Top 25 NFL Draft Candidates for 2008

SI Staff | Apr 30, 2007

Top 25 NFL Draft Candidates for 2008 /

Top 25 NFL Draft Candidates for 2008

Erik Ainge

Taking his game to another level last season, Ainge has the skills and intangibles to be a first-round pick.

Vince Hall

The unsung hero of the Hokies defense, Hall is a terrific athlete with the ability to be used at several linebacker spots.

Dan Connor

He played better than Paul Posluszny (2nd round, Bills) at times last year, and is another Penn State linebacker who combines instincts and intensity.

Shawn Crable

Crable will pick up where LaMarr Woodley (2nd round, Steelers) left off. Only Crable will be a first-round pick.

Adarius Bowman

Making a big splash after transferring from North Carolina, Bowman is a sure-handed possession receiver.

James Laurinaitis (Underclassman)

An intense defender with great instincts, Laurinaitis is another top NFL linebacker prospect from the Ohio State program.

James Davis

An elusive ball carrier with a burst of speed, Davis consistently picks up huge chunks of yardage.

Vernon Gholston (Underclassman)

An undersized pass rusher, Gholston still creates plenty of havoc for opponents.

Sam Baker

Underrated in scouting circles, Baker is a terrific blind-side protector who plays with a nasty streak.

Keith Rivers

Grading out as a first-round pick, Rivers is the top weak-side linebacker prospect heading toward '08.

Steve Slaton (Underclassman)

Considered a poor man's Reggie Bush, Slaton is an explosive ball carrier and a gifted return specialist.

Keenan Burton

A nice-sized receiver with speed, Burton is a deep threat who stretches the field.

Derrick Harvey (Underclassman)

Making a name for himself on a Gators defensive line full or stars, Harvey could be a better prospect than Jarvis Moss (first round, Broncos).

DeSean Jackson (Underclassman)

A skill player with home run-hitting speed, Jackson breaks games open as a receiver and return specialist.

Tyson Jackson

Jackson has the size of a defensive tackle but moves around the field like a linebacker.

Gosder Cherilus

Yet another top offensive line prospect from Boston College, Cherilus (left) has the disposition to play right tackle and the footwork necessary for the left side.

Limas Sweed

A big-bodied, possession wideout, Sweed is an awesome red-zone threat.

Chris Long

Just like his dad, Howie, the Cavaliers lineman is an intense defender who makes plays all over the field.

Phillip Merling (Underclassman)

One of the better kept secrets in the nation, Merling played better at times last season than Gaines Adams, the No. 4 overall pick in this year's draft.

Chad Henne

The big-armed signal-caller can make all the passes and is slowly turning into a complete quarterback.

Aqib Talib (Underclassman)

A shutdown cover man with terrific size and athleticism, Talib has the ability to play cornerback or safety.

Brian Brohm

The injury-prone Brohm made the right decision returning for his senior season. He has the skills to be a productive NFL starter.

Calais Campbell (Underclassman)

The next great defensive lineman from the Hurricanes program, Campbell is a dominant pass rusher who terrorizes opponents.

Jake Long

Had Long entered this year's draft, he would've been a top-10 pick. In '08 he could be one of the initial four players drafted.

Darren McFadden (Underclassman)

A big bruising back with size and speed, McFadden could very well be the draft's first pick if the need is there.

Published Apr 30, 2007

SI STAFF