DRAFT TRACKER 2009

Blessed with a stronger and more accurate arm than many current NFL quarterbacks, Stafford possesses the type of upside that has in the past guaranteed a high first-round selection. Considered by many to be the top prep quarterback in the country when he signed with Georgia, Stafford led Highland Park High School to their first state title since 1957 and in the process earned the EA National Player of the Year. Despite less than impressive statistics (1,749 passing yards, 7-13 TD-to-INT ratio), Stafford earned All-SEC Freshman accolades in going 6-2 as a true freshman starter, earning victories against the likes of then-No. 5 Auburn, No. 14 Georgia Tech and rallying Georgia from a 21-3 deficit in the Chick-Fil-A Bowl to earn MVP honors in the victory over No. 16-ranked Virginia Tech. Significant statistical improvement as a sophomore (2,523 yards, 19-10 TD-INT) and another bowl game victory (over Hawaii in the Sugar Bowl), along with the emergence of superstar running back Knowshon Moreno, led to huge expectations for 2008. Stafford and the Bulldogs were unable to fulfill the expectations of their preseason No. 1 ranking, but his record-breaking junior campaign (3,459 yards, 25 TD-10 INT) and third bowl victory (Michigan State, Capital One Bowl) underlined his talent. Scouts have concerns about Stafford trusting his arm with risky throws, but considering his marked improvement in a pro-style offense, durability and production again SEC competition, Stafford ranks among the elite talent in the 2009 draft. Had an arm span of 33 1/4 inches and a hand span of 10 inches at the combine.

Smith is still learning to play on the offensive line after starting his Baylor career at tight end (six catches for 70 yards and one touchdown as a redshirt freshman). But after flashing exciting potential as a sophomore and junior, Smith's play ascended to another level in 2008. He started on the right side as a sophomore in 2006 and missed time at left tackle in 2007 with a strained MCL. He was named honorable mention All-Big 12 as a junior. Smith's play earned him All-American honors in 2008 -- the first BU offensive lineman to be so honored since 1980. Smith is a raw prospect at this time compared to some of the other left tackles in this draft. If he is impressive in postseason all-star games, workouts and interviews, Smith has the upside to vault to the top of the class. Had an arm span of 33 3/4 inches and a hand span of 9 3/4 inches at the combine.

Jackson had a big sophomore year, registering 37 tackles, 10 for loss, and 8.5 sacks on his way to second-team All-SEC accolades. Although his sack numbers dwindled to 3.5 during the team's 2007 national championship season and 4.5 as a senior, he still made plays behind the line (10 TFL in '07, 10.5 in '08). While Jackson's lack of dominant speed off the edge may cost him a high draft position, his size, strength and commitment to team defense makes him a rather intriguing fit as a 3-4 end or 4-3 tackle.

Curry is viewed by some as the elite prospect of the 2009 draft. A hard-hitting, playmaking extraordinaire in the mold of Tennessee Titans star Keith Bullock, Curry leaves Wake Forest as a three-time all-conference selection, an All-American and the recipient of the 2008 Butkus Award as the nation's top linebacker. An explosive athlete with a penchant for the big play, Curry broke onto the national stage in 2007, posting 99 tackles, including 13.5 behind the line of scrimmage and three interception returns for touchdowns (he had four picks overall) during the season. Despite increased attention from offensive coordinators, Curry was even better in 2008, leading the team with 105 tackles, including 16 tackles for loss. Capable of making plays at every level of the defense, Curry - not Rey Maualuga or James Laurinaitis - is the most versatile linebacker in this class and likely to be the highest drafted come April.

Sanchez surprised many, including coach Pete Carroll, with his decision to leave after serving as the starting quarterback of the Trojans for just one season. It's hard to find fault with his production. He was first-team All-Pac-10 in completing 65.8 percnt of his passes for 3,207 yards, 34 touchdowns and only 10 interceptions and led USC to a surprisingly easy victory over Penn State in the Rose Bowl. His effort against Penn State (28 of 35 passing for 413 passing yards, four TDs) and a weak senior class of quarterbacks created the momentum to catapult Sanchez into first-round conversation. Teams considering Sanchez that early do so at their own risk. He has less than the equivalent of a full NFL season as a starter. Regardless of how impressive he was at times for USC, this small sample size might not be enough to convince NFL teams he's worth millions as a pillar of their franchise. Had an arm span of 33 1/2 inches and a hand span of 10 1/2 inches at the combine.

Signed with Alabama as the top prep offensive lineman in the country and proved well worth the hype. Smith started every game of his career except the January 2009 Sugar Bowl (suspension), and developed into an elite pro prospect. A massive presence with rare athleticism, Smith was arguably the most valuable player in Alabama's rise this season, and his absence was obvious in the Tide's loss to Utah in the Sugar Bowl. After becoming only the seventh true freshman in school history to start the opening game of his career, Smith quickly developed into a star, voted as a true sophomore as the co-recipient (along with Arkansas center Jonathan Luigs) of the 2008 Jacobs Blocking Trophy, presented annually by the SEC coaches to the best blocker in the conference. A consensus All-American voted the Outland Trophy winner, Smith had a spectacular junior campaign until being suspended for the Tide's Sugar Bowl date with Utah for improper dealings with a sports agent. While scouts are sure to question Smith's priorities, his play is without question. A dominant run blocker and surprisingly agile pass protector, Smith is among the elite talents in the draft and a likely top-five selection. Had an arm span of 35 3/8 inches and a hand span of 9 3/4 inches at the combine.

Coaches told Heyward-Bey after spring practice of his redshirt-freshman season that he might want to consider doing something else with his time at Maryland. A track star with nice size who played high school football to make friends, Heyward-Bey has certainly improved since that meeting, but is by no means a polished receiver. He had the worst production of his career in 2008 after averaging 49 catches for 740 yards and four scores his first two seasons, but was still honorable mention All-ACC after leading the Terps in receiving (42-609-5). It was not all his doing, however, as Maryland's entire offense was very inconsistent and defenses were wise to simply double the Terps' big-play threat. For all of the hype surrounding this year's other playmakers, no other receiver in the 2009 draft can match Heyward-Bey's combination of size and speed. Whether that combination will ever translate into his becoming Pro Bowl-caliber playmaker, however, is the significant boom or bust gamble teams will be forced to make on draft day. Had an arm span of 33 5/8 inches and a hand span of 9 inches at the combine.

Once one of the top high school offensive line recruits in the country, Monroe progressed from a part-time starter as a sophomore to becoming the primary reason Virginia was comfortable in keeping 2008 first-round pick Branden Albert inside at left guard -- as opposed to left tackle -- where Albert started 15 games as a rookie for the Kansas City Chiefs. Despite Albert's obvious tools, Al Groh was wise to keep Monroe on the outside if his play as a senior was any indication. Named an All-American and the recipient of the Jacobs Blocking Trophy as the best blocker in the ACC, Monroe looks the part of a top-10 prospect. NFL offensive coordinators and quarterbacks would love to have his length and strength in pass protection. Had an arm span of 33 7/8 inches and a hand span of 11 1/8 inches at the combine.

Built like a Coke machine and almost as difficult to move, Raji's dominant strength inside makes him the elite run-stuffer of the 2009 draft. An immediate standout for the Eagles, Raji worked his way into the rotation as a true freshman and started 38 of his final 40 games. A second-team All-ACC selection in 2006, Raji was expected to be the dominant cog in the BC defensive line in '07, but didn't fulfill his academic obligations and missed the Eagles' magical season. The increased expectations that came with his return to the field in 2008 didn't slow Raji at all. In fact, despite constant double-team attention, Raji emerged as arguably the most dominant defensive lineman in the country, registering 42 tackles, 16 tackles for loss and eight sacks. An even more dominant performance throughout the week of practice at the Senior Bowl made Raji a top-10 player on some boards.

There simply was nothing more for Crabtree to prove at the collegiate level after winning the Biletnikoff Award in both seasons playing in Texas Tech coach Mike Leach's high-octane offense. The All-American racked up 231 catches for 3,127 yards and 41 touchdowns in just two years after dominating the scout team practices his redshirt season. He also had the play of the year in 2008 with his amazing touchdown catch against Texas to seal Tech's upset in Lubbock. Unlike past productive receivers in Leach's offense, Crabtree's size, strength and pure playmaking ability would have enabled him to produce in any collegiate system, and scouts expect the success to continue at the next level. Had an arm span of 34 1/4 inches and a hand span of 9 1/4 inches at the combine.

Maybin decided to leave Penn State after a redshirt sophomore season that saw him named as a finalist for the Bednarik and Hendricks Awards, despite not starting the first two games of the season. The first-team All-Big Ten selection took advantage of teammate Maurice Evans' suspension for off-field issues by making 49 tackles, 20 for loss, 12 sacks and three forced fumbles in 2008. The question for scouts is where he will play at the next level. Can he add the mass necessary to play with his hand down, or will he be forced to move to linebacker? It's probably the latter, so 3-4 teams will covet his skill set near the top of the draft.

Possessing extraordinary lateral quickness and elusiveness that has drawn comparisons to Barry Sanders, Moreno teamed with quarterback Matthew Stafford for two years to give the Bulldogs the most feared tandem of skill position players in college football. An offensive machine, Moreno rushed for 2,734 yards and 30 touchdowns in two seasons after redshirting in 2006 in addition to catching 53 passes for 704 yards and two scores. A YouTube.com sensation even before eye-popping leaps and jukes while with the Bulldogs, Moreno scored 128 touchdowns in his three-time state championship high school career, leaving New Jersey as the state's all-time leading scorer and second-leading rusher (6,268 yards). Had an arm span of 30 3/4 inches and a hand span of 10 inches at the combine.

Since earning Defensive Freshman of the Year honors in 2005, Orakpo flashed game-changing ability but saved his best for last. As a senior, he won the Lombardi, Hendricks and Nagurski awards and established himself as arguably the elite senior defensive lineman in the 2009 draft. An effective all-around defender capable of making plays against the run -- not to mention his most recognized skill, chasing quarterbacks -- he was even better than his impressive statistics (42 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, four forced fumbles) would indicate, despite the fact that he missed time due to a knee injury. Orakpo also missed time with a knee injury in 2007, his only other season as a full-time starter. Orakpo's senior production and NFL teams' hunger for pass rushers is certain to make the All-American a first-round selection. Durability questions and a lack of elite burst off the snap could make it a later pick than his big name and trophy case might seem to indicate he'd warrant.

There isn't much NFL scouts don't like about Jenkins. Athletic, intelligent and consistent, Jenkins surprised many when he elected to return for his senior season despite a first-round grade from the NFL Advisory Committee in 2008. The three-time first-team All-Big Ten pick and two-time All-American improved his overall consistency, winning the Thorpe Award as the nation's elite defensive back as a senior. A shutdown cornerback who intercepted 11 passes over the past three years, Jenkins was effective at cutting the field in half and sometimes moved him to free safety to generate big plays. A first-round caliber prospect at safety or cornerback, Jenkins' consistent play and versatility should land him a spot in the draft's Top 10.

While teammate Rey Maualuga generated most of the headlines over their respective careers, it could be the versatile Cushing who enjoys the last laugh come draft day. While he has struggled with durability at times, Cushing held up in 2008, starting all 13 games for the Trojans and earning second-team AP All-American accolades despite rather pedestrian statistics (73 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks). NFL scouts don't admire Cushing for his statistics, but for his versatility. Athletic and instinctive enough to star at linebacker and yet big and strong enough to compete at defensive end -- as he did in starting 13 games at the position in 2006 when injuries forced the Trojans to be creative -- Cushing is arguably the draft's most versatile defender. Cautious teams will certainly look into Cushing's previous struggles with durability, but his upside might be too much to allow him to get out of the top 20 come draft day.

The two-time defending MAC Defensive Player of the Year, English quickly proved to NFL scouts at the Senior Bowl that his 31.5 career sacks at Northern Illinois were not a mirage. Too fast off the edge for the game's most athletic tackles, English certainly proved the pass-rush threat scouts are looking for, though there remain concerns about his ability to hold up at the line of scrimmage against the run. Teams operating out of the 3-4 alignment will be sure to pay extra attention to how English performs in linebacker drills at the Combine, as he was not asked to drop back into coverage often while with the Huskies or at the Senior Bowl. If he can demonstrate the straight-line speed and flexibility for coverage necessary to move to the rush linebacker position, English could follow the likes of DeMarcus Ware, Anthony Spencer and LaMarr Woodley as former athletic, albeit undersized, Senior Bowl standouts whose ability to pressure the quarterback resulted in first-day draft selections.

The highly recruited high school quarterback had an up-and-down career at Kansas State, but felt he showed enough to put his hat into the NFL Draft a year early. Strong-armed and mobile, Freeman led the Wildcats to their last bowl game as a true freshman. As a sophomore and junior, he completed 61.2 percent of his passes with 38 touchdowns and 19 interceptions. He also ran for 404 yards and 14 scores as a junior. His father, Ron, played in the USFL and was his high school defensive coordinator. It will be a process developing Freeman, but some team may take a chance in the first two rounds based on potential. Had an arm span of 32 3/4 inches and a hand span of 10 inches at the combine.

Ayers barely registered a blip on the NFL radar until 2008. He had played in 36 games for the Volunteers, but had only started two games, both as a sophomore. He had also struggled with maturity, getting suspended for the first two games of 2005 after pleading guilty to misdemeanor assult. The Tennessee coaching staff recognized Ayers' improved work ethic before he went on to enjoy a breakout senior season, posting career highs in tackles (49) and tackles for loss (15.5). He earned first-team All-SEC honors from conference coaches and is shooting up NFL draft boards. Ayers lacks the elite speed to ever be a standout pass rusher, but if he can continue his momentum with a strong performance in workouts and interviews, he may develop into one of the hotter defensive end prospects in the 2009 draft.

The definition of an impact player, Maclin was named an All-American as a receiver and returner in each of his two starting seasons in Columbia. A highly touted prep prospect who turned down Ohio State, Oklahoma and Notre Dame, among others, to sign with Missouri, Maclin appeared well on his way toward establishing himself as a starter as a true freshman before suffering a horrific knee injury. His success a year later certainly proved his health. Maclin tallied 2,776 all-purpose yards, which was an NCAA Division I-A single-season freshman record, and was the fifth-most ever by any player in a season in Division I-A history. Had an arm span of 32 1/4 inches and a hand span of 9 1/4 inches at the combine. With numbers like that, no one expected him to match his 2007 totals -- and he didn't. He exceeded them, generating 2,833 all-purpose yards in 2008. After accumulating more than 5,600 all-purpose yards in two years, Maclin is a threat to score on every carry (scored six career rushing touchdowns), reception (22) or return (three punts, two kickoffs). His solid frame, elite speed and elusiveness are reminiscent of an early Joey Galloway, and could translate into a top 15 selection. Maclin was eligible to enter the draft this spring because he missed his true freshman season with a knee injury suffered in July practices. Had an arm span of 32 1/4 inches and a hand span of 9 1/4 inches at the combine.

Casual fans may wonder how Pettigrew can be ranked as the elite senior tight end prospect when his statistics pale in comparison to many of the other top-ranked prospects at the position. While his career numbers are respectable - 112 receptions for 1,450 yards and nine touchdowns - they certainly aren't eye-popping. Relegated to blocking throughout much of his early career due to the Cowboys' focus on other playmakers, Pettigrew is more NFL-ready than most recent collegiate tight ends. A nagging ankle injury robbed him of the opportunity of breaking out as a senior, but the natural hands, rare athleticism and brute strength demonstrated throughout his career are the traits scouts look for in a complete tight end. Had an arm span of 34 7/8 inches and a hand span of 10 3/4 inches at the combine.

One of the best among a top-rated center class. Since taking the reins from all-Pac-10 center Marvin Philip as a redshirt sophomore, Mack has been voted first-team all-conference three consecutive years (won the Pac-10's best offensive lineman award in 2007) and was a Rimington Trophy finalist each of the past two seasons. An academic standout, as well, Mack was the 2008 recipient of the Draddy Award, college football's academic version of the Heisman Trophy. Besides smarts and consistency, Mack offers rare size and athleticism for the center position, prompting some teams to view him as a potential guard in the NFL. Had an arm span of 33 inches and a hand span of 10 3/4 inches at the combine.

Harvin's speed and elusiveness in the open field makes him a special prospect, whether teams project him as a receiver or running back. He arrived in Gainesville as one of the top recruits in the country because of his ultra-productive high school football and track career in Virginia. So his early departure from Florida was expected after a first-team All-SEC junior season. His versatility as a runner (660 yards on only 70 carries - 9.4-yard average - and 10 scores) and receiver (644-40-16.1-7) also made him an all-purpose All-American in 2008. Had an arm span of 31 5/8 inches and a hand span of 9 3/8 inches at the combine. Harvin's durability will be an issue, but his propensity to get big yardage on every touch -- even when less than 100 percent -- will likely allay any fears teams have about making him a mid-to-late first-round pick.

Oher (pronounced "Oar") arrived at Ole Miss with much fanfare -- partially because of his mammoth body and excellent athleticism and partially due to the Michael Lewis book "The Blind Side" detailing Oher's childhood and recruitment. Despite only two years of high school football -- one year on the offensive line -- he was named a Freshman All-American as a starter at right guard in 2005, then a second-team All-SEC left tackle as a sophomore before garnering first-team honors as a junior. Oher considered going pro, but returned intent on improving his run blocking and overall physicality. Oher raised his draft stock, earning All-American accolades along the way. Oher may not be able to duplicate Jake Long's feat of being the first player drafted overall, but many NFL scouts believe he is the draft's top talent. Had an arm span of 33 1/2 inches and a hand span of 10 3/8 inches at the combine.

Possesses rare burst off the snap, lateral quickness and a nose for the football. Emerged as one of the flashiest prospects at any position in the 2009 draft. A highly touted prep prospect, Jerry spent the 2004 season with Hargrave Military Academy before arriving at Mississippi. He broke out as a junior, earning second team All-SEC accolades by finishing with 58 tackles, including 14 tackles for loss. Often faced two blockers in 2008, when Jerry improved his play behind the line and led the SEC with 18 tackles for loss. He was a four-time SEC Defender of the Week as a senior, and raised his stock even more with a dominating week of practice at the Senior Bowl. He's likely to be a top-20 pick in April.

Few prospects -- in the 2009 draft or otherwise -- boast Davis' combination of size and athleticism. This is, outside of maybe his brother. Three years ago, it was Vernon Davis, Vontae's older brother, who rode a shocking Combine performance into being the San Francisco 49ers' choice with the sixth overall pick of the 2006 draft. Throughout his career, Vontae Davis has demonstrated the same caliber of jaw-dropping athleticism as his older brother -- and been even more impressive in his ability to transfer that athleticism into gridiron success. Despite leaving after his junior season, Davis is a two-time first-team All-Big Ten selection at cornerback with a history of stepping up his play against top competition. He's physical (led all Big Ten cornerbacks with 78 tackles in 2008) and flashes playmaking ability (seven interceptions, two blocked kicks), but perhaps because the game seems to come so easy to him, there remain concerns about just how far he will develop.

While teammates Rey Maualuga and Brian Cushing certainly earned more attention throughout their respective careers, it is the former walk-on Matthews Jr. who some scouts feel ultimately could be the best of the bunch. Considering he came to USC as a 166-pound linebacker and tight end with only Idaho offering him a D-I scholarship, his rise to stardom has been remarkable. A special teams standout early in his career, Matthews didn't emerge as a starter until three games into his senior campaign. Showing burst off the snap as a hybrid defensive end and surprising fluidity and instincts in coverage, Matthews posted 56 tackles and finished third on the team in tackles for loss (9.5) and second in sacks (4.5). A strong performance at the Senior Bowl had scouts buzzing about his upside, especially considering his family's gridiron success. Considering he has only started 10 games over his career, there isn't a prospect in the country who can match Matthews' meteoric rise up draft boards this year.

Brown doesn't have any special measurements that stand out to scouts, but it's hard to think of something he can't do. His early entry into the draft came after leading the nation with 2,083 rushing yards and scoring 18 touchdowns as a junior, including a huge 261-yard effort as the 2009 International Bowl MVP. He was named an All-American and the Big East Offensive Player of the Year for his efforts. That total was more than the combined 1,717 yards in his first two seasons while working in a platoon system with the talented Andre Dixon (who suffered a 2008 preseason injury to open the door for Brown) in 2007 and taking over for star back Terry Caulley as a redshirt freshman. The fact that others have enjoyed so much success under head coach Randy Edsall is one of the key questions scouts are seeking to answer. Brown's production, like Central Florida's Kevin Smith last year, is undeniable, but considering the success of past UConn backs -- and their subsequent lack of success in the NFL -- Brown will have his doubters on draft day. Had an arm span of 31 1/2 inches and a hand span of 9 inches at the combine.

Recognized as a first-team All-Big East selection in 2008 and 2007, second team in 2006 and Freshman All-American in 2005 redshirt season, Wood started 49 games for the Cardinals and is the epitome of durability and consistency. While other centers have earned more media recognition, NFL scouts consider Wood one of the best interior linemen available and a potential first-day pick. Had an arm span of 33 3/4 inches and a hand span of 10 3/8 inches at the combine.

After earning multiple high school All-American honors, Nicks did not disappoint Tar Heel fans during his three seasons as a starter. He quickly established himself as a prospect NFL scouts had to keep an eye on, catching 113 balls for 1,618 yards and nine touchdowns in his first two seasons. Nicks took his play to another level as a junior, however. A first-team All-ACC selection, Nicks snared 68 passes for 1,222 yards and 12 touchdowns, with many of them coming dramatically. The strength and athleticism he displayed with eight receptions for 217 yards and three touchdowns against West Virginia in the Meineke Car Care Bowl helped him turn in arguably the most memorable performance of the 2008-09 bowl season. Hicks may lack elite stopwatch speed, but NFL scouts would do well to remember that so too did Anquan Boldin and Chad Johnson. Had an arm span of 33 1/2 inches and a hand span of 10 1/2 inches at the combine.

Britt decided three years in Piscataway was enough after a junior season that saw him become the conference's all-time leading receiver (3,043 yards). The third-team Associated Press All-American and first-team All-Big East pick helped the Knights win seven consecutive games to end the 2008 season, concluding with the Papajohns.com Bowl win in which he made six catches for 119 yards and the go-ahead score. Despite a lack of straight-line speed and a history of dropped passes, Britt's size and toughness put him among the top receiver prospects in this draft. Had an arm span of 34 inches and a hand span of 9 inches at the combine.

Wells' size, strength, vision, balance and acceleration provides a very rare combination. Talent, however, does not necessarily translate into production, which is the dilemma facing every NFL team with an opportunity to draft Wells this April. The top prep running back in the country, Wells signed with Ohio State and enjoyed immediate success despite sharing the workload, rushing for 576 yards and seven touchdowns despite no starts. He emerged as a dominant force a year later, earning All-American and consensus first-team All-Big Ten honors with an eye-popping 1,609 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns in his first season as a starter. A foot injury against Youngstown State robbed Wells of a chance for greater success in 2008, but he still earned second-team accolades after rushing for another 1,197 yards in only 10 games. Had an arm span of 33 5/8 inches and a hand span of 10 inches at the combine.

Hood started 32 of 48 career games, but won't wow scouts with his athleticism. But his size, technique and tenacity make him an intriguing prospect for the 2009 draft. Voted honorable mention All-Big 12 in 2007 by league coaches, Hood finished with career highs in every category -- 49 tackles, 8.0 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks and three forced fumbles. He struggled as a senior with opposing offensive line schemes keyed on stopping him. Hood finished with only 23 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks in 2008. His effort was unquestioned and a solid week of practice at the Senior Bowl solidified his stock as one of the more consistent defensive tackles in the 2009 draft.