Mel Kiper’s Big Board for the 2008 NFL Draft, November 21, 2007

 

1. Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU (6-2, 292) | Previous: Same
Disruptive force along the interior. If there is one non-skill position player fans should watch, Dorsey is the one because, despite constant double-teams, he is always making plays or opening up space for his teammates.

2. Jake Long, OT, Michigan (6-6, 320) | Previous: Same
Top-drawer left- or right-tackle prospect.

3. Chris Long, DE, Virginia (6-4, 282) | Previous: 4
A 3-4 defensive end with great bloodlines who understands leverage and uses his hands as well as any D-lineman in the country.

4. Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College (6-4, 223) | Previous: 3
He has the size and arm to wow the NFL brass during testing.

5. Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC (6-1, 297) | Previous: Same
Tampa Bay Bucs-style DT with superior quickness and a nonstop motor.

6. Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville (6-3, 223) Previous: Same
Polished pure passer in the Jim Kelly mold.

7. Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina (6-4, 298) | Previous: Same
Unbelievably talented player who is primed for a breakout season.

8. Andre’ Woodson, QB, Kentucky (6-5, 232) | Previous: Same
Big and mobile with a rocket arm.

9. Dan Connor, LB, Penn State (6-2½, 231) | Previous: Same
Big-play performer who always seems to be around the ball.

10. Quentin Groves, DE, Auburn (6-3, 251) | Previous: Same
Speed rusher with the talent to rank as one of the more feared sack artists in the nation.

11. Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh (6-5, 339) | Previous: Same
Light on his feet for a huge bookend, Otah is still developing. He played only one year in high school and two at the junior college level. He also played basketball in junior college and is a tremendous athlete. His upside and potential are going to excite offensive line coaches in the NFL.

12. Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida (5-11½, 202) | Previous: Same
He has excellent recovery speed and the toughness you look for in a cornerback. His size allows him to match up with an opponent’s No. 1 wide receiver.

13. Sam Baker, OT, USC (6-4½, 310) | Previous: Same
Exceptional pass-blocker with superb technique.

14. Limas Sweed, WR, Texas (6-4, 217) | Previous: Same
TD-maker who plays fast with pads on. Sweed is out for the season following a wrist injury, but he proved his playmaking skills over his career.

15. Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt (6-5½, 318) | Previous: 19
Top-drawer talent, possessing superior athleticism and good feet to neutralize outside pass-rushers.

16. Tracy Porter, CB, Indiana (5-10½, 183) | Previous: 18
Not only a skilled coverman, but Porter is a dynamic punt returner as well. A four-year starter, Porter has 16 INT in his career.

17. Ali Highsmith, LB, LSU (6-1, 225) | Previous: 15
Showed tremendous potential in 2005 before taking a step back as a junior. Highsmith is re-establishing himself as one of the top linebackers in the SEC.

18. Early Doucet, WR, LSU (5-11½, 205) | Previous: 17
Super-talented, is LSU’s go-to option this season, although he has been slowed by injuries. Still he has the quickness and natural receiving skills to play on the outside or as a slot receiver in the NFL.

19. Keith Rivers, LB, USC (6-3, 233) | Previous: 19
Has the skill set to become a super blue-chipper.

20. Mike Hart, RB, Michigan (5-8, 200) | Previous: 21
He may not look impressive when it comes to size and speed, but Hart is a true gamer. Not only does he take great care of the ball, but Hart is deceptively strong and has been extremely consistent throughout his career.

21. Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy (5-10½, 185) | Previous: Unranked
Not only a very good cover man with superior recovery ability (runs in the 4.38 range) and the aggressiveness to get the job done in run support, McKelvin has made a name for himself as the top return man in the entire nation. He’s also stood out this season in games against the likes of Arkansas, Florida, Oklahoma State, and Georgia. For the year, he’s fifth on the team with 52 stops, while also breaking up eight passes, forcing three fumbles, and coming away with two interceptions. He’s returned 23 punts for an 18.3 yard average and three TD’s, while returning 29 kickoffs for a 21.0 yard average. With his speed and versatility, McKelvin will bring a great deal of value to a football team.

22. Lavelle Hawkins, WR, California (5-11, 183) | Previous: Same
Standout performer on offense for the Golden Bears this season. Hawkins has really impressed me with his tremendous burst out of his break, sure hands and big-play ability.

23. Lawrence Jackson, DE, USC (6-4, 266) | Previous: Same
A strong finish to 2006 has carried over to the first month of the season.

24. Charles Godfrey, CB, Iowa (6-0½, 208) | Previous: Same
A big cover cornerback who has played safety as well. He’s one of the fastest corners and has great recovery speed, which is needed in the NFL.

25. Dennis Dixon, QB, Oregon (6-3, 198) | Previous: 16
He showcases a live arm and has significantly improved his decision-making in the pocket. Dixon has been more accurate with his passes this season and he can always impress you with his ability to run the ball.

DROPPED

DJ Hall, WR, Alabama (6-2½, 189) | Previous: 22
Big-play wideout who has shown improvement every year with the Crimson Tide. Hall should be tested on Saturday against LSU’s secondary.

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