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Luke Easterling's Draft Analysis:

Forum: Talk Bucs | Special Report: NFL Draft
Top 25 Prospects - 4/12


Here are my Top 25 available prospects for this year’s draft, regardless of draft order or position.  His list reflects my view of the best players, not where I believe they’ll go in the draft.  This will be updated periodically leading up to Draft Day.

1. Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas - The most dynamic player in the draft.  Character concerns have surfaced, but nothing that prevents him from being considered the best available talent.
2. Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU - A consistent, disruptive force in the middle of the defensive line.  Would be a defensive anchor for any NFL team to build around.
3. Chris Long, DE, Virginia - Flat out, one of the best every-down players to come along in a while.  Has a non-stop motor, along with superb size (6-4, 280) and strength.
4. Jake Long, OT, Michigan - The best pass-protector in this class, and a stellar run blocker despite his tall frame.  Could become a cornerstone around which to build a successful, young offensive line.
5. Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College - By far, the best QB prospect in this draft.  Has everything scouts look for in a field general: size, arm strength, poise and leadership.
6. Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC - Classic 3-technique tackle who is brings a perfect balance of pass-rushing ability and run-stuffing to the table.
7. Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois - Tough runner who excels at dragging tacklers for extra yardage.  Has the size and durability to carry the full load for any NFL team.
8. Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State - Excellent pass protecter at LT who needs to improve upper-body strength in order to reach his full potential at the next level.
9. Branden Albert, OG, Virginia - Some teams project Albert as a possible tackle prospect, but I believe he’s better suited to remain at guard.  Albert is a devastating run blocker who also excels in pass protection.
10. Keith Rivers, OLB, USC - Rivers has superb range, despite his lack of timed top-end speed.  He brings leadership and poise to the weakside linebacker position.
11. Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida - Has a history of making big plays, especially in big games.  Has the size to hold his own against the stronger left tackles in the NFL, and also the speed and moves to be a successful pass-rushing threat.
12. Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy - The best of a very deep cornerback class.  Despite playing in a non-major conference, McKelvin enjoyed success against bigger, non-conference opponents, and shouldn’t be undervalued because of where he played.
13. Vernon Gholston, DE/OLB, Ohio State - A bit overrated, but still has the potential to be a dominant pass rusher.  Was too streaky, lacking consistency, but could excel in a 3-4 defense as an edge rusher.
14. Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee State - Another corner prospect from a smaller school, but has all the physical tools necessary to become a solid #1 corner at the next level.
15. Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh - Is the best pure athlete in the offensive tackle class, with loads of upside and potential.  Has a massive frame (6-5, 339), but also excellent footwork.
16. Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt - Is a brilliant pass protector, but needs to improve his consistency in finishing his blocks in the running game.
17. Jerod Mayo, OLB, Tennessee - Is as athletic as any linebacker in this class, and relies on his superb instincts to make plays on a consistent basis.
18. Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida - Excels in man coverage, and has the recovery speed to get away with occasional gambles.  Has all the makings of a top #1 corner if he can stay disciplined.
19. Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma - Has arguably the best hands of any receiver in the draft.  Despite his lack of supreme timed speed, has demonstrated the ability to consistently stretch the field, separate from defenders in man coverage, and find the soft spot in the zones.
20. Dan Connor, LB, Penn State - The latest in a long line of successful products from “Linebacker U”.  Connor has starting experience at inside and outside linebacker, and has the leadership skills teams covet from the linebacker position.
21. Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson - Is a very balanced player who has the size (6-4, 270) to be a consistent every-down end at the next level.
22. Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State - Perfect blend of size (6-2, 215) and speed (4.4), Thomas is rising fast up draft boards.  His only drawback is a lack of top-level experience, having only played one season at the Division 1-A level.  Also enjoyed success as a return man.
23. DeSean Jackson, WR, California - Is undersized (5-9, 170), but is an electrifying playmaker as both a receiver and a return specialist.  Had a somewhat disappointing junior campaign due to nagging injuries, but nothing that should affect his draft stock.
24. Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas - A home run threat, but his lack of experience as a full-time back leaves question marks as to his ability to handle a full load of carries at the next level.  Could excel with a team who would employ him in a two-back system.
25. Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas - A playmaker who has the pure talent to become a top corner in the NFL, but concerns over his footwork and tendency to gamble in man coverage have made his stock fall a bit as of late.

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About Luke:

Luke Easterling has spent the past seven years covering the NFL Draft as owner, editor and writer for Gridiron Central, an online NFL Draft magazine. He now brings his love for the NFL's yearly selection process to the TBO nation. When he's not breaking down film on prospects or scolding "experts" for overvaluing workout results, Luke enjoys playing music, and sharing his love of sports with his lovely wife, Lakin, his friends and family. Luke is currently a student at the University of South Florida pursuing a degree in Mass Communications.


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