Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie has a lot of upside-- but maybe not in 2008.
1/16 Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB,
Tennessee State
His cousin Antonio Cromartie, a starting
corner for San Diego, was eased into the line-up as a rookie, registering zero
interceptions. DRC will have the same treatment, having the majority of his
playing time spent in nickel formations. The verdict? Antonio recorded 10 picks
in his second season. While they might not be identical in playing styles,
Dominique has a ton of upside. You may have to wait a year to see it, though.
2/19 Calais Campbell, DE, Miami
Campbell is a defensive coordinator’s dream
at 6’8’’, 280 lbs. The only problem is he has trouble staying consistent and
keeping his head and the game. If Campbell can refrain from taking plays off,
he might have a shot at making some noise as an end some day. But for 2008, he
will most likely be used as insurance in the middle behind Darnell Dockett.
That being the case, playing time should be hard to come by.
3/18 Early Doucet, WR, LSU
There’s a lot to like about Doucet,
especially coming out of LSU, but no one can expect much from him any time
soon. Not only have hamstring woes kept him from unseating Steve Breaston
as the third option, but he’s on a team with two Pro Bowl receivers. Receptions
will always be hard to come by. Just ask Bryant Johnson.
4/17 Kenny Iwebema, DE, Iowa
Iwebema showed a lot of potential as a sophomore, posting
seven sacks, but dwindled out in his final two years, tallying only 6.5. He
also leaves a lot to be desired in size and strength, making several trips to
the weight room a necessity before he can receive extensive playing time.
Arizona’s line isn’t imposing on the front, but it’s strong enough that Iwebema
will be asked to get bigger before he gets a chance to prove himself.
5/14 Tim Hightower, RB, Richmond
With the backing of Edgerrin James
himself, as well as the Arizona coaching staff, only J.J.Arrington
is standing in the way of Hightower and 80-130 carries in his first year. In
other words, draft Hightower if you draft James. Arrington is the Josh Reed
of running backs: No one even notices he’s there.
6/19 Chris Harrington, DE, Texas A&M
Harrington definitely has the size to be a defensive end,
but probably doesn’t have the desired strength or motor needed to do it every
down. He’ll be tried as an outside linebacker, and possibly a pass-rush
specialist, while truly attempting to carve out a spot on special teams. If he
does make the team, Harrington doesn’t really project to be anything more than
a situational guy.
7/18 Brandon Keith, OL, Northern Iowa
Because of a stupid rioting incident, Keith dropped likely
4-5 spots in the draft. He was regarded by many as one of the top OL prospects, and considering his immense size,
6’5’’, 343 lbs, rightfully so. He will be tried at both tackle positions, but
unless he can trim down a bit, will probably be better suited to play guard.