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Top 100 Players from around the nation
TOP 100
PROSPECTS
Meet the men of the 2007
Draft...
THE MEN OF THE 2007 DRAFT. WHO ARE THEY, WHERE do they
come from and what can they bring to NFL teams? From Russell, Johnson, Thomas
and Quinn to H.B. Blades, our ranking of the Top 50 players from around the
nation that will likely find a new home in the big league on April
28th...
1 JaMarcus Russell, QB,
LSU
In just his third full season, Russell
almost doubled his production in touchdown passes. That outlines the major
strides this massive prospect made as a junior, and he capped it off by
outplaying fellow top QB prospect Brady Quinn in the Sugar Bowl. Blessed with
great size and a powerful arm, Russell is also a very accurate marksman,
finishing third in the nation in passer rating. That helped him win the Manning
Award as college football's top quarterback, again over Quinn. While mobile,
Russell mostly likes staying in the pocket and can throw the deep ball as well
and as accurately as anyone. He may be a few years away from prime time, but his
upside is as big as his frame.
2 Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia
Tech
The Biletnikoff Award winner as the
nation's top wide receiver, Johnson has done nothing but succeed since he
stepped onto a college field. Before being named the NCAA's top target this
season as a junior, Johnson was named an All-American as a super-soph and the
ACC's Freshman of the Year. Much of his success is thanks to his superb size,
length, and hands. He can simply dominate smaller defenders, and routinely makes
highlight-type catches. The only question marks are his pure closing speed and
possibly his overall focus. That said, he had a huge season in 2006 and seems
the clear-cut top wideout in the draft.
3 Joe Thomas, OT,
Wisconsin
The Outland Trophy winner as the
nation's top interior lineman, Thomas has the athleticism and quickness of a
tight end in a jumbo-sized frame. He has all the makings of a future Pro Bowl
offensive lineman. Thomas played only three seasons as a tackle in college,
having converted from both tight end and defensive end. That fact he excelled at
the latter two positions is testament to his natural physical gifts and pure
football instincts. He has a rare quickness and overall mobility for a player
6-8 and 300-plus pounds, and he's also a very sound technician. The one red flag
is a torn ACL he suffered last year. The top offensive lineman talent in the
draft.
 4 Brady Quinn, QB, Notre
Dame
The reigning Johnny Unitas Golden Arm
award-winner (as best senior QB) and Maxwell winner (for best college player),
Quinn has excellent size, a superb arm, great instincts, and fine leadership
qualities. The fact he has been groomed by former NFL assistant coach Charlie
Weis also helps, and Quinn has shown marked improvement all four years at Notre
Dame, where he set several of that school's passing records. He didn't quite
live up to all the hype in his final season, but he came close. He's not the
most athletically-gifted QB prospect in the draft, but Quinn certainly has all
the makings of a top-tier NFL passer. The next Ben
Roethlisberger?
5 Ted Ginn Jr., WR, Ohio
State
Few players in the draft can do as
much on the football field as Ted Ginn Jr. While not terribly prolific as a wide
receiver, Ginn was nonetheless very productive catching the football in his
three years as a Buckeye. He is also a constant threat to score when returning
the ball on punts and kicks), and showed he can rush the pigskin effectively
(although that part of his game wasn't showcased as much in his junior year).
Ginn is still relatively raw for a pro prospect, but his jets are something
special. Few prospects, if any, have as much pure speed as Ginn, whose
versatility and physical gifts could lead to a position change depending on
where he lands.
6 Jamaal Anderson,
DE, Arkansas
An All-SEC First-Teamer as a
junior in 2006, Anderson has all the ingredients of a top defensive line
prospect. While he only served as a college starter for roughly a
season-and-a-half, Anderson was dominant when given the chance to shine. He
posted 13.5 sacks in 14 games this season, but also has a real nose for the ball
and great overall instincts and anticipation. He is the type of player who can
dominate coming off the edge, but he also picks up the run and does all the
little things to win (forcing fumbles, blocking punts, etc.). His lack of
experience makes him somewhat of a project, but Anderson has star
potential.
7 Amobi Okoye, DT,
Louisville
Already a dominating force in
the Big East, Okoye is still growing in every way. Still only 19 years old and
having played four full years of college ball, he has a rare combination of
experience at the highest level and yet-untapped upside. He's still getting
bigger and stronger, and showed in his final two years at Louisville that he is
starting to master his craft. His combination of superb quickness, sheer mass,
and a non-stop motor make him a top prospect, and his experience only helps. He
was an All-Big Eight First-Teamer and a Second-Team All-American. An elite
talent.
8 Gaines Adams, DE,
Clemson
An Associated Press First-Team
All-American, Adams is an explosive pure pass-rusher. He can get into the
backfield as well as any end in the college game, thanks to a combination of
intense drive and superb off-the-snap explosion. He has great one-on-one
instincts and never seems to take a down off, and his speed and intensity can
unnerve quarterbacks. Adams earned his dues in college by working hard after
red-shirting, and he improved markedly every year he played. His lack of bulk
and single-mindedness in getting to the quarterback mean he will have lots to
work on both physically and fundamentally, but he seems to have the work ethic
to excel in the NFL.
 9
Adrian Peterson, RB,
Oklahoma
A big, strong tailback, Peterson
may be the top backfield prospect in the draft. He scored double-digit rushing
touchdowns in each of his three seasons as a Sooner, and when healthy and
focused (as he was as a freshman), Peterson can be dominant back. He averaged
well over five yards per carry his entire college career. That said, his
ball-carrying production actually declined in each of his final two seasons with
the Sooners (although he did show improvement as a receiver) due to injury and
disciplinary issues. Peterson needs to show he can stay on the field to
successfully take the next step.
10
Daymeion Hughes, CB,
California
A consensus First-Team
All-American and the winner of the 2006 Lott Trophy as college fooball's top
high-character defender, Hughes may be the most accomplished corner in the
draft. He improved dramatically as a junior and even more as a senior, showing
the ability to play both strong coverage and to agressively pick his spots for
interceptions. Smart, hard-working, and blessed with a nose for the ball, the
only major question mark for Hughes is his pure speed. He doesn't seem to have
elite jets or quickness, and that may mean a position change in the pros.
11 Alan Branch, DT,
Michigan
An All-Big Ten First Teamer,
Branch is widely considered the finest defensive tackle prospect available in
the draft. Massive, mobile, quick, and intense, he has only one full college
season under his belt as a defensive tackle. He was dominant at times in that
role, but proved as a freshman and sophomore he can also play the end. Branch's
combination of raw size and great feet make him capable of excelling in any
defensive set-up. He also has supreme field awareness, which allows him to do
the little things that help his team win. Branch possesses all the tools to be
an above-average pro.
12 Leon Hall, CB,
Michigan
An accomplished defensive back,
Hall really blossomed in his final two years as a Wolverine. His football
instincts and fundamentals are top-notch, and he's always making smart plays on
the field. A master of taking good angles and anticipation, he reads
exceptionally well and goes all out to finish the play, whether it's tackling
his man, breaking up passes, or picking off the ball. His physical tools are not
elite, but he gets the most out of them. That said, a lack of top-tier size and
speed may make him more suited to zone schemes in the NFL rather than man-to-man
coverage.
13 Dwayne Jarrett, WR,
USC
Big, strong, and very sure-handed,
Jarrett is coming off being named MVP of the Rose Bowl. His 203-yard receiving
performance there served notice that he remains one of the top wideout prospects
in football. He earned All-Pac Ten First Team honors for his fine 2006 season,
but it wasn't quite as dominant as some expected. Still, in just three seasons
at USC he caught 216 passes, the most in school history. His size and hands are
special, and he's very quick for a guy with his frame. The only issue is
Jarrett's pure closing speed, which may have him used as more of a possession
target in the NFL.
 14 Marshawn Lynch, RB,
California
The Pac-10's Offensive Player
of the Year, Lynch is an explosive multi-purpose back who got better in all
three seasons at Cal. He enjoyed a First Team All-American season this year,
piling up the yardage and carrying his team. Lynch is a powerful back who also
is more quick than fast, capable of finding holes and powering through them.
He's also sure-handed and a very good receiver. There may be questions about his
character, as a former girlfriend accused Lynch of domestic violence and sexual
assault, but those charges have been dismissed.
15 Reggie Nelson, S,
Florida
An Associated Press First-Team
All-American and First-Team All-SEC selection, Nelson is a superb blend of skill
and intensity at the safety position. He's a big hitter but also a ball-hawk,
regularly making impressive plays on both his man and the football. He's also a
do-it-all force on the field, capable of excelling as a returner and a special
teams ace. His size and speed are solid if not elite, but what really sets
Nelson apart is his nose for the ball ability to read the action. A fairly
serious knee injury at the end of his 2005 season may be a minor red
flag.
16 Levi Brown, OT, Penn
State
Somewhat underrated and possessing
major upside, Brown is a bit of a late bloomer. He didn't dominate early on in
his career at Penn State, possibly because he was converted from the defensive
line. Blessed with excellent size and mobility for his position, Brown came on
strong late in college career and was a two-time Second Team All-American. He
was always a top run protector but dramatically improved his pass protection in
2006, showing the ability to keep up with speed rushers off the edge. He's also
a smart, high-character type with leadership potential. Knee problems were a
concern (albeit a somewhat minor one) for him at times during
college.
17 LaRon Landry, S,
LSU
A First-Team All-American, Landry is
an accomplished, intense, and polished defender. Blessed with excellent size and
a great head for the game, he's a very versatile defensive back. Landry has
played everywhere in the secondary during his time at LSU, and has done it with
smarts and confidence. A big-play guy, Landry is known for his big hits and
occasional big interceptions. He takes good angles, makes good reads, and is
always around the action. The only questions surround his pure speed and
athleticism, but he's not sub-par in either area. Landry has all the makings of
a top-tier pro.
18 Jarvis Moss, DE,
Florida
Somewhat of a late bloomer, Moss
came on strong in his sophomore year and was even better as a junior. Very tall,
very athletic, and very talented, he was a key player for the Gators in their
run this year to the national title. Explosive off the edge, Moss can simply
terrorize quarterbacks. In his junior season he did a much better job of reading
the action and picking up the run, and he's quick enough to adjust in space and
recover. He also excels as a special-teamer, and showed a flair for using his
excellent frame and reach to block punts. Moss' rare combination of size and
explosiveness make him the type who may be even better as a pro than he was in
college.
19 Lawrence Timmons, OLB,
Florida State
Timmons has a real nose for
the ball. In 2006 he piled up 18 tackles for losses, and 79 bring-downs overall
in 13 games. Blessed with good size and excellent raw athleticism, Timmons
really goes after the ball and whomever happens to be carrying it. His extremely
high motor and aggressiveness make him a constant threat to get into the
backfield, and he's relentless in tracking down his man and finishing his
tackles. He was a bit of a late bloomer due to being stuck behind some very
talented other linebackers at State, but this lights-out hitter is a top
prospect.
20 Adam Carriker, DE,
Nebraska
An intriguing combination of
size, power, and mobility, Carriker is a two-time All-Big 12 First-Teamer.
Blessed with power to spare and a passion to succeed, he battles on every play
and can dominate smaller opponents. While not a classic speed rusher, Carriker
has enough quickness and technique to get into the backfield and bring down the
quarterback. He excels at picking up the run. Carriker's biggest asset is a
versatility and well-roundedness that makes him a good fit anywhere on the
defensive line (including at outside linebacker in a 3-4 set-up). Ankle injuries
earlier are a minor concern, but his overall package makes him a good bet for
NFL success.
21 Darrelle Revis, CB,
Pittsburgh
An All-Big East First Teamer
two years running, Revis is a very accomplished cornerback even for a junior.
While not jaw-dropping in one particular area, Revis is nonetheless quite
possibly the most complete defensive back available in the draft. A very good
athlete with good size and speed, Revis gets the most out of his above-average
physical gifts to simply make plays. He's an aggressive and physical cover
corner who is equally adept in man-to-man, zone, and run protection. Revis also
has excellent ball skills, which make him a constant threat to score when he
does go for the pick and also help him excel as a punt returner. A superb
overall prospect.
 22 Paul Posluszny, LB, Penn
State
The Bednarik Trophy winner as the
nation's top defender in 2006 and the Butkus winner in 2005 as top linebacker,
Posluszny is one of college football's most accomplished linebackers ever. This
First-Team All-American posted over 100 tackles in each of the past three
seasons, a testament to his intensity, consistency, and focus. While not an
elite athlete, he's a very solid one and possesses enough raw speed and
quickness to make it at the next level. A fairly serious knee injury last year
is cause for some concern, but Posluszny is didn't let it slow him down. Few
players have a better work ethic, a higher motor, or better pure leadership
skills than Posluszny.
23 Dwayne Bowe, WR,
LSU
LSU's all-time leader in touchdowns,
Bowe is nevertheless a bit of a late bloomer. He didn't play much football in
high school but caught on late and then found his way to LSU. There, Bowe
improved dramatically in each of his four seasons. While not a jaw-dropping
athlete, he's extremely fluid and has a superb frame for the NFL game. He's one
of those receivers whose game is more about the jump ball than going deep, and
he makes up for a lack of explosive jets with excellent leaping and great reach.
He projects as a top-tier possession target in the NFL.
24 Michael Griffin, S,
Texas
A Second-Team All-American, Griffin
had a very productive career at Texas. While he's able to make the big
interception and has good return skills when he does, Griffin is foremost a
lights-out hitter. His rare combination of intensity and above-average overall
athleticism allow him to constantly be around the action, where he's often the
guy making the play. Griffin also showed a lot of versatility as a Longhorn,
playing several positions in the secondary and setting the Texas record for most
blocked punts in a season (4). He may be even better as a pro than he was in
college.
25 Sidney Rice, WR, South
Carolina
An All-SEC Second-Teamer, Rice
was extremely productive in just two full seasons of action for SC. He posted
two straight seasons of over 1,000 yards receiving, and in those two campaigns
he set the Gamecocks' school record for most 100-yard receiving games (11). Rice
is the type of receiver scouts drool over, possessing a great combination of
physical gifts (size, fluidity, great hands, very good speed, and leaping
ability). The only knocks against him are a lack of experience and doubts about
his breakaway speed. Nevertheless, Rice is an elite NFL receiving prospect.
26 Charles Johnson, DE,
Georgia
An All-SEC Second-Teamer, Johnson
is an intriguing defensive line prospect. While he was only a full-time starter
for one year at Georgia, in it he showed he is a very well-rounded end. He has
the quickness, instincts, and power of a top-tier NFL lineman. Johnson is very
good at reading plays and anticipating where the ball will be, showing a knack
for both getting into the backfield and picking up the run. While not terribly
tall or blessed with jaw-dropping closing speed, he's by no means small or slow.
He might be able to play several positions along the D-line as a
pro.
 27 Ryan Kalil, C,
USC
A two-time All-Pac-10 First-Teamer,
Kalil is an accomplished and talented center. He has been dominant at times and
always successful against some very tough competition. Kalil has displayed all
the qualities needed for a top pro center: power, efficiency, technique, and the
ability to anchor the line and protect the quarterback. While not a supreme
physical specimen, Kalil has enough raw size to be able to add more muscle
without losing too much of his passable mobility. He also comes by his ability
honestly, as the son of former pro center Frank Kalil.
28 DeMarcus Tyler, DT, North Carolina
State
An AP All-ACC First-Teamer, Tyler is
also known as 'Tank' for his combination of raw size and power. Physically there
are few defensive tackle prospects who boast his rare mix of power, quickness,
and size for the position. Tyler is the latest product of the NC State defensive
lineman factory that produced last year's NFL No.1 draft pick Mario Williams as well as Manny Lawson and John McCargo. Like those three,
Tyler is a supreme physical specimen who can also play the game. There are
questions about his conditioning and work ethic, but otherwise he's a stud
prospect.
29 Robert Meachem, WR,
Tennessee
A consensus All-American,
Meachem is a bit of a late bloomer. His college career at Tennessee got off to a
slow start after he missed the 2003 season with a knee injury, and he didn't
have a big year numbers-wise until 2006. Still, this year he really made a
splash. Dominant at times, Meachem is a very slick, sneaky-quick target with
explosive after-burners. He makes deft moves then gets maximum yardage after the
catch. His lack of experience as a starter means he has more work to do with
fundamentals, but Meachem has potential for stardom if he keeps
working.
30 Arron Sears, OG,
Tennessee
An All-ACC First Teamer and a
Second-Team All-American, Sears is an accomplished, polished, and highly
versatile offensive lineman. He played every line position except center in his
time with the Vols, and played them all well. Sears has no discernible weakness
as an offensive lineman, bringing very good size, power, mass, skills, and
effort on every play. He's also a leader on his team with a solid work ethic.
The only question mark is how well his game will translate to the NFL, since
he's not really a beast and doesn't have a set position on the
line.
31 Aaron Ross, CB,
Texas
The Thorpe Award winner as the
nation's top defensive back, Ross had an excellent season for the Longhorns. Yet
despite that accolade, Ross remains one of the top sleepers in the draft. He
started only one season for Texas even though he played for them for four
seasons. Why? Because there were always more-heralded players around like
Michael Huff and Tarell Brown. Regardless, Ross showed how great he can be if
given a chance to play. He has all the qualities NFL teams look for in a
cornerback prospect, from size to fluidity to recovery speed to toughness. He
also excels as a retuner on special teams.
 32 LaMarr Woodley, LB,
Michigan
As this year's winner of both the
Hendricks Award (for the nation's top defensive end) and Lombardi Award (as top
lineman), Woodley was a dominant defender in college. Playing both end and
outside linebacker for Michigan, he showed a talent for getting into the
backfield, finding the ball, and delivering rattling hits. Woodley's also a very
hard worker and an intense on-field presence who will never take a play off.
While Woodley has the goods to be a solid pro his size and speed are not elite
so he might need to be on a team where he can play outside
linebacker.
33 Justin Blalock, OG,
Texas
A unanimous First-Team All-American,
Blalock is a highly successful and experienced blocker. He played at a high
level throughout his college career and was a regular starter for most of it,
helping Texas to the national championship in 2005. Blalock has an appealing
combination of raw size, power, mobility, and aggressiveness for a lineman. He's
the type who wants to flatten his man, and he often has the power and skill to
do it. He's not a supreme athlete, so he needs to do a better job of taking
angles. Still, Blalock has the drive and raw tools to be a top-tier NFL
guard.
34 Patrick Willis, LB, Ole
Miss
As the recipient of the Butkus Award
(given to the nation's top linebacker), Willis is obviously a gamer. Blessed
with good size, excellent speed, and top-notch overall athletic ability, he is
what teams are looking for in an inside linebacker prospect. Even better, Willis
makes ample use of his physical tools with outstanding effort, heart, guts, and
commitment. He's the type of guy who will play hurt and will do whatever his
team needs him to do to win. Willis also has outstanding character and
leadership abilities. He's the type of player who can lead a
defense.
35 Greg Olsen, TE,
Miami
An All-ACC First-Teamer, Olsen is
generally regarded as the top tight end prospect in the draft. While he didn't
have a prolific career playing for Miami, Olsen showed enough in his limited
time to impress most scouts. Olsen is still a little raw, but he has the frame,
athleticism, hands, and instincts to eventually be a starter in the NFL. His
tendency to get injured is a bit concerning, but it hasn't been a major problem.
He needs to work on his fundamentals and on bulking up, but if he stays focused
and finds himself on the right team, Olsen might be a future
star.
36 Buster Davis, LB, Florida
State
A First-Team All-American, Davis
showed major improvement in all four of his college seasons. Despite his small
stature, he's a big-play guy who is always making plays. Davis makes up for his
lack of top size or speed by using angles, smarts, and extra effort to
anticipate and get to the ball. While his speed is questionable his quickness
and overall athleticism is not, and Davis does have exceptional power and
strength. Blessed with a high motor and superb intangibles, he has what it takes
to make it at the next level.
37 Ben Grubbs, C,
Auburn
An All-America Second-Teamer,
Grubbs is just scratching the surface of his potential. A converted defensive
lineman and tight end, he obviously has above-average athleticism and mobility
for his current position. He's very active and quick for a guy with his sheer
mass, and Grubbs showed in his final two seasons with Auburn that he has the
football IQ to continue growing as a lineman. All that said, he's still fairly
raw and will need some time to develop as a technician. On the right patient
team, however, he may blossom into a a very good NFL offensive
lineman.
 38 Quentin Moses, DE,
Georgia
A Third-Team All-American, Moses
is one of the top pure athletes in the draft. Blessed with excellent size,
quickness, and explosiveness, Moses is a very good edge rusher who can burst
into the backfield and terrorize quarterbacks. He enjoyed a breakout season as a
junior, but somewhat disappointed as a senior for the Bulldogs. Moses also needs
a lot of refinement and isn't great against the run, meaning he'll need to bulk
up and round out his game. He is a supremely good athlete, but must prove he can
take the next step.
39 Anthony Spencer, LB,
Purdue
A First-Team All-Big Ten selection,
Spencer was also voted Purdue's top MVP in 2006. While always a top-tier athlete
and hard worker, Spencer didn't really shine until his senior season. He showed
remarkable improvement in 2006, piling up sacks (10.5) and tackles (93). Spencer
is a little undersized to be a dominant defensive end in the NFL, but his
tackling ability showed he may be an ideal fit for a 3-4 system or for a move to
linebacker. He certainly has the drive, smarts, and the physical tools to make
the move.
40 Zach Miller, TE, Arizona
State
A smart, talented, productive tight
end, Miller is almost a complete package for an NFL tight end prospect. He
posted three excellent campaigns with the Sun Devils, emerging as one of the
most consistent and accomplished tight ends in college football. Big, quick, and
very fundamentally sound, Miller finds openings and has fantastic hands. He was
also named to several all-academic teams during his time at State. He was
somewhat injury-prone (although it didn't stop his production) an dis still
quite raw, but Miller is one of the elite tight end prospects in the
draft.
41 Jon Beason, OLB,
Miami
Like many players who come out of
Miami, Beason is a phenomenal athlete who is somewhat underrated. He started his
career with the Hurricanes as a fullback and had some early injury problems, but
once he locked in as a linebacker he really excelled. Somewhat undersized,
Beason neverthless is very strong and fast, and is a lights-out hitter. He can
get into the backfield but is more of a read-the-play, hit-the-runner type. He
also has the drive and focus to keep improving despite his limited size. A true
sleeper.
42 Troy Smith, QB, Ohio
State
The reigning Heisman Trophy winner,
Smith is the most accomplished 2006 quarterback in the draft. He also copped the
AP Player of the Year, Walter Camp Award (for best player), and O'Brien Award
(for the nation's top QB). So why isn't he ranked higher? Height is probably the
biggest issue, as he's roughly 6-feet. The other issues are some off-court
troubles and his lack of long-term accomplishment. All that said, Smith had a
phenomenal 2006 season and brings a fine combination of mobiility and accuracy
for an NFL QB prospect. He is also a smart and still-improving player, so he
could be a real steal on draft day for the right team.
 43 Michael Bush, RB,
Louisville
If Bush had declared for the
draft a year ago, he would likely have been a much more sought-after player. He
was dominant during the 2005 season, setting a Louisville record for rushing
touchdowns (23) and was then named an All-Big East First Teamer. He looked to
build on that in 2006, but a broken leg in the Cardinals' opener saw him miss
the entire season. Bush is a rare mix of size and speed, and he's also a very
capable receiver and blocker. If he can prove his leg isn't an issue, he has the
raw tools to eventually be an above average NFL running back.
44 Eric Weddle, S,
Utah
An All-America Second-Teamer, Weddle
is simply a great football player. He was a standout from his rookie season with
the Utes, showing a knack for making plays and being able to anticipate the
action. While not a jaw-dropping athlete, he's still very quick and sneaky-fast,
possessing an underrated athleticism. Weddle showed the ability to excel at both
safety and cornerback, and displayed the football IQ to always make the right
play. He also returned kicks for Utah on occasion. Weddle is the type of player
who can be a leader at the next level.
45 Stewart Bradley, OLB,
Nebraska
An AP Honorable Mention for the
All-Big 12 team, Bradley's 2006 was all the more impressive considering his
2005. The big linebacker tore his ACL then, but showed as a senior that he
hasn't really missed a beat. Bradley is big, well-rounded defender who has the
size and mobility to play several positions. He is also very smart player who
can drop back into pass coverage as well as he tracks down runners. Bradley's
biggest challenge is to prove he's fast enough to excel in the NFL. He wasn't an
elite athlete before his injury, and needs to prove he has some wheels.
46 Josh Wilson, CB,
Maryland
Wilson can flat-out burn. There
are fewer players in this draft with better jets than the Terps' cornerback and
returner, who also ran on the Maryland track team. Some might see Wilson only
for his speed, but he's also a very physical defender who does a very good job
in coverage. He's more of a pure cover corner than a guy who looks for
pick-offs, but he has potential to develop the latter skill more. Wilson is
still a little raw, but his fantastic speed and excellent instincts make him a
high-upside prospect on both defense and special teams.
 47 Rufus Alexander, OLB,
Oklahoma
The Big 12 Defensive Player of
the Year, Alexander was a First-Team All-American as a senior. He led the
Sooners in tackles two straight years, a testament to his work ethic and
consistency. Alexander brings a rare blend of intensity and athleticism to his
position, showing the ability to make plays all over the field. He's a tackling
machine who makes good reads and then delivers punishing hits, often leading to
fumbles. Alexander isn't the biggest guy at his position, but has the raw talent
to be a very good pro defender.
48 Manuel Ramirez, OG, Texas
Tech
An outstanding run blocker, Ramirez
can really plow the field. One of the most powerful players in the draft, he can
reportedly bench-press 550 pounds and he uses that strength to occasionally
steamroll defenders. While not as hyped as some of the other guards in the
draft, Ramirez has the bulk, power, and surprising quickness to be very
successful at the NFL level. He is also an underrated pass defender who gets a
great lock and shows good adjustment. He could use a little work on his
technique, but could be a very useful blocker soon in the right
system.
49 Brandon Siler, ILB,
Florida
An All-SEC Second-Team honoree and
Third-Team All-American, Siler is a very accomplished linebacker for a junior.
He was very good right out of the gate for the Gators, earning SEC Freshman of
the Year accolades in 2004. Siler stayed equally productive the following two
seasons, emerging as a consistent big hitter who can intimidate at times in run
defense. He is a real ball-hawk who likes to line up his targets, but that makes
him a bit single-minded sometimes. He's not very fluid or quick, and that can
lead him to miss some plays in pass coverage. Siler is a very solid prospect, if
not an elite one.
50 H.B. Blades, LB,
Pittsburgh
A First-Team All-American,
Blades has been one of college football's most productive linebackers for
several years. Blades has a true nose for the ball, and uses a high level of
skill, passion, and power to finish his tackles. He's also a high-character type
and extremely hard worker who comes by his football talent naturally, being the
son of former All-Pro Bennie Blades. The younger Blades is a versatile and
high-motor defender, and while he's not blessed with elite physical tools, he
gets to most out of themn elite athlete before his injury, and needs to prove he
has some wheels. |
