QUARTERBACK
TOP OF THE CROP
JaMarcus Russell, 6-feet-5, 265 pounds, LSU
Russell has a rocket arm and is a huge man. Oakland could take him with the No. 1 pick. He was inconsistent at times with the Tigers. He comes with a bust warning.
Brady Quinn, 6-3, 232, Notre Dame
Some teams love him, others don’t. But he was productive and is not far from being ready to play. Like Russell, not a sure star.
Trent Edwards, 6-4, 231, Stanford
Will be an NFL starter. Rising up draft boards. Lots of ability.
John Beck, 6-2, 215, BYU
Has some very good skills and knows how to play the game. Could be a steal in the middle to late rounds.
Drew Stanton, 6-3, 226, Michigan State
Should be a second-round pick. A natural talent, but he could take time to develop.
OVERRATED
Troy Smith, 6-0, 225, Ohio State
Heisman Trophy winner will not be a quality NFL starter. Expect him to be picked in the middle rounds. He just doesn’t have a pro game.
UNDERRATED
Matt Moore, 6-3, 198, Oregon State
Well coached, smart and knows how to make plays. Improving as a decision-maker. Needs to get stronger.
SLEEPERS
Isaiah Stanback, 6-2, 216, Washington
Teams have shied away from this elite athlete because of a mending leg injury. He will be drafted on the second day and has a chance to be one of the best of this class.
Jeff Smith, 6-5, 241, Georgetown (Ky.)
Has a long way to go, but the NAIA star is big and has a lot of intangibles. Worth a look.
BRONCOS’ NEEDS
The Broncos are settled at quarterback and hope to be for the next decade with Jay Cutler ready for his first full season as the starter. Patrick Ramsey signed as Cutler’s backup, and the Broncos keep only two quarterbacks on their roster. They might sign an undrafted rookie to groom on the practice squad.
TEAMS WITH NEEDS
Oakland
Raiders likely will take Russell. Quarterback is one of their many weaknesses.
Detroit
Lions need to find a starting QB but might not do it in the first round.
Cleveland
Browns might take Quinn at No. 3. They certainly could use him.
Minnesota
Vikings hope Quinn falls to them at No. 7.
Miami
Dolphins need to find a young QB and could take Edwards or Stanton in the second round.
RUNNING BACK
TOP OF THE CROP
Adrian Peterson, 6-feet-1, 217 pounds, Oklahoma
By far the best available player at the position. Combination of size, speed and production will make him a superstar in the NFL.
Marshawn Lynch, 5-11, 215, California
Knows how to play the game. Should be an early success. Durability could be a concern, but otherwise a safe pick.
Antonio Pittman, 5-10, 207, Ohio State
Won’t be a first-rounder, but he can play. Some scouts believe he will have a long NFL career.
Kenny Irons, 5-10, 203, Auburn
Not big, but a tough player who is not afraid to battle. Will work hard at the next level.
Brian Leonard, 6-1, 226, Rutgers
Simply a great football player who can fit in many systems. Versatile, hard-nosed player. A solid choice.
OVERRATED
Tony Hunt, 6-1, 233, Penn State
Hard worker who gives great effort. But he’s slow, and that will affect his ability to be an NFL playmaker. Some teams love his style a little too much.
UNDERRATED
Dwayne Wright, 5-11, 228, Fresno State
Big, strong runner. Sees the field very well. Can be a top one-cut back and has good hands. Would fit nicely in the Broncos’ system.
SLEEPER
Alonzo Coleman, 5-9, 207, Hampton (Va.)
Lots of speed, strength and production. Has a great motor. Many teams have him on their radar.
BRONCOS’ NEEDS
Big money was spent to sign veteran Travis Henry, who will be Denver’s starting tailback. But the Broncos likely will add a back during the draft. Florida State’s Lorenzo Booker, Arizona’s Chris Henry, Louisville’s
Michael Bush and Notre Dame’s Darius Walker are among the possibilities.
TEAMS
WITH NEEDS
Cleveland
Browns might jump on Peterson if they don’t take Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn.
Atlanta
Falcons are hoping Peterson slides to No. 8. He would be a perfect complement for Michael Vick.
Buffalo
After trading Willis McGahee to the Ravens, the Bills have a big need at running back.
Green Bay
Packers are praying Lynch is available at No. 16.
Tennessee
Titans likely will look at a running back in the second round.
WIDE RECEIVER
TOP OF THE CROP
Calvin Johnson, 6-feet-5, 239 pounds, Georgia Tech
Best player available in the draft. A special talent. Great size, speed, character and production. Hall of Fame-type potential.
Dwayne Bowe, 6-2, 221, LSU
Plays very big and has a lot of upside. Could develop into a very good player. A first-rounder.
Ted Ginn Jr., 5-11, 178, Ohio State
Spectacular speed as a playmaker. Will be a star returner. But there are injury issues because of his small size.
Robert Meachem, 6-2, 214, Tennessee
Late bloomer who was very productive last season. Fast and has good hands. Should be a top-20 pick. Still needs to work on route running.
Steve Smith, 5-11, 197, USC
Could be a nice value pick. Some teams are worried about his size and speed. But he’s a fine possession receiver who will play in the league.
OVERRATED
Dwayne Jarrett, 6-4, 219, USC
Too many teams are swayed by his size and pedigree. Has some significant mechanical issues and is not very fast.
UNDERRATED
Anthony Gonzalez, 6-0, 193, Ohio State
Overshadowed by Ginn, but a polished receiver who has a great understanding of the game. Will have a long career as a slot receiver.
SLEEPER
Jacoby Jones, 6-2, 210,
Lane College (Tenn.)
Opened many eyes on the offseason all-star game circuit. A playmaker who can get down the field.
AREA PROSPECT
Andy Birkel, 6-1, 196,
Northern Colorado
Transfer from Nebraska probably will get a look as an undrafted rookie.
BRONCOS’ NEEDS
This will be an interesting position to watch. If the Broncos stay at No. 21, all of their top defensive line options are gone and a player such as Ginn is available, they could make a run at him. Watch for the Broncos to look at receivers who also can return kicks. They include Michigan’s Steve Breaston, Fresno State’s Joe Fernandez, Kansas State’s Yamon Figurs and Gonzalez.
TEAMS WITH NEEDS
Detroit
Lions have had bad luck drafting receivers. That’s why they require another one.
Tampa Bay
Buccaneers are praying Johnson is available at No. 4.
Minnesota
Vikings have no explosion at the position.
Atlanta
Falcons are looking for a top option for Michael Vick.
Miami
Dolphins are seriously studying Ginn.
TIGHT END
TOP OF THE CROP
Greg Olsen, 6-feet-5, 254 pounds, Miami
By far the best talent in a weak class at his position. Would be a top choice even in a strong year for tight ends. He has it all. A top-20 pick.
Zach Miller, 6-4, 256, Arizona State
Good prospect, but not great. Even so, he could go in the second round.
Ben Patrick, 6-3, 252, Delaware
Small-school star who has a lot of upside. Will be a first-day pick.
Matt Spaeth, 6-7, 270, Minnesota
Great blocker with decent hands. Smart player, huge target. Should be a good pro.
Martrez Milner, 6-3, 252, Georgia
Very good athlete, but not a great football player yet. Too inconsistent. Needs to learn how to catch the ball, but an intriguing prospect.
OVERRATED
Zach Miller, 6-4, 256, Arizona State
Has ability but will disappoint the team that takes him.
UNDERRATED
Scott Chandler, 6-7, 270, Iowa
Big man with good hands. Will be difficult to bring down after he gets the ball. Worth a middle-round pick.
SLEEPER
Michael Allan, 6-6, 255, Whitworth (Wash.)
Great intangibles and size. Will take awhile to develop, but worth a look.
BRONCOS’ NEEDS
After the signing of former Colorado star Daniel Graham to a $30 million deal, Denver doesn’t need much. Also, second-round pick Tony Scheffler emerged last season as a rookie. The Broncos might look at Spaeth. But because of more pressing needs elsewhere, using a middle-round pick here is unlikely.
TEAMS WITH NEEDS
Cincinnati
Bengals hope Olsen falls to them at No. 18.
Green Bay
One of the Packers’ many needs on offense.
Oakland
Raiders need everything.
Miami
Dolphins need new life here.
Buffalo
Bills also need a spark at tight end.
OFFENSIVE LINEMAN
TOP OF THE CROP
Joe Thomas, 6-feet-6, 311 pounds, Wisconsin
A top-four pick. This athletic left tackle is one of the best prospects available at this position in a long time.
Levi Brown, 6-5, 323, Penn State
Not in Thomas’ league as a left tackle, but a top-20 pick. Could slip into the top 10 with Miami.
Ben Grubbs, 6-2, 311, Auburn
Will be the top guard taken. Strong overall ability with few flaws.
Ryan Kalil, 6-2, 299, USC
Best center available. Ravens are eying him at No. 29. Very smart, tough and has good speed.
Joe Staley, 6-5, 306, Central Michigan
Tackle has a ways to go, but he had a great week at the Senior Bowl and could be a late first-round pick.
OVERRATED
Tony Ugoh, 6-5, 301, Arkansas
Can play tackle or guard. Probably will be taken early in the second round, but shouldn’t be. Not strong, and doesn’t have much technique.
UNDERRATED
James Marten, 6-7, 309, Boston College
Will be a nasty, tenacious left tackle. Has good fundamentals and a strong chance to be a standout.
SLEEPER
Chase Johnson, 6-8, 330, Wyoming
Huge tackle from Loveland High School will get some looks. Has a lot of upside.
AREA PROSPECTS
Josh Day, 6-4, 307, Colorado State
Tough, hard-nose guard will garner some attention.
Brian Daniels, 6-4, 301, Colorado
Gets the most out of his skills. Guard will be a late-round pick.
Mark Fenton, 6-4, 290, Colorado
Center likely will be a second-day pick.
Clint Oldenburg, 6-5, 300, Colorado State
Former tight end trying to make it as a tackle or guard. Probable free agent.
Kasey Studdard, 6-2, 303, Texas
Son of former Broncos offensive lineman Dave Studdard could be a middle-round pick. Broncos might look at the guard from Highlands Ranch High School.
BRONCOS’ NEEDS
When the Broncos use a pick on an offensive lineman depends on how the draft falls. The Broncos want to get younger up front and will look at players such as Notre Dame’s Ryan Harris, but they could wait for the late rounds to grab a prospect. Kalil would fit in great in the Broncos’ system, but it’s unlikely they would take him at No. 21.
TEAMS WITH NEEDS
Oakland
Raiders could use some interior help.
Tampa Bay
Buccaneers could use some major help at tackle.
Arizona
Cardinals could move up to take Thomas.
Carolina
Panthers are looking for help at left tackle.
Dallas
Cowboys could take Grubbs at No. 22.
DEFENSIVE LINEMAN
TOP OF THE CROP
Gaines Adams, 6-feet-4, 258 pounds, Clemson
Teams would like to see him get bigger, but he is a top prospect. Ferocious pass rusher could go as high as No. 2.
Amobi Okoye, 6-2, 302, Louisville
Only 19 and has tremendous upside. Rising up draft boards. Great skills. Limitless future.
Jarvis Moss, 6-6, 250, Florida
Not flawless but a fine pass rusher who has a chance to be special. A top-15 pick.
Adam Carriker, 6-6, 296, Nebraska
Nearly a complete package. Big, fast, strong and smart. Will not be a bust. A high-value choice.
Jamaal Anderson, 6-5, 288, Arkansas
Could be a top-six pick but also could be a bust. Nice ability, but there are risks involved.
OVERRATED
Alan Branch, 6-5, 324, Michigan
Will be picked high and might have a good career, but is not as good as earlier advertised. Questionable motor and quickness.
UNDERRATED
Baraka Atkins, 6-4, 271, Miami
Good tools and measurables. Not as flashy as others, but will play in the league for a long time.
SLEEPER
Edgar Jones, 6-3, 260, Southeast Missouri State
Intriguing prospect who has a chance to become a solid NFL contributor. Can find the quarterback.
AREA PROSPECT
Abraham Wright, 6-2, 242, Colorado
Solid pass rusher will get some late-draft looks.
BRONCOS’ NEEDS
Denver will look here first with the No. 21 pick. Players the Broncos could go for in the first round include Moss, Carriker, Purdue’s Anthony Spencer and Texas’ Tim Crowder. If the Broncos wait until the second round to address the defensive line, candidates could include Georgia’s Charles Johnson and Quentin Moses and Nebraska’s Jay Moore. At tackle, Denver could look at Tennessee’s Justin Harrell, Florida’s Ray McDonald, Oklahoma State’s Ryan McBean and Utah’s Paul Soliai.
TEAMS WITH NEEDS
Detroit
Lions will consider taking
Adams with the No. 2 pick.
Arizona
Cardinals are hoping Adams slides to No. 5.
San Francisco
49ers could break the Broncos’ hearts and take Carriker at No. 11.
St. Louis
Rams almost certainly will take a defensive end at No. 13.
Buffalo
Bills will seriously consider Branch.
LINEBACKER
TOP OF THE CROP
Patrick Willis, 6-feet-1, 242 pounds, Mississippi
Outstanding prospect. Expect this inside linebacker to have an instant impact. He’s flying up draft boards.
Jon Beason, 6-0, 237, Miami
Outstanding middle linebacker. Can change a game. Very instinctive player. Only knock is history of injuries. First-round selection.
David Harris, 6-2, 243, Michigan
Very instinctive middle linebacker. Has all the tools. Expect the Broncos to take a long look at him.
Lawrence Timmons, 6-0, 234, Florida State
Versatile player with plenty of room to grow. With good coaching, will be a longtime standout. A top-20 pick.
Paul Posluszny, 6-1, 238, Penn State
Hard-nosed, playmaking linebacker. But there are injury and size concerns. Possible late first-rounder.
OVERRATED
Rufus Alexander, 6-0, 228, Oklahoma
Made plays for the Sooners, but is not strong or very tough. Also slow. Some teams may like him because of videotape, but they’ll be disappointed.
UNDERRATED
Justin Durant, 6-0, 230,
Hampton (Va.)
Had a very good offseason, which will help him in the draft. Very fast, instinctive player. From a small school, but will be a starter in the NFL.
SLEEPER
Zak DeOssie, 6-4, 250, Brown
Son of a former NFL player. Big, smart and very productive. Will have to continue to develop, but has a chance to be solid player in the league.
AREA PROSPECT
Thaddaeus Washington, 5-10, 242, Colorado
Short, but a productive middle linebacker for the Buffs. Should be a solid second-day pick.
BRONCOS’ NEEDS
Denver will address this area, probably as soon as the second round. Don’t be surprised if the Broncos take Harris, a perfect replacement for Al Wilson. Several good middle linebackers are available and the Broncos will find one, but they have been studying Harris extensively.
TEAMS WITH NEEDS
Detroit
Lions might trade down and take Willis.
San Francisco
Niners also like Willis and could take him at No. 11.
Buffalo
Bills need an influx of talent here.
New England
Look for one of the top inside linebackers to land with the Patriots.
New Orleans
Saints are studying Posluszny extensively.
DEFENSIVE BACK
TOP OF THE CROP
LaRon Landry, 6-feet, 213 pounds, LSU
It’s unusual when a safety is the top-rated defensive back available. But Landry is a special talent. A top-10 choice.
Leon Hall, 5-11, 193, Michigan
Savvy, prepared player. Top cornerback available. Not a sure superstar but will help right away. A top-15 pick.
Darrelle Revis, 5-11, 204, Pittsburgh
Zooming up draft boards and could be a top-20 choice. Fine hitter who could play safety.
Aaron Ross, 6-0, 193, Texas
Very strong player. Will get his share of interceptions. Also a strong punt returner.
Reggie Nelson, 5-11, 198, Florida
Some teams think he will be a superstar, others aren’t so sure. A quality player regardless. Second-best pure safety on the board.
OVERRATED
Daymeion Hughes, 5-10, 190, California
Some teams consider this cornerback a first-round pick. If he is, some team will be very unhappy. He gambles way too much and can’t tackle.
UNDERRATED
Dashon Goldson, 6-2, 205, Washington
Great size and knows how to play.
SLEEPER
Usama Young, 5-11, 192, Kent State
Whoever takes him will get a very fluid, smart and NFL-ready player. A real steal.
AREA PROSPECTS
J.J. Billingsley, 5-10, 182, Colorado
Safety could get drafted late.
Ben Stratton, 6-1, 214, Colorado State
Safety has good size but probably will be a free agent.
Lorenzo Sims, 5-10, 188, Colorado
Likely will go undrafted.
Robert Herbert, 6-3, 208, Colorado State
Good size will warrant a look as a free agent.
John Wendling, 6-1, 222, Wyoming
Smart player, excellent athletic ability. Three-year starter at safety.
BRONCOS’ NEEDS
Denver will find a young safety. It could happen in the first round. The Broncos will look at Nelson, but they also will consider a safety with one of their two third-round picks. Players they could consider include Wendling, Utah’s Eric Weddle, Washington State’s Eric Frampton and Wake Forest’s Josh Gattis. If the Broncos take a cornerback, he probably will be somebody who also can return punts and kickoffs.
TEAMS WITH NEEDS
Washington
Redskins are getting too old at cornerback.
Buffalo
Cornerback just one of the Bills’ many needs.
Atlanta
Falcons wanted Dré Bly, now with Denver, and will study cornerbacks early in the draft.
Pittsburgh
Steelers could take Hall or Ross at No. 15.
Tennessee
After the one-year suspension of Pacman Jones, the Titans need a cornerback. Preferably one who obeys the law.
