Top 100 Draft Prospects

[A.E]

RIVALS.COM Top 100 Draft Prospects

Frank Coyle of draftinsiders.com
Special to Rivals.com College Football

1. Darren McFadden* - RB - 6'1" 220 lbs. - Arkansas
Outstanding junior feature back has the complete package for the NFL game.
2. Glenn Dorsey - DT - 6'2" 300 lbs. - LSU
Quick defensive tackle is an explosive performer from the inside.
3. Brian Brohm - QB - 6'4" 225 lbs. - Louisville
Experienced senior has the package to be an early NFL starter.
4. Chris Long - DE - 6'5" 285 lbs. - Virginia
Strong senior defender has taken his game to a new level this fall.
5. Jake Long - OT - 6'7" 320 lbs.- Michigan
Physical senior tackle has performed well on both sides of the line.
6. Kenny Phillips* - FS - 6'1" 205 lbs.- Miami
This smooth and athletic safety has the talent to declare for the draft early.
7. Sedrick Ellis - DT - 6'2" 295 lbs. - USC
Explosive senior tackle has been a dominant performer during his Trojans career.
8. Antoine Cason -CB - 6'1" 185 lbs.- Arizona
Shutdown corner has the coverage and ball skills to rank at the top of this critical position.
9. James Laurinaitis* - LB - 6'2" 245 lbs.- Ohio St
Productive inside linebacker has shown big-play ability in his three seasons.
10. Andre' Woodson - QB - 6'5" 230 lbs. - Kentucky
Big pocket passer looks to impress during Senior Bowl week to rank with the elite prospects.
11. Malcolm Jenkins* -CB - 6' 180 lbs. - Ohio St
Fast junior defender has the package to be the next blue-chip Buckeye cornerback.
12. Steve Slaton* - RB - 5'9" 200 lbs. - West Virginia
Fast junior is a versatile playmaker who is dangerous every time he touches the ball.
13. Malcolm Kelly* - WR - 6'3" 210 lbs. - Oklahoma
Athletic junior receiver has been unstoppable in the Big 12. He will consider entering the draft.
14. Dan Connor - LB - 6'2" 235 lbs. - Penn St
Rugged inside linebacker has the physical talent and savvy to start early in the NFL.
15. Rashard Mendenhall* - RB - 5'11" 215 lbs. - Illinois
Powerful junior tailback has been a workhorse runner and is the main catalyst for the Illini's resurgence.
16. Michael Oher* - OT - 6'5" 325 lbs.- Mississippi
Mobile junior left tackle has the physical package to become a top-flight pro pass protector.
17. DeSean Jackson* - WR - 5'11" 170 lbs. - California
Explosive junior has playmaking ability as a receiver and a return specialist.
18. Calais Campbell* - DE - 6'7" 280 lbs. - Miami
Rangy, athletic junior pass rusher has the burst of speed off the edge to become a difference-maker.
19. Gosder Cherilus - OT - 6'6" 320 lbs.- Boston College
Massive athletic left tackle has been a key blocker on QB Matt Ryan's blind side.
20. Reggie Smith*- DB - 6' 200 lbs.- Oklahoma
This athletic junior cornerback has the big-play ability to become a top-flight pro defender.
21. Early Doucet - WR - 6' 200 lbs. - LSU
Fast senior wideout has come on of late after being slowed by a minor leg injury this season.
22. Vernon Gholston* - DE - 6'4" 260 lbs.- Ohio St
Explosive junior edge rusher is a big-play performer who had an outstanding effort against Michigan.
23. Ryan Clady* - OT - 6'5" 320 lbs. - Boise St
Mobile junior left tackle has been flawless against WAC speed rushers this season.
24. Keith Rivers - LB - 6'3" 220 lbs. - USC
Speedy outside linebacker has the skills to play as an NFL rookie.
25. Mario Manningham* - WR - 5'11" 180 lbs. - Michigan
Fast junior receiver has been one of the nation's best playmakers over the last two months.
26. Tyson Jackson* - DE - 6'5" 290 lbs. - LSU
Powerful junior defensive end has developed nicely in the Tigers' physical front line.
27. Matt Ryan - QB - 6'4" 220 lbs.- Boston College
Strong armed senior quarterback has continued to impress over his final season.
28. Sam Baker - OT - 6'4" 310 lbs. - USC
Savvy senior left tackle has struggled through a leg injury since early in the season.
29. Derrick Harvey* - DE - 6'4" 245 lbs. - Florida
Quick junior pass rusher has the speed off the edge to harass many a passer.
30. Alex Boone* - OT - 6'7" 325 lbs. - Ohio St.
Agile junior left tackle is coming off a strong finish this fall that could lead to an early NFL career.
31. Justin King* - CB - 5'11"185 lbs. - Penn St
Quick junior corner has a fine package for the position, but has shown some inconsistent play in coverage.
32. Frank Okam - DT - 6'5" 320 lbs. - Texas
Rugged senior tackle is a fine inside run stuffer with the ability to push the pocket.
33. Kevin Smith* - RB - 5'11" 215 lbs. - Central Florida
Slashing powerful junior tailback has been a workhorse for UCF.
34. Earl Bennett* - WR - 6'1" 200 lbs.- Vanderbilt
Fast junior wideout set new SEC records this fall and has prototypical numbers for the pro game.
35. Xavier Adibi - LB - 6'1" 225 lbs. - Virginia Tech
Speedy outside linebacker has a high level of development and is ready to compete in the NFL.
36. James Hardy* - WR - 6'6" 220 lbs.- Indiana
Big junior wideout has been a force over the '07 season, beating some of the nation's best cover men.
37. Shawn Crable - LB - 6'3" 245 lbs.- Michigan
Versatile senior linebacker has the ability to fill any role on the outside.
38. Aqib Talib* - CB - 6'1" 180 lbs. - Kansas
Ball-hawking junior corner makes big plays in pass coverage and the return game.
39. Ray Rice* - RB - 5'9" 200 lbs. - Rutgers
This compact and powerful junior tailback has the running skills to become a workhorse in the pros.
40. Ali Highsmith - LB - 6'1" 225 lbs. - LSU
Mobile outside linebacker has the speed and instincts to become a fine pro playmaker.
41. Brandon Flowers* - CB - 5'9" 190 lbs.- Virginia Tech
Speedy junior corner is a fine cover man with playmaking ability to become a top-flight pro.
42. Devin Thomas* - WR - 6'1" 210 lbs. - Michigan St.
Fast junior receiver has come on nicely this season, showing the ability to consistently make big plays.
43. Jonathan Hefney - FS - 5'9" 185 lbs. - Tennessee
Savvy senior safety has shown fine coverage skills against top SEC talent.
44. Lawrence Jackson - DE - 6'5" 270 lbs. - USC
Athletic senior defender needs to finish strong in order to move into the first round.
45. DeJuan Tribble - CB - 5'9" 190 lbs. - Boston College
Tough, instinctive cornerback with good coverage skills and the ability to support the run.
46. Limas Sweed - WR - 6'4" 220 lbs. - Texas
Physical wideout finished his career with a wrist injury and is preparing for big postseason this winter.
47. Jonathan Stewart* - RB - 5'11" 235 lbs.- Oregon
Aggressive junior running back can be a downhill runner with the ability to break the big play at any time.
48. Mike Jenkins - CB - 6' 200 lbs. - South Florida
Big athletic senior cornerback has impressed this fall and may move up with a big postseason.
49. James Davis* - RB - 5'10" 210 lbs. - Clemson
Explosive junior tailback is a natural runner with outstanding ability.
50. Jack Ikegwuonu* - CB - 6' 200 lbs.- Wisconsin
Physical junior corner has improved his play after an erratic start to the season.
51. Mike Hart - RB - 5'9" 200 lbs.- Michigan
Compact senior tailback struggled with an ankle sprain that has limited his production.
52. Quentin Groves - DE - 6'4" 255 lbs.- Auburn
Outside edge rusher has come on late in the season after a leg injury cost him time at midseason.
53. Felix Jones* - RB - 5'11" 200 lbs. - Arkansas
Explosive junior running back is a great role performer who can beat a defense several ways.
54. John David Booty - QB - 6'3" 210 lbs. - USC
Talented senior passer is just returning from a broken finger that cost him valuable time at midseason.
55. Keenan Burton - WR - 6'1" 205 lbs. - Kentucky
Talented receiver/return specialist has shown big-play ability in both roles.
56. Martin Rucker - TE - 6'5" 255 lbs. - Missouri
Athletic senior tight end is one of the most complete prospects at the position over recent years.
57. Phillip Wheeler - LB - 6'1" 230 lbs. - Georgia Tech
Fast linebacker has the ability to blitz, run and cover from several spots in the standard 4-3 scheme.
58. Martellus Bennett* - TE - 6'6" 255 lbs. - Texas A&M
Athletic tight end has the physical package to develop further, but had a frustrating 2007 season.
59. Dwight Lowery - CB - 6' 185 lbs. - San Jose St
Instinctive cornerback has good ball skills, which should allow him to play as a rookie.
60. DeMario Pressley - DT - 6'2" 300 lbs. - North Carolina St
Powerful senior tackle can be a force in the middle when he comes off the ball quickly.
61. Chevis Jackson - CB - 5'11" 190 lbs.- LSU
Big, athletic corner has performed well in man coverage and run support vs. SEC talent.
62. John Carlson -TE - 6'5" 255 lbs. - Notre Dame
Athletic tight end is a talented receiver who has been lost in the horrible season for the Irish.
63. Chris Ellis - DE - 6'5" 260 lbs. - Virginia Tech
Quick edge rusher has shown the burst from the outside to get to the passer.
64. Andre Fluellen - DT - 6'3" 285 lbs. - Florida St
Mobile senior tackle has had an inconsistent final season, which has hurt his overall grade to this point.
65. Dorien Bryant - WR - 5'9" 175 lbs. - Purdue
Smurf receiver/return man shows big play ability in a few roles for the pro game.
66. Colt Brennan - QB - 6'3" 210 lbs.- Hawaii
Record-setting senior passer needs to shine in major All-star game to move up any higher.
67. Barry Richardson - OT - 6'7" 325 lbs. - Clemson
Gigantic senior left tackle has the physical tools to impress against major all-star competition.
68. Quintin Demps - FS - 6' 205 lbs. - UTEP
Aggressive free safety can support the run and play man coverage.
69. Travis Beckum* - TE - 6'3" 225 lbs.- Wisconsin
Fluid receiving tight end has been unstoppable in the passing game over his fine Big Ten career.
70. John Greco - OT - 6'5" 320 lbs. - Toledo
Physical left tackle has a fine combination of power, technique and quickness.
71. Ian Johnson* - RB - 5'10" 210 lbs. - Boise St
Tough junior workhorse tailback is making a nice recovery from a bruised kidney.
72. Tony Hills - OT - 6'5" 310 lbs. - Texas
Big mobile left tackle has developed over his long Texas career.
73. Marcus Freeman* - LB - 6'1" 245 lbs. - Ohio St
Speedy junior linebacker couples with Laurinaitis to form an imposing tandem for the Buckeyes.
74. Zack Bowman - CB - 6'1" 200 lbs. - Nebraska
Athletic senior corner continues to make nice progress since returning from a serious 2006 knee injury.
75. Tom Zbikowski - SS - 5'10" 205 lbs. - Notre Dame
Tough senior safety has performed well in both run support and pass coverage this season.
76. Fred Davis - TE - 6'4" 255 lbs. - Southern Cal
Athletic senior tight end has shown top receiving skills over his final season.
77. Vince Hall - LB - 5'11" 240 lbs. - Virginia Tech
Aggressive senior Mike backer has been a sideline-to-sideline tackler with the ability to finish.
78. Tracy Porter - CB - 5'10" 190 lbs. - Indiana
Aggressive senior cover man has been one of the more complete corners in the tough Big Ten.
79. Matt Forte - RB - 6'1" 220 lbs. - Tulane
Strong workhorse tailback has had a dominant season, which has improved his stock significantly.
80. DJ Hall - WR - 6'2" 190 lbs.- Alabama
Athletic wideout has interesting pro potential with fine triangle numbers and playmaking ability.
81. Terrell Thomas - CB - 6' 200 lbs. - USC
Strong senior cornerback has the physical package to become a fine NFL starter with some development.
82. Chase Coffman* - TE - 6'5" 245 lbs. - Missouri
Big, mobile junior tight end has proven to be a dangerous receiver, especially in the red zone.
83. Chad Henne - QB - 6'2" 230 lbs.- Michigan
Strong-armed senior passer has battled a shoulder injury that has hindered his play over his final season.
84. Marcus Monk - WR - 6'5" 220 lbs.- Arkansas
Huge senior receiver has shown big play ability lately after dealing with a knee injury for most of the season.
85. Allen Patrick - RB - 5'11" 195 lbs.- Oklahoma
Quick tailback shows a fine burst to the hole and has the natural running skills to get to the second level.
86. Trae Williams - CB - 5'9" 190 lbs.- South Florida
Tough, smallish cornerback matches up well in man coverage, where he displays quickness and speed.
87. Owen Schmitt - FB - 6'3" 260 lbs. - West Virginia
Throwback player with incredible blocking strength and nicely developed skills to run and catch.
88. Josh Barrett - SS - 6'2" 235 lbs. - Arizona St
He's a linebacker-type safety who has been a catalyst in many of the Sun Devils' fine defensive performances.
89. Simeon Castille - CB - 5'11" 195 lbs. - Alabama
Physical senior cornerback has fine instincts and ball skills, in addition to sure tackling ability.
90. Wesley Woodyard - LB - 6'1" 215 lbs.- Kentucky
Speedy outside linebacker is an every-down playmaker for the Wildcats defense.
91. Will Franklin - WR - 6'1" 205 lbs. - Missouri
Athlete displays fine speed, hands and the triangle numbers to become a solid pro receiver.
92. Kendall Langford - DE - 6'6" 290 lbs.- Hampton
Athletic small-college defender has fine production and triangle numbers. He should impress in the postseason.
93. J Leman - LB - 6'1" 240 lbs. - Illinois
Savvy senior middle linebacker makes plays all over the field and has been a leader for the Illini.
94. Red Bryant - DT - 6'4" 330 lbs. - Texas A&M
Massive defensive tackle flashes big play ability but has been inconsistent – just like the Aggies program.
95. Harry Douglas - WR - 5'10" 170 lbs. - Louisville
Fast, sure-handed senior receiver has been a huge playmaker during his Cardinals career.
96. Ben Moffitt - LB - 6' 240 lbs. - South Florida
This tough inside linebacker is always around the ball to finish plays.
97. Tashard Choice - RB - 6' 210 lbs. - Georgia Tech
Tough natural runner made a successful return after a midseason knee injury cost him a few games.
98. Davone Bess* - WR - 5'10" 195 lbs.- Hawaii
Explosive smallish junior receiver has been a vital part of the incredible Hawaii passing game.
99. Trey Brown - CB - 5'9" 190 lbs. - UCLA
Tough senior cornerback has graded out well over his Pac 10 career against highly rated receivers.
100. Tommy Blake - DE - 6'3" 255 lbs.- TCU
Hoping to recover for lost time and prove he is a big-time defender, especially as a pass rusher.

Injured players whose staus is uncertain
Dennis Dixon - QB - 6'3" 210 lbs. - Oregon - out season
Adarius Bowman - WR - 6'4" 220 lbs.- Oklahoma St - out season
Jasper Brinkley - LB - 6'2" 255 lbs.- South Carolina - out season
Kory Sperry - TE - 6'6" 255 lbs.- Colorado St - out season
Sammie Stroughter - WR - 5'11" 185 lbs.- Oregon St - out season

These rankings do not correspond to the order in which he projects these players to be selected in the draft.

(List updated: November 19, 2007)

Frank Coyle is a nationally known NFL scout who publishes Draft Insiders' Digest and www.draftinsiders.com. Draft Insiders' Digest is dedicated to year-round coverage of NFL and NCAA Football. Coyle covers the NFL Draft and free agency extensively with a veteran scouting staff that provides insightful and unique information on players and team potential in the coming seasons. Draft Insiders' Digest is an extensive publication that produces more than 20 issues throughout the year, beginning with an Online Pro Prospects Preview and Fantasy Football Rankings in August and a 200-page Draft Yearbook in March.

CREDIT:
draftinsiders.com
rivals.com

 

[Big Bid'Ness]

Ah my boy Devin Thomas is one a hell of a WR/KR

 

[.GR]

DeSean at 17?
I dont care how bad a year he's had, he's gonna be good!

 

[Dice-J]

Brennan at 66?

 

[DJT]

Ian Johnson seems pretty low, but no Pat White!?!?!?!?!

 

[A.E]

Ian Johnson seems pretty low, but no Pat White!?!?!?!?!

Ian Johnson would be a good special team workhorse but is going to have to really have to earn his way onto a roster.

As for Pat White, he's not going to be able to take the snap out of the shotgun, run a QB draw, and out-sprint the entire defense in the NFL. Nobody expects Pat White to be a very good NFL QB. He's the typical mobile QB running a college offense, an offense that wouldn't work against NFL defenses.

Colt Brennan gets hurt an awful lot. The guy has a cannon and can throw from the pocket but I think NFL scouts are weary about the fact that he puts up such good #'s b/c he's playing in the spread offense, throws the ball 85% of every game, and is playing in the WAC. I think he has NFL potential but he's not better than 66 on this list.

You guys need to stop falling in love with these mobile QB's. Michael Vick turned into a nightmare once they stopped him from running and tried to keep him the pocket. You could let guy's like Vick run but also bear in mind that Vick also suffered 2 major leg injuries in his career. Guys like Pat White and Dennis Dixon won't be nearly as useful to an NFL team as Matt Ryan or Brohm will.

 

[DJT]

You guys need to stop falling in love with these mobile QB's. Michael Vick turned into a nightmare once they stopped him from running and tried to keep him the pocket. You could let guy's like Vick run but also bear in mind that Vick also suffered 2 major leg injuries in his career. Guys like Pat White and Dennis Dixon won't be nearly as useful to an NFL team as Matt Ryan or Brohm will.

But mobile QBs are just the new breed of QBs. Its very good to have one to, cause when you receivers don't get open (and they tend to do that in games) then its either throw it away or take a sack or try and force something. And when you have a QB thats mobile you can spread the defense that much more and make some defenders be watching for them to run and that would open up passes a bit more. Or during those down where the secondary shuts your receivers down, they can make a big play with their feet and get the 1st down.

Mobile QBs aren't just runners, they can throw the ball to. Matt Ryan and Brohm can throw the ball, but so can these other guys.

 

[A.E]

But mobile QBs are just the new breed of QBs. Its very good to have one to, cause when you receivers don't get open (and they tend to do that in games) then its either throw it away or take a sack or try and force something. And when you have a QB thats mobile you can spread the defense that much more and make some defenders be watching for them to run and that would open up passes a bit more. Or during those down where the secondary shuts your receivers down, they can make a big play with their feet and get the 1st down.

Mobile QBs aren't just runners, they can throw the ball to. Matt Ryan and Brohm can throw the ball, but so can these other guys.

Hardly "New Breed of QB", the mobile one's have been around for quite some time. About as long as running the option has. Remember Tommy Frazier? Doesn't matter though b/c when you look at all 32 NFL teams, you won't find one that's offense is designed around their QB's ability to run. Maybe Tennessee but...Norm Chow is working to make Vince Young more like a McNabb & less like Vick. NFL Head Coaches want guys that can throw from the pocket, read coverage, and read the blitz. Why? Well look at the top 5 QB's in the NFL or the top 5 Offenses in the NFL & tell me what type of QB they have. You can preach "spread" all you want but at the NFL level, it doesn't work. Players are much smarter, much faster, and Coordinators know how to scheme for it.

It's nice to have a QB that can get outside the pocket if need be but at the end of the day, NFL Coaches & coordinators want the pocket passer. Anybody can throw the ball, your right, but it's knowing where and when to throw the ball that makes the difference.

The Draft will prove it.

 

[Giantmetfan07]

never heard of this site so I dont care what it says, I doubt much of that list, very inaccurate.

 

[DJT]

It's nice to have a QB that can get outside the pocket if need be but at the end of the day, NFL Coaches & coordinators want the pocket passer. Anybody can throw the ball, your right, but it's knowing where and when to throw the ball that makes the difference.

Yea but why can't a QB who can run know where to put the ball and when?? I think it can happen.

 

[A.E]

never heard of this site so I dont care what it says, I doubt much of that list, very inaccurate.

You've never heard of rivals.com or draftinsiders.com? Then what makes you the expert? These guys make a living out of dissecting Collegiate Players...but apparently you know better.

Yea but why can't a QB who can run know where to put the ball and when?? I think it can happen.

Because history shows that spread QB's & option QB's do not fare well in the NFL at all. Again, those types of Offenses are not used in the pro's & it's not easy to turn a spread QB or a mobile QB into a pure pocket guy. Every Coach is looking for the next Manning, Brady, or Palmer...unfortunitley neither Dixon or Pat White is it. Pat White will be playing WR in the NFL plain and simple.

 

[DJT]

Pat White will be playing WR in the NFL plain and simple.

hahahaha that would be sweet if he did. And if he went to the Steelers or something, they would probably do some trick plays where he comes on a reverse and throws it out to Roethlisberger or something like that.

 

[A.E]

hahahaha that would be sweet if he did. And if he went to the Steelers or something, they would probably do some trick plays where he comes on a reverse and throws it out to Roethlisberger or something like that.

He has the speed to do so. He will most likely follow in Michael Robinson's footsteps...maybe Brad Banks.

 

[Sabbath]

He has the speed to do so. He will most likely follow in Michael Robinson's footsteps...maybe Brad Banks.

Robinson actually wasn't that fast, at least not as fast as Pat White, however Robinson is bigger and just a natural athlete. I'm surprised to see Steve Slaton so far up there, he's too small to be a first round pick.

 

[Giantmetfan07]

when did I ever say I was an expert? All I'm saying is that I don't read lists from sites I have never even heard of.

 

[DJT]

Robinson actually wasn't that fast, at least not as fast as Pat White, however Robinson is bigger and just a natural athlete. I'm surprised to see Steve Slaton so far up there, he's too small to be a first round pick.

The same was said about Maurice Jones-Drew....now look at him. He's proving you don't have to be big to make it in the NFL. They are even saying that its a good thing he is so short, because when he is behind the line the linebackers can't see him.

 

[Sabbath]

The same was said about Maurice Jones-Drew....now look at him. He's proving you don't have to be big to make it in the NFL. They are even saying that its a good thing he is so short, because when he is behind the line the linebackers can't see him.

No, I'm just saying he won't be a frist round pick, however i just read somewhere that it has nothing to do with drafting so forget what I said.

 

[A.E]

But mobile QBs are just the new breed of QBs. Its very good to have one to, cause when you receivers don't get open (and they tend to do that in games) then its either throw it away or take a sack or try and force something. And when you have a QB thats mobile you can spread the defense that much more and make some defenders be watching for them to run and that would open up passes a bit more. Or during those down where the secondary shuts your receivers down, they can make a big play with their feet and get the 1st down.

The same was said about Maurice Jones-Drew....now look at him. He's proving you don't have to be big to make it in the NFL. They are even saying that its a good thing he is so short, because when he is behind the line the linebackers can't see him.

I'm sorry DJT but I can't help but laugh. Your explanations & theories are just so "elementary"-sounding. You need to think more in depth here. I mean short RB's are good b/c LB's cant see them? Mobile QB's are good b/c when WR's aren't open they can force something? Are you serious?

when did I ever say I was an expert? All I'm saying is that I don't read lists from sites I have never even heard of.

You said: "Never heard of...it's pretty inaccurate from what I see..." Pretty much implying that it's b.s. when in fact, if you took the time to do the research, you would find out how accurate it actually is. But what chaps me is how you blow it off like "I never heard of it, it's crap"...but I seriously bet you don't even recognize more than 20 names on that list of 100.

 

[Sabbath]

I'm sorry DJT but I can't help but laugh. Your explanations & theories are just so "elementary"-sounding. You need to think more in depth here. I mean short RB's are good b/c LB's cant see them?

I guess I can see what he is saying here. short running backs are "generally" quick and explosive and by the time the linebackers realize where he is at, he is flying by them up the middle or he has already begun that power sweep.

 

[Dice-J]

Also Michael Vick didn't do to good passing because they only guy he has that can catch (when he played) was Alge Crumpler. None of the Wide Reicevers could catch so the Falcons and Michael Vick were forced to run unless Crumpler was open.