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2008 NFL Draft Top Underclassmen
It seems like this year has more underclassmen entering the NFL draft
than in previous years, and some of them actually are probably ready for
the jump. We have found our favorite ten players, guys who we think can
make an immediate impact and would probably have been risking too much
by sticking around for their senior season. These are 10 players that
you will find going in the first or second round of the 2008 draft, so
be ready to see one of these guys called upon by your favorite team or a
division rival.
1. Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas - This is pretty obvious, and we don't
have a whole lot more to add than what has already been written by the
intense media coverage this guy has gotten. He could be a break through
talent like Adrian Peterson was for the Vikings a year ago, so it's a
mystery how he could fall out of the top 5 like some people are
projecting.
2. Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State - This guy was the Big Ten's
defensive player of the year for a reason, he's that good. You won't see
too many teams passing up on the chance for this talent and if he drops
out of the Top 10 we would be shocked.
3. DeSean Jackson, WR, California - This guy is fast and can change the
game with his return abilities, a la Devon Hester. His position would
have been helped further if Ted Ginn had performed better for the
Dolphins last year, but Jackson is more talented than Ginn and still
should be selected rather high.
4. Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas - An All-American performer the last two
seasons and a big reason for the Jayhawks miracle 2007 season. There are
some who question whether he has the speed to be a playmaker in the NFL,
but he's not going to get any faster by sticking around Lawrence.
5. Ray Rice, RB, Rutgers - Rice had a monster couple of seasons in
Rutgers, in 2006 leading them to one of their most memorable runs in the
school's history, then by putting up more than 2000 yards as a junior.
6. Ryan Clady, OL, Boise State - The second best tackle in the draft
behind Jake Long, he'll go in the top 20. If you team is in the middle
of the pack and looking to build on its line, this is a solid choice you
can't look down upon.
7. Branden Albert, OL, Virginia - While we aren't amazed with the talent
of Albert, the lack of depth at guard in this year's draft class leaves
him in the best position possible.
8. Kenny Phillips, S, Miami - Like Albert, he'll benefit from the lack
of depth at the position. He doesn't lack talent, but we would be
surprised if he's taken in the first round.
9. Brandon Flowers, CB, Virginia Tech - With another year under his belt
he could have became a top 10 prospect. However, the Hokies lost a lot
up front and with more time to complete passes downfield, Flowers might
not have looked like the clamp down guy he was last year.
10. Earl Bennett, WR, Vanderbilt - Bennett broke so many receiving
records at Vandy over his career that there really was nothing left to
prove for the Commodores.
This is who we think will really stand out as making a wise choice to
enter the NFL draft early in 2008. As always, there will be plenty of
busts and surprises and we are extremely excited to see which rookies
help their teams out the most in the upcoming season.
Cross your fingers and hope that your favorite team passes on taking
any of these guys in the early rounds, as we have a feeling they will
quickly regret it. See how we think the first round is going to
shake out with our 2008 NFL Mock Draft
and 2008 NFL Draft
Predictions.
March 21st, 2008
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