2008 NFL draft: Ranking the top 100

By Jeff Legwold, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published April 18, 2008 at 6 a.m.

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The Rocky has watched the videos, crunched the numbers, surveyed scouts and personnel executives throughout the league over the past six months to determine the top 100 prospects, regardless of position or team needs in the selection order, available in this year’s draft. Here are the top 100.

1. Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU

Height: 6-1 1/2; Weight: 297

Some have concerns about an old stress fracture in his right leg, but he still collected most of the trophies on defense in ’07, played 52 career games with 31 starts and dominated in virtually all of those. A captain on a national championship team who played hurt and beat enough double- and triple-teams for back-to-back 60-tackle seasons. Even on a sore knee in ’07 — he was chop-blocked illegally by an Auburn guard – he was simply unblockable at times. Dorsey won the Nagurski, Lott and Outland trophies and Lombardi award in 2007.

“You want to be that guy that gets his name called first,” Dorsey said. “You want to set yourself up to go as high as possible. That would be a dream. That is the ultimate goal.”

2. Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State

Height: 6-3; Weight: 266

Speed — a 4.67 40 electronically timed — and power — he benched 225 pounds 37 times to lead all defensive linemen at the combine — make him the best pass rusher on the board. Had 211/2 sacks in last two seasons combined.

3. Chris Long, DE, Virginia

Height: 6-3; Weight: 272

The Atlantic Coast Conference’s Defensive Player of the Year in ’07 with 14 sacks. Has been groomed by father — Hall of Famer Howie — and his technique, especially his hands to free himself from blockers, is the best in the class.

4. Jake Long, T, Michigan

Height: 6-7; Weight: 313

Won Big Ten offensive lineman of the year award in back-to-back seasons, even beating Joe Thomas and Levi Brown — both top five picks — to do it in ’06. Surrendered just two sacks in last 25 starts and played both tackle spots for Wolverines. A few teams have him as the No. 1 player on the board.

5. Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas

Height: 6-1 1/4; Weight: 211

There are some off-the-field concerns and a toe injury — it was hanging by tendons before an ’06 surgery — has probably been underestimated by some. But explosive on the field, with the kind of big-play potential that will make someone take the plunge early.

McFadden is the top player on several teams’ boards around the league.

“I feel like I’m a very versatile player,” McFadden said. “I can go out there and line up at receiver, I can line up in the backfield and block, line up back there and run, I can throw a pass if you need me to. But like if I had to, I could play defense.”

6. Sedrick Ellis, DT, Southern Cal

Height: 6-0 1/2; Weight: 309

Coveted because he plays a big-man game with small-guy quickness. Dominated at the Senior Bowl workouts and had 8 1/2 sacks to go with 12 1/2 tackles for loss in ’07 playing from the inside. Understands how to get rid of blockers and has the speed to close things down when he does.

7. Keith Rivers, LB, Southern Cal

Height: 6-2 1/4; Weight: 241

Easily at the top of what is a weak class overall at the position. Has had surgery on each ankle, so that concerns some, but sees the play well and closes to ball with a fluid stride. Not a remember-when hitter, but a sure tackler who gets the guy on the ground.

8. Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon

Height: 5-10 1/4; Weight: 235

Recent toe surgery should cause some to take pause, but if he recovers as expected this is a potential rushing champion. Ran consistent 4.4s in his 40s despite being one of the biggest backs on the board. Bench-pressed 410 pounds at Oregon, the program’s best ever for a running back.

9. Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois

Height: 5-10 1/8; Weight: 225

If a 79-yard TD run to go with a dump-off pass he turned into a 55-yard play can launch a guy into the top 10, then he did just that by running away — on both plays — from several NFL-worthy defenders with Southern Cal in the Rose Bowl.

10. Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville

Height: 6-2 7/8; Weight: 230

No, it’s not a misprint, this is the best pro-QB-in-waiting in this class. The difference is accuracy. Brohm hits guys in stride, and in a catch-and-run league, that’s how a quarterback moves the chains and gets an offense down the field. He puts the ball in frame and never completed fewer than 63.6 percent of his passes in his career.

11. Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy, 5-10 1/4, 190

Could be too good a position player to let him do what he does best — return kicks and punts. Took seven punts and one kickoff back for TDs in his career.

12. Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College, 6-4 3/4, 228

Most teams have him as top passer on the board. Was 25-7 as a starter and plays with an unflappable air. Had six games in ’07 with at least 50 attempts.

13. Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida, 6-4 5/8, 271

Won’t be 22 until November. Came out as a junior after 18 career starts. Has a huge reach and plays hard. Had 30 tackles for loss in past two years.

14. Ryan Clady, T, Boise State, 6-6 1/8, 309

Arrived at college as a defensive lineman and exited as a junior and one of the best left tackle prospects on the board. Started last 26 games on the left side.

15. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee State, 6-1 1/2, 184

Some question his competition, but he dominated whoever was in front of him. Speed, quickness and top-shelf change of direction. Blocked four kicks in ’07.

16. Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida, 5-10 1/4, 197

Could get pushed down board after arrest in March on charges of disorderly conduct, obstructing an officer. Cover-2 teams will be looking to grab him.

17. Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State, 6-1 7/8, 216

Just two seasons of major college football and only one with more than six catches. Big-time returner/receiver who led Big Ten in all-purpose yardage in ’07.

18. Jeff Otah, T, Pittsburgh, 6-6, 322

Proficient in run game and plays with good balance. Some scouts wonder about practice habits, but still has plenty of upside.

19. Limas Sweed, WR, Texas, 6-3 7/8, 215

Started 39 consecutive games to close career. Plenty of big-play potential, with nine career catches of at least 40 yards, 19 of at least 30.

20. Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas, 5-10 1/8, 207

Led Division I-A with average of 8.7 yards per carry. Also a front-line kick returner.

21. Chris Williams, T, Vanderbilt, 6-6, 315

Started last 24 games at left tackle. Some scouts grumble game doesn’t seem important enough to him, but he has footwork of a potential long-time starter.

22. Branden Albert, G, Virginia, 6-5 5/8, 309

Played three seasons for Cavaliers, started in all three. Good enough athlete to have drawn interest from several schools as a basketball player.

23. Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson, 6-4 1/4, 276

Coaches have told some scouts he needs to consistently be given challenges to maintain focus, energy. But a quality edge rusher always draws interest.

24. Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas, 6-0 3/4, 202

Physically, has the skills, but some question his maturity at the moment. But big corners always move up the board on draft day, and so will he.

25. James Hardy, WR, Indiana, 6-5 3/8, 217

Makes plays in the red zone — he had 36 touchdown catches in his three seasons — and consistently performed against defenses designed to slow him.

26. Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina, 6-4, 308

Started more than six games in a season only once in his career but was a powerful run stuffer this past season who explodes off the ball.

27. Chris Johnson, RB, East Carolina, 5-11, 197

Rank might be a little high, because he doesn’t always avoid contact. Had neck surgery but is one of the fastest players on the board who also can return kicks.

28. Kenny Phillips, S, Miami, 6-2 1/4, 212

Has all the measurables of a big-time safety, but some scouts were wanting more. Leads a weak class, and enough teams have a need to take him early.

29. Gosder Cherilus, T, Boston College, 6-6 3/8, 314

Struggled some at left tackle in ’07 after three years on the right, but he’s a big-framed lineman who plays with a fierce edge and is expected to get stronger.

30. Jerod Mayo, LB, Tennessee, 6-1 1/4, 242

Of the inside linebackers who ran at the combine, he was the fastest — a 4.54 40 on the electronic clock. Smart, a strong personality and he finishes tackles.

31. Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma, 6-3 3/4, 224

Didn’t run as well as expected in predraft workouts; had knee surgery after ’06 season. Still, many like potential because of size, ability to run after the catch.

32. DeSean Jackson, WR, California, 5-9 3/4, 169

Twenty-three percent of 226 touches went for at least 20 yards. Big-play threat on offense and in the return game, but size leads to questions about durability.

33. Fred Davis, TE, Southern Cal, 6-3, 255

Started at USC as WR but didn’t get in and out of breaks quick enough. Led team in every major receiving category in ’07, the first TE to do that there since ’85.

34. Quentin Groves, DE, Auburn, 6-3, 259

Some see an outside LB in a 3-4 look, but he gets to the QB. Missed two games in ’07 with dislocated toes and missed the Senior Bowl with a shoulder injury.

35. Jamaal Charles, RB, Texas, 5-11, 200

Explosive player, averaged just over 20 yards on 36 career TDs. Has what scouts call “long speed,” and finished second in the 100 at the Big 12 track meet in ’07.

36. Calais Campbell, DE, Miami, 6-7 3/4, 290

Denver South grad who went from a monster year in ’06 — 80 tackles, 10 sacks and 20 tackles for loss — to a 50-tackle, six-sack year in ’07.

37. Sam Baker, T, Southern Cal, 6-4 5/8, 309

Arrived on campus as a guard but switched to tackle before the ’04 season and was a four-year starter. Technician who usually is doing the right thing.

38. Kevin Smith, RB, Central Florida, 6-1 1/8, 217

Rushed for 2,567 yards on a knee-buckling 450 carries in ’07. Had 149 yards and two TDs vs. Texas, a game that has been revisited by the teams looking at him.

39. Martellus Bennett, TE, Texas A&M, 6-6 1/8, 259

Though he didn’t play in a consistent passing offense, most teams believed he was the top TE for much of ’07. Led team in receiving in ’07, with 49 catches.

40. Curtis Lofton, LB, Oklahoma, 6-0, 246

Won’t turn 22 until June. Started 19 games in his career but made the most of them. Finished ’07 with 152 tackles; was Big 12’s defensive player of the year.

41. Dan Connor, LB, Penn State, 6-2 3/8, 231

Set school’s tackle mark (419); had back-to-back years with at least 113. Some teams rate him just below ex-teammate Paul Posluszny, the 34th pick in ’07.

42. Eddie Royal, WR, Virginia Tech, 5-9 5/8, 184

Undersized but has speed (4.39 at the combine) and is one of the most explosive returners. Averaged 13.2 and 14.7 yards per punt return the past two years.

43. Joe Flacco, QB, Delaware, 6-6 3/8, 236

Probably has strongest arm in QB class, but has been a starter for only two seasons after transferring from Pitt. Set 20 school records.

44. Justin King, CB, Penn State, 5-10 7/8, 192

First Nittany Lions player to enter the draft early since LaVar Arrington in 2000. Reliable off the field and one of the fastest players timed in predraft workouts.

45. Brandon Flowers, CB, Virginia Tech, 5-9 3/4, 189

Some quibble with his size, but he plays a tough game. Will get up and press a receiver and also is more than willing to make a play in the run game.

46. Lawrence Jackson, DE, Southern Cal, 6-4 1/4, 271

Some players work out better, but this guy is just a ballplayer. Four-year starter and a two-time All-Pacific-10 player who finished his career with 30 1/2 sacks.

47. Chilo Rachal, G, Southern Cal, 6-5, 315

He plays with power and moves easily downfield to a second block after making the first. Many teams have him as the second guard off the board.

48. Brad Cottam, TE, Tennessee, 6-7 1/2, 270

One of the biggest TEs at the combine and one of the fastest. Never started more than six games, but draft often is more about potential than production.

49. Earl Bennett, WR, Vanderbilt, 5-11 1/2, 209

Some are bigger, some are stronger, some a little faster, but Bennett left one of the toughest conferences in the country as the all-time leading receiver.

50. Duane Brown, T, Virginia Tech, 6-4 1/8, 315

Moved from TE 17 days before start of ’05 season and started at T since. Power and enough quickness to join on punt coverage; blocked field-goal try in ’07.

51. DaJuan Morgan, S, North Carolina State, 6-0 1/8, 205

Watching him play, you don’t see many mistakes. Played both safety spots in ’07 and topped 80 tackles in each of the past two years.

52. Ray Rice, RB, Rutgers, 5-8, 199

Some concerned about size, but he was a durable college player, with two years of at least 335 carries and had six games with at least 175 yards rushing in ’07.

53. Andre Caldwell, WR, Florida, 6-0 1/4, 204

Hasn’t always played to the level of his physical abilities, but did play in 53 games for the Gators, making 35 career starts.

54. Donnie Avery, WR, Houston, 5-11, 192

Ran on an injured leg at the combine and still put up a 4.49 on the electronic clock. Tough, a little raw, but plays hard. Also a kickoff returner.

55. Pat Sims, DT, Auburn, 6-2 1/8, 310

Teams will make a decision on his potential. Played only two seasons in college and was only full-time starter in one. Some wonder about his effort at times.

56. Trevor Laws, DT, Notre Dame, 6-0 3/4, 304

Played DT three seasons for the Irish and DE in ’07. Plays with the balance and power expected from a former prep All-American in wrestling.

57. Early Doucet, WR, LSU, 6-0 1/8, 209

Has size, speed and explosiveness, but the question is why he averaged only 9.2 yards a catch in ’07. Had injuries in ’07, but some expected more from him.

58. Tavares Gooden, LB, Miami, 6-1 1/4, 234

Played all three LB spots, starting in the middle in ’07 — his only year as the full-time starter. Needs some work in his pass drops. Had shoulder surgery in ’05.

59. Bryan Kehl, LB, Brigham Young, 6-2 1/4, 242

Smart guy who has risen on board recently. A leader, and has shown explosiveness and quickness. Had 191/2 tackles for loss in two seasons as starter.

60. Chad Henne, QB, Michigan, 6-2 7/8, 230

Tough guy; played with a dislocated shoulder in ’07. Holds school marks for completions, attempts, yards and TD passes. Threw for 373 yards in final game.

61. Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona, 6-0 1/4, 191

Started all 46 games he played in, finished with 15 career interceptions even when teams tried to avoid him. Some might tinker with making him a S.

62. Jason Jones, DE, Eastern Michigan, 6-5, 260

Played tight end as a true freshman before being moved to DE in ’05. An upfield player with a big reach; had 371/2 tackles for loss in past two years combined.

63. Clifford Avril, DE, Purdue, 6-2 7/8, 253

Played outside LB and defensive end in his career. Still raw; needs a bigger variety of rush moves. Also, has missed time with back pain in two seasons.

64. Jeremy Zuttah, T, Rutgers, 6-3 3/8, 303

In the deepest year at the position in decades, was the only tackle at the combine to run a sub-5.0 40. Started at both guard and both tackle spots for Rutgers.

65. Chris Ellis, DE, Virginia Tech, 6-4 1/4, 263

Three-year starter who has speed, quickness. Plays a little undisciplined — Tech coach Frank Beamer used to punish him for personal-foul penalties.

66. Charles Godfrey, CB, Iowa, 5-11 3/4, 207

Played safety and cornerback for the Hawkeyes. Tackles well and strong enough to play aggressively when it’s needed. Had five interceptions in ’07.

67. Tyrell Johnson, S, Arkansas State, 5-11 7/8, 207

Four-year starter who missed only one game. Was Sun Belt Conference defensive player of the year; league’s all-time leading tackler.

68. Anthony Collins, T, Kansas, 6-5, 317

Started on right side in ’06 and moved to left in ’07. Likely a right tackle in NFL. Played well enough in ’07, even his coaches advised him to enter draft early.

69. Matt Forté, RB, Tulane, 6-1 3/8, 217

Exploded in ’07, finishing with 2,127 yards rushing, with two 300-yard rushing games. Works hard; had at least 20 receptions in each of his four seasons.

70. Xavier Adibi, LB, Virginia Tech, 6-1 3/4, 232

Better athlete than player right now; misses too many tackles because he doesn’t square up to target. In shallow class of LBs, he’ll move up because of speed.

71. Dustin Keller, TE, Purdue, 6-2, 242

A little undersized but has some of the best speed and explosiveness available at position. Had two seasons of at least 50 catches and has high-jumped 6-10.

72. Mike Pollak, C, Arizona State, 6-3 1/2, 301

Finished with 31 consecutive starts. Doesn’t have initial pop of others off ball but has shown some potential for power game. Smart, with good athleticism.

73. Jordy Nelson, WR, Kansas State, 6-2 5/8, 217

A former defensive back who didn’t play receiver for KSU until the ’05 season. Set 11 school records in ’07, including 122 catches and eight 100-yard games.

74. Oniel Cousins, T, Texas-El Paso, 6-3 3/4, 308

A former DT who then started games at left and right tackles on offense. Plays with balance, has good feet and approaches the game with passion.

75. Peyton Hillis, FB, Arkansas, 6-0 3/4, 240

Can do a little of everything, having played several positions in college, including punt returner. Also a big-time coverage player in the kicking game.

76. John Carlson, TE, Notre Dame, 6-5 1/8, 251

With the Irish’s struggles along the offensive line in ’07, often had to stay in as an extra pass protector. Smart player who is a consistent route runner.

77. Josh Morgan, WR, Virginia Tech, 6-0 1/4, 219

Returned punts and kickoffs. Blocked two kicks in ’06. Still raw as a receiver, but his 40 1/2-inch vertical jump is among the best on the board.

78. Tyvon Branch, S, Connecticut, 5-11 3/8, 204

Played corner , but most teams see him at safety. Strong and plays well in traffic. Won 60-meter dash at National Indoor Track Championships in high school.

79. Dre Moore, DT, Maryland, 6-4, 305

Fastest DT to run at the combine. A late bloomer, so teams see the athleticism with plenty of potential. Showed well in one-on-ones at the Senior Bowl.

80. John David Booty, QB, Southern Cal, 6-2 3/8, 218

Long injury history includes surgery to repair herniated disk in ’06. But knows how to run offense; throws with accuracy. Threw a TD pass in 22 of 23 starts.

81. Martin Rucker, TE, Missouri, 6-4 7/8, 251

Better down field right now than in the run game. But kept busy in offense, with three seasons of at least 47 catches; had 84 receptions and eight TDs in ’07.

82. Bryan Smith, DE/LB, McNeese State, 6-2 3/8, 231

Some not sure where to play him and wish his speed was better (4.75 at combine); but had 45 1/2 tackles for loss and 24 sacks combined the past two years.

83. Joseph “Red” Bryant, DT, Texas A&M, 6-4 1/8, 318

Four-year starter who was on team’s leadership council all four seasons. Worked out well. Had surgery to repair right anterior cruciate ligament in ’06.

84. Patrick Lee, CB, Auburn, 6-0, 200

Good size, good speed and played in a power conference. Started at least four games in three seasons. Needs to use speed more and grab less in coverage.

85. Mike McGlynn, G, Pittsburgh, 6-4 1/4, 311

Played RT much of the time, but some offensive line coaches see a guard. Plenty of experience, having played in 47 games and started 41. Can also long snap.

86. Tracy Porter, CB, Indiana, 5-10 7/8, 188

Turned a 4.37 40 electronically at combine and competes in coverage. Plays and practices hard and mirrors receiver well. Also, bounces back from mistakes.

87. Steve Justice, C, Wake Forest, 6-3 3/8, 293

As redshirt, he volunteered to be scout team center. And 38 starts there later, the only player in the league on more All-American teams in ’07 was Chris Long.

88. Tony Hills, T, Texas, 6-5 1/8, 309

Hasn’t been able to work out after missing last two games in ’07 with fractured leg. Had a torn ACL in high school. Played 42 games, starting his last 24.

89. Tashard Choice, RB, Georgia Tech, 5-10 1/2, 215

Oklahoma transfer is durable and runs hard. Was league rushing champion in back-to-back seasons. Had nine consecutive 100-yard games in ’06.

90. Jordon Dizon, LB, Colorado, 5-11 7/8, 229

Started 47 games at CU. And while scouts wonder about his size and ability to stay healthy over the long haul, he makes plays all over the field.

91. Carl Nicks, T, Nebraska, 6-4 7/8, 341

Played in junior college and at New Mexico State before transferring. Some movement skills, but needs technique work after becoming DL at Nebraska.

92. Thomas DeCoud, S, California, 6-1 3/8, 207

A quality athlete, but more consistency needed. Projects as free safety. Also has special-teams value, with six blocked kicks in career.

993. Marcus Henry, WR, Kansas, 6-3 5/8, 207

Comes with caveat — he produced at high level in only one season. Had more catches, yards receiving and TDs in ’07 than in his first three seasons combined.

94. Philip Wheeler, LB, Georgia Tech, 6-1 7/8, 248

Played the middle much of the time. Productive and excels in blitz situations; had 34 tackles for loss combined in three years as starter.

95. Lavelle Hawkins, WR, California, 5-11, 187

Better player than athlete. Catches everything, and was one of the best players at the Senior Bowl. Also returned kickoffs.

96. Marcus Harrison, DT, Arkansas, 6-2 3/4, 317

Some concerns about a drug arrest he has dealt with in a pretrial intervention program. Also, had ACL surgery last April. Speed and power at end and tackle.

97. Kory Lichtensteiger, C/G, Bowling Green, 6-2 1/4, 298

Four-year starter in spread attack — two at guard, two at center. Smart, keeps looking for someone to block and never gives up on a play.

98. Kellen Davis, TE, Michigan State, 6-6 1/2, 262

A big-time athlete — the only player on the board with 32 catches on offense and two sacks as a nickel rusher on defense.

99. Keenan Burton, WR, Kentucky, 6-0 1/2, 201

Most teams consider him a high-character player who runs a 4.49 40. Has had wrist and foot surgeries but led league in TD catches in ’06, with 12.

100. Mike Hart, RB, Michigan, 5-8 7/8, 206

The criticisms have come — too many carries, too much wear and tear, too little speed, too light — but he’s a proven, no-maintenance player.

• April 18, 2008

  7:37 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  dilligaf writes:

  Although I can understand why the broncos will probably take a OT (Ryan Glady) but if for some reason if Sedrick Ellis slips to them he would be hard to pass up.

• April 18, 2008

  9:52 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  Spencer writes:

  I'd love to see the Broncos take Stewart.

• April 18, 2008

  11:22 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  Broncolovinduck writes:

  Anyone who takes J-Stew won't be disappointed

• April 18, 2008

  11:35 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  broncsbuffshomer28 writes:

  Brohm no. 10? what?

• April 18, 2008

  12:04 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  spencerr writes:

  Running backs are the least of their problems though. They need OTs and players who can help them stop the run...pretty much everything on defense except cornerbacks.

• April 18, 2008

  10:18 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  broncsbuffshomer28 writes:

  get a real job legwod you are a dumba**

• April 19, 2008

  2:07 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Broncos4Life writes:

  It's a sad story when all of the local colleges could'nt produce a single player for this top 100 list.

• April 20, 2008

  5:22 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  fmikey writes:

  Broncos4Life - Jordan Dizon at 90?

• April 21, 2008

  10:58 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  MikeaLoeb writes:

  Missing from the list is Beau Bell (ILB) from UNLV. He was a projected 2nd round pick before he was injured in Senior Bowl practices... he missed the combine. Bell can flat out play. Anyone who has seen UNLV play in the MWC the last several years knows Beau Bell is always around the ball. The Broncos would be hard pressed to pass up on Bell if he were to slip to the second day. I think he could fill the whole that was left when we released Al Wison.

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