Kiper's Top 25 Prospects (ESPN Insider)

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OU wideout Bradley debuts


By Mel Kiper Jr.
ESPN Insider

BIG BOARD: Kiper's Top 25 NFL prospects | Dec. 8

A light schedule last week means no movement in the top 10 of the Big Board, but there has been some shuffling below.

Oklahoma WR Mark Bradley makes his debut this week at No. 23, while Mississippi G Marcus Johnson is back on the board after a brief hiatus. Both USC DT Shaun Cody and Oklahoma OT Jammal Brown jumped up three spots this week.

Here are those players, and the rest of the top 25 fall into order:

1. Cedric Benson, RB, Texas (5-10½, 222) | previous rank: same
Last game: 33 carries, 165 yds., 1 TD in a 26-13 win over Texas A&M
Benson is a strong, tough runner who has been incredibly productive in his four years in Austin. He has rushed for 1,000 yards in each of his four seasons, and his ability to block and catch the ball make him a complete back. Benson has tremendous vision and quick feet, and thanks to his powerful lower body the first tackler rarely brings him down. He isn't flashy but puts up big numbers against top competition.

2. Ronnie Brown, RB, Auburn (6-0, 230) | previous rank: same
Last game: 16 car., 50 yds.; 6 receptions, 55 yds. in a 38-28 win over Tennessee
Brown showed against Tennessee earlier this year that he is one of the most complete backs in the nation, running and catching the ball with equal skill. He is averaging more than seven yards per carry this season and has 18 catches. Brown has the size, instincts, power and quickness to put up unbelievable numbers and would be a Heisman candidate if he were the clear No. 1 on the depth chart. An explosive powerhouse who is a complete back.

3. Carnell Williams, RB, Auburn (5-10½, 207) | previous rank: same
Last game: 19 car., 100 yds., 1 TD in a 38-28 win over Tennessee
A very creative and deceptively strong runner who has few peers in terms of pure running skills. Williams does not have imposing size but can still get tough inside yards, a skill which contributed to his 1,307 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns last season. He needs to work on catching the ball out of the backfield, but that's about it. Williams has carried 167 times for 862 yards and nine TDs in 2004 while also catching 11 passes for 114 yards and a score.

4. Mike Williams (jr.), WR, USC (6-foot-5, 230 pounds) | previous rank: same
Last game: Williams will not play in 2004.
Williams is only a junior but dominated the collegiate game for two full years before his bid to join the NFL draft as a sophomore was ended by the courts and he was declared ineligible by the NCAA. Williams will enter the 2005 draft, and the only reason he has fallen from the top spot on the Big Board is because he has not played at all this year. But if he can stay in shape and keep his weight at or below 230, Williams should ultimately be a top-15 pick.

Williams likely would have been a top-10 pick last season because his size, strength and toughness make him a tremendous package who can use his body control and hands to go after the ball over smaller defenders. His two-year totals at USC: 176 receptions, 2,579 yards and 30 touchdowns.

5. Dan Cody, DE, Oklahoma (6-4, 265) | previous rank: same
Last game: No tackles in a 42-3 win over Colorado
Cody continues moving up the board because of his impressive overall body of work this season. He has been utilized as both a stand-up outside linebacker and a defensive end with his hand on the ground, in much the same way as former NFL standout Kevin Greene. Cody increased his tackle total from 16 in 2002 to 43 last year, his TFL from five to 17 and his sacks from three to 10.

6. Erasmus James, DE, Wisconsin (6-4, 260) | previous rank: same
Last game: 4 tackles (3 solo, 1 ast.) in a 30-7 loss at Iowa
James missed most of last season with a hip injury but had a great showing in fall camp and carried that momentum over to the regular season. He is currently nursing an ankle injury but still commands double-team blocks. An outstanding pass rusher who is also strong against the run, James is just now getting back into form after an ankle injury earlier in the season.

7. Derrick Johnson, OLB, Texas (6-3, 233) | previous rank: same
Last game: 8 tackles (4 solo, 4 ast.), 1.5 TFL (1 sack), 1 PBU, 1 QBH in a 26-13 win over Texas A&M
Led the Longhorns with 125 tackles last season, including 20 stops behind the line of scrimmage. Johnson will finish his career with more than 400 total tackles and has also intercepted eight passes over the last two seasons. A great athlete who has a nose for the ball and is all over the field.

8. Travis Johnson, DT, Florida State (6-4, 292) | previous rank: same
Last game: 2 assisted tackles, ½ TFL in a 20-13 loss to Florida
Has improved significantly from where he was last year. Johnson has been dominating offensive linemen all year and has spent a lot of time in opposing backfields.

9. Braylon Edwards, WR, Michigan (6-2½, 210) | previous rank: same
Last game: 11 receptions, 172 yds., 1 TD in a 37-21 loss at Ohio State
Edwards was rising after single-handedly taking over the game against Michigan State, catching all three of his touchdown passes in the fourth quarter and overtime. He has the size, athleticism and overall pass-catching skills to dominate games and is doing just that at times this year. Edwards is also no longer riling the coaching staff with dropped balls and lapses in concentration.

10. Matt Roth, DE, Iowa (6-3½, 266) | previous rank: same
Last game: 6 tackles (4 solo, 2 ast.), 3 TFL (1 sack), 1 QBH in a 30-7 win over Wisconsin
A fiery and intense player who is a tremendous natural pass rusher, Roth is a nice complement to standout tackle Jonathan Babineaux. Roth led the Hawkeyes with eight quarterback hurries and three forced fumbles during the regular season and tied for the team lead with eight sacks. His 14 tackles for loss were second on the team. That overall consistent body of work is what has elevated Roth in recent weeks.
(continued)
 
11. Alex Barron, OT, Florida State (6-7, 325) | previous rank: 12
Last game: Made his 29th career start in a 20-13 loss to Florida
Athletically gifted with great footwork as a pass blocker, Barron has a chance to be a top-10 overall pick. He helped Leon Washington average 15.3 yards on 10 carries last week.

12. Shaun Cody, DT, USC (6-4, 288) | previous rank: 15
Last game: 3 tackles (2 solo, 1 ast.), 1 sack, 1 PBU in a 29-24 win at UCLA
A versatile performer who can play either end or tackle, Cody is a key component in the No. 2 rushing defense in the country (75.3 ypg).

13. Jammal Brown, OT, Oklahoma (6-5, 313) | previous rank: 16
Last game: Helped OU rush for 236 yards in a 42-3 win over Colorado
Equally adept at run and pass blocking, Brown has long arms that allow him to get his hand on defenders and move them off the ball using his good feet and balance.

14. Marcus Spears, DE, LSU (6-4, 295) | previous rank: same
Last game: 9 tackles (8 solo, 1 ast.), 2 sacks, 1 PBU, in a 43-14 win over Arkansas
Will not turn into a 10-12 sack performer at the next level because he lacks great closing speed, but Spears looks like a five-sack guy who will be an outstanding run stopper and disruptive to the passing game because of his size and long arms. Spears began his career as a tight end and early in his career was utilized on both sides of the ball, showing his athletic prowess. He will be able to play in any defensive structure and should be a solid pro. If Spears can keep his motor running for 60 minutes each week he will continue to ascend up the draft board.

15. David Pollack, DE, Georgia (6-2½, 265) | previous rank: 13
Last game: 5 solo tackles, 1 TFL, 2 QBH in a 24-6 loss at Auburn
Not physically imposing, Pollack plays with incredible intensity and passion. He is quick off the ball, has great closing speed and wreaks havoc as a pass rusher, as evidenced by his 28 quarterback pressures last season.

16. Antrel Rolle, CB, Miami (6-0½, 200) | previous rank: 11
Last game: 5 tackles (3 solo, 2 ast.) in a 16-10 loss to Virginia Tech
Rolle has consistently proven his mettle against the top wideouts in the country. A perfect example of that came last year when he shut down former Pittsburgh wideout and eventual No. 3 overall draft pick Larry Fitzgerald. Teams are not throwing his way this season, yet he has still been a force for the Hurricanes with solid run support and tackles in the backfield.

17. Charlie Frye, QB, Akron (6-3½, 229) | previous rank: same
Last game: 26-for-43, 436 yds., 3 TDs in a 37-27 loss to Miami (Ohio)
If things play out right for Frye the rest of the year, he could become this year's version of Ben Roethlisberger, the former Miami (Ohio) quarterback who was the 11th overall pick last season. This season has been a struggle thanks to no help from the offensive line, no running game and no big-time receivers to work with. He has played this year with a dislocated finger and shown good toughness, and his willingness to shoulder the load every week has helped tremendously.

18. Bryant McFadden, CB, Florida State (5-11½, 185) | previous rank: 19
Last game: 2 tackles (1 solo, 1 ast.), ½ TFL, 1 INT, 2 PBU in a 20-13 loss to Florida
He has not intercepted any passes this year but that's because opposing teams respect him and are not attacking his side of the field. McFadden has very good athletic ability and good but not great recovery speed at 4.49. A few more interceptions and big plays would have him in the top 15, but he is a very consistent cover man who will also come up in run support.

19. Adam Terry, OT, Syracuse (6-7½, 310) | previous rank: 20
Last game: Syracuse rushed for 309 yards in a 43-17 win at Boston College
One of the most outstanding athletes at the tackle position in college football. Terry runs a 5.15 in the 40 and is a smart fifth-year senior with 33 career starts under his belt. He is a bit of a finesse player but will continue to develop and become a solid all-around tackle, and his experience will get him some first-round looks.

20. Mark Clayton, WR, Oklahoma (5-10, 188) | previous rank: 18
Last game: 8 rec., 106 yds., 2 TD in a 42-3 win over Colorado
Clayton set new standards for OU wide receivers last year with his 83 receptions for a 17.2-yard average and 15 touchdowns. The best wideout after the catch we've seen in quite some time, Clayton leads the Sooners with 51 catches this season, 16 more than the next player on the list.

21. Carlos Rogers, CB, Auburn (6-0, 194)) | previous rank: same
Last game: 1 solo tackle, 2 PBU in a 38-28 win over Tennessee
Has 4.4 speed in the 40 and is a physical player who can tackle in the open field and is an asset in run support. Rogers is a respected cover man with good ball skills who has been Auburn's best defensive player this year, and with good showings in postseason workouts and all-star games he could ultimately move into the first round. Consistency, durability and experience against top-level competition in the SEC should all boost his stock.

22. Alex Smith, TE, Stanford (6-4¼, 257) | previous rank: same
Last game: 1 rec., 30 yds. in a 41-6 loss at California
An incredibly gifted tight end with tremendous body control to adjust to the poorly thrown ball. Smith is a great hook-zone threat and can stretch the deep middle with his speed. Smith should hold on to his spot as the top TE on the board now that he's become a complete tight end this year.

23. Mark Bradley, WR, Oklahoma (6-1, 191) | previous rank: unranked
Last game: 4 rec., 46 yds. in a 42-3 win over Colorado
His teammate and fellow receiver, Mark Clayton, gets most of the attention, but the speedy Bradley (4.35 in the 40) has developed into a very good receiver in addition to his special-teams skills as a kick returner and cover man. He is good running after the catch and his versatility is a big plus.

24. Marcus Johnson, OG, Mississippi (6-5½, 321) | previous rank: unranked
Last game: Helped Ole Miss rush for 156 yards in a 27-24 loss at LSU
Johnson has started 45 consecutive games for the Rebels, including three starts at tackle this year that showcase his versatility and smarts.

25. Corey Webster, CB, LSU (6-0, 205) | previous rank: 23
Last game: 3 tackles (2 solo, 1 ast.), 2 PBU in a 43-14 win over Arkansas
Webster has played through injury this season and has not been up to the level of his blue-chip performance as a junior, but you have to give him the benefit of the doubt. He has not been the dominating, shutdown corner he was a year ago but has plenty of time to get healthy and return to form. Webster recorded seven interceptions and five pass breakups last season.

DROPPED
David Baas, OG, Michigan (6-4, 310) | previous rank: 24
Last game: Helped Michigan to 399 total yards in a 37-21 loss at Ohio State
A battle-tested veteran, Baas has slugged it out with the best defensive tackles in the Big Ten during his career. A solid performer who has started seven at center this year and shown he can anchor a line, Baas will be helped by his versatility.

Roddy White, WR, UAB (6-1, 205) | previous rank: 25
Last game: 4 rec., 132 yds., 1 TD in a 26-21 loss at Southern Miss
Runs a consistent 4.42 in the 40, giving him a size/speed combination in the elite category. White averaged 21.6 yards per catch last year and scored seven TDs, and this season he is the only receiver in the nation with 50 or more receptions and an average of more than 20 yards per catch. He also leads the nation in receiving yards per game at 127.2 and has scored 11 touchdowns among his 19 total receptions. White had held his drops to a minimum this year.
(continued)
 
[font=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Mel's Top 20 Juniors[/font]
1. Matt Leinart, QB, USC
2. D'Brickashaw Ferguson, OT, Virginia
3. DeAngelo Williams, RB, Memphis
4. Ahmad Brooks, LB, Virginia
5. Adam "Pac-Man" Jones, CB, West Virginia
6. Thomas Davis, S, Georgia
7. Aaron Rodgers, QB, California
8. Ciatrick Fason, RB, Florida
9. Heath Miller, TE, Virginia
10. Channing Crowder, LB, Florida
11. Brodney Pool, S, Oklahoma
12. Darryl Blackstock, LB, Virginia
13. Justin Miller, CB, Clemson
14. Rodrique Wright, DT, Texas
15. Marcus McNeill, OT, Auburn
16. Shawne Merriman, OLB/DE, Maryland
17. Vernand Morency, RB, Oklahoma State
18. Justin Tuck, DE, Notre Dame
19. Davin Joseph, OG, Oklahoma
20. Derek Hagan, WR, Arizona State
.
 
If we could get a RT in round one and a RG in round two think of how much better we would be next year. I know we have other needs but an OL of

Jordan Gross
Trav Wharton
Jeff Mitchell
David Baas
Jamaal Brown

sounds pretty good.
 
Thelt said:
If we could get a RT in round one and a RG in round two think of how much better we would be next year. I know we have other needs but an OL of

Jordan Gross
Trav Wharton
Jeff Mitchell
David Baas
Jamaal Brown

sounds pretty good.

I'm good with that, or give me D'brickashaw at OT if he comes out.
 
Wp28 said:
I'm good with that, or give me D'brickashaw at OT if he comes out.

If we are looking for a RT, yeah. Or Whitworth or McNeil, if they come out.

Brown's a stronger McKinley, still a finnesse LT prospect.
 
If we can keep winning, though, it opens up some more positions.


I'm leaning heavily back into the DT position, and following it up with an inside linebacker (Kirk Morrison).

Jenkins and Wright would make a hell of a combo.


Get a guard in round 3.
 

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