Underclassmen likely to "make" this draft.

by MattMiller on Nov 29, 2007 1:38 PM EST in 2008 NFL Draft Comment 7 comments

To take a quick look at the senior class entering the 2008 NFL Draft is, well, depressing. This class has depth at the quarterback , wide receiver, offensive tackle and defensive tackle positions but leaves much to be desired at running back, cornerback, defensive end and linebacker.

As with any draft class, the early entry of juniors and redshirt sophomores will largely contribute to the overall talent of the class. Here is a look at the best senior versus the top underclassman at each position.

Quarterback
Senior: Brian Brohm (top 5)
UC: Chase Holbrook (2nd round)

Running Back
Senior: Tashard Choice (1st round)
UC: Darren McFadden (top 5)

Wide Receiver
Senior: Limas Sweed (1st round)
UC: Malcolm Kelly (top 10)

Tight End
Senior: Martin Rucker (top 20)
UC: Travis Beckum (1st-2nd round)

Tackle
Senior: Jake Long (top 5)
UC: Michael Oher (1st round)

Guard
Senior: Shannon Tevaga (2nd round)
UC: George Robinson (1st round)

Center
Senior: Adam Spieker (2nd round)
UC: Jonathan Luigs (2nd round)

Defensive End
Senior: Chris Long (top 5)
UC: Calais Campbell (top 15)

Defensive Tackle
Senior: Glenn Dorsey (top 5)
UC: Marlon Favorite (1st round)

Outside Linebacker
Senior: Keith Rivers (top 10)
UC: Sean Lee (2nd round)

Inside Linebacker
Senior: Dan Connor (top 20)
UC: James Lauranitis (1st-2nd Round)

Cornerback
Senior: Antoine Cason (top 10)
UC: Malcolm Jenkins (top 10)

Safety
Senior: Quintin Demps (2nd Round)
UC: Kenny Phillips (1st Round)

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Comments

DEs

Is Calais Campbell still worth a top 15 pick? He's been pretty disappointing this season, though he's still got talent.

by AndrewC on Nov 29, 2007 2:37 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Campbell..

I think based on his athleticism and the relative lack of starting caliber DEs in this class, Campbell could go as high as top 15.

We have to consider that Washington, Jacksonville, St. Louis, Cincinnati and New Orleans may be drafting a DE in the first round.

www.newerascouting.com www.mockingthedraft.com

by MattMiller on Nov 29, 2007 2:40 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Since I'd love for the Steelers to take some OL

Where do you have Steve Justice rated as a center? He's been rated very high on nearly every ranking I've seen.

Also how much do you see Eric Young's (TEN) injury effecting his draft status?

www.behindthesteelcurtain.com

by cgolden on Nov 29, 2007 2:55 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Centers

I am not as high on Justice as others, as I prefer Adam Spieker and Doug Legursky at this point. I have Justice ranked 4th right now on my personal list, while we have him ranked 5th overall at New Era Scouting. Justice is a very athletic center though, and we've started to see an odd trend of centers becoming pulling blockers in a lot of NFL run schemes. I could see Justice being a very good pick up in the 4th round for an NFL team. Although, I could also see him testing very well at the Combine and moving up the charts.

Eric Young's injury really hurts him, but we were not that high on him pre-injury. I have not been a fan of Young, as he seems more like a system player and does not excel any one thing. Duane Brown from Virginia Tech is a tackle to keep your eye on, as it Jeff Otah from Pitt.

www.newerascouting.com www.mockingthedraft.com

by MattMiller on Nov 29, 2007 3:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

good stuff, thanks

www.behindthesteelcurtain.com

by cgolden on Nov 30, 2007 10:54 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

The best zone blocking center?

Denver's 14 year veteran Tom Nalen (Undrafted Rookie Free Agent) went on the IR and his most likely replacement, LG Ben Hamilton (4th round), has been on IR since training camp with a concussion. Hamilton's future seems cloudy right now. Chris Myers (2005, 6th round) has been doing good, but this would be a good time to start developing another center.

Seems like investing a 4th-7th round pick on a center would be a good investment for a line that needs some depth.

Thanks for making this site, good job!

by Arctic Bronco on Dec 1, 2007 4:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs