DRAFT TRACKER 2008

An all-purpose player who made a name for himself as a receiver and return man in 2007 after stepping in at running back as a junior to make up for various injuries at the position. A first-team All-ACC selection, Moore had 98 catches for 1,011 yards and five touchdowns - including two games with 15 catches each. He also gained 316 yards on 44 carries (three touchdowns) and 355 yards on 34 punt returns (one score). He may get looks at all three spots in a team's training camp.

Having produced Heisman Trophy quarterbacks in recent years with Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart, the Trojans coaching staff felt it had the perfect candidate for the award in 2007. But Booty didn't strike Heisman gold with injury and inconsistency setting him back. Booty comes from a family rich in football tradition, which made his journey out West something that the youngster felt he needed to do to establish his own identity. John David's brother, Josh, was a quarterback for the Cleveland Browns who played at LSU for two seasons (1999-2000) following a five-year (1994-98) baseball career as an infielder in the Florida Marlins organization (including 13 games in the majors). Another brother, Abram, was a wide receiver at LSU (1997-1999) and Valdosta State (2001). His father, Johnny, played quarterback at Arkansas, Louisiana Tech and Mississippi State, then, coached football at Evangel Christian, where John David Booty rose to national prominence as one of the top prep quarterbacks. At Evangel Christian Academy, Booty earned Student Sports Underclass All-American and Class 5A All-State honors as a sophomore and junior. In 2002, he led his team to the Class 5A state title while throwing for 4,144 yards and 38 touchdowns. He also led the squad to the Class 5A state title as a 2001 sophomore, passing for 4,330 yards and 50 scores. During his freshman campaign, Booty completed 9-of-11 passes. In his career, he threw for 8,474 yards on 555-of-864 passing (64.2%) with 88 touchdowns and 26 interceptions. Because Louisiana rules allow junior high students to compete on high school teams if the school is a K-12 school, he actually played varsity football for Evangel Christian since the seventh grade. Prior to his senior year, Booty's father was fired a the team's quarterbacks coach at the Academy and the youngster decided to bypass football that season, opting for early enrollment at Southern California. Asked why he skipped his senior year of high school, the quarterback replied, "Because my dad was fired as our quarterbacks coach, I felt like it was time for me to move on. I felt like I was standing up for my dad and for what I want." Booty did not see action during the first five games of his 2003 freshman season with the Trojans. Booty eventually saw limited mop-up action in five games in '03, finishing with 90 yards on 7-of-14 passes (50.0%), but lost 10 yards on a rushing attempt, as he missed the final two contests with a left wrist fracture suffered in the UCLA game. Listed third on the depth chart in 2004, a badly bruised elbow in fall camp forced the coaching staff to grant Booty a medical hardship. With Matt Leinart having won the 2004 Heisman Trophy, Booty anticipated taking over quarterback duties in '05 at USC, but Leinart opted to return for his senior year, relegating the youngster to second on the QB depth chart. For the 2005 campaign, Booty appeared briefly in 10 games. He threw for 327 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions on 27-of-42 attempts (64.3%) and amassed 316 yards in total offense. On his way to the NFL, Leinart had a few thoughts about his successor, saying, With Leinart gone, the 2006 season was Booty's "coming out party," but he was limited in spring camp with a herniated disc in his back that required surgery in late March. He returned to the field fully recovered by fall drills, where he executed the offensive game plan flawlessly. Late 2006 season struggles, especially in upset losses to Oregon State and UCLA left his junior season unfulfilled, but Booty still ranked first in the Pac-10 Conference in pass efficiency (144.0 rating), total offense (253.38 yards per game), points responsible for (13.85 points per game), passing yards (3,347), passing yards per game (257.46 ypg) and pass completions (20.69). For the campaign, he connected on 269-of-436 passes (61.7%) for 3,347 yards, 29 touchdowns and only nine interceptions. He also piled up 3,294 yards

James is a former defensive back who enjoyed a breakout senior campaign for Arizona State, rising to prominence as one of the more active, instinctive outside linebackers in the country. After registering only 26 tackles in limited duty as a junior, James burst onto the scene in 2007, earning first team Pac-10 honors in posting a team-leading 106 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and four interceptions. While James plays a physical brand of football, scouts will have to decide whether he has the size and strength to hold up at linebacker - a quandary that likely results in only late-round or free-agent consideration despite his gaudy senior numbers.

Torain is a solid interior runner who can gain yards in chunks. He lacks the shiftiness and speed to be effective in every scheme and may have been the beneficiary of Pac-10 defenses focusing most of the attention on stopping ASU's passing attack.

The Chiefs had a lot of questions on their offensive and defensive lines, which they answered in the first round. Glenn Dorsey gives the team a huge presence at defensive tackle. Guard Branden Albert could be one of the best offensive linemen to come out of the draft. Cornerback Brandon Flowers will be a welcome addition to an aging defensive backfield. Kansas City susprised some by not drafting a quarterback, but the team appears content with Brodie Croyle at the helm.

With all of the talk of quarterback Brian Brohm and receiver Henry Douglas, Barnidge was quietly the secret to Louisville's offensive success in 2007. While he isn't going to knock many defenders off the ball at only 230 pounds. Barnidge is a very reliable short- and medium-range target. His size, physicality and secure hands make him a quality security blanket option available on the draft's second day.

Junior college transfer from New Mexico Military Institute who was on the way up after a strong finish to the 2005 season, including an interception and five pass breakups in the Alamo Bowl against Michigan. But he redshirted 2006 with a torn left ACL suffered in fall practice, then ruptured his right patella tendon in the spring of 2007 and finally missed time during the 2007 season with a hamstring injury.

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

Pressley arrived at N.C. State as one of the top prep prospects in the nation. He is a capable run stopper but hasn't demonstrated the consistent quickness, burst or instincts as a pass rusher to get scouts excited.

With pressing needs defensively, the Bengals moved quickly to take linebacker Keith Rivers in the first round, and found value in underrated defensive tackle Pat Sims in the third. The team lost defensive end Justin Smith in free agency but did not take a pass-rushing replacement. Is the Chad Johnson era over in Cincinnati? The team acted like it was by taking two receivers in the first three rounds.

Felton has quietly developed into one of the most dominant scoring machines in college football. Blessed with the quickness and lateral agility of a tailback, this bruising runner inside the red zone has outstanding body lean, as he was tackled behind the line of scrimmage only 15 times during his career for minus-22 yards on 575 rushing attempts while scoring 63 times on the ground. The school's all-time record holder in scoring with 414 points, he also excels in the classroom, twice earning Southern Conference academic accolades with a 3.25 grade point average in Political Science. Born in Duren, West Germany, where his mother, Sabrina Felton-Curtis was a former professional gymnast, Jerome took the ACT as a seventh grader as part of Duke University's Talent Search program. His score was high enough to allow him to enroll in summer and night courses at Hiwassee College, where between the seventh and 11th grades he completed 19 hours of college credit courses. At Class AAA Sequoyah High School, Felton excelled as a fullback and middle linebacker, Earning team Offensive Most Valuable Player honors three times. He was also a three-time All-County and All-Region choice, rushing for more than 3,000 yards and recording more than 300 tackles in his three-year career. Felton served as team captain as a senior, rushed for 1,300 yards and finished second on his team with 104 tackles. He was named an All-American Scholar and an Outstanding African-American Student of Tennessee, in addition to receiving the 2001-02 United States National Minority Leadership Award. He is listed in the Who's Who Among American High School Students and was the recipient of Sequoyah High School's Academic Excellence Award. Felton enrolled at Furman in 2004, turning down scholarship offers from Tennessee Tech and Duke. That year, he appeared in every game, starting the final seven at fullback. He shared Furman Freshman of the Year honors with strong safety Andrew Thacker, as Felton ranked fourth on the team in rushing with 300 yards on 66 carries (4.5 avg), led the team with 10 touchdowns on the ground and finished second in scoring with 70 points. He snared five passes for 51 yards (10.2 avg) and a score and also posted an assisted tackle. In 2005, Felton garnered Academic All-Southern Conference honors, adding first-team overall accolades. Despite suffering a right index fracture early in the season, he ranked 13th nationally and second in the league in scoring with a school season-record 124 points, an average of 8.86 points per game. He ran for 18 touchdowns and caught two other passes for scores, as he rushed 182 times for 940 yards (5.2 avg). He also made 18 catches for 144 yards (8.0 avg) and averaged 77.4 all-purpose yards per game while recovering one fumble. As a junior, Felton broke his own school season-record and ranked fourth in the nation in scoring with 140 points, an average of 11.67 points per game. He appeared in 12 games, sitting out the Appalachian State game after suffering a right ankle sprain the week prior vs. Chattanooga. He finished second on the team with 707 yards on 162 carries (4.4 avg), including 23 touchdowns. He gained 85 yards on 13 catches (6.5 avg) and had one solo tackle. He also averaged 66.0 all-purpose yards per game. Felton was the only Division 1-AA player listed on USA Today/Sports Weekly's preseason All-American team in 2007. He went on to lead the team in rushing with 705 yards and 12 touchdowns on 165 carries (4.2 avg). He also caught 11 passes for 59 yards (5.4 avg) and a score, finishing with 80 points for the season. The Furman fullback started 43 of 48 games for the Paladins. He holds the school rushing records for fullbacks with 2,652 yards on 575 carries (4.6 avg). He set the Furman career-records with 63 touchdowns on the ground, 67 total touchdowns and 414 points scored. He snatched 46 passes for 334 yards (7.3 avg) and amassed 2,986 all-purpose yards on 621 touches, an average

NFL teams are looking for players like Bowen who can cover the entire field. The former All-American at Garden City Junior College could play weak-side linebacker or even as an in-the-box safety in the right situation. Led the nation in tackles per game in 2006 with 12.9. He followed that with another second-team All-Big 12 season with 99 tackles, including 12.5 for loss, in '07.

A number of Virginia Tech outside linebackers and defensive ends have had success over the years. Oftentimes, the tireless work of the defensive tackles who constantly took on multiple blockers in order to free up their teammates to make the big plays have been overshadowed. Because of the constant multiple coverage that they face, the Hokies' defensive tackles do not have eye-opening statistics, but head coach Frank Beamer has noted the need for his defensive tackles to dominate vs. the inside running game. While Tech has produced quality run-stuffing tackles in recent seasons, none has shown the ability to simply shut down the opposition's ground game the way Carlton Powell, Jr. can. How dominant has Powell been? In 73 plays that he made vs. the run, he held the opponent to minus-21 yards rushing. Since Powell was inserted into the starting lineup, Tech has led the nation in total defense the last two years (2005-06) and led the Division 1-A ranks in scoring defense in 2006, after placing second the previous two seasons. A prep inside linebacker during his first three years at Great Bridge High School, Powell shifted to defensive tackle as a senior while also competing on the offensive line. The All-Atlantic Region choice by Prep Star battled injuries during his final campaign, but still managed to registered 60 tackles, five sacks, five fumble recoveries and a blocked punt. As a junior, he totaled 80 tackles with seven sacks and 15 stops behind the line of scrimmage. Powell added honorable mention All-Eastern Region accolades and received a three-star prospect rating from Rivals.com. He was rated the 24th-best player in Virginia by The Roanoke Times and the state's 15th-ranked prospect by Super Prep. He was also a member of Tom Lemming's Prep Football Report All-Mid Atlantic team. He was a standout weight performer on the school's track team, finishing seventh in the Group AAA outdoor shot put competition as a senior. Powell enrolled at Virginia Tech in 2003, turning down scholarship offers from Maryland, East Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia. He spent his first season at Tech competing on the scout team. In 2004, he appeared in 13 games as part of the team's defensive tackle rotation. He registered 17 tackles (seven solo) with 7 1/2 stops behind the line of scrimmage, six quarterback pressures and a pass deflection. In 19 plays vs. the run, he held the opponent to minus-17 yards rushing. As a sophomore, Powell started five of 12 games at defensive tackle, missing the Duke game after spraining his ankle vs. North Carolina State in the season opener. He made 13 tackles (three solo) with an assisted sack and 1 1/2 stops for losses. But, those statistics don't tell the story. Twelve of those tackles came vs. the run, as he held the opposition to minus-7 yards on those plays. In 2006, Powell was firmly entrenched as the starter at left defensive tackle. He recorded a career-high 38 tackles (16 solo) with 2 1/2 sacks, 6 1/2 stops behind the line of scrimmage and seven pressures. He also recovered a fumble and deflected a pass. With increased playing time, he also improved his dominance vs. the ground game. In 39 running plays directed at him, Powell held firmly, as the opponent was held to minus-2 yards rushing. The defensive tackle started 12 of the team's 13 games in 2007. He posted 36 tackles (nine solo) with 2 1/2 sacks, six stops for losses and 15 quarterback pressures. He also forced a fumble. In 51 games at Virginia Tech, Powell started 31 contests. He recorded 104 tackles (35 solo) with 5 1/2 sacks for minus 40 yards, 21 1/2 stops for losses of 75 yards and 30 quarterback pressures. He recovered two fumbles, caused three others and deflected a pair of passes. In 106 running plays directed at him, Powell's tackles resulted in the opposition in being held to minus-13 yards on the ground.

The Cardinals filled their most pressing needs on the defensive side with their first two picks, drafting cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and defensive end Calais Campbell. Both players have high ceilings and could have an impact this season. Fourth-round pick Kenny Iwebema also adds depth on the defensive line. Running back Tim Hightower is in the mix to back up Edgerrin James.

Developmental prospect who grew out of the tight end position with the Cardinals and proved a capable pass blocking left tackle as a senior - his first season as a starter. Scouts like Giacomini's size and overall athleticism, but acknowledge he has a long way to go in terms of strength and technique. A strong week of practice at the Hula Bowl helped prove Giacomini isn't a product of Louisville's high octane passing offense.

A member of the Bednarik Award, Lombardi Award and Outland Trophy watch lists in 2007, the three-time All-Big 12 Conference selection is a big, strong and explosive run defender who anchored the Longhorns' defensive line from his strong-side defensive tackle position the last three years. While the team's pass defense struggled the last two years since Texas won its national championship, Okam's dominance in the middle has seen the Longhorns rank sixth in rush defense in 2007 (93.38 ypg) and finish third nationally in 2006 (61.15 ypg). Dominating the action in the trenches is the main reason Texas heavily recruited Okam coming out of Lake Highlands High School, where the versatile athlete earned Class 5A All-State recognition in both football and track-&-field. He was a Parade All-American choice as a senior and a two-time first-team All-District selection. He was chosen first-team 5A All-State honors by the Associated Press and tabbed first-team All-District 9-5A as a senior. He also played in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Okam posted 170 tackles, seven sacks, 14 stops for losses, five forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, 11 quarterback pressures, one blocked kick and five pass break-ups during his career. He registered 56 tackles (31 solos), four sacks, eight stops behind the line of scrimmage, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, three pressures, one blocked kick and four pass deflections in helping his team limit opponents to just 215.7 total yards per game in 2003. Okam added first-team All-District honors after recording 61 tackles, three sacks and five stops for losses as a junior. His team was 6-5 and earned a spot in the state playoffs that season. He earned All-District recognition and was a starter on the defensive line as a sophomore, registering 53 stops. In track, he finished fifth at the 2003 Texas 5A state meet in the discus (174-6). Okam made an immediate contribution to the Texas defensive line as a true freshman in 2004, earning Freshman All-American honors while playing in 12 games behind Rodrique Wright at left defensive tackle. He earned his first career start vs. Baylor and finished his first campaign with 22 tackles (11 solos), two sacks and six stops for losses. He recovered a fumble, deflected five passes and had nine quarterback pressures. As a sophomore, Okam garnered All-Big 12 Conference second-team honors, as he started all 13 games at strong-side defensive tackle. He helped the team capture the national championship, as the Longhorns' defense ranked 10th in the country, giving up just 302.92 yards per game. He went on to post 48 tackles (23 solos), a sack, five stops behind the line of scrimmage and 11 pressures. He recovered two fumbles, including one in the end zone for a touchdown and batted down two passes. A Playboy All-American preseason selection in 2006, Okam was slowed earlier in the year by a knee injury that forced him to sit out the Baylor game. He earned All-Big 12 honorable mention for 12 starts at strong-side tackle. He delivered 38 tackles (22 solos), two sacks, six stops for losses and 10 pressures while recovering one fumble. Okam seriously considered entering the 2007 NFL Draft and bypassing his senior season, but decided that it was best that he return to school. "Looking at all of the things I've done in college, there are some of the goals I still haven't reached," Okam said. "One of the main goals is to get my degree, and I'm on schedule to do that in December. You also take into account your fans and being a good role model to other young student-athletes to let them know education is important by staying in school that extra year and graduating. I'm still enjoying the college life, the University of Texas has been good to me, and I want to finish my football career with a good senior year and have my degree, as well." Voted a captain by his teammates, Okam earned one of the Dr. Nasser Al-Rashid Strength & Conditioning Awards and was nam

An athletic defensive tackle with the size scouts are looking for, Guion elected to leave Florida State after a junior season in which he led the Seminoles' defensive line in tackles despite entering the year as a backup. The primary reserve behind Andre Fluellen, Guion moved into the starting lineup when Fluellen went down with an injury and posted 31 tackles, including 6.5 tackles for loss. Guion has prototype size for the position and flashes quickness and strength at the point of attack. While he has undeniable upside, he also is very raw and would have been well served returning for his senior season.

The loss of Pro Bowler Asante Samuel and veteran Randall Gay created a need at the cornerback position. To address that situation, the Patriots drafted Terrence Wheatley in the second round. First-round pick Jerod Mayo and third-rounder Shawn Crable give the team a pair of young linebackers who can eventually replace the aging Junior Seau and Tedy Bruschi. New England also has some concerns on the offensive line and at safety, but did not address those needs in the draft.

The 2007 Buck Buchanan Award winner as the best defensive player in the Football Championship Series (formerly D-IAA), Biermann will have to make the transition from his customary defensive end position to outside linebacker in the NFL. Biermann used his burst off the snap, instincts and high motor to rack up gaudy numbers last season (72 tackles, 15 sacks, five forced fumbles) in helping lead Montana to a national championship.

Playing behind three future first-round picks in Keith Rivers, Rey Maualuga and Brian Cushing, Williams didn't have much of an opportunity to get on the field while with the Trojans, starting only four games as a senior. Blessed with good size, physicality and the versatility to play any of the three linebacker positions as well as fullback, some team could get a late-round steal with Williams.

After biding his time as the Oregon backup, Dennis Dixon was firmly entrenched as the Ducks' starter in 2007, when he gained national recognition as he returned Oregon to be ranked among the nation's elite. But after lifting Oregon to a prominent BCS position, Dixon suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. Dixon tried to play one week after suffering the injury against Arizona State, but was forced to the sideline against Arizona, missing the team's final three games. Despite his injury, Dixon was named Pac-10 Conference Offensive Player of the Year. Until he was hurt, he was considered a favorite for the Heisman Trophy. Dixon was named one of three finalists for both the Maxwell Award and the Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award in 2007. In addition, he was selected as one of 15 National Scholar-Athletes by The National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame and is a finalist for the Foundation's Draddy Trophy. Ever the team-first athlete, he rejoined the squad as a student assistant coach, mentoring his replacements at quarterback during the final weeks of his college career. One of the most mobile passers to play at the university, few quarterbacks in school history displayed the explosiveness or versatility of Dixon. He demonstrated the physical gifts consistent with "special" players and possesses a great arm, erasing the misconception that his passing skills were marginal compared to his running ability. In the 2005 offseason winter conditioning program, Dixon posted the fastest clocking in the 40-yard dash (4.49) of any quarterback in the history of the Oregon program. His 3.81 timing in the 20-yard shuttle during spring drills in 2007 was the third-fastest mark among Oregon all-time passers. He also displayed impressive strength during his senior year, improving his power clean to 264 pounds and was also timed at 6.91 seconds in the three-cone drill. At San Leandro High School, Dixon was a two-sport standout, excelling in football and baseball. He was the top vote-getter (eight votes) among quarterbacks on the Long Beach Press-Telegram's Best of the West list and earned Parade All-American honors as a senior, leading the team to an 11-1 record in 2002. That year, he completed 164 of 268 passes (61.2%) for 2,736 yards and 30 touchdowns. The three-year starter compiled a 36-3 record and was named to ESPN's Top 100 team (ranked 94th overall and 12th at quarterback). During his career, he amassed 5,951 aerial yards while throwing for 79 touchdowns. He was regarded as one of the state's best prep outfielders in baseball and was selected in the 20th round of the 2003 major league baseball draft by the Cincinnati Reds. Dixon decided to take a year off from academics after graduating from high school in 2003 and did not enroll at the University of Oregon until the 2004 winter semester. He played in six games that season, as a reserve behind Kellen Clemens. He hit on 6-of-15 throws (40.0%) for 73 yards and carried ten times for 40 yards. He also recorded an assisted tackle. Dixon garnered Academic All-Pac-10 Conference honorable mention in 2005. He struggled initially after replacing an injured Kellen Clemens in the starting lineup for four games and appeared in 11 contests. The sophomore managed 777 yards with six touchdowns and three interceptions on 69-of-104 attempts (66.3%). He accounted for 143 yards and a score on 49 rushes (2.9-yard average) and participated in 153 plays, gaining 920 yards in total offense. Dixon was again an Academic All-Pac-10 Conference choice, this time earning second-team honors. He started the first 11 games, but suffered a concussion vs. Arizona that forced him to sit out vs. Oregon State and into reserve duty vs. Brigham Young in the Las Vegas Bowl. He connected on 197-of-322 tosses (61.2%) for 2,143 yards, 12 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. Dixon had a string of pass attempts without an interception that began during his sophomore year snapped at 1

A model of consistency for the Beavers, Roy Schuening started 50 consecutive games at Oregon State, breaking the school record of 48 straight starts by linebacker Richard Seigler (2000-03). While Schuening manned the right guard position most often, he showed his versatility and team-first attitude by shifting over to right tackle for the final four contests when injuries depleted the offensive line's depth. Schuening also excelled in the classroom, as he was one of 20 players on the team that earned Academic All-Pac-10 Conference honors over the last two years. His drive-blocking skills made the national media take notice, as he was awarded with first-team All-American honors as a senior. At Pendleton High School, Schuening was a three-year starter on both the offensive and defensive line. He earned All-Intermountain League honors as a junior and senior and was the league Lineman of the Year in 2002. He was also the most valuable lineman at the Oregon State and Oregon summer camps in 2002. Schuening added second-team All-State recognition on defense and honorable mention on offense as a senior. He received two votes on the Long Beach Press Telegram Best in the West list and played in the Les Schwab Oregon Bowl in 2003. He was a member of the Super Prep Western All-Region team and ranked third on its list of top athletes for the state of Oregon and Washington. For his defensive career, Schuening recorded 114 tackles and 17 sacks. He also lettered two years in wrestling and three in track. He broke the school record in the shot put with a toss of 56-6 as a senior. Schuening enrolled at Oregon State in 2003, spending the season performing on the scout team. In 2004, he was named to The Sporting News Freshman All-American and All-Pac-10 Conference squads. He started all twelve games at right offensive guard, collecting 47 knockdowns and five touchdown-resulting blocks as the team averaged 379.5 yards per game in total offense. The right guard was one of three OSU offensive linemen to receive postseason honors, as he was awarded All-Pac-10 Conference honorable mention. He again manned the right guard spot, helping the Beavers improve their running game from 70.7 yards per game in 2004 to 122.5 yards in 2005. He totaled 69 knockdowns and was credited with seven touchdown-resulting blocks. Schuening was again chosen All-Pac-10 Conference honorable mention in 2006. He started all 14 games, leading a front wall that paved the way for the Beavers to average 242.4 yards per game passing. He would go on to register 75 knockdowns and also made eight touchdown-resulting blocks. In 2007, Schuening started the first nine games at right guard and the final four games at right tackle. Despite playing with a bout of walking pneumonia earlier in the year, he dominated in the trenches. The offense generated a bulk of its 4,831 yards (371.6 yards per game) over the right side of the line. Schuening would proceed to lead Pac-10 blockers with 17 touchdown-resulting blocks, adding 114 knockdowns to pick up All-American and All-Pac-10 Conference first-team accolades.

Davis is the most physically imposing tight end in the 2008 draft. Blessed with rare size, strength and overall athleticism, he has the combination of physical talent that every team is looking for. Though he enjoyed a breakout senior campaign, he remains an enigma. Davis entered his senior season with 10 starts in 30 game appearances. Over that span, he had caught 28 passes for 276 yards and three touchdowns. Davis has become a more prominent member of Michigan State's offense, matching his previous career numbers with 28 grabs (for 475 yards and five touchdowns) through the first 12 games of the 2007 season. Davis lacks great quickness off the snap and hasn't shown the willingness to work hard to improve his route-running and blocking. He relies on his own natural ability on the football field and is so big and strong the Spartans have used him as a defensive end at times this season. In limited duty as a pass rusher Davis has registered six tackles, including 2.5 tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks. Davis hasn't demonstrated the work ethic to improve and his 2006 arrest for an off-field fight will scare off some clubs. Still, a team will fall in love with his potential and draft him higher than his production and past work ethic warrants.

With opposing offenses electing to throw away from Mike Jenkins, Williams has developed into a potential first-day selection himself. An athletic corner blessed with both pure speed and big-play ability, Williams took advantage of quarterbacks challenging him to record a team-record seven interceptions in 2006, earning First Team Big-East accolades. A veteran of 32 starts entering his senior season, Williams has the experience scouts like, as well as the athleticism to improve. He's often used in man coverage at USF, but shows the instincts and break on the ball to be effective in zone as well. Scouts are still looking for more consistency from Williams, but he could take advantage of senior all-star games to distance himself from his more recognized teammate. A strong showing during the all-star banquet could ultimately result in a top 50 selection for Williams.

One of the game's best-kept secrets, at least where the national media is concerned, Johnson has greatly impressed professional scouts that have actually seen him perform. Many will agree that he is one of the most exciting athletes to watch with the ball in his hands, bringing back memories of Michael Vick and Vince Young during their collegiate days. Johnson brings tremendous energy to the field and is the type defenses must account for on every play. Whether it is unleashing a deep pass, putting zip on his short throws or playing like a whirling dervish running with the ball, the talented quarterback has proven he can strike from anywhere on the field. Johnson earned first-team All-City, Oakland Chamber of Commerce Prep of the Month and Most Improved Player honors as a senior at Oakland Technical High School. He was also named Most Inspirational his junior year when he could not play due to injury. He threw for 1,900 yards and 22 touchdowns with just two interceptions his senior season, leading his team to the Oakland Athletic League Championship. The versatile athlete also lettered in basketball and track. He was an honorable mention All-City choice in hoops and finished in the high jump (6'5") at the Oakland Athletic League Championships. Looking for an opportunity to be part of a rising football program, Johnson turned down scholarship offers from St. Mary's and Idaho State to enroll at San Diego in 2004. That year, he appeared in seven games, playing behind Todd Mortensen. He hit on 12-of-22 passes (54.5%) for 135 yards, no touchdowns and one interception. He added 39 yards and a pair of scores on 13 carries (3.0 avg), caught a 3-yard pass and returned a pair of punts for a 1-yard loss. With Mortensen having graduated, Johnson took over starting duties in 2005, going on to win the first of two Pioneer Football League Offensive Player of the Year honors. He was a first-team All-American choice by The Sports Network and named Division 1-AA Offensive Back of the Year by the Football Gazette. Johnson ranked 11th in the nation in pass completions (260-of-371 attempts), setting school season-records for pass completion percentage (70.1), yards passing (3,256) and touchdown passes (36). He finished second nationally with a 171.51 passing efficiency rating and ranked fifth with an average of 302.92 yards per game in total offense. His 3,635 yards in total offense is the second-highest season total in school history. In 2006, Johnson received consensus All-American and unanimous All-Pioneer Football League first-team recognition. The Division 1-AA Offensive Player of the Year by The NFL Draft Report was also selected the PFL's Offensive Player of the Year. He led the nation with a 169.02 passing efficiency rating, an average of 333.67 yards per game in total offense, 3,320 yards passing and 24.33 points per game that he was responsible for. Johnson connected on 246-of-371 passes (66.3%) with 34 touchdowns and only five interceptions. He picked up 720 yards with 11 scores on 107 carries (6.7 avg) and caught two passes for 27 yards and a touchdown. He participated in 478 plays, as his 4,040 yards in total offense rank 15th on the NCAA FCS/1-AA season-record list. Johnson earned the team's MVP award following the 2007 season. He finished third in the Walter Payton Award voting while throwing a school-record 43 touchdown passes. He led the nation in total offense, passing efficiency and points responsible for. Johnson finished his career as the NCAA's all-time leader in passing efficiency at 176.7.

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

Erik Ainge showed tremendous promise during his freshman season with the Volunteers, but injuries caused him to miss eight games, as he never completed a full schedule in any of his first three years with the team. The rangy quarterback battled through injury issues and presently ranked third in school history in pass completions (516), pass attempts (854) and touchdown passes (51). He is fourth in school annals with 6,308 passing yards and 6,107 yards in total offense. Ainge made a long trip from the state of Oregon to the Tennessee campus in 2004. Prior to his arrival, he earned 2003 Oregon Gatorade Player of the Year honors and was named to the Prep Star All-American squad that year for Glencoe High School. The Northwest Nugget (awarded to top six athletes in Northwest U.S.) and All-State selection as a senior, Erik was also a first-team All-Metro quarterback as both a junior and senior. He led the state in passing yards, completions and touchdowns during his final season, as he threw for 3,078 yards, 24 touchdowns and only eight interceptions. His best game that year was against Aloha High, finishing 20-of-28 for 475 yards with five touchdowns and he accounted for 62 points in the first three quarters. As a junior, Ainge passed for 2,554 yards and 15 touchdowns. He garnered Street & Smith's magazine All-American preseason honorable mention as a guard on the school's basketball team, adding second-team All-Metro honors, as he averaged 16.4 point per game as a junior. He also lettered in baseball, competing as a pitcher, shortstop and first baseman during his freshman and sophomore campaigns. During his first season at Tennessee, Ainge started six of nine games, missing the final four games due to a right shoulder separation. The second-team Freshman All-American choice by The Sporting News added All-Southeastern Conference All-Fresh-man Team and SEC Offensive Freshman of the Year recognition. He added Academic All-SEC accolades, as he completed 109-of-198 passes (55.1%) for 1,452 yards, 17 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He was held to 29 yards in losses on 16 rushing attempts, finishing with 1,423 yards in total offense (158.1 yards per game). As a sophomore, Ainge appeared in eight games, starting vs. Louisiana State, Notre Dame and Memphis. He sat out three games, finishing with a career-low 737 yards on 66-of-145 tosses (45.5%) with five touchdowns and seven interceptions. He turned the ball over three times on five fumbles, was sacked nine times for minus-78 yards and collected 673 yards of total offense on 169 plays (84.1 yards per game). Ainge almost completed the 2006 season unscathed, but a right ankle sprain vs. South Carolina forced him out of action vs. Arkansas. In 12 games, he hit on 233-of-348 passes (66.3%) for 2,989 yards (third-best season total in school history), 19 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He fumbled the ball twice, was sacked 13 times for losses totaling 106 yards. He recorded two solo tackles and gained 2,887 yards in total offense on 374 plays (240.6 yards per game). He closed out the year as an Academic All-SEC choice and was a semifinalist for the Manning and O'Brien Awards, given to the nation's best quarterback. Ainge suffered a broken pinky on his throwing hand in a late August scrimmage, but was recovered by the season opener. He would go on to have his best season at Tennessee, as he connected on 325-of-519 passes (62.6%) for 3,522 yards, 31 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Never known for his mobility, he lost 32 yards on 16 carries, finishing with 3,490 yards in total offense on 535 plays, an average of 249.29 yards per game. In 43 games at Tennessee, Ainge started 35 contests. He connected on 700-of-1,210 attempts (57.85%) for 8,700 yards, 72 touchdowns and 35 interceptions. He rushed 82 times for minus-227 yards (minus-2.8 average) and a score, adding two solo tackles. On 1,292 plays, he amassed 8,473 yards in total offense. He was sacked 30 times

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

Simply put, there isn't an offensive lineman in the country whose stock flourished over the 2007 college football season more than Nicks'. Nicks signed with New Mexico State out of high school, but transferred to Hartnell Junior College due to academic struggles. At Hartnell, Nicks emerged as one of the elite JUCO prospects in the country and signed with Nebraska over the likes of Louisville, California, Wisconsin and Washington. Upon signing with Nebraska, Nicks became a regular contributor immediately, serving as the primary backup at right tackle most of the 2006 season and filling in as the starter against Colorado and Oklahoma when starter Matt Slauson went down with an injury. Nicks made the move to left tackle as a senior and started 11 of 12 games there in 2007, earning Second Team Big 12 honors in his first starting season. Of course, there is a gamble when basing a draft selection on one year's work, but Nicks' play in 2007 was impressive. Blessed with surprising quickness off the snap for such a large man, Nicks was effective as both a pass and run blocker for the Huskers. Rather than rely on his size and strength, Nicks' balance and overall athleticism were key in his ability to protect the quarterback's blindside in this offense. He may lack the elite footwork to remain on the left side at the NFL, but his girth and strength make him a natural candidate for the right side.

Productive, physical and instinctive, Goff leaves Vanderbilt as one of the SEC's best linebackers. A two-time team captain and Second Team All-SEC pick, Goff is a physical inside linebacker who is at his best when attacking the line of scrimmage against interior runs. Despite his good straight-line speed, Goff may lack the burst to the flanks to be successful as a traditional middle man in the 4-3 alignment, but makes a lot of sense as 3-4 linebacker due to his physicality and ability to take on and shed blocks.

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