[CBFF] Kiper's big board March 6

[Phil DeNomme]

19. 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 will
excite offensive line coaches in the NFL.

He didn’t look that light on his feet at the combine in the drills and his
40.

-----Original Message-----
From: cbff-bounces at chicagobearsfanforum.com
[mailto:cbff-bounces at chicagobearsfanforum.com] On Behalf Of Victor Waldron
Sent: Tuesday, March 11, 2008 9:39 AM
To: CBFF
Subject: [CBFF] Kiper's big board March 6

(reminder, this is *not* a mock draft. It's his ranking of players
overall as prospects.)

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

3. 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, it's Dorsey: He always makes plays
or opens up space for his teammates.

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: 6
Tampa Bay Bucs-style DT with superior quickness and a nonstop motor.

6. *Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio St. (6-3, 262) | Previous: 7
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.

7. Jake Long, OT, Michigan (6-6, 320) | Previous: 5
Top-drawer left or right tackle prospect.

8. *Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson (6-4½, 272) | Previous: 9
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.

9. *Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State (6-5, 320) | Previous: 11
An excellent left tackle prospect with athletic ability and solid
technique that will make him a great blindside protector in the NFL.

10. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee St. (6-1½, 183) | Previous:
19
After enjoying a stellar career at the Division I-AA level,
Rodgers-Cromartie stood out against the big boys at the Senior Bowl
practices, then wowed over the NFL brass at the combine. He has the
height, athleticism, recovery speed and ball skills to be an
outstanding cornerback in the NFL.

11. *Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois (5-10, 224) | Previous: 12
Authoritative runner with a major league burst through the hole.
Mendenhall's hard-charging style makes him difficult to get to the
ground.

12. Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt (6-5½, 318) | Previous: 10
Top-drawer talent, possessing superior athleticism and good feet to
neutralize outside pass-rushers.

13. Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy (5-10½, 185) | Previous: 14
Not only is McKelvin a very good cover man with superior recovery
ability and the aggressiveness (he runs in the 4.38 range) to get the
job done in run support, he also has made a name for himself as the
top return man in the entire nation. He has stood out this season in
games against the likes of Arkansas, Florida, Oklahoma State and
Georgia. With his speed and versatility, McKelvin will bring great
value to a football team.

14. *Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma (6-3½, 219) | Previous: 15
He has the combination of size and speed that NFL teams covet, plus
great hands; he's also a tremendous competitor.

15. *Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon (5-10, 233) | Previous: 16
A strong and athletic, big running back who displays tremendous
patience with the way he sets up his blocks.

16. *Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas (6-1, 193) | Previous: 8
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.

17. *Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas (5-11, 202) | Previous: Unranked
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.

18. *Jerod Mayo, LB, Tennessee (6-1½, 233) | Previous: Unranked
Fast, athletic and tremendously instinctive. Mayo is a form tackler
who leaves a lasting impression when he arrives on the scene. In 2007,
May led the Vols with 140 tackles and was second on the team with 8½
tackles behind the line of scrimmage.

19. 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 will excite offensive line coaches
in the NFL.

20. Keith Rivers, LB, USC (6-3, 233) | Previous: 23
He has the skill set to become a super blue-chipper. Rivers isn't
spectacular, but he's a solid all-around player.

21. *Branden Albert, OG, Virginia (6-6, 310) | Previous: 20
A three-year starter for Al Groh, Albert also has the potential to
operate as an offensive tackle in the NFL. Albert really commands
attention by blocking in space and getting to the second level. In
2007, I saw Albert routinely deliver crushing blows on the move,
showing agility and athleticism rarely seen in a player of his size.

22. Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina (6-4, 298) | Previous: 13
Unbelievably talented player who had a breakout season in 2007.

23. *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.

24. *Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida (6-3, 250) | Previous: 21
A battle-tested SEC veteran with that quick twitch you look for in a
pass-rusher. Harvey started slowly in 2007, but came on in the latter
half of the season, finishing with 8½ sacks and 17 tackles for loss.

25. *Chilo Rachal, OG, USC (6-6¼, 339) | Previous: 24
He has tremendous size and plays with a defensive mentality. Rachal
can match the speed and power of defensive ends he faces, which is why
he has so much upside at the next level.

DROPPED
Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida (5-11½, 202) | Previous: 22
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.

*DeSean Jackson, WR, California (5-11, 168) | Previous: 25
Exciting wideout and returner with very good natural pass receiving
skills. Jackson has excellent speed and is a terrific open-field
runner.

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