DRAFT TRACKER 2008

With numerous needs on offensive, the Bears concentrated on that side of the ball. However, the team did address perhaps their greatest need -- quarterback. Former first-round pick Cedric Benson has not shown he can be a feature back so the team drafted Matt Forte to challenge him. The loss of Bernard Berrian and Mushin Muhammad in free agency created a gaping hole at wide receiver, which is why the Bears took Earl Bennett in the third round. The Bears brass believes it found two starters in DT Marcus Harrison and safety Craig Steltz.

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

The 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 Thomas Jones entering his 10th season and coming off a year that saw him average fewer yards per carry than he had since his second season, running back was one of the Jets' biggest needs. But the Raiders' selection of Darren McFadden pushed the Jets to select Vernon Gholston, which drew cheers from Jets fans at Radio City Music Hall. There was talk about a quarterback, and the Jets took a chance on Erik Ainge in the fifth round.

With all of the attention focused on All-American Antoine Cason, Pac-10 quarterbacks had little choice but to target Fontenot. A four-year starter in his own right - the undersized but scrappy corner became one of the more battle-tested pass defenders in the country. At his size and with only marginal speed, Fontenot isn't flashy, but his experience and combination of man and zone skills could ultimately help him buck the odds as a late-round prospect.

After missing the 2004 and 2005 seasons due to academic ineligibility, Washington emerged as the Trojans' leading rusher each of the past two years. He certainly isn't in the class of former USC backs Reggie Bush or LenDale White, but has good size, balance and power as an interior runner. A solid receiver out of the backfield, Washington has a chance to make a club as physical change-of-pace back.

: The hype in Columbus was great when this 2005 Junior College National Player of the Year (City College of San Francisco) decided to come to town. But Grant really never became a star for the Buckeyes, partially because he played on the strong side while James Laurinaitis and Marcus Freeman racked up more than 200 tackles between them in 2007. However, Grant has the size and made enough plays to be noticed by NFL scouts as a potential late-round find.

With a stable full of senior receivers in this draft, Harper needed to post career-highs in 2007 to prove he wasn't just a size/speed candidate for the NFL - and that is precisely what he did - emerging as the Hokies' most dependable downfield target. Unfortunately, scouts will have to determine who is the real Justin Harper - the mercurial wideout who struggled to make an impact throughout his early career despite obvious physical tools, or the one who stepped up his play as a senior.

Third-rounder Kevin Smith will be given every chance to be the starting running back in the wake of Kevin Jones' departure. The Lions re-signed Tatum Bell, but Bell has never proven he can be an every-down back, and with new offensive coordinator Jim Coletto emphasizing the run, Kevin Smith could be the guy. In order to improve the rushing attack, the Lions revamped the offensive line with first-rounder Gosder Cherilus. For a change, Detroit waited until the fifth round to take a receiver.

Questions about Aaron Rodgers led the Packers to taking Brian Brohm in the second round, likely leading to an open competition in training camp. Brohm was a mild surprise, but adding LSU QB Matt Flynn in the seventh round was slightly shocking. Receiver Jordy Nelson brings some talent to an already talented receiving corps, but that wasn't a need for the Packers. Jermichael Finley addresses the loss of Bubba Franks. Defensive back Patrick Lee brings some much needed youth to the position, with Charles Woodson and Al Harris in their 30s.

An intriguing athlete with the instincts, physicality and legitimate NFL speed to surprise at the next level. A former linebacker, Campbell is adept at coming up in run support. He flashes explosive hitting ability and reads the play quickly. The concern isn't his speed -- Campbell ran in the 4.5s for scouts despite his rare size and after rehabbing a torn ACL -- but rather marginal change of direction for pass coverage. Regardless of his pro position, Campbell's physicality and instincts make him a developmental candidate and potential special teams demon.

Exciting raw talent with the size, athletic ability and rapid improvement to warrant the patience needed for development. Signed with Northwestern State on a basketball scholarship and has only played organized football since 2005. Originally played defensive end, but was quickly switched to left tackle and has developed into an All-American honoree. Raw as they come, but scouts love his upside.

Barrett has an injury history scouts will evaluate closely. When he's on the field, he is a fine athlete with a combination of size, speed and instincts to promote a possible switch to outside linebacker in a Cover-2 defense. He's a sure tackler who hits hard and had six career interceptions.

The Panthers addressed two huge needs in the first round by taking running back Jonathan Stewart with their own pick and moving back into the first to take tackle Jeff Otah. Carolina had a need there despite franchising OT Jordan Gross, re-signing OT Travelle Wharton and adding free-agent guards Milford Brown and Keydrick Vincent. The Panthers really didn't address their defensive line, which ranked last in the NFC in sacks last season and has lost two 2007 starters. Jake Delhomme has been inconsistent and is returning from an injury, but the team did not take a quarterback.

With numerous needs on offensive, the Bears concentrated on that side of the ball. However, the team did address perhaps their greatest need -- quarterback. Former first-round pick Cedric Benson has not shown he can be a feature back so the team drafted Matt Forte to challenge him. The loss of Bernard Berrian and Mushin Muhammad in free agency created a gaping hole at wide receiver, which is why the Bears took Earl Bennett in the third round. The Bears brass believes it found two starters in DT Marcus Harrison and safety Craig Steltz.

Washington State's career passing leader in touchdowns (76) and yards (10,913), Brink's poise and intelligence make him a potential second-day draft pick. Brink lacks the big arm and has only marginal accuracy, but he's a gutty competitor who will fight for a roster spot.

Few receivers made a more dramatic improvement from their junior and senior seasons than Johnson. A transfer from Chabot Junior College (CA), he caught more touchdowns as a senior (13) than he caught total passes (12) his junior season. Blessed with good size, speed and a flair for the dramatic, Johnson lacks polish, but has the tools scouts are looking for in a mid- to late-round developmental prospect.

A bit overlooked because of All-American left tackle Chad Rinehart, a number of teams see Keith as having more upside than his more decorated partner on the line. The albatross for Keith is his record at Oklahoma, where he quit the team multiple times. The second-team junior college All-American at Northeast Oklahoma A&M in 2004 also missed a lot of time in his first year at UNI with a bone bruise in his right knee. But physically, Keith has all of the tools to be a success on the right side in the NFL. And that's what late-round draft picks are made of.

Some will question if the Raiders really addressed a need by taking running back Darren McFadden with the No. 4 overall selection. But scoring touchdowns is a need for every team. The Raiders were active in free agency, addressing some of their more obvious needs. The team used only a sixth-round pick to add depth to the offensive and defensive lines, which many felt were the team's most glaring needs. That decision was a bit of a surprise. Seventh-round pick Chaz Schilens brings in some much-needed speed.

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

St. Louis' 2007 season unraveled as injuries began to mount on the offensive line. The team addressed that need by drafting tackle John Greco in the third round. Defensive end Chris Long means that last year's top pick, Adam Carriker, will remain on the inside and give the club a pretty good foundation on the defensive line. The team released long-time receiver Isaac Bruce during the offseason, so taking Donnie Avery in the second round and Keenan Burton in the fourth round answers the call at the position.

The Titans have not surrounded quarterback Vince Young with talented receivers, and this year's draft was no exception. The Titans spent their first pick on running back Chris Johnson. Tennessee did draft receiver Lavelle Hawkins in the fourth round. On defense, the loss of ends Antwan Odom and Travis LaBoy led the team to take defensive end Jason Jones in the second round.

After flashing exciting potential early in his career, Dunlap struggled with consistency as a senior, though scouts are quick to note he has the size and athleticism to warrant development. Dunlap's rare size, quick feet and long arms make him a unique tackle prospect who flashes pass blocking potential. However, he needs to develop more physicality and aggression as a run blocker if he is to maximize his impressive potential.

Trading Leigh Bodden created a major void in the Browns' secondary, but Cleveland didn't have many picks, and none until the fourth round, to address the need. With a 3-4 scheme that coach Romeo Crennel runs, a team needs a solid rotation of linebackers, so the Browns took a good one in UNLV's Beau Bell. Cleveland also needs a running back in the near future, but again, the lack of picks, especially early choices, hurt the team's ability to address the need.

The Falcons not only drafted their quarterback of the future, they also helped put a new face on a franchise that desperately needed one. Atlanta has significant concerns along both lines, but found its foundation on offense with USC tackle Sam Baker. Not taking a defensive lineman was a mild surprise, but obviously the team is not ready to close the door on last year's top pick, defensive end Jamaal Anderson, after a season in which he did not record a sack. The Falcons had a need at cornerback after trading DeAngelo Hall to the Raiders, so Chevis Jackson answers that bell.

With the success that Jacksonville had with Maurice Jones-Drew and the production that San Diego has received from Darren Sproles, NFL teams are no longer shying away from using draft picks on height-challenged running backs. Enter Justin Forsett -- a one-year starter whose ability as a change-of-pace runner made him Cal's third-leading all-time rusher with 3,220 yards. Despite starting just 17 games during his career, Forsett ranks fourth in school annals with 26 touchdowns on the ground. He is also tied for second in Cal history, running for at least 100 yards in 15 games. Forsett led Grace Prep Academy to back-to-back state championships in the Texas private school division, earning Class 4A first-team All-State and Most Valuable Player honors. He was a member of the Dallas Morning News' All-Area Top 100 team and participated in the Texas All-Star Game, earning MVP accolades in that contest. The explosive running back scored 63 touchdowns and rushed for nearly 5,000 yards during his last two seasons. He darted for 2,560 yards and 38 scores, leading the team to a 12-1 record in 2003. As a junior, he amassed 2,365 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns, as he led the squad to an 11-2 mark. He also lettered in basketball and track at Grace Prep after spending his freshman and sophomore semesters at Polk County (Mulberry, Fla.) High School. Forsett enrolled at California in 2004, seeing action mostly as a gunner on the special-team coverage units. He gained 49 yards with a touchdown on 11 carries (4.5-yard average) and had an 11-yard kickoff return. He also recovered a blocked punt in the end zone for a score. As a sophomore, Forsett served as Marshawn Lynch's backup, starting three of 12 games. He grabbed seven passes for 68 yards (9.7-yard average) and gained 70 yards on four kickoff returns (17.5 avg). He rushed 132 times for 999 yards (7.6 avg) and six touchdowns, falling one yard short of joining Lynch (1,246 yards) in becoming the 38th running back tandem in NCAA history to both rush for over 1,000 yards in the same season. In 2006, Forsett managed two more starting assignments while appearing in all 13 games. He collected 626 yards with four touchdowns on 119 attempts (5.3-yard average) and caught 12 passes for 116 yards (9.5 avg), including one score. He also recorded three tackles (two solos) and gained 81 yards on five kickoff returns (16.2 avg). Forsett was an All-Pac-10 Conference first-team choice as a senior. He earned multiple team honors including the Bear Backer Award as the team's offensive MVP and the Stub Allison Award (Most Inspirational). He set the Cal record with 305 rushing attempts and ranks second on the school list with 1,546 yards on the ground (5.1-yard average), as he scored 15 rushing TDs. He added 202 yards on 22 receptions (9.2 avg) and recorded one solo tackle. In 49 games at California, Forsett started 18 games, including 13 as a senior. He ranks third in school history with 3,220 yards rushing and fourth with 26 touchdowns on the ground, as he carried 567 times (5.7-yard average). He caught 41 passes for 386 yards (9.4 avg) and a score, adding 162 yards on 10 kickoff returns (16.2 avg) while recovering a blocked punt for a touchdown. He also recorded seven tackles (six solo) on special teams.

Clark was twice an honorable-mention All-Big 12 pick at A&M, but that's not what NFL teams care about. They see a durable, potentially versatile reserve lineman with good measurables and work ethic. There are some questions to be answered, however, about where he fits best and if he can handle the speed of the NFL game.

The Seahawks released Shaun Alexander, but the team must have confidence in Julius Jones as they didn't draft a running back until selecting Justin Forsett in the seventh round. Defensive end Lawrence Jackson could one day replace Patrick Kearney. Seattle has long struggled to find receivers who can catch the ball, so it is kind of a surprise that the team didn't move in that direction during the draft, especially with the health of Deion Branch in question.

Playing for a smaller FBS school in the MAC does not lend itself to great publicity. But Richard's play over the past three years put him on scouts' radars before the season, and his 2007 effort did not disappoint. A zone-blocking team will appreciate his blend of athleticism and attitude.

Not expected to come out this year but did anyway, Arrington's hand may have been forced (at least in his mind) by the departure of QB Chad Henne and WR Mario Manningham to the NFL along with the arrival of coach Rich Rodriquez and his spread offense. Of course, his big day against Florida in the 2008 Capital One Bowl (nine catches, 153 yards, two touchdowns) probably didn't hurt his stock.

In a weak senior class of running backs, Boyd's combination of size, quickness, power and receiving ability stand out. He has struggled with consistency throughout his career and was suspended for the entire 2005 season due to an unspecified violation of team rules (non-academic), but he possesses the ability to surprise at the next level. Boyd has great size for the position and is predominately a downhill runner. He flashes quick cutting ability and the vision to break through the initial wave of defense and get into the secondary. He lacks elite breakaway speed, but is often able to gain yardage in chunks. Boyd is a reliable receiver out of the backfield, often used not only as a check-down option, but as the target on bubble screens. Expectations were high for Boyd following a bit of a breakout junior season (1,293 all-purpose yards, nine TDs in only seven starts). Though his numbers improved as a senior (1,308 all-purpose yards, 10 TDs), Boyd was expected to be even more productive considering he started all 12 games in 2007.

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.

An instant contributor when Adrian Peterson was injured in 2006, Patrick shared the ball for much of the season before DeMarco Murray was injured. He might not get the stage to himself in an NFL backfield but won't cause a stir over spotlight. He's intense and, if he stays healthy, will work to earn a role.

Massive man whose size and upper body strength make him an imposing drive blocker, but with only marginal foot quickness and balance Schwartz is a liability in pass protection. He struggled with a back injury throughout his junior season and, his play improved when healthy as a senior. However, struggles throughout the week of practice at the East-West Shrine Game and during the game will push him down the board.

The Redskins added receivers Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly, giving QB Jason Campbell some big targets. Neither of the team's two starters last season were taller than 6 feet. Washington spent its first four draft picks on offense before adding cornerback Justin Tryon in the fourth round. The team took a flyer on Hawaii QB Colt Brennan, who'll need plenty of work under Jim Zorn to become an NFL signal caller.

With numerous needs on offensive, the Bears concentrated on that side of the ball. However, the team did address perhaps their greatest need -- quarterback. Former first-round pick Cedric Benson has not shown he can be a feature back so the team drafted Matt Forte to challenge him. The loss of Bernard Berrian and Mushin Muhammad in free agency created a gaping hole at wide receiver, which is why the Bears took Earl Bennett in the third round. The Bears brass believes it found two starters in DT Marcus Harrison and safety Craig Steltz.

Craig played two years at linebacker for the Bearcats before moving to defensive end as a senior. At only 235 pounds, if Craig is to have a shot at the next level he'll need to do it while transitioning back to his original position. With physical tools that warrant further development, he is a late-round gamble worth taking.

Perhaps due to Arizona's struggles throughout his career, Dotson hasn't received a great deal of national attention despite flashing legitimate athleticism and strength. As a senior, he took matters into his own hands, enjoying a breakout campaign that included 50 tackles and 6.5 sacks to earn Second Team Pac-10 honors. Dotson's consistency remains a question, but he flashes the quickness, size, strength and experience to ultimately compete for a starting position at tackle in a 4-3 scheme or end in a 3-4.

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

Any player who starts for almost four full years at The Ohio State University should be considered a very solid pro prospect. Barton's not likely to set the Combine on fire with great numbers, but teams can't time his effort with a stopwatch or measure his toughness with a yardstick. He will challenge for playing time early in his NFL career, if the opportunity arrives.

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

Horton's 2005 wrist injury will scare some off, but if the injury checks out medically, he is a intriguing player. Physical and instinctive, Horton quietly developed into one of the Pac-10's better overall defensive backs in 2006 and seems poised for bigger things as a senior.

The Panthers addressed two huge needs in the first round by taking running back Jonathan Stewart with their own pick and moving back into the first to take tackle Jeff Otah. Carolina had a need there despite franchising OT Jordan Gross, re-signing OT Travelle Wharton and adding free-agent guards Milford Brown and Keydrick Vincent. The Panthers really didn't address their defensive line, which ranked last in the NFC in sacks last season and has lost two 2007 starters. Jake Delhomme has been inconsistent and is returning from an injury, but the team did not take a quarterback.

Cornerback Leodis McKelvin is a suitable replacement for Nate Clements, whom the Bills lost last year in free agency. Having lost two tight ends in free agency, the Bills had a major need at the position and took Derek Fine in the fourth round. James Hardy provides a valuable target for quarterback Trent Edwards and a complement for speedster Lee Evans.

One of only two players from the WAC to earn first-team accolades for the second consecutive season (San Jose State cornerback Dwight Lowery), Vobora may lack the prototypical size scouts are looking for, but his production and athleticism can't be ignored. As he did in 2006, Vobora led the conference in tackles (148) as a senior. He earned an invite to the East-West Shrine Game because his instincts, speed and reliable open-field tackling make him an intriguing developmental prospect.