With the 2008 NFL draft now behind us, it's never too soon to look at the top seniors in the class of 2008. My Top 25 Big Board won't be complete until August, but the top 10 is set, highlighted by three linebackers in the top five. 1. James Laurinaitis, LB, Ohio State (6-2½, 242) If he had declared for the 2008 NFL draft, Laurinaitis most likely would have been a top-10 pick. In addition to being extremely athletic, he has a great nose for the ball and plays with a great deal of intensity. In 2007, he had 121 tackles (8½ for loss), five interceptions and two sacks. What separates Laurinaitis from USC's Rey Maualuga is his week-to-week consistency. 2. Rey Maualuga, LB, USC (6-2½, 250) A true impact player at MLB, Maualuga has the size and strength to take on blocks and fill holes. He also has the speed to chase down plays sideline to sideline. He's effective on the blitz and hits like a ton of bricks. The only criticism I have is that he's not always the dominant force his talent level indicates he should be. 3. Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss (6-4, 325) He has the strength to move defenders off the line of scrimmage and, after dropping some weight in 2007, his pass blocking greatly improved. 4. Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU (6-4, 290) He had 8½ sacks as a sophomore. As a junior, Jackson was outstanding against the run but had only 3½ sacks. He is versatile enough to play in either the 4-3 or 3-4 base defense. He also could move in and play defensive tackle in pass situations. 5. Brian Cushing, LB, USC (6-3½, 245) He had a great sophomore season, leading the Trojans with 13½ tackles for loss, but a knee injury kept him from having the type of junior year expected. Cushing has the ability to get after the quarterback and drop into coverage. He'd be the ideal OLB in a 3-4 scheme. link to rest of story http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/columns/story?columnist=kiper_jr_mel&id=3377267
Laurinaitis and Maualuga are guys I would highly consider next year since Ayodele and Torbor are nothing to shout out.
Yeah Laurinaitis would be my top pick, though Maualuga and Cushing would be great too if Animaljr is off the board. I think we will be picking about in his range though, I predict in the 6-10 area for us.