Yes football fans, it’s that time again. With the college bowl season almost completed, we at dawgbones.com will start focusing on the greatest event in football – the NFL draft. Since there’s still some time before the deadline for juniors to declare, I thought I’d focus on some of the seniors with this article.
Once that day has passed and all the declarations are in, we can start working on our final big board. And now, here’s my list of top twenty seniors.

1) Chris Long – DE - Virginia: The son of NFL Hall of Fame defensive lineman and Fox Sports NFL commentator Howie Long, Chris certainly has the bloodlines. With his combination of size, strength and athleticism Chris would excel in any defensive scheme, but would be particularly attractive to teams that play a 3-4 defensive alignment. Like his father before him, Chris Long is relentless on defense, and is very well suited for playing against the run as well as the pass. Offenses have to account for him on every play.

2) Glenn Dorsey – DT - LSU: Dorsey could’ve entered last year’s draft and been a top ten selection, but decided to return for his senior year in an attempt to win the mythical national championship. Before his injury, Dorsey was a man among boys in the trenches. The only question remaining now is his health, because nobody will ever question his heart and desire. Strong and quick, Dorsey can be a disruptive force in the middle of the defensive line, blowing up the run as well as the pass. He’s another player that the offense has to account for on every play.

3) Jake Long – OT – TSUN: While not quite the talent level of former Wisconsin Badger and current Cleveland Brown Joe Thomas, Long is certainly worthy of a top ten – or even a top five selection. He returned for his senior season in hopes of that illusive win over Ohio State, only to fail in Ann Arbor once again. His size, strength, footwork, technique and work ethic are all first rate.

4) Brian Brohm – QB - Louisville: From a physical standpoint, Brohm has the combination of height, frame and quick release that NFL scouts look for in a quarterback. While his arm strength isn’t top shelf, it’s more than adequate to make all the throws. He also possesses the ability to read complex defenses and audible out of a bad play. Considering all the projected junior entries, he could go as early as fourth of the draft.

5) Sedrick Ellis – DT - USC: This guy’s motor is always running near redline – even in his sleep. I could go on and on about all his abilities, but I’ll just sum it up by saying, “He’s a baaaaaaaaaaaaaaad man.”

6) Quentin Groves – OLB - Auburn: He could be effective in either a 3-4 or a 4-3. Groves has the speed and agility to go from sideline to sideline to make the play. On passing downs the team that drafts him can have him put a hand down, point him in the direction of the opposing QB and tell him, “Sick him, Tiger!”

7) Matt Ryan – QB – Boston College: Another quarterback with the height and frame that pro scouts look for, some think it’s a toss-up as to whether he or Brian Brohm will be the first quarterback taken off the board. I like them both, but I just like Brohm better. It’s almost like comparing your two favorite flavors of ice cream. Ryan is definitely first round material though, and don’t let anyone try to convince you otherwise.

8) Laurence Jackson – DE - USC: Another high-energy player, Jackson will thrive in a 4-3 defensive scheme. He might be able to beef up for a 3-4 DE, but that’s speculation on my part. He’ll fit nicely into a defensive scheme that needs a pass rusher though, and there are always teams that need one.

9) Dan Connor – LB – Penn State: At 230 lbs., he’s a bit on the small side for the position, but he does have a nose for the football. In simple terms, he’s just a football player.

10) Antoine Cason – CB - Arizona: He’s big enough to get physical with the bigger receivers, yet fast enough to run with the speedy receivers. And one more thing – he’s a playmaker.

11) Keith Rivers – LB – USC: Yes, I have another Trojan in the top 20. You have a problem with that? You wouldn’t if you ever saw this kid play. And another thing; you’d better get used to it because I’ve got two more where this one came from.

12) Cherilus Gosder – OT – Boston College: When was the last time we ever had two B.C. Eagles in the top 20? Let me guess . . . never. There’s a reason why Cherilus is on the list, and it’s because he can play.

13) Terrell Thomas – CB – USC: A cornerback after my own liking, big and tough. He’ll be playing on Sundays for a long time.

14) Jeff Otah – OT – Pittsburgh: Considering his size (6-6 3/4 and 340lbs.), Otah may be better suited to play RT in the pros, but he’s definitely and NFL caliber talent. Another possibility might be at RG.

15) Sam Baker – OT – USC: All you Trojan haters can rest at ease because Baker’s the last one to make my list. This guy just goes into the trenches and gets the job done.

16) Dom Rodgers-Cromartie – CB – Tennessee State: I’m not big on hyphenated last names, but I’ll make an exception for this kid. While at 185 lbs., I think he’s a little light in the pants, but the kid can flat out run.

17) Limas Sweed – WR – Texas: Finally, a WR in the top 20, and he could end up being the best of the whole bunch after the juniors declare. I’d have him rated much higher, but an injury ended his season early. His combination of size (6-4 5/8 and 220 lbs.) and speed (4.45 in the 40) are almost freakish, which will have offensive coordinators drooling. His stock will climb significantly if he’s 100% healthy for the combine.

18) Ali Highsmith – LB – LSU: At 6-0 and 221 lbs. he’ll have to beef up or move to safety, but this kid knows how to play football.

19) Shawn Crable – LB – TSUN: It really pains me to put another Wolverine on this list, but the kid just makes play after play after play. Quite frankly, I’d love to see him donning the brown and orange in 2008.

20) Early Doucet – WR – LSU: Doucet makes the third LSU Tiger in the top twenty. This kid just has a way of making plays when you need one.

HONORABLE MENTIONS:
DeJuan Tribble – CB – Boston College
Andre Caldwell – WR – Florida
Chris Ellis – LB – Virginia Tech
Xavier Adibi – LB – Virginia Tech
Mike Jenkins – CB – South Florida
Phillip Wheeler – LB – Georgia Tech

NOTABLE ABSENTEES:
Andre Woodson – QB – Kentucky
Mike Hart – RB – TSUN
Colt Brennan – QB - Hawaii

Got a question, comment or list that you’d like to share? I’d love to hear from you. PM me on our website or e-mail me. I’m always eager to hear from our viewers, so keep those cards and letters coming in folks.

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