APWith the NFL combine over, the draft talk is heating up. Here's our top 10 players on the rise.
1. Jay Cutler, QB, Vanderbilt
Culter was a quarterback that many scouts liked and viewed as a second- or third-round pick heading into the Senior Bowl. After an excellent week of practice at the Senior Bowl, not only did Cutler move himself into the first round, but jumped into top-10 consideration. He has all the physical tools and now just has to pass the film test, because coaches that loved him at the Senior Bowl will watch every Vanderbilt game from 2005 to see if he is the same player they saw at the Senior Bowl.
2. Tye Hill, CB, Clemson
Hill came to the Senior Bowl considered a good athlete, but there were concerns due to his lack of size. However, he blew teams away with his athleticism, competitiveness and production and flew up the charts. He is considered by many to be the top cornerback in the draft. The only thing that can hurt Hill's draft situation is that he is short, and some teams do not believe in drafting short corners high.
3. Sinorice Moss, WR, Miami (Fla.)
Many thought Moss was more of a third-slot receiver and return man, but after a big week in Alabama, many people are confident in Moss’ ability to become a good starting receiver. With the 2006 draft lacking a premier receiver, Moss’ work at the Senior Bowl definitely puts him into the discussion of what receiver will be picked first.
4. Chad Greenway, LB, Iowa
Greenway came to the Senior Bowl in the group of linebackers after A.J. Hawk, but after an outstanding week he proved he is the best coverage linebacker in this year’s class. Some were saying he might slide to the end of the first round before the Senior Bowl, but now he has locked up a spot in the top 15.
5. Maurice Stovall, WR, Notre Dame
Stovall came into 2005 without any fanfare and had an excellent senior season, which got him the invite to the Senior Bowl. Then he was the best of the receivers there. He was viewed as a fourth- or fifth-rounder before the Senior Bowl, but he probably will go in the second or third round. He surprised people with his foot quickness, athleticism and play speed.
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7. DeMeco Ryans, LB, Alabama
Entering his senior season, Ryans was viewed as an undersized linebacker with good athletic ability who did not make as many plays as he should. He stepped up in 2005 and showed teams he is not only a very good athlete, but is also highly competitive and instinctive. Ryans has moved from a fourth-rounder to either a first- or high second-round pick.
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9. Nick Mangold, C, Ohio State
Mangold had a good senior season and was regarded as a good, solid center before the Senior Bowl. In Alabama, he stood out from the other interior linemen and proved he can play center or guard effectively. Mangold was considered a third- or fourth-round round pick before the Senior Bowl, but probably will be taken in the second round now.
10. Quadtrine Hill, FB, Miami (Fla.)
Hill is a fullback that was overlooked by most during his senior season and did not even get invited initially to the combine. However, as teams began to look closer at the fullback position, it became clear that he has all the physical tools to be a good starter. He has gone from being a definite free agent to a fifth- or sixth-round pick.
Silva: Each NFL team enters the offseason with a series of pressing needs. Sometimes a team can address them all, sometimes they ignore them all. But if a team's smart, they'll listen to us. These are the most crucial aspects for NFC teams.
Wesseling: Each NFL team enters the offseason with a series of pressing needs. Sometimes a team can address them all, sometimes they ignore them all. But if a team's smart, they'll listen to us. These are the most crucial aspects for AFC teams.
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