DRAFT TRACKER 2008
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DRAFT TRACKER
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PLAYER
DRAFTED BY
Pittsburgh Steelers
Round 1 • Pick 23
PLAYER ANALYSIS
A physical inside runner, Mendenhall helped the Illini get back to the national prominence experienced in the 1980s. In his only season as a starter, Mendenhall led the team to a berth in the prestigious Rose Bowl. He went on to set school rushing records for most yardage (1,681) and touchdowns (17) in 2007, while also establishing an annual record with 1,999 all-purpose yards.
With a low center of gravity and thick legs, Mendenhall was a punishing force running between the tackles. He also showed the quick burst and second gear to elude defenders in the open field. Knowing what professional teams want in a tailback, he worked hard in the offseason to improve his pass-catching ability, almost tripling his reception production as a junior over that of his previous season (34 to 12).
At Niles West High School, Mendenhall was rated the premier recruit in the state of Illinois by Scout.com, earning a five-star prospect from that recruiting service, which rated him the 24th-best prep player in the country. He was named to Rivals.com's Top 100 team and rated 17th among national recruits by the Atlanta Journal Constitution. He was a member of the Student Sports Top 100 list of senior prospects, adding Prep Star All-American and Dream Team accolades.
Mendenhall was also selected the top recruit in the state of Illinois by the Chicago Sun-Times and named to Super Prep's Elite 50 list and All-American squad, ranking as the nation's fourth-best running back by the same publication. He also participated in the Fifth Annual U.S. Army All-American Bowl. The two-sport star was a three-year All-Central Suburban Conference selection for football and two-time pick for track. He was named to All-State teams as a junior in both football and track, in addition to earning All-Area honors for both sports as a sophomore and during his junior year for football.
Mendenhall averaged 9.1 yards per carry as a senior, rushing for 1,453 yards on 160 attempts and 14 touchdowns. As a junior, he gained 1,832 yards and 19 touchdowns, while averaging 11.6 yards per carry and recorded 1,300 yards and 21 scores as a sophomore. He also had over 1,000 career yards receiving and 13 touchdown catches. He was the Outstanding Performer at the Illinois Prep Top-Times meet as a junior and finished seventh in the state 100-meter dash as a sophomore. He also lettered in basketball.
Mendenhall verbally committed to Illinois as a junior in high school, spurning scholarship offers from Arizona, Arizona State and Northwestern, so he could join his brother, Walter, in the backfield for the Fighting Illini. Walter redshirted in 2004 and both brothers lettered in '05. Rashard was listed third on the depth chart at tailback, appearing in 10 games as a reserve. He managed 218 yards on 48 carries (4.5-yard average) and scored twice on 13 receptions for 82 yards (6.3-yard average).
As a sophomore, Mendenhall backed up Pierre Thomas, finishing second on the team with 640 yards and five touchdowns on 78 attempts (8.2-yard average). He also snared 12 passes for 164 yards (13.7 avg) and a score, racking up 870 all-purpose yards. His 8.2-yard rushing average was the best in the Big Ten Conference. He also earned CoSIDA/ESPN Academic All-District and Academic All-Big Ten honors in 2006.
In 2007, was named Big Ten Conference Offensive Player of the Year. He ranked second in the league and eighth in the country with 262 carries, setting school season-records with 1,681 yards (6.4 avg) and 17 touchdowns. He also set a school record with 1,999 all-purpose yards, ranking third in the Big Ten with an average of 153.77 yards per game. He also made 34 catches for 318 yards (9.4 avg) and two touchdowns, scoring 114 points for his final campaign.
Capitalizing on his standout season, Mendenhall opted to enter the 2008 NFL Draft.
In 35 games at Illinois, Mendenhall started 14 times. He rushed 388 times for 2,539 yards (6.5-yard average) and 22 touchdowns, ranking seventh all-
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DRAFTED BY
Baltimore Ravens
Round 2 • Pick 24
ACQUIRED VIA
PLAYER ANALYSIS
At only 5-feet-9, 195 pounds, Rice lacks the size scouts are looking for in a franchise back. His lack of prototypical size, however, is the only characteristic in which Rice is lacking. With Brian Leonard moving on to the St. Louis Rams in 2007, defenses knew Rice was the key to stopping Rutgers -- and he still finished a school single-season record 2,012 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns. Quick, fast and surprisingly powerful, Rice is built in much the same mold as Jacksonville Jaguars star Maurice Jones-Drew, making him one of the more versatile and talented backs in a 2008 draft.
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DRAFTED BY
Seattle Seahawks
Round 4 • Pick 22
PLAYER ANALYSIS
One of the terms used to describe a defensive lineman is that the player is an efficient "run stuffer." Perhaps no one player has been more important to his team in shutting down the opposition's running game than Joseph "Red" Bryant.
In the eight games that he appeared in for the Aggies in 2006, they allowed just 75.35 yards per game on the ground. In the five contests Bryant sat out due to a knee injury, TAMU was tagged for 229.2 yards per game rushing.
Selected one of the squad captains as a redshirt freshman, Bryant has dominated vs. the run since he first start in College Station. In three seasons in the middle of the Aggies' defense, Bryant has made 83 plays vs. the run, holding the opposition to only 46 yards (0.55 yards per attempt).
As a sophomore, he was a force, making 31 running plays that saw his opponent be held to an incredible minus-27 yards (minus-0.87-yard average). He followed that performance with 19 running plays for 12 yards (0.63-yard average) during his injury-shortened junior year.
At Jasper High School, Bryant earned first-team 3A All-State honors from the Texas Sports Writers Association and was one of eight finalists for the Willie Ray Smith Award, presented to the top offensive and defensive players in Southeast Texas. The consensus Texas Top 100 recruit added District and Golden Triangle Defensive Most Valuable Player honors during his senior season.
Bryant was the recipient of the 2001 District Defensive Player of the Year Award and was named the Southeast Texas Defensive Player of the Year by the Beaumont Enterprise. In addition to starring on the gridiron, Red also was a standout forward on the school's basketball team.
Bryant enrolled at Texas A&M in 2003, competing on the scout team, earning that squad's Defensive Work MVP accolades. He was a "4x4" performer during the team's 2004 off-season conditioning program, tying the school record in the hang clean (385 pounds, but has since set a new mark at 407 pounds). He was so well-respected by his teammates that he was named to the Leadership Council and served as game captain in his first year with the varsity.
In 2004, Bryant took over nose tackle duties, starting all 12 contests. He earned Freshman All-American and All-Big Twelve Conference honors from The Gridiron Report, as he totaled 34 tackles (nine solo) with an assisted sack, 3 1/2 stops behind the line of scrimmage and three quarterback pressures. He also deflected two passes and blocked a kick. In 33 plays vs. the run, the opposition managed just 61 yards (1.85 yards per carry) vs. Bryant.
Bryant added All-Big Twelve Conference first-team and All-American third-team honors from The NFL Draft Report in 2005. He recorded just 30 tackles (eight solo) with three sacks, 8 1/2 stops for losses and a pressure, but also caused two fumbles and deflected a pass. It was his dominance vs. the run that stood out. In 31 running plays, he held the opposition to minus-27 yards (minus-0.87-yard average). What makes that figure even more impressive was the fact that the rest of the Aggies' defense struggled. TAMU allowed 139.18 yards per game on the ground and ranked 107th in the nation, giving up 443.82 yards in total offense per game.
The team's permanent captain proved what a leadership was all about in 2006. He again manhandled the opposition in the trenches as a junior, making 19 plays vs. the run that netted the opposition just 12 yards (0.63-yard average). He made a valiant effort to play with an anterior cruciate ligament tear in his right knee, but he agreed to have surgery prior to the Texas game.
In nine games, he had 19 tackles (seven solo), a sack, 2 1/2 stops behind the line of scrimmage, five pass deflections and a blocked kick. With Bryant sidelined, the team gave up 229.2 yards per game on the ground in their final five contests. However, thanks to his stellar play in the first nine games, the Aggies' defense showed marked improvement, allowing 322.62 yards per game in total
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DRAFTED BY
Buffalo Bills
Round 4 • Pick 15
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DRAFTED BY
San Francisco 49ers
Round 3 • Pick 12
ACQUIRED VIA
PLAYER ANALYSIS
A highly-touted prospect out of high school, Smith made an immediate impact for the Sooners as a true freshman and played in all 39 games of his career before being held out of the Fiesta Bowl due to a broken big toe on his right foot. Smith lacks the elite speed of other big-name cornerbacks, but plays with instincts and toughness. He is one of the more versatile defensive backs of the 2008 draft due to his experience at cornerback and free safety.
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DRAFTED BY
Washington Commanders
Round 7 • Pick 35
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'3 5/8"
- Weight
- 315 lbs
- Arm
- 35 1/8"
- Hand
- 10 3/8"
- Wing
Production
54.72
Athleticism
51
Total Score
105.72
PLAYER ANALYSIS
One of the team's most important players, Robert Felton's versatility on the offensive line was invaluable for the Razorbacks. He earned starting assignments at all four guard and tackle positions.
"When they (NFL scouts) come in and talk to us and ask those questions, they're taking notes going, 'Versatility and unselfish,' " former Arkansas offensive line coach Mike Markuson said. "That's what it's all about. Robert Felton is willing to play, whatever it takes. He'll play hurt. Those are things that factor in because those guys, you pay them a lot of money. They've got to be able to go play and be able to withstand some pain."
Felton is well-liked by his teammates and he is known for his outgoing nature, keeping everyone "loose" with his funny and charismatic nature, but he is also one of the team's brightest players. Already he earned degrees in Criminal Justice and Sociology and is a few credits shy of a third in Communications.
A tireless worker in the weight room and on the practice field, his keen grasp of the playbook and knowledge of the game allowed the coaches to switch his assignments even during the flow of the game.
Felton's abilities allow him to switch positions and his attitude doesn't hurt. "I'll play anywhere," he said. "If that's where the team needs me, it's where I'll be. Who doesn't want to stick in one spot? But if that's my role on the team to play everywhere, that's my role."
Not only is Felton coachable, he is capable of snapping and he's agile at 328 pounds and shows off his agility by doing cartwheels. That agility has NFL scouts interested in allowing Felton the opportunity to play at the pro level.
At Cypress Creek High School, Felton was a three-year starter at offensive tackle, following in the footsteps of NFL linemen Sam Adams, Dan Neil and Josh Williams, who all starred at the school. He was rated the 54th-best player by Heartland Recruiting and rated the 39th-best offensive guard in the nation by Rivals.com. Max Emfinger Recruiting ranked him as the 23rd-best offensive tackle in the prep ranks and he was also named to the Prep Star All-Region IV team.
Felton enrolled at Arkansas in 2003, turning down scholarship offers from Arizona, Wisconsin and Kansas. He spent the season on the scout team, working tirelessly in the weight room to improve his overall strength. In 2004, he saw limited action in the team's first five games, but when injuries depleted the front wall, he was more than capable of filling the void.
That year, he played in nine of 11 games, earning a starting nod in the Hogs' final five games. He started the season as an offensive guard, but was switched to offensive tackle after injuries to left tackle Tony Ugoh and right tackle Zac Tubbs. He started the Georgia game for Ugoh at left tackle and then started the final four contests at right tackle after Tubbs was injured and lost for the season. He finished the season with 41 knockdowns, including 32 in his final five contests.
As a sophomore, Felton started all 11 games at right tackle, posting 45 knockdowns while grading 82% for blocking consistency. He led the way for the Razorbacks' SEC-leading rushing attack that ranked 12th in the nation with an average of 216.9 rushing yards per game.
In 2006, Felton started 13 of the team's 14 contests at right offensive guard. He delivered 57 knockdowns and received an 84% blocking grade. He was part of an offensive front that finished second in the nation in sacks allowed per game (0.64), yielding only nine sacks for the season. The Arkansas front wall that cleared the way for the SEC-leading and the nation's fourth-best rushing attack averaging 228.5 yards per game.
Felton started the team's first 11 games at right guard before shifting to left tackle for the Razorbacks' final three games. He graded a career-high 85.7% with 51 knockdowns, earning second-team All-American and first-team All-Southeastern Conference accolades. He opened huge holes for
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DRAFTED BY
New York Giants
Round 6 • Pick 33
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DRAFTED BY
Atlanta Falcons
Round 5 • Pick 3
PLAYER ANALYSIS
James is a former defensive back who enjoyed a breakout senior campaign for Arizona State, rising to prominence as one of the more active, instinctive outside linebackers in the country. After registering only 26 tackles in limited duty as a junior, James burst onto the scene in 2007, earning first team Pac-10 honors in posting a team-leading 106 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and four interceptions. While James plays a physical brand of football, scouts will have to decide whether he has the size and strength to hold up at linebacker - a quandary that likely results in only late-round or free-agent consideration despite his gaudy senior numbers.
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DRAFTED BY
Los Angeles Rams
Round 5 • Pick 22
ACQUIRED VIA
PLAYER ANALYSIS
A model of consistency for the Beavers, Roy Schuening started 50 consecutive games at Oregon State, breaking the school record of 48 straight starts by linebacker Richard Seigler (2000-03).
While Schuening manned the right guard position most often, he showed his versatility and team-first attitude by shifting over to right tackle for the final four contests when injuries depleted the offensive line's depth.
Schuening also excelled in the classroom, as he was one of 20 players on the team that earned Academic All-Pac-10 Conference honors over the last two years. His drive-blocking skills made the national media take notice, as he was awarded with first-team All-American honors as a senior.
At Pendleton High School, Schuening was a three-year starter on both the offensive and defensive line. He earned All-Intermountain League honors as a junior and senior and was the league Lineman of the Year in 2002. He was also the most valuable lineman at the Oregon State and Oregon summer camps in 2002.
Schuening added second-team All-State recognition on defense and honorable mention on offense as a senior. He received two votes on the Long Beach Press Telegram Best in the West list and played in the Les Schwab Oregon Bowl in 2003. He was a member of the Super Prep Western All-Region team and ranked third on its list of top athletes for the state of Oregon and Washington.
For his defensive career, Schuening recorded 114 tackles and 17 sacks. He also lettered two years in wrestling and three in track. He broke the school record in the shot put with a toss of 56-6 as a senior.
Schuening enrolled at Oregon State in 2003, spending the season performing on the scout team. In 2004, he was named to The Sporting News Freshman All-American and All-Pac-10 Conference squads. He started all twelve games at right offensive guard, collecting 47 knockdowns and five touchdown-resulting blocks as the team averaged 379.5 yards per game in total offense.
The right guard was one of three OSU offensive linemen to receive postseason honors, as he was awarded All-Pac-10 Conference honorable mention. He again manned the right guard spot, helping the Beavers improve their running game from 70.7 yards per game in 2004 to 122.5 yards in 2005. He totaled 69 knockdowns and was credited with seven touchdown-resulting blocks.
Schuening was again chosen All-Pac-10 Conference honorable mention in 2006. He started all 14 games, leading a front wall that paved the way for the Beavers to average 242.4 yards per game passing. He would go on to register 75 knockdowns and also made eight touchdown-resulting blocks.
In 2007, Schuening started the first nine games at right guard and the final four games at right tackle. Despite playing with a bout of walking pneumonia earlier in the year, he dominated in the trenches. The offense generated a bulk of its 4,831 yards (371.6 yards per game) over the right side of the line. Schuening would proceed to lead Pac-10 blockers with 17 touchdown-resulting blocks, adding 114 knockdowns to pick up All-American and All-Pac-10 Conference first-team accolades.
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DRAFTED BY
Denver Broncos
Round 1 • Pick 12
PLAYER ANALYSIS
The Boise State coaching staff unearthed a tremendous talent in Ryan Clady. He was an unheralded defensive tackle out of Eisenhower High School. The Broncos were the lone major college pursuing him, and Clady figured that he would at least get a good education at the university. After spending a year on the scout team, the staff moved him to the offensive line. And like a fish in water, the talented youngster started to develop almost immediately.
Clady would go on to earn Freshman All-American honors as a redshirt freshman and earn All-American recognition, along with a slew of other honors over his next two seasons. What impressed scouts about, beyond his developing frame, was his knowledge and technique at left offensive tackle.
Watch game film on Clady to see a smooth kick slide in pass protection, his light feet leading on traps and pulls and, of course, a devastating hand punch. With his footwork and balance, he has easily neutralized quicker edge rushers on a regular basis.
At Eisenhower High School, Clady earned first-team All-CVL honors, as well as first-team All-County and All-CIF Division recognition. Competing as a defensive lineman, he posted 60 tackles, five sacks and one fumble recovery during his senior year.
With Boise State, Clady spent the 2004 season as a defensive tackle on the scout team as a freshman. His epic battles vs. All-Western Athletic Conference offensive tackle Daryn Colledge in practices are the stuff of legend in Boise. Colledge graduated and the coaches shifted Clady to the offensive line, where he started 11 of 13 games at right tackle, helping the team rank ninth in the nation in scoring (36.08 points per game) and fifth in rushing touchdowns (36).
Clady, with a year of experience on offense under his belt, took over left tackle duties in 2006, going on to earn second-team All-American honors. He registered 102 knockdowns with 11 touchdown-resulting blocks, finishing with an 82.23% grade for blocking consistency. He paced a unit that ranked sixth nationally in rushing (214.15 yards per game), second in rushing touchdowns (39) and second in scoring (39.69 points per game).
Clady was primed for a banner 2007 campaign, but he got off to a very rough start, as he was penalized four times in the season's second game vs. Washington and struggled a bit with his footwork. He did post some eye-opening performances, putting together a string of three games where he did not allow the opponent to record any statistics. He finished the year with 122 knockdowns, leading the nation's blockers with 21 touchdown-resulting blocks to grade 85.77%.
After the 2007 Hawaii Bowl, Clady decided to turn pro.
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 5'10"
- Weight
- 187 lbs
- Arm
- 30 1/4"
- Hand
- 9"
- Wing
Production
82.08
Athleticism
53.23
Total Score
135.31
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Like teammate Davone Bess, Grice-Mullen is an undersized receiver who plays with more quickness than straight-line speed and will be best suited playing the slot receiver position in the NFL. With head coach June Jones and his aggressive offensive philosophies leaving Hawaii, Grice-Mullen elected to leave school early. It could be a decision he regrets, as much of his success is due to Jones' scheme and not elite athleticism or size on Grice-Mullen's part.
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DRAFTED BY
Pittsburgh Steelers
Round 6 • Pick 28
ACQUIRED VIA
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DRAFTED BY
Denver Broncos
Round 5 • Pick 4
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PLAYER ANALYSIS
Torain is a solid interior runner who can gain yards in chunks. He lacks the shiftiness and speed to be effective in every scheme and may have been the beneficiary of Pac-10 defenses focusing most of the attention on stopping ASU's passing attack.
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DRAFTED BY
Atlanta Falcons
Round 1 • Pick 21
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PLAYER ANALYSIS
The Trojans' front wall anchor at the demanding left offensive tackle position, Baker has battled injury problems the last two years. When healthy, he dominated in the trenches and was pretty good while playing through pain. Even though he missed three full games and a good portion of two others in 2007, he became only the third three-time All-American first-team selection in school history. The first to accomplish that feat was linebacker Richard Wood (1972-74), followed by quarterback Matt Leinart (2003-05). Baker comes from a family with strong sports tradition. His uncle, Ben Baker, was an offensive lineman at Duke, playing tackle for the Blue Devils from 1969-71. His father, David, is the commissioner of the Arena Football League and formerly played basketball at UC Irvine and then professionally in Europe. At Tustin High School, Baker earned Super Prep, Prep Star, Student Sports and Tom Lemming Prep Football Report All-American first-team honors, adding second-team accolades from USA Today. He was also chosen to the Prep Star Top 100 Dream Team, The Sporting News Hot 100, Tom Lemming Top 100, Super Prep All-Farwest, Prep Star All-West, Tom Lemming All-West and Long Beach Press-Telegram Best in the West first-team squads. In addition, he garnered Tacoma News Tribune Western 100, Orange County Register Fab 15, Cal-Hi Sports All-State, All-CIF Southern Section, All-CIF Division VI, Los Angeles Times All-Star and Orange County Register All-Orange County first-team recognition as a senior offensive and defensive lineman in 2002. That season, he recorded 34 tackles with 2 1/2 sacks on defense, helping Tustin advance to the CIF Division VI semi-finals. As a junior, Baker collected Cal-Hi Sports All-State Underclass second-team, All-CIF Division VI, Los Angeles Times All-Orange County and All-League first-team honors. He also competed in the weight events for the school's track team. Baker enrolled at Southern California in 2003, spending the season performing as an offensive guard on the scout team. The following season, he shifted to left offensive tackle, starting 13 games. He was named to the Football Writers, The Sporting News, Collegefootballnews.com and Rivals.com Freshman All-American first-teams, adding All-Pac-10 Conference second-team while collecting 74 knockdown blocks. He was also named the team's Offensive Lineman of the Year, the first freshman to be honored as such as a Trojan. In 2005, Baker continued to elevate his play. The CBS SportsLine.com All-American first- team choice added third-team recognition from the Associated Press and Rivals.com. He collected first-team All-Pac-10 Conference first-team accolades and was named the team's Co-Lifter of the Year. In 13 games, he delivered 103 knockdowns, including a dozen touchdown-resulting blocks, despite playing the final month of the regular season with a bone chip in his left knee. As a junior, Baker shared team Lifter of the Year and Offensive Lineman of the Year honors. He was a first-team All-American pick by the Football Writers Association, The Sporting News, CBS SportsLine.com, Associated Press and the Walter Camp Football Foundation. He was again selected to the All-Pac-10 Conference first-team, helping the offense average 385.46 yards per game. He graded 85.85% for blocking consistency, posting 109 knockdowns, including 14 touchdown-resulting blocks. After having left knee surgery in January, Baker was slowed early in the season by a cracked rib that he suffered during a mid-August scrimmage prior to the 2007 season. He sat out games against Notre Dame, Oregon State and California and saw limited action vs. Oregon after he strained his hamstring vs. Arizona. He still garnered All-American first-team honors from the Walter Camp Foundation and was an All-Pac-10 first-team pick. He again shared USC Offensive Lineman of the Year Award honors, as he produced 88 knockdowns and 12 touchdown-resulting blocks.
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'3 5/8"
- Weight
- 241 lbs
- Arm
- 32 1/8"
- Hand
- 9 3/4"
- Wing
Production
50.65
Athleticism
51
Total Score
101.65
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Keller's roller coaster career included an outstanding sophomore season that ended in a thumb injury, a lost starting job to Rudy Carpenter at Arizona State in the 2006 preseason, the resulting transfer to Nebraska and lost season, and yet another lost starting job to Joe Ganz in the middle of 2007. Will get a shot in the pros, however, because of his size and pedigree.
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DRAFTED BY
New Orleans Saints
Round 1 • Pick 7
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PLAYER ANALYSIS
The Trojans' three-year starter at nose guard, Ellis was regarded as one of the top interior linemen in the country entering his senior season, and only continued to build his reputation in 2007. The winner of the Pat Tillman Pac-10 Conference Defensive Player of the Year Award, Ellis was also the recipient of the Morris Trophy, given to the league's premier lineman.
Many had expected Ellis to be playing in the National Football League rather than for the Trojans in 2007. He seriously contemplated applying after his junior season, but because he missed a portion of 2006 while recovering from early season arthroscopic knee surgery, he decided to return for his final campaign. "I think I can mature more as a football player and a person," Ellis said last summer. "It's only one more year. How bad can one more year be?"
Southern California's gain resulted in significant losses for their opposition, as no offensive lineman could contain Ellis, who registered a career-high 8.5 sacks to go along with 8.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage and seven pass deflections as a senior. After manhandling the Notre Dame offensive line in their 2007 encounter, the Irish head coach Charlie Weis told reporters, "Ellis is on about every (award) list known to mankind. He locates the ball, uses his hands, plays with good balance. He's a tough player."
At Chino High School, Ellis earned Super Prep and Prep Star All-American honors, in addition to garnering Super Prep Elite 50, Prep Star Top 100 Dream Team, The Sporting News Hot 100, Super Prep All-Farwest, Prep Star All-West, Tom Lemming All-West, Long Beach Press-Telegram Best in the West first-team and Tacoma News Tribune Western 100 honors.
Ellis was also named to the Orange County Register Fab 15, Cal-Hi Sports All-State, All-CIF Southern Section, All-CIF Division II first-teams and was chosen Los Angeles Times All-Star Lineman MVP. The Los Angeles Times All-Inland Empire Lineman MVP selection as a senior offensive and defensive lineman, he recorded 122 tackles (35 solo), including 19 for losses (with 6.5 sacks), plus a blocked punt, a forced fumble and a pair of fumble recoveries in 2002.
As a junior in 2001, he made the Cal-Hi Sports All-State Underclass, All-CIF Southern Section, All-CIF Division II and Los Angeles Times All-Inland Empire first-teams. He posted 108 tackles, including 16 for losses (with 10 sacks), in 2001. As a sophomore, he picked up Cal-Hi Sports All-State first-team recognition. He also competed on the school's track team in the weights.
Ellis enrolled at Southern California in 2003, but during fall drills he suffered a left ankle fracture and was granted a medical hardship. He played in 11 games behind All-American Mike Patterson at nose guard in 2004, but saw just limited action, making two assisted tackles.
With Patterson graduating, Ellis took over nose guard chores in 2005, starting all 13 games. He received All-Pac 10 Conference honorable mention, as he collected 50 tackles (28 solos) and ranked third on the squad with 4.5 sacks and eight stops for losses. He also deflected three passes and caused a fumble.
In 2006, Ellis earned Collegefootballnews.com All-American first-team honors, in addition to being a consensus All-Pac 10 Conference first-team choice, despite missing three games after he suffered torn cartilage in his right knee in practice prior to the Nebraska clash. He still managed to win the Pac-10 Morris Trophy (for the league's top defensive lineman, as voted by the league's offensive linemen).
Ellis went on to register 34 tackles (17 solos), 4.5 sacks and 8.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage in 10 contests. He also had a forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, three pass deflections and blocked a kick. USC center, Ryan Kalil, who battled vs. Ellis in practices for three years and was the offensive recipient of the 2006 Morris Trophy, raved about his former teammate, stating, "He's an unbelievable football player. He made me
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'1 1/2"
- Weight
- 205 lbs
- Arm
- 32"
- Hand
- 9 5/8"
- Wing
Production
54.65
Athleticism
57.69
Total Score
112.34
PLAYER ANALYSIS
McBride was a very productive four-year starter for the Hornets, clearly standing out at the Football Championship Subdivision level while accumulating 203 catches for 3,017 yards and 33 touchdowns. His receptions and yards dropped off in 2007 (50 catches netting 589 yards), mostly due to uneven quarterback play and increased attention, but he still managed to score nine times.
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 5'10"
- Weight
- 177 lbs
- Arm
- 28 3/4"
- Hand
- 8 1/2"
- Wing
PLAYER ANALYSIS
The only NAIA prospect invited to the Combine, Longest was a one-man special teams crew for the Cougars, serving as the team's primary punter, place-kicker and kickoff specialist. Scouts have reservations about Longest's leg strength, but his improvement in accuracy over the past two seasons is enough to warrant a closer look.
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DRAFTED BY
New England Patriots
Round 3 • Pick 15
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PLAYER ANALYSIS
An emerging talent at the strong-side linebacker position, Crable reminds some scouts of Carl Banks, an All-American at that position for the Wolverines' arch-rivals, Michigan State, who went on to earn All-Pro honors during a stellar career with the New York Giants. The talented youngster has the same excellent read-and-react skills and playing strength, doing a great job of attacking the backfield coming off the edge that Banks showed throughout his college and professional career.
With Crable's tall and rangy frame, some talent evaluators feel he could bulk up for a possible switch to the defensive line, where his pass rushing and pass coverage skills could excel as a hybrid linebacker/defensive end. Evident by his 28.5 tackles behind the line of scrimmage as a senior, the Wolverine has proven to be among the elite blitzers in the 2008 NFL Draft pool.
At Washington High School, Crable was an All-State first-team linebacker as a senior and rated the eighth-best player in the nation at his position by Tom Lemming, who chose him for his Prep Football Report 2003 Super Team. He was also rated the eighth-best strong-side outside linebacker in the nation by MaxEmfingerRecruiting.com and earned All-American honors while being ranked seventh nationally at his position by Super Prep.
Crable received a four-star prospect rating from Rivals100.com and was named to Prep Star's Dream Team Top 100 list, in addition to earning Parade All-American honors. He was selected to the roster of 2003 U.S. Army All-American Bowl, after he made 75 tackles, 17 sacks, three forced fumbles and two interceptions as a senior.
Crable lettered three times with the varsity. He recorded 125 tackles, six sacks, 19 stops for losses and two interceptions as a junior. He also lettered four times in basketball, averaging 18 points and 10 rebounds during his junior season. A three-year letterman in track, he ran the 100-meter dash in 10.7 seconds and anchored the 4x100 relay team.
In 2003, Crable enrolled at Michigan, but spent the season on the sidelines recovering from a shoulder injury. He appeared in eight games on defense and nine contests on special teams in 2004, posting seven tackles (6 solos) with an 8-yard sack and two pass break-ups. He was listed second on the depth chart at strong-side outside linebacker in 2005, coming up with 14 tackles (12 solos), three sacks and a trio of deflected passes while appearing in 12 games.
As a junior, Crable took over strong-side linebacker chores, starting eight of 13 contests. He earned All-Big Ten Conference second-team honors from the league's coaches, going on to register 37 tackles (28 solos), 4.5 sacks and 10.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage. He recovered a fumble, caused two others and deflected three passes.
During 2007 preseason camp, Crable was named one of the team's three captains. When he found out his teammates had voted him defensive captain, he immediately starting asking questions and sought advice from family and close friends. "I was kind of nervous," he said. "I called my brother, I called my best friend, I talked to my girl, I just asked a lot of questions about what it is to lead and what people thought it was to lead. I went and talked to coach E (defensive coordinator Ron English) because I don't think I was fully prepared. I think that's just a great honor, especially because it's voted on by your teammates, and it's not just coaches saying, 'Oh, this guy is going to be captain of this team.' "
The All-American and All-Big Ten Conference second-team pick served as team captain in 2007. Crable started 12 times, ranking second on the team with a career-high 37 tackles (28 solos) and 7.5 sacks. He led the conference and ranked second nationally with a school season-record 28.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage. He also had four forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and four pressures. "I think Shawn has taken the leadership part of his expectation very seriously," Wolver
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DRAFTED BY
Miami Dolphins
Round 4 • Pick 11
ACQUIRED VIA
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Murphy is best known for being the son of former Atlanta Braves outfielder Dale Murphy. An intriguing late-round developmental prospect, Shawn Murphy consistently improved throughout his career with the Aggies despite switching positions between his junior and senior seasons. Having originally signed as a defensive end, Murphy made the transition to the offensive line after serving an LDS Mission and transferring first to Dixie State Junior College and finally Utah State. Despite good weight room strength, Murphy relies more on his athleticism and grit than strength at the point of attack.
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'0 3/8"
- Weight
- 195 lbs
- Arm
- 31 3/4"
- Hand
- 8 3/4"
- Wing
Production
72.57
Athleticism
58.12
Total Score
130.69
PLAYER ANALYSIS
The Castille name is royalty on the Alabama campus.
Simeon Castille became the third member of his family to suit up for the Crimson Tide. His father, Jeremiah, was an All-American cornerback at Alabama (1979-82) under head coach Bear Bryant and was taken in the third round of the 1983 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, playing from 1983-88 with the Bucs and Denver Broncos.
Simeon's brother, Tim, was a fullback and teammate at Alabama from 2003-06 and is presently on the roster of the Arizona Cardinals. There could be a fourth Castille wearing the Crimson Tide uniform in the next year, as his younger brother, Caleb, is a standout prep prospect at Briarwood Christian.
One of the most physical cover cornerbacks in the Southeastern Conference, scouts feel that Castille's lack of speed and his ability to make plays in front of him give him potential as a free safety candidate.
At Briarwood Christian High School, Castille earned All-American honors as a defensive back, helping lead his school to the class 5A state title in 2003. He was also a first-team USA Today All-American and Super All-State pick and was listed by Super Prep as the 11th-best player in Alabama and the 30th-best defensive back nationally. The ASWA Class 5A Back of the Year was also a third-team member of the Fox Sports Net All-South team.
As a senior, Castille rushed for 540 yards and six touchdowns on 98 carries. He added 21 receptions for 350 yards and one touchdown and on the defensive side of the ball, he recorded 60 tackles and nine interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns. A member of the Birmingham News' Super Seniors list, he announced his commitment to the Tide on national TV while playing in the U.S. Army All-America Game in San Antonio, Texas.
As a true freshman in 2004, Castille played in 11 games behind Ramzee Robinson at left cornerback, sitting out the Arkansas game with a right knee sprain. He posted 14 tackles (seven solo) with a sack and two stops for losses. He also picked off a pair of passes and had four pass breakups.
Castille continued to play behind Ramzee Robinson at left cornerback, but did earn a few starting assignments vs. Middle Tennessee, Southern Mississippi and Florida. He made 28 tackles (17 solo) with two interceptions and seven pass deflections. He was also in on a pair of sacks and four stops for losses while causing a fumble. He was ruled academically ineligible for postseason competition, sitting out the Cotton Bowl vs. Texas Tech.
By 2006 spring drills, Castille's academic issues were resolved. He was the recipient of the Bobby Johns Most Improved Defensive Back Award and earned a full-time starting job at right cornerback. He garnered All-Southeastern Conference first-team honors, as he ranked fourth on the team with 71 tackles (44 solo), including a sack and 4.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage. He picked off six passes, broke up six others and caused a fumble. He also recovered three fumbles, advancing two for 17 yards.
Even though the Tide lost their final four regular-season games, Castille was still awarded All-SEC first-team recognition. He shifted back to left cornerback, but struggled in deep coverage. He produced 63 tackles (40 solo) with 1.5 sacks, 6.5 stops for losses and two quarterback pressures. He knocked down 10 passes and intercepted two others.
In 48 games at Alabama, Castille started 29 contests. He finished with 176 tackles (106 solo), 5.5 sacks for minus-47 yards, 17 stops for losses of 73 yards and five quarterback pressures. He caused three fumbles and recovered three others, returning two for 17 yards. He deflected 27 passes and gained 105 yards with a touchdown on 12 interceptions. He also returned six punts for 60 yards (10.0-yard average) and blocked a kick.
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DRAFTED BY
Denver Broncos
Round 6 • Pick 17
ACQUIRED VIA
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Called the "heart and soul" of the Arizona defensive unit, opposing offensive coordinators feared the dominant and versatile defender.
Whether lining up at outside linebacker in a 4-3 alignment or playing inside in a 5-2 formation, few teams could contain Larsen with just one blocker.
The two-time team captain made a triumphant return to the gridiron in 2005 after missing the previous two seasons while on a church mission. During his freshman year at Arizona in 2002, the new coaching staff considered his return as an added recruiting bonus. Opposing ballcarriers considered his return a nightmare for fullbacks trying to block him and halfbacks trying to elude him on end-around runs.
At Gilbert High School, Larsen earned Super Prep All-Farwest honors as a senior in 2001. He added Phoenix All-Metro Football accolades, along with Prep Star All-West and the Arizona Republic first-team Al-State recognition.
In his final season, the All-Region co-Defensive Most Valuable Player and All-Southeast Valley choice recorded 124 tackles as a linebacker and also competed as a quarterback. A multi-sport standout, he earned three letters in football, one in baseball and one in track.
Larsen enrolled at the University of Arizona in 2002. He garnered Freshman All-American third-team and All-Pac-10 Conference Freshman first-team honors from The Gridiron Report and The Sports Page. He started seven of 12 games at weak-side linebacker in the team's eagle-flex system. He finished seventh on the team with 41 tackles (30 solo), adding a pair of sacks and 3 1/2 stops for losses. He added one quarterback pressure and deflected three passes.
Already recognized as the Wildcats' defensive leader and a favorite of the media, Larsen left the Arizona program for the 2003-04 seasons to serve on an LDS church mission to Chile. The only Mormon player on the Arizona football roster, many thought that Larsen would enroll at Brigham Young.
"Their recruiting coordinator told my high school coach I wasn't a Division I player," he says, smiling. "But I never pictured myself at BYU. So many of the (Mormon) players from Phoenix go there. I wanted to go to a place where nobody knew me, a place where there was no one else like me."
Larsen also found his future wife while away on his church mission. Ann, who attended nursing school at Central Arizona during Spencer's junior year with the Wildcats, attended Gilbert Highland High School with Spencer, although they did not date one another. When he moved to Tucson, she enrolled at Brigham Young. She wrote to Spencer while he was in Chile, but both were involved in somewhat serious relationships with other people.
When Spencer returned in the spring of 2005, they connected and were married in December of that year and the couple welcomed their first son, Tyton, last April. The new coaching staff welcomed Larsen back to the program with open arms in 2005. "I came back because the coaches told me they'd wait for me," he says. "That kind of respect appealed to me. You can't beat that. Plus, I like it here. The guys probably saw me as some sort of square when I was a freshman. Now they probably see me as a regular guy. They know about my faith. I know about theirs. It works."
On the practice field during spring 2005 drills, Larsen suffered a right knee sprain (anterior cruciate ligament) in March, undergoing surgery to repair the injury a month later. That forced him to sit out the team's first two games and he saw limited action until taking over the middle linebacker spot for the team's last six contests.
Despite starting just half of the schedule, he finished fourth on the team with 51 tackles (29 solo), a sack and 2 1/2 stops behind the line of scrimmage. He also recovered a fumble and batted away a pass. He also excelled in the classroom, earning Pac-10 Conference Academic second-team honors.
In 2006, Larsen was named All-Pac-10 Conference second-team adding Academic All-Pac-10 first-team
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DRAFTED BY
Tennessee Titans
Round 4 • Pick 35
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Keglar started for the Boilermakers for four years before turning his attention on the NFL, but is primarily a reserve linebacker/special teams unit candidate in the pros. Keglar was not an overly productive college player, partially because of his role in the defense, but is solid enough a prospect to compete for a roster spot.
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'0 1/2"
- Weight
- 236 lbs
- Arm
- 33 1/8"
- Hand
- 9 1/4"
- Wing
Production
54.65
Athleticism
53.68
Total Score
108.33
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DRAFTED BY
Buffalo Bills
Round 7 • Pick 17
ACQUIRED VIA
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Few receivers made a more dramatic improvement from their junior and senior seasons than Johnson. A transfer from Chabot Junior College (CA), he caught more touchdowns as a senior (13) than he caught total passes (12) his junior season. Blessed with good size, speed and a flair for the dramatic, Johnson lacks polish, but has the tools scouts are looking for in a mid- to late-round developmental prospect.
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DRAFTED BY
Indianapolis Colts
Round 6 • Pick 35
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Steve Justice is one of the premier centers in this class, combining excellent quickness, explosive hip roll and outstanding technique to dominate the college ranks.
Known for his hand-placement skills, the center is hailed as having the best balance of any pivot man in the game, doing a fine job of mirroring the defender throughout the play.
Football is a rich tradition in the Justice household. All three sons of Patty and Wally Justice have excelled in the game. Steve's older brother, Kevin, played at the Air Force Academy (1996-2000) and another brother, Doug, was a linebacker at the University of North Carolina.
Steve Justice was a three-year starter on both the offensive and defensive lines at New Smyrna Beach High School. He earned All-State honors as a junior and senior and was also an All-District selection on offense. He was named the District 4-A Player of the Year in 2002, in addition to garnering first-team All-Five Star Conference and two-time All-Central Florida accolades.
Rated the 42nd-best offensive guard nationally by Rivals100.com, Justice graded 91% for blocking consistency on offense and tallied 54 tackles, including 10 for losses, and two sacks on defense. He also earned first-team All-County and second-team All-Area honors in wrestling. He graduated in the top 10 of his class, received the National Scholar-Athlete Award from the U.S. Army Reserve and was named DAR Citizen of the Year.
Justice enrolled at Wake Forest in 2003, choosing the university because of "the small class size, small campus, beautiful area and great football." He performed on the scout team that year, learning the technique to play the center position. He was used mostly on the punt unit in 11 games as a reserve center in 2004, participating in 30 offensive snaps.
As a sophomore, Justice took over center duties. The Raleigh News & Observer's All-Big Four Team choice was one of only three players on offense to start all 11 games, participating in all 855 offensive snaps on the season. He was a key member of Wake Forest's offensive line that paved the way for a rushing attack that averaged more than 197 yards per game.
In 2006, Justice earned first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors. He was twice named ACC Offensive Lineman of the Week, starting all 14 games in the middle. In 829 plays, he posted 66 knockdowns, including nine touchdown-resulting blocks. The offense would go on to average 307.0 yards per game.
As a senior, Justice earned All-American honors from six different news services, in addition to being chosen All-ACC first-team. He received the Atlantic Coast Conference's prestigious Jacobs Blocking Trophy, awarded annually to the conference's top lineman. He was also the runner-up for the Rimington Trophy, as he registered 65 knockdowns, with 12 touchdown-resulting blocks, helping the team improve to an average of 334.5 yards per game in total offense.
"Steve is as good an offensive lineman as we have ever had," said Wake Forest head coach Jim Grobe. "He has exceptional skills, is a team leader and an outstanding young man. He has a bright future in football and he is one player that we will truly miss next year."
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 5'11 5/8"
- Weight
- 238 lbs
- Arm
- 32 1/2"
- Hand
- 9 1/2"
- Wing
Production
62.33
Athleticism
69.44
Total Score
131.77
PLAYER ANALYSIS
:
Octavien managed to stay healthy all season for the first time in four years in 2007, racking up All-Big 12 honorable mention honors. He led the Huskers with 92 tackles (56 solo, 15 for loss), two sacks, three passes breakups and nine quarterback hurries. He played football and track for Harper College before transferring to Nebraska for his last three seasons (he red-shirted 2005).
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DRAFTED BY
Houston Texans
Round 3 • Pick 26
ACQUIRED VIA
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Even after a disappointing junior season, Slaton's agility and breakaway speed will be enough to earn him a second- or third-round selection in the 2008 draft. With a heavy workload over his career, Slaton has proven durable despite his lack of prototypical size. A natural open-field runner, Slaton can make an immediate impact as a runner, receiver and returner.
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'2 1/8"
- Weight
- 227 lbs
- Arm
- 33 1/4"
- Hand
- 8 5/8"
- Wing
Production
51.39
Athleticism
59.11
Total Score
110.50
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Like Trent Edwards -- the quarterback he replaced -- Ostrander has the physical skills scouts are looking for, but was surrounded by such a lack of talent at Stanford that he has had few opportunities to show his ability. A seizure and the surprising play of freshman quarterback Kavita Pritchard in his stead limited Ostrander's senior season to only five starts. Ostrander has a strong enough arm, however, to go along with the intelligence and toughness to be drafted late or sign as a priority free agent.
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'0 3/8"
- Weight
- 187 lbs
- Arm
- 31 1/4"
- Hand
- 8 3/4"
- Wing
Production
61.60
Athleticism
53.08
Total Score
114.68
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Athletic receiver who has the size and athleticism to consider in the late rounds. Smith, 24, elected to come out after the 2007 season despite being granted an extra year of eligibility for missing most of the 2006 season with a broken collarbone. A versatile athlete who played cornerback for a year at Bakersfield Junior College, Smith's talents weren't often taken advantage of in Syracuse's poor offense, but there are tools to work with here.
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DRAFTED BY
Dallas Cowboys
Round 4 • Pick 23
ACQUIRED VIA
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Choice was highly productive at Georgia Tech and was the centerpiece of the offense. Whether he can play that role in the NFL is unlikely. He lacks make-you-miss agility and breakaway speed. He is capable of gaining yards in chunks and would make an ideal complementary back.
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DRAFTED BY
Baltimore Ravens
Round 3 • Pick 8
ACQUIRED VIA
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Considered the most dominating defensive player in the state of Florida during his days at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Tavares Gooden had a respectable, yet unspectacular career at Miami until he shifted to middle linebacker as a senior. Hampered by an assortment of injuries during his first three seasons with the Hurricanes, he bounced from weak-side to strong-side linebacker until he found a home in the middle.
Gooden is cut from the same cloth as past Miami linebackers -- a cat-quick defender who is very physical with his hands, using them well to maintain separation from blockers. Few defenders display the lateral pursuit skills that Gooden has. He is also an explosive tackler who consistently drags ballcarriers to the ground.
Regarded as one of the state's top players as a junior and senior at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Gooden was a two-time Class 4A All-State selection, adding first-team All-Broward honors at defensive end in 2002. Considered the most dominating defender in Florida, he was rated the nation's sixth-best linebacker by Allen Wallace's Super Prep and was named a Super Prep All-American.
Gooden was rated the sixth-best outside linebacker in the nation by Tom Lemming's Prep Football Report and was a member of the Rivals100 National Top 100 squad, in addition to receiving Super Southern 100 honors from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The Orlando Sentinel Florida Top 100 pick was also a second-team selection on the Fox Sports Net All-South Team.
As a senior, Gooden registered 87 tackles, 12.5 sacks and three forced fumbles. He added 26 tackles with four sacks and eight stops for losses as a linebacker and also saw action as a fullback during his junior campaign. He also excelled in track. He was the 2002 state champion in the discus at 181'0" (had a personal best of 197 feet) and added personal-bests of 20'1" in the long jump and 6"8" in the high jump.
Gooden enrolled at Miami in 2003, choosing the Hurricanes over scholarship offers from Ohio State, Oklahoma, LSU and Tennessee. He played in 13 games behind D.J. Williams at weak-side linebacker, coming up with 10 tackles (six solo).
Gooden took over weak-side linebacker chores for the first nine games of the 2004 season, but saw limited action in the final three games due to a left shoulder injury. He would still finish third on the team with 68 tackles (28 solo), a sack, 5.5 stops for losses and five pressures. He also deflected three passes.
In 2005, Gooden shifted to strong-side linebacker, making a pair of tackles in the season opener vs. Florida State. He dislocated his left shoulder in that contest and was granted a medical redshirt. He returned to start four of eleven games at strong-side linebacker in 2006, missing the Maryland and Virginia contests due to a concussion. He would produce 36 tackles (23 solo) with 2.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage, three pressures and a trio of pass breakups.
Gooden made his third move within the linebacker unit in 2007, taking over in the middle. He led the team with a career-high 100 tackles (60 solo), including three stops for losses, an interception and three pass deflections.
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DRAFTED BY
New Orleans Saints
Round 6 • Pick 12
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Taylor Mehlhaff teamed with punter Ken DeBauche to form what many experts felt was the best kicking tandem in college football in recent years.
DeBauche left the school ranked second in punting average and total punting yards. Mehlhaff finished his career as Wisconsin's second-leading scorer in school history (295 points) and tied for second all-time in field goals (50). He also holds the Badgers' all-time record by making 145-of-148 extra point attempts.
The 2007 Lou Groza Award semifinalist, given to the nation's premier place-kicker, Mehlhaff also garnered All-American first-team honors as a senior. A three-year starter who handled all field goals and extra-point attempts, Mehlhaff was a major reason the opposition consistently had poor field position. In handling kickoff chores, 123 of his attempts were touchbacks and 160 of those kicks were returned for a 19.75-yard average, none for touchdowns.
Mehlhaff was a decorated kicker during his time at Aberdeen Central High School. He was rated the premier place-kicker in the prep ranks by Rivals.com, earning All-American first-team honors from Ridell and second-team accolades from USA Today. He was a two-time All-State, All-Area and All-Conference choice on special teams and added All-Conference honors as a quarterback. South Dakota's 2003 Gatorade Player of the Year, he helped lead his team to 12-1 record and runner-up finish in 2003 Class 11AA state finals as a quarterback, strong safety, kicker and punter.
The national kickoff champion at Chris Sailer's Kicking Camp, Mehlhaff had more than 93 percent of his kickoffs go for touchbacks and he made 6-of-14 field goals, with a long of 52 yards and 35-of-36 PATs as a senior. He also passed for 1,359 yards and 12 touchdowns, while making 55 tackles on defense. The team captain and MVP lettered four times each in football, hockey and track. He also earned All-State Academic team recognition.
Mehlhaff enrolled at Wisconsin in 2004, though Mike Allen was holding down the job as the team's place-kicker. Mehlhaff took over kickoff chores for the Badgers, handling 53 kickoffs for 3,266 yards (61.6-yard distance average) with 18 touchbacks, as the opposition averaged 20.1 yards on 33 kickoff returns. He also made two assisted tackles.
In 2005, Mehlhaff handled field goal, placement and kickoff duties. He scored 98 points on 14-of-20 field goals and 56-of-58 PATs. He ranked second in the Big Ten Conference, as he kicked off 81 times for a 60.9-yard distance average, as 45 were returned for an 18.9-yard average and 36 boots resulted in touchbacks. He also posted four tackles (two solo).
Mehlhaff was named the team's Special Teams Player of the Year. The Lou Groza Award semifinalist added All-Big Ten Conference second-team honors, as he ranked second on the team with 92 points. He was successful on all 47 extra-point tries and on 15-of-20 field goals. He produced one solo tackle and saw just 32 of his 76 kickoffs (61.6-yard distance average) returned, with 42 resulting in touchbacks.
Mehlhaff's senior season was his finest, picking up All-American and All-Big Ten honors. He tied for the conference title and ranked 16th nationally with an average of 1.62 field goals per game. He finished 23rd in the country with just 50 kickoffs returned for a 19.64 average on 77 kicks, with 27 touchbacks. He led the team with a career-high 105 points scored, connecting on 21-of-25 field goals and 42-of-43 extra-point attempts. His 21 field goals rank second on the school single-season list. He also made two tackles.
In 51 games at Wisconsin, Mehlhaff handled kickoff duties in each of those contests and field goal/PAT chores in 39 clashes. He connected on 50-of-65 field goals (76.92%) and 145-of-148 extra-point attempts (97.97%) for 295 points, the second-highest total on the school's career scoring list. He recorded nine tackles (four solo) and kicked off 287 times for 18,018 yards (62.78-yard distance average), as 123 of those
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DRAFTED BY
New York Giants
Round 2 • Pick 32
PLAYER ANALYSIS
One of the premier lock-down cornerbacks in college football, Thomas' hard-hitting tackling ability and penchant for making big tackles inside the box could see him shift to free safety at the next level. When healthy, he has more than lived up to the challenge of covering the opposition's main receiving target and has allowed just two touchdown catches over the last two seasons.
Injuries have been the only thing to keep Thomas off the field for the Trojans. Because of his ability to dominate vs. the run, he has also seen some action with the linebacker unit. He shows little regard for his own safety, willingly hurling himself into the pile to make the play. He does this despite undergoing surgery on both shoulders during his career, in addition to surgery on his right knee to repair torn ligaments. The grueling rehabilitation he underwent each time saw him return to perform even better than before he was hurt.
At Ranch Cucamonga High School, Thomas earned 2002 Super Prep All-America, Super Prep All-Farwest, Prep Star All-West, Tom Lemming All-West, Long Beach Press-Telegram Best in the West first-team, Tacoma News Tribune Western 100, All-CIF Division II first- team and Los Angeles Times All-Inland Empire first-team accolades.
A standout tailback and cornerback, Thomas rushed for 1,250 yards on 134 carries (9.3 avg) with 14 touchdowns and caught 30 passes with five scores as a senior. On defense, he recorded 115 tackles, had seven interceptions and forced four fumbles while averaging 44.5 yards on kickoff returns in 2002.
As a junior, Thomas collected 78 tackles and five interceptions, as he also had 15 catches for 250 yards (16.7 avg) with six touchdowns. He also was on the school's track team, compiling career-bests of 10.5 seconds in the 100-meters and 21.4 in the 200-meters.
Thomas enrolled at Southern California in 2003. He was listed second on the depth chart at free safety, but suffered a right shoulder dislocation in fall camp. He underwent surgery, receiving a medical hardship. In 2004, Thomas appeared in 11 games as a reserve cornerback, shifting to that position from free safety during '04 spring drills. Seeing most of his action in the dime packages and on special teams, he made only nine tackles (7 solos), but also batted away a pair of passes and intercepted two others.
Thomas took over strong-side (right) cornerback for the first two games of the 2005 season, but he suffered torn ligaments in his right knee vs. Arkansas, underwent surgery and was lost for the rest of the year. He finished with five solo tackles and a pass break-up.
Thomas reclaimed his right cornerback job in 2006, earning All-Pac 10 Conference second-team honors. He ranked seventh on the team with 50 tackles (35 solos), having a strong presence on the blitz, as he totaled three sacks for losses of 32 yards and recovered two fumbles, returning one for a touchdown. He also intercepted two passes and deflected 12 others.
Prior to the start of 2007 spring drills, Thomas underwent surgery to repair a left shoulder dislocation. He returned to start all 13 games, again receiving All-Pac 10 Conference second-team recognition. He ranked ninth on the squad with 45 tackles (31 solos) and had a sack with 4.5 stops for losses. He caused three fumbles, recovered another and batted away seven passes. He also gained 44 yards on four interception returns.
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DRAFTED BY
New England Patriots
Round 2 • Pick 31
PLAYER ANALYSIS
One of the more unheralded players in college football, Wheatley made professional scouts take notice of his ability as a shutdown cornerback. After sitting out the 2005 season following surgery to repair a broken wrist, Wheatley more than made up for lost time, establishing himself as the premier man-coverage cornerback in an extremely talented conference.
One of the fastest players in college football, Wheatley's sudden burst and running stride has also brought him success as a kickoff returner. His 937 yards on kickoff returns rank fifth on the school's all-time record list and his 506 yards on those returns in 2007 marked the eighth time in Colorado annals that a player amassed more than 500 yards on kickoff returns in a season, and he still has six games in his final campaign to improve those totals.
One defense, he ranks tied for sixth in Colorado history with eleven interceptions. He returned two of those pass thefts for touchdowns, one short of the school career-record of three by Victor Scott (1980-83). He has also batted away 27 other passes thrown in his area, giving him 38 passes defended over 37 games.
"When the pro scouts come by, I just jump on the table for Terrence Wheatley," said Colorado head coach Dan Hawkins. "I think he is a very solid individual, he is a hard worker, he is a smart guy, he is dependable, he is very, very consistent and he is a special talent. I could see that guy, if he continues, being an All-American type player. It is awesome to have him in the return game, too, because we know how fast he is and now that his wrist is healed up and it's not as big a problem as it was last year, he can do some great things there. But he is a great kid, he really is."
At Plano East High School, Wheatley earned All-State honorable mention, Dallas Morning News All-Area first-team honors as a cornerback and receiver and was named to the All-District 9-5A first-team. He was rated the 56th-best cornerback in the nation by Rivals.com and also garnered the Plano Star Collin County Most Valuable Player accolades as a senior. As a junior, he received All-District second-team recognition as a receiver and first-team accolades as a kickoff returner.
During his final campaign, Wheatley recorded 82 tackles (three for loss), along with five interceptions, nine pass deflections, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. On offense, he caught 25 passes for 410 yards and three touchdowns; he averaged 35 yards per kickoff return and 15 yards per punt return. The team finished 8-4 that season, winning the district title, but lost in the second round of the playoffs.
As a junior, he totaled 70 tackles (four for loss), with six interceptions, 18 pass breakups, three forced fumbles and three recovered fumbles. He played running back sparingly, rushing 23 times for 200 yards, and added 11 catches for 161 yards and two touchdowns. He also averaged 25 yards per kickoff return and eight yards on punt returns. That year, he guided the squad to an 8-3 record, winning the district championship before losing in the first round of the playoffs.
Wheatley added three letters in track, setting school records in the triple-jump (50-8), long jump (24-61/2) and 100 meters (10.15). He was the Texas Relay champion in the triple jump (48-5) his junior year, and he won district championships in the 100, long jump and triple-jump. He also was the district champion in the triple-jump as a sophomore.
Wheatley enrolled at Colorado in 2003, seeing action in 12 games on special teams and in six contests on defense. He started vs. Baylor and Kansas State at right cornerback, coming up with 30 tacklers (22 solo) and five pass deflections. He also gained 57 yards (29.5-yard average) on a pair of kickoff returns. His first start against Baylor was historical, as he joined Sammy Joseph at cornerback, marking the first time in CU history that a pair of freshmen started at the same position in the same game. On special teams, he
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DRAFTED BY
Atlanta Falcons
Round 6 • Pick 6
PLAYER ANALYSIS
An under-sized, over-achieving back with the versatility to make a club, Brown was one of the SEC's most productive backs over the course of his career. While he lacks prototypical size, Brown runs with surprising power and is a high-effort pass blocker. Brown follows his blockers well and rarely goes down to initial contact despite his size. Though talented and tough, Brown's lack of size and struggles to remain healthy the past two seasons will relegate him to late-round or free agent status.
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DRAFTED BY
Atlanta Falcons
Round 3 • Pick 35
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Thomas DeCoud, an athletic pass defender with the quickness to play cornerback, is known for his skills on special teams.
With excellent leaping ability and long arms, he blocked six kicks during his first two seasons with the Bears. Despite his lean frame, he has also proven to be a solid tackler in the box, relishing his role of taking on ballcarriers on outside running plays.
His versatility was invaluable at Cal, where he played every position in the secondary. With his ball anticipation skills and acceleration to close on plays in front of him, DeCoud might have found a home at free safety, earning a full-time job for the first time in his collegiate career at that position as a senior. He is known around the Pac-10 Conference for his athleticism and intensity. "I've been hit by everybody on the team," Cal tailback Justin Forsett told the San Francisco Chronicle. "When Thomas hits you, it's not something you want to remember."
DeCoud was a standout football and basketball player at Pinole Valley High School. He earned first team All-Alameda Contra Costa Athletic League accolades during a brilliant senior season in which he recorded 80 tackles and two interceptions at cornerback, and caught 23 passes for 600 yards at wide receiver. As a junior, he was awarded All-ACCAL honors in both football and basketball.
The 175-pound freshman spent his first season at California playing cornerback on the scout team in 2003. He spent most of the 2004 campaign on the special-team coverage units, appearing in 10 games as a reserve cornerback, finishing with nine tackles (six solos) and a fumble recovery. He also led the Pac-10 Conference with three blocked kicks, despite playing early in the year with a right ankle sprain suffered in fall camp.
DeCoud shifted to free safety as a sophomore, playing in 11 games behind Harrison Smith. He continued to excel on special teams, again blocking three kicks. He also came up with 28 tackles (18 solos) with a stop for a loss, but was bothered early in the year by a hyper-extended right knee and a left thumb sprain that would require surgery during the 2005 season.
DeCoud took over free safety duties, starting the team's first four games of the 2006 season before missing the Oregon State and Oregon contests due to a right knee sprain in the Arizona State game. He returned to action as a reserve behind Bernard Hicks, making 45 tackles (20 solos) with a stop behind the line of scrimmage and three pass breakups, earning Cal's Most Improved Player honors.
As a senior, DeCoud was named the defensive captain, picking up Cal MVP and All-Pac 10 Conference honorable mention. He started the first 12 games, registering a career-high 116 tackles (71 solo) to lead the Bears' defense. He added a sack with three stops for losses, as he recovered a fumble and caused two others. He also had an interception and four pass deflections.
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DRAFTED BY
Jacksonville Jaguars
Round 5 • Pick 20
ACQUIRED VIA
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Playing behind three future first-round picks in Keith Rivers, Rey Maualuga and Brian Cushing, Williams didn't have much of an opportunity to get on the field while with the Trojans, starting only four games as a senior. Blessed with good size, physicality and the versatility to play any of the three linebacker positions as well as fullback, some team could get a late-round steal with Williams.
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'0 1/4"
- Weight
- 257 lbs
- Arm
- 33"
- Hand
- 9 5/8"
- Wing
PLAYER ANALYSIS
The NFL continues to search for players who can perfectly place the ball in the hands of the punter or holder.
One of the pivotal reasons behind Indiana making it to the postseason in 2007 was that they had what many scouts felt was the best long-snapper in the collegiate game -- Tim Bugg. As a senior, he was responsible for the team's success in the kicking department, as they made all 49 extra-point attempts, 21 of 23 field goals and 59 flawless punts. He is held in such high regard, that he was recently invited to the Senior Bowl, a contest that features only the elite seniors in college football.
With Bugg about to embark on his professional career, Tim's younger brother, Brandon, is expected to take over those chores, putting Indiana's snapping duties into very capable hands.
Bugg was a standout snapper and lineman at Mishawaka Penn High School. He was an All-Northern Indiana Conference honorable mention team during his senior campaign, adding Class 5A All-Area honors. During his first season with the varsity, the team captured the 1999 5A state championship.
In addition to playing football, Bugg lettered in golf during his freshman and sophomore years, where he perfected his hand quickness needed for his snapping chores. In his last three years at the school, he also lettered on the rugby team.
Bugg enrolled at Indiana as a walk-on in 2003, but spent the next two seasons performing on the scout team. He was shifted to tight end briefly in 2004, but never got to see game action.
In 2005, Bugg finally was given his opportunity. He handled long-snapping chores in six of the team's first seven games (did not play vs. Illinois), but suffered a left knee torn anterior cruciate ligament vs. Ohio State, missing the team's final four games to undergo surgery. Prior to his injury, he handled 47 of 48 punt snaps cleanly, along with 25 snaps for extra-point attempts (team made 23) and six more for field goals.
Bugg returned to action in 2006, with his younger brother serving as his backup on the scout team. He handled a total of 66 snaps for the punting game and 47 more for the field goal and PAT unit (15 on field goals). He also showed his tackling form, registering three tackles for the punt-coverage unit.
Bugg was named All-American and All-Big Ten Conference first-team by The NFL Draft Report in 2007. The team's kicking game had drastically improved in his two-plus seasons of handling snapping chores. To say that the Hoosiers snapper was flawless would be an understatement. His blocking up front kept the kick blockers at bay, as he handled 61 snaps for the punting unit and 70 more for the placement kick teams, with only one Indiana punt being blocked for the year.
Indiana kicking specialist Austin Starr recently told the media prior to the Insight Bowl.
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DRAFTED BY
Arizona Cardinals
Round 5 • Pick 14
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 5'11 1/2"
- Weight
- 205 lbs
- Arm
- 31 1/2"
- Hand
- 9"
- Wing
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'2 1/2"
- Weight
- 246 lbs
- Arm
- 32 5/8"
- Hand
- 9 1/2"
- Wing
Production
66.22
Athleticism
65.20
Total Score
131.42
PLAYER ANALYSIS
A productive speed rusher who terrorized the SEC throughout his career, Brown lacks the size scouts want at defensive end. However, he struggled at the Senior Bowl in making the transition to outside linebacker, where he played as a freshman. Brown has the physical tools to warrant a look at OLB, but if unable to make the switch he may be forced to find a niche in the NFL as a situational pass rusher. With his quick burst off the snap and intangibles, the two-time SEC honors recipient has a chance to do just that.
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'4 7/8"
- Weight
- 214 lbs
- Arm
- 32 1/2"
- Hand
- 9 1/4"
- Wing
Production
72.04
Athleticism
61.58
Total Score
133.62
PLAYER ANALYSIS
A four-year starter for the Cyclones, Blythe seemed to be there twice as long to defensive coordinators in the Big 12. He caught 31 touchdown passes in four years, although his five in 2007 was down from previous seasons. He will not remind anyone of Randy Moss, but has the potential to be a Drew Bennett-type big-bodied slot receiver who causes match-up problems.
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DRAFTED BY
Indianapolis Colts
Round 6 • Pick 30
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Taking advantage of Al Groh's reliance on the tight ends as the primary receiving outlet in his Virginia offense, Santi enjoyed a breakout senior campaign in 2007. Though blessed with good size, Santi isn't going to wow anyone with his athleticism. His consistency as a short- and medium-range receiver and high effort blocker, however, makes him a solid late-round prospect who could stick with a club.
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DRAFTED BY
Baltimore Ravens
Round 3 • Pick 23
ACQUIRED VIA
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Zbikowski has used his spare time since age nine to pound opponents in the boxing ring, compiling a 60-13 record in Golden Gloves and becoming a Silver Gloves finalist in 1998, '99 and 2000. The toughness Zbikowski shows in the ring matches the physical nature with which he plays on the field. There aren't many teams who use their starting strong safety to return punts, but Zbikowski is no ordinary player.
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'2 3/4"
- Weight
- 281 lbs
- Arm
- 33 3/8"
- Hand
- 9 3/4"
- Wing
Production
67.26
Athleticism
65.39
Total Score
132.65
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DRAFTED BY
Pittsburgh Steelers
Round 4 • Pick 31
ACQUIRED VIA
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Hills is a former tight end who overcame a devastating injury that threatened his career during his high school days to go on and start 24 of his final 42 games with the Longhorns. Unfortunately, his college career would also be cut short due to a broken fibula in his left leg. He had made a smooth transition to left tackle from tight end as a redshirt freshman and proved to be a capable replacement for former All-American Jonathan Scott.
Hills was a three-year starter as a tight end at Alief Elsik High School, where he twice earned All-Greater Houston and All-District honors. A Parade All-America selection who added Class 5A third-team All-State recognition as a senior, he added second-team All-State accolades during his junior campaign.
Hills averaged 17.9 yards on 28 receptions his final two seasons. As a senior, he caught 15 passes for 275 yards for a team that reached the 5A Division I semifinals, but sustained a serious left knee injury in the first half of that contest. He also totaled 13 receptions for 227 yards and a touchdown as a junior. Before giving up basketball prior to his freshman year, he had earned a spot on the U.S. Junior National team.
Because of his knee injury, Hills was granted a medical hardship in 2003 at Texas, giving him time to recover from reconstructive surgery that repaired nerve damage in his knee. Doctors originally feared his playing days were over, but a grueling rehabilitation program saw Hills return to the field in 2004.
As a redshirt freshman, Hills shifted to left tackle. He appeared in seven games on offense and special teams in 2004, competing for playing time. He was part of a line that cleared the way for Texas to rank second in the nation in rushing (299.2 ypg), seventh in total offense (464.4 ypg) and 18th in scoring (35.3 ppg).
In 2005, Hills was a valuable reserve, seeing action in 11 games as Jonathan Scott's caddy at left tackle. That year, the line was responsible for the Longhorns ranking first in the nation in scoring offense (50.2 ppg), second in rushing offense (274.9 ypg) and third in total offense (512.1 ypg).
With Scott gone to the National Football League, Hills stepped into the starting lineup in 2006. He was an All-Big 12 Conference honorable mention and earned a spot on ESPN's All-Mayday Team for being one of college football's "Toughest of the Tough," in addition to being named one of UT's Most Improved Offensive Players. With Hills clearing the way, Texas gained 162.6 rushing yards per game (34th NCAA), 391.5 total yards per game (23rd NCAA) and scored 35.9 points per game (seventh NCAA).
In 2007, Hills earned Walter Camp All-American first-team and was named to the All-Big 12 Conference first-team squad. He started the first 11 games at left tackle before he broke a bone in his left leg. In the 11 games with Hills at left tackle, the team averaged 471.5 yards in total offense and 265.2 yards passing per game, while allowing an average of 1.9 sacks. With Hills on the sideline, the offense averaged 415.5 yards in total offense, 201.5 yards passing and three sacks per contest.
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DRAFTED BY
New Orleans Saints
Round 2 • Pick 9
PLAYER ANALYSIS
One of the nation's top playmaking defensive backs, Tracy Porter became the first player in school history to return a punt, interception and fumble for touchdowns in his career.
The team captain has always been known for his ball-hawking skills, but after years of reluctance to perform vs. the run, Porter showed good determination in stopping the run his final season.
As a senior, Porter became the first Hoosier since Mark Sutor in 1982 to record six or more interceptions in a season. He would close out his career with 16 interceptions, three short of the school record of 19 by Tim Wilbur (1978-82). Ever the opportunist, he amassed 413 yards on those interception returns, breaking the previous Indiana record of 360 yards by Wilbur. He also became just the third player in Big Ten Conference history to gain over 400 yards on interception returns, joining Jamar Fletcher of Wisconsin (459, 1998-2000) and Tom Curtis of Michigan (431, 1967-69).
It took a few years for Porter to warm up to playing football. At Port Allen High School, he was more noted for his basketball talent than for his football prowess. He played only two seasons of football during his prep days, but earned first-team All-District 3A honors as a senior and second-team laurels as a junior.
Porter played quarterback, running back and wide receiver on offense and made 93 tackles, 11 interceptions (two returned for touchdowns) and 14 pass breakups as a cornerback during his senior year. He also returned two punts and two kickoffs for touchdowns, averaging 47.0 yards per kick return and 28.0 per punt return. He also started at point guard for the basketball team and clocked a personal best 10.4 in the 100 meters for the track team.
Porter joined Leslie Majors as the only true freshmen to letter at Indiana in 2004. He was named to The Sporting News' Big Ten Conference All-Freshman Team. He started the first seven games at right cornerback before he was sidelined for the final four contests with a left shoulder injury (clavicle fracture). He posted 22 tackles (19 solo) with six pass breakups and also intercepted three passes, returning one for a touchdown.
As a sophomore, Porter started all 11 games, 10 at right cornerback, and in the season finale vs. Purdue, he shifted to strong safety. He delivered 48 tackles (42 solo) with a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. He picked off three more passes and also batted away six other throws.
Porter added punt return duties to his resume in 2006. He was a second-team All-Big Ten Conference pick, starting all 12 games at right cornerback. He was in on 59 tackles (51 solos), as he recovered a fumble, caused another and knocked down eight balls. He had four interceptions and a 27-yard kickoff return while also blocking one kick.
In 2007 preseason camps, Porter excelled and the coaching staff felt that he had the ability to be the Big Ten's elite cornerback. Coach Bill Lynch was impressed by Porter's play and maturity and predicted a big year.
In 2007, Porter became the first Indiana cornerback since Mike Dumas in 1989 to earn All-Big Ten Conference first-team accolades. He shifted to left cornerback, ranking second in the league and tied for 18th nationally with six interceptions. He ranked tied for third in the Big Ten with an 11.0-yard average on 23 punt returns. He totaled 83 tackles (63 solo), with a sack and 5.5 stops for losses. He recovered two fumbles, returning one for a score and had four pass breakups.
Porter started all 43 games in which he played at Indiana, lining up at right cornerback for 29 contests, at left cornerback for 13 games and once at strong safety. He ranks second in school history with 16 interceptions for a Hoosiers all-time record 413 yards in returns (25.8-yard average) and a touchdown. He recovered four fumbles for 147 yards in returns, including a score. He added 477 yards and a touchdown on 35 punt returns (13.6 avg) and had a 27-yard kickoff return. He finished wi
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DRAFTED BY
Jacksonville Jaguars
Round 5 • Pick 24
PLAYER ANALYSIS
With opposing offenses electing to throw away from Mike Jenkins, Williams has developed into a potential first-day selection himself.
An athletic corner blessed with both pure speed and big-play ability, Williams took advantage of quarterbacks challenging him to record a team-record seven interceptions in 2006, earning First Team Big-East accolades.
A veteran of 32 starts entering his senior season, Williams has the experience scouts like, as well as the athleticism to improve. He's often used in man coverage at USF, but shows the instincts and break on the ball to be effective in zone as well. Scouts are still looking for more consistency from Williams, but he could take advantage of senior all-star games to distance himself from his more recognized teammate.
A strong showing during the all-star banquet could ultimately result in a top 50 selection for Williams.
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