2008 NFL Draft Position
Rankings
Top 50 Players - No. 1 through No. 25
Rankings & Breakdowns
Top 50 Players - 1 to
25 |
Top 50 Players - 26 to 50
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Quarterbacks
Running Backs |
Wide Receivers
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Tight Ends
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Offensive Tackles
Offensive Guards |
Centers
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Defensive Ends
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Defensive Tackles
Linebackers |
Safeties
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Cornerbacks
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Punters & Kickers
By
Pete Fiutak
Here's how CFN ranks prospects on an overall basis. First, is he a
sure-thing starter? If there's any hesitation on this, he can't be taken
in the first round; the investment is simply too great. Second, how much
upside is there? Is the realistic ceiling the Pro Bowl or a cog in the
system? Third, flaming bust potential. Save the projects for the
mid-rounds. For example, North Carolina DT Kentwan Balmer is a YP, your
problem. If he's there in the middle of he second round, great. If you
want to take him in the first round and he turns into a superstar, hats
off to you. Simply put, the further away you get from the No. 1 overall
pick, the bigger the chance you can take.
And finally, the most important rule of all; if the guy was average in
college, he'll likely be a mediocre pro. This seems so basic, but this
simple concept gets lost in 40 times, bench presses and hip snaps. When
trying to decide between two players, go with the guy who proved he
could actually get it done.
1.
Glenn Dorsey, DT LSU
Everyone's trying to poke holes in a near-perfect prospect, but there
aren't any. An ultimate warrior who'll play through injury, pain, triple
teams, and everything you throw at him, he played over the second half
last year when most players who project to be a top five pick would've
sat out and not risked his future. Dorsey would've been fully justified
to sit out the rest of the year after the nasty chop block on his knee
against Auburn, but he ended up battling his way through the national
title season as the anchor of fantastic defense. Strong, agile, and as
hard a worker and as high a character guy as any in the draft, he's
exactly what you want in a leader. For some reason his height, at under
6-2, is a knock, but if anything that helps him with his leverage. Yes,
the durability concerns are legitimate, to a point, but it'll take
something serious to keep him off the field. He's a player you build a
defense around for the next ten years.
CFN Projection: Top Five Overall
2.
Vernon
Gholston, DE Ohio State
It's
all about the motor. If Gholston has the fire lit under him and goes
full-tilt all the time, he's the best defensive player in the draft and
he could be the best overall talent available. The question will be his
game-in-game-out consistency. Oh sure, when it's Monday Night Football
and the spotlight is on, he'll blow up and come up with the game needed
to make a big splash and create a Pro Bowl buzz, but will he show up for
that non-descript 1:00 early November game against Buffalo? Versatile
enough to be used as an outside linebacker and more than strong enough
to be an every down end, he can do it all for a defense and when he's
on, he'll be unstoppable. He has safety athleticism and proved at the
Combine he's as strong as any offensive lineman. While he's not the sure
thing Chris Long is, there's a much, much bigger upside.
CFN Projection: Top Ten Overall
3.
Jake
Long, OT Michigan
Huge,
tough, and surprisingly agile, Long's a mammoth all-around blocker who
does almost everything at a high level. Tremendously strong and with an
attitude that punishes defenders, he's a sure-thing NFL run blocker who
can step in on day one and produce. The big issue, for a player worthy
of a top selection and all the money that comes with it, is his
potential against speed rushers. He had a problem against Ohio State and
now he'll have to show he can consistently handle NFL ends with quick
first steps. He can step in right away and play right tackle; he'll make
a lot of money and will be paid a ton to not be a sure-thing left
tackle. That's not to say he can't play on the left side, but he might
be better on the right.
CFN Projection: Top Five Overall
4.
Chris
Long, DE Virginia
Motor, motor, motor, motor, motor. A natural pass rusher, Long is a
tremendous all-around end who can get into the backfield any time he
wants to and is a playmaker against the run. Even when nothing seems to
be happening, he finds a way to make a play on sheer drive and desire.
He got stuffed in the Gator Bowl loss to Texas Tech and there's a
question about just how good he'll be against the elite tackles. He'll
dominate from time to time at the NFL level when going against average
linemen, but he'll likely be erased by the top OTs. There's no real
downside; he'll be a sure-thing starter for the next ten years, but is
there any upside? Unlike Vernon Gholston, Phillip Merling or Calais
Campbell, what you see with Long might be exactly what you get. That's
not necessarily a bad thing.
CFN Projection: Top Ten Overall
5.
Ryan
Clady, OT Boise State
A little thought about recruit, Clady turned into pure gold for Boise
State as he was a dominant all-around blocker from the start. He proved
in the Fiesta Bowl win over Oklahoma that he could produce at the
highest level with a fantastic performance, and he was consistently
fantastic his entire career. Arguably the best pass blocker in the
draft, he's quick on his feet and can pound away when needed. Already a
great prospect, he could be a perennial Pro Bowl performer if he becomes
a bit more physical.
CFN Projection: First Round
6.
Rashard Mendenhall, RB Illinois
Back
in 1999, Ricky Williams was the sure-thing, must-have running back who
appeared to be the obvious choice as the first back taken. The Colts
made a big call by taking Edgerrin James fourth, with Williams going
fifth, and they turned out to be right. This might be the same dynamic
between Darren McFadden and Rashard Mendenhall. Late on the draft scene
with only one big year at Illinois, Mendenhall has some questions about
his long-term ability; why wasn't he a star right away? Whatever. While
not as fast as McFadden, he's fast enough with 4.45 wheels on a
225-pound frame. Very strong, very fast (just ask USC) and very good
both inside and out, he's about as sure a prospect as can be; at least
physically. The key will be how much he wants it. If he can find the
fire and the drive to be special, he'll be a yearly Pro Bowl performer.
CFN Projection: First Round
7.
Darren
McFadden, RB Arkansas
While
it might be easy to blow off the off-the-field issues and the character
questions, they do merit attention. Is he Rashaan Salaam/Curtis Enis
once he hits the big time? The speed is jaw-dropping, the burst and
quickness are phenomenal, and the college résumé is unquestioned.
Physically, at the next level, his issues could be with ball security
and getting into the open to make the long runs he'll need to make a big
impact. NFL backs don't get into the clear all that often; the breakaway
speed won't matter as much outside of roughly six times a year. Just ask
Reggie Bush. It'll be the ability to pound it inside on a regular basis
that'll be the key, and his upright running style will get him popped a
little too often. With his frame, body-type, and speed, he could be the
next Robert Smith. That's not a negative.
CFN Projection: Early First Round
8.
Sedrick Ellis, DT USC
Lost
in the Glenn Dorsey spotlight was the tremendous 2007 season had by
Ellis. A phenomenal interior pass rusher who took his game up another
level in his senior season, Ellis anchored the USC line and showed the
strength and toughness to handle double team after double team and still
produce. He's a more creative pass rusher than most ends and it a brick
wall against the run. He's not the warrior Dorsey is and he was too good
at getting into the backfield for his own good sometimes, missing out on
a few run stops here and there trying to get to the quarterback, but
he's strong, quick, and a rock to build around. In any other year he'd
be the tackle everyone would be raving about.
CFN Projection: Top Ten Overall
9.
Jonathan Stewart, RB Oregon
So he has a big toe problem. Injuries heal. A special back who could be
an elite difference maker for about ten games a season, it'll be the
other six games that'll be an issue. Sort of because the way he's built,
at 230 pounds, and with the way he cuts, he's always going to have
problems with ankle injuries. Backs his size who try to cut like Barry
Sanders simply don't hold up over the long haul without a variety of
problems. However, speed and quickness-wise, he's the total package. He
has the cutting ability to make defenders miss at the line, and the
breakaway speed to tear off yards in chunks once he gets to the second
level. He does everything well with the ability to catch out of the
backfield and be used on kickoff returns on a regular basis. While he
could be a workhorse who becomes a team's running game, he'll be
absolutely devastating over the long haul if he's the No. 1 back on a
team with a good No. 2 option to share a bit of the load.
CFN Projection: First Round
10.
Phillip Merling, DE Clemson
The
upside is limitless if a coaching staff is willing to be patient and
will work with him on becoming a more refined pass rusher. He's great at
getting to the quarterback and creating pressure, but he needs to become
a better closer, which likely would've happened if he had stayed for his
senior season. With excellent size, he can be a near-perfect end in a
4-3 and has the quickness to grow into a top pass rusher in a 3-4.
Always working and always on, he never dogs a play and is always going
full-tilt. While he was hurt and wasn't able to work out as expected
this off-season, that only got some teams
excited about the possibility to get him on the cheap. There's no real
downside, and he could become special in a few years.
CFN Projection: First Round
11.
Branden Albert, OG/OT Virginia
While
he's not D'Brickashaw Ferguson as far as a prospect, he has a lot in
common with the former Virginia star. Albert is a great athlete who only
cemented himself further as the top guard prospect in the draft with
some nice off-season workouts. Even though he has the range and the
moves to be a tackle, even on the left side, he could be a superstar if
he stays inside. A killer run blocker who started from day one, he can
be plugged into any NFL line and be a starter somewhere. It would be
nice if he had a little seasoning and he's a bit tall (6-7) for a guard,
but he has the potential to be a perennial Pro Bowler.
CFN Projection: Late First Round To Early Second Round
12.
Matt
Ryan, QB Boston College
Ryan
is tough as nails, a great leader, and a winner who'll make a Pro Bowl
or three, but he's not a once-in-a-generation type. While he's
considered head-and-shoulders ahead of everyone else in the race to be
the top NFL quarterback prospect in this year's draft, he's not a
supreme talent like a Peyton Manning or Troy Aikman, and he doesn't do
anything special like a JaMarcus Russell or Michael Vick. However, he's
not David Carr or Alex Smith. Tall, mobile, smart, and with the poise
and the skills to be a productive pro for the next ten years, there's no
real downside; he looks the part. However, he's not the type of
quarterback who'll carry an NFL team to greatness on his own, but he
could eventually take a very good team over the top. Interceptions were
a problem when he tried to do too much on his own, and he didn't handle
the pressure well when defenses were able to hit him on a regular basis.
Then again, neither did Tom Brady in the Super Bowl.
CFN Projection: First Round
13.
Brian
Brohm, QB Louisville
The
brother of former New York Jet Jeff Brohm was groomed to be a pro
passer. He's as NFL ready as any quarterback prospect having been a star
for his entire career. The pressure was on from day one to produce, and
he did. He's not the greatest athlete and his arm is just average, but
he can make the throws needed. The big issue will be his durability.
While he's an abnormally quick healer, he suffered a few major injuries
throughout his career and can't be counted on for a full 16-game NFL
slate. He took his lumps in a disappointing senior season, at least for
Louisville, and that could be a good thing; he never quit on his team
during a dud year.
CFN Projection: Late First Round
14.
Felix Jones, RB Arkansas
He'll be
the back for someone trying to get a speed runner on the cheap. Don't
want to pay the high price to get a McFadden, Mendenhall or Stewart?
Then wait for Jones and roll the dice on a jack-of-all-trades back with
a ton of tread on the tires and devastating breakaway speed. The big
question is whether or not he's a workhorse No. 1 back. He wasn't in
college and he's not built like a 25-carry-a-game NFL runner. Ideally he
fills a Reggie Bush role on a team with a Deuce McAllister and is used
to run and catch on the outside and not between the tackles. With his
ability to go from 0-to-60 in a heartbeat, he's the type of player who
makes offensive coordinators drool at the possibilities. He'll be a fun
toy to play with.
CFN Projection: Late First Round To Early Second
Round
15.
Chad
Henne, QB Michigan
With the right coaching and a little bit of time to fine-tune his arm
and his mechanics, he could turn out to be a steal. Strong with a gun of
an arm, he can make any throw and can drive the ball to any spot needed
at a high NFL level, but he needs time to throw and he needs a good line
to work behind. He's not going to move too much and he needs to step up
and fire or else his accuracy wavers; he's not going to make anything
happen on his own. He could become another Matt Schaub who sits behind
someone for a little while and builds a big buzz before getting a big
payday in the free agency market.
CFN Projection: Late Second Round
16.
Chris
Williams, OT Vanderbilt
The
range of opinion on what Williams is, and what he could become, runs the
gamut. One of the most athletic linemen in the draft in a 6-6, 315-pound
body, he looks the part and should grow into an elite pass blocker. He
can eventually be plugged in on the left side and let roll for a decade.
However, he had a mediocre workout on his pro day and he's not
necessarily a killer. If he can grow into more of a powerful run
blocker, he should be terrific.
CFN Projection: Late First Round
17.
Trevor
Laws, DT Notre Dame
112
tackles as a senior. For a tackle. Again, 112 tackles in one season.
While he's not necessarily a tackle to build a defense around, he has
the drive and the fire to become a bear of a starter and a phenomenal
second interior option next to a bigger established starter. Very active
and with a great motor, he can be used in a variety of ways and will
still produce. At only six-feet tall, he's a bit of a bowling ball and
he isn't a good interior pass rusher, but he'll make plays and will
always keep working.
CFN Projection:
Second Round
18.
Kenny
Phillips, SS Miami
While
he was considered a bit of a disappointment last year thanks to some
ridiculously high standards, he still came up with 82 tackles and two
interceptions. No, he's not Ed Reed or Sean Taylor, and he's a bit lanky
and thin at 6-2, 212 pounds, but he's a nice athlete who doesn't miss
many tackles. The biggest problem isn't raw speed or his inability to
live up to the tremendous hype, but it's his lack of big plays. He's a
steady player, not a spectacular one. While he'll be plugged in and will
start for a long time, he's not going to be a highlight reel performer.
CFN Projection: First Round
19.
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB Tennessee State
The
high riser of the corners after the Combine, Rodgers-Cromartie blazed
off a 4.34 40. At 6-1 and 184 pounds he has great size to go along with
that phenomenal speed and athleticism, and he's great at going after the
ball and making something happen when he gets his hands on it. While he
didn't see a high level of competition at Tennessee State, he looked
like he could've been from LSU or Ohio State with the way he matched up
against top receivers at the Senior Bowl. He needs to get stronger and
he needs to be willing to become a better tacklers, but he has
everything else you'd want in a No. 1 corner.
CFN Projection: First Round
20.
Keith
Rivers, OLB USC
Is he
really good, or does he stand out because this is such a miserable year
for linebackers? It's a little of both. He has the body, the quickness,
and the pop to be an impact playmaker on the outside and he plays faster
than he actually is. Tough enough to play on the inside and quick enough
to wreak havoc on the outside, he could end up being a better pro than a
college player if he's turned loose more often into the backfield. He's
not going to be a top-shelf run stuffer and he's not a sure-thing Pro
Bowl star, but he'll start for a long time.
CFN Projection: First Round
21.
Mike
Jenkins, CB South Florida
A
tremendous three-year starter on a good USF defense, Jenkins is a true
shut-down corner who isn't afraid to get physical and can all but erase
the top receivers when he has his game on. The question is his motor. If
it's going full-tilt and he wants it, he looks like an all-star. When he
suffers lapses or doesn't get up for the competition, he can be beaten
by average receivers. He needs to bring it game in and game out. It
would be nice if he picked off more passes, taking away just six despite
being a four-year regular, but that's a bit misleading.
CFN Projection: First Round
22.
Tyrell
Johnson, SS Arkansas State
Kind of
like a critically acclaimed underground movie that's finally getting a
wide release, Johnson goes from being a star that most college football
junkies knew about for the last four years to a possible big-value
selection. A tremendous starter from day one, Johnson can do it all with
363 career tackles and 13 interceptions to go along with good leadership
skills. Forget about the stigma of playing in the Sun Belt; he showed up
against the big boys, too. A huge hitter with fantastic speed, timing a
4.44 at the Combine, he just needs a little bit of coaching to put it
all together and be a possible star. He'll be an instant impact player
CFN Projection: Second Round
23.
Jeff
Otah, OT Pitt
A massive
run blocker who will plow over everyone at the next level, he's ideal
for anyone with a power running game and has the attitude to punish and
destroy anyone who gets in his path. While he's not all that athletic
and isn't going to be great on the move, he should be able to get by on
his strength and his 6-6, 325-pound size. There's still work to be done,
he's not a finished product, and that's a plus. The ceiling is
limitless.
CFN Projection: First Round
24.
Jamaal
Charles, RB Texas
So
which Jamaal Charles will the pros be getting? Will he be the
breathtaking speedster who beat Oklahoma State and Nebraska by himself
last year, or will be the one who struggled as a sophomore and didn't
play up to expectations or his talent level? Probably a little of both,
but the upside is too great to pass up. The big issue could be Texas.
After the Ricky Williams situation and Cedric Benson turning into a dog
of a pro, is there going to be an anti-Longhorn bias? Built like a
smaller Darren McFadden, Charles is a sprinter who can be used in a
variety of ways. While he showed he could handle a big workload last
season, he's not going to be a pounding back who can handle a
full-season NFL schedule if he's asked to pound away. He's not a power
back by any stretch, but if he's able to keep his touches to around
15-to-20 per game, he'll be a difference maker.
CFN Projection:
Second Round
25.
DaJuan
Morgan, FS NC State
Considering this is a weak year for safeties, Morgan made a great move
leaving early. In most years he would've been better served coming back
for his senior season having only started for one year, but he has
decent 6-0, 205-pound size, good-enough 4.54 speed, and the versatility
to play corner or free safety. He cares about being good and will make
himself better. He'll need a little more time, a lot of patience to work
through his mistakes, and some serious coaching on consistent technique,
but he'll grow into a nice starter.
CFN Projection: Second Round
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