It's never too early to look towards the 2008 NFL Draft and I decided to rate my top-20 college players. Some may think it's too early, but football is always on my mind. I have seniors and potential underclassmen, who may declare for the draft, ranked in my top-20.
No Name Pos Hgt Wt College Exp Draft Stock
1 Darren McFadden RB 6-2 205 Arkansas Jr. Even
The most dynamic player in the country, Arkansas' Darren McFadden is a player that defensive coordinators have nightmares about the night before a game.
2 Jake Long OT 6-7 313 Michigan Sr. Even
Long is the best tackle prospect in college football. He's a versatile tackle that can play on either side of the line. He's durable and offers excellent protection to his quarterback.
3 Brian Brohm QB 6-4 224 Louisville Sr. Even
Brohm decided to stay at Louisville for his senior season, and he wants to prove that his injury history is in the past. Brohm is prime to have an outstanding season.
4 Calais Campbell DE 6-8 282 Miami Jr. Even
Campbell is an intriguing defensive lineman who possesses excellent athletic ability and potential. Campbell posted 10 sacks last season, as a sophomore.
5 Sam Baker OT 6-5 305 USC Sr. Even
Jake Long is the top tackle in the country, but USC's Sam Baker is not far behind. Baker, a senior, has started at left tackle, since day-one, as a Trojan. He’s one of the most dependable players in the country.
6 Tyson Jackson DE 6-5 292 LSU Jr. Even
Jackson has the size, speed and strength to be a dominant defensive end. He finished with 8.5 sacks last season and he will definitely surpass that mark this season.
7 Chris Long DE 6-4 284 Virginia Sr. Even
A tremendous defensive lineman who defends the run very well. Long isn't a sack artist, but he has the ability to develop into a good pass rusher.
8 Kenny Phillips FS 6-2 202 Miami Jr. Even
Ed Reed, Sean Taylor, Brandon Meriweather and now Kenny Phillips; Miami produces the best defensive backs in the country. Phillips is a big hitter who possesses excellent cover skills.
9 Glenn Dorsey DT 6-2 299 LSU Sr. Even
Dorsey is a great interior lineman who provides a tremendous push inside. Dorsey posted 8.5 sacks last season and is very good against the run.
10 Limas Sweed WR 6-5 219 Texas Sr. Even
Sweed is a big target and a red zone terror that creates mismatches against a secondary. He has soft hands and good speed. Sweed has started 33 consecutive games for Texas.
11 Aqib Talib CB 6-2 180 Kansas Jr. Even
A player many haven't seen or heard of, Talib is the best cover corner in the country. Talib recorded six interceptions for the Jayhawks last season and led the nation in passes defended in 2006.
12 Chad Henne QB 6-2 224 Michigan Sr. Even
A three-year starter for the Wolverines, Henne is a consistent performer that leads an offense. Henne has averaged 23 touchdown passes over the last three seasons at Michigan.
13 Derrick Harvey DE 6-5 262 Florida Jr. Even
Harvey is an outstanding pass rusher that can create havoc in the backfield. Harvey registered 11 sacks this past season. He has to improve his run defense to become a complete player.
14 Dan Connor LB 6-2 235 Penn State Sr. Even
Another great linebacker from Penn State, Connor is a versatile player that can play inside or outside. Connor will play inside linebacker this year for Penn State and is ready to emerge as the nation's best.
15 Early Doucet WR 6-0 207 LSU Sr. Even
Doucet is a big play receiver with game changing ability. With JaMarcus Russell, Dwayne Bowe and Craig Davis out of the offense, Doucet becomes the focal point of the LSU attack.
16 Steve Slaton RB 5-10 190 West Virginia Jr. Even
Slaton is a playmaker on offense who can take it to the house on any play. Slaton is a tough runner for a player of his stature. His game is comparable to Eagles running back Brian Westbrook.
17 James Laurinaitis LB 6-3 244 Ohio State Jr. Even
Laurinaitis is a physical linebacker who possesses an excellent motor and has a mean streak. A very competitive player who has great playmaking skills on defense.
18 Gosder Cherilus OT 6-7 318 Boston College Sr. Even
A consistent performer for Boston College, Cherilus has started 37 consecutive games. A premier right tackle, Cherilus is a good run blocker and an excellent pass blocker that has great technique.
19 DeSean Jackson WR 6-0 166 California Jr. Even
Jackson is similar to Ted Ginn Jr. in the way that he can take over a game on special teams. Jackson is a polished receiver with game breaking skills.
20 Colt Brennan QB 6-3 190 Hawaii Sr. Even
Brennan is an outstanding quarterback who possesses a strong arm and good decision making. He threw 58 touchdowns last season and in the Hawaii offense, he'll look to exceed those numbers.
