A view of some 2008 draft prospects- nfl.com

[Kentucky Jet]

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1. Jake Long, Michigan (6-foot-7, 305 pounds): Has worked hard to improve his footwork and had a great senior year. Worst case scenario, long a perennial Pro Bowler on the right side. However, he dropped weight and improved his technique to become an elite tackle. He minimized his tendency to be top-heavy in pass protection and shows an ability to bend his knees and punch with power and balance. Long is a lock in the top 10.

2. Jeffrey Otah, Pittsburgh (6-7, 305): Huge frame, long arms and a very powerful lower body. I watched him battle Chris Long in his first start at Pitt and knew he had a chance to be special. When he bends his knees and plays with leverage he is a tremendous drive blocker. Otah is raw and ideally suited to play right tackle but is athletic enough to handle the left side. He'll be the second senior OT drafted and should go in the top 20.

3. Sam Baker, USC (6-5, 314): Baker is a versatile lineman with an ability to play every position but center along the front. He understands angles and is more of a finesse player than a powerful mauler.Despite a senior year marred by nagging injuries, Baker's versatility should make him a solid second round pick. However, I don't see the toughness and play-by-play consistency to make him an elite NFL player.

4. Chris Williams, Vanderbilt (6-5, 314): Intelligent team captain had a great senior year. Williams is a natural knee bender with good feet and athleticism and is beginning to learn the nuances of the LT position. He may be raw but I like his upside.One concern may be arm length which must be verified at the combine. Also has experience at LG.

Mayock's full rankings

5. Gosder Cherilus, Boston College (6-7, 313): Had a better junior year at RT than he did at LT as a senior. Has more physical ability than former second-rounders from BC, James Marten and Jeremy Trueblood, but is not as consistent or nasty. He has long arms and is powerful, but struggled with speed on the left side. He has a great work ethic and should develop into an excellent RT in the NFL.

Wild cards

1. Carol Nicks, Nebraska (6-5, 345): Attended three colleges but stunned me with his impressive play against the USC front seven. Nicks has a huge body with great upside but must be evaluated thoroughly in the intangibles.

2. Oneil Cousins, UTEP (6-4, 300): Former DT who will test exceptionally well and had a very good senior season. Ultimately, his best position may be inside.

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1. Matt Ryan -- 6-foot-5, 228 pounds (Boston College)

Should be a top 5 pick. He has the rare combination of natural ability and the critical intangibles of leadership, work ethic, toughness and football intelligence. He has a big arm and an ideal frame for a quarterback. He also has an ability to get bigger and stronger and possesses deceptive athleticism. He won't win any races, but understands how to move in the pocket to create throwing lanes. He had tremendous accuracy but has an annoying habit of forcing the ball into coverage. This results in a higher number of interceptions. His stock will continue to soar as coaches and general managers interview him at the Senior Bowl and combine.

2. Andre Woodson -- 6-4, 210 pounds (Kentucky)

A potential first-round pick given his tremendous arm strength and upside. He has excellent size and throws a great ball when given a clean pocket. However, his accuracy and decision-making diminish when forced to move within the pocket. Additionaly, Woodson has a long delivery which must be accelerated at the pro level or he will always struggle to deliver the ball on time. Woodson is tough and has played well in an extremely difficult conference.

3. Brian Brohm -- 6-3, 227 pounds (Louisville)

Brohm was a tremendously productive four-year starter at a school with a fairly sophisticated vertical passing game. He also benefited from NFL-style WRs Mario Urrutia and Harry Douglass and dependable TE Gary Barnidge. Brohm can process information and deliver the football on time. He has good, not great, arm strength and very good accuracy when he can step into his throws. Brohm is not very athletic and not as consistent with his decisions and accuracy when forced to redirect his feet. He showed good toughness throughout a difficult senior season with a new coaching staff and porous defense. His value warrants late-first to mid-second round consideration.

4. Dennis Dixon -- 6-3, 200 pounds (Oregon)

Knee injury against Arizona further complicates a difficult evaluation. He elevated his game as a senior by completing 68 percent of his passes with 20 TDs and only 4 INTs. Improved his decision-making and accuracy despite playing minor league baseball last summer. Dixon throws the ball better than Vince Young did in college and is almost as athletic with his legs. He is a a raw prospect with tremendous upside, but the knee must be evaluated prior to the draft.

5. Joe Flacco -- 6-6, 235 pounds (Delaware)

The transfer from Pitt has opened eyes with his size and arm strength. Flacco can make every throw with touch and accuracy. I watched him practice earlier this season and came away highly impressed with his arm, but felt like he needed significant work with his feet. With a good postseason (all-star games, individual workouts, etc.), Flacco has a chance to go in the second or third round.

The best of the rest:

Name School Analysis

Chad Henne Michigan Up-and-down senior year compounded by injuries.

Colt Brennan Hawaii Side-armed slinger with quick release.

J.D. Booty USC Injury on throwing hand complicates evaluation.

Josh Johnson San Diego Athletic playmaker must show well in All-Star environment.

Erik Ainge Tennessee Lacks mobility and arm strength