The War Room Report has published our first round of rankings for the 2008 NFL Draft. We started with the quarterback class, which is strong in 2008 and much deeper than previous drafts, especially if a few of the top juniors come out.

Brian Brohm is our easy #1, as he is on almost every list of the top 2008 QB Prospects. Brohm is one of the few prospects who can realstically be considered for the #1 overall spot come next April, with his combination of arm strength, accuracy, and experience. However, one wonders if he will suffer from the same nitpicking that Brady Quinn and Matt Leinart have in recent seasons. Both entered their senior season as the #1 QB on the board, but saw others pass them before the draft. Brohm has a host of players to hold off and any holes in his game will be sure to be picked apart during the season and pre-draft process.

While choosing our #1 QB prospect was easy, there was considerable disagreement about the remainder of the board. In the end we only had to go about an hour east to Lexington to find our #2 ranked QB in Andre Woodson from Kentucky. Woodson is a strong armed player who has flourished under Rich Brooks. He really stepped it up in his junior season, throwing for 31 touchdowns with only 7 interceptions. He leads a potent offense at Kentucky that features prospects Rafael Little, Keenan Burton, and Jacob Tamme and will get ample opportunity to pass behind a poor defense.

The #3 spot in the rankings goes to prolific Hawaii QB Colt Brennan. While most of the main stream media will focus on the questions about Brennan being a “system quarterback” and solely a product of June Jones’ run and shoot, that is not the real concern. Brennan has a stronger arm than many other run and shoot QBs and a quick release. The Timmy Chang comparisons are not relevant and frankly a little bit lazy. The real concern is how Brennan’s body will handle the pounding of the NFL. Listed at 6′3 and 196, Brennan is going to have to prove to scouts that he can function at the NFL level. The size concerns could be alleviated by strong workouts or favorable measurements at the pre-draft camps, but Brennan may still slide down draft boards and have to wait for his chance to compete for an NFL job.

Chad Henne of Michigan will be in the top 3 on many pre season draft boards, but concerns about his mobility have dropped him on the War Room Report rankings. There are no concerns about his arm strength, which is at an elite level. Henne should get a chance to shine in 2007 on a very talented Michigan offense. He should shine in off-season workouts and is very likely to go higher than ranked here. He certainly has the physical tools to be a first round draft pick.

Erik Ainge is probably the quarterback that our scouts were split on the most. Some had him ranked 2nd behind Brohm, while others dropped him even further down than 5th. His supporters point to an outstanding junior season, his first with David Cutcliffe, and his strong arm. His detractors argue his flaws are much like Henne’s - below average mobility. They also question rather he has the accuracy to succeed at the NFL level. His performance during the ‘07 season will go a long way to determine his draft status.

It is very early to be projecting the 2008 NFL Draft and our rankings are just guidelines for the start of the season. We have only ranked 10 players to start the season, and the rankings will likely change during the season as players are evaluated. Never the less, it is a fun exercise to kick start the 2008 NFL Draft Season.

Feel free to comment below!

Various media outlets are reporting that Paul Oliver, CB, Georgia, was selected by the San Diego Chargers in Round 4 of the 2007 Supplemental Draft. The War Room Report nailed that one, which is probably a good value pick for the Chargers. The Chargers have the ability to develop Oliver. There are concerns about how ‘NFL Ready’ Oliver is, after inconsistent performances at Georgia and a lackluster showing in his workouts. It should be noted however, that Oliver was a disadvantage from traditional prospects in that he did not have the luxury of extensive training camps for the workouts.

Oliver seemed to be better suited for a Cover 2 system than the physical, aggressive style, that the Chargers employ, but he will be no better than a dime back this season for the Chargers, so the coaching staff hopes to use the next NFL season as a replacement for Oliver’s senior season at Georgia.

Jared Gaither of Maryland slide to Round 5 and the Baltimore Ravens. This is an excellent pick that needs a long term replacement for Jonathan Ogden. The veteran presence on the Ravens line, specifically Ogden, may help mature Gaither. Most concerns about Gaither’s NFL future were based on off the field issues, not physical performance. Gaither and Ben Grubbs could be a terrific tandem on the left side of the line in the future for the punishing Ravens.

The 2007 Supplemental Draft is one of the most star studded in recent years, with not one, but two players who had the potential to be first round picks in the 2008 NFL Draft. Paul Oliver, CB, Georgia, and Jared Gaither, OT, Maryland, both entered the supplemental draft after academic troubles. Let’s look at the prospects and possible destinations for the draft, which will take place on July 12, 2007.

Paul Oliver, CB, Georgia - We have covered Oliver in the past here at the WRR, but things have changed.  Oliver, who had been listed at 6′0, 205, came in at just 5′10 5/8, 195 in his pre draft workout. Oliver also did not impress anyone with his 40 yard dash, clocking in the 4.5-4.58 range. The rest of his measurables were not outstanding either. Oliver may be best suited for a Cover 2 scheme that would allow him to use his ball skills. Two teams that have already expressed interest in Oliver are the San Diego Chargers and Atlanta Falcons. Look for Oliver to come off the board in Round 4 after this workout, to the local Atlanta Falcons.

Jared Gaither,  OT, Maryland - Physically, Gaither is one of the best supplemental draft prospects in many years. He has the physical skills and athleticism to eventually become a Pro Bowl caliber left tackle. However questions about his maturity and dedication to the game will lower his draft grade. He was not a favorite of the coaching staff due to inconsistent effort and nagging injuries. He must work on improving his technique and would probably have to play RT when he first entered the NFL. Still, his 6′8, 350 lb frame can not be underestimated, especially when combined with nimble feet, quick hands, and terrific agility. Look for a team to take a chance on Gaither in Round 2, especially a team that has the patience to develop him. Some reports have the Ravens and Jaguars targeting the former Terp.

Oliver and Gaither are almost certain to be drafted, but the remaining players may be signed as free agents.

Chris Patrick, OT, Nebraska -  Patrick was the starting LT for the Cornhuskers, but at, 6′4, 303, might be best suited for OG in the pros. His workout was well attended and by all accounts a success, but how high are teams going to go for an OG prospect in the supplemental draft? Patrick will probably be selected in the Rd 6-7 range, if at all.

Robert Armstrong, DT from Morgan State and Mark Washington, DE from Texas State were original big school signings (Maryland and Arizona respectively) but have yet to really produce, even at the small school level. Both may get brought in as free agents but are unlikely to  make an impact in the NFL.

One interesting prospect is Cliff Dickson of Florida State, who was a top recruit and a solid player at FSU, when he played. He had many academic problems and has not played since 2005. He is a risk but is an interesting player.

The other players available are:

RoShawn Marhsall, DB, Central Missouri
Donta Moore, RB, Connecticut
Brian Soi, DT, Utah State
Aaron turner, OT, East Central Oklahoma

Georgia CB Paul Oliver, recently rated by the War Room Report as one of the top prospects for the 2008 NFL Draft, has announced he will enter the NFL Supplemental Draft, after being declared ineligible for his senior season at Georgia because of academics.

Oliver is the most noteworthy player to enter the supplemental draft in recent years, where players like Tony Hollings (rd 2) and Ahmad Brooks (rd 3) have been selected. Oliver is likely to be selected in the 2nd or 3rd round of the draft himself. Had he entered the 2007 NFL Draft, he likely would have been ranked 7th on the War Room Report cornerback  rankings. Oliver reminds me of CB Marcus McCauley - a physically talented player with prototypical size, who can use his long arms to pressure receivers. Like McCauley, Oliver was wildly inconsistent. He was able to shut down several top receivers (like Calvin Johnson) but was abused in other games.

Where will Oliver end up? A few teams that could still use a CB and that may consider Oliver include the Tennessee Titans, Miami Dolphins, Houston Texans, or Green Bay Packers. The Texans are a team that has used the supplemental draft several times in recent years, taking the aforementioned Hollings and offensive tackle Mildred Brown.

Several well known players have been selected in the supplemental draft, including QBs Bernie Kosar, Steve Walsh, and Dave Brown along with WRs Cris Carter and Rob Moore.

As the 2007 NFL Draft process wraps up, we are turning our attention to the class of 2008. During the off-season, we will be presenting our top prospects lists and juniors to watch list. Below is our early list of prospects, subject to change during the 2007-08 season.

1. Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas (Junior) - The 2006 Doak Walker Award winner, McFadden could enter the 2008 draft as a junior. McFadden’s combination of speed, size, and elusiveness, would rank him among the top running backs to enter the draft in history. He was the runner up for the Heisman Trophy in 2006, after rushing for 1,558 yards. McFadden is a big back at 6′2, weighing 210 lbs. He runs with a great deal of power and has yet to demonstrate any of the durability concerns that have plagued recent top prospects.
2. Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville - Brohm considered entering the 2007 NFL Draft, but decided to return to Louisville, despite a change in the coaching staff. Brohm has ideal size for a QB at a 6′4, 225, and one of the strongest arms in college football. Brohm has been extremely efficient at Louisville, completing over 63% of his passes in 2 years as a starter. Brohm has had thumb and knee injuries at Louisville, but has the size and quick release to remain healthy at the NFL level.
3. Jake Long, OT, Michigan - Long could have been a top 10 pick if he had entered the 2007 NFL Draft. He decided to return for his senior season at Michigan. Long was the 2006 Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year, over top 5 picks, Joe Thomas and Levi Brown. Long has exceptional strength and is very technically sound. At 6′7, 313 lb, Long has the ability to add more weight to his already impressive frame.
4. Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU - At 6′2, 299 lbs, Dorsey is an ideal 3 technique DT. He is another player who could have entered the 2007 NFL Draft and likely would be a high draft pick. He had 64 tackles last season while anchoring the LSU line. He needs to continue to improve his strength, but if he can have another standout season, he will be the top defensive lineman off the board in the 2008 Draft.
5. Sam Baker, OT, USC - Baker also choose to return to school after considering declaring for the 2007 NFL Draft. Baker is a good athlete with outstanding mobility. He needs to add strength to his game, as he is a better pass blocker than a run blocker at this point. He has the athleticism to project to left tackle at the next level.
6. Kenny Phillips, S, Miami (Junior) - Another in the long line of outstanding safeties from the “U”, Phillips has terrific size at 6′2, 202 and outstanding agility. He runs a sub 4.45 40 and unlike some other recent Miami safeties, he is a terrific student who really understands the game. Phillips intercepted 4 passes in 9 games last season and will be expected to step up his game following the departure of Brandon Meriweather.
7. Desean Jackson, WR, Cal (Junior) - Jackson is among the best playmakers in college football. He has value in the return game and is an exceptional receiver. He has good hands and runs his routes well. He has scored 21 touchdowns in 24 career games, which demonstrates his playmaking ability. He had 59 receptions and over 1,000 yards for the productive Cal offense in 2006 and is likely to exceed that production in 2007. Jackson must add bulk - his 166 lb frame is too small for the NFL at this point.
8. Lawrence Jackson, DE, USC - One of the most watched juniors during the 2006-07 season, Jackson regressed slightly after an outstanding sophomore campaign that saw him rack up 10 sacks and earn 1st team All Pac-Ten. Jackson is 6′5, 275 lb and has the frame to add weight without losing mobility. He has an explosive first step and if he can play with more consistency in the 2007-08 season, he will see his name called early in the draft.
9. Dan Connor, LB, Penn State - Another great linebacker from “Linebacker U.”, Connor totaled 113 tackles in his junior season, including 9 tackles for a loss and 4 sacks. Connor will be entering the 2007 season has a four year starter and the top LB prospect in the country. He has the quickness to play sideline to sideline and could project to the NFL as a MLB or an OLB.
10. Paul Oliver, CB, Georgia - Oliver has ideal size for a corner and has the ability both to play off coverage and press coverage. He had an outstanding junior campaign, regularly matching up against the top receiver on the other team. He held Calvin Johnson to only 13 yards and Sidney Rice to 31 yards receiving. He needs to display more consistency in his game, but he has the physical tools to be the top corner in the 2008 class. *** Update *** Oliver has declared for the 2007 NFL Supplemental draft after academics trouble at Georgia.