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{mosimage}#1 Detroit
Lions: WR Kenneth Moore, Wake
Forest

At 5’11, 195 lbs. Kenneth Moore is a tad undersized and will be an interesting
prospect for the Lions. He offers a lot of versatility, as he gained over 500
rushing yards during his junior year at Wake Forest
in Jim Grobe’s misdirection offense. He could also do some serious damage for
the Lions as a return man, as he returned kicks and punts for the Demon
Deacons. This is not even mentioning his monster numbers for his senior year at
receiver, hauling in 98 catches for 1,011 yards. Moore will make some serious noise for the
Lions.

#2 Minnesota Vikings: QB John David Booty, Southern California

At 6’3, 213 lbs. Booty has excellent size. He displayed excellent accuracy and
touch on his throws during his time at USC. He threw a lot of shallow crossing
routes in USC’s offense, but Vikings head coach Brad Childress likes him
because he makes a lot of throws that the Vikings like to make in their scheme,
so it sounds like a good fit. The Louisiana
native had an injury-plagued senior year at USC, but in 2006 when he was
healthy for the entire season, he completed 61.7% of his passes for 29
touchdowns and only nine interceptions. Former USC offensive coordinator Steve
Sarkisian said, "Booty is like Greg Maddux in the way he can put the ball in
the spot it needs to be." Booty has all the tools to be an excellent
quarterback in the NFL and don’t be surprised if he pushes starter Tarvaris
Jackson for playing time a year down the road.

#3 Atlanta Falcons: LB Robert James, Arizona
State

At 5’11, 219 lbs. James is vastly undersized for the linebacker position at the
NFL. He will likely make a transition to safety, where he played on the scout
team at Arizona State during his freshman year. If the
Falcons are going to play him at linebacker, he’s definitely going to need to
put on some weight and it is always tough to tell if a prospect will be able to
carry twenty more pounds and not lose any speed. In 2007, he was nearly
unstoppable for the Sun Devils at the linebacker position, posting 106 tackles,
9.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks. He also snagged four interceptions this
past season. He’s a very interesting prospect who could excel at the next
level, as long as he’s put in the right position.

#4 Denver Broncos: RB Ryan Torain, Arizona State

Ryan Torain is one of the bigger running backs in this draft class. At 6’1",
222 lbs. he has excellent size to allow him to run between the tackles. He
missed more than half of his senior season with a fractured foot, but when he
was healthy his junior year he piled up gaudy statistics for the Sun Devils. He
rushed 223 times for 1,229 yards and seven touchdowns. The Kansas native also manage to snare 18 passes
for 205 yards and three touchdowns. When healthy, Torain has shown that he can
be one of the best all-purpose backs in America. It is hard to question the
Denver Broncos
when it comes to drafting running backs because they are so good at plugging in
different running backs into their zone-blocking scheme.

#5 Kansas City Chiefs: DB Brandon Carr, Grand Valley State

This pick is very questionable and I don’t like it at all, especially since
there were better defensive backs such as South Florida’s Trae Williams left on
the board. He has solid size at 6’0, 207 lbs. and was a two-time All-American
for Division II powerhouse Grand
Valley State.
He tallied 11 interceptions over the past three years and broke up another 37
passes during that time. He’s still raw as a cornerback and needs to work on
his technique. The most surprising part of this pick is taking a guy like Carr
instead of a much more polished and proven defensive back like South Florida’s
Trae Williams. Time will be the judge.

#6 Carolina Panthers: TE Gary Barnidge, Louisville

This is an excellent pick-up for the Panthers and Barnidge was definitely one
of the better tight ends of the 2008 class. He proved to be another reliable
pass catcher in Louisville’s
high-octane passing attack. The Florida
native had an excellent senior season for the Cardinals, snagging 53 passes for
655 yards and seven touchdowns. He is blessed with excellent change of
direction for somebody his size and can make defenders miss in the open field
with ease. As long as the Panthers can find a quarterback to feed him the
football, Barnidge should be an excellent pass-catching tight end in the NFL.

#7 Chicago Bears: DB Zack Bowman, Nebraska

The Bears had a weak draft and it’s due to decisions like this one, taking a DB
when they don’t even really need one and they have a clear need for a
quarterback. There were two top-notch signal callers taken in this round that
are true sleepers, Josh Johnson of San Diego and
Dennis Dixon of Oregon.
Both have tremendous upside and would likely beat out Rex Grossman, because he
has way too many "ball security" issues as Jay Bilas likes to put it. Grossman
is simply too inconsistent and it really doesn’t make any sense why the Bears
didn’t take a quarterback. Bowman has shown that he can be an excellent cover
corner when he’s healthy. In 2006, in just five games of action he posted 27
tackles, 14 pass deflections, and two interceptions for the Huskers. Health
concerns will be a major issue for Bowman, as he had two surgeries on his left
ACL and surgery after he ruptured his right knee patella tendon. Time will
tell, but it seems like Bowman will never be able to return to his once stellar
form due to those injuries.

#8 Dallas Cowboys: DB Orlando Scandrick, Boise State

The junior skipped his senior season to enter the draft, but he’s been on many
scouts’ radars for years.  It is a pretty
solid pick since the Cowboys are trying to develop some depth at the DB
position. Scandrick and Mike Jenkins could offer some insurance in case the
whole "Pacman" Jones experiment doesn’t work out. Scandrick has character
issues of his own to work out, but if he gets those cleaned up, he’s shown the
ability to be a top-notch cover corner. In 13 games in 2007, the California native racked
up 50 tackles, seven pass breakups, three tackles for loss, two interceptions
and two forced fumbles. Those are pretty solid numbers and he should help to
provide some depth at the cornerback position for the Cowboys.

#9 New Orleans Saints: DT Demario Pressley, N.C. State

Pressley was one of the more underrated defensive lineman prospects in this
draft. He was a five-star prospect coming out of high school and never really
lived up to the hype, but Pressley is still a solid prospect. He’s blessed with
excellent athleticism, speed, and quickness for somebody his size. He ran into
a rash of injuries his senior year at N.C. State,
and if he can get stay healthy, the sky is the limit.

#10 Cincinnati Bengals: DT Jason Shirley, Fresno State

This pick makes no sense for a Bengals’ organization that is trying to clean up
its "bad-boy" image. They continue to draft prospects that have bad histories
of character issues and Shirley is the next man in line. He was suspended twice
before being kicked off Fresno
State’s team in November of 2007. If he can stay out of trouble, Shirley has
shown his potential to be dominant on the gridiron because of his sheer size
alone at 6’5", 329 lbs. He reminds many teams of a Ted Washington because of
his ability to clog up the middle and take on two blockers at once.

#11 Detroit Lions:
FB Jerome Felton, Furman

Felton was one of the top fullbacks in the draft and it was a surprise to many
that he fell to this spot. He left Furman as the school’s all-time record
holder in points scored with 414 points after piling up 63 touchdowns on the
ground. The shifty fullback has excellent speed and agility for somebody his
size and should be a solid player on the next level for Lions.

#12 Buffalo Bills: LB Alvin Bowen, Iowa State

Bowen is a little undersized for the linebacker position, but he was simply
dialed in for the Cyclones during his final two seasons, leading the nation in
solo tackles(95), and tackles per game(12.92). Many scouts project Bowen as a
safety in the pros because of his loose hips and his ability to get excellent
depth on his drops in pass coverage.

#13 Denver Broncos: DT Carlton Powell, Virginia
Tech

Powell will earn his money as a run-stuffer in the pros, as he was one of the
more dominant defensive tackles in the nation versus the run for the Hokies. In
the 73 plays he made against the run, he held the opposition to -21 yards
rushing. He was constantly clogging up blockers in the middle and allowing
playmakers like the talented LB duo of Vince Hall and Xavier Adibi to roam
free.

#14 Arizona Cardinals: RB Tim Hightower, Richmond

Hightower was an excellent running back prospect coming out of Episcopal High
School in Alexandria, Virginia. He didn’t break out until this
past college football season, where he posted monster numbers for the Spiders,
carrying them to a Football Championship Subdivision playoff berth. The
Waldorf, Maryland
native grinded out 1,924 yards and 20 touchdowns on the ground in 2007. He also
hauled in 32 passes for 208 yards and three touchdowns through the air in route
to being named a second team AP All-American.

#15 Green Bay Packers: OT Breno Giacomini, Louisville

The Massachusetts native entered Louisville as a solid
tight end prospect at 243 pounds but eventually blossomed to a 303 pound
offensive tackle in 2007. He was solid in pass blocking, allowing only four
sacks and 2 quarterback hurries on 491 pass plays for the Cardinals. Giacomini
is a natural pass-catcher and could be used as a tight end in goal line
situations.

#16 Houston Texans: DT Frank Okam, Texas

At 6’5, 320 lbs. Okam is a space-eater that can dominate the action in the
trenches, something many NFL teams covet. A very highly recruited player coming
out of high school, Okam did not disappoint on the gridiron for the Longhorns,
earning All-Big 12 honors three times during his days in Austin. Known as an excellent student, Okam
decided against entering the NFL Draft early so he could finish up his degree
at the University
of Texas. He should be a
solid player in the trenches for the Texans because of his excellent size alone.

#17 Minnesota Vikings: DT Letroy Guion, Florida State

Known as an excellent pass-rusher during his days with the Seminoles, Guion
posted 12.5 sacks during his three-year career there before deciding to skip
his senior season and enter the draft. Tipping the scales at over 300 pounds,
Guion is yet another "space-eater" to come flying off the draft board in the
fifth round. Florida State’s coaches were surprised that he declared early and
he probably could’ve used another year for improvement, but his size alone
makes him an intriguing prospect.

#18 New England Patriots: WR Matt Slater, UCLA

It is hard to question what the Patriots as an organization are doing in the
draft process, because they’ve had so much success at getting guys to fit their
scheme over the years. Slater was a standout on special teams in 2007 for the
Bruins, returning three kicks back for touchdowns. He also averaged a whopping
29 yards per return! An interesting note is that Slater is the son of St. Louis
Rams Hall of Fame offensive tackle Jackie Slater.

#19 Atlanta Falcons: LB Kroy Biermann, Montana

Biermann was named the 2007 Buck Buchanan Award Winner as the best defensive
player in the Football Championship Series(formerly D-1AA). The biggest
transition he’ll have to make is learning to play in space instead of with his
hand on the ground, as he was a defensive end for the Grizzlies in his college
career. Still, there’s no disputing Biermann’s excellent nose for the football,
as he racked up 72 tackles, 15 sacks, and five forced fumbles in leading Montana to a national
championship in 2007. If he can make a smooth transition to linebacker,
Biermann should definitely succeed for the Falcons.

#20 Jacksonville Jaguars: LB Thomas Williams, Southern California

Williams was a back-up for most of his career, but USC’s coaches felt he could
have started at a variety of other places. It is a tough task for anyone to
start on a unit that included the likes of Brian Cushing, Keith Rivers, and Rey
Mauluaga. If Williams wants to prove he could’ve been dominate elsewhere he
will certainly get his chance as a special teams player for the Jaguars.

#21 Pittsburgh Steelers: QB Dennis Dixon, Oregon

Perhaps the biggest steal of the entire 2008 NFL Draft, no quarterback in
college football was as efficient and effective at moving their offense down
the football field as Dennis Dixon was during the 2007 season. If he didn’t
suffer a torn ACL against Arizona State, Dixon likely could’ve reeled in the
2007 Heisman Trophy and in the process bring the Oregon Ducks the BCS National
Championship. Known for his blazing speed in the open field, Dixon
posted the fastest forty yard dash time(4.49) of any quarterback in the history
of the Oregon
football program. A dynamic dual threat quarterback; in 2007 he completed over
67 percent of his passes in 2007 for 2,136 yards, while tossing in 20
touchdowns and only four interceptions. He also gashed opposing defenses with
his ability to dance in the open field, gaining 583 yards and nine touchdowns
on 105 attempts. Despite missing the team’s final three games in 2007, he still
reeled in Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year honors. It will be interesting to
see if the Steelers use Dixon
like they once used receiver Antwaan Randle-El or if they keep him at
quarterback. His quarterback skills are simply undeniable. The California native is
excellent in getting depth on his drops when he drops back in the pocket, has
excellent footwork in the pocket, and makes excellent decisions with the
football. Dixon has very active feet and a remarkably strong arm, so if anybody
wants to make him their signal-caller down the road, they wouldn’t be
disappointed. The chances of him playing QB for the Steelers are very small,
since Ben Roethlisberger just signed a contract well over $100 million.

#22 St. Louis Rams: OG Roy Schuening, Oregon State

Schuening was one of the most dominant offensive lineman in college football
for the Beavers over the past few seasons, setting a school record with 50
consecutive starts. He’s an excellent drive-blocker and garnered first-team
All-American honors in 2007. He led all offensive lineman in the Pac-10 this
season with 114 knockdown blocks. The Oregon
native also displayed his versatility in 2007, when he played nine games at
right guard and four at right tackle. He helped to clear the path for one of
the best all-purpose backs in the Pac-10 (Yvenson Bernard) and will be
re-united with him in the S-T-L. Schuening should be a starter for years to
come for the Rams.

#23 Chicago Bears: TE Kellen
Davis, Michigan State

The Michigan
native is one of the more versatile prospects in the 2008 draft class. Davis
played both tight end and defensive end last season for the Spartans, reeling
in four sacks during his limited time on the defensive side of the ball. As a
senior he hauled in 32 receptions for 513 yards and six touchdowns. It will be
very interesting to see where the Bears line Davis up, because he certainly has options.

#24 Jacksonville Jaguars: DB Trae Williams, South Florida

Williams teamed with cornerback Mike Jenkins to give South Florida what was
widely believed as the best cornerback tandem in college football over the past
few seasons. In 2007, the Bulls were ranked 8^th in the country in
pass efficiency defense due in large part to Williams and Jenkins locking
opposing receivers down. Even though Williams was at times overshadowed by
Jenkins, he posted gaudy numbers during his South Florida
career, snagging 16 interceptions while returning four of them for touchdowns!
A shutdown corner with excellent ball skills and uncanny instincts, Williams
was easily one of the biggest steals of the fifth round for the Jaguars and
should help make their already stout defense even stronger.

#25 Tampa Bay
Buccaneers: QB Josh Johnson, San Diego

Yet another steal in the fifth round, quarterback Josh Johnson was one of
college football’s best-kept secrets. The California native has excellent footwork in
the pocket, a quick release, tight rotation on his spirals, and excellent ball
placement. He finished his career as the best player in San Diego Torero football history, completing
68 percent of his passes for 9,969 yards and 113 touchdowns, while only tossing
13 interceptions. He was a three-year starter for San Diego and is also the NCAA’s all-time
leader in passing efficiency with a hair-raising 176.7 rating. In 2007, he led
the nation in three major passing categories: total offense, points responsible
for, and passing efficiency. Blessed with near flawless football fundamentals
at the quarterback position, Johnson has the chance to be a dynamic dual-threat
quarterback for the Buccaneers down the road.

#26 Indianapolis Colts: LB Marcus Howard, Georgia

If you want to look for a man who was largely responsible for killing Colt
Brennan’s draft stock, look no further than Georgia Bulldog defensive lineman
Marcus Howard. The South Carolina native
posted three sacks against Hawaii in the 2008
Sugar Bowl shellacking of Hawaii.
During his senior season he posted gaudy numbers for the Bulldogs, tallying
10.5 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, and three pass breakups.
Oozing with a jaw-dropping amount of speed, Howard has been timed in the 40
yard dash at less than 4.5 seconds. His blazing speed should help him make the
transition to the linebacker position at the next level.

#27 New York Jets: QB Erik Ainge, Tennessee

A golden-armed gunslinger who is a pure-drop back passer, Ainge was an
excellent signal-caller over the past few seasons for the Volunteers. In 2007,
he saved his best season for last, completing 325 of his 519 (62.6%) pass
attempts for 3,522 yards, 31 touchdowns and just 10 interceptions. He’s also
one of the taller quarterbacks in the 2008 draft class at 6’6" and will rarely
have the problem of getting a ball batted down at the line of scrimmage. His 72
career touchdown passes at Tennessee
rank third all-time in Volunteer football history. Ainge is a solid quarterback
prospect who should be able to jump into the mix and maybe push Kellen Clemens
and Chad
Pennington for playing time down the road.

#28 Seattle Seahawks: FB Owen Schmitt, West Virginia

At 6’2, 250 lbs. Schmitt was one of the better fullback prospects in this draft
class. Known for his willingness to sacrifice his body, Schmitt was an absolute
wrecking ball on the gridiron for the Mountaineers, obliterating anyone and
anything in his path. He posted excellent numbers at the NFL combine, putting
up 26 reps of 225 pounds, tied for fourth most among all running backs at the
event. He was a key cog in blazing the trail for one of the nation’s most
prolific rushing attacks over the past few years for the Mountaineers. Schmitt
broke 10 facemasks over the last three years, a testament to his ability to
deliver bone-rattling hits. The Seahawks should be very happy with this pick
up, because Schmitt is one of the craziest men you will find, something that is
treasured in the game of football.

#29 New Orleans Saints: OT Carl Nicks, Nebraska

Nicks is an absolute mammoth of a man, tipping the scales at 341 pounds. In 481
pass plays as a senior at the left tackle position, the California native simply engulfed opposing
defensive linemen, only allowing one sack and one pressure. The former
280-pounder had a whopping 76 knockdown blocks as well. His massive frame and
long wing span should help to succeed in the NFL once coaches can figure out
what position fits him the best.

#30 New York
Giants: LB Jonathan Goff, Vanderbilt
The honorable mention
All-American was a tackling machine of consistency for the Commodores of the
past few seasons. He racked up an eye gouging 307 tackles during his career there.
In 2007, he racked up 113 tackles, three sacks, 6.5 tackles for loss, and six
QB pressures. Blessed with excellent football instincts, Goff should be a solid
linebacker for the Giants on the next level.

#31 San Diego:
RB Marcus Thomas, UTEP

Thomas posted numbers that are simply out of this world coming out of high
school. He was named a Parade-All-American in 2002 after rushing for 3,573
yards and 47 touchdowns during his senior season at Tolleson
High School in Phoenix, Arizona,
averaging 10 yards per carry! In 2007, he gashed opposing defenses for 1,166
yards on 227 attempts for UTEP. He also piled up 16 touchdowns and averaged
over 5 yard per carry this past season for the Miners. Blessed with a soft set
of hands as well, the Arizona
native hauled in 20 passes for 268 yards and two touchdowns. There’s no way
Thomas will ever beat out LaDainian Tomlinson, but he should help to add some
solid depth at the running back position for the Chargers.