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It's the prime of NFL Draft season, football die-hards. Tis' the season when Big Boards make their presence known. Here's my crack at identifying the top 10 prospects for this April's go-round...

2008 NFL Draft: Top 10 Prospects

by will schmidley (Analyst)

378

12524 reads

Sports

March 04, 2008

Football, NFL, 2008 NFL Draft

It's the prime of NFL Draft season, football die-hards. Tis' the season when Big Boards make their presence known. Here's my crack at identifying the top 10 prospects for this April's go-round.

 

1. Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas

I recently wrote en extensive article singing the praises of "DMac" that can be found here.

The short of it is that DMac succeeded under difficult circumstances at Arkansas, particularly this past year.

When considering this, along with gaining an appreciation for his rare athleticism and physical skills, I can't understand why he could be anywhere but No. 1 on anyone's big board.

Most Likely Destination: Jets, No. 6 pick. One of the best bargains in recent draft history if it happens.

 

2. Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU

Lately there have been concerns voiced over the litany of Dorsey's lingering injuries\health problems.

While I don't question the relevance of such inquiries, I'm inclined to let Dorsey's explosive, dominating play trump said health concerns in considering where he ranks among this year's elite talents.

He's got rare quickness and disruptive ability for a DT, and he may be the best prospect at his position we've seen in a while.

Most Likely Destination: Raiders, No. 4 pick. Anyone else think Glenn Dorsey would look exceedingly intimidating in Silver and Black? I sure do.

 

3. Jake Long, OT, Michigan

Long is a classic top drawer tackle prospect.

Though he doesn't project as well as last year's premier offensive lineman, Joe Thomas, does, he still seems like a lock to offer great edge protection for years to come.

Most Likely Destination: Rams, No. 2 pick. If the Rams nab Long, their playoff woes may soon be over.

 

4. Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State

Gholston's draft profile offers not only excellent production, including a dismantling of Jake Long this past season, but also rare workout numbers and measurables.

He's exceptionally explosive off the edge with the ability to bull-rush effectively as a result of his fantastic upper-body strength (37 reps of 225 lbs—nuff' said).

Most Likely Destination: Pats, No. 7 pick. I don't even want to think about the Pats with the freak Gholston in the mix.

 

5. Chris Long, DE\OLB, Virginia

Chris is the son of Howie Long, former Raider and NFL Hall of Famer. Talk about an advantageous pedigree.

Long had an exceptional combine. He has the ability to play DE in a 4-3 or 3-4 scheme, and OLB in the 3-4 as well. Long is best known for his superb "motor," and he’s got some great strength and athleticism to go along with it.

It was difficult to drop Long below Gholston, but in the end it was Gholston's raw athleticism that rendered my decision.

Most Likely Destination: Dolphins, No. 1 pick. Not really surprising given Bill Parcells' infatuation with high-motor "football" players.

 

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comments (378) write a comment »

  1. Great article Will and glad to see you back on BR in full force. Some interesting picks and analysis here, but I just can't see Rivers in the top 10. After watching him extensively during his tenure at USC, I have to say he's not the type of playmaker that is going to translate well into the NFL. I could be wrong, but I would look out more for Rey Maualuga next year as the USC 'backer to follow in the footsteps of Junior Seau and Lofa Tatupu. Rivers will be a solid contributor, but I don't see him being a star. I'd peg him more for late first round, or even more likely somewhere in the second.

  2. Really? Wow. I never thought he was a can't miss guy but didn't think anyone thought Maualuga projects better. If that's the case, this class of LB's is shaping up to be a disappointing group

  3. Now I could be biased because I live in Illinois, but I would put Mendenhall at number 1. Ok, ok, I told you I am biased but I do like your choices. I could definitely see McFadden and Dorsey going 1 and 2. Amazing players. Football season just couldn't be long enough. I can't wait for the draft.

    P.S. I am interning for Bleacher Report so keep me posted on your articles and let me know if I can help out with anything!

    1. I like Mendenhall a good deal. He's a complete back with all the tools but I think his lack of "suddenness" will hurt him a bit...he's not one of those guys who's going to break down a lot of pursuit angles, even though his 40 was very good

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