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ESPN.com - Merling, Rachal have huge upsides for next level

 ESPN.com: College Football [Print without images]
 Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Updated: January 31, 4:48 PM ET
 Merling, Rachal have huge upsides for next level
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 By Mel Kiper Jr.
ESPN.com

 As good as defensive end Gaines Adams was at Clemson in 2006, his
former teammate Phillip Merling might be even better. Adams -- the
fourth pick in last year's NFL draft -- was extremely flashy during
his playing days at Clemson; however, you can make the argument that
Merling is the more complete player. Merling is one of three new
underclassmen debuting on this week's top 25 Big Board, along with USC
guard Chilo Rachal and Oklahoma wide receiver Malcolm Kelly.

 * Asterisk denotes underclassman

 1. *Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas (6-foot-1, 208) | Previous: Same
 The reasons for his dynamic performances throughout his career are
excellent vision, very good balance, game-breaking speed and a passion
for the game.

 2. Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU (6-2, 292) | Previous: Same
 Disruptive force along the interior. If there is one non-skill
position player fans should watch, Dorsey is the one, because despite
constant double-teams, he is always making plays or opening up space
for his teammates.

 3. Jake Long, OT, Michigan (6-6, 320) | Previous: Same
 Top-drawer left or right tackle prospect.

 4. Chris Long, DE, Virginia (6-4, 282) | Previous: Same
 A 3-4 defensive end with great bloodlines who understands leverage
and uses his hands as well as any D-lineman in the country.

 5. Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC (6-1, 297) | Previous: Same
 Tampa Bay Bucs-style DT with superior quickness and a nonstop motor.

 6. Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College (6-4, 223) | Previous: Same
 He has the size and arm to wow the NFL brass during testing.

 7. *Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas (6-1, 193) | Previous: Same
 A game-changing cover corner who had 11 interceptions the past two
seasons. Talib has outstanding recovery speed and tremendous leaping
ability. He also showed his versatility by catching eight passes (four
for touchdowns) on offense.

 8. *Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio St. (6-3, 262) | Previous: Same
 He took his play to a new level in 2007, showcasing the explosiveness
to overpower offensive tackles at the point of attack. Gholston also
has excellent closing speed, as evidenced by the 14 sacks he
registered. He also has the versatility to play with his hand off the
ground.

 9. *Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State (6-5, 320) | Previous: Same
 An excellent left tackle prospect with athletic ability and solid
technique that will make him a great blindside protector in the NFL.

 10. *Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon (5-10, 233) | Previous: Same
 A strong and athletic, big running back who displays tremendous
patience with the way he sets up his blocks.

 11. *Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson (6-4½, 272) | Previous: Same
 An underrated standout, Merling might not be as flashy as former
teammate Gaines Adams (the fourth pick in last year's draft), but you
can make the argument that Merling is a more complete player.

 12. Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina (6-4, 298) | Previous: 14
 Unbelievably talented player who had a breakout season in 2007.

 13. Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy (5-10½, 185) | Previous: Same
 Not only a very good cover man with superior recovery ability (runs
in the 4.38 range) and the aggressiveness to get the job done in run
support, McKelvin has made a name for himself as the top return man in
the entire nation. He's also stood out this season in games against
the likes of Arkansas, Florida, Oklahoma State and Georgia. With his
speed and versatility, McKelvin will bring a great deal of value to a
football team.

 14. Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt (6-5½, 318) | Previous: 12
 Top-drawer talent, possessing superior athleticism and good feet to
neutralize outside pass-rushers.

 15. *Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas (5-11, 202) | Previous: Same
 Tremendously explosive and versatile, Jones gained a whopping 8.7
yards per carry this season, while also excelling as a kickoff
returner, gaining nearly 30 yards per return.

 16. *Calais Campbell, DE, Miami (6-7, 280) | Previous: 17
 Physically imposing with his height and wingspan, Campbell is able to
beat offensive tackles with either speed or power. He does a good job
of varying his pass rush moves, while also proving to be solid against
the run.

 17. Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh (6-5, 339) | Previous: 18
 Light on his feet for a huge bookend, Otah is still developing. He
played only one year in high school and two at the junior college
level. He also played basketball in junior college and is a tremendous
athlete. His upside and potential are going to excite offensive line
coaches in the NFL.

 18. Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida (5-11½, 202) | Previous: 19
 He has excellent recovery speed and the toughness you look for in a
cornerback. His size allows him to match up with an opponent's No. 1
wide receiver.

 19. *Chilo Rachal, OG, USC (6-6¼, 339) | Previous: 20
 Tremendous size and plays with a defensive mentality you like to see.
Rachal can match the speed and power of defensive ends he faces which
is why he has so much upside at the next level.

 20. *Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois (5-10, 224) | Previous: 21
 Authoritative runner with a major league burst through the hole.
Mendenhall's hard-charging style makes him difficult to get to the
ground.

 21. Fred Davis, USC (6-4, 253) | Previous: 22
 Productive, consistent and multitalented. He's caught five or more
passes in eight of 13 games while also doing a very capable job as an
inline blocker. Davis stretches the deep middle of the field with big
plays while bringing excellent physical and athletic skills to the
tight end spot.

 22. *Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma (6-3½, 219) | Previous: 23
 He has the combination of size and speed that NFL teams covet, plus
great hands and is a tremendous competitor.

 23. Sam Baker, OT, USC (6-4½, 310) | Previous: 16
 Exceptional pass-blocker with superb technique.

 24. *DeSean Jackson, WR, California (5-11, 168) | Previous: Same
 Exciting wideout and returner with very good natural pass receiving
skills. Jackson has excellent speed and is a terrific open-field
runner.

 25. *Kenny Phillips, S, Miami (6-1½, 200) | Previous: Same
 While he had a decent but not great season, Phillips has the skill
level necessary to reach high honors in the NFL. He has excellent
range and good ball skills, and he is solid in run support. Also keep
in mind that safeties are in high demand in the NFL these days, and
Phillips is clearly the top safety in this year's draft.

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