Risers and Fallers for the 2008 NFL Draft
 | Here you can chart the progress of 2008 NFL Draft prospects this season that have seen their draft stock either rise or fall. |
Risers (15 April 2008)
OT Duane Brown, Virginia Tech. (6' 4" 315 lbs)A former tight end, Brown is extremely mobile and versatile. As a junior he played right tackle and recorded 22 knock down blocks and as a senior played left tackle and recorded 26 knock downs. He does need to improve his run blocking, but Brown will be an NFL starter for the next ten years. At the 2008 East West Shrine Game, Brown was dominant.
WR Devin Thomas, Michigan State (6' 2" 215 lbs)
Thomas has risen to the top of the wide receiver class partly because of a good senior year and a good combine where he ran a 4.43 forty, but also because all the other receivers have serious flaws. Malcolm Kelly is too slow, DeSean Jackson is too small, Limas Sweed has had an injured wrist, Early Doucet had an injury plagued (groin injury) senior season and Mario Manningham has character and consistency issues. The only other receiver that is currently rising with Thomas is James Hardy from Indiana.
WR Cameron Colvin, Oregon (6' 2" 210 lbs)
Had 20 receptions for 248 yards and 2 touchdowns on the season before he sustained his ankle injury. Had the injury not occurred, he was projected to finish with 80 catches, 1088 yards and 10 TDs. Ran only a 4.61 at his Pro Day, but last Spring when he was 100% healthy he ran a 4.36 forty yard dash and Colvin Looks very explosive on film. Read ESPN's article on Colvin, by the way, I wrote this prior to the ESPN article.
TE John Carlson, Notre Dame (6' 5" 252 lbs)
Carlson is flying under the radar because Notre Dame had a horrible year and Carlson didn't get the ball very often, but make no mistake, NFL scouts have him directly in their radar. His 2008 NFL Scouting Combine performance wasn't impressive when he ran a 4.88 forty, but he improved his run at Notre Dames Pro Day by running a more representative 4.73. Look for him to be drafted in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft.
QB Josh Johnson, San Diego (6' 3" 209 lbs)
NFL Scouts and quarterback coaches are going back and looking over his game film and they like what they see. If you have any doubts about this non scholarship division 1AA prospect, just go back and watch the 2008 East West Shrine Game, where he was the MVP.
Fallers
Adarius Bowman, Oklahoma State (6' 3" 224 lbs)
How the mighty have fallen, entering the 2007 season, Bowman was looked at as a possible first round prospect, then he injured his knee, had a poor run at the 2008 NFL Scouting Combine (4.74) and was arrested for possession of Marijuana in early April. Remember, Bowman transferred to Oklahoma State after being dismissed from North Carolina following a citation for possession of marijuana that was later dismissed.
Talib tested positive three times for marijuana, how can that not hurt his draft status? NFL general managers and owners are going to be thinking long and hard about a player that can't stay away from the Ganja. His five interceptions and 4.44 forty speed will entice many a team in the first round and somebody will probably take a chance with him, but there is no doubt his drug habit will turn some teams away. Pro Football Weekly's (PFW) Nolan Nawrocki reports, Talib admitted to failing three such tests as a Jayhawk, according to Nawrocki's report, Talib is seen as a character risk. "There is no way I'd touch (Talib)," one team told PFW. "He's gotten into a lot of trouble, and he still does not get it." "He's got a laundry list of issues," another team executive said of Talib's off-the-field behavior. "He's not a one-time offender. Give a guy like him money, and it never gets better. It only gets worse."
DT Frank Okam, Texas (6' 4" 340 lbs)
Another prospect that was once considered a possible first round prospect for the 2008 NFL Draft. Okam is real under-achiever, he had a mediocre season then showed up fat and out of shape at the 2008 NFL Scouting Combine, he gained 20 pounds his senior year and ran a very poor 5.32 forty.
DE Calais Campbell, Miami (6' 7" 280)
I am still surprised when I see Campbell listed in the first round of some of these mock drafts. Campbell is not first round material folks, he doesn't play football with a high motor, takes plays off and doesn't hustle. Campbell is soft, weak and slow, he lifted 225 pounds only 16 times and ran a poor 5.05 forty at the 2008 NFL Scouting Combine.
S Kenny Phillips, Miami (6' 2" 210 lbs)
I don't have anything against players from Miami, really I don't, but Campbell, Kenny Phillips and the rest of the Hurricanes' for that matter, seriously under produced in 2007. Phillips will still probably be selected in the 2nd round of the 2008 NFL Draft, but that is a far cry from his early season top 10 prediction. He didn't have near as good of a junior year as he did as a sophomore and then it didn't help that he ran only average at the 2008 NFL scouting combine. His time of 4.54 wasn't too bad, but he ran with his head down and didn't look explosive in the positional drills.
Risers (18 January 2008)
WR Jerome Simpson, Coastal Carolina (6' 2" 189 lbs)
The Division 1AA small school sleeper has been impressive playing with the big boys at the practices leading up to the 2008 East-West Shrine game. In 2006, he finished with 1,077 yards and 16 TDs and this year, (2007 ) despite seeing constant double teams, he recorded 697 yards and 11 TDs. He finished the season strong catching 7 TDs in his last 4 games. Simpson was also the 2007 Big South Champion in the long jump with a regional-qualifying jump of 24’6.25".
RB Thomas Brown, Georgia
Brown will be downgraded for the 2008 NFL Draft due to his height (5' 8" 200 lbs), but he has been the most impressive running back at the practices leading up to the 2008 East-West Shrine game with an impressive burst through the hole. This past season (2007) Brown missed three games due to injury, but still rushed for 779 yards and 10 TDs. He finished the season strong rushing for 366 yards and 4 TD in his last 4 games.
OG Martin O'Donnell, Illinois
In a very weak 2008 NFL Draft offensive guard class, the senior O'Donnell has positioned himself near the top of the class. Nice size (6' 5" 322 lbs) and athleticism, he finished as a Rivals.com first team All American.
RB Jonathan Stewart, Oregon
Stewart, a junior, has declared for the 2008 NFL Draft after he rushed for a career-high 253 yards and two touchdowns as Oregon pulverized South Florida, 56-21, in the 2007 Sun Bowl.
OLB Bruce Davis, UCLA
In the Bruins' 17–16 loss to BYU in the Pioneer Las Vegas Bowl, Davis was a man possessed when he recorded seven tackles, 3.5 for a loss, a forced fumble and 2.5 sacks.
WR Donnie Avery, Houston
The blazing fast sleeper Avery was impressive all season and finished his senior year with with 10 catches for 120 yards in Houston’s 20 – 13 loss to TCU in the Texas Bowl.
WR Adrian Arrington, Michigan
The junior Arrington had a break-out game in the Capitol and One Bowl against Florida where he caught 9 passes for 153 yards and 2 TDs. He subsequently declared for the 2008 NFL Draft where he is likely to be a mid to late round draft pick. Yes he was impressive in that game, but he hasn't been a consistent performer.
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Risers (26 December 2007)
TE Dustin Keller, PurdueA bulked up receiver at 6' 4" 250 pounds, but if you try to cover him with a linebacker he will hurt you. Keller was the leading receiver in the Motor City Bowl. He caught 7 passes for 150 yards and 1 TD. The speedy tight end had a 21.4 yards per catch average in Purdue's 51-48 victory.
RB Chris Johnson, East Carolina
Johnson capped off his senior season, where he led the nation in all purpose yards with an average of 212 yards per game, with a breath taking performance at the Hawaii Bowl. The speedy Johnson broke an NCAA bowl record during the Hawaii Bowl with 408 total yards. Johnson is elusive, has good hands and elite speed that will translate favorably to the NFL.
DE Jason Jones, Eastern Michigan
The All-MAC (Mid America Conference) Jones had an incredible 2007 season. Jones (6' 5", 270 lbs) capped off his senior season with 19.5 tackles-for-loss, which currently ranks tied for seventh nationally and leads the MAC. His 70 total tackles this past season was the fourth-best on the EMU squad. Pretty good numbers for a large defensive end.
Risers (11 December 2007)
RB Xavier Oman, Northwest Missouri StateOman has been sensational down the stretch for the Bearcats. A durable workhorse, he has shown he can carry the load rushing for over 1,500 yards in each of his four college seasons. He has accumulated 7,010 yards for his career. At 5' 11" 218 pounds he has nice size and power. Even though he plays in Division II, I project him to be a successful NFL running back because he breaks a lot of tackles and has decent speed (4.56). Against 2 time defending champions Grand Valley State he rushed for an amazing 292 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Risers (18 November 2007)
DE Vernon Gholston, Ohio StateIf the junior Gholston (6' 3" 264 lbs) decides to enter the 2008 NFL Draft he looks like a lock to be a first rounder. Elite pass rushers are a prize commodity in the NFL. He was just dominate against Michigan recording 5 tackles, 4 tackles for loss and 3 sacks in the game. For the season he has 13 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss.
CB Tracy Porter, Indiana
Indiana has been better than expected this year and have a record of 7-5, which should get them a bowl game. Cornerback Tracy Porter (5' 10" 184 lbs) has been one of the stars on this team. Porter is very balanced in that he can tackle, return kicks and cover. He has returned 23 punts for 254 yards, recorded 6 interceptions, 55 solo tackles, 5 tackles for a loss, 1 sack, and 4 passes defended.
CB Aqib Talib, Kansas
One of the stars on the undefeated Jayhawks squad. Talib is only a junior, but if he enters the NFL Draft early he will garner a lot of attention from NFL scouts. Talib is a nice sized corner (6' 1" 196 lbs) and can also play some wide out. This year he has caught 8 passes for 182 yards and 4 TDs. As a corner he is ranked 5th in the nation with 17 passes defended.
ILB Spencer Larsen, Arizona
Larsen (6' 1" 240 lbs) has been fantastic this year. In Arizona's upset win over Oregon State Larsen was all over the field. He has put up some lofty numbers this year, accumulating 116 total tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 5 passes defended, 3 force fumbles and 2 sacks.
QB Paul Smith, Tulsa
Smith has been putting up incredible number. A little small for the NFL at 6' 2" 197 pounds, but he has a strong arm. Smith is ranked 3rd in the nation in pass efficiency with 3,886 yards and 34 touchdowns. Tulsa has won four straight games and Smith has thrown for over 300 yards in every game he has played this year.
Fallers:
WR Adarius Bowman, Oklahoma StateInjuries are starting to take their toll. Bowman suffered a torn ACL on November 10th after a brutal hit from Kansas's Aqib Talib and will be out for the remainder of the season.
QB Dennis Dixon, Oregon State
Dixon was having a phenomenal year and then suffered a season ending injury to his left knee.
OT Tony Hills, Texas
Hills broke his leg and will have a lengthy rehab. This is a very serious injury and could even be career ending depending on the severity and his ability to recover.
Risers (28 October 2007)
RB Kalvin McRae, OhioA super sleeper running back who has been a touchdown machine this year. He has decent size at 5' 10" 205 pounds and is leading the nation in touchdowns by a running back with 16. He has also accumulated 1,062 rushing yards so far this season.
QB Josh Johnson, San Diego
A great quarterback from a small school in the Football Championship Series (FCS), or better known as Division 1AA, San Diego. Nice sized (6' 3" 203 lbs), and a strong arm, he has been on fire this year throwing for 2,082 yards and 30 touchdowns. He finally threw his first interception on October 27th when san Diego lost their first game of the season to Dayton.
DE Brian Johnston, Gardner-Webb
An under-rated pass rushing terror from a small school (Division 1AA). Johnston has excellent size ( 6' 5" 277 lbs) and athleticism. So far this season, despite facing double teams on almost every play, he has recorded 17.5 tackles for losses and five sacks.
CB Trey Brown, UCLA
Small at 5' 9" 185 pounds, but blazing fast with great reaction to the football. Brown is a good looking cornerback who currently leads the nation in passes defended with 15. He also has 48 tackles, 1 tackle for a loss, 1 sack and 3 interceptions.
RB Jonathan Stewart, Oregon
The junior Stewart has emerged as a legitimate (potential) first round draft pick. Solid as a rock at 5' 10" 233 pounds, he has ran for 354 yards and four touchdown over his last two games. He is currently ranked 7th in the nation in rushing with 1,043 yards rushing and 9 touchdowns. His 6.69 yards per carry are impressive.
DE Hilee Taylor, North Carolina
At 6' 3" 246 pounds he could play outside linebacker or defensive end in the NFL. He really knows how to get to the ball carrier, he is the second ranked senior, (behind Chris Long), in pass sacks with eight, as well as 12.5 tackles for a loss.
WR Jordy Nelson, Kansas State
Nice sized (6' 3" 215 lbs) speedy receiver. Nelson was clocked in the spring at 4.41 in the 40 yard dash. He is currently the 2nd ranked receiver in the nation with 76 catches for 1,008 yards and 7 touchdowns. Nelson is only one of two receivers in the nation to exceed 1,000 yards. Texas Tech's freshman phenom Michael Crabtree is the other.
RB Albert Young, Iowa
An under-rated Hawkeye running back (5' 10" 209 lbs). With no passing game to speak of, Young was Iowa's only weapon, but he still torched Michigan State with 34 carries for 179 yards and 2 TDs.
DE Chris Ellis, Virginia Tech
Ellis gave Matt Ryan and Boston College fits last Thursday. He is a nice sized (6' 4" 260 lbs) defensive end who has had a sack in each of his last four games with a total of 6.5 for the season so far.
Fallers:
WR Marcus Monk, ArkansasAt one point he was considered a top prospect for the 2008 NFL Draft. Monk underwent an arthroscopy on his right knee in early August to to repair a small tear he suffered at practice and he hasn't been back.
OG Will Arnold, LSU
A once promising NFL prospect, the senior Arnold hasn't really seen the field since his sophomore year. Injuries, poor performance and lack of conditioning have caused him to replaced by sophomore Lyle Hitt, who himself hasn't played well at all.
Risers: (16 October 2007)
DE Chris Long, VirginiaThe son of hall of fame defensive end Howie Long, Chris Long (6' 4" 281 lbs) is very well known and already is thought of as a top 10 pick in the 2008 NFL Draft. He isn't under achieving, he has already recorded 8 sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss, fighting through numerous double teams.
CB Reggie Smith, Oklahoma
The junior, Smith is a playmaker with the skills and size (6' 1" 202) to play corner or safety. Smith has recorded two interceptions in back to back games, one against Texas and then another against Missouri. Smith is such a complete football player, to go along with his two interceptions he has also recorded 6 pass breakups, 44 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack and 1 fumble recovery.
WR Jabari Arthur, Akron
Arthur is an unknown, but a major sleeper with excellent size (6' 3" 226 lbs). Arthur is currently ranked #2 in the nation in receiving with 919 yards and 9 touchdowns. He has an impressive 153 yards per game average.
CB Antoine Cason, Arizona
Cason is starting to emerge as the top senior cornerback. So far this season he has seven pass break ups, but he has recorded an interception in three of his last four games. His interception last week against USC was very impressive, looking back over his shoulder and making a nice play on the ball.
CB Zach Bowman, Nebraska
Once thought of as a sure first round draft pick for the 2008 NFL Draft, then Bowman missed all of 2007 and the first part of 2008 with knee injuries. Bowman is slowly playing his way back into the first round. He has played in 6 out of 7 games and started the last three, he has recorded 24 tackles, 3 pass break ups and 1 interception. If he can stay healthy the rest of the season he can regain his once lofty draft grade.
QB Graham Harrell, Texas Tech
Despite eye popping numbers, the junior Harrell doesn't get much respect because he plays in a pass happy, run and shoot offense. Yes Harrell will have a major transition to the NFL, learning to play behind center, but the NFL is starting to get more pass happy. Heck, sometimes the Patriots look like Texas Tech this year. Harrell has a strong, accurate arm and has thrown this year alone (so far) for an amazing 3,151 yards and 31 touchdowns!
RB Matt Forte, Tulane
A major sleeper, Matt is putting together a solid senior season. He has good size at 6' 1" 223 pounds and is currently ranked #2 in the nation in rushing for 919 yards and 9 TDs. Forte has an impressive 153 yards per game and 6.09 yards per carry average.
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Fallers:
WR Early Doucet, LSUSitting on the sideline in uniform watching his team lose to Kentucky won't go over well with NFL scouts. LSU is really missing his big play ability, I know he has been injured, but if you can put on your uniform and your team is losing, you have to try to play.
Safety Kenny Phillips, Miami
Statistically he is having a decent season recording 47 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 1 interception and 2 pass break ups, but I just haven't seen him step up and make plays when his team has needed them. He has been the invisible man this year.
WR Sammie Stroughter, Oregon State
Sammie missed time early for "personal reasons" and then suffered a bruised kidney, basically ending his season. He will likely attempt to get a medical redshirt and come back for another year in 2008.
WR Limas Sweed, Texas
Sweed was easily thought of as a first round 2008 NFL Draft Pick. His draft stock will likely fall after missing almost all of his senior season with ligament damage. Sweed will attempt to rehabilitate his knee and work out at the NFL Scouting Combine.
WR Luke Swan, Wisconsin
Ditto with Swan, but he was thought of as a late round NFL Draft pick anyway. He will have to recover from a torn hamstring and really impress the scouts to get drafted now.
MLB Vince Hall, Virginia Tech
It's not quite so bleak for Hall. He broke his wrist, but should be back on the field around the middle part of December. He will still be able to run, so his mobility shouldn't be affected. His lack of height (6' 0") will hinder his draft stock more than the wrist, but Hall is a playmaker.
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Risers: (2 October 2007)
RB Kevin Smith, UCFGuess who the top running back in college football is? You guessed it, Central Florida's junior Kevin Smith (6' 1" 211 lbs). After four games Smith's 713 yards leads the nation and his 10 touchdowns also leads the nation for running backs. With all the other good junior running backs out there we all forgot about Smith.
CB Joe Burnett, UCF
Another Central Florida standout, this 5' 11" 187 pound cornerback seems to always be in position to make plays. Burnett is only a junior so we might have to wait until the 2009 NFL Draft to see this First Team Conference USA talent in the NFL.
QB Curtis Painter, Purdue
I love his quick release and accuracy. The junior Painter is electrifying. Purdue is undefeated at 5-0 and Painter has thrown for 1,542 yards and 18 touchdowns with only three interceptions.
WR Dorian Bryant, Purdue
Painter's favorite target is electrifying in his own right. Bryant is small at 5' 9" 180 pounds, but he has been clocked as fast as 4.24 in the forty. Bryant is ranked 7th in the nation in all purpose yards with 450 receiving yards, 421 kick off return yards and he has scored touchdowns on four occasions.
CB Terrance Wheatley, Colorado
Colorado beat Oklahoma and Wheatley is a big reason why. He is a future NFL cornerback and having a great year. Wheatley is ranked 9th in the nation in passes defended with six and he also has two interceptions. He is a tad small at 5' 10" 178 pounds, but he has been timed as fast as 4.37 in the forty.
LB Beau Bell, UNLV
Bell is a serious sleeper prospect, but he has nice size at 6' 3" 244 pounds and has been very productive this year. Bell is ranked 8th in the nation in solo tackles with 34.
DE/OLB Hilee Taylor, North Carolina
Another sleeper that you might have never heard of, but this guy should be a 2008 day one NFL Draft pick. His size (6' 3" 246 lbs) makes him a great candidate to be converted to outside linebacker for a 34 defense. After five games Taylor has recorded 8.5 tackles for loss and 5 sacks.
DE/OLB Shawn Crable, Michigan
Another pass rushing terror and at 6' 4" 246 pounds he could play either end or linebacker. Michigan has struggled this year, but not Crable, he is quietly putting together a strong performance ranked #2 in the nation with 14 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks to boot.
DE Jonal Saint-Dic, Michigan State
Some NFL scouts will discount Jonal because he is short at 6' 1" 250 pounds, but he has been hugely productive on the football field this year. Jonal is currently ranked #3 in the nation with 7 sacks and 9 tackles for loss.
Fallers:
You can take these three once promising prospects off your 2008 Mock Drafts:
Jasper Brinkley, South CarolinaJasper tore a ligament in his knee and will miss the remainder of the 2007 season. He has stated he will seek a medical redshirt (waiver) and return back to South Carolina next year, but he might enter the 2008 NFL Draft.
Tommy Blake, TCU
Still listed as a top NFL Prospect by some, but his medical/mental issues have taken him off of NFL Draft Dog's Draft Board for now. Blake has taken a medical leave of absence for what has been reported as "bizarre behavior". He might try to get a hardship waiver and seek an extra year of ineligibility, but that seems unlikely at this point.
LB Willie Williams, Liousville
Very highly regarded coming out of high school, this troubled youth, in and out of trouble for years, was given one more chance with Louisville. Well he blew it as last week when he was arrested for possession of Marijuana and kicked off the Cardinal team.
Risers: (13 September)
TE Tony Moeki, IowaHawkeye fans have been waiting for Moeki to emerge ever since he signed with Iowa coming out of High school as Scout.com's #1 rated prep tight end in the nation. Well he has emerged, he is currently ranked 8th in the Big 10 in receiving. The 6' 4" 255 pound junior had 8 catches for 112 yards and 3 TDs against Syracuse last week. The great thing about Moeki is that he is also such a good blocker.
WR Adarius Bowman, Oklahoma State
Here comes Bowman, he should be in the first round of everybody's 2008 Mock Draft at this point. Bowman is off to a great start, last week against Florida Atlantic he finished with 6 catches for 135 yards and 2 TDs.
LB Dan Connor, Penn State
So far Connor is living up to his reputation as one of, if not the top linebackers for the 2008 NFL Draft. Connor leads his team with 17 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and 2 sacks.
WR Malcolm Kelly, Oklahoma
The Big 12 sure has some quality receivers this year. Kelly, along with the Sooners are off to the races. He (Kelly) has already accumulated 8 receptions for 220 yards and 5 TDs. He is currently ranked 4th in the Big 12 and has an eye popping 27 yards per catch average.
WR James Hardy, Indiana
OK a 6' 7" 220 pound star basketball player that is also one heck of a wide receiver, what's not to like; Hardy has NFL Scouts drooling over his potential. He is currently ranked 5th in the Big 10 with 6 catches for 180 yards and 4 TDs. Want to talk about big play ability? How does a 30 yards per catch average sound?
Fallers:
NT B.J. Raji, Boston CollegeRuled academically ineligible for the 2007 College Football season and given a redshirt. He could enter the 2008 NFL Draft or return to BC for a redshirt senior season. This 341 pound run stuffer is talented, but this has to hurt. BC will really miss his presence in the middle this year.
WR Paul Hubbard, Wisconsin
This 6' 4" 218 pound senior receiver severely sprained his knee and will be out of action for 6-8 weeks.
RB Brandon Ore, Virginia Tech
He has talent, but has not produced yet this season. He has 31 carries for a measly 111 yards and zero touchdowns. He is falling to the bottom of the pack in this great group of junior tail backs.
WR Jarrett Dilliard, Rice
Last year (2006) he finished the season with 21 touchdowns! This year Rice has lost their first two games and Dilliard has 10 catches for 134 yards and zero touchdowns. I still think this junior is a future NFL Draft Prospect, but he raised the bar awful high after last years' performance.
LB Malik Jackson and Willie Williams, Louisville
These two talented linebackers did a lot of standing around and watching as Middle Tennessee State torched the Cardinal defense for 42 points and 265 rushing yards. Louisville also has a defensive tackle named Willie Williams, but he didn't play much better.
Risers: (5 September 2007)
WR DeSean Jackson,CaliforniaWR Brian Robiskie, Ohio State
WR Harry Douglas, Louisville
TE Kory Sperry (6’ 5” 254 lbs), Colorado State
OG Kerry Brown, Appalachian State
Fallers:
QB Chad Henne, Michigan
S Jonathan Hefney, Tennessee