Auburn's Brown
among players on rise

As the NFL draft nears, we look at 10 players whose stock is soaring, and 10 whose prospects are dropping fast.

RISING STARS
1. Matt Jones, QB/WR, Arkansas
Big, athletic quarterback made a smooth transition to receiver at the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine. He displayed great hands in Mobile, Ala., and put up freakish numbers at the NFL Combine. Jones might go in the top 50 selections. His rare combination of size/speed and instincts may allow him to have a short learning curve at a new position. He could also fill an H-back role with some development.

2. Ronnie Brown, RB, Auburn
Fast, athletic tailback had an impressive senior season and NFL Combine, and he probably will go in the top 10. He has the ability to be a complete feature back, with fine hands and the talent to run inside and outside. He combines power and speed and should earn a starting feature back role early in his career. He has not been overused, and his best football may be ahead of him.

3. *-Troy Williamson, WR, South Carolina
Fast, young receiver has completed a fine postseason, running a 4.32-40 time and a sub-7.0 three-cone drill. He has the best deep speed in this fine class and has all the skills to develop into a major playmaker. He needs some refinement in his route running and defensive recognition, but with some experience he could be the class of this draft group.

4. Vincent Jackson, WR, Northern Colorado
Huge, athletic player is the highest rated small college player this year. He has imposing physical talent and might be picked on the first day. His size may allow him to H-back, too. Jackson has good speed, hands and agility. His rare size creates major problems, especially in the red zone where he has impact ability.

5. Khalif Barnes, T, Washington
Agile senior continues a strong postseason with a nice effort at the NFL Combine after a solid week at the Senior Bowl. He is a fine athlete with very good footwork, balance and the wingspan to be a fine pass protector on the left side. He has bulked up to more than 300 pounds without losing any quickness. Barnes could be picked at the end of the first round as the No. 2 tackle chosen.

6. *Chris Spencer, C, Mississippi
Athletic junior has the talent and level of development to challenge for a starting job early in his NFL career. He has quick feet and the footspeed to get to the second level and block linebackers. Spencer has the size to handle big defensive tackles in single assignments and is moving up the charts quickly. He should go in the late second or early third round. 

7. *Shawne Merriman, DE/LB, Maryland
Quick athletic defender has moved up the charts as fast as any prospect in this year’s class. He has bulked up to 270 pounds and runs very well. Merriman has played both up and down, and with many clubs converting to the 3-4 defensive scheme this year, he could be the hottest defensive commodity the first round. He has the speed to get upfield consistently as a pass rusher and clubs such as the Cowboys, Chargers and Texans are vying for a shot to add him.  

8. Luis Castillo, DT, Northwestern
Mobile, physical defensive tackle is moving up draft charts quickly after a great performance at the NFL Combine. He came on strong over his final season, displaying explosiveness in the middle. He is a tough, mobile wide body with fine initial quickness. He has the package to become a force in the middle.

9. Demarcus Ware, LB, Troy State
Fast edge rusher is a talented end/linebacker who has had an impressive postseason. He shows the combination of speed, range, quickness and tackling skills to play early as a weakside end or a linebacker in a 3-4 set. After a fine effort at the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine '05, his stock has elevated quickly.

10. *Fabian Washington, CB, Nebraska
Fast, athletic junior has the package to develop into a fine NFL cornerback. He has rare speed and quickness, with the toughness and tackling ability to support the run. Washington has the size, speed, agility and ball instincts to become a top cover man..

11. Domonique Foxworth, CB, Maryland
Quick, agile senior had a huge workout that has him flying up the charts. He has adequate size with fine speed, quickness and agility. Foxworth should be one of the surprise first-day picks.

12. *Josh Bullocks, S, Nebraska
Athletic junior is one of the best ball hawks in recent years. He has fine instincts with the athleticism and speed to get to the ball and make plays. Bullocks shows excellent range and the closing speed to be an every-down defender.

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