Draftniks... Who are top 10 prospects to watch this College Football season?
 

Who do you think will be in the top ten draftwise next April?

Reesing. :)

Is there any position you have in mind because I can list alot more than 10...

Not the Top 10, but some of the top guys as of right now:

Michael Oher
Andre Smith
Matthew Stafford
Rey Maualuga
Michael Crabtree
Malcolm Jenkins
George Selvie
Michael Johnson
James Laurinaitis

You can watch basically any safety, next year is probably the best safety class I've ever seen.

Well, since we are going to be drafting in the top ten... Im curious who to keep an eye on this year.

I asked because I was curious what positions you were focusing on......

There could be 2 Missouri guys in the first round that would be strange.

Give us your top 3-5 for every position Mecca. Then we can compare it next year and see how right you really are.

Who are the two?

Now it's before the season so that can drastically change during the college season.

Will Moore and Maclin but that will depend on his 40 more than anything.

You can update us every week.

Sure, and I agree with that assessment. It really depends on their performance during the season. They get injured? It drops. They commit a stick-up/armed robbery, that'll deftinaly drop them down.

Probably should leave OU and Miami players off the list then, just in case...

Since we're discussing about Missouri players in the first round, what is the probability that Daniel may sneak in at the end of the 1st round?

Zero.

Daniel will be lucky to be drafted in the 5th, if at all.

The whole "height" thing is a major issue.

I'd pay attention to everyone on Missouri's roster, including the drumline. They are going to redefine the game of football, and we'll also be changing our calendar system to B.C. and A.C. - Before Chase, and Anno Chasa - In The Year of Chase.

If you can find something to make him grow 3 or 4 inches maybe.....as of now he's going to be a late round flyer guy.

There could potentially be three if Coffman has an amazing season. On the other hand, he will probably get punished for playing in the spread.

If he comes out I think he'll be the 4th rated TE.....2 of the other ones ahead of him in my view are in the Big 12 so you all should be familiar with them.

Reesing's a junior this year. He will be top pick in draft... NEXT YEAR. ROFL

DE: Selvie (SF), Hardy (Miss), Middleton (Ind)
WR: Crabtree, Robisky
OT: Oher, Smith, Boone (maybe)
OG: Duke Robinson, Johnson
LB: Laurenitis, Maualuga, Cushing, Lee
CB: Jenkins
S: Rolle, Mays

Robiskie won't be one of the first 4 WR's taken....

Also don't be surprised if Vontae Davis jumps Jenkins at CB..

I consider Mays and Moore the top safeties with Kam Chancellor right in behind there, I think Rolle's speed will be an issue.

How many Iowa State players you see in the top 10 :p Juuust kidding :(

Hey when there could be a Texas Tech and Illinois player top 10....

1. Tim Tebow
2. Tim Tebow
3. Tim Tebow
4. Tim Tebow
5. Tim Tebow
6. Tim Tebow
7. Tim Tebow
8. Tim Tebow
9. Tim Tebow
10. Tim Tebow

I would rather wait for the following year's QB crop and actually draft for value.

Yeah, I guess if the Chiefs have a high enough pick that taking Tebow is a strong possibility eh?

I think there could end up being 4 QB's next year with 1st round grades so.

I didn't watch much of Ginn in college, but would Maclin grade out higher than him?

It'll be close honestly......I think he is a little shorter, but like I said it's a weak WR year and if he can hit a sub 4.3 40 then he has a chance of being a top 15 pick, after Crabtree there's going to be some real tossup of who the next WR is.

Thanks.

I know this is weak, but Maclin is a "tough" player who seems to do the little things well. Was this also true of Ginn in college?

Maclin is a sophomore this year, right? So he won't factor into any draft thoughts...

redshirt sophomore, so he's draft eligible.

Eh I dunno about that, Ginn more or less got drafted high for being a track speed guy who made alot of big plays on offense and on special teams.

I think Maclins 2 holdbacks to going that high will be 1, one of the other guys he'll be competing with will be the same thing in Percy Harvin. And the other one, Darius Heyward-Bey has legit starting NFL size and ability so we'll see how this works out.

He's the same thing as Crabtree and LeSean McCoy and Knowshon Moreno sometimes people forget they can all leave.

Would you take Maclin over Robiskie?

Maclin is a speedster and a versatile KR type if need be, but Robiskie has great hands and great size. Not a burner by any means, but definitely a great WR prospect deserving a 1st round look.

Regarding Ginn, those were my thoughts, too. I remember the highlight returns and what not. Though this isn't the biggest thing in the world, Maclin will go downfield and block, so he plays a little bigger than what he's listed as. Granted, no one is going to confuse him with a bruiser.

I don't think Robiskie is a top 5 WR so that should tell you...

Since I've never asked before, Mecca, why are you such a fan of USC? The talent? Local connection? Lived in CA previously?

When you're a kid you get attached to certain things, I was never a fan of what I even as a kid perceived as boring Big 8 option football, I hated Nebraska and the way all those teams played.....

So one day I was watching TV and USC was on and I saw this guy named Keyshawn and well I've been a fan of the team since then, I believe that was about 15 years ago.

I hear you. I enjoy the Yankees for much the same reason. Jeter is one of my favorite players. Talented and busts his ass = tough not to like.

Turn in your man card.

I'll list my top 6 WR's for next year with their size and 40's and quick run down from a site...

Michael Crabtree**, Texas Tech
Height: 6-3. Weight: 210.
Projected 40 Time: 4.48.

Doubters will say Michael Crabtree is a product of the system. So, what they're telling us is that if Randy Moss and Larry Fitzgerald played for Hawaii or Texas Tech, they wouldn't be first-round prospects? What Crabtree did as a redshirt freshman last year was downright disgusting. Try 134 receptions, 1,962 yards and 22 touchdowns. He had one of his biggest games against Oklahoma, catching 12 balls for 154 yards and a score.

2007: I know stats don't really mean anything in Texas Tech's offense, but Michael Crabtree just seems special. In the first seven contests of his collegiate career, Crabtree has 78 receptions, 1,244 yards and 17 touchdowns. What really impresses me is his combination of size and speed. That 40 time may even be faster now, as it is a bit old.

Darrius Heyward-Bey*, Maryland
Height: 6-2. Weight: 205.
Projected 40 Time: 4.33.

Darrius Heyward-Bey was inconsistent in 2007. Then again, any receiver would have been with the garbage Maryland had at quarterback (Chris Turner and Jordan Steffy combined for nine touchdowns and 11 picks). Heyward-Bey has a pretty sick 40 at his size. He has a shot to run a high 4.2.

As a freshman, Darrius Heyward-Bey led the team in receptions (45) and receiving yards (694). All of his production came toward the end of the season. Named to the preseason first-team All-ACC. Still has a lot of room to grow - it's almost scary how good this guy can become.

Percy Harvin*, Florida
Height: 5-11. Weight: 186.
Projected 40 Time: 4.32.

Percy Harvin didn't have imposing numbers as a receiver (764 yards, 10 touchdowns), but he also had 858 rushing yards. Harvin won't even be 21 by the time the 2009 NFL Draft rolls around, so some teams will find that appealing. However, Harvin will have to run a fast 40, especially at his size, if he wants to beat out Jeremy Maclin and Darrius Heyward-Bey to be second on this list.

You can look at Percy Harvin's freshman numbers (34 receptions, 427 yards) all you want, but they don't tell the whole story. Harvin dominated at the end of the 2006 campaign, garnering 91 yards against South Carolina and 62 versus Arkansas. However, Harvin saved his best performance for last, as he notched nine catches for 60 yards in the BCS Championship. Harvin is essentially a lock to go in the top 20, given his 40. If he keeps improving, he could be taken in the top five whenever he chooses to declare.

Jeremy Maclin**, Missouri
Height: 6-1. Weight: 199.
Projected 40 Time: 4.33.

If Jeremy Maclin can run a 4.29, you better believe he'll be off the board by the pick No. 15. He has a chance to do it, though if I had to bet, I'd say low 4.3.

Jeremy Maclin set the NCAA freshman record for all-purpose yardage. A dynamic return specialist, Maclin also had 1,055 receiving yards, 375 rushing yards and 13 total touchdowns in 2007. He'll be a red-shirt sophomore in 2008, so he'll be eligible for the 2009 Draft.

Louis Murphy, Florida
Height: 6-2. Weight: 204.
Projected 40 Time: 4.32.

Louis Murphy had his first productive year as a Gator last year, collecting 37 receptions, 548 yards and five scores. Those aren't monstrous numbers, so why is he ranked so high? Check out his size and 40 time. Some teams (cough, Raiders and Lions, sneeze) will consider him in Round 2.

Kenny Britt*, Rutgers
Height: 6-4. Weight: 205.
Projected 40 Time: 4.50.

If Kenny Britt runs a 4.4 at his size, he might become a lock to go in the first round. Britt had 62 receptions for 1,232 yards and eight touchdowns as a sophomore, earning a spot on the All-Big East second team. He won't even be 21 when the 2009 NFL season kicks off.

Why? Should I enjoy the Glass family slamming deeznutz in a door for the past decade or so? I'm not sick, man.

My favorites right now at positions we'll need, assuming we have a Top 5 pick:

QB:

1. Sam Bradford, Oklahoma
2. Sam Bradford, Oklahoma
3. Sam Bradford, Oklahoma
4. Matt Stafford, Georgia
5. Cullen Harper, Clemson

DE:

1. Michael Johnson, Georgia Tech
2. Greg Middleton, Indiana

WR:

1. Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech

MLB:

1. Rey Maualuga, USC
2. James Laurinaitis, Ohio State

SS:

1. Taylor Mays, USC

In all, here are my preferences.

1. QB Sam Bradford
2. WR Michael Crabtree
3. QB Matt Stafford
4. MLB Rey Maualuga
5. DE Michael Johnson
6. OT Michael Oher (I know I didn't list OT, because I'm not yet sure it's a position of need.)
7. OT Andre Smith (ditto)
8. SS Taylor Mays (devaluing of safties be damned!)
9. QB Cullen Harper
10. MLB James Laurinaitis

You like the YANKMEES? Ugh. Jeter is certainly an exception to their ilk, however. I'll give you that.

For some reason it's forbidden to like coastal teams if you live here even though we have several Chiefs fans on this very forum who are from California..

I'm going to be honest with you here......I think William Moore is almost as good as Taylor Mays so you should list both of them.

I also feel Brandon Spikes is a much better MLB option for our team than JL is.

I just can't see being a fan of the Royals or even BASEBALL for that matter and still like the Yankees. I mean, talk about abuse of the large market.

The second point is fair. I don't think JL fits our system, but he's too talented if we end up at like, #12 or something and he's still there.

Moore is a great option as well but if Mays' measurables come through, it's over. A 4.3 safety that big in the Cover 2. It's over.

Since 2001 they've been a different team. I'm thinking more of the late-90's version. I wish the Royals had someone as talented as a Derek Jeter and as tough as a Paul O'Neil...Don't get me wrong, I'm a Royals fan first, but when the team didn't even try to win for so long...well, this is a different subject entirely.

True. KC has a complex with this. The "no respect" card.

Well you don't really have to sell me on Mays I know he's 6'3 225 and can run, he just needs a really productive year but it's hard to get that surrounded by other NFL talent, but yes he'd make a hell of a SS for our team.

Here's the thing if the Chiefs are picking top 5 it limits options, 1 I don't think Bradford is coming out, Michael Crabtree is probably going to be the best player in the draft...

Also George Selvie should get listed by you he's undersized yes but the cover 2 is all about undersized speed players and that is what he is and he gets to the QB.

I don't think JL should even be on the Chiefs board, he isn't good in coverage and in no way fits our scheme, he would be a bad pick.

It's USF. The only players I've liked on that USF squad were the corners.

Color me biased. We'll see him this year.

There are several players that could improve the Chiefs a great deal that no one really talks about or that won't be really high picks....

Like no one talks about Malcolm Jenkins, if the Chiefs end up with like the 8th pick you basically don't have much choice but to make that pick.

If Bradford comes out, we should just trade up to #1 and grab him. The kid's going to skyrocket in this league if his freshman year wasn't a fluke.

After that, I actually believe Oher's the best player in this Draft, but we may not need LT like we'll need an additional WR. Crabtree might push Bowe for #1 duties by his second year. Not only does having two elites make your run game better, but all of a sudden your backup WRs start looking a looooooooooot better. Crabtree would be my first pick.

After that, Maualuga would be the safe choice but Stafford wins it for me if (a.) he continues to play extremely tough, and (b.) Brodie misses a chunk of games this year due to injury.

If we somehow win enough games to pick at #5 again, I'd have us consider Michael Johnson, who's an incredible athlete off the edge, or either one of those elite OTs, and move Albert to OG or RT (which is why I hated drafting him in the 1st).

Aren't you the "you don't need elite corners in Cover 2" guy?

I'm almost sure I've had that conversation with you about 9,000,000 times.

I don't think they should take a MLB with a top 5 pick.....you can get Beckworth or Spikes at the top of round 2 and be just as good...

If they're in the top 5 it has to be a OT, DE, QB or WR....

Personally if they do have the 1st pick it's Crabtree he's got everything you want.

Yes but at the same time that is a valuable position and when you get stuck in a slot like 8 you take the best remaining player.....I do believe he will slide to between 8-12 and get jumped by Vontae Davis when a guy who was well thought of returns for another year it only hurts them, they are to well known and seen to much so all that people point out is their mistakes and flaws.

If spikes would legitimately drop all the way to the second round (or at least within firing distance) I would love that value.

I don't know, man, the Cover 2 MLB needs to be so big and so fast and so skilled in coverage...

That's a hell of a skillset. You can find guys that fit that, but the selection of guys who can blow that out of the water is so rare.

He probably will, LB is a devalued position unless the guy is a pass rusher, people talk about Maualuga and JL all the time but I have a real hard time believing either one is going top 10.

Well the 2 most important positions in the defense are DT and DE...and we need some DE's pretty damn bad.

Mayo isn't a Maualuga or JL; and he went top 10. I dunno, its really hard to say, especially this early.

I hope (and am optimistic about) Hali has a real breakout year this year. Sophomore slump, etc. etc.

I don't think you pick two DTs in the Top 5 two years in a row. Bad business there.

And outside of Johnson, I don't see a DE worth that high of a pick. It initially looks like a weak year at DE.

Mayo moved up that high because he got projected that he could play inside or outside and had great workout numbers.....

Him and Rivers both went high and Keith Rivers is about as polished a college LB as I've ever seen, and frankly I think even the Pats would admit that Mayo pick was a little high due to their needs.

For Spikes to go in the first you're asking 3 MLB's to go in the first plus the OLB's that'll be drafted.....I just don't see 5-6 regular LB's going in the first round.

That was a massive reach by the Pats, though.

I've got news for you.....I can roll off several DE's from this class that are going to be very well thought of and will shoot up boards most likely...

I see it.

You said the same thing about OTs this year and, like, 6 went in the first round.

But is it a deep class?

That's where my concerns lie.

I'd say that was a genuine run on the talent; but it does happen.

That's a highly valued position...I think teams reached on some but the teams overvalue that one just like LB's unless they are pass rushers get undervalued.

No argument from me on that one, lol. I'm just pointing out that they do happen.

That's fair. But I mean teams were trading up for ****ing Sam Baker and Duane Brown went in the 20s.

Insane shit happens. All it takes is two teams, let's say at #11 and #12, take RM and JL, and all of a sudden everyone panics. OMG WTF TRADE UP TAKE LBs GO GO GO

I think next years class has better OT's than this one did.....I suspect to see alot of OT's, DE's a couple WR's.....

Maualuga and JL will go in the first...Brian Cushing likely will also but I can see Beckworth and Spikes dropping because their 40's aren't quite as good even though they are actually better in coverage.

Rivers went 9 and Mayo went 10 when was the next LB like them taken, when I say that I mean a traditional non 3-4 rush backer.

Early second round with Lofton with Atlanta I think.

It's just like this, I'd never take a LB with a top 10 pick unless I was a 3-4 team drafting LT or something like that.

I'm pretty sure Duke Robinson is going to be a 10 time pro bowl guard but I'm not taking him with a top 10 pick either.

I'd give my left nut to have another will shields for another decade. Just saying.