Friday, December 19, 2008

My Top 10 2009 NFL Draft Prospects

1. Sam Bradford, QB Oklahoma
I think Bradford is hands down the best QB in this draft. He has the size, accuracy, arm strength, and mental toughness to be successful at the next level. Even in his worst game versus Texas he still have 5 touchdowns versus 2 interceptions. If Bradford enters the draft he should be the first quarterback taken, but some team's might be unable to resist Stafford big arm.




2. Andre Smith, LT Alabama
Andre Smith is a dominating run blocker. He led Alabama's fierce running attack and won the Outland Trophy given to the nation's top lineman. Smith is considered very athletic for his size and only allowed one sack this season.




3. Michael Crabtree, WR Texas Tech
Crabtree is the biggest playmaker in college football. He has even draw comparisons to Andre Johnson. I think they're similar, Crabtree isn't as fast but he still has huge playmaking ability and upside. If he enters the draft and he most likely will, he'll be a top 5 pick.




4. Matt Stafford, QB Georgia
I like Stafford, but I don't love him. He has the tools, big arm, size, and leadership. The problem is his lack of consistency. Stafford didn't have a good offensive line, but some of his interceptions this season were just puzzling. The great thing about Stafford is he can make any throw on the field. When he had time to throw he was very effective, but the interceptions scare me. I think he is a very good prospect with tremendous upside, but he isn't as polished as Sam Bradford.




5. Rey Maualuga, MLB Southern Cal
Rey Maualuga is a dream MLB run stuffer. He fast, physical, and hits like a truck. Just ask Todd Beckman. Rey is always making plays and around the ball. I think Rey can be a special MLB because of his ability to pass rush. His coverage skills need work, but overall Rey can be a game changer. He is a fierce competitor on the field, but a humble guy off the field.




6. Everette Brown, OLB, DE Florida State
I think Everette Brown is hands down the best pass rusher in this draft. He is fast, powerful, and relentless. Brown absolutely dominated games this season. His games versus Maryland, Virginia Tech, and Clemson were a work of art. He has spin moves, bull rushes, any type of pass rush you want he has it. He reminds me of Dwight Freeney and Shawn Merriman. I think he can be successful as a 3-4 OLB or a 4-3 DE.



7. Malcolm Jenkins, CB Ohio State
Malcolm Jenkins is a smart and physical corner. He is very good at stopping the run and a great tackler. Malcolm had an impact on every game no matter if it was interceptions, blocked kicks, forced fumbles, or big tackles he is a play maker. He was also a huge leader for the Buckeyes. I believe Jenkins can also play free safety in the NFL. His ball hawking skill and physical run play makes him very intriguing.



8. Taylor Mays , FS Southern Cal
Mays is a physical freak, at 6' 4'' 230 pounds he already has an NFL body and tons of upside. Mays has great speed but most of all he is a huge hitter. I love the big hits but, I want to see him going for the ball more. I think sometimes young guys get caught up with the big hits and don't try to strip the ball as much. I think that will come with experience though.



9. Chris Wells, RB Ohio State
Wells has all the physical tools to be a Pro Bowl running back. My only question is his toughness. I never had a problem with his toughness until this season. I noticed him avoiding contact a lot this season. Hopefully it's because he was playing injured. It he runs like he ran in the 1st half of the 2008 National Champion he'll be a star.



10. Brian Orakpo, DE, OLB Texas
Brian Orakpo has had a great senior season and skyrocketed all draft boards. Orakpo has great size at 6' 4'' 260. Orakpo is a physical freak and can bench over 500 pounds. After the combine he could shoot up to a top 3 pick because his numbers will be so staggering. This season Orakpo terrorized Big 12 quaterbacks and recorded 10.5 sacks. In the NFL I can see Orakpo playing a 4-3 DE or even a 4-3 rush linebacker. His speed and strength will be hard to resist come april.