Mendenhall made right choice, but not Charles
Illini star best RB in draft while Texas RB should have stayed another year
![]() Seth Perlman / AP Illinois' Rashard Mendenhall is the best running back in the upcoming NFL draft, writes Matt Hayes of Sporting News. |
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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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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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