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Top 103 Draft Prospects For 2009, V2.1
Authored by Jeff Risdon - 18th December, 2008 - 1:19 pm
Instead of analyzing the common storylines of Super Bowl XLIV, let’s use the music of The Who, who (pun intended) will be performing at halftime this year.
There’s a difference between a favorite and a lock. When up against a team with playoff-level talent, it’s rare that the team with the better record ever appears in the second category.
Braylon Edwards will join Jericho Cotchery to form an elite wideout tandem, at least on paper.
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Many changes here since the September version. This list features a lot more underclassmen, but please do not read anything into their inclusion as to their declaration status. There are some that have all but declared for the draft already, whereas others are not expected to declare but could change their minds.
These ratings reflect player ratings, not necessarily anticipated draft order (that’s what mock drafts are for!). Some weight is given to positions, i.e. a QB or DE with the same grade as a G or TE will be listed higher.
This list was complied with input from a couple of current NFL collegiate scouts, my own personal evaluations, and opinions from other sources that I trust. The balance between proven ability and potential NFL upside is almost completely subjective on my part, based on years of scouting and ongoing trends in the NFL.
- Updated 11.30
1. Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State--could be the best CB from Cornerback U., has everything you could ask for in a shutdown corner
2. Andre Smith, T, Alabama--his improved agility and tenacity elevate him to the top of a deep tackle class
3. Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech--just a redshirt sophomore, but has all the ability and characteristics of Anquan Boldin already
4. Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest--not as sexy as the bigger names, but Curry has no visible holes in his game
5. Eugene Monroe, T, Virginia--has looked very strong against NFL-caliber opponents
6. Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia--junior is the clear cream of the QB crop, a strong-armed leader with loads of big-game experience
7. Chris “Beanie” Wells, RB, Ohio State--his toe injury has stymied his acceleration, but Beanie has shown great vision, speed, and power
8. Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois--impressive athlete knows how to finish his tackles and has great instincts
9. Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas--physical marvel has shown he can do more than rack up sacks
10. Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma--redshirt junior has uncanny accuracy and enough zip on his deeper throws
11. Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech--based entirely on potential, not his college production a la Mario Williams
12. Alex Mack, C, California--outstanding athleticism and ability to fire out to the second level make him a special talent
13. Jeremy Maclin, WR/KR, Missouri
14. Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia
15. James Laurinaitis, LB, Ohio State
16. Michael Oher, T, Mississippi
17. BJ Raji, NT, Boston College--best of the big beef 3-4 NT prospects in this draft
18. Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State--more NFL-ready than recent top-shelf TEs, better blocker than receiver at this point
19. Jason Smith, T, Baylor
20. Antoine Caldwell, C, Alabama
21. Percy Harvin, ATH, Florida--a faster version of Eric Metcalf, if he accepts being a RB/WR hybrid
22. Rey Maualuga, LB, USC
23. Brandon Spikes, LB, Florida--big-time hitter is quickly learning how to take better angles
24. Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest
25. George Selvie, DE/OLB, South Florida--the next Lamarr Woodley?
26. Sen’Derrick Marks, DT, Auburn
27. Jonathan Luigs, C, Arkansas--the “agile tactician” fits best in a zone blocking scheme
28. Mark Sanchez, QB, USC
29. Larry English, DE/OLB, Northern Illinois
30. Russell Okung, T, Oklahoma State
31. Darius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland--has a lot of Braylon Edwards in him, for better and for worse
32. Eben Britton, T, Arizona
33. Everette Brown, DE, Florida State
34. C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson--has pulled far ahead of teammate James Davis thanks to his speed and balance
35. Auston English, DE, Oklahoma
36. Tyson Jackson, DT, LSU--projects better as a 3-4 DE in the NFL
37. Terrance Cody, NT, Alabama
38. Darius Butler, CB, Connecticut
39. Duke Robinson, G, Oklahoma
40. Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi
41. Jason Phillips, LB, TCU
42. Clint Sintim, LB, Virginia
43. Trevor Canfield, G, Cincinnati
44. Sherrod Martin, CB, Troy
45. Greg Hardy, DE, Mississippi--his flashes of greatness show game-changing potential, but he must learn to play every snap
46. Max Unger, OL, Oregon--best fit is at G, but can capably play all 5 line spots
96. Deangelo Smith, DB, Cincinnati--probably best as a nickel back in the NFL
97. Eric Moncur, DE, Miami FL
98. Alex Boone, T, Ohio State--will play RT in the NFL and has the snarl to make it
99. William Beatty, T, Connecticut
100. Matt Shaughnessy, DE, Wisconsin
101. Courtney Greene, S, Rutgers
102. Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina
103. Kam Chancellor, S, Virginia Tech
- This list will be updated next after the first week of bowl games.
