And So It Begins...NFL Draft 2007

NFL Draft 2007: Best 10 Underclassmen

Now that the deadline for final decisions is over, an accurate picture of the draftees is available. Many underclassmen have a great impact on teams based on the needs of that team and the ability of the player. This list will simply note which players have the best potential in the NFL, regardless of position and without placing them on specific teams. Mock drafts will come later, (oh yes...they will come), but for right now let’s just have some fun with the players themselves.

10. You’ll notice no Ohio State, Florida, or USC players will make the list. This is your chance to add them. Place the desired player here and make up reasons as to why they are good, then finish your 40 and continue your pathetic life.

9. John Abbate, LB, Wake Forest --- While his numbers don’t look overly impressive (120 Tackles, 3 Sacks, 1 INT, 1 FF) - he was unquestionably the heart and soul of the Demon Deacons Defense. At 5’ 11” 245lbs, his size will not thrill you, but the same can be said about Zach Thomas. Of course, Thomas is basically the only player you will hear Abbate compared to since they play the same position, have the same size and the same instincts (AND both are white). Actually, you could say Simoneau, but that’s insulting to Abbate. Where as Thomas has proven his ability in the NFL Abbate will have a steep learning curve, but if he is as persistent in the NFL as he was in the NCAA he should have no problem fitting in.

Negatives: Size

8. Michael Bush, RB, Louisville --- Louisville isn’t known for its running game, which is not a discredit to Michael Bush, but rather another adversity Bush has had to overcome. While this 250 lb monster might not be as electrifyingly fast as last years Bush, he certainly can avoid angry opponents better than George W. Michael Bush put up solid numbers in his best campaign with the Cardinals (1143 yds. on 205 carries for 5.6 ypc and 25 TDs) [yes, he scored 2.5 times a game in the ’05 season]. His leg injury is a concern, but he will have had nearly a whole year of rehab before the season starts.

Negatives: Size (i.e. Ron Dayne factor) and injury.

7. Darrelle Revis, CB, Pittsburgh --- Most people thought Revis would declare for the draft, because they couldn’t see him shining for yet another season while Pittsburgh is still building up its program (i.e. "sucks again"). Those people were right. Revis may not be the first CB taken (think Leon Hall) or even be the best junior CB in the NCAA (think Antoine Cason), but he certainly has the talent to develop into the best. This two-time 1st team Big East player will hear his name called in the first two rounds of the NFL Draft and with teams always in need of talented DB’s he should have plenty of opportunity to prove himself.

Negatives: Coached by Dave Wannstedt

6. Marshawn Lynch, RB, California --- Lynch is an amazing college running back. However, great players in college don’t always translate to great pro players. The plus side is that he played in a BCS conference and faced some good defenses throughout his career. Lynch played behind J.J. Arrington at Cal and we all know the success Arrington has had in Arizona. Then again, it’s Arizona, where Edge could barely find running room. Marshawn has shown consistency at Cal with two 1200+yards seasons and two seasons of 10 or more rushing TD’s (he had an astonishing 8 TD’s his freshman year behind 2,000 yard rusher Arrington).

Negatives: Slight injury concern. Arrington...Version 2.0?

5. JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU --- He shot up draft boards after the bowl game against Notre Dame, but who doesn’t (see Troy Smith Fiesta Bowl 2006)? Russell always knows which way the gun show is and to prove it he can throw a football 60 yards from his knees. Scouts love his size and the aforementioned gun on his arm, but he can put good touch on the football and can even move a little bit if he has to (he is black after all(kidding...I see you Byron Leftwich)). While he may benefit from draft hype, Russell should do fine in a vertical system provided he isn’t asked to do too much his rookie year.

Negatives: Bad completion % in 2 losses.

4. Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma---We all know AP has talent. The question is whether he can stay healthy enough to use that talent. Peterson played well when he played and showed the country why he was a Heisman contender as a freshman. Bob Stoops did one hell of a coaching job this year considering he lost his star QB before the season and AP in the middle of the season. Oklahoma persevered and won the conference championship and earned their way to the BCS where they showed they will never give up and mounted a great comeback against Boise State. Regardless of the other Sooners and Stoops, Peterson is an amazing talent that should adapt quickly to the pro game.

Negatives: Injury concern.

3. Sidney Rice, WR, South Carolina--- Sidney Rice played for two seasons and set the Gamecocks TD record at WR. In naught five Rice had a season in which his yardage was higher than the next five (5) SC players combined. Basically, Rice can get his stats even if the other team knows he is getting the ball. Even though Spurrier loves to pass his teams have not been great at it. They also can’t hold on to their younger players. I wonder what he is doing that drives them to leave without really capturing loads of glory on the field? Despite Rice’s overwhelming talent, I think he would have benefited from another year in college. Ideally he can find a roster spot on a team that does not need him right away.

Negatives: Youth (immaturity on/off field)

2. Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech---A man among boys in the college ranks, Johnson put up very good numbers, even though Reggie Ball was throwing the passes. Assuming the QB talent is greater in the pros, Johnson should be a great NFL wideout. Ga Tech coaches somehow missed the fact that Notre Dame could not cover Calvin in their first game of the year and handed the Irish the game in the second half.

Negatives: Took one year too many to turn pro. Not used to playing with a good quarterback.

1. Alan Branch, DT, Michigan--- I was overjoyed when I learned Michigan had recruited this behemoth from New Mexico a few years ago. He was projected as an offensive linemen, but his massive figure set him on the path to DT. Before the 2005 season he dropped about 30 lbs. to play at 315. He bulked back up to play in the middle of the 3-4 this year. While his numbers aren’t flashy, Branch certainly clogged the middle of the field despite playing in a 3-4 scheme. His presence can only be replaced, not replicated. With more and more NFL teams playing in a 3-4 base or occasionally using the package, Branch will be valuable to many teams. However, he does not necessarily have to play in a 3-4. Look for this DT to go in the top 10.

Negatives: Left the University of Michigan early, why would anyone do that?

*Stay with us throughout the spring for more Draft coverage*