Underclassmen in the 2008 NFL Draft

January 22, 2008

This years NFL draft is full of young underclassmen that are saying good-bye to their final year of college. While all have the chance to become NFL stars, there are a few that stand out and are ready to make instant impacts in next years regular season. We are going to break down each position and list the players in the order from the best to the worst. Keep in mind that this is based on how we think they will perform in the NFL, not how good they were in college.

OFFENSE

Running Back

1. Darren McFadden, Arkansas – A lock for a top five pick, has all the tools to be great.
2. Jamal Stewart, Oregon – Should be second back off the board, it won’t be long till he is starting on Sundays.
3. Jamaal Charles, Texas – We have him higher than some, but his ability to take a heavy workload and consistently produce each week makes him dangerous.
4. Felix Jones, Arkansas – Time for him to make a name for himself and get out of McFadden’s shadow
5. Rashard Mendenhall, Illinois – Explosive Big Ten back that has produced well against tough opponents.
6. Ray Rice, Rutgers – Not sure if he is NFL ready, we could be wrong on this one.
7. Kevin Smith, Central Florida – Great numbers could be a big surprise in a few years.
8. Steve Slaton, West Virginia – We think his size will play a big role, but a great crop of RBs in this year’s draft hurts him.
9. James Davis, Clemson – Not sure why he is giving up another year of eligibility.

Wide Receiver

1. DeSean Jackson, California - Should make an instant impact, as long as he doesn’t go to the Bears.
2. Malcom Kelly, Oklahoma – If drafted on the right team could have big year.
3. Mario Manningham, Michigan – Might have best upside out of the group.
4. James Hardy – Indiana – At 6’7 and the ability to catch the ball has every team looking at him.
5. Ryan Grice-Mullen, Hawaii – Maybe the next Wes Welker.
6. Adrian Arrington, Michigan – His bowl game performance has teams looking twice.
7. Earl Bennett, Vanderbilt – Will struggle to translate college game to pros.
8. Davone Bess, Hawaii – Good make living as a return specialist.
9. Darius Reynaud, West Virginia – His stock is probably at its highest.
10. Taj Smith, Syracuse – Should have stayed for another season.
11. Mario Urrutia, Louisville – Another one we just don’t understand what they are thinking.

Quarterback

1. Xavier Lee, Florida State – Don’t expect his name to be called.

Tight End

1. Martellus Bennett, Texas A&M - Has to be more productive in the red zone.
2. Jermichael Finley, Texas – Should be average, but stock could of jumped if he came back.

Offensive Line

1. Ryan Clady, Boise State – Should be a lock for a top 10 pick
2. Anthony Collins, Kansas – Won’t go in the first round, but many teams could use his services.
3. Michael Oher, Mississippi – Don’t expect to remember his name in five years.
4. Branden Albert, Virginia – Late round pick, that needs a few years to develop.

DEFENSE

Defensive Line

1. Vernon Gholston, Ohio State – Many teams are dying for this kids defensive ability.
2. Calais Campbell, Miami (FL) – Anther great talent off the end who should cause problems for many quarterbacks.
3. Pat Sims, Auburn – While he isn’t Glen Dorsey, he is a great defensive tackle
4. Derrick Harvey, Florida - Stock could of went up with another year on a very good Florida team
5. Phillip Merling, Clemson – Should of stayed and hoped for a break out year at Clemson

Linebacker

1. Curtis Lofton, Oklahoma – Another young stud coming from the Sooners, shouldn’t be long till he is making big plays.
2. Geno Hayes, Florida State – I really like this guy easily could have been 1.
3. Erin Henderson, Maryland – A force at linebacker that’s teams are looking for.
4. Lamar Myles, Louisville - The only good thing about Louisville’s defense last year.

Cornerback

1. Aqib Talib, Kansas – One of the best corners if not the best in the draft.
2. Reggie Smith, Oklahoma – Should be a shut down corner very shortly.
3. Jack Ikegwuonu, Wisconsin – Another great talent who will be a starter soon.
4. Brandon Flowers, Virginia Tech - Has a good upside but isn’t quite as good as the top 3 here.
5. Justin King, Penn State – Could be a few years before you hear his name if you ever do.

Safety

1. Kenny Phillips, Miami (FL) – Has everything to be the next big thing at safety.

Is there anyone you think will be a star or a total dud out of this group? If so leave a comment and let’s hear about it.

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Underclassmen in the 2008 NFL Draft

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