Top 10 Position Rankings

[cubuffsman78]

Worked a while on this and did some good research, not as much as I used to do cause of my job. As always, discussion and critique is welcome.

Quarterbacks
Andre Woodson Kentucky
Matt Ryan BC
Brian Brohm Louisville
Chad Henne Michigan
Dennis Dixon Oregon
John David Booty USC
Colt Brennan Hawaii
Erik Ainge Tennessee
Paul Smith Tulsa
Alex Brink Wash. St.

The rankings between the top 3 QBs vary a lot. Some have Ryan at the top. Others have Brohm and other still have Woodson. I think Woodson is the most intelligent and most mobile of the three. He’s not a scrambler, but he moves around in the pocket very well. He’s Byron Leftwich, but less injury prone, more mobile and more intelligent.

Brohm is dropping a bit especially after his lackluster performance against UCONN. Too much shouldn’t be read into that. He’s a very good and very accurate. It’s hard to say where Henne, Booty and Brennan fit in. They are the next tier of QBs though. I could see one slipping into the first round if the draft was tomorrow. I prefer Henne cause of his size and mechanics. He was awesome against Illinois Saturday.

If there is a QB that will be a “Tom Brady” by which I mean a late round pick that shines when given an opportunity, I think it’s Ainge.

Dixon is the fastest rising QB on the list. There’s a lot of potential there and he’s 10x’s improved over what he did last season. I jumped him up several spots this week. I’m incredibly impressed with Dixon right now.

Running Backs
Darren McFadden Arkansas
Mike Hart Michigan
Jonathan Stewart Oregon
Jacob Hester LSU
Tashard Choice Ga. Tech
Allen Patrick Oklahoma
Ryan Torain Arizona St.
Dantrell Savage Oklahoma St.
Matt Forte Tulane
Rafael Little Kentucky

Only McFadden is an elite back, but this is a very solid class of RBs that could get stronger if Ray Rice and Steve Slaton surprise me and enter early. I don’t think they will. I think they have a lot to gain from another year of college.

McFadden has all the ability of Adrian Peterson without the injury concerns. I don’t have to preach what kind of stud he is. Everyone already knows. He’s the best prospect in the draft right now.

Stewart is the only other underclassman on the list. I think he and Hart are the only other possible first round picks as of now. I like Stewart over Rice and Slaton because of his size/speed ratio. He’s 5-10, 230 lbs. and has very adequate speed. I moved him ahead of Hart because of the inspired effort he put forth against Wash. St.

The next four guys on the list – Hester, Choice, Patrick and Torain – are all second to early 4th round picks. Hester’s stock is soaring. He’s the biggest climber so far.

Forte is the nation’s leading rusher right now.

Wide Receivers
DeSean Jackson Cal
Adarius Bowman Oklahoma St.
Malcolm Kelly Oklahoma
Early Doucet LSU
Limas Sweed Texas
D.J. Hall Alabama
Harry Douglas Louisville
Keenan Burton Kentucky
Maurice Purify Nebraska
Marcus Monk Arkansas

This is a list filled with tall receivers with good bulk. Ironically, it’s a smaller speedster that leads the list. Jackson is the biggest playmaker in college football. He’s Ted Ginn with better hands and route running ability. He could use some added size, but I can’t see him falling too far past the top 10 at the least

Bowman has impressed me more than any other wide receiver I’ve personally watched. He’s got great size and has shown some great route running skills this season. Last year, he was mostly a vertical threat. He’s added to his abilities and looks like a possible top 15 pick right now.

Doucet disappoints me some. I’m not impressed with his speed and the injury he suffered has obviously slowed him. Still, he’s got great hands and could move back up the list. He had 7 catches for 93 yards against Auburn. The injury put him in the background while other receivers took over the limelight.

Hall is the best red zone WR in this class. He uses his big body magnificently well.

Jordy Nelson is the best WR you’ve never heard of. He’s got a great size/speed ratio and always has separation.

Tight End
Martin Rucker Missouri
Jacob Tamme Kentucky
Travis Beckum Wisconsin
Martellus Bennett Texas A&m
Darius Hill Ball St.
Kellen Davis Michigan St.
John Carlson Notre Dame
Fred Davis USC
Dustin Keller Purdue
Christian Hopkins Toledo

My tight end rankings vary from most ‘draftniks’. I’ve seen several with Fred Davis and John Carlson as the top two tight ends. I say get away from the West Coast and Notre Dame bias and look towards the Midwest.

Rucker is one of the most improved players in the nation. He was an underachiever up to this season. He’s on another level right now and is a big reason Mizzou is having the success they are.

Tamme might be the fastest player at the position. He’s a gamebreaker. His ability after the catch helped get Kentucky back in their game against Florida.

Beckum and Hill will get close to 1,000 yards this season. I’m shocked that Hill isn’t getting more hype. He’s topped 70 yards receiving in 6 of 8 games. He’s caught no less than 4 balls in every game. His best game came against a Big 12 school in Nebraska so he’s not doing it just against MAC opponents. He plays Illinois this week which will be a nice test for him.

Off. Tackles
Jake Long Michigan
Ryan Clady Boise St.
Sam Baker USC
Gosder Cherilus BC
Michael Oher Ole Miss
Barry Richardson Clemson
Kyle Barton Ohio St.
John Greco Toledo
Tony Hills Texas
Duane Brown Va. Tech

Long has a firm grip on the top of this list much like Joe Thomas did last season. I don’t see him falling from the top.

I will admit… Clady was brought to my attention by my favorite draft analyst, Todd McShay. So I made a point of watching him play against Nevada, which was a very entertaining game anyway. Clady is very quick into his stance. His footwork is also impressive. He is penalty prone at times though.

This is a fairly strong OT class. Baker is a top 15 pick. Cherils and Oher also look like late first rounders.

Off. Guards
Jordan Grimes Purdue
Will Arnold LSU
Charles Elder Texas A&M
Shannon Tevaga UCLA
Adam Kraus Michigan
Andrew Crummey Maryland
Roy Schuening Oregon
Chester Adams Georgia
Andrew Bain Miami
Robert Felton Arkansas

This is also an impressive OG class. I prefer Grimes, but there’s a legitimate argument to the top 6 on the list as being the best in the nation at the position. Kraus and Tevaga top a lot of lists. Grimes stands out to me when I watch Purdue play though.

Same with Elder… much of A&M’s interior runs are behind him. He’s a 4-year starter and also has experience at center.

Centers
Alex Mack Cal
Cody Wallace Texas A&M
John Sullivan Notre Dame
Steve Justice Wake Forest
Kory Lichtensteiger B. Green
Wayne Legursky Marshall
Adam Spieker Missouri
Tony Brinkhaus Minnesota
Mike Pollak Arizona St.
Drew Miller Florida

The only chance for a center sneaking late into the first round is Mack. He’s hands down the best center I’ve watched this year. There’s a good chance he won’t come out early, but I don’t think he can up his stock anymore by staying in school.

Wallace and Sullivan look like first day picks right now.


Def. Tackles
Glenn Dorsey LSU
Sedrick Ellis USC
Terrance Taylor Michigan
Frank Okam Texas
James McClinton Kansas
Fili Moala USC
Kentwan Balmer UNC
DeMario Pressley N.C. State
Andre Fluellen Florida St.
Red Bryant Texas A&M

There are two DL that have dominated this season. One of them is Dorsey – the other will be mentioned later. Dorsey takes over games. He can contribute in any system at any interior technique. He’s quite possibly the best DT prospect ever. I don’t might putting myself out there with that. He’s definitely the most athletic DT prospect since Warren Sapp. I think he’s just as athletic as Amobi Okoye. Hopefully, the injury he suffered thanks to a cheap chop block by Auburn Saturday won’t keep him out. 39 tackles and 4 sacks is a lot for an interior lineman.

Ellis is a perfect DT for a cover 2 team that prefers quick penetration like Chicago, Tampa Bay and Indy.

Taylor is the best Jr. in the DT class. He could be a pick in the 20’s to 30’s. He’s borderline on this list for me. I considered keeping him off. I think he could move up higher on the board though. Not past Dorsey, but maybe past Ellis.

Okam can play NT in a 3-4. He’ll be valued highly by some teams.

Moala is a gap filler. He’s a Jr. that I think will lean towards staying. He’s another one that can move up boards though.

I watched McClinton play for the first time this weekend and he dominated my Buffs. He’s one of the reasons Kansas has a top defense in the nation. It’ll be nice to see him dominate better competition. I think he could rise high on this board.

Def. Ends
Chris Long Virginia
Derrick Harvey Florida
Calais Campbell Miami
Quentin Groves Auburn
Vernon Gholston Ohio St.
Lawrence Jackson USC
Chris Ellis Va. Tech
Chase Ortiz TCU
Kendall Langford Hampton
Kenny Iwebema Iowa

Long is the other dominant DL in the nation. He has 10 sacks despite playing most downs as a 3-4 DE. He can play in that offense, but has the ability to be a 4-3 strongside DE. He could be the top pick in the draft. I like him more than Mario Williams. He’s not as athletic, but he’s a more natural pass rusher.

Harvey and Campbell are interchangeable at 2-3. It will all depend on the type of DE a team wants. Harvey is a pure pass rusher with phenomenal speed. Campbell is bigger, but still very athletic. He could play in a 3-4 or a 4-3.

Groves, Gholston and Ellis are possible tweeners. Groves is the best one as of now. I expect him to be a 3-4 OLB in the NFL.

I like Ortiz over teammate Tommy Blake now. Ortiz is more consistent as a run defender and has shined. Blake has had some off the field problems that are being covered up a bit. It’s a mystery as to what’s going on in the kid’s head right now. It has affected him on the field. That’s why he’s not on this list. He’s a top 5 DE if he’s in the right mind.

Langford is a 3-4 DE probably. Some think he’s a late 1st round possibility. His measurables are impressive, as is his production. I’d like to see him work out personally first.

Outside Backers
Keith Rivers USC
Dan Connor Penn St.
Erin Henderson Maryland
Ali Highsmith LSU
Xavier Adibi Va. Tech
Wesley Woodyard Kentucky
Shawn Crable Michigan
Bo Ruud Nebraska
Alvin Bowen Iowa St.
Brandon Miller Georgia

Rivers and Connor are similar backers. Both could be ILB in the 3-4 or a 4-3. I give Rivers a slight edge because I think he’s more athletic.

Highsmith, Adibi and Woodyard could thrive in a cover 2. Woodyard is my board leaper. He stands out and has outstanding speed. He’s my sleeper at the position. I think second round is within reach.

Want impact? Take Erin Henderson. I think he could end up being the top OLB in this draft if he enters. Great size and is very noticeable on the field. He has to be tough since his parents decided to spell his name like a girl’s.



Inside Backers
James Laurinaitis Ohio St.
Rey Maualuga USC
Phillip Wheeler Ga. Tech
Vince Hall Va. Tech
Ben Moffitt USF
J Leman Illinois
Jordon Dizon Colorado
Jonathan Goff Vanderbilt
Jasper Brinkley S. Carolina
Beau Bell UNLV

Every time I sit down to do a mock, I have to talk myself out of putting Laurinaitis in the top 10. It’s early, of course, but I think teams will feel the same way. Some one won’t be able to talk their way out of it and he will be a top 10 pick.

Maualuga is a first round selection as well. This position will be affected heavily by underclassmen.

The youth movement at the position drops Wheeler and Hall. Wheeler keeps getting overlooked. That’s baffling to me. He’s a great MLB. Hall being injured is going to hurt him a little as well.

Dizon leads the nation in tackles. He’s always around the ball. I’m convinced he’ll be a good pro somewhere.

Leman has the ability to climb this list the most.

Cornerbacks
Malcolm Jenkins Ohio St.
Jeff King Penn St.
Mike Jenkins USF
DeJuan Tribble BC
Aqib Talib Kansas
Antoine Cason Arizona
Terrell Thomas USC
Reggie Smith Oklahoma
Trae Williams USF
Chevis Jackson LSU

This is another position that could be heavily affected by early entries at the top of the list. Malcolm Jenkins is a shut down corner. He’s NFL ready.

King isn’t as good in coverage, but is a playmaker. His speed is second to none.

USF gets two players on the list. No one on the defense has stood out to me more than Mike Jenkins. Everytime I’ve watched the Bulls, I’ve noticed Jenkins. Williams is good too, but doesn’t have as nice of measurables.

Cason is loved by many, but several CBs have passed him by. Tribble is one of those guys to me. He’s fantastic in coverage.

Talib is another playmaker. I could see him being a late first round pick. He’s got great speed, good size and nice ball skills.

Jackson could move up a bit. He’s got a lot of picks this season.

Free Safeties
Jonathan Hefney Tennessee
Darien Williams Oklahoma
Quintin Demps UTEP
Thomas Zbikowski Notre Dame
Thomas Decoud Cal
Dennis Keyes UCLA
Roger Williams Florida St.
Brian Bonner TCU
Damon Nickson Mid. Tenn. St.
Jamal Lewis Ga. Tech

There isn’t a strong class of safeties here. Hefney is by far the top free safety prospect and he ups his value by being a solid kick returner. He’s a second round pick right now though.

Zbikowski is getting a bit overlooked right now. I like the way he plays. He always seems to be coming up with interceptions and he’s a fearless kick returner.

Most of these guys are second day picks. Only Williams and Demps jump out at me as first day picks at this point.

Strong Safeties
Kenny Phillips Miami
Craig Steltz LSU
Josh Barrett Arizona St.
Chris Horton UCLA
Jamar Adams Michigan
Marcus Griffin Texas
Eric Brock Auburn
Tierre Green Nebraska
Tony Joiner Florida
Eric Wicks W. Virginia

This is where the strength of the safety class is. Phillips could go in the top 10. Steltz could be a mid-first rounder. Steltz is flying up the board. LSU has a great defense and Steltz stands out. It’s hard to stand out on a great defense.

Horton, Barrett, Adams and Griffin look like first day selections.

[NYJets30]

As always, great analysis. Some things I either disagree with, or just wanted to comment on:

QB: I also like Matt Ryan slightly better than Brohm, but I think Brohm will go higher simply because he was on the radar last year and has more hype. People are just finding out about Ryan now

RB: I think the RB class would be one o the strongest in recent memory if Rice and Slaton both came out. If not if would be decently strong, but not standout

WR: I love DeSean Jackson. loved him since last year. He reminds me of Steve Smith..

thats all I'm gonna comment on for now. I'll try to get to the rest later

[porky88]

I think Matt Ryan's stock is going to drop once BC loses once or twice. It's riding high right now but it won't be like that come April in my opinion.

I like Woodson head and shoulders more than any other QB in this Draft. I think he should go #1 overall if Miami, St. Louis or Atlanta ends up with the pick.

[cubuffsman78]

Originally Posted by porky88 I think Matt Ryan's stock is going to drop once BC loses once or twice. It's riding high right now but it won't be like that come April in my opinion. I like Woodson head and shoulders more than any other QB in this Draft. I think he should go #1 overall if Miami, St. Louis or Atlanta ends up with the pick.

I agree about Woodson. Although, I think St. Louis would go OT with Jake Long or even DE with Chris Long before they went with Woodson. This is speculation as always and extreme speculation cause of the time of year. I'm a big Bulger fan. He's a very good QB but has no time to throw and Orlando Pace is missing his second consecutive season with injury. Jake would be a better selection for them.

[porky88]

Originally Posted by cubuffsman78 Originally Posted by porky88 I think Matt Ryan's stock is going to drop once BC loses once or twice. It's riding high right now but it won't be like that come April in my opinion. I like Woodson head and shoulders more than any other QB in this Draft. I think he should go #1 overall if Miami, St. Louis or Atlanta ends up with the pick. I agree about Woodson. Although, I think St. Louis would go OT with Jake Long or even DE with Chris Long before they went with Woodson. This is speculation as always and extreme speculation cause of the time of year. I'm a big Bulger fan. He's a very good QB but has no time to throw and Orlando Pace is missing his second consecutive season with injury. Jake would be a better selection for them.

I agree but when does a franchise pass up on the Quarterback over the offensive tackle. Years past has suggested otherwise. The only #1 pick this decade not to be a QB I believe is Mario Williams and that was heavily criticized.

I actually think Miami is more likely to go with Long because their high on John Beck. St. Louis I think could be a team that just starts to rebuild and overhauls the roster next season and probably find a new coach too.

Speculation is fun though.

[NYJets30]

Welcome to New York, Glenn Dorsey

[jerthemessiah]

Originally Posted by porky88 Originally Posted by cubuffsman78 Originally Posted by porky88 I think Matt Ryan's stock is going to drop once BC loses once or twice. It's riding high right now but it won't be like that come April in my opinion. I like Woodson head and shoulders more than any other QB in this Draft. I think he should go #1 overall if Miami, St. Louis or Atlanta ends up with the pick. I agree about Woodson. Although, I think St. Louis would go OT with Jake Long or even DE with Chris Long before they went with Woodson. This is speculation as always and extreme speculation cause of the time of year. I'm a big Bulger fan. He's a very good QB but has no time to throw and Orlando Pace is missing his second consecutive season with injury. Jake would be a better selection for them. I agree but when does a franchise pass up on the Quarterback over the offensive tackle. Years past has suggested otherwise. The only #1 pick this decade not to be a QB I believe is Mario Williams and that was heavily criticized. I actually think Miami is more likely to go with Long because their high on John Beck. St. Louis I think could be a team that just starts to rebuild and overhauls the roster next season and probably find a new coach too. Speculation is fun though.

Ya everyone ripped the Texans for not taking Bush, but he looks to be best suited as a 3rd down back/return man or possibly a slot WR.

[cubuffsman78]

Originally Posted by jerthemessiah Originally Posted by porky88 Originally Posted by cubuffsman78 Originally Posted by porky88 I think Matt Ryan's stock is going to drop once BC loses once or twice. It's riding high right now but it won't be like that come April in my opinion. I like Woodson head and shoulders more than any other QB in this Draft. I think he should go #1 overall if Miami, St. Louis or Atlanta ends up with the pick. I agree about Woodson. Although, I think St. Louis would go OT with Jake Long or even DE with Chris Long before they went with Woodson. This is speculation as always and extreme speculation cause of the time of year. I'm a big Bulger fan. He's a very good QB but has no time to throw and Orlando Pace is missing his second consecutive season with injury. Jake would be a better selection for them. I agree but when does a franchise pass up on the Quarterback over the offensive tackle. Years past has suggested otherwise. The only #1 pick this decade not to be a QB I believe is Mario Williams and that was heavily criticized. I actually think Miami is more likely to go with Long because their high on John Beck. St. Louis I think could be a team that just starts to rebuild and overhauls the roster next season and probably find a new coach too. Speculation is fun though. Ya everyone ripped the Texans for not taking Bush, but he looks to be best suited as a 3rd down back/return man or possibly a slot WR.

Or how bout all 3? Anyone reacting about Bush's season right now as if he's not a great player has just been waiting for the chance to do so. The Saints offense is having trouble and it's not Bush's fault. He's still a great weapon.

[TNMK]

I think Dre Moore should be in the top 5 of DT's because of his play and his workout numbers. He can be a 3-4 NT, but can also outrun some tight ends.

Phil Loadholt I believe will go pro after this year because of his rare size and quickness. It's a hot rumor going around campus. If he does declare, he could be drafted somewhere in the late first.

I also believe that George Selvie will go pro, and will should be a top 5 DE.

[cubuffsman78]

Originally Posted by TNMK I think Dre Moore should be in the top 5 of DT's because of his play and his workout numbers. He can be a 3-4 NT, but can also outrun some tight ends. Phil Loadholt I believe will go pro after this year because of his rare size and quickness. It's a hot rumor going around campus. If he does declare, he could be drafted somewhere in the late first. I also believe that George Selvie will go pro, and will should be a top 5 DE.

Throwing Selvie in is a bit premature. He has a ton to gain from staying another season. Remember, he's just a sophomore. He's only played the position for two years as well. His potential is incredible, but with one more season of refining his skills, he could be a top 10 pick. Right now, he'd be a mid to late first rounder.

I agree about Moore. He could find the list easily. I disagree about him being a NT. He's not a good anchor against the run. The Terrapins give up a lot against the run which is sad with Moore and Henderson on the team. You overrate his speed a bit. He can keep up with some tight ends. The really slow ones like Kyle Brady. What difference does that make anyway for a DT? Is he going to be covering a TE? He's there for the point of attack. DT's aren't looked at to run a back 20 yards down the field.

Loadholt could be a great RT in the NFL. He's not that quick though. If there's one position that players usually don't come out early at lately, it's OT. Look at Jake Long and Sam Baker last season.