NFL Draft 2008- Cornerbacks

In recent years cornerbacks have been picked early and often in the draft and this year figures to be no different. With the addition of four talented juniors, as many as ten corners could be selected within the first 100 picks. Prospects like seniors Mike Jenkins, Leodis McKelvin and Antoine Cason and juniors Reggie Smith and Aqib Talib are fighting to be first-round selections. Small college corner Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie is one of the fastest rising prospects in this entire draft class. He has solidified his standing with an impressive performance at the combine.

Mike Jenkins (South Florida)- At the moment Jenkins seems to have solidified himself as the top player at his position, which would warrant him a likely place in the top 10 picks this April. Jenkins has good size (5'11, 200) with long arms. He has great speed and acceleration, and clocked in the mid 4.3s in the 40. At the combine Jenkins continued to impress with a great practice session, showing some of the finest footwork, hip movement and hands of the day. He also completed 18 reps on the bench, one of the better marks for his position. When watching Jenkins on films he breaks on the ball deceptively quick, he also has the size to play safety if needed at the NFL level.

Leodis McKelvin (Troy State)- McKelvin may have been one of the biggest benefactors during the senior bowl when he repeatedly impressed coaches during practices. McKelvin is a quick cover man who can also play a role as a return specialist. Despite lacking experience against top notch schools while playing for Troy State, he possesses excellent footwork and hands. At the combine Mckelvin measured in at just over 5-foot-10 and weighed 190 pounds. He completed 17 reps on the bench before running his 40s in the low 4.4-second range. McKelvin had a solid practice session and likely guaranteed himself a spot in Round 1.

Antoine Cason (Arizona)- Cason seemed like the senior with the most to lose or gain during the combine as many had questioned his speed. He displays well- developed coverage and ball hawking skills, along with polished footwork and cornerback mechanics. At the combine Cason (6'0, 182) had a strong overall workout, including a 4.49 sprint time. He did 20 reps in the bench press, posted a 35.5-inch vertical leap and a 10'8" broad jump. That effort probably guarantees him a first-round grade.

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (Tennessee State)- This athletic senior corner has been a shutdown cover man who impressed scouts and coaches during Senior Bowl week - both in practices and in the game. He has great size (6'1, 185) and speed. At the combine, scouts expected Rodgers-Cromartie to live up to the post season hype, and he did not disappoint. He unofficially clocked in as the fastest defensive back at the combine, as both his 40s hovered around the 4.3-second mark, with some scouts clocking him as low as 4.28 seconds. In addition he added 17 reps in the lifting and a fine 38.5-inch vertical leap. Rodgers-Cromartie may push himself into the first round after his Senior Bowl and combine performances,

Justin King (Penn State)- One of the agile junior corners, King has fine athletic package for the position. At the combine, King had the type of workout an underclassman must produce to be an early draft selection. He ran a low 4.33 time, looked sharp in the agility drills and did 14 repetitions of 225 pounds.

Aqib Talib (Kansas)- Talib has the size to play the next level (6'1,185), but the junior has been pinned as a gambler. He has adequate speed clocking in with a 4.55 time in the 40. Talib really benefitted from the media attention Kansas received during their breakout year, and in a way became the face of the defense. Despite his above average cover skills, Talib may find his draft stock drop with the emergence of a few players that weren’t as visible during the season like: Antwaun Molden from Eastern Kentucky, Tyvon Branch from Connecticut and Orlando Scandrick from Boise State.

Brandon Flowers (Virginia Tech)- Flowers is a quick, tough junior corner who displays fine coverage skills and technique. He has the playmaking ability to battle the best receivers, and at one point was regarded by scouts and general managers as the top cornerback in the draft. At the combine, Flowers failed to live up to high expectations when he ran very ordinary 4.55 and 4.58 times. He did only 14 reps and posted a 30-inch vertical leap. He needs a huge pro day to solidify a first-round grade.

NFL Draft 2008- Tight Ends

With a solid group of play makers this years tight end class could be the deepest at the position in recent years. This class lacks a true first round talent, but has the depth to offer up to four selections in the top- 100. With the resurgence the tight end position had in 2007 with impact players in Kellen Winslow and Jason Witten, look for NFL teams to seek out that physical receiving tight end for their own offense. With blue chip junior Martellus Bennett, and a trio talented seniors in Fred Davis, John Carlson, and Martin Rucker; the NFL combine will be instrumental in sorting out who truly deserves to be the top tight end selected in 2008.

1. Martellus Bennett (Texas A&M)- A true physical specimen (6' 7, 235), Bennett also flashes decent speed for his size (4.8- 40). Bennett never really had that dominating year in college that you would expect from the top player at this position topping out with 49 receptions for 587 yards and four touchdowns in a frustrating junior year for the Aggies. Despite suffering through a disappointing 2007 season, Bennett has what every NFL team is looking for: POTENTIAL. Bennett will likely need to bulk up a little more and improve as a blocker, but this athletic tight end has the physical package to develop into one of the games best. Bennett will likely take some time to develop, which could prompt a team to draft a more NFL ready prospect in John Carlson or Fred Davis.

2. Fred Davis (USC)- Davis may be the most NFL ready player in this group. He has shown throughout his career at Southern California that he has good run and catch ability while displaying excellent body control. Davis also turned in a top notch senior season, hauling in 62 receptions for 881 yards and eight touchdowns, helping USC finish the season11-2. With his outstanding performance, Davis was honored by winning the 2007 Mackey award given to the nations top tight end (USC’s first- ever recipient). Davis has good size (6' 4, 250) and has displayed improved blocking to go along with his above average mobility and athleticism. Davis has the intangibles as well and has shown the ability to read opposing defenses and find the mismatches on the field. He looks primed to make the biggest immediate impact to his NFL team, and could find his stock on the rise come draft day.

3. Martin Rucker (Missouri)- Rucker fits into that new breed of tight ends that can line up as a receiver, fullback or stay in as a blocking tight end. While Rucker does have size (6' 6, 255) it is his speed and pass catching ability that should catch the attention of NFL scouts. In a resurgent year for the Missouri Tigers, Rucker had his best offensive season, tallying 84 receptions for 834 yards and eight touchdowns. Rucker has displayed a good football IQ, and was truly a mismatch in any one on one situation in college. It will be interesting to see if he can carry over those same skills at the NFL level. Rucker will need to work on his blocking, but his offensive potential should be enough to make him one of the top tight ends selected in this years draft.

4. John Carlson (Notre Dame)- Carlson is a true football player possessing natural athletic ability and size (6' 6, 259). Along with the rest of the Fighting Irish, Carlson suffered a down year in 2007 making only 40 receptions for 372 yards and three scores. Carlson was one of three finalists for the Mackey award in 2006, and is ranked the No. 1 tight end by Mel Kiper. After is sub- par senior season and an off- season illness, no players NFL combine means more to his stock than Carlson’s. At Notre Dame, Carlson displayed fine route running ability and soft hands. He is also one of the better blocking tight ends in the group and receives high praise with his football IQ and strong work ethic. John’s biggest downside is his average speed, he wont blow away any defenders, and isn’t the big play threat that the modern tight ends have become.

5. Jermichael Finley (Texas)- Finley is a redshirt sophomore who started all 13 games in 2007 and caught 45 passes (No. 2 on Texas single-season list for tight ends) for 575 yards (No. 3 on the Texas single-season list). Finley had told officials that he would likely return to Texas for another season, but after learning of his 4th round grade decided that it was his time to make the leap to the NFL. With his size (6' 5, 240) he should make a fine red zone threat, and he has the potential to develop into one of the more talented tight ends in this group. Tutored by former Longhorn David Thomas, Finley will likely take a year or two to reach his true potential, but this fluid athlete has displayed well- developed receiving skills, and could play an early role in the pro passing game.

6. Kellen Davis (Michigan St.)- Kellen Davis is yet another player who will make his money at the combine this year. The 6'6", 246 lbs. tight end finished with 32 catches for 513 yards and 6 TD’s this season. However, Davis was horribly under utilized in an offense that focused heavily on the run this season. His career totals are modest at best, but his 60 career catches for 789 yards and 9 scores show a flash of potential. He has racked up a 13.2 yard per catch average for his career, displaying his ability to get down the field and make plays. Davis shows good blocking ability; having the size, speed, and strength to take on defensive ends and blitzing linebackers. He will, however, have to work on his technique to block at the same level in the NFL. He is a tremendous athlete and a good leaper, both good tools in the red zone. Davis is, however, still extremely raw as a route runner. With some work he should be able to run crisp underneath routes and stretch the seam at the next level.

7. Dustin Keller (Purdue)- This converted wide receiver should be a solid pick up in the middle rounds of the draft. Keller has great hands and solid speed. At 6' 3, Keller is small compared to the modern tight end, and he has struggled with blocking assignments in the past. Keller may develop into a pass catching tight end brought in on selected plays to give his team an added dimension, but is not likely going to develop into an every down player. With his speed and route running ability, Keller should create mismatches against linebackers and some safeties, and with an impressive vertical leap he should develop into a solid red zone target.

NFL Draft 2008- Wide Receivers

While clearly not the strength of this years draft, the wide receiver position has been solidified into a deep group with the additions of several underclassman who are expected to be among the first day selections. This group clearly lacks a talent to the caliber of Calvin Johnson or Larry Fitzgerald, but can potentially offer three first round picks with talented juniors Malcolm Kelly and DeSean Jackson heading the group. Other prospects like Early Doucet, Limas Sweed, James Hardy and Earl Bennett will look for strong performances in the NFL combine to help raise their draft stock.

1. Malcolm Kelly (Oklahoma)- Kelly is considered by many to be the top receiver in the draft. He has good size (6'4, 217), athleticism and isn’t afraid to go over the middle and take a hit. Kelly is a physically imposing figure who has excelled in the red- zone, and should continue to excel at the NFL level. In 2006, Kelly racked up 993 and 10 touchdowns despite missing three games. In 2007, Kelly came out of the gate sizzling catching seven of his nine touchdowns in the first three games. Kelly looks to be comparable to the Chargers’, Vincent Jackson, though Kelly is more NFL ready coming from Oklahoma and the tough Big XII conference. Kelly’s biggest obstacle in becoming the No.1 Wide out in the draft will be getting a solid 40 time at the combine. Kelly didn’t show breakaway speed in college, but this big, athletic prospect has flashed the play making ability over his collegiate career to be the top pick at his position this April.

2. DeSean Jackson (California)- Jackson possesses obscene speed with a 4.29 forty, and has helped his draft stock with his return abilities. Jackson is deceptive in the open field and can be utilized in the short/ screen passing plays, and long routes where he can lose defenders with his speed. Much like Malcolm Kelly, Jackson had his best collegiate season in 2006 when he cruised to 1060- yards receiving and 12 total touchdowns. The downside for Jackson is that he has lost his focus in the past, and may need an attitude check at the NFL level. In the end though, Jackson is an all- purpose play maker, and can be an impact player as a receiver and as a return specialist. His talent and versatility should win out in the end, and like Ted Ginn Jr. last season, Jackson will likely find a team willing to gamble on him in the first round come April.

3. Limas Sweed (Texas)- Sweed is possibly the best senior receiver in the group. He has great size (6'5, 219), and deceptive speed making him a match up nightmare for any defender. Sweed’s largest problem is his health, he opted out of the senior bowl with a recurring wrist injury, which caused him to miss the last seven games of his senior season at Texas. The same wrist may limit his production at the combine and put his draft stock in serious jeopardy. In 2006, Sweed racked up 800- yards and 12 touchdowns, catching a score in all but one game during the season. Despite Sweed’s solid speed, he hasn’t shown the ability to run behind defenders or the quick in and out of breaks to shake off defenders. If he does well at the combine he could easily move to the top of the chart given the potential of his size and physical ability.

4. Early Doucet (LSU)- Doucet has had a nice year, despite missing five games he still managed to haul in 57 catches and five touchdowns. The national championship winner also performed nicely at the senior bowl. Doucet is a fine athlete possessing outstanding speed (4.45- 40), he is known as a good route runner, with soft hands. His ability to make the big plays after the catch should serve him well at the NFL level. Doucet has the potential to move toward the top of the class with a good showing in the combine, and his ability to be a kick returner as he did at times at LSU may help his draft stock even more. He also has the best name in the draft.

5. Mario Manningham (Michigan)- After a fine Big Ten career, Manningham is an intriguing wide out with great quickness and speed. He has shown the ability to adjust to the ball while it’s in the air, while displaying excellent body control. Manningham had a breakout junior year at Michigan with a team high 72 receptions for 1,174- yards and 12 touchdowns. While Manningham is athletically ready for the NFL game, he will need to bulk up with his smallish size (6'0 186) presenting the biggest concern at the next level. Look for Manningham to perform well at the combine and possibly be targeted by Dallas in the 2nd round.

6. Adarius Bowman (Oklahoma State)- Another physical specimen, Bowman stands 6'4, 220 and brings the big play ability to the field at all times. He is a truly gifted athlete, he has had back to back 1,000 yard campaigns at Oklahoma State while amassing 20- touchdown receptions during the last two seasons. Bowman isn’t afraid to run the crossing patterns, and take a hit if necessary. He should excel as a red- zone threat with his combination of size and athleticism. He will need to perform well at the forty in the combine to help lift the question marks on his speed. Bowman should be taken in the top 75 with the high demand for the tall athletic receiver in the new spread offenses.

7. Earl Bennett (Vanderbilt)- Playing for Vanderbilt, Bennett has definitely flown under the radar, but his talent speaks for itself. In a tough SEC, Bennett has excelled with 236 catches, 2852- yards, and 20- touchdowns in his three year career. He has good size and strength often beating coverage with excellent route running and soft hands. Bennett is very mature for a underclassmen, and should help his stock with his excellent character and leadership qualities. Bennett isn’t known for his blazing speed (4.48, 40), which hurts him as he won’t outrun most defenders. He looks to impress the NFL scouts at the combine and climb the charts of this deep receiving group.

The NFL All- Undrafted Team ‘07

In fantasy leagues every owner is looking for that sleeper pick that will vault their team to the top. In 2006 we enjoyed breakout years from unknown commodities like Marques Colston and Brandon Jacobs. This season has brought a whole new set of stars to the forefront of fantasy football, and a few names that wont be around long on next seasons draft board. Let us take a look at a few players that went largely undrafted, yet came back to play major roles in this fantasy season.

David Garrard (Jacksonville Jaguars)- After Jack Del Rio named Garrard the starter prior to the season everyone knew that he could handle the job, but few would have predicted the impact he would have on his team and fantasy leagues everywhere. Garrard seems to have mastered ball protection throwing only three picks all season long despite 325 pass attempts. With those kind of numbers one might think Garrard was dinking and dunking the ball, but Garrard had a completion of 35+ yards in seven of his 12 games played and had a completion of 20+ yards in every game he played. Garrard also ended the season on fire and was a boon to the fantasy owners that picked him up for the stretch run. Over the last six games, Garrard had 12 touchdown passes and added another rushing, while leading the Jaguars to the AFC wild card.
Pass Yds TD/ INT Yds/Game QB Rating
2509 18 / 3 209.1 102.2
With Garrard missing four games this season there is great reason to believe that this was just a start to a great career. Garrard has seemed to build a rapport with former first round pick Reggie Williams who led the Jaguars with 10- receiving touchdowns, while emerging as the physical deep threat receiver that Jag's thought they had when they drafted him four years ago. Garrard is also aided by a big and physical O- line that paves the way for one of the best one- two punches in the NFL in Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones- Drew. While Garrard went largely undrafted this season, he will likely be a hot commodity in the '08 drafts and deservingly so.

Earnest Graham (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)- Graham is truly a remarkable story, he started the season as the No. 3 running back behind Cadillac Williams and Michael Pittman only to become the No.1 running back and the featured offensive weapon in the Buc's offense after a series of injuries to the previous starters. Graham was able to open some eyes with his bruising straight ahead running style and deceptive speed. Graham set a Buc's record by scoring a touchdown in six straight games between week 9 and week 15 making him a fantasy savior to the savvy owner who picked him up. In addition to Graham's running prowess, he at times became Jeff Garcia's primary passing target showing soft hands out of the backfield. Graham recorded a career high 49 receptions this season including a season high 13 receptions for 99- yards in week 7 against Detroit.
Rush Yds Rec Yds Total TDs Yds/ Game
898 324 10 59.9
As a starter Graham averaged 104.0 total yards per game, which makes him one of the better No.2 running back options out there. Looking ahead to 2008 it is uncertain what kind of role Graham should expect, but a likely timeshare between Graham and Cadillac Williams is the most probable outcome. Given Cadillac's injury history and periodic ineffectiveness, Graham is someone to target with upside as a capable back up of flex play. Until the Buc's running back situation becomes more clear Graham will have to settle with his breakout 2007 campaign before being nominated as a legit '08 top option.

Ryan Grant (Green Bay Packers)- Much like Earnest Graham, Grant began the year buried on the Packers depth chart as the No. 4, Due to injuries and ineffectiveness, Grant leap-frogged backs like Brandon Jackson, Vernand Morency and DeShawn Wynn to become the Packers starter. Prior to Grants emergence in week 8, the Packers had been a pass first, pass always type of team. With Grants presence that quickly changed. In Grants ten starts this year he totaled five- 100+ yards performances including a stretch where he scored a touchdown in seven of eight games to end the regular season. Despite making only ten starts Grant missed his first 1,000- yard season by only 44- yards mostly due to suffering a stinger after only six carries in the regular season finale against Detroit. Behind the Packers imposing offensive line, Grant was able to average a remarkable 5.1 yards per carry, while also displaying decent hands adding 30- receptions on the season.
Rush Yds Rec Yds Total TDs Yds/ Game
956 145 8 68.3
As a starter Grant averaged 92.9 rushing yards per game on only an 18.2 carry average. With eyes to 2008, Grants stock has taken him into possible first round consideration. With his season still in full swing, Grant can truly make a name for himself if he can help the Packers and Brett Favre into the Superbowl. Regardless Grant will remain one of the more coveted backs heading into the '08 season, and there is not much he can do this post- season to take that away.

Roddy White (Atlanta Falcons)- Considering the state of the Falcons franchise this season it is amazing that White was able to have his breakout campaign during such a year. Despite the quarterback carousel employed by Bobby Petrino, White was able to turn in a remarkably consistent season, turning in five 100- yard performances in route to his first 1,000- yard campaign, while adding six touchdowns on the year.
Rec Yards Yds/Game TD
1202 75.1 6
White went undrafted in most leagues, which made him one of the biggest steals of the year. He finished the season 18th in receiver scoring ahead of guys like Hines Ward, Steve Smith, Lee Evans and Laveranues Coles. With the Falcons set to undergo a major overhaul this off season it is truly hard to predict White’s value heading into next season. The Falcons look set to target a quarterback in this year’s draft, and whether he steps in right away or is groomed for the future, White will likely remain the top receiving threat in Atlanta in ‘08.

Donald Lee (Green Bay Packers)- Lee went largely undrafted in the 2007 fantasy pool, yet finished as the No. 8 fantasy tight end when everything was said and done. Lee truly emerged along with Greg Jennings and James Jones to give all world quarterback Brett Favre a plethora of receiving options. On limited receptions, Lee showed the ability to make the big play utilizing his size and speed to break six plays of 20+ yards.
Rec Yards Yds/Game TD
575 38.3 6
With the return of Brett Favre unknown, it is hard to gauge Lee’s value going into next season. Though as a talented tight end, Lee would likely be the biggest beneficiary of quarterback switch. It isn’t hard to imagine Lee at least matching this seasons totals next year. Much like Jason Witten, Lee possesses the talent to take the next step into an elite tight end if he is given the opportunity.

2007 Target World Challenge presented by Countrywide

For the second straight year and fourth time since the tournaments induction in 1999, Tiger Woods prevailed placing first in the Target World Challenge. In it’s ninth year the Target World Challenge hosted by Tiger Woods headed a field of 16 elite PGA Tour players. This elite group includes the top 11 players available from the Official World Golf rankings, the defending champion and four special exemption players selected by the Tiger Woods Foundation. For the last eight years the tournament has been held at the Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks, CA, after being played at Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale, AZ in it's first year, 1999. Sherwood has established itself not only as one of the top courses in California, but one of the country’s elite grounds. Designed by famed architect and golf pro Jack Nicklaus, Sherwood is considered one of the most spectacular, tournament friendly sites for both players and spectators.
This years tournament brought the worlds biggest names in golf to Thousand Oaks including Tiger Woods, Jim Furyk, Vijay Singh, Zach Johnson, and Rory Sabbatini, the field represented seven different countries in all. With a purse of $5.75 million, Tiger was awarded $1.35 million for first place and Sabbatini earned the 16th place prize of $170,000 after being disqualified for not completing the course.
This local tournament also serves a larger cause. Tiger Woods in conjunction with Target donated all the proceeds to the Tiger Woods Foundation. By targeting organization and program based urban cities, the Tiger Woods Foundation has reached out to America’s youth through personal enrichment programs, scholarships, direct grants, junior golf teams and the new Tiger Woods Learning Center. The foundation founded in 1996 has helped millions of children reach their dreams donating an estimated $30 million to date.
Since 1999, Target and the Tiger Woods Foundation have partnered together in establishing the Tiger Woods Learning Center, and the Start Something program. The Tiger Woods Learning Center is a 14 -acre center located in Anaheim, CA, designed to provide diverse background youth with interactive enrichment programs to improve individual aptitude in reading, math, science and technology. The Tiger Woods Learning Center is utilized by the local communities for outreach programs, neighborhood workshops, lectures and presentations, performances and interactive learning.
In the Start Something program, the Tiger Woods Foundation, has created a free program for youth ages 8-17. This program is designed to address character education, volunteer service, career exploration, help define personal goals and develop an action plan to achieve it. All while giving back to their community and exploring careers that fit within their areas of interest. Both the Start Something program and the Tiger Woods Learning Center were inspired by Tiger’s late father Earl Woods.
The Target World Challenge is a yearly event held in mid- December, and will be welcomed back for a ninth time in 2008 to the Sherwood Country Club and the Thousand Oaks community. This tournament has helped not only bring the top players in the PGA to our local community, but has helped raise millions of dollars for charity with the Tiger Woods Foundation.