2008 SFL Draft Prospects Big Board
The 2008 SFL draft will take place starting next Friday. It?s the single most important day of each season for teams to shape their roster. In general, draft class?s make both an immediate impact on the roster as well and an extended impact on the roster. There will always be players in round 1 and 2 that are ready to start in year one. However, there are also players in those rounds as well as in round 3, 4, and 5 who could eventually start but they need a year or two to develop. The smart GM?s (of whom there are many in the SFL) don?t just look for immediate impact players but are also looking to draft develop those players that will make a significant impact in years 2 and 3. So with that in mind here?s a look at my top 50 players in the 2008 draft class.
#1- WR-James Hardy- 22 years old, 6?5?, 217 lbs., 96 SPD, 57 STR, 53 AWR, 90 AGI, 92 ACC, and 82 CTH
There?s an argument here at #1 for three players. But I think Hardy is the best player pre-workout. Here?s what makes him elite: 6?5?, 96 SPD, and 82 CTH. This is the exact same height, speed, and catch that Calvin Johnson had when he entered the league last season. Now CJ had much better awareness and was four better in acceleration but outside of that they are comparable players. Other players that are comparable to Hardy include Matt Jones taken with the second pick in the 2005 draft and Dwayne Jarrett taken with the fourth pick in the 2007 draft. Currently Kassim Osgood is also on the block and he has similar size, but Hardy?s attributes are just better making him a cut above Osgood. Now the two other players that you can make a case for at #1 are Jordy Nelson and Chris Long. My thought process here is simple. WR?s are more important than LE?s so Long is out and I generally prefer elite height and speed to good height and elite attributes. I suspect most GM?s would prefer Nelson here which means they will love the next player on my board.
#2- WR-Jordy Nelson- 22 years old, 6?2?, 217 lbs., 97 SPD, 48 STR, 60 AWR, 95 AGI, 94 ACC, and 82 CTH
I suspect Jordy Nelson is the fan favorite for first overall and I get that. He really has exceptional attributes. His speed, agility, acceleration, and catch is off the charts. I am one who values agility when it comes with speed and acceleration and in Nelson?s case that?s exactly what he has. Nelson does have a few other players who are comparable. WR-Corey Rodgers was taken by the Chargers 3rd overall in the 2006 draft and Andre Johnson taken with the 3rd pick in the 2003 draft. These two WR?s (Hardy and Nelson) are elite WR?s and are true #1 game changing receivers. There are other WR?s in this draft class which will be starters but they are not at the level of Hardy and Nelson.
#3- LE-Chris Long- 22 years old, 6?3?, 272 lbs., 85 SPD, 86 STR, 66 AWR, 85 AGI, 83 ACC, and 77 TAK
The best defensive player in this draft class comes in at #3. Long has a rare blend of high end physical attributes to go along with high end progressible attributes. For several draft classes there just weren?t many high end pass rushers to be had. The original rosters had some dominant players but it was difficult to find similar players through the draft. The last couple of draft classes that trend has changed and Long is the guy who is the leading pass rusher in this class. There is no direct comparable in any previous draft class. However, I do think that Chris Long has a chance to rival Julius Peppers as a talent. I know that?s high praise but I can see it happening. He won?t have the acceleration but he?s going to be dominant from year one. Any of these top three players are going to be superstars.
#4- RE-Calais Campbell- 21 years old, 6?7?, 290 lbs., 86 SPD, 65 STR, 46 AWR, 83 AGI, 84 ACC, and 73 TAK
Starting here with Campbell we enter a second tier in talent level but make no mistake these next couple of tiers will have plenty of Pro-Bowlers in them. Campbell is an elite level DE in his own right. The biggest difference between Long and Campbell is that Campbell lacks strength and awareness. The debate about whether or not awareness matters for a DE continues on Discord but the relative lack of strength is enough of a difference maker to move Campbell below Long on the board. We need to look no further than last year?s draft for a comparable. Adam Carriker was taken 21st overall by the Cardinals just one year ago. Campbell is a slightly better version of Carriker with three points more in agility and two in acceleration, but the most noticeable difference is 13 more points in tackle. It?s a good draft class to be looking for pass rushers particularly at the top.
#5- TE-Gary Barnidge- 23 years old, 6?6?, 244 lbs., 85 SPD, 73 STR, 61 AWR, 83 AGI, 87 ACC, and 77 CTH
A tight end at #5? The short answer is yes! The Falcons have reminded us over the past few seasons that a dominant tight end can be a game changer. For the team looking for that game changer, I believe Barnidge is that guy. He?s very athletic but he is also 6?6?. That combination just doesn?t happen much in fact it hasn?t happened at all. The two players that I would point to as similar players are Tony Gonzalez and Jeremy Stevens. There?s 32 GM?s that would love any three of these guys. The argument here for not having Barnidge this high would obviously be that the tight end position isn?t that important. Whether you hold that belief or not, Barnidge is a tight end like no other and that?s why he?s #5 on my draft board.
#6- SS-Domonique Barber- 22 years old, 6?0?, 212 lbs., 93 SPD, 61 STR, 66 AWR, 95 AGI, 93 ACC, 62 CTH, and 73 TAK
The third straight defensive player on the board is the first player from the secondary. You would normally except the first player from the secondary to be a cornerback but not is this draft class. Barber is actually a strong safety and a fast one at that. In fact pre-workout Barber is faster than any cornerback in this draft. This is a by-product of Barber?s elite athleticism and this cornerback class?s lack of speed and athleticism. So who is a comparable for Barber? Well I would say it is FS-O.J. Atogwe though he?s a free safety and Barber is a strong safety. Barber is also slightly more athletic and will start his career with 10 points more in awareness than Atogwe and 8 more in tackle. It?s clear that Barber is a very talented safety and will be a star in this league.
#7- RT-Carl Nicks- 23 years old, 6?4?, 341 lbs., 60 SPD, 94 STR, 61 AWR, 69 AGI, 77 ACC, 86 PBK, and 92 RBK
The first offensive linemen comes in at #7 on my big board. Nicks is a big boy who has it all. He really is an elite offensive line prospect. Some will point to his 61 awareness as a weak spot but when you look at his blocking skills, Nicks will be able to progress quickly in that category. We?ve had several good offensive linemen classes but I still think there is a need at the position. Comparables are a little difficult because of Nicks? size. Courtney VanBuren from the Jets is a comparable from a size and athleticism perspective. However, Nicks is way better developed in awareness by 8, pass block by 7, and run block by 6. Another comparable is Orlando Pace from the Texans. Nicks is a bigger guy but Nicks should look like him attribute wise in a few seasons. He?s a legit talent and an immediate starter in the league.
#8- HB-Jonathan Stewart- 20 years old, 5?10?, 235 lbs., 92 SPD, 75 STR, 49 AWR, 89 AGI, 92 ACC, 84 CAR, and 81 BTK
Much like pass rushers, there have been several drafts where it has been difficult to find a starting caliber RB. This will not go down as one of those drafts. And Jonathan Stewart is the best of the bunch coming in at #8. He?s a big back with good speed and acceleration to go along with well developed carry and break tackle. Another unique quality of Stewart is that he is only 20 years old. While that doesn?t mean much now, it will mean that he will regress gracefully when the time comes. Despite a strong RB draft class in 2007, it appears several teams are still looking for either their starter or for a good #2. I suspect the team that drafts Stewart will be looking for a starter. A similar player in the league would be the Jets Michael Turner, though Turner was much more raw with 12 less carry and 14 less break tackle.
#9- WR-Andre Caldwell- 22 years old, 6?0?, 204 lbs., 96 SPD, 38 STR, 58 AWR, 94 AGI, 95 ACC, and 78 CTH
I think GM?s expected Hardy and Nelson in the top 10, but I think Caldwell will be a bit of a surprise. Caldwell represents a bit of a transformation in my thinking regarding strength for a WR. Previously I would not have even considered a player like him with 38 STR. Drew Carter came into the league with the Cardinals and my opinion did not change. However, James Jones of the Saints and Jason Hill of the Broncos. Both players had great seasons despite their strength. Hill in particular put up 1315 yards with 29 strength. So while I am still not excited about low strength, I?ve adjusted my thinking if I see great attributes elsewhere. Caldwell has those attributes. 96 SPD, 94 AGI, and 95 ACC. The finished product comparable that comes to my mind is Torry Holt of the Rams. He could be that exceptional but he?ll need time to develop.
#10- CB-Aqib Talib- 21 years old, 6?0?, 202 lbs., 92 SPD, 69 STR, 61 AWR, 93 AGI, 96 ACC, 68 CTH, and 66 TAK
Finally at #10 we find our first CB. Talib is the only CB in this draft with a chance to be a Pro-Bowler. His speed skew will be a key to his success along with whether or not the team that drafts him will invest activity points in him. Assuming this works in his favor, he can be an effective starter in this league. A good comparable for Talib is Stanford Routt who was originally drafted by the Cowboys with the 23rd pick in the 2005 draft and now plays for the Broncos. Assuming Talib?s physical attributes match up with Routt?s, Talib will have an advantage over him with 6 more catch and 17 more tackle. He?s not the prolific impact player many would be hoping for, but he can still be very effective.
#11- HB-Clifton Smith- 22 years old, 5?9?, 190 lbs., 95 SPD, 78 STR, 45 AWR, 95 AGI, 97 ACC, 72 CAR, and 76 BTK
At #11 we have the polarizing Clifton Smith. Give him a couple of inches and 25 lbs. and everybody would agree with this evaluation. However, with his current size there will be many teams that won?t have him on their draft board. Will has already gone on record as saying that there is at least one GM who is going to take him within the top 10. Trying to come up with comparables for Smith is a challenge because there is really no one like him. In fact, LT and Clifton Portis are the two names that have his speed, strength, agility, and acceleration. That?s some pretty elite company to keep. But he?s also not nearly the same size as either of them. So does this make a difference? Some GM?s will say yes and others will say no. The real answer won?t be know until the 2008 season begins.
#12- WR-Josh Morgan- 22 years old, 6?0?, 209 lbs., 93 SPD, 44 STR, 53 AWR, 91 AGI, 96 ACC, and 80 CTH
Another WR checks in at #12 on my big board. I am sure Morgan is lower on other people?s boards but he is a potential 95 SPD and 99 ACC WR and I think that fits the profile of a successful WR. I?ve noticed a recent trend of teams looking for high acceleration WR?s and I think that?s a smart call. But Morgan is not just a high acceleration guy he?s got good speed and above average agility to go along with good hands. I think he will be underestimated in this draft and that should not happen. He reminds me of Craig Bragg who was drafted in the early 2nd of the 2005 draft by the Cowboys and then eventually traded to the Giants. Bragg is an inch taller but Morgan has the better of him slightly in most of the rest of the attributes. Steve Smith of the Seahawks taken in the third round of last year?s draft is also comparable, though again Morgan is slightly better. If you invest activity points in Morgan, he can be good and good quickly.
#13- HB-Matt Forte- 23 years old, 6?1?, 217 lbs., 92 SPD, 75 STR, 54 AWR, 89 AGI, 95 ACC, 72 CAR, and 84 BTK
The third RB in the draft class comes in at #13. Forte is a balanced RB with a rare blend of above average height and weight, great athleticism and good break tackle. He?s not flashy but he can be a workhorse back in this league. I would guess for most GM?s he is the #2 RB on their draft boards and I totally get that. He actually reminds me of Marshawn Lynch who was drafted by the Panthers with the 11th overall pick in the 2007 draft. Another comparable could be Tatum Bell who was taken with the last pick in the 2nd round of the 2004 draft by the Titans. Forte is clearly better than Bell and he is more athletic than Lynch. I think in the end Forte and Lynch are pretty close and the skew will ultimately decide the winner at least as far as attributes go. Forte is the third of three RB?s that will doubtless go in the top 20.
#14- DT-Red Bryant- 23 years old, 6?4?, 318 lbs., 63 SPD, 99 STR, 53 AWR, 68 AGI, 72 ACC, and 82 TAK
At #14 we find our first DT on the board. I?ve seen other DT?s mocked higher than Bryant, perhaps because they are more athletic, but I think Bryant is the guy who will find most success in this league. First he has elite strength, you don?t get better than 99. Second, he?s got really good tackle to start as well at 82. Third, he has good height for a DT. Fourth, he?s not bad athletically either. I could easily see a scenario where he ends up being a 65 SPD, 70 AGI, and 75 ACC guy with the help of activity points. There are two comparables for Bryant. Jonathan Babinueaux of the Falcons taken in the 2nd round of the 2005 draft and John Henderson of the Eagles who was in the original rosters. Now while Babinueaux is a comparable Bryant is better than him in every way and that?e before two years of progression. So if you like Babinueaux there?s no reason not to love Bryant. I also think Bryant compares favorably with Henderson though admittedly Henderson has the advantage in height at 6?7?. Bryant is a legit player and should be an elite DT in this league.
#15- QB-Brian Brohm- 22 years old, 6?2?, 230 lbs., 65 AWR, 95 THP, and 90 THA
The first QB on the board comes in at #15. There are four QB?s that I think are very close together but Brohm has the edge over the other three pre-work out. What separates Brohm from the other three is his combination of great throwing power and great throwing accuracy. Having 90 THA as a rookie is huge, he can skip some not all of the early rough patches as a rookie with this higher THA. The closest comparable to Brohm attribute-wise would be Byron Leftwich taken with the 2nd overall pick in the 2003 draft by the Detriot Lions. The one difference between the two QB?s is that Leftwich is 6?6? and Brohm is 6?2?. I do think height can matter so I might still lean Leftwich in this comparable, but it?s close. Assuming nothing goes south in his workout, Brohm should be the first QB selected.
#16- RT-Gosder Cherilus- 23 years old, 6?6?, 315 lbs., 62 SPD, 98 STR, 63 AWR, 66 AGI, 71 ACC, 83 PBK, and 89 RBK
The second offensive tackle on the board comes in at #16. Cherilus is a bruising RT with excellent strength and height. He doesn?t have a real weak spot, though some may not love his acceleration or pass block. He?s a polished player with the ability to step in immediately. He would be more ideal as a LT but I still think he could be a good RT too. His 6?6? height is a good asset for him too. There?s not many linemen with his height and athleticism. A good comparable for Cherilus is Ryan OCallaghan who the Vikings took with the 11th overall pick in the 2006 draft. Cherilus will have better blocking skills but a little less acceleration. The comparison alone will tell you Cherilus?s value in this draft class. You would think he will go in the top 20 for sure.
#17- RG-Chilo Rachal- 22 years old, 6?6?, 322 lbs., 62 SPD, 99 STR, 57 AWR, 70 AGI, 74 ACC, 79 PBK, and 87 RBK
Back-to-back offensive linemen on the board with Rachal at #17. Rachal is pretty much the the right guard equivalent to Cherilus. He?s got elite level strength with really good agility and acceleration. Most GM?s would be happy with 320 lbs. for an offensive linemen and like Cherilus he?s 6?6?. So what does he lack? Well he has 57 awareness and 79 pass block both of which need to be a little better to be a starter in this league. I do think between training camp and preseason you should be able get both of those attributes higher. There?s no direct comparison for Rachal but Kasey Studdard taken by the Patriots 25th overall in 2007 and Davin Joseph taken 23rd in the 2006 draft. Now both Studdard and Joseph are smaller Rachal but they also had better overall all awareness and pass block. Rachal is for sure a first round pick and could even be in the top 20.
#18- ROLB-Robert James- 22 years old, 5?11?, 224 lbs., 81 SPD, 84 STR, 41 AWR, 86 AGI, 86 ACC, and 91 TAK
Our #18 player is one of the most intriguing prospects in this year?s draft. He has elite strength, agility, acceleration, and tackle. I mean really elite. On the flip side you can find several safeties who are bigger than James AND he has alarmingly low awareness. So the big question is ?who will take a gamble on James?? I think there will be several GM?s lining up for James? services. My mind immediately went back to Jon Beason taken 26th overall y the Falcons in last year?s draft but James and Beason are not quite the same players. Beason had elite speed that James doesn?t have and James has elite tackle and strength that Beason does not have. However, they are similar size-wise and close to the same awareness-wise. James size is very similar to Ernie Sims taken in the 5th round of the 2006 draft but James has much superior attributes to him.
#19- WR-Malcolm Kelly- 21 years old, 6?3?, 224 lbs., 91 SPD, 60 STR, 57 AWR, 86 AGI, 89 ACC, and 88 CTH
At #19 we have another WR but not the elite speed demon but the bigger possession receiver in Malcolm Kelly. Kelly is a big strong WR with elite hands. He lacks awareness, and some agility and acceleration. Almost every mock draft has Kelly going in round one and I can see why. It?s also true that almost all the mock drafts have him going ahead of Josh Morgan. We will see what happens between those two. As far as comparables go, it is hard not to compare him with Michael Clayton and I guess that?s why Kelly is mocked to Minnesota. When Clayton came into the league he had better awareness by 14 but had 2 less speed and 8 less catch. Another comparable for Kelly is Javon Walker who was in the original rosters. Like Clayton, Walker did not have the catch that Kelly has.
#20- WR-Donnie Avery- 22 years old, 5?11?, 192 lbs., 95 SPD, 48 STR, 57 AWR, 92 AGI, 94 ACC, and 74 CTH
Our #20 player on the board is yet another receiver. I wonder a bit about whether Avery is a little high on this board but he?s a speedy WR with decent height and those guys just don?t go out of demand. He seems to be the ideal slot receiver who has the athletic skills to get open but not so small that the QB can?t spot him. Comparables to Avery include Bethel Johnson, who is currently a Miami Dolphin but was originally drafted with the 3rd pick in the second round of the 2003 draft by the Seahawks and Santonio Holmes taken by the Giants with the 27th pick in the 2006 draft.My gut says Avery is a second round pick but I think he has the talent to end up in the late first round.
#21- SS-Craig Steltz- 23 years old, 6?1?, 213 lbs., 89 SPD, 76 STR, 61 AWR, 86 AGI, 89 ACC, 63 CTH, and 76 TAK
The second SS on my board shows up at #21. Craig Steltz doesn?t have the insane physical attributes that Barber does but don?t let them devalue his talent. He?s not really good speed and acceleration to go along with elite level strength. Now the talk a couple of seasons ago was that strength was key at free safety. If that?s true maybe there are GM?s who may want to draft Steltz and convert him to free safety. His awareness would be an issue but not much else would be. A good comparable for Craig Steltz is Tyrone Culver who was taken with 1st pick in the 2nd round of the 2006 draft. I think Steltz will be an excellent starter in this league, but I also recognize safeties just don?t have the importance in this league like other positions do.
#22- QB-Erik Ainge- 22 years old, 6?5?, 225 lbs., 66 AWR, 97 THP, and 85 THA
My board goes QB in style with three straight ones starting with Erik Ainge at #22. Ainge is the second QB in my rankings but I could certainly see a case for Ainge over Brohm. It?s close and it?s close between Ainge, Henne, and Booty. I?m guessing per-draft workouts will be required particularly if you select the first or second of these QB?s. Here?s what I love about Ainge. He?s 6?5? with 97 THP. Those are intimidating qualities. If you pair him with speed receivers on the outside, it could be big play after big play for many years. A good comparison for Ainge would be Kyle Orton taken by the 49ers with the 14th pick in the 2005 draft. And I think Ainge may have a little more upside that Orton too. Because of this fact and the fact that he is a QB you have to think he is going top 20.
#23- QB-Chad Henne- 22 years old, 6?2?, 235 lbs., 67 AWR, 94 THP, and 85 THA
The 3rd QB on this board and the second in a row is Chad Henne. As I said with Ainge, it?s really hard to differentiate between these QB?s. Henne has one more awareness point than Ainge and three less throwing power. Ainge is also three inches taller which could be the edge that Ainge has over him although some GM?s don?t care about height. The comparable for Henne is still Kyle Orton. That will tell you how close these QB?s are in terms of talent. Like Ainge, I see Henne also being a first round pick although I don?t know how many QB?s will be taken in round one due to the demand or lack thereof.
#24- QB-John David Booty- 23 years old, 6?2?, 218 lbs., 65 AWR, 96 THP, and 86 THA
The final of the four QB?s in the top 25 is John David Booty. He?s a legit prospect which is not always something that can be said for the fourth ranked QB in a draft class but it?s definitely true of Booty. When you compare him with Ainge he has one less awareness, one less throwing power, and one more throwing accuracy. I should probably pause at this point and say a word about injury rating. Both Ainge and Henne are in the low to mid 80?s which is fine. Brohm and Booty are 77 and 76 respectively. With razor thin margins between these QB?s, injury rating could be a factor. I don?t necessarily see a huge difference here but some GM will. Booty?s comparable is still Kyle Orton. If there is a demand for four QB?s in round 1, I think we get four, otherwise someone gets a steal in round 2.
#25- RE-Derrick Harvey- 21 years old, 6?4?, 271 lbs., 84 SPD, 70 STR, 40 AWR, 80 AGI, 84 ACC, and 71 TAK
The 3rd DE on our board is at #25. Derrick Harvey is still a legit pass rusher even though he 3rd on our position list. He has great athleticism with 84 SPD, 80 AGI, and 84 ACC. That?s really good and he will get first and second year boosts with his low 40 awareness. That low awareness is also the same reason why there is a decent separation between he and Calais Campbell the #2 DE on our board. A second question GM?s will need to ask is whether Harvey should play RE or LE. The accepted wisdom is to have the pass rusher on the left side which would require an awareness hit and that would put him in the 30?s in awareness. I tend to think you should play him at RE but that may just be me. There are no direct comparables for Harvey. You can get in the ballpark with Jeb Huckeba who was taken with the 30th pick of the third round in the 2005 draft and Tyler Brayton who is currently with the Detroit Lions. Neither are good comps but they will give an idea of what Harvey could be in a couple of seasons.
#26- LE-Cliff Avril- 22 years old, 6?3?, 260 lbs., 84 SPD, 73 STR, 50 AWR, 80 AGI, 81 ACC, and 66 TAK
Back-to-back DE?s here at #25 and #26. Avril is a similar player to Harvey. He?s got 10 more in awareness, but 3 less in acceleration and 5 less in tackle. He?s also an inch shorter and 11 lbs. lighter. But yes, they are very close to each other. I think both are first round talents likely mid to late first round. The good thing about Avril is if you wanted to move him to LE you could feel a little better about that than you can with Harvey. Comps for Avril are roughly the same as Harvey though again neither are good comps.
#27- RG-Corey Gibas- 23 years old, 6?3?, 330 lbs., 68 SPD, 89 STR, 54 AWR, 72 AGI, 79 ACC, 75 PBK, and 83 RBK
Gibas is another intriguing prospect at #27. My sense is that he may be higher on many boards than he is on mine. He?s got phenomenal athleticism. 68 SPD, 72 AGI, and 79 ACC is very rare. In fact there are only 6 other players in the league with those attributes and Gibas has two years to progress too. So why the lower ranking? Well he has sub 90 strength, and 54 awareness to go along with 75 pass block. This will require Gibas to sit out a season before he starts. If a GM can do that and be patient with him, they will be rewarding handsomely. Gibas is a better version of Marko Cavka who was taken with the 20th pick in the fourth round of the 2005 draft by the Jets.
#28- ROLB-Keith Rivers- 21 years old, 6?2?, 241 lbs., 81 SPD, 77 STR, 63 AWR, 81 AGI, 85 ACC, and 89 TAK
I think this class is a pretty average class in terms of OLB?s. There is some depth but very little top end talent. Rivers could be one those on the higher end of this class. He?s a solid OLB with great tackle. A skew up in speed would immediately elevate his status in this class. In terms of comparables, I see a little bit of Chad Greenway in Rivers. Greenway was taken with the 8th pick in the second round of the 2006 draft. Rivers is a borderline 1st round pick who could easily slide into round 2.
#29- LOLB-Shawn Crable- 23 years old, 6?4?, 245 lbs., 84 SPD, 61 STR, 58 AWR, 85 AGI, 82 ACC, and 82 TAK
The #29 ranked player on my board is also an OLB in Shawn Crable. I would be interested to see how many GM?s have Crable ahead of Rivers. Crable has the size, speed, and agility you like in an OLB but his strength is really low. Now certain GM?s will overlook that because he is 6?4? and 245 lbs. But other won?t, so that is why I have him lower in my rankings. A good comparable for Crable is Brandon Chillar taken by the Bengals with the 25th pick in the fourth round of the 2005 draft. Manny Lawson could also be another comparable though he?s two inches taller Crable. Similar to Rivers, I think Crable is a late 1st round, early 2nd round pick.
#30- SS-Caleb Campbell- 23 years old, 6?1?, 229 lbs., 88 SPD, 60 STR, 60 AWR, 87 AGI, 89 ACC, 57 CTH, and 72 TAK
At #30 on my draft board is the third SS, Caleb Campbell. Campbell has good size, speed, and acceleration. He?s similar but not quite the same as Craig Steltz the 2nd ranked SS in this class. His weaknesses are his 60 awareness and 57 catch. Overall he?s a solid SS with potential to be really good after a couple years of progression. A broad comparable for Campbell is Michael Huff who was taken with the 22nd pick of the 3rd round of the 2006 draft by the Texans. I think Campbell is a second round talent but an early one.
#31- RT-Jake Long- 22 years old, 6?7?, 313 lbs., 63 SPD, 88 STR, 69 AWR, 63 AGI, 69 ACC, 92 PBK, and 87 RBK
At #31 we find a player whom I certain is higher on most other draft boards than he is on mine. First the positive case for Jake Long. He has 69 AWR, 92 PBK, and 87 RBK. For many GM?s this means top 15. But for me it doesn?t and that is because he has 88 STR, 63 AGI, and 69 ACC. Athleticism and strength still matter to me and that?s why Long is lower in my rankings. Now, I do believe he will be a first round draft pick but I?m not entirely sure he?s worth it. Obviously there will be GM?s that will disagree and that?s what makes a Madden league so great. A good comparable for Long is Jamaal Brown who was taken by the Colts with the 26th pick in the 1st round of the 2005 draft. Brown is a little more athletic than Long but he has the similar awareness and blocking skills.
#32- LT-Chris Williams- 22 years old, 6?6?, 315 lbs., 63 SPD, 98 STR, 65 AWR, 61 AGI, 67 ACC, 87 PBK, and 80 RBK
Chris Williams comes in at #32 on my draft board. He?s a stronger less athletic version of Jake Long who also doesn?t block as well. He?s listed as a LT which is where I think he could thrive without having the needed athleticism for the left side. It?s hard to pin down a comparable but a broad one would be Mike Otto who was taken with the 7th pick in the 2nd round of the 2007 draft by the Steelers. I think Williams is likely a 2nd round pick and as Breck said recently on Discord this is the right year to have second round picks.
#33- LOLB-Mike Humpal- 23 years old, 6?3?, 242 lbs., 81 SPD, 77 STR, 61 AWR, 78 AGI, 83 ACC, and 83 TAK
At #33 on the board is Mike Humpal, a bigger-bodied OLB who is a solid player all-around expect maybe as far as agility goes. Even with his agility he should be able to get that in the 80?s in a couple of seasons. A good comparable for Humpal is Dontarrious Thomas who was drafted by the Jets with the 16th pick in the 2nd round of the 2004 draft. Now some context might be helpful here. The first few draft in the SFL helped to bolster a very lackluster original roster as it relates to the OLB position. So I wouldn?t assume Humpal is a mid-second round pick but I also don?t think it?s out of the question since this class is lacking late first round talent.
#34- RT-Oniel Cousins- 23 years old, 6?4?, 308 lbs., 61 SPD, 95 STR, 61 AWR, 66 AGI, 70 ACC, 84 PBK, and 88 RBK
At #34 is yet another RT in Oniel Cousins. He represents well the kind of depth we see in this draft class at the offensive line position. He?s not really flashy but he?s solid everywhere. A team who might not have a first round pick but is in need of a starting RT can plug him into a starting line up and not feel like he is overmatched. A comparable for Cousins would be Michael Roos taken by the Lions with the 20thd pick in the 3rd round of the 2005 draft. Now I think Cousins is a cut above Roos particularly in strength so I expect Cousins to definitely make it into round 2.
#35- HB-Ryan Torain- 22 years old, 6?0?, 222 lbs., 87 SPD, 78 STR, 48 AWR, 85 AGI, 93 ACC, 74 CAR, and 78 BTK
Back to the RB position for #35 on our board. Torain is one of those guys that needs a good skew but if he gets one he could be a legit starting RB even in year one. He has good size for the position along with good strength and acceleration. I?m not thrilled about his awareness, carry, and break tackle but those attributes can progress. A rough comparable for Torain would be Tatum Bell who was taken with the 32nd pick in the 2nd round of the 2004 draft. I think Torain makes it into the second round as well unless a workout reveals a negative skew.
For the rest of the top 50 I will give just brief summaries of my assessment. I won?t be giving comparables as it gets more difficult to do so the later the rankings go.
#36- RE-Lawrence Jackson- 22 years old, 6?4?, 271 lbs., 80 SPD, 80 STR, 57 AWR, 73 AGI, 80 ACC, and 70 TAK
Jackson is a unique player with 80 SPD, 80 STR, and 80 ACC. That can easily convert into 82, 82 and 82 in a couple of seasons so yes he has clear value. I can see him going early 2nd round.
#37- MLB-Dan Connor- 22 years old, 6?2?, 234 lbs., 81 SPD, 75 STR, 77 AWR, 85 AGI, 80 ACC, and 85 TAK
Connor has neither great speed or acceleration. But he is smart and can tackle. MLB?s are in high demand and it won?t take much to have him progress into the 80?s in awareness.
#38- DT-Frank Okam- 22 years old, 6?4?, 347 lbs., 65 SPD, 87 STR, 52 AWR, 74 AGI, 78 ACC, and 78 TAK
Okam has the size and I would also argue the athleticism to be good. I?m not a fan of his strength but it can get into the 90?s with some help. He also is likely an early 2nd round pick.
#39- DT-Landon Cohen- 23 years old, 6?5?, 295 lbs., 63 SPD, 94 STR, 48 AWR, 70 AGI, 78 ACC, and 74 TAK
If Cohen had Okam?s size he?d be ahead of him, but he doesn?t so he isn?t. I love the idea that he could be mid 60?s in speed, high 90?s in strength and low 80?s in acceleration. You just have to overlook a smaller frame and low awareness.
#40- LT-Jeff Otah- 23 years old, 6?6?, 332 lbs., 58 SPD, 90 STR, 59 AWR, 66 AGI, 69 ACC, 86 PBK, and 88 RBK
Yet another offensive lineman who could be a starter in the league. He doesn?t have the athleticism I like but he can block.
#41- FS-DaJuan Morgan- 21 years old, 6?0?, 205 lbs., 87 SPD, 72 STR, 51 AWR, 88 AGI, 92 ACC, 68 CTH, and 72 TAK
I believe Morgan is the first free safety in this ranking. I like his athleticism but don?t like his 51 awareness and unlike some other GM?s I think that is an issue, particularly in play action.
#42- DT-Jason Shirley- 22 years old, 6?5?, 338 lbs., 75 SPD, 84 STR, 48 AWR, 73 AGI, 76 ACC, and 69 TAK
Shirley is a polarizing player. He?s a huge DT with elite level speed. On the flip side, he has low strength, awareness, and tackle. He?s worth a gamble for sure, but not too early.
#43- C-Kory Lichtensteigr- 23 years old, 6?2?, 298 lbs., 62 SPD, 94 STR, 61 AWR, 72 AGI, 72 ACC, 83 PBK, and 85 RBK
I think Lichtensteigr is probably the best center in this class and as such could be taken earlier than where I have him ranked. He probably should go early second. He?s solid all around and I love his strength and athleticism combo.
#44- HB-Steve Slaton- 21 years old, 5?9?, 197 lbs., 96 SPD, 74 STR, 42 AWR, 88 AGI, 91 ACC, 72 CAR, and 70 BTK
Remember Clifton Smith all the way up at #11? Well Slaton is the less talented version of him. Don?t sleep on him though, if he has a good skew he could be good.
#45- WR-Justin Harper- 23 years old, 6?3?, 215 lbs., 96 SPD, 38 STR, 48 AWR, 90 AGI, 85 ACC, and 76 CTH
There?s only two reasons why Harper is in at #45. He?s 6?3? and has 96 SPD. But those two reasons mean he?s worth drafting. He could go earlier and maybe even round 1.
#46- DT-Trevor Laws- 22 years old, 6?0?, 304 lbs., 67 SPD, 92 STR, 48 AWR, 74 AGI, 75 ACC, and 75 TAK
Laws is a super athletic DT who is on the small side and lacking in awareness. He?s valuable; I?m just not 100% sure where that value is.
#47- MLB-Bo Ruud- 23 years old, 6?3?, 235 lbs., 82 SPD, 70 STR, 65 AWR, 82 AGI, 82 ACC, and 86 TAK
I toyed with the idea of ranking Ruud higher than Connor but I didn?t because of his awareness. However, Ruud has good size and tackle and he?s got above average athleticism. He could be a good #2 MLB right now.
#48- MLB-Philip Wheeler- 23 years old, 6?2?, 248 lbs., 81 SPD, 70 STR, 74 AWR, 83 AGI, 84 ACC, and 84 TAK
I have similar thoughts with Wheeler that I do with Ruud. Good size and decent athleticism. However, with Wheeler you get awareness too.
#49- QB-Matt Ryan- 22 years old, 6?4?, 228 lbs., 61 AWR, 88 THP, and 93 THA
Matt Ryan should probably be earlier than #49 but his 61 awareness is just a turn off for me. Now I do realize that 93 THA is elite and that just on that alone he will be drafted higher than mid 2nd round, but for me he?s lower than the other four.
#50- HB-Rashard Mendenhall- 20 years old, 5?10?, 225 lbs., 88 SPD, 67 STR, 52 AWR, 91 AGI, 92 ACC, 77 CAR, and 91 BTK
The final player on the top 50 is RB Rashard Mendenhall. Some GM?s will value him and others won?t. I think he has potential with his good size, agility, and acceleration. I just wish he had better strength. I know he can probably get to 70 but I?d like something a little closer to 75.
This concludes our look at the top 50 in this year?s draft. I know this is a lengthy look but I think it can be helpful to those who will read it. The design is for this to be a reference on Friday and Saturday as we work our way through the first few rounds of this draft. I hope you enjoy it!
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