You would think there’s enough difference of opinion when it comes to the NFL Draft that the site of the event should remain constant. Not when there’s a stadium and a political battle in play. This year, draftniks will head to the Javits Center instead of the Garden on April 23-24.
If your team needs offensive linemen or wide receivers or defensive ends or cornerbacks, you’re in luck. It’s not a draft that has one player who screams to be taken first, but there is depth and quality. Here’s a position-by-position primer on the top players who are expected to be taken on the first day:
QUARTERBACKS
Aaron Rodgers, Cal, 6-2, 223 – Great arm, but Jeff Tedford’s QBs have yet to light the NFL on fire.
Alex Smith, Utah, 6-4, 217 – A Chad Pennington clone: not great arm strength but smart and sees the field.
Jason Campbell, Auburn, 6-4, 230 – Development hurt by having had five offensive coordinators; still raw but talented.
Charlie Frye, Akron, 6-3, 225 – Some questions about his mechanics but none about his toughness and decision-making.
Andrew Walter, Arizona Sr., 6-6, 233 – Might have the best frame and upside of any quarterback but not ready to step in as a rookie.
RUNNING BACKS
Ronnie Brown, Auburn, 6-0, 233 – Last year when I asked Giants WR Tim Carter of Auburn about Carnell “Cadillac” Williams, he told me I was focusing on the wrong back.
J.J. Arrington, Cal, 5-9, 214 – Faster, stronger and fresher than former Oklahoma back Quentin Griffin.
Cadillac Williams, 5-10, 217 – If he were two inches taller and 20 pounds heavier, he’d be an Esplanade.
Cedric Benson, Texas, 5-10, 222 – Tough and durable; isn’t the next Earl Campbell but isn’t the next Ricky Williams, either
Ciatrick Fason, Florida, 6-0, 207 – Left after a breakout junior year; lots of tools but lots to learn. Intriguing.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Braylon Edwards, Michigan, 6-2, 211 – Could be the overall No.1 pick. Great package of size, speed, hands, concentration and intelligence.
Mike Williams, USC, 6-4, 229 – Talk about his lack of speed and sitting out last season all you want; he’s unstoppable inside the 10.
Chris Henry, West Virginia, 6-4, 197 – The good news is he has Randy Moss-like skill. The bad news is, he has Moss-like immaturity.
Mark Clayton, Oklahoma, 5-10, 193 – He’s got the one thing you can’t coach: speed.
J.R. Russell, Louisville, 6-3, 206 – There are other receivers who are bigger or faster, but you have to love the 148 catches for 2,181 yards over the last two seasons.
Roddy White, UAB, 6-1, 207 – Speedster averaged 19.1 yards per catch over his career.
Troy Williamson, South Carolina, 6-2, 200 – An excellent runner after catches and will fight for possession.
TIGHT ENDS
Heath Miller, Virginia, 6-5, 256 – He’s Jerome Shockey with the fire but without the immaturity.
Alex Smith, Stanford, 6-4, 217 – Strictly a pass-catching tight end without great speed.
Alex Holmes, USC, 6-1, 265 – Excellent blocker who would be a great prospect if he were two inches taller.
Adam Bergen, Lehigh, 6-4, 265 – Save the Division I-AA criticism for someone else. Needs to get stronger in his lower body but we’ll take the 124 catches the last two seasons.
Joel Dreesen, Colorado St., 6-4, 260 – Four-year starter who’s ready to play now even if he never plays in a Pro Bowl.
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN
Alex Barron, Florida State, 6-7, 320 – Physically dominating specimen needs to improve his technique.
Khalif Barnes, Washington, 6-5, 305 – Not as physically dominating as Barron and effort wasn’t there on every play.
Jammal Brown, Oklahoma, 6-5, 316 – Might be the best athlete of the tackles in the draft, but that didn’t help him against Southern Cal.
David Baas, Michigan, 6-4, 319 – The latest in a long line of Michigan lineman, Baas is smart and athletic; needs to add bulk.
Elton Brown, Virginia, 6-4, 329 – Physically, there’s nothing not to like. Had a tendency to take some plays off.
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN
Travis Johnson Florida State, 6-3, 290 – In a year not stocked with great DTs, his burst compensates for lack of mass the pros like at this position.
Marcus Spears, LSU, 604, 307 – In a year stocked with great DEs, this is the guy you have to get because he can play in the 3-4 or 4-3.
David Pollack, Georgia, 6-2, 265 – As more teams drop D-lineman into coverage schemes, players such as Pollack become more valuable. Motor always in overdrive.
Dan Cody, Oklahoma, 6-5, 257 – See Seattle Seahawks DE Grant Wistrom.
LINEBACKERS
Derrick Johnson, Texas, 6-3, 242 – Last season some liked Jonathan Vilma, others liked D.J. Williams; this guy is the best of both.
Channing Crowder, Florida, 6-2, 242 – Came out after his sophomore season. Wreaks havoc on and off the field.
Shawne Merriman, Maryland, 6-3, 249 – A meaner, stronger and healthier E.J. Henderson.
Kevin Burnett, Tennessee, 6-2, 239 – Another in the long line of athletic Vols’ defenders who can cover backs.
Demarcus Ware, Troy, 6-4, 251 – If he hadn’t played just two years of prep football, this Auburn, Ala., native would have played for the Tigers or Tide. A Jason Taylor-like player.
Odell Thurman, Georgia, 6-1, 233 – He causes a lot of trouble on and off the field. Is he worth it?
DEFENSIVE BACKS
Antrel Rolle, Miami, 6-0, 201 – Another draft, another great Miami DB. So good he tended to cheat too often, a habit he’ll quickly break in the NFL.
Adam “Pac Man” Jones, West Virginia, 5-9, 187 – Good speed makes him a threat as a punt returner as well. Pros are starting to look for taller DBs.
Carlos Rogers, Auburn, 6-0, 196 – Might be a better safety than corner because he doesn’t have great speed, but one of the players you have to have on the field.
Marlin Jackson, Michigan, 6-0, 198 – Tough, confident, physical corner who’s great in bump-and-run coverage.
Thomas Davis, Georgia, 6-1, 230 – Word is he’s as good an athlete as any to come out of Athens, a Herschel Walker-like player on defense. Truly enjoys the work it takes to be a great player.
KICKERS & PUNTERS
Mike Nugent, Ohio State 5-9, 182 – Made 8-of-9 kicks from 50 and longer.
Dustin Colquitt, Tennessee, 6-2, 211 – Four-year starter he placed 17 of 26 punts inside the 20 last season.
