Brian Brohm is among the top QB in this year's Draft Class.

2006 was an impressive Draft in many ways. It had one of the best classes of offensive and defensive linemen in a decade. At the time I said “This is a great draft. Possibly the best in a decade. It lacks a lot of sex appeal, heavy on hitters at the grinder positions.” That is a good context to evaluate the 2008 NFL Draft.

All in all, a very good and very deep draft, and not lacking in sex appeal. Here is a look at the skill positions.

QB

Matt Ryan (Boston College) - Going into the Senior Bowl, there were three top QBs. Now there is one. Ryan has an upside more along the lines of Bulger than Manning.

Brian Brohm (Louisville) - His stock fell after a sub par Senior Bowl, but he has made up ground since then. Brohm is the most ready to play of the second line.

Chad Henne (Michigan) - Of the next group he is the one who disappointed expectations most his senior year. He has also recovered some from a disappointing Senior Bowl.

Joe Flacco (Delaware) - This is the guy with the buzz, be he is very raw. Big and cannon-armed, he has a lot of work to do, but the topside to make it worth while.

Andre Woodson (Kentucky) - Of the old top three, Woodson has fallen furthest. His claim to fame is beating LSU.

Josh Johnson (San Diego) - The favorite “Who's that?” player this spring. He has the parts, but not the package. Yet.

Summary: No true stars, but good depth. Three very good ones in the 20–40 range. Grade: B 

RB

Darren McFadden (Arkansas) - This year's franchise RB. A speed back with size, and the history of making plays. Character is an issue. Any evaluation has to be tempered with awareness of the ridiculously high expectations

Rashard Mendenhall (Illinois) - A big back with speed and skills, he is not the monster Adrian Peterson was, but he makes things happen, and the 40 times are outstanding.

Jonathon Stewart (Oregon) - The book on Stewart has some unreadable pages. Dennis Dixon, the QB, was Oregon's primary running threat. Add in a serious toe problem which will keep him sidelined for 4-6 months. Still… He is bigger and faster than Mendenhall. Is this another Willis MacGahee story in the making?

Felix Jones (Arkansas) – Run DMC's backup at Arkansas. He showed his game when McFadden was hurt. An elite return man as well.

Chris Johnson (East Carolina) - This is the enigma of the moment. In a very fast group, he is the fastest. He logged a pair of sub 4.3's at the Combine. He has receiving and return skills, and an unreal passing gear. However, the level of competition raises doubts.

Ray Rice (Rutgers) - For a short back (5'9”) he is not the jitterbug you would expect. Nor has he the best measurables. And he's from a small conference. All that said, he produces.

Jamaal Charles (Texas) - He's extremely fast but does not use blockers well. Explosive, but undisciplined.

Summary: This RB class compares to the WR class in 2004. Extremely fast, varied and deep. Losing Jonathon Stewart from the top 20 hurt a bit. Grade: A.

WR

Malcolm Kelley (Oklahoma) - This year's Dwayne Bowe, but he might be better. A big WR, with good hands, that wants the ball when it counts.

Limas Sweed (Texas) - Even taller than Kelley, and a good instinctive player, Sweed does not have the consistency to be the top man.

Mario Manningham (Michigan) - Talented, but... Manningham rates as the top speed receiver, but his attitude has made him few friends.

Early Doucet (LSU) - You want grit, he has it. The measurables are decent, but the taste for contact bumps him up.

James Hardy (Indiana) - Tall, taller, tallest. Built like a power forward crossed with a TE. His stock is rising.

Lavelle Hawkins (California) - The two Cal receivers could not be more different physically. Hawkins is the tough guy that finds a way to beat you.

DeSean Jackson (California) - Jackson is a play maker. His speed is otherworldly. You get him the ball in space and touchdowns happen. His size is a major concern.

Summary: Compared to the 2004–05, it’s a desert. All the first round grades are in the second half of the round. Decent depth. Grade: B

TE

Fred Davis (Southern Cal) – This is not the fasted TE. Other than that, he has the whole package. He's quick, big, blocks fairly well, and makes a great red zone target. Great footwork and hands.

Kellen Davis (Michigan) – The other Davis is the tools, but not the production player. Part of the problem was an offense that ignored him, but the desire is still a question. Outstanding Combine.

John Carlson (Notre Dame) – Carlson, like Fred Davis, is more quick than fast. The other measurables are decent. What sets him apart is the mean streak. If you want your TE to be an enforcer, this is the guy.

Martin Rucker (Missouri ) - Rucker was a low profile player, but his stock is rising. He was very productive, in an explosive offense.

Summary: Because there is no Vernon Davis, this is not a talked-about position. But Fred and Kellen Davis, and John Carlson will go in the second round, or sooner. There is quality depth here. Grade: B-