[CBFF] ESPN.com - Merling, Rachal have huge upsides for next level - Sent Using Google Toolbar

[Dwayne]

I want the Otah kid. Anyone who can look like a star under Wanny, gets my
consideration.

D
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Sent: Friday, February 01, 2008 1:28 PM
Subject: [CBFF] ESPN.com - Merling,Rachal have huge upsides for next level -
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ESPN.com - Merling, Rachal have huge upsides for next
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*ESPN.com:* College Football [Print without
images<http://proxy.espn.go.com/espn/print?id=3220568&type=Columnist&imagesP
rint=off>
]
* Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Updated: January 31, 4:48 PM ET
* Merling, Rachal have huge upsides for next level
------------------------------
 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<http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=170928>,
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
<http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=146254>,
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<http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=173412>,
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<http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=170926>,
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<http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=174861>,
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<http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=156173>,
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<http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=174567>,
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<http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=174193>,
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.

 *Click here <http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/chatESPNEWS?event_id=407> to
send a question to Mel Kiper for possible use on
ESPNEWS<http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/espnews/index>
.*

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