4/25/08
Studs and Busts
As we enter the 2008 Draft, many ponder who will actually make an impact during their time spend in the NFL. Here are some predictions...
STUDS
Jake Long- Offensive Tackle- Michigan:
As of now, the only player in the Draft with a team. Last season, Jake Long only allowed one sack and comitted one penalty. He is the true definition of dominate left tackle. In the next three years, we'll see Long as the "new" Walter Jones. Miami should be very happy with this pick, because now they have a left tackle who will consistently block the quarterbacks blind side. His footwork, techinique, and ability to play both tackle spots make him number one on my draft board.
Matt Ryan- Quarterback- Boston College:
Clearly the best quarterback in this 08 class. No matter where he he ends up I see Ryan having a very solid NFL career. This young stud out of Boston College throws an extremely catchable ball, and has a great ability in reading defenses. He is also underrrated in scrambling and making the run for the first down. Baltimore has recently stated they would like to make a run for Ryan at the draft, which I can see as a great fit. This would give him a chance to start right away, and have the running game of Willis McGahee to help him out for his early years.
Rashard Mendenhall- Running back- Illinois:
He may not be considered it now, but in the end I see Mendenhall being the best running back out of this draft class. This very explosive back is a huge threat on the field and has a sky full of potential. He'll hit the hole hard and run for the touchdown untouched, and he'll plow his way threw for the extra yard every time. His agility is beyond impressive, and the same can be said for his vision and ability to catch the ball in the backfield. He could possibly drop to the 15-20 range, so it's possible he lands on a solid team, giving him more talent to contribute more.
Kenny Phillips- Safety- Miami:
He may have had a below averge combine, but I still beleive Phillips has top ten talent. His terrific range and ability to give the big hit makes him a top talent at the safety position. He'll make the tackle everytime. Think Ed Reed type of athleticism. Who ever snags him will have a team leader on defense for quite some time.
Branden Albert- Guard- Virginia:
The next Steve Hutchinson here. This monster out of Virginia has perfect size and enormous arms. A complete wall at the guard position. His nasty streak and attitude make him a force to be reckon with. Albert has soared up draft boards this month and can go as high as #5 to Kansas City. This is no fluke. This man will be an absolute stud.
Busts
Darren McFadden- Running back- Arkansas:
The "must draft" player of this years draft. Don't get me wrong, McFadden still has the ability to be solid in this league, but I don't think he will match the enormous hype he has gathered. McFadden reminds me of a Shaun Alexander. Not in the running style, but in the way he goes down after the first hit. His ball security is still an issue as well. He'll be a 1000 yard runner in this league, but he won't live up to his Top 5 status.
Vernon Gholston- Defensive End/ Line Backer- Ohio State:
Another instance in where I still beleive this player will be solid, but not live up to his draft position. Gholston disappears in too many games. This can be simmilar to linebacker Julian Peterson. Amazing athletic ability, but too inconsistent. His durability and explosiveness are still in question, and may have problems with his techniques. In my opinion, he just won't dominate like he did in college at a pro level.
DeSean Jackson- Wide Receiver- California:
Tedd Ginn Jr Part two. Well, I know Ginn isn't a bust yet, but they are simmilar in traits. Jackson may be drafted just for his break out speed and ability to return punts and kick offs. I just don't see Jackson being able to run past NFL defensemen. He is undersized, drops occasional balls, not physical, and like Gholston can be very inconsistent. My pick for another first round bust at wide receiver.
Calais Campbell- Defensive End- Miami:
Campbell has fallen down draft boards, but for some reason has climbed back up. I'm not a fan. He may have great size, but his lack of speed and burst prevents him from being a dominate defensive end. I think too many teams will be intrigued by his size that they'll take a shot at him early. Look for him to very average at best in his NFL career.
Devin Thomas- Wide Receiver- Michigan State:
A popular pick to be a bust in this seasons draft. Thomas has shot up draft boards after an impressive combine and is now regarded as the number one wide receiver in the 08 class. Mock Drafts have him going as high as #11 to Buffalo. However, he has only had one impressive year in college. He is not very physical, and may take a lot of time to develope at an NFL level. I don't expect Thomas to live up to these number one expectations. Wide receivers in the first round rarely do though.
Late Round Sleepers...
Dexter Jackson- Wide Receiver- Appalachian State:
No, not the Super Bowl XXVII MVP. This young man out of Appalachian State has amazing athletic ability. Jackson has amazing speed and outstanding deep threat ability to score everytime he touches the ball. He'll probably be more used as a return man, but I see Johnson having a very successful career for how late he's drafted. I currently have him going in the 4th round to Buffalo.
Zack Bowman- Cornerback- Nebraska:
An outstanding athlete being held back due to history of injuries. He has many durability issues and may never adjust to the NFL level, but that is why he will be picked late. If he plays like he did pre-injury, he could possibly develope into a very solid corner for the team that choses him. Hey, you never know. This may be a Antonio Cromartie situation all over again. For his sake, hopefully it's a similar outcome.
Frank Okam- Defensive Tackle- Texas:
Once regarded as a first round pick, Okam has shout down draft boards. His outstanding size and fram to be a huge run stuffer in this league. If he learns to play at a consistent level and play to his high potential, Okam could be a future stud at tackle.
Jonathan Goff- Inside Linebacker- Vanderbilt:
Gof has the instincts and elite football IQ to be a solid inside linebacker in the NFL. He is better fitted in the 3-4 scheme, which fits his talents better. His tough and phyical play makes him a solid tackler, but he'll need to improve when in space. Goff is regarded top five in this years 08 middle linebacker class, but it wouldn't be suprising if he fell all the way to the 4th round.
Chris Johnson- Running Back- East Carolina:
A absolute monster in open space. Johnson has the ability to take it to the house on every play due to his amazing speed. He lacks the size and physical play you want in a runningback, but he would be perfect as a backup for a change of pace. He could go as high as second round, but could fall as far as late third. If so, consider it a steal.
