DRAFT TRACKER 2008
/draft/tracker/2008/rounds/1
DRAFT TRACKER
PICK
TEAM
PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'7"
- Weight
- 313 lbs
- Arm
- 35 3/4"
- Hand
- 11"
- Wing
Production
97.25
Athleticism
74.67
Total Score
171.92
PROSPECT ANALYSIS
One of the most decorated offensive linemen in the storied history of the Michigan program, the two-time team captain became the first Wolverine and only the fourth player ever to garner Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year honors in consecutive seasons.
By doing so, Long joined Ohio State's Orlando Pace (1995-96) and Korey Stringer (1993-94) and Michigan State's Tony Mandarich (1987-88).
The senior offensive tackle gave Michigan three Offensive Lineman of the Year awards in the last four seasons, as David Baas was honored in 2004. Other Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year honorees from Michigan include guard Steve Hutchinson (2000) and tackles Jon Jansen (1998) and Greg Skrepenak (1991).
Even though their hopes for a national title were dashed in an upset loss to Division 1-AA Appalachian State in their season opener, the Wolverines were grateful that their offensive leader returned to the playing field for the 2007 season. After his junior campaign, Long was seriously considering filing early for the NFL Draft. Being very close to tailback Mike Hart, both juniors made the decision to return for their final campaign.
"It was best for me and for the team to stay another year," Long said. "I looked into it a little bit, but I never was close to leaving. I really want my degree, and we have unfinished business as a team." Apparently, Hart was prepared to follow Long into the NFL a year early, too. "When we were making our decision last year, he came up to me and said if I'm leaving, then he's going to leave,'' Long said at the Big Ten Conference 2007 preseason convention.
"If I stay, then he's going to stay.'' As he spoke, Long glanced at the table in the Hyatt Regency Hotel meeting room where Hart was surrounded by reporters. "You can't lose your right tackle (and) lose your left tackle and come back and have the same season you had the year before,'' Hart noted.
Michigan coach Lloyd Carr admitted he had his doubts at a certain stage in the decision-making process.
"Jake Long, I thought at one point was going to leave. I always meet with the seniors the Monday after Ohio State to talk about what their plans are, because it impacts recruiting. Jake Long, on that day, he was undecided (whether to turn pro),'' Carr recalled. "But when he came back, the first reason, he said, 'I'm just not ready to leave college and my teammates.' That speaks to who he is. How many guys would turn that down? ... Mike Hart, he never hesitated. Henne talked about graduating and a championship. You want guys like that.''
Long decided to protect himself financially in case he got hurt before the league's 2008 draft arrives. After getting guidance from recruiting coordinator Chris Singletary - who previously worked with the sports agent firm IMG - Long purchased an insurance policy. "(I did it) just so I can go out there and not worry about getting injured,'' he said. "I just go out there and focus on football and not worry about the repercussions of getting hurt.''
At Lapeer East High School, Long was a three-year starter on the offensive line. He was ranked the 17th-best player on the Detroit Free Press Best of the Midwest team and rated the 22nd-best offensive lineman in the nation by Collegefootballnews.com. Prep Football Report rated Long the 12th-best offensive tackle in the country and he was ranked as the 21st-best offensive tackle by Rivals100.com, who gave him a four-star prospect grade.
Max Emfinger's Recruiting Service rated Long the nation's fifth-best offensive tackle, as he earned All-American and All-Midwest honors from Super Prep. He was ranked as the second-best player in Michigan on the Detroit News Blue Chip list and named to Prep Star's All-Midwest Region squad. He was also selected to the Detroit News, Detroit Free Press and Lansing State Journal Dream Team squads, as he became the first player in school history to earn All-State first-team honors.
An all-conference first-team offensive and
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'3"
- Weight
- 272 lbs
- Arm
- 32 5/8"
- Hand
- 10"
- Wing
Production
93.20
Athleticism
88.70
Total Score
181.90
PROSPECT ANALYSIS
Regarded by many as one of the most dominant defensive players in college football entering his senior season, Long more than lived up to those expectations, terrorizing opposing quarterbacks to the tune of 14 sacks, 23 pressures, nine pass break-ups and an interception in 2007. He also caused a pair of fumbles on sacks that Virginia recovered, leading to Cavaliers scores.
Named the Atlantic Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Year and the recipient of the Ted Hendricks Award (nation's top defensive end), Long has certainly emerged from the shadows of his father, former Oakland Raiders defensive end and Hall of Famer, Howie Long. "You want to talk about a chip off the old block? This is a young man that plays absolutely lights-out football," North Carolina head coach Butch Davis said. "Chris Long has to be one of the premier defensive linemen in the country."
Virginia head coach Al Groh also had nothing but rave reviews on Long, stating, "It's hard to imagine there being a better player at any position than Chris Long. A guy would have to be one of the Transformers to be better than Chris. When you've got one of the best players the school's ever had and he's only interested in helping the team win, it puts an exclamation point on what you're trying to do." Groh was amazed that Chris did not receive more Heisman Trophy consideration: "If they're ever going to invite a defensive player to New York in December for the Heisman Trophy presentation, you'd have to think it was Chris Long."
Long was well-known to college recruiters, especially after a stellar career at St. Anne's-Belfield School, where competed on both lines for the state champion squad. The Super Prep and Prep Star All-American received a four-star prospect rating from Rivals.com, a service that rated him the sixth-best defensive end in the prep ranks. Tom Lemming ranked him eighth in the country at defensive end and College Football News placed him 11th at that position.
Long was a member of Rival.com's Atlantic East Amazing-80 team and he was an honorable mention All-South choice by the Orlando Sentinel. He was named 2003 Gatorade Player of the Year in Virginia and rated as the second-best player in Virginia by the Charlottesville Daily Progress "Gold List," third by the Roanoke Times and fourth by Super Prep and Rivals.com. He was also a three-time first-team All-State selection on offense and defense.
The Central Virginia Defensive Player of the Year by the Daily Progress as a senior, Long was a three-time first-team All-Central Virginia defensive lineman by the Charlottesville Daily Progress and earned first-team All-Central Virginia honors his senior season as an offensive lineman as well. He was selected Conference Defensive Player of the Year his final two seasons and was selected Student Sports Junior All-American in 2002.
Long registered 91 tackles (44 solos) as a senior to help lead his team to an undefeated season and the state championship, as he had 23 tackles for loss and 15 sacks that season. He also recorded 72 pancake blocks on offense. As a junior, he posted 85 tackles with 12 sacks and more than 20 tackles for loss. The three-time first-team All-Conference choice finished his career with 43 sacks and 66 tackles for loss. He also played basketball, lacrosse, and baseball during his high school career, winning the 2003 YMCA Slam Dunk Contest for high school students.
Long would hold the rare distinction of having his jersey retired at St. Anne's Belfield School and also at the University of Virginia, where he played in six games during his freshman year in 2004. He posted five tackles with an 8-yard sack before being sidelined due to a bout of mononucleosis.
As a sophomore, Long took over right defensive end duties, starting all 12 games. He totaled 46 tackles (22 solos) with 1.5 sacks and had 7.5 stops for losses, along with 26 pressures and seven pass deflections in 752 plays. In 2006, he earned All-State honors, help
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'4 3/4"
- Weight
- 228 lbs
- Arm
- 32 5/8"
- Hand
- 9 1/2"
- Wing
Production
83.76
Athleticism
56.59
Total Score
140.35
PROSPECT ANALYSIS
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.
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'1 1/4"
- Weight
- 211 lbs
- Arm
- 34 1/4"
- Hand
- 9 1/2"
- Wing
Production
86.94
Athleticism
77.95
Total Score
164.89
PROSPECT ANALYSIS
Darren McFadden, a two-time Heisman runner-up, is regarded as one of the finest players in college football in recent years and one of the best to come out of the University of Arkansas.
The two-time Doak Walker Award winner shattered numerous school and Southeastern Conference records during his three seasons at Arkansas, establishing himself as one of the league's elite all-time backs -- Herschel Walker of Georgia, Bo Jackson of Auburn and Emmitt Smith of Florida.
McFadden was often utilized as the quarterback in the "Wildcat" formation, dominating defenses with his running and passing. He shared the backfield with another 1,000-yard rusher and first-team All-American kick returner Felix Jones, as the duo formed the most potent running back tandem in the nation, helping the Razorbacks average 286.54 yards per game on the ground in 2007.
In 38 games as a Razorback, McFadden rushed for over 100 yards 22 times. By winning the Doak Walker Award in both 2006 and '07, he became just the third Arkansas player to ever garner national award recognition in the 112 years of the program, joining Bud Brooks (1954 Outland Trophy) and Loyd Phillips (1966 Outland Trophy).
By gaining 1,113 yards rushing in 2005, 1,647 in '06 and a school-record 1,830 yards in '07, McFadden joined Georgia's Herschel Walker (1980-82) as the only players in Southeastern Conference history to rush for over 1,000 yards as a freshman, sophomore and junior. He is also the second UA player to rush for 1,000 yards three times, joining Ben
Cowins (1976-78). McFadden is the first to do it in his first three seasons.
At Pulaski Oak Grove High School, McFadden became the only player from the state of Arkansas to be named to the Parade All-American team in 2004. The two-time All-State, All-Area and All-South choice was chosen the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette's Offensive Player of the Year as a senior and was also selected to that newspaper's All-Arkansas squad.
McFadden was ranked as the No. 23 prospect in the nation and the top prospect in Arkansas by Rivals.com. The organization also rated him as a five-star prospect and the third-best athlete in the country. Tom Lemming's Prep Football Report rated him as the eighth-best running back in the nation. He was ranked 21st on the Mobile Register's Super Southeast 120 listing. He was also listed 21st in The Dallas Morning News Top 100. He was among the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Super Southern 100 and participated in the 2005 Arkansas High School All-Star Game.
McFadden was tabbed as the Class 4A-Southeast Conference's Outstanding Back, as he racked up 1,965 yards and 27 touchdowns on 184 carries as a senior. He averaged 10.7 yards per carry and scored three or more rushing touchdowns in six games during his final campaign. He made three receptions for 67 yards and one score. He completed 6-of-15 passes for 75 yards and two touchdowns as a quarterback. He also returned nine punts for 370 yards and three touchdowns.
As a junior, McFadden rushed for a school-record 2,027 yards and 19 touchdowns on 204 carries. He averaged 9.9 yards per attempt, leading his squad to an 8-4 record and second-place finish in the Class 5-AAA Conference. He hauled in nine passes for 252 yards and two touchdowns as a junior. He also earned 103 yards on 12 punt returns. In his sophomore campaign, he rushed for 859 yards and 13 touchdowns on 109 carries. He hauled in 12 receptions for 333 yards and five scores. He also returned 10 punts for 82 yards and 14 kickoffs for 372 yards.
McFadden totaled 4,871 yards rushing on 497 attempts in his prep career and averaged 9.8 yards per carry. In addition to football, he was a standout in baseball and track and field in high school. He was also recruited by a host of other schools including Tennessee, Alabama, Nebraska, Auburn and Iowa, but decided to enroll at Arkansas after attending Houston Nutt's Football Camp as a junior.
McFadden's arrival at Arkansas was met with much fa
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'1 1/2"
- Weight
- 297 lbs
- Arm
- 35 1/4"
- Hand
- 10"
- Wing
Production
92.91
Athleticism
69.47
Total Score
162.38
PROSPECT ANALYSIS
The most decorated player in the history of the school, Dorsey continued a recent tradition of Tigers defensive linemen earning first-team All-American honors, as at least one LSU player has received that honor since the 2000 season. The defensive tackle's mantelpiece was certainly filled to capacity after the 2007 season, as the consensus All-American and Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Year earned several prestigious awards.
Despite constant double- and triple-team coverage, along with late season knee and back problems, Dorsey continued to dominate. He extended his string of at least one tackle made in his last 30 games, and walked away with the 2007 Nagurski Award, Lombardi Award, Outland Trophy and Lott Award, becoming the first player in school history to earn any of those postseason honors.
Dorsey attended East Ascension High School, where he was rated among the nation's top defensive linemen and one of the top three prospects in Louisiana. He was named a Parade All-American and rated the second-best prospect in Louisiana by Rivals.com. The Fox Sports Network South's Countdown to Signing Day "All-South" first-team choice was also a member of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Super Southern 100, Baton Rouge Advocate Super Dozen and New Orleans Times-Picayune's Top 20 Blue-Chip lists.
The senior defensive lineman was also named Louisiana's Class 4A Defensive Player of the Year and was a first-team Class 4A All-State pick. Despite being sidelined for three games with an ankle injury, Dorsey registered 43 tackles (16 for losses), two sacks and a forced fumble as a senior. He had a stellar junior year, making more than 100 tackles (12 for losses) and a dozen sacks.
Dorsey enrolled at Louisiana State in 2004, appearing in 11 games, starting three times at left defensive tackle. He posted 18 tackles (6 solos) with two stops for losses and also recovered a fumble. He was listed second on the depth chart behind Claude Wroten at left tackle in 2005, starting vs. North Texas. He finished that campaign with 28 tackles (16 solos), three sacks and four stops behind the line of scrimmage.
Dorsey took over the middle of the field for the Tigers, earning first-team All-American and All-Southeastern Conference honors in 2006. He started all 13 games, lining up at left tackle for four contests and had nine other starts on the right side. He totaled 64 tackles (22 solos) with three sacks and 8.5 stops for losses.
The junior seriously considered entering the 2007 NFL Draft, but decided to return to the university for his senior year, citing "unfinished business."
Even with the injuries in 2007, which began in fall camp with a sore hamstring, Dorsey was a battler throughout his final season. He ranked third on the team with 69 tackles (39 solos) and finished second on the squad with seven sacks and 12.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage. He also caused a fumble and deflected three passes.
In 51 games at Louisiana State, Dorsey started 30 times (21 at left tackle, nine at right tackle). He collected 179 tackles (83 solos) with 13.0 sacks for minus 93 yards, 27 stops for losses of 123 yards and seven quarterback pressures. He caused and recovered a fumble and also deflected four passes.
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'3"
- Weight
- 266 lbs
- Arm
- 34"
- Hand
- 10"
- Wing
Production
86.94
Athleticism
89.48
Total Score
176.42
PROSPECT ANALYSIS
Vernon Gholston is a remarkable talent, but he's only just begun realizing his vast potential.
He never picked up a football until his sophomore year in high school and had just one season of defensive experience as a linebacker before being converted to defensive end when he arrived at Ohio State.
Blessed with incredible speed (clocked at 4.56 in the 40-yard dash), long limbs and superb strength, Gholston is the prototype pass rusher that professional teams look for -- big, fast, strong and explosive. An avid performer in the weight room, he boasted the best bench press on the team at 455 pounds. He also put on an impressive performance for teammates, squatting 405 pounds 20 times.
How Gholston was lured into football will one day make a nice story, if he becomes the legendary pass rusher many personnel experts are predicting. Walking in the halls of Cass Technical High School, football coach Thomas Wilcher spotted the 14-year-old strapping youngster, who stood 6-3, 240 pounds at the time. He convinced the player to join the football team.
Gholston was too big to play in Detroit's Police Athletic League and the elementary public schools did not offer an organized football program. From the first time he ever stepped on the field, the coaching staff knew they had a natural talent.
As a sophomore at Cass Tech, Gholston was first tried at linebacker, but he was overwhelmed by the plays he needed to know to play that position. One of the offensive coaches "stole" the youngster away from the defensive squad and had him play offensive guard as a sophomore. His junior campaign was limited by ankle sprains, which forced him to stay on the offensive line and scrap plans to also play linebacker.
By his senior season, he had already earned All-State honors as an offensive lineman and gained experience playing linebacker for the first time in his career. In just one season on defense, he was regarded as one of the best linebackers in the Midwest region. He would go on to record 75 tackles with six sacks in his final season, as Rivals.com rated him the 11th-best defensive end prospect in the nation and the 12th-best overall prospect in the state of Michigan.
Gholston enrolled at Ohio State, becoming the only player from Michigan on the squad. He turned down scholarship offers from Michigan, Michigan State and Iowa to join the Buckeyes. The coaching staff immediately began giving him a crash course in playing the "Leo" position, which incorporates dropping into pass coverage and rushing the passer from either side of the field.
He mentored under Mike Kudla his first year with the team, appearing in six games as a true freshman in 2004, but did not record a tackle. In 2005, a broken hand suffered in the second game vs. Texas earned Gholston a medical hardship. He had one tackle in that game and spent the rest of the year on the sideline.
Gholston used that time wisely in the weight room, bulking up from 238 to 264 pounds, as he took over "Leo" duties in 2006. He garnered All-Big Ten Conference second-team honors, as he ranked fourth in the league with 15 stops for losses of 86 yards and was fifth in the Big Ten with 8.5 sacks. He added a quarterback pressure with two pass breakups and an interception. He also finished sixth on the squad with 49 tackles (21 solo).
In 2007, Gholston earned All-American recognition and was a finalist for the Ted Hendricks Award, given to the nation's top defensive end. He posted 37 tackles (25 solo) and was a terror in the backfield, ranking eighth in the nation with 15.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage and second nationally with 14 sacks. He also scooped up a fumble and returned it for a 25-yard touchdown.
In 34 games at Ohio State, Gholston started 25 times. He registered 87 tackles (47 solo) with 22.5 sacks for minus-184 yards and 30.5 stops for losses of 199 yards. He had two pass deflections and an eight-yard interception return, as he also recovered a fumble that
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ACQUIRED VIA
PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'0 1/2"
- Weight
- 309 lbs
- Arm
- 33"
- Hand
- 9"
- Wing
Production
92.83
Athleticism
57.83
Total Score
150.66
PROSPECT 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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ACQUIRED VIA
PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'4 5/8"
- Weight
- 271 lbs
- Arm
- 35 1/2"
- Hand
- 9 3/8"
- Wing
Production
84.42
Athleticism
69.86
Total Score
154.28
PROSPECT ANALYSIS
The unquestioned leader of the Gators' defensive unit, Derrick Harvey put on a dominating performance during his final season at Florida.
Thrust into captaincy as a junior, he more than lived up to the coaching staff's expectations, as Florida led the Southeastern Conference and ranked 10th in the nation, allowing only 103.31 yards rushing per game in 2007.
Despite just 18 career starts, Harvey finished his career ninth all-time at UF with 20.5 quarterback sacks.
Harvey was an All-America selection by Tom Lemming, EA Sports, Riddell and Super Prep, adding second-team All-USA honors from USA Today as a senior at Roosevelt High School. He was named the Maryland Gatorade Player of the Year and was rated the third-best defensive end in the nation and top-rated defensive end in the Atlantic Region by TheInsiders.com (also a five-star choice on the National Hot 100 list and a first-team All-Atlantic region selection by that publication).
Harvey received a five-star rating and was listed as the second-best defensive end in the nation by Rivals.com. He was rated the premier prospect in the Mid-Atlantic region by Super Prep and received first-team All-State honors by the Associated Press. What makes all of these accolades even more impressive was the fact that he never played organized football until his junior season, as he was a two-year standout for the basketball team before finding football.
As a senior, Harvey served as team captain, guiding the squad to a 12-1 record in 2003, losing its only game of the season in the Class 4A state semifinals. Playing defensive end and tight end, he recorded 150 tackles and a Maryland state-record 31 sacks, as well as five forced fumbles, two recovered fumbles and five batted down passes.
Harvey enrolled at Florida in 2004, as the university won a heated recruiting battle over Ohio State, Maryland and Tennessee. He redshirted and bulked up to 230 pounds. He saw limited action in nine games in 2005, playing behind starters Ray McDonald and Jarvis Moss at both defensive end positions. He finished his first year with the varsity by producing six tackles (four solo) with a six-yard sack and a pass deflection.
As a sophomore, Harvey shared left defensive end duties with Ray McDonald, starting five contests when the senior was sidelined with an injury. He recorded 35 tackles (24 solo) and led the team with 11 sacks, tied for the fifth-best season total in school history. He also paced the Gators with 13 stops for losses, adding eight quarterback pressures. He recovered three fumbles and caused another, picking up second-team All-Southeastern Conference honors, in addition to garnering MVP accolades for his performance in the BCS National Championship Game vs. Ohio State.
Harvey earned All-American third-team and All-Southeastern Conference second-team honors in 2007. The team captain started all thirteen games at left end, posting 49 tackles (31 solo), including 8.5 sacks and three pressures. His 17 stops behind the line of scrimmage rank 10th on the school single-season list. He also caused a fumble and broke up five passes. The fourth-year junior waited until after the Capital One Bowl to announce that he would enter the 2008 draft instead of returning to the Gators.
In 36 games at Florida, Harvey started 18 contests. He closed out his career ninth on the school's all-time record list with 20.5 sacks for minus 158 yards, adding 31 stops for losses of 190 yards and eleven quarterback pressures. He registered 90 tackles (59 solos), as he recovered three fumbles, returning one nine yards. He also caused two fumbles and had six pass deflections.
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'2 1/4"
- Weight
- 241 lbs
- Arm
- 33"
- Hand
- 11"
- Wing
Production
94.35
Athleticism
68.05
Total Score
162.40
PROSPECT ANALYSIS
Rivers carries on the tradition of standout linebackers to perform for the Trojans - tough, physical with excellent play reading ability and the range to make plays in pursuit. He is very fluid in his movements when dropping back in pass coverage, so much so that the coaches even utilized him at safety in various zone coverage packages.
Rivers' ability to play a variety of positions proved invaluable earlier in his career. In addition to excelling at weak-side linebacker, he was often used as a defensive end in pass rushing situations during his first two seasons with the Trojans. He also played through nagging left ankle problems in 2007, but still performed at a high level to garner All-American honors.
At Lake Mary High School, Rivers earned USA Today All-USA first-team, Parade, Super Prep, Prep Star, EA Sports and Insiders.com All-American first-team honors. He was a member of the Super Prep Elite 50, Prep Star Top 100 Dream Team, Lemming Top 100, Super Prep All-Dixie, Prep Star All-Southeast and Fox Sports Net All-South squads.
The Gatorade Florida Player of the Year and Florida Class 6A Mr. Football runner-up as a senior linebacker, Rivers recorded 111 tackles, 14 stops for losses, two sacks and a pair of interceptions in 2003. As a junior in 2002, he was a Student Sports Junior All-American and Florida Class 5A second-team choice, as he posted 160 tackles, 11 stops behind the line of scrimmage, including four sacks and had two interceptions. He made All-State as a sophomore in 2001 when he had 100-plus tackles.
Born in Riverside, California, Rivers enrolled at Southern California in 2004. He saw significant playing time in 13 games as a reserve weak-side linebacker and was also used as a defensive end in pass rushing situations. He went on to record 25 tackles (13 solos) with 2.5 sacks and three stops for losses. He picked off one pass, deflected another and caused a fumble, as he was awarded All-Pac 10 Conference Freshman Team honors.
Rivers earned All-Pac 10 honorable mention while starting 11 games at weak-side linebacker in 2005. He sat out the Stanford and UCLA games with a nagging hamstring problem, but still delivered 52 tackles (35 solos) with a sack and three stops behind the line of scrimmage. He had the second interception for his career and also recovered a pair of fumbles.
The All-Pac 10 first-team pick added All-American honorable mention while receiving the team's Bob Chandler Award in 2006. He started all 13 games, leading the team with 85 tackles (47 solos), including two sacks and 7.5 stops for losses. He caused three fumbles, recovered another and batted away two passes.
Arthroscopic left ankle surgery in spring camp hampered Rivers' off-season conditioning program in 2007 and he later missed the Arizona State clash while nursing that sore ankle, but he still received All-American and All-Pac 10 Conference first-team honors. He started 11 of 12 games, but the ankle injury limited his range, as he had just five stops behind the line of scrimmage. He did finish second on the team with 78 tackles (44 solos), adding a forced fumble, three fumble recoveries and four pass deflections in his final season.
In 49 games at Southern California, Rivers started 35 contests. He finished with 240 tackles (139 solos), 5.5 sacks for minus-42 yards and 18.5 stops for losses of 77 yards. He was credited with three quarterback pressures and gained 36 yards on two interception returns while also deflecting seven passes. He caused five fumbles and recovered six others.
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ACQUIRED VIA
PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'1 1/4"
- Weight
- 242 lbs
- Arm
- 32 7/8"
- Hand
- 9 1/4"
- Wing
Production
94.87
Athleticism
83.86
Total Score
178.73
PROSPECT ANALYSIS
An athletic linebacker who made the move from outside to inside linebacker last season with spectacular results -- earning first team SEC accolades in leading the conference with 140 tackles. Mayo's speed and size may cause scouts to consider moving him back outside at the next level, but he seemed to gain more and more confidence at his new position as the season wore on, averaging 15 tackles over his final four games.
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 5'10 1/4"
- Weight
- 190 lbs
- Arm
- 30 1/8"
- Hand
- 8 1/2"
- Wing
Production
81.47
Athleticism
76.36
Total Score
157.83
PROSPECT ANALYSIS
One of the most electrifying return specialists in the game, Leodis McKelvin also developed into a standout cover cornerback during his time with the Trojans. Even though he touched the ball only twice on offense, he amassed a school all-time record 3,909 all-purpose yards, the third-best career total in Sun Belt Conference history.
His eight total kicks returned for touchdowns (seven punts, one kickoff) tied the NCAA Division 1-A record. His 211 total returned kicks (99 kickoffs/112 punts) topped the previous collegiate record of 203 by Deltha O'Neal of California (1996-99) and his 3,817 total kick return yards also established an NCAA record, surpassing O'Neal's old mark of 3,455 yards.
At Ware County High School, McKelvin earned first-team Class AAAA All-State honors from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Georgia Sportswriters Association. As a senior, he was named Area Defensive Player of the Year, as well as to the Georgia Times Union Super 11 team. He participated in the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association North-South All-Star Game after his final campaign.
McKelvin started at left cornerback, helping lead the team to a 9-2 record, a regional title and a second-round AAAA playoff appearance in 2003. That year, he recorded 51 tackles, recovered three fumbles, intercepted six passes and broke up six others. He also blocked two field-goal attempts. As a junior, he posted 60 tackles and six interceptions on defense and also had eight receptions for over 300 yards as a receiver. In addition to football, he was a member of the Ware County basketball team.
As a true freshman at Troy, McKelvin played in 12 games as a reserve cornerback, seeing most of his action on special teams and the defensive sub package. He posted 17 tackles (13 solos), returned an interception 71 yards for a touchdown and broke up one pass. He ranked second in the Sun Belt Conference and 29th nationally with 26 punt returns for 304 yards (11.7-yard average) and a pair of scores. He also ranked second in the league with 15 kickoff returns for 328 yards (21.9 avg), gaining 703 all-purpose yards.
A finalist for the National Return Man of the Year Award, McKelvin was named second-team All-Sun Belt Conference as a return specialist in 2005. He appeared in 11 games as a reserve cornerback, collecting 30 tackles (26 solo) with a nine-yard sack and a fumble recovery. He deflected six passes and blocked one kick. He also led the conference and ranked 16th nationally with 33 punt returns for 417 yards (12.6-yard average) and a touchdown. He led the league with 619 yards and a score on 24 kickoff returns (25.8 avg), becoming the first player in school history to score on an interception, kickoff return and punt return in a career.
McKelvin was an All-American honorable mention and All-Sun Belt Conference choice as a return specialist in 2006. He scored once on 28 punt returns for 314 yards (11.2-yard average) and had 27 kickoff returns for 634 yards (23.5 avg). He started all 13 games at left cornerback, delivering 66 tackles (56 solo) with two quarterback pressures and a pair of forced fumbles. He also intercepted one pass and batted away seven others.
McKelvin earned All-American and All-Sun Belt Conference first-team honors as a senior. In 12 starts at left cornerback, he registered a career-high 60 tackles (50 solo) and 2.5 stops for minus-6 yards. He caused three fumbles and returned a fumble recovery 36 yards. He lost nine yards on two interceptions and broke up nine passes. He ranked fourth in the nation with 25 punt returns for 436 yards (17.4-yard average) and a conference record three touchdowns. He finished third in the league with 33 kickoff returns for 765 yards (23.2 avg), and led the Trojans with 1,228 all-purpose yards.
In 48 games at Troy, McKelvin started 25 times. He recorded 173 tackles (145 solo) with a nine-yard sack and 4.5 stops for losses of 18 yards. He caused five fumbles, recovering two others, including one th
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'6 1/8"
- Weight
- 309 lbs
- Arm
- 36 3/4"
- Hand
- 10"
- Wing
Production
89.90
Athleticism
75.10
Total Score
165
PROSPECT 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 1/4"
- Weight
- 235 lbs
- Arm
- 31 1/2"
- Hand
- 9 1/8"
- Wing
Production
79.18
Athleticism
83.69
Total Score
162.87
PROSPECT ANALYSIS
While other running backs received considerable national attention, tucked away in Eugene, Oregon, was an athlete many feel was the most complete running back in college football in 2007 -- Jonathan Stewart.
He has the size of a fullback, the strength of an offensive lineman and the quickness of a sprinter. Playing with a style that reminds pro scouts of Kansas City's Larry Johnson, Stewart proved, even through injuries, perfectly capable of handling the rushing load.
Despite starting just 25 games at Oregon, he ranks second in school history with 2,891 yards rushing. His 198 points scored is the sixth-best career total in Ducks annals and his 4,889 all-purpose yards rank third on the school's career list. His 1,722 yards on the ground in 2007 was the most ever by a running back at the university and rank ninth on the Pac-10 single-season chart. He also used his 233-pound frame as a kickoff returner, finishing second on Oregon's career charts with a 28.69-yard average and 1,664 yards gained.
Few prospects in the Northwest attracted the attention to the magnitude that Stewart received during his playing days at Timberline High School. The state of Washington's all-time rushing leader accumulated 7,755 yards on the ground with 95 touchdowns in a career in which he eclipsed the 1,000-yard barrier in each of his four prep seasons.
Stewart was placed atop the nation's list of running back recruits on Parade magazine's All-American team, Student Sports Hot 100 list as well as Prep Star's Top 100 Dream Team, and was one of five finalists for the Walter Payton Trophy (nation's top prep player). He was named Washington Class 3A Offensive co-Player of the Year and state Gatorade Player-of-the-Year as a senior.
The tailback was a member of USA Today's 2004 All-USA team, the Long Beach Press-Telegram's Best in the West first-team, the Northwest Nuggets squad by the Tacoma News Tribune and EA Sports' All-American squad. He played in the 2005 U.S. Army All-American Bowl and was named the News Tribune's 2004-05 High School Male Athlete of the Year. Rivals.com rated him the best player in the state of Washington and 10th overall in the nation.
Stewart rushed for 2,301 yards and 32 scores as a senior, averaging 11.3 yards per carry, in addition to returning one of three punts 91 yards into the end zone. That year, he had single-game bests of 422 yards rushing vs. Centralia High, including nine touchdowns.
As a junior, he rushed for 2,609 yards and 36 touchdowns to garner first-team All-State accolades by the Seattle Times and Tacoma News Tribune, as well as state Class 3A Player-of-the-Year praise by the former news organization.
During his sophomore year, Stewart gained 1,575 yards on the ground in 2002 before breaking his left ankle. He also competed in track. He placed second in the 2005 state track 100-meter championships (11.17), in addition to anchoring school's 4x100-meter relay to a state title.
Oregon won a fierce recruiting battle for Stewart's services in 2005, as he turned down scholarship offers from Southern California, Tennessee, California, Nebraska, Notre Dame and Ohio State. An ankle injury limited him to 10 games as a true freshman, serving as the "caddy" for starter Terrence Whitehead. However, the youngster made the most out of limited opportunities, as he averaged one touchdown for every eight times he touched the ball.
Stewart would earn Freshman All-Pac-10 Conference honors from The Sporting News. He scored six times on 53 carries for 188 yards (3.5-yard average), returned 12 kickoffs for 404 yards (33.7-yard average) and a pair of touchdowns and caught seven passes for 45 yards and another score.
A series of ankle injuries throughout 2006 was the main culprit preventing Stewart from cracking the 1,000-yard rushing barrier. The second-team All-Pac-10 choice was also hampered by rib cartilage damage, a chest muscle strain and a neck strain as a sophomore.
He still managed to lead the
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'6"
- Weight
- 315 lbs
- Arm
- 33 1/2"
- Hand
- 10"
- Wing
Production
77.22
Athleticism
63.41
Total Score
140.63
PROSPECT ANALYSIS
Called the finest offensive tackle in Vanderbilt history, Williams became the first Commodore to earned All-Southeastern Conference honors (2007) from league coaches since Will Wolford in 1984. Despite manning the demanding left tackle position, he consistently received winning blocking grades over the last two seasons, as he allowed just two quarterback sacks over the course of his last 1,558 snaps. At Catholic High School, Williams earned all-conference and all-region recognition as an offensive tackle. He guided one of the most powerful Louisiana teams to a 10-2 record en route to the district title as a senior. He added Class 5A All-State Academic Team honors and served as vice president of the National Honor Society. He was also a member of the Key Club, French Club and Beta Club. Williams enrolled at Vanderbilt in 2003, but did not see any playing time until the 2005 campaign. He performed on the scout team in 2003 at both guard and tackle. Because of some academic issues in the school's engineering program, the talented youngster was ruled ineligible for football competition in 2004, again spending a season on the scout team. In '05, Williams appeared in 11 games, earning starting assignments in nine games at left offensive guard. He also saw action in six games at left tackle, replacing Ryan King when the tackle was struggling. Williams twice earned team Offensive Player of the Game honors (vs. Mississippi and Middle Tennessee), as he delivered 54 knockdowns and graded over 83% for blocking consistency on 828 offensive snaps. Williams emerged as a junior, taking over left tackle duties full-time. He earned second-team All-SEC accolades, along with the Most Valuable Offensive Lineman Award from the Vandy coaching staff. After allowing a quarterback sack vs. Michigan in the season opener, no other opposing defender would get past the left tackle to sack a Vanderbilt quarterback the rest of the campaign. He posted an 84.1% grade for blocking consistency, along with 79 knockdowns and nine touchdown-resulting blocks. He shared team Offensive Player of the Game honors twice and was named team player of the game in the Tennessee clash. In addition, he was the first Vanderbilt offensive lineman to garner SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week honors, as he graded 94% vs. Georgia. As a senior, Williams was named All-American third-team by The NFL Draft Report. The consensus first-team All-SEC pick had a banner senior campaign. On 836 offensive plays, the opposition got to the Commodore quarterback just once while he was lined up at left tackle. The offensive co-captain earned SEC Lineman of the Week honors (vs. Mississippi) and Offensive Player of the Game three times (vs. Alabama, Auburn and Tennessee). He registered 102 knockdowns, including 12 touchdown-resulting blocks, finishing his final season with an 85.7% grade for blocking consistency.
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ACQUIRED VIA
PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'5 5/8"
- Weight
- 309 lbs
- Arm
- 35 1/2"
- Hand
- 10 1/2"
- Wing
Production
82.55
Athleticism
71.77
Total Score
154.32
PROSPECT ANALYSIS
An exciting blend of size and athletic ability, Albert emerged as a standout his freshman season and went on to start all 36 games for Virginia before leaving after his junior year. A former basketball player who has only played football since his junior year of high school, Albert has rare quickness for a man of his size to block at the second level, and features the size, strength and hand placement to generate movement at the point of attack. An all-conference selection each of the past three seasons, Albert will be graded by some teams as a tackle prospect after fairing well at left tackle in two starts due to injury to starter Eugene Monroe.
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'1 1/2"
- Weight
- 184 lbs
- Arm
- 32 3/4"
- Hand
- 9 1/4"
- Wing
Production
81.47
Athleticism
83.16
Total Score
164.63
PROSPECT ANALYSIS
Not since Aeneas Williams terrorized receivers at Southern University (1987-90) has a Division 1-AA cornerback dominated like Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.
Thrust into the starting lineup midway through his freshman campaign, the speedy defender has shown exceptional shutdown ability and displayed the natural hands needed to excel as an interceptor. He also excelled as a kickoff returner and saw action as a receiver during his senior campaign.
In 39 starts for the Tigers, opposing quarterbacks completed just 55 of 161 passes (34.16%) thrown in Rodgers-Cromartie's immediate area. He intercepted 11 of those throws, deflected 25 and held the opposition to a miniscule 3.54 yards per pass attempt, the best of any collegiate defensive back over the last three seasons.
In addition to his stellar play, Rodgers-Cromartie has also been a standout performer for the TSU track team. Despite juggling football spring drills with the indoor and outdoor track seasons in 2007, he qualified for the NCAA Mid-East Regionals after he captured the Ohio Valley Conference long jump title (25' 0.75"). In only his second outdoor event, he was named OVC Male Athlete of the Week after finishing third at the Penn Relays with a conference-best long jump of 24'10".
During the OVC Indoor Track Championships, Rodgers-Cromartie was name the top male athlete with a sensational performance. He won the 60-meter dash (6.89), long jump (25' 0.75") and high jump (6' 9.5") and finished second in the triple-jump (48' 8"). What made those finishes even more impressive was the fact that he performed most of the indoor season while nursing an ankle sprain.
Excelling in two sports is nothing new for Rodgers-Cromartie. The All-Area and All-District defensive back and wide receiver at Lakewood Ranch High School was regarded as one of the best cornerbacks in the South, receiving a four-star rating from Rivals.com. The High School Recruiting Report named him the most underrated prospect in the state of Florida. He also competed as a jumper and sprinter on the track team.
Rodgers-Cromartie enrolled at Tennessee State, where he shared playing time with Aaron Strong for the first half of the 2004 campaign. He would go on to start six games at strong-side cornerback, including the last five games. He posted 33 tackles (22 solo) with a stop for a loss while recovering two fumbles, returning one for a touchdown. Named the Ohio Valley Conference Defensive Newcomer of the Year by The Gridiron Report, he also batted away three passes and returned both of his interceptions for touchdowns. He blocked a punt for an 11-yard return and also had a 19-yard kickoff return.
As a sophomore, Rodgers-Cromartie started every game. He ranked fifth on the team with 41 tackles (34 solo), including three stops behind the line of scrimmage. He deflected five passes, intercepted another and returned a blocked punt 17 yards. He also gained 34 yards on two kickoff returns and caught one pass for eight yards in brief action as a receiver. He allowed just 1.86 yards per pass attempt, the lowest total by a Division 1-AA defender in a season since Aeneas Williams averaged 1.99 yards (on 58 throws) for Southern University in 1990.
The junior defender ranked third in the nation and led the OVC with six interceptions in 2006. He finished fourth on the squad with 47 tackles (37 solo) and two stops for losses. He also blocked two kicks and had seven pass deflections, earning first-team All-OVC and All-American honors. He allowed just 3.64 yards per pass attempt, the best figure in the Division 1-AA ranks for the second consecutive year.
In 2007, Rodgers-Cromartie earned third-team All-American honors from The NFL Draft Report. He added All-Ohio Valley Conference first-team accolades for the second straight year, as he was used not only on defense, but also handled kickoff returns while seeing brief action on offense. He recorded 37 tackles (28 solo) with two stops for losses and a pair o
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ACQUIRED VIA
PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'6 3/8"
- Weight
- 314 lbs
- Arm
- 36 1/4"
- Hand
- 11 3/4"
- Wing
Production
80.10
Athleticism
72.21
Total Score
152.31
PROSPECT ANALYSIS
After starting 37 consecutive games at right tackle, Gosder Cherilus moved to the demanding left tackle position as a senior. It is an understatement to say that he struggled most of the year at that position.
Penalties -- seven total and four vs. Notre Dame -- were his worst enemy. Cherlius allowed 5 1/2 quarterback sacks and four pressures, acceptable totals when the offense throws the ball 659 times in a season.
With his limited change-of-direction agility, along with a solid reputation as a mauler for the ground game, Cherilus would welcome a return to right tackle at the next level. The Haitian is a tireless worker and with patient coaching, he could join the long line of steady Boston College offensive linemen now playing in the NFL. Cherilus closed out his career with 51 consecutive starts for the Eagles, establishing a new school record.
Cherilus was a Boston Globe and Boston Herald All-Scholastic selection as a senior at Somerville High School, where he played tackle on both sides of the ball. He was named to Tom Lemming's All-American team in 2002, the same season that he captured All-State accolades from the Massachusetts State Coaches Association. Cherilus also participated on Somerville's basketball and track teams.
Cherilus spent the 2003 season at Boston College performing with the scout team, as the coaches afforded him an extra year to fully recover from right knee surgery. He was the only redshirt freshman to start on BC's offensive line in 2004, helping the team average 385.4 yards per game in total offense.
As a sophomore, he started all 13 games at right tackle, delivering 53 knockdown blocks. The Eagles went on to lead the Atlantic Coast Conference in total offense, averaging 387.75 yards per game.
In 2006, his drive-blocking skills saw the team have at least one 100-yard rusher in seven games. Cherilus made 79 knockdowns, along with 10 touchdown-resulting blocks. With the right tackle leading the way, the Eagles averaged 355.6 yards per game. He also made a key tackle vs. Navy in the Meineke Car Care Bowl.
The recipient of the team's Unsung Hero Award in 2007, Cherilus also garnered All-Atlantic Coast Conference second-team honors. With the ground game a liability, the team took to the air, ranking seventh in the nation with an average of 323.9 passing yards per game. Even though he struggled with his timing, the left tackle came up with 77 knockdowns and 12 touchdown-resulting blocks in 14 games.
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ACQUIRED VIA
PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'6 3/8"
- Weight
- 236 lbs
- Arm
- 33 1/8"
- Hand
- 9 5/8"
- Wing
Production
76.41
Athleticism
60.94
Total Score
137.35
PROSPECT ANALYSIS
Flacco is one of the more intriguing quarterback prospects of this draft. While he lacks the big name of some of the other highly ranked prospects, he possesses the prototypical combination of size and arm strength scouts are looking for.
His steady improvement while at Delaware bodes well for his future development in the NFL, but Flacco's ability to handle the greater speed of the NFL is the determining factor of his final draft status. Scouts are anxious to see how Flacco responds in senior all-star games.
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ACQUIRED VIA
PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'6"
- Weight
- 322 lbs
- Arm
- 35 3/8"
- Hand
- 9 1/4"
- Wing
Production
82.55
Athleticism
54.59
Total Score
137.14
PROSPECT ANALYSIS
Otah played only two seasons at Pittsburgh, but many rank him with the elite offensive tackles produced by the school over the last two decades. He is a road grader in the mold of former All-Americans Jimbo Covert (1979-82), Mark May (1977-80), Bill Fralic (1981-84) and Ruben Brown (1991-94), all of whom enjoyed productive NFL careers. Called the "best blocker I've ever coached," by Pitt head coach Dave Wannstedt, Otah served as offensive captain for one of college football's best running attacks as a senior.
Otah concentrated mostly on basketball, lettering twice at William Penn High School. As a senior, football coach Bill Cole convinced Otah to compete in football and he started in his only year on the team. Because of a lack of playing experience, he was not recruited coming out of the prep ranks and enrolled at Valley Forge Military Academy in 2004.
At Valley Forge, Otah started 17 consecutive games over two seasons, where he was rated the 26th-best junior college offensive lineman by Scout.com and 31st by Rivals.com. He was a two-time All-Seaboard Conference choice and was selected the league's Most Valuable Player in 2003. He led the team to a pair of conference co-championships and also lettered twice in basketball. He averaged nearly 19 points and 12 rebounds per game during his hoops career at Valley Forge.
Otah enrolled at Pittsburgh and immediately took over the demanding left tackle position in 2006. He started all 12 games, delivering 91 knockdowns with 13 touchdown-resulting blocks. He allowed four sacks and one quarterback pressure while recording one solo tackle and recovering a pair of fumbles.
The winner of the team's Ed Conway Award in 2007, given to the team's most improved player, Otah garnered All-Big East Conference honors as a senior. He produced 101 knockdowns, with 13 of those blocks leading to touchdowns. He finished with an 82% grade for blocking consistency, allowing four pressures and 8 1/2 stops for losses.
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'0 3/4"
- Weight
- 202 lbs
- Arm
- 33"
- Hand
- 9 3/8"
- Wing
Production
89.74
Athleticism
83.58
Total Score
173.32
PROSPECT ANALYSIS
It was no surprise Talib left school early for the pros. Few collegiate corners have his mix of size, athleticism and explosiveness. The All-American made 13 interceptions and broke up 43 other passes during his three years at Lawrence. He even played a bit of receiver the past two, and opponents clearly game-planned for him. There's no reason to think his new team won't try him as a punt and/or kickoff returner, even though he only attempted a handful in college. At least until he proves too valuable a cover man to leave on special teams.
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ACQUIRED VIA
PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'4 5/8"
- Weight
- 309 lbs
- Arm
- 32 3/4"
- Hand
- 9 1/4"
- Wing
Production
80.10
Athleticism
76.23
Total Score
156.33
PROSPECT 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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ACQUIRED VIA
PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 5'10 1/8"
- Weight
- 207 lbs
- Arm
- 32 3/8"
- Hand
- 8 3/8"
- Wing
Production
80.42
Athleticism
80.47
Total Score
160.89
PROSPECT ANALYSIS
Arkansas' duo of Felix Jones and Darren McFadden electrified Fayetteville for years. The junior tandem is taking the act to the NFL and not everyone is convinced Jones won't go from super backup to superstar.
Jones proved to be one of the best outside rushers in the SEC, but also has excelled as a kickoff returner. His average of 28.21 yards per kickoff return ranks ninth in NCAA Bowl Subdivision annals.
Known for his big-play ability, Jones' average yards per carry of 7.66 yards would be one for the college football all-time record books, if not for Glenn Davis of Army averaging 8.26 yards (358 attempts, 2,957 yards, 1943-46). Since Davis, the only players to average over seven yards per carry (minimum 350 attempts) were Mike Rozier of Nebraska (7.16-yard average on 688 runs for 4,780 yards, 1981-83) and Reggie Bush of Southern California (7.32-yard average on 433 carries for 3,169 yards, 2003-05).
The Razorbacks' tandem of McFadden (1,830) and Jones (1,162) amassed 2,992 yards on the ground in 2007. The only other tandems to gain more yardage in a season in NCAA annals were Barry Sanders (2,628) and Gerald Hudson (369) combining for 2,997 yards for Oklahoma State in 1988 and Reggie Bush (1,740) and LenDale White (1,302) combining for an NCAA record 3,042 yards for Southern California in 2005.
In the history of college football, having two players from the same team rush for over 1,000 yards each in the same season has been accomplished 41 times. McFadden and Jones (2006-07) and West Virginia's Steve Slaton and Patrick White (2006-07) joined Marion Barber III and Lawrence Maroney of Minnesota (2003-04) as the only duos to accomplish that feat more than once in a career over the last 30 years.
At Booker T. Washington High School, Jones was named the Tulsa World Player of the Year following his senior season, after rushing for 2,282 yards and 48 touchdowns on 205 carries (11.1-yard average). He led his squad to a 13-1 record and a state runner-up finish, as Jones rushed for 166 yards and three touchdowns in the 5A state championship game. He was sidelined with a broken ankle early in his junior season, but still managed to rack up 800 yards rushing and 20 touchdowns. Rivals.com ranked him the 19th-best athlete in the nation and the fourth-best overall player in Oklahoma.
Jones enrolled at Arkansas in 2005, after he originally signed a letter of intent to attend Oklahoma State. He also turned down scholarship offers from Tennessee, Texas A&M, Kansas, Louisiana State and Nebraska. He became the first true freshman in school history to earn first-team All-American honors (as a kickoff returner), when College Football News named him to its postseason team.
He ranked second in the nation with a 31.94-yard average on 17 kickoff returns for 543 yards and a touchdown. He caught eight passes for 100 yards and gained 11 yards on a punt return. As a tailback, he started two of 11 games, totaling 626 yards with three scores on 99 carries (6.3-yard average), ranking second on the team. He also became only the second freshman in school history to run for over 100 yards twice in a game.
Jones garnered All-American honorable mention and All-Southeastern Conference first-team recognition as a sophomore. He started six of 14 games, amassing 1,829 all-purpose yards, the third-best total in the league. He also ranked second in the SEC with 154 carries for 1,168 yards (7.6-yard average) and six touchdowns. He also caught 15 passes for 107 yards (7.1 avg) and three scores. He ranked third in the conference with 23 kickoff returns for 554 yards (24.1 avg) and a touchdown in 2006.
Jones was a consensus All-American and All-SEC first-team selection as a kickoff returner, adding Associated Press third-team national honors as an all-purpose back in 2007. He started just three of 13 games, but gained 1,162 yards with 11 touchdowns on 133 carries, as his average of 8.7 yards per attempt set an SEC single-season. He made 16 cat
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 5'10 1/8"
- Weight
- 225 lbs
- Arm
- 31 3/8"
- Hand
- 10 7/8"
- Wing
Production
85.71
Athleticism
75.04
Total Score
160.75
PROSPECT 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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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 5'11"
- Weight
- 197 lbs
- Arm
- 30 3/4"
- Hand
- 8 1/2"
- Wing
Production
80.68
Athleticism
90.08
Total Score
170.76
PROSPECT ANALYSIS
Few teams in the collegiate or professional ranks have such an explosive and versatile weapon as the Pirates boast with Chris Johnson. Fully recovered from turf toe that hampered him in 2006 and neck surgery during the 2007 off-season, Johnson established himself as the premier all-purpose back in the NCAA Division 1-A ranks during his final campaign.
At Olympia High School, Johnson earned All-Orange County honors as a senior and was selected the Most Valuable Player for his performance in the Orange County All-Star Game. He was rated among the top 100 players in state of Florida by Super Prep, as he scored eight touchdowns during his final campaign, despite missing four contests with an injury.
As a junior, he rushed for more than 1,000 yards. A standout weight lifter, he boasted the top power numbers among the team's skill position players with a 265-pound power clean-lift and a 315-pound bench-press. Johnson also competed in track. He was timed at 10.38 seconds in the 100-meter sprint and ran the anchor leg on the fastest 4x100 relay team in the nation that won Golden South and Golden West national titles.
Johnson proved to be a dangerous kickoff returner as a true freshman in 2004 at East Carolina, where he was originally signed as a wide receiver. He gained 765 yards on 37 attempts (20.7 avg) and made a solo tackle on special teams. He started seven of 11 games at tailback, leading the team with 561 yards and five touchdowns on 134 carries (4.2 avg). He caught 32 passes, second-best on the team, for 236 yards (7.4 avg) and two scores, totaling 42 points for the year.
Johnson ranked fourth in Conference USA and 24th nationally with 1,562 all-purpose yards, an average of 142.0 yards per game. For those efforts, he was named to the Conference USA All-Freshman squad as a running back and kickoff return specialist. He was also named the team's Outstanding Newcomer-of-the-Year.
During his sophomore campaign, Johnson started all 11 games, leading the team with 176 rushes for 684 yards (3.9 avg) and six touchdowns. He grabbed 35 passes for 356 yards (10.2 avg) and two scores. His 67 receptions during his first two seasons set the school career-record for running backs. He returned 21 kickoffs for 459 yards (21.9 avg), scored 48 points and ranked second in the Conference USA ranks with an average of 136.27 all-purpose yards per game in 2005.
Listed on numerous preseason All-Conference USA first-team squads, Johnson was limited to five starting assignments, seeing limited action in seven other games during the 2006 season due to turf toe and also had neck surgery in the off-season that kept him out of spring drills. He still finished second on the team with 314 yards and four touchdowns on 78 carries (4.0 avg) while starting four times at tailback. He started the season finale at flanker, coming up with 21 catches for 176 yards (8.4 avg). He ranked third in the conference with a 22.95-yard average on 21 kickoff returns for 482 yards and a touchdown. He scored 30 points, made one solo tackle and averaged 81.0 all-purpose yards per game.
In 2007, Johnson established a new Conference USA record with an average of 227.69 all-purpose yards per game. That figure led the nation, and he was 24th with 109.5 rushing yards per game. He became the 24th player in Division 1-A history to amass more than 6,000 all-purpose yards in a career.
In 47 games at East Carolina, Johnson became the 11th player in school history to rush for more than 2,000 yards in a career, amassing 2,982 yards with 32 touchdowns on 624 attempts. He holds the school career-record for running backs with 125 receptions for 1,296 yards and 10 touchdowns. He became the first player in school history to amass more than 5,000 all-purpose yards in a career, totaling 6,993 yards.
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ACQUIRED VIA
PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 5'10 1/4"
- Weight
- 197 lbs
- Arm
- 32 1/8"
- Hand
- 9 1/4"
- Wing
Production
68.08
Athleticism
67
Total Score
135.08
PROSPECT ANALYSIS
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.
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ACQUIRED VIA
PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'4 1/8"
- Weight
- 315 lbs
- Arm
- 34 1/4"
- Hand
- 10"
- Wing
Production
80.10
Athleticism
82.22
Total Score
162.32
PROSPECT ANALYSIS
A former tight end, Brown is an intriguing developmental prospect who has made significant improvement throughout since moving to offensive tackle three years ago. Blessed with rare straight-line speed for the position, Brown remains a bit of a project, but developed better use of his hands and knee bend as a senior. A strong showing during the week of practice at the East-West Shrine Game had scouts buzzing about Brown as a potential mid-round pick who could emerge as a future starter with continued development.
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'0 1/4"
- Weight
- 191 lbs
- Arm
- 32 3/8"
- Hand
- 9 1/4"
- Wing
Production
98.41
Athleticism
77.09
Total Score
175.50
PROSPECT ANALYSIS
A shutdown cornerback in the mold of former Arizona standout Chris McAlister (Baltimore), Cason ranks with the elite defensive prospects eligible for the 2008 NFL Draft. With his added responsibility handling punt returns as a senior, he is the first Arizona player to earn All-Pac-10 Conference accolades on defense and special teams in the same season.
Cason comes from a family rich in sports tradition. His father, Wendell, was a defensive back at the University of Oregon (1981-84) and went on to play for the Atlanta Falcons (1985-87). Antoine's brother, Dione, ran track at Washington State. His cousin, Ken-yon Rambo, was a receiver at Ohio State (1997-2000) before playing for the Dallas Cowboys (2001-02) and New York Jets (2003). Another cousin, Aveion Cason, was an All-American tailback at Illinois State (1997-2000) and presently plays for the Detroit Lions (2001-02, 2006-present) after seeing stints with St. Louis (2001, 04-05) and Dallas (2003) in his career.
At Los Alamitos High School, Antoine Cason earned second-team All-CIF Southern Section and first-team Division I All-CIF honors as a senior. He was a member of the Tacoma News-Tribune Western 100, Prep Star All-American and Super Prep All-Farwest squad. He earned from Rivals.com a three-star rating and was ranked 38th among the nation's defensive backs.
As a senior, Cason recorded 41 tackles, four interceptions and two fumble recoveries. He added first-team All-League as a junior, as he registered six interceptions. The Sunset League Defensive Back of the Year and first-team All-League pick as a senior, he added Orange County Register first-team All-County honors that year. He also competed as a running back and lettered in track.
Upon enrolling at the University of Arizona in 2004, Cason was thrust into the starting lineup at left cornerback, where he would go on to start all 46 games during his collegiate career. He earned All-Pac-10 Conference honorable mention and was selected to the Football Writers Association and The Sporting News Freshman All-American teams. He also garnered TSN Pac-10 Defensive Freshman of the Year honors.
He finished 2004 with 70 tackles (54 solo), 5 1/2 stops for losses, four interceptions, six pass breakups and three forced fumbles. He ranked fifth in the Pac-10 in interceptions, fifth in forced fumbles and ninth in passes defended. He began his career in explosive fashion, as he was named Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Week after posting 13 tackles (12 solo), including one for a loss, forced two fumbles, broke up one pass and returned an interception four yards vs. Northern Arizona.
In 2005, Cason ranked fifth on the squad with 50 tackles (38 solo), including 2 1/2 stops behind the line of scrimmage. He deflected five passes and intercepted three others while playing strong-side cornerback. He was also named to the All-Pac-10 Conference second-team. After the season, he joined the Wildcats' 2006 outdoor track team, performing in the sprints and relays.
As a junior, Cason received first-team All-Pacific-10 Conference honors, becoming just the fifth cornerback in UA history to do so. The semifinalist for the Thorpe Award was also a two-time Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Week (vs. Washington State and California). He ranked third on the team with 62 tackles (48 solo), including two stops for losses. He caused and recovered a fumble, batted away seven passes and had three interceptions. He again competed on the 2007 Wildcats outdoor track team after the football season.
Cason earned All-American first-team honors from The NFL Draft Report and Rivals.com in 2007. He added All-Pac-10 Conference first-team honors as a defensive back and return specialist. He ranked fifth in the league with 27 punt returns for 271 yards (10.0-yard average) and a pair of touchdowns. He tied with teammate Nate Hess for second in the Pac-10 with five interceptions, returning two pass thefts for scores. He deflected 14 passes and was third o
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ACQUIRED VIA
PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'4 1/4"
- Weight
- 271 lbs
- Arm
- 34 1/8"
- Hand
- 9 1/8"
- Wing
Production
82.06
Athleticism
72.52
Total Score
154.58
PROSPECT ANALYSIS
One of the Trojans' top playmakers since arriving on campus, Jackson would go on to start 51 of 52 games during his collegiate career, coming off the bench vs. Brigham Young in the third contest of the 2004 season. The defensive end made a nice living terrorizing opposing quarterbacks, as he registered 30.5 sacks with 52 tackles behind the line of scrimmage during his time at Southern California.
Jackson contemplated leaving school early and applying for the 2007 NFL Draft, but former teammate, receiver Steve Smith (New York Giants), convinced him to return for his senior campaign. Smith went through the same thoughts after his junior year, but by returning to school he elevated his draft stock and was selected with the 51st pick in the second round of the 2007 draft. "Coming back helped me a lot. I lucked out," Smith said. "I talked to Lawrence, and he said, `If you're unsure, you should come back.' That's how I was a year ago."
Former teammates have marveled at his progress over the years, as several of them took him under their wing earlier in his career. Asked what he learned from some of his former teammates, like All-American defensive linemen Shaun Cody and Mike Patterson, Jackson replied, "They all taught me the attitude that I need to attack everything and have a sense of urgency at all times."
At Inglewood High School, Jackson earned 2002 Super Prep, Prep Star, Student Sports, Tom Lemming, CNNSI.com and The Insiders.com All-American first-team honors. He was a member of the Super Prep Elite 50, 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.
The Tacoma News Tribune Western 100, Orange County Register Fab 15, Cal-Hi Sports All-State, All-CIF Division III, Los Angeles Times All-Star, Los Angeles Times All-South Bay/ Westside Lineman MVP and South Bay Daily Breeze All-South Bay first-team pick also received All-Bay League MVP honors as a senior. He recorded 142 tackles, with 11 sacks, four fumble recoveries and two interceptions in 2002 while playing on the defensive line and at middle linebacker.
As a junior in 2001, he made the Cal-Hi Sports All-State Underclass, All-CIF Division X and Los Angeles Times All-Star squads. The Los Angeles Times All-South Bay Lineman of the Year also picked up South Bay Daily Breeze All-South Bay first team and All-Ocean League Defensive MVP accolades. He registered 134 tackles, including 22 sacks, plus two interceptions (one returned for a TD), seven forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and three blocked kicks in 2001, leading the team to the 2001 CIF Division X semifinals. During Jackson's sophomore season, Inglewood advanced to the CIF Division X finals. In his career, he had 57 sacks. He also was on Inglewood's track team.
Jackson enrolled at Southern California in 2003, but spent the season on the service team, earning that squad's Defensive Player of the Year Award. He underwent surgery on his right ankle after that season to have debris removed. He went on to earn a spot in the starting lineup the following season, picking up Freshman All-American and All-Pac 10 Conference Freshman Team recognition. In 13 games, he made 32 tackles (19 solos) and tied for second on the team with six sacks, adding 11 stops for losses and an interception.
As a sophomore, he was an All-American third-team and All-Pac 10 Conference first-team choice, in addition to being selected the team's Defensive Lineman of the Year. He ranked fourth in the conference with a team-high 10 sacks and was second on the squad with 13 stops for losses. He caused four fumbles, recovered two others, blocked a kick and deflected six passes.
Jackson's left groin injury early in the 2006 season saw him undergo a bit of a slump. Head coach Pete Carroll recommended to him that he read W. Timothy Gallwey's "The Inner Game of Tennis." "At fir
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ACQUIRED VIA
PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'4 1/2"
- Weight
- 308 lbs
- Arm
- 33 1/4"
- Hand
- 10"
- Wing
Production
84.89
Athleticism
62.94
Total Score
147.83
PROSPECT ANALYSIS
Regarded as the premier defensive lineman in his area coming out of high school, Kentwan Balmer finally lived up to his vast potential as a senior with the Tar Heels.
The former defensive end was shifted to defensive tackle as a junior, but it was not until the arrival of coach Butch Davis that Balmer excelled on the football field. Davis took the talented youngster under his wing and Balmer surpassed his cumulative statistical production from his first three seasons during his final year.
Balmer earned All-Area and All-Conference honors as a junior and senior at Weldon High School. The 2003 Area Defensive Player of the Year helped the team produce three shutouts in their first six games that year. He posted 113 tackles, 12 sacks, eight pass breakups and six fumble recoveries his final campaign. As a junior, he registered 103 tackles, 11 sacks and scored a defensive touchdown on a fumble recovery. He was also a member of the North Carolina Shrine Bowl Team.
Balmer enrolled at North Carolina in 2004. The 250-pound right defensive end saw limited action in nine games, coming up with one assisted tackle. As a sophomore, he added more than 30 pounds to his frame and would appear in 11 games. He started the final three contests at right defensive end for an injured Tommy Davis, responding with 17 tackles (eight solo), a sack, five stops for losses and five quarterback pressures. He also deflected one pass.
In 2007, Balmer appeared in 10 games, starting the final eight contests at left defensive tackle. An early season right high ankle sprain forced him to miss the Virginia Tech and Furman clashes and he later re-injured his ankle in the second half vs. Wake Forest. He was in on 16 tackles (14 solo) with 2 1/2 sacks. He added one pressure, as he also blocked two extra point attempts and batted away a pair of passes.
As a senior, Balmer shifted to right defensive tackle. He earned second-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference accolades and received the team's James Southerland Award (captain), as he ranked second on the team with 59 tackles (33 solo). He collected 3 1/2 sacks, 9 1/2 stops behind the line of scrimmage and four pressures.
In 42 games at North Carolina, Balmer started 23 times. He collected 93 tackles (55 solo) with seven sacks for minus-52 yards, 17 stops for losses of 79 total yards and 10 quarterback pressures. He also deflected three passes and blocked a pair of kicks.
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ACQUIRED VIA
PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'2"
- Weight
- 242 lbs
- Arm
- 33"
- Hand
- 10 3/8"
- Wing
Production
88.78
Athleticism
85.57
Total Score
174.35
PROSPECT ANALYSIS
A semifinalist for the John Mackey Award, given to the nation's top tight end, Keller has come a long way since arriving on Purdue's campus as a 185-pound wide receiver in 2003.
Keller goes down as one of the school's top tight ends and earned team Most Valuable Player honors as a senior, the first tight end to receive that honor since Dave Young in 1979.
It was sort of a natural process that brought Keller to Purdue, as most of his relatives had attended the university. His mother, Maureen, and grandmother, Linda Orr, are Purdue graduates. His grandfather, Dale Mulvey, played on the 1952 Purdue football team that won the Big Ten Conference championship. Brothers, Dwight and Drew, also attended Purdue. His great-grandfather, Robert P. Siskind, was an electrical engineering professor at the university. Purdue offered Keller its final scholarship in 2003 to keep him from signing with Toledo instead.
At Jefferson High School, Keller was named one of the top 50 receivers in the nation by Street & Smith's and added first team All-State as a senior. He was runner-up for the state's Top Receiver Award and a finalist for Indiana "Mr. Football" honors. He was also named Area Co-Offensive Player of the Year by the Lafayette Journal & Courier.
As a senior, Keller set state records with 113 receptions for 1,804 yards (16.0-yard average) and 22 touchdowns. He participated in basketball and track and field. He captured the state high-jump championship as senior, clearing 6'9" in a steady rain, after finishing second his junior year with a personal best of 6'10".
The lanky receiver spent the 2003 season with the scout team at Purdue. His body continued to develop in the weight room and he showed up at 2004 spring camp at a chiseled 235 pounds. While his new frame earned him a letter, he appeared mostly on special teams in nine contests, earning his first career start in the Ohio State game. He finished 2004 with only five catches for 102 yards (20.4-yard average), but two of those grabs were touchdowns.
Keller continued his role as a reserve tight end and special teamer in 2005. A right knee sprain kept him out of the Minnesota game, as he saw action in 10 games. He grabbed 13 passes for 128 yards (9.8-yard average), finding the end zone three times.
Keller cracked the starting lineup for 12 of 14 games in 2006. He earned All-Big Ten Conference honorable mention, finishing third on the team with 56 receptions for 771 yards (13.4-yard average) and four touchdowns. He had one solo tackles and gained 39 yards on three kickoff returns (13.0 avg). An right shoulder (AC joint tear) injury suffered in October would hamper him the second half of the season, but he toughed it out, playing in every game. After his junior campaign, he underwent surgery to repair the shoulder damage.
At 248 pounds, Keller was ready to establish himself among the nation's top tight ends in 2007. He was an All-American honorable mention by Pro Football Weekly, team MVP and All-Big Ten Conference second-team choice. He hauled in a career-high 68 passes for 881 yards (13.0-yard average) and seven touchdowns, also scoring on a fumbled rushing attempt while making three solo tackles and returning a kickoff 15 yards. He ranked fourth nationally among tight ends with an average of 5.23 receptions per game and fifth with 67.77 receiving yards per game. His 68 receptions are the second-most in school history among tight ends, while his 731 yards rank third.
In 46 games at Purdue, Keller started 26 contests. He hauled in 142 passes for 1,882 yards (13.3-yard average) and 16 touchdowns. He recovered a rushing attempt in the end zone for a score, posted four solo tackles and gained 54 yards on four kickoff returns, finishing with 102 points scored and an average of 42.09 all-purpose yards per game.
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'2 1/4"
- Weight
- 212 lbs
- Arm
- 33 3/4"
- Hand
- 9"
- Wing
Production
87.20
Athleticism
76.71
Total Score
163.91
PROSPECT ANALYSIS
By becoming the ninth safety to earn All-American honors, Kenny Phillips carries on the school's tradition of producing elite defensive backs.
Burgess Owens was the first Miami safety to garner All-American recognition (1972) and it was nine years before the next one was selected in Fred Marion (1981). Bennie Blades was the school's first-time All-American safety (1986-87) and Ed Reed matched that total in 2000-01. Sean Taylor (2003) and Brandon Meriweather (2005) soon followed with their postseason honors.
The coaching staff called Phillips a player with the build of Sean Taylor and the knowledge and quickness of Ed Reed. With that combination, along with physical play that could rival that of any Hurricane linebacker, NFL scouts took notice.
Being regarded as the best safety in the game is nothing new with Phillips. While attending Carol High School he was rated the best safety in the prep ranks, earning USA Today Defensive Player of the Year honors as a senior free safety. The Parade All-American and Prep Star Top 100 Dream Team selection was also a member of the USA Today All-USA High School Football team and rated the nation's best safety prospect and 12th-best player regardless of position by Rivals.com.
Phillips was ranked as the best safety and the 10th-best overall prospect by Scout.com and the top prospect in Dade County by the Miami Herald. He ranked as the best prospect in the state by the Orlando Sentinel, the second-best overall prospect in the country by the Tampa Tribune, and the 10th-best overall player by Tom Lemming. He was also a member of the Florida Times-Union Super 75 squad and played in the prestigious Army All-American Bowl.
He intercepted 16 passes during his career and, as a senior, he finished with 84 tackles, six interceptions, three fumble recoveries, four defensive touchdowns and three punt returns for touchdowns. As a junior, he delivered 54 tackles and seven interceptions, returning two of them for touchdowns, including a 100-yarder. As a sophomore, he made three interceptions and also competed in basketball and track.
In 2005, Phillips enrolled at Miami, choosing the university over scholarship offers from Tennessee, Florida State and North Carolina State. He earned Freshman All-American and All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors from The Sporting News, Rivals.com and College Football News. He started the final 11 games of the year at free safety, replacing an injured Anthony Reddick. He ranked third on the team with 67 tackles (40 solo), adding three stops for losses, two quarterback pressures, two pass breakups, a fumble recovery and an interception.
As a sophomore, Phillips received third-team All-American honors from Rivals.com and was a second-team All-ACC choice, even though he missed the final three regular-season games with a broken thumb. He was one of eight Miami players selected to the 2006 ACC Academic Football Team and was named the team's Defensive Back of the Year. He made 54 tackles (39 solo) with six stops behind the line of scrimmage in ten games, starting at cornerback, free safety and strong safety. He also picked off four passes and deflected six others.
As a junior, Phillips was named All-American first-team by The NFL Draft Report, adding All-ACC first-team accolades. He started all 12 games at free safety, ranking second on the team with 82 tackles (54 solo). He registered six stops for losses and caused three fumbles. He also deflected five passes and came up with a pair of interceptions.
Phillips announced after the 2007 season that he will enter the 2008 NFL Draft as an underclassman. Phillips was advised by Miami head coach Randy Shannon to return for his senior season should he not be projected to go in the top 15, but he conceded it would be tough to turn away from a first-round projection.
''I definitely agree that if you're [projected] in the top 15 you should go,'' Phillips said. ``It's not every day that guys get the opportunity
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