OPINION

By Matt Hayes

updated 9:36 p.m. ET Jan. 16, 2008

Matt Hayes

More than 40 underclassmen had declared for the NFL Draft by midday Tuesday, the deadline formal enrollment.

Here's a quick breakdown of those who made good decisions, and those who should have stayed another season:

Needed to go
G Branden Albert, Virginia:
Best pure lineman in the draft.

WR Davone Bess, Hawaii:
He's not going to get faster, and the offense will regress without coach June Jones.

DE Calais Campbell, Miami (Fla.):
First-round pick whose stock can only fall on a rebuilding team.

OT Ryan Clady, Boise State:
Top 15 — possible top 10 — pick makes it an easy decision.

CB Brandon Flowers, Virginia Tech:
First-round talent, second-round grade.

WR James Hardy, Indiana:
Has NFL star written all over him.

DE Derrick Harvey, Florida:
First-rounder has regressed since breakout performance in 2007 national title game.

LB Geno Hayes, Florida State:
Another year in college would've increased stock — or increased questionable reputation.

LB Erin Henderson, Maryland:
Ready for the NFL, but could've moved into the first round with a strong senior season.

CB Jack Ikegwuonu, Wisconsin:
Good coverage skills; speed at combine will dictate first- or second-round selection.

WR DeSean Jackson, Cal:
He's not a refined receiver, but he has first-round speed (see: Ted Ginn).

RB Felix Jones, Arkansas:
Fastest player in the draft.

WR Malcolm Kelly, Oklahoma:
Big, physical receiver ready for the league.

CB Justin King, Penn State:
Still learning the position, but has huge upside.

LB Curtis Lofton, Oklahoma:
The best of Oklahoma's talented linebackers in the Bob Stoops era.

WR Mario Manningham, Michigan:
Injuries are the only issue.

RB Rashard Mendenhall, Illinois:
The best back in the draft.

DE Phillip Merling, Clemson:
Strong 40 time could push him into the first round.

RB Darren McFadden, Arkansas:
Duh.

OT Michael Oher, Mississippi:
Somewhat raw; but a lock as someone's starting left tackle next fall.

S Kenny Phillips, Miami:
See: Campbell, Calais.

RB Ray Rice, Rutgers:
Can't grow four inches; what more can he do?

DT Pat Sims, Auburn:
Don't be fooled: Other than franchise quarterback, run-stuffing defensive tackle read: (Sims) is the most in-demand position.

RB Steve Slaton, West Virginia:
What, he should stay to A.) disappear in another big game, and B.) lose his job to Noel Devine?

RB Kevin Smith, Central Florida:
One negative (getting injured) outweighs any positive of staying at a non-BCS school.

RB Jonathan Stewart, Oregon:
Deep position will push him out of the first round.

CB Aqib Talib, Kansas:
Wait until those scouts watch him perform at the combine.

Should have stayed
WR Adrian Arrington, Michigan:
One game (the Capital One Bowl) does not a career make.

WR Earl Bennett, Vanderbilt:
A deep draft for receivers will push him into 2nd round — so will a 4.5 40.

TE Martellus Bennett, Texas A&M:
Never showed what he could in A&M's run-first offense; could've flourished in Mike Sherman's pro-style offense.

RB Jamaal Charles, Texas:
Deep draft for running backs; could've parlayed big senior season into top 15 pick.

OT Anthony Collins, Kansas:
No other way to say it for projected fourth-fifth rounder: horrible decision.

TE Jermichael Finley, Texas:
"Strange" doesn't even begin to explain this decision.

DE/LB Vernon Gholston, Ohio State:
A 'tweener; where was he in Ohio State's two biggest games the past two years?

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DT Letroy Guion, Florida State:
Classic example of a rising potential star receiving poor advice.

WR Ryan Grice-Mullen, Hawaii:
Faster than teammate Bess; could have improved stock as Hawaii's go-to receiver.

QB Xavier Lee, Florida State:
Next scene: backup in the Arena League.

LB Lamar Myles, Louisville:
Deep position hurts chances of first-day selection.

WR Darius Reynaud, West Virginia:
Should have stayed with QB Pat White and further developed his route-running/hand skills.

WR Taj Smith, Syracuse:
An intriguing move; could've raised his stock with another season but has huge potential.

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