NFP Prospect Position Rankings

FROM WES BUNTING:

With the start of the NFL Combine this week, team executives are now putting the finishing touches on their draft boards and position rankings. Not much has taken place the past week, and there hasn’t been much change to the overall rankings. But with the draft season getting into full swing, things aren’t likely to stay that way. Here are the National Football Post’s weekly rankings of the top 10 players at each position.

NFP readers should make sure to register for the “Pick Five for 85” contest to guess the five fastest players at the Combine. Here’s a cheat sheet to help get you started.

Cornerbacks (in no particular order),

Darius Butler, Connecticut

Vontae Davis, Illinois

Domonique Johnson, Jackson State

Captain Munnerlyn, South Carolina

Bruce Johnson, Miami

Quarterbacks

1. Mark Sanchez: USC (6-3, 225)
2. Matthew Stafford: Georgia (6-3, 236)
3. Josh Freeman: Kansas State (6-6, 248)
4. Nate Davis: Ball State (6-2, 218)
5. Graham Harrell: Texas Tech (6-2, 205)
6. Stephen McGee: Texas A&M (6-3, 216)
7. Rhett Bomar: Sam Houston State (6-2, 216)
8. Pat White: West Virginia (6-0, 192)
9. Nathan Brown: Central Arkansas (6-1, 214)
10. Curtis Painter: Purdue (6-3, 222)

Running Backs

1. Knowshon Moreno: Georgia (5-11, 208)
2. Chris Wells: Ohio State (6-1, 237)
3. LeSean McCoy: Pittsburgh (5-11, 210)
4. Shonn Greene: Iowa (5-11, 235)
5. Donald Brown: Connecticut (5-10, 210)
6. Jeremiah Johnson: Oregon (5-9, 208)
7. Rashad Jennings: Liberty (6-1, 232)
8. Javon Ringer: Michigan State (5-9, 205)
9. Mike Goodson: Texas A&M (6-0, 198)
10. Andre Brown: N.C. State (6-0 224)

Third Down Backs

1. Devin Moore: Wyoming (5-9, 191)
2. Kory Sheets: Purdue (5-11, 203)
3. Keegan Herring: Arizona State (5-10, 195)
4. Bernard Scott: Abilene Christian (5-11, 195)
5. Marcus Thigpen: Indiana (5-8, 198)

Full Backs

1. Quinn Johnson: LSU (6-1, 260)
2. Conredge Collins: Pittsburgh (5-11, 232)
3. Tony Fiammetta: Syracuse (6-0, 238)
4. Travis McCall: Alabama (6-2, 276)
5. Brannan Southerland: Georgia (6-0, 245)
6. Mark Hafner: Houston (6-2, 235)
7. Marquez Branson: Central Arkansas (6-2, 248)
8. David Johnson: Arkansas State (6-2, 250)
9. Jorvorskie Lane: Texas A&M (6-0, 278)
10. Frank Summers: UNLV (5-9, 243)

Wide Receivers

1. Michael Crabtree: Texas Tech (6-3, 214) 
2. Jeremy Maclin: Missouri (6-1, 200) 
3. Percy Harvin: Florida (5-11,195)
4. Hakeem Nicks: North Carolina (6-1, 210)
5. Darrius Heyward-Bey: Maryland (6-2, 206)
6. Kenny Britt: Rutgers (6-4, 215)  
7. Derrick Williams: Penn State (6-0, 200)
8. Juaquin Iglesias: Oklahoma (6-0 204)
9. Brandon Tate: North Carolina (6-1, 195)
10. Brian Robiskie: Ohio State (6-2, 200)

Slot Receivers

1. Mike Thomas: Arizona (5-8 187)
2. Quan Cosby: Texas (5-9, 191)
3. Deon Butler: Penn State (5-11, 168)
4. Sammie Stroughter: Oregon State (6-0, 189)
5. Jordan Norwood: Penn State (5-10, 174)

Possession Receivers

1. Patrick Turner: USC (6-5, 221)
2. Ramses Barden: Cal Poly (6-6, 227)
3. Austin Collie: BYU (6-2, 206)
4. Aaron Kelly: Clemson (6-5, 193)
5. Greg Orton: Purdue (6-3, 210)

Tight Ends

1. Brandon Pettigrew: Oklahoma State (6-6, 260)
2. Shawn Nelson: Southern Mississippi (6-5, 242)
3. Chase Coffman: Missouri (6-6, 252)
4. James Casey: Rice (6-4, 235)
5. Jared Cook: South Carolina (6-5, 242)
6. Cornelius Ingram: Florida (6-4, 245)
7. Travis Beckum: Wisconsin (6-3, 237)
8. Brian Mandeville: Northeastern (6-6, 255)
9. Davon Drew: East Carolina (6-4, 258)
10. Ryan Purvis: Boston College (6-4, 255)

Offensive Tackles

1. Eugene Monroe: Virginia (6-5, 315)
2. Andre Smith: Alabama (6-4, 340)
3. Jason Smith: Baylor (6-5, 300)
4. Michael Oher: Mississippi (6-5, 320)
5. Eben Britton: Arizona (6-6, 310)
6. William Beatty: Connecticut (6-6, 310)
7. Jamon Meredith: South Carolina (6-5, 289)
8. Fenuki Tupou: Oregon (6-5, 332)
9. Jason Watkins: Florida (6-6, 317)
10. Augustus Parrish: Kent State (6-5, 300)

Offensive Guards

1. Duke Robinson: Oklahoma (6-5, 335)
2. Herman Johnson: LSU (6-7, 382)
3. Tyronne Green: Auburn (6-2, 309)
4. Andy Levitre: Oregon State (6-2, 318)
5. Trevor Canfield: Cincinnati (6-5, 305)
6. Kraig Urbik: Wisconsin (6-6, 323)
7. T.J. Lang: Eastern Michigan (6-4, 312)
8. Seth Olsen: Iowa (6-5, 304)
9. Cornelius Lewis: Tennessee State (6-4, 324)
10. Jaimie Thomas: Maryland (6-4, 331)

Centers

1. Alex Mack: California (6-4, 314)
2. Max Unger: Oregon (6-5, 305)
3. Eric Wood: Louisville (6-5, 308)
4. Antoine Caldwell: Alabama (6-5, 305)
5. Jonathan Luigs: Arkansas (6-5, 314)
6. Cecil Newton: Tennessee State (6-2, 295)
7. A.Q. Shipley: Penn State (6-1, 297)
8. Alex Fletcher: Stanford (6-3, 302)
9. Brett Helms: LSU (6-2, 282)
10. Jon Cooper: Oklahoma (6-2, 292)

4-3 Defensive Ends

1. Brian Orakpo: Texas (6-4, 260)
2. Robert Ayers: Tennessee (6-3, 273)
3. Michael Johnson: Georgia Tech (6-7, 260)
4. Paul Kruger: Utah (6-5, 265)
5. Connor Barwin: Cincinnati (6-4, 255)
6. David Veikune: Hawaii (6-2, 255)
7. Michael Bennett: Texas A&M (6-4, 271)
8. Phillip Hunt: Houston (6-1, 261)
9. Brandon Williams: Texas Tech (6-5, 252)
10. Lawrence Sidbury Jr.: Richmond (6-3, 267)

3-4 Defensive Ends

1. Jarron Gilbert: San Jose State (6-5, 287)
2. Tyson Jackson: LSU (6-4, 295)
3. Everette Pedescleaux: Northern Iowa (6-6, 305)
4. Ra’Shon Harris: Oregon (6-4, 300)
5. Kyle Moore: USC (6-5, 273)
6. Zach Potter: Nebraska (6-7, 277)
7. Pannel Egboh: Stanford (6-6, 272)
8. Khalif Mitchell: East Carolina (6-5, 317)
9. Bobby Greenwood: Alabama (6-5, 280)
10. Alex Field: Virginia (6-6, 272)

Nose Tackles

1. B.J. Raji: Boston College (6-1, 325)
2. Ron Brace: Boston College (6-3, 326)
3. Fili Moala: USC (6-5, 305)
4. Dorell Scott: Clemson (6-3, 310)
5. Terrance Taylor: Michigan (6-1, 314)
6. Sammie Lee Hill: Stillman (6-4, 331)
7. Terrance Knighton: Temple (6-3, 324)
8. Myron Pryor: Kentucky (6-0 310)
9. Marlon Favorite: LSU (6-1, 308)
10. Louis Ellis: Shaw (6-2, 315)

Three-Technique Tackles

1. Peria Jerry: Mississippi (6-3, 295)
2. Sen’Derrick Marks: Auburn (6-1, 295)
3. Evander Hood: Missouri (6-3, 295)
4. Ricky Jean-Francois: LSU (6-3, 290)
5. Mitch King: Iowa (6-2, 275)
6. Alex Magee: Purdue (6-3, 295)
7. Corvey Irvin: Georgia (6-3, 289)
8. Vance Walker: Georgia Tech (6-2, 295)
9. Chris Baker: Hampton (6-2, 308)
10. Clinton McDonald: Memphis (6-2, 289)

4-3 Outside Linebackers

1. Aaron Curry: Wake Forest (6-2, 246)
2. Brian Cushing: USC (6-4, 243)
3. Tyrone McKenzie: South Florida (6-2, 235)
4. Marcus Freeman: Ohio State (6-1, 238)
5. Zack Follett: California (6-2, 238)
6. Mortty Ivy: West Virginia (6-1, 236)
7. Nic Harris: Oklahoma (6-3, 233)
8. Lee Robinson: Alcorn State (6-2, 249)
9. Jason Williams: Western Illinois (6-1, 241)
10. Brian Toal: Boston College (6-1, 238)

3-4 Outside Linebackers

1. Everette Brown: Florida State (6-4, 252)
2. Aaron Maybin: Penn State (6-4, 238)
3. Clay Matthews: USC (6-3, 246)
4. Larry English: Northern Illinois (6-2, 254)
5. Clint Sintim: Virginia (6-3, 249)
6. Cody Brown: Connecticut (6-2, 242)
7. Victor Butler: Oregon State (6-2 241)
8. Orion Martin: Virginia Tech (6-2, 248)
9. Moise Fokou: Maryland (6-2, 233)
10. Slade Norris: Oregon State (6-3, 245)

 Inside Linebackers

1. Rey Maualuga: USC (6-2, 260)
2. James Laurinaitis: Ohio State (6-2, 240)
3. Scott McKillop: Pittsburgh (6-1, 240)
4. Darry Beckwith: LSU (6-1, 235)
5. Frantz Joseph: Florida Atlantic (6-2, 243)
6. Worrell Williams: California (6-0, 250)
7. Gerald McRath: Southern Miss (6-3, 220)
8. Dannell Ellerbe: Georgia (6-1, 236)
9. Jason Phillips: TCU (6-1, 235)
10. Jasper Brinkley: South Carolina (6-2, 265)

Cornerbacks

1. Malcolm Jenkins: Ohio State (6-0, 200)
2. D.J. Moore: Vanderbilt (5-10, 184)
3. Sean Smith: Utah (6-3, 215)
4. Vontae Davis: Illinois (6-0, 205)
5. Alphonso Smith: Wake Forest (5-9. 190)
6. Coye Francies: San Jose State (6-0 179)
7. Asher Allen: Georgia (5-10, 198)
8. Jairus Byrd: Oregon (6-0 200)
9. Darius Butler: Connecticut (5-11, 187)
10. Victor Harris: Virginia Tech (5-11, 195)

Free Safeties

1. Louis Delmas: Western Michigan (6-0, 196)
2. William Moore: Missouri (6-1, 226)
3. Rashad Johnson: Alabama (6-0, 190)
4. Derek Pegues: Mississippi State (5-10, 195)
5. Sherrod Martin: Troy (6-1, 193)
6. Darcel McBath: Texas Tech (6-1, 198)
7. David Bruton: Notre Dame (6-2, 210)
8. Troy Nolan: Arizona State (6-1, 207)
9. Brandon Underwood: Cincinnati (6-1, 192)
10. Curtis Taylor: LSU (6-2, 208)

Strong Safeties

1. Patrick Chung: Oregon (5-11, 210)
2. Chip Vaughn: Wake Forest (6-2, 214)
3. Emanuel Cook: South Carolina (5-10, 205)
4. Kevin Ellison: USC (6-1, 228)
5. Michael Hamlin: Clemson (6-3, 206)
6. Stephen Hodge: TCU (6-0 214)
7. Trimane Goddard: North Carolina (5-11, 195)
8. Otis Wiley: Michigan State (6-2, 210)

9. Comments

   Add a Comment
   B_O_R
   Feb 17, 2009
   08:30 AM

   Wes,
   
   Thank you for the effort to keep things current. For some feedback, why no crossover between rankings with similar skills/body types?
   
   Paul Kruger demonstrated positional flexibility in the Sugar Bowl, standing up as a 3-4 OLB and going knuckle down as a 4-3 DE.
   
   Several of the players you have listed as either Centers or Guards have proven capable of playing either position.
   
   Depending on the system, Sean Smith might play CB or S.
   
   Jarron Gilbert would seem to be attractive to both 3-4 teams at DE, and 4-3 teams as a 3-technique.

   spud
   Feb 17, 2009
   09:23 AM

   Wes of your ILBs who played a 4-3 in college, who most easlily will adapt to playing in a 3-4?

   Andrew
   Feb 17, 2009
   09:24 AM

   So does this ranking mean that Cushing would not be a good OLB in a 3-4 alignment?

   JT
   Feb 17, 2009
   09:35 AM

   Wes, what if we already registered on NFP? Do we have to re-register to do the Pick 5 for 85?

   Wes Bunting
   Feb 17, 2009
   10:29 AM

   B_O_R:
   I will get to that in the coming weeks, but I appreciate the enthusiasm.
   
   spud: I think their power and ability to take on and shed blocks would serve them well in a 3-4
   Rey Maualug
   Frantz Joseph
   
   Andrew:
   Absolutely not, Cushing is one of the most versatile prospects in the draft and has the ability to play inside or outside in a 3-4 or outside in a 4-3. I just really like him outside in a 4-3.
   
   JT: Just put in your name and pick, I don't think you need to re-register.

   Double D
   Feb 17, 2009
   10:40 AM

   Mr. Bunting:
   
   Thanks for the updated rankings...
   
   How much has the injury affected Travis Beckums ranking? I see as a potential steal. From the big 10 games I saw I though he was a much better player than Dustin Keller and he had a solid rookie year. Where round and/or teams would be interest in him?

   C09F
   Feb 17, 2009
   10:54 AM

   I am not a Lions fan, but if I was them I would not be able to justify selecting Stafford #1 overall. Historically, offensive lineman, such as Joe Thomas and Clady the last 2 years, can be pro-bowlers immediately. You build from the lines out (offensive line & defensive line). They have a real chance to start building their foundation for the future, and go after a QB next year, or go for Freeman in round 2 this year.

   Blue Blooded
   Feb 18, 2009
   12:41 AM

   Wes - I started paying attention to the NFP because of the incredible insight of Michael Lombardi. I read pretty much everything he puts out as he is far-and-away the best NFL resource around. I am happy to say that your column has provided me with an excellent draft resource which has no equal. So, thank you for that.
   
   With that said, I constantly wonder if we can take these lists one step further. Specifically, I wonder about these cookie cutter ratings of players. Its always 8 of the same 10 players in the top 10 of every list. When I look at WRs, I have a feeling that a guy like Percy Harvin is just too small to be a franchise WR (but then back off that stance because he is so dangerous) or DHB might drop too many balls to be a real player but I can't seem to find a source willing to break the mold and make the call. My ability to evaluate a college player is questionable at best, and in any event it is far inferior to yours, so what I would really love to see is your analysis of which players you would take (or wouldn't take) on your team and why. In coming to this conclusion, it would be incredibly valuable if you could provide a breakdown of what strengths you believe will assure success or flaws you believe will likely be fatal to the player at the next level.
   
   Thank you.

   EA
   Feb 18, 2009
   02:14 AM

   As a USC fan, I always thought that Fili Moala was best served as a 3-Tech Tackle in a 4-3. After watching him play along side Sedrick Ellis in 2007 and then seeing him having to take the double teams in 2008 I believe that what "did USC in" was the lack of a true experienced NT that would anchor the line and allow Fili to rush the QB. Why do you believe differently?

   Yoop
   Feb 18, 2009
   10:35 AM

   Wes I got a couple players I want to ask if you have looked at that I like for day two picks.
   
   CB Glover Quin CB, New Mexico
   
   Victor Butler DE/OLB, Oregon State, Do you think he can make the change to a 3-4 OLB?
   
   Andrew Hartline OT, Central Michigan
   
   Bear Pascoe TE, Fresno State

   Yoop
   Feb 18, 2009
   10:38 AM

   And Sammie Lee Hill, do you think he can play NT in the 3-4 and maybe both NT and DE.

   Rickey Williams
   Feb 20, 2009
   01:01 PM

   LEE ROBINSON FROM ALCORN STATE
   LEE........... ROBINSON
   GREAT PICK UP FOR ANYONE
   LEE ROBINSON

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