1

*Darren McFadden-  6-1, 211, 4.27 (U), 35.5" 13 Reps, 4.10 Short Shuttle, 6.86 Cone

RB/QB

Arkansas

Amazing athlete with smarts and speed that can't be taught. Played QB in multiple situations, and I mean he PLAYED QB- he didn't just take the snap and run. He actually did everything a QB needs to do. Slight build is slight concern, but injuries have never been a problem for him. McFadden is a super fast slick RB. His instincts and intelligence are amazing. I think he is the second best player in this draft. But, I also think the comparisons to Adrian Peterson are weak. McFadden looks and runs nothing like Peterson. Peterson is stronger, shiftier, and quicker, while McFadden has more straight-line speed. Plus, McFadden has no injury concerns. He runs upright in the open field, but does a good jump getting his pads low when he needs to, and is almost miraculously quick at getting his pads low when someone is about to crush him.

9.8

2

Glenn Dorsey- 6-1 3/4, 297, 5.12, 25.5"      

DT

LSU

Injuries have plagued him the last two seasons, and this off season is not different. Knee problems have hurt him for two seasons, which is a concern. A back problem crept up on him last season, and as someone with a bad back, I see that as a huge red flag. Now, the fibula he broke appears to have not healed correctly, and some teams at the Combine think he may need surgery to correct problem. Has very long arms that measure over 35 inches.

A beast who dominates the interior of the defense. Can play one and two gap systems, although he looks to me to be built more for a one-gap system.

9.8X

3

Chris Long- 6-3, 275, 4.71 (U)     

DE/OLB

Virginia

Over-aged prospect. Super athlete who is a Super Defensive End prospect. Great passrusher. Has the strength to play inside. Some think he can OLB in a 3-4, if Belichick agrees he could be a Patriot. Smart and has played both sides. Right now he is a better run blocker then pass blocker. Can really get low and gain leverage on run plays.

9.7

4

Jake Long- 6-7, 315, 5.2, 37 Reps    

OT

Michigan

Franchise LT, similar to Ogden in size, but doesn't have his great feet. Combines great size and long arms. Looks more like a Right Tackle to me. The best run blocker in the draft, and only gave up one sack as a Senior. I question his feet against speed rushers. But, he can collapse on entire side of the line all by himself. Folded the Florida line like an according three times in the First half alone. Not fast when he swings out to block in space. But, he is so big and when he gets his big mitts on a defender they are defeated. Doesn't look natural going backwards, but does kick-slide back into position quicker then it looks like, and he is never out of balance.

9.7

5

Sedric Ellis- 6' 1/2, 297, 5.01, 34 Reps

DT

USC

Looks like a one-gap DT to me. Plays bigger then listed height, because he uses his long arms expertly to keep the O-Linemen off his body. Plays with tremendous strength and leverage. Shows great explosion. Was the only player consistently double-teamed on USC's ultra-talented defense. He has such strong hands, that when gets his hands on an O-Linemen's shirt, he can control them until he throws them aside once he reads the play. 

1st Team All-PAC-10. For two years in a row he was voted Defensive Player of the Year by PAC-10 O-Linemen. 

9.7

6

Matt Ryan-  6-4 3/4, 228, 4.9         

QB

BC

Has ability to step up in big games, and in clutch situations. Super Tough. Needs to work on progression. He sometimes locks onto one receiver and throws it to him no matter how well covered he is.

9.7

7

*Vernon Gholston- 6-4, 267, 4.58, 37 Reps, 42"

DE/OLB

Ohio ST

One of four DE/OLB prospects who will probably go as high as their athleticism tests out at combine. In my opinion he has solidified himself as the top pass rushing DE/OLB in this Draft. He should be available when the Pats pick. Plays the run better then the other OLB/DE hybrids in this draft. Has long arms and when he gets his hands on blockers he really destroys them. Many think he can run a sub-4.5 at Combine. Played Outside LB when Ohio State shifted into 3-4, and often switched sides as well. Has experience passrushing from both side, although he still looks more comfortable on the Left side. 

9.7

8

*Ryan Clady-  6-6, 311, 5.2, 31", 4.7 S.S.

OLT

Boise ST

Could move up. Has a lot to prove in predraft workouts, but I think he is legitimate LT prospect. Looked like a giant on the field against lower level competition, and destroyed D-Ends in his Conference. In fact, some teams just stopped lining up D-Ends in front of him in obvious passing situations. 

9.6

9

Leodis McKelvin- 5-10, 185, 4.38, 38.5", 10'5"

CB/PR/KR

Troy 

Small school Corner who has a chance to be a legitimate Corner in the NFL, and he has the reputation as being the best return man in college. Has everything you want in a Corner, except hands. He catches the ball like Ronnie "Stone-hands" Lippet. Very physical. Can set the edge. Can shed blocks. Covers WRs like an Ice-storm covers trees.  

He seemed to be the only guy who could cover Andre Caldwell at the Senior Bowl.

9.5

10

Keith Rivers-  6-3, 235     

LB

USC

I just like this guy. Looks bigger then listed weight, to me. Made a lot of money at the Senior Bowl. His athleticism and speed really shined. 

9.5

11

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie- 6'1, 185, 4.28 (U), 37.5", 10' 11" long jump, 4.14 Short Shuttle, 6.63 Cone Drill     

CB

Tennessee ST

Ball hawk who can make plays on the ball like a WR. Track guy, great speed. Showed he can be physical and tackle at Senior Bowl practices. Has been working out with Deion Sanders and Tom Shaw- track coach turned football trainer.

9.5

12

*Rashard Mendenhall-  5-10 3/8, 224, 4.45

RB

Illinois

Known as a power guy, but has great on-field speed and quickness. Had two huge plays in Bowl game that almost made Illinois look creatable. Is a good receiver, who is dominate in the flat when he can get to the open field. Has great shake and bake make you miss ability. Plus, he runs low to the ground and with excellent power. 

9.5

13

Brandon Albert- 6-5, 305

OG/OT

Virginia 

Some think he is the top O-Guard in the Draft, and worthy of a First Round pick. Swung out to Tackle upon occasion this past season, and has the size and feet to do it in the NFL, though I still think he is a Guard on the next level. Has great feet and great work ethic. 

9.5

14

Derrick Harvey- 6'5, 271-291?     

DE

Florida

Not really sure how to describe this player. He was a rail-thin, super-athletic passrushing force. Who was all speed hustle and aggression on the field. Then he showed up at the Combine at a frumpy 291 pounds? I'm still not over it. However, he uses his long arm and quick hands hands like a kung fu fighter. Has an excellent rip move. Has a knack for attacking the QB and slapping the ball out of his hands. 

9.5

15

Chris Williams- 6-6, 315, 

OLT

Vanderbilt 

Has great feet and short arms. The most natural pass protector in the Draft. He has the smoothest Kick-Step of any Prospect in this Draft. Maybe the most ready to step in at Left Tackle in the Draft.

9.4

16

Jeff Otah-  6-6, 322     

OT

Pittsburgh

I like this guy. He is brute-force Left Tackle. A player like that doesn't come along very often. An O-Tackle with the size, strength, and cruelty to be a street-mauler, and the athleticism, feet, and long arms to be a Left Tackle. However, he is does struggle a little with inconsistency in effort and footwork but I believe as he matures so will his game.   

9.4

17

*Jerod Mayo- 6-2, 235, 4.5

ILB

Tennessee 

Super athlete with super production. He has worked his way into the First Round. A player who does everything well. Coaches in the later stages of the First Round are apparently raving over this guy. He does what coaches love. He is a film room junkie. A cerebral player, who studies the game like a coach and is like a coach, or mike Vrabel on the field. GMs will miss the small stuff that coaches fall in love with instantly. He will be a First Round Pick, and should be a top 15 Pick, but I can't seem to find a place for him in the top 15. 

9.4

18

Kentwan Balmer-  6-5, 300            

DT

North Carolina

A guy whose reputation has exceeded his production. But, the more I watch him the more I like him. I think his pest position in the Pros will be as an interior passrusher. Has excellent size and strength, but I still like him more as a 3-Technique passrusher.

9.4

19

Devin Thomas- 6-2 215, 4.4

WR

Michigan ST

A bit of a Combine creation who may be picked in the First Round. But buyer beware. He is a one hit wonder with inconsistent hands. 

9.3

20

Jonathon Stuart- 5-11, 235, 28 Reps, 36.5"      

RB

Oregon 

Power back who moves the pile like John Stevens way back when. Has better speed then his size and power would suggest. Had foot surgery, so his is in a state of flux. Some teams see the surgery as a negative and some a positive.

9.4X

21

Joe Flacco- 6-6.5 228

QB

Delaware

Small School wunderkind, who has the size and arm teams crave. Looks like a cross between Drew Bledsoe and Alex Smith. I don't see how you can watch film of him and not see Bledsoe. His shoulders, his size, his arms, his throwing motion all are the ghost of Bledsoe. Plus, I just cannot see Parcells passing on him with the first pick of the Second Round, almost like Bledsoe, who Parcells took with the first pick in the First Round.

9.3

22

Limas Sweed- 6-4, 215

WR

Texas

Young and Sweed worked well together in college. He has the size speed and athletic ability teams crave, plus he has excellent hands. Looks like he is over wrist injury he suffered last season.

9.3

17

Mike Jenkins- 5-11, 195, 4.38

CB

South Florida 

Small school Corner who has been lost I the shuffle a bit wit the amazing rise of DRC and McKelvin. However, he may be the best press Corner in the draft. And the last legit Number One Corner Prospect left.

9.3

24

Gosder Cherilus- 6-6 3/8, 314

OT

B.C. 

Gigantic, mean, and strong. Not a natural Left Tackle, but can swing over to help team when needed. Could be All-Pro Right Tackle in a few years. 

9.3

25

Antoine Cason- 6', 190  

CB 

Arizona

Cason is a bit of a sleeper pick. Reminds me of Darrelle Revis from last year. Like Revis, since he stepped onto the field as a Freshman he was the best Corner at Arizona. And I believe, that just like Revis, when he steps on the field as a Pro he will be the best Corner on the team. Just a solid player. Cason was a great player in College. It looks like he has the speed to be a good Corner in the Pros. He has good size, toughness, and tackling ability. He has the pure cover skills all Corners crave. 

9.2

26

DeSean Jackson-  5-10, 169, 4.31

WR/KR

California

Reminds me of Ted Ginn JR, only he is little more skilled and a tiny bit slower on the field. Plus, he is the best Punt Returner in the Draft like Ginn was last season. In fact, Air Force concocted a ridicules "Rugby Kick" of under-kick so badly that their was not chance of a return; that's how scary his speed is! He has that rare speed that scares defenses. He is baffling inconsistent both on and off the field, so discipline will always be his biggest concern.. 

9.2

27

Quentin Groves-  6-3, 245, 4.46 

OLB/DE

Auburn

Pure speed rusher. Injuries hampered production his senior year. Played standing up and dropped back into zone coverage as well played hands down. Great initial burst, and can beat O-Line with first step explosion.  

He started 38 games and had 62 plays behind the line of scrimmage (Sacks and TFL), plus he forced eight fumbles. Has great burst at line a scrimmage. Plays faster then player around him. Lacks size and can be dominated when a big lineman gets his big hands on him. Needs to be a 3-4 Outside Linebacker to reach full potential. 

9.2

28

Lawrence Jackson- 6-5, 270

DE

USC

I like this player. The more I watch him the more I like him. Has the size to play the 5-technique, and has the speed to play in a 4-3. 

9.2

29

*Kenny Phillips- 6-2, 207, 4.5

FS

Miami

Built like a Strong safety, plays like a free Safety. Needs to get more physical and become a better hitter. 

9.2

30

*Aqib Talib- 6-1, 180

CB

Kansas 

Has awkward feet and hips. The more I watch him the less I like him. Not sure he is an elite Prospect. However, the athleticism is there, if can refine footwork, especially when it come to twisting out of the backpedal, he could be special. 

9.2

31

Trevor Law- 6-1, 305, 35 Reps 

DT

Notre Dame 

Underrated player who exploded on the scene at the Senior Bowl. The more I watch him the more I like him. More productive then Dorsey and Ellis, last season he got 112 Tackles, 8 TFL, and 4 Sacks. Looks more naturally suited for 3-Tachnique Under Tackle.

9.2

Second Round

32

*Calais Campbell- 6-7 3/4, 290, 5.01, 16 Reps   

DE/DT  

Miami

Overrated athlete. People where actually projecting him as a LB? A buyer beware player who is more promise then production. Has terrific height and long arms. Has good strength and quickness, but his lack of speed will hurt him in the NFL. I think he may be better off inside at DT, or as a 5-tachnique DE.

9.2

33

Phillip Merling- 6-5, 270

DE

Clemson

Reminds me of Kevin Carter, he is a better run defender then Pass defender currently, and I'm not sure he will ever be the pass rusher people are pretending he has the potential to be. I would be surprised if he every reached ten sacks in a one season.

9.2X

34

Brain Brohm-  6-2 3/4, 233, 4.68, 4.41 Short Shuttle

QB

Louisville

Super tough, super productive. Looks like a guided missile on the floor. Some love him as a top ten pick, BUT he just looks SO SMALL to me. Will need to add weight with out effecting his speed and quickness. Is actually an excellent blitzer, and can Sack the QB when unleashed. He was just so valuable in the running game that he was not allowed to blitz consistently. Can play all LB position. Is not pretty, just finds the ball.

9.2

35

Dan Connor-  6-2 3/4, 233, 4.68

LB

Penn ST

Super tough, super productive. Looks like a guided missile on the floor. Some love him as a top ten pick, BUT he just looks SO SMALL to me. Will need to add weight with out effecting his speed and quickness. Is actually an excellent blitzer, and can Sack the QB when unleashed. He was just so valuable in the running game that he was not allowed to blitz consistently. Can play all LB position. Is not pretty, just finds the ball.

Showed up at Combine at 6-2.75 and 233 pounds. At that size and weight he is a top ten pick. Plays football like a guided missile. What sets him apart is his ability to spot the ball, and then run through the ball carrier. Takes on blockers with arms extended and can shed consistently. Very physical. Has 165 Tackles, 6.5 Sacks, 15 TFL, and 1 INT.

9.3

36

Early Doucet- 6', 203, 4.59, 34.5"     

WR

LSU 

Fast and quick. In a spread offense he could be a nightmare. Strong blocker. LSU ran plays where they put him in motion to Crack-back-block the Middle Linebacker. Has good size. Can leap and snatch the ball with his hands. Big play player who comes through when needed most.

9.2

37

Patrick Lee- 6', 196, 4.5

CB/S

Auburn

A bit of an unknown player to me, but the more I watch him, the more I like him. Excellent size and build. Can look like he is running WR's pattern. Smart. Understands what WR is trying to do. Great ball skills. Lacks experience as starter, but has extensive experience as Nickel Back which is where most rookies play anyway. Can really stick to a WR's hip in coverage. 

9.2

38

Dre Moore- 6-3, 288

NT/DT

Maryland

Looks like he could be a power NT. Can not only hold the point, but can drive it back. Has the strength and leverage to split the double-team. Has a great initial burst. Can blast-off the line of scrimmage and cruise past O-Linemen making them look foolish. Has a great lower base. Extends arms with great strength to keep blockers off his body. Needs to learn a move or two, still relies too much on power, strength, and leverage. 

9.1

39

Red Bryant- 6-4, 310

NT

Texas A&M

Big, mean, and ugly, what more could you want from a NT. Some question his commitment. Will need time to mature and work on conditioning. Showed great strength and meanness at the Senior Bowl, but did not show that consistently at A&M.

9.1

40

Chris Johnson- 5-11, 200, 4.28

RB/KR

East Carolina

I like this guy. Speed, speed, speed. Has had terrific production as well. rushed for 1,423 yards and 17 TDs, plus he averaged 6.0 YPC. H is a terrific receiver, and he scares Defenses when he is out in the open field. The last thing a D-Coordinator wants to see is Johnson catching the ball on a Swing pass or a Screen. Caught 37 passes for 528 yards and 6 TDs as a Senior. Do to lack of size, he would be best served to shard duties, or worst case scenario a 3rd Down Back,  but either way he is a game changing back with the speed that scares defenses. 

9.1

41

Tracy Porter- 5-11, 185, 4.4

CB

Indiana

Reminds me of Assante Samuel. Exceptional athlete. Terrific feet. Smooth in and out of breaks. terrific hips, can twist out of his backpedal  with the grace of an angel. has 16 career INTs at Indiana, including 6 as a Senior. Hast to learn to play harder and with more physicality. He demonstrated he understood he needed to be tougher as a Senior, and played with more passion and physicality. The more I watch him the more I like him. 

9.1

42

Anthony Collins- 6-5, 315      

OT

Kansas 

Is a good athlete who plays with good power. Sometimes looks stiff and unnatural. All-American Tackle. Needs to bend his knees with more consistency. When he bends at the waist he can be stood up and tossed aside. 

9.1

43

Curtis Lofton- 6' 235, 4.6 

ILB

Oklahoma 

Thumper. Best hitter in the draft. Down hill Inside Linebacker with great Production. Last season he has 157 Tackles, 10.5 TFL, 1 Sack, 5 PBU, and 3 INTs. Lack of height will hurt him, but he take on O-Guards better then expect. Terrific in pass coverage, maybe just the Player the Pats are looking for. A little tight, doesn't always look natural changing direction.

9.0

44

Martellus Bennett- 6-6, 248, 4.7          

TE

Texas A&M

A converted basketball player with great hands and can really block. Man have him as the top TE in the Draft. First in a long line of pumped-up Wide Receivers.

9.0

45

Andre Caldwell- 5-11, 190, 4.31

WR

Florida 

Track guy playing WR. Has great speed and can separate from anyone. Dominated the Senior Bowl Practices, and made every CB look foolish except McKelvin. However, constant failure of Florida WRs has to worry GMs. A buyer beware player. 

9.0

46

DeJaun Morgan- 6.25, 203, 4.53, 21 Reps, 37.5", 10'

S

N. Carolina ST

A player who is moving up. Strong in the Run, and some think he can play some Nickel Corner.

9.0

47

Andre Woodson- 6-5, 225

QB

Kentucky  

I don't think he is deserving of a First Round Pick. In fact, I think I would take Flacco over him right now. He lacks natural quickness in a position that thinking, acting, and reacting quickly is paramount. But, he does have an impressive arm strength and production. So you have to think a team will take a shot at him in the First Round.