By PSH Draft Team
Published: August 29, 2007 PrintEmail
Pigskin Heaven's own draft team takes a look at the top 15 eligible prospects for the 2008 draft.
1. Jake Long, OT, Michigan (42) - Big, athletic tackle from the Big Ten. Sound familiar? It should. Two of the past four drafts have featured top three tackles from Big Ten schools, and in 2008, Jake Long looks to join the likes of Robert Gallery (Iowa, 2004) and Joe Thomas (Wisconsin, 2007). Long's game is fundamentally sound, and he realistically could have been among the top 3-4 tackles off the board in 2007 had he entered the draft.
2. Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville (39) - Brian Brohm goes into his senior season as the top ranked quarterback in the upcoming draft, which means he'll really need to step it up to avoid the slips of Brady Quinn (23rd overall, 2007) and Matt Leinart (10th overall, 2006) before him. Brohm will be a three year starter (and saw significant action as a true freshman stealing away reps from Stefan LeFors) and has the experience you look for in a college quarterback to transition to the pros. Brohm also led Louisville to their first ever BCS bowl game this past season. Brohm has great arm strength, and shows a solid understanding of the game of football. He could be an elite NFL quarterback within 3-4 seasons of entering the pro game, and should be a top five pick come April.
3. Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas (36) - Darren McFadden is a big RB at 6'2 215 lbs with impressive speed for a man his size (he has been clocked running a 4.4 in the 40 yard dash). There is really nothing this kid can't do. He's a jack of all trades as a very gifted natural runner, a receiver out of the backfield, and on occasion as a passer. He's so gifted that the Razorbacks occasionally lined him up as the QB and allowed him to either do a QB draw, run an option, or pass. McFadden's a very smart player who is also a class act off the field.
4(t). Desean Jackson, WR, Cal (27) - The adjective 'explosive' simply does not do this man justice. He posesses a combination of sub-4.35 speed with incredible change of direction skills comparable to former Pac-10 star Reggie Bush. For a player as young, flashy, and flamboyant as Jackson is, he is a disciplined and polished route runner. Jackson is also a top-tier return man who will upgrade almost any NFL team's special teams. He possesses great hands and the athleticism to adjust to off target passes. Size and strength are the biggest concerns. Listed at 6'0'', that might be a tad generous. Jackson has showed toughness and resiliency, but can still get out muscled and taken out of the game by physical defensive backs. No transgressions to note, however flamboyant personality and extreme confidence may project to primadonna attitude once the big paychecks roll in. Comparable to Panthers Steve Smith.
4(t). Sam Baker, OT, USC (27) - Perhaps the most decorated offensive tackle in the draft, Baker will be entering this season as a 4th year starter for one of the most celebrated O-lines in the country over his tenure. He will have played left tackle all four years - two of which blindside protection - but may project as a right tackle in the NFL. Fundamentally sound, Baker does a good job of using angles, leverage, and footwork to fend of pass rushers and create holes in the run game. However, perhaps his biggest strength is his mobility and agility for a man his size. While a sound blocker all around, Baker is not nearly as explosive or athletic as one would expect from a top-tier lineman. Baker had a fantastic year, however it wasn't quite as dominant as the year prior, which is a cause for concern because it was his first in blindside protection. He showed chinks in his armor when he struggled mightily against the speedy edge rushers of UCLA. Concerns about his health have emerged as well, with Baker most recently opting for arthroscopic knee surgery this spring.
6. Calais Campbell, DE, Miami (25) - Is the next big thing at DE as an incoming Junior. At 6-8 275 pounds, Campbell has the frame to add some more bulk without losing any of his tremendous speed. Many scouts see him as a Julius Peppers type end. In only 13 starts Campbell has 13 sacks, 119 tackles (68 solo) and 26 tackles for loss. Was named all ACC defensive lineman as a sophomore.
7. Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU (23) - For a DT Dorsey isn’t the biggest guy in the world, but that isn’t his main strength. Considered more of a technician than a mauler, Dorsey was third on the team with 64 tackles, 8.5 for a loss and 3 sacks despite the fact that he was double-teamed on most plays. Dorsey in considered a very high-energy player and the guy who tries harder than anyone in practice. He is a preseason All-American in every national poll.
8. Frank Okam, DT, Texas (20) - A more prototypical DT prospect Okam has nearly every measurable out there at 6’5 320 he is tall enough to disrupt passing lanes and wide enough to clog running lanes. He is also very productive recording 38 tackles, 6 for a loss and 3 sacks. While these numbers aren’t as good as Dorsey’s Okam was normally triple teamed and was a star on a less talented line. Nearly half of his production came in the last 4 games of the season which seems to indicate a questionable motor.
9. Dan Connor, LB, Penn State (17) - Maybe the best line backing prospect coming into the season, Connor is making the move inside to run what is supposed to be a a very good Penn State defense. Connor was second on the team in tackles (113, Posluszny was first with 116). He also posses good size at 6’3 235 and has good strength. Joe Pa loves the “mean streak” and a “natural leader”. Connor finished the season with 43 solo tackles, 9 for a loss and 5 sacks.
10. Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona (16) - The epitome of a big play corner Cason posses the size, quickness and swagger to be a big time corner in the NFL. As a true freshman Cason started every game and recorded 70 tackles and 4 picks. His numbers have since dropped because teams have stopped throwing his way. Like most big play corners Cason has a tendency to get burned trying to make the big play, but that goes with the territory.
11. Keith Rivers, LB, USC (14) - The most non-descript of the heralded USC linebacker corps, Rivers has been a steady influence on the Trojan defense the past two seasons, leading them in tackles during that span. He possesses great instincts and a nose for the ball, but perhaps his greatest asset is his ability to excel in pass coverage. Rivers has had durability questions, with a number of small nagging injuries affecting his play. Physically, he is nothing extraordinary, nor is he ever spectacular on the field. Given those attributes, he projects as a solid starter, but short of anything great.
12. Kenny Phillips, S, Miami (12) - Widely considered to be the best safety prospect this year Phillips is a big DB at 6'3 210. As a sophomore last year Phillips was forth on the team with 71 tackles. In addition he had 4 picks (3 in one game!) 6 passes defended and 3 punt return TDs. Though he has the athletic ability and fluid hips to be a corner, Phillips is considered a big hitter and is very good against the run.
13(t). Earl Bennett, WR, Vanderbilt (7) - One of Commodore alum Jay Cutler's favorite targets as a senior, Bennett enters the 2007 campaign as the top receiver for Vandy and one of the more talented pass catchers in the SEC. Despite weakened quarterback play in 2006, Bennett managed to put up over 1100 yards and 6 scores, more than three times as many receiving yards as any other Commodore. At 6'1, 202 lbs., Bennett provides a big target with solid receiving ability.
13(t). Fred Davis, TE, USC (7) - While his numbers from last year don’t overwhelm, 38 catches for 352 yards and 3 TD’s, Davis seems poised to have a breakout season. At 6-4 250 pounds the receiver turned TE and high school basketball and track star, Davis figures to be one Booty’s favorite targets in the coming season. Having lost some of the receiving targets that have dominated the USC offense, Davis should finally step into his own.
15. James Laurinaitis, LB, Ohio State (5) - James Laurinaitis is a tough, instinctive linebacker who took over leadership of the Buckeye defense as a true sophomore, an accomplishment by any respect. Laurinaitis was the winner of the Bronco Nagurski award in 2006 for being the nation's top defensive player, and he's only going to get better.
