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As the senior class jockeys for position to gain favor in the eyes of scouts, the crop of underclassmen likely to make the early jump to the NFL is also starting to take shape.
A strong group of senior quarterbacks makes it unlikely any of the top-ranked junior passers will be leaving early for the 2008 NFL Draft. The opposite is true at running back, tight end and offensive guard. The senior prospects at these three positions are quite weak, so several underclassmen will be strongly tempted to enter the draft early.
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| DeSean Jackson's game-breaking ability could see him make an early exit for the NFL. (US Presswire) |
The NFL won't release the official draft list until mid-January, but NFLDraftScout.com is tracking all the potential draftable players. A look at the top 10 underclassmen on the offensive side of the ball along with five lesser-known prospects:
1. Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas, 6-feet-2, 210 pounds, 4.42 (40-yard dash), Jr.
Blessed with a combination of size, power and natural running ability similar to Vikings rookie sensation Adrian Peterson, McFadden will enter the draft as an even higher-rated commodity than the former Oklahoma star due to his greater durability. A dominant performer since stepping onto the field as a true freshman, McFadden might be the best prospect in the country -- regardless of position or class.
2. DeSean Jackson, WR, California, 6-0, 178, 4.45, Jr.
An explosive athlete with the quickness, acceleration and top-end speed to make an immediate impact in the NFL as both a receiver and return specialist, Jackson is a better overall prospect than Ted Ginn Jr., whom Miami selected with the ninth overall pick last April.
3. Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma, 6-4, 218, 4.54, Jr.
Blessed with rare size and arguably the softest hands of any receiver in the country, Kelly is the prototype possession receiver for today's NFL. Started off the season with seven touchdowns in his first three games, but has cooled off since. To keep his lofty status, Kelly will need to pick up his game again in the second half of the season.
4. Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State, 6-6, 320, 5.28, Jr.
Clady might possess the best footwork and balance of any left tackle eligible for the 2008 draft -- including likely top-five pick Jake Long of Michigan. A rare combination of size and athleticism, Clady is the reliable pass blocker every team is looking for.
5. Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon, 5-11, 235, 4.56, Jr.
Powerful back with surprising agility. Stewart came to Oregon as one of the elite prep talents in the country and made an immediate impact his freshman year as a return specialist before taking over as the primary back last year. His ability as a returner, runner and receiver out of the backfield is rare for a player of his build and physicality.
6. James Hardy, WR, Indiana, 6-6, 220, 4.59, Jr.
Forget the comparisons to other big receivers like Mike Williams and Matt Jones. Hardy, who also played basketball for the Hoosiers, has incredible agility for a player of his size. While he lacks the downfield speed of Plaxico Burress, his ability to generate separation due to his size, quickness and body control evokes memories of the former Michigan State star. A model of consistency, Hardy caught 10 touchdowns his freshman, sophomore and junior seasons.
7. Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas, 6-0, 200, 4.44, Jr.
Only a few years ago, some wondered how Ronnie Brown deserved early draft consideration if he had played behind Cadillac Williams at Auburn. Jones finds himself in a similar quandary playing behind McFadden. Jones is the nation's best backup -- and a potential first-round prospect in his own right, although he won't threaten to be picked ahead of McFadden, as Brown was over Williams. Jones has spectacular speed and agility in the open field.
8. Ray Rice, RB, Rutgers, 5-9, 195, 4.53, Jr.
What Rice lacks in size, he more than makes up for in burst, toughness and surprising power. Rice has the speed to get to the outside, but is even more impressive as an interior runner where his low center of gravity and strong lower body make him a tough tackle. Just ask South Florida.
9. Martellus Bennett, TE, Texas A&M, 6-7, 248, 4.84, Jr.
Bennett might elect to take advantage of a weak senior class at tight end to jump into the mix. Blessed with a prototype combination of size, athleticism and hands, Bennett has been a headliner at A&M since first stepping onto the field in 2005.
10. Steve Slaton, RB, West Virginia, 5-10, 195, 4.42, Jr.
Of all the running backs on this list, Slaton might be the most dangerous open-field runner of the bunch. He lacks the size and power of some of the other highly rated backs, but his vision, burst and top-end speed will make him an ideal big-play specialist in the NFL.
Under the Radar
• Duke Robinson, OG, Oklahoma, 6-5, 335, 5.34, Jr. -- The top-rated underclassman among the interior linemen, Robinson might find the promise of NFL riches too much to pass up -- especially considering that the 2008 class of guards is a poor one. Robinson has surprisingly good footwork in the passing game and is a force in the running game.
• Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland, 6-2, 205, 4.43, R.So. -- Only a redshirt sophomore, Heyward-Bey is an explosive playmaker likely to earn first-round consideration whenever he elects to make himself eligible for the draft. Learn the name now. The kid is a future star.
• Bear Pascoe, TE, Fresno State, 6-5, 260, 4.83, Jr. -- A former quarterback, Pascoe made the transition to tight end shortly after signing with Fresno State and hasn't looked back. Consistent and productive, Pascoe is a true tight end capable of making plays as a receiver and blocker.
• Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois, 5-11, 224, 4.48, Jr. -- One of the nation's best all-purpose backs, Mendenhall might not have the flashy size, speed or name recognition of some of the other backs listed previously, but his ability as an interior and exterior runner -- as well as his receiving skills -- certainly has scouts intrigued.
• Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State, 6-2, 218, 4.45, Jr. -- Thomas entered this season not even assured of his starting job after catching only six passes his first year in East Lansing. A highly rated juco prospect, Thomas has been one of the country's biggest breakout stars so far in 2007. Blessed with rare size and athleticism, Thomas is compiling the numbers this season to warrant a strong look from NFL scouts.