DRAFT TRACKER 2008

Marcus Harrison had a trying senior season. A rare four-year starter who played a variety of roles for the Razorbacks, he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during spring drills and medical reports indicated that he would be lost for most of the 2007 campaign. He worked hard throughout his rehabilitation and made enough progress to be listed in the projected starting lineup for the season opener. However, Harrison was arrested Aug. 24 and accused of having an ecstasy pill and marijuana in his vehicle when he was stopped by Fayetteville police. He was charged with one count of possession of a controlled substance. The arrest caused evaluators to be very cautious in evaluating him for the 2008 NFL Draft. The coaching staff suspended him for the season opener, but when he returned to action, the rust from the layoff affected his play early in the year. His knee problems aren't new, as he was also hampered by torn cartilage early in 2006, followed by ankle woes later in his junior campaign. Harrison was rated as the 11th-best nose tackle in the nation by Max Emfinger as a senior at Mills High School. He was a member of the Associated Press Super Team and named to Prep Star's All-Region IX team that year. He was rated the fourth-best overall player in Arkansas and the 29th-ranked defensive tackle in the nation by Rivals.com. Harrison was also rated the 72nd-best player in the Southwest by Tom Lemming and given a three-star rating by Forrest Davis. He was Super Prep's sixth-ranked player in Arkansas. The defensive tackle recorded 40 tackles and two sacks as a junior. He also snared nine passes as a tight end. He also lettered in track, recording an 8'2" standing broad jump and 28-inch vertical jump. Originally signed as a part of the 2003 Arkansas signing class, Harrison spent a year at Hargrave Military Academy playing for head coach Robert Prunty. He was also recruited by Oklahoma and Tennessee. Arriving at Fayetteville, he was immediately thrust into the starting lineup in 2004, becoming the first true freshman to start a season opener for the Razorbacks since safety Greg Lasker in 1982. Harrison registered 31 tackles (22 solos) with 2.5 stops for losses and a pair of pressures from the "Bandit" end position that season. He recovered a fumble that he returned for a touchdown and also deflected one pass. As a sophomore, he shifted to left defensive tackle, starting nine of 11 games. He totaled 37 tackles (20 solos) withy a sack, five stops for losses and 15 quarterback pressures. He also recovered a fumble for a 25-yard return. Knee and ankle problems limited Harrison to five starts in 13 games during 2006. He also suffered a concussion in late September; injuries forced him to sit out the Alabama game. He produced 42 tackles (27 solos) with 1.5 sacks, as he added 3.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage, a fumble recovery and six pressures. As a senior, he started 10 of 12 contests at left defensive tackle and was named to the Associated Press All-Southeastern Conference second-team. He delivered a career-high 50 tackles (34 solo), getting into the backfield long enough to post 1.5 sacks, seven stops for losses and five pressures. He also had an impressive nine pass breakups while also causing one fumble. In 47 games at Arkansas, Harrison started 34 times. He registered 160 tackles (103 solo) with four sacks for minus-34 yards, 18 stops for losses of 59 yards and 28 quarterback pressures. He caused one fumble and recovered three others, returning two of those for a total of 43 yards and a touchdown. He also deflected 11 passes.

Like the rest of the team, Henry really came on in a special 2007 season. He more than doubled his career receiving yardage (1,014) and touchdowns (10) on 54 catches in 2007. His senior year moved him from a free agent possession receiver to a late-round (or higher) potential No. 2 or 3 receiver who can impact a game by moving the chains or getting deep on an opponent's nickelback.

A defensive end for the Bulldogs, Howard lacks the size and strength to remain on the front line in the NFL, but by ending his career with a flourish his stock is on the rise. Howard signed with Georgia as linebacker prospect, but was moved to defensive end in 2005 and had to bide his time behind Quentin Moses and Charles Johnson. As a first-year starter, the pressure was on Howard to break out, and break out he did -- posting 41 tackles with a team-leading 10.5 sacks.

Monk's size and strong hands made him star in the SEC since first stepping onto the field as a freshman. Unfortunately, his lack of burst out of his breaks and rather pedestrian downfield speed make him little more than a red-zone specialist in the eyes of NFL scouts. Two minor knee surgeries in August limited his effectiveness as a senior and give Monk, one of the most recognizable names at the position, a legitimate chance at not getting drafted at all.

A size/speed prospect who produced the breakout season many predicted in 2007, attaining first team All-Mountain West accolades with 91 catches for 1,125 yards and four touchdowns. Used as an all-purpose runner and receiver early in his career, he became a go-to playmaker for his quarterbacks.

In a draft well stocked with undersized runners, Thomas is one of the few big backs available who can do more than simply run. A classic slasher with deceptive elusiveness and speed, Thomas enjoyed a breakout senior campaign for the Miners and is a reliable receiver out of the backfield.

Walker played early in his career, coming out of his redshirt nine games into the 2004 season to start the final four. He missed time with a shoulder injury in 2005, but really turned up his play in 2006. Unfortunately, he did not capitalize on that momentum this past season -- no interceptions and two pass breakups compared to three and nine in 2006.

Teams are warming up to the guy with the middle name "Cashmere." A big-time player since arriving in Ann Arbor as a Parade All-American, Manningham lived up to the hype in his third and final season catching 74 balls for 1,174 yards (16.3 per) and 12 touchdowns -- all in a year where injuries and ineffectiveness limited Michigan's offense. There's little doubt Manningham will prove to be a reliable number one or "1a" receiver who can make the big play.

Urrutia made the surprising decision to enter the NFL Draft early after an injury-marred, marginally productive junior season. Urrutia broke onto the scene as a true freshman, earning Second Team Big East honors despite only starting five games. Blessed with great size and a penchant for the big play, he finished third on the team with 37 receptions, but second on the team in receiving yards (797) and led the club with seven touchdown receptions. Urrutia enjoyed his finest season in 2006, catching 58 passes for 973 yards and 6 touchdowns. In 2007, sidelined for two games with a turf toe and clearly limited in many others, Urrutia's numbers dropped to only 35 grabs for 503 yards and three touchdowns. With his size, Urrutia presents a tough red-zone matchup for defenders. His estimated 40-yard dash time isn't impressive, but Urrutia is a long-strider who builds up speed as he runs. Despite his lack of prototype speed, he is an effective deep threat who knows how to time his leaps and compete for the ball. Urrutia flashes good hands and the footwork to be a reliable route-runner, but he is prone to lapses in concentration and both his hands and route-running can falter. Urrutia's talent and upside warrant draft consideration, but it will almost surely come in the middle to late rounds.

Despite playing for a terrible Stanford team, Bradford quietly was viewed by scouts as one of the nation's better possession receiver prospects throughout his career. He lacks elite athleticism and, with only marginal talent around him, his numbers aren't impressive. However, Bradford is an accomplished route-runner with strong hands and competitiveness in jump ball situations. In a West Coast Offense, Bradford could prove to be a late-round gamble that pays handsomely.

This former Texas high school basketball star does not play like one on the football field. Bennett's not the fastest tight end in this draft, but the combination of his receiving and blocking skills are what make him coveted by NFL teams. There are probably few college tight ends in recent history who have averaged four catches (49 for 587 yards and four touchdowns) and more than five knockdown blocks (67) per game.

For more than two decades, tight ends at Missouri and in what is know the Big Twelve have been measured against former Mizzou great and NFL Hall of Famer Kellen B. Winslow. With a stellar career in which he started all 50 games and set school records -- including the overall reception record -- and new marks for Big Twelve tight ends, Martin Rucker became the standard-bearer at this position. Nebraska's loss was Missouri's gain, as the little brother of former Huskers and present Carolina Panthers defensive end Mike Rucker, decided that he would enroll at the rival school rather than reside in Lincoln, Nebraska. Very close to his oldest brother, Martin Rucker was often found at the Panthers' training facility or their games when not involved with the Missouri football program. That bond helped soothe the youngster after he withdrew his name from consideration for the 2007 NFL Draft as an underclassman. The NFL advisory board had informed Martin Rucker last year that he was regarded as only a fifth-round prospect. With that information, Martin Rucker wisely chose the course of returning to school for his final season. "I'm glad that I looked into this, it was a good experience to go through, and the feedback I got was really positive," said Rucker. "I'm very excited about the chance to eventually play in the NFL, but I believe that playing one more year at Mizzou will be the best for me. We have some business to take care of next year, and I want to be a part of what I believe can be a special season." Missouri has been blessed with a wealth of talent at the tight end position the last three years. Even though Rucker was the starter, Chase Coffman was often utilized in two-tight end formations, giving the Tigers the best tandem in football at that position. Andy Hill, the Missouri assistant who was the lead recruiter of both tight ends, contends the common perception of the two stars isn't totally correct. Rucker is looked at, generally, as the more powerful of the two players, Coffman more as a speedy wide receiver-type. But Rucker's 40 time is 4.63 seconds compared with Coffman's 4.8. "Chase, he's a quicker person in separation than he is fast running," said Hill, Missouri's wide receivers coach. "He catches the ball away from his body, too, so he can catch even if he's covered pretty well. Rucker is more of a smoother, athletic guy. Rucker, the first time I saw him in high school he was running track; a triple-jumper, a sprinter." At Benton High School, Rucker was a standout tight end and defensive end. He earned first-team All-State honors as a tight end and first-team All-District and All-Conference accolades at both tight end and defensive end. He was ranked 28th among the nation's tight end prospects by Rivals.com, and as the 12th-best prospect of any position in the state of Missouri by the same outlet. A Super Prep All-Midlands and 51st-rated player, Rucker had 23 catches for 207 yards and two touchdowns while recording 64 tackles and seven quarterback sacks on the defensive side of the ball in his final campaign. As a junior, he caught 25 passes for 340 yards and three scores, adding 54 tackles on the defensive side of the ball. He also had eight catches for 99 yards as a sophomore in 2000. An excellent all-around athlete, Rucker added All-District and All-Conference honors in basketball. He also excelled in track, placing 12th in the state in the triple-jump. He won conference and district titles in the triple-jump, as well as a conference championship in the long jump. Choosing Missouri over Nebraska as his college was an easy decision. It kept him close to his family in Jefferson City, where his father, Martin, is a member of the House of Representatives in the state of Missouri. He spent the 2003 season on the Tigers scout team and was limited in 2004 preseason practices due to a right labrum tear that eventually required surgery in March of his redshirt campaign. He would start al

Matt Flynn was a top quarterback prospect coming out of the state of Texas and hoped to be the featured quarterback at LSU. He was listed third on the depth chart behind Marcus Randall and JaMarcus Russell during his freshman season with the Tigers. Flynn again lost the battle for the starting job -- to Russell -- the following season, spending the 2005-06 campaigns as the caddy for the first choice in the 2007 NFL Draft. With Russell bolting a year early for the professional ranks, the senior passer was primed to take over full-time signal-calling duties in 2007. A right ankle injury vs. Virginia Tech would sideline Flynn for the Middle Tennessee State clash in '07. Even before the injury, he saw some of his playing time deferred to Ryan Perrilloux. Even when Flynn returned to the lineup the following game, the coaching staff was so pleased with the performance of Perrilloux, they decided to alternate the two behind center, based on situations. A problem with that decision arose, as Flynn struggled to maintain his rhythm while shuttling in and out of the lineup. At Robert E. Lee High School, Flynn was one of the top-rated quarterbacks in the state of Texas and ranked the No. 20 quarterback in the country by Tom Lemming's Prep Football Report and ESPN.com. He was a member of the Super Prep Texas 124 team, adding Dallas Morning News Texas Top 100 and the Tyler Morning Telegraph All-East Texas Football Team honors. As a senior, he completed 124-of-206 passes for 1,679 yards and nine touchdowns with 305 yards rushing and 12 scores. He showed his dedication and toughness by leading the Red Raiders to a semifinal appearance in one of the toughest classifications in Texas despite playing his last four games with a broken foot. As a junior, Flynn connected on 101-of-199 passes for 1,650 yards, 13 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He guided his team to a Class 5A playoff appearance, but lost to eventual state champion Mesquite. Flynn enrolled at Louisiana State in 2003, spending the season performing on the scout team. Listed third on the depth chart at quarterback in '03, he spent most of that season as the holder for field goals and placements. He managed some playing time on offense (appeared at quarterback in four of 12 contests), hitting on 4-of-10 attempts for 99 yards and a touchdown. As a sophomore, Flynn participated in 13 games, lining up at quarterback in seven of those games. He threw for 457 yards, seven touchdowns and an interception on 27-of-48 tries (56.2%). He earned his first career start vs. Miami in the Peach Bowl, earning Game MVP honors. In the North Texas clash, he became the first non-starter in school history to throw three touchdowns in a quarter. In 2006, Flynn again served as the team's holder in all 13 games and appeared under center in 10 contests. He completed 12-of-20 passes (60.0%) for 133 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. He also rushed 13 times for 86 yards (6.6-yard average) and a score. As a senior, Flynn started five of the team's first six games. An ankle injury in the second game vs. Virginia Tech would limit his mobility the rest of the season. He was successful on 202-of-359 throws (56.3%) for 2,407 yards, 21 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He added four scores with 215 yards on 100 rushing attempts (2.2-yard average) and amassed 2,622 yards in total offense. Flynn has appeared in a total of 50 games at Louisiana State, including 33 as a quarterback, starting 12 games at that position. He completed 245-of-437 passes (56.1%) for 3,096 yards, 30 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He carried 128 times for 340 yards (2.7-yard average) and five scores. On 565 plays, he amassed 3,436 yards in total offense. He fumbled three times and was sacked 35 times for losses totaling 258 yards.

The Green Wave boasts one of the elite tailbacks in college football. Much like his predecessor, Mewelde Moore (2000-03), Forte' is a multi-talented athlete who must be accounted for by the opposition, as he can break free for a long run, take the ball up the middle for tough yardage, catch the ball coming out of the backfield, deliver the big tackle on the special teams coverage unit or utilize his strong arm to complete the option pass. A creative open-field runner, Forte' has drawn comparisons to Arizona Cardinals standout Edgerrin James, as he shows the same balance, body control and burst to gain valid yardage after the initial hit. He ranks second on the school's career-record lists with 808 rushing attempts for 4,145 yards on the ground, while his 38 scoring runs established the Tulane all-time record. Forte' also became the 11th player in NCAA Subdivision (1-A) history to rush for more than 2,000 yards in a season during his senior year. After leading the nation in rushing for a good part of 2007, Forte eventually finished second with 177.3 yards per game. He was also second in scoring with 11.67 points per game and fourth with 201.7 all-purpose yards per game. His five 200-yard games tied the single-season NCAA record held by three players (Marcus Allen of Southern California in 1981, Barry Sanders of Oklahoma State in 1988 and Jamario Thomas of North Texas State in 2004). In 2007, Forte' gained 620 yards in a two-game span (vs. Southern Methodist and Memphis), the most by a Division 1-A runner since Ricky Williams of Texas gained 668 yards in 1998 (318 vs. Rice and 350 vs. Iowa State). His 2007 three-game span of 829 yards (vs. Southern Methodist, Memphis and Alabama-Birmingham) are the most gained by a Division 1-A runner in three consecutive contests since Sanders totaled 937 yards in 1988. His four-game streak of 1,031 yards (vs. Southern Methodist, Memphis, Alabama-Birmingham and Army) is the most in Division 1-A history since Sanders piled up 1,152 yards in 1988. An Honor Roll student at Slidell High School, Forte' earned The St. Tammany Parish Player of the Year Award and was named District 5-5A Offensive Most Valuable Player as a senior. The All-Metro selection added second-team All-State honors his final year and was a two-time All-District and All-Parish choice. He also served as team captain and garnered squad MVP honors his senior season. Forte' amassed 2,432 rushing yards and 31 touchdowns in his career while also catching 48 passes for 618 yards and five scores. He gained 1,375 yards as a senior while averaging 6.7 yards per carry, scoring 23 touchdowns on the ground. He also made 18 catches for 253 yards and a pair of scores. He totaled 1,057 rushing yards with eight touchdowns and caught 30 passes for 365 yards and three scores as a junior. He also lettered in track. Forte' became the third member of his family to play college football and the second to suit up for Tulane. His father, Gene Forte' played for the team from 1975-77, serving as team captain as a senior. His brother, Bryan Forte', played football at McNeese State in 2004, where he competed as a reserve linebacker, recording 20 tackles (12 solos) with 3.5 stops for losses, two fumble recoveries and a forced fumble. The talented youngster made an immediate impact during his first season at Tulane, earning Conference USA All-Freshman Team honors. He shared tailback duties with Jovon Jackson, starting the team's final three games. He finished second on the team with 624 yards and four touchdowns on 140 carries (4.5 avg). He added 180 yards and a pair of scores on 20 receptions (9.0 avg) and gained 804 all-purpose yards. He also registered three solo tackles on the punt coverage unit. Forte' and Jackson would again share the brunt of the rushing load in 2005. Forte' would go on to lead the team with 169 attempts for 655 yards (3.9 avg) and four touchdowns, as he started the first four and final two contests. He ranked fi

When a new coaching staff, headed by Jeff Jagodzinski, took over at Boston College during the spring, there were many questions, but the staff felt that the quarterback picture was in very capable hands with Ryan at the helm. Recovered from a nagging foot injury that plagued him throughout the 2006 season, the lanky quarterback has compiled a 25-7 record as a starter for the Eagles. Ryan went on to earn Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year honors as a senior and was emerging as one of the Heisman Trophy favorites until the Eagles lost three of their final five regular season games. He would go on to rank eighth in the nation in total offense and established new school records for 400-yard passing performances in both a career and season, en route to throwing for 4,507 yards. At William Penn Charter School, Ryan earned All-East honors from Tom Lemming's Prep Football Report. He also captured All-Southeastern Pennsylvania accolades as a senior quarterback, in addition to receiving All-City first-team honors in 2002 and second-team recognition in 2001. He also was a three-time All-League (InterAc) selection. Ryan threw for more than 1,300 yards with 15 touchdowns and just two interceptions as a senior. He finished his career by completing more than 52 percent of his pass attempts during his three seasons at the helm. He served as football team captain in 2002 and also captained the school's basketball and baseball teams. Ryan followed in the footsteps of his uncle, John Loughery, who played quarterback at Boston College from 1979-82. He enrolled at the university in 2003, spending the season performing on the scout team. He earned BC's Freshman Male Scholar-Athlete Award recognition in 2004. He appeared in seven games, starting the regular-season finale vs. Syracuse. He hit on 35-of-71 passes (49.3%) for 350 yards, a pair of touchdowns and three interceptions. The MVP of the MPC Computers Bowl vs. Boise State, Ryan started five of 10 games for the Eagles in 2005. He took over starting duties from Quinton Porter midway through the season, going on to throw for 1,514 yards, eight touchdowns and five interceptions on 121-of-195 throws (62.1%). He also rushed 37 times for 94 yards (2.5-yard average) and five scores, becoming the first BC quarterback since 1998 to run for two scores in a game (vs. Ball State). A broken bone in his left foot limited Ryan's mobility the second half of season, but he still earned All-Atlantic Coast Conference first-team honors in 2006. He led the ACC in total offense (242.25 yards per game), points responsible for (9.63 per game), pass completions (No. 10 in the nation with 21.92 per game) and passing yards per game (15th nationally with an average of 245.17 yards per game). He completed 263-of-427 passes (61.6%) for 2,942 yards, 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He also ran for four scores, finishing with 2,907 yards in total offense. Ryan underwent offseason foot surgery and was fully recovered by spring drills. The team offensive captain was named ACC Offensive Player of the Year and earned league Player of the Week honors six times during the 2007 campaign. He shattered single-season BC records, as he completed 388-of-654 passes (59.3%) for 4,507 yards, 31 touchdowns and 19 interceptions. He also scored twice on 68 carries, finishing with 4,509 yards in total offense, an average of 322.1 yards per game. In 45 games at Boston College, Ryan started 34 contests. He connected on 837 of 1,347 passes (59.91%) for 9,313 yards, 56 touchdowns and 37 interceptions. He rushed 168 times for 58 yards (0.3-yard avg) and 11 scores, adding a one-yard reception and one solo tackle. He lost seven of his 17 total fumbles and was sacked 50 times for losses totaling 381 yards. On 1,515 offensive plays, he amassed 9,371 yards in total offense, an average of 208.24 yards per game.

A journeyman offensive tackle until making the transition to center as a senior, Spanos has the size scouts are looking for and made enough improvement in 2007 to earn late-round consideration. Despite missing time early this season with a torn triceps, Spanos was viewed as one of the Trojans' most reliable blockers. He flashes the athleticism to continue to improve at the next level and has the work ethic to maximize his ability.

A physical cornerback whose best NFL position may be at free safety, Richardson briefly played the position while at Arkansas but was viewed as so effective in press coverage he was moved back to corner. An effective press corner who uses his hands well to jam the receiver, the concern with Richardson is that he simply lacks the foot speed necessary to remain as a man-to-man cornerback in the NFL. With little experience at safety, however, and Arkansas' reliance on press coverage, how Richardson would react to playing in space and reading the quarterback makes him a late-round talent.

Purify has prototypical size for an NFL receiver, but his off-field troubles and inconsistency will cost him a high draft selection slot. Multiple unlawful incidents (domestic assault, suspension of DWI) caused him to be suspended last summer. That's an interesting twist for a criminal justice major. And yes, he's related to former Colorado running back Bobby Purify; Maurice is his uncle.

A former two-sport athlete for the Razorbacks, Grant split his early career between track and football. Despite his track background, the principal question with Grant is his speed. With experience at free safety and cornerback, he showed enough as a press corner last season to earn a shot at that position in the NFL. However, unless his speed is greatly improved in workouts he'll be moved back to centerfield at the next level. It's a position he played well as a junior and for the first two games of the 2007 season before switching back to press corner for the rest of the year, earning Second Team SEC honors with a conference-leading 16 passes broken up.

This Division II All-American is likely to be the second punter drafted after Ray Guy Award winner Durant Brooks. Partaking in the Senior Bowl and Texas vs. The Nation all-star games got Dragosavich the exposure he needed to secure that position. He averaged 45.4 yards per punt in 2007, but only had 27 attempts so his No. 2 ranking in the Football Championship Subdivision did not qualify. Missed out in leading the FCS in 2006 with a 46.2-yard gross average.

A former JUCO All-American at Solano College, Gibson emerged as Cal's starting left tackle midway through the 2006 season and was an Honorable Mention conference honoree there in only a season and a half of work. While Gibson lacks the balance and foot quickness to remain outside in the NFL, his toughness and physical run blocking make him an ideal fit inside at guard.

A decorated and productive runner in the proud history of the Wolverines, Mike Hart might lack ideal size at tailback, but he's a very powerful, determined runner with a low center of gravity and some elusiveness. Schooled at a high school on an American Indian reservation south of Syracuse, New York, he still holds the national prep scoring record. He etched his name in the Michigan and Big Ten Conference record books during his stellar college career. One of his more remarkable statistics: He went 1,005 rushing attempts between fumbles and became just the fourth player in conference history to rush for over 5,000 yards in a career. The two-time Doak Walker Award finalist (2006 and '07) and two-time Bo Schembechler Award winner (team MVP in 2006 and '07), Hart immediately made his mark at Michigan. He earned All-Big Ten honors three times and was selected the league's Freshman of the Year in 2004. Hart attended Onondaga Central High School, where he was a three-time Class D and C Player of the Year selection, leading the team to three state titles in 2001-03. He was named first-team All-State as a senior, junior and sophomore and added first-team All-Division and Co-Player of the Year for Central New York as a junior. Hart was a first-team All-Division and All-Central New York choice as a freshman and sophomore. Rated the nation's sixth-best back by Tom Lemming's Prep Football Report and listed as the top player in New York and the 12th-best running back in the country by Super Prep. He was rated the second-best prospect in New York, and sixth-best all-purpose back in the nation by Rivals100.com. He also received a four-star prospect rating from MaxEmfingerRecruiting.com. The tailback holds the national high school records for touchdowns in a career (204), most consecutive 100-yard rushing games (47), career 100-yard rushing games (47) and career points (1,246), as he rushed for 11,232 yards on 935 carries in his prep career. He tallied 3,489 yards and 58 touchdowns on 239 carries and 67 total touchdowns as a senior. Hart scored a state-record 61 touchdowns as a junior along with 2,846 rushing yards on 223 carries (12.8 yards per carry). He rushed for 3,341 yards and 51 touchdowns as a sophomore and 1,314 yards and 26 touchdowns on 119 carries -- 11 yards per carry -- as a freshman. He also averaged 10 points and five steals for the varsity basketball team. Hart enrolled at Michigan in 2004, where he became only the third true freshman to lead the Big Ten in rushing with 1,455 yards and nine touchdowns on 282 carries (5.2-yard average) to earn league Freshman of the Year and Freshman All-American first-team honors. He was selected All-American third-team by College Football News, as he added 237 yards and a score on 26 receptions (9.1 avg). His per-game rushing average of 121.2 yards ranked 10th in the nation. In 2005, Hart started all eight games in which he played. A hamstring strain sidelined him vs. Eastern Michigan and Wisconsin while an ankle sprain forced him to sit out the Indiana and Northwestern clashes. He still led the team with 662 yards on 150 attempts (4.4-yard average) and four touchdowns. He snared 16 passes for 154 yards (9.6 avg) and a score, as he also recorded one solo tackle. Fully recovered, Hart returned to the nation's elite in 2006. He ranked ninth in the country in rushing, totaling 1,562 yards with 14 touchdowns on 318 carries (4.9-yard average). He finished fifth on the team with 17 receptions for 125 yards (7.4 avg) and scored 86 points. For that performance, he garnered consensus All-American and All-Big Ten Conference first-team honors. He finished fifth in the Heisman Trophy balloting and shared the Bo Schembechler Most Valuable Player Award with linebacker David Harris. Despite missing four full games and parts of two others during the 2007 season, Hart was a second-team All-American and Doak Walker Award finalist. He led the Big Ten in rushing and ranked fourt

Humpal is just another intelligent, hard-working Iowa linebacker who will get a shot to play in the NFL. Coming off a 121-tackle, second-team Big Ten season, Humpal figures to get his name called in the mid- to late-rounds. Probably won't be a Pro Bowler, maybe not even a regular starter, but his mix of intelligence, size and straight-line speed will make him hard to cut.

Regarded as one of the nation's premier shutdown pass defenders, Jenkins teamed with Trae Williams to give the Bulls an outstanding cornerback combination. Along with free safety Nate Allen and strong safety Carlton Williams, South Florida's secondary combined for 131 starts at USF. The Bulls ranked eighth in the nation in passing efficiency defense (105.27 rating) in 2007 after ranking 11th nationally in 2006 (104.26) and 16th (109.38) in 2005, thanks largely to the performance of their right cornerback. Jenkins improved his draft stock, showing professional scouts that his blazing speed could also be used as a kickoff returner. On the first kickoff return for 2007, he set a school record with a 100-yard touchdown return vs. Cincinnati. Jenkins was a standout safety at Bradenton Southeast High School, earning Super Prep All-American honors. He was rated the 27th player in Florida by the Orlando Sentinel's Bill Buchalter, and he was named first-team All-Gridiron by Sean Alveshire (FloridaKids.net), who picks the top players in the state regardless of their school's classification. The first-team Class 3A All-State choice, Jenkins was selected by the Sarasota Herald Tribune as its Defensive Player of the Year. He was the District Player of the Year in 2002 after he recorded 42 tackles, two interceptions, one caused fumble, one fumble recovery, two blocked punts and two blocked field goals. He also played running back and led the team with 859 yards and 11 touchdowns that year. Jenkins was heavily recruited by Florida, Florida State and Louisiana State, but decided to enroll at South Florida in 2004. He started three of the team's first four games at left cornerback, including the season opener vs. Tennessee Tech, but an ankle sprain forced him to sit out vs. Army and kept him from returning to the starting lineup for the rest of the year. He finished his first season with 27 tackles (19 solo), two forced fumbles and nine pass deflections. He also blocked a punt that he returned four yards. In 2005, Jenkins shifted to right cornerback, starting all 12 games. He earned All-Big East Conference second-team honors, as he produced 38 tackles (33 solo) with a stop for a loss and two forced fumbles. He returned a punt 27 yards, intercepted two passes and broke up five others. Jenkins had a sub-par junior campaign, starting the first 12 games at right cornerback, but played as a reserve vs. East Carolina in the Papajohns.com Bowl. He made just 27 tackles (18 solo) with a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and an interception. He batted away fifteen passes and gained 27 yards on two kickoff returns. During 2007 spring camp, Jenkins was arrested for misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct and resisting arrest without violence after a fight erupted outside a bar he was attending a party for former USF linebacker Stephen Nicholas. Despite not being violent, police used a taser Jenkins and he was briefly suspended from the team. He returned for fall camp, reclaiming his right cornerback spot, and went on to earn All-American and All-Big East Conference first-team honors. He recorded a career-high 41 tackles (31 solo) with four stops for losses. He intercepted three passes, deflected 12 others and averaged 30.4 yards on seven kickoff returns, including one touchdown. In 48 games at South Florida, Jenkins started 40 contests, including 37 at right cornerback. He registered 133 tackles (101 solo) with six stops for losses of 26 yards and one quarterback pressure. He caused five fumbles and recovered another. He also broke up 41 passes and had six interceptions for 41 yards in returns. He gained 240 yards with a score on nine kickoff returns (26.7-yard average) and 31 yards on two punt returns, as he also blocked one kick.

Offensive linemen usually spend their careers in relative anonymity, but NFL scouts' eyes were fixed on Pittsburgh's twin tackles during the 2007 season. One of the most versatile blockers in the collegiate ranks, the talented right tackle has the nimble feet and slide to play left tackle, the short-area quickness and angle-blocking skill to lead on traps and sweeps as an offensive guard and the deep-snapping skills and hand quickness to possibly shift to center at the pro level. McGlynn, a vocal leader of the Pitt front wall, shows great passion and desire on his 2006 film. His own coaches did not realize that he played a good portion of the season with a right hand injury and a torn labrum in his left shoulder that required surgery after the season. The shoulder surgery would force him to sit out 2007 spring drills. Still, he refused to come off the field, extending his string of starts to 31 straight games while appearing in 35 contests to date for Pittsburgh. McGlynn lettered three times in football as a defensive end and offensive tackle at Austin-town Fitch High School. The All-Steel Valley selection was also a Super Prep All-Midwest and Prep Star All-Region choice. He was rated one of the state of Ohio's top 40 prep players by Rivals.com and was selected to play in the Big 33 Football Classic. He was limited to four games as a senior due to a right fibula fracture. He also lettered twice in baseball, adding All-Steel Valley accolades. McGlynn enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh in 2003, spending the season performing on the scout team as an offensive tackle. He was the recipient of the 2004 Ed Conway Award, given to the team's Most Improved Player, as he played in all 12 games. His stellar play in reserve early in the season saw the coaching staff insert him into the starting lineup at right offensive tackle ahead of senior Dale Williams for the final eight games of the 2004 season. He also served as the Panthers' snapper on placement kicks. The 2005 season was a virtual repeat of '04, as McGlynn again was chosen for the Ed Conway Award, continuing to show vast improvement blocking from his right tackle position. That year, he graded 82.9% for blocking consistency with 69 key blocks, including nine that resulted in touchdowns. He also continued performing as the team's long snapper for field goals and extra points. As a junior, McGlynn's performance level continued to improve. Despite injuries that limited him the second half of the year, he graded 84.3% for blocking consistency, provided key blocks on 16 scoring drives and delivered 86 knockdowns. He did not allow any quarterback pressures for the season and gave up sacks in only one game. In 2007, McGlynn shifted to right offensive guard for the first three games, but his replacement at right tackle struggled and the coaches moved him back to his original position after the Michigan State game. He saw limited action in the season opener vs. Eastern Michigan while still recovering from his '06 shoulder injury, but finished the season with 100 knockdowns/key blocks, including 17 resulting in touchdowns while making 13 more blocks downfield.

Perhaps the strongest and toughest blocker in the Pac-10 Conference, the Sun Devils relied on the leader of their line to stabilize the offense up front. Despite having five starters return to the offensive line in 2007, the unit struggled, with Pollak being the lone bright spot while ASU quarterbacks were sacked 55 times. One of the top centers in the nation, Pollak improved significantly in each of his four seasons on the field at ASU. He follows a lineage of accomplished athletes at the center position in recent years for the Sun Devils, including All-Pac-10 Conference honorees Grayling Love, Drew Hodgdon and Scott Peters. The versatile and powerful interior lineman performed extremely well and was named to the 2007 Rimington Trophy Watch List, an award annually presented to the nation's top center. He was awarded the Tim Landers Iron Man Award, given to the Sun Devil with exemplary work ethic in the weight room, on the field or in the community. Pollak also won the Cecil Bono Team Captain Award and the Pat Tillman Award at the end of his collegiate career. He excelled in the classroom, where he was one of eight Sun Devils on the 2007 roster and one of five ASU offensive linemen to have earned his undergraduate degree prior to his final season. Pollak attended Corona del Sol High School, where he earned two votes in The Long Beach Press-Telegram's "Best In The West" rating. He was a member of The Tacoma News Tribune's "Western 100" and rated as the eighth-best prospect in the state of Arizona by Super Prep. He added All-Region honors from Prep Star and ranked as the sixth-best offensive lineman in the West by PacWestFootball.com. Pollak was named first-team All-Arizona by The Arizona Republic, as he also collected first-team All-City and All-Conference recognition as a senior. That year, he graded 92% for pass blocking, 86% for run blocking and generated 67 knockdowns, picking up Super All-State first-team honors on offense from the Phoenix Metro Football Magazine. The versatile lineman played offensive guard and defensive tackle, but had not played football before coming to Corona. He was also a standout baseball pitcher, earning first-team All-Region, All-East Valley, All-Conference and honorable mention All-State accolades as a junior, playing three seasons on the baseball diamond. He also served as the captain of his baseball and football teams. Pollak enrolled at Arizona State in 2003, spending the season competing on the scout team as an offensive guard and center. When All-Pac-10 center Drew Hodgdon was injured in fall camp, Pollak stepped in and started the team's first four games at center. He contributed to a passing offense that led the Pac-10 and ranked fifth in the nation with an average of 317.3 yards per game. As a sophomore, Pollak played in all 12 games, starting the team's final five contests (started six total) for All-Pac-10 honoree Grayling Love, who was sidelined due to an injury. In the games in which he started, ASU averaged 510.7 yards per game in total offense and scored an average of 36.0 points per game. In 2006, Pollak was named All-Pac-10 Conference second-team. He was chosen the team's Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman and earned Hard Hat Player honors for his efforts in the team's offseason strength and conditioning program for the third-straight season. With him in the pivot, ASU averaged 367.3 yards per game in total offense. The Sun Devils won their first eight games under new head coach Dennis Erickson, as Pollak garnered first-team All-Pac-10 Conference honors. He allowed four of the team's 55 quarterback sacks, but generally did a steady job of protecting QB Rudy Carpenter in the pocket. ASU would go on to average 399.6 yards per game. The center would post 80 knockdowns, coming up with an impressive 15 touchdown-resulting blocks.

Warrick came to Michigan State as a highly-recruited junior college All-American at Hutchison Community College, but never really became a big-time playmaker. His one tackle for loss, zero interceptions and three passes defended in 2007 did not impress. He certainly looks the part, however, and will get a chance to show what he can do in a team's training camp.

A typical Wisconsin interior defensive lineman, Hayden has often been described as a "lunch pail" player. A starter for three years on good Badger squads, Hayden has never been an elite playmaker but is usually in the play. A rock in the middle of a defense, he should fight for a spot in a team's rotation as an early-down wave player.

Cousins, a native Jamaican, signed with UTEP as a defensive tackle and remained at this position until being moved to left tackle as a junior. Cousins' natural size and athleticism helped him make the transition to the offensive side of the ball, but he predictably struggled with technique. In making the move as a senior to the right side of the line, Cousins enjoyed significant improvement. He flashes the foot quickness to ultimately move back to the left side and has developed his upper body strength and use of hands significantly. In fact, Cousins' rapid development has scouts talking of Cousins as one of the real "diamond in the rough" types of a strong 2008 crop of offensive tackles. The concern, of course, is that Cousins remains an unpolished diamond -- one that will require some development before he is ready to contribute at the NFL level. Cousins flashes the athleticism needed to play on the outside, but early in his career teams may elect to move him inside -- where he has never played -- to get him acclimated to the speed of the pro game.

Intriguing prospect who stepped onto the field and proved an immediate standout for the Broncos, starting all but one of his 39 career games. Scandrick has reportedly been timed in the 4.3s by the Boise State coaching staff, and flashed the ability to be a standout cover corner in the past. He played with more consistency in 2007, showing more toughness as a run defender and a knack for blocking kicks (four in 2007). Some were surprised when little-known Boise State defensive back Gerald Alexander was selected in the second round last April. Scandrick isn't expected to make the draft's first day, but the middle rounds are possible if he works out well at the Combine.

Even though he was sometimes a forgotten man in a loaded backfield, few could argue that Schmitt was perhaps the team's most important player throughout his three seasons in the program. His devastating blocks and ability to play both fullback and tight end brought back memories of football's glory years for professional scouts watching him play. Most agree he is a throwback to an era where the fullback knew his role -- deliver devastating blocks. Schmitt is a powerhouse with a running style that dares defenders to try and stop him. Through 353 career rushing attempts, he has been tackled for a loss just four times. Whether it is getting the tough yardage near the goal line, clearing a rush lane or catching the ball out of the backfield, Schmitt is more than up to any task the coaches ask from him. Evident of that was a new wrinkle that he added to his game as a senior -- handling "pooch" punting duties. At Fairfax High School, Schmitt earned unanimous All-Conference and Liberty District Most Valuable Player accolades. The tough tailback led the conference in rushing and also served as team captain. He excelled in baseball, picking up All-District and All-Region recognition in that sport. Schmitt had a rough childhood. He and his mother, Serena Drangle, constantly moved and, during one stretch, the pair was forced to sleep in their car. This caused Schmitt's academics to suffer and he failed to qualify for a spot at the University of Maryland after graduating from high school. He enrolled at Wisconsin-River Falls in 2003, where he became an immediate fan favorite. That season, Schmitt earned All-Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference honors, as he ranked third in the league and led the team with 193 carries for 1,063 yards (5.5-yard average) and five touchdowns in nine starting assignments. He also caught two passes for 10 yards, amassing 1,073 all-purpose yards. Schmitt left UW-River Falls after that season, joining the West Virginia program as a walk-on. Under NCAA transfer rules, he was forced to sit out the 2004 season. In 2005, he started six games at fullback, while also lining up at the tailback and tight end positions. An Iron Mountaineer Award winner for his performances in the weight room, the versatile athlete collected 380 yards on 48 attempts (7.9-yard average) with two touchdowns, as the opposition failed to tackle him for a loss on any play. He also caught eight passes for 76 yards (9.5-yard average) and returned a kickoff 20 yards. As a junior, he started four of the 13 contests in which he played, seeing action mostly at fullback, but he also lined up at tight end and tailback. He earned All-American second-team honors from The NFL Draft Report and Scout.com, and was the recipient of the Whitey Gwynne Award, given by the WVU coaches to the team's unsung hero. He added NSCA Strength All-American honors, bulking up to 260 pounds from 245 during the offseason. Schmitt ran for 351 yards and seven touchdowns on 65 carries (5.4-yard average) and was stopped for a loss on only one carry. He caught 12 passes for 91 yards (7.6 avg) with a score, recorded one solo tackle and returned a kickoff 14 yards. He also collected 87 knockdowns, including 16 touchdown-resulting blocks. In 2007, Schmitt was an All-American first-team pick by The NFL Draft Report and selected by the coaching staff for the Ira E. Rodgers Award. He received All-Big East Conference second-team honors from Rivals.com, as he continued to dominate as a blocker, coming up with 106 knockdowns and 17 touchdown-resulting blocks. Schmitt started 11 of 13 games at fullback, rushing 47 times for 272 yards (5.8-yard average) and four touchdowns while getting tackled just once behind the line of scrimmage. He finished fourth on the team with 12 receptions for 121 yards (10.1-yard average) and a score while also having two of three punts downed inside the 20-yard line, finishing with a 20.3-yard average and one solo tackle. W

Reliable punter who has flashed leg strength, accuracy, height, and the overall athleticism required to make an NFL roster. Though he hasn't been blessed with the quality of special teams' coaching of the BCS programs here, Tolson's raw skills were intriguing enough for him to be among only six punters invited to the Combine.

Finally got his chance to be a full-time starter in 2007 after David Irons left for the NFL. Lee took advantage of the situation with four interceptions. He was a part-time starter for two years and a good special teams player his freshman year, and he'll need to perform on those coverage units to ensure his roster spot.

An exciting young talent with the size, strength and athleticism to collapse the pocket, few defensive players were playing better as the 2007 season wore on than Sims. Scouts will have to do their homework, as he had some off-field concerns earlier in his career and even briefly quit the team in 2005. But in terms of potential, Sims ranks right up there with Glenn Dorsey and Sedick Ellis as an elite talent. Among the truest boom or bust prospects of the 2008 draft.

In Our View: Blessed with tremendous size, athletic ability and natural gifts, Hubbard has work to do in order to shed the "track guy playing football" label. His injury-laden senior season didn't help, and Hubbard didn't stand out at the East-West Shrine practices. He does have upside and, in the right offense, would benefit from being broken in slowly.

Conference USA's Player of the Year, Smith may lack the prototypical NFL size, but he rates well in many of the other categories scouts are looking for. Smith's short- to medium-range passes have the required zip to be effective against NFL defenses and he plays with a combination of athleticism and instincts to surprise at the next level.

A three-year starter at left tackle, Sosa makes up for a lack of dominant size with quickness, balance and surprising power. Shorter than scouts would prefer and possessing a narrow frame better suited inside at guard or center, Sosa could be a second-day find for a team looking for a versatile sixth man.

While Darren McFadden and Felix Jones have been the featured runners in the Razor-backs' powerful running attack the last three seasons, Peyton Hillis was a valuable contributor for Arkansas, and possibly its most versatile athlete. During his time at Arkansas, Hillis was utilized as a fullback, H-back, tailback, tight end, wide receiver, kickoff returner and punt returner. A punishing blocker, a powerful runner and a natural receiver, he's tied for seventh in school history in receptions (118), ninth in touchdown catches (11) and 15th all-time in receiving yardage (1,195). He added 12 rushing TDs, averaged 10.3 yards per punt return and amassed 2,624 all-purpose yards over 44 games. A highly recruited player at Conway High School, Hillis was named the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Offensive Player of the Year as a senior. He was also selected to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette All-Arkansas Team as both a junior and a senior and was a member of the Associated Press Arkansas Super Team. He added Fox Sports Net "All-South" first-team honors and won the Landers Award, recognizing the top high school football player in Arkansas. Hillis earned consensus All-Conference, All-State and All-Arkansas honors as a junior and a senior. The Super Prep All-American was ranked as both the top fullback in the nation and the top prospect in Arkansas by the same publication. Named to Tom Lemming's Prep Football Report and Parade All-American squad, he was rated as the second-best fullback in the nation and as the top prospect in Arkansas by Rivals.com. Max Emfinger had him as the top fullback prospect in the nation and he was listed as the third-best prospect in the state by The Morning News. He also earned All-State honors in baseball. Hillis rushed for 2,631 yards and 29 touchdowns, including nine touchdowns of more than 55 yards, on 261 carries (10.1-yard average) in his senior season. His 2,631 yards was the second highest single-season total in Class 5A history trailing only former Razorback De'Arrius Howard (2,746). He earned 100 yards or more in all 12 games that year and caught 12 passes for 172 yards and a touchdown. He rushed for 384 yards and four touchdowns in a win over Russellville as a senior and 1,427 yards and 17 touchdowns as a junior, adding 10 receptions for 143 yards and two touchdowns. Hillis enrolled at Arkansas in 2004. He turned down scholarship offers from Alabama, Oklahoma, Colorado, Nebraska, Tennessee and Michigan, going on to start two of 10 games for the Razorbacks. He was thought to be out for at least six weeks after suffering a fracture of the transverse processes of the L1, L2 and L3 vertebrates vs. the Gators. However, he returned to play three snaps vs. Georgia only three weeks after the injury, starting his first career game as a Razorback. He finished his first year with 240 yards and six touchdowns on 63 carries (3.8-yard average), adding 97 yards and two scores on 12 receptions (8.1 avg) and 128 yards on seven kickoff returns (18.3 avg). Hillis amassed 947 all-purpose yards as a sophomore, starting nine games at fullback and the Vanderbilt clash at tailback. He rushed 65 times for 315 yards (4.8-yard average) and three touchdowns. He led the team with 38 receptions for 402 yards (10.6 avg) and four scores. He added 65 yards on three kickoff returns (21.7 avg), 165 yards on 16 punt returns (10.3 avg) and scored 42 points. He also excelled on the coverage units, posting five tackles. Hillis started nine of the team's first 10 games at fullback before being sidelined for the last four contests of the 2006 season with a deep right thigh bruise. He managed just 57 yards on 13 carries (4.4-yard average) with a score, finishing third on the team with 19 receptions for 159 yards (8.4 avg). He also produced 92 yards on eight punt returns, totaling 326 all-purpose yards while posting three tackles (two solo). Those totals did not make the fullback happy and he would not accept his injury

Considered by scouting experts to be one of the nation's best blitzing linebackers, Philip Wheeler is extremely difficult to knock off his feet. He was originally recruited as a defensive end, moving to outside linebacker with the Yellow Jackets before shifting inside as a junior. Despite his erratic play as a senior, he received glowing praise from former head coach Chan Gailey. "Philip has really come a long way since having his hand on the ground (as a defensive end) as a high school senior," said coach Chan Gailey. "You didn't know if he could play 'up' or not. But he has developed into a great linebacker. He had his hand on the ground every snap in high school as a defensive end. You could see his talent, but you didn't know if he could develop into the player he has developed into today." Wheeler was expected to be a new breed of leader for Georgia Tech's defense under acclaimed defensive coordinator Jon Tenuta. His predecessors, players such as KaMichael Hall and James Butler, tended to be vocal and cerebral, almost extensions of Tenuta on the field. Wheeler neither coaches nor preaches. And on a veteran defense with seven other returning starters, he needed to make plays to lead. Wheeler has been what safety Jamal Lewis calls a "freakish athlete" since his first day on campus. But he was undisciplined, a pass rusher easily fooled by play fakes and misdirection. He missed more assignments than he nailed. But by his senior season, Wheeler had the linebacker gig nailed. At Shaw High School, Wheeler was a first-team All-State Class AAAA pick by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and honorable mention All-Region selection by Prep Star. He made 106 tackles with 34 stops for losses and five forced fumbles as a senior defensive end. The team captain and four-year letterman helped his team to state title as a sophomore. In 2003, Wheeler enrolled at Georgia Tech as a 215-pound rush end, seeing action mostly on special teams. He appeared in 12 games, coming up with six tackles (four solo) and a quarterback pressure. Moved to outside linebacker in 2004 spring camp, the youngster spent the season on the scout team, adjusting to playing outside linebacker. He returned to the gridiron in 2005, starting 11 of 12 games at weak-side linebacker. Wheeler finished sixth on the team with 64 tackles (36 solo). He had four sacks and 11 1/2 stops for losses, as he caused and recovered a fumble. He broke up four passes and intercepted four others. As a junior, Wheeler shifted to middle linebacker, bulking up to 225 pounds for the 2006 season. He earned second-team All-American honors from Rivals.com and was a second-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference choice by the league's coaches. He ranked second on the squad with 89 tackles (52 solo), as he paced Tech with nine sacks and 14 1/2 stops behind the line of scrimmage. He added two pressures with a pair of fumble recoveries and one forced fumble. He also knocked down five passes. Even with an uneven 2007 campaign, Wheeler garnered All-ACC second-team honors. Now bulked up to 238 pounds, he led the team with 89 tackles (46 solo), including six sacks, nine stops for losses and a pressure. He caused a fumble, recovered two others and deflected five passes. In 51 games at Georgia Tech, Wheeler started 38 contests. He registered 248 tackles (138 solo), with 19 sacks for minus-137 yards, 35 stops for losses totaling 172 yards and four quarterback pressures. He caused three fumbles and recovered five others, returning two for a total of eight yards. He deflected 14 passes and intercepted four others for 18 yards in returns.

A well-traveled prep standout, Phillip Merling returned home several years ago, enrolling at Clemson, where he spent the last three years being coached by his uncle, Chris Rumpf. Rumpf was the Tigers' defensive line coach. Merling had great success playing for his uncle earlier in his football career, as both were together at Calhoun County High School, before Merling entered the collegiate ranks. Merling developed into one of the elite rush ends in the college ranks. That made it surprising when he opted to bypass his senior year to play in the National Football League in 2008, as the staff tried valiantly to convince him that another year of college would only enhance his draft stock. Merling began his prep career playing football for three seasons under head coach Chris Rumpf at Calhoun County High School in Saint Matthews, South Carolina. He earned Defensive MVP honors as a junior. He also excelled in basketball, receiving All-Conference, All-Region, and All-Area in hoops as a sophomore and junior. He averaged 20 points and 12 rebounds on the hardwood as a senior and averaged 15 points and 13 rebounds as a junior. For his senior prep campaign, Merling transferred to Cordova High School in Memphis, Tennessee. The tight end/defensive end had 20 catches for 430 yards and four scores that season, adding 34 tackles and four sacks. He played in the Tennessee/Kentucky All-Star game, earning first-team All-State and All-Region accolades. He was also an All-Dixie team pick by Super Prep and an All-Atlantic Region choice by Prep Star. To improve his academic standing, Merling enrolled at Fork Union Military Academy in 2004. He earned team MVP honors after catching 38 passes for 647 yards and five touch-downs, adding five sacks, 51 tackles, and eight pass break-ups. He was rated the 18th-best tight end in the nation according to Super Prep and No. 20 tight end by Scout.com. He was ranked as the No. 25 prep player in the nation by Rivals.com. Merling enrolled at Clemson in 2005, spurning scholarship offers from Arkansas, South Carolina, Kentucky and Memphis. He played behind All-American defensive end Gaines Adams, appearing in 271 plays over 12 games. He made 22 tackles (17 solo) with two sacks, four stops for losses and four quarterback pressures, earning Rivals.com Freshman All-American second-team honors. Merling moved into the starting lineup at left defensive end in 2006. He generated 20 QB pressures to go along with 46 tackles (31 solo) while taking 515 snaps for a team that ranked 13th in the nation in total defense (280.77 yards per game). He got to the quarterback on three sacks and tallied 10 stops for losses while causing a fumble and deflecting four passes. Merling earned All-Atlantic Coast Conference honorable mention in 2007, as he ranked tied for fifth in the league with 17 stops behind the line of scrimmage. He produced 78 tackles (51 solo) with 21 pressures and seven sacks while starting all 13 games. He caused two fumbles and recovered another, helping the Tigers rank ninth in the nation in total defense (306.77 yards per game) and 10th in scoring defense (18.69 points per game).

Don't sleep on this Division III star from the Purple Raiders. Last year the St. Louis Rams took a shot in the seventh round on another D3 prospect in Wisconsin-Whitewater's Derek Stanley, and there's no reason to believe someone won't like Garcon just as much. Garcon's not quite as quick as Stanley, but is a better all-around receiver with better size and more than adequate speed. He averaged 62 catches, 1,095 yards and 15 touchdowns over his four years, which are great numbers at any level of football.

An athlete blessed with incredible quickness coming off the edge, dislocated toes did what no other offensive lineman could do in 2007 - stop Quentin Groves. Those who witnessed his performance in the South Florida game last year realize that this is a player that needs to be unleashed on the football field to get maximum production from his tremendous athletic ability. Drawing comparisons to Dallas' DeMarcus Ware, Groves will probably shift to outside linebacker in the professional ranks. He received a crash course at that position late in his senior campaign and even earned a start at left outside linebacker in the Tennessee Tech game. With his tall, muscular physique, excellent speed, outstanding change of direction agility and superb body control as a pass rusher, NFL quarterbacks will soon have to contend with one of the most disruptive backfield penetrators in the 2008 NFL Draft. Groves is an affable sort, frequently smiling and cracking jokes. But the Auburn defensive end does have one group of guys he just doesn't care for: quarterbacks. "I just really don't have a liking for them," Groves said. "You can't hit them in practice. You have to stay off them. They don't do too much running. "I don't like quarterbacks, period. I don't know why." Luckily for him, his primary job for the Tigers the past four seasons has been to harass and hit opposing quarterbacks. And that's something he has done well enough to earn All-American and All-Southeastern Conference honors as he went on to tie Auburn's 22-year-old career record of 26 sacks held by Gerald Robinson. At Greenville-Weston High School, Groves earned USA Today All-USA second-team, Prep Star and Super Prep All-Region, Orlando Sentinel Super Southern 100, Clarion Ledger Dandy Dozen and that newspaper's All-State honors as a senior. He was also rated the third-best defensive end in the country by Prep Football Report and ESPN.com. Groves started all four seasons with the varsity and finished his senior season with 86 tackles, 22 sacks and three fumble recoveries. He also played tight end and caught three passes for 175 yards and two touchdowns. As a junior, he posted 89 tackles, 15 sacks, one interception and forced seven fumbles. He also lettered in basketball, competed in the discus and long jump in track and was a member of the power lifting team. Groves enrolled at Auburn in 2003, seeing brief action in the season opener vs. Southern California and vs. Western Kentucky before he was redshirted. He finished that year with three tackles (2 assists). The following season, Groves earned Freshman All-American honors from The Sporting News, Rivals.com and the Football Writers Association. Despite sharing left defensive end duties with Doug Langenfeld and Stanley McClover, Groves led the team with 7.5 sacks and 10 stops for losses as a reserve left defensive end. He posted 23 tackles (19 solos) in 13 games, adding four quarterback pressures and two forced fumbles. What made those figures even more impressive was the fact that he was nursing a right high ankle sprain that he suffered in fall camp. His performance earned him team Most Improved Defensive Lineman honors. In 2005, Groves started three of 12 games at right defensive end, picking up third-team All-Southeastern Conference accolades. He registered 21 tackles (8 solos), ranking third on the team with six sacks and fourth with eight stops behind the line of scrimmage. He also caused a fumble, deflected a pass and returned a kickoff 13 yards. The 2006 off-season was one that Groves would just as soon forget. He was placed on probation after he was in a car accident with no auto insurance and a suspended license. He was also arrested after police responded to a domestic dispute call. Back on the football field, he started all 13 games at right defensive end, picking up All-American third-team and All-SEC first-team honors. As a junior, Groves led the Tigers with 9.5 sacks and ranked second

Some teams will consider Demps at cornerback. As a safety, he isn't the kind of sure tackler you want as the last line of defense. He is generally a consistent stopper and has the athleticism to ultimately perform well in this area, but Demps lacks the physicality and aggression to strike fear into ballcarriers. He lacks top-end timed speed and appears to be a bit of a one-speed runner who may lack the second gear to accelerate when challenged deep.

A standout in the SEC since emerging as a starter his freshman season, Little is one of the draft's most versatile backs. Capable of making an impact as a runner, receiver and return specialist, Little has good quickness, change of direction and instincts. He lacks size, however, and has struggled throughout his career with ball security and durability.