DRAFT TRACKER 2008

After a spectacular junior season that saw him approach Barry Sanders' single-season Division-I rushing record of 2,628 yards (Smith finished 61 yards short), Smith enters the 2008 draft as one of the country's hottest running back prospects. While there are concerns about his level of competition and pure speed, scouts' greatest worry may be Smith's thin frame. There is no denying his natural ability as a runner, however, as Smith is patient with excellent vision and rare agility and acceleration for a back of his size.

A mainstay on the Rockets' offensive line, John Greco filled a huge void at left offensive tackle when he replaced Nick Kaczur (New England) as a sophomore. The coaches felt that Greco was more than capable of handling that tough assignment after seeing him excel at right tackle during his first year with the team. He was so impressive in 2004 that he became the first offensive lineman to win the Norman Cohen Award, given to the team's top freshman. At Boardman High School, Greco was named first-team All-Conference and second-team All-Region as a senior, adding second-team All-Conference honors as a junior. He helped the team share the conference championship in his junior year and the squad finished second in the conference in Greco's freshman season. He also lettered one season in basketball, the same team that produced former Toledo All-Mid American Conference center, Chris Tuminello. Greco enrolled at Toledo in 2003, performing on the scout team as an offensive tackle. That preparation period helped him take over right tackle duties in 2004. He generated 59 knockdowns with seven touchdown-resulting blocks, helping the offense rank 11th in the nation with an average of 459.2 yards per game. As a sophomore, Greco took over left tackle duties. The explosive Toledo offense ranked 10th nationally in scoring (35.8 points per game) and with their new left tackle leading the way, the rushing attack ranked 13th in the country, averaging 216.8 yards per game, a vast improvement over the previous season, when the Rockets averaged 160.8 yards per game on the ground. Greco finished that season with 86 knockdowns and 10 touchdown-resulting blocks, earning All-Mid American first-team accolades. Greco picked up All-MAC first-team honors in 2006. The team co-captain registered 90 knockdowns and came up with ten touchdown-resulting blocks. He allowed three sacks on 386 pass plays and guided an offense that averaged 326.9 yards per game. Greco was a third-team All-American and first-team All-MAC choice during his final season. He led a front wall that allowed only 16 quarterback sacks, as the offense generated 5,373 yards (447.8 yards per game), leading the MAC in total offense, rushing and scoring. He delivered 99 knockdowns, coming up with 14 touchdown-resulting blocks.

The reason the Pirates have been successful in recent years has been the play of their defensive, led by the unheralded Kendall Langford. During his freshman year, Hampton ranked 58th in the nation in total defense (251.17 yards per game), but improved to sixth nationally in 2005 (270.92 ypg) and 15th in the Division 1-AA ranks in '06 (271.5 ypg). Langford led Hampton in both sacks and tackles for losses as a sophomore and junior, when Hampton had success stopping the run. His dominance against the ground game stands out in his performances. In 234 running plays going directly at Langford during his career, the opposition managed only 63 yards, an average of 0.27 yards per attempt. In 47 games with the Pirates, the opposing team has produced just seven first-down runs on plays directed at Langford. At Petersburg High School, Langford earned first-team All-District and second-team All-Metro and All-Region honors as a senior. He also added All-District first-team accolades during his junior campaign, competing as a defensive lineman. Because of Hampton's lofty academic reputation, Langford decided to enroll at the university in 2004. Lining up at right defensive tackle as a true freshman, he earned Freshman All-American honors from the Gridiron Report. He appeared in all 12 games, forcing his way into the starting lineup for three of the team's final four contests. That year, he made 44 tackles (15 solo), as he finished second on the squad with 4 1/2 sacks and 11 1/2 stops for losses. He was credited with seven quarterback pressures, a pass deflection and a blocked kick. He recovered a fumble that he returned 30 yards for a touchdown and also caused two fumbles. Langford shifted to left defensive end as a sophomore, garnering All-Mid Eastern Athletic Conference first-team honors. He started every game for a squad that ranked second in the nation in scoring defense, allowing only 14 points per game. He totaled 65 tackles (31 solo) and led the team with 15 1/2 stops behind the line of scrimmage. He posted 4 1/2 sacks, 12 pressures and three forced fumbles. He batted away two passes and blocked a pair of kicks. As a junior, Langford again earned All-MEAC first-team honors, in addition to being named an All-American by The NFL Draft Report and the Sheridan Broadcasting Network. He moved to right defensive end in the team's new 3-4 alignment, finishing third on the team with 55 tackles (32 solo). He led a defense that ranked sixth nationally in scoring defense (14.5 points per game allowed), pacing the Pirates with eight sacks and 15 1/2 stops for losses. He was credited with eight pressures and two forced fumbles while blocking a kick and deflecting one pass. In 2007, offenses made it a point to steer clear of Langford. Still, he managed to lead the team with a career-high 72 tackles (32 solo), ranking second on the squad with six sacks, 13 1/2 stops behind the line of scrimmage and 12 pressures in 11 games. He caused two fumbles, batted away a pass and returned an interception for a touchdown. He also blocked a field goal. In 47 games at Hampton, Langford started 38 contests, including 35 as a defensive end. He recorded 236 tackles (110 solo) with 23 1/2 sacks for minus-175 yards, 56 1/2 stops for losses of 266 yards and 39 quarterback pressures. He caused nine fumbles and recovered another for a 30-yard touchdown return. He also deflected five passes, returned an interception 22 yards for a touchdown and was in on five of the 33 blocked kicks that Hampton produced during his four years with the team.

Godfrey entered his senior season barely a blip on the NFL radar, but after a breakout campaign that resulted in Second Team All-Big Ten honors, his stock is on the rise. A former safety, Godfrey has shown significant improvement in his two years at the position. He is hyper-aggressive in his run support and seems to relish the physical aspect of the game. Godfrey averaged 74 tackles over his two seasons at cornerback, but it is his improvement as a pass defender that has scouts so intrigued. Godfrey showed better recognition as a senior and an ability to make the big play (nine pass break-ups, five INTs). There are some concerns about his transition -- Godfrey isn't as fast on the field as his timed speed -- which could result in his being moved back to safety in the NFL, at least initially. There are some concerns, but Godfrey's physicality and raw athleticism will result in an early-round selection despite the fact that he remains a bit unpolished.

Chevis Jackson might not be as flashy as some defensive backs -- or even LSU defenders on the defensive front wall -- but he was the main reason the secondary ranked among the nation's best in each of his three seasons as a starter. With Jackson playing the shutdown cornerback role, the Tigers ranked third in the nation in total defense in those three seasons, allowing 288.79 yards per game in 2007, 242.77 yards in 2006 and 266.85 yards in 2005. In his senior season, opposing quarterbacks completed only 25.61% of the passes thrown into Jackson's area (21-of-82), and Jackson held the opposition to a miniscule 2.8 yards per pass attempt. At St. Paul's Episcopal High School, Jackson was regarded as one of the most versatile athletes in the state of Alabama, as he started at cornerback, wide receiver and also returned kickoffs and punts. He recorded 40 tackles and seven interceptions on defense in 2003, as he also caught 31 passes for 660 yards and five touchdowns at wide receiver. He fielded 16 kickoffs for 415 yards and 13 punts for 80 yards as a junior, adding 45 catches for 850 yards and nine touchdowns in 2002. Jackson saw limited duty in 10 games as a true freshman at Louisiana State in 2004, finishing with five tackles (two solo) and three pass deflections. He took over right cornerback duties as a sophomore, going on to start his next 40 games at that position. He ranked eighth on the team with 47 tackles (34 solo), assisting on a sack while posting 3.5 stops for losses and a QB pressure. He also had an interception, three pass breakups, a fumble recovery and a forced fumble. Jackson stepped into a leadership role the following season. The junior started all 13 games in 2006, collecting 46 tackles (33 solo), 1.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage and 14 pass deflections. He intercepted two passes and gained 100 yards on 15 punt returns. As a senior, Jackson batted away 16 passes and intercepted five more to earn first-team All-Southeastern Conference honors. He delivered three stops for losses among his 44 tackles (34 solo). In 50 games at Louisiana State, Jackson started 40 games. He registered 142 tackles (103 solo) with an assisted sack for minus-3 yards and eight stops for losses of 25 yards. He caused and recovered a fumble and also averaged 6.7 yards on 15 punt returns. He broke up 36 passes and intercepted eight others for 62 yards in returns (7.8-yard average).

Regarded as the best receiving fullback in college football, Jacob Hester did a stellar job playing halfback during the Tigers' national championship march in 2007. Hester was capable of filling almost role coaches asked. As a freshman and sophomore, he was mostly a blocker on offense, but he also made a name for himself as a fierce tackler on kick-coverage units. At Evangel Christian High School, Hester was regarded as the state's top fullback, earning Louisiana Class 5A Offensive MVP honors in 2002. A member of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Super Southern 100 team, he led his team to a pair of state titles. He rushed for 868 yards on 182 carries and 22 touchdowns en route to the Class 5A state champion-ship game in 2003, as he also made 47 catches for 523 yards and four scores. As a junior, Hester rushed for 1,593 yards on 222 attempts with 24 touchdowns to spearhead the Eagles to the state title in 2002. He also caught 24 passes for 311 yards and two touchdowns. As a true freshman at Louisiana State, Hester started vs. Georgia while appearing in 11 games for the offense in 2004. He managed just 123 yards on 20 carries (6.2-yard average) and 21 yards on two catches (10.5 avg). Where he made a name for himself was on special teams, delivering nine tackles (five solo). He continued to excel on the coverage units in 2005, twice being named the Tigers' Special Teams Player of the Week. He started vs. Arkansas and appeared in 13 games on offense, totaling 114 yards with two touchdowns on 25 attempts (4.6-yard average). He snared 11 passes for 63 yards, returned a short kick five yards and fielded one punt for an 11-yard return. He picked off a pass for a 22-yard return vs. North Texas, blocked one kick and registered 11 tackles (five solo). Whether lining up at halfback or fullback, Hester went on to start all 13 games in 2006. He led the team with a paltry 440 yards on 94 carries (4.7-yard average), running for six touchdowns. He finished fourth on the squad with 35 receptions for 269 yards (7.7-yard average) and three scores, adding seven special teams tackles (six solo). Just minutes after LSU beat Arkansas on Nov. 24, Hester proposed to his girlfriend outside War Memorial Stadium. They married in the summer prior to his senior year. Hester garnered All-Southeastern Conference second-team honors in 2007. He took over halfback duties full-time, rushing for a career-high 1,103 yards and 12 touchdowns on 225 attempts (4.9-yard average). He caught 14 passes for 106 yards (7.6 avg) and a score, as he also posted eight tackles (4 solos), causing a fumble that he recovered on special teams. In 51 games at Louisiana State, Hester started 29 contests. He carried 364 times for 1,780 yards (4.9-yard average) and 20 touchdowns, fumbling just once during his career. He gained 459 yards with four scores on 62 receptions (7.4 avg), five yards on a kickoff return, 11 yards on a punt return and 22 yards on an interception return. He registered 35 tackles (20 solo) with a fumble recovery, a forced fumble and one blocked kick. Hester made a big impression on scouts during practices at the Senior Bowl. San Francisco 49ers coach Mike Nolan said he would highly recommend Hester to anyone -- and maybe himself. "He's an interesting guy," Nolan, the coach of the South team for the Senior Bowl game, said at a press conference following the last full practices for both teams. "Those kinds of guys typically play. They play for a good while, and they help teams win a lot of games." Hester's versatility and "it" factor made him a cult figure in Baton Rouge. "Sometimes you're hoping a guy is that kind of guy when you really don't know," Nolan said. "But what I've seen in college of him, a couple of things tell me that he will be that guy. Number one, I believe he was a key player on the national championship team. I would be shocked if he's not a damn good NFL player for that reason alone. I don't care what they

The SEC's career leader in receptions (236) despite leaving after his junior season, Bennett relies more of route-running, instincts and secure hands than the flashy athleticism or size that characterize most high-ranking prospects. Often characterized as one of the 2008 draft's top possession receivers, Bennett shows too much wiggle and strength in breaking tackles after the catch to be lumped into this category.

Considered the most dominating defensive player in the state of Florida during his days at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Tavares Gooden had a respectable, yet unspectacular career at Miami until he shifted to middle linebacker as a senior. Hampered by an assortment of injuries during his first three seasons with the Hurricanes, he bounced from weak-side to strong-side linebacker until he found a home in the middle. Gooden is cut from the same cloth as past Miami linebackers -- a cat-quick defender who is very physical with his hands, using them well to maintain separation from blockers. Few defenders display the lateral pursuit skills that Gooden has. He is also an explosive tackler who consistently drags ballcarriers to the ground. Regarded as one of the state's top players as a junior and senior at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Gooden was a two-time Class 4A All-State selection, adding first-team All-Broward honors at defensive end in 2002. Considered the most dominating defender in Florida, he was rated the nation's sixth-best linebacker by Allen Wallace's Super Prep and was named a Super Prep All-American. Gooden was rated the sixth-best outside linebacker in the nation by Tom Lemming's Prep Football Report and was a member of the Rivals100 National Top 100 squad, in addition to receiving Super Southern 100 honors from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The Orlando Sentinel Florida Top 100 pick was also a second-team selection on the Fox Sports Net All-South Team. As a senior, Gooden registered 87 tackles, 12.5 sacks and three forced fumbles. He added 26 tackles with four sacks and eight stops for losses as a linebacker and also saw action as a fullback during his junior campaign. He also excelled in track. He was the 2002 state champion in the discus at 181'0" (had a personal best of 197 feet) and added personal-bests of 20'1" in the long jump and 6"8" in the high jump. Gooden enrolled at Miami in 2003, choosing the Hurricanes over scholarship offers from Ohio State, Oklahoma, LSU and Tennessee. He played in 13 games behind D.J. Williams at weak-side linebacker, coming up with 10 tackles (six solo). Gooden took over weak-side linebacker chores for the first nine games of the 2004 season, but saw limited action in the final three games due to a left shoulder injury. He would still finish third on the team with 68 tackles (28 solo), a sack, 5.5 stops for losses and five pressures. He also deflected three passes. In 2005, Gooden shifted to strong-side linebacker, making a pair of tackles in the season opener vs. Florida State. He dislocated his left shoulder in that contest and was granted a medical redshirt. He returned to start four of eleven games at strong-side linebacker in 2006, missing the Maryland and Virginia contests due to a concussion. He would produce 36 tackles (23 solo) with 2.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage, three pressures and a trio of pass breakups. Gooden made his third move within the linebacker unit in 2007, taking over in the middle. He led the team with a career-high 100 tackles (60 solo), including three stops for losses, an interception and three pass deflections.

With a few notable exceptions, former Virginia Tech defensive ends haven't exactly taken the NFL by storm. Since Buffalo selected Bruce Smith in the 1985 draft, until Seattle discovered Darryl Tapp in the second round of the 2006 draft, few Hokies have been successful going from Blacksburg to the NFL. With his breakout 2007 season, Chris Ellis hopes that his name will be alongside Smith and Tapp in the near future. Ellis is more than just an edge rusher. He has had good success as a leverage player vs. the run and has the quick-twitch moves to give chase in the opposing backfield. With his lateral agility and ability to clear his feet on the move, some scouts are even analyzing him as a potential strong-side linebacker in a 3-4 alignment, thanks to his 4.56 speed. Ellis was a member of Super Prep's Elite 100 list following his senior season at Bethel High School, where he led the team with 50 tackles, seven for loss, and 10 sacks as a defensive end and outside linebacker. He was named an All-American by both Super Prep and Prep Star as a defensive lineman and received VHSCA All-Eastern Region honorable mention as a defensive end his final season. Ellis was also selected as a first-team Newport News Daily Press All-Star, adding first-team Peninsula District accolades. He was ranked the 13th-best defensive end in the country and the third-best prospect in Virginia by Super Prep and rated the 21st-best defensive end in the nation by Tom Lemming on ESPN.com. An All-Mid-Atlantic Region choice by Prep Football Report, he recorded 75 tackles and 15 sacks as a junior. Ellis enrolled at Virginia Tech in 2003, spending the season as a defensive end on the scout team until undergoing surgery on his right shoulder in October to repair a torn labrum. He earned third-team Freshman All-American honors from The Sporting News in 2004, lining up for 13 games as the team's top reserve at defensive end. He would finish his first season with the Hokies by making 33 tackles (15 solo) with three sacks, 7 1/2 stops for losses and 14 quarterback pressures. He also recovered two fumbles. As a sophomore, Ellis started nine of 13 contests at right defensive end. He was in on 41 tackles, including six sacks and 10 1/2 stops behind the line of scrimmage, both ranking second on the team. He added 14 pressures with two forced fumbles and batted down five passes. In 2006, Ellis started 12 games at left defensive end. He was bothered by shoulder problems at the beginning and end of the year that required surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder after the team's bowl game. He was also suspended for the Georgia Tech clash when he was arrested in October for disorderly conduct. He made 38 tackles (18 solo) with 4 1/2 sacks, 8 1/2 stops for losses and 16 pressures while also coming up with two forced fumbles. As a senior, his relentless pressure on opposing quarterbacks earned Ellis first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors. He posted a career-high 53 tackles (25 solo), along with 8 1/2 sacks, nine stops behind the line of scrimmage and 38 pressures. He caused one fumble and recovered another, as he also deflected five passes and intercepted another.

Charles signed with the University of Texas as one of the elite prep running back talents in the country. Blessed with good size and spectacular speed, it didn't take long for Charles to make an impact for the Longhorns, as he earned the Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year honors in rushing for 878 yards and 11 rushing touchdowns despite starting only three games. Charles was equally effective as a sophomore, earning Second Team Big 12 honors in rushing for 831 yards and scoring eight touchdowns despite again splitting carries. Charles lived up to high expectations in 2007, leading the Big 12 in rushing with 1,458 yards, the fifth-highest single-season total in school history. With 2007 being his first season as the full-time starter, it is impressive to note that Charles got stronger as the season wore on, averaging 180 yards over the final five games and rushing for 161 yards and two TDs in Texas' Holiday Bowl win over Arizona State. Charles doesn't appear to be as big as the 6-foot-1, 200-pound listing he's given by Texas, but is a well-built back who bounces off tacklers. His primary characteristic, of course, is his pure speed. A classic slasher, Charles reads the action well and has the patience to run behind his blocks. He explodes into the second level and has legitimate breakaway possibilities every time he touches the ball. The backs don't necessarily catch a lot of passes in Texas' offense, but Charles has proven himself to be capable, averaging 17 catches a season over his career. Of concern is that Charles has only one full season as a starter and has struggled with fumbles. His upside is unmistakable, however, which will lead to his being a first-day selection.

Joe Paterno's first perfect season came in 1968, his third year of coaching the Nittany Lions. Ever since, the Penn State coaching staff has produced an incredible number of NFL-quality linebackers who had success at the next level. From Dennis Onkotz in 1968 to Paul Posluszny in 2006, Penn State boasted 16 linebackers garnering All-American first-team honors, with Onkontz ('68-69), Shane Conlan (1985-86), LaVar Arrington (1998-99) and Posluszny ('05-06) receiving that prestigious honor twice. At the end of his standout '07 season, Dan Connor became Joe Pa's Sweet 17th. In addition to his All-American selection, the PSU middle linebacker was the recipient of the Bednarik Award (top defensive player), was a finalist for the Butkus Award and set the school record with 419 career tackles while his 145 tackles in 2007 led the Big Ten Conference and ranked seventh in the nation. Connor comes from a family of football players. The Crime, Law and Justice major learned from his older brothers and became the third sibling to play in the collegiate ranks. Jim played football at Boston College and Mike played at Lehigh. But even before he stepped on the field at Penn State, Dan Connor earned national attention. At Strath Haven High School, Connor was a consensus All-American, and the four-year starter was selected the nation's top prep linebacker by Parade. He earned first-team All-American accolades from USA Today, Super Prep and numerous other media outlets. The 2003 Associated Press Big School Player-of-the-Year, Connor was named first-team All-State three times. He also earned All-Region, All-City, All-County and All-League honors. The captain and MVP of his team, Connor also won the Maxwell Football Club's prestigious Jim Henry Award as the Philadelphia Area Player-of-the-Year and was the Philadelphia Inquirer Southeastern Pennsylvania Player-of-the-Year as a senior. He totaled 4,556 rushing yards and 77 touchdowns during his prep career. Defensively, he made 451 tackles, 18 sacks, 16 interceptions and six fumble recoveries. As a senior, Connor rushed for 1,807 yards on 251 carries, for a spectacular 7.2-yard average, scoring 28 touchdowns. He was instrumental in Strath Haven winning the 2000 Pennsylvania Class AAA state championship and played in the AAA state title game in 2001 and '02. He played in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in 2004 and also lettered in basketball and track, where he participated in the high jump, javelin, discus and shot put. Connor enrolled at Penn State in 2004, appearing in 10 games while earning four starting assignments. After lining up at outside linebacker most of the season, the Freshman All-American shifted to middle linebacker for the season's final three games, leading the team in tackles in each of those contests. In 558 plays, he finished second on the team with 85 tackles (50 solo), adding a sack, 4 1/2 stops for losses and an interception. During the 2005 offseason, Connor was charged with making prank phone calls to a former PSU assistant coach. Joe Paterno suspended the linebacker in August for his involvement in the incident, keeping him out of the lineup for the team's first three games. He started six of the nine contests in which he played, posting 76 tackles (38 solo), 1 1/2 sacks and 5 1/2 stops for losses, to go along with eight quarterback pressures from his right outside linebacker position. He also recovered a fumble that he returned for a score. In 2006, Connor gained national attention for his exploits on the football field, walking away with All-American and All-Big Ten Conference first-team honors. He combined with fellow All-American Paul Posluszny (116 tackles) to become the first Penn State tandem since Andre Collins (130) and Brian Chizmar (110) in 1989 to record more than 100 tackles in a season. The right linebacker started all 13 games, participating in 908 snaps. He finished second to Posluszny with 113 tackles (70 solo), addin

Cottam has upside, especially as a short- and medium-range target, and has potential despite limited experience as a starter. Because of his great size, he might be drafted higher than expected for a player with so many unanswered questions.

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

An emerging talent at the strong-side linebacker position, Crable reminds some scouts of Carl Banks, an All-American at that position for the Wolverines' arch-rivals, Michigan State, who went on to earn All-Pro honors during a stellar career with the New York Giants. The talented youngster has the same excellent read-and-react skills and playing strength, doing a great job of attacking the backfield coming off the edge that Banks showed throughout his college and professional career. With Crable's tall and rangy frame, some talent evaluators feel he could bulk up for a possible switch to the defensive line, where his pass rushing and pass coverage skills could excel as a hybrid linebacker/defensive end. Evident by his 28.5 tackles behind the line of scrimmage as a senior, the Wolverine has proven to be among the elite blitzers in the 2008 NFL Draft pool. At Washington High School, Crable was an All-State first-team linebacker as a senior and rated the eighth-best player in the nation at his position by Tom Lemming, who chose him for his Prep Football Report 2003 Super Team. He was also rated the eighth-best strong-side outside linebacker in the nation by MaxEmfingerRecruiting.com and earned All-American honors while being ranked seventh nationally at his position by Super Prep. Crable received a four-star prospect rating from Rivals100.com and was named to Prep Star's Dream Team Top 100 list, in addition to earning Parade All-American honors. He was selected to the roster of 2003 U.S. Army All-American Bowl, after he made 75 tackles, 17 sacks, three forced fumbles and two interceptions as a senior. Crable lettered three times with the varsity. He recorded 125 tackles, six sacks, 19 stops for losses and two interceptions as a junior. He also lettered four times in basketball, averaging 18 points and 10 rebounds during his junior season. A three-year letterman in track, he ran the 100-meter dash in 10.7 seconds and anchored the 4x100 relay team. In 2003, Crable enrolled at Michigan, but spent the season on the sidelines recovering from a shoulder injury. He appeared in eight games on defense and nine contests on special teams in 2004, posting seven tackles (6 solos) with an 8-yard sack and two pass break-ups. He was listed second on the depth chart at strong-side outside linebacker in 2005, coming up with 14 tackles (12 solos), three sacks and a trio of deflected passes while appearing in 12 games. As a junior, Crable took over strong-side linebacker chores, starting eight of 13 contests. He earned All-Big Ten Conference second-team honors from the league's coaches, going on to register 37 tackles (28 solos), 4.5 sacks and 10.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage. He recovered a fumble, caused two others and deflected three passes. During 2007 preseason camp, Crable was named one of the team's three captains. When he found out his teammates had voted him defensive captain, he immediately starting asking questions and sought advice from family and close friends. "I was kind of nervous," he said. "I called my brother, I called my best friend, I talked to my girl, I just asked a lot of questions about what it is to lead and what people thought it was to lead. I went and talked to coach E (defensive coordinator Ron English) because I don't think I was fully prepared. I think that's just a great honor, especially because it's voted on by your teammates, and it's not just coaches saying, 'Oh, this guy is going to be captain of this team.' " The All-American and All-Big Ten Conference second-team pick served as team captain in 2007. Crable started 12 times, ranking second on the team with a career-high 37 tackles (28 solos) and 7.5 sacks. He led the conference and ranked second nationally with a school season-record 28.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage. He also had four forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and four pressures. "I think Shawn has taken the leadership part of his expectation very seriously," Wolver

Transferred to Eastern Kentucky from Toledo after 2004, but didn't really get on the NFL radar until last season. Teammate Derrick Huff got the accolades because of his nine interceptions in 2007, but Molden was the one teams stayed away from (he still had two picks and nine pass breakups). Teams love his legit 6-1, 195-frame to match up against larger receivers downfield.

Small school defensive end prospect who will have to be moved to outside linebacker in the NFL, but has flashed the athleticism and certainly the big-play ability to warrant this projection. The most dominant edge rusher in the Football Championship Subdivision (formerly D-IAA) over the past two seasons, Smith is a two-time All-American and Southland Conference Defensive Player of the Year. As one would expect of a player his size, Smith possesses great burst off the snap and the straight-line speed to chase down ballcarriers. He has intriguing change of direction and flashes explosiveness in his hands, prompting some to view him as a potential diamond in the rough.

Regarded as the elite receiver in college football entering his senior season at LSU, Early Doucet was being counted on to fill the void created by the departure of first-round wide receivers, Dwayne Bowe (Kansas City) and Craig Davis (San Diego). But after catching 15 passes in the first two games of the 2007 season, the team's go-to target was sidelined the next four contests and saw minimal action in another after he suffered a severely pulled groin muscle during a scrimmage on Sept. 14. Doucet would still manage to lead the team in receptions, hauling in 57 tosses as a senior to finish his time with the Tigers ranked third on the all-time chart with 20 touchdown catches, fourth with 160 receptions and ninth with 1,943 yards receiving. Doucet was regarded as the best wide receiver in the country and the top prospect in the state of Louisiana by College Football News as a senior at St. Martinville High School. He earned All-American first-team honors from Parade Magazine and was a second-team pick by USA Today. He was a member of Fox Sports Network's Countdown to Signing Day "All-South" first-team, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Super Southern 100, the Baton Rouge Advocate Super Dozen and the New Orleans Times-Picayune's Top 20 Blue Chip List. He added first-team Class 4A All-State recognition and was an honorable mention academic All-State selection. He also played in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Doucet showed tremendous versatility, playing quarterback, wide receiver, running back, and handled return duties. He closed out his career with 7,104 all-purpose yards and 79 touchdowns, including running for 3,592 yards on 470 carries and 52 touchdowns. As a senior, he rushed for 850 yards and passed for over 750 yards, despite suffering from a nagging hamstring injury. He accounted for 30 touchdowns that season. Doucet became the first player in 31 years to start every game as a freshman. He was a member of four postseason teams, including a state semifinal berth as a freshman and junior. A standout basketball player, he played a pivotal role in helping the Tigers win the Class 4A State Basketball Championship as a sophomore. The flanker started three of 10 games he played in at Louisiana State in 2004. He was named to the Freshman All-Southeastern Conference squad, as he made 18 catches for 257 yards (14.3-yard average), including two touchdowns. He also had a 16-yard punt return. He appeared in 12 games as a sophomore, missing the Peach Bowl vs. Miami with a right ankle sprain. Doucet would start three times at flanker and twice at split end, finishing fourth on the team with 26 receptions for 389 yards (15.0-yard average) and five scores. In 2006, Doucet earned All-SEC second-team honors, as he led the team with 1,032 all-purpose yards. He started twice at flanker and three times at split end, ranking second on the squad with 59 receptions for 772 yards (13.1-yard average) and eight touchdowns. He totaled 202 yards on 12 kickoff returns (16.8-yard average) and 59 yards with a pair of scores on eight rushing attempts (7.4 avg). Despite missing four games and almost the entire Kentucky game due to a groin injury, Doucet was still named a consensus All-SEC second-team selection. He led the team with 57 catches for 525 yards (9.2-yard average) and five touchdowns. He also completed one pass for 35 yards, returned a punt five yards and had an 18-yard kickoff return. In 45 games at Louisiana State, Doucet started 22 games, with 17 starts coming at flanker. He finished ranked fourth in school history with 160 receptions, ninth with 1,943 yards receiving (12.1-yard average) and third with 20 touchdown grabs. He carried 12 times for 61 yards (5.1 avg) and two scores, completed one pass attempt for 35 yards and returned 13 kickoffs for 220 yards (16.9 avg). He added 20 yards on four punt returns (5.0 avg), recorded five tackles (four solo) with a stop for a six-yard loss that resulted in a safety and

An ascending talent who quickly established himself as one of the most productive safeties in the country, finishing with a team-leading 97 tackles as a junior - his first season as the full-time starter. Morgan flashed the potential a year earlier, ranking fourth on the team in stops despite only starting one game. Morgan has all the tools scouts are looking for, but with only one season as the full-time starter, he's a classic boom or bust selection.

A versatile offensive lineman with experience at both guard and tackle positions, Zuttah has the combination of quickness, instincts and nastiness scouts are looking for. Despite having not given up a sack since 2005, Zuttah may struggle to find a starting niche at the next level as he is viewed as a bit of a 'tweener. Still, this four-year starter has proven dependable throughout his career for the Scarlet Knights and could prove to be a late-round find as a valuable swingman.

Harry Douglas might lack the ideal bulk you look for in a receiver. That hasn't made it any easier for defenders to tackle the 5-foot-11 receiver. Douglas has blazing speed and the explosive second gear to leave his opponent grabbing at air. He started just 19 of 46 games for the Cardinals, but was extremely productive and left his mark on school and Big East record books. His 10 100-yard receiving performances over the last two years rank tied for fifth in Big East Conference history. Douglas finished his career as the team's fifth all-time leading receiver, with 173 receptions, tied for sixth in Big East annals. His 2,924 yards receiving rank second in both school and league annals while his 15 touchdown catches rank seventh on Louisville's career chart. At Jonesboro High School, Douglas earned first team All-County and honorable mention All-State honors as a senior. He was named the top receiver in the region and one of only three players to receive all nine possible votes for first-team All-Region that season. He was also selected to the Clayton News Daily Southern Crest Super 11 squad, as he caught 40 passes for 831 yards and seven touchdowns during his final campaign. As a junior, Douglas added All-Region recognition for his 26 catches for 487 yards and five scores. He would close out his three-year career with 80 receptions for 1,539 yards and 14 touchdowns. A three-sport athlete who also lettered in baseball and basketball, he collected All-Region honors and was a state Top 15 hoops choice by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He averaged 20.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 3.0 steals as a senior for the fourth-ranked team in the state. Douglas enrolled at Louisville in 2003, but spent the entire season on the scout team. In 11 games as a reserve, he made five catches for 43 yards (8.6-yard average) and ran for a 65-yard touchdown in 2004. That year, he performed mostly on special teams, averaging 21.4 yards on nine kickoff returns while recording nine tackles (seven solo) and recovering a fumble. The talented receiver started two of UL's 12 games during 2005. He finished fourth on the team with 27 catches for 457 yards (16.9-yard average) and a pair of touchdowns. He picked up 37 yards on six reverses (6.2 avg), threw one pass for an interception and returned seven kickoffs for 142 yards (20.3 avg). On special teams, he posted seven tackles (five solo). Douglas started seven games while appearing in 13 in 2006, earning All-Big East Conference first-team honors. He led the team and league in receptions (5.38 per game) and yards receiving per game (97.31 yards per game). He hauled in 70 passes for a single-season record 1,265 yards (18.1-yard average) and six touchdowns. On the ground, he ran for 49 yards on seven tries (7.0 avg), returned three punts for 16 yards, had a three-yard kickoff return and made one solo tackle. A right ankle sprain in the fourth game vs. Syracuse would sideline Douglas for two games and hamper him the rest of the season. He picked up second-team All-American and first-team All-Big East recognition, ranking 12th nationally and first in the conference with an average of 7.1 receptions per game. Douglas finished third in the nation with an average of 115.9 yards receiving per contest, as he again paced the squad with 71 catches for 1,159 yards (16.3-yard average) and seven scores, becoming just the fourth player in school history to catch 70 passes in a season twice and just the third to gain over 1,000 yards in a season twice. He finished the year with 1,183 all-purpose yards in 10 contests at split end. In 46 games at Louisville, Douglas started 19 contests. He caught 173 passes (fifth in school history) for 2,924 yards (second in UL and Big East history) for a 16.9-yard average and 15 touchdowns. He carried 19 times for 162 yards (8.5-yard average) and a score, adding 354 yards on 18 kickoff returns (19.7 avg) and 16 yards on six punt returns (2.7 avg)

A high-character player with size and big hands to be a factor in the passing game, Stevens is also a solid blocker. He'll be considered on the second day.

Zbikowski has used his spare time since age nine to pound opponents in the boxing ring, compiling a 60-13 record in Golden Gloves and becoming a Silver Gloves finalist in 1998, '99 and 2000. The toughness Zbikowski shows in the ring matches the physical nature with which he plays on the field. There aren't many teams who use their starting strong safety to return punts, but Zbikowski is no ordinary player.

Early on at Florida State, Fluellen flashed the burst off the snap to someday earn a similar grade as recent Seminole first-round defensive tackles Travis Johnson and Broderick Bunkley. In starting 23 games as an underclassman, expectations were high entering his senior season. Unfortunately, he was robbed of his chance at a breakout campaign by a series of injuries. When healthy, Fluellen shows the quick first step to be a disruptor from the inside, but his lack of size and strength makes him more of a rotational player than a future starter.

One of the most explosive pass rush threats out of the Pac-10 since the days of Terrell Suggs, Davis used a quick first step and high motor to post 24.5 sacks over the past two years from his defensive end position. In the NFL, Davis' lack of size and strength at the point of attack will force a move to linebacker. Scouts got to watch Davis perform in this role throughout much of Senior Bowl week. Though raw, he showed the athleticism to make this transition.

Even after a disappointing junior season, Slaton's agility and breakaway speed will be enough to earn him a second- or third-round selection in the 2008 draft. With a heavy workload over his career, Slaton has proven durable despite his lack of prototypical size. A natural open-field runner, Slaton can make an immediate impact as a runner, receiver and returner.

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

Leaving after only his redshirt sophomore season, many college football fans haven't had much of an opportunity to watch Finley in action. Scouts, however, are quite high on Finley's upside. A sure-handed pass catcher with the body control and competitiveness to make the tough catch and the athleticism to make defenders miss, Finley is an improving blocker with the physicality and determination to eventually stand out in this area. Finley's upside is as high as any tight end in the 2008 draft.

Purdue has become very proud to be known as the "Den of Defensive Ends." In recent years, the Boilermakers' program has produced future NFL pass-rushing specialists Akin Ayodele (Dallas) Rosevelt Colvin (New England), Ray Edwards (Minnesota), Rob Ninkovich (Miami), Chike Okeafor (Arizona), Shaun Phillips (San Diego) and Anthony Spencer (Dallas). Many scouts feel that Cliff Avril will soon take his place with those former Boilermakers in terrorizing NFL quarterbacks. Some teams have projected Avril as a rush end, but due to his lack of bulk and size, he could shift back to strong-side linebacker. Much like Shaun Phillips, Avril relies on his impressive foot speed and ability to shed blocks on the move to be a constant nuisance in the backfield. Since moving to defensive end two seasons ago, Avril registered 30 of his 35.5 tackles behind the line of scrimmage and 12.5 of his 13 sacks from the left end position. At Clay High School, Avril earned second-team All-State honors as a defensive end during his senior year, yet, he was rated the 37-best outside linebacker prospect in the nation by Rivals.com. He was named to the Florida Times-Union Super 24 team and twice earned All-Conference accolades. As a senior, Avril led the team to an 11-2 record. That year, he registered 80 tackles, nine sacks and eleven stops behind the line of scrimmage. He also deflected four passes. In addition to competing on the gridiron, he lettered in basketball, track and field and weight-lifting. Avril enrolled at Purdue in 2004 and saw considerable action as a true freshman. He appeared in 12 games, starting four contests at strong-side linebacker. He was in on 36 tackles (23 solo), as he assisted on a sack and made three stops for losses. He also caused a fumble and batted away one pass. Avril played in 10 games as a sophomore, as a midseason back injury that was later diagnosed as a fracture, hampered him the rest of the year and forced him to sit out the Wisconsin game, in addition to being limited in spring drills the following year. He made 33 tackles (21 solo) with 2.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage while starting four contests in 2005. As a junior, Avril made several changes, switching from jersey No. 85 that he wore his first two seasons to No. 32. He started the first four games at strong-side linebacker, but then shifted to left defensive end for the final 10 games. He went on to rank ninth in the Big Ten Conference with 15 stops for losses. He registered 84 tackles (51 solo), third-best on the team and tied for second on the Boilermakers' defense with six sacks. He caused two fumbles, recovered another and picked off a pass. He also deflected six other tosses. In 2007, Avril was named first-team All-Big Ten Conference by The NFL Draft Report and second-team by the league's media. He started all 13 games at left defensive end, where he led the team and tied for tenth in the conference with 6.5 sacks. He again paced the Boilermakers with 15 stops behind the line of scrimmage, the ninth-best total in the Big Ten. He caused four fumbles, recovered three others and broke up five passes. He also returned an interception for a touchdown. In 49 games at Purdue, Avril started 35 contests, with 12 starts coming at strong-side linebacker and the other 23 at left defensive end. He ranks 12th in school history with 13 sacks for minus-79 yards and finished 11th in Purdue annals with 35.5 stops for losses of 137 yards. He caused seven fumbles and recovered four others while also deflecting 12 passes. He intercepted two passes, good for 48 yards in returns, including one touchdown. Avril is the next Purdue pass rusher capable of making an impact in the NFL. He has great burst off the snap and because of his strength, hustle and strong hand play, he can be an effective 4-3 defensive end. Despite his burst off the snap, however, Avril isn't a natural pass rusher. He lacks creative moves and only 6.5 of his team-leading

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

With a thumb injury sidelining him for five games in 2006, O'Connell entered his senior year barely a blip on the NFL radar. He proved his health -- and ability -- as a senior, however, and ranks as one of the draft's more intriguing developmental quarterback prospects. Blessed with a rare combination of size and athleticism, O'Connell has shown considerable improvement over the past two years in his reading of defenses and overall passing accuracy.

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

Professional scouts flocked to Northern Iowa to see what many feel is the NCAA Subdivision's premier draft prospect in 2007. One of the most dominant left tackles in the game, Rinehart anchored the Panthers' offensive line since moving into the lineup as a freshman. The decorated blocker is equally proficient in opening holes for the ground game or sliding back to protect the quarterback's blind side in passing situations. With Rinehart at left tackle, Northern Iowa has averaged over 400 yards per game in total offense (410.84 yards per game) over the last three seasons. The team ranked 10th in rushing (219.36 yards per game) and fourth in total offense (408.27 ypg) during his junior year. At Boone High School, Rinehart was a standout offensive lineman. He earned All-State second-team honors as both a junior and senior. He was also a first-team All-District and All-Conference choice during his final two seasons. Rinehart also starred for the track team, qualifying for the state finals in the discus. Pursued by the Naval Academy, Rinehart decided to enroll at Northern Iowa. He spent the 2003 season competing as an offensive tackle on the scout team. In 2004, he took over at left tackle, starting the team's first five games before undergoing a laparoscopic appendectomy on October 21. He missed three games while recovering before returning to the field as a reserve for the team's final three contests. He finished his first season with the team with an 87.57% grade for blocking consistency, delivering four touchdown-resulting blocks in the process. Rinehart began to establish his dominance in the trenches as a sophomore in 2005. He earned All-Gateway Conference first-team honors and was a second-team All-Northwest Region choice by Football Gazette. He completely manhandled his opponents, coming up with 134 knockdowns, including 13 touchdown-resulting blocks and an impressive 17 blocks downfield. He registered an 87.13% grade for blocking consistency, helping the team average 236.8 yards per game passing and 400.53 yards in total offense. Rinehart garnered Associated Press and Sports Network All-American second-team honors in 2006. He was an All-Gateway Conference and All-Northwest Region first-team choice and earned his third Gateway Offensive Lineman of the Week honors during his junior campaign. He helped a unit that ranked fourth nationally in total offense with an average of 408.27 yards per game and ranked 10th in the Division 1-AA ranks with an average of 219.36 yards per game on the ground. He delivered 105 knockdowns in 11 games, producing 17 touchdown-resulting blocks and 15 more blocks downfield. He held his opponents to just three stops behind the line of scrimmage and a total of 14 tackles (10 solo), as he led the 1-AA linemen with an 89.64% grade for blocking consistency. As a senior, Rinehart was a consensus All-American first-team and unanimous All-Gateway Conference first-team preseason selection. He continued his dominance, as he graded 91.0% for blocking consistency through the team's first six games of the 2007 season. To date, he collected 63 knockdowns with 11 touchdown-resulting blocks and nine blocks downfield. The offense responded to his blocking by averaging 447.4 yards per game, an improvement of close to 40 yards per game from the previous season. In 40 games at Northern Iowa, Rinehart started 37 games at left offensive tackle. He graded 88.5% for blocking consistency, as he produced 369 knockdowns/key blocks, including 45 that resulted in touchdowns and 48 more that came downfield.

To truly appreciate Andre Caldwell's football skills, you must look at what he does without the football and not judge him strictly on his statistics. A punishing in-line and second-level blocker, Caldwell has proven to be a playmaker with the ability to strike from anywhere on the field, whether it is catching, running, throwing or returning the ball. He is the type of player opposing defenses must account for anytime he is on the field. The Florida game plan did not afford him many touches, but when he did get his hands on the ball, good things happened. The brother of Reche Caldwell, Andre Caldwell plays with the same physical style of his elder sibling. However, he has had durability issues that forced him to miss 11 games over the last three years. Still, Andre Caldwell went on to set the school record with 185 receptions, the ninth-best total in Southeastern Conference history. At Thomas Jefferson High School, Caldwell earned All-American honors from Parade and Super Prep (also rated the third-best receiver in the nation and fourth-best overall prospect in the state of Florida by Super Prep). Rivals.com listed Caldwell as the best receiver in the national prep ranks and the premier offensive player in the Southeast. BorderWars.com placed Caldwell third among the nation's receivers, as he also added USA Today All-USA second-team honors. The first-team Class 4A All-State receiver was named to the Sunshine Network's All-Gridiron Team, adding 2001 Tampa Tribune Hillsborough County Player of the Year honors. As a senior, Andre passed and rushed for over a combined 2,200 yards, scoring 38 touchdowns, as he led his team to a 13-2 record and the Class 4A state championship game. He also scored on four punt returns in 2002 and was a standout in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. During his junior campaign, he caught 52 passes for 1,162 yards (22.3-yard average) and 17 touchdowns. The Sporting News named Caldwell to the All-Southeastern Conference Freshman team during his first season at Florida in 2003. He led all Gator freshmen with 19 receptions for 174 yards (9.2-yard average) and returned 22 kickoffs for 454 yards (20.6 avg). He averaged 48.5 all-purpose yards per game, finishing with 631 total yards. He also completed his only pass attempt for a 30-yard gain. The Pro Football Weekly All-American honorable mention took over flanker duties, starting all 12 games in 2004. He ranked second on the team with 43 receptions for 689 yards (16-yard average) and three touchdowns, adding 66 yards and a score on two carries. Caldwell gained 174 yards on 11 kickoff returns (15.8-yard average) and amassed 929 all-purpose yards. He attempted one pass, delivered one solo tackle and recovered a fumble. A preseason All-SEC first-team pick in 2005, Caldwell shifted to slot receiver under the new coaching staff. But, his season came to a halt when he broke a bone in his right leg while returning a kickoff vs. Tennessee. He managed to grab 10 passes for 148 yards and run for 64 yards, including a touchdown, on five carries (12.8-yard average). Caldwell returned four kickoffs for 124 yards (31.0 avg) and was averaging 112.0 all-purpose yards per game before the injury. Caldwell came back better than ever in '06. The slot receiver started nine of 14 games, finishing second on the squad with a career-high 57 receptions for 577 yards (10.1-yard average) and six touchdowns. He also gained 102 yards with a score on 12 carries (4.9-yard average) and completed one pass for a 5-yard touchdown. After the football season, he joined the school's track team, competing at the SEC Outdoor Championships, running the 100-meter prelim in 10.74 to finish 19th. One of four team captains while lining up at split end in 11 games in 2007, Caldwell sat out the Tennessee and Mississippi games after suffering a medial collateral ligament sprain in his right knee vs. Troy. He returned in limited action vs. Auburn, but left that game with a right

Thomas DeCoud, an athletic pass defender with the quickness to play cornerback, is known for his skills on special teams. With excellent leaping ability and long arms, he blocked six kicks during his first two seasons with the Bears. Despite his lean frame, he has also proven to be a solid tackler in the box, relishing his role of taking on ballcarriers on outside running plays. His versatility was invaluable at Cal, where he played every position in the secondary. With his ball anticipation skills and acceleration to close on plays in front of him, DeCoud might have found a home at free safety, earning a full-time job for the first time in his collegiate career at that position as a senior. He is known around the Pac-10 Conference for his athleticism and intensity. "I've been hit by everybody on the team," Cal tailback Justin Forsett told the San Francisco Chronicle. "When Thomas hits you, it's not something you want to remember." DeCoud was a standout football and basketball player at Pinole Valley High School. He earned first team All-Alameda Contra Costa Athletic League accolades during a brilliant senior season in which he recorded 80 tackles and two interceptions at cornerback, and caught 23 passes for 600 yards at wide receiver. As a junior, he was awarded All-ACCAL honors in both football and basketball. The 175-pound freshman spent his first season at California playing cornerback on the scout team in 2003. He spent most of the 2004 campaign on the special-team coverage units, appearing in 10 games as a reserve cornerback, finishing with nine tackles (six solos) and a fumble recovery. He also led the Pac-10 Conference with three blocked kicks, despite playing early in the year with a right ankle sprain suffered in fall camp. DeCoud shifted to free safety as a sophomore, playing in 11 games behind Harrison Smith. He continued to excel on special teams, again blocking three kicks. He also came up with 28 tackles (18 solos) with a stop for a loss, but was bothered early in the year by a hyper-extended right knee and a left thumb sprain that would require surgery during the 2005 season. DeCoud took over free safety duties, starting the team's first four games of the 2006 season before missing the Oregon State and Oregon contests due to a right knee sprain in the Arizona State game. He returned to action as a reserve behind Bernard Hicks, making 45 tackles (20 solos) with a stop behind the line of scrimmage and three pass breakups, earning Cal's Most Improved Player honors. As a senior, DeCoud was named the defensive captain, picking up Cal MVP and All-Pac 10 Conference honorable mention. He started the first 12 games, registering a career-high 116 tackles (71 solo) to lead the Bears' defense. He added a sack with three stops for losses, as he recovered a fumble and caused two others. He also had an interception and four pass deflections.

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