D-line, receivers go deep at draft
There is talent available but playmakers will be harder to find than in last
Published: April 24, 2009, 11:30 am
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The 2009 NFL draft is lacking the star power of previous years. There are potential stars, but no sure things.
That doesn't mean this draft is a dud: There is plenty of talent available.
You can get a difference maker, said NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock. The trick is being able to find them.
Only three quarterbacks are first-round caliber. After Georgia's Matthew Stafford, Southern California's Mark Sanchez and Kansas State's Josh Freeman are scooped up we might not see another signal caller taken on the first day.
The deepest position, on paper, is wide receiver. It is much better than a year ago when none was taken in the first round for the first time in 18 drafts. As many as six wideouts could be chosen in Round One today, with Texas Tech's Michael Crabtree and Missouri's Jeremy Maclin projected to go in the top 10.
Almost as deep is defensive line, particularly at end where Texas' Brian Orakpo, Penn State's Aaron Maybin, Florida State's Everette Brown and Tennessee's Robert Ayers are among the likely first-rounders. Boston College's B.J. Raji is the only guaranteed first-round D-tackle.
The linebacker group is enhanced by the large number of hybrid college defensive ends (including Orakpo, Maybin and Brown) who could transition to outside linebackers in 3-4 defenses. The best of the natural outside linebackers is Wake Forest's Aaron Curry, a projected top-five pick. But USC teammates Brian Cushing and Clay Matthews III won't be on the board much longer.
Depth is good at offensive tackle. It won't match the record eight first-rounders of a year ago, but six are projected as first-round picks. Baylor's Jason Smith, Virginia's Eugene Monroe, Alabama's Andre Smith and Mississippi's Michael Oher could be four of the first 10 selections. This draft also has some uncommon depth at center, but it is pretty thin at guard.
There could be as many as four running backs taken in the first round, but it falls off dramatically from there. Georgia's Knowshon Moreno and Ohio State's Chris Beanie Wells head the junior-dominated class.
Oklahoma State's Brandon Pettigrew is the only tight end expected to be a first-round draft pick, but there could be a run on good receiving tight ends in the second round.
A cornerback has not been drafted in the Top 10 since 2005. That drought will likely continue today. Ohio State's Malcolm Jenkins will be the first selected, though some scouts think he'll move to safety. Wake Forest's Alphonso Smith, Connecticut's Darius Butler and Illinois' Vontae Davis are other viable choices. Western Michigan's Louis Delmas is the top safety.
Here is a breakdown of the top players in eight categories (players in blue link to video), five on offense and three on defense: Quarterbacks | Running backs | Wide Receivers | Tight Ends | Offensive Linemen | Defensive Linemen | Linebackers | Defensive Backs
Quarterbacks
The Best
Matthew Stafford, Georgia, 6-2-1/4, 225 (below): Strong-armed junior could be top pick in the draft.
Mark Sanchez,
USC, 6-2, 227: Junior is
smart, accurate and has good pocket awareness.
Josh Freeman, Kansas State, 6-6, 248: Junior has Ben Roethlisberger-like size, arm strength and mobility.
The Rest
Pat White, West Virginia, 6-0, 197: Played in option offense, but has a nice arm to go with running ability.
Nate Davis, Ball State, 6-1-3/8, 226: Junior has NFL-caliber talent but must improve accuracy and decision-making.
Brian Hoyer, Michigan State, 6-2, 215: Poised pocket passer who must adjust to playing under center.
Stephen McGee, Texas A&M, 6-2-7/8, 225: Good athlete who needs more polish as a passer.
Rhett Bomar, Sam Houston State, 6-2-1/4, 225: Tough guy with arm strength, but mechanics need work.
Tom Brandstater, Fresno State, 6-5, 220: Tall passer with solid throwing mechanics and footwork.
Sleepers
Drew Willy, Buffalo, 6-3-1/8, 215: His intelligence, decision-making, toughness and leadership skills give him a chance to make it.
Hunter Cantwell, Louisville, 6-4-3/8, 235: Given time, he might develop into a serviceable player.
Running Backs
The Best
Knowshon Moreno, Georgia, 5-10, 217 (below): A physical runner with great vision, instincts and burst. He's also an excellent receiver.
Chris 'Beanie' Wells, Ohio State, 6-1, 235:
A big back who runs with power and has deceptive speed.
Donald Brown, Connecticut, 5-10, 210: 2008 NCAA rushing leader runs with the aggressiveness and toughness of a bigger back.
LeSean McCoy, Pittsburgh, 5-10, 198: He's a tough, durable playmaker who is quick and elusive.
The Rest
Shon Greene, Iowa, 5-10, 227: A between-the-tackles runner who hits the hole hard and breaks tackles.
Andre Brown, N.C. State, 6-0, 224: A big, physical back with good speed and receiving skills.
Mike Goodson, Texas A&M, 5-11, 212: Early entry could contribute as a versatile change of pace back.
Cedric Peerman, Virginia, 5-9, 214: Has excellent speed and his low center of gravity makes him hard to knock off his feet.
Rashad Jennings, Liberty, 6-1, 231: Big, physical back has power to run through tackles and quickness to avoid them.
James Davis, Clemson, 5-11, 217: No-nonsense runner with good vision and instincts.
Javon Ringer, Michigan State, 5-9, 205: Durable workhorse (843 career carries) runs hard between tackles.
Sleepers
Aaron Brown, Texas Christian, 6-1, 200: Has quickness and tackle-breaking ability to be a contributor at the pro level.
Chris Ogbonnaya, Texas, 5-11-3/4, 220: Former wide receiver might make it as a third-down back.
Wide Receivers
The Best
Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech, 6-1-1/2, 215: Despite questions of timed speed, he is prolific pass catcher with great hands, elite athleticism and ball skills.
Jeremy Maclin, Missouri, 6-0, 198: Dynamic
receiver and kick returner may be the most explosive offensive player in the draft.
Percy Harvin, Florida, 5-11-3/4, 194 (left): Multi-purpose talent could be a major difference-maker in the NFL with ability to score from anywhere on field.
Darrius Heyward-Bey, Maryland 6-1-5/8, 212: An emerging talent with good size and game- breaking speed.
Kenny Britt, Rutgers, 6-2, 218: Big, physical wideout has the athletic skills and attitude to operate anywhere on the field.
Hakeem Nicks, North Carolina, 6-0-3/4, 216: Polished route runner with tremendous hands and concentration.
The Rest
Brian Robiske, Ohio State, 6-2-7/8, 209: Underrated prospect has good hands and knows how to separate from defenders.
Juaquin Iglesias, Oklahoma, 6-0-7/8, 210: Could thrive in the NFL because of run-after-the- catch ability.
Mohamed Massaquoi, Georgia, 6-1-1/2, 210: Makes difficult catches and uses big body well to shield defenders.
Louis Murphy, Florida, 6-2-5/8, 203: Has good size and speed, but has to show more consistency.
Derrick Williams, Penn State, 5-11-1/2, 194: Has potential as a playmaking slot receiver.
Brandon Tate, North Carolina, 5-11-7/8, 183: Still recovering from midseason knee injury, but big-play receiving and return skills are worth waiting for.
Deon Butler, Penn State, 5-10, 180: Explosive speedster can stretch field vertically and is fearless going over middle.
Sleepers
Johnny Knox, Abilene Christian, 5-11-1/2, 185: Tremendous speed and production at the Division I-AA level make him an intriguing prospect.
Aaron Kelly, Clemson, 6-4-1/2, 200: Some team could benefit by polishing a player with considerable talent.
Mike Wallace, Mississippi, 6-0-3/8, 199: An excellent return man who could develop into a productive NFL receiver.
Tight Ends
The Best
Brandon Pettigrew, Oklahoma State, 6-5-3/8, 263: One of finest all-around players at his position in years. An exceptional receiver and blocker who plays faster than timed speed.
The Rest
Jared Cook, South Carolina, 6-4-3/8, 246:
Good receiver with speed to stretch middle of field.
Shawn Nelson, Shawn Nelson, Southern Mississippi, 6-5, 240: Athletic receiver who can stretch the field and is a willing blocker.
Cornelius Ingram, Florida, 6-4, 245: An oversized wideout who could be a dynamic pass-catching threat.
Chase Coffman, Missouri, 6-5-3/4, 244 (above): Has athleticism and receiving skills of his father, Paul Coffman, a former Green Bay Pro Bowler.
Travis Beckum, Wisconsin, 6-3, 243: Good receiver who might best fit as an H-back in NFL.
James Casey, Rice, 6-3, 245: Highly skilled pass catcher who can line up in the slot.
Richard Quinn, North Carolina, 6-3-1/2, 264: An adequate receiver, his physical blocking is best asset.
Anthony Hill, N.C. State, 6-5, 262: Outstanding blocker with underrated receiving skills.
Cameron Morrah, California, 6-3, 244: A good short-range receiver who excels in the red zone (eight TDs in 2008).
Sleepers
Dan Gronkowski, Maryland, 6-6, 255: Williamsville North graduate is a strong, athletic player with plenty of untapped potential.
John Nalbone, Monmouth, 6-4, 257: A productive Division I-AA receiver with the size and strength to block NFL linebackers.
Jared Bronson, Central Washington, 6-4, 255: With improvement as a blocker, this Division II player could make it because of exceptional receiving talent.
Offensive Linemen
The Best
Jason Smith (T), Baylor, 6-5, 309: Has the athleticism, footwork and physical toughness to be an outstanding left tackle.
Eugene Monroe (T), Virginia, 6-5, 309: An
experienced player with quick feet and awareness that is essential in a blind-side pass
protector.
Andre Smith (T), Alabama, 6-4-1/4, 325 (left): Poor offseason aside, he may be the most physically gifted tackle prospect.
Michael Oher (T), Mississippi, 6-4-1/2, 309: Athletic big man with long arms and nimble feet.
The Rest
Eben Britton (T), Arizona, 6-6, 309: Average athlete, but is strong, tough and technically sound.
William Beatty (T), Connecticut, 6-6, 307: Has athleticism, wingspan and awareness to play left tackle in the NFL.
Phil Loadholt (T), Oklahoma, 6-7-3/4, 332: A road-grading run blocker is a natural at right tackle.
Alex Mack (C), California, 6-3-1/2, 311: An excellent technician with the mobility, toughness, intelligence and strength to be an immediate starter.
Max Unger (C), Oregon, 6-4-1/2, 309: Plays with great awareness and is versatile enough to play guard.
Eric Wood (C), Louisville, 6-3-1/2, 310: A blue-collar player who is tough, physical and plays with a mean streak.
Duke Robinson (G), Oklahoma, 6-5, 329: A physically imposing run blocker with good instincts and is stout at the point of attack.
Sleepers
Herman Johnson (G), LSU, 6-7, 356: Appropriately nicknamed House, this behemoth has rare size and strength to engulf defenders.
T.J. Lang (T), Eastern Michigan, 6-4, 307: A legitimate mid-round talent who is physical, aggressive and capable of moving to guard.
Roger Allen (G), Missouri Western, 6-2-3/4, 326: Has rare size and strength, plus solid intangibles that will help him maximize his potential.
Defensive Linemen
The Best
Brian Orakpo (DE), Texas, 6-3, 263: A chiseled athlete with excellent quickness and strength. Projects as outside linebacker in 3-4 scheme.
Aaron Maybin (DE), Penn State, 6-4-3/4,
249: A pass-rushing 4-3 end or 3-4 outside linebacker with an explosive first step off the
line of scrimmage who is relentless in pursuit.
B.J. Raji (DT), Boston College, 6-1-1/2, 337: A potentially dominant run stuffer who is stout at the point of attack and is quick and athletic enough to penetrate and disrupt plays in the backfield.
Robert Ayers (DE), Tennessee, 6-3, 272 (above): A natural athlete with the quickness, athleticism and strength to rush the passer and hold his ground against the run.
Tyson Jackson (DE), LSU, 6-4, 296: A powerful bull rusher who would be a fit in a 4-3 or 3-4 scheme.
The Rest
Everette Brown (DE), Florida State, 6-1-1/2, 256: Has good physical tools, but can he avoid stigma of past Seminole defensive ends who haven't fared well in the NFL?
Peria Jerry (DT), Mississippi, 6-1-3/4, 299: Lacks bulk, but is super quick and disruptive.
Larry English (DE), Northern Illinois, 6-2, 255: College defensive end is a versatile athlete who uses quickness, long arms and instincts to make plays.
Evander Hood (DT), Missouri, 6-2-7/8, 300: Plays the run with leverage and is quick enough to get upfield and collapse the pocket.
Michael Johnson (DE), Georgia Tech, 6-7, 266: Long and lean athlete may have the most upside at the position because of his great physical tools.
Jarron Gilbert (DT), San Jose State, 6-5-1/4, 288: College tackle has ideal size and athletic ability to play end in a 3-4 scheme.
Connor Barwin (DE), Cincinnati, 6-3-1/2, 256: Quality pass-rushing skills and two-way ability make him an interesting prospect.
Ron Brace (DT), Boston College 6-3, 334: Benefited playing next to Raji, but this powerful big man is a classic two-gapper with the potential to be a top 3-4 nose tackle.
Sleeper
Lawrence Sidbury (DE), Richmond, 6-2, 266: Level of competition is a question, but pass rushers with his kind of speed (4.53 seconds in the 40) are rare.
Chris Baker (DT), Hampton, 6-2, 326: Extremely talented player with ability to excel at the pro level if he maintains focus.
Linebackers
The Best
Aaron Curry (OLB), Wake Forest, 6-1-1/4, 254 (below): The draft's top defensive prospect is a combination of speed, athleticism, strength, toughness and competitiveness. He's got great character and the versatility to play inside or outside.
Brian Cushing (OLB), USC, 6-2-7/8, 243: A
well-built and versatile athlete who can chase plays from behind, rush the passer and drop
into coverage.
Rey Maualuga (ILB), USC, 6-1-3/4, 249: He is like a heat-seeking missile that destroys everything in his path. He is super intense, relentless and makes game-changing plays.
Clay Matthews III (OLB), USC, 6-3-1/8, 240: A speedy pass rusher who plays with a high motor and has great bloodlines.
The Rest
James Laurinaitis (ILB), Ohio State, 6-2, 243: Smart and highly instinctive with the athletic ability to play in space.
Clint Sintim (OLB), Virginia, 6-2-3/4, 256: A solid strong-side prospect who can blitz and play the run.
Marcus Freeman (OLB), Ohio State, 6-0-5/8, 239: Athletic and smart with sideline-to-sideline range.
Jason Phillips (ILB), Texas Christian, 6-1, 238: Might move outside because of size, but can play inside because he's tough, reliable and has a high football IQ.
Scott McKillop (ILB), Pittsburgh, 6-0-1/2, 244: Smarts, competitiveness and work ethic give him a chance to make it.
Zack Follett (OLB), California, 6-2-1/4, 237: Has the right physical and mental makeup to be a productive member of an NFL defense.
Tyrone McKenzie (OLB), South Florida, 6-1-1/2, 243: Should be a good pro because he's smart, tough, durable and was very productive.
Sleepers
Kaluka Maiava (OLB), USC, 5-11-1/2, 229: Special teams marvel whose speed, quickness and athleticism make up for lack of size.
Jasper Brinkley (ILB), South Carolina, 6-1-5/8, 252: A hard-nosed, reliable tackler who can take and shed blockers and shows good burst to the football.
Jovan Belcher (OLB), Maine, 6-1, 243: Four-year starter has versatility and physical skills to make a roster.
Defensive Backs
The Best
Malcolm Jenkins (CB), Ohio State, 6-0, 204 (below): A physical corner who overcomes average speed with above average instincts and technique skills.
Alphonso Smith (CB), Wake Forest, 5-9, 193: Not very big, but
he's a feisty player who uses good anticipation and recognition skills to get his hands on a
lot of balls (ACC record 21 interceptions and 61 pass breakups).
Darius Butler (CB), Connecticut, 5-10-1/4, 185: Has all the physical tools, including great closing speed, NFL teams want in a corner.
Vontae Davis (CB), Illinois, 5-11, 203: Brother of 49ers TE Vernon Davis, has the ideal combination of size, speed and competitiveness.
Louis Delmas (S), Western Michigan, 5-11-1/2, 202: A big-time hitter with solid range and ball skills.
The Rest
Sherrod Martin (CB), Troy, 6-1, 198: Rangy with good speed and aggressiveness in run support.
Donald Washington (CB), Ohio State, 6-0-1/4, 197: Excellent size, coverage skills and competitiveness.
William Moore (S), Missouri, 6-1, 221: Impressive physical specimen who makes plays in coverage and is an intimidating hitter.
Patrick Chung (S), Oregon, 5-11, 209: Shows the instincts and intelligence to play in any defense.
D.J. Moore (CB), Vanderbilt, 5-8-7/8, 192: A playmaker who is good at jumping routes and fighting bigger receivers for balls in the air.
Rashad Johnson (S), Alabama, 5-11, 190: Former walk-on is undersized, but he's a smart playmaker with great leadership skills.
Asher Allen (CB), Georgia, 5-9-1/2, 194: Despite his height, he has all the necessary tools to succeed in the NFL.
Sean Smith (CB), Utah, 6-3-1/2, 214: Physical in coverage and run support and has potential as a safety.
Sleepers
Brice McCain (CB), Utah, 5-9, 181: Great speed, toughness and return ability will serve some team well.
Bryan Williams (S), Akron, 5-10-1/2, 197: Still learning position, but has intriguing skills to go along with outstanding return ability.
Kevin Barnes (CB), Maryland, 6-0, 187: Smarts, toughness and aggressiveness are attractive traits in a cornerback.
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