets quickly in pass protection. Plays with power and shows the ability to dominate. Very good punch strength. Shows good thump and can drive defenders off the ball. Moves effortlessly. Nice balance and footwork for a 345-pounder. Negatives: Relies too much on his natural ath- leticism. Too undisciplined. Questionable work ethic. Suspect stamina. Very raw technique — opens his hips too often, does not use his hands and lets defenders into his frame. Initial punch is average and can learn to strike with more author- ity. Too inconsistent from game to game. Lacks awareness sensing pressure. Inconsistent effort. Only a one-year starter. Summary: Moves around with the grace and agility of a first-rounder, but could be rejected for his character. Could be great if he dropped 15 pounds and took the game more seriously, but he more likely will spin out of control after receiv- ing a big payday. Jeff Otah OT JEFF OTAH l PITTSBURGH (6-6, 322, 5.56) PITTSBURGH Notes: Came to the from Nige- strength and power, but he has proven to be ria when he was seven years old. Didn’t play functional on the left side and should only con- football until his senior year of high school. Also tinue to get better given his relative lack of expe- lettered in basketball as a prep. Attended Valley rience at the position. Forge (Pa.) Military Academy and started all 17 games at offensive tackle from 2004-05. Also C-OG MIKE POLLAK 1 started on the basketball team and averaged 19 (6-3 ⁄2, 301, 5.04) ARIZONA STATE points and 12 rebounds per game. Transferred to Notes: Also lettered in baseball as a prep. OFFENSIVE LINEMEN Pitt in ’06 and started all 12 games at left tackle. Redshirted in 2003. Started 4-of-8 games in Started all 12 games again at left tackle in ’07. which he played in ’04, when the starter was out Did not finish workout at Combine because of with injury, and started 6-of-12 games in ’05 for sprained left ankle. the same reason. Started all 26 games over the Positives: Naturally strong and powerful with next two seasons. Two-time team captain. long arms and a good, solid frame. Plays physi- Already graduated. cal. Comes off the ball with force and drives Positives: Very good size. Good agility to defenders off the ball. Plays with great power maneuver and work in space. Good snap-and- and has stood out against better competition. step quickness. Plays with leverage. Is aware Can pull and strike a stationary target. Great fin- and instinctive and handles movement in front of isher. Shows a mean streak. Will strike and him very well. Sees and picks up the blitz. Very reload with his hands and shows the pop to active hands. Flashes pop in his punch. Effective shock defenders with his punch. Does a good job pulling and trapping. Does a good job of fitting of sustaining blocks. on linebackers. Solid anchor. Can torque defend- Negatives: Does not take great angles. Not an ers and wall off lanes. Smart. Tough. Works hard elite athlete. Does not show great foot speed. and plays with pride. Very durable. Worked out Struggles to strike moving targets on the second exceptionally well at the Combine. level. Has a tendency to rise out of his stance. Still Negatives: Very average arm length. Lacks raw and could take time to grasp a complex functional strength to generate movement and offense. Does not show great stamina. Needs to knock defenders off the ball in the run game. show that he is willing to pay the price to be great. Does not consistently play with power. Tends to Summary: Worked out at the Combine with a play a bit upright and without a lot of natural sprained left ankle and his 40-time likely is bend. Does not always bring his feet with him or

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN skewed due to injury. He is by no means a balle- show great balance. His feet appear to lag when rina and could be best-suited on the right side in sliding and shuffling in pass protection. the pros, where he could better use his natural Summary: Emerged from the postseason after

www.profootballweekly.com OLs 2008LO3/5/082:51PMPage89 best inazone-blockingscheme. good spaceplayerbut cangetintheway andfits and strengthtobeeffective inthepros.Isnota armlength athleticism, lacks thenaturalbend, but can smotherdefendersintightquarters, side reachblock.Shows theabilitytosustain. shuffle andslide.Caneffectively make theplay- his headonaswivel inpassprotection.Can with power andrunshisfeetoncontact.Keeps good bodymass.Playswithawide base.Plays suffered against Washington. three gamesbecauseofasprainedrightknee missing sprained ankle.Started10gamesin’07, missingonlythe Washington gamewitha ’06, special teams.Started12gamesatrightguardin games in’05asabackupoffensive guardandon lage fromhisleftknee.Heappearedinall13 had arthroscopicsurgery toremove torncarti- and Calif.Redshirtedasafreshmanin’04, ton, year whileatDominguezHighSchoolinComp- despite onlyplayinginfourgameshissenior ers. Notnasty. contact onthesecondlevel andfit onlineback- he is.Istight-hippedandstrugglestoinitiate strength. Hasshortarmsforsomeoneastall sustain blocks.Lacksbulk andfunctional anchor. Notstrongorphysicalandstrugglesto and learnsquickly. and anticipateswhenpressureiscoming.Smart technician. Goodworker. Tough. Playsalertly squared andcanhandleinsidemoves. Solid footwork inhispasssets.Keeps hisshoulders positioning andcansealrunninglanes.Nice quickness tohookdefensive ends.Getsgood OLT should continuetogetbetter. every yearandhasshown improvement and was morephysicalandnasty. Hastaken strides scouts wishheplayedmoretohisnumbersand but awareness andagilityareallvery solid, naturalathleticism, center inthedraft.Hissize, a strongSeniorBowl andCombine asthetop (6-5, 315,5.26)USC ORG (6-7 left tacklein’07. ’06 atlefttackle.Startedall13gamesagain from shouldersurgery. Startedall12gamesin sprain. Missedthespringof’06whilerehabbing was hamperedbyahighleftankle between, first two andtheChampsSportsBowl. In startingthe tackle. Playedinall13games’05, three gamesonoffense asareserve offensive action in10games’04onspecialteamsand in 2003andgained25poundstoget270.Saw ketball andgolfatCUinthe1960s.Redshirted Positives: Summary: Negatives: Notes: Positives: Notes: 1 TYLER POLUMBUS ⁄ 2 CHILO RACHAL , 312,5.33)COLORADO Was a2003 ahr a,ltee nfobl,bas- letteredinfootball, Tad, Father, Very strong.Hasabigframeand One-shot-and-fall-off blocker who Shows enoughathleticismand Marginal punchstrengthand SuperPrep (Junior) 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW All-American temper. been dingedupabit.Emotionalandhasshort not have greatlateralrecovery quickness.Has caught upintraffic. Takes choppy steps.Does moves. Notvery agiletoscoopandsealgets punching. Strugglestohandleinsidecounter armed andcoulddoabetterjobofextending and ily stalemated. Tight inthehips.Playsshort- lacksgreatanchorstrengthandistooeas- bend, a very solidpro. he couldbecome self moretotheweightroom, the jobdone.Ifheever decidestodedicatehim- dle theedgeandconsistentlyfinds away toget plays withenoughquicknesstohan- Combine, among thetoptacklesinagilitydrillsat hedidfinish yet nastics events attheCombine, and would notexpect tostackwell inthegym- the secondlevel. not lookprettyrun-blockingandsteppingoutto inside andstruggleswithcountermoves. Does gets driven backtooeasily. Isvulnerabletothe letshispadsriseand room. Lacksbulk strength, stronger andspendmoretimeintheweight withlittlemusculature.Needstoget room, vendor andlookslike hehasnot seenaweight Game-tough andvery competitive. finisher — canputdefendersontheirbacks. ability toclimbdefendersintherungame.Good Plays withasenseofurgency andflashesthe anchor. ness vs.theblitz.Playstoughandcansitto sustain. Goodon-field competitor. Shows aware- positioning andshows theabilitytoadjustand enough speedtoturnandrundownfield. Gets ond level andsealoff linebackers. Shows pete. Hasthefootquicknesstogetoutsec- Agile enoughtowork theedgeandwillcom- grow. Getsgoodextension andcanlockout. (6-4 ORT-OLG starting thelast12. right tacklein’07andplayedall13games, ed all13gamesatleftguardin’06.Moved to strain thatrequiredseason-endingsurgery. Start- guard in’05but redshirtedduetoarighthip Appeared inthefirst threegamesasareserve missing theUCLAcontestwithastrainedhip. 13 gamesasareserve offensive tacklein’04, as aprep.Redshirtedin2003.Played10-of- State (1974-76).Named cated onpower. school. Will fit bestonanoffensive linepredi- could have benefited fromanotheryearin draft tohelpsupporthismotherfinancially and from hislower body. Decidedtodeclareforthe natural kneebendtoconsistentlyproducepower body blocker wholacksthefootquicknessand Summary: Negatives: Negatives: Summary: Positives: Notes: 1 ⁄ 2 , 301,5.39)USC Father playedlinebacker at Arizona Has longarmsandasolidframeto Is bynomeansaworkout warrior Has thebodyofaballparkpeanuts i,srn,pyia,upper- physical, strong, A big, Does notplaywithgreatknee www.profootballweekly.com Parade All-American 89 OFFENSIVE LINEMEN OFFENSIVE LINEMEN OLs 2008 LO 3/5/08 2:51 PM Page 90

90 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW C-ORT and does not have enough glass in his diet for the 3 (6-4 ⁄4, 295, 5.26) BUFFALO right side. Notes: Also threw the shotput in high school and wrestled. First player in high school’s histo- OLG-ORT CHAD RINEHART ry to earn a D-I scholarship. Redshirted in 2003. (6-5, 320, 5.49) NORTHERN IOWA Started 2-of-7 games in which he played at cen- Notes: Also threw the discus as a prep. Red- ter in ’04. Started all 11 games in ’05 and all 12 shirted in 2003. Started 5-of-8 games in which games in ’06 at center. Elected team captain as a he played at left tackle in ’04, missing three mid- junior and senior. Started all 12 games at center season contests to undergo a laparoscopic in ’07. appendectomy. Started all 15 games in ’05. In Positives: Has a chip on his shoulder. Very ’06, started all 11 games. Started all 13 games in tough and nasty. Plays with a mean intent and ’07 again at OLT spot. nasty disposition. Stays after blocks. Shows Positives: Has a strong, husky build. Plays some violence in his play. Is quick into blocks. with some strength and power and can collapse Effective cut blocker. Shows good awareness in defenders blocking down. Plays with awareness recognizing and adjusting to the blitz. Gives and can latch on and maul. Plays heavy-handed. great effort and knows how to play only one way Shows enough agility to pull and trap. Solid — all-out. Finishes blocks. Vocal leader. Very anchor. smart. Negatives: Mechanical mover. Bends at the Negatives: Average athlete. Struggles to reach waist and does not play with leverage. Not and cut off defenders. Uses bad technique — quick-footed and labors to change direction, takes a drop step in pass protection, staggering redirect and move laterally. Struggles with his feet, which prevents him from moving later- inside counter moves and can be exposed by ally. As a result, struggles to slide and mirror and edge speed. Carries his pads too tall and strug- stay in front of defenders. Not quick-handed to gles to sustain. Has a soft, fleshy body and his punch and reload. Is too tall for the center posi- weight has tended to fluctuate. tion and at a natural leverage disadvantage. Does Summary: College left tackle who lacks the not drive defenders off the ball or play with a lot foot quickness and agility desired on the left side of power. and likely will have to move inside to be effec- Summary: His footwork could use refinement tive, where his strength and power would be and could be corrected but he has a physical more suited and he would not be as vulnerable to football temperament that cannot be taught and handling edge speed. should allow him to overachieve in the pros. Is tall for the center position and may be more nat- OLT-OLG WILL ROBINSON ural on the edge if he could bulk up. (6-5, 297, 5.23) SAN DIEGO STATE Notes: Also lettered in basketball and track as OT BARRY RICHARDSON a prep. Redshirted in 2003. Started 6-of-8 games 5 (6-6 ⁄8, 320, 5.49) CLEMSON in which he played in ’04 at left guard (one), left OFFENSIVE LINEMEN Notes: Graduated a year early from high tackle (one) and right tackle (four), missing time school. Started the last 8-of-11 games in 2004, due to a concussion suffered against Brigham the most starts by a freshman offensive lineman Young. Started the final 8-of-12 games at ORT in school history. Started all 12 games in ’05 at spot in ’05, overtaking Eric Rouser, who himself left tackle. Lost 20 pounds prior to the ’06 sea- was filling in for the incumbent, Mike Kravetz. son and started all 13 games, allowing only two Moved to the OLT spot and started all 12 games sacks for the season. Started all 13 games in ’07. in ’06. Started all 12 games at left tackle in ’07. Positives: Has excellent size, very long arms Strained his right quad while running the 40- and big hands. Plays with balance in his feet and yard dash at the Combine and did not finish can shadow and mirror defenders in pass protec- workouts. tion. Shows the agility to pull and trap. Positives: Has a frame to grow into. Is fairly Negatives: Gets knocked around too easily agile and athletic and light on his feet. Can and does not play with authority. Is high-cut, adjust to counter moves. Works up to the second bends at the waist and struggles to handle inside level and can fit on linebackers. Competes hard. counter moves and edge speed. Average athlete. Negatives: Too light and needs to get stronger Plays too narrow-based and struggles to sustain in the lower body. Can be knocked around and blocks. Is not explosive and does not play with controlled. Is underpowered and struggles to power. Plays with too much finesse. Soft hands anchor vs. the bull rush. Has struggled to add striker. Does not finish blocks. Not mentally or weight throughout college. Lacks upper-body physically tough. Plays down to the level of his strength. competition. Can play more alertly and do a bet- Summary: Raw developmental prospect who ter job of recognizing the blitz. needs to get bigger and stronger. Showed Summary: Stands out most for his size, over- enough athleticism at the East-West Shrine game

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN all body length and experience in the Southeast- for teams to consider developing him, although ern Conference. Lacks the foot quickness he may get more looks inside for a zone-block- desired to be more than a backup on the left side ing team.

www.profootballweekly.com OLs 2008LO3/5/082:51PMPage91 have achanceinsideaspositionalblocker. have achanceatcenter. who canmaintainpositioninginline.Might overly physicalornasty. Has shortarms. tiate contactandsustainonthesecondlevel. Not angles anddoesnotshow thebodycontroltoini- strike amoving target. Takes somequestionable lot. Limitedagilitytoblockonthemove and Very durable. punch andcancontrolblockers inlimited areas. ’07. left guard.Startedall13gamesatguardin offensive guard.Startedall14gamesin’06at sive linein’04. Appeared infive gamesin’05at Saw limitedactioninfive gamesontheoffen- played volleyball asaprep.Redshirtedin’03. pick oftheCleveland Browns. Herculesalso was a’07sixth-round MelilaPurcell, cousin, andhis round pickoftheMiamiDolphins, (6-3 OLG (6-3 ORG (6-1 OLG-C Plays toosoft.Doesnotshow muchawareness. Limited footquicknesstohandleedgespeed. trol blockers andadjusttoquickmovement. Gets collapsedtooeasilyandstrugglestocon- physical. Marginal anchorstrengthandpower. Plays hurt.Unselfish teamplayer. and sustaininashortarea.Blue-collarworker. Flashes astrongpunch.Canmaul andsmother with awidebase.Goodupper-body strength. ament. Startedall13gamesatlefttacklein’07. contest withasprainedleftmedialcollaterallig- missingthe Arizona and started10-of-13games, at leftguardin’05.Moved tolefttacklein’06 Granted amedicalredshirt.Startedall12games ciate ligamentandmissingtherestofseason. at leftguardbeforetearinghisrightanteriorcru- shirted in2003.Startedtheseasonopener’04 (kayaking) at Aiea HighSchoolinHawaii. Red- choosing toplaywhiletakingheavy antibiotics. instead but hedidnotmissagame, pneumonia, during theseasonafterdeveloping walking right tackleforthefinal four. Lost18pounds moving to seasons. Startedall13gamesin’07, all 37gamesatrightguardover thenext three of 56feet6inches.Redshirtedin2003.Started breaking theschoolshotputrecordwithathrow Also letteredinwrestlingandtrackasaprep, Summary: Negatives: Positives: Negatives: Positives: Notes: Positives: Notes: Notes: Summary: 5 1 3 ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ BRANDON RODD 2 8 8 , 306,5.36)OREGONSTATE , 297,5.3e)HAWAII , 302,5.25e)ARIZONASTATE HERCULES SATELE rte,Smo,was a2007second- Samson, Brother, Last namepronounced“SHOE-ning.” Also letteredfouryearsinpaddling Competes hard.Cangetpositioning Good awareness. Flashespopinhis Very toughandcompetitive. Plays iie,try-hard athletewhomight Limited, Naturally strongshort-areamauler Has notbeenasked torun-blocka Has anunderdeveloped body. Not 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW second dayanddevelop intoastarter. athleticism. Couldbeasolidvalue pickonthe toughnessandlimited because ofhisstrength, couldbeprojectedinside on theedge.However, Combine andshowed heshouldbeabletostick (6-6 ORT-ORG could wintheheartsofcoaches. solid starter. Histoughnessandwork habits a pinchbringsaddedvalue. Coulddevelop intoa best inashortarea.Hisabilitytohelpoutside dependableand Schueningisstrong, blocker, flexibility. exposed vs.suddenspinmoves. Average body Struggled vs.USCDTSedrickEllis.Canbe underneath hispadsandcanbecontrolled. natural bendandleverage. Letsdefendersget Too oftenwhiffs inspace.Doesnotplaywith he getsoutsideandhastohitamoving target. tightly wound andheavy-footed. Struggleswhen Will playhurt.Heldhisown atrighttackle. Plays smartandcanhandlestuntstwists. almost always onhisfeet.Shows recover ability. hands andcanlockonmauldefenders.Is pass protection.Punchesandrecoils.Hasstrong open shot.Hasastronganchor. Setsquicklyin blocks andteeoff ondefenders whenhegetsan Flashes somenastinessandwillwork tofinish defenders. Canhandlemammothwidebodies. practices asalong-snapper. tion. Hashandledshort-snappingdutiesand space. Will struggletopullfromtheOGposi- themorehestruggles. Very limitedin to cover, have greatbodycontrol. The more groundhehas edge speedandinsidecountermoves. Doesnot agile towork downfield. Strugglestohandle limited lower-body explosion. Notsmoothor to movement. Hasleadinhisfeetandshows Not quick-footedandistoooftenlatetoadjust able. dependableandcoach- through pain. Very smart, more toughnessastheyearprogressed. Will play tector. Performedwellvs.USCandshowed Shows someflexibility andbend.Solidpasspro- anchor andcankeep hisfeetintheground. heis very effective. Hasastrong wheelhouse, ance. Ifhehasashottohitdefendersinhis right pectoralstrain. Did notbench-pressattheCombineduetoa ered tostartall13gamesatrighttacklein’07. but recov- not participatein’07springpractice, throughs sothathecouldplayonSaturdays.Did practiced after Week Four except forwalk- Arizona gameswithaherniateddisc.Barely missingthePortlandStateand he playedin’06, tackle in’05.Started11-of-12gameswhich freshman in2004.Startedall12gamesatright Summary: Negatives: Summary: Negatives: Positives: Notes: 1 ⁄ 4 , 332,5.38)OREGON Saw actioninfourgamesasatrue Tough andphysical.Playswithbal- A betterpassprotectorthanrun Not aphysicaldrive blocker. Too Has abadbody. Average athlete. Moved surprisinglywellatthe www.profootballweekly.com 91 OFFENSIVE LINEMEN OFFENSIVE LINEMEN OLs 2008 LO 3/5/08 2:51 PM Page 92

92 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW C-OLG ERIC SCOTT 2003. Played five games in reserve in ’04. Start- 1 (6-2 ⁄4, 298, 5.01) KENTUCKY ed all 25 games at left tackle over the next two Notes: Engaged to his high school sweetheart. seasons for an offensive line that allowed the Also lettered in basketball and track (discus) in fewest sacks in the nation in ’06 (eight). Start- high school and saw time at RB, FB, TE, DT and ed all 12 games in which he played in ’07. LB spots. Redshirted as a tight end in 2003. Missed the Pittsburgh game late in the season Started 3-of-11 games in ’04 and posted 13 with a knee injury. Did not perform any running receptions for 111 yards (8.5-yard average). at the Combine because of a dislocated left Converted to defensive end in ’05 and played in kneecap. all 11 games, totaling four tackles and one sack. Positives: Gets into blocks quickly and can Switched to the offensive line in ’06 and started maintain positioning and seal lanes. Plays on his 1-of-13 games at right guard and also saw time feet with nice balance and can pull and get out in at center. Underwent postseason surgery to space. Works quickly to fit on linebackers. repair a torn right labrum, but returned in the fall Negatives: Too thinly built, narrow-framed of ’07 to play in all 13 games, starting 12. and lacks upper-body strength. Needs to spend Positives: Has big hands and long arms and more time in the weight room and get stronger. natural athleticism. Shows the agility to play in Does not play strong or physical and finish space and get to the second level. blocks. Only bench-pressed 225 pounds 19 Negatives: Underpowered and plays too soft. times at the Combine. Struggles to sustain blocks. Not strong or physi- Summary: Did not show great athleticism at cal. Too undisciplined. Marginal instincts and the East-West Shrine game and scouts said he awareness — makes at least one major mental struggled. Lacks the arm length ideal for the out- error per game and never truly knows his respon- side and his best chance in the pros could come sibilities. Questionable intelligence. inside. Not very strong and could fit best in a zone-blocking scheme used by a team like the Summary: Natural athleticism and foot quick- Packers, Broncos or Texans. Could be an ideal ness stood out at the Texas vs. the Nation all-star swing backup with the versatility to play any- game. Clearly has enough talent to warrant where on the line. drafting, but his football intelligence must improve to make it. Could be best in a zone- OG-C blocking scheme used by a team like the Texans (6-5, 317, 5.52) USC or Broncos. Notes: Redshirted in 2003. Served as a reserve offensive tackle and member of special ORT-ORG STEPHEN SENE 3 teams in ’04, appearing in nine games. He (6-4 ⁄4, 328, 5.42) LIBERTY sprained his left arch late in the season and Notes: Attended South Carolina in 2002 and missed the final four contests. Moved from tack- redshirted due to recurring back spasms that le to center in spring ball in ’05, but only saw required hospitalization. Started 2-of-8 games in brief action on special teams and as a reserve in OFFENSIVE LINEMEN which he played at left guard and right tackle in all 13 games that season. Was slated to start at ’03. Transferred to Dodge City (Kan.) Commu- right tackle before being ruled academically nity College in ’04 but did not play due to injury. ineligible for the ’06 season. Missed the first Moved on to Liberty and started 9-of-11 games three contests in ’07 because of a torn right tri- at left tackle in ’05 and all 11 games in ’06. Was ceps suffered in fall camp. Played in the last 10 granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA games, starting the last nine at center. due to his back condition. Started all 11 games Positives: Has excellent size with long arms at left tackle in ’07. and looks the part. Is versatile and has lined up Positives: Has a huge frame with very long at every position on the line. Nice lateral quick- arms and plays with some power. Can grab and ness. Tough. maul defenders inline. Plays on his feet and can Negatives: Plays way too upright. Too incon- shuffle, slide and mirror. sistent. Only a one-year starter. Comes off the Negatives: Has faced marginal competition. ball tall and plays with little power or strength. Does not consistently finish blocks. Plays a bit Bends at the waist and overextends. Can get top-heavy. Not very instinctive or aware. Over- shocked, ragdolled and controlled too easily. aged. Will be a 24-year-old rookie. Struggles to anchor in pass protection. Plays too Summary: Lacks the foot quickness to stay on tall and gets buckled on the second level. Plays the left side but could have a chance on the right too straight-legged and gets stood up. Lacks the side or at guard. Has overcome a lot of adversi- quickness to seal and cut off defenders. Falls off ty since beginning his career at South Carolina blocks and struggles to sustain. Durability has and could thrive in a supportive environment. been an issue. Summary: Lacks the functional strength, foot OL PEDRO SOSA quickness and dependability desired at the next 5 OFFENSIVE LINEMEN (6-3 ⁄8, 300, 5.2e) RUTGERS level, but could bring value as a versatile, multi- Notes: Also played on the defensive line as a positional backup if he could stay focused. May prep and lettered in basketball. Redshirted in be most natural at right guard.

www.profootballweekly.com OLs 2008LO3/5/082:51PMPage93 ing goodhanduseandbalance.Good competi- show- Can mirroreffectively whencovered up, dle widebodiesandanchorinpass protection. lower bodyandbase.Shows thestrengthtohan- flashes somepower inhispunch.Hasastrong limitations couldbedifficult toovercome. desired atthecenterpositionandhisathletic (6-2 C-OG (6-3 C (6-4 ORT-ORG knee injury. two contests(Duke andStanford)becauseofa missingthe Started 10gamesatcenterin’07, startedall13games.Graduatedin’06. ’06, startedthefinal 8-of-12games.In ’04. In’05, rugby. Redshirtedin’03.Startedall12games in championship. Also letteredinwater poloand School Coaches Association seniornational America honorsatthe2003NationalHigh onships andplacedseventh andearned All- won threestatechampi- wrestling asaprep, the Year asaprep.Compiled138-6recordin American andConnecticut’s GatoradePlayerof Not agreatcompetitor. bend andflexibility. Marginal anchorstrength. physical anddoesnotplaywithpower. Limited ed footathlete.Doesnotplaywithbalance.Not Struggles toanchorandholdhisground.Limit- ground. Latetogethishandsupandstrike. Plays straightupandnever hashishandinthe Very experienced. for theposition.Goodweight-roomstrength. starter. games atcenterduringhiscareerasafour-year and field. Redshirtedin2003.Startedall49 blocking down. hands andlooksthepart.Shows somestrength right tacklein’07. tackle foreightgames.Startedall14gamesat during ’06springpracticeandbacked upatright next two seasons.Converted totheoffensive line der oftheseason.Playedinthreegamesover the freshman in2003beforeredshirtingtheremain- Played two gamesatdefensive tackleasatrue 74 tacklesand19sacksasahighschoolsenior. sheer sizeandmeasurablestowarrant a chance. time toabsorbaplaybook. Too stiff. slide andadjusttomovement. Couldtake some lacks functionalstrength.Slow toshuffle and Positives: Summary: Negatives: Positives: Notes: Notes: Negatives: Positives: Notes: Summary: 1 3 1 ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ 8 8 2 , 324,5.22)LSU , 308,5.31)MISSOURI , 301,5.39)NOTRE DAME ADAM SPIEKER CARNELL STEWART Named a Played defensive tackleandrecorded Also letteredinbasketball andtrack a i,massive framewithhuge Has abig, Smart andaware andisinstinctive ly ihpwr i,strongand Plays withpower. Big, Lacks thefootandhandquickness Bends toomuchatthewaist and Has shortarmsandasoftbody. Developmental project withthe USA Today second-team All- 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW with power. Couldwarrant looksatrightguard. bring themostvalue toateamthatlikes toplay playswithpower andcould heisvery strong, ty, not gethelpfromhissides.Despitelimitedagili- alongside two freshmanguardsandtoooftendid Inconsistent short-snappingaccuracy. er andistoooftenlatetoreachtheblockpoint. adjusting onthesecondlevel. Notagreatfinish- hips. Lumbersinspaceandisinconsistent than recoilandpunch.Shows tightnessinhis hit amoving target. Tends tograbandholdmore bend. Strugglestoreachthecornerpullingand with hishands.Didnotplaynaturalknee ground. Canbelatetostepandsnapstrike durable. Very smart.Makes allthelinecalls. Very threat whenuncovered. Flashessomenastiness. tor. Scans thefield andpicksupthenearest to hisoff-field incidentattherestaurant. byscoutsdue been nicknamed“Chickenshack” upside andshouldcontinuetogetbetter. Has take sometimetoadjusttheprogame. Has strength andplaywithbetterleverage andmay short areas.Couldimprove hislower-body OLG (6-3 C (6-3 ankle. Started1-of-5gamesinwhich heplayed spring practiceafterhaving surgery onhisleft line at Toledo. Kevin redshirtedin2003.Missed pass protection. do abetterjobofusinghishandstopunchin Can belatetoseetheblitzandadjustit. pass protectionandlacksanchorstrengthtosit. starter. Notvery instinctive. Canbewalked in the groundthanheshould.Basicallyaone-year knocked off balanceandspendsmoretimeon too muchonhisupper-body strength.Gets limiting hislateralquicknessandagility. Relies too wide-basedwithhisfeetoutsideframe, locate defenders. in shortareasandfinish blocks.Canpulland defenders withhispunch.Cancontrol than hissizeandshows theabilitytoshock length andupper-body strength.Playsbigger Started all13gamesin’07atleftguard. because itwas takingtoolongtogethisfood. tion inwhichheassaultedarestaurantemployee games thatseasonfollowing anoff-field alterca- but alsowas suspendedfortwo Cincinnati, earning hisfirst careerstartatleftguardagainst among othertasks.Playedin10games’06, actingasawedgebuster onkickoffs in ’05, in 2004.Playedall11gamesonspecialteams KEVIN TUMINELLO Summary: Negatives: Notes: Summary: Negatives: Positives: Notes: 3 3 ⁄ ⁄ DONALD THOMAS 8 8 , 296,5.35e)GEORGIA TECH , 303,5.07)CONNECTICUT rte,Crs playedontheoffensive Chris, Brother, Walked ontotheteamandredshirted Well-built uptopwithgoodarm Top-heavy maulerwhoisbestin Too thininthelower body. Plays Regressed asaseniorstarting Spent toomuchtimeonthe www.profootballweekly.com 93 OFFENSIVE LINEMEN OFFENSIVE LINEMEN OLs 2008 LO 3/5/08 2:51 PM Page 94

94 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW as an injury replacement in ’04. Started 39 con- dle speed off the edge and adjust to sudden secutive games at center over the last three sea- counter moves. Is late to reach the second level. sons. Graduate in December. Struggles to handle defenders in space. Average Positives: Plays smart with good instincts. lateral quickness. Plays too upright. Average Nice leverage and balance. Competes hard. Can second-level quickness. Can be late reacting to get in the way and seal off defenders. Very expe- the blitz. rienced. Summary: Surprisingly not invited to the Negatives: Does not finish blocks or play with Combine, Velasco is not a great athlete, but he is any nastiness. Lacks bulk and strength to handle big, strong and physical and is very effective in massive widebodies. Lacks anchor strength and tight quarters when he latches on. Looked more can be walked back. Struggles to generate any comfortable at guard as a junior than he did at movement. center as a senior. Classic overachiever who Summary: A hardworking, assignment-sound, should be drafted because of his intangibles. experienced overachiever with marginal strength and power for the pro game. Effort and intelli- C 1 gence could give him a shot. (6-4 ⁄4, 296, 5.32) TEXAS A&M Notes: Redshirted in 2003. Backed up at OG-C ERIC TUNNEY strong guard in 5-of-12 games in ’04. Earned the 3 (6-2 ⁄4, 286, 5.3e) CENTRAL MICHIGAN starting center spot in ’05 and started 37 consec- Notes: Also lettered in basketball as a prep. utive games the last three seasons. Voted perma- Redshirted in 2003. Saw limited action in’04 as nent team captain by his teammates in ’06. a reserve guard, only playing in one game before Positives: Outstanding size, girth and weight- suffering a left anterior cruciate ligament injury. room strength. Shows some strength at the point Started all 11 games in ’05 at left guard. Started of attack. Can shuffle and slide and mirror all 14 games in ’06 at right guard. Sat out the ’07 defenders in small areas. Very smart, hardwork- season opener vs. Kansas after having his left ing and competitive. Has overcome a lot of knee scoped in the offseason, but returned to adversity in his life and is very tough-minded. start the final 13 games. Plays smart and sets the protection. Positives: Tough and competitive. Is very Negatives: Average athlete. Struggles to move smart and aware. Versatile and can play guard or and adjust in space. Lacks quick feet and agility center. Gets into blocks quickly and can wall off and has a tendency to fall off blocks. The farther defenders. Works well in tandems. he has to go, the more he struggles. Overex- Negatives: Not big or strong. Lacks pop and tends, loses balance and spends too much time power. Struggles to slide and cut off the blitz. on the ground. Slow to reach a moving target Limited lateral quickness and agility. Struggles and too often cannot get to the second level. Late to anchor vs. massive widebodies. His history of to see and react to the blitz. Shows little pop in knee injuries could be restricting. his punch. Has struggled vs. better competition. Summary: Is versatile enough to warrant a Summary: The type of player you root for, OFFENSIVE LINEMEN look as an interior swing backup in a zone- Wallace has terrific intangibles and will do blocking scheme if he could stay healthy. everything he is asked, but he is still limited ath- letically and must learn how to convert his OLG-C FERNANDO VELASCO weight-room strength to the field. 3 (6-2 ⁄4, 308, 5.24) GEORGIA Notes: Saw action as a backup on the offen- OLT CHRIS WILLIAMS sive line through most of the 2003 season. (6-6, 315, 5.16) VANDERBILT Played in all 12 games as a backup guard in ’04, Notes: Engaged to be married. Redshirted in starting one vs. Vanderbilt. Redshirted the ’05 2003. Did not play in ’04. Started 9-of-11 games season on coach’s suggestion so that he would at left guard in ’05, although he saw just as much have two more years of eligibility. Started all 13 time at left tackle. Started all 12 games at left games in ’06 at left guard. Moved to center in tackle in ’06, allowing only one sack all year — ’07, and started all 13 games there. in the season opener vs. Michigan. Voted team Positives: Has big, strong hands and uses captain in ’07 and started all 12 games. them well to maul and control defenders. Plays Positives: Very naturally athletic mover. Plays with strength in his hands to latch on and maul. with great balance and is rarely on the ground. Can mirror defenders in short areas. Has natural Very good recovery skills. Can slide and mirror girth and body thickness, good weight-room in pass protection. Shows the agility to cut off strength and the type of frame to get bigger and the wide rush and adjust to sudden inside stronger. Flashes some pop in his punch. Com- counter moves. Shows solid anchor strength to petes hard. Versatile — lined up at center as a hold his ground and the agility to run pass rush- senior. Very solid character. Well-respected team ers wide of the pocket. Contained Florida DE captain. Outstanding worker. Is smart and can and showed he can handle edge

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN handle multiple position assignments. speed. Good pass sets. Shows spurts of aggres- Negatives: Not quick-footed and will lunge, siveness. Very smart. overextend and lose balance. Struggles to han- Negatives: Not strong in the upper body and

www.profootballweekly.com OLs 2008LO3/5/082:51PMPage95 plays toonice. does notdrive blockers off theballandalmost heisnotphysical, league atlefttackle.However, and athleticabilitytostartalongtimeinthe footquickness formances andhasthesmarts, scouts withsolidSeniorBowl andCombineper- momentum intothedraftpostseason.Impressed ishing theseasonstrongandcarrying (6-3 OLG-OLT vated byachallenge.Notfiery competitor. the level ofcompetition andneedstobemoti- run targets onthesecondlevel. Playsdown to hands low andlackspopinhispunch. Will over- with power. Average armlength.Carrieshis Stops working beforethewhistle.Doesnotplay much finesse. Takes somequestionableangles. more vinegar. Canbelateoff the ball.Usestoo does notplayphysical. Wish heplayedwith after tearinghisleftquad.Didnot work outat but missedthefinal sixgames games in’07, place ofthedepartedSearsand startedeight and startedall13games.Moved tolefttacklein pick Arron Sears.Moved torighttacklein’06 2007second-round Tampa BayBuccaneers’ replacing which heplayedatlefttacklein’05, of-13 gamesin’04.Started2-of-9 feet 6inches.Redshirtedin2003. Appeared in3- title asahighschooljuniorwiththrow of54 prep whoalsowon theSouthCarolinashotput Chris Williams Summary: oe:Parade Notes: 5 ⁄ 8 , 310,5.2e) TENNESSEE ERIC YOUNG Has continuedhisclimbafterfin- l VANDERBILT All-America selectionasa 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW upfield. Does notplaywithconfidence. shoulders inpassprotectionandletsdefenders blitz andwillletblitzerscrosshisface. Openshis the ball.Doesnotshow awareness topickupthe leaner. Shows nopower andlittleexplosion off does notfinish blocks. Too muchofapusherand nician —carrieshishandslow. Playslazyand level. Strugglestohandleedgespeed.Notatech- Too hotandcold. Takes badanglestothesecond solid proandcontribute readily. eyes andelevated hisdraftstatus.Couldbea andstrongpostseason workouts opened game, on theline.StoodoutatEast-West Shrine although itistheonepositionhehas notplayed most naturalpositionmightbeatcenter, Looks overmatched ontherightsideandhis rific versatility toplayanywhere ontheline. exceptionally wellattheCombineandhaster- injuries. know-it-all. Hasahistoryofankle arrogant, and willfall off someblocks.Comesoff asan length forthetackleposition.Istightlywound passion forthegame. rush. Excellentstrength.worker. Hasa tact there.Shows theabilitytohandlespeed to thesecondlevel quicklyandcaninitiatecon- Can work inspaceandleaduponscreens.Gets Shows goodawareness andreactstotheblitz. defenders. Flashessomepower off theball. man. Canmaintainpositioningandneutralize tection andisathletictoslidemirrorhis vs. Louisville. with alateralpassinthefirst quarterof’07game there over thenext two seasons.Ran13yards the ORT spotin’06andstartedall26games late intheyearwithananklesprain.Moved to missingthreegames games atleftguardin’05, contests withaleftkneesprain.Started9-of-12 guard andoneatrighttackle—missingtwo threeatleft played in2004—oneatlefttackle, as aprep.Started5-of-9gamesinwhichhe (6-3 C-ORT-OLG Shows theabilitytorecover inpassprotection. es goodstrengthtodrive defendersoff theball. ing down andrunninghisfeet oncontact.Flash- slideandmirror. Iseffective block- Can shuffle, reach andsealdefenders. Works forposition. ment skills.Getsintoblocksquicklyandcan naturalkneebendandsuddenmove- balance, the Combinebecauseofinjury. scheme. watch. Projectsinsideinazone-blocking sistent techniquemake himvery frustratingto understandingofanglesandincon- for thegame, but hisinstincts to handleplayingontheedge, Summary: Negatives: Positives: Positives: Summary: Negatives: Notes: 3 ⁄ 8 , 303,5.07)RUTGERS Also letteredinbaseballandbasketball Very competitive. Solid inpasspro- hw aual uc et agility, Shows naturallyquickfeet, Has theathleticabilityandagility Workout warrior whoperformed Does nothave greatsizeorbody Not physicallyormentallytough. www.profootballweekly.com 95 OFFENSIVE LINEMEN OFFENSIVE LINEMEN DLs 2008 LO 3/5/08 2:53 PM Page 96

96 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW DEFENSIVEDEFENSIVE LINEMENLINEMEN SPORTPICS

PFW’S TOP 10 1. GLENN DORSEY 2. Vernon Gholston 3. Chris Long 4. 5. Derrick Harvey 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. DEFENSIVE LINEMEN NT-DE KENTWAN BALMER around blockers. Does not play through the dou- 1 (6-4 ⁄2, 308, 5.32) NORTH CAROLINA ble-team. Does not play with urgency. Is not Notes: Recorded more than 200 tackles and explosive or overly athletic. Lacks the burst and 20 sacks in his final two high school seasons. acceleration to pursue. Needs a lot of technique Appeared in 9-of-12 games at defensive end as a work. Can disappear and fail to make an impact, true freshman in 2004 and notched one tackle. and his overall career production is discourag- Started the final 3-of-11 games at defensive end ing. in ’05 as an injury replacement and totaled 17 Summary: Late bloomer who responded to tackles, five tackles for loss and one sack. In ’06, the challenges of a new coaching staff, gained started 8-of-10 games in which he played at nearly 20 pounds and emerged alongside talent- ed true freshman DT Marvin Austin. Has the defensive tackle, missing two contests with a 1 natural size and strength to fit as a two-gapping sprained right ankle, and finished with 16-2 ⁄2- 1 defensive end in a 3-4 front or as a nose in a 4- 2 ⁄2, two batted balls and two blocked PATs. 3. Has some intriguing natural tools, but must Played in all 12 games in ’07, starting 11, and 1 1 first demonstrate that he is not motivated strictly totaled 59-9 ⁄2-3 ⁄2. Came off the bench vs. East by a contract. Could be satisfied as a career Carolina with a foot injury. underachiever. Is not instant coffee and will Positives: Has outstanding raw strength and require some patience. shows the ability to control blockers at the line of scrimmage. Quick off the snap and strong at DE-OLB TOMMY BLAKE 3 the point. Can read and react as a two-gapper. (6-2 ⁄4, 281, 4.85e) TEXAS CHRISTIAN Created a buzz among DL coaches at the Senior Notes: Was raised by his grandmother, who Bowl before getting hurt and shows the physical has colon cancer. Amassed more than 2,000 tools to be coached. Moved surprisingly well rushing yards and 25 touchdowns as a high through the bag drills at the Combine. school senior. Also lettered in track, basketball Negatives: Really only a one-year producer. and baseball. Redshirted and converted to defen- Inconsistent effort and intensity. Does not use sive end in 2003. Played all 11 games at end in 1 his hands well when shedding and maneuvering ’04, registering 23 tackles, 6 ⁄2 tackles for loss

www.profootballweekly.com DLs 2008LO3/5/082:53PMPage97 o lywt oe,control blocksorpushthe not playwithpower, Will getswallowed upbybiggerblockers. Does inside andblown off the line bythedouble-team. tion. shows somestrengthatthepoint.Solidproduc- well toplayoff blocksvs.therun.Surprisingly under blockers. Canshootgaps.Useshishands skills. Playswithalow centerofgravity andgets form. effective passrusherifhecanreturntohisjunior but hasproven hecouldbeavery recovery, at theCombine.Couldhave alongroadto the East-West Shrinegameanddidnotperform Looked grosslyoverweight andoutofshapeat ical evaluations willaffect hisdraftstatus. social anxietyderailedhisseniorseason.Med- but depressionand ability asa255-poundjunior, Questionable stamina. not respondtotoughcoachingandcriticism. natural talentanddoesnotlike towork. Does and willdraw redflags.Reliestoomuchonhis ner. Goodinstincts. and abletobenddipgetaroundthecor- first-step quicknesstoblow byblockers. Sudden who wreaked havoc. Showed theoutstanding explosive edgerusherandavery disruptive force pull. work outattheCombinebecauseofarightquad forced fumblesandonebattedball.Didnot totaling 54-16 ae n’7 registering 46-10 games in’07, fumble andonerecovery. Startedall14 logged 59-13 forced .Startedall12gamesin’05and and five sackswithfourpassbreakupsandtwo (6-3 DT and tallied52-71 one fumblerecovery. Started all13gamesin’06 tallying 13tacklesandtwo tacklesforloss with forced fumble.Playedin12-of-13games’05, game in’04andrecordedtwo tackles and a weight. outs atleast30poundsover lastseason’s playing absence overweight andenteredpre-draftwork- season games.Returnedfromtheleave of given amedicalleave ofabsenceforfourmid- he satouttheseasonopenervs.Baylorandwas but in ’07andtotaled21-8-4onebattedball, scribed. Started7-of-8gamesinwhichheplayed which medicineandtherapy have beenpre- for depression andsocialanxietydisorder, ized brieflyandeventually diagnosedwith remainder ofsummerworkouts. Was hospital- missingthe August ’07andreturnedhome, Poinsettia Bowl. Walked outofpracticeinmid- two fumblesrecoveries. Was namedMVPofthe Negatives: Summary: Negatives: Positives: Notes: Positives: BARRY BOOKER 3 ⁄ 4 , 285,5.12) VIRGINIA TECH Redshirted in2003. Appeared inone sajno,was anathleticand As ajunior, Natural athlete.Goodmovement 1 Medical conditionisabigconcern Lacks bulk andwillgetcontrolled ⁄ 1 2 ⁄ Showed big-timepass-rushing -7. Startedall13gamesin’06, 2 -7 withtwo forcedfumblesand 1 ⁄ 2 sacks withoneforced 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW 1 ⁄ 2 -4 withtwo em ieteBcaer,BearsorColts. teams like theBuccaneers, a jobinanaggressive defensive frontusedby ness andleverage. Hasachancetocompetefor who compensatesforhislackofsizewithquick- consistently playwithenergy. pocket. Will disappearforstretchesanddoesnot can handleit. although he hasnotshown he side linebacker, turned loose.Couldwarrant furtherlooksatout- when responsibilitiesarekept simpleandheis the edgeandisnotanelitepassrusher. Best helacksgreatburst off rush specialist.However, defend therunandprojectsasathird-down pass- Brown lackstheanchorstrengthto quickness, eastern Conferencewithsolidproductionand gles tofinish. power. Notstrongatthepointofattack.Strug- off thepocket andcannottransferhisspeedinto body strength.Notphysical. Will getrunwide undersized foranevery-down end.Lacksupper- upright andgetscollapsedagainsttherun.Is n otd3 ake,3 and posted34tackles, Redshirted in2003.Startedall12games’04 he playedin’06andlogged19-2 all 13gamesin’07andrecorded43-13 notching 30-5 sippi contestwithafracturedrightfibula and missingtheMissis- games inwhichheplayed, moved todefensive endandstarted2-of-10 he but hewas notsuspended.Duringtheseason, meanor assaultforparticipatinginabarfight, was arrestedandcharged withmisde- of ’05, (6-2 DE-OLB 28-7 recording started10-of-11games, sacks. In’05, (6-4 DT n digtobte al,oneforcedfumble and addingtwo battedballs, andtotaled46-6-1 starting12, 13 gamesin’07, heading intopreseasonworkouts. Playedinall surgery but appearedtobe90percentrecovered Missed ’07springpracticerecovering fromknee season withatornanteriorcruciateligament. batted ballsbeforemissingtheremainderof left endin’06andregistered 38-14 3 registering 59totaltackles, freshman in2004, ing 5-of-9gamesatmiddlelinebacker asatrue Improved maturityandwork habits. moves. Chaseshardtotheballandplayshard. react towhatheseesandvary hispass-rush burst off theedge.Canswimanddipinside, knee scoped. Did notwork outattheCombineafterhaving his adding two forcedfumblesandonebattedball. 1 ⁄ 2 Summary: Summary: Notes: Notes: Negatives: Positives: JOSEPH tackles forlossandonesack.Inthesummer 1 1 ⁄ ⁄ 8 2 1 , 318,5.07) TEXAS A&M , 246,4.76)MISSISSIPPISTATE ⁄ 2 -3. Startedthefirst 8-of-9gamesinwhich TITUS BROWN Was settoredshirtbut wound upstart- Also letteredinbasketball asaprep. Times upthesnapandshows anice “RED” A three-yearstarterintheSouth- 1 neszd one-gappenetrator Undersized, ⁄ 2 -1 Too one-dimensional.Plays 1 ⁄ 2 . Started11-of-12gamesat www.profootballweekly.com BRYANT 1 ⁄ 2 tackles forlossand1 1 1 ⁄ 2 ⁄ 2 -7 -1 andfive 1 ⁄ 2 . Started 1 ⁄ 2 -8, 1 ⁄ 2 97 DEFENSIVE LINEMEN DEFENSIVE LINEMEN DLs 2008 LO 3/5/08 2:53 PM Page 98

98 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW and one blocked kick. Has blocked three kicks in and 3.3 blocked shots. Redshirted in 2004. Start- his career. Two-time team captain. ed 1-of-12 games behind Bryan Pata in ’05 and 1 1 Positives: Good natural strength and arm totaled 35 tackles, 5 ⁄2 tackles for loss and 2 ⁄2 length. Can anchor vs. the run and is not easily sacks with eight pass breakups and one forced moved. Has good overall length and bulk. fumble. Played in all 13 games in ’06, starting 1 1 Flashes good initial quickness off the ball and 12, and compiled 84-20 ⁄2-10 ⁄2, 17 QB pressures, works to the ball. Moves well for his size. Flash- four batted balls and three forced fumbles. Start- 1 es some power and strength. Can push the pock- ed all 12 games in ’07, compiling 50-12 ⁄2-6 with et as a pass rusher. Solid tackler. Tough and two batted balls, two forced fumbles, two fum- willing to play through injuries. Has a long ble recoveries and an interception. reach and has been effective blocking kicks on Positives: A physical marvel with the rare special teams. blend of size, body length and athletic ability to Negatives: Has a big belly with a small chest dominate. Bends naturally, has good feet and and looks like he has not seen a weight room. moves well for his size. Physically imposing and Lacks upper-body strength. Relies too heavily dominates in flashes. Can plow through reach on the bull rush and lacks movement and variety blocks. Can play over the top and swim past in his pass rush. Does not have the agility to blockers. Closes fast from the backside with his bend and maneuver around blockers. Very naive. long strides. Possesses natural strength to hold Makes too many excuses. Could have some the edge. Offers special-teams value to block communication barriers and struggle handling a kicks. Can still add bulk to his frame. complex defense. Negatives: Does not play to his size or Summary: Massive space occupier with the strength. Not nearly as physically dominant as natural size and temperament to clog the run, but he should be. Does not consistently extend his struggled in his recovery from a torn ACL and long arms to separate from and shed blockers. DEFENSIVE LINEMEN will be chronically limited by immaturity. Excit- Plays down to the competition. Needs to finish ed some scouts after standing out vs. marginal better around the ball. Content standing up competition at the Senior Bowl, but still must blockers in lieu of rushing the passer. Lacks prove he is more than a big body. innate desire and toughness. Smooth-muscled with little definition. Did not show a live twitch DLE MARTAIL BURNETT in his body at the Combine at 290 pounds after 1 (6-2 ⁄4, 262, 4.8e) UTAH bulking up and ran poorly. Notes: Married. Also lettered in track and Summary: Played too heavy as a junior and field as a prep. Redshirted as a safety in 2003. would be best playing closer to 270 pounds like Moved to defensive end in the spring and saw he did as a sophomore. He is still raw and has a action in nine games in ’04, logging five tackles high ceiling, and his combination of size and DEFENSIVE LINEMEN and one tackle for loss via the sack. Started 8-of- athletic ability could awe coaches. However, he 12 games in a rotation at open end with Alex really regressed as a junior under a new coach- 1 Puccinelli in ’05 and secured 53-7-3 ⁄2 and a ing staff and did not receive the hard coaching he blocked kick. In ’06, started all 13 games, tally- needs to fulfill his immense potential. 1 1 ing 42-10 ⁄2-5 ⁄2 and two forced fumbles. Started all 13 games at left defensive end in ’07 and DT GEORGE CHUKWU 3 posted 50-15-7 with three batted balls, one inter- (6-0 ⁄4, 312, 5.0e) RICE ception, one forced fumble and one fumble Notes: Also lettered in track and field as a recovery. prep and was a Texas regional qualifier in the Positives: Has a big frame with very long discus. Redshirted in 2003. Played all 11 games arms. Can fall back into coverage and shows in ’04 and posted 14 tackles and two tackles for some awareness. Excellent leaping ability — has loss. Also competed in indoor track, throwing a 3 recorded a 40-inch vertical jump. Has natural season-best 45 feet 5 ⁄4 inches in the shotput. In movement skills. ’05, started 6-of-11 games — two at defensive Negatives: Shows little variety of pass-rush tackle and served as an injury replacement at 1 moves and is very raw with his hands. Average nose guard for four starts — totaling 30-1 ⁄2. instincts for the position. Lacks power and Moved to defensive end and started all 13 games good functional playing strength. Inconsistent in ’06, securing 29-8 and one sack. Had arthro- effort. scopic surgery on his right knee and right shoul- Summary: Converted high school safety who der, respectively, following the ’05 and ’06 sea- is still learning the game. Has the raw physical sons. Moved inside and started all 12 games at tools to develop, but will require patience. nose tackle in ’07, logging 29-6-1 with one bat- ted ball and two blocked kicks. DE CALAIS CAMPBELL (Junior) Positives: Has a compact, solid build with 3 (6-7 ⁄4, 290, 5.12) MIAMI (FLA.) wide shoulders. Plays with natural leverage. Notes: Name is pronounced Ca-LAY-is. Set a Good upfield quickness and burst. Flashes the Colorado state record with 57 career sacks as a ability to disrupt the backfield. Nice instincts. prep. He also lettered in track and field and bas- Locates the ball and runs to it. Got upfield ketball, averaging 22.7 points, 16.0 rebounds quickly at the Texas vs. the Nation all-star game

www.profootballweekly.com DLs 2008LO3/5/082:53PMPage99 strength topower throughblockers orpushthe gles tosustainvs.therun.Does not show the ers. Lacksfunctionalstrengthandsize andstrug- initial punch.Getsstonewalled vs.bigger block- pass-rush arsenalandcanbenegated byastrong Rutgersgames).Limited tion (see Virginia, production —showed improvement asasenior. consistency. Goodbacksidepursuit. sack 3gmsi 0,satn 1 andsecured35-9 starting11, 13 gamesin’07, piled 22-2-1andafumblerecovery. Playedinall playing outtheseasonwithagrointear. Com- missingthreeearly-seasoncontestsand in ’06, injury. Started2-of-10gamesinwhichheplayed forced fumble.Missedthreegameswithagroin 2gmsi h al compiling 53-13-10 12 gamesinthefall, but charges have sincebeendropped.Startedall Initially charged withpossessionofmarijuana, pulled over andfoundtohave marijuanainit. July ’07afteracarinwhichhewas riding was etrator. chance tocompetewillcomeasanupfield pen- but hisbest at linebacker tohelptheteam, even seeingtime throughout hiscollege career, Not agreatathlete. Lets hispadsriseandcanbewashed off theball. struggles toholdthepointvs.doubleteam. and playedbehindtheline.Solidcharacter. (6-1 DE (5-11 NT area pluggerina4-3front. ter. to find the ball. Wears down inthefourthquar- Does notusehishandswell.Short-armed.Late ing burst. Shows littlecreativity asapassrusher. quarterback. pushthepocket andflushthe neath blockers, ural leverage toholdthepoint.Cangetunder- 3 withablocked kick. fumble recovery. two forcedfumblesandone one battedball, 16 amassing 48- sacks. Startedall12gamesin’06, totaling14-5andtwo defensive endin’05, recovery. Saw action in10gamesasareserve tackles andtwo tacklesforlosswithonefumble andcompiled27 startingone, games in’04, high school.Redshirtedin2003.Playedall12 7-of-12 gamesin’05andtallied16-3 two tacklesforlossandasack.Started tackles, injuries alongwithdefensive line.Recordedfour in thefinal threegamesoftheseasondueto 1 Negatives: Summary: Negatives: Summary: Negatives: Positives: Positives: Notes: Notes: JOE CLERMOND ⁄ 2 RICHARD CLEBERT 7 -5 ⁄ 8 7 , 249,5.17)PITTSBURGH ⁄ 8 , 316,5.1e)SOUTHFLORIDA 1 ⁄ 2 with two fumblerecoveries. Arrested in Also letteredinbasketball andtrackin Pulled fromredshirtin2004toappear Has alow centerofgravity andnat- Good snap-to-whistleeffort and Could warrant interestasashort- Not quickandshows limitedclos- Will strugglevs.bettercompeti- Lacks idealheightandbulk and Has playedoutofposition 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW 1 ⁄ 2 - 1 ⁄ 2 1 ⁄ 2 and a with 1 ⁄ 2 - him achance. hopes. Hisplayspeedisfaster andcouldgive Combine andwilllikely eliminateany draft rusher whoselackofburst showed upatthe instincts. Ranvery poorlyattheCombine. pocket. Minimalexplosiveness. Questionable eess andlogging37-10 defenses, giving way tonickel ed 8-of-13gamesin’06, compiled 14-3-3withthreepassbreakups.Start- all 12gamesatstrong-sidelinebacker in’05 and one sackwithtwo passbreakups.Saw actionin onetackleforlossand registered seven tackles, 2003 season.Playedinninegames’04and der injuryduringfall campandredshirtedthe the 100metersat10.7seconds.Suffered ashoul- basketball andtrackasaprep. Was clocked in 59-12 recording fumble. Startedall12gamesin’07, ees s enSae and amassed90-28 defense vs.PennState, giving way toanickel ’backer in’07, at “Sam” team captainandstarted12-of-13gamesagain breakups andonefumblerecovery. Nameda (6-0 DT grapevine-like 34 into. Cantake onandshedblocks with behind-the-line production.Hasaframetogrow tackles forloss. ally andsetaschoolsingle-seasonrecordfor and onefumblerecovery. Ranked secondnation- fourforcedfumbles, adding onepassbreakup, (6-4 DE-OLB oping. but hasenough athleticabilitytowarrant devel- duction. stepper. Playstooupright.Marginal sack pro- strength. Hasfaced marginal competition.Short- pocket. Flashes somestrengthinhishands.Canpushthe ble andtwo fumblerecoveries. games in’06andsecured40-14-2 ietcl,compiling28-9-1 sive tackle, and asack.Startedall11gamesin’05atdefen- two tacklesforloss guard andtallied14tackles, 3-of-11 gamesasatruefreshmanin2004atnose reverse andplayinspaceasalinebacker. Shows rusher off edgeandlacksgreatagilitytomove in Can berunat. Tweener —not suddenasapass lower-body strengthtoanchorandsettheedge. coaching. tackler. Solidcoverage defender. Cantake hard the ballcarrier. Times upblitzeswell. Explosive quickness andbalance.Relentlessinpursuitof Summary: Positives: Summary: Negatives: Positives: Notes: oe:Parade Notes: Negatives: 3 7 ⁄ ⁄ 4 8 , 277,5.08)OHIO , 245,4.62)MICHIGAN 1 ⁄ 2 -1 1 Also letteredintrackasaprep.Started ⁄ 2 ihoebte al oneforcedfum- with onebattedball, Is athleticandcarrieshispadswell. neszd one-dimensionalpass Undersized, Natural athletewithexceptional Needs togetbiggerandstronger, Too undisciplined.Lacksbulk and Too short.Lacksbulk andbulk All-American. Also lettered in lettered All-American. Also 5 www.profootballweekly.com ⁄ 8 -inch arms.Shows good 1 ⁄ 2 -4 1 ⁄ 1 2 ⁄ . Startedall14 2 with threepass 1 ⁄ 2 and aforced 1 ⁄ 2 -7 1 ⁄ 2 , 99 DEFENSIVE LINEMEN DEFENSIVE LINEMEN DLs 2008 LO 3/5/08 2:53 PM Page 100

100 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW some tightness in his hips, plays tall and strug- ing, a cut lip and bruised arms. Jury acquitted gles to dip around the corner. Will overpursue him of rape, aggravated assault, false imprison- and give up backside contain. Not a well-versed ment and sexual battery, but convicted him on pass rusher. the molestation and statutory-rape charges. Was Summary: Long-limbed, rangy hybrid line- sentenced to 10 years in prison on the molesta- backer-defensive end who could bulk up to bet- tion charge. In May ’04, the Georgia Supreme ter control the line of scrimmage and withstand Court overturned the charge because it was a pounding at the next level. Could warrant proven the sex was consensual and the prosecu- looks on the strong side in a 4-3 defense and as tion apparently pursued a conviction on the a 3-4 rush linebacker. Has overcome a lot of harsher molestation charge, which carried a 10- adversity in his life, having come up through the year sentence, rather than indicting on the lesser foster system and raised himself since entering one-year charge for statutory rape. Upon this college. Will be best in a structured, supportive reversal, he had already served one year in environment. prison and was released after having served suf- ficient time on the lesser charge. Enrolled at DE JOHNNY DINGLE (Junior) Hampton as a true freshman in the fall of ’04 and 3 (6-1 ⁄8, 265, 4.98) WEST VIRGINIA started the final 6-of-12 games, logging 38 tack- Notes: Also lettered in basketball as a prep. les, nine tackles for loss and three sacks. Started Signed with Florida out of high school in 2003 9-of-10 games in which he played in ’05, miss- but did not qualify. Enrolled at West Virginia in ing two contests with an injured ankle, and reg- 1 January ’04 and redshirted in the fall. Appeared istered 33-7-2 ⁄2, two forced fumbles and one in all 12 games as a reserve in ’05, notching 13 interception. In ’06, started 11-of-12 games and 1 1 tackles, 3 ⁄2 tackles for loss and three sacks. tallied 25-5 ⁄2-4. Started all 11 games in ’07, Started 6-of-12 games in which he played in ’06 recording 58-16-6, two batted balls, two forced DEFENSIVE LINEMEN at defensive end (four) and defensive tackle fumbles, one fumble recovery and one blocked (two), missing the Connecticut contest with an kick. Has been a team captain. ankle sprain suffered the week prior vs. Syra- Positives: Has a strong trunk and a frame to 1 cuse. Finished with 18-5 ⁄2-3 and a forced fum- get bigger. Plays with some pop in his hands and ble. Started all 13 games in ’07 at defensive end can shed blockers and get an edge. Flashes some and secured 48-19-9 with three batted balls, two quickness to flatten down the line. Very good forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. production. Vocal leader. Positives: Shows some athletic ability and Negatives: Has faced marginal competition. quickness. Flashed the ability to leverage the Needs to spend more time in the weight room edge and come underneath blockers vs. Okla- and get stronger. Can be late to find the ball. Not homa in the Fiesta Bowl. Has solid production. explosive. Marginal pass rusher. Does not play DEFENSIVE LINEMEN Runs to the ball. with great bend. Negatives: Too short and short-armed. Limit- Summary: Very thickly built five-technique ed burst and closing speed. Needs to get stronger who will be knocked off some draft boards for and improve vs. the run. Not a strong point-of- character concerns, but he has enough size and attack player. Is best when assignments are kept strength to warrant interest in a 3-4 front. Fits simple and will take time to process what he sees best inside for a 4-3 defense. if asked to read and react. Questionable tough- ness. Overaged and will be a 25-year-old rookie. DT GLENN DORSEY 1 Immature, high-maintenance and could be diffi- (6-1 ⁄2, 297, 5.0e) LSU cult to manage. Notes: Parade All-American as a prep and the Summary: Classic tweener who lacks the Louisiana Class 4A Defensive Player of the burst and edge speed desired on the outside and Year. Started 3-of-12 games as a true freshman the bulk strength to be functional on the inside. in 2004 and finished with 18 tackles and four Best chance may come by bulking up and mov- tackles for loss. In ’05, played in all 13 games, ing inside. Age, character concerns and a poor starting one, and tallied 28 tackles, four for loss Combine performance will likely leave him and three sacks in a rotation with St. Louis Rams undrafted. ’06 third-round pick Claude Wroten and Buffalo Bills ’06 fifth-round pick Kyle Williams. Started DLE-DT MARCUS DIXON all 13 games in ’06 at both left (four) and right (6-4, 292, 5.33) HAMPTON (nine) defensive tackle despite a stress fracture 1 Notes: Also lettered in basketball, baseball in his right tibia and racked up 42-8 ⁄2-3. Did not and track, placing third in the Georgia state participate in ’07 spring practice while recover- regionals in the shotput and discus. Signed with ing from the stress fracture and had to wear a Vanderbilt out of high school, but the scholar- bone stimulator extensively to heal the injury. ship was rescinded following felony child Started all 14 games in the fall, but suffered a molestation and misdemeanor statutory rape severe right knee sprain as the result of an illegal charges in 2003. Was accused of rape by his chop block vs. Auburn. Played the remainder of underaged 15-year-old girlfriend, who was med- the season with a brace on the right knee, and ically evaluated and found to have vaginal bruis- aggravated the injury vs. Alabama. Also played

www.profootballweekly.com DLs 2008LO3/5/082:53PMPage101 right leg asajuniorandwore metalbracesto sprained kneeasaseniorandstressfracturein er fromtheinside.Plaguedbyleg injuries— mates. lent work ethic.Elevates the playofhisteam- pain. Very mentallyandphysicallytough.Excel- rior’s mentalityandhasahightolerancefor tude. Leadsbyexample —playswithawar- trate. Excellentcharacterwithateam-first atti- and willripunderspinoff blockstopene- and istoughtoengage.Shows pass-rushability the snap.Strongwraptackler. Very active hands anticipation andcanalsooverpower defendersat the double-team.Shows greatquicknessand controls blockers. Cananchoragainstandsplit playswithgreatleverage and incredibly well, easily moved. Tough toblock—moves hisfeet and isstoutatthelineofscrimmagenot term healthordraftstock.Hasagoodbubble through injurieswithoutconcernforhislong- effort andintensitybattled courageously chase speed.Shows greatin-game perseverance, balanceintraffic andlateral exceptional agility, energy anddominatesagainsttherun.Shows linebacker). phies andtheLombardi Award (best linemanor man) andLott(bestcharacterathletics)tro- Outland(bestinteriorline- defensive player), forced fumble. Won theBronko Nagurski(best ished with69-12 the OleMisscontestwithasorelower back.Fin- through abruisedtailboneandmissedmostof Glenn Dorsey Negatives: Positives: Plays withoutstandingeffort and Is shortandnotagreatpassrush- l LSU 1 ⁄ 2 7 fourpass breakupsandone -7, 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW injury. but hehasshown hewillbattlethroughany that couldaffect hislongevity anddraftstatus, around himbetter. Durabilityisaconsideration andmakes everyone and on-field leadership, determination toughness, intangibles —passion, hepossessesoutstanding Physical talentsaside, blockers withhisfeetandmarvelous agility. Dorsey oftenoverwhelms power off thesnap, could beblindedbythebrightlightsinabigcity. concerns aboutpastinjuries. Too naive and raising the SeniorBowl ortestatthe Combine, correct bowleggedness asachild.Didnotattend to closeontheballandgetquarterback. well forhissize.Shows agoodshort-areaburst andmoves very change ofdirection.Canbend, agility and penetrator. Shows nicebalance, one forcedfumble. (6-3 DT and registered 50-9-6 shoulder injury. Startedall12gamesinthefall much of’07springpracticewhilerehabbinga games oftheseasonwithaleg injury. Satout missingthelasttwo 1 andaforcedfumble, ed thefirst 10gamesin’06andracked up31-2- tered 21-0-1andbatteddown threepasses.Start- started4-of-10gamesandregis- sacks. In’05, fourtacklesforlossandthree with 19tackles, games inwhichheplayed’04andfinished Summary: Positives: Notes: 5 ⁄ 8 , 296,5.44)ARIZONA Redshirted in2003.Started6-of-7 Naturally athletic.Quickone-gap A ballofrelentlessenergy and www.profootballweekly.com 1 ⁄ 2 with onebattedballand

SPORTPICS 101 DEFENSIVE LINEMEN DEFENSIVE LINEMEN DLs 2008 LO 3/5/08 2:53 PM Page 102

102 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW Shows an improved understanding and feel for Tech contest after being arrested and charged the game. Plays with high energy. Flashed some with misdemeanor obstruction of justice. He quickness at the East-West Shrine game. allegedly tried to incite a large crowd against Negatives: Plays too tall and loses leverage. police officers that were arresting teammate Josh Undersized and lacks the functional strength to Morgan. When asked by police to stop inciting control blockers — can get engulfed by larger the crowd, he refused and was taken into custody blockers. Needs to improve his hand use to shed. as well. Was also pulled from the Boston College Durability has been an issue — missed time with contest after incurring a personal foul penalty for neck, ankle, shoulder and hamstring injuries. shoving TE Ryan Purvis in the back well after Average production. the play had ended. Finished the season with 38- 1 1 Summary: Showed no long speed at the Com- 8 ⁄2-4 ⁄2 and two forced fumbles. Underwent post- bine, but was fairly quick over 10 yards and season surgery after tearing his right labrum for flashes enough quickness to warrant a chance a second time. Sat out ’07 spring practice but inside. Just a guy. recovered to start all 14 games in ’07, racking up 1 53-9-8 ⁄2, six batted balls, one forced fumble and DT KEILEN DYKES three fumble recoveries. 3 (6-3 ⁄8, 294, 5.05e) WEST VIRGINIA Positives: Very active with his hands — will 1 Notes: Totaled 27 ⁄2 sacks over his final two rip, slap and tug to come free. Good sustaining high school seasons. Redshirted in 2003. Started strength in holding the edge. Stood out vs. the final 6-of-12 games at defensive end in a 3-4 Boston College. Persistent off the edge and will scheme in ’04, overtaking incumbent Ernest vary his pass rush. Uses his hands very well to Hunter and notching 37 tackles, six tackles for play off blockers. Will chase to the ball. loss and two sacks. Started all 12 games at Negatives: Lacks discipline. Has average arm defensive tackle in ’05 and finished with 29-8-5. length and plays short-armed. His strength and

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN 1 In ’06, started all 13 games and compiled 32-5 ⁄2- explosiveness have been curtailed by shoulder 3. Started all 13 games in ’07 and logged 32-4- injuries. Plays with little twitch. Bad-bodied — 3, adding one batted ball, one forced fumble and has a long torso, short arms and struggles to three fumble recoveries. transfer his speed into power. Limited lower- Positives: Looks the part. Has a thick, muscu- body strength — gets controlled and tossed lar build with functional strength to control around too easily. Does not show burst or agility blockers. Plays the run with a powerful base and around the corner. Inconsistent effort. Has left shows strength at the point. Flashes pop in his the game in some critical situations and has a punch and can play off blocks. Played through history of personal-foul penalties. Very arrogant. parts of his senior season with a sprained foot Character is a concern. Chose not to bench-press and is tough. Good team player. Is versatile and at the Combine and his upper-body strength DEFENSIVE LINEMEN has learned a number of positions. needs considerable improvement. Negatives: Will rise too tall off the snap and Summary: Lack of discipline, inconsistent lose leverage. Gives ground against the double- effort and multiple shoulder surgeries are big team. Not quick off the ball. Short-stepper does reasons for concern and give Ellis a strong bust not accelerate and attack the hole. Struggles to factor. Best trait is his hand use and ability to change direction. Doesn’t consistently extend dictate the pass rush, but he must learn how to his arms and use his hands to disengage. Not a better play the run and get stronger. glass-eater. Inconsistent intensity. Plays with lit- tle power and got blown off the ball at the East- NT SEDRICK ELLIS 1 West Shrine game, never separating himself. (6-0 ⁄2, 309, 5.31) USC Summary: Surprisingly not invited to the Notes: Played one game as a true freshman in Combine, Dykes has the size, strength and body 2003 before suffering a fractured left ankle and length to contribute in a 3-4 front or a 4-3 front redshirting. Appeared in 11 games in ’04 and as a two-gapper, and his versatility will com- totaled two tackles. Started all 13 games in ’05, 1 mand interest. Will likely be a rotational backup. tallying 50 tackles, eight tackles for loss and 4 ⁄2 sacks and added one forced fumble. Started all DRE CHRIS ELLIS 10 games in which he played in ’06, missing 1 (6-4 ⁄4, 263, 4.78) VIRGINIA TECH three early-season contests with torn right knee Notes: Had attention deficit/hyperactivity dis- cartilage that required arthroscopic surgery. 1 order and took medicine for it from second to Totaled 34-8-4 ⁄2 with three pass breakups, one sixth grade. Redshirted in 2003 with a torn right forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and a labrum. Played all 13 games in ’04 and recorded blocked . Awarded the Morris Trophy 1 33 tackles, 7 ⁄2 tackles for loss and three sacks as the best defensive lineman in the league as with one forced fumble and one recovered fum- voted by the league’s offensive linemen. Started 1 1 ble. Started 9-of-13 games in ’05, tallying 41-11- all 13 games in ’07, compiling 58-12 ⁄2-8 ⁄2 with 6 with four pass breakups, one interception seven batted balls and two fumble recoveries. (returned 29 yards for a score against Georgia Named the Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year. Tech) and two forced fumbles. Started 12-of-13 Positives: Built like a tank with broad shoul- games in ’06, but was suspended for the Georgia ders and a powerful base. Possesses great func-

www.profootballweekly.com DLs 2008LO3/5/082:53PMPage103 nose tackleina3-4or4-3defense. A top-15pick. ated theweekwithastellargame.Fitsbestas andpunctu- nant playeratSeniorBowl practices, Bowl andputonashow. Easilythe mostdomi- (6-1 NT and hasmissedsometimewithinjuries. a lotofviolenceinhishands.Hasbeendingedup gaps andtake himselfoutofplays.Doesnotshow over technique.Canbeoveraggressive shooting be tooreliantonstrengthandwillleanmuscle more weightorbulk. Weight hasfluctuated.Can play square.Doesnothave theframetoaddmuch give uphisbodyat timesanddoesnotalways tles vs.theballcarrierinconfined spaces. Will andwilllosebat- of directionandclosingspeed, vs. thedouble-team.Doesnothave greatchange blockers. Well-respected teamleader. Has stronghandsandshows theabilitytocontrol tage atthesnap.Greatbodycontrolandbalance. nose andlocatetheballcangainanadvan- ly vs.therun. Very instinctive —quicktodiag- split thedouble-team. Aggressive chasinglateral- ers. Shows thecorestrengthtomantwo-gaps and great leverage off theballandgetsunderblock- hands.Playswith handed toslapaway defenders’ Shows avariety ofpass-rushmoves. Very quick- his presencefeltbypenetratingthebackfield. and cancollapsethepocket. Consistentlymakes toss blockers aside.Playswithnatural leverage rock atthepointofattack.Flashesabilityto tional strengthandowns thelineofscrimmage. A n il sape,finishing fourth in theOre- and field asaprep, Sedrick Ellis Notes: Summary: Negatives: DAVID FAAETEETE 1 ⁄ 2 , 310,5.3E)OREGON Also letteredinbasketball andtrack l Chose toparticipateintheSenior USC Lacks greatheight. Will playtall 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW

SPORTPICS tional nosetackleina4-3front. mand thedouble-teamandcouldfit asarota- Bears) but is strongandathleticenoughtocom- sixth-round pickDTMatt Toeaina (now withthe blocks. do abetterjobofusinghishandsandfendingoff find theball.Motordoesnotalways run.Could injuries. Lacksgreatinstinctsandcanbelateto and competitive. Has thebull strengthtomove thepocket. Tough gram’s only600-poundsquatter. Playsphysical. Excellent weight-roomstrength—was thepro- lower bodyandcananchorvs. thedouble-team. provide massinthemiddlefora3-4front. forced fumblesandablocked kick. two two battedballs, in ’07andposted19-8-2, andtotaled17-5 han, seven asaninjuryreplacementforColeLine- starting fumble. Playedinall13games’06, notching3-2-0andaforced a reserve in’05, les forlossandonesack.Playedin10gamesas (6-1 DT (6-4 NT the ground.Shows littleawareness. controlled easilyandspendstoomuchtimeon is short arms.Limitedathletically. Playstall, character. Hasbeenvery durable. Tough competitor. Will battleandscrap.Solid ted balls. a n20 n eue ee ake,3 man in2004andsecuredseven tackles, inches). Appeared ineightgamesasatruefresh- gon statechampionshipinthediscus(167feet6 and racked up26-7 Eagles ’06first-round pickBrodrickBunkley for loss.Started12-of-13gamesin’05opposite a reserve andloggedsixtacklesonetackle 13 gamesin’07andposted42-3 1 les, andtallied20tack- startingseven, games in’06, tackles withonebattedball.Playedinall13 registering 11 Appeared inall11games’04, true freshmanin2004asareserve nosetackle. a prep.Saw limitedactioninfourgamesasa addition tohandandhamstring injuries. Fin- ing threegameswithahyperextended elbow in miss- in arotationwithjuniorDTLetroy Guion, Started 5-of-10gamesinwhichhe playedin’07 cracked ribasajunioranddidnotmissany time. registered 28-8andone-halfsack.Playedwitha as aninjuryreplacementforPaul Griffin and two at tackleand11atnoseguard all 13games, game withabicepinjury. Emerged in’06tostart Summary: Negatives: Positives: Summary: Negatives: Positives: Notes: Notes: CARLOS FELICIANO 7 5 ⁄ ⁄ 8 8 , 296,5.05e)FLORIDA STATE , 310,5.42)MARYLAND 1 ⁄ 2 tackles forlossandonesack.Startedall Also letteredintrackandbasketball as Saw actioninall12games2004as Naturally strong. Very stronginthe Very goodsizewithathicktrunk. Strictly asizeprospectwhocould Has battledthroughkneeandfoot Not asathleticBengals2007 Lacks strengthforhissize.Has www.profootballweekly.com 1 ⁄ 2 1 ⁄ and threesacks.Misseda 2 -1 1 ⁄ 2 . Startedall13games 1 ⁄ 2 -0 andtwo bat- 1 ⁄ 2 tack- 103 DEFENSIVE LINEMEN DEFENSIVE LINEMEN DLs 2008 LO 3/5/08 2:53 PM Page 104

104 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW ished with 21-2-2 and two pass breakups. Did selected in the fourth round of the 2004 draft by not work out at the Combine because of a pulled the Cincinnati Bengals and has played four sea- left quad. sons (2004-07) at both defensive end and line- Positives: Very athletic. Durable and will play backer. Jeremy attended Butler (Kan.) Commu- through injuries. Plays with very good function- nity College in ’05. Transferred to UNLV in ’06 al strength. Shows some quickness at the snap to and started 10-of-11 games in which he played swing his hips in the hole. at both DE spots, missing the Air Force contest. 1 1 Negatives: Lacks bubble and lower-body Recorded 32 tackles, 9 ⁄2 tackles for loss, 5 ⁄2 strength. Struggles to sustain at the line of scrim- sacks with three forced fumbles and two fumble mage and too easily gets knocked off the ball. recoveries. Played in all 12 games in ’07, start- Too top-heavy. Does not use his hands to play ing 11 after being suspended for the first half vs. off blocks. Can be physically overwhelmed. New Mexico for undisclosed reasons. Totaled 1 1 Struggles to keep his feet stuck in the ground vs. 40-6 ⁄2-5 ⁄2 with one batted ball, one forced fum- the run. Injuries must be assessed — has been ble and one fumble recovery. dinged up a lot throughout career. Positives: Good upper-body strength — Summary: Handicapped by injuries as a bench-pressed 225 pounds 29 times at the Com- senior, but showed toughness enduring the sea- bine. Shows some quickness. Has NFL blood- son and strength battling inside as an undersized lines. tackle. Opened some eyes at the Senior Bowl Negatives: Has a barrel shape and does not and has some potential to develop. play strong. Average production. Marginal instincts — struggles to find the ball. Rushes DT-DLE ERIC FOSTER straight up the field and shows little awareness 1 (6-1 ⁄8, 273, 5.0e) RUTGERS or feel for plays unfolding. Runs himself out of Notes: Also lettered in basketball as a prep. plays. DEFENSIVE LINEMEN Redshirted as a linebacker in 2003. Moved to Summary: Poor 40-time at the Combine will defensive end and played in all 11 games in ’04, keep him from being drafted. Does not show the 1 totaling 22 tackles, two tackles for loss and 1 ⁄2 edge quickness, flexibility or play strength to fit 1 sacks. Played two games in ’05 and tallied 8-2 ⁄2 as a 3-4 rush linebacker. Just a guy. and one-half sack before sustaining a season- ending left anterior cruciate ligament tear DRE-OLB VERNON GHOLSTON (Junior) against Villanova. Kicked inside to defensive (6-3, 266, 4.67) OHIO STATE tackle in ’06 and started all 13 games, compiling Notes: Switched from linebacker to defensive 51-14-6 and four batted balls. Started all 13 end when he arrived on campus as a true fresh- games in ’07 and logged 64-15-7, adding one man in 2004 and made appearances in six games interception and two forced fumbles. Two-time as a reserve at the position. Was fighting for a DEFENSIVE LINEMEN team captain. starting job in ’05 until he broke his left hand in Positives: Quick upfield at the snap. Is the season opener and redshirted the season. instinctive and locates the ball quickly. Versatile Started all 13 games in ’06, amassing 49 tackles, 1 and has lined up inside and oustide. Very tough. 15 tackles for loss and 7 ⁄2 sacks with one inter- Great competitor. Emotional leader. Great effort ception. Started 12-of-13 games in which he and energy. Elevates the play of his teammates. played in ’07, giving way to a three-man front Good lateral chase pursuit. and nickel defense to open vs. Purdue. Finished 1 Negatives: Is short and undersized for the with 37-15 ⁄2-14 and one forced fumble en route interior. Needs to add bulk and lower-body to Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year hon- strength to better handle the double-team. Strug- ors. gles to stack the point and can be covered up and Positives: Layered with muscle and built like eliminated by size. Lacks power. a Greek god. A special blend of power and Summary: Finished the season strong and speed. Very quick-twitched. Easily the strongest showed some potential when he moved to the player pound-for-pound at the Combine. Plays edge at the Texas vs. the Nation all-star game. A with a low pad level and good leverage — can classic tweener who needs to be slanting and get under and walk blockers into the backfield. stunting and playing angles to be effective. Has very long arms and is difficult for blockers Would fit best with a team like the Colts or to engage. Can get up the field before he is even Eagles. touched. Can easily turn the corner. Can transfer speed into power and blast through and beat the DRE-OLB JEREMY GEATHERS (Junior) double-team. Changes direction, redirects and is 1 (6-2 ⁄8, 256, 4.98) UNLV adept in coverage. Can dominate better competi- Notes: Father, Jumpy, played defensive line tion and rise to the occasion (see Michigan and for 13 NFL seasons with the Wisconsin games). Shows good awareness in (1984-89), Washington Redskins (1990-92), zone drops and sinks under route. Very produc- (1993-95) and Denver Broncos tive. Lit up the Combine, tying Michigan’s Jake (’96). Uncle, Robert Geathers Sr., was selected Long for the most bench-press reps. by the Buffalo Bills in the third round of the Negatives: Unrefined talent. Lacks game-to- 1981 draft. Cousin, Robert Geathers Jr., was game consistency and does not always play

www.profootballweekly.com DLs 2008LO3/5/082:53PMPage105 with goodcoachingandmoreconsistent intensi- but mostofhisflaws arecorrectableand go, hismotor doesnotalways ented passrushers, elite passrusher. Like toomany supremelytal- has allthephysicalabilitytobemolded intoan cerebraldemeanorbut iscoachableand quiet, wants to.Mightturnoff somecoacheswithhis twitch andcanexplode off theedgewhenhe heshows excellent power andspeed, strength, powering even Jake Long. A rarecombinationof over- more sacksthananyone inthecountry, ston hasdominatedBig Ten playandproduced drills attheCombine. Showed sometightnessinhismovement inLB and takes sometimetoprocesswhathe sees. the run.Doesnothave greatfootballintelligence sistently strongandplaywithbetterleverage vs. fakes andgive upcontain.Could bemorecon- aggressive incollapsing down onplay-action hips. Motordoesnotalways run.Canbetoo field demeanor. Shows sometightnessinhis hard. Doesnothave greatinstinctsorafiery on- Vernon Gholston Summary: vrteps w esn,Ghol- Over thepasttwo seasons, l OHIO STATE 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW

SPORTPICS 31-6 as aninjuryreplacementforFluellenandposted Started 8-of-12gamesinwhichheplayed’07 Missed the Troy contestwitharightanklesprain. alongwith oneforcedfumble. and one-halfsack, andtallied25-4 Alex BostonandBudd Thacker, games inwhichheplayed’06arotationwith and didnotfinish testing. demeanor. PulledhisrightquadattheCombine country-simple unassuming, forhisburly, Book” fromDisney’s “TheJungle Nicknamed “Baloo” vs. Kentucky duetounspecified teamviolations. recoveries. DidnotplayintheMusicCityBowl and 1 behind Andre Fluellen.Finishedwith10tackles played asatruefreshmanin2005reserve ucns,ifhecouldbulk upandgetstronger. quickness, wherehecouldoutmatchguardswithhis inside, ability andcouldcreatemorepressurefromthe heshows limitedpass-rush a leftdefensive end, as learned how tousehishandsbetter. However, strides inoneseasonunderNickSabanand the SeniorBowl. stronger. Limitedupside. Was overmatched at learn towork intheweightroom andget edge speedandburst. Notsudden.Needsto ball. Average instincts and athleticability. Lacks gage fromblocksandoftenarrives lateatthe body strength.Notquickoff theballortodisen- Improved handuse. strong pursuit.Greateffort. Strongtackler. ground. Hustlestotheballandmakes playswith 13 gamesin’06andtallied43-10 with 37-10-1 finishing Started all12gamesthereagainin’05, ered two fumblesandbatteddown sixballs. command double-teams. backer ora4-3rightdefensive endandwill hecouldfit asa3-4rushline- ing withupside, of themostdominantplayersingame.Ooz- hecouldbeaperennialProBowler andone ty, (6-2 DLE (6-3 DT les forlossand6 ateam-leading13tack- and notching28tackles, backingupattheDLEspot every gamein’04, Alabama andredshirtedin2003.Saw actionin petes. Canbedisruptive andpenetrategaps. frame andcangetbigger. Playshardand com- in tacklesforloss. eastern Conferenceandranked thirdnationally balls andtwo fumblerecoveries. LedtheSouth- two batted amassing80-27-10, games in’07, forced fumbleandbattedball.Startedall13 Summary: Negatives: Notes: Positives: Notes: Positives: 1 3 WALLACE GILBERRY ⁄ ⁄ 4 8 1 , 268,4.99)ALABAMA , 303,5.38)FLORIDA STATE ⁄ 2 1 -1 withonebattedballandtwo fumble ⁄ 2 tackles forloss.Startedthefinal 5-of-12 Started 1-of-10gamesinwhichhe Was Mike Shula’s first signeeat 1 Plays therunwellandcanholdhis ⁄ Very tightinthehips.Lacksupper- 2 Good athlete.Hasanice-sized Classic tweenerwhotooksome and afumblerecovery. Startedall 1 ⁄ 2 sacks. Also forcedandrecov- www.profootballweekly.com (Junior) 1 ⁄ 2 -3 1 ⁄ 2 with a 105 DEFENSIVE LINEMEN DEFENSIVE LINEMEN DLs 2008 LO 3/5/08 2:53 PM Page 106

106 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW Shows good movement down the line and can ural athleticism. Good effort and energy. Runs to close on the ball. the ball. Good game-day competitor. Can win Negatives: Never made a significant impact, with quicks. only emerging as a starter due to injury. Not Negatives: Faced marginal competition. overly productive. Has a tendency to rise out of Lacks bulk and bulk strength and will struggle to his stance and lose leverage. Lacks the base hold the point vs. NFL tackles. Too one-dimen- strength to handle the double-team. Lacks take- sional. Needs to spend more time in the weight on strength and is easily neutralized when he room. Needs to learn how to use his hands better lines up head-up. Average hand use. Does not to rip off blocks. Not a great practice player. consistently win battles in the trenches and Summary: Productive, developmental pass needs to win off the snap. Does not make many rusher who is still growing into his body and has plays outside the tackle box. Average closing the frame and athletic ability to warrant further burst. Had the worst 10-yard times of any defen- development. sive tackle at the Combine. Was suspended from bowl game. Easily influenced. DRE-PRS RUDOLPH HARDIE 3 Summary: Showed some signs when given an (6-2 ⁄8, 270, 4.75e) HOWARD opportunity to start in place of the injured Andre Notes: Walked on and redshirted in 2003. Fluellen, but could take a few years to get accli- Appeared in three games in ’04, posting three mated to the pro game, and would have been tackles and one tackle for loss via the sack. helped by another year in school. May not figure Started 2-of-11 games in ’05 and recorded 20- 1 it out until his second contract and will require a 5 ⁄2-2. In ’06, started all 11 games, amassing 54- team to be patient. Best when responsibilities are 22-10. Suffered a left knee injury late in the sea- kept simple. son. Started all 11 games in ’07, amassing 60- 25-12 and adding one batted ball, three forced DEFENSIVE LINEMEN DLE GREYSON GUNHEIM fumbles and one fumble recovery. 1 (6-5 ⁄2, 255, 4.85 E) WASHINGTON Positives: Has long arms and good weight- Notes: Also lettered in basketball as a prep. room strength. Plays hard. Makes plays on effort Broke into the lineup and started the final 7-of-11 and hustle. Good first-step quickness and initial games as a true freshman in 2004, securing 18 burst. Closes hard to the ball. Great work ethic. 1 1 tackles, 3 ⁄2 tackles for loss and 1 ⁄2 sacks. Started Outstanding production. all 11 games in ’05 and compiled 38-13-5. Hurt Negatives: Struggles to keep his cleats in the his right knee in ’06 fall practice but returned in ground and too often gets pushed around. Is late time for the season opener and started 10-of-12 to find the ball and is not very instinctive. Gets games, logging 44-14-6 and three forced fumbles. run wide of the pocket and struggles to leverage Started all 13 games in ’07 and registered 41-11- the edge. Has not faced top competition. DEFENSIVE LINEMEN 1 6 ⁄2, adding three batted balls and one interception. Summary: Overachieving, small-school talent Positives: Has long levers. Plays hard and with some natural pass-rush ability. Bulked up gives good effort. Is disciplined. Can knife into and played the run better as a senior and flashed the backfield and make some plays. Solid wrap functional strength at the Texas vs. the Nation tackler. Good intensity. Has been very durable. all-star game. Team player. Has a passion for the game. Negatives: Has a linear build and plays too DLE CHRIS HARRINGTON 3 upright and gets outleveraged. Tight-hipped and (6-4 ⁄8, 264, 4.87) TEXAS A&M slow-footed. Lacks strength at the point and can Notes: Uncle, Dave Elmendorf, was selected be folded against the run. Could do a better job by the Los Angeles Rams out of Texas A&M in of using his hands to play off blocks. the third round of the 1971 NFL draft, played Summary: Is best when he is slanting and nine seasons (1971-1979) and currently serves angling and on the move, but his lack of play as the Aggies’ color commentator on radio strength, leverage and pass-rush ability will limit broadcasts. Chris redshirted in 2003. Appeared his chances. in all 12 games in ’04, tallying 14 tackles, three tackles for loss and two sacks. Missed the Cot- DRE ALEX HALL ton Bowl with a hip flexor injury. Started all 11 3 (6-4 ⁄4, 238, 4.81) ST. AUGUSTINE’S (N.C.) games in ’05 and totaled 25-8-4. As a team cap- Notes: Also lettered in basketball as a prep. tain in ’06, started all 13 games and racked up 1 1 Redshirted as a tight end in 2003. Converted to 59-11 ⁄2-7 ⁄2 and two forced fumbles. Underwent defensive end and started 5-of-10 games in ’04. postseason surgery for a torn right rotator cuff Started all 10 games in ’05 and collected 53 and did not play in the ’07 spring game. Recov- tackles, 20 tackles for loss and six sacks with ered in time to play in all 13 games in ’07, start- one forced fumble. Started all 10 games in ’06, ing 12, and finished with 58-7-2 plus one batted recording 53-19-13. Started all nine games in ball, two fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles which he played in ’07, missing the Virginia and one blocked kick. Union game with a neck stinger, totaling 46-15- Positives: Very good size. Is instinctive and 7 with two batted balls and a forced fumble. locates the ball quickly. Reads hats and reacts. Positives: Converted tight end with some nat- Quick to sniff out the run. Good functional play-

www.profootballweekly.com DLs 2008LO3/5/082:53PMPage107 h erso hobc,old-schoolcoaches. the heartsofthrowback, and higheffort areallpositives andcouldwin intensity develop intoasolidpro.Intelligence, achiever withenoughathleticismandagilityto Plays toosmall. Talks toomuch. smart andlacksfocus.Character issuspect. having hadmultiplekneeinjuries.Not mark, (four careersacks).Durability is aquestion n’4 totaling31tacklesand2 in ’04, Started 10-of-11gamesatbanditdefensive end season openerfortheRazorbackssince1982. First truefreshmanpositionplayertostartthe Academy (Va.) priortoenrollingat Arkansas. tre -f1 ae n’6 notching42-3 Started 5-of-12gamesin’06, 37-5 andonesackwithfumblerecovery. rackingup ’05. Started9-of-11gamesin’05, in Reggie Herring, new defensive coordinator, Switched todefensive tacklewiththearrival ofa with onebattedballandafumblerecovery. the game. leader. Challenges teammates.Hasapassionfor Works hard.Greatproduction. Tough. Vocal forceful tackler. Playswithalotofintensity. surge. Hustlesandchasesinpursuit.Strong, a strongbull-rush move. Greatsecondeffort and while containing.Canwalk backtacklesandhas plined andkeeps hisoutsideshoulderclean ing strength.Cananchorvs.therun.Playsdisci- ’07 andtallied76-6 Started 10-of-12gamesinwhichheplayed left ACL inspringballof’07andhadsurgery. his startingjobwhilehewas recovering. Tore his Had hiskneescopedearlyintheseasonandlost with onebattedballandfumblerecovery. (6-2 DT not show greatfinishing speed. gles toturnthecorner. Notagreatathlete.Does tially quickorexplosive off theballand strug- the edges.Feelspressurewellandreactsoff it. in hishandsandcanpressoff blocksandwork (nine battedballsasasenior).Playswithload quarterback’s visionandknockingdown passes eye coordination—isadeptatdisruptingthe the double-team.Shows goodbalanceandhand- the snapanddisengagefromblocks.Fightsoff shows goodbalance.Good hand punchingoff guilty onallbut thespeedingcharge. appear foraprevious court date.Pleadednot wearing aseatbelt. Also citedforfailing to driving witharestricteddriver’s licenseandnot speeding, possession ofacontrolledsubstance, ed positive formarijuana.Charged withfelony session ofanecstasypillandtwo cigarsthat test- Pulled over forspeedingandfoundtobeinpos- opener vs. Troy following alate August arrest. but was suspendedfortheseason forced fumble, Summary: Negatives: Summary: Negatives: Positives: Notes: 3 ⁄ 4 , 317,5.08)ARKANSAS Spent ayearatHargrave Military Flashed considerablepromiseafter Very goodsize.Isathleticand Limited pass-rushability. Notini- Not anaccomplishedpassrusher eedbe self-madeover- Dependable, 1 ⁄ 2 -1 1 ⁄ 2 10battedballsandone , 1 ⁄ 2 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW tackles forloss 1 ⁄ 2 -1 1 ⁄ 2 penetrating defense. will likely fit asathree-techniqueinanupfield, Combine drills. A boom-or-bust prospectwho Bowl andappearingvery agileandflexible in flashing attheSenior tion hisway asajunior, form andisshowing flashesthat generatedatten- hasbegun toroundinto opener. Nonetheless, mer of’07intheweeksleadinguptoseason lowing anarrestondrugcharges inthelatesum- andhasfurtherhurthiscasefol- knee injuries, to regain thatsameformsincesuffering apairof but hasyet opening the’06campaignonatear, as apassrusherfromeitherside. Bestfit will but couldbringvalue OLB spotina3-4defense, drills attheCombinetotransition easilytothe step attheCombine. reverse. Bulked upandappearedtoloseahalf- production. Haslittleexperience moving in gles sometodisengage.Didn’t have greatsack is alignedhead-up.Exposeshischestandstrug- anchor strengthandcanbeneutralizedwhenhe his shoulderssquareagainsttherun.Lacksgreat intensity. ing burst and abilitytotrimtheedge.Playswith and containvs.theoutsiderun.Hasgoodclos- trash andstayonhisfeet.Cansqueezetheedge Good balanceandcoordinationtofight through leverages biggerblockers (seeMichigangame). back. Shows goodstrengthinhishandsandout- accelerateupfield andcloseonthequarter- run, penetrate. Outstandingtake-off quickness.Can ance andbendtodipunderneathblockers and bal- with quickfeet, good athleticability one forcedfumble. five battedballsand (6-4 DE racked up49-17-8 games in’07and State. Startedall13 onship gamevs.Ohio National Champi- selection inthe a Defensive MVP ed bythreesacksand highlight- recoveries, and threefumble compiled 35-13-11 yet ’07third-roundpickRayMcDonald, 49ers’ games in’06arotationwithSteven Harrisand tackle forlossandonesack.Startedonly5-of-14 one reserve in’05andnotchedseven tackles, Redshirted in2004. Appeared inninegamesasa first timeasajunior. Also letteredinbasketball. thisafterplayingfootballforthe school senior, 31 sacksandfive forcedfumblesasahigh astate-record ican afterrackingup150tackles, the Yearand Summary: Negatives: Positives: Notes: DERRICK HARVEY 5 ⁄ 8 , 271,4.86)FLORIDA Named MarylandGatoradePlayerof USA Today Appeared toostraight-linishinLB Could doabetterjobofkeeping Very www.profootballweekly.com 1 ⁄ 2 ,

LES BENTLEY second-team All-Amer- Derrick Harvey (Junior) l FLORIDA 107 DEFENSIVE LINEMEN DEFENSIVE LINEMEN DLs 2008 LO 3/5/08 2:53 PM Page 108

108 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW come on the left side in a 4-3 defense, where he ented. Shows strength to control and come off has shown he can set the edge and overpower blocks. Can push the pocket and be disruptive. strong right tackles. Wrap tackler. Flashes some power. Plays with emotion. DT-DRE Negatives: Average instincts — does not play 7 (6-3 ⁄8, 291, 5.19) WISCONSIN with awareness. Lacks focus and consistency. Notes: Also lettered in basketball as a prep. Late to locate and react to the ball. Not instinc- Appeared in five games as a true freshman in tive. Not natural bending off the edge or quick to 2004 and secured one tackle. Started all 13 redirect. Plays too tall and can be collapsed vs. games in ’05, totaling 56 tackles, nine tackles the run. Shows few counter moves. Takes some 1 for loss and 5 ⁄2 sacks with four batted balls and foolish penalties and is not disciplined. Not a three fumble recoveries. Started all 13 games in strong tackler. Gets hooked and sealed and ’06, posting 27-4-0. Started all 13 games in ’07, struggles to anchor. Questionable character. 1 1 totaling 48-8 ⁄2-4 ⁄2 with two batted balls, three Summary: Highly acclaimed former JUCO forced fumbles and a blocked kick. transfer never quite figured it out or developed Positives: Looks the part with a strong, thick as expected in two seasons at Arizona. Has nat- base and can stack the point. Very good snap-to- ural strength and ability, but lack of instincts, whistle effort — chases and never assumes he is intelligence and functional strength could pre- out of a play. Fights down the line on runs away vent him from developing into the starter that his from his side and shows good agility. Flashes an physical traits suggest he should be. His best effective overhand swim-and-club move. Excel- chance will come as a left defensive end. lent weight-room strength — bench-pressed 225 pounds 34 times at the Combine, leading all DLE defensive tackles. Solid tackler. (6-4, 274, 4.91) IOWA DEFENSIVE LINEMEN Negatives: Plays with a high pad level, loses Notes: Also lettered in track and field (discus) leverage and does not consistently push the as a prep. Entered the program as a 215-pounder pocket. Not quick or explosive off the ball. Does and redshirted in 2003, earning the (scout) Team not show much punch. Marginal athlete. Lacks Leader Award for the defense in the process. creativity as a pass rusher. Does not show the Registered three tackles in limited action in burst or bend to close on the quarterback. Plays 2004, suffering an ankle injury in the Capital heavy-footed and is slow changing direction. One Bowl and leaving the game early. Stepped Struggles to beat the double-team. Has an inflat- into the starting role at defensive end in ’05 and ed opinion of his ability. started all 12 games, recording 48 tackles, 10 Summary: Best fit could come as a right tackles for loss and seven sacks with a forced defensive end in a 3-4 front where he could best fumble and two blocked kicks, both vs. Illinois. DEFENSIVE LINEMEN use his strength to hold blocks, defend the run Notched two sacks vs. Wisconsin’s Joe Thomas. and create some push from the corner. Added 20 pounds in the offseason. Missed the ’06 season opener vs. Montana with an academ- DLE LOUIS HOLMES ic-related team suspension. Returned to start 5 (6-3 ⁄8, 263, 4.88) ARIZONA eight games in a row before suffering a broken Notes: Attended Brighton Academy prep right collarbone that forced him to miss the rest school in Maine in 2003 following high school of the regular season. Recovered in time to play in Florida. Enrolled at Scottsdale (Ariz.) Com- in the Alamo Bowl and finished the year with 1 munity College from 2004-05, tallying 192 tack- 27-4 ⁄2-3 with two batted balls and one fumble les, 40 tackles for loss and 16 sacks in his two- recovery. Started 11 games in ’07, missing the year career. Was named a National Junior Col- Michigan State contest with a concussion, and 1 lege Athletics Association first-team All-Ameri- totaled 28-5-3 ⁄2 with two blocked kicks and a can in ’04 and first-team All-Region in ’05. forced fumble. Enrolled at Arizona in August ’06 as a late aca- Positives: Looks the part — very solid build. demic qualifier and started 9-of-12 games in the Possesses incredible playing strength — will fall, recording 36-5-4 with two batted balls, two manhandle and toss blockers around effortlessly. forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. Played in Can split the double-team. Uses his hands well all 12 games in ’07, starting 10, and finished to control and move blockers. Consistently gets 1 with 37-5 ⁄2-2. Has had multiple run-ins with the pressure. Strong base and stout at the point. law, including a misdemeanor domestic-vio- Runs through tight ends and shows thump as a lence charge in ’05 that resulted in court-ordered hitter. Shows great balance on the inside spin anger-managment courses. In July of ’07 was and good body lean around the corner. Has spe- arrested and charged with criminal damage and cial-teams value — twice blocked two kicks in a disorderly conduct for a fight at an Arizona game. Very dependable. Solid character. nightclub. Has since pleaded guilty to the crimi- Negatives: Does not show great burst off the nal damage charge and was again ordered to ball and is not very sudden. Not well-versed as a attend anger-management courses. pass rusher — does not utilize pass-rush moves Positives: Very good build and overall muscu- properly. Will try to muscle his way to the quar- lar development — looks the part. Naturally tal- terback. Lacks great instincts for the position.

www.profootballweekly.com DLs 2008LO3/5/082:53PMPage109 that have yettoshow uponthestatsheet. andpossessesthephysicaltools college player, Iwebema couldbeamuchbetterprothan end, powerful base (then with Wisconsin) in’05. A big, land Browns All-Pro rookieOLT Joe Thomas that propelledhimtonotchtwo sacksvs.Cleve- at theEast-West Shrinegameandflashedtheform but dominated through anaverage seniorseason, andcoasted hampered byinjuriesasajunior, together andwillnever testgreatinworkouts. Was but hasyettoputitall uncanny playingstrength, bine andwillstruggletomake thetransition. natural atallinLBpositionaldrills attheCom- all inteaminterviews. Scoutssayhedidnotlook age handuse.Cameoff asanarrogantknow-it- controlled tooeasily. Notaforcefultackler. Aver- give consistenteffort. Getspushedaroundandis focus andconcentration.Playslazydoesnot tent anddisappearsforlongstretches.Lacks close tothequarterback.Hasbeentooinconsis- ground. Doesnothave theedgespeedorburst to Lacks akillerinstinct.Gives uptoomuch physical anddoesnotplaywithalotofpower. Carl Nicksandcanbeshutdown. Notoverly pressed 225pounds31timesattheCombine. move andmoves wellinspace. Smart.Bench- Shows goodawareness toreadandreactonthe inside pass-rushability. Flashesastrongpunch. moved insideinpass-rushsituationsandshows leverage tostackthepoint.Isversatile —has and locatestheballquickly. Shows strengthand good frametoaddbulk. Isathletic.instinctive 17-10 finishing with 60- ’07 andstartedall13games, ic rightanklesurgery. Namedateamcaptainin ble recovery. Underwentpostseasonarthroscop- oneforcedfumbleandafum- one interception, two blocked field goals, with threebattedballs, Started all13gamesin’06andtallied43-11-4 two fumblerecoveries andoneblocked kick. fourforcedfumbles, recording sixbattedballs, whilealso leadingtheteaminsacks, 46-13-10, ception. Startedall13gamesin’05andnotched six sackswithonepassdeflectionandinter- 11tacklesforlossand and recorded32tackles, remove debris.Started12-of-13gamesin’04 arthroscopic surgery onhis right ankleto of the Year honors.Underwentpostseason 2003 andearnedScout Team Defensive Player and alsoletteredintrackasaprep.Redshirted at Arizona. Lawrence recorded57careersacks bles andthreebattedballs. using hishandstodisengage. to thequarterback.Needsdoabetterjobof Motor doesnotalways go.Lacksclosingspeed Has attentionlapsesandcanbelateoff theball. (6-4 DLE Summary: Summary: Negatives: Positives: Notes: 1 LAWRENCE JACKSON ⁄ 4 , 271,4.84)USC 1 ⁄ 2 n ubercvr,two forcedfum- onefumblerecovery, , rte,Kih playedoffensive tackle Keith, Brother, Looks thepartwithlongarmsanda Will never beanelitepassrusher, Really struggledvs.NebraskaOLT Can dominatephysicallywith 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW Defensive Playerofthe Year (in’06and’07). took snapsattightend. Two-time BigSouth three battedballsandoneforcedfumble. Also securing67-20-6with the DLEspotagainin’07, and two forcedfumbles.Startedall11games at 23QBhurries all 11gamesandamassed77-14-8, 1gms andtallied59-12 11 games, startingall bles. Moved todefensive endin’05, two battedballsandthreeforcedfum- two sacks, five tacklesforloss, recording58tackles, 2004, played asatruefreshmanatoutsidelinebacker in defensive endbut hasfew distinguishabletraits. simple scheme. structured environment andwould bebestina instincts. Limitedpass-rushability. Needs a hand use.Hasstrengthatthepoint. Average fast. Waddles whenheruns.Doesnotshow great 2004 attightendandregistered fourreceptions Started 3-of-11gamesasatrue freshmanin the ball. defend therun.Goodeffort andhustle.Runsto notched 25-4 and starting10, Played inall12games’07, (6-3 DLE (6-5 DLE-OLB (6-4 DLE technique ina3-4front. the typeofframetobulk upandlineasafive- end ina4-3front.Hasplayedheavier andhas and couldcontribute readilyasaleftdefensive but hasthesizeandstrengthtodefendrun finishing with36-8-4 started 12-of-13gamesatrightdefensive end, tight end. Transferred toKansasStatein’06and yards (22.5-yardaverage) duringsometimeat whilealsocatchingfourpassesfor90 in ’05, nine tacklesforlossandsixsacksineightgames nine sacksingames. Totaled 35tackles, nity College in2004andnotched45tackles quickness fortheprogame. armlengthand who lacksidealbasestrength, heavy. Lacksfootspeedandedgequickness. Relies toomuchonupper-body strength. Top- Toohigh-hipped. length. strength. Average arm Too thininthelower bodyandlacksanchor production. and balancetoleverage thecorner. Very good bend to theball.Shows somepass-rushability, hands tocomeoff blocks.Playshardandchases Summary: Negatives: Positives: Notes: Notes: Summary: Negatives: Positives: Notes: 1 1 1 ROB JACKSON BRIAN JOHNSTON ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ 4 4 8 , 252,4.94)KANSASSTATE , 273,4.79)EASTERNMICHIGAN , 271,4.93)GARDNER-WEBB JASON JONES Enrolled atFort Scott(Kan.)Commu- Also letteredinbasketball asaprep. Started 7-of-9gamesinwhichhe 1 a od solidframe.Uses his Has agood, ⁄ Could competeforajobasleft Has somesizeandstrengthto 2 Not agreatathlete.Doesnotplay Raw developmental passrusher -2 andonebattedball. Has notfaced topcompetition. www.profootballweekly.com 1 ⁄ 2 and two battedballs. 1 ⁄ 2 5 n’6 hestarted -5. In’06, 109 DEFENSIVE LINEMEN DEFENSIVE LINEMEN DLs 2008 LO 3/5/08 2:53 PM Page 110

110 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW for 12 yards, before converting to the defensive DLE-DT 1 line against Central Michigan. Started all 11 (6-5 ⁄2, 287, 4.99) HAMPTON games in ’05, tallying 47 tackles, 12 tackles for Notes: Four-sport athlete who also lettered in 1 loss and 6 ⁄2 sacks. Started all 11 games in ’06 basketball, baseball and track as a prep. Started 1 and registered 57-18 ⁄2-4. Started 11-of-12 games 3-of-12 games at defensive tackle as a true fresh- 1 1 1 in which he played in ’07, amassing 70-19 ⁄2-3 ⁄2, man in 2004 and secured 44 tackles, 11 ⁄2 tackles three batted balls, one forced fumble and one for loss and six sacks. Started all 12 games in 1 1 blocked kick. ’05, racking up 65-15 ⁄2-4 ⁄2. Started all 12 games 3 1 Positives: Tremendous arm length — 36 ⁄8 in ’06 and totaled 55-15 ⁄2-8, one forced fumble inches — was the second-longest of any player and one blocked kick. Named a team captain and 1 at the Combine. Shows great initial first-step started all 11 games in ’07, totaling 72-13 ⁄2-6, quickness at the snap, almost violent, to create one interception, two forced fumbles, one recov- penetration and disrupt the backfield. Rises to ered fumble and a blocked kick. the occasion under the bright lights and stood Positives: Plays with power. Naturally big out vs. Michigan and Vanderbilt and was disrup- with the raw power and strength to hold ground. tive at the Senior Bowl. Good balance and coor- Good closing speed and balance. Shows some dination. Uses his hands and feet well together. pop and short-area quickness to generate a push Very consistent and incredibly productive. and make plays behind the line of scrimmage. Negatives: Awkward body — too high-hipped Has strong hips and good functional core and is not a natural bender. Will rise too tall off strength. Plays nasty. Versatile — has lined up the ball and lose leverage. Plays narrow-based. inside and outside. Stood out at the East-West Not a fiery competitor, and scouts question his Shrine game. Has a lot of upside. innate toughness. Does not appear as instinctive Negatives: Very raw and unpolished using his from the outside. Can play out of control. Needs hands. Gets hung up on blocks and struggles to DEFENSIVE LINEMEN to spend more time in the weight room and get disengage. Not quick, explosive or instinctive. stronger. Slow to change direction. Gets winded easily Summary: Played out of position as a senior, and needs to work on his conditioning. lining up inside as a three-technique at 270 Summary: May be at least two years away pounds, and showed some explosive pass-rush from contributing and could warrant some looks ability from the inside. However, best chance as a quick-twitch, upfield three-technique. How- may come at left end in a 4-3 front with the ever, his best fit will likely come as a five-tech- potential to move inside as a nickel rusher on nique in a 3-4 front or a base end in a 4-3 front. passing downs. Is too big, quick and athletic not Similar to Jaguars DLE , who entered to warrant early interest and has received some the league as an undrafted free agent in 1998 and looks as a 3-4 outside ’backer.

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN took several years before he caught on in Jax- sonville and developed. His best football is a NT MICHAEL LAFAELE head of him. (5-11, 306, 5.3e) HAWAII Notes: Married. Also lettered in wrestling as a DT TREVOR LAWS 3 prep. Redshirted in 2003. Appeared in nine (6-0 ⁄4, 304, 5.13) NOTRE DAME games in ’04 as a reserve offensive lineman. Notes: Named a USA Today first-team All- Switched to defensive tackle and started the final American and Minnesota’s Gatorade Player of 9-of-11 games in which he played in ’05 at nose the Year as a prep. Earned All-America honors tackle, recording 23 tackles and five tackles for three times as a wrestler and compiled a 142-5 loss. Started all 14 games in ’06 at nose tackle, record, going 49-0 his junior year as the super- 1 registering 32-5 ⁄2 and two sacks. Named a team heavyweight state champion. Also lettered in captain and started all 12 games in which he track and field, throwing the shotput a career- played in ’07, missing the Utah State contest best 58 feet. Sat out as a true freshman in 2003 with a strained right hamstring. Finished with with an unspecified injury. Played all 12 games 1 1 20-2 ⁄2- ⁄2 and one fumble recovery. in ’04 and notched 17 tackles, two tackles for Positives: Naturally strong. Is a 500-pound loss and one sack, adding two pass breakups. 1 bench presser. Can toss blockers aside. Tough Started all 12 games in ’05, compiling 33-3-1 ⁄2. 1 and competitive. Has leadership traits. Very In ’06, started all 13 games and recorded 62-9 ⁄2- 1 determined and disciplined. Solid production. 3 ⁄2. Started all 12 games in ’07 and finished with Negatives: Too inconsistent. Not instinctive 112-8-4, five batted balls, two fumble recoveries and is late to find the ball. Limited burst. Strug- and three blocked kicks. gles to split the double-team. Positives: Incredibly active and relentless in Summary: Has the sheer size, strength and pursuit of the ballcarrier. Great effort in down- mass to man the nose. Looked more comfortable field pursuit. Very thickly built. Good athlete for in the 4-3 front the Rainbows ran in ’07 than the as wide as he is. Good strength at the point. Is 3-4 look employed in ’06. Not flashy, but consis- instinctive and quickly locates the ball. Shows tently generates some push and pressure. Lined enough quickness to work through gaps and up at center in high school and has the tools to make plays. Strong upper body. Will battle consider developing on the other side of the line. blockers and keep working to come free. Can rip

www.profootballweekly.com DLs 2008LO3/5/082:53PMPage111 Chris Long nie slantingandattackinggapsina4-3 front. inside, isbetter-suited formance attheSeniorBowl, andasevident inhisimpressive per- 3-4 front, snap. Playedoutofpositionin’07asanenda illustrates hisstrugglesbeatingblockers off the lack ofproductionbehindthelinescrimmage but his umes tohisimpressive motorandeffort, too muchmovement. understand how todefeathisblocker andwastes and counters.Pass rushischaotic—doesnot shows limitedpass-rushmoves wins atthesnap, downs andisnotagreatpass rusher—seldom to comefree.Oftenleaves thefield onthird move andtoooftenspinsinspacestruggles back lanes.Losesbalanceonanineffective spin creatingcut- Will overpursue andleave hisgap, sealed upthemiddle. Will take someplays off. team. Strugglestogetoff blocks andcanget occupy blocksandholdthedouble- anchor, rc n il sape,finishing thirdinthe track andfield asaprep, Austin. Derekalsoletteredinbasketball and America honorsasalinebacker atStephenF. pounds 35timesattheCombine. defensive linemenintackles.Bench-pressed225 Excellent production—ledallofthenation’s understandsthegame. tackler. Very smart, drive-through flashes someexplosiveness. Solid, well laterally. Goodcompetitor. Very active and underneath blocksandwork theedge.Moves (6-1 DT-NT Summary: Negatives: Notes: 1 ⁄ 2 , 285,5.15E) TEXAS DEREK LOKEY are.Fte,Ei,earned All- Eric, Married. Father, l VIRGINIA as hightackletotalspeaksvol- Laws’ Too short.Lacksgreatstrengthto 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW Nebraska andfinished with24-4- season beforebreakinghisrightleg against startedthefirst eightgamesofthe 17-2-1. In’06, compiling round draftchoiceRodrique Wright, behindMiamiDolphins2006seventh- ’05, loss andone-halfsack.Playedin11games threetacklesfor 2004 andlogged10tackles, action in10-of-12gamesasatruefreshman discus atthe Texas Class4Astatemeet.Saw selections asaHallofFame defensive endwith eightProBowl berthsandfour All-AFC sacks, es willhave adifficult timecutting. fight forarosterspot. The typeofplayer coach- strengthandpassionto with enoughtoughness, not usehishandsvery welltodisengage. pass rusher. Doesnothave greatinstincts.Does Creates littlepenetrationandisnotmuchofa the game. short-yardage situations.Greatcharacter. Loves double-team. Haslinedupasablockingbackin and hustlestotheball.Canholdgroundvs. age andcananchorvs.therun.Staysonhisfeet can bench-pressasmallhouse.Playswithlever- agement/pre-law andtooktheLSAT inJune. the springof’07withadegree insportsman- ing 50-9-1withthreebattedballs.Graduatedin notch- and recovered tostartall13gamesin’07, pressures. Was abletoparticipateinspringdrills (6-3, 272,4.81) VIRGINIA DE-OLB Summary: Negatives: Positives: Notes: CHRIS LONG ahr oi,amassed84career Howie, Father, Very strongintheupperbodyand neszd overachieving plugger Undersized, Lacks idealbulk fortheposition. www.profootballweekly.com 1 ⁄ 2 and nineQB

SPORTPICS 111 DEFENSIVE LINEMEN DEFENSIVE LINEMEN DLs 2008 LO 3/5/08 2:53 PM Page 112

112 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW the Oakland Raiders (1981-93) and was a mem- left foot in the spring. Bounced back to start all ber of the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 1980s. 12 contests in ’05, posting 46-10 and four sacks. 1 Chris was named Virginia Gatorade Player of the Started all 13 games in ’06, registering 59-10 ⁄2- 1 Year as a high school senior. Also lettered in 6 ⁄2 with six batted balls and four forced fumbles. lacrosse, baseball and basketball, winning the Started all 12 games at weak-side defensive end 1 2003 YMCA Slam Dunk contest for high school in ’07 and recorded 61-11 ⁄2-9 with four batted students. Appeared in five games as a true fresh- balls, one forced fumble, four fumble recoveries man in ’04, missing five contests with mono, and a blocked kick. Two-time team captain. and logged five tackles, two tackles for loss and Positives: Good strength. Can anchor against one sack. Started all 12 games in ’05 as a defen- the run. Plays hard and leaves everything on the sive end in a 3-4 scheme, tallying 46-10-2, seven field. Motor is always running. Plays alert. pass breakups and 26 quarterback hurries. In Excellent work ethic. Does everything he can to ’06, started all 12 games and registered 57-12-4 improve. Strong locker-room presence. and 21 QB hurries. Voted team captain and start- Negatives: Limited athlete. Has short arms, ed all 13 games in ’07, finishing with 75-19-14, small hands and is not a natural pass rusher. Not adding seven batted balls, one interception and a quick or sudden. Too stiff and mechanical. Strug- blocked kick. Named Atlantic Coast Conference gles fighting through blocks in traffic. Can be Defensive Player of the Year. pinned by tight ends and neutralized too easily. Positives: Outstanding hand use — is very Summary: Tough, high-motor overachiever noticeably well-coached and uses his hands and with a golden last name in the coaching commu- feet together in unison to set up moves extreme- nity. Should get a chance to compete for a job as ly well. Can rip, tug, crack and slap. Tremendous a base left end and could win a job with his work technician — pass-rush moves are executed to ethic. near perfection. Understands how to counter his DEFENSIVE LINEMEN blocker and attacks with variety and at different DT JAMES McCLINTON angles. Excellent motor, instincts and energy. (6-0, 293, 5.53) KANSAS Explodes out of his stance with a low pad level Notes: Also lettered in powerlifting and track and has a very quick first step. Comes off the as a prep. Appeared in 6-of-11 games in reserve edge like a bull and can power his way into the as a true freshman in 2004 and recorded one-half backfield. Athletic enough to drop in coverage. tackle. Started 11-of-12 games in ’05, totaling Can bring heat off the edge when turned loose 27 tackles, four tackles for loss and one sack. In 1 and not playing in the crouched anchor position ’06, started all 12 games, amassing 51-14 ⁄2-6 that he often uses. Athletic and very effective and three forced fumbles. Started all 13 games in 1 shooting through the gap on slants. Strong, ’07, finishing with 93-11-2 ⁄2 and an interception. physical tackler. Very impressive leverage and Positives: Gives good effort in pursuit and DEFENSIVE LINEMEN body strength to anchor vs. the run. Incredibly runs to the ball. One-gap penetrator shows nice strong — can power through the double-team. quickness. Solid wrap tackler. Solid production. Plays with power and can control blockers. Very Team captain. Solid character. Good work ethic. physically and mentally tough. Absolutely Has been very durable throughout his career. relentless at the line and in pursuit. A leader. Out- Negatives: Too short. Not naturally big and standing intangibles. Great versatility. has struggled holding weight. “Ballooned” up to Negatives: Showed he could be contained vs. 293 pounds at the Scouting Combine and top competition. Got knocked around by Pitts- labored trying to carry the weight. Marginal ath- burgh’s Jeff Otah and can be outmatched by top lete. Plays small and will get hung up and linger size. Does not have elite edge speed. on blocks. Lacks anchor strength. Lacks lateral Summary: Tremendous leader and football range and does not show much burst getting to player that could never allow himself to not be the ball. Not a refined pass rusher. Cannot han- great. Will get nit-picked from an athleticism dle the double-team. Must get stronger. standpoint and criticized for having little upside, Summary: Productive, try-hard three-year but he more than compensates for any “short- starter has continually beaten the odds, but suf- comings” with unparalleled effort, tenacity and a fered his second seizure in the past year after precise, well-honed technique. Understands how arriving in Houston for the East-West Shrine to win his battles and is prepared for every test. game. Could be red-flagged for his medical histo- A winner. ry. Showed up at the Combine at 293 pounds, well over his natural playing weight, and consequently DLE BRYAN MATTISON turned in a forgettable performance. Will be hard 7 (6-2 ⁄8, 290, 5.09) IOWA pressed to make an impact given his glaring size, Notes: Led his high school rugby team to a strength and athletic limitations, but a precarious 2002 state championship in Indiana. Father is medical history could take precedence. the DL coach for the . Red- shirted in ’03 and received the (scout) Team DT TERAZ McCRAY 5 Leader Award for defense. Saw playing time in (6-0 ⁄8, 288, 5.22) MIAMI (FLA.) all 12 games in ’04, registering five tackles and Notes: Redshirted in 2003. Played in 11 one tackle for loss. Had Lisfranc surgery on his games in ’04, missing the Louisville contest

www.profootballweekly.com DLs 2008LO3/5/082:53PMPage113 groin injury. Combine becauseofa full workout atthe recovery. Didnotdoa fumbles andafumble two forced batted ball, ing 78-17-5withone secur- forced fumble.Startedall13gamesin’07, totaled 46-10-3withfourbattedballsanda forced fumble.Startedall13gamesin’06and two sacksandaddingtwo battedballsanda fourtacklesforloss, logging22tackles, 2005, all 12gamesinreserve asatruefreshmanin Also letteredinbasketball asaprep. Appeared in State’s Xavier Leeanditwas returnedfora TD. Forced thegame-winningfumbleagainstFlorida Fairly athletic.Strongwork ethicandcharacter. swimmove andcancreatesomepressure. over, scheme. gibles gives himachanceinpenetrating Lack ofsizewilllimithischances.Solidintan- lacks thebulk strengthdesiredtodefendtherun. against inferiorcompetition. show greatchasespeed.Productioncame gaging fromblocks.Spinsinplace.Doesnot tralized tooeasily. Candoabetterjobofdisen- run. Hasahistoryofkneeproblems.Getsneu- great anchorstrengthtoholdhisgroundvs.the 10 andposted33- startingnine, 12 gamesin’07, fumble andonerecovery. Playedinall Boston College. Tallied 25-5-2withoneforced and aminorlower backinjury suffered vs. knee thathadbeenscopedpriortotheseason despitecontendingwithaleft played in’06, recovery. Started8-of-12gamesinwhichhe compiling10-2-1withonefumble season, but returnedtoplaythefinal five gamesofthe anterior cruciateligamentinthespringof’05 tackles forlossand2 six andregistered 21tackles, with astinger, (6-4 DLE-DT eeae canstackthepointandhaspower leverage, overall athlete. Highlycompetitive. Playswith step andshows goodshort-areaquickness.Good backside. Relentlesspursuit. Takes ahardfirst effort plays.Chasesdown ballcarriersfromthe effort andgetsoff thegroundtomake second- instincts andplayrecognition.Gives outstanding the run.Good off blocksandplay physical andcanpress always running.Plays length. Hismotoris arms andgoodbody strength withlong standing sizeand 1 Summary: Positives: Notes: Negatives: Positives: ⁄ 2 1 -6 withonebattedballandaforcedfumble. ⁄ 4 , 276,4.85e)CLEMSON PHILLIP MERLING oce yhsuce ChrisRumpf. Coached byhisuncle, Solid production.Shows anice arm- Almost lookslike alinebacker and Too shortandthinlybuilt. Lacks Out- 1 ⁄ 2 sacks. Suffered atornleft SPORTPICS Phillip Merling (Junior) 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW l CLEMSON with two forcedfumblesandaninterception. notched 47-7 and starting10, Played inall13games’06, andcompiling18-0-0. sprained rightankle, missingthe Temple contestwitha played in’05, and onesack.Started3-of-10gamesinwhichhe ed all13gamesinthe’07andposted63-8 ished thefinal threegamesthere. Moved todefensive endvs.Kentucky andfin- with oneinterceptionandtwo fumblerecoveries. contest withacalfmuscleinjury. Totaled 35-3-1 missingthe Vanderbilt which heplayedin’07, to thestrongsideandstarted6-of-12gamesin hemoved back at middlelinebacker inspring’07, 23-2 withtwo passbreakups. After gettingalook andtotaled startingfive, at strong-sidelinebacker, one forcedfumble.Playedinall13games’06 four tacklesforlosswithonepassbreakupand compiling41tacklesand hampered byinjuries, 12 gamesatstrong-sidelinebacker in’05 while tackles withonefumblerecovery. Started10-of- tallyingnine freshman in2004onspecialteams, n’4adrcre 2tcls 1 in ’04andrecorded12tackles, school. Redshirtedin2003.Playedeightgames not playfootballuntilhisjunioryearofhigh defensive linemenintheclean(365pounds).Did (6-2 DE-OLB (6-4, 305,4.91)MARYLAND DT and motortoadefensive line. inside asanickel rusher. Couldbringversatility 4-3 defensewithenoughsizeandgirthtokick Could develop morepass-rushmoves. pressed 225pounds17timesattheCombine. Lacks upper-body strength—onlybench- late toarrive. Hasalongtorsoandsleighback. speed togetthequarterback—isoftenastep refined passrusheranddoesn’t show thelong to splitdouble-teams. Very toughandphysical. bilities arekept simpleandhecanbesetloose. hand ontheground.Isbestwhenhisresponsi- end andshowed somepromisetherewithhis the 40atCombine. ty. Solidtackler. Was clocked aslow as4.84in some playsbehindtheline.Haspass-rush abili- Flashes theabilitytogetoff blocksandmake ing weight-roomnumbersandstrengthlevels. feet. Playswithgoodkneebend.Hasoutstand- career production. find theball.Bitesonplay-action. Very average with longarmsandplaysleverage. some versatility. Surprisinglystrongvs.therun Summary: Negatives: Notes: Negatives: Positives: Notes: Summary: Negatives: Positives: 1 ⁄ 8 , 252,4.8e)GEORGIA BRANDON MILLER Set theschoolweightliftingrecordfor Appeared inall12gamesasatrue 1 Good sizeandlooksthepart.Has Naturally athleticandlightonhis ⁄ Ideally suitedtobeabaseendin 2 Has zeroinstinctsandstrugglesto Finished theseasonatdefensive Marginal sackproduction.Nota Not instinctive andlookslostat -3 1 ⁄ 2 with oneforcedfumble.Start- www.profootballweekly.com 1 ⁄ 2 tackles forloss 1 ⁄ 2 -6 113 DEFENSIVE LINEMEN DEFENSIVE LINEMEN DLs 2008 LO 3/5/08 2:53 PM Page 114

114 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW times. Too late to locate the ball. Plays too tall, Lacks the quickness to play off the edge and the loses leverage and gets stuck on blocks. Strug- power desired inside. Very average finishing gles to make plays on the perimeter. Does not speed. Leaky tackler. Could take time to grasp a play with fire and gets caught loafing too much. defense. Questionable stamina. Motor too often runs cold. Has not figured out Summary: Lined up as a five-technique in a 3- how to use his hands to stack and shed or to beat 4 front but projects inside in the pros, where his the double-team. Has not figured out how to strength is better-suited. translate his strength to the field. Looks like he has not seen a weight room and his man-boobs DT-OG CHRIS NORWELL 3 caught more than a few double-takes from (6-5 ⁄4, 306, 5.3e) ILLINOIS scouts at Senior Bowl weigh-ins. Notes: Also lettered in basketball as a prep. Summary: Tested exceptionally well at the Lined up at tight end as a junior and at offensive Combine, as expected, and flashed the twitch tackle as a senior in high school. Entered the pro- that he will show occasionally on tape. Howev- gram as an offensive tackle and redshirted in er, he disappears far too often and has not 2003 as a true freshman. Moved to the defensive learned to play with consistent intensity. When line in ’04 due to team needs and saw immediate he is focused, he can be a force, but too often action, starting all 11 games and registering 40 just goes through the motions. Is still raw and tackles, two tackles for loss and two batted balls. 1 learning the game and could develop into a solid Started all 11 games in ’05 and collected 46-7 ⁄2 to three-technique. An underachiever to date with go with three sacks and two batted balls. In ’06, boom-or-bust potential. played in all 12 games, starting 11, and racked up 1 42-12 ⁄2-5 plus two forced fumbles. Started all 13 1 1 NT FRANK MORTON games in ’07 and logged 32-3 ⁄2- ⁄2 with two batted (6-2, 307, 5.44) TULANE balls and three fumble recoveries. DEFENSIVE LINEMEN Notes: Also lettered in track and basketball as Positives: Has good size. a prep. Appeared in all 11 games as a true fresh- Negatives: Limited pass-rush ability. Plays man in 2004, recording 19 tackles and one-half too upright and gets washed. Struggles to tackle for loss. Started 1-of-11 games in ’05 and anchor. Average arm length and hand use. Too collected 31-5 with one batted ball. Started 11- easily eliminated. Lacks weight-room strength 1 of-12 games in ’06, tallying 30-8 ⁄2 and four and functional play strength. Motor does not sacks. Started 1-of-10 games in which he played always go. Average tackler. Not quick-twitched. in ’07 at left defensive tackle in place of Antonio Summary: Converted tight end who began his Harris, but primarily served as a reserve right career on the offensive line but moved to defen- 1 1 tackle. Registered 16-4 ⁄2-1 ⁄2 with one batted ball sive tackle out of necessity and has remained a and a fumble recovery. mainstay in the middle for the past four years. DEFENSIVE LINEMEN Positives: Has natural strength with long His only chance will likely come as an offensive arms. Shows some strength in his hands and can guard projection. control blockers. Negatives: Marginal foot quickness. Average NT OGEMDI NWAGBUO 3 athlete. Marginal chase speed. Limited pass (6-2 ⁄4, 300, 5.1e) MICHIGAN STATE rusher. Not a great worker. Did little to distin- Notes: Name is pronounced Oh-GIM-dee guish himself at the Texas vs. the Nation all-star new-WOW-bo. Played only one season of high game. school football. Enrolled at Southwestern Col- Summary: Two-down, run defender with lege (Calif.) from 2003-05, but redshirted there enough size and strength to bring to a camp. in ’04. Transferred to Michigan State in ’06. Started the first 6-of-12 games in which he DT-DE MAURICE MURRAY played in ’06, before giving way to senior David 3 1 (6-3 ⁄8, 314, 5.1e) NEW MEXICO STATE Stanton. Finished with 23 tackles and 1 ⁄2 tackles Notes: Attended Long Beach (Calif.) City for loss and added a forced fumble. Played in all College as a true freshman in 2004 and logged 13 games at nose tackle in ’07, starting 12, but 38 tackles, 16 tackles for loss and 12 sacks. was relegated to a reserve role vs. Northwestern Transferred to New Mexico State in ’05 but did with a hand injury, and wore a cast for several not play after suffering a staph infection in his games to protect the hand. Suffered the injury the right knee. Started 8-of-9 games at the DRE spot week prior in the first half vs. Wisconsin, but in a 3-4 front in ’06, posting 24-2-0. Was sus- returned to action in the second half. Finished 1 pended by the team for the San Jose State game with 31-4 ⁄2 and a sack, adding a fumble recovery. after incurring a late-hit penalty vs. Nevada the Positives: Has some girth and a frame to get previous week. Started 5-of-13 games in which bigger. Shows nice lower-body strength and bal- he played in ’07 in a rotation at right end and ance. Can push the pocket. Flashes some quick- 1 registered 24-5-3 ⁄2. ness. Did not begin playing football until his Positives: Very good size with a well-distrib- senior year of high school and has a lot of uted, muscular frame. Great lower-body upside. Is smart and can learn. strength. Has some versatility. Negatives: Marginal athlete. A plodder with Negatives: Too undisciplined. Not a worker. trudging, heavy feet that often go dead on con-

www.profootballweekly.com DLs 2008LO3/5/082:53PMPage115 all 14gamesandcompiled70-11-3 started end (four)—andrecorded41-6-3. In ’06, startingeight—atleftend(four)andright ’05, les forlossandthreesacks.Playedin12games 41-8-4 12 gamesinwhichheplayed’07 andposted and afumblerecovery. MissedtheHumanitarian nuyrpaeetadtlid2 ake,5 injury replacementandtallied27tackles, sports managementandtooktheLSAT inJune. ery. Graduatedinspring’07withadegree in oneforcedfumbleandrecov- balls, games in’07andtotaled52-11-5withfive batted knee andsatout’07springpractice.Startedall13 2. Underwentarthroscopicsurgery ontheleft andtallied38-6- lor contestwithasoreleftknee, sittingouttheBay- 13 gamesinwhichheplayed, started12-of- and two fumblerecoveries. In’06, Started all13gamesin’05andrecorded48-5-1 sixtacklesforlossandtwo sacks. ing 22tackles, notch- 1-of-12 gamesasatruefreshmanin2004, inches) atthe Texas Class5Astatemeet.Started placing fifth asajuniorinthediscus(174feet6 school senior. Also letteredintrackandfield, ots. Couldbetriedatoffensive guard. JetsorPatri- fit bestforateamlike theDolphins, coaching andasupportive environment. Would som asanosetacklein3-4frontwithtough showed ontapethepastfouryears.Couldblos- looking like thepolaroppositeofwhat he like allthemarbleswereridingongame, mark attheEast-West Shrinegameandplayed Is stilllearningthegame. enough sizetowarrant interestasanosetackle. has tendedtofluctuate. Shrine gameandtheCombinehisweight on morethan25poundsbetweentheEast-West not usehishands.Lacksfunctionalstrength.Put play withintensity. Gives uphisbodyanddoes double-team andgetspushedback.Doesnot loses leverage. Strugglestoholdthepointvs. complacent justgettingblocked. Playstalland tition. Doesnotshow any twitchandlookstoo almost playstoonice.Playsdown tothecompe- or playontheothersideoflinescrimmage. keep hisfeetintraffic. Doesnotpushthepocket quently strugglestogetoff blocks. Strugglesto Does notusehishandsorlockoutandconse- tact. Getsoutmaneuvered andsealedtooeasily. (6-3 DLE (6-4 NT power andeffort notseenontape. East-West Shrinegameandshowed strength, acter. Dominatedinone-on-onedrillsatthe and flashessomepower. Very smart.Solidchar- Summary: Summary: Notes: Negatives: Positives: Notes: 3 1 ADAMM OLIVER ⁄ ⁄ 2 4 , 347,5.36) TEXAS , 268,4.85e)GEORGIA TECH 1 ⁄ 2 ihoebte al oneforcedfumble with onebattedball, Named Started 3-of-12gamesin2004asan Has raresizewithnaturalstrength Average athlete. Too cerebraland Showed upwithanexclamation i,developmental bangerwith Big, Parade All-American asahigh 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW 1 ⁄ 2 . Startedall 1 ⁄ 2 tack- compete forabackupjobasbaseend. fully recovered intimeforminicamps.Could coming off aseriousinjuryand likely willnotbe ae n’7 trig1,andlogged42-16 starting12, games in’07, ception andoneforcedfumble.Playedinall13 (6-2, 249,4.93) TEXAS CHRISTIAN DLE (6-3 DLE ae n’6 totaling27-11-2 games in’06, 14 tacklesforlossandninesacks.Startedall13 amassing37 tackles, Started all12gamesin’05, not playin’04duetoaheat-relatedillness. for theHouston Astros. Redshirtedin2003.Did ily andsealed. of pass-rushmoves. Canbeneutralizedtooeas- and getshunguponblocks.Shows littlevariety Good character. Has apassionforthegame.Solidproduction. strength. Solidwraptackler. Very hardworking. plays withawareness. Goodupper-body high intensityandrunstotheball.Smart with two battedballsandoneforcedfumble. tallying47-3 defensive tackle, tackle forloss.Startedall12gamesin’05at games andrecordedeighttacklesone-half but returnedtoappearinthefinal nine elbow, games in’04withachippedbonehisright prep. Redshirtedin2003.Missedthefirst two n’6a eesv n,amassing 58-4 in ’06atdefensive end, with onefumblerecovery. Started all12games Started all12gamesin’07andposted 54-8 one forcedfumbleandtwo fumblerecoveries. front-line passrusher. athleticabilityandstrengthdesiredina burst, become afunctionalbackup.Lackstheupfield bulk strength tobeanevery-down player. strict runninglanes.Doesnothave thegirthor great sizetodroptheanchorvs.runandcon- arms andlittlemusculardevelopment. Lacks Combine. ness. Performedvery wellinagilitydrillsatthe overall careerproduction.Goodlateralquick- always running.Playsfaster thanhetimes.Good strength. Playsevery down hardandhismotoris off blocks.Greatwork ethic.Goodweight-room his handsvery welltomaneuver aroundandget a fumblerecovery. threeforced fumblesand with fourbattedballs, Combine. GraduatedinDecember. surgery onDec.6andwas limitedintestingatthe ciate ligamentsuffered vs.Georgia. Underwent Bowl vs.FresnoStatewithatorn leftanteriorcru- Notes: Summary: Negatives: Positives: Positives: Notes: Summary: Negatives: Positives: 3 CHASE ORTIZ NICK OSBORN ⁄ 8 , 258,4.85e)SANDIEGOSTATE Also letteredinsoccerandtrackasa osn od ilas isapitcher Woody Williams, Cousin, Plays withgoodtechniqueanduses Competes hardandcanflattendown Great effort andenergy. Playswith Self-made overachiever whocould iie,high-effort overachiever Limited, Does notlookthepartwithshort Tightly wound. Playstooupright www.profootballweekly.com 1 1 ⁄ ⁄ 2 2 with oneinter- and two sacks 1 ⁄ 2 -1 with 1 1 ⁄ ⁄ 2 2 -4 -9 115 DEFENSIVE LINEMEN DEFENSIVE LINEMEN DLs 2008 LO 3/5/08 2:53 PM Page 116

116 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW the line and close to the ball. Good effort and Needs to play with better knee bend and lever- energy. Solid tackler. Takes the game seriously. age. Can be covered up and neutralized. Cannot Negatives: Average size with short arms and beat the double-team and creates little push. Feet small hands. Plays upright and struggles to stack get taken out from underneath him. Lacks the the corner. Lacks bulk and play strength and gets speed and stamina to make plays to the outside. bounced around too much. Not physical and Lacks finishing speed. Fatigues and wears down does not play with any power. Average instincts. late in games. Is late to see and react to the ball. Summary: A big rotational defensive tackle Summary: Shows enough strength and com- with some quickness to contribute in a fast-flow- petitiveness to give him a chance, but a lack of ing, up-the-field attack. instincts could limit his chances. DT DeMARIO PRESSLEY 1 DLE JACOB OWENS (6-3 ⁄8, 301, 5.15) NORTH CAROLINA STATE 7 (6-4 ⁄8, 262, 4.91) FAIRMONT STATE (W. VA.) Notes: Parade All-American, USA Today All- Notes: Also lettered in basketball as a prep. USA first-team selection and North Carolina’s Entered the program as a tight end and redshirt- Gatorade Player of the Year as a high school ed in 2003. Played in all 10 games in ’04, pri- senior. Also lettered in basketball and track and marily at tight end but also at defensive end, field, competing in the shotput. Started 1-of-10 compiling five tackles and one fumble recovery. games in which he played as a true freshman in Started nine games strictly at defensive end in 2004 behind Buffalo Bills ’06 first-round pick ’05 and secured 38 tackles, 14 tackles for loss John McCargo and logged 15-1-0. Beat out and eight sacks. Was held out of one game with Kansas City Chiefs ’07 third-round pick DeMar- a hamstring injury. In ’06, started all 11 games cus “Tank” Tyler to start all 12 games in ’05 and and logged 56-13-4, six batted balls and one registered 43-6-1. In ’06, started the first 11 DEFENSIVE LINEMEN fumble recovery. Started all 10 games in which games at the DRT spot before sustaining a sea- he played in ’07, missing the season opener vs. son-ending wrist injury against North Carolina The Apprentice School with a sprained knee, and finishing with 44-7-2. Missed some time in 1 and totaled 44-10 ⁄2-5 with seven batted balls and the spring of ’07 with a broken big toe on his left three fumble recoveries. foot. Started 8-of-10 games in which he played Positives: Tough and competitive. Plays with in ’07, missing two early-season games follow- intensity. Works hard and shows some versatili- ing surgery to repair a torn right meniscus suf- ty, having lined up at every position on the line fered in practice. Also played through an early- 1 in a three-man front. Is strong and can hold the season elbow sprain. Finished with 38-6-1 ⁄2 and point. Shows good agility for his size. Flashes two interceptions. some nastiness. Positives: Is athletic enough to be disruptive DEFENSIVE LINEMEN Negatives: Has faced marginal competition. and penetrate gaps. Flashes good chase speed to Plays too upright and relies on his upper-body flatten, close to the ball and make plays outside strength. Needs to learn to drop his pads and the tackle box. Solid tackler. Hits with some pop play with better leverage. Very raw hand use. and flashes power. Summary: Raw developmental prospect who Negatives: Has a soft body and is too stiff. might have a chance to compete as a five-tech- Does not play strong. Too often plays down to nique in a 3-4 front. Toughness and competitive- the level of competition. Average lateral quick- ness could open a door. ness. Not a nifty pass rusher and struggles to come free and work off the edges. Gets ridden DT out of plays and struggles to hold his ground. (6-2, 292, 5.13) VIRGINIA TECH His durability has been questionable. Not a great Notes: Also lettered in track and field as a worker. Lacks discipline. prep, competing in the shotput and lined up at Summary: Shows so many flashes of being a linebacker. Redshirted in 2003. Started 1-of-13 good player yet so often struggles and fails to games in ’04, tallying 17 tackles and six tackles live up to his potential that few evaluators will for loss with one forced fumble. Started 5-of-13 have an easy time pounding the table to state his games in which he played in ’05 and compiled case. Classic underachiever who could be very 1 13-1 ⁄2 and one-half sack. Started all 13 games in good if he wants to be, but too often plays lazy 1 1 ’06, recording 38-6 ⁄2-2 ⁄2 with two fumble recov- and down to the competition and looks content eries. Played in all 14 games in ’07, starting 13 standing around. His durability and lack of focus and giving way to senior Kory Robertson to could keep him from ever reaching his potential. 1 open vs. Ohio. Tallied 39-7-3 ⁄2 on the season. Positives: Has some athletic ability and DE ANTONIO REYNOLDS 3 enough quickness to be effective working in (6-3 ⁄4, 266, 4.85e) TENNESSEE gaps. Shows some strength to hold ground, Notes: Also lettered in basketball as a prep. locate the ball and play off blocks. Nice Signed with Miami (Fla.) out of high school in instincts. Flashes some potential vs. Virginia. 2002 but was ruled academically ineligible and Negatives: Plays with too much finesse and sat out the year. Enrolled at Hargrave Military struggles when he is matched up against size. Academy (Va.) in ’03 before moving to Ten-

www.profootballweekly.com DLs 2008LO3/5/082:53PMPage117 3-4 outsidelinebacker. does possesstheathleticabilitytodevelop intoa but or excite scoutswithhispass-rushability, and isnotnaturallybig-boned. in college. Enteredtheprogramat190pounds himself outofplays.Notanevery-down player and getshungup. Takes wideanglesandruns gle tocomefree.Risestootalloutofhisstance strength. Needstowinatthesnaporwillstrug- frame andneedstogetbigger. Hasmarginal interest inacamp. athleticabilityandstrengthtowarrant size, game. Notinstinctive. Limited pass-rushskills. drive andpassionforthe Lacks motivation, the competition.Doesnotplaywithstrength. Marginal chaseandpursuitspeed.Playsdown to Flashes somequicknessandathleticism. ing speedontheperimeter. erage andshadow atightend.Shows niceclos- and isabletocounterinside.Candropintocov- fakes very effectively toselltheoutsidemove ble-footed andagile.Usesjabstepsshoulder right shoulderinjury. ed fromworkouts attheCombinebecauseofa fumble andtwo recovered fumbles. Was exclud- yard interceptionreturnfortouchdown. finished with 37-4 and late-season contestswithasprainedneck, missingtwo games atrightdefensive endin’06, 0-0 andtwo passbreakups. Appeared in11 notching12- Saw actioninall11games’05, threetacklesforlossandonesack. nine tackles, nessee in’04.Playedall13gamesandlogged (6-3 NT (6-3 DRE-OLB ih ae,logging5-3- eight games, playedin tackle forlossandonesack.In’04, one high schoolseniorandtalliedthreetackles, Scarlet Knightsbyakneeinjurysustainedas Limited tothefinal sixgamesof2003withthe Miami (Fla.)but enrolledatRutgersinthefall. end in’07andposted36-16-6 piled 54-7-3.Startedall13gamesatdefensive andcom- starting12, played inall14games, and logged15-1-1oneinterception.In’06, games in’05asaninjuryreplacementatleftend tackle forlossviathesack.Started4-of-12 recordingfive tacklesandone true freshman, 0 tteDEso,tallying31-5 ’07 attheDREspot, transferring to Akron. Saw action inreserve for violation ofteampolicy. Satoutin’05after Rutgers teamin April of’05foranundisclosed Summary: Summary: Negatives: Negatives: Positives: Positives: Notes: Notes: NATE ROBINSON 3 7 ⁄ ⁄ 8 4 , 305,5.25e)AKRON , 255,4.75e)GEORGIA TECH DARRELL ROBERTSON Appeared inall12games2004asa Signed anationalletterofintentwith Has goodsizeandvery longarms. Athletic naturalbender. Very nim- Career underachiever withenough Does notplaywithgreaturgency Too one-dimensional.Hasalean Inconsistent motorandeffort. 1 ⁄ 2 -1. Startedall14gamesin 1 ⁄ 2 . Wasfrom released 1 ⁄ 2 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW with oneforced 1 ⁄ 2 -3 anda70- difficult tomotivate. bounced tothreedifferent programsandwillbe having struggledtostayoutoftrouble, career, but hasunderachieved throughouthis middle, NT (6-5, 252,4.62)BUFFALO DE (6-2 Can bestymiedbyquick-settingblockers. Has asoftdispositionandisnotglass-eater. intelligence. Stillhasjunior-college work habits. line ofscrimmage.Questionableinstinctsand upright. Doesnotplayontheothersideof hips. Will riseoutofhisstanceandplaytoo disengage andshedblockers. Too stiff inthe struggles tosplitthedouble-team.Struggles use hishands.Doesnotplaywithpower and pounds 34timesattheCombine. and straight-linepower. Bench-pressed225 double-team. Shows somequicknessoff theball strength andcanholdhisgroundagainstthe the line. often standsstraightupandgetsstalematedat outside theboxorcreatepenetrationandtoo effort inpursuit.Lackstheburst tomake tackles heavy-legged plugger. Playshardandgives good high-effort, one fumblerecovery. Undersized, girth andstrengththatisdifficult tofind. May take afew yearstodevelop but hasnatural the mostvalue ina3-4frontasnosetackle. and redshirtedin2003.Saw actionin10games high school.Enteredtheprogram as atightend registered 42-4-1 and onesack.Startedall12gamesin’07 fourtacklesforloss registering 34tackles, fall, the final 9-of-12gamesinwhichheplayedthe ferred toISUinthesummerof’06andstarted honors following thepositionswitch. Trans- the offensive linein’05.Earnedall-conference the defensive lineas a freshmanin2004andon College (Texas) outofhighschool.Playedon game. use. DidnotstandoutattheEast-West Shrine no twitchorurgency inhisplay. Marginal hand tions. Playslazy. Moves sluggishlyandshows tor. Was kicked outofRutgersforrulesviola- frame. Canstackthepointandholdground. stinger. five otherswithanankleinjury andashoulder forced fumble.Missedtwo gamesandpartsof notching26-5-2withonebattedballanda ’07, 10 gamesinwhichheplayedatnosetackle piled 23-5-1andtwo battedballs.Started6-of- 11-of-12 gamesatdefensive endin’06andcom- Summary: Negatives: Positives: Notes: Notes: Summary: Negatives: Positives: TREVOR SCOTT AHTYBA RUBIN 3 ⁄ 4 , 315,5.27)IOWA STATE Also letteredinbasketball andtrackin Enrolled at Trinity Valley Community Very thicklybuilt withamassive A massive clogger who willbring Has outstandingsizetoclogthe Very stiff. Needstolearnhow to Not aworker. Marginal competi- a aua ukms,good Has naturalbulk mass, 1 ⁄ 2 www.profootballweekly.com with oneforcedfumbleand 117 DEFENSIVE LINEMEN DEFENSIVE LINEMEN DLs 2008 LO 3/5/08 2:53 PM Page 118

118 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW as a backup tight end and on special teams in counts of driving under the influence and one ’04, finishing with one catch for 42 yards and six count hit and run, all misdemeanor charges tackles. Missed the Akron game with a concus- stemming from the October accident. A jury trial sion. Played in seven games as a reserve tight is tentatively scheduled for this April. end in ’05, catching 8-55 (6.9-yard average). Positives: Has a massive frame with huge Missed three games with a back injury. Moved mitts and long arms and moves very well for his to defensive end in the spring of ’06. Started all size. Size and athletic ability stood out at the 12 games at defensive end in ’06 at barely 230 Texas vs. the Nation all-star game. Can penetrate 1 pounds, notching 45 tackles, 13 ⁄2 tackles for loss and disrupt the backfield and beat the double- and nine sacks with one batted ball and one team. Can push the pocket. Shows the speed to blocked kick. Started all 12 games in ’07, amass- close to the ball (when he wants to). ing 46-15-10 with two batted balls, three forced Negatives: Has made some bad decisions off fumbles and one fumble recovery. Two-time the field and character is a concern. Plays lazy. elected team captain. Needs to be motivated and learn what it means Positives: Good motor. Plays hard and gives to work. Plays too tall and gets hung up on good effort. Good weight-room worker. Solid blocks. Does not play hard. production. Plays on special teams and has good Summary: Maddening to watch given how length to block kicks. immensely talented he is, Shirley is a classic Negatives: Plays upright with no technique underachiever who could be great if he ever puts and gets bounced around too much. Not physical. it all together. Moves very naturally for a 340- Too high-cut and narrow-hipped, lacks bulk pounder. Might have a chance as a two-down, strength and struggles to sink his hips and play run defender playing in a rotation if he can the run. Lacks functional strength and gets put on become more disciplined. Needs hard coaching. his back. Bites on play-action and is not instinc- DEFENSIVE LINEMEN tive. Average bend and flexibility off the edge. DT (Junior) 1 Summary: Converted tight end who is still (6-2 ⁄8, 310, 5.14) AUBURN trying to learn the position and has enough size Notes: Also lettered in basketball as a prep. and speed to warrant developing. Looked like he Played the season opener vs. Louisiana-Monroe still might be best as a tight end at the Texas vs. as a true freshman in 2004 before redshirting the the Nation all-star game. His outstanding motor remainder of the season. Quit the team in ’05 could give him a chance. and did not play. Returned to the team in ’06 and played in all 13 games, recording 16 tackles, five NT tackles for loss and three sacks, along with one 1 (6-5 ⁄4, 338, 5.2e) FRESNO STATE batted ball and a forced fumble. Started all 13 Notes: High school discus and shotput com- games in ’07 and played through a stretch of the DEFENSIVE LINEMEN petitor. Redshirted in 2003. Saw action as a season with a bulky, club-like cast to protect a 1 1 reserve in 11 games in ’04, tallying 16 tackles, broken left hand. Finished with 37-11 ⁄2-4 ⁄2 with 1 2 ⁄2 tackles for loss and one sack. Earned his first three batted balls, two forced fumbles and a 21- career start in the MPC Computers Bowl vs. Vir- yard fumble return for touchdown. Strained his ginia. Started the first five games of ’05 before right groin at the Combine and did not finish being relegated to a reserve role by injury. Fin- working out. ished with 14-4-1. Started all 12 games in ’06, Positives: Shows some natural athletic ability. 1 racking up 22-4 ⁄2-2. Also excelled on special Deceptive first-step quickness. Effective teams, leading the Bulldogs with three blocked slanting. Can hold the point when he keeps his kicks, including two blocks vs. Hawaii in Week pads down. Flashes quickness as a pass rusher Six. Was limited to three games in ’07 by three and has nice spin and swim moves. separate off-field incidents and suspensions, Negatives: Very fleshy-bodied. Lacks upper- posting 7-4-2 and a forced fumble. Suspended body strength. Struggles to sink his hips and the first two games of the season for conduct anchor for as powerful of a lower body as he has. detrimental to the team apparently stemming Lacks finishing speed. Much of his production from him missing a conditioning test. Then on has come when he is unblocked and has a clear Oct. 8 crashed his car into an apartment build- lane to the ball or when he falls into plays ing, left the scene of the accident, but was even- flushed to him. Can do a better job of using his tually arrested and found to have a blood-alcohol hands, locking out and playing off blocks. Too level of 0.12, above the state 0.08 legal limit. Ini- easily reached. Struggles to hold ground vs. the tially received a season-long suspension from double-team and will get turned and twisted. Not the university, but was allowed to return to the quick changing direction and does not play with team after just four weeks after athletic director great balance. Only a one-year starter who Thomas Boeh reversed his initial suspension played in a rotation. Immature and thinks he is apparently in light of medical evidence. Was better than he is. Passion for the game is suspect. then dismissed from the team nearly a month Lacks discipline. Gets fatigued too easily and later after being cited on suspicion of driving fades late in the game. Gets pancaked and with a suspended license and expired registra- spends more time on the ground than he should. tion. Most recently pleaded not guilty to two Struggles vs. better competition and cannot beat

www.profootballweekly.com DLs 2008LO3/5/082:53PMPage119 to thegamecouldseverely limithisdraftstatus. work ethicandcommitment about hispassion, but questions readily ifheiswillingtowork atit, urally athleticbigman.Hecouldcontribute to 340poundsinacoupleofyearsandisnat- has thepearshapeandgrowing frametogetup vs. USC.Finishedwith42-10 late-season contestswithakneesprain suffered missingtwo games inwhichheplayed’07, ted ballandaforcedfumble.Startedall11 22 posting60- games inwhichheplayed’07, bles andfourfumblerecoveries. Startedall10 ing interviews attheCombine. lacks disciplineinhisdiet. Alarmed teamsdur- power. Notaworker. Weight hasfluctuatedand (6-1 DLE-PRS (6-2 DRE-OLB odsrnt,feetandagility. Intriguingpass good strength, fumble. 11 posting30tackles, played behindJoeLemma, ’06 andstarted1-of-14gamesinwhichhe from 2004-05. Transferred toOregon Statein amassing84-23-13 ’06, and afumblerecovery. Startedall12gamesin seven sackstogoalong withtwo forcedfumbles 11tacklesforlossand and registered 43tackles, Started 7-of-9gamesinwhichheplayed’05 play in’04duetoadislocatedleftshoulder. and field asaprep.Redshirtedin2003.Didnot vs. lessercompetition. bulk upandgetstronger. Noticeablystandsout EaglesorBuccaneersifhecan like theColts, pass-rushingrightendforateam an up-the-field, hestandsachancetodevelop as pros. However, down endandcouldprojecttolinebacker inthe room. bine andneedstospendmoretimeintheweight bench-pressed 225pounds17timesattheCom- blockers. Hasstruggledtoholdweight. Only competition andwillstruggletoanchorvs.NFL too easilycanbewashed. Hasnotfaced top framed. Lackssizeandupper-body strengthand tackler. Outstandingworker. Mentallytough. range tothesideline.Goodsecondeffort. Solid burst toclose.Flattensdown thelineandshows the ball.Goodinstincts.Playssmart.Shows the first steptowinatthesnapandbeatblockers off has legit pass-rushability. Shows avery quick high anklesprain. the final two gamesoftheseasonwitharight but hemissed bles andtwo recovered fumbles, 1 1 Summary: Positives: Notes: Notes: Summary: Negatives: Positives: ⁄ ⁄ 2 2 1 3 -10 ⁄ ⁄ 8 2 tackles forlossandninesackswithonebat- , 264,5.06)OREGONSTATE , 231,4.76)McNEESESTATE 1 ⁄ 2 BRYAN SMITH DORIAN SMITH ihoebte al fourforcedfum- with onebattedball, Attended College oftheDesert(Calif.) Also letteredinbasketball andtrack Shows goodtwitchoff theedgeand a hc,muscularbuild. Shows Has athick, ormnsSmAas Sims A poorman’s Sam Adams, Has alinearbuild andisvery thin- Lacks idealbulk tobeanevery- 1 ⁄ 2 with threeforcedfum- 1 ⁄ 2 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW -6 andaforced l 2gmsi 0,totaling 44-24 all 12gamesin’06, with two forcedfumblesandablocked. Started marginal Division IIIcompetition. Isnotnatu- production. acter. Solidwraptackler. Outstandingjunior into andcouldeasilybe260pounds. Goodchar- smart andhardworking. Hasaframeto grow required season-endingsurgery. partially tornligamentinhisrightfootwhich missed thefinal five gamesoftheseasonwith a (6-1 NT (6-3, 246,4.61) WHEATON (ILL.) DRE-OLB drafted. formance willlikely eliminatechancestobe apoorCombineper- pass-rush ability. However, pass rusherasajuniorandshows somenatural anchor strengthvs.therun. entering thestartinglineup.Canimprove his show aquickfirst step.Productiondippedafter ish. Notexplosive outofhisstance.Doesnot control orchangeofdirectiontoconsistentlyfin- blockers toengage. ly moving —anelusive target who’s difficult for movement. Useshishandswellandisconstant- inside spinintightquarters.Doesnotwaste gap onstuntsorproperlysetupandexecute an rusher —canplantandacceleratethroughthe logging 12-6 Started allfive gamesinwhichheplayed’07, eight passbreakupsand19quarterbackhurries. found afterthedraft. Would bebestinarotation. run stuffer ina3-4defenseandlikely couldbe rusher. Marginal practiceplayer. box. Average effort andstamina.Limitedpass playing range—rarelygetsoutsidethetackle instincts —canbelatetofind theball.Limited been very durable. strength inhishandstocontrolblockers. Has defenders andpushthepocket. Flashessome development. Canclog themiddleandoccupy ted balls. andtotaled34-5-1two bat- starting12, ’07, lowing springpractice.Playedinall13games 4-2. Hadarthroscopicsurgery on hisanklefol- Appeared inall13games’06andtallied22- Transferred to Texas A&M andredshirtedin’05. Community College (Miss.)from2003-04. of the Year asaprep. Attended EastCentral 5tcls 19 55 tackles, registering 2004. Started9-of-10gamesin’05, a prep.Saw limitedactionasatruefreshmanin Negatives: Positives: Summary: Negatives: Summary: Negatives: Positives: Notes: Notes: HENRY SMITH 7 ⁄ 8 , 316,5.15e) TEXAS A&M Also letteredinbasketball andtrackas Named Alabama’s Class3ALineman Good masswithstronglower-body Good weight-roomstrength. Very Was mosteffective asasituational Could bringvalue asabig-bodied 1 Production isinflatedfromfacing Is short.Doesnotshow thebody ⁄ 2 a i,softbelly. Average Has abig, 1 5adtrebte al,but -5 andthreebattedballs, ⁄ 2 tackles forlossand7 www.profootballweekly.com 1 ⁄ 2 -17 1 ⁄ 2 1 ⁄ 2 sacks with 119 DEFENSIVE LINEMEN DEFENSIVE LINEMEN DLs 2008 LO 3/5/08 2:53 PM Page 120

120 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW rally big or strong and does not play physical. an excellent, well-proportioned frame to grow See-and-go reactor who loses sight of the ball into. Good first-step quickness. Plays on the too often and can get hung up on blocks. Dura- other side of the line of scrimmage. Can gener- bility needs to be a consideration. ate a pass rush, change direction and create a Summary: Did not play in all-star competition move. Has fluid hips and the feet of a linebacker due to injury and his pro-day workouts will like- when he zone-drops. Has the strength to anchor ly determine whether he has the movement skills vs. the run. Good balance and bend. Good back- and fluidity to transition to outside linebacker. side pursuit. Solid tackler. Smart and hardwork- Raw, developmental small-school pass rusher ing. Good character. Has tons of upside. Per- with some upside. formed exceptionally well in the agility drills at the Combine and showed the quickness desired DRE-OLB in an outside linebacker. 3 (6-2 ⁄8, 244, 4.61) NORTH CAROLINA Negatives: Plays with too much finesse. Too Notes: Appeared in 6-of-12 games at line- inconsistent. Does not have great long speed to backer as a true freshman, racking up 13 tackles, close and is often a step late to arrive. Not a 1 4 ⁄2 tackles for loss all via sacks and three forced glass-eater. Struggled to produce vs. better com- fumbles, including a 21-yard TD return vs. petition. Not explosive or powerful. Shows little Georgia Tech. Played in 10 games in ’05, miss- creativity to make himself skinny as a pass rush- ing the Duke contest with a sprained ankle, and er. Limited hand use. Too tentative. Durability is 1 recorded 12-1 ⁄2-1. In ’06, started all 12 games at an issue. Not a finisher. defensive end and totaled 29-5-3. Started all 12 Summary: An enigma whose motor runs hot games at weak-side defensive end in ’07, amass- and cold and who can be painful to watch 1 ing 49-16-10 ⁄2 with two batted balls, three because he does not play up to his potential. forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. Scouts will not be able to write a report on him DEFENSIVE LINEMEN Positives: Times up the snap well at times and without contradicting themselves because of his can beat blockers off the snap. Showed inconsistent play — he shows strength vs. the improved effort as a senior and good sack pro- run yet can be easily scooped. Has the physical duction. traits to become a great pro and could provide Negatives: Too thin and lacks bulk. Plays too intriguing versatility with potential as a 3-4 out- upright and loses leverage to defend the run. side linebacker. However, he plays with too Gets knocked backward on contact and is not a much finesse, too often only shows one speed strong, drive-through tackler. Average hand use and could fool some evaluators who concentrate in fighting off blocks. Gets caught up in traffic on what he can do in shorts. Shows some simi- and shows average burst to close. Not a fluid larities to Cowboys 2007 first-round pick (26th mover who can easily sink in coverage. Effort is overall) . DEFENSIVE LINEMEN inconsistent. Summary: Too tight and mechanical to project NT JOSH THOMPSON 5 to rush linebacker yet lacks ideal bulk and bulk (5-11 ⁄8, 296, 5.33) AUBURN strength to line up as an every-down end. Not a Notes: Georgia state weightlifting champ dur- great fit for any position and needs to bulk up to ing his sophomore, junior and senior years as a have a chance as a pass rusher. prep. Redshirted in 2003. Played all 13 games in ’04 with a torn right meniscus and registered 23 DE-OLB JEREMY THOMPSON tackles and two tackles for loss with one fumble 3 (6-4 ⁄8, 264, 4.76) WAKE FOREST recovery. Played in 10 games in ’05, recording Notes: Started 3-of-11 games in a rotation at four tackles. Missed two games with an ankle right end as a true freshman in 2004, posting 15 injury. Started all 13 games in ’06, tallying 44- 1 tackles, three tackles for loss and one sack and 4 ⁄2 and one sack. Started all 13 games in ’07 and 1 adding one interception and two blocked kicks. totaled 67-4 ⁄2-0 to lead the team in tackles. Started the first eight games in ’05 before sus- Positives: Very broad-shouldered and wide- taining a torn left anterior cruciate ligament bodied. Is instinctive and runs to the ball. against North Carolina State. Underwent a ham- Plays with natural leverage. Tough. Stout string-ACL reconstruction surgery, which con- enough to anchor and hold his ground. Great sists of using a hamstring tendon in lieu of a character. Very diligent. Smart and under- patella tendon to repair the knee. In ’06, started stands the game. 8-of-14 games, as he eased back from the knee Negatives: Barrel-chested with short arms. injury. Was later hampered by a bruised shoul- Not quick or sudden and can be juked in space. der in the final four contests. Finished with 30- Average closing speed. Limited pass-rush abili- 1 4 ⁄2-1 with three pass breakups and one intercep- ty. Needs to learn how to use his hands better to tion that he returned 86 yards for a TD against disengage and play off blocks. Connecticut, the second-longest interception Summary: Stout, box-like, thickly built plug- return in school history. Started all 13 games in ger who leaves everything on the field and could 1 ’07 and finished with 44-11-6 ⁄2 and two forced earn a roster spot because of his toughness, nat- fumbles. ural leverage and motor. A poor man’s version of Positives: Looks the part with long arms and Ravens DT Kelly Gregg.

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2008 DRAFT PREVIEW 121 LINEBACKERSLINEBACKERS BRUCE L. SCHWARTZMAN

PFW’S TOP 10 1. KEITH RIVERS 2. 3. Dan Connor 4. Erin Henderson 5. Cliff Avril 6. Xavier Adibi 7. 8. 9. 10. Jordon Dizon

WLB XAVIER ADIBI slide. Shows the quickness to elude blockers. Is 3 (6-1 ⁄4, 232, 4.72) VIRGINIA TECH patient vs. the cut-back and plays with discipline Notes: Brother, Nathaniel, played defensive — keeps his eyes upfield, plays off blocks and end for the Hokies and was a fifth-round pick of accelerates through the hole. Understands lever-

the in the 2004 NFL draft. age and funnels the ball toward his help. Looks LINEBACKERS Xavier redshirted in ’03. Tore a tendon in his natural in pass coverage and easily can run with right biceps in the season opener in ’04. Under- tight ends and running backs. Good awareness in went surgery and sat out the first six games but coverage. Solid Senior Bowl performance. returned to play in the final seven contests and Negatives: Has a slender frame with skinny 1 registered 25 tackles, 4 ⁄2 tackles for loss and two legs. Very undersized and will get blown up by sacks with one interception and one forced fum- the double-team. Does not consistently break ble. Started all 13 games in ’05 at inside line- down in space. Can play tall and out of control. backer, compiling 69-7-3 with four pass Not a strong face-up tackler. Will overrun the breakups and two interceptions, one of which ballcarrier and misses too many easy tackles. was returned 25 yards for a touchdown against Takes time to digest what he sees and could use Georgia Tech. Started all 13 games in ’06, total- some reps to understand a complex game plan. 1 ing 82-6 ⁄2-3 with six pass breakups, three inter- Summary: Very lanky, long-limbed, under- ceptions, three forced fumbles and one fumble powered weak-side ’backer who is most effec- recovery. Started all 14 games in ’07 at inside tive when he is covered up and free to run to the linebacker, totaling 115-12-3 with two intercep- ball. Compensates for a lack of bulk with speed. tions, five pass breakups and a forced fumble. Put on 12 pounds between the Senior Bowl and Did not do the bench press at the Combine the Combine and lost half a step, but he plays because of a right shoulder injury. faster than his timed speed. Has starter potential. Positives: Plays fast with good knee bend. Moves fluidly and has good lateral range to the WLB STEVE ALLEN 1 sideline. Solid tackler in space. Is rarely outrun (6-0 ⁄2, 236, 4.88) WEST TEXAS A&M or beaten to the corner. Uses his long arms very Notes: Engaged with one son. Also lettered in well in shedding blockers. Good shuffle and basketball, baseball and track as a prep. Original-

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122 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW ly signed with Nebraska but did not qualify acad- energy and plays hard. Had a good Senior Bowl emically and enrolled at Hutchinson (Kan.) Com- week, showed great agility in linebacker drills at munity College, where he redshirted in 2003. the Combine and looked as athletic as any rush Moved on to West Hills Community College linebacker when dropping and moving around. (Calif.) in ’04 and started 9-of-10 games at free Negatives: Does not show the burst to win off safety. Attended Fresno City College (Calif.) in the snap or turn the corner. Plays too short- ’05 and started all 11 games at outside linebacker. armed and tries to shoulder past blockers. Strug- Transferred to West Texas A&M in ’06 and start- gles to disengage. Disappears too much. Lacks ed 7-of-12 games at an ILB spot, totaling 76 tack- mass to anchor and hold his ground. Does not 1 les, 7 ⁄2 tackles for loss and three sacks with one have quick feet and is an easy target for blockers forced fumble. Played in all 13 games in ’07, to engage. Can be engulfed and struggles with 1 making 12 starts. He registered 78-13 ⁄2-1 with size. Does not play with awareness or sense one interception, one forced fumble and two fum- plays developing. ble recoveries. Did not complete agility drills at Summary: Played out of position in college at the Combine because of dizziness. strong-side defensive end and was continually Positives: Natural athlete. Plays physical and overmatched and outmuscled. Developed a rep- can run and hit. Shows great speed to the utation as a 1-for-4 hitter, disappearing every perimeter and a good closing burst to the ball. three snaps, and was most effective when he Good overall movement skills. Has long arms lined up at strong-side linebacker as a junior. and plays off blocks. Solid, drive-through tack- Outstanding showing standing up at the Com- ler. Plays faster than he times. bine, and long lineage of successful Purdue rush Negatives: Lacks great size and take-on linebackers should enhance his value for an strength. Can be overaggressive running to the aggressive, blitzing 3-4 defense used by a team ball. Does not show much awareness in coverage like the Ravens, Niners or Steelers. Could fit as LINEBACKERS and lets receivers work around him in zones. an inside ’backer in a traditional 3-4 defense like Immature and has a street-thug mentality. Does the Patriots, but his best fit might be as an open- not like to train or condition his body. Not com- side end in an aggressive 4-3 front. mitted in the offseason. Only bench-pressed 225 pounds 17 times at the Combine. Lacks disci- LB BEAU BELL 1 pline. Character is a concern. (6-1 ⁄4, 244, 4.65e) UNLV Summary: A good football player who could Notes: Full name is James Beaumont Bell. be difficult to sell to a decision-maker because Lined up at DE, LB, DB, RB, P and PK positions of character concerns, Allen is much more in high school. Played all 11 games as a true instinctive than Browns 2003 second-rounder freshman in 2004 and tallied 26 tackles and one (52nd overall) Chaun Thompson, who was tackle for loss. Started the final 7-of-11 games in grossly overdrafted. Must prove he is committed ’05 at outside linebacker after recovering from a 1 1 to the game to warrant investing in his future. groin injury and logged 92-7 ⁄2 and 3 ⁄2 sacks. Limited to starting the first seven games in ’06 LB-DRE CLIFF AVRIL by a sprained left ankle and totaled 76-9-4. Start- 7 (6-2 ⁄8, 253, 4.62) PURDUE ed all 12 games at weak-side linebacker in ’07, 1 LINEBACKERS Notes: Also lettered in basketball and track in finishing with 126-9 ⁄2-3 plus five forced fumbles, high school. Started 4-of-12 games at strong-side seven pass breakups and four interceptions. Suf- linebacker as a true freshman in 2004 and tallied fered a bruised left knee at the Senior Bowl and 36 tackles, three tackles for loss and one-half did not work out at the Combine as a result. sack and added one forced fumble. Started 4-of- Positives: Very good size and bulk. Naturally 10 games at strong-side linebacker in ’05, miss- big-boned. Flashes outstanding instincts — ing the Wisconsin contest with a lower back frac- diagnoses plays quickly. Shows great anticipa- 1 ture. Finished with 33-2 ⁄2-0. Missed much of the tion and breaks on the ball quickly. Sees the ’06 spring practice in order to rest the back whole field. Gets downhill and will step up and injury. In ’06, started all 14 games — four at stack. Has take-on ability. Is quick to jump strong-side linebacker and 10 at weak-side underneath routes and blow up receivers. Hits defensive end opposite Anthony Spencer — reg- with power and will strike. istering 84-15-6 with six pass breakups, one Negatives: Has a bad body — is high-cut and interception and two forced fumbles. Started all top-heavy and looks like he has not seen a 13 games in ’07 at strong-side defensive end, weight room. Plays hesitantly, takes false steps 1 totaling 41-15-6 ⁄2 to go with four forced fumbles, and does not trust his instincts. Too often leaves three recovered fumbles and an interception. his feet and whiffs in the open field. Does not Positives: Versatile — has experience playing show great chase speed and will lose the corner. with a hand down as well standing up at line- Rises in his pedal on his pass drops. Plays flat- backer. Shows some natural pass-rush ability. Dis- footed, struggles to change direction and shift ciplined — maintains backside responsibilities. his weight. Reacts late to thrown balls. Does not 5 Good size with very long arms (34 ⁄8 inches) and show great functional take-on strength and can good body length. Impressive lateral range and get buried on the blitz. Durability is a concern. long speed. Good competitor. Plays with a lot of Lacks the mental toughness to play with pain.

www.profootballweekly.com LBs 2008LO3/5/082:54PMPage123 least tobeaqualitybackup. some timetodevelop but hehasthepotentialat will likely comeasalinebacker. Couldtake backer thanadefensive endandhisbestchance handle NFLtightendsincoverage. ural moving inreverse andcouldstruggleto ence atlinebacker. Doesnotplayfast. Notnat- undersized fortheendpositionandlacksexperi- turnovers. Greatproduction.Solidcharacter. knack forjarringloosetheballandcreating speed andsecondeffort. Solidhitter. Hasa on hisfeet.Playswithleverage. Goodchase upfield quickness. Shows nicebalanceand plays bine. Shows somepass-rushinstinctsand bench-pressed 225pounds29timesattheCom- merly Division I-AA)level. the Football ChampionshipSubdivision (for- Buchanan Award asthebestdefensive playerat record intheregular season. Won theBuck in helpingGrizzliespostanunbeaten11-0 five forcedfumblesandtwo blocked field goals he hassomeversatility. patient. Hemightfit bestinsideina3-4frontbut before hefigures itout. Will requireateamtobe and trustwhathesees.Couldtake afew years but heneedstobecomemoreconsistent good, Bellhasthephysicaltoolstobevery Thomas, take-charge leader. Notconsistent. Not avocal, (6-1 WLB (6-2 SLB-DE lying 70-18 tal- Started all12gamesin’07atdefensive end, forced fumblesandfive passes batteddown. three up 78-14-11withtwo fumblerecoveries, fumble. Started10-of-14gamesin’06andpiled 7-3 withtwo fumblerecoveries andoneforced totaling48- injury. Playedinall12games’05, game againstNorthwesternStateduetoan Missed thefirst-round Division I-AAplayoff recovery thathereturnedforatouchdown. les forlossandthreesacks. Also hadonefumble ielnbce n’6 compiling155-5-1with side linebacker in’06, totaling 33-2-1.Startedall12games atweak- in ’05andplayedall12games inthefall, loss andseven sacks. Transferred toIowa State 77 tacklesin’04togoalongwith 14 tacklesfor school andredshirtedin2003.Ledtheteamwith den CityCommunityCollege (Kan.)outofhigh 6 man in’04andfinished with22tackles, 2004. Playedin14-of-15gamesasatruefresh- from linebacker todefensive endinthefall of the stateasajuniorandsenior. Was moved placingsecondin tana. Also was astarwrestler, er atbothlinebacker andrunningbackinMon- Summary: Negatives: Positives: Summary: Notes: Notes: 1 ⁄ 7 8 ⁄ , 223,4.84)IOWA STATE 8 , 246,4.87)MONTANA KROY BIERMANN Was afirst-team all-statefootballplay- ikaei Ae”EnrolledatGar- Nickname is“Ace.” 1 Very goodweight-roomstrength— ⁄ 2 -16 withtwo fumblerecoveries, Has faced marginal competition.Is sbitmr iea“a”line- Is built morelike a“Sam” A very poorman’s Adalius 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW 1 ⁄ 2 tack- legs throughtraffic. Average lateralquickness. upright andcoulddoabetterjobofprotectinghis petition. Lackssizeandbulk strength.Playstoo ae n’7 leadingtheteamwith149-13-3 games in’07, face-up tackler. Tough. screens anddraws andgetsdownhill fast. Solid three passbreakupsandablocked kick. aninterception, Also hadfourforcedfumbles, (5-10 WLB 74-7 missing two gameswithakneeinjury. Tallied Started allninegamesinwhichheplayed’06, oneinterceptionandfive passbreakups. fumble, oneforced onefumblerecovery, three sacks, (6-2, 231,4.69) TOWSON WLB ishing with99-12 fin- game with12.9.Startedall12gamesin’07, forced fumble.Ledthenationintacklesper oneinterceptionand three passbreakups, one gameasatruefreshmanin 2003 but suf- totaling72-10 Started all11gamesin’05, ished with33tacklesandfourforloss. the seasonbecauseofadislocatedelbow. Fin- starting five. Missedfourgamesinthemiddleof a smallpond.Couldcompeteonspecialteams. but mustshow thatheismorethanabigfish in more disciplinetoearnajob. window. Hemustgetstrongerandplaywith Throw theimpressive tacklenumbersoutthe cism tocompensateformisstepsandmistakes. Bowen isaleaky tackler wholacksgreatathleti- struggle withacomplex gameplan. small-framed. Hasstruggledtobulk up.Could flaps hisjaw toomuch.Skinny-legged and run theball.Notphysical. Too undisciplinedand blockers. Playstoooutofcontroland will over- skates andgetstaken foraridewhentakingon understanding ofwherehishelpis.Playson on theperimeteranddoesnotattackwithan strides andshows noextra gear. Overruns plays strength —very weakarmtackler. Takes long 225 poundsatCombine)andfunctionalplaying field. Lacks weight-roomstrength(15repsat flat-footed andistooeasilyjuked intheopen- Has beendurable. ance toprotecthisfeetandplayoff cutblocks. eyes andanticipatingthrows. Shows nicebal- and doesanicejobofreadingthequarterback’s shuffles andslides. Agile droppingintocoverage es). Keeps hisshoulderssquaretothelineand lent careerproduction. Very longarms(35inch- fumble recovery andfive forcedfumbles. Positives: Notes: Summary: Negatives: Notes: Summary: Negatives: Positives: 1 MARCUS BUGGS BRIAN BRADFORD 3 ⁄ ⁄ 2 8 , 232,4.7e) VANDERBILT -1 andthreepassbreakups.Startedall11 Also letteredintrackasaprep.Played Appeared ineightgames2004, Field fast andinstinctive. Sniffs out Plays faster thanhetimes.Excel- A smallmaninabigman’s game, a ae agnl low-level com- Has faced marginal, Stands outvs.lessercompetition Glaringly unreliabletackler. Plays 1 www.profootballweekly.com ⁄ 2 2pu nitreto,a -2 plusaninterception, 1 ⁄ 2 with 1 ⁄ 2 . 123 LINEBACKERS LINEBACKERS LBs 2008 LO 3/5/08 2:54 PM Page 124

124 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW fered a torn right anterior cruciate ligament prior with good size and physical tools that do not to Week Two and redshirted. Started 2-of-10 translate onto the field. Very average against the games in which he played in ’04 at strong safety run and taking on blocks. He could struggle to and recorded 13 tackles and one tackle for loss ever make an impact at the next level. His lack with one pass breakup. Moved to linebacker in of discipline could be his undoing. ’05 and started 2-of-11 games on the strong side, amassing 29-1 with one forced fumble. Started WLB MATT CASTELO 5 all 12 games on the weak side in ’06 and tallied (5-10 ⁄8, 231, 4.7e) SAN JOSE STATE 1 50-10 ⁄2 and two sacks and added four pass Notes: Also lettered in basketball and track as breakups, one interception and one fumble a prep. Started the last 4-of-7 games in which he recovery. Underwent postseason arthroscopic played at outside linebacker as a true freshman 1 surgery on his right knee. Started all 12 games in in 2004, registering 36 tackles, 2 ⁄2 tackles for ’07, notching 76-12-3 with one forced fumble loss and one-half sack and added one intercep- and one pass breakup. tion. Started all 11 games at outside linebacker Positives: Is athletic and fluid in coverage. in ’05 and recorded 91-8-3 with one pass Runs hard to the ball. Shows some strength to breakup. Started all 13 games at middle line- match up with tight ends and play the run. Vocal backer in ’06, tallying 165-5-0 with four forced team leader. Good worker. fumbles and one interception. Led the nation in Negatives: Too short and lacks ideal size to total tackles. Started all 12 games in ’07, record- 1 match up over tight ends. Does not play fast. ing 141-12 ⁄2-2 with three fumble recoveries, Limited coverage skills. Not a great athlete in three pass breakups and one interception. space and struggles to break down and wrap up. Positives: Plays hard with great energy and Summary: Converted safety who outshined intensity. Good instincts — has a nose for the his more publicized teammate Jonathan Goff as ball. Plays with good pad level and natural lever- LINEBACKERS a senior and could fit as a weak-side ’backer in a age. Solid tackler. Good effort in pursuit. fast-flowing 4-3 defense used by a team such as Extremely productive. Great work ethic and the Buccaneers, Colts or Bears and contribute on character. Highly respected team leader. special teams. An ideal backup. Negatives: Does not have a frame to get big- ger and is not strong or physical. Lacks take-on SLB EZRA BUTLER strength. Can be engulfed and struggle to disen- 1 (6-1 ⁄2, 245, 4.57) NEVADA gage from blocks. Tight in the hips and takes Notes: Born in South Africa and came to the short, choppy steps. Does not have great cover- United States when he was 14. Redshirted in age skills. 2003. Appeared in eight games as a 285-pound Summary: Is best when he is clean and pro- defensive tackle in ’04, securing 19 tackles, four tected and able to roam to the ball. Projects to tackles for loss and one-half sack. Missed four the weak side in the pros. Has a special-teams games with a right shoulder injury that required mentality. surgery. Dropped weight and switched positions in Nevada’s new 3-4 scheme, starting all 12 LB DAN CONNOR 3 games at strong-side linebacker in ’05, and reg- (6-2 ⁄8, 231, 4.8e) PENN STATE 1 1 LINEBACKERS istered 75-15 ⁄2-5 ⁄2 with three pass breakups and Notes: Dad was a coach. two forced fumbles. Moved to “bandit” position Named Parade and USA Today All-American and started all 13 games in ’06, compiling 71- and Big School Player of the Year by The Asso- 1 18-7 ⁄2 and two fumble recoveries. Started 9-of- ciated Press as a prep linebacker. As a running 10 games in which he played in ’07, missing one back, he rushed for 4,556 career yards and 77 game because of suspension (for a violation of touchdowns. Also lettered in basketball and team rules) and another with a shoulder injury. track and field, competing in the high jump, 1 1 He still finished with 87-12 ⁄2-2 ⁄2 plus three inter- javelin, discus and shotput. Graduated high ceptions, two fumble recoveries and three forced school early and enrolled at Penn State in the fumbles. Did not work out at the Combine spring of his senior year. Started 4-of-11 games because of a right hamstring injury. at outside linebacker as a true freshman in 2004, Positives: Good production. Well-built. Plays replacing an injured Tim Shaw and racking up 1 on his toes. Good size-speed ratio. Versatile — 85 tackles, 4 ⁄2 tackles for loss and one sack. former defensive end is capable playing in space Started the final 6-of-9 games in which he and rushing off the edge in a three-point stance. played at outside linebacker in ’05 after being Shows pass-rush ability with nice agility and the suspended the first three games of the season for speed to turn the corner. Can accelerate in back- making crank phone calls to former Penn State side pursuit. Can run with tight ends. assistant Joe Sarra. Finished the season with 76- 1 1 Negatives: Does not play to his size. Plays too 5 ⁄2-1 ⁄2 with eight pass breakups and one fumble upright and stiff. Lacks take-on strength — will returned 18 yards for a TD against Illinois. Start- get run through by running backs, blown up by ed all 13 games at outside linebacker in ’06 fullbacks and blown off the ball by the double- despite breaking a bone in his left hand prior to team. Struggles playing off blocks. Fake tough. the Wisconsin game and amassed 113-9-5 with Summary: Productive strong-side linebacker two interceptions and three forced fumbles.

www.profootballweekly.com LBs 2008LO3/5/082:54PMPage125 could standtomature. andhe ten himintosometroubleoff thefield, small andhittinggaps.Mischievousness hasgot- makinghimself better joboftiminguptheblitz, late todisengageandshedblocks.Coulddoa ment. Lacksgreatsizeandstrengthcanbe consistently. Shows sometightnessinhismove- speed andshort-areaburst toreachtheperimeter framed. Notagreatathleteandlacksthefoot tackler. Isversatile. ished hiscareerasPennState’s all-timeleading captain. Vocal leader. Superproductive —fin- ball. Very hardworking andcompetitive. Team neath crossersandreactsquicklytothethrown seesunder- keeps hisheadonaswivel, zones, chases inpursuit.Shows goodawareness in Plays withintensityandgives goodeffort and the ball.Useshishandswelltojamreceivers. smart andunderstandsthegame. Always around physicaltackler. Goodstriker. Plays Downhill, does anicejobofdiagnosingscreensanddraws. the Combineanddidnotwork out. football’s defensive playerof theyear. Was illat tion. Won theChuckBednarik Award ascollege l 3gms trig1,a eir andhe paced theteamwith145-15-6 asasenior, starting12, all 13games, Posluszny atmiddlelinebacker in’07.Played Replaced Buffalo Billssecond-roundpickPaul Dan Connor Summary: Negatives: Positives: l Very goodnoseforthefootball— PENN STATE Will bedowngraded forhislackof Lacks bulk andisnotvery big- 1 ⁄ 2 and anintercep- 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW

BRUCE L. SCHWARTZMAN more patientandconvert hisweight. but heneedstobe rush linebacker inthepros, Shows enoughpass-rushabilitytoproject after runninginthelow 4.6stheprevious spring. clocking above 5.0inthe40atCombine Combine andcouldnotmaintainhisspeed, pounds fromthetimeofHulaBowl tothe Immature. edge. Coulddoabetterjobofusinghishands. too easilygetscontrolled.Strugglestosetthe anchor vs.therun.Notstrongorphysicaland ing inall13gamesandtotaling16-7 play- January. Returnedtodefensive endin’06, mated byinjuriesasapracticeplayerinearly Joined aBearcatsbasketball teamthatwas deci- but hislackofgirthcouldkeep himoutside. of filtering throughtraffic andtakingonblocks, impressive SeniorBowl outing.Doesanicejob make playsandattackthefootballwithan answered any questionsregarding hisabilityto inside asaseniortoreplacePosluszny. He bulk andathleticismbut seamlesslykicked (6-4, 252,5.09)CINCINNATI OLB-DRE ieeda eev n’5 tallying28-6-2and sive endasareserve in’05, sacks. Saw timeatoutside linebacker anddefen- (6-2 OLB-DE start. Tallied 19tacklesand1 withone as areserve outsidelinebacker in’05, makingonetackle.Playedineightgames in ’04, 2003. Appeared infive gamesonspecialteams jump) asaprepinCleveland. Redshirtedin also competedintrack(longjumpandhigh ogn 7tcls 3 logging 17tackles, Justin HickmanandBrighamHarwell in’04, in 2003.Started2-of-12gamesa rotationwith lettered intrackandfield asaprep.Redshirted also playedatUCLA(1977-79).BruceII Ronnie, and HoustonOilers(1987-89).Uncle, moving ontoplaywiththeRaiders(1979-87) sive tacklewiththe Bruins(1975-78)before MVP honors. the HulaBowl onhisway toearningdefensive Notched two sacksandtwo forcedfumblesin two passbreakupsand11QBhurries. down), (one ofwhichhereturnedfora16-yardtouch- ished with43-8-3andtwo fumblerecoveries and alsomissedastartvs.SouthFlorida.Fin- not startvs.Pittsburgh forviolatingteamrules starting11.Did played inall13games’07, breakups. Moved toleftdefensive endand sacks withonefumblerecovery andtwo pass and effort stoodoutattheHulaBowl. fluidmover. Speed and fairly explosive. Smooth, ball. Shows somestrengthinhishands.Isquick speed andcandipoff thecornerandcloseto Summary: Notes: Notes: Positives: Negatives: 5 ⁄ 8 , 252,4.82)UCLA ahr rc r,letteredasanoffen- Bruce Sr., Father, Starred infootballandbasketball and Natural athlete.Shows goodedge o o i o at gaining24 Got toobigfast, Is thinlybuilt andlacksbulk to www.profootballweekly.com 1 ⁄ 2 tackles forlossand2 1 ⁄ 2 tackles forloss. 1 ⁄ 2 and four 1 ⁄ 2 125 LINEBACKERS LINEBACKERS LBs 2008 LO 3/5/08 2:54 PM Page 126

126 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW four pass breakups. Started all 13 games at sealed on the second level and open lanes for 1 1 defensive end in ’06, amassing 47-17 ⁄2-12 ⁄2, some big runs. Was not asked to cover a lot and three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. has deficiencies in man coverage. Awkward in Started all 13 games in ’07 and totaled 45-15-12 pass coverage — plays tall in pass drops and with nine pass breakups, one forced fumble and does not react quickly. Has had some shoulder two fumble recoveries. injuries. Positives: Is fairly athletic with long arms and Summary: Lined up inside all four years and shows some pass-rush ability. Plays hard and was rarely asked to cover. Did not look very gives good effort. Shows a burst to close. Has comfortable outside at the Senior Bowl, but NFL pedigree. could still make a living there in the pros. Could Negatives: Struggles to match up against size warrant interest from a Tampa-2 team on the and dig a hole vs. the run. Is too easily con- inside if he can unlock his hips and improve his trolled. Can be late to locate the ball. Will strug- coverage. Should be solid on special teams. gle vs. bigger blockers. Not very instinctive. Average strength and power. Production came MLB JOLONN “JOEY” DUNBAR 1 against average competition and came in spurts, (6-0 ⁄2, 231, 4.84) BOSTON COLLEGE often when he was unblocked. Notes: Rushed for a school-record 5,136 Summary: One-trick pony who worked out yards and 56 touchdowns as a prep. Redshirted well at the Combine and looked athletic enough in 2003 and converted to linebacker late in the to bring value as a 3-4 outside linebacker. year. Played in 10 games in ’04, missing two with a hamstring injury, and registered 37 tack- 1 LB JORDON DIZON les and 2 ⁄2 tackles for loss with two pass 7 (5-11 ⁄8, 229, 4.73) COLORADO breakups and one forced fumble. Started 1-of- Notes: Also lettered in track and soccer in 12 games in ’05, tallying 50-5 and one-half LINEBACKERS high school. Started 11-of-13 games at middle sack with three pass breakups and one forced linebacker as a true freshman, tallying 85 tack- fumble. Started 11 games in ’06, compiling 92- 1 les, six tackles for loss and one sack with four 7 ⁄2-2 with one interception and three fumble pass breakups. Started 12-of-13 games in ’05, recoveries. Missed two games because of a registering 65-7-3 with one pass breakup. right high ankle sprain and right shoulder Deferred his starting position during the Big 12 injury. Returned two fumbles for touchdowns title game for then-senior Akarika Dawn, who vs. Maryland. Hampered by an ankle injury in was playing in his hometown. Started 11-of-12 ’07 that caused him to start only 9-of-13 games games in ’06, recording 137-7-4 with one forced and forced him to miss the Maryland game. 1 fumble and one fumble recovery. Selected as a Tallied 90-4 ⁄2-0 and one interception. Voted team captain. Started all 12 games in ’07 at team captain as a junior and as a senior. Did not weak-side linebacker, finishing with 160-7-4, run shuttles at the Combine because of a left leading the nation in solo tackles (120). hamstring injury. Received an IV drip at halftime of nearly every Positives: Has a solid, compact build with game because of dehydration. good musculature. Plays smart. Instinctive and Positives: Incredibly productive. Has a has a good nose for the football. Is quicker than

LINEBACKERS tremendous nose for the football. Filters through fast and quick in short areas. Is tough and will traffic and squeezes through holes extremely fill downhill and take on the lead. Plays to the well. Shows good agility to slip and avoid block- whistle and never assumes he is out of a play. ers and arrive at the ball in a hurry. Keeps his Shows great awareness. Shows a great burst in eyes upfield. Plays on his toes and changes short areas. Solid tackler. Gets depth in his drops direction effortlessly. Can fill the hole and tack- and shows good zone recognition. Fiery com- le with power. Surprising take-on strength. petitor. Emotional, take-charge leader. Excellent Extremely active, plays 100 miles per hour and work habits. covers a lot of ground. Shows a great short-area Negatives: Is undersized and lacks the natural burst, can sink his hips and accelerate. Plays girth to get much bigger and can be washed out with a sense of urgency and an on-field intensi- of plays. Has short arms and struggles to shed ty that sets the tone for the defense. Very aggres- blocks. Does not have great speed to chase to the sive blitzer who knows how to dip, make himself perimeter. Could be outmatched in man cover- skinny and take an edge. Relentlessly competi- age. Average upper-body strength. Lack of size tive. Outstanding character. Has a passion for the could create durability issues — could wear game. Good football intelligence. Will play down in November. through pain. Summary: Is not big or flashy but compen- Negatives: Lacks size and upper-body sates for average measurables with heart, tough- strength. Does not consistently break down in ness and football intelligence. Possesses out- space as a tackler — will leave his feet, lead with standing intangibles and makes those around his shoulder and whiff. Too much of his produc- him better. A better football player than athlete, tion comes from moving laterally and lassoing Dunbar could develop into a solid backup and ballcarriers. Can overpursue and take bad special-teams contributor, but he will pay even angles. Struggles to shed blocks — will get greater dividends in the locker room.

www.profootballweekly.com LBs 2008LO3/5/082:54PMPage127 2 totaling22tacklesand appeared inall11games, Moved torightdefensive endin’05and side linebacker in’04andrecordedninetackles. Redshirted in2003.Playedall11gamesatout- compiled 93-6-2 and onesack.Startedall12gamesin’06 threetacklesforloss ment. Amassed 63tackles, sustaining apartiallytornmedialcollateralliga- all 11gamesatmiddlelinebacker in’05despite 38 tacklesandaddedoneforcedfumble.Started games atmiddlelinebacker in’04andrecorded Redshirted in2003.Startedthefinal 4-of-11 obn,bench-pressing 225pounds28times Combine, well asany inside’backer inthedraftat gent. Very durable.Good worker. Worked outas arms andgoodbulk. Very productive. Intelli- (6-2, 248,4.76) VANDERBILT OLB-DRE (6-2, 245,4.71) VANDERBILT MLB 30-7-3 tallying 12 gamesin’07atrightdefensive end, fumbles andthreefumblerecoveries. Startedall threeforced seven sackswithoneinterception, registering 49-8and all 12gamesinthefall, during ’06springpracticebut returnedtostart ing 113-6 total- blocked kick.Startedall12gamesin’07, interception andtwo forcedfumbles and a team like theSteelersorRavens. backer foranaggressive 3-4frontusedbya but heprojectsbesttorushline- a 4-3front, could stillgetlooksasanupfield edgerusherin al drillsasalinebacker attheCombineand side hiptobringpressure.Stoodoutinposition- more insideas’backers werecomingoff hisout- decreased asaseniorwhenhewas asked tostunt as arushlinebacker inthepros.Sackproduction defensive endandlikely willreapthemostvalue blockers back. striker. Doesnotshow theplaystrengthtowalk NFL conditioningprogram.Notanexplosive anchor inthepros.Needstospendtimean bit undersizedandlackslower-body mass to the corner. Needstogetbiggerandstronger. A and positionaldrillsattheCombine. habits. Tough. Performedvery wellinagility Good range. Versatility isaplus.Goodwork Runs totheballandchasesfrombackside. bender. Playswithdisciplineandgreateffort. team. Shows nicepopinhispunch. A natural base andbalancetosustainagainstthedouble- leverage, hands. Playswithenoughstrength, Good short-areaburst. Shows somepopinhis ders andamuscularbasehasroomtogrow. voted ateamcaptain. 1 ⁄ 2 Notes: Notes: Summary: Negatives: Positives: Positives: tackles forloss.Suffered abroken rightfoot JONATHAN GOFF 1 ⁄ 2 CURTIS GATEWOOD plus aforcedfumble. Also letteredinbasketball andtrack. Also letteredintrackandbasketball. 1 ⁄ 2 -3 plustwo interceptions. Twice Compact framewithwideshoul- Has amuscularbuild withlong Does notshow greatspeedtoturn Played outofpositionatright 1 ⁄ 2 ihtops raus one with two passbreakups, 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW linebacker andcontributor onspecialteams. in amiddle’backer. Mightfit bestasa“Sam” nor doeshehave theinstinctsandthumpdesired open field. He doesnotplaytoworkout numbers lumbers whenherunsandisoverwhelmed inthe bers ofany inside’backer attheCombinebut make amistake. cover. Too roboticandplayslike heisafraidto whelmed inpasscoverage andstrugglesto blocks andgetssealedoff. Appears over- shedding blockers andtoooftenrunsunderneath ing strength.Glaringlysoftwhentakingonand cut block.Notaphysicaltackler. Average play- through traffic. Too easilychopped down bythe ance andawareness andstrugglestomaneuver from theslightestmisstep.Shows marginal bal- struggles tochangedirectionandcannotrecover footed. Too tight-hipped.Limitedagility— heavy-legged andflat- reads. Playstooslow, Has average instinctsandistoocautiousmaking ing laterally. Isoftenthelastlinebacker tomove. Almost allofhisproductioncomeswhenmov- drills. to paceallILBsandperformingwellinagility (6-1 MLB Wastes movement andtakes missteps—gets changing direction.Instinctsarenoticeably off. and canlosealittletimetransitioning and Shows sometightnessinhishipsandlower body because ofreactionsthatarea second slow. Shows take-on strength. face-up tacklerwithgoodstrikingability. Solid, corner. Goodproduction.Fliesallover thefield. to-sideline rangevs.therun—cangetto movement frombothsides. Very goodsideline- ball andshows aburst inpursuit.Could handle lature withastronglower body. Runsfast tothe Boston College game. of ahippointerinjurythathehadsuffered inthe not finish drillsorhispro-dayworkout because double majorinliberalartsandcriminology. Did and threefumblerecoveries. Graduatedwitha ished with100-3-0. Also hadoneinterception concussion. Startedall12gamesin’07andfin- breakups despitemissingtwo contestswitha andnotched41-5-0withtwo pass el defenses, surrenderingsixstartstonick- linebacker in’06, 5-of-11 gamesinwhichheplayedatstrong-side dislocated leftshoulderandredshirting.Started opener andrecorded3-0-0beforesustaininga ed atstrong-sidelinebacker inthe’05season 10tacklesforlossandone-halfsack.Start- les, fering ashoulderinjury. Finishedwith83tack- played atweak-sidelinebacker in’04beforesuf- Started thefirst 9-of-12gamesinwhichhe true freshmanin2003andrecorded10tackles. a highschoolsenior. Playedall13gamesasa Summary: Negatives: Negatives: Positives: Notes: 1 ⁄ 4 TAVARES GOODEN , 234,4.61)MIAMI(FLA.) Florida statechampioninthediscusas Looks thepart—excellent muscu- Produced thebestall-aroundnum- Too stiff. Doesnotplaydownhill. Looks like heismissingapiston www.profootballweekly.com 127 LINEBACKERS LINEBACKERS LBs 2008 LO 3/5/08 2:54 PM Page 128

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1 fooled by misdirection and runs into the line- games in ’06 and registered 37-12-9 ⁄2 with three backers next to him while misdiagnosing plays. forced fumbles. Graduated in ’06. Started 7-of- Bites on play-action. Will overlap the ball when 11 games in which he played in ’07, missing the he should be hitting gaps. Not a thumper and do Vanderbilt and Auburn contests with three dislo- not hear pads clicking in practice. Lacks the fire cated toes suffered vs. Florida, an injury with and intensity of most Miami linebackers. Mental which he played the remainder of the season. toughness remains a question — showed up at Totaled 38-7-3 and two forced fumbles and fin- the Senior Bowl but did not play (pulled groin, ished tied as the school’s career leader in sacks hip injury) and is not a nail-eater who likes to (26). play through pain. Positives: Quick-twitch athlete who has very Summary: A better athlete than football play- good straight-line speed. Has explosive speed to er, Gooden makes most of his plays in chase- beat blockers off the ball and is quick turning the and-pursuit mode and would be best in a simple corner. Great closing speed. Very active on the scheme where he is not asked to do a lot of pro- edges. Can extend, lock out and control block- cessing. Is not a thumper and struggled with the ers. Flashes the ability to react, shoot gaps and mental aspects of the game until he was moved be very disruptive. Good balance and body con- inside as a senior and the light came on. Will trol. Shows the agility to need to be coached with sensitivity and patience blanket tight ends and and will require patience to develop. backs. Very productive. Negatives: Struggled WLB LARRY GRANT with a foot injury as a (6-1, 235, 4.78) OHIO STATE senior and was very lim- Notes: Not in school in 2003 after failing to ited without his speed. qualify academically at Murray State. Enrolled Lacks bulk and bulk LINEBACKERS at the City College of San Francisco from 2004- strength. Plays too 05 and earned Junior College National Player of upright and without the Year, California JUCO Player of the Year and leverage. Does not con- first-team JUCO All-American honors as a sistently hold ground vs. sophomore after recording 85 tackles, six inter- the run. Is not physical ceptions and six blocked punts. Transferred to Quentin Groves l and takes too many plays Ohio State in ’06 and started 1-of-12 games in AUBURN off. Not competitive. which he played at the SLB spot, totaling 18 Marginal chase speed tackles, one-half tackle for loss via a sack and and effort. Pile jumper. Loses battles and whiffs one interception. Started all 13 games in ’07 at on tackles in space. Plays too out of control. 1 strong-side linebacker, recording 51-9 ⁄2-5 with Relies too heavily on upfield speed and does not one interception. vary his pass rush. Does not play with great Positives: Gives good effort and chases hard awareness and loses contain. Is easily engulfed to the ball. Is versatile and has lined up at a num- and gets neutralized by size. Lacks pop in his ber of positions. Good agility. Tough. Secure punch. Has questionable character and will need open-field tackler. Has been very durable. to be managed closely.

LINEBACKERS Negatives: Only a one-year starter. Too thinly Summary: Was exposed as a one-dimensional built. Lacks anchor strength to set the edge. speed rusher and struggled to make an impact as Does not show great instincts and can be late to a senior after dislocating three toes. Got by with find the ball. Plays too tall and can be controlled. speed and athleticism at the college level, but Not a strong, forceful, drive-through tackler. must develop his pass-rush arsenal further and Summary: Lined up on the strong side but improve his take-on strength to fulfill his poten- projects best to the weak side in the pros. Has a tial. Appeared healthy and turned in a sub-4.6 shot to stick as a special-teams performer and 40-yard dash at the Combine, showing he pos- solid swing backup but he needs to get stronger sesses the speed to warrant a look at 3-4 rush and play with better pad level. linebacker. Has boom-or-bust potential. OLB-DRE QUENTIN GROVES MLB GARY GUYTON 5 (6-3, 259, 4.56) AUBURN (6-1 ⁄8, 245, 4.54) GEORGIA TECH Notes: Married. Earned USA Today second- Notes: Special-teams performer in 2004 as a team All-USA honors after recording 22 sacks true freshman. Started 1-of-12 games in ’05 and as a high school senior. Also lettered in basket- notched 19 tackles, three tackles for loss and one ball, track and field and powerlifting as a prep. sack. Started 11-of-14 games at strong-side line- Redshirted in 2003. Played in all 13 games as backer in ’06, giving way to nickel defenses on part of a rotation at defensive end in ’04, tallying three occasions and posting 29-8-2. Started all 1 1 23 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and 7 ⁄2 sacks with 13 games in ’07, recording 78-13 ⁄2-5 and five two forced fumbles. Against Kentucky, he post- pass breakups. ed four sacks and two forced fumbles. Started 3- Positives: Looks the part with long arms and of-12 games in ’05, totaling 21-8-6 with one bat- a big, solid frame. Can open his stride and real- ted ball and one forced fumble. Started all 13 ly run in a straight line. Excellent vertical explo-

www.profootballweekly.com LBs 2008LO3/5/082:54PMPage129 bles andcanbepegged to provide depthand than atwo-down runplugger. Hasgoodintangi- outside thetackleboxandmightnever bemore struggle tomake playsgiven hislimitedrange but hemight plays muchfaster thanhewilltime, teams. Hasaframetogrow into. make animmediatecontribution onspecial has enoughphysicalabilitytomoldandshould but he mance. Isstillraw andlearningthegame, postseason climbwithastrongCombineperfor- game andtheSeniorBowl andcontinuedhis year andcaughtnoticeattheEast-West Shrine backs. fewer thansomequarterbacksandcorner- bine, bench-pressed 225pounds15timesattheCom- in coverage. Lacksupper-body strength—only engage. Doesnotplaywithdiscipline.Notalert Does notusehishandsvery welltoshedanddis- tion andstruggledplayingontheweakside. the position.Notlaterallyquicktochangedirec- straight-linish. Doesnothave greatinstinctsfor 0,rgseig6 ake,4 registering 64tackles, ’04, final 12-of-13gamesatmiddlelinebacker in Year asaprep.Redshirtedin2003.Startedthe him vulnerabletoinjury. hipped. Sizeandspeedlimitationscouldleave side theboxinpros.Isshortandtight- playing rangeandwillstruggletooperateout- ter andgetdepthincoverage. Hasavery limited gy andhasapassionforthegame. Good worker. Emotionalleader. Playswithener- drive-through tackler. good angles.Strong, shuffles andslidesleverages theball. Takes times. Keeps hisshoulderssquaretotheline, ipate wheretheballisgoing.Playsfaster than he side oftheline.Moves atthesnapandcanantic- gence. Solidtackler. Makes playsontheother quickly andplaysfast. Goodfootballintelli- some hellacioushits.Goodworker. sion. Stoodoutonspecialteamsanddelivered recorded 112-8 forced fumble.Startedall13gamesin’05and and onesackwiththreepassbreakups (5-11, 232,5.08) VIRGINIA TECH MLB left wristinjury. having his left kneescopedandbecauseofthe Did notwork outorliftattheCombineafter finished with100-6 left forearmandwristsustainedvs.Clemson.He four contestswithabruisedkneeandbroken missing all 10gamesinwhichheplayed’07, forced fumblesandonefumblerecovery. Started tallying 128-10 15 yardsforascore.Startedall13gamesin’06, against BostonCollege. Also returnedafumble includinga13-yard TD return two interceptions, Summary: Summary: Negatives: Negatives: Notes: Positives: VINCE HALL Named Virginia GatoradePlayerofthe Entered thelineupinsidelatein Very goodinstincts.Diagnoses Lacks speedtogettheperime- Productive four-year starterwho 1 o ier tight-hippedand Too linear, 1 ⁄ 2 ⁄ 2 -3 witheightpassbreakupsand 2wt n asbekp two -2 withonepassbreakup, 1 ⁄ 2 -3 1 ⁄ 2 plus oneinterception. 1 ⁄ 2 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW tackles forloss ment fromthecoachingstaff. and received undisclosed disciplinarypunish- benched forthefirst quarterofthe Alabama game heresistedandwas tasered. Was handcuff him, but hebecame aggressive. When officers triedto belly’s Barin Tallahassee andtriedtotalkhim, noticed Hayesscreamingprofanities outsidePot- out violenceanddisorderlyconduct.Officers resisting arrestwith- assaultonanofficer, counts: Hayes was charged withthreemisdemeanor byeweek. duringtheSeminoles’ 2007, Sept. 21, Joe Surrattfortheirparticipationinafight on interception. Was arrestedalongwithteammate threepassbreakupsandan fumble recovery, totaling 80-17 an interception.Started12-of-13gamesin’07, and threesacks. Added threepassbreakupsand 12tacklesforloss the season. Tallied 59tackles, Duke. Returnedtostartthefinal threegamesof making atackleinthefirst quarterofawinover games aftersprainingtwo kneeligamentswhile missingthree-plus in ’06atweak-sidelinebacker, Clemson. Startedall10gamesinwhichheplayed Recovered ablocked puntintheendzoneagainst onepassbreakupandtwo QBhurries. 17 tackles, playingmostlyonspecialteams. Totaled in 2005, da. Saw actioninall13gamesasatruefreshman contribute onspecialteams. (6-0 WLB (6-2 WLB round pickoftheMinnesota Vikings in2003 and Lions. Eagles 4-3 defenseusedbyateamlike theColts, Hayeswillfit bestinapressure , tribute. A smallerversion offormerRamsLB conditioning programbeforeheisreadytocon- physically andadheretoaNFLstrength-and- learning thegameandwillneedtodevelop will limithimtotheweaksideinpros.Isstill Character issuspect. around blocksratherthantake onand shed. small tolineupover thetightend. Tries torun backward andiseliminatedwhenengaged. Too engulfed. Will losephysicalbattles—getsbent strength. Strugglestoshedblocksandeasilygets support muchmoreweight.Lackstake-on hipped anddoesnothave thetypeofframeto Outstanding production. contact andstrike withsomeforceforhissize. in pursuit.Isloose-hippedandcanexplode on plays sidelinetosideline.Playsfast andcanrun traffic withease.Hasexcellent rangeandmakes mage. Playswithbalanceandcansiftthrough ing totheballcarrierbehindlineofscrim- for hittingholeswhenthey uncover andbee-lin- oe:Parade Notes: Notes: Summary: Negatives: Positives: 7 3 ⁄ ⁄ 8 4 GENO HAYES ERIN HENDERSON , 226,4.67)FLORIDA STATE , 244,4.77)MARYLAND le rte,EJ,was asecond- E.J., Older brother, Good athlete.Hasagreatinstinct Lack ofsizeandtake-on strength 1 ⁄ 2 Very narrow-framed andthin- 5wt w ocdfmls one -5 withtwo forcedfumbles, All-American asaprepinFlori- www.profootballweekly.com (Junior) (Junior) 129 LINEBACKERS LINEBACKERS LBs 2008 LO 3/5/08 2:54 PM Page 130

130 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW after being a two-time All-American at the Uni- tackles, two tackles for loss and one sack. In ’05, versity of Maryland. Erin played quarterback started 9-of-13 games at weak-side linebacker 1 and linebacker and also played basketball and and registered 75-9 ⁄2-4 with three forced fum- ran track as a prep. Entered college as a quarter- bles and a 22-yard fumble-return for a TD back but moved to linebacker midway through against Vanderbilt. Moved to the “Buck” his redshirt season as a true freshman in 2004. (strong-side) LB spot in ’06 and started all 13 1 Missed the ’05 season after tearing his left ante- games, racking up 63-5 ⁄2-3 with four pass rior cruciate ligament during the second week of breakups and two forced fumbles. Sat out ’07 fall camp. Played in all 13 games, starting 12 at spring practice after undergoing minor offseason weak-side linebacker in ’06. Totaled 114 tackles, surgery on both ankles. Started all 14 games at 1 6 ⁄2 tackles for loss and one sack. Also had three OLB spot in the fall, finishing with 101-9-3 to forced fumbles and two interceptions. Started all go with two forced fumbles and one fumble 12 games in which he played in ’07, missing the recovery. Did not bench-press at the Combine Georgia Tech game with a left knee injury. Fin- because of a right shoulder injury. ished the season with 133-11-1 plus four fumble Positives: Plays much faster than his timed recoveries, one forced fumble and an intercep- speed and shows good sideline-to-sideline tion. range. Can run with receivers and burst out of Positives: Looks the part with a chiseled his breaks. Shows very good second effort. physique. Long-limbed, natural athlete with big Good awareness in coverage — reads the quar- hands. Will drop his shoulder and deliver some terback and will jump routes. Can close quickly big shots when he has an angle. Times up blitzes to the ball when he sees it. Steps up vs. elite well and can beat guards out of their stance. Can competition. Solid wrap tackler. Competes hard. squeeze through the line and make plays in the Solid character. Very likable personality. Very backfield. Does a nice job of sifting through traf- good production. LINEBACKERS fic. Good playing range. Gets depth in coverage. Negatives: Plays too upright and loses lever- Secure tackler. Emotional team leader who com- age. Lacks explosion and will struggle to carry mands respect. Has NFL bloodlines. Plays extra bulk. Too often makes bad reads or gets through injuries. caught off guard. Does not play with a lot of Negatives: Has a very lean build and spindly awareness. Loses sight of the ball and struggles legs. Lacks take-on strength and struggles to to find it. Will take false steps and get sealed off escape blockers. Can be put on his back. Too and earholed. Could do a better job of using his often overpursues against the run and opens up hands and playing off blocks. Has had multiple the cut-back lane and gives up some big plays. ankle injuries, and his long-term durability Needs to play with more discipline. Tends to could be a consideration. leave his feet and lunge too much as a tackler Summary: Clocked above 5.0 in the 40 at the and misses his share of tackles. Could be more Combine but was said to be hampered by a groin physical. Too often gets sealed off running injury that clearly contributed to his alarmingly around blocks. Not aggressive filling the hole. slow performance. Fits as a fast-flowing, weak- Does not show great acceleration or top-end side linebacker in a 4-3 pressure defense and at speed. Cannot recover from missteps. Not a worst should bring value as a nickel ’backer on

LINEBACKERS great athlete. Has suffered multiple knee injuries third downs. Has the functional playing speed, and played with a big brace on his left knee as a toughness and demeanor to make a mark on spe- junior. cial teams. Leaves too much production on the Summary: Riding a wave of NFL bloodlines field for a three-year starter, and his questionable and name recognition should help his cause, but instincts and average striking ability always he is not as physical as his brother. Lacks take- could be limiting factors. on strength and gives up a lot of big plays. He best fits on the weak side in a cover-2 scheme OLB-PRS ANTHONY HOKE where the action is funneled his way. (6-0, 249, 4.53) CINCINNATI Notes: Ohio Division I Defensive Player of WLB ALI HIGHSMITH the Year as a prep. Saw action as a true freshman 5 (5-11 ⁄8, 230, 4.99) LSU in 2004, playing in the final eight games and reg- 1 1 Notes: First name is Arlington. Cousin, Alon- istering 12 tackles, 1 ⁄2 tackles for loss and 1 ⁄2 zo, played running back at Miami (Fla.) before sacks. Made three starts in 10 games in ’05, lin- being drafted third overall by the Houston Oilers ing up at defensive end and linebacker and mov- in 1987 and playing six seasons with Houston ing inside to defensive tackle on passing downs. (1987-89), Dallas (1990-91) and Tampa Bay Played the last two months of the season with a (1991-92). Alonzo is in his 10th year as a South- club on his right hand to protect a broken thumb. west region scout for the . Ali Also missed a game after dislocating his left originally signed with Miami (Fla.) in 2003, but shoulder. Finished the season registering 21-2-2 he never enrolled because of academics. Sat out and three forced fumbles. Started all 13 games at 1 1 the fall and eventually enrolled at LSU in Janu- end in ’06, racking up 35-8 ⁄2-5 ⁄2. Played in all 13 ary ’04. Started 2-of-12 games at strong-side games in ’07, starting 12 at right defensive end, 1 linebacker as a true freshman in ’04, posting 21 and finished with 58-16 ⁄2-13. Also had seven QB

www.profootballweekly.com LBs 2008LO3/5/082:54PMPage131 burst toclose.Couldcontribute onspecialteams. ruptive asanedgerusher. Very goodspeedand off theballwithexplosion. Proved tobevery dis- ing asalinebacker. have tomake itonspecialteamswhiledevelop- promise atlinebacker attheHulaBowl. Will ears backandflyatthesnap.Showed some short armseven ifhe issimplyasked topinhis speed rusherwhowillalways belimitedbyhis talks toomuch.Notagreatworker. tightly wound. Thinks heisbetterthanand heisdone. Takes someplaysoff. Too blockers, more pass-rushmoves. Onceheisengagedby Not avaried passrusherandneedstodevelop instincts. Will struggletoanchoragainsttherun. strength toleverage theedge.Lacksgreat Runs himselfwideoutofplaysandlacksgreat sized andunderpowered for theendposition. find theball. and athleticallygifted.Fairly instinctive andcan and cangetupthefield fast. Isnaturallystrong and onefumblerecovery. oneforcedfumble threepassbreakups, hurries, eesv n,compiling41-12-10 defensive end, recovered fumble.Startedall13gamesin’07at oneforcedfumbleand ished with11-0-0, andfin- Charles Johnson(CarolinaPanthers), Moses (currentlyoftheMiamiDolphins)and reserve behind2007third-roundpicksQuentin sacks. Appeared inall13games’06asa (6-0 OLB-DRE rounder Antwan Barnesandcouldbeconverted Comes inthesamemoldasRavens 2007 fourth- blazed anoutstanding40-timeat the Combine. engulfed tooeasily. Too stiff inthehips. Struggles toholdgroundagainsttherunandgets struggles makingplaysintraffic oragainstsize. well togetoff blocks.Shows raw techniqueand ball. Doesnotfeelpressurewellorusehishands power. Average instincts—islatetofind the Can beone-dimensional.Doesnotplaywith strength. Getswashed tooeasily. Notinstinctive. sized. Very reliantonspeedandlackstake-on 1 recording 24tackles, defensive endin’05andplayedall13games, in ’04andnotchedthreetackles. Transitioned to 11 gamesasareserve atstrong-sidelinebacker championships. Redshirtedin’03. Appeared in meters atthe2002SouthCarolinaClass2Astate placingthirdinthe100and200 and track, at theCombineanddidnotfinish theworkout. sacks. Pulledhisleftquadwhilerunningthe40 Sugar Bowl vs.Hawaii afternotchingthree andearnedMVPhonorsinthe ble recoveries, threeforcedfumblesandtwo fum- batted balls, Summary: Negatives: Positives: Summary: Negatives: Positives: Notes: 1 ⁄ 2 , 237,4.46)GEORGIA Also letteredinhighschoolbasketball Has exceptional speedandcanget Has excellent straight-linespeed iihdtesao tog then Finished theseasonstrong, Is shortandshort-armed.Under- Only aone-yearstarter. Under- n-iesoa,straight-line One-dimensional, 1 ⁄ 2 tackles forlossand1 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW 1 ⁄ 2 with three 1 ⁄ 2 satility. contribute on specialteamsandbringsomever- distinguishable traits.Idealbackupwhocould in mancoverage. mover. Strugglestohandletightendsandbacks sudden a greatopen-field tackler. Notafluid, take-on strengthanddoesnotplayphysical. Not Stays blocked andislatetoshed.Lacksgreat play-action anddoesnothave greatinstincts. and find receivers passingthroughhiszone. awareness incoverage —willpickupcrossers well laterally. Getsdepthinhisdropsandshows the ball.Goodchasespeed.Isagileandmoves recorded 43-4 he playedin’07atstrong-sidelinebacker. He forced fumbles.Started7-of-12gamesinwhich threefumblerecoveries andtwo pass breakups, secured 57-16andninesacksalongwiththree 13 gamesatstrong-sidelinebacker in’06and tackle forlossandtwo passbreakups.Started all one for Abe Brown andregistered 30tackles, started 4-of-12gamesasaninjuryreplacement man in2004andtotaledeighttackles.In’05, bles andonefumblerecovery. two forcedfum- threeinterceptions, breakups, recording 123-5 Started all12gamesin’07atthe WLB spot, with threepassbreakupsandinterceptions. (6-2 WLB (6-1 WLB end andsituationalpassrusher. Also couldwarrant looksasa4-3defensive right stronger andaddsenoughbulk todefendtherun. loose onthirddowns initially untilhegets to rushlinebacker ina3-4front.Couldbeturned the gameandneedstobemotivated. strong tackler. Notaworker. Lackspassionfor hooked andsealedplaystoosmall.Nota ered. Average instincts. Notdisciplined.Gets physical andcanbeoutmuscledoverpow- ic torunwithtightendsanddropintocoverage. chase down backstotheperimeter. Fairly athlet- fumble recovery. weak-side linebacker in’06andnotched49-4 pick ChadGreenway. Started12-of-13gamesat a backupforMinnesota Vikings ’06first-round onetackleforlossandtwo passbreakupsas les, recording25tack- Played inall12games’05, injury andmissingtheremainderofseason. first two gamesof’04beforesuffering aback a prep.Redshirtedin2003.Saw actioninthe h uk instinctsandpassionneededtomake the bulk, Summary: Negatives: Positives: Negatives: Positives: Notes: Summary: Notes: 1 3 ⁄ ⁄ 2 4 MIKE HUMPAL MALIK JACKSON , 244,4.84)IOWA , 222,4.65e)LOUISVILLE Saw actionin11gamesasatruefresh- Also letteredinwrestlingandtrackas Gives greateffort andrunshardto Has somepass-rushability. Can High-effort overachiever withfew Plays short-armed.Getsfooledby Regressed asaseniorand lacks 1 Undersized andthinlybuilt. Not ⁄ 2 -1 withoneinterceptionand 1 ⁄ 2 and onesackwithfive pass www.profootballweekly.com 1 ⁄ 2 131 LINEBACKERS LINEBACKERS LBs 2008 LO 3/5/08 2:54 PM Page 132

132 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW it. Will have to make it on special teams. (’02). Curtis played football, basketball and track (sprints) in high school in Syracuse, N.Y. Worked WLB ROBERT JAMES in ’03 before attending Morrisville (N.Y.) State 1 (5-10 ⁄2, 219, 4.6e) ARIZONA STATE College in ’04 and ’05. He started all 10 games Notes: Starred in football and track as a prep at linebacker/defensive end in ’04, totaling 88 1 in Phoenix. Redshirted in 2003. Played in 10 tackles, 19 ⁄2 tackles for loss and 12 sacks with games in ’04, collecting six tackles, one tackle three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, one for loss and one sack. Moved from defensive pass breakup and two blocked kicks. Also back to linebacker prior to ’05 season when he returned one punt for 15 yards. Started nine played in 11 games, starting six at the “Will” LB games in ’05, finishing with 64-17-9 with two spot. Totaled 36-5-1 with six pass breakups. Did forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, four pass not play in the Insight Bowl vs. Rutgers in order breakups and four blocked kicks. Returned punts to take care of his ailing father in Mississippi. 2-18 (9.0-yard average). Transferred to Clark- Played in the first eight games of the ’06 season Atlanta in ’06 and started all 10 games despite before the effects of a concussion that he suffered having surgery to repair the AC joint in his left in practice in the week leading up to the seventh shoulder prior to the season. Finished with 70- game forced him to sit out the final five games. 18-5 and nine forced fumbles (best in the nation), 1 Tallied 26-4 ⁄2-1 with one forced fumble. Left the four fumble recoveries and one interception. team to be with his family while his son, Robert Started all 11 games at defensive end in ’07, tal- 1 III, underwent successful arthroscopic surgery to lying 112-27-13 ⁄2 with one forced fumble, one correct breathing problems in December 2006. fumble recovery, six pass breakups and one Was involved in a car accident in spring of ’07 blocked kick. Did not complete his Combine when his car was run off the road by a diesel workout because of sore hamstrings. 1 truck. Spent 2 ⁄2 weeks in the hospital and missed Positives: Looks the part and is chiseled up LINEBACKERS most of spring practice. Came back to have a top. Very good athlete. Runs fast in a straight breakthrough season in ’07 after head coach line. Is disruptive with excellent production. Has assumed control and vowed to a good frame to grow into. Plays with good play the best players. James started all 13 games strength in his hands to control blockers. Good 1 1 and totaled 106-9 ⁄2-2 ⁄2 plus four interceptions upper-body strength. Has NFL bloodlines. and a forced fumble. Pulled up with a hamstring Negatives: Relied on superior athleticism vs. injury while running the 40 at the Combine. marginal competition. Not very instinctive and Positives: Quick and instinctive. Plays bigger can be slow to read, react and change direction. than his size and makes plays all over the field. Lacks great quickness as an edge rusher. Will Always around the ball. Good upper-body need to prove he can transition to playing on his strength. Has quick feet, balance and the agility to feet in the pros. Could take some time to digest flip his hips, turn and run. Plays with a lot of ener- an NFL playbook. gy. Plays physical. Takes good angles. Can run Summary: Small-school standout flashed his and hit. Good short snap, pop and punch against speed at the Combine and proved he could stand the inside run. Can beat blockers to the ball, get- up and play linebacker at the East-West Shrine ting underneath and slipping blocks. Quick to game. Will have to adjust to the complexity, size

LINEBACKERS sniff out screens and draws. Gets good depth in and speed of the pro game. He could thrive if he his drops, plays the quarterback and reacts to the is given simple reads and responsibilities. He thrown ball. Can swivel his hips, plant and drive has received a lot of love from teams employing on the ball. Has a quiet intensity and is very dri- 3-4 defenses because of his size, strength and ven. Has overcome a lot of adversity. pass-rush ability. Negatives: Tweener — lacks the bulk to play linebacker and could struggle with speed in the ILB RODRICK JOHNSON 1 secondary. Shows some tightness in his hips. (6-2 ⁄4, 254, 4.9e) OKLAHOMA STATE Lacks take-on strength to step up in the hole. Notes: Saw action in nine games as a true Injury history needs further examination. freshman in 2004 and secured eight tackles. Start- Summary: A good football player who still ed 1-of-11 games at middle linebacker in ’05, has to add bulk to fit as a weak-side linebacker compiling 74 tackles, six tackles for loss and one in a cover-2 scheme. Could also be considered as sack with two forced fumbles and two recoveries. an in-the-box safety after showing up light at the Started 10-of-13 games in ’06 and tallied 69-8-2 Combine but will have to show that he can run and two pass breakups. Was moved to defensive and cover in spring workouts to make the transi- end in the spring of ’07. Started 1-of-13 games in tion. His durability is a consideration. He will fit which he played in ’07 at outside linebacker, 1 best in a fast-flowing defense used by a team recording 30-2 ⁄2-0 with one interception. such as the Colts, Lions or Bears. Positives: Has very good size and plays downhill. Shows some take-on strength and will OLB-DE CURTIS JOHNSON strike with authority. Plays with confidence and 5 (6-2 ⁄8, 242, 4.74) CLARK-ATLANTA emotion. Notes: Brother, J.R., was a linebacker with Negatives: Too stiff and tight-hipped and is a Syracuse (2000-01) and the Baltimore Ravens liability in coverage. Lacks the foot quickness to

www.profootballweekly.com LBs 2008LO3/5/082:54PMPage133 ee 920wt ieps raus oneinter- tered 69-2-0withfive passbreakups, as anickel defender(vs.Hawaii) —and regis- five atstrong-sidelinebacker andone linebacker, started10-of-14games—fouratweak-side ’06, one interceptionandfumble recovery. In which heplayedin’05andamassed50-3-1with and oneforcedfumble.Started6-of-10gamesin oneinterception sack withthreepassbreakups, fourtacklesforlossandone-half 61 tackles, totaling games atweak-sidelinebacker in’04, high anklesprainandredshirted.Startedall12 as atruefreshmanin2003but suffered aright track andfield asaprep. Appeared inonegame State. Stanfordalsoletteredinswimmingand enough rangetoplaytackletackle. wherehehas could comeinsideina3-4defense, chance asatwo-down thumper. Hisbestchance ing backtotheinsideandcouldwarrant a the Texas vs.theNationall-stargameaftermov- Flashed somestrikingabilityandtoughnessat when helinedupfull-timeatmiddlelinebacker. Not areliableopen-field tackler. make playstotheperimeter. Limitedplayrange. (6-1 OLB (6-0 OLB eksd ieakri 0,amassing130-14 weak-side linebacker in’05, les forlossandonesack.Startedall12gamesat threetack- logging39tackles, 12 gamesin’04, 2003 andsecuredninetackles. Appeared inall Played inall13gamesasatruefreshman a prep. Also letteredinbasketball andtrack. ticket willhave tocomeonspecialteams. at the Texas vs.theNationall-stargame.his gradual improvement lateintheyearandflashed but showed spring inhislegs earlyintheseason, injury anddidnotlooklike hehadthesame hand)alotthroughouthiscareer. toe, a complex gameplan.Hasbeendingedup(leg, man coverage. Couldneedsomerepstohandle Will struggletomatchupwithtoptightendsin quick todrive ontheball.Notquickorsudden. show alotofawareness incoverage andisnot strong orphysical.Notagreatathlete.Doesnot blocks andstruggletocomefree.Notoverly blocks. Playsthroughpain. Great motorandeffort. Will stepuptotake on fumbles plusonepassbreakup. finishing with96-11-2andthreeforced backer, Started all12gamesin’07atweak-sideline- spring practicetorecover fromtheleg injury. his rightfibula andredshirting.Satout’07 games of’06andposted24-2-1beforebreaking and two interceptions.Startedthefirst two threepassbreakups 3 andfourforcedfumbles, Summary: Notes: Notes: Summary: Negatives: Positives: 5 1 ⁄ ⁄ JEREMY JONES 4 8 , 239,4.64)PURDUE , 238,4.75e)UTEP Returned sixpuntsfortouchdowns as Father playedbasketball at Arkansas Plays hardandrunstotheball. Was slow torecover fromhisleg His bestseasoncameasajunior, Too top-heavy. Cangetupon 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW 1 ⁄ 2 - contributor andoverall production. thing hecantoimprove. Solidspecial-teams acter. Hasapassionforthegame.Doesevery- ball intelligence.Greatwork ethic.Solidchar- the thrown ball.Securewraptackler. Hasfoot- agility. Isalertinzonecoverage andreactsto and playstothewhistle.Goodstrength tial togetbigger. Isathletic.Gives greateffort pa Sm n Wl”’backer. and“Will” up at“Sam” tight endandhasenoughathleticabilitytoback have upside.Hemightbebestplayingover the to supportwherehewillgetdraftedbut hedoes lete thanfootballplayer. Doesnothave thefilm elevate hisdraftstockconsiderably. Betterath- whose outstandingCombineperformancewill evaluated. of usinghishandsasablitzer. Charactermustbe ler. Disappearstoomuch.Coulddoabetterjob could becomeamoresecureandphysicaltack- gles somewhentacklingintheopenfield and some false stepsandcanbelatetoreact.Strug- on strength.Questionableinstincts—takes jam andcontroltightends.Solidproduction. Gets depthinzonedrops.Hasthestrengthto ditioning. Goodspeedtochasetheperimeter. weight room. Very committedtooffseason con- ty drills.Iscompetitive andworks hardinthe the Combineandpacedlinebackers inagili- strength. Bench-pressed225pounds29timesat well. Playssmart.Excellentupper-body stabbed inthechest. club inwhichteammateSelwyn Lymon was Ind.night- ming fromafight ata West Lafayette, stem- of disorderlyconductandfalse informing, was charged withmisdemeanorcounts ber ’07, ed 70-4-0withthreepassbreakups.InSeptem- recovery. Startedall13gamesin’07andrecord- oneforcedfumbleand ception, recovered fumbleandthreeinterceptions. (6-2 WLB ing 91-11 total- Started all13gamesat WLB spotin’07, ing 70-8andthreesackswithsixpassbreakups. compil- 3-4frontin’06, backer intheCougars’ breakup. Startedall13gamesatweak-sideline- les andonetackleforlosswithpass registering 30tack- Played in12games’05, years beforereturningforthe’05season. Ontariofor two church missionin Toronto, tallying14tackles. Served ona games in2002, as atruefreshmanreserve linebacker in12 played fortheBYUfootballteam.Saw action could beexposed inman coverage againstath- bit rigidinhismovement withanoddgaitand space. Vulnerable inpasscoverage —looksa overpursue and strugglestobreakdown in Summary: Negatives: Positives: Positives: Negatives: Notes: 1 ⁄ 4 BRYAN KEHL , 242,4.69)BRIGHAM YOUNG 1 le rtes EdandBrandon, Older brothers, ⁄ 2 4wt n ocdfml,one -4 withoneforcedfumble, Has asolidframewiththepoten- Good size.Isathleticandmoves Not toughorphysical.Lackstake- tltc run-and-hit edgeplayer Athletic, Lacks take-on strength. Will www.profootballweekly.com 133 LINEBACKERS LINEBACKERS LBs 2008 LO 3/5/08 2:54 PM Page 134

134 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW letic tight ends. strong contribution on special teams. Summary: High-effort overachiever who stood out at the East-West Shrine game and test- MLB J LEMAN 3 ed well at the Combine. He will fit best on the (6-1 ⁄4, 245, 4.9e) ILLINOIS weak side in the pros. He could bring versatility Notes: Pastor’s son. Also lettered in basket- as a backup and work his way into a starting ball and track as a prep. Redshirted as a true lineup. freshman in 2003. Started the final 5-of-12 games in ’04 at strong-side linebacker, outper- MLB forming incumbent Anthony Thornhill and log- 3 1 (6-1 ⁄4, 238, 4.93) ARIZONA ging 56 tackles, three tackles for loss and 1 ⁄2 Notes: Married with one son. Also lettered in sacks. Remained at the “Sam” spot for all 11 1 baseball and track as a prep. Started 7-of-12 starts in ’05 and posted 67-5 ⁄2-0 with adding two games as a true freshman in 2002 at the “whip” forced fumbles. Moved inside and started all 12 linebacker spot in Arizona’s modified Eagle Flex games in ’06, amassing 152-19-4 with four pass 1 system. Tallied 41 tackles, 3 ⁄2 tackles for loss and breakups and two forced fumbles. Ranked first two sacks with three pass breakups. Left Arizona in the conference and third nationally in tackles, 1 after one year to serve a two-year Mormon mis- highlighted by a 19-3 ⁄2-1 performance against sion in Chile. Returned to Arizona in the spring then-No. 1 Ohio State. Did not practice in the of ’05 but suffered a right anterior cruciate liga- spring of ’07 after having arthroscopic surgery ment injury that required surgery. Missed the on his left ankle. Started all 13 games in the fall, 1 1 first two games of the season because of the knee finishing with 132-10 ⁄2-2 ⁄2 to go with a forced injury but returned to start 6-of-8 games in which fumble and an interception. Had arthroscopic 1 he played in the ’05 season, amassing 51-1 ⁄2-1 surgery on his left ankle in February and will not with one pass breakup and one fumble recovery. be able to work out until following the draft. LINEBACKERS Returned to full health in ’06, starting all 12 Positives: Good size and instincts. Plays 1 games and totaling 89-10 ⁄2-2 with three pass smart and could line up the defense. Always breakups, one interception, three forced fumbles around the ball. Excellent career production. and one fumble recovery. Started all 12 games in Can key and diagnose — is patient and plays the 1 ’07 at weak-side linebacker, compiling 131-15 ⁄2- cut-back with discipline. Is quick to recognize 4 to go with three forced fumbles, four fumbles screens developing and flows to the ball. Reli- recovered and an interception. able, drag-down tackler. Excellent work habits. Positives: Has good size. Plays with great Great competitor. Vocal team leader. Versatile effort and intensity. Competitive and game- and has lined up inside and outside. Has been tough. Great effort and energy. Effective blitzer very durable. — uses an arm-over swim move. Steps up vs. Negatives: Most of his production comes 4-5 elite competition (see USC game). Good play yards downfield, and he is not a downhill force. recognition — keys and diagnoses and runs to Marginal athlete. Lacks agility, foot speed and the ball. Will chase and pursue. Takes good lateral range. Does not have the quickness to angles to the ball and can clear his feet through recover when he gets out of position. Has a slen- traffic. Shows good awareness in coverage. Is der base and minimal lower-body bulk. Doesn’t

LINEBACKERS opportunistic and has a knack for creating play strong or shed blockers well. Not an explo- turnovers. Very smart. Outstanding worker. sive tackler. Gets swallowed up by blockers at Solid character. the point of attack and stonewalled when he hits Negatives: Lacks foot speed in coverage and the hole. Lacks the quickness to stick with backs is not quick or sudden changing direction. Tight- and tight ends in coverage. hipped and struggles bending and dipping Summary: Did not compete in pre-draft activ- around blockers. Marginal lateral range — can ities (East-West Shrine game, Scouting Com- lose the corner. Not very fluid in space. Plays out bine, pro day) following surgery in early Febru- of control and could do a better job of wrapping ary for a right ankle injury and is expected to as a tackler — misses more than he should. Bites miss several months while rehabbing the injury. on play-action and misdirection. Mechanical He certainly will not be outworked and could and loses one-on-one battles in open space. last several years in the league on special teams Average strength at the point and gets stuck on but is overmatched for the size and speed of the blocks. Not an explosive or physical striker. pro game. He could make his presence felt in the Does not show much burst or acceleration to locker room and overachieve like he did track down ballcarriers to the perimeter. Lacks throughout college. man-cover skills to carry tight ends down the field. Gets marginal depth in his drops. MLB CURTIS LOFTON (Junior) Summary: Will struggle to shake concerns (6-0, 246, 4.83) OKLAHOMA regarding a lack of speed and athleticism after Notes: Also played fullback as a prep in Okla- clocking above 4.9 in the 40 at the Combine. homa, where he helped his high school team win Could be destined to be a career backup in the the state championship in 2003. Parade first-team pros given his limitations in space and coverage, All-American in ’04. Played in 11 games in ’05, but not for his lack of effort. He should make a mostly on special teams with spot duty at middle

www.profootballweekly.com LBs 2008LO3/5/082:54PMPage135 ide(or ieakr finishing with157-10 middle (four)linebacker, Started all14gamesin’07atstrong-side(10)and second ontheteamwith10special-teamstackles. one fumblerecovery intheFiestaBowl. Ranked ad el exposes hischest and allows block- hands well, pursuit. Marginal blitzer—doesnotusehis speed andcanbelatetotransitionin lateralchase direction. Lacksgreatacceleration andtop-end and willveer ratherthan sink hishipstochange to take IVsathalftimeofgames. ceptions. Hassicklecelltraitdiseaseandneeded five passbreakupsandthreeinter- ble recovered, onefum- and onesackplusfourforcedfumbles, lying 37-4 tal- tackle forloss.Started4-of-13gamesin’06, linebacker. Finishedwiththreetacklesandone cial-teams coverage value. and makes playsallover thefield. Bringsspe- plays alert.Canrunwithbacks. Very productive angles. Shows awareness inzonecoverage and ally well.Siftsthroughtraffic. Takes great for thefootballandsniffs outtherunexception- legs. Very reliableopen-field tackler. Hasanose to theball.Hitsonrisewithgoodcoilinhis shuffles down thelineanddrives hard squared, good padlevel andleverage. Keeps hisshoulders his teammates. Very competitive. Playswith ball. Playswithintensityandelevates theplayof good instinctsandaknackforbeingaroundthe drive-through tackler. Has gaps fast. Strong, with recklessabandon.Playsdownhill andfills square-cutbuild. Fliesaround a very compact, Curtis Lofton Negatives: Positives: 1 ⁄ 2 along withoneforcedfumbleand Plays faster thantimedspeed.Has l Lacks idealheight.Istight-hipped OKLAHOMA 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW 1 ⁄ 2 SPORTPICS undrafted. whowas to GiantsMLBChaseBlackburn, ’backer ina3-4scheme.Comparesmost closely blocks andcouldbeprotectedasaninside chase therunbut useshishandswelltofendoff games. Helacksthesideline-to-sidelinespeedto intention ofgettingbetterandwinningfootball ables but comestowork every daywiththe leave thegameonpassingdowns. tackler. Limitedincoverage andmighthave to especiallyoff theedge.Notanexplosive speed, to fliphishipsandplayinspace.Lacksclosing perimeter. Too stiff andtightlywound. Struggles lete withlimitedagilityandspeedtogetthe following multiplekneesurgeries. Marginal ath- work ethic.Playsthroughinjury. hitter. Hasterrific intangibles—outstanding football temperament.Shows somethumpasa and poppingoff. Solidwrap-uptackler. Good stave off blockers andshows strengthengaging blitzing andintraffic —useshishandswellto and hustle.Canrushoff theedge.Iseffective effort Plays faster thanhetimes.Goodmotor, on andfill. Good playrecognitionandinstincts. on histoes. Very toughandwillstepuptotake recovery andonepassbreakup. onefumble 12-8 withtwo forcedfumbles, registering 83- games atinsidelinebacker in’07, recovering fromkneesurgery. Startedall13 pass breakups.Missedspringdrillsin’07while didn’t have any starts. Tallied 39-2-0withfive 13 gamesin’06asaco-starteratMLBspotbut Georgia fumbleintheSugarBowl. Playedinall three sacks.Forced two fumbles andrecovered a sixtacklesforlossand finishing with41tackles, starting1-of-12gamesand the MLBspotin’05, teams unit. Totaled 32tackles. Again backed up backup middlelinebacker andonevery special- ed in2003.Playedall12games’04asa senior. Also playedbaseballasaprep.Redshirt- W.V. was afirst-team all-statelinebacker asa rsmni 04 securingsixtackles. Was freshman in2004, Walked onandplayed10-of-12gamesasa true (6-1 ILB (6-0 WLB step infromDayOneandmake animpact. pads —andsimplygetsthejobdone.Hecould means tobeafootballplayer—notanathletein faster thanhetimes.Hepersonifies whatit reads andreactsquicklyplays tive speed, hehasgreatcompeti- his draftstatus.However, anddurabilityissuescould affect the Combine, be blindedbythebrightlightsofabigcity. ers toengulfhimtooeasily. Too naive andcould Summary: Negatives: Positives: Notes: Summary: Notes: MARC MAGRO 5 7 ⁄ ⁄ 8 8 DURELL MAPP , 239,4.85e) WEST VIRGINIA , 227,4.74)NORTH CAROLINA Hometown productfromMorgantown, Also letteredinbasketball asaprep. Good bulk and bulk strength.Plays Won’t standoutforhismeasur- Clocked slower thanexpected at Injury historymustbeevaluated www.profootballweekly.com 135 LINEBACKERS LINEBACKERS LBs 2008 LO 3/5/08 2:54 PM Page 136

136 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW awarded a scholarship in ’05 and started the final speed to get to the outside and has good move- 6-of-11 games at middle linebacker as an injury ment skills. Filters through traffic and runs to the 1 replacement, logging 46 tackles, 1 ⁄2 tackles for ball. Will step up to take on the lead. Can propel loss and one sack with two forced fumbles. In his body and hit with some thump. Versatile and ’06, underwent offseason shoulder surgery but has played inside and outside. Very good pro- started 7-of-12 games at weak-side linebacker, duction. missing the season opener against Rutgers with Negatives: Has a thin lower body. Instincts are a sprained knee, and amassed 87-4-0 on the sea- off. Shows no burst in pursuit and can lose the son. Started all 12 games in ’07 at the WLB spot, corner. Does not play with core strength — gets totaling 132-7-3 with one interception, one knocked off balance by minimal contact. Consis- forced fumble and one fumble recovery. Left tently bites on play-action and gets fooled by positional drill workouts at the Combine after misdirection. Too straight-linish. Susceptible in cramping. pass coverage and often is taken out in nickel sit- Positives: Plays squared to the line with good uations. Drag-down tackler who always looks to discipline and fits where he is supposed to. tackle low. Does not give great effort in backside Above-average speed. Plays under control and is pursuit. Too often gets walled off and sealed and a solid tackler. Runs to the ball and gives good is late to get off blocks. Overpursues, takes bad effort. Makes a lot of plays. Great production. angles, comes underneath blocks and opens up Negatives: Undersized. Could do a better job cut-back lanes. Tight-hipped. Can be sidestepped of using his hands to disengage. Not an overly and juked in the open field. Marginal blitzer — strong or explosive tackler. Can get caught in struggles to dip, bend and take an edge. Limited traffic and stuck on blocks. Is tight in the hips range in coverage. Has had multiple knee and not very athletic to move in reverse and fall injuries. Character needs to be evaluated. back into coverage. Average coverage instincts. Summary: Ran well in a straight line at the LINEBACKERS Not a great practice player and needs to take Combine but does not play up to his speed. He conditioning more seriously. lacks the take-on strength to excel in the middle Summary: Emerged as a tackling machine as and looked most comfortable on the weak side in a senior, when he was protected and free to roam the Outback Bowl vs. Wisconsin. Played his best to the ball in Butch Davis’ defense. Would be late in the year when he began to recover fully best as a weak-side ’backer in a traditional 4-3 from his surgically repaired knee injury. defense featuring big bodies in the middle, such as those of the Jaguars, Giants or Panthers. MLB-DE JAMEEL McCLAIN 3 (6-0 ⁄4, 249, 4.79) SYRACUSE WLB (Junior) Notes: Also lettered in basketball as a prep. 1 (6-1 ⁄4, 242, 4.58) TENNESSEE Redshirted in 2003. Saw action in 11 games at Notes: Three-year starter at both LB and RB linebacker in ’04 and recorded 11 tackles with positions as a prep in Virginia. Redshirted in one fumble recovery. Played in 10-of-11 games 2004. Was arrested in April ’05 and charged with in ’05, tallying 20 tackles, one tackle for loss and felony aggravated assault charge after being one sack. Moved to defensive end in ’06 and 1 1 accused of hitting a UT student in a fight that started all 12 games, amassing 69-14 ⁄2-9 ⁄2 with

LINEBACKERS broke out at a party on campus. Denied involve- one forced fumble. Started all 12 games in ’07 at ment in the incident and was supported adamant- defensive end (10) and linebacker (two), regis- 1 ly by head coach Phillip Fulmer. The charges tering 77-6-1 ⁄2 with four passes broken up, two against Mayo were dropped in August ’05 after forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and one the witness who claimed to see Mayo hit the stu- interception. dent failed to show in court. Played in six games Positives: Productive edge rusher and stand- in ’05, starting one at weak-side linebacker, and up linebacker. Shows a good first step and solid made 13 tackles. Missed the Mississippi game take-on strength. Provides good effort and plays with a knee injury, returned for two games, then to the whistle. Keeps working to come free. Uses missed the final four games with the knee injury. his hands to rip off blockers and has the strength Started 11-of-12 games in which he played in to disengage. Flashes some explosiveness in his 1 ’06, finishing with 83 tackles, 12 ⁄2 tackles for hands. Plays physical and tackles with force. loss and five sacks with one fumble recovery and Good instincts. Plays with a low pad level and one pass breakup. Left the Vanderbilt game late can power into the backfield. in the season with a knee injury and returned in a Negatives: Lacks ideal height. Undersized as reserve role for the Outback Bowl. Started all 14 a defensive end and can be controlled at the games in ’07 at middle (13) and weak-side (one) point. Does not show the suddenness to flip his 1 1 linebacker, tallying 140-8 ⁄2-1 ⁄2 with one forced hips and quickly change direction. Lumbers in fumble, three pass breakups and one intercep- pursuit and lacks the burst to chase laterally. Has tion. Lined up at his more natural weak-side heavy feet and can be overmatched in the open position for the bowl game. Did not lift at the field. Takes poor angles and does not account for Combine because of a left pectoral strain. his help. Positives: Has a solid build with good upper- Summary: Has lined up at “Mike” linebacker body strength. Plays with power. Shows good at times but more often than not was aligned in a

www.profootballweekly.com LBs 2008LO3/5/082:54PMPage137 gles toturnthecornerasablitzer. to fliphishipsandgetdepthincoverage. Strug- Drag-down tackler. Limitedagilityandfluidity hands wellandgetswiredtoomuchtoblocks. clear hisfeetthroughtraffic. Does not usehis laterally andcanlosethecorner. Strugglesto tional playstrength.Lacksthespeedtochase negated bythefullbackvs.run.Lacksfunc- Struggles tobendandredirectinspace.Canbe downhill. Playshard.Solidcareerproduction. and willhittheholefast whenheseesitandget and 1 totaling19tackles Played ineightgames’04, finishing withsixtackles. on specialteams, mostly played in11gamesasatruefreshman, nessee. Attended Middle Tennessee Stateand basketball andtrackasaprepin Ten- football, the Combinebecauseofarighthamstringstrain. touchdown against West Virginia. Didnotrunat interceptions —oneofwhichwas returnedfora five passbreakupsandfour fumble recoveries, totaling104-12-0withtwo 13 gamesin’07, 112-11-4 andtwo fumblerecoveries. Startedall amassing fumbles. Startedall13gamesin’06, teams. linebacker andcontribute onspecial true “Mike” starter whocouldcompeteforarosterspotas tallying 80-8 Started all12gamesinwhichhe played in’07, games in’06andfinished witheighttackles. after transferringto Alabama. Playedin10 ILB tackles. A solidfootballplayer. 3-4 defensewherehecouldwork betweenthe next level. Hisbestchancewillcomeinsideina and edgespeedtoplaywithhishanddown atthe first-step quickness but helacksthebodylength, Flashed surprisingpass-rushabilityoff theedge, three-point stanceandcameoff theedge. (6-1 ILB (6-0 over Arkansas. Named oneofthreeteamcap- Georgia gameaftersuffering astingerinthewin pass breakupsandtwo interceptions.Missedthe racking up96-15with2 Started all12gamesatmiddlelinebacker in ’05, notched 23tacklesandthreeforloss. games atstrong-sidelinebacker in’04and team playerin2003.Startedthefinal 5-of-11 Defensive GoldenBull Award asthetopscout- lift of330pounds.Redshirtedandwon the pound classrecordintheclean-and-jerkwitha breaking thestate238- lettered inweightlifting, to playhisfinal two seasonsasaprepandalso full-time commitmenttotheministry. Returned time asahighschooljuniorwhileconsidering Summary: Negatives: Positives: Notes: Notes: DARREN MUSTIN BEN MOFFITT 5 7 ⁄ ⁄ 8 8 , 237,4.85e)ALABAMA , 234,4.85e)SOUTHFLORIDA 1 ⁄ 2 tackles forloss.Satoutthe’05season Has 13brothersandsisters.Letteredin Married withtwo children.Missed Solid build. Shows goodinstincts 1 ⁄ 2 Lacks greatspeedandagility. rdcie r-ad 3 try-hard, Productive, and onesackalongwiththree 1 ⁄ 2 sacks andfourforced 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW 1 ⁄ 2 -year n,adfnse ih2 ake,1 andfinished with23tackles, one, starting ed in2004.Played11games’05, and fullbackinhighschoolFlorida.Redshirt- with Illinoisoutofhighschoolbut enrolled at Shoulder hassublexed sincehighschool.Signed with apersonal-bestthrow of193feet7inches. high schooljuniorandplacedsecond asasenior (6-0 OLB (5-11 WLB or inside’backer ina3-4front. He couldbringsomeversatility asastrong-side thump atthe Texas vs.theNationall-stargame. and puthimselfonthemap.Showed some but emerged inNickSaban’s defenseasasenior does notappearnaturalmoving inreverse. tackles outsidethebox.Istightlywound and great lateralrangeanddoesnotmake alotof Respected leader. passion forthegameandtakes itseriously. fic andkeeping hisfeet.Goodcompetitor. Hasa some agilityandawareness siftingthroughtraf- take onblocks. Will sacrifice hisbody. Shows tains forthe’07season. could standoutonspecialteams. continue todevelop physically andaddbulk but clean uptheactionfunneledhisway. Hemust wherehecouldslipandavoid blocksand pros, for anotheryear. Projectstotheweaksidein would have beenbest-served staying inschool beyond hisphysicallimitationsincollege but he line. great top-endspeedtowinfootracestheside- sesses marginal coverage skills.Doesnotshow physically overwhelmed. Tightly wound. Pos- take goodanglesandgetswalled off. Canbe and opensupthemiddleoffield. Doesnot on play-action—takes himselfoutofposition strength. up blitzesvery well.Goodweight-room tial awareness tokeep hisfeetinpursuit. Times contact andwillhitontherise.Shows goodspa- filtering throughtraffic. Shows somepopon backfield. Moves fluidlyanddoesanicejobof at thelineofscrimmageandmake playsinthe ball. Cangetskinny andsqueezethroughholes fumbles andthreefumblerecoveries. recording128-8-2withthreeforced linebacker, recovery. Startedall12gamesin’07atmiddle sacks withthreeforcedfumblesandonefumble andtallied45-4two (one attheMLBspot), withfourstarts Appeared in13games’06, oneforcedfumbleandpassbreakup. loss, Summary: Negatives: Positives: Notes: Notes: Summary: Negatives: Positives: 1 ⁄ LAMAR MYLES 2 STEVE OCTAVIEN 5 , 220,4.8E)LOUISVILLE ⁄ 8 , 238,4.73)NEBRASKA Was afour-year starterasalinebacker Won theFloridastatediscustitleasa Is fairly instinctive andrunstothe Has goodsizeandthestrengthto Quietly hasflown underthe radar A tacklingmachinewhoplayed Very undersized. Too oftenbites Only aone-yearstarter. Lacks www.profootballweekly.com (Junior) 1 ⁄ 2 tackles for 137 LINEBACKERS LINEBACKERS LBs 2008 LO 3/5/08 2:54 PM Page 138

138 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW Harper College (Ill.) in 2003-04, recording 124 croed to blocks. Too tight in the hips and is not tackles and 15 tackles for loss as a freshman. sudden changing direction. Not fluid in cover- Also ran the second leg of the school’s national age. Can be late to react to what he sees. Could champion 4x100-meter relay team and won the do a better job of using his hands to come free. discus title with a throw of 164 feet 7 inches as Not a natural athlete. Overaged and will be a 26- a sophomore. Transferred to Nebraska in ’05 and year-old rookie. started at weak-side linebacker in the season Summary: A self-made overachiever with the opener against Maine, logging four tackles and toughness, work habits and desire to make it on 1 2 ⁄2 tackles for loss before breaking his leg in the special teams and fight for playing time. first quarter and tearing a ligament. Underwent an appendectomy during fall camp in ’06 and WLB MARCUS RICHARDSON 1 returned to start 1-of-9 games in which he (6-0 ⁄8, 228, 4.53) TROY played, missing five contests with a lingering Notes: Also lettered in track and field as a hamstring injury. Finished with 32-4 and one prep, competing in the 100 meters (10.8) and sack. Played in all 12 games in ’07, starting nine triple jump (44 feet). Redshirted in 2003. Saw — six on the weak side and three on the strong limited action in seven games in ’04 and regis- side — and totaled 92-15-2 plus three pass tered five tackles. Started all 11 games in ’05 at breakups. Injured his left foot during positional strong-side linebacker, tallying 59 tackles and drills at the Combine. seven tackles for loss with five pass breakups. Positives: Hits with power. Good strength and Started 11-of-13 games in ’06, missing two explosion. Shows good chase speed. Gets down- early-season contests with a broken collarbone hill and drives through contact. Plays physically. sustained against Georgia Tech. Finished with 1 1 Brings emotion to the field. 40-4 ⁄2 and 1 ⁄2 sacks. Started all 12 games at 1 Negatives: Durability is a major concern weak-side linebacker in ’07, tallying 60-5 ⁄2-2. LINEBACKERS given history of injuries. Has always struggled He also forced a fumble, recovered one and to stay healthy. Too tight-hipped. Not fluid in hauled in an interception. coverage. Could struggle to carry tight ends and Positives: Natural athlete. Good movement can be outmatched by size. Could take some skills. Good lateral quickness. Is fluid changing time to digest a complex playbook. Not a great direction and can make plays to the sideline. Has worker. long arms and some pop in his punch to keep Summary: A short, compactly built, explosive defenders off his body. Shows the movement hitter who has earned a reputation as a china doll skills to run with receivers and can open up his that cracks much too easily. He will be removed stride and go. Moves well in reverse. from some draft boards for durability concerns. Negatives: Lacks bulk and bulk strength. He flashes strength and explosion when healthy. Instincts are off and can be late to react to move- ment. Can be knocked around and controlled SLB KELLY POPPINGA when locked up in tight quarters. Overpursues 1 (6-1 ⁄2, 239, 4.75e) BRIGHAM YOUNG and takes himself out of plays. Lunges too much Notes: Brother, Brady, currently plays for the and misses tackles. Could struggle to stay Green Bay Packers. Excelled in football, basket- healthy given his lack of size.

LINEBACKERS ball and track as a prep, winning a state champi- Summary: He would fit best in a fast-flowing onship in the discus. Sat out for three years fol- scheme used by a team such as the Colts or lowing high school. Enrolled at Utah State in Eagles and could bring value on special teams 2003 and saw action in eight games as a backup and as a nickel linebacker. linebacker and on special teams, recording five tackles and one tackle for loss with one fumble WLB KEITH RIVERS 1 recovery. Missed four games that season with a (6-2 ⁄4, 241, 4.7e) USC separated shoulder. Started all 11 games in ’04, Notes: Named Parade All-American as a registering 61-5 and one sack. Transferred to prep. Appeared in all 13 games at weak-side BYU in ’05 and redshirted that season. Played in linebacker as a true freshman in 2004 and all 13 games in ’06, starting two on the strong notched 25 tackles and three tackles for loss 1 side and notching 36-3 ⁄2-2 with three pass with one pass breakup and one interception. breakups and two interceptions. Started all 13 Started 11-of-13 games at weak-side linebacker 1 games in ’07, totaling 113-7 ⁄2-0. He also forced in ’05, missing two contests with a hamstring a fumble, broke up five passes and secured an strain, and totaled 52-3 and one sack with one interception. interception and a pair of fumble recoveries. 1 Positives: Very active and makes plays all Started all 13 games in ’06, registering 85-7 ⁄2-2 over the field. Shows enough speed to close to with two pass breakups, three forced fumbles the ball. Good second effort in pursuit. Has a and one fumble recovery. Started all 12 games in passion for the game. Smart and dependable. which he played in ’07, missing the Arizona Vocal leader. Football is important to him. Con- State game with a sprained left ankle suffered at tributes on nearly every special-teams unit. Has California. Totaled 78-5-0 with four pass NFL bloodlines. breakups, a team-high three fumble recoveries Negatives: Not tough or physical and gets vel- and one forced fumble. Did not work out at the

www.profootballweekly.com LBs 2008LO3/5/082:54PMPage139 Combine afterhaving hisrightanklescoped. ability. Playsthroughinjuries.Elusive blitzer. hand onthegroundandshows somepass-rush all threeLBpositions.Haslinedupwithhis seam andcover backs. Versatile andhasplayed slot. Shows thespeedtocarry tightendsupthe coverage andisathleticenoughtolineupinthe Solid wraptackler. Shows greatawareness in to theball.Staysonhisfeetthroughtraffic. proper shoulder. Covers alotofgroundandflies screens anddraws andattacksdownhill withthe ting capability. Instinctive. Very quicktoread Plays downhill andwillstrike. Flashesbig-hit- hewillpopandrunthroughballcarriers. target, andoncehezeroesinona reach theperimeter, Good armlength.Hasthespeedtoconsistently physique ofany playerattheSeniorBowl. out ofgraniteandhadthemostimpressive Keith Rivers Positives: l Looks like hehasbeensculpted USC 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW

BRUCE L. SCHWARTZMAN leader. Very goodonspecialteams. bles. Hasapassionforthegame. Vocal team Hardworking. Solidcharacter. Greatintangi- habits todevelop into avery goodpro. leadershipabilityandwork football intelligence, but hehasthetoughness, impeded hisquickness, senior andplayedthroughanankleinjurythat on theweakside.Hewas notatfullhealthasa LB positionsbut ismostnaturallysuitedtoplay could beanissue. could comeonspecialteams.Hisdurability side linebacker whosebiggestcontribution ball. Was limitedbyashoulderinjuryasjunior. zone coverage andisnotquicktobreakonthe physical. Doesnotshow much awareness in Not strongpressingoff blocksanddoesnotplay does nothave aframetosupportmuchgrowth. covering kicks. the athleticabilityandinstinctstobeeffective up onspecialteamsearlyincareerandshows work habits.Greatall-aroundcharacter. Lined tackler. Tough andcompetitive. Outstanding sideline andchasedown ballcarriers.Solidwrap blockers. Flows fast totheball.Canget tothe plays. Takes sharpanglestoslipunderneath gence. Readshiskeys andisquick todiagnose and two passbreakups. onefumblerecovery 2 withtwo forcedfumbles, Started all10gamesin’07andregistered 125-6- fering aseason-endingrightshoulderstinger. totaled 56-7-1andoneforcedfumblebeforesuf- inside andstartedthefirst five gamesin’06and fumbles andthreefumblerecoveries. Moved fourforced five sackswithoneinterception, (6-1 WLB (5-11 MLB n tre -f1 ae,posting66-8 and started9-of-10games, death. Transferred to wasWestern shotto Washington in’05 Eric McMillan, mate andfriend, Left theteaminmid-Septemberafterhisteam- recording eighttacklesandonetackleforloss. played inthreegamesatoutsidelinebacker, Attended Idahoasatruefreshmanin2004and cut-back lanes.Didnothave greatproduction. Takes somequestionableanglesandopensup be driven backfouryardswhenhegetsengulfed. space. Lacksgreatstrengthatthepointandcan will overrun theballandmisssometacklesin changing direction.Playsabittoorecklessly, shows upwhenhetriestotransition. Notsmooth to UCLAin’04andsatouttheseason tocom- as awalk-on andredshirtedin2003. Transferred ball asaprep. Attended the Air Force Academy Summary: Lackssizeandbulk strengthand Negatives: Positives: Summary: Notes: Negatives: Notes: 1 ⁄ 8 SHANE SIMMONS CHRISTIAN TAYLOR 7 , 226,4.69) WESTERN WASHINGTON ⁄ 8 , 227,4.75e)UCLA Also letteredinvolleyball andbasket- Also letteredinbaseballasaprep. Instinctive. Goodfootballintelli- Is capableofliningupatallthree ihmtr u-rud weak- run-around, A high-motor, sabttgt andhisstiffness Is abittight, www.profootballweekly.com 1 ⁄ 2 and 139 LINEBACKERS LINEBACKERS LBs 2008 LO 3/5/08 2:54 PM Page 140

140 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW ply with NCAA transfer rules but earned the to make it. He will become a staple on special Charles Pike Memorial Award as the best scout- teams and could battle for a starting job in a 4-3 team player. Earned a scholarship in ’05 and pressure defense where he is protected. started 1-of-12 games in a rotation at inside line- backer, totaling 43 tackles and one tackle for WLB NICK WATKINS 1 loss. Played in all 13 games, starting 12, at mid- (6-0 ⁄2, 223, 4.79) CLEMSON dle linebacker in ’06, playing sparingly against Notes: His family was hit hard by Hurricane Oregon because of a sprained ankle and piled up Katrina. Redshirted in 2003. Played in all 11 1 1 83-13 ⁄2 and 4 ⁄2 sacks. Started all 12 games in games as a reserve linebacker in ’04, compiling which he played in ’07 and finished with 80- 53 tackles and seven tackles for loss with 10 1 12 ⁄2-2 plus one forced fumble, two fumble tackles coming from special teams. Started all recoveries and three pass breakups. Suffered a 12 games in ’05, recording 99-5 and one sack concussion vs. California and missed the Wash- with one pass breakup, one interception and one ington State game. Team captain. forced fumble. Started all 13 games in ’06, reg- Positives: Plays with intensity and fights to istering 113-7-1 to go with four pass breakups, get to the ball. Very competitive. Works hard and three interceptions and three forced fumbles. does everything he can to improve. Reacts to Started 11-of-12 games in which he played in balls thrown in front of him. Plays smart. Vocal ’07 at weak-side linebacker, but did not start vs. team leader. Central Michigan due to academics. Notched Negatives: Very undersized and short-armed 118-3-1 with two forced fumbles, two fumble for the inside and lacks the burst and lateral recoveries and three pass breakups. Was ruled agility to get to the perimeter. Not overly physi- academically ineligible for the Chick-fil-A cal and gets stuck on too many blocks. Lacks Bowl. strength and pop in his punch to stack and shed. Positives: Very active and makes plays all LINEBACKERS Does not have great balance or body control and over the field. Effectively slips blocks and will struggles the farther he has to go. Too tightly come downhill and attack. Plays sideline to side- wound. Struggles to break down and tackle in line and has good playing range. space. Near-liability in coverage — does not get Negatives: Too undisciplined. Does not like to much depth. Thinks he is better than he is. work. Lacks bulk strength and upper-body Summary: Too small and slow-footed to com- strength — bench-pressed 225 pounds only 17 pete for more than a job on special teams, where times at the Combine. Does not play strong. Too his intensity could help him earn a role. straight-linish and not sudden changing direc- tion. WLB Summary: If he can bulk up, commit himself 1 (6-1 ⁄4, 236, 4.77) IDAHO to the weight room and take the game more seri- Notes: Lined up at QB, WR, TE, LB and S ously, he has a chance to make it. If he continues positions in high school. Started 3-of-12 games to skate by cutting corners and does not figure as a true freshman in 2004, logging 17 tackles as out what it means to work, he will fall by the a reserve. In ’05, started 6-of-11 games and post- wayside and have to live with the memory of ed 43 tackles and six tackles for loss. Emerged being a good college player. His lack of focus is 1 LINEBACKERS to start all 12 games in ’06, totaling 134-15 ⁄2-2 concerning. and adding four pass breakups and two forced fumbles. Started all 12 games at the “Will” spot WLB 1 7 in ’07, recording 148-6 ⁄2-1. He also picked off (6-1 ⁄8, 248, 4.81) GEORGIA TECH one pass, forced one fumble and recovered one Notes: Saw immediate action in 2003 as a fumble. 190-pound true freshman, contributing six tack- Positives: Good instincts. Flows fast to the les in reserve from defensive end. Moved to ball. Quick and agile. Good football intelligence. strong-side linebacker and redshirted in ’04. Takes on blockers with the proper shoulder and Started 12-of-13 games in ’05 at the SLB spot, gets good fits in the defense. Has a sixth sense missing a start against Utah because the Yellow for the ball and shows up all over the field. Has Jackets opened in a nickel defense. Finished 1 a knack for slipping blockers and takes good with 64-11 ⁄2-4 and tied for the team lead with angles. Flashes strength at the point. Secure four interceptions. In ’06, moved inside and tackler. Outstanding worker with a passion for started all 14 games at middle linebacker, replac- the game. Plays on every special team. Excellent ing New York Giants 2006 third-round pick Ger- 1 production. Great intangibles. Very durable. ris Wilkinson, and recorded 89-14 ⁄2-9 with two Negatives: Has not faced great competition. forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and five Not strong in the upper body. Lacks bulk and can pass breakups. Started all 13 games in ’07, 1 1 be outmuscled by bigger blockers. Shows some rarely coming off the field. Totaled 88-8 ⁄2-5 ⁄2 tightness in his hips and does not have great with two forced fumbles and one fumble recov- speed. Not very fluid in coverage. Weight has ery. tended to fluctuate. Positives: Solid build. Good natural athlete. Summary: Underrated weak-side linebacker Shows good awareness in pass defense and has with the toughness, competitive and intelligence enough speed to run with receivers. Can drop his

www.profootballweekly.com LBs 2008LO3/5/082:54PMPage141 aauai h ide oee,Williams’ Maualuga inthemiddle.However, Cushing atstrong-sidelinebacker andRey stretch in’07whileinjuriessidelined Brian strength. Doesn’t have greatinstincts.Lacksbulk rience. Hasnever beenafull-timestarter. he hasbust potential. but hecouldbeagoodpro, light ever comeson, projects besttotheweaksideinpros.If could be.Nottoughenoughtostayinsideand has never evolved intothetypeofplayerhe and crossers. misdirection to short-circuitwithplay-action, son tohisseniorseasonandtoooftenappeared means towork. Regressed fromhisjuniorsea- he isbetterthanandneedstolearnwhatit be linedupattimes.Notavocal leader. Thinks ability. Losesseparationincoverage. Needsto for thegameandreliestoomuchonhisnatural open field. Marginal work ethic.Lackspassion break down inspaceandmisses tacklesinthe Shows sometightnessinhis hips.Doesnot take onblocks.Playswithtoomuchfinesse. knack forhittinggapsasablitzer. hips andchangedirection.Solidhitter. Hasa (6-0 SLB trs making18-1 starts, withtwo utor. Appeared inall13games’06, season andalsowas akey special-teamscontrib- thenmoved tofullbackinmid- three positions), the ’06seasonasautilitylinebacker (playingall abdominal strainpriortospringpractice.Started thenhadsurgery foran from hiskneeinjury, some of’06springdrillswhilerecuperating pass breakupsandoneinterception.Missed three 29-4 andonesackplusforcedfumble, ifornia andmissedthefinal threegames. Totaled inside ’backer. SprainedhisleftkneecapatCal- sixattheSLBspotandtwo at played in’05, for loss.Started8-of-10gamesinwhichhe backer. Finishedwith14tacklesandtwo tackles cial teamsandasabackupatstrong-sideline- mostlyonspe- Appeared inall13games’04, Also playedbaseball.Redshirtedin2003. backer andfullbackinhighschoolCalifornia. fullback. satile andhasplayedallthreeLBpositionsplus and shows goodawareness. Playsfast. Very ver- Does anicejobofdroppingintopasscoverage jam tightendsandholdhisgroundattheline. Inspirational Player Award. breakups andoneinterception. Won USC’s Most five pass with 56-5-0two forcedfumbles, (three) andmiddle(one)linebacker. Finished ’07 asaninjuryreplacementatstrong-side and oneinterception.Started4-of-13gamesin Summary: Summary: Negatives: oe:Parade Notes: Negatives: Positives: 7 ⁄ THOMAS WILLIAMS 8 , 238,4.89)USC Good athlete.Shows thestrengthto Lacks anextra gear. Limitedexpe- Has beenaproductive playerbut Not physicalanddoesnotlike to Played wellover a four-game All-American asaseniorline- 1 ⁄ 2 -1 plusoneforcedfumble 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW could alsogetalookatfullback. level. Helikely isacareerspecial-teamerwho gence andintangiblestofill aroleatthenext Williams possessestheintelli- career reserve, alsoa but like formerUSCQBMattCassel, potential first-round pickshislasttwo seasons, trian 4.9-second40times.Satbehindthree ashepostedpedes- than evident attheCombine, lack ofaccelerationandtop-endspeedwas more arms (34 of arightshoulderinjury. not dothebenchpressatCombinebecause one fumblerecovery andfive passbreakups.Did (6-0 WLB Totaled 139-8 Started all13gamesatweak-sidelinebacker. with asmallpadonhissurgically repairedhand. removed inlate August andplayedtheseason underwent surgery inJuly’07. Hadthecast forced fumbles.Fracturedhislefthandand two fumblerecoveries andfour interception, ae n’6 compiling122-9 games in’06, season finale against Tennessee. Startedall13 Notched 18-2-0andonefumblerecovery inthe one interceptionandfourfumblerecoveries. ing 100-7andtwo sackswithfive passbreakups, register- games atweak-sidelinebacker in’05, required postseasonsurgery. Startedall11 season finale withatornleftankleligamentthat Year bythecoachingstaff despitemissingthe and was namedthespecial-teamsPlayerof son. Totaled 34tacklesandonetackleforloss 2004 afterswitchingover fromsafetyatmidsea- played atinsidelinebacker asatruefreshmanin sophomore. Started5-of-10gamesinwhichhe in thestate4x100-meterrelayasahighschool a pressure Tampa-2 defensive scheme. and develop intoasolidpro.Hewould bebestin could contribute onspecialteamsimmediately to theCombineandnotsacrificing speed. He ly bulking upfromthetimeofSeniorBowl gradual- career intheSoutheasternConference, son climbfollowing avery productive four-year through tackler. Marginal coverage defender. drive- frame togetmuchbigger. Notaphysical, hips andchangedirection.Doesnothave a bend. Playsflat-footedattimes.Cannotfliphis tightness inhisbackanddoesnotplaywithgreat stiff andstrugglessinkinghiships.Shows some built inthelower body. Playstootallandvery temperament. game. Hasagreatwork ethic.Goodfootball competitor. Playssmartandunderstandsthe work ethicandon-field leadershipability. Great active. Shows outstandingplayingrange.Good ler. Makes playsallover thefield and isvery and reactsquicklytowhathesees.Securetack- speed andclosesfast totheball.Isinstinctive Positives: Notes: Summary: Negatives: 3 ⁄ 8 , 227,4.53)KENTUCKY 5 loltee ntak finishing second Also letteredintrack, ⁄ 8 inches). Flashesimpressive top-end He hascontinuedastrongpostsea- Very productive. Hasvery long 1 Is high-hippedandvery thinly ⁄ 2 -2 1 ⁄ 2 www.profootballweekly.com with threeforcedfumbles, 1 ⁄ 2 -2 withone 141 LINEBACKERS LINEBACKERS DBs 2008 LO 3/5/08 6:57 PM Page 142

142 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW DEFENSIVEDEFENSIVE BACKSBACKS COURTESY OF TROY

PFW’S TOP 10 1. LEODIS McKELVIN 2. D. Rodgers-Cromartie 3. Mike Jenkins 4. Aqib Talib 5. Patrick Lee 6. Reggie Smith 7. Kenny Phillips 8. DaJuan Morgan 9. Tyvon Branch 10. Brandon Flowers

FS HUSAIN ABDULLAH awareness with his back to the ball. Religion 7 (5-11 ⁄8, 204, 4.68) WASHINGTON STATE requires fasting and could affect strength and Notes: Married with a son. Brother, Hamza, conditioning — took IVs on game days to fuel also lettered for the Cougars and plays for the body. Denver Broncos. Husain redshirted in 2003 at Summary: Has shown improvement every cornerback. Moved to safety in ’04 and played year and is committed to the game but will have in 11 games, primarily on special teams. to make it on special teams to stick on a roster. Recorded 26 tackles, one pass breakup and one interception, adding one forced fumble and two SS JAMAR ADAMS fumble recoveries. Started 9-of-10 games in (6-2, 212, 4.62) MICHIGAN which he played in ’05, missing the Idaho con- Notes: Also lettered in basketball and track test with a sprained left ankle, and amassed 54- and was a member of a nationally ranked chess DEFENSIVE BACKS 6-2 with one forced fumble. Started all 12 games team in high school. Appeared in nine games as in ’06, tallying 66-4-3 with one forced fumble. a true freshman in 2004 and recorded eight tack- Voted team captain in ’07. Started all 12 games, les. Started 8-of-12 games at strong safety in notching 93-10-4 with one forced fumble and ’05, tallying 27 tackles and two pass breakups. one blocked kick. Did not run shuttles at Com- Started all 13 games at strong safety in ’06 and bine because of groin injury. compiled 47-7 and one interception. Started all Positives: Has good size. Plays the ball well 13 games at strong safety in ’07, notching 92- downfield and shows nice body control to adjust 10-3. Did not bench at the Combine because of to it. Has NFL bloodlines. Very disciplined. a right shoulder injury. Strong character. Works hard and takes the game Positives: Very good size. Looks the part. seriously. Smart. Supports the run quickly. Drops downhill Negatives: Average instincts. Takes some fast and is a physical hitter. Makes the secondary questionable angles. Lacks range to get over the calls. Nice instincts. Times up blitzes well and top. Does not come out of his breaks cleanly. shows enough closing burst to get to the ball. Struggles to tackle in space. Average play speed. Will run through contact. Good worker. Not quick or sudden out of his pedal. Shows no Negatives: Plays overaggressively and over-

www.profootballweekly.com DBs 2008LO3/5/086:58PMPage143 0,ttln 7tcls onepassbreakupand totaling17tackles, ’04, (defense) effort award. Started 4-of-10gamesin 2003. Redshirtedandearnedthe scoutteam der injuryinhisfirst gameasatruefreshman in ball andtrack.Suffered aseason-endingshoul- a seniorinhighschool. Also letteredinbasket- fortouchdowns as as wellfourinterceptions, returned acombinedseven kickoffs andpunts, played basketball atNevada. Josh Grieg, Father, ing threeseasonsthereandonewiththeSaints. play- round pickoftheSt.LouisRamsin1996, Does notshow greatawareness inzonecoverage. career. Is notsmoothtransitioningoutofbreaks. tle productionontheballover thecourseofhis and deeprangetoplayover thetop.Hasvery lit- and missestoomany tackles.Lacksfootspeed runs theball.Strugglestobreakdown inspace (6-1 SS (6-0 SS the box. he isbigandstrongcouldbeeffective near but needs tolearnmoreconsistentlywrapup, immediate depthandplayspecialteams. fit asareliablein-the-boxsafety. Couldprovide field atthenext level but tackleswellenoughto safety spotswholacksthespeedtoplaycenter- and strugglesbreakingontheball. able inmancoverage —stiff inhisbackpedal Could struggledigestingNFLschemes. Vulner- junior season).Couldhitwithmorethump. allinhis tionally well(fourcareerinterceptions, help over thetop.Doesnotplayballexcep- duction. Solidonspecialteams. for thegame.Hasathleticbloodlines.Goodpro- Makes thesecondarycallsandhasagoodfeel him andplaysundercontrol.Playsphysical. ligence. Solidrundefender—getshisfeetunder ble recoveries. 100-8-0 withoneforcedfumbleandthreefum- notching ed all12gamesatstrongsafetyin’07, fumble recovery. Also blocked two kicks.Start- interceptions withtwo forcedfumblesandone eightpassbreakupsandfour istered 74tackles, Started all13gamesatfreesafetyin’06andreg- securing13tacklesandblockingapunt. games, saw actioninall12 one passbreakup.In’05, freshman in2004andnotchedfourtackles Played 9-of-12gamesatstrongsafetyasatrue also letteredinhockey andbaseball asaprep. fourth roundofthe2005NFLdraft.Dominique and was selectedbytheDallasCowboys inthe playedfortheGophersfrom2001-04 ion III, with theNew Mar- York Jets(1982-88).Brother, Gophers from1977-80andplayedseven seasons Summary: Notes: Summary: Negatives: Positives: Notes: JOSH BARRETT 3 1 ⁄ ⁄ 4 4 , 223,4.36)ARIZONASTATE , 210,4.69)MINNESOTA osn eadMoe was athird- JeraldMoore, Cousin, ahr ainJ. letteredforthe MarionJr., Father, Very goodsize.Goodfootballintel- etrhte hntclr Adams A betterhitterthantackler, Competent two-year starteratboth Lacks speedandburst toprovide 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW and instretcheslookslike aone-manshow. make every playonthefield. Playseffortlessly baiting throws andbreakingonthefootball.Can his size.Doesanicejobreadingthequarterback, Smooth striderwhomoves exceptionally wellfor flip hishipsandchangedirection. coverage, with theagilityofafreesafety—candropinto ball withasenseofurgency. Linebacker size showed awareness vs.thepassandbroke tothe whenheplayedstrongvs.therun, a junior, kick itupanotchinpursuit.Reallystoodoutas with 7 tallying82-6-3 ’06 afterstartingall13games, forced fumble.Named ASU’s defensive MVPin onesackand with threetacklesforloss, rackingup37-4-1 Started 2-of-12gamesin’05, one interceptionwithtwo fumblerecoveries. side linebacker. enough sizetopiquesomeinterestasaweak- which heisturnedlooseandcanroam.Has physical abilityandcouldflourishinasystem son andappeareddisinterested.Hastremendous undernew headcoachDennisErick- however, came tooeasilyforhim.Flounderedasasenior, ingly toying withtheoppositioninagame that seem- effortlessly madealltheplaysasajunior, physical abilitynever hasbeenquestionedand with ablazing4.37-second40-yarddash.Rare minor concern. Needs toplaymoredisciplined.Durabilityisa played withoutpassion.Notvery instinctive. bouncedoff ballcarriersandgenerally contact, Questionable passionanddesire. Turned down Shut itdown attimesandlooked foraway out. sporadically andwas benchedearlyintheyear. 4 a strainedpectoralmuscleandquadcontusion. sprain. Was hamperedthroughouttheseasonby Missed the Arizona gamewitharightknee tallying38-8-1. in whichheplayed’07, program. Team captain.Started8-of-11games award forhiswork intheoffseason conditioning ble recovery. Earnedthe“HardHatPlayer” (5-10 SS-PR ie reads hiskeys andwillsupporttherun. tive, Returned punts41-535(13.0). amassing87-6-1. Started all13gamesin’07, 24 puntsfor305yards(12.7-yard average). 0,registering 49-6-2with9 ’06, recoveries. Startedthefinal 8-of-13gamesin two forcedfumblesandtwo fumble sacks, amassed 43-7andfourinterceptionswithtwo Started 6-of-12gamesatstrongsafetyin’05and and addedonesackfumblerecovery. tallying 28tacklesandtwo passbreakups in ’04, back tosafetyin2003. Appeared inall11games a prep.Redshirtedandconverted fromquarter- 1 ⁄ 2 Summary: Positives: Positives: Notes: Negatives: sacks andoneforcedfumble. Also returned 7 ⁄ 8 , 196,4.66) TEXAS CHRISTIAN BRIAN BONNER 1 ⁄ 2 ake o os onesackandfum- tackles forloss, Also letteredinbasketball andtrackas Good musculature.Fairly instinc- Sensational size-speedratio.Can Wowed attheScoutingCombine Turned sourasasenior—played www.profootballweekly.com 1 ⁄ 2 tackles forloss, 143 DEFENSIVE BACKS DEFENSIVE BACKS DBs 2008 LO 3/5/08 6:58 PM Page 144

144 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW Solid hitter. Times up blitzes well. Plays the ball cornerback as a true freshman in ’04, posting 20 in front of him. Tough. Has a passion for the tackles and returning 10 kickoffs for 200 yards game. Works very hard and takes the game seri- (20.0-yard average). Was arrested in May of ’05 ously. Solid character. More quick than fast. after a pellet gun discharged from a car he was Shows enough quickness and vision to con- riding in with three teammates and shattered the tribute as a punt returner. window of a passing car in a parking lot, but Negatives: Is not naturally big. Short-armed charges were later dismissed. Started the final 5- and can be engulfed easily. Struggles the farther of-12 games in ’05, replacing junior Ernest he has to go and range is limited — does not Cole, who was out with a broken arm. Logged drop a lot into coverage or cover much ground. 42 tackles, six pass breakups and two intercep- Shows little burst to the ball. Average functional tions for the season. Started all 12 games in ’06 play speed. Not fluid in his movement. Is tight in and racked up 79-5-1, adding two forced fum- the hips and takes choppy steps. Not very aware bles and two recoveries. Started all 13 games in in coverage and lacks the foot quickness to carry ’07, notching 89-10-0. Returned kickoffs 27-780 tight ends down the field. (28.9) with two touchdowns. Summary: Is almost used like another line- Positives: Excellent size. Can flat out fly. Very backer and is a very limited athlete that must good upper-body strength. Uses his hands well play near the box and make it on special teams. at the line of scrimmage to disrupt timing and re- route receivers. Shows ability to maintain cush- CB ZACKARY BOWMAN ion in off-man coverage. Plants and drives on the 1 (6-0 ⁄8, 197, 4.44) NEBRASKA ball very well. Does a nice job recognizing Notes: Grew up on an Air Force base in underneath responsibilities and peeling off in Anchorage, Alaska. Played at New Mexico Mil- zone coverage. Outstanding closing speed. Can itary Institute in 2003 and ’04. Amassed 18 pass run, plant and drive on the ball. Is physical vs. breakups and four interceptions in ’03 and 10 the run. Strong tackler. Provides special-teams PBUs and six interceptions, including two he value as a kick returner and gunner. Smart and returned for TDs, in ’04. Transferred to Nebras- makes the secondary calls. Passionate and a stu- ka in ’05 and started the final 5-of-11 games he dent of the game. Durable. played at boundary corner over incumbent Tierre Negatives: Lacks great ball skills — has only Green, recording 27 tackles, 14 pass breakups three career interceptions and does not make DEFENSIVE BACKS and two interceptions. In spring practice in ’06, many plays on the ball. Marginal hands. Too tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left tight in transition and will give up too much sep- knee and sat out the season. Tore the patellar ten- aration in man coverage. don in his right knee in ’07 spring practice but Summary: Blew up the Combine, blazing the returned to start 4-of-11 games in his final sea- 40 at 204 pounds, but is more fast than quick and son, notching 29-6-1. ideally still fits as a zone corner or free safety. Positives: Very good size and length. Has long Could make an impact immediately on special arms, is strong and effective in press coverage. teams as a gunner and kick returner and pos- Can re-route receivers at the line and keep stride sesses the combination of size, speed and smarts with receivers down the field. Reacts to the to consider on the back half. Overall versatility thrown ball in front of him. will drive up his value. Negatives: Durability is a major question. Too lean and long-limbed and struggles to transition SS CORNELIUS “PIG” BROWN and change directions easily. Bites hard on dou- (5-11, 197, 4.59) MISSOURI ble moves and struggles to change gears. Does Notes: Two-time first-team all-state selection not play physically. Soft tackler. Loses separa- at Cook High School in Adel, Ga. Also earned tion in man off coverage. Loses the ball with his three letters in basketball. Played two years at back to it and does not show awareness. Has Reedley (Calif.) College, earning all-state and DEFENSIVE BACKS never been able to stay healthy long enough to all-conference honors as a sophomore at safety. finish a season as a full-time starter. Played 12 games at free safety for Missouri in Summary: Worked out very well at the Com- ’06, starting once and notching 40-1-0. Bothered bine and showed natural physical traits that by a sprained ankle at the end of the season. appeared on tape early in his career. However, Named co-captain prior to senior season. Started never has been able to stay healthy, was beaten all eight games in which he played in ’07 at out for the starting job in his final season and strong safety, amassing 70-7-3. Season was cut could be a medical liability. short when he ruptured an Achilles tendon vs. Iowa State, forcing him to miss the final six CB-FS-KR TYVON BRANCH games. Recovered two fumbles, including one 3 (5-11 ⁄4, 204, 4.33) CONNECTICUT he returned 100 yards for a touchdown, and Notes: Named the New York Gatorade Track made the game-clinching interception in the sea- Athlete of the Year as a prep after finishing first son opener vs. Illinois. in the 100 meters and 200 meters and winning Positives: Very active. Strong tackler. Will hit the 2004 National Indoor Track Championship ballcarriers in the mouth. Shows big-play ability in the 60 meters (6.82). Played in all 12 games at and performed well in the clutch (see game-

www.profootballweekly.com DBs 2008LO3/5/086:58PMPage145 tations willneedtobehiddeninscheme. where hecouldsupporttherun.Coverage limi- backer-safety andwould bebestclosetotheline, explosion. ing direction.Limitedlower-body strengthand coverage. Tight-hipped andnotsmoothchang- lot ofplaysontheballorshow awareness in with multiplekneesurgeries. Doesnotmake a bloodlines. frame toaddbulk andgetstronger. HasNFL itate frominjuryandisvery disciplined.Hasa competitive. Dideverything hecouldtorehabil- smart andhasanosefortheball. Tough and tackler. Looksthepart. Very goodworker. Plays have tobegin theseasononPUPlist. in hopesthathecouldreturntoformbut might in thebox.Couldbeworth alate-roundgamble Brown isagoodfootballplayer whoiseffective could seriouslyaffect draft status.However, lydi l 2gms startingseven and mak- played inall12games, ing Scout Team Playerfordefense.In’04, earningOutstand- nals. Trey redshirtedin2003, SeattleSeahawks andSt.LouisCardi- Chiefs, UCLA andalsointheNFLfor KansasCity s ea eh makingplaysallover thefield. vs. Texas Tech, the game.Hasreturnexperience. Reallystoodout production. Emotionalleader. Hasapassionfor clinching interceptionvs.Illinois). Very good (5-8 CB sacks andoneforcedfumble. (5-10 SS is comingoff acareer-threatening typeofinjury. slowed byanankleinjuryduring theseasonand starter. Durabilityisaconsideration—was 0 n tre l 1gms tallying73-11 ’05 andstartedall11games, linebacker in forced fumble.Moved to“drop” 73 tacklesandtwo tacklesforlosswithone registering ’04 seasonandstartedall11games, running back.Moved tofreesafetypriorthe six timesfor22yardsinonegameasareserve makingseven tacklesandalsorushing in 2003, every gameasatrue freshmanonspecialteams also letteredintrackhighschool. Appeared in falo Bills(1993-95)andDetroitLions(’96).Ike playedfourseasonsforthe Buf- Monty, Uncle, had ashortstintwiththeOaklandRaiders. 0,nthn 0 ake,1 ake o os 2 11tacklesforloss, notching106tackles, ’07, Started all14gamesatstrong-sidelinebacker in the secondgameofseasonvs.Michigan. ligament inhisrightkneeafterhewas injured in surgery onthemeniscusand anterior cruciate a medicalredshirtforthe’06seasonafterhaving three sackswithoneforcedfumble. Was granted Summary: Negatives: Positives: Summary: Negatives: Notes: Notes: TREY BROWN IKE BROWN 3 ⁄ 4 1 , 190,4.55e)UCLA ⁄ 4 , 205,4.5e)CENTRALMICHIGAN ahr hoi,playedrunningbackat Theotis, Father, rte,Jcb played forCMUand Jacob, Brother, Good functionalstrength.Strong Injury concernsarevery valid and Has avery spottedinjuryhistory Has linedupasahybridline- Lacks bulk. Onlyaone-year 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW 1 ⁄ 2 and 1 ⁄ 2 and isareliabletackler. HasNFLbloodlines. tunistic. Shows thetoughnesstosupportrun short areaandswitchingoff receivers. Isoppor- come uptosupporttherun.Effective manninga skills. Packs somepunchforhissizeandwill game. Shows goodzoneawareness andgoodball and 2 team inthelattertwo categories. Also hadasack leadingthe tallying47-9-4, 13 gamesin’06, leadingtheteaminPBUs. Startedall 53-10-1, totaling Year award. Startedall12gamesin’05, average). Won team’s Defensive Rookieofthe returned two kickoffs for103yards(51.5-yard down. Also madefive tacklesforlossand oneofwhichhereturnedforatouch- ceptions, fourpassbreakupsandtwo inter- ing 46tackles, had onesack. forcedonefumbleand two fumblerecoveries, returned 56yardsforatouchdown. Also made totaling62-18-5withoneinterception ’07, (6-1 SS player. littlefootball come hissizelimitations. A good, ner withtheballskillsandtoughnesstoover- is notvery strong. coverage skillstocarryreceivers downfield and not aneliteathlete.Doeshave greatman- sized fortheposition.Lacksgreatspeedandis the boxandshows thetoughnessandstriking fluid. Limitedman-coverage skills. Shows somehiptightnessandisnotnaturally Average bodycontrol. Takes timetoaccelerate. control andwillmisssometacklesinspace. quick orsuddenchangingdirection.Playsoutof cover skills.Roundsoutofhisbreaksandisnot well frominjury. four-year starter. Quick healer—responded work ethic.Goodoverall careerproductionasa cal. Getsdownhill fast. Improved maturityand the part.Hitswithsomeforceandplaysphysi- 40 attheCombineanddidnotfinish workout. fered arighthamstringinjurywhilerunningthe notching97-2-0.Suf- Started 12gamesin’07, the kneeinjury. Voted teamcaptainasasenior. not practiceinthespringwhilerecovering from anterior cruciateligamentagainst Tulane. Did in ’06andtallied59-3-2beforetearinghisright against Air Force. Startedthefirst 9-of-12games highlightedbya21-tackleeffort ceptions, eightpassbreakupsandfive inter- 97 tackles, compiling safety in’05andstartedall11games, adding two forcedfumbles.Moved tostrong fourtacklesforlossandone-halfsack, tackles, recording54 position asatruefreshmanin2004, a prep.Started6-of-11gamesatthe“whip” Summary: Negatives: Positives: Summary: Negatives: Positives: Notes: 3 ⁄ 4 , 229,4.59)ARMY 1 ⁄ 2 tackles forloss.Startedall13gamesin Also letteredinbasketball andtrackas Very goodsizeandstrength.Looks Plays like anaddedlinebacker in Good instincts.Understandsthe neszd instinctive zonecor- Undersized, Lacks idealheightandisunder- Slightly pigeon-toed.Limited www.profootballweekly.com 145 DEFENSIVE BACKS DEFENSIVE BACKS DBs 2008 LO 3/5/08 6:58 PM Page 146

146 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW ability to contribute in the box. Has some limita- tackles for loss and a sack. Started 3-of-11 games tions in coverage and best chance could come by in which he played in ’05, missing the Cotton bulking up and transitioning to weak-side line- Bowl because of academic ineligibility. Notched backer. 28-9-2 on the season with four tackles for loss, two sacks, two forced fumbles and a blocked CB-FS punt. Started all 13 games at right cornerback in 1 1 (6-0 ⁄4, 191, 4.54) ARIZONA ’06 and totaled 71-6-6 with 4 ⁄2 tackles for loss, Notes: Cousins are Ken-Yon Rambo (Cow- one sack, one forced fumble and three fumble boys, 2001-02) and Aveion Cason (Rams, Lions, recoveries. Recorded two picks each vs. Vander- Cowboys, 2001-07). Father, Wendell, played for bilt and Tennessee. Also returned three punts for the Atlanta Falcons from 1985-87. Antoine also 22 yards (7.3-yard average). Was arrested in mid- lettered in track in high school. Started all 11 August ’07 on a disorderly conduct charge for games at field cornerback as a true freshman in allegedly shouting, cussing and challenging pas- 2004 and notched 70 tackles, six pass breakups sengers in a vehicle to fight. As of Nov. ’07, was 1 and four interceptions plus 5 ⁄2 tackles for loss found guilty of the disorderly conduct charge and and three forced fumbles. In ’05, started all 11 ordered to pay a $150 fine and $300 in court 1 games and posted 50-5-3 with 2 ⁄2 tackles for costs but has appealed the decision, with a court loss. Started all 12 games in ’06 and collected date scheduled for June. Started all 13 games at 62-7-3 with one interception return for TD. cornerback in the fall, amassing 63-12-2. Chose Joined the track team in the spring of ’07. In his not to bench at the Combine. first collegiate meet, he posted a time of 6.54 Positives: Good natural size with a frame to seconds in the 55-meter dash. Helped post a add some mass. Is fairly instinctive and makes team season-best 40.27 in the 4x100. Won the quick reads. Plays with awareness and recognizes Jim Thorpe Award as the nation’s top defensive routes unfolding. Shows good ball skills and back in ’07 after notching 71-19-5, returning hands (12 career interceptions). Solid run defend- two interceptions for touchdowns. Also returned er. Reliable tackler. Competes hard. Has NFL 27 punts for 201 yards (7.4-yard average) with bloodlines. Tough-minded and has not missed two TDs. Did not participate in all agility drills any time to injuries. Has been very durable. at the Combine because of “tightness.” Negatives: Poor timed speed. Lacks the accel- Positives: Uses his hands well at the line and eration and top-end speed to track receivers DEFENSIVE BACKS shows fine strength to press and re-route downfield. Too thin with a very lean build and receivers. Impressive upper-body strength. Good could struggle withstanding the physicality of zone awareness and understanding of the game. the safety position. Poor weight-room strength Great ball skills and hands (15 career intercep- and must get stronger. Character must be evalu- tions). Plays fast and shows good recovery speed. ated following ’07 arrest. Shows good route recognition and coverage Summary: A pedestrian 4.7-second 40-yard instincts to jump routes — stood out vs. Oregon. time at the Combine reaffirmed assessments that Negatives: Average closing speed. Is late to Castille lacks the long speed to play corner at the transition out of his breaks and slow to change next level. Shows the awareness and ball skills to direction. Not very physical — tries to back door attempt transitioning to safety but must commit and drag tackle in lieu of taking the ball carrier to an NFL strength-and-conditioning program head on — and got trucked against USC and and bulk up to endure the pounding. Develop- Washington. Plays too passively and struggles to mental safety who could be a few years away get off blocks. Undisciplined in off-man coverage. from contributing. Summary: Instinctive, press-zone boundary corner who lacks desirable long speed. Is quick, CB 1 agile and instinctive and could earn a starting (5-9 ⁄8, 175, 4.55e) AKRON spot in a Tampa-2 scheme. However, he is not Notes: Member of state championship teams DEFENSIVE BACKS very physical and could struggle transitioning to in high school in both track and football. Sat out the FS spot that some teams have projected him first year at Akron in 2003 while he got his aca- to playing in the pros. demics in order. Started all 11 games in ’04, reg- istering 55 tackles, eight pass breakups and two CB-S interceptions. In ’05, started all 13 games and 3 (6-0 ⁄8, 195, 4.74) ALABAMA collected 46-9-2 with two tackles for loss. Start- Notes: Brother, Tim, also played for the Tide, ed 10-of-12 games in ’06, tallying 44-8-4 with and father, Jeremiah, was an All-American one fumble recovery. Gained a fifth year of eli- (1979-82) for Alabama and played for the Tampa gibility in ’07 after meeting NCAA academic Bay Buccaneers (1983-86) and Denver Broncos requirements and started all 12 games. Collected (1987-88). First-team USA Today All-American 52-12-7, returning an interception for a touch- as a prep. Played in 11-of-12 games as a true down vs. Army. freshman in 2004, missing time against Arkansas Positives: Good instincts. Has quick feet and with a sprained right medial collateral ligament. fluid hips to shadow and mirror receivers. Takes Finished the season with 14 tackles, four pass good angles to the reception point. Stood out breakups and two interceptions along with two against better competition (see Ohio State and

www.profootballweekly.com DBs 2008LO3/5/086:58PMPage147 safety orzonecorner. toughness towarrant considerationasafree instinctsand enough andpossessesthesize, not work outortestvery well but plays fast Revis but showed improvement asasenior. Will exposed asajuniorplayingoppositeDarrelle and dimepackages. in thebigleagues.Couldcontribute innickel andhecouldlive uptohislastname ball skills, hecompensatesforwithinstinctsand however, much attention. What helacksinsizeandspeed, in amid-level programbut hasnotwarranted matched bybiggerreceivers. smart. Couldbemorephysical.Canout- great competition.Isundersized.Notbook ball very frequently. Playswithconfidence. Shows greatballskills—gets hishandsonthe accelerateandbreakontheball. Can plant, Shows goodquicknessandchange ofdirection. Connecticut games).Hasagoodfeelforroutes. (5-11 SS (5-11 CB-FS one forcedfumble.Moved tocornerbackinthe all 13gamesin’06andcompiled 70-3-0with added onesackandforcedfumble. Started six passbreakupsandtwo interceptionsand tallying77tackles, started all11gamesin’05, tered five tackles.Moved tostrongsafetyand cornerback asatruefreshmanin2004andregis- in trackasaprep. Appeared inall12gamesat ed Stateswhenhewas 9yearsold. Also lettered age closingspeed.Ballskillsarealittlesuspect. cushion andgetontopofhimtooquickly. Aver- flat-footed andallows receivers tocollapsehis sudden transitioningoutofbreaks.Getscaught some tightnessinhishipsandisnotquickor to keep stridewithreceivers downfield. Shows special teamsandcontributes asagunner. reliabletackler. Veryconfidence. Solid, active on jump routesinfrontofhim. Tough. Playswith instincts. Shows somemaneuverability. Quickto long armstojamreceivers. Nicefootwork and collecting32-5-1andonefumblerecovery. ’07, with onetackleforloss.Startedall12gamesin seven passbreakupsandoneinterception les, draft pickDarrelleRevis andcompiled51tack- in ’06oppositeNew York Jets2007first-round tackles. Startedall12gamesatrightcornerback totalingfour tackles. Playedall11gamesin’05, ’03. Playedall12gamesin’04andtallied11 Tampa BayBuccaneers.Kennard redshirtedin standout anda2003sixth-rounddraftpickofthe Summary: Negatives: Summary: Notes: Negatives: Positives: Notes: DOWAYNE DAVIS 7 1 ⁄ ⁄ 8 8 , 192,4.6e)PITTSBURGH , 192,4.4e)SYRACUSE Born inJamaicaandenteredtheUnit- osn ore was aformerPitt Torrie, Cousin, Good sizefortheCBpositionwith Is notfast andlacksthelongspeed Quietly hasbeenvery productive Lacks greatspeed.Hasnotfaced Frequently was targeted and 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW very smart.Hassixcareerblocked kicks. play. Goodman-coverage skills.Good worker. Is and naturalmovement skills.Never gives upona athleticbuild withlongarms thump. Hasarangy, power. Very tough. Willing tosquareupand his body. Shows goodfunctionalstrengthand ving throughballcarriers.Iswillingtosacrifice lowering hisshoulderanddri- coming downhill, the highlight-reelknockout blow. Isaggressive press attheCombine. tackles forlossandasack.Chosenottobench three onefumblerecovery, two forcedfumbles, Totaled 116-5andoneinterception.Healsohad forviolationsofteamrules. and RobertJordan, DeSeanJackson alongwithteammates, Bowl, pended forthefirst quarterofthe Armed Forces 13 gamesinwhichheplayed’07but was sus- ing job. Namedateamcaptainandstarted12-of- sprained rightkneeanddidnotregain thestart- loss. Missedthreegamesinmidseasonwitha les andthreepassbreakupswithonetacklefor notching45tack- Started 4-of-11gamesin’06, with two blocked puntsandoneblocked kick. registering 28tackles played in11games’05, three blocked kicks.Moved tofreesafetyand recordingninetackleswith 10 gamesin’04, Redshirted in2003asacornerback. Appeared in (6-1 S teams. in hisplay. Will needtocontribute onspecial his instinctsareoff andhemightbetoocerebral slow tocomearoundinthreeyearsasastarter, but hehasbeen to suggesthecoulddevelop, Limited special-teamsexperience. much andtakes timetoprocesswhathesees. open-field tackles. Lookslike hethinkstoo ’05). Strugglestobreakdown inspaceandmake nonesince hands (hastwo careerinterceptions, much awareness. Notaphysicaltackler. Poor skills. Marginal ballskills.Doesnotplaywith to transitionoutofbreaks.Lacksnaturalcover he takes totheball.Istightinhipsandslow flunked geometrywithsomeofthebadangles Not aneliteathlete.Lookslike hemusthave corner andsafety. ing ofthegame. Versatile andhaslinedupat speed. Very booksmartandhasanunderstand- les forlossandaforcedfumble. andfinished with61-4-0plusthreetack- season, back tosafetyforthefinal threegamesofthe moving spring andstartedall12gamesin’07, Lacks top-endspeedandacceleration tocover a sibilities. Doesnotshow greatfield vision. quarterback’s eyes andlosetrackof hisrespon- zone coverage —canbemanipulatedbythe year starter).Doesn’t show greatawareness in THOMAS DeCOUD Summary: Negatives: Positives: Negatives: Positives: Notes: 3 ⁄ 8 , 207,4.54)CALIFORNIA Also letteredinbasketball asaprep. Explosive tacklerand willdeliver a h tegh speedandsmarts Has thestrength, Undersized forthesafetyposition. Good strengthandstraight-line Limited startingexperience (1 www.profootballweekly.com 1 ⁄ 2 - 147 DEFENSIVE BACKS DEFENSIVE BACKS DBs 2008 LO 3/5/08 6:58 PM Page 148

148 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW lot of ground in center field and make plays on CB DeMICHAEL DIZER 1 the ball. Bites hard on play-action and takes (5-10 ⁄8, 170, 4.55e) GRAMBLING STATE some bad angles to the ball. Can be a liability in Notes: Played in five games in 2004, making the open-field and will miss too many tackles — six tackles and one pass defended. Also had one launches his body and whiffs. Marginal produc- forced fumble and one recovery. Started 5-of-12 tion on the ball (one career interception). Has games in ’05, collecting 57-13 and four inter- been hampered by injuries throughout his career ceptions with one forced fumble. Started 9-of-10 (ankle, thumb and both knees). games in ’06, making 40-3-0 with one sack. Summary: An aggressive hitter with the phys- Started 11-of-12 games in ’07, collecting 56-10- ical tools to develop into a solid safety, DeCoud 3, returning one interception for a TD, with three must learn to break down in space when tackling fumble recoveries. instead of going for the more exciting, but less Positives: Naturally athletic. Has good move- reliable, knockout shot. Could bring immediate ment skills. Quick and agile and can transition value on special teams. easily out of breaks. Versatile and has seen time at corner and safety. Plays smart. Willing tackler. FS-PR Negatives: Has faced marginal competition. 7 (5-11 ⁄8, 206, 4.41) UTEP Narrow-framed and will not get much bigger. Notes: Also lettered in track as a prep. Red- Does not play physical. Could take some time to shirted in 2003. Started 11-of-12 games in ’04, adjust to a playbook. Average hands. missing the San Jose State contest with a ham- Summary: Raw, developmental corner who string injury, and tallied 58 tackles, six pass played out of position at safety in college. Has breakups and two interceptions, including a 42- enough quickness and athleticism to develop yard TD return against SMU. Also forced two into a solid zone corner. Has upside and could fumbles, returned a fumble 51 yards for a TD develop. against Boise State and blocked a kick. Started all 12 games in ’05, compiling 78-9-3 and SS-OLB DERRICK DOGGETT 1 returning four kickoffs for 66 yards (16.5-yard (6-2 ⁄4, 203, 4.55e) OREGON STATE average). In ’06, started all 12 games and racked Notes: Has two daughters. Also lettered in up 67-12-7 and returned kicks 9-215 (23.9), track as a prep. Redshirted in 2003. Appeared in including a 91-yard TD return against New 12 games as a reserve in ’04, securing 13 tack- DEFENSIVE BACKS Mexico. Started all 12 games in ’07 (six at free les. Started the first 5-of-12 games at weak-side safety and the final six at right cornerback) and linebacker in ’05 but was relegated to a reserve finished with 72-14-5. Also had two fumble down the stretch and finished with 42 tackles, 1 recoveries, 4 ⁄2 tackles for loss and a blocked one pass broken up and one interception, plus kick. He returned two of the picks 100 yards for four tackles for loss. Moved to the strong side scores (vs. New Mexico State and Central Flori- and started all 14 games in ’06, amassing 87-5- da). Returned punts 15-200 (13.3) and kickoffs 3, returning two for TDs against Idaho and 1 22-492 (22.4). Did not participate in agility Hawaii, respectively. Also amassed 14 ⁄2 tackles drills at Combine because of cramping in calves. for loss and five sacks. Started all 13 games in Positives: Has a solid, muscular build. Nice ’07, finishing with 93-7-4, plus one fumble cover skills. Shows good awareness in zones. recovery, 14 tackles for loss, three sacks, one Outstanding hands — has 17 career intercep- blocked kick and one safety. Returned one inter- tions and enters the draft with more picks than ception for a touchdown vs. Oregon. any other defender. Has a knack for locating the Positives: Good size for the safety position. Is ball and for putting himself in position to make instinctive and locates the ball quickly. Can run plays. Good ball skills. Has return experience. with tight ends down the field and cover backs Has been a productive four-year starter. and flashes the cover skills to transition. Moves Negatives: Not physical and does not like well for his size and can slip and avoid blockers. DEFENSIVE BACKS contact. Not a secure tackler. Does not play to Solid tackler. Shows nice ball awareness. his timed speed or show great range getting over Negatives: Has struggled to bulk up and add the top. Shows some tightness in his movement. weight. Not strong or physical and gets hung up Misses too many tackles, resulting in big plays on blocks when engaged. Pedal is not clean and (see the TDs allowed vs. New Mexico State). does not come out of his pedal quickly. Has Faced average competition in Conference USA never played safety. and did not distinguish himself at the Senior Summary: Very undersized college linebacker Bowl or show that he could transition well who projects to strong safety in the pros. Took enough to play cornerback. Does not have the some snaps at safety at the East-West Shrine long speed to go the distance as a returner. game and looked very unrefined but has the Summary: Fast, instinctive, ball-hawking free potential to develop. safety whose lack of toughness and tackling abil- ity are restricting. A near liability vs. the run, FS JOE FIELDS Demps will be exploited by good offensive coor- (6-0, 204, 4.5e) SYRACUSE dinators who will devise matchups to make him Notes: Also lettered in basketball and baseball tackle. as a prep. Became the first true freshman to start

www.profootballweekly.com DBs 2008LO3/5/086:58PMPage149 closing speed.Couldbecomeamore consistent ural bender. Doesnotshow greatrecovery or routes. Will openuphishipstooearly. Notanat- ering receivers oncomebacksandcrossing on theballandlosesahalf-stepintransition cov- plantanddrive Not very quicktosinkhiships, Plays toouprightandtendstoriseinhispedal. great speedtorunwithreceivers downfield. senior. prospect whoshowed littleimprovement asa height-weight-speed still tooglaring.Raw, but lackofinstinctsis the gamethanhedoes, back toshow abetterunderstandingandgraspof os 3 loss, Boston College game). good ballskills.Playsbigingames(see does notjumptheballuntilit’s inflight. Very Plays withpatiencereadingdouble-moves and and isquicktopeeloff andsupporttherun. force fumbles. Very reliableopen-field tackler thick lower body. Will jartheballlooseand confident andcompetitive. Solid build with a demeanor. Strongtackler. Goodinstincts. Very receivers attheline. Hasabrashon-field for lossandonefumblerecovery. witheighttackles interception foratouchdown, returningone collecting86-14-5, games in’07, but returned forspringpractice.Startedall14 an ankleinjuryvs.Georgia inChick-Fil-A Bowl 2gmsi 0,finishing with97-6-4and2 12 gamesin’07, pass breakupsandfourinterceptions.Startedall eight registering 66tackles, started all12games, 0-3 (32.1).Converted tofreesafetyin’06and tossing9-28-155- played atquarterbackin’05, interceptions. Started3-of-7gamesinwhichhe onetouchdown andthree cent) for192yards, in 2004.Completed13-of-29passes(48.8per- started thefirst 3-of-7gamesinwhichheplayed whenhe at quarterbackforSyracusesince1982, (5-9 CB-PR instincts andisnotquicktoreadreact. too many tackleslunging.Notabighitter. Lacks hipped. Notphysical.Dipshisheadandmisses Catches theballwell. al athleticability. Cankeep stridewithreceivers. tackles forlossandonefumblerecovery. games andtallied51-21-3with7 started13-of-13 and oneinterception.In’06, fourpassesdefended collecting20tackles, ner, as thetopbackupatbothfield andboundarycor- startingone, TD. Playedinall13games’05, whichhereturnedfora le andoneinterception, Michigan thatendedhisseason.Madeonetack- suffering arightfibular fractureagainst Western 5A hissenioryear. Playedinonegame’04, finishing witharegional titleinClass seasons, Negatives: Positives: Summary: Negatives: Positives: Notes: 3 ⁄ 4 , 189,4.57) VIRGINIA TECH BRANDON FLOWERS 1 ⁄ 2 sacks andoneforcedfumble.Suffered Led prepteamto36-4recordinfour Looks thepartandhassomenatur- Would expect aconverted quarter- Very tight-hipped.Doesnothave Plays physicallyandcanhem Too straight-linishandtight- (Junior) 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW 1 ⁄ 2 tackles for 1 ⁄ 2 make themforget theway heplaysontape. Nathan Vasher —ifteamslethismeasurements a terrific value pick—alaBearsProBowl CB corner inacover-2 scheme.Couldturnouttobe ball skillsandtacklingabilitytoexcel asazone but boaststhephysicality, fit asamancorner, fluidityanddownfield speedto Lacks theheight, sured disappointinglysmallerthanexpected. commensurate withhisplayingspeedandmea- time (4.57seconds)attheCombinethatwas catcher. best working zones. when hecangethishandsondefendersandis as anickel defender. Playsbestintightcoverage, almost berestrictingbut couldcompeteforajob (5-8 CB (5-10 CB drag-down tackler. Average hands—droppedapickvs.BYU.Low, ability. Doesnottracktheballwellinair. in drillsatCombine.Doesnothave greatleaping not have greatrecovery quickness.Looked tight able tackler. Takes toomany false steps.Does Does notplayphysicalandisastrongorreli- in theprogame.Strugglestomatchupwithsize. strength anddoesnothave theframetoholdup bulk and respond tomovement. Lackssize, straight-linish. Too oftenasteplatetoadjustand despite lackofsize. receivers down thefield. Hasbeenvery durable burst. Cantransitionfluidlyandshadow and drives onthethrown ball.Goodshort-area totaling40-7-1plusone-halftackleforloss. ’07, spring practicein’07.Startedall12games Had offseason shouldersurgery andmissed and amassed37-8-0withtwo tacklesforloss. and tallied51-6-2.Startedall12gamesin’06 (6.5-yard average). Startedall11gamesin’05 kickoff for25yardsandfourpunts26 fumble recoveries andoneforced.Returned breakups andtwo interceptionsandaddedthree fourpass in ’04andfinished with46tackles, relay. Redshirtedin2003.Startedall11games Texas finished No.1nationallyinthe4x400 and burned aredshirtyear. Started11-of-12 15-2-1. Was ruledacademicallyineligiblein’05 logging breakup. Playedinall13games ’04, 2003 andsecured17tackles onepass Appeared inall14gamesasatrue freshmanin 200 (22.8seconds)and400meters(49.8). competinginthe also letteredintrackasaprep, played fortheChicagoBears(1978-80).Jerrid the ninthroundof1976NFLdraftand and was selectedbythePittsburgh Steelersin Summary: Summary: Negatives: Positives: Notes: Notes: WILREY FONTENOT JERRID GAINES 3 ⁄ 4 7 , 171,4.44)ARIZONA ⁄ 8 , 182,4.44)MIAMI(OHIO) His high-schooltrackteaminHumble, ahr etod letteredatLouisville Wentford, Father, Shows goodawareness inzones Size andtacklingdeficiencies will Flowers turnedina40-yard dash Not quickorinstinctive. Too www.profootballweekly.com 149 DEFENSIVE BACKS DEFENSIVE BACKS DBs 2008 LO 3/5/08 6:58 PM Page 150

150 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW games at boundary corner in ’06 and registered Started all 12 games in ’07, compiling 65-9-5 49-4-2. Played in all 13 games in ’07, starting with one tackle for loss. the first five before losing his starting job Positives: Excellent size-speed ratio. Can because of injury. Came back to start the last five accelerate in a heartbeat and jump underneath 1 games of the season and totaled 43-6-1 plus 2 ⁄2 routes. Is attached to receivers at the hip on tackles for loss and one fumble recovery. crossers and drags. Versatile — has starting Positives: Good straight-line speed and foot experience at both free safety and cornerback. quickness. Keeps stride with receivers. Can be Aggressive open-field tackler who does a nice physical and re-route receivers. Has NFL blood- job fighting through receivers’ blocks and lines. attacking the line of scrimmage. Tackles with Negatives: Is not quick or sudden. Average power. Has the size, strength and range to be recovery quickness. Does not play fast. Shows effective off the hash. Shows awareness in no awareness with his back to the ball and does zones. Fine hands. not play it in the air. Gets caught flat-footed and Negatives: Does not play to timed speed. Very comes out of his pedal too early. Inconsistent unrefined technique. Has a high, unnatural footwork. Soft tackler. Inconsistent effort. backpedal and shuffles his feet awkwardly. Can Summary: Nice-sized, boundary corner with be slow to sink his hips, plant and drive on the the speed, foot quickness and athletic ability to ball. Plays tall and off balance. Lacks functional warrant a chance in a camp. Lack of instincts, strength and struggles in press coverage. Will toughness and ball awareness could limit his open up too early off the line and let receivers chances. release inside. Struggles to flip his hips and takes false steps to regain his balance. Does not CB ISAIAH GARDNER show great recovery speed and can get beaten 3 (5-10 ⁄4, 195, 4.55e) MARYLAND deep. Lacks suddenness and lateral quickness. Notes: Was a competitive gymnast from ages Not a natural ballhawk. Only bench-pressed 225 8-12. Also lettered in track as a prep. Enrolled at pounds 14 times at the Combine despite having Notre Dame and redshirted in 2003 but trans- a compact, well-muscled physique. ferred to Maryland in ’04 after the coaching Summary: Took strides as a senior and has the change and sat out because of transfer rules. size-speed combination to contribute at corner Started 1-of-10 games in ’05, registering 15 or safety. Is still fairly raw and will require DEFENSIVE BACKS tackles and two pass breakups. Started all 13 coaching to correct his footwork on an island. games in ’06, compiling 63-4 and one intercep- Does not have great fluidity or strength to play tion and adding one forced fumble and one fum- off the hash or the mental makeup to direct traf- ble recovery. Started all 13 games in ’07, total- fic. Likely will be overdrafted on measurables ing 69-10-2 with one forced fumble and one-half and could wind up fitting as a strong zone cor- tackle for loss. Also lined up as a gunner and ner. Has a lot of upside. jammer in the punting game. Positives: Good size. Plays the ball well in CB-FS MICHAEL GRANT 1 front of him. Will come up to support the run. (5-10 ⁄4, 186, 4.42) ARKANSAS Can bring some value on special teams. Notes: Also lettered in track as a prep, com- Negatives: Lacks functional speed. Inconsis- peting in the 100 (10.57 seconds) and 200 tent footwork — takes too many false steps. Too meters (21.23). Initially signed with Georgia out straight-linish and stiff-hipped. Average athlete. of high school, but scholarship was dropped Not overly physical as a tackler. Could be more after an off-field incident. Enrolled at Arkansas physical at the line. Is too often a step away from and played all 11 games at cornerback as a true arriving. freshman in 2004, tallying 29 tackles and one Summary: Has a chance as a short-area, pass deflection. Earned a Southeastern Confer- cover-2 corner with potential to be tried as a ence and NCAA event title, plus All-America DEFENSIVE BACKS safety. honors, in his first year on the track team in ’05, highlighted by a 10.41 time in the 100 meters at CB CHARLES GODFREY the SEC Indoor competition. Helped set a school 3 (5-11 ⁄4, 207, 4.47) IOWA record by running the first leg of the 4x100 Notes: Saw action in 11-of-12 games as a true timed at 38.49. Saw action as a nickel defender freshman in 2004, mostly on special teams. in all 11 games in ’05, racking up 22-7 and three Totaled 10 tackles and recovered two fumbles. interceptions with two tackles for loss, one sack Started 3-of-11 games in which he played at free and one forced fumble. Focused on football in safety in ’05 and won Iowa’s Special Teams the spring of ’06 and moved from corner to free Player of the Year award. Starts came at midsea- safety. Started the first nine games in the fall, son before missing one game with an injury and registering 41-6-3 with one sack. Tore ligaments then returning to backup duty. Finished with 35 in his knee vs. South Carolina and did not return tackles and one forced fumble. Moved to cor- for the rest of the season. Started 12-of-13 nerback and started all 13 games in ’06, tallying games in ’07 at left corner (nine), right corner 83 tackles, five pass breakups and two intercep- (one) and free safety (two), compiling 75-20-3 tions with one forced fumble and one recovery. with one forced fumble and one tackle for loss.

www.profootballweekly.com DBs 2008LO3/5/086:58PMPage151 team. Goodcompetitor—playsatahighlevel. safety andcontributes asagunneronthepunt ing burst. Versatile —haslinedupatcornerand Flashes very goodstraight-linespeed.Goodclos- the runandfills thealley fast. Goodtackler. get bigger. Goodballskills.Isquicktosupport He returnedoneinterception91yardsfora TD. onefumblerecovery andonetackleforloss. ble, totaling99-10-5. Added oneforcedfum- in ’07, the season.Startedall13gamesatstrongsafety two forcedfumblesandonefumblerecovery on threepassbreakupsandoneinterceptionplus les, respectively. Amassed 90tack- left arminjuries, ing theRiceandBaylorgameswithankle miss- in ’06atstrongsafetyoppositehisbrother, les. Started10-of-11gamesinwhichheplayed reserve atfreesafetyin’05andnotched32tack- up toMichaelHuff. Playedall13gamesin logging10tacklesasaback- freshman in2004, walked onandplayedall12gamesasaredshirt nessee Titans inthe2007NFLdraft.Marcus Texas andwas selected19thoverall bythe Ten- group heplayedwithasajunior thatfeatured suchasthe could cover up his shortcomings, In astrongsecondarysurrounded by talentthat explained hisinabilityto make playsasasenior. safety whoselackofspeedat the Combine ankletackler. Not aballhawk. Very weak, gles adjustingtoandlocatingtheballinair. cism torecover. Average cover skills—strug- caught outofpositionanddoesnotshow athleti- play centerfield. Too undisciplined—hegets ball. Doesnothave therangeorcover skillsto consistently atleastahalfsteplategettingtothe strength. Noshort-areaburst orlongspeed— lar development andmarginal upper-body teams standout.HasNFLbloodlines. tight ends.Shows awareness inzones.Special- both safetyspots.Canrunwithmedium-tier toughness willprovide somevalue. contribute as agunneronspecialteamsand ability to corner untilhebulks up. Versatility, couldfit bestasapress-man position. However, the frametogetbiggerandgrow intothesafety in theoffseason. in theseason.Doesnotlike towork orcondition go. Average downfield ballskills.Struggledlate especially thefarther hehasto ness incoverage, physically strong.Doesnotshow greataware- twitched tolineuponanislandatcorner. Not for asafetybut istightlywound andnotquick- functional strength. Tweener —isundersized calves cramping. Did notrunshuttlesattheCombinebecauseof (5-10 SS Summary: Negatives: Summary: Positives: Positives: Notes: Negatives: 1 ⁄ 4 , 201,4.77) TEXAS wnbohr ihe,alsoletteredat Michael, Twin brother, Good naturalsizewiththeframeto Good worker. Goodexperience at Has athinframewithlittlemuscu- Speed standsoutontapeandhas a hn smallframeandlacks Has athin, lwfoe,under-powered box Slow-footed, 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW 14-89 (9.7)andkickoffs 1-15. 6-1 plustwo tacklesforloss. Also returnedpunts finishing with96- 14 gamesatfreesafetyin’07, 13 gamesin’06andrecorded96-8-5.Startedall 6-3 andreturningpunts13-149(13.5).Startedall tallying65- free safetyandstartedall11games, moved to yard average) fortheseason.In’05, ception andreturned23puntsfor115yards(5.0- 11passbreakupsandoneinter- piled 65tackles, back afterJason Allen moved tofreesafety. Com- started thefinal 12-of-13gamesatrightcorner- (Va.) in2003. Transferred to Tennessee in’04and Arrogant andthinksheisbetterthanis. Instincts arenotgreat.Couldusesomereps. Looked tightinpositionaldrillsattheCombine. stand outatalltheEast-West Shrinegame. open-field tackles(seeCaliforniagame).Didnot outside. Strugglesinspaceandmissestoomany burst andlongspeedtomancover onthe fluidity, and strikingabilityforthesafetyposition make itonspecialteamstohave achance. willneedto productive contributor. However, heshowed hecouldbea two first-round picks, (5-7 CB-RS (6-0 SS-OLB and throw hisbodyaround. terback. Shows somerange. Will supporttherun speed. Strugglestobreakdown andtackleinthe skills. Notatallagile.Shows noburst orlong Limited rangeandballskills.Marginal cover slow tochangedirection.Notquickorsudden. movement andpedal. Doesnotplayfast andis hard. a straight-aheadshot. Tough banger. Competes strength andwillstrike inthealley whenhehas one forcedfumbleandrecovery. threesacks, 90-4-0 withseven tacklesforloss, finishing with bles. Startedall13gamesin’07, ’06 andcompiled95-4-3two forced fum- posting 26-1-0.Startedall13gamesin games, his wristremoved andplayedinthefinal five against Oregon Stateafterhaving thepinsfrom forced himoutofthefirst sixgames.Returned ed hisrightwristandunderwentsurgery that dislocat- blocked two kicks.In’05fall practice, two passbreakupsandoneinterception les, with asprainedrightfootandnotched27tack- missingthreecontests 9-of-12 gamesin’04, school senior. Redshirtedin2003. Appeared in fumbles andblocked seven kicksasahigh tackles and21forlossalsoforced12 and backupzonecorner. a chancetostickasnickel anddimedefender Positives: Notes: Negatives: Positives: Notes: Summary: Negatives: 7 1 ⁄ ⁄ 8 8 , 190,4.56) TENNESSEE , 212,4.59)UCLA JONATHAN HEFNEY Enrolled atHargrave Military Academy Also letteredintrack. Amassed 117 Is fairly athleticandreadsthequar- Experienced four-year starterwith Very straight-linishandstiff in his wee ak h ie strength Tweener —lacksthesize, Very goodsize.Shows some www.profootballweekly.com 151 DEFENSIVE BACKS DEFENSIVE BACKS DBs 2008 LO 3/5/08 6:58 PM Page 152

152 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW open field. Too easily juked. Summary: Medical evaluations become top Summary: Plays more like a linebacker than a priority following the serious right knee injury safety and could be a liability in coverage in the sustained in Combine training. When healthy, pros. Some teams have considered moving him Ikegwuonu was a physical, ballhawking corner to weak-side linebacker, where his limitations capable of shutting down big receivers. Has the could be hidden better, but he must add bulk and natural size, press strength and coverage get stronger to make the attempt. instincts to develop into a solid starter. However, it will take a very talented team who could CB JACK IKEGWUONU (Junior) afford to be patient with his rehabilitation to 1 (5-10 ⁄2, 194, 4.5e) WISCONSIN mortgage his future. A second-round talent who Notes: Twin brother, Bill, plays defensive could be a solid second-day value pick for a back for Northern Illinois. Jack also lettered in loaded team such as the Chargers or Patriots. basketball and baseball as a prep. Redshirted in 2004. Started 4-of-13 games in ’05 and recorded CB 26 tackles, six pass breakups and three intercep- (6-0, 192, 4.64) LSU tions, highlighted by a 62-yard touchdown Notes: Played all 12 games as a reserve as a return against Purdue. Started all 13 games in true freshman in 2004, recording five tackles and ’06, tallying 41-13-2 with one forced fumble and three pass breakups. Started all 26 games at right a fumble recovery returned 50 yards for a score cornerback over the next two seasons, notching against Minnesota. Was arrested along with his 47 tackles, three pass breakups and one inter- brother in late November of ’06 on felony resi- ception in ’05 and 46-16-2 in ’06. Also returned dential burglary and misdemeanor criminal tres- 15 punts for 100 yards (6.7-yard average). Start- pass charges after allegedly breaking into an ed all 14 games in ’07, compiling 44-16-5 with apartment and attempting to steal an Xbox video three tackles for loss. game console. Was suspended immediately by Positives: Very good size with long arms. the university but reinstated two weeks later in Understands zone concepts and knows when to time to start the Capital One Bowl against switch off receivers and support the run. Very Arkansas. Ikegwuonu, who has pleaded not savvy and experienced facing elite competition. guilty to the charges, was scheduled to stand Good production. Shows great zone awareness trial in January 2008 in Sycamore, Ill. However, and route recognition — often looks like he DEFENSIVE BACKS his defense attorney had a scheduling conflict could run the receivers’ routes for them. Good and the trial was rescheduled for March 24. If ball skills and hands. Adjusts well to the ball in convicted of the burglary charge, Ikegwuonu the air. Plays strong and with a lot of confidence. faces a minimum of four years in prison and a Solid character. fine of up to $25,000. Started all 13 games at Negatives: Too thinly built with marginal right corner in ’07, totaling 24-15-1. Tore the upper-body strength. Too long-levered and anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments struggles to transition in and out of breaks. Does and suffered damage to the kneecap in his right not have great feet or hips. Average transitional knee during a pre-Combine workout in late Jan- quickness. Lacks burst and suddenness and the uary. speed to shadow receivers downfield. Rounds Positives: Very effective at the line — is out of some breaks. Not a strong tackler. strong and physical in redirecting receivers off Summary: A very instinctive zone corner tai- their routes. Uses his hands to prevent the inside lor-made for a cover-2 defense, Jackson simply release. Excellent zone awareness and instincts. lacks the elite speed to match up with top NFL Plays fast, wastes little movement and is very receivers and would struggle if ever isolated in decisive. Shows great agility and body control man coverage. Lack of foot speed, transitional attacking the ball. Very good zone awareness to quickness and secure tackling could always keep peel off and make plays underneath. Can bait the teams searching for an upgrade. Compares DEFENSIVE BACKS quarterback and shows nice closing speed and favorably to Dolphins’ 2005 fourth-round pick the body control to break up the pass. Patient in and RCB Travis Daniels. his backpedal and does not bite on double moves. Very good hands. Shut down Indiana WR CB-RS MIKE JENKINS 1 James Hardy two years in a row. Plays with a lot (5-10 ⁄4, 197, 4.44) SOUTH FLORIDA of confidence. Notes: Started 3-of-11 games at right corner- Negatives: Sustained a significant knee injury back as a true freshman in 2004 and also saw that could prevent him from playing as a rookie. action at safety, finishing with 27 tackles and Plays a bit flat-footed and can be late to break on nine pass breakups and added two forced fum- the ball — gives up underneath routes. Bird- bles, all despite playing with a sprained ankle. dogs the quarterback and, as a result, gets out of Started all 12 games in ’05 and tallied 38 tack- position and loses too much separation. Lacks les, five pass breakups and two interceptions, great downfield speed and struggles to turn and plus one forced fumble and one punt return for locate the ball. Does not break down in space 27 yards. Started 12-of-13 games at right corner and misses too many open-field tackles. Not a in ’06, notching 27-15-1 and returning kickoffs quick-twitch athlete. 2-27-0 (13.5-yard average). Arrested in March

www.profootballweekly.com DBs 2008LO3/5/086:58PMPage153 20-yard shuttleattheCombine. ness. Timed faster inthe40-yarddashthan ticipate onspecialteams.Lacksmentaltough- al hands. Tight inthehips.Doesnotlike topar- when hefeelslike it. Average ballskills.Margin- contact andisavery selective hitter. Onlyhits of hislackdiscipline. Will turndown some inpartbecause to freelanceanddohisown thing, college andexpects primadonnatreatment. Tends his naturaltalent.Hasbeencoddledthroughout relies way toomuchon why it’s importantand doesnotunderstand tice, finds excuses nottoprac- poor practicehabits, off. Poorintangibles— and takes toomany plays the level ofcompetition sistency —playsdown to of breaksfast. the groundandcomeout — canstickhisfootin his hips.Goodballskills agility andfluiditytoflip cover skills.Shows the Great top-endandclosingspeed.Naturalman- and canrecover easilywhenoutofposition. 100-yard TD returnvs.Cincinnati. whichincludeda returned kickoffs 7-213(30.4), with 41-12-3andfourtacklesforloss.Healso finishing the team.Startedall13gamesin’07, violence andweresuspendedindefinitely from and obstructingoropposinganofficer without with misdemeanorcountsofdisorderlyconduct andthepairwas arrestedandcharged the venue, turbance broke outamongst200peopleoutside bachelor partyatanoff-campus bar. A large dis- the pairattendedteammateStephenNicholas’ as ’07 alongwithstartingSSCarlton Williams, (5-11 SS ance forprimadonnas. have long-termjobsecurityandalotoftoler- who spendsafirst-round pickonhimhadbetter but therisk-takingdecisionmaker cover corner, work habits.Couldemerge asalegitimate man- desireand could becauseofhislackheart, potential andmightnever becometheplayerhe Jenkinsnever haslived uptohis in thedraft, 12 gamesatstrongsafetyin’06 andfinished fumble andonerecovery. Started11-of- notching 112-4-2plusoneforced all 12games, Idaho. Moved to strongsafetyin’05andstarted returned 55yardsforatouchdown against ninepass breakups andfourinterceptionsplusonefumble registering 94tackles, ty in’04, shirted in2003.Startedall11gamesatfreesafe- in basketball andtrackfield asaprep.Red- . Marcellous alsolettered Positives: Notes: Summary: Negatives: MARCELLOUS 7 ⁄ 8 , 207,4.44)ARKANSASSTATE ohr arca was asprinteratthe Patricia, Mother, Has avery goodsize-speedratio As physicallygiftedasany corner Lacks con- “TYRELL” SOUTH FLORIDA Mike Jenkins JOHNSON 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW l One asaboxsafety. coverage but couldstepinandstartfromDay bles totransitionthebigstage.Isstillraw in possessestheintangi- atively unknown program, sure andbalancedespitecomingfromarel- plays withtremendouscompo- standing tackler, on thefield vs. Texas and Tennessee. Isanout- on tapeandattimeslooked like thebestplayer Johnsonstandsout seconds. Measurablesaside, better-than-expected 40-yarddashtimeof4.44 andturnedina 7inches), broad jump(10feet, all safetiesinthebenchpress(27reps)and an impressive Combine performance—topped man coverage attheHulaBowl. be lategettingover thetop. Was challengedin Could bemoredecisive inpasscoverage andcan foot speedandwillletreceivers runpasthim. competition. Doesnotshow greatawareness or Tennessee games). tition (see Texas, make plays.Playedhisbestagainstelitecompe- Runs totheballandputshimselfinposition and doesnotoverpursue. Playsthecut-back. shuttleandslides a hurry. Playswithdiscipline, deceptive closingspeed totheballandarrives in open field. Very stronggoal-linetackler. Shows at theCombine. Wins one-on-onebattlesinthe pounds moretimes(27)thanmany linebackers upper-body strength—bench-pressed225 ballcarrier. Powerful tacklerwithoutstanding sinks hishipsandconsistentlydrives throughthe thump. Playsundercontrolwithgoodbalance, keep hisfeetunderhimandhitwith in space, open-field tackler—knows how tobreakdown big. Goodburst andtop-endspeed.Excellent solidbuild —plays great control.Goodsize, hardworking. Very composedandplayswith because ofrighthamstringcramp. leading tackler. DidnotrunshuttlesatCombine career astheSunBeltConference’s all-time touchdown vs. Tennessee. Endedhiscollegiate fumbles. Hada54-yardinterceptionreturnfor vs. Arkansas but was healthy enoughtoreturn Southeastern Conferencechampionship game fumble. Suffered ahighrightanklespraininthe (5-11 SS 94-10-6 with4 totaling of-12 gamesinwhichheplayed’07, began work onhisMaster’s degree. Started11- with 63-5-1.Graduatedin August 2007and 59-8-2 with4 registering game. Startedall14gamesin’06, recovery. Was suspendedforthe Wyoming oneforcedfumbleand for loss, breakup andoneinterceptionwithtwo tackles onepass rackingup27tackles, he playedin’05, six totaltackles.Started1-of-11gamesinwhich tallying nine gamesasatruefreshmanin2004, as aprep.Saw actionmostlyonspecialteamsin Summary: Negatives: Positives: Notes: TONY JOINER 7 ⁄ 8 , 216,4.6e)FLORIDA Considered aproprospectinbaseball Good intangibles—very smartand Proved hemorethanbelongsafter 1 ⁄ Has notconsistentlyfaced top 2 1 ⁄ 2 tackles forlossandoneforced tackles forlossandtwo forced www.profootballweekly.com 153 DEFENSIVE BACKS DEFENSIVE BACKS DBs 2008 LO 3/5/08 6:58 PM Page 154

154 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW for the national championship vs. Ohio State. age) and two touchdowns and rushed 18 times Started 12-of-13 games in ’07, compiling 64-4- for 227 yards (12.6). Made 11 tackles, seeing 2 with one forced fumble and four tackles for time on special teams and at cornerback, and loss. Was arrested in October on felony burglary returned three kickoffs for 40 yards (13.3). charges for allegedly breaking into a fenced-in Moved to corner full-time and started all 13 impound of a towing company and retrieving his games in ’06, collecting 30 tackles, seven pass girlfriend’s car. The charge was dismissed, citing breakups and one interception. Was arrested in a miscommunication between Joiner and the April ’07 on criminal trespassing, disorderly owner of the towing company. conduct and harassment charges for his involve- Positives: Has good musculature and overall ment in a fight, but all charges have been size. Nice instincts. Plays physical. Will strike dropped because of a lack of evidence. Started and hit with some power and drive ballcarriers all 13 games in ’07, collecting 49-17-2 with a backward. Plays the ball well in front of him. fumble recovery. Vocal leader. Plays with emotion. Positives: Has tremendous burst and top-end Negatives: Lacks functional speed. Misses speed. Does not get beaten deep. Exceptional too many tackles. Average ball skills. Does not recovery speed. Plays on his toes and moves show the range to get over the top. Not disci- effortlessly in his pedal. Very natural movement plined and relies too much on his natural ability. skills — can sink his hips and fluidly change Character is a concern. direction. Plays the deep ball like a receiver — Summary: Is big and physical enough to fight can turn, locate and adjust to the ball. Very good for a job as a box safety but needs to become a hands. Can squat on underneath routes with the more secure tackler and take the game more seri- confidence that he won’t get beaten over the top. ously. Feisty and willing to mix it up. Matched up favorably against Notre Dame WR Jeff Samardz- FS DENNIS KEYES ija and Ohio State WR Ted Ginn Jr. in 2006. 5 (6-1 ⁄8, 205, 4.66) UCLA Negatives: Slender frame with marginal Notes: Also lettered in basketball and track as upper-body strength. Plays on his heels too a prep. Redshirted in 2003. Played in 8-of-12 much with questionable ball awareness and games in ’04, missing four contests with a right instincts. Late to react in zone coverage. Lacks shoulder injury, and finished with 10 tackles and the strength to contend with bigger receivers DEFENSIVE BACKS one pass breakup. Started 9-of-12 games in a (see Indiana game). Will flare his hips open and rotation at free safety in ’05, tallying 57-6-0 and bail out too early and is susceptible to the come- adding eight tackles for loss and two forced fum- back. Does not play with great balance in his bles. Started all 13 games in ’06 and compiled pedal —plays a bit out of control and struggles 79-6-1 and three forced fumbles. Started all 13 to react to underthrown balls. Supports the run games in ’07, finishing with 115-4-3 plus one too softly and will defer to others to tackle. Not fumble recovery and four tackles for loss. Had a tough and competitive. 60-yard interception return for a touchdown vs. Summary: Showed rare speed and athletic Washington. ability at the Combine and impressive recovery Positives: Is alert in zone coverage and plays speed on tape. However, has very average the ball well in front of him. Will come downhill instincts for the position and still plays corner- to support the run. Good tackling production. back like he is a receiver. Looks very raw and Negatives: Lacks range and the top-end speed out of position similar to how Patriots WR Troy to get over the top. Does not play physically and Brown looked when he was used at cornerback. avoids direct contact — most of his production Has the physical tools to develop into a solid comes from the side, and he will run himself out man-cover corner if he toughens up and learns of plays. Takes some questionable angles. Lacks the nuances of the position, but the learning great instincts. Did not stand out at the East- curve could be steep. DEFENSIVE BACKS West Shrine game. Summary: Selective hitter who does have CB-KR PATRICK LEE 7 enough speed to play off the hash or the tough- (5-11 ⁄8, 194, 4.41) AUBURN ness desired in the box. Will have to make it on Notes: Also lettered in track and field as a special teams and as a backup safety. prep, winning the Florida state title in the long jump (23 feet, 10 inches). Redshirted in ’03. CB JUSTIN KING (Junior) Played in 12-of-13 games in ’04, securing 14 7 (5-10 ⁄8, 192, 4.36) PENN STATE tackles and one pass breakup. Started the first 5- Notes: Stepfather, Terry Smith, was a stand- of-12 games in ’05 and totaled 9-3, before out wide receiver at Penn State from 1988-91. Jonathan Wilhite took over because of perfor- Justin was Parade All-American and Pennsylva- mance reasons. Started 4-of-12 games in which nia’s Gatorade Player of the Year. Graduated he played as a cornerback (three starts) and high school a semester early and enrolled at PSU nickelback (one) in ’06, missing the LSU con- in the spring. Played in every game in 2005 as a test with a stomach ailment and finishing with true freshman, starting five at wide receiver and 25-7 and one interception, adding one forced caught 10 passes for 126 yards (12.6-yard aver- fumble and one fumble recovery. Graduated in

www.profootballweekly.com DBs 2008LO3/5/086:58PMPage155 tion returnforatouchdown vs.Hawaii. totaling44-7-4.Hada24-yard intercep- in ’07, desired playingweight.Started11-of-12games wires removed andquicklyreboundedtohis hadthe it wiredshutfortwo months.InJuly, the next-to-last dayof’07springpracticeandhad three fumblerecoveries. Suffered abroken jaw on pass breakupsandnineinterceptionsadding 16 compiling48tackles, and startedall13games, interceptions. Transferred toSanJoseStatein’06 hand injuryin’05but stillmanagedtosnarefour safety asatruefreshmanin2004.Limitedby (Calif.) andrecordednineinterceptionsatfree ball asaprep.EnrolledatCabrilloCollege years ofhighschoolandalsoletteredinbasket- on themapasajuniorwhenheled thenationin average). returned 11kickoffs for284yards(25.4-yard with aforcedfumbleandtackleforloss. Also amassing55-10-4 Started all13gamesin’07, the fall of2006withadegree incriminology. (5-11 CB play range.Notstrongorphysical. choppy backpedal.Limited well. Hasashort, with hisbacktotheball.Doesnot usehishands State game).Doesnotshow muchawareness Exposed vs.bettercompetition(seeKansas able inmancoverage. Hasanawkward body. beat onadoublemove. Average athlete. Vulner- recovery speed. Will openhishipsearlyandget flipping hiships.Doesnothave muchburst or looks atsafety. and cancontribute inallphases.Couldwarrant age. Hasstoodoutasagunneronspecialteams outside andhasshown hecan playmancover- through zones.Haslinedupbothintheslotand zone awareness andseesreceivers passing tackler. Very competitive andfeisty. Shows good reliable with receivers stepforstep.Isagood, physical. Excellentdownfield speed—can run erage. Playswithdiscipline. ball wellinfrontofhimandisalertzonecov- ball skillsandcatchesthewell.Plays interceptions over thepasttwo seasons.Good ly asagunneronspecialteams. age andshouldbeabletocontribute immediate- a teamthatemploys predominantlyzonecover- line upoutsideorintheslot.Mightbebestwith versatility toplaymanoroff-man coverage and his breaks. eaten tooeasilyandislatetotransitionoutof some inoff-man coverage —letscushionget hips. Needstolearnplaysquare.Struggles many gambles.Shows sometightnessinhis very raw andstilllearningthegame. Takes too Summary: Positives: Negatives: Positives: Notes: Summary: Negatives: DWIGHT LOWERY 1 ⁄ 8 , 201,4.64)SANJOSESTATE Intercepted 20passesinhisfinal two Good size-speedratio.Strongand Former JUCOtransfer put himself Lacks footspeedandisnotquick og,physicalcornerwiththe Tough, Outstanding production—13 Only aone-yearstarterandis 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW have beenthegame-clinchingkickvs.Michigan. includingwhat would Also blocked threekicks, one fumblerecovery andthreetacklesforloss. totaling111-11-6withoneforcedfumble, ’07, TD against The Citadel.Started all15gamesin Furman. Also returnedafumble25yardsfor of whichhereturned79yardsforascoreagainst one threeblocked kicks, and five tacklesforloss, required theinsertionofaplate. Tallied 85-11-5 cated leftelbow suffered against The Citadelthat missingtwo contestswithadislo- games in’06, games andlogging92-13-6.Started13-of-15 (AP) recognitionin’05afterstartingall15 ern Kentucky. Earned All-America second-team right elbow whilereturningapuntagainstEast- before sustainingaseason-endingdislocated one forcedfumbleandrecovery ed thefirst two gamesof’04andposted13-1-1, forced fumblesandfourfumblerecoveries. Start- pass breakupsandsixinterceptionswithtwo 10 (consensus) honorsafterrecording57tackles, second-team Conference earned All-Southern of-10 gamesasatruefreshmanin2003and yards and31interceptionsasaprep.Started9- awareness areidealforliningupontheslot. him tozonecoverage. Sizeandshort-area foot quicknessand fluiditycouldrestrict speed, WAC quarterbackstoexploit inthepros.Lackof but hewillnothave marginal interceptions, interest ifheclearsmedically. lined upasanickel ’backer andcouldwarrant great disciplineandshows awareness incover- (5-10 SS (6-0 FS residual effects ofneckinjuryasasenior. remains apressingconcerndespiteshowing few and rarelygetshishandsontheball.Durability show greateyes andinstincts.Lacksfootspeed thrown infrontofhim. some coverage instinctsandreactstoballs quickly. Takes sharpangles.Playshard.Shows force. Playsaggressively andsupportstherun 2-0 with4 finishing with57- Started all13gamesin’07, first 10-of-12gamesandtotal46-3-1thatfall. spring practicebut recovered intimetostartthe bulging cervicaldisc.Didnotparticipatein’06 carted off thefield anddiagnosedwitha serious neckinjurytryingtomake atackle. Was interceptions fortheseasonbeforesustaininga two passbreakupsandtwo notched 39tackles, Started thefirst 9-of-12gamesin’05and freshman in2004andsecuredseven tackles. fumble. Summary: Negatives: Positives: Notes: Positives: Notes: NATE LYLES 5 ⁄ 8 3 , 204,4.62)APPALACHIAN STATE ⁄ 8 , 201,4.55e) VIRGINIA Appeared inall12gamesasatrue Amassed morethan3,000rushing 1 ⁄ 2 Good instincts.Playssmartwith Very toughandwillstrike with Hard-hitting boxsafetywhohas Does notplaywithdisciplineor tackles forlossandoneforced www.profootballweekly.com 155 DEFENSIVE BACKS DEFENSIVE BACKS DBs 2008 LO 3/5/08 6:58 PM Page 156

156 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW age. Reads the quarterback, anticipates the ball. Does not always field the ball cleanly. Does thrown ball and has a knack for being in the right not have a great understanding of the game nor spot at the right time. Quarterbacks the defense does he articulate it easily. and plays faster than timed speed. Good football Summary: Is very physically gifted with the temperament. Is tough and will support the run. foot quickness, fluid hips and explosive, top-end Good hands. Very competitive, vocal leader. speed to develop into a top-flight corner. Has Negatives: Lacks great top-end speed and elite return skills to become a game-breaker and acceleration. Gives some ground in transition the work ethic to continue to improve. Likely and rounds off some breaks. Not a physical, will be the first corner drafted and could con- drive-through tackler. Drops his head and miss- tribute readily in the pros. es some tackles in space. Summary: Has risen to the occasion in big CB JUSTIN McKINNEY 3 games and has been a key contributor on special (5-9 ⁄8, 188, 4.59) KANSAS STATE teams. Has the mental makeup to compete for a Notes: Uncle, Greg Jefferson, played defensive backup job and produce on special teams. end for the Philadelphia Eagles (1996-99). Justin signed with Kansas State out of high school but CB-RS LEODIS McKELVIN attended Garden City (Kan.) Community Col- 1 (5-10 ⁄4, 190, 4.39) TROY lege, redshirting in 2003. Started 10 games at Notes: Also lettered in basketball as a prep. Garden City in ’04, making 56 tackles and five Appeared in all 12 games as a true freshman in interceptions. Attended K-State in ’05, playing all 2004, registering 17 tackles, one pass breakup 11 games and starting three in the team’s nickel and an interception he returned 71 yards for a and dime packages. Made 29 tackles, 12 passes touchdown. Also returned 15 kickoffs for 328 defended and three interceptions. Also forced two yards (21.9-yard average) and 26 punts for 304 fumbles and had one recovery. Started 12-of-13 yards (11.7) and two touchdowns. Started all 11 games in ’06, only missing the first play of the games in ’05, compiling 30-5-0 with one sack Florida Atlantic game because he had just and one blocked kick. Also returned kickoffs 24- returned the opening kickoff 88 yards for a touch- 619 (25.8) and one touchdown and punts 33- down. Collected 54-8-0 with two forced fumbles, 417-1 (12.6). Suffered a broken right ankle dur- four tackles for loss and two fumble recoveries. ing spring workouts in ’06 but returned to start Returned 12 kickoffs for 296 yards and the one DEFENSIVE BACKS all 13 games and total 66-8-1 and two forced TD (24.7-yard average). Started all 12 games in fumbles. Also returned kickoffs 27-634-0 (23.5) ’07, totaling 74-12-3, leading the team in tackles, and punts 28-314-1 (11.2). Still suffers from a and had one forced fumble and one blocked kick. lingering left AC joint injury. Started all 12 Also returned kicks 8-148-0 (18.5). games in ’07, totaling 60-11-2 with three forced Positives: Instinctive. Reads routes and recog- fumbles and one fumble recovery. Also returned nizes patterns. Good zone awareness. Can keep punts 23-421-3 (18.3) and kickoffs 29-610-0 stride with receivers. Shows a burst to close. Sup- (21.0). His three punt-return scores led the ports the run. Solid tackler. Catches the ball well. nation. Did not participate in Senior Bowl game Made some plays on the ball at the Hula Bowl. because of a hamstring injury. Negatives: Short for a cornerback. Lacks Positives: Good size. Has excellent feet, loose great speed. Not explosive out of his breaks. Not hips and pedals as fluidly as any corner in the a great athlete. Plays overaggressively and gets draft. Can shadow and mirror receivers without caught grabbing and holding. Not smart. Over- losing any ground. Shows excellent closing burst aged and will be 25 years old as a rookie. and plant-and-drive quickness. Is very efficient Summary: A quick, feisty zone corner with a in press-man or off-man coverage and can cling good chance to make a roster. to receivers. Shows good instincts — sees the quarterback and reacts quickly. Very good tran- SS KEVIN MITCHELL DEFENSIVE BACKS sitional quickness. Plants his foot in the ground (5-11, 211, 4.6e) ILLINOIS and pops out of his pedal with explosion. Sup- Notes: Father, Stephen, played football at ports the run hard and will deliver a hit. Has Indiana; brother, Phil Hayes, at Arkansas; and dynamic return ability and can flat-out fly. Fin- uncle, Jon Hayes, at Purdue. Kevin redshirted as ished his collegiate career with seven career kick a true freshman in 2003. Played in all 11 games returns for touchdowns — one shy of the all- in ’04 as a reserve, finishing with 16 tackles and time NCAA record. Shows excellent tracking one pass breakup, adding one blocked punt. speed — caught Arkansas RB Felix Jones from Started all 11 games at strong safety in ’05, com- behind. Shows good run vision and instincts piling 78-3 and leading the team in tackles. In when he touches the ball. Responds to hard ’06, he was beat out of the starting FS spot for coaching. Will work hard to improve. the first two games but regained the role from Negatives: Needs to be challenged and will junior Justin Sanders and started the final 10-of- coast through the motions at times. Showed 12 games, recording 79-3 and two interceptions. some tightness at the Senior Bowl that was not In ’07, started all 13 games at free safety and previously seen on tape. Hands are too inconsis- compiled 75-16-5. tent and will, at times, misjudge and misplay the Positives: Will come downhill, square up and

www.profootballweekly.com DBs 2008LO3/5/086:58PMPage157 on thebackhalf. backer. Lacksthefluidityandawareness desired safety nearthelineandplaylike anotherline- not make thedefensive calls. comes fromtheside.Notafloorleaderanddoes Not asecuretacklerandmuchofhisproduction recovery speedandburst. Playstootentatively. have greatrange.Limitedcover skills.Marginal bad angles.Falls intosomeplaysanddoesnot straight-linish. Notagreatathlete. Takes some wound withlimitedflexibility andbend. Too transition outofhispedal. Very stiff andtightly hit. Very goodproductionontheball. (5-10 SS (6-0 CB senior. Also letteredinbasketball andtrackasa should basedonhighupsideandpotential. Will bedraftedhigher thanhistapesuggestshe ments andisstilllearninghow toplaythegame. product. Certainlydoesnotplaytohismeasure- tools tobemoldedbut isfar fromafinished they mighthave missed.Hasthenaturalphysical who werequicktorevisit histapeandseewhat nal workout andcaughttheattentionofscouts MoldenlituptheCombinewithaphenome- er, awareness. Questionablementaltoughness. assignments anddoesnotplaywithgreatzone big hitteroroverly physical.Isbestwithsimple moves andgetscaughtoutofposition.Isnota instinctive fortheposition.Bitesondouble up speedandrecovery quickness.Notvery does notshow muchburst toclose.Lackscatch- Willing tackler. and stayslow inhispedal.Goodleapingability. times onsomewatches inthe40.Moves fluidly recordingsub-4.4 extremely wellforhissize, any othercornerbackattheCombineandran bench-pressed 225poundsmoretimes(23)than leaping ability. Greatupper-body strength— muscular physique.Naturallyathletic.Good fumble recovery. totaled70-9-2withone 1-0. In12gamesin’07, notching36- and saw alotofactioninrotation, Tennessee Tech contest withabruisedrightheel, missingthe Played in10-of-11games’06, addingtwo fumblerecoveries. one interception, onepassbreakupand and posting37tackles, startingfour all 12gamesatrightcornerback, tucky in’05toseemoreplayingtime.Played totaled 12tackles. Transferred toEasternKen- tial qualifier. Appeared in13games’04and Enrolled at Toledo in2003andsatoutasapar- set threenationalrecordsasahighschoolsenior. Summary: Negatives: Notes: Summary: Negatives: Positives: Notes: 3 ⁄ 4 3 , 198,4.44)EASTERNKENTUCKY ⁄ 8 , 211,4.67)NICHOLLSSTATE Played footballonlyasahighschool Member ofthetrackrelayteamthat Excellent sizewithlongarmsanda A betterathletethanfootballplay- Has achancetocontribute asabox Average plant-and-drive speedand Does notplayfast andisslow to 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW plus two tacklesforlossandoneforcedfumble. startingthelast10.Finishedwith97-6-3 in ’07, loss andoneblocked punt.Playedinall12games 82-4 withoneinterceptionplustacklefor with onestartvs. Virginia. Totaled games in’06, fake puntvs. Virginia Tech. Playedinall12 vs. Middle Tennessee andran44yardswitha breakups and2 two pass finishing with46tackles, games in’05, the Wolfpack inthewinter. Playedinall12 from highschoolhipinjury. Ranindoortrackfor being forcedtoredshirtbecauseoftheeffects teams againstOhioStatethenext weekbefore thenplayedspecial the 2004seasonopener, for sixyardsasatruefreshmanwidereceiver in the 400metershissenioryear. Caughtonepass winningtheFloridastateClass2Atitlein track, prior totheseason. Also playedbaseballandran school afterdislocatinghishipinacaraccident used properlyinthebox. especiallyifheis sate forcoverage limitations, Striking andtacklingproficiency couldcompen- petitiveness tomake arosterandcontribute. andcom- toughness lete withtheintelligence, (6-0 FS some man-coverage limitations. not stickhisfootinthedirtandaccelerate.Has hipped andnotvery fluidinhistransition.Can- show greatburst totheball.Issomewhat tight- be latetoarrive afterdiagnosingplays.Doesnot ceed. Hasbeenvery durable. leadership traitsandishighlymotivated tosuc- lines totheball.Playsfaster thanhetimes.Has ness incoverage. Takes directanglesandbee- Flashes somehighlight-reelhits.Shows aware- pop andpower throughhiships andwillstrike. space andplaysundercontrol.Hitswithsome Very tough.Securetackler. Canbreakdown in cally andwillstrike. Goodinstincts.Playssmart. and goodmusculardevelopment. Playsphysi- interceptions fortouchdowns. despite missingonegame.Returnedtwo ofhis leadinghisteamintackles notching 60-7-4, and oneinterception.Played10gamesin’07, threepassbreakups ’06 andnotched68tackles, America acclaim.Moved ontoNichollsStatein munity College in’05andearnedJUCO All- tackles. Transferred toItawamba (Miss.)Com- securingthree Appeared inall11games’04, prep. Attended OleMissandredshirtedin2003. alley hardandshows goodclosingquickness. in theairandattacksitlike areceiver. Fillsthe turningandrunning.High-points theball hips, accelerate tothesideline.Isfluid flippinghis Shows nicelateralrangeincenterfield andcan upper-body strength.Goodshort-areaburst. physique andvery littlebodyfat. Very good Summary: Negatives: Positives: Positives: Notes: DaJUAN MORGAN 1 ⁄ 8 , 205,4.54)NORTH CAROLINA STATE Missed hisentireseniorseasonofhigh Very goodsizewithwideshoulders Looks thepartwithawell-sculpted A betterfootballplayerthanath- Lacks greattimedspeedandcan 1 ⁄ 2 tackles forloss.Blocked apunt www.profootballweekly.com (Junior) 157 DEFENSIVE BACKS DEFENSIVE BACKS DBs 2008 LO 3/5/08 6:58 PM Page 158

158 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW Aggressive tackler. Can deliver the big blow. in ’05 at free safety and recorded 34 tackles and Shows some coverage instincts and the zone two pass breakups and also returned a blocked awareness to consistently peel off his man and field goal 78 yards for a touchdown. Started all attack underneath routes. Shows good balance 13 games in ’06, tallying 41-9 and two intercep- avoiding the cut block and filtering through traf- tions with two forced fumbles. Started all 14 fic to get to the ball. Good special-teams cover- games in ’07, collecting 59-10-3 with one inter- age ability. Has been very durable. Outstanding ception return for a touchdown vs. Clemson. work ethic. Has a passion for the game. Very Positives: Natural athlete with fluid move- solid character. Versatile — has lined up at cor- ment skills. Can transition out of breaks cleanly ner and both safety spots. with nice feet and hip swivel. Shows enough Negatives: Only a one-year starter (although range to get over the top and plays the ball well he did see considerable action early in his in the air. Shows zone awareness and drives on career). Takes some questionable angles to the the ball quickly after released. Can slip blocks ball and could do a better job of securing tack- and get downhill. Contributes on special teams. les. Not an elite athlete. Can be overaggressive Solid worker. mirroring the quarterback, especially outside the Negatives: Narrow-framed with small hands, pocket, and abandon his responsibilities, leaving short arms and thin ankles. Does not have the cornerbacks on an island without help over the body to support much growth and get bigger. top — will freelance on the back end. Plays too small. Is not physical and does not Summary: Loaded with upside and has yet to drive though contact. Can run himself out of scratch the surface. Played on a very average some plays trying to avoid contact. defense and tried to do too much. Has been a Summary: Showed some athleticism in prac- consistent special-teams producer and has the tices at the East-West Shrine game and shows size, speed, toughness and competitiveness to enough range to man the deep middle, but he become a very solid pro. lacks ideal strength and toughness to support the run and disappears too much. Ideal backup and FS special-teams contributor. 7 (5-9 ⁄8, 197, 4.62) CINCINNATI Notes: Saw limited action as true freshman in FS DOMINIC PATRICK 1 2004, primarily playing special teams, but he did (6-0 ⁄8, 211, 4.6e) ARIZONA DEFENSIVE BACKS contribute three tackles as a nickelback. Missed Notes: Also lettered in track in high school. two games with a high left ankle sprain and two Played in five games as a true freshman in 2004, to illnesses. Made significant strides in ’05, recording five tackles and one fumble recovery. starting all 11 games at free safety and logging Saw action in eight games in ’05 on special 76 tackles, four pass breakups and two intercep- teams and as a backup safety, tallying seven tack- tions, leading the defense in tackles and inter- les and forcing one fumble. Earned the starting ceptions. Also returned 11 punts for a team-lead- FS spot in ’06 and started 11 games, missing one ing 88 yards (8.0-yard average). Started all 13 game vs. California with a neck stinger suffered games in ’06, amassing 66-6-0 and returning the week prior. Finished the year with 56 tackles, punts 5-14-0 (2.8). Played in all 13 games in ’07, six pass breakups and one fumble recovery. 1 totaling 95-8-4 with three forced fumbles and 1 ⁄2 Started 5-of-9 games in which he played in ’07, sacks. Also returned punts 15-104 (6.9). missing four games with a torn medical collater- Positives: Instinctive. Supports the run hard al ligament injury, and finishing with 28 tackles, 1 and is a very willing hitter. Tough. Plays with one pass breakup and 2 ⁄2 tackles for loss. some aggression and energy. Takes sharp angles Positives: Good size. Tough and aggressive. to the ball. Shows awareness in coverage, plays Shows some striking ability and will come up the ball well in the air and has good hands. Very quickly to support the run. Times up blitzes well. good worker and will work hard to improve. Vocal, well-respected team leader. Has a passion DEFENSIVE BACKS Negatives: Very small and undersized. Limit- for the game. ed range, burst and coverage skills. Not a secure, Negatives: Durability is a consideration given open-field tackler and falls off too many tackles. history of injuries. Lacks great instincts for the Lacks the strength to face up and knock ballcar- position and can be late to react to the thrown riers backward. Marginal return skills. ball. Average speed and burst. Does not show Summary: A good college football player ideal range on the back end. Struggles to break whose size always will be limiting. Intelligence, down in space and misses tackles. toughness and motor could give him a shot on Summary: Needs to prove he can stay healthy special teams. and contribute on special teams to make it. Toughness and desire give him a chance. Would FS D.J. PARKER be best closer to the line of scrimmage. 1 (5-11 ⁄4, 194, 4.61) VIRGINIA TECH Notes: Attended Hargrave Military Academy SS KENNY PHILLIPS (Junior) 1 (Va.) in 2003. Enrolled at Virginia Tech in ’04 (6-2 ⁄4, 212, 4.52) MIAMI (FLA.) and played in 12 games, registering 10 tackles Notes: Named USA Today Defensive Player with one forced fumble. Started 6-of-13 games of the Year as a prep in 2004. Also lettered in

www.profootballweekly.com DBs 2008LO3/5/086:58PMPage159 returning one76yardsforascore. Also returned totaled 83-10-6andrecovered two fumbles, an 86-yard TD. Startedall13gamesin’07and Also returned12puntsfor223yards (18.6)and fumble recovery andoneblocked FGattempt. one compiling 59-8-4withoneforcedfumble, fumble recovery. Startedall 12gamesin’06, lying 48-6-3withoneforcedfumbleand tal- yards forascore.Startedall11gamesin’05, includingonehereturned96 three interceptions, sixpassbreakupsand ished with22tackles, fering abroken leftclavicle vs.OhioState.Fin- nerback asatruefreshmanin2004beforesuf- very loyal. Startedthefirst seven gamesatcor- honor hispriorcommitmenttoIndianaandis Nick SabanatLSUlateintheprocess.Choseto 11 interceptionsandwas offered ascholarshipby whenhenotched his senioryearofhighschool, in the100meters.Didnotplaycornerbackuntil high schoolandhasbeenclocked at10.4seconds ondary andstartfromDayOne. tackle inspace.Couldinstantlyupgradeasec- dropdown intheboxand canrunandcover, big, heis is notastrongorphysicalstriker. However, EdReedorBrandonMeriweather—and Taylor, Sean have comebeforehim—BennieBlades, ic asany ofthestandoutfirst-round safetiesthat groin). ankle, (thumb, responsibilities. Hasmissedtimewithinjuries in onthequarterbackandlosesightofhis and burst. Turns down somekillshots. Will key three yearsasastarter).Lacksrecovery speed interceptor (onlyseven careerinterceptionsin his handsonalotofballsandisnotproductive and doesnotpopoutofhisbreaks.Doesget tackler. Canbealittlehesitantinhistransition frame anddoesnotplaybigorphysically. A dive well withtightends. shows someman-coverage ability. Matchesup tive. Linedupatcornerbackasasophomoreand quick feet.Shows niceballskills. Very competi- space. Isalertincoverage andhasgoodhips as bigheis.Securetacklerintheholeand three forcedfumbles. collected 82-5-2withsixtacklesforlossand started all12gamesand played anyway. In’07, practice beforetheGeorgia Tech gamebut six tacklesforloss.Suffered a broken thumbin andcompiled71-6-4with with abroken thumb, missing thefinal threeregular-season contests Started all10gamesinwhichheplayed’06, three tacklesforlossandonefumblerecovery. four passbreakupsandoneinterceptionwith andregistered 88tackles, Anthony Reddick, replacingtheinjured true freshmanin’05, final 11-of-12gamesinwhichheplayedasa basketball andtrackinhighschool.Startedthe (5-10 CB-PR Summary: Negatives: Positives: Notes: 7 ⁄ 8 , 188,4.47)INDIANA Also letteredinbasketball andtrackin Has greatsizeandmoves wellfor Not nearlyasinstinctive orathlet- Not aneliteathlete.Hasanarrow 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW fumble recovery. totaling60-10-3withonesackand in ’07, and onefumblerecovery. Started 11-of-13games 10 andoneinterceptionwithforcedfumble tallying63- back in’06andstartedall14games, with 44-7andonesack.Moved torightcorner- (five) andleftcornerback(three) andfinished Started 8-of-11gamesin’05atbothfreesafety registering 13tacklesandone passbreakup. 2004, in 10gamesasatruefreshmanatcornerback limit hischancesseverely. poorCombineshowing will speed. However, man cornerwhoplaysfaster thanhistimed the 4.7barrier. arrive. PoorCombineshowing —barelycracked great burst outofhisbreaksandcanbelateto fluid transitioning. Average instincts.Lacks rise inhispedalman-off coverage andisnot (5-11, 194,4.71)ARKANSAS CB ake o os 1 tackles forloss, (6-0 FS miss ifhecan. but certainly betested. Will tackleifhemust, the challengephysicallyandhistoughnesswill man-to-man cover cornerbut mightnotbeupto ty andfluidityofmovement tobecomeasolid much byjumpingroutes. Will defertoteammatestackle.Gamblestoo a hitterandtoooftenshiesaway fromcontact. toughness andcompetitiveness isaconcern.Not gunner andpuntreturner. the ballwell.Provides special-teamsvalue asa down receivers. Goodman-cover skills.Catches urally withquickfeetandfluidhipstolock great leapingabilityandmovement skills. well-chiseled physique.Natural athlete with bles. amassing77-7-1with3 ed all13gamesin’07, amassing 33-4-0withoneforcedfumble.Start- 11-of-12 gamesinwhichheplayed’06, forced fumbleandonerecovery. Started recorded 41-2andoneinterceptionwith and out againstUtahwithastrainedhamstring, sitting 2-of-11 gamesinwhichheplayed’05, istered 19tacklesandonepassbreakup.Started andreg- SMU contestwithastrainedhamstring, missingthe games inwhichheplayed’04, with atornrightmeniscus.Started2-of-10 confidence. support therun.Likes tocompete.Playswith punts 23-254-0(11.0). Summary: Notes: Summary: Negatives: Positives: Positives: Notes: Negatives: Positives: DAVID ROACH MATTERRAL RICHARDSON 3 ⁄ 8 , 210,4.57) TEXAS CHRISTIAN ikaei Rd”Saw limitedaction Nickname is“Red.” Son ofaminister. Redshirtedin2003 Very goodathlete.Moves very nat- Has nicesize.Istoughandwill Looks every bitthepartwitha osse h pe,athletic abili- Possesses thespeed, Limited zoneexperience. Tends to odszd undisciplinedpress- Good-sized, Has avery thinframe.Lackof 1 ⁄ 2 www.profootballweekly.com sacks andtwo forcedfum- 1 ⁄ 2 159 DEFENSIVE BACKS DEFENSIVE BACKS DBs 2008 LO 3/5/08 6:58 PM Page 160

160 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW Shows awareness in zones. Willing tackler. Had stick his foot in the ground and accelerate. a 38-inch vertical jump at the Combine, better Excellent closing speed. Outstanding leaping 1 than any other safety. ability (38 ⁄2-inch vertical). Smooth and fluid Negatives: Not instinctive. Marginal ball pedal. Very good transitional quickness and skills. Poor hands — only has two career inter- body control. Can move better in reverse than ceptions. Has man-coverage limitations. Not a many defensive backs can move forward. Natur- secure tackler and whiffs too much. Did not run al ballhawk — attacks the ball in the air and as well as expected at the Combine. Has been catches like a receiver. Good feet. Has long arms dinged and knicked a lot and seems to miss some and a long wingspan. Is a good competitor and time every year. Not a great worker. showed he could hang with the big boys and was Summary: Has the raw measurables to devel- willing to hit at the Senior Bowl. Has legitimate op but is tightly wound with average instincts return ability. and ball skills to play on the back end and might Negatives: Has a very wiry build. Has faced never figure it out. marginal competition and was not regularly matched up vs. NFL-caliber receivers. Lacks CB-KR DOMINIQUE RODGERS-CROMARTIE lower-body strength and pop as a tackler. Plays 1 (6-1 ⁄2, 184, 4.33) TENNESSEE STATE soft and with too much finesse. Needs to get Notes: Cousin of Chargers Pro Bowl CB stronger. Questionable toughness. His tackling Antonio Cromartie. Dominique started all 11 deficiency might never disappear. Has to learn games as a true freshman in 2004 and tallied 33 how to play square to the line of scrimmage and tackles, five pass breakups and two intercep- pedal instead of bailing all the time and free- tions, both of which were returned for touch- lancing. Most coverage assignments were very downs. Started 11 games in ’05, amassing 41-5- simple in college. 1 with one blocked kick. Started all 11 games in Summary: Has had a meteoric draft postsea- ’06, collecting 47-13-5 and one blocked kick. son and calmed major fears about his tackling Started 11 games in ’07 and totaled 37-13-2, deficiency, showing exceptional cover skills at returning both interceptions for touchdowns, and the Senior Bowl and blowing the doors off the blocked four kicks (three field goals, one extra Combine. Clearly comes from world-class point), three of which saved games. Also bloodlines and has performed like a top-10 tal- returned 33 kickoffs for 806 yards (24.4-yard ent since his season ended. Could become an DEFENSIVE BACKS average) with one touchdown and four punts for excellent cover corner with continued physical 16 yards (4.0). Also rushed two times for 16 development. yards and caught one pass for 38 yards. Positives: Excellent size-speed ratio and CB-KR (Junior) short-area burst. Has world-class speed. Can (5-10, 192, 4.36) BOISE STATE Notes: Played wide receiver, defensive back and returned kicks as a prep in California. Started 12-of-13 games as a true freshman in 2005, fin- ishing with 50 tackles, 11 pass breakups, one interception that he returned 50 yards for a touch- down, one forced fumble, three tackles for loss and one sack. Also returned a blocked field goal for a touchdown and returned a blocked extra point for a two-point conversion against Hawaii. Started all 13 games in ’06, totaling 52-6-1 along 1 with two forced fumbles, 6 ⁄2 tackles for loss and two sacks. Returned a blocked extra point for a two-point conversion against Hawaii for the sec- DEFENSIVE BACKS ond straight season. Started all 13 games in ’07, racking up 50-7-2 with two forced fumbles, three tackles for loss, one-half sack and four blocked kicks. Also returned four kickoffs for 78 yards (19.5-yard average) and one punt for 54 yards. Did not bench at the Combine because of a left thumb injury. Positives: Good speed and playing range to carry receivers down the field. Shows accelera- tion out of his breaks to close on the ball. Good short-area ball skills. Negatives: Has not faced top competition. Questionable toughness. Does not play physical- ly. Gives up too many big plays. Not a strong

BRUCE L. SCHWARTZMAN tackler. Very average downfield ball skills. Not a DOMINIQUE RODGERS-CROMARTIE l TENNESSEE STATE worker. Has a long memory. Is moody and

www.profootballweekly.com DBs 2008LO3/5/086:58PMPage161 he couldever stayhealthy. chance tocompeteasasituationalnickel backif State andallowing thegame-winning TD. Hasa in thenationalchampionshipgamevs.Ohio same sincegettingflaggedforpassinterference been abletostayhealthyandhasnever beenthe and willknockhimoff mostdraftboards. a longmemory. Durabilityisamajorredflag does notlike tohit.Getsbeattoomuchandhas eunfraT,wt ortclsfrls,1 withfourtacklesforloss, return fora TD, includinganinterception and totaled125-11-8, for lossandonesack.Started14 games in’07 (5-11 CB cult tomanage. A high-riskpick. be exposed vs.bettercompetitionandbediffi- rant considerationinthesecondroundbut could play withpain. immature. Takes himselfoutofgames.Cannot (5-10 SS neijr,andrecorded57-5-4with6 knee injury, missingtheMainegamewith a games in’06, 4 finishing with87-2-1 of-12 gamesin’05, fumble andthreerecoveries. Started7- two pass breakups andoneinterceptionwithforced making43tackles, strong safety, shirted in’03.Started3-of-12games’04at ning backatHolyCross(2001-05).Jamiered- was arun- Steve, and trackasaprep.Brother, baseball high school. Also letteredinbasketball, Good leapingability. in hisfeetandcancomeoutofbreakseasily. and shows zoneawareness. Playswithbalance forced fumbleandonerecovery. totaling13-3-1plusone with ahamstringinjury, missingtime in ’07arotationatleftcorner, degree. Started1-of-9gamesinwhichheplayed ence. Graduatedandisworking onasecond courageous playerinthe Atlantic CoastConfer- Received theBrian Piccolo Award asthemost and threeatrightcorner—compiling44-14-2. in whichheplayed’06—nineatleftcorner second medicalredshirt.Started12-of-13games suffered atornright ACL andreceived a ’05, healed left ACL andredshirted.Inthesummerof going arthroscopicsurgery on thestill-not- Played thefirst two gamesin’04beforeunder- ending tornleftanteriorcruciateligament. 4 andoneinterceptionbeforesuffering aseason- recording5- Played thefirst seven gamesin’03, three passbreakupswithonefumblerecovery. registering 18tacklesand true freshmanin2002, Started 3-of-12gamesinwhichheplayedasa holds school400-meterrecord(47.25seconds). 1 ⁄ 2 Summary: Summary: Notes: Negatives: Positives: Notes: tackles forlossandonesack.Started12 1 3 ⁄ ⁄ 4 2 , 184,4.64)MIAMI(FLA.) , 204,4.84)BOSTON COLLEGE Also letteredintrackasaprepand a orya,two-way starterin Was afour-year, Has nicesize.Isfairly instinctive A sixth-yearseniorwhohasnever Has theraw physicaltalenttowar- Not tough.Low cuttackler— 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW 1 ⁄ 2 tackles 1 ⁄ 2 and runvertically. Very short-armed(29 tight endsuptheseam.Strugglestofliphiships Lacks thespeedtoplaycenterfield orrunwith very littleshort-areaburst andnoexplosion. er. Possessesapassionforthegame. teams value inthereturngame.Excellentwork- anticipation. Playsphysically. Provides special- on youngquarterbacks.Hasgoodeyes andgood and understandsthegame.Quickreactor. Preys as atwo-year starter. Very smartandinstinctive Excellent hands—has14careerinterceptions in positiontomake plays.Greatproduction. the rightspotattimeandputshimself Always aroundtheball.Hasaknackforbeingin has morethan30careerstartsin three seasons provides greatversatility. Very experienced — nickelback andasapuntreturner free safety, come off thehash.Haslinedupatcornerback, can drive ontheball.Hasshown nicerangeto ness andplayinginstincts.Squatsonroutes coverage aware- power. Shows goodballskills, run andwillface upballcarriersandhit with build andgoodbubble. Physical supportingthe drills. injury andchosenottoparticipateinagility bench attheCombinebecauseofaleftshoulder punts for71yards(7.9-yardaverage). Didnot recovery returnedforascore. Also ninereturned two forcedfumblesandonefumble sacks, (6-0 CB-RS not participateattheCombine. (24.3). Was ruledamedicalexclusion anddid Returned punts30-203-0(6.8)andkickoffs 3-73 ken toekept himoutoftheFiestaBowl. Iowa State but didn’t missany gamesuntilabro- Injured hisleftkneewhilereturningapuntvs. 61 yardsforatouchdown vs.Miami(Fla.). onesackandreturnedafumble tackles forloss, totaling78-14-3withseven cornerback in’07, down. Startedall13gamesinwhichheplayedat and punts37-287yards(7.8)withonetouch- recovery andreturnedkickoffs 12-271(22.6) return againstBaylor. Also hadonefumble highlightedbya42-yard TD posted 41-11-3, back (three)andstrongsafety(10)in’06 yard average). Started13-of-14gamesatcorner- Also returned18kickoffs for377yards(20.9- and two interceptionswithonefumblerecovery. threepassbreakups totaling47tackles, 2005, final nineatstrongsafetyasatruefreshmanin includingthe a prep.Started10-of-12games, on specialteams. Silva couldcontribute immediately than athlete, as aboxsafety. A muchbetterfootballplayer tough andwillingtomixitupcouldback but heis speed ofthegameatnext level, es) andgetsengulfedeasilyintightquarters. Negatives: Positives: Positives: Notes: Summary: 1 ⁄ 2 , 199,4.55e)OKLAHOMA REGGIE SMITH Also letteredinbasketball andtrackas Very goodsizewithamuscular Silva willbeovermatched bythe agnlahee at best—shows Marginal athlete, Plays faster thantimedspeed. www.profootballweekly.com (Junior) 5 ⁄ 8 inch- 161 DEFENSIVE BACKS DEFENSIVE BACKS DBs 2008 LO 3/5/08 6:58 PM Page 162

162 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW with extended time at both cornerback and safe- a first-year full-time starter. Has the football ty. Has punt-return ability. intelligence and toughness to start in a strong Negatives: Shows some lapses in concentra- secondary that could hide his speed limitations. tion at safety and will be late getting over the Shoulder injury requires further evaluation and top. Takes some poor angles to the ball. A bit could knock him off some draft boards. tight-hipped and straight-linish and does not possess great speed to close on the ball. Does not CB BRANDON SUMRALL 7 show an extra gear. Does not sink his hips easily (5-9 ⁄8, 195, 4.66) SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI and dart out of breaks and possesses too much Notes: Also lettered in basketball and track as hip stiffness to ever get much faster. Could a prep in Mississippi. Saw action in 9-of-12 struggle to keep stride with receivers down the games as a true freshman in 2004 and tallied six field. Freelances too much. Has a prima donna tackles. Started all 12 games at rover in ’05, attitude and thinks he is better than he is. racking up 88 tackles, five pass breakups and Summary: Held his own at cornerback as a four interceptions with two forced fumbles. In junior but lacks great burst, fluidity and transi- ’06, started all 13 games and recorded 77-2-2 tional quickness to make a seamless transition to plus three forced fumbles, returning 19 kickoffs the pro game. Possesses the size, toughness, for 401 yards (21.1-yard average). Moved to awareness and tackling prowess to fit best as a cornerback and started all 13 games in ’07, reg- zone corner and could prove most capable at free istering 98-8-6 with three forced fumbles, one safety. Rehabilitation process from toe injury fumble recovery, five tackles for loss and one limited ability to work out and could affect draft sack. One of the interceptions was returned 82 status. yards for a touchdown vs. Memphis. Added 15- 68 (4.5) on punt returns. Chose not to do bench SS press at the Combine. 3 (6-1 ⁄8, 213, 4.62) LSU Positives: Plays faster than timed speed would Notes: Brother, Kevin, played fullback for the indicate. Physical at the line and does a good job LSU from 2003-05. Craig saw limited action as a re-routing receivers. Is quick and agile and true freshman in 2004, logging one tackle. Start- shows a good short-area burst to break on the ed 3-of-13 games in ’05 and totaled 40 tackles, ball. Plays smart. Has good hands and is a nat- two pass breakups and one interception, along ural interceptor. Solid tackler. DEFENSIVE BACKS with one fumble recovery and one blocked punt. Negatives: Is short and undersized for the Started 3-of-13 games in ’06, amassing 42-9-4 in safety position he played most of his career. Not reserve behind Jesse Daniels and became the first smooth or fluid in his pedal. Limited man-cover player in school history to intercept a pass in four skills — struggles to shadow and mirror consecutive games. Started all 14 games in ’07, receivers. Does not have the long speed to keep collecting 101-7-6 with three forced fumbles, pace with receivers deep. five tackles for loss, one sack and one fumble Summary: Quick, physical, undersized zone recovery. Did not participate in Combine work- corner with speed limitations. Could provide outs because of right shoulder injury. some versatility in a secondary and contribute on Positives: Has outstanding size and strength. special teams. Plays very smart and leverages the ball in deep- halves coverage. Nice instincts. Attacks the ball CB AQIB TALIB (Junior) 3 in the air and shows very good hands. Does not (6-0 ⁄4, 202, 4.49) KANSAS waste movement or take false steps. Sees the Notes: Redshirted in 2004 as a true freshman. quarterback and drives on the ball. Showed Started 9-of-11 games in ’05, tallying 54 tackles, improvement late in the season and played his eight pass breakups and two interceptions plus best vs. top competition (see Florida, Arkansas two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. In games). Has a passion for the game. Treats his ’06, started 10-of-12 games and racked up 42- DEFENSIVE BACKS body like a temple. 22-6, leading the nation in passes defended per Negatives: Does not play to his size and is not game (2.8) and the conference in interceptions. overly physical. Erratic open-field tackler — Also recorded a 42-yard TD reception as a wide struggles to break down in space. Can be slow to receiver in the season finale against Missouri. In support and is not a sure tackler. Shows some ’07, started all 13 games, collecting 66-18-5 tightness in his hips and lacks the fluidity to with 195 yards in INT returns and two touch- man-up against receivers. Plays at one speed and downs. Also had one forced fumble, one fumble lacks the burst and acceleration to keep pace ver- recovery and caught eight passes for 182 yards tically. Loses some ground in transition and is (22.8-yard average) and four touchdowns, not quick out of breaks. Average speed in center rushed one time for minus-6 yards and returned field and can be a half step late getting over to two punts for 21 yards (10.5). the sideline. Did not attend the Senior Bowl Positives: Excellent size with long arms. Very because of a right shoulder stinger suffered in naturally athletic. Great instincts. Very disruptive the BCS championship game. — always around the ball. Reads the quarter- Summary: Really emerged as a senior and back’s drop, shows great route recognition and showed surprising instincts and anticipation for anticipation to jump routes. Moves well for his

www.profootballweekly.com DBs 2008LO3/5/086:58PMPage163 ter questionscouldcomeintoplay. and Talib mightbeoverdrafted. Charac- stance, for concern.Reputationcouldsurmountsub- tact andinconsistenciesasatacklerarecauses but hisaversion tocon- zone-coverage scheme, and ballskillsareclearlybest-tailoredfora instincts, man coverage inthepros. Talib’s size, lacking thespeedandquicknesstoisolatein as beingglaringlyweakinpresscoverage and athletes — but notspectacular, Purify —solid, State’s JordyNelsonandNebraska’s Maurice of playsontheballbut was exposed byKansas ’07. Extremelyconfident andcompetitive. runner —returnedtwo interceptionsfor TDs in has five career TD receptions.Isaninstinctive Good versatility —haslinedupatreceiver and Has asmoothbackpedalandcansinkhiships. size withvery goodballskillsandgreathands. (6-1 CB expect himtobemorephysical forhissize. awareness withhisbacktotheball. Would footwork —takes toomany false steps.Lacks Marginal transitionalquickness.Inconsistent hands (threecareerinterceptionsatMissouri). on theball.Hasmarginal ballskillsandpoor linish. Strugglestochangedirectionanddrive front ofhim.Solidworker. ing tosupporttherun.Jumpssomeroutesin straight-line speed.Isphysicallystrongandwill- needs tobemanagedclosely. thinksheisbetterthanand Very arrogant, physical tacklerandrarelyfaces upballcarriers. any cornerbackwholiftedattheCombine.Nota thelowest totalof pressed 225pounds10times, Lacks upper-body strength—onlybench- and canbepostedup.Notaquick-twitchathlete. fakes. Doesnotplaytohissizeintheredzone himself outofpositionbitingonplay-action lenged vertically. Canbeaggressive andrun Does notshow anextra gearandcanbechal- Nebraskagames). ery speed(seeKansasState, and letsreceivers releasecleanly. Lacksrecov- scrimmage —whiffs toomuch inpresscoverage much. Very softandinconsistentatthelineof not playtohis40time. Tends tofreelancetoo run agilitydrillsattheCombine. Cotton Bowl byCastineBridges.Chosenotto fumble recoveries. Replacedinstartinglineupof collecting41-11-0withthree 14 gamesin’07, 70-9-1 withtwo forcedfumbles.Started 11-of- compiling all 13gamesatleftcornerbackin’06, registering 13-3-2.Started all 12gamesin’05, kick in’04. Transferred toMissouriandplayed breakups andoneinterceptionwithblocked fourpass redshirted in2003. Tallied 46tackles, ed Coffeyville CommunityCollege (Kan.)and Summary: Negatives: Summary: Negatives: Positives: Notes: DARNELL TERRELL 3 ⁄ 4 , 203,4.49)MISSOURI Also letteredintrackasaprep. Attend- Rare sizewithlongarms.Good Has theathletictraitstowarrant a Prolific college cornermadealot Has manufactured speedanddoes Too stiff inthehipsandstraight- 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW scheme. Tape doesnotequatetomeasurables. back. Isbestmanningshortareasinazone and toughnessalways willrestricthimtocorner- awareness look atsafetybut marginal ballskills, totaling 45-7-4plus4 located leftshoulder. Startedall13gamesin’07, surgery priortospringpractice in’07foradis- field goalreturnedforatouchdown. Underwent two forcedfumblesandablocked les forloss, games in’06andtotal50-12-2withthreetack- right knee.Returnedfrominjurytostartall13 ligament andmedialcollateralinhis posting 5-1-0beforetearingtheanteriorcruciate nerback andstartedthefirst two gamesin’05, breakups andtwo interceptions.Moved tocor- two pass safety in’04andtalliedninetackles, required surgery. Appeared in11-of-13gamesat a dislocatedrightshoulderinfall practicethat meters (21.4).Redshirtedin2003aftersuffering running the100meters(10.5seconds)and200 tory mustbeevaluated. size andtacklewithstrength.Lengthyinjuryhis- over thetop.Doesnotplayconsistentlyuptohis pump fakes anddoublemoves andgetbeaten age. Playsoveraggressively andwillbitehardon field speedtobeleftonanislandinmancover- scious —playssmartandrunstotheball. Can keep stridewithreceivers. Assignment con- breaks underneath.Goodsidelineawareness. zone awareness —passesoff hisreceiver and his handswellinpresscoverage. Shows good a goodfeelforthegame.Goodinstincts.Uses decisive zonereads andhas arms. Makes quick, bine. ery. Chosenottorunany agilitydrillsatCom- and threeforcedfumblesonefumblerecov- (6-0 CB (5-8 CB-PR smelled burnt marijuana.Started10-of-11 player Sean Williams hidingby the treesand after anofficer noticedhimwithB.C.basketball 2005 edly was detainedbypoliceonMay20, (10.1-yard average) andonetouchdown. Report- touchdown. Returnedeightpuntsfor81yards and returnedoneblocked punt29yards fora with onetackleforlossandforcedfumble five passbreakupsandtwo interceptions les, recording29tack- Started 3-of-11gamesin’04, and trackinhighschool.Redshirted2003. the hashes. durable enoughtosurvive thecontactbetween physicalor back endbut mightnotberangy, safety andcouldwarrant somelooks onthe in acover-2 scheme.Enteredtheprogramasa zone recognitionandthedecisiveness toexcel Negatives: Positives: Notes: Notes: Summary: 1 3 ⁄ ⁄ 2 4 , 202,4.52)USC , 189,4.63)BOSTON COLLEGE DeJUAN TRIBBLE Also letteredintrackhighschool, loltee nbsebl,baseball Also letteredinbasketball, hmshsgo ie very good Thomas hasgoodsize, odsz ihvr,very long Good sizewithvery, Not agreatathlete.Lacksdown- www.profootballweekly.com 1 ⁄ 2 ake o os onesack tackles forloss, 163 DEFENSIVE BACKS DEFENSIVE BACKS DBs 2008 LO 3/5/08 6:58 PM Page 164

164 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW games in ’05, compiling 57-8-2 with three tack- down the field. Flips his hips and shows good les for loss and one forced fumble. Returned recovery speed and closing burst. Uses his hands eight kickoffs for 150 yards (18.8) and 12-132-0 very well in press coverage to prevent an inside (11.0) on punts. Missed the Ball State game with release. Nice awareness to peel off in zone cov- a hamstring injury. Started 12-of-13 games in erage. Plays bigger than his size and is very ’06, not starting vs. North Carolina State strong pound for pound. Solid open-field tackler. because of a bruised left knee, and finished with Good competitor. Has kick-return experience 49-10-7 and four tackles for loss. Returned three and the speed to go the distance. of his seven interceptions for touchdowns, which Negatives: Very undersized and could be chal- tied a school career and season record. Returned lenged by size. Will slow down and lose some 8-185 (23.1) on kickoffs and 27-236-0 (8.7) on separation trying to locate the ball. Takes too punts. Reportedly was accused of punching a many false steps and is not clean out of his man on July 1, 2007 at a Boston bar. Started 10- breaks. Is not very quick or agile changing direc- of-11 games in which he played in ’07, missing tion and allows too much cushion. A bit straight- the last two regular-season games and the ACC linish. Could need some reps. championship game with a sprained medial col- Summary: Might struggle with the size of pro lateral ligament in his right knee, but he returned receivers but shows good awareness and tough- for the Champs Sports Bowl. Totaled 35-12-4 ness as a tackler. Could pay immediate divi- with two tackles for loss and one forced fumble dends in the return game and as a nickel defend- and returned punts 8-43-0 (5.4). er. Still raw and learning the game and has some Positives: Good instincts. Squats on routes upside. and plays the ball well in the air. Very good hands — has 15 career interceptions. Makes CB MARCUS WALKER 3 some aggressive, opportunistic plays on the ball (5-10 ⁄8, 191, 4.54) OKLAHOMA and adjusts to it well. Has a swagger. Good clos- Notes: Started the final 4-of-5 games as a true ing quickness in short areas. Dependable tack- freshman in 2004 after coming out of his red- ler. shirt season against Texas A&M and posted 14 Negatives: Too short — loses out on jump tackles and one pass breakup. In ’05 spring prac- balls (see Georgia Tech game). The farther he tice, he sustained a dislocated right shoulder. has to run, the more he struggles. Does not play Returned to play 7-of-12 games, logging 8-0, but DEFENSIVE BACKS very disciplined — gets out of position too he missed five contests after dislocating the much. Too tightly wound. Lacks great long same shoulder. Underwent surgery on the shoul- speed and can get beat deep. A dive tackler. Is der for a second time. Started the final 11-of-14 small and plays small. Various off-field indiscre- games in ’06 after Reggie Smith moved to tions are cause for concern. Can be distracted strong safety and secured 32-9 and three inter- easily, and trouble seems to find him off the cptions, including a 33-yard return for a TD in field. the Fiesta Bowl against Boise State. Underwent Summary: An instinctive zone corner who can offseason left shoulder surgery and sat out ’07 always be mismatched by size and speed, Trib- spring practice. Started all 14 games in ’07, ble could contribute as a nickel- and dime-pack- compiling 47-2-0 and two tackles for loss. age defender and provide some special-teams Chose not to do bench press at the Combine. value in the return game. Positives: Good athlete. Nice short-area burst. Good movement skills — can flip his hips to CB shadow and mirror receivers. Can run and cover. 1 (5-9 ⁄8, 190, 4.54) ARIZONA STATE Very good intangibles. Notes: All-American in track as a prep. Per- Negatives: Does not have the extra gear to run sonal bests in high school include 10.6 seconds step-for-step down the field with receivers. Shies in the 100 meters, 21.2 in the 200 meters and a away from contact. Lacks functional strength. DEFENSIVE BACKS 47.25 in the 400 meters. Attended San Joaquin Durability is a concern — has a history of shoul- Delta College (Calif.) in 2002. Did not attend der injuries that affect his play. Footwork is a bit school in ’03. Enrolled at College of the choppy and unrefined. Does not play the ball Canyons (Calif.) from 2004-05, helping the well in the air. Has two skillets for hands — has team to a junior-college national championship. only three career interceptions. Does not play Transferred to ASU in ’06 and started all 13 with a lot of confidence or trust his instincts and games, recording 47 tackles, eight pass breakups aggressively drive on the ball the way he has 1 and one interception with 2 ⁄2 tackles for loss, shown flashes of doing. one sack and two fumble recoveries. Also Summary: Has good size and nice physical returned five kickoffs for 206 yards (41.2-yard tools and could provide solid depth at corner if average). Started all 13 games in ’07, totaling he can stay healthy. 56-9-3 with one forced fumble. Returned an interception 69 yards for a TD vs. Washington SS NEHEMIAH “NEMO” WARRICK 7 State. Also returned kicks 7-166 (23.7). (6-0 ⁄8, 211, 4.57) MICHIGAN STATE Positives: Plays faster than timed speed would Notes: Cousin, Peter, was the fourth overall indicate. Can run step for step with receivers pick of the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2000 NFL

www.profootballweekly.com DBs 2008LO3/5/086:58PMPage165 mark onspecialteamstostickaroster. away fromcontributing. Will have tomake a limited incoverage andisatleastafew years provide depthasaboxsafetybut isstillraw and book andwillrequiresomepatience. skills. CouldstruggletoadjustanNFLplay- not playtheballwellinairandhaszero show goodcenter-field-to-sideline range.Does his break.Lackstop-endspeedanddoesnot ity inpassdefense.Doesnotshow aburst outof Takes somequestionableangles.Canbealiabil- Does notplayfast —slow toprocessandreact. tightness inhismovement. Average instincts. NFL bloodlines. er somebigshotsonunsuspectingreceivers. Has Wrap-up tackler. Will supporttherunanddeliv- three passesbroken upand3 with atwistedknee. Totaled 45tackleswith sittingouttheNorthwesterngame MSU in’06, fouratbandit) (six startsatstrongsafety, at MichiganStatein’06andstarted10-of-11 America first-team honorsasasafety. Enrolled 05 andearnedNationalJuniorCollege All- Hutchinson CommunityCollege (Kan.)in2004- and SeattleSeahawks. Nehemiahenrolledat draft andplayedsixseasonswiththeBengals (6-0 SS tive. Playstheballinair. Vocal leader. run. Hitswithsomeforce. Tough andcompeti- Plays alertly. Will comeuphardtosupportthe der andwristinjuries. cepted. Missedthe Texas gamewithrightshoul- whichwas inter- for loss. Attempted onepass, andamassed63-4-1withthreetackles position, working inarotationatthe free safetyin’07, despite theinjuries.Started9-of-11gamesat 3 withtwo forcedfumblesandoneblocked punt, suffered againstOklahomaState. Amassed 26-1- contests withatornligamentinhisrightwrist missingfour of-9 gamesinwhichheplayed, reserve whilerecovering. Eventually started5- dislocated lefthipandbegan the’06seasonasa hesustaineda season finale againstMissouri, returns for10yards(3.3-yardaverage). Inthe Added two forcedfumblesandthreepunt notching 71tacklesandfive passbreakups. free safetyandstartedall11gamesin’05, primarily onspecialteamsin’04.Converted to shirted asawidereceiver in’03andsaw action basketball. Enrolledinthewinterof2002.Red- other trackandfield events andalsoletteredin qualified forstatein four pole vault asaprep, Green. Tallied 61-3withonetackleforloss. leg injurysuffered theweekpriorvs.Bowling missingthePittsburgh contestwithalower- ’07, Started 11-of-12gamesinwhichheplayed Summary: Negatives: Negatives: Positives: Notes: Positives: MARCUS WATTS 1 ⁄ 2 , 189,4.58)KANSASSTATE Won theKansasClass5Atitlein Good naturalsize.Quickandagile. Smart —linesupthesecondary. Has goodsizeandathleticismto Not agreatathlete.Shows some Too leanandnarrow-framed. 1 ⁄ 2 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW tackles forloss. too fragiletoholdafull-timejob. nickel defenderandkickreturnerbut mightbe durability atthenext level. Couldfill aroleas undone byhislackofsizeandquestionable ler andtendstodive fortheankles. whelmed bybiggerreceivers. Notastrongtack- Does nothandleblockers well.Canbeover- handed andisaffected byhiswristinjuries. in coverage. Notastrongtackler. Playsone- injury in’07.Shows someconcentrationlapses injuries —wristin’03and’05foot question. Hasmissedsignificant timewith (5-9 CB (5-10, 180,4.5E)BAYLOR CB teams ifhecouldever stayhealthy. is abigquestionmark. burst. Isoftenasecondlatetoarrive. Durability tionable anglestotheball. Average speedand Lacks bulk andbulk strength. Takes someques- rpejm 5-) longjump(24-6 triple jump(50-8), kick. Transferred toBaylorin’04andsatout breakups andoneinterceptionplus oneblocked threepass 2003 andregistered 16 tackles, return experience. the ballwell(14careerinterceptions).Haskick- Is toughandwillplaythroughinjuries.Catches decisions andshows goodfootballintelligence. routes andplaymultiplereceivers. Makes good ness inpasscoverage. Cansitandsquaton Tech game).Moves fluidly. Shows goodaware- the clutchandmadesomekey plays (see Texas speed tocarryreceivers deep.Hassteppedupin forced fumble. touchdown vs. Arizona State. Also hadone returningoneinterceptionfora lied 42-10-5, in hisfootandmissingthefinal two games. Tal- games in’07beforesuffering ahairlinefracture and two fumblerecoveries. Startedthefirst 10 breakups andpicks. Also hadoneforcedfumble and notched57-11-5toleadtheteaminpass the season.Returnedin’06tostartall12games forcinghimtositoutandredshirt August of’05, yards (22.0-yardaverage). Hadwristsurgery in for lossandalsoreturned19kickoffs for418 with 33-3andfourinterceptionsonetackle groinandhamstring.Finished injuries towrist, missing startsinseveral becauseofnagging surgery again.Started5-of-12gamesin’04, practice inthespringof’04afterhaving wrist lying 24tacklesandfive passbreakups.Didnot tal- includingtwo starts, six atcornerbackin’03, Saw actioninall12gamesonspecialteamsand wrist inthespringof’03andhadsurgery onit. meters (10.15seconds).Dislocatedhisright Summary: Summary: Notes: Notes: Negatives: Positives: TERRENCE WHEATLEY ALTON WIDEMON 5 ⁄ 8 , 187,4.44)COLORADO Attended Tulane asatruefreshman in Holds schoolrecordsintrackthe Very goodaccelerationandtop-end Productive college cornercouldbe Could fight forajobonspecial Very undersized.Durabilityisa www.profootballweekly.com 1 ⁄ 2 ) and100 165 DEFENSIVE BACKS DEFENSIVE BACKS DBs 2008 LO 3/5/08 6:58 PM Page 166

166 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW compliance with NCAA transfer regulations. first in the conference in interceptions. Missed Appeared in 10-of-11 games at cornerback in Howard game with a sprained ankle. Compiled ’05, missing the Oklahoma contest with a 75-8-6 and one blocked kick in ’06, leading the strained hamstring. Totaled 13-3-2 and one team in tackles and ranking first in conference forced fumble. Moved to rover and started 5-of- and third in D-IAA in interceptions. Started 10- 12 games in a rotation in ’06, compiling 20-2 of-11 games in ’07, amassing 77-4-2 and four and two fumble recoveries. Started all 12 games tackles for losses. Also returned three punts for at cornerback in ’07, tallying 39-7-1 and one 10 yards (3.3-yard average) and seven kickoffs tackle for loss. Also returned one kickoff for 13 for 131 yards (18.7). yards. Positives: Body beautiful and looks every bit Positives: Is very naturally athletic and can the part. Natural athlete. Shows good leaping burst out of his breaks when he sees it. Very ability to go up and play the ball in the air. Good strong pound-for-pound. hands. Negatives: Has no instincts or feel for corner- Negatives: Lacks speed and burst to get over back and plays like a deer in headlights. Too the top. Freelances too much and tends to roam often late to react to the thrown ball. Does not the field instead of taking care of his responsibil- play with confidence. Not tough. ities. Bites on play action. Average instincts and Summary: Has the physical ability to play in cover skills. Too choppy and unrefined in his the pros but lacks the toughness, instincts and pedal. Rounds out of breaks. Inconsistent tackler. confidence needed at cornerback and will need Summary: Raw, small-school prospect with to be molded. good size and enough athletic ability to warrant a look in a camp. CB JONATHAN WILHITE 1 (5-9 ⁄2, 185, 4.51) AUBURN CB JACK WILLIAMS Notes: Attended Butler County Community (5-9, 186, 4.51) KENT STATE College (Kan.) from 2003-04, earning National Notes: Redshirted in 2003. Started 7-of-10 Junior College All-American honors. Enrolled at games in which he played at boundary corner- Auburn in 2005 and started 7-of-12 games, rack- back in ’04, compiling 27 tackles, four pass ing up 47 tackles, eight pass breakups and one breakups and two interceptions, including a 99- interception. Started 10-of-13 games in which he yard TD return against Iowa. Started all 11 DEFENSIVE BACKS played in ’06 at right cornerback and registered games in ’05, tallying 63-9-4 and adding one 24-5-0 with one forced fumble. Missed the Cot- forced fumble and one fumble recovery. Started ton Bowl vs. Nebraska with a torn right menis- 10-of-12 games in ’06, registering 62-8-4 and cus. Started 6-of-12 games in ’07 at corner (two) five forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries. and as a nickel defender (four), totaling 30-2-2 Started all 11 games in which he played in ’07, with one sack and one fumble recovery. Chose missing the Temple game with a shoulder injury. 1 not to participate in agility drills at the Combine. Tallied 93-11-3 with 6 ⁄2 tackles for loss, two Positives: Good short-area burst. Has lined up fumble recoveries and one fumble forced. Also both in the slot and outside and makes good returned four kickoffs for 94 yards (23.5-yard adjustments. Plays with toughness and good average). awareness. Good movement skills — fluid in his Positives: Very well put together for as little hips and can flip, turn and transition easily to run as he is and has long arms for his size. Shows with receivers. Good footwork. Shows the agili- quickness, burst and the speed to track receivers ty and speed to recover when he gets out of posi- downfield. Good athletic ability and recovery tion. Plays the ball well in the air. speed. Plays the ball well in the air. Very strong Negatives: Very undersized. Injury history pound-for-pound and plays bigger than his size. must be evaluated — has suffered shoulder, knee Very good run defender will hit with force. and hamstring injuries. Allows too much cush- Highly competitive. Great work ethic. DEFENSIVE BACKS ion. Does not explode out of breaks. Has zero Negatives: Too undersized — lacks height ball skills — does not get his hands on a lot of and bulk. Limited experience in man coverage. balls. Has stone hands — has three career picks. Does not use his hands well at the line disrupt- Is not a strong tackler. Very average work ethic. ing and re-routing receivers. Shows some tight- Summary: Short, fluid, instinctive zone corner ness in his movement and is overly muscular. who could compete for a job as a nickel- and Summary: Those who did not evaluate him as dime-package defender. a junior when he was healthy will severely undergrade his abilities. Showed the toughness FS BOBBIE WILLIAMS to play through injury much of the season, and 1 (6-0 ⁄8, 214, 4.6e) BETHUNE-COOKMAN natural instincts and burst were not as evident. Notes: Redshirted in 2003. Started 5-of-10 Could be best in a zone scheme. games in ’04 and posted 58 tackles, one pass breakup and one interception. Earned All-Mid FS ROGER WILLIAMS 1 Eastern Athletic Conference first-team acco- (5-11 ⁄2, 198, 4.55e) FLORIDA STATE lades after starting 9-of-10 games in which he Notes: Sat out a year after high school. Red- played in ’05 and amassing 52-13-6, ranking shirted in 2003 at strong safety. Saw action in all

www.profootballweekly.com DBs 2008LO3/5/086:58PMPage167 fast receivers. Playssmall. Losesleverage on much cushionandstrugglestokeep stridewith Questionable top-endspeed— gives uptoo when heisrunatandnotquick tosupport. to pressandre-routereceivers. Submarines could berestricting. instinctsanddurability questions abouttackling, but habits couldgive himachanceincamp, game plans. andhecouldstrugglewithcomplex ural tohim, withstand contact. The gamedoes notcomenat- shoulder andkneeinjuriesisnotbuilt to Durability isamajorconcern—hashistoryof Gave uptoomany bigplays.Marginal tackler. instincts andballskills.Shows littleawareness. game. with goodbodycontrol.Haspassionforthe range tocover thedeepmiddle.Moves fluidly 2-1 withoneforcedfumbleandsack. collecting75- tions. Startedall13gamesin’07, leadingtheteaminintercep- compiled 67-5-4, started13gamesand on hisleftshoulder. In’06, game. Satoutinthespringafterhaving surgery vs. Virginia Tech inthe ACC championship both 2-1 withonesackandtwo forcedfumbles, fifth-round pickPat Watkins. Finishedwith39- splittingtimewithCowboys ’06 Virginia Tech, Floridaand of-13 gamesin’05vs.Maryland, ing surgery torepairatornmeniscus.Started3- interception. Was limitedinthespringafterhav- onepassdefendedand recorded 24tackles, 12 gamesin’04asareserve freesafetyand (5-9, 193,4.53)SOUTHFLORIDA CB and feet.Solidcharacter. Hardworker. cut off receivers andplaystheball.Goodhips leader ininterceptions(16). Takes nice anglesto standing hands—leftUSFasschool’s career sprain. right AC yards. DidnotbenchatCombinebecauseofa for touchdowns. Returnedonekickoff forzero lying 55-11-6withthreeinterceptionsreturned tal- and punts1-13.Startedall13gamesin’07, one blocked kickandreturnedkicks3-40 (13.3) securing49-9-7and all 13gamesatleftcorner, started returned kickoffs 3-63-0(21.0).In’06, three passbreakupsandtwo interceptionsand andposted39tackles, against West Virginia, giving way toD’JuanBrown onSeniorNight Started 11-of-12gamesatleftcornerbackin’05, nine kickoffs for197yards(21.9-yardaverage). against Tennesseea TD for Techreturned and tackles andoneinterceptionreturned37yards registering 22 in ’04andstarted8-of-11games, a runningbackin2003.Converted tocornerback record 22touchdowns asasenior. Redshirtedas amassing 1,355rushingyardsandaschool- Summary: Negatives: Positives: Negatives: Positives: Notes: Also playedrunningbackasaprep, Shows enoughathleticability and Has excellent ballskillsandout- Average athlete.Lacksthestrength Not physical. Average coverage Natural athleticismandwork 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW cover skillstobeeffective inazonescheme. fluidhipsandnatural and hasthequickfeet, tact. pedal whentheballisrunathimtoavoid con- outside runs.Notastrongtacklerandstaysinhis (5-9 CB-RS (5-11 SS Best chancecouldcomeasareturner. with thepurespeedtowarrant acampinvitation. ness. Couldusesomerepstograspconcepts. ling. Notinstinctive and playswithlittleaware- Does notplayphysicalorshow interestintack- top-end speedtogothedistance. runvisionand and shows somenaturalinstincts, climb theladdertogetit.Fieldsballcleanly out ofposition.Playstheballinairandwill receivers. Terrific recovery speedwhenhegets receivers down thefield. Canshadow andmirror punts 14-153-1(10.9)andrushed2-17(8.5). ing 31-7-2.Returnedkicks14-388-1(27.7), collect- American. Startedall11gamesin’07, dashes andwas namedaDivision II Track All- field championinthe100-meterand200-meter ern Intercollegiate Athletic Conferencetrackand fering aseason-endingbroken leftwrist.South- recordingthreeinterceptionsbeforesuf- in ’06, on thebaseballteamaswell.Startedthreegames yards (37.6-yardaverage) andtwo TDs. Played for a TD. Also returnedseven kickoffs for263 includinga99-yardreturn three interceptions, sixpassbreakupsand totaling15tackles, ’05, average) andonetouchdown. Startedall10in also returned13kicksfor354yards(27.2-yard ’04 andstarted5-of-10gamesatcornerback did notplayfootball. Transferred toStillmanin Combine becauseofrightshoulder strain. fumble recoveries. Didnotdobenchpressatthe totaling 87-8-4plusfive tacklesforlossandtwo the ’07seasonandstartedall14 games in’07, Moved fromcornerbacktostrongsafetyprior junior LendyHolmesandfinished with18-3-1. in ’06but eventually lostthestartingjobto had two forcedfumbles.Started3-of-14games 65-yard returnfora TD againstKansas. Also includinga pass breakupsandtwo interceptions, 10 tallying65tackles, started 11-of-12games, converted tocornerbackand 107-0 (4.3).In’05, back asatruefreshmanin2004andrushed25- the state. Appeared inall13gamesatrunning a 4x100-meterrelayteamthatfinished secondin finishing fourthinthelongjumpandanchoring running back. Also letteredintrackandfield, and 39touchdowns (8.3-yardaverage) asaprep Summary: Summary: Negatives: Positives: Notes: Positives: Notes: D.J. WOLFE 3 ⁄ 8 1 , 170,4.22)STILLMAN(ALA.) ⁄ 8 , 207,4.64)OKLAHOMA BRIAN WITHERSPOON Amassed 357carriesfor2,974yards Attended Alabama Statein2003but Has raretimedspeedandcancarry Very smart.Hasafeelforzones. Rail-thin. Poorsizeandstrength. Finished theseasonvery strong a,small-school trackathlete Raw, www.profootballweekly.com 167 DEFENSIVE BACKS DEFENSIVE BACKS DBs 2008 LO 3/5/08 6:58 PM Page 168

168 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW Moves fluidly and can shadow receivers in his Good football temperament. Very strong and hits area. Shows enough quickness to break on the with some authority. Shows nice balance work- ball. Solid, reliable tackler who can drop into the ing through traffic. Plays the ball well in front of box and secure tackles in the open field. Pro- him. Shows very good zone awareness and duced some big plays in the clutch (see Iowa clings to receivers entering his area. Outstanding State goal-line interception). Natural catcher. worker. Is not intimidated by anyone and does Good work ethic. Plays through injuries. not back down from a challenge. Extremely Negatives: Average athlete. Still raw and competitive. Shows good balance, vision and learning the position. Lacks great burst and run strength as a punt returner. range and can be late to come off spots. Can be Negatives: Does not play to timed speed. beaten down the field and mismatched if isolat- Lacks foot quickness to consistently get over the ed in man coverage. Lacks the short-area burst to top and play the deep ball — too often gets beat- recover when he gets out of position. Lacks con- en deep. Too tightly wound and stiff. Must do a fidence to play on an island. Doesn’t show great better job of wrapping up and securing ballcarri- awareness. Average ball skills. Not a big hitter. ers. Falls off too many tackles in the open field. Summary: Converted cornerback who is still Has short arms and gets stuck on blocks. Not a finding his way at safety but did show enough sudden mover. Not nifty or elusive as a returner. promise as a senior to continue developing as a Has a brash, cocky, Chicago-tough demeanor, backup box safety. Average Combine perfor- thinks he’s better than he is and could rub some mance plus lack of foot speed and athletic abili- people the wrong way. ty could limit his value. Summary: Could bring attitude and toughness to a secondary, contribute as a punt returner and SS-PR compete for a starting job in the box. However, 1 (5-11 ⁄4, 211, 4.52) NOTRE DAME he is tightly wound, lacks great functional speed Notes: Nationally ranked as a Golden Gloves and deep range and could be exposed if he is boxer, compiling an amateur record of 75-15. asked to do too much. Similar to Colts 2005 Made his pro boxing debut in June of 2006 and fourth-round pick Matt Giordano. knocked out Robert Bell in 49 seconds at Madi- son Square Garden. Named a USA Today first- CB JONATHAN ZENON 3 team All-American as a prep and also played (5-11 ⁄4, 191, 4.64) LSU DEFENSIVE BACKS quarterback and holds several of his high Notes: Cousin of former LSU safety Jesse school’s career football records, including points Daniels and of former LSU and scored, touchdowns and rushing yards. Also set RB Domanick Williams (formerly Davis). Red- 11 high-school track records. Redshirted in ’03. shirted in 2003. Saw action in three games as a Immediately won the SS spot in ’04, starting all reserve in ’04 and posted two tackles. Started 4- 11 games and tallying 70 tackles, one pass of-11 games he played in ’05 as a nickel and breakup and one interception plus two forced dime defender and finished with 17 tackles, four fumbles and one fumble recovery. Earned third- pass breakups and two interceptions. Started all team All-America (AP) honors in ’05 after start- 13 games at left cornerback in ’06 despite suf- ing all 12 games. Compiled 71-9-5 with one fering a concussion against Auburn. Logged 27- forced fumble and returned 27 punts for 379 16-4 and returned two interceptions for scores yards (14.0-yard average) and two touchdowns against Louisiana-Lafayette and Arizona, — a 60-yarder vs. USC and a 78-yarder vs. Ten- respectively. Incurred a concussion vs. Alabama nessee. Also returned an interception 31 yards but did not miss time. Started all 14 games in for a touchdown vs. Tennessee and another for ’07, collecting 45-9-3, including an 18-yard an 83-yard score vs. BYU. Started 12 games in interception return for a touchdown in the SEC ’06, compiling 79-2-0 with one forced fumble championship game vs. Tennessee. Also had one and one fumble recovery. Also returned kicks 5- forced fumble and one fumble recovery. Injured DEFENSIVE BACKS 107 (21.4) and punts 16-144-1 (9.0), including a his left knee during positional skills workout at 52-yard punt return for a touchdown against the Combine. North Carolina. Did not play vs. Stanford Positives: Good body length. Plays smart and because of a neck stinger. Was named a semifi- shows coverage awareness in zones to switch off nalist for the Jim Thorpe Award given to the receivers and jump routes in front of him. Nice nation’s best defensive back. Had intended to pattern awareness. declare early for ’07 draft but decided to return Negatives: Average athlete. Lacks functional to school after receiving a mid-round grade from strength to press receivers at the line. Lacks the the NFL’s advisory panel. Started all 12 games foot speed to carry receivers downfield. Too in ’07, amassing 80-3-2 with three forced fum- tight in the hips. Marginal transitional quickness bles and two fumble recoveries and returning — too often gets caught off-balance. Marginal punts 23-234 (10.2). Also rushed three times for worker. four yards. Did not participate in agility drills Summary: Instinctive zone corner who could because of tightness in left hamstring. compete for a job in a camp. Size, speed and Positives: Very physically and mentally strength deficiencies could be difficult to over- tough. Has a swagger and plays with confidence. come.

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2008 DRAFT PREVIEW 169 SPECIALISTSSPECIALISTS P tered in baseball as a prep. As a true freshman in 1 (6-0 ⁄4, 204, 4.9e) GEORGIA TECH 2004, converted 12-of-15 field-goal attempts, Notes: Mentored in high school by legendary including a long of 42 yards, and connected on punter , namesake for the college foot- all 77 PATs, setting the NCAA record for con- ball award given to the nation’s best punter. Also secutive conversions. In ’05, hit 14-of-16 FG lettered in basketball as a prep. Played for Geor- attempts, including 5-of-5 between 40-49 yards, gia Military Academy from 2004-05 and aver- and made 63-of-65 PATs. Received the Lou aged nearly 40 yards per punt over two seasons. Groza Award (nation’s best ) in ’06 Transferred to Georgia Tech in ’06 and punted 79 after connecting on 21-of-25 FG attempts, and times for a 45.2-yard average (42.0 net). Pinned hitting all eight kicks under 30 yards and all five 35 punts (44 percent) inside the 20-yard line, 27 kicks over 40 yards, highlighted by a 51-yard punts (34 percent) carried at least 50 yards, and long. Also converted all 60 PATs. Had one kick seven went at least 60 yards. Won the Ray Guy blocked. Also set the school record with 335 Award as the nation’s best punter in ’07 after career points despite playing with a bulging disc. punting 65 times for a 45.1-yard average. Only Hit 13-of-17 FG attempts with a long of 44 and 19-of-65 punts were returned, and 33 were all 53 PATs in ’07. Had two attempts blocked. downed inside the 20. Set the NCAA career record for most points by Positives: Catches the ball easily with soft a kicker (433). hands. Gets the ball off very quickly and has not Positives: Most productive kicker in NCAA had a punt blocked. Has a live, steady leg — ball history. Good leg speed and snap-through. Very explodes off his foot. Outstanding hang time. quick delivery. Excellent short-to-intermediate Can boom it high and place it with accuracy. Has accuracy and is consistent inside 50 yards. Has shown he can handle pressure and poor weather. shown he can handle pressure — nailed the Blends in the locker room. Showed great preci- game-winning 33-yard field goal to beat Rut- sion and placement at the Senior Bowl. gers in the season finale. Works hard at his Negatives: Could become more consistent craft. with placement. Negatives: Very small. Does not have great Summary: A very consistent two-step punter range outside 50 yards and rarely has been used who can do everything a team asks and who to try beyond the mark. Tends to slice the ball. upgrades a team’s punting unit immediately. Does not handle kickoffs. Average athlete. Could be drafted in the middle rounds. Summary: A tough-minded, left-footed, accu- rate kicker whose lack of overall leg strength LS TIM BUGG and inability to handle kickoffs could make it 1 (6-0 ⁄4, 257, 5.16) INDIANA more difficult for him to earn a roster spot. Notes: Also lettered in golf and rugby in high school. Walked on and redshirted in 2003. Did PK BRANDON COUTU not see action in ’04. Took over the long-snap- (5-11, 183, 5.0e) GEORGIA ping duties for six games in ’05 before tearing Notes: Also lettered in soccer as a prep. Red- the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee and shirted in 2003. Handled kickoff duties most of missing the final four games. Resumed duties in the ’04 season and converted 2-of-3 field-goal ’06 for all 12 games. Played in all 13 games in attempts with a long of 44 and hit all three PAT ’07, snapping on punts, field goals and PATs. attempts. Connected on 23-of-29 field goals in Positives: Works hard and takes his craft very ’05 with a long of 58 and converted all 45 PATs. seriously. Can zip the ball back with high veloc- Played the first five games in ’06 before tearing ity — consistently snaps under the .70-second his right hamstring and missing the rest of the mark. Is very accurate down the middle. Handles season. Finished 10-of-11 on field goals with a long and short snaps. Shows no hitch and fires it long of 55 and hit all 17 PATs. Only miss came

back with a tight spiral. from beyond 50 yards. Played in all 13 games in SPECIALISTS Negatives: Short. Marginal athlete. Struggles ’07, hitting 18-of-23 field goals (long of 52 to tackle in the open field. Snaps the ball a bit yards) and all 49 extra-point attempts. Was 10- low at times. Less accurate with short-snapping. of-10 on field goals of 39 yards or less. Aver- Does not play any other position. aged 59 yards on 67 kickoffs with one touch- Summary: A very accurate long- and short- back. snapper who can zip it with high velocity. Positives: Excellent range. Shows the leg strength to drive the ball on FG attempts beyond PK ART CARMODY 50 yards. Also can kick off. Good height, lift and 5 (5-8 ⁄8, 177, 5.29) LOUISVILLE trajectory. Mentally tough and is calm under Notes: Nickname is “Art-o-matic.” Also let- pressure. Handles the elements well.

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170 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW Negatives: Lingering hamstring concerns — consistently — only three career attempts in live missed part of the ’06 season with a torn ham- situations. Not a great worker. string and sat out the second half vs. Georgia Summary: Impressed at the East-West Shrine Tech in ’07 with a hamstring injury. Accuracy game and has the leg strength to contribute on wanes beyond 50 yards — he has made only 6- both kickoffs and field goals. of-12 career attempts and does not get great dis- tance on kickoffs. PK STEVEN HAUSCHKA 1 Summary: He has impressive leg speed to (6-1 ⁄2, 185, 4.9 E) NORTH CAROLINA STATE handle short- and long-range FG attempts and Notes: Took up football in his sophomore could compete for a job in camp. year at Middlebury (Vt.) College after playing junior-varsity soccer as a freshman. Appeared in P MIKE DRAGOSAVICH 7-of-8 games in 2004, converting 6-of-10 field- 1 (6-5 ⁄2, 212, 4.94) NORTH DAKOTA STATE goal attempts — including 1-of-4 attempts Notes: Also lettered in baseball as a prep. beyond 40 yards — and 11-of-12 PATs. Also Redshirted in 2003. Punted 54 times in ’04 for a punted 46 times for 1,706 yards (37.1-yard aver- 41.3-yard average with a long of 63 yards and age), with a long of 55 yards and pinned 13 balls pinned 16 punts inside the 20-yard line. In ’05, inside the 20-yard line. Played in all eight games totaled 47-46.5-L79-20. In ’06, booted 30-46.2- in ’05, hitting on 4-of-6 attempts (one of which L67-14. Played 11 games in ’07, booting 27- was blocked) — including 1-of-2 beyond 40 45.4-L70-11. Had one punt blocked. Averaged a yards — and 15-of-18 PATs. Also punted 26 game-record 58 yards on three punts at the times for 853 yards (32.8) with a long of 46 Senior Bowl. yards and pinned seven balls inside the 20-yard Positives: Fields the ball cleanly. Has great line. Appeared in all eight games in ’06, con- length and can rocket the ball off his foot. necting on 10-of-12 FG attempts — including 9- Dropped some long bombs at the Senior Bowl, of-10 under 40 yards — and 9-of-10 PATs. Also including a 68-yard punt and a bowl-record 69- punted 52 times for 1,969 yards (37.9) with a yarder. Handles pressure well. Is a willing tack- long of 72 yards and pinned 17 balls inside the ler. 20-yard line. Transferred to North Carolina State Negatives: Needs to hasten delivery and in ’07 and hit 16-of-18 FG attempts (long of 49) shorten stride. Will hit the ball off the side of and all 25 PATs. Also averaged 63.5 yards on 57 SPECIALISTS his foot and struggle to place it with precision. kickoffs with 12 touchbacks. Summary: Lanky, long-levered, experienced Positives: Very good long accuracy — hit all punter who really can drill it deep but needs to eight attempts beyond 40 yards as a senior. continue to work on placement. Made excellent year-to-year improvement. Takes a very consistent approach and has a PK smooth stroke and follow-through. Gets the ball 1 (5-8 ⁄2, 200, 5.0e) OKLAHOMA off very quickly — one of the fastest get-offs Notes: Set a national record for points in a scouts have seen. Good fundamentals. Can han- career by a kicker as a prep. Played the final dle kickoffs. Good size and athleticism. Serves three games as a true freshman in 2004, overtak- as the holder. Hit game-winner in overtime vs. ing the incumbent, junior Trey DiCarlo, and Miami (Fla.). connecting on his one field-goal attempt and all Negatives: Has marginal strength. Too delib- 12 PATs. In ’05, converted 14-of-22 FG attempts erate in his steps. Missed two kicks in November with a long of 52 yards and hit on 37-of-38 and could be affected by the cold. PATs. In ’06, connected on 19-of-20 FG Summary: A soccer-style kicker with good attempts, including all 15 kicks under 40 yards long-distance range, a consistent approach and and 4-of-5 kicks over 40 yards, including a 46- ice in his veins to come through in the clutch. yard long. Also nailed 49-of-50 PATs. In ’07, hit Should win a job right away. 13-of-15 FG attempts, including all three beyond 40 yards (long of 53) and 71-of-76 extra K-KO-P SHANE LONGEST points. Averaged 66.8 yards on 104 kickoffs. (5-10, 177, 5.0e) ST. XAVIER (ILL.) Positives: Shows much-improved long- Notes: Also lettered in basketball and base- range accuracy — over his final two seasons, ball as a prep and has continued to play baseball

SPECIALISTS he made 7-of-8 kicks over 40 yards. Showed a in college. Converted 2-of-7 field-goal attempts lot of pop in his leg at the East-West Shrine and 14-of-16 extra-point attempts as a true game and hit three FG attempts outside of 50 in freshman in ’04. Hit 10-of-17 FG attempts with practice, with a long of 58. Has good leg a long of 52 and 49-of-51 PATs in ’05. Con- strength to handle kickoffs and consistently nected on 15-of-18 FG attempts with a long of puts the ball through the endzone. Hangs the 47, including all seven between 40-49, and 45- ball high on kickoffs. of-47 PATs in ’06. In ’07, hit 27-of-37 field Negatives: Is very short and punches the ball goals (long of 55 yards) and 47-of-48 PATs. with his leg instead of exploding through it. Also punted 47 times for 2,032 yards (43.2-yard Missed five extra-point attempts as a senior. average) with a long of 75 yards. Had 13 punts Must prove he can make kicks beyond 50 yards downed inside the 20. Averaged 59.3 yards on

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2008 DRAFT PREVIEW 171 87 kickoffs with 20 touchbacks. shank some punts. Needs to speed up his Positives: Good athlete. Shows the leg approach. Lots of yards come on rolls. strength to drive the ball beyond 50 yards and Summary: A four-year starter who should has nailed a 70-yarder in practice. Can boom the warrant a chance in an NFL camp. ball on kickoffs. Offers versatility and experi- ence as a punter. LS TYLER SCHMITT 1 Negatives: Accuracy wanes on long-distance (6-2 ⁄4, 231, 4.96) SAN DIEGO STATE kicks — hit only 6-of-13 attempts between 40- Notes: All-state defensive end in high school 49 yards and 2-of-4 kicks beyond 50 yards as a in Arizona. Won the long-snapping job in ’04 senior. Big fish in a small pond — will have to and kept the job for all four college seasons. adjust to pressure on the big stage. Played in all 12 games in ’07, notching six tack- Summary: Jack of all trades, master of none. les (five solo). His best shot will come as a placekicker, but he Positives: Very experienced four-year starter. could bring added value as a kickoff specialist Has played linebacker, showing he could break and emergency punter. His leg strength should down and tackle in space. Is athletic enough to warrant a camp invitation. be a factor in coverage. Good ball placement and delivery and has been very accurate. Can PK-KO rifle the ball back at high velocity and has con- 3 (5-10 ⁄8, 183, 5.0e) WISCONSIN sistently clocked at less than .60 seconds. Notes: South Dakota’s 2003 Gatorade Player Negatives: Lacks the mass to anchor and han- of the Year who also lettered in football, hockey dle pressure. Cannot contribute at any other posi- and track as a prep. Served as the kickoff spe- tion. cialist as a true freshman in 2004, resulting in Summary: A very consistent performer who 18-of-53 kickoffs going for touchbacks and an could earn a starting job and perform for a long average of 61.6 yards per kickoff. Handled all time. placekicking duties in ’05, hitting 14-of-20 field-goal attempts (70.0 percent) with a long of PK ALEXIS SERNA 46 yards and converted 56-of-58 PATs. Nailed 1 (5-6 ⁄2, 170, 4.80e) OREGON STATE 15-of-20 FGs with a long of 52 in ’06 and con- Notes: Also lettered in soccer and track as a verted all 47 PATs. Played in all 13 games in ’07, prep. Walked-on and redshirted in 2003. Earned SPECIALISTS hitting 21-of-25 field goals (long of 51 yards) the starting job as a walk-on in ’04 and connect- and 42-of-43 extra points. Averaged 66.7 yards ed on 17-of-20 field-goal attempts with a long of on 77 kickoffs with 27 touchbacks. 55. Also converted 29-of-32 PATs. Missed all Positives: Gets good lift and rise. Has handled the elements. Can drill the ball through the three PATs in a season-opening loss to LSU but uprights on kickoffs. Four-sport high school ath- rebounded to hit 29 consecutive PATs. As a lete. Works at his craft. scholarship recipient in ’05, won the Lou Groza Negatives: Has a slow approach and could Award after making 23-of-28 FG attempts with hasten his delivery. Has shown he can be rattled a long of 47 and nailed all 32 PATs. Connected on the road by hostile environments. on all six FG attempts against Washington to tie Summary: A left-footed, soccer-style kicker the conference record for field goals made in a who could bring the most value as a kickoff spe- game, and set school records with 15 consecu- cialist. tive conversions and 23 field goals made in a season. In ’06, hit on 22-of-29 FG attempts, P TIM REYER including 4-of-6 attempts beyond 50 yards with (6-0, 205, 5.11) KANSAS STATE a long of 58 and connected on all 45 PATs. In Notes: Three-year letterwinner in high ’07, hit 18-of-27 field goals (long of 52 yards). school. In ’04, appeared in 10 games, punting 36 Had one kick blocked. Punted 81 times for 2,866 times for 1,526 yards (42.4-yard average) with a yards (35.4-yard average) with 19 punts downed long punt of 71 yards vs. Colorado. In ’05, punt- inside the 20. Had one punt blocked. Kicked off ed in all 11 games, amassing 65-2,625-40.3-L65 68 times for 4,166 yards (61.0-yard average) with 18 punts downed inside the 20 and only five with two touchbacks. touchbacks. Appeared in all 13 games in ’06, Positives: Good leg strength. Comfortable

kicking 61-2,566-42.1-L65. Earned first-team beyond 50 yards — has made 7-of-13 career SPECIALISTS All-Big 12 honors in ’07 after punting 58-2,583- attempts. Very experienced kicking in the ele- 44.5-L61 with 22 attempts downed inside the 20. ments. Quick to and through the ball. Handled Positives: Good field-ratio punter — gets punts as a senior and could serve as an emer- good hang time and does not outkick his cover- gency punter. age. Good placement inside the 10-yard-line and Negatives: Very undersized. His confidence can hit the coffin corner. Consistent approach. must be evaluated — he missed five of his final Could serve as an emergency kicker. Responds seven FG attempts and has gone through some under pressure. slumps. Too streaky and inconsistent. Negatives: Too erratic. Average get-off times. Summary: More consistency and confidence Does not consistently hit it squarely and will are the keys.

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172 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW DRAFTDRAFT NEEDSNEEDS This section addresses each team’s draft needs starts under center as a rookie but enters the offsea- as of presstime (March 5). As a result of free-agent son No. 1 on the depth chart. Free-agent addition moves, needs for some teams could change before Josh McCown (Raiders) could challenge Beck, and the draft. Miami could also look hard for a QB in the draft. Running backs — There are various concerns AFC EAST regarding the running backs, but there’s enough depth to feel very good about this position. Bill Par- BUFFALO BILLS cells is said to be smitten with Ronnie Brown, who Quarterbacks — Second-year pro Trent will be rehabbing his reconstructed knee through- Edwards is now firmly entrenched as the quarter- out the offseason. back of the future. In the likely situation J.P. Los- Receivers — Ted Ginn should be special with man is granted his wish to be traded, the Bills could some more seasoning, but there’s little else to be be looking for a veteran backup. excited about. TE is just ordinary. Running backs — Marshawn Lynch was out- Free-agent additions Ernest Wilford and Sean Ryan standing as a rookie in 2007, proving fully capable should help at wide receiver and tight end, respec- of carrying the ball 20-plus times per game. None tively, but a lot more help is necessary. of the backups inspire the ability to be a suitable Offensive line — OT Vernon Carey and C Sam- featured back if Lynch goes down, but Fred Jackson son Satele are prototypical O-line cornerstones. showed he is a fine fit in a limited role. Nobody else can be depended upon. Both 2007 Receivers — There is a serious dearth of talent starting OGs are free agents, and OT L.J. Shelton behind Lee Evans, who’s among the top 15 wide- was released. Free-agent addition Justin Smiley outs in the league. The TE corps is similarly mea- (Niners) will probably start at one OG spot, but the ger. Both positions will certainly be addressed this O-line remains in serious need of a face lift. offseason, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see 2-3 Defensive line — It’s likely that Miami will new wide receivers/tight ends on the 2008 roster. determine whether to use a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme based Offensive line — The Bills doled out $74 mil- on its D-line fortifications. Trade addition Jason lion to bring in OG and OT Ferguson (Dallas) will get a shot at replacing the Langston Walker last offseason, and while they departed Keith Traylor as the team’s two-gap nose didn’t justify their hefty salaries, they certainly tackle. , and Matt upgraded the unit. OLT Jason Peters is one of the Roth are solid, but the unit needs help via the draft. best young linemen in the business. Overall, the Linebackers — OLB Joey Porter still has a few O-line is in good shape. good seasons left in him, especially if the Fins Defensive line — DEs Aaron Schobel and Chris revert to the 3-4. Channing Crowder is a promising Kelsay fell short of their lofty expectations in 2007, youngster who can play inside and outside. Free- and coupled with ’s season-long suspension, end is a concern. Massive ex-Jaguar agent additions Reggie Torbor (Giants) and Charlie , who replaces the departed Larry Anderson (Texans) figure in the mix. Injuries and Tripplett, and emerging force John McCargo head- age had taken their toll on MLB Zach Thomas, who line a solid DT corps. was released and leaves a big void to fill. Linebackers — The most solidified defensive Defensive backs — Miami’s safeties were deci- unit. Even though a broken forearm prematurely mated by injuries in 2007. The team re-signed tal- ended his rookie season, MLB ented free agent Yeremiah Bell, a hard-hitting safe- looks to be a centerpiece for years to come. Free- ty who’s coming off an Achilles’ tear, to a one-year agent addition Kawika Mitchell (Giants), Angelo deal. CB was tremendous in 2007, but Crowell and Keith Ellison are solid on the outside. the rest of the CB stable is underwhelming. Both Defensive backs — There’s a need to outfit the corner and safety will see an offseason overhaul. secondary with a quality corner opposite Terrence Special teams — likes what he sees McGee. After terminating Kiwaukee Thomas’ con- in P Brandon Fields, a standout as a rookie. PK Jay tract, the Bills were down to three experienced CBs. Feeley, who made 21-of-23 FG attempts in 2007, is Neither George Wilson nor Ko Simpson is the right similarly dependable. Ginn offers explosiveness on fit at safety next to Donte Whitner. both punt and kickoff returns. Special teams — P Brian Moorman and PK Summary — The Dolphins are probably the Rian Lindell are very good, while returners Roscoe neediest team in the league. From receiver and O- Parrish (punts) and Terrence McGee (kickoffs) are line on offense to each of the three defensive levels, the envy of the vast majority of teams. Miami needs an infusion of new faces to be com- Summary — The need for offensive weapons petitive. The good news is there’s a host of young, headlines the Bills’ needs. Only of slightly less developmental prospects who could become quali- importance is getting D-linemen to rush the passer ty players.

DRAFT NEEDS and shoring up an uninspiring secondary. MIAMI DOLPHINS Quarterbacks — Tom Brady is the standard Quarterbacks — John Beck flopped in his four bearer for NFL quarterbacks and is coming off a

www.profootballweekly.com DRAFT NEEDS2008LO3/5/085:36PMPage173 midseason. Morris looked greatbeforesuccumbingtoinjuryat andDolphinscastoff Sammy receiver andblocker, adequate receiver. Kevin Faulk isanexcellent He hasaniceblendofspeedandpower andisan oe a o epcal ,1 ad,but he Jones ranforarespectable1,119 yards, the Jetsemployed acommitteeapproachin2006, Brought infromChicagotobeaworkhorse after approach expectations inhisfirst seasonasaJet. properly addressed. issues andcouldbetheundoingofthisteamifnot corps andsecondaryarefaced withconsiderable youngdefensive talent. The LB in somegood, numerous returners. The Pats aren’t averse toexperimenting with he’s reliable. make anyone forget Adam Vinatieri, andwhilePKStephenGostkowski doesn’t upon, ordinary. PChrisHansonwas fine whencalled back. Offseason fortification isnecessary. Pats aren’t overly keen onbringingany ofthem andthe Four otherD-backsarealsofree agents, nerback wentfromamoderatetopressingneed. cor- to coughupthecashre-sign Asante Samuel, will beputtothetest. Belichick’s reluctancetodraftlinebackers early they’re alsoonthewrongsideof30.Bill but Adalius Thomas canplayinsideandoutside, andthere’s littledepth. and released, aren’t gettingany younger. Rosevelt Colvinwas whoagreedtoanew multiyeardeal, , and thelinebackers provide muchofthepassrush. are signedthroughatleast2009.DEJarvisGreen andall Vince Wilfork are allProBowl-caliber guys, of DEs Ty Warren andRichardSeymour andNT sive fronts. itisvulnerableagainstspeedydefen- unit overall, and couldberelegated tothebench. While astrong ORT NickKaczuristheunquestionedweaklink, Bowl selections.ORGSteve Nealisalsovery good. Mankins andCDanKoppen wereall2007Pro huh htMt uire,2,couldbecome Brady’s primarybackup. 23, thought thatMattGutierrez, giving risetothe has faltered inlimitedchances, 25, record 50-TDcampaign.No.2QBMattCassel, case Clemensgoesdown. they’ll likely bringinanew armin nington’s traded, should beindecentshapeifbothreturn.IfPen- but theposition terbacks comewiththeirconcerns, board tocompetewithKellen Clemens. Bothquar- that he’s intentonkeeping ChadPenningtonon was sensationalinhisfirst seasoninFoxborough. andslotreceiver Wes Welker Gaffney re-signed, Cleveland. ButbothRandyMossandDerrick realize hisimmensetalentlateinthe2007season 2007 haslost Summary Special teams Defensive backs Linebackers Defensive line Running backs Running backs Quarterbacks Offensive line Receivers — The league’s best WR corpsin — It’s criticalthatthePatriots bring ot tlwrh whosignedwith Donté Stallworth, — A concern.JuniorSeauand — A superbunit. The startingtrio — — GMMike Tannenbaum insists — The specialistsaremostly — — With thePatriots optingnot L atLgt OLGLogan OLT MattLight, — Laurence Maroney began to Thomas Jonesdidn’t 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW . but hasreliablehands. being special. TE ChrisBaker lackstop-endspeed with versatile BradSmithshowing glimpsesof talented but inconsistent ShaunEllisareplanted. whereKenyon Colemanand see sometimeatend, hemight unable towork outatradeforRobertson, 3-4scheme.IftheJetsare of positionintheJets’ a4-3D-tackleplayingout pick Dewayne Robertson, it’s unclearwhat’s instoreforformerfirst-round Sione Pouhasigningathree-yearcontractextension, and presumably becomingthestartingnosetackle, as achange-of-paceback. touchdown. Leon Washington isahome-runthreat gained just3.6yardspercarryandscoredasingle upgrade atrighttackle. addition Damien Woody (Lions)shouldprovide an signed toanextension earlylastseason.Free-agent to helpthemblossom.ORGBrandonMoorewas but Faneca figures live uptohisfirst-round billing, Mangold. NeitherFerguson norMangoldhasyetto between OLT D’Brickashaw Ferguson andCNick settlingin top O-linemanavailable infreeagency, the withex-Steelers OLG Alan Faneca, rific shape, Brian Billickhoped. Troy Smithflashed someabil- Kyle Bollerhasn’t developed like ex-head coach season beforeleaving thelineupbecauseofinjury. be ontheroster. Steve McNairlooked finished last of D-linemanandlinebacker. whichnecessitatesadifferent breed defense work, Coach EricManginiisintentonmakingthe3-4 they needthemosthelpinfrontseven. agency, ing class. After bolsteringtheirO-lineviafree sobering reminderthatthey’re notintheNFL’s rul- unexpected 2006playoff appearanceserved asa whosatout’07afterkneesurgery. ’06, a ProBowler in from thedynamicJustinMiller, top kickreturnersin’07but willface achallenge Leon Washington emerged asoneoftheleague’s inconsistent PBenGrahamcansayforhimself. whichismorethan Nugent hasbeenjustordinary, young stars. Kerry Rhodesaretwo oftheleague’s brightest league’s topsecondary. CBDarrelleRevis andS theJetscouldconceivably field the cornerback, was letgo(tradedtoSaints). ILB sonnel tweaking. As was widelyexpected, son —thepositioncouldreceive somemoreper- Thomas noguaranteestoreturn—especiallyHob- nals). With OLBs Victor HobsonandBryan versatile free-agent additionCalvinPace (Cardi- combiningwith is astellardefensive centerpiece, the capablehandsofColesandJerrichoCotchery thereceivers arein granting. Assuming he’s back, awishtheJetsaren’t tooexcited about contract, Defensive line Offensive line Receivers Quarterbacks Summary Special teams Defensive backs Linebackers BALTIMORE RAVENS — h es 4-12follow-up totheir — The Jets’ F NORTH AFC — Second-yearILBDavid Harris — Laveranues Coleswants anew — 2005second-roundPKMike — The Ravens’ starter may not may starter Ravens’ — The — With ex-Panther KrisJenkins www.profootballweekly.com — With theadditionofasolid The leftsidelookstobeinter- , 173 DRAFT NEEDS DRAFT NEEDS DRAFT NEEDS 2008 LO 3/5/08 5:36 PM Page 174

174 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW ity in two starts at the end of the season, but he’s a marily as blockers. long way from being a 16-game starter. Offensive line — Big questions here, as age and Running backs — The Ravens traded three draft injuries appear to be catching up to ORT Willie picks for Willis McGahee and were rewarded with Anderson, and OLT Levi Jones has been plagued by one of the Miami (Fla.) product’s finest seasons. knee issues. The Bengals will likely retain OT-OG The depth behind McGahee is suspect, however. FB after giving him the franchise tag. Le’Ron McClain is a throwback. Defensive line — Free-agent addition Antwan Receivers — WR Derrick Mason is one of the Odom (Titans) figures to replace Justin Smith AFC’s best possession receivers, a major asset to (signed with the Niners). DE Robert Geathers’ whomever is behind center. This is a big season for development may have been stunted by a brief 2005 first-round pick Mark Clayton, whose pro- move to strong-side linebacker; some evaluators duction waned in ’07. TE ’s ’07 season regard him as the Bengals’ best defensive player. was shortened by injury. When healthy, he’s one of Linebackers — Injuries decimated this position the best at his position. last season. The Bengals are hoping MLB Ahmad Offensive line — OLT Jonathan Ogden is Brooks develops into a star and defensive leader. expected to retire. Adam Terry is likely to replace He played only two games last season before suf- Ogden, but keep an eye on 2007 supplemental pick fering a season-ending injury. If he lives up to his Jared Gaither. OLG Jason Brown is a rising star. potential, Brooks could be just the playmaker this Departed C Mike Flynn could be replaced by Chris group lacks. Expect competition and perhaps some Chester. changes at the OLB spots. Defensive line — DT played at a Defensive backs — Young CBs and Pro Bowl level last season. NT Kelly Gregg’s sound Johnathan Joseph improved late last season; more technique, good quickness and unwillingness to development is expected in 2008. Second-year quit on a play have allowed him to thrive in a big safeties and man’s league. If DT Trevor Pryce stays healthy, this could step into the starting lineup. Veteran Madieu group will be that much stronger. Williams signed with the Vikings. Linebackers — ROLB Terrell Suggs is a feared Special teams — PK is depend- pass-rusher in the prime of his career. The ILB tan- able, as is newly re-signed P Kyle Larson. But the dem of Ray Lewis and Bart Scott remains formida- Bengals lack a big-play return threat, and the cov- ble, but Scott didn’t make as many impact plays in erage units struggled last season because of youth ’07 as he did the previous season. and injuries. Defensive backs — Outside of FS Ed Reed, Summary — Once again, defense looms as the major questions loom. CBs Chris McAlister and primary need on Draft Day. Addressing the front Samari Rolle were slowed by injuries last season, seven appears to be the biggest priority as Marvin and the depth behind them failed. Lewis enters his sixth season as head coach. Special teams — PK Matt Stover hit 27-of-32 DRAFT NEEDS field goals last season, but he’s 40 years old. P Sam Koch is solid. Young RS Yamon Figurs is sprinter- Quarterbacks — What was once a position of fast but still learning his craft. need is now a position of strength thanks to the Summary — Quarterback and cornerback emergence of Derek Anderson and the drafting of appear to be the Ravens’ most pressing needs. New Brady Quinn. No. 3 QB Ken Dorsey, who is close head coach John Harbaugh will have input on Draft with Quinn, is all but assured of making the roster. Day, but will Running backs — The Browns re-signed RB make the final call. Jamal Lewis after he a solid season in his first year in Cleveland, but they may still add another runner. CINCINNATI BENGALS Backups Jason Wright and are Quarterbacks — is one of the solid if unspectacular. AFC’s best at his position, but he threw a career-high Receivers — The Browns have two blue-chip 20 interceptions last season and didn’t quite seem on performers — WR Braylon Edwards and TE Kellen the same page with his receivers at times. The Ben- Winslow — at this position group. Edwards devel- gals do not have a proven backup for Palmer. oped into a star in his third NFL season (his second Running backs — The Bengals haven’t run the removed from a knee injury). Winslow isn’t the ath- ball well the last two seasons. There are questions lete he was in college, but he’s still a marvelous about Rudi Johnson’s future with the club after an player. The WR corps was bolstered with the addi- injury-plagued 2007 campaign. Backup Kenny tion of free-agent addition Donté Stallworth (Patri- Watson played well in place of Johnson but is prob- ots), who adds legitimate speed and playmaking ably best-suited as a third-down back. , ability as the projected No. 2 guy. a ’07 second-round pick, missed his rookie season Offensive line — Years of investing heavily at with a knee injury. this position group paid off when the Browns saw Receivers — WR Chad Johnson is unhappy rookie OLT Joe Thomas develop into a Pro Bowler with the Bengals; whether he can force his way out and OLG Eric Steinbach play as well as he did in his of Cincinnati will be a storyline to watch in the off- first four NFL seasons with Cincinnati. If the Browns season. Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh com- draft a lineman, it could be in the later rounds. DRAFT NEEDS prise one of the top WR tandems in the game. No. Defensive line — Trade additions Shaun Rogers 3 WR Chris Henry is talented but inconsistent, but (Lions) and Corey Williams (Packers) should sig- he would likely be the player promoted were John- nificantly bolster the line at tackle and end, respec- son to depart. The Bengals use their tight ends pri- tively, but the Browns could further address this

www.profootballweekly.com DRAFT NEEDS2008LO3/5/085:36PMPage175 years ofunappreciatedwork inthetrenches. The DLE Aaron Smithisstartingtoslow down after ing off hisbestseason. There’s someconcernthat but heisnotcom- headliner atthispositiongroup, the linebeingoverrun. often was forcedtoflee fromthepocket becauseof andRoethlisberger too ning roomwas often scarce, asdidORT Willie Colon.Run- too, his problems, season inPittsburgh. ORGKendall Simmonshad back injury. CSeanMahanstruggledinhisfirst Jets. OLT Marvel Smithhasbeenbotheredbya AlanFaneca signedwiththe group. ProBowl OLG of needheadingintotheoffseason. whichwas theteam’s greatestarea position group, (Vikings) shouldcomeinhandy. injuries. Free-agentadditionMewelde Moore andhehasahistoryof against topcompetition, effective instretchesbut isnotabacktorelyon load thisseason.BackupNajehDavenport canbe Steelers mightwant todistribute moreofhiswork- but the andheisonly27, offense forthreeseasons, Parker hasonlybeenamajorpartoftheSteelers’ lineup withaseason-endinginjuryin Week 16. on RB lastseasonbeforeheleftthe Roethlisberger. Steelers looktodraftabackupgroombehind be 34thisDecember. Don’t besurprisedifthe but he’ll sion. BackupCharlieBatchisdependable, lucrative contractexten- Roethlisberger toalong, early in SeanJonesstruggledcovering tightends shape. SS his secondseason. The safetypositionisindecent but Wright isonlyentering repeatedly lastseason, CBEric Wright was burned to Detroit.Inaddition, cornerback aftertrading2007starterLeighBodden around playersathisposition. diate zones. TE HeathMillerisoneofthebetterall- remains amasterofworking theshortandinterme- Holmes inhisthirdNFLseason. ers areexpecting improvement from WR Santonio add atallertarget forthe6-foot-5passer. The Steel- sotheSteelerscould lookto after the2004season, Burress ever sinceBurresssignedwiththeGiants first timesince2002. what theBrowns needtomake theplayoffs forthe Improvement onthatsideoftheballcouldjustbe made somebigkickslastseason. andDawson Phil Dawson fare wellinpoorweather, off aProBowl campaign.PDave ZastudilandPK as any playerathispositioninthegameandcomes last season. Williams andD’QwellJacksonshowed promise ifatall. The youngILBtandemofLeon day, and wouldn’t beabletodraftoneuntilthesecond but they have losttheirfirst threedraftpicks ley, pass-rushing OLBtopairwithKamerion Wimb- Defensive line Linebackers Offensive line Receivers Running backs Quarterbacks Defensive backs Summary Special teams ’ 07 but gotittogetherlaterintheseason. PITTSBURGH STEELERS — — The majorneedsareondefense. — The Browns coulduseanother Roethlisberger hasmissedPlaxico SJoshuaCribbsisasstrong — RS — NTCasey Hamptonisthe — — The SteelerssignedBen — — The Browns coulddrafta The Steelersleanedheavily Questions aboundforthis 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW him tomake inhissecondseasonHouston. n’t make thestridesheadcoachGaryKubiak wants the ex-Atlanta passercan’t stayhealthyand/ordoes- but Rosenfelscouldpushhimif will bethestarter, tandem inMattSchaubandSageRosenfels. of thesecondaryinfinal weeksoftheseason. whatwiththestruggles a DBearlierthanexpected, but don’t besurprisedifthey draft along bothlines, season-long problemin’07andwillberetooled. you know he’s tough. The coverage unitswerea so half ofhisregular-season gamesatHeinzField, position. PKJeff Reedhasmadealiving playing as arookieandcouldbe10-yearsolutionatthe The SteelerscouldbeshoppingforCBhelp. es tothePatriots andJaguarsgothim benched. whose lackofdisciplineplayedamajorroleinloss- forced theSteelerstoturnyoung , group down thestretch. The lossofFSRyanClark andthatreallyhurtthis to stayhealthylastseason, top 3-4insidelinebackers. Veteran JamesFarrior remainsoneofthegame’s young LOLBLaMarr Woodley couldsoonbeastar. and the ProBowl inhisfirst seasonasastarter, ments upfront. needsomeyoungreinforce- for their3-4scheme, longadeptatfinding defensive linemen Steelers, his secondNFLseason. weight room. TE OwenDanielscaught63passesin athleticbut inneed ofalittlemorework inthe fast, WR JacobyJonesisthesleeperofbunch — andsecond-year oped intoareliableNo.2receiver, he playsthefullseason.Kevin Walter hasdevel- ly talentedandlikely topushforaProBowl spotif pete forareserve role. games. UndraftedrookieDarius Walker willcom- Dayneisnosurebettolast16 but like Green, back, unrestricted freeagent;the Texans couldbringhim pete forplayingtime.PloddingRonDayneisan he’ll have tocom- If he’s ontherosterthisseason, Green battledakneeinjuryformuchoflastseason. tions atleftdefensive endandatthedefensive tack- stillhave ques- investment alongthedefensive line, foralloftheir the Texans, caliber player. However, Amobi Okoye couldsoonjoinhimasaProBowl- andyoungDT a starlateinhissecondseason, tion marks. ability inthepast.Centerandrightguardareques- andOLT ChesterPittshasflashedblue-chip nicely, his pastform.ORT Eric Winston hasdeveloped can’t returnto missed muchofthelasttwo seasons, who’s tackle —especiallyifOLT CharlesSpencer, athletic left thelinecouldstilluseayoung, club, cern asitwas during QBDavid Carr’s time withthe Summary Special teams Defensive backs Linebackers Defensive line Offensive line Receivers Quarterbacks Running backs HOUSTON TEXANS — h tees draftneedsstart — The Steelers’ F SOUTH AFC — ROLB JamesHarrisonmade WR Andre Johnsonismarvelous- — PDanielSepulveda fared well — DREMario Williams became — — The Texans have astrongQB — SS Troy Polamalustruggled www.profootballweekly.com — While notasmuchofacon- Ex-Packers RB Ahman 175 DRAFT NEEDS DRAFT NEEDS DRAFT NEEDS 2008 LO 3/5/08 5:36 PM Page 176

176 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW le spot opposite Okoye. lack of size by operating well in space. MLB Gary Linebackers — MLB DeMeco Ryans is the Brackett is the best of the bunch, but OLB Freddie heart and soul of the defense. WLB Morlon Green- Keiaho is also stout and active. Solid veteran Rob wood is a steadying veteran presence. Young Zach Morris was released. OLB Clint Session showed Diles could push for more playing time if the Tex- tremendous playmaking ability as a rookie. ans decide they want more speed in the LB corps. Defensive backs — NFL Defensive Player of the Free agent addition Kevin Bentley (Seahawks) adds Year Bob Sanders hogs the spotlight, but all four versatility and depth. starting D-backs are formidable players. CBs Kelvin Defensive backs — With Dunta Robinson likely Hayden and Marlin Jackson are adept at playing the to miss the start of the season as he recovers from press coverage demanded of them, and S Antoine knee and hamstring injuries, the free-agent addition Bethea tied for the team lead with four interceptions. of Jacques Reeves (Cowboys) provides badly need- However, unlike at linebacker, there’s little depth. ed CB depth. Safety is also a position of concern and Special teams — PK Adam Vinatieri connected one that could experience considerable turnover. on 23-of-29 FG attempts with a long of only 39 Special teams — PK Kris Brown has an accu- yards in 2007, failing to recapture the touch that rate, strong leg, but P Matt Turk may have a con- made him a legend in New England. P Hunter tender for his job. The Texans’ coverage units are an Smith is just average, as are the Colts’ punt and annual strength, and they always seem to have a kickoff returners. deep roster of capable returners. Summary — The Colts are positioned well to Summary — Cornerback is the biggest need, reclaim their perch atop the NFL hierarchy, with and it will be no surprise if the Texans address the most of their key personnel under contract. Howev- position in Round One. Houston could also add a er, the team’s mantra is to build through the draft running back. The Texans traded their second- without having to dip into the free-agency pool, and round pick to Atlanta in the Schaub deal. it would be wise to bolster both lines in April. Quarterbacks — Peyton Manning is one of the Quarterbacks — David Garrard was everything defining quarterbacks of his generation and a Hall the Jaguars could’ve realistically asked for in his of Fame lock. Furthermore, he’s incredibly durable, first season as a full-time starter, deftly operating having started every game since arriving in the NFL Dirk Koetter’s conservative offense. He has all the in 1998. Jim Sorgi is the only other quarterback on tools needed to become an elite quarterback. Free the active roster. agent addition Cleo Lemon (Miami) replaces Quinn Running backs — Third-year pro Joseph Addai Gray, who was uninspiring in a midseason three- is a perfect fit for the Colts’ offense. He operates out game stretch, as Garrard’s backup. of mostly single-back sets, thriving with his speed, Running backs — Fred Taylor made the first

DRAFT NEEDS agility and receiving ability. CFL export Kenton Pro Bowl of his career in 2007, with his 1,202-yard Keith was a revelation, but there’s a concern whether season and gaudy 5.4 yards per carry average serv- he can handle the load if Addai went down for an ing notice that he has plenty of tread left in his 32- extended period of time. Adding another shifty back year-old tires. Maurice Jones-Drew is a tremendous isn’t needed but would be a welcome addition. complement and a superior receiver out of the back- Receivers — Marvin Harrison’s absence with a field. With standout FB Greg Jones re-signing, the knee injury in 2007 made clear his value. Without offensive backfield is in good hands. him, the potency of the passing attack was dramat- Receivers — You have to give the Jags credit for ically reduced. A healthy Harrison gives the Colts a at least trying to upgrade their receiving corps. A strong WR trio with Pro Bowler and dangerous deep threat is of paramount importance promising second-year man Anthony Gonzalez. No if the offense is to open up, and perhaps newcomers other receiver has proven reliable, however. TE and Jerry Porter will help fill that Dallas Clark, who is locked up with a long-term bill with a change of scenery. Former first-round contract extension, has tremendous receiving value, WRs Matt Jones and Reggie Williams have been too, both off the line and in the slot. duds, though in fairness to Williams, he did make Offensive line — They re-signed starting OG some strides in 2007. Free agent Ernest Wilford is Ryan Lilja, but fellow starter OG Jake Scott is a out of the picture. The tight ends are suitable. free agent and might depart. The OT position is a Offensive line — OTs Tony Pashos and Khalif concern, as there’s no reliable depth. Expect them Barnes aren’t anything special, and Barnes carries to select at least one O-lineman in the draft for around character baggage. The interior O-line was respected OL coach Howard Mudd to mold. tinkered with a few times in 2007 before finally set- Defensive line — The D-line held up remark- tling on a stable trio. OG Maurice Williams filled in ably well considering how badly injuries ravaged it. nicely for an injured Chris Naeole, who was cut, The tackles are a stout but unheralded group, while but Williams is likely to leave for a chance to secure the ends get the recognition on the outside. Howev- a starting gig elsewhere. Considering a punishing er, they couldn’t muster a consistent pass rush after line is key to the offense, look for them to add 1-2 stud DE Dwight Freeney went down. Like the O- bodies to the mix. line, the D-line is sure to see a new face or two in Defensive line — One of the league’s elite D- DRAFT NEEDS its 2008 rotation. lines over the past few years took a step backward Linebackers — Their names don’t resonate, but in 2007. Partly due to injuries, DTs Marcus Stroud their games do. The Colts’ linebackers fit the (traded to Buffalo) and John Henderson weren’t Tampa-2 scheme perfectly, as they make up for a their dominating selves, and the ends also failed to

www.profootballweekly.com DRAFT NEEDS2008LO3/5/085:36PMPage177 the team’s ascensiontoSuperBowl contender. but theseplayersarenonethelesscriticalto anything, pass-rushspecialists)morethan ers (deepreceivers, return ability. Scobee aresolid.Jones-Drew hastremendous feel OKabouttheposition. there’s enoughyoungsafetytalentfortheJagsto but in coverage. KnightsignedwiththeGiants, shortcomings ofReggie NelsonandSammy Knight sive interceptionandtacklenumbersmasked the (Chargers). It’s adifferent storyatsafety. Impres- by thefree-agentadditionofDraytonFlorence was fortified Brian Williams andRasheanMathis, ledby defensive backfield. A stoutCBcorps, Jags’ there’s littledepth. but the OLBvoid whenDarylSmithslidinside, two seasons.RookieJustinDurantadmirablyfilled andinjurieshave prematurelyendedhispast June, concern over MLBMike Peterson.He’ll be32in he’ll belobbyingtospendanearlypickonend. andit’s agoodbet ing D-linemenforhissystem, penetrat- coordinator needsactive, generate aconsistentpassrush.New defensive replace backupKerry Collins. may lookforayoungquarterbacktoeventually looking forareplacementinthisdraft.Butthey the Titans won’t be he didin2007. All thesame, but itwas hardtogetexcited aboutmuchelse first, accurate passerinhissecondNFLseasonthan iasaan u ense os’ ishm not Titans again.But Tennessee doesn’t misshim, the 2007seasonandisunlikely toever playforthe in Indianapolis. has returnedtotheformthatmadehim suchaforce especiallynow thatSLB David Thornton positions, have toaddresstheendspotearlyindraft. the Titans will likely respectively, and Cardinals, Odom and Travis LaBoy signingwiththeBengals must beapriority. With free-agentDEs Antwan capableinteriorlinemantopairwithhim a young, but finding received thefranchisetagfromclub, concern. They mayalsoadd ayoungswingtackle. andORGBenjiOlson’s back isa with theRams, ster theirdepthatguard;OLGJacobBellsigned Hartsock signingwith Atlanta. Troupe expected todepartinfreeagency andBen withBen end couldbeaddressedinthedraft, tight signing freeagent Alge Crumpler(Falcons), the WR corpslacksseparationability. Even after look forthe Titans toemphasizespeed. As awhole, so Tennessee hasplenty ofpossessionreceivers, receiver afterthepassinggamestalledlastseason. many majorDraftDaymoves foranotherrunner. sodon’t expect (Chris Henry)onthisposition, round picksin2006(LenDale White) and’07 Special teams Defensive backs Linebackers Offensive line Receivers Running backs Quarterbacks Summary Defensive backs Linebackers Defensive line — — The Jagsarelookingfornicheplay- — The Titans aresetatallthree The Titans areseekingatleastone — There hastobeconsiderable — P Adam PodleshandPKJosh — — Vince Young was amore — It’s ataleoftwo unitsinthe — DT Albert Haynesworth — — CBPacman Jonessatout The Titans couldlooktobol- The Titans spentsecond- 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW while itsstrongpairofcornerbackspatrol thefringe. needs aplayerwithsomerangetoclog upthemiddle top prioritiesfortheclubthisoffseason. Denver the startingMLBjob. Niko Koutouvides (Seahawks) couldgetashotat rounds toaddresstheneed.Free-agentaddition Denver willprobablywait untilthelater linebacker, school. With arelatively weakrookieclassatinside but bothoptedtostayin USC’s Rey Maualuga, junior MLBslike Ohio State’s JamesLaurinaitisor The Broncoswerehopingtogetashotatcollege leaving abigvoid atmiddlelinebacker. weak side, who didn’t demandtopdollar.. asdidfellow freeagentDEEbenezerEkuban, deal, defensive line.DEJohnEngelberger signedanew big bodyatdefensive tackletobolsteritsstruggling maynothave muchleftinthetank. 36, andC Tom Nalen, retired, during hislongtenure, whostartedatbothOT spotsfortheBroncos sis, holes primarilyatlefttackleandcenter. MattLep- a priorityasaddingweaponsinthepassinggame. andkeeping thatintactisasmuch card lastseason, ruggednesswas theircalling up front. The Titans’ particularly aren’t withoutissuesatotherpositions, but the Titans receiver asthetopDraftDayneed, struggled asarookie. but he provide somepunchinthereturngame, goal. The Titans werehopingChrisDavis would years andcaneven kicktheoccasionallongfield Craig Hentrichisstilleffective afterallofthese he’s abig-timeweapon.P a lotoftouchdowns, through 2007season.For ateamthatdoesn’t score ed toplayin2008. fin isarisingstar. SSChrisHope(neck)isexpect- a dependablenickel back. Young FSMichaelGrif- ing afine CBtandemand Vincent Fullerbecoming with CortlandFinnegan andNickHarpercompris- on theactive roster. will headintotheseasonwithjusttwo quarterbacks Ramsey inabackuprole.It’s very likely theteam Cutler asthestarterandarehappy withPatrick addition (Panthers). with Oaklandandcouldbereplacedbyfree-agent in themarket foraNo.2guy. Javon Walker signed but Denver willbe lished himselfastheNo.1guy, andBrandonMarshallestab- Stokley intheslot, agreeing torestructurehiscontract. Henry isalsoexpected tocompeteforcarriesafter ing schemeinthedraftorfreeagency. Travis team willaddaballcarrierthatfits itszone-block- andthe Selvin Young isnotanevery-down back, always lookingforhelpinthegroundgame.RB Linebackers Defensive line Summary Special teams Special teams Defensive backs Offensive line Receivers Running backs Quarterbacks DENVER BRONCOS — The inclinationistopointwide — F WEST AFC — D.J. Williams willmove tothe — The Broncos have anunsettled — PKRobBironashadabreak- The Broncoslike WR Brandon — The BroncosaresetwithJay — Denver willbelookingfora — www.profootballweekly.com — Adding asafetyisoneofthe — The squadwillneedtofill Coach Mike Shanahanis 177 DRAFT NEEDS DRAFT NEEDS DRAFT NEEDS 2008 LO 3/5/08 5:36 PM Page 178

178 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW situation at punter following the release of troubled 2007, as a host of once-great players showed signs P Todd Sauerbrun late last season. Denver could of age. Longtime team president Carl Peterson also use help at return specialist. might be jetting into retirement in the next couple Summary — In past offseasons, the Broncos have years, too. Every team claims to want to build spent a lot of money on free agents that didn’t live up through the draft, but the Chiefs need to do so. A to expectations. They will look to add players at jolt of youthful energy will go a long way in vault- defensive tackle, linebacker and safety to rejuvenate ing K.C. back up the standings. the defense under new coordinator Bob Slowik. OAKLAND RAIDERS KANSAS CITY CHIEFS Quarterbacks — QB JaMarcus Russell looked Quarterbacks — The Chiefs want to believe plenty shaky in his first season in limited opportu- Brodie Croyle is the answer under center, but at this nities, but he is entrenched at the top of the depth point, that involves taking a leap of faith. It’s more chart. But with Josh McCown signing with Miami, likely they will trade for a veteran than take a flier the Raiders need a backup. on a passer in the draft, but regardless, Croyle will Running backs — Some have said the zone- have to earn the spot in training camp. Damon blocking scheme Kiffin implemented could make Huard is a long shot to land the starting job. any running back successful. RB Justin Fargas will Running backs — Between his holdout last off- be the Raiders’ workhorse next season. season and his rehabilitation from a foot injury this Receivers — Owner Al Davis loves speed at this offseason, Larry Johnson has Chiefs management position, and Oakland needed to add a target for frustrated for a second straight year. But his injury Russell, especially after Jerry Porter signed with isn’t expected to affect him in 2008. Coupled with Jacksonville. Free-agent signee Javon Walker looks Kolby Smith’s strong rookie campaign, the back- like the No. 1 option heading into training camp. field is a strength. Offensive line — The offensive line was vastly Receivers — Dwayne Bowe needs help, badly. improved last season, particularly in run-blocking, The rookie did all he could in 2007 and now needs but some deficiencies will be addressed in the next another viable target to emerge opposite him to take few months. Oakland must find a center of the the pressure off. Veteran was future and needs reinforcements at both OT spots. released, and nobody currently on the roster looks Free-agent addition Kwame Harris (Niners) could the part, so expect the Chiefs to nab a pass catcher fill one of those spots early in the draft. TE Tony Gonzalez remains one of Defensive line — The Raiders’ biggest need is at best around, but it wouldn’t be premature for the defensive tackle now that Warren Sapp has retired. team to appoint an understudy. Oakland finished 31st in the league in rushing yards Offensive line — A royal mess. Following the allowed last season and could not generate much of retirement of all-time greats Willie Roaf and Will a pass-rush up the middle. The team hopes newly

DRAFT NEEDS Shields in successive years, the O-line was old and re-signed Tommy Kelly can move from end to tired in 2007. The Chiefs have shied away from the replace Sapp, but more help is needed. hogs recently in the draft, having not invested a first- Linebackers — Some depth is needed at line- , second- or third-round pick on an O-lineman since backer, particularly on the outside. WLB Thomas 1999. Look for that to trend to come to a halt in April. Howard and MLB Kirk Morrison team up to form Defensive line — The Chiefs franchised stand- one of the best young tandems in the league. out DE , though it’s believed he’ll be Defensive backs — Ex-Giant Gibril Wilson skipping town in 2009. With and tal- should be an upgrade over Stuart Schweigert at free ented but raw Turk McBride also in the rotation, safety, but Oakland could still move to select a safe- end is a strength for the immediate future. The DT ty early in the draft. SS has not made spot could use some fortification, but it’s not a the impact the Raiders expected from him. pressing concern. Special teams — The coverage on special teams Linebackers — A position of strength. Either has been poor, so some young LBs and DBs might or veteran Donnie Edwards is help that area. PK bounced expected to be flanked by quality free-agent back to have a strong 2007 campaign, and P Shane Demorrio Williams (Falcons) and , Lechler is probably the best in the game. a pair of active outside linebackers who operate Summary — Oakland was unable to slow down well in space. But Edwards will be 35 in April, and the opposition’s running game in 2007, which it would behoove the team to add depth. caused a once-stout defense to deteriorate. Kiffin’s Defensive backs — The CB crew is hurting. plan for the offense appears to be working, but he is Aging Ty Law was released, and Patrick Surtain is still a few pieces away. nearing the end of his decorated career. The safeties are young and physical but play without discipline. The nickel and dime packages have been particu- SAN DIEGO CHARGERS larly shoddy. Quarterbacks — His histrionics on and off the Special teams — By signing ex-Cowboys PK field draw the ire of many, but ’ quali- Billy Cundiff to a two-year deal, the Chiefs hope to ty play has Chargers brass thinking he is the long- have rectified an area that plagued them throughout term answer under center. Currently signed through DRAFT NEEDS 2007. Restricted free agent P Dustin Colquitt has 2009, look for him to agree to an extension before steadily improved. The Chiefs are sorely needing his contract expires. The re-signing of backup/play- some more sizzle in the return game. off hero Billy Volek was a prudent move. Summary — The Chiefs were a tired bunch in Running backs — By just about any standard,

www.profootballweekly.com DRAFT NEEDS2008LO3/5/085:36PMPage179 former NinerDerekSmithcertainlywon’t hurt. away withbecauseofthesurroundingtalent. Adding whichtheBoltscanget holders thanheadliners, current cropofinsidelinebackers aremoreplace- theinsidespotscouldbebeefedup. The the outside, Phillips andJyles Tucker formanimposingtrioon to six-yearveteran Andrew Pinnock’s emergence. role tive andexplosive DarrenSprolestohave abigger openingthedoorfordiminu- signed with Atlanta, game inhiscareer. Touted backupMichael Turner having missedonlyoneregular-season durable, has tooffer. Hehasalsoproven remarkably LaDainian Tomlinson isthebestbackleague nywt ono n Tony Romolast seasonand only withJohnsonand thoughtheteamwent stands tobethethirdQB, andundraftedRichardBartel 40 inSeptember, ondary willbewelcomeadditions. althoughdepth ontheO-lineandinsec- year, draftee willneedtocontribute muchinhisrookie the Boltstomake a runatSuperBowl XLIII.No plug inthereturngame.PMike Scifresboomsit. you’d thinkthey would. DarrenSprolesisaspark- solid numbersdon’t inspireasmuchconfidence as whose San Diego souringonPKNateKaeding, the lateroundscouldbeusefulforCBdepth. after losinghisstartingjobto Antonio Cromartie, UFA CBDraytonFlorencesigningwiththeJaguars safety fortifications comeearlyinthedraft. With McCree inthestartinglineup—it’s realistictosee — he’s expected toreplacethedepartedMarlon second-year proEric Weddle oozeswithpotential Even though unquestioned weaklinkofthe“D.” thesafetiesare between goodandtremendous, than footballplayers. but they arebetterathletes sky arecapable3-4ends, at hiseffectiveness. LuisCastilloandIgorOlshan- injuriesarestartingtochipaway Williams’ anchor, a playerinthisdraft. The consummatedefensive but it’s doubtfulthey’ll landsuch turns 32in April, who find theheirapparenttoNTJamal Williams, challenge andeventually replacetheincumbents. the Boltsbringaboardacouplemorebodiesto but it’s agoodbet It’s far fromapressingconcern, you would expect fromsuchagoodrunningteam. it’s devoid ofthetypemaulinglinemen McNeill, backward in2007.OutsideofOLT Marcus ies passesareinvery goodhands. Rivers’ first-round WR BusterDavis fails topanout, best pass-catchingtightendaround.Unless’07 Bolts partedwithtolandhim. Antonio Gatesisthe bers justified thesecond-rounddraftchoice andChrisCham- son began realizinghispotential, as Vincent Jack- evolved fromliabilitytostrength, Receivers Quarterbacks Summary Special teams Defensive backs Linebackers Defensive line Offensive line . Veteran FBLorenzoNealwas cutinpartdue DALLAS COWBOYS — — All ofthepiecesareinplacefor hl hweMria,Shaun — While Shawne Merriman, F EAST NFC nls hnaya,thisposition In lessthanayear, — Playoff hiccupshave somein — — BackupBradJohnsonturns — The Chargers would love to — While thecornerswaffle The O-linetookasmallstep 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW et,especiallywith Terry Glennlikely gone. ments, to bemoreofafactor. Butthisunitneedsreinforce- andthey expect IsaiahStanback and Miles Austin, receiver. The Cowboys like guyssuchasSamHurd theteamcoulduseaslot join thestartinglineup, name QBstobeadded. could dothesamein2008.Don’t expect any big- Sinorice Mosscontributing littleand Amani Plaxico BurressandSteve Smithchronically hurt, eli tuk theteamneedsabackupplan. deal isstruck, Barber settohitfreeagency in2009unless anew maybeinthefirst few rounds. With speed back, to complementhisfire. Lookfortheteamtoadda andMarionBarberneedssomeice a new address, the teamwould like toretain Ward. but fourth backcouldmake hisway ontotheroster, and ReubenDroughnsmightbecut. A new thirdor but Derrick Ward isafreeagent, Ahmad Bradshaw, Jacobsand startingwithBrandon this position, rookie project. andthatcouldincludea zen and Anthony Wright, would like togetbetterbackupsthanJaredLoren- but theteam mountaintop withaSuperBowl title, somewhere. — DougFreeandJamesMartenfactoring in concern. Don’t ruleoutoneoftwo 2007draftpicks but overall depthisa reduces theneedatlefttackle, early rounds. to bethespotsmostlikely tobeaddressedinthe safetyandoffensive tackle runningback, wideout, should bevalue atNos. 22 and28.Lookforcorner, but there and JerryJonesisafree-wheelingtrader, impact players. The temptationtotradeupisthere, the teamhasopportunitytoaddtwo immediate- andthecoverage unitsneedbeefing up. handle that, vent Craytonor fromhaving to dates. A puntreturnerisontheshoppinglisttopre- andtheteamhasseveral KRcandi- great hands, so safetyalsoisaneed. andRoy Williams stillstrugglesincoverage, agent, be betteroff asaslotguy. Keith Davis isafree and Anthony Henrymight signed withthe Texans, haps attwo spots.Nickel CBJacques Reeves healthy. ifhe’s Zach Thomas isasolidadditioninside, be withtheteampastthisseason. Veteran freeagent Kevin Burnetthave donelittletodateandmightnot almost acrosstheboard.ButBobbyCarpenterand ton’s Kendall Langfordmightbeamid-roundfit. sosomeonesuchasHamp- small-school talents, as ateamneed. The teamhasaknackforfinding would qualify asturdy“five-technique” full-timer, free agency. And ifJasonHatchercan’t becomea andChrisCantyisayearfrom up toexpectations, Offensive line Receivers Running backs Receivers Running backs Quarterbacks Defensive line Summary Special teams Defensive backs Linebackers NEW YORK GIANTS — — — With two lower first-round picks, — This positionisingoodshape, The teamsurvived lastseasonwith With Patrick Craytonexpected to — EliManninghasreachedthe — MarcusSpearshasn’t played — Kickingandpuntingarein — — — o re fbsns,per- — A toporderofbusiness, www.profootballweekly.com There isawealthoftalentat Julius Jonesislikely tohave lzl dm’re-signing Flozell Adams’ 179 DRAFT NEEDS DRAFT NEEDS DRAFT NEEDS 2008 LO 3/5/08 5:36 PM Page 180

180 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW Toomer approaching his expiration date. Look for make more moves at the position. Trent Cole needs the team to target a young speed wideout early in help, though Clemons, Juqua Thomas and Victor the draft. Tight end probably won’t be addressed Abiamiri could step up. DT Mike Patterson’s mari- via the draft, despite the persistent — albeit juana arrest might not lead to a suspension, but it unfounded — trade rumors. highlights the lack of depth inside should some- Offensive line — Don’t be surprised if the team thing happen to him or . adds a young tackle to groom. Dave Diehl is not a Linebackers — This ended up being one of the textbook left tackle, and ORT Kareem McKenzie is biggest strengths on defense, despite the new faces. serviceable, but more youth to push Guy Whimper It’s not an area of great need, but there has been and Adam Koets would be wise. some talk about letting Takeo Spikes go, which Defensive line — There might not be a better would thin things out a bit. But coordinator Jim group of young pass rushers in the NFL with Osi Johnson loves his future starting trio of Chris Umenyiora, Justin Tuck and Mathias Kiwanuka. Gocong, Stewart Bradley and Omar Gaither. Even if Michael Strahan retires, end is not an issue. Defensive backs — At cornerback, the free- Tackle, however, might need another body. agent addition of Asante Samuel (Patriots) should Linebackers — Expect the team to add at least help immensely, but Lito Sheppard still gets hurt one ’backer through the draft after losing starter too much and is unhappy with his contract. At safe- Kawika Mitchell, who signed with the Bills, and ty, Brian Dawkins is 34 and near the end of a splen- reserve Reggie Torbor, who signed with Miami. did career, and Sean Considine is injury-prone. A Defensive backs — If you could point to a weak DB with return skills would be even more attractive spot on this defense, it’s in the secondary. James to the Eagles. Butler and Michael Johnson are tough but limited, Special teams — You could make an argument and Gibril Wilson signed with Oakland, making that finding a capable return guy for both kickoffs safety a need, even after signing free-agent veteran and punts is the team’s most pressing need. PK Sammy Knight. Cornerback is a position that can David Akers is losing some distance and could face continue to improve and get younger. some real competition for the first time in years. P Special teams — The team re-signed P Jeff Fea- Sav Rocca might need someone to push him; he gles and PK Lawrence Tynes. LS Ryan Kuehl will was a bit inconsistent in his first season. be gone, but Zak DeOssie and did a nice Summary — The Eagles typically draft well job snapping. The return units were OK, though KR and are willing to move up or down to find the guy Domenik Hixon was a late-season revelation. they most covet early on. It’s very likely that the Summary — With a Super Bowl title and no team will target a top wideout or defensive back glaring holes on the roster, you could say the Giants who can contribute as a returner very early in the are in fantastic shape to make another run in 2008. draft, though don’t overlook needs at defensive end But there are a few key spots, including the sec- or offensive tackle in the middle rounds. ondary, linebacker and at receiver, that could need DRAFT NEEDS immediate help. Also keep an eye on tight end and WASHINGTON REDSKINS safety, where there could be some turnover. Quarterbacks — There’s room for help here, especially with Jason Campbell learning yet anoth- PHILADELPHIA EAGLES er offensive scheme and hitting free Quarterbacks — There doesn’t appear to be a agency (Todd Collins re-signed). Any rookie added spot on the roster for a young QB, except perhaps likely would fit the West Coast mold and compete the , not with Donovan McNabb, for the No. 3 job. and A.J. Feeley. Don’t put it past Andy Running backs — It wouldn’t be shocking to Reid to take a flier on a West Coast project late in see the team add a body here, though it’s not a the draft — he has before — but don’t count on it. pressing need. More than anything, depth could be Running backs — This is another position of an issue, with taking a beating and strength, though Correll Buckhalter is nothing spe- Ladell Betts having a disappointing 2007 season. cial, and Tony Hunt did little as a rookie. The team Receivers — Finding a big receiver to comple- might look to add a classic West Coast fullback in ment WR and TE Chris Cooley has the Jon Ritchie mold. been on the wish list for years. Ideally, Moss would Receivers — Fans have been clamoring for be a second option, and Antwaan Randle El would upgrades here since Terrell Owens left town. Reid be the slot guy. Brandon Lloyd was cut, and most of and Co. continue to say they like what they have. In the reserves are aging quickly. Cooley and Todd the middle somewhere is reality. If the team can Yoder are a nice 1-2 punch, but a solid third tight find a smart, quick receiver, especially one with end is in order. kick-return ability, it might be willing to take one Offensive line — Finding youth here is impor- high in the draft. Tight end appears solid with L.J. tant with OLT Chris Samuels turning 31 in July, Smith and Brent Celek, but a third could be drafted. OLG Pete Kendall turning 35 in the same month Offensive line — The Eagles love to stockpile and ORT Jon Jansen becoming unreliable because young talent here and groom it, and with OTs of age (32) and injuries. OT Stephon Heyer has William Thomas and Jon Runyan approaching the promise, but there isn’t another young lineman on twilights of their careers, more help is needed, the roster capable of starting. And with the quick- DRAFT NEEDS especially with flunking his one hitting West Coast offense, tackle becomes more of trial by fire in 2007. Another center could help, too. a need. Defensive line — The team cut Jevon Kearse, Defensive line — DE Phillip Daniels, 35, has added free agent DE Chris Clemons and could lost a step or two, and DT Cornelius Griffin is hurt

www.profootballweekly.com DRAFT NEEDS2008LO3/5/085:36PMPage181 enter trainingcampastheNo.1 WR bydefault. MartyBooker will Gilmore. Backforasecondstint, blocking tightendtoreplacethedepartedJohn pass catcherortwo. They alsomightconsidera theBearswill certainlyconsiderdraftinga progress, Devin Hesteranintriguingbut unproven work in MuhsinMuhammadgettingcutand Minnesota, in average gainper rush. ing yardspergamelastseasonandfinished deadlast find aqualitylefttackleand move John Tait toright (OLG) bothwerereleased. The Bearswould love to starters FredMiller(ORT) andRubenBrown year’s unitseemedtogetoldovernight. Aging pressing spot. wants toplay. Endisthemore a formerDLcoach, pressure defensethatnew coordinatorGreg Blache, the teamcouldusereinforcementsforstyleof but youngplayershere, a lot. There aresomesolid, after tradingBrianGrieseto Tampa Bay. the teamvery wellcoulddraftanotherquarterback have signednew one-yearcontractextensions. But andKyle Orton the first roundofthe2003draft, been woefully inconsistentsincebeingselectedin defense acrosstheboardwhenit’s allsaidandone. of theballgetsalittlemoreattentionthan don’t besurprisedifthatside new offensive system, needs. With new head coachJimZorninstallinga should allow theRedskinstofill somepressing but themorecompleteallotmentofpicks rounder, since 2002. They stillowe theBroncostheirfourth- ond- andthird-rounddraftpicksforthefirst time might needalittleboost. whoimproved, remained afreeagentatpresstime. The returnunits but PDerrickFrost, re-signed, competition incamp.ProBowl LSEthan Albright exclusive rights free agentwhomightneedsome futureindoubt. Shawn Springs’ ACL injury(hecouldbeoutuntilOctober)and especiallywithCarlosRogers’ reinforcements, needed. Cornerbackalsoisapositionthatneeds but moreis played admirablyin Taylor’s place, andReedDoughty LaRon Landryisafuturestar, the teamofperhapsitsbestall-aroundplayer. this directionagain. could make thefrontoffice gun-shyaboutgoing andonlytwo remainontheroster— three seasons, — theteamhasdraftedsixlinebackers thepast side ’backer shouldbeadded.Butrecentmisfires (free agent)raiseenoughdoubtthatatleastoneout- (he’s expected backbycamp)andRandallGodfrey ties isconsideredoneoftheteam’s toppriori- in 2007, whohadonlythreerunslongerthan20yards son, ability tochallengeincumbentstarterCedricBen- Linebackers Offensive line Receivers Running backs Quarterbacks Summary Special teams Defensive backs . The Bearsdroppedfrom15thto30thinrush- — h esisonterfrt,sec- — The Redskinsown theirfirst-, F NORTH NFC — Rocky McIntosh’s torn ACL With BernardBerrianboltingfor ohRxGosa,whohas — BothRex Grossman, — — KSanSuishamisan — PKShaun — Sean Taylor’s deathrobbed A speedybackwithbig-play The team’s topneed.Last 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW expected. This unitneedsmorethanoneguy here. CoryReddingdidn’t perform as aseven DT rusher, DEDewayne White was theonlypass ed. Too often, Codyhasn’t pannedoutasexpect- go andDTShaun KalimbaEdwards likely willbelet DE Cleveland, high. very don’t expect theLionstodraftaQB needs, into anything worth keeping. With otherpressing clear ifDrew StantonorDanOrlovsky willdevelop but it’s not probably willholdontohisstartinggig, uate consideringthatMike Martzisgone.JonKitna tion duringtheseason. tion tobeinghamperedbyanarthriticbackcondi- inaddi- neck surgery shortlyafterthe2007season, Brian Urlacherwillbe30inMayandunderwent ingly re-signedwiththeteam.ButstartingMLB bullet whenfreeagent WLB LanceBriggssurpris- appointing Darwin Walker. starting DTslastseasonandthereleaseofdis- considering theinjuriesthathinderedBears’ especially freshwouldn’t hurt, in themiddletohelpkeep DTs Tommie Harrisand but ahugespace-eater excellent shapeontheedges, whichwould shoreuptwo positions. tackle, last year’s rookiegroupdidn’t contribute much. more immediateimpactoutofthisyear’s cropafter to concentrateprimarilyonoffense. The teamneeds jo signselsewhere. agent ProBowl special-teamerBrendon Ayanbade- the lastthreeyears. hassuffered season-endinginjuries ‘07 campaign, thestartingfreesafetyentering Mike Brown, and was abust atstrongsafety, upgrade atthesafetyposition.2007tradeaddition face here. sotherewillbemorethanonenew anced attack, coordinator JimCollettoplanstorunamorebal- and Tatum Belldoesn’t fit theteam’s plans.New T.J. Duckett signedwithSeattle, the seasonagain, considering thatKevin Jonesmightmissthestart of lower thatnumbersignificantly. balancedapproachshouldhelp more physical, but a too. The unitallowed 54sackslastseason, took astepbackwards. The depthinsideisjustOK, Woody signedwiththeJets.Even OLT this areaneedsupgradingafter2007starterDamien lc nteta,but hemightbeabetterfit on a placeontheteam, andthedepthispoor. MLBParis Lenonhas maker, help alongthoselines. Free-agent additionMichaelGaines(Bills)could blocking-wise —afterDanCampbellwentdown. wheretheunitfaltered —especially at tightend, it’s withthedepth floated around.Ifthere’s aneed, though someRoy Williams traderumorshave been Defensive backs Linebackers Defensive line Summary Special teams Linebackers Defensive line Offensive line Receivers Running backs Quarterbacks — — LookforBearsGMJerry Angelo DETROIT LIONS — ErnieSimsistheonlytrueplay- — A strength. The Bearsdodgeda This isthestrengthofteam, — DTShaunRogerswas traded to — This isatricky positiontoeval- emsrnt,even iffree — A teamstrength, — — The Bearsappeartobein — www.profootballweekly.com — The Bearsneedamajor Starting witharighttackle, This isapositionofneed 181 DRAFT NEEDS DRAFT NEEDS DRAFT NEEDS 2008 LO 3/5/08 5:36 PM Page 182

182 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW the strong side, where Boss Bailey is expected to the safety position, but Nick Collins, Atari Bigby leave. This is another area of significant need. and backup all have their limitations. Defensive backs — This is perhaps the most Special teams — The Packers improved signifi- pressing area of concern on the team. The pass cantly in this area in 2007, but they could consider defense was horrible for most of the season, and a punter to challenge Jon Ryan, who had two punts though part of that had to do with the lack of a pass blocked last season and had some rough stretches rush, the CB play was poor. Getting FS Daniel Bul- late in the year. locks back will help. So will Leigh Bodden. Summary — The secondary and offensive obtained from Cleveland in the Rogers trade. Vete- guard figure to be GM Ted Thompson’s primary ran S Dwight Smith signed the day before the start target areas. Don’t be surprised if he ends up select- of free agency, and a lot more new faces could still ing another signalcaller — possibly before the first be added here. three rounds run their course. Special teams — P Nick Harris quietly had an excellent season, and PK Jason Hanson remains mostly solid. A punt returner with a little more juice Quarterbacks might be nice, but Troy Walters is fine if not. More — Tarvaris Jackson went 8-4 as a starter, and though he hasn’t been green-lighted as athletes are needed, too — the coverage units were the starter, he’s the favorite at this point. After among the league’s worst. releasing Kelly Holcomb, the team might bring in a Summary — The team clearly needs defensive draft pick to compete, as was the case with Tyler help at multiple spots, but don’t overlook running Thigpen last year. back and right tackle in the order of need. There are Running backs — Adrian Peterson and Chester enough sore spots where the team could find Taylor were the most productive duo in the league, starters with its first two picks, and with GM Matt but help could be sought in the lower rounds of the Millen perpetually riding the firing line, he needs to draft with departing for Pitts- hit it big in ’08. burgh. The team would want someone like Moore, who is good in the passing game and can contribute GREEN BAY PACKERS on special teams. Ex-Niner Maurice Hicks could Quarterbacks — With announcing fill the bill. Another free-agent addition, Thomas his retirement March 4, the need exists for another Tapeh (Eagles), replaces Tony Richardson as the signalcaller. At presstime, former first-round pick team’s fullback. Aaron Rodgers was the only other starting-caliber Receivers — Free-agent addition Bernard Berri- QB currently on the roster. an (Bears) has what it takes to be a reliable field- Running backs — The emergence of Ryan stretcher, but the position still could use some more Grant has bolstered this position, but more depth help. Troy Williamson was traded after three years wouldn’t hurt, especially since Brandon Jackson, during which he failed to blossom. Bobby Wade is

DRAFT NEEDS DeShawn Wynn and Vernand Morency have all reliable, but he’s best as a second or third option at been so injury-prone up to now in their pro careers. best. Sidney Rice could develop, but he lacks Receivers — The team appears to be in tremen- home-run speed. The tight ends are not inspiring, dous shape at wide receiver, but after cutting eight- but adding one would be more of a luxury. year veteran Bubba Franks, who was scheduled to Offensive line — The biggest spot of concern is make $4.5 million in 2008, the Packers could very at right tackle, where Ryan Cook struggled at times. well pursue a less expensive backup tight end. Bryant McKinnie might not be a perfect match for Offensive line — The Packers would love to the zone-blocking scheme, but he’s still the best find a couple of interior blockers who excel at run- tackle on the team. The team should think about blocking. Current OGs Jason Spitz, Daryn Colledge developing a center to take over for Matt Birk, who and Junius Coston are nothing special. They also is nearing the end of his career. could consider a tackle with starters Chad Clifton Defensive line — Even before it was announced and Mark Tauscher starting to show their age as the that is battling leukemia, defensive season wound down. end was considered a major need. Now, it’s essen- Defensive line — The Packers remain deep at tial. The team notched 38 sacks and had the best run this position even after trading Corey Williams to defense in the NFL, but coordinator Leslie Frazier Cleveland. They could consider a cheaper alterna- was forced to blitz too often with linebackers to cre- tive in the pass-rush specialist role than 30-year-old ate pressure. With free-agent DT Spencer Johnson Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, who is due to make $3 mil- signing with the Bills, the depth inside is poor. lion next season. Linebackers — This is a team strength with tal- Linebackers — The team could use more depth ent and depth at most spots. The group was healthy behind the very solid starting unit of Nick Barnett and productive in 2008, and there are few spots in the middle and A.J. Hawk and Brady Poppinga open for next season. on the flanks. An outside backer who could help out Defensive backs — The poor pass defense is Poppinga in pass coverage on the strong side would partly a result of the inconsistent pass rush, but the be a useful addition. CB play was subpar as well. Antoine Winfield Defensive backs — It became particularly clear played hurt and missed six games, in the postseason that CBs and Al struggled and Marcus McCauley wasn’t ready for DRAFT NEEDS Harris are both starting to wear down. When you primetime. The corners are tough, but a better cov- also consider the substantial dropoff in talent erage guy would help. At safety, free-agent addition behind them, cornerback might be the Packers’ (Bengals) provides a coverage biggest area of need. The team is in better shape at upgrade over the departed Dwight Smith, but the

www.profootballweekly.com DRAFT NEEDS2008LO3/5/085:36PMPage183 likes bulky tackleswhocanclogupthemiddle. decision toreleasehim.New headcoachMike Smith which mayhave playedaroleintheteam’s year, Coleman sustainedmultipleseriousinjurieslast record asackinhisfirst season. Veteranto failed DTRod thoughAnderson JamaalAnderson, pick, with DEsJohn Abraham andlastyear’s first-round the offensive line. but don’t overlook needsinthesecondaryandon look toaddhelpatbothspotswithmultipleplayers, draft isstrongatbothpositions. The Vikings could the are thetoptwo needs—andcoincidentally, punt returnerhasincreased. theneedfora need somehelp. With Mooreleaving, but thecoverage teams return unitswerestrong, andthe Longwell arecomingoff strongseasons, depth isthin. er year. RFA PMichaelKoenen received asecond- be solidenoughfortheteamtokeep himforanoth- but hisaccuracy may season. Hisrangeislimited, son. Hewent25-for-28 onfield-goal attemptslast willturn48beforenext sea- agent thisoffseason, Von Hutchinsaddsdepth. could beaddedtothemix.Ex-Colt/Texan CB-S but anotheryoungplayer agent ChrisCrocker, Erik Coleman(Jets)isexpected toreplacefree free-agent addition end ofhiscareer. At freesafety, asSSLawyer Milloy approachesthe for theclub, middle couldbeinorderfortheshuffled LBcorps. Boley toalong-termcontract. A new maninthe to re-signingrestrictedfree-agentSLBMichael andsourcessaytheFalcons arecommitted retained, will bemoved backtotheweaksideifheis rookie tackles. deepdraftclassof replacements fromastrong, knee injury. The Falcons couldsnatchbothoftheir andORT Todd Weiner iscomingoff a released, emerging asoneoftheNFC’s bestlastseason. withRoddy White set upwellatwidereceiver, (Titans) canatleastpartially fill. The Falcons are Falcons hopefree-agentaddition BenHartsock Crumpler leaves abigvoid atthepositionthat ity tobeanevery-down runningback. occasions lastseasonbut doesnothave thedurabil- whoshowed breakaway abilityonacouple wood, (Chargers) expected toteamupwithJeriousNor- withfree-agentadditionMichael Turner Dunn era, tosaytheleast. Redman was inadequate, andnewly re-signedChris ByronLeftwich, rington, . Lastyear’s trioofJoey Har- chise, replacement foritsimprisonedface ofthefran- most pressingneedasitcontinuestosearchfora Summary Special teams Special teams Defensive backs Linebackers Defensive line Offensive line Receivers Running backs Quarterbacks ATLANTA FALCONS — The releaseofProBowl TE Alge — Defensive endandwidereceiver F SOUTH NFC — Word isMLBKeith Brooking — The Falcons aresetattheedges — PChrisKluweandPKRyan KMre nesn afree — PKMorten Andersen, — This isarguably theteam’s — Saygoodbyetothe Warrick — Safetyisanareaofconcern L Wayne Gandywas — OLT 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW tackle afterfinally tradingveteran KrisJenkins. na thisoffseason. The teamcouldaddsomedepthat soendcouldbeatoppriorityforCaroli- free agent, isa Mike Rucker, otherstartingend, The Panthers’ highly unlikely thePanthers would lethimgetaway. althoughit’s just oneseasonleftonhiscontract, could helpoutonspecialteams. thoughsomeyounglinebackers Davis ontheoutside, Coaches seempleasedwithNa’ilDiggsand Thomas went down withapartiallytorn Achilles tendon. released DanMorgan inthemiddleafterMorgan outside linebacker at first but replacedtherecently ney foundastudinMLBJonBeason.Hestartedat another backinfreeagency orthedraft. was released. The Panthers areexpected toadd will likely have amajor roleafterDeShaunFoster store forCarolina’s backfield. DeAngelo Williams ments thisoffseason suggestedashakeup couldbein eya,ashisbackupaftercuttingDavid Carr. ie year, whohadasteadyrook- have settledonMattMoore, andtheteamappearsto going Tommy Johnsurgery, expected tobereadyfortrainingcampafterunder- for injuredQBJake Delhomme.Delhommeis as they scrambledtofind aconsistentreplacement chise-record fourdifferent quarterbackslastseason in 2006)bynettingacareer-low 2 a seasoninwhichhesetcareerhighforsacks(13 of thefranchisewiththeirninedraftpicks. asthey preparetosetthecourse ing first offseason, round tender. second go-aroundinCarolina. even afteraddingveteran MuhsinMuhammadfora still belookingforanotherNo.2or3option and was active inonlyseven games. The teamcould justsix catchesfor73yards grabbing to thehype, didnotlive up whoisonly21, .Jarrett, WR game-changer, passing gametothePanthers’ he would emerge asacomplimentarytarget inthe hoping pick onUSC WR lastyear, to handlekickoffs. dle thefield-goal dutieswithRhysLloyd expected islikely toonlyhan- PK JohnKasay, team in1995, inaugural last remainingmemberofthePanthers’ locked intoreturnpunts andkicksthisseason. The improved in hisfirst yearafterashaky start.Heis free safety depth atcornerbackbut couldbeinthemarket fora in hisfirst seasoninCarolina. The Panthers have knack forstrippingtheballaway fromballcarriers moved insidetofill thevacancy leftby Wahle. asrumorscirculatethat Wharton couldbe a tackle, . Carolinamaystilluseapickon andre-signingOLT signed withtheSeahawks, who releasingveteran OGMike Wahle, offseason, active inretoolingtheoffensive linealreadythis Summary Receivers Running backs Quarterbacks Summary Special teams Defensive backs Linebackers Defensive line Offensive line — SmithandDimitroff face adaunt- — — With Fox andHurney facing a I atya’ rf,Fox andHur- — Inlastyear’s draft, — DEJuliusPeppersfollowed up — Carolina spentasecond-round — The Panthers startedafran- — RyneRobinsongradually www.profootballweekly.com — GMMartyHurney’s com- — SSChrisHarrisshowed a The Panthers have beenvery 1 ⁄ 2 in ’07.Hehas 183 DRAFT NEEDS DRAFT NEEDS DRAFT NEEDS 2008 LO 3/5/08 5:36 PM Page 184

184 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW potential make-or-break season, the Panthers have coming months will turn to rebuilding the squad’s been very active early in the offseason, and the faltering defense. New Orleans targeted some solid aggressive approach should continue. The emphasis veterans (Vilma, McCray, Gay) to try to regain the will be to find playmakers on offense, whether it be upper-hand in the NFC South. at wide receiver, running back or tight end. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS Quarterbacks — Jeff Garcia received a Pro Quarterbacks — The Saints have relied on QB Bowl nod in his first season under center in Tampa, ’ ability to stay healthy the last couple and brought energy and determination to a Bucs seasons, but now might be the time to replace his team that sorely needed both. He just recently backup, 38-year-old Jamie Martin. Saints coach turned 38, and his contract expires after the 2008 is a former QB coach and should have season, so it’s not too early to begin searching for a a good eye when it comes to evaluating prospects at replacement. Coach Jon Gruden may be tempted to the position. take Louisville’s Brian Brohm should he fall to the Running backs — RB Deuce McAllister suf- Bucs’ spot in the first round. fered his second torn ACL in three years in the third Running backs — Tampa endured a slew of game of the 2007 season. Some have speculated serious injuries in its backfield in 2007, and word is about his future with the Saints, inferring that he RB Cadillac Williams’ torn patellar tendon could be could become a salary-cap casualty, but it would career-threatening. RB was a seem his presence is as vital as ever, considering pleasant surprise, rushing for 898 yards after start- struggled last season as the every- ing the season as the third-string ball carrier. The down back. Bucs re-signed RB Michael Bennett, who will like- Receivers — In a way, the Saints will be getting ly back up Graham next season. a rookie WR, even if they don’t draft one. Last Receivers — The Bucs have a pair of declining year’s first-round pick, , did not veterans, WRs Joey Galloway and Ike Hilliard, and suit up last season in what amounted to a redshirt a pair of question marks, WRs Michael Clayton and year. Pressure will be on him to become an instant Maurice Stovall. The squad got by with that group difference-maker as the team’s No. 2 or No. 3 wide in 2007, but it could be a recipe for disaster in ’08. receiver. Free agent David Patten signed a new two- Tampa needs to get younger at the position and year deal. An upgrade at tight end isn’t out of the groom Galloway’s eventual replacement as the No. question; UFA Eric Johnson often dropped passes 1 receiver. Free-agent addition John Gilmore in his first year with New Orleans. (Bears) adds depth at tight end. Offensive line — The team is set at offensive Offensive line — Free-agent addition Jeff Faine tackle with OLT , a 2006 Pro (Saints) replaces John Wade as the starting center Bowler, and ORT , although some on one of the youngest offensive lines in the league.

DRAFT NEEDS have suggested he could be replaced. New Orleans At the end of last season, only one starter (Wade) could address some needs on the interior of the O- had more than one year of experience. OLT Luke line. Jonathan Goodwin is first in line to replace Petitgout should be back after missing most of last departed starting C Jeff Faine, and it’s quite likely season with a torn ACL suffered in Week Four. the team will add another center via the draft. Defensive line — After cutting veterans Kevin Defensive line — Defensive tackle is a top-five Carter and Greg Spires, the team could be looking priority for the Saints, who appear to be sound on for another end to team up with and the outside with DEs Will Smith, Charles Grant and last year’s pleasant surprise, Greg White, who led free-agent addition Bobby McCray (Jaguars). New the team in sacks after coming over from the Arena Orleans had a mostly unathletic group of DTs and League. DE was added via free could use an injection of youth and speed. Free agency (Chiefs). The Bucs could add multiple agent Brian Young was re-signed. defensive tackles in the offseason, and last year’s Linebackers — A major change has taken place starting tandem of Jovan Haye (a restricted free in the middle, where former Jet Jonathan Vilma fig- agent) and Chris Hovan could be out of the lineup. ures to replace as the starter and add Linebackers — The Bucs have a good mix of strength, savvy and playmaking ability. youth and experience at linebacker, with Barrett and remain serviceable on the flanks. Ruud in the middle and Derrick Brooks and Cato Defensive backs — Few teams need more help June patrolling the outside. Brooks, who will be 35 in one area than the Saints do in their secondary. in April, has stated he plans on playing next season, The team allowed 15 plays of 40 or more, which but his playing time could diminish, especially if tied it with Baltimore for the highest total in the the team takes an outside ’backer early in the draft. NFL. CB Mike McKenzie had his best season in Defensive backs — Depth at cornerback is quite a while, but 2007 free-agent acquisition Jason something the Bucs will likely address. After David was consistently overmatched and proved he starters Ronde Barber and , there wasn’t starter material. Ex-Patriots CB is a big drop off, especially with Brian Kelly head- figures to challenge David. ed elsewhere. Tampa has two potential Pro Bowlers Special teams — The Saints released Olindo at safety in Jermaine Phillips and Tanard Jackson, Mare and will likely hand over the PK chores to last year’s rookie sensation. DRAFT NEEDS Martin Gramatica, who went 5-for-5 in a short stint Special teams — KR Micheal Spurlock became after signing with New Orleans last season. the first Buccaneer in franchise history to return a Summary — Payton has molded an explosive kickoff for a touchdown last season. He will likely offense in the Big Easy, but the emphasis in the handle the return duties next season unless Mark

www.profootballweekly.com DRAFT NEEDS2008LO3/5/085:36PMPage185 and J.J. Arrington arespotperformersatbest. preferred offensive system from theperfectfit inheadcoachKen Whisenhunt’s whoisfar and big-playabilitythanEdgerrinJames, dinals willuseahighpickonbackwithmoreburst addition Jerame Tuman (Steelers). Troy Bienemannandfree-agent BenPatrick, Pope, theteamseemssatisfied withLeonard At tightend, starting duoofLarryFitzgeraldand . with similarbig-playabilitybehindthedynamic nals couldbeontheprowl foranew No.3receiver ing somany otherre-signingpriorities—theCardi- Johnson alongshottoreturn—withtheteamhav- punter tochallengeMitchBerger isapossibility. anda coverage unitscouldusesomereplenishing, whofigures togetonlybetter. Buttheir Breaston, strides intheirreturngamethanksto’07rookieSteve could beaddedtoreplacethedeparted Terrence Holt. Rod HoodandEricGreenissteep. Another safety fied. The dropoff intalentbehindprojectedstarters theneedforhelpat cornerbackhasintensi- safety, move formerfirst-round pick Antrel Rolletofree fixtures nearingretirement. couple spotsthathave beenhelddown bylongtime Gruden’s tenure. The Bucswillneedtorebuild ata put togetherback-to-backwinningseasonsduring but theteamhasnever the NFCSouthlastseason, Jones isre-signed. intelligent playersaftertheCardinals ledtheleague Look for Whisenhunt toputapremium ondrafting an instant-impactplayerwiththe16th overall pick. theCardinals arehopingtoadd 10 pickinthedraft, ing theQBpositionwithamid-to-late-roundpick. the Cardinalscouldvery wellconsiderstrengthen- coming off aseason-endingfracturedcollarbone, anddesignatedstarterMattLeinart 37 thissummer, whoturns in recentyearsforveteran Kurt Warner, agent DarrylBlackstockwas nottendered. Pace’s startingjob. Disappointingrestrictedfree willcompetewithBerryfor 4-3, in the Titans’ whoplayedend Free-agent addition Travis LaBoy, help outsideafterlosingCalvinPace totheJets. season-ending injuriesthelastthreeyears. couldbeonhislastlegs aftersuffering son starts, whowillbe33beforenext sea- DE BertrandBerry, agent whocouldmove elsewhere andhybridOLB- DREJoe Tafoya isanunrestrictedfree adequate, Restricted freeagentDLE Antonio Smithismerely made decentprogressunderGrimm. couple ofpickstofurtherfortifyaunitthathas positions. Don’t besurprisediftheCardinalsusea Russ Grimmwould love moredepth atallthreeline Summary Summary Special teams Defensive backs Offensive line Receivers Running backs Quarterbacks Linebackers Defensive line — — Unaccustomedtonothaving atop — Tampa wentfromworst-to-first in NFC WEST With unrestrictedfreeagentBryant — The Cardinalscouldusesome — — Moredepthisneededoutside. — With durabilitybeinganissue — — The Cardinalsmadegreat — With theteamdecidingto Highly regarded O-linecoach It’s quiteconceivable theCar- . BackupsMarcelShipp 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW ie but seemsbest-suitedforautilityrole. of afifth. BrianLeonarddisplayedflashesasarook- season andabackproblemthatkept himoutofmost groin injurythatforcedhimtomissfourgameslast son hashadhisshareofinjuryissues—includinga Jack- for over 1,000yardsinthreestraightseasons, in penaltieshisfirst yearatthehelm. rf.Waee rah agt,thepressurewillbe draft. Whatever areahetargets, of theballwithsecondoverall pickinthisyear’s plenty ofoptionsworth consideringonbothsides president ofplayerpersonnelBilly Devaney has again amajorneed. blood ontheteam’s suspectcoverage unitsisonce Jones handlingthepuntingchores.Butsomeyoung he’s healthy—returningkicksandsteadyDonnie DanteHall—provided the retiredJeff Wilkins, withex-Seahawks PKJoshBrown replacing shape, Corey Chavous couldbeontheteam’s wishlist. aneventual replacementforagingSS At safety, specimen but hasatendency togive upbigplays. physical who isatough, andFakhir Brown, injury, whomissedhalfofthe’07seasondueto Hill, would beavaluable additionbehindundersized Tye More depthwould help atallthreespots. missingatotalof12games. the lasttwo seasons, Tinoisamoa hashadrealproblemsstayinghealthy and Pisa don Chillarisanerratictackler, unrestrictedfreeagentBran- though, outside spots, rusher inJimHaslett’s hyperactive defense. At the with Will Witherspoon branchingoutasapass- ’07. toe surgery thatforcedhimtomissninegamesin and 33-year-old LeonardLittleiscomingoff major released JamesHallafteronedisappointingseason, particularlyontheedges. The Rams is ahugeneed, the OLGstarterover Setterstrom. agent additionJacobBell(Titans) isprojectedas coming off season-endinginjuries.Durablefree- Richie IncognitoandMarkSetterstromareboth and2007startingOGs with questionableupside, Brett Romberg and Andy McCollum—areUFAs thetoptwo candidatesforthecenterjob— cern, last two seasons.IfPace wasn’t enoughofacon- that have limitedhimtoonlyninegamesover the can bouncebackfromshoulderandtricepsinjuries at theageof32, time ProBowl OLT OrlandoPace, could comeinhandy somemore insuranceinthebackfield tract in2008, Steven Jacksonenteringthefinal yearofhiscon- veteran backupGusFrerotte. er draftingaquarterbackafterdecidingtorelease but theRamscouldvery well consid- up long-term, a must—perhapsonthefirst day. ures togetonlyworse. Draftingaspeedreceiver is whoalsohasachronickneeailmentthatfig- Holt, continues tocreepuponfellow ’07starter Torry Summary Special teams Defensive backs Linebackers Defensive line Offensive line Receivers Running backs Quarterbacks sa rc a eesd and — IsaacBrucewas released, — Newly appointedexecutive vice ST. LOUISRAMS — The unitisstronginthemiddle, — — StarterMarcBulgerislocked — A strongerpassrushupfront — The teamisinprettygood — www.profootballweekly.com — Another shutdown corner It remainstobeseenifseven- . Even thoughhehasrushed With offensive centerpiece age 185 DRAFT NEEDS DRAFT NEEDS DRAFT NEEDS 2008 LO 3/5/08 5:36 PM Page 186

186 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW great to come through with a quality difference- the Seahawks will take a second-day flier on a quar- maker. terback. With Matt Hasselbeck, Seneca Wallace and , arguably the league’s top No. 3 QB, SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS on the depth chart, they appear particularly well- Quarterbacks — New offensive coordinator Mike stocked at the position. Martz can always be counted on to check out the QB Running backs — A top priority. Mike Holm- ranks, even though the team appears well-stocked gren has indicated a full-scale makeover for the with Alex Smith, newly re-signed Shaun Hill and ground game is in the works, and it’s questionable free-agent addition J.T. O’Sullivan from the Lions. the extent to which Shaun Alexander figures in Running backs — The Niners fortified the Holmgren’s plans after missing nine games due to merely adequate cast complementing centerpiece injury and averaging a scant 3.5 yards per carry the Frank Gore with the signing of ex-Panthers RB last two seasons. Free-agent signee T.J. Duckett DeShaun Foster, but they could still go after anoth- (Lions) is expected to be the team’s short-yardage er back with speed and big-play ability. They also specialist. need help at fullback after Moran Norris played his Receivers — Don’t be surprised if the Sea- way out of a job in 2007. hawks use their first pick on a tight end who Receivers — A legitimate deep threat downfield poses a genuine threat in the red zone. Marcus is once again a top priority, with Martz expected to Pollard suffered a complete meltdown in the emphasize the passing game more than ever. Four- playoffs and isn’t likely to be back. The Sea- time Pro Bowl WR Isaac Bruce, who played under hawks like their young talent at wide receiver, but Martz in St. Louis, adds a polished veteran pres- they could still consider looking for a few more ence. It will be surprising if the Niners don’t draft outside pass catchers. Deion Branch, who cost the at least two wideouts. The team is in good shape at team a No. 1 pick last season, has had problems tight end with Vernon Davis, Delanie Walker and staying healthy, Bobby Engram is 35 and D.J. blocking specialist Billy Bajema. Hackett is an unrestricted free agent who could be Offensive line — A major need, particularly at on the way out. the guard spots. Justin Smiley signed with Miami, Offensive line — The addition of quality veter- and the return of fellow starting OG Larry Allen, an an guard Mike Wahle, who was a salary-cap casu- unrestricted free agent, is questionable. The unit alty in Carolina, was a nice start, but the Seahawks could also use another big, pile-driving tackle to still have more work to do with a line that could use help out on the right side, with ’07 first-round pick some help at every position. The team must seri- Joe Staley expected to move to the left side. ously start thinking about replacing OLT Walter Defensive line — The Niners hope free-agent Jones, who will be 34 years old when next season addition Justin Smith becomes the impact pass- starts and has shoulder issues that aren’t expected to rusher off the edge the team has been lacking for go away. With 37-year-old Chris Gray nearing the some time now. Another end could be drafted with end of the line, the team could also still use anoth-

DRAFT NEEDS Bryant Young announcing his retirement, and unre- er guard or two. stricted free agent Marques Douglas, the Niners’ Defensive line — 2007 rookie Brandon Mebane other starting DE last season, likely to sign with was a godsend at defensive tackle replacing the another team. The team seems satisfied inside with injured DLT Chuck Darby and appears to have a newly re-signed Isaac Sopoaga and 2007 free-agent bright future, but the Seahawks still need to beef up addition Aubrayo Franklin. their interior. Darby is an aging unrestricted free Linebackers — Another outside linebacker with agent who might not return, and former first-round good size and legitimate pass-rushing ability would pick Marcus Tubbs remains a major injury risk. strengthen the LB corps. Inside, the Niners are sit- Linebackers — The Seahawks couldn’t ask for ting pretty with , who could be the more from Julian Peterson, and Leroy league’s next really dominant defender, but the Hill, who make up arguably the league’s most tal- body clock is ticking for veteran ILB Jeff Ulbrich. ented starting LB corps, but they need more depth ILB Derek Smith was released. behind them after losing quality reserves Kevin Defensive backs — Some help at cornerback Bentley (signed with Texans) and Niko Koutou- wouldn’t hurt. After a career season in 2006, 33- vides (signed with Broncos). year-old Walt Harris started to show his age more Defensive backs — Unless the team loses Pro than a little this past season, and No. 3 CB Shawn- Bowl CB Marcus Trufant in free agency, which is tae Spencer’s durability isn’t the greatest. unlikely after he was given the franchise tag, the Special teams — The Niners signed ex-Steelers Seahawks appear to be in decent shape in the sec- RS Allen Rossum, a proven commodity who is ondary. expected to be the main man on both kickoffs and Special teams — With free agent Josh Brown punts. PK Joe Nedney is solid, and Andy Lee has flying the coop to St. Louis, the Seahawks need to become one of the league’s top punters. find themselves a new placekicker in the draft or Summary — New GM Scot McCloughan would via free agency. is a steadily love to hit a Willis-type home run with the 30th over- improving young punter, and the return game is all selection after the Niners traded their 2008 first- above-average, but the team needs a new long- round pick, which would have been No. 7 overall, to snapper and must replace special-teams studs Bent- the Patriots. McCloughan’s emphasis will mostly be ley and Koutouvides. DRAFT NEEDS on rebuilding the team’s league-worst offense. Summary — A potential new featured back, an heir apparent to Jones and a tight end with size and speed are all options GM Tim Ruskell must Quarterbacks — It’s possible but very unlikely consider.

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2008 DRAFT PREVIEW 187 MOCKMOCK DRAFTDRAFT AS OF MARCH 5 FIRST ROUND

MIAMI DOLPHINS MINNESOTA VIKINGS 1 QB MATT RYAN ■ BOSTON COLLEGE 17 DE DERRICK HARVEY ■ FLORIDA ST. LOUIS RAMS HOUSTON TEXANS 2 OLT JAKE LONG ■ MICHIGAN 18 OLT GOSDER CHERILUS ■ BOSTON COLL. ATLANTA FALCONS PHILADELPHIA EAGLES 3 DT GLENN DORSEY ■ LSU 19 DE PHILLIP MERLING ■ CLEMSON OAKLAND RAIDERS TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS 4 OLB VERNON GHOLSTON ■ OHIO STATE 20 WR-RS DeSEAN JACKSON ■ CALIFORNIA KANSAS CITY CHIEFS WASHINGTON REDSKINS 5 OLT JEFF OTAH ■ PITTSBURGH 21 DE CALAIS CAMPBELL ■ MIAMI (FLA.)

NEW YORK JETS DALLAS COWBOYS (FROM CLEVELAND) 6 OLB CHRIS LONG ■ VIRGINIA 22 RB-RS FELIX JONES ■ ARKANSAS

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (FROM SAN FRANCISCO) PITTSBURGH STEELERS 7 RB DARREN McFADDEN ■ ARKANSAS 23 OLG BRANDEN ALBERT ■ VIRGINIA BALTIMORE RAVENS TENNESSEE TITANS 8 CB-RS LEODIS McKELVIN ■ TROY 24 WR LIMAS SWEED ■ TEXAS CINCINNATI BENGALS SEATTLE SEAHAWKS 9 OLT RYAN CLADY ■ BOISE STATE 25 OLT SAM BAKER ■ USC NEW ORLEANS SAINTS JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS 10 CB-KR D. RODGERS-CROMARTIE ■ TENN. ST. 26 MLB CURTIS LOFTON ■ OKLAHOMA BUFFALO BILLS SAN DIEGO CHARGERS 11 NT SEDRICK ELLIS ■ USC 27 SS KENNY PHILLIPS ■ MIAMI (FLA.) DENVER BRONCOS DALLAS COWBOYS 12 WLB KEITH RIVERS ■ USC 28 WR MALCOLM KELLY ■ OKLAHOMA

CAROLINA PANTHERS SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (FROM INDIANAPOLIS) 13 RB JONATHAN STEWART ■ OREGON 29 WR-KR DEVIN THOMAS ■ MICHIGAN ST. CHICAGO BEARS GREEN BAY PACKERS 14 OLT CHRIS WILLIAMS ■ VANDERBILT 30 CB-KR MIKE JENKINS ■ SOUTH FLORIDA DETROIT LIONS NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 15 CB-RS AQIB TALIB ■ KANSAS 31 PICK FORFEITED ARIZONA CARDINALS NEW YORK GIANTS 16 RB RASHARD MENDENHALL ■ ILLINOIS 32 CB PATRICK LEE ■ AUBURN

FOR UPDATED VERSIONS OF OUR MOCK DRAFT, GO TO: MOCK DRAFT

SEE BACK COVER FOR DETAILS

www.profootballweekly.com PLAYER PRINTOUT 2008 LO 3/5/08 7:32 PM Page 188

188 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW PLAYERPLAYER PRINTOUTPRINTOUT KEY TO SYMBOLS IN PLAYER PRINTOUT L — Likely will be drafted lower than ranking. Age — Player is overaged. MI — More information needed to accurately grade player. ATH — Player has the athletic ability to play multiple positions RB — Can also play running back (S for safety, H-B for H- and could be drafted higher because of it. back, RS for return specialist, LS for long-snapper, PRS for BB — Pro baseball player who is entering the draft. pass-rush specialist, ST for special-teamer, etc.). Ch. — Character (i.e., history of arrests, team suspensions or RS-5.0 — Player has separate grade of 5.0 as a return spe- off-field problems) may affect draft status. cialist (applies to other position abbreviations, too). DNP — Did not play football last season. X — Past or current injury could have an impact on where this E — Player had eligibility remaining. player is drafted, according to at least one source. Due to the H — Likely will be drafted higher than ranking. confidentiality of medical records, we cannot confirm or deny Jr. — Player is entering the draft as a junior (Soph. for sopho- whether the injury problem is still a concern. more). XX — Very serious injury concern. GRADE SCALE FOR NFL PROSPECTS 9.00 — A once-in-a-lifetime player (e.g., John Elway, Jim Brown or Lawrence Taylor). GRADE-TO-ROUND 8.00 - 8.99 — Perennial All-Pro (e.g., Bruce Matthews). CONVERSION SCALE 7.50 - 7.99 — Future All-Pro. FOR THIS DRAFT 7.00 - 7.49 — Should become a Pro Bowl-caliber player. 5.95 or above — First round 6.50 - 6.99 — Sure first-rounder who has a chance to become a Pro Bowl-caliber player 5.60 - 5.94 — Second round and, in the case of a quarterback, will probably be a high-first-round pick because of the need for quarterbacks. 5.45 - 5.59 — Third round 6.00 - 6.49 — Should become a quality NFL player. 5.35 - 5.44 — Fourth round 5.50 - 5.99 — Has a chance to become a quality NFL player and should be a first-day pick. 5.27 - 5.34 — Fifth round 5.10 - 5.49 — Has a better-than-average chance to make an NFL roster. 5.20 - 5.26 — Sixth round 5.01 - 5.09 — Has a slightly better than 50-50 chance to make a roster or practice squad. 5.15 - 5.19 — Seventh round 5.00 — Has a 50-50 chance to make a roster or practice squad. 4.75 - 4.99 — Should be in an NFL training camp. 4.50 - 4.74 — Has a chance to be in an NFL training camp. 4.00 - 4.49 — Could be in an NFL training camp but will likely need time in a developmental league. About the player printout: Players are ranked according to the grades we have given them, but not necessarily in the order we believe they will be drafted. Factors such as a drafting club's needs and the abundance or scarcity of available talent at a given position can cause a player to be drafted higher or lower than his grade would indicate. All grades take into account workouts up to and including the Indianapolis Scouting Combine. Post-Combine workouts are not factored in. Late workouts and other information can change grades, sometimes dramatically. A later printout will be published in the draft-preview issue of Pro Football Weekly on March 30, updating the rankings at all positions, as well as the regardless-of-posi- tion rankings and the mock draft. The printout includes underclassmen who have been declared eligible for the draft by the NFL.

QUARTERBACKS 30. Casey Hansen Norfolk State (Va.) 4.40 RK. NAME SCHOOL GRADE NOTES 31. Craig Hormann Columbia 4.40 X 32. Kelcy Luke Alabama A&M 4.30 RB 1. Matt Ryan Boston College 7.00 33. Caleb Hanie Colorado State 4.20 2. Chad Henne Michigan 5.80 X 34. Taylor Tharp Boise State 4.20 3. Brian Brohm Louisville 5.75 X 35. Kyle Spotts Kutztown (Pa.) 4.20 4. Joe Flacco Delaware 5.55 5. Andre’ Woodson Kentucky 5.45 FULLBACKS 6. John David Booty USC 5.39 RK. NAME SCHOOL GRADE NOTES 7. Erik Ainge Tennessee 5.39 X 1. Jacob Hester LSU 5.35 RB 8. Josh Johnson San Diego 5.37 2. Peyton Hillis Arkansas 5.23 X, H-B 9. Dennis Dixon Oregon 5.33 ATH, WR, X 3. Jerome Felton Furman 5.20 10. Kevin O’Connell San Diego State 5.20 4. Owen Schmitt West Virginia 5.17 X, TE 11. Matt Flynn LSU 5.19 5. Lex Hilliard Montana 5.10 X, RB 12. Kyle Wright Miami (Fla.) 5.19 6. Jehuu Caulcrick Michigan State 5.09 FB 13. Nick Hill Southern Illinois 5.10 7. Carl Stewart Auburn 5.09 14. Colt Brennan Hawaii 5.10 Ch. 8. Brandon McAnderson Kansas 5.07 RB 15. Anthony Morelli Penn State 5.10 9. Kregg Lumpkin Georgia 5.05 X, FB 16. Bernard Morris Marshall 5.09 WR, Ch. 10. Mike Cox Georgia Tech 5.05 17. Alex Brink Washington State 5.08 11. Rolly Lumbala Idaho 5.00 H-B 18. Xavier Lee Florida State 5.07 Jr, ATH, TE 12. Matthew Hahn Penn State 4.75 19. Paul Smith Tulsa 5.05 13. Justin Valentine Minnesota 4.60 20. Thomas “T.C.” Ostrander Stanford 5.00 X 14. Michael Viti Army 4.50 XX 21. Bret Meyer Iowa State 4.85 ATH, WR 15. Dionte Johnson Ohio State 4.40 22. Ricky Santos New Hampshire 4.85 16. Steven Korte LSU 4.40 Jr. 23. Tyler Donovan Wisconsin 4.75 17. Doug Jones Cincinnati 4.30 OG 24. Blake Mitchell South Carolina 4.75 Ch. 25. Luke Drone Illinois State 4.75 RUNNING BACKS 26. Sam Keller Nebraska 4.75 Ch., X RK. NAME SCHOOL GRADE NOTES PLAYER PRINTOUT PLAYER 27. Adam Tafralis San Jose State 4.75 H-B 1. Jonathan Stewart Oregon 6.50 Jr, KR 28. James Cox Auburn 4.75 2. Darren McFadden Arkansas 6.40 Jr., Ch. 29. Brad Roach Catawba (N.C.) 4.70 3. Rashard Mendenhall Illinois 6.25 Jr.

www.profootballweekly.com PLAYER PRINTOUT2008LO3/5/087:32PMPage189 8 ese ensUC42 Ch. 4.20 4.20 4.20 4.20 Austin StephenF. 4.40 4.30 Baylor USC 4.20 4.40 HaroldRunnels Luther(Iowa) 70. 4.40 Brandon Whitaker 69. HershelDennis 68. James Madison 4.30 KansasState Tyler Sherden 67. Memphis EugeneHolloman 66. X,MI AppalachianState 4.50 James Johnson Cincinnati 65. 4.50 4.60 Iowa Kevin Richardson 64. X FB 4.50 JosephDoss 63. 4.65 4.65 SanDiegoState BentonButler 62. AlabamaState DamianSims 61. College Boston Hofstra X 60. X Lennox Whitworth 4.65 59. 4.60 KareemHuggins 58. ChadronState(Neb.) X,MI UCLA Jay Peck FB Tulsa 57. 4.70 4.70 Danny 4.70 Woodhead DNP 56. X,Ch. Wake Forest Tennial Courtney 4.70 55. 4.70 Markey Chris 54. Jr., Ch. MI LB, Bethel(Tenn.) Southern Missouri Carolina North MicahAndrews 53. 4.70 4.70 4.70 Edwards Barrington Delaware 52. 4.75 Ch. X, Alley Broussard 51. Penn State Kentucky Eastern 4.75 Adrain Smith 50. Jackson State Bobby Washington 4.75 49. Dame Notre OmarCuff FB 48. Austin Scott Maryland 4.75 47. BostonCollege Travis 4.75 Thomas 46. Missouri Haw Erik 45. 4.75 X AndreCallender 44. 4.90 LanceBall 43. Cincinnati 4.80 Tony Temple 42. Minnesota X Texas North 5.00 41. FB 4.95 Moore Gregory 40. 4.80 St. Missouri Northwest Jamario Thomas 39. OregonState 4.85 AmirPinnix 38. Iowa X,KR Yvenson Bernard 5.05 37. Bloomsburg (Pa.) 5.07 Xavier Omon 36. 5.05 Maryland Jamar Brittingham Ohio 35. Young Albert 34. Washington Keon Lattimore 5.09 33. RS, WR KalvinMcRae 32. 5.09 5.09 5.07 Penn Kentucky State 31. LouisRankin 30. OklahomaState 5.10 Rodney Kinlaw 29. 5.09 Rafael Little 28. Richmond UTEP DantrellSavage Lambuth 27. 5.12 5.09 Timothy Hightower 26. Massachusetts MarcusThomas RS 25. Ch. Louisiana-Monroe Matthew Lawrence 5.15 5.20 24. Toledo X 5.23 State Arizona AllenErvin 23. 5.25 CalvinDawson 5.35 22. Jalen Parmele SouthCarolina 21. MorganState X,E Ryan Torain 20. 5.39 Jr. California 19. Jr, Ch. Oklahoma 5.25 ChadSimpson 18. 5.45 Jr. Michigan Boyd Cory 17. 5.50 Graceland Justin (Iowa) Forsett 16. AllenPatrick 15. Georgia West Virginia JeromeMessam 14. Central Florida Mike Hart 13. ThomasBrown 12. Steve Slaton 11. Kevin Smith 10. K AESHO RD NOTES GRADE SCHOOL NAME RK. TIGHT ENDS .Dsi elrPru .5X,H-B 5.85 Purdue DustinKeller 1. Jr., KR FB 5.55 5.60 Jr., X 5.50 5.65 X Jr., KR 5.59 6.10 EastCarolina Texas Tulane Rutgers Georgia Tech Johnson Chris 9. Jamaal Charles 8. Arkansas Tashard Choice 7. MattForté 6. Ray Rice 5. Felix Jones 4. .Fe ai S .5Ch. 5.65 5.59 5.70 Jr., Ch. USC California 5.80 NotreDame Craig Stevens 5. Fred Davis 4. Texas A&M JohnCarlson 3. Bennett Martellus 2. Cassen Jackson-Garrison Green-Ellis BenJarvus Chauncey Washington adrit4.75 Vanderbilt 5.00 Mississippi 5.15 USC 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW X, WR, KR X, WR, 9 et igrLU47 X X,H-B 4.75 4.75 4.75 H-B X 4.75 4.85 4.85 ArizonaState Wyoming LSU X,Ch. 5.00 Maryland Wade Betschart Ch. 31. Auburn BrentMiller 4.90 30. Villanova 29. X,H-B X Youngstown State Jason Goode 28. 5.05 Ch. 5.07 Age, H-B ColeBennett Pittsburgh 27. 5.07 5.00 MattSherry Washington26. State St. Missouri Northwest X LouisIrizarry 5.05 25. 5.09 Age 5.09 DarrellStrong CarolinaState North 24. 5.09 Mike Peterson 23. Tennessee 5.10 Virginia JedCollins H-B 22. West 5.12 5.09 MarcusStone Texas A&M 21. H-B JonathanStupar 20. 5.09 Maryland H-B Nevada Brown Chris 19. LS H-B, 5.35 Kolo Kapanui 18. 5.37 Virginia JosephHaynos William&Mary 17. Oklahoma AdamBishop Kansas 16. Andrew Atchison 15. JoeJonFinley 14. Louisville Tom Santi Kentucky 13. DerekFine 12. Barnidge Gary 11. Jacob Tamme 10. 1 ael akn aiona53 KR 5.30 RB, RS 5.30 5.30 RB 5.33 MountUnion 5.35 5.37 5.39 California Houston Pierre Garcon 22. Ch. Wake Forest Lavelle Hawkins 5.50 New Mexico 21. Jr. 5.40 Virginia Tech Anthony Alridge 20. 5.59 5.40 Kenneth Moore RS 19. Missouri MarcusSmith 5.65 18. Virginia Tech Justin Harper CoastalCarolina 17. WilliamFranklin Houston 16. Vanderbilt RS JeromeSimpson 15. Virginia Tech 5.65 JoshMorgan 14. DonnieAvery 13. AppalachianState Bennett Earl 12. EddieRoyal 11. Dexter Jackson 10. 4.20 4.20 4.20 MississippiState 4.30 TexasA&M 4.30 SouthCarolina 4.30 JosephThomas Bethel(Tenn.) 55. 4.30 H-B 4.50 Butler Eric 54. Central Florida X,H-B Wake Forest 4.50 4.50 AndyBoyd 53. 4.50 Dwayne Reed 52. 4.60 Jackson State 4.60 MichaelMerritt 51. Illinois Northern ZacSelmon H-B 50. DelviccioFrost Iowa State 4.60 49. Toledo Wisconsin Brandon Davis 48. Hopkins Christian 47. 4.60 4.60 BenBarkema Akron 46. Yale 4.65 4.60 AndyCrooks BoiseState 45. LangstonJohnson State Dakota South Delaware44. State Kasparek Kris H-B 43. 4.70 4.65 Ryan Putnam 42. Syracuse 4.65 Wagner Chris 41. X New Mexico State JeffPostell 40. Maine 4.70 JoeNesheiwat 39. OT Age, SanDiegoState Matthew Mulligan 38. 4.65 H-B Marshall St. Missouri Southeast Nick Cleaver 37. 4.70 Massachusetts Steve Schmidt 36. SamHoustonState JosephTuineau 35. Shope Brian 34. Brad Listorti 33. Blake Martin 32. K AESHO RD NOTES GRADE SCHOOL NAME RK. WIDE RECEIVERS .Jrihe ilyTxs53 Soph-3 5.39 Ch. 5.50 X 5.39 5.55 MichiganState Texas Missouri Tennessee Finley Jermichael 9. Kellen Davis 8. Rucker Martin 7. Brad Cottam 6. .EryDue LU58 PR 5.85 5.75 Jr., Ch. PR 5.95 5.90 Jr. Jr., Ch. X 6.10 LSU 6.01 California 6.15 KansasState 9. Jr. Indiana DeSeanJackson 8. 6.10 Doucet Early 7. JordyNelson Oklahoma 6. Michigan James Hardy 5. State Michigan Manningham Mario Texas 4. MalcolmKelly 3. Devin Thomas 2. LimasSweed 1. nr Bba Caldwell Andre “Bubba” lrd .0KR,X 5.70 Florida www.profootballweekly.com Jr., RS, X,Ch. FB, H-B, Ch. 189 PLAYER PRINTOUT PLAYER PRINTOUT PLAYER PRINTOUT 2008 LO 3/5/08 7:32 PM Page 190

190 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW

23. Paul Hubbard Wisconsin 5.29 98. Wynton Jackson Liberty 4.55 RS 24. Harry Douglas Louisville 5.27 KR 99. Andy Birkel Northern Colorado 4.55 X 25. Arman Shields Richmond 5.25 100. Prechae Rodriquez Auburn 4.50 26. Keenan Burton Kentucky 5.25 KR 101. Eric Taylor Concordia College (Ala.) 4.50 Jr. 27. D.J. Hall Alabama 5.25 Ch. 102. Nate Forse California (Pa.) 4.50 28. Darius Reynaud West Virginia 5.21 Jr., RS 103. Anthony Brown Oregon State 4.50 Ch., S 29. Adarius Bowman Oklahoma State 5.20 H-B, X, Ch. 104. John Logan Kentucky 4.45 KR, DNP, Ch. 30. Mario Urrutia Louisville 5.19 Jr., Ch. 105. Kerry Franks Texas A&M 4.45 31. Davone Bess Hawaii 5.17 Jr. 106. Gerard Landry Southern A&M 4.35 32. Steve Johnson Kentucky 5.15 107. Brandon Turner Liberty 4.35 33. Dorien Bryant Purdue 5.10 Ch., RS 108. North Dakota 4.30 34. Adrian Arrington Michigan 5.10 Jr., Ch. 109. Alan Turner Southern Illinois 4.30 35. Marcus Henry Kansas 5.10 110. Anthony Russo Washington 4.30 36. Paul Raymond Brown 5.09 PR 111. Brett Swain San Diego State 4.30 37. Ryan Grice-Mullen Hawaii 5.09 Jr. 112. Rafael Price Indiana State 4.25 FS 38. Edward Williams Lane (Tenn.) 5.09 X 113. Daniel Polk Midwestern State (Tex.) 4.25 QB 39. Kevin Robinson Utah State 5.09 RS 114. Joe Dailey North Carolina 4.25 QB, ATH 40. Maurice Purify Nebraska 5.09 Ch. 115. Michael Ford Wyoming 4.20 41. Brandon Breazell UCLA 5.09 116. Brandon Copeland Bridgewater (Va.) 4.20 42. Darnell Jenkins Miami (Fla.) 5.09 X, RS 117. Brandon Powers Oregon State 4.20 43. Jason Rivers Hawaii 5.07 118. Timothy Abney Grambling State 4.20 44. Jabari Arthur Akron 5.07 119. Daryl Barnett Fayetteville State 4.20 45. Joe West UTEP 5.05 120. Rashad Howard Norfolk State (Va.) 4.20 46. Taj Smith Syracuse 5.05 Jr. 121. Larry Shipp Tennessee Tech 4.20 47. Clyde Edwards Grambling State 5.05 122. Mike West South Carolina 4.20 48. Todd Blythe Iowa State 5.05 123. Chaz Schilens San Diego State 4.20 49. Keith Brown Alabama 5.05 Ch. 124. Demetrius Harrison Towson 4.20 50. Marcus Monk Arkansas 5.05 X, E 125. Utah 4.20 51. Luke Swan Wisconsin 5.05 X 126. Brandon Jackson North Texas 4.20 52. Jaymar Johnson Jackson State 5.00 RS 127. Willie Hayward Florida A&M 4.20 53. Mario Hines Robert Morris 5.00 Jr., RS 54. Darrell Blackman North Carolina State 5.00 RS, RB CENTERS 55. Travis Brown New Mexico 5.00 RK. NAME SCHOOL GRADE NOTES 56. Lance Leggett Miami (Fla.) 5.00 1. Mike Pollak Arizona State 5.50 57. Danny Amendola Texas Tech 5.00 RS 2. Jeremy Zuttah Rutgers 5.39 OT 58. Gary Banks Troy 4.90 Age, BB 3. John Sullivan Notre Dame 5.35 OG 59. Mark Bradford Stanford 4.90 X 4. Steve Justice Wake Forest 5.30 60. James Banks Carson Newman 4.85 Jr., Ch. 5. Kory Lichtensteiger Bowling Green 5.30 61. Brian Paysinger Oregon 4.85 6. Fernando Velasco Georgia 5.20 OG 62. Evan Moore Stanford 4.85 X, H-B 7. Jamey Richard Buffalo 5.20 OT 63. Bruce Hocker Duquesne 4.80 X 8. Cody Wallace Texas A&M 5.15 64. Shaheer McBride Delaware State 4.80 9. Eric Scott Kentucky 5.09 OG 65. Joshua Hyman Virginia Tech 4.80 Ch., Age 10. Marcus Coleman Wisconsin 5.00 X PLAYER PRINTOUT PLAYER 66. John Dunlap North Carolina State 4.80 X 11. Brennen Carvalho Portland State 4.90 OG 67. Lorne Sam UTEP 4.80 X, QB 12. John Masters Michigan State 4.90 68. Michael Bumpus Washington State 4.80 13. Tim Mattran Stanford 4.80 X 69. Gregory Bracey Missouri 4.75 14. Dallas Griffin Texas 4.80 70. Patrick Carter Louisville 4.75 15. Adam Spieker Missouri 4.80 OG 71. Texas 4.75 X 16. Doug Legursky Marshall 4.80 72. Nate Jones Texas 4.75 17. Riley Salinger Wagner 4.75 Jr., MI 73. Robert Jordan California 4.75 Ch. 18. Kevin Tuminello Georgia Tech 4.75 74. Joe Cowan UCLA 4.75 X 19. Tommy Crowley West Texas A&M 4.70 OG 75. Selwyn Lymon Purdue 4.70 X, Ch. 20. Kyle Devan Oregon State 4.70 76. Micah Rucker Eastern Illinois 4.70 21. Marcus Lipsey Virginia 4.70 77. Jeron Harvey Houston 4.70 22. Christian Morton South Dakota 4.60 78. Omar Haugabook Troy 4.70 QB 23. Darren Marquez Southern Illinois 4.60 OT 79. De’Cody Fagg Florida State 4.70 XX 24. Brett Byford Nebraska 4.40 80. Tony Burks Mississippi State 4.70 25. Ryan Wendell Fresno State 4.40 81. Johnny Walker Colorado State 4.70 PR 26. Corey Actis Mississippi 4.30 82. Ben Bailey Northwestern State (La.) 4.70 H-B 27. Chris Joseph UCLA 4.20 83. Marcell Reece Washington 4.70 28. Robert Powell Purdue 4.20 84. Taurean Rhetta Jacksonville State 4.65 29. Kevin Sheridan Boston College 4.20 85. Robert Johnson Arkansas 4.65 ATH 86. Curtis Hamilton Western Kentucky 4.65 OFFENSIVE GUARDS 87. Terrence Nunn Nebraska 4.65 X RK. NAME SCHOOL GRADE NOTES 88. Mississippi 4.65 ATH, Ch., QB 1. Branden Albert Virginia 6.25 Jr., OT 89. Ernie Wheelwright Minnesota 4.65 2. Chilo Rachal USC 5.55 Jr. 90. Damon Morton Colorado State 4.65 RS 3. Roy Schuening Oregon State 5.40 91. Amarri Jackson South Florida 4.60 4. John Greco Toledo 5.40 OT 92. Ryan Bagley Montana 4.60 X 5. Mike McGlynn Pittsburgh 5.37 X, OT, LS 93. Jermaine Moye California (Pa.) 4.60 FS 6. Mackenzy Bernadeau Bentley (Mass.) 5.35 X 94. Milan Moses Iowa State 4.60 X 7. Donald Thomas Connecticut 5.35 PLAYER PRINTOUT PLAYER 95. Jake Allen Mississippi College 4.60 8. Shawn Murphy Utah State 5.20 OT, Age 96. Eric Allen Montana 4.60 9. Eric Young Tennessee 5.20 OT, X 97. Matt Caddell Alabama 4.55 10. Robert Felton Arkansas 5.17 OC

www.profootballweekly.com PLAYER PRINTOUT2008LO3/5/087:32PMPage191 7 oyHlsTxs52 X 5.23 OG 5.20 5.21 OG 5.25 SanDiegoState 5.30 5.27 LS OG Texas Iowa Northern OG 5.30 5.33 5.35 Will Robinson 19. Brandon Keith 18. Clemson California OG Louisville Tony Hills 17. 5.37 Richardson Barry 16. Oregon BrenoGiacomini 15. USC Auburn Mike Gibson 14. GeoffSchwartz Virginia Tech 13. Drew Radovich 12. KingDunlap 11. DuaneBrown 10. 4.20 4.20 4.20 4.20 Vanderbilt C Georgia Tech Hampton Central Michigan 4.40 Kirchoffer Merritt 59. 4.30 4.30 Matthew Rhodes SouthCarolinaState 58. 4.40 4.40 Akeem Lamar 57. OG X,OT Mike Decker 56. 4.40 Delaware State 4.50 Cager Earl 55. Carolina North State James Florida Lee 54. Florida OT 4.50 4.55 Jeremy Breath 53. 4.55 Gray Charleston XX BoiseState 52. Jacky Claude 4.60 51. Vanderbilt BostonCollege Drew Miller 50. Central Florida BoiseState JeffCavender 49. OT Stamper Brian 4.60 48. 4.65 4.65 Ryan Poles 4.60 47. JoshSitton 46. OT 4.65 Tad Miller 45. 4.70 LSU Georgia Tech SanDiegoState 4.65 Brandyn Dombrowski Florida South 44. NathanMcManus 43. OklahomaState WilliamArnold 4.70 42. Liberty Miami(Fla.) Walter Walker 41. OT MarshalAusberry 4.70 40. X 4.70 David 4.70 Koenig Eastern Washington 39. SMU 4.75 4.75 4.70 Andrew Rock Bain (Pa.) Slippery 38. MichaelButterworth 37. Purdue SanJoseState Kenard Burley 36. OT MattAlfred EastCarolina 35. 4.70 4.80 JordanGrimes Alabama 34. 4.80 Grand Valley State JohnBooker 33. 4.85 Utah 4.90 JoshCoffman 32. Brandon Barnes Miami(Fla.) 31. Justin Britt 30. Jason Boone 5.00 29. OT Texas A&M Derrick Morse Jr. UCLA 28. 5.00 OT Hawaii C 5.00 27. X 5.05 5.07 ShannonTevaga OT 26. 5.05 State Arizona Western Michigan C HerculesSatele 5.09 25. 5.09 Central Florida Elder Kirk 24. Michigan Central OT Brandon Rodd 23. 5.09 X James Blair 22. 5.09 Georgia Michigan Anderson L.J. 21. Ch. Tunney Eric Nevada 20. 5.15 5.12 ChesterAdams Texas Christian 19. USC AdamKraus 18. Rutgers X Manu Charles 17. 5.15 Lindner Marty 16. MattSpanos 15. Clemson Maryland AppalachianState Mike Fladell 14. Andrew Crummey 13. McDuffie Chris 12. Kerry Brown 11. 2 ikBro hoSae5.12 OT 5.17 5.10 OG 5.15 OhioState (S.C.) Newberry Iowa Northern Rutgers HeathBenedict 23. Barton Kirk 22. ChadRinehart 21. Pedro Sosa 20. K AESHO RD NOTES GRADE SCHOOL NAME RK. OFFENSIVE TACKLES .Cr ik ersa54 Ch. 5.40 X Jr. OG 6.00 5.40 5.59 Nebraska 6.25 6.40 Jr. Kansas 6.10 UTEP USC 7.00 6.50 Nicks Carl 9. Anthony Collins 8. BostonCollege OnielCousins Vanderbilt 7. Pittsburgh SamBaker 6. BoiseState GosderCherilus Michigan 5. Williams Chris 4. Jeffrey Otah 3. Ryan Clady 2. Jake Long 1. Ian-Yates Cunningham Southeastern Louisiana Southeastern C 4.80 Virginia 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW 4.30 OT, X,DNP 7 ieGeviMcia tt .0XX 4.50 4.50 X 4.40 4.50 Kentucky Eastern MichiganState 4.60 Miami(Ohio) SeanDumford 48. 4.60 Florida Age, 4.70 X Mike Gyetvai 47. 4.60 4.70 BoiseState Norden Charles 46. West Texas A&M OG 4.70 Medder Carlton 45. Louisiana-Monroe 4.75 Patrick Schwenke 44. 4.75 4.80 4.80 Kyle Cunningham 43. Colorado DanGore 42. State Illinois ThaddeusColeman 41. Liberty MI EdwinHarrison 40. 4.80 Florida IsaiahWiggins 39. StephenSene Indiana 38. Illinois 4.90 X Ohio PhillipTrautwein 4.80 37. 4.95 Emerson Charlie 36. 5.00 AkimMillington 35. X David Shelby 34. Texas A&M LSU 5.09 State Florida 5.09 33. New Mexico ShannonBoatman Jr., OG 32. Stewart Carnell 5.05 31. Colorado Corey Clark Weber30. State Middle Tennessee Devin Clark 29. Arkansas Tyler Polumbus 28. Franklin Dunbar 27. David Hale 26. NateGarner 25. Bell Demetrius 24. 0 nySueae hao Il)50 OLB, X 5.07 5.07 OLB, Ch. 5.05 5.09 TE PRS KansasState 5.09 Wheaton(Ill.) 5.10 5.09 5.10 PRS Howard AndyStudebaker Pittsburgh 30. 5.09 Rob Jackson 29. Georgia Tech Augustine’s (N.C.) St. OregonState Jr., Age RudolphHardie 28. DT 5.12 JoeClermond 5.13 27. Buffalo Ch. AdammOliver 26. 5.15 5.20 Smith Dorian 25. Utah Ch. Alex Hall 5.20 24. West Virginia 5.20 Trevor Scott 23. Texas Christian Alabama Burnett Martail 22. Johnny Dingle 21. 5.25 Texas OLB Wallace A&M Gilberry Arizona OLB 20. DT OLB 5.39 ChaseOrtiz 5.39 Hampton 19. 5.40 5.40 X,Ch. Harrington Chris Texas Christian 18. 5.50 LouisHolmes 17. McNeeseState MarcusDixon 16. Georgia Tech Tommy Blake 15. Virginia Tech DarrellRobertson Hampton Michigan 14. Smith Bryan 13. Kendall Langford 12. Shawn Crable 11. Ellis Chris 10. 4.20 4.20 4.20 4.20 4.20 MontanaState 4.20 MontanaState 4.20 65. Kent State X Peter Clemson Jensen 64. 4.30 Liberty AdamDecock 63. Montana 4.30 Capote Christian 62. 4.30 JoeMarafine 61. 4.30 Harvard Age, X EdwinPinigis SamHoustonState 60. MarsHill(N.C.) 4.30 CodyBalogh 4.30 59. Alabama Andrew Brecher 58. 4.30 Brandon Hale West Texas57. A&M 4.40 IsaacHarris ArizonaState 56. Arizona 4.40 Capps Chris 55. State Portland Floyd Headen 54. Peter Graniello 53. Northwestern ZachKrula 52. State Florida Casey Tyler 51. David Overmeyer 50. DylanThiry 49. K AESHO RD NOTES GRADE SCHOOL NAME RK. DEFENSIVE ENDS .KnyIeeaIw 5.55 DT OLB 5.55 5.90 OLB X, Jr., DT Michigan Eastern 5.70 Jr., OLB Jr. 6.20 6.75 6.30 6.10 Iowa Jason Jones 9. WakeForest Jr., OLB Kenny Iwebema 8. USC 6.80 Miami(Fla.) Jeremy Thompson Clemson 7. Lawrence Jackson Virginia 6. Florida CalaisCampbell 5. PhillipMerling 4. Derrick Harvey OhioState 3. Long Chris 2. Vernon Gholston 1. ln Dge”Bujnoch Glenn “Digger” Nathaniel Richardson Mississippi ValleyState 4.80 Cincinnati State(La.) Northwestern ot aoiaSae4.20 South CarolinaState www.profootballweekly.com 4.70 5.10 X, Ch.,OLB 191 PLAYER PRINTOUT PLAYER PRINTOUT PLAYER PRINTOUT 2008 LO 3/5/08 7:32 PM Page 192

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31. Brandon Miller Georgia 5.05 LB 44. Kevin Brown UCLA 4.60 OG 32. Greyson Gunheim Washington 5.05 45. Jeremy Gibbs Oregon 4.60 33. Bryan Mattison Iowa 5.00 46. Marcus Pittman Troy 4.60 34. Hilee Taylor North Carolina 4.85 OLB 47. Willie Williams Louisville 4.60 NT 35. Casper Brinkley South Carolina 4.80 OLB 48. Adrian Grady Coastal Carolina 4.60 36. Jeremy Geathers UNLV 4.80 Jr. 49. Martavius Prince Southern Mississippi 4.60 37. Antonio Reynolds Tennessee 4.80 50. Michael Marquardt Arizona State 4.60 Age 38. Nick Osborn San Diego State 4.80 51. Colin Ferrell Kent State 4.50 39. Brian Johnston Gardner-Webb 4.80 52. Billy Allen Virginia 4.40 NT 40. Shaun Richardson Tennessee State 4.70 X, OLB 53. Steven Friend Central Michigan 4.40 41. Kurt Hout Ferris State 4.70 54. Central Florida 4.40 42. Amani Purcell Hawaii 4.65 55. Tywain Myles Tarleton State (Texas) 4.30 43. Jacob Owens Fairmont State 4.65 56. Brian Schaefering Lindenwood (Mo.) 4.30 Ch., NT 44. Derrick Gray Texas Southern 4.65 57. Matt Malele California 4.30 X, NT 45. Keith Saunders Alabama 4.65 OLB 58. John Baranowsky James Madison 4.20 46. Vegas Franklin Miami (Fla.) 4.60 59. Neel Allen Minnesota 4.20 NT 47. Xavier Mitchell Tennessee 4.60 X 60. Chris Barrett USC 4.20 DNP 48. Marque Fountain Oklahoma State 4.60 X 61. Brandon Jenkins Mississippi 4.20 49. Sherman Logan Richmond 4.50 X 62. Viliami Akoteu Idaho State 4.20 50. Alex Boston Florida State 4.50 63. Yaniv Barnett Arizona 4.20 Ch., NT 51. Martrel Brown North Carolina State 4.50 64. Jordan Reffett Washington 4.20 52. Nick Schlekeway Boise State 4.50 65. Aaron Johnson Washington State 4.20 53. Jordin Lindsey South Carolina 4.50 54. Blair Boynton Northern Arizona 4.40 INSIDE LINEBACKERS 55. James Amos California-Davis 4.30 RK. NAME SCHOOL GRADE NOTES 56. Dallas Flynn Northwest Missouri St. 4.30 Ch. 1. Curtis Lofton Oklahoma 6.10 Jr., X 57. Chris Traylor Alabama A&M 4.20 2. James “Beau” Bell UNLV 5.45 OLB, X 58. William Hayes Winston-Salem State 4.20 3. Jameel McClain Syracuse 5.27 DE 59. Robert Henderson Southern Mississippi 4.20 4. Spencer Larsen Arizona 5.20 5. Jolonn Dunbar Boston College 5.20 X DEFENSIVE TACKLES 6. Jonathan Goff Vanderbilt 5.19 RK. NAME SCHOOL GRADE NOTES 7. Marc Magro West Virginia 5.12 OLB 1. Glenn Dorsey LSU 7.00 X 8. Darren Mustin Alabama 5.10 2. Sedrick Ellis USC 6.50 NT 9. Ben Moffitt South Florida 5.10 3. Kentwan Balmer North Carolina 6.00 NT 10. J Leman Illinois 5.10 X 4. Trevor Laws Notre Dame 5.85 DE 11. Vince Hall Virginia Tech 5.09 X 5. Marcus Harrison Arkansas 5.55 Ch., X 12. Rodrick Johnson Oklahoma State 5.00 DE 6. Pat Sims Auburn 5.50 Jr., Ch. 13. Kaleb Thornhill Michigan State 4.90 X 7. Dre Moore Maryland 5.50 14. Christian Taylor UCLA 4.75 8. Andre Fluellen Florida State 5.50 15. Danny Lansanah Connecticut 4.75 9. Ahtyba Rubin Iowa State 5.45 NT 16. Chris Graham Michigan 4.75 10. Joseph “Red” Bryant Texas A&M 5.45 X, NT, Ch. 17. Misiovala Tupe Texas A&M 4.70 Age 11. Frank Okam Texas 5.37 OT 18. Joe Brockington Notre Dame 4.70 X PLAYER PRINTOUT PLAYER 12. Letroy Guion Florida State 5.35 Jr. 19. James Terry Youngstown State 4.70 OLB 13. DeMario Pressley North Carolina State 5.33 20. Daniel Brooks Jackson State 4.70 Ch. 14. Nick Hayden Wisconsin 5.20 21. Thomas “Red” Keith Central Michigan 4.70 15. Carlton Powell Virginia Tech 5.15 22. Jermaine Dias Virginia 4.65 16. David Faaeteete Oregon 5.15 23. Ahijah Lane Fresno State 4.65 OLB, XX 17. Keilen Dykes West Virginia 5.13 24. Corey McKeon Nebraska 4.65 Ch., OLB 18. Ogemdi Nwagbuo Michigan State 5.10 25. Russell Reeves Delaware State 4.60 19. Eric Foster Rutgers 5.09 26. Nelson Coleman Tulsa 4.50 20. Derek Lokey Texas 5.09 27. Trent Allen Houston 4.50 21. Barry Booker Virginia Tech 5.09 28. Mike Klinkenborg Iowa 4.50 22. Lionel Dotson Arizona 5.09 29. Justin Roland Kansas State 4.45 23. Joshua Thompson Auburn 5.09 NT 30. Weston Dacus Arkansas 4.40 OLB 24. Jason Shirley Fresno State 5.07 NT, Ch. 31. Josh Ferguson Purdue 4.30 25. Frank Morton Tulane 5.00 32. Fred Wilson East Carolina 4.30 26. James McClinton Kansas 5.00 X 33. Marquez Davis Norfolk State (Va.) 4.30 27. Landon Cohen Ohio 4.90 34. Drew Fowler Air Force 4.30 28. Michael Lafaele Hawaii 4.90 NT 35. Joe Mays North Dakota State 4.30 29. Henry Smith Texas A&M 4.90 36. Jordan Senn Portland State 4.20 30. Richard Clebert South Florida 4.85 37. Dan Bick Purdue 4.20 X 31. Maurice Murray New Mexico State 4.80 DT 38. Christian Serena Western New Mexico 4.20 32. George Chukwu Rice 4.80 X, NT 39. Matt Robertson Northwest Missouri St. 4.20 33. Teraz McCray Miami (Fla.) 4.80 40. Maguell Davis Norfolk State (Va.) 4.20 34. Carlos Feliciano Maryland 4.80 NT 41. Michael Boyd Texas Southern 4.20 35. Nate Robinson Akron 4.75 NT 42. Mike Sherels Minnesota 4.20 36. Leger Douzable Central Florida 4.75 DE 37. Chris Bradwell Troy 4.70 OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS 38. Theo Horrocks Vanderbilt 4.70 Ch. RK. NAME SCHOOL GRADE NOTES 39. Christopher Norwell Illinois 4.70 OG 1. Keith Rivers USC 6.30 40. Jeremy Garrett Mississippi 4.70 2. Dan Connor Penn State 5.95 ILB PLAYER PRINTOUT PLAYER 41. Ropati Pitoitua Washington State 4.70 Ch. 3. Erin Henderson Maryland 5.80 Jr. 42. Steven Coleman Oklahoma 4.65 4. Cliff Avril Purdue 5.75 DE 43. Brigham Harwell UCLA 4.65 X 5. Xavier Adibi Virginia Tech 5.70

www.profootballweekly.com PLAYER PRINTOUT2008LO3/5/087:32PMPage193 7 ikMoeByo 4.50 4.30 4.30 CarolinaCentral North 4.50 4.60 DE,X 4.30 AirForce 4.65 Baylor Ch. Bethune-Cookman Derrick Ray Soph-3 70. Washington 4.50 RonnieMcCullough 4.60 69. 4.65 4.65 JohnRabold 68. Texas Nick Moore 67. Arizona MichiganState Eastern DanHowell 66. X 4.65 SirDareanAdams Duke 4.65 65. PRS DE, ScottDerry 64. 4.65 Houston RicoBrooks 63. 4.65 4.70 Patrick Bailey LSU 62. Middle Tennessee BrendanPahulu 61. S 4.70 Nebraska State Ohio LanceBrandenburgh 4.70 60. 4.65 Luke Sanders 59. CarolinaState North Walden Erik Iowa State 58. DE Terry 4.70 Curtis 57. Idaho XX 4.70 LeRueRumph 56. 4.70 4.70 Hampton Texas Brandon Ogletree 55. CarolinaState North JonBanks 54. MichiganState Killebrew Robert 53. Nebraska SS X Ch. Fresno State HentiBairdII 52. 4.70 4.85 4.70 4.80 Jones Ernest 51. 4.70 Dic JonalSt. 50. ILB State Oklahoma MarcusRiley 49. 4.95 Iowa Northern ILB, Age BoRuud 48. 4.95 Donovan Woods 5.00 ILB IndianaState Louisville 47. Brannon Carter 5.00 UTEP 46. ShondaFaulkner 45. DE,Ch. Brigham Young MalikJackson 44. Towson ILB, Ch. 5.05 SanJoseState DE Jeremy Jones FB 43. 5.05 5.05 Clemson Kelly Poppinga 5.07 X,ILB 42. Bradford Brian 5.00 X 5.09 41. West Texas A&M Western Washington MattCastelo 5.09 40. Cincinnati Nick Watkins 39. 5.09 5.09 ShaneSimmons Cincinnati 38. X Steve Allen Jr.37. 5.09 AngeloCraig USC 5.09 36. Nebraska Anthony Hoke Idaho 35. DE 5.09 ThomasWilliams 34. Carolina North 5.09 DE Steve Octavien 5.10 33. Troy Iowa 5.20 David Vobora 32. Louisville MarcusRichardson Ch. 31. DE DurellMapp 5.20 30. 5.15 Vanderbilt 5.20 Mike Humpal 29. OhioState Montana LamarMyles 28. MississippiState X,S MarcusBuggs 27. 5.25 UCLA 5.23 Kroy Biermann 26. Iowa State Grant Larry 25. Nevada ILB 5.25 TitusBrown 24. 5.30 DE Davis Bruce DE State Arizona 23. 5.30 AlvinBowen 5.30 22. Purdue Ezra Butler 21. 5.33 5.50 DE Georgia Tech James Robert 20. Kentucky 5.35 Stanford Keglar 19. Jr., Atlanta Clark ILB Wesley 5.40 Woodyard Brigham 18. Young 5.59 Georgia Guyton Gary 17. Johnson Curtis 16. MarcusHoward Vanderbilt 15. Georgia Tech LSU Kehl Bryan 14. Tennessee Gatewood Curtis 13. PhilipWheeler 12. AliHighsmith 11. JerodMayo 10. K AESHO RD NOTES GRADE SCHOOL NAME RK. CORNERBACKS .Mk ekn ot lrd .0Ch.,KR X,RS 6.10 6.30 SouthFlorida Troy Mike Jenkins 3. 2. LeodisMcKelvin 1. ILB 5.59 DE,Ch. X,ILB 5.65 Jr., 5.60 Ch. 5.65 Colorado Miami(Fla.) State Florida Auburn JordonDizon 9. Tavares Gooden 8. QuentinGroves 7. GenoHayes 6. .TvnBac onciu .0S Jr., S, RS 5.90 5.70 6.05 5.85 Connecticut Oklahoma Auburn Kansas Tyvon Branch 7. Reggie Smith 6. Patrick Lee 5. Aqib Talib 4. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie ense tt .0KR 6.20 Tennessee State 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW Jr., WR,Ch. 3 sihGrnrMrln .5X 5.05 FS 5.12 5.10 5.10 XX Maryland 5.13 X X KansasState 5.20 Missouri UCLA 5.20 5.17 IsaiahGardner 33. Justin McKinney 5.20 32. Terrell Darnell Nebraska 31. SanJoseState 5.25 Trey Brown 30. Oklahoma X,FS Bowman Zackary 29. 5.23 5.25 State Arizona Auburn DwightLowery 28. MarcusWalker 5.25 27. X Ch., Grambling State JonathanWilhite 26. 5.33 5.30 Justin Kentucky Tryon Eastern X 25. Akron DeMichaelDizer 5.33 Arkansas 24. Jr., 5.8-X Jr., Ch. X Antwaun Molden 23. X 5.35 College 5.39 Boston 5.35 5.37 Florida ReggieCorner South 22. 5.45 MichaelGrant 21. FS, PR PR DeJuan Tribble 5.50 20. 5.50 Colorado Trae Williams Jr.,19. PR BoiseState Wisconsin Terrence KentState Wheatley 5.55 18. Scandrick Orlando 17. LSU Jack Ikegwuonu 16. USC Jack Williams 15. Arizona Indiana Chevis Jackson Penn14. State Terrell Thomas 13. AntoineCason 12. Tracy Porter 11. Justin King 10. 2 ohBl alr4.20 PR 4.20 Baylor 4.30 4.30 Carolina East Louisiana-Monroe 4.30 Ch. 4.30 Josh Bell 82. MontanaState 4.30 4.30 4.30 Travis Williams 4.30 81. MankatoState(Minn.) QuintezSecka 80. MichaelBeach Austin 79. StephenF. Dakota Virginia North Tech Michael Hinton 78. 4.40 4.30 Alabama 4.40 Donovan Alexander 77. 4.40 Texas StephonRhea 76. 4.40 X RolandMinor 75. Texas Christian 4.40 X 74. Kentucky Eastern Nebraska Gray Eric 4.40 73. Wagner 4.50 Toney Jr. Stewart Wyoming 72. 4.60 4.60 Grixby Courtney 4.40 71. Derrick Huff 70. Fresno State Nevada Julius Stinson 69. MississippiState AlPhillips 68. DamonJenkins Indiana 4.60 67. Bobo Demario 4.60 Purdue 66. UCLA 4.60 Paul Pratt 65. Illinois 4.65 Southern RS LeslieMajors 64. 4.60 Terrell Vinson 63. International Florida Rodney Van 62. 4.60 Wyoming Craig Turner 61. 4.65 Harvard 4.65 Grand LionellSingleton Valley State 60. MichaelMedina 59. Idaho 4.70 4.70 Steven Williams 4.65 58. McNeeseState CarolinaState 57. North 4.70 Stanley Franks 56. 4.70 4.70 Georgia MarcusBrown 4.70 55. OregonState JimmieSutton 54. ThomasFlowers 53. Dame Notre SMU ArizonaState 52. Texas Tech AmbroseWooden Washington 51. Brandon Jones 50. 4.70 Baloney Chris 4.70 4.85 49. Jr. RS 4.80 Parker Chris 48. 4.75 4.80 Truman State(Mo.) 5.00 OklahomaState Roy Lewis 47. XX James Thabuteau GeorgiaSouthern 46. 5.00 Martel Van Zant 45. Stillman(Ala.) 5.05 Nebraska Brandon Jackson 44. Arkansas RS 5.00 Matterral Richardson 43. 5.00 Arizona 5.05 Denatay Heard Miami(Fla.) 42. AndreJones 41. Miami(Ohio) Wilrey Fontenot 40. (Ala.) Stillman GlennSharpe SS 39. LSU 5.05 Witherspoon Brian 38. Gaines Jerrid Mississippi Southern 37. Baylor JonathanZenon 36. Brandon Sumrall 35. AltonWidemon 34. .CalsGdryIw .5FS 5.55 Jr. 5.60 Iowa Virginia Tech Godfrey Charles 9. Brandon Flowers 8. www.profootballweekly.com RS, DNP,Ch. 193 PLAYER PRINTOUT PLAYER PRINTOUT PLAYER PRINTOUT 2008 LO 3/5/08 7:32 PM Page 194

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83. Kyle Arrington Hofstra 4.20 16. Dominic Patrick Arizona 5.05 84. Darren Toney Arkansas State 4.20 KR 17. Kevin Mitchell Illinois 5.05 85. Jerome Touchstone Appalachian State 4.20 18. Marcus Watts Kansas State 4.95 86. Tim Sims Stanford 4.20 19. Bobbie Williams Bethun Cookman 4.80 87. Lawrence “J.R.” Bryant Florida State 4.20 20. Roger Williams Florida State 4.80 CB 88. Octavius Love Tusculum 4.20 Ch. 21. Haruki Nakamura Cincinnati 4.80 89. Anthony Hailstock Virginia State 4.20 22. Miguel Scott North Carolina State 4.75 23. Brandent Englemon Michigan 4.75 STRONG SAFETIES 24. Marcus Carter Alabama 4.75 RK. NAME SCHOOL GRADE NOTES 25. Erick Jackson Texas 4.70 1. Kenny Phillips Miami (Fla.) 5.80 Jr. 26. Matthew Harper Oregon 4.70 2. Marcellous “Tyrell” Johnson Arkansas State 5.60 27. Chris Davis Duke 4.70 RS 3. Josh Barrett Arizona State 5.59 28. Brandon Issac South Carolina 4.70 XX, CB 4. Thomas Zbikowski Notre Dame 5.40 PR 29. Djay Jones Georgia Tech 4.70 X 5. Jamar Adams Michigan 5.30 30. Lemar Herron Texas Southern 4.70 6. Craig Steltz LSU 5.25 X 31. Bobby Tatum Abilene Christian 4.60 7. D.J. Wolfe Oklahoma 5.20 CB 32. Roy Loren North Texas 4.60 DNP 8. Cornelius Brown Missouri 5.20 X 33. West Virginia 4.50 9. Nathan Lyles Virginia 5.15 X 34. Gregor Smith Eastern Washington 4.50 X 10. Nehemiah Warrick Michigan State 5.10 35. Avery Roberson Georgia Tech 4.40 11. Caleb Campbell Army 5.09 X 36. Jose Yearwood Brown 4.40 12. Derrick Doggett Oregon State 5.09 OLB 37. Justin Harrison Illinois 4.40 X 13. Jamie Silva Boston College 5.09 38. Justin Sanders Illinois 4.20 14. Dowayne Davis Syracuse 5.07 SS 39. Darrick Brown McNeese State 4.20 15. Chris Horton UCLA 5.05 X 40. Christian Varner Maryland 4.20 16. Brian Bonner Texas Christian 4.90 PR 17. Ike Brown Central Michigan 4.80 X, OLB 18. Tony Joiner Florida 4.80 Ch. RK. NAME SCHOOL GRADE NOTES 19. Terry Mixon Eastern Washington 4.75 Jr., Ch., X 1. Steven Hauschka North Carolina State 5.25 20. Justin Scott Purdue 4.70 2. Brandon Coutu Georgia 5.10 21. Marty Tadman Boise State 4.70 3. Art Carmody Louisville 5.09 22. Darien Williams Oklahoma 4.70 X 4. Garrett Hartley Oklahoma 5.09 23. West Virginia 4.70 5. Taylor Mehlhaff Wisconsin 5.09 24. Kelin Johnson Georgia 4.70 6. Shane Longest St. Xavier (Ill.) 5.09 P, KO 25. Ron Girault Rutgers 4.65 7. Alexis Serna Oregon State 5.05 26. Jamal Lewis Georgia Tech 4.65 27. Travis Key Michigan State 4.65 8. Connor Barth North Carolina 4.90 28. Willie Cooper Miami (Fla.) 4.65 OLB 9. Chris Gould Virginia 4.90 P, KO 29. Tony Lezotte James Madison 4.65 FS 10. Jeremy Ito Rutgers 4.90 P 30. Eric Brock Auburn 4.65 11. Chris Nendick Northern Illinois 4.90 31. Lamar Morgan Louisiana-Lafayette 4.60 XX 12. Parker Douglass South Dakota State 4.80 32. Tramaine Billie Clemson 4.50 X, OLB 13. Thomas Schneider California 4.80 33. Jacob Patek Hawaii 4.50 14. Troy Van Blarcom Kansas Wesleyan 4.75 Jr. PLAYER PRINTOUT PLAYER 34. Mark Dillard Louisiana Tech 4.50 Ch. 15. Bret Culbertson Iowa State 4.70 35. Brandon Hampton California 4.50 CB 16. Cole Wilson Louisiana-Monroe 4.50 36. Johnathan Russell Louisville 4.40 17. Julian Rauch Appalachian State 4.40 37. Bobby Giannini Air Force 4.40 FS 18. Robert Zarrilli Hofstra 4.30 38. Paul “Rocky” Schwartz Houston 4.40 X 19. Brandon Gilbert North Carolina Central 4.30 39. Aaron Weathers North Texas 4.40 40. John Mackey Akron 4.40 PUNTERS 41. Mike Phillips Pittsburgh 4.30 RK. NAME SCHOOL GRADE NOTES 42. Trimane Goddard North Carolina 4.30 1. Durant Brooks Georgia Tech 5.40 43. Vince Gliatta Youngstown State 4.20 2. Mike Dragosavich North Dakota State 5.10 44. Steve Craver Tulsa 4.20 3. Brett Kern Toledo 5.05 45. Zaire Wilborn Grambling State 4.20 4. Tim Reyer Kansas State 5.00 46. Joe Garcia Texas Tech 4.20 OLB 5. Andrew Larson California 4.95 47. Chris Hampton South Carolina 4.20 6. Ken Debauche Wisconsin 4.90 7. Owen Tolson Army 4.85 FREE SAFETIES 8. Kyle Tucker Kansas 4.80 RK. NAME SCHOOL GRADE NOTES 9. Benjamin Dato Fordham 4.75 1. DaJuan Morgan North Carolina State 5.75 Jr., CB 10. Waylon Prather San Jose State 4.70 2. Thomas DeCoud California 5.55 X 11. John Ayers Boston College 4.60 3. Quintin Demps UTEP 5.30 PR 12. Daniel Zeidman Idaho State 4.50 PK 4. Dominique Barber Minnesota 5.21 13. Zac Atterberry Lindenwood (Mo.) 4.50 5. David Roach Texas Christian 5.20 X 14. Chris MacDonald Texas State 4.30 6. Kennard Cox Pittsburgh 5.20 CB 15. Jim Laney Western Michigan 4.30 7. Kareem Moore Nicholls State 5.15 16. Zacary Whited Nevada 4.30 8. D.J. Parker Virginia Tech 5.13 9. Jonathan Hefney Tennessee 5.12 CB, RS LONG-SNAPPERS 10. Dennis Keyes UCLA 5.10 RK. NAME SCHOOL GRADE NOTES 11. Marcus Griffin Texas 5.09 1. Timothy Bugg Indiana 4.95 12. Corey Lynch Appalachian State 5.09 2. Tyler Schmitt San Diego State 4.80 PLAYER PRINTOUT PLAYER 13. Simeon Castille Alabama 5.09 CB 3. Garisson Sanborn Florida State 4.70 14. Husain Abdullah Washington State 5.07 4. Chase Norton Dixie State (Utah) 4.60 MI 15. Joe Fields Syracuse 5.05 5. John Rochford Miami (Fla.) 4.30

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2008 DRAFT PREVIEW 195 BEST AVAILABLE ATHLETES/REGARDLESS OF POSITION RK. POS, NAME, SCHOOL GRADE NOTES 76. FS Thomas DeCoud, California 5.55 X 1. QB Matt Ryan, Boston College 7.00 77. CB Charles Godfrey, Iowa 5.55 FS 2. OT Jake Long, Michigan 7.00 78. CB Justin King, Penn State 5.55 Jr., PR 3. DT Glenn Dorsey, LSU 7.00 X 79. RB Jamaal Charles, Texas 5.55 Jr., KR 4. DE Vernon Gholston, Ohio State 6.80 Jr., OLB 80. DE Chris Ellis, Virginia Tech 5.50 X, Ch. 5. DE Chris Long, Virginia 6.75 81. CB Tracy Porter, Indiana 5.50 PR 6. OT Ryan Clady, Boise State 6.50 Jr. 82. RB Chris Johnson, East Carolina 5.50 X, WR, KR 7. RB Jonathan Stewart, Oregon 6.50 Jr., KR 83. CB Antoine Cason, Arizona 5.50 FS, PR 8. DT Sedrick Ellis, USC 6.50 NT 84. DT Pat Sims, Auburn 5.50 Jr., Ch. 9. RB Darren McFadden, Arkansas 6.40 Jr., Ch. 85. TE Martin Rucker, Missouri 5.50 10. OT Jeffrey Otah, Pittsburgh 6.40 86. DT Dre Moore, Maryland 5.50 11. CB Leodis McKelvin, Troy 6.30 X, RS 87. C Mike Pollak, Arizona State 5.50 12. DE Derrick Harvey, Florida 6.30 Jr., OLB 88. DT Andre Fluellen, Florida State 5.50 13. OLB Keith Rivers, USC 6.30 89. RB Kevin Smith, Central Florida 5.50 Jr. 14. OG Branden Albert, Virginia 6.25 Jr., OT 90. OLB Ali Highsmith, LSU 5.50 15. OT Chris Williams, Vanderbilt 6.25 91. WR Donnie Avery, Houston 5.50 16. RB Rashard Mendenhall, Illinois 6.25 Jr. 92. CB Terrell Thomas, USC 5.45 X 17. DE Phillip Merling, Clemson 6.20 Jr., DT 93. DT Ahtyba Rubin, Iowa State 5.45 NT 18. CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Tenn. St. 6.20 KR 94. QB Andre’ Woodson, Kentucky 5.45 19. WR Limas Sweed, Texas 6.15 X 95. DT Joseph “Red” Bryant, Texas A&M 5.45 X, NT, Ch. 20. OT Gosder Cherilus, Boston College 6.10 96. ILB James “Beau” Bell, UNLV 5.45 OLB, X 21. DE Calais Campbell, Miami (Fla.) 6.10 Jr. 97. RB Steve Slaton, West Virginia 5.45 Jr., Ch. 22. WR Devin Thomas, Michigan State 6.10 Jr. 98. WR Josh Morgan, Virginia Tech 5.40 Ch. 23. ILB Curtis Lofton, Oklahoma 6.10 Jr., X 99. DE Shawn Crable, Michigan 5.40 OLB 24. WR Malcolm Kelly, Oklahoma 6.10 Jr. 100. WR Jerome Simpson, Coastal Carolina 5.40 25. CB Mike Jenkins, South Florida 6.10 Ch., KR 101. OT Anthony Collins, Kansas 5.40 Jr. 26. RB Felix Jones, Arkansas 6.10 Jr., KR 102. DE Kendall Langford, Hampton 5.40 DT 27. CB Aqib Talib, Kansas 6.05 Jr., WR, Ch. 103. OT Carl Nicks, Nebraska 5.40 Ch. 28. WR Mario Manningham, Michigan 6.01 Jr., Ch. 104. OG Roy Schuening, Oregon State 5.40 29. OT Sam Baker, USC 6.00 X 105. OLB Philip Wheeler, Georgia Tech 5.40 30. DT Kentwan Balmer, North Carolina 6.00 NT 106. OG John Greco, Toledo 5.40 OT 31. WR James Hardy, Indiana 5.95 Jr., Ch. 107. P Durant Brooks, Georgia Tech 5.40 32. OLB Dan Connor, Penn State 5.95 ILB 108. SS Thomas Zbikowski, Notre Dame 5.40 PR 33. DE Lawrence Jackson, USC 5.90 OLB 109. DE Bryan Smith, McNeese State 5.39 OLB 34. WR Jordy Nelson, Kansas State 5.90 PR 110. QB John David Booty, USC 5.39 35. CB Patrick Lee, Auburn 5.90 111. DE Darrell Robertson, Georgia Tech 5.39 OLB 36. TE Dustin Keller, Purdue 5.85 X, H-B 112. WR William Franklin, Missouri 5.39 37. DT Trevor Laws, Notre Dame 5.85 DE 113. TE Kellen Davis, Michigan State 5.39 Ch. 38. CB Reggie Smith, Oklahoma 5.85 Jr., S, RS 114. TE Jermichael Finley, Texas 5.39 Soph-3 39. WR Early Doucet, LSU 5.85 PR 115. C Jeremy Zuttah, Rutgers 5.39 OT 40. TE Martellus Bennett, Texas A&M 5.80 Jr., Ch. 116. QB Erik Ainge, Tennessee 5.39 X 41. QB Chad Henne, Michigan 5.80 X 117. CB Chevis Jackson, LSU 5.39 42. OLB Erin Henderson, Maryland 5.80 Jr. 118. RB Thomas Brown, Georgia 5.39 X, E PRINTOUT PLAYER 43. SS Kenny Phillips, Miami (Fla.) 5.80 Jr. 119. OT Duane Brown, Virginia Tech 5.37 OG 44. FS DaJuan Morgan, North Carolina State 5.75 Jr., CB 120. CB Jack Williams, Kent State 5.37 X 45. QB Brian Brohm, Louisville 5.75 X 121. OG Mike McGlynn, Pittsburgh 5.37 X, OT, LS 46. OLB Cliff Avril, Purdue 5.75 DE 122. DT Frank Okam, Texas 5.37 OT 47. WR DeSean Jackson, California 5.75 Jr., RS, X, Ch. 48. DE Jeremy Thompson, Wake Forest 5.70 X, OLB 123. TE Jacob Tamme, Kentucky 5.37 H-B, LS 49. TE John Carlson, Notre Dame 5.70 124. WR Justin Harper, Virginia Tech 5.37 50. OLB Xavier Adibi, Virginia Tech 5.70 125. QB Josh Johnson, San Diego 5.37 51. WR Andre “Bubba” Caldwell, Florida 5.70 KR, X 126. OT King Dunlap, Auburn 5.35 OG 52. CB Tyvon Branch, Connecticut 5.70 S 127. OG Mackenzy Bernadeau, Bentley (Mass.) 5.35 X 53. TE Fred Davis, USC 5.65 Ch. 128. WR Marcus Smith, New Mexico 5.35 54. OLB Geno Hayes, Florida State 5.65 Jr., Ch. 129. OG Donald Thomas, Connecticut 5.35 55. WR Dexter Jackson, Appalachian State 5.65 RS 130. FB Jacob Hester, LSU 5.35 RB 56. OLB Quentin Groves, Auburn 5.65 DE, Ch. 131. RB Mike Hart, Michigan 5.35 57. RB Ray Rice, Rutgers 5.65 Jr., X 132. TE Gary Barnidge, Louisville 5.35 H-B 58. WR Eddie Royal, Virginia Tech 5.65 RS 133. DT Letroy Guion, Florida State 5.35 Jr. 59. CB Brandon Flowers, Virginia Tech 5.60 Jr. 134. C John Sullivan, Notre Dame 5.35 OG 60. RB Matt Forté, Tulane 5.60 FB 135. CB Jack Ikegwuonu, Wisconsin 5.35 Jr., 5.8-X 61. OLB Tavares Gooden, Miami (Fla.) 5.60 X, ILB 136. OLB Curtis Gatewood, Vanderbilt 5.35 DE 62. SS Marcellous “Tyrell” Johnson, Arkansas St. 5.60 137. CB Orlando Scandrick, Boise State 5.35 Jr., Ch. 63. SS Josh Barrett, Arizona State 5.59 138. OT Drew Radovich, USC 5.33 OG 64. OT Oniel Cousins, UTEP 5.59 OG 139. QB Dennis Dixon, Oregon 5.33 ATH, WR, X 65. TE Craig Stevens, California 5.59 140. OLB Bryan Kehl, Brigham Young 5.33 66. OLB Jordon Dizon, Colorado 5.59 ILB 141. WR Kenneth Moore, Wake Forest 5.33 RB 67. WR Earl Bennett, Vanderbilt 5.59 Jr. 142. CB Terrence Wheatley, Colorado 5.33 X 68. OLB Jerod Mayo, Tennessee 5.59 Jr., ILB 143. DT DeMario Pressley, North Carolina State 5.33 69. RB Tashard Choice, Georgia Tech 5.59 X 144. CB Trae Williams, South Florida 5.33 70. DE Kenny Iwebema, Iowa 5.55 145. C Steve Justice, Wake Forest 5.30 71. TE Brad Cottam, Tennessee 5.55 X 146. OT Geoff Schwartz, Oregon 5.30 LS

72. QB Joe Flacco, Delaware 5.55 147. OLB Marcus Howard, Georgia 5.30 DE PRINTOUT PLAYER 73. DE Jason Jones, Eastern Michigan 5.55 DT 148. OT Mike Gibson, California 5.30 OG 74. OG Chilo Rachal, USC 5.55 Jr. 149. OLB Curtis Johnson, Clark Atlanta 5.30 DE 75. DT Marcus Harrison, Arkansas 5.55 Ch., X 150. C Kory Lichtensteiger, Bowling Green 5.30

www.profootballweekly.com GLOSSARY 2008 LO 3/5/08 2:42 PM Page 196

196 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW GLOSSARYGLOSSARY Anchor — the ability to hold one’s ground and not be Flips his hips — how a player turns his hips. moved. Fluid in the hips — player can turn his body with a fluid Backed-off man coverage — man-on-man pass cover- motion. age in which the defensive back lines up several yards off Foot athlete — refers to how athletic a player is with his the line of scrimmage. It’s the opposite of press coverage or foot movements. bump-and-run coverage. Fringe player — in defensive terminology, it refers to a Ball skills — refers to how well a player reacts to the ball player who’s always on the fringe of the action but never in when it’s in the air; natural instinctiveness for the ball. the midst of the heavy hitting. From a roster standpoint, it Bandit — combination safety-linebacker. refers to a player who will have a difficult time making a Bird-dog — a quarterback’s tendency to keep his eyes team. glued on an intended receiver throughout his pattern, rather Gathers to cut — see “Chops stride.” than looking away from him and toward different receivers. Gets through trash — moves well around pileups of play- Bird-dogging tends to tip off the defensive players as to ers to make plays. where the pass will be thrown. Gets walked back — gets pushed back by a defender. Blind side — the side of the backfield on which the quar- Gunner — furthest outside position on special teams. Typ- terback has less-than-optimal vision when setting to throw; ically the first man downfield to cover a kick. the side opposite from his throwing arm. Hand punch — the way an offensive lineman punches Block-down tackling — type of tackling in which the tack- with his hands when blocking an opponent. ler takes down a ballcarrier with a shoulder block, as Hangs in plant — refers to a defensive back who hesi- opposed to form, wrap-up tackling. tates in planting his feet and driving on the ball. Blocky — bulky, thick body. Hang time — the length of time that elapses from when Body catches — when a receiver cradles the ball against the ball comes off a kicker’s foot until it touches a player or his body rather than snatching it cleanly out of the air with his the ground. hands. High-cut — high-waisted; having long legs and a short Body lean — a player with good body lean runs with his upper body. body leaning forward so that he falls forward when tackled. High-pin technique — a blocking technique in which an Break down — get into the proper position to make a offensive lineman tries to pin his man in an upright position. tackle or block. Highpoint the ball — getting to the ball at its highest Bring his feet along with him — keep his feet under- point. neath him when blocking. Hip snap — the way a player comes off the snap of the Bubble butt — large buttocks and thigh area; considered ball. a positive. Home-run hitter — one who is capable of breaking a big Bull-rush — straight-ahead, power rush. play. Carries his pads well — doesn’t let his pads interfere Hook — the action of a lineman positioning himself in front with his speed, agility, etc. of a defender and preventing him from getting outside, often Center fielder — a safety who’s given the freedom to done by a tight end on an outside linebacker. roam the field, or one who’s adept at doing so. I & I — instincts and intelligence. Chops stride — refers to a receiver who cuts down on his In space/In air — in an open area of the field; usually on stride before making a break on a pattern. the defensive side of the ball. Climb the ladder — jump high for a pass. Juke — elusive move to avoid a tackler. Combination block — block on one defender carried out Keeps his feet clean — keeps blockers away from his in unison by two offensive linemen. feet and keeps his feet from getting tangled up in a mass of Combine — refers to the Scouting Combine held each bodies. February in Indianapolis, at which draft prospects are given Key and diagnose — read the keys of a developing play medical and skill exams. and diagnose what is about to happen. Come to balance — Chopping feet and breaking down Killer — a positive in a football sense in that it refers to a from full speed often to make a tackle or block. very aggressive player with a mean streak. Contact balance — a player with good contact balance Knee-bender — a player who bends his knees rather than often maintains his balance despite contact with an oppo- his waist; usually considered a positive. nent. Light in the pegs — skinny legs. Cut/Cut-block — block below the knees; defensive line- Long acceleration/Long gear — the ability of a player to men who frequently “get cut” are, in other words, having dif- run faster the farther he goes, as opposed to those who can ficulty avoiding cut blocks. run fast for only a short distance. Cuts through trash — moves well around pileups of play- Long-strider — a player who takes long steps instead of ers to make plays. quick ones and, thus, tends to move slower into and out of Dime — situational pass defense featuring six defensive his breaks. backs. Loose hips — flexible quality; a positive. Does not play to his timed speed — does not play as Low-block shield — the ability of a defensive player to fast as his 40-time would suggest. keep blockers away from his knees. Double catches — bobbles the ball and then catches it, Lower unit — lower body. rather than snatching it cleanly. Man-off coverage — man-on-man pass coverage when a Down block — a block thrown from the outside across a defender is backed off the line of scrimmage, as opposed to defender’s feet to cut off his pursuit angle, as opposed to a tight bump-and-run coverage. straight-ahead block. Mike — middle linebacker. GLOSSARY Drop outside linebacker — an OLB who drops into cov- Mirror — shadow; stay in front of. erage to defend against a pass. Motor — refers to a player’s degree of intensity on the Edge pass rusher — outside rusher. field. Flashes — shows ability sporadically. NCAA Clearinghouse — the body that makes final deci- Flattens out — turns in on the quarterback. sions regarding a player’s eligibility.

www.profootballweekly.com GLOSSARY 2008LO3/5/082:42PMPage197 stride. through gaps, asopposedtotakingonblockers. than laterally. good base, goodbalanceandwithoutoverextending. er frombehind. on running downs.on running ments andtechniquesinpractice tohoneone’s skills. sive. from thequick-twitch muscle fiberthatmakes players explo- a positionotherthantheonehegenerally played incollege. time before heiscapable ofplaying intheNFL. regularly orviceversa.scrimmage, downfield andthenprogressing back toward thelineof defensive keys inaspecificsequence, suchasbeginning indecidingwhichreceiverthe quarterback, tothrow to, reads ing onoffensive linementokeep themaway fromhisbody. the line of scrimmage (i.e., bump-and-runthe lineofscrimmage coverage). football playing strength. uc;consideredanegative for alineman. punch; ing himtoloseleverage. that willjaranopponent. play isblown dead. ly. mage laterally, asopposedtoup anddown thefieldvertical- et whoarethatbigandyet canplay football atahighlevel. overextend. with agoodbaseorweight balanced,soasnotto usuallyrefers toalineman. him; opponent togetunderneath rather thanastand-upposition. roam thefield,orasafety who’s adeptatdoingso. as arunner. ing thecourseofaction. glance. speed for timingpurposes. more invasive methods. surgery Itusuallyinvolves recovery timethan ashorter instrument. examination ofajointwithspecialsurgical oftheinterior backs. Run through theball Run-through linebacker Runs north-south Runs behindpads Run-down speed Run-down player Road grader Repetitions/Reps Rag-dolled R and Quick-twitch player Quick-hipped Projection pick Project Progression reads Press onblockers Press coverage Power train Plays withlighthands Plays withinhimself Plays withhispadstoohigh Plays withheavy hands Plays untilhehears glassbreak Plays thepiano Planet person Plays over (oron)hisfeet/Plays over hispads Plays high/Plays tall Plays down Plays centerfield Pins Pick andslide Pad level On thehoof Nubs Nifty Nickel Scope Sam — legs. — strong-sidelinebacker. — agile. — typeofshoethatusuallyimproves aplayer’s — situationalpassdefense featuring five defensive — refers toanarthroscopy, whichisthevisual — aplayer whowillrequiresubstantialpractice — abilitytoreadandreact. — theheightandangleofaplayer’s padsdur- — tossedaround. — Lower andcentral body asitrelatesto — plays fromathree-orfour-point stance — Initialimpressionofplayer basedonfirst — A very wide-bodied,powerful— Avery blocker. — can turn hishipsquickly.— canturn — there are very few— therearevery peopleonthisplan- — theabilitytoseeblocks andpick holes — aplayer whomay beselectedtoplay — refers toadefensive back liningupon — plays upanddown thelineofscrim- — the speed necessary tocatchaplay- — thespeednecessary — onewhoisbest-suitedtoplay only — theactofrepeatingvarious move- — refers toadefensive linemanpress- — thefreedomgiven toasafety to — runs toward— runs thegoallinerather — systemmostclubsusewhereby uswt odfr;i.e., witha withgoodform; — runs uc eco.Meaningstems — Aquick reactor. — plays withinhisability. — catchtheballwithoutbreaking — plays allowing an tooupright, — alinebacker whotendstorun — hasnoforce withhishand — hasaforceful handpunch — plays caus- tooupright, — won’t stopuntilthe 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW — plays man works the fringes insteadofattacking thefringes straightman works ahead. ally consideredwasted motion. gener- beforeman cocking hisarm hedelivers block; arun hna h ne;it’s usuallyconsideredanegative. than attheknees; side linebacker whennotightendisacrossfromhim. opponent linedupdirectlyacrossfromhim,suchasanout- (strong) side. end, whichcontainsfewer inlineblockers thantheopposite defense can’t getthroughtotheballcarrier. drive-blocking throughanopponent,tocreate awall sothe tocover back arunning splitwide. “walk offoncoverage” alinebacker sometimeswill position tocover anotherplayer; cover two gapsintheoffensive line. secondary. so hecancover receivers goingtothedeepoutsideof This typeofcoverage requiresasafety tohave alotofrange safety isresponsible ofthefield. for halfofthedeepportion the opposite(weak) side. tight endislinedup, makingfor moreinlineblockers thanon him. on ablocker anddefeat around him,asopposedtorunning end andoutsidelinebacker. falls inagray areabetween two positions, suchasdefensive tight coverage. DB canmake thistransition, themorelikely hewillmaintain Themoresmoothlya tocoversprint areceiver goingdeep. sive back comesoutofhisbackpedal andswitches toa yards). straight linebut hastrouble makingcuts. pushed back. and disengage. to helpthem. backers play directlyinback ofthedefensive linemen,soas responsible for alimitedareaofthefield. tance between himselfandthedefender onapasspattern. to seebeyond ablock andreacttowhatiscoming. blockers, asopposedtotakingthemon. the balltoeachoftwo sidelines.) makes for inthedistancefromspotof agreater disparity closertothesidelinesthaninNFL,which at hashmarks (Incollegefootball, theballisspotted wide sideofthefield. Work ontherush theedges Walk offoncoverage Waist-bender Will cock before hethrows Will Weak side Wall off noee/rtce/s air Uncovered/Protected/vs. Two-gap Take onandshed Swingman Top-end speed Tilt Two-deep zone Tweener Triangle numbers Transition Straight-line player Strong side Stay frontal Stack thepoint Stack andshed Smashmouth Small-area player Slide Slew-footed Shake-and-bake Separate/Separation Sell out See through blocks Second level Stack Split high Split guard/Split tackle Scrape andsift — see “Body lean.” — weak-side linebacker. — move laterally. — adefensive alignmentinwhichoneormoreline- — to sacrifice one’s— tosacrifice body. — touseone’s bodyasashield,rather than — refers totheabilityofadefensive linemanto — player whoseprojectedpositionintheNFL — Long legs, shorter upperbody.— Longlegs, shorter — usuallyrefers tothepointatwhichadefen- — thesideofoffensive linewithoutatight — onewhocanplay morethanoneposition. — stay infrontofopponent. — Feet pointslightlyoutward. — thesideofoffensive linewherethe — down thefield. — physical styleofplay. — aplayer whobendsatthewaist rather — theway inwhichalinebacker willavoid — toholdthepointofattack andnotget — typeofzone coverage inwhicheach — totake onablocker, locatetheball — quick, elusive moves. — long-distancespeed(beyond 20 — size, speedandstrength. — aplayer whoiseffective onlywhen — adefensive player’s abilitytotake — onewhoiseffective ina running — theabilityofadefensive lineman www.profootballweekly.com — abilityofareceiver toputdis- — moving outsideofhisnormal — aplayer wholinesuponthe — refers toanoffensive line- — whenaplayer hasno — whenadefensive line- 197 GLOSSARY GLOSSARY PLAYER INDEX 2008 LO 3/5/08 6:25 PM Page 198

198 2008 DRAFT PREVIEW PLAYERPLAYER INDEXINDEX PLAYER, SCHOOL ...... PAGE Brown, Chris, Tennessee ...... 66 Davis, Kellen, Michigan State ...... 67 Grant, Larry, Ohio State ...... 128 Abdullah, Husain, Washington State ...... 142 Brown, Cornelius, Missouri ...... 144 Dawson, Calvin, Louisiana-Monroe ...... 22 Grant, Michael, Arkansas ...... 150 Adams, Chester, Georgia ...... 73 Brown, Duane, Virginia Tech...... 76 DeCoud, Thomas, California...... 147 Greco, John, Toledo ...... 82 Adams, Jamar, Michigan...... 142 Brown, Ike, Central Michigan ...... 145 Demps, Quintin, UTEP ...... 148 Green-Ellis, BenJarvus, Mississippi ...... 23 Adibi, Xavier, Virginia Tech ...... 121 Brown, Keith, Alabama ...... 44 DeVan, Kyle, Oregon State...... 80 Grice-Mullen, Ryan, Hawaii ...... 49 Ainge, Erik, Tennessee ...... 6 Brown, Kerry, Appalachian State ...... 77 Dingle, Johnny, West Virginia ...... 100 Griffin, Marcus, Texas ...... 151 Albert, Branden, Virginia...... 73 Brown, Thomas, Georgia ...... 19 Dixon, Dennis, Oregon ...... 9 Groves, Quentin, Auburn ...... 128 Allen, Steve, West Texas A&M ...... 121 Brown, Titus, Mississippi State ...... 97 Dixon, Marcus, Hampton ...... 100 Guion, Letroy, Florida State ...... 105 Alridge, Anthony, Houston ...... 39 Brown, Travis, New Mexico ...... 44 Dizer, DeMichael, Grambling State...... 148 Gunheim, Greyson, Washington ...... 106 Amendola, Danny, Texas Tech ...... 39 Brown, Trey, UCLA ...... 145 Dizon, Jordon, Colorado ...... 126 Guyton, Gary, Georgia Tech ...... 128 Anderson, L.J., Central Florida ...... 74 Bryant, Dorien, Purdue ...... 44 Doggett, Derrick, Oregon State ...... 148 Arrington, Adrian, Michigan ...... 40 Bryant, Joseph “Red,” Texas A&M ...... 97 Donovan, Tyler, Wisconsin ...... 10 Hale, David, Weber State ...... 83 Arthur, Jabari, Akron...... 40 Bugg, Tim, Indiana ...... 169 Dorsey, Glenn, LSU ...... 100 Hall, Alex, St. Augustine’s (N.C.)...... 106 Atchison, Andrew, William & Mary ...... 64 Buggs, Marcus, Vanderbilt ...... 123 Dotson, Lionel, Arizona...... 101 Hall, D.J., Alabama ...... 49 Avery, Donnie, Houston ...... 40 Bujnoch, Glenn “Digger,” Cincinnati ...... 77 Doucet, Early, LSU ...... 47 Hall, Vince, Virginia Tech...... 129 Avril, Cliff, Purdue ...... 122 Bumpus, Michael, Washington State ...... 45 Douglas, Harry, Louisville ...... 47 Hardie, Rudolph, Howard ...... 106 Burnett, Martail, Utah ...... 98 Dragosavich, Mike, North Dakota State ..170 Hardy, James, Indiana ...... 49 Baker, Sam, USC ...... 74 Burton, Keenan, Kentucky ...... 45 Dunbar, Franklin, Middle Tennessee...... 81 Harper, Justin, Virginia Tech ...... 50 Ball, Lance, Maryland ...... 18 Butler, Ezra, Nevada ...... 124 Dunbar, Jolonn, Boston College ...... 126 Harrington, Chris, Texas A&M...... 106 Balmer, Kentwan, North Carolina ...... 96 Dunlap, John, North Carolina State ...... 47 Harrison, Marcus, Arkansas ...... 107 Banks, Gary, Troy ...... 41 Caldwell, Andre “Bubba,” Florida ...... 46 Dunlap, King, Auburn ...... 81 Hart, Mike, Michigan ...... 23 Banks, James, Carson-Newman (Tenn.) ....41 Callender, Andre, Boston College...... 20 Dykes, Keilen, West Virginia ...... 102 Hartley, Garrett, Oklahoma ...... 170 Barber, Dominique, Minnesota ...... 143 Campbell, Calais, Miami (Fla.) ...... 98 Harvey, Derrick, Florida ...... 107 Barnidge, Gary, Louisville...... 64 Campbell, Caleb, Army...... 145 Edwards, Clyde, Grambling State...... 48 Hauschka, Steven, North Carolina St. ....170 Barrett, Josh, Arizona State ...... 143 Carlson, John, Notre Dame ...... 66 Ellis, Chris, Virginia Tech...... 102 Hawkins, Lavelle, California ...... 50 Barton, Kirk, Ohio State ...... 75 Carmody, Art, Louisville ...... 169 Ellis, Sedrick, USC ...... 102 Hayden, Nick, Wisconsin ...... 108 Bell, Beau, UNLV ...... 122 Carter, Patrick, Louisville ...... 46 Ervin, Allen, Lambuth ...... 22 Hayes, Geno, Florida State...... 129 Bell, Demetrius, Northwestern State ...... 75 Carvalho, Brennen, Portland State ...... 77 Haynos, Joey, Maryland ...... 68 Benedict, Heath, Newberry (S.C.) ...... 75 Cason, Antoine, Arizona ...... 146 Faaeteete, David, Oregon...... 103 Hefney, Jonathan, Tennessee...... 151 Bennett, Cole, Auburn...... 65 Castelo, Matt, San Jose State ...... 124 Fagg, De’Cody, Florida State ...... 48 Henderson, Erin, Maryland...... 129 Bennett, Earl, Vanderbilt ...... 41 Castille, Simeon, Alabama ...... 146 Feliciano, Carlos, Maryland ...... 103 Henne, Chad, Michigan ...... 11 Bennett, Martellus, Texas A&M...... 65 Caulcrick, Jehuu, Michigan State ...... 20 Felton, Jerome, Furman ...... 22 Henry, Marcus, Kansas...... 50 Bernadeau, Mackenzy, Bentley (Mass.) ....75 Charles, Jamaal, Texas...... 20 Felton, Robert, Arkansas ...... 81 Hester, Jacob, LSU ...... 24 Bernard, Yvenson, Oregon State ...... 18 Cherilus, Gosder, Boston College...... 77 Fields, Joe, Syracuse ...... 148 Highsmith, Ali, LSU...... 130 Bess, Davone, Hawaii ...... 42 Choice, Tashard, Georgia Tech...... 21 Fine, Derek, Kansas ...... 68 Hightower, Tim, Richmond ...... 24 Betschart, Wade, Wyoming...... 65 Chukwu, George, Rice ...... 98 Finley, Jermichael, Texas ...... 68 Hill, Nick, Southern Illinois ...... 11 Biermann, Kroy, Montana ...... 123 Clady, Ryan, Boise State ...... 78 Finley, Joe Jon, Oklahoma ...... 68 Hilliard, Lex, Montana ...... 25 Bishop, Adam, Nevada ...... 65 Clark, Corey, Texas A&M ...... 78 Flacco, Joe, Delaware...... 10 Hillis, Peyton, Arkansas ...... 25 Blackman, Darrell, North Carolina State....42 Clark, Devin, New Mexico...... 78 Fladell, Mike, Rutgers ...... 82 Hills, Tony, Texas ...... 83 Blair, James, Western Michigan ...... 76 Clebert, Richard, South Florida ...... 99 Flowers, Brandon, Virginia Tech ...... 149 Hines, Mario, Robert Morris ...... 51 Blake, Tommy, TCU...... 96 Clermond, Joe, Pittsburgh ...... 99 Fluellen, Andre, Florida State ...... 103 Hocker, Bruce, Duquesne...... 51 Blythe, Todd, Iowa State ...... 42 Cohen, Landon, Ohio ...... 99 Flynn, Matt, LSU ...... 10 Hoke, Anthony, Cincinnati ...... 130 Boatman, Shannon, Florida State ...... 76 Coleman, Marcus, Wisconsin ...... 79 Fontenot, Wilrey, Arizona ...... 149 Holmes, Louis, Arizona...... 108 Bonner, Brian, TCU...... 143 Collins, Anthony, Kansas ...... 80 Forsett, Justin, California ...... 22 Horton, Chris, UCLA...... 151 Booker, Barry, Virginia Tech ...... 97 Collins, Jed, Washington State ...... 66 Forté, Matt, Tulane ...... 23 Howard, Marcus, Georgia ...... 131 Booker, John, San Jose State ...... 76 Connor, Dan, Penn State ...... 124 Foster, Eric, Rutgers ...... 104 Hubbard, Paul, Wisconsin...... 51 Booty, John David, USC ...... 7 Corner, Reggie, Akron ...... 146 Franklin, William, Missouri ...... 48 Humpal, Mike, Iowa ...... 131 Bowen, Alvin, Iowa State ...... 123 Cottam, Brad, Tennessee ...... 67 Hyman, Josh, Virginia Tech...... 51 Bowman, Adarius, Oklahoma State ...... 43 Cousins, Oniel, UTEP...... 80 Gaines, Jerrid, Miami (Ohio)...... 149 Bowman, Zackary, Nebraska ...... 144 Coutu, Brandon, Georgia ...... 169 Garcon, Pierre, Mount Union ...... 48 Ikegwuonu, Jack, Wisconsin ...... 152 Boyd, Cory, South Carolina ...... 19 Cowan, Joe, UCLA ...... 46 Gardner, Isaiah, Maryland ...... 150 Irizarry, Louis, Youngstown State ...... 69 Bracey, Greg, Missouri ...... 43 Cox, Brandon, Auburn ...... 9 Garner, Nate, Arkansas ...... 82 Iwebema, Kenny, Iowa ...... 108 Bradford, Brian, Towson ...... 123 Cox, Kennard, Pittsburgh ...... 147 Gatewood, Curtis, Vanderbilt ...... 127 Bradford, Mark, Stanford...... 43 Cox, Mike, Georgia Tech...... 21 Geathers, Jeremy, UNLV...... 104 Jackson, Chevis, LSU...... 152 Branch, Tyvon, Connecticut ...... 144 Crable, Shawn, Michigan ...... 99 Gholston, Vernon, Ohio State ...... 104 Jackson, DeSean, California...... 52 Breazell, Brandon, UCLA ...... 44 Craig, Angelo, Cincinnati ...... 125 Giacomini, Breno, Louisville ...... 82 Jackson, Dexter, Appalachian State ...... 52 Brennan, Colt, Hawaii ...... 7 Crummey, Andrew, Maryland ...... 80 Gibson, Mike, California ...... 82 Jackson, Lawrence, USC ...... 109

PLAYER INDEX PLAYER Brink, Alex, Washington State ...... 8 Gilberry, Wallace, Alabama...... 105 Jackson, Malik, Louisville ...... 131 Brittingham, Jamar, Bloomsburg (Pa.) ...... 19 Davis, Bruce, UCLA ...... 125 Godfrey, Charles, Iowa ...... 150 Jackson, Rob, Kansas State...... 109 Brohm, Brian, Louisville ...... 8 Davis, Dowayne, Syracuse ...... 147 Goff, Jonathan, Vanderbilt...... 127 James, Robert, Arizona State...... 132 Brooks, Durant, Georgia Tech...... 169 Davis, Fred, USC ...... 67 Gooden, Tavares, Miami (Fla.) ...... 127 Jenkins, Darnell, Miami (Fla.) ...... 53

www.profootballweekly.com PLAYER INDEX2008LO3/5/086:25PMPage199 cadn arn rass...... 28 McFadden, Darren,Arkansas ...... 86 McDuffie, Clemson Chris, ...... 112 McCray, Teraz, Miami(Fla.) ...... 112 McClinton, James, Kansas ...... 136 McClain, Jameel, Syracuse McBride, Shaheer, Delaware State...... 56 ...... 28 McAnderson, Brandon, Kansas Mayo, ...... 136 Jerod, Tennessee ...... 112 Iowa Mattison, Bryan, ...... 135 Carolina Mapp, Durell,North ...... 86 Manu, Nevada Charles, ...... 55 Manningham, Mario, Michigan Magro, ...... 135 Marc, West Virginia ...... 155 Lynch, Corey, AppalachianState ...... 155 Lyles, Nate, Virginia ...... 28 Lumpkin, Kregg,Georgia ...... 28 Lumbala, Rolly, Idaho ...... 155 Lowery, Dwight,SanJoseState ...... 170 Xavier (Ill.) Longest, Shane, St...... 85 Long, Jake, Michigan ...... 111 Long, Chris, Virginia ...... 111 Lokey, Derek, Texas ...... 134 Oklahoma Lofton, Curtis, ...... 27 Little, Rafael, Kentucky ...... 70 Brad, Massachusetts Listorti, ...... 85 Lindner, Matty, TCU Lichtensteiger, ...... 84 Kory, Bowling Green ...... 134 Leman, J, Illinois ...... 84 Legursky, Doug,Marshall ...... 55 Leggett, Lance, Miami(Fla.) ...... 13 Lee, Xavier, State Florida ...... 154 Lee, Patrick, Auburn Laws, Trevor, NotreDame...... 110 ...... 27 Lawrence, Matt,Massachusetts ...... 27 Lattimore, Keon, Maryland ...... 134 Larsen, Spencer, Arizona ...... 110 Langford, Kendall, Hampton ...... 110 Lafaele, Michael,Hawaii Kraus, Adam,Michigan...... 84 ...... 26 Kinlaw, Rodney, Penn State ...... 154 King, Justin, Penn State ...... 154 Keyes, Dennis, UCLA Kelly, Malcolm,Oklahoma...... 54 ...... 12 Keller, Sam,Nebraska ...... 69 Keller, Dustin,Purdue ...... 84 Iowa Keith, Brandon, Northern ...... 133 Kehl, BYU Bryan, Keglar, Stanford, Purdue...... 133 Kapanui, Kolo, West Texas A&M...... 69 ...... 83 Justice, Steve, Wake Forest California...... 54 Jordan, Robert, ...... 133 Jones, Jeremy, UTEP Jones, Michigan...... 109 Jason, Eastern ...... 26 Jones, Felix, Arkansas ...... 153 Joiner, Tony,Florida ...... 109 Gardner-Webb Johnston, Brian, ...... 153 Johnson, Tyrell,State Arkansas Johnson, Steve, Kentucky...... 53 ...... 132 Johnson, Rodrick, OklahomaState ...... 12 Johnson, Josh,SanDiego ...... 53 Johnson, Jaymar, Jackson State ...... 132 Clark-Atlanta Johnson, Curtis, ...... 25 EastCarolina Johnson, Chris, Jenkins, Mike, SouthFlorida...... 152 2008 DRAFTPREVIEW aoih rw S ...... 89 Radovich, Drew, USC ...... 89 Rachal, Chilo, USC Purify, Nebraska...... 58 Maurice, ....116 Pressley, CarolinaSt. DeMario, North ...... 116 Powell, VirginiaTech Carlton, ...... 159 Porter, Tracy,Indiana ...... 138 Poppinga, Kelly, BYU ...... 89 Polumbus, Tyler,Colorado ...... 88 Pollak, Mike, State Arizona ...... 158 Phillips, Kenny, Miami(Fla.) ....70 Peterson, St. Mike, Missouri Northwest ...... 58 Paysinger, Oregon Brian, ...... 158 Patrick, Dominic, Arizona Patrick, Allen,Oklahoma...... 32 ...... 31 Parmele, Jalen, Toledo Parker,D.J., ...... 158 VirginiaTech Owens, Jacob, Fairmont State(W.Va.) ....116 ...... 88 Otah, Jeff, Pittsburgh ...... 15 Ostrander, T.C.,Stanford Nick, SanDiegoState...... 115 Osborn, Chase, Ortiz, TCU...... 115 ...... 31 Omon, Xavier, St. Missouri Northwest Oliver, Adamm,Georgia ...... 115 Tech ...... 115 Okam, Frank, Texas ...... 137 Octavien, Steve, Nebraska O’Connell, Kevin, SanDiegoState...... 14 ...... 114 Nwagbuo, Ogemdi,MichiganState ...... 114 Norwell, Illinois Chris, ...... 87 Nicks, Nebraska Carl, Nelson, Jordy, KansasState...... 57 ...... 158 Nakamura, Cincinnati Haruki, ...... 137 Myles, Lamar, Louisville ...... 137 Mustin, Darren,Alabama ...... 114 Murray, New Maurice, Mexico State ...... 87 Murphy, Shawn, UtahState Frank,Morton, ...... 114 Tulane ...... 87 Morse, Derrick, Miami(Fla.) ...... 14 Marshall Bernard, Morris, ...... 57 Josh, VirginiaTech Morgan, ..157 CarolinaState Morgan, DaJuan, North Morelli, Anthony, Penn State...... 13 ...... 57 Moore, Kenneth, Wake Forest ...... 157 Moore, Kareem, NichollsState ...... 31 Moore, Greg,Cincinnati ...... 56 Moore, Evan, Stanford ...... 113 Moore, Dre, Maryland ...... 56 Monk, Marcus, Arkansas ...... 157 Kentucky Molden, Antwaun, Eastern ...... 137 Moffitt, Ben,SouthFlorida Mitchell, Kevin, Illinois...... 156 Mitchell, Blake, SouthCarolina...... 13 Millington, Akim,Illinois...... 87 ...... 113 Miller, Brandon, Georgia Meyer, Bret,Iowa State...... 13 Messam, Jerome, Graceland (Iowa)...... 30 ...... 113 Phillip,Merling, Clemson ...... 30 Mendenhall, Rashard,Illinois Mehlhaff, Taylor,Wisconsin...... 171 ...... 87 Medder, Florida Carlton, ...... 30 McRae, Kalvin,Ohio ...... 156 McKinney, Justin, KansasState ...... 156 McKelvin, Leodis, Troy ...... 86 McGlynn, Mike, Pittsburgh Simmons, Shane, ...... 161 Silva, Jamie, BostonCollege ...... 118 Shirley, Jason, Fresno State ...... 60 Richmond Shields, Arman, ...... 71 Sherry, Matt, Villanova ...... 161 Glenn,Miami(Fla.) Sharpe, ...... 171 Alexis,Serna, OregonState ...... 92 Sene, Stephen,Liberty Scott, Trevor, ...... 117 Buffalo Kentucky...... 92 Scott, Eric, ...... 91 Geoff,Schwartz, Oregon ...... 91 Schuening, Roy, OregonState ...... 171 Schmitt, Tyler, SanDiegoState ...... 33 Schmitt, Owen, West Virginia Scandrick, Orlando, BoiseState...... 160 ...... 33 Savage, Dantrell,OklahomaState Satele, Hercules, Hawaii...... 91 Santos, Ricky, New Hampshire...... 15 ...... 71 Santi, Tom, Virginia ...... 60 UTEP Sam, Lorne, ...... 15 Ryan, Matt,Boston College ...... 70 Rucker, Missouri Martin, ...... 117 Rubin, Ahtyba,Iowa State ...... 60 Eddie,Royal, VirginiaTech tn,Mru,NrhCrln tt ...... 71 CarolinaState Stone, Marcus, North Jonathan,Oregon...... 35 Stewart, ...... 93 LSU Carnell, Stewart, ...... 35 Auburn Carl, Stewart, ...... 71 Stevens, Craig, California ...... 162 Steltz, Craig, LSU ...... 93 Spieker, Adam,Missouri ...... 92 Spanos, Matt,USC ...... 92 Sosa, Pedro, Rutgers ...... 61 Smith, Taj,Syracuse Smith, Reggie, Oklahoma...... 161 ...... 16 Smith, Paul, Tulsa ...... 61 Smith, Marcus, New Mexico ...... 35 Smith, Kevin, Central Florida Smith, Henry, ...... 119 Texas A&M ...... 119 OregonState Smith, Dorian, McNeeseState...... 119 Smith, Bryan, Smith, Adrain, BethelCollege(Tenn.)...... 34 Slaton, Steve, West Virgina...... 34 ...... 118 Sims, Pat, Auburn ...... 61 Simpson, Jerome, CoastalCarolina ...... 33 Simpson, Chad,MorganState Rodgers-Cromartie, Dominique, Rodgers-Cromartie, Tenn St Western Washington ....139 www.profootballweekly.com ..160 od rno,AioaSae...... 91 Rodd, Brandon, ArizonaState Robinson, Will, SanDiegoState...... 90 ...... 117 Robinson, Nate, Akron Robinson, Kevin, UtahState...... 59 ...... 117 Darrell,Georgia Robertson, Tech ...... 159 Roach, David, TCU ...... 138 Rivers, Keith, USC ...... 59 Rivers, Jason, Hawaii Iowa...... 90 Chad,Northern Rinehart, ...... 159 Richardson, Matterral, Arkansas ...... 138 Richardson, Marcus, Troy ...... 90 Richardson, Barry, Clemson ...... 90 Richard, Jamey, Buffalo ...... 32 Rice, Ray, Rutgers ...... 116 Reynolds, Antonio, Tennessee ...... 59 Reynaud, Darius, West Virginia ...... 171 Reyer, Tim, KansasState ...... 59 Raymond, Paul, Brown ...... 32 Rankin, Louis, Washington uth eey ugr ...... 95 Zuttah, Jeremy, Rutgers ...... 168 Zenon, Jonathan,LSU ...... 168 Zbikowski, Tom, NotreDame Young, Eric, Tennessee...... 95 Young, Iowa...... 38 Albert, ...... 17 Kyle,Wright, Miami(Fla.) ...... 141 Woodyard, Wesley,Kentucky ...... 17 Woodson, Andre’,Kentucky ...... 167 Wolfe, D.J., Oklahoma Stillman(Ala.)...... 167 Witherspoon, Brian, ...... 167 Williams, Trae, SouthFlorida ...... 141 USC Williams, Thomas, ...... 166 Williams, Roger, State Florida ...... 166 Williams, Jack, Kent State Williams, Ed,Lane(Tenn.)...... 63 ...... 94 Williams, Chris, Vanderbilt ...... 166 Williams, Bobbie, Bethune-Cookman Wilhite, Jonathan,Auburn...... 166 ...... 165 Widemon, Alton,Baylor Wheeler, Philip, Georgia Tech...... 140 Wheatley, ...... 165 Terrence,Colorado ...... 63 West, Joe, UTEP ...... 165 Watts, Marcus, KansasState ...... 140 Watkins, Nick, Clemson ...... 38 Washington, Chauncey, USC Washington, Bobby, ...... 38 Kentucky Eastern ...... 164 Warrick, Nehemiah,MichiganState Wallace, Cody, ...... 94 Texas A&M Walker, Marcus, Oklahoma...... 164 ...... 140 Vobora, David, Idaho ...... 94 Velasco, Fernando, Georgia ...... 63 Mario,Urrutia, Louisville ...... 94 Tunney, Eric,Central Michigan Tuminello, Kevin, Georgia Tech...... 93 ...... 164 Tryon, Justin, ArizonaState Tribble, DeJuan, BostonCollege...... 163 ...... 37 Torain, Ryan, State Arizona ...... 120 Thompson, Josh,Auburn ...... 120 Thompson, Jeremy, Wake Forest ...... 163 Thomas, Terrell,USC ...... 37 Thomas, Marcus, UTEP Thomas, Jamario, ...... 37 North Texas ...... 93 Thomas, Donald,Connecticut ...... 62 Thomas, Devin, MichiganState ...... 163 Terrell, Missouri Darnell, ...... 36 Temple, Tony,Missouri Taylor, ...... 120 Carolina Hilee, North Taylor, UCLA...... 139 Christian, ...... 72 Tamme, Jacob, Kentucky ...... 162 Talib, Aqib, Kansas Tafralis, Adam,SanJoseState...... 16 ...... 62 Sweed, Limas, Texas Swan, Luke, Wisconsin...... 62 Mississippi..162 Sumrall, Brandon, Southern ...... 93 Sullivan, John,NotreDame Stupar, Jonathan, Virginia...... 72 ...... 119 Studebaker, Andy, Wheaton (Ill.) Strong, Darrell,Pittsburgh...... 72 199 PLAYER INDEX PLAYER INDEX 200 AD Preview Fantasy 3/5/08 11:11 AM Page 200 COMINGCOMING SOON!SOON! 2008 Fantasy Football Guide

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