2008 NFL Draft as it happens Round 1

[R8RMR]

you wouldn't believe the sweraing that came out of my mouth in front of my daughter.  I do not swear in front of my daughter, that's how passionate I feel about this.

My wife left the room. 

[Gazzara]

7 - New Orleans Saints (from 49'ers through Patriots) - Sedrick Ellis (DT, USC)



Overview

The Trojans' three-year starter at nose guard, Ellis was regarded as one of the top interior linemen in the country entering his senior season, and only continued to build his reputation in 2007. The winner of the Pat Tillman Pac-10 Conference Defensive Player of the Year Award, Ellis was also the recipient of the Morris Trophy, given to the league's premier lineman.

Many had expected Ellis to be playing in the National Football League rather than for the Trojans in 2007. He seriously contemplated applying after his junior season, but because he missed a portion of 2006 while recovering from early season arthroscopic knee surgery, he decided to return for his final campaign. "I think I can mature more as a football player and a person," Ellis said last summer. "It's only one more year. How bad can one more year be?"

Southern California's gain resulted in significant losses for their opposition, as no offensive lineman could contain Ellis, who registered a career-high 8.5 sacks to go along with 8.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage and seven pass deflections as a senior. After manhandling the Notre Dame offensive line in their 2007 encounter, the Irish head coach Charlie Weis told reporters, "Ellis is on about every (award) list known to mankind. He locates the ball, uses his hands, plays with good balance. He's a tough player."

At Chino High School, Ellis earned Super Prep and Prep Star All-American honors, in addition to garnering Super Prep Elite 50, Prep Star Top 100 Dream Team, The Sporting News Hot 100, Super Prep All-Farwest, Prep Star All-West, Tom Lemming All-West, Long Beach Press-Telegram Best in the West first-team and Tacoma News Tribune Western 100 honors.

Ellis was also named to the Orange County Register Fab 15, Cal-Hi Sports All-State, All-CIF Southern Section, All-CIF Division II first-teams and was chosen Los Angeles Times All-Star Lineman MVP. The Los Angeles Times All-Inland Empire Lineman MVP selection as a senior offensive and defensive lineman, he recorded 122 tackles (35 solo), including 19 for losses (with 6.5 sacks), plus a blocked punt, a forced fumble and a pair of fumble recoveries in 2002.

As a junior in 2001, he made the Cal-Hi Sports All-State Underclass, All-CIF Southern Section, All-CIF Division II and Los Angeles Times All-Inland Empire first-teams. He posted 108 tackles, including 16 for losses (with 10 sacks), in 2001. As a sophomore, he picked up Cal-Hi Sports All-State first-team recognition. He also competed on the school's track team in the weights.

Ellis enrolled at Southern California in 2003, but during fall drills he suffered a left ankle fracture and was granted a medical hardship. He played in 11 games behind All-American Mike Patterson at nose guard in 2004, but saw just limited action, making two assisted tackles.

With Patterson graduating, Ellis took over nose guard chores in 2005, starting all 13 games. He received All-Pac 10 Conference honorable mention, as he collected 50 tackles (28 solos) and ranked third on the squad with 4.5 sacks and eight stops for losses. He also deflected three passes and caused a fumble.

In 2006, Ellis earned Collegefootballnews.com All-American first-team honors, in addition to being a consensus All-Pac 10 Conference first-team choice, despite missing three games after he suffered torn cartilage in his right knee in practice prior to the Nebraska clash. He still managed to win the Pac-10 Morris Trophy (for the league's top defensive lineman, as voted by the league's offensive linemen).

Ellis went on to register 34 tackles (17 solos), 4.5 sacks and 8.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage in 10 contests. He also had a forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, three pass deflections and blocked a kick. USC center, Ryan Kalil, who battled vs. Ellis in practices for three years and was the offensive recipient of the 2006 Morris Trophy, raved about his former teammate, stating, "He's an unbelievable football player. He made me so much better because I had to block him every day. He's so strong, so man-strong. He's just a good player."

Ellis was a unanimous All-American and All-Pac 10 Conference first-team choice as a senior. He was a semifinalist for the Bednarik Award (top defensive player) and Lott Trophy, in addition to being named Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year and winning the Morris Trophy for the second consecutive season. In 13 starts, he totaled 58 tackles (29 solos) and ranked second on the squad with 8.5 sacks and 12.5 stops for losses. He also batted away seven passes and recovered two fumbles.

In 48 games at Southern California, Ellis started 36 contests. He registered 144 tackles (74 solos), 17.5 sacks for minus-130 yards and 28.5 stops for losses of 158 yards. He was credited with three quarterback pressures, 13 pass deflections and a blocked kick. He also caused two fumbles and recovered four others.

Career Notes

Ellis became the 11th player in school history to win the coveted Morris Trophy, an award presented since 1980 to the Pac-10's outstanding offensive and defensive linemen. The offensive winner is selected by vote of the Pac-10's defensive linemen and vice versa...He is only the second player in USC annals to earn that trophy twice in a career, joining offensive guard Roy Foster (1980-81)...Only two other Trojan defensive players have won the Morris Trophy -- nose guard George Achica in 1982 and defensive tackle Darrell Russell in 1996...In 2007, he became USC's fifth defensive player to earn Pac-10 Player of the Year honors.

High School

Attended Chino (Calif.) High School, playing football for head coach John Mesner...Earned Super Prep and Prep Star All-American honors, in addition to garnering Super Prep Elite 50, Prep Star Top 100 Dream Team, The Sporting News Hot 100, Super Prep All-Farwest, Prep Star All-West, Tom Lemming All-West, Long Beach Press-Telegram Best in the West first-team and Tacoma News Tribune Western 100 honors...Also named to the Orange County Register Fab 15, Cal-Hi Sports All-State, All-CIF Southern Section, All-CIF Division II first-teams and was chosen Los Angeles Times All-Star Lineman MVP...The Los Angeles Times All-Inland Empire Lineman MVP selection as a senior offensive and defensive lineman, he recorded 122 tackles (35 solo), including 19 for losses (with 6.5 sacks), plus a blocked punt, a forced fumble and a pair of fumble recoveries in 2002...As a junior in 2001, he made the Cal-Hi Sports All-State Underclass, All-CIF Southern Section, All-CIF Division II and Los Angeles Times All-Inland Empire first-teams...Posted 108 tackles, including 16 for losses (with 10 sacks), in 2001...As a sophomore, he picked up Cal-Hi Sports All-State first-team recognition...Also competed on the school's track team in the weights.

[R8RMR]

8 - Jacksonville Jaguars (from Baltimore) - Derrick Harvey (DE, Florida)



Overview
The unquestioned leader of the Gators' defensive unit, Derrick Harvey put on a dominating performance during his final season at Florida.

Thrust into captaincy as a junior, he more than lived up to the coaching staff's expectations, as Florida led the Southeastern Conference and ranked 10th in the nation, allowing only 103.31 yards rushing per game in 2007.

Despite just 18 career starts, Harvey finished his career ninth all-time at UF with 20.5 quarterback sacks.

Harvey was an All-America selection by Tom Lemming, EA Sports, Riddell and Super Prep, adding second-team All-USA honors from USA Today as a senior at Roosevelt High School. He was named the Maryland Gatorade Player of the Year and was rated the third-best defensive end in the nation and top-rated defensive end in the Atlantic Region by TheInsiders.com (also a five-star choice on the National Hot 100 list and a first-team All-Atlantic region selection by that publication).

Harvey received a five-star rating and was listed as the second-best defensive end in the nation by Rivals.com. He was rated the premier prospect in the Mid-Atlantic region by Super Prep and received first-team All-State honors by the Associated Press. What makes all of these accolades even more impressive was the fact that he never played organized football until his junior season, as he was a two-year standout for the basketball team before finding football.

As a senior, Harvey served as team captain, guiding the squad to a 12-1 record in 2003, losing its only game of the season in the Class 4A state semifinals. Playing defensive end and tight end, he recorded 150 tackles and a Maryland state-record 31 sacks, as well as five forced fumbles, two recovered fumbles and five batted down passes.

Harvey enrolled at Florida in 2004, as the university won a heated recruiting battle over Ohio State, Maryland and Tennessee. He redshirted and bulked up to 230 pounds. He saw limited action in nine games in 2005, playing behind starters Ray McDonald and Jarvis Moss at both defensive end positions. He finished his first year with the varsity by producing six tackles (four solo) with a six-yard sack and a pass deflection.

As a sophomore, Harvey shared left defensive end duties with Ray McDonald, starting five contests when the senior was sidelined with an injury. He recorded 35 tackles (24 solo) and led the team with 11 sacks, tied for the fifth-best season total in school history. He also paced the Gators with 13 stops for losses, adding eight quarterback pressures. He recovered three fumbles and caused another, picking up second-team All-Southeastern Conference honors, in addition to garnering MVP accolades for his performance in the BCS National Championship Game vs. Ohio State.

Harvey earned All-American third-team and All-Southeastern Conference second-team honors in 2007. The team captain started all thirteen games at left end, posting 49 tackles (31 solo), including 8.5 sacks and three pressures. His 17 stops behind the line of scrimmage rank 10th on the school single-season list. He also caused a fumble and broke up five passes. The fourth-year junior waited until after the Capital One Bowl to announce that he would enter the 2008 draft instead of returning to the Gators.

In 36 games at Florida, Harvey started 18 contests. He closed out his career ninth on the school's all-time record list with 20.5 sacks for minus 158 yards, adding 31 stops for losses of 190 yards and eleven quarterback pressures. He registered 90 tackles (59 solos), as he recovered three fumbles, returning one nine yards. He also caused two fumbles and had six pass deflections.


Career Notes
Harvey's 20.5 quarterback sacks rank ninth on the school's all-time list behind Alex Brown (33, 1998-01), Alonzo Johnson (27, 1981-85), Huey Richardson (26.5, 1987-90), Clifford Charlton (25, 1984-87), Wilber Marshall (23, 1980-83), Kevin Carter (21.5, 1991-94), David Galloway (21, 1977-81) and Robin Fisher (21, 1978-81)...His 8.5 sacks in 2007 rank 13th and his 11 sacks in 2006 rank tied for fifth on the school's single-season list, surpassed by Alex Brown (13 in 1999), Huey Richardson (12.5 in 1989), Alonzo Johnson (12 in 1985) and Kevin Carter (11.5 in 1994)...Harvey's 17 stops behind the line of scrimmage in 2007 was the 10th-best season total in Florida annals and the most by a Gator since Alex Brown had 18 stops for losses in 1999.


High School
Attended Eleanor Roosevelt (Greenbelt, Md.) High School, playing football for head coach Rick Houchens...All-America selection by Tom Lemming, EA Sports, Riddell and Super Prep, adding second-team All-USA honors from USA Today as a senior...Named Maryland Gatorade Player of the Year and was rated the third-best defensive end in the nation and top-rated defensive end in the Atlantic Region by TheInsiders.com (also a five-star choice on the National Hot 100 list and a first-team All-Atlantic region pick by that publication)...Received a five-star rating and was listed as the second-best defensive end in the nation by Rivals.com...Rated the premier prospect in the Mid-Atlantic region by Super Prep, and also received first-team All-State honors by the Associated Press for his efforts...Never played organized football until his junior season, as he was a two-year standout for the basketball team before suiting up for the football team...As a senior, Harvey served as team captain, guiding the squad to a 12-1 record in 2003, losing its only game of the season in the Class 4A state semifinals...Playing defensive end and tight end, he recorded 150 tackles and a Maryland state-record 31 sacks with five forced fumbles, two recovered fumbles and five deflected passes.

[Gazzara]

9 - Cincinnati Bengals - Keith Rivers (LB, USC)



Overview

Rivers carries on the tradition of standout linebackers to perform for the Trojans - tough, physical with excellent play reading ability and the range to make plays in pursuit. He is very fluid in his movements when dropping back in pass coverage, so much so that the coaches even utilized him at safety in various zone coverage packages.

Rivers' ability to play a variety of positions proved invaluable earlier in his career. In addition to excelling at weak-side linebacker, he was often used as a defensive end in pass rushing situations during his first two seasons with the Trojans. He also played through nagging left ankle problems in 2007, but still performed at a high level to garner All-American honors.

At Lake Mary High School, Rivers earned USA Today All-USA first-team, Parade, Super Prep, Prep Star, EA Sports and Insiders.com All-American first-team honors. He was a member of the Super Prep Elite 50, Prep Star Top 100 Dream Team, Lemming Top 100, Super Prep All-Dixie, Prep Star All-Southeast and Fox Sports Net All-South squads.

The Gatorade Florida Player of the Year and Florida Class 6A Mr. Football runner-up as a senior linebacker, Rivers recorded 111 tackles, 14 stops for losses, two sacks and a pair of interceptions in 2003. As a junior in 2002, he was a Student Sports Junior All-American and Florida Class 5A second-team choice, as he posted 160 tackles, 11 stops behind the line of scrimmage, including four sacks and had two interceptions. He made All-State as a sophomore in 2001 when he had 100-plus tackles.

Born in Riverside, California, Rivers enrolled at Southern California in 2004. He saw significant playing time in 13 games as a reserve weak-side linebacker and was also used as a defensive end in pass rushing situations. He went on to record 25 tackles (13 solos) with 2.5 sacks and three stops for losses. He picked off one pass, deflected another and caused a fumble, as he was awarded All-Pac 10 Conference Freshman Team honors.

Rivers earned All-Pac 10 honorable mention while starting 11 games at weak-side linebacker in 2005. He sat out the Stanford and UCLA games with a nagging hamstring problem, but still delivered 52 tackles (35 solos) with a sack and three stops behind the line of scrimmage. He had the second interception for his career and also recovered a pair of fumbles.

The All-Pac 10 first-team pick added All-American honorable mention while receiving the team's Bob Chandler Award in 2006. He started all 13 games, leading the team with 85 tackles (47 solos), including two sacks and 7.5 stops for losses. He caused three fumbles, recovered another and batted away two passes.

Arthroscopic left ankle surgery in spring camp hampered Rivers' off-season conditioning program in 2007 and he later missed the Arizona State clash while nursing that sore ankle, but he still received All-American and All-Pac 10 Conference first-team honors. He started 11 of 12 games, but the ankle injury limited his range, as he had just five stops behind the line of scrimmage. He did finish second on the team with 78 tackles (44 solos), adding a forced fumble, three fumble recoveries and four pass deflections in his final season.

In 49 games at Southern California, Rivers started 35 contests. He finished with 240 tackles (139 solos), 5.5 sacks for minus-42 yards and 18.5 stops for losses of 77 yards. He was credited with three quarterback pressures and gained 36 yards on two interception returns while also deflecting seven passes. He caused five fumbles and recovered six others.

Career Notes

Fifty-two of his 240 tackles have come on third-down plays...Made 10 of his 19 stops behind the line of scrimmage on third-down snaps.

High School

Attended Lake Mary (Fla.) High School, playing football for head coach Greg Stanton...Earned USA Today All-USA first-team, Parade, Super Prep, Prep Star, EA Sports and Insiders.com All-American first-team honors...Member of the Super Prep Elite 50, Prep Star Top 100 Dream Team, Lemming Top 100, Super Prep All-Dixie, Prep Star All-Southeast and Fox Sports Net All-South squads...The Gatorade Florida Player of the Year and Florida Class 6A Mr. Football runner-up as a senior linebacker, Rivers recorded 111 tackles, 14 stops for losses, two sacks and a pair of interceptions in 2003...As a junior in 2002, he was a Student Sports Junior All-American and Florida Class 5A second-team choice, as he posted 160 tackles, 11 stops behind the line of scrimmage, including four sacks and had two interceptions...Made All-State as a sophomore in 2001 when he had 100-plus tackles.

[R8RMR]

10 - New England Patriots (from New Orleans)- Jerod Mayo (LB, Tennessee)



Overview

The Tennessee defense returned five starters in 2007, and the coaching staff opted to maximize the athletic skills and tackling ability of the Volunteers' best player -- Jerod Mayo. Moving from weak-side linebacker to the middle, the junior brought intensity to the Tennessee front seven and developed as a leader.

Mayo, who overcame knee and ankle injuries earlier in his career, went on to register 140 tackles in '07, the most by a Tennessee defender since Earnest Fields registered those same totals for the Volunteers in 1990. Physical playing inside the box, his excellent range and quick burst as a blitzer helped him collect 21 tackles behind the line of scrimmage during his last two seasons at UT.

Mayo is a student of the game, spending hours working on his skills after practice and watching game film. He also has a natural feel for the game to put him right in position to make the play.

"It does come naturally to me," said Mayo prior to his junior campaign. "I've been doing this since I can remember, all the way back to rec league teams. For a while, I stood in the background here at UT because we've always had great older players. Now I feel like it's my time to step up and lead."

At Kecoughtan High School, Mayo lettered three times in football as a linebacker and a running back. He was a Prep Star All-American and 2003 Defensive Player of the Year in the Virginia Peninsula area. He added All-State and first-team All-District honors as a senior. He was rated by Super Prep as the sixth-best overall prospect in Virginia and received a three-star prospect ranking by TheInsiders.com, as that service rated him the 25th-best linebacker prospect in the nation. He also ranked 11th in the country at outside linebacker and received a four-star prospect ranking from Rivals.com.

As a senior, Mayo recorded 110 tackles, including 18 for loss, and two interceptions. He also played running back for seven games, picking up 1,245 rushing yards and scoring 13 touchdowns and five two-point conversions during his final campaign. He was a first-team All-District, All-Area and All-Region choice as junior in 2002 while recording 68 tackles including 22 for loss, four interceptions and three sacks.

Mayo redshirted at Tennessee in 2004. The following season, he appeared in six games at weak-side linebacker, but was hampered most of the season by a right knee injury that required surgery after the season. He finished with 13 tackles (10 solo).

In 2006, Mayo was a Rivals.com All-American second-team choice, despite being bothered late in the season by a hand injury, in addition to a lingering injury from an August camp, when he had a left knee sprain and ankle sprain. He managed to finish third on the team with 83 tackles (48 solo) from the weak-side linebacker position. He added five sacks, 12.5 stops for losses, a pass deflection and a fumble recovery. After the Outback Bowl, he underwent left knee arthroscopic surgery.

Moved to middle linebacker, the All-American and All-Southeastern Conference selection had a banner '07 campaign. He produced 140 tackles (79 solo) with 1.5 sacks and 8.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage. He added five pressures with a forced fumble and also had his first interception, returning that pass theft for a touchdown.

In 36 games at Tennessee, Mayo started 24 contests. He recorded 236 tackles (137 solo) with six quarterback pressures, 6.5 sacks for minus-51 yards and 21 stops for losses of 82 yards. He recovered and caused a fumble, as he deflected three passes and intercepted another for a 34-yard touchdown return.


Career Notes
Mayo's 140 tackles in 2007 were the most by a Tennessee player since Earnest Fields had 140 hits in 1990...His 61 assisted tackles in 2007 were the most by a Volunteer defender since Carl Zander had 65 during the 1984 campaign...His 19 tackles vs. Kentucky in 2007 were the most tackles by a Tennessee player since Keith DeLong had 23 vs. Alabama in 1988.


High School
Attended Kecoughtan (Hampton, Va.) High School, playing football for head coach Tommy Austin...Lettered three times in football as a linebacker and a running back...Prep Star All-American and 2003 Defensive Player of the Year in the Virginia Peninsula area...Added All-State and first-team All-District honors as a senior...Rated by Super Prep as the sixth-best overall prospect in Virginia...Received a three-star prospect ranking by TheInsiders.com, as that service rated him the 25th-best linebacker prospect in the nation...Also ranked 11th in the country at outside linebacker and received a four-star prospect ranking from Rivals.com...As a senior, Mayo recorded 110 tackles, including 18 for loss, and two interceptions...Also played running back for seven games, picking up 1,245 rushing yards and scoring 13 touchdowns and five two-point conversions during his final campaign... First-team All-District, All-Area and All-Region choice as junior in 2002 while recording 68 tackles including 22 for loss, four interceptions and three sacks.

[Gazzara]

11 - Bufallo Bills - Leodis Mckelvin (CB, Troy)



Overview

One of the most electrifying return specialists in the game, Leodis McKelvin also developed into a standout cover cornerback during his time with the Trojans. Even though he touched the ball only twice on offense, he amassed a school all-time record 3,909 all-purpose yards, the third-best career total in Sun Belt Conference history.

His eight total kicks returned for touchdowns (seven punts, one kickoff) tied the NCAA Division 1-A record. His 211 total returned kicks (99 kickoffs/112 punts) topped the previous collegiate record of 203 by Deltha O'Neal of California (1996-99) and his 3,817 total kick return yards also established an NCAA record, surpassing O'Neal's old mark of 3,455 yards.

At Ware County High School, McKelvin earned first-team Class AAAA All-State honors from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Georgia Sportswriters Association. As a senior, he was named Area Defensive Player of the Year, as well as to the Georgia Times Union Super 11 team. He participated in the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association North-South All-Star Game after his final campaign.

McKelvin started at left cornerback, helping lead the team to a 9-2 record, a regional title and a second-round AAAA playoff appearance in 2003. That year, he recorded 51 tackles, recovered three fumbles, intercepted six passes and broke up six others. He also blocked two field-goal attempts. As a junior, he posted 60 tackles and six interceptions on defense and also had eight receptions for over 300 yards as a receiver. In addition to football, he was a member of the Ware County basketball team.

As a true freshman at Troy, McKelvin played in 12 games as a reserve cornerback, seeing most of his action on special teams and the defensive sub package. He posted 17 tackles (13 solos), returned an interception 71 yards for a touchdown and broke up one pass. He ranked second in the Sun Belt Conference and 29th nationally with 26 punt returns for 304 yards (11.7-yard average) and a pair of scores. He also ranked second in the league with 15 kickoff returns for 328 yards (21.9 avg), gaining 703 all-purpose yards.

A finalist for the National Return Man of the Year Award, McKelvin was named second-team All-Sun Belt Conference as a return specialist in 2005. He appeared in 11 games as a reserve cornerback, collecting 30 tackles (26 solo) with a nine-yard sack and a fumble recovery. He deflected six passes and blocked one kick. He also led the conference and ranked 16th nationally with 33 punt returns for 417 yards (12.6-yard average) and a touchdown. He led the league with 619 yards and a score on 24 kickoff returns (25.8 avg), becoming the first player in school history to score on an interception, kickoff return and punt return in a career.

McKelvin was an All-American honorable mention and All-Sun Belt Conference choice as a return specialist in 2006. He scored once on 28 punt returns for 314 yards (11.2-yard average) and had 27 kickoff returns for 634 yards (23.5 avg). He started all 13 games at left cornerback, delivering 66 tackles (56 solo) with two quarterback pressures and a pair of forced fumbles. He also intercepted one pass and batted away seven others.

McKelvin earned All-American and All-Sun Belt Conference first-team honors as a senior. In 12 starts at left cornerback, he registered a career-high 60 tackles (50 solo) and 2.5 stops for minus-6 yards. He caused three fumbles and returned a fumble recovery 36 yards. He lost nine yards on two interceptions and broke up nine passes. He ranked fourth in the nation with 25 punt returns for 436 yards (17.4-yard average) and a conference record three touchdowns. He finished third in the league with 33 kickoff returns for 765 yards (23.2 avg), and led the Trojans with 1,228 all-purpose yards.

In 48 games at Troy, McKelvin started 25 times. He recorded 173 tackles (145 solo) with a nine-yard sack and 4.5 stops for losses of 18 yards. He caused five fumbles, recovering two others, including one that he advanced 36 yards. He deflected 22 passes and blocked a kick. He lost six yards on two carries, but gained 62 yards with a score on four interception returns. As a return specialist, he ran back 112 punts for 1,471 yards (13.1-yard average) and seven touchdowns. He also gained 2,346 yards with a score on 99 kickoff returns. He ranks third in Sun Belt annals with a school career-record 3,909 all-purpose yards.

Career Notes

Holds the NCAA Bowl Subdivision records with 211 total kick returns (112 punts/99 kickoffs) for 3,817 yards, breaking the previous records of 203 attempts (110 punts/93 kick-offs) for 3,455 yards by Deltha O'Neal of California (1996-99)...His eight total touchdowns on kick returns (seven punts/one kickoff) tied the NCAA all-time record that he shares with Cliff Branch of Colorado (1970-71, 6 punts, 2 kickoffs); Johnny Rodgers of Nebraska (1970-72, 7 punts, 1 kickoff); Derek Abney of Kentucky (2000-03, 6 punts, 2 kickoffs) and Chad Owens of Hawaii (2001-04, 6 punts, 2 kickoffs)..His seven punt returns for touchdowns are one shy of the NCAA record of eight, first set by Wes Welker of Texas Tech (2000-03) and Antonio Perkins of Oklahoma (2001-04)...His 112 punt returns broke the old Sun Belt Conference career-record of 50 by Johnny Quinn of North Texas (2003-06) and his 1,471 yards on punt returns shattered the previous league all-time record of 478 yards by James Johnson of Arkansas State (2004-05)...His average of 13.13 yards via punt returns rank third in Sun Belt annals behind James Hickenbotham of Arkansas State (15.2-yard average, 2001-02) and Tyrone Gifford of New Mexico State (14.0 avg, 2001-02)...McKelvin's 99 kickoff returns topped the old conference all-time record of 63 by Darren Toney of Arkansas State (2004-2006)...His kickoff return yardage of 2,346 surpassed the previous Sun Belt all-time record of 1,373 yards by Charles Estes of Louisiana-Monroe (2003-04)...His kickoff-return average of 23.69 yards per attempt rank third in league annals behind Charles Estes of Louisiana-Monroe (27.4 avg, 2003-04) and Tony Lukins of New Mexico State (23.71 avg, 2001)...McKelvin's 33 punt returns in 2005 set a school record and rank second in league history behind the 36 by James Johnson of Arkansas State in 2005...His punt-return yardage of 417 in 2005 and 436 in 2007 rank as the top two single-season performances in Sun Belt Conference annals...His 33 kickoff returns in 2007 rank behind Cedric Thompson of Idaho (36 in 2002) and J.R. Ruffin of Idaho (36 in 2004) on the Sun Belt's season-record chart...His 765 kickoff return yards in 2007 set a school record and rank third in league history, topped by Charles Estes of Louisiana-Monroe (988 in 2003) and Cedric Thompson of Idaho (826 in 2002)...His 100-yard kickoff return vs. South Carolina in 2005 tied the Sun Belt record that was first set by Tony Lukins of New Mexico State vs. Tulsa in 2001 and matched by Antwuan Sherman of Idaho vs. Louisiana-Lafayette in 2004...McKelvin's 3,909 all-purpose yards set a school record and rank third all-time in league history behind Patrick Cobbs of North Texas (5,222 yards, 2001-05) and Eugene Gross of Middle Tennessee (4,029 yards, 2003-06)...With punt returns for touchdowns (2 in 2004, 1 in 2005, 1 in 2006, 3 in 2007), McKelvin joins Wes Welker of Texas Tech (2000-03; 2 in 2000, 1 in 2001, 3 in 2002, 2 in 2003) as the only players in NCAA FBS history to return a punt for a score in four consecutive seasons.

High School

Attended Ware County (Waycross, Ga.) High School, playing football for head coach Dan Ragle...Earned first-team Class AAAA All-State honors from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Georgia Sportswriters Association...As a senior, he was named Area Defensive Player of the Year, as well as to the Georgia Times Union Super 11 team...Also participated in the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association North-South All-Star Game after his final campaign...Started at left cornerback, helping lead the team to a 9-2 record, a regional title and a second-round AAAA playoff appearance in 2003...That year, he made 51 tackles, recovered three fumbles, intercepted six passes and broke up six others. He also blocked two field-goal attempts...As a junior, he registered 60 tackles and six interceptions on defense and also had eight receptions for 300 yards as a receiver...In addition to football, he was a member of the Ware County basketball team.

[R8RMR]

12 - Denver Broncos - Ryan Clady (OT, Boise State)



Overview

The Boise State coaching staff unearthed a tremendous talent in Ryan Clady. He was an unheralded defensive tackle out of Eisenhower High School. The Broncos were the lone major college pursuing him, and Clady figured that he would at least get a good education at the university. After spending a year on the scout team, the staff moved him to the offensive line. And like a fish in water, the talented youngster started to develop almost immediately.

Clady would go on to earn Freshman All-American honors as a redshirt freshman and earn All-American recognition, along with a slew of other honors over his next two seasons. What impressed scouts about, beyond his developing frame, was his knowledge and technique at left offensive tackle.

Watch game film on Clady to see a smooth kick slide in pass protection, his light feet leading on traps and pulls and, of course, a devastating hand punch. With his footwork and balance, he has easily neutralized quicker edge rushers on a regular basis.

At Eisenhower High School, Clady earned first-team All-CVL honors, as well as first-team All-County and All-CIF Division recognition. Competing as a defensive lineman, he posted 60 tackles, five sacks and one fumble recovery during his senior year.

With Boise State, Clady spent the 2004 season as a defensive tackle on the scout team as a freshman. His epic battles vs. All-Western Athletic Conference offensive tackle Daryn Colledge in practices are the stuff of legend in Boise. Colledge graduated and the coaches shifted Clady to the offensive line, where he started 11 of 13 games at right tackle, helping the team rank ninth in the nation in scoring (36.08 points per game) and fifth in rushing touchdowns (36).

Clady, with a year of experience on offense under his belt, took over left tackle duties in 2006, going on to earn second-team All-American honors. He registered 102 knockdowns with 11 touchdown-resulting blocks, finishing with an 82.23% grade for blocking consistency. He paced a unit that ranked sixth nationally in rushing (214.15 yards per game), second in rushing touchdowns (39) and second in scoring (39.69 points per game).

Clady was primed for a banner 2007 campaign, but he got off to a very rough start, as he was penalized four times in the season's second game vs. Washington and struggled a bit with his footwork. He did post some eye-opening performances, putting together a string of three games where he did not allow the opponent to record any statistics. He finished the year with 122 knockdowns, leading the nation's blockers with 21 touchdown-resulting blocks to grade 85.77%.

After the 2007 Hawaii Bowl, Clady decided to turn pro.


High School
Attended Eisenhower (Rialto, Cal.) High School, playing football for head coach Julius McChristian...Earned first-team All-CVL honors, as well as first-team All-County and All-CIF Division recognition...Competing as a defensive lineman, he posted 60 tackles, five sacks, and one fumble recovery during his senior year.

[Gazzara]

13 - Carolina Panthers - Jonathan Stewart (RB, Oregon)



Overview

While other running backs received considerable national attention, tucked away in Eugene, Oregon, was an athlete many feel was the most complete running back in college football in 2007 -- Jonathan Stewart.

He has the size of a fullback, the strength of an offensive lineman and the quickness of a sprinter. Playing with a style that reminds pro scouts of Kansas City's Larry Johnson, Stewart proved, even through injuries, perfectly capable of handling the rushing load.

Despite starting just 25 games at Oregon, he ranks second in school history with 2,891 yards rushing. His 198 points scored is the sixth-best career total in Ducks annals and his 4,889 all-purpose yards rank third on the school's career list. His 1,722 yards on the ground in 2007 was the most ever by a running back at the university and rank ninth on the Pac-10 single-season chart. He also used his 233-pound frame as a kickoff returner, finishing second on Oregon's career charts with a 28.69-yard average and 1,664 yards gained.

Few prospects in the Northwest attracted the attention to the magnitude that Stewart received during his playing days at Timberline High School. The state of Washington's all-time rushing leader accumulated 7,755 yards on the ground with 95 touchdowns in a career in which he eclipsed the 1,000-yard barrier in each of his four prep seasons.

Stewart was placed atop the nation's list of running back recruits on Parade magazine's All-American team, Student Sports Hot 100 list as well as Prep Star's Top 100 Dream Team, and was one of five finalists for the Walter Payton Trophy (nation's top prep player). He was named Washington Class 3A Offensive co-Player of the Year and state Gatorade Player-of-the-Year as a senior.

The tailback was a member of USA Today's 2004 All-USA team, the Long Beach Press-Telegram's Best in the West first-team, the Northwest Nuggets squad by the Tacoma News Tribune and EA Sports' All-American squad. He played in the 2005 U.S. Army All-American Bowl and was named the News Tribune's 2004-05 High School Male Athlete of the Year. Rivals.com rated him the best player in the state of Washington and 10th overall in the nation.

Stewart rushed for 2,301 yards and 32 scores as a senior, averaging 11.3 yards per carry, in addition to returning one of three punts 91 yards into the end zone. That year, he had single-game bests of 422 yards rushing vs. Centralia High, including nine touchdowns.

As a junior, he rushed for 2,609 yards and 36 touchdowns to garner first-team All-State accolades by the Seattle Times and Tacoma News Tribune, as well as state Class 3A Player-of-the-Year praise by the former news organization.

During his sophomore year, Stewart gained 1,575 yards on the ground in 2002 before breaking his left ankle. He also competed in track. He placed second in the 2005 state track 100-meter championships (11.17), in addition to anchoring school's 4x100-meter relay to a state title.

Oregon won a fierce recruiting battle for Stewart's services in 2005, as he turned down scholarship offers from Southern California, Tennessee, California, Nebraska, Notre Dame and Ohio State. An ankle injury limited him to 10 games as a true freshman, serving as the "caddy" for starter Terrence Whitehead. However, the youngster made the most out of limited opportunities, as he averaged one touchdown for every eight times he touched the ball.

Stewart would earn Freshman All-Pac-10 Conference honors from The Sporting News. He scored six times on 53 carries for 188 yards (3.5-yard average), returned 12 kickoffs for 404 yards (33.7-yard average) and a pair of touchdowns and caught seven passes for 45 yards and another score.

A series of ankle injuries throughout 2006 was the main culprit preventing Stewart from cracking the 1,000-yard rushing barrier. The second-team All-Pac-10 choice was also hampered by rib cartilage damage, a chest muscle strain and a neck strain as a sophomore.

He still managed to lead the team with 981 hard-fought yards and 10 scores on 183 carries (5.4-yard average). He caught 20 passes for 144 yards (7.2 avg) and a touchdown, adding 646 yards on 23 kickoff returns (28.1 avg). Despite all of those injuries, he piled up 1,771 all-purpose yards, the fifth-best season total in school annals.

Stewart battled a turf toe injury, an ankle sprain and a hand contusion in 2007. He still put together a banner season, setting school records with 1,722 yards rushing and 2,481 all-purpose yards. His average of 132.46 yards per game on the ground, ranked seventh nationally while his average of 190.85 all-purpose yards ranked ninth, leading the conference in both categories.

He averaged 6.2 yards on 280 carries, scoring 11 times. He gained 614 yards on 23 kickoff returns (26.7-yard average) and snared 22 passes for 145 yards (6.6 avg), including a pair of touchdowns, as he also added one solo tackle vs. UCLA.

In 36 games at Oregon, Stewart started 25 contests. He carried 516 times for 2,891 yards (5.6-yard average) and 27 touchdowns, turning the ball over three times on five fumbles. He gained 334 yards with four scores on 49 receptions (6.8 avg) and recorded four solo tackles. He also returned 58 kickoffs for 1,664 yards (28.69 avg) and two touchdowns. He wrapped up his career with 4,889 all-purpose yards on 623 touches, an average of 135.81 yards per game.

Career Notes

Stewart's 2,891 yards rushing rank second in school history behind Derek Loville (3,444 yards, 1986-89)...His 4,889 all-purpose yards rank third in Oregon annals, topped by Derek Loville (5,223) and Sean Burwell (4,972 yards, 1990-93)...His 198 points scored are good for sixth on the Ducks' all-time record list...His kickoff-return average of 28.69 yards broke the old school record of 23.95 yards by Steve Brown (78 for 1,868 yards, 1979-82, minimum 25 returns) while only Brown gained more kickoff return yardage than Stewart's 1,664...Set the school record with 1,722 yards rushing in 2007, surpassing the old mark of 1,411 yards by Saladin McCullough in 1997...His 1,722 yards on the ground also rank ninth on the Pac-10 Conference single-season chart...Also set an Oregon annual record with 2,481 all-purpose yards, shattering Saladin McCullough's old record of 1,944 yards in 1997...His average of 33.7 yards per kickoff return in 2005 is the second-best season average in school history behind Woodley Lewis (43.2-yard average in 1949)...His 646 yards gained on kickoff returns in 2006 rank sixth and his 614 yards in 2007 rank ninth on Oregon's annual kickoff return list...Stewart's 251 yards rushing vs. Washington in 2007 is topped only by his own 253 yards vs. Florida in the 2007 Sun Bowl and Onterrio Smith's 285 yards vs. Washington State in 2001 on the school's game-record list...His 305 all-purpose yards in the 2007 Washington clash rank ninth and his 310 all-purpose yards vs. Stanford rank eighth on the team's game-record book...With those performances, he became the only player in school history to run for over 200 yards twice in the same season and joins Derek Loville as the only players to accomplish that feat twice in a career, as Loville gained 215 yards vs. Idaho State in 1988 and 203 vs. Arizona State in 1989...Had an 88-yard touchdown jaunt vs. Fresno State, the second-longest run from scrimmage by a Duck, topped only by Bob Smith (92 vs. Idaho in 1938)...His 97-yard kick-off return in 2005 vs. Oregon State ranks as the fourth-longest in school annals behind Woodley Lewis (102 vs. Colorado in 1949), Jason Cooper (99 vs. Nevada in 1999) and Chris Oldham (99 vs. Southern California in 1988)...Ran for over 100 yards 14 times during his career, as Oregon compiled an 11-3 record in those contests.

High School

Attended Timberline (Fort Lewis, Wash.) High School, playing football for head coach Kevin Young...Rated the nation's top running back by Parade, earning All-American honors from that publication...Member of the Student Sports Hot 100 list as well as Prep Star's Top 100 Dream Team...One of five finalists for the Walter Payton Trophy (nation's top prep player)...Named Washington Class 3A Offensive co-Player of the Year and state Gatorade Player-of-the-Year as a senior...Member of USA Today's 2004 All-USA team by USA Today, the Long Beach Press-Telegram's Best in the West first-team, the Northwest Nuggets squad by the Tacoma News Tribune and EA Sports' All-American squad...Played in the 2005 U.S. Army All-American Bowl and was named the News Tribune's 2004-05 High School Male Athlete of the Year...Rivals.com rated him the best player in the state of Washington and tenth overall in the nation...Rushed for 2,301 yards and 32 scores his final year, averaging 11.3 yards per carry, in addition to returning one of three punts 91 yards into the end zone...That year, he had single-game bests of 422 yards rushing vs. Centralia High, including nine touchdowns...As a junior, he rushed for 2,609 yards and 36 touchdowns to garner first-team All-State accolades by the Seattle Times and Tacoma News Tribune, as well as state Class 3A Player-of-the-Year praise by the former news organization...During his sophomore year, Stewart gained 1,575 yards on the ground in 2002 before breaking his left ankle...Also competed in track, placing second in the 2005 state track 100-meter championships (11.17), in addition to anchoring school's 4x100-meter relay to a state title.

[Aeyjay]

Inside The Oakland Raiders - A look inside the world of the highly classified Oakland Raiders from the writers of ANG Newspapers
Kiffins responce
Basically that Dorsey is not needed  
Because we have Kelly which glosses over why we would draft a rb but anyway, looks like Mcfadden was always the pick.

[Gazzara]

and as I say again, it looks like Al is back in the driving seat and Kiffin is his puppet.  Good luck to us this season. 

[R8RMR]

14 - Chicago Bears - Chris Williams (OT, Vanderbilt)



Overview

Called the finest offensive tackle in Vanderbilt history, Williams became the first Commodore to earned All-Southeastern Conference honors (2007) from league coaches since Will Wolford in 1984. Despite manning the demanding left tackle position, he consistently received winning blocking grades over the last two seasons, as he allowed just two quarterback sacks over the course of his last 1,558 snaps.

At Catholic High School, Williams earned all-conference and all-region recognition as an offensive tackle. He guided one of the most powerful Louisiana teams to a 10-2 record en route to the district title as a senior. He added Class 5A All-State Academic Team honors and served as vice president of the National Honor Society. He was also a member of the Key Club, French Club and Beta Club.

Williams enrolled at Vanderbilt in 2003, but did not see any playing time until the 2005 campaign. He performed on the scout team in 2003 at both guard and tackle. Because of some academic issues in the school's engineering program, the talented youngster was ruled ineligible for football competition in 2004, again spending a season on the scout team.

In '05, Williams appeared in 11 games, earning starting assignments in nine games at left offensive guard. He also saw action in six games at left tackle, replacing Ryan King when the tackle was struggling. Williams twice earned team Offensive Player of the Game honors (vs. Mississippi and Middle Tennessee), as he delivered 54 knockdowns and graded over 83% for blocking consistency on 828 offensive snaps.

Williams emerged as a junior, taking over left tackle duties full-time. He earned second-team All-SEC accolades, along with the Most Valuable Offensive Lineman Award from the Vandy coaching staff. After allowing a quarterback sack vs. Michigan in the season opener, no other opposing defender would get past the left tackle to sack a Vanderbilt quarterback the rest of the campaign. He posted an 84.1% grade for blocking consistency, along with 79 knockdowns and nine touchdown-resulting blocks. He shared team Offensive Player of the Game honors twice and was named team player of the game in the Tennessee clash. In addition, he was the first Vanderbilt offensive lineman to garner SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week honors, as he graded 94% vs. Georgia.

As a senior, Williams was named All-American third-team by The NFL Draft Report. The consensus first-team All-SEC pick had a banner senior campaign. On 836 offensive plays, the opposition got to the Commodore quarterback just once while he was lined up at left tackle. The offensive co-captain earned SEC Lineman of the Week honors (vs. Mississippi) and Offensive Player of the Game three times (vs. Alabama, Auburn and Tennessee). He registered 102 knockdowns, including 12 touchdown-resulting blocks, finishing his final season with an 85.7% grade for blocking consistency.


Career Notes

Williams has registered 181 knockdowns with 21 touchdown-resulting blocks while averaging 84.9% blocking consistency over the last two seasons as the team's full-time starter at left tackle...Allowed just two quarterback sacks over a span of 1,558 offensive snaps...In 2007, he became the first Vanderbilt offensive lineman to earn All-Southeastern Conference first-team honors from the league's coaches since 1984 (Will Wolford).


High School

Attended Catholic (Baton Rouge, La.) High School, lettering in football for head coach Dale Weiner...Earned All-Conference and All-Region recognition as an offensive tackle... Guided one of the most powerful Louisiana teams to a 10-2 record en route to the district title as a senior...Added Class 5A All-State Academic Team honors and served as vice president of the National Honor Society...Member of the Key Club, French Club and Beta Club...Attended the same school that produced Atlanta Falcons tailback Warrick Dunn.

[R8RMR]

and as I say again, it looks like Al is back in the driving seat and Kiffin is his puppet.  Good luck to us this season. 

I still think we will be taking a DT later. Won't be Dorsey calibre though.

[Gazzara]

15 - Kansas City Chiefs (from Detroit) - Branden Albert (OG, Virginia)



Overview

A former standout basketball player, Branden Albert did not wear a football uniform until his junior year in high school. Just a few years later, he left Virginia after starting all 37 games in which he played for the Cavaliers.

With a blend of athletic ability, size and strength at the point of attack, he quickly developed into one of the elite offensive guards in college football.

Albert first starred in basketball at Glen Burnie High School. He averaged 15.5 points and 10.6 rebounds per game as a senior, earning second-team All-Metro honors from the Baltimore Sun. He scored nine points for the Baltimore All-Stars at the Marines Charm City Challenge.

As a junior, the football staff convinced him to give football a try. He went on to start as a two-way tackle, picking up first-team All-Metro accolades as an offensive lineman by the Baltimore Sun as a senior, as he also delivered 65 tackles on defense. He also earned first-team All-Anne Arundel County honors by the Baltimore Sun in 2003 and was rated the 38th-best offensive lineman in the country by Scout.com.

Albert enrolled at Hargrave Military Academy to improve his academic standing in 2004. The offensive tackle received a four-star rating from Rivals.com, a service that ranked him 12th among the top 25 prep school players in the nation.

Upon his arrival at Virginia in 2005, Albert was inserted into the starting lineup at left offensive guard. He received Freshman All-American third-team and Freshman All-Atlantic Coast Conference first team recognition from The Sporting News. In just his third college game, he garnered ACC Lineman of the Week honors for his performance vs. Duke. When he answered the opening gun for the Music City Bowl vs. Minnesota, he became the fourth true freshman offensive lineman in school history to start a bowl contest.

Virginia had many offensive struggles in 2006 (ranked 113th in the nation with an average of 257.2 yards per game) and the collective play of the offensive line (ranked 104th in the nation in sacks allowed; 35), but Albert was named All-Atlantic Coast Conference honorable mention. He was an ACC Lineman of the Week pick for his performance vs. North Carolina State and recorded 40 knockdown blocks while allowing just one sack to finish with an 82.9% grade for blocking consistency.

As a junior, Albert earned All-American third-team and All-ACC first-team accolades. He started 11 games at left offensive guard and lined up at left tackle vs. Pittsburgh and Middle Tennessee. He twice earned Lineman of the Week honors (vs. North Carolina and Wake Forest), registering 54 knockdowns with 12 touchdown-resulting blocks, but did give up 5.5 of the team's 33 sacks allowed.

After the Gator Bowl, Albert announced that he would bypass his senior year to enter the 2008 NFL Draft. He did not submit his paperwork to the NFL advisory committee that predicts where underclassmen might be drafted if they leave school early. "I would rather go off Coach Al Groh than anybody, because he's a great resource," Albert said. "I feel like he cares about me, that he would tell me what I need to know, not what I want to hear. He won't tell me his own selfish reasons to either stay or go."

Career Notes

During his final two seasons, Albert registered 94 knockdowns, coming up with key blocks on 21 touchdown drives...Graded 83.23% for blocking consistency over his last 25 games, as he allowed 6.5 quarterback sacks, but no pressures on 773 pass plays.

High School

Attended Glen Burnia (Md.) High School, playing football for head coach Brad Wilson...As a junior, the football staff convinced him to try the gridiron...Went on to start as a two-way tackle, picking up first-team All-Metro accolades as an offensive lineman by the Baltimore Sun as a senior, as he also delivered 65 tackles on defense...Earned first-team All-Anne Arundel County honors by the Baltimore Sun in 2003 and was rated the 38th-best offensive lineman in the country by Scout.com...First starred in basketball at Glen Burnie, as he averaged 15.5 points and 10.6 rebounds per game as a senior, earning second-team All-Metro honors from the Baltimore Sun...Scored nine points for the Baltimore All-Stars at the Marines Charm City Challenge.

[R8RMR]

16 - Arizona Cardinals - Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (CB, Tennessee State)



Overview
Not since Aeneas Williams terrorized receivers at Southern University (1987-90) has a Division 1-AA cornerback dominated like Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.

Thrust into the starting lineup midway through his freshman campaign, the speedy defender has shown exceptional shutdown ability and displayed the natural hands needed to excel as an interceptor. He also excelled as a kickoff returner and saw action as a receiver during his senior campaign.

In 39 starts for the Tigers, opposing quarterbacks completed just 55 of 161 passes (34.16%) thrown in Rodgers-Cromartie's immediate area. He intercepted 11 of those throws, deflected 25 and held the opposition to a miniscule 3.54 yards per pass attempt, the best of any collegiate defensive back over the last three seasons.

In addition to his stellar play, Rodgers-Cromartie has also been a standout performer for the TSU track team. Despite juggling football spring drills with the indoor and outdoor track seasons in 2007, he qualified for the NCAA Mid-East Regionals after he captured the Ohio Valley Conference long jump title (25' 0.75"). In only his second outdoor event, he was named OVC Male Athlete of the Week after finishing third at the Penn Relays with a conference-best long jump of 24'10".

During the OVC Indoor Track Championships, Rodgers-Cromartie was name the top male athlete with a sensational performance. He won the 60-meter dash (6.89), long jump (25' 0.75") and high jump (6' 9.5") and finished second in the triple-jump (48' 8"). What made those finishes even more impressive was the fact that he performed most of the indoor season while nursing an ankle sprain.

Excelling in two sports is nothing new for Rodgers-Cromartie. The All-Area and All-District defensive back and wide receiver at Lakewood Ranch High School was regarded as one of the best cornerbacks in the South, receiving a four-star rating from Rivals.com. The High School Recruiting Report named him the most underrated prospect in the state of Florida. He also competed as a jumper and sprinter on the track team.

Rodgers-Cromartie enrolled at Tennessee State, where he shared playing time with Aaron Strong for the first half of the 2004 campaign. He would go on to start six games at strong-side cornerback, including the last five games. He posted 33 tackles (22 solo) with a stop for a loss while recovering two fumbles, returning one for a touchdown. Named the Ohio Valley Conference Defensive Newcomer of the Year by The Gridiron Report, he also batted away three passes and returned both of his interceptions for touchdowns. He blocked a punt for an 11-yard return and also had a 19-yard kickoff return.

As a sophomore, Rodgers-Cromartie started every game. He ranked fifth on the team with 41 tackles (34 solo), including three stops behind the line of scrimmage. He deflected five passes, intercepted another and returned a blocked punt 17 yards. He also gained 34 yards on two kickoff returns and caught one pass for eight yards in brief action as a receiver. He allowed just 1.86 yards per pass attempt, the lowest total by a Division 1-AA defender in a season since Aeneas Williams averaged 1.99 yards (on 58 throws) for Southern University in 1990.

The junior defender ranked third in the nation and led the OVC with six interceptions in 2006. He finished fourth on the squad with 47 tackles (37 solo) and two stops for losses. He also blocked two kicks and had seven pass deflections, earning first-team All-OVC and All-American honors. He allowed just 3.64 yards per pass attempt, the best figure in the Division 1-AA ranks for the second consecutive year.

In 2007, Rodgers-Cromartie earned third-team All-American honors from The NFL Draft Report. He added All-Ohio Valley Conference first-team accolades for the second straight year, as he was used not only on defense, but also handled kickoff returns while seeing brief action on offense. He recorded 37 tackles (28 solo) with two stops for losses and a pair of fumble recoveries. He deflected 11 passes and picked off two others, returning both interceptions for touchdowns. He also blocked four punts, gained 38 yards on a reception, 16 yards on four punt returns and 16 yards on two carries, finishing his final campaign with 1,016 all-purpose yards.

In 44 games at Tennessee State, Rodgers-Cromartie started 39 times. He recorded 158 tackles (121 solo) with eight stops for losses of 30 yards, adding 14 more tackles on the kick-coverage units. He recovered four fumbles, returning one for a touchdown and blocked eight kicks. He deflected 26 passes and intercepted 11 others for 314 yards (28.5-yard average) in returns with four touchdowns.

Rodgers-Cromartie also had two receptions for 46 yards, two carries for 16 yards and six punt returns for 44 yards (7.3-yard average). He added 859 yards on 36 kickoff returns (23.9 avg). Of the 161 passes thrown into his territory, the opposition managed to catch just 55 balls (34.16 completion percentage) for 620 yards and three touchdowns. He allowed just 3.85 yards per pass attempt during his career with the Tigers.


Career Notes
Became the 11th player in NCAA FCS competition to gain over 300 yards (314) on interception returns in a career...His four interception returns for touchdowns set a school record and rank behind William Hampton of Murray State (six interception returns for touchdowns, 1993-95) in Ohio Valley Conference annals...Holds the school and OVC career-record with eight blocked kicks, the seventh-best all-time total in NCAA FCS history...Also holds the school record with four blocked kicks in 2007...His three interceptions vs. Murray State in 2006 were the most pass thefts by a TSU player in a game since Donald Pinson set the school record with five pass thefts vs. Southwestern Louisiana in 1970...Of his 158 career tackles, Rodgers-Cromartie registered 59 third-down stops and 15 fourth-down hits.


High School
Attended Lakewood Ranch (Fla.) High School, lettering in both football and track...The All-Area, All-Class 5A and All-District 11 defensive back and wide receiver was regarded as one of the best cornerbacks in the South, receiving a four-star rating from Rivals.com...The High School Recruiting Report named him the most underrated prospect in the state of Florida...Also competed as a jumper and sprinter on the track team.

[Gazzara]

17 - Detroit Lions (from Vikings through Chiefs) - Cherilus Gosder (OT, Boston College)



Overview

After starting 37 consecutive games at right tackle, Gosder Cherilus moved to the demanding left tackle position as a senior. It is an understatement to say that he struggled most of the year at that position.

Penalties -- seven total and four vs. Notre Dame -- were his worst enemy. Cherlius allowed 5 1/2 quarterback sacks and four pressures, acceptable totals when the offense throws the ball 659 times in a season.

With his limited change-of-direction agility, along with a solid reputation as a mauler for the ground game, Cherilus would welcome a return to right tackle at the next level. The Haitian is a tireless worker and with patient coaching, he could join the long line of steady Boston College offensive linemen now playing in the NFL. Cherilus closed out his career with 51 consecutive starts for the Eagles, establishing a new school record.

Cherilus was a Boston Globe and Boston Herald All-Scholastic selection as a senior at Somerville High School, where he played tackle on both sides of the ball. He was named to Tom Lemming's All-American team in 2002, the same season that he captured All-State accolades from the Massachusetts State Coaches Association. Cherilus also participated on Somerville's basketball and track teams.

Cherilus spent the 2003 season at Boston College performing with the scout team, as the coaches afforded him an extra year to fully recover from right knee surgery. He was the only redshirt freshman to start on BC's offensive line in 2004, helping the team average 385.4 yards per game in total offense.

As a sophomore, he started all 13 games at right tackle, delivering 53 knockdown blocks. The Eagles went on to lead the Atlantic Coast Conference in total offense, averaging 387.75 yards per game.

In 2006, his drive-blocking skills saw the team have at least one 100-yard rusher in seven games. Cherilus made 79 knockdowns, along with 10 touchdown-resulting blocks. With the right tackle leading the way, the Eagles averaged 355.6 yards per game. He also made a key tackle vs. Navy in the Meineke Car Care Bowl.

The recipient of the team's Unsung Hero Award in 2007, Cherilus also garnered All-Atlantic Coast Conference second-team honors. With the ground game a liability, the team took to the air, ranking seventh in the nation with an average of 323.9 passing yards per game. Even though he struggled with his timing, the left tackle came up with 77 knockdowns and 12 touchdown-resulting blocks in 14 games.

Career Notes

Holds the school career-record by starting 51 consecutive contests...In his last two seasons, Cherilus has registered 156 knockdown blocks, along with 22 touchdown-resulting blocks.

High School

Attended Somerville (Mass.) High School, playing football for head coach Tony Gulla...Boston Globe and Boston Herald All-Scholastic selection as a senior...Played tackle on both sides of the ball...Named to Tom Lemming's All-American team in 2002, the same season that he captured All-State accolades from the Massachusetts State Coaches Association...Also excelled on Somerville's basketball as a power forward and center...Performed in the shot put for the track team.